Shelby County Today

12/26/2025

Thelma Louise Scott, 73, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025 in Nacogdoches, surrounded by close family members. She was born on August 29, 1952 in Shelby County, the daughter of Marie Cordova Hutto and Freddie Hutto.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30pm on Monday, December 29, 2025 at Countyline Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 1-2pm on Monday, December 29 at Taylor Funeral Home.

Thelma Louise Scott was born and raised in Timpson, where she absolutely loved. She felt at home, where she has always been, amongst the beauty that can only be found right here in her beloved East Texas.

Thelma was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. Her happiness came with the work of her hands in her beautiful flower beds. She enjoyed nothing more than potting and repotting, planting and growing every flower or plant, she could. She was the green thumb in the family. Her perfectly kept yard was something to be proud of and the envy of everyone. However, the most beautiful and well loved “flowers” in her garden of life, were her two granddaughters, Kinley and Kaylee. The love she had for them could not be measured. They were her sunshine every day and the one thing she looked forward to with each breath she took. She also had a special bond with her cat, Lucky. And even though he bit her all the time, she still loved him!

Thelma was a member of Hiway Tabernacle in Timpson where she spent time worshiping and praising her Lord, along with the many friends she had there. She will be missed, but the love she has shown will forever be a great memory to those surrounding her.

Thelma is survived by:

Daughter, Wendy Coats and husband James

Grandchildren:
Kinley Coats
Kaylee Coats

Sisters:
Helen Cruse
Eva Lewis and husband David

Brothers:
Thomas Hutto
Rex Hutto and wife Gwen
Ray Hutto and wife Mary

She is preceded in death by her husband, Wendell J. Scott; parents, Marie Hutto and Freddie Hutto; and brothers, Jerry Cordova and Roy Hutto.

Serving as pallbearers will be Randy Mora, Lewis Mora, Danny Pate, Shaun Milford, Royce Coats and Jessie McKelvy. Honorary pallbearers are Cutter Wright Jr. and Stanley Amos.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Willowbrook Nursing Home for their love and care of Thelma.

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

12/23/2025

Barbara Jean Vaughn, 69, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on December 23, 2025, in Spring, Texas.

Barbara was born on August 14, 1956, in Apalachicola, Florida, to Charles and Martha Branch. She spent much of her childhood growing up in League City, Texas, and later made her home in Shelbyville, where she built a life centered around family, hard work, and simple joys.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Martha Branch; her husband, Robert Dennon Vaughn; and her brother, Curtis Branch.

She is survived by:

Children:
Carrie Speed (John Speed)
Cory Ivey (Megan Ivey)
Ryon Vaughn (Rachel Vaughn)

Beloved grandchildren: Macy, Joey, Carly, Ely, Jackson, Levi, Bradlee, Brynlee, Blakelee, Baylor, Harper, and Jamison

Siblings:
C.R. Branch
Brenda Branch
Bonnie Branch

As well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Barbara worked for many years at the Brookshire Brothers deli and bakery, where her dedication and strong work ethic were evident to all who knew her. Outside of work, she found joy in cooking and baking for her family, showing love the way she knew best through food shared around the table.

She was known for her honesty, her fun-loving spirit, and her deep devotion to her family. Above all else, Barbara adored her grandchildren and loved them “to the moon and back,” a phrase that perfectly captured the affection she carried in her heart.

A graveside service will be held at 2pm on December 27, 2025, at Holly Springs Cemetery in New Harmony, Texas.

Barbara will be remembered for her warmth, her straightforward nature, and the love she poured into the people closest to her.

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

12/23/2025

Gary Tyler Williams, 26, of Nacogdoches, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025 in Nacogdoches. He was born on January 19, 1999 in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 11am on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church with Bro. Ronnie Luman and Bro. Kenneth Rector officiating. Interment will follow at 2pm at Waterman Cemetery.

He was raised in Center, Texas and Hewitt, Texas and attended Midway High School. Although he was an adult, Tyler lived life like Peter Pan and never grew up. He was truly a kid at heart and loved playing video games, watching WWE wrestling and MMA fights. He also used his wresting knowledge on his siblings and friends!

Tyler was a light to everyone he met. He really was a “people person” and loved nothing more than doing things for others, especially when it was something they needed. He worked in food service which filled his heart with joy, doing simple things for folks. It made him happy to know they had a need and he was fulfilling it. 

