Donnetta Lorraine (Bell) Tyson passed away Saturday, December 7, 2024 at her residence.   Donnetta was born to the parentage of Mary Alice Haskins-Bell and the late Jessie B. Bell, on August 12, 1963 in Linden, Texas.  She was a loving, kind person with a bright soul.   Donnetta graduated from Linden-Kildare High School, Class of “82.   At an early age she joined Gum Springs CME Methodist Church and later became a member of Walker Chapel COGIC.

Donnetta is preceded in death by her father, Jessie B. Bell; grandparents, Avance Haskins, Sr., Mary Ivory Haskins, Veaster Haskins, William B. Bell and Elnora Bell; brothers, Carlos D. Bell, Rodney O. Bell, and Elvis McGraw.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 14, 2024  at Walker Chapel COGIC with Superintendent Gregory Hatley, officiating, under the direction of Coleman-Atlanta Funeral Home.   A walk thru viewing will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Friday, December 13, at the funeral home.

Survivors include her mother, Mary Bell; daughter, Nikki Bell, of Douglassville, Texas; son, Jarvis (Dalphne) Tyson, of Texarkana, Arkansas; two bothers, Timothy Haskins, Sr. of Douglassville, Texas, Victor (Mentrall)  Hudson of Duncanville, Texas, two sisters, Lois Bell of Atlanta, Texas, and Patricia Hendricks of Waldo, Arkansas; three granddaughters, Ja’Daeya Larry, Stephonie Moore, and G’Onie Moore; three grandson, Javarius Bell, Nikolas Moore and Stephone Moore, Jr.; a host of special aunts that she loved dearly, nieces, nephews, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Patrick Morris Buford, 60, of Douglassville, Texas went to bewith his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 21 at his residence. Patrick was born January 2, 1964 in Atlanta, Texas to the parents of Rev. Samuel D. Buford, Sr. and Dorothy Lue Leonard-Buford. Patrick was the tenth child of ten children.  He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and united with St. John Baptist Church.   Patrick Morris Buford graduated from Atlanta High School in 1982.  He later enlisted in the U.S. Army, and later he went into the Army reserves.  To know Pat was to love him.  Patrick had a love for singing, joking,  and talking to anyone that would listen.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Rev. & Mrs. Samuel & Dorothy Buford, 3 brothers: Aaron Venoa Buford, Samuel Buford, Jr., and Myrian Buford, Sr. and 2 sisters: Loyce Ann Buford and Victoria Buford-Nickleberry.

Services for Mr. Patrick Morris Buford will be Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 at 12 Noon at the St. John Baptist Church, Hw 8 Douglassville, TX, with Dr. Jonathan Stanmore, Officiating.

He leaves to cherish his memory three sisters: Jettye Buford-Levels of San Francisco, California, Rhea Nettia Buford of Dallas, Texas, and Alta Nette Washington of Texarkana, Texas.  Two brothers: Leonard Buford of Lancaster, Texas and Benjamin (Agnes) Buford of Atlanta, Texas.  One Special Nephew David Buford; Two Special Nieces:  Kimberly Charleston and Dorothea Buford-Levels.  Three Special Grand-Nephews:  Rylan Buford, Kyson Buford, and Landon Buford.  Two Special Grand-Nieces: Kaleigh Haskins and Jayla Mae Buford.  Nieces: Lotrice Wickerson (Buford) Randolph, Deshundra Buford, Brittney Buford, and Courtney Buford.  Nephews:  Adrian Green-Buford, Myrian Buford, Jr., Aaron Dion Buford.  Aunts: Mildred Braxton, Hiawatha Roberson, Alice Williams, and Alta Owens.  Uncles: Sharnia Buford and Wade Buford, and a host of other uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Mae Ruth Blaylock, a beloved resident of Queen City, Texas, peacefully passed away at the age of 89 at St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. She was reunited with her Lord and Savior, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and unwavering devotion.

Born on July 24, 1935, in Domino, Texas, Mae Ruth Blaylock was the third child of Tom and Minnie Harris, part of a family of five children. Throughout her life, she remained a dedicated and active member of the Queen City Church of God In Christ, where she diligently served as a Secretary for the F.L. Haynes district for many years. Mae Ruth married U.L. Banks and to this union 3 children were born.   He preceded her in death.    In June of 1962 she married Randolph Blaylock and to this union 3 children were born.   Randolph and Mother Blaylock have been married for over 60 years.

