by Melinda Zapata | May 7, 2024 | Obituaries
It is with great sadness that the family of Guida Myrl Jackson announces her passing on April 27, 2024 at the age of 94. Guida Jackson, Ph.D. was an author, teacher, editor, publisher, writing mentor, musician, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Guida was born in 1929, during the Dust Bowl in Clarendon, Texas, to James H. Miller and Ina (Benson) Miller. She was fortunate to have a younger sister Glenda come along 12 years later to finally give her a sibling to love and tease.
A seminal childhood moment was when Guida’s sixth grade English teacher, Ms. James, submitted her poem “The Younger Generation” to a local newspaper. Before finishing sixth grade, she had written two books which were loaned to other students for a penny, and saw her play “Henry Auldridge” staged by the school. Her path forward had been laid: she would be a writer.
The family moved to Amarillo in 1941 where her father designed and built homes. Guida entered Texas Tech University in 1947, earning a B.A. in Journalism in 1951. It was there she met her future husband, Lamar Jackson, who coincidentally, was the son of her English professor. They married in the summer of 1951 and the couple moved to Houston so Lamar could attend medical school while Guida found a job teaching at Pershing High School. Lamar’s medical residency later took the couple to Fort Worth, where their first son Jeff, was born in 1954. A second son, Andy was born in 1956 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, after Lamar had entered the Army. The couple then briefly moved to Henderson, TX, where a third son, Tucker was born in 1959.
In 1960 the family settled in Houston where Guida raised her children and taught piano lessons, keeping an active roster of about 15 students for the next 14 years. A fourth child, daughter Annabeth, came along in 1966. Family life kept her busy but Guida continued to write novels, poems, and essays in her spare time and several pieces appeared in “Houston Town and Country Magazine.” She began editing the “Touchstone Literary Quarterly” in 1976, a role she would maintain for most of her life. That year, she also joined a new venture, “Texas Country Western Magazine,” ultimately becoming the managing editor.
Guida’s literary career took a more central role in her life in 1979 when her novel, “Passing Through” was published by the prestigious Simon & Schuster. Two more works were published in 1980 including the play “The Lamentable Affair of the Vicar’s Wife.” In 1985, Guida earned a Masters of Arts from California State University in Third World Literature. The following year, Guida married the artist William Laufer and the couple moved to The Woodlands, TX. She was a guest lecturer at the University of Houston and led a writer’s group that regularly met at her house. In 1990, Guida earned a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the International Institute for Advanced Studies. She also was a creative writing instructor at Montgomery College through much of the decade.
Some of Guida’s most important works were published in the 1990’s, including “Encyclopedia of Traditional Epics,” “Encyclopedia of Literary Epics,” and “Women Rulers Throughout the Ages.” These authoritative reference books are in libraries worldwide. In 2000, Guida opened her publishing house Panther Creek Press with the mission of giving lesser-known Texas authors access to a wider readership. Panther Creek published some 40 titles of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
After husband Bill died in 2006, Guida moved into an independent living apartment at Eagle’s Trace in west Houston. She met and fell in love with another resident, the charming Scotsman Jack Hume, who shared her love of writing. The two married in 2008 when she was 79 years of age and she eagerly fell into attending the regular Burns Suppers and enjoyed all things Scottish.
Jack preceded Guida in death in 2018 and she lost her daughter Annabeth Jackson Dugger (Steve) of Longview to COVID-19 in 2021. She is survived by her younger “Sis” Glenda Miller Lowery (Davis) of Amarillo, niece Stephanie Noggler and her daughter Trinity Esparza (Chris) of Amarillo, nephew Troy Lowery (Jan) and their children Rance (Melissa) and Jace of Amarillo. She is also survived by her children Dr. Jeffrey Jackson (Linda) of Sugar Land, Andy Jackson (Mary) of Houston, and Tucker Jackson (Patty) of Portland, Oregon. Grandchildren include Nicole Bothwell of Marion, Illinois and her children Daesin and Demryn, Dr. Gregory Jackson of Austin, Elizabeth Jackson Kelley (Ryan) of Austin, Mattie Jackson of Houston, Ella Jackson Talbot (Rich) of Houston, Daniel Ramos of Longview, Ashley Ramos Beal (G.C.) of Longview and their children “Big” Caden, “Little” Caiden, and Kyler, and Michael Ramos of Gilmer.
Guida’s family will miss her love, wit and sage advice. The grandchildren will always remember her fondly for the little sayings that she regularly whispered in their ears, such as “ADRT. Always do the right thing.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at Noon on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at the Sugar Land Mortuary, 1818 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX. The service can be viewed virtually by visiting the venue’s website https://slmortuary.com/ and searching under obituaries for “Guida Jackson.”
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Houston SPCA or the charity of your choice.
Please Join us via live stream at 11:00 am
by Melinda Zapata | May 5, 2024 | Obituaries
Joan C. (Oberst) Gandee, 79, of Houston, Texas, passed away suddenly on April 27, 2024.
Joan is survived by her two children, Bradley (Dixie) Gandee and Shayna Uptigrove as well as four grandchildren, Grayson Uptigrove, Cadence Gandee, Hollis Uptigrove and Hayden Gandee and her sister, Karen (Joseph) Lynch. She is predeceased by her parents, Charles (Bud) and Margaret Oberst and her brother, Gregory C. Oberst. She is survived by several loving nieces and nephews.
