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Bethlehem Cemetery
Montgomery County Texas
aka New Bethlehem Cemetery

Take Hwy 105 to the east of Conroe just past Cut-n-Shoot. Turn left onto Millmac Road. Turn right onto on Willis-Waukegan Road. The New Bethlehem Church and the cemetery are on the right.

Stories to Tell
Cut and Shoot cemetery earns
state historical designation
By Howard Roden
Updated: 05.23.09
The Courier
 
 

A plaque describes the New Bethlehem Cemetery's place in history to visitors. Located in Cut and Shoot, the cemetery was recently declared a historic Texas cemetery by the Texas Historical Commission.

 

Flags decorate the headstones of some of the 47 war veterans buried at the New Bethlehem Cemetery in Cut and Shoot.

CUT AND SHOOT – Cemeteries are story-tellers, says Gertie Spencer, chair of the Montgomery County Historical Commission.


And the New Bethlehem Cemetery possesses plenty of tales about the generations of people who have lived in the East County community of Cut and Shoot.

A number of current and former residents have banded together to improve the cemetery’s physical condition and, in the process, honor its historical importance.

A crowd in excess of 100 was in attendance May 16 for the dedication of the New Bethlehem Cemetery as a historic Texas cemetery. The designation is part of a program conducted by the Texas Historical Commission to preserve family and community cemeteries across the state.

The unveiling of a monument that recognizes New Bethlehem’s historical status also took place during the ceremony.

The historical designation provides a “sense of pride” for those persons who have had generations buried at the cemetery, said Frankie Page, secretary-treasurer of the New Bethlehem Cemetery Association.

“It gives us a sense of belonging and that’s very important,” she said.

The cemetery is adjacent to the New Bethlehem Baptist Church at the intersection of Willis-Waukegan and Millmac roads. The cemetery has been in use since 1934, when Evalyn A. Davis Kelley was the first person interred there.

It was 2000 that the nonprofit New Bethlehem Cemetery Association was founded and now, the organization receives donations from more than 200 people – both local and out of state – who contribute annually to the cemetery’s upkeep.

“We’re working to establish a fund for our goal of perpetual care,” Jean Anderson, the association’s alternate chair, said. Anderson’s husband, Prentice, was laid to rest at the cemetery in 1994.

The funds have allowed the association to make several improvements, including a new sign over the main gate and fencing around the property.

The New Bethlehem Cemetery earned its historical designation because of the diligent work of Harley Gandy. The long-time Montgomery County educator – regarded as the county’s pre-eminent historian – spent four years researching the cemetery’s history. He and his wife, Martha, unveiled the plaque during the ceremony.

Approached by Page, Anderson and others, Gandy, a World War II veteran, had a personal interest in the marker as his parents, grandparents, two brothers and a niece are buried at the cemetery, Martha Gandy said.

Harley Gandy was the association’s first president. He remains on the association’s board, along with Anderson, Page, chairman Robert Yawn, Travis Jones and Zella Robinson.

“It means so much for the cemetery to be recognized,” Martha Gandy said. “He was approached about the state historical marker.”

“He’s the one who had the vision for the cemetery and the historical designation,” Anderson said of Harley Gandy. “He’s helping to keep the history alive.”

Some of that history can be found on the cemetery’s new monument. The land on which the cemetery is now located has been an integral part of the Cut and Shoot community for almost a century.

In 1912, Annie Amelia Peel, the widow of Thomas J. Peel, provided the property for a community school and meeting house. The land also was designated for a cemetery, but the lack of a fence to keep animals out prevented that use.

Use of the New Bethlehem cemetery grew in the 1930s because flooding in the area blocked roads to other gravesites, according to the monument.

It was fitting the monument ceremony was held on Armed Forces Day. Forty-seven of Cut and Shoot’s war veterans – dating back to the Spanish-American War in 1898 – are interred at the cemetery. The list includes five who served in World War I, 33 in War World II, three in the Korean War and four Vietnam vets.

Frankie Page’s husband, Duke, who died in October, served in the Pacific theater of World War II, as did Harley Gandy, of Conroe. Gandy, a member of the U.S. Navy, was inducted into the National Museum of the Pacific War located in Fredericksburg.

