Shelby County Today

08/11/2024

Jane Ingram Morrison, 94, of Center, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born October 12, 1929, in Call, Texas to Russell Wood Ingram and Mildred Henderson Ingram.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm, Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 10am, Friday, August 16, 2024, at Fairview Cemetery in Center. Bro. Malcolm Monroe will officiate.

Jane Ruth Morrison, loving wife, mother and Mema, graduated from Center High School and later married the love of her life, Tommy Morrison. The couple was a “24/7” team both inside and outside of their home. In 1984, their partnership expanded when Jane Ruth joined the family business working alongside her husband at Morrison Insurance Agency where she played an active role until retiring in 2023.

Jane Ruth was always impeccably dressed, whether going to the farm or a special outing. Regardless of the situation, this gracious lady had a kind word for those she came in contact with. She was an avid bridge player and hosted her Club the month prior to her death. She was a long-time member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Center Woman’s Reading Club where she made many lifelong friends. While known as wonderful hostess and compassionate friend, in her role as “Mema” she made every grandchild feel special. While each will treasure the birthday cards containing a $10 bill and the inscription, “Enjoy a hamburger on me!”, the memories of amazing arm and back scratches, Jello cups with fruit or riding in the front of the truck with “Big Daddy” and stopping at Gene’s to share 1 can of Coke and 1 can of Vienna sausage will never be forgotten. Jane Ruth Morrison leaves behind a legacy that will be treasured by all who knew her.

Survivors include:

Son, Tem Morrison and wife Connie of Shelbyville
Daughter, Sharon Morrison Crelia and husband James of Center

Grandchildren:
Thomas Morrison and Diana
Taylor Silva and husband Carlos
Jennifer Fausett and husband Randy
Stephanie Oney and husband Will
Philip Crelia and wife Tristyn
Joey Williams and wife Shea

Great-grandchildren:
Zachary Fausett and wife Madison
Mallory Chessher and husband Caden
Luke Fausett
Kamryn, Kenzie, and Hunter Oney
Saylor and Sutton Crelia
Charlie and Henry Silva
Braylon, Briley, Brynlie, and Brystol Williams

Great-great-grandchildren:
Hayes Chessher
Darcie Fausett

Sister-in-law, Mary Ingram of Diboll

Nieces and nephews:
John Morrison and wife Anne and family
Elizabeth and husband Dr. Trent Carlyle
Trey Ingram and wife Clis

Great-nieces and great-nephews:
Caroline and Cooper Carlyle
Nate, Wood, and Ella Ingram

Preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Morrison; parents, Russell Wood Ingram and Mildred Henderson Ingram; brother, Dr. Woody Ingram; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. T.E. Morrison.

Pallbearers will be Philip Crelia, Thomas Morrison, Luke Fausett, Randy Fausett, Zachary Fausett, and Will Oney.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Carlos Silva, Caden Chessher, Joey Williams, and Hunter Oney.

Donations to honor her memory and life can be made to the following: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – cff.org/donate; The Fannie Brown Booth Library; The First Methodist Church of Center; or the First Baptist Church of Center.

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

08/08/2024

DeRon Vondre Bowlds, 41, peacefully passed away Monday, July 29, 2024. DeRon Vondre Bowlds, affectionately known as D-Bo, was born on May 18, 1983.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11am Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Old Zion Baptist Church, 1901 Screamville Road, Grand Cane, Louisiana with Elder Dwight Gatlin, officiating. Visitation is from 10am until 8pm on Friday, August 9 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Visitation is at 10am until service time on Saturday, August 10 at Old Zion Baptist Church, Grand Cane, Louisiana. Interment is at Hogeye Cemetery.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Old Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Joe Lee Robinson, Sr.. D-Bo will be remembered for his infectious smile and his passion for the color red.

