Shelby County Today

03/09/2022

Rebia Fay Jennings Spratling, 78 of Center, Texas died on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born to the late Ira and Beatrice Gardner Jennings in Center, Texas on May 29, 1943.

Mrs. Spratling is a 1961 graduate of C.H. Daniels High School in Center, Texas. She later attended Valrie Jackson Hurd Beauty and Barber School in Marshall, Texas; she became a licensed cosmetologist. Mrs. Spratling lived in Dallas, Texas and her 2 children.  She was a successful cosmetologist in the Dallas area. She moved back to home to Center, Texas after retirement as a cosmetologist. She later worked at Walmart Supercenter in Center for several years.

Graveside service will be on Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Gates Chapel Cemetery at 1pm. Elder Jonwesley Gatlin will be officiating.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Shirlene Spratling Mitchell

Son, Edward Glenn Spratling (Nikole)

3 grandchildren:  Maricia Mitchell Christian, Marialle Mitchell, and Kendra Holbert

2 great-grandchildren: Elijah Baldwin and Paris Christian

Visitation is on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1pm to 6pm. Committal is at Gates Chapel Cemetery, Shelbyville, Texas.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

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.

03/08/2022

Debbie Barthol was born in Center, Texas February 27, 1951 to John and Maxine Pate.  She started school at Valley View Elementary in Longview, Texas and graduated from Center High School in 1969.  Following graduation, she attended Panola Jr. College and then graduated with her Bachelors Degree from Stephen F. Austin University.

Debbie met the love of her life, Dwaine Barthol, and married him in 1970.  Debbie and Dwaine lived in Nacogdoches at that time.  Later, they moved to Hughes Springs in 1980 when Lone Star Steel was booming.  Hughes Springs became their home and where they raised their daughters, Brooke and Brandi. Eventually Debbie went back to college in Commerce and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education.  She began her career as an Educator in August of 1989 at Hughes Springs Elementary School.  While there, she worked as an Interventionist and Certified Dyslexia Instructor.  She served and touched the hearts of many students, parents, and educators in her journey.  She retired from Hughes Springs ISD in May of 2016.

Debbie has been a faithful Christian her entire life.  She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for several years and attended Bible Study faithfully. Debbie was an avid reader and full of wisdom.  Most of all, she was her grandchildren's biggest prayer warrior, supporter, and fan. She attended as many events as possible.  She had her lawn chair, ball bag, and concession money ready to go at all times.  She cherished her family and time together. After receiving Debbie's diagnosis of Glioblastoma, terminal brain tumors, family and friends were able to care for and love her until Jesus called her home.  She was a selfless, God loving wife, daughter, mother, sister, and nana.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories: 

Daughters and Sons-in-law:
Brooke and William Dannelley
Brandi and Nick Smith

Sister and Brother-in-law, Janet and John Blake

Grandchildren:
Landon Dannelley
Dawson Dannelley
Tessa Dannelley
Tyler Smith
Avery Smith

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwaine Barthol and her parents.

Services for Debbie Barthol will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 10,2022 at First Baptist Church in Hughes Springs.  Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.

She passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, March 9, 2022 at Reeder-Davis Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church Youth or Building Fund or Heart to Heart Hospice. An online guestbook may be signed at www.reeder-davis.com.

03/08/2022

Francisca Monroy, 59, of Gary, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2022, in Longview.

Visitation will be from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 10, 2022, and 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 11, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Mass to follow at 10:00 a.m., Friday, at St. Therese Catholic Church.  Interment at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha.

Born May 17, 1962, Francisca is the daughter of Flora Palacios and Silvestre Uribe.  

Left to cherish her memory:

Husband, Juan Monroy

Children:
Adriana Monroy (Juan Ramirez)
Juan Monroy (Marilee Gonzalez)
Norma Monroy
Isaac Monroy

Grandchildren:
Dezi Gonzalez
Mallaki Monroy
Jonathan Ramirez
Jose Ramirez
Madelee Monroy
Mila Monroy
Mia Monroy

Brothers and Sisters:
Pedro Uribe
Juan Uribe
Manuel Uribe
Antonio Uribe
Trinidad Uribe
Maria del Refugio Uribe
Silvestre Uribe III

Several friends and other family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Flora Palacios and Silvestre Uribe; and brothers, Goyo Uribe and Silvestre Uribe II.

