Author: RoyalDouglas

In Loving Memory of Joshua Dixon — Conroe, Texas

It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that the community of Conroe, Texas shares the tragic passing of Joshua Dixon, who lost his life in a devastating accident on the morning of July 18th, 2025—a day that should have been a joyful celebration of his 23rd birthday. Instead, it became a moment of collective mourning for a life so full of light, purpose, and promise, cut far too short.

Born on July 18th, 2002, Joshua was a radiant soul from the very beginning—an adventurous, kind-hearted young man who lived each day with deep intention and faith. A proud son, brother, friend, and spiritual leader, Joshua was best known for his unshakable love for God, his devotion to serving others, and his passion for nature and the outdoors. His warm, magnetic presence made an impression on everyone he met, and his genuine compassion made people feel instantly seen, heard, and valued.

Joshua grew up in Conroe, where he attended local schools and quickly became a beloved figure among his peers and mentors alike. Whether it was in the classroom, on the trails, or at youth group, Joshua carried himself with humility and purpose. He was a natural encourager—never seeking recognition, but always ready to offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or a quiet prayer.

From a young age, Joshua felt a strong calling to ministry. He wasn’t just a believer—he was a doer. He poured his heart into youth outreach programs, mission trips, worship leading, and faith-based mentoring. His gift for connecting with people, especially the youth, was unmistakable. Joshua had a unique way of making faith feel personal, real, and alive. His sermons were powerful not because they were loud, but because they were authentic. He lived what he preached.

In his personal time, Joshua found immense joy and spiritual rejuvenation in the outdoors. Whether hiking in the national forests near Conroe, kayaking with friends, or camping under the stars, he felt closest to God in the quiet majesty of nature. He often said that the wilderness was where he could think clearly, pray deeply, and hear God’s voice the loudest. His Instagram was a collection of breathtaking sunrises, joyful group selfies, and quiet reflections written in the margins of his Bible.

Joshua was also the kind of person who showed up—for everyone. Whether it was a late-night phone call from a friend in crisis, a church workday in the Texas heat, or a family gathering with his younger siblings, he gave of himself completely and selflessly. His laugh was contagious. His hugs were healing. And his words always came from a place of deep faith and unshakable hope.

The morning of July 18th was meant to be a celebration of Joshua’s life. Instead, it has become a moment of deep grief for all who knew him. The suddenness and senselessness of his passing leave us grappling with heartbreak, disbelief, and the aching question of why such a vibrant life had to end so soon. Yet even in the midst of unimaginable sorrow, Joshua’s legacy continues to shine.

He lived with boldness. He loved with grace. He led with humility.

Joshua leaves behind a loving family who cherished him dearly—parents who nurtured his spirit and encouraged his faith, siblings who looked up to him as a role model, and a wide circle of friends, fellow believers, and community members who were transformed by his presence. Though the pain of his absence is overwhelming, we hold onto the assurance that Joshua is now in the presence of the Lord he loved so fiercely—at peace, whole, and surrounded by divine glory.

A celebration of Joshua Dixon’s life will be held on [date/time to be announced], where friends and loved ones will gather to share memories, honor his impact, and worship in the way Joshua would have wanted—with joy, reverence, and praise.

In lieu of flowers, the Dixon family asks that donations be made to a youth ministry or outdoor leadership program in Joshua’s name—causes that reflect his heart, his mission, and his legacy.

Though his time with us was tragically brief, Joshua Dixon’s life was a testament to faith in action, love without limits, and purpose driven by something greater than self. May we all be inspired to live with the same courage, conviction, and compassion that defined his 23 years.

He will be forever missed. He will be forever loved. And he will be forever remembered

A Heartfelt Farewell: The Final Message of Beverly Gumm Before a Tragic Loss

The final message Beverly Gumm shared with her community broke hearts everywhere. 💔😢 It was a message full of warmth, grace, and unwavering faith — a message that now echoes with painful poignancy in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Just hours before tragedy struck, Beverly had posted a simple yet profound reflection on the power of forgiveness and love, ending her note with, “God is still good, no matter the storm.”

