Shelby County Today

10/27/2022

Murlene (Murl) Roland, 76 of Tenaha, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2022 in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, October 29 at Friendship BoBo Baptist Church in Tenaha. Interment is at Pleasant Hill in Tenaha. Viewing is from 10am until 6pm on Friday, October 28, 2022.

The sojourn from Earth to Heaven was completed for Murlene Roland. Quietly, peacefully, serenely and dignified, she eased away to be with God.

On June 24, 1946, the late Mr. Sample Roland Sr. and (late) Rosie Lee Solman Roland was blessed with a beautiful daughter Murlene Roland.

She was a member of the Pleasant Hill CME Church in Tenaha, Texas. Where she worked on the Missionary Committee and long-time member of the choir. She enjoyed being in the choir and working at the church.

She also loved cooking and spending time with her family.

She worked at various poultry plants and hatcheries until she was injured.

She was kind hearted, generous and always willing to lend an ear and provide some good sound advice to all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

On Thursday God summoned her to eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sample Roland Sr. and Rosie Lee Solomon Roland; brothers, Robert L. Roland, Sample Roland Jr., and Willie Joe Roland; and grandchildren, Latoya McClure and Angel Green.

She leaves to cherish precious memories:

Devoted Children:

Sons:
Leonard Roland
Troy Roland (Undra)
Aaron Roland (Catrice)
Adrain Roland (Lakahlan)

Daughters:
Stephanie Roland (Jamie)
Beverly Jenkins

Grandchildren:
Sherry Glenn
Tynisha Glenn
Sharona Hill
Jasmine Roland
TaKimbra Edwards
TyKeisha Wilson
Ta’Kenya Roland
Crystal Thomas
Tamara Roland
Lyntroyce Hewitt
Ashunte Stewart
La’Adriyah Roland
Byrondrick Davis
Rosalyn Roland
Angel Jenkins
DeAaron Roland
Calicia Roland
Arlicia Roland
La’Darron Roland

21 Great-grandchildren, 1 Great-great-grandchildren

Sister, Lizzie Gray (Jimmy)

Special niece, Rose M. Hooper

She also leaves countless relatives and friends whom she loved and who continued to love and cherish the memories of her exceptional role in their lives.

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

10/27/2022

Kenneth Eugene Walker, 61, of TImpson passed away on October 19, 2022 in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Saturday, October 29, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas, officiated by Bro. Kevin Windham. A private graveside will follow. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas.

Kenny was born in Huntsville, Texas on May 30, 1961 to Rev. Billy Gene and Gay Nell Walker. He attended primary school in Highlands, Texas before moving to Hemphill, Texas, where he graduated in 1979. Kenny then moved to Timpson where he met Shawna Beckham, his loving wife of over 40 years. 

Family was always important to Kenny. He and Shawna were blessed with three wonderful children, who in turn grew the family with nine grandkids and two great-grandkids. Kenny and Shawna also have twenty nieces and nephews and twenty great- nieces and nephews, which always made family gatherings an interesting event.

Kenny’s love for the Lord started at the age of seven. Fast forward 10 years, he began teaching youth Sunday School classes, which would spark 44 years of youth ministry that took on many forms. He loved to work with the youth in our community. Kenny served as the Scout Leader for Boy Scout Troop 113, coached little league baseball, little dribblers, and flag football. If it involved a kid, he was there to help.

In an effort to make a difference in our community, Kenny joined the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department, of which he was a member for many years and was also elected to serve as a City Council Member. He enjoyed these roles because of the pride he felt for his community and the people of Timpson.

Kenny loved to work on motorcycles, 4-wheelers and small engines. He spent numerous hours in his shop tinkering and fixing “you name it” for himself and countless others. He always said, “Why throw out the old to buy something new, when I can fix it! It runs, it just needs a little bit of love!” He always had kids coming by to get him to fix their go-carts, dirt bikes, 4-wheelers. Whatever they brought by he would “fix it”. It gave him such joy to teach kids how to fix things on their own without his help. He could talk to you over the phone and would usually be able to walk you through any problem, if not he would tell you to just “drop it by the house!” 

Kenny got his first motorcycle when he was 14 years old, and was hooked. He found a way to combine his love for riding and helping kids by joining a motorcycle group that protects those that have been abused. He is a former member of the Lufkin Chapter and a current supporter of the Pineywoods Chapter of BACA (Biker’s Against Child Abuse), and has been riding with them for 4 years. He was very proud to help these kids and spend time with them at BACA events, showing compassion, strength, and love, which in most cases just meant a listening ear and a hug for them to feel safe. 

