Shelby County Today

11/28/2017

Ina Hennigan Stone, 75, of Logansport, Louisiana, passed away Monday, November 27, 2017, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 30, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Stone was born September 7, 1942, in Joaquin, to Opal Yates Hennigan and Eva Belle Chandler Hennigan.  Her passion in life was her kids, grandkids and great grandkids.  She loved sewing and being by her husband’s side through their numerous endeavors.  She was a faithful member of Center Missionary Baptist Church and was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. 

She is survived by
Husband of 56 years: Douglas Stone of Logansport, Louisiana

Daughter: Teresa Watson and husband, Fess, of Joaquin

Son: Ronald Stone and wife, Susan, of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Heidi Pritchett and husband, Randall, of Joaquin
Piper Moton and husband, Chance, of Stanley, Louisiana
Ciara O’Rear of Joaquin
Shiloh Stone of Joaquin
Nacona Stone of Joaquin

Great-Grandchildren:
Chandler Pritchett
Aspen Pritchett
Palin Moton

Brothers and Sisters:
Larry Hennigan of Joaquin
Wanda Sholar and husband, Top, of Petal, Mississippi
Dalene Bivens and husband, Coleman, of Shelbyville
Gayle Canton and husband, Jack, of Logansport, Louisiana
Sarah Foshee and husband, David, of Logansport, Louisiana
Jean Hughes and husband, Willie B., of Ruston, Louisiana

Numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends

She is preceded in death by
Parents: Opal Yates Hennigan and Eva Belle Chandler Hennigan
Sister: Lucille Davis
Brothers: Homer Laughlin, Ronnie Jack Hennigan

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Pat Summitt Foundation, www.patsummitt.org, for Alzheimer’s Research and Support.

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

11/27/2017

Margaret Ann (Ni Na) Harper, age 66 of Center, passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas. Services will be held at 2pm Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Abundant Love Ministries, Center, Texas with interment at West View Cemetery in Center with Rev. Bryon Coutee, Jr. officiating.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Michael Cleveland of Center
Patrick Cleveland of Center
Tyrone Cleveland of Center
Christopher Cleveland of Center

8 Grandchildren

13 Great-Grandchildren

Sister, Margie Edwards of Center

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

11/25/2017

Don Mac Shrum, 81, of Joaquin passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2017 in Joaquin. He was born on July 20, 1936, in Rains County, Texas, the son of Loyd Eugene (Gene) and Rozella (Buchanan) Shrum. Graveside service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 at Blair Cemetery with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.  Visitation will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 10:00am – 12:00pm at Taylor Funeral Home.

Don was born and raised in Rains County, Texas. He graduated from Brazosport High School and soon after, joined the U.S. Army, where he honorably served his country.  Don met a very special lady, Joyce Mullins, and the two soon realized the love they had for each other.  In May of 1961, she graduated from high school, and on June 9, 1961, the two were joined in marriage.  This began their love story which lasted until her passing. Don held many jobs during his lifetime, but always made sure he provided for the family that he and Joyce had.  He loved his children and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life. He spent many hours loving on them and watching them grow up.  He also enjoyed fishing and reading, but his favorite memories were when he and his lovely wife were travelling. Their most memorable trip, and favorite places to visit was Branson, Missouri and the state of Tennessee. Don loved life and his family. His legacy of love and hard work will forever live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.

Don is survived by his daughters, Sherry Hass and husband, Rex of Joaquin, Texas, Vickie Williams and husband, Roger of Lufkin, Texas; brothers, Loyd Shrum and wife Sybil of Mena, Arkansas and Perry Shrum and wife, Leslie of Angleton, Texas; sisters, Linda Piwonka of Clute, Texas, Raynell Presley of Dallas, Texas, and Lavern Chandler and husband, James of Colfax, Louisiana; 6 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Mullins Shrum and his parents, Loyd Eugene Shrum and Rozella Buchanan Shrum.

The Shrum family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home. To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.taylorfh.net

11/24/2017

Brandie Tenille Wright, 38, of Center, passed away Wednesday, November 22, 2017, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 25, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 noon.  Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Center.

