Shelby County Today

10/18/2023

Noel D. Grant, 89, of Center, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, October 21, 2023, at First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ in Center, with visitation beginning at 10am. Pastor Richard Goodwin, Sr. will officiate. Interment will follow at Powdrill Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born September 6, 1934, in Shelby County, Noel is the son of Hoya Grant and Ruth Smith Grant. He loved working and loved his church, First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ.

He is survived by:

Wife, Dot Grant of Center

Daughters:
Nolette Grant of Corpus Christi
Meg Morgana Grant and husband Tyrone Johnson of Center

Son, Hoya Grant of West Monroe, Louisiana

Grandchildren:
Cayenne Grant
Lance Lilly and wife Amanda
Koye Lilly
Tyler Lilly
Joshua Grant
Christina Grant
Kole Grant
Trent Grant

Great-grandchildren:
Evelyn Lilly
Ethen Lilly

Brother, Neal Grant and wife Jackie of the Arcadia Community of Shelby County

Niece and nephews:
Kerry Greer and husband Reed
Doyce Grant and wife Beth
Derek Grant and wife Ann
Greg Grant and wife Melanie

Preceded in death by his wife, Dale Grant; son, Shawn Grant; and parents, Hoya Grant and Ruth Smith Grant.

Pallbearers will be Lance, Koye, Tyler, Hoody, Cole, and C.J. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ.

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

10/16/2023

Janice Kay (Eaves) Faussett, 73, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on October 13, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on December 2, 1949, in Center, Texas, to the late Floyd Eaves and Maurice (Ballard) Eaves. 

A graveside service will be held at 2PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas, with Bro. E.J. Adams officiating. 

Janice enjoyed her animals and the outdoors. Horses being her favorite. She had Lightening, Bear, Jake, Serrett, and Bubba the mule. Her puppy So-So was another favorite which David recalls she thought more of than him sometimes. A cat named Maggie would run around outside from the barn to the house. Janice and David would sit and drink lots of coffee and watch as many westerns as they could in a day. When Janice was no longer able to attend church, she and David enjoyed hearing Bro. Charles Stanley and David Jeremiah on TV on Sunday mornings. Then late evening David would read the bible to her while they enjoyed their evening coffee. Janice loved that after her doctor’s appointments she and David would go to Denny’s and enjoy her special hamburger. It’s the little things about life and Janice that made it easy to love her. 

She is survived by:

Husband, David Faussett of Tenaha

Daughter, Billie Kay Wheless and husband Jason of Logansport, Louisiana

Brothers:
Renny Eaves
Randall Eaves

Grandchildren:
Caleb Wheless
Nathan Wheless

Nieces:
Elizabeth Eaves Malloy 
Candice Eaves Barnes

Nephews:
Jacob Eaves
Jeremy Hammers 

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Maurice Eaves; sister-in-law, Sara Eaves; and niece, Cassie Faussett Bates.

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

10/13/2023

Mary Womack entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 5, 2023 after a courageous and admirable battle with an extended illness. She was born on a beautiful Spring day April 1, 1944 in Houston, Texas.

Funeral service is Monday, October 16, 2023 with viewing at 11:30am and memorial service at 12:30pm at The Church Without Walls - Chapel, 5752 Queenston Blvd., Houston, Texas 77084 with Pastor Ralph Douglas West, Sr. and Rev. James Harris officiating. Interment is at 3pm at Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, Humble, Texas.

She was the youngest of eight children. God poured out his blessing to her with 6 children.

She was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She later served as an usher at Leedale Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bates. She later moved to the north side of town and became a member of the Church Without Walls where she faithfully served over 24 years until her health failed.

Mary attended George Washington Carver High School, in the Aldine Independent School District. Her career included working at Dresser Industries, San Jacinto Junior College, and Mount Houston Elementary School in the North Forest Independent School District where she assisted in the library over 16 years. She later moved to Calvert Elementary School in the Aldine Independent School District where she worked as a secretary. She enjoyed working with students and seeing them become successful and productive citizens. After several years of service, she later retired to spend time with her grandchildren.