D-Bo was preceded in death by his father: Mr. Jerry Wayne Bledsoe. Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Mother, Brenda Faye Bowlds of Logansport, Louisiana

Children:
DeAndre Mikale Bowlds
LaVondre J. MeMillon
Jayla Washington

Brothers:
Hurley Smith (Sholonda) of Suitland, MD
Nadar Bowlds of Tulsa, OK
Kevin Bledsoe of San Augustine, TX
Jerry Wayne Bledsoe, Jr. of San Augustine, TX

Sister, LaShonda Bledsoe of San Augustine, Texas

Special aunties and uncle:
Annie Bledsoe
Shelia Rogers
Robert and Jeanette White

Special cousins:
Tremayne Smith
Donald Brian Smith
Alysia Smith
Elisha Rogers
Tre Rogers

Host of other aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends will cherish his memories.

May the memories of DeRon Vondre Bowlds live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace D-Bo.

Service entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

08/07/2024

Kenneth Harvey Dyber, 61, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home in Center on August 3, 2024.

A memorial service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home on Saturday, August 10th at 11am with Rabbi Craig Rosenstein officiating. Kenny’s family will receive visitors immediately preceding the service at 10am on Saturday, August 10th at Mangum Funeral Home.

Kenny was born in New York City on April 12, 1963. His parents were Miriam (Mickey) Dyber and Rabbi Seymour Baumrind. Kenny’s life was full of adventure. He grew up in and around New York City during his childhood and teenage years. As a young adult, he moved to Israel where he joined a kibbutz and served in the Israeli Defense Forces for several years.

Kenny loved many things about life on the kibbutz, but he especially treasured the time he spent caring for his nieces. Upon his return to New York, he worked in the garment district where he loved learning about the fashion industry and building relationships across the city. He then pursued training and served as an EMT in Pennsylvania, where he met lifelong friends. Kenny was proud to start and run his own small business as an owner/operator long-haul truck driver.

His truck driving career gave him the opportunity to travel all across the United States with his faithful bulldog, Snowflake. Kenny loved to share his passion for travel and adventure by taking his sons with him on the truck whenever possible. He made his home in Center for the last twenty-two years after meeting and falling in love with his wife, JoLynn Fountain. He showed remarkable resilience as he struggled with many health concerns in recent years. He formed a special bond with his brother-in-law, Walter Anderson, who faithfully accompanied him to many doctors appointments. Kenny leaves behind family and friends around the world whose lives were enriched by knowing and being loved by him.

Kenny is survived by:
His wife, JoLynn Fountain 
Sons:
Josh Lopater of Fall River, Massachusetts
Adam Dyber of Islip, New York
Cody Fountain, and wife Kim, of Center

Daughter, Casey Nelson, and husband Ben, of Lufkin

Grandchildren
Colton and Anderson Fountain 
Michelle Dyber-Bauer

Siblings
Israel Avivi, and wife Ingunn of Oslo, Norway
Randee Adan, and husband Yisrael of Woodmere, New York Many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Miriam (Mickey) Dyber and Rabbi Seymour Baumrind, parents-in-law, Joe and Linda Anderson, and sister-in-law Anneke Avivi.
 
As Kenny was passionate about making and eating delicious food, memorial donations may be made to the World Central Kitchen (wck.org) in lieu of flowers. Additionally, Kenny’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to his special caregiver, Dorothy Cartwright.

08/07/2024

Charles Newton Lunsford of Spring, Texas, went to be with the Lord on the morning of August 3, 2024 after suffering complications of a stroke at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Charlie Lunsford; brother, Sam and wife Sidna; sister, Betty and husband, Bryan Russ; as well as in-laws, Phabrice and Rex Payne; and brother-in-law, Vance Payne, of Center, Texas.

Chuck, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on May 24, 1934, in Center. He and his beloved wife of 66 years, Lee Gayle Payne Lunsford, devoted their lives to their family, church, country and community.

Chuck grew up in Center and graduated from Center High School in 1951. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1955. He then served in the United States Army until 1957 and married Lee Gayle Payne, also of Center, in 1958. Following work in the private sector, Chuck entered duty with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a special agent in March 1962 where he served in Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; Washington, D.C. (at both the field office and FBI headquarters); and Houston before retiring in 1986.

After his retirement from the FBI, Chuck worked in residential real estate in Kingwood with Lee Gayle until 1995 when they retired to their hometown of Center to live in the home in which she grew up. Chuck began work as an agent with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company and enjoyed that work until retiring for good.

