Shelby County Today

03/28/2022

Sean Douglas Permenter, 74, of Joaquin (Mayor of South Paxton), passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 5:00 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating.

Sean was born August 28, 1947, at Barksdale Air Force Base. He is the son of Smith and Edgel Permenter. His favorite job description was Papaw/Grandpa Sean. Sean loved his family and wanted nothing more than to be surrounded by his kids and grandkids. His passion for gardening came from a young age and he shared the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He never met a stranger and always had a story to tell you.

Left to cherish his memory:

Wife, Joyce Permenter of Joaquin of 40 years; 

Children:
Daughter, Amie Modglin and fiance Peter Bicsanszky (Las Vegas)
Son, Eric Permenter and wife Josey (Shelbyville) 

Grandchildren:
Kolton Pacheco and wife Ashlee, (Modesto, California)
Madison and Allie Modglin (Las Vegas)
Branson, Maddox, and Emerysn Permenter (Shelbyville) 

Great-Grandchildren: Kingston and Maddox Pacheco (Modesto, California) 

Siblings:
James Rose and wife Gloria (Tyler)
Christy May (Alexandria, Louisiana)
Debbie and husband Jack Brown (Arlington)
Steve Permenter and wife Sandy (Joaquin)

Brothers-in-law and sister-in-law:
Mike Black and wife Tamara (Camp Verde, Arizona)
Jeanette and husband David Oehlerking (Center)
Eddie Black and wife Denise (Queen Creek, Arizona)
Willie Black and wife Jackie (Mesa, Arizona)

Close Family Friends: Zack Belrose Steve Burns Keith Shields David Shields Ely Starkey 

And numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Preceded in Death: Smith and Edgel Permenter, parents Roxanne Galey, daughter.

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

03/22/2022

Machelle Britton Stewart, 52, of Conroe, Texas passed from this life on March 12, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer. 

There will be a celebration of Machelle's life at 12-noon on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the James Antioch Community Center located on FM 2608 1/4 mile down on right.

Machelle married Gregg Stewart on March 1, 2010, he survives her along with:

Children:
Jacob Martinez
Nathan Martinez, and fiancé, Ravin Roberts
Chelsie Martinez
Kyle Stewart, and wife, Sarah
Toni Scantlin, and partner in life, Brian Hand
Amanda Wyler, and husband, Chris
Jessica Beasley, and husband, John

Sisters:
Anita Herndon
Teresa Young
Shina Jernigan

Brother, George Britton

Machelle is survived by 16 grandchildren

Many nieces and nephews

Machelle was preceded in death by her parents G.W. and Lois Britton and her brother Charles Britton.

03/21/2022 (Corrected obituary)

Dusty Adrian Barbee, 40, of Center, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family, Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. David Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at Short Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born June 12, 1981, in Nacogdoches, Dusty is the son of Lois Ann Barbee and Denel Ray Barbee. Following his graduation from Center High School in 2000, Dusty went on to become a welder. He was a member of Local 798 Welder’s Union out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dusty loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He was of the Baptist faith.

Left to cherish his memory is:

Son, Kagen Barbee

Mother, Lois Ann Barbee

Father, Denel Ray Barbee and wife Rosie

Brothers:
Coby Barbee and wife Crystal
Joshua Barbee

Sister, Miley Barbee

Nephews:
Camden Barbee
Jake Barbee

Aunts:
Barbara McDonald
Vicky Snider
Ronda Holloway
Carolyn and husband Ricky Dale Harkness

Uncles:
Ricky Barbee
Donald Barbee

Also, numerous cousins and friends who will miss him greatly.

Preceded in death by his grandmother, Emma Barlow; grandparents, Archie and Faye Barbee; uncles, Bo Barbee, Bobby Barbee, John Barbee, and W.M. Barbee; and aunts, Beverly Walker, JoAnn Rushing, and Linda Faye Cougler.

Pallbearers will be Jason Burch, Jason McDonald, Cody Warr, Juston Barbee, Bradley Lovell, and John Yarborough. Honorary pallbearers will be Juston Jones, Bailey Jones, Eddie Kirkwood, Camden Barbee, Jake Barbee, and Nolan Tinnell. (Corrected pallbearers list)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Short Cemetery Fund, PO Box 854, Center, Texas, 75935 or St. Therese of Lisieux Religious Education in Center, 717 FM 2974, Center, Texas, 75935.

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

03/18/2022

Deacon Ronnie Wayne Horton departed this life, March 10, 2022 in Lufkin, TX. He was born on August 3, 1964 to the late Milton Horton Sr. and the late Carrie Shepherd in Center, TX.

Ronnie met Sherina Bass on February 10, 2001 the love of his life in Timpson, TX and it was love at first sight. God had a plan and he asked me to marry him. Our love flourished on September 21, 2002, God blessed our union for 19 years.

