Shelby County Today

06/06/2026

Jose A. Solis Gallegos was born on November 17, 1987, in Mexico and was called home to be with the Lord on June 4, 2026. 

Visitation will be held from 12-noon to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Jose was the kind of person who could walk into any room and instantly light it up. He had a contagious smile, a vibrant personality, and a gift for making everyone around him feel welcomed and valued. He was incredibly optimistic and always looked for the bright side, even during life’s most difficult moments. His positive energy radiated wherever he went, and he had a remarkable ability to bring people together.

He loved to laugh, celebrate life, and create lasting memories with those he cared about. To Jose, no moment was too small to appreciate or celebrate. He lived with a full heart and inspired others to do the same.

Jose was a loving son, father, stepfather, brother, and friend. He was a source of strength, love, and support for his family and friends. He treated everyone like family and never met a stranger, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His passing came as a shock to all who knew and loved him. He was the kind of person whose presence made a difference, and his loss will be deeply felt by many. Though he left this world far too soon, the love, laughter, and memories he shared will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

Jose is survived by:
Loving wife, Veronica Farias

Children: 
Jose A. Solis Gallegos Jr.
Brittany Aguilar
Brandon Aguilar
Itzel Farias

Parents, Ofelia Gallegos de Solis and Alberto Solis

Siblings
Delia and husband Clay Gann
Perla and fiancé Michael
Catherine and partner Evan

He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory forever.

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

06/04/2026

Dorothy Faye Wilburn Spears, born November 2, 1930, made the transition to heaven at age 95, in the early hours of June 2, 2026. 

Visitation will be held Sunday June 7, 2026 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Stanley, LA. Funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. immediately followed by interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Officiating will be Kerry Henry and Bro. Shawn Thrapp. Serving as pall bearers will be Jamie Carroll, Jaun Castaneda, Jason Chandler, Bart Henry, Nik Henry, Landry Henry, Chad Lindsey and Jaret Chandler.

Nanny was known for her famous jellies and chocolate pie and being able to catch a fish when no one else could. She will be missed by all.

Faye was a member of First Baptist Church Logansport and Mt. Olivet in Stanley, LA. where she served for over sixty years. She generously gave her time working with the food bank for over fifteen years.

She leaves behind:

Children:
Wayne Spears and wife Carla, of Joaquin
Gordon Spears and wife Georgia of Houston
Kayse Carroll of Joaquin

She was Nanny to all of the following grandchildren: 
Dea Henry and husband Kerry of Henderson
Ali Chandler and husband Jason of Bossier City, LA.
Summer Lindsey and husband Chad of Dallas
Jamie Carroll and wife Shelby of Joaquin, TX.
Jessi Webb and husband Michael of Tenaha
Shelby Spears and husband Matthew Kirk of Springfield, MA.

Great-grandchildren:
Bartley Henry and wife Megan of Stanley, LA.
Nikolas Henry and wife Callie of Henderson
Kenzy Castaneda and husband Juan of Henderson
Jali Stafford and husband Peyton of Clear Water, FL.
Jaret Chandler of Bossier City, LA.
Emerson and Elliot Lindsey of Dallas
Tucker and Tommie Carroll of Joaquin
Jaylee and Mason Webb of Tenaha

Great-great-grandchildren:
Landry Henry
Leland Henry
Ridley Henry
Livie Castaneda
Valerie Castaneda
Lottie Henry
Leonard Henry
Lennon Henry

She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph Wilburn and Evie Lou Anderson Goodson of Shelby County, husband, William Garner Spears, a special son in law David Carroll, brother Melvin Wilburn, sisters Margie Buckley, Verna Denby, and Mozell Ross. She also had a half-sister, Audrey Permenter and a half-brother, Hugh Wilburn.

The family would like to thank the staff, administration and Dr. Mohammad  Hesam - Akbarian - Gefaghi  of PAM Specialty Hospital for their exceptional care of our loved one. 

Family requests that monetary memorials be sent to God’s Food Pantry, P.O. Box 763 Logansport, LA. 71049.

