Obituaries
09/12/2023
Mary Elizabeth Renfro, 56, of Lufkin, died Monday, September 11, 2023 in Lufkin. Mary was born November 7, 1966 in Center, Texas to Mary (Carroll) and the late Morgan Harris, Jr..
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine, Center, Texas 75935.
The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon prior to the service at the Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Levi Willoughby and Pastor Ronnie Frankens officiating. Interment will follow in the Whitehouse Cemetery.
Mary was a teacher at Central ISD and primarily taught 3rd and 4th graders. She loved her students and retired in 2022, after 27 years of teaching. Mary was such a loving wife, Momma, and “Shugi”. She adored her granddaughters and loved time spent with her family. Mary was a member of Greater Love Tabernacle. Mary was loved by all who knew her and she will be dearly missed.
Survivored by:
Husband, Joe Renfro of Lufkin
Son and daughter-in-law, Levi and Chasity Willoughby of Center
Daughter and son-in-law, Britlee and Charlie Adkins of Center
Stepson, Kyle Wayne Renfro of Denton
Granddaughters:
Fallon Sullivan
Elly Willoughby
Tillie Willoughby
Mother, Mary Harris of Center
Sister and brother-in-law, Alyson and Chance Porter of Center
Mother-in-law, Glenda Oliver of Pollok
Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tonja and Keith Pigg of Lufkin
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives
Preceded in death by her father, Morgan Harris, Jr.
Pallbearers will be Jerrod Nutt, Jerrod Holloway, Jeremy “Pig” Brinson, Bradley Odom, Terry Wheeler, and Mike Sullivan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Carroll and Roy Westbrook.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine, Center, Texas 75935.
The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon prior to the service at the Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin.
Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Smyrna Kids, 177 CR 2450, Shelbyville, Texas 75973. There is an account set up at Farmers State Bank.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.
09/13/2023
Sylvia Ann East Upton 83, passed away of natural causes on Sept 10, 2023 at her home in Henderson, Texas. Born Oct. 10, 1939, in Timpson, Texas to Aubrey and Edith Horton East. She was an only child.
Viewing will be on Wednesday Sept. 13th, all day at Rader Funeral Home at 800 Kilgore Dr., Henderson, Texas. Please sign the guest book. Family may not be present.
Services will be held Thursday Sept. 14, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints at 1700 Elm St. Henderson, Texas. Viewing from 10 am to 10:45 am. Service from 11:00 to 12:00. Interment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson, Texas at 1:00.
Her mother passed away when she was 12. She was raised between her father, both sets of grandparents and her maternal uncle. She attended school in Timpson, Henderson, Houston and graduated from Hudson High School in 1957.
She attended SFA for a year and then married Jon Ben Hooper who was active-duty Air Force. They had three sons.
Jon Franklin, Joseph Lynn and Aubrey Gene.
She later married Harry Liedtke. They had a son and daughter. Harry Jr. and Katreena Anasthasia.
Sylvia and Jon Ben later remarried and were together until his death in 1995.
In 1997 Sylvia met and married Donold Leroy Upton, adding his daughter DeeDee Cook and her family to the mix. Don passed away in 2018.
Sylvia served as the Women's Auxiliary President of the VFW Post #4002 in Longview, Texas and loved her opportunity to serve.
She worked hard and loved her children and shared that motherly love with their friends for many years.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in the young women’s organization.
Survived by all 5 of her children, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. That made 5 living generations. Also survived by current and ex in-laws whom she loved as her own.
09/13/2023
Betty Joy Adams, 90, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on September 11, 2023, peacefully in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on February 05, 1933, in Shelbyville, Texas, to the late Billy Marvin Lovell and Virgie Mariah (Oswalt) Lovell.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 2PM at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas 75935.
A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home.
She is survived by:
Husband, Rolan Simmons of Nacogdoches
Daughter, Neva Dawson of Brookeland
Bonus daughter, Bobbie Sue Scates and husband Michael
Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Betty is preceded in death by her late husband, John R. Adams; sons, J.T. Adams, David Adams; parents, Billy and Virgie Lovell; siblings and other family members.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the care from nurses and staff at Stallings Court and Hospice of East Texas.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
09/13/2023
Kenneth Goodwin, 69 of Timpson, Texas, died on September 8, 2023, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born to the late Freddy Banks and Alma Ray Goodwin in Center, Texas on January 23, 1954.
