Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home

12/19/2025

Melton Roy Hawkins

Mel Hawkins, 89, of China Spring, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Ascension Providence Hospital in Waco.

Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 10:30 a.m., in the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Rosemound Cemetery.

Mel will lie in state beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

A complete obituary is forthcoming.

The family invites you to share a message or memory of Melton in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com

View Melton Roy Hawkins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/19/2025

Back with a Facts Friday! Do you have a funeral, cremation or cemetery question you'd like answered? Email them to jenna@WHBfamily.com for answers💙

12/19/2025

This year, take care of what matters most. One simple step will shield your family from the financial and emotional burden of funeral arrangements. Make 2026 the year you check it off your to-do list!

Click the link to get started today.
https://www.whbfamily.com/planning-ahead/online-preplanning-form

12/18/2025

Grady Hugh Cross

Grady Hugh Cross, a lifelong resident of Waco, passed away peacefully in his hometown. Born and departed in the city he loved, Grady's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the strength of community, and most importantly, the grace of God. Memorial services are private.

Born May 30, 1951, and entered the gates of Heaven on February 03, 2025. Grady was known throughout Waco for his gentle spirit and unwavering trust in others. He possessed a rare ability to see the good in everyone. Grady was often seen traversing the city streets, either on foot or utilizing Waco's public transit, Grady was fiercely independent.

Grady cherished human connection. He found joy in simple conversations and the company of those who crossed his path. His open heart and trusting nature drew people to him, and he, in turn, was the recipient of countless acts of generosity. The people of Waco showed him immeasurable kindness, offering housing, haircuts, hair colorings, meals, assistance with eyeglasses, and, most importantly, compassion. These acts of kindness were a normal part of his life and are a testament to why he loved Waco so much.

Grady was a man of deep faith, finding joy in his relationship with God and sharing that faith with others. He had a passion for gospel music and shared his love for the Lord through song. He lit up the most when there was an old hymn playing. He knew the words by heart and sang with all the power he had in his body. He knew what Jesus did for all of us on the cross and firmly believed that all of his sins were forgiven. His decision to follow Jesus and trust in this truth allowed him to be truly joyful in every circumstance in his life. He knew that even though he loved this city so much, that it wasn’t his forever home.

Grady's life reminds us that wealth is not rooted in material possessions, in physical ability, or permanency on earth. Instead, and foremost, it is rooted in the faith and acceptance of God’s Grace through Jesus’ death and resurrection. He will be deeply missed by the many lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merrill Cross and Dorothy (Morse) Cross. He is survived by his dear relatives Cathryn Lurose Brogdon and Victor Parvar as well as the many Waco residents who shared the love of Christ with him.

The family invites you to share a message or memory of Grady in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com

View Grady Hugh Cross's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/18/2025

Let's all wish Gil Horn a very happy birthday! We hope you have a great day, Gil!

12/17/2025

Jack Randall "Butch" Layne

Jack Randall Layne, lovingly known as “Butch”, 81, of Waco, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025. A memorial visitation will be held 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

A native of Waco, Jack was born, March 14, 1944, to the late H. Jack and Alene Layne. Jack grew up on a farm in Speegleville, and he often told his family stories from that period of his life. After the family moved to Waco, Jack graduated in 1962 from Richfield High School. He went on to attend both Baylor University and North Texas State. He made a career in insurance sales and by providing financial products.

Jack coached Little League baseball every season continuously from 1975 to 1984, coaching his two sons and hundreds of other ball players over the years. On April 1, 1985, Jack and Frances were married and blended a family of three sons and one daughter together. Their first family vacation to South Padre Island was “legendary” and solidified the new family together for a lifetime.

Jack had many nicknames over the course of his life. If you ever knew him as “Butch”, then you have known him since his Speegleville days or you are family. If you ever called him “Papa Jack “or “PJ” then you met him by attending a baseball game, or other events, one of his grandchildren participating, or you are family. If you know him by any other of his colorful nicknames that cannot be written, then you are definitely family or close enough to be considered so.

