Shelby County Today

04/21/2025

Johnny Ray Rector, 65 of Center, passed away Monday morning, April 14, 2025 in Iowa Park, Texas. He was born August 5, 1960 to Johnny Bruce Rector and Algae Garrett Rector.

Visitation only will be held Tuesday, April 22, from 2pm until 6pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center.

He is survived by:

Wife, Teena Rector

Son, Jonathan Polley

3 Grandchildren

Sister, Teresa Rector

A host of Nieces, Nephew, Cousins, and Friends

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

04/21/2025

Brenda Kaye Nixon Standley, born November 13, 1952, in Center, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, after spending 14 days in ICU. She was the daughter of Melvin Eugene Nixon and Mary Joy Ryans Nixon. Brenda lived a life devoted to her family and loved watching her grand babies grow up. She was the most generous, caring, kindest person you would have ever met; she would give, give, and give and would rather do without to give more. If ever a person deserves to have a golden ticket to heaven, she would definitely have one. Brenda’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Brenda grew up in the Devils Pocket area and attended Deweyville High School. Married her high school sweetheart for 53 years; whom she had met at the phone booth at (use to be) Nick’s Cafe there in Deweyville. They had one son, Jeff, who gave her 4 sweet grand babies and a special nephew that she took custody of when he was 15 whom she considered as her second son whom provided her with two more sweet grand babies.

Brenda was a hard working individual. She worked at the frosty in Deweyville earning $.75 an hour to be able to buy furnishings for her nursery of soon to be son. Her first home was a new two bedroom mobile home 53 foot long where she lived with her husband in Starks, Louisiana. They moved the mobile home to a lot they bought in Orangefield where they lived for a few years and later sold it and bought a two bedroom brick home in Bridge City. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Bridge City where she talked pre-kindergarten and Sunday school. She went to Lamar University in Beaumont. She later moved with her family to Parachute, Colorado, where she live for 10 years. There she worked at a convenience store and later a bank in Glenwood Springs and then the property manager over battlement Mesa modular homes and apartments. She then moved with her family back to Louisiana in Sulphur. There she worked for Westlake Polymer group. She later moved with her husband to Saudi Arabia, where she worked at an expat school. After about 10 years, she moved with her husband, back to Sulphur Louisiana; there she went to work for Sweet Lake Land and Oil company. She moved again with her husband to Pasadena, Texas and went to work for Chevron downtown Houston. She retired from Chevron 2016 and her husband retired a few months later where they lived a comfortable and relaxing retirement in Deer Park Texas.

Brenda vacationed abroad in Hawaii, Dubai, Amsterdam, but mostly in the United States. She enjoyed multiple cruises to the Caribbean. She enjoyed renting homes in Galveston and Crystal beaches and having the kids and grandkids come. In her younger years she enjoyed going camping (in a tent) in local areas such as lake Rayburn, Dam-B, and numerous beaches. She owned a dirt bike; her and her husband and son would take adventures into the unknown. She took a couple of vacation trips traveling through Colorado. Her favorite memories probably came from the lake house they had purchased at Bailey Bluff on Toledo Bend where the kids and grandkids would come and visit.

Brenda was preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Nixon, twin sister, Linda Nixon, and parents, Melvin and Mary Joy Nixon. 

Brenda is survived by:

Husband, Herbert Standley and her sweet Bella (Yorkie)

Son, Jeffrey Standley and his wife Denise
Grandchildren: Seth, Isaac, Noah, Cecilia

Son, Jeremy Ashcraft and his wife, Ginger
Grandchildren, Evia and Eloise

Sisters:
Mary Jane and husband Morris Sanders
Sandria Whitten

Five nephews and their families.

A graveside service honoring Brenda will be held at Jackson Cemetery near Joaquin, Texas, Tuesday at 1pm April 22, 2025.

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

04/17/2025

Tammy "Faye" Christine McDonald (Holloway), 55 of Timpson, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas. Tammy was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on June 3, 1969, to Robert Leonard and Beverly Mae Norwood Holloway.

