Shelby County Today

10/15/2026

Jimmie Corita Lovell, 87, of Logansport, Louisiana, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Logansport, Louisiana.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Bro. Joe Walker will officiate.

Born March 20, 1939, in Tenaha, Jimmie is the daughter of Rita and Preston Conway. She was a loving mother, a cherished friend, and a devoted grandmother. There was never a dull moment around Jimmie. She was a go-getter with a passion for life- a true trailblazer. She had a special place in her heart for all animals, especially her beloved horses which brought her so much joy. Her love and friendship touched the lives of those around her, and her beautiful heart will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Left to cherish her memory:

Daughter, Angela and husband Donny Burton

Son, Ted Lovell and wife Karen Gardner

Grandchildren:
Chant Clark and wife Nichole
Chelle and husband Bob Mooney
Joey Burton
Dustin Burton and wife Amy
Sage Lovell and wife Raylynn

Twenty-three great great-grandchildren

Sister, Sara and husband C.M. Nutt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Tony Lovell; daughter, Pam Strong; parents, Rita and Preston Conway; three brothers; three sisters; and stepson, Don Lovell.

Pallbearers will be Luke Mooney, Dustin Burton, Chant Clark, Joey Burton, Cole Clark, and Bo Mooney.

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

10/15/2026

On October 5, 2026, Gwendlyon Lee Allen quietly left this earthly life at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, Louisiana, surrounded by people who loved him. While our hearts are broken by his absence, we gather not only to mourn his passing, but to celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the countless lives he touched.

Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Triumph the Church & Kingdom of God in Christ, 908 Daniels Street, Center, Texas. Visitation is from 10am until 6pm on Friday, October 16, 2026 at Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

There are some people who come into this world and simply occupy a place in it. And then there are people who leave a mark. Gwendlyon Lee Allen was one of those people. To some, he was Gwen. To others, he was Melon, Big 'Un, Big Daddy, Big Gwen, Big Indy, GL, Paw, PawPaw, or Daddy. But no matter what name you called him, one thing remained the same: you knew who Gwen was. He was a tremendous man. He was strong. He was funny. He was opinionated. He was loving. He was protective. He was dependable. He was a man who stood on what he believed and was not afraid to speak up when something wasn't tight. And he was, without question, a family man.

A Name Meant to Be His
Gwen was born on August 29, 1946, to Raymond Allen, Sr. and Lou Roxie Allen. His name carries a story that 1s almost as memorable as the man who carried it. His mother wanted a little girl so badly that she had already chosen the name Gwendlyon. But when that beautiful baby boy arrived, she loved him so much that she decided to keep the name she had chosen and simply added Lee. And that was how Gwendlyon Lee came to be. Now, some men might have spent their lives trying to explain away a name like that. Not Gwen. Gwen wore his name like a crown. He carried "Gwendlyon Lee" with pride, confidence, and pleasure. He didn't shrink from it. He didn't apologize for it. He made it his own. And somehow, it fit him perfectly. Because there was never going to be another Gwendlyon Lee Allen.

The Boy Who Became the Man
Gwen attended C.H. Daniels School and graduated Salutatorian of the Class of 1965. He was intelligent, determined, and capable-but if you knew Gwen, you also knew that books weren't the only place where he could shine. He could play some basketball. In fact, he was good enough that the crowd had a cheer just for him: "IF you want to see some jive, give the ball to 35!" Think about that for a moment. A whole cheer. Just for Gwen. That story says something about the young man he was. He was talented. He was confident. He was memorable and apparently, when that ball was in his hands, everybody knew something was about to happen.

A Life of Service
After graduating from high school, Gwen answered another call. On October 21, 1966, he joined the United States Army. For three years, four months, and twenty-two days, he served his country. When his service was complete, he received an honorable discharge. But service was never something Given left behind when he left the military. It followed him into the rest of his life. After the Army, he worked for Holly Farms, now known as Tyson. There, he became known as someone who believed people deserved to be treated fairy and equally. If Owen believed something wasn't right, he was not the man who would simply sir quietly and watch. He would speak up. He believed in fairness. He believed in equal justice. And he was willing to stand for other people Lat-er, Gwen became a truck driver, working hard to provide for his family. He drove for years until retirement. That was Gwen. He worked. He provided. He persevered. He did what he needed to do for the people he loved.

