King-Tears Mortuary Obituaries - Eulogy Assistant (2024)

Obituary Preview: Ms. Cora Fay Dawson was born November 3, 1959 in Buda, Texas to the union of Apple Lee Cyphers and W. J Dawson. She was the youngest of three children. Cora was a product of the Austin Independent School District and graduated from Wm. B. Travis High School in 1978. She also attended Austin Community College.

A 32 year successful and rewarding career with the J.C Penny, Corporation gave Cora the opportunity to work in various positions but most people knew her as the JCP cosmetics lady. While being employed by JCP she also began another rewarding career with the Travis County Credit Union where she spent the last 20 plus years as a teller and loan officer, respectively.

The Dawson family united with the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in 1972 under the leadership of the late Pastor Raphael C. Smith. As a child, she was a gifted member of the Cherub Choir. As an adult, she became a dedicated and loyal member of the Usher Board until failing health required her reluctant retirement.

Cora possessed a most beautiful spirit. She was a kind-hearted soul, a loving sister, a sweet and caring friend. She would not want those of us who are left behind to view her transition as anything other than an angel of light ascending to take her inherited place with the heavenly Father.

Heavenly greeters will include her Mother, Apple Lee Dawson and Father, W.J. Dawson. She leaves to celebrate her life a loving Sister, Deborah Kay Dawson; a devoted Brother, Kelvin Jay Dawson (Pamela); an adoring Niece, Andrea Nicole Dawson and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Obituary Preview: Frances Elizabeth Preciphs Feast of Austin, TX passed away in the early hours of September 12, 2017, at the St. David’s Hospital, South. She would have celebrated her 68th birthday in 4 days.

Frances was born September 16, 1949, in Austin, TX, to Bobbie Jean Gordon Preciphs and John L. Preciphs. Frances’ stepfather, Charles Walker Thompson, Sr. who raised her, was in the military, so she attended school in Souix City, Iowa, Roswell, NM, and Midland, TX. She attended college at Huston-Tillotson in Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology. She began her employment at the Travis County Juvenile Court, in the Gardner Betts Detention Center, in 1968. Frances became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and remained an active member until her death. She completed her Master’s in Education at Prairie View A&M while working at the detention center.

Frances worked in various departments while at Juvenile Court, where she retired in 1997. Throughout her career she was passionate about her work with children and families, mentoring interns and new employees at the Court, and interacting with schools, and providing public education about human services issues to churches and civic organizations. Following her retirement, she continued in her role as a healthcare provider for her mother, Bobbie Jean, who passed in 2003.

Frances is survived by her husband, Donald Ray Feast, four brothers, Jessie Preciphs of Dayton, Ohio, Charles Thompson of San Antonio, Anthony Thompson and Brian Thompson (Cynthia) of Austin. She is survived by one sister, Louvenia Thompson, and her uncle, Julius Webb Gordon, and a great aunt, Hertha Glenn, all of Austin, TX. She also has a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, friends and co-workers, neighbors and her church family. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and by two brothers, Mark Thompson and Matthew Thompson.

Obituary Preview: Janice Elaine Murry, daughter of Roy McCullough Ross Sr, and Gladys Marie Ross was born June 6, 1956 in Taylor, Texas. Janice entered into eternal rest on September, 9, 2017.

Janice was a 1975 graduate of Reagan High School in Austin, Texas. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Oakland, California and furthered her studies, there obtaining an associate degree. She worked for the Government in California until 1984. She returned to Austin, Texas and began working with the Internal Revenue Service. Janice retired after working for the government with 40 years of dedicated service.

Janice was a very shy and quiet person, but a very kind person. She was always willing to help others when they needed. Janice had a great desire to learn the bible. She would listen to the messages on Sundays.

She leaves to cherish her memories; her mother, Gladys Marie Ross Miller; siblings, Desi Ray Ross (wife Sharon); Eleanor Lynn Ross Barber (husband Roland); Roy McCullough Ross, Jr. (wife Deborah); step-sisters; Ann Miller and Angie Milles; Aunts, Betty Jones (husband Fred), Dorothonia Walker (husband Dennis); uncles, Alfred Moffett, Jr. (wife Floy Mae), Gene Ross, Sr. (wife Violet), and a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Obituary Preview: Walter Carnell Shenault (Puncho) was born February 8, 1959 in Mound Bayou, Mississippi to Desia Ree Shenault and Theotric Daughrity.

Walter accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by the late Rev. Thompson at Mt. Olive M.B. Church.

Walter graduated from John F. Kennedy High School of Mound Bayou in 1978. After graduating, Walter enlisted in the military where he served four years as a U. S. Marine.

After being discharged as a PFC Marksman Specialist, Walter moved to Texas where he remained until his death on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 6:50 p.m. at South Austin Medical Center.