Services will be held at 2pm on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Timpson First Assembly of God Church, with Bro. Justin Timmons officiating. Graveside services will follow at Woodlawn cemetery. Visitation will be held the prior evening, Sunday, April 20, 2025, from 6:00 PM til 8:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home.

Tammy grew up and attended school in Chireno, Texas, where she graduated from Chireno High School in 1987. She then met and married her first husband, Stephen Bradley Martin, in 1988. After they moved to Utah to pursue her husband’s military career, Tammy welcomed her firstborn, Spencer Cody Martin, in 1990. After some time in West Texas cities, the family of three moved back to Nacogdoches in 1993 and welcomed a daughter in 1994, Katlyn Christine Martin (Lawson).

Throughout her early motherhood years, Tammy held various positions around Nacogdoches including a position at Sonshine School at North Street Church of Christ. In 1999 Tammy took an educational aide position with NISD, beginning a 26-year teaching career in Nacogdoches County in multiple schools and types of classrooms. In 2008, Tammy graduated cum laude from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. During her tenure as an educator, she held positions at Emiline Carpenter, McMichael Middle School, Nacogdoches High School, NISD District Support, Christ Episcopal School, Timpson ISD, and Central Heights ISD.

Even from a young age, Tammy had a fiery spirit and a loving heart, two of the many qualities she will be forever remembered. Her heart, spirit, and love of learning lead her to her passion for teaching and helping students. When she wasn’t working, she was rarely idle. Tammy held many hobbies and loved activities over the years including spending time with her grandbabies, baking, gardening, mowing/raking hay, and cutting up the dance floor with Jim.

Tammy met the love of her life, Jim McDonald, at Banita Creek Hall in 2012. They had instant chemistry, and the pair married in 2014. Over the next 11 years, they would two-step their way across every dance floor or sidewalk they could. With many weekly Friday date nights and trips across Texas, Louisiana, Mexico, and the Caribbean, Tammy and Jim lived their life to the fullest hand in hand. They were devoted to one another, filling notebooks with daily messages, cracking jokes at the other's expense, and an endless pursuit of the other’s heart and of Christ. They always kept life fun and their hearts young through their passionate, fun-loving marriage and their love of the Lord.

Tammy was a bright spirit whose light will be sorely missed and whose absence is immensely felt throughout her family and communities. She had a constant love and respect for others and always lived passionately. She was a one-of-a-kind daughter, sister, mother, wife, and friend everyone was blessed to have.

Tammy is survived by:

Beloved husband, Jim McDonald of Timpson

Parents, Robert and Beverly Holloway of Nacogdoches

Son, Spencer Martin (Cassie) of Nacogdoches

Daughter, Katlyn Lawson (Caleb) of Nacogdoches

Bonus son, Ryan “Rufus” McDonald of Timpson

Bonus daughter, Kayla Martin of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
Asher and Ander Martin of Nacogdoches
Elijah and Silas Lawson of Nacogdoches

Brother, Darrell Holloway (Lori) of Houston

Sister, Rebecca Brown (Davis) of Bullard

Sister, Candice Jacobs of Nacogdoches

Nieces:
Lacie Brown of Bullard
Kacie Brown of Nacogdoches
Shelby and Jessica Jacobs of Nacogdoches
Keelie “Bug” McDonald of Timpson

Nephews:
Benjamin and Brandon Holloway of Houston
Robert Jacobs of Center
Bailen McDonald of Timpson
Timothy “Timeto” McDonald of Timpson

Mother-in-law, Sarah McDonald of Timpson

Brother-in-law, Tim McDonald (Magda) of Timpson

She is preceded in death by nephews, Blake Sepulvado of Nacogdoches, Jake Sepulvado of Nacogdoches; father-in-law, Douglas McDonald of Timpson; ex-father-in-law, Keith Martin of Martinsville; grandparents, Walter Henry and Emma Norwood, A.L and Emma Irene Holloway; as well as numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A visitation will be held at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson on Sunday, April 20, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Timpson First Assembly of God on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 2 p.m. A burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family requests that guests wear their Sunday country best but please refrain from wearing black, as this is a celebration of Tammy’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made at Austin Bank to the Tammy McDonald Memorial Fund or the GoFundMe page: Tammy’s Legacy: Tech for Kids.

