Shelby County Today

11/3/2022

Jessie Mae Garrett, 79 of Center, passed away Monday, October 31, 2022 at her home in Center. She was born on November 24, 1943 to the union of Eddie Lee and Christy Bell McCain in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Funeral service is 2pm Saturday, November 5, 2022 at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 617 Hopkins Street, Center, Texas with Pastor Freddie D. Wilson officiating. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center. Viewing is from 10am until 6pm on Friday, November 4, 2022 at Community Funeral Home, Center.

Jessie accepted Christ in her life at an early age and was a faithful and baptized member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Center, Texas. She served faithfully in St. Paul choir and was filled with the joy of singing praises unto the Lord with her fellow servants.

Jessie Garrett went to the all-black school C.H. Daniels where she was the leading drummer in the band. Our uncle Choice Garrett said she was second to nobody on those drums. She graduated in 1961 from C.H. Daniels. Jessie furthered her education in College and became an x-ray technician at Shelby Regional Medical Center, where she worked over forty years until she retired.

She married Joe Mitchell Garrett in 1961, to this union they started their family, three boys: Howard, Randy, and Michael Garrett. In the 1970s, her mother-in-law, Ethel Lee Stewart passed away and she left her two children to her daughter-in-law to raise as her own children: Jerelene Stewart and Lonnie Ray Stewart. At this time, Jessie was a single mother raising five children on her own. She was a working woman and by the help of God she done well.

She is preceded in death by her father, Eddie Lee McCain and mother, Christy Bell McCain; former husband, Joe Mitchell Garrett; and guardian son, Lonnie Ray Stewart.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Sons:
Howard Garrett Sr. (Ethel) of McClain, Mississippi
Randy G. Garrett of Austin
Michael Garrett of Center

Daughter, Kalisa Garrett of Center

Grandchildren:
Shanay Johnson
Ladon Johnson
Howard Garrett
Hakka Garrett
Naphalie Williams
Leondus Garrett
Ameerah Victoria
Kaneesha Murray
Jercarius Berry
Burnnard Murray
Michaela Garrett
Guardian Marvin Wash, Sr.

Fifteen great-grandchildren, ten guardian grandchildren, and a host of many other love ones who saw her as Aunt Jessie and Cousin Jessie.

Special friends: Sallie Wilson, Gertha B. White, Josephine Moore, Brenda Williams, Lucy Garrett, Vernell Brinson Hicks

Special daughter-in-laws, special co-workers, special choir members, and special church members.

We the family appreciate your relationship with our Mother, please forgive us if we left off any special person in her life, she loved everybody and especially you.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.

11/03/2022

Ronnie Fields was born on August 26, 1954 to Elbert Lorenzo Fields and Ruby Maxine (Dot) McSwain Fields. Ronnie entered into rest August 10, 2022 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas. 

Ronnie grew up in Orange, Texas with his loving family…an aunt & uncle next door, and cousins around. In his younger years, he would take trips out to the camp at Sam Rayburn with his cousins. Ronnie enjoyed visiting Shelby County where he enjoyed spending time with all his cousins and the aunts and uncles he loved so much. Ronnie along with his brother, Bennie Gene, always enjoyed himself fishing in the pond at the Belrose farm whenever they visited his grandmother, Florence (Mama) Fields. It always took a day or two for Ronnie to find his comfort zone in the country, and to remember he liked home cooked meals instead of cereal. 

Ronnie was a simple man. As the years went by Ronnie became more of an introvert, but that all changed when he met Cindy Hebert. Soon Ronnie and Cindy became one and she was his person. They made a good team. As the years went by Ronnie, enjoyed reading and watching old westerns, where he let his mind take him on adventures while content to stay home. Ronnie still loved to fish occasionally and mow the yard. He stayed pretty close to home, but he always wanted Cindy to check on his beloved Aunt Gay in Sardis. Aunt Gay’s house is where Ronnie, Cindy and Adam found refuge when Hurricane Ike took their home and belongings in 2008. Ronnie and family always knew they had a safe place here in Shelby County.

