Obituaries
09/29/2023
Mary Jane (Bowen) Stamps, 72, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on September 28, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Timpson, Texas. She was born on November 16, 1950, in Livingston, Texas, to the late Leon Milo Bowen and Margie (Ainsworth) Bowen.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas, with Bro. Fred Wilcox officiating. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.
Mary is survived by:
Loving husband, Gerald Stamps
Sons:
Brandon Bowen and wife Callie
Patrick Hendrick and wife Candace
Kirk Stamps and wife Brandi
Ryan Stamps and wife Kathryn
Daughters:
Dana Reynolds and husband Mark
Courtney Sanchez and husband Antowan
Brothers:
James Bowen and wife Elaine
David Bowen
Jerry Bowen and wife Martha
Lee Bowen and wife Mindi
Norman Bowen and wife Eve
Sisters:
Margie Powell and husband Steve
Nita Bowen
Rita Bowen
Sue Dodson
7 Grandsons
5 Granddaughters
Numerous nieces and nephews
And a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
09/28/2023
Cassie Joan O’Rear, 86, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Shelbyville. She was born on September 16, 1937, in Huxley, Texas, to the late Thomas Henry Vaughn and Ella Alice (Snider) Vaughn.
Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 10pm with Bro. Donnie Howard, Bro. Rusty Hall, and Bro. Michael McArthur officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, from 5-7 PM at Mangum Funeral Home.
Joan Vaughn O’Rear was born and raised in Shelby County. She graduated Strong High School in 1956 and attended Business School in Dallas. She returned to Huxley and married Glynn “Cindy” O’Rear in 1959. They had two sons Larry and Keith.
Together they raised cattle and grew poultry for over 50 years. Joan was a member of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church and was a hardworking, independent woman. She enjoyed working in her flower beds and tried her best to keep her yard immaculate and free of armadillos. She enjoyed spending time with her sons and grandchildren and always had a home cooked lunch ready as well as a Sunday dinner feast. She will be missed by all who loved her.
She is survived by:
Sons:
Larry O’Rear and wife Stacy
Keith O’Rear and wife Belinda
Grandchildren:
Heidi and Randall Pritchett
Piper and Chance Moton
Ciara O’Rear
Savannah and Gary Arnold
Roper and Julianna Oswalt
Justin O’Rear and Madison Jackson
Great-Grandchildren: Chandler, Aspen, Ryan, Ali, Palin, Ella, Kinsleigh, Kyler, and Jud
Sister, Mildred “Blondie” Dillard
Sister-in-laws:
Joanie Vaughn
Wanda O’Rear
Alice McCann and husband Ed
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Glynn “Cindy” O’Rear; parents, Henry and Alice Vaughn; sisters and brother in laws, Agnes and Charles Bryan, Bertha Lee and Dean Raymond; brother, Edward Vaughn; mother and father-in-law, Elzie and Nettie O’Rear; brothers-in-law, Mack Dillard, Travis O’Rear, Billie Joe O’Rear and wife Mitt, Mack O’Rear, JP O’Rear; and sister-in-law, Sue Boles and husband Doyle.
Pallbearers serving will be Randall Pritchett, Chance Moton, Gary Arnold, Roper Oswalt, Justin O’Rear, Chandler Pritchett, Ryan Moton, Gilbert Vaughn, and Michael Andrews.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Strong or Wimberly Cemeteries, or Smyrna and Lydia Youth Group funds.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
09/28/2023
Michael Glenn McSwain, 62, of Center, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Lufkin.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Dathan Tipton and Daniel Tipton officiating. Interment will follow at Old Salem Cemetery.
Michael “Mike” Glenn McSwain was born in Center, Texas on Nov. 4, 1960, to James Lee and Mildred Hooper McSwain. Mike graduated from Center High School in 1980. Growing up he learned from his dad how to work hard, and that he did. Mike worked in the log woods with his dad as a young boy and throughout his adult years along with his five other brothers. Currently he was working for Porterfield Timber Harvesting. Working in the outdoors was a big part of his life. Whether it be logging, farming, or feeding the cows, he would always be found outside.
In 1984, he met and married the love of his life, Carla Davis. Together they had two daughters, Kirby and Miranda. After Carla’s death in 1992, Mike raised his girls by himself with the support of his family. To say Kirby and Miranda are daddy’s girls is an understatement. He was their world and they were his. Then, the grandkids came along, and they just added to his joy. Mike farmed with his dad and in most recent years he and his brother, Kevin, would plant a garden together. This year he tried his hand at growing sunflowers, but they didn’t grow as good as he had hoped. Mike enjoyed fishing and taking anyone who wanted to go with him. Whether it was at Iron Ore creek, down at the tram, or the lake, he enjoyed it all. He’d take his girls and any of the nieces and nephews that wanted to go along. Mike loved to get together with the family for a fish fry, a birthday party, or just a meal when all the family was in town. He’d cook or go buy catfish to fry down at the camp house. Through the years the family would rent a beach house in Galveston. Mike enjoyed fishing there too, but it was the serene and soft sounds of the waves on the sand that brought him peace. Mike really enjoyed going to the beach and he’d get up early and walk down to the water. Mike will be missed by all of his family and we will cherish the fond memories we have of him. The family would like to thank Gena Pinner, Reece Porterfield and the logging crew for all that they did for Mike.
