Shelby County Today

08/01/2017

Gwendolyn Billingsley, 79, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on July 19, 2017 in Timpson. She was born in Timpson on August 9, 1937 to Norman Howell Hudson and Minnie Lee Courtney Hudson. Funeral service for Gwen was at 2pm on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Stephen Wiggins officiating. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1pm to 2pm on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel.

Gwen grew up in Timpson and graduated from THS in 1955. She married Carlos Byron Billingsley on May 14, 1956 and they later became the parents to a beautiful baby girl, Beth. Gwen thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her daughter and granddaughters, Kylie and Dana. She also liked doing crossword puzzles, watching game shows and reading. Gwen was a member of Arcadia Church of Christ and the Eastern Star.

Gwen is survived by:
Daughter: Beth Andrews and husband, Pete

Granddaughters:
Dana Andrews
Kylie Andrews

Brother: Howell Glen Hudson

Sister: Cindy Summers and husband, Jerry; sister-in-law, Nina Ruth Hughes; aunts, Verlene Roberts and Vaudine Taylor; a host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, C.B. Billingsley, and her parents, Norman Howell and Minnie Lee Hudson.

Pallbearers will be Curtis Hughes, Clifford Hughes, Levi Hughes, Randy Mora, Michael Johnson, and Shaun Milford.

Honorary pallbearers are Charles Joe Hughes, Darrell Rhodes, and Charlie Rhodes.

The family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.taylorfh.net.

07/31/2017

Funeral service for Mr. Floyd O. Osby (65) of Center, Texas will be Thursday, August 3, 2017, 11:00am at Triumph The Church and Kingdom of God in Christ (908 Daniels Street, Center, Texas). Mr. Floyd Osby died at local emergency room on Friday, July 28, 2017. Pastor, Rayford Caraway will be officiating.

Floyd is survived by:

Sister: Dorothy Bonaparte of Center, Texas

Nephews: Christopher Bonaparte, Mervin (Loraine) Osby, Tracey (Jessica) Osby, Kenyatta (Brittany) Osby, and Patrick Osby

Nieces: Sonya (Valton) Harris and Tomeka (Ken) Moody

Visitation: Thursday, August 3, 2017, from the hours of 10:00am to 11:00am just before the services.  

Committal: Westview Cemetery, Center, Texas

Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas

07/28/2017

John Thomas Gault, 77, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at the Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital of Lafayette.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church, 1100 Lee Avenue, in Lafayette.

Visitation will be observed Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 10:00 am until the time of service.

Reverend Dr. Steve Horn, Pastor and Brother Luther Burney, Assistant to the Pastor of First Baptist Church in Lafayette, will officiate.

John was born February 24, 1940 in Center, Texas and was a long-time resident of Acadiana. He graduated from Center High School in 1958 in Center, Texas. A proud veteran, John served in the United States Coast Guard.  He worked as a welding engineer serving the oilfield. John was a member of the American Welding Society for 50 plus years and served as Chairman in the Lafayette, Beaumont and Houston, Texas chapters.  He had two patents on welding procedures and authored the book, Major Welding Processes and Gases.

John was a member of Park Place Masonic Lodge #106 and the Arabia Shrine Club, both in Houston. He played in the Shrine band unit. He was an avid golfer and square dancer. He loved all kinds of music and dancing.  Most of all, John loved spending time with his family and friends.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Judy Gault of Lafayette; his children, Kathy Miguez, Kimberly Blackburn, Tommy Ginn, Amy Abbott, Darin Fountain, and John Robert Gault; one sister, Meg Albertelli; eight grandchildren, Krystal, Zachary, Karsyn, Georgia, Katom, Kelsilynn, Aubrey and Beckett and numerous dear nieces, nephews and friends.

Local Shelby County relatives who are first cousins are Nancy Lacy Warr, Janis Lacy Compton, Joe Tom Schillings, Donna Schillings Thomason, Ann Schillings Bowen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Payne and Edith Mary Lacy Gault.