Chuck was active in civic affairs and served on the Center City Council, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and as president of the City of Center Street Improvement for Economic Development Board of Directors. He was also a member of the Center Noon Lions Club.

Chuck and Lee were long-time Methodists and were active in the life of each church they attended over the years, with the last two being First Methodist Church in Center and Faithbridge Church in Spring, Texas.

They moved back to the Houston area in 2012 to be near their youngest daughter Mary and her family. They also enjoyed being closer to their beloved beach house at Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula.

Chuck is survived:

Wife, Lee Gayle Payne Lunsford

Four Children and families:
Susan and husband, Joey Guedea of Fort Worth. Their son, Jonah and his wife, Jamie, and their daughter, Afton.
Charlie Lunsford and wife, Libby of Boerne. Their daughters, Claire and husband, Jake Hagen; Mary Kate and husband, Ben Carl; and Caroline and husband, Cinco Winston
Dr. Monty Lunsford currently lives in Portland, Oregon.
Mary and husband, Robbie Thompson of Spring. Their children Jake, Tyler and Gracie.

Six Great-grandchildren:
Annie and Libby Hagen
George and Bobby Carl
Ford and Elle Winston

Sister-in-law, Billie Sue Payne of Center

Many nieces and nephews and their families:
Karan Elliot
Becky Dayoc
Bryan Russ and wife, Laura
Charlie Russ and wife, Mary
Rob Payne and wife, Kim
Angie Payne Walker and husband, Kevin
Josh Payne and wife, Lacie
Mark Lunsford and wife, Leigh

“Daddy Chuck” as he was known to his family, was adored by each one. He had a gift for making each person feel loved, supported and cherished. He has left a legacy of integrity, honor, hard work, laughter, generosity, a love of sports and music as well as an active and abiding faith.

A memorial service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 17, at First Methodist Church in Center with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Services under the direction of Watson & Sons Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

07/31/2024

Karen J. Bittick, 76 of Center, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Shelby Emergency Department.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Short Methodist Church with interment following in Short Cemetery in Center, Texas. 

Karen was born in Center, Texas, on September 2, 1947, to Royce Edward Johnson and Maxine McSwain Johnson. She graduated from Center High School in 1965 and later continued her education taking classes at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas after marrying Wayne Bittick in July of 1979. She accepted Christ as her Savior and shared her faith whenever the opportunity arose. Karen would prepare delicious recipes for family and friends to enjoy while visiting or playing a variety of games, finding numerous ways to share stories and laughter, and creating many great memories. She and Wayne enjoyed “going to the boat” and loved spending time together traveling to various places around the U.S. and Mexico! They both loved to visit and stay in touch with family and friends. Karen found numerous ways to stay in touch with many acquaintances she had known through the years through Facebook Messenger, Messages, her cell phone, and visiting while shopping or eating at favorite restaurants.

Karen worked with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department from September 1994 until her retirement in December 2015. During her years of service, she worked with four different administrations: Carl Shofner, James Moore, Newton Johnson, and Willis Blackwell.

She is survived by:

Her husband of 45 years, Wayne Bittick

Children:
Donna Bradshaw McSwain, and husband, Kelly
Branden Bradshaw, and wife, Cindy
Susan Bittick Thomas
Brian Bittick, and wife, Kristen

Grandchildren:
A J McSwain
Rick McSwain, and wife, Natalea
Payton McSwain, and wife, McKenzi
Brady McSwain, and wife, Katie
Dustin Chandler, and wife, Ashley
Jake Bradshaw, and wife, Keni
Chelsea Bradshaw Jernigan, and husband, Michael
Matt Mills 
Brittney Thomas and fiancé, Justin Smith
Jaxson Bittick
Journee Bittick
Justiss Bittick

Great-Grandchildren:
James Lee McSwain
Celeste, Kyndra, Zeke, and Arlus McSwain
Evie McSwain
Collin and Blakeley Chandler
Jason, Kooper, and Kamille Bradshaw
Aubrie and Bryer Jernigan
Ollie Mills