Mae Ruth’s life was a testament to her deep-rooted faith and her unwavering commitment to her religious beliefs. She was a pillar of her church, a role model for her fellow congregants, and a beacon of hope and inspiration to all who knew her.  Mother Blaylock loved her children, grandchildren, great, and great great grandchildren.   She loved teaching them about the Lord.

As our family mourns the loss of this remarkable woman,   We celebrate the enduring impact she had on our  lives. Mae Ruth Blaylock’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to have known her, a testament to the power of faith, love, and unwavering service to others.

Mae Ruth was preceded in death by her parents;  son, Larry Banks; daughter, Teresa Banks; stepson, Calvin Harp; 2 grandsons; 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Services will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, October 19, at Calvary Tabernacle, Queen City, Texas with Elder Harper and Superintendent Roddrick Hannah, Officiating.  A walk thru viewing will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Coleman-Atlanta Funeral home.

Survivors include: devoted husband, Randolph Blaylock; 3 sons, Kenneth Banks, Christopher Blaylock and Alphonso Blaylock; daughters, Veronica Blaylock and Casandra Banks Booth; sister, Dorothy Harris; four sister-in-laws, Sadie Blaylock Hooper, Ether Blaylock and Ida Blaylock, Nellie Dunbar; brother in law, A.C. Blaylock, jr; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends.

Internment:  Queen City Cemetery, Queen City, Texas.

Patricia Ann Johnston, age 75, of Queen City, Texas went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 20, 2024.  She was born on June 6, 1949 in Texarkana, Texas.

She is proceeded in death her mother and father Bertie and Bernie Delay and one brother, Don Campbell.

She is survived by her husband, James Johnston, her son; Richard Brian Buck and wife Stefanie;  her daughter, Stephanie Parker and husband Bo;  Three grandchildren, Britany Turner,  Jesse Parker and Kevin Buck and a host of other relatives and friends.

Pat will be remembered for her love for her family and those closest to her.   She had a green thumb and took pride in making her flower gardens beautiful.   She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Gene Autry Morrow was born in Morris County, Texas on April 13, 1945 to the late     Tinzer Lee Morrow and Carrie Dixon.     Mr. Morrow passed away on September 17, 2024 at a nursing facility in Texarkana, Texas.

Gene attended and graduated from Victory School in Jefferson, Texas.   He later joined the Army and served two years in the Vietnam War.   He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Gene married Linda K. Jones in 1975, and created a home filled with love to raise their three girls in Atlanta, Texas.   As a resident of Atlanta, he joined St. Paul C.M.E. Church.   He loved the Lord, and served on the trustee board, sung in the men’s choir and was superintendent of Sunday School for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; John Dixon and George Morrow and sister, Izetta Fisher.

Services will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 21, 2024 at St. Paul CME Church with Rev. Arlistel Maxie, officiating.  A walk-thru viewing will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

With a lifetime of warm memories, he leaves behind; his wife, Linda K. Morrow; their children, Jacquita Darty, Melinda Morrow and Belinda Morrow.  Other adult children: Melonie Johnson, Michael Bolden, Tony Bolden, and Vincent Wayne Harris; brother, Tinzer L. Morrow; sister Jerlie Johnson.  .   He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren with whom he shared a close relationship; Keaundria Mack,  Adrian Mack,  Kalyssa Johnson and Chloe Johnson.  Those left to celebrate and honor his memory also includes his great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.   We rejoice that he is in the arms of the Lord now, but he will be missed dearly.

Interment:  Pine Crest Cemetery,  Atlanta, Texas.

Miracle Evette Hunter, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Atlanta, Texas.   She was born on May 29, 1984 in Shreveport, Louisiana.   She was a cherished member of her community and a graduate of Atlanta High School class of 2004.  Miracle was classified as deaf and blind with multiple handicaps.   She could not walk or talk, and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy.   This is why her name was fitting because she was a Miracle and not given a possible chance of surviving at birth.   She was blessed and highly favored and lived to be 40 years old.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Hunter-Thompson, great grandmother Lissie Irene Rose-Hayden, grandfather, James Alfred Hunter, Sr., and great grandmother Leola White-Jackson.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, September 14, 2024 at St. Paul CME Church, Atlanta, TX with Rev. Arlistel Maxie, Officiating, Rev. Richard Tennison, Pastor.    Viewing will be 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm, Friday, September 13, 2024 at Coleman-Atlanta Funeral Home.

