Shelby County Today

03/12/2026

Claudie Ray “Red” Garrett, 90 of Houston, Texas, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026. Mr Garrett was born to the late Charlie Netherly and Beatrice Garrett.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11am, at Thompson Cemetery located in Shelbyville, Texas.

Mr Garrett’s survivors are:

Sons:
Milton Garrett of Houston
Michael Garrett of Houston
Alvin Garrett of Houston

Daughter, LoWanda Garrett of Houston

Brother, Charles Ray Netherly (Doris) of Center

Sister, Hattie B Horton (Greg) of Shelbyville

Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary of Center and McDuffie Mortuary of Houston.

03/12/2026

Johnny Dodson, 73, of Center, passed away Monday, March 9, 2026, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 13, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Bro. Ruston Bush will officiate, assisted by Jordan Jackson and Dennis Crowley. Interment will follow at Good Hope Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born July 12, 1952, in Center, Johnny is the son of Jesse Dodson and Mary Agnes Thedford Dodson. Johnny loved talking about his high school athletic career, when he lettered in sports. He later coached Little League Flag Football and was a die-hard Dallas Cowboy fan. Johnny was employed with Thompson Drywall in Shreveport, and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Center.

Survived by:

Wife, Joann Dodson

Children:
Keith Askew and wife Michele
Faitha Bourn and husband Craig
Angela Cruse and husband Dewayne
David Dodson and wife Ashlen

Daughter-in-law, Charmin Dodson

Grandchildren:
Brittany Burch and partner Orrin Uptergrove
Jared Cook and partner Lindsey Graham
Macey Keen and husband Drennon
Peyton Askew
Trinnity Hutzler and husband James
James Ray and Dakota Joe
Malerie Dodson
Madison Willis and husband Cale
Presleigh Smith

Great-grandchildren:
Jasper Uptergrove
Chase Cook
Conner Cook
Ace Keen
Kye Keen
Braleigh Keen
John Riley
Madalynn and Riot James
Rowan and Banks Willis

Preceded in death by parents, Agnes and Jesse C. Dodson; sister, Jessie Dodson; brother, Tommy Dodson; sister, Mildred Vaughn; sons, Danny Joe Dodson, Dana Poole and Stepson Clint Fenton.

Pallbearers will be Jason Burch, Michael Hooks, Walter Anderson, Jerry Mark Sanford, Rodney Jackson, and Michael Henry Bush.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jason Jackson and Josh White.

A special thank you to Baylor Hospital in Dallas for the transplant he received that gave him extra life, and the donor that saved his life. Thank you to Nacogdoches Medical Center ICU doctors and nurses for taking the best care of him in his final days.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

03/09/2026

Joyce Marie Hendricks, 72, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on March 7, 2026, in Center, Texas. She was born on May 4, 1953, in Center, Texas, to the late Jack Yates and Helen (Holt) Yates.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 5-7pm at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine Street, Center, Texas. 

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with Bro. Todd Jenkins and Bro. Kevin Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery. 

Joyce Hendricks was a beloved wife, momma, mawmaw, sister, aunt, and friend. Above all else, she was a woman whose greatest joy in life was her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children and grandchildren and filled their lives with love, laughter, and warmth.

She shared 51 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Verbon. Together they enjoyed the simple pleasures of life from planting their garden, putting noodles out to catch fish, and watching out their living room window at the birds coming to the feeders, or riding their buggy to visit family and friends. Those quiet moments together were some of her happiest. Mawmaw enjoyed frying fish for Easter and hiding eggs for the kids to find, especially the ones with the money in them.

Her pride and joy were her children, Luke and Kim. She would always say “watcha know good?” Then would laugh about old memories from years past, new gossip, or simply catching up, she always loved hearing their voices. Kim kept her updated on the kids and everything happening in Joaquin, while Luke knew she would be calling whenever a new calf was born and enjoyed keeping her up to date with his work.

Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She shared a special bond with her first grandchild, Jackson. He would ride the bus to Mawmaw’s on Friday and stay the weekend. One of his fondest memories was sitting on the porch with her and talking while he waited for the bus on Monday morning. Jayden knew Mawmaw would always have a big batch of all-you-can-eat pancakes ready when he came in from hunting or fishing. Jaylee loved standing on the riverbank fishing with Mawmaw, while Kyleigh enjoyed telling her all about her shopping adventures and showing off what she had bought. Kayson visited Mawmaw and Pawpaw almost daily on the side-by-side to check on them and make sure she didn’t need anything. Mawmaw was always ready to do anything he asked. Kayson and Pawpaw would often make a plan for what they wanted to eat, and Kayson made sure their order was put in. Her love for her grandchildren was as big as Texas.

