Shelby County Today

04/01/2022

Funeral services for Mrs. Deborah Jeffress Jackson, 66, of Tenaha, Texas will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2022 at the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Charleston Johnson and Larry Jeffress officiating.  Visitation will be 10-11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Cremation will follow under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Her ashes will be lain to rest on the Galveston beaches where she was born.
  
Mrs. Deborah Ann Jeffress Jackson was born July 27, 1955 in Galveston, Texas. She passed this life March 31, 2022, in Center, Texas.  Deborah was one of three children born to the marriage of Wilma Ann Wilson and William Morris Jeffress. She was raised and schooled in Tenaha, Texas.  Deborah married James Harris Jackson in April of 1993 and he preceded her in death May 29, 2005.
  
Mrs. Jackson worked for Center I.S.D. in the cafeteria and 16 years for H.E.B. in the Deli. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Haslam. Deborah loved cooking and the art of sewing and quilting. She is also preceded in death by her brother, Gary Lynn Jeffress.
  
Mrs. Jackson is survived by: 
Her children: 
Son, David Fenton and wife Carri of Millsboro, VA.

Daughter, Arin Fenton of Tenaha

Brother, Larry Jeffress and wife Judy of Woodlawn, WA. 

Step-mother, Angie Jeffress of Tenaha

Grandson, Caleb Herring

Nieces, and nephews: 
Kayla Jeffress of Alaska
Sarah Saxton and husband Gage of Alaska
Serena Jeffress of Gillette, WY
Buddy Jeffress of Gillette WY.

A host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends

An online guestbook may be signed by clicking the following www.hawthornfuneralhome.com

04/01/2022

Funeral services celebrating the life of Kameron Lynn Durr, 20, of Frierson, Louisiana will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana with Rev. Frankie Mathis and Rev. Donnie Durr officiating. Interment will follow at Cornerstone Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2022, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Kameron entered into rest on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. He was born on January 2, 2002, in Shreveport, Louisiana to Kristopher and Melinda Harrington Durr.

Kameron was a graduate of North DeSoto High School, Class of 2020. He worked for Nelson Equipment in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he had an awesome work family that he truly loved. Kameron had a love for guns, shooting, arguing his point, speed, and being a part of car and motorcycle clubs, most of all. Kameron was loved by so many. He had a love for Jesus, and he wanted everyone else to know and feel the same love he felt.

Left to cherish his memory include:

Parents, Kristopher and Melinda Harrington Durr, of Frierson, Louisiana

Sister, Kayle Lewis, and her husband, Nicholas of Stonewall, Louisiana

Grandparents:
Nell Durr of Mansfield, Louisiana
John and Glenda Harrington of Tenaha

Uncles:
Johnny Harrington and his wife, Beth, of Center
Pat Durr and his wife, Shanna of Shreveport, Louisiana
Keith Durr and his wife, Crystal of Mansfield, Louisiana

Cousins:
Logan Furlow
J.T. Harrington
Annie Durr
Levi Durr
Blocker Durr
Kadin Durr
Raygan Durr

A host of family and friends.

Kameron is preceded in death by his grandpa, Artis Durr, his Aunt Toletha Furlow, and cousins, Haize, Jaxon, and Elijah Durr.

Honoring the life of Kameron as pallbearers will be Drue Scull, Tony Fletcher, Jeff Dove, John Brossette, James Miller, and Jason Timmons. Honorary pallbearers will be his fellow members of the car and motorcycle clubs.

03/31/2022

Joshua Martin Moody, 44, of Center, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022. On March 25, 1978, Josh was born to his father, Gary Moody and his mother, JoAnne Moody Cornwall.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Mangum Funeral Home.

In 2002, Josh married Candace Christian, and they had a daughter, Madeline Moody who he called his Princess. In 2008, Josh married the love of his life, Lily. Josh was an accomplished chef and businessman in Houston. He and Lily moved to Center in 2011 and built a great life together with their children, Ryder and Ryan.

To know Josh was to love him. He was a friend to all and had countless friends everywhere he went. When seeing Josh, you would always be met with a warm hug. But more than anything, his kids were the center of his world. He would stop whatever he was doing to take them their lunch on a normal school day just so they would know he was thinking about them during the day. Josh had the most generous and loving heart. He would often be seen bringing the teachers breakfast, donating boxes of chips for all of the kids at school, and even buying kids a drink at the ballpark, which is what he did on his very last day on this Earth. Josh was so loved and will be missed by so many. 

Left to cherish his memory are:

Ex-Wife, Candace Christian, and their Daughter, Madeline Moody

Wife, Lily Moody, and their Sons, Ryder and Ryan Moody

Niece, River Moody Murphy and her Husband, Curtis Murphy

Father and Stepmother, Gary and Marti Moody

Mother and Stepfather, Jo Anne and Neil Cornwall

Grandfather, John Calvin Carroll

Josh was preceded in death by his beloved Brothers, Justin Brett Moody and Christopher Michael Moody and their beloved Grandmother, Betty Jane Mills Moody Carroll

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

03/28/2022

Sean Douglas Permenter, 74, of Joaquin (Mayor of South Paxton), passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2022, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 5:00 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating.

