Shelby County Today

05/08/2017

Jessy Sigler, 20, of Center, passed away Sunday, May 7, 2017, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Jessy was born May 9, 1996, in Nacogdoches, to Steve Sigler and Robyn Broomfield Sigler.  She loved spending time with her little girl.

She is survived by
Daughter: Maliyah Chanel Brown of Center

Father: Steve Sigler and wife, Rose, of Center

Mother: Robyn Broomfield Sigler of Center

Brothers and Sisters: 
James Sigler of Center
Corey Sigler and wife, Angie, of Center
Kylie Sigler of Tyler
Kaitlyn Sigler of Center
Emily McDonald of Shelbyville

Grandparents: 
Cecil and Mary Broomfield of Center
James and Faye Sigler of Center

Great-Grandparents:
Marie Bolton of Lufkin
Olene Bradshaw of Timpson

Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives

A host of friends

Preceded in death by
Great-Grandfather: Lawrence McDaniel

Pallbearers will be Corey Sigler, Cody McDonald, James Sigler, Douglas Broomfield, Trae Polley and Zedric Lister.

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

05/05/2017

George Thomas “Tom” Green, Jr., 61, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on May 5, 2017. He was born on July 26, 1955 in Houston, Texas to George Thomas Green, Sr. and Billie Lou Green. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 7, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be on Monday, May 8, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Tennessee Presbyterian Church in Timpson, Texas with Bro. Robert Adamson officiating. Interment will follow at Tennessee Cemetery.

Tom grew up in Houston, but moved with his family to Illinois where he graduated from Kankakee Westview High School. After high school, he began a lifelong career as an electrical salesman. Tom was an avid sportsman. He thoroughly enjoyed golf, basketball, softball, and tennis. He was an exceptional athlete no matter what he attempted to play. If he was not on the field participating, Tom would definitely be a spectator for sporting events either live or in his living room. He was a member of Tennessee Presbyterian Church.

Tom is survived by his mother, Billie Lou Green; sons, Christopher Thomas Green and wife, Kira, and Aaron Max Green; mother of his children, Janet Green; and nephew, Michael Riberdy.

He is preceded in death by his father, George Thomas Green, Sr.; daughter, Faith Nicole Green; and sister, Patricia Elaine Riberdy.

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.

05/05/2017

Nelva "Nell" McFadden Rhodes, 86, of Timpson, Texas passed away on May 5, 2017 in Timpson surrounded by her dear family. She was born on February 17, 1931 in the Yarnell Community, Panola County to the late Beatrice McFadden and Zoie Mae Taylor McFadden. Visitation will be held Saturday May 6, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home, from 5 to 7 PM. Funeral service will be held Monday May 8, 2017 at 10AM at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, Hwy 59N, Timpson, Texas with Bro. John Raines, Bro. Michael Raines, and Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating. Interment will follow at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Timpson, Texas. The family requests silk flower arrangements or in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to be made to the Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, P.O. Box 503, Timpson, Texas, 75975.

Nell was raised in the Yarnell Community where she attended Yarnell Community School before transferring to Garrison in high school. Her family moved to Shepherd when she was a teen and then later to New Caney. Her years spent in New Caney were part of God’s beautiful plan for her life. She met her future husband, Elvis Rhodes, who was working in New Caney as well. On February 21, 1948, the two were joined in marriage. Elvis later began working for Gulf Oil as a welder and he and Nell moved to Mooringsport, Louisiana. They eventually decided to start a family which brought them home to Timpson near Elvis’ parents. They built their home together where they brought their daughters, Judy and Kay into the world, watched their grandchildren and great-grandchildren play and where they remained faithfully by one another’s side until Elvis passed in 1999.