Tyler was a member of Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church where he was blessed to have been baptized by his dad on February 9, 2025 (one of the proudest moments his father ever experienced). He has always liked the “Footprints In the Sand” poem but recently he read it and truly appreciated it which showed his growth in Christ.

Tyler’s family proved to be his greatest blessing. He loved them all without boundaries. He was a kind and genuine young man, always putting others before his own needs. This all stemmed from his faith and trust in Jesus Christ and the superb family values that were instilled in him from the time he was a child. The absence of his joy, beautiful spirit and constant cheerfulness will be the missing parts of life most noticed in the days and years to come. However, knowing he is walking the road with Mama Wright (they were thick as thieves as everyone knew) in their new Kingdom brings a silent peace to everyone. 

He is survived by:

Parents, Christina Lee Pruitt and husband Chris of Hewitt, Texas

Father, Gary Sterlin Williams and wife Jenifer of Nacogdoches

Siblings:
Hailley Byrd and husband Korey
Austin Williams
Savana Williams
Bryahna Pruitt
Payton Pruitt

Grandparents:
Gary Everett Williams and wife Pam
Sheila Journey and husband Ronnie
Lynny Weaver
Janice Pruitt
Gene Folsom

Aunts and uncles:
Jason Weaver
Nicole Menchaca
Chris Weaver
Yolanda Weaver
Brandon Williams
Christine Cline
Lauren Phipps
Scott Wright
Todd Pruitt
Tony Pruitt
Misty Phillips
David Rohrenback

As well as, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends and extended family members.

He was also loved dearly by some very special people including the Wright and Caddenhead families, Amanda Wright, Joe Cline, Kyle Coover, Stephen Walker, Brandi Paige Calderon, Zachery Bozeman, Ian Fields and Freyja Skye.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Danny (Pa Pa Boon) Weaver, Kimberlie (Nana Kim) Weaver, Jana Sue (Mama Wright) Wright, Jeff (Daddy Bo) Wright, Woody Pruitt, and Penny Folsom; cousin, Kaley Jean Lee; and aunt, Katie Folsom Dean.

Pallbearers will be Jason Weaver, Austin Williams, Savana Williams, Kyle Coover, Joe Cline and Jack Wright.

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

12/22/2025

Cecil Watlington, 87, of Center, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Center.

Memorial service will be held at 10am, Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Rev. Malcolm Monroe and Chris Watlington officiating. Visitation will begin at 9am at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. 

Born June 1, 1938, Cecil is the son of Ferral Watlington and Elizabeth Huddleston Watlington. He graduated from Center High School in 1956, then went straight into the United States Navy, where he served four years. Cecil returned to Center and worked at Sherzer and Slayden before opening NAPA in 1967. He was a lifetime member of First Methodist Church of Center, an Elder at First Christian Church, and a member of Center Noon Lions Club.

He is survived by:
Wife of 64 years, Virginia Watlington of Center

Son, Jasen Watlington and wife Peggy of Center

Daughter, Hope Frohbieter of Richmond

Grandchildren:
Elizabeth and husband Richard Pinkston
Eryn Tyler Frohbieter
Gage Watlington
Linsey Shaeffer
Roni and husband Chris Waller
Brandi and husband Tommy Shiflett
Lacy White

Great-grandchildren:
Kinzley
Andrew
Nora Pinkston
Alanea Edwards
Kase Hooper
Logan
Camden
Dylan Shiflett
Greyson Ray
Landry Middlebrook

Great-great-granddaughter, Kate Edwards

Brother, Jay Watlington and wife Jo of Lufkin

Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by his infant children, Toni Kamille Watlington and Cecil Christopher Watlington; parents, Ferral Watlington and Elizabeth Huddleston Watlington; brothers, Kenneth Watlington, Jackie Watlington, and Billy Earl Watlington; sister, Mary Lou Adams.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cecil Watlington Roughrider Scholarship, Class of 1956 Roughrider Scholarship, First Methodist Church of Center, or a charity of choice.

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

12/20/2025

Johnny Ray King, 52 of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, December 13, 2025 in Shelbyville. He was born January 14, 1973.

Visitation is from 10am until 5pm Monday, December 22, 2025 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Funeral service is at 2pm Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Triumph First Pentecostal Church of Shelbyville. Interment is at Bennett Chapel Cemetery with Bishop Roosevelt Swindle.

He was preceded in death by Tammy King and Mary Lathan. Also, sister Wanda Faye.

