Obituaries
06/25/2021
Billy “Joe Boy” Mims, 70 of Center, Texas died Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Michael E. DeBarkey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Mims born to the late Billy Earl Mims and Velma Jackson in San Augustine, Texas.
Mr. Mims was raised by his late grandparents Mr. John Mims and wife, Mandy Gardner, Mims.
Funeral service will be Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 11am at Abundant Love Ministries located 1426 Shelbyville Street in Center. Pastor Marlin Cloudy will be officiating. Minster, James “Jamie” Cartwright Eulogist.
He is survived by:
Wife, Sandra Mims of Center
Son, Joseph Mims of Center
Daughter, Joycelyn Mims of Center
Aunts:
Levady (C.W.) Gillaspie
Mozelle Smith all of Center
Godson, James “Jamie” Cartwright
Visitations will be Friday, June 25, 2021, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 2pm to 5pm. Burial 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.
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.
06/22/2021
Patti Gaubatz of Mobile, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. She was born in Shreveport on June 19, (Juneteenth) 1948. However, Patti grew up in Center, Texas and attended school there. She was the daughter of Mac Shelby Smith and Mozelle Lumen Smith.
After graduation from Center High School, Patti moved to Dallas, then to Houston where she worked as a medical secretary. In 1971 she married Dr. Jim Gaubatz and they began an adventurous journey through various states before settling in Mobile in 1979. She had two children: a daughter, Shelby Elizabeth, and a son, Benjamin Andrew. Patti was able to fulfill her dreams of being a mother and homemaker.
Patti was the most kind and generous person; very outgoing and loved making new friends. She had a passion for baking and shared her cakes and cookies with friends and neighbors. Her life truly centered around her home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dorcas Ann Smith Sonmor, and her brother-in-law, Donald Sonmor.
She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, her children, her nephew, Young Sonmor and his wife Amanda. And of course, her many friends.
Patti’s wishes were to be cremated with a private celebration to be held at a later date.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Saad Hospice and Home Health Care for their outstanding kindness and support.
Online condolences and comments can be sent to https://www.serenityfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patti-Gaubatz/.
06/21/2021
Barbara Bittick, 93, of Center, passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021, in Nacogdoches.
Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Harold Hanson officiating.
Born October 11, 1927, in San Francisco, California, Barbara is the daughter of Earnest Matthew Bell and Ludie D Walker. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, spending time outside, gardening, and coloring. Barbara was a member of First Baptist Church in Center, where she was baptized at twelve years old.
She is survived by:
Daughters:
Elaine Wagnon of Center
Marlene Doggett and husband John of Center
Grandchildren:
Brett Wagnon of Center
Daniel Wagnon and wife Sheila of Aledo, Texas
Joel Wagnon and wife Janet of Nacogdoches
Barry Doggett and wife Jamie of Center
Kimberly Jones and husband Jeff of Gore, Oklahoma
9 great-grandchildren
2 great-great-grandchildren
Preceded in death by her husband, Jesse “Pistol” Bittick; son, Bruce Bittick; and brothers, Earnest Bell and Leroy Bell.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
06/21/2021
Charles Denton, 84, of Chandler, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2021 in Chandler, Texas. He was born on May 28, 1937, in Crossett, Arkansas, to the late Paul Denton and Marie (Miller) Denton.
Graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Corinth Cemetery, FM 1970, Timpson, Texas, 75975.
Charlie grew up in a nomad-type life. He moved around a lot, but he had adventures everywhere he went. He even attended Jr. High and High School with Elvis! After High School, he joined the Army. While serving in the military, Charlie was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. From his experiences while in the Army and just throughout life he lived life to the fullest and had plenty of stories to tell about all the adventures he had been through. Charlie loved his daughter and all of his grandkids. One of his greatest joys was hearing his grands call him “Paw Paw”. Charlie absolutely loved being outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, or just go out boating. He also loved to take care of his yard, and you better not mess up his grass. He had a great dry and sarcastic sense of humor that kept everyone around him laughing. Charlie had also been known to play a prank or two. He loved playing 42 with family and friends. He was such a regular customer at Whataburger that they knew just what he wanted when he pulled up and they missed him when he didn’t come. Charlie always had to have his daily paper and would fuss if he didn’t get it. Charlie was known to give the greatest “Coffee Sugars”. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marie (Miller) Denton; his wife, Merle Denton; and his infant son, Charlie Joe Denton.