04/16/2025

James Aaron Jackson, born in Gary, TX on March 10, 1946, left this earth to go be with the Lord on April 9, 2025 at 79 years of age at his son’s home in Prairieville, Louisiana. He was raised in Willow Grove in Joaquin, TX by his parents Paul Allen and Annie Ruth Jackson.

He was the last survivor of their six children, including his siblings Raymond, Paul, Daniel, Judith, and Sheila.

He raised four children with his former wife, Donna Caillet, and is survived by his children Randall, Brigitte, Shane, and Natalie.

He had four children, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Shane’s wife, Christina, and her son, Zakery, for their countless hours of help with our Daddy over the past two years.

Although he lost a leg in his early twenties, he spent his whole life working hard and doing for others. He had a terminal lung disease, but lived much longer than the doctors expected because he kept fighting for every breath with his faith in Jesus and hope knowing he had purpose to keep living. He relished the company of his children, their spouses, and his grandchildren, and those who were closest to him were blessed tremendously and their lives are better for it.

He served in Vietnam as a E-5 Sergeant in the Army and a Wireman in the Signal Corps, 197th Infantry Brigade, stationed out of Fort Benning, GA. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and M-14 Rifle Marksmanship for his brave efforts as an air traffic controller in the war-torn jungles of Vietnam. His life was spared many times, including when he received 30,000 volts of electricity while working as an industrial painter. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Louisiana State University in 1978 despite going through multiple amputation surgeries and being a father of four. He was married to Donna Caillet for 30 years and they owned a ceramics supply business together to provide for their family while demonstrating perseverance and endurance. He worked for Martex Drilling Company out of Marshall, Tx in the late 90’s as a floor hand (in his 50’s and with an artificial leg) for several years which is physically and mentally demanding, dangerous, and requires pure physical toughness. He could fix anything and had an excellent understanding of how things work and he enjoyed teaching others life skills and how to do things. If he couldn’t fix it, it couldn’t be fixed!

During his last 25 years of life, he poured his life out for his children – helping them build and renovate homes along with countless repairs, helping with grandchildren, or anything that was asked of him. He felt like it was really important to work hard, pay your bills, and he gave everything he had keeping nothing for himself. He stayed beside several of his siblings during their final months of their lives helping to keep them company and care for them until the end.

Although he spent his last two years of life confined to a chair while on oxygen, he continued to help others in every way he could. He literally gave everything he had down to his last breath. There was nothing he would not do for his children. James Aaron Jackson demonstrated what it means to be truly selfless.

His wishes were to be cremated and a memorial service will be held on May 17, 2025 at 9:30am at Willow Grove Cemetery in Joaquin, Texas followed by a crawfish boil at Randall Jackson’s home in Tennessee Community.

04/14/2025

Bonnie Lee Henderson, 83, of Logansport, Louisiana, left us early in the morning April 13,2025, to be with the Lord. She was born to Johnny and Marguerite Keenum (Mummey) February 3, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Logansport with visitation beginning at 10am. Bro. Shawn Thrapp will officiate. Interment will follow at O.E. Price Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by her father, Johnny Keenum and his wife Helen Keenum; her mother, Marguerite Mummey and her husband Earl Mummey; and a younger sister, Mary Keenum.

She was a successful employee of Halliburton until she retired and moved from Lewisville, Texas, to her home in Logansport, Louisiana. With her husband Jimmy Henderson, they opened a business, RedMan Trading Company, in their town. She enjoyed camping with family, visiting with friends and family, and playing bingo.

She is survived by:

Husband, Jimmy Henderson

Children:
Son, Bob (Connie) Ellison, Jr.
Son, Barry (Janet) Ellison
Daughter, Brenda Koether

Grandchildren:
Jeremy (Rebecca) Ellison
Brandon (Sarah) Ellison
Jessica Loftin
Kaylee Koether
Kristin Koether

Loved stepchildren:
Mike (Shary) Henderson
Lisa Witcher
Becky (George) Cline
Lonnie (LeeAnn) Henderson

Many other grandchildren and great grandchildren that she loved dearly.

