Shelby County Today

10/01/2025

Brenda Gail Greer Malone, age 62, passed away on September 22, 2025 in San Augustine, Texas. She was born May 1, 1962 in Center, TX to the late John Henry “Toot” Greer and the late Lillie B. Jones Greer.

Funeral service is 1pm Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, 301 Ironosa Street, San Augustine, Texas 75972 with Pastor Rev. Anthony Quinn Brooks, Officiant/Eulogist. Visitation is Friday, October 3, 2025 from 2pm until 6pm at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, Texas. Burial is at Old Union Grove Cemetery, Norwood Community, under the directions of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Brenda leaves behind:

Husband, Patrict Malone, of San Augustine, Texas

Sons:
Alton (Brittney) Greer of Mansfield, Louisiana
Rodrick (Denise) Greer of San Augustine
Jeremy (Kasandra) Lane of Nacogdoches, Texas

Daughter, Janiya Giles of Nacogdoches, Texas

Goddaughters:
KaMyriah Burrell of San Augustine, Texas
Crystal Titus of Logansport, Louisiana
Neicole Weathered of Missouri City, Texas

Brothers:
John Henry Greer, Jr. (Glenda) of Beaumont, Texas
Freddy (Carol) Greer of Blaine, Minnesota
Mack Greer of Houston, Texas
Oliver Greer of Victoria, Texas
Lewis Greer of San Augustine, Texas

Sisters:
Johnnie Brakefield of Houston, Texas
Emma Titus of San Augustine, Texas
Doris Shedd (Michael) of Beaumont, Texas
Virginia Battles of Houston, Texas

Godsister, LaCresia Giles of San Augustine, Texas

Godson, Christopher Greer of Beaumont, Texas

Special sister-in-laws:
Brenda Taylor
Wadette Malone of Lufkin, Texas

Special nephews:
Dewayne Taylor of Lufkin, Texas
Cedrick Malone of San Antonio, Texas

10 Grandsons, 5 Granddaughters

A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services are under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

09/28/2025

Arthur Hal Horton, age 82, of Timpson, Texas passed away on September 24, 2025. Hal was born in Timpson on April 14, 1943. He passed away peacefully in his home in Timpson. 

Memorial services for Hal Horton will be held at 12:00 PM, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Taylor Funeral Home with Bro. Orval Miller officiating. Visitation will be held on the same date and prior to the service beginning at 11:00 AM.

He was one of two children born to the marriage of Arthur and Irene Horton. He was schooled in Timpson, graduating with the Bear class of 1961. He excelled in sports, especially football. In 1961 he married his childhood sweetheart, Arlene Pate, on April 1. They celebrated 64 years of marriage and had two children together.

Hal began his career at Eastman Kodak in 1962 and worked there for 35 years before retiring in 1997. He was involved in church as a Sunday School teacher, a deacon, and a choir member for years. He was avid reader of the Bible and loved to discuss it.

Hal’s interests were varied. He loved spending time on his farm, riding his tractor and tinkering with his prized 1966 Chevrolet pickup.  He enjoyed organizing and maintaining his tools, and would leave you a nice little note if you failed to put them back in their place. His favorite saying was, “When all else fails, read the directions,” because that was how he did things. Hal appreciated the beauty of nature, whether he was in Timpson or traveling through New Mexico. In his most recent years, Hal enjoyed attending every single Carthage Bulldog football game he could attend, especially the state championships. It gave him great joy to watch Dawgs play, and watch his son, Art, coaching on the sidelines. While Hal loved the outdoors and sports, the most important thing to him was his family. He adored his wife, and together they provided a happy home for raising their two children, Sheila and Art. He was very proud of them and was an amazing role model to his family. His greatest source of pride was his grandchildren and great granddaughter. He loved to hear of their educations, travels, and hopes and dreams for the future. Most of these discussions took place around the holiday table with coffee and lots of sweets.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Barry Horton.

