Shelby County Today

10/18/2020

Robert Page Provine, 74, of Garrison, Texas passed away Friday, October 16, 2020, in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Born July 16, 1946, in Waco, Texas, to the late Truman Provine and Bernice (Shotwell) Provine.

A memorial service will be held at 2PM on Monday, October 19, 2020 at Garrison Funeral Home with Bro. Jerry Kirby officiating.

Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1PM on Monday, October 19, 2020 at Garrison Funeral Home.

Robert was born and raised in Waco, Texas. He graduated from Waco High School and attended Sam Houston State University. He worked for a large department store in which he as transferred to New Orleans. A little while later, Robert was transferred to Lufkin, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Susan Boatman, while working together at the department store he transferred to. The two married on May 22, 1971, and spent over 49 years together before his passing. They raised one son, Stephen Provine, and made there home in Garrison, Texas. He loved his wife and family and enjoyed each moment with them. Robert was very talented and could do many things. Although he worked for others most of his life, he and Susan owned a grocery store in Garrison many years. Robert enjoyed playing cards and a good game of pool with family and friends. He loved the Lord and was a member of Cold Springs Baptist Church, Garrison.

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Susan Provine

Son, Stephen Provine and wife Debbie

Sister, Joan Keehr

Sister-in-laws:
Diane Becker
Rhonda Shoppe and husband Dwain

Brother-in-law, Mike Boatman

Niece, Britta Becker

Nephews:
Chad Becker
Jim Chatman

Other great-nieces and great-nephews

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Bernice Provine; and brother in law, Clint Becker.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.garrisonfh.net. Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, is in charge of arrangements.

10/16/2020

Vivian Jernigan, 97, of Center, passed away Wednesday, October 14, 2020, in Center.

A private family burial was held at Old Salem Cemetery. She was laid to rest beside her husband and brother.

Mrs. Jernigan was born November 3, 1922, in San Augustine County, to Jim Sharpton and Mattie Sharpton Gilchrist.  She went on to fulfill a career in teaching. Mrs. Jernigan was a member of White Rock Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by
Children
Jimmy and Cathy Jernigan
Judy and Chris Andrews

Grandchildren
Adam and Vicki Jernigan
Jennifer and James Miles
Lauren Brown
Cody Andrews
Brittni and Wesley Hines

Step Grandson
John Battles

Great grandchildren 
Rachel and Cameron Miller
Brandon Miles
Jason Miles 
Dylan Miles
Ethan Miles
Jaquelyn Miles
Marissa Miles
Melanie Miles
Justin Miles
Colton Miles
Jaxon Miles
Lance Brown
Lillian Brown
Liam Brown
Weston Hines

Great great grandchildren 
Jack Miller
Hoyt Miller
Remi Miller

Sisters in law
Effie Jean O’Rear
Mae Stotts
Delores Langston

Nephew
Bob and Sara Smithson

Niece
Ann and Tom Wallace

Preceded in death by 
Husband: Travis Jernigan
Parents: Jim and Mattie Sharpton
Brother: Cletus Sharpton
Twin Sister: Valeira Smithson
Half Sisters: Viola and Euel Hopkins and Katie and Carroll Russell

Honorary Pallbearers will be Adam Jernigan, James Miles, Cody Andrews, Wesley Hines, Brandon Miles, Jason Miles, Dylan Miles, Ethan Miles, and Bob Smithson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Old Salem Cemetery, c/o Venorah McSwain, 8612 FM 711, Center, TX 75935.

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

10/14/2020

Jack Wallace Denby, 81, of Center, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020, in Tenaha.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 19, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. Lamar Denby and Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.

Born May 14, 1939, Jack is the son of the late Clifford Reeves Denby and Versie Viola Denby. He worked as a chicken farmer and truck driver. Mr. Denby was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Shelbyville.