Brandie was born January 12, 1979, in Center, to Nelda Faye Belsha McCawley.  Brandie was a member of Central Baptist Church.  She loved listening to music and being surrounded by friends and family.

She is survived by
Daughters:
Laila Christine Bussey and husband, Jacob, of Fort Stewart, Georgia
Natalie Cheshire of Tenaha

Sister: Melinda Hughes and husband, Jack, of Center

Mother: Nelda Faye McCawley of Center

Aunts and Uncles:
Carolyn Moore of Waco
Vera Mae Nimitz and husband, Joe, of Hillister
Dianne Freeman of Mansfield, Louisiana
Charles Belsha of Center

Special Cousin: Angela Cuello and husband, Pete, of China, Texas

Preceded in death by
Sister: Melissa Wright
Grandparents: Earl Erwin Belsha and Ruby Christine Pate Belsha
Aunt: Mozelle Lee Belsha Akins
Uncles: Tommy Ray Belsha, Johnny Earl Belsha, Robert Adams

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help with final expenses.

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

Arthur Ross Thornton, 86, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on November 21, 2017 in Timpson. He was born on July 18, 1931 in Timpson to Arthur T. Thornton and Jewell B. Morris Thornton. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 24, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Rusty Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at Blair Cemetery. 

A visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home. 

Ross was a fourth-generation family farmer at the Thornton Farm in the Blair Community in Timpson. He started milking cows at the young age of seven and developed a passion that lasted a lifetime. He graduated from Timpson High School in 1949 and then served in the United States Army for three years, before heading south to work at Monsanto Chemical as an operator in Texas City. There is where his life changed forever. Each day, Ross would eat at a bus stop restaurant and became enamored with Betty Gene Matthes, a beautiful cashier who also sold bus tickets. He would ask her out daily, and Betty turned him down time after time. She finally told him that she had two little girls to worry about and Ross told her, “Well, that’s just what I need!” Ross and Betty were married on October 19, 1955 and lived an amazing and love filled marriage for 62 years. Those two little girls, Karen and Dawn became his pride and joy. While Ross may not have been their birth father, Karen and Dawn were “his girls” and they counted it one of the greatest blessings to call him “Daddy.” 

Ross was one of the hardest working men around. He retired from Monsanto Chemical, but also worked for Austin Power, Brown and Root, and Acme Brick. Throughout this entire journey, he never lost his roots at the farm. He made sure to always find time to come home and continue the traditions ingrained in his heart. Some of the most treasured times spent with his daughters were working on the farm, riding horses and sharing his knowledge and wisdom of the world with them. He taught his family to have a strong work ethic and no matter what challenges might come, to face them with dignity, find a solution and never ever give up. “Push through” he would say. He was pure country and was proud of it. Ross wasn’t all work and no play. He loved every second spent with his family; especially the grandkids and great-grandkids.

When the whole crew would get together, you most likely would find them playing 42 or Canasta. Ross was a pro at 42 and even won local tournaments with his skill. He also enjoyed reading western books and watching western movies, but if the Cowboys were playing, he would be cheering on his team. He even hoped and prayed that after he passed, Jerry Jones would open up the stadium roof so that he might watch from Heaven. In his later years, Ross became less able to work with the cows on the farm, but he most certainly did not lose interest. He spent much of his time simply watching them each day. He liked those slow, quiet moments just observing the animals he’d dedicated his life to. It brought him serenity. Ross served on the Timpson ISD School Board a number of years and was also a member of Timpson First United Methodist Church where he and his wife were actively involved throughout their lifetime. Love, compassion, humility, and a truly genuine heart are words that describe Ross and attributes that will be dearly missed. 

Ross is survived by:
His beloved wife: Betty Gene Thornton of Timpson

Daughters:
Karen R. Shepherd and husband Gary Pierce, of Timpson
Dawn Marie Mitchell and husband, Rusty of Plano

Grandchildren:
Kristin
Bryce
Kari
Bryan
Betty
Dawna
Tandy
Mike
Chris

Seventeen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Jewell Thornton; and sisters, Hildred Dempsey and Audrey King.

