Shelby County Today

04/02/2019

James Ray Williams, 74, of Gilmer, passed away Tuesday, April 2, 2019, in Gilmer.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, with Bro. Chris Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.
Mr. Williams was born September 29, 1944, in Shelby County to Comer Arden Williams and Gracie Odell Mobley Williams.  He served in the United States Army and later retired from IBM as a service representative. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling.  He was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by:
His sister: Maxine Nolan of Gilmer

Nephew: Billy Paul Nolan of Fort Worth

Brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: 
Mike Mangrum and wife Rose of Center
Janice Churchman and husband Max of Center
Norma Rudd
Gay Nell Wilburn and husband Jimmy of Center
Mary Boniol of Center

A host of other family and friends

Preceded in death by wife, Mary Boniol Williams; parents, Comer Arden Williams and Gracie Odell Mobley Williams; brother-in-law, Clifton Boniol; mother-in-law, Ruth Mangrum.

Pallbearers will be Sunny Harkness, Mike Mangrum, Jeff Boniol, Ricky Harkness, Rodney Boniol, and Jason Wilburn.  Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Boniol, C.J. Boniol, James Mathis, and Michael Mangrum.

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

04/01/2019

James Earl Garrett, 63 of Center, passed away Tuesday night, March 26, 2019 at Pam Specialty Hospital, Lufkin, Texas.

Services will be Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 11am at Bennett Chapel Baptist Church in Shelbyville. Interment is at Bennett Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville with Bishop W.C. Martin officiating.

He is survived by:

Brother, Robert Garrett of Lufkin

Aunt, Annie Ruth Walker of Shelbyville

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

03/31/2019

James “Jimmy” Ross Vickers, 75, of Milam, Texas passed away Friday, March 29, 2019 at Summer Meadows Nursing Home in Longview, Texas.

Jimmy was born July 19, 1943 in Center, Texas to Ross Evans Vickers and Paunee Lord Vickers. He was a graduate of Hemphill High School and later earned his Masters Degree at Stephen F. Austin State University. He also served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. He was a lifelong resident of Sabine County.

Jimmy was an educator for the Joaquin Independent School District for many years and was a member of many organizations including the Frank Sexton Masonic Lodge in Milam; the Sons of the Republic of Texas; and held a Doctorate of Domino Science. He was a longtime member of New Hope Baptist Church.

He is survived by his sons, Mike Vickers of Shelbyville, Texas, Vance Vickers and wife, Johanna, of Sexton, Texas, Rodolfo Martinez of Slidell, Louisiana, and Edgar Martinez of Martinsville, Texas; daughter, Debbie Terry and husband, Cooper, of Longview, Texas; brother, Vance Vickers and wife, Juanice, of The Woodlands, Texas; sisters, Betsy Cox and husband, George, of Milam, Texas and Susie Clark and husband, Jimmy, also of Milam; and eleven grandchildren, Collin, Connor, Carsen, Logan, Caleb, Laney, Cooper, Carter, Lawson, Tristan, and Tatom.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Vickers, and his daughter-in-law, Crystal Vickers.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 31, 2019 at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 1, 2019 at Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Wheeler officiating and Ross Vickers delivering the eulogy.

Burial will follow services in Vickers Cemetery located in Milam, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers are Ronald Barlow, Mike Vickers, Vance Vickers, Victor Sheppard, Collin Vickers, Connor Terry, Logan Vickers, and Caleb Terry.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Jimmy Vickers Memorial Scholarship Fund at Shelby Savings Bank.

You may leave online condolences at starrfuneralhome.com.

03/29/2019

Leetha Ann Boren, 81, of Center, passed away Friday, March 29, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 31, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

03/28/2019

Miss Doris Marie Eaden Washington (Joy Baby), 67, of Mt. Gillion Community passed away Tuesday morning March 26, 2019 in Joaquin.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 30, 2019 from 11am-1pm at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church in Center, Texas. Services will follow starting 1pm at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church in Center, Texas.

Interment will be held at Mt. Gillion Cemetery with Pastor Gary Suell officiating.

