Obituaries
01/30/2025
Melissa Crouch Burton, 72 of Timpson, Texas, passed away on January 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on February 1, 1952, in Beaumont, Texas, to the late Maurice Crouch and Melba (Ivy) Crouch.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating. Interment will follow at Newburn Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1PM on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home.
Melissa grew up in Shelby County and graduated from Timpson High School, Class of 1971. Following her education, she devoted herself to serving others and built a commendable career as the Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, where she served for seven years. Melissa lived a life rich with love, laughter, and dedication to her family and community.
In 2010, Melissa met the love of her life, Roger, through a mutual friend. Their love story began when Roger caught sight of her sitting peacefully on a deck, observing the world around her. It was in that moment he knew she was the one. Their bond flourished over the years, and they celebrated over 14 wonderful years of marriage, marked by shared joys and unwavering support for one another.
Melissa was a woman of many passions. She found immense joy in gardening and caring for her plants. She had a deep love for gospel music. Traveling was another love of hers, as she cherished the experiences of exploring new places alongside her husband, family and friends.
Family meant everything to Melissa. She was a devoted mother, aunt, and sister, always putting her loved ones first. She enjoyed hosting game nights filled with friendly competition playing cards and dominoes. Her spirit of hospitality was unmatched, as she made everyone feel welcome. Melissa's warmth, kindness, and nurturing nature left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be remembered as a great host and a loving matriarch whose legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
She is survived by:
Husband, Roger Burton
Son, Jason Clark and wife Michele
Daughters:
Jessica Mollohan and husband Rick
Jennifer Huff and husband Will
Jessica Burton
Brother, Melvin Crouch and wife Barbara
Grandchildren:
Cory Clark
Joshua Clark
Rena Clark
Katy Mollohan
Betta Huff
Faelan McGovern
Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family that will miss her.
Melissa is preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Melba Crouch; and siblings, Jack Wilson, Judy Wilson, Linda Yarborough, and Michael Crouch.
Pallbearers serving will be Sean Crouch, Robert Crouch, James Bridges, Cole Milford, Casey Milford, and Colton McSwain.
Honorary pallbearers serving will be Tommy Stockstill, Zach Warr, Larry McGinty, Michael Robledo, and Jean Gros.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
01/30/2025
Billy Wayne Thomas, 74 of Timpson, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Stallings Court Nursing in Nacogdoches.
Visitation is from 10am until 12 noon on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at First Smyrna Baptist Church. Funeral service is at 12 noon on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at First Smyrna Baptist Church, 644 Railroad Avenue, Timpson, Texas with Pastor Charleston Johnson, Eulogist.
He is survived by:
Brother, Elray Thomas
Host of Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.
01/30/2025
Mildred "Coodie" Garrett Burrell, born to the late Robert "Bob" Garrett and Nealie Davis Garrett, in San Augustine, Texas (St. Luke's Community) on December 24, 1925, she passed away peacefully January 24, 2025 in Houston, Texas. She had recently moved to Missouri City, Texas, where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Gloria Whorton.
Visitation is 2pm to 6pm on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, TX. Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, 301 Ironosa Road, San Augustine, TX with Rev. Orvin Garrett, Eulogist.
Mildred received Christ at an early age. At the time of her transition, she was a faithful and dedicated member of the Friendship Baptist Church where she served as President of the Usher Board and Church Secretary. She was also known as “The Mother of the Church.” She attended school in San Augustine, Texas (St. Luke Community) and went on to dedicate over 45 years of service to Holly Farms Inc., in Center, Texas. Mildred was the neighborhood beautician, and was also affectionately known as the “Avon Lady,” where she sold Avon for over 40 years, making loving and life long friendships.
Her family and friends knew her by many names: Mama Cootie, Mama, Big Mama, and Grandma. Her wit, laughter, and love for life were contagious. She had a special gift for bringing family and friends together through holiday gatherings, fish fries, Sunday dinners, and canning vegetables and fruit. Mildred also had a deep love for reading her Bible, reading scriptures and making copies to give to family and friends. She also loved working in her garden, singing, telling jokes, working crossword puzzles and watching game shows.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nealie Garrett; siblings, Roxie Garrett Garner, Alberta Garrett, Annie Garrett Lacy, Lula Garrett Lacy, Verna Garrett, Clara Garrett Cartwright, Jack Garrett, Wyatt Garrett, Willie Garrett, Audrey Garrett, and Amos Garrett; daughters, Jurline Bean and Ollie Mae Garrett; and grandson, Charles "Bubba" Bean.
She leaves to cherish her memories:
Daughters:
Murline Jackson
Dorothy Jefferson
Gloria Whorton
Bonus daughter, Vanessa Archie
Granddaughters:
Sherry Williams
Rebecca Jackson
Renee Jackson
Jamila Jefferson
Bonus granddaughter, Trina Watts
Grandsons:
Steven Garrett (Donna Garrett)
Jawara Jefferson
Jerome Garrett
Joseph Whorton
Bonus grandson, Desmond
Numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including special friend, Annie Pearl Lister, whom she loved dearly.
