Shelby County Today

August 31, 2015 - Daily Bakery & Tortilleria held a grand opening ribbon cutting on Friday, August 28, 2015 at their location in Center located at 812 Shelbyville Street.

Owners Omar and Edey Rivera were welcomed by Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and members of the community. Meg Camp, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador President, introduced the couple who described some of the items customers will be able to find at their location. Some of these items include tortillas, breads, sweet breads and pastries.

They have a schedule that runs seven days a week and they are open from 8am to 8pm on each day. Those in attendance for the event were treated to samples and coffee during the while they were there.

August 26, 2015 - The Rainbow Room was selected to receive a donation by Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Branch 110. Every year HPFM Branch 110 donates money back to our community.

Pictured is Becky Maidic, a member of HPFM Branch 110, helping distribute the donation to Mrs. Alice Pate.

August 25, 2015 - CASA of Deep East Texas was selected to receive a donation by Hochheim Prairie Farm Mutual Branch 110. Every year HPFM Branch 110 donates money back to our community. Pictured is Becky Maidic, a member of HPFM Branch 110, helping distribute the donation to Mrs. Patty Watkins.

From left: Burton Brown, Cindy Brown, John Black, Alissa Hailey, Laura Walker, Gene Walker, Pam Phelps, and Jason Locke.

August 22, 2015 - Family and friends of the late Dolores Walker gathered in the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce office on the historic square to present Gene Walker and his family with a Senate Proclamation in memory of Dolores Ann Walker.

Pam Phelps, Chamber Executive Director, began by saying, "There is a lot of components we want to share with you [Gene Walker] today and share with Laura [Walker]. A community is comprised of its people and that's what makes it, and in our community we have a lot of special people that do things. And there are a lot of people that are never in the lime light, they work behind the scenes and they work hard and give and share with other people. Your dear friends and family wanted to do something special in memory of Dolores and through this process, you all were such a team in so many ways, it is a solute to you as well."

"So, your friends and family wanted to do something special to memorialize the good things, the sharing and giving that Dolores did. I was a small part of this. I was only the conduit... We asked Senator Robert Nichols to do a memorial Proclamation so that it would be archived in Austin, our State Capital." continued Phelps before reading the proclamation aloud.

"Gene [Walker], you know how we all feel; Michael, Kevin, Carla, we love you. We were excited when this all came about and Pam [Phelps], we appreciate so much your efforts getting [the proclamation] done. We can't do enough or say enough," conveyed John Black to the Walker family on behalf of everyone who cherished Dolores.

In heartfelt appreciation of the proclamation and the honor given, Gene Walker put into words, "She always stood in the background; she did not want to be recognized. She always pushed me and she was the driving force." Walker ended saying, "It is such an honor and me and the kids appreciate it."

Senate Proclamation No. 122, In memory of Dolores Ann Walker

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Dolores Ann Walker, who died on April 11, 2015, at the age of 78; and WHEREAS, Dolores Walker was born on May 14, 1936, in Center, to Tilmon and Gladys Warr; she graduated from Center High School in 1954, and she earned a degree from Massey Business College in Nacogdoches; and WHEREAS, She and her husband, Gene Walker, raised two children together, Laura and Steve, and they were blessed with two grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Mrs. Walker joined the staff of Lake Country Insurance Agency in 1967 and enjoyed a productive, 48-year career with the company; she was also active in the Shelby County 4-H program and was instrumental in the success of its Mounted Drill Team; and WHEREAS, A devout Christian who practiced her faith in her daily life, she was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Center, where she served as a teacher in the Children's Ministry for more than 40 years; and WHEREAS, She was a strong woman who was noted for her compassion, loyalty, and wisdom; she gave unselfishly to others, and her kindness and generous spirit will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to share in her life; and WHEREAS, She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and she leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by her family and many friends; now, therefore, be it PROCLAIMED, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dolores Ann Walker; and, be it further PROCLAIMED, That a copy of this Proclamation be prepared for her family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate.

The proclamation was signed by Senator Robert Nichols and certified by Secretary of the Senate Patsy Spaw.