Shelby County Today

06/17/2025

Carolyn Jewell Ewing was born on February 7, 1942, to Ray Sr. and Dell Dickerson. She died on June 16, 2025. She spent most of her life living on Dickerson Hill, while the last years at Focused Care in Center, Texas. 

She married Pat Ewing on February 5, 1965. They moved to Pat’s hometown of Bon Secour, Alabama and began their life together. Their three children were born there and the coastal life, and the amazing seafood have been a part of our family’s life ever since. They moved back to Joaquin in 1975 and settled on Dickerson Hill where they raised their children, instilling the values of hard work, honesty and respect for others. Attending church and worshipping God were made a part of our daily lives and continue to be so today. 

She worked for Joaquin ISD for 23 years, at which point she retired. She served on several committees, “The Gap Committee” at church, Sunday School teacher for the Rose Neath Class, President of Johnson Cemetery, and served on the board of DeSoto Parish Library. She always took care of us. Whether it was taking care of a sick husband, taking care of us and our babies, being there when one of us needed anything, we could always rest easy that Mama was there. We have all had hospital stays, car wrecks, and just the ease of Mama being there seemed to make it all better. 

When it got to the point that she could not live by herself anymore, it was obvious that she would not live with any of us, so we found Focused Care in Center, to help take care of her. We would like to thank the nursing staff for doing just that. Several of them are really special to each of the three of us. 

Left to cherish her memory are:

Children:
Anita and Kelly Ferrell of Gladewater
Brenda and Tim Anderson of Logansport
Stephen and Tami Ewing of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Austin and Susie Ferrell
Matt and Tiffani Anderson
Justin Ferrell
Cole and Lindsey Anderson
Collin and Audra Ferrell
Zach and Caitlyn Anderson
Hannah and Ryan Hanks
Nathan andf Kerigen Ferrell
Sarah Ewing

Great-grandchildren:
Morgan
Ayden
Conner
Camrynn
Dillon
Lawson
Ellie Jayne
Carolyn Charlotte
Claire
Gracie
Ella
Brady
Ayla

Siblings and spouses:
Joan Dickerson
Kenneth and Loyce Dickerson
Kay and Lonnie Glaze
Teresa Dickerson
Mike and Barbara Dickerson

Along with the above she had many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Preceded in death by her loving husband, Pat Ewing; parents, Ray, Sr. & Dell Dickerson; mother and father-in-law, Orah Braxton Ewing Sr. and Virginia Nelson Ewing; siblings and spouses, Virginia & Raymond Biehle, James Dickerson, Ray, Jr. and Rita Dickerson, Gene & Cathy Dickerson, Nelwyn & Sam Owens, Brady Brewton, Jacky Dickerson, and infant Mary Kathryn Dickerson; brother-in-law, Braxton Ewing; sister-in-law, Judy Nelson Ewing McKinley and husband D.C. McKinley. A very special friend named Aunt Brenda was waiting with a cup of coffee, the second she got to Heaven. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Allen Owens and Bro. Tim Roberson officiating. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery in Joaquin.

Pallbearers are her grandsons: Austin Ferrell, Matt Anderson, Justin Ferrell, Cole Anderson, Collin Ferrell, Zach Anderson and Nathan Ferrell.

The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice, and the staff at Focused Care. 

If you would like to donate in Carolyn’s Memory, please donate to Johnson Cemetery, Heart to Heart Hospice or The Benevolent Fund at Jackson Baptist Church.
Favorite Verse: Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

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

06/13/2025

Huey Green, 81, of Smackover, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025, in Arkansas.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at Noon. Bro. Amador Santos will officiate. Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born September 15, 1943, Huey is the son of Dan Green and Ruby Smith Green. He loved fishing, camping, and being with his family. He was especially fond of his dog, Gidget. Huey attended Smackover First Assembly of God.