He is survived by:
Daughters:
Kirby McSwain
Miranda Young and husband Cory
Grandchildren: Grady, Carla, and Layton
Mother, Mildred McSwain
Brothers and sisters:
Stevie McSwain and wife Lori
Ronnie McSwain
Kevin McSwain
Kelly McSwain and wife Donna
Marlie McSwain and wife Jessica
Kristie Tipton and husband Dathan
Kimberly Salinas and husband Mike
Brothers-in-law:
Ronny Davis and wife Tammy
Ricky Davis and wife Dana
Kevin Whitton and wife Tammy
Numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Preceded in death by wife, Carla McSwain; father, James Lee McSwain; and mother-in-law, Sylvia Davis.
Pallbearers will be Jake McSwain, Rick McSwain, Wesley Gilchrist, David Davis, Jay Ener, and Jordan McSwain. Honorary pallbearers will be Peyton McSwain, A.J. McSwain, Bobby Head, David Danley, and Ronnie Davis.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
09/28/2023
Rolan Alex Simmons, 82, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on September 26, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on May 25, 1941, in Lewisville, Arkansas, to the late Homer V. Simmons and Opal (Clark) Simmons.
Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 2pm with Bro. Hollis Bass officiating.
A visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday, September 30, 2023, beginning at 1pm until service time.
Graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 2pm at Knighton Chapel Cemetery, in Lewisville, Arkansas.
Rolan was born and raised in Arkansas. He married the love of his life, Mary Helen Rogers Simmons, and the two spent over 49 years together before her passing in 2012. They raised two wonderful children, Randy and Bobbie Sue. After the passing of Mary, later Rolan married Betty Adams. The two enjoyed each other’s company until her passing this month. Rolan enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid fisherman. He loved the outdoors. Rolan enjoyed his beautiful trucks he owned and traveled cross country with pride.
He is survived by:
Son, Randy Simmons
Daughter, Bobbie Sue Scates and husband Michael
Grandchildren:
Dale Scates and wife Amber
Kaleigh Jones and husband Colbey
Brandon Simmons and wife Carri
Randi McDonald and husband Tyler
Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A host of family and friends will miss him dearly.
Rolan is preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Opal Simmons; former wife and mother of his children, Mary Helen Rogers Simmons; wife, Betty Adams; and sister, Frances Hughes.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
09/27/2023
Homer “Dwayne” Baker, 64, of Cabot, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 25, 2023. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family.
Dwayne is survived by:
Wife, Kimberley Baker
Children:
Jennifer McCann (Steven) of Joaquin
Natalie Hughes (Ron)
Emily Hipp (Tyler)
Zach Parker
Grandchildren:
Ebbie, Duncan and Kaz McCann
Vivy Hughes
Sister, Norma Henneke
Mother-in-law, Mary Holt
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Erik and Susan Resendez.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Hershel Baker; his mother, Winnie Mae Baker; and his brother, Robert Glenn Baker.
Dwayne was born on March 7, 1959 in Carthage, Texas. He graduated from Logansport High School in Logansport, Louisiana, in 1977, where he also starred on the gridiron for the school’s football team. On October 15, 2000, he married his soulmate Kimberley, the two having met and developed a relationship while attending the same church.
Dwayne was a devoted husband, father and loving friend to all who knew him. He was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, deeply involved with his church community and Sunday school group throughout his life. He was a hard worker with a longtime career as a machinist, never encountering a piece of equipment that he couldn’t repair. When he wasn’t spending time with family or working in his shop, there’s nothing Dwayne loved more than spending a Saturday night cheering on his LSU Tigers. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
A memorial service is scheduled for 1pm on October 6, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Cabot.
In lieu of flowers, donations and condolences may be offered to the Hope 4 El Salvador ministry at 7413 Whispering Pines, Shreveport, LA 71129, or via hope4elsalvador.org/give.
Services under the direction of Moore's Cabot Funeral Home, Cabot, Arkansas. Online condolences can be made at https://www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com/guestbook/homer-baker
09/27/2023
Shane Curtis Jordan, 40, passed away on September 24, 2023 at his home in Fort Worth, Texas.
