Cora Pearson Steakley passed away on May 11, 2013 after bravely battling cancer.  Cora was born in Houston, Texas to Jacob and Cora Pearson on May 14, 1931.  Preceded in death by her husband and best friend of 58 years, Billy Joe Steakley, Cora is survived by her three sons:  Clifford Steakley and wife, Linda; Mark Steakley and wife, Gaye; and Roger Steakley and wife, Tracy.  Cora also leaves behind seven treasured grandchildren, Eric, Nicole, Alexander, Spencer, Rachel, Savanna, and Cameron; her brother Billy Pearson and his wife, Mary, several nieces and a nephew; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Cora was a lifelong resident of Houston graduating from Milby High School in 1949 where she was chosen as class beauty and proudly served as a Milby cheerleader.  She held a variety of positions in the Houston area, and retired from BMW North America as Port Manager.  Cora was extremely active in the Shell Retiree’s club serving in a variety of positions.  She was also responsible for organizing class reunions for her fellow Milby graduates, as well as handling a variety of roles for the Freeway National Little League Association for sixteen years.  Cora also took pride in her ability to develop and maintain lifelong relationships with friends dating back to elementary school.  She will be sorely missed by all that she touched.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful staff of the Palliative Care Unit at M.D. Anderson for treating Cora with compassion and respect during the last days of her life.

Visitation will be from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Monday, May 20th, and the service celebrating Cora’s legacy will be at 10:00am Tuesday, May 21st, both held at Niday Funeral Home – Beamer Chapel.  Interment will follow at SouthPark Cemetery in Pearland.

“If tears could build a stairway,

And memories a lane,

I’d walk right up to Heaven

And bring you home again.”

Bobbie Nell Caves of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully May 9, 2013, at the age of 83 to meet her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a lengthy illness. She was a resident of the South Belt area for 51 years. Bobbie was born in Alabama on December 21, 1929, and was preceded in death by her son Michael A. Caves and father of their children, Mackie A. Caves, as well as her parents, Grace and Jesse Hanks.

Bobbie was a devoted mother and grandmother. She leaves to cherish her memory, son, Mackie L. Caves; daughters, Linda Kreisler and Tammy Underwood; and beloved grandchildren, Ashley Kreisler, Shawn Webb, Sabrina Caves, and Cameron Underwood.

Bobbie’s children wish to acknowledge their sincere appreciation and deepest gratitude to her physician’s, Dr. George Younis and Dr. Kelty Baker for their dedication and compassion.

The family will receive friends from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Monday, May 13, at Niday Funeral Home – Beamer Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, May 14, at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Terry H. Brewton, formerly of Roanoke, Virginia., passed away at his home in Houston, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father, H. Hugh Brewton and sister, Sandra B. Feazelle, both of Virginia. He is survived by his loving wife, Jackeline Gascon-Brewton; his mother and step-father, Marie and Pete Brumfield of Danville, Virginia., his sister and brother-in-law Linda and Len Roberts of Roanoke, Virginia; niece Kimberly and her husband Jim Elliott of Moneta, Virginia., nephew Ted and his wife Amanda Westmoreland and their children, Ella and Carson of Greenville, South Carolina. He is also survived by his beloved in-laws Melva and Antonio Leon of Panama. The Memorial Mass celebrating Terry’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 7th at 10:00am at St. Helen Catholic Church located at 2209 Old Alvin Rd. Pearland, Texas 77581.

Lee Roy Williams was born on September 24, 1935, to Albert Cicero and Mable Marie Williams in Thomasville, North Carolina. He was the youngest of nineteen children. He grew up in Thomasville and at the very young age of 5 he lost his mother and his sister Nadine stepped in and helped raise him. He joined the United States Army at the age of 18. He was stationed at Fort Polk in Leesville Louisiana there he served his country for 2 years and that is where he met and fell in love with this beautiful young lady, Mary Beth Liles. The first time they met was at a small town Café in Leesville while he was still stationed there. Over a short period of time that handsome 20 year old soldier won over a very bashful 13 year old young lady and from that moment on he had her heart and shortly after they were wed, on November 17, 1956. Through the years he often said “How much he truly did love her and it was that same enduring love that they were able to make it through life.” Once he completed his term with the Army they moved to his hometown Thomasville, North Carolina. They lived there a short time then moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. They began their family with the birth of their first child, Wanda Sue. Over the next few years they were blessed with three more children, Douglas Leroy, Elizabeth Ann and Dorothy Faye. With their four young children they made the move to start a new life that would bring about new hopes and unlimited opportunities. They managed to carve out a small piece of Houston, for their own and to this day they call it Home. A short time after their move, their son Vernon Leon was born. When the children were young they were visited by the Gulfgate Pentecostal Church bus ministry and Mary and the children rode the bus for a year until Lee Roy joined them and from that time on that became their church for 44 years. During this time, they welcomed their sixth and final child, Rebekah Diann to their family. Lee Roy was a great provider, a loving husband and a great example of what a Father should be. The family was faithful members and worked many years in the church no matter what was asked of them, he made sure that they did it to the best of their ability. There they made many friends that he loved and appreciated. He was a great prayer warrior and always lifted up his family and the ministry in his daily prayers, there was nothing else like hearing him pray. He is greatly loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, his family, and all who knew him.