Ronnie loved his family above all else, his parents were his connection and safe place, and he was so proud to have a dad that had fought in WW2 and loved to tell his stories. He was especially proud that his dad had fought in the Battle of the Bulge and in Italy. In addition, he was so proud of Cindy and Adam. Cindy was his caretaker and made sure the family functioned on a daily basis. He loved to hear Adam tell of his escapades watching and chasing storms. It was not unusual to get a phone call from Adam late at night to say “Hey, cousin, there’s a storm cell near you… so be prepared.” Adam, their only child, was and is still the apple of their eye. Ronnie loved and cherished his family and those he loved so dear will surely miss him.

Ronnie is survived by:

Loving wife, Cindy Hebert Fields

Son, Adam Fields and wife, Sidney, of Vidor

Grandchild, Remi Fields

Nephew, Gene Fields

Aunts:
Zannie Gay Fields Belrose, of Sardis, Texas
Margie Fields Hinton, of Winnie, Texas

Ronnie was preceded in death by parents, Elbert and Ruby (Dot) Fields; brother, Bennie Gene Fields; grandparents, Martha Dale and Amos Paul McSwain, and Julian Henry and Florence Squyers Fields.

Ronnie Fields will have a graveside service Saturday, November 5, 2022 in Sardis Cemetery at 2:00 PM. Bring a chair if you need to sit.

11/02/2022

Dale Allen Umbrell, 64, of Joaquin, Texas passed away on November 1, 2022, at his home after a brief battle with cancer. 

Dale was born to Carolyn and Joe Umbrell on March 18, 1958, in Harrisburg, PA. As a child, Dale enjoyed playing sports. During his sophomore year of high school, Dale’s family relocated to Tenaha, Texas, where his love for sports continued as he played football and basketball for the Tenaha Tigers. Dale spent his adult years helping raise his sons, never missing a sporting event they participated in. He was an avid Harley Davidson enthusiast and, much like with his sons, he enjoyed watching his grandsons play sports. 

Dale is survived by: 
His mother, Carolyn Umbrell of Tenaha

Wife, Kim Umbrell of Joaquin

Sons: 
Wesley Umbrell (Heaven) of Tenaha
Ethan Umbrell (Ciara) of Quitman,

Grandsons: 
Braylin Umbrell
Cohen Umbrell
Wrigley Umbrell
Camden Umbrell
Kalen Umbrell

Brother, Joe Umbrell, Jr. (Sharon) of York Haven, PA

Sisters:
Lisa Barton (Elton) of Joaquin
Crystal Ogden (Mike) of Tenaha

Many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Umbrell, Sr. 

As per his wishes, Dale will be cremated, and a private family memorial will be held at a later date. 

10/29/2022

Stella Watson, age 87, of Milam, Texas, passed away Friday, October 28, 2022, at her residence.

She was born September 15, 1935, to parents Alpha D. (McDaniel) Watson and William W. Watson. She was a longtime area resident and a member of the Baptist faith. Stella had worked as a cashier and waitress in her early years, but had devoted most of her life to caring for her family and those she loved. She had a great love for the outdoors and spent countless hours working in her yard as long as her health prevailed.

Her survivors include:

Sister, Joyce Watson of Shelbyville

Brother, Elvin Watson of San Augustine

Host of nieces and nephews

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Deborah Kay McCarty; a grandson, Bobby Bear McCarty; and her parents, Alpha D. and William W. Watson.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Bro. Paul Swearingen, chaplain for Olive Branch Hospice, officiating. Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery on Hwy. 147.

Pallbearers: Jake Burns, Kerry Burns, James Shull, Cody Jackson, Brayden Russell, and Chris Ramey.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

10/27/2022

Murlene (Murl) Roland, 76 of Tenaha, passed away on Thursday, October 20, 2022 in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, October 29 at Friendship BoBo Baptist Church in Tenaha. Interment is at Pleasant Hill in Tenaha. Viewing is from 10am until 6pm on Friday, October 28, 2022.