06/03/2026

Marcell Jackson, 82, of Center, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 5, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Kevin Windham officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born June 19, 1943, in Center, Marcell is the daughter of Marvin Waller and Melinda Whiteside Waller.  

She is survived by:
Husband, Douglas Jackson

Son, Cecil Jackson and wife Michelle

Daughter, Annette Jackson

Grandchildren: 
Devin Jackson
Leo Jackson and wife Brittney

Great-grandchildren: 
Harper Jackson
Lacey Jackson

Brother, Larry Waller and wife Kim

Sisters-in-law: 
Patricia Jackson
Iva Waller
Katherine Jackson

Several nieces and nephews

Special friends: 
James and Angie Bridges
Danie Flores

Preceded in death by parents, Marvin Waller and Melinda Whiteside Waller; sister, Lena Burrel; and brothers, Gipson Waller, James Waller, and Lee Waller.

Pallbearers will be Marty Waller, Darren Whiteside, Darren Vaughn, James Bridges, Shane Waller, and Jason Jackson. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Stanley, Ray Jackson, Glenn Jackson, Ricky Jackson, Mike Baldwin, and Bobby Watson.

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

06/01/2026

Joe Douglas Madden, 77, of Center, Texas, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026, peacefully at his home.

Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm, Monday, June 1, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10am, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Wayne Butler officiating. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin.

Born August 26, 1948, in Logansport, LA, Joe is the son of Calvin Joe Madden and Mary Elizabeth O’Rear Madden. He was a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather, who built a foundation for serving the Lord in his children and grandchildren. Though he dealt with numerous health issues throughout his life, he found joy in every situation. He had the sweetest soul and was always ready to share a joke, a song, or just a kind word with everyone he met. Joe loved being outdoors and found happiness in simple things; mowing, working in flower beds, or just sitting on the porch telling stories. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, and he would make sure you knew every time they scored! He loved making people laugh, and playing pranks on them, especially his family. We’re truly blessed with the time the Lord gave us with him and the impact he made on our lives. We’ll miss him greatly and will do our best to carry on his legacy of love and laughter.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

Loving wife of 53 years, Kathy Madden of Center

Sons:
Shannon Madden and wife, Leah, of Carthage
Don Madden and wife, Sarah, of Joaquin

Daughter, Michelle and husband, Thomas Lee, of Center

Grandchildren:
Hannah Madden of Carthage
Rachel and husband Cameron Tullis of Carthage
Cooper Madden of Carthage
Kameron Lee and wife, Carleigh of Center
Kandace and husband Jacob Wheeler, of Center
Kaden Lee and fiancé, Kaylan Wagstaff, of Center
Caitlyn Madden and Emma Madden of Joaquin

Great-grandchildren:
Hagen Lee
Haisley Lee
Halston Lee
Hudson Wheeler
Aspen Wheeler
Charlie Tullis

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

Preceded in death by parents, Calvin Joe Madden and Mary Elizabeth O’Rear Madden; sister, Patricia Ann McCoy; and brother-in-law, Howard McCoy.

Pallbearers will be James McCoy, Kameron Lee, Kaden Lee, Cooper Madden, Jacob Wheeler, and Cameron Tullis.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice for taking care of him, with special thanks to Laquita Williams.

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

05/30/2026

Claudine Buckner, 92, of Center, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Spann’s Chapel Cemetery in Center with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Spann’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Center.  Bro. Don Noble will officiate.

Born May 13, 1934, Claudine is the daughter of Robert Gunnels and Alma Eaves Gunnels.  She was a devoted wife and mother, and she dedicated sixty-four years to taking care of her precious daughter, Jamie.  Claudine was a lifelong member of Spann’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:
Children: 
Jeannie Clark of Center
Kathy and husband Chuck Kay of Shelbyville
Jamie Buckner of Center

Grandchildren:
Cody Clark
Judd Clark and wife Megan of Buna
Michael Kay and wife Kimberly of Nacogdoches

Great-grandchildren:
Lane Clark
Brylie Kay
Jase Clark
Chloe Rachal
Kathrynn Kay
Emmalynn Kay
Hartlynn Kay

Preceded in death by her husband, James Buckner; parents, Robert and Alma Gunnels; sister, Mozelle Bowles; brothers, Bill Gunnels and Mutt Gunnels; and son-in-law, James Clark.

