Shelby County Today

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

05/19/2019

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.

05/16/2019

Vernon Clinton Williams, 49, of Joaquin, Texas passed away on May 15, 2019 in Joaquin. He was born on June 10, 1969 in Shreveport, Louisiana to John Clinton Williams and Virginia Swan Williams.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Charles Williams and Bro. J.C. Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery.

A visitation will be held prior to service time from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. 

Vernon grew up in Joaquin and graduated from Joaquin High School. He earned a living in the pipeline industry. When he had free time, he could be found fishing with his boys and surrounded by friends and family. His children were his pride and joy, and he made sure to spend every second possible with them. Listening to music and filling the room with laughter were some of his favorite things to do. Vernon’s wit and charm were some of his most notable characteristics. 

Vernon is survived by:
His son: Sterling Clinton Williams and wife Kassi

Mother: Virginia Kay

Sister: Rebekah Lyn Taylor

Nephew: Johnny Ray Taylor

Grandchildren: 
Bentley Leann
Dalton Britt
Remy
Colton
Kyleigh
Royce

Friend: Linda Pouncy.

He is preceded in death by his son, Dalton Wayne Williams and father, John Clinton Williams. 

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

05/14/2019

Grace Miller Wilburn, 87, of Shelbyville, Texas passed away on May 14, 2019 in Lufkin, Texas. She was born on December 8, 1931 in Shelbyville to Willis Roy Miller and Annie Bass Miller Scott.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bobby Warr officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to service time from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, May 16, 2019. 

Grace grew up in Shelbyville. As a teen, she began working at a local restaurant where one fateful day, a young gentleman veteran walked through the door. Henry Lihue Wilburn was a war veteran who had just returned home from service, and Grace caught his eye. The two were married shortly thereafter on March 6, 1948 and spent a love-filled 70 years together before Henry’s passing in 1993. Grace was a dedicated wife and mother, always attentive to the needs of her husband and children. She was a very talented woman who spent much of her extra time making dolls, painting with ceramics and porcelain as well as quilting and sewing. If she wasn’t crafting or caring for family, you would find Grace enjoying the outdoors gardening and working in her flowers. Her hands were no stranger to hard work, and she sacrificed whatever it took to make sure her family was cared for. She was genuine and kind-hearted and exemplified what it meant to be a Proverbs 31 woman. Grace was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Huxley. 

Grace is survived by:

Children:
Bernice Wilburn Graham and husband, Hugh
Donice Wilburn and wife, Alice

Sisters:
Edith Scott Hughes
Cathy Scott Holt

Grandchildren:
Brandie Wilburn Emanis, and husband, Scott
Katie Wilburn Smith, and husband, Jonathan
Shannon Wilburn, and wife, Tera
Jessica Wilburn Reese, and husband, John
Rebekah Wilburn Honea, and husband, Todd

17 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry Lihue Wilburn; mother, Annie Bass Scott; son, Henry Leroy Wilburn, grandparents, George and Meddie Bass; sister, Murlene Scott McMahon and brother, Bobby Scott. 

Pallbearers will be Eugene McMahon, Alton Steptoe, Aaron Steptoe, Adam Steptoe, Jessie Rose, Chad Bass and Brad Bass.
The family requests the memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8517 or visit https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043.

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

05/14/2019

Ronald Brent Clark, 50, of Center, Texas passed away on May 13, 2019 in Center. He was born on November 4, 1968 in Houston, Texas to Ronald Jay Clark and Norma Jean McCarty Clark. Funeral services will be at 1:00 on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Clever Creek Baptist Church with Bro. Jerry Hopkins and Bro. Bobby Warr officiating.

Interment will follow at Clever Creek Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to service time from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Clever Creek Baptist Church. 

Brent grew up in Pasadena and graduated from Pasadena High School. He attended San Jacinto Junior College before moving to California for a few years for work. Brent decided to return to Texas to start a family closer to home. About six years ago, he moved back to Center in order to help his mom and dad. Brent was somewhat of a Renaissance man with a list of talents and interests.

As a young man, he learned to play the violin, was very athletic enjoying baseball and football, but also made sure to focus on his studies earning a spot on the Dean’s List. Brent even received his skydiving certificate. As an adult, he worked as a carpenter, pipe-fitter and scaffold builder. There just wasn’t much Brent couldn’t do. While he was no stranger to hard work, Brent made sure to enjoy life. He very much liked spending time outdoors fishing, shooting and riding motorcycles.

His favorite moments were spent with his daughter. She was the light of his life, and his whole world. Family meant everything to Brent and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for their happiness. He wanted to spread life to others and he did that with his infectious smile and warm personality. Brent will be remembered for the laughter and love he shared with so many.

Brent is survived by:
his mother, Norma Jean Clark of Center

Daughter: Emily Grace Clark of Conroe

Sister: Tiffany Farmacka and husband, Brett of Crosby

Nephew: Jacob Henry Ingersoll of Houston

Niece: Sarah Lena Olson of Crosby

Great-nephews: 
Samuel Dalton Ronald Olson
Braydon Cole Oatis

Cousin: Catherine Renee Clark.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Jay Clark; paternal grandparents, Henry Jay Clark and Frances Wright Clark; maternal grandparents, John and Dorothy McCarty; and uncle, Rodney Ray Clark.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Ingersoll, Brian Bailes, Jeff Eaves, Cody Warr, Cooper Warr, Milton Newberry, David Clark, Dennis Clark and Brett Farmacka.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Earl Hodges and Oren Warr.