The sojourn from Earth to Heaven was completed for Murlene Roland. Quietly, peacefully, serenely and dignified, she eased away to be with God.

On June 24, 1946, the late Mr. Sample Roland Sr. and (late) Rosie Lee Solman Roland was blessed with a beautiful daughter Murlene Roland.

She was a member of the Pleasant Hill CME Church in Tenaha, Texas. Where she worked on the Missionary Committee and long-time member of the choir. She enjoyed being in the choir and working at the church.

She also loved cooking and spending time with her family.

She worked at various poultry plants and hatcheries until she was injured.

She was kind hearted, generous and always willing to lend an ear and provide some good sound advice to all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

On Thursday God summoned her to eternal rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sample Roland Sr. and Rosie Lee Solomon Roland; brothers, Robert L. Roland, Sample Roland Jr., and Willie Joe Roland; and grandchildren, Latoya McClure and Angel Green.

She leaves to cherish precious memories:

Devoted Children:

Sons:
Leonard Roland
Troy Roland (Undra)
Aaron Roland (Catrice)
Adrain Roland (Lakahlan)

Daughters:
Stephanie Roland (Jamie)
Beverly Jenkins

Grandchildren:
Sherry Glenn
Tynisha Glenn
Sharona Hill
Jasmine Roland
TaKimbra Edwards
TyKeisha Wilson
Ta’Kenya Roland
Crystal Thomas
Tamara Roland
Lyntroyce Hewitt
Ashunte Stewart
La’Adriyah Roland
Byrondrick Davis
Rosalyn Roland
Angel Jenkins
DeAaron Roland
Calicia Roland
Arlicia Roland
La’Darron Roland

21 Great-grandchildren, 1 Great-great-grandchildren

Sister, Lizzie Gray (Jimmy)

Special niece, Rose M. Hooper

She also leaves countless relatives and friends whom she loved and who continued to love and cherish the memories of her exceptional role in their lives.

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

10/27/2022

Kenneth Eugene Walker, 61, of TImpson passed away on October 19, 2022 in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Saturday, October 29, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas, officiated by Bro. Kevin Windham. A private graveside will follow. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at First Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas.

Kenny was born in Huntsville, Texas on May 30, 1961 to Rev. Billy Gene and Gay Nell Walker. He attended primary school in Highlands, Texas before moving to Hemphill, Texas, where he graduated in 1979. Kenny then moved to Timpson where he met Shawna Beckham, his loving wife of over 40 years. 

Family was always important to Kenny. He and Shawna were blessed with three wonderful children, who in turn grew the family with nine grandkids and two great-grandkids. Kenny and Shawna also have twenty nieces and nephews and twenty great- nieces and nephews, which always made family gatherings an interesting event.

Kenny’s love for the Lord started at the age of seven. Fast forward 10 years, he began teaching youth Sunday School classes, which would spark 44 years of youth ministry that took on many forms. He loved to work with the youth in our community. Kenny served as the Scout Leader for Boy Scout Troop 113, coached little league baseball, little dribblers, and flag football. If it involved a kid, he was there to help.

In an effort to make a difference in our community, Kenny joined the Timpson Volunteer Fire Department, of which he was a member for many years and was also elected to serve as a City Council Member. He enjoyed these roles because of the pride he felt for his community and the people of Timpson.

Kenny loved to work on motorcycles, 4-wheelers and small engines. He spent numerous hours in his shop tinkering and fixing “you name it” for himself and countless others. He always said, “Why throw out the old to buy something new, when I can fix it! It runs, it just needs a little bit of love!” He always had kids coming by to get him to fix their go-carts, dirt bikes, 4-wheelers. Whatever they brought by he would “fix it”. It gave him such joy to teach kids how to fix things on their own without his help. He could talk to you over the phone and would usually be able to walk you through any problem, if not he would tell you to just “drop it by the house!” 