Shane was born on June 27, 1983, to parents Bobby Jewel Jordan and Doris Yvonne Soape in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Shane spent his youth participating in Little League Baseball, Flag Football, and was a Boy Scout in Troup 119 of Center. Many summers were spent at BSA Camp Pirtle in Gary, Texas. He later had the honor of receiving the Eagle Scout Award, which is the highest award possible to members of the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Center High School and graduated from Texas State Technical College in Marshall, Texas. He worked at Port-A-Cool in Center for many years. He later moved to Fort Worth to work at Lockheed Martin. Shane was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and was excited about the new football season.
Shane stepped up to be a father to three children, Ryleigh, Katie, and Dusty. He was a wonderful father, son, brother, grandson, and uncle. He loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Survived by:
Mother, Doris Yvonne (Soape) Bennett
Father, Bobby Jewel Jordan
Daughters:
Ryleigh Alford
Kaitlyn (Katie) Allums
Son, Dusty Allums
Sisters:
Amanda Campaniello and husband, Jason
Ashley Warren and husband, Chris
Brothers:
Howard Bennett IV and wife, Sarah
Charles Bennett and wife, Ashley
Justin Jordan
Numerous Aunts and Uncles and Nieces and Nephews.
Shane was proceeded in death by grandparents Jewel Jordan, Opal (Lawson) Balcome, Charles R Soape SR and Essie (Hooper) Soape.
Pallbearers will be Howard Bennett IV, Charles Bennett, Justin Jordan, Kevin Whitton, Gary Whitton, and Steve Mullikin.
Honorary Pallbearers will be nephews, Blake and Devin Warren and his friends from work at Lockheed Martin.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Sister Melba Rodgers officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery on Hwy 7 West in Center.
09/25/2023
Joan Anderson, 95, of Tenaha, TX, passed away on Saturday morning, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tyler. She was born on March 4, 1928, in Mt. Pleasant, TX to Aubrey Branch “Cub” and Hazel Snider Gilpin.
The family will receive friends for a visitation from 1-2pm on Wednesday at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel prior to a funeral service at 2pm officiated by Dr. Bill Holmes. A private interment will follow in Restland Cemetery in Tenaha.
Joan graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1945 and earned her Bachelor’s degree from Baylor University in 1949. Joan married Marshall Lee Anderson on Nov. 12, 1949, in Mt. Pleasant. They welcomed four children together and shared almost 50 years of marriage before Marshall passed away in 1999. Joan was also preceded in death by her daughter, Marsha Sue Anderson and her sister, Sue Vickery.
She is survived by:
Sons:
David Anderson and wife Elizabeth
Bob Anderson and wife Karen
Mark Anderson and wife Sandy
Grandchildren:
Bill Anderson and wife Allison
Lee Ann Tutton and husband Nick
Laura Freeman
Ashley Wier and husband Byron
Austin Anderson and wife Kristen
Catherine Wilson and husband Matt
Steven Anderson and wife Claire
Jenny Sampognaro and husband John
17 great-grandchildren
Joan had a gentle, quiet spirit. She lived with a devotion to her Christian faith, family, and community. She filled her home with love and served as a fixture for her children and grandchildren. They felt her love through her steadfast patience, kindness, goodness, and provision of home-cooked meals. She was a former member of the First Baptist Church in Tenaha where she taught Sunday School for many years and was a current member of the First Baptist Church in Tyler. Joan was an involved community member and especially involved with Tenaha schools, attending sporting events, working concessions and lending a needed hand. Encouraging faith-based education was important to Joan. She was a supporter of ETBU, Baylor University, and other charitable causes.
Pallbearers are Austin Anderson, Steven Anderson, Bill Anderson, John Sampognaro, Byron Wier, and Matt Wilson.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Tenaha, P.O. Box 159, Tenaha, TX 75974 or to East Texas Baptist University, One Tiger Drive, Marshall, TX 75670.
A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.
09/19/2023
Joe H. Hancock, 88, of Henderson, passed on this life on September 17, 2023, at his residence in Henderson.
Funeral service will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson with Rev. Toby Tipps officiating. Interment will follow at Short Cemetery in Shelby County near Center, Texas, at 3:30pm with Rev. Toby Tipps officiating.
The Family will receive friends from 10am until service time on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home.
Joe Harrison Hancock, born in Jasper, TX May 23, 1935 to Jim Martin Hancock and Ruby Faulkner Hancock. At the age of two years, Joe suffered with polio which affected his left leg. At that time his family moved to Henderson, TX and resided in the Church Hill area. He learned very early how to cope with his disability. He was a typical boy, riding horses, bicycles, rough housing with his many cousins. He was on crutches and wore a brace all his life. When he was 15 years old, his uncle Dewey Faulkner, who was a Mason, suggested he might qualify for a new surgery procedure at Scottish-Rite Hospital in Dallas. The Mason’s helped him to get in for evaluation. Joe was ready to try and his parents agreed to the surgery. The hospital only took children until they were 17, so Joe was one of their older patients.
