December 2023

Clayton Lynn Sawyers, 75, of Kemp passed away Dec. 12, 2023, after a year-long battle with bile-duct cancer.
Clayton was born Nov. 3, 1948, to Ralph and Daisy Sawyers in Dallas. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1967, he went to college at Tyler Junior College and Dallas Baptist University.
Clayton went on to work at Texas Body Shop with his father. Clayton later owned Texas Body Shop and had the privilege of working on many cars for friends and clients.

Barbara Womble Hill, 86, passed away Dec. 10, 2023 in Eustace.
Barbara Womble Hill was born July 13, 1937 in Eustace and grew up on the family homestead.  
She settled in Mabank where she spent the last 59 years of her life. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She spent her working years as a Drafting Specialist for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. During her time there she helped draft the telephone line blueprint for Dallas and surrounding areas. 

Mary Lucille “Lucy” (Montgomery) Gray was born June 26, 1956 in Kirksville, Mo., to Edgar and Rosemary Montgomery. 
Lucy was involved in band, basketball and 4H while in high school. She graduated at the top of her class from Schuyler County R1, Queen City, Mo., in 1974. She was a member of the Christian Church in Greentop, Mo. and participated in the youth group until she graduated.  

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell hoists the University Interscholastic League State Championship trophy following Malakoff’s victory over Franklin. 

Monitor Photo/Denise York
The Pineywoods Leadership, Experience, Opportunity (LEO) Club based in Crockett brought 20 members and others to help lay wreaths. LEO Club Advisor Ellen Brooks said the club is sponsored by the Lions Club and is a community service organization for students ages 12 to 18 years of age. The Club marked the graves of veterans in Oaklawn Cemetery days prior to volunteering to place wreaths Dec. 16.

Courtesy Photo
The Yellowjacket boys basketball team competes at the Frost Tournament, where during a game against Coolidge, senior forward Halen Cromer surpasses 1,000 career varsity points, according to Kemp ISD Dec. 8.

Monitor Photo/Russell Slaton
Malakoff Fire Department rolls along during the Dec. 9 Malakoff Christmas Parade, with Malakoff High School cheerleaders and the Tiger mascot riding atop.