Shelby County Today

10/28/2025

Mark Stephen Jolley Ivey, 74, of Crystal Beach, Texas, passed away Oct. 25, 2025, in Winnie, Texas.

A memorial service will be Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 1pm at Crystal Beach Community Church, 1825 TX-87, Crystal Beach, TX 77650. A private family graveside service will follow.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Riley, Jimmy Sims, Jimmie Martin, Mike Bird, Craig Watson, Jason Hartley, Bobby Daw, Don Merrimann, Will Crenshaw, and Adam O’Neill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry Nelson Jolley and Mary Louise Napier Jolley Ivey, his stepfather, Rev. L.E. Ivey, aunt and uncle, Wade and Grace Stephens Reno, and his beloved dog, Star.

He is survived by:

Wife of 35 years, Janet Carr Ivey of Crystal Beach

Children:
Ashley Ivey Rollo and husband, Miles, of Houston
Kyle Ivey and wife, Nena, of Nacogdoches
Jennifer Chionsini-Cortez and husband Marc, of Austin
Brandi Chionsini and husband, Scott Coleman, of Cedar Park

11 grandchildren:
Kate Newman and husband Michael
Hannah Mussillo
Dylan Guy
Cruz Ivey
Kross Ivey
Dominic Cortez
Madelyn Guy
Evelyn Cortez
Ardyn Ivey
Charley Rollo
Korie Rollo

Great-grandchildren, Kacey, Tripp, and Gus Newman

Brother, Scott Ivey of Fred, Texas

Sister, Jere Ivey Mitchell and husband Joe of Grapeland

Best friend of more than 50 years, Travis Riley

Many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mark was born on September 23, 1951, in Center, Texas, to Perry Nelson Jolley and Mary Louise Napier Jolley. He graduated from Central High School in Pollock, Texas, where he played basketball, track, and baseball. He attended college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, and Southern Methodist University School of Banking in Dallas.

He was in the banking industry for 40 years and retired in 2017 as president of Texas State Bank in East Texas. He was also president and CEO of Robbins Filter Pods & Rental, LLC and co-owner of Bob’s Pawn & Gun Shop, both in Center, Texas.

Mark was very active in civic and professional service organizations, including service as past president of the American Institute of Banking, past president of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Shelby County Economic Development Corporation and past president of the Shelby County Shrine Club. 

He also spent nine years on the Shrine Hospital for Children’s Board of Governors. Mark and his wife, Janet, were founding members of the Crystal Beach Community Church, where he also served on the board, and played guitar and sang with the praise team. He was also a board member of the Bolivar Peninsula Special Utility Department (SUD).

He loved music. He taught himself the guitar as a teenager and played for 60 years. He wrote his own songs and shared many of them with his church community.  He liked to fish, spend time with his family, and ride on the beach with his dog, Star.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Shrine Hospital for Children-Texas, 815 Market St., Galveston TX 77550-2725, or to the Crystal Beach Community Church, PO Box 1862, Crystal Beach, TX 77650, attention Mark Ivey memorial.

10/25/2025

Girtha B. Polley, 84, passed away on October 22, 2025, in Tyler, Texas. Born on December 18, 1940, in Center, Texas, to Aaron Polley and Lillie (V.) Polley.

Funeral services will be held at 1PM on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at East Liberty Baptist Church, Shelbyville, Texas, with Rev. Steve Stanley and Rev. Jeremy Moore officiating. Interment will follow at McWilliams Cemetery, FM 147, Shelbyville, Texas.

Girtha is a graduate of Gladewater High School. She played tennis while attending Gladewater High and also appeared in Ebony Magazine for being a star tennis player. Girtha was a devoted mother and grandmother.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Daughters:
Carmen M. Polley (Tomball, TX) Rosalind R. Moore and husband John Moore (Tyler, TX)

Sister, Dorothy Welcome (Trinity, TX)

Grandsons:
Brent D. High and wife Audrey (Fort Worth, TX) Derrick L. Scott (Texarkana)

Great-Grandchildren:
Renee M. High (Fort Worth, TX) Olivia E. High (Fort Worth, TX)

Nieces:
Amona Nash (Center, TX) Vanessa Chimney (Center, TX)

Nephews:
Rodney Randle (Katy, TX) LaKeith Jackson (Houston, TX)

Great-nephew, DeVonte Lewis (Tyler, TX)

Also a host of other relatives and friends.

Girtha is preceded in death by her parents, Aaron and Lillie Polley; husbands, Willie Floyd Brooks, Joe L. White; sisters, Lillie Mae Randle and Girtha Mae Jackson; nephew, Lester Lewis; and son, Brian Keith Brooks.

