Shelby County Today

12/9/2024

Mary Elizabeth Rushing Johnson

Saturday, December 7, 2024, my beautiful Mom, Mary Elizabeth (Rushing) Johnson, finally left her painful and worn-out body behind, and she has reached her Heavenly Home. 

Visitation will be held from 1pm to 2pm, Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will follow at 2pm with Bro. Paul Silvey officiating and music by Mark Lawrence. Interment will be at Joaquin Cemetery in Joaquin.

I believe she is having a reunion in Heaven with all her loved ones, and she must be excited to meet her Savior face to face. 

I loved her dearly and will miss her so very much. She was my Mother, my teacher, my basketball coach, my advisor, and my biggest fan. She was a superb and devoted Mother and she loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Nieces, Cousins, and their families more than anything. 

Mom always stood out in a crowd. She had beautiful big blue eyes, a great smile, beautiful hair, a wonderful complexion, perfect posture, and impeccable taste in fashion. 

She was one of the best teachers I have ever known and the best coach I ever played for. I always knew what Mom really thought about everything. From sports to politics, Mom could discuss almost any topic. And she never “sugar coated” the “truth” as she viewed it. 

Mom lived with me for several years, and when I was headed to work, she would call out for me to come into her room so she could see what I was wearing. She would often tell me I needed to go change my purse or shoes or add a scarf or another accessory. 

Like it or not, she would share a little “constructive criticism” with friends and family, and sometimes even with strangers. 

Mom was born January 14, 1935, the second child of Edgar Randolph Rushing and Leo Naomi Rushing. She enjoyed growing up in Joaquin, Texas, and graduated from Joaquin High School in 1952. She then attended and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University (SFA), receiving a B.S. Degree in Education in 1955. Mom went back and obtained her Master’s Degree at SFA in 1967. While in college, she was a Pine Burr (Chi Omega), a cheerleader, and active in several clubs and Intramural Sports. She truly enjoyed her College days at SFA where she obtained more than just an excellent education, she also formed many lifelong friendships.

When she returned to SFA for her Master’s Degree in 1965, she received the news that her husband (Major Taylor Douglas Johnson who was also from Joaquin) had been killed in Vietnam. 

She picked up the pieces of her shattered life when my Dad was killed in Vietnam, as she fought through her grief and focused intensely on her three children—ages 4, 5, and 9. Later in life she continued her education, earning 30 more hours toward another degree.

She taught school in Texas City, Carthage, and Joaquin, Texas, and in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

She was a fiscal and political conservative, and member of Joaquin First Baptist Church. 

During her life she traveled the world, visiting many countries. Her love of traveling started as a child when she and her big Sister (Margaret Ann) would go with their Mother (Leo Naomi Rushing) on trips, it grew when she worked as a TWA stewardess right after college, then it truly blossomed into an enjoyable pastime as she traveled abroad with her husband and children to military bases abroad and across the United States. 

Later in life she continued her passion for traveling with her best friend and big sister Margaret Ann. They cruised the high seas and flew to far away destinations, laughing and enjoying every moment together. Their bond was a wonderful testament to the true meaning of “the bonds of sisterhood.” 

Mom was pretty tough although her exterior appearance may have looked frail. She was a feisty and fierce competitor in anything she tackled. She enjoyed playing all kinds of games, but her favorite was ACBL Bridge. She was a Gold Life Master and until her health declined, she enjoyed competitive Bridge at the Bridge Studio in Beaumont, Texas, and before that in Shreveport, Louisiana. She often replayed each hand after each game, going over it either in her head or on the phone with her partners. Perhaps a bit of a perfectionist, she wanted to study what happened and think about what could have been done differently, always trying not to make the same mistake the next time she played.

She fought and won her battle with Breast Cancer and then Kidney Cancer. She survived heart attacks, strokes, lived with three types of arthritis, joints that were worn and torn, had many surgeries and other ailments, and finally lost her battle with Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure.

I will miss too many things to list about my Mom. I will miss having her tell me to put on different shoes or earrings, or to put on makeup, as I walked out the door for work. I will miss her yelling at the Dallas Cowboys and watching all her favorite game shows. But, most of all I will miss Mom’s presence, beauty and grace, and simply spending time with her.

She was a Lady who always shared her opinions with honesty and conviction.

Rather than mourn her passing (which I will do for a very long time) I shall do my best to remember the lessons and advice she shared, and take comfort in knowing that she has no more pain and has taken her final cruise and reached her final destination —Heaven—where she is filled with joy and love.

