Shelby County Today

01/25/2022

Elma Lee Redmon Bluford, age 86, of San Augustine, Texas passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022, at CHI St. Luke Memorial in San Augustine, TX.

Graveside Service is at 11am on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Haley Bush Cemetery with Rev. Orvin Garrett officiating.

Visitation is from 1pm until 6pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Garner and Son Chapel, 304 Ironosa Road, San Augustine, Texas.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Willie Bluford Jr. of Shelbyville
Eddie Bluford of Center
Johnny Bluford (Audrey) of Center
Robert Bluford of Fort Worth
Alton Bluford of Tacoma, Washington
Nicholas Bluford of San Augustine

Daughters:
Linda Arnold of San Augustine
Brenda Bluford of San Augustine
Lee Bauer (Ben) of Center
Polly Bluford of San Augustine

A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren

Sister, Dorothy Hebert of Beaumont, Texas

As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Services are entrusted to Percy Garner and Son Funeral Home.

01/25/2022

Deryl Bishop, 94, of Joaquin, Tx passed away on January 22, 2022. She was born on July 3, 1927, in Forest Hill, Louisiana, to the late Ivey and Lessie (Dunn) Cook.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Haslam Baptist Church in Joaquin, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Haslam Baptist Church in Joaquin, Texas. 

Deryl Bishop, known as Meemee to family and friends, has run a good race, fought a good fight, and through it all has “collected” so many precious friends and memories. She’s had marvelous experiences, and built a good and noble name for herself. She truly lived every moment of her 94 years! 

Deryl was born July 3, 1927, which she always laughingly said was too close to the Fourth of July to celebrate her birthday. She was born to Ivey Calhoun Cook and Lessie Inez Cook who were farmers in Forest Hill, Louisiana. She had a happy childhood there playing in the creek with her brothers and sister on the farm. She was raised by Godly parents who taught her Biblical truths by example as well as by reading the Bible and attending the little Baptist Church close by. 

She was a lovely young girl of 16 years when she met the love of her life, Raymond Hugh Bishop. They knew right away they were a “match.” They were married December 18, 1943. Ray was a young soldier in training at Camp Cliborne nearby. He was ordered to Illinois, and she went with him. They lived there until he was shipped out to England. Separation came hard for the young couple, like it did for millions of others in the days of World War II. They settled down to farming when Ray returned from the war. 

Deryl and Ray had three children – Michael Raymond Bishop, David Gerald Bishop, and Susan Louise Bishop. They were all born within three years. Texas Eastern advertised for workers, and Ray answered the ad and got a job in Castor and was later transferred to Joaquin, which was to be their permanent home. They were always able to live within their means. One of the things Meemee was always able to do was to “make do” with whatever she had. She could fix anything and made do with what she had instead of wanting  things she didn’t have. This is a valuable lesson she’s passed down to her family through the years.

They settled into the Joaquin community and made tons friends. Ray and Deryl loved attending all the school sports, especially  all the gamers their grandchildren participated in. They supported their town in anyway they could. Ray and Deryl helped build a baseball field in Joaquin and coaches or cheered for years. They loved sports, as well as games and any competition. Meemee was a ferocious competitor and managed to win most of the time at any game she played! In her later years she worked at the local food pantry and delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly of Joaquin. 

Meemee was the rock in our family and the glue that held us altogether. She was a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother who gave us all many special memories. She was so proud of all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Every single one of us knew we were loved. We thank the Lord for such a precious lady to call our own. 

01/24/2022

James Glenn Gray, age 64, passed away on January 23, 2022 in Cleburne Texas. James was born in Center, Texas, on October 28, 1957.

James was a member of the Texas National Guard from 1985 to 1992.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

He is survived by:

Sons:
Brandon and wife Heather
Chris and wife Kayla

Grandchildren: Katalyn, Rathan, and Sterling

Mother, Helen Gray

Brother, Paul Gray

Sisters:
Sandra Gray
Theresa Gray States

Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by father, William Glenn Gray and grandparents, Clarence and Virgie Gray

Services are under the direction of Rosser Funeral Home, Cleburne, Texas.

01/20/2022

Evelyn J. Osby, 72 of Center, Texas, died on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Garrison Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Garrison, Texas. She was born to the late Ralph Mann and Christine Norris Mann in Center, Texas on October 6, 1949.

Graveside service will be on Saturday, January 22, 2022, immediately following the committal of Linda Allen. Elder Jonwesley Gatlin will be officiating. Visitation is 1pm until 6pm January 21, 2022, at Hicks Chapel. Committal is at Westview Cemetery.

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

Mrs. Osby is survived by:

Son, Patrick V. Osby of Federal Way, Washington 

Daughter, Tomeka Moody (Kenneth) of Timpson, Texas 

Grandchildren:
Derrick Osby
Jawan Osby
Isaiah White
Sean White

Brother, Charles Mann of California 

Sisters, Helen Goodwin of Center, Texas

Brother-in-law, Gwen Allen Center, Texas

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.

