Shelby County Today

11/19/2019

Thena Moore, 77 of Tenaha, passed away Wednesday morning, November 13, 2019 at her residence.

Wake is Friday evening, November 22 from 6pm to 8pm at Community Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, November 23 at Friendship Baptist Church, Bobo, Tenaha, Texas. Interment is at Friendship Cemetery Bobo Community, Tenaha with Rev. Carlton Walls officiating.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Arethenia Anthony (Johnathan) of Beaumont
Pearl Bizzell (Brady) of Dallas
Thelma Moore of Tenaha

Son, Dewayne Moore of Tenaha

8 Grandchildren, 22 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild

Sisters:
Gloria Battle of Houston
Gloria Roberts (Katral) of Dallas
Melva Colbert (Vernon) of Houston
Joyce Earl of Dallas
Mary Lewis of Dallas
Martha Browder (Robert) of Dallas
Barbara Earl of Dallas
Winfred Earl of Timpson
Jennie Williams (Henry) of Dallas

Brothers:
Joe D. Bussey of Timpson
Elijah Bussey (Corintian) of Lafayette, LA
Welton Earl (Cherry) of Timpson
Bennett Early (Lois) of Timpson
Tony Wallace of Dallas
J.L. Hubbard of Timpson

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas

11/18/2019

James Richard Shofner, 89 of Center, Texas, left this world on Monday, November 18, 2019, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born to Martin Lee and Bessie Flemings Shofner on December 21, 1929, in Center, Texas. After graduating high school, he proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Navy, where he completed a tour of duty during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, James promised the Lord if He would let him get back to the Piney Woods of East Texas he would never leave for long. It was a promise he kept short of a few brief vacations. 

Upon his marriage to Rosa, he settled in Center to raise a family and run his machine shop building, tinkering and creating for many years. He was a Master Mason and was the Worshipful Master of Lodge 149. James was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a long-time member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Huxley, Texas, where he was a deacon for 58 years. Everyone who knew him knew of his faith and unending love for Jesus. He passed that love along not only to his family, but also to countless friends and strangers alike. We are certain that upon reaching the Pearly Gates he was met by a host of family and friends and welcomed with the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Services will be Thursday November 21, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. with visitation Wednesday November 20, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Interment will be at Oaklawn Memorial Park. 

James is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rosa Lee Vaughn Shofner of Center. Daughters Debora Shofner Johnson and husband Darrell of Center and Janet Shofner Wilburn of Center. 

Grandchildren:
Rex Johnson and wife Allison
Nikki Johnson Butler and husband David
Misty Wilburn
Micah Wilburn 

Great-grandchildren:
Katie Johnson Warner and husband Kyle
Rhett Butler
Callie Johnson
Guner Youngblood

Brother, Delbert Shofner 

Sisters:
Edna Ruth Birdwell
Linda Henderson and husband Joe 
Kathi Howard and husband Dewey

Sister-in-law, Ann Vaughn Yarbrough 

Special friend and Brother in Christ: Prentice Hendricks

As well as a host of nieces, nephews and loved ones. 

He is proceeded in death by his parents Martin Lee and Bessie Flemings Shofner; father and mother-in-law, Jim and Gladys Snider Vaughn; son-in-law, Michael Wilburn; sisters, Mary Lee Reichel, Bille Jean Livingston; brothers-in-law, Leon Livingston, Doug Parker, Pug Yarbrough, J.C. Vaughn, Bryant Birdwell, Jerry Reichel; sisters-in-law, Doris Parker, Carol Shofner, Marilynn Vaughn; niece, Kimberly Parker. 

Pallbearers will be Rex Johnson, David Butler, Chester Dawson, Lynn Raymond, Kyle Warner, Rhett Butler, Guner Youngblood 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas is in charge of arrangements.

11/18/2019

Michael Wayne Breaux, 62, of Garrison, Texas passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019, in Nacogdoches, Texas. Born January 13, 1957, in Houston, Texas to the late Clarence Joseph Breaux and Irene Marie (Abshire) Breaux. Memorial service will be held on Monday, November 18, 2019 from 5-8 PM at Arlam Baptist Church, Garrison. 

