Shelby County Today

07/03/2023

Trudie Maxine Golding Christian, (101) of Tenaha (lovingly known by many as Grandmother) joyfully slipped into the arms of Christ on July 2, 2023. She was born on September 28, 1921, to the late Joel Eddie Golding and Maude Aby Harvey Golding of Huxley, Texas. Maxine (Grandmother) was the beloved wife of the late Charlie B. Christian, a long-serving sheriff of Shelby County.

Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Tenaha. She will be laid to rest at Old Union Cemetery beside her late husband and daughter, Charlotte Anne Christian. Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Maxine (Grandmother) is survived by:

Three children:
Carolyn Kay Christian Morse and husband Ronald of Center 
Calvin Brown Christian of Tenaha
Carla Christian Looney and husband Mark of Tenaha

Ten Grandchildren:
Natalie Morse
Brett Morse
Lorri Morse Mason
Chad Christian
Brooke Christian Cassell
Michelle Looney Smith
Janelle Looney Talbert
Braden Looney
Christian Looney
Daniel Holsey

Seventeen Great-Grandchildren:
Charlie Corbell
Jeffrey Mason
Sarah Mason
Callianna Cassell
Caitlyn Cassell
Case Cassell
George Smith
Sara Smith
Connor Talbert
Will Talbert
Myles Talbert
June Looney
Kale Looney
Grant Looney
Isaiah Hemphill
Ellington Holsey
Brody Mark Holsey

Sister-in-law, Beth Golding

Special Extended Family:
Judy Walker
Sandra Palmer
Debbie Lawson
Glenda Leflett
Pat Golding
Barbara Jordan
Judy Snider
Don Dial
Robert Dial

Preceded in death by Charlie B. Christian (husband); Joel Eddie and Maude Aby Golding (parents); Charlotte Anne Christian (daughter); Callie Ann Christian (granddaughter); G. L. Golding (brother); Lona Belle Golding Wheeler (sister); Thurman Ross Golding (brother); and Eddie Eugene Golding (brother).

Pallbearers will be Brett Morse, Chad Christian, Braden Looney, Josh Talbert, Daniel Holsey, Charlie Corbell, George Smith, Connor Talbert, and Will Talbert.

Grandmother’s passion for Christ extended throughout her life into a multitude of deeds including serving as a Sunday School teacher (two-year-olds); going on mission trips to Mexico and Missouri; and sewing for the nursing home ministry.  Throughout her life, her love for children, especially babies, became her mantra. Her face glowed when a child entered her world and children responded in kind.

Grandmother was a “stand-in Mom” to many, always available to listen, pray, encourage, and teach. Many grew up with her shared wisdom, gentle spirit, and words of encouragement. Frequently and fondly, many called her “My Mom.” One could feel her never-ending love and compassion. Her sense of humor surfaced just at the right moments.

Grandmother’s one great love was her late husband and soulmate of 49 years, Charlie B. The two met on a Sunday night in front of the First Baptist Church in Center. Grandmother and a friend were attending church when Charlie B. placed a note on her car’s windshield. Maxine, a Center girl, and Charlie B., a Tenaha football player, were soon to begin their life’s journey. Within a week, they had their first date and Maxine had met the “true love of her life” and spent the remaining months of her senior year “courting” Charlie B. Grandmother described this time as “the most exciting time,” filled with horseback riding on the farm in Tenaha with picnics in the pasture, attending church services, sitting around with family, laughing at the day’s events and sharing future dreams. This “love affair” lasted until Charlie B.’s passing in 1990. As the years passed, Grandmother honored this great love by sharing his memory with friends and family.

Grandmother’s and Granddaddy’s family was the center of their attention. Friday night sleepovers on “Christian Hill” became a household tradition. Reports of scary tales and near-death experiences continue to circulate within the family. Good times transitioned into a “Friday Night Lights” atmosphere where they could be found watching the grands twirl, march in the band, cheer and play football. An opportunity to show up to parades and backyard cookouts was never missed. Grandmother and Granddaddy never missed an opportunity to show up for the grands.

To Grandmother’s friends, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren — look into the night sky, find a twinkling star and you will receive a glimpse of two exceptional people passing their faith and strength to you. In death, Maxine and Charlie B. are reunited and have left this world a much better place.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

06/26/2023

Judith Lea Jackson Adams, 66, of Tenaha, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2023, in Nacogdoches.

Her wishes were to be cremated and no services are planned.

