DR. ROBERT EVERETT GUSTAFSON, age 91, our beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, was called home into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 16, 2011 in The Woodlands, Texas.

Dr. Gus was born on August 22, 1920 in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of Josephine and Ernst Victor Gustafson. He graduated from theUniversity of Iowa Medical School in 1945 and joined the Navy as a Lt. JG. He performed a rotating internship at Norfolk Naval Hospital and completed his residency on the pediatric hospital staff at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. From 1951 - 1956, he entered private practice in Kankakee, Illinois. He then moved his practice to Houston in 1956 and retired in 1992. He loved children and the practice of pediatrics, faithfully serving his patients for more than 47 years. During this time, he was on the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine, and was past President of the Medical Staff at Texas Children's Hospital.

Bob was a devoted family man, marrying his beloved Belle Wakeman in June, 1945. Belle and Bob were married for 61 years and had 5 children; daughter Barbara Jo Laughlin married to Bill, daughter Karin Louise Deming married to Joe, and sons Robert Everett Gustafson married to Beth, David Ernst Gustafson married to Diane, and Daniel Alfred Gustafson married to Carol. He also had 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Bob was an accomplished sportsman and gentleman golfer, even winning the prestigious Silver Putter Award at Champions Golf Club in 1963. Bob spent many years in his Lord's service, teaching Sunday school, ministering to his church's singles group, performing premarital counseling with his wife Belle, and serving as Elder at Bethel Church of Houston.

Our Dad will be remembered by family and friends for his wisdom, care and understanding. When Dad would enter a room, those present would immediately notice his calm manner and gentle nature. He would lift the spirits of all through his singing of nostalgic songs and prayerful hymns. He gave us his unconditional love and leaves a void now in our lives. Thank you, Dad, for being such an amazing father, instructor, doctor, friend, and devoted follower of Christ.

GEORGE DEMITRIUS CARAMEROS JR, 87, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 17, 2011. He died peacefully at home of complications from Alzheimers disease.

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George was born on March 1, 1924 in El Paso, Texas to Esperanza and George Demitrios Carameros. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Narcissus Easterling Carameros and leaves a heritage of 5 children, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.

George was a member of the "greatest generation". At age 19, he enlisted in the army and served his country in the 103rd Infantry Division Company F. and was awarded a bronze star His most memorable wartime experience occurred when his company, having crossed the formidable Vosges Mountains, penetrated the vaunted Siegfried Line and entered Germany in the bitter winter of 1944. After the war, he returned to El Paso to obtain a degree in Business Administration from theUniversity of Texas at El Paso (Texas Western University) and began a long and successful career at the El Paso Natural Gas Company. In 1960, he and his family moved to Paris, France where he was the President of El Paso France-Afrique, a subsidiary which was involved in importing liquefied natural gas from Algeria to the eastern seaboard of the United States. In 1965, he moved to executive headquarters of The El Paso Company in New York to become Assistant Vice President of the parent company. In 1968, George and his family moved to Houston when El Paso relocated its headquarters, He retired from the El Paso Co. in 1981 as Vice Chairman. He was a pioneer in the natural gas industry and a visionary whose career gave him opportunity to work with Aristotle Onassis, Armand Hammer and many governments seeking his expertise in the LNG field.

George and Narcissus enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends. George's annual Christmas letters were testimonies to his love for His Savior, and for his beloved wife whom he described as being "forever young". He detailed with great pride the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