Joyce’s home was always filled with love and the comforting smell of something delicious cooking in the kitchen. Cooking for the people she loved was no easy tasks as everyone had their own special request. Her specialties included deer steak, dumplings, home made fries, and her famous Cool Whip cookies.

Black Friday shopping was always an adventure. This one particular year we went to Longview and over bought. Carriston told her we would make it fit, only to realize it wasn’t going to fit, she laughed and said “now what are we gonna do?” with her hands on her hip. We required reinforcement and had another vehicle brought to us. Every year after that we would always laugh and ask how many vehicles did we need to take. One of Joyce’s most memorable adventures was when Kim, Carriston, Jaylee, and Kyleigh surprised her with a girls’ trip. They told her to pack a bag and get in the car. For five hours she guessed where they were headed, and it wasn’t until they were almost to the Missouri state line that she finally realized they were going to Branson. She was so excited. From sitting front and center at the concerts, to being the Queen of the Riverboat at the captain’s table, to enjoying dinner overlooking the lake, she loved every minute of that special trip.

Joyce’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love created memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she gave so freely and for the strong family bonds she helped create.

She is survived by:

Husband, Verbon Hendricks

Sons:
Luke Hendricks and wife Carriston
Bryan Hendricks and wife Jordan

Daughter, Kim Cater and husband Jeff

Brothers:
Terry Yates and wife Linda
Billy Yates and wife Janet

Sister-in-law, Thelma Hendricks

Grandchildren:
Jackson Cater
Jayden Cater
Jaylee Cater
Kyleigh Hendricks
Kayson Hendricks
Brylee Hendricks and fiancé Julian Gutierrez
Bailee Leslie and husband Jacob
Kalla Hendricks

Great-granddaughter, Fletcher Leslie

Numerous nieces and nephews

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Helen Yates; father and mother-in-law, Luther and Connie Hendricks; brother and sister in-laws, Prentice Hendricks, L.E. Hendricks and wife Ima Hendricks.

Pallbearers serving will be Craig Hendricks, Ron Hendricks, Puncho Elliot, Ronnie Jones, Glen Jones, and Joel Jones.

Honorary pallbearers serving will be Alvis Buckley, O.L. Hendricks, Hunter Hendricks, Ashton Ryder, Seth Hendricks, Sawyer Hendricks, Jon Jones, Jared Jones, Jason Balkcom, Drake Jansen, Michael Pate Elliot, Jeremy Yates, and Brant Ranft.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

03/07/2026

William Keith Brown, 58, of Center, Texas, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026, at his home in the Waterman community. He was first and foremost known as “Dad” to his children, later as “Super Keith” to his numerous nieces and nephews and lovingly as “Super Pop” to his grandchildren. Keith was a man with a larger-than-life personality, a generous spirit, and a heart that made people feel welcome wherever he went. To know Keith was to have a story about him — and most of those stories include laughter. He was deeply loved by his family, friends, and community.

Keith grew up in the Aiken community as the fifth of six children. Life with his siblings was full of adventure, travel, and plenty of mischief along the way. Those early years shaped the man he became and gave him a lifetime of stories and memories with his brothers and sisters.

In 1992, Keith married Beth Borders, and together they welcomed two children, Luke and Chloe. During those years they attended White Rock Missionary Baptist Church and worked to build a strong foundation for their children. Though their paths later changed, Keith remained thankful for the family they built and the memories they shared.

Keith spent most of his life working in the woods as a logger — work he truly loved. He started his logging operation in 1990 as a one-man crew, something that required determination, skill, and grit. He loved the sound of a chainsaw and the smell of fresh sawdust and took pride in providing for his family through honest, hard work. Even on weekends he could often be found on a big machine in the woods, moving timber like it was nothing. He was respected for his work and built lasting friendships with the men who worked beside him.

He also enjoyed raising cattle and took great pride in his hay meadow. Keith was the kind of man who showed up when people needed help — whether that meant pulling someone out of a ditch, loaning equipment, baling hay, or feeding cows.

Keith truly never met a stranger. When he walked into a room, people knew it. He had a natural way of drawing people in and making them feel at ease. He loved making people laugh and would do just about anything to get a good reaction or a smile. His humor, quick wit, and fearless personality made him the life of many gatherings, and people genuinely adored him.

