Obituaries
04/19/2021
Rebecca Lee Risinger Eddins, 36, of Center, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021, in Tyler.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at Noon. Interment will follow at Simpson Cemetery in the Woden Community of Nacogdoches County, Texas.
Born June 15, 1984, in Nacogdoches, Rebecca is the daughter of Troy Lee Risinger and Alice Risinger. She became a homemaker, loving her children, shopping, and her makeup.
She is survived by:
Her husband, Joshua Eddins of Center
Children:
Kelsey Amburn of Jennings, Louisiana
Katie Amburn of Nacogdoches
Andrew Risinger of Carthage
Grandson, Cameron Lee Fields
Sister, Kimberly Risinger of Woden
Parents, Alice Eddins of Nacogdoches and Troy Lee Risinger of Shelbyville; grandparents, Joy Nichols of Nacogdoches and Ruby Risinger of Shelbyville; numerous aunts, uncles, and other relatives.
Preceded in death by her sister, Tabatha Risinger and her grandfather, “Buddy” Risinger.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Fanestiel, Adam Skeeters, Jacob Eddins, Ronnie Broadway, Brent Risinger, and Landon Lavergne.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/15/2021
Rose Brashear McNeill, 77, of Tenaha, Texas passed this life April 10, 2021, in Longview, Texas. Mrs. Rosalee Marsh Brashear McNeill was born November 11, 1943.
Her formative years were spent on her family farm outside Gravette, Arkansas. Rose was one of six children born to the marriage of David Edwin and Ruby Dell Edwards Marsh. She was raised in the Christian faith. Rose was schooled in the Gravette educational system, graduating high school there, and then attended business school in Dallas, Texas.
In her legal career, Rose worked as a paralegal, legal secretary, and office manager in such prestigious law firms as Johnson and Swanson in Dallas and Clark, Thomas, Winters and Shapiro in Austin. She also worked for several notable attorneys in other firms including Mack Kidd and Rex White, Jr. of Austin.
Rose loved gardening, particularly flowers. However, the activity she devoted herself to more than any other was caring for the needs of her family and friends. Since her death, several of her friends have commented that if they were asked to sum up her life in three words, it would be that, “she was kind.”
Mrs. McNeill is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Arbie Marsh, and a brother-in-law, Max Scoggins.
She is survived by:
Devoted husband, Larry McNeill, of Tenaha
Son, Logan L. Brashear and wife, Lisa Schoenberger, of Oxnard, California
Brothers:
Paul Marsh and wife Mary of Rogers, Arkansas
Jerry Marsh and wife Pam of Farmington, Arkansas
Sisters:
Frances Riggs and husband Bill of Sparta, Tennessee
Lola Scoggins of Rogers, Arkansas
Sister-in-law, Ima Mae Marsh of Springfield, Missouri
Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A memorial service will be held at the Paxton United Methodist Church in Paxton, Texas, on Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. A family gathering commemorating her life will be held late in May or early June in Rogers, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in her name to Paxton United Methodist Church, c/o Gene Hutto, 1150 CR 3550, Joaquin, Texas.
An online memorial maybe signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com.
04/15/2021
Willie Eugene Allen, 95, has gone to be with the Lord on April 11, 2021. He died suddenly at his home in Stonewall, LA of 14 years. Born in Fulton, AK, August 22, 1925 he was known as “Buster” because he was always breaking things.
Preceding him in death were his Grandparents Milton and Lula Cox Allen, his Mother Susie A. Stevens Allen and his sister Leah Allen Osburn.
The teenage “Buster” worked through the latter part of the Great Depression by plowing miles of cotton with two mules and later by digging postholes by hand for telephone poles with an eight foot posthole digger. “Buster” joined the Marine Corps in 1943 and carried a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) during the Pacific Campaign, specifically on Guam.
