Shelby County Today

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.

05/06/2019

Roena White, 87, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 6, 2019 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on March 16, 1932 in Center to Donnie and Lillie White. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 10, 2019 at East Liberty Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend George Cartwright officiating. Interment will follow at Thompson Cemetery in Shelbyville. A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM prior to the service on Friday, May 10, 2019 at East Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. 

Roena grew up in the East Liberty Community and graduated from East Liberty High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Arkansas for a period of time before pursuing a career as a seamstress. For over 38 years, Roena lived in Dallas before moving to Wichita Falls where her servant’s heart was able to be put to work as a foster care mom. She had a true passion for helping others and was able to fulfill that desire each and every day of her life. In her later years, Roena’s health began to fail so she returned to Center to be near family. 

Roena was an amazing woman with a long list of talents, abilities and admirable qualities. She loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with her family. Fishing was one of her favorite pastimes, and many good memories were made on the water with her. More than anything, Roena treasured the innumerable moments spent with her family. The immense warmth and love were shared every time her family would gather together. She was a member of St. John Church in Wichita Falls under the leadership of Pastor Delaney where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and was active in the hospitality ministry. When she returned to Center, she joined East Liberty Church and again, took on the role of Sunday School teacher and served in the mission ministry. 

She leaves to cherish her memory:
Daughters:
Shelena Bluford of Center
Shelia Polley of Center

Grandchildren: 
Tracy Bluford of Dallas
Anthony Bluford and Angela Taylor of Center
Derrick and Kamiya White of Cedar Hill
Cornelius and Maria Bluford of Arlington

Ten great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Her memory will also linger with a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives and cherished friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Donnie and Lillie White; brothers, Augusta White, D.L. White, Lorenza White and Donnie Ester White; sisters, Bernice Hansboro, Juanita Eddins and Verna Smith; grandson, Patrick Lynn White; and great-grandson, Adan Leonard Bluford.

Pallbearers will be Brian Jackson, Darren Session, Arvis Moore, Michael Session, Jermaine Session, Riheam Jenkins and Vernell Moody.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tracy Bluford, Anthony Bluford, Derrick White, Cornelius Bluford, Ronnie White, Don White and Joe White.

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

05/03/2019

Norma Boniol Rudd, 80, of Center, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Rudd was born June 17, 1938, in Meeker, Louisiana, to Walter A. Boniol and Ruth A. Williams Boniol.  She loved flowers and cooking, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and loved volunteering to help others with anything that came up.  Mrs. Rudd was a member and past president of the Telephone Pioneers of America and also a member of First Baptist Church in Center. She was a devout Christian and never passed up an opportunity to witness to anyone.

She is survived by: 
Her daughters: 
Kemi Faulkenbery and husband, Jerry, of Center
Keli Chandler and husband, David of Center

Grandchildren: 
Hannah Faulkenbery of Center
Josiah Faulkenbery and wife, Randi Kay of Center
Krista Brooke Fletcher of Houston
Dawson Chandler of Center
Rylan Chander of Center

Great-grandchildren: 
Brylie Ross
Camille Crowe
Wyatt Faulkenbery

Brother: Michael Mangrum and wife, Rose, of Center

Sisters: 
GayNell Boniol Wilburn and husband, Jimmy, of Center
Janice Mangrum Churchman and husband, Max, of Tenaha

Sister-in-law: Mary Lee Wilburn Boniol of Center

Brother-in-law: Gene Rudd of Lufkin

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

Preceded in death by husband, Teddy L. Rudd; parents, Walter A. Boniol and Ruth A. Williams Boniol Mangrum; brother, Clifton Boniol; sister, Mary Boniol Williams; brother-in-law, James Williams; sisters-in-law, Charlcie Rudd Willingham, Fay Rudd; half-sister, Eunice Kurtz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Weldon and Duetta Rudd; longtime friend, J.W. Adams.

Pallbearers will be David Chandler, Jerry Faulkenbery, Bennie Boniol, Josiah Faulkenbery, Dawson Chander, and Larry Berg. Honorary pallbearer will be Rylan Chandler.

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

05/02/2019

The Honorable Bennie Charles Boles, 84, of Center, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Center.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. 

Judge Boles was born in 1934, in Center, to Bennie Paul Boles and Rosa Lee Lock Boles. He graduated from Center High School and attended Sam Houston State University on a football scholarship. He earned a Business Degree at Sam Houston and was a member of the 1955 Lone Star Conference Championship team. 

