Shelby County Today

06/25/2021

Mable Montgomery Johnson, 96, was born on July 27, 1924 in Shelbyville, Texas to Bertha and William Montgomery. She passed on June 4, 2021. She attended elementary school in the area and went on to attend high school at Timpson High School. With great encouragement to pursue higher education by her parents, Mable went on to attend Texas College where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She later attended Texas Southern University with aspirations of a Master’s Degree.

After college, Mable moved to Orange, Texas where she married William Johnson and they started a life together. They worked hard to provide for their family and Mable’s aging mother. They had three children, Wendell, Larry and Cynthia.

Mable began teaching in the Orange Public School System and West Orange Cove CISD where she taught for 30 plus years. She taught 2nd grade, 4th grade and specialized reading. She was also a member of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

In her retirement, Mable enjoyed volunteering with Orange Christian Services where she served as an interviewer and pantry worker. She was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 70 plus years, where she served with her church’s Caring Kitchen food ministry program and was a faithful and dedicated member of The Senior Gospel Choir, Deaconess Ministry, Senior Mission and Vacation Bible School Ministry. She was honored by the church for her dedicated service as one of the oldest members and for her faithful service to the Senior Gospel Choir.

After pledging Delta Sigma Theta at Texas College, Mable became a charter member of the Orange Alumnae Chapter in 1953, along with her sister Lillian. Mable served on many committees for the organization and was a representative to many National Conventions. During her many years of service, she created life long friendships with so many of her Sorors. She was a dedicated member until death.

Nannie, as she was affectionately called by those who loved and admired her, was always known for keeping things in order, had a love for plants, and loved her sweets and treats.

Mable was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and William Montgomery, her husband, William Johnson, her son, Wendell Johnson and her sisters, Mariam Montgomery and Lillian Lister and her nephews, Daryl, Adrian, and Raymond Lister. 

She leaves to cherish her memory:

Son, Larry Johnson (Claudette Byrd)

Daughter, Cynthia Adams (Howard, Jr.)

Grandchildren:
Shawn Hunter
Jarvis Johnson
Corey (Barbara) Blair
Cedric Broussard (Shantee)
Kenisha Sappington (Kareem)
DeAndrea Strong (Willie, Jr.)
Charissa Scott (Martin)
Jacorey Johnson
Chase Adams
William C. Johnson

8 great-grandchildren

1 soon to be great-great grandchild

Godson, Mathellis Wilson

Extended special families: McClelland, Lister, Johnson, Adams, Scott, Byrd, Delta Sorority sisters, Pastor Crockett and MOBC church family, special neighbors and friends.

Final care was provided by Calvary Mortuary, Beaumont, Texas.

06/22/2021

Patti Gaubatz of Mobile, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. She was born in Shreveport on June 19, (Juneteenth) 1948. However, Patti grew up in Center, Texas and attended school there. She was the daughter of Mac Shelby Smith and Mozelle Lumen Smith. 

After graduation from Center High School, Patti moved to Dallas, then to Houston where she worked as a medical secretary. In 1971 she married Dr. Jim Gaubatz and they began an adventurous journey through various states before settling in Mobile in 1979. She had two children: a daughter, Shelby Elizabeth, and a son, Benjamin Andrew. Patti was able to fulfill her dreams of being a mother and homemaker. 

Patti was the most kind and generous person; very outgoing and loved making new friends. She had a passion for baking and shared her cakes and cookies with friends and neighbors. Her life truly centered around her home. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dorcas Ann Smith Sonmor, and her brother-in-law, Donald Sonmor. 

She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, her children, her nephew, Young Sonmor and his wife Amanda. And of course, her many friends. 

Patti’s wishes were to be cremated with a private celebration to be held at a later date. 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Saad Hospice and Home Health Care for their outstanding kindness and support. 

Online condolences and comments can be sent to https://www.serenityfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patti-Gaubatz/.

