Shelby County Today

12/20/2024

Edith Crouch Stinson, 76, of Center, Texas, passed away on December 14, 2024, in Center, Texas.  She was born on December 21, 1947, in Monterey, Louisiana, to the late Korey Albert Crouch and Mahalie (Herron) Crouch.

Her wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

Edith was born and raised in Monterey, Louisiana. She enjoyed gardening, thrift shopping, and cooking meals for her family. Edith also had a passion for animals. She loved every animal on her little farm. Edith cherished her grandchildren. She loved her time spent with them. Whether she was shopping or traveling she enjoyed the fun times.

She is survived by:
Sons:
Roger Ard and wife Fabiola
Ronnie Wayne Ard
Elton Stinson III

Brothers:
Carlos Crouch
Joseph Lee Crouch

Sister, Glenda Waller

Grandchildren:
Eric Ard
Ashley Poindexter, and husband, Dakota
Justin Ard

Great-grandchildren:
Levi McKinney
Asher Poindexter
Elijah Poindexter 
Alyzabeth Poindexter

Edith is preceded in death by her husbands, Sonny Ard and Maurice Stinson; parents, Korey and Mahalie Crouch; numerous siblings; brother-in-law, Alton Waller; and grandson, Roger Ard Jr.

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.

12/18/2024

Aung Shwe Win, 52, of Center, Texas, passed away on December 15, 2024, in Center, Texas.  He was born on July 2, 1972, in Burma, to the late Tha Kwal and Day Say.

Funeral service will be held at 11am on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home with Pastor Hsa Twel officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held prior to the service on Sunday, December 22, 2024, beginning at 12 noon at Mangum Funeral Home.

Aung was born and raised in Burma. He then traveled to the United States and has since made it his home. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by:

Wife, Hsar Moo

Children:
Ler Moo
Kay Win and husband Eh Say Htoo
Hsi Paw and husband Dal Lwel

Grandchildren:
James Htoo
Cynthia Win
Lyndia Win

Numerous brothers and sisters

Aung is preceded in death by his parents, Tha Kwal and Day Say.

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

12/18/2024

Dennis Ray Gardner (67) of Houston, Texas, died on December 7, 2024, at his residence. He was born to the late O’Dell Gardner and Annie Mae Wiliams Gardner on October 12, 1957, in Houston, Texas.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11am at Good Hope Baptist Church located at 2905 Cushing Street Houston, Texas 77026. Rev. Cedric Williams Sr. is the Eulogist. Visitation is from 10am until 11am on Saturday, December 21, 2024 prior to service.

Dennis Ray Gardner is survived by:

Sons:
Dennis Ray Gardner Jr
Reginald Gardner
Steve Washington

Brother, Dale Lynn Gardner

Sisters:
Ever L. Gardner-Armstrong
Artie Gardner Onayemi
Accie Smith
Doris Gardner

Services entrusted to Walkers Funeral Home of Crosby, Texas and Hicks Mortuary of Center, Texas.

12/16/2024

Johnnye Beth Harris Kramer (93) passed away at home surrounded by family on November 17, 2024. Graveside services were November 19th at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at First Methodist Church of Center on December 27th at 2pm.

Johnnye was born May 5, 1931, in Center. Her parents were Austin Harris and Ruby Green Harris. She graduated from Center High School in 1947. She was married to Ralph Kramer from 1950 until his death in 2003. Together they spent many years following Ralph's next promotion with Ma Bell until his retirement when they returned to Center. Although she had several jobs along the way, her real profession was the selfless, loving care of family and friends. Her creativity, green thumb, culinary expertise and physical stamina are legendary.

Johnnye was preceded in death by her husband Ralph; parents; and siblings, Maggie and Dick Strebeck, Yvonne and Elvin Permenter, Marguerite and Bill Kiss, Monroe Harris, and Robert and Dollie Harris.

