Shelby County Today

05/28/2018

Charlie Patton, 83, of Shelbyville, joined Jesus in Heaven Saturday, May 26, 2018, at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 1, 2018, at Toledo Bend Cowboy Church in Huxley.  Interment will follow at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley.  After the burial service, food will be provided at the church by members of Toledo Bend Cowboy Church for family and friends.

Mr. Patton was born January 16, 1935, in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, to Floyd Arthur Patton and Mary Magadelene Remy Patton.  He served in the United States Army, during which time he was stationed in Germany. His hobbies included woodworking, hunting, fishing and just being outdoors.  He enjoyed spending time with his family.  Mr. Patton was a member of Toledo Bend Cowboy Church in Huxley.

He is survived by
Wife: Faye Patton of Shelbyville

Children:
Diana Lee Patton and Richard Findley of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Ardith Raye Patton and Danny Hodson of Huxley, Texas
Tamera Lynn Patton Lusher
Charles Matthew Patton and Tamara Hinkle of Fort Worth, Texas
Jana Michille Patton of Crowley, Texas

Grandchildren:
Kimberly Bevel and Curtis Blake
Christina Bevel and Jason Hewitt
Amanda Nichole Ayon
Charles Lucas Ayon
Morgan Leanne Patton
Vivian Helena Patton
Mikah Shayne Wallace
Robin Authier-Romesberg
Julia Hinkle
Sophia Hinkle

Great-Grandchildren:
Jayden
Griffin
Sarah
Savannah
Alexander
Isaiah
Elijah
Katie

Siblings:
Joann Festervan of Shreveport, Louisiana
Henry Floyd Patton and Evelyn of Keithville, Louisiana
Lloyd Arthur Patton and Elizabeth of Blanchard, Louisiana

Preceded in death by
Parents: Floyd Arthur Patton and Mary Magadelene Remy Patton

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

05/26/2018

Arvin C. Worsham, 65, of Center, entered into rest on May 25, 2018 after a valiant 11 year battle with cancer. 

Celebration of life services will be officiated by Bro. Jerry Worsham at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Arvin was born on January 23, 1953, to Virgil and Alicia Monge’ Worsham in Balboa, Panama Canal Zone. He is a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church where he served on committees and with Youth group and continued his daily walk with the Lord when he was no longer able to attend church.

He worked in construction until starting a shipping and receiving job at Skeeter boats in Longview until cancer diagnosis in 1979. He then worked as a copier repairman in East Texas areas where he met and married his love Tammy Whitton on August 2, 1984. He opened Spring Water Farms Nursery until health forced him to close where he got to share his love of plants. He loved anything outdoors, spending time with family and friends, his pets and watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys. He was loved by everyone who met him for his sense of humor and big heart, he always had a kind word for everyone and an ability to make people laugh.

He was so blessed with his medical care team and words cannot express our gratitude for Affinity Hospice and Palliative care programs and all his medical teams though this journey headed by his surgeon and our “Angel in Scrubs” Dr. Larry Walker

He is survived by
Beloved Wife of 33 years: Tammy Worsham of Center, Texas

Son: Joshua Worsham of Mt Pleasant, Texas

Brothers: 
Jerry Worsham and wife, Jane, of Racine, Wisconsin
Ralph Easy Worsham and wife, Sue, of Elizabeth, Colorado

Sister:
Lorain Evans and husband, Terry, of Matthews, North Carolina

Brother-in-law: 
Jeremy Whitton and wife, Tammy, of Center, Texas

Nieces and nephews and numerous cousins and friends

His beloved “Fur babies”:
Scout, Malachi, Niko, Hubcap and Blackjack the cat

He is preceded in death by
Parents: Virgil and Alicia Worsham
Parents-in-law: John and Edith Whitton

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

05/23/2018

Joe Neal Jernigan, 86, of Center, passed away May 22, 2018 after a lengthy illness. 

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, May 24, 2018 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home with Bro. Chris Collins and Rev. Arvie Jernigan officiating. Visitation will be prior to the funeral from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Center.

Mr. Jernigan was born March 25, 1932 in Shelby County to Emanuel and Melba Jernigan. He was the oldest of seven children. Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force in the 1950's and served for four years. Shortly after his release, he married Ruth Earlene "Patty" Samford and together they had five children. The couple was married for 53 years before Patty's passing in 2007.

The couple moved to Shelby County in 1970 to raise their family where Joe grew up. He worked as a truck driver for REA Railroad and earned the Million Mile Award. Shortly after moving to Center, the couple purchased a Fina station on San Augustine Street. Joe continued to drive a truck, while his wife and children ran the business. During the years of owning their station, he developed a passion for wolf hunting. On Friday nights he could be found hunting with friends and swapping tales.

The family left their days as business owners behind after a number of years and Joe retired as a truck driver. Joe's friend and former police chief, Jimmy Matthews, convinced him to take a job with the Center Police Department as a dispatcher. For nine years the family enjoyed hearing stories from Joe's job and watching him make long lasting friendships with law enforcement officers across this area. He retired from the police department in 1994.

