Shelby County Today

07/12/2019

Carol Jean Hataway, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Thursday, July 11, 2019.

Memorial: 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Mount Olivet Chapel. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Mount Olivet.

Carol was born July 3, 1941 in Baytown, Texas. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, before going on to graduate with a Bachelors in Education from Baylor University in 1965. Carol started her teaching career in La Porte, Texas before she moved and spent the rest of her teaching career with HEB ISD. On May 31, 1968, Carol married the love of her life, Bob Hataway, and the two raised three children together. Carol worked diligently with her husband in a Chaplaincy ministry for transportation for 45 years.

Carol will always be remembered as a sweet, Christian lady who inspired many people in their spiritual path. Her grandchildren were the highlight of her life. Her dedication and hard work while raising her family inspired any who met her. Her generous heart will always be missed.

Preceded by: Son, Mark Hataway; parents, Bill and Nita Engelhardt.

Survived by: 
Husband: Bob Hataway of Haltom City

Children: 
Cathy Goodman and husband, John, of Paradise
Rob Hataway and wife, Julie, of Southlake

Daughter-in-law: Liz Hataway of Fort Worth

Sister: Sue Moore of Dayton

Grandchildren: 
Megan Horton and husband, Tagus
Travis Goodman and wife, Kristen
Casey Goodman
Ashlynn Hataway
Cameron Hataway
Autumn Hataway
Jude Hataway
Isabela Hataway

Great-grandchildren: 
Kase Horton
Harper Horton
Avery Goodman

Countless friends

07/12/2019

Pinkie Atkinson, 100, of New Harmony Community passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at her residence.

Wake will be held Friday, July 12, 2019 from 6-8 pm at Strong Triumph Church, Shelbyville, TX. Services will be on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 2:00pm at Strong Triumph Church, Shelbyville, TX. Interment will be at Bennett Chapel Cemetery, Shelbyville, TX with Bishop Howard Cloudy officiating. 

To God be the Glory for 100 blessed years of Mother Pinkie Atkinson's Life - On April 27, 1919 a beautiful blessed life journey began for Mother Pinkie Swindle Atkinson, who was born as the 11th child of 13 to the parentage of the late Elisha and Mary McCowin Swindle.

Ms. Pinkie attended C.H. Daniels High School in Center, Texas. She received her BVA Bachelor of Science degree from Butler College in Tyler, Texas and a master's degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.

She met Brother Zephaniah Atkinson as he traveled to and from Texas with his parents, the late Bishop CC and Mother Josephine Atkinson. Brother Zephaniah and Mother Pinkie wed in holy matrimony in August of 1939. To this union two children, a daughter Jewell Mae and a son Zephaniah, Jr. were born. Mother Pinkie is remembered as a beloved educator and coach. She worked in Brown and Bell Chapel School System before venturing to East Liberty High School where she taught and coached for 14 years. She coached 10 girls district championship teams with seven of those being consecutive. Of those 14 years five were spent coaching the boy’s team who were also district champions and the 1968 team going on to win the PVIL Championship. Mother Pinkie would go on to retire from Shelby County Co-Op after educating and coaching for 43 years. Her motto was “push, pull or get out of the way!” 

Besides her being an educator and coach she was a beloved spiritual teacher and county mother for Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ. After receiving a vision from God, she was led to take an old school building that was part of the Strong school system and transform it into what is Strong Triumph Church. She loved Triumph Church with all her heart and was dedicated to making sure that her name always stood strong. 

She was a beloved member of the community who served as a member for various committees and organizations, especially campaigning for the Democratic Party and serving as treasurer for the Toledo Bend Retired Teachers Association. Mother Pinkie would go above and beyond for her community. It didn’t matter what race you were, she treated everyone with love and accepted them as her family. 

As with anything, if there is a beginning there must be an ending. Sadly for the Swindle Family and those who knew Mother Pinkie, July 9, 2019 brought the end to a blessed 100 year journey filled with loving memories and great achievements. 

Mother Pinkie was preceded in death by her parents, 12 siblings and her husband and children. She leaves to cherish her beautiful legacy numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a community that she loved dearly.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center

07/11/2019

Karen Kraemer Peschka, age 64, passed away on July 8, 2019 at home.

Karen, a long-time resident of Houston, was born in Center, TX, the daughter of Charlene and Andrew Kraemer. In 1973, she graduated from Center High School, where she played the clarinet and was a majorette in the marching band. In 1977 she earned a BFA in Art and Business from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Karen held various corporate positions; however, she particularly enjoyed her many years in retail sharing her deep knowledge of and passion for plants, gardening and bird life. She loved art and expressed her artistic talents in a variety of mediums, including sculpting, jewelry, painting, and flower arranging. She loved entertaining, especially hosting legendary pool parties and Easter egg hunts for the neighborhood children. She will long be remembered for her lightning-quick wit and, sometimes outrageous, sense of humor.

