Shelby County Today

09/19/2025

Tina McCoy, 55, of San Augustine, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2025, in Beaumont.

Visitation will be held from 2pm to 4pm, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Born June 2, 1970, in Pasadena, Tina is the daughter of Rex Fancher and Tommie Wimberly Hennigan. She loved sitting outside and spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Tina was known as Nanny and Mama T to everyone.

She is survived by:

Children:
Kristen Shelby McCoy of Beaumont
Steven Bryan McCoy and wife Heather of Center
Amanda and husband Jeff Myers of Joaquin

Grandchildren,: 
Remington McCoy
Kallie Jo McCoy
Presliee Knight
Tuff Ryder McCoy
Noah Myers
Makenna Myers

Father, Rex Fancher

Brothers:
James Duane Fancher
Rex Michael Fancher
Marty Fancher

Sister, Leanna Strong

Preceded in death by her mother, Tommie Hennigan

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

09/16/2025

Toni Kathleen Steele, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt and dear friend passed away on September 9, 2025.

Mom was born on October 8, 1947 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, adopted by Monroe Power and Jessie (McKinley) Power. She grew up in Arkansas, moving to Brownsville, Texas as an adult, where she met and married Jimmy Steele. In 1980, they moved to Center, Texas where she raised her sons, Anthony and Andrew. She often welcomed her sons' friends, cooked her famous Mexican casserole for them and treated them like family. Mom worked with Dad as a bookkeeper in their accounting practice, and spent many hours on their family farm. Upon their retirement, Mom and Dad made their home in Athens, Texas.

Mom served faithfully in the church throughout her life and was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Athens, Texas. She loved to serve others, and even in her final weeks, she would bring treats to the local Athens fire station after church. She always joked that she didn't mind stopping by each week because they were "nice to look at." Her sense of humor kept us chuckling quite a bit.

Mom was a born caregiver and lived most of her days caring for others in countless ways. She wanted others to feel loved and valued so she made that a priority in her life. She also hand-made a custom quilt for each new baby born into our whole extended family and for every couple to celebrate their marriage. Dozens of family members experienced her love through these hand stitched quilts they received from her. We will cherish these always.

Mom enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, and reading until far too late at night. If she was in the middle of a good book, chances are, she was going to finish it by morning. She also loved Star Trek and had watched and rewatched nearly every Star Trek show and movie made.

She and Dad got bit by the genealogy bug after they retired, capturing as much as possible of our family's genealogy. They created extensive records from hundreds of years back, and they helped friends doing research of their own. She would often speak about digging up information on the "inlaws and outlaws" in our family tree and loved solving mysteries about our ancestors.

Later in life, Mom got to travel twice to her beloved Scotland. She had never flown in her life until 2019, when she decided to visit Scotland for the first time. Her first flight would take her halfway around the world, and when she returned, she shared with everyone all the pictures she took, especially the hundreds of pictures of rocks and sheep. She made us promise to one day take a trip to see this land she adored. We are going to do our best to fulfill that.

Our Mom also liked to talk. It would be hard to find someone who liked to talk more than her. Often she would share a story with you multiple times, even if you reminded her that you'd heard it once or twice before! We now know these stories backwards and forwards and can continue to share them.

Mom loved all kinds of animals and spent countless hours with Anthony and Becky at their ranch, where she got to "love on" their animals, feed donkeys and horses, rave about Becky's cooking, and drink the occasional margarita. She held a special place in her heart for her dogs, Penny and Max. She also loved her grandkids and tried to keep up with their busy lives, see their games or shows, and celebrate their milestones. She loved to throw a history or genealogy lesson at them too when she could sneak it in. One day at a family dinner at Cotton Patch, she gave each of them a copy of the same history book, made them turn to a certain page and read it out loud, right there in the restaurant. These are precious memories we hold dear.

Mom was a strong woman who loved living independently and taking care of herself. If you became friends with her, you became friends with her for life. She will be deeply missed by us and many others.

Toni is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy L. Steele; her sister, Billie Bobbie Wheeler; brother, Mike Carter; sister-in-law, Doris Steele; brother-in-law, Donald Steele; and nephews Patrick Conly and Tim Conly.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Anthony Steele and wife Becky Meehan
Andrew Steele and wife Tricia

Grandchildren:
Jack and wife Taylor
Jenna
Jason
Jessie

Sisters-in-law:
Dolores Schaefer
Donnie Carter

Nephew, Mike Sullivan

Many other beloved nieces and nephews; and her sweet dog, Max.