Funeral service will be on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Friendship Bobo with Rev Jeremy Moore officiating and Rev. David Mitchell is the eulogist. Visitation is Friday, September 15, 2023, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 12 noon to 6pm.
He is survived by:
Son, Timmy Johnson of Center
Wife, Deborah Goodwin of Center
Grandchildren:
Ki-yah Johnson
Keith Goodwin
Quorron Goodwin
Brothers:
Keith Riggans of Timpson
Roy Riggans (Linda) of Carthage
Sisters:
Theresa Pitts of Timpson
Romona Taylor (Carl) of Houston
Lisa McClure (Aubrey) of Timpson
Stepbrother, Horace Grace
Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net.
09/12/2023
Theresa Jean Miles, 54, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on September 6, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on April 3, 1969, in Carthage, Texas, to the late James Daugherty and Virginia Lee Jones.
Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Sunday September 17, 2023, at 2pm with Bro. Sonny Scarborough officiating. Interment will follow Jackson Cemetery, Joaquin, Texas.
Theresa graduated from Woden High School. She met the love of her life, Timothey Miles, through a family member. She and Tim welcomed their only daughter, Elizabeth. She was loved immensely. Theresa and Tim have shared more than 37 years together. She enjoyed collecting various things throughout the years. Most enjoyable was her collection of frogs and how she loved frogs. She enjoyed the outdoors, camping and fishing. She also found great joy growing flowers and tending to her plants. Theresa loved her family and enjoyed every moment spent with her family.
She is survived by:
Husband, Tim Miles
Daughter, Elizabeth Miles McBride and husband Justin
Brothers:
Dennis Daugherty and wife Melissa
Joe Daugherty and wife Melanie
Sister, Lisa Shepherd
Numerous nieces and nephews
Host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Theresa is preceded in death by her parents, James and Virginia Daugherty; and her brother, James “Bubba” Daugherty.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
09/12/2023
Sandra H. Mahan, 74, of Center, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2023, in Center.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 18, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Born November 7, 1948, in Beaumont, Sandra is the daughter of Willie Hanley and Ora Guin Hanley. Sandra enjoyed cooking, watching crime shows, and cheering for Abbi on the softball field. A caretaker, she moved in with her mother-in-law and father-in-law to assist them with their daily activities until she moved into a retirement community. Even there, she loved helping and caring for her neighbors.
She is survived by:
Daughter, Christie Stringer and husband Jason of Center
Grandchildren:
Abbi Stringer of Center
J.J. Stringer of Center
Mother-in-law, Christine Mahan of Center
Sister, Terry Blake of Center
Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
Preceded in death by parents, Willie Hanley and Ora Guin Hanley; sister, Vonnie V. Adams; brothers, Billy Ray Hanley and Jerry “Butch” Hanley; and father-in-law, E.W. Mahan.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
09/11/2023
Daisy Mae Jones, 74, of Center, Texas, passed away on September 9, 2023, in Center, Texas. She was born on May 5, 1949, in Center, Texas, to the late Eugene Jones and Lela (Askew) Jones.
Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Warr officiating. Interment will follow at Buckner Cemetery.
Daisy was born and raised in Shelby County. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1969. Daisy had a kind and compassionate heart. Her contagious smile brightened the room. She enjoyed gardening, taking care of her pets, and caring for others.
She is survived by:
Sister, Lou Ann Peeler and husband Richard of Silsbee
Brothers:
Elbert Jones and wife Patsy of Carthage
Jimmy Jones of Center
Numerous nieces and nephews
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Daisy is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Lela Jones; sister, Virginia Daugherty, brother-in-law, James Daugherty, nephew, Michael Daugherty, and niece, Theresa Miles.
