Shelby County Today

05/14/2019

Ronald Brent Clark, 50, of Center, Texas passed away on May 13, 2019 in Center. He was born on November 4, 1968 in Houston, Texas to Ronald Jay Clark and Norma Jean McCarty Clark. Funeral services will be at 1:00 on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Clever Creek Baptist Church with Bro. Jerry Hopkins and Bro. Bobby Warr officiating.

Interment will follow at Clever Creek Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to service time from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Clever Creek Baptist Church. 

Brent grew up in Pasadena and graduated from Pasadena High School. He attended San Jacinto Junior College before moving to California for a few years for work. Brent decided to return to Texas to start a family closer to home. About six years ago, he moved back to Center in order to help his mom and dad. Brent was somewhat of a Renaissance man with a list of talents and interests.

As a young man, he learned to play the violin, was very athletic enjoying baseball and football, but also made sure to focus on his studies earning a spot on the Dean’s List. Brent even received his skydiving certificate. As an adult, he worked as a carpenter, pipe-fitter and scaffold builder. There just wasn’t much Brent couldn’t do. While he was no stranger to hard work, Brent made sure to enjoy life. He very much liked spending time outdoors fishing, shooting and riding motorcycles.

His favorite moments were spent with his daughter. She was the light of his life, and his whole world. Family meant everything to Brent and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for their happiness. He wanted to spread life to others and he did that with his infectious smile and warm personality. Brent will be remembered for the laughter and love he shared with so many.

Brent is survived by:
his mother, Norma Jean Clark of Center

Daughter: Emily Grace Clark of Conroe

Sister: Tiffany Farmacka and husband, Brett of Crosby

Nephew: Jacob Henry Ingersoll of Houston

Niece: Sarah Lena Olson of Crosby

Great-nephews: 
Samuel Dalton Ronald Olson
Braydon Cole Oatis

Cousin: Catherine Renee Clark.

He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Jay Clark; paternal grandparents, Henry Jay Clark and Frances Wright Clark; maternal grandparents, John and Dorothy McCarty; and uncle, Rodney Ray Clark.
Pallbearers will be Jacob Ingersoll, Brian Bailes, Jeff Eaves, Cody Warr, Cooper Warr, Milton Newberry, David Clark, Dennis Clark and Brett Farmacka.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Earl Hodges and Oren Warr.

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

05/13/2019

Mother Ora Lee Swindle, 85 of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Wake is 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Triumph First Pentecostal Church of Shelbyville. Funeral service is 1pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at Triumph 1st Pentecostal Church of Shelbyville. Visitation is from 12 noon to 1pm prior to funeral service on Wednesday. Interment is at Bennett Chapel Cemetery in Shelbyville with Bishop Zep Swindle officiating.

She is survived by:

Brother, Bishop Roosevelt (Girtha) Swindle of Shelbyville

Sister, Millie (James) Johnson of St. Louis, Missouri

A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.

05/10/2019

Joyce Spurlock Hill, 68, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on May 9, 2019 in Joaquin. She was born on August 14, 1950 in Center, Texas to Harold Eugene Spurlock and Billie Jean Whiddon Spurlock. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Willow Grove Cemetery with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating.

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM on Monday, May 13, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Joyce grew up in Joaquin and graduated from Joaquin High School. Her mother introduced Joyce to Dale Hill and the two were instantly connected. On December 16, 1967, they were married and spent 51 wonderful years together. After graduating high school, Joyce went on to become a hairdresser which she enjoyed for 25 years while she raised her children. When the kids were grown, Joyce decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in education. Returning to school was a tough decision and hard for a full-time mom and wife, but her determination and the loving support from family helped her chase her dreams. In 1994, she graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Masters degree and then dedicated the next 20 years serving at Center ISD. She had a passion for her students and loved working in the special education department teaching English.

Joyce was an avid reader. She also had an interest in genealogy and holistic essential oils. When she found the time, she especially enjoyed traveling. One of her most common stops was Hot Springs, Arkansas. More than anything, Joyce loved spending time with her family. Those precious moments were what she valued most and tried to experience as often as possible. She was a member of Truitt Chapel Baptist Church. Joyce’s kind, caring demeanor and servant heart will be greatly missed by a multitude of family, friends, co-workers and students who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Joyce is survived by: 
Her beloved husband, Dale Lamar Hill of Joaquin

Daughter: Amy Hill of Joaquin

Sons: 
Marcus Derrick Hill of Nacogdoches
Brent Lamar Hill and wife, Kari of Nacogdoches

Mother: Billie Jean Spurlock of Kountze

Brothers: 
Randy Spurlock and wife, Judy of Kirbyville 
Billy Tinkle and wife, Penny of Woodville

Sisters: 
Sue Daniels and husband, Wayne of Kountze
Belinda Lewellen and husband Tim of Kountze

Grandchildren: 
Caleb Grant Hill and Christy of Nacogdoches
Raelyn Breanna Hill of Nacogdoches
Karissa Jordyn Hill all of Nacogdoches

A host of nieces and nephews that she loved dearly

She is preceded in death by her father, Harold Eugene Spurlock.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Wagstaff, John Paul Wagstaff, David Carroll, Joey Burns, Tony Powdrill and Tommy Spurlock.