Service was held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 2pm at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3606 FM 753, Athens, TX 75751. Final interment will take place at Athens Cemetery in Athens, Texas.

Huckabee-Tomlinson Funeral Home

09/16/2025

Patricia Perrin, 71, of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, passed away Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Her wishes were to be cremated, and a private family memorial will be held later.

Born January 19, 1954, in Zwolle, Louisiana, Patricia is the daughter of Bowden Nix and Jessie Scarber Nix.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Pamela and husband Michael Kelley of Dallas

Son, Benjamin Smith and wife Jill of Huxley

Grandchildren:
Bianca Kelley
Maia Kelley
Tiara Kelley
Jacob Smith
Trey Smith

Sisters:
Stella Beatriz of Houston
Rie and husband Tano Beatriz of Joaquin

Special friend, Linda Shaw

Preceded in death by husband, Raymond Perrin; parents, Bowden Nix and Jessie Scarber Nix; brother, Kenneth Nix; and brother-in-law, Jose Beatriz.

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

09/15/2025

Lunsford Allen Danley, 77, of Houston, Texas, passed away August 24, 2025. He was born in Center, Texas, on May 17, 1948.

Allen honorably served in the United States Army as a Specialist Four (SP4). He entered active duty in 1969 and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, before serving overseas in Vietnam. His service was marked by bravery and dedication, earning him numerous medals and honors, including the Air Medal with “V” Device for valor, the Bronze Star Medal, the Army 

Commendation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. For his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, two Overseas Service Bars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He also earned the Aircraft Crewman’s Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Expert Marksmanship qualifications with both the M-14 rifle and the .45 caliber pistol. Allen’s honorable service reflected his courage, skill, and commitment to his country.

He is survived by: 
Wife, Gloria A. Danley, of 45 years

Loving daughters:
Christina Ann Danley, and her husband, Patrick Connolly
Jennifer Eyvonne Danley, and her husband, Jesse Rodriguez

He was a proud Pawpaw to: 
Jonathan Allen Rodriguez
Ethan Michael Rodriguez
Caroline Eyvonne Connolly
Rosie Eloise Connolly

They brought him great joy and filled his life with love and laughter.

He is also survived by his sisters:
Janet Watson
Cathy Adams

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Allen lived life with a love for the simple joys that brought him peace and happiness. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, where he felt most at home. At the end of the day, he could often be found having a dip while watching the Houston Astros and westerns on television, sipping a Coca-Cola, or sneaking in a late-night snack. Known for his strong hugs and loud, infectious laugh, Allen had a way of making those around him feel loved and welcomed. He wore his U.S. Army Vietnam Veterans cap with pride, a daily reminder of his service and sacrifice. His presence, warmth, and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Visitation and Rosary was held at the American Heritage Funeral Home, located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77038. The visitation occurred on September 8, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on September 9, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

A funeral service was conducted at the same location on September 9, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The committal service took place at the Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas, 77038, on September 9, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

09/12/2025

Jim Hooper, February 18, 1943 – September 11, 2025

The Lord took home a good cowboy on September 11th, and his name was Jim Hooper.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Haslam with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Bro. Jody Hooper, Bro. Michael Mynes, and Roland Jackson will officiate. Interment will follow at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley.

Jim was born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on February 18, 1943, to Arnold and Annie Sue Hooper. He was raised alongside his brother, Joe, on the Bar H Ranch in Joaquin, Texas — a place that shaped the man he would become.

While attending Joaquin High School, Jim had no idea that his heart would one day be won by a girl from across the river at their rival school, Logansport High. That girl was June. They dated for five years and married on May 1, 1965. This year, they celebrated 60 years of a life well-lived and well-loved together.

Jim was rarely seen without his signature cowboy hat and lived by the motto he chose for his high school yearbook: “I don’t want to set the world on fire, but just put a spark in everyone’s heart.” And that, he surely did.

He was an entrepreneur in the truest sense. Jim wore many hats over the years — welder, chicken and cattle farmer, timberman, oil and gas investor, and business owner. But if you ever asked him what he did for a living, he’d humbly tell you, “I’m a farmer.”

He is survived by:
Devoted wife, June

Son, Wade

Daughter-in-law, Katie

Brother, Joe

Beloved grandchildren: 
Cole
Sofia

He also leaves behind nieces Jennifer Peters and Andrea Tatum, nephews Jody and Josh Hooper, and a host of extended family and friends who simply called him “Uncle Jim.”