06/21/2021

Charles Denton, 84, of Chandler, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2021 in Chandler, Texas. He was born on May 28, 1937, in Crossett, Arkansas, to the late Paul Denton and Marie (Miller) Denton.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Corinth Cemetery, FM 1970, Timpson, Texas, 75975.

Charlie grew up in a nomad-type life. He moved around a lot, but he had adventures everywhere he went. He even attended Jr. High and High School with Elvis! After High School, he joined the Army. While serving in the military, Charlie was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. From his experiences while in the Army and just throughout life he lived life to the fullest and had plenty of stories to tell about all the adventures he had been through. Charlie loved his daughter and all of his grandkids. One of his greatest joys was hearing his grands call him “Paw Paw”. Charlie absolutely loved being outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, or just go out boating. He also loved to take care of his yard, and you better not mess up his grass. He had a great dry and sarcastic sense of humor that kept everyone around him laughing. Charlie had also been known to play a prank or two. He loved playing 42 with family and friends. He was such a regular customer at Whataburger that they knew just what he wanted when he pulled up and they missed him when he didn’t come. Charlie always had to have his daily paper and would fuss if he didn’t get it. Charlie was known to give the greatest “Coffee Sugars”. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marie (Miller) Denton; his wife, Merle Denton; and his infant son, Charlie Joe Denton.

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Debra McIntyre and husband, Rob; grandchildren, Eva Marie Brown, Keely Merle Graves, and Amanda Jo Deaton and husband, Carl; great-grandchildren, Kat, Haidyn, Matthew, and David; and a host of other family and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Mark Lawson, Andrew Dyer, Lane Harrison, Haidyn Rude, and Bill Meeler.

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.

06/16/2021

Hubern Larry Smith was born on Sunday August 10, 1941, to Hubern (Hubie) LouAllen Smith and Opal Ann Harris Smith.

He was number four in what was to be a total of five children. Larry was the first boy with three older sisters Margaret, Martha and Sue. According to Larry, he was glad when Steve, his younger brother, was born, as his sisters had someone else to direct their attention to.

Growing up in Center Larry was an excellent student, valedictorian in his high school class and senior class vice president. In addition, he was a state recognized saxophone player in the school band. Additionally, he played on the tennis team, and loved working on fast cars. It was during this time he met and dated Pollyanne Barron, whom he would ultimately marry.

After high school, Larry attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Soon afterwards, Larry began his long career as a chemist in the oil industry, respected by everyone who knew him, both for his friendship, professionalism and technical knowledge. He was awarded a number of patents related to chemistry used in the oilfields.

Larry married Reta Gibbs in 1969 and raised her two children, Kimberly and Christopher Woodworth, as his own. 

They had their first child in 1972, Joseph Smith (baby Joey), who sadly lived only 2 days. In 1975, Hubern Larry Smith Jr., known as Skipper, was born.

The entire family travelled around the world ultimately living in Brazil, Venezuela, Scotland, and Norway. He often talked about one of his favorite vacations where he and his family sailed around the Greek islands for several weeks. Larry simply loved to travel and to learn about new cultures, languages and food.

Larry and Reta decided to end their marriage in 1999.

After reconnecting with each other in Center in 2002, Larry married his high school sweetheart Pollyanne Baron. He continued his love of traveling with Polly. Moreover, they enjoyed working in their garden, reading books, and having coffee with friends. They stayed together in sickness and in health until they both passed in the spring of 2021.

Larry is survived by his son Skipper and his two bonus children, Chris and Kim, as well as his 5 grandchildren.

Arrangements for services are planned for July 17th at 2 pm at Watson Funeral Home.

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

06/14/2021

Maurene Hooper Broadway, 89, of Converse, Louisiana passed away on June 11, 2021, in Converse, Louisiana. She was born on February 9, 1932, in Shelby County, Texas the daughter of Charlie and Georgie Ethel Rollins Hooper.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Mangum Funeral Home with Tracey and Joe Rowe and Rev. Charles Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Old Sardis Cemetery, San Augustine County. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Mangum Funeral Home.

