Shelby County Today

03/02/2023

James Allen Cartwright, 90 of Shelbyville, died February 13, 2023. He was born April 12, 1932, in Shelbyville, Texas.

Graveside service is at 1pm on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Britain Creek Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas. Visitation is from 2pm until 5pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Center, Texas.

James was preceded in death by parents, William and Mabelle Moore; first wife, Ozella Maria; sister, Elouise (Doll); brothers, Lemes (Lem) and Thomas Wayne (TW).

James moved to California when he was 17 years old and began working on farms in Isleton, Rio Vista, and Walnut Grove. He worked most of his career as a farm laborer and Union construction worker.

Always in a good mood, James, also known as Man by his family, loved to crack jokes and make people laugh. He was an exceedingly kind person and loved helping others. James enjoyed gardening, working on cars, and watching basketball. He also enjoyed drinking buttermilk, eating home-cooked soul food, grabbing a burger from In and Out Burger, and he absolutely loved eating vanilla and strawberry ice cream.

He was a member of Capital City Seventh-Day Adventist Church and became a Deacon in the early 2000. He took his position very serious and enjoyed all of deacons and his church family.

He is survived by:

Wife, Elisabeth Cartwright

Siblings:
Janie Ruth
Thomas Earl
Esther Lee
Myrtle Lee
William Cartwright, Jr.

Children:
Patricia (m. Charles)
Janice
Jennifer (m. Larry)
Bill (m. Sheri)
Evelyn (m. Steve)
Velma (Veejay)
Brenda
Octavia

Stepchildren, Kizziey and Machona Mkandawire

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren

A host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

James will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

03/02/2023

Jim Perry, 71, of Center, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Kevin Windham and Bro. Chris Collins officiating.  Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Shelby County.

Jim Perry was born on July 27, 1951 to C.R. Perry and Mildred Harsley Perry. He retired as a wrecker driver, working for over 40 years as one. Jim enjoyed fishing, family gatherings, and loved his kids and grandkids.
He is survived by:

Wife, Nancy Daw Perry

Children:
Eric Perry and wife Mandy
Vicky Sneed
Jamie Perry
Yvette and husband Jeffery Sims
Tommy Victory and wife Wendy

Grandchildren:
Macayla and husband Richard Hill
Macade Perry and wife Victoria
Mason Perry
Taylor and husband Bobby Mueller
Cody Sneed and Kylie
Casey Sneed and Lane
Matthew Sneed and Jalaila
Abigail Sneed
Seth Mitchell Sneed
Kaitlyn Perry
Pierce Perry
Travis Perry
Trevor Perry
Macayla Williford
Nick Sims and wife Jennifer
Nicole and husband Matthew Frame

Great-grandchildren:
Denlee Hill
Coye Hill
Cooper Perry
Paxton Mueller
Maddox Mueller
Kaden and Preslee Sims
Joshua and Jaycob Blue
Aubreigh, Matti, and Adi Frame

He is preceded in death by his parents, C.R. Perry and Mildred Harsley Perry; brothers, Rusty Perry, and Bill Perry.

Pallbearers will be Cody Sneed, Matthew Sneed, Seth Sneed, Macade Perry, Mason Perry, Bobby Mueller, Matthew Frame, and Richard Hill.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Hogue, Tommy Hicks, Nicholas Sims, Jim Daw, David Shields, and Jason Burch.

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

02/28/2023

Doyce Ann (Morris) Bailey, 86, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on February 26, 2023, in Center, Texas. She was born on December 20, 1936, in Center, Texas, to the late Clifford Doyce Morris and Mavouryne (Grace) Morris.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Tennessee Cemetery, 5765 FM 947, Timpson, Texas, with Bro. Timothy Roberson, officiating.

Born and raised in Shelby County, Doyce Ann attended and graduated from Tenaha, Class of 1954. She met the love of her life, Edwin R. Bailey, in April 1957 and the two were married three short months later, June 20, 1957. Their marriage spanned over 63 years, included 28 years of service the United States Air Force and raising one daughter, LaRaye Ann Bailey.

Doyce Ann served as the City Secretary for Tenaha over 34 years before retiring in 2015. She also served her community by volunteering her time and resources to the Tennessee Rural Water Board, Tenaha Business Men’s Club and the Child Welfare Board of Shelby County. She was an active and faithful member of Tenaha First Baptist Church where she enjoyed service to her Savior and fellowship.

She is survived by:

Daughter, LaRaye Ann Bailey

Loved as a daughter, Erin Johnson

Sister, Karen Cruse and husband Glenn of St. Louis, Missiouri

Loved as grandchildren, Justin and Sarah Simons of Tenaha, Texas

Innumberable friends and loved ones.