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Sue Hooper.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Dialysis Clinic in Center, Texas, for their dedicated care, and to the compassionate team at Lifepath Hospice — Allison, Samantha, Lisa, Eileen, and Noli — for walking alongside them during this difficult time. A very special thank you is given to Heidi Ellis, whose loving care and presence meant the world to both Jim and June.

Good work, Jim Hooper, good work!

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

09/12/2025

Judy Beth Lily Permenter, 77, of Timpson, Texas, passed peacefully at home on September 10, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born September 24, 1947, in Nacogdoches, she was the cherished daughter of Lacie and Leola Lilly.

A proud 1965 graduate of Timpson High School, Judy went on to complete her studies at Nacogdoches Business School before beginning what would become a lifelong career with Tyson Foods. For 44 years, she poured her dedication and work ethic into her role there, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues until her retirement.

Outside of work, Judy found joy in life’s simple but meaningful pleasures. She had a gift for gardening and loved filling her home and yard with colorful flowers. She was a talented seamstress who enjoyed sewing, cross-stitch, and crochet, often creating pieces that reflected her creativity and care. Judy also treasured the friendships she made as a member of the Tenaha Sewing Club and The Order of the Eastern Star.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, Judy not only attended faithfully but gave of her time generously—whether volunteering at the local food bank, helping at the polls, or serving at church events. Her quiet strength, kindness, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Judy’s greatest joy, however, was her family.

She leaves behind:
Two loving daughters who meant the world to her:
Amanda Spradlin of Alma, Arkansas
Genna Smith, and her husband, Billy of Sumiton, Alabama

She was a loving sister to Brenda Lilly Hillin of Timpson

A proud grandmother to her grandsons:
Hunter Comer of Alma, Arkansas
Kade Spradlin, both of Alma, Arkansas

She will also be remembered fondly by:
Niece, Stefanie Standard of Beckville

Nephew, Aaron Hillin, and his wife, Ashley of Timpson

Numerous great-grandchildren, a great-niece, 2 great-nephews and 2 great-great- nephews, and a wide circle of friends and church family who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lacie and Leola Lilly.

Judy’s strength and resilience were remarkable. Over the past 37 years, she faced cancer four times with unwavering courage and grace. To many, she was nothing short of a miracle—an inspiration whose faith carried her through even the hardest days. While her family and friends will miss her deeply, they find peace in knowing that her suffering has ended and that she is finally home.

A visitation will be held Friday, September 12, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 4 p.m. at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church. Flowers may be sent to Taylor Funeral Home, or memorial donations in Judy’s honor may be made to Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

09/11/2025

Kelly Allen Grubbs, 75, of Pasadena, Texas, passed away on September 10, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Pasadena, Texas. Born on February 10, 1950, in Center, Texas, to Richard Grubbs Sr. and Tommye (Duke) Grubbs. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 12PM – 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. 

Kelly grew up in Center, Texas. He graduated from Center High School Class of 1968. He was proud to have been part of the Center Roughrider football team during his high school years. He was one of seven children. 

He is survived by:
Brothers:
Gary Grubbs
Paul Grubbs
Richard Grubbs Jr.
Fred Grubbs

Sisters:
Joy Austin and husband James
Tammy Grubbs Malek and husband Cliff

Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family that will miss him. 

Kelly is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Tommye Grubbs; grandparents, Fred Ashford and Alice Grubbs, Paul and Nina Mae Duke; and two aunts.  

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and entire staff at Texas Care & Independent Living Group Home, LBJ Hospital, and Houston Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Kelly over the past weeks, months, and years. Your dedication and support have meant so much during this time.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

09/09/2025

Bobbie Jane Childress, 81, of Joaquin, passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 6pm to 8pm, Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2pm, Friday, September 12, 2025, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Paul Silvey and Bro. Dean Register officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana.

Born September 4, 1944, in Logansport, Louisiana, Bobbie is the daughter of Ollie Lee Odis Morris and Hazel Barlow Morris. She attended Logansport High School where she played basketball for the Lady Tigers. After high school she met and married Johnny Ray Laffitte and had a daughter, Tammy. After a tragic loss of her husband, she later met and married Don Childress of Joaquin and they added a son, Dennis, to the family. She has lived in Joaquin on the family farm for the past 58 years.