Born March 16, 1957, in Houston, Judith is the daughter of Paul Jackson Sr. and Annie Ruth Stevens Jackson. She worked at Nacogdoches Medical Center as a nurse for 25 years. Her hobbies included gardening, playing with her dogs, and spending time with her family. Judith attended Ramah Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by:
Children:
Jonathan Eubank and wife Brandy
Joe Daniel Adams
Jeremy Adams
Aaron Adams
Joshua Adams and wife Megan

Grandkids:
Harley Eubank
Jaxson Eubank
Shelby Eubank
Justin Adams
Jacob Adams
Tyler Adams
Travis Adams
Hailey Adams
Makynze Adams
Brooklyn Adams
Dakota Adams
Jaelyn Adams
Hannah Adams
Jace Adams
Ariana Adams
Tristan Adams
Isbell Adams

Brother, Jimmy Jackson

Sister, Sheila Wiggins and husband Chuck

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by husband, James Holly Adams; parents, Paul Jackson Sr. and Annie Ruth Stevens Jackson; and brothers, Raymond Jackson, Paul Jackson Jr., and Dan Jackson.

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

06/23/2023

Miss Sybil Bryant, 60, of Garrison passed away Sunday morning at Garrison nursing home.

Services will be held 11am Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Bryant Temple COGIC in Garrison Texas.

Interment will follow at Mt. Moriah Cemetery with Elder Freeman Bryant presiding.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 23, 2023 from 10am until 6pm at Community Chapel in Timpson.

Sybil Bryant was born March 8, 1963, of Nacogdoches County, to the parents of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Willis Bryant, who preceded her in death.

In her life time three children were born. She united with Bryant Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. She served as long as her health allowed.
She departed this world June 18, 2023.

She is survived by: 
Sons: 
Jason Bryant of Garrison
Jeffery Bryant of Denver, Colorado

Brothers: 
George Bryant of Garrison
James Bryant and wife Lurah Bryant
Standford Bryant of Nacogdoches

Sisters: 
Nell Key of Dallas
Loretta Griffin of Dallas
Sonya Bryant all of Dallas
Barbara Jacobs of Nacogdoches

A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Preceded in death by one son, five brothers: Willie E. Bryant, Lovis Bryant, Garvin Bryant, Patrick Bryant, Archie Bryant and one sister: Berlyn J. Bryant.

Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Timpson.

06/22/2023

Dorothy Marie Eddins Whiteman, born December 1, 1940, entered into the Lord's house 6/19/2023. She was a resident of Sabine County until entering Green Acres then later Pine Grove Nursing Center in Center TX. After having her children and 2 grandchildren she went back to school and became an LVN. She worked at Marshall Regional Hospital for many years until she retired and moved to Bronson TX to help her Mother through her golden years. She was close to her sisters and brothers. She enjoyed swimming, playing cards and domino games. 

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Tina Roddy and husband Richard of Timpson TX
Kimberly Whiteman of Tyler TX
Stacy Whiteman also of Tyler TX

Grandchildren;
Amber Broussard and husband Lance
Jessica Lee
Meaghan Zenchyshyn
Hope Rodriguez
Dartagnan Whiteman

Great-grandchildren;
Abigail Cooper
Hunter Cooper
Caitlyn Broussard
Rene Rodriguez
Esmerelda Rodriguez
Esra Rodriguez

Brother, Bobby Eddins

Sisters:
Nancy Drew
Faye Smith

Numerous, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceded by: parents, LC Eddins and Dorothy Eddins, and brother, Billy Eddins.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Impact Cowboy Church of Nacogdoches, 415 FM 2112, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Services are under the direction of Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill.

06/22/2023

Albert Spencer Hamilton of Joaquin, Texas, went to live with our Lord and Savior on Thursday morning, June 22, 2023.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Bro. Larry Andrews will officiate.  Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery.

Born in the Lone Cedar Community on September 22, 1941, Spencer is the son of Curtis Leard Hamilton and Pairlee Taylor Hamilton.  Spencer graduated from Joaquin High School with the Class of ’59.  During high school, he enjoyed playing football and basketball.  He was a member of Jackson Missionary Baptist Church.

He met and married the one he could not live without, Doshia Ann Woodfin of Timpson, Texas, on March 27, 1964.  They were married 59 years, raised three children, and loved telling everyone about all their grandchildren.  Spencer enjoyed working with horses and doing all the cowboy things he could.  Riding, roping, sorting, and helping his friends work their cattle to name a few.  He loved to call you and catch up on all the goings on and would likely let you know if he approved or not.  You never had to question this.

Spencer is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Leard Hamilton and Pairlee Taylor Hamilton; sister, Winl Hamilton; two brothers-in-law, Tommy Lilly and Daniel Baker; and sister-in-law, Wanda Hamilton.