Her legacy of love, faith, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Services entrusted to her family of professionals at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, TX 75961. (936) 564-4351
01/29/2025
Alfred Jay "Rusty" Wittmann, age 55, of Houston, Texas, passed away on December 31, 2024. Rusty was born March 24, 1969, to Alfred and Janette Wittmann in Center, Texas. Growing up in Center, Rusty enjoyed participation in baseball, swimming, basketball with a First Baptist Church team, and he played football as a Center High School freshman. He was active in children’s ministries at First Baptist, including Royal Ambassadors, and was baptized into the fellowship in 1983.
Boy Scouts of America was a priority organization for Rusty for several years, from Cub Scout level to Life Scout. As a member of Troop 116, this included achievements in God and Family and God and Country studies with Rev. Carl Smith. He lacked only completing his required project to receive his Eagle badge. During these years Rusty was privileged to attend the National Scout Jamboree in Washington DC, as well as the International Scout Jamboree in Canada. In 1980, in London, England, Rusty toured the Home-Museum of Baden-Powell, who was the founder of scouting.
After graduating from Center High School in 1987, Rusty attended Panola College and was employed by H&S Grocery in Center, where he was introduced to the value of a strong work ethic. Afterwards, he entered North Texas University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, graduating Cum Laude. He furthered his education at South Texas College of Law, where he received his J.D. degree, also Cum Laude, setting the foundation for a long and distinguished career as an attorney.
Rusty’s professional journey was marked by significant contributions across multiple companies, with the majority of his career dedicated to Aramco Services Company. As the leader of the contracting team, he collaborated closely with various departments, particularly the legal team, leaving a lasting impact on the organization. After a successful tenure, Rusty ventured into consultancy, continuing to share his expertise with dedication and integrity. His unwavering work ethic, commitment to excellence, and collaborative spirit earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues and peers alike. He took great pride in applying his legal expertise to support organizations like the World Commerce and Contracting Association, furthering his passion for service and professional growth.
Rusty’s passions included traveling the globe with his beloved family, always seeking new experiences and adventures. A lover of music, he curated an eclectic and expansive library of music spanning many genres. He also had an appreciation for art and architecture, often sharing his unique perspectives with others. Rusty was an avid animal lover, having supported a feral cat colony of 12 cats, along with his two dogs, Kody and Callan, who adored him. His latest companion was Fred, a fish who found a home in Rusty’s heart. Rusty’s spirit, creativity and love for life will be deeply missed. He lived with a full heart and made lasting impressions on everyone he encountered.
Rusty is survived by:
Loving wife, Angela, of Houston
Son, Evan, of Houston
Mother, Janette Searcy Wittmann of Center
Several cousins and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Wilhelm and Elizabeth Wittmann, and Horace Jay and Ora Mosby Searcy.
A private memorial service for Rusty will be held in Houston.
Services under the direction of Birdsong Cremations, Houston, Texas.
01/28/2025
Edrie Earle Parsons, 101, of Center, Texas, passed away on January 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Center, Texas. She was born on October 19, 1923, in Bertram Texas (the Hill Country), to the late Herbert Hall and Zula (Stewart) Hunt.
Being raised on a farm in the Hill Country during the Great Depression resulted in Edrie being a very strong-willed and hard working lady. She told many stories about the hardships she and her family endured during those years. She told of picking cotton and how the schools would close so all the kids in the community could help their folks with the “crop,” how she was raised churning butter from the cows she had to milk, how they did their homework by candlelight as they had no electricity, how they traveled in a horse or mule drawn buggy and only when she was a teen did her family get a “car.” For entertainment, many in the community would gather and they would have a fiddle player and a guitar player, a juice harp, maybe a banjo and a wash tub bass player and they would all sing and sometimes even dance. They had no phones and little transportation, so dating was difficult. She said every Saturday night she would clean up and put on a dress made from feed sacks and hope a boy would come by wanting to take her out. She said she always went with the first boy who came by as she had no way of knowing if another would come later. She met her first husband, Leroy Parsons, at a community baseball game when she was 16 and within months they were married and moved to Austin.
Leroy was drafted into the Navy during WWII, and she answered a call for help by going to Houston and working as a welder making parts for airplanes since most of the males were off fighting the war. After the war, she and Leroy settled in Houston and had three children. She attended the University of Houston while working as a grocery checker at a local grocery store and earned an accounting certificate. She worked as an accountant for many years. She and Leroy were married approximately 26 years when he was killed in a motor vehicle accident. Several years later, she married Buddy Johnson and they remained married for over 30 years before his passing. For the last 17 years of her working life before she retired, she was the comptroller at All State Erectors, a multimillion dollar construction corporation, located in the south part of Houston.
