Shelby County Today

05/27/2026

Delbert Ray Cockrell, 91, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 22, 2026, in Center, Texas. He was born on December 1, 1934, in Panola County, Texas, to the late Milton F. Cockrell and Sudie Alice (Crawford) Cockrell. 

Per his request, anatomical donation has been made to further medical education and research and a memorial service will be announced at a later date. 

Delbert is survived by his son,
Bryan Cockrell and wife Deidra

Daughter,
Debra Lunsford and husband Mike

Nephew,
Johnny Cockrell and wife Debra

Sister,
LaMerle Whitney

Grandchildren,
Kelly Berry and husband Steven
Wendy Justus and husband Levi
Andy Cockrell and wife Bridget
Ben Cockrell and wife Grace

Great-Grandchildren,
Wesley Berry and wife Kaitlin
Hunter Berry and wife Chesnee
Lexi Williams and husband Lucas
Dylan Robbins and fiancé Lieza
Baylee Robbins
Kade Justus
Clay and Dusty Cockrell
Allison and Bryan Cockrell

Great-Great Grandchildren,
Sonni Berry
Dalton and Daliela Williams 
Monroe and Ella Berry 

Niece,
Pam Jones and husband David

Delbert is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Mosley Cockrell; parents, Milton F. “Dutch” Cockrell and Sudie Alice Cockrell; sister, Mildred Frankie Cockrell Brittain; brother, Charles Harvey Cockrell; nephew, Charles Ray Cockrell; and niece, Julie Brittain Harris. 

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

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

05/26/2026

Ray Dean Mena, 80 years old, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026, at his residence in Texarkana, Texas.

His wishes were to be cremated, and no services are planned due to family illnesses.

He was born March 27,1946 in Noble, Louisiana to Sidney Mena and Emma (Paddie) Mena. He was the 9th boy in a family of thirteen. In 1951, our family moved to Center, Texas on a farm with sandy dirt roads where grass stickers grew everywhere. As a young boy, Ray roamed and ran in the fields and woods. He would always say, “The grass-burrs would just wilt when they saw him running.”

Ray graduated in 1964 from Center High School where he was active in football, baseball, basketball, track and tennis. He was awarded the R.E. Malone Memorial Award, was on the Round Up staff and a member of the National Honor Society. He went to Stephen F. Austin University where he earned a BS degree and graduated in 1968.

He was accepted at Timpson High School in 1969 until 1977 to teach and coach Junior High football. He also was an assistant football coach and served as head track coach at the High School. He was very successful as the track coach. His 1973 team placed 3rd at State and his 1974 team won the State meet.

In 1978 Ray moved to Texarkana, Texas and successfully taught and helped to coach field and track at Texas High School. His 1982 team was runner-up at the 5A State track meet. Ray semi-retired in 2002 after 8 years’ service at Timpson High and 24 years at Texas High, but he continued part-time at Texas High for a while.

He was an avid sportsman which earned him lots of recognition, admiration respect and friendships. He watched every sport related show on TV and read every sports article. He knew all the teams and how they ranked. He favored the Texas Longhorns.

He loved his God and abundantly loved his family which was mutually reciprocated. He totally enjoyed our good home cooking and probably missed that most when he became homebound. We will truly miss him in ways that not even words can explain. We will always remember his loving personality, his contagious laughter, and the way he would humor us with his funny and outrageous stories. “Sometimes I wish I could rewind back to the old days and press pause… just for a little while.”

His survivors include:

Brother, Lynn Mena – Broaddus

Sisters:
Lucille Mena Jones – Lindale
Jean Mena Walker – Pineland
Margaret Mena Walters – Pineland

Special Mentions:
Jerry Campbell who was like a brother since childhood and stood by Ray during many obstacles in their lifetime. 
Billy Ray Kimbro who took Ray to all his doctor appointments and checked on him daily.
Audrey Cooper for her dedicated care after Ray’s heart surgery.
Ravi Sharma who hired him to work at his convenience store and became a very good friend and mentor. Ray would go to work at 4 a.m. to open the store and cook breakfast. Ray was so proud of himself for making the best biscuits in town. I was happy he learned to cook.
Markevin Jerome Thurston a former student/athlete who posted on-line that Ray was “the greatest Tiger Track coach of all time.” The post received 209 comments from former athletes sending us prayers and condolences which is much appreciated and honoring Ray by calling him one-of-a-kind Coach, the best of the best, that he was an “undercover comedian” who saw the good in others and his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and athletes he mentored.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Emma Mena; brothers, Monroe Mena, Andrew Mena, Sam Mena, Raymond Vance Mena, Virgle Mena, Eldon Mena, and OB Mena; sister, Thelma Faye Mena Bouchillon; brothers-in-law, Jesse Jones, Jerry Walker, Marshall Walters, and Larry Bouchillon; sisters-in-law, Jewel Mena, Ruth Mena, Frances Mena, Helen Mena, Jeanette Mena, Fran Mena, and Floreen Mena.

