Clifton Cemetery

Rains Co. Cemeteries of TX

Obits submitted by Elaine Nall Bay

"Rains Co. Leader"

 

Pioneer Citizen Buried Tuesday
Mr. D.L. Garrett, a resident of the County Line neighborhood, died early Monday morning, after a long illness, being confined to his bed for the past several months.  His remains were laid in their last resting place, the Clifton cemetery in that neighborhood about eleven o'clock Tuesday morning in the presence of a large concourse of relatives and friends who had gathered to pay their last tribute to this good man.  Uncle Dave, as he was known to his many friends, was born in Rains County December 11, 1851, but lived at the time of his death just over the Hopkins county line.  He made Emory his trading point and was a visitor here, at least once a week, for the past several years, and had many friends in Emory and throughout the county, who were made sad by the news of his death became known here.  The Leader would join with his many friends throughout the count in offering condolences to the bereaved family. ---- Rains County Leader, September 3, 1926
 
Father and Son at Rest
Mr. D.L. Garret died August 30th and was buried August 31st in a family cemetery situated on his land near his home.  On September 11th his son, Sam died and was buried Sept 12th, by his father's side.  It is indeed sad to everyone who has known Mr. D.L. Garret and son, to hear of their death, but no one knows the sorrow of such a sad occasion until they have given up a father and a brother in less than two weeks who were so dear to them.  We shall not sigh, however, when our loved ones have been made such an everlasting gain.  Heaven is sweeter than all earthly pleasures.  We have knever known of so close companion between these two.  They have been companions on earth and now have been carried home to Heaven for eternal peace and happiness which is sweeter than all earthly pleasures.  Mr. D.L. Garret was the father the father of a large family, but there is only three left to bear the sorrow of a sweet father's death, one daughter and two sons.  There is a host of grandchildren however, who loved their granddad and uncle very dearly.  We pray that we will all meet someday to share the everlasting joy with many loved ones who have gone to glory. --- R.G.
-----Rains County Leader, 24, 1926
 

Lige Garrett

Mr. Lige Garret Dead
Mr. Lige Garrett of the County Line neighborhood, who has been sick for sometime with Brights Disease, died yesterday and hsi remains will be buried in the Clifton Cemtery today (Friday), the funeral rites to be conducted by the Masons. ----
The Rains County Leader, November 12, 1920
 

 
infant Ratliff
 
Ye scribe is in sympathy with John Ratliff in the loss of their baby which was buried in the Clifton graveyard last Thursday.-----The Rains County Leader, April 11, 1913

 
Bessie Morrow
 
In Memory of One “Dear Bessie”
On the night of last February 14, the death angel visited the home of Jim Morrow taking from him his darling wife, Bessie. A sweeter girl never lived. A rare flower never grew. Her mission in this world was one of love. She gathered around her a host of friends. Never have we seen so many tears shed at a funeral. Pathetic indeed was the scene. The cord of love so tightly bound around the hearts of so many, will surely draw them heavenward. She was a saintly woman and seemed to be striving heavenward. Planning to live and make every effort to be a loving wife and mother. The dreadful fever attacked her and for over thirty days the patient suffered the most excruciating pain. All that could be done by fond husband, friends and a faithful physician was of no avail. And now she is no more. She has left a devoted husband, babe, and a host of other relatives to grieve and wonder. But God will heal their wounded hearts;
A voice from Heaven whispers:
”I’ll strengthen the chain,
I’ve broken in twain;
And fasten it from to the skies.
We must bow in humble submission to the inevitable and “Pass under the rod”. On the account of sickness and distance I failed to see Bessie during her illness. But my prayers, heart and thoughts were with her. Husband and babe miss her. In their dreams they caress her and only empty space answers. It is indeed sad to have such a sorrow come to our home but thanks be to the eternal God, we believe she is safe and saved in a beautiful country safely resting in the arms of Jesus, she is now free from all sufferings, temptation, and death. On Tuesday February 15, 1921 the white casket containing the remains of our dear friend was conveyed to the Clifton cemetery in the northern part of Rains county where a touching and appropriate discourse was given by Rev. Parkins, pastor of our church at Daugherty, after which we layed her away to sleep until Jesus comes to awake her.
A precious one from you is gone,
A voice you love is still;
A place is vacant in your home,
That can never be filled.
To the husband – but, our words seem cold – Oh! Heavenly Father stretch forth Thy powerful arm and draw the bleeding heart into communion with Thee. Show to him in all Thy love and mercy that Thou who has stricken his heart and made desolate his home hast placed his treasure on high to allure him to Heaven, help him to lead his precious babe gently and tenderly in the paths of truth and purity and fit her for eternity. Rest well dear Bessie, your broken hearted loved ones must find consolation in the thought that today you wear a crown of life and your sweet voice is tuned to a harp of glory where the strains of redemption resound evermore.
A schoolmate friend and neighbor,
Della Blanton
-----The Rains County Leader, March 4, 1921