Sisters:
Linda Johnson Winder
Angela Johnson Lawson, and husband, Royce

Brother:
Royce Lynn Johnson, and wife, Isabel

Stepbrothers:
William (Bill) Jernigan, and wife, Karen
Larry Jernigan, and wife, Lisa

Sister-in-law, Sandy Bittick Mead, and husband, Ronnie

Brother-in-law:
Jasper Bittick, and wife, Maureen
Michael Konzack, and wife, Nina

Aunt, Christine Mahan

Uncle, Robert (Bobby) McSwain, and wife, Connie

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by: father, Royce Edward Johnson; mother, Maxine McSwain Jernigan; step-father, William (Bill) Jernigan; father-in-law, Wylie Bittick; mother-in-law, Iola Bittick; aunts, Billie Johnson Hoyt and Janie McSwain Johnson; uncles, Earl McSwain, Eddie Mahan, and John Hoyt; brothers-in-law, Ed Bittick, Eugene Bittick, and John Winder; and sisters-in-law, Patsy Rice and Jo Ann Davis.

07/27/2024

Judy Belinda Raines, passed from this earth to her heavenly home on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the age of 74. She was born on February 28, 1950, in Center, Texas. 

Visitation will be Sunday, July 28 from 5-7pm at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson. Funeral Services will be Monday, July 29, 10:30am at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church with interment to follow at Timpson MBC Cemetery. 

She was a lifelong-resident of Timpson. Upon graduating from Timpson High School in 1968, she went to work at, then Cotton Belt State Bank, now Austin Bank, where she spent her entire 46-year career until retirement in February, 2014. Through her career at the bank, she became friends with many in the community, and many came to rely on her for their banking questions. She met her husband, Buck Raines, after he returned from service in the US Army in Vietnam, and they wed on September 20, 1969. If she wasn’t working at the bank, she could often be found working in the hayfields beside Buck, until their sons came along. When she wasn’t busy taking care of her family, she could always be found supporting her beloved Timpson Bears Football Team. She was a true fan; nothing kept her from the games. It didn’t matter whether it was raining or freezing cold, if the Bears were playing, she was there. Nothing would stop her from making the trip to AT&T Stadium this past December to support her Bears when they won the state championship. She loved and supported her children in everything they did, and when grandkids came along, she did the same thing and was at as many events as she could possibly attend. 

She is survived by:
Children:
John Elvis, and wife, Angela Raines
Andy, and wife, Rachel Raines
Marc Raines
Michael, and wife, Rachel Raines

Brother-in-law, Cecil Whitton

Nephew, Joshua and wife Angela Whitton
Zoie Whitton

Grandchildren:
Sheldon, and wife, Caylie Raines
Ashton Raines
Jesse Raines
Sadie Raines
Reagan Raines
Luke Raines
Sara-Kate Raines
Reese Raines
Addison Raines

Great-grandchild, Carter Raines

Along with other cousins, nieces and nephews

Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Buck Raines, her parents, Elvis and Nell Rhodes, and her sister Kay Whitton. 

Pallbearers are Andy Raines, Marc Raines, Sheldon Raines, Cecil Whitton, Josh Whitton, and Bobby Rhodes. 

Honorary Pallbearers are Jesse Raines, Luke Raines, Reese Raines, Carter Raines, and Ben Rhodes. 

In lieu of live flowers, please consider silk flowers to be used later or a donation to the Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

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

07/26/2024

James Earl Suell, 76 of The Colony, Texas, departed this life on Monday, July 15, 2024. James was born to the late Mathew Lee and Emma Garrett Suell in Center, Texas on July 4, 1948.

Funeral services for Mr. Suell will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at New Life Community Church located at 25631 Smotherman Rd. Frisco, Texas 75033. Visitations are Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home located at 8520 Main Street Frisco, Texas from the hours of 5pm until 7pm and Friday, August 2, 2024, at 10am at New Life Community Church located at Smotherman Road, Frisco, Texas 75033. Committal is at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery at 2:00 PM located at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75211.

