Obituaries
01/29/2022
Kathy Jean Jacobs, 72, of Center, passed away Friday, January 28, 2022, in Center. Born July 5, 1949, in Center, Kathy is the daughter of Marie Taylor and Auvie Adkison.
Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Center with visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Bro. Richard Goodwin will officiate.
She is survived by:
Sons:
Jim Jacobs and wife Michelle of Center
Tim Jacobs and wife Sonia of Joaquin
Dewayne Jacobs and wife Ashlie of Shelbyville
Grandchildren:
Mhegan Flanery and husband Michael of Fort Carson, Colorado
Bryon Jacobs and wife Hanna of Shelbyville
Blaine Bailey of Joaquin
Triston Smith of Shelbyville
Karista Smith of Shelbyville
Peyton Jacobs of Shelbyville
Presli Jacobs of Shelbyville
Natalie Ovalle of Amarillo
Eight great-grandchildren
Brothers:
Edward Adkison and wife Yanjun of Sugarland
David Adkison of Aiken
Sisters:
Jimmie Nell Lee of Trinity
Donna Adkison of Trinity
Preceded in death by husband, Jimmy H. Jacobs; granddaughter, Cecily McMahon; parents, Marie Taylor and Auvie Adkison; and brothers, Tommy Adkison and Ronnie Adkison.
Pallbearers will be Byron Jacobs, Triston Smith, Tony Willoughby, Jeff McDaniel, Scott Jacobs, and Johnny Stanley.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/28/2022
Margie L. Stephenson, 87, of Center, passed away Wednesday, January 26, 2022, in Beaumont.
Funeral service will be held at Noon, Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Adrian Littlefield and Rev. Carl Vickery will officiate. Graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Cooper Cemetery in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Born March 21, 1934, Margie is the daughter of Anna Koehn and Henry Smith. She met and married the love of her life, Rev. James H. Stephenson and spent many years serving as a devoted Pastor’s wife. Her favorite position was being “Mama” and “Granny”. To know Margie was to love her. She was most recently a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church.
Left to cherish her memory are:
Daughters:
Charlene and husband Rev. Adrian Littlefield of Kirbyville
Roni Stephenson of Groves
Grandchildren:
Alana and husband Eric Brown
Alyssa and husband Scott Harley
Briana and husband Brody Lafitte
Scott Littlefield and wife Peggy
Gregg Littlefield and wife Tammy
Justin Marks
Great-grandchildren:
Easton Brown
Carter Harley
Navy James and Noa Grey Lafitte
Chase and Taylor Littlefield
Michael and Matthew Littlefield
Greyson, Keagan, and Paisley Marks
Sisters:
Vada Foshee of DeRidder, Louisiana
LouElla Woodard of DeRidder, Louisiana
Delores Cooley of DeRidder, Louisiana
Close friend, Maxine Parker of Center
Her faithful four-legged companion, Glitzy.
Preceded in death by her husband, Rev. James H. Stephenson; son, James Arden Stephenson; parents, Anna Koehn and Henry Smith; four sisters; and four brothers.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/28/2022
Edith Elaine Wilburn Risinger, 71, of Shelbyville, Texas went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2022, while surrounded by her daughters at home. She was born November 20, 1950.
Visitation will be Friday, January 28th, from 5pm-8pm at Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Services will be 2pm, Saturday, January 29th, 2022, at Mangum Chapel. Burial will be at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Edith grew up in Goober Hill and attended Shelbyville High School. She graduated in 1969. She was in the pep squad all through high school.
Edith met the love of her life while still in high school and they were married on March 20, 1970. They were married 47 years when Troy passed away. Together they raised 4 daughters in a loving home.
Edith attended New Harmony Baptist Church. She was baptized in the Sabine River at a young age. She was also a member of the Eastern Star.
Edith loved going to fox hunts with Troy. She loved when anyone would kill a deer so she could fry the deer meat. She loved frying fish, making mashed potatoes, chicken dumplings, and making deer sausage.
