Claybar Kelly Watkins

Dr. Gene Norman Barry, 81, of Nome, Texas, passed away on March 30, 2025. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., April 12, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 7785 Weaver Dr. in Beaumont, TX. He will be interred at Haven of Rest Cemetery in China, TX. He was born in Pocatello, Idaho and married Margie (Wagley) in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They settled in Beaumont where they raised their family of ten children. He was an endodontist, and then became a physician, practicing as an OB/GYN and then as a pain management specialist. He was known for his generosity, humor, and genius. He loved all children,...

Myrtle Locke Lee (nee Baize), 98, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025. Born on April 23, 1926, in Daisetta, Liberty County, Myrtle lived a long life marked by independence, adventure, and kindness. An exceptional seamstress, Myrtle's creativity shone through in everything she did, from making dresses and costumes for loved ones to painting beautiful designs on clothing. She loved to travel and was always eager for new adventures, often with the Sterling Silver Singers choir group. Even in her later years, her zest for life never waned. Above all, Myrtle was known for her warmth and generosity. Her devotion to family and her ability to make every moment special will be deeply missed....

Myrtle Locke Lee (nee Baize), 98, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025. Born on April 23, 1926, in Daisetta, Liberty County, Myrtle lived a long life marked by independence, adventure, and kindness. An exceptional seamstress, Myrtle's creativity shone through in everything she did, from making dresses and costumes for loved ones to painting beautiful designs on clothing. She loved to travel and was always eager for new adventures, often with the Sterling Silver Singers choir group. Even in her later years, her zest for life never waned. Above all, Myrtle was known for her warmth and generosity. Her devotion to family and her ability to make every moment special will be deeply missed....

Jim Cornelius passed away on October 21, 2024, at his home in Beaumont, Texas. Jim was born in 1932 in a little place called Hope, Arkansas. After residing in several towns in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, Jim moved to Beaumont, Texas, in 1949. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1950 and attended Lamar University. In 1951, Jim married Patsy Clawson for a lifelong relationship that had all the love, soul mate, best friend, and confidant a marriage could have. Three children were born from their relationship, Deborah Sue, Pamela Jean, and Karry Lynn. Jim was employed by Gulf States Utilities Company in 1957 and retired in 1994. Most of his career involved the purchase of land...

Heather Ann Taylor, 52, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on September 23, 2024, in Beaumont, Texas Funeral services will be 2:00pm, Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. Officiating will be Pastor Nathan Cothan. Burial will follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery in Beaumont, Texas. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Saturday, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. Born on February 7, 1972, in Kansas City, Missouri, she was the daughter of Bill Taylor and Carol Taylor. Heather was known for her warm and inviting spirit. A cat enthusiast at heart, she found comfort and companionship in her furry friends. Her appreciation...

Stephen Thomas Stanley, 78, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on August 1, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. A graveside service to honor Stephen's life and legacy will be held on August 23, 2024, at Haven of Rest in China, Texas, starting at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow. Born in Beaumont, Texas, on March 13, 1946, he was the son of George and Freda Stanley. For 31 years, Stephen devoted his career to the Texas Department of Human Services, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of many. His commitment to helping others was evident in every aspect of his work. Alongside his career, he proudly served in the United States Army, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his country. Stephen was...

Hilda Roberta Diehl passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on July 2, 2024, in Lumberton, Texas. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Claybar Keley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. Officiating will be Reverend Phil Burnaman of First Baptist Church Vidor in Vidor, Texas. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. Visitation will be held before the service, beginning at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont. Born on November 29, 1929, in Beaumont, Texas, she was the oldest child of Lee Lawrence McNeel, Sr. and Aby Pierce McNeel. Hilda was an extraordinary individual...

Bob Troxell, 96, of Beaumont, formerly of Port Arthur, passed away peacefully surrounded by family June 26, 2024. He was born in Milliken, Colorado to Mabel and Robert Troxell. During his childhood in Longmont, Colorado, Bob was very interested in aviation and started building and flying model airplanes. He also enjoyed skiing and fishing with his brother, Larry, and other friends. During summers he worked in the garage of his fatherundefineds dealership, Troxell Chevrolet. He graduated from Longmont High School and went on to attend the University of Colorado (CU) and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation from CU, Bob was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. After...

Lester Joseph Ryall, 94, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully on May 14. 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon, Saturday May 18, 2024, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in China, Texas. The celebrant will be Reverend Polycarp Otieno of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in China. Burial will follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery in Beaumont. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2024, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana on November 19, 1929, he was the son of James L. Ryall and Oreline M. (Schexnaildre) Ryall. Lester was wonderful and compassionate and loved by his family. He spent...

Velma Inez Fellows, 103, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on May 2, 2024, peacefully at her home in Beaumont,, Texas. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont, Texas. Visitation will be from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, Beaumont, Texas. Born in Beaumont, Texas, on November 12, 1920, she was the daughter of John H. Hatley and Jewel Richmond. Velma went to Millard Elementary, Dick Dowling Junior High and South Park High School and graduated in 1937 at the age of 16. She worked for Jefferson Amusement Company and was a cashier at Peoples, Rio & Jefferson Theatre. Velma then...

Funeral Services for Rena Jean Blackstock Mills will be held at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home, 1155 North 11th St., Beaumont, Texas on April 26, 2024, at 2:00pm. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery. Bro. Jeffery Lowe will officiate. Visitation will be held at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home on April 26, 2024, at 1:00pm. Rena Jean joined her Heavenly Father on April 21, 2024, at St. Lukeundefineds Memorial Hospital in Lufkin, Texas. She was born on July 16, 1928, in Dreka, Texas and was the 12th of 13 children. She was just 3 months shy of her 96th birthday. Her family moved to San Augustine, Fords Corner Community, when she was very young. She attended Rosevine...