Pallbearers will be Cody Clark, Michael Kay, Judd Clark, Lane Clark, Jase Clark, and Bradley Lovell.  Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Lovell, Roger Jackson, Maxie Eaves, Curtis Eaves, Ricky Harbison, and Boo Klein.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Spann’s Chapel Cemetery Fund, c/o Steve Lovell, 303 County Road 1023, Center, Texas 75935.

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

05/27/2026

Delbert Ray Cockrell, 91, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 22, 2026, in Center, Texas. He was born on December 1, 1934, in Panola County, Texas, to the late Milton F. Cockrell and Sudie Alice (Crawford) Cockrell. 

Per his request, anatomical donation has been made to further medical education and research and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. 

Delbert is survived by his son,
Bryan Cockrell and wife Deidra

Daughter,
Debra Lunsford and husband Mike

Nephew,
Johnny Cockrell and wife Debra

Sister,
LaMerle Whitney

Grandchildren,
Kelly Berry and husband Steven
Wendy Justus and husband Levi
Andy Cockrell and wife Bridget
Ben Cockrell and wife Grace

Great-Grandchildren,
Wesley Berry and wife Kaitlin
Hunter Berry and wife Chesnee
Lexi Williams and husband Lucas
Dylan Robbins and fiancé Lieza
Baylee Robbins
Kade Justus
Clay and Dusty Cockrell
Allison and Bryan Cockrell

Great-Great Grandchildren,
Sonni Berry
Dalton and Daliela Williams 
Monroe and Ella Berry 

Niece,
Pam Jones and husband David

Delbert is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Mosley Cockrell; parents, Milton F. “Dutch” Cockrell and Sudie Alice Cockrell; sister, Mildred Frankie Cockrell Brittain; brother, Charles Harvey Cockrell; nephew, Charles Ray Cockrell; and niece, Julie Brittain Harris. 

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

05/26/2026

Ray Dean Mena, 80 years old, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at his residence in Texarkana, Texas.

His wishes were to be cremated, and no services are planned due to family illnesses.

He was born March 27,1946 in Noble, Louisiana to Sidney Mena and Emma (Paddie) Mena. He was the 9th boy in a family of thirteen. In 1951, our family moved to Center, Texas on a farm with sandy dirt roads where grass stickers grew everywhere. As a young boy, Ray roamed and ran in the fields and woods. He would always say, “The grass-burrs would just wilt when they saw him running.”

Ray graduated in 1964 from Center High School where he was active in football, baseball, basketball, track and tennis. He was awarded the R.E. Malone Memorial Award, was on the Round Up staff and a member of the National Honor Society. He went to Stephen F. Austin University where he earned a BS degree and graduated in 1968.

He was accepted at Timpson High School in 1969 until 1977 to teach and coach Junior High football. He also was an assistant football coach and served as head track coach at the High School. He was very successful as the track coach. His 1973 team placed 3rd at State and his 1974 team won the State meet.

In 1978 Ray moved to Texarkana, Texas and successfully taught and helped to coach field and track at Texas High School. His 1982 team was runner-up at the 5A State track meet. Ray semi-retired in 2002 after 8 years’ service at Timpson High and 24 years at Texas High, but he continued part-time at Texas High for a while.

He was an avid sportsman which earned him lots of recognition, admiration respect and friendships. He watched every sport related show on TV and read every sports article. He knew all the teams and how they ranked. He favored the Texas Longhorns.

