2024 Grandparent of the Year Honorees
Josh V. Arrambide, born in San Antonio, Texas, is a longtime Midland resident. He is the proud father of one daughter and even prouder grandfather (Popo) to five grandchildren. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a Juvenile Probation officer for Bexar and Midland counties. Once he retired, he became a full-time grandfather. His goal is to show the love of Christ to each grandchild through his words and actions. He is a member of First Baptist Church, where he actively serves as a Sunday School director/teacher and as a deacon. His desire is to love the Lord with all his heart, soul, and mind and serve him the rest of his days. Sarah Arrambide, born in Tularosa, NM, is a long time Midland resident. One of Sarah’s greatest joys is being married to her husband, Josh. She is the proud mother of their only child, Emilia and extremely blessed to be the grandmother (Yaya) to her five children. Sarah has been the Children’s Minister at First Baptist Church in Midland for almost 20 years. Prior to God calling her into full-time ministry, she taught in the public school system as a Bilingual educator.
Willie Bea Haliburton, born in Waco, Texas, is a longtime resident of Midland. She is an 87 year-old mother of two children, grandmother to six, and she also has numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Haliburton is affectionately known as Mimi to most and Ms. Willie Bea to those who remember her from her early days. She served the community in many ways as she belonged to different civic clubs and she stills serves today as a faithful member of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, the American Legion, the Midland Southeast Senior Center, and Women of Strength. She has spent the majority of her life filling in the gap as needed; whether that meant helping someone with encouraging words, cooking and providing meals for those in need, or providing a place to stay for individuals who were in need. One of her greatest accomplishments has been the ability to open her heart and home to raise children who found themselves without the love necessary for their proper development. Mrs. Haliburton holds three principles very dear to her heart: Faith, Family, and Friends; whom she treats as a true extension of family. Her greatest accomplishments are the branches off her family tree and her greatest joy is spending her days serving the community with her daughter, Lenora.
Jay and Gwen Haney are the proud grandparents of their 2 beloved teenage grandsons, Jacob and Jayden, and have been married sweethearts for 42 years. Jay and Gwen are graduates of Odessa High and Midland Lee, respectively, and have enjoyed the Permian Basin as their home their entire lives. They are active members of First Baptist Church of Midland, where they have attended and served for over 30 years. Together with their beautiful daughter Jenny, who is a single mother, their greatest love is partnering with her to raise their grandsons and attend all of their school, sporting, and church activities. The boys stay busy with academics, fierce Robotics club competitions, playing baseball, church camps - and most recently, learning how to drive with the grandparents! There is always fun and laughter in their home and always room for a guest or neighbor at their dinner table for a delicious homecooked meal. Gwen retired after 23 years as a Kindergarten through 6th grade Special Education teacher with MISD and is a two-time cancer survivor; yet together with Jay and their neighborhood, they have rallied around their elderly neighbors to provide love, care, visits, meals, trips to the doctor, and daily phone calls. Jay is currently Director of the Physical Plant Team at UTPB and has served the university for the last 16 years. He is a member of a local Cowboy Action Shooting club and looks forward to gunsmithing fulltime after retirement. If you drop by unexpectedly, you might catch them sitting side by side watching westerns with their lovable adopted goldendoodle Murphy. Their favorite family pastime is week-long camping and fishing trips along the Frio River with Murphy and their grandsons, and they welcome anyone else who wants to go along for the adventure.
Lora Jean Cravin Howard is a remarkable woman born and raised in Palestine, Texas. Her journey through life inspires many, especially when she reminisces about the bus ride to Midland with her son, Harold, and daughter, Sandra, to join her husband, Samuel, 68 years ago. Lora's nurturing and loving nature makes her a beloved Mama and Granny to her family. She is the steadfast anchor, not only to her immediate family but also to her friends and community. Lora's extraordinary culinary skills and famous pound cake bring joy and warmth to countless lives. Her gregarious personality and unwavering commitment to her loved ones and community leave an indelible mark on the lives she touches. Despite facing difficult times, Lora’s faithfulness shines through, and her acts of kindness reflect her dedication to serving others. Her family and friends thank the Lord for blessing them with her virtuous presence. Lora's husband has complete confidence in her, and her children consider her genuinely blessed. Lora's compassionate and strong character, coupled with her wisdom and grace, make her a cherished and admired woman.
Mary L. Johnson is a longtime resident of Midland, Texas. She is a retired teacher of the Midland Independent School District, where she taught for 29 years. She spread her influence and love of education with students at Bunche Elementary, Booker T. Washington Elementary, and Sam Houston Elementary, where she finished her teaching career as a 5th grade Language Arts and Social Studies educator. Mary has two daughters, Omega Chew and Shawn Edgerton who both followed in their mother’s footsteps, becoming teachers as well. She also has two grandchildren whom she truly loves and adores. Mary’s current activities include serving on the Scholarship Committee for Viola Coleman High School, working diligently with other members to help selected students further their education. She has worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring students at the schools she taught to help them meet their individual needs and reach their best potential. She is a member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where she serves on the Senior Usher Board, and she is an active member of the Southeast Senior Center. When asked what keeps her going at the age of 93, Mary’s response is her unconditional faith in God, the love of her children and grandchildren, and the love of her many close friends. She says, “I live by my favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.”