Victory Funeral Services

01/01/2026

12/30/2025

Mr. Frank Edward Kennedy

Funeral services for Frank Edward Kennedy, 82, of Tyler, Texas, will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. at El Bethel Baptist #1 in Overton, Texas, with Pastor Marian Kennedy officiating and his son, Rev. Brandon Kennedy, as eulogist. Burial will follow at Kilgore Memorial Gardens. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.

Frank was born one of 14 children in Arp, Texas, on April 13, 1943, to the parentage of Virgil and Savannah Sanders Kennedy. He departed this life on December 12, 2025, at the University of Tyler Health North Campus in Tyler, Texas.

As a child, he united with and was baptized at El Bethel #1 Baptist Church in Overton, Texas, where he remained a member until his demise.

His early school days were spent in the Arp Independent School District, with graduation from Arp High School in the Class of 1961. While in high school, his love of baseball led him to play with community baseball teams.

After high school, he entered the workforce with a short stint at Tyler Pipe and Coupling Company. His next job at Kelly Springfield spanned 35 years, resulting in his retirement.

When not doting on his beloved grandchildren, he could be found terrorizing fish if not watching lots of baseball, and supporting his favorite team, the Houston Astros.

He married Beulah Lee Manning in 1970, and two children, Cassandra and Brandon, were born to the union, completing his fatherhood along with Terry and Broderick.

His parents, six brothers, Lee Donny Kennedy, Arthur Kennedy, Bennie Kennedy, J. L. Kennedy, George Kennedy, Horace Kennedy, and one sister, Charsell Kennedy, all preceded him in death.

Those to mourn his passing are his wife of 55 years, Beulah Kennedy of Tyler, TX; his children, Broderick Brown and his wife, Angela of Frisco, TX; Terry Johnson and his wife, Delana of Forney, TX; Cassandra Harris and her husband, Gregory of Forney, TX; and Brandon Kennedy and his wife, Carlese of College Station, TX; grandchildren, Ajani Brown of West Hollywood, CA; Omari Brown of Frisco, TX; Drelynn Johnson of Cedar Hill, TX; Tyra Johnson, Aisha Guess, and Ashley Guess, all of Forney, TX; Savannah Kennedy, Knox Kennedy, and Cruz Kennedy all of College Station, TX; great grandchild, Jeremiah Smith of Forney, TX; sisters, Vergie Myles, Barbara Hall and her husband, Johnny, and Debra Tate and her husband, Dennis all of Tyler, TX; brothers, Billy Kennedy and his wife, Evelyn, Buford Kennedy and his wife, Hazel, and Leonard Kennedy of Tyler, TX; a great aunt, Jo Fern Burch of Terrell, TX; 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.

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.

09/18/2025

Mr. Troy Ladale “Trizzy” Mumphrey

Funeral services for Troy Ladale “Trizzy” Mumphrey, 48, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Faith Tabernacle of God in Kilgore, Texas, with Rev. James Peoples as eulogist. Victory Funeral Services in Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Troy, better known as Ladale, “Trizzy”, or “T-Mump” was born in Overton, Texas, on July 26, 1977, to the parentage of Wayne Joe Hamilton and Marion Estell Mumphrey and was raised by his mother and dad, Troy Lee Wheat. He departed this life on September 14, 2025, in Galveston, Texas.

In his early years, he united with and was baptized at Kilgore Baptist Church, serving in the choir under the pastorate of Rev. Gary L. Walker. He later rededicated his life and was baptized at Greater Faith Ministries, led by his cousin, Pastor Casandra Fryar. Most recently he united with St. Clark Baptist Church in Henderson, Texas, with Rev. James Peoples as his pastor.

During his childhood, he attended Kilgore Public Schools and graduated in the Kilgore High School Class of 1995. He was a standout football player donning jersey #2, playing tight-end and cornerback. He also excelled on the track team, garnering medals in the triple jump, long jump, 100-meter dash, and the sprint relay squad. His athleticism produced a football scholarship to Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas. He later earned a bachelor’s degree.

After college, he worked in the oilfield as a crane operator. When time presented itself, he delved into repairing three-wheelers. and cars as his favorite hobby along with presenting his other self, “Bad Mouth” the rapper.

He married Ginger Gipson, and no children were born to the union.

His dad, Troy Lee Wheat, brother, Patrick Mumphrey, and nephew, O’Keilon Walton, preceded him in death.