He is survived by:

Children:
David Carl Denby of Hooks
Darlene Denby of Marshall

Stepchildren:
Quinn Johnson of Crosby
Cregg Johnson of Tenaha

Grandchildren:
Joshua Denby
Michael Brown Denby
Stephanie Heather Denby
Nicole Denby Cambers
Selia Denby
Mystina Denby
Dustin Denby
Daniel Denby
Scott White
Staci White

Brother, Bruce Denby and wife Carolyn of Gary

Preceded in death by his wife, Shirely Denby; sons, Jackie Wayne Denby and Steven Wallce Denby; parents, Clifford Reeves Denby and Versie Viola Denby; brothers, Weldon Denby and Cliff Denby Jr.; and sister, Beatrice Denby.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Denby, Michael Brown Denby, Danny Pierce, Dustin Denby, Christopher Denby, and Bradley Denby. Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Denby and Brian Denby.

Thank you to Affinity Hospice and Pastor Gordon Vaughn for their compassionate care.

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

10/12/2020

Robert Michael “Mikey” Miller, 52, of Timpson, passed away Monday, October 12, 2020, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bishop Cedrick Grace and Pastor Fred Wilcox officiating.  Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Timpson.

Born February 13, 1968, in Texarkana, Mikey is the son of Robert Miller and Leona Martin Miller.

He is survived by: 
His mother, Leona Martin of Timpson

Fiancé, Terry Owens of Timpson

Daughters: 
Ashley Nichols and husband Robert of Troop
April Gaddy and husband Chris of Center

Step-children: 
Kaden Arvello of Garrison
Kirsti Hailey of Garrison
Kooper Dawson of Garrison

Grandchildren: 
Carter and Haislee Gaddy
Walker Nichols
Lane Nichols
Casen Nichols
Reese Nichols
Aubrey Hailey
Trinity Hailey
Maddy Garcia
Olivia Garcia
Jerzee Garcia
Journee Garcia

Sisters: 
Samantha Sanford of Center
Missy Burns of Huntington
Sabrina Clearwater of Carthage

Brothers: 
Matthew Miller of Sulphur, Louisiana
Mark Miller of Lufkin

Nieces and nephews: 
Cassidy Sanford
Jennifer Hudspeth
Kristy Miller
Colton Burns

He is preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Cooper; father, Robert Miller; and nephew, Robert Miller.

Pallbearers will be Seth Harris, Randy Askins, Bruiser Harris, Timmy Harris, Kaden Arvello, and Kooper Dawson. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Bubba Timmons, Ronald Miller, Harry Cooper, Louie Cooper, and James Hughes Jr.

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

10/12/2020

Kathi Sue Townes, 62, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2020 in Timpson, Texas. She was born on July 10, 1958 in Houston, Texas, to the late Herman L. Stephens and Lillian Lidy (Swartz) Stephens. Graveside service will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Timpson, Texas, 75975, with Bro. Carroll Jones officiating. 

Visitation will begin 30 minutes prior to graveside service at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Wednesday, October 14, 2020.

Kathi moved to Timpson, Texas and attended Timpson High School where she graduated Class of 1976. She went to Stephen F. Austin State University and received a teaching degree. She met the love of her life, Charles Townes, in a local grocery store and the two were married on December 5, 1981 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church. They spent over 35 years together before his passing in 2017. Although Kathi had no children of her own, she had many that came through Timpson ISD through the years she spent teaching Kindergarten and Pre-k. She retired from Timpson ISD after more than 20 years of service. She was a very kind, compassionate, tender hearted individual. Those that were blessed to meet her will surely miss her. She enjoyed reading, taking care of her cats, and trying out new restaurants. Kathi loved the Lord and was a member of Corinth Baptist Church. 

She is survived by:

Brother, Andy Stephens and wife, Jody

Sister, Emily Jordan and husband, Bill

Niece, Jackie Kolajack Hendricks and husband, Kyle

Nephew, Joseph Kolajack and wife, Stephanie

3 nieces; 5 nephews; 1 great-niece; 6 great-nephews

Special lifelong friend, Frankie Mae Newcomer and husband, Darrell

A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

Kathi is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Townes; parents, Herman and Lillian Stephens; and sisters, Linda Kolajack and Donna Stephens. 

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

10/09/2020

Mack Ellis Abbott, age 93, of Broaddus, Texas, passed away at 11:55 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2020, in Lufkin, Texas.

