Victory Funeral Services

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Mrs. Muriel Glenn Christian Jones

Funeral services for Muriel Glenn Jones, 91, of Longview, Texas, will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1 p.m. at St. Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, with Rev. Luther Turner officiating and Pastor Erick D. Bowens as eulogist. Burial will follow at Jordan Valley Cemetery in Longview, Texas. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Beloved Muriel Glen Christian Jones, lovingly called “Chris,” departed this life on September 20, 2026, from VIVERĒ Life Longview at the age of 91.

Muriel was born one of seven children of the parentage of Tommy Thaddeus and Annie B. Christian on October 14, 1934, in White Oak, Texas, in the Shiloh Community.

In her youth, she united with and was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church. While a student in college, she became a member of the Methodist Church. After college, she joined St. Mark Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she served in the choir, women’s mission, and taught Sunday school. In later years, she attended Wesley-McCabe United Methodist Church, serving as a Terrific Tuesday Instructor and choir member.

She attended Longview public schools and graduated at the age of 16 from Mary C. Womack High School, where she sang in the choir. Her higher education commenced adorning the purple and white school colors at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, where, as she would say, she acquired “purple blood”, and graduated in the Class of 1959. Later, she enriched those same school colors to keep the “purple blood” while earning her master’s degree at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Education and her love of children were at the heart of Chris’ legacy. She began her teaching career at East Ward Elementary School in Longview. Later, she served students at Mary C. Womack High School, Doris McQueen Elementary School, and finally gained her retirement at South Ward Elementary School.

Her commitment to her alma mater led to leadership long after graduation. She served as Director of Alumni Affairs during the University’s Quasquicentennial (125th Anniversary) Celebration and later served as President of the Wiley National Alumni Association. She was also seated on the Board of Trustees at Wiley for several years and was a committed member of the Longview Area Wiley Club (LAWC).

Always socially and civically conscious, she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Church Women United, and served as the United Negro College Fund coordinator at Wiley. She was a charter member of the Longview Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD) and served as president for three years and on the nominating committee.

She and her late husband, Corporal Boyce O. Jones, were wed in 1954, and two children were born to the union.

Her parents, beloved husband, sisters, Pearl Jackson, Robert Lynn Christian, and Helen McKnight; her brothers, Almer Christian, Walter Christian, Sr., and Lloyd Christian; and her great-granddaughters, Drauna Faggans and Kalayah Canida.

She leaves to cherish her legacy, her daughters, Sheryl Jones Gregg and Dionne Jones Canida both of Longview, TX; grandchildren, Darami Thompson of Ft. Wayne, IN; Meisha Snoddy of Washington, DC; Devin Gregg and his wife, Amber of DeSoto, TX; Frederic Canida, II of Houston, TX; Najee Canida of Longview, TX; and Kashief Canida of Beaumont, TX; great-grandchildren, Caleb Snoddy, Mariah Canida, Malyke Head, Marklynn Thompson, Drauna Thompson, Princeton Gregg, Pilar Gregg, and Kailani Canida; her grand-dog, Meiling; and many other family members and friends.

Viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas and one hour before the funeral service.

09/02/2026

Mrs. Joanne Templeton

Funeral services for Joanne Ross Templeton, 80, of Longview, Texas, will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Longview, with Rev. Tony Clark officiating and Rev. J. D. Palmer as eulogist. Burial will follow at Post Oak Cemetery in Kilgore. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of the services.

Joanne was born on Monday, August 5, 1946, in Kilgore, Texas, to parents Elder Daniels and Nettie Ross. She departed this life on Monday, August 31, 2026, at her residence.

Early in life, she united with and was baptized at New Light Baptist Church in Kilgore. Upon relocating to Longview, Texas, she became a member at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where she served in the choir and as an usher.

She attended Kilgore public schools and was a member of the C. B. Dansby High School class of 1965. After high school, she served as a crossing guard for Longview Independent School District. Later, she was employed and retired after a 30-plus-year career as a jailer for the Gregg County Sheriff’s Department in Longview, Texas.

Always enjoying sports, Joanne loved the game of football, especially her favorite teams, the Longview Lobos and Dallas Cowboys. Playing Spades and dominoes were some of her favorite pastimes.

She was married to the late Charlie Templeton, Jr. and five children were born to the union.

Her parents, sisters, Nettie B. Ross and Diane Ross, and sister-in-law, Francine Preston, all preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing are her children, Patricia Templeton, Janice Templeton, Jody Templeton and his wife, Kelly, Bryan Templeton and his wife Charlonda all of Longview, TX and Charlie Templeton, III and his wife, Jurusha of Tatum, TX; sisters, Ruby Johnson of Kilgore, TX and Bridget Stephan of Longview, TX; brothers, Robert Preston, Richard Jackson, and Jimmy Lewis Daniels all of Kilgore, TX.

