Vessie Mae Brittain

Notes:

It appears that Vissie's mother, Margarett E. Britton, a 68 year old widow, born in Texas, was living with them at the time of the 1930 Federal Census. Her father was born in Georgia, and her mother in Alabama. Her Texas Death Certificate indicates she was the daughter of Bud Brittian and Peggy Harvey. The informant was Mrs. Judge Cordray, a daughter.

Name: Vessie Mae Smith
Death Date: 01 Oct 1968
Death Place: Pineland, Precinct 2, Sabine, Texas
Gender: Female
Race: W
Death Age: 82 years
Estimated Birth Date:
Birth Date: 01 Oct 1886
Birthplace: Texas
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name:
Father's Name: Bud Brittian
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name: Peggy Harvy
Mother's Birthplace:
Occupation: Housewife
Place of Residence: Pineland, Precinct # 2, Sabine, Texas
Cemetery: Liberty Springs
Burial Place: Sabine County, Texas
Burial Date: 03 Oct 1968
Additional Relatives: X
Film Number: 2137188
Digital Film Number: 4188418
Image Number: 2673
Reference Number: cn 73705
Collection: Texas Deaths, 1890-1976


(Medical):Her death certificate also indicated she had been an invalid for about 40 years, with the cause unknown

Vessie married June Alvin Smith about 1904. June (son of Henry Clay Smith and Mary Ann Morris) was born on 26 Aug 1883 in Sabinetown, Sabine County, Texas; died on 12 Jun 1969. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

At her time of death, when she was 24 or 25, her last name was shown as ALLEN.

Notes:

"...now Mrs. Judge Cordray..." (Speights, Bio of June Smith, pg. 25).

Eula married Judge Sidney Cordray, Sr. about 1926 in Texas. Judge (son of Judge Daniel Cordray and Emma Louise Layfield) was born on 16 Apr 1901 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 28 Apr 1981 in Nacogdoches County, Texas; was buried in Liberty Springs Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sabine County Reporter
April 27, 2005

Myrtis Jane SHORT

Myrtis Jane SHORT, 94, of Pineland died late Friday, April 22, 2005, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches. Mrs. Short was born July 12, 1910 in Milam as a daughter of the late Bessie (Britton) and June SMITH and had lived in Pineland several years. She was a homemaker and a member of Pineland's First United Methodist Church. Survivors: son B. T. SHORT of Pineland; a brother, Reece SMITH of Milam; sister, Zelma BLASINGAME of Garland; five grandchildren, four great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, D.B. (sic) SHORT and a son, Truitte SHORT. Funeral services were hald at 11 a.m. Monday at the chapel of Starr Funeral Home Inc. in Hemphill. Interment followed at Pineland Cemetery in Pineland. Services were under the direction of Starr Funeral Home Inc. in Hemphill.

The May 4 edition of the same paper had a slightly expanded editon of this same obituary, which gave more extensive infomation about her survivors: son, Truman SHORT and wife Shirley of Pineland; daughter-in-law, Diann SHORT of Pineland; a daughter/granddaughter, Sharon and Al Snow of Milam; grandchildren, Marily ARNEY, Truitta, Todd and Ashley SHORT, all of Pineland; great grandchildren, Michael D. CONNER of Bronson, James SNOW of Milam, and Kriss HARDY and Kandace FRICK, both of Pineland; great-great granchildren, Cheyenne CONNER, Gunner SHORT, Emma FRICK, and Jordan HARDY; a brother, Reece SMITH of Milam; and a sister, Zelma BLASINGAME of Garland. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oswald SHORT, a son Truitte SHORT, and a grandson, Jerry SHORT.

She was described as "a homemaker, roommother, childcare sitter, and much more. A giving mom who shared her tender care and love with six generations of family and friends."

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong)

Myrtis married Oswald B. Short about 1927. Oswald was born on 8 Oct 1907 in Texas; died on 12 Sep 1967 in Pineland, Sabine County, Texas; was buried in Pineland Cemetery, Pineland, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

SAN AUGUSTINE TRIBUNE
Thursday, April 24, 2003

90th Birthday Join us in celebrating the 90th birthday of Reece SMITH on Sunday, April 27, 2003, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Family Farm, off Hwy 87, north of Milam.