Sean was born August 28, 1947, at Barksdale Air Force Base. He is the son of Smith and Edgel Permenter. His favorite job description was Papaw/Grandpa Sean. Sean loved his family and wanted nothing more than to be surrounded by his kids and grandkids. His passion for gardening came from a young age and he shared the fruits of his labor with family and friends. He never met a stranger and always had a story to tell you.

Left to cherish his memory:

Wife, Joyce Permenter of Joaquin of 40 years; 

Children:
Daughter, Amie Modglin and fiance Peter Bicsanszky (Las Vegas)
Son, Eric Permenter and wife Josey (Shelbyville) 

Grandchildren:
Kolton Pacheco and wife Ashlee, (Modesto, California)
Madison and Allie Modglin (Las Vegas)
Branson, Maddox, and Emerysn Permenter (Shelbyville) 

Great-Grandchildren: Kingston and Maddox Pacheco (Modesto, California) 

Siblings:
James Rose and wife Gloria (Tyler)
Christy May (Alexandria, Louisiana)
Debbie and husband Jack Brown (Arlington)
Steve Permenter and wife Sandy (Joaquin)

Brothers-in-law and sister-in-law:
Mike Black and wife Tamara (Camp Verde, Arizona)
Jeanette and husband David Oehlerking (Center)
Eddie Black and wife Denise (Queen Creek, Arizona)
Willie Black and wife Jackie (Mesa, Arizona)

Close Family Friends: Zack Belrose Steve Burns Keith Shields David Shields Ely Starkey 

And numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Preceded in Death: Smith and Edgel Permenter, parents Roxanne Galey, daughter.

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

03/22/2022

Machelle Britton Stewart, 52, of Conroe, Texas passed from this life on March 12, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer. 

There will be a celebration of Machelle's life at 12-noon on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the James Antioch Community Center located on FM 2608 1/4 mile down on right.

Machelle married Gregg Stewart on March 1, 2010, he survives her along with:

Children:
Jacob Martinez
Nathan Martinez, and fiancé, Ravin Roberts
Chelsie Martinez
Kyle Stewart, and wife, Sarah
Toni Scantlin, and partner in life, Brian Hand
Amanda Wyler, and husband, Chris
Jessica Beasley, and husband, John

Sisters:
Anita Herndon
Teresa Young
Shina Jernigan

Brother, George Britton

Machelle is survived by 16 grandchildren

Many nieces and nephews

Machelle was preceded in death by her parents G.W. and Lois Britton and her brother Charles Britton.

03/21/2022 (Corrected obituary)

Dusty Adrian Barbee, 40, of Center, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family, Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center Hospital in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2022, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. David Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at Short Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born June 12, 1981, in Nacogdoches, Dusty is the son of Lois Ann Barbee and Denel Ray Barbee. Following his graduation from Center High School in 2000, Dusty went on to become a welder. He was a member of Local 798 Welder’s Union out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dusty loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He was of the Baptist faith.

Left to cherish his memory is:

Son, Kagen Barbee

Mother, Lois Ann Barbee

Father, Denel Ray Barbee and wife Rosie

Brothers:
Coby Barbee and wife Crystal
Joshua Barbee

Sister, Miley Barbee

Nephews:
Camden Barbee
Jake Barbee

Aunts:
Barbara McDonald
Vicky Snider
Ronda Holloway
Carolyn and husband Ricky Dale Harkness

Uncles:
Ricky Barbee
Donald Barbee

Also, numerous cousins and friends who will miss him greatly.

Preceded in death by his grandmother, Emma Barlow; grandparents, Archie and Faye Barbee; uncles, Bo Barbee, Bobby Barbee, John Barbee, and W.M. Barbee; and aunts, Beverly Walker, JoAnn Rushing, and Linda Faye Cougler.

Pallbearers will be Jason Burch, Jason McDonald, Cody Warr, Juston Barbee, Bradley Lovell, and John Yarborough. Honorary pallbearers will be Juston Jones, Bailey Jones, Eddie Kirkwood, Camden Barbee, Jake Barbee, and Nolan Tinnell. (Corrected pallbearers list)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Short Cemetery Fund, PO Box 854, Center, Texas, 75935 or St. Therese of Lisieux Religious Education in Center, 717 FM 2974, Center, Texas, 75935.

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

03/18/2022

Deacon Ronnie Wayne Horton departed this life, March 10, 2022 in Lufkin, TX. He was born on August 3, 1964 to the late Milton Horton Sr. and the late Carrie Shepherd in Center, TX.

Ronnie met Sherina Bass on February 10, 2001 the love of his life in Timpson, TX and it was love at first sight. God had a plan and he asked me to marry him. Our love flourished on September 21, 2002, God blessed our union for 19 years.