Joan was born in Painesville, Ohio, in 1945 to Charles and Margaret (Bordash) Oberst. Joan graduated from Baldwin Wallace College with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. She also became a successful stockbroker and executive recruiter. Joan was a devoted mother, intensely proud of her children. She joyfully attended numerous activities, sporting events and music recitals of her grandchildren. Her family brought her unending joy. Joan was heavily involved in her book club, her neighborhood association, loved participating in art projects and yoga at the local senior’s center and weekly lunches with her dear friends.
Gone but never forgotten.
Friday, May 10, 2024
Visitation: 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Sugar Land Mortuary
1818 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Funeral Serice: 11:00am
Sugar Land Mortuary
1818 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land
Burial to Follow at Morton Cemetery
Richmond, Texas
by Anthony Boyd | May 3, 2024 | Obituaries
Pradeep Chand Bajaj, aged 80, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2024, embraced by the love of his family in his beloved adopted city of Houston, TX. From his earliest days, Pradeep dreamed of becoming a writer. Yet, he embraced his responsibilities in the family business, dedicating many fruitful years to its success across the US.
Upon retiring at 65, he joyfully embraced his passion for writing, publishing a cherished novel on Amazon—a testament to his lifelong dream. He leaves behind a legacy of love and inspiration: his daughters, Sonali and Sujata; sons-in-law, Kapil and Shailendra; and his three adored grandsons, Rishik, Karan, and Karam Tangirala. His siblings, their families, and friends from his childhood also mourn his passing.
Please join us in a heartfelt celebration of Pradeep’s life on May 5, 2024, at Sugar Land Mortuary at 3:00 pm. Come share in our sorrow and our appreciation for the wonderful father, father-in-law, and grandfather he was, as we bid him a loving farewell.
by Anthony Boyd | Apr 29, 2024 | Obituaries
Michael Wong (Ahmun Wong, 黄德文) passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on February 16, 1955, in Dacca to Agnes Bechezny, Michael was an outgoing family man who loved to cook and share his love for food with everyone. He was a devoted father and husband who strived to provide the best life for his loved ones, working tirelessly as a cook. Michael enjoyed fishing, traveling, and socializing with his many friends and neighbors. Throughout his life, he built homes, opened restaurants, and cherished the company of many different pets.
Michael is survived by his wife, Mary Wong; his children, Valerie Wong, Olivia Wong, and Spencer Wong; and his sons-in-law, Brian Tusa and JaeWon Choi.
Michael demonstrated immense strength and courage throughout his fight against small cell lung cancer. May we find comfort in our shared memories and in the knowledge that his spirit will live on through the lives he touched. Let us remember him every time we feel the excitement of travel, the joy of a good fishing hole, and the satisfaction of a delicious meal.
In this moment of profound loss, we extend an open invitation to all who wish to pay their respects and celebrate the extraordinary person we were blessed to know and cherish.
Michael Wong’s Memorial Visitation
Friday, May 3rd, 2024 from 5 to 8 PM
Sugar Land Mortuary
1818 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land
In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting CancerCare.
by Melinda Zapata | Apr 27, 2024 | Obituaries
Services:
Monday, April 29, 2024
Visitation: 12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Service: 2:00 pm
At: Sugar Land Mortuary
by Melinda Zapata | Apr 23, 2024 | Obituaries
On Thursday, April 18th, Max passed away at the age of 70 after a short, steadfast battle with cancer. Max was born October 17th, 1953, in Fayette, Mississippi. He graduated high school at age 16 and continued his education at Co-Lin Junior College in Wesson, MS., continuing to University of Southern Mississippi where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. After graduating he and a friend began an adventure traveling cross country to California for job opportunities. They stopped in Houston to visit a relative and found opportunities there. He began his Direct Mail Marketing career with National Mail Advertising, Greater Houston Mailing, and in 1981 joined International Mailing Systems where his tenure ended with his retirement in 2021.
In May of 1980 Max welcomed his son, Jason. Max and Jason had many adventures of their own during Jason’s early years before Max met Sharon. Max and Sharon worked together and after several years of dating they married August 19th, 1989, and began their blended family with Jason and Sharon’s two children, Shiloh and Lance. Max was their #1 and he loved being their Dad.
Max was the ultimate salesman relishing in his relationships with his clients and co-workers. He was a history buff, a lover of Classic Rock tunes (namely The Rolling Stones), fine dining, fine bourbon and tequila, and traveling to Las Vegas. Max adored his grandchildren and loved being their Papa. Max will always be remembered not only for his kind soul, quick wit, sense of humor but also for his sparkling blue eyes, great smile, contagious laugh and positive attitude.
Max is preceded in death by his father, Max D Noble Sr., Mother Mary Ruth Noble, and sister Nancy Noble Flowers. He is survived by his wife Sharon; daughter Shiloh & husband Samuel; sons Jason & wife Eva, Lance & wife Kimberely; his beloved grandchildren, Jerik, Alana, Deuce, and Olivia; his sister Mary Davis & husband Bruce; brother Ronnie & wife Martha and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fayette Cemetery Association, PO Box 424, Fayette, MS 39069 or your favorite children’s charity.
Memorial Service:
Friday, April 26, 2024
Meet & Greet: 10:30
Memorial Service: 11:00 am
At: Sugar Land Mortuary
Please join via livestream:
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