The Sabine County Reporter
January 5, 2011, Page 14

Reece Thomas Smith

Reece Thomas Smith, 97, died Wednesday, Dec. 28 (sic), 2010, in his home near Milam, after an illness.

Smith was born in Time to June and Vessie Brittain Smith. He retired from Graver Tank and Oil and was a farmer/rancer all his life. He was a member of the Pendleton Assembly of God in Pendleton, LA.

He is survived by son, Millard Smith and his wife, Johnnie of Milam, Lamar Smith and his wife Ruth of Patroon, and Tommy Smith and his wife Juanita of Sam Rayburn; daughters, Janice Hughes of Center and Brenda Elliott of Lufkin; sister, Zelma Blasingame of Garland; son-in-law, Morris Shofner of Houston; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, in the Starr Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in the Liberty Springs Cemetery near Milam.

Memorials may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 116 South Raguet, Lufkin, TX 75904; Pendleton Assembly of God Church, 14152 Texas Highway, Many, LA 71499; or Liberty Springs Cemetery Fund, 2009 Reeves Road, Milam TX 75959.

Services were under the direction of Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill. Online condolences may be posted at www.starrfuneralhome.com.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, January 2011)

Reece married Ida Baldree about 1933. Ida (daughter of James David "Jim" Baldree and Ella Gray) was born on 27 Apr 1913 in Sabine County, Texas; died on 17 Jan 2003 in Lufkin, Angelina County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

The Sabine County Reporter
July 5, 1995, Page 8

Britton L. Smith

Britton L. Smith, 79, of Pineland died at 11:50 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 1995, at Medical Center Hospital in Nacogdoches.

Born June 23, 1916, in Sabine County't Time Community as a son of the late June A. and Vessie Mae (Brittain) Smith, he had lived in Pineland the last several years and was a member of the Methodist Church. Smith was a retired tank builder and boilermaker with Chicago Bridge & Iron and a member of the board of directors for First State Bank-Hemphill.

Survivors: wife, Helen L. Smith of Pineland; one son, Kenneth L. Smith of Pineland; three daughters, Helen Jagneaus of Sulphur, Louisiana, Vessie Lee Ferrell of Houston, and Janise Lynne Mobsy of Pineland; two brothers, Reece F. Smith of Milam and Rev. Aldous Smith of Nacogdoches; two sisters, Zelma Blessingame of Garland and Myrtis Short of Pineland; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the chapel of Starr Funeral Home Inc. in Hemphill with Bro. Aldous Smith and Bro. J. Milton Poindexter officiating. Interment followed at Liberty Springs Cemetery near Milam.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, May 2009)

Family/Spouse: Helen Lorraine Kopecky. Helen was born on 11 Apr 1923 in El Maton, Matagorda County, Texas; died on 11 Jan 1997 in Houston, Harris County, Texas; was buried on 15 Jan 1997 in Liberty Springs Cemetery, Milam, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Referred to as Zelma BLASINGAME of Garland in the obituary of her brother, Reece Thomas Smith.

Notes:

He was a Methodist Minister.

Family/Spouse: Bennie "Bennye" Louise Richards. Bennie was born on 25 Jan 1927 in San Augustine County, Texas; died on 18 Dec 2016 in San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas; was buried in Sunset Memorial Park, Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

LaNorma Mae Cordray Easley was born on October 7, 1928 in the community of Time near Milam, Texas to Eula and Judge Cordray, Sr.

Mrs. Easley attended Hemphill High School where she graduated in 1946. She married the love of her life, Wilbern Easley on August 9, 1947. During their marriage of 73 years, LaNorma enjoyed the privilege of being a housewife and mother to their four children. She was known for her excellent cooking, including her chicken and dumplings, dressing, biscuits, cream corn, coconut cake and lots of other sweet treats. LaNorma loved gardening and found great joy in growing vegetables and her beautiful blooming flowers. Just like the gardening she enjoyed, she also loved watching her grandchildren grow and play. She was a member of New Hope Congregational Methodist Church. There she taught young children's Sunday School for years and was also a member of the Women's Missionary Society. She was in charge of the church telephone prayer chain for many years. LaNorma loved the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys and could be found rooting her teams along.