Charlie is survived by his daughter, Debra McIntyre and husband, Rob; grandchildren, Eva Marie Brown, Keely Merle Graves, and Amanda Jo Deaton and husband, Carl; great-grandchildren, Kat, Haidyn, Matthew, and David; and a host of other family and numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Mark Lawson, Andrew Dyer, Lane Harrison, Haidyn Rude, and Bill Meeler.
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.
06/21/2021
Donnie Leon Borders passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2021 at the age of 73 at his residence in Center, Texas.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. The service will be held at Watson and Sons funeral home in Center. Officiants, Randall McCoy, Darrell McCoy, and L. D. Eddins. Favorite memories shared by Gena Pinner. Interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas.
Donnie was born May 1, 1948 in Port Arthur, Texas to Alton E. Borders and Susie K. Dearing Borders. He graduated from Center High School in 1966 and attended Stephen F. Austin State University for 3 years. Donnie was a hard worker hauling pulpwood and hay during his time in college. Later he obtained a real estate license. He was a forester, did landman work, logged, owned and drove dump trucks and liked to mechanic. He owned property in several counties. Donnie’s favorite occupation was when he served 2 separate terms as the Precinct 1 Shelby County Commissioner . He was the first Republican to run in Shelby County and win. This was in 1996.
He enjoyed keeping up with local, state, and national politics. He had a good sense of humor and loved to visit and tell stories especially about traffic violations or warnings he received. He was always helping others. He was a fun loving and generous person. He was a faithful member of the Center First United Pentecostal Church where he will be missed.
Donnie is survived by:
Brother, Ronnie Borders of Center
Sister-in-law, Christine Borders of Center
Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends
Donnie was preceded in death by:
Parents: Alton Borders and Susie Borders
Brother: Gene Borders
Pallbearers will be Nowell Borders, Darin Borders, Rece Porterfield, Luke Brown, Joshua McDonald, Norman Logsdon, Matt Boren, And Joey Fountain.
Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Borders, Mack Borders, Herbert Daw, L.D. Eddins, Archie Cooley, Norman McCauley, Harry Cooper, Terry Carriker, Buck Green and his Brookshire Brothers and T&R Steaks and More buddies he hung out with regularly.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/16/2021
Hubern Larry Smith was born on Sunday August 10, 1941, to Hubern (Hubie) LouAllen Smith and Opal Ann Harris Smith.
He was number four in what was to be a total of five children. Larry was the first boy with three older sisters Margaret, Martha and Sue. According to Larry, he was glad when Steve, his younger brother, was born, as his sisters had someone else to direct their attention to.
Growing up in Center Larry was an excellent student, valedictorian in his high school class and senior class vice president. In addition, he was a state recognized saxophone player in the school band. Additionally, he played on the tennis team, and loved working on fast cars. It was during this time he met and dated Pollyanne Barron, whom he would ultimately marry.
After high school, Larry attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Soon afterwards, Larry began his long career as a chemist in the oil industry, respected by everyone who knew him, both for his friendship, professionalism and technical knowledge. He was awarded a number of patents related to chemistry used in the oilfields.
Larry married Reta Gibbs in 1969 and raised her two children, Kimberly and Christopher Woodworth, as his own.
They had their first child in 1972, Joseph Smith (baby Joey), who sadly lived only 2 days. In 1975, Hubern Larry Smith Jr., known as Skipper, was born.
The entire family travelled around the world ultimately living in Brazil, Venezuela, Scotland, and Norway. He often talked about one of his favorite vacations where he and his family sailed around the Greek islands for several weeks. Larry simply loved to travel and to learn about new cultures, languages and food.
Larry and Reta decided to end their marriage in 1999.