Edith loved to go to revivals every chance she got. She loved going to football games and on band trips to Disney World. She served in Vidor band boosters for many years. She was a night owl and loved her nightly talks with Betty Nell. She loved reading and watching scary movies. The most beloved times were anything to do with her grandkids and great grandkids. Her favorite hobby was fishing with the family.
Edith was a caregiver for many years and truly had a heart for giving.
She is survived by:
Daughters:
Tammy Casey and husband Jacob of Huntington
Jackie Chauvin and husband Armand of Shelbyville
Janet McGowan and husband Russell of Kountze
Jennifer Risinger of Shelbyville
Grandchildren:
OC Stroud and wife Courtney of Shelbyville
Reece Stroud and wife Sheridan of Nacogdoches
Britni Swearingen and husband Kyle of Silsbee
Jonathan McGowan of Kountze
Emilie McGowan of Kountze
Xavier Pierce
Great Grandchildren:
Lily Stroud
Levi Stroud
Troy Swearingen
Brothers:
Douglas “Tom” Wilburn
William “Cotton” Wilburn
Best Friends:
Roxanne Denby
Betty Nell Denby
Proceeded in death by:
Husband: Louis Troy Risinger
Parents: Reece and Addie Wilburn
Sisters: Jacquline Wilburn, Maxine Miller, Darlene Nall, and Billie Sue Smith
Brothers: Kenneth Wilburn and Bob Wilburn
Niece and Best Friend: Gracie Miller Price
Serving as Pallbearers are OC Stroud, Reece Stroud, Jonathan McGowan, Kyle Swearingen, William Wilburn, and Barry Smith.
Honorary Pallbearers are Cotton Wilburn and Tom Wilburn.
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.
01/27/2022
Pastor Joseph F. Hall, Sr., 74, passed away early Wednesday morning, January 19, 2022 at Nacogdoches Medical Center. He was born May 30, 1947.
He was the Pastor of Benford Chapel Baptist Church of Tenaha for over 40 years.
An evening of remembrance will be held from 6pm until 8pm on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Benford Chapel Baptist Church, 126 Martin Luther King Street, Teneha, Texas 75974. A celebration of life is at 11am on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Union Springs Baptist Church, 228 Kyle Porter Road, Mansfield, LA 71052 with Bishop Joseph Hall, Jr. officiating. He will rest until the Redeemer returns at Faltine Baptist Church Cemetery, Gloster, LA.
He is survived by:
Wife, Seerather Hall
Children:
Shelia Wilson
Tony Allen
Joseph Hall
Felicia Steadman
Roderick Hall
Sisters:
Katie Latin
Eva Boykins
Brothers:
Elmer Hall, Jr.
Willie Hall
19 Grandchildren, 16 Great-grandchildren and 2 Godchildren
Services are under the direction of Precious Memories Mortuary, Shreveport, Louisiana and Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
01/26/2022
McHenry Yarbrough, 74 of Timpson, Texas passed away in his home on January 25, 2022. He was born February 25,1947 in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Services will be at 11am on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor George Grace, Eulogist. Burial is at Antioch Cemetery in Timpson, Texas.
Visitation will be Friday, January 28, 2022 from 2pm-7pm at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 SE Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, Texas 75961.
Services entrusted to Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.
01/26/2022
Rick R. Thompson, 68, passed away Monday, January 24, 2022. Rick was born August 12, 1953 in Dallas, Texas to Rike Thompson and Earline Davidson Thompson.
He served his country honorably in the US Air Force for eight years and then as an Air Reserve Technician for the 917th at Barksdale Air Force Base Louisiana for over 36 years.
On April 28, 1989, Rick married Jane at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana. He had a very giving heart and was extremely generous with his time to help when anyone needed him. As a devoted member of Central Baptist Church in Marshall, Rick loved attending the regular bible studies. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting and was a member of the KC Hunting Club and a lifetime member of the NRA. Rick will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Rick is survived by:
Wife of 32 years, Jane Thompson
Children:
Terry Goodnight (Shanna)
Michael Goodnight
Joshua Goodnight (Mandy)
Traci Fread (Chris)
Angie Rhodes (James)
Grandchildren:
Cameron Fread
Katelynn Fread
Madison Fread
Olivia Goodnight
Tripp Rhodes
Great-grandson, Ryan Cole
Faithful four-legged companion, Jack
Numerous other family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2022 at Meadowbrook Funeral Home. Graveside service will be 1:00 p.m. at The Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, LA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freedom Mission, P.O. Box 1253, Logansport, LA 71049.
