Shelby County Today

02/24/2022

Judy Ann Matthews Foster, age 71, of Center, Texas went to her heavenly home on February 23, 2022, with her family by her side.

Judy was born May 30, 1950 to Josephine Morrison Matthews and Virgil “Slick” Matthews in Lamesa, Texas. After graduation from Lamesa High School, she attended Texas Tech University and Lubbock Commercial College.

She married Terry Foster on July 14, 1973 and started a beautiful life with three children, Allison, Scott and Whitney, and a bonus daughter, Kelly. In 1974, Judy and Terry moved from Lubbock to Center and started farm life, raising cattle, chickens and kids. Judy first worked for Herider Farms, until Scott was born, and then later for Bounds Insurance. The years between she was a full-time mom and helped Terry on the farm.

Judy loved God, her family and her church. Volunteering at church was one of her passions and she served on several committees. She especially loved serving in the kitchen and helping with vacation bible school.

Her most recent years were spent with her kids and seven grandkids, who she loved beyond measure. Judy was at every game, rodeo, concert, or special achievement, cheering them on. She will be remembered for this love for her family and her strong faith in God.

Judy is survived by:

Husband, Terry Foster

Step-daughter, Kelly Foster and son, Sterling Alley of Ruidoso, NM

Daughter, Allison Pratt and husband, Eric – their children, Kaleigh and Keaton of Center

Son, Scott Foster and wife, Christi – their son Wyatt of Center

Daughter, Whitney Scarber and husband, Brady – their sons Tucker, Tyce and Tripp of Center

Sister, Jerry Smith of Shelbyville

The Cousins; The Girlfriends; My Sisters by Choice.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil “Slick” Matthews and Josephine Morrison Matthews; her brother-in-law, Terry Smith; her nephew, Shane Smith; and her special friend, Laura Simmons.

Visitation will be held February 25, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Her memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Center, Texas on February 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Karen Jones will officiate, assisted by Teddy Hopkins.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Phelps, John Schillings, Collin Matthews, Pat Scarber, Ed Johnson, Lee Rash, Tucker Scarber, and Tyce Scarber. Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Barton, J.B. Raymond, David Sample, Ralph Simmons, Bobby Daw, Rex Rash, Hector Cadena, David Majors, Billy Bob McAdams, Buddy Hancock, and Larry Horn.

In lieu of flowers, she asks donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or www.stjude.org.

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

02/22/2022

Kimberly Lynn Scruggs, 49, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022, in Longview.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 25, 2022, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.  

Born January 15, 1973, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kimberly is the daughter of Charlotte Boyd and Thomas Scruggs.  She previously worked at Walmart, where she made lifelong friends, and later enjoyed babysitting.  She was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin, where she had the honor of teaching the children in Sunday school.

Left to cherish her memory are: 
Her children: 
Kaitlynn Scruggs of Joaquin
Kassidy Scruggs of Joaquin
Kolton Scruggs of Joaquin

Mother, Charlotte Scruggs of Joaquin

Brother, L.T. Scruggs and wife Elizabeth of Center

Sister, Marie Jackson of Center

Numerous nieces and nephews

Best friend, Susan Thomas

Preceded in death by her father, Thomas Scruggs; and grandparents, Maurine and D.B. Boyd, Edith Scruggs Rowe and Lawrence Scruggs.

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

02/22/2022

John Dillon Murphy, 81, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away Monday, February 21, 2022, at his home in Shelbyville, which is where he wanted to be. Born June 20, 1940, in Wauchula, Florida, John was the son of Geraldine Calhoun and Arnold Murphy.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services or formal proceedings of any sort performed.

After serving in the United States Army 1956-1958 and 1961-1968 he served as an Officer with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and the Martin County Sheriff’s Department in the State of Florida, retiring to Shelbyville in January 2004.

He is survived by: 
Wife, Laura Mae Murphy of Shelbyville

Children: 
Pamela Winegard of Chipley, Florida
Peggy Stieren of Chipley, Florida
Jennifer McGee of Shelbyville
Dawn Rene’ Murphy of Shelbyville
John D. Murphy, Jr. of Palm City, Florida

Numerous grand, great, and great-great-grandchildren

Sisters: 
Emma Lee Scott of Wauchula, Florida
Barbara Jene Ruth of Lakeland, Florida

Preceded in death by daughter, Donna Murphy Comeau; parents, Geraldine and Arnold Murphy; sister, Margaret Jeanette Norris; and brothers, Eugene ‘Dobie’ Murphy, Mabry Murphy, George Murphy, Donald ‘Ed’ Murphy, and Albert K. Moseley.

