Shelby County Today

01/29/2019

Patricia Kay Stanley Lawrence passed away January 28, 2019, at age 68, in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home.

She was born July 18, 1950 in Center, Texas, to the late Audrie Baker Stanley and Dayton Bruce Stanley. She was the youngest of three sisters, Sarah Ruth Stanley Helms, who preceded her in death, and Jeanette Stanley Tinkle of Tyler, Texas. She was married to the late Freddy Charles Lawrence, Sr in 1979. Mrs. Lawrence attended and was a dedicated member of New Hope Congregational Methodist Church in Center. 

Patricia grew up in Center and lived there for her entire 68 years of life. From her youngest days, she always wanted to be a teacher. She would line her dolls up against the wall and teach them Reading, Writing and Arithmetic; and then drill them again the following day to make sure they remembered! She attended Center schools all 12 years and graduated from Center High School in 1968. Patricia went on to attend Panola College and then earn her Bachelors’ and Masters’ Degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University. After graduating from SFA, she began her teaching career at Center Junior High and then Center Elementary School. She devoted 41 years of her life to the teaching profession all at CISD. Patricia considered herself blessed to have been a teacher and missed teaching every day following her retirement. She was and still is loved by so many of her previous students. She was born to be a teacher and has led many to join this profession! 

Patricia’s children were the loves of her life. Her grandchildren were their “Momom’s” pride and joy. Aunt “Tricia” will forever be loved and missed by her entire family. 

Survivors include:

Sons: 
David Lawrence of Center
Charles Lawrence of Texarkana

Daughter, Melissa Munoz and husband, Alex of Center

Sister, Jeanette Tinkle and husband, Pat of Tyler

Grandchildren:
Alexis Barlow
Avery Lawrence
Mia Munoz
Jeremy, Tara and John Lawrence
Elizabeth Hendrix
Justin Stapleton
Desiree Munoz
Victoria Barker
Jonathan Lawrence
Jeffery Lawrence

Nephew:
Todd Thompson

Nieces:
Pete Helms
Jodi Ellis
Jill Lupton

Numerous great-grandchildren, other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Freddy Charles Lawrence, Sr.; parents, Dayton Bruce and Audrie Stanley; sister, Sarah Ruth Stanley Helms; sons, Alan Lawrence and Greg Lawrence; father-in-law, Fred C. Lawrence; and mother-in-law, Ruth Watson Lawrence.

Because of Patricia’s passion for learning and education, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a scholarship fund account ending in 6501 that has been set up at Farmers State Bank in memory of Patricia Lawrence. The money will be used for educational purposes such as scholarships and providing classrooms with needed school supplies.

Pallbearers are Todd Thompson, Robert Ellis, Patrick Lupton, Jeremy Smith, Collin McElroy and Sean Crouch.

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

01/28/2019

Francis Livingston, 78, of Shreveport, Louisiana, formerly of Timpson, passed away on January 27, 2019 in Shreveport. She was born on August 27, 1940 in Timpson, Texas to Fred Hammers and Ruby Wiley Hammers. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 PM on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson. A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home prior to service time. 

Francis grew up in Timpson and attended Timpson High School. She met Ben Frank McCauley, and they were married on October 13, 1964 in Orange, Texas. The two spent a wonderful 11 years together in DeQuincy, Louisiana before Ben passed away in January of 1973. Almost 11 years later, Francis married James Elmer Livingston and the two would reside in Center for five years until James’ passing in 1989. Francis was full of life and laughter. Her comical demeanor was sure to brighten a room. She loved doing crafts and crochet. She also enjoyed keeping her mind active by working crossword puzzles and writing letters. She was a homemaker for most of her life; a selfless and caring woman who put the needs of her family before her own. Francis was a member of First Baptist Church in Blanchard. 

Francis is survived by:
Her brother: Donald Hammers of Shreveport, Louisiana

Sister: Bessie Nix of Shreveport, Louisiana

A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Ben McCauley; second husband, James Livingston; parents, Fred and Ruby Hammers; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Joyce Hammers; sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Ben Freibaurer; nephew, Rodney Hammers; niece, Theresa Johnson and twin infant sons. 

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

01/28/2019

Ann Hawkins, 81, of Center, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 30, 2019, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha.

Mrs. Hawkins was born August 26, 1937, in Tenaha, to Harold Gary and Alma Parrish Gary. She was a self-employed beautician for 54 years. Her hobbies included spending time with family and friends, flower gardening and traveling. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Center, where she was involved in the Dorcus Sunday School Class.