Michael was born Houston, Texas and raised Winnie, Texas. He graduated from East Chamber High School in Winnie, Texas. Michael later joined the United States Navy and served his country for over 4 years. While home on leave in Winnie Texas, Michael met the love of his life, Elizabeth Breaux and the two were married January 16, 1989, spending more than 30 years together before his passing. Michael was an employee of Arlam Water Supply. He enjoyed the outdoors, hog trapping, fishing, and hunting. He was an all around handyman. Michael enjoyed helping and serving others. Michael loved the Lord. He was of the Catholic faith. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Breaux; sons, John Steven Mooney and wife Brandy Nichole; Patrick Joseph Breaux and wife Cara; Jacob Michael Breaux; daughters, Stephanie Renee Mooney, Alicia Lenea Noe; brother, Ronald D. Breaux; grandchildren, John-Michael Evans Mooney, Nicholas Ryan Mooney; Matthew Dane Mooney, Madeline Noe, Sophia Noe, Audrey Marie Breaux, Makayla Breaux, Kaydance Faith Breaux; and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Jospeph and Irene Marie Breaux; sister in law, Cheryl Breaux..

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

Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, is in charge of arrangements.

11/15/2019

Funeral services are pending for Mrs. Laurine Christopher, 100, of Lufkin, Texas.  
 
Funeral services are entrusted to Hicks Mortuary of Center, Texas 75935.

11/11/2019

Peggy Ann (Miller) Lawson, 94, of Shelbyville, Texas passed away on November 9, 2019 in Texas City, Texas. Born July 24, 1925, in Hertfordshire, England, Peggy is the daughter of the late Frederick Miller and Lucy (Brett) Miller. Graveside service will be held Sunday, November 17, 2019 at 2 PM at Liberty Hill Cemetery, San Augustine, Texas with Bro. Ronnie Wheeler officiating.

Visitation will be held prior to the service on Sunday, November 17, 2019 from 12:30 – 1:30 PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Peggy was born and raised in Hertfordshire, England. She met the love of her life, Jasper McShan, while he was serving in the United States military. Peggy decided to move to the United States to join him and the two were married shortly after. They spent many years together before his passing in 1981. She later met her soulmate, John Lawson, and the two were married in Patroon on May 16, 1982. The two enjoyed fulfilling life together until his passing in 2006. Peggy worked for Deep East Texas Electric Co-op, retiring with more than 32 years of service. Peggy enjoyed gardening, walking her dog, and especially working in her flower gardens. She was a devoted member of Patroon Baptist Church while her health permitted. She loved the Lord and served as church treasurer for many years. Peggy touched many lives through the years.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Susan Lawson Page and husband Ronald of Nederland, Texas
Elizabeth Lawson of Texas City, Texas
Patricia Lawson Swaby and husband Richard of Goodrich, Texas

Brother, Donald Miller of England

Sister, Jean Shepherd of England

Grandchildren:
Shawna Page
Stefanie Plaunty and husband Justin
Charli Miller and husband Carl
Tabitha Swaby

Great-grandchildren:
Gavin and Benjamin Plaunty
Kalle and Kaden Miller
Jared and Jacoby Mowles

Great-great-granddaughter, Coraline Mowles

Nephews:
Frank Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas
Truman Johnson of Garrison, Texas
Jackie Johnson of Garrison, Texas

Many nieces and nephews in England; and a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

Peggy is preceded in death by her husbands, John Lawson, Jasper McShan; parents, Frederick and Lucy Brett Miller; brothers, Frederick Miller Jr., Frank Miller, Stanley Miller; sisters, Winifred Skipp, Jess Wisbeach, Maud Meller, and Constance Edwards.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas is in charge of arrangements.

11/10/2019

Jo Anne Russell, 61, of Huntington, passed away Friday, November 8, 2019, in Lufkin.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Danny Dodson officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Russell was born March 8, 1958, in Houston, to Elzie Ray Barlow and Marvlet Galloway Barlow.  She was employed as a nurse. She enjoyed gardening and caring for people, especially her grandbaby.  Mrs. Russel was a member of Heritage Baptist Church in Lufkin.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Russell of Huntington; daughter, Heather Russell of Lufkin; grandson, Brylan Chase and his father Larry Chase of Lufkin; mother, Marvlet Barlow of Center; sisters, Connie Mora of Center, Cheryl Denny and husband Jerry of Citronelle, Alabama, and Kathy Grayson and husband Johnny of Center; mother-in-law, Weida Lowery of Center; brother-in-law, Jerry Russell of Center; and nephew, Kurt Russell of Longview; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Elzie Ray Barlow; and brother-in-law, Greg Mora.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Grayson, Christopher Mora, Jerry Denney, Bill Anderson, and Gregory Baker.