She was an animal lover and her prized possession was her dog "Boomer" that ruled the house for 13 years. Boomer preceded her in death. Her favorite vacation spot was Orlando, Florida. During her leisure time, it was always about watching TV and football. Mary loved the Christmas Season, decorating, and only white flocked Christmas trees were acceptable. This was her favorite time of year and she spent long hours cooking and baking. She enjoyed spending time with her sister Dorothy "Sister," they would go to Brenham every year to the Pecan Corner to get pecans for baking before the holidays. With that being said, Pineapple Coconut Cake and Lemon Pie were her favorites, both of which she could really cook.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories:

Children:
Hiram Harrison (Retena) of Center
Brenda Harrison
April Parson (Anthony)
Nick D. Baines
Stephen Baines (Raychelle)
Dominique Womack

Grandchildren:
Terena Wyrick (LaDarrell)
Alisha Alexis (Leford)
Michael Harrison
Ashleigh Harrison
Zachary Harrison
Alexandria Sostand
Xzavia Baines
Kendrick Spikes
Jordan Baines
Jaeden Baines
Andrienne Joseph (David)
Raymond Parson (Elysia)
Donte Baines
Dervyn Baines
Mekhai Davis

Great-Grandchildren:
Kamryn Henry
Amaya Alexis
Malcolm Harrison
Harper-Grace Carter
Tra'Shjuan Harrison
Mallory Williams
Noah Walton
Naomi Joseph
Olivia Joseph
Zoe Joseph
Joanna Joseph
Maliya Parson
Anaya Parson
Dean Parson
Khaza Baines

Siblings:
Sister, Dorothy Washington
Brother, Marshall Harrison (Mary Ann)
Brother, Lonnie Harrison, Jr. (Joann)
Brother, Paul Harrison

Her dog, Pennie

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

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie Harrison, Sr. and Evelyn E. Brown Harrison; husband, John Womack; and brothers, Melvin Harrison, Charles Harrison, and Commodore Harrison.

Services are under the direction of Pruitt's in the Heights Funeral Home, Houston, Texas.

10/12/2023

Dorothy O. Hooper, 90, of Joaquin, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 13, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Sholar Cemetery in Shelby County. Bro. James Grandberry will officiate.
Born October 17, 1932, in Nacogdoches County, Dorothy is the daughter of John Preston Hooper and Mary Elizabeth McKinney Hooper.

She is survived by:

Niece and nephews,
Tommy Spurlock of Joaquin
Duane Hooper of Houston
Gerald Hooper of Houston
Martha Burch of Houston
Donald Hooper of Shreveport, Louisiana
Charles Hooper of Louisiana
Kenneth Hooper

Also, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by parents, John Preston Hooper and Mary Elizabeth McKinney Hooper; and brothers and sisters, Tuel Hooper, Raymond Hooper, Marlin Hooper, Maurine Hooper, Travis Hooper, and Royce (Dugan) Hooper.

Pallbearers will be Frank Baker, Tommy Spurlock, Johnny Spurlock, Donny Spurlock, Duane Hooper, Gerald Hooper, Charles Hooper, and Donald Hooper.

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

10/11/2023

Nicholas Hope (Nick) Wilkinson, the noted playwright, casting director and great friend to so many, has taken his last curtain call and made his final exit stage left.

Nicholas Hope Wilkinson started his life's journey in Malvern, Arkansas, on March 15, 1954, and finished his colorful and illustrious time on this Earth on September, 29, 2023, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Pretty sweet step-up, eh?

Along with his brothers and sister, Nick spent his childhood in various small towns in Texas and also on Guam. Guess the guy had a thing for islands. Having been brought up under the loving gaze of his treasured mother, Bonnie, he learned to love nature, animals and cornbread, not necessarily in that order.

After he graduated from Center High School in 1972, he went to Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Austin. (Hook 'em, Horns!) During this time in his life, he discovered his love of theatre and was proud to be a resident member at Shakespeare At Winedale. When he wound up his studies at UT, Nick worked as an Associate Producer at Center Stage Theatre in Austin (back when Austin was really weird). During this time, he decided to try his hand at playwriting and ended up as the winner of the Texas Playwright's Award. What a start.

