Obituaries
08/07/2017
Freddy Charles Lawrence, Sr., 74, of Center, Texas passed away on August 7, 2017 in Center. He was born on September 26, 1942 in Center to Rev. Fred Colquitte Lawrence and Ruth Watson Lawrence. Funeral Services for Freddy will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Pat Windham and Bro. Jerrod Nutt officiating. Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home.
Freddy was born and raised in Center and he attended school at both Center and Joaquin. He was no stranger to hard work as he spent an extended period of time working as a millwright at Brown and Root. He also worked at HB Zachry and McGill Maintenance for a number of years. He worked shut-downs later in life before retirement. Freddy met Patricia Stanley in the 70’s through a mutual acquaintance and the two were joined in marriage on April 7, 1979 at New Hope Congregational Methodist Church.
Together they raised a beautiful family in Center. When Freddy was not at work, he could be found working as a cattle rancher. This was a true passion of his that he dedicated most of his free time to. He grew very interested in politics, investments, and other social and economic issues later in his life. Papa, as his grandchildren referred to him, would be described as a quiet and reserved man, but was witty and lighthearted when his family was around.
Freddy is survived by:
His loving wife: Patricia
Sons:
Charles Lawrence of Texarkana, Arkansas
David Lawrence of Center
Daughter: Melissa Munoz and husband, Alex of Center
Sister-in-law: Jeanette Tinkle and husband Pat, of Tyler
Grandchildren:
Jeremy
Tara
John
Alexis
Avery
Mia
Elizabeth
Desiree
Victoria
Justin
Jonathan
Jeffery
Aaron
Eight great-grandchildren
Numerous relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Alan Lawrence and Greg Lawrence; great-granddaughters, Kendra and Melanie Barker; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bruce and Audrie Stanley; sister-in-law, Sarah Helms and husband, Charles.
Serving as pallbearers are Jerrod Nutt, Sean Crouch, Darrell Johnson, David Lawrence, Charles Lawrence and Alex Munoz. Honorary pallbearer will be Arthur Thornton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Drive, Lufkin, Texas, 75904 or visit https://donate3.cancer.org.
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfuneralhome.com.
08/03/2017
Graveside services for Mr. Gene Ritter, 87, of Tenaha, Texas will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Mt. Bethel Cemetery with Bro. Clifton Ritter officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be 10-11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral home. Mr. Ritter passed away August 2, 2017 in Center, Texas.
Mr. Aubrey Gene Ritter was born May 21, 1930 in Meadow, Texas. He was the youngest of two sons born to Rufus Randolph and Zettie Ray Smiley Ritter. Gene graduated from Tenaha High School with the class of 1948 and later served his country through the U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Ritter worked for Amoco Oil Company as a Process Superintendent and retired on July 1, 1990 with 38 years of service. Gene loved to tinker, work on cars, dance, read and work crossword puzzles. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Gene Randolph Ritter; and brother, Wallace Ritter.
Mr. Ritter is survived by his children, Shirley Marie Jeanes of Houston, Glennon Ritter and wife Dianna of League City; grandchildren, Lindsey Shulz, Brandi Salisbury, David Jeanes; great grandchildren, Kyzer Shulz, Summer Jeanes, Levi Jeanes, Autumn Salisbury; very dear friend, Billie Lorraine Wilson; best friend, Dale Stepp; numerous other relatives and friends.
If desired, the family requests that donations be made in Gene’s name to the charity of your choice.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com
08/03/2017
Delores Windham, 65, of Nacogdoches, passed away Monday, July 28, 2017, in Nacogdoches.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 3, 2017, at Antioch Cemetery in Center with Bro. Don Windham officiating.
Ms. Windham was born December 23, 1951, in Shelby County, to Elzie Windham and Corinne Meyers Windham.
She is survived by
Sons:
Rodney Green of Center
Bobby Joe Green of Nacogdoches
Grandchildren:
Bryan Keith Green
Rodney Scott Shaw
Marissa Lenoy and husband, Caleb
Dalton Keith Green
6 Great-Grandchildren
Brother: Roger Windham
Sisters:
Charlotte Hughes
Donna Whittington
Numerous nieces, nephews and other family
Preceded in death by
Son: Keith Allen Green
Parents: Elzie Windham and Corinne Meyers Windham
Brother: Randy Windham
Sisters: Louise Meyers, Jerelyn Richards
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
08/02/2017
Jerelyn W. Richards, 73, of Center, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2017, in Houston.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 5, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Shelby County.
Ms. Richards was born February 19, 1944, in Shelby County, to Elzie Windham and Corine Meyers Windham. She loved spending time with her family. Her hobbies included fishing and canning.
