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The following obits are from Limestone Co. papers. Most are probably from the Groesbeck Journal. Unfortunately Grandma Hudson did not include dates but all of these obits seem to be from the 1930s unless otherwise noted. It was the custom in those days to not only include an obituary, but also a memorium of some type, usually a poem. Funeral announcements and family aknowledgements were also often included. Please return to this page as I will add more obits.
Obits on this page in order of appearance:
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Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
Mrs. Louisa Bennett was born May 7, 1835. Died Jan. 7, 1917.
"Be ye also ready for in an hour that you think not , the Son of Man cometh." Death has no season. He comes at darkness or at dawn, and his dread visitation cannot be averted. Youth and age are alike his victims and often he plucks the fairest of which God holds as a precious ransom to win the stricken to thoughts of Heaven and earth. So it is, in the death of Grandmother Bennett. He has take one whom to know, was to love. She had passed her fourscore years. Her standard of life was high, her purposes were pure, her dealings were just and merciful, her bounties were generous, her faith ample. She was kind and thoughtful of those in need, truely her whole life was full of the beauty and strength of a noble Christian Woman. It was a rare privilidge to be associated with her. For many years she was not strong, but was always patient and enduring. The last few days she was with us, sufferings were great, but she bore them triumphantly and talked freely about death --- said there were no terrors in it for her. That the way was bright and clear. We sorrow not as those who have no hope, but calmly say "God's will be done". In her going the Church has lost one of its rarest flowers, and the beauty and inspiration of her life rests upon us as a benediction. She was a devoted mother and to the seven children left behind, we would say: Children you have lost a mother, Heaven hath gained an angel. Then do not grieve or trouble, but live like she --- the faithful. For truely we can say with the poet: "Servant of God well done. Rest from the loved employ. The Battle fought, the Victory won, enter thy Master's joy. Soldier of Christ arise, praise be thy new employ and while eternal ages run rest is thy Savior's joy."
A Friend
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
BENNETT --- Mrs. Louisa, relict of E.G. Bennett, was born in Polk County, Missouri, May 7, 1835, and died in Groesbeck, Texas, January 7, 1917, aged 81 years and 8 months. She married and came with her husband to Limestone County, Texas, in 1850, where she continued to reside until her release for the home above. She was the mother of seven children --- four sons and three daughters --- all of whom are living. She was converted when a young woman and joined the Methodist Church, in which Church she held membership until she was translated to the Church triumphant. She came to the county and settled near old Fort Parker soon after Cynthia Ann Parker, of historic interest, was captured by the Indians when the Fort fell. At that time many hardships and privations had to be endured by the settlers, but she was equal to the task and bravely helped to make a home for herself and family. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett lived together more than sixty-five years after coming to Texas and saw the country thickly populated with a prosperous Christian people. Mr. Bennett died in June 1916, and his bereaved companion was lonely, and so was ready to go. Her faith was strong and he triumph complete as the hour of her going drew near. She was happy and praised God aloud. Her children know where to find her.
E.A. Smith
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
Funeral services for Mrs. Annie Elizabeth Hudson were held last Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. in the First Methodist Church with the Rev. D.R. McCauley officiating. Interment followed at the Faulkenberry Cemetery in Groesbeck.
Mrs. Hudson died at the home of her son, Clay Hudson, early Saturday Morning, August 2nd at about 3:10, following an illness of many weeks.
Mrs. Hudson was really a pioneer resident of this county, having been born near Honest Ridge on May 18, 1860, and she had resided in this county all of her life, she was a life long member of the Methodist Church, and the kind of church member and Christian that really practiced her religion, doing good for others was not the least of her many other many other Christian activities, besides raising her own family she had a part in the rearing of a number of other children, all of whom received the same loving care as given her own.
Her husband, the late R.S. Hudson, preceded her in death, having passed away in 1917. Surviving her are her children: Mrs. Eula Stutts, Lockney; J.W. Hudson, Beaumont; Clay Hudson, Coolidge, and Mrs. J.A. Bayless, Houston. Other immediate survivors include eleven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.
Surely this county has lost one of it's most beloved Christian characters, and her place in the church and community will be hard to fill. Her passing will be mourned by many.