Doyce Ann is preceded in death by her loving husband, Edwin R. Bailey; parents, Clifford Doyce and Mavouryne Morris; brothers, William “Bo” Morris, and Robert “Bo Jack” Morris.

Pallbearers serving will be Johnny Harrington, Tyler Reeves, David Horton, Aaron Roland, Justin Simons, and Taylor Fanguy.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the administration, nurses, aids, therapist and support staff of Pine Grove Nursing Home. Their excellent care, love and support was invaluable and will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either Pine Grove Nursing Home or Alzhiemer’s Association at alz.org.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

02/24/2023

Helen Barbe Sutherland, 90 of Houston, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2023 in Houston. She was born August 12, 1937 in Shelby County to Roland and Christine Barbe.

No services are scheduled at this time.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Nicole and husband Rod Wilker of Houston

Son, Paul Sutherland of Florida

Sisters:
Wavha Barbe Davis
Eldora and husband Dickie Gilchrist of Center

Brother, R. E. Barbe

Preceded in death by husband, Paul K. Sutherland; infant daughter, Kimberly Paige; parents Roland and Christine Barbe; brother, James Gibson Barbe; and infant sister, Beaulah Barbe.

After graduating from Center high School, she moved to Houston and was employed at Gulf oil. After becoming a housewife, she was a competitive tennis player and Maj-Jong competitor. Helen was an accomplished watercolor artist.

She enjoyed travel to Europe and other countries, plus numerous trips to Southern California to visit daughter, Nicole.

Helen’s focus was to see that her children received a high education and experience travel experiences. She strived to give her children all the things she did not have as a child.

Online condolences can be made at https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com

02/24/2023

Ollie Mae Ontiveros, 93, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 22, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on November 21, 1929, in Center, Texas, to the late Audrey Scott and Zina (Fountain) Scott.

Funeral service will be held at 2PM on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 4-6PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Ollie was born and raised in Shelby County. She attended Campsworth School and graduated from Center High School. She moved to San Antonio where she spent many years. She met her. She later returned to Shelby County to assist her parents as their health needed her close. She was a devoted daughter and took great care of them until their passing. Ollie loved to dance and sing. She had a passion for gardening, and many would drive by and stop and look at the things in her yard. Ollie found joy in always having a remodel project going in her home. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Ollie enjoyed spending time with her kids and especially her grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. They would always bring a smile to her face. She attended Old Salem Baptist Church when her health permitted.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Elane Stifflemire

Sons:
Damon Leon Ontiveros
Sammy Ontiveros

Grandchildren:
Eddie Stifflemire Jr. and wife Sheree
Enale Stifflemire
Deena Sanchez and husband Joe
Eva Boylen and husband Chris
Austin Boylen and wife Alexis
Stevie Harris
Andrew Jaramillo

17 great-grandchildren

3 great-great grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

Ollie is preceded in death by her husband, Leon Ontiveros Jr.; parents, Audrey and Zina Scott; and son-in-law, Eddie Stifflemire.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

02/23/2023

Maria DeJesus Escobedo, 76, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 21, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on November 3, 1946, in Coahuila, Mexico to the late Arnulfo Guardiola Duarte and María de Los Ángeles Adame Serrano.  

Maria Escobedo was born in 1946 in Coahuila, MX she believed in hard work to achieve goals to better yourself. She came to U.S.A in the early 80s and although she never took English classes she worked hard to learning the language, to where eventually she became a U.S citizen. She was a supportive wife and mother who always wanted the best for her family.

She is survived by:

Her loving husband, Manuel Escobedo

Sons:
Manuel Escobedo
Arnulfo Escobedo
Armando Escobedo
Jose Fidencio Escobedo
Victor Martin Escobedo
Juan Alberto Escobedo

Daughter-in-laws:
Maria de Lourdes Escobedo
Blanca Escobedo

Grandchildren:
Victor Arnulfo Escobedo
Eulalia J. Solis
San Juana Verenice Escobedo
Angela Escobedo
Diana Escobedo
Mario Escobedo
Arlette Alejandra Escobedo
José Manual Escobedo
Irma Lizeth Reséndiz
Myriam Mancera
Andrea Escobedo
Armando Jr. Escobedo
Sandy Sanchez
Juan Alberto Jr. Escobedo
Luis Escobedo

Numerous Great-Grandchildren

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

02/22/2023

Belva Godwin Hartsfield, 72 of Lufkin, Texas, passed away February 14, 2023.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11am. Service will be held at First Missionary Baptist Church (410 Scarborough St. Lufkin, Texas 75904). Rev. W.R. Ricks will be officiating.