Mr. Horton was survived by:
Loving wife, Arlene

Daughter, Sheila Barrett, and her husband Carl of Tyler

Son, Art Horton, and his wife Kim of Carthage

Grandson, Brian Barrett of Tyler

Granddaughter, Caroline McCarty, and her husband Grant of Tyler

Grandson, Luke Horton of College Station

Great-granddaughter, Adeline McCarty of Tyler

A host of nephews and cousins

A special thanks to Affinity Hospice and Vickie Sneed and her caring staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the City of Timpson Volunteer Fire Department or the Ambulance Service.

09/24/2025

Doyle Dale Gibbs, 81, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at his residence.

Funeral service will be held at Noon, Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Bro. Don Richey will officiate.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born April 14, 1944, in Grand Prairie, Doyle is the son of Earnest Gibbs and Tillie Mae Tidwell Gibbs. Planting flowers and mowing were among his hobbies.  He often mowed daily.  Recently, he planted his first vegetable garden and had bunches of tomatoes. Doyle enjoyed playing golf and playing dominos with his brothers.  He kept folks entertained with his bad jokes. Doyle was a member of Toledo Bend Community Church.

He is survived by:
Wife, Barbara Walker Gibbs

Daughter, Connie and husband Scott Still

Grandchildren:
Cody Still, and wife, Emily
Justin Still
Nicholas Dalton Gibbs

Great-grandchild, Nova Still

Brothers: 
Truman Richard Gibbs, and wife, Joanne
Rodger Gibbs, and wife, Pat
Preceded in death by his son, Spencer David Gibbs; parents, Earnest Gibbs and Tillie Mae Tidwell Gibbs; and brothers, James Gibbs, C.H. Gibbs, and Jarrett Gibbs.

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

09/23/2025

Carl David Miller, 83 of Joaquin, Texas, passed away at home on September 21, 2025. He was born to Carl A. Miller and Mertice McNatt on August 21, 1942 in Marshall, Texas.

In 1961, He enlisted in the army and served for 4 years in Texas & Germany. He married the love of his life, Hazel Windham on February 3rd, 1962.

After his discharge from the Army, He and Hazel lived in Houston, TX for a while before deciding to move back to the big city of Joaquin to raise their children.

He was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1973.

He led a successful career in the construction industry as a master welder/pipefitter. Traveling - along with fishing, knife making, creating leather goods, and spending time with family and friends is what he enjoyed most. Everyone always knew to gather at the Miller’s for good times and fish fries made from the monster blue op catfish he would wrangle out of the Sabine river. He had a unique taste in music and often times you could hear the music humming for miles around. Meanwhile, he would be cutting a rug with his “Ol’ Lady”.

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Hazel Miller

Beloved children:
La Donna Rhea (Jason)
David Miller (Robin)
Le Anna Scruggs (Kevin)
Te Juana Pennington (Jonas)

Cherished Grandchildren:
Josh Rhea (Maryanne)
Tonya Scott (Sam)
Jake Rhea (Nancy)
Clayton Rhea
Cody Miller
Carson Miller (Maci)
Tori Rivera
Emma Pennington
Colter Pennington

Great-Grandchildren:
Michaela Rhea
Lincoln Scott
Willa Rhea
Kayde Rhea
Waylon Miller

Sisters:
Carla Turner
Wanda Cook

Brother, Alan Miller

As well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives

Special Friends, Dink and James Whiddon

Beloved dog, Teddy

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl A. Miller and Mertice Newton; stepfather, Doyle “Peanut” Newton; brother, Clint Miller; and sister, Jodie Pullum.

Special thank you to Dr. Wilburn Furniss and staff, Dr. Gary Barkocy and staff, and Affinity Hospice.

Visitation will begin at 12:30pm with Memorial service to follow at 1 o'clock on Saturday, September 27th with Arthur Williams officiating. Location: Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 3751 Loop 500 E., Center, TX 75935.

Services are under the direction of Boren-Conner Funeral Home, 550 S. Doctor M. Roper Pkwy., Bullard, TX 75757.

09/22/2025

James Paul Fenton (JP), 54, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Shelbyville.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Paul Wiggins officiating.  Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Born to Johnny Fenton and Brenda Kay Campbell on April 20, 1971. JP was known for his blunt and outspoken nature, yet he was also deeply caring and always willing to lend a helping hand. His strength and hard work were evident throughout his life, even as he faced challenges in his later years that left him disabled. In his younger years, JP embraced life with enthusiasm. He had a passion for cooking and socializing, often bringing people together with good food and a stiff drink. JP had an intense love for music and would spend hours blasting music of all genres… and that could be why we’re all hard of hearing now! 

