Victory Funeral Services

03/24/2026

Mrs. Novella Lester

Funeral services for Novella Lester, 91, of Overton, Texas, will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church with Rev. Lynsha Ward as officiant and Rev. D. R. Coleman as eulogist. Burial will follow in Harmony Pirtle Baptist Cemetery. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Novella was born in Overton, Texas, on May 20, 1934, to the parentage of Latessa Miles and Walter David Howard. She departed this life on March 18, 2026, at Autumn Leaves Nursing Home in Henderson, Texas.

As a child, she united with and was baptized at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church. Upon relocating to Dallas, Texas, she became one of the founding members of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church and remained a faithful member as one of the last two surviving founding members until her demise. Before having to leave the area due to failing health, she served in the Mission, as a soloist in the choir, financial secretary, Mother of the Church, and wherever needed.

Her early education was garnered in the Kilgore Independent School District, with graduation in the Kilgore Colored High School Class of 1950. She was an active athletic student during her high school years as a basketball team member. Having to enter school at an early age in an effort to keep her Uncle Lorenzo from skipping school resulted in her graduating at the age of 16. Upon graduation, she attended Texas College in Tyler, Texas, seeking a degree in Nursing.

She experienced a long, fruitful working career with a 20-year stint at Beverly Hills Sanitarium and another 20 years of employment with retirement from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).

She was married to Willie Lester from 1955 until he died in 1959.

Her parents, her son, Milfort Howard, her grandson, Chris Howard, her brothers, Mariel Harvey, Wendell Harvey, and Sentell Harvey all preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing are her son, Clayton Howard and his wife, Ann of Overton, TX; grandchildren, Quentin Riley of Longview, TX; Chezaray Howard of Overton, TX; Alaina Howard and Acacia Howard both of Dallas, TX; Rachel Howard of Jacksonville, FL; sisters, Jeanette Portley, Pauline Morgan and her husband, Augusta, and Chiketa Lilly and her husband, Larry all of Overton, TX; brothers, Larry Harvey and Gilbert Harvey both of Overton, TX; and Ronald Harvey and his wife, Vivian of Dunn Loring, VA; sister-in-law, Alice Harvey of Overton, TX; ten grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren; special friend, Barbara Ann Turpin of Grand Prairie, TX; and Joanne Sanders Lee of Dallas, TX; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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

03/05/2026

Mrs. Nadine Henderson Wynn

Funeral services for Mrs. Nadine Henderson Wynn will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Holy Prayer Chapel Church of God in Christ with Rev. Derrick Walker officiating and Pastor Ella Mae Walker as eulogist. Burial will follow at Post Oak Baptist Church Cemetery. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Nadine Henderson Wynn was born on September 10, 1960, in Longview, Texas, to Johnnie Ruth Henderson and Moses Goodacre. She was raised with deep love, strength, and unwavering support. From a young age, she radiated warmth, kindness, and a joyful energy that touched the hearts of everyone she met. She departed this life surrounded by her loved ones on March 3, 2026, at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler, Texas.

Whether it was her infectious laughter, compassionate nature, or ability to turn ordinary moments into unforgettable memories, she was truly a blessing to all who knew her. She attended Kilgore public schools as a member of the Class of 1978, where she formed lifelong friendships. She attended Holy Chapel Church of God in Christ, and she was baptized later in life. In her early years, she became a stay-at-home mother. She did this with dedication and passion; she excelled at cooking, making some of the best desserts you’d ever eat. She believed that cleanliness was next to Godliness and kept a clean home. Her spirit was free like her heart. She never knew a stranger and never turned a person down in need. She was faithful to her family and friends and believed in forgiveness, no matter the person.

She was joined in matrimony with Artis Wynn on June 6, 2008, until he departed this life.

In her professional life, Nadine worked in many different capacities, whether as a caretaker, housekeeper, carpenter, or gardener; she excelled. She was always willing to help care for her community’s needs. She believed in working with her hands and was not afraid of hard labor. No job was beneath her, be it cleaning churches or cleaning up after animals. She did all work with her best foot forward and embraced each moment with enthusiasm and generosity.

Above all, Nadine was deeply devoted to her family and friends. She valued relationships above all else and was a constant source of strength, laughter, and comfort. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son, Christopher Henderson, her brothers, Alvin Henderson, Billy Ray Henderson, and Raymond Earl Henderson. She was also the youngest of 33 siblings in the Moses Goodacre lineage, all of whom have gone home.

