Ann Marie Fontenot, 58, passed away on January 25, 2012.  She is preceded in death by her father, Mayuse Fontenot and brother, Bertram Fontenot.  Ann is survived by her mother, Venicille Fontenot; brothers, Bernard Fontenot and wife, Geneva, Morris Fontenot and wife, Mary Jane; and a host of other family and friends.

Ann grew up in the Houston area and attended Austin High School.  She enjoyed country western and line dancing.  Ann had a strong faith and was involved with the Praise Banner Ministry at Pearland Praise Center.  She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

A graveside service for Ann will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 11:00 am at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7801 Gulf Freeway, Dickinson, Texas 77539 officiated by Rev. David Fleming of Pearland Praise Center.

Minnie Eugene Wells, 103, passed away on January 24, 2012.  She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Lola Collier; husband, William A. Wells; and sister, Mattie Pearl Blount.  Minnie is survived by son, Virgil Gordon Wells; nieces, Marianne Hennington and Linda Hall; great niece, April Wardenburg; great nephew, David Bibby; family friend and caregiver, William G. Sharp; and a host of other family and friends.

Minnie loved gardening and the outdoors. She and her husband enjoyed hunting, fishing, and hiking in the woods together.  Minnie was a true Cleveland historian, who could spend hours recalling people and happenings around Cleveland during the city’s early years.  She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

A Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Cleveland Memorial Cemetery at 1:00 pm with Pastors Leslie L. Wells and Charles Murphy officiating.

Paul Michael Purdon, Jr., 75, passed away on January 23, 2012.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Victoria Purdon; son, Michael Purdon; and brother, Jim Purdon.  Paul was survived by son, Steve Purdon; daughters, Stephanie Finley, Shelly Yeager and her husband, Jim; sisters, Mary Frances Ames, Kathleen Holden and her husband, Fred, and Carol Wheeler-Dodds and her husband, Rick; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

Paul loved people and enjoyed the food service business for most of his life. He looked forward to great conversations and especially liked watching college and high school basketball.  Paul was a successful restaurant owner for many years in Iola, Kansas.  He served his country in U.S. Army and was in the Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.  Paul had a strong faith and was a parishioner at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in Houston.  He was the oldest of five brothers and sisters and was always there to help his siblings as they were growing up.  Paul will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

A memorial service for Paul will be held at a later time.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.claytonfuneralhomes.com.

Ismael Oscar Rivera, 65, passed away at home on January 16, 2012 surrounded by his loving family, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Santiago and Delia Rivera.  Oscar is survived by his adoring wife and they have been together for 31 years, Virginia; sons, Ismael Rivera Jr., Carlos Rivera; stepsons, LeeRoy Ramirez, Joe, Leo, Tommy and Johnny Marin; daughters, Angelique Rivera and Velia Rivera; brother, George Rivera; sister, Lucy Rivera; twenty two grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and two great grandchildren on the way; and a host of other family and friends.

Oscar was an avid sports fan that loved following Pearland Oiler Football and his beloved Dallas Cowboys.  “Grandpa” as he was affectionately known to his grandchildren always looked forward to spending time with his family.  He loved spoiling his grandkids and great grandkids with sweets and then sending them home.  Oscar had a long career as a baker for Randall’s Grocery.  He will forever be missed by all that knew and loved him.

A Visitation for Oscar will be held on Friday, January 20, 2012 beginning at 6:00 pm and a Funeral Service will follow at 7:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581.

Bill L. Crow, 76, passed away on January 15, 2012. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Dial and Martha Lenora Crow; and brothers, Roy McNair and Ron Crow.  Bill is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Kathy Crow; sons, Greg Crow and wife, Joda, Josh Crow and wife, Rishay; stepson, Mark Roach and wife Geniffer; daughters, Laura Harris-Pastras and husband, Peter, Cyndi Dalton and husband, Greg; sisters, Lou Ellis and husband, Jim, Sally Blasius and husband, Rick; fifteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren; his beloved dog “Casey”; and a host of other family and friends.

Bill was a self-taught and a very skilled Information Technology Manager that worked for EDS, MBank, and Fleet Credit Card Services throughout his career.  He also owned and ran Pinnacle Computer Services for several years in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Bill’s work ethic was simply unmatched.  He retired three times before he really finally retired.  When Bill was younger, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.  He tried to enjoy golf but just never mastered the game, although he had a lot of fun trying.  Bill had a strong faith and looked forward to the many opportunities he had to serve on mission trips to help build churches.  He was a member of Second Baptist Church of Houston and also served as a Sunday school teacher for many years.  This dedication to his family, community, and church served as an inspiration to all he met.  He was truly the patriarch and “the Rock” of his family. Bill will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Golden Hearts Provider Care, and nurses Roselyn, Lucy, Florence and C.C. for their care and attention to Bill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s honor to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

A Visitation and Funeral Service for Bill will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Fairfield Baptist Church, 27240 Hwy 290, Cypress, TX 77433.  The visitation will begin at 11:00 am and the funeral service will follow starting at 12:00 pm with Pastor Pat Bullock officiating.  Interment with military honors will take place at Houston National Cemetery.

