Shelby County Today

02/20/2021

Miriam “Margaret” Adams Andrews, 93, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 19, 2021 in Center. She was born on August 11, 1927 in Roganville, Texas to Arthur and Miriam Sheffield Adams. 

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. 

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. 

Margaret is survived by:

Children:
Claudine McAdams
George Andrews and wife, Tonya
        
Grandchildren:
Cole McAdams
Bradley Andrews
John Andrews
Daniel Andrews
Phillip Andrews

Great Grandchildren:
Colton McAdams
Eden Andrews
Connor Andrews
Adeline Andrews
Evalee Andrews

She was preceded in death by: Husband, Lee Norris Andrews; Parents, Arthur and Miriam Sheffield Adams; Son, Matthew Lee Andrews; and Grandson, Nicholas Andrews.

Pallbearers will be Bradley Andrews, John Andrews, Cole McAdams, Josh McAdams, Daniel Andrews and Phillip Andrews.

Margaret was born in Roganville, Texas, Jasper County. Growing up with 9 brothers and sisters, Margaret learned the meaning of responsibility and hard work at a young age. Upon graduation, she moved to Center to live with her sister, Thelma and that is where she met Norris Andrews. They married August 1, 1946 just before her nineteenth birthday. Of course, money was scarce in most households, so Margaret decided to make a little extra money by sewing baby clothes. Her first paying job was as a seamstress. She was hired by Linnie Lucas to make baby clothes for Claude.

She enjoyed her role as a homemaker and was an excellent seamstress. She made many of her children’s clothes and continued to sew dresses for Claudine until very recently. After a while, she worked at the telephone company as an operator. Margaret loved her job as an operator because guess what? She loved to talk, and she loved people. When the phone company moved to Nacogdoches, Margaret chose to stay home. Part of staying home is all the cooking. Margaret was a fabulous cook and loved to cook for her family. Sunday night dinner at her table was always a treat with homemade everything such as fried chicken, biscuits, gravy, sweet potatoes, cakes, and of course George’s yearly “Tiger Stripe” birthday cake.

She put a smile on the face of anyone that was blessed to get a slice of deliciousness from her oven.

The love of her life passed away on December 31, 1977 and being capable and determined, Margaret landed on her feet and got a job at Brown Drug. She continued to work there and then on to Eckerds for a short time. Before too long, Margaret began working at Medico Pharmacy where she ended her working career after 20 years of service at the age of 80. Margaret loved her customers as well as they did her. She was so good at remembering their names and faces. Upon retirement, Margaret filled her days with phone conversations, working in her yard, and cooking.

She loved Jesus, her family and Short Methodist Church. Margaret was known as a true Christian friend.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Methodist Childrens House in memory of Miriam Andrews.

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

Services are being managed by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, TX.

02/15/2021

Delbert Wayne Graves, 74, of Center, went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Born February 9, 1947, Delbert is the son of the late Truman Graves and Troyce Forbis Graves.

He was a member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church for over fifty years. When he became disabled and could not leave the house, he watched three services on TV starting at 7:00 AM every Sunday morning.  He read his Bible every morning. He knew his Bible. He was a big hunter and went on several long hunting trips with his best friend, Joe White. He worked for International Paper Company for twelve years, owned Stop and Shop Grocery for eight years, and worked for Shelby County Commissioner Precinct 1, Charles Williams and Donnie Borders for twenty years, retiring in 2008.

Delbert is survived by:

Wife, Janie Graves of fifty-two years

Daughters and sons-in-law:
Sherri and Mark Felder
Nicole and Darren Vaughn

Granddaughters:
Lindsey and Cole Anderson
Lacey Felder and Nick Ramsey
Kaylee Vaughn
Sydnee Vaughn

Great-granddaughter, Ellie Jayne Anderson

He loved all his girls very much!

He is also survived by three sisters:
Sue Bell
Faye and Jimmy Rudd
Barbara Tomlin

Special friends, Joe White and Shelby Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Truman and Troyce Graves; a brother, Bo Graves; grandparents, Jim and Rene Forbis; his in-laws, Talvis and Bernice Andrews; and his special friend, Travis Morris, Jr.