He is survived by:

Daughter, Anuska Redmon

Grandchildren:
JaCameron Lane
LaDerrick Osby, Jr.
Jordan Osby

Brothers:
Paul McClelland
Jim (Jackie) Lister
Robert Lee Garrett

Sisters:
Linda Sue Lathan
Terri (Norris) Jackson
Willie Mae Williams

Special friend, George Fields, Jr.

Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

12/17/2025

Jana Sue (Samford) Wright passed away peacefully surrounded by close family on December 16, 2025, in Nacogdoches TX, leaving behind a legacy of faith, strength, creativity and love that will be cherished by all that knew her.

Born and raised in Center, Jana Sue carried her small-town roots with her throughout her life. She had a lifelong passion for music and was a founding member of the Outlaw Rebel Band. An accomplished bass player and pianist, she shared her talent generously, bringing joy through every note she played. In addition to music, she had a true gift for baking and cooking, where she was well known for her beautiful wedding cakes and delicious sweets, which were a highlight of many catered events throughout the community. Her creations reflected not only her talent, but the love and care she put into everything she did.

Her faith was the guiding force in her life, she was true disciple of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and an active member of Mount Union Freewill Baptist Church of Garrison, where she found fellowship, purpose and community.

Jana Sue was preceded in death by her father, O.T. Samford; her mother, Christine Samford; her brother, Greg Samford; and late husband, Jeff Wright.

She is survived by:
Brother, Max Samford and wife Shelia of Longview

Children:
Gary Sterlin Williams and wife Jenifer of Nacogdoches
Christine Cline and husband Joseph of Waterman
Jeffery Scott Wright of Nacogdoches.

Jana is further survived by her grandchildren:
Hailley Byrd and husband Korey
Tyler Williams
Austin Williams
Savana Williams
Zoe Cline
Acesa Cline
Callahan Wright

Great-grandchildren
Dhalton
Aubrie
Tinsley
Atlas Jean

In addition to her immediate family, numerous extended family members and friends. She will be remembered for her quick wit, warm heart, artistic spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends and faith.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, at 1:30 pm at Waterman Cemetery, under the direction of Laird Funeral Home, with Pastor Ron Luman officiating.

Additionally, a celebration of life will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at 11:00 am at Mount Union Freewill Baptist Church in Garrison.

12/15/2025

Surrounded by love and held in God’s peace, Joy L. Sullivan passed on December 12, 2025 in Odessa, Texas after a courageous battle with cancer. Her strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched everyone who knew her. Born July 16, 1963, in Downey, California, Joy is the daughter of Delia Lewis and the late Stanley Lewis.

Memorial services will be held in Center, Texas in the upcoming spring 2026 for all friends and family to attend. Details will be updated when coordinated.

Joy lived her life with such care, compassion, and endless selflessness. She poured herself into others and asked for nothing in return. She was an amazing wife of 38 and a half years to her dear husband Robbie. A mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, she always put the needs of those around her before her own and worked very hard at everything she did. She loved her family, her Sloan work family and her clientele as a hairdresser of 40 years. Joy was passionate about taking care of the people around her, giving them a laugh, a shoulder to cry on, a hot meal, or anything you could ever need. Her dedication, strength, and unwavering heart leave a void that cannot be filled, but her legacy of love will continue to guide and comfort all who were blessed to know her.

She was preceeded in death by grandmother, LaVaughn R. Stilwell and father, Stanley W. Lewis.

She is survived by:

Husband, Robbie Sullivan of Center, Texas

Son, Casson and wife, Miranda Sullivan, of Midland, Texas

Daughters:
Chesnie and husband, Michael Moore, of Seminole, Texas
Crystan and husband, Sean Bindschusz, of Cuba, Mo

Mother, Delia Lewis

Sisters:
Pamela and husband, Ben Wesley, and children, Shaina, Anne, and Hannah
Jenell and husband, Heath Englert, and children, Lillian and Evan

Brother, Wayne Lewis and children, Keely, Gwendalyn, and Jonathan

Grandchildren:
Fallon Sullivan
Cobey Forester
Shailey Forester
Brantley Lake
Emberley Bindschusz
Kensley Bindschusz

Great-grandchild, Silas Bowen

Beloved Joy will truly be missed.

12/13/2025

Neilson Davis, 77, of Shelbyville, Texas passed away on December 11, 2025, in Center, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00am with Rev. Todd Vincent and Rev. Malcom Monroe officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Center, Texas. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home from 10:00-11:00am.