The family wishes to thank the staffs at Lafayette General Medical Centers, main campus and southwest location, Magnolia Nursing Home and the Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital, all in Lafayette. The family also wishes to extend special thanks to members of First Baptist Church in Lafayette, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in John's name to the American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202, 1-800-342-2383, www.donations.diabetes.org.

Online obituary and guestbook may be viewed at www.fountainmemorialfuneralhome.com.

Fountain Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery, 1010 Pandora Street, 337-981-7098 is in charge of arrangements.

07/26/2017

Barbara Adams Miller, 75, of Center, Texas, passed away on July 25, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born in Center on January 7, 1942 to John Marlin Adams and Johnnie Frances Crocker Adams. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Barbara was raised in Center where she met Carl Miller. The two were married on December 10, 1955. Carl served his country in the United States Air Force, and Barbara stayed devoted by his side as they traveled the world during his enlistment. For over 50 years, the two shared many memories and laughter building a family here in Center before Carl’s passing. Barbara was of the Baptist faith and worked in retail and sales. She did enjoy multiple hobbies and activities outside of work and family. You could find Barbara working diligently in her flowers and plants. She most definitely could be considered to have had a green thumb! She also liked to bird watch or ride around and site see for leisure. Barbara not only had a way with plants and flowers, but also knew her way around the kitchen. She loved to cook and entertain and people would all agree that she was great at both.

She will be lovingly missed by her son, Carl Miller, Jr. of Center; daughter, Sonja K. Buckman and husband, Jay of Florida; brother, John Marlin Adams, Jr. and wife, Mary K. of Port Arthur; sister, Jan Akridge and husband, Billy of Center; and grandchild, David Harrell of Florida.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl H. Miller; son, Randall Eugene Miller; parents, John Adams and Johnnie Crocker Adams; and sister, Kathryn Vaughn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, Texas, 75284-1125 or visit https://donatenow.heart.org/

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfuneralhome.com.

07/24/2017

Doris Nation, 88, of Greenwood, Louisiana, passed away Monday, July 24, 2017, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 27, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Darrell Dean officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Ms. Nation was born June 22, 1929, in Joaquin, to Willie B. Mitchell and Bertha Blankenship Mitchell.  She enjoyed reading and quilting.  Ms. Nation was a member of Providence Road Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.

She is survived by
Children:
Enid Nation of Springfield, Missouri
Ed Nation of Shreveport, Louisiana
Rebbie Burnitt and husband, George, of Indian Trail, North Carolina
Reta Keeny and husband, David, of Greenwood, Louisiana

Grandchildren:
Michael Nation and wife, Tasha, of Shreveport, Louisiana
Patricia Nation and Cain Hughes of Shreveport, Louisiana
Cynthia Daugherty and husband, Wes, of Charlotte, North Carolina
Amy Hardwick and husband, Derrick, of Alexandria, Louisiana
Josh Keeny and wife, Brittany, of Buffalo, Missouri
Chris Keeny and wife, Vallie, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Amber Keeny of Greenwood, Louisiana

8 Great-Grandchildren

Sister: Marian Riley of Center, Texas

Brother: Curtis Mitchell and wife, Marie, of Orange, Texas

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by
Husband: Ernest Nation
Parents: Willie B. Mitchell and Bertha Blankenship Mitchell
Brother: Billy Mitchell
Brother-in-law: Harlon Riley

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

07/21/2017

Eric James Copeland, 40 of Center and Huffman, TX Born November 8, 1976, Dayton, TX - died June 8, 2017, Houston, TX

Eric died in a tragic accident doing what he dearly loved, riding his Harley motorcycle.

He is survived by his parents Ed and Elisha Copeland, Center, TX and one sister, Edie L. and Dr. James Wray, Houston, TX
Nephews: Edward, Joseph, and James Wray
Nieces:
Sofia Wray
Sarah Wray

Services were held June 11, 2017, graveside at his family's cemetery, Lenah's Noble Oaks, Aiken, TX with pastors Bob and Theresa Nix and family or friends speaking or singing in celebration of Eric's life and acknowledging that he has gone to be with his savior, Jesus. Many friends and family and his motorcycle riding group, the Wolf Pack were in attendance.

