Shelby County Today

02/21/2022

Elroy Bert Coan, 81, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on February 19, 2022, in Garrison, Texas. He was born on July 2, 1940, in Timpson, Texas, to the late Elroy Bert and Vella Sue (Neill) Coan. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Timpson officiated by Bro. Dee Daniels. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Timpson.

Bert was born on July 2, 1940, in Timpson, Texas to Bert and Vella Sue Neill Coan. He was raised in Pasadena, Texas. He attended and graduated from Pasadena High School where he was quite the athlete. He was awarded several titles during this time, including being a part of the All-State Football team, voted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame, Pasadena Athletic Hall of Fame and gained the title of State Champion in track in 1957. 

Bert then attended Texas Christian University and eventually The University of Kansas. Bert’s ultimate dream of being a player in Professional Football came true when he entered into the draft and was chosen by the San Diego Chargers. He remained with them for one season and then joined the Kansas City Chiefs where he played until he retired in 1970. Bert played in the first ever Super Bowl at the end of the 1967 season. During this honorable time in his life, he became the husband of an outstanding woman. Dora was his best friend and most loyal supporter. He loved her with his entire being. After his retirement, he supported their family by working in Spring, Texas as a concrete salesman for Parker Brothers, Pioneer Concrete and Campbell Concrete. In 2005, Bert returned to East Texas where his family had always called home. He loved being in Timpson and has spent the past 16 years making great memories during his retirement years.  

Bert is survived by:

Daughter, Kaylee Burkhardt and husband, Joe

Son, Bert Coan and wife, Rita

Granddaughters: 
Lee Ann Lusk and husband, Derek
Kelsi Jacob

Great-grandson, Kolt Elroy Ganze

Nieces and nephews: 
Rhett Coan and wife, Janet
Dana Coan Rogers
Steve Andries
Tina Andries
Davy Stephens
Randy Stephens and wife, Mona
Scott Stephens and wife, Michelle
Beth Lofton and husband, Ryan

He is also survived by numerous beloved great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dora Lee; parents, Bert and Vella Sue Coan and a brother, Stanley Everett Coan.

Serving as pallbearers will be Davy Stephens, Randy Stephens, Scott Stephens, Ryan Lofton, Derek Lusk and Billy Lusk.  

Honorary pallbearers include Bobby Ply, John Hadl, Bob Duffin, Roger Taylor, Charlie Rhodes, Steve Andries and Mickey Walker.

Bert’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Garrison Nursing Home. The care provided to their beloved Bert was beyond extraordinary and they have all become like family to each other.

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.

02/21/2022

Ava Christian, native of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 17, 2022. Ava was born in Center on April 30, 1936, to Stella and Wash Lane.

Her early school days were spent in the James Community in Center. She joined the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She graduated from Center High School in 1953 and soon after became one of the youngest women to participate in national numismatic (coin) shows, winning various awards and recognition throughout the U.S.

She settled in her native Texas, where she spent most of her life. She married Clarence Wayne Christian in early 1970. They had two sons and lived in East Texas – including Center, Shelbyville, and San Augustine -- until the early 1980s. From there, they moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, where Ava and her family joined the Church of the Nazarene. She became an active volunteer in a variety of ministries. She raised two sons, Charles and Kevin, and was a committed wife, mother, and friend, offering hospitality and a smile to everyone she met.

She served as Missionary Society president for North Dallas Church of the Nazarene for over twenty years. Upon hers and her husband’s retirement, they moved back to Center and then to Shelbyville.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Stella Lane Squyres; her father, George Washington Lane; and her sister, Odelle Harrison.

She is survived by:

Loving husband Clarence Wayne Christian

Sons:
Charles Wayne and wife, Edna Christian
Kevin Lane Christian

Grandchildren: Weston, Jacob, Zachary, and Chesney

One Great-granddaughter

Along with two nieces:
Mary Lane Castle
JoBeth Webb

Her memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 26th, at 2:30 p.m. at the chapel of Watson and Sons Funeral Home (1554 TX 7 East) in Center with visitation one hour prior. Dr. Charles W. Christian and Rev. Jim Henvey will officiate the memorial service.