She is survived by
Children:
Johnny Richards and wife, Paula, of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana
Wayne Richards and wife, Lucinda, of Center
Gene Richards and wife, Jo Ann, of Center
Mathew Byrd of Louisiana
Grandchildren:
Casadie L. Richards
Wynona R. Richards
Robin D. Richards
Waylon W. Richards
Cordel L. Richards
Shalyn Grapes
Great-Grandchildren:
Braelyn Cosby
William Richards
Brother:
Roger Windham of Center
Sisters:
Donna Whitington of Center
Charlott Hughes of Center
Special Uncle:
Preston Windham of Center
Numerous nieces and nephews
A host of family and friends
Preceded in death by
Husband: James W. Richards
Parents: Elzie Windham and Corine Meyers Windham
Sisters: Louis Windham, Deloris Windham
Brother: Randy Windham
Pallbearers will be Rufus Byrd Jr., Harald Self, Waylon Richards, Cory Hagler, Dwayne Band and Larry James Moss. Honorary pallbearer will be Preston Windham.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
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.
08/01/17
Fay B. McSwain Allen, 89, of Center, passed away Monday, July 31, 2017, in Center.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Ms. Allen was born October 31, 1927, in Center, to Jess O. Bush and I. T. Williams Bush. She was a member of Hurst Street Church of Christ.
She is survived by
Daughters-in-law:
Mary Jane McSwain of Timpson
Rose Jenkins and husband, John, of Center
Grandchildren:
Sam McSwain of Center
Sandra McSwain of Timpson
Honorary Grandson: Michael McSwain
Great-Grandchildren:
Brittany McSwain
Shon Lout
Cobin McSwain
Torin McSwain
Step-Children:
Randy Allen and wife, Lisa, of Bossier City, Louisiana
Sheila Mills and husband, Robert, of Shreveport, Louisiana
Step-Grandchildren:
Josh Leonard of Shreveport, Louisiana
Shelby Leonard of Shreveport, Louisiana
Devin Cartwright and husband, Brady, of Benton, Louisiana
Cory Allen and wife, Mindy, of Benton, Louisiana
4 Step-Great-Grandchildren
Special Sisters-in-law:
Mary McSwain of Center
Juanita Bush of Mt. Pleasant
Preceded in death by
Husband: Gene McSwain
Husband: Bill Allen
Sons: Larry McSwain, David McSwain
Grandson: Mitchell McSwain
Brothers: Ozroe Bush, Ray Bush
Sister: Thelma Langley
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
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
Funeral service for Pam Pettigrew (40) of Center, Texas will be Tuesday, August 1, 2017, 2pm at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church (623 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935). Mrs. Pettigrew died at local emergency room on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. Rev. L. Tatum will be officiating.
Pam is survived by:
Grandmother: Gloria Lee Pettigrew of Center, Texas
Son: DeShon Pettigrew of Center, Texas
Godson: Reggie Daniels II of Center, Texas
Brothers: Jasper Pettigrew of Center, Texas; Ala Cartwright of Center, Texas; James Cartwright of Nacogdoches; and Willie Earl (Nenita) Cartwright of Jacksonville, Texas
Sisters: Alice Cartwright; Loretta (Charlvin) Doty; Linda Cartwright, and Peggy Cartwright all of Jacksonville, Texas
Special Friend: Deborah Daniels
Visitation: Monday, July 31, 2017 6:00pm-8:00pm Hicks Chapel
Committal: Westview Cemetery, Center, Texas
Repass: Bright Morning Star Baptist Church
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.
07/27/2017
Ronald Jay Clark, 68, of Center, Texas, passed away on July 27, 2017 in Tyler, Texas. He was born on November 28, 1948 in Center to Henry Jay Clark and Frances Wright Clark. Funeral services for Ronald will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bobby Warr officiating. Interment will follow at Clever Creek Cemetery.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, July 28, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Clever Creek Baptist Church, 199 CR 1042, Center, Texas 75935. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfuneralhome.com.
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.
07/25/2017
Lena Mae Jones, 65 of Center, passed away Saturday evening, July 22, 2017 at CHI St. Luke Health, Lufkin, Texas.
Funeral service is Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 2pm at Loop 500 Church of Christ, Center, Texas. Interment is at Westview Cemetery with Minister Lavel Tukes, Sr. officiating.
She is survived by:
Husband, Larry Jones of Center
Sons:
Anthony (Ashley) Jones of Nacogdoches
Marcus Smith of Nacogdoches
7 Grandchildren
Sister, Eula (James) Harris of Houston
Brothers:
Charles (Eunice) Williams of Timpson
Fate (Neta) Williams of Center
James (Paul) Williams of Center
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
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
07/24/2017
Peggie Sue Williams, 73, of Center, Texas, passed away on July 22, 2017 in Center. She was born on September 23, 1943 in Center, Texas to Charlie Doyle Watson and Annie Ruth Windham Watson. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Sardis Cemetery with Bro. Pat Windham officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Sardis Church.