The family would like to especially thank, Billie Bailey, for the exceptional care given to Daisy throughout the years. Also, a huge thank you to Focused Care of Center for your excellent care provided in the past few years she has been in your care.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
09/09/2023
Eddie Dalton Smith Jr., 74, of Huntsville, Texas, passed away on September 6, 2023, in Huntsville. He was born on July 22, 1949, in Pasadena, Texas, to the late Eddie Dalton Smith Sr. and Edith Murl Hammer.
Funeral service will be held at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at 2pm with Bro. Eugene Bowden officiating. Interment will be held at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 1:30PM at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church prior to the service.
Dalton married the love of his life, Diann Smoak, on December 6, 1969. They have spent over 54 years together. They raised three boys.
Dalton proudly served his country through the United States Army. His wife and children supported his journey in the military through the years before he retired. Dalton was a great person. He loved his wife, children, and country. He enjoyed the new gadgets. He would love to have the newest tech objects released and couldn’t wait to purchase them.
Dalton loved his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with them.
He is survived by his loving wife Diann Smith; sons, Corey Wayne Smith, Dalton Lee Smith, James Michael Smith and wife Andrea; brother, James Smith; sisters, Linda Parr, Marie Perry, Denice Dement, Penny Smith; grandchildren, Cheyenne Renee Smith and Dylan Pederson, Jasten Smith, Davin Smith, James Fletcher Smoak II; great grandchildren, Gracelynn Smith, Rylan Pederson; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends that will miss him dearly.
Dalton is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Edith Smith; brothers, Ricky Smith, Rocky Smith; and sister, Donnie Rowan and Brenda York.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net (http://www.mangumfh.net/).
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
09/08/2023
Barbara Ann Eppes Dean, 84, of Mont Belvieu, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023, in Liberty.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville with visitation beginning at 9am to 10am., at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate.
Born June 21, 1939, in San Augustine County, Barbara is the daughter of Leo Eppes and Lillie Mae McCarter Eppes. She was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by:
Children:
Bobby Dean and wife Brenda of Center
Tommy Dean and wife Zettie of Center
Vickie Smith and husband Sammy of Liberty
Grandchildren:
Bobby Hunter Dean
Brandy Gebala
Carmon Roberts and husband Darren
Jeff Smith and wife Ashley
Kristi Mullins and husband Jake
Great-grandchildren:
Lukas Gebala
Case Roberts
Landon Smith
Justin Smith
David Warthen and wife Marissa
Cheyenne Mullins
Brantley Mullins
Three great-great-grandchildren
Sisters-in-law:
Barbara Jean Ross of Center
Laretta Dean of Goober Hill
Also, numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by husband, Bob Dean; parents, Leo Eppes and Lillie Mae McCarter Eppes; and siblings, Willie Bue Byley, Louise Moore, and Wilma Byley.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Hunter Dean, Jeff Smith, Landon Smith, Jake Mullins, and Gary Helton. Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Hughes, Keith Devers, Randy Joe Dean, and Sammy Furlow.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
09/07/2023
William “Bill” “Papa” Dean McHenry Sr, 78, of Lufkin, TX was healed on September 3, 2023, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Celebration of life will be held at 1:30PM on Sunday, September 10, 2023, at Timber Creek Chapel, 2021 S. John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904. Reception to follow.
Visitation will be prior to the service on Sunday, September 10, 2023, beginning at 12:30PM at Timber Creek Chapel, Lufkin, Texas.
Bill was born on March 18, 1945, to Nilah Fuchs and Garland McHenry in Lakeville, Indiana. After graduating from Lakeville High School he proudly joined the United States Air Force where he served four years as a jet aircraft mechanic and received multiple awards and medals.
He met and married the love of his life, Sandy, and was blessed with four loving children. After moving to Texas in 1975, they finally found their home in Lufkin, Texas.
Bill loved well and was well loved. He lived a life full of hunting, fishing, fixing, tinkering, beach combing, and supporting grandkids. He was a hard-working man with many trades and passed those trades to his children and grandchildren.
