Shelby County Today

09/26/2019

Ruth Miller, 83, of Tenaha, passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2019, in Center, Tx. She was born on November 23, 1935, in Timpson, the daughter of Emmitt Townes, and Mrs. Mary Lou Ivy Townes.

Graveside service will be held at 11am, on Friday, September 27, 2019, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating.

Visitation will be held prior to the graveside service, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the cemetery.

Ruth grew up in and around Timpson. Her brother was best friends with a kind, humble gentleman by the name of Ray Miller, and he thought it was a good idea for Ruth and Ray to get to know each other better. That match making moment turned into a wonderful 38-year marriage. Ruth and Ray were married on March 20, 1981 at the parsonage of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church where they were both members. Ruth worked at Tenaha ISD in the cafeteria for over 16 years. She served as the director there and to every student she became “Grannie.”

Ruth was a social butterfly and loved surrounding herself with friends and family. Every morning, you could find her at McDonald’s having breakfast and enjoying the company and conversation of friends. Ruth also loved going out to eat; her notable favorites being Denny’s in Carthage, Cotton Patch in Nacogdoches and Cracker Barrell in Shreveport. Even though she spent a lot of time talking and fellowshipping with friends, Ruth also liked to find quiet time to read her Bible and spend time with the Lord.  She was a devoted member of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church for over 40 years where she loved to sing in the church choir when able and was a part of the Couples I Sunday School Class.

Ruth is survived by:

Beloved husband, Ray Miller of Tenaha

Daughters:
Sheri Basham and husband, Jessie of Tenaha
Sandra Chapman of Nacogdoches

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

Great-granddaughter, Caitlyn Basham of Tenaha

She is preceded in death by her parents, Emmitt and Mary Lou Townes and brother, Charles Townes. 

The family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson. TO send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.taylorfh.net.

09/26/2019

Kyle Allen Knight, 52, of the Woods Community, of Panola County, Texas, passed away.

Graveside funeral services will be 11am, Friday, September 27, 2019 at Woods Cemetery with Rev. Mike Lauxman presiding. Visitation will precede the service at 10am at the Woods United Methodist Church.

Mr. Knight was born August 14, 1967 in Nacogdoches, Texas to Joseph Enoch and Linda Kay Templin Knight. He was reared in the Woods Community and graduated from Carthage High School in 1985. Kyle was a graduate of Texas A&M University in 1991 and was always proud to be an Aggie.

He is survived by:

Parents, Joe and Kay Knight of the Woods Community

Daughter, Shelby Knight and her fiancé, Ramtin Eskandani of Tyler

Sister, Dr. Polly Knight Blankinship and her husband, Todd of Van Alstyne, Texas

Niece, Callie Blankenship

Nephew, Preston Blankenship of Van Alstyne, Texas

Aunts and uncles:
Jean and Jimmy Bowlin of Tenaha, Texas
Daphne and Robert Templin of Nacogdoches, Texas
Benjene Knight of the Woods Community

Kyle was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Thomas Enoch and Jennie Knight of the Woods Community; his maternal grandparents, Dick and Ruth Templin of the Paxton Community; and an uncle Thomas (Tommy) Knight of the Woods Community.  He is also survived by numerous cousins and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be, Garrett Lauxman, Stephen Clackley, Robert Williams, Patrick Sharp, Robert Templin, Todd Blankenship, Jimmy Bowlin, and Albert Ray.

Kyle will always be remembered for his passion for collecting railroad memorabilia and his loving, generous heart and spirit. The family suggests memorials to Woods United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 218, Tenaha, Texas 75974.

Service under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home.

09/25/2019

Denise Cox, 57, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Philip Strong and William Eddins officiating. Interment will follow at Smith Cemetery in Center.

Mrs. Cox was born August 28, 1962, in Jacinto City, to John Henry Harbison and Dora Evelyn Matlock Harbison. She worked as a bookkeeper. Mrs. Cox loved to help and support the Roughriders Athletic Department and also enjoyed cooking with family and friends. She was a member of Joaquin Church of Christ.

