06/04/2019

Bettye Minter, 93, of Center, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2019, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Carl Smith and Hunter Page officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Bettye was born August 19, 1925, in San Augustine, but spent most of her life in Center. She graduated from Center High School in 1941 and then attended East Texas Baptist College, where she earned a degree in music and met her husband, Pete. Bettye and Pete had four children and were married for seventy years before his death in 2014.

Bettye had many loves. First and foremost, she loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. She was very active in this church, singing in the choir and teaching five year olds in Sunday school for over fifty years. Bettye loved her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved music. Bettye was a gifted musician, singing and playing the piano. Her career was in music, beginning with public school music in her early years. She directed choirs for two different East Texas churches as well. She then taught private voice and piano lessons for many years. Bettye went back to college for her special education and music therapy certifications and taught for Center ISD. Her love for music and education touched literally hundreds of lives.

Bettye was gracious, loving, and kind. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by:

Children:
Dr. David Minter of Fort Worth
Alan Minter and wife Jinny of Richmond
Marilyn Minter Ballard of Center
Claire Minter Page and husband Jerry of Tyler

Grandchildren:
Mike Minter and wife Maggie
Hunter Page and wife Megan
Kim Ballard Shofner and husband Paul
Tracy Ballard Wood and husband Corey
Amy Ballard Roach and husband Kyle

Great-grandchildren: Maddox Minter, Maizy Minter, Connor Shofner, Reagan Shofner, Katelin Gould, Bailey Kurtz, Lainey Kurtz, and Emma Page

Brother, McNeil Moore, Jr.

Preceded in death by her husband, Pete Minter; parents, Ernest McNeil Moore Sr. and Bertha Iona Anderson Moore; son-in-law, Larry Ballard; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Moore.

Pallbearers will be Alan Minter, David Minter, Hunter Page, Mike Minter, Kyle Roach, Corey Wood, and Jerry Page.

The family would like to express appreciation to special caregivers, Jennifer Gray and Frances Ann Jeans, to the staff of Lakeside Assisted Living, to the staff of Pine Grove Nursing Center, and to Affinity Care Hospice for all the loving care given to our family.

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

06/03/2019

R. Wayne Wood passed away Monday, May 27, 2019, at the age of 94.

Wayne was born in Shelbyville, Texas on January 8, 1925 to Jessie Floyd Wood and Berneice Marie Harkness Wood. He grew up in Shelbyville and at the age of 16 was a 1941 graduate of Shelbyville High School, where he was a member of the first Dragon football team.

After graduation, Wayne worked with his father at Livingston Shipyards in Orange, TX. When he turned 18, Wayne joined the U. S. Army Air Corp to serve his country during World War II. As a member of the Air Corp, he earned the rank of Sargent and flew as part of a B-29 bomber crew. Following completion of his military service, Wayne received his bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University. After graduation he worked as a math teacher in Orange, Texas before returning to the Livingston Shipyards to pursue a career as an accountant. He continued his accounting career at Schlumberger in Houston, TX. He also worked for Aetna Insurance Company and then as an independent insurance agent.

Wayne is survived by:

Wife of 67 ½ years, Anneice Chisum Wood

Sons:
Dr. David Wood of Houston, TX
Daniel Wood (Diane) of Spring, TX
Douglas Wood (Debbie) of Shelbyville, TX
Donald Wood (Lisa) of The Woodlands, TX
Darrell Wood (Marva) of Ft. Worth, TX

Grandchildren: Christopher Wood, Allen Wood, Michael Wood, David Wood, Justin Wood, Nissa Wood, Stephanie Wood, Benjamin Wood, Whitney Wood, Sydney Wood

Great-Grandchildren: Julian Wood, Ethan Wood, Katelyn Wood, Kathryn Wood, Logan Wood

Sister-in-Law, Kathy Chisum McGuire (Roger)

Nephews, John Mobley, James Mobley

Preceded in Death By:
Parents – Jesse Floyd and Berneice Harkness Wood
Sister and Brother-in-Law – Marilyn Wood Mobley and John Mobley
Grandson – Jeffrey Wood
Nephew – Jesse Mobley

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Coldspring Methodist Church in Coldspring, Texas.

