Shelby County Today

07/20/2017

Funeral service for Tamara Rochelle Nickerson Harris (33) of Dallas, Texas will be Saturday, July 22, 2017, 11am at Abundant Love Ministries (1426 Shelbyville St. Center, Texas 75935). Tamara is a 2002 Center High School graduate. Minister Kevin Dones will be officiating.  

Tamara is survived by:

Children:
DeKylin Hoyt
Elisha Hoyt
DeQualan J. Harris, Jr.

Parents: Dana Randle and LaGinia Nickerson of Dallas, Texas

Brother: Onaska (Monique) Evans of Center, Texas

Sisters: 
LaRhonda (Carlos) Garrett of Longview, Texas
LaTundra Nickerson of Dallas, Texas
Dana Randle of Dallas, Texas.
                
Committal: Westview Cemetery, Center, Texas

Repass: Abundant Love Ministries

Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas

07/20/2017

Noah “Jody” Lee Kennedy, Jr was born August 6, 1950 in Rawlins, Wyoming and went home to be with Jesus July 8, 2017 in Shreveport, LA after a lengthy illness.

Cherishing his memory are his loving wife of 7 years Barbara Kennedy. Children: April Ham and husband Michael; Chad McCormick and wife Lisa; Mechelle Johnson and husband Harley; Pam Lindgren and husband Johny; Grandchildren: Emerson Ham; Scarlett McCormick; Katey Johnson; Justin, Jacob, and Madison Lindgren. Step Grandson: Levi McCormick. Adopted Grandson: Colton Nichols Great Grandson Maddox Johnson. Adopted Daughter and Family: Cansas Ellis and husband Mark and their son Merick; along with a host of special friends, family, and brothers and sisters in Christ.

Noah was raised in Oklahoma and graduated Talihina High School in 1968 where he was a proud member of the 1966 Golden Tiger State Champions. Noah went on to have a rich career in public service in Oklahoma. He served on the Talihina Volunteer Fire Department and later worked as a Deputy for Talihina Police Department then went on to serve as the Sheriff in Wilburton. During that time Noah was very actively involved with Shriners and the Masonic community.

Anyone that knew Noah knows that he loved a good adventure and in true Noah Kennedy fashion he left Oklahoma and came to Texas. Texas had an abundance of adventure and new experiences for Noah. He started a new career path in pipelining and became Senior Chief Pipeline Inspector at CenterPoint Energy & Devon Pipeline. In 2010 Noah met Barbara and they married at Still Waters Cowboy Church. Noah was an extremely active member of Still Waters for 7 years during which time he worked tirelessly to help Still Waters grow and build new buildings to manage the tremendous growth Still Waters is experiencing. Noah also served as a Church Elder for 3 years at Still Waters.

Noah discovered a new hobby of gunsmithing and hydro-graphics and eventually opened Possum Flats Custom Graphics. Noah loved to spend hours out in the shop working on guns and hydro-dipping anything that he could get wet. Noah liked to show off Possum Flats work with his grand daughter Emmerson

In his free time Noah enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, taking adventures on the motorcycle with his wife Barbara & riding buddies, Rodney & Liz Manasco & Rodney & Nanette Hall

Noah was preceded in death by his parents Peggy & Noah Lee Kennedy Sr.

Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life at Still Waters Cowboy Church 1699 Hwy 315 Carthage TX 75633 on Saturday July 29, 2017 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a memorial donation be made to Still Waters Cowboy Church-Covered Arena Fund P.O. Box 166 Carthage TX 75633.

To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord. Noah is LIVING in the presence of the One who created him.

07/19/2017

Gwendolyn Billingsley, 79, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on July 19, 2017 in Timpson. She was born in Timpson on August 9, 1937 to Norman Howell Hudson and Minnie Lee Courtney Hudson. Funeral service for Gwen will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel, Timpson, Texas. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel.

07/19/2017

James “Jim” Jackson, 71, of Center, passed away Tuesday, July 18, 2017, in Tyler.

Graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Center with Bro. Don Murphree officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. Jackson was born July 8, 1946, in Nacogdoches, to Johny Jackson and Macie Irene Jackson.  He loved going to flea markets and walking over his property with his dog, Buddy.  His hobbies included collecting antiques and cooking for his family. He was a member of Center Christian Fellowship.

He is survived by
Wife: Sue Jackson

Daughter: Pam Alford and husband, Noble

Son: Jeff Bridwell and wife, Cindy

Grandchildren:
Cherry Bennett and husband, Brandon
Michelle Wilburn and husband, Daron
Justin Bridwell and special friend, Brianna Ward

Great Grandchildren:
Dustin Bennett
Autumn Bennett

Mother: Macie Irene Jackson

Sister: Polly Mintor and husband, Melburn

Preceded in death by
Father: Johny Jackson

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

07/16/2017

Verna Lou Moore Snider, was born on October 10, 1925 to William “Bill” Moore and Pearl Anderson Moore.  She was called home peacefully on July 15, 2017 after many years of failing health.
 
The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home to celebrate her life.  A graveside service will be held immediately following at New Hope Cemetery, where Mrs. Snider will be laid to rest.  Services will be led by Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. Son Windham.

Pallbearers will be Matt Snider, Josh Snider, Aaron Liker, Jesse Liker, Jake Liker and Rusty Layton.

A loving Mother, homemaker, and Mammaw, but most importantly she was a child of God.  Verna Lou enjoyed preparing meals for her family in years past.  Her chicken and dressing during the holidays, Sunday roast, and sugar toast were the best.  Over the years when her health was kinder to her, she loved to work outdoors push mowing her yard and caring for her roses.  She also enjoyed watching “The Young and the Restless” and westerns on television.  Back in the day, she would stay up half the night doing word finds, reading books, or sewing quilt blocks together.  She thoroughly enjoyed listening to music of all genres, but she had a deep love for gospel music and ice cream.  Her favorite flower was a rose, and her favorite color was red.  Devoted mother, forgiving, head strong, and a caregiver were just a few of her attributes.  Anyone that knew her could admire her strength.

Mrs. Snider had an unwavering faith in God and she loved the Lord.  She had been a member of a local Baptist church for close to forty years.  She had rarely ever missed a service until her health forced her into being home bound.  Those close to her have fond memories of her marking each sermon in her Bible with a red pen, and singing alto in the choir.

Verna Lou was predeceased by many loved ones, including her husband of 50 years, Jessie J. Snider; sons, Jerry W. Snider and his wife Bobbie Baker Snider, James E. (Butch) Snider; son-in-law, Elmer Moore; great grandsons, Jarrod Paul Snider and Augustus Cade Belrose (whom she named “Little Buck”); sisters, Claudia Miller and husband Marshall, Maxine Douzat and husband, Eddie, Syble Jernigan and husband Earl, Jeanette Raimond, Dorothy Stuart; brothers, Waymon Moore and wife Helen, John “Son” Moore and wife Fronie, Allen Moore; several nieces and nephews.

Verna Lou is survived by her daughters, Norma Moore of Segno, Sandra Harvey and husband Mark of Montana. Surviving sons include Billy Snider and wife, Debbie of Center, Travis Snider of Center, Gary Snider of Center.  She leaves behind one daughter-in-law, Vicky Snider; one sister-in-law, Gloria Moore of San Augustine.  She had seven children, seventeen grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren and eight great great grandchildren. She was a very blessed woman and her entire family will never truly know how much they were loved.  Her idea of family included all those that loved and cared about her.

Verna made a decision in 1975 to take an early retirement from E.L. Bruce when her daughter-in-law, Bobbie, was diagnosed with cancer. She chose to stay home and help care for her grandchildren, Chris and Pam.  Bobbie was called home later that year.  In 1979, tragedy struck again when her son Jerry lost his life in a horrific automobile accident.  Verna raised Chris and Pam fully as her own from that moment forward and would not have it any other way.  She was proud of them both and loved them dearly.  She fulfilled a promise made to their Mother to always take them to church.  Every time the doors were open, they were in the house of the Lord, later resulting in them surrendering their hearts to God and they were saved.  Mrs. Snider leaves behind her two cherished and loved children that she called her own; son, Chris Snider of Center; daughter, Pam Hall and Shawn of Timpson.  The foundation of hard work, determination, perseverance and love for the Lord are just a few of the characteristics she passed on to them.