James is survived by: 

Wife, June Lister Suell of The Colony, Texas

Sons:
Johathan Johnson of The Colony, Texas
Jamie Suell of Shelbyville, Texas 

Sister, Patsy Hall of Shelbyville, Texas

Brothers:
Melvin Suell (Mattie) of Center, Texas
Elzie Suell (Mary) of Center, Texas
Marlon Suell (Pam) of Shelbyville, Texas
Ray Suell of Shelbyville, Texas

Mother-in-law, Norma Lister of Shelbyville, Texas

Aunts:
Johnnie Rushing of Center, Texas
Austrene Edwards of Houston, Texas
 
Uncles:
Jimmy Netherly of Center, Texas
William Edmond of Tenaha, Texas

Services are entrusted to Hicks Mortuary and Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home.

04/25/2024

Allen Sims, 73 of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Shelbyville.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Ruston Bush, Bro. Wes Hall, and Elder Faye Dell Allen officiating. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Born June 6, 1951, in Houston, Allen is the son of Ward Allen Sims Sr. and Lue Rodrick Sims. He was a member of Toledo Bend Community Church in Shelby County.

He is survived by:

Wife, Debbie Sims

Children:
Melody Vaughn
Chris Vaughn
Brent Sims

Grandchildren:
Dexter Vaughn and wife Brianna
Austin Vaughn
Mallory and husband Tony Garcia
Logan Sims

Great-granddaughter, Adalynn Ann Vaughn

Mother, Lue Sims

Brothers:
Rickie Sims and wife Mary
Benny Sims and wife Barbara

Sister, Margie and husband James Estes

Sisters-in-law:
Connie Fletcher
Cathy Lee
Patricia Bush
Donna Penny and husband Bobby

Brother-in-law, Danny Windham and wife Vonda

Special friends, Ashley Hines, and Covington’s Lumber.

Preceded in death by father, Ward Allen Sims Sr.; brothers, Randy Sims and Howard Sims; mother-in-law, Elaine Yarbrough; sister-in-law, Mary Sims; nephew, Jeremy Sims; niece, Dayna Howard; and father-in-law, Dan Windham.

Pallbearers will be Gaylon Howard, Lance Jamison, Robert Berry, T Butch Fletcher, Scott Sims, Brad Bass, Pete Owens, and J.C. Cagle. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Dixon Golden, Carl Davis Smith, Roger Wagstaff, Larry Oates, Todd Jamison, and Gerald Corbell.

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

07/25/2024

Lawrence Ray Netherly, 81 of East Liberty, Texas, departed this life on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Pine Grove Nursing Facility in Center, Texas. He was born in Choice, Texas on June 16, 1943, to the late Willis and Entha Thompson Netherly Jr. He accepted Christ at an early age, becoming a member of the East Liberty Baptist Church.

Mr. Netherly is a graduate of Liberty High and pursued additional education through attending Butler College in Tyler, TX. His goal was to complete college and become a school teacher. However, upon obtaining his Associates of Arts (AA) degree in Social Science, Mr. Netherly was drafted into the military. He enlisted into the United States Army on February 28, 1966, and retired after 20 years of service on May 31, 1986. Mr. Netherly was never married nor had any children.

Mr. Netherly is survived by:

Aunt, Ozell Garrett

Nephews:
Weldon Greer Jr (Ariel)
Cedric Netherly

Nieces:
Linday Wimbley (Willie)
Terri Powdrill (Kermit)
Lynn McDonald (Willie)

Grand-nephews: 
Michael Greer (Shonda)
Ali Garrett
Tremaine Hewitt (Latrise)
Kermit Powdrill Jr.
Edward Powdrill
Justin Wayne Netherly
Kendrick Powdrill
Hunter McDonald

Grand-nieces: 
La Toya Greer
Haley Greer
Tina Greer

Hosts: 
Great-grandnieces, Great-grandnephews, Cousins, and Butler College Classmates.

Preceding in Death: Entha Thompson Netherly (Mother), Willis Netherly Jr. (Father), Lou Tilda Singleton (Sister), Jonnie Ray Netherly (Brother), Ruby Nell Netherly Greer (Sister). Gustarvus Wayne Netherly (Nephew), and Shelda Lynn Greer (Niece). 

Mr. Netherly was a humbly private man, so to honor and respect his wishes, there will not be a memorial service.

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935.

Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net