Gene returned to Shreveport where he married the love of his life Syble J. Belote and they had 72 glorious years together. They had three sons, Kerry, Barry and Mark, 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Gene was a salesman for the majority of his life and retired from Prudential Insurance. As a loving husband and Father Gene not only provided for the family but showed leadership and gave us discipline that has continued down through the generations. He loved the Lord, his wife, family and people in general. Previously he and Syble had lived in Joaquin, TX for 20 years and were active members of the Methodist church.
A celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on April 24, 2021 at the Methodist church in Joaquin, TX followed by lunch. A second Memorial service will be held at The Village at 877 Hwy 171 South, Stonewall, LA at 4:00 p.m. on April 25, 2021.
04/14/2021
Michael D. Hubbard, 58 of Center, died at the local emergency on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Mr. Hubbard is a 1981 Center High School graduate. He was born to the late David Lee Hubbard and Wilma Newton Hubbard on March 8, 1963.
Graveside service will be Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery at 3:30pm. Rev. Johnny Jones will be officiating.
Mr. Hubbard is survived by:
Wife, Lutonya Michelle Hubbard
Children:
Sylvia Hubbard (Aurthur) of Center
Tiara Hubbard of Center
Siblings:
Saundra Harris of Center
Terry Harris (Benita) of Killeen
Debbie Lathan (Michael) of Bossier City, Louisiana
Shanna Hubbard of Center
Jarvis Hubbard of Center
Devonda Hubbard (Danyell) of Tyler
David Curtis of Center
Michael Hubbard (Michelle) of Center
Sylvia Mosby (Victor) of Center
Jimmy Hubbard (Michelle) of Center
Brothers-in-law:
Melvin Jackson (Felicia) of Lufkin
Tony Garrett of Lufkin
Demetris Mosley of Texas
Sisters-in-law:
Nette Garrett of Carthage
Mary Garrett of San Augustine
Roslyn Land (Tommy) of Shelbyville
Visitations will be Friday, April 16, 2021 at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Repast: Community House
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside 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
04/13/2021
Tom Gardner, 84 of Shelbyville, Texas, died on April 12, 2021 at his residence. He was born to the late Clabe Gardner and Annie Redmond Gardner in Center, Texas.
Graveside service will be Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Walker Cemetery in Carthage, Texas. Rev. Robert Gipson will be officiating.
Visitations will be Friday, April 16, 2021 at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1pm to 6pm.
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.
Mr. Gardner is survived by:
Wife, Katy Gardner of Shelbyville
Son, Tommy Gardner of Shelbyville
Daughters:
Annie Fay Bell of Beaumont
Dyan Gardner of Shelbyville
Mae Lee Larkin (Michael) of Jasper
Sue Lean Jenkins of Shelbyville
Carolyn Sue Gardner of San Antonio
A host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Siblings:
Lucky Gardner (Wilda) of Center
Betty Sanders (Johnny) all of Center
Special Cousin, Felton Greer
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.
04/13/2021
Jimmy Lewis Brock, 66 of Center, Texas died Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born to the late Charles and Brock and Tassie King, Brock in Shelbyville, Texas.
Graveside service will be Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 1pm at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas with Bishop Howard Cloudy Sr. officiating. Visitations will be Friday, April 16, 2021 at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1pm to 6pm.
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.
Mr. Brock is survived by:
Son, Charlie McCowin of San Augustine
Wife, Sharon Polley of Center
Sister-in-laws:
LaWanda Roland of Center
Telica Polley of Nacogdoches
A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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.
04/13/2021
Pollyanne Barron Smith, loving mother and wife, passed away at the age of 78 on March 9th, 2021, after a 7 month long battle with cancer.
There will be a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Center, TX at 2:00 p.m., May 15, 2021. Friends and family are invited to take a few minutes to view a video of memorial photos in the visitation room at Watson and Sons Funeral Home between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the day of the graveside service.
Polly was born on February 24, 1943, to Mae and Jack Barron. She grew up in Center, TX, graduating from Center High School in 1960. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Political Science from Baylor University in 1964 and her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1979. She spent many happy years making learning fun for hundreds of kindergarten and other early elementary school students. Polly raised her two children in Center and retired from Center I.S.D. in 1995.