The family wish to say 'thank you' again for the many people who brought food, prepared and served food, sent or brought beautiful flowers and cared for us in our loss.

07/20/2017

Randa Jean Kelley, infant daughter of David Earl Kelley and Rachel Alford, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Nacogdoches.  

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Good Hope Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. M.D. Lamon and Bro. Richard Goodwyn officiating.

She is survived by
Mother: Rachel Alford of Center

Father: David Earl Kelley of Center

Brothers:
Adain Kelley of Mabank
Roger Kelley of Center

Grandparents:
Connie Bade and husband, Bernard of Dallas
Randy and Anita Alford of Center

Great-Grandparents:
Elizabeth Lovett of Center
Juanita and Billy Dickinson of Center

Uncle: Richard Alford of Center

Cousin: Braileigh Alford of Center

Numerous uncles and aunts, great uncles and great aunts

A host of family friends

Preceded in death by
Grandfather: Danny Kersh
Great Grandfather: Jerry Lovett

Pallbearers will be Richard Alford, Will Lovett and Rocky Jackson.

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

07/20/2017

Elzie “Ray” Barlow, 85, of Center, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Central Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Danny Dodson officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Barlow was born September 6, 1931, in Shelby County, to Guy Barlow and Minnie Lovell Barlow.  He was an avid sportsman who loved gardening and spending time with his family.

He is survived by
Wife of 60 years: Marvlet Barlow of Center

Daughters:
Cheryl Denney and husband, Jerry, of Citronelle, Alabama
Jo Anne Russell and husband, Larry, of Huntington, Texas
Connie Mora and late husband, Gregg, of Lufkin, Texas
Kathleen Grayson and husband, Johnny, of Center, Texas

Granddaughters:
Jill Rushing and husband, Dennis, of Glendale, Arizona
Jenny Covington and husband, Richard, of Chunchula, Alabama
Kimberly Lambeth and husband, Bartley, of Citronelle, Alabama
Heather Russell of Lufkin, Texas
Katherine Grayson and Gregg Baker of Center, Texas

Grandson: Chris Mora and Lori Lavano of Lufkin, Texas

Great Granddaughter: Megan Rushing of Glendale, Arizona

Great Grandsons:
Ryan Rushing of Glendale, Arizona
Ray Lambeth of Citronelle, Alabama
Jacob Lambeth of Citronelle, Alabama
Joshua Lambeth of Citronelle, Alabama
Brylan Chase of Lufkin, Texas
Mason Baker of Center, Texas

Sisters:
Neita Brockman of Texas
Gloria Watlington of South Carolina

Brother: Joe Barlow and wife, Jerrie, of Center, Texas

Brother-in-law: Ben Galloway and wife, Jodi, of San Augustine

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by
Parents: Guy Barlow and Minnie Lovell Barlow
Sisters: Sarah Hite, Alice Langford
Brothers: Tony Lovell, Franklin Barlow, Allen Barlow

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

07/19/2017

Dorothy Lee Mullins, 92, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on July 18, 2017 in Garrison, Texas. She was born on May 4, 1925 to William Horace and Ludie Bass Magness in the Weaver Community. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating. Visitation will precede the service from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Friday, July 21, 2017 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

Dorothy moved to Clute, Texas as a teen and later met V.E. “Short” Mullins. In July of 1940, the two were married and then became the proud parents to three children. They lived in Clute until 1970 when they moved back to Timpson, Texas. Dorothy was a homemaker and loved spending time with her family. She also spent much of her quiet time studying God’s word. She was a member of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church from 1970 until her passing.

Dorothy is survived by:
Her sons:
Vernon Mullins and wife, Jane
Paul Mullins and wife, Paula

Seven grandchildren

Fourteen great-grandchildren

19 great-great grandchildren

and brother, Billy Magness and wife, Mary.

She is preceded in death by her husband, V.E. Mullins; parents, W.H. and Ludie Magness; daughter, Joyce Shrum; and sisters, Betty Jo Hardin and Doris Gibbs.

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

The family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, Texas.