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

05/09/2019

Morris Downey, 73, of Center, passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 10, 2019, at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha.

Mr. Downey was born August 6, 1945, in Canada, to Lawrence Downey and Johnnie Loftin Downey.  He attended James Church of Christ.

He is survived by his cousin, Kendall McDonald.  

Preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Downey and Johnnie Loftin Downey.

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

05/06/2019

Archie Willie Singleton (81) of Longview, Texas, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at his residence. He was born on February 17, 1939 in Center, Texas.

Funeral service will be at 11am Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Galilee Baptist Church, 1301 S. High Street, Longview, Texas, 75602. Minster John T. Smith will be officiation and Dr. Antione Eakins will bring the message.

He is survived by:

Wife, Ester Mae Gardner, Singleton

Son, Archie Willie Singleton II (Jennifer) of Longview, Texas

Daughter, Cresiedia Ann Lewis (Kenneth Sr) of Longview, Texas

Grandchildren:
Kenneth Lewis Jr. (Ashely) of Longview, Texas
Tonika Lockett (Terrell Sr.) of Houston, Texas

Great-Grandchildren:
Ternell Lockett
Mariah Lewis
Kennedy Lewis
Terrell Jr
Malik Cook
Braylon Clark

Brothers:
Willie James Singleton, of Longview, Texas
Vernon Dean Singleton (Liza) of Shreveport, Louisiana

Sisters:
Fannie Mae Holman of Longview, Texas
Ella Garrett (W.J) of Center
Elma Suell of Center
Debra Mayweather (Donald Ray) of Mansfield, Louisiana

Uncle, T.J. Simon

Brothers-in-law:
Rev. Billy Earl Gardner (Margie) of Lufkin, Texas
Thomas Gardner (Wanda) of Center
Jerry Gardner (Cheryl) of Center
Fredrick Gardner (Stella) of Center

Sisters-in-law:
Allene Singleton of Dallas, Texas
Myrtis McClelland of Center

Visitation is Wednesday, May 8, 2019 from the hours of 1pm to 8pm at Craig Funeral Home. Committal is Saturday, May 9, 2019 at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Longview, Texas. Repass at Bobby Taylor Family Life Center.

Services entrusted to Craig Funeral Home, 2001 S. Green Street, Longview, Texas 75602. Services announced by Hicks Mortuary of Center, Texas.

05/06/2019

Roena White, 87, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 6, 2019 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on March 16, 1932 in Center to Donnie and Lillie White. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 10, 2019 at East Liberty Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend George Cartwright officiating. Interment will follow at Thompson Cemetery in Shelbyville. A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM prior to the service on Friday, May 10, 2019 at East Liberty Missionary Baptist Church. 

Roena grew up in the East Liberty Community and graduated from East Liberty High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Arkansas for a period of time before pursuing a career as a seamstress. For over 38 years, Roena lived in Dallas before moving to Wichita Falls where her servant’s heart was able to be put to work as a foster care mom. She had a true passion for helping others and was able to fulfill that desire each and every day of her life. In her later years, Roena’s health began to fail so she returned to Center to be near family. 

Roena was an amazing woman with a long list of talents, abilities and admirable qualities. She loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with her family. Fishing was one of her favorite pastimes, and many good memories were made on the water with her. More than anything, Roena treasured the innumerable moments spent with her family. The immense warmth and love were shared every time her family would gather together. She was a member of St. John Church in Wichita Falls under the leadership of Pastor Delaney where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and was active in the hospitality ministry. When she returned to Center, she joined East Liberty Church and again, took on the role of Sunday School teacher and served in the mission ministry. 

She leaves to cherish her memory:
Daughters:
Shelena Bluford of Center
Shelia Polley of Center

Grandchildren: 
Tracy Bluford of Dallas
Anthony Bluford and Angela Taylor of Center
Derrick and Kamiya White of Cedar Hill
Cornelius and Maria Bluford of Arlington

Ten great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Her memory will also linger with a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives and cherished friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Donnie and Lillie White; brothers, Augusta White, D.L. White, Lorenza White and Donnie Ester White; sisters, Bernice Hansboro, Juanita Eddins and Verna Smith; grandson, Patrick Lynn White; and great-grandson, Adan Leonard Bluford.

Pallbearers will be Brian Jackson, Darren Session, Arvis Moore, Michael Session, Jermaine Session, Riheam Jenkins and Vernell Moody.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tracy Bluford, Anthony Bluford, Derrick White, Cornelius Bluford, Ronnie White, Don White and Joe White.