She also leaves her beautiful legacy to her grandchildren, Brandon Templeton, Byron Templeton, Latasha Templeton, Antonio Kelly, Robert Perry, Keivonna Templeton, Maliyah Templeton, Erica Templeton, Charlie Templeton, IV, Jonathan Templeton and his wife, Destiny, and Jeremy Templeton and his wife, Ashley; her Templeton great grandchildren, Jason, Jeremiah, Jaiden, Jamari, De’Undray, Demarco, Kyzaar, Kennedy, Chozen, Alonia, Natasha, and Kavodric Morgan, Jr.; her bonus family, Latasha, Ricky, Kennedy, K’Dynce, and Khloe Ballard all of Longview, TX; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas and one hour before the funeral service.

08/19/2026

Mrs. Peggy Jean Portley

Funeral services for Peggy Jean Starr Portley, 75, of Overton, Texas, will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church with Rev. Lynnshya Ward as officiating eulogist. Burial will follow at New Hope Cemetery. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of the services.

Peggy was born on Friday, September 15, 1950, in Overton, Texas, to parents Archie Lee Washington and Ester Kate Marlin, and her foster mother was Victoria Starr Roberson. She departed this life surrounded by her loved ones on August 17, 2026, in Tyler, Texas.

As a child, she united with and was baptized at Mt. Comfort Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Once married, she became a member at New Hope Baptist Church, where she and her husband helped organize the Gospel Choir. Later in 1998, she concluded her earthly service to God at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church, where she served as a Deaconess, in the culinary department, assistant secretary of the Sunday school, gospel choir member, and the WMU treasurer.

Her early education was garnered in the Starr Bailey public schools system. Her ninth-grade year was spent at C. B. Dansby High School, where she was a member of the drill team. Completion of her school days came at West Rusk High School, graduating in 1968.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and her talent for cooking, she and her husband, Richard, owned Porky’s BBQ for several years. Most of her working days were spent in the food service industry, with her last employment being held as a supervisor in the cafeteria at Parkway Elementary School in the Pine Tree Independent School District.

She previously held membership as a Heroine of Jericho.
Her parents, her foster mother, brother, Archie Washington, Jr., daughter-in-law, Regina Portley, all her aunts and uncles, and best friend, Linda Faye Dudley Williams, all preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband of 61 years, Richard Earl Portley of Overton, TX; daughter, Roshanda Portley Clark of Tyler, TX; son, Rodrick Portley and his wife, Lori of Longview, TX; grandchildren, Dominique McGaha of Grand Prairie, TX; Adrian Washington of Waco, TX; and Grayson Schave and Addyson Schave of Longview, TX; great-grandchildren, Raven and Robyn Washington of Waco, TX; sister, Carrie Lacy and her husband, Sharruan of Overton, TX; Sheila Guillory and Lisa Hammonds and her husband, John, all of Dallas, TX; brothers, Bernard Marlin and his wife, Lila of Overton, TX; and Michael Washington and his wife, Mary of Richardson, TX; special brother/friend, Robert Raney, brother and sisters-in-law, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas and one hour before the funeral service.

07/22/2026

Mr. Curtis Franklin Jones, Jr., Kilgore Colored High School Class of 1951

Funeral services for Curtis Franklin Jones, Jr., 93, of Gilmer, Texas, formerly of Oakland, California, will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church with Rev. Lynnshya Ward as officiating eulogist. Burial will follow at Kennedy-Butts Cemetery. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of the services.

Curtis, better known to many as C. F., was born on Wednesday, January 11, 1933, in Overton to Curtis and Josie Reddic Jones. He departed this world on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at home while being cared for by both of his daughters.

As a child, he united with and was baptized at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church. After his military service and upon relocating to Utah, he became a member at Holladay Baptist Church. His Christian walk concluded with membership at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California.

C. F. was educated in the Kilgore public school system and played football, graduating in the Kilgore Colored High School Class of 1951. He continued his education at Prairie View A&M College (now University), receiving his degree in Biology. He later earned his master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Utah.

After graduation from Prairie View, he entered the United States Army in 1956 and served for seven years, attaining the rank of Captain. He was stationed as a physical scientist from 1956 until 1963 at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah, which was dedicated to testing U.S. and allied chemical and biological defense systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and equipment survivability. He continued in this same position as a civilian until his retirement in 1988.

He was a great family man, always showing love for his wife and children. In his spare time, he volunteered at Parker Elementary School in Oakland. He also served the community with the noted humanitarian activist Mother Wright for more than 20 years. In adopting a new hobby of photography, he ran the Photocraft Studio in Oakland for 15 years. In his retirement, he enjoyed the North Oakland Senior Center, delighting in the discussion groups.