Her daughter Lynda relates that her friends all called Edrie either “Mom” or Ms. “P” and in later life, here in Shelby County, most of Lynda’s friends called her Mom or mother. She also had a nickname of Sapphire that her husband Buddy tagged her with so many called her Sapphire. She loved telling stories about her life and loved discussing politics even more so. She loved reading and read her Bible regularly until she lost her eyesight. She also loved plants, flowers and being outside, fishing or just sitting under a tree “talking to God.” For the last 14 years of her life, Edrie lived with her daughter Lynda K Russell here in Center, Texas. Up until the last few weeks of her life when her health began to fail, she brightened the mood when anyone was in the room with her. Her smile was contagious and she always had everyone laughing before they left. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by:
Daughters:
Sharon Spicer, and husband, Jim
Lynda K. Russell, and husband, Jay White
Grandchildren:
Susie Montgomery, and husband, Mark
Gina Drewett, and husband, Eddie
Numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
A host of family and friends.
Special friends:
Montie Jones
Ronnie Borders
Janice Pugh
Julie Martin
Sara Martinez
Edrie is preceded in death by her husband Leroy Parsons and her husband Buddy Johnson; her parents Herbert Hall and Zula Hunt, son LeMoyne Parsons, brother Harold Hunt, and sister Mildred Fisher.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net Edrie requested that there be no service and that her remains be cremated. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of these arrangements.
01/28/2025
Raymond Tamez Cruz was born in Houston, Texas on February 9, 1938 to loving parents Amado Gamboa Cruz and Cayetana Tamez Cruz, and passed away into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his family on January 8, 2025, in Conroe, Texas at the age of 86. He was a loving father to his four daughters, Theresa, Rosa, Felicia, and Caroline and his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Raymond’s family lived on a farm 6 miles south of Bellaire at Highway 59 and Bissonnet. He was fortunate enough to have extraordinary parents. Raymond was the fourth of six children; Margaret, Domingo, Emma, Raymond, Delfina, and Gloria. As a young boy on the farm, Raymond loved helping his father with the crops including gladiolus, daffodils, irises, strawberries, vegetables, melons, and cotton. Some of his favorite childhood memories were helping his parents sell their harvest at farmers markets and floral shops. He learned about hard work and a love of the land at an early age. He loved helping his mother on the farm and often did his younger sister’s chores. The family moved from the farm to Houston’s old Sixth Ward. His father began his own landscaping business and Raymond helped him after school and during school breaks. They mostly worked in Houston's River Oaks community. He had a paper route selling the Houston Post on his bicycle throughout the downtown Houston area. He gladly gave the money he earned to his mother, holding back a few dollars to take his younger sisters to the moviehouse and arcade. Raymond was in Boy Scouts with his best friend David Lopez and they had many great adventures in Scouts, including camping at Camp Strake in Conroe.
Raymond attended Alief Elementary, Dow Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Reagan High School. In 1956 at the age of 18, Raymond enlisted in the United States Air Force before he graduated high school. He graduated from Armijo High School in Fairfield, California where he was stationed at Travis Air Force Base and also trained at Sheppard AFB in Texas. He made several lifelong friends in the service, including Benny Lopez. He was an aircraft mechanic with the rank of Airman Second Class. Raymond was a humble veteran and his family was very proud of him, taking him out to celebrate each Veterans Day.
At the conclusion of his military service, Raymond continued work as an airplane mechanic in California and eventually returned to Houston. He and Elouise Ortega were married on June 20, 1961. They soon welcomed three daughters, Theresa Louise, Rosalena, and Felicia Diane. The country life was calling, and they moved to their property in Cypress, Texas. Raymond and Elouise, along with family and friends built their beautiful home. They eventually welcomed their fourth daughter, Caroline Marie. Raymond and his Dad planted pecan and fruit trees, vegetables, along with all the farm animals and stocked pond. His kids and grandkids would pick pecans, climb trees, swim in the pond and ditches, and fight over who got to mow the lawn on the riding mower. He had very specific instructions on how to mow ‘the right way’. The Cruz home on Kathy Lane became the ultimate gathering place for decades, hosting many gatherings for the Cruz and Ortega families including birthday parties, Halloween and Christmas parties, cookouts, frog gigging, fishing, bonfires, weddings, and family functions that created cherished memories. His parents would help him butcher a hog or a calf for a get together. He built a Vegas spread craps table that was played on at every party. Raymond and Elouise often hosted poker nights. Their home on Cornish Street in Cottage Grove was also a place where many memories were made. Raymond recently moved to Conroe to be closer to his family.
Raymond put to use the entrepreneurial knowledge and skills he learned from his father, and in 1973 he and his wife Elouise established Evergreen Nursery Company on Jones Road in Cypress. Raymond was very proud to be Texas Certified Nurseryman #104. He was good to his employees. In addition to the residential landscaping and wholesale nursery, as a landscape architect he worked all over the Houston-Galveston region, planting some of the old oak trees in Hermann Park and installing playgrounds and infrastructure in schools and parks. Raymond also flipped houses throughout Houston, and owned an apartment home on Center Street. His parents were very proud of his accomplishments.
Raymond loved to travel with his family in his RV, taking out his boats to Texas lakes and to the Gulf, and spending lots of time with family at the condo in Freeport. He fished and crabbed all over the Texas Coast with family and friends. He loved deer hunting. Raymond and Elouise often traveled to Las Vegas, Cancun, California, and Puerto Vallarta with friends and family. Every year they traveled to Mexico to visit family in Allende and Monterrey, oftentimes with his parents or his mother-in-law Pauline with them.