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

03/07/2022

Juana Bowlin McCann, 88, of Stonewall, Louisiana, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas with visitation at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at Ramah Cemetery. Bro. David Radford will officiate.

Born March 2, 1934, Juana is the daughter of Elsie Godwin and Benjamin Morris Bowlin Sr. She retired as a Registered Nurse. Her hobbies included yardwork, gardening, sewing, and playing Skip Bo. Juana served as a Girl Scout leader for many years and also a member of North DeSoto Church of God. She enjoyed traveling on mission trips to Alaska and Dominican Republic.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Kathy and husband Fred Ebey of Stonewall, Louisiana
Paula and husband Rex Pitman of Shreveport, Louisiana
Elaine McCann of Stonewall, Louisiana

Grandchildren:
Fred Ebey III and wife Cara
John Ebey and wife Merideth
James Pitman
Chad Pitman and wife Amy

Great-grandchildren:
Hunter Ebey
Hayden Ebey
Hannah Ebey
Addison Ebey
Izabella Pitman
Riley Pitman

Sisters:
Mary Griffith of Turkey Creek, Louisiana
Yvonne Stearns of Houston
 
Sister-in-law, Frances Bowlin of Tenaha

Also numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by husband, James R. McCann; parents, Elsie Godwin and Benjamin Morris Bowlin Sr.; brothers, B.M. Bowlin Jr., Warren Mac Bowlin, and Ted Wayne Bowlin.

Pallbearers will be Fred Ebey III, John Ebey, Chad Pitman, Riley Pitman, Mike Perry, and Keith Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be James Pitman, Hunter Ebey, and Hayden Ebey.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to North DeSoto Church of God Building Fund, 2045 Highway 171, Stonewall, Louisiana, 71078. Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.

03/03/2022

Ruth LaVerne Baldwin Stephens went home to be with her Heavenly Father on March 1, 2022 at the age of 91.

A service celebrating her life will begin with visitation at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4th, followed by a memorial at 2:00 at Woods New Hope Baptist Church in Panola County. Her pastor, Rodney Puryear will conduct the ceremony with interment to follow at the nearby Woods Cemetery under the direction of Watson and Sons Funeral Home.

Ruth started her life’s journey on July 28, 1930 in the Woods Post Office Community as she entered the lives of her devoted parents, Clarence and Bessie Lee Baldwin. Born in a small wood framed unpainted house built by family members, she was joined 18 months later by sister, Fannie. Her educational path led her to Woods School until 8th grade, then transferred to Carthage ISD. When the oil and gas boom hit and the school became overcrowded, she finished her senior year, graduating with the 1947 Class of Tenaha HS. Furthering her training she attended Satterwhite Business College in Lufkin Texas. She was employed by Lufkin Motor Company as Office Manager/Bookkeeper for Lynn Metteauer until her first retirement.

She met and married Collis Stephens, Sept 2, 1950. Lufkin offered a wonderful life for the couple as they made steadfast friends through church who loved to travel and fish together. Collis, a self-trained carpenter, built 3 beautiful homes, and offered affordable houses for many young couples. Every summer they entertained their nieces and nephews during days of movies, driving lessons and bowling. During this time they had a special young man enter their lives. Danny Mott filled a void as they had no children, and they learned how to parent during his teenage years. Because of their support and mentoring he and his wife, Marivel, have remained close to her.

When her father became ill, Ruth and Collis built a beautiful ranch style home, returning her back to her Woods roots. They both took part and renewed fellowship at Woods New Hope Baptist Church where she served as treasurer for many years. Mission Trips and building projects honored God and man. Ruth could not totally retire as she became employed by John Cain & Associates and those steep stairs kept her in shape through her 70s. Bookkeeping and taxes were always on her mind as she saved copies of everything...just in case she might need them for an IRS audit.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, husband and Collis’s parents, Clyde and Lena Stephens, his brothers and sisters, and brother in law, Dock Watson.