She is survived by:

Husband, William Cox of Joaquin

Son, Nathan Cox and wife Kayla

Daughter, Cassie Belrose and husband Colton

Grandchildren:
Carter, Aubrey, and Bailey Cox all of Nacogdoches
Cade Belrose of Center

Brothers-in-law:
James Cox and wife Earline of Center
Tracy Cox and wife Rhonda of Palestine
Roy Dale Cox of Center
Steve Cox of Center

Mother-in-law, Lois Cox.

Preceded in death by parents, John and Evelyn Harbison; brother, Johnny Wayne Harbison; and father-in-law, Charlie Cox.

Pallbearers will be Dwight Preston, Rickey Andrews, Buren Lowe, Jasen Watlington, Jeff Boyd, and Jamie Killen. Honorary pallbearers will be John Halstead and Mike Johnson.

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

09/25/2019

Barbara R. Bufford, 76, of Missouri City, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019, in Missouri City.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Mrs. Bufford was born January 13, 1943, in Galveston, to Price Ramsey and Helen Stivers Ramsey.  Her hobbies included playing golf, bingo, and traveling and spending time with her family.

She is survived by:

Husband, Robert Bufford

Children:
Leslie Hightower Fiehn and husband Alan
Lauren Hightower and partner Deb Bressie

Stepchildren:
James Bufford
Robert Bufford
Bridget Bufford

Grandchildren:
Matthew and Samantha Fiehn
Brad, Kyle, and Brittany Bufford

Brother, J. Scott Ramsey and wife Dorice

Sisters:
Karen Hardy Lundberg and husband Tom
Kathy Hardy Lanham and husband Hal
Beth Hardy Holt and husband Curtis

Preceded in death by her parents, Price Ramsey and Helen Stivers Ramsey Hardy; and stepfather, Gus Hardy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718, 800.227.2345, www.cancer.org/donate

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

09/23/2019

Jess Allen Allsbrooks, 35, of Center, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2019, at Waterman Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. Billy Windham officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Allsbrooks was born January 1, 1984, in Cleveland, to John Allsbrooks, Sr. and Mildred Fay Luman Allsbrooks. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying farming, hunting, and fishing. Mr. Allsbrooks was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by:
His father: John Allsbrooks, Sr.

Brothers and sisters: 
John Allsbrooks Jr. and wife Lisa
Clinton Risinger and wife Brenda
Dejuana Risinger
Charity Buenting

Maternal grandmother: Clara Williams

Nephews and nieces: 
Colton Risinger
Trey Addison
Piston Allsbrooks
Nicky Pugh
Jessica Vaughn
Marina Allsbrooks
Ivy Allsbrooks
Makayla Bass
Autumn Allsbrooks
Riley Allsbrooks
Briana Buenting

Numerous aunts, uncles, and other relatives

He is preceded in death by his mother, Fay Allsbrooks.

Pallbearers will be Dejuana Risinger, Clinton Risinger, Dustin Hearne, Colton Risinger, Roy Polvadore, and Adam Pleasant.  Honorary pallbearer will be Autum Allsbrooks.

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

09/22/2019

Linda Carol Kilcrease, 76, of Tenaha, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2019, in Tenaha.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 23, 2019, at Liberty Hill Cemetery in San Augustine County with Rev. Frank Holrath officiating.
Mrs. Kilcrease was born June 22, 1943, in Broaddus, to S.R. “Dutch” Kingsley and Ella A’della Wells Kingsley. She was employed with the San Augustine School District, serving as secretary and also working in the cafeteria.  As a hobby, she enjoyed playing the piano. Mrs. Kilcrease was a member of Rosevine Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by:
Her daughters: 
Sharon Brittain and husband Travis
Sheila Ponder

