McWilliams Funeral Home

01/26/2026

01/23/2026

If you know people who are grieving, one way to support them is by bringing them a meal! Before you hop on the meal train, check out these etiquette tips for bringing food to the grieving.

When bringing a meal to a grieving family, what etiquette rules should you follow? Learn how to drop off a meal here.

01/21/2026

Most cats hate water, which can make bathtime a big chore. If your cat fights back when you try to bathe them, check out these tips that might help bathtime go a little bit smoother.

Cats do most of their grooming themselves, but sometimes a bath has to happen. Here’s how to make bathtime as smooth as possible.

01/21/2026

Gwendolyn Marie Pogue Cernosek
April 29, 1943 - January 17, 2026

Gwen surrounded by her loving family, took Jesus’ hand and peacefully stepped into heavenly glory on Saturday January 17, 2026. Gwen was born on April 29, 1943, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Murry and Marie Pogue. The family lived in Corpus Christi until 1944, when they moved to Lexington, Texas. Gwen attended elementary school through high school where she graduated from Lexington High School in 1962. Shortly after graduation, Gwen moved to Houston, Texas, where she married Gary Plant. Together they welcomed three children: Wendy, Cary, and Tandy. Her children remained the greatest joys of her life. After 32 years of marriage, Gwen’s life took a new and beautiful turn when she met her second great love, John Cernosek. They married in 2000. Gwen and John built their forever home in Hempstead, Texas, where they became devoted members of First Baptist Church in Hempstead. Their life together was rich with shared passions antiquing, gardening, traveling, music, dancing, and time spent with family. They also cherished their time in Rockport, Texas where they built their bay house that became a gathering place for rest, laughter, and memories. Gwen worked faithfully as a paralegal for many years and retired in 1999. Her work ethic, attention to detail, and compassion for others were evident in every chapter of her career. Above all, Gwen’s heart belonged to her family. Her children were her proudest accomplishment, and she adored each one of her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. Gwen is survived by her devoted husband of 25 years, John Cernosek; daughter Wendy Galloway (son-in-law Shannon); daughter Tandy Rae Pavlock (son-in-law Daniel); son Cary Plant (daughter-in-law Shelly); sisters Lorraine Benhamu and Geraldine Reat; six grandchildren; three great‑grandchildren; one niece; two nephews; and numerous cousins and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Murry and Marie Pogue.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 12:00 pm at First Baptist Church, 445 Main Street, Hempstead, Texas 77445 with Chaplain Brent Sims officiating under the direction of McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead.

01/21/2026

01/19/2026

Today, we honor the legacy of one of America's most influential civil rights leaders - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a day for reflection, service, and action as we come together and work towards a more just and equitable society. One man can make a difference, and Dr. King certainly did.

01/19/2026

Mildred “Millie” Louise Greeley entered eternal rest on January 6, 2026. She was born on July 17, 1940, in East Bernard, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Mildred Srubar, and her sisters, Jeanette Sheffield and Yvonne Jean Srubar. She is dearly loved and will be missed by her family. She is survived by her children, Renee Barry, David Barry, Robert Greeley and wife Amanda. Her grandchildren, Lauren Barrett and husband Austin, David Barry, Chance Barry, Lane Barry, Ryan Perkins, Chase Greeley, and Luke Greeley. Great-grandchildren Reagan Haun, Killian Sylvester, Liam Sylvester, Jackson Barrett, Blaise Barrett, and Skyler Ray Cameron. Her niece, Cynthia Thigpen, and husband Mike and family. And last but not least, her loyal companion, Spike, a small terrier. Mildred enjoyed visiting with family and friends, gardening, yard work, baking cakes for family, friends, and church events. She enjoyed watching “The Voice” and was a longtime fan of “American Idol.” She really liked telling and hearing a good joke. Her family will truly miss her good food, sense of humor, and her unconditional love. She was a good mom and “Gramaud.” Visitation: Monday, January 19, 2026, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a rosary at 7:00 pm at McWilliams Funeral Home, Hempstead. Funeral Service: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 am at St. Katharine Drexel Church, Hempstead. Burial following at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hempstead.

01/19/2026

Lynda Marie Abke Johnson, age 77 passed away on January 15, 2026 in College Station Texas. She was born August 4, 1948 in Houston, Texas to Clara Lou Davis and Louis H. Schmidt. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles Abke, husband William Reavis Johnson, brother Ronald Schmidt, Sr., sister Carolyn Easter and grandson Brian Keith Becvar. Lynda is survived by her children Rhonda Becvar and husband Keith, Gary Abke and wife Melanie, Larry Abke and wife Julie, daughter Susan Abke and significant other Eric Wellborn, extra daughters – her nieces Amber Buerger and Jodi Evans, bonus children Heather Perry and husband Rex, Crystal Funk and husband Karl, Steve Johnson and wife Nina, and Glen Johnson, seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, twelve step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Joyce Murski and husband William, brother Donald Schmidt and wife Tedda, and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Pallbearers are Dustin Abke, Clayton Abke, Levi Steely, Braden Roehling, Brian Sandifer and Brentley Sandifer. Honorary pallbearers are Bryleigh, Brady, C**t, Coen, Collyns, Caroline, Casey, Emily, Elliott, Crew, Emmary, Emie, Brailey, Brooks and Maci.

Visitation will be Monday, January 19, 2026 at 10 a.m. at McWilliams Funeral Home, 706 Bremond St, Hempstead. Services will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tom Dobbs officiating. Interment will be at Whitehall-Fairview Cemetery.

01/16/2026

There are so many ways to create a truly personalized funeral service, and one of those ways is to choose a meaningful location. Check out this article to learn more about choosing a unique location and stop by to chat with us about how to make it happen!

Did you can you can personalize the location of a funeral? You can! Read this article to learn more about choosing a meaningful location!

01/14/2026

If you love exploring unique museums, Washington D.C. is the place for you! With museums about everything from planes to art and spies, here are some of the best museums in D.C. to add to your ?must-visit? list. cutt.ly/15-must-visit-museums-in-washington-dc