Johnnye leaves behind:

Children:
Brenda and Sam Milner
Tom and Miggs Kramer
Tim and Beth Kramer

9 grandchildren and spouses:
Mike and April Milner
David and Laurel Milner
Steven and Kameron Milner
Ryan and Gina Meech
Adam and Leslie Meech
Niki and Matt Kelly
Dustin and Sara Kramer
Nicholas and Amber Kramer
Lizzie and Jeff Wapelhorst

12 great-grandchildren:
James Milner
Jacob Milner
Grace Milner
Holden Meech
Kendall Meech
Wyatt Meech
Brooklyn Meech
Rowyn Kelly
Anson Kelly
Reece Kramer
Miles Kramer
Ryder Kramer

In addition Johnnye leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws that she claimed as her own.

She is the heart of our diverse family and will be missed forever. Please share in celebrating her life at First Methodist Church of Center on December 27 at 2pm.

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

12/13/2024

Garland Kennon, beloved husband, father and grandfather, went to his Heavenly home on Sunday December 8, 2024 at his West Houston home. Garland was born on December 16, 1935, in St. Augustine, Texas to Willie Edwin and Ibera “Doll” Kennon.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 1PM at Bethel Cemetery, Center, Texas, with Dr. Jerry Hopkins officiating.

He attended The University of Texas at Austin from 1954 to 1959, where he lettered in football as a lineman and earned a degree in Petroleum Engineering. Garland played his final year for the Longhorns under Hall of Fame coach Darrell K. Royal, who became a lifelong guiding influence. During his time at UT, he met his wife, Jane Craver, at Gregory Gym during registration. After dating for two and a half years, they began their 65-year marriage on June 7, 1959. The couple would start their adventures together in Columbus, Ohio and eventually travel the world, including time in Rio de Janeiro, Perth and Melbourne Australia, finishing their overseas time in Singapore. In 1979, Garland, Jane and their two children settled in Houston, Texas, where they would remain for the next 45 years. 

Garland enjoyed many happy days at Pine Forest Country Club playing golf with Jane and numerous friends over 40 years. He was also active at Tallowood Baptist Church as a member of the choir and Praisers Sunday School class. In addition, he was chapter president of the Association of Energy Service Companies. 

One of his favorite hobbies was honing his barbecue skills by cooking for friends, family, and non-profit organizations. Garland also loved reading Western novels by Louis L’amour, watching James Bond movies and attending and later watching on television his beloved Texas Longhorns. 

Garland was preceded in death by his brothers, Drue Edwin and Vance. 

He is survived by:

Wife of 65 years, Jane

Son, Stephen Kennon and his wife Jana of Wimberley, Texas

Daughter, Diane Shrull and her husband Steve of Richardson, Texas

Four Grandchildren:
Matthew Kennon and his wife Kira
Brian, Katie and David Shrull

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Parkinson Disease Association or the charity of your choice. 

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

12/11/2024

Michael Crouch, 72, of Timpson, Texas passed away December 10, 2024. Michael was born on February 1, 1952 to Maurice and Melba Crouch.

Michael was a graduate of the Timpson High School, Class of 1971.

Michael is survived by:

Daughter, Melinda Crouch

Son, Robert Crouch and wife Kristi

Grandchildren:
Laney Crouch
Marandia Crouch
Olivia Crouch
Brooklyn Porter
Levi Porter

Great-Grandchildren:
Aspen Calvin
Callie Mudd

Brother, Melvin Crouch and Barbara

Sister, Melissa Burton and Roger

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Melba Crouch; sister, Linda Yarborough; sister, Judy Wilson; brother, Jack Wilson; and nephew, O’Neal Jackson, Jr.

Nieces and Nephews:
Angie Bridges
Michael Robledo
Jason Clark
Amanda George
Sean Crouch
Yolanda Barton
Jessica Mollohan

There will be a memorial service honoring Michael at a later date.

Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Bullard, Texas.

12/11/2024

Kristen Nicole Lee, born November 23, 1998, in Center, Texas, to Tammy Crump and Tommy Lee, passed away surrounded by love. From the moment she entered this world, Kristen captivated everyone with her piercing blue eyes and a smile that could light up any room. Her love for animals, especially riding horses, was only surpassed by the boundless warmth of her heart. She had a passion for life and a heart so vast that no one could ever fully measure its size.