George is survived by his wife, Narcissus, his daughters: Cecille Carameros Shannon and husband, George; Cynthia Ann Blevins and husband, John; Cathy Carameros Patton and husband, David; his sons, George Demetrios Carameros III and wife, Nancy and Carl Alan Carameros and his wife, Lynne. Granddaddy will be missed by his grandchildren: Valerie Shannon Tompson and husband, Matt; Michael Shannon and wife, Brooke; Chris Shannon and wife, Lacey; Stacy Patton Sims and husband, John; Candice Patton Corley and husband, Kenny; David Patton; Amy Blevins Heidmann, and husband , John; Scott Blevins, Brittany Carameros, Courtney Carameros, George Carameros IV, Jessica Carameros and fiancé, Andrew Rensimer, Alan Carameros, Jared Carameros, Reid Carameros, Phillip Carameros and his 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Alexander Hector Carameros of El Paso, Texas. The family wishes to thank George's devoted caregivers, Gilma Gonzalez and Alfonso Cepeda.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Campus Crusade for Christ, Dallas Theological Seminary, the Alzheimer's Association Houston, and Vitas Hospice.

With long life, will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation. Psalms 91:16

Neill Byron Longley was born October 30, 1931 in Andrews, Texas and went to be with the LORD on Sunday, May 15, 2011.

Neill was a graduate of Andrews High School in Andrews, TX, University of Texas at El Paso, and an Alpha Omega Alpha honors graduate from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.  He practiced radiology for over 50 years and was well-loved by his patients, co-workers, family and friends for his warmth, humor, intelligence and strong faith in God.  During his long career, he served as director of radiology at St. Elizabeth Hospital for 18 years in Houston, worked at St. Mary’s Hospital  in Galveston, and spent many years as a diagnostic radiologist at Kelsey-Seybold in Houston.  He also worked in private practice, and served as an expert witness in legal trials.  Neill continued to practice from home through computer-aided teleradiology until the last few weeks of his life.

Neill was a true Renaissance man with many interests and talents.  He was a strong academic with a thirst for knowledge.  He excelled in athletics, running track and playing football in high school as well as starring in the drama department.   He possessed a beautiful singing voice and won a college scholarship for voice and music.  His love for singing was expressed as a long-time member of Houston’s First Baptist choir under the direction of Gerald Ray.   His sense of adventure throughout life took him on many travels to different countries, and he enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, skiing and hiking. He was a member of the Houston Racquet Club as well as the Galveston Racquet Club and enjoyed time spent with friends and family.

Because of his love for medicine, Neill donated his body to science through the UT-San Antonio Health Science Center.  His cremated remains will be returned to the family at a later time and interred at the Hebrew Cemetery where Leslie’s family has a plot in Brownsville, Texas.

He was preceded in death by parents, Dewey and Waunda Longley and son, Craig A. Longley.  He is survived by wife, Leslie Longley, sister Mary Halperin, brother John Longley, daughters Carla Longley and Sarah Richards, son-in-law Mike Richards, grand-daughter Misty Farrow and her husband Josh, and three great grand-daughters, as well as many nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

The family would like to acknowledge Maria Teresa del Rio for her tender care and service during the last year of Neill’s life.

Donations in Neill’s honor may be sent to Cornerstone Church in McAllen, TX.

Chloris Morris Johnson, (Chloris Aguillard McGinty Johnson), 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 5, 2011.

Chloris was born on January 31, 1925 to Gladys Jackson and Gilbert Morris in Bogalusa, LA.

Chloris was a loving, caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be missed by all who knew her and whose lives she touched. She was a kind, generous, loving lady who loved her Lord. Chloris was a musician and an artist. She taught piano, played for the church, and painted portraits of children and pets. Chloris also worked as a secretary in the oil and gas industry and helped write the church newsletter.

Chloris was preceded in death by her parents, her second husband, Charles F. McGinty and her third husband, Fred G. Johnson, Sr. Chloris is survived by her two daughters Paula Aguillard Berner (Barry), and Linda Aguillard Johnson. Chloris is also survived by her step-children Wayne McGinty ( Linda), Wendy McGinty Gamble (Carl), Mike McGinty (Rowena), Beki Johnson Burchett, Fred Gil Johnson, Jr. (Cherie), and Robbie Johnson (Katy). Chloris also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

The family extends their thanks to all of the physicians who cared for Chloris during her illness.

Donations can be made in Chloris’s name to Camp Peniel, Houston Hospice, or the Humane Society.