He loved entertaining, grilling, and playing dominoes — especially a good game of 42 when he was winning. His home was always a place where family and friends were welcome, and he took pride in making sure everyone was fed, laughing, and enjoying themselves.

Keith loved the outdoors and cherished time spent deer hunting and fishing. For several years he, his son, brothers, and friends ran trotlines out of Bill’s Landing and Harvey’s Landing on Toledo Bend. They also created their own annual fishing tournament. When the fish were caught, Keith was known for frying some of the best fish around.

Many children grew up spending time at Keith’s place. From tubing in the pond, hayrides, trips to the cave, and countless gatherings, he made sure every kid who came around had fun and left with memories they still talk about today.

Keith was incredibly proud of his two children, Luke and Chloe. He loved being involved in their lives and supporting the things they were passionate about. With his natural athletic ability, he enjoyed helping coach Chloe and was proud to see her advance to the state level in track and powerlifting. Luke shared many of Keith’s interests, especially hunting, fishing, and learning to run equipment. Keith was a fun, but firm and loving parent who worked hard to teach his children the value of hard work, independence, and enjoying life.

Some of Keith’s proudest moments came when he became “Super Pop.” He loved riding Brady and Saylor on the Big Green Tractor, letting them drive him around and often pulling a trailer behind for hayrides. He adored Baron and was overjoyed to welcome sweet Scottie Mae into the family. His heart only seemed to grow with each grandchild.

Keith lived life big. He worked hard, loved deeply, and brought laughter wherever he went. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and memories that will continue to be shared by the many people who loved him.

Visitation will be held from 4pm to 6pm, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will be held at 10am, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Phil Worsham and David Fallin officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery in Center.

Born November 18, 1967, in Nacogdoches, William was the son of Charles Dean Brown and Shirley Ruth Head Brown.

He is survived by:

Children:
Luke Brown and wife Kendall
Chloe Brown Jeffcoat and husband Ryan

Grandchildren:
Brady Brown
Baron Brown
Saylor Myers
Scottie Jeffcoat

Sisters:
Dr. Debrah Worsham and husband Phil
Karen Fallin and husband David

Brothers:
Charles Randy Brown and wife Holley
Stephen Bradley and wife Kerrie

Sister-in-law, Tina Brown

Nieces and nephews:
Chad Brown and wife Brandi
Eric Brown
Loren Clifton and husband Russell
Kristen Klein and husband Tyler
Kaitlyn Goeke
Colton Goeke and wife Lee
Sarah Gandy and husband Brian
Travis Worsham and wife Arica
Olivia Hatfield and husband Robert
Chelsey Hoffman and husband Jordan
Chas Brown

Numerous great-nieces and great-nephews

Special family, Doug Y’Barbo and wife Patti

Mother of his children, Beth Brown Livingston

Preceded in death by his parents, Charles Dean Brown and Shirley Ruth Head Brown; and brother, Richard Allan Brown.

Pallbearers will be Greg Murdock, Bruce Britt, Doug Y’Barbo, John Ward, Shad Lout, and Donnell Anthony. Honorary pallbearers will be Logan Stubblefield, Roscoe McSwain, Roscoe McSwain Jr., and Justin Klein.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

03/04/2026

Linda Gale Rector Fields, 68 of Center, Texas, passed away Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Livingston, Texas. Mrs. Linda Gale Fields was born to the late L.B. Brown/Georgia B Brown and Bobbie Ann Rector in Center, Texas on September 18, 1957.

Funeral services for Mrs. Linda Gale Fields will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1pm at The Abundant Love Ministries located at 1426 Shelbyville Street Center, Texas. Pastor Marlin Cloudy Sr. will be officiating. Visitation is at Abundant Love Ministries from 12 noon to 1pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Repass is at Union Acres.

Linda attended Center ISD schools and had various jobs but most important one was being a grandmother, mother, and friend. She would spend hours playing Phase 10, dominoes and spades, thinking she was the “Queen of the Table”; she couldn’t be beat! Linda had a passion for sitting in her yard listening to music, drinking her coffee or Natural Lights, and gossiping about everyone and everything; of course, “The Dallas Cowboys” GO COWBOYS!