Walter leaves to cherish his memory four children, Shaun Preston of Seattle, Washington, Serena Shenault of Houston, Texas, Charitha Shenault of Chicago, Illinois and Anthony Shenault of Mound Bayou, Mississippi; five grandchildren, Theotric, Ahkem, Nigel, Jeremiah and A'Myria; mother Deia Ree Shenault of Chicago, Illinois; father Theotric Daughriity of Florida; three brothers, Anthony of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, Melvin and Steven of Chicago, Illilnois; one sister Desairee of Chicago, Illinois; grandmother Druscella Shenault of Chicago, Illinois; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends and a special cousin, Earl Turner.

Obituary Preview: Ima Jean Jenkins Washington was born on October 28th, 1934 to a loving mother, Lovie Pruitt of Bastrop and father, General Elwood Jenkins of Webberville.

She united with Mt. Calvery Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Rev. S. L. Davis. Later on in life she joined Pleasant Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. A.J. Quinton.

Jean aka Snookie, became Mrs. McCarver when she married Alton McCarver on December 30, 1952 in Austin, Texas where they had two daughters, three sons, and two step sons; raising them in Clarksville.

Obituary Preview: Sonya Evette Sawyers was born to the union of Jennifer Mayfield-Bell and Lincoln Joe Sawyers on July 18th, 1978 in Austin Texas. She attended school at Smith and Allison Elementary, Lamar Middle School, Kealing Middle School, Webb School, then later attended Reagan High School; all in Austin TX. She later moved to Houston TX where she attended Texas Barber College where she graduated and received her cosmetology license and she continued as a hairstylist until the date of her transition into glory. She was currently a student at Houston Community College where she was working on getting her associates degree.

Sonya had a heart of gold, with a smile that would warm anyone’s heart. She was the peace maker of her family; the glue that held everyone together. She loved everyone and she will forever be remembered for her kindness and beautiful spirit. She has touched the lives of so many people in this community and surrounding areas as well.

Sonya is preceded in death by her grandfather, Willie Bell; grandmother, Alma L. Bell; grandmother, Valree Sawyers; uncle, Robert White; auntie, Betty Sawyers; ex-mother in law, Velma Jenkins; grandmother, Novella Caro; nephew, Eric Sorrells; niece, De’Asia Sawyers; and cousin, Candis Carter. Sonya leaves to carry on her legacy:

Beloved Son, Brandon Comeaux; Beloved Daughter, Brooklynn Comeaux; mother, Jennifer Mayfield-Bell; father, Lincoln Joe Sawyers; significant other, Brandon Comeaux; sister, Ruth Bonds; brother, Dominique Hicks; sister, Valerie Hodge; sister, Alisha Sawyers; brother, William Sawyers; sister, RaNetta Sawyers; brother Christopher Sawyers. She has a host of nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, cousins and friends (too many to name) that she loved and they will carry on her legacy as well.

Sonya adopted her own family whom she loved dearly which included her extended sisters and family—Demetriea Hall, Tonya Johnson, LaTonya Sheffield, Claudette Clay, Tymika White, Joy Sorrells, Tieshah Hamilton, Shantea Bunton, Bertina Norwood, Terry Spears, Brandon Boykin, DeNae Rogers, Sherie McQueen, Sherrill Winston, Nakia Winston, Shelia Bill, Mikendra Bill, Ivy Davis, Tara Yett, Daveta Ledlum and Barbara Hardeman—she will be missed by ALL.

Obituary Preview: Willie Caldwell was born on December 14, 1953, the fourth child, to the late Rev. and Mrs. James and Rozelle Caldwell, Sr., in Austin Texas. He attended Blackshear, Kealing, the Original L. C. Anderson High before it closed in 1971 and graduated from Crockett High School in the Spring of 1972.

Willie loved to sing and cook. He spent a lot of time with his paternal grandmother, Ida Mae, and his dad, singing at Church. He received Christ at an early age, was baptized and became a member of St. James Baptist Church, Plum, Texas, where his father was Pastor.

After graduating from High School, he worked at Steak Island Restaurant and began to perfect his interest in the culinary field, with a natural feel and skill for food preparation and cooking. His experience led him to a career as a chef for restaurants such as Chez Fred, Z-Tejas on W. 6th Street, even spending time in Arizona to help open one of their restaurants and eventually to Quality Seafood where he worked for several years alongside his older brother James.