There were multiple surgeries to be performed. They stopped the growth in his “good leg”, the right one. Then they had to stabilize his left side that was affected by the polio. They made his left hip stationary, his left knee where it would only bend so far, and his left foot stable. He stayed in the hospital during all of this time. After all the surgeries he was allowed to come home in a full body cast. He always told about riding home in the freezing cold and laying down in the back of Uncle Morgan’s pick up truck all the way from Dallas. I think he stayed in the body cast for six months and then went back to the hospital for the final time. He was almost 17 when he was released. This surgery was so new for polio victims and it was not always successful. Fortunately for Joe his worked and he was able to stand with a brace and use crutches. He could also wear a built up boot or shoe.
He graduated from Henderson High School, attended A&M for two years and returned to Henderson to work part time at a full service station. He was hired as a purchasing agent for Eastex Telephone Coop and was employed there for 12 years. He then worked in Dallas for Texas Power & Tel for a number of years. In 1967 he returned to Henderson, and on May 13, 1967 he married his life long partner, Sara Beth Foster, from Center, TX. Joe was not idle, he purchased a full service Texaco station and operated that for a number of years, then moved on to operate the Exxon station. Joe did not take a back seat in running these businesses, he serviced cars, pumped gas, fixed flats, did it all without crutches. His disability was never an issue. In approximately 1978 he was offered a partnership with his cousin, Euel Faulkner, to operate Highway Building Materials and Supply on Highway 79 S. He stayed there until the business sold around 1983.
In 1984, Joe welcomed his first child, Amber Joanna, and in 1986 along came a son, Seth Foster. These two were his greatest joy. During this time he was working with his brother, Jimmy Hancock, clearing land with heavy machinery. He had a passion for dozers and tractors, the bigger the better, which he has passed on to his son. In 1987 he retired and became a full time home care giver. He and Sara built their dream home in 1991 near his parents home.
Joe enjoyed life. He loved to go to the casinos and horse races. He liked baseball and was very involved with his sons ball games. He loved fishing and going with family on river fishing trips. The first date he and Sara ever had, he carried her fishing at a local pond. He was always the chauffeur wherever he went either with friends or family. He was a self taught carpenter and a self taught mechanic. It might not be perfect but it worked.
After his dad passed away in 1989 he was a care giver to his mother until her death. He devoted most of his time to family . In his later years he enjoyed reading and watching TV from his easy recliner and taking many long naps.
Joe did not like controversy and would ignore it or walk away rather than face it. He was kind to a fault, he would give you anything if it was within his power. He was considerate of other people. He loved his parents deeply, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He was a fighter in the since that he wanted to live a normal healthy life and he accomplished that three-fold. Joe will be missed. His presence will be felt in so many places by his family. He will not be forgotten.
The family wishes to thank his long time friends and comfort givers, Rose Sparks and Carolyn Miller. They made his last years so much easier and always brought laughs and raised his spirits no matter his mood. Thanks to the nurses with Assist-Care for all the care provided.
Special thanks to dear friend Jan Tipps for the continuous stream of cards and calls.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Martin and Ruby Faulkner Hancock of Henderson, TX, mother in-law and father in-law, Woodrow and Lorene Foster of Center, TX, brother-in-law, Gary Gullard from Minnesota, and sister, Ann Rives of Henderson, TX.
Survivors Include:
Wife of 56 years, Sara Foster Hancock of Henderson, Texas
Daughter, Amber Hancock and Tyler Speck of Tyler
Son, Seth Hancock and wife, Emily of Henderson
Brother, Jimmy Hancock and wife, Barbara of Henderson
Sisters:
Gay Nell Hilbert and husband, Charles of Pottsboro, Texas
Betty Gullard of Minnesota
Grandchildren:
Stella Speck
Samuel Speck
Beau Hancock
A host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Chance Griffith, Clint Partin, Reyburn Hilbert, Shannon Young, Seth Hancock, and Justin Pierce. Honorary Pallbearers will be Don Bassett, Kenny Bromley, Dean Hancock, Gene Hancock, Jimmy Hancock, and Joe Lee Powell.
Memorials may be made to the Scottish Rite for Children Hospital to: Development Department, Scottish Rite for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219 or at https://scottishriteforchildren.org/
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.
09/19/2023
George Bertrum Lathom, 71 of Houston, Texas, died Friday, September 15, 2023 at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Mr. Latham was born to the late Johnny Bert Lathom and Lucy V. Cotton Lathom on October 15, 1952.
Visitation is Saturday, September 23, 2023, from the hours of 10am to 11am at Willing Workers Baptist Church 6900 Weaver Road Houston, Texas 77028.