06/03/2019

Charles Daniel (C.D.) Dearing Sr., 93, of Center, Texas passed away on June 2, 2019 in Center. He was born on March 24, 1926 in Port Arthur, Texas to Willis Hankla Dearing and Iva Mae Block Dearing.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Larry Byrd officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

A visitation will be held prior to service time from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. 

C.D. grew up in Port Neches on a dairy and sorghum farm which taught him to be no stranger to hard work. He graduated from Port Neches High School and then enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed on the USS Blue Ridge in the Pacific Ocean where the atomic bomb was being tested. When he returned home from the military, C.D. met Zelma Parker. He was ready to start a family and she decided she better marry him before someone else had the chance. They were married in 1947 and remained lovingly by one another’s side until his passing. C.D.’s work ethic as a child carried on into his adult life. He was one of the hardest working individuals anyone would ever meet. He spent a lot of his time in the field working with cows, on his tractor, farming, and gardening. He enjoyed eating good food, but more than anything loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by:

Sons:
Charles Daniel Dearing, Jr.
Curtis Dearing and wife, Donna Sue
Steven Dearing and wife, Donna
Lewis Paul Dearing

Eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by one brother, Allan Dearing and wife, Peggy.

He is preceded in death by his infant son, Edward Earl Dearing; grandson, Robert David Dearing; parents, Willis and Iva Dearing; and 13 brothers and sisters.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Borders, Donnie Borders, Curtis Steelman, Carl Dearing, Garrett Dearing, Boyce Ward and Billy Steelman.

Honorary pallbearers will be Reece Dearing and Cameron Dearing.

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

06/02/2019

Howard Lee Spruiell Born October 3, 1940 to Fred and Pauline Spruiell. 

Survivors include: 
Wife: Mary Spruiell

Sons: 
Howard Allan and wife Francis
Rodney and wife Christi
Greg and wife Stacy

Survivors also include grandchildren: 
Sydnee Lea and husband Eric Eldridge
Sam and wife Courtney
Jacob
Jesse
Shelby
Alex
Elizabeth

Step-grandson: Josh Cooper and wife Chelsea

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: 
Finn Cooper
Kayden Cooper
Avery Cooper

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, brothers J.C., Bill, and Bob, and sisters Linda, Trudy, and Shelley.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 3, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, 1554 SH 7 East, Center, TX 75935. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for loved ones to send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or White Rock Baptist Church.

05/31/2019

Patricia Lynn Byrd, 58, of Joaquin, Texas passed away on May 31, 2019 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on April 8, 1961 in Nacogdoches to Houston Simpson Byrd and Frances Jean Bridwell Byrd. A graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Monday, June 3, 2019 at Ramah Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 2, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Patricia is survived by:
Her sons: Roy Denver Byrd, Jr.
Chester Ray Byrd and wife, Katie

Daughters: 
Crystal Lorene French and husband, Justin
Jessica Danyell Lorton and husband, Michael

Mother: Frances Jean Bridwell Byrd

Brothers: 
William Byrd
Steve Byrd and wife, Gege
Glenn Byrd
Michael Byrd and wife, Teri

Sister: Mary Manchack

Fourteen grandchildren

She is preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Ray Byrd; father, Houston Simpson Byrd; brothers, James Byrd and Robert Byrd.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Boo’s Battle Support Fund.

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

05/30/2019

Betty Daphine Ratcliff, 52 of Tenaha, passed away Tuesday morning, May 28, 2019 at the Center Emergency Room.

