Shelby County Today

09/18/2024

Angie I. Nail, 48, of Timpson, TX, passed away on the evening of Friday, September 13, 2024. Born on April 21, 1976, Angie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Good Hope Baptist Church with Bro. John Raines and Bro. Eric Pledger officiating. Visitation will be held immediately prior to funeral services beginning at 1:00.

A proud graduate of Panola College, Angie dedicated her life to her family. She was married to James Nail, whom she met in June 2020. Together, they shared a beautiful love story that brought joy and laughter to their lives. Angie was a devoted mother to her two children and a cherished Nana to her eight grandchildren. Her family was her everything, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Angie was known for her infectious spirit and loving nature. She could often be found with a Coke from Quick Stop in one hand and her beloved hand cream in the other. She had a special fondness for frogs, dogs, and animals of all kinds. A true caregiver, Angie was always ready to listen and lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

She was a woman of faith, believing in God with a strong heart. Angie’s sense of time may have never improved, but her heart was always in the right place, making every moment spent with her family and friends feel like a precious gift.

Angie is survived by:

Loving husband, James Nail

Children:
Kristen Grace Lawrence and son-in-law, Kurtes Lawrence
Keith Ryan Mims and daughter-in-law, Amber Mims

Mother, Cathy Windham

Father, Arron Windham

Cherished grandchildren: Rylee, Ashton, Jackson, Aaron, Edwin, Bentley, Hudson, and Stetson

Sister, Carrie Osmer and brother-in-law, Shane Osmer

Sister, Bobbie Smith and brother-in-law, Scott Smith

Sister, Cheri Branton

Brother, Ronnie Fitzgerald

Aunt Jean and Uncle Duane Gibbs

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Grace and Milton Pledger, and her paternal grandparents, Artie B. and Thomas Daniel Windham.

A celebration of Angie’s life will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Good Hope Baptist Church, 1813 FM2667, Timpson, TX 75975. Public viewing to take place 1pm to 2pm. Funeral services will follow from 2pm to 3pm. There will be no graveside service.

Angie’s loving spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.

Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home.

09/16/2024

Bonnie Sherrod Kaemmerling slipped into the arms of Jesus at her home on Saturday, September 14, 2024. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, Lufkin, TX on September 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. 

Bonnie was born in Center, TX to Beurnis W. and Anna Andrews Sherrod on August 10, 1944. She was preceeded in death by her parents, brother (unnamed-died at birth 1939), sister Kathy Wilburn-Philmon (born 1940), and her soulmate, David Carl Kaemmerling after 50 ½ years of marriage. She was also preceeded in death by her brothers-in-law Kenneth Wilburn, Willard Philmon, Calvin Kaemmerling, nephews Randall and Ralph Wilburn, and special cousin Butch Andrews.

Bonnie and David leave behind:
A beautiful daughter Angela Barker, husband, Jeff

Son, Colt Barker who Granny thought was her own

Also left behind is Bonnie’s stepson Shawn Kaemmerling, wife Glenna, and their families Hunter Kaemmerling, Kalyn Harris, Jettie Harris, Madie Flores, and Mylei Parks.

She leaves behind her beloved pets and a sister-in-law Ann Kaemmerling as well.

She leaves behind a large group of friends and church family from Trinity Baptist Church and Hillcrest Baptist Church. Some of her dearest friends left behind are:
Linda Reinhart
Janis Compton
Karen Oliver
Peggy Brock
Judy Woods
Judy Winger
Joann Andrews
Lynn Repp
Bea Stovall
Peggy Engelbrecht
Ruth Cowart

There are just too many friends to name them all, as all of them are special. 

Bonnie graduated from Center High School in 1962 and from Nacogdoches Business School in 1963. She proudly drove around in her 1964 Chevy Impala Convertible. She moved to Lufkin, met David, and after a whirlwind romance became “Bonnie Momma” to his son Shawn. She has affectionately been known as “Bonnie Momma” ever since.