But His Greatest Work Was Loving His Family
If you really want to understand Gwen, you don't have to start with his job. You don't have to start with basketball. You don't even have to start with the Army. Start with his family. Because that is where Gwen's heart lived absolutely, undeniably loved his family. He loved being a father. He loved being a grandfather. He loved being PawPaw. He loved being a brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. And for those who were blessed to be loved by him, you knew it. Maybe he didn't always say everything in the way someone else might have said it, Maybe some times his love came wrapped in humor, advice, teasing, a strong opinion, or simply showing up. But it was there Gwen loved his people, And his people knew it.

The Things That Made Gwen, Gwen
Gwen was a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved sports. Gwen was an AVID domino player and loved to play the game. He loved watching YouTube cooking channels. He loved conversation. He loved his family. And he had a personality that could fill a room. There will be memories that make you cry. There will be memories that make you laugh. And there will be memories that somehow do both at the same time. Someone will tell a Gwen story years from now, and before they even finish it, somebody will smile and say, "Yep. That sounds just like Given." That is how we know a person has truly left a legacy. Because the stories don't end when the person does. They keep being told.

Faith at the End of His Journey
Gwen joined Lilly of the Valley Church of God in Christ at an early age. During his final hospital stay, the Lord placed something deeply personal on the heart of his sister, Brenda to walk with Gwen through the steps tor ward salvation. Those moments became precious. In the midst of uncertainty, there was comfort. In the midst of fear, there was faith. And in the midst of saying goodbye, there was the peace that comes from knowing that God was there. That is something the family will carry with them. Because although we would have wanted more time, more conversations, more laughs, more stories, and more ordinary days with Gwen, we can take comfort in believing that his suffering is over and that he has found peace.

A Family That Will Carry Him Forward
Gwen was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlene Clark; parents, Raymond Allen, Sr. and Lou Rosie Allen; paternal grandmother, Early McCowin; sisters, Lou E. Allen and Margaret Allen; son, Michael Mann and daughter, Tina Jacobs. But the story doesn't end there.

Gwen leaves behind a family that will carry pieces of him wherever they go.

Children:
Barris I. Allen (Linda) of Livermore, California
Fredreka M. Buckley (Terry) of Center
Dennis Mann of Center
LaTonia Mann of Center
Jeffrey Chumbley (Julie) of Hudson, Texas
Pamela McCowan of Center
Turkessa Daniels (Adrian) of Longview

Grandson, whom he raised as his son, Demarious Mann (Carnisha) of Center

Siblings:
Raymond Allen, Jr. (Mary) of Missouri City, Texas
Garland J. Allen of Center
Johnny L. Allen (Lauren) of Rochester, Minnesota
Delories J. Johnson of Center
Kenneth R. Allen (Fay) of Shelbyville
Brenda Allen of Center

Grandchildren who were so precious to him:
Marissa Allen and Jalen Allen of Vallejo, California
Amerie Allen and Amelia Allen of Livermore, CA
Rhaelyn Pitts of Center
Lena Whiteside of Center
Erica Miles of Houston
Joshua Jacobs of Shelbyville
Dachea Chumbley of Waxahachie, Texas
Amari Daniels of Longview
Gabriel Buckley of Center
Terrance Cartwright of Center
Jarcamary Smith of Center

Special God-daughter, Yolonda D. Neal (Steven), and her daughters, Tanesha Rogers and Kearri Lane, all of Center

Great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

And among the people who shared a particularly special bond with Gwen was his cousin Milton McClelland of Houston, Teras more than a cousin, but someone who was as close to him as a brother. He also leaves his brother-in-law, Charles Mann of San Diego, California.

And there is another relationship that says so much about Gwen's heart. His first wife, Patsy Handy, Barris' mother, remained a close friend even after their marriage ended. They maintained a strong co-parenting relationship and continued to support one another. That kind of relationship doesn't happen by accident. It takes maturity. It takes forgiveness. It takes love. And it says something beautiful about the man Gwen became.

To His Brothers and Sisters
For Gwen's siblings, there is a particular kind of pain that comes with losing a brother. You don't simply lose the man he became. You lose the boy you grew up with. You lose childhood memories. You lose shared experiences that nobody else can completely understand. You lose the person who remembers things about your family that only the two of you remember. And while that grief is real, so is gratitude. Gratitude that God allowed them to have Gwen. Gratitude for the years. Gratitude for the memories. Gratitude for the laughter. Gratitude for every argument, every story, every family gathering, every phone call, every moment that seemed ordinary at the an but now feels priceless. So although his siblings mourn him deeply, they can also say: "We are grateful that he fours!

Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/14/2026

Kathy Annette Kay, 69, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Shelbyville.