A man of the earth, JP had a “green thumb” with a remarkable talent for growing produce. His dedication to harvesting watermelons often saw him working into the wee hours of the morning, a testament to his passion and strong work ethic.

As his disability grew, so did the challenges. Despite the difficulties, he remained determined and continued having a helpful spirit toward those around him. His journey was marked by resilience, and his legacy will continue to impact all who knew him.

JP found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as sitting outside by a fire, hunting, fishing, and riding the Side by Side or in the boat. It must be said that he was also an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys, cheering them on with great enthusiasm.

He is survived by:
Loving wife, Jessica

Two children:
Darren
Darbie

Siblings: 
Arin Fenton
David Fenton
Joey Garner

JP was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Fenton and Brenda Kay Campbell, and his grandparents, Roy and Laverne Fenton and Elmo and Wilma Corbell Campbell. There is no doubt that he was rejoicing as he was greeted by them in Heaven.

JP will be remembered for his love for life, his resilience, and the impact he had on those who were fortunate to know him. 

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

09/18/2025

On September 17, 2025, surrounded by his devoted daughters, our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Homer Lewis Pritchet, entered peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Homer was born on August 15, 1943, in Lamesa, Texas, to G. L. and Odessa Pritchet, humble cobblers who instilled in him the values of faith, family, and hard work. Raised with a deep respect for God and others, Homer lived his life as a testimony of Christian love. He was a proud Army veteran, a lifelong farmer, and attended Antioch Baptist Church.

For more than 30 years, Homer called the James Community of Center, Texas, his home, where he built a beautiful life with the love of his life, Dorothy Pritchet. Married for 50 years, their love was steadfast and enduring. Together they nurtured not only a family but a legacy of love, faith, and service.

Homer’s joy was found in simple but profound things: driving his tractor across the land he loved, raising cattle with care, listening to his favorite gospel group The Hoppers, cheering on his Dallas Cowboys from his recliner, and—when Dorothy allowed—watching Fox News with a grin. His faith anchored him, and his family was his treasure.
To his children and grandchildren, Homer was more than a father—he was a rock, a role model, and a living example of a godly man. His son-in-law Matthew Miller was not only family but also his closest friend, “buddy,” and partner in good-natured mischief. He taught us all how to love unconditionally, work diligently, and walk humbly with God.

He is survived by:
Beloved children:
Felton Gilmore (MaryAnn)
Cathy Dickerson (Bob)
Charlotte Halvorson (Scott)
Sheri Miller (Matthew)

Sisters:
Vickie Rawlings (Marty) of Lamesa, TX;
Linda Kaplan (Frank), of Lamesa, TX

Cherished grandchildren:
Mylinda White
Mylissa Capp
Jonathan Gilmore
Jeremy Gilmore
Justyn Gilmore
LaniNicole Russell
Ana Helena
Jennifer Richards
Rey Soto
Callie Briggs
Lindsey Crandall
Brandon Halvorson
Derek Miller
Joshua Miller
Jared Miller
Matthew Miller Jr.
Garrett Hoover

17 great-grandchildren who adored their “Pawpaw”; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Homer’s life was a blessing, his memory a treasure, and his faith in Christ our greatest assurance. Though we grieve, we rejoice knowing he is now reunited with his beloved Dorothy, his granddaughter Kara, and his Heavenly Father.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dorothy; two sisters, Glenna Pritchet  Bufkin and Evelyn “Tinker” Pritchet Tyler; and his granddaughter, Kara Miller.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” —Psalm 116:15

Funeral services will be held at Watson & Sons Funeral Home on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with Brother Johnny Lewis officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at Noon.

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

09/17/2025

Anna Ruth (Tuey) Elms, 91, of Joaquin, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 4pm to 7pm, Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 10am, Friday, September 26, 2025, at Lone Oak Cemetery in Joaquin with Stephen Wiggins officiating.

