Dorothy Beene Welcomed Home

Our beloved sister in Christ, Dorothy Beene, died on September 21 after a battle with cancer and other health issues. She has now been welcomed by our heavenly father and reunited with her husband, Doyle. She will be greatly missed, but is receiving her reward for her faithfulness, devotion and servant heart while on this earth. Please continue to keep her family in your prayers.

Visitation--Friday, September 23, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Grandview Funeral Home in Pasadena

Service--Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Watters Road Church of Christ (3616 Watters Road) in Pasadena, 77504.

Urgent Prayer Request for Tony Hill

Tony Hill, son of Pat and Ron, is in stable but critical condition at Methodist Hospital with a brain aneurysm. He apparently had an episode previously and refused to go to the hospital, but now he has suffered another seizure. I'm not sure what the plan of treatment is at this time, but I know the family would appreciate your prayers for his full recovery.

Happy New Year! Join Us On Facebook!

It's seems hard to believe that the year is 2010! The world has certainly changed; some things for the better and some things not so much. Because there are many people and things that we cannot change for good, I came across a New Year's Poem for Christians that might be the solution to the problem: Instead of making a New Year's resolution, Consider committing to a biblical solution; Your promises are easily broken, Empty words, though earnestly spoken; But God's Word transofrms the soul; By His Holy Spirit making you whole; As you spend time alone with Him; He will change you from within (by Mary Fairchild).

On a somewhat different note, the changes and advances in modern technology just astounds me. If you don't have a personal computer, email or cell phone of some type in this day and age, you are really behind the times. It seems everything is dependent on the internet, and when it's down or not functioning, we are at a total loss. Productivity goes out the window and we cannot seem to accomplish anything. Communicating with one another is at an all time high, but because we are so busy, many have resorted to mobile devices of various technology and have given up their home "land" lines. I'm rambling, but I say all of that to encourage you to sign up for a free Facebook account and stay connected with former members of the Sun Valley congregation. We have started a Sun Valley Connections group and are looking to expand our membership to include the majority of those that attended the reunion in February, 2009. Pass the word on to all of your "friends" and we will see you there.

For more information on joining Facebook, scroll back to the October 15 post.

Another Earthly Farewell with the Death of O'Neal Brewton

Unfortunately because many of our parents are approaching the same age and stage in life, we may be faced with announcing more deaths than happy news, but that is God's plan.

With that, our sympathy is extended to Odessa Brewton and family on the death of her loving husband, O'Neal, who died on December 1. To my recollection he had had a fairly lengthy illness (I believe that he had Alzheimer's). Visitation will be held on Friday evening, December 4, from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Callaway-Allee Funeral Home (700 E. Houston Avenue; 936-544-2244) in Crockett, Texas. The funeral service will be held at the same location at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 5. Burial will follow at the Porter Springs Cemetery in Porter Springs, Texas.

Death of my Dad, Tom Richter

Dad to me, Tom Richter to you, died unexpectedly about 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, after complications due to a knee injury and other health concerns. Needless to say, updating everyone with this news is definitely too up close and personal, however, so many of you made an impact on our lives and that of my dad, so I wanted to make you aware of the visitation and funeral arrangements.

Dad was blessed by being surrounded by almost all of his family at the time of his passing. He didn’t suffer or linger on and for that we are extremely grateful. Dad made a huge impact on our lives and that of many others over the years. He was a good man all the way around, and we will miss him very much. We would appreciate your prayers, especially for my mom, as we make decisions and adjustments to a new lifestyle without his earthly presence.

Again, thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers on our behalf of our entire family. Your concern and acts of kindness are sincerely appreciated.

Visitation with the family and friends of Tom Richter will be on Thursday evening, October 29, from 6-9 p.m. at Forest Park East Funeral Home (21620 Gulf Freeway) in Webster. You may take the 518/League City Exit #23. The funeral home is almost immediately after exiting from this ramp, so move to the right hand lane quickly but safely.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, at Southside Church of Christ (4110 Preston Avenue) in Pasadena. Graveside service will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Jan McBee Called Home

Our dear sister in Christ, Jan (McCurdy) McBee, died on October 22 after a long battle with cancer. Please pray for her husband, Dennis, and the entire McBee and McCurdy families. Visitation will be on Sunday evening, October 25, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Jeter Funeral Home on 518 in Friendswood. The funeral service will be on Monday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location. Jan’s obituary can be found at http://www.jeterfuneralhome.com/ under “Current Services” when they update their website.