 
To help establish perpetual care at the New Bethlehem Cemetery, mail donations to:

New Bethlehem Cemetery Association
P. O. Box 7232
Cut and Shoot, TX 77306

For more information, call Frankie Page
in the evenings at (936) 264-1420.

 


Entrance to the Cemetery

 
This cemetery is the Montgomery County Cemetery Book, Volume V. Click here for a lookup.
 
 
I would like to be  a contact for any Walkers in these Cemeteries. George Washington Walker is my Grandfather.
Katherine Novack
972-743-1944 cell or
email ldykat521@sbcglobal.net


Photos of New Bethlehem Cemetery
by Teresa Kelley
 

Obituaries from the Conroe Courier
 

Virgia "Tincy" Lea Adams

Ms. Adams was born on Oct. 14, 1932 in Cut-N-Shoot, Texas and passed away June 10, 2006 in Conroe, Texas. Tincy was a member of Mims Baptist Church in Conroe, Texas. Cashner Funeral Home & Cemeteries, (936) 756-2126
 

Grace Anderson

Grace Anderson was born October 4, 1917 in Montgomery County, Texas and was called home to be with her Lord on Sept. 25, 2005 in Cleveland, Texas. Her husband, Albert; sons, Prentice and Baby Michael; brothers, Maurice, A.D., Jr., and Kenneth Patterson; and sister, Beverly Spence, all preceded her in death. She is survived by her three daughters.  Grace and her late husband, Albert, were charter members of Northside Baptist Church, Conroe, where they served over fifty years. Many remember Grace for her Bible teaching abilities, as well as her love for music. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Northside Baptist Church Building or Library Fund, 1115 N. Houston Street, Conroe, TX 77301.  Cashner Funeral Home, 936-756-2126


Allie Mae Lane Beeson

Conroe Funeral Directors, (936) 756-2210

December 01, 2002

Allie Mae Lane Beeson, 89, of Greenville, Texas, passed away on
Nov. 30, 2002 in Greenville, Texas. Allie was born on May 4, 1914 to David Elgin and Lillian Mae Lane in Fairdale, La. She was a longtime resident of Conroe and a former member of Grace Baptist Church of Conroe. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jeff Beeson in 1978The funeral service will be held on Monday, Dec. 2, 2002 at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Conroe Funeral Directors with the Rev. Larry Dean and the Rev. Tony Moye officiating. Interment to follow at New Bethlehem Cemetery.

Robert "Bob" Henry Buchanan Jr. 

Conroe Funeral Directors, 936-756-2210

June 22, 2002

Funeral services for Robert "Bob" Henry Buchanan Jr., 72, of Conroe, will be held on Monday, June 24, 2002, at 11 a.m. in The Chapel at Conroe Funeral Directors with the Rev. Randy Johnson officiating. Interment to follow in Ferris Cemetery located in Sandy, Texas. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, June 23, 2002 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Mr. Buchanan was born in Coldspring, Texas, on March 28, 1930, and passed away on June 20, 2002, in Conroe, Texas. He had been a lifelong resident of Montgomery County, who graduated from Conroe High School and went on to graduate from Texas A & M and Penn State respectively. While attending Texas A&M, Mr. Buchanan received recognition as a Maroon Band Drum Major, class of 1951. He was member of the New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Cut-N-Shoot, TX., belonged to the Conroe Masonic Lodge #748 and proudly served his Country in the United States Air Force as Captain. He is survived by his loving family: mother, Thelma Grace Buchanan of Mt. Belvieu, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to New Bethlehem Baptist Church of Cut-N-Shoot.