After reconnecting with each other in Center in 2002, Larry married his high school sweetheart Pollyanne Baron. He continued his love of traveling with Polly. Moreover, they enjoyed working in their garden, reading books, and having coffee with friends. They stayed together in sickness and in health until they both passed in the spring of 2021.
Larry is survived by his son Skipper and his two bonus children, Chris and Kim, as well as his 5 grandchildren.
Arrangements for services are planned for July 17th at 2 pm at Watson Funeral Home.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/15/2021
Cynthia A. Poellnitz, 62, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, June 14, 2021, in Shelbyville.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 18, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley with Bro. Don Richey officiating.
Born March 6, 1959, in Haynesville, Louisiana, Cynthia is the daughter of Grady Arnold and Rossie Ransom Arnold. She worked as an assistant manager at Wal-Mart. Cynthia loved her animals. She attended Toledo Bend Community Church.
She is survived by:
Her brothers:
Mike Windham of Shreveport, Louisiana
Steve Canaday of Bossier City, Louisiana
Mark Canaday of Shreveport, Louisiana
Mother, Rossie Ransom of Shelbyville
Numerous other relatives
Preceded in death by her father, Grady Arnold; brother, Steve Arnold; and sister, Donna Brown.
Honorary pallbearers will be Kota Bridge and Derrick Parks.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/14/2021
Maurene Hooper Broadway, 89, of Converse, Louisiana passed away on June 11, 2021, in Converse, Louisiana. She was born on February 9, 1932, in Shelby County, Texas the daughter of Charlie and Georgie Ethel Rollins Hooper.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Mangum Funeral Home with Tracey and Joe Rowe and Rev. Charles Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Old Sardis Cemetery, San Augustine County. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Mangum Funeral Home.
Our mother, Maurene, was the oldest of 11 children. At the age of 16 she moved to the big city of Center from the Sand Hills of Shelby County. Her first job was a waitress at KB cafe where she would go on to meet her husband, Buddy Broadway.
She went from being a waitress to being a nurse at the Center Sanitarium, under Dr Hurst, where she made lifelong friendships. While working at the Sanitarium she married and gave birth to three children delivered by Dr Hurst.
Maurene also worked briefly for Shelby General and Holiday Nursing Home.
She went on to retire from Brookshire Brother’s in Center where she worked in the Bakery making cakes(which was one of her passions) and also worked as a checker for many years.
In her spare time, she loved working with flowers and gardening and most importantly she was a devout Pentecostal and was in church every chance she got.
Family has always been very important to Maurene and there will definitely be a void in our lives with her gone.
The family would like to say a special THANK YOU to Mindy Fruge (special friend of the family) and Superior Hospice, Many Louisiana, for the extra special care you gave to Maurene!
Maurene is survived by:
Children:
Anita Jones and husband, Bobby of Center
Rita Carter and husband, Wayne of Converse, LA
Bryan Broadway and wife, Kat of Timpson
Grandchildren:
Krista Warr and husband, Rodney of Center
Niki Martin and husband, Mike of Central Heights
Ashley Holloway of Appleby
Kim Holley of Spring
Heather Guillory of Spring
Shana Whitton and husband, David of Joaquin
Shelley Yarbrough and husband, Chris of Center
Tammy McNease and husband, Danny of Huntsville
Jake Broadway of Timpson
Jared Carter of Converse, LA
Travis Broadway and wife Sam of Marshall
25 great-grandchildren
2 great-great-grandchildren on the way
Sisters and brothers-in-law:
Charlene and Jackey Pigg
Georgie Marshburn
Delorse and Dave Martinez
Wanda and David Curbow
Zelma and James Litzmann
Brothers and sisters-in-law:
Hoyt and Jane Hooper
Durwood and Shirley Hooper
Brother-in-law, Larry Lawson
She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Green and Georgie Ethel Hooper; great-granddaughter Kiley Dearman; sister, Bonnie Free; brothers, Tim Hooper and Doyle Hooper; brothers-in-law, J.W. Free and Jimmy Marshburn; sister-in-law, Martha Hooper and the father of her children, Buddy Broadway.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
06/14/2021
Melba Jean Coleman was born on September 17, 1936, to parents, Robin and Vera Lovell Walker in Houston, Texas. Melba went to be with The Lord on June 9, 2021, after a lengthy illness.