He is survived by:

Sons:
Dewayne Green, and wife, Lynda of Meridian, Mississippi
Herman Snider and wife Melissa of Chandler

Grandchildren:
Jennifer, and husband, Samuel Bennett
David Young, and wife, Ashley
Krystal, and husband, Johnathan Pruett
Christopher Snider
Christina, and husband, JoJo Jimenez
Casey Snider, and wife, Morgan

A number of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren

Sisters, Shirley Griffin of Pell City, Alabama, Carolyn and husband John Riddell of El Dorado, Arkansas, and Patsy Jones of Smackover, Arkansas

Numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Green; parents, Dan Green and Ruby Smith Green; brothers, Randolph Green and Louis Green; and sisters, Linda Gray and Louise Green.

Pallbearers will be Danny Riddell, John Riddell, David Young, Larry Jones, Larry Jones Jr., T.W. Riddell, and Mike Green.

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

06/11/2025

Mary Jean Cartwright Thompson was called by The Lord to her eternal rest on May 31, 2025.

Services will be hold at 11am on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Triumph Church, 908 Daniel Street, Center, Texas. Interment will be at Bennett Chapel Cemetery, Shelbyville, Texas, and the repass will follow at Bennett Chapel Baptist Church. Visitation is from 10am until 6pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas.

Mary was born on April 22, 1937 in Longstreet, Louisiana, to the proud parents of Lee Ella Cartwright and Preston Gibbs. She grow up and attended school in the community of Shelbyville and East Liberty. Mary tried her hand at many professions as an adult but soon found her calling as a life insurance agent for Universal Life Insurance company. There, she earned the nick name "Insurance Lady" and was celebrated for countless achievements and won many prestigious awards.

Mary was very active in the community. Sho fostered several children after retirement, and she often visited nursing homes to encourage the residents. Even though her talents included painting and making pottery, she spent most of her spare time fishing. Mary was familiar with almost every pond In Shelby County, but she and good friend, Hazel Bolton, spent most of their time on Toledo Bend. 

Mary accepted Christ and became a member of Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ as a child. She served faithfully throughout her life in many positions before serving as Pastor of Triumph Church in Center, Tx. She will be remembered by many, as a mentor who led them to Christ.

Lemes and Mary were united in holy matrimony on May 19, 1956. They remained married for 23 years before parting their separate ways. After many years, Mary remarried to Lee Arvis Thompson. Both husbands preceded her in death. 

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Lemes L. Cartwright; sons, Quinard E. Cartwright, Leonard E. Cartwright; mother, Lee Ella Cartwright; father, Preston Gibbs; brothers, Ray Gibbs, Marice Gibbs, Don Gibbs, and Daniel Kinney; sisters, Mattie Mae Thompson, Gloria Nell Johnson; and bonus son, Alvin Brinson.

Leaving to cherish Mary's memory:

Son, Ortega (LaTreaser) Cartwright

Daughter, Veronica Cartwright

Sisters:
Ruby Nell Osborn
Peggy Nelson
Daisy Mae Harper
Velma Edwards
Queen Cartwright

Grandchildren: Derrick, Quinn, Jami, Telvyn, Ebony, April, John, LaDedra, and Quinita

Bonus Grandchildren: Crystal, LaKenzie, Harvey, Meka, and James

Along with 40 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren

Many nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

Very special niece, Charlotte Renae Jackson

Longtime faithful friend, Debra Hunter

Bonus sons, Tommy Crocket and TraManski Johnson

Bonus daughter, Laundre Johnson

Funeral Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.

06/10/2025

Charles William Spann, Sr., 89, of Center, passed away Monday, June 9, 2025, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will follow at 10:30 a.m. at Neuville Cemetery in Shelby County. Bro. John Jackson and Bro. Larry Chandler will officiate, assisted by Laresa Livingston.

