Obituaries
06/26/2020
Jerry Wayne Strong, 69, of Tenaha, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020, in Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Josh Crawford officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.
Born November 27, 1950, in Center, Jerry is the son of the late Alvin Lee Strong and Anna Bell Eddins Strong. He worked as carpenter for many years. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is survived by:
His daughters:
Kelsey Strong of Tenaha
Ann Strong and Casey Langford of Longview
Joanna Strong of Hawkins
Brothers and sister:
Alvin Strong of Center
Cecil Strong and wife Karie of Center
Waymon Strong of Longview
Johnnie Higginbotham of San Augustine
T.W. Strong of Carthage
Five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Buddy Strong; and sister, Marie Born.
Pallbearers will be Greg Tomlinson, Brayden Strong, Tyler Beard, Dawson Strong, Darryn Strong, Landon Windham, and Adam Jernigan. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry’s brothers.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/26/2020
Winnie Myrle Moore Bridges, 86, of Center, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020, in Center.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 2020, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Bobby Bressman, Bro. Kevin Windham, and Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow at Newburn Cemetery in Shelby County.
Born September 29, 1933, in Shelby County, Myrle is the daughter of the late Charlie Morgan Moore and Katie Bell Moore. She had a long running nursing career of 40+ years. She served as an LVN and worked her way to RN and DON. She held long standing positions of DON at all Shelby County facilities. Myrle was a familiar face at all Shelby County, San Augustine, and surrounding counties hospitals and nursing facilities. She was extremely hard working and had a servant’s heart. Myrle was a member of Order of the Eastern Star Newburn Chapter #346 and First Baptist Church in Center. She was a beloved mom and grandmother. Myrle loved spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren and also enjoyed gardening.
She is survived by:
Her children:
Terry Bridges of Center
Renee Bridges of Center
Grandchildren:
Brant Bridges and wife Michelle
Mindy Henson and husband Jake
Justin Bridges
Amanda Miller and husband Cody
Kelly Bridges
Kelsey Bridges
Kolton Bridges
Korbin Bridges
Great-grandchildren:
Samantha Metcalf and husband Lane
Cale Henson
Brooklynne Bridges
Connor Henson
Peyton Bridges
Bailey Miller
Colbeigh Bridges
Cullen Henson
Blayne Miller
Knox Miller
Bowie Bridges
Great-great-grandchildren:
Stormy Metcalf
Ariah Bridges
Daughters-in-law:
Jayne Crain
Kim Bridges
Geraldine Bridges
Special friend, Connie Lucas
Preceded in death by her husband, Billy Bridges Sr.; sons, Billy Bridges Jr. and Odie Bridges; mother, Katie Bell Moore Graves Rudd; father, Charlie Moore and wife Billie Hazel Moore; sisters and brothers-in-law, Billie and Joe Brown and Betty and Bruce Bailey; brothers, Charles Moore and Sonny Moore; nephews, Danny Bruce Bailey and Charles Kelly Moore; and niece, Bresa Moore Lunsford.
Pallbearers will be Jake Henson, Brant Bridges, Danny Bailey Jr., Cody Miller, Lane Metcalf, Danbert Collum, Cale Henson, and Connor Henson. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Bob McAdams and Jimmy Strong.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/24/2020
Bobby Eugene (Gene) Casto passed away June 22, 2020 at his home near Tenaha. He was born August 9, 1934 in Gay, WV to Irvin Parl and Ruby Hudson Casto. He graduated from high school in Nitro, WV and, after working as a tv technician for a few years, joined the USAF. It was while he was stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base that he met Maggie, when he pulled her from a lake as she went down a slide with her mouth open. As he liked to say, he grabbed her and never let go. The two were married on June 5, 1960, following his discharge from the Air Force and he began his career with the Federal Aviation Agency, a career that took the family to six states and thirteen towns. After his retirement they moved to Tenaha, Maggie’s family homeplace.