In 2002, Polly married her high school sweetheart, Larry Smith. They enjoyed traveling and planting vegetables in the garden. Polly was a wonderful cook who loved sharing the fruits of her labor. The Christmas season was always a favorite time for sharing treats like gingerbread men and homemade fudge. She enjoyed spending time with those she loved, visiting over coffee or playing bridge. She was always creating something: preserves from the seasonal East Texas bounty, crochet-edged baby blankets, homemade bread and fun dishes to serve at the next group function. She was an active member of several organizations including her book club, The Women’s Reading Club, Beta Sigma Pi, and the First United Methodist Church Bell Choir. Memories of Polly’s kindness and her wit will be treasured by family and friends.
Polly Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Mae Walling Barron and Jack Claude Barron; and her brother Jack Walling Barron.
Polly Smith is survived by:
Husband, Hubern Larry Smith of Center, TX
Daughter, Lois Anne Bessinger and husband Glenn Bessinger of Allen, TX
Son, John Richard Lane of Corpus Christi, TX
Grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and many beloved cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Fannie Brown Booth Library, 619 Tenaha Street, Center, TX 75935.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/12/2021
Anita Lovett Alford, 52, of Center, passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021, in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 15, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at Noon. Richard Goodwyn will officiate. Interment will follow at Good Hope Cemetery in Shelby County.
Born April 20, 1968, in Center, Anita is the daughter of Jerry Lovett and Elizabeth Ann Miller Lovett. She worked in home health and also at Wal-Mart. Anita loved flowers, enjoyed cooking, and cherished times spent with her grandchildren. She was a member of First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ.
She is survived by:
Husband, Randy Alford of Center
Son, Richard Alford of Center
Daughter, Rachel Alford of Center
Grandchildren:
Roger Kelly of Center
Braileigh Alford of Carthage
Brother, Will Lovett of Center
Sister, Lydia Jan Harris of Alaska
Special daughter, Morgan Glover of Shelbyville.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jerry “Rooster” and Elizabeth “Dolline” Lovett; grandparents, Sonny and Delmer Miller and Tracy and Ruby Lovett; sister, Tracy Ann Lovett; and granddaughter, Randa Jean Kelley.
Pallbearers will be Justin Lovett, Tracy Lovett, Kinder Nunley, Dustin Windham, Rodney Jackson, and Rocky Jackson.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/12/2021
Elizabeth Allene (Foreman) Lott was born June 24, 1927 in Logansport, Louisiana and passed away on March 9, 2021 at the Heritage Manor West Nursing Home of congestive heart failure.
She is preceded in death by her father Willie Foreman and mother Mary Ellen (Williams) Foreman. Also, deceased sisters and brothers: Lois, Edward, Bill, Gertrude, Sadie-Marie and Buck.
Her WWII veteran husband S. D. Lott died in May of 2003 and her only son Robert Charles Lott passed away February 14, 2021. Her granddaughter Trudee Ann (Lott) Alaniz passed away in January 2019. Trudee’s son Charles lives in Ringgold, LA and has two children Ella Charlotte and Daniel. Robert’s son Robert C. Lott, Jr. lives in Atlanta, GA.
Her only daughter Elizabeth Ann (Lott) Ramsey lives in Rock Hill, SC with her husband Tom. There are three grandchildren from their marriage: Rosalie (Ramsey) Hunter, Bryan Ramsey, and Joshua Ramsey. Rosalie has one son Brody Hunter. Bryan has two stepsons Chase and Everett Tarleton.
Mrs. Lott was a member of the Westwood Baptist Church just outside of Keithville, LA near her home where she served as a Sunday School teacher. She loved to read her Bible every day. She was loved by all and will be missed.
