Shelby County Today

03/28/2024

Jessie James Cooks, Jr., 65 of Tenaha, passed away Saturday night, March 23, 2024 at Harbor Hospice, Jasper, Texas.

Visitation is from 10am until 7pm on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

He is survived by:

Sister, Sherry Cooks of Center, Texas

Brothers:
Jesse Lee Cooks of Tenaha
Jesse Earl Cooks of Tenaha
Jesse John Cooks of Tenaha

Niece, Kristen Tutt of Tenaha

Host of Nieces and Nephews

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

03/28/2024

Aubrey "Gene" Hooper, 61 of Timpson, TX, passed away Thursday March 21, 2024 in his home.

Gene was born April 10, 1962 in Salina KS., to Jon Ben Hooper and Sylvia East Upton. Gene lived in Timpson most his life. He did a little bit of everything: structural steel, cutting trees, worked for the cable company and the last 24 yrs of his life he drove 18 wheelers hauling everything from lumber to windmill blades, and heavy equipment. Gene also enjoyed hunting to being outside doing yard work. 

His survivors include:

Wife, Pamela Hooper of Timpson

Brothers:
Jon Hooper of Pittsburgh TX
Joey Hooper of Henderson
Harry Liedtke of Henderson

Sister, Katreena Leavitt of Gary

Sons:
Timothy Hooper and wife Joslyn of Pine Bluff, AR
Stephen Hooper of Pine Bluff, AR

Step-Daughter, Roni Quinn of Pine Bluff, AR

Grandkids:
Tina Hooper
Avril Hooper
David Hooper
Aaliyah Hooper
Timothy Hooper Jr
Preslie Hooper

Many nieces and nephews, lots of family and friends. 

Celebration of life will be held April 6th at 10am-6pm at 720 E. Main Street, Nacogdoches, Texas.

03/25/2024

Kayla Jordan Turner, 35 of Carthage, completely filled with the Holy Spirit stepped into eternity with her Lord and Savior on March 24, 2024.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Stillwaters Cowboy Church. Interment will follow in the Six Mile Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 at Hawthorn Funeral Home. 

Born November 15, 1988, she grew to be an elegant and virtuous woman. She was devoted to each title she held in life: follower of Jesus Christ, wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She took pride in each. Her resilience, strength and love were unmatched and were a testament to the impact Jesus Christ had in her life. She was an avid member of Still Waters Cowboy Church and joyfully served on the Children’s Team. She was passionate about everything she did and would always do it to the best of her ability. She was the perfect example of being the hands and feet of Jesus. That carried over into each area of her life. She continued her ministry through her career as a beautician by sharing Christ and His true love and joy to each of her clients. Being a selfless person, Kayla always desired to build people up rather than break down and be last instead of first. She never wanted the attention on her for any length of time at all. No matter the hardships she faced during her life she never held a victim’s mentality and handled every situation with thankfulness and true integrity. She faced each circumstance as a growing opportunity. She was and is a true warrior. Warrior: A brave, or experienced soldier or fighter. There is no truer description of her. She has fought through every season of her life so faithfully.

Kayla got her fairytale ending when she stumbled across her cowboy, Corey Turner. They built a beautiful life and family together on the Turner Ranch over the last 8 years. The love that is shared between the two of them is indescribable and there was no denying that Christ was in the center of their story.

Temporarily, she leaves behind:

Husband and best friend, Corey Turner

Adored children, Cambrie and Keaton

Mother, Sharon Kirchner Brown and husband Donny Brown

Father, Gary Lee and wife, Sandra Gill Lee

Biological father, Bill Fisher and wife Amanda

Sister, Amelia Nieves and husband, Lexi

Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Brian and Melissa Turner

Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ryan and Hali Westbrook

A number of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and referred to her along with many others as KK.

She is preceded in physical death by her sister, Naomi Murray.

Even today, Kayla would not desire that the focus be on her but that it be on Jesus Christ and the salvation that comes only from Him in hopes you would receive it and live it out as she did. As she spent her last weeks fighting until the very end, she ministered to each and everyone within the walls of her room and even the ones outside of it. She spoke truth and shared things that will truly hold an impact to all of us for a life time. She reminded her husband in their last conversation and would desire to remind you that, “You can either be with Him or against Him, but He is still God.” So we encourage you today, to always Fight Like Kayla.

Services under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home, Carthage, Texas.

03/22/2024

Donna Carol Carroll, 74, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, in Center, Texas. Donna was born on July 23, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Parker and Irene Shannon. 