Funeral service is 11am Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Friendship Baptist Church, Tenaha. Interment is at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Timpson with Rev. Carlton Walls officiating.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Melissa Ratcliff of Tenaha
Merissa Ratcliff of Tenaha

Son, Terrence Steadman of Tenaha

13 Grandchildren

Sisters:
Patsy Casey of Tenaha
Elaine Greer of Tenaha
Edith Thomas (Walter) of Center
Joyce Garrett (Jackie) of Beaumont
Marlene Ratcliff of Houston
Linda Redmond of Nacogdoches
Lorraine Moore of Center
Earnest Polley of Center

Brothers:
Anderson Polley, Jr. of Center
Roderick Ratcliff of Tenaha
Vance Ratcliff of Houston
Gregg Ratcliff of Hot Springs, Arkansas

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

05/29/2019

Larry W. Choate, 52, of Center, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Randy Harshbarger and Steve Adams officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery in Shelby County.

Mr. Choate was born October 17, 1966, to James Andrew Choate Sr. and Joyce Mize Choate. He was of the Church of Christ faith.

He is survived by:

Wife, Shannon Choate of Center

Children:
Christopher Choate of Center
Chelsea Nunley and husband Kinder of Center

Grandson, Jaxon Nunley of Center

Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Jean Adams of Nacogdoches

Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Misty and Doug Bowlin of Nacogdoches

Nieces and nephews:
Mackensi, Molly, and Madox Bowlin of Nacogdoches
Stephen Dyess of Nacogdoches
James T. Choate Jr. of Huntsville
Sean Choate of Oklahoma
Silver and Skylar Choate of Tyler

Brothers and sister:
James T. “Buck” Choate and wife Rhonda of Center
James Andrew “Bubba” Choate Jr. and wife Suzanne of Nacogdoches
Vickie Dyess and husband Tim of Nacogdoches

Uncles and aunt:
Benny and Thelma Russell of Center
Lonnie Choate of Center

Numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by father, James Andrew Choate Sr.; mother, Joyce Mize; grandparents, Pierson H. Choate, Mae Choate, Ray Mize, and Katie Mize.

Pallbearers will be Jason Choate, Michael Scates, Rodney Warr, Greg Davidson, Curtis Choate, Doug Bowlin, Bradley Wilburn, and Wesley Rains. Honorary pallbearers will be Stephen Dyess, Tim Dyess, Lonnie Chaote, Mark Hodges, and and Stephen Fults.

A special thank you to Cecelia Dolen, Larry’s nurse, of Heart to Heart Hospice.

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

05/28/2019

Delores Jo Norris, 77, of Center, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019, in Lufkin.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 31, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Rob Merriman officiating. 

Ms. Norris was born August 22, 1941, in Center, to Marvin and IZ Jones. In her younger days, she enjoyed fishing, going to the beach, family gatherings, and playing volleyball. She also loved frying shrimp, making homemade ice-cream and pecan pies for her family, and watching the Astros and Texans play ball. Jo was a realtor for Century 21 Melrose Company for forty years. She has always been a strong willed woman that went above and beyond for her family and friends. Her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, and sisters were her pride and joy. Her family will miss her greatly, but is comforted by knowing she is rejoicing with her late son, Joey, and will be a guardian angel watching over them. 

She is survived by:

Children:
Charlotte Gillespie and husband Randy of Center
Lisa Griffin of Tomball

Grandchildren:
Josh Gillespie and wife Jennifer of Center
Shane Griffin and wife Melissa of Tomball
Jeremy Gillespie of Spring
Daniel Griffin of Tomball

Great-grandchildren:
Jaylee Gillespie of Center
Alecsis Griffin of Tomball
Jase Gillespie of Center

Siblings:
Helen Samford and husband Oswald of Center
Pat Peace and husband Monk of Center
Sammy Jones and wife Joy of Center
David Jones of Center
Mary Walker of Center
Linda Foreman and husband Bobby of Kingwood
Rose Jones of Center

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by her son, Joey Berry; parents, Marvin and IZ Jones; sisters, Barbara Waller and Billie Wall; brothers, Bob Jones and Donald Jones.

A special thank you to friends and loving staff at Colonial Pines Nursing Home.