Peggie grew up in Center and was a member of the Center High School graduating class of 1961. After high school, she attended Stephen F. Austin State University and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. For over 30 years, Peggie put her degree to work as a physical education teacher in the public school system. Peggie was also a life-long member of Center Missionary Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife of almost 53 years to her husband, Johnny Williams and loving mother to her children, Jeff and Stacia. Her life was one of kindness, compassion and love for others. She enjoyed most the moments spent with her family, especially her children and grandchildren.
Peggie is survived by her husband, Johnny Williams of Center; son, Jeff Williams of Center; daughter, Stacia Fisher and husband, Kenneth of Nederland, Texas; grandchildren, Katlyn Williams of Groves, Texas, Cole and Dean Fisher of Nederland; Great-Grandchildren, Emilia Williams and Everett Hunter; brother, Bobby Watson and wife, Linda of Center; Special aunt, Shirley Shofner; Special cousin, Pam Lawson; and Special life-long friend, Judy Matthews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Doyle Watson and Annie Ruth Windham Watson.
Pallbearers for Mrs. Williams’ service will be Chris Hunter, Cole Fisher, Dean Fisher, Ken Fisher, Buster Bounds, and Charlie Verrett.
Honorary pallbearers are Preston Windham and Joe Shofner.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Sardis Cemetery, 6034 FM 414, Center, Texas, 75935.
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfuneralhome.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
Funeral service for Tamara Rochelle Nickerson Harris (33) of Dallas, Texas will be Saturday, July 22, 2017, 11am at Abundant Love Ministries (1426 Shelbyville St. Center, Texas 75935). Tamara is a 2002 Center High School graduate. Minister Kevin Dones will be officiating.
Tamara is survived by:
Children:
DeKylin Hoyt
Elisha Hoyt
DeQualan J. Harris, Jr.
Parents: Dana Randle and LaGinia Nickerson of Dallas, Texas
Brother: Onaska (Monique) Evans of Center, Texas
Sisters:
LaRhonda (Carlos) Garrett of Longview, Texas
LaTundra Nickerson of Dallas, Texas
Dana Randle of Dallas, Texas.
Committal: Westview Cemetery, Center, Texas
Repass: Abundant Love Ministries
Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas
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
Noah “Jody” Lee Kennedy, Jr was born August 6, 1950 in Rawlins, Wyoming and went home to be with Jesus July 8, 2017 in Shreveport, LA after a lengthy illness.
Cherishing his memory are his loving wife of 7 years Barbara Kennedy. Children: April Ham and husband Michael; Chad McCormick and wife Lisa; Mechelle Johnson and husband Harley; Pam Lindgren and husband Johny; Grandchildren: Emerson Ham; Scarlett McCormick; Katey Johnson; Justin, Jacob, and Madison Lindgren. Step Grandson: Levi McCormick. Adopted Grandson: Colton Nichols Great Grandson Maddox Johnson. Adopted Daughter and Family: Cansas Ellis and husband Mark and their son Merick; along with a host of special friends, family, and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Noah was raised in Oklahoma and graduated Talihina High School in 1968 where he was a proud member of the 1966 Golden Tiger State Champions. Noah went on to have a rich career in public service in Oklahoma. He served on the Talihina Volunteer Fire Department and later worked as a Deputy for Talihina Police Department then went on to serve as the Sheriff in Wilburton. During that time Noah was very actively involved with Shriners and the Masonic community.
Anyone that knew Noah knows that he loved a good adventure and in true Noah Kennedy fashion he left Oklahoma and came to Texas. Texas had an abundance of adventure and new experiences for Noah. He started a new career path in pipelining and became Senior Chief Pipeline Inspector at CenterPoint Energy & Devon Pipeline. In 2010 Noah met Barbara and they married at Still Waters Cowboy Church. Noah was an extremely active member of Still Waters for 7 years during which time he worked tirelessly to help Still Waters grow and build new buildings to manage the tremendous growth Still Waters is experiencing. Noah also served as a Church Elder for 3 years at Still Waters.
Noah discovered a new hobby of gunsmithing and hydro-graphics and eventually opened Possum Flats Custom Graphics. Noah loved to spend hours out in the shop working on guns and hydro-dipping anything that he could get wet. Noah liked to show off Possum Flats work with his grand daughter Emmerson
In his free time Noah enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, taking adventures on the motorcycle with his wife Barbara & riding buddies, Rodney & Liz Manasco & Rodney & Nanette Hall
Noah was preceded in death by his parents Peggy & Noah Lee Kennedy Sr.
Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life at Still Waters Cowboy Church 1699 Hwy 315 Carthage TX 75633 on Saturday July 29, 2017 at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial donation be made to Still Waters Cowboy Church-Covered Arena Fund P.O. Box 166 Carthage TX 75633.
To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. Noah is LIVING in the presence of the One who created him.
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
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 will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, Timpson, Texas. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel.
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