Nell lived a life dedicated to the Lord. She joined Timpson Missionary Baptist Church in the late 1950’s while they still met under a tent located on the right side of where the fellowship hall building is currently. At a young age, she became actively involved with her church family and continued that service until a few months prior to her passing. She began teaching what was known as the “Card Class,” which was the little children ages five and below. As the church grew, she moved from teaching the Card Class to the Young People’s class where she remained for many years. After the first phase of the new church was built, Nell started teaching the older ladies class and taught them a total of 18 years. At one time, there were 42 ladies in her class. Timpson Missionary Baptist Church held a huge and special place in Nell’s heart. In her many years as a dedicated servant there, she also watched her husband, her children, and all of her grandchildren come to know Christ as their personal Savior. Timpson MBC is not just a church, it is her family.

Nell was well-known across the entire area for her exquisite cooking. If she was not reading her Bible and talking with her Heavenly Father, the next place you would look for Nell was in the kitchen. Nothing compared to her chicken and dumplings, peach cobbler, and her mouth watering homemade rolls! Nell spent twenty four years of her life in the kitchen at Timpson ISD sharing her divine, homemade dishes with students, staff and teachers. Anyone who went through the cafeteria line during those 24 years still tell stories today of how delicious Mrs. Rhodes’ cooking was. After she retired, Nell spent many hours quilting and visiting with her friends at the RSVP in Timpson. More than anything, she treasured each and every moment spent with her family. “Bubba,” as her grandchildren referred to her, was the matriarch of their entire family. Her home was the gathering place for holidays, birthdays, and just to sit and talk. So many beautiful memories were within those walls and on those dirt roads around her home. Nell’s love poured out onto everyone who knew her. She was the epitome of a “servant’s heart.” No matter the need or the time of day, Nell was always the first to reach out and help. Her presence and her love will be genuinely missed.

Nell is survived by her daughters, Judy Raines and husband, Buck and Kay Whitton and husband, Cecil; grandchildren, John Elvis Raines and wife, Angela, Andy Raines and wife, Rachel, Michael Raines and wife, Rachel, Marc Raines, Josh Whitton and wife, Angela, and Zoie Whitton; great-grandchildren, Sheldon and Ashton Raines, Jesse, Sadie, Luke, and Sara Kate Raines, Reagan Raines, Wyatt, Aiden, and Emma Whitton, and soon-to-be-born Andrew Reese Raines.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, her parents, brothers, Leonard McFadden, Clovis McFadden, and Sam McFadden and one sister, Reba Guillory.

Pallbearers are John Elvis Raines, Josh Whitton, Andy Raines, Marc Raines, Michael Raines, Sheldon Raines, and Zoie Whitton. Honorary Pallbearers are Wyatt Whitton, Aiden Whitton, Jesse Raines, and Luke Raines.

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.

04/28/2017

Funeral services for James “Ferrel” Bonner, 101, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, LA. Officiating will be Dr. Rev. Stephen R. Pettey, Pastor of Pinecroft Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., Friday, April 28th at the funeral home. Church and graveside services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Lone Cedar Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery in Joaquin, TX with Rev. Melton Hiram officiating.

Mr. Bonner passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 20, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born March 15, 1916 and raised in Joaquin, Texas. Mr. Bonner proudly served his country for 26 years in the USAF. Following his Air Force retirement, he worked at AT&T for 13 years. He was an active member of the Masons. Mr. Bonner enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and visiting the elderly. He attributed his long life to hard work, keeping busy and God. He was a faithful member and servant of Pinecroft Baptist Church and he served the Lord with everything he did.

Mr. Bonner was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Burleson and Alma Frances Cox Bonner; his wife of 52 years, Cleo Jewel Williford Bonner; four sisters, Gertrude Adams and husband, Elton, Rosalee Gray and husband, Alburn, Mertie Mae Westerfield and husband, James, and Mildred Ramsey and husband, Bill; and one brother, Howard Bonner and wife, Dorothy.

He is survived by:
His children:
Ann Daley, and husband, Mike of Bossier City
Sue Nabors, and husband, Raymond of San Angelo, TX
James F. Bonner, Jr., and wife, Elaine of Rowlett, TX

11 grandchildren

16 great-grandchildren

2 great-great-grandchildren

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Honoring Mr. Bonner as pallbearers will be, Jim Bonner, Matthew Bonner, Caleb Bonner, Greg Fuller, Luke Sanders, and Tom Sanders.

