Mayo Media

02/12/2025

Celebration of Life for Vanessa L Sawyer
Wednesday, February 12, 2025. 2:00 p.m.
Cook-Walden Capital Parks
Pflugerville, Texas

Vanessa Loreina Sawyer passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 2, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on June 28, 1970, in Austin, TX to her loving parents Lupe and Norma Hernandez. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Vanessa grew up in the Austin area and was a vivacious child. She could often be found playing outside with her older brother and sister, roller skating, and diving off the high dive. She graduated from Round Rock High School 1988 and went on to work in the semiconductor field for 30 years where she was widely respected for her straight-shooter attitude, innovation, and commitment to quality. In addition to her career, she was a loving mother and wife, deeply passionate about creating home where her family could feel comforted and thrive. She was incredibly creative and had a keen eye for beauty, personally crafting everything from home décor to stationery, beautiful cakes, and sewing projects. In her final years, she taught herself quilting and left behind beautiful quilts for her closest family members as part of her legacy.

Through she was only 4’11 Vanessa’s presence was larger than life. She was hilarious, strong-willed, brilliant, beautiful, and above all, tenacious. She approached the things she wanted with such ferocity that you had no doubt she would find a way to succeed. She truly embodied what it means to know your worth and fight for what you want. Her radiant and lively spirit will be immensely missed, but what a blessing it was to now her while she was here.

Vanessa is survived by her devoted husband of 24 years, Daniel Sawyer; daughters, Sarah Barrientos Vaiksaar (Joosep) and Emily Sawyer; brother Orlando Hernandez (Brenda), sister Melissa Zavala (James), and mother Norma Hernandez (Lupe). She was preceded in death by her father, Lupe Hernandez.

Though was miss her dearly, the impact Vanessa left on each of our lives will last forever. It was important to her that her life be celebrated for all she was rather than overshadowed by the challenges she overcame. Through the sadness and the tears, may we all find time to smile and share wonderful memories in her honor. Her infectious laugh and radiant spirit lives on in all of us. Thank you so much for being here.

02/12/2025

Celebration of Life for Retired Sgt. Maj. Leora Carter
Wednesday, February 12, 2024 11:00 AM
Bastrop Providence Funeral Home
2079 Highway 71 East, Bastrop, TX 78602

Leora Carter, a shining beacon of dedication and fortitude, left this world unexpectedly on January 22, 2025, in Bastrop, Texas. Born on June 1, 1966, in Edgefield, South Carolina to the late Henry Caesar and late Willie Mae Carter, she rose from her humble beginnings to become an extraordinary figure in the United States Army. Her journey spanned over two decades, culminating in the revered rank of Command Sergeant Major—a testament to her unwavering commitment to service and her remarkable leadership qualities.

In every role she embraced, Leora was celebrated for her exceptional performance. She received Exceeded and Far Exceeded scores on military NCO evaluations, a reflection not only of her capabilities but the profound impact she had on those around her. Remarks such as “MSG Carter is the epitome of an exceptional NCO for which all Soldiers should strive to emulate” echoed through her career, often followed by praises urging her retention for the sake of Soldier development and mentorship. She was not just a mentor; she was a guardian, a dedicated champion who helped save countless lives, tirelessly working to prevent suicides among Soldiers. Her sacrifices, placing the welfare of her Soldiers above her own, set a standard to which many aspired.

Leora’s educational achievements were equally distinguished, having been selected for the Sergeant Major Academy the first time she was eligible—a rare honor indeed. Throughout her service, she garnered numerous accolades that highlighted her meritorious contributions, including the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the esteemed Legion of Merit Award for exceptionally meritorious service. Each medal represented not just a personal victory but a collective triumph of the lives she transformed along the way.