She is survived by:
Her husband of 31 years, Thomas Lee Peschka of Houston

Mother: Charlene Hudson Kraemer of Nacogdoches, TX

Sister and brother-in-law: Kaye and Mark Yoder of Nacogdoches, Tx

Sister: Kristy Kraemer of Germantown, MD

Brother and sister-in-law: Keith and Sandra Kraemer, of Lufkin, TX

Four nieces, a nephew, four great-nieces and a great-nephew.

Her father, Andy Kraemer of Center, TX and a nephew, Matthew Hibbard of Nacogdoches, TX, preceded her in death.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 5 pm, Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, TX. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Oaklawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Center, TX.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Texas Parks,Wildlife Foundation http://www.tpwf.org, or a charity of your choice.

Services are under the direction of Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home.

07/11/2019

James Darrell “Bud” Hendricks, 72, of Center, Texas, passed away on July 10, 2019 in Center, Texas. He was born on February 15, 1947 in Shelby County, Texas to Arvel Hendricks and Beatrice Livingston Hendricks. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Dathan Triplett officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, July 12, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home.

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.

07/10/2019

Ethel Holder, 89, of Center, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 11, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Tim Perkins officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Holder was born January 2, 1930, in Shelby County to Leo Crocker and Mozelle Wright Crocker. She worked in the indigent healthcare department of the Shelby County Courthouse. Her hobbies included painting, making jelly, and cooking. She was of the Church of Christ faith.

She is survived by:
Children:
James Holder of Richardson
George Holder and wife Bobbi of Kirbyville
Janice Williams and husband Larry of Tenaha

Grandchildren:
Scott Holder and wife Karen of Rowlett
Rodney Holder and wife Jennifer of Magnolia
Shawn Williams of Tenaha
Laurie Godfrey and husband Stephen of Nacogdoches

Great grandchildren: 
Sarah Holder of Rowlett
Allyson Holder of Magnolia
Jamison Holder of Magnolia
Madison Holder of Magnolia
Madison Godfrey of Nacogdoches
Kade Godfrey of Nacogdoches
Cameron Williams of Carthage
Vivian Williams of Tatum
Alivia Williams of Woodville

Sisters and brother, Sue Blagraves of Danbury, Carolyn Graham and husband Jimmy of Kountze, James Russell, and Betty Crocker; numerous nieces, nephews, other family, and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by her husband, James W. “Buck” Holder; parents, Leo Crocker and Mozelle Wright Crocker Russell; and daughter-in-law, Jama Holder.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Holder, Shawn Williams, Scott Holder, Stephen Godfrey, Joe White, and Tim Perkins.

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

07/09/2019

Funeral service is scheduled for Larry Lee Horton, age 65 of Logansport, Louisiana Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, Center, TX, with Rev. Gary Suell, Pastor/Eulogist.

Visitations will begin on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, TX; Burial will be in Mt. Gillion Cemetery, Center, TX, under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home.

Larry Lee Horton was born January 31, 1954 to the late Elbert Horton Sr. and the late Cora Lee Horton on July 2, 2019, Larry Lee Horton entered eternal rest.

Larry was preceded in death by his Parents, five sisters, Alice, Bobbie, Essie, Dorothy, and Rekeitha and three brothers Alfred, Major, and Roy.

He leaves to cherish his memories: 
Wife of 25 years, Carla Berry Horton, of Logansport, La

Sons: Marcus Berry (Christina) of JBLM, Washington
Larry Horton, Jr, of Shreveport, La.

Grandson: Joshua Berry

God-Daughter: JaKayla Pilot

Sisters: 
Annie Jones of Center, Tx.
Beverly Bell (Clifford) of Center, Tx.

Brothers: 
Herman of Center, Tx.
Elbert Jr. of Center, Tx.
Robert (Sandra) of Center, Tx.
Willie Horton of Tenaha, Tx.

Mother-in-law: 
Luvenia Coleman of Center, Tx.

Sister-in-law: Laura Coleman of Center, Tx.

Brother-in-law: Oscar Berry of Logansport, La.

A special aunt, Carrie Horton and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Services Entrusted to the Professionals of: Sid Roberts Funeral Home 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive Nacogdoches, TX 75961 (936) 564-4351

“Where The Family Comes First”

07/08/2019

Helen Adell Mena, 83, passed away July 5, 2019.