04/27/2017

Earl Cedell Chesser, Jr., 68, of Huntington Beach, California, passed away April 25, 2017, in California.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Bobby Waller and Bro. Cecil Chessher officiating.  Interment will follow at Weaver Cemetery in Timpson.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Earl was born the 8th of January, 1949 to Earl and Margaret Chessher. The oldest of 5 children, he spent his youth doing what every young man of that time did, but even then you could see his ambition and drive.
After graduating from McArthur High School in Houston, Texas, he soon married and entered into the business world, where he became the manager of the Fedmart stores. But, business was not to be Earl's calling. He soon turned back to his first love... Journalism and Photography... where he spent the rest of his life passionately chasing his dream.

And... what a life it was! As a photo-journalist in Sweetwater, Texas... he covered the Rattlesnake roundup. He was published in national magazines as a contributing writer. He worked in East Texas as an editor and journalist at various newspapers where he would show up to cover a story in a red Corvette. At times, he was bigger than life. But, never one to rest on his laurels, he soon chased his dream to California where once again, he worked as a photo-journalist for Leisure World Newspaper. Then, as an author and videographer and finally as an entrepreneur. He was what society calls a career journalist, author, and business man but at heart he was always a storyteller. All throughout history there have been those individuals who have told the stories of life. First, it was by the fire. Then, by the written word, and now digitally thru video. Many times these storytellers have been overlooked by the world but their lives and stories are the fabric that hold us together as a people. They inspire us. They inform us. And sometimes, they convict us. They are the consciousness of society.

Earl was the consummate storyteller. He was at home whether telling a story beside a campfire in East Texas at deer camp. Or, behind a keyboard finishing a book. Or, telling the story of someone's life event with video. His stories were sometimes tall tales, sometimes inspirational, but always entertaining. I will miss his humor and wit but I know every time I sit beside a windswept fire, or finish a good book, or realize a dream.. I will remember the greatest storyteller I have ever known....

He is survived by
Son: Travis Earl Chessher of Rogers, Arkansas

Grandchildren:
Malachi Dakota Chessher of Waco, Texas
Jason Lee Chessher of Rogers, Arkansas
Sherry Lynne Nicole Chessher of Rogers, Arkansas
Christian Wyatt James Chessher of Rogers, Arkansas

Brothers and Sisters:
Clarence Thomas Chessher of Timpson, Texas
Philda Adams and husband, Steve, of Timpson, Texas
Jacquelyn Fountain and husband, Donny, of Center, Texas
Cecil Chessher and wife, Gina, of Center

Very Special Friend and Business Partner: Mary Ann Osness and husband, Bill

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Earl Cedell Chessher, Sr. and Margaret Nell Mitchamore Chessher

Pallbearers will be Clarence Chessher, Garrett Adams, Luis Lopez, Darren Fountain, Caden Chessher and Tom Guynes.  Honorary pallbearers will be Andy Cockrell and Blaine Tappley.

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

04/26/2017

Diann Harper, 72 of Center, passed away Wednesday morning, April 26, 2017 in Lufkin, Texas.

A wake will be held 6pm to 8pm Friday evening, April 28th at Community Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be at 11am Saturday, April 29, 2017 at St. Paul Baptist Church, Center, Texas. Interment at Westview Cemetery, Center, Texas with Pastor Freddie D. Wilson officiating.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Venissa (Darron) Robinson of Grand Cane, LA
Stacie (Micheal) Terrell of Center

Sons:
Mervin (Sandra) Harper of Joaquin
Roderick Harper of Dallas
Ronnie Harper of Center

8 Grandchildren, 14 Great-Grandchildren

Sisters:
Linda (Charlie) Oliver of Marshall
Brenda Williams of Center
Brenelsa Williams of Center

Brothers:
Jerry (Annie) Williams of Center
Jesse Williams of Center

Uncle, Kent Jones of Center

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.