Her compassion and devotion extended well beyond the battlefield. As the sister of Georgia Mae (Cleo) Martin of Edgefield, SC, Annie Bell Boyd and Ilene Redfield, both of Augusta, GA, Aretha Carter of Hewitt, TX, Willie Albert (Wendy Carroll) Carter of Edgefield, SC and Henry Caesar Carter, Jr., she cultivated deep, meaningful connections that highlighted her nurturing spirit. The warmth of her love and steadfast support energized her family, enveloping them in a bond that remained strong throughout her life. They often witnessed firsthand the grace with which she navigated challenges, a balance of resilience and kindness that defined her essence. Leora's spirit will also lovingly be remembered by her special friend, Edna Rodriguez; maternal aunts, Sarah Lee, Mattie Holloway, Mary Catherine (Clemson) Quarles, all of Edgefield, SC, Lucille Roney of Washington DC, and Annie Ruth Roney of Bronx, NY; paternal aunt, Evelyn Johnston; nephews and nieces, Steven, Diane, Jamar, Aaron, Tosha, Raymond Jr., Antonio, David, Anita, and Jamison; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In the days to come, friends and family members will gather at Bastrop Providence Funeral Home, where a viewing is scheduled for February 11, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM. The following morning, they will take the opportunity to visit with her family from 9 AM until 11 AM. A Celebration of Life will commence on February 12, 2025, at 11 AM, affording space for all whose lives she touched to honor her remarkable legacy. Finally, she will be laid to rest at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 3 PM, surrounded by the echoes of gratitude from the countless lives she saved and positively influenced.

Leora Carter was more than just a Soldier; she was a luminary in a world desperate for leadership, affection, and hope. Her immense contributions, compelling spirit, and cherished memories will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

02/07/2025

Celebration of Life for Sidney Clark
February 7, 2025. 11:00 a.m.
Mt Zion Baptist Church
Austin, Texas

01/18/2025

Celebration of Life for Bart Madeley
January 18, 2025. 2:00 P.M.
COOK-WALDEN DAVIS FUNERAL HOME
2900 Williams Drive
Georgetown, Texas 78628

12/20/2024

https://vimeo.com/1039686580

Celebration of Life for Juanita Lucile Ross HOMEGOING CELEBRATION "A SERVICE OF LOVE" Thursday December 19, 2024 11:00 AM Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 8500…

12/19/2024

Celebration of Life for Juanita Lucile Ross
HOMEGOING CELEBRATION "A SERVICE OF LOVE"
Thursday
December 19, 2024
11:00 AM
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
8500 Cameron Road
Austin, TX 78754

12/13/2024

Celebration of Life for Xavier O'Maree Jones
DEC 13. 11:00 AM (CT)

Mount Sinai Baptist Church
8500 Cameron Rd
Austin, TX 78754
(512) 451-0808

11/16/2024

Memorial Service for
Ralph Anthony Haus
JULY 22, 1944 – OCTOBER 16, 2024

November 16, 2024. 2:00 p.m.
WEED-CORLEY-FISH FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATION SERVICES
1200 S. Bagdad
Leander, TX 78641

Ralph Anthony Haus, Sr., husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on October 16, 2024 at the age of 80 from complications following open heart surgery.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce Clary Haus of Leander, Texas, 4 children: son, Ralph Haus, Jr. (spouse, Debra) of New Braunfels, Texas, daughter, Debra Haus of Leander, Texas, son, Joseph Haus of Austin, Texas and daughter, Celeste Haus of Leander, Texas, 8 grandchildren: Samantha Prichard (spouse Cynthia) Lili Haus, Mercury Haus, Darrell Wineinger, Asa Haus, Baron Wineinger, Max Wineinger, Nia Haus Calderon and 2 great-grandchildren, Addy and Reese Prichard. He also leaves behind a brother, George Haus (spouse Esther Newlin-Haus) of Kalamazoo, Michigan and in-laws, Barbara Haus, Judy Clary Wilkerson, Betty Rhoads Clary (spouse Phil Rhoads) and Ann Clary Gish (spouse Rick.)

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Haus, mother, Anna Haus, brother Michael Haus, father in-law Rod Clary and mother-in-law Pauline Clary.