Gene often remarked he had music in his soul and he enjoyed singing in church choirs and with groups entertaining for nursing home residents. He and Maggie played with the Tulsa Community Band and the Shreveport Metropolitan Concert Band and for several years took their trombone, saxophone and voices to area nursing homes, sharing forties and fifties music.
He liked to say he wasn’t born in Texas but he got here as fast as he could and enjoyed being an associate member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, sharing early Texas history and glimpses into life on the 1840’s Texas frontier through costumes, black powder rifle demonstrations and music programs.
Gene is survived by his wife, Margaret LeMaster, (Maggie) Casto, his sons Jeff Casto of Allen, TX, Don Casto of Tenaha, a nephew Dann (Lori) of Waynesboro, VA, a sister-in-law Monica Casto of Hunington, WV and his fur buddy and companion, Max.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald and his “mother on his wife’s side of the family,” Mabel Harrison LeMaster Yeary.
At his request he will be cremated and a graveside celebration of life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shelby County Historical Society and Museum, the Fannie Brown Booth Library, or the Methodist Church in Tenaha.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
06/24/2020
De'Skyshen Rysheen Crockett, 19 of Center, passed away Sunday morning, June 21, 2020 in Nacogdoches. He graduated from Center High School with the class of 2020.
Funeral service is Saturday, June 27 at 1pm in the Roughrider Gym at Center High School. Visitation is one hour prior to funeral service at 12noon. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas with Bishop William Nash officiating.
He is survived by:
Mother, Shenekia Crockett of Center
Father, Roy Dale Crockett of Center
Sisters:
Charlyric McCollister of Center
Jakaylin McCollister of Nacogdoches
Leroniga Patton of Mansfield, Louisiana
Brothers:
Armani Crockett of Center
DeBraelyn Cooks of Tenaha
DeJaylon Cooks of Tenaha
DeCaden Cooks of Tenaha
JyKiveon Hewitt of Logansport, Louisiana
Grandmother, Charlotte Bolton of Center
Grandfathers:
Kenneth Bolton of Center
Leroy Crockett of Carthage
Rommie Lee Goodwin of Tenaha
Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.
06/23/2020
Juanita Tyler Beasley, 84, of Joaquin, passed away Friday, June 19, 2020, in Joaquin.
Her wishes were to be cremated and a memorial service is being planned for November. Interment will be held at Brooklyn Cemetery in Joaquin.
Born May 12, 1936, in Shelby County, Juanita is the daughter of the late J.T. Tyler and Rachel Shull Tyler. Juanita attended Joaquin High School, during which time she became the first Miss JHS and also graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1954. Juanita went on to become a woman pioneer in the credit card banking industry and later retired back to Joaquin. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Logansport, where she served as Lay Leader, President of UMW, and was involved in various other committees. Juanita was a Missionary at Mercy Ships.
She is survived by:
Daughter, Sharron Shanz of Joaquin
Grandchildren:
Rachel Shanz of Houston
Tyler Shanz of Joaquin
Nieces:
Lesa Parmer of Joaquin
Vicki Schafer and husband Stephen of Ft. Worth
Nephew, Richard Bixler and wife Carol of Arizona
Great-niece, Addison Parmer of Houston
Great-nephews:
Jeremy Tyler and wife Jacqulyn of Houston
Martin Schafer and wife Juli of Ft. Worth
Many cousins and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Margie Tyler; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and John Bixler; son-in-law, Jimmy Shanz; and nephew, David Tyler.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
06/22/2020
Elizabeth Annette “Annie” Sanders Person, age 82, of Boerne, TX passed away Saturday afternoon, June 20, 2020, at Vista Verde Manor. She was born July 28, 1937, in Center, Texas, a daughter of the late Weldon Spottswood Sanders and Rowena Ruth Steele Sanders. She is preceded in death by her ex-husband, Capt. Bill Person USAF, and brother-in-law, Lt. Marion H Norman USMC.
Annie is survived by her son, David Person (Janet); four grandchildren, Joseph, Sarah, Christopher, and Amber; her sister, Charlotte Sanders Norman; and Will Person.