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Anna Jean Cunningham, age 73, passed away Monday, March 21, 2011, leaving us to meet her Lord, Jesus Christ. She was born to the late David Octavius Calderhead and Agnes MacFarlane Calderhead on October 30, 1937, in Asheville, North Carolina.

As a young girl Anna trusted in Jesus as her Savior and has lived her life for Him. She was first of all a faithful and loving wife to Bill and a 'soft touch' mother to her children. After the youngest went to school, she pursued a degree in Nursing and received her BSRN in 1978 at Trenton State College in New Jersey. After moving to St. Louis, she rose quickly at Missouri Baptist Hospital to become shift supervisor before retiring in 1992 when the family moved to Houston.

In N.J. she was co-chair of the Trenton Christian Women's club, was involved in Sunday School teaching and various other activities at Carter Road Bible Chapel. During the family short stay in Houston in the late 70's she again was a SS teacher and awana leader at Braeburn Bible Chapel and served as camp nurse at Sandy Creek Bible Camp. In St. Louis we attended Hope Church where again she was involved in several church activities including the Missions Committee.

On our return to Houston in 1992, Anna was a member of the PEO, the Blue Birds, and the Daughters of the British Empire in addition to being a group leader in Bible Study Fellowship. We attended Bethel Church where she ministered on the Missions Committee, SS and Choir. She accompanied a Dental team to Honduras for six annual weekly trips to serve the dental and spiritual needs of needy Hondurans.

In 2005, she was diagnosed with Alzheimers and gradually succumbed to the disease.

She is survived by her husband, William Cunningham; daughter, Laura Ann Rorie, and grandson, Ian Rorie, of Loveland, Colorado; daughter, Cheryl Cooley and her husband Philip, and granddaughter, Corin Cooley, and grandson, Cameron Cooley, of Lake Jackson, TX; son, Brian K. Cunningham and his wife Anita, and grandson, Connor Cunningham , of Cedar Park, Texas, her sister Elizabeth Hoffman and brother David Calderhead of Mansfield, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Amazing Place (seniorsplace.org), where Anna attended for 2 1/2 years.

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Laura Susann "Suzy" Alexander Felber, 65, is face to face with her Lord and Savior. Suzy peacefully passed into Heaven on February 4, 2011. She is the daughter of the late Howard C. and Ruth Alexander, and is survived by Troy Dean Felber, loving husband and best friend of 42 years, daughters - Erin Felber and Becca Felber Reichenberger, and a multitude of friends and cousins.

Suzy was born and raised in Houston, TX, attended Spring Branch High school and graduated from Lamar High School in 1963. She married Troy Felber in 1969, and was a devoted mother of her daughters who were her pride and joy. Not only was Suzy a wonderful mother and friend, she was also a talented interior designer and member of ASID and a fabulous cook.

Suzy was an angel among us - she loved her friends and family to the fullest, loved God's beautiful outdoors; she was full of life, overflowing with joy and had the gift of encouragement. She had a sense for when someone was in pain, and needed comforting.

Her happiest times were being surrounded by family and friends - she was the life of the party. She loved Christmas, Easter and celebrating Jesus in everyday life. Her time spent at the cabin in Colorado were some of the simplest, yet most special - flyfishing with Troy, sitting on the porch, and listening to the river.

Suzy always said we must grieve - that it is good for us. More importantly, she wants us to rejoice in the fact that she is dancing and laughing with Jesus...and with the loved ones that went before her. She would want us to continue to share all the love in her heart with each other during this time, and be comforted by memories of her laughter.

...Well done good and faithful servant...enter into the Joy of your Lord.
- Matthew 25:21

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Mars Hill Productions or the Rett Syndrome Foundation.

Ethel Louise Liljestrand Swirsky went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 8th surrounded by all her family. She was born in Edinburg, Texas on March 18, 1932. She is survived by 3 children, 11 grandchildren, 3 brothers and many loving friends.