Our mother, Maurene, was the oldest of 11 children. At the age of 16 she moved to the big city of Center from the Sand Hills of Shelby County.  Her first job was a waitress at KB cafe where she would go on to meet her husband, Buddy Broadway.  

She went from being a waitress to being a nurse at the Center Sanitarium, under Dr Hurst, where she made lifelong friendships.  While working at the Sanitarium she married and gave birth to three children delivered by Dr Hurst. 

Maurene also worked briefly for Shelby General and Holiday Nursing Home. 

She went on to retire from Brookshire Brother’s in Center where she worked in the Bakery making cakes(which was one of her passions) and also worked as a checker for many years. 

In her spare time, she loved working with flowers and gardening and most importantly she was a devout Pentecostal and was in church every chance she got. 

Family has always been very important to Maurene and there will definitely be a void in our lives with her gone. 

The family would like to say a special THANK YOU to Mindy Fruge (special friend of the family) and Superior Hospice, Many Louisiana, for the extra special care you gave to Maurene! 

Maurene is survived by:

Children:
Anita Jones and husband, Bobby of Center
Rita Carter and husband, Wayne of Converse, LA
Bryan Broadway and wife, Kat of Timpson

Grandchildren:
Krista Warr and husband, Rodney of Center
Niki Martin and husband, Mike of Central Heights
Ashley Holloway of Appleby
Kim Holley of Spring
Heather Guillory of Spring
Shana Whitton and husband, David of Joaquin
Shelley Yarbrough and husband, Chris of Center
Tammy McNease and husband, Danny of Huntsville
Jake Broadway of Timpson
Jared Carter of Converse, LA
Travis Broadway and wife Sam of Marshall

25 great-grandchildren

2 great-great-grandchildren on the way

Sisters and brothers-in-law:
Charlene and Jackey Pigg
Georgie Marshburn
Delorse and Dave Martinez
Wanda and David Curbow
Zelma and James Litzmann

Brothers and sisters-in-law:
Hoyt and Jane Hooper
Durwood and Shirley Hooper

Brother-in-law, Larry Lawson

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Green and Georgie Ethel Hooper; great-granddaughter Kiley Dearman; sister, Bonnie Free; brothers, Tim Hooper and Doyle Hooper; brothers-in-law, J.W. Free and Jimmy Marshburn; sister-in-law, Martha Hooper and the father of her children, Buddy Broadway.

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

06/14/2021

Virginia Maurene Hooper, 89, of Converse, Louisiana passed away on June 11, 2021. Born on February 9, 1932, to Charlie Green Hooper and Georgia Ethel Hooper.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 5pm to 8pm at Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX. Funeral Service will be Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10am at Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

06/14/2021

Eltroy McCowin Jr (48) a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle died unexpectedly on June 8, 2021 in Pearland, TX.

A memorial service in Center will be held on July 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm. The service will be held at Abundant Love Church in Center, TX.

Eltroy was born in Center, Texas on June 17, 1972, to Eltroy McCowin Sr. and Lumorriel Thompson Colbert. He graduated from Center High School 1990, and briefly attended Texas State University. After finishing that chapter of his life, he went to barber school and soon owned four successful barber shops. He also owned two successful auto-detail shops in Houston and Center, TX. Later on he went to the Ocean Corp and graduated in 2005, where he became a certified Non-Destructive Technician and worked as a site lead inspector for IRISNDT at Chevron CPC up until his passing. He also had a passion for bulldogs, and he bred English and French bulldogs as a hobby. He was a well respected breeder at the time of his passing as well. He met his wife, Stephanie, in May of 1992. He accepted the Lord as his Savior in 1999, but has recently decided to reaccept the Lord in 2021.

Eltory is survived by:

Father, Eltroy McCowin Sr. 

Mother, Lumorriel Thompson Colbert (Charles Colbert)

Wife, Stephaine Morales

Sons:
Wesley McCowin
Trevon McCowin

Daughters:
Sydnee Morales
Emily McCowin

Sisters:
Annie Gibson (Harold Gibson)
Sandra McHenry McCowin
Nakeshia Swindle (Lance Swindle)

Special Nephews:
DeUndre McCowin
Kelvin Boldon (Shemita Boldon)

Eltory Jr. leaves to cherish his memory a host of other family members, classmates, and friends.