 

Irene Bush 

Metcalf Funeral Home, 936-756-3311

August 23, 2002

Graveside Services for Irene Bush, 76, of Willis will be held Saturday Aug. 24, 2002 at 10 a.m. in New Bethlehem Cemetery with the Rev. Jimmy Jones officiating. Services are under the direction of Metcalf Funeral Directors. Irene was born Aug. 11, 1926, and passed away
Aug. 22, 2002, in Houston. Irene was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her. Irene leaves behind her loving family:
 

Rev. Marvin "Bob" Cooper 

Metcalf Funerals & Cremations, (936) 756-3311

December 16, 2002

Funeral services for Reverend Marvin "Bob" Cooper, 80, of Conroe, will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, at New Bethlehem Baptist Church with the Rev. Charlie Kruger, the Rev. Randy Johnson and the Rev. Corbey Jones officiating. Interment to follow at New Bethlehem Cemetery with Metcalf Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be 10 till 9 p.m. with family receiving friends 6 - 9 p.m., Monday, Dec. 16, 2002, at Metcalf Funeral Home. Reverend Cooper was born Aug. 7, 1922, in Montgomery County, Texas to Elbert and Eva Cooper. He passed away in Conroe, Texas on Dec. 13, 2002. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years,  He was a Baptist minister for 50 years and Pastor of Grace Baptist Church for 26 years. Music to be played at the service was written and composed by Bob. His music was inspired by the Holy Spirit in the middle of the night and many of these songs are being played on Christian Radio.  The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Bryarly, Dr. Carwile, the Crown of Texas Hospice and their staff. "Dad, we Thank You for your example of love for Christ and love for each other. Your funny stories, sayings, and jokes will be passed on to future generations. Give the angels a break with your funnies. They've got a lot of singing to do. You commented one day because of your love for food, " I'm ready to go and eat angel food. " Enjoy... it's calorie free! We love you and miss you, but look forward to joining you "on the other side" your loving wife and children."

 

Josh Moon Flynt
Josh was born on Dec. 3, 1920 in Iola, Texas to Josh Mitchell and Catherine Blount Flynt. He served in the U. S. Navy during WWII. Josh met Mildred Jones on February 14, 1946 and they married on
June 28, 1946. They retired and moved to Cut-n-Shoot, Texas in December 1980. Josh was a longtime deacon of Groceville Baptist Church in Groceville, Texas. He loved to travel, but his greatest loves were witnessing for the Lord and fishing. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mildred Florence Flynt.  Cashner Funeral Home,
936-756-2126.

 

Mildred Florence Flynt
Mrs. Flynt was born on July 6, 1925 in Alice, Texas to Thomas and Edna Jones and passed away on January 20, 2005 in Conroe, Texas. Mildred met Josh M. Flynt on February 14, 1946 and they married on June 28, 1946. They retired and moved to Cut-N-Shoot, Texas in December 1980. Mildred was a longtime member of Groceville Baptist Church in Groceville, TX. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. Mildred loved to travel, had a wonderful zest for life and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 58 years. Cashner Funeral Home
936-756-2126


Ida Jean Gandy
Metcalf Funeral Directors, 936/756-2311 July 26, 2000 Conroe
1929-2000

Graveside funeral services for Ida Jean Gandy, 71, of Conroe, will be Thursday, July 27, 2000, at 9:30 a.m., in the New Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Funeral Directors. Mrs. Gandy was born July 20, 1929 in Groveton, Texas and passed away in Houston, Monday, July 24, 2000. Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 26, 2000, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
 

Nellie Faye Spinks Green
Mrs. Green entered eternal rest Monday Nov. 28, 2005 in Cut and Shoot, TX after a lengthy illness. She was born to Henry Howard and Nettie Barnes Spinks on Feb. 25, 1921 in Walker County, TX. Faye is preceded in death by her brothers, William Milton Spinks and Henry Howard Spinks, Jr.; sisters, Alberta Bernice Spinks Dowell and Edna Lucille Spinks Kidd.  She was an avid gardener that loved to pass along plants and cuttings to others, and with the help of James brought beauty to the roadside on FM 1484. She was a member of the Groceville Baptist Church and founding member of the New Bethlehem Cemetery Association. She worked for numerous years for Dow Chemical Company during World War II and 21 years for ARCO Oil Company. In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family asks that donations be made to the New Bethlehem Cemetery Association. P. O. Box 7232, Cut and Shoot, TX 77306.  Metcalf Funeral Directors, 936-756-3311
 

Edward Earl Gandy
 Mr. Gandy was born on February 14, 1936 in Conroe, Texas and passed away on April 10, 2005 in Conroe, Texas.  Cashner Funeral Home,
936-756-2126
 

Alton Joe Jolin
Alton was born August 18, 1932, in Montgomery County, Texas and passed away April 25, 2005, in The Woodlands, Texas. Alton was a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. He enjoyed playing music and loved doing all things the outdoors offered. He is survived by son.  Metcalf Funeral Home, 936-756-3311


Carlos Lafayette Lang
Cashner Funeral Home, 936-756-2126 October 27, 2001

Funeral services for Carlos Lafayette Lang, 62, will be held Monday,
Oct. 29, 2001, at 10 a.m. in Cashner Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Jimmy Weeks officiating. Interment will follow in New Bethlehem Cemetery with Cashner Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 28, 2001, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.