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

02/21/2022

Elroy Bert Coan, 81, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on February 19, 2022, in Garrison, Texas. He was born on July 2, 1940, in Timpson, Texas, to the late Elroy Bert and Vella Sue (Neill) Coan. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Timpson officiated by Bro. Dee Daniels. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Timpson.

Bert was born on July 2, 1940, in Timpson, Texas to Bert and Vella Sue Neill Coan. He was raised in Pasadena, Texas. He attended and graduated from Pasadena High School where he was quite the athlete. He was awarded several titles during this time, including being a part of the All-State Football team, voted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame, Pasadena Athletic Hall of Fame and gained the title of State Champion in track in 1957. 

Bert then attended Texas Christian University and eventually The University of Kansas. Bert’s ultimate dream of being a player in Professional Football came true when he entered into the draft and was chosen by the San Diego Chargers. He remained with them for one season and then joined the Kansas City Chiefs where he played until he retired in 1970. Bert played in the first ever Super Bowl at the end of the 1967 season. During this honorable time in his life, he became the husband of an outstanding woman. Dora was his best friend and most loyal supporter. He loved her with his entire being. After his retirement, he supported their family by working in Spring, Texas as a concrete salesman for Parker Brothers, Pioneer Concrete and Campbell Concrete. In 2005, Bert returned to East Texas where his family had always called home. He loved being in Timpson and has spent the past 16 years making great memories during his retirement years.  

Bert is survived by:

Daughter, Kaylee Burkhardt and husband, Joe

Son, Bert Coan and wife, Rita

Granddaughters: 
Lee Ann Lusk and husband, Derek
Kelsi Jacob

Great-grandson, Kolt Elroy Ganze

Nieces and nephews: 
Rhett Coan and wife, Janet
Dana Coan Rogers
Steve Andries
Tina Andries
Davy Stephens
Randy Stephens and wife, Mona
Scott Stephens and wife, Michelle
Beth Lofton and husband, Ryan

He is also survived by numerous beloved great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dora Lee; parents, Bert and Vella Sue Coan and a brother, Stanley Everett Coan.

Serving as pallbearers will be Davy Stephens, Randy Stephens, Scott Stephens, Ryan Lofton, Derek Lusk and Billy Lusk.  

Honorary pallbearers include Bobby Ply, John Hadl, Bob Duffin, Roger Taylor, Charlie Rhodes, Steve Andries and Mickey Walker.

Bert’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Garrison Nursing Home. The care provided to their beloved Bert was beyond extraordinary and they have all become like family to each other.

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

02/21/2022

Ava Christian, native of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 17, 2022. Ava was born in Center on April 30, 1936, to Stella and Wash Lane.

Her early school days were spent in the James Community in Center. She joined the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She graduated from Center High School in 1953 and soon after became one of the youngest women to participate in national numismatic (coin) shows, winning various awards and recognition throughout the U.S.

She settled in her native Texas, where she spent most of her life. She married Clarence Wayne Christian in early 1970. They had two sons and lived in East Texas – including Center, Shelbyville, and San Augustine -- until the early 1980s. From there, they moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, where Ava and her family joined the Church of the Nazarene. She became an active volunteer in a variety of ministries. She raised two sons, Charles and Kevin, and was a committed wife, mother, and friend, offering hospitality and a smile to everyone she met.

She served as Missionary Society president for North Dallas Church of the Nazarene for over twenty years. Upon hers and her husband’s retirement, they moved back to Center and then to Shelbyville.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Stella Lane Squyres; her father, George Washington Lane; and her sister, Odelle Harrison.

She is survived by:

Loving husband Clarence Wayne Christian

Sons:
Charles Wayne and wife, Edna Christian
Kevin Lane Christian

Grandchildren: Weston, Jacob, Zachary, and Chesney

One Great-granddaughter

Along with two nieces:
Mary Lane Castle
JoBeth Webb

Her memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 26th, at 2:30 p.m. at the chapel of Watson and Sons Funeral Home (1554 TX 7 East) in Center with visitation one hour prior. Dr. Charles W. Christian and Rev. Jim Henvey will officiate the memorial service.

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

02/17/2022

Jimmy Samford, 80, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on February 16, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on April 24, 1941, in Center, Texas, to the late W.J. and Rachel (Vaught) Samford. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Jimmy served in the US Army for 4 years. He retired at Spec 5. He had hard duty. He was stationed in Hawaii, and he won many awards for his shooting skills.

He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. But most of all, he loved Jesus with all his heart and stood by his convictions. He was an expert woodsman. At 80, he could work circles around younger men. He could do it all and do it well. Now he is pouring down the rain.