Bill is survived by:
Wife of 55 years, Sandy McHenry
Sister, Sharon McHenry
Daughter Tammy Jo and husband Royce Willmon
Daughter Jennifer and husband John May
Son, William “Billy” Dean McHenry Jr and wife Rique
Son, Kristopher McHenry and Rebekah Cheatham
Grandchildren:
Jennah Pryzbiski and Tyler Reddin
Haley and Seth Thompson
Marisa and Rodney Nash
Tyler McHenry and Jacee Berry
Karley McHenry
Cassidy Willmon
Charlize McHenry
Alaina Willmon
Kylee Wallace
Grace Athanas
Jace McHenry
Journey Weeks
Great-grandchildren:
Remy Przybiski
Stoke Thompson
Ronnie Reddin
Olivia McHenry
Kollyns Thompson
Wyatt Nash
Many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his mother, Nilah Fuchs; father, Garland McHenry; step father, Charles Fritz Fuchs; and sister, LuAnna Reed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Fisher House Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, or St. Jude’s Children's Hospital in honor of Bill McHenry.
Note: Dress will be casual. In honor of Bill’s (Papa’s) memory, feel free to join the family by wearing a colorful shirt (like a fishing, Hawaiian, or USA shirt etc..)
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
09/05/2023
Robert Earl Thomas “Knotty”, 78, died on August 30, 2023, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Mr. Thomas was born to the late Jesse Thomas and Adline Thompson Thomas in Center, Texas on February 2, 1945.
Funeral service will be on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 11am at Revival Tabernacle located at 2398 State Hwy 87N Center, Texas 75935. Bro. Johnnie Johnson will be officiating.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 8, 2023, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Committal will be at Thompson Cemetery Shelbyville
Repass at Revival Tabernacle
Robert Earl Thomas “Knotty” is survived by:
Son, Kelvin Ratcliff Sr. (Claudia) of Wells
Daughter, Tracy Ratcliff Smith of Puyallup, Washington
Grandchildren: Kelvin Ratcliff Jr.
DeAngelo and Jasmyne Smith
Khyle Daniels
Taigan Williams
Brothers:
John A. Thomas of Texas City
Walter Thomas (Edith) of Center
Sisters:
Kathy Thomas of Philadelphia, PA
Debra Thomas of Longview
Special Aunt, Ozell Garrett of Shelbyville
Sisters and Brother-in-laws:
Belinda Rellford of Mansfield, Louisiana
Claudia Chumbley (Vanessa) of Shelbyville
Vivian Cartwright (Clifton) of Tenaha
Daphne Brooks of Tenaha
LaShun Booth (Joyce) of Tampa, Florida
Bartholemew Booth (Linda) of Nacogdoches
Ramona Booth of Houston
Jackie Booth of Houston
Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935
Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net
09/05/2023
Thelma Lee Boles, 96, of Center passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Katy, Texas.
Funeral Services will be at 10 am Friday September 8, 2023 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, Brother Hayden Wilkes officiating. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. There will be a visitation Thursday September 7, from 6 to 8 pm at Watson & Sons Funeral home.
Thelma Boles was born December 16, 1926, in Center, Texas to Coley F. Beckham and Mary Matsler Beckham.
After graduating from Center High School, she married Waylon S. Boles Sr. and they moved to Almeda California where he served in the Navy for the last two years of World War ll and she worked to support the war effort.
After the war they moved to Houston raised a family and had successful careers.
After retirement they moved back to Center to be close to their relatives and friends.
Thelma was a member of the First Baptist Church in Center. One of her greatest pleasures was being a part of her Sunday School Class at First Baptist. She became a member in the late 1980’s and remained active until 2015, when she had to go live with her children in Katy due to an injury.
Thelma is preceded in death by her Husband, Waylon S. Boles Sr.; Father, Coley F. Beckham and Mother, Mary Matsler Beckham; Brother-in-Law, James Neil Campbell and Sister-in-law Jimmie Louise Boles.
She is survived by:
Sons:
Steve Boles and wife Terri of Houston
Waylon S. Boles Jr. and wife Fay of Center
Grandsons:
Waylon S. Boles lll of Graford
Kirby Chase Boles of Center
Granddaughter, Izabella Rose Boles of Graford
Brother-n-law, Weldon Boles of Center
Sisters-in-law:
Mary Helen Boles Campbell
Sandra Wheeler of Center
Numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members.