Mrs. Fields is survived by:

Children:
Kalishia ‘Nikki” Calhoun (K.T)
SeCorrie Horton (Chantel)

Siblings:
Karson Brown
Essie Daniels
Marilyn Roberts
David Casey
Winnie Casey
Michael Smith (Leslie)
Carol K. Thomas “Hawk”

Grandchildren:
N’Kenge Ware
Magical Johnson
Jaymya Ware
Da’Nijhalon Gipson
Galea Bell
Khloe Horton
Chelsea Pitts
Jamarcus Suell
Shante McCollister
Ashley McCollister
Raven McCollster

Grandchildren-in-Love:
LoyTavia Hollis
JZ Malone

Great-Grandchildren:
Mauziah Plattenberg
Kynslee Gipson
Zahni “Cupcake” Phillips
DeMarion “DJ” Phillips
Tayin Gipson
Ian Ware
Zhyri Thompson
Zaviera Brown

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net.

03/03/2026

Jennifer Lynn Babin Lutz, 48, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Patroon Cemetery in the Patroon Community of Shelby County.

Born October 15, 1977, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, Jennifer is the daughter of Thomas Alex Jones and Kathy Jones. To know her was to love her.

The energy she carried is something rare and will be missed so much. She was filled with love, light, ideas, solutions and fun. She just lit up a room with the amount of compassion she carried in her heart and as sweet as she was - she was fire. A protector to those she cared deeply for. If she had it, you had it. If you needed something, she was going to figure it out. Our holidays will be a little quieter and less exciting to our babies. Her grandbabies meant the world to her and it showed immensely.  She will be very missed here on Earth.

She is survived by:

Children:
Jazlynn and husband Travis Henkel
Victorian and husband Jacob Jackson
Sidney Leach

Stepson, Drake Lutz

Grandchildren:
Annalyce Henkel
Adley Jackson
Kaston Jackson
Levvie Jackson
Damon Henkel
Stetson Jackson
soon-to-be born, Tralynn Leach

Mother, Kathy Jones

Sisters:
Dee Koehler
Gina Jones
Amanda Ray

Brother, Troy Jones

Beloved Nana

Fiancé, Evan Lutz

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by her late husband, Damon Babin; father, Thomas Elec Jones; and niece, Alyssa Jones.

Pallbearers will be Evan Lutz, Sidney Leach, Travis Henkel, Jacob Jackson, Michael Ray, Carlos Soudy, Michael Denby, and Rick Kirkley.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.

02/27/2026

Stephen “Steve” Tomaszewski, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on February 18, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him most. Born in Houston, Texas, on March 6, 1971, Steve lived a life marked by quiet strength, deep loyalty, and steady devotion to the people he held close.

Steve shared his life with his wife, Nichole Chambers, his partner, in every sense of the word. Their relationship was built on honesty, resilience, and a daily commitment to choosing one another. Steve supported Nichole wholeheartedly, celebrating her successes, standing beside her through challenges, and offering a grounding presence that made their home a place of safety and laughter. His love showed in action: helping care for Nichole’s grandparents when they moved into their home in 2024 and again when her grandmother was nearing the end of her life. These quiet acts of service reflected the depth of his character.

He is survived by:

Children:
Joseph Ryan Tomaszewski
Emmalee Tomaszewski
David Chance Tomaszewski

Bonus children—with a steady presence:
Alyssa Lewis
Nicholas Terry
Ryan Terry
Tabyus Lewis

Especially cherished by Jaxson Griffin, who called him “Papa,” a name that brought him quiet joy.

He is further survived by many siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who loved him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Anthony Tomaszewski and Karen Sue Tomaszewski.

A Life of Integrity, Grit, and Heart: Steve was a quiet introvert, but when he spoke, it mattered. His words carried weight because he chose them carefully. He had no tolerance for people who mistreated others and never hesitated to stand his ground. He understood situations deeply, took the time to read and think before reacting, and he didn’t let anyone push him around. He held high expectations for his children and for the people he loved—not out of judgment, but because he believed in their potential and wanted them to rise to it. His work ethic was unmatched. Whether fixing something around the house, helping a neighbor, or taking on a task no one else wanted, Steve approached everything with determination and quiet competence. He could repair almost anything, and he generously offered that skill, never seeking recognition. Outside of his quiet pursuits, Steve loved hunting and deep-sea fishing, finding peace and excitement in nature’s challenges. He enjoyed attending concerts and traveling with his wife, creating shared memories and exploring new places. His collection of antiques and art reflected his appreciation for history and beauty. Steve also loved to cook, not for praise or attention, but to take care of people. He found joy in watching others enjoy a meal he prepared and took pride in making sure those around him were well fed. His cooking brought people together, turning ordinary days into moments of warmth and connection. Creativity ran through everything he did. His creativity showed up in the meals he made, the projects he tackled, and the thoughtful touches he added to the world around him. He was also an avid reader, drawn to stories and ideas that sparked curiosity and conversation. Books were a source of comfort, escape, and connection for him. And beneath his quiet exterior lived a playful, adventurous spirit. Steve carried countless stories from his childhood—mischief with siblings, trouble with friends, and the long hours he spent showing animals through FFA and 4-H. Those early experiences shaped his grit, his humor, and his ability to find light even in difficult moments. Above all, Steve loved deeply. His presence shaped the lives of his children, his family, and the many young people he mentored over the years. His legacy is one of kindness, integrity, creativity, and unwavering devotion.