He traveled extensively and was a great travel partner. He also served as a Mason in the Monarch Lodge in Oakland. In his leftover time, he drove his wife crazy chasing down small, negligible savings while not saving much.

In 1956, he married Orex Neal, and three children completed his family.

His parents, all his siblings, sisters, Evelyn Jones, Sara Jones, Arah Trimble, Alva L. Jones, Clara Bradford, and Mavis Jones, brothers, Otis Jones, Roscoe Jones, William E. Jones, and Charles Jones all preceded him in death.

Those to mourn his passing are his children, Susan Harris and her husband, Floyd of Gilmer, TX; Curtis Neal Jones of Bakersfield, CA; and Sharon Jones-Harrison and her husband, Bruce of Oakland, CA; grandchildren, Derek Daniels, Jr. of Reno, NV; Curtis Neal Jones, Jr. and his wife, Kelly of Irvine, CA; Derek Heath of Denton, TX; Kenya Holloman of Oakland, CA; and Jordan Jones of Reno, NV; and six great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Victory Funeral Services.

07/16/2026

Ms. Annece Smith

Funeral services for Annece Smith, 88, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Faith Tabernacle of God in Christ, with Rev. Marvin Taylor as eulogist. Burial will follow at Kilgore Memorial Garden. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Annece began her journey as one of eight children born to Roy “Monk” and Allena Dudley Smith in Gladewater, Texas, on March 21, 1938. She departed this life as the last of her sibling group on July 8, 2026, at her son’s home in Gilmer, Texas.

In her early years, she united with and was baptized at St. John Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas.

Her early education was garnered in the public schools of Leveretts Chapel Independent School District and completed at Kilgore Colored High School.

The love for her family was deep to the point that she delighted in babysitting and spending time with her grandchildren. She loved fishing and reading as well.

Her parents, her children, Annette Ector and Bruce Ector, siblings, Arvie Daniels, Ida Roberson, Frances Johnson, George Smith, Rosie Lee Dixon, Floyd Smith, and Leroy Smith, her grandchildren, Lameka Smith, LaDatrion Smith, great-grandson, Riley Coles and Jakob Anderson, and daughter-in-law, Wanda Ector all preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing are her daughters, Sherly Horton and her husband, Harvey of Kilgore, TX and Pamela Smith Norman of Longview, TX; sons, Larry Smith and his wife Beverly of Grove, OK; Mikel Ector of Kilgore, TX; Andrew Ector and his wife Kelly of Gilmer, TX; Dalton Smith and his wife, Amber of Gladewater, TX; and Anthany Smith, Sr., and his wife Valerie of Kilgore, TX; 46 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, special great niece, Teresa Pegues of Kilgore, TX; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas.

06/19/2026

Mr. Michael Devon Haynes

Funeral services for Michael Devon Haynes, 23, of Gladewater, Texas, will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Union Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Brian Zappa as eulogist. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Michael was born May 15, 2003, in Kilgore, Texas, to the parentage of Gina Marie Tovar and Roy Henry Haynes, and his biological father, Olin Lee Reagan. He departed this life on June 11, 2026, in Logansport, Louisiana, due to a fatal car accident.

He united with and was baptized at the Union Grove Baptist Church, where he served until his demise.

Through the years, he attended several public schools and culminated his education in the Leveretts Chapel Independent School District.

After high school, he secured employment as an oilfield worker, often working offshore. He also held employment with AXIS, and was currently employed by BTW, a well-service company.

When not working, he could be found doting on his precious son and spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

His grandparents, Lydia Tovar, and Thomas and Willie Mae Haynes, all preceded him in death.

He is survived by his son, Michael Denton Haynes of Arp, TX; mother of his son, Maddison Pritchett of Arp, TX; his mother, Gina Marie Tovar of Overton, TX; his father, Roy Henry Haynes of Overton, TX; his biological father, Olin Lee Reagan of Tyler, TX; sisters, Emily Biggs of Tyler, TX, and Kristina Haynes of Gladewater, TX; brother, Alexander Biggs and his wife, Elrica of Beaumont, TX; grandparents, Gerald and Marla Hamilton of Palestine, TX; uncles, Scott Weaver, Donnie Haynes, and Cleo Haynes; aunts, JoAnn Haynes Kennard and Billie Sue Haynes; special friend, Alex Jones of Overton, TX; special cousins, Terran Leon McNeal, II, Jordan Haynes, Jennifer Haynes, Taiona McNeal, Gordon Haynes, Ethan Cravens, Telea McNeal, Tommy Nelson, Mary Nelson, Latoya Nelson, and Frances Haynes, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. before the funeral service at the church.