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She dearly loved Jesus Christ and served him faithfully to the end. Her desire has always been that all of her friends and family come to know Christ personally so she can spend eternity with them in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be make to the Star of Hope Mission in Houston where Ethel faithfully volunteered for many years.

Frances Waring Stewart was born on February 8, 1930 in rural Pennsylvania, and died at her home in Houston on November 4, 2010, surrounded by her family, after a slow decline in health from congestive heart failure and lung disease.

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Frances grew up in a very poor family in Half Moon Township, PA, which she always described as “a wide spot in the road”. She asked Jesus to be her Savior when she was 18, shortly before her mother died of cancer. She worked her way through college at Penn State University, and was active in the InterVarsity chapter there, where she met her husband Bill Stewart. She worked one year while Bill went to grad school, and then they were married on June 13, 1953. Carol was born 3 years later, and Fran’s father joined the family shortly before Nancy was born and lived with them until his death in 1961. In 1965 Bill was transferred to Houston by Conoco, and the family began attending Bethel in January of 1966. Fran taught Sunday School, hosted a Good News Club and helped at Camp Good News (through Child Evangelism Fellowship), and was in charge of the KHCB monthly mailings for a number of years. Her daughters declare that every missionary that hit the city limits of Houston either stayed with them or at least came to dinner, because Fran loved to cook and to serve others, and was pleased to open her home for the Lord’s workers. In 1984, she welcomed Bill’s father into her home, just after she finished radiation treatments for breast cancer, and cared for him until the Lord took him in 1986. Fran and Bill stayed supportive of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship through the years, and went to monthly prayer meetings for the local IV staff for decades.

In 1991, a metastasis of breast cancer was found in Fran’s left lung, so the upper lobe was removed, and she had a year of chemo and radiation, which scarred her lungs and eventually caused pneumonia and COPD, and led to congestive heart failure. As her health declined, Fran gradually gave up going out to help others and began praying at home more. She would spend several hours a day with prayer letters of missionaries and Christian organizations in her hands, praying through their needs and requests. Frances was blessed to be able to live out her last years at home with her husband and daughter Nancy, who came home from her overseas work to care for them.

Frances is survived by her husband William C. Stewart, her daughter Nancy Stewart, and her daughter Carol Stewart Mulvahill, along with Carol’s husband Tim and children Amie, Daniel (and wife Rebekah), Jessica, Brian (and fiance´e Josmery), Stephen, Natalie, and Jonathan Mulvahill. We rejoice that her long battle is over and she is celebrating with her Lord Jesus now.

If you desire, send memorial gifts to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Greater Houston, PO Box 10904 Houston TX 77206-0904.

JO CARTER BEWLEY entered into her Savior's loving arms on October 29, 2010 after a 4+ year courageous battle with ovarian and double breast cancer.

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Born in Douglas, GA, Jo was preceded in deaths by her parents Willie Mae Brown and William T. McDonald of Macon, GA. Jo is survived by her husband, Bob Bewley, of Houston having been married 28 years. She is also survived by her six children, John Carter and wife Allison of Raeford, NC, Gary Carter and wife Nancy, of Cumming, GA, Cheryl Satterfield and husband John of Gainesville, GA, Jodie Lewallen and husband Ronnie, of Lula, GA, Susan Miller of Dawsonville, GA, and Scott Carter and wife Joni, of Sylva, NC. She leaves a Godly heritage to 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren that were so precious to her. Jo grew up in Savannah and Macon, GA. She obtained a BA from Mercer Univ. and a MEd and a Specialist in Ed from the Univ. of Georgia. She started a lifetime of world travels to 54 countries when she was hired in 1975 by ARAMCO in Saudi Arabia to implement a Gifted Program for the company's schools, a country and company that she so enjoyed to its fullest.