Pallbearers serving will be Arvis Moore, Brent High, Derrick Scott, Anthony Suell, Claudia Chimney, and Jeremy Moore.

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Garrett, Anthony Suell, Curtis High, and Charles Nash.

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

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

10/23/2025

Jerry Earl Handy, 74, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on February 17, 1951 to the late Joe Handy and Azzie Garner Handy in San Augustine, TX  

Visitation is from 10am until 6pm Friday, October 24, 2025 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Funeral service is 2pm Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church, 623 MLK Drive, Center, Texas with Pastor Anthony Jackson as Pastor and Eulogist. Interment is at St. Luke Cemetery.

Jerry was raised in the St. Luke Community by his aunt and uncle, the late I. V. and Viola Handy. He was a member of Lincoln High School, San Augustine, Texas, class of 1969.

Later, Jerry moved to Houston and then made his way back home to San Augustine with his uncle and aunt, the late Reverend Clovis Rodgers and Aunt Siscile Rodger. Afterwards, Jerry moved to Center, Texas where he currently resided. He retired from Tyson Foods after 35 years of service. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Jerry Earl Handy leaves to cherish his memories, Aunt: Siscile Handy Rodgers, San Augustine; Kids: Jeremy Sophus and Taderrica Sophus of Center; Grandkids: Kei'Ambrea Isaac, Za'Ryan Isaac, Aa'Lyiah Sophus, Ty'Kimberly Sophus, Shy'Ann Sophus, and Tre'Maine Sophus. Stafford Edwards and Kimberly Edwards of Alabama; Grandkids: Sierra Edwards, E'Lisa Edwards, Heaven Green, Blossom Green, Kween Evans, and Kyng Evans. Tamika Sophus and Lonnie Eastwood of Houston. Jerry E. Edwards Sr. of Houston; Grandkids: Jerry Earl Edwards Jr. and MiAngel Diana Edwards; Special friend: Irene Smith. Two Bonus sons: Jerome Ratcliff and Melton Garrett.

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/23/2025

Joyce Ann Cartwright, 89, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025. She was born May 17, 1936 to the late Moma Gee and Hudson. She was the youngest of three children. She is preceded in death by her sisters: Olivia Giddins and Helen Grisby.

Visitation is from 10am until 6pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Center. Funeral Service is 11am Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Shelbyville, with Bishop W.C. Martin officiating. Interment is at Bennett Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Joyce and William Cartwright were united in marriage 52 years before her husband William preceded her in death in 2009. To this union they had four boys in which three preceded her in death: Billy Cartwright, Willie Cartwright, and Robert Cartwright.

She was also preceded in death by a Brother-in-law, two Sister-in-laws, one Sister, three Nephews, one Niece and one God-mother.

She dedicated her life to Christ at an early age by joining

Bennett Chapel Baptist Church. She was a faithful member until her health begins to fell her, even then she would call for Dee to pick her up when she was feeling up to it. She loved her church and her church family.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Son, Randy Cartwright (Tomeika)

Grandchildren:
Pamela Stansberry
Tracey Cartwright
Monwell Booth
DaQarrus Davis
DeShonda Swindle
LaTosha McCollister
Ja'Rihanna Cartwright
Marcus Horton (Keanna)
Markesha Horton (Symyron)
Keldrick Williams (Jasmine)
Nicole Maxey
Josha Blanton
Ja'Mauri Cartwright

Great-Grandchildren:
Malik Cartwright (Tiara)
Landon Stansberry
Jadien Wilson
Aurbi Wilson
KaMarion Wilson
Symyron Robertson
Savion Robertson
Syiah Robertson
Kason Horton
Karson Osby
Kaden Horton
Sylo Griffith

Great-Great-Grandchild, Makari Cartwright

God-daughter, Diane Cartwright

A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and Friends. 

A host of other family members.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/22/2025

Kenneth Wayne Anderson, 88, of Center, Texas passed peacefully from this life on October 19, 2025. He was born on April 26, 1937, in Joaquin, Texas to the late George and Carrie Anderson.

In 1960, Kenneth married the love of his life, Anita Joanne Wrider, and together they built a beautiful life centered around hard work, family, and laughter. Kenneth supported his family as a barber, earning the trust of his customers who returned to bring their own sons and then their grandsons to his shop where Kenneth’s steady hand and jar of bubble gum were ever present. Once their children, Vicki and Wayne, entered school, Joanne attended barber school, so she could work by Kenneth’s side. Together, they opened their own shop in a rented space before eventually purchasing property and building their own business, where they worked hand in hand for many years.

At an age when many are welcoming great-grandchildren, Kenneth was delighted to become a grandfather. His eyes lit up and the sun shone brighter when he spent time with any of his three grandchildren. 