She was a retired teacher of 37 years from North East ISD in San Antonio and was known to wear many hats. She drove a school bus, taught 8th grade English, and even coached P.E. during her many years of service.
Annie was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Daughters of the Republic of Texas William Carroll Crawford Chapter in Center, TX. She was passionate about her great great grandfather having fought in the battle of San Jacinto. When she wasn’t watching Dancing with the Stars or taking care of stray animals, she was giving out cakes or scrapbooking for her grandchildren. Her absence is felt greatly by friends and family.
The family will be returning Annie to her home in Center, Texas, at a later date where a celebration of life will be held. Any donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to the Hill Country Animal League at http://hcaltx.org. To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com.
Arrangements with Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home of Boerne.
06/04/2020
Kevin Francis O’Connor, 58, from Center and Houston, TX was a man who impacted many lives. He passed away on June 3rd, 2020 from pulmonary complications. He’d fought pulmonary fibrosis for seven years and organ rejection after a double lung transplant for three years. He was a fighter, for his family always, his country in the navy, and citizens in peril as a devoted volunteer firefighter. At one house fire, he arrived wearing his oxygen cannula, and took it off himself to give the man rescued from the fire.
He was a man who loved deeply; his God, his wife of 31 years and best friend, Saundra O’Connor, and his two beloved daughters, Kayla O’Connor of Dallas and Mary O’Connor of Houston.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 27th at 2:00 pm at Center Christian Fellowship 2471 Hwy 96 N, Center, TX. Due to Covid, masks are welcome and disposable masks will be available.
Kevin owned his own plumbing business, coached Center girls softball, served as president of the girls' softball association, and a member of Center Christian Fellowship for over 20 years. During that time served and taught the Children's Church and Junior High Youth Ministry.
He held onto yard signs from his run for Center City Council, and had recently been considering dusting them off again, even though he was on the transplant list for a lung retransplant.
A peek at his heart is in what he told young men he mentored, “any man can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a dad.”
He was born in Chicago, IL to Mary Angela Geraci and Michael O’Connor. He was the baby of their four children.
He is survived by:
Wife, Saundra O’Connor
Daughters:
Kayla O’Connor of Dallas
Mary O’Connor of Houston
Brothers:
Michael O’Connor and wife, Lisa of Jacksonville, AL
Timothy O’Connor and wife, Lindsey of Castle Rock, CO
Sister, Mary O’Connor Holland and husband Randy of Houston, TX
Mother-in-law, Wanda P. Lackey of Center
Brother and sister-in-laws:
Doug Lackey of Anniston, AL
Steve and June Cubstead of Grapeland, TX
Craig and Debra Hallman of Charleston, SC
Ronald and Vickie Lackey of Munford, AL
Carolyn Lackey of Lincoln, AL
Perry and Samantha Lackey of Munford, AL
Dona Lackey-Malone of Midland, TX
Rodney and Denise Mathews of Joaquin, TX
Numerous nephews and nieces
Special life long friends, Al and Liz Mihalco and Linda Brown
Preceded in death by his Parents, Mary Angela Geraci and Michael O'Connor and Father-in-law, Charles E Lackey.
Services are under the direction of Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.
06/22/2020
Bobby Joe Tutt, 60, of Timpson passed away Monday evening, June 15, 2020, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be Monday, June 22, 2020, from 2pm-6pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Timpson.
Services will be Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 2pm Wallace Chapel Baptist Church in Timpson. Interment will follow at Smyrna Cemetery in Timpson with Bishop Cedric Grace officiating.
Bobby Joe Tutt is survived by:
Daughter: Qushanna Tutt of Lufkin
Four grandchildren
Mother: Bobbie Lou Tutt of Timpson
Sister: Leda Ann Paige of Timpson
Brothers:
John Tutt Jr. of Nacogdoches
John Alford Tutt of Timpson
Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home in Center, Texas
06/22/2020
Mabel R. Lane, 68 of Nacogdoches, passed away Thursday morning, June 18, 2020 at her residence in Nacogdoches.
