Shelby County Today

09/02/2023

Kelvin Dorian “Showtime” McCowin, 62 of Shelbyville, departed this earthly home on Tuesday, August 19, 2023. He entered this world on September 3, 1960, born to Charlie Faye and Enoch McCowin.

Funeral service is 11am Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at East Liberty Baptist Church, 2980 CR 2569, Center, Texas 75935. Visitation is 10am until 6pm on Tuesday, September 5 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas. Visitation is also 10am until 11am on Wednesday prior to the funeral service at East Liberty Baptist Church. Interment is at East Liberty Cemetery in the East Liberty Community.

Kelvin “Showtime,” as we called him, loved life. While in this life, he became the father of three children. Later he came to visit in the town of Shelbyville and there he met the love of his life, Miss Sharon Stanberry. After he mesmerized her, they were united in holy matrimony on January 2, 1999 and in this union they were blessed with a baby boy.

To know Kelvin was to love him, anytime he entered a room he was guaranteed to fill the room with laughter with his jokes. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Kelvin is preceded in death by his father, Enoch; mother-in-law, Bobbie Jean; brother, Cedric; sister-in-law, Deniece; and granddaughter, Cassidy.

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Sharon Stanberry McCowin

4 Children: Trisha, Kelvin Jr., Delorean, and Kawon

5 Grandchildren: Elizabeth, Darius, Delorean Jr., Brandon, and MaKyiah

Mother, Charlie Faye McCowin

Father-in-law, Tommy Stanberry Sr.

Brother, Gerard

Sisters-in-law: Janell and friend David and Jennene (Calvin)

Brothers-in-law: Tommy Jr. (Melissa) and Montique (LaTisha)

A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

09/01/2023

Karen Lynn Peake, 62 of Joaquin, TX, was eternally reunited with her Savior and her parents on August 31st, 2023. Her impactful life in this world will be celebrated by her family and friends during a visitation that will be held at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center from 1:00 to 2:00 on Sunday, September 3, 2023, funeral to follow at 2:00. Interment will follow at Willow Grove Cemetery in Joaquin, TX.

Karen, or KK as she was called by her nieces and nephews, was born on October 26th, 1960, in Houston, TX to her mom, Ardis Helen Soma Peake, and her dad, Harry James Peake Sr. She entered this world in the same manner she left it, with overwhelming love and affection. Her life’s story was, and continues to be, a testimony to the triumph of the human spirit and the overwhelming love of God.

Karen was an artist in the truest sense of the word. Artists create! They take the seemingly mundane things of life and package them into a gift that stirs the souls of the people who receive it. Yes, she colored, she painted, and she sang her favorite songs, but she created so much more than colorful pages and canvases, she created community. Karen used her favorite medium, love, to weave together people from all walks of life into a tapestry as diverse and unique as the latch-work quilts that her daddy taught her to make as a child. She brought out the best in people. She used her gift of love to illuminate a path of purpose and perspective. To know her was to love her and to spend a few minutes in her company was to better know yourself.

As an artist, she was best known for her painting of angels and often adorned her canvases with her favorite passage of scripture, Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware. Hebrews 13:2. Her art brought her more than just the satisfaction of creation, it also took her places. After saving up the money she had made from selling several paintings, and with the help of family, she finally fulfilled a lifelong dream of going to Disney World and spending time with one of her most favorite, Mickey Mouse.

She was nothing if not entertaining. She refused to color with a dull crayon or share the sharp ones with her nieces and nephews for that matter. Love was in abundance, but sharp crayons were not. There were two things that she took even more seriously than her crayons, and both of them warranted the two calls she placed to 911 (there might have been more if the phone had not been restricted), one to report that she couldn’t find her sister, Debbie Leggett, and the other to report that she was out of Diet Coke. No doubt there was more panic in her voice concerning the latter.