Nolan Ray Lang
 Mr. Lang was born on Oct. 5, 1942 in Edna, Texas and passed away on March 25, 2006 in Conroe, Texas.  He served his country in the U. S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Cashner Funeral Home, 936-756-2126

William Elgin Musgrove
Metcalf Funeral Directors, (936) 756-3311 February 06, 2002

William Elgin Musgrove of Wharton, Texas died February 2, 2002.William was born February 18, 1943 in Conroe, Texas. He was employed by Texaco and had lived in Wharton for the past twenty-four years. He is preceded in death by his father E. L. "Babe" Musgrove. William's service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 6, 2002 in the Metcalf Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the New Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Funeral Directors. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.


Mary Lucille Musgrove
Metcalf Funeral Directors, 936-756-3311 March 14, 2001

Funeral services for Lucille Musgrove, 87, of Conroe, will be held Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at 10 a.m. in Metcalf Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lynwood Jacobs officiating. Interment will be in New Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Funeral Directors.

Mrs. Musgrove was born on December 1, 1913 in Conroe and passed away March 10, 2001 in Conroe.  Mrs. Musgrove was a lifelong resident of Montgomery County. In lieu of usual remembrances donations can be made to Countyline Church, Tess Baker, 1200 Foster Drive, Conroe, Texas 77301.
 

Melissa Jane McDonald
Cochran Funeral Home, 409-327-2158 June 09, 2000
April 3, 1955-June 3, 2000

Melissa Jane McDonald, 45, died Saturday, June 3, 2000 at Conroe Regional Medical Center, in Conroe.  She was preceded in death by her father, James Colvin McDonald, and her mother, Jo Allie Metts, and sister Patricia Ann McDonald. She was born April 3, 1955, in Houston, the daughter of James and Jo (Metts) McDonald. In lieu of flowers, contact Cochran Funeral Home, in Livingston (936) 327-2158.Funeral services will be Saturday, June 10, 2000 at 9:30 a.m. at graveside.
Bro. Wade Graves will be officiating. Interment will be in the New Bethlehem Cemetery in Conroe.

 

Albert Kellis Oliver
Albert was born March 23, 1920 in Montgomery, Texas and passed away July 6, 2005 in Conroe. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Metcalf Funeral Home. Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Idell Oliver in 2002.Metcalf Funerals & Cremations,
(936) 756-3311
 ©The Courier 2003

 

Emma Idell Oliver

Metcalf Funeral Directors, 936-756-3311

November 15, 2002

Funeral services for Emma Idell Oliver, 76, of Conroe will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002, at 10 a.m. in the Metcalf Funeral Chapel with Bro. Ryan Dearmon officiating. Interment will follow in the New Bethlehem Cemetery under the direction of Metcalf Funeral Directors. Visitation will be on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Oliver was born Nov. 1, 1926, in Humble, Texas and passed away in Conroe Nov. 14, 2002.

©The Courier 2003
 

Essie Page
Essie was born March 15, 1918 in Cut N Shoot, Texas and passed away June 25, 2005 in Conroe, Texas.  Cashner Funeral Home & Cemeteries, (936) 756-2126


Agnes Estelle Patterson
Mrs. Patterson was born on June 19, 1921 in Conroe, Texas and passed away on Jan. 24, 2004 in Conroe, Texas. She was the wife of the late L. M. Patterson of Conroe.  Cashner Funeral Home & Cemeteries,
(936) 756-2126
 ©The Courier 2003


Katie Mae Walters Skelton 

Metcalf Funeral Directors, 936-756-3311

August 16, 2002

Funeral Services for Katie Mae Walters Skelton, 81, of Conroe will be held Friday, Aug. 16, 2002 at 2: PM in New Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Nichols and Rev. Randy Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in New Bethlehem Cemetery. Katie was born April 4, 1921, in Conroe and went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, August 14, 2002. She was a life-time resident of Montgomery County and will be missed by all her loving family and friends.