Willie later joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church in Austin and served under the leadership of Pastor W. R. Jasper, and later became a charter member of Antioch Baptist Church, where Rev. W.R. Jasper was the founding, pastor. Under Pastor Jasper’s leadership, Willie grew spiritually and served faithfully and passionately, still singing, working with the Brotherhood, feeding the homeless along with Sister Gladys Jasper and was on trial for a Deacon, when the Lord called him to Ministry. He preached his first sermon and was licensed on January 22, 1989. Willie continued his education by attending and completing a Seminary Extension of the Southern Baptist Convention at Austin Baptist Association here in Austin. On May 9, 1997, he completed requirements for the Diploma for Pastoral Ministries. This preparation led him to his next level of assignment as he was called to pastor the Goodwill Baptist Church, 1700 Newton Street, Austin, Texas and was installed in April 2000, where he faithfully served for over 17 years, toiling tirelessly, despite health issues, until the Lord called him home on September 4, 2017.

Preceding him in death were a sister, Rosie Marie, his parents, grandparents, and two brothers, James and Isiah.

Obituary Preview: Narvell Elaine McArthur was born on February 18, 1916 to charlie and Virginia Meeks McArthur in Webberville, Texas.

Upon moving to Austin from Webberville, she united with Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she served as an Usher, until her health prevented regular church attendance.

Narvell was employed by Gary Job Corps Nursing Center for many years Prior to that time, she served in a domestic capacity in private homes.

Narvell was a happy, fun-loving person, who often gave of herself and her time to those in need. Her parents and all eight of her siblings preceded her in death.

Obituary Preview: Hood Lavon Medearis, 73, of Austin, died, Saturday, September 2nd. He was born in Bluff springs community on June 21, 1944, a son of the late Lucinda (Ockletree) and General Hood Medearis.

He worked as a Master Furniture Upholster and owned his own business.

Obituary Preview: Mae Florence Brown Moore was born July 18, 1944 to the late Frank and Mae F. Brown. Mae attended Rosewood Elementary, Kealing Jr. High and the Old L. C. Anderson High School. Later Mae attended Austin Business School and Austin Community College where she received her Associate Degree.

Mae married Howard Limuel, Sr., and two sons were born out of this marriage: Howard Limuel III and Tyrone Limuel.

Mae worked for the State of Texas as the Manager-Director of APD Management Information Systems until retirement. Mae retired from the Manor ISD after working for five years.

Mae married Alvin Moore in 1991, and had a successful 26 years of loving marriage.

Mae was preceded in death by her father Frank Brown, mother Mae Brown, sister Maggie Davis, brothers Howard Brown, Lincoln Brown, John Brown, Walter Brown, McArthur Brown and Jesse Brown.

Obituary Preview: Cynthia E. Jordan was born March 28, 1926 in Iaeger, West Virginia to Inez Jordan and G. E. Jordan and was raised in the Baptist Faith. She was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

Cynthia had two brothers and one sister, Hernon Jordan, Clinton Jordan and Dorothy Thomas, all deceased.

Cynthia graduated from Kimball High School, Kimball, West Virginia in 1945. Cynthia graduated from Bluefield State College, Bluefield, West Virginia with a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education in 1949.

In High School Cynthia was a member of the Honor Society. After college, Cynthia taught Junior High School at Welch Dunbar Jr. High School in Welch, West Virginia. In college, Cynthia was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.

Cynthia is the mother of four children, Michael Franklin, Clinton Franklin, Charlene Bethel, and Lisa Franklin Donaldson.

Cynthia married Harold Leath on September 25, 1968.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Leath, son, Clinton Franklin, step mother Cora Jordan, brothers Clinton Jordan and Hernon Jordan, sister Dorothy J. Thomas.

Obituary Preview: Robert Lee Winston was born October 7, 1939 in Terrell, Texas to John Whetstone and Caroline Wright. He was raised in the Baptist faith.

Rev. Winston became Pastor of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church in Blanco, Texas and Post Oak Baptist Church in Ledbetter, Texas. He served as Associate Minister at Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. George V. Clark. Years later, Rev. Winston and wife Dorothy joined Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Gaylon Clark, Lead Pastor.

Rev. Winston was Chef and Kitchen Manager at the Night Hawk Steak House for 25 years.

He was married to Dorothy J. Winston for 35 years and was stepfather to stepsons Hoover H. Alexander, Jr. and Darrell Bern Alexander.

He was preceded in death by his mother Caroline Wright, father John Whetstone, and brother Preston Winston.

Obituary Preview: Douglas was the oldest child born to Olton and Alma Williams, in Gonzales Texas, on October 7, 1935. The Williams family later relocated to Robstown Texas, and then in the early 60’s to Austin, Texas.

Douglas was a member at Greater Love Baptist Church, where he served as a faithful usher until his health began to fail.