Karen never quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson, who said “The only way to have a friend is to be one.”, but she believed that lofty principle. She was your friend first, not because of who you were, but because of who she was. She saw right past the labels and stereotypes that this world often places on each of us and looked only at our humanity, and she helped others to see the same way. She had so many dear friends that it would take pages and pages to list them all, but there a few who stand out. The first would be Richard Kyle, who Karen first met during a Special Olympics event more than 30 years ago. They shared a lifelong friendship and a love for the Special Olympics competitions. Then there is Mrs. Kaye Powell, for whom our family will forever be grateful for the love and care she gave to Karen these past several years. Not only Mrs. Kaye, but all the staff and residents at Lakeside Assisted Living, where Karen lived since 2014 until earlier this year when the need for additional care necessitated her moving to Pine Grove Nursing Home. Of all the caregivers in Karen’s life, it would be remiss not to name Samantha Clifton, she not only cared for Karen, but she also took time to play games with her and look after her as only a friend can do.

Karen was also a teacher. She taught us to be kind to one another, to love one another, to be content and to appreciate life for the gift that it is. It’s difficult, at first, to imagine this world without her. But after a little reflection, a few tears, and a lot of smiles and laughter, it’s easy to see that she lives on through the many lives that she forever changed.

To carry-on the work Karen began, she leaves behind:

Sister, Debra Kay Leggett and husband Dennis of Joaquin, TX

Brother, Harry James Peake Jr. and wife Pamela of Grapeland, TX

Niece, Cristal Vazquez and husband Salvador of Sunset, LA.

Nephews:
Nathaniel Peake of Houston, TX
Jonathan Peake of Rosharon, TX
Luke Garrett and wife Ginger of Joaquin, TX

Great-Nieces:
Molly Vazquez
Betsy Vazquez
Allyson Garrett
Lauren Garrett Hall and husband Jeremy
Whitney Garrett

Great-Nephew, Jacob Vazquez

Great-Great-Nephew, Baker Luke Hall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry James Peake Sr. and Ardis Helen Soma Peake.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Willow Grove Cemetery Fund, 7948 FM 139, Joaquin, TX 75954.

08/30/2023

Billy Ray Mosley, 86, formally of Tyler and now of Center, Texas, died on August 28, 2023, at Pinegrove Nursing Facility in Center, Texas. He was born to the late Luke Mosley and Corrine Brown in Converse, Louisiana on December 25, 1936.

Funeral service will on September 1, 2023, at 12:00 noon at Loop 500 Church of Christ located at 3216 Loop 500 Center, Texas. Bro LaVel Tukes Sr. will be officiating. Visitation is Thursday, August 31, 2023, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 12:00 Noon to 6pm. Committal is at St John Cemetery Center.

Billy Ray Mosley is survived by:

Children:
Gary Mosley of Tyler
Gloria Holmes of Hemphill

Grandchildren:
Daniel Ray Holman
Gary Mosley Jr.
LaQuinlus Mosley
Markeithus Mosley
Cedric Holmes (Kandie)
Tashay Holmes Prejean
Felondria Holmes

Special Niece and Nephews:
Linda Suell (Henry) 0f Joaquin
Calvin Gaddis Jr.
Lenard Gaddis (Becky) of Timpson
Charles R. Gaddis of Jacksonville

A host of great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

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.

08/26/2023

Betty Ruth (Crawford) Eldredge, 82, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2023, at her home in Timpson. She was born on February 9, 1941, in Indianola, Oklahoma to the late Roy Samuel and Audrey (Harrelson) Crawford. Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas, with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 3:00 to 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

Betty’s entire life was a testimony to God’s divine direction, provision, mercy, grace and love. She grew up in McAlester, Oklahoma, until her junior year of high school when her family moved to Denison, Texas due to a job transfer. What seemed a difficult move during this stage of her life, would later prove to be the start of a beautiful story God was writing. Betty met Sammy Joe Eldredge in November 1958 at the Dixie Dog. Betty told Sammy, “You can’t park there.” Sammy said, “Watch me.” She kept bossing him around for the rest of their lives. From the moment he laid eyes on her, Sammy knew Betty was the love of his life. Betty never understood why such a handsome man would be so interested in her, but she gave him a chance and the rest is history. On June 13, 1959, Sammy and Betty were married and within the next two years, they grew their family by two, with daughters, Cindy and Sandy. 

In 1966, Betty began working part-time in a beauty salon. Being a cosmetologist was not a job for her. She truly loved what she was doing which was proof in her lengthy career from 1959-2023. It was so fulfilling for her to pamper people, make them feel beautiful and all the while becoming friends. Even throughout all of the moves her family would make, Betty continued working as a beautician. After moving to Timpson in 1974, she went to work for Callie B. Robinson at Callie’s Beauty Shop. When Callie passed in 1990, Betty and Sammy purchased the beauty shop, but kept its name, and Betty worked there tirelessly until February of 2023.  