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

Bobbie Scott, 86, of Center, passed away Monday, May 27, 2019, in Carthage.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Old Salem Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.

Mrs. Scott was born June 23, 1932, in San Augustine, to Robert Mitchell and Ellen Ferguson Mitchell.  She loved to read her Bible, work crossword puzzles, and spend time with her family.  Mrs. Scott was a member of First Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by: 
Husband: J.B. Scott of Center

Children: 
Wanda Hart and husband Wayne of Carthage
Merlene Graham and Rodney Seilhan of Hemphill
Jerry Scott of Center
Jimmy Scott of Center

Grandchildren: 
John Michael Graham Jr. of Jonesboro, Louisiana
Paul Bryan Graham of Jonesboro, Louisiana
Wayne Eugene Hart Jr. of Beckville
Dakota Hart of Winnsboro, Louisiana
Laura Scott of Center
Christopher Scott of Center
Tiffany Keele of Center

Great-grandchildren: 
Wayne Eugene Hart III
Hunter Wayne Hart
Collins Blair Hart
Jayden Taylor

Brother: Robert Mitchell of Lufkin

Sister: Patsy Madden of Mississippi

Numerous nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends

Preceded in death by his parents, Doris Bailey; sister, Ruth Sherrill; brother, Marvin Mitchell; brother-in-law, Edward Sherrill.

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

05/28/2019

J.E. "Jimmy'" Jones went home to be with the Lord May 27, 2019, at the age of 98.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 31, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Carl Smith and Bro. Bobby Bressman officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Virginia Lewis Jones and son, Ronnie E Jones; his father, James E. Jones Sr. and mother, Billie Bush Jones.

He is survived by:

Daughter, Suzanne Jucas and son-in-law, Dr. John Jucas, of Shreveport

Daughter, Carolyn Lovette and son-in-law, Bill Lovette of Charlotte, North Carolina

Daughter-in-law, A. J. Canales of Alice, Texas.

Grandchildren:
Ron Jones of Georgetown, Texas
Rebecca Jones of Austin, Texas
Allyson Jones of Brooklyn, New York
Don Lovette of Cartersville, Georgia
Jennifer Lovette of Charlotte, North Carolina

Great-grandchildren: Taylor Salinas, Madison Lovette, Jackson Lovette, Hudson Lovette, Kate Jones, and Tory Jones.

Jimmy was a native of Fort Worth Texas. He graduated from Pascal High school in Fort Worth, where he lettered in football and track.

He attended Baylor University in Waco and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He also attended Stephen F Austin University, where he earned a teacher’s degree and a certification to teach.

He moved to Tyler County in East Texas as a young man where he met and married Virginia Lewis.

It was also in East Texas that he taught school for five years. His love of working with young people brought some of the most rewarding experiences of his life. He taught all four grades of high school English and he served as high school principal and coached football, baseball and track. While in Tyler County, he pastored five different churches, three of them were in the county as well as Diboll and Burke in Angelina county. During this time, he experienced his most memorable service which was in First Baptist of Colmesneil, Texas. He would never tell these details, but in an article of the local newspaper it was written that the church closed one of its most successful revivals with twenty additions by baptism and five by letter. Of the twenty who were baptized, the average age of those joining was forty years which is unusual in conversions. The Lord allowed him to be part and preach every sermon of the revival. There were approximately five hundred people attending the last service and in a town of less than a thousand people it was an amazing experience.

In 1951, he moved to Center where he opened Dad and Lad's Clothing store for men and boys. He operated this for forty five years. Also, in the intervening years, he operated three other stores in Center as well as in San Augustine and in Carthage.

Through the years in Shelby county, he pastored Clever Creek Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, Lonestar Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Timpson. With his work in the clothing business for so many years it enabled him to be able to help the smaller churches when he was needed. During this time he witnessed many life decisions and was a part of encouraging building and growth of the smaller churches. He always gave God all the credit and gratitude for using him in this capacity.