Left to cherish his memory is:
Wife, Doshia Hamilton

Daughter and son-in-law, Sandi and Jeb Barney of Carthage

Daughter, Vicki Hamilton and Gary Nixon of Gillis, Louisiana

Son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Alicia Hamilton of Joaquin

Brother, Julius Clifford Hamilton

Sisters: 
Tillie Lilly
Fay Baker

Grandchildren: 
Matt and Kathryn Barlow of Wolfworth
Spence and Ashlyn Barney of Weatherford
Bryce and Chanlee Barney of Maliga, New Mexico
Katie and Bobby Smith of Center
Josh Hamilton of Fort Worth
Hollie Hamilton of Joaquin

Great-grandchildren include:
Adaline Hairgrove
Willa Hairgrove
Jack Hairgrove
Kylyn Baker
Brexyn Barney
Brylee Barney

Also, numerous nieces and nephews.

In our family, Spencer went by many names – Pawpaw, Albert, Poo, were all used by those who knew him best.  He lived a good life and worked hard and expected you to too.  He was wiser than we realized at times and always straight forward.  There wasn’t a lot of play in him, but he did love when all the family gathered around his table.  Mawmaw knew how to set a table and fill it up with all our favorite foods and desserts.  Daddy loved sweets and could eat them just about any time of the day or night.

Spencer was a cowboy.  At the age of 7, he started riding the old plow horse and roping goats in a homemade arena.  He won his first buckle in the calf roping in 1962 in Wills Point, Texas.  His first win as a steer wrestler was in Carthage, Texas, where he won $400 and thought he would never have to work another day for the rest of his life.  The “Bay Mare” he rode had “a heart the size of a watermelon” – Spencer’s words.
Spencer continued to compete until his children were old enough to compete themselves.  Then, he started to take them to youth rodeos, play days, and many 4-H horse shows.  Spencer taught several schools, sharing with the next generation of rodeo enthusiasts, knowledge about the sport he had gained throughout his life.

You could always find him at a local team roping event or sorting.  In his later years, he grew to love the sorting and had quite a reputation.  Everyone wanted on his team.
He really was a cowboy.  Spencer was inducted into the Louisiana Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2021.

Spencer worked many jobs over the years.  He was a welder at Beard Industries, a chicken farmer who managed 5 broiler houses for Campbell’s Soup and Pilgrim’s Pride; all in addition to training horses and working the back pens at the Center Sale barn for more than 50 years.

He was elected Shelby County Commissioner in 1988 and served three consecutive terms.

Spencer was always thinking about others and willing to help anyway he could.  He was a man’s man.  He was not one to shower you with love, but we all knew he loved us.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the excellent care provided by Geana Owens, Sonya McBride, Gracie Skiles, and Tina Hutto.  Also, thanks to HeartsWay Hospice, A Pineywoods, Tammy Smith, and Cindy Burns.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jackson Missionary Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 15, Joaquin, Texas 75954.

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

06/18/2023

Rex Richards, 82, of Center, passed away Friday, June 16, 2023, in Nacogdoches.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Tenaha Church of Christ with Andrew King officiating.

Born January 17, 1941, Rex is the son of William “Bit” Richards and Mozelle Richards. He was the owner and operator of a paint and body/mechanic shop for 45 years.  

He is survived by:

Wife of 33 years, Suzanne Richards

Son, David Richards and wife Michelle

Daughter, Donna Richards

Grandchildren:
Bradley Richards
Kagen Smith and wife, Stephanie

Great-grandchildren:
Kiersten Richards
Connor Richards
Kason Smith
Halston Smith

Sister, Mary Shy

Mother-in-law, Betty Permenter

Brother-in-law, Jim Permenter

Sister-in-law, Janie Permenter

Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews

A host of friends

Preceded in death by his parents, William “Bit” Richards and Mozelle Richards; great-grandson, Bradley Kent Richards; daughter-in-law, Kim Richards; sister-in-law, Jan Permenter; and brothers-in-law, Jerry Permenter and Mike Permenter.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honduras Outreach, c/o Whitney Church of Christ, PO Box 621, Whitney, Texas 76692, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

06/15/2023

James Lee Whitsey “Sunny Man” (68) of Center, Texas, passed away at Focus Care Nursing Facility on Monday, June 12, 2023. James was born to the late Mary Whitsey Gardner and James L. Gardner in Galveston, Texas on August 26, 1954.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 11am at Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ. Bishop Howard Cloudy Sr. will be officiating. Visitation is Friday, June 16, 2023, at Hicks Memorial Chapel from the hours of 5pm to 7pm. Committal is at Westview Cemetery.

Sunny Man worked at Tyson and Holly Farms for more than 20 years. He was a hard-working man, and never missed a day of work in all those years. He also worked by helping different people in the neighborhoods and the community.

Sunny Man was survived by:

Sunny Man was united in marriage to Beverly Horton in 1980.