Miracle is survived by a loving family, including her grandmother/mother, Mary Hunter, Atlanta, Texas; Father, Edward(Jacqueline) Burns, Kansas City, Missouri; Step Father, Steven Thompson, Hooks, Texas; Grandmother, Mamie Seldon, Atlanta, TX; Sisters, Ashley hunter, Garland, Texas, Alisha (Keisha) Hunter, Killeen, TX; Brother, James “Tony” Hunter, Garland, TX; Aunts, Evelyn “Candy” Benjamin, Atlanta, TX; Robbie(Jeffery) Hunter Ivory, Douglassville, TX, Monica Lincoln, Atlanta, TX; Uncles, James Hunter, Jr., Atlanta, TX, and Anthony “Rell” (Reanna) Hunter, Greenville, TX; Two special cousins, Jeremy Hunter and Brandalain Hunter, both of Atlanta, Texas.   She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, loved ones and friends who will miss her dearly.

Miracle memories will be cherished by all who knew and loved her, and will inspire those she has left behind.  Her life can be a testament of God’s love and power in your life; to the fact that trials are an opportunity to learn about ourselves and identify our weaknesses and correct them; to cultivate humility and strengthen our love for GOD and gain eternal life

Interment will be in Gum Spring Cemetery, Douglassville, Tx.

Deacon Clarence Evans was born in Marietta, Texas on March 2, 1948 to the parentage of the late Curgie and Onevia Evans. He grew up in Jones Hill and joined Jones Hill COGIC in 2019.  He was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost and he served as a deacon. Clarence graduated from Panhandle High School in 1966. He worked at the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant in Karnack, Texas where he was an inspector for the government.   Clarence also worked for Lone Star Steel as an inspector and retired from the Transportation Department in Atlanta, Texas where he also served as a supervisor.

Clarence was united in Holy Matrimony to Gloria Faye Jiles on November 21, 1968 and they were married for 56 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Curzie and Onevia Evans; brother, Nolan Evans; and sister, Shirley Neal.

Services will be held Saturday, July 6, 12 noon at Jones Hill COGIC with Elder Melton Hatley, officiating.    A walk-thru viewing will be Friday, July5, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Coleman Atlanta Funeral Home.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory –wife, Gloria Evans, Marie;  son Elder Roy (Catherine) Evans, Omaha, Texas; sister -Vicki Hatley; aunt -Eldora Henderson; granddaughters -Shawanna (Nathan) Plant, Billings, Montana, LaTanya (Aaron) CollinS, Longview, Texas, Lareca Evans, Taylor Evans; grandsons -La Corious Evans, Jay Rowe; great grandchildren, special cousin-Steve Henderson; a very special friend -Deacon Bernice Lockett; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Oreader Mack Epps, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother departed this life on Friday, June 14, 2024.  She was born in Atlanta, Texas on October 22, 1931, to the parents of Crawford and Dessie Mack. She was a member of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Atlanta, Texas where she served diligently in the church choir until her health no longer allowed.  Oreader worked for a few years at the Travel Inn and Suites in Atlanta.  Her most notable occupation was being a wife and loving mother.

Services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, June 22, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Arlistel Maxie, officiating.    Viewing will be held 10:00 am Saturday, June 22 at Shiloh Missionary Church under the direction of Coleman-Atlanta Funeral Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, E. W. Epps (Mutt), sons, Phillip Wayne, Bobby Louis, Donnie Ray and James W. Epps, Sr., five brothers and three sisters.

She leaves to cherish her memory, loving and devoted children, sons: Charley (Maria), New Boston, Tx., David Sr., (Jennifer), Ft. Worth, Tx., Phillip Sr. (Janice), Grand Prairie, Tx., Kenneth Sr. (Pamela), Killeen, Tx., and Sammy (Tonia), Arlington, Tx., daughters:  Dessie Mills (Michael), Colonial Heights, VA, and Wilma Muriel (Jeffrey), Fort Worth, Tx., Sister-in Law, Margaret Mack, Amarillo, Tx., Brother in-Laws: David Lewis Epps, Garland Tx., Charles Ray Epps and James Edward Epps, Rowlette, Tx., twenty-eight (28) grandchildren, Forty-five (45) great grandchildren and a host of nieces, (Roxie Mack –devoted) , nephews, cousins, and other relatives, church members and friends.