That would be her final public expression.

On what was supposed to be a peaceful day of worship, Beverly Gumm and her beloved daughter, Christina Combs, were tragically killed during a Sunday morning church service — a sacred space that should have been a sanctuary of peace and prayer. The shocking act of violence that claimed their lives has left an entire congregation and community in mourning, struggling to come to terms with the unfathomable loss of two vibrant, faithful women.

Beverly Gumm, known for her compassion, humility, and constant service to others, was a pillar in her church and a mother whose love knew no boundaries. Her life was rooted in faith — not just spoken, but lived daily. Whether she was volunteering at the food pantry, leading a Bible study, or simply sitting quietly in prayer, Beverly exuded a peace that came from a deep connection to her faith and her family.

Her daughter, Christina Combs, had inherited her mother’s spirit of kindness. At only 32 years old, Christina was a mother herself, a devoted sister, and a gentle soul who filled every room she entered with warmth. She sang in the church choir and often stayed after services to help clean up, greet newcomers, or offer a comforting word to someone in need. Christina and Beverly were more than just mother and daughter — they were best friends, soul companions, and a source of strength for each other.

Witnesses say Beverly had just finished sharing a scripture reading with the congregation — words of hope and healing — when the unthinkable happened. What followed was chaos, terror, and heartbreak. In a matter of minutes, the lives of Beverly and Christina were taken, leaving behind a void that cannot be filled.

The aftermath has been devastating. Tears flowed freely at the candlelight vigil held the following evening, where hundreds gathered to remember the two women who had touched so many lives. Photos of Beverly and Christina adorned the altar, surrounded by flowers, flickering candles, and handwritten messages from loved ones. Some people couldn’t speak, while others shared stories of how Beverly once helped them through addiction, how Christina always remembered birthdays, how they made church feel like home.

“Beverly was the first person who hugged me when I walked into this church seven years ago,” one woman tearfully shared. “She made me feel like I belonged. She never judged. She just loved.”

“There are no words for what we lost,” said Pastor Ray Williams during the vigil. “But if Beverly were here, she would remind us to love harder, forgive faster, and hold onto each other tighter. That’s what she would want. That’s what Christina would want.”

In their honor, the community has launched the Gumm-Combs Memorial Fund, dedicated to supporting the church’s security initiatives and mental health services for victims of trauma and violence. The goal is to create a space where people feel safe again, and where Beverly and Christina’s legacy of love and service can live on.

In the days since the tragedy, Beverly’s final message has been shared and reposted thousands of times. People have turned it into artwork, t-shirts, and tattoos. Her words — “God is still good, no matter the storm” — have become a rallying cry, a whispered prayer, and a source of comfort in the darkest of moments.

As the community continues to mourn, it also remembers. It remembers the warmth of Beverly’s hugs. The sweet sound of Christina’s laugh. The way they made everyone feel like family. Though their lives were cut short in a place meant to be sacred, their spirits remain ever-present — in every pew, every prayer, every act of kindness done in their name.

Rest in peace, Beverly Gumm and Christina Combs. Your light will never be extinguished.

Rest in Peace, Uncle John Watkins

I’m just at a loss for words. I don’t even know what to say right now. My heart is heavy, my mind is scattered, and the reality of your passing hasn’t even fully set in. Uncle John, you were such a steady presence in our lives — calm, kind, and always so full of wisdom and love. And now you’re gone. Just like that.

I keep trying to find the right words to express what I’m feeling, but all I’m left with is silence and this deep, aching sorrow. You were more than just my uncle — you were a second father, a mentor, a protector. You were the one who always had the right words when life got too hard. You listened when no one else did. You understood, even when I couldn’t fully explain. You gave your time so freely, your love so unconditionally. And now, all I wish for is just one more conversation, one more hug, one more chance to say thank you.

You never asked for much, Uncle John. You lived simply and gave abundantly. You gave people your time, your patience, your laughter, and your heart. You were always there for your family, even when your own load was heavy. I can still hear your laugh echoing in my memory, see that familiar spark in your eyes when you told your stories — always full of character, always with a deeper lesson tucked inside.