She attended Galena Park Schools and was in the marching band. She married Wallace Douglas Coleman on April 30, 1952 and celebrated 56 years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling and camping the U.S with their beloved dogs. Melba loved her pets and wrote a monthly story for The Coffee Break publication entitled “Inside My Doghouse.” Melba was a member of Center First Baptist Church of Center, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Golden Harvest Ministry and Shelby County Singers.
She is survived by:
Son, Ron Coleman and wife Teresa
Son, Marvin Coleman
Adopted son and wonderful caregiver, James Tutt
Friend, Sydney Tatum
Stepdaughter, Bobbie Sue Tatum Warren and Tori
Melba has four grandchildren: Douglas, Leigh Ann, Cindie, and Teresa.
She also enjoyed five great-grandchildren Abigail, Piper, Kylie, Aolani, and Eris.
Melba is preceded in death by her parents Robin and Vera Walker; husband, Wallace Coleman; and sister Clara Walker Broyles and husband Billy Ray Broyles.
The family would like to thank special friends and family members, nurses and staff of Pine Grove Nursing Home, Lufkin CHI St Luke’s Acute Care and M.D. Anderson Hospital of Houston.
A Celebration of Life for Melba Jean (Walker) Coleman will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas with Bro. Harold Hanson officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00am – 11:30am prior to the service at Mangum Funeral Home. Burial will be at Joaquin Cemetery.
The Coleman Family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home. To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
06/14/2021
Virginia Maurene Hooper, 89, of Converse, Louisiana passed away on June 11, 2021. Born on February 9, 1932, to Charlie Green Hooper and Georgia Ethel Hooper.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 5pm to 8pm at Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX. Funeral Service will be Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10am at Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
06/14/2021
James Frank Burrows, 74 of Nacogdoches, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021.
He was born December 6, 1946 to James Eli and Elsie Christine Burrrows. He is preceded in death by his parents, and beloved brother, John Spears Burrows.
He leaves behind:
Wife, Eva Burrows
Children:
James Chadwick
Courtney Blair Burrows
4 Grandchildren
3 Great-grandchildren
Sister, Martha Manelle Penney and husband Marty Penney, and their two children.
Visitation will be held at Laird Funeral Home in Nacogodches, Tx from 4-6pm on June 14, 2021. Memorial service to follow on June 15, 2021 at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to St Jude Children's Hospital.
Services are under the direction of Laird Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.
06/14/2021
Eltroy McCowin Jr (48) a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle died unexpectedly on June 8, 2021 in Pearland, TX.
A memorial service in Center will be held on July 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm. The service will be held at Abundant Love Church in Center, TX.
Eltroy was born in Center, Texas on June 17, 1972, to Eltroy McCowin Sr. and Lumorriel Thompson Colbert. He graduated from Center High School 1990, and briefly attended Texas State University. After finishing that chapter of his life, he went to barber school and soon owned four successful barber shops. He also owned two successful auto-detail shops in Houston and Center, TX. Later on he went to the Ocean Corp and graduated in 2005, where he became a certified Non-Destructive Technician and worked as a site lead inspector for IRISNDT at Chevron CPC up until his passing. He also had a passion for bulldogs, and he bred English and French bulldogs as a hobby. He was a well respected breeder at the time of his passing as well. He met his wife, Stephanie, in May of 1992. He accepted the Lord as his Savior in 1999, but has recently decided to reaccept the Lord in 2021.
Eltory is survived by:
Father, Eltroy McCowin Sr.
Mother, Lumorriel Thompson Colbert (Charles Colbert)
Wife, Stephaine Morales
Sons:
Wesley McCowin
Trevon McCowin
Daughters:
Sydnee Morales
Emily McCowin
Sisters:
Annie Gibson (Harold Gibson)
Sandra McHenry McCowin
Nakeshia Swindle (Lance Swindle)
Special Nephews:
DeUndre McCowin
Kelvin Boldon (Shemita Boldon)
Eltory Jr. leaves to cherish his memory a host of other family members, classmates, and friends.