Most will know, he had a passion for all kinds of music, but especially from the 60’s and 70’s era, as well as old gospel hymns. That same love, which was instilled in his kids as well as his “bonus kids”, brought much laughter, love, and encouragement to all. His voice was soft and smooth and was loved by anyone that heard it, and his dance moves weren’t bad either! 

Kenny led Sunday morning music for many years, most recently at Good Hope Church, and sang with the praise band “Souled Out.” He would love to sing any time there was as request. Surprisingly enough, you never knew what song would play or be sung at any moment throughout his life.

Kenny is survived by:
His devoted wife, Shawna

Daughter: Ashley and Nathan Webb

Sons: 
Christopher and Rachel Walker
Nicholas and Jessica Walker

Grandchildren: 
Izabell Webb
Devon Webb
Ally Webb
Kooper Walker
Kestin Bo Walker
Kadence Jo “Bitty” Walker
Maximus  Walker
Maverick Walker
Major Walker

Great-grandson, Elliot Mitchell

His parents, Rev. Billy Gene and Gay Nell Walker

Brothers: 
Charles and David

Sister-in-law, Cindy Walker

Kenny’s ‘in~love” family includes Butch and LaNell Beckham, Cody and Ashley Beckham and Toska Beckham.

Kenny is preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy Walker and Jerry Dane Samford, and his great-granddaughter, Eliyah Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, it would be Kenny’s wish for you to donate to a local youth group.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

10/25/2022

Valrie Elaine Daniel, 77, of Huxley, Texas, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, in Center, Texas.  She was born on May 29th, 1945, in Lawton, Oklahoma.  She was better known as Nanny to her family and friends in her community.  At a very young age, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she would later graduate from Broadmoor High School before pursuing a degree in nursing from Northwestern State University.

Elaine then became a Nursing Home Administrator and continued working in that field up until 1997 when she purchased Scarbers Grocery in Huxley, Texas.  In 2001 she sold the store to her kids, Tammy and Tim Brown.  Elaine continued working at Scarbers until its closure, in December 2015.  Elaine cherished every customer and friend she made throughout her years working there.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her.  She also loved her grandchildren’s friends as if they were her own.  Nanny’s favorite thing in life was watching Austin and Bailey play their various sports while cheering them on as loudly as she could, never missing a game.  They were the light of her life.  Nanny was a wonderful, caring person that touched the hearts of many and will deeply be missed by all.

Left to cherish her memory

Daughter:
Tammy Wells Brown and husband Tim

Sons:
Tim Wells and wife Jan
Howard (Woody) Daniel and wife Kaye
Lance Daniel and wife Kelli

Grandchildren:
Austin Rabalais and wife Angel
Bailey Rabalais
Desare Emigh and husband Mitchell
Brittany Williams and husband Jeremy
Sherri Daniel
Shayna Hayden and husband Chance
John Wyatt Daniel
Hydie Daniel
Trevor Daniel
Landrey Daniel
Cody Wells
Hunter Wells
Peyton Wells

Great-Grandchildren:
Laina Rabalais
Bo Rabalais
Dani Rabalais
Sadie Emigh
Kolton Emigh
Easton Strickland
Astrid Strickland
Harper Gilliland
Rohen Hayden

Brothers:
Larry Smith Hebert
Chico Bond and wife Nancy

Sister:
Kathy Bond Donaldson
Best friends of over 50 years, Paula Harris McMahan and Sharon Baehr

Special Friends:
Sylvia Oliver
Jim White
John Daniel

Preceded in death by:
Father of her children, Harold Wells
Birth parents, Adrian Smith, Sylvia Elenor Smith Bond and Evert Earl Bond
Adoptive parents, John Valrie Latil and Mary Alice Latil

Per her request, no services will be held at this time. A memorial in her honor will be held at a later date.

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

10/24/2022

Johnnie Howell Cassell Cook, 80, of Huxley, Texas, passed away on October 22, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on June 17, 1942, in Center, Texas, to the late Howell Cassell and Johnnie Kay Cassell.

Graveside service will be held at Strong Cemetery, on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 5pm with Bro. Gordon Vaughan officiating.

Johnnie was raised in the Huxley community. She loved the outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Mostly known as granny, to know her was to love her. If you knew her from working at short stop for years or if you were blessed to be able to call her a friend. Johnny Howell was a one in a life time type of person, and she loved everyone. She loved unconditionally, she never cared about your background, or the skeletons you had in your closet. Her front porch was a safe place. She raised her own five children, then continued to raise five more grandchildren. Selfless is an understatement. She would give you the shirt off her back. Her hobbies included talking on the phone, smoking cigarettes, reading, spending time with her grandchildren and also catering to her chihuahua “JoJo”. The good ones always go too soon, I hope the angels know how blessed they are to have our beloved mother, granny and friend. 