Her great joys were visiting with family and cooking for them. She could often be found reading her Bible and looking forward to the next church activity. Everyone knew they could always call on LaNorma to pray for them. She took care of her family and her loving husband right up till her final days. Mrs. Easley was the true epitome of the virtuous woman.

LaNorma is survived by her husband, Wilbern Easley; daughters, LaWanna Smith and husband, David of Nacogdoches, and Rebecca Wilson and husband, Gary of Angleton, Texas; sons, Price Easley and wife, Lucy of Tyler, Texas and Mark Easley of Nacogdoches; brothers, Judge Cordray, Jr. and wife, Linda of Logansport, Louisiana and Pete Cordray and wife, Shirley of Center, Texas; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to all the caregivers at Texas Home Health Accent Care, especially Darian Herod, Teresa Rogers and our special caregiver, Eva Christopher.

The family strongly recommends the wearing of masks during the services for your protection and the protection of others.

The Sabine County Reporter, April 14, 2021, page 4

LaNorma married Morris Wilbern Easley on 9 Aug 1947. Morris (son of Audrey Gay Easley and Myrtle Lowery) was born on 27 Jan 1927 in Yellowpine, Sabine County, Texas; died on 22 Jul 2021 in Nacogdoches County, Texas; was buried on 27 Jul 2021 in Yellowpine Cemetery, Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sabine County Reporter
August 11, 2004

J.T. "Truitte" Short

J.T. "Truitte" Short, 73, of Pineland died at 10:20 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Medical Center Hospital in Nacogdoches. Short, born Dec. 16, 1930 in Sabine County as a son of Myrtis (Smith) Short and the late Oswald Short, was a member of Pineland Masonic Lodge #1166 and had been a lifelong resident of the area. He was a boilermaker with Chicago Bridge and Iron and Manufacturing International Transit Boilermakers. Survivors: his wife, Diann Short of Pineland, mother Myrtis Short of Pineland; a son, Todd Short, and wife Jessica of Hemphill; three daughters, Ashley Short and Truitta Short, both of Pineland, and Sharon SNOW and husband, Al of Milam. Foster sons, Rodney DAVIS and wife Leslie of Rosevine, and Brian ELLISON and wife Ana of Greensboro, North Carolina; a brother B.T. "Truman" Short of Pineland; eight grandchildren, Gunnar, Cochann, Kris, Kandace, Michael, James, Bailee, and Jonathan; and two great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Emma. Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the chapel of Starr Funeral Home Inc. in Hemphill with Bro. Joe Ebarb and Bro. Vance Purcell officiating. Interment will follow at Lott Cemetery off FM 2024 with Masonic graveside rites.

His listing on the SSDI:

JUNE T SHORT 16 Dec 1930 09 Aug 2004 (V) 75968 (Pineland, Sabine, TX ) 75968 (Pineland, Sabine, TX ) 460-40-8093 Texas

June married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

June married Marjorie Lanell Slay before 1961. Marjorie was born on 23 Apr 1928 in Pendleton, Sabine Parish, Louisiana; died on 25 Jan 2007 in Sabine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

June married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Sabine County Reporter
August 22, 2007, Page 16

Jeanell Smith Shofner

Jeanell Smith Shofner, 70, of Spring Branch died Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, after an illness.

Mrs. Shofner was born Dec. 18, 1936, in Sabine County. She was a 1953 graduate of Shelbyville High School and a longtime resident of the Houston area.

Survivors, her husband of 54 years, Morris Shofner; her father, Reece Smith of Milam; daughters, Wanda Naumann and Juanice West of Houston; grandchildren, Jarod West and wife Jennifer of Austin, and Ashley Naumann, Julie West, and Heather Naumann, all of Houston, brothers, Millard Smith of Milam, Lamar Smith of Patroon, and Tommy Smith of Sam Rayburn; and sisters, Janice Hughes of Center and Brenda Elliott of Lufkin.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Ida Smith, and two sisters.'

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Forest Park Westheimer Chapel in Houston.

