Mary Susie Perdue

  Mary Susie Perdue, lovingly known as Sister Perdue or “Nannie,” was born on November 18, 1933, in Bon Wier, Texas, and passed into her heavenly reward on April 21, 2026, where she is now reunited with the love of her life, Rev. Sidney “Hal” Perdue. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddice and Captolia Davis, as well as her siblings Joseph Davis, Eddice Davis, Elton Davis, and Norma Nelson.

Sister Perdue is survived by her three children, Mary Helayne Tabrah and husband, Thomas; Curtis Perdue; and Michael Perdue and wife, Carolyn. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan Tabrah, Laura Chiavacci, Christopher Perdue, Kelly Perdue, Krystal Perdue, Nicholas Perdue, Bruce Perdue, Michelle Ellis, and Matthew Perdue, along with a loving family of 24 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, extended relatives, and dear friends.

Sister Perdue’s life was defined by her deep faith and her unwavering commitment to serving God, but her story was forever shaped by a remarkable love. She received the gift of the Holy Ghost in Bon Wier, Texas in a revival in February of 1960 and has served the Lord faithfully and diligently from that day forward. After graduating from Newton High School and attending business school in Beaumont, she moved to San Diego in 1952. It was there that she met Sidney “Hal” Perdue on New Year’s Eve, a moment that would change the course of her life. Their connection was immediate and certain. Just three months later, they were married, beginning a partnership that would span nearly 68 years until his passing in 2021. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, love, and a shared sense of purpose.

In December of 1964 she and Bro Perdue were asked to be pastors of the Fawil United Pentecostal Church of Fawil, Texas. They would serve here until December of 1972. From this time, they felt a calling to go to the country of Colombia, South America and served there until 1994. With no formal training and not even knowing the language, Sister Perdue stepped forward with courage and conviction. She was a true trailblazer, embracing the unknown and fully committing herself to the work she believed in. Alongside Bro Perdue, she helped build and support a bible school that impacted countless lives, strengthening communities and carrying the Truth across generations. Her service was not limited to one place or season. It showed up in how she lived every day, with steady faith, resilience, and a willingness to go wherever she was needed. She was the kind of person who could survive anything, not because life was easy, but because she met it with grit, faith, and an unshakable spirit.

She was also known for her quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor. She had a way of delivering a line at just the right moment, often leaving a room laughing. That humor, paired with her strength, made her a steady and uplifting presence to everyone around her. Sister Perdue brought people together in ways that felt effortless. She was an extraordinary cook, known as the best dumpling maker around, and somehow able to make even liver and onions something to look forward to. Her shrimp and rice became a signature, and her homemade German chocolate cake was legendary. These meals were more than food, they were how she showed love.

She also had a deep love for travel and adventure, visiting all 50 states and numerous countries throughout her life. No matter where she went, her heart remained grounded in her faith, her family, and the people she served. 

She was a woman of remarkable faith, enduring love, sharp humor, and quiet strength. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, missionary, mentor, and friend, but to those who knew her best, she was simply Nannie. In every role, she lived with compassion, conviction, and a spirit that could not be shaken.

Her life stands as a testament to faith in action, agape love, and resilience through every season, and a love that endures beyond this life.

The Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 am Friday, April 24, 2026  at Bon Wier United Pentecostal Church. Visitation will be Thursday April 23, 2026 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Church. 

Sam Kelly McMahon, 86, passed away April 13, 2026, in Burkeville, Texas. He was born November 13, 1939 in Wiergate, Texas.

Sam loved music and was a Band Director for many years.

He is preceded in death by his father and step mother, Sam w. and Juanita McMahon; mother and step father, Mary Ruth and Gordon Eckman; sister-in-law, Jaydean Tullos; and sister Kerry Lawrence. 

Survivors include his wife, Janice McMahon of Burkeville; son, David Kohler; daughter, Kathleen Jones of Nuevo, California; brother, Pat Eckman of Arkansas; sister-in-law, Joellen Grooms of Orange, Texas; sisters, Ginger and Cheri; grandchildren, Brett Kohler, Bailey Jones, David Kohler III, and Jaye Jones; great grandchildren, Mason Kohler, Selah Jones, Saint Kohler, David Kohler IV; and a host of Cousins. 

A memorial service will be 11:00am Saturday April 25, 2026 at First Methodist Church in Newton, Texas under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. 

Sam will be greatly remembered and missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorial service for Lela Faye Ross will be 10 am Monday April 20, 2026 at Fawil United Pentecostal Church in Newton, Texas.