Douglas was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, Shelton and Obra Gene Williams, one sister Joyce Williams Jackson . Douglas is survived by his brothers, Dowell Ray (Lillie) San Antonio, Texas Bobbie Lynn of Austin, Texas, and a host of Nieces and Nephews and other

Obituary Preview: MayBell Clark was born to Earnest and Annie Wilson June 2, 1920 in Georgetown, Texas. She departed this life August 16, 2017. She was one of seven children: Julius, King Vivian, Caroline, Carlett, Christine Parker, and Addie Jackson.

Sister Clark professed a hope in Christ at an early age. She served the body of Christ with dedication and enthusiasm. She was active at several churches including: St. Paul United Methodist, Georgetown, Texas; Wesley Chapel AME Georgetown, Texas; and Sweet Home Baptist Church, Round Rock, Texas. At Mount Zion Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, she was an active member, with one of her most dedicated passions being Mission I.

MayBell received her teaching degree from Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas. She worked at Hopewell High School as a teacher for over 20 years. Later, still in the field of education, she worked at St. John's Daycare Center and Montopolis Daycare Center in their Headstart program. She retired from Early Education Child Center on Manor Rd. in Austin, Texas.

She enjoyed hobbies of cooking and sewing and being active in the community. On September 30, 1939 MayBell married Henry Allen Clark. To this union three children were born; Edwin H., Ernest L., and Saundra D. Henry and MayBell were married for almost 66 years before the death of her husband. Deacon Clark preceded her in death on September 11, 2005.

Sister Clark leaves to cherish her memories; children Saundra & (Wendale) Irons, Ernest & (Sharon) Clark, Edwin Clark and grandchildren; Vickie Lynn Clark, Edwin Clark Jr., Ernest Clark Jr., Jennifer Shelton, Gregory Irons, Grantham Irons, Christine Clark, and three great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Obituary Preview: Sister Doris Louise Walker Shaw affectionately known as “Mother Shaw” was born to William J. B. Walker and Jimmie Mae Wheeler Walker on May 22, 1936 in Del Valle, Texas. She attended Blackshear Elementary, Kealing Junior High and was a graduate of the original L. C. Anderson High school in 1954. She met and married the love of her life, the late Reverend Samuel A. Shaw and to this 50 year union a very devoted daughter Deborah and son Samuel A. Shaw II were born. Doris loved to sew and pursued an Associate Degree in Tailoring from St. Phillips Community College in San Antonio, Texas.

As a young lady Sister Shaw joined and was baptized at the Mount Olive Baptist Church, Austin, Texas under the pastorate of Reverend Herbert A. Sneed. After marriage she moved with her husband to San Diego, California where they joined the Mount Zion Baptist Church. At each duty assignment the family joined a local church and was active in various ministries. After their return to Texas they united with the New Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church under the late Dr. Reverend J. Carlton Allen in 1974. In 1984 her husband accepted the call to Pastor the St. Joseph Baptist Church where he served until his death. She later moved to Austin to take care of her mother and reunited with the Mount Olive Baptist Church under the Reverend Richard E. Carter.

Sister Shaw served faithfully in various ministries most of her adult life. She took pride in being a member and officer of the Usher’s and Nurses Auxiliary at New Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church for 20 years. She held the office of Secretary of the President Council and President of Minister’s and Deacon’s Wives. When her husband was ordained as Pastor of the St. Joseph Baptist Church she was First Lady, she served as the sole member of the Usher’s Auxiliary until she recruited more members. After Sister Shaw returned to Mount Olive, she served as Assistant Recording Secretary of Mission I, Secretary of the Minister’s Wives Auxiliary and a member of The Grief Ministry.

Sister Shaw was a military wife to her husband who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years until his retirement. While living in San Diego, California she worked several years at the 32nd Street Naval Station as a computer operator. After the family’s move to San Antonio, Texas she continued her work in this field at Fort Sam Houston until she retired after 20 years. After retirement her community involvement included serving as a Travis County election worker and as Treasurer of the L. C. Anderson Class of 1954. An avid reader from childhood, Sister Shaw enjoyed reading her local newspapers to stay abreast of current events and especially sports. She was an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs and tennis (more specifically Venus and Serena Williams).

To celebrate her life’s legacy she leaves: One loving daughter, Deborah Shaw Boatner of Austin, Texas; One devoted son, Samuel Anthony Shaw, II and wife Jennifer of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, James L. Tinsley of Austin, Texas, Samuel Anthony Shaw, III of San Antonio, Texas, Jenee Stephens of Dallas, Texas and Clyde Stephens of Arkansas; two great grandchildren Jared L. Tinsley of Dallas, Texas and Jarmaine L. Tinsley of San Antonio, Texas; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. These close friends and family will always remember and cherish their relationship: Gladys Williams and Dedurie Kirk of Austin, Texas.

This quiet but determined woman of God will be truly missed by all who knew her. “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant – Well Done”