Services are scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 11am at Willing Workers Baptist Church 6900 Weaver Road Houston, Texas 77028.
Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary and Troy B. Smith Professional Services of Houston.
09/18/2023
L. B. Penson, 90 of Lufkin, Texas, died on Monday, September 11, 2023, at his residence. He was born to the late Albert Penson and Linny Long Penson on May 29, 1933, in Wells, Texas.
Funeral service will be on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 1pm at Ligon Chapel CME Church at 565 Deason LP, Apple Springs, Texas 75926 (Nigton Community) with Pastor Larry Wolfe. Visitation is Friday, September 15, 2023, at 212 Garvan Street, Lufkin, Texas from the hours of 6pm to 8pm. Burial is at Nigton Cemetery.
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.
9/18/2023
Laura Belle Ratchford, age 81, passed away on August 19, 2023.
She was born on October 10, 1941, at 4:40 AM, in Alvarado, Texas, to parents Perry Lee Leftwich Ratchford and Miriam Ruth Martin Ratchford. She graduated from Burleson High School and went to college at Tarleton State University. She worked various jobs including health care and executive administration, and retired from Baylor Methodist. She was also a Christian life coach.
Laura was a spiritually active person, who was deeply involved in Christian ministries, and member of Family Church of Houston. She supported and was involved in programs that supports breast cancer patients. She also loved the Astros and watched every game. She enjoyed crocheting and painting and loved to visit the Museum of Natural History, and the Houston Zoo. Her family and friends will always remember her as a wise, caring, and beautiful person.
Laura was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
She is survived by:
Son, Rex Winfrey
Son, Eric Harding and wife Brandy
Daughter, Tara Bellini
Grandchildren:
Shea Winfrey
Gregory Winfrey
Danielle Winfrey
Mary Winfrey Carrothers
Erica Harding Zahopolous
Thomas E. Harding, Jr.
Sheldon Scroggins
Kayleigh Scroggins Greer
Kallie Delacruz Johnson
Kaden Delacruz
10 Great-grandchildren
Sister, Dorothy “Aunt Weezer” Jones and her children: Pete Reyes, Jenny Reyes, Miriam Montiel, and Kelly Goldman
Sister, Ester Tamaya and her children: Many Tamaya and Tammy Moreno
Laura is preceded in death by her oldest son Jerry Guy “John” Winfrey, and her parents Perry Lee and Miriam Ruth Ratchford.
A graveside memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, 11 AM, October 7, 2023, at Pilot Point Cemetery.
In leu of Flowers, please donate to Laura’s favorite charity - Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital at their website https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
09/18/2023
Sandra Carlene Watson Corbell passed away peacefully September 15, 2023, at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, Texas.
Service will be held at Gipson Funeral Home in Lufkin at 10am Thursday, September 21, with visitation preceding at 9am. Graveside service at Strong Cemetery, Huxley, Texas at 1pm.
Sandra was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Harold and Melba Watson. She attended Byrd High School. In 1960, Sandy met a young airman stationed at Barksdale Air Force in Bossier City. On January 5, 1961, Sandy and Perry (Pedro) Corbell were united in marriage by Rev. J. Carroll Chadwick at his home in Center. After Perry retired from the Air Force having been stationed in Alaska, Hawaii, Thailand, Wichita Falls, Austin and Fort Worth, they made their home in Lufkin.
Sandy endured heartbreak as she attended to Perry's needs when he struggled with ALS (Lou Gehrig's) until his death in 1998. She was a faithful wife, loving mother and grandmother and much beloved sister and aunt. She was also "the life of the party" with her infectious laugh and silly songs. She will be greatly missed.
Survived by:
Daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Keith Parrott
Daughter, Beckie Corbell Brown
Son, Cody Corbell
Grandsons:
Travis Parrot
Daniel Stokes
Brothers:
Jimmy Watson
Frank Watson
Tommy Watson
Sisters-in-law:
Montez and Joe McNaughten
Jerry Sue Williams
Betty and Gene Blount
Charlotte Ingle
Numerous nieces, nephews and friends
Preceded in death by husband, Perry (Pedro) Corbell; father, Harold Watson; mother, Melba Watson; father and mother-in-law, PC and Lovetta Corbell; brothers, Joe Watson and Bob Watson; sister, Beth Watson; sister and brother-in-law, Sally and Dale Vincent; and niece, Kathi Goodwyn.
Services under the direction of Gipson Funeral Home, 1515 South Chestnut, Lufkin, Texas 75901.
09/17/2023
Douglas Windham, 72, of Timpson, passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, in Houston.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Folsom Chapel Baptist Church in Center with Pastor Harold Dement officiating. Interment will follow at Folsom Chapel Cemetery in Center.