After his retirement, Joe and Patty spent their days laughing and spending time with their family and grandchildren. Joe, "Podge" as he was referred to by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, enjoyed reloading ammunition. This became a large hobby for Joe that allowed him to continue his friendship with many of the friends he made while working for the police department. 

He attended McClelland Community Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Earlene "Patty" Jernigan; his parents, Emanuel and Melba Jernigan; brothers, Tommy Jernigan, O'Neal Jernigan; and sister, Marie Shelton.

He is survived by his children, Zandra Akridge and husband, Gene, of Nacogdoches, Debbi Gragg and husband, Ronnie, of Center, Jody Jernigan and wife, Annette, of Huxley, John Jernigan and wife, Cassie, of Huxley and James Jernigan and wife, Melissa of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Amy Spraggins, Shiloh Denney, Leah Chase, Jessica Hopkins, Ashley Akridge, Hannah Collins, Jimbo Akridge, Taylor Bragg, Michael Jernigan and Morgan Jernigan; 15 great-grandchildren; brothers, Arvie Jernigan, Billy Jernigan, Wayne Jernigan; faithful and devoted friend, Linda Brittain; and a host of friends and extended family.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Gragg, Cole Mooney, Michael Jernigan, Blane Tapley, Walter Shofner, Bryan Slocum, Cory Collins and James McDonald. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Chase, Odell Wiggins, Greg Hooper, Paul Ross and David Sigler.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Pine Grove Nursing Home that loved, cared and went out of their way to care for our dad. Your compassion will always be remembered and forever appreciated. 

To the staff at Heart to Heart Hospice, there are no words to describe the love we have for you. Ms. Cecelia, Keisha and Shelley - You were sent to us straight from God. Thank you for everything. We will always cherish the wonderful memories and final days each of you shared with us. 

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

05/22/2018

Dorothy Jean Bonaparte, 71, of Center, passed away Monday, May 21, 2018, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Tim Perkins officiating.  Interment will be held at West View Cemetery in Center.

Mrs. Bonaparte was born November 22, 1946, in Shelby County, to Floyd and Tempie Osby. She loved gardening, enjoyed flowers and was always willing to lend a helping hand to people.  Mrs. Bonaparte was a member of Center Church of Christ.

She is survived by
Children:
Christopher Dwaine Bonaparte
Sonia Reneé Harris and husband, Valton

Grandchildren:
Bran Juan Johnson
Ryan Johnson
Kahlil Johnson
Kaitlyn Harris

Preceded in death by
Husband: Walter Bonaparte
Parents: Floyd and Tempie Osby
Brothers: Ervin Osby, Billy Osby, Ruble Osby, Windell Osby, Floyd Oscar Osby

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

05/21/2018

Emmie Grace Burns, infant daughter of Lynn and Taylor Burns, passed away on May 19, 2018 in Nacogdoches, Texas. A graveside service will be held at 10:45 AM on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Enterprise Cemetery with Bro. Keith Keele officiating. 

Emmie Grace is survived by:
Her parents, Lynn Burns and Taylor Flournoy Burns of Tenaha

Grandparents: 
Cheryl and Kenneth Flournoy of Tenaha
Pam and Michael Sowell of Center

Great-grandparents:
Ruth Wagstaff of Tenaha
Carolyn and Pete Flournoy of Tenaha
Marvin Sowell of Center and Pansy Grey of Garrison

Aunts: 
Ashley Sowell of Center
Jessica Bush and husband, Colton of Tenaha

Uncles: 
Matthew Flournoy of Tenaha
Michael Sowell of Center

Cousins: Addie and Eli Bush of Tenaha. 

She is preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Norma and Arthur McGhen and great-grandfather, Dan Wagstaff.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mangum Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. 

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

05/21/2018

Russell Lynn Matlock, 51, of Center, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2018, at his residence.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at Helpenstell Cemetery in Garrison with Bro. Keith Keele officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Matlock was born April 18, 1967, in San Jacinto, to Charles William Matlock and Edwina Jones Matlock.  He was a jack of all trades and always the life of the party.  He enjoyed joking, singing and doing whatever he had to do to make people laugh. Mr. Matlock was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by
Wife: Martha Harbison Matlock of Center

Son: Austin Gray of Grapevine

Brother: Charles “Bud” Matlock of Center

Sister: Susan West and husband, Danny, of Center

Nieces and Nephews:
Heather Eshliman and husband, Jonathan, of Center
Rebekah Cummings and husband, Curtis, of Joaquin
Clint West of Center
Cody Matlock and wife, Jill, of Center
Bethany West of Center

Great Nieces and Nephews:
Alyssa Cummings of Joaquin
McKennon Cummings of Joaquin
Harley Eshliman of Center
Hunter West of Porter
Lily West of Porter
Johnny Eshliman of Center
Saylor Cummings of Joaquin
Ethan Matlock of Center

Preceded in death by
Parents: Charles William Matlock and Edwina Jones Matlock

Pallbearers will be Charles Matlock, Cody Matlock, Hugh Halstead, Jimmy Moore, Austin Gray and Jonathan Eshliman.  Honorary pallbearer will be Bruce Bolton.