Raymond loved museums, history, old western and military movies, going to the casino, dancing, and music. His barbecues, fish fry’s, and crawfish boils were famous, with his favorite conjunto music and oldies playing loudly. He always carried a pocket knife and a pen, and was infamous for marking items with his initials with a yellow paint pen or a black Sharpie with the date and two / from if the item was a gift. He was a jack-of-all-trades. He loved watching his Astros and Texans and talking shop with his grandsons and son-in-law John. He taught himself how to play the guitar and harmonica and would YouTube just about any and everything. He loved his Whataburger cup. Raymond was a social butterfly and never met a stranger. He had countless lifelong friends. He was a member of the Barrios Unidos Club in Houston and enjoyed the fellowship and field trips.
Throughout his life, Raymond was there to help others including his kids, grandkids, nephews, and nieces. He taught his children and grandchildren many valuable life lessons, especially honoring your father and mother and taking pride in all that you do. He was a hard worker who made his family proud. Raymond was very active and full of energy and loved long phone conversations and visits with loved ones, especially his kids, grandkids, and his sisters. He had a memory like a steel trap and loved recounting stories from his childhood and life. He gave great advice and wisdom. Raymond was the life of the party, one which his family will continue in his honor.
Raymond is preceded in death by his parents Amado and Cayetana Cruz, brother Domingo Cruz, sisters Margaret Zepeda and Emma Rodriguez, and son-in-law Tommy Pavlock.
He is survived by:
Daughters:
Theresa Vasquez
Rosalena (Raul) Cruz
Felicia (Robert) Haessly
Caroline (John) Cruz Reyna
Children’s mother, Elouise Cruz
Grandchildren:
Joel Castillo
Robert Vasquez
Christopher Vasquez
Valerie Figueroa
Matthew Cruz
Christina Porter
Thomas Pavlock
Tracey Pavlock
Ashley Pavlock
21 Great-grandchildren and 4 Great-great grandchildren
Sisters:
Delfina Mireles
Gloria Garcia
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Visitation for Raymond Cruz will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm with a Rosary and eulogy at 6:00 pm at Felix H. Morales Funeral Home, 2901 Canal St, Houston, TX 77003.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Morales Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 noon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 2405 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003. Following the Funeral Mass, the procession will begin to Brookside Cemetery, 13747 Eastex Fwy, Houston, TX 77039 for interment and military Honor Guard service.
Pallbearers are his grandsons Joel Castillo, Robert Vaquez, Christopher Vasquez, Thomas Pavlock, Matthew Cruz, and son-in-law John Reyna. Honorary Pallbearers are his great-grandsons Raymond Castillo and Brandon Channel, lifelong friend David Lopez, and nephews Mike Mireles, Jake Mireles, Danny Mireles, Rene Mireles, Rick Garcia and Rufus Garcia. You are welcome to wear your Texans or Astros gear to the visitation and your Bolo tie to the funeral.
To honor their father’s wishes, Mr. Cruz’s daughters invite you to join the family for food and fellowship at Spanish Flowers Mexican Restaurant, 4701 N Main St, Houston, 77009 immediately following the burial. Raymond will be missed beyond words. We love you Dad.
All services are under the care of Morales Funeral Home.
01/27/2025
Jack Michael “Mike” Green, aged 73, of Timpson, TX, passed away on January 24, 2025, at 2:54am, in Nacogdoches, TX.
A funeral service will take place at Woodland Christian Church in Timpson, TX, on January 29th at 2pm, officiated by Mike’s son, Pastor Kyle Green of New Life First Baptist Church in Krum, TX. Burial will follow at Tennessee Cemetery in Tennessee Community, TX. Visitation is scheduled for January 28th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home, which will be handling the funeral arrangements.
Born on September 1, 1951, in Timpson, TX, Mike was the son of John Perry and Jaunita Green. He graduated from Timpson High School in 1969 and continued his education at Panola College. While in high school, Mike met the love of his life, Barbara Hudman, and they were married on February 20, 1970, enjoying 54 wonderful years together. During his high school years, Mike also made history as Timpson’s first All-State Football player.
Mike had a successful career in the construction industry, serving as a general superintendent and retiring from Charter Builders in 2012. Throughout his career, he received numerous awards from the Association of General Contractors in recognition of his outstanding safety practices and project achievements.
He had a passion for fishing, building, and restoring classic cars. Family time was especially cherished, particularly during Christmas when all the children and grandchildren gathered together.
Mike was an active member of Woodland Christian Church, where he attended with Barbara. He played a key role in the church's expansion and often enjoyed performing Christmas specials alongside his wife and children.
Mike is survived by:
Beloved wife, Barbara, of Timpson
Children:
Craig Green and wife Gracie of Tenaha
Kerry Thrift and husband Mike of Timpson
Misty Hudspeth and husband Jerry of BoBo Community
Kyle Green and wife Amanda of Krum, TX
Ten grandchildren: Shelby, Tristan, Tylor, Kaela, Bobbie, Alex, Aiden, Brylie, Adria, and Camryn
Along with numerous great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Perry Green and Jaunita Rhodes Green; brother, Jerry Green; and grandchildren, Brayden and Jake Hudspeth.
Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.
01/26/2025
Margaret Lynn Raybon, 50, of Joaquin, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, in Nacogdoches.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Bro. Jody Hooper will officiate. Interment will follow at Willow Grove Cemetery in Joaquin.
Born December 1, 1974, in Henderson, Margaret is the daughter of Larmie Blount and Clara Dennis Blount. Margaret’s grandchildren were her life. She loved being a “Nana” more than anything. In her spare time Margaret enjoyed fishing.
She is survived by:
Husband, James Raybon
Children:
Sidney Smith, and husband, Tristian
Bryant Harville, and wife, Simone
Vincent Raybon, and wife, Heather Pauley
Grandchildren:
Bentley Harville
Ashton Smith
Raelynn Smith
Ramsey Smith
Adley Raybon
Luke Raybon
Greyson Raybon
Samuel Harville
Parents, Larmie Blount and Clara Dennis Blount
Preceded in death by her grandparents, Nancy and Albert Dennis, Margaret Leach, and Dorothy and Alonzo Blount.
Pallbearers will be T.J. McKnight, Tristian Smith, Levi Harville, Ronny Godinez, Robby Register, Blake Harville, Tristan Carroll, and Michael Samford.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/26/2025
James Orvis Davis, 91, of Pineland passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2025. He was born on October 11, 1933, in the Sardis community of Shelby County, the son of Homer and Velma Davis. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
James was a hardworking and dedicated man. He was an Army veteran who served during the Korean War. After honorable discharge from the Army, he spent many years working in the oil field industry of southeast Texas and south Louisiana before returning to Shelby County to run his own chicken farm. He was known for his hard work and the love of horse trading. He loved sharing stories and spending time with his family and friends.
James is survived by:
Wife, Joyce Davis, of 21 years
Sister, Cassie Balch
Sister-in-law, Sue Garffer
Children:
Robin Davis, and wife, Jeannette of McKinney
Roy Davis, and wife, Amy of Center
Jamie Davis of Memphis, Tennessee
Step-Children
Ricky Mott and wife, Debbie of Pineland, Texas
Step Daughter-in-law, Sue Mott, Friendswood, Texas
Grandchildren
Joshua Davis and wife, Sharon
Nicolle Davis
Christopher Davis and wife,Tiffany
Kara Mann and husband, Michael
Jaclyn Zelfer and husband, Joshua
Joanna D’Ambrosio and husband, Brian
Step-Grandchildren
Kayla West and husband, Chris
Zachary Mott and wife, Rebecca
Justin Mott
Great-Grandchildren
Candace Davis
Lexie Davis
Hunter Davis
Ryder Davis
Hannah Wagstaff and husband, Junior
Kaitlynn Justus
Benjamin Zelfer
Gemma D’Ambrosio
Mia D’Ambrosio
Michael D’Ambrosio
Step-Great-Grandchildren
Keria Wood
Wyatt Wood
Lily West
Skylar Mott
Lakyn Mott
Great-Great Grandchildren
Jacks Wagstaff
Melody Harrell
Serenity Harrell
Arizona Harrell
Preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Joan Oates Davis.
Preceded in death by Father - Homer Davis, Mother - Velma Davis, Sister - Verna Mae Cooper, Brother - MC Davis, Sister - Dorothy Goodwin, Stepson - Rusty Mott, Daughter-in-law - Rebecca Davis, Great-grandchild - Hadley Davis, Great-great-grandchild - Heaven Harrell.
A celebration of James’s life will be held on Monday, January 27th at Watson and Son’s Funeral Home in Center, Texas, beginning with a visitation at 9:00 a.m.followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Oaklawn Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Christopher Davis, Josh Davis, Michael Mann, Zachary Mott, Chris West, and Justin Mott.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/25/2025
Jason Colt Bush, 42, of Center, Texas, passed away on January 23, 2025, in Center, Texas. He was born on May 27, 1982, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Dewayne Bush and Katha Hitt Bush.
Funeral service will be held at 2PM on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Center First Pentecostal Church, with Bro. Chris Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Visitation for family and close friends will be at 1PM on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Center First UPC and the doors will open at 1:30pm.
Colt graduated from Center High School in 2000 and received his degree in Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University in 2008. After college he became an entrepreneur and owned several businesses along side family.
He is survived by:
Wife, Collin Bush
Children:
Carson Bush
Cambree Bush
Father, Dewayne Bush and wife Jeneane
Mother, Katha Bush
Brothers:
Charles Bush and Danielle Prince
Clayton Bush and wife Kristen
Grandmother, Ann Hitt
Mother-in-law, Candace Cowherd
Colt is preceded in death by his grandparents, Coy Dayton Bush, Ima Jean Bush, Charles “Slick” Hitt; father-in-law, Rick Magee; special uncle and aunt, Terry and Pam Bailey; and special cousins, Kyle Bush and Nathan Davis.