04/12/2021
Edwena (Ed) Williams Higginbotham, 80, of Warner Robins GA, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 in Georgia. She was born on August 1, 1940 in Center, Texas to Clark Paul Williams Sr. and Emma Irene Fancher Williams.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at White Rock Cemetery, Center, Texas with Bro. Son Windham officiating.
Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1 PM at White Rock Cemetery, Center, Texas.
Being raised in Grigsby with a large family of mischievous sisters and brothers, a circle of togetherness and love was formed that will never be broken. Her sister, Venorah always loved to tell stories about how mean she could be to Edwena because Ed was “soft”. Of course that merely meant that Ed was kind. Venorah tells of Big Moma, their grandmother, telling their dad, Dr. Bill about Ed and Venorah’s fighting. She would say, “Dr. Bill, did you hear about the girls fighting in Grigsby today?” Of course, he would play right along with Big Moma. He said, “No, I didn’t hear about it.” She would continue, “Well these girls were fighting with butcher knives, and an old lady had to come out of the house and separate them!” Funny Funny! Thank goodness these episodes never escalated into a brawl. It was just for fun so Venorah says now! Aunt Ed always said Venorah was the meanest thing around. Another one of her siblings, Clark Paul, had this to say when asked what his first thought was of Edwena. He said, “This is going to sound crazy but biscuits and gravy.” Everybody makes biscuits and gravy but none ever as good as Ed’s. All the way to Georgia, I would be waiting to get my mouth on her hot biscuits and gravy. Edwena didn’t disappoint either. She would say, “well I got to make biscuits and gravy now because Clark is here.” Edwena was always known as the “cook” while everyone else was in the fields working the crops. She didn’t like to work outside much but instead through the years learned to cook wonderfully.
After graduation, Edwina married and lived a military life that took her overseas where she spent many years in the Philippine Islands and eventually brought her back to the States where they settled in Warner Robins, Georgia. As soon as her family settled in Georgia, Ed continued her education and earned her career job as Vice President of C & S Bank. Edwena quickly gained the respect of her employers and was known as exemplifying perfection in her work ethics. Once retiring from C&S Bank, Edwena could not be satisfied and wanted to work longer. She became employed by a private airline and quickly moved into a managerial position with them. Edwena was known as a “people person” and loved to talk and learn of their travels. She loved the airline job and stayed there as long as her health allowed. Through the years, Ed was involved with the “Red Hat Society or Breakfast Club” as they called it. She loved the fellowship of being with other people.
Paul, her grand kids and great grand kids were the light of Edwena’s eye. Edwena loved her family and extended that love to others that were not blood kin but in her eyes-they were. One such person was B.J. Brantly. She considered him to be a grandson because she helped take care of him from birth. Ed always talked of him when she was in Texas just as she did her grand kids. Ed also loved her neighborhood and neighbors. Her neighbor, James Paul, helped Ed with many chores so she would bless him with her good home cooking. James especially liked her pinto beans. She was someone that would give you the shirt off of her back if possible.
Edwena was a Texas girl at heart and would always come home to Texas every chance she could squeeze in the time to go. She loved bringing her grand kids to Texas hoping to develop the same love and admiration for her childhood home and family. She loved Texas memorabilia and wanted all her friends to know that she would someday return to Texas.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Van Buren Higginbotham; her parents, Clark Paul and Emma Irene Williams Sr.; brother, Thomas Williams; sister, Carolyn Caldwell; brother in law, J. C. McSwain; brother in law, Jack Berg; and brother in law, Dallas Caldwell; and sister in law, Norie Williams.
Edwena is survived by:
Son, Paul Higginbotham (Diana)
Grandchildren:
Amy Marie Zmak (Justin) from Arizona
Jo Lynn Cathcart (Alex) from Rome, GA
Samantha Higginbotham
Shannon Ray (Shane) from Warner Robins, GA
Scott Carlson from Wisconsin
Sisters:
Shirley Faye Berg from Center
Venorah McSwain from Center
Brother, Clark Paul Williams Jr. and wife, Tina from Center
6 great-grandchildren.