01/20/2022

Quiency "Sweet Pea" Demond Handy Horton, 41, of Shelbyville passed away Monday morning, January 17, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Mr. Horton was born in Center to Milton and Earsie Horton of Shelbyville. He met and married Katrina Handy and to this union two children were born. Mr. Horton was also the father of four other children.

Services will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, 11am at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church of Center, Texas. Interment will follow at Mt. Gillion Cemetery with Pastor Gary Suell officiating.

Mr. Horton is survived by:
Wife, Katrina Handy

Children:
TyTy Roland
Jaliya Handy
Ieshia Handy
Kendra Harper
Kendrick Harper
Naomi Handy

Granddaughter, Navaeh Roland

Loving sisters:
Janice R. Handy of Atlanta, Ga.
Jenny Chatman (LaVal) of Nacogdoches

Loving brother, Milton Horton, III (Tracy)

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

Services under the direction Community Funeral Home in Center.

01/18/2022

Linda Allen, 76 of Center, Texas, died on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas. Mrs. Allen was born to the late Ralph Mann and Christine Norris Mann in Tatum, Texas on July 25, 1945.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Mt Zion CME Church at 2pm. Rev. Richard Edwards will be officiating. Visitation is from 1pm to 6pm on January 21, 2022, at Hicks Chapel. Committal is at Westview Cemetery.

She is survived by:

Son, Antonio Deon (Denise) Allen of Nacogdoches

Daughter, Loura (David) Hunt of Nacogdoches 

Grandchildren:
Andrea Pleasant of Katy
Koby Pleasant of Tenaha
Marlo Allen of Nacogdoches

Great-grandchildren:
Zy’Keis Fields
Kaden Fields
Mar-Keith Mergerson
Ce-Riyah Fowler
Keviana Moody

Brother, Charles Mann of California

Sisters:
Helen Goodwin of Center
Evelyn Osby of Center

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

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

01/17/2022

Janet Shofner Wilburn, 63, of Center, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, in Nacogdoches after a brief battle with cancer. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Oaklawn Cemetery with Brother Hayden Wilkes presiding. A private family viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service in the Watson & Sons chapel. 

Born November 16, 1958, in Center, to the late James Richard and Rosa Vaugh Shofner, Janet came along a short year and eight days after her sister, Deb. They were the best of friends and could always be found together, even in later life. Janet was a long-time member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where she had served many years as a Sunday school teacher and assistant secretary. Her love for Jesus and her church was followed closely by her fierce love for her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and seeing all of God’s glorious creations with her family, being outside, and most of all, riding her lawnmower. 

She is survived by: 

Daughters:
Misty Wilburn of Center
Micah Wilburn Youngblood of Center

Grandson, and love of her life, Guner Youngblood of Center 

Mother, Rosa Vaughn Shofner of Center

Sister and brother-in-law, Deb Shofner Johnson and Darrell of Center 

Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Yolanda Wilburn Davis and Lynn of Center 

Sister-in-law, Debbie Nutt of Prague, Oklahoma 

Honorary sister and brother-in-law, Linda Livingston Dawson and Chester, of Center

As well as a host of dearly loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by: 
Husband of 34 years, Mike Wilburn 

Father, James Richard Shofner

Father-in-law, Bobby Henry Wilburn

Mothers-in-law, Yvonne Holt Wilburn and Cora Nutt Wilburn

Brothers-in-law, Steve Wilburn and David Nutt

Sister-in-law, Cynthia Nutt Lawson

Pallbearers are Guner Youngblood, Rex Johnson, David Butler, Rhett Butler, Kyle Warner, Ryan Wilburn, Wade Lawson, Matt Lawson, Matt Foster, and Cody Nutt. 

Honorary pallbearers are Chester Dawson, Bubba Bell, Boo Kline, Ricky Livingston, Chris Link, Ryan Hudspeth, Bubba Parker, Trey Parker, and Bolt Parker.

A special thanks goes to Dr. Rachel Cline, the staff of MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the staff of Nacogdoches Medical Center. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Providence Missionary Baptist Church Benevolence Fund or the charity of your choice. 

01/17/2022

James L Nickerson, 77, passed away Friday, January 14, 2022 in Beaumont, Texas. He was born on January 14, 1945 in Center, Texas to KC Nickerson and Clara Tanner Nickerson.

A Memorial Service honoring the life of James L Nickerson will be held at 1:00p.m., Friday, January 21, 2022 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home Chapel, 3535 SE Stalling Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas. Officating the service will be Pastor Rogers Johnson.