She is survived by:

Her children:
Sheryl Graves and husband Randy of Gary
Joanne Shillings of Center

Special friend, Randolph Lout of Center

Grandchildren:
Eric Graves of The Woodlands
Todd Graves and wife Soni of The Woodlands
Shanna Carlton of Center
Chad Carlton and fiancé Tracy Parker of Center

Great-grandchildren:
Zac Carlton of Center
Triston Carlton of Center
Jaxon Graves of The Woodlands
Ashton Graves of The Woodlands
Baylor Graves of The Woodlands
Katie Bell Graves of The Woodlands
Bella Carlton of Center

A host of nieces and nephews

Sister, Cora Jean Canipe of Garland

Fur baby, Sophie

Preceded in death by husband of 52 years, Jack Hawkins; parents, Harold Gary and Alma Parrish Gary; brother and sister-in-law, Clifford and Margie Gary; sister, Bonita Goolsby.

Pallbearers will be Eric Graves, Todd Graves, Chad Carlton, Zac Carlton, Mark Gary, and Craig Gary. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Walker, McNeil Moore, and Steve Jeans.

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

01/28/2019

Danny Paul Bush, 65, of Center, Texas, passed away on January 27, 2019 in Bossier City, Louisiana. He was born on October 28, 1953 in Shelby County to Alfred Henry Bush and Mary Dave Bush. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Mt. Herman Cemetery with Bro. Andy Wilson officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:30 PM on Wednesday, January 30, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Danny Paul is survived by:
His beloved wife: Brenda Bush of Center

Daughter: Wendy Castleberry and husband, Andy of Longview

Brother and sister-in-law: Michael Henry and Joyce Bush of Center

Sister-in-law: Sheila Clark of Center

Father-in-law and mother-in-law: Steve and Margie Stephens of Center

Grandchildren: 
Cameron, Collin and Caden Castleberry all of Longview

Nieces and nephews: 
Randi Kay and Grant Menzies
Lindsey and Jacob Smith
Dustin Clark
Michael and Nicole Bush
Lindsey Bush

Numerous great-nieces and great-nephews

Numerous other cousins, family and friends. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Henry and Mary Bush and son, Cody Daniel Bush.
Pallbearers will be Wayne “Spud” Fausett, Robbie Williams, Michael Bush, Kyle Bush, Bubba Bush, Dewayne Bush, Don Bush, Tommy “DZ” Johnson, Jacob Smith and Johnny Porter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the scholarship in memory of their son, Cody Daniel Bush. 

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

01/25/2019

Ruth Mae Page Osby, 67 of Timpson, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2019.

Funeral service is Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 2pm at First Smyrna Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas. Interment at Smyrna Cemetery in Timpson with Pastor Cedric Grace officiating.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Anita Tutt of Timpson

Son, Mack Osby, Jr.

Daughter, Monica Hines (Robert)

14 Grandchildren and 39 Great-grandchildren

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

01/25/2019

Hicks Mortuary is announcing funeral service for Mrs. Wanda Jean Brinson (63) of Center, Texas. Mrs. Kindle passed away on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at her residence. She was born on February 28, 1956. Funeral service will be Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Abundant Love Ministries (1426 Shelbyville Street Center, Texas 75935) at 2:00pm. Pastor Marlin Cloudy will officiate. 

Mrs. Brinson is survived by:

Husband: Curvie Brinson of Center, Texas

Children: LaKeoka (Marcus) Yarbrough, Tracie (Ron) Landon; Lashalla (Jason) McCollister; Romeka Johnson; Rakiffney Barnes; and LaDerrika Barnes

Grandchildren: Jatiea Yarbrough and TraMarcus Yarbrough 

Sisters: Audrey (Randy) Sutton of Nacogdoches, Texas; De Nell Kindle of San Augustine, Texas; and Vivian (Bobby) Watts of Nacogdoches, Texas.

Nieces: Syretta (Walter) Barnes and Talsa Kindle

Visitation: Friday, January 25, 2019 at Hicks Chapel at 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Committal: Westview Cemetery Center, Texas

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935

01/24/2019

Elton Stinson, Jr., 72, of Center, Texas passed away on January 23, 2019 in Center. He was born on November 17, 1946 in Austin, Texas to Elton M. Stinson, Sr. and Elizabeth Mary Stinson. A memorial service will be held at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Mangum Funeral Home

Elton grew up in Waco, Texas before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps following graduation. After returning home, Elton moved to Center where he met Edith Crouch. On July 31, 1976, the two were joined in marriage. Elton was a lover of the outdoors, and he enjoyed fishing very much. He also liked building model planes, extending his knowledge through watching documentaries and was an avid reader. One of Elton’s great passions were classic cars. When he and Edith met, he owned a 1967 GTO that he cared for like his own child. A devoted husband and father, Elton treasured each and every second spent with his wife and children.