After college, he served in the United States Army for three years. Later, he earned a teaching certificate and Master in Education, teaching and coaching in Center, Nederland, and League City, Texas. Bennie received his Law Degree from the University of Houston and was a lawyer for many years in Center before becoming District Judge for the 123rd District Court of Texas, over Shelby and Panola counties. He served four terms as District Judge and was a visiting judge in Dallas, Houston, and many counties in East Texas for many years afterward.  

Bennie was active in the First Baptist Church of Center and was a lifelong member. He served as a Sunday school teacher and a Boy Scout leader for many years. After retirement, Bennie served as interim pastor for several churches and most recently was interim pastor of Truitt Chapel Baptist Church. He was a member of the Texas Baptist Men’s Church Ministries, where he helped and served churches throughout the United States and other countries, leading others to Christ.

He is survived by:
His wife: Lessie Anita Boles of Center

Daughter: Deborah Ann Boles of Center

Niece: Virginia Permenter of Center

Nephews:
Randy Carrol and wife, Delisa, of Center
Jeff Young and wife, Deborah, of Center

Great-niece: Mallory Permenter

Great-nephews:
Richard Pinkston and wife, Elizabeth, of Center
David Young and wife, Lauren, of Conroe

Stepbrother: Ralph Edward Campbell of Center

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

Preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Paul Boles and Rosa Lee Lock Boles Campbell; sisters, Shirley Louise Young, Reba Boles, Rita Boles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Texas Baptist Men, First Baptist Church, or a charity of choice in Judge Boles’ honor.

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

05/1/19

Evangeline K. Eaves Crawford, 88, of Center, Texas passed from this world to that of our Heavenly Father on April 30, 2019 after a short illness. Born August 6, 1930 to Reinhold and Hattie Ketterling in Eureka, South Dakota. 

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Tennessee Cemetery in Timpson with Bro. Ozay Ford officiating. A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Mrs. Crawford worked many years in the cafeteria at Tenaha Schools, where all the kids called her Miss Vangie. 

Survivors include:
Daughter: Pamela K. Goodwin and husband, Carl of Joaquin

Step-children: 
Annie Herndon of Ft. Worth
Alice Rogers of Wichita Falls
Andrew Crawford of Friendswood
Arnold Crawford of Baytown

Grandchildren: 
Melissa Hanson and husband, TJ of Stanley
Rachel Jones of Texarkana

Step-niece: Nancy Kellar of Tenaha 

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Buddy Eaves; second husband, James Crawford; parents, Reinhold and Hattie Ketterling; and son, David Wayne Eaves.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Lufkin State School Memorial Fund.

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

04/29/2019

Mark Stephen Bowley Sr., 56, of Timpson, Texas passed away Friday, April 26, 2019, in Timpson, Texas. Born November 1, 1962, in Houston, Texas to Leroy Verl Bowley Sr. and Jeanette Arlene (Hicks) Bowley. Funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, May 1, 2019, at Taylor Funeral Home, with Bro. Jimmy Nix officiating. Interment will follow in Corinth Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2019 from 6 – 8 PM at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas.

The family moved to Timpson, Texas in 1977 where he attended Timpson High School and met the love of his life, Kimberley Jo Fletcher. The two were inseparable and married January 26, 1980, and recently celebrated 39 years of marriage. They had three wonderful children and were blessed over the years with many grands.

Mark enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed a good Cowboys game, deer hunting, and listening to his son and band perform.

He is survived by:
His loving wife: Kimberley Fletcher Bowley

Parents: Leroy Verl Bowley Sr. and Jeanette Arlene (Hicks) Bowley

Daughter: Amy Williford and husband Michael of Carthage, Texas

Son:
Mark “Stephen” Bowley Jr. and wife Erica of Conroe, Texas
Jeremy Bowley and wife Elizabeth of Timpson, Texas

Daughter-in-love: Brittany Dupree and husband Jason

Grandchildren:
Austin Williford and wife Brooklyn
Bailey Williford
Ethan Askins
Logan Askins
Jake Williford
Jace Williford
Morgan Bowley
Mckenna Bowley
Collan Bowley
Landan Bowley
Brooklynn Bowley
Kyler Dupree
Laytan Bowley

Brothers:
Lee Bowley of Timpson, Texas
Joel Bowley and wife Tammy of Conroe, Texas

Sisters:
Tammy Bowley of Timpson, Texas
Katrina Higginbotham of Timpson, Texas
Karina Willhoite and husband Robin of Timpson, Texas

Mother-in-law: Mary Fletcher Gatliff and husband Don of Timpson, Texas

Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly

Mark is preceded in death by his father in law, Joseph Fletcher.