Mr. Nickerson is preceded in death by his son, Allen Nickerson; parents, KC and Clara Tanner Nickerson; sister, Jeanette Harris; sister, Mary Jane Edwards; sister, Kay Marie Nickerson; brother, John L Nickerson; brother, RL Nickerson; sister, Jennie Mae Greer; daughter, Leticia Ratcliff; grandson, Rodrick Ratcliff;

Left to cherish his memory are:

Daughter, Jennifer Bell and husband, Curtis

Sons:
James Nickerson, Jr.
Jeffery Nickerson

Daughter-in-law, Angie Nickerson

Adopted son, Seth Nelson

Grandchildren:
Vae’Eshia Davis
Mariah Delaney
Brandon Gillaspie
Keisha Gillaspie
Precious Gillaspie
Ashton Herrin
Alyssa Nickerson
Jada Nickerson
Jakayla Nickerson
James Nickerson III
Lyndon Nickerson
Keisha Standley

Great-Grandchildren:
Easton Bailey
Luca Bailey
Raylynn Bailey
Gracelynn Cartwright
Madsion Cartwright
Mahayla Cartwright
Xavier Cartwright
Tahli Davis
Taneysia Davis
Teyano Davis
Torvin Davis
Aria Hall
Kenslei
Zoe Moore
Peyton Morris
Tyshiyannah Nelson
Kaysen Nickerson
Kingston Nickerson
Paige Pinellas
Nakayla Ratcliff
Nasia Sneed
Nyonna Sneed
Arianna Standley
Ethan Wheaton

Brothers
J.L. Nickerson, Beaumont
E.L. Nickerson, Houston

Sisters
Mary Booker, Beaumont
Willie Chatlin, Beaumont
Ada Nickerson, Houston
Ruthie, Nickerson, Houston
Clara Washington, Houston

Close friends: Dr. Carrol Thomas and Linda Thomas, Chuck Choatz, Mr. Bud, Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Lou

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

Services Entrusted to Her Family of Professionals at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr., Nacogdoches, TX 75961.

01/14/2022

Billy Peveto, 68, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on January 12, 2022, in Timpson, Texas. He was born on July 6, 1953, in Center, Texas, to the late Billy Don and Tommie (Chambers) Peveto. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, January 17, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas, officiated by Bro. Dee Daniels. Interment will follow at Patroon Cemetery, Shelby County, Texas.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

Billy was just a toddler when he moved to Timpson with his grandparents Willie and Gertrude Chambers while his mother attended nursing school in Houston. He attended Timpson Schools starting in 1st grade and graduated from Timpson High school in 1971.

Being a lifelong resident of Timpson Billy made lifelong friends and was loved by all who knew him.

Billy loved the outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, football, or baseball. He enjoyed coaching his son. grandson and nephew’s teams in both baseball and football, this was over 40 years of being devoted to helping with the youth programs in Timpson. He was truly a Bear fan as well as an Astros fan. Fishing was one of his favorite past times. Whether he was hitting the local lakes or ponds he took the opportunity every chance he got. Family vacations with his son and grandchildren often included fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Hunting was time well spent with family. Billy and his younger brother David took many hunting trips together over the years hunting deer in the Piney Woods in their younger days then going for the big bucks in South Texas and Elk and Rams in Colorado. These trips were often shared with his son Jason, nephews Seth and Josh and niece Lauren. A couple of times momma even went.

Billy loved antique cars and motorcycles as well. He was a member of the Shelby County Cruisers until his health declined. He attended many bike rallies over the years with family and close friends, even going to Sturgis several times.

Billy was part of the Timpson Volunteer Fire Dept for many years serving as Assistant Fire Chief and Captain.

Of his many talents Billy enjoyed playing the bass guitar and was pretty good at it. He enjoyed woodworking and building things as well.

Billy was involved in the family business Timpson Tamco even before finishing high school. He worked in every capacity there was to do in the shop. Learning the business from start to finish. Throughout the years he travelled out of state making deliveries to customers all over the US. Most memorable road trips were the ones spent going to Indiana Illinois and Ohio delivering products to the Amish or attending Conventions in all parts of the USA. Billy and his younger sister Teri continued the business after the loss of their parents and brother. Many memories and friendships were made over the last 60 years inside the gates at Tamco.

Billy attended First Baptist Church in Timpson as his health allowed. He truly loved the Lord and couldn’t wait to be with Him in Heaven.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Tommie and Charles Alexander, Billy Don and Sylvia Peveto; son, Christopher S Peveto; and brother, Charles David Alexander.

Billy leaves behind to cherish his memory:

Son, Jason Peveto

Grandson, Shane Peveto (Heather)

Granddaughters:
Virginia Sky Peveto
Brittany Nicole Peveto
Ashley Leann Peveto

Great-granddaughter, Peyton Deann Peveto

Sister, Teri Lea Alexander

Stepsister, Debra Anne Alexander

Algeo

A host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends

Serving as pallbearers are nephews: Seth Alexander, Collin Alexander, Joshua Alexander, Ashton Pierce, Dimas Coleman, and Chris Jones.

Honorary pallbearers are Omar Gonzales, Kenny Walker, Larry Moreland, Paul Smith, William Edwards, Don Pledger, and Tye Angelo.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net. Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.