Born November 26, 1950, Douglas is the son of Lonnie Windham and Mildred Whisenhunt Windham. His hobbies included gardening and working on his tractor. Douglas was an active member of Folsom Chapel Baptist Church.
He is survived by:
Daughters:
Angela Windham of College Station
Tammy Windham of Houston
Grandchildren:
Seymore Hunt of Houston
Michael Ochoa of Houston
Locklin Ochoa of Houston
Sean Windham of Houston
Great-grandson, Michael Ochoa III
Sisters and brothers:
Patricia Traxler and husband Lonnie of Center
Kay Johnson of Center
Richard Windham of Center
Earl Windham and wife Patsy of Center
Robert Windham of Abilene
Lonnie Windham of Lufkin
Gerald Windham
Also, numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by wife, Sheila Windham; son, Casey Dee Whiteside Windham; grandson, Ryan Jones; parents, Lonnie Windham and Mildred Whisenhunt Windham; sisters, Ruth Samford, Wilma Jean Loutt, Jeannette Windham, and Bearnice Alwalk; and brothers, Charlie Windham, Jimmy Doyle Socia, and Floyd Socia.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
09/16/2023
Yondell Charles Barr, 67 of Center, Texas, went to be with his Savior Saturday, September 2, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 22, 1955 in Center, Tx to the late Yondell Barr and Billie Doggett Barr.
Visitation will be held prior to memorial service at First Baptist Church, Center, Texas on Wednesday, September 20th, 2023 from 9am-11am with the memorial service following visitation at 11am. Brother Mike Belgard will be officiating.
Charles made his home in Center, Tx his whole life. He was a 1974 graduate of Center High School and was chosen as Mr. CHS by his fellow classmates. He was active in sports and was a captain of his football team.
Charles married his high school sweetheart Luciana Lawson Barr. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary in June. They had two boys Charles Brent Barr and Blake Lawson Barr.
Charles worked as a young man in the forest industry. He later decided to finish his college degree and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in education following in his dad’s footsteps. Charles taught and coached at Center ISD and Joaquin ISD. He decided to change occupations after the tragic death of his son Brent in 2000. Charles and his brother Steve began Barr Logging. They then sold the business but continued working in the logging industry. He was then encouraged to run for public office as Shelby County Commissioner of precinct 3. He was elected and served a term of 4 years and did not seek another term. Charles was instrumental in acquiring grants and improving the infrastructure of Shelby County. After retiring, he continued working in forestry until his illness prevented him from doing so.
Charles enjoyed hunting, raising cattle, spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren, and his faithful dog Doobie. He was a devout Christian and felt a strong urgency in witnessing to others about Christ. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Center, Tx his whole life and the Barnabas Sunday school class there. Charles taught 4th grade boys Sunday school for many years and helped with youth events and also taught senior youth. He was in the Christmas and Easter pageants held at First Baptist Church as well. Charles had the opportunity to help reopen the North Jericho Baptist Church in Center, Tx that had not been having service for twenty-five years. This little church was such a blessing to him as his illness progressed.
Charles had an infectious smile and was a friend to many. Attributes that described him from those who knew and loved him said he was loyal, had integrity, great sense of humor, compassionate, a gentleman, best teacher ever, great guy, kind, role model, respected, blessing to others, nicest guy ever, amazing mentor and one of the good ones.
His life was a testimony of his love for others and his Lord. Romans 8:18 reads, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.” That morning surrounded by his family when his Lord called him home, he was healed of all his ailments and he was walking in heaven with his Lord.
Charles is survived by:
Wife, Luciana Lawson Barr
Son, Blake Lawson Barr and wife Alix
Grandchildren:
Charles Brent Barr
Kennedi Barr
Braylon Barr
Sister, Gayla Horn and husband Larry
Brothers:
Johnny Barr and wife Debbie
Steve Barr and wife Tracy
Sister-in-laws:
Debra Yarbrough
Sherry Lawson
Nieces:
Ashley Wulf and husband Ben
Amber Dubea and husband Robby
Nephews:
Brandon Barr and wife Stacie
Justin Barr
Jordan Horn
Chad Barr and wife Darby
Cade Yarbrough and wife Traci
Nathan Yarbrough
A number of great nephews and nieces and a host of other family and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Yondell and Billie Barr, Son, Charles Brent Barr, and father and mother-in-law Billy and Jean Lawson.
The family would like to thank Elara Caring and Affinity Hospice for their care during Charles’ illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Catherine Pinkston Scholarship Fund setup at Farmers State Bank in memory of Yondell Charles Barr. Donations may also be made to North Jericho Cemetery, c/o Johnny Barr, 954 FM 3082, Joaquin, Texas 75954 or Antioch Cemetery, c/o Terry Walton, 237 CR 3129, Center, Texas 75935.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
09/15/2023
Durwood Hooper, 78, entered into rest on September 13, 2023. He was born in Shelby County, Texas, on February 23, 1945, to Charlie and Ethel (Rollins) Hooper.