NOTE: Ann Elizabeth Bennett Hudson was born May 18, 1860 and died Aug. 2, 1947. Mrs. J.A. Bayless was Alma Hudson Bayless, wife of Julius Alexander "Boss" Bayless. J.W. Hudson was John W. Hudson. R.S. Hudson was Robert Samuel Hudson. The many grandchildren included the children of Alma and Boss: Ann Ruby Bayless Bell, Elmer Jack Bayless, James Crawford "J.C." Bayless, Mildred Lucille Bayless Ribling and Christene Bayless.
Funeral Notice, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
Memorial, unknown Limestone County, TX, Newspaper
IN MEMORY OF OUR LOVED ONE MR. SAM BENNETT
A precious form from us has gone.
A voice we loved is still.
But the memory of him will forever with us live.
Sweet to remember him who once was here
And who though absent is just as dear.
Loved by family, friends, all whom he knew.
A wonderful husband and father too.
What would we give his hand to clasp.
His kind and patient face to see.
To hear his voice, to see his smiles,
As in the days that used to be.
He stood far out in the line of service.
Ever ready to lend a helping hand
To anyone that needed help,
Whether it be bird, beast or man.
There are the old home doorsteps
He will never stand again.
For he is dwelling now in Heaven,
Far from sorrow and pain.
My heart is heavy as I try to cheer
His grieving wife so kind and dear.
She has lost a husband true,
My prayers are God will watch over you.
So dear ones do not grieve, he would not have it so,
But ever look upward and trust,
For someday you too will be called to join
The loved ones gone before.
The journey of life is over
And where joys will never cease,
He is free from pain and sorrows.
And as he is well and glad,
In that far upper room.
We would not wish him back
But hope to meet him soon.
His loved one, A. L. Hudson
NOTE: This memorial poem was written by Ann Elizabeth Bennett Hudson, sister of Sam Bennett.
Unknown Limestone Co., TX, Newspaper, Date Unknown
We wish to express to our many friends, our sincere thanks and appreciation for the lovely floral offerings and expressions of sympathy in the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather.
Mrs. Sam Bennett and Family
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
Last rites for Mr. Sam Bennett, 82, life-long resident of Limestone county who died Friday afternoon, Sept. 30, were held from the First Methodist Church, Saturday,Oct.1, at 3 p.m. Services were conducted by the Rev. J.J. Creed of Waco, a former pastor of the local church, assisted by Rev. David Irvin and Rev. J.B. Weathers. Internment was in the Mexia Cemetery under the direction of the McElroy Funeral Home.
Mr. Bennett, who had been in failing health for several years, was a member of the First Methodist Church, a true Christian devoted husband and father, a sincere friend.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, Henry J. Bennett of Coolidge, and Raymond Bennett of Dallas; two sisters, Mrs. Ann Hudson of Datura, and Mrs. Pauline Oliver of Winters; two brothers, Mr. Jim Bennett of Sweetwater, and Mr. W.J. Bennett of Loraine, Texas; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. Two daughters preceded him in death.
Active pallbearers were his nephews: Douglas Hancock, Byron Hancock, Ernest Hancock, Joe Wallace Hancock and Clay Hudson.
Out-of-town relatives and friends from Waco, Dallas, Mexia, Groesbeck, Eureka. Wortham, Malone and Datura attended the services.
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
Funeral services were held Monday Jan. 3rd at the First Baptist Church for Mrs. W.C. Bayless, aged citizen of this community. Rev. J.O. Hearne of Waxahachie conducted the services as he did at the funeral of her husband who preceded her in death by some twenty-three years.
Mrs. Bayless was born in Georgia on Nov. 12, 1856 and came to Texas 46 years ago. She was converted at an early age, and was a member of the Baptist church.
She is survived by 9 of her 11 children, by 43 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Children are A.C. Bayless, Hillsboro; Mrs. W.M. Prichard, Waco; Mrs. S.E. Prichard, Waco; J.A. Bayless, Malone; L.C. Bayless, Corpus Christie; R.B. Bayless, Taft; M.L. Bayless, Coolidge; V.P. Bayless, Richland; John Bayless, Dallas.
Grandsons were pallbearers.
NOTE: Mrs. Bayless was born Harriet Wise. According to the census, she was born in Alabama, not Georgia, although she lived in Walker Co., GA, prior to, and after, her marriage to William Clinton Bayless. She died at the home of her son, J.A. "Boss" Bayless, in Malone.