Pallbearers will be Michael Talley, Bryce Harris, Bryan Harris, Gary Pierce, Tracy Hooper, and Jerry Greer.

Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Dillon, Ryan Majcher, and Joe Walker. 

The family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson. 

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

11/20/2017

Jeannie Fay Polson DeGaugh, 75, of Center, passed away Saturday, November 18, 2017, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at Harmony Trail Cemetery in Shelby County.

Mrs. DeGaugh was born November 9, 1942, in Dallas, to Lawrence Carlton Polson and Dora Katherine Blackstock Polson. She loved art and Zumba. Mrs. DeGaugh was of the Methodist faith.

She is survived by
Husband: James Ray DeGaugh of Center

Daughter: Diantha Fay Renfro and husband, Vernon, of Center

Son: Steve Justice of Center

Grandchildren:
Jessica Gentry and husband, Tyler, of Hornbeck, Louisiana
Jennifer Moon of Center
Chris Renfro and wife, Sarah, of Center
Justin Renfro of Center
Josh Renfro of Center
Brittney Justice of Austin
Tyler Justice of Rowlett
Trey Justice of Fort Worth
Jaymee Justice of Arlington
Breezy Gaarz of Arlington

Great Grandchildren:
Solomon Moon of Center
Kamryn Bounds of Arlington

Numerous other relatives

Preceded in death by
Son: Darrell Justice
Parents: Lawrence Carlton Polson and Dora Katherine Blackstock Polson
In-Laws: James Oscar DeGaugh and Johanna DeGaugh

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

11/20/2017

Kelvin Fleuelling, 60, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on November 16, 2017 in Tenaha. He was born on May 18, 1957 in Canada to Ralph and June Fleuelling. Services are pending at this time with Mangum Funeral Home.

11/17/2017

Euriel Gloria Real, 92, of Timpson, formerly of Vidor, passed away Friday, November 17, 2017, at her residence.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 20, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Andy Wilson and Bro. Billy Stanley officiating. Graveside service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Restlawn Memorial Park in Vidor.

Sister Real was born April 13, 1925, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Herman Peter Francis and Euriel Pauline Urrey Francis.  She was a well-known and loved figure in the Timpson community for over thirty years, keeping to the Bible as well as her late husband’s, Pastor J.G. Real, edicts of “you got to love them” when it came to not only your neighbor but people in general.  Also, always be thankful to God for the good and the bad.  Her faith has moved mountains and has been a literal example of how to pray without ceasing.  Much more than a Godly woman and mother, she was an encouraging matriarch to any she came across or met.  Her hobbies included attending any church activity, going on scenic drives, working puzzles and playing and singing church music. She was a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church.

She is survived by
Daughters:
Colleen Johnson of Timpson
Eilleen Randall of Timpson

Grandchildren:
Samuel Johnson of Timpson
Sarah Windham and husband, Michael, of Timpson
David Galaviz and wife, Senovia, of Timpson
Michael Galaviz and wife, Hannah, of Shelbyville
Theresa Barber of Branson, Missouri
Dennis Wayne Johnson of Timpson

Numerous great grandchildren

Preceded in death by
Husband: Pastor James Gail Real
Son: Wayne Earl Real
Parents: Herman Peter Francis and Euriel Pauline Urrey Francis

Pallbearers will be Samuel Johnson, David Galaviz, Michael Galaviz, Michael Windham, Timothy Randall and Pat Leamer.  Honorary pallbearers will be Shane Clifton and Keith Langford.

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

11/17/2017

Virgil M. Clark, 98, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on November 15, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas.

He was born in Henderson, Texas on January 25, 1919 to Marion Edwin Clark and Nellie (Ellis) Clark. Funeral services for Virgil will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at First Methodist Church, Garrison, Texas with Rev. Rick Anderson officiating. Interment will follow at Todd Cemetery, Caledonia at family cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to service at First Methodist Church, Garrison, Texas.

Services under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home.