On-line condolences may be made at www.meadowbrookfh.com.
01/25/2022
Elma Lee Redmon Bluford, age 86, of San Augustine, Texas passed away Saturday, January 22, 2022, at CHI St. Luke Memorial in San Augustine, TX.
Graveside Service is at 11am on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Haley Bush Cemetery with Rev. Orvin Garrett officiating.
Visitation is from 1pm until 6pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Garner and Son Chapel, 304 Ironosa Road, San Augustine, Texas.
She is survived by:
Sons:
Willie Bluford Jr. of Shelbyville
Eddie Bluford of Center
Johnny Bluford (Audrey) of Center
Robert Bluford of Fort Worth
Alton Bluford of Tacoma, Washington
Nicholas Bluford of San Augustine
Daughters:
Linda Arnold of San Augustine
Brenda Bluford of San Augustine
Lee Bauer (Ben) of Center
Polly Bluford of San Augustine
A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren
Sister, Dorothy Hebert of Beaumont, Texas
As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Services are entrusted to Percy Garner and Son Funeral Home.
01/25/2022
Joseph Orville Yarbrough, 78, of Tenaha, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, in Center.
Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Cold Springs Cemetery, FM 95, in Garrison.
Born December 1, 1943, Joseph is the son of Lucille Christopher and Eugene “Shorty” Yarbrough.
He is survived by:
Wife, Elaine Yarbrough of Tenaha
Stepchildren:
Connie Fletcher of Tenaha
Cathy Lee of Tenaha
Debbie Sims of Shelbyville
Patricia Bush of Center
Dan Windham of Nacogdoches
Donna Penny of Tenaha
Sister, LaGene Yarbrough Smoak (Jerry) of Jefferson
Brothers:
Bruce Yarbrough of Center
Spencer Yarbrough of Wills Point
Numerous nieces and nephews
Sisters-in-law:
Francis Yarbrough Williams
Debra Yarbrough
Norma Gene Yarbrough
Preceded in death by parents, Lucille Christopher and Eugene “Shorty” Yarbrough; and brothers, Troy Franklin Yarbrough and Kenneth Eugene Yarbrough.
Before and after the service, there will be refreshments in the church fellowship hall.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/25/2022
Deryl Bishop, 94, of Joaquin, Tx passed away on January 22, 2022. She was born on July 3, 1927, in Forest Hill, Louisiana, to the late Ivey and Lessie (Dunn) Cook. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Haslam Baptist Church in Joaquin, Texas.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, at Haslam Baptist Church in Joaquin, Texas.
Deryl Bishop, known as Meemee to family and friends, has run a good race, fought a good fight, and through it all has “collected” so many precious friends and memories. She’s had marvelous experiences, and built a good and noble name for herself. She truly lived every moment of her 94 years!
Deryl was born July 3, 1927, which she always laughingly said was too close to the Fourth of July to celebrate her birthday. She was born to Ivey Calhoun Cook and Lessie Inez Cook who were farmers in Forest Hill, Louisiana. She had a happy childhood there playing in the creek with her brothers and sister on the farm. She was raised by Godly parents who taught her Biblical truths by example as well as by reading the Bible and attending the little Baptist Church close by.
She was a lovely young girl of 16 years when she met the love of her life, Raymond Hugh Bishop. They knew right away they were a “match.” They were married December 18, 1943. Ray was a young soldier in training at Camp Cliborne nearby. He was ordered to Illinois, and she went with him. They lived there until he was shipped out to England. Separation came hard for the young couple, like it did for millions of others in the days of World War II. They settled down to farming when Ray returned from the war.