Bonnie had many interests in life. After raising her family, she learned oil painting in 2000 and received numerous ribbons in local shows. Then she and David retired, spent about 15 years camping and saltwater fishing, making many new friends on the coast and camping in the RV.

Bonnie began her battle with cancer in 2005, having battled several different kinds of cancer until she succumbed to it on Saturday, September 14, 2024.        

Special memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 1641 FM 325, Lufkin, TX 75901; Hillcrest Baptist Church, 2005 Ford Chapel Rd, Lufkin, TX 75901; The Monastery of Infant Jesus, 1501 Lotus Lane, Lufkin, TX 75904. 

Services are under the direction of Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.

09/13/2024

Donald Dean Cooper, 88 years old, of Huxley, TX, died on September 11,2024. Born on June 2, 1936, in Montgomery County, Kansas, he was the son of the late Charles E. and Edna L. (Harmon) Cooper.

Donald's life was marked by a spirit of adventure and a dedication to service. He spent 40 years as a truck driver, logging 4 million miles without a chargeable accident, a testament to his professionalism and dedication to safety.

He and his wife had a farm in Missouri and raised alfafa, cattle, feeder pigs and sheep. He was transferred to KC KS and moved to Independence, Mo., then moved to Calico Rock, AR and raised ostriches, where he became an avid fisherman.  After moving to Huxley area, he turned to welding and building their home and helping those around him when needed.

Donald's zest for life was evident in his diverse hobbies and interests. He was a pilot, a parachute instructor and jumpmaster in the KC, MO. area, a scuba diver involved in water rescue unit and volunteer fireman in Missouri. His love for the outdoors extended to water skiing, snow skiing, hunting and fishing. In his later years, he particularly enjoyed fishing.  He was raised in the masonic lodge in October, 1960, he was a member of Warren Lodge No. 74, Keytesville, MO. and Sam Houston No. 32, Shelbyville, TX.

He is survived by:

Wife, Virginia J Bettes Cooper

Children:
William L, Cooper, Gate City, VA
Philip B. Pixler of Salina, KS
Tina D. and husband Sean Brandt of Lee's Summit, MO
Theresa Bowlin of Independence, MO

Sister-in-law, Darlene Cooper

Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews

As well as long-time friends and neighbors

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Carlos and Robert; sister, Betty Cooper McCampbell; step-daughter, Nina L. Pixler Ferestad; and niece, Cheryl McCampbell Bangs.

Donald requested to be cremated with no service, a life celebration is planned for the future.

The family suggests that contributions in Donald's memory be made to Shriner's Children’s Hospital of Shreveport, LA.

Watson and Sons of Center, TX are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

09/11/2024

Archie Lee Swindle, 81, passed away September 6, 2024.

A memorial service will be held at the Windham Civic Center, 146 Express Blvd, Center, Tx 75935, on 9/21/24 at 10:30 am.

Archie was born to Ranzie and Dorothy Swindle on September 21, 1942 in Shelbyville (Possum Trot), Texas. He graduated East Liberty High School, attended college in Mississippi on a basketball scholarship, and continued playing basketball during his 9 years in the Air Force. It was during this time, in 1966, that he met and married Clarice Greenwood from San Antonio, Texas. After leaving the military service to care for his father, Archie once again joined the family logging business, working with his father, brothers, nephews and sons over the years.

In 1979 Archie became one of Jehovah's Witnesses. His easy way of speaking with people, his smile and his joking manner made him very approachable and even young children were drawn to him, despite his 6'3" height.

Archie's faith was obvious to all, even to the hospital staff during his final weeks of life. He made sure to share with them and with others the wonderful hope that he held dear - the hope of a resurrection to life in an earthly paradise in the very near future. Scriptures, such as Revelation 21:3,4, where we read that sickness and death will be removed, were among his favorite verses, and he would often reason with people that sickness and death don't exist in heaven, so wouldn't they have to be done away with here on earth, where they exist? He would then quote Matthew 5:5, where Jesus himself said the meek, or mild tempered will inherit the earth. Archie's faith in the coming earthly paradise was unshakable. We look so forward to seeing him there.