Mrs. J.F. Jordan
 
Mrs. Jordan Died Thursday Night
Mrs. J.F. Jordan of the Daugherty community died Thursday night of last week at the family home, after an illness of several months duration and her remains were buried at the Clifton cemetery Friday, services being conducted by Rev. Kernes. Mrs. Jordan was well known in the north part of the county and the edge of Hopkins County where the family has lived for many years, and was loved by all for the Christian life she lived. And her going away was a sad event in the neighborhood. She is survived by her husband and two sons, Grady of Dallas and Alton of Quitman, besides other relatives and friends, who have the sympathy of their many friends. The Leader joins with friends is offering condolences to the bereaved family. ---- The Rains County Leader, Friday, April 28, 1933


Minnie Lee Shumate
 
Funeral services for Mrs. Minnie Lee Shumate, 75, of Emory, were at 2 p.m. Sunday in Freedom Church of God with the Rev. Kenneth Ishmeal, the Rev. Raymond Tomlin, and the Rev. R.H. Swain officiating.  Burial was in Clifton Cemetery under the direction of Hood Funeral Home of Emory. Mrs. Shumate died Saturday morning in a Mesquite hospital. She was born in Rains County and had lived here her entire lfie. Mrs. Shumate was a member of Freedom Church of God.  Survivors include her husband, John Shumate, of Emory; two sons, Marvin Shumate of Mesquite and Melvin Shumate of Emory; three daughters, Marcella Ashley of Canton; Mirlene Johnston of Mesquite and Mauritta Edwards of Mesquite; one brother, Henry Toles of Dallas; and twelve grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren. Grandsons served as pallbearers.--- The Rains County Leader, Friday, Rains County Leader, t. 2, 1975, pg1
 

 Shirley Shumate
 
Shirley Shumate Died Suddenly Tuesday
Mrs. Shirley Shumate, personable and prominent business woman of Emory, died unexpectedly at her home Tuesday. She had been in ill health for several years and had been semi-retired from Shirley's Beauty Shop, which she and her mother, Opal Lair, had oeprated for a long period of years.  Funeral Services were held Wednesday in the Emory Baptist Church with the pastor, the Rev. Charles Goodson, officiating. She was born April 5, 1937, the daughter of Opal and the late Joe Lair, Emory. She attended Emory High School adn was married to Melvin Shumate. He survives, together with two children, Leslie and Denny; mother, Mrs. Opal Lair Prichett, and grandfather, R.R. Gordon. Burial was in the Clifton Cemetery with Hood Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.---- The Rains County Leader, Friday, Jan 27, 1972, pg. 1