Funeral services will be held at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home Chapel at 2pm Sunday, September 17, 2023, officiated by Pastor Michael Dickerson of First United Pentecostal Church of San Augustine, assisted by Bro. Burton Holt. Interment will follow at Old Sardis Cemetery in San Augustine County. Visitation will be held at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023.
He attended Center High School and was a resident of San Augustine for 60 years. Durwood was a 32nd degree Mason and past Master of Redland Lodge No. 3, San Augustine.
Durwood delivered Propane gas in San Augustine County for over 45 years, first for Richey Gas and later for Shelby LP Gas. He served two consecutive terms as Constable in San Augustine County. Durwood was a member and officer of San Augustine Volunteer Fire Department; he also served for a period as Fire Marshal. Durwood served on the board of directors of the Old Sardis Cemetery Association of San Augustine County for many years.
Durwood married Martha Ann Keller of San Augustine in Hemphill in 1964. A few years later they welcomed their son Jeff into their lives. Sadly, they lost Martha in a tragic accident in 1996.
In November 2002, Durwood married the former Shirley Ann Howell McCarty of Huntsville, Texas. He and Shirley continued to live in San Augustine, serving their community through their church where Durwood served as trustee.
He is survived by:
Loving and devoted wife, Shirley
Son, Jeffrey Morgan Hooper and wife Janet of Lake Charles, Louisiana
Grandson, Brian Hooper of Center
Great-grandson, Brian Hooper Jr.
Step-daughter, Carrie Julene Delussey of Dodge, Texas
Step-son, Sandon Adamson
Step-grandsons:
Ethan Humble
Jacob Humble
Brother, Hoyt Hooper and wife Jane of Doyline, Louisiana
Sisters:
Charlene Pigg and husband Jackey of Lufkin
Georgie Marshburn of Pollok
Delorse Martinez and husband Dave of Diboll
Wanda Curbow and husband David of Lufkin
Zelma Litzmann and husband James of Huntsville, Texas
Brother-in-law, Grady Keller and wife Sherri of Broaddus
Sister-in-law, Janice Sahr and husband Kevin of Baytown
Sister-in-law, Wanda Giffin and husband Rod of Bossier City, Louisiana
Brother-in-law, Larry Lawson of Lufkin
Numerous nieces and nephews, who highly loved and respected their Uncle Durwood.
Besides his parents, Durwood was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha; brothers, Doyle Ray Hooper and Tim Boyd Hooper; sisters, Maurene Hooper Broadway and Bonnie Sue Free; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Marshburn and J.W. Free.
Pallbearers are Bryan Broadway, Jonathan Curbow, Stacy Hooper, Ethan Humble, Shaune Martinez, Marty Pigg, Corey Pigg, Jared Pigg.
Honorary pallbearers are Dan Fussell, Carroll Wilburn, Floyd Butler, Ray Neil, T L Ponder.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Building Fund of the First United Pentecostal Church of San Augustine or Old Sardis Cemetery of San Augustine County.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.
09/15/2023
Evett Tutt Williams, 58 of Timpson, passed away Monday, September 11, 2023. She was born June 22, 1965, to the late Eathen Tutt, Sr. and the late Marie Ratcliff Tutt in Timpson, Texas.
Funeral service is 1pm Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Wallace Chapel Baptist Church, 108 Marcus Street, Timpson, Texas 75975 with Rev. Derrick Rhodes officiating and Rev. George Grace as eulogist. Interment is at Friendship Bobo Cemetery in Tenaha. Visitation is 10am until 7pm Friday, September 15, 2023 at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Timpson, Texas.
She accepted Christ during her early years at Wallace Chapel Baptist Church, where she remained as a faithful member. She loved visiting all the churches in the community. She attended Timpson ISD, Timpson, Texas.
Later years she met and married Johnny Williams.
She is preceded in death by father, Eathen Tutt, Sr.; mother, Marie Ratcliff Tutt; and sisters, Janice Tutt and Cynthia Reed.
She is survived by:
Husband, Johnny Williams
Sister, Shavon McLendon (Larry)
Brother, Eathen Tutt, Jr.
She is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.
09/14/2023
George N. Shull, Jr., 79, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, in Nacogdoches.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Strong Cemetery in Huxley with Bro. Billy Windham officiating.