She is survived by:

Children:
Suzanne Baggett (Gary Beckett Significant-Other) of Shreveport, Louisiana
Taylor David Johnson (spouse Lynette Johnson) of Cary, North Carolina
Leanne Johnson of Beaumont, Texas

Grandchildren:
Samantha Baggett Brantley of Bossier City, Louisiana
James Ryan Johnson of Illinois (spouse Letitia Johnson)
Christy Johnson Baclawski (spouse James Baclawski) of Darien, CT
Allie Johnson (spouse Matt Kirkland) of Denver, Colorado

Great-grandchildren:
Trenton Brantley
Kylea Brantley
Jordan Baggett
Ethan Baggett
EverLea Johnson
Maverick Johnson
Taylor Baclawski

Nieces:
Gari Martin
Mary Foisy

Great-nieces:
Jennifer 'Martin' Crain
Ashley Olds

Great-nephews:
Jeffery Martin
Brian Olds

Many cousins including but not limited to Fran Harris-Weimer and Cindy Garrity, and Harry and Lajaunda Gebauer Williams, Sue Williams, Angela Williams Scrimpshire, and Jerry Williams Jr. and family; and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or First Baptist Church in Joaquin, 100 Connell Ferry Road, Joaquin, TX 75954.

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

12/9/2024

Johnny Ray White (86) of Port Arthur, Texas, died on November 27, 2024. Johnny Ray was born to the late John Henry White and Pearlena Ruth White of East Liberty Community on February 7, 1938.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 9am at New St. John Baptist Church located on 1048 West Gulf Way, Port Arthur, Texas.

He is survived by:

Sons:
James White
Garland White
Jarvis M. White

Daughter, Tammie Mayfield

Sisters:
Ella Faye Ware of Center, Texas
Willie Mae Dunn of Killeen, Texas
Pauline Hamilton of Desoto, Texas

Sister-in-laws:
Johnnie Mae White of Center, Texas
Girtha White of Garland, Texas

Service announced by Hicks Mortuary  of Center, Texas, and Hanna Funeral Home of Port Arthur, Texas.

12/05/2024

Reba Lynn Crocker Taylor, 105, of Center, Texas, passed away on November 30, 2024, in McKinney, Collin County, Texas. She was born on November 4, 1919, in Center, Texas, to the late Clinton A. Crocker and Clara Stephens Crocker.

Reba graduated from Joaquin High School in 1937 and then went on to Texas State College for Women (currently Texas Woman’s University in Denton), where she studied home economics. She later transferred to Stephen F. Austin State Teachers College (currently SFASU). When World War II began, she had to leave school to return home. She met and married Duke Ricks Taylor, Jr. in Center on December 3, 1942. They left Center for a brief time where they lived in Washington DC, but then returned to Center after Virginia and Stephen were born. Reba had a strong love for her family and was a wonderful cook. She was an avid painter and enjoyed teaching her grandchildren her love for painting when they were in town to visit. Mrs. Taylor was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Center, Texas.  

She is survived by a loving family:

Children, Stephen Duke Taylor of McKinney, Texas

Grandchildren:
Donna Lynn Beasley Rayburn and husband, William Harold Rayburn, of Fairview, Tennessee
Scott Beasley and wife, Emma Beasley, of Altus, Oklahoma
Carrie Michelle Hanna and husband, Carlton (Carl) David Hanna, of Fairview
Douglas William Beasley and wife, Rebecca Choate Beasley, of Power Springs, Georgia
Daniel Taylor Beasley and wife, Katie Edgington Beasley, of Nashville, Tennessee
Michael Alan Taylor and wife, Michelle Milrany Taylor, of Houston
Richard Chad Avara and wife, April Lynn Avara, of The Colony,
Jason Wade Avara and wife, Laura Patricia Avara, of High Village

Great-Grandchildren:
Julia Taylor Rayburn
Sarah Beasley Miner and husband, Mikal Miner
William Scott Beasley
Asher Douglas Beasley
Liam Isaac Beasley
Margaret Lynn Beasley
Virginia Grace Beasley
Benjamin Taylor Beasley
Taylor Lynn Hanna
Colton Conrad Hanna
Ellison Joyce Taylor
Emery Rose Taylor
Richard Grayson Avara
Brody Ray Avara
Kendra Faye Avara
Jed Wyatt Avara

And numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clinton A. Crocker and wife, Clara Stephens Crocker; her brother, Clinton Paul Crocker; her husband, Duke Ricks Taylor, Jr.; her daughter Virginia Lynn Taylor Beasley; her son-in-law, William Beasley; and her daughter-in-law, Faye Lynn Scarbrough Avara Taylor.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home, with Porter Brewer officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Ray Taylor, Scott Beasley, Douglas Beasley, Daniel Beasley, Michael Taylor and Carl Hanna. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Chad Avara and Jason Wade Avara.