Marvin "Jack" Shumate
 
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 4th, 1991, for Marvin (Jack) Shumate, 69, of Rt. 1, Emory, in the Freedom Church of God. Rev. Kenneth Ishmael officiated at the service. Burial was in the Clifton Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home in Emory.
Mr. Shumate passed away Friday, May 34d, in Sulphur Springs hospital. He was born July 6, 1921 in Rains Co. to John W. and Minnie Lee Dial Shumate. He married Mary Jewel Pennebaker in Rains Co. on Oct 15, 1939.  Mr. Shumate was a retired self-employed owner of a service station. He was a US Army veteran of World War II and was also a member of the Freedom Church of God.  Mr. Shumate was survived by his wife, Mary Jewel Shumate of Emory; two sons, Milton Ray Shumate of Dangerfield, TX and Milford Jay Shumate of Pittsburg, TX; one brother, Melvin Shumate of Emory; two sisters, Marcelle Ashley of Canton and Mirlene Johnston of Dallas; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Mira Kay Shumate. ----Rains County Leader, Tueday, May 9, 1991, pg. 17
 

John M. Shumate
 
Funeral services for John M. Shumate, 86, were held at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Freedom Church of God with the Rev. T.E. Richardson and the Rev. Larry Bridges officiating.  Mr. Shumate was born in Rains Co. February 6, 1894 and had lived in the county all of his life. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Daugherty Baptist Church although he attended the Freedom Church of God for the past fifty years.  Survivors are two sons, Marvin Shumate of Mesquite and Melvin Shumate of Emory; three daughters, Mrs. Marcell Ashley of Canton, Mrs. Merlene Johnston of Dallas and Mauritta Joy Edwards of Mesquite; fourteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.  Pallbearers were Jay Shumate, Dennis Shumate, Melton Shumate, Johnny Johnston, Roy Don Ashely, and Monte Edwards. Burial was in Clifton Cemetery with Hood Funeral Home of Emory in charge of arrangements. ----Rains County Leader, Tuesday, March 27, 1980, pg. 9
 

 
Ollie Lee Ely

ARCHER CITY -- Ollie Lee Ely, 80, of Point, Texas, died Saturday, June 9, 2001, in Emory, Texas.  Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Clifton Cemetery, Rains County, Texas, with the Rev. Jimmy Shedd, pastor of Faith Baptist Church, Emory, officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home.  Mr. Ely was a bulldozer operator.  Survivors include a daughter, Vicky Ely Lamb of Point, Texas; a son, Thomas Lee of Belize, Central America; three brothers, Tommy "Jewel" of Greenville, Texas, Charles "Jot" of Rowlett, Texas, and Jody of Point, Texas; a sister, Helen Collins of Winnsboro, Texas; two grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clifton Cemetery, 6760 F.M., Point, Texas 75472-4614.


Arlen Hill

Arlen Hill
Funeral services for Arlen Hill, 68, of Point were held at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 3.  Burial followed in Clifton Cemetery. Pallbearers were Cecil Lackey, Bryan Fullen, Tim Bradford, Michael Starr, Sonny Pierce, and Ray Luker.  Mr. Hill died Friday, October 31, 2003 at his residence in Point.  He was born in St. Paul, Minn., to Millard Afton and Alta Harvey Hill.  He married Jean Fullen in Mesquite on November 9, 1996. He was a retired sheetrocker and a member of the church of Christ. Survivors include his wife, Jean Hill of Point; his mother, Alta Mouser of Point; sons, Michael Arlen Higgins of Gatesville, Brian Edsel Higgins of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Terrance Dean Higgins of Cannon City, Colo.; step-children, William Earl Fullen of Rockwall, William Larry Fullen of Frisco, Bryan Keith Fullen of Greenville, Sherry Joyce Fullen of Dallas, and Lisa Case of Missoulsa, Mont.; a sister, Leann Wilson of Huntsville, Ala.; 33 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.


 

Myrtle Odessa Hazlewood Cranford
1914 - 2004
Graveside services for Myrtle Odessa Hazlewood Cranford, 89, of Dallas were held at Clifton Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, with Rev. Wayne Brashear officiating. Mrs. Cranford died Thursday, Jan. 29, at Christian Care Center in Mesquite. She was born in Emory on August 14, 1914, to Frank and Mary Leetta Shumate Coleman. She married Aubrey Hazlewood on Nov. 28, 1931, in Sulphur Springs. He preceded her in death in 1972. She then married Osie Cranford on June 6, 1975, in Rockwall. He died in 1982. She retired from Sanger-Harris and was a member of Irving Park Assembly of God in Dallas. Survivors include two sons, Billy Ray Hazlewood of Dallas and Gary Hazlewood of Rockwall; daughters, Betty Joyce McDougal and Delores Jean Lenhart, both of Dallas; grandchildren, Larry McDougal, Don McDougal, Jerry Lenhart, Cheryl Ann Tiner, Ronnie Lynn Hazlewood, Starla Stone, and Christina Lynn Bolin; 11 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Cranford was preceded in death by two husbands; one grandson, Kenneth Hazlewood; one brother; and two sisters. Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.-----Rains County Leader, Tuesday, February 3, 2004
 