Siblings:
Sister, Harriet (Michael) Wisener
Sister, June (Jim) Mays
Brother, Earl (Patsy) Mummey

Sister-in-law, Beth (Tom) Radcliff

Numerous treasured nieces and nephews that will miss her dearly.

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

04/09/2025

Jay Dee Cockrell, 64, of Joaquin, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 11, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating.  Interment will follow at Sholar Cemetery in Joaquin.

Jay Dee was born on July 10, 1960, in Logansport, Louisiana, to James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg Cockrell. He was an Eagle Scout and a 1978 graduate of Joaquin High School. He spent his life working hard, taking care of his family, and showing up for his community.

He started out in the oilfield before settling into poultry farming, raising broilers for 40 years. He also raised cattle and took pride in everything he did.

Over the years, Jay Dee served on the Huxley City Council, coached little league teams, and held positions on the Joaquin ISD School Board, the Shelby County Tax Appraisal Board, and the Joaquin Fire District Board. He was proud to serve as President of the Sholar Cemetery Association and was a steady supporter of the Shelby County Livestock Show. He was awarded the Honorary Lone Star Degree from the Texas FFA Association. Jay Dee was a member of the Shelby County Cookers and a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Texan Committee.

In 1981, he married his best friend and the love of his life, Selisha Kay Cockrell. They shared 43 years together, built on love, loyalty, and a whole lot of grit. She was his rock — the one who stood by his side through every season of life. Jay Dee was never prouder than when it came to his kids. Supporting them and watching them grow into who they are today brought him more joy than anything. He loved being with family and friends — always ready to lend a hand, tell a story, or share a laugh.

Jay Dee always had a way of figuring things out — a true problem solver. He could fix or figure out just about anything and always had something to say. He was a straight shooter, and yes, a certified bullshitter — always with a good heart.

Jay Dee will be remembered for his grit, generosity, and the deep love he had for his family, his work, and his community. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the example he set.
He is survived by:
His wife, Selisha Kay Cockrell of Joaquin

Children:
Kade Cockrell of Joaquin
Jodi Cockrell of Joaquin

Uncle and Aunt, Jerry and Margaret Cockrell of Joaquin

Mother-in-law, Betty Burgay of Timpson

Brother, John Cockrell and wife, Karen, of Prosper

Brothers-in-law:
Chuck Kay of Shelbyville
Stephen Burgay of Timpson

Numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends whom he loved deeply.

He was preceded in death by:
His parents: James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg Cockrell
Fathers-in-law: Tom Kay and Stanley Burgay
Brothers: James Allen Cockrell and Joe Cockrell
Sister-in-law: Cynthia Cockrell

Pallbearers will be Derek Cockrell, Ricky Cockrell, Brad Cockrell, Brandon Cockrell, Jace Gurley, Robby Woodfin, Skipper Hendricks, and Kenny Weeks. 

Honorary pallbearers will be John Paul Lawson, Rodney Dean, Rich Cockrell, John Cockrell, Scooter Gray, and Jesus Gomez.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sholar Cemetery, 8334 US Hwy 84 E, Joaquin, TX 75954. 

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

04/07/2025

Betty V. Massey, 76, of Tenaha, passed away Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Center.

Her wishes were to be cremated.

Born March 28, 1949, Betty is the daughter of Floyd Parker and Virginia Rich Parker. She spent her time gardening and taking care of her flowers. Betty loved gambling and used her wins to support her jewelry shopping addiction.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Naomi Stiles and husband John Jr. of Tenaha

Son, James V. Massey III and wife Kathy of Center

Grandchildren:
Melanie Farmer and husband Jason
Stephanie Stiles
Stacie Greear and husband Hayden
Jessica Massey
Zackary Massey

Great-Grandchildren:
John Paul Farmer
Daisy Farmer
Gunner Greear
Emily Greear
James Rhett Jaudon

Sisters:
Elaine Stanley
Sue Parker
Cathy Butler
Connie Harroff

Brother, Richard Parker

Preceded in death by her husband, James V. Massey Jr.; granddaughter, Emily Stiles; parents, Floyd Parker and Virginia Rich Parker; and siblings, Curtis Parker, Margie Anderson, Judy Bailey, and Edward Parker.