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

05/13/2019

Mother Ora Lee Swindle, 85 of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Wake is 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Triumph First Pentecostal Church of Shelbyville. Funeral service is 1pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Triumph 1st Pentecostal Church of Shelbyville. Visitation is from 12 noon to 1pm prior to funeral service on Wednesday. Interment is at Bennett Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville with Bishop Zep Swindle officiating.

She is survived by:

Brother, Bishop Roosevelt (Girtha) Swindle of Shelbyville

Sister, Millie (James) Johnson of St. Louis, Missouri

A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.

05/10/2019

Joyce Spurlock Hill, 68, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on May 9, 2019 in Joaquin. She was born on August 14, 1950 in Center, Texas to Harold Eugene Spurlock and Billie Jean Whiddon Spurlock. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Willow Grove Cemetery with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating.

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Joyce grew up in Joaquin and graduated from Joaquin High School. Her mother introduced Joyce to Dale Hill and the two were instantly connected. On December 16, 1967, they were married and spent 51 wonderful years together. After graduating high school, Joyce went on to become a hairdresser which she enjoyed for 25 years while she raised her children. When the kids were grown, Joyce decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in education. Returning to school was a tough decision and hard for a full-time mom and wife, but her determination and the loving support from family helped her chase her dreams. In 1994, she graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Masters degree and then dedicated the next 20 years serving at Center ISD. She had a passion for her students and loved working in the special education department teaching English.

Joyce was an avid reader. She also had an interest in genealogy and holistic essential oils. When she found the time, she especially enjoyed traveling. One of her most common stops was Hot Springs, Arkansas. More than anything, Joyce loved spending time with her family. Those precious moments were what she valued most and tried to experience as often as possible. She was a member of Truitt Chapel Baptist Church. Joyce’s kind, caring demeanor and servant heart will be greatly missed by a multitude of family, friends, co-workers and students who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Joyce is survived by: 
Her beloved husband, Dale Lamar Hill of Joaquin

Daughter: Amy Hill of Joaquin

Sons: 
Marcus Derrick Hill of Nacogdoches
Brent Lamar Hill and wife, Kari of Nacogdoches

Mother: Billie Jean Spurlock of Kountze

Brothers: 
Randy Spurlock and wife, Judy of Kirbyville 
Billy Tinkle and wife, Penny of Woodville

Sisters: 
Sue Daniels and husband, Wayne of Kountze
Belinda Lewellen and husband Tim of Kountze

Grandchildren: 
Caleb Grant Hill and Christy of Nacogdoches
Raelyn Breanna Hill of Nacogdoches
Karissa Jordyn Hill all of Nacogdoches

A host of nieces and nephews that she loved dearly

She is preceded in death by her father, Harold Eugene Spurlock.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Wagstaff, John Paul Wagstaff, David Carroll, Joey Burns, Tony Powdrill and Tommy Spurlock.

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

05/09/2019

Morris Downey, 73, of Center, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2019, at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha.

Mr. Downey was born August 6, 1945, in Canada, to Lawrence Downey and Johnnie Loftin Downey.  He attended James Church of Christ.

He is survived by his cousin, Kendall McDonald.  

Preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Downey and Johnnie Loftin Downey.

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

05/06/2019

Archie Willie Singleton (81) of Longview, Texas, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at his residence. He was born on February 17, 1939 in Center, Texas.

Funeral service will be at 11am Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Galilee Baptist Church, 1301 S. High Street, Longview, Texas, 75602. Minster John T. Smith will be officiation and Dr. Antione Eakins will bring the message.

He is survived by:

Wife, Ester Mae Gardner, Singleton

Son, Archie Willie Singleton II (Jennifer) of Longview, Texas

Daughter, Cresiedia Ann Lewis (Kenneth Sr) of Longview, Texas

Grandchildren:
Kenneth Lewis Jr. (Ashely) of Longview, Texas
Tonika Lockett (Terrell Sr.) of Houston, Texas

Great-Grandchildren:
Ternell Lockett
Mariah Lewis
Kennedy Lewis
Terrell Jr
Malik Cook
Braylon Clark

Brothers:
Willie James Singleton, of Longview, Texas
Vernon Dean Singleton (Liza) of Shreveport, Louisiana

Sisters:
Fannie Mae Holman of Longview, Texas
Ella Garrett (W.J) of Center
Elma Suell of Center
Debra Mayweather (Donald Ray) of Mansfield, Louisiana

Uncle, T.J. Simon

Brothers-in-law:
Rev. Billy Earl Gardner (Margie) of Lufkin, Texas
Thomas Gardner (Wanda) of Center
Jerry Gardner (Cheryl) of Center
Fredrick Gardner (Stella) of Center

Sisters-in-law:
Allene Singleton of Dallas, Texas
Myrtis McClelland of Center

Visitation is Wednesday, May 8, 2019 from the hours of 1pm to 8pm at Craig Funeral Home. Committal is Saturday, May 9, 2019 at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview, Texas. Repass at Bobby Taylor Family Life Center.

Services entrusted to Craig Funeral Home, 2001 S. Green Street, Longview, Texas 75602. Services announced by Hicks Mortuary of Center, Texas.