Eltroy was preceded in death by:
Grandmothers: Olevia Giddings, Maureen Green
Father-in-Law Frank Morales
Sister Anita Reed
A host of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
Viewing and Celebration of Life will both be held June 19, 2021 at Harvest Point Fellowship Church located in Pearland, TX. Viewing of the body will be held between the hours of 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Service will follow starting at 11:00 am.
For those that cannot attend the service, it will broadcast live, and a link will be posted on Facebook.
06/14/2021
Victor Eddins, 54, of Center, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021, in San Augustine.
Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, June 14, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation at Watson & Sons Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m.
Born July 1, 1966, Victor is the son of Ottis Eddins and Mary Largent Eddins.
He is survived by:
Son, Alex Eddins of Waco
Stepdaughter, Kimberly Pena of Houston
Mother, Mary Eddins of Center
Brother, Ricky Eddins and Nannette of Joaquin
Sister, Debbie Barr and Johnny of Joaquin
Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Preceded in death by his father, Ottis Eddins.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Barr, Justin Barr, Jacob Eddins, Cody Eddins, Charles Bloodgood, and Cody Fountain.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/10/2021
Oliver W. Barnett, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, June 9, 2021, in Nacogdoches.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at 9:30 a.m. Bro. Rusty Hall will officiate. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.
Born March 3, 1936, Oliver is the son of Merl Barnett and Lois Whitton Barnett. He served in the United States Army. Later, Oliver was employed with Louisiana State Department of Agriculture. He was a member of both Texas Agriculture and Timber Association and Texas Cattle Association. When time allowed, Oliver loved to travel.
He is survived by:
Wife, Rodean Metcalf Barnett of Shelbyville
Daughter, LaVaunda Adams and husband Donnie of Shelbyville
Grandchildren:
Wade Adams and wife Haley
Chase Barnett
Amanda Hassfurther and husband Eric
Great-grandchildren:
Emma Grace Adams
Lily Jane Adams
Eli Hassfurther
Charlotte Hassfurther
Sister Peggy Mitchell of Logansport, Louisiana.
Preceded in death by his son, Leland Barnett; and parents, Merl Barnett and Lois Whitton Barnett.
Pallbearers will be Wade Adams, Chase Barnett, Eric Hassfurther, Jason Lily, and Donnie Adams.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/10/2021
Cleveburn Cameron, 63, of Timpson, Texas passed away June 8, 2021 in Center, Texas. Born October 24, 1957, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Cleveburn is the son of Leslie Cameron and Addie Carter.
Visitation will be held Monday June 14, 2021 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Mangum Funeral home Center, Texas.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00PM Tuesday June 15, 2021 at Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas. Interment to follow will be at Deadwood Cemetery Panola County.
Survived by:
Brother, Denis Cameron
Sister, Gaynell Wescoat
Preceded in death Parents: Leslie Cameron and Addie Carter; Sister: Pearl Pierce.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements
06/09/2021
Herman Leroy Cummings, Jr., 70, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Joaquin.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 11, 2021, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Joe Innerarity and Bro. Mike Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Born May 15, 1951, in Joaquin, Herman is the son of Herman Leroy Cummings Sr. and Lillie Belle Murray Cummings. He retired from a career as a truck driver. Herman loved time spent with his grandkids. He was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by:
Wife, Lucy Cummings of Joaquin
Children:
Scotty Cummings and wife Kristie of Joaquin
Angie Stephens and husband Lynn of Logansport, Louisiana
Lance Cummings and wife Renee of Joaquin
Bobo Cummings and wife Anna of Joaquin
Grandkids:
Holden Cummings and wife Brandi of Joaquin
Emily Stephens and fiancé Davy of Logansport, Louisiana
Blane Cummings and wife Shawna of Center
Skyllar Cummings and Zachary Moore of Maybank, Texas
Hailey Cummings and boyfriend Badie of Bossier City, Louisiana
Lindsey Walker and husband Kaleb of Grand Cane, Louisiana
Hunner Cummings of Joaquin
Blake Cummings of Joaquin
Blaine Ramsey of Joaquin
Brayden Cummings of Joaquin
Brody Cummings of Joaquin
Brystal Cummings of Joaquin
Brent Cummings of Joaquin
Addison Cummings of Joaquin
Great-grandchildren:
Kohen Cummings
Isabella Walker
Luke Moore
Sisters-in-law:
Joyce Berry of Converse, Louisiana
Rosie Myers of Joaquin
Brothers:
Kenneth Cummings and wife Mary
Ike Cummings and wife Lisa
Sisters:
Patricia Gray and husband Richard
Linda Broadus and husband Roy
Sue Raybon
Numerous special nieces and nephews whom he loved so much!