Left to cherish the memories is his beloved wife of 56 years, Mary Beth Williams, and his children Wanda Sue and husband Mike Hayes of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Douglas Leroy Williams of Houston, Texas, Elizabeth Ann Johnson of Houston, Texas, Dorothy Faye and Mike Kirk of Houston, Texas, Vernon Leon and wife Connie Williams of Pearland, Texas, Rebekah Diann Peterson of Houston, Texas, and eight grandchildren and one great-grandson whom he loved and were all very precious to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Mable Williams, seven brothers, eleven sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

The service celebrating Mr. Williams’ life will be held at 7:00pm Monday, May 6, at Christ Church Apostolic, with visitation prior to the service. Interment will follow at 11:00am Tuesday, May 7, at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Joe Craddock, owner of South Belt area restaurant C & D Burger Shoppe, passed away May 1, 2013 after a long illness.  He is survived by his wife, Intesar Craddock, his son Chad Craddock, his son David Craddock and wife Jill Craddock, his daughter Shannon Gries and husband Brian Gries, as well as his six grandchildren, Eleni (Lani) Craddock, Haley Craddock, Griffin Hall, Angeliki (Kiki) Craddock, Brent Hall and John David Craddock.

Joe was predeceased by his wife of many years, Helen Craddock, with whom he opened C & D Burger Shoppe over thirty years ago.  He was a true American success story, and prided himself on working his way up to being an entrepreneur.  He began his career as a clerk at 7-11, where Mrs. Baird’s bread company delivered, and he then went to work for Mrs. Baird’s, delivering to, among other places, local Dairy Queen restaurants.  That led to him taking a job with Dairy Queen managing one of their stores.  He went on to be district manager and then division manager for Dairy Queen, then bought 22 Dairy Queen franchise stores on the south side of Houston, including the ones on Fuqua and Scarsdale.

He eventually sold the Dairy Queen franchise stores, but, after the owner of the stores shuttered the Fuqua location, Joe came to an agreement with the owner to take over that location and make it into his own type of burger  joint.  Joe, Helen and their kids put a lot of sweat equity into remodeling the store and it opened in July of 1981.  A couple of years later, Hurricane Alicia devastated the building, and the most memorable thing about that event was that regular customers literally walked up to the Burger Shoppe and began helping the family clear the debris, and Joe started people working the grill to feed all of the wonderful people who were helping.

Over the years, C & D became a waypoint for many teenagers in the community who worked for and were mentored by Joe.  In addition, there are so many Burger Shoppe employees who have been with them so long that they are family.  Chief among them is Debbie Vaughn, who has been managing the business while Joe was in the hospital.  Additionally, we are so grateful for Maria, Liz, Susana, Renee, Regina, Lacey, Kelley, Jason and Kierra.

C & D has been one of the staples in the South Belt community for over 30 years and Joe has always been active in supporting the South Belt community.  He formed so many friendships as a result and his family is so grateful to all of his friends for their love and support.  His family will continue the Burger Shoppe going forward.

The Funeral Service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, May 4^th, at Sagemont Church, 11300 South Sam Houston Parkway East, Houston, Texas 77089 with visitation one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00pm.

In the early morning hours of May 1, 2013, surrounded at home by family, Verna, or Gran as so many called her, peacefully left this earth and joined her Lord and Savior in Glory. Only God could have known on February 10, 1926 how many lives would be touched and blessed by Gran. She was a proud and faithful member of First Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas for thirty-five years, and prior to that a member of Park Place Baptist Church. She was an important part of the WMU, planning and overseeing many mission projects, and also taught first grade Sunday school for more than fifty years. Knowing Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior Gran joins her parents, Henry and Sadie Riley; husband James Elbert Riley; daughter Diane Thomas; and a multitude of friends in Heaven.

Gran leaves to carry on her work and faith three strong willed grandchildren; Andrea Jewell, Summer Valdez and husband Jesus, and Luke Jewell and wife Sasha. Gran also leaves nine special great-grandchildren who brightened her life each in their own way. They are Riley and Dakota Jewell, Lance Byfield, Saidee, Marissa and Angelica Valdez, Bryson Walker, and Preston and Peyton Jewell. While serving her Lord, Gran made many special friends along the way that were just like family. Mike and Jeri Smyrl, Johnny Berridge, Herb and Betty Simmons, and Bob and Shirley Wright, we thank you for your love and service alongside Gran. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Odyssey Hospice and nurse Jackie Porter, a true blessing to this family in our time of need.

The family will take visitors between 3:00pm and 5:00pm Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Niday-Fairmont Funeral Home, and also invites you to celebrate Gran’s life with them at 11:00am Monday, May 6, 2013, at First Baptist Church Pasadena. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the First Baptist Church WMU in memory of Verna Riley.