To raise money for the inevitable move to New York City, Nick spent an entire summer baking and selling cheesecakes with his best friend and striving actress, Jessie Jones. Shortly after their arrival in The City, Nick was hired by T. Edward Hambleton to be the assistant to the casting director at Theatre Communications Group. After a few years, Nick became Director of Casting at TCG himself and became a prominent player in regional theatres across America. During this time, Nick became a beloved champion and friend of the community of actors in New York who referred to TCG as Central Casting. He practically lived in the theatres on and Off Broadway and was well-known in all the favored watering holes for theatrical types. All to say, he was the toast of the town.

Not surprisingly, ABC lured Nick away from theatre and into the melee that was network television. Eventually, he leapt at an offer to be the Director of Casting at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, totally forgetting how cold the winters could be in that windy city. Luckily, after only a few months ABC reached out its corporate claw once more, stole Nick away and hurled him into the hot mess that is Hollywood. After many years of working in Movies and Mini-Series, Nick realized he couldn't bear to hound Ann-Margaret's agent yet again to star in another TV project so he took a hiatus to study at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He made it all the way to Sauces and Gravies before he threw in his spatula and rushed back to Hollywood to work in casting again at ABC, in the Daytime division. It was during this time, Nick met the love of his life, a successful television writer/producer, Jamie Wooten. They met on a blind date and were together from that moment on. Theirs was a beautiful thirty-year romance.

Nick's third deployment to ABC was the charm and he finally retired from Casting and indulged his knowledge and love of art with a stint as a Docent at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He then returned to one of his original dreams, to become a writer. Teaming up with Jessie Jones - of cheesecake fame - yet again, they wrote episodes of network comedies, including the Emmy-winning Disney television series "Teacher's Pet," and projects for USA, WB, UPN, SYFY, Nickelodeon and Fox.

Through the next few years, Nick, Jessie and Jamie became writing partners and as their hair began to turn gray, the three decided to leave before Hollywood said, "Get out." The trio, who by this time were writing under the pen name Jones Hope Wooten, moved to Asheville, North Carolina and became a playwriting team. Playwriting was where Nick found his greatest success and enjoyed the happiest years of his life. As Jones Hope Wooten (Nick took his mother's maiden name "Hope" as his nom de plume), they exploded into the theatre world with a series of popular laugh-out-loud Southern-flavored comedies, all available from Dramatists Play Service or Theatrical Rights Worldwide - order your copies today! Over the next twenty years and twenty-five plays and with more than 8,000 productions in every state in the U.S. (and over twenty-one different countries), Jones Hope Wooten more than earned their reputation as three of the most produced playwrights in America. Nick had realized his dream and was one proud playwright.

Taking time between plays, the trio traveled the world together - and they had a ball! They journeyed far and wide, from Iceland to the Galapagos, New Zealand to Greece, Easter Island to Malta (more proof the man always loved islands) and Casablanca to Rome, always Rome, a place that captured Nick's heart.

And speaking of hearts, Nick and Jamie finally married at the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan in 2013. Since they were both writers, of course they had their wedding party dinner around the famed Round Table there. Besides Jamie, Jessie, theatre and travel, Nick had many big loves in his life. Among them were California plein air paintings, Florence, Italy, Joseph O'Conner novels, coconut peanut butter, labradorite, Tabasco, Cycladic art, turtles, doing laundry (yes, laundry), Dillards Clearance Centers, a good Cabernet, Wheel of Fortune slot machines, nachos, Nokomis art pottery, Adele, visors, France Vingt Quatre News, the musical 1776, fresh walnuts, long talks with old friends on the phone and Velveeta Rotel dip (who are we to judge?). He also spent his adult life trying to see every Vermeer and Caravaggio painting around the world. But above all, Nick loved animals, especially cats (he volunteered at an animal rescue facility in Asheville). One of his favorite places to visit was the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary in the center of Rome. Animals everywhere have lost one of their most constant and caring champions.

Nick is survived by his husband, Jamie, and his best friend and writing partner, Jessie. He's also survived by treasured nieces Kim and Andrea, a much-loved nephew, Eric, cherished grandniece, Amelia, precious cousin, Melissa, brothers Wayne and Tim, nephew Thomas and other Wilkinson, Wooten, and Jones family members, Hope cousins and an incredible community of beloved and supportive friends around the globe, as well as his extended theatre family who made his life's journey so amazing.