Visitation is Tuesday, June 23, 2020 from 1pm to 7pm at Community Chapel in Center, Texas. Graveside service is Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 1pm at Westview Cemetery in Center with Bishop William Nash officiating. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center.
She is survived by:
Son, Travis Lane, Jr. of Nacogdoches
Daughter, Sophia Small of Nacogdoches
10 Grandchildren and 8 Great-grandchildren
Brothers:
Roy D. Casey of Nacogdoches
David Smith of Beaumont
Karson Brown of Tyler
Sisters:
Winnie Small of Nacogdoches
Marilyn Roberts of Nacogdoches
Essie Daniels of Nacogdoches
Fiance, Ricky Smith of Nacogdoches
Funeral services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.
06/21/2020
Edith Hughes, 75, of Center, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020, in Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m., at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.
Born January 31, 1945, in Center, Ms. Hughes is the daughter of the late Allen and Annie Scott. She was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by:
Her daughters:
Angela Latham and husband Randy
Judy Cooley
Tammy Hughes
Amy Oswalt and husband Kyle
Jaclyn Morris and husband William
Sons:
Jack Hughes Jr. and wife Melinda
Billy Hughes
Chad Hughes and wife Cortney
Grandchildren:
Bradley Latham and wife Yolanda
Bryant Latham and wife Ashley
Jamie Dwire
Kristen Cooley
Ashley Runnels and husband Louis
Joshua Cooley
Coty and Cade Oswalt
Kayla Faulker and husband J.R.
Michael Hughes and wife Rachael
Tyler Hughes
Jaycee Hughes
Hayden Hughes
Jaeleigh Hughes
Jackson Hughes
Holly Rhoden
Chris Morris
Justyn Morris
Jordyn Morris
14 great-grandchildren
Sister, Cathy Holt.
Preceded in death by her husband, Jack Hughes; parents, Allen and Annie Scott; sisters, Grace Wilburn and Merlene McMahon; and brother, Bobby Scott.
Pallbearers will be Bradley Latham, Bryant Latham, Coty Oswalt, Cade Oswalt, Michael Hughes, and Tyler Hughes. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Cooley, Hayden Hughes, Jackson Hughes, Chris Morris, Justyn Morris, and Jordyn Morris.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/21/2020
Tommy Guynes Jr., 50, of Gary, passed away Friday, June 19, 2020, in Carthage.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at Spann’s Chapel Cemetery in Center with Bro. Kevin Windham officiating.
Born June 10, 1970, in Houston, Texas, Tommy is the son of Tommy Marion Guynes Sr. and Virginia Amburn. He worked as a truck driver and also did some carpentry and electrical work. Tommy loved fishing.
He is survived by:
His wife, Stephanie Hodge Guynes of Gary
Mother, Virginia Amburn of Huxley
Stepmother, Becky Guynes of Timpson
Sons:
Eric Eugene Guynes of Fort Smith
Christopher Guynes of Conway
Dillon Hodge and wife Tiffany of Gary
Stepdaughter, Nakita Rogers of Gary
Brothers:
Andy Amburn and wife Angela of Shelbyville
Robert Amburn and wife Holly of Shelbyville
Nephew, David Amburn and wife Megan of Shelbyville
Niece, Shiloh Amburn of Shelbyville
Grandchildren:
Leland Odell Hodge of Gary
Mark Estes of Gary
George Estes of Gary
Son, Andrew Russell of Spurger
Sister, Tammy Guynes of Carthage
Aunt, Thelma Smith of Cleveland
Special friend, Tommy Gowan
Best friend, “T”
Preceded in death by his father, Tommy Marion Guynes Sr.; dad, David Amburn; sister, Terry Michelle Guynes; brother, Timothy Michael Guynes; grandmother, Leona Virginia Amburn; and his little wolf/coyote dog, Max.