Archie was preceded in death by his parents, Ranzie and Dorothy Swindle, his son Jonathan Swindle and his daughter Lisa Marie Swindle Hill.

He is survived by:

Beloved wife of almost 58 years, Clarice Greenwood Swindle

Sons:
Levard Swindle (Heidi) of Shelbyville
Gerald Swindle of Nacogdoches

Siblings:
Lena Mae Swindle Blanson (Charles) of Shelbyville
Linda Swindle Wallace of Amarillo
AC Swindle of Center
Helen Swindle of Shelbyville
Charles Swindle (Giselle) of Lufkin
Wanda Swindle of Shelbyville
Michael Swindle (Dorothy) of Shreveport La

Grandchildren:
Jadavian Swindle
Xavier Hill
Janesha Swindle
Christavious Swindle
Jasmine Swindle

As well as nieces, nephews, family members, friends, and his congregation in Center.

09/08/2024

Viva Mae Cox, 84, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2024. She was born on January 21, 1940, in Orange, Texas, to the late Clinton Franklin and Sarah (Guillory) Franklin.

Graveside service will be held at 10:30AM on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at East Hamilton Cemetery with Bro. Don Richey officiating. 

Visitation will be prior to the graveside service beginning at 10AM at the East Hamilton Cemtery pavilion. 

Viva “Nanny” was the beloved wife of Dudley Cox, with whom she shared 48 wonderful years of marriage. She was a devoted mother to five children: Bruce, Carole, Patty, Melinda, and Brenda, a cherished grandmother to nine grandchildren, and a great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren, with more on the way.

Viva’s life was filled with love, creativity, and care. She had a passion for crafts—sewing, quilting—along with cooking and gardening. She also had a special fondness for hummingbirds—the little things that make life beautiful. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the inviting smell of her famous biscuits, for which everyone sought the recipe. When busy with her crafts, one had to be cautious when sitting in her favorite chair, as it often resembled a pin cushion, scattered with tools of her trade.

For many years, Viva worked as a seamstress at Franklin's Sporting Goods, where she artfully stitched the names and numbers of athletes onto jerseys. One of her proudest moments was being entrusted with creating new uniforms for the Houston Astros after theirs were lost—an accomplishment she treasured, feeling she had contributed to her community in a special way.

Viva is survived by:
Loving husband, Dudley Cox of Shelbyville

Brother, Virgil Franklin of Huxley

Daughters:
Patty Cox of Kilgore
Melinda Mannino, and husband Bob, of Lumberton
Brenda Reinhardt, and husband Randy, of Mauriceville.

She also leaves behind her nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy.

She is preceded in death by her father, Clinton Franklin; her mother, Sarah Franklin; her sister, Patricia Yaw; her son, Bruce Rodriguez; her daughter, Carole Buell; and her son-in-law, Mark Cox.

Pallbearers will be Brad Rodriguez, Cris Miller, Jason Cox, Michael Buell, Bryce Miller, and Landon Miller. Honorary pallbearers include Virgil Franklin, Randy Franklin, Robert Franklin, Bob Mannino, Randy Reinhardt, Jeff Buell, Caleb Smith, Brad Morgan, Doyle Miller, and Robert Risinger.

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

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

09/06/2024

Marsha Ann (Hooper) Tomlinson, 79 of Timpson, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. A devoted daughter, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, Marsha was known for her devotion to her family, school and community and her deep faith in God.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Timpson with Bro. W. Dee Daniel officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM.