Our entire family wants to thank Gods’ helping angel Taiwo Sosanya. Otherwise known to us as Tai. She adopted mother in the nursing home, way before COVID, and was our everything right up to the last minute. No words can describe the wonderful helper and friend she became to mother and our family. Tai blessed mother and our family with her love and selfless devotion. Our prayer is that God bless her with even greater love thru out her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/07/2023
Bobbie Jean Sharp McDaniel went home to the Lord on July 4, 2023 at the age of 85. Daughter of Bilton Burl & Ada Mae Sharp, Bobbie was born on September 8, 1937 and lived in El Paso and Shelbyville, Texas. Bobbie was greeted in heaven by her husband of 65 years, Felix McDaniel, whose death preceded her in 2016. Bobbie & Felix McDaniel owned and operated Huxley Bay Marina on Toledo Bend Lake from 1972 to 1993.
Mrs. Bobbie was a devoted member of the Lydia Missionary Baptist Church in Shelbyville for decades and served as a tireless volunteer for multiple organizations.
A memorial service will be held for Mrs. Bobbie McDaniel on Saturday, September 9 at 11am at Lydia Baptist Church on FM 139 in Huxley. A meal will be served following the service. All are welcome to join us in celebration of her life.
A funeral service in memory of Mrs. Bobbie McDaniel will be held at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas on Monday July 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM with a public visitation at 1:00 PM.
Bobbie will be lovingly remembered by:
Brother-in-law Charles (Chuck) Osborne
Nephews:
Marvin Raycroft and wife Cindy
Michael Walker
Danny Osteen
Tommy Osteen
Aaron Ducharme and wife Elaina
Charles (Chaz) Osborne,
Nieces:
Kitty Osteen
Dianna Westbrook and husband Henry
Kristina (Kristy) Knowles and husband Bryan
Staci Heath and husband Kevin
Several great nieces and nephews she adored.
Mrs. Bobbie will also be missed by countless friends and community members.
Restland Funeral Home - Wildwood Chapel 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243
09/05/2023
Odessa Ann (Smith) Weaver, 84, of Garrison, Texas, passed away in a tragic car accident on August 29, 2023, in Shelby County, Texas.
Per her wishes she was cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Justin Harkness officiating.
“Dessa” was born in Shelby County March 19, 1941, to Pery Smith and Grace Whitton Smith. She was one of seven children. Dessa attended Sardis School and was raised in the Sardis Community. Dessa believed in working hard from day break until a job was complete or until dark and start again in the morning. She also believed in playing hard and enjoying life. In the mid 70’s she owned and operated Weaver’s Grocery Store across the street from Dairy Queen in Center, where she met so many high school kids that she “adopted”. The store was often filled with kids she fondly referred to as her “Weaver Store Kids”. She kept many of those friendships alive through the years. She was an outdoors person, hobbies included gardening, especially “her” flowers; loved all animals of any shape or size; enjoyed cooking; avid reader; spending time with family and friends. One of her greatest joys in most recent years was being sure the great grandkids had balloons for special occasions and loved to learn Soccer while watching them play.
Survived by:
Daughter,
Deborah “Deb” Peterson and husband Tom of Milam, Texas
Grandchildren:
Parick Sample and Alex of Center
Stephanie Harkness and Justin of Center
Ashley Hays and Grant of The Woodlands
Justin Peterson of Texas City, Texas
Allyssa Ray and Nathan of Houston
Great-Grandchildren:
Bronson and Elias Sample of Center
Cyper and Cecil Harkness of Center
Stevie Ray of Houston
Daughter-in-law:
Patricia Jacques of Nacogdoches
Sister:
Virginia Lemoine of Center
Brother:
Ray Smith of Center
Beloved Babies:
Charley and Moppy (dogs)
Many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Odessa was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Grace Smith; Son, Dale Weaver of Nacogdoches; two brothers, and two sisters.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
09/04/2023
Delfina Guzman Tovar, 80, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on September 2, 2023, Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on June 11, 1943, in El Jaral, Acambaro, GTO Mexico, to the late Reyes Guzman and Maria (Jimenez) Guzman.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 10am with Father Juan Pedro Gonzales officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 4, 2023, from 1PM – 8PM, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
Delfina made her home in Texas almost 40 years ago. She married the love of her life, Vicente Tovar, and the two spent over 50 years together. They raised thirteen children. Delfina provided for her family. She was a loving, caring, and compassionate individual. She loved her children and grandchildren. She spent time outdoors tending to her cattle. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and sewing. Delfina never missed an opportunity to travel. She loved going back to Mexico as well. Her most precious memories are those spent with her family and children. Delfina loved the Lord and served through Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. Theresa Catholic Church.
