Shelby County Today

08/19/2017

Rosa Odell Cannon, 99, of Troup, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017, in Whitehouse.
 
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 20, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Clint Covington officiating.  Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
 
Mrs. Cannon was born May 10, 1918, in Huxley, to Charles Douglas Fittz and Adell Bailey Fittz.  She was a member of Ephesus Baptist Church for eighty five years.  
 
She is survived by
Son: Calvin Cannon and wife, Sandy, of Troup
 
Daughter: Sherry Neal of St. Francisville, Louisiana
 
5 Grandchildren
 
15 Great Grandchildren
 
Preceded in death by
Husband of 75 years: Jack Cannon
Son: Jackie Cannon
Grandsons: Chris Cannon, Chip Cannon
Parents: Charles Douglas Fittz and Adell Bailey Fittz
Brothers: Gaddis Fittz, Cline Fittz, Pete Fittz
 
Pallbearers will be Reece Wallace, Cole Wilson, Cole Cannon, Caleb Cannon, Crawford Cannon and Clayton Cannon.
 
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

08/17/2017

Sandra Kaye Willoughby Ford, 60, of Center, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017, in Nacogdoches.

Mrs. Ford’s wishes were to be cremated and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Pat Windham officiating.

Mrs. Ford was born November 9, 1956, in Vivian, Louisiana, to Alvis Willoughby and Helen Shires Willoughby.  She enjoyed the outdoors, especially water skiing and fishing.  Mrs. Ford loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.  She was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by
Husband: Tim Ford

Daughters:
Holly Groves and husband, Brad
Jennifer Yates and husband, Wesley

Granddaughters:
Trinity Ford
Haleigh Ford

Brothers:
Larry Cosby
Kenneth Willoughby and wife, Mary
Jerry Willoughby and wife, Peggy

Numerous nieces and nephews

Special Friend: Sheri Shofner

Preceded in death by
Parents: Alvis Willoughby and Helen Shires Willoughby
Niece: Scheri Willoughby

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

08/16/2017

Mr. Michael Wayne Harris, 57, of Gary Community passed away Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at a nursing home in Longview, Texas.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 6pm-8pm at Community Funeral Home in Center.

Funeral services will be held 11am Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Gary, Tx. with interment to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Tenaha, Tx. with Rev. Raymond Ingram officiating.

Mr. Harris is survived by:
Mother: Ada Jean Duncan Harris Smith of Gary, Tx.

Sisters:
Mattie Weatherton of Woods Post Office
Gloria Watley of Tenaha
Sandra Harris of Beckville

Brothers:
James Harris of Gary
Charles Harris of Nacogdoches

08/15/2017

Alysie Mae Porterfield, 84, of Timpson, Texas passed away on August 14, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on September 14, 1932, the daughter of the late Mormon and Vada (Walker) Pledger. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home from 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 17, 2017, at 2PM at First Baptist Church, Timpson with Bro. William Dee Daniel and Orval Miller officiating.  
Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

Alysie Mae Porterfield was born in Amity, Arkansas, and moved to Timpson, Texas, during her elementary school years. At the Eat-A-Bite in Timpson she met her beloved Daniel Porterfield, and they were married on September 14, 1957. Alysie Mae was a true homemaker, lovingly caring for Daniel and  daughter, Sherri. Another joy in her life was her love of Christ and serving Him at First Baptist Church, Timpson. On each Sunday she enjoyed the fellowship with her Sunday School class and being involved with the activities of the church.  

Alysie Mae’s employment with Timpson Independent School District was a happy time for her and a blessing for all who worked with her. She worked for Timpson ISD for 41 years. Whether she was working as an aide with her “kids” in P.E. class, working in the cafeteria or snack bar, Alysie Mae loved all of the students and staff. She was a true Bear supporter, proudly wearing the black and gold. A fun time for Alysie Mae was the THS Class of 1950 reunions and multi-year class reunions. She always loved to “work the room” and visit with all her treasured school friends. She kept in touch with her former classmates and made sure that flowers were sent to the funerals of those deceased.  

