Chambers County probate court admits multiple wills, appoints independent executors

The Chambers County Probate Court, sitting virtually, admitted the wills of several decedents and appointed independent executors after brief, uncontested testimony from relatives and witnesses.

Judge presiding over the docket admitted each will and issued letters of administration for the estates, moving the court through routine probate applications. "I have the will to probate and authorize letters," the judge stated when taking an application under advisement and granting the formal requests.

In the first matter, Berta Alicia Mazaros testified she is the wife of Robert Eugene Lazarus and that he died on 04/10/2025 while residing at 11806 Sunset Drive in Chambers County. She said he did not revoke his will and had no children born or adopted after the will; counsel asked the court to admit the will and name her independent executor, and the court authorized letters for that estate.

Counsel next presented the estate of Louis (listed in the record as "Stenkos"). Applicant Stephanie (last name in the transcript appears as Sebestos/Savingross) confirmed she was the decedent’s spouse, that the decedent died in September 2024, and that a will dated Feb. 17, 2015, remained in effect. The court admitted that will and authorized letters of administration.

In the proceeding involving Mary Jane Nixon, Shelby Ray Pate identified herself as the decedent’s granddaughter. Pate testified the decedent died on 05/22/2024 and that a will dated November 2023 had been filed with the court; witnesses Stephanie Jones and Tina Taylor confirmed they witnessed the decedent sign the document and said the decedent appeared to be of sound mind. Counsel requested that Shelby Ray Pate be appointed independent executor without bond; the court granted the request. "I am her granddaughter," Pate said when asked to state her relationship to the decedent.

The court also admitted the will of Sherry Marie Jenkins and appointed her spouse, Jeffrey T. Jenkins, as independent executor after he confirmed the will dated July 17, 2015, had not been revoked and that his wife’s residence at the time of death was in Chambers County.

Finally, counsel presented the estate of William S. Edwards Jr.; Christine (first name transcribed as Christine/Christina) Kenimer confirmed the decedent’s death and recognized a will dated April 11, 2015. Counsel said the will named co-executors, including William S. Edwards III; the court admitted the will and authorized the named co-executors to act.

Most matters proceeded on uncontested testimony from relatives and witnesses, and the court’s rulings were procedural admissions of the wills and issuance of letters to the named independent executors. The docket moved on to subsequent matters after the admissions.