Pallbearers will be Cole Anderson, Nick Ramsey, Russell Andrews, Pete Andrews, Josh Tomlin, Anthony Tomlin, Ronnie Rudd, and Randy Rudd. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe White, Bubba Bell, Michael Sezimore, and Shelby Johnson.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Short Cemetery in Shelby County. Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate.

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

02/14/2021

Ressie Vione Doggett, age 96, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021. She was born February 20, 1924 in Fellowship Community near Joaquin Tx.

A private funeral graveside service was held Feb.8th,2021 at Good Hope Cemetery in Center Texas.

After accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1942 at the age of 18 her life was devoted to serving the Lord by serving others. Whether it was in her church which she joined in late 50’s or in the community she was always concerned about those in need. She met her husband Alvis Paul Doggett before World War 11 began, they became engaged before he left to serve and when he returned they married. As her witnessing to him thru her life his life changed and in 1956 he was saved and began his life along side her helping others and serving in the same church. They were married for 58 years before he passed in 2003. Even until the very end of her life though she was physically unable to serve others she would always be repeating "Lord send some soul to me today that I might witness to them" or telling everyone that she saw "I need to get out and help someone." 

She was devoted Christain, Wife, Mother and demonstrated it every day. God blessed her with a green thumb and we always said she could take a dry stick put it in a jar of water and have blooms within a week. She loved working in her garden, trimming her pots of flowers she had everywhere and sharing her knowledge of how to raise them with all who sought it from her.

She was a member of Lone Star Baptist church in Center, Tx for close to 70 years and served as Treasurer for 15 years. Sunday School Teacher until the point her mind was failing. Even at the closing of her life she loved it when ladies from her Sunday school class and other ladies from church who came to visit her even though she could not remember their names. Sunday mornings would still look forward to setting in front of tv and listening to the Sunday morning sermons.

She is survived by:

Daughter:
Beth Marshall and husband Billy of Huntington, Tx

Sons:
John E. Doggett and wife Marlene Doggett of Center, Tx
Lessley Doggett and wife Brenda of Logansport, La
Rickey Doggett of Baytown, Tx

Granddaughters:
Taryn Crigler and husband Mikey
Kimberly Doggett and husband Jeff
Lori Gilbert (passed Oct 17, 2018)

Grandsons:
John Paul Doggett
Larry Doggett and wife Angel
Barry Doggett and wife Jamie
Tanner Doggett
Joel and wife Trisha Mcleroy
Rustin Mcleroy
Allen Jacks

Great-Grandchildren:
Kassidy Doggett
Brady Doggett
Mackenzie Doggett
Nate Crigler
October Crigler
Bo Crigler
Miranda and husband Ryan Smith
Tyler Reynolds and wife Ally
Megan Hudson and husband Levi
Dillon Doggett and wife Haleigh
Maci Doggett
Hannah Gilbert
Luke Gilbert

Great-Great-Grandchildren:
Carter Doggett
Marshall Hudson
Maddisyn Smith
Cash Smith

Special thanks to Heartsway Hospice and the ladies that provided special care to our mom in the last 3 ½ months of her life. Special thanks to Mrs. Angelia, Mrs. Shelby, Mrs. Bobbie, Mrs. Tiffany, Bro. Jackson and anyone else I might have missed. They do a wonderful service to those in need.

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

02/11/2021

Doris Jean Cockrell, 87, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 12, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Sand Hill Cemetery in Shelby County. Bro. Harold Hanson and Bro. Harold Dement will officiate.

Born March 26, 1933, in Longstreet, Louisiana, Doris is the daughter of the late Alton Bryant Mosley and Lillie Pearl Golden Mosley. Both a homemaker and an artist, she gave art lessons and served as Director of Poultry Festival Art Show from the beginning until the early 2000’s. Doris was a member of Fulsom Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school at Fulsom Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and Clever Creek Baptist Church for over 40 years.