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Vicki Lout
Gail Aguilar and husband Tereso
Sheila Powdrill and husband Mike
Sondra Dutton and husband John
Misty Hogue

15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren

Brother, Bobby Howell Cassell

Sisters:
Glenis Tom Carroll
Judy Marie Goings
Joy Lynn Redmon

Numerous nieces and nephews

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

Johnnie is preceded in death by her son, Ricky Leon Goings; parents, Howell and Johnnie Kay Cassell; brother, Bobby Jo Cassell; and grandchildren, Michael Powdrill, Antonio Aguilar.

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

10/20/2022

George Thomas Wages, 71, of Nacogdoches Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022. Mr. Wages passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022, in Dallas, Texas.

George Thomas Wages was born April 19, 1951, in Denton, Texas, to parents Morris and Evelyn Wages. Growing up in Grand Prairie, he attended and graduated from Grand Prairie High School where he played athletics and was part of the marching band.

After high school, George went to Tarleton State University. Attending classes and showing horses weren’t his only activities. He happened to go on a blind date which turned into a 49-year love affair with his wife Debbie. They married on July 21, 1973, in Eastland, Texas.

George started his career by moving to the Oldest Town in Texas as the Assistant County Agent for Nacogdoches County. He later moved to Meridian, Texas, as the County Agent for Bosque County. He returned to Nacogdoches to work for and later buy J&J Feed. After 15 years as a proud business owner, he moved to Nacogdoches County Farm Bureau, where he spent 4 years as an Agent. He was then promoted to Agency Manager and spent another 22 years until his retirement in September 2016.

When George wasn’t working, he found most joy in following his grandchildren, who called him “Papa G”, around with their activities, spending time with friends, and volunteering at church. George was a true southerner at heart. His favorite hobbies were raising cattle, riding horses, deer hunting and exploring the world, one city at a time. George was also a longtime member of the Nacogdoches First Baptist Church and served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and greeter. He was involved in the Nacogdoches Rotary Club and Gideons International, volunteered with the Glory Gang, and served as the President of the Lilly Grove Water Board.

Mr. Wages is survived by:

Wife, Debbie, of Nacogdoches

Daughter, Jennifer Chandler & husband, Brad, of Spring
Son, Bryan Wages & wife, Dee, of Tenaha
Daughter, Amanda Comegys & husband, Mike, of Van Alstyne

Grandchildren:
Matthew Comegys, of Van Alstyne
Wesley Wages, of Tenaha
Luke Comegys, of Van Alstyne
Hannah Wages, of Tenaha.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Evelyn Wages.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s honor to the American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches Missions Ministry or Children’s Ministry.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

”If you pray, why worry? If you worry, why pray?”

The Wages family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or sign an online register, visit lairdfh.net.

10/18/2022

Kaitlyn Simone Hewitt (17) of Center, Texas died on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Willis Knighton South in Shreveport, Louisiana. Kaitlyn was born to the late Jerry Dewayne Hewitt and the late Karaline Ann Suell-Hewitt on October 21, 2004.

Kaitlyn attended Center High School and was in her senior year. Kaitlyn participated with the girls' tennis team. Kaitlyn’s hobbies included watching soccer and participating in the Culinary Arts Department at Center High School. Go Riders!

Balloon Release: In remembrance of Kaitlyn Hewitt’s 18th birthday, there will be a balloon release at Center High School approximately 11:30am on Friday, October 21, 2022.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ located 908 Daniels Street Center, Texas 75935 at 2:00 P.M. Elder Cleon Williams Sr of Lilly of the Valley Church of God in Christ will be officiating.

Visitation is Friday, October 21, 2022, at Hicks Chapel from 1pm until 7pm. Committal is at Westview Cemetery and repass is at Pinewoods Outreach Center Center, Texas.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

Kaitlyn Hewitt is survived by:

Grandmother, Shirley Suell of Center, Texas 

Grandfather, Jimmy Earl Hewitt of Shelbyville, Texas

Brothers:
Andre’ Suell of Ft. Worth
Corwin Suell of Indiana
Derrick Gardner of Houston
Eric Gardner of Center
Cortez Cartwright of Dallas

Special Brother:  Joshua Ingram of Center, Texas
Special Sister:  Brianna Suell of Nacogdoches, Texas

Uncles:
Gary Suell (Pamula) of Center
James Earl Hewitt (Gloria) of Shelbyville
Charles Hewitt (Sherinka) of Shelbyville
Billy Sr. (Pauline) of Shelbyville

Aunts:
Marcia Jones (Julius) of Riverview, Florida
Debbie Suell-Tanner of Nacogdoches
Jennifer Suell-Ingram (Larry) of Center

Great-Uncle, Oscar Suell of Houston

Great-Aunts:
Kay McCoy of Dallas
Myrna Williams of Melissa
Gloria Adams of Houston
Ella Ree Thomas of Dallas

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.