Jack was proceeded in death by parents H. Jack and Alene Layne; his wife, Patricia Layne; and stepson, Chris Clinkscales.

Jack is survived by sisters, Jayne Green and Susan Trimble; wife, Frances Layne; sons, Jack Layne II, John Layne, and stepdaughter, Cherie Sivess; grandchildren, Blair and Wade Sivess, Caitlyn, Dylan, Dawson and Sawyer Layne, Kristen Chick and Matthew Clinkscales; and 7 great-grandchildren.

God’s speed and rest in peace, Jack.

The family invites you to share a message or memory of Jack in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com

View Jack Randall "Butch" Layne's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/16/2025

The holidays often shine a spotlight on family—and for some, that can feel heavy. Missing loved ones, strained relationships, or memories of holidays past can make gatherings bittersweet or even stressful.

But here’s an important reminder: don’t assume the days will be awful. Give yourself permission to leave the expectations at the door and let whatever comes, come. There may be moments of joy, laughter, or connection—even if grief is present too. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s being present for whatever unfolds.

Here are a few gentle ways to navigate family gatherings:

Set boundaries: You don’t have to attend every event or engage in every conversation. Protecting your emotional space is not selfish—it’s self-care.

Anchor yourself: Pause, breathe, and notice your body’s signals. Even a few deep breaths can help you stay grounded.

Bring a ritual of remembrance: Light a candle, say a quiet prayer, or carry a photo in your pocket—whatever helps you honor loved ones.

Plan an exit strategy: It’s okay to leave early or step outside if emotions rise. Preparing in advance reduces stress.

Leave space for joy: Allow yourself to notice laughter, beauty, or small moments of fun without guilt. Emotions can coexist—grief and joy can live side by side.

Remember, the holiday season is complex, and all of your feelings are valid. If attending gatherings feels overwhelming, therapy can help you process grief, navigate difficult emotions, and find strategies that make this season more manageable. I have openings this month and in January for both in-person and virtual sessions.

Office: 254-637-0514
Hours:
• Mon/Wed/Fri — 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Tue/Thu — 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM

12/15/2025

Please join us in wishing our very own "Director of First Impressions" Susan Stem, a very Happy Birthday! We appreciate you, Susan ✨

12/15/2025

Happy Belated Birthday Michele! We hope you had a wonderful day, we appreciate you 🦋

12/15/2025

Stephen Duane Stanley

Stephen Duane Stanley, 76, of Waco, Texas, finished the race and graduated to heaven Friday, December 12, 2025, at Providence Hospital. There was a final salute given at the hospital thanks to a volunteer retired marine.

Steve was born on February 15, 1949, to Charles Wayne Stanley and Luetta Ann Stanley Derosett in Marion, Indiana who are both deceased. He volunteered for the Army as a young man, served in Vietnam and retired with an honorable medical discharge after 18 years. He loved coaching baseball, antique window shopping, going to garage sales and having conversations about whatever topic people wanted to talk about.

He loved God, his family, his country and anyone he encountered. Steve was a selfless giver of his resources, his time, his wisdom and his love. He was always there to cheer people up and/or speak truth to people from a place of love. He was loved by all who knew him and known for his sense of humor that could make anyone smile.

Steve was preceded in death by the love of his life Evelyn Sutton Stanley

Steve is survived by his sisters, Sharon Hans and Susan Derosett, his children, Brent Stanley, Rebecca Rose, Daniel Sutton, Robert Sutton and Scott Stanley. Additionally, Steve was blessed with 10 grandchildren, Broc Stanley, Bryce Stanley, Machelle Rosado, Kaitlyn Hall, Gabriel Rose, Kaden Rose, Alex Bergener, Charles Bender, Maria Bender and Mae Sutton along with 5 great grandchildren Brayden O’Pry, Jayce Rosado, Tristan Hall, Rayleigh Rosado and Holden Hall.

The family invites you to share a message or memory of Stephen in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com

View Stephen Duane Stanley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/12/2025

Not too late to join!