Ronnie was a member of Mt. Gillion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor R.L. Cotton where he served as an Usher. Later The Lord elevated Ronnie to join the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Lufkin, TX under the leadership of Pastor Richard Griffin where he served God with gladness and August 2004 he became a deacon of the church, and served faithfully. Later the Lord had a greater plan, to move him to a higher level to Good Will Baptist Church under the Leadership of Bishop M. E. Lyons where he served as Help Administer The Lord’s Supper, Co Chairman of the Deacons, Member of the Finance Committee, Member of Brotherhood, Member of Male Chorus when it was active and Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, Usher, Teacher, Van Driver, and any area the Lord allowed as the Church needed him. His favorite Scripture - Roman 6:1-2, favorite song - 'Father I Stretch my Hands To Thee,' Favorite Singer - Sherina K. Horton, and favorite team - Dallas Cowboys.

Ronnie graduated from Timpson Independent School District Class of 1983 in Timpson, TX 

Ronnie started work in March of 1993 what was then International Paper, it has changed names twice during this time (currently WestFraser), Ronnie was affectionately known to all as P-Wood, P-Wood was Mr. 10.5, our go to man, for he could and would do everything asked of him, for 29 years, he would say all the time, if P-Wood, needs help, then, there must be trouble in the land.

Ronnie was the active Worshipful Master, of Nacogdoches Lodge #369. 

Ronnie will be greatly missed by all of us.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his father & mother , son Mark Anthony Smith, three brothers, Allen Ray, Darren, and Lawrence Horton, three nephews Timmy, LaSharrea and Shamfrea Hooper , one grandson Martavius Lockett and a host of uncles and aunts.

Ronnie leaves to cherish his memories:

Wife, Sherina K. Horton of Lufkin

Son, Arlondo M. Horton

Daughters:
Britney LeAnn Horton of Dallas
Andrette L. Sessions-Matthew of Lufkin

Brothers:
Milton Horton Jr. (Earsie) of Shelbyville
Robert James Shepherd (Mary Jo) of Nacogdoches

Sisters:
Peggie Brown of Timpson
Betty Mitchell (Johnny) of Timpson
Callie Horton of Timpson
Donna Fletcher (Alford) of Timpson

13 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild

God-daughter, Kiara Rodgers of Lufkin

A host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services are under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home.

03/18/2022

Manuel Ray Steptoe of San Augustine County, Texas, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at Colonial Pines Care Center.

Manuel Ray was born February 15, 1936, in San Augustine County, Texas, to parents R.D. and Era Inez (Wall) Steptoe and had been a lifelong resident of the county's Norwood community. He was a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and faithfully served as a deacon for many years. He was also a longtime active member of Broaddus Masonic Lodge #1112.

Mr. Steptoe was an accomplished painter and performed these duties among many businesses and residences in the San Augustine/East Texas area through the years. His family was also successful poultry farmers. Outdoor activities always gained Manuel Ray's attention, with a great love for fishing and squirrel hunting.

His survivors include his:

Sons:
Bruce Steptoe and wife Tammy of Shelbyville
Alton Steptoe and wife Ann of San Augustine

Daughter, Liz Sowell and husband Ronnie of Chireno

Siblings:
Doyline Bennefield
Tommy Joe "T.J." Steptoe and wife Nina of San Augustine
Deolan Steptoe and wife Marilyn of San Augustine
Margaret Chambless of San Augustine
Linda Runnels and husband Jimmy of Lufkin

Grandchildren:
Bryan Sanders
Brodie Steptoe
Kyle Steptoe
Austin Steptoe
Aaron Steptoe
Adam Steptoe
Jonathan Sowell
Clint Sowell
Laura Sowell

11 great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Black Steptoe, on November 24, 2020; a daughter, Belinda Joyce Steptoe, on May 25, 1982; his father, R.D. Steptoe, on November 1, 1972; and his mother, Era Wall Steptoe, on October 21, 2004.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Bro. David Baxley and Bro. Ronnie Sowell officiating. Interment will follow at the Sowell Cemetery.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

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

03/15/2022

Oldin Foster Cannon, 92, of Silsbee, died Tuesday, March 8, 2022. He was born on August 2, 1929, in Shelbyville, to Eunice Taylor Cannon and George F. Cannon. Oldin proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, on April 9th. Visitation is from 12:30-1:00 pm. Remembrance and celebration of life is from 1-2 pm followed by a graveside service at Cannon Cemetery.

Mr. Cannon graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1946 and enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17. He served a three-year tour of duty with the Corps of Engineers in the South Pacific.

After he returned from the army, he went to Lamar University and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He then went to work for Sun Pipeline Company and Sunoco, Incorporation for thirty-six years and retired in January 1991.

Mr. Cannon and his wife, Helen, volunteered in lay outreach service ministries, including participation in prison ministries, in both Texas State and Federal Prison systems. He also volunteered at the Hardin County Christian Care Center for twenty-seven years.

Survivors include:

Son, Patrick Cannon and his wife, Diane

Sister, Marilyn Lout and her husband, Kenneth

Brother, Robert Cannon and his wife, Wanda

Grandchildren: 
Joshua Cannon
Brian Taylor
Heather Brazier
Amber Callahan
Bethany Cannon
Kandice Ciotti
Katelyn Murphy

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Helen Cannon; son, George Cannon; brothers, William Cannon and James Cannon; and two nephews, James Neil Cannon and Randy Lout.

The interment of his cremated body will be held at Cannon Family Cemetery, Shelbyville, at a later date.