Memorial donations may be made to Noble Children’s Services Christmas Fund, 1306 Louisiana St., Center, TX 75935.

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

04/04/2025

It is with profound love and deep sadness that we announce the passing of Donald E. Franke, beloved husband and father on Sunday, March 23rd in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Donald, 87, was born on May 6th, 1937 in Shelbyville, Texas to Alfred E. Franke and Ruth Bounds Franke. Raised on his family’s livestock farm in Shelbyville, he attended Shelbyville High School, where his early experiences ignited a lifelong passion for agriculture and beef cattle genetics.

After graduating high school, Donald pursued higher education at Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas. He then served three years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Boston. Following his military service, he taught vocational agriculture for three years in Little Cypress Mauriceville, near Orange, Texas, where he met and married the love of his life, Barbara Kent Franke. Donald continued his academic journey, earning a Master of Science in Agriculture from Louisiana State University (LSU), and a PhD in Breeding and Genetics from Texas A & M University.

Donald’s distinguished career in academia began in 1974 as an associate professor at the University of Florida. He joined Louisiana State University in 1976 earning a promotion to full professor in 1978. Over his tenure, he directed 32 master’s students, 16 doctoral students and authored/co-authored numerous articles and abstracts. He retired from LSU in 2008 after receiving the 2001 McFatter Endowed Professorship and being named Professor Emeritus in the College of Animal Science at LSU.

A devoted family man, Donald cherished sharing his love of fishing and hunting with his sons, grandchildren and close friends. An ardent LSU sports enthusiast, he spent countless memorable years attending football, basketball, and baseball games with his family and friends.

Donald is survived by:

Wife, Barbara Kent Franke

Children:
Elizabeth Bonnecaze (Remi)
James Franke (Ann Marie)
Kent Franke

Grandchildren:
Alex Bonnecaze
Katherine Bonnecaze Robinson (Andrew)
Bryan Bonnecaze
Anna Kate Franke
Christopher Franke
Payton Franke

Sister, Doretta Watson

Sisters in-law:
Susanne Staudt
Patricia Kent

Nieces and nephews:
Amanda Franke Eaves (David)
Cindy Franke Hauver (Dowd)
Matt Watson (Chris)
Mark Watson
Matt Staudt (Karen)
Mark Staudt
Stephanie Staudt 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Ruth Franke; brother, James F. Franke; parents-in-law, Earl H. Kent and Marie Kent; and siblings in-law, Elaine Franke, Michael Kent, Max Staudt and Charles Watson.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the Doctors and Nurses at the Baton Rouge General, Amedisys Home Health, St. Joseph Hospice and Carpenter House for their compassionate care. We would also like to thank Vivian Smith for her care and support during Donald’s last year.

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Donald’s life will be held at St Jude the Apostle Church in Baton Rouge, on Tuesday April 8th, 2025 beginning at 11:00 am. A recitation of the Divine Mercy will begin at 9:30am prior to the Mass, with visitation from 9:45 to 10:55. A private burial will follow at Cypress Grove Cemetery in New Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Donald’s name to the LSU College of Agriculture in support of the Animal Sciences Development Fund. Donations can be made online at www.lsufoundation.org by clicking the “Give Now” button at the top and searching for “Animal Sciences Development Fund.”

Services are under the direction of Church Funeral Services, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Online condolences can be made at churchfuneralservices.com. (Note: Guestbook located at bottom of obituary page.)

04/02/2025

Tammy Ann Osby, 55 of Garrison, made her transition on March 25, 2025. She was born on March 28, 1969 to Leonard Osby and Ruby Thompson.

Visitation is from 11am until 1pm on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Community Funeral Home, 314 Hwy 87, Timpson, Texas 75975.

She is preceded in death by father, Leonard Osby and sister, Dorothy Osby-Pleasant.

She will forever be remembered by a family that loved her dearly. These memories will be cherished by:

Daughters:
Temeka Henderson
Nikisha Osby

Brothers:
Marquis Reed
David Reed

Mother, Ruby Thompson

Grandkids:
Markeese Henderson
Ta'Raylon Henderson
Zy'Kelon Henderson

A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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