Many nurses and care givers have graced her home through the years, most of which she truly adored. The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the staff at Affinity Hospice, Holiday Nursing Home, A Pineywoods Home Health, Dr. Pokala, and all of the local physicians for their care. The family thanks you for your loving support and prayers through this journey. Mrs. Snider made a lot of good friends. Let us not forget to mention her great niece, Sarah Lloyd, and Brenda Hebert who provided loving assistance with their care through Affinity Hospice. The family gives them their greatest gratitude. The H.B. Bounds family was her neighbors for over 50 years, and that friendship will forever be cherished as well.

The family especially wants to thank all those that made the effort to come and pray with Mrs. Snider throughout the years; especially Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. Son Windham.  It was a tremendous blessing that can never be repaid.

Watson & Sons Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements; the family thanks them for the kindness they have shown.

Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10

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

07/13/2017

Geraldine (Gerry) Powdrill, 78, of Timpson, Texas passed away on July 12, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Born October 8, 1938.

Geraldine was born to Lessie Hughes Lovelady and Elliott Lovelady in Blytheville, Arkansas. She was raised by her stepfather, Rual Shepherd and Lessie Lovelady. Geraldine graduated from Burdette High School in 1956. It was that summer that she met Howell Lee Powdrill at the Eaker Airforce Base in Blytheville. Lee known as “Tex” and Geraldine married on October 8, 1956.  Her Arkansas family did and continues to call her Geraldine and her husband Lee, was always known as “Tex,” being from Texas.  

Gerry and Lee lived in San Antonio and settled in Huffman, Texas when Lee was transferred with the FAA with the opening of the new airport in Houston. They raised their family on Lake Houston. At that time Gerry was a full-time housewife and mother; the hardest job ever and she excelled at it. She worked outside of the home for a short time at Home Telephone Company in Humble, Texas, but returned to her full-time job as housewife.  

Gerry and Lee retired to Timpson in the 1980’s. Gerry was a member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church where she served as Church Secretary. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and she took special pride in organizing and overseeing crafts at Vacation Bible School for many years. She loved coming up with new ideas each year and spent many hours getting the materials ready for the art classes.  

Gerry was very active in ladies bowling and it was part of her life for over 40 years. She was a member of the Sassie Lassies team where she traveled to tournaments and won several championships as well as a state championship. She enjoyed canasta, bunco, and getting together with her friends often. She also had a quick mind and tried to always watch Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

Gerry had a green thumb and could stick just about anything in dirt and the next thing you knew she had a beautiful plant growing. She tended to her flowers and for many years had gorgeous roses and many flower gardens. She loved to travel and she and her husband went to Haiti, St. Thomas, and the Virgin Islands on a cruise. She enjoyed a trip to Hawaii and it was the flowers there she talked about most often. There were the trips with her square dance group through the years, and the trip to London with her daughter Melody. Gerry was a wonderful cook. There really wasn’t anything she couldn’t master. Anyone that ever had her cooking often asked for her recipes, which she was glad to share. Some of her family’s favorites were her hot water cornbread, chicken and dumplings, Lessie dressing, peas and cornbread, and tator tot casserole.  

Gerry and Lee’s passion was their time they spent with their square-dancing group, and the Do-Si-Do Club. They had danced back in the 60’s, took a break while raising their children, and then after retirement took up square dancing again. They made many lifelong friends and traveled to dances all over the country. No one could twirl Gerry around the dance floor like her husband Lee. She got to be a mother twice, raising her two children and then she raised her two granddaughters, Kara and Kylie whom she loved very much. She often talked about them to friends. Gerry loved God, loved her family, and loved life. She was a strong woman. She was Geraldine, Gerry, Miss Gerry, Mother, Best Friend, Nannie, and now she is an Angel.