Memorial graveside service will be held at 3pm, Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Spann’s Chapel Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born May 23, 1957, in Center, Kathy is the daughter of James Howard Buckner and Claudine Gunnels Buckner. She was a secretary and great homemaker.

She is survived by:

Husband, Chuck Kay of Shelbyville

Sisters:
Jennie Clark of Neuville
Jamie Buckner of Neuville

Numerous other family members and friends

A special thanks to family and friends for food and prayers in her time of need. Thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice and staff which made a hard time a little better. God bless you all, Kathy Kay Family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Spann’s Chapel Cemetery Fund.

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

10/13/2026

Catherine Goodwin Reed (80) of Center, Texas.  Mrs. Reed died on October 10, 2026, at local nursing facility.  Mrs. Catherine Goodwin Reed was born on January 5, 1946, to the late LZ Goodwin and Beatrice Daniels.

Funeral services for Mrs. Reed will be Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 11am at Abundant Love Ministries located 1426 Shelbyville Street Center, Texas. Pastor Marlin Cloudy Sr. eulogist.

Visitation: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 10am to 6pm.

Committal: Westview Cemetery Center, Texas

Repass: Open Door Worship Center 900 Cotton Ford Rd Center, Texas 75935

Mrs. Catherine Goodwin Reed is survived by:

Son: Alvin Davis and wife Vanessa of Center, Texas

Daughters:
Yolanda Neal and husband Steven of Center, Texas
DeKedria Gillespie and husband Derek of Dallas, Texas

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren:
Tanesha Rogers, special granddaughter whom she raised
Cavan Slaughter (Davonne)
Anthony Davis (Vae’Eshia)
Kearri Lane (Carmayne)
Katherine Davis
Jerome Davis (Lisa)
Daijah Brown; Dekedrick Brown
Serenity Robbins.

She also leaves precious memories with her great-grandchildren:
Jayden,
JaKalen
Jaydah
Jordyn
Olivia
Zuri
Zeven
Olyssa
JaKylan
Jakhari
Teyano
Taneysia
Tahli
Torvin
Ty

A host of niece, and nephews.

Siblings:
Rosie Goodwin Stevenson
Claira Mae Goodwin Johnson
Horcey Lee Goodwin-Hawkins
Lenard Earl Goodwin (Wilda)

Special Friends:
Wilma Fountain -Mock
Ruby “Sally” Wilson 

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 

10/12/2026

Bobby Glynn Holloway, 85, of Center, passed away Monday, October 12, 2026, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm, Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10am, Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Born May 4, 1941, in Shelby County, Bobby is the son of Roy C. Holloway and Virgie Bowlin Holloway.

He is survived by:

Children:
Steve Holloway and wife Bre of Joaquin
Brandi and husband Wade Watson of Nacogdoches
Angela Clark of Center
Mitchell Holloway and wife Kathy of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Leigh Anne Cartwright
Jessica Moton
Jessi Webb
Jamie Carroll
Justin Carroll
Shanai Fincher
Kelsey Bartley
Hallee Holloway
Steve Holloway Jr.
Chastity Wilkins

Numerous great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by daughter, Sonya Holloway Fincher; parents, Roy C. Holloway and Virgie Bowlin Holloway; and brothers, Herman Holloway and Roy Holloway.

Pallbearers will be Steve Holloway, Steve Holloway Jr., Jamie Carroll, Justin Carroll, Daniel Holloway, and Mitchell Holloway. Honorary pallbearers will be James Holloway, Kirk Holloway, Jerrod Holloway, and Jeremy Holloway.

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

10/12/2026

Curtis Harrison, 83, of Port Neches, Texas, passed away at his residence on October 8, 2026. Born on March 18, 1943, in Shelby County, Texas to William Clinton and Lamerle Holt Harrison.

He was a 1961 graduate of Joaquin High School where he played football, but his fondest memories were of his classmates and his membership in the Joaquin Chapter of Future Farmers of America. He would often reference the importance his Agricultural Teacher Arnold Hooper had on his life. After graduation, Curtis attended The Lincoln Electric Company in Lincoln, Ohio where he earned his certificate in Inertarc Welding.