If you would like, please consider making a donation in Ray’s name to a charity of your choice.

05/26/2026

Sherry L. Smith, 82, of Nacogdoches, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, in Nacogdoches surrounded by loving family.

Graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate.

Born July 6, 1943, in Center, Sherry is the daughter of John Kemper Latham and Claribel Bryan Latham. Sherry was a devoted Christian, and her hobbies included fishing, cooking, crocheting, and attending hot rod events. Sherry provided childcare in her home for many years and was lovingly known as “Miss Sherry.”  

She is survived by:
Husband, Lynn Smith of Nacogdoches

Daughter, Stacey Lynn Smith of Temple

Brothers: 
John K. Latham and wife Phyllis of Bullard
Jack B. Latham of Show Low, Arizona

Sister, Lisa Latham and husband Claude Smith of Polebridge, Montana

Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends

Preceded in death by her parents, John Kemper Latham and Claribel Bryan Latham; sister, Lynda Latham Garza; half-sister, Suzanne Black; brother-in-law, Frank Garza; and sister-in-law, Johnnie Rae Stewart Latham.

Pallbearers will be Bonner Watson, Jay Garza, Nathan Ekhart, John Latham, Jack Latham, and Ferris Fain. Honorary pallbearers will be Buddy Hancock, Scotty Fleming, Bobby Watson, and Sammy Dance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

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

05/21/2026

Stephen Edward Moody, 65, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Graveside service will be held at 2pm, Friday, May 22, 2026, at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley with Bro. Buck Furlow officiating.

Born October 29, 1960, in Nacogdoches, Stephen is the son of Jeff Moody and Sandra Permenter Moody. His hobbies included fishing and music. Stephen will be remembered for his humor, contagious laugh, and the way he could make others feel welcomed and cared for. He was supportive, kind, steadfast, and dependable — the kind of person who always showed up when it mattered most. More than anything, he loved his family deeply, and that love was evident in every part of his life.

He is survived by:

Wife, Katherine Moody of Shreveport, Louisiana

Son, Tyler Edward Moody of Shreveport

Daughter, Lauren Moody Odom and husband Wesley of Shreveport

Parents, Jeff Moody and Sandra Permenter Moody of Shreveport

Sister, Melanie Moody of Shreveport

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of friends

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

05/20/2026

Michael D. Stephenson, 81, of Tenaha, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Nacogdoches. He was born on March 25, 1945, in Carthage, the son of Oran and Frances Stephenson.

Memorial services will be held at 2pm, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Taylor Funeral Home with Jack Runnels serving as Speaker. Visitation will be held immediately prior beginning at 1pm.

These days, hard working people who do things on their own and make a living doing it, are not easy to find. Michael Stephenson was just that. He worked hard for what he wanted. He raised his family, loved his children and grandchildren and did everything he could to pass on the family traditions and legacy that he built with his own hands.

Michael Stephenson life was filled with many notable moments, including the birth of his children and grandchildren, owning his own businesses, marrying his beloved Patsy later in his life and being able to take one last memorable trip in his trucks to Utah last year. He owned his own trucking company and was beyond excited for his son, Jack to be taking over the reins to continue the business that meant so much to him. Michael spent long and dedicated hours with his sons and grandsons in the shop and he never passed up a moment to teach them. He and Grant shared a love of horses and rodeo, and those days brought him great joy as well. Any other time he had was spent with Patsy as they lived to travel, visiting many cool places and enjoyed time in his Airstream.

When he wasn’t with family, he was with his tight group of friends. Their laughter and fun times came as they were sitting around playing cards or simply making the time go by telling stories and enjoying each other’s company. Michael was also known to show up to visit but never without his gift of Southern Maid donuts. He was also a devoted member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Carthage.

Michael is survived by:

Wife of over 30 years, Patsy Ruth Williams Stephenson

Sons:
Jack Stephenson and wife Crystal
Grant Stephenson and wife Lindsay

Daughter, Dana White

Grandchildren:
Blane Stephenson
Brady Stephenson
Josh Stephenson
Avery Malone
Caleb Fallin

Great-grandchildren:
Barrett Stephenson
Graham Malone
Mavrick Malone
Walker Fallin
Andi Fallin
Patrick Malone
Andrew Malone

Brother, Jerry Stephenson

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oran and Francis Stephenson.

Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

05/19/2026

Bo Alpha, 77 of Timpson, passed away on May 17, 2026, at his residence in Timpson. He was born September 9, 1948, in Houston to the late Erma Lucille (McCracken) Alpha and Adam F. Alpha.

Funeral services will be at 2:00pm on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, with Bro. Orval Miller officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00pm to 2:00pm on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Taylor Funeral Home. Burial will be at 11:00am on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble.

Bo graduated from Lee College as a machinist and used his skills in all aspects of life. He worked many years at Brown and Root alongside his brother, Frank. Later in life, he was a truck driver until his retirement in 1998.

Bo knew the love of his life, Charline, since they were kids and were happily married for over 45 years until her death in 2014. He deeply loved his wife, children, and his grandchildren were his world.

He is survived by:

Son, Bryan Alpha and wife, Dana

Daughter, Denise Burleson

Grandchildren:
Bryce and Billy Williams
Airiel and Heather Burleson

Beloved pets, Ginger and Sue.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Erma Lucille (McCracken) Alpha and Adam F. Alpha; brothers, Frank Alpha, Melvin (Jimmy) Alpha, and Henry Alpha; and sisters, Jeanette Longtine and Edna Alpha.

Serving as pallbearers will be Richard Longtine, James Longtine, Bruce Longtine, Duke Todd, Michael Sizemore, and Jared Cates.

Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

05/18/2026

Samuel “Bob” Skiles, Sr., 73, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Shelbyville.

Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure… You’re loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
Samuel Robert Skiles
September 1952 – May 2026
Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather

His wishes were to be cremated, and no services are planned.

Born September 30, 1952, in San Antonio, Bob is the son of Samuel A. Skiles and Juanita Milton Skiles.

He is survived by:

Wife, Gracie Skiles

Children:
Joseph Coffey
Cristy Coffey
Tracye Skiles
Samuel Skiles Jr.

Seven grandchildren

Two great-grandchildren

Sisters: Diane, Debbie, and Lisa

Preceded in death by his daughter, Samantha Skiles; parents, Samuel A. Skiles and Juanita Milton Skiles; and sister, Sharon.

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

05/15/2026

Marvies DeNette Garrett, a beautiful black baby girl was born on March 9, 1967, to loving parents, Minnon Garrett Jr. and Mary L. Reed. Ms. Nette Garrett accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at a young age and was baptized at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church by Rev. L.A. Thomas.

Memorial service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Abundant Love Ministries with Rev. Marlin Cloudy Sr. and Minister Cameron Cloudy officiating. 

Ms. Nette graduated from Center High School in 1985. Then went on to graduate from Texas A&M University. She worked at Tyson in the Human Resources Department. She was also a substitute school teacher at Carthage ISD. The job she like most was taking care of Brooks, she was his Nette Nette. 

Nette was preceded in death by her mother, Mary L. Reed; father, Minnon Garrett Jr.; brothers, Melvin Jackson and Eric Garrett; sister, Gloria Garrett; and nephew, Antonio Garrett. 

She is survived by:

Son, Anthony Riggans

Sisters:
Michelle Hubbard
Roslyn Land
Mary L. Garrett

Brothers:
Tony Garrett
Demetris Mosley

Uncle, Howard Ray Garrett and wife Mary

Aunts:
Ozell Garrett
Wanda Fay Miller and husband Charles

Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

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

05/14/2026

Brenda Barr, 80, of Longview, Texas, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, in Austin, after a long and courageous fight with Parkinsons Disease for nearly thirty years. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Our family is grateful to everyone who took the time over the years to care for her and watch over her. Your compassion, patience, and support will never be forgotten.

Graveside service will be held at 2pm, Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Folsom Chapel Cemetery, 4527 FM 2026, Center, Texas 75935. Pastor Kirk Mayo will officiate. Family and friends are welcome to join us as we honor and celebrate her life.

Brenda was born July 14, 1945, in Shelbyville, to Frank Sims and Maxine Edge Sims Miller.

She is survived by:

Son, Brett Letizia-Barr

Granddaughters: Charity Johnson and Trinity

Siblings:
Phyllis King
Ronnie Sims

Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Barr; parents, Frank Sims and Maxine Edge Sims Miller; siblings, Nelda Schilhab and Reito Sims; and brother-in-law, Bill Schilhab.

For those who would like to send flowers, they can be sent to Watson & Sons Funeral Home, 1554 State Highway 7 East, Center, Texas 75935.

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