Ralph was born in Youngstown, Ohio on July 22, 1944. His family moved from Ohio to New York and eventually to Kentucky, where his lifelong passion for understanding how things worked blossomed into a 50 year career as an Engineer. He worked for 30 years at IBM, beginning his tenure in the Lexington, Kentucky offices and then moving to the Austin, Texas branch in 1976. In his time at IBM, Ralph creatively contributed on several groundbreaking projects including the Selectric typewriter, early PC monitor stands, mouse-roller-balls and computer keyboards. After retiring from IBM in 1994, he co-founded Concurrent Design and Drafting, an independent design consulting company. He later worked on CAD projects for Freedom Power.

It was in the Hill Country of Texas where Ralph's love of the outdoors flourished. He spent much of his free time outside working on various projects. Eventually, he secured his own "portion of paradise" for the family in Leander, bought a small herd of cattle and christened it the Cottonwood Spring Ranch. Designing and building the family homestead from the ground up was one of his most gratifying accomplishments.

Ralph's lifelong interests suggest that he was a true modern-day renaissance man. He enjoyed many hobbies including: gardening, woodworking, masonry, fishing, camping, travel, bowling, slow-smoking BBQ, cooking, baking, brewing craft-beer, photography, chess and building model airplanes. He stayed entertained and informed studying varied topics such as: politics, history, finance, birds, computers, design, sci-fi, yellow 1971 Chevy Impalas, hot peppers, whiskey and preferred to read about local and world events while holding an actual newspaper. Over the years, you would often find him watching the sun rise and then set again from his porch along with a host of various dogs and a cat named Willie Dillo.

Joyce and the family greatly appreciate all of the heartfelt messages of love, sympathy and support.

11/16/2024

Celebration of Life for Vernette Leslie Cleveland
NOV 16. 11:00 AM (CT)

First Baptist Church
4805 Heflin Lane
Austin, TX 78721

11/16/2024

Kenneth L. Brown Musicians Alliance Musical Workshop
September 16, 2024 6:30 P.M.
Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church
1710 E. 20th Street Austin, TX 78722
Rev Kevin Workman, Pastor
Dr. Barry J.W. Frankllin, President, KLBA

11/16/2024

Celebration of Life for Janie Mae Powell
September 7, 2024. 1:00 P.M.
Bastrop Providence Funeral Home
2079 Highway 71 East
Bastrop, Texas 78602

11/04/2024

Graveside service for Colonel Ralph William Furtner
November 4, 2024. 1:00 p.m.
Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery
11463 TX 195
Killeen, Texas

Colonel Ralph W. Furtner, U.S. Air Force Retired, of Georgetown, Texas passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024. Ralph was born August 17, 1933, in Washington, D. C. to the late Charles A. and Mary A. (Barghausen) Furtner. After graduating from St. Paul’s Academy, Ralph received his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Public Administration degrees from George Washington University where he met the love of his life, Mary Louise Feeney. Ralph and Mary Louise were married 63 years at the time of her passing in 2021.

Ralph’s 22 year military career began in 1955. As a member of the Strategic Air Command, Ralph was awarded multiple decorations for combat missions flown in Vietnam in 1966-1967, including four Air Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He joined the faculty of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin, as an Air Force Research Associate from 1974 to 1976. After his retirement from military active duty in 1977, Ralph served as Military Staff Assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 1977 to 1991, where he directed the USAF Policy Planning Studies Program and led multiple research projects concerning military organization, planning and programming. Additionally, Ralph served on the faculty of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, from 1981 to 1992.

Beyond his military career, Ralph’s beloved family and his lifelong faith in the Catholic church formed the cornerstones of his life. While generally reserved and humble, Ralph loved the opportunity to talk about his family and enthusiastically shared family stories. It was obvious that “family” was a source of much pride and joy which served to sustain him through the devastating loss of Mary Louise and his own debilitating health over the last three years. Even in those tough times, Ralph’s response to how he was doing was “Never better” or “I’m at the top of my game”. That positive outlook, his kindness, integrity, generosity and love of family are his legacy, forever impacting the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.