Belva Godwin Hartsfield was born on June 17, 1950, in San Augustine, Texas to the late E.C. and Lera Taylor Godwin. She attended school at Norwood High School, graduating from Broaddus High School in 1968; after High School she attended Stephen F Austin (SFA), Nacogdoches, Texas. She began her career at Lufkin State Supportive System with a tenure of 20 years. Belva retired from the Lufkin State Supportive System to pursue her life dream as a Nurse. She followed her dream and enrolled in the Tyler County Hospital School of Vocational Nursing and received her degree as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

Belva accepted Christ early in life and was a member of Pisgah Baptist Church. After many years of living in Lufkin, she joined First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W.R. Ricks where you would find her singing in the Choir. Belva also served her community as a board member for the Angelina and Neches River Authority.

She met and married Willie R. Hartsfield on April 17, 1971, and to this union three beautiful children were born. She dedicated her time and love to her family as well as friends. One of her greatest joys was being “Bob the Builder”. Belva departed this life on February 14, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, E.C. and Lera T. Godwin and brother, Euell Godwin.

Belva Godwin Hartsfield is survived by:  

Husband, Willie Hartsfield of Lufkin

Daughters:
Rebecca Hartsfield, Lufkin
Donya (Don) Jefferson, Lufkin

Son, Michael (Michele) Hartsfield, Kentucky

Sisters:
Nelva Godwin, Houston
Carolyn (Daren) Woods, Riverdale, GA
Terry Godwin-Pierce, Garland, TX

Brother, Allen J. Godwin, Lufkin

Aunt, Leona Shaw, Houston

Brother and Sister-in-laws:
Marilyn (Joe) Daniel, Lufkin
Betty McKenzie, Houston
Glenda (Jeff) Taylor, Lufkin
Cathy Kegler, Houston
Lewis Hartsfield, Huntington
Glenn (Regina) Watts, Lufkin
Bobby (Vivian) Watts, Nacogdoches
Perry Watts, Houston
Charles (Mona) Watts, Lufkin

Grandchildren: Tyesherea, Tyrell, Tyrique, Tydreque, William, Jackson and Declan

Great-grandchildren: Kinsley, Keilani, Jaevon, Amanee

Bonus daughters:
Youlanda Houston
Tina Miller
Erica Parker-Horace

Special friend/sister, Shenet Smith

Visiting is Friday, February 24, 2023, from 5pm to 7pm at Dimensions of Faith Apostolic Ministries, 424 E. Lufkin Ave, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

Repass food will be service “To Go” immediately after 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.

02/21/2023

Louis Wayne Adams, 69, passed away February 11, 2023.

A man of many passions, Wayne cared most about his family, friends, outdoor activities, teaching, and above all, his faith.

Wayne has preceded in death by his parents, J.W. Adams, and Wilma Adams, and his grandparents, John B. and E.V. Adams.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Rusty, of 19 years, he was a loving father to his three children, Daniel Wayne and his wife Marie-Claude, Cassie Elizabeth and her husband Vernon, and Aaron Christopher and his wife Sapphire. His family meant everything to him, and he always put them first.

He was a proud grandfather to his grandchildren, Luke William, Ayden Sky, Athena Rain, and Arlo Charles, whom he adored and loved spending time with.

He was survived by his sister Sheilah and her husband Bob Reeves.

He will also be deeply missed by his stepchildren Carey Marie, Scott Anthony, and Jennifer Charlene, and their spouses.

The Prince of Peace Community was his Christian family, Wayne was a man of deep faith and devoted to the teaching of the church. As a member of the Knights of Columbus Men's Group, he immediately became an officer in the Council 11716 as well as the 4th-degree assembly 3642. Wayne eagerly volunteered for any activity that helped others in need such as the extraordinary and ever-popular monthly breakfasts, Special Olympics, Wreathes Across America, and one dear to his heart, trips to Mexico to provide wheelchairs to those in desperate need of them.

As a second-generation employee of AT&T for 48 years, Wayne started working part-time while still in High School in Center, Texas, trimming branches that grew near the telephone lines. He continued to climb that rank at AT&T while pursuing an undergraduate degree at Stephen F. Austin University earning a master's degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington graduating Summa Cum Laude. He retired as an AVP of Investment Strategy & Risk Management in Finance on December 30th, 2022.

Wayne was also an ardent educator. He taught finance and accounting at the University of Incarnate Word and taught economics at Our Lady of the Lakes University in San Antonio where he inspired his students to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. One of the highlights as a professor was being a guest lecturer at his alma mater the University of Texas at Arlington. In addition to becoming a C.P.A. Wayne was also a valued member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute. He also served as a founding board member and president of the CFA Society in San Antonio.

Wayne had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He was also known for his infectious smile, his laugh, and his unyielding willingness to encourage the party to break into the chicken dance. Wayne loved festivals, events, gatherings, cultural celebrations, and parties. Wayne was always excited to witness the people he loved enjoy themselves and celebrate.