Ruby Middleton
1909 – 2004
Graveside services for Ruby Middleton, 93, of Brashear, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at the Clifton Cemetery near Emory with Rev. Wayne Darty officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons. Mrs. Middleton died at Hopkins County Memorial Hospital at 5:36 p.m., Sunday, February 29, 2004. She was born in Point on January 6, 1909 to Robert Farmer and Annie Mae McKinney Spencer. She was married to Julion Leo Middleton on January 11, 1934, in Rains County. She was a homemaker, and a member of the County Line Baptist Church in Miller Grove. Survivors include two sons, Bobby W. Middleton of Point and J.L. Middleton, Jr., of Sulphur Springs; two daughters, Doris Hall of Miller Grove and Nora Younger of Saltillo; fifteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Middleton was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on December 29, 1966; two sons, Jackie Middleton and Cleatus Ray Middleton; one daughter, Floy Virginia Pritchett; two brothers, Curtis and Cecil Spencer; and four sisters; Opal Sims, Bessie Hatley, Leona Briggs and Juanita May. Family will receive friends at West Oaks Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. -----Rains County Leader, Tuesday, March 2, 2004

Blanche Garrett
1907 – 2004
Funeral services for Blanche Garrett, 97, of Alba, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2004, at the Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home Chapel in Emory with Rev. Robert Stovall officiating. Burial will follow in Clifton Cemetery. Mrs. Garrett died Sunday, April 18, at East Texas Medical Center, Quitman. She was born in Como, on February 5, 1907, to William L. and Sarah O. Newport Shipp. She married Travis Garrett in Hopkins County on September 8, 1926. She was a retired school teacher and a member of First Baptist Church of Alba. Survivors include grandchildren Michael Garrett Newland and Bryan Newland and wife Kay all of Alba, and Markie Foster and husband Tom of Tyler; great-grandchildren, Michelle and Mark Foster of Tyler, and Deann Brown of Lincoln, Arkansas. Mrs. Garrett was preceded in death by her husband in 1999, and an only child, Helen “Joy” Daily. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the American Cancer Society. ---- The Rains County Leader, Rains County Leader, Tuesday, April 20, 2004


Onita Lee Carter
1913-2005
Funeral services for Onita Lee Carter, 92, of Terrell, formerly of Emory, will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, at County Line Baptist Church on FM 275 with Rev. Charles Carter officiating. Burial will be in Clifton Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Randy Carter, Roger Carter, Travis Bell, Tim Ehrenberger, Zack Watson and Jason Preston. Mrs. Carter died Sunday, August 28, at Terrell Health Care Center. She was born in Rains County on July 24, 1913, to Oscar and Zuma Lee. She married Albert Carter in 1931, in Hugo, Okla. She was a factory worker and member of County Line Baptist Church. She is survived by a son, Dwain Carter and wife Mary of Terrell; sister, Veda Rhea Terry of Emory; nine grandchildren, Ray Hardin, Randy Carter, Ronda Ehrenberger, Terry Farmer, Stephanie Preston, Holly Watson, Travis Bell, Roger Carter and Cheryl Gillispie; 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1981; daughter, Bobbie Rogers, brother, Rufus Lee, and sister, Ruth Gilbert. Visitation is Tuesday evening 6:00 to 8:00 at Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home, Emory. Arrangements by Wilson-Orwosky Funeral Home, Emory. ------Rains County Leader, Tuesday, August 30, 2005