Jo and Bob met square dancing at the Aramco Dhahran Square Dancing club in 1979. Married in 1982, they lived in Houston where Jo taught for HISD at Tijerina, Wilson and Pleasantville schools. After retiring from her love of teaching, she continued her travels to visit Christian missionaries the world over. Her love for missionaries started at an early age and only grew as she grew older. After Bob and Jo were introduced to the Micah Project, of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in 2000, she fell in love with the Micah Boys and all things Micah. In 2008, she started the Grupo Mama Jo to teach the single mothers of the Micah Boys how to sew and make a living with their new found skills. This ministry is flourishing and growing after Jo's initial vision and startup. Jo and Bob are members of Pine Valley Bible Church serving on the Missions Committee. Jo and Bob were also founding firemen in the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department in Richmond, TX. Jo so loved her Lord from the time she was saved at 8 years of age. She was an inspiration to many throughout her battle with cancer. She handled the cancer journey with dignity and grace. Bob and the family wishes to thank Dr. Garrett Lynch and his staff, Carol and Cristina for their dedicated and compassionate care. Also, the staff of Methodist Hospital Main 8 NW and the CAGT Unit could not have been more professional and caring. Houston Hospice has been so comforting the past few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, Jo requested that a remembrance be made to the Micah Project, Inc. P.O. Box 12788, Houston, TX 77206-2788 Attn. Micah 2 Campaign to help build a new home for her Micah Boys. The family also thanks all our friends who have supported us so much during this journey.

LANSON BURROWS DITTO, JR., peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, the 26th of August 2010.

Lanson was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Dorothy Wade Ditto; his brother, Ben Ditto; and by his sister, Ruth Ditto Jones. He is survived by his daughters: Dody Muraki and husband Doug, Judy McCloud and husband Simon; his grandsons: Doug Muraki, Tim Muraki, Mac McCloud and Wade McCloud; and a number of nieces and nephews and their children.

Lanson was born on the 4th of May 1920, while his parents were visiting New York City but home was Paducah, Kentucky. He was an avid golfer, starting before the age of 7; he loved the outdoors and was an Eagle Scout. He attended prep school at Western Military Academy and went on to Washington and Lee University where he joined Sigma Chi fraternity. In 1940, he joined the Navy and was in the Philippines when war broke out. Lanson fought in numerous naval battles, including Guadalcanal, and survived the sinking of two ships while saving the lives of many men. After the war he moved to Houston and with his family bought the clothing store which became Norton Ditto.

Lanson was on the boards of Memorial Hospital, Houston Retail Merchants Assoc., and was a member of Downtown Rotary, The Houston Club and River Oaks Country Club. He was also on the board of Dallas Theological Seminary and was an Elder and active member of Bethel Church.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests that donations be made in Lanson's memory to:

• Bethel Church
  825 Bering Drive
  Houston, TX, 77057
• Washington and Lee University
  Development Office
  204 West Washington Street
  Lexington, VA, 24450
• Admiral Nimitz Foundation
  328 East Main Street
  Fredericksburg, TX, 78624

Marjorie Frances Redig Farris went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, the 17th of August, 2010, in Houston. She was 87.

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Marjorie Frances Redig Farris, 87, died August 17, 2010 in League City, Texas. Marj was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Dr. Pat Lee Farris, DDS. She is survived by three children: James Gorden Farris (Jim) and his wife Chris, David Lee Farris, and Ellen LaJoy Farris Johnson and her husband Dr. Jolly Michael Johnson, DDS; by five grandchildren: Dr. Jolly Samuel Johnson, DDS and his wife Cherie, Katie Elaine Johnson Jenkins and her husband Ryan, Nathan Michael Johnson, Matthew Lee Farris and his fianceé Kelly Irvine, and Jamie Lajoy Farris; and by two great-grandsons: Jolly Samuel Johnson, Jr., and Judah Matthew Johnson. Marj is also survived by her brother John Martin Redig.

Marj was born October 23, 1922 in Corpus Christi, Texas to John Constance Redig and Veronica Jakubic Redig. Marj lived most of her life in Houston, Texas. She graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1941. She met her future husband, Pat Farris, while he was a student at the University of Texas Dental School. Pat and Marj were married on December 9, 1950, and had celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary before Pat died in 1987.