To this union a daughter was born, Flessia Ann Whitsey (Zachary Collins). Flessia and Zachary are the parents of two (2) daughters, Zamaya, and ZaKala Collins. They all reside in Houston, Texas.

Sunny Man also had another daughter, Crystal Benton who is the daughter of Ann Benton. Crystal has three (3) sons, JaChristopher, KeJuan and JaBryson. They all reside in Dallas, Texas.

Brothers:
Junior C. Whitsey
James Lowe
Samuel Gardner
Lamillican Johnson (Keisha)
Tristan Gardner
Renard Gardner
Mark Hubbard
Eshawn Randle 

Sisters:
Sherian Daniels of Nacogdoches
Joann Batist (Milton) of Houston
Annie Whitsey Watts (Maurice) of San Augustine
Sabrina Williams of Beaumont
Felisha Gardner of Center
Bonnie Hubbard
Brenda Johnson of Nacogdoches

A special Sister-in-law, Delories Johnson of Center

Uncle, Lucky (Wilda) Gardner of Center

Aunt, Betty (John) Sanders of Center

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net.

06/14/2023

Lenward Gene Raines, known as Buck to family and friends, left this earth for his heavenly home on Monday, June 12, 2023, at the age of 77 surrounded by family at Nacogdoches Medical Center. Buck was born at home in the Sand Flats community outside of Garrison on July 28, 1945, to Dollie and John Henry Raines Sr.

After graduating from Timpson High School in 1963 he did construction running heavy equipment constructing I20 between Marshall and Dallas.

Buck served his country in the Army from 1965-1967 during the Vietnam War. After his return from Vietnam, he worked as a mechanic for Harold Baker. He and Judy Belinda Rhodes were married September 20, 1969 at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church and had four sons together.

Buck was a loving husband, father and grandfather, who worked hard to provide for his family. He enjoyed spending time visiting with people and could find someone to talk to wherever he went.

He worked for a time as a tractor mechanic for Bo Scott and Roy Conway, 18 years with Automatic Gas and after 22 years, retired from the US Post Office in 2010. Buck kept busy tending cows, baling hay or working on his tractors.

When grandkids started coming along, Grandad could be found with one of them on a tractor, usually with a soda slipped into a pocket until out of sight of Mom and Dad or riding around on the Ranger.

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, Dollie and John Henry Raines Sr.; sisters, Lorene Chandler and Lerlene Raines; and brother, John Henry Raines, Jr.

He is survived by:

Wife of 53 years, Judy Raines

Sons:
John Elvis and wife Angela
Andy Gene and wife Rachel McFadden
Marc Lynn
Michael Ben and wife Rachel Black

9 grandchildren: Sheldon Raines and wife Caylie, Ashton, Jesse, Sadie, Reagan, Luke, Sara Kate, Reese, and Addison Raines

First great-grandchild to be born in August, John Carter Raines

Several nieces and nephews

Pallbearers are Andy Raines, Marc Raines, Sheldon Raines, Cecil Whitton, Josh Whitton and J.T. Rhodes. Honorary Pallbearers are Jesse Raines, Luke Raines and Mark White.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 14 from 5-7pm at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson. Funeral services will be Thursday, June 15, 2pm at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church with interment to follow at Timpson MBC Cemetery.

In lieu of live flowers, please consider silk flowers to be used later or a donation to the building fund at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

06/07/2023

Barbara Jo Appelt, 76, of Richmond, Texas passed away on June 6, 2023 in Richmond. She was born on September 8, 1946 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Her hobbies included baking cakes out of her home, doing various crafts, playing card games and attending concerts. This loving mother, sister, aunt and friend will be missed.

Barbara is preceded in death by her father, Lewis Hailey; mother, Lucille Wood Pakebusch; stepfather, Joe Pakebusch; spouse, Elden Appelt and daughter, Shara Appelt.

Survivors include:

Daughter, Eunice Pena and husband, Anthony

Siblings:
Jean Taylor
Arvin Pakebusch and wife, Dawn
Buckshot Pakebusch
Vicki Petru and husband, Mike

Along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 9, 2023 in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, June 9, 2023, at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Timpson, Texas.

Pallbearers will include Mark Gunner, Gunner Gruner, Ronald Samford and Anthony Pena.

Honorary pallbearers will include Everett Appelt, Jr., Roger Appelt, John Appelt, Michael Kiesewetter, Judson Pakebusch, Hunter Pakebusch and Jackson Miller.

For those wishing, please consider making a donation to the American Kidney Foundation or to the Charity of Your Choice.

Tributes and words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B.F. Terry Blvd. (Hwy 59 South at FM 2218), Rosenberg, Texas 77471, Phone: 281-341-8800.