Ronnie was a member of Mt. Gillion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor R.L. Cotton where he served as an Usher. Later The Lord elevated Ronnie to join the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Lufkin, TX under the leadership of Pastor Richard Griffin where he served God with gladness and August 2004 he became a deacon of the church, and served faithfully. Later the Lord had a greater plan, to move him to a higher level to Good Will Baptist Church under the Leadership of Bishop M. E. Lyons where he served as Help Administer The Lord’s Supper, Co Chairman of the Deacons, Member of the Finance Committee, Member of Brotherhood, Member of Male Chorus when it was active and Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, Usher, Teacher, Van Driver, and any area the Lord allowed as the Church needed him. His favorite Scripture - Roman 6:1-2, favorite song - 'Father I Stretch my Hands To Thee,' Favorite Singer - Sherina K. Horton, and favorite team - Dallas Cowboys.

Ronnie graduated from Timpson Independent School District Class of 1983 in Timpson, TX 

Ronnie started work in March of 1993 what was then International Paper, it has changed names twice during this time (currently WestFraser), Ronnie was affectionately known to all as P-Wood, P-Wood was Mr. 10.5, our go to man, for he could and would do everything asked of him, for 29 years, he would say all the time, if P-Wood, needs help, then, there must be trouble in the land.

Ronnie was the active Worshipful Master, of Nacogdoches Lodge #369. 

Ronnie will be greatly missed by all of us.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his father & mother , son Mark Anthony Smith, three brothers, Allen Ray, Darren, and Lawrence Horton, three nephews Timmy, LaSharrea and Shamfrea Hooper , one grandson Martavius Lockett and a host of uncles and aunts.

Ronnie leaves to cherish his memories:

Wife, Sherina K. Horton of Lufkin

Son, Arlondo M. Horton

Daughters:
Britney LeAnn Horton of Dallas
Andrette L. Sessions-Matthew of Lufkin

Brothers:
Milton Horton Jr. (Earsie) of Shelbyville
Robert James Shepherd (Mary Jo) of Nacogdoches

Sisters:
Peggie Brown of Timpson
Betty Mitchell (Johnny) of Timpson
Callie Horton of Timpson
Donna Fletcher (Alford) of Timpson

13 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild

God-daughter, Kiara Rodgers of Lufkin

A host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services are under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home.

03/18/2022

Manuel Ray Steptoe of San Augustine County, Texas, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at Colonial Pines Care Center.

Manuel Ray was born February 15, 1936, in San Augustine County, Texas, to parents R.D. and Era Inez (Wall) Steptoe and had been a lifelong resident of the county's Norwood community. He was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and faithfully served as a deacon for many years. He was also a longtime active member of Broaddus Masonic Lodge #1112.

Mr. Steptoe was an accomplished painter and performed these duties among many businesses and residences in the San Augustine/East Texas area through the years. His family was also successful poultry farmers. Outdoor activities always gained Manuel Ray's attention, with a great love for fishing and squirrel hunting.

His survivors include his:

Sons:
Bruce Steptoe and wife Tammy of Shelbyville
Alton Steptoe and wife Ann of San Augustine

Daughter, Liz Sowell and husband Ronnie of Chireno

Siblings:
Doyline Bennefield
Tommy Joe "T.J." Steptoe and wife Nina of San Augustine
Deolan Steptoe and wife Marilyn of San Augustine
Margaret Chambless of San Augustine
Linda Runnels and husband Jimmy of Lufkin

Grandchildren:
Bryan Sanders
Brodie Steptoe
Kyle Steptoe
Austin Steptoe
Aaron Steptoe
Adam Steptoe
Jonathan Sowell
Clint Sowell
Laura Sowell

11 great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Black Steptoe, on November 24, 2020; a daughter, Belinda Joyce Steptoe, on May 25, 1982; his father, R.D. Steptoe, on November 1, 1972; and his mother, Era Wall Steptoe, on October 21, 2004.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Bro. David Baxley and Bro. Ronnie Sowell officiating. Interment will follow at the Sowell Cemetery.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

03/15/2022

Oldin Foster Cannon, 92, of Silsbee, died Tuesday, March 8, 2022. He was born on August 2, 1929, in Shelbyville, to Eunice Taylor Cannon and George F. Cannon. Oldin proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, on April 9th. Visitation is from 12:30-1:00 pm. Remembrance and celebration of life is from 1-2 pm followed by a graveside service at Cannon Cemetery.

Mr. Cannon graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1946 and enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17. He served a three-year tour of duty with the Corps of Engineers in the South Pacific.

After he returned from the army, he went to Lamar University and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He then went to work for Sun Pipeline Company and Sunoco, Incorporation for thirty-six years and retired in January 1991.