Internment:  Shiloh Cemetery

Mr. James E. Grigsby departed his life on May 7, 2024 in Atlanta, Texas. James was born in Atlanta, Texas on September 17, 1945 to the late S.L. Lawson and Noble Grigsby.

James was a 1964 graduate of Pruitt Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta, Texas, where he played football and ran track. After high school James moved to Pontiac, Michigan.

James was able to secure a job at General Motors Pontiac. A career he kept for fifty years. During his time at Pontiac Motors he was drafted by the United States Army and was a Vietnam Veteran. James served in the army until his Honorable Discharge which allowed him to return to his position at General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan.

James married Edna Grigsby July 17,1977. Edna was his wife of 44 blessed years.

James was preceded in death by his mother S.L. Lawson, father Noble Grigsby, and sister Loretha Tyson.

He is survived by his wife Edna Grigsby, son Anthony Grigsby and daughter Terri Grigsby- Jefferson (Charles), three grandchildren Isaiah, Shelby and Bryce.

He also leaves sister Evelyn Charleston of Atlanta, Texas, sister-in-laws Betty Roberts, Cora Thomas, Agnes Ogletree, Edna Ogletree and Adeila (Dennis) Moseley and a host of nieces and nephews grieving his passing.

James, your kind heart and softly spoken words have left many memories in our hearts. Your dedication to truth and kindness will be a legacy to all who knew you. James, the goodness and mercy of God shined through you and will be missed by all.

Graveside services for James Edward Grigsby 78 will May 23, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at Onondaga Valley Cemetery, Syracuse, NY

Harsie transitioned from this life on Sunday, April 21, 2024 in Lodi, Texas.   She was born January 27, 1942 to the parentage of the late Mr. Clyde Rainey and Leatrice Crenshaw Rainey in Lodi, Texas.   She confessed Christ as her savior at an early age and served in several capacities at St. John Baptist Church of Kildare, TX until she moved to California.

Services will be held at 11:00 am,  Tuesday, April 30 at  Coleman Atlanta Funeral Home Chapel,  with Rev Charles Darty officiating.    A walk through viewing will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Funeral Home.

Harsie is preceded in death by her mother, father, her only son, three sisters, and five brothers.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two sisters, Leatrice Rainey of Lodi and Mary Gaither of Amarillo; one brother, Houston Crenshaw (Robbie) of Los Angeles, CA; two grandchildren, Tiffany Horn of Marshall; one great-grand daughter, Emerald Lee Zepeda, and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

Bishop Marvin Odell Campbell was born March 21,1951 in Domino, Texas to Elbert and Mary Campbell.   Bishop Campbell transitioned from this life Sunday, February 25, 2024 in Texarkana, Texas.  He united with Golden Gate Baptist Church of Domino, Texas at a young age.   He was a graduate of Queen City High School.   He later attended Texarkana College.

Bishop Campbell married Callene Simington on March 18, 1973 in Arkansas at New Hope Baptist Church.   To this union were born four beautiful children.   He retired from the Air Force and retired as Fire Chief from Red River Army Depot.  Marvin truly loved life and spending time with Callene, his kids, and grandkids.  His  hobbies include fishing, gardening, and traveling.   Marvin was a member of Friends of the Park(Cass County) and volunteered at the Christian Food Pantry.

Bishop Campbell was the founder and Pastor of Kingdom Faith Ministries of Domino, Texas.  Prior to that, He pastored New Testament Baptist, Naples, Texas for several years.  The former Mayor of Domino, Texas.   He was also the first Fire Chief in Domino, Texas and the first black Chief  of RRAD.