Every moment of Betty’s life was a divine appointment from her Lord. Nothing was a coincidence. From moving to Texas and meeting Sammy, surrendering to the ministry, coming to Timpson, her battle with cancer, and all of the moments in between. There was a bigger picture….a greater story written. Her entire life was a ministry. Thousands of lives were touched, changed, moved in some way. She poured love out on everyone she met. Most importantly, she shared Jesus. Betty taught Sunday School classes, served in the Ladies Auxiliary and sang in the church choir. She was never ashamed to share the gospel of Christ, even the day her doctor shared the final diagnosis, she proclaimed her faith and then witnessed to him right in that office. “I’m ready,” she said, “Are you ready?”  

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” ~ Proverbs 31:10. Betty was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman. Humble, caring, hard-working, servant’s heart, giver, devoted…these words and so many more describe the legacy that is Betty Eldredge’s life. Her greatest legacy was her faith. July 1967, Sammy walked the aisle of their church to surrender his life to the ministry, and right behind him walked Betty. That morning, she, too surrendered her life alongside her husband, and from that day forward, through some of the toughest times, Betty stood by her surrender. The sacrifices that would have to be made, the challenges they would face, in every moment they remained faithful in their work for the Lord. In June 1968, they moved to Henderson to attend seminary and shortly thereafter took the pastorate of Gumsprings MBC where they remained until 1972. Lee-Hi MBC called Sammy and Betty to their church in Sulphur Springs until 1974 when God would move their family to Timpson as pastor of Timpson MBC and they remained there until 2008 when Sammy retired. Even after his retirement and his passing, Betty continued her personal ministry in their church until about a month before her passing.  

Second to her faith was her family. She was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and friend. She was everybody’s Granny. You walked in her home and there was a feeling of warmth there. She loved having her entire family over for the holidays. Over the years as the family grew, the love just multiplied, filling Granny and Papoo’s house with abundant joy. The funny Christmas games, the Easter egg hunts in the yard, dressing up every year for the trick or treaters. She was the best host every year for the ladies Christmas party in her home. Her sweet tea, bacon and cherry cheesecake is legendary! At church functions, everyone walked in expecting those infamous “Granny’s Sweet Tea” jugs to be sitting on that back counter, and at special events, that cheesecake. Even during her treatments when she couldn’t make it to the fellowship, she still found enough energy to get that tea made and send it to the church. That end seat on the third row and hearing her adjourn every business meeting….Betty’s presence among her church family will be evidently missed, but the time God allowed her to serve with them will be treasured for years to come. 

Betty was a friend, confidant and counselor. She was always a voice of reason. She would offer words of advice and comfort, sometimes words you didn’t want to hear but that you needed. She was a worrier and a warrior! If you knew Betty, she always found something to worry about, usually people and what they had going on, but you also knew that at the end of the day, she let the warrior rise and she would be fighting in prayer for you. Her faith always won over her fear. 

Betty was a caregiver. Emotionally, mentally and physically she gave of herself and her time. From caring for her mother and father during their illness and eventual passing, to honoring her vows to Sammy, “in sickness and in health” and gently caring for his needs when his health failed him and the Lord called him home. Then helping her friend Jim during the last few years and caring for him until his passing as well. There were days through all of those years when Granny didn’t have enough strength to provide what they needed, but that is when she prayed, leaned on the Lord and let His strength carry them all. 

That was Betty, everyone’s Granny. Never a hair out of place. Never a wrinkle in her clothes (or her curtains, or her sheets….she literally ironed everything!) She was the walking definition of proper, respectable, loving and faithful. During her final months as her cancer took its toll, Granny still leaned on the Lord to see her through. She worried more about what it was doing to her family than to her. Everyday, she continued to read her Bible as she did her entire life. She knew where her help came from and trusted that while none of us understood this journey, that God’s ways were greater. Even in the last days of her life, she had her daughters sit and listen as she quoted the 23rd Psalm. The sweet assurance of God’s promise of peace and comfort were offered to help her during the suffering, but also to whisper to her family of God’s unfailing grace and mercy during all circumstances. 