Sharon Irene Franklin, 74, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024 in Beaumont. Born on May 1, 1949, in Beaumont, Texas, to A.J. Harwell and Helga Hasse Harwell, Sharon was a beacon of light in the lives of those around her. Sharon's warm and selfless personality earned her the title of "mother to all" as she touched the hearts of many with her boundless energy and unwavering generosity. She lived a life dedicated to putting her loved ones first, always going above and beyond to support her children and husband. Throughout her life, Sharon found immense joy in nurturing her family and especially adored her grandchildren. She was not just a mother but also a best friend...

Roy David Nance, 94, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2024, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont, Texas. Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 N. 11th St., Beaumont. Burial will be at Clairette Cemetery, at 25271 Highway 6, Hico, Texas, at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Calder Baptist Church. Born in Dublin, Texas, on April 24, 1929; He was the son of Roy William Nance and Mary Alice Cook Nance. David grew up in Navasota, Texas, where he graduated high school in 1946. He signed up for the Marines at 17 years old in 1946, where he was honorably discharged. He then went to Texas A &...

Donna Hollinhead, 68, of Winnie, Texas, passed away on February 28, 2024. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 30, 1955, she was the daughter of Donald David Headrick and Launa Rose Headrick. Donna was a Christian and held a deep love for the Lord. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lumberton, where she found solace and purpose in her faith. Donna had a loving and kind heart, and she was known as the gentle soul of her family. She put family above all else, her children and grandchildren meant the world to her, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Donna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Dana Lee...

Rhonda Harrington Kelley (Dec. 13, 1951?Feb. 17, 2024), who lived a life of devotion and commitment in service to her Lord Jesus Christ that touched the lives of thousands, went to be with her Lord while surrounded by family at home in Fairhope, Alabama. As Rhonda served alongside her beloved husband Chuck Kelley, President Emeritus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), she faithfully served others through her professional work as a speech pathologist, as an author or editor of 23 books, as the director of the NOBTS women's ministry program and an NOBTS adjunct faculty member, and as mentor to a countless number of women helping them grow in the Lord and succeed in their...

Rhonda Harrington Kelley (Dec. 13, 1951?Feb. 17, 2024), who lived a life of devotion and commitment in service to her Lord Jesus Christ that touched the lives of thousands, went to be with her Lord while surrounded by family at home in Fairhope, Alabama. As Rhonda served alongside her beloved husband Chuck Kelley, President Emeritus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS), she faithfully served others through her professional work as a speech pathologist, as an author or editor of 23 books, as the director of the NOBTS women's ministry program and an NOBTS adjunct faculty member, and as mentor to a countless number of women helping them grow in the Lord and succeed in their...

Joseph Tee Watt, Jr., of Beaumont, died on Tuesday, Jan. 23. He was 90. He is remembered as a kind and generous man, a teacher, friend, and mentor to many throughout his life. He traveled widely and was a lifelong learner, enjoying reading and music and being involved in his community. Dr. Watt was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, raised in Laredo, Texas, and lived in Beaumont since 1965. He spent most of his professional career as an electrical engineering professor at Lamar University and served in the U.S. Army Reserve, where he retired with the rank of colonel. After earning his engineering degree at Rice University, he worked for the General Electric Company for four years. He came to Lamar...

Sharen Ann Kirksey was born in Dayton, Texas, to Sara Depuy kirksey and Turner Kirksey on September 3rd, 1952, on her only sibling's 6th birthday. She joined her parents and her brother again on December 20th, 2023. Sharen graduated from Dayton High School and The University of Texas at Austin, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi Sorority. She also graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City. She graduated from both schools with degrees in Interior Design and was a Registered Interior Designer with the State of Texas. Sharen worked for Ethan Allen for many years and was one of the first 12 inducted into the Ethan Allen Circle of Excellence and among the first 10...

Sharon Kay Smith, 84, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on November 18, 2023, in Beaumont, Texas. Memorial services will be 11:00am, Thursday, November 30, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas. Officiating will be Jeremy Wester. Born in Winfield, Kansas, on September 9, 1939, she was the daughter of Jesse Blankenship and Laura Blankenship. She was very active in the church wanting to spread love and happiness to everyone she met. Sharon was District President of Akron United Methodist Women, President of Beaumont First United Methodist Women, Girl Scout Leader, and church secretary in Ohio. The family's favorite memory of Sharon was a trip taken to Ireland. Sharon had...

Jean A. Lindsey, 91, passed away at home September 26, 2023. Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Friday, October 6, 2023, at Claybar Kelley-Watkins Funeral Home in Beaumont, Texas. Funeral services will be 1:30pm, Saturday, October 7, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Beaumont, Texas.

Delores Crawford Bundick, nicknamed by her siblings as Dot, 91, passed away at her home surrounded by her family. She was greeted in Heaven by her Savior, her husband Shelby William Bundick, daughter-in-law Norma Bundick, son-in-law Mike Kamp and a host of family and friends. Dot was born in Fannett, TX to Albert Lindsey and Ida Carr Crawford on April 26, 1932. On November 11, 1950, she married Shelby, and their 60-year union lasted until his passing. Dot was a true Proverbs 31 woman, who was faithful to spend time with Jesus every morning in prayer, reading her bible, and devotional of the day. Those who knew her were blessed by her kind, loving heart and words of wisdom, as well as...