Celebration of Life: Please join us on March 6, 2026, at 1 pm at the Community House, 425 San Augustine St., Center, TX 75935. Join us to share favorite memories, stories, laugh, cry, and remember a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. A buffet dinner will be served.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to: Shelby County/Center High School 4-H and FFA.

02/27/2026

Victoria Ellen Dorsey, 82, of Tenaha, passed away Wednesday, February 25th, in Jacksonville. Born July 21, 1943, in Long Beach, California. Victoria is the daughter of Harry V. Beaver and Barbara Foerster.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha with visitation held prior, beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Bro. Keith Keele will officiate.  Interment will follow at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha.

She owned and operated numerous restaurants throughout her lifetime, which included The Whistle Stop for over 15 years. She enjoyed sitting around the table playing Skip-Bo and Rummikub with her girlfriends, going out to eat, seeing a new movie, attending church, and, most of all, spending time with her grandkids and family.

She ensured her grandkids (kids) were in the choir singing and paying attention to the preacher every Sunday. She made sure they were actually singing, too. If anyone started to doze off or forgot the words, they may catch a pinch on the back of the ear or arm to get ‘em back on track. She attended Ramah Baptist Church and loved everyone there throughout the years.

She is survived by:

Kids:
Kylie and Joshua Hendry of Jacksonville Tx
Valerie Jackson and Larry Mickenhime  of Murphy NC
Carol and Jerry Sardone Jupiter FL
Vernon Mathis and Jacklyn Kucharczyk Houghton Lake Michigan
Joshua and Jessica Dorsey  of Tenaha Tx
CJ Cook of Nacogdoches TX

Grandkids:
Katelyn Kellar of Haughton LA
Michael Kellar of Tenaha TX
Makala Hendry of Kilgore, TX
Emalee Hendry, of Kilgore, TX
Kris Albertson of Houston Tx
Nicolas Samay Scott Lithia FL
Joshua Schoen of Jupiter FL
Scotty Schoen of Jupiter FL
Casey Sardone Jupiter FL
Cayla Fiorella Houston
Ami Chrystine Siarski Houston
Jonathan Head Houston
Kasey Medcalf of Houston
Victoria Martin of Houston

Best Friend, Carolyn Mead

Numerous great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends

Preceded in death by Husband, William Travis Dorsey; daughter, Monica Jackson; grandchild, Jacqulynn Head; mother-in-law, Emma Maxine Dorsey; best friend, Steve Mead; and special friend, Lona Bolda.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Dorsey, Vernon Mathis, Micheal Kellar, Larry Mickenhime, Nicolas Samay Scott, CJ Cook, and Joshua Hendry.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.

02/26/2026

Onita Lantrell Jones, age 43, passed away on February 17, 2026 in Houston, Texas. She was born August 30, 1982 to Sandra Dean Jones and the late Lonnie Ray Stewart. 

Funeral service is at 2pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Center Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ, 908 Daniels Street, Center, Texas. Visitation is 10am until 7pm with family hour from 5pm to 7pm on Friday, February 27 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center.

Onita attended Center High School class of 2001. She worked in Labeling at Tyson for Fifteen years. Also she worked at Focused Care for two and a years. 

Onita's presence in any room was simply unavoidable. You felt her before you even saw her. She had a way of stepping in, stirring things up just enough to keep everyone laughing. She loved to meddle, to tease, to get in your business just a little, but it was all in love. Being around her meant you were guaranteed a good time. She was unforgettable, full of life, and always the best company in the room.

She is preceded in death by her father, Lonnie Ray Stewart, and nephew, DeBrodrick Jones Sr..

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Parents, Sandra Dean Jones and Anthony Chumbley

Children:
Andrew Irving
Savion Pinkney
Iviona Jones
Malachi Jones

Brother, Chadrick Jones Sr.(Xenndy Rodriquez)

Sisters:
Lasandra Davis
Tammie Jones

Grandmother, Earline McDaniels

Loving fiancé, Ricky Irving, who she was willing to fight for and about

Many nieces, nephews and cousins who she loved very much.

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.