His life was filled with endearing contradictions. He had a booming laugh, yet was gentle and soft-spoken. He was a talented barber, who never needed a haircut. He was the most generous cheapskate who would do anything for his family. He was a man of faith who eschewed organized religion and felt closest to God outdoors, surrounded by nature and his animals. He was open and honest with his children, yet quietly protected them from the struggles that many families face. He loved horses and learned to love motorcycles so he could share his children’s passions.

Kenneth was preceded in death by Joanne, his beloved wife of 60 years, brother Lloyd and sister Jane Anderson.
He is survived by sisters Sharon Boulter and Sheila Hadley; sister-in-law Sylvia Anderson; daughter Vicki Anderson; son Wayne and wife Robie and grandchildren Bryan, Brooke and Brandon; and numerous nieces, nephews and others who loved him. 

Kenneth will be remembered for his steadfast integrity, his quiet strength, his humor, and his deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives he touched—one haircut, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home, 1554 TX-7 E, Center, TX 75935. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Charles Hadley, Kevin McSwain, Bruce Anderson, Allen Hogan, Bryan Anderson, and Brandon Anderson.

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

10/19/2025

Carroll Ray “Buddy” Miller, 72 of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his home in Joaquin.

Visitation will be on Monday October 20, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, TX. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson, TX. Bro. Levi Cohorst and Bro. Stu Lowe will officiate. Interment will follow at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery beside his beloved wife Ruth Miller.

Born March 19, 1953, in Center, TX, Ray is the son of Calvin Miller and Shorty and Anne Lowe. His nickname “Buddy” originated when he was brought home from the hospital and was held by his sister, Gerldine Miller Bridges, who affectionately called him her “little buddy”. The name stuck ever since. Ray was a graduate of Center High School, class of 1972. After graduation, he answered the call to serve his country in the U.S. Navy, serving 3 years active duty during the Vietnam War and 6 years U.S. Navy reserves. After being honorably discharged with commendations, Ray attended Panola College where he earned his associate’s degree in 1980.

During this time, Ray met the love of his life, Ruth. The couple was married on March 20, 1981, at the parsonage of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church and had a beautiful 38 years together, filled with love, joy, and laughter.

Once he graduated from college, Ray began working at Center Independent School District where he performed various jobs over his 45-year career, starting out as part of the janitorial staff before working in the transportation department as a bus driver. He thoroughly enjoyed his role as a bus driver and interacting with the students on his route, earning the admiration of those students as well as his co-workers. When he wasn’t working, Ray spent many joyful hours at the Center Senior Citizens Site visiting with his friends and playing 42.

Ray was a member of V.F.W. post 8904, where he made many friends with his fellow comrades. He also attended Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful and dedicated member for over 60 years.

Remaining to cherish Ray’s memory are:
Sister: Gereldine Miller Bridges of Joaquin, Texas

Children:
Sandra Chapman of Nacogdoches, Texas
Sheri Basham and Jessie of Tenaha, Texas

Grandchildren:
Courtney Martinez and husband Darrell of Tenaha, Texas
Jesse Basham of Austin, Texas

Great-grandchildren:
Caitlyn Candena and husband Hector of Center, Texas

Nieces and nephews:
Janice Hughes and husband Kevin of Joaquin, Texas
John Paul Sledge and wife Danyel of Joaquin, Texas

And a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Miller; father, Calvin Miller; mother, Anne Keith Lowe; dad, Shorty Lowe; and brother-in-law, Charles Towns.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.taylorfh.net

10/17/2025

Kriston (Kris) Curtis Eaves, 46, of Center, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10am. Bro. Steven Berry will officiate. Interment will follow at Buckner Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born November 28, 1978, Kris is the son of Curtis Eaves and Kathy Eaves Wilburn. Kris was saved at the age of nine and was a member of Spann’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Shelby County. He had a big heart and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He loved his family, especially his granddaughter, Jovie. She was the light of his life. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was employed as a conductor and engineer for BNSF Railroad, where he worked for twenty years. Kris was a handyman and enjoyed building things. He loved hunting.

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Madelyn Eaves
Chloe and husband Dylan Whittlesey

Granddaughter, Jovie Hudspeth

Father, Curtis Eaves

Mother, Kathy Eaves Wilburn

Sister, Misty and husband Brandon Fagan

Stepbrothers:
Jason Wilburn
Sean Wilburn

Nephews:
Patrick Fagan
Jake Fagan

Numerous other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his stepfather, William Glenn Wilburn; and grandparents, Ervin and Margaret Eaves, and Mary Poe and Dudley Cook.