He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Leroy Cummings Sr. and Lillie Belle Murray Cummings; infant sister; and brother, Mike Cummings Sr.; grandparents, Jeff and Resa Murray and Henry and Hattie Cummings.
Pallbearers will be Holden Cummings, Blaine Ramsey, Blane Cummings, Blake Cummings, Brayden Cummings, Brody Cummings, and Brent Cummings. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Walters and Max Pugh.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/09/2021
Charlie Lee Walling, 73, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Tyler.
Memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Mike Oliver officiating.
Born February 29, 1948, in Crockett, Charlie is the son of Edwin Walling and Betty Joe Frizzell. He served in the United States Marine Corps and later worked as a carpenter.
He is survived by:
Wife, Resa Jane Walling
Sons:
Jeffery Walling and wife Angela
Charlie Lee Walling Jr
Grandchildren:
Samantha Jade Murphey
Trevor Dale Raybon
Cameron Kyle Carroll
Sister, Geneva Walling
Brothers:
Lee Walling
Dewayne Walling
Preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Walling and Betty Joe Frizzell; and brothers and sisters, Richard Walling, James Walling, Diane Frizzell, and Billy Frizzell.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/09/2021
Josie Harris Horton (90) of Houston, Texas died Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in Houston, Texas. Mrs. Horton was married to the late Elnoris Horton. Mrs. Horton was born February 7, 1931.
Funeral service will be Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 12:00 noon at the Mt. Gillion Baptist Church (5920 State Highway 87 North Center, Texas 75935). Rev. Gary Suell will be officiation.
Mrs. Horton is survived by:
Children:
Sharon Hamilton (Curtis) of Timpson
Pamela Joyce Jones of Houston
Josie Harper of Spring
Edward Horton (Sharon) of Center
Eric Horton (Shelia) of Humble
Larry Charles Horton of El Paso
Anthony Horton (Virginia) of Center
14 Grandchildren
16 Great-grandchildren
5 Great-great grandchildren
Special Godchildren, Robert and Charlene Cooper of Center, Texas
Special Great-grandkids, Tristan Tapley and Trinitee Tapley of Balch Spring, Texas
As well as a host of amazing relatives and friends.
Visitations will be Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 10:00 AM-12:00 Noon at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church.
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.
Services are entrusted to Hicks Mortuary of Center, Texas and Skipper Lee and Sons Eternal Rest Funeral Home of Houston, Texas.
06/08/2021
SGM Archie Willie (Pete) Hartsfield, 85, was born on March 31, 1936 in Garrison, Texas to the late Cleo Patra Hartsfield Patton King. He departed this life on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. His youth was spent in Garrison, Texas where he was raised by his grandparents John and Rebecca Hartsfield.
He attended school in Garrison, enlisting in the U.S. Army immediately following graduation. He married his childhood sweetheart, Bobbie Sue (Phillips) Hartsfield on June 7, 1954, and together they raised 3 children while traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Archie was a dedicated family man who took pride in providing for those he loved.