Miss Washington is survived by:
Sister: Irene Eaden Morris of Center

Brothers:
Charles E. Eaden (Jackie) of Center
Robert L. Eaden of Center

03/27/2019

K.P. Bradshaw, 90, of Center, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2019, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 29, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.  He will be buried at Salem Cemetery in Center.
Mr. Bradshaw was born August 24, 1928, in Center, to E. P. Bradshaw and Vera Samford Bradshaw. He served in the United States Marines and later retired from Kaiser Aluminum in Houston as a Machinist. Mr. Bradshaw was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church.

He is survived by:
His wife: Pauline Fenley Bradshaw

Daughter: Karen P. Bradshaw

Grandchildren: 
Kenneth A. Bradshaw
Timothy Bradshaw

Great-grandson: Tim Bradshaw

Brothers: 
Curtis Bradshaw
Ed Bradshaw and wife Brenda
Gene Bradshaw and wife Martha

Sister-in-law: Bettie Fenley Mitchell and husband Allen

Many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by son, Kenneth P. Bradshaw; parents, E. P. Bradshaw and Vera Samford Bradshaw; brothers, Paul Bradshaw, J.T. Bradshaw; sister, Bobbie Ann Bradshaw Barbe.

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

03/21/2019

Arnette Darlene Richerson, 78, of Timpson, Texas passed away on Thursday, March 21, 2019 surrounded by her family in Timpson, Texas. Born April 2, 1940, in Houston, Texas, Arnette Darlene is the daughter of the late William Richard Hicks and Florence Audrey (Weems) Hicks. Visitation will be held Friday, March 22, 2019 from 6PM to 8PM at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas. Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2PM at First Assembly of God Church, Timpson, Texas, with Bro. E.J. Adams and Bro. Tuffy Green officiating. Interment will follow in Corinth Cemetery, Timpson, Texas. 
 
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Arnette graduated Reagan High School. She married Lloyd Mitchell and the two welcomed a daughter into their family (Sheryl Mitchell Pyle). A year after starting their family Lloyd passed away suddenly leaving a single mom. The Lord had different plans, and Arnette later met the love of her life, John Richerson, and the two were married on October 14, 1961. The two enjoyed over 57 years together. They had four wonderful children and were blessed over the years. In 1979 her family moved to Timpson, Texas and she faithfully stood beside her husband John while he pastored at First Assembly of God Church in Timpson for over 20 years. 
 
Arnette enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She enjoyed singing, teaching Sunday school, and was especially known for her award-winning pies. She will always hold a special place in the hearts of those that knew her. 
 
She is survived by her daughters, Sheryl Pyle and husband Ronald Pyle of Cypress, Texas, Darla Andries and husband Martin Andries of Carthage, Texas; brothers, Richard Hicks, Sydney Hicks; sister, Jeanette Bowley and husband Leroy Bowley; daughter in law, Karina Richerson Willhoite and husband Robin Willhoite of Timpson, Texas; grandchildren, Tiffany Newman Harris and husband Jimmy Harris, John “Justin” Richerson IV and wife Chelsea Richerson, Harley Richerson and husband Ty Cheshire, Amberly Sparks and husband Matthew Sparks, Corey Green and Rachel Roberts, Happy Willhoite; great grandchildren, Hunter Newman, Fisher Newman, Remington Newman, Brooklynn Nettle, Johnny Richerson, Alivia Deason, Tylie Cheshire, Ira Land, Hannah Odom, Matthew Sparks Jr., Bryer Parks, Layne Green, Wade Roberts, Logan Roberts, Ava Roberts, numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly. 
 
Arnette is preceded in death by her loving husband, John Barney Richerson II; parents, William Richard and Florence Audrey (Weems) Hicks; sons, John B. Richerson III, Douglas Wayne Richerson; granddaughter, Ashley Green; and sister, Sharon Garland. 
 
Pallbearers serving will be John “Justin” Richerson IV, Jeremy Bowley, Hunter Newman, Fisher Newman, Corey Green, Ty Cheshire, Robin Willhoite, and Jimmy Harris. 

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

Taylor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

03/21/2019

Madalynn Brooke Wilkinson, 12, of Joaquin, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  No funeral services are planned.

Madalynn was born April 17, 2006, in Center, to Tommy Joe Wilkinson and Barbara Jordan Salas.  She enjoyed spending time with friends.