Deryl and Ray had three children – Michael Raymond Bishop, David Gerald Bishop, and Susan Louise Bishop. They were all born within three years. Texas Eastern advertised for workers, and Ray answered the ad and got a job in Castor and was later transferred to Joaquin, which was to be their permanent home. They were always able to live within their means. One of the things Meemee was always able to do was to “make do” with whatever she had. She could fix anything and made do with what she had instead of wanting things she didn’t have. This is a valuable lesson she’s passed down to her family through the years.
They settled into the Joaquin community and made tons friends. Ray and Deryl loved attending all the school sports, especially all the gamers their grandchildren participated in. They supported their town in anyway they could. Ray and Deryl helped build a baseball field in Joaquin and coaches or cheered for years. They loved sports, as well as games and any competition. Meemee was a ferocious competitor and managed to win most of the time at any game she played! In her later years she worked at the local food pantry and delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly of Joaquin.
Meemee was the rock in our family and the glue that held us altogether. She was a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother who gave us all many special memories. She was so proud of all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Every single one of us knew we were loved. We thank the Lord for such a precious lady to call our own.
01/25/2022
Charles Garrison Hooker, was born April 11, 1929 in Carthage, Texas, the son of the late Eunice Lolette Knight Hooker and Charles Benjamin Hooker. He passed away Sunday, January 23, 2021 at his home.
Charles lived ninety-two wonderful years, blessed with good health, surrounded by loving families and friends. He was a wonderful husband, dad, Pop and uncle Charles, and a true gentleman who enjoyed helping others. After attending public school in Carthage, Texas, he served two years in the military and enjoyed a lifelong career in the pipeline industry for 63 years and married the love of his life, Carolyn Cross in 1960. They made their forever home in Tenaha raising two wonderful children, Jennifer and Jeff. Carolyn and the kids loved summer-time traveling to visit Charles on his pipeline jobs all over the US. Sharing family holidays were special to Charles. He always looked forward to his sister Floy’s famous eggnog, sister Alliece’s delicious coconut cake and sister-in-law Dianne’s chocolate and coconut pies. Charles loved nothing more than traveling to watch all the grandkid’s special activities and games, joining Jennifer & Jim on many family vacations and joining Jeff and Dannett for their traditional Christmas morning breakfast.
One might describe Charles as established in the Tenaha community as he attended and served others at First Baptist Church for more than 60 years. He also served on the Shelby County Farm Agency board for many years and found time to enjoy his cattle, quail hunting, fishing and helping others out when needed.
Charles and Carolyn were their best at each other's side, holding hands and supporting each other through the years. He always made time for others and was a great listener and a dad mentor to many young men. In Tenaha, he also had great times with his coffee buddies aka “The Buzzards Roost”. Over many cups of coffee, they solved the world’s issues.
His family and friends will remember him as a man of integrity, someone you could depend on and someone who was always willing to lend a hand. Charles was an early riser most likely thinking “what all can I get done today?”…as that was his driving force that kept him active for ninety-two years.
He will be greatly missed by Carolyn and the kids, grandchildren, family and friends, but they all take comfort in knowing that he is with his Lord and Savior and that he enjoyed many wonderful years of loving and being loved by others.
He is survived by:
His loving wife of 61 years Carolyn Cross Hooker
Children:
Jennifer Cumbie and husband Jim
Jeff Hooker and wife Dannett
Grandchildren:
Claire and Parker Brody
Trey Cumbie
Camille Cumbie
Kori Hooker
Kelsi Hooker
Garrett Hooker
Great-grandchildren:
Eda James Brody
Abel Brody
Sister, Floy Bousman
Loving caregivers:
Tiffany Bartley
Laverne Tutt
Vinita Lewis
Many nieces, nephews, and other special family members and friends.
Mr. Hooker was preceded in death by his parents; Eunice Lolette Knight Hooker and Charles B. Hooker, sisters, Alliece Smith, Louise Sharp and brother Dan Hooker.
Family Pallbearers will be: Chad Smith, Brad Vickery, Trey Cumbie, Garrett Hooker, Parker Brody, David DePriest, and Jason Blair.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Roland Cross, Victor Crawford, Donald Hataway, Chip Roberson, Sid Leathers, Vernon Mize, Keith Martin and David Fallin.