Pallbearers will be Dillion Hodge, Richard Hanson, Tommy Gowan, Tommy Lee Williams, Blane, and Lonny Hodge. Honorary pallbearers will be David Amburn, Andy Amburn, Robert Amburn, and Mark Estes.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/20/2020
Hollis Doyle Cobb, 80, of Kilgore, Texas passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Longview, Texas. Born September 19, 1939, in Tenaha, Texas, to the late Hollis Frank Cobb and Edna Corine (Barnett) Cobb. Funeral service will be held at 1PM on Friday, June 26, 2020, at Garrison Funeral Home, 886 US Hwy 59, Garrison, Texas with Bro. Darrell Pollard officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at Garrison Funeral Home, 886 US Hwy 59, Garrison, Texas.
Doyle grew up in Shelby County. At 15 he went to work for a road construction company building the road from Tenaha to Center in his free time (telling them he was 18). He graduated from Tenaha High School in 1958. He attended Panola College for a year, then at age 20 he went into construction (since he already had 5 years experience). Doyle was drafted by the United States Army in May of 1963 and served two years in Alaska as an engineer. He returned home from working offshore and was just in Timpson Texas cruising around, when he happened to meet what would be the love of his life at the Dairy Bee, Linda Gillis. The two were married on May 18, 1968 spending more than 52 years together before his passing. Doyle was a kind, loving man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He retired from Brown & Root and even then worked many years as an independent oilfield consultant. Doyle enjoyed cooking, BBQing, gardening, fishing, and hunting. His most precious time was spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by:
Loving wife, Linda Elizabeth Cobb
Son, Brady Doyle Cobb and wife Stephanie
Grandson, Dalton Ray Cobb and wife Tiphanie
Great-grandchildren:
Kaelynn Elizabeth Cobb
Kaeden Ray Cobb
A special nephew (considered a son) Donnie Dewain Cobb, wife Debbie and son Danny
A host of close family and friends that will miss him dearly.
Doyle is preceded in death by his parents, Hollis Frank and Edna Corine Cobb; and brother, Donnie Ray Cobb.
Pallbearers serving are Dalton Cobb, Reece Bailey, David Bailey, Jesse Gillis, Lee Mitchell, and Terry Amos.
Honorary pallbearers include Billy Carrington, Dewain Cobb, Jimmy Gillis, and Charles Gillis.
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.
06/20/2020
Josephine Elizabeth Marie “Mollie” Schrakamp Hibbard Barton, 89, of Center, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Center.
Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Tim Perkins officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.
Born September 27, 1930 in Long Island, New York to Theodore and Josephine Schrakamp. Mollie was a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman for many years in Shelby County. In the early ‘70s she owned and operated Hibbard Office Supply and the local Western Union. She obtained her real estate license in the early 70s. She became a real estate broker in the mid 70’s and opened her own Real Estate Office. Mollie forged the way for other women in the Real Estate business as one of the first women in Shelby County to earn a Real Estate License and Brokers License. She also became a Certified Texas Appraiser in the early 90’s. She was designated President of Piney Woods Association of Realtors many times throughout her career.
Mollie was a vivacious woman with a passion for life. Mollie loved people and people loved Mollie! She never met a stranger and was loved by the entire community. She loved Christ and she dedicated many hours to helping others.