A special thanks to her boss, J.S. Chandra M.D. and co-workers at The Heart Institute of East Texas in Lufkin.

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

11/8/2019

Waymon Edward Armstreet, 82, 82, of Houston, Texas passed away on November 7, 2019 in Houston, Texas.  Born December 22, 1936, in Shelby County, Texas, Waymon is the son of the late William Wayne Armstreet and Shelby Exa (Risinger) Armstreet.  Graveside service will be held Sunday, November 10, 2019 at 2PM at Duncan Cemetery, Shelbyville, Texas. 

Visitation will be held prior to the graveside service from 12:00 – 1:00 PM at Mangum Funeral Home.  

Waymon graduated from Strong School in Shelby County. He was a loving father, and enjoyed spending time with and taking care of his son, John, until his passing in 2015. Waymon worked in Houston, Texas as a dedicated fireman. Later in his career he bacame Fire Chief at Houston’s Station 19. When he was not working you could find him fishing on the Guadalupe with his nephew, Lynn, and some of his coworkers from his station.  

Waymon is survived by:
His wife: Marcia Rojas Armstreet of Atlanta, Georgia; mother of his child: Margaret June Gordon Armstreet

Sisters: 
Vivian “Sis” Raymond of Shelbyville, Texas
Lucille Smith of Center, Texas

Nephews: 
Lynn Raymond and wife Christine of Shelbyville, Texas
Jerry Raymond and wife Gina of Shelbyville, Texas
Steve Smith and wife Deb of Center, Texas
Kenneth Smith and wife Elizabeth of Hollow Rock, Tennessee

Niece: Margo Griffith and husband Waylon, Center, Texas

Special friend: 
Mike Phillips
Mike Casey

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly  

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Exa Armstreet; son, John Wayne Armstreet.

Serving as pallbearers will be the Houston Fire Department Honor Guard.

Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Risinger, and Bobby Henry Wilburn.

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

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

11/08/2019

Lenora Mills of Gary, Texas, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at UT Medical Center in Carthage, Texas.

Mrs. Mills was born January 3, 1948, in San Augustine County, Texas, and was a longtime resident of Panola County, Texas. She was a member of Mount Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

Her survivors include her husband, Thad Roy Mills of Gary, Texas; daughter, Deidra Swift of Evadale, Texas; daughter, Celeste Lewis and husband Harold of Joaquin, Texas; a son, Timothy Mills and wife Stephanie of Elysian Fields, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymon and Ercelle Lakey; and a granddaughter, Brandi Mills.

Visitation is scheduled for 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2019, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine.

Funeral services are set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel, San Augustine, with interment following at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden. Officiating will be Bro. Levi Corhorst, pastor of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

Pallbearers: Ron Rockmore, Kenny Thornton, T.J. Swift, Taylor Mills, Justin Lewis, Joshua Swift Chip Lovell, and Brandon Lovell.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home.

11/6/2019

Dot Smith, 89, of Diana, formerly of Center, passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2019, in Longview.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Pastor Marc Minter officiating.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Dot was born May 19, 1930, in Center, to Jimmy W. Davis and Grace Estelle Doggett Davis. She was a bookkeeper for the radio station for many years. Dot loved to sing gospel music whether it was in the choir or with a quartet. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:
Her children: 
Mitch Smith and wife Connie of Kilgore
Mike Smith and wife Cathy of Kilgore
Kandi Grissom and husband John of Diana

Grandchildren: 
Robert Smith
Jared Smith
Eric Smith
Kevin Ellis
John Douglas Grissom

9 great-grandchildren

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

She is preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Smith; parents, Jimmy W. Davis and Grace Estelle Doggett Davis; and brothers, Jimmy Davis and James Davis.

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