Daughter of Marshal and Gladys (Beckham) Hooper, she was born on October 4, 1944, in Houston, TX. She spent her summers in Timpson. She graduated from South Houston High School in 1962 and remained friends with Bobbie and Carolyn. After graduating high school, she moved to Timpson where she married William Henry Byrd, Jr. Together, they had a daughter, Tracy. Their marriage was short-lived, and she moved back to Pasadena, TX.

Years later, she met and married Donald Tomlinson, they eventually moved to Timpson, TX. and they were married for 25 years. 

She began a career in Tupperware and was lovingly known as “The Tupperware Lady”. Later she began working for Timpson ISD elementary school as a para-professional. After retiring, she began substitute teaching at Timpson ISD. She was dearly loved by all the children. Over the years, she made numerous friends (teachers and staff) at school. The teachers loved her so much and they would argue over who got to “have her” sub in their classes. She was also known around town for being the “Cat Lady”. She rescued and placed over 300 cats with the support of the town of Timpson and Diboll Alley Cats.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sisters Reba Anderson and Norma Jeanne Epps, and niece Deborah Bradberry Tuscana.

She is survived by:

Daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and William “Bubba” Lee of Timpson.

Grandchildren:
Tommy Lee and wife Jessica
Christopher Lee and wife Brittany

Great-grandchildren:
Chase Lee
Kristen Lilly
Angel Amburn
Kalyn Lee
Dixie Lee
Dakota Lee
Branton Payne
Casyn Lee
Mary Ann Lee
Payzlie Lee
Cheyene Lee

13 great-great-grandchildren

Nephew, James C. Bradbery of Nevada. Nieces, Gael Killion Denner and husband Harold Denner of Houston, TX; Pat Killion Ener and husband Dale Ener of Hemphill, TX; Anna Lou Bradberry Clark of Clute, TX; Paula Annette Epps and husband James “Bubba” Scott of Timpson; and Shanna Yancey Schoening and husband Dion Schoening of Timpson, TX.

Many great nieces and great nephews.

Special friends that she loved like family include: Molly Campbell, Staci Searcy, Ashley Mince, April Ramsey, Katie Hroncich, Maureen Hunt, Elizabeth Packard, and last but not least, Lindsey Tipton.

Pallbearers serving will be William “Bubba” Lee, James “Bubba” Scott, Tommy Lee, Christopher Lee, Chase Lee and Johnny Hooper.

Services entrusted to Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

09/04/2024

Amanda Nicole Oates Weaver, 49, of Timpson, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in Timpson.

Funeral service will be held at 1pm, Friday, September 6, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 11am with Bro. Clark Bynum and Jim Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Born September 11, 1974, in Center, Amanda is the daughter of Larry Oates and Kathryn Oates. She taught kindergarten for 24 years at Center Christian Academy and worked at the Century Shoppe for 20 years. Amanda loved cooking, shopping, and spending time with her family. She was a member of Revival Tabernacle in Center.

She is survived by:

Husband, Randy Weaver of Timpson

Son, Trey Weaver of Timpson

Parents, Larry and Kathryn Oates of Shelbyville

Numerous aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Jeff and Edna Lightfoot and Jessie and Vashti Oates.

Pallbearers will be Juston Barbee, Derek Barbee, Clay Barbee, George Welch, Levi Birdwell, and Aaron Triplett.

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

09/01/2024

James Delbert "Bubba" Timmons, 80 of Timpson, passed away peacefully at his home on August 30th in Timpson, TX. 

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at Corinth Baptist Church with Bro. Carroll Jones officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 4:00 PM.

Son of Lily Pearl (Rice) and Delbert Riley Timmons, he was born May 18, 1944, in Navasota, TX. He entered the Navy after leaving high school, serving proudly during Vietnam. He worked many years on shrimp boats in Galveston Bay, but the majority of his career was working as a pipefitter for Brown & Root and later Halliburton. He received extensive on-the-job safety training and served as a paramedic at the paper plant. He also had a plumbing license for many years and used his skills to help anyone who needed help with a plumbing job.