Services will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 A.M at Kingdom Faith Ministries, Domino, Texas with Rev. Terrence Campbell, officiating.    Viewing is from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Coleman Atlanta Funeral Home.  Burial will be at New Hope Cemetery, Doddridge,  Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Marvin leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Callene Campbell of Domino, Texas; three sons, Brian Simington (Deadra), of Texarkana, Arkansas, Terrence Campbell (Melinda) of Hallsville, Texas, Torrance Campbell (Stephanie) of Washington, DC; one daughter, Kimberly Lewis (Quinntodd) of Fate, Texas; nineteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, sibling, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Dessie Mae James, age 97, of Bloomburg, Texas, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 16, 2024.  She was born April 7, 1926 in Bloomburg, Texas to the late Harrison and Roberta James.  She was baptized at an early age at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Bloomburg, Texas.  Dessie attended school in Bloomburg and Atlanta, Texas. She lived in Washington, D. C. for several years. While there she was an active and faithful member of Carolina Missionary Baptist Church.  Upon her return to Bloomburg, she immediately reunited with Shady Grove Baptist Church, Bloomburg, Texas. She became active with the choir, a faithful Sunday School member, helped in Vacation Bible School and was a willing worker wherever there was a need. She adored the young members of the Church and was always excited and delighted when they excelled or performed in a task.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, three sisters and three brothers.

Funeral services will be 11:00 am, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Bloomburg, Texas with Rev. Willie Simington, Sr. officiating.  Visitation will be Friday, January 26,  2024, from 3 pm to 5 pm at Coleman-Atlanta Funeral Home.

She leaves to cherish her memory many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

Nieces:

Charlie “Reese” Scott, Virgina “Ann” McCauley, all of Bloomburg, Texas, Linda Young, Vickie Johnson of Texarkana, Texas, Lynda Singleton of Houston, Texas, Carol James, and Stephany Clark of Chicago, Illinois.

Nephews:

Charles Young, Sr. of Texarkana, Texas, General Young, Jr. of Vivian, Louisiana, and Gustria Simon, Sr. of Dallas, Texas.  Several Great Nieces, Nephews and other relatives will share in cherishing her memories and remembering her smile.

Interment:  Olive Branch Cemetery,  Doddridge, Arkansas

James Christopher Freeman 35 of Atlanta, Texas passed away October 30, 2023 at a local hospital.   James was born on December 20, 1987 to the parentage of  the late Rev. Jack Freeman and Doris Ann Dickerson.   He attended Free Christian Zion Church, Douglassville, Texas.   James was a graduate of Atlanta High School with the Class of 2006.

James was preceded in death by his parents;  Grandparents, Rev. J.C. Dickerson and Arstine Stephens Dickerson.

A memorial ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Free Christian Zion in Douglassville, Texas. Reverend Vera Brown will officiate the service. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 10, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Coleman-Atlanta funeral home.   Burial will be in Gum Spring Cemetery, Douglassville, TX under the direction of Coleman Atlanta Funeral Home.

James is survived by two daughters, Chartayviea Morgan of Arlington, and Ivyonna Evon Ann Freeman of Denton; Sister, Jacqalyn Freeman of Atlanta; Nephew, Kason Freeman of Atlanta; Two special brothers, DeQuan Mcgraw and Adrian Blaylock; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends

Mr. Virgil Hatley Jr.,87,  was born May 1, 1936 in Douglassville, TX to Virgil Hatley Sr. and Belzora Dickerson.  He was the 7th of ten children.   He accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and joined Gum Spring C.M.E.at a young age and remained a member until his death.

Mr. Virgil Hatley Jr.,known to everyone as Buck, united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Ellawisce Casteel in May of 1980 and to this union one child was born.

On July 25, 2023, early Tuesday morning, God called the roll and Uncle Buck got his wings to that Mansion God prepared for him.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Mother, six brothers, two sisters,and one son.

Services will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Floyd Valley Baptist Church where Pastor Reginald Brown, Pastor and Minister Milton Hatley, officiating.    A walk thru viewing will be held Friday, August 4, 2023 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at Coleman-Atlanta Funeral Home.

Virgil Hatley Jr., leaves to cherish his memories:

Wife,  Ellawisce Hatley;  One son,  Brian Hatley;  Adopted Son:  Alvan Hatley; one brother,  Welton (Fink) Hatley;  Special & True Friend, Charles Adams.   Seven Grandchildren, Eight Great Grandchildren and a host of Nieces, Nephews and other relatives and friends.