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

02/17/2022

Jimmy Samford, 80, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on February 16, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on April 24, 1941, in Center, Texas, to the late W.J. and Rachel (Vaught) Samford. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Jimmy served in the US Army for 4 years. He retired at Spec 5. He had hard duty. He was stationed in Hawaii, and he won many awards for his shooting skills.

He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. But most of all, he loved Jesus with all his heart and stood by his convictions. He was an expert woodsman. At 80, he could work circles around younger men. He could do it all and do it well. Now he is pouring down the rain.

Jimmy is survived by:

Loving wife of 55 years, Judith Hunter Samford

Son, Joseph Daniel Samford

Brothers:
JW Samford and wife, Jacqueline
Mac Samford and wife, Sharon

Sister, Kay Sanders and husband, Roy

Numerous grand and great-grandchildren

Best buds:
Jon-Jacob Samford
Garrett Ammons
Mark Fincher
Jeannie Rhodes

He is preceded in death by his parents, W.J. and Rachel Vaught Samford; brother, Troyce Glenden Samford; sister, Ada Mac Samford; son, Jerry Dane Samford; and loving mother-in-law, Adelle Rodgers Hunter

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.

02/16/2022

Jerry Michael Green, 72, of Center, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022, in Center.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Born May 27, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Jerry is the son of Ida Grace O'Donnell and Luther Ruby Green. He retired from the City of Center. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and teaching his grandkids about wildlife. Jerry was a member of Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149 in Center.

He is survived by:

Wife, Lois Evon Green of Center

Children:
Peggy Green of Center
Patricia Green Wright and husband Buddy of Center
Tina Smith and husband Josh of Hemphill
John Green of Center

11 grandchildren

16 great-grandchildren

Sisters:
Mary Stephenson of Timpson
Barbara Guch of Quitman

Also, numerous nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ida Grace O'Donnell and Luther Ruby Green; great granddaughter, Ariel Williams; and sisters, Peggy Allison and Maxine Bradshaw.

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

02/14/2022

Jo Ann Gary, 89, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2022, in Conroe, Texas. She was born on November 16, 1932, in Panola County, to the late Jim Richard and Odessa (Burks) Keating. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating. Interment will follow at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation is from 12 noon to 1pm Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church. Service is at 1pm Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

A view into Jo Ann and who she was must include the fact that she was an avid reader – making some favorite places to visit libraries and bookstores.

She was an excellent cook and showed her love by planning her meals consisting of each family member’s favorites.  Specialties of hers were homemade biscuits, dressing, fresh peach cobbler and coconut cake.  She would read recipe books like they were novels. After living in a small town, another one of her thrills was to go down the aisles of a large grocery store checking out all the choices, especially the spices.

At Christmas, she enjoyed spending time with her grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren while they laughed, talked, and treasured their time together.  She never forgot to share the true meaning of Christmas and the fact that God loves us before a single present was ever opened in her home.

Another favorite of Jo Ann’s was challenging her memory by listening to Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune – she excelled at both.  We would kid her that her name could have been Alexa because every time we needed a date, a spelling, a fact or a definition, we asked her, and she was able to be our “memory”.

Jo Ann had a beautiful laugh that went on and on until she and everyone around her were in tears.  Everyone was always welcome at Jo Ann’s house anytime for coffee, Sunday lunch, or even an overnight stay.

The very best description of Jo Ann is that she was a perfect example of a strong Christian lady.  This could be seen in her well-worn Bible, her regular attendance at church and bible study, and her habit of sending beautiful birthday cards to loved ones with meaningful handwritten bible verses to guide her friends and family along their way.

Lastly, she was everyone’s Grannie – as a friend of her granddaughter stated so well: “Someone I love very much went to be with Jesus last night. When I looked at you, I never saw a wrinkle, though I’m sure you did. I never saw a pound you gained or lost, though I’m sure you did. I never say your fault, though I’m sure you did. All I ever saw when I looked at you was love. Thank you. Grannie, for loving me like you did, always!”