She is lovingly remembered and survived by her daughters, Alitha Wheat and her husband, Danny of Gladewater, Chasity Henderson and her husband, Darnell of Longview, and her son, Antonio Henderson of Kilgore; her sisters, Mae Thomas of Kilgore; Kathrine Carldwell and her husband, Marquest of Diana, TX; her brothers, R. V. Henderson and his wife Jenny of Kilgore; Willie T. Henderson and his wife Maria, Glenn Henderson, and Calvin Henderson and his wife, Marisha; grandchildren, Daquavin Wheat, Clifton Henderson, Christian Henderson, Shadaria Carldwell, Alayia Wheat, Shariya Carldwell, Calice Henderson, Dylan, Shamoria, Caden and Kelon; three great-grandkids, Willow, Caylon, and Akari; a special cousin who was like a sister, Barbara Lynn Fitch of Kilgore; and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Victory Funeral Services.

02/19/2026

Mr. George Lovell Sheppard, IV

Memorial services for George L. Sheppard, IV, 41, of Longview, Texas, will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Prayerful Temple, 1505 Ray Street, Longview, TX 75602, with Pastor Essie Mapps as eulogist. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of arrangements.

George was born the only child of Loretta Rena Thompson and George Lovell Sheppard, III, in Longview, Texas, on October 1, 1984. He departed this life on February 4, 2026, in Longview, Texas.

In his youth, he attended Longview Public Schools. In his young adulthood, he served in the U. S. Navy. Upon returning to civilian life, he held employment in several positions in the food service industry.

His grandmother, Lois Sheppard, aunts Lelia Thompson and Minnie L. Shephard, uncles Carl and Edward Earl Thompson, step-son, Dallas Hill, and cousin, Marco Robertson, all preceded him in death.

Left to celebrate his memory are his mother, Loretta Thompson of Longview, TX; father, George Lovell Sheppard, III of Kilgore, TX; grandmother, Elaine Thompson of Longview, TX; his children, Legend Sheppard, and Mariah McBride both of Longview, TX; McKenzie Sheppard of Gilmer, TX; Trace Xavier Sheppard of Gladewater, TX; and Vanessa Brooks of Kilgore, TX; step-daughter, Khleesei Hill of Gladewater, TX; significant other, Marinda Phillips of Longview, TX.

His aunts and uncles who will also mourn his passing, Linda Gale Thompson, Love Monroe and husband, Gary of Amarillo, TX; Fannie M. Malone, Johnny B. Shephard. and Julia E. Dunn all of Kilgore, TX; Marcell “Wolf” Shephard, Jo Ann Allison, Eugene Shephard and wife, Belindra, Tyrone Wheat and his wife, Melissa all of Kilgore, TX; and Marcus Shephard and wife, Detric all of Longview, TX; four great aunts, Vivian Nell “Caroline” Williams, Celia Ann “Rat” Coleman, Ruby Jewel McCelland and Mildred Lee James all of Kilgore, TX; and great uncle, James Roy Portley and his wife, Gladys of Houston, TX; a great great-aunt, Mary Gatlin of Oakland, CA; a great great-uncle, Odell Davis of Muskegon, MI.

Cousins who will feel the loss as are his beloved first cousin, Taylin T. Thompson of Longview, TX; other cousins, Jessica Wheat, Tybreanna Wheat, Mia Wheat, Tyai Wheat, Zaquallion Wheat, Amari Johnson all of Kilgore, TX; Ebony Brown of Tyler, TX; Christopher Jackson, Monique Jackson, LaToya Jackson, Ben Monoe, Shanika Dunn, Sherry Dunn, Monica Taylor, Staphanie Shephard and Kay-Kay Shephard; great cousins, Kim Ray Geter of Kilgore, TX; Eleanor Stoker and her husband, Vernon Stoker, Jr. and De’Lores P. Arline all of Longview, TX; Arronda Michelle Hardeman of Houston, TX; and a host of other friends and relatives.

There will be no public viewing.

01/08/2026

Mr. Randy Ray Redic

Memorial services for Randy Ray Redic, 54, of Longview, Texas, will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Victory Temple Church of God in Christ, 601 SH-31 East, Kilgore, TX, with Elder Robert Hicks as eulogist. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of arrangements.

Randy was born in Overton, Texas, on September 15, 1971, to the parentage of Rebecca Coleen Redic. He departed this life on December 28, 2025, at Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Texas.

In his youth, he attended Scott’s Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Overton, Texas, prior to residing in Longview.

Overton Independent School District provided his early education, followed by graduation from Longview High School. His working career allowed him to pursue his beloved hobby of working on cars as an auto mechanic.

His grandparents and mother all preceded him in death.