She is survived by:
Her father: Tommy Joe Wilkinson of Joaquin

Mother: Barbara Jordan Salas of Joaquin

Sister: Kristy Wilkinson of Joaquin

Brothers: 
Daniel Salas of Natchitoches, Louisiana
Robert Salas of Killeen

Grandparents: 
Tommy Frank Wilkinson and wife Karen of Tenaha
Lynne Faussett of Tenaha

Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Preceded in death by great grandparents, Mozelle and Tommy Mitchell Wilkinson, Marlene and Lawrence Jordan.

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

03/20/2019

Wayne Allen Prince, father, grandfather, husband, educator, farmer, and friend died on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the age of 75.

Wayne was born September 13, 1943 in Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He was the son of the late Percy and the late Theo (Allen) Prince.

Wayne is survived by:

Wife, Elaine (Mills) Prince

Sons:
Scott Prince and his wife Kim of Garrison
Larry Prince and his wife Jackie of Garrison

Daughter, Denise (Prince) Kersten and her husband Duane of Bryan

Grandchildren:
Laura (Prince) Huffman and her husband AJ of Garrison
Kaylee (Prince) Cage and her husband Clint of Lewisville
Hunter Prince of Nacogdoches
Doug Prince of Garrison
Caitlin Prince of Garrison
Reese Kersten of Bryan

Great-granddaughter, Emma Grace Huffman of Garrison

Birth mother, Juanita Spain of Grand Prairie

Half-sister, Foylene Spain of Grand Prairie

Numerous cousins and nieces.

Wayne lived in Garrison, Texas for most of his life. He graduated from Garrison High School as a member of the Class of 1961. He attended Stephen F. Austin Sate University, where he claimed his finest achievement was meeting Elaine Mills, the love of his life, in Spanish class during their freshman year. Wayne and Elaine married June 20, 1964. He was the proud father of two sons and a daughter, then grandfather of 3 granddaughters and 3 grandsons, and last, but not least, he was a great-granddaughter's Pappy. He was and always will be an important factor in their lives. His most cherished titles in life were Husband, Daddy, Dad, or later "Pappy," and his role for those titles was larger than life.

Wayne earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from SFA in 1965 and his Masters Degree in Botany in 1967. While working on his Masters Degree, Wayne began his lifelong career in education, first as a Biology Lab Instructor at SFA and later as Biology Lab Coordinator at SFA. In 1968, he became the Biology Lab Coordinator at Sam Houston State College in Huntsville, Texas. His career in public education began at Huntington ISD as a long-term sub for a dear friend’s maternity leave, and in 1976 he became a teacher at his own Alma Mater, Garrison ISD, teaching junior high life science and earth science. Wayne was then principal at Garrison Elementary and Middle School for four years. Farming was always in Wayne’s heart, and he left the world of education to start a dairy farm, but nothing could compare with the classroom, and he returned to teach at Garrison High School, teaching biology I, biology II, chemistry, physical science, dual credit Botany, dual credit Zoology, and physics. He was happy to share his love of all things "SCIENCE" with students, both eager and reluctant. Other occupations came and went during his lifetime, but teaching was his true passion. Wayne retired from Garrison ISD in 2005, after 34 years in education.

Wayne loved spending time with family and friends. Morning coffee time was often spent on the patio watching the birds with his wife, Elaine, while discussing the events of the upcoming day. Gardening was another passion, and he loved visiting with the various people that came to pick peas in his purple hull pea patch. He was so very proud that his son Scott followed in his farming footsteps and loved that his son Larry and daughter Denise followed in his teaching footsteps. Wayne could often be found in the bleachers of Garrison football games, cheering on the Bulldogs. Seeing his children and grandchildren play sports or participate in events would keep him on the road for years. It was not unusual for Wayne to attend a school event in Garrison one day and a T-Ball game in Bryan the next. He loved hunting and fishing and spending time outdoors, teaching his sons, grandchildren, and friends about all of the wonders that nature has to offer.

Always a teacher, Wayne never missed an opportunity to educate, so his last request was that his body be donated to UTMB Medical School in Galveston. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, students, and in his wish to continue to teach. He was proud to know that he was helping to further the education of a future doctor.

Visitation for Wayne will be at the Garrison First United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 10:00am, followed by a memorial service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Garrison First United Methodist Church Food Pantry or to the Society of St. Stephen at Garrison First United Methodist Church.