Pallbearers serving will be Dayton Bush, Ryan Mackey, Dustin Bailey, Dustin Parker, Jesse Ruiz, Shad Lout, Bradley Edge, Kevin Bush, Brady Scarber, and Brett Scarber.
Honorary pallbearers serving will be Tim Johnson, Caleb Parker, Cash Cross, MarMar Evans, DJ Barnes, Logan Horton, Cole Bradshaw, Gage Bradshaw, Jake Liker, Mason Perry, Kyle Ivey, Scott Byrd, Kirk Richardson, Keaton Bush, Colby Lout, Eli Lout, and Dylan Lout.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
01/24/2025
Linda Susan Shelton, 71, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Joaquin.
Her wishes were to be cremated.
Born August 20, 1953, in Miami, Florida, Linda is the daughter of Charles Bogg and Marjorie Maple Chapman Bogg. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies.
She is survived by:
Children:
Candace Barber, and husband, Shane of Joaquin
Chance Porter, and wife, Alyson of Center
Kenny Shelton, and wife, Stephanie of Florida
Grandchildren:
Scott Dickerson of Joaquin
Coleman Dickerson, and wife, Alli Jo of Center
Colby Shelton, and wife, Skyla of Florida
KayLeigh Shelton of Florida
Laney Strong, and husband, Aaron
Great-grandchildren:
Sophie Dickerson of Center
Dawson of Hawkins
Charlotte of Hawkins
Adalee of Center
Sister, Patty DiSinea, and husband, Jim of Houston
Sister-in-law, Lynn Barber
Special-friend, Becca of Hawkins
Preceded in death by husband, Kenneth Shelton; great grandson, Dalton Lout; parents, Charles Bogg and Marjorie Maple Chapman Bogg; and brother, Jeff Bogg.
A special thank you to HeartsWay Hospice for the wonderful job they’ve done.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/22/2025
Antonio Garcia, 56, of Center, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2025, in Nacogdoches. Born March 29, 1968, in Comonfort, Guanajuato, Mexico, Antonio is the son of Jose Garcia and Raquel Alvarez.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
He is survived by:
Children:
Marianna Vazquez-Garcia of Lufkin
Yvonne Garcia of Tyler
Yvette Garcia of Center
Julie Garcia of Center
Jose Antonio Carreno Garcia of Lufkin
Jeremiah Alonzo Garcia-Smith of Jackson, Mississippi
Grandchildren:
Ezra Vazquez
Isabella Vazquez
Romie Vazquez
Sister, Maria Vianey Garcia of Shelbyville
Brother, Eleazar Garcia of Center
Nieces:
Natalia Leon Garcia of Center
Yetzemanit Sanchez of Shelbyville
Nephew, Emmanuel Leon of Center
Numerous other nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by parents, Jose Garcia and Raquel Alvarez; sister, Maria “Chuy” Garcia; brothers, Martin Garcia and Alvaro Garcia; and niece, Raquel Leon Garcia.
Pallbearers will be Jose Antonio Carreno Garcia, Jeremiah Alonzo Garcia-Smith, Rogelio Vazquez, Emmanuel Leon, Fernando Mata, and Eleazar Garcia.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
01/21/2025
Mrs. Billie Joyce Daniels, 84, of Center passed away at her residence on January 16, 2025. She was born on December 1, 1940, in Center, Texas, to the late Northeria Randle and Alvord Singleton, Sr. She was also blessed to have Julurs “Hussler” Jenkins as her bonus father.
Billie and Cleo Daniels were united in holy matrimony on April 7, 1956. Their marriage lasted 40 years and concluded when the Lord called Cleo to his eternal home on January 13, 1996.
Funeral service for Mrs. Billie Joyce Daniels will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Baptist Church, located at 617 Hopkins Street, Center, Texas. Dr. Freddie Wilson will be the eulogist.
Mrs. Billie Joyce Daniels’ is survived by:
Sons:
Roy C. Daniels
Reggie Daniels (LaWanda)
Daughters:
Brenda Daniels-Willis (Wardell)
Stephanie Daniels-Miles (Demetrius)
Bonus Son, Tyrone Deason
Sisters:
Joyce Edwards
Ella Garrett (W.J.)
Fannie Holman
Debra Mayweather (Donald)
Sisters-in-law:
Leola Barker
Rosie Stephenson
Catherine Goodwin
Sarah Jenkins
Clara Dergin
Allene Singleton
Brother, Willie James Singleton
Grandchildren:
Chris Daniels
Sheri Page (Wilean)
Omar Gardner (Brittany)
Demeka Daniels
Amber Sullivan
Kelly Sullivan
Reggie Daniels II
Caleb Willis
LaClea Miles
Martell Moore
Contessa Moore
Benjamin Daniels
Cassidy Daniels
Tristen Johnson (Evyian)
Laketha Johnson
Johnathon Johnson
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo Daniels; her son, Ricky Wayne Daniels (Jerdena); her mother, Northeria Jenkins; her fathers, Alvord Singleton, Sr. and Julurs Jenkins; her brothers, J.B. Jenkins, J.C. Jenkins, Thomas Earl Jenkins, Alvord Singleton Jr., Archie Singleton, Leon Singleton, and Vernon Singleton; her sister, Elma Suell; her sister-in-law, Billie Harris; and her grandson, Sederrick Goodwin.