Jimmy is survived by:

Loving wife of 55 years, Judith Hunter Samford

Son, Joseph Daniel Samford

Brothers:
JW Samford and wife, Jacqueline
Mac Samford and wife, Sharon

Sister, Kay Sanders and husband, Roy

Numerous grand and great-grandchildren

Best buds:
Jon-Jacob Samford
Garrett Ammons
Mark Fincher
Jeannie Rhodes

He is preceded in death by his parents, W.J. and Rachel Vaught Samford; brother, Troyce Glenden Samford; sister, Ada Mac Samford; son, Jerry Dane Samford; and loving mother-in-law, Adelle Rodgers Hunter

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

02/16/2022

Jerry Michael Green, 72, of Center, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022, in Center.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Born May 27, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Jerry is the son of Ida Grace O'Donnell and Luther Ruby Green. He retired from the City of Center. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and teaching his grandkids about wildlife. Jerry was a member of Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149 in Center.

He is survived by:

Wife, Lois Evon Green of Center

Children:
Peggy Green of Center
Patricia Green Wright and husband Buddy of Center
Tina Smith and husband Josh of Hemphill
John Green of Center

11 grandchildren

16 great-grandchildren

Sisters:
Mary Stephenson of Timpson
Barbara Guch of Quitman

Also, numerous nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Ida Grace O'Donnell and Luther Ruby Green; great granddaughter, Ariel Williams; and sisters, Peggy Allison and Maxine Bradshaw.

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

02/14/2022

Jo Ann Gary, 89, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2022, in Conroe, Texas. She was born on November 16, 1932, in Panola County, to the late Jim Richard and Odessa (Burks) Keating. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating. Interment will follow at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation is from 12 noon to 1pm Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church. Service is at 1pm Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

A view into Jo Ann and who she was must include the fact that she was an avid reader – making some favorite places to visit libraries and bookstores.

She was an excellent cook and showed her love by planning her meals consisting of each family member’s favorites.  Specialties of hers were homemade biscuits, dressing, fresh peach cobbler and coconut cake.  She would read recipe books like they were novels. After living in a small town, another one of her thrills was to go down the aisles of a large grocery store checking out all the choices, especially the spices.

At Christmas, she enjoyed spending time with her grand, great-grand and great-great-grandchildren while they laughed, talked, and treasured their time together.  She never forgot to share the true meaning of Christmas and the fact that God loves us before a single present was ever opened in her home.

Another favorite of Jo Ann’s was challenging her memory by listening to Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune – she excelled at both.  We would kid her that her name could have been Alexa because every time we needed a date, a spelling, a fact or a definition, we asked her, and she was able to be our “memory”.

Jo Ann had a beautiful laugh that went on and on until she and everyone around her were in tears.  Everyone was always welcome at Jo Ann’s house anytime for coffee, Sunday lunch, or even an overnight stay.

The very best description of Jo Ann is that she was a perfect example of a strong Christian lady.  This could be seen in her well-worn Bible, her regular attendance at church and bible study, and her habit of sending beautiful birthday cards to loved ones with meaningful handwritten bible verses to guide her friends and family along their way.

Lastly, she was everyone’s Grannie – as a friend of her granddaughter stated so well: “Someone I love very much went to be with Jesus last night. When I looked at you, I never saw a wrinkle, though I’m sure you did. I never saw a pound you gained or lost, though I’m sure you did. I never say your fault, though I’m sure you did. All I ever saw when I looked at you was love. Thank you. Grannie, for loving me like you did, always!”

Jo Ann is survived by:

Sister, Nette Els

Children:
Kathy Richard
Barbara Crouch and husband, Melvin
Richard Gary and wife, Sherry
Mark Gary and wife, Nancy

Grandchildren:
Amanda George
Sean Crouch
Zachary Richard
Heather Bryan
Krystal Zwerneman
Toni Goss
Katie Kelley
Travis Gary

13 ½ great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by Mervin Gary, her beloved husband of 64 years, and 3 sisters and 4 brothers.

In lieu of flowers, Jo Ann has requested that you plant a flowering or fruit tree in your yard or donate to the Timpson Public Library.
 
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

02/12/2022

Sharon Elizabeth Welch born February 23, 1967 in Charleston West Virginia to the proud parents of Shirley Welch and Mitchell Welch entered into Heaven on February 7, 2022 in Center. 

She leaves behind:
Her mother, Shirley Welch

Sisters:
Nancy Welch
April Welch

Grandchildren:
Shy-Bug Samples
Elijah Mitchell
Athena Mitchell
Madison Mitchell

Nieces:
Jennifer Welch
Roselynn Welch

Preceded in death by Mitchell Clayton Welch.

Services to be at Messiah Baptist Church with Pastor Bro. David Lawhorn officiating February 19, 2022 at 10:00am.

Funeral services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.