Left to cherish her memory are:

Fannie Baldwin Watson
Brenda and Gene Giles
Glenda and Charlie Leflett
Steven Watson
Danny and Marivel Mott

Special cousins were dear to her heart as were great nieces, nephews and a host of friends who added much joy.

A special thanks to caregiver, Renae Riddle Courtney, during the last months of her life for her constant care.

Pallbearers: Gene Giles, David Fleming, Charles Humphries, Tom Knight, David Humphries, James Knight, Dustin Knight, and Sam Watson

Memorials may be given to:
Woods New Hope Baptist Church, PO Box 670, Tenaha, TX 75974
Woods Volunteer Fire Dept., 208 CR 425, Tenaha, TX 75974

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

2/28/2022

Obie Jones was born August 4, 1951 and passed away February 27, 2022. He was a member of White Rock Missionary Baptist Church in Center, Texas.

Funeral Services for Obie Jones, 70, of Nacogdoches, TX, will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in the chapel of Watson and Son’s Funeral Home in Center, TX, with Greg Sutis and Brandon Jones officiating. Interment will follow in White Rock Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until service time on Wednesday.

He is survived by:

Wife, Cynda Hooper-Jones

Sons:
Keith Jones and wife Tasha of Joaquin
Brandon Jones and wife Amanda of West Monroe, Louisiana

Brothers:
David Jones and wife Ann of Santa Fe, Texas
Rickey Jones and wife Melissa of Woden

Sister, Nelda Jones-Chandler and husband Tommy of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
Aaron Jones and wife Brittany
Easton Jones
Camden Jones
Caleb Jones
Kaylee Jones

Great-grandchildren:
Braxton Jones
Peyton Jones
Atley Oliver
Jaxon Jones
Dawson Jones

Numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Alan Hooper, Robert Hooper, Randal Gilchrist, Michael Chandler, Davy Jones, and Marlie McSwain.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ocey Jones and Iva Nell Bright-Jones; brother, Osie Lee Jones; and sister, Bonnie Jones-Whitehead.

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

02/28/2022

Roger “Disco Roger” Grace, 72 of Timpson, Texas, died on Thursday, February 24, 2022, at his residence. Mr. Grace was born to the late Robert Grace and Elizabeth Griffin Grace.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at First United Smyrna Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas at 2pm. Rev. Charleston Johnson will be officiating. Visitation is Friday, March 4, 2022, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Committal is at Smyrna Cemetery in Timpson, Texas.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.

He is survived by:

Nephew, Roderick Yarbrough of Ft. Worth, Texas

Niece:
Theresa Yarbrough Black (Ryan) of Grand Prairie, Texas
April Grace of Virginia

Brothers:
Horce Grace of Killeen, Texas
Kenneth Goodwin of Timpson, Texas
Keith Riggins of Timpson, Texas
Roy Riggins (Linda) of Carthage, Texas

Sisters:
Theresa Pitts of Timpson, Texas
Remona Taylor (Carl Jr.) Houston, Texas
Lisa McClure (Aubrey) Timpson, Texas

Cousin, Lillian Holmes of Houston, Texas

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

02/28/2022

Eula Lathan White died February 23, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas at the age of 104.

Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11:00AM at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church 623 Martin Luther King Drive. Rev. Anthony Jackson will be officiating. Visitation is Friday, March 4, 2022, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and family visitation from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Committal is at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. With addition to COVID 19, temperature checks are required and vaccination cards are required, per family request.

Eula Lathan White was born on February 10, 1918, in Shelby County to the late Tom Lathan and Beulah Moore Lathan. Eula grew up on a farm in the rural area of Shelby County. Strong family values and perseverance were taught by the Lathan family.

Eula White was a lifelong, devoted member of Bright Morning Star Baptist Church, serving in many compacities, including choir member, financial secretary and deaconess board secretary.

Eula attended school in the Webb School District in the Africa Community and later transferred to Center Colored High School, graduating in 1937. Eula attended Butler College in Tyler, Texas, completing her studies at Texas College in Tyler, Texas from which she received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a minor in English. She pursued graduate studies at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas receiving her Master of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Administrative Supervision and Business. She pursued additional academic training at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas and in California.