Pallbearers will be Thomas Oliver, Michael Neal, Matthew Porter, Samuel Porter, Jon Porter, Brandon Fagan, Patrick Fagan, and Chris Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Jake Fagan and Joe Yarborough.

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

10/15/2025

Mary Russell Haley, aged 84, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025. Born in Lexington, Kentucky in 1941, Mary lived a life defined by compassion, intellect, and quiet strength.

She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas Christian University, where she cultivated a deep love for education and literacy. As a Professional Reading Specialist, Mary taught both high school and college students, inspiring generations with her belief in the transformative power of learning. Her students often described her classes as a mix of strong instruction liberally sprinkled with a dose of humor—a reflection of her ability to make learning both rigorous and joyful.

Beyond the classroom, Mary served as Executive Vice President of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, where she championed local businesses and community development with vision and grace.

Her commitment to service extended across many organizations, including the Women’s Symphony League, TCU Alumni Associations, the Senate Ladies Club, the Legislative Ladies Club, the National Council of Teachers of English, the Texas Community College Teachers Association, and the Addison & Randolph Clark Society for TCU. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mary was honored with the TCU Alumni Service Award in 2017.

Faith was a guiding force in Mary’s life. She was an active member of University Christian Church in Austin, where she served in various roles and found deep joy and fellowship as part of the Seekers church school class.

Of all her accomplishments, Mary’s most treasured roles were those of wife, mother, and grandmother—affectionately known as “Gigi.”

She is survived by:

Son, Jeffrey Russell Haley and his wife Michele Elaine (Genova)

Grandsons:
William Russell Haley of Austin
Jonathan Michael Haley of Austin

Son, Robert Colin Haley and his wife Lisa Marie (Norwood)

Grandchildren:
Andrew Christopher Haley of Bertram, Texas
Ava Brooke Haley of Bertram, Texas
Alexis Giuliana Haley of Bertram, Texas

Sister, Elizabeth Shogren of Harrisburg, Illinois

Many beloved nieces and nephews

Mary was preceded in death by her devoted husband Bill, her parents, and her brother.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 22, from 6–8pm at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, located at 411 Ranch Rd 620 South in Lakeway. Services will take place Thursday, October 23, at 10am at University Christian Church, 2007 University Avenue, Austin, Texas. Burial will follow at the Texas State Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Haley Family Fund for Medicine and the Arts at TCU, the Mary Scriven and James W. Haley Endowed Theatre Scholarship at TCU, or the University Christian Church Organ Fund.

10/15/2025

Alice O’Rear McCann was born in Huxley on September 6, 1932. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 13, 2025, at the age of 93. Services will be held at Mangum Funeral Home on October 17, 2025, at 10 AM with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley. Officiating will be Brother Gordon Vaughn and Brother Rob Merriman.

Alice is survived by:

Loving husband of 65 years (almost 66), Gary Edward McCann

Son, Gary and wife Trellis

Daughter, Lisa McCann

Grandson, Odis Edward Welch

Sisters-in-law:
Wanda O’Rear
Wanda Addison
Pat McCann

Brother-in-law, Danny McCann and Marilyn

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Alice is preceded in death by her parents Elzie and Netie O’Rear; father-in-law and mother-in-law
J. B. and Bessie McCann; sister Sue Boles; brothers J.P., Travis, Cindy, Billie Joe, and Mack O’Rear; sisters-in-law, Joan O’Rear, Mittie O’Rear and Barbara Pope; brother-in-law Mike McCann.

Alice was a devoted member of MacArthur Heights Baptist Church in Pinehurst, Texas. In 2011, she and Ed moved to Center, and she attended First Baptist Church. She was a strong and faithful servant. Her passion was sharing Christ. She penned these words, “Life’s greatest reward is to know Him”. It was her deepest desire for ALL to know HIM.

Alice enjoyed caring for others, cooking, and good conversations. She never met a stranger. Visits with Alice were filled with laughter and questions. Such questions might lead to one’s family tree. Somehow, she felt she might be related to everyone with whom she crossed paths. She delighted in making connections and building bonds with everyone.

Alice graduated from Strong School in Huxley in 1950. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1954. She taught at Little Cypress in Orange. Shortly after becoming a teacher, she met the love of her life. They married on October 23, 1959, and their days were filled with an indescribable love for each other.

Serving as pallbearers will be Odis Welch, Sammy O’Rear, Larry O’Rear, Keith O’Rear, Mark O’Rear, and Craig Hendricks. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Parish, Boo Klein, Shawn Hairgrove, and Jeff Spieckerman.

Our family wishes to extend heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Pokala and staff, Candace Mahan, FNP-C with Cline Family Medicine, and the entire staff of Affinity Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wimberly Cemetery Fund, 11466 FM 2694, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.

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