Please visit www.mangumfh.net to sign the online guestbook. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
04/12/2021
Jean Norton Horne, age 96, of Shelby County, Texas, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at her residence.
Mrs. Horne was born January 25, 1925, in Sam Fordyce, Texas, (Hidalgo County), and was a former resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, before relocating to Shelby County over 35 years ago. She had retired from office accounting. Mrs. Horne was a longtime member of Memorial Presbyterian Church and was faithful in many capacities to her church.
Her survivors include:
Daughters:
Judy Blacklock and husband Douglas of Missouri City, Texas
Linda High and husband E.J. of Dumfries, Virginia
Grandchildren:
Brian Blacklock and wife Abby
Jason Blacklock
Sarah Leger and husband Tony
Great-grandchildren:
Bella Blacklock
Madison Blacklock
Caleb Blacklock
Grace Blacklock
Murphy Leger
Levi Leger
Niece, Sandy Bertelsen and husband Viggo Bertelsen Jr.
In addition to her parents, Ethelbert Harwell Norton and Nancy Jane Deckard Norton, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Horne; a sister, Dorothy Sager; and a brother, Edgar Norton.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2021, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, located at 205 E. Livingston Street in San Augustine, Texas, with Dr. Jeph Holloway officiating. Interment will follow at McRae Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Lud Davis, William Richards, Brian Blacklock, Tock Blacklock, John Blacklock and Ron Pearson.
In lieu of flowers, donations have been requested to be made to the East Texas Food Bank, 3201 Robertson Rd., Tyler, Texas 75701, or the Salvation Army, 412 S. 3rd Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, San Augustine.
04/10/2021
Tammy Ann Wedgeworth, 61, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, April 9, 2021, in Lufkin.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation an hour prior. Bro. James Goodwyn will officiate. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Born July 11, 1959, in Crowley, Louisiana, Tammy is the daughter of Robert Elmer Wedgeworth and Kathryn Yvonne Goodwyn Wedgeworth. She went on to have a career in nursing. Tammy loved her animals and enjoyed time on the family farm. Her hobbies of crocheting and travel made crocheting cruises the perfect vacation. Tammy was a member of both the William Carroll Crawford Chapter and Nacogdoches Chapter of Daughters of the Republic.
She is survived by:
Her son, Roy Dean Evans Jr. of Houston
Mother, Yvonne Wedgeworth of Center
Sister, Robbie Cartwright of Fulshear
Niece, Holly Cartwright of Fulshear
Nephew, Joshua Cartwright (Miranda) of Richmond
Great-nephews:
Luke Cartwright
Cody Cartwright.
Preceded in death by her husband, Mike Calhoun; and father, Robert E. Wedgeworth.
Pallbearers will be Steve Sparks, Todd Sparks, Joey Jernigan, Chris Jernigan, Mikey Lout, and Ricky Lout.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Sands, Darrin Lout, Jack Lout, Glen Williams, Dwayne Lout, and George Warren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Animal Justice League of Houston or Dream-Dachshund of Houston.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/09/2021
Tommy Tinner, 50, passed away April 5, 2021. On September 6, 1970, a son was born to Leavelt and Johnnie Lou Tinner.
Funeral service is at 3pm Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Abundant Love Ministries, 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas 75935
He is preceded in death by Mother, Johnnie Lou Tinner; Father, Leavelt Tinner; Sisters, Lavada Tinner, Dorthy Gaines, Martha Tinner, and Maggie Tinner; Brothers, Willie Tinner, Curtis Bryant, and James Tinner.
He leaves to mourn:
Daughter, Destiny Tinner of Center
Sisters:
Carolyn Tinner of Center
Brenda Dones of Center
Tammy Lane (Anthony) of Center
Gloria Tinner of Arizona
Barbara Tinner and Norma Green of Fort Worth, TX
Brothers:
Leavelt Tinner, Jr. of California
Sammy Bryant of Huntsville, TX
Clifford Jones of Logansport, LA
Ronnie Tinner of Fort Worth, TX
A host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
04/08/2021
Dorothy Malone Jones was born in Center, Texas to the late Asia and Katherine K. Malone.