Her love of people was also evident as she cared for relatives and friends at Garrison Nursing Home for over 30 years. She not only took care of her loved one’s needs, she was a happy visitor to all of the residents. Her delicious cooking was shared with many of her neighbors and friends. She always loved it when someone having a fund raiser would call and ask her to make a cake or pie. She even continued to return to Bomar Rehab Center from time to time to take a pie since she made friends with the staff while being in rehab for her knee replacements. She was an independent, caring and giving lady. All who were able to assist Alysie Mae enjoyed their visit, whether they were repairing an appliance, trimming a tree, or taking care of her lawn.   

Not only did Alysie Mae take care of the humans in her life, but she gave special care to her little four-legged constant companion, Pebbles.  

Survivors include:
Daughter: Sherri Strahan and husband Don of Timpson

Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

In addition to her parents, Alysie Mae Porterfield was preceded in death by her loving husband Daniel Porterfield in 1992, sister Geneva Pledger, and brother Milton Pledger.

Sherri and Don would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital for their great care and concern during Alysie Mae’s stay in the hospital, especially neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael Randle.
 
Serving as pallbearers are Larry Porterfield, Andrew Renteria, Bert Coan, Roy Pledger, Mike Pledger, Joe Pledger, and Don Pledger.

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.

08/13/2017

Johnnie Price, 93, of Center, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2017, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 14, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Center.

Mrs. Price was born June 17, 1924, in Shelbyville, to Vessie Green and Mary Lee Carter Green. Johnnie and Jarandal were united in marriage on August 13, 1942. They would have celebrated 75 years of marriage this year. She was employed with Farmers State Bank for fifteen years. Mrs. Price enjoyed gardening, cooking, canning, hunting, fishing, quilting and sewing. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Center and later was a member of First Baptist Church in Nacogdoches.

She is survived by
Daughter-in-law: Sammye Price

Grandchildren:
Kelly Price Pepper and husband, Jeff
Katy Price Crawford and husband, Doug

Great Grandchildren:
Jack Pepper
Claire Crawford
Chloe Crawford

Brother: Vance Green and wife, Betty

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by
Husband: Jarandal Price
Son: Randy Price
Parents: Vessie Green and Mary Lee Carter Green
Sisters: Mary Ellen Sapp, Faye Green, Vernell Williams
Brother: Fred Green

Pallbearers will be Jeff Pepper, Jack Pepper, Doug Crawford, Terry Williams, Danny Green and David Chadwick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church, 117 Cora Street, Center, Texas 75935.

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

08/13/2017

Jimmy Matthews, 77, of Center, passed away Friday, August 11, 2017, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, August 14, 2017, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. George Ray Matthews Jr. officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Mr. Matthews was born May 9, 1940, in Shelby County, to Turner Griffin Matthews and Lois Florine Bolton Matthews.  He retired from the City of Center after serving 44 ½ years. Twenty eight of those years, he served as Police Chief.

He is survived by
Children:
Jody Matthews of Center
Jim Ed Matthews and wife, Jennifer, of Center
Judson Matthews of Center
Jamye Boyd and husband, Michael, of Center

Grandchildren:
Gracie Boyd
Addison Boyd
Ella Matthews
Porter Matthews
Wesley Matthews
Annigail Matthews
Cameron Matthews

Brother: Johnny Matthews and wife, Mandy, of Kingwood

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Wife: Barbara Gail Matthews
Daughter-in-law: Amanda Matthews
Mother: Lois Florine Bolton Matthews
Brother: George Matthews

Pallbearers will be Center Police Department.

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

08/11/2017

Robert Blake Jones, 28, of Center, Texas passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 in Center. He was born on June 29, 1989 in Conroe, Texas to Robert Leonard Jones and Debbie Renee Adams Jones. A memorial graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 13, 2017 at Rather Cemetery.

Blake grew up in Magnolia, Texas before moving to Shelby County with his family. He met K’Teria Clifton in Center and the two were married on August 5, 2016. Blake was a loving husband, father, and son who brought life to his family and friends. He was an avid outdoorsman. You could always find him dove hunting or on the water casting a line. What he treasured most of all were the moments with his children.