Born February 8, 1927, in Easterly, Texas, he spent his early years growing up in Robertson County, Texas, and graduated from Franklin High School in Franklin, Texas. Mr. Abbott proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Mr. Abbott was a former longtime resident of Angelina County, Texas, before moving to Broaddus several years ago. He was an accomplished mechanic and had worked with various jobs as well as owning his own shop.

His survivors include:

Wife, Avor Nell Abbott of Broaddus, Texas

Son, Wilbert Abbott of Calvert, Texas

Daughter, Tommie Burrous of Hearne, Texas

Son, Ronald Abbott of Beaumont, Texas

James Malan Abbott of Austin, Texas

Son, Stephen Abbott of Lufkin, Texas

15 grandchildren

34 great-grandchildren

A host of great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Charlene Brasher; his biological parents, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Veteto; his adopted parents, Jessie and Marion Ellis Abbott; and all of his siblings.

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 11, 2020, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

Funeral services are set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 11, 2020, at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Dr. William Wayne Barth officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, located on USFS Road 317 near Broaddus.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com to offer memories and condolences.

10/08/2020

Vanessa Rachelle Goings, 26, of Center, passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2020, in Center.  

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 10, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Darren Smith Pastoring. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born July 2, 1994, in Seattle, Washington, Vanessa Goings is the daughter of JR Irybarren and Stacy Leonard Wershing. Her hobbies included photography, drawing, and creative cooking. She loved creating new recipes. Vanessa was charismatic with people. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Center.

She is survived by:
Her son, Cooper Goings

Parents, J.R. Irybarren and Stacy Wershing

Sisters: 
Sabrina Edenshaw
Elizabeth Wershing

Nieces and nephews: 
Derek Edenshaw
Addison Gilchrist
Blaine Smith
Joseph Gilchrist
Braxton Mikesh
Ethan Edenshaw
Cayden Mikesh

Aunts and uncles: 
Ralph and Kim Iribarren
James Iribarren
Margret Iribarren

Cousins:
Ralphie and Gina Iribarren
Candy and Bill Gooseman
Sostenes Iribarren
Chantel Iribarren

Brother-in-law, Brian Mikesh

She is preceded in death by her dad, Todd Wershing; nephew, Conner Mikesh; grandparents, Fred Leonard and Candi Iribarren; and great grandmother, Berniece Wright.

Pallbearers will be Elizabeth Wershing, Sabrina Edenshaw, Jimmy Smith, and Jarrett Smith.

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

10/07/2020

Winnie Smith, 101, of Tenaha Texas was born January 25th 1919 in Joaquin, Tx to William and Arrie Walker. Winnie passed away October 6th 2020.

Visitation will be Saturday October 10th at 11:00AM at Ramah Baptist Church Tenaha, Tx. Graveside Services will be Saturday October 10th at 12:00PM at Ramah Cemetery Tenaha, Tx.

Winnie enjoyed making all types of treats for family and friends, she enjoyed sewing. She loved to travel and seeing new places, most of all Winnie loved spending time visiting with family and friends.

Survived by:

Daughter, Rosa Phipps of Tenaha, TX

Grandchildren:
Nathan Kaluza, wife Lynn Kaluza
Arnold Kaluza III, wife Heather Kaluza

Great-grandchildren:
Bethany Kaluza
Emma Kaluza
Alex Kaluza
Alison Stewart
William Kaluza

Preceded in death by Husband Vestus Smith, Infant Daughter, Parents William and Arrie Walker, 4 Brothers and 4 sisters.

Serving as pallbearers will be Harry Perry and Royce Perry.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book, you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/06/2020

Sammy G. Garrett, (76) of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at the residence of a family member. He was born on February 15, 1944.

Graveside service will be at 11am on Saturday, October 10, 2020 at Thompson Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas. Brother Lavel Tukes will officiate.

Visitation is Friday, October 9, 2020 at Hicks Chapel at 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Mask are required for the viewing and the service. Committal is at Thompson Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas.    

He is survived by:

Sons:
Patrick G. Garrett (Janice) of Timpson, Texas
Derrick E. Garrett (Shelitra) of Carthage, Texas
Daron E. Garrett (Rhonda)

Daughter, Hope Johnson (Charles) of Shelbyville, Texas

Sister, Linda Carter of Shelbyville, Texas

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