10/17/2022

Inga Yvonne Lout, 68, of Center, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022, in Shelbyville.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at Noon. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born July 12, 1954, Inga is the daughter of Billie and Bryan Bell. She loved to read. Inga was a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Son, Roy Eric Sicko of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Jackson Wayne Holloway
Heaven Annyson Metcalf
Allyson Louise Bolton

Also, a host of friends.

Preceded in death by daughters, Sunny Ann Sicko, Angel Lorrine Lout, and Brandi Lynn Lout; and parents, Billie and Bryan Bell.

Pallbearers will be Dillon Porter, Cody Porter, Roy Eric Sicko, Jackson Lane Holloway, Luke Metcalf, and Clint Crocker.

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

10/14/2022

Derwin Wayne Armstrong, 63 of Center, passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022 in Center. He was born June 14, 1959 to Carl Armstrong Sr. and Fannie Hubbard McCoy in Houston, Texas.

Funeral service is 1pm on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Community Funeral Home Chapel, 157 CR 2230, Center, Texas with Reverend Fields officiating.

He sang in the choir at St. Paul Baptist Church at an early age with his grandmother Florine McCoy.

He attended Jones High School in Houston, Texas. He later married Rosalyn Doggins Armstrong. He was a jack of all trades and was employed by Tyson Foods.

He is preceded in death by his father, Carl Armstrong, Sr.; son, Derwin Armstrong, Jr.; and siblings, Franklin McCoy, Bruce Armstrong, and Barbara Taylor.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Children:
Celina Armstrong (Alex, Sr.)
Dexter Armstrong (Tanisha)
Latisha Armstrong, Jasmine Williams

Grandchildren: Jatavion (Shay), Shyteria, Amaria, Jahmyah, Alexiyah, Alex Jr., and Aleya

Siblings:
Angelina Hubbard Johnson (Irvin)
Gregory McCoy
Ronald Armstrong (Juanna)
Stanley Armstrong
Carl Armstrong, Jr.
Sheila Atkins (Carl)
Gwen Armstrong (Celeste)
Belinda Armstrong

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Special recognition to two nephews: Christopher Hubbard and Zachary Bolton

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/13/2022

Morris Wayne Brown was born November 23, 1938 to Hugh Brown and Ima Brown Furlow in Huxley, Texas.  He went to his heavenly home on Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 14, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rusty Hall officiating.  Interment will follow at Wimberly Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Morris retired from AT&& after 33 years of service.  He was a lifetime member of the Old Spanish Trail Ride from 1957 to his death.  He served as Trail Boss from 1980 until his death.  He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock and Rodeo serving on several committees.  Morris’s life was his family and his trail ride family.  He was a diehard Joaquin Ram’s fan.  He graduated from Joaquin Class of 1957.  He loved the University of Texas Longhorns.  He joined the army in December of that year serving his country for 3 years.

Left to cherish his memory:

Wife and best friend Sally Brown.

Children:
Tim Brown and wife Tammy
Shannon Lowe and husband Mac
Douglas King, Jr and fiancé Brittaney Aaron

Grandchildren:
Desare Emigh and husband Mitchell
Dalton Wheless and girlfriend Lexi Smith
Preslie King, Cody Aaron, and Blake Aaron
Bailey Rabalais
Austin Rabalais and wife Angel
Darren Lowe and wife Abbey
Jace Lowe and wife Mackenzie Lowe
Special grandson Adam Mason and wife Sterling.

Multiple great grandchildren

Sisters:
Beth Brown Lee
Debbie Brown Gamble and husband Herman
Brother: Butch Brown and wife Mary

Proceed in death by his infant daughter, Father Hugh Brown, Mother Ima Brown Furlow, Step Father Ed Furlow, Sister Carla Adkison, Brother Ricky Brown, Brother in law Harold Lee, nephew Billy Watson.  Special Cousin Dan Duncan.  Maternal Grandparents Dode Duncan, Lona Duncan, Paternal Grandparents Leonard and Velma Brown.  His very special friend Thomas Harvey.

Serving as pallbearers:
Darrell Withers
John Bell
Dalton Wheless
Adam Mason
Austin Rabalais
Tony Yang

Honorary Pallbearers:
Board of Directors and Members of the Old Spanish Trail Ride
Donut Shop Gang

Mask are not required, but recommended.

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