She is survived by:
Children:
Jose (Cuco) R. Tovar
Israel Tovar
Isidro Martinez
Vicente Tovar and wife Yesenia
Joel Tovar and wife Maria
Ramiro Tovar
Jose G. Tovar and wife Argelia
Maria Evangelina Tovar and husband Jose
Maria Perales and husband Orlando
Angelica Sandoval and husband Ciro
Delfina Rico and husband Arturo
Maria Margarita Tovar
Daughter-in-law, Erika Tovar
Son-in-law, Jose R. Rico
34 grandchildren
22 great grandchildren
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Delfina is preceded in death by her loving husband, Vicente Tovar; parents, Reyes Guzman and Maria Jimenez; sons, Jose Luis Tovar, Jose Gustavo Tovar; and grandson, Jonathan Rico.
Pallbearers serving will be Orlando Perales Jr., Jonnie Tovar, Luis Carrillo, Arturo Rico Jr., Leonel Meza, Ciro A. Sandoval, Jared Tovar, Evan Plata, Manuel Espino.
Honorary pallbearers serving will be Jose R. Tovar, Israel Tovar and Isidro Martinez.
The family would like to thank Rebecca Griffin and Micheal Belgard at Hope Community Medicine and Robin Davis at Elera Home Health for the exceptional care given to Delfina throughout her time of illness.
Special thanks to the caregivers, Maria E. Tovar, Ana and Manuel Espino, Emily Perales, Julissa Rico, Mimi Tovar, Delfina Rico, and Marely Perales for the hours you graciously gave taking care of Delfina. Your kind and compassionate care did not go unnoticed. May the Lord bless you in the coming days.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
9/4/2023
Helen Furlow, 87, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Center.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Strong Cemetery in Huxley with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate.
Born June 6, 1936, in Ignace, Ontario, Canada, Helen is the daughter of Samuel Kodak and Mary Finchook. Her hobbies included fishing, reading, playing crossword puzzles, and scratch-off tickets. Helen was a member of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church in Huxley.
She is survived by:
Son, Sammy Furlow of Huxley
Daughter, Carrie Furlow
Sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Hugh Bozeman of Butler, Alabama
Sisters-in-law:
Eula Mae Furlow of Shelbyville
Janice Furlow of Huxley
Mozell Scarborough of Pasadena
Many nieces, nephews, and friends
Preceded in death by husband, Milton Furlow; parents, Samuel Kodak and Mary Finchook; and sister, Martha Lamaroux.
Pallbearers will be Mike Furlow, Richard Furlow, Steve Oswalt, Keith Oswalt, Mark O’Rear, and Skipper Hendricks. Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Furlow and Harold Sabin.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
09/02/2023
Kelvin Dorian “Showtime” McCowin, 62 of Shelbyville, departed this earthly home on Tuesday, August 19, 2023. He entered this world on September 3, 1960, born to Charlie Faye and Enoch McCowin.
Funeral service is 11am Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at East Liberty Baptist Church, 2980 CR 2569, Center, Texas 75935. Visitation is 10am until 6pm on Tuesday, September 5 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas. Visitation is also 10am until 11am on Wednesday prior to the funeral service at East Liberty Baptist Church. Interment is at East Liberty Cemetery in the East Liberty Community.
Kelvin “Showtime,” as we called him, loved life. While in this life, he became the father of three children. Later he came to visit in the town of Shelbyville and there he met the love of his life, Miss Sharon Stanberry. After he mesmerized her, they were united in holy matrimony on January 2, 1999 and in this union they were blessed with a baby boy.