Grandchildren: 
Jill Jefferson and husband Keith
Jamey Brittain and wife Courtney
Charles Brittain and wife Shanai
Misty Ramirez
Christi Miller and husband Chad
Marsha Gage, and Nikki Brittain

Great-grandchildren: 
Gracelyn Brittain
Harper Harkness
Hunter Mosley
Jalyn Mosley
Christopher Miller
Austin Carpenter
Megan Miller
Morgan Jefferson
Logan Jefferson
Trace Brittain
Jayeda Davis
Aidan Davis
Rylee Davis
Payton Carpenter

Great-great-grandchildren: 
Grayson Evans
Elizabeth Miller
Addisyn Mosley

Brother: Buster Kingsley

Sister-in-law: Joyce Davis and husband J.O.

Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Kilcrease; parents, S.R. “Dutch” Kingsley and Ella A’della Wells Kingsley; sister, Lorene Price; and brothers, Elton Kingsley and Aulton Kingsley.

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

09/20/19

Carolyn Sue Williams Caldwell, 61, of Center, Texas, passed away on September 18, 2019 in Center. She was born on November 22, 1957 in Center to Clark Paul Williams and Emma Irene Fancher Williams. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Son Windham officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery.

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

As a youngster, Carolyn grew up with her nieces and nephews, but we were really more like sisters and brothers because of the close-knit lives that we lived.  During the day, we would play hopscotch by drawing designs on the dirt with a stick and stringing up a rope from tree to tree to flip and swing or what you might call “old school gymnastics!”  We would run and play hide and seek outside at night and would hide under the house with no thought of snakes, spiders or any other varmint. They were probably more scared of us than we were of them. Carolyn and I enjoyed going to the old chicken house and playing in 50’s model old cars that were parked there. They had no more life in them but for us kids, they opened a whole new playing field for our imaginations.  Carolyn would love for us to take our bikes to the top of Grigsby Hill and ride down to Mamaw’s drive but usually we were going too fast to make the driveway and would have to go all the way down to the bottom of the hill and turn around and of course—do it again!  There was a cut across through the woods between Carolyn’s house and Thomas’s house. We would always catch the horse and riding bareback see just how fast we could run from her house to Thomas’s or stop by the pond and catch crawfish with bacon and a string. Cane pole fishing, stringing popcorn, sweeping the dirt yard, and watching our hot breath float in the cold air when we got under the heavy quilt covers at night, catching fireflies and drinking tomato soup from a mug. These are some of the fond memories that I have of growing up with Carolyn and there are many more.      

Carolyn and the rest of us loved to dance. Mamaw would love to clap and encourage us to dance ‘til we dropped. Dancing to songs like Ernest Tubb’s “Walkin’ the Floor Over You,” Roger Miller’s “King of The Road” and “Dang Me,” and of course Hank Williams’ “Hey Good Lookin” as well as shake rattle and roll songs where we would dance until our sides were hurting. Cuttin’ a rug came natural seemed like-- we were so innocent and free as kids.  

As Carolyn got old enough for marriage and babies, she had resolved to the idea that she could never have children. But in years to come and much water gone under many bridges, she was blessed with two handsome boys, Joseph and Doc. I came across the following poem that I think she would love for them to accept as a love letter to them.

You are loved
for the boys you were
the men you have become
and the precious son
you will always be to me

Love,
Moma

Carolyn is survived by:
Sons:
Joseph Caldwell and wife, Shelby of Center
William “Doc” Caldwell and wife, Amber of Center

Brother: 
Clark Paul Williams, Jr. and wife, Tina of Center

Sisters:
Shirley Berg of Center
Edwena Higginbotham of Warner Robins, Georgia
Venorah McSwain of Center

Sister-in-Law:
Norie Williams of Center

Grandchildren:
Dallas Caldwell
Charlie Ann Caldwell
Adalynn Caldwell
Cory Moore
Colton Gilchrist
Caden Gilchrist
Corbin Caldwell
Soon-to-be-born Axton Caldwell

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dallas Wade Caldwell; parents, Clark Paul and Emma Williams; brother, Thomas Williams; brothers-in-law, Jack Wilson Berg, Van Higginbotham and JC McSwain.