Let to celebrate his memory are his wife, Marcie Redic of Longview, TX; son, Randy Redic, Jr, and daughter, Larandi Redic; and their mother, Yolanda Templeton; son, Randy “Zay” Redic of Okmulgee, OK, and his mother, Rena Charles of Henderson, TX; sister, Bridget Hawkins and her husband, Adrian of Longview, TX; aunt, Susan Redic of Henderson, TX; uncle, Steven Redic of Overton, TX; best friend, Stoney Johnson of Longview, TX; friends, Dewayne Bradley of Longview, TX and Jerry Luster of Overton, TX; and a host of other relatives and friends.

There will be no public viewing.

01/01/2026

12/29/2025

Mr. Darron Dean Moore

Funeral services for Darron Dean Moore, 51, of Dallas, Texas, formerly of Kilgore, Texas will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Faith Tabernacle of God in Christ, 1309 TX 31, Kilgore, Texas with Superintendent Pervis Johnson as eulogist. Burial will follow at Kilgore Baptist Cemetery. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of the services.

Entering the world seven minutes before his twin sister, Sharron, Darron was born to the parentage of Bettye Jean Hall and Alvin Harper on Friday, March 22, 1974, in Longview, Texas. His tenure on earth ceased on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas while being comforted by his family members.

Early in life he united with and was baptized at Kilgore Baptist Church. He later joined First Baptist Church in Kilgore. Upon relocating to Dallas he became a member at Friendship West Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, where he rendered service as a member of the choir and often as a soloist until his health failed.

After his kindergarten and first grade school years, his family returned to Kilgore where he continued his education with graduation in the Kilgore High School Class of 1992. During his high school years he was elected by his peers to compete in the Beauty and Handsome Pageants, was selected as a member of the National Honor Society and was listed in Who's Who in America. He enjoyed playing sports, excelled in basketball and tennis, and was a member of the Fellowship of Christians Athletes.

His skill-set shown in high school garnered him many honors and a scholarship to college. After high school he played basketball and tennis at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, graduating in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. In 2005, he received his Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

His working career began immediately upon graduation with employment at various institutions. Among them included working a ten-year term of employment as Outreach/Community Relations Manager at Promise House, a position as a recruiter for Dallas Independent School District as well as a class room teacher in several cities, and as a personal trainer. While residing in Waco he also held employment at the YMCA and the Methodist Children's Home.

Always an over-achiever, his talents lent to him performing as an actor and soloist in numerous stage plays, and working the runway as a professional model. His love of basketball found him organizing and owning a profitable local adult Dallas-Ft. Worth basketball team for several years.

His grandmother, Glodine Hall Rossum, parents, Bettye Glaspie and Alvin Harper, brother, Archie Moore, aunt and uncle, Barbara and Leroy Bagley, and nephew, DeAundray Rossum, all preceded him in death.

Those left to miss his presence are his maternal family, twin sister, Sharron Moore Abercrombie, Patrick Moore; Carlos Moore; and Michael Glaspie and his wife, Cheryl, all of Dallas, TX; aunt, Brenda Westmoreland and her husband, Charles of Kilgore, TX; and uncles, Ronnie Ausborne of Ft. Worth, TX; and Tom Rossum of Dallas, TX; paternal family, John Harper, Jackie Harper-Finley and her husband, Harold, Tina Harper-Hodge and her husband, Trevelyan, Kenneth Harper, Toya Harper, Christal Hodge and her husband, Dexter, and Kyra Harper all of Texarkana, TX; his "adopted" family members, dad, Stephen LaFleur, Sr.; mom, Linda Wilmon, brother, Stephen LaFleur, II, sisters, Monet LaFleur, and Stephanie LaFleur Stack, nephew, Trey LeFleur, nieces, Gaby LaFleur and Ellie Boorman, best friend, Leo Jackson, special friend, Felecia Moore Haynes, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Victory Funeral Services.

12/18/2025

Mrs. Eva Gipson Mills

Funeral services for Eva Wells Gipson Mills, 79, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Faith Tabernacle of God in Christ with Pastor Tracy Colbert as officiant and Rev. James Bell as eulogist. Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Eva Mae, more affectionately known by most as Patsy, was born in Galveston, Texas, on July 13, 1946, to the parentage of B. K. Smith and Lillie Wells. She departed this life on December 9, 2025, at Christus Good Shepherd Emergency Center-Kilgore.

At the age of six, she united with and was baptized at Kilgore Baptist Church, and remained a faithful member until her health failed. During the years she served in the Mission, on the culinary committee, and was a driving force in getting children to Vacation Bible School.