She is survived by:

Husband of 65 years, Delbert Cockrell

Children:
Bryan Cockrell and wife Deidra
Debra Lunsford and husband Mike

Grandchildren:
Kelly Berry and husband Steven
Wendy Justus and husband Levi
Andy Cockrell and wife Bridgett
Ben Cockrell and wife Grace

Great-grandchildren:
Wesley Berry and fiancé Kaitlin
Hunter Berry and fiancé Chesnee
Lexi Berry and fiancé Luke
Dylan Robbins
Baylee Robbins
Clay Cockrell
Kade Justus
Dusty Cockrell
Allyson Cockrell

Special nephews:
Johnny Cockrell
Charles Ray Cockrell

Preceded in death by her parents, Alton Bryant Mosley and Lillie Pearl Golden Mosley; and brothers, Billy Ray Mosley, Bobby Mosley, and Don Mosley.

Pallbearers will be Wesley Berry, Hunter Berry, Luke Williams, Dylan Robbins, Andy Cockrell, Ben Cockrell, and Johnny Cockrell.

Honorary pallbearers will be Steven Berry, Levi Justus, and Charles Ray Cockrell.

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

02/11/2021

Willie T McClelland, 95 of Houston, Texas, died on February 8, 2021 in Pearland, Texas. He was born to Fred D. and Salatha McClelland on October 22, 1925.

Graveside service will be Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas at 1pm.

Mrs. Maudine “Doc” McClelland was the wife of Mr. Willie T. McClelland. Doc died December 2020. They were married for 68 years.

Willie T., as people called him, lived and worked in Houston from 1952 to 2019. He worked for the Detering Company for 45 and retired in 1997, having held several positions within the company.

Willie T. is a veteran of WWII, having obtained the rank of Sargent upon his discharged from the United States Army. He was always proud of his service in the Army.

Willie T. had a generous nature about him.  He was always willing to help people and this was not because he had a lot, it was his nature to help.

He always had a smile and a joke when people would come visit. He never met an ear that he did not like; he loved to talk. 

He is survived by:

Son, Andre “Chubby” McClelland, who will deeply miss his dad, his wife Silvia, of Pearland, Texas 

Grandsons:
Andrew Travis McClelland
Michael Alexander “Bear” McClelland and his wife, Brandice

Brother, Willie Fred McClelland and wife, Gracie

Sisters:
Mary Ella Robinson
Johnnie Mae White and her husband Carl

The family would like to thank all of you for the thoughts, prayers and support having shown to them during these past few months. 

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services.  All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

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 

02/09/2021

Jacqueline Faye Brown, 65, of Center, passed away Thursday, February 4, 2021, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation one hour prior. Andrew King will officiate.  

Born December 18, 1955, in Norfolk, Nebraska, Jacqueline is the daughter of the late Eugene Spaude and Laverne Alice Keck Spaude. She made a career in construction and pipelining. Her hobbies included raising chickens for eggs, gardening, fishing, and taking care of her dogs. Memo made so many trips to Wyoming to be involved in all of her grandchildren’s accomplishments and activities. Jaqueline was affiliated with Church of Christ in Tenaha.

She is survived by: 
Her daughter, Tabitha Randall and husband Preston of Rock Springs, Wyoming

Son, Ernie Cordova and wife Kari of Rock Springs, Wyoming

Grandchildren: 
Preslee Randall and fiancé Dallen Daley of Rock Springs
Mason Randall of Rock Springs, Wyoming
Jenna Randall of Rock Springs, Wyoming
Adrianne Cordova of Rock Springs, Wyoming
Damien Cordova of Rock Springs, Wyoming
Gage Cordova and wife Valerie of Casper, Wyoming

Great-grandchildren
Evander Largent of Casper, Wyoming
Jaxson Cordova of Casper, Wyoming
Paizlee Cordova of Casper, Wyoming

Companion, Tommy Wright of Center

Stepson, Buddy Wright and wife Trish of Center

Brothers: 
Steve Spaude of Center
Paul Spaude of California

Sisters: 
Linda Chavez and husband David of Ignacio, Colorado
Patty and Brett Boye of Nebraska
Cynthia and Scott Guerin of New Hampshire
Roberta Spaude of California

Lots of nieces and nephews

She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Spaude and Laverne Alice Keck Spaude; and brother, Timmy Spaude.