She is survived by:
Her children:
John Russell Hibbard of Nacogdoches
Joe Cecil Hibbard of Nacogdoches and Wendy
Debra Ann Hibbard of the Woodlands
LD Hibbard, Jr. and wife Carmen of Center
Kathy Hibbard of Houston
Wallace Lee Hibbard and wife Pam of Bullard
Victor Allen Hibbard of Bullard
Judy Lyn Monroe and husband Donald of Center
Letitia Poindexter of Center
Gregory Thomas Hibbard and wife Haven of Conroe
Grandchildren:
Denny Hibbard
Linda Witt and husband Bruce
Russell Hibbard and wife Angie
Dianne Brown and fiancé Chad Wells
Kristen Harvey and husband Andrew
Kim Hibbard
Nicole Lyon and husband Andy
Shelly Schillings
Jason O’Donoghue and wife Mallory
Julie Arsenault and husband Jerry
Ricky Morgan
Nick Morgan and wife Brittany
Debra Ann Flanagan and husband DK
Christy Wells and husband Kenny
Duane Morgan and wife Mary
Ruthie Mueller and husband Rudy
Heather Gerhard and husband Ken
Kendall O’Neal Venus and husband Joe
Michael O’Neal and wife Ana
Clint Hibbard and wife Heather
Julie Hibbard
Justin Waldon
Eric Waldon
Kay Evans
Christie Gray and husband Chad
Craig Hibbard and wife Ashlie
Lindsey Hibbard
Hayley Rubio and husband Isaiah
Kayla Smith and husband Luke
Steven Hibbard
Reese Monroe
Christine Taylor and husband Shane
Amber Owens
D’Wayne Bearden and wife Brittany
Joshua Beardon and fiance’ Ashley
Dakota Poindexter and wife Ashley
April Poindexter
Billie Poindexter
Bryleigh Bearden
Chris Hibbard and wife Gagan
Stephan Hibbard
Oliver Hibbard
Knox Hibbard
Hazel Hibbard
Numerous Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren, numerous cousins and other relatives.
Preceded in death by parents Theodore Schrakamp and Josephine Schrakamp Wills, brother Nick Schrakamp, brother Theodore Schrakamp, sister Margarite Franovich, sister Carolyn McKantz, Grandson Matthew Hibbard, Granddaughter Christy Mae Taylor, Grandson Ronnie Morgan, Son-in-Law Billy Poindexter.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/19/2020
Joan Ballard, 78, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Nacogdoches.
Memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Jeff McGee officiating.
Born May 4, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Oliver Lee Flowers and Oza Rhea Ford Flowers. Mrs. Ballard was a great wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Dreka Springs Pentecostal Church.
She is survived by:
Son, Horace Allie Ballard Jr. and wife Janet
Daughter, Tammy Alford and husband Bob
Son, Ryan Ballard
Grandchildren:
Jennifer Jade Rhea and husband Mike
Brandy Stoffel and husband Ryan
Justin Ballard and wife Taryn
Jennifer Leigh- Denise Buffington
Alex Alford and wife Carisa
Amber Marrs and husband Josh
Jonathan Alford
Great-Grandchildren:
Harper Stoffel
Wrenly Stoffel
Kaylie Ash
Kit Alford
Abigal Chambliss
Deanna Jackson
Sean Marrs
Riley Marrs
Preceded in death by: husband and soulmate Horace Ballard Sr.; parents Oliver Lee and Ozra Rhea Flowers; daughter Janet Denise Ballard; grandson Jonathan Allie Derrick; brothers Ernest, Earl, Bill, George, Buryl, Wayne, Curtis; and sisters Lou Ella Boyd and Mary Ann Gonzales.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/18/2020
William Russell Spivey, 92, of Garrison, Texas passed away at home on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Garrison, Texas. Born April 8, 1928, in Arlam Community, Garrison, Texas, to the late John Martin and Cora Belle (Young) Spivey. Graveside service will be held at 10AM on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Caledonia Cemetery, Garrison, Texas with Bro. Darrell Pollard and Bro. Kyle Lee officiating.
Visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Friday, June 19, 2020 at Garrison Funeral Home, 886 US Hwy 59, Garrison, Texas.
William Russell Spivey graduated Garrison High School in 1945. His college studies were interrupted when Russell joined the United States Army to serve in the Korean War. As he finished studies at Sam Houston with a degree in Agriculture, his strong work ethic was evident even then as he returned home as often as he could to help in his father’s dairy. Russell met the love of his life, Laree Wheeler, and the two were married October 6, 1950. They made their home beside the dairy that would become their family business for the next 50 years. As many would agree that Russell was one of the hardest working men they have ever known. Russell joined Arlam Baptist Church as a young boy around 1941. He served as a Deacon. Together they raised seven children.