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
Funeral services were held here Thursday afternoon for W. T. Jackson, 70, the former judge of the 77th District Court, who died at his home in this city early Wednesday morning. Judge Jackson had been ill for many months, having taken sick soon after retiring for the judgeship of the 77th district court.
Judge Jackson was appointed to the 77th district court by Governor Miriam A. Ferguson to succeed Judge A.M. Blackmon who resigned, and he served on the bench of this court for about three years.
Judge Jackson was seventy years of age at the time of his death and had lived all his life in Groesbeck where he was born. He attended A&M College and later took a degree in law at Lebannon, Tenn. He was engaged in the practice of law in Limestone county for nearly 50 years and was recognized as one of the most eminent attorneys of the state. He had been in ill health for many months previous to his death.
He is survived by a son, Bennett Jackson of Groesbeck and a brother, Frank Jackson of Groesbeck. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, with Rev. C.E. Lindsey , pastor of the Methodist church officiating. Judge Jackson had been a member of the board of stewards of this church for many years.
The court house and all business concerns of the city were closed for one hour Thursday in respect to this honored pioneer citizen.
NOTE: No dates are given. It is known that his wife Lula Bennett Jackson preceded him in death and that his son Bennett Jackson died in 1936, after the Judge.
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, 1936
Bennett Jackson has rejoined the family circle. He is now with his father, Judge W.T. Jackson; his mother, Mrs. Lula Bennett Jackson, and his brother Vernon Jackson. Saturday morning May 30, Bennett's spirit joined those he loved in the land beyond the skies. Sunday afternoon, his beautiful home on South Dallas Street, in this city, was crowded with sorrowing friends and relatives, who came to pay their last respects to one they loved. In the living room where his body rested there were flowers everywhere - beautiful flowers - as a silent testimonial to this young man who was born and reared in Groesbeck. Bennett was a good boy. His parents were among our leading citizens. They were high class people, respectable and numbered their friends by those who knew them. Bennett followed in their footsteps. He, too, was popular. He was kind hearted and very liberal toward unfortunate people. Although he possessed considerable wealth, it did not spoil him. He did not forget his friends, nor did he fail to remember the friends of his parents. I never heard of Bennett Jackson doing anyone a wrong.
Funeral services were at the residence, conducted by Rev. Hugh Porter, Rev. A.E. Harrison and Rev. R.G. Hill. Mrs. Harry Humble had charge of the singing, assisted by several ladies. Internment was in Faulkenberry, beside his father, mother and brother, with Wilford Sanders in charge of the arrangements. The pall bearers, all close personal friends of Bennett's, were: Allen Therrell, Melvin Thetford, Gentry Bugg, Sidney Strother, Wilcie Browder, Charles Harrison, Ernest Browder and Bill Gandy.
Close relatives who survive him are: Mrs. Ann Hudson, his aunt, a sister to his mother, who has mothered Bennett since his own mother died, who looked after his every want, and who will miss him very much; his cousin and partner in business, Franklin Jackson; his uncle, F.H. Jackson; his uncle, Sam Bennett of Coolidge; an aunt, Mrs. John Oliver of Winters, Texas; and the following cousins, Miss Minnie Morris, Mrs. John Scott, Mrs. F.J. Schultz, Mrs. Scott Reed, Drayton Boyd,Mrs, Jesse Kimbell, all of Groesbeck, Jim Morris of Dallas and Henry Bennett of Coolidge.
It is indeed unfortunate that Groesbeck had to lose this excellent young man - one who had not reached his thirty-fifth birthday - who had so much to live for. The writer joins with hundreds of other friends in extending deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ann Hudson, Franklin Jackson and the other relatives.
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
Mrs. Anna James Hancock, wife of B.F. Hancock, of this city, died at her home here about 10:30 o'clock Tuesday morning following an illness of many weeks duration, and in her passing this community has lost a good citizen, the church a faithful member and members of the family a loving and devoted companion.
Anna James Smith was born July 12, 1857, in Grant County, Arkansas, and on November 18, 1880, she was married to B.F. Hancock, and to this union seven children were born, six of whom with the husband and father, survive as follows: Joe M. Hancock, Dallas; E.J. Hancock, Coolidge; W.B. Hancock, Monroe, La.; Mrs. Maude Steele, Mexia; Mrs. Jessie Bayless, Taft; and Mrs. Anna Ruth Sanders, Coolidge. A number of grandchildren and nieces and nephews are also among the survivors.