After retirement in 2006, he dedicated most of his time to fishing.  His family joked about him being a “crappie whisperer” because he could catch fish when no one else could find them. As much as he loved to fish, he didn’t like to eat it; so, it became a personal challenge for him to keep friends’ and family’s freezers stocked with fish.

He later moved to Timpson to be closer to his grandkids who were truly the light of his life. If the kids were involved in a school or sporting event, you were sure to find him there. He was a loyal friend and loved by many including “the girls at the office (Texas Quick Care)” and his buddies at the auto store he would visit every day.

Bubba was also a faithful member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson, TX. He had accepted Jesus as his Savior and was secure in his faith. There weren’t many Sunday mornings he wasn’t standing at the front door serving as security for the church.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, a sister (Connie Cade), and brother (Danny Wayne Timmons).

He is survived by:

Daughter, Brandi Timmons, of Houston

Son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Katy Timmons, of Timpson

Most adored grandchildren – Connor, Kaleigh, Quinn, and Caroline Timmons

Sister, Jeniece Miles
Sister, Billy Overturf
Sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Charlie McLawchlin

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

Along with special friends - Cade, Tracie, Cole and Mallory Yarbrough; Katy McKee and Kimmy Leal

Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

08/31/2024

Alma Lettie Furlow, 98, of Logansport, passed away Friday, August 30, 2024, in Joaquin.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 2, 2024, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Sister Melba Rodgers will officiate. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana.

Born March 13, 1926, in Logansport, Louisiana, Alma is the daughter of Augustus Loran Strong and Ada Clara Atwood Strong. She was a member of Mims Springs Baptist Church in Logansport, Louisiana.

She is survived by:

Children:
Larry and Brenda Furlow
Harry Furlow
Sandra David
Lennis Holt
Rebecca Crawford

Grandchildren:
Donnie and Jami Furlow
Darren and Sharon Furlow
Holli and Terry Taylor
Tara McArthur
Cherry Holt Pringle
Bambie Holt
Kevin and Teresa Holt
A’Dana and Dwayne Bernard

Great-grandchildren:
Hannah and Randy Baldazo
Chelsea and James Pharis
Zachery and Torie McCormick
Lyndsi and Jake Clark
Haley and Cody Nichols
Coy Taylor
Vernonica Crawford
Ayevah Kendrick
Alayna Haley
Vayah McArthur
Caleb and Kandace Metcalf
Lani and Chris Kendrick
Jacy Williams
Boone and Sheena Davis
Jonathan and Ashlie Cheshire
Haley Holt
Hunter and Brittany Holt
Haven Price
Autumn and Cory Livingston
Kelli and Jacob Buttler
James and Alexis Falcon
Hannah Holt
Joseph Falcon
Amber and Jeremy Oliver
Courtney and OC Stroud
Katy and Henry McKinney
Becca May and Dylan Adams
Seth Crawford
Daniel Crawford

Great-great-grandchildren: Camryn, Kreed, Sawyer, Addy, Ethan, Wesley, Dante, Gideon, Kaylee, Rynlee, Cooper, Taighen, James Lee, Khloe, Chance, Serenity, Faith, Ashlynn, Logan James, Zayden, Huxlynn, Conway, Benjy, Lynda Rose, Levi, Ryleigh, Rhett, Kennli, KK (Kadyn), and Lily.

Special friend, Kay Bates

Preceded in death by her husband, Harold Furlow; daughter, Linda Holt; parents; sisters, Mittie Lee Burket and Hazel Boyd; and brother, Lester Strong.

Pallbearers will be Donnie Furlow, Jonathon Cheshire, Darren Furlow, Hunter Holt, Dwayne Bernard, and Boone Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Dale Arbuckle, Ricky Arbuckle, David Graves, Wayne Taylor, and Kevin Holt.

A special thanks to Affinity Hospice, Mallory, Rae, and Tristan for their compassionate care.

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