Through these thirty years, he conducted many revivals and more funerals that he could recall and was always available to preach for Bro. Chadwick at the First Baptist Church as he was needed.

For over fourteen years, he taught the Men's Bible Class at the First Baptist Church. Much of the time it was on radio and televised for the community.

In civic work, he served for approximately seventeen years on the Board of Trustees of the Center Independent School District where he served as president of the board.

Also, he served two terms as president of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce as well as two terms as President of the Center Lions Club.

For twenty years, he served on the Board of Directors of the Farmers State Bank. He retired from active business in 1995.

He always lived by three deep considerations as the guiding motivation of his life: be a friend to all, live by the Golden Rule and make this world a better place because you are permitted to pass this way.

In his life there were many things he loved and enjoyed, hunting and being in nature were at the top but it was his study of the Bible and teaching and preaching that were the things that meant most to his life.

To be with his Lord and Savior is gain. He is now home.

Micah 6:8 - And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

His family is so grateful for the people who have blessed and enriched his life. Cursandra Wade who he always said was his best friend. She truly was for six years. Jackie Collins who was was with him weekends and nights.

Special thanks to Charlotte Garrett, Tyronne Garrett, Kelsey Owens, Sherry Gibbs, Tricia Baker, Nicole Simpson, Karen Morris, Annie Wynn, Kathy Davidson, Betty Davis, Betty Ratcliff, Julie Dixon, Kay DeSoto, Kim Bridges, and Steve Fults. To all the wonderful staff at Pine Grove Heart to Heart Hospice.

If anyone has been overlooked, thank you and God bless you!

Pallbearers will be Luke Motley, David Chadwick, Tim Morrison, Buddy Hancock, Bobby Watson, Don Lovette, Ron Jones, and Bill Stegall. Honorary pallbearers are the Farmers State Bank Board and Men’s Bible Class of First Baptist Church.

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

05/28/2019

Reba Coleman, 63 of Marshall, Texas passed away Friday, May 24, 2019 at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, La. She was born on April 18, 1956 in Center, Texas.

Funeral service will be Friday, May 31, 2019 at 11:00am at Bethesda Baptist Church 801 West Grand Ave in Marshall, Texas. Rev. James E. Webb will be officiating.

Mrs. Reba Coleman is survived by:

Husband, Anthony Coleman of Marshall, Texas 

Mother, Mrs. Maudie L. Ayers of Center, Texas

Sister, Valerie J. Washington of Marshall, TX

Brother, Leroy Ayers, Jr (Pat) of Houston, TX

Brother-in-law, Booker G. Coleman of Oklahoma

Stepdaughter, Toni Michele Coleman-McDonald of Houston, TX

Grandchildren, Malcolm and Madison McDonald, both of Houston, TX

Along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends spread throughout the country.

Visitation: Thursday, May 29, 2019 at Hicks Chapel 804 MLK Jr. Drive, Center, Texas from the hours of 6:00PM to 8:00PM. 

Committal: Friday, May 30, 2019 at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas near 3:00 P.M.

Repass: Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church from the hours 12:30P.M. to 1:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Mission Marshall in Marshall, Texas.

Service entrust to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net

Jonathan F. Gray, 60, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 27, 2019 in Center. He was born on June 29, 1958 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Jessie Lee Gray and Lurline Stansberry Gray. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Anthony Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Haley Bush Cemetery in San Augustine. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. Repass will be at the John D. Windham Civic Center.

Jonathan grew up in Center and graduated from Center High School in 1976. In May of 1980, he went to work for Hallmark and next year would’ve have marked his 40th year of service with the company. That same year, he met Nancy Berry in San Augustine. The two courted for a couple of years and then were married just before Jonathan’s birthday. He was a genuinely kind-hearted, down-to-earth man who spent the best times of his life surrounded by family. There was nothing he loved more than those precious moments with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. The laughter and joy would resonate when they were together at cook outs and other gatherings. Jonathan also enjoyed the outdoors and would often go hunting and fishing. His caring and compassionate demeanor will be dearly missed, and those that had the pleasure of knowing Jonathan will treasure the innumerable beautiful memories made with him over the years. 