Dorothy accepted Christ into her heart, when she was a young girl, and joined Carroll Chapel C.M.E where her grandfather, George Kauffman was one of the founding father's, where she is currently a member. She was blessed to serve in the Church as an Usher, Choir Member, and served in other areas when needed to help sustain the life of the Church and was a faithful servant.
In 1971, Sister Dorothy moved back to her hometown after briefly living in Galveston, Texas and Houston, Texas, and became an employee of East Tex Poultry, now Tyson Foods processing and distribution plant in Center, Texas dedicating 32 years of service, and there she met, Mr. James Earl Jones that became her husband of 35 faithful years. After retirement from Tyson Foods, Sister Dorothy took on a part-time job at Center Early Learning, where she later advanced to become the head teacher in the newborn and toddler room, teaching and molding the precious little lives God placed in her care, and later she became a Resident Care Assistant with Jennings Place.
In 2018, Sister Jones moved to Longview, Texas with her daughter and grandson after a diagnosis of stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, where God provided the medical attention needed, which helped sustain her life for 3 ½ years.
Sister Jones is preceded in death by her father, Asia and Katherine K. Malone; sisters, Georgia, Oma, Pearl, Lou Ella, and brother, Jessie.
She leaves to cherish her memories:
A loving daughter, Miss Equallia Malone of Longview
A very special grandson, DeQuincy Stanberry of Longview
Sisters:
Deloris Jordan, Atlanta, Ga
Dorothy Nell Johnson, Galveston
Brother, Harold Asia Malone, Sr, Nacogdoches, Texas
A host of special cousins, nieces, and nephews
A Celebration of her Life will be 10am, Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Rader Funeral Home in Longview, TX. Viewing will be 1 hour prior to service time. Interment will be that afternoon at McWilliams Cemetery, Shelbyville, TX at 2pm. An online memorial book may be signed at www.raderfh.com
04/06/2021
Jake Hutto, 95, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021. He was born in Center, Texas on July 19, 1925.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, TX 75935 on Friday, April, 9, 2021 with family visitation from 12:30pm to 2pm and service time from 2pm to 3pm. Burial is at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, TX with Rev. James Allen Renfro officiating.
Jake Hutto was drafted into the US Army and served our country by fighting in the Normandy Beach Landing on D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge. Jake fought hand to hand combat in General Patton’s 29th Infantry for 11 straight months through France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, and Germany earning 3 Bronze Stars for Valor and multiple medals for expert marksmanship, honor, and excellent conduct.
During a furious battle Jake was trapped in a fox hole by German snipers and knew he was about to be killed so he screamed out to God “Please save me and get me back home to Center, TX to be with my sweetheart, Johnnie, and I promise that I will serve you the rest of my life”. God answered Jake’s prayer, and Jake returned home to Center and married his sweetheart, Johnnie Lout. They moved to Houston for work and started their lives dedicated to God’s ministry so Jake could live up to his commitment to God. Jake, with only an 8th grade education (at the time), was accepted into an Electrician’s School, and passed with flying colors and was also a very noted auto mechanic. Jake worked full time and also began his journey into the ministry by serving under the auspices of seasoned ministers as an assistant helping in every bailiwick of the ministry and attending formal Bible College to become an ordained minister. Jake evangelized around Texas for a few years and later was invited to pastor the Savoy UPC Church in Savoy, TX for over 20 years where he grew the congregation from a mere handful of members to 100 plus and built a new church that became a landmark on Hwy 80 in Savoy.
God later led Jake and Johnnie to the Waskom UPC Church in Waskom, TX where they preached and sang the Gospel expanding the membership greatly for over 20 years. Jake didn’t officially retire until he was 83 years old.
