Madie Weatherford

Madie Nadine (Blanton) Weatherford was born near Mixon on March 15, 1928, and passed away Nov. 23, at the Brookstone Alzheimer Special Care Center in Salem, Ore. Members of her family and friends celebrated her life on Dec. l, at the Thompson Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, Texas with the Rev. Lloyd (Bud) Bonner officiating. She was buried at the Mixon Cemetery beside her late husband, Melvin Weatherford.

Mrs. Weatherford is survived by her four sons, Curtis Cryer of Monmouth, Ore., Ronald Cryer of Houston, Randy Cryer of Seattle, Wash., and Michael Weatherford of Metropolis, Ill.; daughters in-law, Cheryl Cryer, Tammie Weatherford and Bronwyn Edwards Cryer; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Merle and Otha Dean Blanton; sisters-in-law, Pauline, Isabel, Maxine and Sandra Blanton; many nieces and nephews; and her former husband, Hollis Cryer.

Mrs. Waterford grew up near Mixon. While raising her children, the family moved between Texas, Illinois, Tennessee and even Okinawa, Japan, where she was a military wife. In 1978, she moved back to Lake Palestine East, near Flint.

She was a lady of many talents and, while her family was the focus of her life, she enjoyed her work as a telephone operator, schoolteacher, fashion designer/seamstress, museum director and youth camp director, She volunteered as a Cub Scout leader with her young boys, participated in activities at Eastern Star and the local Woodmen of the World Lodge, and at Tyler Sharon Shrine Temple with husband, Mel. She was a member of the Noonday United Methodist Church. In her later years, her love of travel led her on nationwide road trips, and on Alaskan cruises, accompanying senior citizens. She loved country music.

Pallbearers included sons, Curtis. Ron, Randy, Mike, and nephews Steve and Dean Blanton.

The family requests that memorials be made to Mixon Memorial Cemetery Fund, 521 FM 3052 N., Troup, 75789; or Camp Fannin Memorial, P .O. Box 132024, Tyler, 75713-2024; or a charity of the donor’s choice.