To know Kelvin was to love him, anytime he entered a room he was guaranteed to fill the room with laughter with his jokes. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Kelvin is preceded in death by his father, Enoch; mother-in-law, Bobbie Jean; brother, Cedric; sister-in-law, Deniece; and granddaughter, Cassidy.
He is survived by:
Loving wife, Sharon Stanberry McCowin
4 Children: Trisha, Kelvin Jr., Delorean, and Kawon
5 Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Darius, Delorean Jr., Brandon, and MaKyiah
Mother, Charlie Faye McCowin
Father-in-law, Tommy Stanberry Sr.
Brother, Gerard
Sisters-in-law: Janell and friend David and Jennene (Calvin)
Brothers-in-law: Tommy Jr. (Melissa) and Montique (LaTisha)
A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
09/02/2023
Vicki Lynn Jackson, 72, of Center, passed away Saturday, September 2, 2023, in Center.
Her wishes were to be cremated and no services are planned.
Born August 16, 1951, Vicki is the daughter of R.F. Williams and Lilly Faye Rutledge Williams.
She is survived by:
Husband, Glenn Jackson
Sons:
Robert Allon Jackson
Jason Todd Jackson
Grandson, Justin Todd Jackson
Brother, Robby Williams
Sister, Debra Kay
Preceded in death by parents, R.F. Williams and Lilly Faye Rutledge Williams.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
09/01/2023
Karen Lynn Peake, 62 of Joaquin, TX, was eternally reunited with her Savior and her parents on August 31st, 2023. Her impactful life in this world will be celebrated by her family and friends during a visitation that will be held at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center from 1:00 to 2:00 on Sunday, September 3, 2023, funeral to follow at 2:00. Interment will follow at Willow Grove Cemetery in Joaquin, TX.
Karen, or KK as she was called by her nieces and nephews, was born on October 26th, 1960, in Houston, TX to her mom, Ardis Helen Soma Peake, and her dad, Harry James Peake Sr. She entered this world in the same manner she left it, with overwhelming love and affection. Her life’s story was, and continues to be, a testimony to the triumph of the human spirit and the overwhelming love of God.
Karen was an artist in the truest sense of the word. Artists create! They take the seemingly mundane things of life and package them into a gift that stirs the souls of the people who receive it. Yes, she colored, she painted, and she sang her favorite songs, but she created so much more than colorful pages and canvases, she created community. Karen used her favorite medium, love, to weave together people from all walks of life into a tapestry as diverse and unique as the latch-work quilts that her daddy taught her to make as a child. She brought out the best in people. She used her gift of love to illuminate a path of purpose and perspective. To know her was to love her and to spend a few minutes in her company was to better know yourself.
As an artist, she was best known for her painting of angels and often adorned her canvases with her favorite passage of scripture, Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware. Hebrews 13:2. Her art brought her more than just the satisfaction of creation, it also took her places. After saving up the money she had made from selling several paintings, and with the help of family, she finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to Disney World and spending time with one of her most favorite, Mickey Mouse.
She was nothing if not entertaining. She refused to color with a dull crayon or share the sharp ones with her nieces and nephews for that matter. Love was in abundance, but sharp crayons were not. There were two things that she took even more seriously than her crayons, and both of them warranted the two calls she placed to 911 (there might have been more if the phone had not been restricted), one to report that she couldn’t find her sister, Debbie Leggett, and the other to report that she was out of Diet Coke. No doubt there was more panic in her voice concerning the latter.
Karen never quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”, but she believed that lofty principle. She was your friend first, not because of who you were, but because of who she was. She saw right past the labels and stereotypes that this world often places on each of us and looked only at our humanity, and she helped others to see the same way. She had so many dear friends that it would take pages and pages to list them all, but there a few who stand out. The first would be Richard Kyle, who Karen first met during a Special Olympics event more than 30 years ago. They shared a lifelong friendship and a love for the Special Olympics competitions. Then there is Mrs. Kaye Powell, for whom our family will forever be grateful for the love and care she gave to Karen these past several years. Not only Mrs. Kaye, but all the staff and residents at Lakeside Assisted Living, where Karen lived since 2014 until earlier this year when the need for additional care necessitated her moving to Pine Grove Nursing Home. Of all the caregivers in Karen’s life, it would be remiss not to name Samantha Clifton, she not only cared for Karen, but she also took time to play games with her and look after her as only a friend can do.