He is survived by:
Children:
Janie Ramsey and husband Glenn
Phyllis Pollard and husband Darrell
Mickey Weatherly and husband Eddie
Bill Spivey and wife Becky
Angie Spivey
Cindy Taylor and husband Rial
Nancy Harris and husband Timmy
18 Grandchildren
33 Great-grandchildren
A special canine friend Lily
A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.
Russell is preceded in death by his wife, Laree Spivey; and granddaughters, Julee Ramsey and Charlotte Harris.
Grandsons will be serving as pallbearers.
Special thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice for allowing us to keep our dad in his own home during this time. The family would like to especially thank Cecelia Dolan and Demedric Loftis for the exceptional support and care given to our father during his time of illness.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Arlam Baptist Church, 3251 CR 289, Garrison, Texas 75946; Caledonia Cemetery, P O Box 535, Garrison, Texas; Heart to Heart Hospice, 2102 S John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904; or a charity of your choice.
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.
06/18/2020
Patsy Ellen Fairchild, 90, of Center, Texas passed away on June 17, 2020 in Center, Texas. Born March 9, 1930, in Beaumont, Texas. Patsy is the daughter of Billy Van Ferguson and Jimmie Lucille (Jackson) Ferguson. Visitation will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020 from 10am – 11am at First Baptist Church, Center, Texas and the Funeral service will follow at 11am. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, Texas.
She was faithful to the Lord, serving as a second grade Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church for many years. Patsy was also a member and leader of WMU, Girl Scouts, and Beta Sigma Phi. Patsy loved her family dearly and enjoyed every minute with her loved ones. She spent her life as a homemaker.
Patsy is survived by:
Son, David Fairchild of Lufkin, Texas
Daughter, Karla Fairchild O’Fiel and husband, Hugh of Center, Texas
Sister, Mary Neal of Denton, Texas
Grandchildren:
Carrie Fairchild Neal and husband, Calvin of Montgomery, Texas
RC Fairchild
Philip Massey and wife, Danielle of Shreveport, Louisiana
Matt O’Fiel and wife Brittany of Mauriceville, Texas
Britney Fairchild of Houston, Texas
Eric Fairchild of Center, Texas
Great-grandchildren:
Griffin Neal
Graham Neal
Lily Massey
Kingston Massey
Mattilyn O’Fiel
Harvey Massey
Asher Fairchild
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Billy Van Ferguson and Jimmie Lucille Ferguson; Husband, Robert Lewis Fairchild; son, Robert F. Fairchild; and daughter, Jan Ellen Massey.
In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to a charity of your choice in her honor.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
06/18/2020
Amber Lynn Howard Alvarez, 48, of Center, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2020, in Center.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Rusty Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery in San Augustine.
Born August 18, 1971, in Lubbock, Amber is the daughter of Jimmy Lynn Howard and Kathleen McLean Hardy. She was a member of First Methodist Church.
She is survived by:
Daughter, Aubrey Rene Alvarez of Houston
Father of Aubrey, Rene Alvarez
Mother, Kathy Hardy and husband Kenneth of Center
Father, Jimmy Howard and wife Terrie of Center
Sister, Brooke Howard-Dykes and husband Chris of Denver, Colorado
Niece, Sawyer Dykes of Denver, Colorado
Grandmother, Winnie Jo McClean of Levelland
Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, J.B. McLean and Clara and Aubrey Howard.
Pallbearers will be Shon Mireles, Gregg Hart, Tim Hopkins, Jamie Dutton, Chris Dykes, and Luke Mooney.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/17/2020
Lula B. Lacy, age 103, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020. She was born September 19, 1916.
Graveside service is scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2020, at 11am at St. Luke’s Cemetery, San Augustine, TX with Pastor Herman Scott, as Eulogist. Visitation will begin on Thursday, June 18, 2020 at 3pm until 7pm at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, TX. Burial will be in St. Luke’s Cemetery, San Augustine, TX.