Expressions of sympathy in Mr. Hooker’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 S. George Bowers Dr. Tenaha, Texas 75974; or to the Cole DePriest Scholarship Foundation 759 CR 4382 Tenaha, TX 75974 or Farmers State Bank, 115 Shelbyville St. Center, TX 75935.
Funeral service for Mr. Hooker will be held Thursday, January 27 at First Baptist Church, with public visitation at 12:30 noon and service at 2:00 pm with Bro. Andrew King officiating. Graveside services will follow in the Woods Community cemetery.
Watson and Watson, directors. Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
01/24/2022
James Glenn Gray, age 64, passed away on January 23, 2022 in Cleburne Texas. James was born in Center, Texas, on October 28, 1957.
James was a member of the Texas National Guard from 1985 to 1992.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
He is survived by:
Sons:
Brandon and wife Heather
Chris and wife Kayla
Grandchildren: Katalyn, Rathan, and Sterling
Mother, Helen Gray
Brother, Paul Gray
Sisters:
Sandra Gray
Theresa Gray States
Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by father, William Glenn Gray and grandparents, Clarence and Virgie Gray
Services are under the direction of Rosser Funeral Home, Cleburne, Texas.
01/20/2022
Jean Forrest, 76, of Center, passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022, in Center.
Graveside service will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 23, 2022, at Asbury Chapel Cemetery in Shelby County with visitation one hour prior at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.
Born March 21, 1945, Jean is the daughter of Merline Brittain and Pershing Sherrod. She retired as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after twenty years.
She is survived by:
Nephew, Shannon Sherrod and Melissa of Chireno
Sister-in-law, Sandra Wilson and Marcus of Center
Great-niece, Christina Hernandez and Roger of Lufkin
Preceded in death by her husband, James Earl Forrest; and brothers, Johnny Sherrod and Wayne Sherrod.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/20/2022
Evelyn J. Osby, 72 of Center, Texas, died on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Garrison Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Garrison, Texas. She was born to the late Ralph Mann and Christine Norris Mann in Center, Texas on October 6, 1949.
Graveside service will be on Saturday, January 22, 2022, immediately following the committal of Linda Allen. Elder Jonwesley Gatlin will be officiating. Visitation is 1pm until 6pm January 21, 2022, at Hicks Chapel. Committal is at Westview Cemetery.
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.
Mrs. Osby is survived by:
Son, Patrick V. Osby of Federal Way, Washington
Daughter, Tomeka Moody (Kenneth) of Timpson, Texas
Grandchildren:
Derrick Osby
Jawan Osby
Isaiah White
Sean White
Brother, Charles Mann of California
Sisters, Helen Goodwin of Center, Texas
Brother-in-law, Gwen Allen Center, 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.
01/20/2022
Roger Clifton Weaver Sr., 69, of Center, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022, in Tyler.
His wishes were to be cremated.
Born October 30, 1952, Roger is the son of Elizabeth Pierce and Elmer Weaver.
He is survived by:
Daughter, Tammy Smith and John of Center
Grandchildren:
Jessica Clark and Ray
Aaron Weaver and Candace Scruggs
Justin Smith and wife Krystal
Matthew Smith
Logan Smith
Great-grandchildren:
Levi Smith
October Smith
Aaron Weaver Jr.
Paisley Smith
Hunter Clark
Acelynn Weaver Clark
Leonard Hernandez
Sister, Nelda Johnson of Houston
Brother, Billy Weaver of Tennessee
Preceded in death by son, Roger Clifton Weaver Jr.; parents, Elizabeth Pierce and Elmer Weaver; brothers, Ronnie Weaver, Gary Weaver, and Eugene Weaver; and sisters, Margaret Burris and Carolyn Ridden.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/20/2022
Quiency "Sweet Pea" Demond Handy Horton, 41, of Shelbyville passed away Monday morning, January 17, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center.