Visitation will occur one hour prior to the Memorial Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to First Baptist Church, Center, Texas.

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

12/03/2024

Marilyn Nettie Lout, 88, of Warren, died, Thursday, November 28, 2024. She was born on October 11, 1936, in Shelbyville, to Eunice B. Taylor Cannon and George Foster Cannon.

Survivors include her son, Robert “Rusty” Lout and his wife, Kim

Grandson, Randy Lout, all of Warren

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband, Kenneth H. Lout

Mrs. Lout will have a private graveside ceremony under the direction of Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.

12/02/2024

Billy Charles Wiggins, 82, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024.

A graveside service for Billy Wiggins will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Union Grove Cemetery in Troup, Tx officiated by Bro. L. D. Baxley. A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, Tx.

Billy was born February 27, 1942 in Flat Fork, TX and later moved to Center where he attended school. He participated in football and track at Center High School. Billy was an outstanding player in both sports. He was clocked at 9.4 seconds in the 100-yard dash, but they didn’t register it because the wind gusts were measured too high on that day. He always scored big touchdowns and was lightning fast and very competitive. On Saturdays, he organized football teams on a vacant lot in Center with neighborhood kids. He would play with them and coach them. 

Billy met Becky Dukes, his wife, while visiting a friend who lived in their garage apartment. She always sat out in the swing on the front porch, so she could visit with him either coming or going or both. They were married on July 25th of 1969. 

Billy completed Massey Business School and worked as a bookkeeper in Nacogdoches at All Parts, Inc. From there he learned all about selling car parts and running a business. He bought a Parts Store on North St. called Wiggins Auto Parts. He was owner and bookkeeper for over 20 years. During this time, he decided to coach a men’s softball team. Billy had a gift of having the right players to be able to make a really good team. They travelled all over East Texas and usually won wherever they went. After his son, Nicky was born, he started coaching youth soccer and then added baseball and football. He really loved coaching. He won at state levels in all sports and placed 3rd in the 16-year-olds World Series. Later in life, he sold the store and worked in San Augustine in a family business, L&R Timber.

Billy and Becky attended First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches where they taught toddlers for about 30 years in Sunday School. In recent years, he travelled to Como Fellowship Baptist Church. 

Billy is preceded in death by his dad, Billie Eugene Wiggins; mom, Florence May Wiggins; infant sister, Billie Jean; brother, Thomas Wiggins; and sister, Shirley Jean Wiggins Lout. 

Billy leaves behind:

Wife, Becky Wiggins of Nacogdoches

Son, Nicholus Wiggins and wife, Megan of Brashear

Granddaughters:
Kaitlyn Reid and husband Nick of Alaska
Kollean Mooney and husband Noah of Ft Worth
Kinley Wiggins of Burleson, Texas

Great-grandson, Miles Reid

Nephews:
Randy Wiggins and wife Monica of Lake Jackson
Mike Lout and wife Tricia of Shelbyville
Ricky Lout of San Augustine
Barry Lout and Maria Bush of Patroon

Great-nephews and great-nieces:
Dusty Lout and wife Abby of Chireno
Shon Coleman Lout and wife Haley of Patroon
Tiff Klein of Shelbyville
Britt Lout and husband Jake Mathews
Jennifer Lout and husband Calan Pickard of Shelbyville

Great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews:
Lieza and Leila Lout
Elly, Dax, and Ripp Lout
Cain, Iris, and Ivie Matthews
Kye and River Pickard
Ava, Harper, Symber, and Carter Lout

He will be missed by all who knew him.

Serving as Pallbearers are Mike Lout, Ricky Lout, Barry Lout, Patrick “P-Nut” Williams, Jake Matthews and Shon Coleman Lout.

Services are under the direction of Laird Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

12/01/2024

David Earl “King David” Faussett, 77, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on November 29, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in Nacogdoches, Texas.

He was born on November 6, 1947, in Center, Texas, to the late George Dewey Faussett and Hortense Ila Mae (Champion) Faussett.

Graveside service will be held at 10AM on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Restland Cemetery, with Bro. Jimmy Young and Bro. E. J. Adams officiating.