Those to mourn his passing are his mother, Marion Estell Mumphrey-Wheat of Kilgore, TX; his father, Wayne Joe Hamilton and his wife, Debra of Kilgore, TX; children, Ladarius Austin, and his wife, Janae Baggett of Kilgore, TX; Solijah Allison of Carthage, TX; Xavier Jackson of San Antonio, TX; Paisley Vaughn of Oklahoma City, OK; Chasity and Caitlyn Mullins of Magnolia, AR; and Isaiah Boston of Minden, LA; maternal sister, Jamie Mumphrey and maternal brother, Brandon Mumphrey of Overton, TX; paternal sisters, Bridgett Johnson of Kilgore, TX and Sharonica Walker of Longview, TX; paternal brother, Boris Hamilton and his wife, Qzonna of Dallas, TX; , four grandchildren, Kyran Austin, Jenna Austin, Jaisa Austin, and Izabella Boston; and a host of other relatives and friends.

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

08/16/2025

Mrs. Savannah Faye Butts Armstrong

No public service will be held for Savannah Butts Armstrong, 81, of Kilgore, Texas, but she will be fondly remembered by friends and loved ones. Victory Funeral Services is in charge of services.

Savannah, affectionately known as Faye or "Sweet", was born the third of seven children to Thomas and Cozetta Ashcraft Butts on Thursday, October 28, 1943, in Los Angeles, California. She departed this life on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the Whispering Pines Nursing Facility in Longview, Texas.

In 1964, she united with and was baptized at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Pasadena, California.

Her early education was garnered in Los Angeles public schools and John Muir High School and culminated with graduation in Kilgore, Texas, in the C. B. Dansby High School Class of 1961 where she was a member of the marching band. After graduation, she attended Prairie View A &M College. Later in 1987, she received a degree in Political Science from the University of Texas at Tyler.

Faye's working career consisted of employment in the offices of California State Senator/United States Representative Diane Watson during her tenure in office. She later held positions in banks and advertising agencies.

In her early adulthood, she was one of the original members of the Black Panther Party. She also held membership in the Chosen Few Motorcycle Club.

Being politically active in her community, she worked diligently on the campaign committee for the late President Jimmy Carter. Upon his election, she and her small son, Gavin, attended his Inauguration. Remaining true to her political leanings, she was also active in the successful campaigns of President Barack Obama.

Her parents, son, Gavin B. Russell, a grandson, Nasir Solomon, and brother, Thomas Butts, Jr., all preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her loss, a daughter, Sonia Brown of Longview, TX; a grandchildren, Devaughn Solomon and his wife, Keora of Longview, TX; Trenton Russell of Longview, TX; Xaviar Russell of Seattle, WA; MarQuayvion Russell of Dallas, TX; Brianna Ware of Tyler, TX; and Asha Mosley of Dallas, TX; sisters, Alpha Snell of Los Angeles, CA; Cozetta “Penny” Butts Lamore of Prescott, AZ; Mary Ann Butts of Pasadena, CA; and Helen Butts Franklin of Los Angeles, CA; brother, L. Lincoln Butts of Dallas, TX; four great-grandchildren; caretaker, Christina Cannon of Kilgore, TX; and other relatives and family.

There will be no public viewing.

The family is grateful for all expressions of love shown during this time with a special appreciation of gratitude for Christina Cannon’s beautiful provisions of care for Savannah during the time when it was most needed.

08/13/2025

Mr. Dwane “Hop Sing” Roberrtose Johnson

Memorial services for Dwane Johnson, 62, of Kilgore, Texas, will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, Kilgore, Texas. Victory Funeral Services in Kilgore is in charge of the services.

Dwane, better known as “Hop Sing”, was born in Kilgore, Texas, on October 3, 1962, to the parentage of Joe Rogers and Johnnie Mae Jackson Johnson. He departed this life from his residence on August 3, 2025.

In his early years, he united with Westview Church of Christ and remained a member until his demise.

During his childhood, he attended Kilgore Public Schools and graduated in the Kilgore High School Class of 1981. Following graduation, he served in the U. S. Army National Guard. Before his health failed, his last work position was held with Aaon, Inc.

He greatly loved his family, his dogs, and gardening. He is being remembered by his devoted wife as a great dad, wonderful husband, and best friend who will be greatly missed.

His mother, father, brothers, Rudy Johnson and Dwight “Dikey” Johnson, uncles, Sebastian Howard, Reuben Howard, and James Jackson, and aunt, Gloria Howard, all preceded him in death.

Those to mourn his passing are his wife of 43 years, Towana Johnson of Kilgore, TX; sons, Kevin O’Neal Sheppard and Brandon O’Neal Sheppard both of Kilgore; sisters, Melinda Johnson of Kilgore; Kim Norton and her husband, Gary of Dallas, TX; Loretta Buchanan and her husband, Terry of Longview, TX; and April Ward of Kilgore; brothers, Joe Rogers Johnson, Jr., and his wife, Wylita of Houston, TX; and Brad McDonald of Kilgore; god-brother, Simmie Clement of Dallas, TX; and god-sister, Lynn Washington of Kilgore, TX; aunts, Frances Jackson Mosely of Dallas, TX; and Donna Howard of Overton, TX; ten grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

There will be no public viewing.