Funeral services will be held on at 1pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Larid Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, TX, with Bro. Chet Strain officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10am until 12 noon.

Kristen spent much of her life in Shelby County, where she later attended Timpson High School. It was here she met her true love, Nathan Chase Lilly. She was deeply committed to seeking approval and support from those around her, always striving to make everyone proud. Her love for her family was unwavering, and they were truly her world.

Kristen was a devoted wife to Nathan, and a loving mother to her three beautiful children: Kaden C. Lilly, 7, Harper A. Lilly, 3, and Haevyn G. Lilly 2, Her children were the center of her universe, and her love for them was unconditional. As a mother, wife, daughter, and sister, Kristen left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Kristen is survived by:

Husband, Nathan C. Lilly

Children: Kaden, Harper, and Haevyn Lilly

Mother, Tammy R. Crump

Father, Tommy Lee

Siblings:
Ashley M. Campos
Thomas C. Lee
Angel Lee
Kalyn Lee
Dixie Wagstaff
Maryanne Lee
Cheyenne Lee

Numerous extended family members and friends.

Kristen was preceded in death by her grandfather, Jimmy L. Crump; her great-grandmother, Marsha Tomlinson; and her father-in-law, Clint Lilly.

Kristen’s legacy of love, kindness, and devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were blessed to know her. She will forever be missed, but never forgotten.

12/9/2024

Mary Elizabeth Rushing Johnson

Saturday, December 7, 2024, my beautiful Mom, Mary Elizabeth (Rushing) Johnson, finally left her painful and worn-out body behind, and she has reached her Heavenly Home. 

Visitation will be held from 1pm to 2pm, Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will follow at 2pm with Bro. Paul Silvey officiating and music by Mark Lawrence. Interment will be at Joaquin Cemetery in Joaquin.

I believe she is having a reunion in Heaven with all her loved ones, and she must be excited to meet her Savior face to face. 

I loved her dearly and will miss her so very much. She was my Mother, my teacher, my basketball coach, my advisor, and my biggest fan. She was a superb and devoted Mother and she loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Nieces, Cousins, and their families more than anything. 

Mom always stood out in a crowd. She had beautiful big blue eyes, a great smile, beautiful hair, a wonderful complexion, perfect posture, and impeccable taste in fashion. 

She was one of the best teachers I have ever known and the best coach I ever played for. I always knew what Mom really thought about everything. From sports to politics, Mom could discuss almost any topic. And she never “sugar coated” the “truth” as she viewed it. 

Mom lived with me for several years, and when I was headed to work, she would call out for me to come into her room so she could see what I was wearing. She would often tell me I needed to go change my purse or shoes or add a scarf or another accessory. 

Like it or not, she would share a little “constructive criticism” with friends and family, and sometimes even with strangers. 

Mom was born January 14, 1935, the second child of Edgar Randolph Rushing and Leo Naomi Rushing. She enjoyed growing up in Joaquin, Texas, and graduated from Joaquin High School in 1952. She then attended and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University (SFA), receiving a B.S. Degree in Education in 1955. Mom went back and obtained her Master’s Degree at SFA in 1967. While in college, she was a Pine Burr (Chi Omega), a cheerleader, and active in several clubs and Intramural Sports. She truly enjoyed her College days at SFA where she obtained more than just an excellent education, she also formed many lifelong friendships.

When she returned to SFA for her Master’s Degree in 1965, she received the news that her husband (Major Taylor Douglas Johnson who was also from Joaquin) had been killed in Vietnam. 

She picked up the pieces of her shattered life when my Dad was killed in Vietnam, as she fought through her grief and focused intensely on her three children—ages 4, 5, and 9. Later in life she continued her education, earning 30 more hours toward another degree.

She taught school in Texas City, Carthage, and Joaquin, Texas, and in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

She was a fiscal and political conservative, and member of Joaquin First Baptist Church. 

