Obituaries
06/10/2019
Billy Dale “Pepa” Davis, 64, of Joaquin, passed away Monday, June 10, 2019, in Joaquin.
Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at Haslam Baptist Church in Haslam with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Mr. Davis was born November 14, 1954, in Coushatta, Louisiana, to Nancy Tingle and Truman Davis. He served in the United States Army and later went on to work in refinery management. Mr. Davis was a present member of Gary Masonic Lodge #1101 and a Past Worshipful Master at Joaquin Masonic Lodge #856. He was also a member of Haslam Baptist Church. Mr. Davis loved fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by:
His wife of thirty-nine years, Jeannie Davis of Joaquin
Children:
Phillip Smith and wife Tammy
Chris Martin and husband Tommy
Julie Bass and husband Michael
Grandchildren:
Chase Martin
Dru Smith
Will Smith
Julianna Martin
Lila Smith
Emma Martin
JJ Bass
Caly Smith
Tate Bass
Great-grandchildren:
Kenzie Martin
Jaxon Martin
One great-granddaughter due in October.
Preceded in death by parents, Nancy Tingle and Truman Davis; and brother, Robert Michael Davis.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Haslam Baptist Church Mission Fund.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/10/2019
Joyce “Nanny” Norton, 64, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2019, in Fort Worth.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 13, 2019, at Dunnigan Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Chris Collins and Bro. Wes Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Dunnigan Cemetery in Shelby County.
Mrs. Norton was born September 9, 1954, in Denver, Colorado, to Calvin Barton and Jo Evelyn Franklin Barton. She was a beauty shop operator for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed reading. Her favorite moments were those spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Norton was a member of Dunnigan Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by:
Her husband of forty-seven years: Lamar Norton of Shelbyville
Sons and daughters-in-law:
Clint and Jennifer Norton of Shelbyville
Chad and Angie Norton of Shelbyville
Grandchildren:
Colton Norton
Caleb Norton
Chet Norton
Audrey Norton
Tyler Windham
Dawson Windham
Brother: Larry Barton
Sister: Sue Battles
Special friends:
Marla Denby
Dusty and Nicole Robinson
Amos and Gus
Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives
She is preceded in death by her parents, Calvin Barton and Jo Evelyn Franklin Barton; in-laws, A.P. and Bessie Norton; brother, Steve Barton; brothers-in-law, Larry Norton and Spencer Battles.
Pallbearers will be Colton Norton, Caleb Norton, Chet Norton, Tyler Windham, and Dawson Windham. Honorary pallbearers will be Audrey Norton, Dusty Robinson, Andrew Norton, Kevin Moore, and J.T. Thompson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Dunnigan Cemetery Fund, c/o Lamar Smith, 1936 FM 2261, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/10/2019
Martha Ann Smith McDonald, 80, of Houston, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2019, in Houston.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Larry Maddox officiating. Interment will follow at Patroon Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.
Martha was born August 15, 1938, the only child of Ruby Cain Smith and Herman Smith.
She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Martha is survived by her two sons, Merlin Erex McDonald and wife Patricia of Woodward, Oklahoma and Joe Mark McDonald and wife Katrina of Petersburg, Virginia; granddaughter, Lauren McDonald of Riesel, Texas and grandson, Marlon McDonald and wife Becca of Nacogdoches, Texas.
Martha graduated Shelbyville High School in 1956. She was class secretary, historian, and class president. She was active in the school paper, student council, band, as well as class Salutatorian.
She married her high school sweetheart, Marlon Erex McDonald, on May 18, 1956.
Martha had a short career with Southwestern Bell. It didn’t take her long to know that she did not want to work and leave her boys in someone else’s care. She began watching children in her home. Soon, she saw the future in the child care industry. She purchased property and began operating Little Folks Day Care in May 1971. She was instrumental in helping create guidelines and legislation for the child care industry. Her strong personality, wit, kindness, and unconditional love was a blessing to all who entered Little Folks. She not only provided quality care for the children, she also nurtured relationships with parents and employees through the years. She was an exemplary example to all who knew her of the true meaning of unconditional love.
Martha will be greatly missed by many relatives and friends, as well as the children she so dearly loved.
Pallbearers will be Gilbert Barrios, Jimmy Jackson, Chris Barrios, Brandon Barrios, Sam Cain, Jack Cain, Wayne Warren, and Tommy Jenkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Barrios, Robert Cain, and Jerry Cain.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/09/2019
Peacefully, Joan Spradley Rhodes left this earthly life for a better and more beautiful one with her Heavenly Father. Mrs. Rhodes was born in Logansport, Louisiana, on November 1, 1939 to Joe Marvin Spradley and Frankie Bea Powell. She departed this life on Saturday morning, June 8, 2019 in Nacogdoches, Texas.