Verdell Spinks       

Funeral services for Verdell Spinks, 79, of Conroe, will be held Friday, June 12, 1998 at 10 a.m. in Cashner Colonial Chapel with the Rev. Kirk Jackson officiating.  Interment will follow in New Bethlehem Cemetery with Cashner Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.  The family will receive friends from 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. today at the funeral home.  Mrs. Spinks was born Dec 3, 1918 in Richards, Texas and passed away June 10, 1998 in Lufkin, Texas.  She was a member of the Baptist faith.  Mrs. Spinks was preceded in death by her son, Ronald Earl Spinks, Feb 1, 1992.  Survivors:  daughter, Carolyn McBride Sewell of Diboll; sons and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Glenda Spinks of Lufkin and Mike Spinks of Conroe; daughter-in-law, Barbara Spinks of Sugarland; sisters, O'Dell Brooks of Dayton and Bertha Baseke of Conroe; brother and sister-in-law, Sonny and Peggy Gregg of Center; sister-in-law, Ruby Gregg of Bellville; grandchildren, Danny Spinks, Risa McBride, Billy McBride Jr., Robbie Brown, Randy Spinks, Rusty Spinks, Becky Caudle and Shane Spinks; great-grandchildren, Hannah Brown and Corbey Brown; personal friends, Pol Padgett and Billy McBride Sr., all of Alvin.  Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.*****

 

*****Submitters notes:  Winnie Verdell was the daughter of Willie Tilmon "Will" Gregg and Pearl Annie Gray Gregg, of Conroe, who preceded her in death. She was a twin to Winnie O'Dell.  Submitted by Betty.

 

Duke Davis Page

 

Updated: 10.22.08

Duke Davis Page, 86, passed away Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at his home in Cut and Shoot, Texas. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, October 24, 2008, at 3 p.m. in Cashner Colonial Chapel with the Dr. James Mantooth and Rev. Josh Henry officiating. Interment will follow at New Bethlehem Cemetery in Cut and Shoot. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2008, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cashner Funeral Home. Mr. Page was born in Montgomery County, Texas, near Cut and Shoot on March 20, 1922. He was the son of the late Curtis Hurn Page and Anna Elizabeth Cannon Page. He was a charter member of First Baptist Church of Groceville and was an active member there for 58 years. Mr. Page was a Disabled World War II Veteran, having served in the U. S. Navy from 1941 until 1947. He served in the South Pacific for four years aboard the USS Wright, a seaplane tender, and was awarded several medals including two battle stars. He retired from Texaco Chemical Co. in 1986. He enjoyed working in his yard and spending time with his family. He loved to travel, and traveled quite extensively, making several trips abroad. His favorite mode of travel, however, was in his fifth-wheel travel trailer. He and his wife, Frankie, traveled to all 50 states and most of Canada. Mr. Page is preceded in death by his brothers, Don F. Page, Dean R. Page, and Drew A. Page, and nephew, Gary A. Page. His is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Frankie D. Plunk Page; daughter, Tracy Lynn Staton (Donald); two sons, Blaine Davis Page (Becky), and Curtis Randall Page (Suzanna). Also surviving him are seven grandchildren: Donald Staton, Jr. (Sabrina), Tiffany Foster (Brian), Erin Henry (Josh), Jeffrey Page, Laura Yosko (Brian), Michael Page (Christina), and Caleb Page of the US Coast Guard; and 13 great-grandchildren who loved their “G-Pa,” Lewis Taylor, Christopher and Lane Staton, Kendall, Jonathan, Isaac and Hope Foster, Jeremy Page, Hannah, Bethany, and Cole Henry, and Jacob and Makayla Yosko. A host of nieces and nephews and many dear friends will also miss him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New Bethlehem Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 7232, Cut and Shoot, TX 77306. You are invited to leave a written tribute for the family on our website at www.mem.com.
 The Courier

 

William Beauregard's Transcription
of New Bethleham Cemetery

 

 


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