During her life she traveled the world, visiting many countries. Her love of traveling started as a child when she and her big Sister (Margaret Ann) would go with their Mother (Leo Naomi Rushing) on trips, it grew when she worked as a TWA stewardess right after college, then it truly blossomed into an enjoyable pastime as she traveled abroad with her husband and children to military bases abroad and across the United States. 

Later in life she continued her passion for traveling with her best friend and big sister Margaret Ann. They cruised the high seas and flew to far away destinations, laughing and enjoying every moment together. Their bond was a wonderful testament to the true meaning of “the bonds of sisterhood.” 

Mom was pretty tough although her exterior appearance may have looked frail. She was a feisty and fierce competitor in anything she tackled. She enjoyed playing all kinds of games, but her favorite was ACBL Bridge. She was a Gold Life Master and until her health declined, she enjoyed competitive Bridge at the Bridge Studio in Beaumont, Texas, and before that in Shreveport, Louisiana. She often replayed each hand after each game, going over it either in her head or on the phone with her partners. Perhaps a bit of a perfectionist, she wanted to study what happened and think about what could have been done differently, always trying not to make the same mistake the next time she played.

She fought and won her battle with Breast Cancer and then Kidney Cancer. She survived heart attacks, strokes, lived with three types of arthritis, joints that were worn and torn, had many surgeries and other ailments, and finally lost her battle with Chronic Kidney Disease and Heart Failure.

I will miss too many things to list about my Mom. I will miss having her tell me to put on different shoes or earrings, or to put on makeup, as I walked out the door for work. I will miss her yelling at the Dallas Cowboys and watching all her favorite game shows. But, most of all I will miss Mom’s presence, beauty and grace, and simply spending time with her.

She was a Lady who always shared her opinions with honesty and conviction.

Rather than mourn her passing (which I will do for a very long time) I shall do my best to remember the lessons and advice she shared, and take comfort in knowing that she has no more pain and has taken her final cruise and reached her final destination —Heaven—where she is filled with joy and love.

She is survived by:

Children:
Suzanne Baggett (Gary Beckett Significant-Other) of Shreveport, Louisiana
Taylor David Johnson (spouse Lynette Johnson) of Cary, North Carolina
Leanne Johnson of Beaumont, Texas

Grandchildren:
Samantha Baggett Brantley of Bossier City, Louisiana
James Ryan Johnson of Illinois (spouse Letitia Johnson)
Christy Johnson Baclawski (spouse James Baclawski) of Darien, CT
Allie Johnson (spouse Matt Kirkland) of Denver, Colorado

Great-grandchildren:
Trenton Brantley
Kylea Brantley
Jordan Baggett
Ethan Baggett
EverLea Johnson
Maverick Johnson
Taylor Baclawski

Nieces:
Gari Martin
Mary Foisy

Great-nieces:
Jennifer 'Martin' Crain
Ashley Olds

Great-nephews:
Jeffery Martin
Brian Olds

Many cousins including but not limited to Fran Harris-Weimer and Cindy Garrity, and Harry and Lajaunda Gebauer Williams, Sue Williams, Angela Williams Scrimpshire, and Jerry Williams Jr. and family; and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or First Baptist Church in Joaquin, 100 Connell Ferry Road, Joaquin, TX 75954.

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

12/9/2024

Johnny Ray White (86) of Port Arthur, Texas, died on November 27, 2024. Johnny Ray was born to the late John Henry White and Pearlena Ruth White of East Liberty Community on February 7, 1938.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 9am at New St. John Baptist Church located on 1048 West Gulf Way, Port Arthur, Texas.

He is survived by:

Sons:
James White
Garland White
Jarvis M. White

Daughter, Tammie Mayfield

Sisters:
Ella Faye Ware of Center, Texas
Willie Mae Dunn of Killeen, Texas
Pauline Hamilton of Desoto, Texas

Sister-in-laws:
Johnnie Mae White of Center, Texas
Girtha White of Garland, Texas

Service announced by Hicks Mortuary  of Center, Texas, and Hanna Funeral Home of Port Arthur, Texas.