(Transcribed by Melinda McLemore Strong, Summer 2007)

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

An article in the March 20, 2019 issue of The Sabine County Reporter reported about a reunion of Kenneth Smith of Bronson, and an army buddy, Carlton Oberholser, who were in drafted in October 1966, when Kenneth was just 19, took basic training togehter in Alabama, both eventually serving in Vietnam.

A front page article in the same newspaper announced his death from Covid-19, titled "Community Suffers loss of Smith, West Sabine Board President." His obituary was also published in the same issue. on page 9:

Kenneth Love Smith Sr., 74, of Pineland, TX passed away Tuesday August 31, 2021. Kenneth was born in Wharton, TX on February 6, 1947 to Britton and Helen Smith.

Kenneth spent most of his life in Sabine County and he loved it here.

He was a 1965 graduate of West Sabine High School. Soon after graduation he was drafted into the United States Army where he became Sergeant of the 19th Combat Engineer Battalion Company D, where he served a tour in Vietnam in 1967-1968. His experience in the Army played a very important role in his life. He frequently pointed out that the Army taught him the values of discipline, strength and team work. He knew how to get the job done. These values contributed to the many successes in his life. He was a proud Veteran and loved his country.

Kenneth was very dedicated to serving his community. He was a lifetime member of the Sabine County VFW and a longtime member of the Pineland Service Club. He was a part of many Pineland Day Steering Committees, he served as The Pineland Early Learning Center Board of Directors and was on the Board of the Sabine County Activity & Nutrition Center. He has served on the West Sabine ISD School Board off-and-on since 1975, and was currently presiding as President of the board.

Kenneth was the recipient of the Pineland Service Club's Community Service Award in 2017 for his dedication to his community and was always someone that could be depended on to step up and help where ever needed. One of his many passions was the youth in our community. He attended games, track meets, stock shows, bingos, bought raffle tickets, donated items for raffles, went to buffets and loved bake sales and cake auctions.

Kenneth never met a stranger and had many friends all over. He was a fishing guide in his younger years and owned his own business and was a successful Oilfield Consultant. Kenneth loved playing 42 and was known to travel many miles for a 42 game. He had a way about him like no other.

He was a loving Husband, Father, Peepaw, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend. His generosity and fun loving spirit will be missed by so many. He was so very proud of his children, but his bond with his grandchildren was like no other.

Kenneth is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 53 years on September 14th, Ernesteen Smith of Pineland, TX; children, Ken Smith Jr. and wife, Glenda, of Pineland, Jereme Smith and wife, Cerri,of Hallettsville, Tracee Collins and husband, Jason, of Pineland, Aaron Smith of Pineland, and Sarah Smith of Pineland; sisters, Vessie Ferrell and husband, Thomas, of Spring, and Janice Smith Stewart of Pineland; brother-in-law, Allen Jagneaux; grandchildren, Keven Smith and wife, Vanessa, of Hallettsville, Katie Smith of Austin, Travis Smith of Austin, Kory Smith of Victoria, Cecelia Loos of Victoria, Sr. Airman, Simon Loos of Valdosta Air Force Base in Georgia, Kwin Smith of Hallettsville, Jaxon Collins of Pineland, and Cooper Collins of Pineland.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Britton and Helen Smith and sister, Helen "Blossom" Jagneaux

Graveside services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 6, 2021 in Plainview Cemetery under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Curtis White and Bro. Floyd Wright officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Keven Smith, Kory Smith, Travis Smith, Simon Loos, Jaxon Collins, Cooper Collins, Doug Welch, and Rodney Burch. Honorary pallbearers are Brothers of the 19th Combat Eng. BN. Company D 67-68, Benny Jacks, Carlton Oesterheld, Millard Smith, and Stephen Parnell.



Military Honors will be provided by the Sabine County Honor Guard.

Condolences can be made and guest book may be signed online at starrfuneralhome.com. A full military honors ceremony will take place at Plainview Cemetery on Monday, September 6, 2021.