Born May 6, 1936, in the Neuville Community of Shelby County, Charles is the son of William Robert (Jack) Spann and Julia Isabella Mask Spann. He enjoyed spending time with his family.  Charles was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by: 
Daughters: 
Sandra, and husband, Jack Nichols
Charlene, and husband, Roger Jackson

Son, Charles W. (Chuck) Spann, Jr., and wife, Paula

Grandchildren: 
Catherine Spann, and fiancé, Kurtis Cougler
Jodie Miller
Charles W. (Willie) Spann, III, and wife, Angie
Josie B. Seale, and husband, Joe
John Jackson, and wife, Marlisa
Cameron Jackson
Ginger Nichols
Kevin Reeves, and wife, Landry

Great-grandchildren, and truly his best buddies:
Savannah Rose Spann
Nolan B. Seale
Waylon Lee Seale
Joseph Jackson
Anna Lyons
Kenzi Lyons
Russell Reeves
Jackson Reeves
Bradley Reeves
Cadence Reeves

Sister-in-law, Connie Spann

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Enjoying Heaven now with his wife, Rose Mary Spann; grandson, Cade Jackson; parents, William Robert (Jack) Spann and Julia Isabella Mask Spann; sisters, Laverne Sipple, Betty Newton, Laverne Payne, and Glenda Beth (Gussie) Bennett and husband Ferrell; and brother, Fred Alan (Pete) Spann.

Pallbearers will be Roger Jackson, Kevin Reeves, Victor Bryan, Joseph Jackson, Jodie Miller, Willie Spann, Nolan Seale, and Waylon Seale.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Nichols, Savannah Spann, Catherine Spann, Josie Seale, and Maxie Eaves.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Neuville Cemetery, c/o Vivian Conway, 854 FM 2140, Center, Texas 75935.

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

06/09/2025

Lilton Lee Daniels was a loving son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. The Lord called Lilton to his eternal rest on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Memorial service is at 11am Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Hopkins Street, Center, Texas with Bro. Freddie D. Wilson, Pastor; Apostle William Nash, Eulogist. Visitation is from 11am until 6pm on Monday, June 9 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center.

On November 15, 1946, in Center, Texas, Lilton became the first born child to the union of the late's Hilton Lee Daniels and Rosie Lee Garrett Daniels.

Lilton attended C.H. Daniels but dropped out to go to work. He worked a variety of jobs: auto detailer, feed hauler and lawn care. You could always find him outside raking the yard regardless of any leaves or not or relaxing under the carport with his nephew and friends with a beverage.

He has reunited with his parents; grandparents; daughter, Nakeshia "Michelle" Isaac; and sisters, Earnestine Daniels Johnson and Imogean Daniels Williams.

Leaving to cherish his memory are:

Grandchildren:
Marcus Isaac of Center
Sarahlynn Isaac of Center

Great-grandchildren:
Zae'Relyn Isaac of Center
Sinij Isaac of Center

Sisters:
Thelma Daniels Nobles of Houston
Joyce Daniels Horton of Center
Deborah Daniels Goodwin of Center

Brother, George Daniels of Center

Aunt, Hazel Brown of Longview

A host of nephews, nieces, and other family and friends.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home in Center.

06/08/2025

Nori Cooper Latimer, lovingly known as "Mom" and "Nanny," passed away peacefully on her birthday, June 6, 2025, at the age of 87 in Tyler, Texas. She was a longtime resident of Joaquin, Texas. Nori was born on June 6, 1938, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, to George Cooper and Mariam Martin Cooper.

In 1958, she married Johnny Glen Latimer while he was stationed at the U.S. Air Force Base in St. John’s. Nori grew up wanting to marry a cowboy and move to Texas. She had quite a shock when she and Johnny moved back to his family’s farm in the Piney Woods of East Texas, which looked nothing like the westerns she grew up watching. The girl who grew up by the sea was then in the woods of East Texas. She became accustomed to her new home and they started a family.