A celebration of life for Helen Adell Mena will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at Rose-Neath Southside Funeral Home in Shreveport, LA.

Helen was born on December 30, 1935 to Dave and Laura Collins and went to be with the Lord on July 5, 2019. She was a very dedicated Nursing Director for Willis Knighton for over 40 years. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be greatly missed.

Left to cherish her beautiful memories are her daughter, Sonya Mena; son, Ronald Mena and wife Kimberly; grandchildren, Stephanie Delarosa, Kyle and wife Schoschanna Mena, Jessica York, Eric Mena, Joshua Quimby and Makenzie Allen; great grandchildren, Peter Garcia, Chellie Garcia, Nayla Delarosa, Devin Fontenot, Noah Fontenot, Kaden Mena, Raelynn Tamplin and Luke Andrews.

Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Shreveport Southside, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, LA 71118.

07/06/2019

Evelyn Biggar, 89, of Center, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2019, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 9, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Bobby Bressman and Bro. Carl Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Biggar Cemetery in Shelby County.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Ms. Biggar was born June 30, 1930, in Center to Hillard Morgan Biggar and Mary Edward Kennedy Biggar.  She went on to receive a degree from Sam Houston University and later worked as a dietician.  Ms. Biggar was a member of Daughters of the Republic of Texas William Crawford Carrol Chapter, Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge, Shelby County Historical Society, Shelby County Historical Community, Sam Houston Alumni, First Baptist Church of Center, and a former member of Neon Optimist Club.

She is survived by: 
Her nephew: Owen Morgan Eaton and wife Theresa of Pecatonica, Illinois

Great-nephews: 
John Morgan Eaton of Pecatonica, Illinois
Jack Robert Eaton of Pecatonica, Illinois

Great-great-niece: Hattie Morgan Eaton of Pecatonica, Illinois

Friend and companion - her dog, Bubba.

Preceded in death by her parents, Hillard Morgan Biggar and Mary Edward Kennedy Biggar; sister, Eloise Biggar Eaton; and nephew, John Benedict Eaton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of choice.

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

07/04/2019

John Cecil “J.C.” McSwain, 87, of Center, Texas, passed away on July 3, 2019 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born on January 18, 1932 in Center, Texas to James Roscoe McSwain and Evie Lee Dean McSwain. Funeral services will be at 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Charles Williams and Bro. Son Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Old Salem Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, July 5, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Being raised in the sand hills of Old Salem, J. C. “braded grass burrs”, drank from the underground streams, and learn’t the life lesson of hard work and how your word is worth gold or not worth a nickle! He knew how to make a “bee line” and “bite the bullet”. He could most definitely make a deal with money “to boot” and listen for the word that was “straight from the mouth” but most of all you better “buckle down and hang on”. Of course there was times when Moma would have a “burr under her saddle” and pull a “hissy fit”. Well you sure better watch out for ole’ so & so because he was a “snake in the grass”. Probably one of my daddy’s favorites would be how he “could squeeze a quarter so tight the eagle screams”. You better be careful though because if you didn’t manage your business “you would not have a pot or a window”. Did you hear what I said ---Well “get your head out of your behind”. Another thing Daddy said many times was “he couldn’t find his butt with both hands”! 

Many times you were “grinnin’ like a possum or watch out because you might be “dumb as a stump”! 

You probably put your “britches” on like everyone else but you better not be “highfalutin” because before you know it you would be “fixin” to get “whupped”. Well that sounded a little “uppity” and “plumb” stupid. One day when I was about 5, I thought that I could “skedaddle” quickly and outrun daddy and not “mind” his order; but, he caught me and “toreup” my bottom while “laughin” because I had run like a “jackrabbit”. 

Our daddy will be missed by so many and there are no words to express the love we had for him and the loss we feel without him. We are so thankful for the example that he was as our mentor. So many things that could be said but none are sufficient to express the emptiness that his sudden departure has caused. However, the Lord will heal our hearts because as we look back over these past few months, He has been preparing us for this moment. We thank each of you for your kind offering of kindness in so many different ways and the comfort that it gives to my Mom, Tonya, Stacey, Roscoe and myself just to know that he has impacted your life also.

Once J. C. got to school age he attended Camp Worth, Jericho and Tabernacle schools in the sandhills of South Jericho. He said that his teacher had three grades in the same room and that although she tried really hard, it was just too difficult to teach that many kids at the same time. Being bashful, he got behind in school and never was able to catchup. Therefore, he quit school and told his moma that “she could beat him “ever” day but he was not going back because it was too embarrassing that he could not read or write well enough. It was always kind of painful to hear him say that to me because I could see just how much he had accomplished with hard work and perseverance. 