She leaves to cherish her memories:
Sons: W.C., Willie Jr., James (Glenda) all of Beaumont, and Joe of Tyler
Daughters: Mary, Margret, and Georgia of San Augustine, TX
Sisters:
Mildred Burrell of San Augustine
Clara Cartwright of Maryland
She also leaves to cherish five generations.
Service are entrusted to Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. (936) 564-4351.
06/17/2020
Wilma Diana Richard was born in Timpson, Texas to Winifred Hooper and Lester Roberts on August 6, 1953. She was deeply loved and raised by her grandparents Clyde Sr and Lula Hooper. Diane made her transition on Sunday, June 14, 2020
Diane grew up with 14 siblings and attended Timpson Public School System for her entire education. She graduated from Timpson High School in 1971. While attending Timpson High School, she met and fell in love with her forever best friend and husband Ralph Richard in 1969. They united in holy matrimony on December 13, 1975 and remained together with 51 years under their belt. During this time, they raised a daughter Tyecia and was dedicated in helping with their 2 granddaughters Nailah Joy and Naiema Skye. Before retiring she worked at Shelby Savings Bank where she made lifelong friendships. She loved and served as a dedicated Pastor’s Aid President at Smith Chapel Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by: Grandparents: Clyde Sr. and Lula Hooper; Parents: Winifred Hooper Stephens (Bobby); Siblings: Belton Hooper (Vera); Bobby Hooper Sr; Mary Driver (Billy); Ima Jean Holman( Nathan); Willie James Hooper(Norma Williams); Clyde Hooper Jr (Ruthie Johnson Hooper); Cynthia Stephens; Robert James Stephens Jr; and Robin Stephens Fisher.
She leaves to cherish her memories:
Husband: Ralph Richard
Daughter: Tyecia Lundie (Richard Lundie)
Granddaughters:
Nailah Lundie
Naiema Lundie
Siblings:
Betty (Oscar Turner)
Earnestine Morris (J. W.)
Annie Hooper
Dwight Stephens (Venita)
Obie Bussey (Melody)
Special Cousin: Sister Lisa Jo Baldwin (Rick)
She leaves many more beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved with everything she had.
Services are Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Smith Chapel Baptist Church, 919 CR 4704, Timpson, Texas 75975 with visitation 10am to 11am and celebration of life at 11am.
Celebration of Life – 11:00 a.m.
You may view online service on Facebook at 11am - Smith Chapel Live.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at Walker Funeral Home , Crosby Texas – Legacy.com, 734 FM 1942-P.O. Box 229, Crosby, Texas.
Please do not send wreaths, VA Cemetery does not accept wreaths.
06/16/2020
Billy Ray Collum, 79, of Joaquin, TX passed away on June 6, 2020 in a Nacogdoches hospital. He was born August 29, 1940 in Center, TX to P. A. Collum and Vertie Holt Collum. His wishes were to be cremated and graveside services will be held at 4:00 Saturday June 20, 2020 at Campti Methodist Cemetery with Robert Ortigo, Sr. officiating.
He is survived by:
His loving wife of almost 60 years, Deanna Collum
Son: Donnie Collum of Shelbyville
Daughter: Donna Jamison & husband Todd Jamison of Center
Grandchildren:
Danbert Collum and Kelsey Owens of Joaquin
Krista Collum Warren and husband, Michael of Center
Leigh Martin and wife Whitney of Houston
Javey Jamison and wife, Jamie, of Center
Lance Jamison and wife, Tiffany, of Center
Numerous great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter
Brother: Jack Collum and wife, Frances, of Shreveport, LA
Billy was preceded in death by a son, Robert Collum, brother Jerry Collum, sister, Vernell Goings and husband W. J. Goings, parents P. A. Collum and Vertie Collum, and in-laws Elmo and Marie Cross. Memorials may be made to Campti Methodist Cemetery Fund and mailed to 579 CR 2010, Center, TX.
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