Ms. Iola Telford was born Dec. 6, 1916, in Chappell Hill, Texas. She departed this earthly life to enter her heavenly home on May 11, 2009, surrounded by her loving family.

She attended school in Saurey Stand Community. She confessed in Christ at an early age, at Sauney Chapel A.M.E. Church.

In 1954, she moved to Bellville, Texas (Raccoon Bend). United with Richard Grove at United Methodist Church at an early age, where Pastor Cecil P. McDowell is the pastor now. She was very active church member by being an usher at her church and working in the cafeteria were she was known for her home cooking of sweet potato pie and dressing. She was there wherever help was needed. She remained a faithful and active member until her health failed. She worked many years at the Union Center School as a cook. She was a custodian at Bellville ISD, until she retired. She was a good Samaritan to the whole community. She enjoyed working in her garden and tending and caring for her many flowers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Iola is surived by her loving children: Evelina Nicholson of Chappell Hill; Josie Telford of Bellville; Ernest Telford of Bellville; Agnes Telford of Houston; Wilma Telford Davis of Bellville; and Shirley Abbs of Houston. Her aunt Earline Hammonds of Richmond, along with  cousins, nephews, God children, Nicholas and Brianna Ross, 23 grandchildren, 69 great grandchildren, and 36 great great grandchildren. A classmate and friend Mrs. Iola Estes.

Funeral Services were held Saturday May 16, 2009 at St. John Baptist Church in the Sauney Stand Community in Chappell Hill. Pastor Jessie Turner, officiated the service. Interment was followed at Carlie Cemetery in Chappell Hill.

Active Pallbearers were Theodore Abbs, Sidney Benjamin Jr., Charles Cross, Steven Hall, Dedrick Miller, and Alexander Williams.

Honorary Pallbearers were Ernest Telford, Larry Telford, Stanley Telford, Roderick Davis, Gregory Reese, Terrell Perry, Dexter Richard, Robert Battle, Johnny Stark Jr., and Travis Nunn.

Funeral arrangements were  entrusted to: Miller-Josey Mortuary, LLC in Bellville.