David was raised in Joaquin, Texas. He graduated from Joaquin High School. He married the love of his life, Janice Bogle, April 16, 1986. The two shared over 37 wonderful years together before her passing last year. David was a truck driver for many years. He enjoyed his farm. Tending to his horses and cows. He loved to eat and drink coffee with family and friends. David was dedicated to providing for his family. He loved the Lord. He enjoyed television evangelist at 4am each morning. He never missed a good western on television. David served the Lord through his church and made sure to spread the gospel with those he encountered.

He is survived by:

Daughter, Billie Kay Bogle and husband Jason Wheless

Brother, Jimmy “Jimbo” Ray Faussett and wife Pam

Sister, Dorris Dale and special friend John Hooper

Grandchildren,
Caleb Wheless
Nathan Wheless

David is preceded in death by his wife, Janice Faussett; parents, George and Hortense Faussett; brother, George Faussett Jr.; and niece, Cassie (Faussett) Bates. Pallbearers serving will be Nathan Wheless, Caleb Wheless, Tommy McMahon, John Hooper, and Jeremy Hammers.

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

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

11/27/24

Betty "Sue" Martin Still, 78, of Center, Texas, passed away on November 26, 2024. Born on November 17, 1946, in Logansport, Louisiana, to the late Garland Martin and Frances Jolley Martin.

Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home, with Bro. Steve Noble officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home.

Sue graduated from Joaquin High School in 1965 and spent her life as a beacon of positivity and support to those around her. Sue was a lifelong cheerleader, supporting and lifting up everyone she met. She was known for her contagious smile, her kindness, her funny little quotes, her ability to give anyone a memorable nickname, her resilience and her generosity. Her life was a living embodiment of Leviticus 19:18, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," which she practiced through her sweet and giving spirit. She was the type of person everyone loved, because she genuinely loved everybody.

An active and devoted member of New Life Church in Center, Texas, Sue's faith was an integral part of her life, guiding her actions and interactions with everyone around her.

She is survived by a loving family

Children:
Rex Johnson and his wife, Allison of Center 
Nikki Butler and her husband, David of Lufkin

Grandchildren:
Katie Warner and her husband, Kyle of Center
Rhett Butler and his wife, Jenna of Hudson
Callie Johnson of Center

Great-grandchildren:
Landrie Kate Bailey
Tatum Warner
Reagan Warner
Banks Butler
Beau Butler

Brother, Donnie Martin and his wife, Linda Ruth of Joaquin

She also leaves behind her family friends, Darrell Johnson and his wife, Debbie of Center; her nephew, Jeremy Martin and his wife, Amber of Tyler; and her niece, Lindsey Jones and her husband, Matt of Humble, along with countless friends and loved ones. 

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Garland and Francis Martin. 

Pallbearers will be Rhett Butler, Kyle Warner, Jeremy Martin, Matt Jones, Anthony Tomlin, Chance Shoop, Jon Schillings, and James Raymond.

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

11/27/24

Johnny Ray Smith, 75, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2024, in Nacogdoches. Graveside service will be held at 2:15 p.m., Monday, December 2, 2024, at Houston National Cemetery in Houston.  

Born July 9, 1949, in San Antonio, Johnny is the son of Norman Willard Smith and Florrie Elizabeth Harmon Smith.  He served in the United States Army from 1967 until 1971 during the Vietnam War.  Johnny was a member of VFW Post 4709 in Conroe and Hawthorne Baptist Church.

He is survived by:

Children:
Norman Smith 
Elizabeth Smith 

Stepchildren:
Shelly King 
Rosemary Gray 
David Dickey 
Shelia Wiggins
Mark Hewett
Timothy Hewett
Crystal Brown
Lisa Perry

Grandchildren:
Jasmine Russell
Angel Smith
Johnny Miles
Bradford Smith
Justin Warren
Jeremy Corn
Morgan Hewett
Cole Hewett

Seven great-grandchildren; numerous step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his wife, Velma Smith; grandson, Christopher Norman Smith; parents, Norman Willard Smith and Florrie Elizabeth Harmon Smith; siblings, Robert Smith, Lois Jean Warren, Aubrey Smith, and Linda Godsey; and stepson, Vernon Hewett.

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

11/22/2024

Reginald DeWayne Brock, 56 of Tenaha, passed away on November 11, 2024 at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas.

Funeral service is 11am Saturday, November 23, 2024 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Tenaha, Texas. Visitation is from 10am until 6pm Friday, November 22, 2024 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center.

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Natacia Gray of Houston
Alexis Wyatt of Center
Kriston Steadman of Tenaha
Eshia Henderson of Center

Son, Karim Steadman of Tenaha

Brother, Radley Brock of Center

19 Grandchildren and 1 Great-Grandchild

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.