Jonathan is survived by: 
His beloved wife: Nancy Gray

Son: DeQuinn Nickerson and wife, Stefanie

Daughters: 
Katina Hubbard and husband, Gregory
Jennifer Gray-White and husband Garnet III 
Jessica Watts and husband, Justin

Mother: Lurline Stansberry Wade

Brothers: 
Reginald Patton 
Darryl Gray

Sisters: 
Saundra Hill
Felicia Cloudy and husband, Pastor Marlin Cloudy Sr.

Grandchildren: 
Sykera Hubbard
Gregory Hubbard II
Kylie Hubbard
Austin Randle
Cali White
Lia Nickerson 
Levin Nickerson

A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends that will miss him dearly

He is preceded in death by his father, Jessie Lee Gray and his brothers, Kelvin Patton and Dwynne Gray.

Pallbearers will be Marcus Williams, Jack Moore, Kenny Wayne Edwards, Keith Hinson, Billy Jackson and Tommy Jackson.

The family would like to extend extreme gratitude to the staff of Hospice in the Pines for their excellent care of Mr. Gray during his time of need. 

The family also expresses their sincere thanks to everyone who has called, provided meals, visited and prayed during Mr. Gray’s illness.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.  

05/25/2019

Zelma Ruth Lathan (95) of Center, Texas passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at a nursing facility. She was born on January 20, 1924 in Center, Texas.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Mt. Zion CME Church 921 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Center, Texas 75935 at 1:00PM. Rev. Richard Edwards will be officiating.

Mrs. Zelma Ruth Lathan is survived by:

Sons:
Michael (Charlotte) Harrison of Dallas, TX
James Wayne (Zona) Lathan of Shreveport, LA
Claudus (Machelle) Lathan of Center, TX
Kimble (Dedrie) Lathan of Center, TX

Daughter, Mattie (Melvin) Suell of Center, TX

12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild

Special daughter, Linda Diane Ford and family of Monroe, LA

Nephews:
Marcus (Tammye) Bolton of Houston, TX
Joel Lathan, Sr. of Houston, TX
Larry Lathan of Houston, TX
Waymond Malone of Houston, TX

Nieces:
Mona Dixon of Houston, TX
Ramona (Arnet) Boyd of Center, TX

A host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation: Monday, May 27, 2019 at Hicks Chapel 804 MLK Jr. Drive, Center, Texas from the hours of 6:00PM to 8:00PM.

Committal:  Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Westview Cemetery in Longview, Texa

Repass: Val's Place

Service entrust to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at hicksmortuary.net

05/24/2019

Jerry Powell, 75, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Wheeler officiating.  Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Mr. Powell was born January 7, 1944, in Dallas, to Marvin Powell and Maxine Nichols Powell.  He served in the United States National Guard, was an HR Manager at Tyson Foods and also raised poultry. Mr. Powell was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church in Shelbyville. 

He is survived by
His sons: 
James Powell and wife Kande of Center
Brian Powell and wife Jennifer of Lufkin

Grandsons: 
Nicklaus Powell of Center
Davis Powell of Lufkin
Clayton Powell of Center
Jackson Powell of Lufkin

Brothers: 
Don Powell and wife Priscilla of Sabine County
Milton Powell of Sabine County

Numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends

He is preceded in death by his wife, Nadine Hippler Powell; parents, Marvin Powell and Maxine Nichols Powell; sister, Karen Hadlock; niece, Crystal Vickers.

Pallbearers will be James Powell, Brian Powell, Nicklaus Powell, Davis Powell, Clayton Powell, and Jackson Powell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html or Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org/

A special thanks to the staff of Pine Grove Nursing Home and Heart to Heart Hospice for their compassionate care.