Elton is survived by:
His beloved wife, Edith Stinson

Son, Elton Stinson, III

Daughter: Michelle Hetherington and husband, Kevin

Brothers: 
David Stinson 
Douglas Stinson

Grandchildren: 
Eric Ard and fiancé, Cassie Gulley
Ashley Poindexter and husband, Dakota
Jimmy Hetherington and wife, Lacy

Three great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elton and Elizabeth Stinson and sister, Margaret Holquin.

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

1/23/2019

Dortha Lee Terrell, 77, of Nacogdoches, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, January 20, 2019 surrounded by her family. Her final days were spent praying, singing, and praising God where the words “Glory, Glory, Glory” would be her last. She was born on June 30, 1941, the daughter of Horace Samuel Terrell and Meda Bella (Koonce) Terrell.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 25, 2019 at Laird Funeral Home with Brother Alders and Brother Rankin officiating. Interment will follow at Macune Cemetery in San Augustine, Texas. Visitation will be held on January 24, 2019 from 5-7 pm at Laird Funeral Home. 

Dortha was a member of Christian Life Center and previously a long-time member of Woden United Pentecostal Church. She truly loved and treasured her church family. Spending time in God’s house and in His word were very important to her. She absolutely cherished time spent with family and loved family gatherings. Known by many as “Dot” or “Granny”; she considered everyone family. She was so adored by all.

In her spare time, you could find her reading her Bible, putting puzzles together, or playing Bingo. Dortha was a beautiful soul who loved unconditionally. Her memory will live in the hearts of those closest to her forever. 

Dortha is survived by:

Sons: 
Joe Steven Cartwright and wife Dianna of Sulphur, Louisiana
Ralph Cartwright and wife Tracy of Lufkin

Daughters: 
Buanita Garcia and husband Dario of Nacogdoches
Gladys O’Rear and husband Mark of Huxley, Texas

Daughter-in-law: JoLynn Fountain of Center

11 grandchildren

28 great-grandchildren

1 great-great-grandchild, and a second great-great grandchild expected in August

Brother: Edward Terrell and wife Joyce of Diboll

Sisters: 
Juanice Plummer of West Virginia
Ara Wilkerson of Lufkin
Billie Coronado and husband Freddy of Nacogdoches

Sister-in-law: Shirley Terrell of Diboll

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Horace Samuel Terrell and Meda Bella Terrell; granddaughter, Kimberly Cartwright; sons, Samuel “Sammy” Cartwright and Eddie Fountain; brother, Horace Samuel Terrell Jr.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dario Garcia, Mark O’Rear, Henry Curbow, Cody Fountain, Dario Garcia Jr., Michael Garcia, Samuel “Sam” Cartwright Jr. and Tony Bradshaw-Cartwright.

Special thanks to the compassionate staff of Accolade Hospice, Willowbrook Nursing Center, and Nacogdoches Medical Center.

The Terrell family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.lairdfh.net.

01/22/2019

Shirley (Pat) Patterson, 85 of Campbell, passed away on January 18, 2019. Memorial services will be 2 P.M., Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Ralson officiating. 

Mr. Patterson was born October 26, 1933 in Center, Texas to Mirtis Patterson and Bettie Oliver. He married JoAnn Vivian Fugitt on December 17, 1965 in Royse City, Texas. He retired after serving more than 25 total years with both the United States Air Force and Postal Service. He also owned an upholstery business with his wife. 

He is survived by:
His daughter, Tina Jo Tidwell and fiancé, James Coe, step-sons, Johnny Dale Fugitt and wife, Vickie, Jimmy Lee Halbert and wife, Nancy, and Stephen Lynn Allard, daughter-in-law, Dosky Allard, twelve grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, nephew Richard Clay and wife, Iris, niece, Rena Thompson and husband, James and cousins, Edna Earle and George Wayne Duke.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers, Drew Patterson and Arlie Patterson, sisters, Edna Duke and Loyce Jean Sanders.

Services under the direction of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel, Greenville, Texas.