Shelby County Today

09/24/2025

09/24/2025

Gerald Glen Hendricks, 43, of Timpson, passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, in Timpson.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Steven Berry officiating.

Born November 19, 1981, Gerald is the son of Lisa Hendricks.  He loved picking on his family, especially his sister, and making everyone laugh.  Gerald found joy in helping others and cherished the time spent fishing with his Pawpaw and lending a hand around the farm.  He always had something he was working on.  Gerald was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Timpson.

He is survived by:

Mother, Lisa Hendricks and David Hebert of Timpson

Sister, Alana and husband Daniel Holloway of Center

Brother, David Hendricks and wife Shelby of DeBerry

Uncles:
Bobby Hendricks and wife Rhonda of Timpson
DeWayne Hendricks of Garrison
Troyce Hendricks and wife Emily of Minden, Louisiana

Numerous nieces and nephews

Best friend, Bridgett Hudman of Timpson

Special grandparents, Tommy and Gracie Stockstill of Center and Bernard and Martha Metcalf of Shelbyville.

Preceded in death by his brother, Franky Blackwell; grandmother, Lena Fay Vaught; grandfather, Kenneth Eugene Hendricks; and stepfather, Billy Fredieu.

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

09/23/2025

Mrs. Linda Faye Edwards Davis, of Frankston, TX; age 63, born March 1, 1962 to Jessie Edwards and Jo-Anna Tanner Edwards of San Augustine, TX; Mrs. Linda Faye Edwards Davis passed away on September 15, 2025 in Grapevine, TX; Funeral is scheduled for Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, 206 Ironosa Rd. San Augustine, TX; with Rev. Orvin Garrett, Eulogist.

Visitations will begin on Friday, September 26, 2025 at 2p.m. until 6p.m. at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, TX Burial will be in St. Luke Cemetery, San Augustine, TX; under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, TX. Survivors:

She leaves to cherish:
Loving husband, Charles Davis

Beloved children:
Nicole Rainey
Jessie Davis
Jessica Davis
Jaiden Davis
Wesley Davis

Brothers: 
Clayton Edwards
Joe Lewis Edwards
David Edwards
Jerome Tanner

Sisters: 
Lillie Faye Wade
Luttie B. Edwards

A host of grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

09/22/2025

Kellie Jean O’Rear Baty was born on December 23, 1962, and passed away on September 21st, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family.

Above all, Kellie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Kellie married Walt Baty in July of 1987. They had a wonderful 38-year-long marriage where they built their dream home, worked their farm together, and made many wonderful memories. Kellie loved to be with her daughter Stephanie and her four grandchildren. She traveled to Washington State faithfully to attend their birthdays and various activities. The family looked forward to Nana Kellie’s visits and enjoyed numerous vacations and adventures together.

Kellie was steadfast in her faith and attended Liberty Hill Baptist Church for the past 20 years. She often played the piano, loved the music service and enjoyed cooking for the fellowship services.

Kellie grew up in the Dreka community, and she attended Shelbyville ISD before continuing her education at Panola Junior College. There she developed her cosmetology skills and went on to open beauty shops in both Shelbyville and Center. Known for her creativity and warm spirit, she built lifelong friendships through her work.

In 2020, Kellie followed her heart into a new path of service. She became the Activity Director at Pine Grove Nursing Home and later Holiday Nursing Home, where she found her true calling. She devoted herself to bringing joy to the residents, treating each one as family. Her compassion, kindness, and ability to make people feel special touched countless lives.

Kellie was gifted in many ways. She was an excellent cook—her biscuits and pies were famous and drew friends and family from near and far. She had an incredible green thumb, and her love for nurturing life extended into her gardens. Music also filled her home, as she often played the piano with joy for churches and the nursing home. Kellie was also an excellent seamstress, oil canvas artist, and she LOVED to fish. She cherished snuggles time with her puppy dogs! More than anything, Kellie was a friend to everyone- her laughter and personality were bigger than life.

She is survived by:
Her loving husband, Walt Baty

Daughter, Stephanie Zipperer, and husband, Justin

Cherished grandchildren: 
Colton Moore
Montana Moore
Devyn Zipperer
Hayden Zipperer

Mother, Jean O’Rear

Brother, Jack O’Rear

Mother-in-law, Mary Jo Baty

Brother-in-law, Will Baty, and wife, Jill

Niece, Ali Baty

Nephew, Wade Baty, and wife Madelynn

Great-nephew, Wryder

Treasured pets, LulaBelle and Precious

She was preceded in death by her father, Kelly O’Rear; uncle and aunt, Donald and Lois O’Rear; and father-in-law, Harold Baty.

Kellie’s life was one of love, service, and faith, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

There will be a visitation at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in San Augustine, TX on September 27, 2025, with a visitation from 10-11am. A formal service will follow at 11am.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Kellie Baty Memorial Fund at Shelby Savings Bank.

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

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.