admin, Author at Henderson County Now

Obituary: Alice ‘Bobbie’ Berry Rodeghier

Alice “Bobbie” Berry Rodeghier was born in Dallas on Nov, 16, 1935. She died surrounded by her family in McKinney, Texas on Jan. 16, 2013.

Bobbie was retired as a bookkeeper for C&S Hardware.

Bobbie married her first love, James Berry, at 15 years old. The two remained together until James’ death in 2002. Their 52 years of marriage produced three daughters, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and countless silly stories, happy memories, and practical jokes.

Bobbie remarried in 2003 to David Rodeghier, who remained her loving companion for the rest of her life.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel Ruth Wilkerson and Robert Marshall Martin; and her husband, James Berry.

She is survived by her husband, David Rodeghier; her brothers, Robert Marshall Martin Jr. and Jerry Wayne Martin; her daughters, Lynn Freeze and husband Richard, Patricia Petersen, and Diana Herriott and husband David; her grandchildren, Christy, Kelly, Rachael, James, and Andrea; and great-grandchildren, Mason, Dylan, Drew, and Paige.

Bobbie was best known for her ability to give and receive love and will be dearly missed.

Recognizing county school board members

Athens ISD school board members were recognized at last week's meeting in honor of School Board Recognition Month in Texas. Pictured, from left, are board members Alicea Elliott, Robert Risko (president), Steve McElhany, Ginger Kirk, Bob Spears, and Raymond Williams. Not pictured is David Freeman. (STACY DUNACUSKY PHOTO/Athens ISD) — Athens ISD school board members were recognized at last week’s meeting in honor of School Board Recognition Month in Texas. Pictured, from left, are board members Alicea Elliott, Robert Risko (president), Steve McElhany, Ginger Kirk, Bob Spears, and Raymond Williams. Not pictured is David Freeman. (STACY DUNACUSKY PHOTO/Athens ISD)

January is school board recognition month in Texas, a time set aside to remember the men and women across the state who donate countless hours to service at our public schools.

As the Texas Association of School Boards‘ press release reads:

Texans benefit every day from the tireless work and countless hours contributed by a group of more than 7,300 men and women in communities across the state. These local volunteers are elected by their constituents and receive no compensation for their work as public servants. These men and women are the school board members of Texas.

The following serve on school boards in Henderson County:

Athens: President Rob Risko, Vice President David Freeman, Secretary Robert Spears, Raymond Williams, Ginger Kirk, Steve McElhany, and Alicea Elliott.

Brownsboro: Wes Johnston, Michele Rinehart, Michele Blackmon, Brian Bersano, Steve Sanders, Jeffery Fulgham, and Scott Williams.

Cross Roads: President Scott Huddleston, Vice President Darren Himes, Secretary Keith Pryor, Shelly Robertson, Dr. Russell Giles, Scott McCurley and Larry Scoggin.

Eustace: President Diane Rush, Vice President Thomas E. Frazier, Secretary Gary Walsh, C.D. (Sonny) Hodge II, Bobby K. Ashton, Michael Cates, and Billy (Cotton) Walker.

Mabank: President Kenneth Odom, Vice President Dr. Darrell Kinnard, Secretary Mike Cathey, Tyson Johnson, Todd Grimes, Dr. Jeff Gaddis, and Gary Sapp.

Malakoff: President Gary Woolverton, Vice President Todd LaRue, Secretary Daymon Sims, Mike Monroe, Billy Sparks, Jason Darymple, and Rick Vieregge.

Murchison: President Donald Goines, Vice President Lloyd Smith, Secretary Nelda Tillison, Sheryl Sims, Mike Davis, Nancy McCall, and Gayla Roberts.

Trinidad: President Eric Airheart, Vice President Ricky Stanfield, Secretary Karen Newsome, Billy Hornbuckle, Mike Airheart, Bill Tart, and Dennis Parker.

Daily Brief: Celebrating MLK’s Legacy

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration lasted the weekend in Henderson County, and came to a close Monday night with the annual Henderson County Black History Committee’s annual Candlelight Vigil in Malakoff.

The event was held at New Hope Corinth CME Church and featured the pastor, Rev. Billy Wright, as the speaker.

Wright preached from John 16:32-33:

Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (NKJ)

He also spoke from Dr. King’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech.

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!

I posted a photo album from the event on our Facebook page.

The weekend celebration also included an MLK Day parade and a Gospel Explosion on Saturday. I posted a photo album from the parade.

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WHAT YOU MISSED

Former Malakoff resident Esther Mary Richardson celebrated her 100th birthday recently.

State Sen. Robert Nichols was named chairman of the powerful Transportation Committee.

I added several new events to the Community Calendar. Remember, there is no charge for listing your event with us. Just click the “Contact” tab in the menu bar and let us know what you are doing.

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WHAT OTHERS ARE TALKING ABOUT

The Review has a story about a San Antonio man who was killed in a car wreck on State Highway 19 Monday.

Sis. Esther Mary Richardson celebrates 100th birthday

Sis. Esther Mary Richardson celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this month. (COURTESY PHOTO)

By Delanda S. Johnson
Special to HCT Now

On Saturday, Jan. 5, at the Wynnham Hotel in Dallas, Sis. Esther Mary Richardson (also known as Mother Richardson) celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends.

Sis. Richardson was born in Malakoff, however now lives in Dallas and is a member of Gaines Chapel AME Church where Rev. W. K. McDonald is the pastor.

Approximately 80 to 100 people waited for Sis. Richardson to enter the ballroom. As she entered with a big smile on her face, Sis. Richardson greeted everyone.

The program started with Delanda S. Johnson (who is also a cousin) as Mistress of Ceremony calling everyone to order and expressed the love for her from the Smith side of Sis. Richardson’s family.

Family members traveled from Michigan to help Sis. Richardson celebrate her birthday.

Rev. McDonald opened that program with a heartfelt prayer; with Presiding Elder Rev. James Ford giving the scripture that well described Sis. Richardson.

Sis. Richardson’s nieces, Marilyn Marks and Renell Stafford, gave a stirring testimonial to why we were there and a beautiful song, “Blessed Assurance,” was sung in which Sis. Stafford stated that we all have a story to tell.

Sis. Richardson’s daughter-in-law, Sis. Patsy Richardson, read a moving poem; while cousin Delanda S. Johnson sang “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Kirk Franklin’s “Smile” got the crowd moving and later Sis. Richardson’s son Bro. J. D. Richardson and wife Patsy presented 50 red roses and 50 yellow roses to their mother. Family member, friends, and ministers came forth to speak good will, kind words, and loving messages to Sis. Richardson.

Sis. Richardson said to everyone that she was happy to see each person in attendance and thanked them for coming to help her celebrate.

“I thank God for allowing me to live this long and I will continue to bless His Holy Name. If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain,” she said.

This is the song that she sang without missing a note; what a wonderful SPIRIT.

The birthday celebration was topped off with a wonderful meal and great music.

Sen. Nichols named to committees

While everyone was getting ready for a long weekend last Friday, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst announced committee assignments for the 83rd Legislative Session.

Henderson County’s representative in the Senate, Robert Nichols, was named to the following committees:

Committee of the Whole Senate
Health & Human Services
Intergovernmental Relations (Vice Chair)
Natural Resources
State Affairs
Transportation (Chair)

The big plum is chairmanship of the Transportation Committee. Before the session began, Nichols said transportation was one of the “Big 3,” along with education and water.