The family’s addresses and phone numbers may be found in the Reunion Directory as listed below.

For those of you on Facebook, we have set up a Sun Valley CofC Connections Group. Although I’m fairly new to this, I think you can find and join this group via my profile (Debbie Richter Blackburn).

Family Members as listed in the reunion directory:
McBee, Dennis and Jan (McCurdy) (Dennis and Jan’s daughter, Amber, lives at home)
McBee, Chris and Josie (son and daughter-in-law) (Chris and Josie have a daughter but I'm sorry, her name escapes me right now)
McBee, Harold and Juanita (Dennis’ parents)
McBee, Rodney and Valerie (Dennis’ brother and sister-in-law)
McBee, Mike and Theresa (Dennis’ brother and sister-in-law)
McCurdy, Bill and Joyce (Jan’s parents)
McCurdy, Brent and Mary Ann (Jan’s brother and sister-in-law)
Shuck, Gary and Beverly (McCurdy) (Jan’s sister and brother-in-law)

On a personal note, Jack and I met Dennis and Jan at Sun Valley over 31 years ago. Jan and I taught on Wednesday nights together and she was also a bridesmaid in our wedding. They lived just a few streets from us in the Scarsdale neighborhood which had its share of "happenings" (re: gas leaks and/or evacuation from the neighborhood during storms). We were always checking out each other's house projects including waiting for the "stork" to visit our homes, and we loved spending time with them. A funny memory about Dennis is that he used to crank down the air conditioner just to burn his fireplace! Jack and I later moved to East Texas, and by the time we got back to Houston, they were attending Southeast, but we always enjoyed running into them at various restaurants, etc. Jan was a faithful Christian; devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. Selfishly we wanted to keep Jan here and we will miss her, but she is now free from any pain. We are confident she is residing in our Father's house and basking in His wonderful love. May God grant Jan's loved ones peace and strength with the assurance that they will see her again.

A New Era with Facebook

It's been a while since I have posted anything on this particular blog, so I hope you and your respective families are doing well. The post is entitled "A New Era with Facebook" since I have now joined the thousands or maybe millions of people connecting in this format. I was told that I was waaaaay behind the times, so I have set up my profile page and have begun building my contact list. It cracks me up that I must send a request to people that I have known for years in order for them to confirm that they know me before I can add them to my "friend" list. Of course if people ignore your request, I guess that will tell you something in itself! Anyway, my purpose in writing is for all of you former members to connect with me on Facebook. If I learn how to set up a Sun Valley group on Facebook for you to be a part of, I will try to look you up if you don't find me first! Search for me as Debbie Richter Blackburn. I hope to hear from you soon. Oh, and please be my friend!

Another Sister Called Home

It is with heavy heart that I must tell you that our dear sister in Christ, Wanda Tyler, died this morning. She had been rushed to the hospital earlier in the week, but had suffered with many health problems over the years. Despite Wanda's weekly trips to dialysis, being in and out of the hospital, and experiencing severe pain in many aspects, she rarely complained and tried to always have a smile on her face. Wanda served the Lord's body by keeping in touch with those in need, and she would often make phone calls for the church staff when there was an important annoucement. Wanda is now reunited with her loving husband, Jim, who preceeded her in death just a few months before. Wanda will be greatly missed, but she is no longer in pain and for that we are thankful.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Crowder Funeral Home
-The funeral will be Monday, September 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Clear Lake Church of Christ
-The burial will take place in Stratford, Oklahoma

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the Church Building Renovation fund at Clear Lake.

Prayers for Wanda

Wanda Tyler is in ICU at Memorial Hermann Southeast. She went into pulmonary arrest Monday evening (September 7) and the doctors did CPR. Wanda is currently on a ventilator to help her breathe easier, and they are keeping her sedated--asking that only close family visit at this time. Family has only been allowed to go in for very short visits so they are in the waiting room most of the time.

Please pray for Wanda, Alice, Gaye Don, John and the rest of their family in your prayers. Since the previous post was regarding the passing of Jim, their beloved husband, father, and grandfather to their children, you can probably imagine how difficult this journey is for them.

Jim Tyler Called Home

Our beloved brother in Christ, Jim Tyler, was called home to the Lord on Thursday morning, July 9. Jim had been moved to a care facility in May when his health began to rapidly decline. Jim was a long time member of the Clear Lake Church of Christ and was known for his extensive knowledge of the Bible. Jim was a faithful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be missed by many.

Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, July 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Crowder Funeral Home (111 E. Medical Center Blvd.) in Webster. The funeral service will be held at Clear Lake Church of Christ (938 El Dorado Blvd.) in Houston on Monday, July 13, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place in Stratford, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial gifts be given to the church library.

Cards may be sent to the family at 15411 Tadworth Drive, Houston, TX 77062.

Happy May! (Mother's Day)

Can you believe it is May? Well, for those of you still checking the blog from time to time, I haven't received any news from anyone in a while to update you about, but you are probably as busy as I've been. I've had a few additional requests for the reunion packet (program, DVD and directory) but we still have a lot left. The reason for that: My original intent was to have enough copies to give a DVD to each family who attended the reunion. When we had to reschedule the date due to the hurricane, that plan fell by the wayside as we incurred double mailing expenses forcing us to sell the DVDs for $5 each. So when we plan for another reunion in a couple of years, we will probably still have reunion DVDs. They will be free for anyone who still wants one!

Whether you are celebrating Mother's Day this weekend for the very first time or too many years' time to remember, I hope you will have a blessed day. I know that when your children have a family of their own in addition to inlaws on the other side of the equation, it is hard to get everyone together for anything. I heard someone say that you should celebrate the event rather than the day, and from my own family and experience, that is absolutely true.

May brings not only flowers and Mother's Day, but graduations across the country and my wedding anniversary. This year, Jack and I will celebrate 31 years! Going along with McDonald's line, "I'm loving it."

Happy May to everyone!

Happy Spring, Storms and New Reunion Photos posted

I hope everyone is enjoying their spring so far and that you had a glorious Easter celebration yesterday. We were out of town and received a much needed but torrential downpour that lasted several hours. I understand that it only rained hard for a short period in the Houston area--at least just long enough and about the time that our church had planned to continue the service outside with the flowering of the cross, butterfly release and Easter egg hunt! Plan B was moving to the Family Activity Center for the flowering of the cross, having an egg hunt in the auditorium, and allowing the kids to take home a butterfly in a pouch to release later when the sun came out so all was not lost.

On another note, my mother in law and her sister live in the town of Mena, Arkansas which was hit hard by at least two tornadoes on Thursday evening of last week when storms rolled through their area. The warning sirens as well as those from emergency vehicles were prevalent for several hours making the situation even more frightening. Much of the city was without power and my mother in law was hunkered down in her closet until the immediate danger was over. According to the last news report I heard, three people were killed in addition to damage or total loss of property. Please be praying for all of the residents in Mena as well as others in the path of that weather system that went across that part of the country.

Jumping topics again, we've had a few more reunion pictures posted on the photo link. You can view these photos by clicking on the link located on the right side of the home page. There are currently 89 photos if it has been awhile since you looked to see who was there. By request, we are considering having another reunion in two years. We will keep this blog running so that we can relay any former member "news", but please keep us in mind if you have a change of address for future reunion information when the time comes.

My cousin, Sandy Mack, is completing treatment for breast cancer and recently had an MRI due to severe headaches. She found out this week that she has two brain tumors--one is operable and one is not. Her doctor is trying to schedule surgery ASAP in San Antonio. She lives in Boerne, TX. The surgery will be followed up with chemo and radiation. I'm guessing her to be around 47 years old and she was in the middle of planning a wedding for her oldest daughter, who is scheduled to get married in mid-June. This news is devastating and I humbly come to my church family and friends to uplift this sweet woman in Jesus' name!

In Him,
Sharon Rainwater

Daylight Saving Time: A Pain or a Plus?

This past Sunday it was time once again to "spring forward" for Daylight Saving Time, and I'm curious how you feel about this semiannual change. Although resetting clocks doesn't take a college degree, in our house it requires doing this for 7 alarm/wall clocks; 3 VCR/DVD players; 1 coffee maker; 1 microwave oven; 1 conventional oven; 2 air conditioner/heater thermostats and 2 wrist watches if I didn't overlook something. For me, Benjamin Franklin's idea is just a head game. Theoretically I guess I don't mind when we "fall back" and gain an hour because some days there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day anyway, but is all of this really necessary? I can see how some would rationalize the saving of electricity in having longer summer evenings outside, but now we have to use a flashlight in the morning and evening when we walk our dog. Because it is still pretty dark outside when the alarm clock goes off, it is extremely hard to be motivated enough to get up not to mention that it takes at least a couple of weeks to adjust your sleep habits with the time change. So the burning question is "Do you find daylight saving time to be a pain or a plus in your daily schedule/routine?" My inquiring mind wants to know!