Deceased was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, having united with that church in early life and had since that time lived a very consecrated Christian life, being always ready and willingly to extend a helping hand to any one needing aid.
Funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m., conducted by her pastor, the Rev. L.R. Vanderpool, with interment following in the Coolidge cemetery. McElroy Funeral Home had charge of the burial and arrangements.
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
Another one of the early pioneer residents of this section passed when B.F. Hancock was called away in death Saturday, Sept. 23. Mr. Hancock had only been confined to his home for some two or three weeks when the final summons came. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the First Methodist Church with the pastor, Rev. W.F. Smith, assisted by Rev. R.B. Stanton and Rev. Roy Johnson, conducting the service. Burial followed in the City Cemetery under the direction of the McElroy Funeral Home. Benjamin Franklin Hancock was a son of the late Charles and Achasey Hancock, early settlers in Limestone county, and was born near Mexia on January 8th, 1860, and had spent practically his entire life in the county. In early life he united with the Methodist Church and maintained his membership with the church of his choice for sixty-five years, and in all these years his sincerity and staunch integrity were never questioned.
In November, 1880, deceased was united in marriage to Miss Anna Smith, a native of Arkansas, who preceded her husband in death in April, 1935, and to this union seven children were born, six of whom survive: Joe M. Hancock, Dallas; Ernest J. Hancock, Coolidge; Mrs. Frank Steele, Corpus Christie; Mrs. R.B. Bayless, Taft; Mrs. Joe Sanders, Waco; Walter Hancock, West Monroe, Louisiana.
Other immediate survivors include one brother, Wallace J. Hancock, Coolidge, and two sisters, Mrs. Sam Bennett, Coolidge, and Mrs. J.H. Tull, Carlton; eighteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Mr. Hancock had been a resident of Coolidge for some sixteen or seventeen years, and for many years was Superintendent of the Coolidge water works system. Most of the citizens of the town knew him as "Uncle Ben", and he was liked and respected by all. He had a word of encouragement for everyone and was ready at all times to help and assist any one when the need arose.
Pallbearers were Dan Hancock, Bob Hancock, Sam Box, Joe Johnnie Bayless, Joe Sanders, Jr., and Roger Hancock, all grandsons of the deceased.
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, Unknown Date
J.W. Hudson, 25 year old son of Mrs. Lois Hudson of Datura, was killed at Birmingham, Ala., Monday afternoon when he was struck by an iron beam at an iron construction company.
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock at Pt. Enterprise Cemetery.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Loraine Hudson, an infant son, his mother, one sister, Evelyn Hudson and one brother, Troy Hudson, all of Datura.
Deceased was a grandson of L.I. Gatlin, of Pt. Enterprise.
Obituary, Unknown Limestone Co., TX Newspaper, 1973
Julius A. Bayless, 85, of 209 South McKinney Street, Mexia, died Monday afternoon in General Mexia Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday in Calvary Naptist Church in Mexia.
The Rev. J.W. Reynolds of Henderson and the Rev. J. Roland Spears of the Calvary Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Armour Cemetery in Coolidge.
Mr. Bayless was born Aug. 26, 1887 in Walker County, Georgia. He was retired from the Federal Reserve Bank and was a member of the Baptist Church. He had lived in Mexia for the past 20 years.
Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Ruby Bell of Houston, Mrs. Mildred Ribling of Valdosta, Georgia, and Miss Christine Bayless of Houston; a son J.C. Bayless of Durango, Colo.; a brother Lewis Bayless of Corpus Christie; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
Blair Stubbs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
NOTE: J.A. "Boss" Bayless was born Aug. 26, 1887 in Cassandra,Walker Co., GA. He died April 9, 1973 in Mexia, Limestone Co., TX. Boss Bayless was buried in the old Armour Cemetery in Coolidge, next to his wife Alma and daughter Minnie Bayless Parker. Members of the Prichard family are nearby and include Seth Prichard and his wife Jewell Bayless Prichard.
Obituary Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown
Harvey S. Bennett, 54, civil engineer and lifelong resident of Mexia, was claimed by death at 4:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at his residence at 509 East Main Street. He died of a heart ailment after having been confined to his bed for the past four or five days.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete, pending the arrival of his brother, Roy Bennett, from Little Rock, Ark. It was indicated however, that services would probably be held Friday morning from the Corley Funeral Home.