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

05/23/2019

D.H. Parker, 92, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 22, 2019 in Center. He was born on May 9, 1927 in the Dreka Community to Emmett E. Parker, Sr. and Annie Maude Sholmire Parker. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Hayden Dupree officiating and music by Dot, Robbie, Pam and Wesley. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery. 

A visitation will be held prior to service time from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. 

DH grew up in the Dreka Community and attended Dreka School. In July of 1945, he was drafted into the US Army where he served as a prison guard in Paris, France. After completing his military service, DH returned home to East Texas and later went to work for the Shelby County Road Commissioner Precinct 1. One day while DH was in the 7-11 store, he happened to meet Raylene Rotzoll who was assistant manager at the time. A friendly exchange soon became love and the two were married on June 9, 1982. DH really enjoyed the outdoors, especially gardening and tinkering with lawn mowers. Every morning, you could find DH solving the worlds problems with his fellow McDonald’s coffee club. Some of his favorite and most prized moments were those spent with his lovely wife, children and especially his grandchildren. 

DH is survived by
His beloved wife, Raylene Parker

Sons: 
Danny Parker
Michael Harrelson and wife, Nancy
Mark Harrelson and wife, Lacey

Grandchildren: 
Rachel Robbins and fiancé, Zach, Jacob Parker
Landry Harrelson and Parker Harrelson

Special friends: 
Todd, Jade, Copen and Creek Hogue; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Annie Parker; and brothers, Emmett Elige Parker, Jr., Willie Dave “Dick” Parker, Laddie Lavon Parker and Robert Louis “Bob” Parker.

Pallbearers are Ricky Cockrell, Brad Cockrell, Mike Baldwin, Mike Bush, Douglas Jackson and Todd Hogue.

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

05/20/2019

Donald O’Rear, 86, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019, in Shelbyville.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Kevin Windham officiating.  Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. O’Rear was born February 16, 1933, in Huxley, to Alvie H. O’Rear and Cassie Fleming O’Rear.  He served in the US Army, where he was a member of the I Corps Army Unit and served as Sergeant in the the 204th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. He later retired from the USDA as an inspector, where he received many honorable mentions throughout his career. Mr. O’Rear went on to work as a full-time farmer and rancher. He received the John Moosberg Award for outstanding broiler grower in Shelby County for Tyson Foods numerous times throughout the years, Mr. O’Rear also enjoyed working with his cattle.  More than anything, he loved spending time with his daughter, nieces, nephews, and other family children. Mr. O’Rear was a member of Oakland Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher.

He is survived by his wife: Lois Bell O’Rear of Shelbyville

Daughter: Sheila O’Rear of Shelbyville

Brother: Benny O’Rear of Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Sisters-in-law: 
Margaret Kay of Shelbyville
Sue Bell of Tatum
Jean O’Rear

Extended family: 
Emigdio Valencia and wife Dionicia
Dana Valencia
Angelica Valencia Valdez and husband Ricard Caporali Farjardo
Cristian Alberto Valencia Valdez and wife Emerald

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvie H. O’Rear and Cassie Fleming O’Rear; brother, Kelly O’Rear; sister-in-law, Pat O’Rear; brothers-in-law, James Bell, Charles Bell and mother-in-law, Ruby Bell.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie O’Rear, Mark O’Rear, Sammy Furlow, Christian Valencia, Emigdio Valencia, and Jason Bell.

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

05/20/2019

Margaret Ann Renois Anderson, 73, of Colmesneil, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2019, in Colmesneil.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Phil Reeves officiating. Interment will follow at Neuville Cemetery in Shelby County. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Mrs. Anderson was born July 1, 1945, in Mansfield, Louisiana, to Verdis Edward Renois and Eloise Robison Renois. She worked as a Nurse Aide at Holiday Nursing Center in Center. Mrs. Anderson loved children, gardening, and flowers.  