He peddled watermelons with his daddy and told about hiding his 3-4 dollars under the melons while sleeping in the cab of the pickup until morning hoping a robber would not attack him. By the time he was 18, he had a couple mules and before dawn he would leave the house, walk through the woods with “the hair standing up on the back of his neck” and log all day for Frost Lumber Company. He did this for a while and then he caught a ride to West Texas and tried “pickin” cotton but that was still not “gettin” him anywhere. He also drove trucks across the country for a year or so. With just $10 he got from pawning his Daddy’s watch, (of which he told the broker that he better not sell that watch because he would be back to get it!) he bought a few candy bars and with the help of Mr. Bradshaws wife’s sandwiches he had enough to last him for two weeks and he started to work with a seismograph company. He really enjoyed the work but missed East Texas. Returning to his roots, the legacy J.C. McSwain began. Daddy worked for Atlas Hardwood (Bruce Hardwood) from 1957-1968 and then Temple stole him away with a contract that lasted from 1968-2010. 

During these years he has been blessed to have a faithful wife, Venorah McSwain, of 63 years. Together they worked hard on the job and on the home front. They raised 4 children. Daddy enjoyed raising cattle, bowling, playing 42 dominoes, baseball and football and some good bluegrass music. Most of all he loved makin’ a good deal that was fair and honest. Nothing pleased him more than Sunday dinners with all his family especially his grandkids and great-grandkids. 

Daddy was also blessed with employees such as J.C. Boykins of 45 years and Ad Lee Watts of 35 years. J. C. always worked with a work ethic surpassed by none and a computer mind that could remember every tract of timber, amount of minerals and land he owned and that other people owned. Amazing! I’d say, “Daddy we need to go find the corners of that tract”, and he would say, “Well the northeast corner is marked with paint and is on a large white oak, the southeast corner is marked by a cypress-kind of in a swamp and you can find it because I marked it “5” years ago”. “Oh yea, don’t you go down there in the spring when the snakes are out. Send Roscoe! Those rattle snakes and moccasins will get you”! HaHa!! How did he do it? 

He would never brag on himself but we will do it for him. He never wanted attention and could never be convinced that he was smart enough to do whatever he wanted. My most precious memory is when I lead my Dad in the sinner’s prayer and saw him be baptized at the age of 77. What a blessing. He will be missed more than words can express. It is now our duty to continue on with the upstanding life standards that he displayed. 

Love you daddy,

“Our family is like a quilt, stitched together with love. A little frayed but will withstand the storm”. Cedy

“Heaven gained a new perspective for me, when one I love so dearly made it his home”. Tonya

“He was my Father, Best Friend, and Mentor, but we will be together again”. Roscoe

“I loved you more than words can say. Always have, always will”. Stacey

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, your loved and missed beyond measure”. Venorah

J.C. is survived by:

Wife, Venorah Ann Williams McSwain

Children:
Cecilia McSwain Boles and husband, Ken
Tonya McSwain Andrews and husband, George
Stacey McSwain and wife, Tammy
Roscoe McSwain 

Sister-in-laws: 
Mildred McSwain
Shirley Berg
Edwena Higginbotham
Carolyn Caldwell
Nori Williams

Brother-in-law, Clark Paul Williams and wife, Tina

Grandchildren: 
Anna Boles Lee and husband, Justin
Emma Boles Whitehead and husband, Carl
Bradley Andrews and wife, Mindy
John Andrews and wife, Alyssa
Machael McSwain and husband, Jami
Daniel McSwain and wife, Brittany
Nicole McSwain
Cecil McSwain
Casey Milford
Ashton McSwain Askew and husband, John
Roscoe McSwain, Jr. and wife, Ronna
Cole Milford and wife, Mallory
Colton McSwain

23 Great-Grandchildren

He is preceded in death by infant daughter, Debbie McSwain who passed in 1958; parents, James Roscoe McSwain and Evie Lee Dean McSwain; brother, James Lee McSwain and sisters, Ivy Joy Hribal and Marye Danley.

Pallbearers are Ken Boles, George Andrews, Bradley Andrews, John Andrews, Daniel McSwain, Cecil McSwain, Roscoe McSwain, Jr., Colton McSwain, Casey Milford and Cole Milford.

Honorary pallbearers are Joseph Caldwell, Clark Paul “Zig” Williams, Howard Sparks, Steve Watts, Rowdy Danley, Larry Berg, William Caldwell and Kelly McSwain.

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.