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

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

04/29/2019

Brother Travis Lamar Hughes entered Heaven’s pearly gates Saturday, April 27, 2019, at 95 years of age surrounded by his loving family. 

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, April 29, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. James Goodwyn officiating.  Interment will follow at Campti Cemetery in Center.

Brother Travis was born September 6, 1923, in the Campti Community of Shelby County, to Robert C. Hughes and Mary Keith Hughes.

He was married for 75 years to the love of his life Evelyn Bright Hughes. Together they were blessed with three loving daughters, Mary, Mavis, and Martha. He played the guitar and enjoyed singing at church. He served as pastor for over 45 years. His life ambition was to preach the gospel and lead souls to Christ. Before having a baptistery, he was blessed to baptize many in country ponds and the Sabine River. He never met a stranger and loved people from all walks of life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. In later years, his greatest enjoyments were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was self-employed in farming and ranching, baling hay, dozer business, and a pulpwood yard. They also ran a country store in Campti for 10 years. He worked tirelessly in the community of Campti and even built an arena for roping that everyone enjoyed. He served as a Shelbyville school board member 17 years, and served on the Campti Cemetery Committee. 

He is survived by:

Beloved wife of 75 years, Evelyn Bright Hughes

Daughters:
Mary Culver and husband, Jim, of Center
Mavis Carter of Shelbyville
Martha Goodwyn and husband, James, of Center

Grandchildren:
Michael Warren and wife, Krista
Candace Carter
T.J. Goodwyn and wife, Blaine
Bradley Goodwyn and wife, Sherry

Great-grandchildren:
Kyla Warren
Mason Warren
Judson Goodwyn
Madison Goodwyn
Joshua Goodwyn
Jeremiah Goodwyn.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert C. Hughes and Mary Keith Hughes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Price and Vera Bright; son-in-law, Mac Carter.

Pallbearers will be Michael Warren, T.J. Goodwyn, Bradley Goodwyn, Bob Carter, Jim Culver, Larry Warren, Jason Rodgers, Nolan Borders, and Connor Whiteside.  Honorary pallbearers will be Roe Belrose, Billy Rodgers, Fred Borders, and Tom Powell.

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

04/26/2019

Nelwyn Mae Head passed away on April 26, 2019, in Garrison. She was born on September 25, 1933, to Kelly Ramsey and Emma Bowden Ramsey on her grandparent’s farm in the Old Center Community. She grew up in Tenaha, Texas, graduating from Tenaha High School in 1952. She attended business school in Shreveport and later moved to Houston to work as a secretary. She returned to Tenaha to care for her father and worked as a telephone operator.

She married Billy Head on May 17, 1958, and enjoyed 19 years of marriage before he passed away suddenly in May of 1977.

They had one son, Bobby Head, born in 1961. Mrs. Head worked as a retail manager and later as a healthcare professional. She enjoyed painting, playing the piano, crafts, her family, gardening, and growing flowers.

She is survived by:

Son, Bobby Head of Gary, TX

Daughter-in-law, Mary Head of Gary, TX

Grandson, David Head of Gary, TX

Granddaughter-in-law, Kelli Head of Gary, TX

Great-granddaughter, Raelynn Head of Gary, TX

Granddaughter, Katherine Gradberg of Gary, TX

Great-granddaughter, Amy Gradberg of Gary, TX

Great-granddaughter, Abby Gradberg of Gary, TX

Grandson-in-law, Jeremy Gradberg of Gary, TX

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 29, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Dale Walker officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

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

04/23/2019

Danise LaShun Nobles (45) of Center, Texas, died April 17, 2019 at her residence. Mrs. Nobles is a 1992 graduate of Center High School. Danise was born on February 13, 1974.

Funeral service will be Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 2:00pm. 

Visitation is Saturday, April 27, 2019 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (State Highway 96 North CR 4356 Center, Texas) from the hours of 12 noon to 1:50pm. Committal is at Westview Cemetery Center, Texas.

Danise is survived by:

Husband, James Jackson of Center

Son, SeDarrin Nobles (Kiara) of Lufkin, Texas

Daughters:
Kajasmine Nobles of Center
Malyaia McCollister of Center
Amaya Jackson of Center

Mother, Mary Nobles of Center

Siblings:
Sherrie Nobles (Emerson Evans)
Avis Nobles
Sandrell Jackson (Y.D)
Larry Slaughter (Linda)
David Lister

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary at 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935. www.hicksmortuary.net