It hurts so much that you’re no longer here. I wasn’t ready to lose you. None of us were. There was still so much I wanted to say to you — so many memories I thought we still had time to make. But I guess life doesn’t always give us the moments we think we’ll have. It just takes and moves forward, while we’re left standing still, trying to catch our breath.

There’s an emptiness now. A space at the table that can never be filled. A voice missing from our conversations. A light gone from our lives. But somehow, I know you’re still with us. I know your love surrounds us, that your spirit lives on in the lessons you taught us, the values you upheld, the kindness you showed to every single person you met.

You were one of the good ones, Uncle John. Honest. Loyal. Gentle. Strong. You taught me that strength doesn’t have to be loud — that sometimes, just showing up and loving people quietly is the greatest strength of all.

Rest easy now. Your work here is done. You’ve given this world so much more than you ever took. Your legacy will live on in us — in every act of compassion, every shared laugh, every warm embrace that echoes the way you made us feel.

Until we meet again, Uncle John… I’ll carry you in my heart. Forever.
Love always.

Tragic Homicide Under Investigation in Pine Bluff: Community Mourns Loss of Markee Avery

PINE BLUFF, AR – July 18, 2025 — The Pine Bluff Police Department has launched an active homicide investigation following a tragic incident that unfolded Friday afternoon. At approximately 3:21 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of South Spruce Street in response to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival at 1212 South Spruce Street, authorities discovered the lifeless body of a man lying unresponsive in the front yard of the residence.

The victim has since been identified as 36-year-old Markee Avery, a Pine Bluff resident. Despite swift response efforts, it was confirmed that Avery was deceased at the scene, having sustained fatal injuries. The exact nature of those injuries has not yet been publicly disclosed, pending further examination by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

Law enforcement officials quickly secured the area, placing yellow crime scene tape around the perimeter as they conducted preliminary investigations. Detectives and crime scene technicians were seen gathering evidence, speaking with potential witnesses, and canvassing the neighborhood for any surveillance footage or leads that might shed light on the moments leading up to the shooting.

At this time, the investigation remains in its early stages. Police have not yet announced any suspects or motives, and no arrests have been made. Authorities are urging members of the public who may have seen or heard anything unusual around the time of the incident to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the Pine Bluff Police Department’s tip line.

“This is a heartbreaking and senseless act of violence,” said a spokesperson for the department. “We are diligently working to piece together the events that led to Mr. Avery’s death. We ask for the public’s help and patience as we pursue justice for the victim and his loved ones.”

News of Avery’s passing has reverberated through the Pine Bluff community, sparking sorrow and concern. Friends, neighbors, and community members have taken to social media to express their condolences and shock, describing Markee Avery as a man with a big heart, a sharp wit, and a love for his family. While details surrounding his life remain private, it is evident from the outpouring of grief that his absence will be deeply felt.

Several local residents gathered quietly near the crime scene, some praying, others simply standing in silence. “It’s just sad,” said one neighbor who asked not to be named. “You never expect to see something like this so close to home. He didn’t deserve this.”

The incident adds to ongoing concerns about violence in the Pine Bluff area, with community leaders once again calling for unity, vigilance, and increased resources for crime prevention. Plans for a community vigil in honor of Markee Avery are reportedly underway, as family members and loved ones try to come to terms with their loss.

As of now, the Pine Bluff Police Department continues to follow all leads, vowing to exhaust every avenue to bring those responsible to justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department at (870) 730-2090 or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (870) 543-INFO (4636).

This is a developing story. More information will be released as the investigation progresses. The thoughts and prayers of an entire community remain with the family and friends of Markee Avery during this painful time.

RIP Aunt Tammy — You Will Be Missed Deeply, Forever Watching Over Everyone

With heavy hearts and tearful eyes, we say goodbye to a beloved soul — Aunt Tammy. Words feel inadequate in moments like these when grief hangs so heavy and the ache of loss seems to touch every part of our lives. Aunt Tammy wasn’t just a relative — she was a guiding light, a steady hand, a warm smile, and the embodiment of unconditional love. Her presence lit up every room, and her absence now casts a silence that echoes deeply in our hearts.

