OBITUARIES
Joy Dean Duncan
November 4, 1950 – July 17, 2026
NEW BRAUNFELS – Joy Dean Duncan, 75, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on July 17, 2026.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on July 22 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
A private graveside service will take place for immediate family.
Joy was born Nov. 4, 1950 in Nocona to Newell and Flora (Ice) Dean of Saint Jo. She graduated from Saint Jo High School in 1968 and went to East Texas State University in Commerce. Joy graduated with a degree in education and later received a masters degree in curriculum and instruction from Texas Eastern University in Tyler in 1975.
For more than 40 years, Joy devoted her life to education, touching the lives of countless children as a dedicated and compassionate teacher. She believed every child deserved the opportunity to succeed. The impact she made extended far beyond academics, as she inspired generations of children to believe in themselves.
As much as Joy loved teaching, her greatest pride was being a mother. She shared an incredibly close and cherished bond with her only child, Julie. One built on unwavering love, friendship and countless treasured memories. Whether they were taking mother-daughter trips, enjoying brunches, shopping adventures or simply spending time surrounded by family, those moments brought her immense happiness. She was her daughter’s biggest supporter, fiercest protector and most trusted confidante.
Being “Mimi” to her only granddaughter, Karli, was also one of Joy’s greatest blessings. The bond between them was something special. Saturday nights were reserved for movie nights filled with laughter and making memories. They shared a special relationship and Karli could always get a good laugh out of her Mimi.
The love she poured into her family and friends will remain one of her beautiful legacies, forever living in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her daughter, Julie Kirkland and husband Ryan and granddaughter, Karli, New Braunfels.
In lieu of flowers, please support Hope Hospice of New Braunfels or your local hospice organization. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Hope Hospice for their kindness, compassion and exceptional care over the past year, providing comfort and support to Joy and her loved ones over the past year.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
April 13, 1959 – September 29, 2026
BOWIE – Lee Roy Hargrove Jr., 67, died on Sept. 29, 2026.
A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Oct. 10 at the First Free Will Baptist Church, 505 Strong St. in Bowie.
He was born on April 13, 1959.
He is preceded in death by his parents, LeeRoy Hargrove Sr. and Joyce Hargrove and brother, Charles.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; children, Cheryl Burns, Jennifer Hargrove, and Joshua Hargove; six grandchildren; brothers, John Hargrove and George Hargrove; sisters, Linda Hargrove and Sandra Owens and many beloved cousins as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
March 27, 1938 – October 3, 2026
BOWIE – Mary Sue Walters Liggett, 88, died on Oct. 3, 2026.
A graveside service included a visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 6 at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
She was born on March 27, 1938 to Loyd Francis and Vera Lee Walters in Bells. On Feb. 3, 1971 she married the love of her life, Finnis Charles Liggett.
She graduated from Bells High School in 1957. She earned an associate degree from Cooke County College and later completed her bachelor of science degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She retired from McKinney Independent School District and she taught business administration for 30-plus years.
She served as a Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church in Bells and taught Girls in Action.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Betty Walters White; and brothers, Loyd Price Walters and Bennie Walters.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Liggett; five nieces; four nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.
Arrangements under the direction of White Family Funeral Home.
August 5, 1973 – September 29
NOCONA – Kari Ann Reid, 53, died on Sept. 29, 2026.
A visitation was from 6-7 p.m. on Oct. 1 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Oct. 2 at Bethel Baptist Church with Pastor Kurt Simmons officiating. Interment followed in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tanner Reid, Tyler Reid, Jeff Skinner, Gerald Ramsey, Jerry Henry, Clint Mahin, Garrett Combs, and Randy Ritchie.
Reid was born on Aug. 5, 1973 in Nocona to Tommy and Patsy Ann Huff Skinner. She worked at Skinner Tank Trucks doing record keeping and later being a co-owner.
She married the love of her life Harry Don Reid on Sept. 5, 1992 in Nocona.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Harry Don Reid, Nocona; sons, Tanner Reid, Nocona and Tyler Reid, Nocona; and a granddaughter.
Memorial donations may be made to The Carpenter’s Shop, 400 Boston, Nocona or Lucky Paws Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 595, Nocona.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona.
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