Gerry was a beloved wife to Lee for over 48 years.  She is preceded in death by her spouse, Howell Lee Powdrill; mother, Lessie Hughes Lovelady Shepherd; father, Elliott Lovelady; step-father, Rual Shepherd; brother, James Lovelady; and nephew, Michael Eldridge.

Left to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy is:
Her daughter: Melody Dannette Powdrill of Shreveport, LA

Son: Keith Brian Powdrill of Timpson, TX

Granddaughters:
Kara Dannette Powdrill of Timpson, TX
Kylie Lynn Powdrill of Timpson, TX

Sisters-in-law:
Marcia Kesterson and husband Hollis of Longview, TX
Louise Hudson of Timpson, TX

Nephew: Jimmy Lovelady of Fayetteville, AR.  

Others left to treasure our sweet Gerry are cousins and extended family, her church family, and friends. She will be greatly missed and will always be loved.

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

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

07/13/2017

Pearline Clay, 80, of Center, Texas passed away on July 12, 2017 in Center. She was born on September 9. 1936 in the Waterman Community to Grover Clay and Monnie Mae Helton Clay.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Waterman Cemetery with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.

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

07/11/2017

Winifred “Windy” Whitlock, 88, of Little Rock, Arkansas, formerly of Center, passed away Sunday, July 9, 2017, in Little Rock, Arkansas.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 13, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, July 14, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Karen Jones officiating.  Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Center.

Mr. Whitlock was born January 26, 1929, in the Neuville Community of Shelby County, to Richard Calvin Whitlock and Mary Dee Bailey Whitlock.  He was a member of both the Masonic Lodge and Order of the Eastern Star for over sixty-five years.  He was of the Christian faith.

He is survived by
Sons:
George A. Whitlock and wife, Joan, of Little Rock, Arkansas
David W. Whitlock of Center

Grandchildren:
Celeste Montoya of Silsbee
Jon Whitlock of Beaumont
Samantha Whitlock of Beaumont
Rusty Short and wife, Amanda, of Little Rock, Arkansas

Great-Grandchildren:
Jayden Montoya
Lillian Montoya
Dominic Montoya
Caleb Short
Lauren Short

Preceded in death by
Wife: Daphine Slatter Whitlock
Parents: Richard Calvin Whitlock and Mary Dee Bailey Whitlock
Sister: Ann Panhow

Pallbearers will be brother masons.  Honorary pallbearers will be Basil Slatter, Rondal Slatter, Buddy Slatter, James Welch, Kim Welch and Charles Ray Conway.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Texas Masonic Retirement Center, 1501 W. Division Street, Arlington, Texas 76012.

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

07/10/2017

Louisa Ingram Jenkins, 91, of Tenaha, TX, passed away on Friday afternoon, July 7, 2017, at her home in Tenaha. She was born on Aug. 21, 1925, in San Augustine County to the late James Ingram and Rosia Dupree. Mrs. Jenkins attended San Augustine Schools growing up and later attended college. She married Clifford F. Jenkins on July 8, 1940, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 2006. Mrs. Jenkins worked in the San Francisco Bay area as an occupational and private nurse for many years. She moved back to Tenaha over 40 years ago from Pacifica, CA. Mrs. Jenkins was a member of Smith Chapel Baptist Church in Timpson. She was preceded in death by daughters, Legatha Demings and Mary Moore; sons, Clifford, Alvin, and Danny Jenkins; and sister, Rosie Jane Blount.

Survivors include sons, Rochester Jenkins and wife Gladys Jo of Tenaha, Calvin Jenkins and wife Dorenia of Freemont, CA, and Willis Grace; daughters, Rosie Drake and husband Roy of Tenaha, Vivian LaBlanc and husband Wayne of Murrieta, CA, and Barbara Sanchez of Tenaha; sister Mary Carter of Princeton, TX; numerous, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at Smith Chapel Baptist Church, 919 CR 4707, Timpson, TX with Rev. Mario Osby officiating. Interment will follow in the Jenkins Memorial Cemetery (Bulison Ranch) 152 CR 4644, Tenaha, TX. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home in Carthage.

Serving as pallbearers are Mrs. Jenkins’ grandsons and flower girls will be her granddaughters. 

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.