Mr. Bennett was considered by oil men to be one of the leading authorities on oil ormations in this section. He was a grandson of Alfonso Steele, Indian fighter, pioneer and last survivor of the Battle of San Jacinto, whose picture is now in the state capitol at Austin.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Julia Bennett, Dallas; one son, H.S. Bennett, Jr., Dallas; daughter, Miss Alice Ann Bennett, Dallas; a brother, Roy Bennett, Little Rock, Ark.; and his mother Mrs. T. Bennett Mexia.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Tucker, Howard Wright, Frank Oliver, John Groover, Emile Nussbaum, L.L. Steele, Dr. O.T. Christoffer and Jim Cannon. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. E.D. Dunlap, pastor of the First Baptist church. Interment will be in the city cemetery.
Obituary Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown
Funeral services for Grady W. Thetford, age 45, who died at his home in East Groesbeck Sunday afternoon, were held from the chapel of the Wilford Sanders Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. Monday. Rev. J.C. Oglesby of the First Methodist Church officiated. Burial was in the Glenwood Memorial Park.
Pall bearers were Ruben Scharff, Frank Walter, Bill Priddy, Robert Black, Monroe Sanders, Allen Therrell, Homer Bevill and Nin McClintic.
The deceased was a native son of the Groesbeck community, and by virtue of his upright Christian character, possessed a host of friends. At the age of 13 he united with the Methodist Church and was always a loyal member, attending worship services when his health and circumstances permitted.
Surviving in his immediate family are his aged mother, Mrs. Pattie Alford Thetford of this city, two brothers, Melvin of Dallas and Bob of Groesbeck; two sisters, Mrs. Ada Moody of Tehuacana and Mrs. Addie White of Mineral Wells, and a host of sorrowing friends.
Obituary Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown
Mrs. W.W. Brown of Groesbeck, pioneer resident and musician of east Texas, and wife of the late Dr. W.W. Brown, well known physician of that section who died in 1932, passed away at her home Monday and will be buried in Groesbeck Wednesday, the funeral services to be held at the Methodist church at 1:30 p.m.
Was Widely Educated Mrs. Brown, who had resided in Groesbeck aince 1895, when she was married to Dr. William W. Brown, had been prominently identified with the church, club and cultural activities of east Texas for many years. Born May Proctor, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Watson Proctor of Proctor, she was graduated from mary Nash college at Sherman (later Kidd-Key college), and later was graduated in music from Hamilton college at Bowling Green, KY.
Mrs. Brown, who was included in the Who's Who of Texas Women, was founder of the Groesbeck Music Study club, one of the oldest organizations of its kind in that section; and active member of the Shakespeare and Delphian societies, and a long-time leader in the Bi-Stone Federation of Women's Clubs and the Texas Music Teacher's Association. She was organist at the Methodist Church in Groesbeck and had been a teacher of piano and music theory for over 40 years.
Survivors Are Listed She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Harold Stafford of San Antonio, Mrs. Merion Reynolds of Groesbeck, and Mrs. Jack Winkle of Marion, Iowa; Three grandchildren, Charles William Stafford, Merion Brown Reynolds and Helen Martelle Winkle. Both Mrs. Stafford and Mrs. Reynolds are graduates of Baylor university, and Mrs. Winkle of Mary Hardin-Baylor college, Belton. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are former residents of Waco.
Obituary Unknown Limestone Co. Newspaper, Date Unknown
Several from here attended the funeral services at Italy Tuesday at 10 o'clock for Mr. Ward, the father of Mrs. J.P. Morris of this city, who died early Monday morning after an illness of some time.
Mr. Ward, who was 80 years of age, had lived in that vicinity since the age of one year. He was a highly respected citizen of that city and a staunch member of the Methodist church.
He was preceded in death only two years ago by Mrs. Ward. He was survived by thirteen children, all of whom were present at the services.
Those who attended from here were: Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Keaton, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Bond and Bettie Bond, Mr. and Mrs. C.D. Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Teller, Mr. and Mrs. Wilford Sanders and Wilford, Jr., Mrs. J. Cull Browder, Louise Pokenda, Harris Mack Browder and Stroud Jackson of Waco.