She attended Logansport and Carthage schools, graduating with the class of 1957. Mrs. Rhodes was a graduate of Panola College, where she was elected Miss PJC in 1958-59. She then graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Rhodes taught fourth grade in Angleton ISD, before moving back to East Texas, where she taught in the Timpson ISD for thirty-seven years, retiring in 2000. In 1960, she married James Earl Rhodes and together they had one daughter, Anita Joyce “Joy” Rhodes.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and grandparents.
Mrs. Rhodes is survived by:
Daughter: Joy Rhodes, of Nacogdoches
Brother: Bob Spradley and sister-in-law, Barbara of Whitehouse
Sister-in-law: Sara Nell Rhodes Raines and brother-in-law, John Henry Raines, Jr., of Timpson
Mrs. Rhodes leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. She is also survived by the many students who came through her classroom and her fur baby and companion, Roxi.
Her greatest love was family. Memorial donations may be made to Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery or Timpson Volunteer Ambulance or Fire.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, June 10, 2019 at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson with Bro. Dee Daniel officiating. Interment will follow in the Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the service on Monday.
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.
06/07/2019
Kirksey Dock, Sr., 77 of Tyler, passed away Wednesday evening, June 5, 2019 at his residence.
Funeral service is 1pm Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Triumph Pentecostal Church, Shelbyville, Texas. Wake is 6pm to 7pm at Community Funeral Home on Saturday, June 8th. Interment is at Bennett Chapel Cemetery, Shelbyville with Bishop Zep Swindle officiating.
He is survived by:
Daughters:
Mary Bolton Haley of Mansfield, LA
Linda Dock of Center
Betty Gardner of Center
Brenda Wilson of Tyler
Tonya Valasquez of Houston
Sons:
Kirksey Dock, Jr. of Center
James Douglas Dock of Logansport, LA.
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.
06/07/2019
Minnie Sudie Lovejoy, 103, of Center, passed away Friday, June 7, 2019, in Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Mrs. Lovejoy was born February 13, 1916, in San Augustine, to Robert Stephenson and Maude Richards Stephenson.
She is survived by her sons, Alan Lovejoy of Center, Paul Lovejoy of Center, and Mike Lovejoy and wife Gerrie of Fairfield; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; sisters, Blanche Haley of Center and Faye Elder of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Maurice Lovejoy; parents, Robert Stephenson and Maude Richards Stephenson, and ten brothers and sisters.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/07/2019
Rickie Paul Jernigan, 70, of Bellaire, TX went to be with the Lord on June 6, 2019 in Houston, TX after a brief struggle with cancer. Rickie was born on December 26, 1948 in Center, TX, where he spent much of his life.
At a young age, he was industrious and had a penchant for working odd jobs to help support the family. This hard-working ethic continued into adulthood, where he had a bivocational career of auto mechanic and K9 police officer. Not only was he gifted at repairing a Volkswagen and building recreational vehicles from top to bottom at his shop Rick’s Foreign Auto Repair with a tagline of “Bug me with your Beetle,” but he had a special skillset at communicating and effectively training dogs. Life was not all work and play for Rickie, as he was notorious for playing the perfect prank on any poor unsuspecting soul. A person had to wake up very early in the morning to fool him, even in the twilight of his life, he remained sharp and vigilant.
Rickie was preceded in death by grandparents Lillie Bell and Fern Jernigan, Georgie and Flint Adams and aunt and uncle Emily and Elbert Hughes. He was also preceded in death by his parents Miriam and Paul Jernigan and brother Fern Jernigan.
He is survived by:
Siblings:
Shina and Woodie Jernigan
Reba and Harry Powers
Rebecca and Mike Towns
Sister-in-law: Vivian Jernigan Ford
He is survived by nieces and nephews:
Micky Ray
Misty Ray
Lucas Powers
Liza Powers
Liberty Powers
Lydia Powers
Thomas Jernigan
Todd Jernigan
Melissa Marcantel
Melinda Sims
He is also survived by his life-long best friend Bo Griffin
A memorial will be held at Antioch Community Center on June 29th, 2019 from 1 to 3 pm. He will have a graveside marker placed at Mount Pleasant in Center, TX later. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rickie’s honor at the Dog’s For Law Enforcement Program at https://dogsforlawenforcement.org/index.php/donate-page/.
06/06/2019
Verlon Ray Hooper, 85, of Center, Texas passed away on June 4, 2019 in Center. He was born on January 5, 1934 in Shelby County to Carter G. Hooper and Vernice L. Gipson Hooper.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 7, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. A private interment will follow due to possible inclement weather.