Through the years Marj used her hands for doing commercial art, painting, drafting, x-ray welding, dental assisting, and homemaking. Her favorite hobbies included fishing, cooking, and gardening. She and her husband enjoyed opening their home for Bible studies and for sharing meals. Marj had a very strong faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and enjoyed exercising her gift of giving. In her later years she was laden with painful arthritis, which hindered her mobility, but it did not keep her from spending time interceding for her family and friends in prayer. She was a longtime member of Bethel Church of Houston.

Sarah Demia Burge went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, the 18th of June, 2010, in Houston. She was 90.

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SARAH DEMIA BURGE was born in Houston, Texas on the 3rd of July 1920 and went to be with the Lord on Friday, the 18th of June 2010.

"Demia," as she was called by her children, was a lifelong resident of Houston and attended Central High School. She met and married William F. Burge, Jr. in 1940 and was instrumental in maintaining the household while he built a successful real estate development business with projects throughout the United States.

Demia loved the Lord and her friends and neighbors from her church home, Bethel Church, and relied heavily on the written Word of God to guide her life. She also cared deeply about her family and was an active part of their lives. She often said, "My family means everything to me."

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sara Ann Burge Good. Demia is survived by her husband, William F. Burge, Jr. and two sons William F. "Billy" Burge, III and wife Pam, and Charles E. "Eddie" Burge and wife, Linda. Other survivors include her son-in-law, Scott Bradley Good; grandchildren, Chuck Burge and wife Stacie, Farley S. Burge and wife Dawn and their children Noelle and Caroline; Mathew Burge; Jeni Burge Raymond and husband Gabe and their children Ashley and Amanda; William Farley Burge IV; Sara Elizabeth Good and Samantha Burge Good. She is also survived by her younger brother, Dr. Edwin Cook and wife, Mikki.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations in her honor and memory may be directed to Camp Peniel, 6716 E. FM 1431, Marble Falls, TX, 78654; KHCB Radio 2424 South Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77098; or the charity of one's choice.

Margaret Roberts Bould went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, the 13th of October, 2009, in Houston. She was 89.

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MARGARET (MARGO) ROBERTS BOULD, passed away on October 13, 2009. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Norman Stanley Bould, from Manchester, England. She is survived by their two children, Wendy Bould Wright and her husband Loyd and Stanley Clifford Bould and his wife Sara. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Elizabeth and Andrew Wright and William, Kate and Henry Bould. Margo was born in Cumming, Georgia, the youngest of five children, all of whom preceded her in death.

Her family moved to Miami, Florida when she was ten. She graduated from Florida State University, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. Upon graduation she was employed as a teacher by Exxon and taught American children in Venezuela and Iran. She met her husband Norman in Iran and they were married there in 1957. They made their home in Houston in 1969.

Margo has been active in Theta and Panhellenic everywhere she has lived. She served on the board of Theta for over twenty-four years and held many offices including President of the Houston Chapter. In 2007 Theta named a Panhellenic scholarship in her honor that is awarded annually.

Margo was a loyal member of Bethel Church and a dedicated member of Barbara Dowdy's Bible Study class. She was grateful for the many friendships and the loving care extended to her during her last years by the members of Bethel Church. Margo passed away after a period of declining health.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family asks that donations in Margo's memory be made to one of the following organizations:

Bethel Church
825 Bering Dr
Houston, TX 77057

Dorothy Culpepper Gallagher went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, the 5th of April, 2009, in Houston. She was 96.

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Dorothy, a native Houstonian, was born on the 27th of February, 1913, to Mary Ella Evans and Joseph Wilson Culpepper. She grew up in her beloved Woodland Heights as the youngest of four sisters. Even into her 90s, Dorothy vividly remembered going calling with her mama in their surrey, horses being watered around the courthouse, and swimming in the clear water of Buffalo Bayou. She knew every street in The Heights and could still name the original owners and histories of all the old homes.