Clifford Xavier Jackson, was called to be with our Lord on April 28^th, 2013 at the age of 81. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 9th, 1932.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Marjorie Jackson of 58 years. He is survived by 5 daughters Teresa Mueller and husband Randy, Julia Sudela and husband Joe, Linda Sudela and husband Mark, Laura Cornman and husband Terry and Lisa Hamilton and husband Conrad, 15 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

He graduated from Deer Park High School and joined the Navy where he proudly served our country as a Chief Petty officer for 4 years. He worked at Western and Southern Life Insurance Company as a Salesman for 25 years where he retired. He attended Seminary and became a Deacon in the first class of Galveston/Houston established in 1972 and served as a Deacon at his home Parish of  St. Francis Cabrini where he was a member for 45 years. He was also a member of the Men’s club where he had many friendships. Cliff loved music and enjoyed playing the organ and Ukulele. One of his favorite past times was being a member of the King Strings Ukulele band and enjoyed playing with them at Nursing Homes and hospitals. He also enjoyed old westerns and World War II movies.

He was a great husband, father, grandpa and great-grandpa, and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, April 30th from 6pm until 8pm with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00pm. The Funeral Mass celebrating Clifford’s life will be Wednesday, May 1^st, all held at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, 10727 Hartsook, Houston, Texas 77034.

Patricia J. Essick was born November 10, 1942 and passed away April 27, 2013.

She was sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and widow that will be missed by so many.  A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be held in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin on June 22, 2012.

Cayce D. Smith, 83, entered eternal rest on April 26, 2013 in Houston, Texas. He was born January 20, 1930 in Mantee, Mississippi. He graduated from Mississippi State College (now University) in 1952 and served in the U.S. Air Force. He traveled the world in his career as a geologist. He is survived by two brothers, Ray Smith of Midland, TX and Lee Smith of Starkville, MS, and two sisters, Mary Lightfoot of Monroe, WA and Tommie Lou Renard of Memphis, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Delia Smith, and two sisters, Frances Kelly and Alice Smith. Throughout his life Cayce shared his love and kindness with all who knew him. His final years were happily spent at the JMJ Assisted Living home, where he received loving care and was especially close to Audrey Gradney.

Herman Eugene “Buddy” Fairchild, born February 15, 1937, died April 24, 2013 with his family at his side.

Survivors include his wife Omadee (Garcia) Fairchild, his children Luis Garza (wife Meleia), Lisa (Garza) Tibbits (husband Richard), Larry Garza (wife Rachel), Lynne’ (Fairchild) Stevens (husband Tim), and Emily (Fairchild) Duckett (husband Ben), 10 grandchildren, and his sisters Hilda (Fairchild) Williams (husband Don), Linda (Fairchild Peterson) Bidigare (husband Bob), and brother Walter Fairchild (wife Wanda) and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents Cavis (Hopkins) Carroll and Barnett Fairchild, his sister Laura (Fairchild) Griffith (husband Griff), and his daughter Merina Brandalyn Fairchild.

Buddy served his country from August 10, 1955 until April 21, 1960, as an illustrator, spending most of his time in Spain. This is where he learned to speak Spanish with a castilian accent. He was then able to help his children when they were taking Spanish or school or in everyday life.

Buddy was a contract Draftsman/Piping Designer/Checker who worked primarily for oil and chemical companies. One of his early projects was working at NASA to route the facility piping where the first astronauts would be going for decontamination, since it was not known if there were “bugs” returning with them. He was well known and respected in his field and was often requested to travel the world to work on projects that needed to be done right and on time or if it required the ability to speak & understand Spanish. He could draw better by hand than many others could with a computer. As a hobby and also during tough times, he was an expert tree trimmer and frequently took on complex tree removals. He also enjoyed remodeling or adding extra storage, such as shelves.

Buddy was a very hard working, responsible person and instilled this work ethic in his children, with them helping him on many of his projects. His hard work was evident with his battle against pancreatic cancer and the subsequent recovery. He always maintained a positive attitude and everyone he met was quickly a friend, including many of the hospital workers and grocery store employees. He was a very smart person and was able to quickly solve problems, often a reference for others. He could remember formulas and measurements that others would have to look up in books. He was very quick witted and always had a joke for any occasion (usually requiring an explanation—sometimes inappropriate!) He was not always neat, but he knew where everything was.

Buddy enjoyed eating, especially his green bean casserole and Blue Bell ice cream. On Sundays and Monday nights in the fall and winter, he was usually sitting on the couch watching football, sometimes with his eyes closed— any team that was playing the Cowboys was his favorite team that day. He enjoyed gardening, trees, being outdoors, looking at nature, fishing and he especially liked watching and identifying birds, while having Oma take pictures of them. He enjoyed traveling and had been to all 50 states and most of Canada. He had seen most of the world while on vacation and for work and had always taken an interest in various cultures. He enjoyed visiting family, including Oma’s very extended family and his nieces and nephews and 10 grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held Sunday, April 28, 2013, at 2:00pm at Niday Funeral Home – Beamer Chapel.