Pallbearers will be John Kevin Cosby, Marty Fenley, Kirk Battles, Matt Wimpee, Ronald Chandler and Ronnie Davis.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lamarcus “Twin” Tate, Wailan Hughes, Chris Battles, Margarito Palacios, Tony Palacios and Jerry Deason.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to White Rock Cemetery, 604 CR 1210, Center, Texas 75935.

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. 

09/17/2019

Jerry Frank Summers, 80, of Gary, Texas passed away Monday, September 16, 2019 in Gary, Texas surrounded by loved ones.  Born August 9, 1939, in Hamburg, Arkansas to Leonard Frank Summers and Helen Blanch (Moore) Summers. Funeral service will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at Bethel Baptist Church, Hwy 315, Clayton, Texas with Bro. Eric Pledger and Jeremy Summers officiating.  

Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1pm – 2pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Bethel Baptist Church, Hwy 315, Clayton, Texas.

Jerry made his move to Texas as a teenager when his father Frank followed his call into the ministry to attend TBI in Henderson, Texas.  He attended Henderson and Marshall High Schools.  Although he graduated from Marshall, he always considered Henderson Home.  Jerry loved his family, his friends, music, and Jesus.  Work or play he always had Southern Gospel or Old Country playing and knew every word to every song.  He used any opportunity given to say “Let me tell you about My Jesus”.  Jerry was blessed with many work ventures through the years. However, he preferred working as his own boss and on his own schedule.  His most favored adventures of these would be, owning Summers Building Supply and Summers Building Contractors with his father and younger brother, owning J’s Corner Mini Mart in Mt. Enterprise, and owning and retiring from Summerstime Ice Company in Timpson.  Not to be forgotten, temporarily coming out of retirement to work for Gary ISD as he oversaw maintenance and the growth of the school campus.  He mentored many kids during his time at Gary ISD as well as Mt. Enterprise ISD when his children attended there and was known for leading cheers at pep rally’s and games for each. Jerry and the love of his life, Cindy, retired to Lake Murvaul in 2015.  Jerry was a member of Bethel Baptist Church of Clayton, Texas.  

Jerry is survived by:
His wife of 33 years, Cindy Hudson Summers

Children: 
Regina (DeWayne) Pace
Amy (Rusty) Dorman
Jeremy Summers
Casie (Robby) Spivey

Grandchildren: 
Kendall Casey
Colton (Haley) Casey
Holly (Seth) Shrell
Heather Deason
Raini Dorman
Jack Harris
Megan Harris
Chet (Shea) Dorman
Miles Dorman
Dayni Spivey
Saydi Spivey
Kennedy Summers

Great-grandchildren: 
Presleigh and Conley Casey
Hudson and Hunter Shrell
Alivia Deason
Gemma Harris
Knox Dorman

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Blanch Summers; brothers, Gene Summers, Dale Summers; and daughter, Erica Deason Harris.

Pallbearers serving will be Rusty Dorman, Sid Harris, Robby Spivey, Allen Owens, DeWayne Pace, and Pete Andrews.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA, 30047. https://www.lbda.org/donate

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net. 

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

09/13/2019

Jesse Lorace Baker, 89, of Lufkin, passed on September 11, 2019.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 16, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Danny Dodson officiating. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park. 

Jesse Lorace Baker was born in Trinity County, Texas on June 21, 1930. If you knew him, you called him “Josh,” “Jess,” or “J.L.” A proud East Texan, a United States Marine, an accountant, a pulpwood hauler, beloved father and youth baseball coach but most of all, J.L. Baker was a good man. There is no higher compliment than to be known as a good man, he once said.

