Patsy Marie Porter, 92, passed away on Friday, March 29th, 2024, at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. A cherished resident of Beaumont and member of North End Baptist Church, Patsy’s faith was evident through her active involvement in church activities. Originally from Vidor, she graduated from Vidor High School in 1948 and later lived in Honduras and Alaska. Patsy’s devotion to her family was unwavering, finding joy in hobbies like sewing and quilting. She is survived by her children: Douglas and wife Susan, Gary, and Cindy, along with five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The family extends gratitude to Tammy for her exceptional care. Patsy was preceded in death by her husband Donald, parents Porter and Beulah Collins, and brother Ronnie. In lieu of flowers, donations to North End Baptist Church for Operation Christmas Child are appreciated. Patsy’s kindness and gentle spirit will be dearly missed.

Byron Wiley Cole, 74, passed away on March 27th, 2024, at his Vidor home. Born on October 30th, 1949, in Beaumont, Texas, Byron dedicated 25 years to painting before starting his own business, Byron Cole Painting. He adored his porch, coffee, cigars, and storytelling. Byron’s legacy includes his loving wife Georgette, 10 children, siblings, 25 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed. Visitation is on March 30th from 5-9pm at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor. A graveside service will be on April 1st at 2pm at Williamson Cemetery, followed by a gathering at his home. Byron’s unwavering love for his family and his last words to his wife, Georgette, “I love you with all my heart,” remain etched in our memories.

Diana Lovelady, 79, of Lake Charles, LA, went to be with the Lord after a 7-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Born in Austin, TX in 1944 to Billy and Monel Morris, she moved to Beaumont, TX around the age of 2, where she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Charles Baer.

Michael “Mike” Ray Williams, 73, of Vidor, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024, at Vidor Health and Rehab. A beloved member of Pine Forest Baptist Church, Mike dedicated 34 years as an Outside Machinist for Mobil Oil. He found solace in hunting, fishing, woodworking, and gardening. Survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlene, sons Jason and Matthew, mother Alice, and brothers Robert and Butch, Mike’s legacy includes 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Byron, brother Kenneth, and sister Glenda. Mike’s integrity, kindness, and love touched many lives, leaving behind cherished memories. While we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the impact he made on those around him.

Leslie Vaughan Welborn, 74, of Vidor, passed away on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas. A longtime resident of Vidor, Leslie was deeply rooted in his community and faith. He was a dedicated member of Turning Point Church, where his spiritual journey thrived. The family will have a memorial service celebrating Leslie’s life on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Turning Point Church in Vidor. In his leisure time, Leslie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Above all, Leslie treasured spending time with his beloved grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Welborn, and their children: Paul Welborn, Sherry Norris, Mary Kelone, James Welborn, Benjamin Welborn, and Lori Duvall. He is also survived by his siblings: James Stephen Welborn, JoAnne Ledger, and Mark Welborn, along with 20 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Patricia Jones LeDeoux of Vidor, TX passed from this world on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 at the age of 80. She was born to Evalena Laird Jones & Herman Jones on September 12th, 1943, in Kountze, Texas.

Mary Gladys Thibodeaux, aged 95, passed away on Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, at her residence in Vidor. Born in Church Point, LA, she had been a cherished resident of Vidor for many years. Gladys was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, finding solace and community in her faith. Gladys’ gumbo was a source of joy for her family, reflecting her love for cooking and nurturing those around her. Family meant everything to her, and she leaves behind a loving legacy survived by her children: Audrey Lunsford of Vidor, TX, Renella Koncaba of Vidor, TX, Gaylon Thibodeaux of Willow Springs, MO, Wendel Thibodeaux of Vidor, TX, Glenn Thibodeaux of Sealy, TX, and Thomas Thibodeaux of Vidor, TX. She is also survived by her sister, Ethel Perrio of Vidor, TX, along with 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. Gladys’ beloved puppy dog, Tena, was also a cherished companion.

Grace Carol Cloyd, age 58, of Silsbee, Texas, passed away on Monday, March 18th, 2024, at her residence. Grace, a native of Beaumont, TX, had been a beloved member of the community, residing in Vidor for many years before settling in Silsbee six years ago. She cherished the camaraderie of her closest friends, fondly referred to as “her girls,” with whom she shared laughter and memories that will be treasured forever. Grace found solace in the music of Crossroads Band, often attending their performances to immerse herself in the rhythm and melodies that resonated with her soul. Above all, Grace cherished her time spent with her grandchildren, whose smiles brought immense joy and warmth to her heart. She adored being a grandmother and embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories with her beloved grandchildren. Grace is survived by her loving daughter, Nichole Kendrick Robin of Lumberton, TX, her five adoring grandsons, and her devoted boyfriend, Nick Matlage of Buna, TX.

Jerry Lynn Gilbreath, age 86, of Vidor, Texas, passed away on March 22, 2024. He was born on March 2, 1938, in Reklaw, Texas. Hooty, as he was affectionately known, had a remarkable life full of adventures and later found solace in the simple joys of family and home.

Rose Holt, a cherished member of the Vidor community for over five decades, died March 15, 2024 at Baptist Hosptials of Southeast Texas in Beaumont. Born in Massachusetts, Rose embraced Texas as her home. Above all, Rose held her family dear to her heart. She was a devoted mother to her children, Janine Ratliff, Patricia Marks, Travis Young, and stepchild Lisa Beck. Her love extended to her 9 grandchildren. She was blessed with six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, who brought endless delight into her life. A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 22 at 6:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, where we will come together to pay tribute to Rose’s remarkable life and the profound impact she made on all who knew her.