Born March 25, 1934, in Star, Oklahoma, Anna is the daughter of James D. Tuey and Ruby I. (Brown) Tuey. An avid tennis player in high school, she earned the title of Arizona State Tennis Champ. Anna enjoyed playing the violin, and she loved flowers. She was a member of San Augustine Church of Christ.

She is survived by:

Children:
Judith Ann (Elms) Kull of Cave Creek, Arizona
Richard A. Elms of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Clayton Durr of Arizona
Jared Elms of Washington
Tommy Elms of Hawaii
Kristin N. (Elms) Gringas of California
James Elms of Oklahoma
Kendra (Elms) Hess of California

Great-grandchildren:
Kallilynn Gringas of California
Payton Gringas of California
Kevan Elms of Texas
Lofton Elms of Texas
Kenli Elms of Texas
Jasie Elms of Texas
Ashton Hess of South Dakota
Trevin Hess of California

Great-great-grandchild, Naria Hess

Siblings:
Norma Woolbert of Tuscan, Arizona
Margie Wright of Tuscan, Arizona
Dennis Tuey of San Manuel, Arizona

Preceded in death by husband, John H. Elms; son, John H. Elms Jr.; granddaughter, Amanda D. (Durr) Smith; and parents, James D. Tuey and Ruby I. (Brown) Tuey.

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

09/16/2025

JaMichael Phillips was born on July 10,1989 to Connie Phillips and Michael Tolbert in Galveston. He resided in Center.

While residing in Center he accomplished many great things. He accepted Christ at a young age. He graduated from Center High School in 2009. He was a son, brother, father, and a beloved friend all with a charismatic and magnetic personality. This charismatic soul loved to have a good time joking and dancing. One of his trademark moves was taking his shoes off mid-dance without missing a beat and putting them back on. Joking and dancing are just but a few of his many talents. He was a hard worker with an entrepreneur heart. He worked various jobs with his most recent being a care-giver for his mother and working at Car-Mart.

JaMichael departed this life on Saturday 13, 2025. He was preceded in his death by his maternal grandparents James and Lola B Phillips as well as his paternal grandparents Robert L. Brittian and Earline Tolbert Brittian.

The family of JaMichael Phillips wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement. May God bless you and keep you!

He leaves to cherish his memory:
Mother, Connie of Center

Father, Michael of Longview 

Siblings:
Shelia of Longview
Angela of Philadelphia, PA
Reginald Longview
Jamien Sr (Debra) of Nacogdoches

Children:
Za'Riah of Nacogdoches
JaMaree of Lufkin
Jalaya of Center
JaCason of Center
Zahni of Center
Demarion of Center

As well as a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends, and special loved-ones.

Active Pallbearers: Tim Hubbard, Charles Stanley Jr., Jamie Jackson, Myles Netherly, Delandrick Stanley, DeMarcus Brown, Michael Gardner, Jamie Cartwright

Honorary Pallbearers: JTavion Tolbert, Mon'Chez Jackson, Tymarion Williams, ZaMarkus Moton, Ardie Phillips, Allen Thompson, Greg Stanley, Christopher Gallon, Brandon Tolden, Jerrod Teal, Reginald Tolbert, Brodris Mathews

Acknowledgement: The family of JaMichael Phillips wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern, and kindness shown to them during this hour of bereavement. May God bless you and keep you!

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Community Funeral Home.

09/16/2025

Frances Ellafay Perez, 80, of Center, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Richard Windham officiating. Born May 4, 1945, in Center, Frances is the daughter of Leon Barton and Ava Woods Barton.

She is survived by:
Daughters:
Jeannette Bigger and Paul Nichols
Michelle, and husband, Cecil Jackson

Grandchildren: 
Frances Maldonado
Scotty Hughes
Rachel Bryant
Latricia Flores
Jacqueline Flores
Devin Jackson
Layla Blue
Leo Jackson

14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren

Brother, Roger Barton

She is preceded in death by her daughters, Tara Blue and Rena Windham; parents, Leon Barton and Ava Woods Barton; sister, Gloria Romo; and brothers, Leon Barton and Johnny Barton.

A special thanks to Pine Grove Nursing Home and Heart to Heart Hospice for their dedication and support.

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