Nick was a gentleman in the true sense of the word - kind, caring, generous and sweet. He made everyone he met feel like the most important person in the world. This incredibly witty, warm and hugely talented man leaves behind a legacy of joy - laughter that he's brought to millions on the page, on the stage and in theatres everywhere across America and around the globe. What a wonderful gift to leave to this world. Please keep Nick in your hearts and think of him when you're enjoying a particularly good cocktail or scratching a cat under its chin.

Nick's ashes will be scattered in Rome and off the coast of his and Jamie's beloved Hanalei, Kauai. Those of us who knew and loved him feel fortunate and honored to carry his memory forward.

Donations in his memory can be made to Animal Haven of Asheville, NC - the city where the JONES HOPE WOOTEN COMEDIES first came to life. www.animalhavenofasheville.org

And surely Nick would do a little dance if you would donate to any Democratic candidate running against any incumbent Republican anywhere. Anywhere!

Arrivederci and Aloha, Nick!

This obituary notice was published on https://www.legacy.com/.

10/08/2023

Sara Edison Goldsberry, 72, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, October 6, 2023, in Carthage.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 9, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Center.

Born April 8, 1951, Sara is the daughter of J.H. Edison and Joyce Sanford Edison. Sara loved her family and doing things for them. She was never too busy to spend time with them and was always eager to keep her grand babies any time she got the chance. She enjoyed making clothes for her children and grandchildren. One of things that brought her joy was getting in the kitchen and cooking for people and she was an excellent cook. She was a woman of many talents. Her hobbies were sewing, embroidering, painting, gardening, arts and crafts, and many other things. She also loved the outdoors. Fishing was one of her favorite things to do. She could spend the whole day fishing and never catch a fish and still want to go back the next day. She also enjoyed deer hunting. Needless to say she never lacked things to fill her days. Her relationship with the Lord was very important to her. She loved helping with church events. She taught vacation bible school and helped with all the activities. Her love of life and family will always be remembered by those who loved her.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Younda Dunman

Son, Clint Ramsey

Grandchildren:
Kaleb Dunman
Colton Ramsey
Cara Breax
Ryan Dunman
Brady Dunman
Gabriel Ramsey
Delaney Ramsey
Lucy Ramsey
Tucker Ramsey

8 great-grandchildren

Mother, Joyce Hughes

Brother, James Edison.

Preceded in death by father, J.H. Edison; and sisters, Sandra Edison and Sheila Windham.

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

10/06/2023

Memorial services for Michael W. Ramsey, 70, of Timpson, Texas, will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Shafer Funeral Home in Lufkin with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating.

Mr. Ramsey was born on May 2, 1953, in Houston, Texas, to the late Edward B. Ramsey and Bernice (Hughes) Ramsey, and died Thursday, October 5, 2023, at his residence in Timpson.

Above all, Mr. Ramsey or “Papa,” dearly loved his family and friends. He was well-known for his cooking abilities, and he always loved having get-togethers at the farm. When not in the kitchen, Mr. Ramsey was known for having a project or two in the works. This included anything from rebuilding a Willys Jeep to checking in on his cattle. 

Mr. Ramsey did not let a cancer diagnosis slow him down. He fought hard to spend his final days creating memories with those he loved. Mr. Ramsey enjoyed anything outdoors, and one of his last trips was a deep-sea fishing trip with family and friends. 

Mr. Ramsey truly had a heart of gold, and will be missed by many. 

He is survived by:
Daughter, Michelle King of Timpson

Son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Brittany Ramsey of Lufkin

Grandchildren: 
Greyson King of Timpson
Brayden King of Timpson
Harrison Ramsey of Lufkin
Amelia Ramsey of Lufkin
Truett Ramsey of Lufkin

Brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Nancy Ramsey of Houston

Beloved puppy dog, Ziva

Numerous extended family and friends.

Mr. Ramsey was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Cindy P. Ramsey; and brother, Steve Ramsey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Ballard, Bill Britt, Adolfo Fonseca, Phillip Foshee, Glenn Gill, Michael King, Shawn Reesor and Perry Waymire.

Special memorials may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center by mail at PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486, or to the Lufkin Salvation Army at 305 Shands Dr., Lufkin, TX, 75901.

A Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Shafer Funeral Home.

Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.

10/04/2023

Betty Ruth Nash, age 79, of San Augustine County passed away Monday, October 2, 2023, at her residence.

Mrs. Nash was born May 18, 1944, in Leggett, Texas, to parents Nellie Eliza and Early Bergman Murphy and had lived in the San Augustine area for over 30 years. She was married Jan. 10, 1959, to James Coy Nash in Diboll and he preceded her in death in 1999.

She accepted Christ as her Saviour and was baptized at Neuville Baptist Church and was a faithful servant to her Lord. Betty was most recently a member of White Rock Baptist Church. She retired from Green House of Care after several years of service and had also previously worked at Center ISD.

Her survivors include:

Daughters:
Vicky Waller and husband Billy of San Augustine
Rhonda Garrett and husband Daron of Shelbyville

Sisters:
Lou Kennemer of San Augustine
Joyce Taylor of Center

Sister-in-law, Audrey Parrish of Bronson

Grandchildren:
Kevin Waller (Joniee) of College Station
Anna Williams (Jordan) of Shelbyville
Scott Nash (Amanda) of Jefferson
Austin Phillips of Warren
Harlee James (Chase) of Chireno
Kaleb Shird of Woodville
Sarah Shird of San Augustine
Joshua Shird of Colmesneil
Logan Brantley of Shelbyville

Great-grandchildren:
Noah Shird
Journee Shird
Nathan Waller
Macie Phillips
Isaac Shird
Anastasia Rae Christy
Tait
Sophia
Silas
Harlan
Emily

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Coy Nash; son, Scotty Wayne Nash; parents, Early Bergman and Nellie Eliza Murphy; and her sister, Tiny Ann Carver.

Pallbearers: B.L. Carver Jr., Fisher Hardy, Larry Parrish, Harold Cherry, Greg Kennemer, Jay Frels, and Logan Bentley. Honorary pallbearers: Ricky Beene, Eric Kennemer, Kaleb Shird, Kevin Waller, Joshua Shird, Noah Shird, Logan Brantley, and Nathan Waller.

Visitation will be held 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 6, 2023, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine.

Funeral services are set for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with Robyn Hardy officiating. Committal service and interment will follow at Jones Prairie Cemetery, located at 1117 FM 942 East in Leggett. 

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.

10/03/2023

Joe Dale Jolley, 63, of Center, Texas, passed away on September 30, 2023, at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born on December 22, 1959, in Mineral Wells, Texas, to the late Tennie Tex Jolley and Alice Joy (Strawbridge) Jolley.

Funeral services will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11AM with Bro. Jason Wood officiating. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Friday, October 6, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home.

Joe was raised in Tenaha, Texas. He attended Tenaha High School. He met the love of his life in church, Mary Pierce, and they were married on July 7, 1977. They raised 3 wonderful children, Jennifer, Joy, and Joseph. Joe was also known as the repo man as he worked many years in Shelby County repossessing for local banks. Throughout these years he made many friends. He also spent many years working at San Augustine Pawn & Gun shop and Bobs Pawn and Gun. He never met a stranger as he was a very personable man. He was kindhearted. Joe was a peacemaker. You could find Joe riding his four-wheeler, working in the yard, or just piddling as he would say. His pride and joy was Mary, and he did everything he could to make sure she was taken care of. Joe loved spending time with his children, and grandchildren, and his fur baby Dinky.

He is survived by his wife, 
Mary Jolley, of 46 years

Children,
Jennifer Iturbide and husband Mauro
Joy Wilburn and husband Jason
Joseph Jolley and wife Donna

Grandchildren,
Ethan Wilburn
Taylor Wilburn
Mercedes Iturbide
Jaxton Jolley
Shyloh Jolley

Brother and his children, 
Tex Jolley and wife Kay
Rachael Jolley
Magan Jolley
Jeff Jacks
Greg Jacks

Numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Tennie and Alice Jolley.

Pallbearers serving will be Joseph Jolley, Jason Wilburn, Ethan Wilburn, Mauro Iturbide, Jonathan Pierce, and Seth Pierce. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Taylor Wilburn, Mercedes Iturbide, Jaxton Jolley, and Shyloh Jolley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at Mangum Funeral Home to help with final expenses. 

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

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