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

02/08/2021

Debbie Hughes Flowers, 61, of Lufkin, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2021, in Lufkin.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2021, at Antioch Cemetery in Shelby County with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Bro. Jody Hooper will officiate. 

Born July 31, 1959, in Center, Debbie is the daughter of the late Carter Hughes and Virginia Cooper Hughes. She retired as a Teacher’s Aide, working with special needs children. Her hobbies included gardening and crocheting.

She is survived by: 
Her husband, Johnny Flowers of Lufkin

Son, Randall Wood of Lufkin

Stepdaughters: 
Kristy Parker of Elkhart
June Flowers of Bellville

Sister, Sandi Hankins and Stan of Lufkin

Nieces: 
Deena Hearn of Lufkin
Kristie Camp of Lufkin
Virginia McDaniel of Lufkin 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Carter Hughes and Virginia Cooper Hughes; sister, Deanne Kay Hughes; and grandparents, Clarence and Essie Cooper.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Hearn, Eric Camp, Jeremy McEntire, and Dennis Flowers.

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

02/08/2021

Bro. Edward Arnold McRae, 77, of Center, passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Private family graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at Strong Cemetery in Huxley with visitation from 12 noon to 1pm at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Bro. Coy Hicks will officiate.  

The son of Grady McRae and Myrtle McNaughton McRae, Edward was born September 3, 1943 in Center. He served as a rural mail carrier for many years and also a former Pastor of Sardis Pentecostal Church in Sardis. Bro. Edward was currently a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church in Center. He enjoyed cars and hot rods.

He is survived by:

Wife, Shirley McRae of Center

Children:
Keith McRae and wife Sami Jo of Carthage
Sheri Martin and husband Andy of Tomball

Grandchildren:
Jennifer Davis
Alicia Gierak and husband Matt
Chris McRae
Nicole Neal
Blaine McRae

Great-grandchildren:
Hunter Davis
Ryder Davis
Luke Gierak
Reese Gierak

Sister, Gtail Stokes

Brother-in-law, Larry Mayfield and wife Lynda of Baytown

Number of other relatives; and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Grady McRae and Myrtle McNaughton McRae.

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

02/05/2021

Yvonne “Auntie” Henry, 89, of Nacogdoches passed away on February 4, 2021. Born September 6, 1931 to Leon and Bessie (Porter) Fowler.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 12:00-1:30 PM at Mangum Funeral Home with Graveside Services to follow at Sardis Cemetery in Center, TX at 2:00 PM.

Yvonne Volunteered at the Helping Hands in Center and Hope Food Bank In Nacogdoches.

Mrs. Henry is survived by:
Her nieces and nephews: 
Lisa and Jerry Dupree of Nacogdoches
Teresa and Rick Ford of Tenaha
Nancy and Jerry Lawhorn of Tenaha
Tammy Howard of Center
Melvin and Mary Broadway Dacoma, OK
Michael Broadway of Huxley
Elaine Bradshaw of Center
Mary Sue Layton of Center

Numerous great, great-great and great-great-great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her late husband, Charles Henry; her parents; her brothers, D.C. Fowler, Melvin Broadway, Sr. and sister-in-law Peggy Broadway.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jason Dupree, Daniel Lawhorn, Jordan Ford, Nick Dupree, Jerry Lawhorn and Justin Dupree. Honorary pallbearers will be Josh Dupree, Michael Broadway, Melvin Broadway, Jr., Jagger Dupree, Jaxson Dupree, Keaton Dupree, Landon Bowley, Jayden Dupree and Jett Dupree.

Services are being managed by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, TX. An online guestbook may be signed at www.mangumfh.net.