She is survived by her husband, Charles H. Anderson of Colmesneil; children, Debbie Brenner and husband Robert of Anchorage, Alaska, Charles V. Anderson of Colmesneil; grandchildren, Charles G. Anderson of Colmesneil, Bryan Brenner of Alaska, Sarah Brenner of Alaska; great grandchildren, Luna Mea Anderson and Willow Rain Anderson; brother, Ed Renois and wife Marilyn of Converse, Louisiana; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by parents, Verdis Edward Renois and Eloise Robison Renois; brother, Dennis Hooper.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Neuville Cemetery Fund, c/o Vivian Conway, 854 FM 2148, Center, Texas 75935.

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

05/20/2019

Lynn Tatom of Pineland died Saturday May 18, 2019 in a local nursing home. He was born May 24, 1926 in the Plainview Community and was 92 years of age. 

Mr. Tatom was a service man for Tyson foods until retirement. There will be a visitation of friends and family Monday May 20, 2019 from 5 to 8 pm at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas. He will have a graveside funeral service Tuesday at 2:00 pm at Plainview Cemetery. Burial will follow in Plainview Cemetery. 

He is survived by: 
His wife of 69 years: Dorothy Tatom of Pineland

Son: Wade Tatom and wife Julie of Tenaha, TX

Daughters: 
Robin Shapley and husband Andy of Pineland 
Rhonda Gipson and husband Floyd of Pineland

Grandchildren: 
Shelley Adams & husband Mike of Arkansas
Mark Gipson and wife Shawn of Washington State
Justin Tatom & wife Stephanie of Tenaha
Candus Tatom of Nacogdoches
Lauren Shapley of Pineland

Great-Grandchildren: 
Lilia Adams
Sylvia Adams
Matthew Gipson
Mark Gipson
Tabytha Gipson
Henley Tatom
Presley Tatom

He was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Etta Tatom and Brother Troy Tatom. 

Guest book may be signed and condolences may be left at starrfh@windstream.net

05/19/2019

Josephine Ratcliff, 69 of the East Liberty Community, passed away Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Denton, Texas.

Funeral service is 11am Friday, May 24, 2019 at East Liberty Baptist Church. No wake will be held. Interment is at East Liberty Cemetery in Center with Pastor Steven Standley officiating.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Patricia Ratcliff of Dallas 
Monica Ratcliff od Denton

Son, Christopher Ratcliff (Kim) of Salina, KS

8 Grandchildren, 2 Great-grandchildren

Son-in-law, Joe Boykins of Shelbyville

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.

05/19/2019

Funeral services honoring the life of Rusty Evan Canton, 45, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Logansport High School in Logansport, LA with Brother Timothy Roberson and Revered Dean Register officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery in Many, LA. The family will receive friends at the school for visitation on Saturday, May 18, 2019, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Rusty was born October 30, 1973 in Shreveport, LA to Jack Evan Canton Jr. and Judith Gayle Hennigan Canton and entered into rest on May 16, 2019. Rusty was the Fire Chief of Desoto District One and served 21 years for Shreveport Fire Department. He was a hard worker, a loving husband and father, and a mentor to many.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack Evan Canton Sr. and wife, Eva Marie Canton, and  Opal Yates Hennigan and wife, Eva Bell Hennigan.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are:
His wife: Shannon Canton

Parents: Jack Evan Canton Jr. and Judith Gayle Hennigan

Sons: 
Benjamin Canton
Joshua Canton 
Parker Canton
Louis Sisk

Daughters: 
Isabella Canton
Logan Sisk

Sisters: 
Brandy Ward
Dusty Norris
Crickty Canton

Brother: Jody Warren

Grandchildren: 
Korbyn Spear
Kinsler Sisk
Harrison Sisk
Declan Sisk

A very special aunt: Lona Lee

A host of nieces, nephews, and friends

Honoring Rusty as pallbearers will be Heath Hayes, Mark Magee, Jody Warren, Pat Denney, Justin Markey, and Clint Walker.

Honorary Pallbearers will be all of DeSoto Fire District #1 firefighters and volunteer firefighters.

Funeral services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

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