Eula began her teaching career in 1942 in the Webb School District, located in the Africa Community. Many of the county’s rural schools had only two or three classrooms. She taught grades 4, 5 and 6 in one classroom. Some years later the Webb School was consolidated with C. H. Daniels School. She also taught at East Liberty High School and Marian Anderson High School, completing her teaching career with Center ISD, retiring in 1980 after 34 years as an educator. At one point she was a “Visiting Teacher,” where she visited the homes of students who had numerous absences. Eula noted that Mr. Standley was her first principal after integration. Eula and Mr. Standley’s family became great friends. Eula became a Licensed Vocational Nurse, graduating from Panola College in Carthage, Texas. These skills she employed in the care of her father and husband before their deaths and at Holiday Nursing Home in Center, Texas.

“School teaching” seemed to be a popular occupation within the Lathan and White families. Eula’s sister, Annie Mae taught in the public schools as did her uncle, Joseph Lathan, and her aunts, Picksey Cauley and Martha Pierce were noted teachers. Additionally, her husband, Marcellus, was a long-time teacher and principal. Through the years, she taught school alongside Mrs. Mary Lovell, Mrs. Selma McClelland, Ms. Elma Swindall and Mrs. Rubye Biggers, all of whom became respected colleagues and cherished friends.

Eula married Marcellus White on December 24, 1940. They were a dedicated couple and opened numerous opportunities for people in Shelby County and surrounding areas, particularly for young people as their home was always open to nieces, nephews, students and family friends. While Marcellus was known for his civic involvement as a member of the Center City Council, the Deep East Texas Advisory Council and the State of Texas Grant Review Committee, Eula was equally as involved serving on the Shelby County Tax Appraisal Board, Toledo Bend Retired Teacher Association, Shelby County Teachers Association, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, Shelby County Historical Society and East Center Community Development Corporation.

Eula was preceded in death by her husband, Marcellus White, parents: Tom and Beulah Lathan and siblings: Annie Mae Roberts, John Boothe, Willie Mae Johnson, Rawsie Lister and T.O. Lathan

Eula leaves behind:

Nieces:
Sharon Polley
Dr. Veassa Johnson
Conchita Johnson Raatib

Devoted great-nephew: Keith Lister and wife Brenette

Surrogate son, Robert Brown

Surrogate daughter, Mary Smith

A host of great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund will be set up at Farmer State Bank in Center, Texas (Eula L. White Scholarship Fund).

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.

02/26/2022

Robert Charles Helander,81, entered into his heavenly home Friday, February 25th, 2022. Services will be at Watson & Sons funeral home in Center, Tx on Saturday, March 5th, 2022. Visitation will be prior to the service at 1 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.

Born in Houston, Texas on August, 4th 1940 to Robert (Bob) H. and Allie Jane Chance Helander. He graduated from Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Tx and attended Stephen F. Austin State University.

He served as a Staff Sargent in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1962 to 1968.

On September 24th, 1965 he married his love Sandra Rose Theiler. Early 70s Robert and Sandie moved to Flat Fork to raise their children Susan and Chance.

Robert worked a number of jobs as a bond underwriter, chicken farmer, wrecker driver, log truck driver, and retired from Tyson Foods after 12 years of being a long haul driver.

After Robert retired he enjoyed going to visit the surrounding nursing homes with his church family. Nothing made him happier than to visit with the residents.

Robert was a charter member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Survived by:

Wife of 56 years, Sandra (Sandie) Helander

Daughter, Susan Helander Snider and Monte Griffith of Tenaha, Tx

Son, Chance and Patti Helander of Crosby, Tx

Grandchildren:
Whitley Helander
Caleb Helander and fiance Nicole
Dalton Snider
Clay Helander

Special nephew, Kevin Theiler and Pam

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

Preceded in death by his parents Bob & Jane Helander, mother and father in law Jake and Valentine Theiler, Sister in law Thelma Theiler, Great Aunt Allie Elder, and Great Niece Brooke Theiler.

Special thanks to Affinity Hospice staff, especially Sara Lloyd RN, Kathy Espry RN, Mallory Wright LVN, Tristan Wilburn, Donna Moss.