Bobbie had many jobs in her lifetime from business to teaching to church directory sales. For the last 20+ years she has been one of the Directors of God’s Food Pantry in Logansport helping serve over 150 people each month. She was also  a proud member of the Logansport Friends of the Library and was always ready to help with many activities in the community.

For the first 75 years of her life, she attended and served Bethel United Methodist Church in Logansport, where she proudly raised her family. In the last 5 years she became a loving part of Joaquin First Baptist Church where she was well known for her “famous peach cobbler” and recently the winner of the church chili cook-off!! Needless to say, her food was always a huge part of many church and family gatherings.

Her biggest legacy would be the Love and Compassion she had for her family. From attending rodeos to football games, twirling events and any other activities the grandchildren were involved in. Most recently this also included her great granddaughter.

Our mother, mamaw and great mamaw will be deeply missed but the comfort of knowing her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is by her side gives us all comfort. 

She is survived by:

Daughter, Tammy and husband Jimmy Hamilton of Joaquin

Son, Dennis Childress and wife Shawnia of Center

Grandchildren:
Cody Hamilton and wife Cassidy of Joaquin
Colby Hamilton and Alexis of Joaquin
Bobbie Sue and husband Dalton Shaw of Keatchie, Louisiana

Great-grandchildren:
Hadley Claire Hamilton
Garrett Wade Shaw
Baby Girl Shaw (on the way)

Sister, Marguerite Honick of Ponca City, Oklahoma

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by her husband, Don Childress; husband, Johnny Ray Laffitte; parents, Odis and Hazel Morris; brother, Johnny Marvin Morris; sister, Mary Helen Roberts; and brothers-in-law, Clifford Honick and Richard Roberts.

Pallbearers will be Cody Hamilton, Colby Hamilton, Dalton Shaw, Shawn Murray, Luke Murray, and Chase Kelly. Honorary pallbearers will be William Roe and Tommy McMellon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to God’s Food Pantry, PO Box 763, Logansport, Louisiana 71049.

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

08/31/2025

Larry Shannon Matthews, 84, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025, in Nacogdoches, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on November 18, 1940, in Livingston, Texas, to the late Ben J. Matthews and Mary Ann Wainwright.

Visitation will be held from 1pm - 2pm on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas. Funeral service will begin at 2pm at Mangum Funeral Home, in Center, with Bro. Rusty Hall, Bro. Chris Collins, and Bro. Levi Willoughby officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery.

Larry graduated from Shelbyville High School, then he attended Stephen F. Austin. He married the love of his life Judy Martin Matthews in December 29, 1961. She was his one true love, and they devoted their lives to each other for 63 years. They had two children together, Shani and Matt. He knew they were blessings from above and he thanked God for them daily.

He had lots of different jobs along the way. The one that meant the most to him was being a fishing guide on Toledo Bend Lake for 16 years. He then worked for Southwest Outdoor Sales as a sales representative for Shimano fishing products. Later in life he retired working in the oilfield.

He loved his community and gave back to it every chance possible. He was one of the charter members of the Shelby County Bass Anglers, he was also a Shriner. He was a Master Mason at Sam Houston Lodge #32 in Shelbyville, TX. He also served as a council man for the City of Huxley for 30+ years.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, and great-grandpa and took so much pride in those roles. The most important thing in his life was his relationship with God. He made sure he paved the road for his children to know about God. There will never be another husband, dad, papaw, or Ol’ Salt like him. He left a legacy, and we were blessed as a family to be loved by him. Rejoice in Heaven and go find you a fishing hole! You’ll be forever missed. 

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Judy Matthews

Son, Matt Matthews and wife Stephanie

Daughter, Shani Oswalt and husband Kevin

Grandchildren:
Zach Oswalt
Chasity Willoughby and husband Levi
Rachel Upchurch
Ty and Sierra Matthews

Great-Grandchildren:
Elly Willoughby
Tillie Willoughby
Masie Matthews
Tripp Matthews
Kimber Oswalt

Larry is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Mary Matthews; and father and mother-in-law, Doc and Gay Martin.

Pallbearers serving will be Joey Dyess, Brad Hughes, Bryant Sanford, Brad Sanford, Jody Fancher, David Koonce, David Lindsey, Vic Cooper, Gary McDonald, and Shane Murphy. Honorary pallbearers will be James Jarod, Kevin White, David Graves, Craig Hendricks, Ron Hendricks, and Jason Wells.

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