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Obituaries

Bro. Grady Winston Manning

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Bro. Grady Winston Manning peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, August 4, 2024. Born in Houston, April 26,1955 to Winston and Barbara Manning, Grady showed an early talent for music and through the years, developed those musical gifts. Throughout his high school years, he played in various bands, ensembles and in dramatic productions earning numerous awards and accolades. He served as Drum Major of the Plano High School class of 1973 band and went on to march in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie band. He was also a member of Plano City Orchestra for several years. Clarinet, baritone and alto saxophone, piano and guitar are among the instruments he enjoyed playing.

Patsy Maxine (Pace) Dillon

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Patsy Maxine Dillon (Pace), aged 84, passed away on August 5, 2024, in Tyler, Texas. Born on April 20, 1940, in Grayson County, Patsy was known for her warm and nurturing nature, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished spending time with her family and friends. Patsy graduated from Ennis High School and spent her life making a profound impact on those around her through simple, joyous gatherings and her ever-welcoming home. Her presence was a comforting constant in the lives of her loved ones.

Helen Lee Hodge

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Helen Hodge began worshiping in Heaven Sunday, July 21, 2024, alongside her beloved husband, Charles. She was born in Johnstown, Missouri, to Otis and Faye Maupin on August 31, 1933. She was raised in a loving home with two wonderful sisters. She graduated from South High School in Denver, Colorado. She met her husband, Charles B. Hodge, from Byrd, Texas, on her first day at Harding University, in Searcy, Arkansas, where he proceeded to “take her off the market.” Helen worked side by side with Charles for 68 years in ministry before his death.

Robert James Jurica

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Robert James Jurica, 80, passed away peacefully, Sunday, July 21, 2024 at his home in Ennis, Texas surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born in Ennis, Texas on July 7, 1944, to John Lee and Helen (Pekar) Jurica. Robert grew up in Ennis and graduated from St. John’s High School in 1962. That is where he met the love of his life Irene (Salik) Jurica. They were married on September 14, 1963 and made Ennis their home.

James (Jim) R. Pitts

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On July 20, 2024, the State of Texas lost one of its most distinguished, loyal, and dedicated citizens and servants with the passing of James (Jim) R. Pitts. Jim was a man of many talents whose service to his community and the State of Texas as the State Representative for Texas House District 10 for 22 years will be remembered for his commitment to the citizens of his district and all Texans. He was not only an outstanding legislator but also an extraordinary human being. Jim Pitts made a difference in the lives of others, and his legacy will not be forgotten.

Sheila Ann Burgess (Phelps)

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Sheila Ann Burgess (Phelps), aged 67, passed away on July 9, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. Born on December 4, 1956, in Athens, Texas, Sheila was cherished and loved by all. Sheila was a wonderful mother and a selfless person, always prioritizing her family. She had a love for cooking, baking, shopping, working in the yard, and made every holiday special for her loved ones. She loved Elvis Presley and found joy in visiting Graceland and trips to the casinos. Above all else, her eight grandkids were her pride and joy.

Donald W. Norvell

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Donald W. Norvell, 88, passed away on July 12, 2024, in Waxahachie, Texas. Don was born in Las Cruces, N.M. on July 13, 1935, to Homer Albert and Esta Lena (Willis) Norvell. He grew up in Las Cruces and served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He is survived by his wife Barbara Norvell, his children James Norvell and Charlette Christian Duttle, his brother Clarence Chitwood, sisters Janette Stone and her husband Orbin, Sandra Gardner and her husband Arden, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also survived by his stepchildren, Cheryl English, David Myers and his wife Corie, Scott Myers and his wife Sandi and all of their children and grandchildren.

Margaret Ann Isbell

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Margaret Ann Isbell, 89, of Ennis, passed away on July 9, 2024. She was born in St. Louis, MO, on Dec. 3, 1934, to Henry Arthur and Agnes Bernice (Conway) Bauer. Margaret worked as a telephone operator in St. Louis where she met George Isbell, who worked for Western Electric installing phone equipment. They married on June 30, 1953, also in St.

Leonard Francis Marusak

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Leonard Francis Marusak, known affectionately as “Papa,” passed away peacefully at home on June 27, 2024, at the age of 85 in Denton, Texas. One of 13 children, he was born in Ennis, Texas on October 4, 1938 to Joseph and Agnes (Zmolik) Marusak. Leonard graduated from St. John’s Catholic School in Ennis, Texas, and furthered his education at the University of Dallas and the University of North Texas. In 1965 he married his college sweetheart, Denice Eubank, and moved to Ranger, Texas not long thereafter. Ranger is where they lived and raised their family until they moved to Robson Ranch Denton in 2006.

Gerald Wayne Doherty

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Gerald Wayne Doherty entered the gates of Heaven in the early morning hours of June 5, 2024. He was greeted by his Heavenly Father surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Ennis, Texas on March 14, 1945, to Elmer and Mildred Walker Doherty. He grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School in 1963. He then attended Navarro College where he met the love of his life, Nita Warren. They married in June 1965 and shortly thereafter he joined the Army National Guard from 1965-1971. He completed basic training in Fort Ord California before he became an APC driver. At the time of his death, he was a 63-year member of Tabernacle Baptist Church of Ennis where he loved to serve. He also loved the fellowship he had with his senior men’s Sunday School class. He was also a member of Shriners and a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge 369 of Ennis.