Jo Ann is survived by:

Sister, Nette Els

Children:
Kathy Richard
Barbara Crouch and husband, Melvin
Richard Gary and wife, Sherry
Mark Gary and wife, Nancy

Grandchildren:
Amanda George
Sean Crouch
Zachary Richard
Heather Bryan
Krystal Zwerneman
Toni Goss
Katie Kelley
Travis Gary

13 ½ great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by Mervin Gary, her beloved husband of 64 years, and 3 sisters and 4 brothers.

In lieu of flowers, Jo Ann has requested that you plant a flowering or fruit tree in your yard or donate to the Timpson Public Library.
 
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.

02/12/2022

Sharon Elizabeth Welch born February 23, 1967 in Charleston West Virginia to the proud parents of Shirley Welch and Mitchell Welch entered into Heaven on February 7, 2022 in Center. 

She leaves behind:
Her mother, Shirley Welch

Sisters:
Nancy Welch
April Welch

Grandchildren:
Shy-Bug Samples
Elijah Mitchell
Athena Mitchell
Madison Mitchell

Nieces:
Jennifer Welch
Roselynn Welch

Preceded in death by Mitchell Clayton Welch.

Services to be at Messiah Baptist Church with Pastor Bro. David Lawhorn officiating February 19, 2022 at 10:00am.

Funeral services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

02/10/2022

Arnold Patrick Soucie, age 84, of San Augustine, Texas, beloved husband and poppy, left this troubled world for a peaceful home with his Lord on February 4, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. He had been blessed to be able to visit with his precious family and friends in the previous days.

Arnold was one of seven children born to Cecile Madore Soucie and Edwin Soucie of Winterville Plantation, Maine. He was born April 19, 1937, and while he had a lifelong love affair with Northern Maine, Texas was his home.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955 and served honorably for four years. During those years of service he served as a navigator and maintenance on KC 97 Stratotankers, which were refuelers. Arnold took extreme pride in his years of military service.

Anyone who met Arnold always commented on how young he looked. Not only did he look young, his heart remained as young and pure as a child's. His greatest joy was teasing and playing with children.

Arnold spent his working years in the R.V. industry. He ran the gamut of designing, manufacturing, and selling.

He married Judy Snider Grissom in 1996 and immediately adopted her family and friends as his own. They moved to San Augustine in 2000 and Arnold found his forever home. He loved having friends over for dinner and a rousing game of "marbles" or "hand and foot." If any of the family had any time off, he found a reason for them to come home.

Arnold had a very large extended family in Maine that he loved unconditionally. After his and Judy's retirement, they spent 3-4 months a year at their cabin on the lake enjoying all of the Soucie family.

He is survived by:

Wife, Judy

Daughter, Michelle Anderson

Son, Wayne Grissom and wife Alyssa

Grandchildren:
Alexandra Anderson
Andrew Soucie
Ashton Grissom
Abbie Grissom

Brother, Carol Soucie

Sister, Marie Soucie

Several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews

Many other beloved extended family members.

Arnold, to his profound sadness, was preceded in death by his sons, Anthony Soucie and John Grissom; grandson, Alexander Soucie; a nephew, Kenny Snider. He was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; his parents-in-law, Buck and Daisy Snider; and a brother-in-law.

There will be a memorial service held in his honor at some point in the future and another in Maine this summer.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

02/10/2022

Voner Dean Singleton, age 69, departed this life on January 31, 2022 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born on January 15, 1953 to Alvord (Jack) and Murtha Singleton, Sr. and was raised in Center, Texas.