Mr. Horton was born in Center to Milton and Earsie Horton of Shelbyville. He met and married Katrina Handy and to this union two children were born. Mr. Horton was also the father of four other children.
Services will be Saturday, January 22, 2022, 11am at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church of Center, Texas. Interment will follow at Mt. Gillion Cemetery with Pastor Gary Suell officiating.
Mr. Horton is survived by:
Wife, Katrina Handy
Children:
TyTy Roland
Jaliya Handy
Ieshia Handy
Kendra Harper
Kendrick Harper
Naomi Handy
Granddaughter, Navaeh Roland
Loving sisters:
Janice R. Handy of Atlanta, Ga.
Jenny Chatman (LaVal) of Nacogdoches
Loving brother, Milton Horton, III (Tracy)
A host of uncles, aunts nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services under the direction Community Funeral Home in Center.
01/20/2022
LaDale Toombs, 65 of Houston, formerly of Center, passed away January 5, 2022 in Houston.
Funeral service is at 1pm on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center.
She is survived by:
Son, Christnu Alkebulan of Houston
Sisters:
Vernita Morris of Dallas
Terria Giddings of Dallas
Vernessia Giddings of Dallas
Brothers:
Joseph Edwards of Spring
Jimmy Giddings of Longview
1 Grandson
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.
01/18/2022
Linda Allen, 76 of Center, Texas, died on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas. Mrs. Allen was born to the late Ralph Mann and Christine Norris Mann in Tatum, Texas on July 25, 1945.
Funeral service will be on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Mt Zion CME Church at 2pm. Rev. Richard Edwards will be officiating. Visitation is from 1pm to 6pm on January 21, 2022, at Hicks Chapel. Committal is at Westview Cemetery.
She is survived by:
Son, Antonio Deon (Denise) Allen of Nacogdoches
Daughter, Loura (David) Hunt of Nacogdoches
Grandchildren:
Andrea Pleasant of Katy
Koby Pleasant of Tenaha
Marlo Allen of Nacogdoches
Great-grandchildren:
Zy’Keis Fields
Kaden Fields
Mar-Keith Mergerson
Ce-Riyah Fowler
Keviana Moody
Brother, Charles Mann of California
Sisters:
Helen Goodwin of Center
Evelyn Osby of Center
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
01/18/2022
Wardlow Lane II, age 81, died Thursday, January 13, 2022, following a lengthy illness.
Wardlow was born October 27, 1940, to Sam W. Lane, Sr. and Irene Childs Lane, who predeceased him. He grew up in Austin, Texas, and was a 1958 graduate of Austin High School. He spent many summers in Center, TX, visiting his uncle, Judge Wardlow Lane, and aunt, Lois Lane. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Texas at Austin School of Law in 1967, and practiced law in federal and state courts in Texas and Colorado.
After graduating from law school, Wardlow served as Assistant Attorney General during the administration of Texas Attorney General John L. Hill. In 1974, Wardlow was part of a team that, at the behest of state tax collectors, filed a lawsuit demanding payment of delinquent entertainment taxes. This led Willie Nelson, at his next performance in Austin, to display a homemade “Impeach Hill” banner in protest. Recognizing he couldn’t know everything 110 attorneys were doing, Hill used this incident to announce what became known as the “John Hill Rule” in the Attorney General’s office: “…if we sue Dolph Briscoe, Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew, Darrell Royal, or Willie Nelson, I want to know about it.” Hill, Stromberger, et. al, John Hill for the State of Texas: My Years as Attorney General (2008) at 130.
In 1975, Wardlow and his family moved to Center, where he opened his law practice on Church Street. Among other clients, he served as attorney for the City of Center. Wardlow later relocated to and opened a law practice in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where he also served as City Attorney.
Wardlow retired from the practice of law in 2010, returned to Center, and remained a life-long learner, reader, and traveler. He was known to say that “if you stopped learning, you stopped living.” Despite an early interest in table tennis, his real love was snow skiing and being in the mountains. Wardlow combined his love of skiing, family, and friends, by organizing several ski trips to Colorado. Wardlow also loved football season and watching his favorite team, the Texas Longhorns!
