Iola graduation May 28

Area residents were sorry to learn of the death of our friend and neighbor, Jerry Holt Stephens, who passed away May 10, following a long illness. He was 88 years old. He was born in Iola Sept. 10, 1933 to Hardie Holt and Arnie McDougald Stephens. He passed away having a long and fruitful life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lula Vernon Stephens, daughter, Lisa Dawn Stephens, other family members and a special friend, Mary Sue Dudley. He is survived by two sons and their wives, Wes and Gwen Stephens and Jeff and Lynda Stephens, along with many other family members including his beloved aunt, Vivian McDougald.

Stephens was a lifetime member of Iola Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for over 30 years. The funeral was held at the church with Dr. Tim Owens officiating. He was buried in Concord Cemetery where his wife, parents and other family members are also buried. In Lieu of flowers, his wish is for people to donate to Concord Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 114, Iola 77861. Prior to the service a meal was served to family members and friends at the church fellowship hall. He was a good man and will be missed by many. Remember his loved ones in your prayers.

The farewell breakfast for Steve and Jean Briggs Sunday, May 15, went well. There was a good group of members present to wish them well. Several gave cards and there was a large letter B for people to sign. They were good and faithful members for 20 years and will be missed. May God bless them. They are moving to Valparaiso, Indiana.

The church has a new member. Jaxtyn Scott Morgan was born to Justin Scott and Alexis Morgan, My 12 in College Station. He weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces. He is also the first grandson of Rev. Jeff Scott and Diana Morgan. Congratulations to them all.

Tim and Katherine Carson have just returned home from a cruise that they really enjoyed. Glad they are back and were able to have a good time.

Well folks the end of the Iola school year is here. The final day of school is Thursday, May 26. I know the students will be happy but not sure about the parents. The school Baccalaureate service will be held at Iola Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday, May 25, at 7 p.m. Many of the area churches will dismiss their service for the event. High school graduation is Saturday, May 28, at 10 a.m. in the high school gym. Do hope everyone will be able to attend both events.

The Keith Civic Club monthly meeting is Thursday, May 24, at Keith Community Center. The meeting will begin with a covered dish meal at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by their monthly meeting. It is possible there will be a guest speaker from one of the county offices.

Pyramid Masonic Lodge No 593 held their monthly meeting at their lodge hall in North Zulch Tuesday, May 17, with a good number in attendance. The covered dish meal was supplied by members of Iola North Zulch No 458 and was enjoyed by all. During the lodge meeting, the Right Worshipful Arthur Karl Dino Dean, the District Deputy Grand Masonic of District 29A of the Most Worship Full Grand Lodge of Texas made his official visit. He brought the message from the Grand Master of Texas. He was well received.

Happy birthday this week to: May 22 – Cathy Williamson; May 23 – Elissa Perez; May 26 – Kathy Ann Noble Martin, Jamie Sue Altimore; May 27 – Brody Mischael Rice, Chloe Vaughn, Mark Niven, Jake Mitts; May 28 – Barbara Snider, Cash Buzz Childress. Join me in wishing them many more years of happiness together.

If you have any Keith news, call either my cell phone at 936-870-6094 or my house number at 936-394-8273.