Finally, The Sabine County Reporter, on September 29, 2021, included an additional story titled "Recognizing School Board President and community leader, Kenneth Smith" This detailed the proclamation which recognized almost 48 years of dedication and service by board president Smith to the West Sabine community. The document, after being read into the minutes of the meeting and signed, was presented to Ernesteen Smith, wife, and Tracee Collins, daughter of Smith. They also received the name plate which marked Smith's seat for many years.:

A photo of Dr. Carnelius Gilder with Tracee Collins and Ernesteen Smith, with his name plate was included.

Kenneth married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Funeral services for Fred Wayne Smith, age 71, of San Augustine, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2018, in the First Baptist Church, 502 E. Columbia Street, San Augustine, Texas, with Bro. Frank Holrath officiating. Visitation will be from the hours of 1 p.m. till 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2018, at the First Baptist Church in San Augustine. Interment will be in the Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine County.

Fred Wayne Smith was born to the late Bennye Louise (Richards) Smith and Aldous Smith on July 9, 1946, in Jasper County, Texas. He passed from this life on Thursday, March 1, 2018, in Ft. Worth, after a short illness. Fred retired from Education after 30 years teaching Math, Accounting and Industrial Cooperative training classes from the New Boston Independent School District. He also was a Football and Track Coach. He drove many bus routes in the New Boston and San Augustine Schools. After retirement and moving to San Augustine, he began working for the San Augustine County Appraisal District doing land mapping. In his spare time, he enjoyed baking and was well known for his homemade bread and cinnamon rolls. He also owned and helped run "Miss Ann's Daycare" for many years. He was married to Ann (Beasley) Smith who predeceased him on March 31, 2012. He was a member of the Texas Longhorn Association, and was a member of the Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Smith of San Augustine; his daughters, Melissa Steph and her husband, Chris of Tatum and Kimberly Mullins of Mansfield; Son, Roy Lynn Smith, and his wife, Crystal of Pollock; his beloved grandchildren, Jacob and Kristen; Hannah Kate; Jeremiah; Will; Tyler; Titus; Bailey Grace; Madison, Adalynn, and David Lynn; sister, Connye Smith of Crested Butte, Colorado; Sister-in-law; Debbie Ripkowski of Saginaw; Brothers-in-law; Bo Carney and his wife, Cindy of Dayton; Mike Beasley and his wife, Pam of Flint; Larry Beasley and his wife, Karen of Broaddus, along with numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann; his beloved parents, the Rev. Aldous Smith and Bennye Louise (Richards) Smith.

Copied from His Find A Grave Memorial Page
Also published in The Sabine County Reporter, March 7, 2018, page 5

Family/Spouse: Carol Ann Beasley. Carol was born on 22 Oct 1948 in Crockett, Houston County, Texas; died on 31 Mar 2012 in Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County, Texas; was buried in Liberty Hill Memorial Garden, San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Dunnigan Cemetery in Shelby County.

Mrs. Tompkins was born February 5, 1963, in Longview to Lamar Smith and Ruth Risinger Smith. She enjoyed painting and was known for crafting. Mrs. Tompkins loved spending time with her family and had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren. She was a member of Dunnigan Baptist Church.

She is survived by
Husband: Keith Tompkins of Shelbyville

Children:
Lynsie Watson and husband, Stephen, of Shelbyville
Winston Tompkins and Kimber Hughes of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Reece Watson of Shelbyville
Mason Watson of Shelbyville

Parents: Lamar and Ruth Smith of Shelbyville

Brothers:
Stevie Smith and wife, Terri Ann, of Joaquin
Mickey Smith and wife, Kylie, of Shelbyville

In-laws:
Wyman and Louise Tompkins of San Augustine
Michael and Paula Tompkins of San Augustine
Michael and Peggy Collins of Shelbyville

Special Cousin: Aimee McMillian

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Grandparents: Johnie and Etta Risinger, Reece and Ida Smith

Pallbearers will be Kyle Hughes, Mark Hughes, Glenn Hughes, Paul Smith, Michael Collins and Michael Tompkins.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mrs. Tompkin's to Dunnigan Cemetery Fund, 1936 FM 2261, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.

copied from www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome. com

Also published in The Sabine County Reporter, Page 10, November 2, 2016

Family/Spouse: Living. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Living married Living [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]