Visitation will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Hicks Chapel from 7pm to 8pm. Committal will be at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas.
The service is entrusted to Hicks Mortuary, located at 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Center, Texas.
Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935
Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net
01/21/2025
Sister Debra "Debbie" Louise Mardis passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Center ER.
Debra Louise Mardis was born September 10, 1964 to Georgia to L. Richardson and Otha Mardis. She was born September 10, 1964 and left this earth on January 14, 2025.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 11am until 6pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Timpson.
Service will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 at 11am at Mount Olive Baptist Church located at 3398 FM 2667 Timpson, Texas 75975 Reverend Carlos A. Johnson, Pastor; Bishop Cedrick Grace Sr., Eulogist.
Final resting place will be Antioch Cemetery Center with a Repast at Soso Park in Timpson.
Sister Debra was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, and was a CNA for any years, and the best babysitter for her nieces and nephews, and friends until her health failed. Her hobbies were watching Gunsmoke, Rifleman, cooking shows, and loved eating Churches chicken.
She is survived by:
Mother, Georgia Richardson
Sisters:
Vickie Mardis
Leslie (aka Sam) Young
Lasonya (aka Sundie) (David) Mitchell
Marcie Flores
Sons:
Toby (Marcie) Mardis
Dexter (Brittany) Mardis
Eddie Davis Jr. (aka Jarvis)
Grandchildren:
Kyra
Kendell
Carmello
La'Dariess
Devonte
Dylin
D'Mitri
Close niece Alexis (aka Tootie) and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her Grandparents: George and Louise Richardson Sr., and Lem and Susie Mardis; father: Otha Mardis; brothers: Kenny Williams and Otha Mardis Jr.
Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Timpson.
01/21/2025
Noble Johnson Jr. was born to Noble and Pauline Johnson on September 19, 1949, both preceeding him in death.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:30am officiated by Bishop Howard Cloudy Sr. at Triumph The Church and Kingdom of God & Christ located at 908 Daniels, Street Center, Texas 75935.
As Noble grew into an adult, he started his own family and married Shelia Pitts, and to this union, two sons were born. Later years, he married Shirley Johnson, and to this union, one daughter was born.
Noble leaves to cherish his memory:
Wife, Shirley Johnson
Sons:
Manuel Zane Johnson (Yolanda) of Nacogdoches
Meguel Johnson of Nacogdoches
Daughters:
Cursandra Johnson (Roy) of San Augustine
Kalia Johnson Wilson (Wilson) of Lufkin
Sisters:
Linda Gale Rushing of Center
Patricia Ann Moore of Center
Brothers:
Charles E. Johnson (Era) of Center
Elder Willie E. Johnson (Rachel) of Nacogdoches
Dan Ray Johnson (Tammy) of Tenaha
15-grandchildren, 20-great-grandchildren, many nieces nephews, cousins and other relatives.
Services under direction of Community Funeral Home in Center and All Families Mortuary in Lufkin.
01/20/2025
Judy Fenton, 66, of Center, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, in Houston.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Rob Merriman will officiate. Interment will follow at Spann’s Chapel Cemetery in Center.
Born January 20, 1958, in Altus, Oklahoma, Judy is the daughter of Henry Trent and LaMerle Spann Trent.
She was a great cook, enjoyed crafting, and loved her cats. Judy was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church in Center.
She is survived by:
Husband, William (Bill) Fenton
Sons:
Brian Fenton, and wife, Susan
Kevin Fenton, and wife, Konstance
Sister, Jane Trent
Numerous nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tonya and Spencer Fenton.
Preceded in death by parents, Henry Trent and LaMerle Spann Trent; brothers, James Ray Trent and Johnny Trent; and sister, Angela Joyce Trent.
Pallbearers will be Alex Ashley, Brian Dean, Max Fenton, Mike Galaviz, Erik Choron, and Matthew Stanley.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/17/2025
Florance Burns Adams, 66, of Tenaha, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Tyler.
Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Tenaha with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Bill Holmes and Bro. Zachary Minix will officiate. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Smith Cemetery in Center.
Born November 24, 1958, in Beaumont, Florance was the daughter of Joe D. Burns Sr. and Mary Jeane Lord Burns. She graduated from Center High School in 1977 and married the love of her life in October of the same year. In 1980, her favorite chapter of life began when she became a mother for the first time. Shortly after, she became an active member of First Baptist Church in Tenaha, where faith became a driving force in her life and children’s ministry became her passion. Not only did her three children call her momma, but countless others referred to her lovingly as ‘Momma Flo’.
She worked at First National Bank of Hughes Springs in Tenaha for more than 20 years where her co-workers were more like family. She enjoyed being active in the community and served on the Tenaha City Council as an Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem.