Karen was also a teacher. She taught us to be kind to one another, to love one another, to be content and to appreciate life for the gift that it is. It’s difficult, at first, to imagine this world without her. But after a little reflection, a few tears, and a lot of smiles and laughter, it’s easy to see that she lives on through the many lives that she forever changed.
To carry-on the work Karen began, she leaves behind:
Sister, Debra Kay Leggett and husband Dennis of Joaquin, TX
Brother, Harry James Peake Jr. and wife Pamela of Grapeland, TX
Niece, Cristal Vazquez and husband Salvador of Sunset, LA.
Nephews:
Nathaniel Peake of Houston, TX
Jonathan Peake of Rosharon, TX
Luke Garrett and wife Ginger of Joaquin, TX
Great-Nieces:
Molly Vazquez
Betsy Vazquez
Allyson Garrett
Lauren Garrett Hall and husband Jeremy
Whitney Garrett
Great-Nephew, Jacob Vazquez
Great-Great-Nephew, Baker Luke Hall.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry James Peake Sr. and Ardis Helen Soma Peake.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Willow Grove Cemetery Fund, 7948 FM 139, Joaquin, TX 75954.
08/30/2023
Marlene Crowley (Aunt Weenie), 68, of Center, Texas, passed away on August 28, 2023, in Center, Texas. She was born on January 3, 1955, in Palestine, Texas, to the late Ernest McKinnley Gordon and Hessie Bee (Shelton) Gordon.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery, Huxley. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10am at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas 75935.
Our mom found happiness in so many ways and things. All are not perfect, but they were to her. She, with her sister most of the time, would ride backroads after our ball practices. She loved raising chickens. Found great joy in growing a garden. She loved going camping with family even if it was just 20 miles down the road. Mom loved going to her brothers and especially him coming to our grandma’s house. That meant that all the family would be together. They would sing, eat, drink, and play dominoes. They would argue and laugh. These were some of the happiest times. She loved to play Yahtzee with her mom. Sometimes every day and sometimes from morning to night. She loved sitting in the backyard around a campfire. We would go to bed, but my brother would stay up and sit with her and Aunt Sis all night. This was their time. She absolutely loved these moments and cherished them. Sometimes unwillingly. I remember being so aggravated but now that I think about it I would give anything to have to put them to bed again. All of them. She loved going to both of her sons’ homes with her sister by her side. She could not get enough of family. She went by a couple of names, Marlene to her friends, Mom, and Aunt Weenie by her nieces and nephews. She got aunt Weenie from her brother-in-law, as she would carry a wiener around folded in bread all the time so her oldest nephew AL started calling her Aunt Weenie and it has stuck throughout the years. She was also a very hard worker. We never remember her shying away from work. She made sure we had exactly what we needed. Our mom loved everyone. She was a mother to more than just her sons and thought of as one too. She treated her sister’s kids as if they were her own. Sometimes we thought she loved Teresa more than she did her own sons. She had plenty of love to give. She loved Christmas at Teresa’s house. She loved that all would just be together during this special time. She found joy in everyone else’s joy. Especially the grandkids. Later in life she found joy in sharing a home with her sister. They seemed to always be together so why not live together. If you need the definition of true sisterly love, then all you had to do was witness these two together. Our mom lived exactly how she wanted to. She will be sadly missed, greatly loved, but never will she be forgotten.
Marlene is survived by:
Sons:
Travis Warner and wife Nicole
Anthony Warner and wife Crystal
Grandchildren:
Michael Warner
Cambell Warner
Kassidy Warner
Gage Warner
Braxton Warner
Braelynn Warner
Gabriel Warner
Mackenzie Warner
Mikayla Warner
Alyssa Warner
Sister, Betty Reynolds
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest McKinnley Gordon, and Hessie Bee Gordon; and brother, Ernest Eugene Gordon.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
Pages