Blake is survived by:
His wife: K’Teria Jones

Father: Buddy Jones and wife, Lisa

Mother: Debbie Jones

Children:
Brookelynn Gregg and A’lxces Jones

Grandparents:
Bob and Linda Jones
Dianne Bragg
David and Debbie Adams

Brothers:
Dylan Jones
Cody Carleton

Uncles:
Richard Jones
Russell Jones

Father-in-law: James Clifton

Mother-in-law: Betty Anderson

Special friend: Eric Jones

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

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home in Center.

08/08/2017

Maude Evelyn Parker, 85, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on August 6, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born in Timpson on January 2, 1932 to John Brinson Hooper and Geraldine (Howell) Hooper. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at First Christian Church, Timpson, Texas with Pastor Larry Stegall officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

Ms. Maude was born and raised in Timpson and graduated from THS Class of 1949. She married the love of her life, William Howard Parker Sr. on July 7, 1951. She travelled around the United States for many years while he served in the United States Navy. They were parents to four wonderful children whom she loved dearly. She and Mr. William Parker Sr. spent over 50 years together before he went to be with the Lord in 2001. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Maude enjoyed gardening and reading. She was very active in the Timpson Area Genealogical Historical Society, and helped start the Timpson Public Library. Maude was a lifelong active member of First Christian Church and loved her church family very much.

Maude is survived by her sons, William Howard Parker Jr., John Thomas Parker, David Parker; daughter, Catherine Diane Kay; sister, Mariane Bodiford; grandchildren, Cristi Hebert and husband Louie, Clarence William Patten, Dustin Patrick Kay, Hilary Denise Kay, William Andrew Parker, William Ezekiel Parker; great-grandchildren, Kole William Fischer, Parker Moses Hebert, Ernest Allen Jones; and a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her husband, William Howard Parker Sr.; brothers, Gene William Hooper and Jon Ben Hooper.

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

08/07/2017

Freddy Charles Lawrence, Sr., 74, of Center, Texas passed away on August 7, 2017 in Center. He was born on September 26, 1942 in Center to Rev. Fred Colquitte Lawrence and Ruth Watson Lawrence. Funeral Services for Freddy will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Pat Windham and Bro. Jerrod Nutt officiating. Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Freddy was born and raised in Center and he attended school at both Center and Joaquin. He was no stranger to hard work as he spent an extended period of time working as a millwright at Brown and Root. He also worked at HB Zachry and McGill Maintenance for a number of years. He worked shut-downs later in life before retirement. Freddy met Patricia Stanley in the 70’s through a mutual acquaintance and the two were joined in marriage on April 7, 1979 at New Hope Congregational Methodist Church.

Together they raised a beautiful family in Center. When Freddy was not at work, he could be found working as a cattle rancher. This was a true passion of his that he dedicated most of his free time to. He grew very interested in politics, investments, and other social and economic issues later in his life. Papa, as his grandchildren referred to him, would be described as a quiet and reserved man, but was witty and lighthearted when his family was around.

Freddy is survived by:
His loving wife: Patricia

Sons:
Charles Lawrence of Texarkana, Arkansas
David Lawrence of Center

Daughter: Melissa Munoz and husband, Alex of Center

Sister-in-law: Jeanette Tinkle and husband Pat, of Tyler

Grandchildren:
Jeremy
Tara
John
Alexis
Avery
Mia
Elizabeth
Desiree
Victoria
Justin
Jonathan
Jeffery
Aaron

Eight great-grandchildren

Numerous relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Alan Lawrence and Greg Lawrence; great-granddaughters, Kendra and Melanie Barker; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bruce and Audrie Stanley; sister-in-law, Sarah Helms and husband, Charles.

Serving as pallbearers are Jerrod Nutt, Sean Crouch, Darrell Johnson, David Lawrence, Charles Lawrence and Alex Munoz. Honorary pallbearer will be Arthur Thornton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 212 Gene Samford Drive, Lufkin, Texas, 75904 or visit https://donate3.cancer.org.

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.