Viewing is 11am until 6pm on Friday, February 11, 2022 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Service is at 1pm on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ, 908 Daniels Street, Center, Texas with Rev. Johnny Jones officiating.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

Voner met the love of his life, Liza (Sweet) Singleton and they were were married for 30 years. Voner attended C.H. Daniels High School and worked for Center Motor Company for more than 30 years. Voner was a very loving man and easy to get along with others. Voner lived in Shreveport, Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Murtha and father, Alvord (Jack) Singleton; one sister, three brothers, one step-daughter, and four grandkids.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Loving wife, Liza (Sweet) Singleton

Sisters:
Fannie Mae Holman of Longview
Ella Garrett of Center
Debra Mayweather of Mansfield, Louisiana
Billie Danyiel of Center

Brother, Willie James Singleton of Longview

7 Step-children

Step-daughter that he raised, Telisia Cartwright

Host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren that were very special to him:
Cormma Anderson
Cameron Moore
Tyler Mosby
Danyeil Daniels
Isaiah Long

He also left a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Voner/PawPaw will be truly missed. He was a very loving man and a big fan of the Cowboys

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.

02/09/2022

Bro. Charles Patrick Windham, 87, of Campti, Texas passed away in his home February 6, 2022 surrounded by his children.

Visitation will be Friday, February 11th, at 5:00 pm at Watson Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Services will be 10 am, Saturday, February 12th, at Watson’s, and will be officiated by Brother Kevin Gentry and the Obituary will be done by Dale Windham. Interment will be held directly after at Sardis Cemetery.

Born November 1, 1934 to Laurie W. “Son” Windham and Zelma N. Squyres Windham, Pat was a man of many talents, from calling in the cows to playing any song his grandchildren desired on the guitar; but, Pat’s greatest talent was leading people to salvation. For over fifty years he followed his calling from Christ, assisted by his devoted wife Janice. In the 67 years the pair spent together nothing fulfilled them as much as spreading their faith. Pat was a husband, a father, a friend, but first and foremost he was a shepherd. Over the course of many years he accumulated a large flock, and at any time of day, or night, he would take phone calls and make trips across county and state lines for them. He would go anywhere, do anything for his church family. To him they were on equal ground with his own family. He truly saw them as his brothers and sisters in Christ. Pat was a man called by God, and the joy he took in being the Lord’s servant was undoubtedly reflected in the blessings he received. In his beloved family in Christ and in his family that carries on his legacy, Pat saw more life and love than most men. To hear it put in his own words, “I feel like I’m drinking from a saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.”

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sardis Cemetery, 6034 FM 414, Center, Texas 75935. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Hospice of East Texas, Angels Care Home Health, and especially Kim Davis.

He is survived by:

Sister, Shirley Shofner and husband Joe of Center, Texas

Sister-in-law, Sandy Bennett and husband Derrel of Denning, Texas

Children:
Dale Windham and wife Terry of Sardis, Texas
LaRee Greer of Campti, Texas
Micah Windham and wife Claire of Patroon, Texas
Patti Helander and husband Chance of Crosby, Texas

Grandchildren:
Robin Greer and fiancé Tracy
Shelby Duncan and husband Troy
Son Windham and wife Chelsea
Justin Windham and wife Wendy
Tiffani Noble and husband Zach
Abby Lawson and husband Craig
Whitley Helander
Tori Windham
Caleb Helander and fiancé Nicole
Wyatt Windham and wife Ciara
Sam Windham
Clay Helander
Molly Windham

The grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

22 Great-Grandchildren

6 Great-Great-Grandchildren 

2 Expected Great-Great-Grandchildren

He was preceded in death by: wife, Lela Janice Ware Windham; father, Laurie W. “Son” Windham; mother, Zelma N. Windham; father-in-law, Dewey A. Ware; mother- in-law, Doris Olene Fountain Roberts; step father-in-law, Issac Clyde Roberts; sister, Annie Ruth Watson and brother-in-law, Doyle Watson; brother, PVT 1st Class, Melvin “Sam” Windham, kia, Luzon Island, WWII; sister, Sally Laverne Lawson and brother-in-law, Joel Lawson; sister, Doris Jean Whitley and brother-in-law, Allen Whitley; brother, Donal Windham; nephew, Bobby Doyce Watson and wife Linda; niece, Peggy Sue Williams; and son-in-law, Richard Greer.

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