Nori was a trail blazer in her professional life. She worked with various Optometrists in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, Shreveport, Louisiana and Tyler, Texas. Then, while working alongside Johnny, she learned architectural drafting. They later formed Latimer Construction Company in Dallas, Texas. At this time, Nori also acquired her Real Estate License. The family then moved to Tyler, Texas in the mid 1970’s and continued in the construction industry, building homes in the area. Nori was the first “Lady Homebuilder” and former member of the Tyler Area Builders Association, which at that time was an all-male association. In the early 1980’s they moved back to the family farm in Joaquin. It was during this time Nori entered the oil and gas industry, becoming a petroleum landman and formed Nori F. Latimer & Associates, Inc. In the early 1990’s, Nori and Johnny moved to Clear Lake, Texas. Johnny continued in construction and Nori resumed her real estate career. After the death of her husband, Johnny, in 1994, Nori returned to Joaquin, Texas and again entered the oil and gas industry as a petroleum landman until her retirement in 2018.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nori had a heart for ministry and missions. She traveled extensively across the United States, Canada, and South Africa with Blackaby Ministries’ Experiencing God program. She also served with Go Tell Ministries and the Freedom Mission in Logansport, Louisiana. A devout Christian, she was a former Sunday School teacher and choir member at First Baptist Church in Center, Texas, and was most recently a member of Jackson Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.

In honor of her husband’s Texas heritage, Nori was an associate member of the William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas in Center. She also served as president and board member of the Truitt Cemetery Association in Joaquin.

Nori was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and sister. She had a deep love for animals, including her cherished dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, and longhorns.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Latimer; parents, George and Mariam Cooper; brothers, James “Jim” Cooper, Byron Cooper, Harvey Cooper, Tom Cooper, and Ralph Cooper; and her in-laws, John Thomas and Eva Sanford Latimer.

Nori is survived by:

Daughters and their husbands:
Sunny and Bud Worthen of Bullard, Texas
Tina and Keith DuBose of San Augustine, Texas
Sandy and Dave Freiman of Riverview, Florida
Alesia and Steve Whaley of Brenham, Texas

11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter

Sisters:
Ruby Switzer of Joaquin, Texas
Winnie Smith and Olive Sheppard of St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada

Sisters-in-law:
Sunny Menefee of Center, Texas
Cynthia Cooper
Betty Cooper
Sandra Cooper of St. John’s, Newfoundland
Mona Cooper of British Columbia, Canada

As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Nori lived her life for this moment – when she finally gets to heaven. Some believe that passing on your birthday is considered both special and perfect, as life was complete because it started and ended on the same day, like a perfect circle.

Pallbearers are Keith DuBose, Bud Worthen, Steve Whaley, Dustin Worthen, Brandon Whaley, Derek Wade, Markus Diffie, and Mason Robinson. Honorary Pallbearers: J. D. Dunning, Devon Whitmill, Cooper Wade, Wyatt Sugg, Truitt Worthen, Tucker Worthen, Townes Worthen and D.J. Jackson.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to caregivers Rita Odom and Geana Owen; Vitacare nurses and therapists; the staff at UT Health East Texas Olympic Center, Tyler, Texas and UT Health East Texas Neurological ICU Tyler, Texas; and The Hospice of East Texas, Tyler, Texas.

Services will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Jackson Missionary Baptist Church, Hwy 7, Joaquin, Texas, with visitation beginning at 1pm. Brother Micah McArthur will officiate. Interment will follow at Truitt Cemetery, Joaquin, Texas.

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

06/06/2025

Margie Williams, 94, of Lufkin, passed away Friday, June 6, 2025, in Lufkin.