Wardlow is survived by:
Wife of 36 years, Linda Bell Lane
4 adult children:
Wardlow Lane III (Catherine Mallory) of Center, TX Lauren Lane of Grapevine, TX Aleshia Fife (Keith) of Gaithersburg, MD Mark Massey (Wendy) of Kemah, TX
Known as Granddad or WaWa, Wardlow is survived by 14 grandchildren -- Jared Lane, Cole Lane, Landry Lane, Jacob Lane, David Vazquez, Allana Gallant, Jackson Fife, Harrison Massey, Savannah Massey, Hunter Massey, Colton Massey, Conrad Keaton, Sydney Keaton, Blair Keaton; and 2 great-grandchildren -- Kaydence Lane and Hudson Lane.
Wardlow is also survived by his brother, Sam W. Lane, Jr. (Frances).
Funeral arrangements are being managed by Watson and Sons Funeral Home, 1554 TX-7, Center, Texas. Visitation with the family is scheduled for Friday evening, January 21, 2022, from 5 to 7 pm, at Watson & Sons. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery in Center, Texas.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Fannie Brown Booth Memorial Library, 619 Tenaha Street, Center, TX 75935.
01/17/2022
Janet Shofner Wilburn, 63, of Center, passed away Sunday, January 16, 2022, in Nacogdoches after a brief battle with cancer.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Oaklawn Cemetery with Brother Hayden Wilkes presiding. A private family viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service in the Watson & Sons chapel.
Born November 16, 1958, in Center, to the late James Richard and Rosa Vaugh Shofner, Janet came along a short year and eight days after her sister, Deb. They were the best of friends and could always be found together, even in later life. Janet was a long-time member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where she had served many years as a Sunday school teacher and assistant secretary. Her love for Jesus and her church was followed closely by her fierce love for her family and friends. She enjoyed traveling and seeing all of God’s glorious creations with her family, being outside, and most of all, riding her lawnmower.
She is survived by:
Daughters:
Misty Wilburn of Center
Micah Wilburn Youngblood of Center
Grandson, and love of her life, Guner Youngblood of Center
Mother, Rosa Vaughn Shofner of Center
Sister and brother-in-law, Deb Shofner Johnson and Darrell of Center
Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Yolanda Wilburn Davis and Lynn of Center
Sister-in-law, Debbie Nutt of Prague, Oklahoma
Honorary sister and brother-in-law, Linda Livingston Dawson and Chester, of Center
As well as a host of dearly loved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She is preceded in death by:
Husband of 34 years, Mike Wilburn
Father, James Richard Shofner
Father-in-law, Bobby Henry Wilburn
Mothers-in-law, Yvonne Holt Wilburn and Cora Nutt Wilburn
Brothers-in-law, Steve Wilburn and David Nutt
Sister-in-law, Cynthia Nutt Lawson
Pallbearers are Guner Youngblood, Rex Johnson, David Butler, Rhett Butler, Kyle Warner, Ryan Wilburn, Wade Lawson, Matt Lawson, Matt Foster, and Cody Nutt.
Honorary pallbearers are Chester Dawson, Bubba Bell, Boo Kline, Ricky Livingston, Chris Link, Ryan Hudspeth, Bubba Parker, Trey Parker, and Bolt Parker.
A special thanks goes to Dr. Rachel Cline, the staff of MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the staff of Nacogdoches Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Providence Missionary Baptist Church Benevolence Fund or the charity of your choice.
01/17/2022
Daniel Jay Miller, 70, of Tenaha, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022, in Tenaha.
A private family memorial will be held.
Born April 14, 1951, in Bowling Green, Ohio, Daniel is the son of Helen Engle and Carl Miller. He worked for GMC and was most recently a member of First Baptist Church of Tenaha.
He is survived by:
Daughters:
Debbie Cohn
Mary Dodson and Travis Brisco
Son-in-law, Richard Cohn
Grandchildren:
Chase Dodson
Megan Dodson
Sister, Louise Rosati
And several nieces.
Preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Helen Miller; and brothers, Bill and Jon Miller.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
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