Upon returning home, Curtis moved to Jefferson County wherein he was hired by Levingston Shipbuilding in Orange as a welder helper. After he completed his apprenticeship, he entered into military service with the United States Army. During this period, he proposed to Linda McDonald by way of a ship to shore service. They would later marry in 1966 on his birthday beginning their 60-year adventure having never forgotten their anniversary. Upon his discharge from the Army, Curtis returned to work at Levingston Shipbuilding in the welding department. He was a member of the erection crew traveling to Scotland, England, and Australia. Curtis was promoted to welding supervisor and later to the Quality Assurance Department as a supervisor before he was sent to the Far East Levingston facility in Singapore as a welding supervisor. He would later become an outfitter supervisor then the program manager for the bulker program wherein the Star of Texas, the Pride of Texas and the Spirit of Texas were built. Upon Levingston closing in 1985, Curtis joined the newly established Texas Drydock Inc. wherein he remained through company changes and ended his career as the yard manager of Signal International (Orange Facility) in 2010. He loved talking about his employment adventures of building ships and drilling rigs, but most of all the friendships he built along the way.

Beyond his work, Curtis was a man of many passions, including his love for history, avid reading, and a particular fondness for westerns. He was a member of Port Neches Lions Club since October 1974 and was a supporter of the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville. He was not shy about his unwavering support for PNGISD academics and athletics. Curtis was a member of the First Methodist Church of Port Neches and in earlier years with the former FUMC, he shared his faith by teaching Sunday School and served on various committees. At home, Curtis loved landscaping his yard and had a fondness for rose gardens. He was most excited to transform his yard into a festive Christmas wonderland during December with his Santa and snowman blowmold collection. He was a keen collector of antiques and enjoyed grilling outdoors, often sharing these moments with loved ones.

Above all, Curtis cherished his family. He supported Linda in her 30-year career as a teacher with PNGISD often helping her prepare her classroom each year or building a project she needed. His support for education continued after her retirement, as he became a member of the Mid-Jefferson County Retired School Personnel. While Curtis spent many hours each day at work, he always made time for his children. Whether being a cub pack leader, attending scouting activities, traveling for dance competitions, attending sporting events or school presentations, Curtis was present and involved. This attention extended beyond his children to his grandchildren. He was very proud to tell others of having two granddaughters who are educators and a grandson who is actively serving in the US Army.

Curtis is survived by:

Beloved wife of 60 years, Linda Harrison

Son, Rodney Harrison and his wife, Janice

Daughter, Peggy Harrison

Adored grandchildren:
Kori Lunceford and her spouse, Greg
Tia Rossmann and her spouse, Mallory
Hunter Harrison

Precious great-grandchildren:
Marley Lunceford
Lillian Lunceford
Grady Lunceford

Sister, Gay Nell Harrison Mullican

Extended family members:
Kelly Harrison
Patti Small and husband Donnie 

Number of special friends who called him Uncle Wayne

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Clinton and Lamerle Holt Harrison.

The family extends their sincere appreciation to Dr. Kimberly Pitts and her Christus Family Practice team, along with the nurses and staff of Stonewood Hospice, for their exceptional care of Curtis and unwavering support to the family. A special thanks is extended to Janis Kuykendall for her outstanding daily care of Curtis and to his sister Gay Nell for always being there when needed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Port Neches Lions Club, c/o Penny Jaetzold, 2342 Merriman St, Port Neches, TX 77651.

A visitation for Curtis will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 1pm to 2pm at Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches, Texas, followed by a service at 2pm at the same location. A graveside service will take place at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas, immediately following the service.

Services are under the direction of Melancon Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches, Texas. Online condolences can be made at https://melanconlevingston.com.

10/10/2026

Faye Dickerson, age 91, of Pineland, Texas, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Legacies Care Center in Hemphill, Texas.

A Sabine County native, she was born December 11, 1934, to parents Mance and Gladys (Craddock) Herrington. After a few years living in other areas, Faye returned to her roots in Sabine County for the past several years. She had a great love for her family and friends.

Her survivors include:

Daughter, Terry Cassidy of Cheyenne, Wyoming

Sisters:
Jo Ann Forse of Pineland
Jeanette Harvey of Center

Granddaughter, Rebecca Martinez of Tallahassee, Florida

Great-grandchildren:
Mance Solovey and Reagan Martinez, both of Tallahassee
Ian Easley-Cates, Maggie Easley-Cates, Cora Easley-Cates, and Hudson Easley-Cates, all of Spokane Valley, Washington

Host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Ray Dickerson; parents, Mance and Gladys Herrington; sons, Randy Lee Cassidy and his wife, Leah, and Dennis Ray Cassidy; grandson, Bryan Ray Cassidy; granddaughter, Monica Lee Easley-Cates; her brother, Harvey Herrington; and sisters, Marguerite Schwartz, Colleen Beckcom, Dorothy Tatom, Rosie Taylor, and Joyce Dickerson.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11am Saturday, October 17, 2026, at First Pentecostal Church of San Augustine, located on Hwy. 96 North.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFH.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

10/08/2026

Martha Bell (Bohannon) Taylor, 85, of San Augustine, Texas, passed away on October 6, 2026, in San Augustine, Texas. She was born on January 8, 1941, in Shelby County, Texas, to the late Howard Clifford Bohannon and Mary Verna (Wilburn) Bohannon.