Jake Hutto was a fierce, decorated American Soldier and laid his life on the line for our country and then served in God’s Will as a very soft-spoken yet firm pastor. He was a pillar to the community where he served and to many families over the span of over 50 years. When Jake received a call from anyone in need, he would respond immediately and do all he could to ease their pain. Most everyone lovingly knew him as Papaw. He loved that title.
Jake has now crossed over and has walked inside those Pearly Gates being greeted by his wife and many family members who have been waiting. As many family members and friends have voiced, “If Jake Hutto doesn’t get into Heaven, then none of us will!” Jake always said “we are never ready to die and leave our loved ones, but we must be prepared to go.” Jake Hutto was prepared!
Survived by:
Son, Larry Hutto of Georgetown, TX
Grandsons:
Brent Hutto and wife Julie of Mineola, TX
Troy Hutto and wife Alice of Columbus, Ohio
Adoptive daughter and son, Lynn and Randy Stone of De Berry, TX
A number of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by wife, Johnnie Lout Hutto
Pallbearers are Dennis Hutto, Jerry Brown, Robbie Parker, Roger Reneau, Randy Stone, and Carlin Caldwell.
Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
04/05/2021
Michelle Matthews, 46, of Dallas, passed away March 30, 2021, in Dallas.
Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home at Noon.
Born February 10, 1975, in Grapevine, Michelle is the daughter of Lonnie Self and Bettie Covington Self.
She is survived by:
Husband, David Matthews of Dallas
Children:
Karissa Schmidt and husband Anthony of Allen
Daniel Castillo of Plano
Izzy Carley of Dallas
Grandchildren:
Axel Schmidt
Presleigh Schmidt
Kinzley Schmidt
Harlynn Schmidt
Sister, Yondi Upchurch of Fort Worth
Brother, Michael Brittain of Mansfield
Preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie Self and Bettie Covington Self.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/05/2021
Louie Don Speedy, 78, of Houston, passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021, in Houston.
Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation one hour prior at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.
Born March 13, 1943, in Center, Louie is the daughter of George Mitchell and Lela Hughes Mitchell.
She is survived by:
Children:
Michael Speedy and wife Cheryl of Center
Robin Holloway of Houston
Mitchell Holloway and wife Kathy of Center
Grandchildren, Mark Speedy and Logan Speedy
Sister, Georgie Bloodgood of Center
A number of other relatives.
Preceded in death by her husband, Richard Speedy; parents, George Mitchell and Lela Hughes Mitchell; and sister, Helen Southerland.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/02/2021
Kara Lou-Anne Felder, 26, of Center, Texas entered into eternal rest on March 27, 2021.
A visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Logansport, Louisiana on Saturday, April 3, 2021 beginning at 1:30 p.m. until time of service at 3:30 p.m. with Rev. Jody Hooper officiating. Interment will follow the service located at Cool Springs Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana.
Kara was born on August 8, 1994 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Michael and Julie Bates.
Preceding Kara in death are daughter, Danica Kathryn Felder and her maternal grandmother, Pam Windham.
She is survived by:
Husband, Ryan Felder of Center
Parents, Julie and Michael Bates of Joaquin
Maternal grandfather, Jerry Dale Windham of Logansport, Louisiana
Paternal grandparents, Norma Jean and Webb Bates of Joaquin
Brother, Zachary Blaine Bates of Joaquin
Aunt, Heather Windham Baker
Uncle, Jerry L. Windham “Uncle Poochie”
Cousins, Justin Webster and wife Nicole, Jonathan Webster, Kelcy Baker, and Natalie Windham
Along with numerous friends, family, and her fur babies Trigger, Rugar, and Chase.
Honoring Kara as pallbearers will be Zachary Bates, Jamarcus Watts, Justin Webster, John Halstead, Robert Bloys, TJ Mcnight, Chago Ruiz, and PJ Peterson. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Justin Bloodgood and James Leggett.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to “lupusresearch.org”.
Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield, LA.
04/02/2021
Albert Gerald Corbell, Sr. passed from this life April 1, 2021 in Nacogdoches, Texas after a long battle with heart disease.