Verlon grew up in the Aiken Community in Shelby County. He married Thelma Andrews Hooper in 1953 and spent a love filled 65 years together. Later, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the 34th Armor/ 4th Infantry Division from 1957 to 1959. No stranger to hard work, Verlon owned and operated his own wrecker service in Shelby County for almost 35 years serving the community with pride and dedication. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed spending time fishing, gardening, visiting with friends and relatives and attending church at Old Salem Missionary Baptist where he was a member. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife and children.
Verlon is survived by:
Wife, Thelma Hooper
Daughter, Jana Hooper of Shreveport, LA
Sons:
David Hooper of Center, TX
Jerald “Jerry” Hooper and his wife, Beth Mazer of Greensboro, NC
Sister, Vivian Luman
Grandchildren: Kayden, Katie and Gracie Hooper of Greensboro, NC
As well as many well-loved nephews, nieces and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Carter and Vernice Hooper; brother, Travis O. Hooper; and sisters, Essie Lee Soape and Dessie Knight.
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
06/06/2019
Monica Jones Chandler, 57, of Center, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019, in Tyler.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Smith Cemetery in Shelby County. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, beginning at noon.
Mrs. Chandler was born February 23, 1962, in Shelby County, to Bobby Bruce Jones and Thelma Kay Lewis Jones. She loved fishing and spoiling her grandbaby.
She is survived by:
Husband, Randy Chandler of Center
Children:
Randi Kay Faulkenbery and husband Josiah of Center
Brody Chandler of Center
Grandson, Wyatt Faulkenbery of Center
Mother, Thelma Kay Connell of Georgia
Sisters and brother, Donna Jones of Center, Terry Beard and husband Kerry of Garrison, and Bruce Jones and wife Claudann of Center
Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law:
Ricky and Leisha Chandler of Joaquin
Ronald Chandler of Center
Relissa Bailey and husband Shane of Nacogdoches
Rhonda McMannus and husband Robert
Rachelle Chandler of Nacogdoches
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.
Preceded in death by her father, Bobby Bruce Jones and sister, Sandi Jones.
Pallbearers will be Josiah Faulkenbery, Robert McMannus, Ronnie Mills, Ronnie Davis, Bo Chandler, and Kerry Beard. Honorary pallbearers will be Shane Bailey and James Hagler.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/05/2019
Mr. Timothy Dennis Heffernan, age 71, died Sunday, June 2, 2019, at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston following a lengthy illness.
Known to family and friends as Tim, he is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Margaret “Meg” Ihlo Heffernan and four adult children: Jennifer Blackburn (Andy); Carrie Lamb (Scott); Catherine Mallory; and Howell Mallory (Becky).
Lovingly known as PawPaw, Tim is survived by:
Twelve grandchildren:
Clinton Blackburn (Alexandria)
Derek Blackburn
Jacob Roberts
Logan Zahn
Olivia Zahn
Alexandra Zahn
Aidan Lamb
Conlan Lamb
Skyler Lamb
David Vazquez
Parker Mallory
Levi Mallory
One great-grandchild: Emery Blackburn
One godchild: Abigail Slate
He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Surviving siblings include:
Susan Carol Prather (William – deceased)
Mary Turner (Wendell)
Kevin Hale (Beth)
Katherine Nancy Eckhardt (Gene)
Theodore Guy Meng
He was predeceased by his son Timothy Dennis Heffernan, Jr.; siblings Margaret Ann Balshaw, David Patrick Heffernan, Stephen Thomas Heffernan; nephew Michael Edward Balshaw;and parents Arthur Hydron Meng and Nancy Ann Ent Heffernan Meng.
Tim served with pride for three years in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969. Family and friends attest that the discipline and patriotism that he learned as a Marine never left him.
Tim was born at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia, and grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes Grade School and Howe High School and maintained a lifelong friendship with classmate Ronnie McCord of Indianapolis.
After military service, Tim followed the career path of his beloved father and became an expert sprinkler fitter in fire protection. The last twenty years of his career he was employed at Western States Fire Protection in Houston, serving initially as a foreman, then advancing to area manager.
Tim retired in 2005, enjoying travel, golf, fishing, grilling, John Wayne movies, and season tickets as an enthusiastic fan of the Oilers and the Texans. He also loved his puppies over the years, most recently his special Yorkie, Tuffy.
Above all, Tim is universally described by family, friends, and neighbors as generous, giving, and caring. He was best known for his love and devotion to family, taking great pleasure in making reunions, holidays, vacations, and spontaneous gatherings a series of opportunities to celebrate and nurture the special love that binds family over the years.
Funeral arrangements are being managed by Brookside Funeral Home-Cypress Creek at 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, Texas, 77095, where the viewing is scheduled for Friday evening, June 7th, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th, at 10:00 am at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, 9600 S. Gessner Road, Houston, Texas, 77071. Burial will take place at 4:00 pm that day at the Oaklawn Memorial Cemetery in Center, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation via their website at PKDCure.org.
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
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