Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home

11/27/2025

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. 🙏🏾

11/26/2025

🌟 Special Shout-Out to an Incredible Group of Young Volunteers 🌟

We want to take a moment to give a very special thank you to the amazing young people whose names were on the list we received this morning — Veronica Calixto, Martina Calixto, Felipe Calixto, Abraham Calixto, and Sara Calixto.

When we arrived, they were already busy cutting cakes, deboning meat, helping set up, and jumping in wherever help was needed. We honestly thought they were connected to some of our staff because of how naturally they blended in and how willing they were to serve.

But later we learned something that truly touched our hearts:
This group of young people saw our flyer, took it upon themselves to drive all the way from Rusk, and came simply to volunteer — without being asked, without expecting anything in return, just wanting to show kindness.

In a world where people sometimes question the younger generation’s commitment or compassion, these young individuals proved the opposite. Their selflessness made a tremendous impact on our event and on every person who witnessed their service.

To each of you — thank you.
Thank you for your time, your kindness, your hard work, and the beautiful example you set today. Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home is deeply grateful, and our community is better because of you.

💙 Thank you, Veronica Calixto, Martina Calixto, Felipe Calixto, Abraham Calixto, and Sara Calixto.
Your kindness didn’t just fill plates — it filled hearts.

11/26/2025

Today was truly a blessing. We are grateful and humbled to share that we were able to serve over 200 people with a warm Thanksgiving meal. What an honor it was to pour back into the community that continues to support and uplift us.

To everyone who played a part —
• Those who prepared a dish
• Those who donated drinks
• Every business that partnered with us and provided items
• The dedicated staff of Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home
• And most of all, every single volunteer who rearranged their schedule, showed up early, helped set up, served meals, packed plates, and delivered orders — thank you. Your kindness made today possible.

Today, Matthew 25:40 was truly exemplified: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.”

We know a lot of stomachs were filled today, but for all of us at Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home, our hearts are overflowing. We are simply thankful that God allowed us to be a blessing.

Thank you, Jacksonville. Thank you to every hand, every heart, and every person who played a role in making today a success. 💙
Serving with dignity, honor, professionalism, but most of all genuine love.

11/26/2025

Mercy/McGowan Communy Thanksgiving meals

11/16/2025

💍 Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Willie Turner III! 💍

On behalf of Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Funeral Director in charge, Mr. Willie Turner III, on his beautiful marriage yesterday.

To Willie and his bride, Pamela, we wish you both nothing but the very best as you begin this new chapter together. May your union be filled with love, joy, strength, and God’s blessings for many years to come.

Here’s to a lifetime of happiness — congratulations again to Mr. & Mrs. Willie Turner III! 💙💍

11/16/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday to Our Grief Support Specialist, Brian Tinsley! 🎉

Today, we celebrate a very special part of the Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home team — our Grief Support Specialist, who faithfully walks with families through some of their most difficult moments.

Your compassion, guidance, and calm presence bring comfort when it’s needed the most. You help families navigate their grief with understanding and care, and we are truly grateful for the heart you bring to our services.

Please join us in wishing a very happy and blessed birthday to someone who plays such an important role in supporting the emotional well-being of the families we serve.

Happy Birthday, Brian! 🎉
— Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home

11/12/2025

🇺🇸 Veterans Day Appreciation 🇺🇸

We don’t want this day to end without taking a moment to honor and acknowledge all the brave men and women who have served our country.

Today, we pause to say thank you for your courage, your sacrifice, and your dedication to protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day.

This year, we received several photos of men and women who are currently serving in the military, and we are so thankful for each of them. While today is especially set aside to recognize those who have served, completed their assignments, and have been honorably discharged, we also extend our gratitude to those who continue to serve and protect.

There were several that, unfortunately, we didn’t have photos for, but their names are listed. These are just a few of the many heroes who were submitted to us, and we’re honored to recognize each one.

If there’s someone you’d like to see added, please comment their name and a photo below so we can continue to honor them as well.

A special thank you also goes out to the friends, family members, and loved ones who shared their photos and granted permission for us to highlight these heroes. Your support makes this tribute possible.

From all of us at Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home —
We salute you. We thank you. We honor you. 🇺🇸💙

11/10/2025

What to Do When a Loved One Passes

When loss happens, it’s natural to feel unsure of what to do next.
Here are a few gentle steps to help guide you through this difficult time:
1. Notify local authorities or hospice staff.
If your loved one is under hospice care, their staff will assist you with the first steps.
2. Call us — Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home is available 24/7 at (903) 586-4698.
Our compassionate team is here day or night to assist you.
3. Allow our staff to guide you.
We’ll walk with you through each decision — from bringing your loved one into our care to planning the service that best honors their life.
4. Trust Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home to walk beside you.
We handle every detail with dignity and care, allowing you to focus on remembering and celebrating your loved one.

You are not alone — Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home will be with you every step of the way.

We will ALWAYS serve you and your love one with dignity, honor, respect, professionalism, but most of all, true and genuine love. 💙

Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home
📞 (903) 920-5520
📧 info@mercymcgowan.com
Proudly serving Jacksonville, TX and surrounding East Texas areas.

“Never place a question mark where God has placed a period.” 🕊️

11/06/2025

This Thanksgiving season, we just want to give back. 🧡
At Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home, we understand that many families are facing uncertain times. Together with Darren Baxter of “Big Hearts Open Hands,” we want to offer not only a hot meal, but also a reminder that our community still cares.

Please know, this isn’t about shaming anyone or putting anyone on display — it’s simply about spreading a little light in a time of need. We all go through seasons where we could use a helping hand, and this is our way of showing love, compassion, and gratitude.

Join us Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (the day before Thanksgiving) for our Thanksgiving Community Meals as we come together to serve with open hearts and open hands.

📍 415 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, TX
⏰ 12:00 noon – until meals are gone

Let’s make this holiday season a little warmer for everyone. 🧡💛🍂🦃

**SEE ATTACHED FLYER FOR MORE DETAILS!**

11/05/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday to Two of Our Own! 🎉

Today, we celebrate not one, but two amazing people, brother & sister — David & Yolanda McGowan!

Birthdays are always special, but they’re even more meaningful when we get to honor two incredible individuals who continue to carry on their father’s legacy with grace, dedication, and love for the families we serve.

Your compassion, leadership, and commitment to excellence truly reflect the heart of Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home. We’re thankful for both of you and the impact you make each and every day.

Wishing you both a wonderful day filled with love, laughter, and countless blessings! 💙

— Your Mercy/McGowan Family

11/03/2025

Official funeral arrangements for Mark Allen Carter. 🕊️

11/03/2025

With deep sympathy and sincere compassion, Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home announces the passing of Mark Allen Carter who departed this walk of life on October 23, 2025.

We ask that you keep the Carter family in your thoughts and prayers.

Official obituary and comments for the family may be accessed by clicking the link below:

https://www.mercymcgowan.com/blog/post/mark-allen-carter

Respectfully,
Mercy/McGowan Funeral Home
“Never place a question mark where God has placed a period.”🕊️

Mark Allen Carter, age 68, of Laneville, Texas, passed away on October 23, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. Mark was born on July 30, 1957, in Laneville, Texas, to the late Juanita Carter and Joe Maddox.