While her absence will leave an unfillable void, what a glorious celebration we all can have knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior! Her life was a testimony of Him, as was her death. Romans 8:18 KJV reads, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” That quiet morning in her bedroom when the Lord called Betty home, her body was healed from all ailments and suffering and her eyes were opened in the glories of Heaven she taught and spoke of all those years. None could compare to the glory she beheld as the Savior welcomed her home. 

Betty is survived by:

Daughters:
Cindy Rhodes and husband, Bobby
Sandy Jones and husband, Carroll

Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren:
Kimber Jones and husband, Joey (Tres, Emma, Erin)
Scott Jones and wife, Katie (Makayla, Sophie, Jaxon, Darcie, Maddie)
Jenny Rhodes (Savannah and Madeline)
Joseph Jones and wife, Kathryn (Klaira, Kayleigh, Alaina, Josiah, Judah, Jaden, Jordan)
Samuel Jones and wife, Ashley

Sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Richard Koiner
Brother: Roy Crawford, Jr. 

A host of other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Sammy Eldredge and parents, Roy and Audrey Crawford. 

Pallbearers for her service will be Scott Jones, Joseph Jones, Samuel Jones, Joey Jones, Jaxon Jones and Solomon Cassell. 

In lieu of flowers, Betty requested donations be made to Timpson MBC Building Fund. 

08/24/2023

Melba Jean Gaines Scurlock passed peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, with her family by her side.

A memorial service celebrating Melba Scurlock’s life will be held at Rose-Neath South Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive, on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be before the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Jonathan King, with interment following at Forest Park West Cemetery.

Melba was born in Beaumont, Texas on February 4, 1929. She lived in Beaumont until she graduated from Beaumont High School and then lived a short time in Center, Texas where her parents ran the White Auto Store. She married Ray Scurlock on November 18, 1949, and shared 73 years together before he passed away earlier this year. Melba was a member of Summer Grove United Methodist Church for 60 years.

She had a love for travel and made many special memories with friends and family at her camp on Toledo Bend. She enjoyed being a mom, volunteering, church activities, family gatherings and watching sunsets with Ray by her side.

Melba is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Ray Scurlock; parents, Leona Mae Beagle Gaines and Oscar William Gaines; her brother, Bill Gaines; and her granddaughter, Carla Lenert.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Ted Scurlock and wife, Polly
Dan Scurlock and wife, Nancy

Daughters:
Janet Dodd and husband, Henry
Judy Lenert and husband, Steve
Ann Karkoska

She also leaves 18 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.

The family would like to acknowledge and express their appreciation to mom’s caregivers, Lavera Potter, Cora Wright, Doris Jackson, Beronica Washington Clay, Kellie Trimmer, Brenda French and Jay Mitchell for the love and kindness they showed mom over the past year. A special thanks to Valerie and Johnny Mitchell who became like family over the past several years.

Pallbearers will be her eight grandsons, Paul Dodd, Cody Lenert, Patrick Dodd, Peyton Dodd, Clint Scurlock, Peter Scurlock, Joshua Karkoska and Daniel Karkoska.

Donations to the Meals on Wheels Program c/o Caddo Council on Aging, located at 1700 Buckner Street, Suite 240, Shreveport, LA 71101 would be appreciated. Ray and Melba spent many years delivering meals to those in need.

08/22/2023

Betty Horton Mitchell, age 70 of Timpson, TX, passed away at Memorial Hermann in Houston, TX on August 20, 2023. She was born July 2, 1953 in Tenaha, Texas to Mr. Milton Horton, Sr. and Mrs. Carrie Shepherd Horton.

Visitations is from 3pm until 6pm Friday, August 25, 2023 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, Texas. Funeral Service is at 11am Saturday, August 26, 2023 at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, 5545 State Highway 87 North, Center, TX 75935 with Rev. Charleston Johnson officiating and Rev. Rayford Caraway Pastor/Eulogist. Interment is at Mt. Gillion Cemetery, Center.