Funeral service will be held at 3pm, Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 2pm. Bro. Don Windham will officiate. Interment will follow at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born October 27, 1930, in Patroon, Margie is the daughter of Thomas Daniel Windham and Artie B. Risinger Windham. Margie was a devoted wife and mother who adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a passion for games, sports, and gardening, with a special talent for growing anything. Her faith was also incredibly important to her, and she always kept her Bible close. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Children:
James Williams and wife Rosalia
Keith Williams and wife Erna
Pam Williams and husband Gary

Grandchildren:
Chris Williams
Michelle Stokes
Tanner Williams
Jeremy Williams
Timothy Williams
Gary Sterlin Williams
Brandon Williams
Lauren Phipps

Great-grandchildren:
Chloe Williams
Chris Stoddard
Conner Stoddard
Clayton Stoddard
Jace Stokes
Luna Williams
Lily Williams
Addison Williams
Violet Williams
Allie Williams
Ashlynn Williams
Sean Hale
Amauri Williams
Journey Phipps
Justice Phipps

Brothers:
Max Windham
Leon Windham

Preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Williams; parents, Thomas Daniel Windham and Artie B. Risinger Windham; and brothers, Everett Windham, Dan Windham, Tom Windham, Elvin Windham, and Jack Windham; and sister, Bobbie Sue Nichols.

Pallbearers will be Tanner Williams, Brandon Williams, Tim Williams, Sean Hale, Jeremy Williams, and Amauri Williams.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to MRC Pine Crest Retirement Community and Affinity Hospice for their compassionate care.

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

06/06/2025

John Howard Peel passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on May 6th, 2025. He was born in Pueblo, Colorado on January 9th, 1949, to Helmer Lawrence Bertilson and Norma Maxine Janney. He was later legally adopted by his stepfather, Robert Lee Peel.

He grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and graduated at Mitchell High School in 1967, where he was on the track team. He spent most of his life working as a shipping and receiving clerk for a handful of companies including Karman Inc, Continental Airlines, and Icon Health & Fitness. It was his strong work ethic that inspired Icon to move him and his family to Dallas, Texas and Savannah, Georgia when the company transferred locations. He retired in 2009 after being with Icon for 12 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years (Kerin Lubojacky Peel), his parents, grandmother and brothers Robert Bertilson and Donald Peel. He is survived by his daughters Anna Peel and Sarah Peel of Savannah, Georgia.

John was a family man who loved spending time with his wife and daughters. He was not afraid of hard work or sacrifice, and he provided well for his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed being outdoors & reading books about math, science, and business. He loved listening to classic oldies and folk music of the 1960s. He also looked forward to watching television shows like MASH and Mary Tyler Moore Show in the evenings with his family. 

Graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Truitt Cemetery in Joaquin with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.

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

06/06/2025

Willie Pearl (Thompson) Dones was 91 years old at her time of transition to a new beginning on May 25, 2025. Willie Pearl who was also known as Mu, was born March 6, 1934 to her parents Willie May Thompson and Wille Thompson.

Funeral service is at 1pm Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Abundant Love Ministries, 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas 75935. Visitation is Friday, June 6, 2025 from 10am until 6pm and wake from 6pm until 8pm at Community Funeral Home in Center. Interment is at St. John Cemetery in Center.

She was born in Shelbyville Texas before moving to Center, Texas getting married and raising her family.

She went to C. H. Daniel school until she dropped out in the 10th grade. Willie Pearl worked at East Texas Poultry for 6 years before moving on to E.L. Bruce's for 18 years. She worked at Bruce's until she became disable. Mu was a coffee drinker who loved watching her stories daily.

Mu went to St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years before moving to Houston, Tex and joining Homestead Missionary Baptist Church.
 
She is preceded in death by her husband, George Washington Dones III; son, Earl Thompson; daughter, Jannette "Baby" Dones; and siblings, Willie Thompson Jr., Billy Bert Thompson, and Maggie Lee Tucson.

Her memories will be cherished by:

Children:
Annette Jackson (Jerry Jackson)
Kevin Dones and Tammela (Tammy) Kelly

Siblings:
Patricia Thompson
Johnny B. Thompson
Molly Clark (play sister)
Betty Battle (god daughter)

12 Grandchildren, 22 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great-Grandchild

She also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.