George was born April 11, 1944, in Shelby County, to George Nolan Shull and Lillian Guidry Shull. He worked in the oilfield for several years. As a hobby he enjoyed deer hunting and running his dogs. George was an involved member of New Harmony Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by:
Wife, Betty Shull of Shelbyville
Children:
Brenda Crabtree of Vidor
Kathy Dennis of Shelbyville
James Shull and wife Tiffany of San Augustine
Grandchildren:
Anna Sandifer
Kourtney Shull
Brayden Shull
Rhaegyn Shull
Shaelyn Begley
One great-grandson on the way.
Preceded in death by his parents, George Nolan Shull and Lillian Guidry Shull; brother, Eugene Shull; and sister, Jo Ann Shofner.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bubba Shofner, Troy Shofner, and Robert Shull.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
09/12/2023
Mary Elizabeth Renfro, 56, of Lufkin, died Monday, September 11, 2023 in Lufkin. Mary was born November 7, 1966 in Center, Texas to Mary (Carroll) and the late Morgan Harris, Jr..
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine, Center, Texas 75935.
The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon prior to the service at the Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Levi Willoughby and Pastor Ronnie Frankens officiating. Interment will follow in the Whitehouse Cemetery.
Mary was a teacher at Central ISD and primarily taught 3rd and 4th graders. She loved her students and retired in 2022, after 27 years of teaching. Mary was such a loving wife, Momma, and “Shugi”. She adored her granddaughters and loved time spent with her family. Mary was a member of Greater Love Tabernacle. Mary was loved by all who knew her and she will be dearly missed.
Survivored by:
Husband, Joe Renfro of Lufkin
Son and daughter-in-law, Levi and Chasity Willoughby of Center
Daughter and son-in-law, Britlee and Charlie Adkins of Center
Stepson, Kyle Wayne Renfro of Denton
Granddaughters:
Fallon Sullivan
Elly Willoughby
Tillie Willoughby
Mother, Mary Harris of Center
Sister and brother-in-law, Alyson and Chance Porter of Center
Mother-in-law, Glenda Oliver of Pollok
Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tonja and Keith Pigg of Lufkin
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives
Preceded in death by her father, Morgan Harris, Jr.
Pallbearers will be Jerrod Nutt, Jerrod Holloway, Jeremy “Pig” Brinson, Bradley Odom, Terry Wheeler, and Mike Sullivan.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Carroll and Roy Westbrook.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine, Center, Texas 75935.
The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon prior to the service at the Carroway Funeral Home in Lufkin.
Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Smyrna Kids, 177 CR 2450, Shelbyville, Texas 75973. There is an account set up at Farmers State Bank.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.
09/13/2023
Sylvia Ann East Upton 83, passed away of natural causes on Sept 10, 2023 at her home in Henderson, Texas. Born Oct. 10, 1939, in Timpson, Texas to Aubrey and Edith Horton East. She was an only child.
Viewing will be on Wednesday Sept. 13th, all day at Rader Funeral Home at 800 Kilgore Dr., Henderson, Texas. Please sign the guest book. Family may not be present.
Services will be held Thursday Sept. 14, 2023 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints at 1700 Elm St. Henderson, Texas. Viewing from 10 am to 10:45 am. Service from 11:00 to 12:00. Interment will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson, Texas at 1:00.
Her mother passed away when she was 12. She was raised between her father, both sets of grandparents and her maternal uncle. She attended school in Timpson, Henderson, Houston and graduated from Hudson High School in 1957.
She attended SFA for a year and then married Jon Ben Hooper who was active-duty Air Force. They had three sons.
Jon Franklin, Joseph Lynn and Aubrey Gene.
She later married Harry Liedtke. They had a son and daughter. Harry Jr. and Katreena Anasthasia.
Sylvia and Jon Ben later remarried and were together until his death in 1995.
In 1997 Sylvia met and married Donold Leroy Upton, adding his daughter DeeDee Cook and her family to the mix. Don passed away in 2018.
Sylvia served as the Women's Auxiliary President of the VFW Post #4002 in Longview, Texas and loved her opportunity to serve.
She worked hard and loved her children and shared that motherly love with their friends for many years.
She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in the young women’s organization.
Survived by all 5 of her children, 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. That made 5 living generations. Also survived by current and ex in-laws whom she loved as her own.
09/13/2023
Betty Joy Adams, 90, of Nacogdoches, Texas, passed away on September 11, 2023, peacefully in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on February 05, 1933, in Shelbyville, Texas, to the late Billy Marvin Lovell and Virgie Mariah (Oswalt) Lovell.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 15, 2023, at 2PM at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas 75935.
A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home.
She is survived by:
Husband, Rolan Simmons of Nacogdoches
Daughter, Neva Dawson of Brookeland
Bonus daughter, Bobbie Sue Scates and husband Michael
Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Betty is preceded in death by her late husband, John R. Adams; sons, J.T. Adams, David Adams; parents, Billy and Virgie Lovell; siblings and other family members.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the care from nurses and staff at Stallings Court and Hospice of East Texas.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.