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

05/20/2018

Mrs. Allie “Billie” Bounds, 90, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away Friday, May 18, 2018, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 21, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Charles Lawrence, Mrs. Bound’s great nephew, officiating. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery in Joaquin, Texas, beside her husband, Mr. Chance Bounds.

Billie was born May 5, 1928, in the Belle Bower Community of Panola County, Texas, to E.B. Fuller and Ina Odessa Gates Fuller.  Her hobbies included gardening, working crossword puzzles and spending time with her family. She loved her children, grands, great grands and her Lord. Billie was a member of Summer Grove Baptist Church, Shreveport, Louisiana, a charter member of Logansport Missionary Baptist Church and a past member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

Missing her will be her:

Daughters and sons-in-law:
Billie Faye Gatlin of Timpson, Texas
Delores Wilkins and husband, Joe, of Joaquin, Texas
Vicki Arrington and husband, Mark, of Shreveport, Louisiana

Grandchildren:
Todd Kaiser of Vidor, Texas
Chris Kaiser and wife, Dianna, of Hampshire-Fannett, Texas
Dama Shull and husband, Robert, of Joaquin, Texas
Yancey Arrington and Deirdre of Christchurch, New Zealand
Britney Powell and husband, Scott, of Shreveport, Louisiana
April Pledger and husband, Stacy, of Timpson, Texas
Zachary Arrington and wife, Brittany, of Shreveport, Louisiana
Nicole Gatlin of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Danyelle Wright and husband, Kent, of Grand Junction, Colorado
Benny Gatlin of Farmersville, Texas

Great-grandchildren:
Rylie Kaiser
Mason and Gage Stark
Orlagh Arrington
Dre and Ryen Walters
Kenadie Powell
Kayson, Kaymin and Bowen Pledger
Brycen, Valyn and Reese Arrington

Brother: Gerald and Carla Fuller of Laredo, Texas

Sisters: 
Jackie Ramsey of Timpson, Texas
Mary Dosier of Liberty, Texas
Jeanette Lee of Flint, Texas

Sister-in-law: Helen Fuller

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends

Preceded in death by
Husband of 51 years: Chance Bounds
Parents: E.B. and Odessa Fuller
Sisters: Fayrene Poole, Marguriet Brown
Brothers: L.D. Fuller, Guy Fuller, Freeman Fuller
Son-in-law: Benny Gatlin

Pallbearers will be Todd Kaiser, Scott Powell, Chris Kaiser, Dre Walters, Zachary Arrington, Stacy Pledger, Randy Bounds, Alan Bounds and Yancey Arrington.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Wilkins, Mark Arrington, Robert Shull, Brycen Arrington and Bowen Pledger.

The family would like to thank The Oaks of Louisiana, Live Oaks Healthcare, and Aime Hospice all of Shreveport for the special care she received.

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

05/13/2018

Ms. Christopher Fay Williams, 79, of Baytown, Texas passed away Thursday, May 10, 2018 in Baytown. Services were held Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Wallace Chapel Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas.

Interment followed at Timpson Cemetery in Timpson, Texas with Elder Derrick Rhodes officiating. 

Ms. Christopher Fey Williams is survived by:
Brothers: 
Edmond Rhodes of Ardmore, Ok.
Glen Rhodes of Oklahoma City, Ok.
Donald Rhodes of Timpson, Tx.

Sisters:
Shirley Ballard of Austin, Tx.
Missionary Mary J. Shepherd of Nacogdoches, Tx.

Four grandchildren

05/11/2018

Patricia Payne “Pat” Brittain, 85, of Center, passed away Friday, May 11, 2018, in Center.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 14, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Karen Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Brittain was born May 4, 1933, in Center, to A.J. “Jimmy” Payne and Coy Dellinger Payne.  She worked as a teacher and school counselor. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Center.

She is survived by
Daughter: Polly Montemayor and husband, Johnny, of Center

Grandchildren: Rachel Lee Hawkins and husband, Steve, of Marshall
Amy McKissick Lebrun and husband, Ronald, of Bastrop, Louisiana
J. McKissick and wife, Lin, of Austin

Great Grandchildren:
William Hawkins of Marshall
Elizabeth Hawkins of Marshall
Kaylee Hilburn of Bastrop, Louisiana

Sister: Portia Gaines of Center

Brother: James Allen Payne of Hemphill

Nieces and Nephews:
Jeannie Gaines of Center
Jennifer Payne Figge and husband Allen of League City
Jim Payne and wife Jill of Center
Charlotte Payne Markowski and husband, Brent, of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Numerous great nieces and great nephews
Preceded in death by
Husband: Charles Ray “Charlie” Brittain
Parents: A.J. “Jimmy” Payne and Coy Dellinger Payne

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