Kenny got his first motorcycle when he was 14 years old, and was hooked. He found a way to combine his love for riding and helping kids by joining a motorcycle group that protects those that have been abused. He is a former member of the Lufkin Chapter and a current supporter of the Pineywoods Chapter of BACA (Biker’s Against Child Abuse), and has been riding with them for 4 years. He was very proud to help these kids and spend time with them at BACA events, showing compassion, strength, and love, which in most cases just meant a listening ear and a hug for them to feel safe. 

Most will know, he had a passion for all kinds of music, but especially from the 60’s and 70’s era, as well as old gospel hymns. That same love, which was instilled in his kids as well as his “bonus kids”, brought much laughter, love, and encouragement to all. His voice was soft and smooth and was loved by anyone that heard it, and his dance moves weren’t bad either! 

Kenny led Sunday morning music for many years, most recently at Good Hope Church, and sang with the praise band “Souled Out.” He would love to sing any time there was as request. Surprisingly enough, you never knew what song would play or be sung at any moment throughout his life.

Kenny is survived by:
His devoted wife, Shawna

Daughter: Ashley and Nathan Webb

Sons: 
Christopher and Rachel Walker
Nicholas and Jessica Walker

Grandchildren: 
Izabell Webb
Devon Webb
Ally Webb
Kooper Walker
Kestin Bo Walker
Kadence Jo “Bitty” Walker
Maximus  Walker
Maverick Walker
Major Walker

Great-grandson, Elliot Mitchell

His parents, Rev. Billy Gene and Gay Nell Walker

Brothers: 
Charles and David

Sister-in-law, Cindy Walker

Kenny’s ‘in~love” family includes Butch and LaNell Beckham, Cody and Ashley Beckham and Toska Beckham.

Kenny is preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy Walker and Jerry Dane Samford, and his great-granddaughter, Eliyah Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, it would be Kenny’s wish for you to donate to a local youth group.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

10/25/2022

Valrie Elaine Daniel, 77, of Huxley, Texas, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022, in Center, Texas.  She was born on May 29th, 1945, in Lawton, Oklahoma.  She was better known as Nanny to her family and friends in her community.  At a very young age, she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she would later graduate from Broadmoor High School before pursuing a degree in nursing from Northwestern State University.

Elaine then became a Nursing Home Administrator and continued working in that field up until 1997 when she purchased Scarbers Grocery in Huxley, Texas.  In 2001 she sold the store to her kids, Tammy and Tim Brown.  Elaine continued working at Scarbers until its closure, in December 2015.  Elaine cherished every customer and friend she made throughout her years working there.  Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren meant the world to her.  She also loved her grandchildren’s friends as if they were her own.  Nanny’s favorite thing in life was watching Austin and Bailey play their various sports while cheering them on as loudly as she could, never missing a game.  They were the light of her life.  Nanny was a wonderful, caring person that touched the hearts of many and will deeply be missed by all.

Left to cherish her memory

Daughter:
Tammy Wells Brown and husband Tim

Sons:
Tim Wells and wife Jan
Howard (Woody) Daniel and wife Kaye
Lance Daniel and wife Kelli

Grandchildren:
Austin Rabalais and wife Angel
Bailey Rabalais
Desare Emigh and husband Mitchell
Brittany Williams and husband Jeremy
Sherri Daniel
Shayna Hayden and husband Chance
John Wyatt Daniel
Hydie Daniel
Trevor Daniel
Landrey Daniel
Cody Wells
Hunter Wells
Peyton Wells

Great-Grandchildren:
Laina Rabalais
Bo Rabalais
Dani Rabalais
Sadie Emigh
Kolton Emigh
Easton Strickland
Astrid Strickland
Harper Gilliland
Rohen Hayden

Brothers:
Larry Smith Hebert
Chico Bond and wife Nancy

Sister:
Kathy Bond Donaldson
Best friends of over 50 years, Paula Harris McMahan and Sharon Baehr

Special Friends:
Sylvia Oliver
Jim White
John Daniel

Preceded in death by:
Father of her children, Harold Wells
Birth parents, Adrian Smith, Sylvia Elenor Smith Bond and Evert Earl Bond
Adoptive parents, John Valrie Latil and Mary Alice Latil

Per her request, no services will be held at this time. A memorial in her honor will be held at a later date.