Wayne will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of love, kindness, and passion for life will live on through the many lives he touched.

A Vigil Service for Wayne will be held on March 10, 2023, at 7:00 PM in Ted Dickey West Funeral Home 7990 President George Bush Tpke, Dallas, TX 75252. Mass will take place the following day March 11, 2023, at 11:30 AM in Prince of Peace Catholic Church 5100 W Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093. Reception to follow immediately after mass.

Wayne, you will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace.

In Lieu of Flowers, please donate on his behalf to the following organizations: Dallas Pro-Life Community, PO Box 803541, Dallas, Texas 75380. https://www.prolifedallas.org/ or Birth Choice of Dallas, 8610 Greenville Ave, #200, Dallas, Texas 75243. https://www.birthchoicedallas.org/

Services in the care of Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, TX 75252.

02/21/2023

Willis Leron Henson, 50 of Arlington, Texas. Willis was born May 7, 1972, to Willie Henson and Evelyn Jenkins Henson in Jasper, Texas. They named this blessed gift Willis Leron Henson.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023; at 1:00 PM. Service will be held at New Macedonia Baptist Church FM RD. 83 in Hemphill, Texas. Rev. Joe Gilbert will be officiating.

In total awe of the faithfulness of God in the giving of his best to use, his parents did their best to guide and protect this precious gift from God to the best of their parental ability. Ron, as he was affectionally called, attended church at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church and was a current member of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. To know Ron would be to know of his gentle and kind nature. Ron was not only gifted to us as a precious form of love from God but was the epitome of the word itself. His kind heart gave him the ability to make friends, but most of all, he gave others a refuge in love through him when they had no one else. The love and life in Ron made him stand out among others. He was a shining light who had his own special way of adding life, laughter, and love, to any situation and any person he came across. Ron was vibrant, which is defined as full of energy and spirit; lively. Whether he was spending time with his family and friends, working on his old school car collection, watching sporting events in-person or on TV, decorating the yard (so the family could win Yard of the Month), coming home to East Texas and helping his dad with bushhogging (he would ride on the tractor with a smile) or even serving patients at the hospitals he worked, he did it all with grace and kindness.

Education was always important to his parents; therefore, he accepted and completed the challenge. He attended school at Hemphill ISD, graduating in 1990. While in school and even after graduation, he worked in the construction field with his dad, working side by side with his brother and uncles. He realized that he had a different calling, and so he decided to continue his education at Angelina College, earning his Associates of Science in Radiologic Technology and thus became a Radiology Technician. He was first employed at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, Texas. It was here that he earned a certification in Computed Tomography. He was then employed at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas. His last place of employment of was Methodist Hospital in Mansfield, Texas, where he served as Lead Computed Tomography Technician. He received many prestigious awards, including Employee of the Month.

Love was shown throughout Ron’s life. In 1993, on Valentine’s Day, Cupid came and shot an arrow straight through to his heart. This arrow was not like your ordinary arrow; this arrow came in the form of a beautiful young lady named Catina. Ron and Catina dated for many years, and on November 7, 1998, in front of family and friends, love united them in holy matrimony. Together, they welcomed two beautiful children, who were the vibrant stars in Ron’s life, their daughter Alexia “Lexi” and their son Jordan “JoJo”. Ron was a family man and would go above and beyond to the moon and back, for his family. Ron’s legacy is filled with love of family, friends, and the beautiful things in life. He lived life on his own terms and by his own rules. We celebrate life in the same spirit by which he lived life… energetic, upbeat, lively. He taught us all how to live life, even amid obstacles. His life’s message to all was: Let nothing or no one keep you from living your best life. No matter how life makes you feel, get up and try it again.

On February 14, 2023, Ron hopped into his Heavenly Mustang, revved up the engine, and took his final ride to be with our Heavenly Father.

He left to carry on his dreams, legacy, and love:

Loving wife, Catina Henson

Daughter, Alexia Henson

Son, Jordan Henson

Mother and father, Willie Ray and Evelyn Henson

Siblings:
Tracie Davis
Reginald Henson Sr. (Michelle)
Stacie Henson

Loving in-laws who loved him like their own son, Greg and Hattie Horton

Loving and caring nieces and nephews (whom he loved like his own)

A host of family, friends, colleagues to whom he loved them and they loved him back.

Visitation is Friday, February 24, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Triumph the Church of God and Kingdom (908 Daniels Street Center, Texas 75935) and Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at New Macedonia Baptist Church FM RD. 83 Hemphill, Texas 75948.

Committal is at Macedonia Cemetery, Hemphill, Texas 75948.

Repass is at Macedonia Church.

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.