Honoring Martha’s wishes, cremation will take place, and the family will gather for a private burial at a later date.

Martha grew up in the Dreka Community before her family moved to Orange, Texas, where she attended and graduated from Starks High School. In 1959 she met the love of her life, Arthur Gale Taylor, and the two were married. Together, they raised two sons and shared many wonderful years before his passing in 2011, sharing over 52 years together. She spent many years working in various positions at Dupont (SRW) including process operator in the potable water plant, transportation, and before retiring, finishing her career in the research lab. She was a dedicated employee for over 25 years. Let us not forget to mention mom’s role at Terra Rossa Vinyard and Winery.

Martha was a devoted wife and mother whose family was at the center of her life. She treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and she found great joy in watching her family grow. She was a loving mother and grandmother who created countless cherished memories with those she loved.

Martha enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. She loved thrifting and going to flea markets, always enjoying the search for a special find. She also loved gardening and took pride in growing vegetables and canning them. She was a hardworking and resourceful woman who took pride in her home and the things she could make and preserve for her family.

Martha is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arthur Gale Taylor; her parents, Clifford and Verna Bohannon; and her brother, Kenneth Roy Bohannon.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Arthur Ray Taylor
Chester Howard Taylor

Grandchildren:
Brandy Rachell Taylor 
Corey Joseph Taylor

Great-grandchildren:
Trentyn Zacheriah Taylor
Connor Ray Taylor

Brother, Tony Bohannon

Nephew, Randy Bohannon

Nieces:
Paula Byers
Misti Bohannon

Best friend, chosen sister and cousins, Sondra Scarber
Keith, Lisa, Diana, and Wesley

Martha leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her hardworking spirit, her enjoyment of life's simple pleasures, and the many special memories she made with those she loved.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

10/06/2026

Ralph Simmons Jr. left this earth, peacefully, on Sunday, October 4th, surrounded by his children who loved him deeply. Ralph was born September 7th, 1951in Kansas City, Missouri. He is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Laura Angela Simmons, father George Ralph Simmons, mother, Jewell Ann Simmons, and daughter, Candace Simmons.

Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Folsom Chapel Cemetery.

Ralph, known as “Dink,” grew up in a small community, known as Graphic, where his family owned the “country store.” His love for his country, family, and horses began at a young age. Ralph graduated from Alma High School. After graduation, he joined the Navy where he served his country as a corpsman and where he played football. He continued his education and love of football at Memphis State. He, then, transferred to Texas Tech, where a saddle bronc riding, bar- fight loving cowboy, met the calm to his chaos, Laura Hornburg. He knew she would be the love of his life and so they married.

Later, he began to make his mark in the poultry industry. He, Laura, and their young family, eventually, made their way to Center, Texas. Center is where he led a long successful career in the poultry industry. That success included many accolades and leadership positions in the US poultry and Egg, Texas Broiler Council, as well as a seat at the Texas Animal Health Commission. Since retirement, he has been able to spend time fully enjoying the greatest love of his life, outside of God: his family. Whether it be cheering for grandkids at sporting events or watching westerns with his children, Ralph found joy in the simple things. After the emotional toll taken from losing his wife, Ralph relied heavily on his faith and family. He was a steadfast man who raised his children to do the same.

Although no broncs were “broken” or steers “punched,” Ralph was the epitome of the stoic cowboy. His legacy and lessons will live on for generations.

He is survived by:

Children:
Daughter, Stephanie Simmons Gutermuth and husband, Steven of Timpson
Daughter, Heather Stewart of Nacogdoches
Son, Jacob Simmons and wife Victoria of Lake Jackson, Texas

Grandchildren:
Colton Gutermuth and finance Rebecca Kalafatis
Taylor and Megan Gutermuth
Ashton and Avery Stewart
Eden, Kingston, and Ezra Ralph Simmons

Sisters:
Vickie Russel
Debbie Moody

Host of family and friends that will miss him, dearly.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

To send condolences or sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.