Lora Lee Cox – Oct. 7, 1942 – March 20, 2024
Lora Lee Cox, 81 Years, 5 Months, 13 Days, departed this life on March 20, 2024, surrounded by her family in Henderson.
A Graveside Service was held on March 22 at the Gravel Hill Cemetery near Aquilla, Mo., with her grandson-in-law, Preston Shackelford, officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
She was born Oct. 7, 1942 in Stoddard County, Mo., the daughter of the late Johnie W. and Mary E. Osborn Pruett.
She was formerly employed by Purolator in Dexter, Mo., where she worked in production and later transferred to the warehouse distribution center. She also worked in the home health profession as a caregiver.
She was a great encourager and morale builder for everyone around her. Even after being admitted to Henderson Health & Rehabilitation Center, she would inspire the residents, their families, and staff with her positive attitude and genuine love for people. She was a caregiver to the end and was greatly loved by all who knew her. Watching the Hallmark Channel, Game Show Network, and baking her famous cookies and pies were among her favorite activities. She was active in many different churches in the Dexter area throughout her life. Her love for the Lord was evidenced by her sincere and compassionate care for others.
She is survived by a son, Michael (Tina) Cox; one grandchild, Micah (Preston) Shackelford; a great-grandchild, Ella Louise Shackelford, all of Henderson; one sister, Freda Waggoner; a brother, Cletus (Sharon) Pruett, all of Dexter, Mo.; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Clodina and Velda; and three brothers: Edsel, Loren, and Carman.
DONNA JOHNSON – Sept. 14, 1950 – March 23, 2024
Donna Lee Gaffney Johnson, 73, of Henderson passed away March 23, 2024, at her home.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, at Shackelford Funeral Directors – Crook Avenue Chapel with Bro. Danny Ray officiating. Burial followed at Mifflin Cemetery. The family received friends at Crook Avenue from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday.
She was born Sept. 14, 1950.
BUDDY SMITH – Jan. 1, 1944 – March 25, 2024
George Larry Smith, 80, of Finger passed away March 25, 2024, at his home.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Shackelford Funeral Directors – Crook Avenue with Chris Warren and Branson Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at Chester County Memory Gardens. The family received friends at Crook Avenue from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday.
He was born Jan. 1, 1944, in Chester County, the son of the late Jerry Clyde and Mary Lessie Mullins Smith. He attended Chester County Schools.
He worked for Dement Construction for several years and had also logged. He went to work for Chickasaw State Park for 25 years, retiring as Maintenance Supervisor. He was a Baptist in belief.
He enjoyed hunting and dancing, especially two-stepping and ballroom dancing.
He is survived by his wife, Doris Jean Riley Smith of Finger; a son, Larry Neal (Lisa) Smith of Finger; one daughter, Teresa (Jeff) Watson of Henderson; two grandchildren, Taylor Watson and Sydney Watson; and a sister, Stella Malone of Henderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerry Paul Smith; and five sisters, Sammie Cherry, Wilda Smith, Bobbie Weaver, Lorraine Butler and Jane McDonald.
BARBIE BATTERMAN – Dec. 11, 1940
There will be a memorial service for Barbie Batterman at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at the Sanford Hill Baptist Church in Henderson.
She was born in Norfolk, Va., Dec. 11, 1940, daughter of the late Samuel David and Edwinea Vawter Dealey. She grew up in Santa Monica, Calif., but finished high school in Midland, Texas. She attended Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, for a year.
She worked as a Girl Scout counselor and telephone operator for several years in Glendale, Calif. It was here that she met Bob Batterman, and they married July 1, 1966, in Santa Monica.
She became a homemaker and raised their two children. After their children grew up, she went back to school and earned a business degree from Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colo., where they were living at the time. They moved to Henderson in 2005.
She enjoyed writing. She taught Bible to children and was very active in church.
She was a member of Sanford Hill Baptist Church.
In her earlier years, she enjoyed camping and hiking, was a very aggressive go kart racer and did sport parachute jumping once.
She is survived by her husband, Bob Batterman; son, Sam (Susan) Batterman of Gilbertsville, Pa.; daughter, Marnie Batterman of Greenville, S.C.; brother, David (Margaret) Dealey of Malibu, Calif.; sister, Joan Ewen of Austin, Texas, and two grandchildren, Samantha and Parker Batterman.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
