Obituaries

01-18-2006 to 01-27-2025

Bre’Keilyn Devon Martin was born in Quitman, Texas on January 18, 2006 to his parents, Breshard Martin, Sr. and Naomi Lipscomb.

He was baptized and accepted Christ at an early age. He always had an “Old Soul”. He participated in many youth programs at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Terrell, Texas and Eagle Mount Missionary Church in Mineola, Texas.

Bre’Keilyn received education from Mineola ISD and Terrell ISD. He graduated from Mineola High School in 2024. After graduation he worked as a Contractor while contemplating on what path he wanted to take.

Bre’Keilyn “KeKe” was an excellent Athlete in several sports, but basketball was his overall passion. He participated in several AAU Basketball teams year after year. He received Honorable Mention in football his sophomore year, Second Team All Team District
his Junior year and First Team All Team District in Basketball his Senior year at Mineola High School.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather Perry Lipscomb, Sr. Bre’Keilyn leaves to cherish his memories: his mother, Naomi Lipscomb; his father, Breshard Martin, Sr; maternal grandmother, Laura Lipscomb; paternal grandparents, David and Kecia Ramsey; godmother, LaTrecia James; two special aunts, Tamika George and Abryl Martin; siblings, Delexia Lipscomb, Jyatt Lipscomb, Xavien Lipscomb, KeYani Lipscomb, Trevion Lipscomb, LeAnthony Thomas, LeAsia Thomas, Paris Martin, Breshard Martin, Jr, and additional younger siblings and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, cousins and very special friends.

Memorial Service: Saturday, February 8, 2025 @ 11:00AM
Bethlehem BC-Terrell, Texas

12-09-1970 to 02-09-2025

Sheila Gipson, born and raised in Terrell Texas died on February 9, 2025 in Dallas, TX
Sheila will be missed by those who loved her and cared for her.

07-01-1969 to 02-15-2025

Zebria Henderson Welch was born in Terrell, Texas on 07-01-1969. She grew up and
educated in the Terrell ISD. Zebria passed on 2-15-2025 surrounded by her children
and family in a Dallas Hospital.

12-12-1924 to 02-11-2025

Mr. Jake C. Smith was born in Cherokee County on December 12, 1924. He was a long time
resident in Forney, Texas and a Member of the Little Flock BC. Mr. Smith worked and retired
from the US Postal service. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, children, grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services: Public Viewing: Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10-12 Noon
East Side Church of Christ Forney, TX

Service: 12:00 at the East Side Church of Christ.
Burial: Prairie View Cemetery-Forney,Tx

09-20-1940 to 01-29-2025

Charles Edward Else Jr., was born on September 20, 1940, in Terrell, Texas to Charles Edward Else Sr. and Faye Adkins, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended Burnett High School graduating with the class of 1958.

Charles had a deep and personal relationship with Christ, one that he understood and cherished. He found joy in fishing, coaching football, and cooking, especially his famous meatloaf and fried chicken.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his longtime partner, Gwendolyn; his son, Steven Else and daughter in law, Lillian Else; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Moore, and his brother, Harry Else. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dewan Cerece; his great-granddaughter, Rhya; his sister, Mattie Faye, and his Brother, William.

Additionally, he leaves behind his goddaughter, Kentra Williams, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. A special acknowledgment is given to his caring angel, Penelope Bowman.

Services: Saturday, February 22, 2024 @11:00
First Missionary Baptist Church
24092 Bohn Rd – Belleville, MI 48111

Services: Public Viewing, Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 10-12
DuBose Funeral Home-703 S. Rockwall Ave.-Terrell Tx
Burial: Wednesday, February 26 @ 11:00
New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell, TX

04-14-1946 to 01-06-2025

Tommy Lee Atkinson, Jr., was born on April 14, 1946, in Rockwall, Texas, to the parentage of Tom and Cuba Lee Atkinson of Forney, Texas. He received his education in Forney Public Schools, where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. Tommy served in the Military (Army) for 4 years. After his service, he returned home to become a truck driver for over 35 years. Tommy retired after 25 years with Grocery Supply Company.
He was a well-respected veteran of the Armed Services until his passing in January of 2025. Tommy was a great son, brother, father, uncle, and friend. In between driving trucks, he would pick up welding in his spare time, making burglar bars for homes and businesses, along with barbecue pits. He lived in Seagoville, Texas for 13 years until the time of his passing.

Due to his decline in health within the last year and a half, Tommy was called home to be with the Lord on January 6, 2025. He will be greatly missed by everyone that he’s
impacted in his life. Tommy Lee Atkinson, Jr., was an exceptional man only coming once in
a lifetime. He was a great person to know and love.

Tommy is preceded in death by his mother, father, 3 sisters, and 2 brothers. He leaves his loved ones to cherish his memories: sister, Margie Atkinson; brother, Johnny Atkinson of Dallas; one special daughter, Terice Hayes of Forney; special nieces, Kiera Atkinson and Marcella Atkinson of Dallas; a host of cousins all over from Forney to Dallas, Texas, Tulsa, OK, Tacoma, and Seattle, Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

We love you, Tommy, and we are already missing your presence.