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

05/03/2019

Norma Boniol Rudd, 80, of Center, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 5, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Rudd was born June 17, 1938, in Meeker, Louisiana, to Walter A. Boniol and Ruth A. Williams Boniol.  She loved flowers and cooking, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and loved volunteering to help others with anything that came up.  Mrs. Rudd was a member and past president of the Telephone Pioneers of America and also a member of First Baptist Church in Center. She was a devout Christian and never passed up an opportunity to witness to anyone.

She is survived by: 
Her daughters: 
Kemi Faulkenbery and husband, Jerry, of Center
Keli Chandler and husband, David of Center

Grandchildren: 
Hannah Faulkenbery of Center
Josiah Faulkenbery and wife, Randi Kay of Center
Krista Brooke Fletcher of Houston
Dawson Chandler of Center
Rylan Chander of Center

Great-grandchildren: 
Brylie Ross
Camille Crowe
Wyatt Faulkenbery

Brother: Michael Mangrum and wife, Rose, of Center

Sisters: 
GayNell Boniol Wilburn and husband, Jimmy, of Center
Janice Mangrum Churchman and husband, Max, of Tenaha

Sister-in-law: Mary Lee Wilburn Boniol of Center

Brother-in-law: Gene Rudd of Lufkin

Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends

Preceded in death by husband, Teddy L. Rudd; parents, Walter A. Boniol and Ruth A. Williams Boniol Mangrum; brother, Clifton Boniol; sister, Mary Boniol Williams; brother-in-law, James Williams; sisters-in-law, Charlcie Rudd Willingham, Fay Rudd; half-sister, Eunice Kurtz; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Weldon and Duetta Rudd; longtime friend, J.W. Adams.

Pallbearers will be David Chandler, Jerry Faulkenbery, Bennie Boniol, Josiah Faulkenbery, Dawson Chander, and Larry Berg. Honorary pallbearer will be Rylan Chandler.

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

05/02/2019

The Honorable Bennie Charles Boles, 84, of Center, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2019, in Center.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. 

Judge Boles was born in 1934, in Center, to Bennie Paul Boles and Rosa Lee Lock Boles. He graduated from Center High School and attended Sam Houston State University on a football scholarship. He earned a Business Degree at Sam Houston and was a member of the 1955 Lone Star Conference Championship team. 

After college, he served in the United States Army for three years. Later, he earned a teaching certificate and Master in Education, teaching and coaching in Center, Nederland, and League City, Texas. Bennie received his Law Degree from the University of Houston and was a lawyer for many years in Center before becoming District Judge for the 123rd District Court of Texas, over Shelby and Panola counties. He served four terms as District Judge and was a visiting judge in Dallas, Houston, and many counties in East Texas for many years afterward.  

Bennie was active in the First Baptist Church of Center and was a lifelong member. He served as a Sunday school teacher and a Boy Scout leader for many years. After retirement, Bennie served as interim pastor for several churches and most recently was interim pastor of Truitt Chapel Baptist Church. He was a member of the Texas Baptist Men’s Church Ministries, where he helped and served churches throughout the United States and other countries, leading others to Christ.

He is survived by:
His wife: Lessie Anita Boles of Center

Daughter: Deborah Ann Boles of Center

Niece: Virginia Permenter of Center

Nephews:
Randy Carrol and wife, Delisa, of Center
Jeff Young and wife, Deborah, of Center

Great-niece: Mallory Permenter

Great-nephews:
Richard Pinkston and wife, Elizabeth, of Center
David Young and wife, Lauren, of Conroe

Stepbrother: Ralph Edward Campbell of Center

Numerous great-great-nieces, nephews, other family, and a host of friends

Preceded in death by his parents, Bennie Paul Boles and Rosa Lee Lock Boles Campbell; sisters, Shirley Louise Young, Reba Boles, Rita Boles.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Texas Baptist Men, First Baptist Church, or a charity of choice in Judge Boles’ honor.

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

05/1/19

Evangeline K. Eaves Crawford, 88, of Center, Texas passed from this world to that of our Heavenly Father on April 30, 2019 after a short illness. Born August 6, 1930 to Reinhold and Hattie Ketterling in Eureka, South Dakota. 

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Tennessee Cemetery in Timpson with Bro. Ozay Ford officiating. A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Mrs. Crawford worked many years in the cafeteria at Tenaha Schools, where all the kids called her Miss Vangie. 

Survivors include:
Daughter: Pamela K. Goodwin and husband, Carl of Joaquin

Step-children: 
Annie Herndon of Ft. Worth
Alice Rogers of Wichita Falls
Andrew Crawford of Friendswood
Arnold Crawford of Baytown

Grandchildren: 
Melissa Hanson and husband, TJ of Stanley
Rachel Jones of Texarkana

Step-niece: Nancy Kellar of Tenaha 

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Buddy Eaves; second husband, James Crawford; parents, Reinhold and Hattie Ketterling; and son, David Wayne Eaves.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Lufkin State School Memorial Fund.

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