Her early education was garnered in the Kilgore Independent School District, with graduation in the C. B. Dansby High School Class of 1965. She was an active athletic student during her high school years as an outstanding track team member and dancer on the Tigerette Drill Team. Following high school graduation, she graduated from Kilgore College, majoring in photography. She later became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Her working career included serving as a Director at Dansby Adult/Child Day Care Center, where she was responsible for most of the activities, the van service, and after-school care. She later held employment identifying health care needs in the African American community, working for the Texas Department of Health. Her final employment resulted in retirement in 1999 from Sabine Valley Regional Mental Health and Mental Retardation Center, performing duties in respite care.

Always busy in the community meeting her civic duty, she volunteered tirelessly advocating for election and voting rights in Gregg County and nationally.

Her grandfather, Dick Wells, grandmother, Cora Lala, her husband, Samuel L. “Goober” Alexander, her daughter, Darlene Emeadi, son, Mack Wells, grandson, Gregory Williams, sisters, Mattie D. Pentecost, and Maria Pentecost Daniels and her brother, Willie “Scatman” Smith, all preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing are her children, Cheryl Gipson, Aaron Gipson, Theresia Wells and Kasandra Wells all of Kilgore, TX; grandchildren, Demetrius Wells, Kimberly Wells Jones, Lawrence Emeadi, Jr., Kenneth Emeadi, O’Quincy Hall, Claire Hall, Princess Hall, Jimmy Edwards, Beloved Tremina, John Sanders, Jr., Samuel Gipson, Alexis Gipson, Lillie Gipson Hensley, Matthew Gipson, Makai Gipson, Madison Gipson, Taneqia Gipson, Wesley Williams, Ja’Marcus Gipson, Vanessa Gipson, Gabrielle Wells and Kiara Wells; nephew, Paul Cornett and niece, Princess Gail Pentecost; goddaughter, Melissa “Boo” Colbert, godsons, Rev. James Bell and Freddy D. Wallace, Jr. all of Kilgore, TX; special friends, Pastor Ella Mae Walker, De’Lores P. Arline, Denise Speech, Shirley Fortson, and Tonya Seseveda, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas.

11/11/2025

Mrs. Luella Louise Williams

Viewing services for Mrs. Luella Louise Williams, 89, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Victory Funeral Services. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Luella was born to her parents, Henderson and Pearlie Lee Collins Bryant, on Saturday, August 5, 1936, in Jefferson, Texas. She was called from this world on November 2, 2025, to join her other loved ones in Glory after an extended illness at The Willows of Kilgore Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

In her youth, she was baptized and united with First Community Church in Harleton, Texas. Later in life, she joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Overton, Texas, under the leadership of Rev. Leslie Smith.

She received her education in the Harleton Independent School District, ending the journey at Macedonia High School.

Her working career consisted of employment in private homes. When not working, she enjoyed painting, crafts, and watching television. She was known as a loving and caring person who was considerate of everyone.

Her parents and one daughter, Sarah Jefferson Jones, preceded her in death.

Left to mourn her passing are her sisters, Al Jewel Lewis of Houston, TX; Nancy Hamilton and Elaine Johnson both of Dallas, TX; two brothers, Cyrus Bryant of Marshall, TX and Jimmy Bryant of Arlington, TX; three grandchildren, Wilbert Jones, Jr. of Houston, TX; Shannon Jones of Austin, TX; and Roshundra Jones, and many other relatives and friends.

11/05/2025

Mrs. Mae Ella Haynes Colbert Kennedy

Funeral services for Mae Ella Kennedy, 87, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 1 p.m., at St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 401 East Main Street, Kilgore, Texas. Her son, Pastor Tracy Colbert, will serve as eulogist, and District Elder Alan Pollard will officiate. Burial will follow in Kilgore Memorial Gardens. Victory Funeral Services in Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Mae Ella, more lovingly known by family and friends as “Sister” or “Sister Haynes”, was born in Sexton City, Texas, in Rusk County on February 17, 1938, to the parentage of Thomas Eugene and Willie Mae Brown Haynes. She departed this life surrounded by her loved ones on October 29, 2025, from Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas.

In her early years, she held memberships at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church, Kilgore Baptist Church, Bates Memorial CME, and Union Baptist Church. She later served as Treasurer, worked in the Missionary Department, culinary and custodial staff, and sang in the Mission Choir at Prince of Peace Church (later named Faith Christian Church), and she concluded her earthly service to the Lord at House of Prayer.

Her education was garnered in the Starr Bailey School System in the Leveretts Chapel area in Rusk County, Texas. After completion of school, she entered the workforce, holding positions at Smith Brother Egg Farm, and as a cook at The Chuck Wagon Café, and The Wagon Wheel Café. She also had employment performing private sitting work for the Cashen and Laird families.