She is survived by:
Children:
Mandie Caldwell, and husband, Jerry of Gary
Whitney Minix, and husband, Zach of Caldwell
Michael Adams, and wife, Danielle of Tenaha
Grandchildren
Avery Caldwell
Alayna Caldwell
Alana Kelly
Brothers:
Joe D. Burns Jr., and wife, Tammy of Timpson
Billy Burns, and wife, Rayla of Silsbee
Charles Burns, and wife, Brendah of Center
Sister, Bridget Burns-Collins and Michael Jones of Harrisburg, Arkansas
Special friend, Lisa Fleming
Numerous nieces, and nephews
Preceded in death by her husband, Steve Adams; and parents, Joe D. Burns Sr. and Mary Jeane Lord Burns.
Pallbearers will be Paul Adams, Craig Burns, Aydan Collins, Gabriel Fleming, Nathan Fleming, Aaron King, and Justin Tatom.
Honorary pallbearers will be Don Dial, Craig Haltom, Keith Martin, and Chip Roberson.
“Because of Jesus Christ, death is just the door into Heaven.” - Unknown
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
01/16/2025
Billy Jack Moore, 60, of Center, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025, in Nacogdoches.
Celebration of life will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.
Born January 21, 1964, in Center, Billy is the son of Lloyd Moore and Emma Jean Bearden Moore. In his younger years, Billy would have been described as “the life of the party.” He was a loving partner, father, and friend. He was a hard worker and especially enjoyed gardening. Billy loved spending time with his family and friends. Above all, Billy was faithful to his Lord and Savior.
He is survived by:
Partner, Tina Byrd of Center
Children:
Steff Moore of Center
Cheyenne Moore and wife Kylee of Center
Grandchildren:
Destin Moore
Emma Moore
Madalynn Ferrebee
Hayven Childress
Carleigh Chapman
Baylor Chapman
Emmett Childress
Colt Childress
Greyson Childress
Levi Childress
Brother, Billy Joe Moore and wife Lisa of Hemphill
Special friend, Shane Curry
Numerous nieces and nephews
A host of friends who dearly loved him.
Preceded in death by parents, Lloyd Moore and Emma Jean Bearden Moore; and sister, Robbie Nell Moore.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
01/15/2025
Martha Ileta Adams (Williams), 86, of Garrison, TX, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Nacogdoches, TX. Ileta Adams was born on September 27, 1938, in Cooper, Texas to Marvin and Juanita Williams.
Visitation is from 11am until 1pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Garrison Funeral Home. Graveside service is at 2pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 1440 CR 1470, Timpson, TX.
While in college she met the love of her life, Waynon Adams, and they married on December 27, 1958. After graduating, she went to beauty school so she could become a beauty instructor, making others look and feel their best. Ileta and Waynon opened their own barber and beauty salon in Timpson, Texas until they retired. They spent 44 wonderful years together.
Ileta began farming and raising cattle and her favorite part of it was naming all her cattle. She attended First Assembly of God in Center, Texas for many years and loved being a member of her church. She was selfless, kind, fun, free spirit and her beautiful soul will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Ileta is survived by:
Sisters:
Shirley Cunningham of Wichita Falls, TX
Peggy Maddux and husband, Larry, of Mineola, TX
Many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Waynon Adams, parents Marvin Odie and Juanita Phillips Williams, and brothers Johnny Williams, Don Williams, and sister Ruby Jones.
Services under the direction of Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, Texas.
01/15/2025
Leslie Gene Anderson, 77, of Timpson, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 17, 2025, from 5-7pm at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, TX. A graveside services will begin at 10:00am, Saturday, January 18th at Ramah Baptist Church of Tenaha, TX. Bro. Keith Keele will be officiating.
Leslie (Andy) was born on May 7, 1947, in Wisconsin to Clarence and June Hop Anderson. The family relocated to West Texas shortly after.
Andy graduated as a standout athlete in track and basketball from Snyder High School in 1965. Afterwards, he attended San Angelo College on a basketball scholarship. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 where he served a tour in Vietnam. After the military, Andy moved to Dallas, TX where he met Mary Virginia Adams. The two were married on March 24, 1972, and began a journey that lasted over 52 years.
In 1976, he moved his wife and three sons to Tenaha, TX and began a lifelong career at TXU in Beckville, TX where he was a drag line operator until his retirement. Andy dedicated his life to providing for his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather that enjoyed watching sports, old westerns and rooting for his beloved Dallas Cowboys.
Remaining to cherish Andy’s memory are:
Wife, Mary Adams Anderson
Sons:
James Anderson and wife Pam of Alvin, TX
Joe Anderson and wife Amanda of Tenaha, TX
Grandchildren:
Justin Martin
Megan Anderson
Nicolas Anderson
Camille Anderson
Great-grandchildren:
Andrew Anderson
Kayne and Kaden Martin
Brother, Wayne Anderson and wife Becky of Clovis, NM
Nephews:
David Anderson and wife Susan
Steven Anderson
Preceded in death by his son, John Anderson; and parents, C.E. and June Anderson.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
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