Tomorrow we gather.
If you’ve been carrying extra heaviness this season—missing someone deeply, navigating a quiet ache, or feeling the weight of the holidays—I want to invite you to join us tomorrow morning.

Our December Grief Talk, Light in the Darkness, will be a gentle space for reflection, connection, and honoring the person or people you’re grieving this year.

🕯 We will begin in stillness, then move into a candle-lighting ritual that reminds us: light always returns.
You are welcome here.

🕙 Tomorrow, 10 AM – 12 PM
📍 Garden Room, Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home

Save your seat:
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1304139599649?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/12/2025

Mary Ann Murphy Wavell

Mary Ann Murphy Wavell, 77, of Lampasas, Texas, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Southlake, Texas. A graveside service will be Saturday, December 20, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, with a reception to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the library at Hotel 1928.

She was born on July 2, 1948, in Dallas, Texas. Mary Ann was one of two daughters of Mary Sabrina Murphy and William Jefferson Murphy. She is survived by her beloved older sister, Sara Sundstrom.

Mary Ann graduated from Hillcrest High School in Dallas and continued her education at Trinity University in San Antonio, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 1971. She furthered her passion for learning by completing a Master's in Library Science at the University of Texas at Austin in 1989.

As a young girl, Mary Ann spent her summers at Camp Davis in New Mexico, where she developed a lifelong love of the outdoors—those summer days, surrounded by nature, adventure, and friendship, were some of her most treasured memories. Mary Ann was a talented watercolor artist known for her delicate, vibrant floral paintings, many of which decorated her home walls for decades.

While attending Trinity University, Mary Ann met Leland Cage Wavell from Corpus Christi. The two married on January 23, 1970. After graduation, Cage joined the U.S. Navy as a fighter pilot, and the young family lived in California, Florida, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Together, they welcomed two children, Carrie Ann and Cage Wavell. In 1975, when Cage attended Baylor University Law School, the family moved to Waco, Texas. They later relocated to Corpus Christi, where Mary Ann began her teaching career while continuing to paint.

In 1984, Mary Ann divorced and started a new chapter in her life when she took a teaching position with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) in Germany. She worked as an art teacher and later as a librarian. She spent eight memorable years living and working in Europe, traveling extensively across East and West Europe, Russia, Egypt, and beyond. She immersed herself in new cultures, built lifelong friendships with fellow teachers, and proudly learned to navigate the autobahn and Europe's winding roads. Traveling became one of her greatest passions.

Returning to the United States in 1994, Mary Ann settled in Austin, Texas, where she continued her career in education as a librarian with Austin ISD. She was an avid dog lover who shared her life with three cherished dogs: Buttons (her favorite), then Buster, and finally Ellie. Ellie now lives happily with her daughter, Carrie Ann.

In 2003, Mary Ann found her sanctuary when she purchased acreage in Lampasas, lovingly known as “The Ranch.” After retiring from teaching in 2005, she devoted herself to the land. She found joy in watching the sun rise and set, admiring the wildlife, working outdoors, building fences, driving her tractor, and soaking in the peace of wide-open spaces. The Ranch was her happy place—where the beauty of simple things brought her endless contentment.

Mary Ann loved spending time with her four grandchildren. She was incredibly proud of all their accomplishments and cherished hearing about their lives. She will be dearly missed; her grandchildren are deeply saddened by her passing.

In 2024, Mary Ann was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Despite limited treatment options, she faced her illness with courage, grace, and acceptance.

Mary Ann is survived by her daughter, Carrie Ann Mark, and son-in-law, Robert Mark; her grandchildren, Ella Elizabeth Wavell, Dutch Robert Mark, Dustan Jefferson Mark, and Annika Ann Mark; her son, Cage Jefferson Wavell; and her sister, Sara Sundstrom.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Mary Ann’s love of animals by adopting a dog or cat—and giving them the affection she believed every animal deserves.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Mary Ann in her “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com

View Mary Ann Murphy Wavell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.