Rains County Leader

Delores “Dee” Woods, 81, died on September 8, 2026. She was born on February 9, 1945, to Clarence and Mabel Larson in Toronto, South Dakota. She was the third of their four children. In 1967, she married Earnest “Ernie” Woods just before he was deployed to serve in the Vietnam War. They raised two children, Dawn and Ernie Jr. She was devoted to raising her children, staying home with them until they reached middle school.

Funeral services for Nadyne Sanders Taylor, 93, of Emory, were held on September 8, 2026, at Wilson-Bartley Funeral Home, Alba, with Chaplain Robert Stovall officiating. Interment followed in Salem Cemetery, Alba. Serving as pallbearers were Trent Sisk, Michael Hubbard, Chris Doyle, Kennin Doyle, Jason Molina, and Chandler Swinford. Honorary pallbearers were Carter Sisk and Grayson Sisk. Mrs. Taylor died on September 3, 2026, in Quitman.

Billy Mike Cooke, 80, died on August 25, 2026, in Tyler. He was born on September 22, 1945 in Sulphur Springs, to Murl and Lora Rae Cooke. Mr. Cooke was a graduate of Emory High School. In his working years, he drove a truck for the local sewing company and was also a cattleman. He was known as a quiet person who was more of a loner, and that steady nature was part of who he was throughout his life. From the time he was very young, he enjoyed making model cars, airplanes and trains.

A graveside service for Paula Sue Harvey, 68, was held on September 4, at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery. Mrs. Harvey died on September 1, 2026. She was born on November 27, 1957. She was a determined woman whose presence brought warmth to those around her. A homebody in the truest sense, she was also someone who was always outside and never inside for long. She worked as a cook for many years. She loved all animals, from her farm to the freest of hummingbirds, and found happiness in the natural world.

The first Miss Rains County Fair Queen was selected in 1935 when the pageant stage was nothing more than a flatbed trailer. Read the full story in the September 3, 2026 edition of the Rains County Leader. Get your copy today by Subscribing

The Rains County Fair Association will host the 96th Annual Rains County Fair September 15-19 at the Rains County Fairgrounds, with five days of pageants, livestock shows, contests, a parade, carnival rides and live music. Read the full story in the September 3, 2026 edition of the Rains County Leader. Get your copy today by Subscribing

Rains County and the City of Emory have announced that a ban on all outdoor burning is in effect based on the recommendation of the Texas A&M Forest Service. Read the full story in the September 3, 2026 edition of the Rains County Leader. Get your copy today by Subscribing

The Point City Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, August 26, to list property for sale, appoint a city secretary and adjust salaries in the city budget. Read the full story in the September 3, 2026 edition of the Rains County Leader. Get your copy today by Subscribing

The Rains County Commissioners Court discussed and made adjustments to the proposed budget for the county and approved a road use agreement with Majewski Storage during the regular meeting on Thursday, August 27. Read the full story in the September 3, 2026 edition of the Rains County Leader. Get your copy today by Subscribing

The Rains Wildcat varsity football team opened the season on Friday, August 28, at Wildcat Stadium with a 69-12 loss to the Dallas Life Oak Cliff Lions. Read the full story in the September 3, 2026 edition of the Rains County Leader. Get your copy today by Subscribing