OBITUARIES
Sandra A. Gifford
Sandra A. Gifford
July 3, 1940 – December 10, 2017
NEVADA- Sandra A. Gifford, 77, passed away on Dec. 10, 2017, after battling dementia for a year and a half.
Sandra was born in El Dorado, AR on July 3, 1940. She graduated from Pine Tree High School in Greggton, TX, with many honors including the title of homecoming queen and cheerleader. She was in the National Honor Society and participated in creative writing competitions.
While attending Baylor University, Sandra met Charles Gifford. The couple married and Sandra soon completed her bachelor of science in education at Texas Christian University. She taught at Greenbriar, Northward, Eastward and finally at Bowie Elementary.
Sandra was a brilliant instructor. She was nominated for the Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America award in 1973 and received the “Teacher of the Year in the City” Visiting Forces Agreement auxiliary honor award in 1992. Sandra was an honorary member of Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers and the Gamma Epsilon International Society for Women Educators. In total, she taught more than 800 students and influenced many, many more.
She was a brilliant educator, a member of the First Baptist Church and the loving mother of Brian and Jeff Gifford.
Her love and legacy will be passed down by her sons, her daughter-in-law and her three grandchildren.
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OBITUARIES
Mary ‘Anna’ Lyon
December 20, 1936 – December 26, 2024
BOWIE – Mary “Anna” Lyon, 88, died on Dec. 26, 2024 in Wichita Falls.
A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2025, at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie with Pastor Dwyane Lamberson officiating.
She was born Dec. 20, 1936, in Levelland, to Charlie and Myrtle (New) Vinyard. She married Ervin Lyon on June 5, 1954, and spent her days as a homemaker, raising their two sons.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; five brothers and four sisters.
She is survived by her sons, Danny Lyon and Joe Lyon, both of Bowie; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Patsy Salter, Lubbock and Martha Turnbow, Gatesville and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
OBITUARIES
Stacy Ray Trayler
September 18, 1969 – December 1, 2024
SUNSET – Stacy Ray Trayler, 55, died Dec. 1, in Denton surrounded by family.
A visitation for family and friends will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 11. There will be a private graveside service at a later date.
Trayler was born on Sept. 18, 1969 in Muenster to Raymond and Joyce Trayler. He spent his life working in the oil field as a driller and driving a truck.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Trayler and Joyce Collier Trayler and brother, Jerry Trayler.
Trayler is survived by his children, Vanessa Clark, Bowie, Vincent Trayler, Oklahoma City and Val Trayler, Terral, OK; one brother, Michial Trayler, Heavener, OK; sisters, Raenell DeSoza, Sunset and Annie Ross, Bowie; four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home, Bowie.
OBITUARIES
Donald Ray Taylor
January 20, 1938 – December 21, 2024
NOCONA – Donald Ray Taylor, 86, died on Dec. 21, 2024 in Nocona.
A funeral service took place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 27 at Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tom Skinner, Steve Tettleton, Bob Langford, Jon Dunfee, Manuel Sanchez and Coley Frye. Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Bennett, Mike Henry, Chris Tettleton and Toby Howard.
He was born to Johnny and Ozella Lewis Taylor on Jan. 20, 1938. A lifelong resident of Nocona, he never met a stranger, loving to tell stories and laugh.
Taylor married Patsy Cheshier on Aug. 25, 1965 in Nocona. They went on to raise two children. Taylor also was a proud veteran of the United States Army.
Taylor worked several years for Bowie Industries before going to work for Nocona Independent School District, where he became the supervisor of maintenance and transportation until he retired in 1999. This Nocona native enjoyed coaching his son’s little league teams, golfing with his wife and friends and all sports were a big part of his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife Patsy and son, Brad.
He is survived by his children, Jeff Taylor, Orange Grove, TX, John Taylor, Christoval, TX and Kim Taylor, Dallas; two grandchildren, two great grandchildren and his dog Buddy.
In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be made to St. Jude Hospital.
Arrangements were under the direction of Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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