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Christian Life Center Pentecostal Church, Nacogdoches, Texas.

At a young age the family moved to Beaumont, Texas. Shortly after graduation Donna proudly served her county in the United States Army. The U.S. Army is where she met her soulmate and future husband, Paul. Donna married and became a mother. She followed her husband around the world as he continued his service in the U.S. Army. After Paul’s retirement, Donna followed her lifelong dream and graduated Panola College in 2001, becoming a nurse. 

Donna has always been a caretaker, after graduation she worked at the nursing home taking care of her father. She worked at various nursing homes around East Texas and many years at Garrison Nursing Home. When her mother was admitted to the nursing home, Donna took a job there to take care of her mother. When her brother fell ill she took him in her home and took care of him. Donna retired from Arbor Assisted Living facility in December 2022.

Donna is survived by:
Loving husband, Paul Carroll of Timpson

Sons:
Paul Carroll and wife Dawn of Carthage, TX
Colton Carroll of Timpson, TX

Daughters:
Carolee Kent and husband Allen of Mesquite
Betty Clifton and husband Shane of Timpson
Rebecca Horn and husband Daniel of Timpson

Sister, Joye Rice and late husband Larry of New Braunfels

Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Parker and Irene Shannon; brothers, Ralph Shannon, Chester Shannon; and beloved granddaughter, Shelby Carroll.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Pine Grove Nursing Home and Hearts Way Hospice for giving comforting care during her stay.

The Courteous Staff of Mangum Funeral Home

03/20/2024
Richard Morgan, 63, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18, 2024, at his home in Tenaha, Texas.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at his daughter, Samantha’s house.

He was born on August 3, 1960, in Frankfurt, Germany, to his loving parents, James William Morgan and Ann Bott.

Richard, commonly called Rick, spent over 45+ years working for Ford. He found his most fulfilling moments in life mentoring many people to learn the trade of mechanics. Rick is also well known for having a brilliant mind that could solve almost any problem. Rick found joy in relaxing drives on his Harleys, being with his daughters and grandchildren, and educating younger generations on various categories. He never once turned his back on a person eager to learn. He took the most pride in life by raising his daughters, grandchildren, and by being a great husband to his wife, Donna. Everything Rick did was to better everyone around him in his life.

Richard was a great mentor, friend, and father figure to many people.

“Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”-- MATTHEW 6:34

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Amy Marie Abbett of Wylie, Texas
Melissa Jean Morgan of Dallas, Texas
Kelly Jean Diedrich and Fiancé Lane Mitchell of Grand Cane, Louisiana
Samantha Jean Clifton and Husband Jacob A. Clifton of Tenaha, Texas.

Grandchildren:
Makayla Ross
Macie Roque
Madelin Abbett
Ricki Roque
Jonathan Richard Salas
Maverick Roque
Maxximus Abbett

Siblings:
James Morgan
Cindy Morgan

Also numerous nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his adoring wife, Donna Jean Morgan; Mother, Ann Bott; Father, James Morgan; and sister, Judy Morgan.

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

03/19/2024

Karren Ann Thompson, 73 of Katy, Texas and formerly of Tenaha, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 14, 2024 in Katy Texas. She was born on October 10,1950 to the late Paul Emmett Dement and Margery Juanita Butterby Dement.

Karren was preceded in death by her loving parents, her sister Nancy Stafford, her first husband Ronnie Blakeway and her second husband Harold Thompson

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Alysha Blakeway of Katy, Texas
Robin Packard and her husband Luke of Gary, Texas
Shelby Thompson of Athens, Texas

Grandchildren: Lyndsie, Jakob, Lane, Faith, Landry, Grayson and Kingston.

A graveside service to celebrate Karren's life will be held at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 1pm.

03/16/2024

Marvin Odis Sowell, 74, of Center, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in Houston.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 18, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Todd Jenkins officiating. Interment will follow at Sowell Cemetery in San Augustine.

Born August 7, 1949, in San Augustine, Marvin is the son of Ellis Marvin “Cooter” Sowell and Lessie Beatrice Moore Sowell. He graduated from Hemphill ISD and went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Marvin worked for Lufkin Industries, retiring after 20 years. He became self-employed until he began having heart failure.

