Paul David Nichols, son of the late Walter Nichols and Pauline Partin Nichols was born on March 10, 1958 in Sikeston, Missouri and departed this life on January 9, 2018 at his residence near Bell City, Missouri at the age of 59.

Mr. Nichols was a Lens Technician at RHEA Optical in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  He attended Vanduser Church of Christ as a child.

He is survived by three brothers, Harold Nichols and Alice of Sand Springs, Ok, Ron Nichols and Pat of Bell City, Mo and Darrell Nichols and Joann of Sikeston, Mo; by two sisters, Pat Hancock of Puxico, Mo and Carolyn Pobst and Allen of Bell City, Mo; survived by several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home of Dexter in charge of all arrangements.

Lula Bell Bertholomey Pacific, Missopuri, daughter of the late Joseph "Joe" and Janie Mae Swims Bertholomey, was born on November 21, 1928, in Truman, Arkansas and passed away at the Pacific Care Center in Pacific, Missouri on December 7, 2017, at the age of 79 years and 16 days.

She had lived most of her life in Southeast Missouri. She was of the protestant faith.

Surviving are one brother, Robert Bertholomey of St. Peters, Missouri. Other relatives and friends also survive.

Visitations may be made on Saturday, January 13, 2017, after 1:00 p.m. until time for memorial services at 2:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter.

Interment will be at a later date in the Taylor Cemetery near Essex, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.

Geneva Sue Brillhart, daughter of the late Ellie Bedford Palmer and Minnie Lynch Palmer was born on March 9, 1934 in Hayti, Missouri and departed this life on January 8, 2018 at the Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 83 years.

Sue and her husband owned and operated the Harley’s Family Restaurant and Harley’s Sportsman’s World both in Dexter, Missouri. She was a very active member of The Church of the Nazarene in Dexter. She had a generous heart and enjoyed spending her time baking for and visiting with her family and others in need.

On May 20, 1951, she was united in marriage to Harley LeRoy Brillhart in Escondido, California.  Mr. Brillhart preceded her in death on February 4, 1992.  

She is survived by; two daughters, Debra Fritz and Bill of Murrieta, California and Rhonda Chasteen of Dexter, Missouri; by one daughter-in-law, Sharon Brillhart of Dexter, Missouri; by five grandchildren, Brandon Fritz and Sheree, SueAnne Tiger, Candice Jackson and Ryan, Lindsay Jones and Mo, Bobbie Maldonado and Ryan; by eight great-grandchildren Jakob Tiger, Olivia Maldonado, Keegan Tiger, Taylor Fritz, Cooper Jackson, Emma Maldonado, Jase Fritz and Zoe Jones.  She leaves behind a special friend, George Cox.

Besides her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by one son, Rodney “Rod” Brillhart; by one brother, Dr. Leonard Palmer and one sister, Imogene Shields.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. 

Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 11, 2018 in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel in Dexter with Rev. Roger Wooten and Rev. Doug West officiating. 

Interment will follow at the Dexter Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 18 Fore Life.  Envelopes will be provided in the Chapel.

Doris Ann Leslie of Puxico, daughter of the late Delbert and Mildred Ashbaugh Townsend, was born in Puxico, on September 9, 1937, and passed away at the Puxico Nursing & Rehab Center in Puxico, Missouri on January 6, 2018, at the age of 80 years, 3 months and 27 days.

Doris had lived in Granite City Illinois, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota before moving to Puxico in 1985. She had worked in commercial laundry service. She enjoyed cooking and gardening.

On October 1,1955 in Tunica, Mississippi she married James Leslie, he survives of the home in Puxico.

Also surviving are three daughters, Joan Frintz of House Springs, Missouri, Karen Woods of Farmington, Missouri and Carol Harrington, of Ballwin, Missouri; one grandson, Jason Woods; one great granddaughter, Coty Woods; one sister, Donna Reining of Mesa, Arizona. Other relatives and many friends also survive. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one sister, Sharon Holem and one brother, John MacDonald Townsend.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 9, 2018, from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Puxico, Missouri.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Puxico with Bro. Buck Cruse of Puxico officiating.

Interment will be in the Missouri Veteran's Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Puxico in charge of arrangements.

Evelyn Janevee “Jan” Higdon, 92, returned to her heavenly home on January 6, 2018, at Delta South Nursing Home with her family by her side. The last several weeks has been spent in reflection and reminiscing of special moments throughout the years. Tears of laughter and sadness has been shared when remembering these cherished memories.

Jan’s earthly journey began on March 5, 1925, in Arkansas to the late Guy and Golie Vines. She was the oldest of six: one brother, the late Burl Vines; and four sisters: Emma Lou Warf, Freda Reid, Ellen Grady, and Ruthetta Hunt. She spent much of her time “mothering” her siblings. Growing up in a strong Christian home paved the way for the Christian pillar of strength that so many have come to know. Shortly after, God sent the love of her life, Thomas Higdon.

On May 10, 1941, they were united in marriage in Mathews, Mo. Throughout the course of her life, Jan worked at Elder’s Factory, as a cook at Bloomfield Schools, and a homemaker. Influenced by her Christian upbringing, she fostered the same principles as a wife and mother in her own home. To her daughter Shari, she was a talented seamstress, amazing chef, and strict disciplinarian who never raised her voice. She was an active member of St. Joe General Baptist Church where she was a Sunday School teacher, a Christmas Program director, a Bible School volunteer, a prayer warrior, and a fantastic contributor to any potluck dinner.

Known as “Nana” by those closest to her, she would frequently be seen in the church kitchen, rocking babies, and with that knowing, tight-lipped grin in place. She regularly attended a ladies’ devotion and quilting group where she socialized with her friends. Jan was committed to visiting friends who were ill and unable to get out.

To cherish these memories, Jan leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Shari & Terry Stickles; two granddaughters and their spouses, Emily & Jonathan Sipp and Hannah & Tim Baldwin; five great-grandchildren: Anna Grace, Sarah Beth, and Jackson Cade Sipp and Autumn and Brittany Baldwin; and her four sisters.

Her Homecoming was attended by both parents; her husband; an infant daughter, Rebecca Janice Higdon; and her brother.

Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from 5-8 PM on Monday evening, January 8, 2018, at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Mo.

A celebration of Jan’s life will be conducted at 11 AM, Tuesday, January 9, 2018, with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sikeston, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joe General Baptist Church or 18 Fore Life.  Envelopes will be provided in the Chapel.