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

10/24/2022

Johnnie Howell Cassell Cook, 80, of Huxley, Texas, passed away on October 22, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on June 17, 1942, in Center, Texas, to the late Howell Cassell and Johnnie Kay Cassell.

Graveside service will be held at Strong Cemetery, on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 5pm with Bro. Gordon Vaughan officiating.

Johnnie was raised in the Huxley community. She loved the outdoors, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Mostly known as granny, to know her was to love her. If you knew her from working at short stop for years or if you were blessed to be able to call her a friend. Johnny Howell was a one in a life time type of person, and she loved everyone. She loved unconditionally, she never cared about your background, or the skeletons you had in your closet. Her front porch was a safe place. She raised her own five children, then continued to raise five more grandchildren. Selfless is an understatement. She would give you the shirt off her back. Her hobbies included talking on the phone, smoking cigarettes, reading, spending time with her grandchildren and also catering to her chihuahua “JoJo”. The good ones always go too soon, I hope the angels know how blessed they are to have our beloved mother, granny and friend. 

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Vicki Lout
Gail Aguilar and husband Tereso
Sheila Powdrill and husband Mike
Sondra Dutton and husband John
Misty Hogue

15 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren

Brother, Bobby Howell Cassell

Sisters:
Glenis Tom Carroll
Judy Marie Goings
Joy Lynn Redmon

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

Johnnie is preceded in death by her son, Ricky Leon Goings; parents, Howell and Johnnie Kay Cassell; brother, Bobby Jo Cassell; and grandchildren, Michael Powdrill, Antonio Aguilar.

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

10/20/2022

George Thomas Wages, 71, of Nacogdoches Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022. Mr. Wages passed away on Friday, October 7, 2022, in Dallas, Texas.

George Thomas Wages was born April 19, 1951, in Denton, Texas, to parents Morris and Evelyn Wages. Growing up in Grand Prairie, he attended and graduated from Grand Prairie High School where he played athletics and was part of the marching band.

After high school, George went to Tarleton State University. Attending classes and showing horses weren’t his only activities. He happened to go on a blind date which turned into a 49-year love affair with his wife Debbie. They married on July 21, 1973, in Eastland, Texas.

George started his career by moving to the Oldest Town in Texas as the Assistant County Agent for Nacogdoches County. He later moved to Meridian, Texas, as the County Agent for Bosque County. He returned to Nacogdoches to work for and later buy J&J Feed. After 15 years as a proud business owner, he moved to Nacogdoches County Farm Bureau, where he spent 4 years as an Agent. He was then promoted to Agency Manager and spent another 22 years until his retirement in September 2016.

When George wasn’t working, he found most joy in following his grandchildren, who called him “Papa G”, around with their activities, spending time with friends, and volunteering at church. George was a true southerner at heart. His favorite hobbies were raising cattle, riding horses, deer hunting and exploring the world, one city at a time. George was also a longtime member of the Nacogdoches First Baptist Church and served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and greeter. He was involved in the Nacogdoches Rotary Club and Gideons International, volunteered with the Glory Gang, and served as the President of the Lilly Grove Water Board.

Mr. Wages is survived by:

Wife, Debbie, of Nacogdoches

Daughter, Jennifer Chandler & husband, Brad, of Spring
Son, Bryan Wages & wife, Dee, of Tenaha
Daughter, Amanda Comegys & husband, Mike, of Van Alstyne

Grandchildren:
Matthew Comegys, of Van Alstyne
Wesley Wages, of Tenaha
Luke Comegys, of Van Alstyne
Hannah Wages, of Tenaha.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Evelyn Wages.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in George’s honor to the American Cancer Society or First Baptist Church of Nacogdoches Missions Ministry or Children’s Ministry.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

”If you pray, why worry? If you worry, why pray?”

The Wages family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or sign an online register, visit lairdfh.net.