He is survived by:

Wife, Brenda Fay Brittain Sowell

Children:
Sandy Renea Sowell Mitchell and husband Curtis of Mauriceville, Texas
Michael Shane Sowell and wife Pam of Center, Texas
Lucas Cade Sowell of Nacogdoches, Texas

Grandchildren:
Tina Sowell Smith and husband Joshua
Tommy Byers
Bradley Byers
Michael Sowell
Ashley Sowell
Naomie Journey and husband James
Jake Mitchell and Kalie Richard
Shae Mitchell
Jadyn Prosser
Cierra Prosser
Numerous great-grandkids
Daughter-in-law, Cryssy Williams
Stepson, John Howard Prosser

Siblings:
Sharon Renea Sowell Barnett
Barbara Marie Sowell Emmerson
Johnny Mae Sowell
Jessie Bosquez
Frank Moris Bennett Phillips

Brother-in-law, John Brittain and wife Ann of Lufkin

Sister-in-law, Gayla Sowell of Ore City

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his son, Randy Ray Sowell; parents, Ellis Marvin “Cooter” Sowell and Lessie Beatrice Moore Sowell; brother, Richard Lee Sowell, Isaac Lynn Sowell, and Darryl Alton Sowell.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Byers, Bradley Byers, Michael Sowell, Chase Hutto, Jake Mitchell, and Josh Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Wilton Parks, Zack Warr and Bill Cook.

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

03/15/2024

Life came to a close at age 77 for Beatrice Joyce Weathered, “Aunt Bea,” on Friday, March 8, 2024 at Summit Nursing and Rehab of San Augustine, Texas. She was born July 21, 1946 in San Augustine County to the late Jim Bratchett and Merline Moody.

Visitation is 10am until 7pm on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas. Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Mount Dena Baptist Church, 1126 County Road 140, San Augustine, Texas 75972 with Pastor Michael Jenkins officiating. Interment is at Mt. Dena Cemetery, San Augustine.

She attended Mt. Dena Baptist Church at an early age. She attended Lincoln School in San Augustine, Texas. Beatrice worked at Fairway Farms in San Augustine as a cook. She also cooked at Sunset Hills Community Center. She would often baby-sit for whoever needed it.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim Bratchett and Merline Moody; daughter, Stephanie Ann Weathered; and brothers, J.T. Bratchett and Jimmy Earl Bratchett.

She is survived by:

Sons:
James Earl Weathered (Linda) of Center
Marvin Earl Weathered of San Augustine
Calvin Earl Weathered of San Augustine
Alex C. Weathered (Celina) of San Augustine
Anthony J. Weathered (Latoya) of Terry, Mississippi

Sisters:
Rosie Bluford of San Augustine
Nancy Gray of Center
Carrie Boykins (Eddie) of Center
Alma Walker (Royce) of Center

Devoted niece, Stacy Garrett

Uncle, Anthony Earl Jones (Susie) of Orange

Aunts:
Mollie Roberts of San Augustine
Patsy Ann Perkins of Jasper

Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives and friends.

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to the light. ~ Aristotle Onassis

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

03/12/2024

David Anthony "Tony" Francis, 70, of Timpson, TX, passed away at home March 5, 2024. Mr. Francis was born on August 22, 1953.

Graveside services will be held at 11: 00 AM, on Monday, March 11, 2024 at Mt. Olive Cemetery with Orville Miller officiating. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, March 11, 2024 at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Tony’s fondest childhood memories are of being a country kid and having adventures in Stockman with the Boushay Boys. On the weekends at the farm, he woke early and went to their house and got them up so their fun could start, getting into little kid mischief, swimming in the pond and playing any type of sport from daylight to dark. He taught himself to ride a unicycle and rode it everywhere. Tony played football at Garrison, taught himself to pole vault and held the record for many years. His love of sports continued throughout his life, having a remarkable knowledge of sports trivia. After college, he went to Houston and worked in the grocery business. It was an adventure, but then life took him to Tyler. He went to work in the concrete business as a hand, later starting his own business in which he excelled, being innovative, bringing small equipment onto the jobs.

In 1985, a young boy came to work for him. They clicked and together along with much of the Mata family, they worked hard and built the business into more than they could have imagined and it’s still going strong. He loved and appreciated all of his guys, they were family, and he made many friends along the way.

He always felt very fortunate to have great parents and cherished time with them.

He was a generous person, loved animals, especially his dogs, cows, and cats.

He was blessed to have three children, David, Jessica and Garrett, his biggest regret was that he didn’t spend enough time with them, but they were loved.

Tony was a hard worker, that was his idea of fun, happiest when operating machinery, reading blueprints, pouring a new slab, getting things accomplished. He also loved yard work, having beautiful plants and trees.

He ran out of time to accomplish more and enjoyed all that he had been given.

Services under the direction of Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, Texas.