Services: Public Viewing, Friday, Jan 17, 2025 from 5-7pm Little Flock BC-Forney, Texas
Service: Sat, Jan 18, 2025 @ 2:00 PM
Little Flock BC-Forney, Texas
Burial: Prairie View Cemetery-Forney, Tx

10-03-1948 to 01-08-2025

Services:

Public Viewing: Friday, Jan 17, 2025 from 6-8 pm DuBose Funeral Home Chapel
Service: Saturday, January 18, 2025 @ 12:00 PM
Mt. Olive BC-Terrell, Texas

05-10-1931 to 01-08-2025

Russell Jones Jr. was born as the only child of Maggie Darden and Russell “Jack” Jones Sr. on November 29, 1932 in Lawrence, Texas. He was a graduate of Burnett High School, graduating class of 1956. He was a Korean War Veteran of the United States Air Force and was Honorably Discharged January 16, 1954. After serving in the military and then graduating from High School, he attended Southwestern Christian College. In December of 1955, he married Shirley Ruth Henderson, and to their union, eight (8) children were born.
Russell accepted Christ on the fourth Sunday of August 1968 and was a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Terrell, Tex. While a member of New Hope he served as a choir member, as a member of the brotherhood, bus driver, asst Superintendent of Sunday School and many other ministries. He became a Deacon at the New Hope Church in 1969 and served as Chairman of Deacons for 43 years, under the leadership of 3 different pastors. Even when he no longer served as Chairman, Russell served as a faithful member of the New Hope Baptist Church until his passing. Russell spent a great deal of his life in the trucking industry. The majority of his career, he worked for Roadway Express and retired in 1992 after 31 years. He was a member of Teamsters Local #745. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing with his sons and grandson, BJ. He was a strong advocate for education and was proud of the fact that all of his children and grandchildren were educated. Russell was elevated to 33 rd Degree Mason by the United Supreme Council on November 10, 1975. He was a member of Abraham Lodge 315. In the political arena, Russell ran for city council and was also an integral part of the federal lawsuit that brought single member districts to Kaufman County and insured equal representation for all citizens regardless
of neighborhood or ethnicity.

Russell is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years and 4 months, Shirley Ruth Henderson-
Jones, his father, Russell “Jack” Jones Sr., his mother Maggie Darden-Gimmerson, his son,
Russell (Sonny) Johnson, and three half-sisters, Pearl Presley, Reba Young and Barbara Grigsby.

He leaves to cherish his memory his eight children, Harold (Marilyn), Larry, Sandra, Vincent
(Donna), Rajah, Kennedy (Marcy), Collette (Gary), and Lynette (Darrell). He leaves 22
grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. He also had 4 special adopted sons, Ricky Pipkins, Rev. Johnny Dorsey, Dr. B.L. Bell, Sr., and Kenneth Johnson. One special friend Mr. Johnny Baker and a host of other relatives, church members and friends.

Services:

Public Viewing: Friday, January 17, from 6-8 – New Hope BC-Terrell
Saturday, January 18, 2025 @ 10:00 AM
Bethlehem BC-Terrell, Texas
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery-Terrell

Ms. Velma Sue Bowland passed on 12-2-2024 in her home. She is a long time resident of Terrell Texas and will be missed by her family and friends.

Services: Friday, December 13@ 10:00 AM
DuBose Funeral Home Chapel

08-24-1948 to 12-02-2024

Zearline Wilson Freeny was born August 24, 1948, in Terrell, Texas to
the late Rev. Zearl Wilson and Tommie Lee Wilson.

She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and united with the Friendship
Baptist Church in Terrell, Texas under the leadership of Pastor James
Turner and later the True Vine Missionary Baptist Church under the
leadership of Pastor James Sears.

She attended Burnett and graduated in 1966.
She went on to study nursing and became a nurse early in her career.
After nursing, Zearline pursued a degree in Secretarial Science, and she
graduated valedictorian of her class.

She pursued many different career paths and opportunities to name a few
she was a teacher’s aide and bail bondsman, but her passion was
centered around helping others.

She ended her career at the Texas Workforce Commission where she
retired to care for her mother.

She enjoyed playing the piano, cooking, and making us laugh.
Zearline was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Zearl Wilson and
Tommie Lee Wilson and two sisters Hattie Marie Wilson and Quettia
Lavern Turner.

She leaves to cherish her memory: two children Temekia Freeny and
Tomi Hicks (Krystal); one granddaughter Ayshia Rollins; three brothers
Earl Wilson, Zearl Wilson, Jr. (Charlene) and Rev. Thomas Wilson and
a host of nieces, nephews cousins, friends who are like family and a very
special cousin, Gloria Hubbard.

Service: Monday, December 9, 2024 @ 11:00 AM
Bethlehem BC-Terrell,Tx
Burial: New Oakwood Cemetery