Neilson Davis, a lifelong resident of Shelby County, was born in McKinney, Texas to the late W.I. Davis, Jr. and Inez Neilson Davis on January 16, 1948. He graduated from Center High School in 1966, and following matriculation attended the University of Texas in Austin. He held a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Steven F. Austin State University and a graduate degree in banking from the Southwest Graduate School of Banking in Dallas, Texas. He also served in the United States Navy. On June 1, 2007, he married Diana Gale Ashby. They had 18 wonderful years together, enjoying both traveling and building their life together on the farm in Shelbyville.

For over 50 years, he worked at Farmers State Bank in Center, Texas, beginning his career as a Loan Officer and ending it as Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer and Director. Mr. Davis served as a member of Farmers State Bank’s Board of Directors for 27 years. He also served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors at Farmers State Bank from 2014 to 2025 and was Chairman of the Board of Farmers Bank Shares since 2014. He is to be recognized at the Texas Banker’s Association at their upcoming annual convention for achieving 50 years of service.

His life was marked by service to his community and family legacy. He was a member of the Lion’s Club, serving formerly as president. Additionally, Neilson was a member of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, serving in the past as a board member and president. He was recognized as Young Citizen of the Year by the Chamber. Mr. Davis was a member of the Center Country Club Board of Directors, serving as president multiple times. He was also a member of the City of Center Housing Authority Committee and served at the Sabine River Authority.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Mr. Davis ensured that local scholarships continued at Shelbyville I.S.D. in memory of his grandparents, W.I. and Eula Davis and H.H. and Mavet Neilson. These scholarships are awarded annually to every graduating senior who desires to continue their education.

Mr. Davis was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church in Center, Texas, and served on the Stewardship Committee.

Neilson’s dedication to his community and family was ever so closely followed by a fierce dedication to his beloved University of Texas Longhorns. He was present at the Cotton Bowl for every Red River Rivalry, not missing a year until health prevented him, enjoying a tradition carried on by his grandfather to attend during the State Fair of Texas. For games he could not attend, he would often be found at the farm rooting on his team with family and lifelong family friends. 

Neilson’s life of leadership in his community and family was evident in his dedication to building on roads of service paved by generations before him. He carefully tended and grew the seeds planted by his predecessors, and his beloved family and the Shelby County community continues to benefit from his selfless dedication. He was a loyal friend and helper to many, often stepping in to fill a need without desiring any acknowledgement of his giving. His solid presence, wit, and humor will be sorely missed.

Neilson is survived by:

Loving wife, Diana Ashby Davis

Brother-in-law, Guy Griffin

Daughter, Shannon Ashby

Son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Alex Shoults

Nephew and wife, Patrick and Kasey Griffin

Niece and husband, Kelly and Wesley Wahl

Granddaughter, Taylor Shoults

Great-nephews, Justin and Jason Bobbitt

Great-nieces:
Ava Griffin
Ella and Lucy Wahl

Numerous relatives, and a host of dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.I. and Inez Davis, and sister Cynthia Davis Griffin.

A heartfelt thanks to Paula Lout and Juan Lopez for their invaluable help in caring for Neilson.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to the First Methodist Church of Center, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Mark Leach, Jerry Pinkston, Don Walker, Bryan Dean, Joey Lawson, Ben Wulf, Juan Lopez, Mike Walker, and Deuce Wulf. Honorary pallbearers will be Luke Motley, Fred Wulf, and John Lee Pigg.

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

12/12/2025

Frances Helen Haggard, 93, of Center, succumbed to her illness of cancer on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday, December 15, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at Noon, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Athens with Rev. Gaylon H. Flora officiating.

Born January 12, 1932, in Evergreen, Texas, Helen is the daughter of James Robison and Pearl Hickman Robison.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Joyce and husband Gaylon Flora of Danbury
Billie and husband Homer Jones of Center
Rhonda Carey of Rosebud

Son, Clay Haggard of Bradford

Grandchildren:
Judd Haggard
Llaron Walker
Mauna Blackwell
James Flora
James Lee Heiman
Brandy Martin
Brent Dean
Colton Welch
Kayli Stiver

12 great-grandchildren

Sister, Joyce “Coonie” Brown of Elkhart

Brother, Norman “Red” Robison of Houston

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by husband, William Lee (Bill) Haggard; daughter, Linda Haggard; son-in-law, Andy Carey; great grandson, Jim Leon Singleton; parents, James Robison and Pearl Hickman Robison; sister, Melba Sowell; and brother, J.B. Robison.

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