Shortly after graduating from Sam Houston High School, Dorothy met the love of her life, Nicholas Aloysius Gallagher, on a dance boat at Morgan’s Point. They married two months later and began their wonderful life together that lasted 63 years.

Nick and Dorothy were active members of Berean Baptist Church, where they led the Youth Department for years. Dorothy sang in the choir, and she and her sisters were on the radio every Sunday morning as the “Culpepper Girls Trio.” They later joined First Baptist Church of Houston, where they served faithfully and continued to mentor and invest in many lives. Dorothy was also a member of The Charter Bible Study Fellowship class.

In 1977, Nick and Dorothy retired to New Braunfels. They joined First Baptist Church and became very involved. They loved teaching a Bible Study to young married couples in their home. Dorothy was instrumental in starting the B.S.F. pilot class in New Braunfels, where she served as a leader for 15 years.

Dorothy and Nick were avid golfers and loved spending time at the river in New Braunfels, the beach in Galveston and the mountains of New Mexico. Dorothy was very artistic and loved crafts, especially china painting.

Joyously awaiting Dorothy’s arrival in heaven were her parents, her sisters Thelma Culpepper, Leah Gennusa, Elsie Rogillio and Edna Davis, and her beloved husband Nick, along with many other loved ones.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Patti Gallagher; her son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Jodie Gallagher; her grandchildren, Devin Gallagher, Shannon Smith and husband Boyd, and Sean Gallagher and wife, Gaye; great-grandchildren Riley and Finn Gallagher, and Nick and Megan Smith.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dorothy’s special angels, Carla McCarthy and Tameisha Hampton, and also Carol McCarthy and Dean Norris, for their loving care and devotion to Dorothy during her last years. Others who brought special joy to Dorothy are Jana Stevens, Mickey Cramer, Alwyn Nichols, Jan and Bill Katylo, Paula Jagaman, Sheri and Dennis Clark and the Larry Soape family.

Dorothy lived a wonderful life and will be remembered for her gentle and loving spirit and wise counsel. She taught us how to live joyously, love unconditionally and die courageously. We will miss her dearly because she blessed us greatly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Dorothy’s honor be directed to Bible Study Fellowship, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, TX 78258, or Star of Hope Mission, P.O. Box 1505, Houston, TX 77251.

Obituary

ALBERT WILCOX, 78, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 30, 2008. He was a devoted husband, loving father and proud grandfather. Born a twin November 24, 1929 and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, Al graduated from The Citadel in 1950 and joined the U.S. Air Force. While stationed at Ellington AFB in Houston, he met the love of his life, Starley, who he sweetly called his girlfriend all of his life. They were married in March, 1951. After his military service in the Korean War, he had a successful career in accounting and finance, many years traveling the world. Al faithfully served in church ministries in Texas and New Jersey. He patiently and selflessly helped alongside his wife to care for his in-laws, Owen and Hilda Manuell and aunt Maggie Allman until they passed away. He enjoyed boating and history and was an avid coin collector. Al was known for his integrity and generosity, willing to help others in times of need, and was loved and respected by all. He will always be remembered with his big smile. Al will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 57 years, Starley; daughter Kristie Kimmons (Arnold), Marlton, NJ; daughter Sharon Sigmon, Round Rock; granddaughter Rebecca Kimmons, Brooklyn, NY; grandson Bryan Sigmon, Austin; grandson Andrew Kimmons, Troy, NY; twin brother Herbert Wilcox (Joan), Mt. Pleasant, SC; sister-in-law Ginny Wilcox, Isle of Palms, SC; nieces and nephews.

Service Information

The pastoral and ministry staff at Bethel sends their condolences to the family and friends of Albert Wilcox. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The worship guide for Albert's memorial service is attached. CD's will be made available to those who wish to receive them. Please click here to request one.

For those interested in signing the guestbook and leaving a note for Starley and family, click here.