Aunt Tammy was the kind of person whose love was felt not only in her words but in every selfless act, every thoughtful gesture, and every quiet sacrifice made without expectation. She remembered birthdays, cooked everyone’s favorite meals without asking, and was the first to offer help — no matter how big or small the need. Whether it was staying up late to comfort a crying niece or driving miles to attend a nephew’s school play, she made every person in her life feel seen, valued, and loved.

To her family, Aunt Tammy was the glue that held generations together. She was the heartbeat of holiday gatherings, the storyteller who remembered every detail from the past, and the one who reminded us to count our blessings, even in hard times. She taught us to find strength in faith, peace in forgiveness, and joy in the little things — a cup of coffee on the porch, a child’s laughter, or a beautiful sunset.

Even now, though she is no longer physically with us, we believe Aunt Tammy is still watching over us. We feel her in the warmth of the morning sun, the softness of a lullaby, and the comfort of familiar traditions. We hear her voice in our heads — wise, patient, and always kind. And in the quiet moments, when the pain of missing her threatens to overwhelm us, we know she’s gently reminding us to keep going, to keep loving one another, and to live lives she would be proud of.

Her memory will be our anchor and our inspiration. Her legacy will live on in every act of kindness we show, every family gathering where her laughter is remembered, and every heart she touched with her endless compassion. We will carry her spirit with us — in how we love, how we give, and how we find beauty in the world even when it feels broken.

Rest in peace, dear Aunt Tammy. You were a gift to everyone who knew you. You will be missed deeply, remembered always, and loved forever. Your light still shines in all of us — and now, from above, you watch over us with the same love and care that defined your beautiful life.

Until we meet again, keep watching over us. We love you. 💔🕊️

In Loving Memory of Sierra – A Shining Light Gone Too Soon

Yesterday, our hearts were shattered as we learned the devastating news that we lost one of our beloved customers, Sierra, in a tragic house fire. It still doesn’t feel real. Sierra wasn’t just another face in the crowd—she was a vibrant, unforgettable soul who lit up South Side Grocer every time she walked through our doors. And you knew she was here before you even saw her, thanks to the unmistakable and soothing scent of her essential oils that would float into the air like a gentle calling card. You’d turn around, and there she was—smiling, patient, kind.

Sierra had a presence you couldn’t ignore. Her love for all things vintage gave her a timeless charm. She’d show up in the most adorable retro-inspired outfits, perfectly styled and full of personality. And her eye makeup? Impeccable. People complimented her on it constantly, and she always received the praise with a humble laugh and a sparkle in her eye.

Her go-to drink was our sugar-free Lucky Charms Latte with oat milk. Every barista here knew it by heart. It was as unique and sweet as she was. And if you ever came into the shop while Sierra was there, chances are you met her or at least noticed her—she had that effect. She wasn’t just part of our community; she was stitched into the very fabric of it.

A little while ago, Sierra made the bold decision to switch careers. She wanted more for her life, and she wasn’t afraid of the hustle it would take to get there. She worked so hard and never lost sight of the goals she had set for herself. She had dreams, big ones, and it was impossible not to root for her.

She was only 26.

It breaks us to write those words. Twenty-six. She had so much life left to live, so many plans to see through, so many sunrises still meant for her. The weight of this loss is immense—for her family, her friends, and for all of us here at South Side Grocer who were lucky enough to know her, even in the small, everyday moments that now mean everything.

Starting tomorrow, we will be collecting money at the shop for Sierra’s family. It’s a small gesture in the face of such an enormous loss, but it’s what we can do. If you knew Sierra, if you ever talked to her or shared a smile or simply admired her kindness from across the counter, please consider stopping by to offer a little support.

To Sierra—thank you for being part of our lives. Thank you for the warmth, the beauty, the laughter, the light. Your memory will live on in every cup we serve, in every compliment shared, in every scent of lavender and peppermint that catches the wind.

Rest easy, sweet Sierra. You will never be forgotten.