Josh grew up in Groveton to a struggling but hard working and close-knit family. His father did whatever it took to keep his family fed and clothed, instilling in Dad a valuable work ethic that he passed on to grateful sons. Every success they enjoyed can be traced directly back to that gift. He graduated from Groveton, High School—Class President no less. He regaled us with tales of family solidarity and merriment. Trinity County Bakers all lived within walking distance; they engaged and supported each other. Dad never tired of telling us about Sunday dinners when they all gathered to play music on a Baker porch among the pines. They didn’t have much; it thrilled Dad to receive bananas for a birthday gift or the rare pair of new shoes. But they had the love of family. A different time; but who can say it wasn’t better?

J.L. served his country in the U.S. Marines before attending Stephen F. Austin State University, graduating with a degree in accounting. Shell Oil hired him to do payroll at their Houston headquarters. Pretty dapper dude then. He actually drove from Houston to Acapulco with a friend, drank cerveza, and even caught a shark; there’s a photo to prove it. Then, J.L. met Donna Rae Jones and all bets were off. They were married for 49 years during which Mom made him the best potato salad in the world. Dad adored her and stood by her side until the very last second of their marriage. Had two sons before moving from Houston to Lufkin seeking a better family life. Then they tried for a daughter, got another great son instead. Our grandfather recalled Dad exclaiming, “Lord, do I have to fill up the backyard with boys before we get a girl?” He was giving man, if too much sometimes. He often supported others knowing full well it would never be returned. 

Despite his slight stature, J.L. played end for the Groveton Indians; he didn’t star much but went on to be an avid Indians fan, hosting one eager son at and dragging his un-eager middle son to Indian stadium to cheer them on. He loved him some Longhorn football as well. But let’s talk his true love: baseball. J.L. was a great baseball coach. Well, okay a determined one. He had two hand signals for his batters: “the fist” (hit it) and “the palm” (take it). Hitting advice: “swing level.” Dad loved youth baseball. His teams won three city championships. His best days among the last were spent watching the Little League World Series.

Dad was always there for his boys, through thick and thin and empty gas tanks. He packed his sons’ memory banks with glorious days at the Camden Hunting Club and Baker property in Carlisle. He taught us all how to shoot, hunt and fish. He and his brothers guffawed about cooking up a “mess o’ fish,” sipped the bilge that is Pearl Lager and just had fun; a modified version of the porch musicals, I suppose. Josh loved Tex-Mex, raw oysters with Tabasco and crackers both with an ice-cold beer. He loved Waylon and Willie especially the latter’s “Ain’t It Funny How the Time Slips Away.” And so it does.

He is survived by:

Sons and daughters-in-law:
Jeff and Candace Baker of Center
K.C. and Edwina Baker of New Braunfels
Matthew and Sarah Baker of Nashville

Grandkids:
Kristen and husband Aaron Gary of Dallas
Kacie and husband Matt Perez of Dallas
Kristopher Baker of Nashville
Haley Baker of Franklin, TN
Kelley Baker of New Braunfels
Brandon and wife Christina Wood of Lufkin
Brady Wood of Center

Great-grandchildren:
Brynn, Matthew and Nate Gary of Dallas
Ian Wood of Lufkin
As of November, Leah Maria Perez of Dallas

He was preceded in death by his best friend, Donna Rae Baker, parents, Jesse R. and Erma Baker; brothers, Joe Dan and Gary Baker; little sister, Peggy Sue Baker Perkins; nephew, Ricky Baker; and the Baker’s Dozen as well as too many beloved descendants to list here.

Pallbearers will be Kristopher Edwin Baker, Patrick Miller, Jeff Mott, Brent Alexander, Brady Wood and Tony Arabie.

Special thanks to Candy Baker, Isabel Harrison, Jennie Phillips, Shawna and Lauren Sanford who cared for Dad and made his last days and hours bearable. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jesse Baker’s name may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486 or online at https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate/honor-loved-ones.html.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. 

At the end of the day, J.L. was a good man. Adios Dad. We love you. Save some potato salad for us.

Services are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, Texas.