He loved his God and abundantly loved his family which was mutually reciprocated. He totally enjoyed our good home cooking and probably missed that most when he became homebound. We will truly miss him in ways that not even words can explain. We will always remember his loving personality, his contagious laughter, and the way he would humor us with his funny and outrageous stories. “Sometimes I wish I could rewind back to the old days and press pause… just for a little while.”

His survivors include:

Brother, Lynn Mena – Broaddus

Sisters:
Lucille Mena Jones – Lindale
Jean Mena Walker – Pineland
Margaret Mena Walters – Pineland

Special Mentions:
Jerry Campbell who was like a brother since childhood and stood by Ray during many obstacles in their lifetime. 
Billy Ray Kimbro who took Ray to all his doctor appointments and checked on him daily.
Audrey Cooper for her dedicated care after Ray’s heart surgery.
Ravi Sharma who hired him to work at his convenience store and became a very good friend and mentor. Ray would go to work at 4 a.m. to open the store and cook breakfast. Ray was so proud of himself for making the best biscuits in town. I was happy he learned to cook.
Markevin Jerome Thurston a former student/athlete who posted on-line that Ray was “the greatest Tiger Track coach of all time.” The post received 209 comments from former athletes sending us prayers and condolences which is much appreciated and honoring Ray by calling him one-of-a-kind Coach, the best of the best, that he was an “undercover comedian” who saw the good in others and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and athletes he mentored.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Emma Mena; brothers, Monroe Mena, Andrew Mena, Sam Mena, Raymond Vance Mena, Virgle Mena, Eldon Mena, and OB Mena; sister, Thelma Faye Mena Bouchillon; brothers-in-law, Jesse Jones, Jerry Walker, Marshall Walters, and Larry Bouchillon; sisters-in-law, Jewel Mena, Ruth Mena, Frances Mena, Helen Mena, Jeanette Mena, Fran Mena, and Floreen Mena.

If you would like, please consider making a donation in Ray’s name to a charity of your choice.

05/26/2026

Sherry L. Smith, 82, of Nacogdoches, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, in Nacogdoches surrounded by loving family.

Graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate.

Born July 6, 1943, in Center, Sherry is the daughter of John Kemper Latham and Claribel Bryan Latham. Sherry was a devoted Christian, and her hobbies included fishing, cooking, crocheting, and attending hot rod events. Sherry provided childcare in her home for many years and was lovingly known as “Miss Sherry.”  

She is survived by:
Husband, Lynn Smith of Nacogdoches

Daughter, Stacey Lynn Smith of Temple

Brothers: 
John K. Latham and wife Phyllis of Bullard
Jack B. Latham of Show Low, Arizona

Sister, Lisa Latham and husband Claude Smith of Polebridge, Montana

Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends

Preceded in death by her parents, John Kemper Latham and Claribel Bryan Latham; sister, Lynda Latham Garza; half-sister, Suzanne Black; brother-in-law, Frank Garza; and sister-in-law, Johnnie Rae Stewart Latham.

Pallbearers will be Bonner Watson, Jay Garza, Nathan Ekhart, John Latham, Jack Latham, and Ferris Fain. Honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Hancock, Scotty Fleming, Bobby Watson, and Sammy Dance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

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

05/21/2026

Stephen Edward Moody, 65, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Graveside service will be held at 2pm, Friday, May 22, 2026, at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley with Bro. Buck Furlow officiating.

Born October 29, 1960, in Nacogdoches, Stephen is the son of Jeff Moody and Sandra Permenter Moody. His hobbies included fishing and music. Stephen will be remembered for his humor, contagious laugh, and the way he could make others feel welcomed and cared for. He was supportive, kind, steadfast, and dependable — the kind of person who always showed up when it mattered most. More than anything, he loved his family deeply, and that love was evident in every part of his life.

He is survived by:

Wife, Katherine Moody of Shreveport, Louisiana

Son, Tyler Edward Moody of Shreveport

Daughter, Lauren Moody Odom and husband Wesley of Shreveport

Parents, Jeff Moody and Sandra Permenter Moody of Shreveport

Sister, Melanie Moody of Shreveport

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of friends

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