Graveside service will be held 10am, Saturday, April 3, 2021, at East Hamilton Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. Lamar Denby officiating.
He was born January 23, 1932 in Patroon Texas to William Perry and Aileen English Corbell, their first son. Gerald graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1949 and with the desire to fulfill the required military service to his country, he enlisted in the US Navy. He served most of his tour aboard the Destroyer USS Colahan stationed offshore in Korea protecting the troops from the enemy, destroying the enemy and their support systems. He was a member of the Sam Samford Masonic Lodge in Center.
Gerald retired from Phoenix Management as drilling manager and enjoyed tending the cattle on his farm. He enjoyed the outdoors, baling hay with his sons, and large family gatherings. He looked forward to our Sunday fish fry. He was an excellent cook! He was known to never turn down a trip to the river!
If ever there was a song that described Gerald Corbell, it is the song by Bob Seger, “Like a Rock.”
He is survived by his
Wife: Jean Eddins Corbell
Sons:
William Kirk and wife Pamela
Gerald Corbell and wife Linda
Grandchildren:
Jeff, Will, and Matt Corbell
Whitney Prater
Courtney Casey
Leslie Mcgauhey
Great-grandchildren:
Charlie, Cooper and Ashton Corbell
Knox and Ella Casey
Parker Mcgauhey
Addison and Grayson Corbell
Brother, Gordon Corbell and wife Nell
He was preceded in death by his
Parents: William Perry and Aileen English Corbell
Son: Jeffery Cole Corbell
Sister: Wilma Campbell
Brother: Billy Jack Corbell
Pallbearers will be Tommy Cox, David Myers, Craig Jordan, Ben Mcgauhey, Randy Woodward, Lee Hughes, Matt Corbell, and Will Corbell. Honorary pallbearers will be Walter Burns, Clifton Hughes, Dub Eddins, and Karla Gann.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/01/2021
Sarah Caroline Barton, 23, of Center, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in Nacogdoches County.
Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm, Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.
Born November 19, 1997, Sarah is the daughter of Roosevelt Barton and Kimberly Jane Goodman. She had a contagious laugh and was loved and thought of by many. I could not have asked for a better child from God. She came in the world fighting at 3 lbs. 10 oz. and 16” long. According to doctors, she would not survive. She proved them wrong. Sarah had a heart of gold and would give you her last anything.
She is survived by:
Mother, Kimberly Jane Goodman of Shelbyville, Texas
Father, Roosevelt Barton of Rockingham, North Carolina
Sisters:
Rebecka Marie Barton Ard and husband Justin of Rockingham, North Carolina
Elizabeth Ann Barton (Liz) of Laurel Hill, North Carolina
Son, Brandon Lee Cummings (JR), age 5
Love of her life, Brandon Cummings (Bamm) of Laurinburg, North Carolina
Special cousins she loved like her own brother and sisters:
Teresa (Treat) Hunt, wife of the late Tony Hunt, of Bennettsville, South Carolina
Joelanda Hunt and wife Shonte Miles and their children, Jaya, C.J., and Aidyn of Bennettsville, South Carolina
Michael Hunt and wife Yshemia and their children, “Lil” Mike and Kayla of Bennettsville, South Carolina
Vanessa Scott and husband Mike Frazier of Bennettsville, South Carolina
Aunt, Brenda (Hazel) Caulder of Bennettsville, South Carolina
Uncle, Larry Barton of Bennettsville, South Carolina
Kyle Goodman of Center, Texas
Ryan and Kasi Goodman of Georgia
Kelly Goodman and husband Adam King of Shreveport, Louisiana
Aunt, Jackie Evans of Center, Texas
Cousin, Lyndsay Elmore and husband Alex of Center, Texas, and their sons, Cameron, Cayden, and Jack
Special friends, Pinky Bell, Sammy Bell, and Toderick Barnes
Special person like an Aunt and more, Tammy McDonald Steptoe
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
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