Leon Benjamin Young III was born September 10, 1944 in Ft. Atkinson, WI.  He was the eldest of four brothers Tom Young, Bill Young and Richard Young (deceased).  He is survived by mother, Ruth Evelyn Millard, his wife Carmen Cuprill Young, 6 children Aida Cuprill Young, Gloria Cuprill Young, Ivonne Young Robinson, Victor Leon Young, Wilfred Benjamin Young, Nevelyn Marcette Young & spouse Rudolph L. Williams, 6 Grandchildren:  Zachary Brandt Robinson, Zane Ronnie Robinson, Victoria Gayle Young, Benjamin Charles Young, Quinton Devon Williams, Marcette (Marcie) LaVon Williams, as well as many nieces and nephews.

As a military brat he lived 6 ½ years in Japan.  He met his best friend, lover, wife and mother of his children, Carmen Cuprill at her Quinceañera 51 years ago.  He auditioned for the Army Band in Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri at the age of 16 and entered the Army at age 17.  He extended his Army Career to 23 ½ years and retired at the age of 40 with the rank of 1^st SGT.  Ten years later he began a second career as the ROTC and band director at Furr High School (HISD).  Thirteen years later he retired from teaching.

Best military tours were 5½ years in Hawaii and 6½ years in the Panama Canal Zone.  While stationed at Ft. Clayton, Canal Zone, he was Ambassador of good will where he traveled all of Central and South America.  Some of his favorite hobbies were reading, cooking and playing music (Jazz was his favorite).  He was an active member of the Pasadena Community Band, the Pearland Community Band (Now the San Jac Band), the Houston Brass Band, the Sounds of the South Orchestra band and was the Conductor of the Deer Park Band.  Most of all he enjoyed traveling and vacationing with his grandchildren.  One of his life goals was to visit Australia.  To honor his wishes, his wife Carmen will travel to Australia and spread his ashes there.  Carmen will continue their love of travel with the grandchildren and has plans to take Zach to China, Zane to Europe, Victoria and Benji to Japan and Quinton to Egypt. Little Marcette is yet undecided.

A Vigil for Leon will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm with a Rosary recited at 7:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581.  A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 1:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leon’s name to the Jessup Elementary School Library Fund in Pasadena ISD, www.pasadenaisd.org.

John Joseph Blank Jr., 63, passed away on January 11, 2012.  He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Yvonne Blank Sr.; brother, Stephen Blank; and sisters, Janet and Pamela Blank.  John is survived by his loving wife of 14 years, Diann Blank; sons, John Blank and wife Susan, Michael, Christopher and Timothy Blank; stepdaughter, Stacy Neighbors and husband, Brooks; brothers, Roger Blank and wife, Terri, Norman Blank and wife, Pat; sister, Mary Alice Conklin; grandchildren Jordan, Erika and Makenley Neighbors, Savannah and Sydney Blank; niece, Angela and her daughters, Alina and Kennedy; beloved dog “Ditto”; and a host of other family and friends.

John was very proud of his New England Roots, growing up in Warren, Rhode Island loving the Red Sox and Patriots.  He was a skilled craftsman, artist, homebuilder and contractor.  In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, cooking and doing things for others.    He truly had a servant’s heart.  John was a man of strong faith and loved helping his church and those in need.  He was a dedicated father and devoted husband.  John will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 10:00 am at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581 with Pastor Steve Daily of Providential Baptist Church officiating.

Miguel Longoria, 55, passed away on January 11, 2012.  He is survived by his mother, Maria Alcoser Longoria; his loving wife of 16 years, Lorena Longoria; daughters, Libby McClure and husband, Christopher, Celestina Longoria, Ana Ingrid Lira, and Lisa Yvonne Longoria; brother, Jorge Longoria, sister Dolores Longoria; grandchildren, Mia, Alicia, Virginia, Victoria, Rubye and Kristian; his beloved dogs, “Aldo” and “Lily”; and a host of other family and friends.

Miguel grew up in the McAllen area and was a member of the 1955-57 Chevy Club while he lived there. He loved attending car shows and was a  devoted Nascar, drag racing and Houston Texans fan.  Miguel proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  He enjoyed barbeques, listening to all kinds of music and spending time with his family.  Miguel will always be remembered for his great advice and being available to lend a hand to others in need.  He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

A Rosary and Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 with the Rosary beginning at 12:00 pm and the Memorial Service following immediately afterwards at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581, with Father Reginald Nesvadba officiating.  Following the service, interment will take place at Houston National Cemetery.