After many years of nose to the grindstone work to support her family, she began to really enjoy fishing and gardening in the fall and winter of her life.

In her younger years, she was married to Willie James Colbert and later wed Bennie Kennedy.

Her parents, her husband, Bennie Kennedy, her daughters, Janice Colbert Mumphrey, Felix Colbert Pittman, and Veronica Colbert, grandchildren, Veronica Denise Williams, and Kenneth Shepherd, her great-grandchildren, Tamarion Colbert, Sakia' Williams, and Aysia Starks, her siblings, R. V. Haynes, Tommy Haynes, Larry Haynes, Ola Lacy, Jewel Hazel Jackson, and Rose Mary Haynes, all preceded her in death.

Those to mourn her passing are her children, Paul Colbert, Bruce Lacy, Sylvia Williams, Gale Johnson and her husband, Tommy, Tracy Colbert and his wife, Bonnie, Jimmy Colbert and his wife, Brenda, Joann Smith and her husband, Charles, Tyrone Colbert, Stacy Coleman and her husband, Bervin, Tonya Pollard and her husband, Alan, Benny Colbert, Mae Ella Colbert, Joseph Colbert, Charzell Moreland, and her husband, Walter, and Benji Colbert; bonus children, Gregory Kennedy and his wife, Amanda, and Comelita Nicholson and her husband, Michael.

Her surviving siblings who will always cherish her are JoAnn Haynes Kennard and her husband, Jimmy, Roy Haynes, Donnie Haynes and his wife, Francis, Billie Sue Haynes, and Cleo Haynes.

To continue her legacy, she leaves 66 grandchildren, 124 great-grandchildren, and 107 great-great-grandchildren.

To never be forgotten by special friends she held close to her heart, Ella Mae Walker, Vergie Lee Kennedy, Eva Mae “Patsy” Gipson, Mae Tyeskie, Latricia Wafer, and Shirley Kennedy; and god-daughter, De’Lores P. Arline.

Viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Victory Funeral Services of Kilgore, Texas.

11/02/2025

The Official Arrangements for the Homegoing Celebration Honoring the Life and Legacy of Pastor Danny E. Craig, Sr.

10/16/2025

Funeral services for Margie Don Williams Kennedy, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at noon at Church on Purpose, 1101 Pine Tree Road, Longview, Texas, with Rev. Nicholas Lawson as officiant and Pastor Eric Love as eulogist. Burial will follow at Kennedy-Butts Cemetery in Kilgore, Texas. Victory Funeral Services in Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Margie was born on Friday, August 14, 1936, to the parentage of Elijah James and Annie Lee Elder Williams (Canida). She departed this life after a brief stay in hospice on October 10, 2025, in Winona, Texas.

In her youth, she united with and was baptized at Harmony Pirtle Baptist Church, where she headed up the Culinary Committee and served as an usher. Later, she united with Kilgore Baptist Church, serving as an usher and chairing the Culinary Department. In later years, she became a founding member of New Birth Fellowship and continued her service leading in the Culinary and custodial departments, and working as Vice President of the Usher Board. Her most recent and ultimate service to God was given at Church on Purpose as she served as an usher.

Tyler Independent School District hosted the early years of her education, with attendance at Dunbar Elementary School and graduation from Emmett Scott High School, where she was a member of the Rosettes and the marching band.

After high school, she attended Texas College and was first runner-up for Miss Texas College in Tyler, Texas, and later transferred to Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

One child, Tammy, was born to her marriage to James Wesley Kennedy, and later, Reginald Sean White was born in the marriage to James Hollis White.

She leaves a strong family legacy of her daughter, Tammy Kennedy, and Ronald Looney of Troup, TX; son, Reginald Sean White of Kilgore, TX; god-son, Marc Nichols of Baton Rouge, LA, and god-daughter, Yolanda Taylor of Kilgore, TX.

A brother, Rass Riley Canida, II of Frisco, TX; four sisters, Ida Gent and her husband, Charles of Frisco, TX; Kathryn Williams of Longview, TX; Jan Juan Williams of Inglewood, CA; and Vickie Williams of Cedar Hill, TX.

Preceding her in death are her parents, grandparents, Rebecca Breedlove-Elder and Martin Elder, infant son, James Wesley Kennedy, Jr, and grandson, Brandon Keith Bagent-Kennedy, three brothers, Duffie Williams, Elijah “Chucky” Williams, and James “Skippy” Williams.

Viewing will be held at Victory Funeral Services on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 2 to 7 p.m.