Obituaries

Billie Jeane Ferguson was born and raised in Ennis, Texas and died peacefully at home after an extended illness on October 20, 2023. As a young girl, Billie Jeane began to study voice and her vibrant and beautiful singing opened many doors of opportunity. She was a featured soloist not only in her own church, First Baptist, Ennis, but for many area churches, revivals, camps and conferences across Texas and neighboring states. She recorded an album of classic and contemporary gospel songs on the Salvation Records label in 1976.

Naomi Adams loved Jesus. She was one of the beloved South Dallas Street Mothers whose well known generosity, helping her Hispanic friends, neighbors and those in need was her calling here on earth. Naomi, born July 8, 1938, in Bryan, Texas, was one of eight children of Felix and Maria Salas (both deceased). She passed peacefully on October 17, 2023, at home in her fated hometown of Ennis, Texas, where she lost her beloved and second husband, John Adams, and Hero Grandson Timothy Lee Gauna.

Joe Kostak was born June 4, 1932 in Ennis, TX to James and Annie (Hubacek) Kostak and Passed from this life on October 11, 2023 in Crowley, TX. Joe proudly served his country in the US Army from February 10, 1953 to February 9, 1955. He was honorably discharged from the reserves on January 31, 1961. Joe married the love of his life, Charlene on September 19, 1959. Soon thereafter they built their forever home in Red Oak. Joe was a successful businessman; he mastered the challenge of being a business owner by owning and operating three successful auto parts stores in Dallas and Lancaster, by connecting with people and always being willing to help those in need. Joe enjoyed farming and working the land each day. After working in the parts store all day, he would go home, eat supper, and climb on his tractor to get in some farming before going to bed. Joe loved to travel the world with his lovely wife and their best friends, the Byrums. Joe loved many things, but his greatest love was the time he spend dancing the evenings away with his beautiful bride Charlene.

David Michael “Mike” Little, age 72 of Bryan, TX, passed peacefully into heaven in his home on October 10, 2023. Mike was born on February 14, 1951 in Corsicana, TX to Jimmie & Wanda Little of Chatfield, TX. He attended Ennis High School where he played football, was the class president and a member of the national honor society and graduated in 1969. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor of business administration in marketing as a proud member of the fightin’ Texas Aggie class of 1973. One of Mike’s greatest joys was being an Aggie. He loved the traditions, the camaraderie of the 12th man and any opportunity to spend time with family & friends at Kyle Field.

William “Willie” Earl Cherry left this world and went straight into the arms of his savior, Jesus on Sunday, September 24, 2023, with his loving wife, Glenna, by his side. Willie was born September 22, 1944, in Teague, TX to parents, Aubrey and Virginia. It was soon very apparent that Will would excel at anything he put his heart into. Will was a proud Ennis Lion Football, Track and Baseball Star. Along with his sporting accomplishments, he was also a great friend. He was selected as his class favorite for many years including Mr. EHS. Willie went on to break numerous track and football records and held on to those records for many years.

Barry Gerard Andrews, loving husband, devoted father and proud grandfather, went home to be with the Lord on September 19, 2023. With his strong faith, he honored God above all in how he lived his life and his family is comforted knowing he is in heaven. Barry was the son of Jewell and Homer Andrews, born April 4, 1946, in Electra, Texas, and raised in Corpus Christi. He graduated from Carroll High School and Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos alongside his high school sweetheart Lana, whom he married in their senior year. Together, in 1976, they had saved enough to fulfill a longtime ambition: owning a beer distributorship with Miller Brewing Company in their hometown. At 29 years old, Barry was the youngest ever awarded a Miller distributorship.

Our beloved Marsha Elaine “MiMi” Lock passed away on Saturday morning, September 2nd. She was smiling as she passed and she will be missed greatly. Marsha was a true embodiment of joy and charm. She loved God with all of her heart and guided her four children with purpose. Whether she was casting a line or crafting a good pun, she was always fashionably dressed, radiating a beautiful smile that made her a friend to everyone she met.

Linda Marie Gray, 76, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023, in Corsicana, Texas. Linda was born on January 26, 1947, to J.D. and Sarah Ione (Keener) Gray in Ennis, Texas. She grew up in Ennis and graduated from Ennis High School in 1965. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Woman’s University.

AlaMae Gibson, affectionately known as GG, passed away on August 17, 2023, in Ennis, Texas, at the age of 94. She was born on December 12, 1928, in East Texas, Kaufman County. AlaMae was a sweet, loveable, and kind person who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. AlaMae grew up in Texas and later met Leslie “Les” W. Gibson in Dallas where they were eventually married on March 29, 1947. AlaMae and Les moved to a farm in west Texas where they raised their two children until moving to Portales, New Mexico. In Portales, they owned and ran Les’s Sweet Shop for 30 years, where they served breakfast and lunch to the loyal customers and friends. Known for their delectable donuts and delicious coffee, their shop became a beloved gathering place for the community. After their retirement, AlaMae and Les moved back to their roots to be near family. They settled in Ennis, Texas where they lived for the remainder of their lives.