06/11/2026

Mr. Versie Lorenzo Darrel Thomas

Funeral services for Versie Lorenzo Darrel Thomas, 68, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Greater Faith Ministries, 507 Martin Luther King Dr., Kilgore, TX, with Rev. Tracy Colbert as eulogist and Rev. Marvin Taylor as officiant. Burial will follow in Kilgore Memorial Garden. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Versie entered the world in the City of Jacksonville, Texas, on March 5, 1958, born to the parentage of Jeff Davis and Florence Myrann Beck Thomas. He departed this life from his residence on June 7, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was baptized and united with Bethel Temple of Longview and remained a member until his demise.

He played football and baseball and graduated in the Class of 1976 from Kilgore High School.

Through the years, he ran his own business of odd jobs and lawn care maintenance. In his spare time, he could be found posing for photos. He loved being a part of a great picture up to the point of buying cameras just to be photographed with others. He relished being around family and friends. During the early 70’s and 80’s, he was a regular softball player at the gatherings at Woody’s in Kilgore.

His parents, siblings, Mervin Dudley, Vanessa Blanton, Patricia Ann Jones, and brother-in-law, Larry Zachery, all preceded him in death.
Left to mourn his passing are his siblings and their families, Nina Zachery and Bonnie Colbert, both of Kilgore, TX; Linda Kay Prince of Ft. Worth, TX; Evon Hawkins of Overton, TX; Dianne Mitchell of Longview, TX; Ricky Dudley of Dallas, TX; and Jeffrey Geter of Arlington, TX; special friends, the Taylor family, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held from noon until 1 p.m. before the funeral service at the church.

05/20/2026

Mr. James Dennis

Funeral services for James Earl Dennis, 68, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Holy Prayer Apostolic Church, 12334 Farm to Market Rd 2012, Kilgore, TX 75662, with Rev. Tracey Colbert as eulogist. Burial to follow at Kilgore Baptist Cemetery. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

The journey called life began for James, also known as “Tick,” being born in Overton, Texas, on November 27, 1957, to the parentage of L. T. “Tit” and Katherine Pegues Dennis. He departed this life on May 8, 2026, at Christus Good Shepherd Emergency Center in Kilgore.

As a child, he attended Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church along with his family.

His education was garnered in the Leverett’s Chapel School District just outside of Kilgore, Texas, where he played football.

Scurlock Oil Field Services provided James employment in their maintenance department.

He enjoyed playing dominoes, detailing cars, and doing lawn care whenever time permitted.

His parents, brothers, Theron Dennis and Michael Dennis all preceded him in death.

Left to mourn his passing is his wife, Miyosha Hall-Dennis of Kilgore, TX; one daughter, Melissa Dennis of Kilgore; three sons, James Dewayne Dennis, Michael Dennis, and Curtis Howard all of Kilgore; sisters, Peggy Snyder of Boling Brook, Il and Charlotte Dixon of Kilgore, TX; special buddies, Charles Jackson, Lawrence Geter, and Charles Williams all of Kilgore; grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas

04/30/2026

Evangelist Jo Catherine Emanuel Anthony

Funeral services for Jo Catherine Emanuel Anthony, 75, of Henderson, Texas, will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Mother Zion Baptist Church, 403 Redbud, Henderson, TX 75652, with Rev. Charles Hunt as eulogist. Burial will follow at Strong Cemetery in Henderson, Texas. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Jo entered the world to her parents, Joe Thomas and Zeddie Mae Emanuel, on October 11, 1950, in Rusk County, Texas. She peacefully transitioned in the comfort of her home in Longview, Texas, on Friday, April 17, 2026.

She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Mother Zion Baptist Church, where she was an active member in the choir. Later in 2001, she answered the call to the ministry under the leadership of Pastor Madero Hilburn and served as an evangelist until God called her home.

In her youth, she attended Henderson elementary schools and Hill High School in Henderson, Texas. She later garnered her general equivalency diploma (GED), enabling her to gain her certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Through the years, she also held employment at Faulkner Antiques, cleaning private homes, and worked for many years at Pine Lodge Assisted Living.

She is preceded in death by her parents, grandmother, Ida Lee Miller, grandfather, Bob Miller, and a son, Selig Mayes Robertson.

Left to cherish her memory are five children, Timothy James Anthony and his wife, Facia of Kilgore, TX; Patricia Ann Anthony, Valerie Renee Harper and her husband, Junior, Audrey Lajoyce Anthony Green all of Longview, TX; Anthony, Jr. and his wife, Angie of Monroe, LA; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, a very close cousin, Sharon Lister Walton of Dallas, TX; and a host of other relatives and friends.