04/242017

Jack E. Latimer, 81 of Joaquin passed away Monday, April 24, 2017 in Center.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2017, Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Long officiating. Burial will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin.
Visitation will be Wednesday prior to the service beginning at 10 am at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel.

He was born February 24, 1936 in Joaquin to John Robert “Bob” Latimer and Bertha Ellis Latimer. He was a graduate of Joaquin High School.  He Served in the U.S. Air Force. During his lifetime, he worked in real estate, income tax preparations, served both Shelby County and Anderson County Appraisal Districts and for a few years owned a store in Haslam.  In 2000 he retired from the Texas Department of Corrections. He was a member of Jackson Missionary Baptist Church. He  enjoyed Texas local history as well as woodworking.

He is survived by:

Daughter: Debbie Murray & husband, Bob of Texarkana, TX

Sons:
Tim Latimer of Joaquin
John Latimer of Palestine

4 Grandchildren

3 Great-Grandchildren

2 Nephews and 1 Niece

Cousins and Friends

Special Friends, Mark & Emma Jean Cain of Palestine

He is preceded in death by his parents; Bob & Bertha Latimer, Wife; Barbara Howell Latimer, Brother; Leon Latimer and Sister; Lanell “Bobbye” Emken

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com
Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

04/20/2017

John Virgil Amos, 87, of Timpson, Texas passed away on April 19, 2017 in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Born July 10, 1929, John is the son of the late John Virgil Amos Sr. and Faye (Eaves) Amos Harris. 

Visitation will be held Thursday April 20, 2017, 6-8PM, at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas. Funeral service will be held Friday April 21, 2017 at 2PM at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas with Bro. Clark Racca and Leland Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

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.

04/17/2017

Rachel (Van) Evangeline Dees, born in Humble, Texas, on October 28, 1930, went to be with her Lord on April 16, 2017.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 18, 2017, at Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison.

Rachel had three sisters and three brothers. Soon after she was born, her family moved to Conroe, Texas, where Rachel grew up and attended school.  She graduated from Conroe High School in 1950. After graduation, she moved to Houston and lived with one of her sisters. It was then that she met the love of her life, Thomas L. Dees. They said it was love at first sight!!! They were married on October 7, 1950. They made their home in the Houston area.  Rachel was a homemaker and worked at Jacinto City Church of Christ cleaning, locking and unlocking the building for all services.

She attended ladies Bible class, taught children’s Bible classes and she loved to go listen to Blue Grass music. She was an excellent cook. Some of the family favorites were her chicken and dumplings, any flavor cream pies, apricot tarts, Christmas cut out cookies and banana pudding. Every Christmas, she would start about a month ahead of time baking and freezing cookies and fudge so we would all have plenty to take home!

After the love of her life for fifty-seven years passed in June 2008, she relocated to the Nacogdoches area in 2010. There she attended North Street Church of Christ. During these past seven years, she enjoyed taking family vacations with her sons and their families. In August 2016, she became a resident of the Garrison Nursing Home and was an avid bingo player and loved it when groups came to sing or preach!

She is survived by:

Sons:
Eddie and wife, Donna, of Crosby, Texas
Johnny and wife, Carol, of New Braunfels, Texas
Tommy and wife, Kim, of Garrison, Texas

Granddaughters:
Rachel English and husband, Craig, of Sulphur Springs, Texas
Stacie Davila and husband, Oscar, of Humble, Texas
Katrina Bonilla and husband, Daniel, of Houston, Texas

Grandsons:
Chris Dees and wife, Sydni of Garrison, Texas
Mark Dees and wife, Alexandria, of Center, Texas

Great-granddaughters:
Juliana and Lilian Davila

Great-grandsons:
Carter and Luke Dees, Austin, Norris and Max English

Brother: Charles Outlaw and wife, Jane, of Cleveland, Texas

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Services are under the direction of Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison, Texas.