With a successful career and a loving family, Ralph’s life was indeed full, but one other achievement should not be overlooked. Even though he spent many years in the Air Force, Ralph also loved the water and in his spare time became an avid sailor, taking the family on cruises down the Potomac River and beach vacations in Nags Head, North Carolina. Just recently, Ralph enjoyed “coaching” his sister-in-law Alice in her training for the 2023 and 2024 Marine Corp Marathons. Further proof, Ralph lived his life to the fullest.

Ralph will be missed by his children Julia Akin (Harry), CDR Thomas Furtner, USNR, Ret. (Jo Ellen), and Suzanne Broccolo (widow of Fred); grandchildren Christopher Broccolo (Kelsey), LCDR Ryan Furtner, USN (Monica), Lauren Furtner (Eamon), Patrick Broccolo, and Evan Furtner; great granddaughters Everleigh Broccolo and Lenox Broccolo; brothers Guy Furtner (Alice) and Alvin Furtner (Nancy).

Ralph was predeceased by his wife Mary Louise, his son Eric, and his siblings Charles Furtner, Margaret Clementson, Thomas Furtner, and James Furtner.

11/04/2024

Celebration of Life for Madhu P. Godsay
November 4, 2024 9:00 a.m.
Cookwalden Funeral Home
6100 North Lamar
Austin, TX 78752

Madhu ‘Bhau’ Godsay was born in 1932 in Mumbai, India. Growing up as one of youngest of 7 siblings in the Godsay Family, Bhau was an extremely intelligent student always eager to think of novel solutions to a problem. As next door good neighbors, Bhau used his witty remarks and charming personality to impress Sunita tai (née Pramila) when she was just 5 years old. Soon they fell in love and by the time they were teenagers they were determined to get married even though there was opposition from mom’s family. Bhau’s game plan to marry his sweetheart and win over mom’s family support was to pursue higher education abroad. After completing his formal education at UDCT in Mumbai, he married the love of his life Sunita Tai in 1955 and went for higher studies to Manchester, UK and Queens University in Canada to complete his Masters degrees. Sumitra and Milind were born a few years later. The Godsay family moved to Canada from India in 1959 and to the USA in 1969. He earned his MS and PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University in 1985 while working full time for International Paper. As one of the pioneer settlers of Indian origin in Canada and USA, the Godsay family adapted to the new environment while maintaining their core middle class values while growing up in India. Although Bhau Godsay’s father and elder brother were no strangers to the teachings of Vedanta, Bhau’s desire to start learning about the Vedic scriptures started when he turned 50 after both children were married. The quest to gain deeper knowledge convinced him to take an early retirement from work at the age of 62 and dedicate the rest of his life to gaining a true understanding of Vedanta.

During the past 30 years, Bhau has touched the lives of so many of us, including everyone in this room, young and old, in all parts of the world by his divine knowledge, by dedicating his whole life to spiritually uplift our community, his selflessness to make a difference in people’s lives, and most importantly by always being there to help each one of us when we needed him the most. He leaves behind his teachings in Advaita Vedanta and he has over the years imbibed in us his core values in discovering the true nature of oneself that will be remembered by us forever.

On the lighter side Bhau enjoyed playing bridge, chess, watching golf, vacationing on a beach, cracking funny jokes with puns and spending time with his 5 great grandchildren.

He is survived by his son and his family, Milind and Preeya Godsay, Surbhi and Zach Lipkin-Moore, Viraj Godsay and Aná Simon, and by his daughter, and her family Sumitra, Vasant and Leena Chaphekar, Aditi and Ren Apolinar, and Sonia and Andy Caswell, and by his 5 great grandchildren Zara, Maya, Tejas, Neha and Aiyana.

08/27/2024

Please check your status:

Public Service 📣

Governor Greg Abbott and the state of Texas have removed 1 million people from the voter rolls since 2021.

If you live in Texas, check your voter register immediately: teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do

Please share with everyone you know in the state of TX. Kamala needs every one of our votes!

08/24/2024

Celebration of Life for Albert Black
August 24, 2024. 11;00 AM
MT. Zion Baptist Church
Austin, Texas