Eltroy was preceded in death by:
Grandmothers: Olevia Giddings, Maureen Green
Father-in-Law Frank Morales
Sister Anita Reed
A host of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Viewing and Celebration of Life will both be held June 19, 2021 at Harvest Point Fellowship Church located in Pearland, TX. Viewing of the body will be held between the hours of 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Service will follow starting at 11:00 am.

For those that cannot attend the service, it will broadcast live, and a link will be posted on Facebook.

06/10/2021

Oliver W. Barnett, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, June 9, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at 9:30 a.m. Bro. Rusty Hall will officiate. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Born March 3, 1936, Oliver is the son of Merl Barnett and Lois Whitton Barnett. He served in the United States Army. Later, Oliver was employed with Louisiana State Department of Agriculture. He was a member of both Texas Agriculture and Timber Association and Texas Cattle Association. When time allowed, Oliver loved to travel.

He is survived by:

Wife, Rodean Metcalf Barnett of Shelbyville

Daughter, LaVaunda Adams and husband Donnie of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Wade Adams and wife Haley
Chase Barnett
Amanda Hassfurther and husband Eric

Great-grandchildren:
Emma Grace Adams
Lily Jane Adams
Eli Hassfurther
Charlotte Hassfurther

Sister Peggy Mitchell of Logansport, Louisiana.

Preceded in death by his son, Leland Barnett; and parents, Merl Barnett and Lois Whitton Barnett.

Pallbearers will be Wade Adams, Chase Barnett, Eric Hassfurther, Jason Lily, and Donnie Adams.

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

06/09/2021

Herman Leroy Cummings, Jr., 70, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 11, 2021, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Joe Innerarity and Bro. Mike Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born May 15, 1951, in Joaquin, Herman is the son of Herman Leroy Cummings Sr. and Lillie Belle Murray Cummings. He retired from a career as a truck driver.  Herman loved time spent with his grandkids. He was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by:

Wife, Lucy Cummings of Joaquin

Children:
Scotty Cummings and wife Kristie of Joaquin
Angie Stephens and husband Lynn of Logansport, Louisiana
Lance Cummings and wife Renee of Joaquin
Bobo Cummings and wife Anna of Joaquin

Grandkids:
Holden Cummings and wife Brandi of Joaquin
Emily Stephens and fiancé Davy of Logansport, Louisiana
Blane Cummings and wife Shawna of Center
Skyllar Cummings and Zachary Moore of Maybank, Texas
Hailey Cummings and boyfriend Badie of Bossier City, Louisiana
Lindsey Walker and husband Kaleb of Grand Cane, Louisiana
Hunner Cummings of Joaquin
Blake Cummings of Joaquin
Blaine Ramsey of Joaquin
Brayden Cummings of Joaquin
Brody Cummings of Joaquin
Brystal Cummings of Joaquin
Brent Cummings of Joaquin
Addison Cummings of Joaquin

Great-grandchildren:
Kohen Cummings
Isabella Walker
Luke Moore

Sisters-in-law:
Joyce Berry of Converse, Louisiana
Rosie Myers of Joaquin

Brothers:
Kenneth Cummings and wife Mary
Ike Cummings and wife Lisa

Sisters:
Patricia Gray and husband Richard
Linda Broadus and husband Roy
Sue Raybon

Numerous special nieces and nephews whom he loved so much!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Leroy Cummings Sr. and Lillie Belle Murray Cummings; infant sister; and brother, Mike Cummings Sr.; grandparents, Jeff and Resa Murray and Henry and Hattie Cummings.

Pallbearers will be Holden Cummings, Blaine Ramsey, Blane Cummings, Blake Cummings, Brayden Cummings, Brody Cummings, and Brent Cummings. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Walters and Max Pugh.

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