Mr. Cannon and his wife, Helen, volunteered in lay outreach service ministries, including participation in prison ministries, in both Texas State and Federal Prison systems. He also volunteered at the Hardin County Christian Care Center for twenty-seven years.

Survivors include:

Son, Patrick Cannon and his wife, Diane

Sister, Marilyn Lout and her husband, Kenneth

Brother, Robert Cannon and his wife, Wanda

Grandchildren: 
Joshua Cannon
Brian Taylor
Heather Brazier
Amber Callahan
Bethany Cannon
Kandice Ciotti
Katelyn Murphy

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen Cannon; son, George Cannon; brothers, William Cannon and James Cannon; and two nephews, James Neil Cannon and Randy Lout.

The interment of his cremated body will be held at Cannon Family Cemetery, Shelbyville, at a later date.

03/14/2022

Bill Pridgen, 94, of Joaquin, passed away Friday, March 11, 2022, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home.

Born November 6, 1927, in Haslam, Bill is the son of Lurline Glaze Pridgen and Claude Pridgen. Bill has lived in Joaquin all of his life. He grew up loving to hunt and fish, and his children have fond memories of camping with him, Jane and family. He learned how to weld at an early age working with his dad and became well known for his expertise as a welder. Later he was a Superintendent at Fabsteel, where he worked for many years. He was always loved for his quick wit, spunk and humor, as well as integrity, being level headed and rock solid. He loved his times at the deer lease, where he was affectionately know as ‘Doe Bullet’. The biggest change in Bill’s life came at age 80, when he accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, while watching a Bro. Stanley tape at home on Cathy’s birthday. After that he was compelled to witness to others and share the love of Christ with all. He was a wonderful dad and grandad, and his favorite times were when he was surrounded by family. He will be well remembered as one of a kind, there is not another like him.

He is survived by:
Daughters, Bet and husband Don Kirkland
Cathy and husband Vance Jordan
Donna and husband Doug Hudson

Grandchildren:
Kim and husband Danny Griffin
Jason Jordan and wife Jessica
Shelly and husband Elan Watson
Jana and husband Kyle Wood
Troy Hudson

Great-grandchildren:
Haley
Hunter
JC
Hannah
Chance
Caylee
Derrik
Rowan
Kate
Evangeline
Margot

Three great-great-grandchildren

Sister, Barbara and husband Jim Coulter

Brother, Richard Pridgen and wife Sue

Sister-in-law, Barbara Pridgen

Numerous other relatives

A host of friends

Also, special friends/caregivers, Geana Owen and Shauna Bushiey.

Preceded in death by wife of 57 years, Jane Oates Pridgen; parents, Lurline Glaze Pridgen and Claude Pridgen; sister, Betty and husband Webb Dean; and brother, Johnny Pridgen.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org

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

03/12/2022

Joseph DeShaevon Gipson, 8, of Center passed away Sunday night, March 6, 2022, at the Center Emergency Room.

Services will be held 2pm Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Center Triumph Church with interment to follow at Bennett Chapel Cemetery with Bishop Howard Cloudy, Sr. officiating.

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

03/11/2022

Eureka Michelle Cooper, 51 of Ft. Worth and formerly of Center, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022 early in the morning at a Ft. Worth hospital.

Funeral service is Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 2:30pm at Abundant Love Ministries in Center. Interment is at Carroll Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville with Rev. Steven Stanley officiating.

On November 5, 1970, a beautiful baby girl was born in Center, Texas to Joyce Ann and Glenn Kindle whom they named Eureka Michelle. Eureka accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Carroll Chapel CME Church.

She attended public schools in the Shelbyville and San Augustine area and was a very proud graduate of San Augustine High School class of 1989. "Go Wolves!" After graduating high school she attended Lamar University and later moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Eureka was a very hard worker and her career crossed many different paths. She had a keen business mind and shared her passion of entrepreneurship with many. She also enjoyed fine cars, motorcycles and playing cards.

She was proceeded in death by her father, Glenn Kindle and God Parents, Maggie Nell and Ernest Mosby.

Those left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy:

Devoted husband of 23 years, Michael Cooper, Sr.

Mother, Joyce Ann Kindle

Sons, Michael Cooper, Jr (lil Mike)

Stepson, Zekedrion Cooper

Grand Daughter, Za'Miyah Morrow

Brothers:
Brad Roberts
David Pete McCowen

Nieces:
Breon Roberts
Kiara Smith

In-laws:
Darlene and Billy Joe Cooper, Sr.
Bridgett Cooper
Michelle Finley
Billy Joe Cooper, Jr.

God Sister, Tara Smith

Many, many others that she also called her sisters and brothers and along with a host of other family members and special friends.

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