Sylvia Ann Gallien Rideau, 70, passed away on January 7, 2012.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Maylory Gallien, brothers, Leroy (Wilda) and Telman Gallien; sisters, Wilma (Lee) Celestine, Geraldine Gallien, and Wilda Gallien.  Sylvia is survived by her sons, Thomas Noel (Peggy), Carlious Gallien; daughters, Dr. Sharon Noel, Tracy Johnson (Alvin III); brothers, Merrick, Elvin, Louis (Jackie), Hilton (Louise), Claude  (Sharon) and Samuel (Mary) Gallien; sisters, Lessie Gallien, Catherine (Larry) Watson, Cynthia (Alfred) Victorian, and Doreen Gallien; fourteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

Sylvia was a strong, accomplished and inspiring lady, whose entrepreneurial spirit served as a great example to her family.  She was co-owner and director of Regal Estates Personal Care Home in Pearland for 8 years and was in the nursing field for more than 30 years.  She endured hard times and always overcame due to her strong faith.  Sylvia went back to school, worked and took care of her family and always encouraged her children and grandchildren to better themselves through education.  She was the oldest girl of 16 brothers and sisters and served as the “Rock” and matriarch of her family.  Sylvia will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

A visitation and funeral service for Sylvia will be held on Friday, January 13, 2012 at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2209 Old Alvin Rd, Pearland, TX 77581 with Father Jim Courville officiating.  The visitation will begin at 9:00 am and the funeral service will follow beginning at 10:00 am.  Interment will follow the service at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston, Texas.  Flowers will be accepted at Clayton Funeral Home.

Virginia “Ginger” Inez Anderson 87, passed away on January 3, 2011.  She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Rose LeBlanc; sons, Kerry and Bruce Plaisted; brother, Anthony LeBlanc; and sister, Rose Upshaw.  Ginger is survived by her sons, Terry Plaisted and wife, Gail, Bradley Gaspar; daughters, Stephanie Stevens and husband, Don, Sherrie Ann Plaisted; brother, Charles Coach and wife, Margaret; eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

Ginger enjoyed traveling her entire life and visited all fifty states.  She was especially fond of listening to and dancing to country music.  Ginger loved a man in uniform as her first husband was in the military and stationed in various parts of the country.  Her last husband was also in the service and they were stationed at Ft. Collins in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  She worked at Target for five years but her last job was as the greeter at the Walmart on Dixie Farm Road for five years.  Ginger was a free spirit and lived life to the fullest.  She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

A Memorial Service for Ginger will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581 with Msgr. Reginald Nesvadba officiating.

Marjorie Jones Brazil, affectionately known as Margie, escaped the bonds of this earth on December 31, 2011 in Pearland, TX. Margie was born in Lovell, WY, December 5, 1916 to Hiram and Josephine Jones. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Robert and Kenneth as well as husbands, Marion Bales and Homer Brazil. She is survived by her children: Robert Chaney and wife, Cyndie, Giddings TX; Nathan Bales and wife, Carol, Wilmington NC; Lanny Bales and wife Debbie, Powell Butte OR, and Sherry Fisher and husband Robert, Pearland TX. Margie lived in the Valley 73 years where she proudly served the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 101 in Pharr. She was awarded a Lifetime Membership in the ALA by her unit in gratitude for her loyal service.  A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2011 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581.  Graveside services will be held in Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3611 N. Taylor Rd, Mission, on Thursday, January 5^th, 2012 at 3:00 PM with Rev. Jim Nelson of St. John’s Episcopal Church officiating.

Bonnie Lamar Flowers was born March 11, 1930 to Henry J. and Frances Dean Lamar of Dodge, Texas.  She died peacefully on December 25, 2011 in Houston Hospice after an extended illness. 

Bonnie received a BA and MBA from Sam Houston State College.  She taught third grade for East Houston Elementary in the Houston ISD for 12 years before retiring to raise her family full-time.  She was a loving and active member of Christ Church Cathedral, serving at the Altar Guild for over twenty years.  At Christ Church Cathedral, her home away from home, her special ministries were to prepare the Table of the Lord for the Healing Services on Fridays, as well as to be the coordinator of all funerals held at the Cathedral.  Bonnie also rejoiced tending to her garden of roses, lilies and other flowers.  She loved collecting beautiful hats, dishes, pewter, antique frames and Aladdin lamps.

She is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Wiley Terrell Flowers, Sr. (known and loved by many as “Coach”), and her sisters, Mae Lamar Thorn and Georgia Lamar Delpine. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia K. Flowers Brown; son, Wiley Terrell Flowers, Jr.; granddaughter, Morgan N. Brown; and sister, Fay Lamar Brooks; as well as her nephew Gary Delpine and his wife Ann; nieces Monica Thorn; Lisa Delpine Barras and her husband Tommy; Laura Brooks  Kouns and her husband Rick, Tracie Brooks Garvens and her husband Tom.

Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Houston Hospice for providing a peaceful, beautiful and loving environment for her final days here on earth.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Ave., Houston, Texas 77002.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund or the Houston Hospice at 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030.