While serving in the military, he received many awards and accolades including the Legion of Merit, the highest peacetime medal awarded by the U.S. Army. During his years of service, Archie had various overseas assignments including Korea, Greenland, Germany, and Vietnam. His stateside assignments include Aiken, South Carolina, Homestead, Florida, San Francisco, California, and Ft. Bliss, Texas. He moved up the ranks over the years, eventually earning the Senior Non-Commissioned Rank of E-9 Sergeant Major before retiring from the military on March 30, 1984 after 30 years of service. After his enlistment, Archie continued to dedicate his life to serving his country by working in the civil service until his retirement after 15 years of dedication. He was also an active member of the Umpires Association for many years, which gave him the opportunity to take part in his passion for sports.
For 49 years, he and Bobbie made a life for their family in El Paso and Nacogdoches, Texas until her passing in 2003. He then met and married Pamela Hartsfield, who cared for him in El Paso, Texas until his death. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends here on Earth, but his spirit will live on through us all.
Archie was preceded in death by his wife Bobbie S. Hartsfield; son Stanley Hartsfield; granddaughter Shalonda Thomas; great-grandson D’ante Thomas; mother Cleo Patra Hartsfield Patton King; sister Georgia Matthews; brothers Taylor Patton, Jr., Maurell Patton, and Floyd Patton.
He leaves to cherish his memory:
His wife, Pamela Hartsfield of El Paso
Son, Larry Hartsfield of Nacogdoches
Daughter, Retena Hartsfield-Harrison and her husband Hiram of Center
Granddaughters:
Terena Wyrick and her husband LaDarrell of Center
Alisha Alexis and her husband Leford of Jacksonville, Florida
Grandsons:
Michael Harrison of Center
John Hartsfield of San Antonio
Michael Rector and his wife Jessica of El Paso
Great-grandsons:
Dante Thomas, Jr. of Woodbridge, Virginia
Kameryn Henry and Malcom-Malik Harrison both of Center
Preston Hartsfield of San Antonio, Texas
Michael Rector, Jr. of El Paso
Great-granddaughters:
Arianna Rector of El Paso
Alyana Rector of El Paso
Sisters:
Shirley Watts of Nacogdoches
Francell Horace and her husband Mike of Nacogdoches
Mary Alice Holmes and husband James of Dallas
Joan Dennis and husband Donald of Dallas
Brothers:
Adothus McClendon and wife Margaret of Plano
LaVance McClendon and wife Etois of Irving
Along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends who loved him dearly
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches. There will be a Graveside Funeral service on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 2:00 p.m at Pine Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches, Texas with Pastor Shirley Watts officiating. Internment will follow immediately after. Arrangements Entrusted to Sid Roberts Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Services Entrusted to His Family of Professionals at Sid Roberts Funeral Home
06/07/2021
Kathy Kay Waldon passed away in Houston, Texas on May 28, 2021.
Memorial graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Born August 13, 1953 in Baytown, Texas to LD Hibbard, Sr. and Josephine “Mollie” Hibbard Barton. Kathy was raised in Shelby County. She attended school at Shelbyville and Center High School.
Kathy was an outgoing, fun loving, and witty person. She loved her children beyond measure. She had a talent for writing poetry and a love for music. She was a devoted Christian and enjoyed attending church regularly.
Kathy is survived by:
Children:
Justin Waldon of Overton
Eric Waldon of Overton
Elizabeth Kay Evans of Houston
Siblings:
John Russell Hibbard of Nacogdoches
Joe Cecil Hibbard and Wendy of Nacogdoches
Debra Ann Hibbard of the Woodlands
LD Hibbard, Jr. and wife Carmen of Center
Wallace Lee Hibbard and wife Pam of Bullard
Victor Allen Hibbard of Bullard
Judy Lyn Monroe and husband Donald of Center
Letitia Poindexter of Center
Gregory Thomas Hibbard and wife Haven of Conroe
She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
Preceded in death by parents LD Hibbard Sr, William and Josephine Mollie Barton, grandparents Theodore Schrakamp and Josephine Schrakamp Willis, Joseph and Dorothy Hibbard, brother-in-law Billy L. Poindexter, nephew Ronnie Morgan, nephew Matthew Hibbard, and niece Christy Mae Taylor.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at http://www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
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