Betty leaves to cherish her memory:

Husband, Johnny Ray Mitchell of Timpson

Son, Terry Mitchell of Richmond

Daughter, Tasche Mitchell of Center

Brother, Milton Horton, Jr. (Earsie) of Shelbyville

Sisters:
Peggy Brown of Timpson
Callie Horton of Timpson
Donna (Alford) Fletcher of Timpson

Sister-in-law, Sherina “Kay” Horton of Lufkin

Grandchildren: Ta’Sharrrea, Jaden, Kaden, Jamari and Tyriek

A host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Deacon Ronnie Horton, Darren Horton, Lawrence “Mickey” Horton, Allen Horton, Robert James Shepherd; nephews, Timmy, Shamfrea, and LaSherrea Hooper, Quincy Handy, and Mark Anthony Smith.

Services entrusted to her family of professionals at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. (936) 564-4351

08/21/2023

Dorothy Bain, 96, of Center, Texas passed away August 18, 2023, at her home in Center surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy was born November 27, 1926, in Center, Texas to the late Fred “Shorty” and Mollie Baugh. She married Billy E. Ballard on September 20, 1945. They had four children, Sandy, Billy, Gayle and Ronnie. After Billy’s death in 1991 she married David Bain on April 29, 1995.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, First Baptist Church Center, burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Monday, August 21, 2023 at Mangum Funeral Home from 5:00pm until 8:00pm.

Dorothy loved people and hugs! She worked for many years at H & S Grocery and made many friends during that time. And oftentimes we would come across people that met her there and remembered her and her sweet charms and attitude.

She was baptized and served her Lord through her church, First Baptist Church in Center. She was active during all the many years she was a member. She enjoyed WMU and teaching Sunday School and most recently was a part of the Golden Harvest choir.

Dorothy is survived by:

Children:

Sandra Yarborough

Billy Ballard

Gayle Harvey and husband Emmett

7 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren

Step-daughter, Rebecca Vergiels and husband Victor

Sisters:

Barbara Fischer

Bonnie Bagwell

Connie Lucas

A host of family and friends that will dearly miss her and her sweet spirit.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, Billy Ballard and David Bain, parents Shorty and Mollie Baugh, son Ronnie Ballard, brother Fred “Botch” Baugh Jr., son-in-law Rogers Yarborough and daughter-in-law Debra Ballard, grandson-in-law Jack Massey.

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

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

08/17/2023

Lillie Mae Moore Moses, 95 of Shelby County and Orange, Texas, passed away Saturday, August 12 at her home in Center. She was born June 30, 1928 to the late Jesses Moore and Leveneie Harper Moore in Shelby County and later moved to Orange, Texas. She spent all of her adult life there.

Funeral service is at 11am Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Center.

Her wishes were to be cremated.

She was the usher President at Salem United Methodist Church for many years. She will be truly missed. Her niece will truly miss her for the last three years of life they were together and loved along with the rest of the family.

She is survived by:

Sister, Creola Cartwright

Bonus, Vicker Moses

Nieces:
Denise (David) Cartwright
Anita (Vernell) Moody

Nephews:
Gregory Richard
Iva Lee Cartwright

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

08/16/2023

Timothy Garland “Timmy” Rogers Sr., age 51, of Logansport, Louisiana passed away at his home on August 12, 2023. He was born November 25, 1971, to Sammy and Reba Brown Rogers.

After high school, Timmy worked in the oilfield, working his way up to tool pusher before an accident ended his career. Timmy loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He often planted a few too many tomatoes. He was called Bruiser by his closest friends, and he was known to make his own “happy place.”

Timothy is survived by:

Wife, Kelly

Sons:
Timothy “T.J.” Rogers Jr. of Logansport, Louisiana
Trepton Rogers of North Carolina

Daughter, Kiley Raybon and husband Stephen of Grand Cane, Louisiana

Mother, Reba Rogers of Gary, Texas

Grandchildren:
Kayden Brown
Adisyn Rogers
Hudson Rogers
Luca Raybon

Sister, Sharman Ballard and husband C.L. of Gary, Texas

A host of other family and friends.

Timothy is preceded in death by his father, Shelton “Sammy” Rogers Jr.; sister, Lori Rogers; grandparents, Bro. Shelton Rogers Sr. and Lois Rogers, and Henry Earl Brown and Hestell Brown; and aunt, Linda Johnson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, 943 Polk St., Mansfield, Louisiana. Steve Walker to officiate the service.

Services are under the direction of Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield, Louisiana.