Shelby County Today

3/3/2018

Catherine Odell Byrd Dickerson could scarcely wait to bid this world goodbye and fly away to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His Holy City.

Cathy passed into eternal life on March 3, 2018, from complications of COPD and pneumonia.  She was 79 years of age.

Born in Stamps, Arkansas, July 10, 1938, to John Earl and Velma Altom Byrd, Cathy lived most of her life in Magnolia, Arkansas and Joaquin, Texas.  Cathy worked hard and tried her best to fulfill her responsibilities.  She asked for and granted forgiveness generously.  Cathy walked humbly before her Savior and worshiped Him with her beautiful voice.  Now she sings to God’s glory in the angel choir.  

Cathy is survived by:
Ronald Eugene (Gene) Dickerson, the love of her life and the husband who gave her the best years of her life. 

She leaves behind to honor her memory her children:
Donna (Stanley Orbik) Woodard 
Cindy (David) Hughes
John David (Sheri Greening) Woodard
Elizabeth (Gregory) Paterson

Grandchildren: 
James (Robyn) Eaves
Joseph Hughes
Christina Hughes
Randy Maynard

Great grandchildren: 
Ryann Eaves
J.J. Eaves
Brantley Eaves
Hunter Hughes

Siblings:
James Earl (Peggy) Byrd
Melba Davis
Shirley Nelson

Her many nieces and nephews; her extended Dickerson family who loved her as their own, especially her special sister, Teresa; her special cousin, Mabel Miller; her church family at Logansport Missionary Baptist Church, especially Becky Brooks.

Cathy is predeceased by her parents; brother, John Earl Byrd Jr.; and two grandchildren, Tommy Hughes and Brandi Whittaker.

We will celebrate her life more abundant and free at 1:00 p.m., Monday, March 5, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas, with Bro. Joe Walker officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 noon.  Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery in Joaquin, Texas.

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

03/02/2018

Funeral service for Kay Martin, 77, 

of Martinsville, will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 4, 2018, at Laird Funeral Home, with Bro. Don Chumley officiating. Burial will be in Martinsville Cemetery.

Mrs. Martin passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018 in Garrison. She was born on July 22, 1940, in San Angelo, Texas.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Laird Funeral Home. 

As a young girl Kay attended several schools in Texas, and graduated from Center High School in 1958.

She married Lamar Martin on December 26, 1958, and they recently celebrated 59 years of marriage. Kay dedicated her life to raising her two children, David and Janet. She was the epitome of what a mother should be taking great pride in raising her children to be successful adults. The joy that her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought her was endless.

When not caring for the needs of her family she would spend her days with Lamar taking care of the cattle at their ranch. She always loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed the time spent at Lake Sam Rayburn surrounded by her friends and family. Many happy days were spent with her longtime friend, Doris. Kay enjoyed all types of music and was especially fond of the gospel music at Spring Hill Baptist Church where she was a member.

Mrs. Martin is survived by:

Her beloved husband, Lamar Martin of Martinsville

Son, David L. Martin and wife, JoAnna of Center

Daughter, Janet Lucas of Martinsville

Grandchildren:
Wesley Lucas
Jacque Holt and husband, Shad
Jason Martin
Justin Martin
Johna Underwood and husband, Joe
Christopher Phipps

Seven great-grandchildren

Sister, Martha Dunham and husband, Joe, of Denton, Texas

Along with other family and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, W.D. Lawler and Lola Mae Easterly Lawler.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Martin will be Wesley Lucas, Jason Martin, Sean Martin, Kevin Martin, Perry Skipper, and David Bailey.   

The Martin family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Garrison Nursing Home and Accolade Hospice for the care, love and compassion shown to Mrs. Kay and the family during the recent weeks.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Martinsville Cemetery, P.O. Box 93, Martinsville, Texas, 75958.

03/02/2018

Rosalee Sigler, 51, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park with Bro. Austin Wiggins officiating.

Mrs. Sigler was born October 23, 1966, in Chickasha, Oklahoma, to Marvin Smith and Inez McKenna Smith. She enjoyed fishing and spending time with the Sigler family. She was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by
Husband: Steve Sigler

Son: Jacob Benton

Mother: Inez Levitta Smith

Sisters: 
Marvitta Hall
Patsy Robertson
Dorlena Ciotuszynski and husband, Rich
Wanda Tate
Louise Tucker and husband, Randy

Brothers:
Randy Smith
Ronald Smith
Quannah Holeroft

Brothers-in-law: 
David Sigler and wife, Lisa
Michael Sigler and wife, Jodi

Stepchildren:
Kylie Sigler
Kaitlyn Anthony and husband, Cody
Corey Sigler and wife, Angie
James Sigler

Preceded in death by
Father: Marvin Smith
Brother: Marvin Smith Jr.
Step Daughter: Jessica Sigler

Pallbearers will be Jim Bartley, Rich Ciotuszynski, David Sigler, Michael Sigler, Rocky Windham and Randy Smith.

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

2/27/2018

Norvell Holt, 97, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 26, 2018 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on June 28, 1920 in Center to Henry David Spells and Mineola Fletcher Spells. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim Perkins officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

A visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Norvell grew up in Center and was known by everyone around as “Peewee.” She had to leave school in the eighth grade because her family needed her at home. Norvell helped to take care of her eight siblings each day, cooking, cleaning, and tending to their needs.

From a young age, she learned what it meant to be selfless and caring, and those traits stayed with her throughout her life. She had a true servant’s heart and never thought twice about extending a helping hand wherever it was needed. After leaving home, Norvell went to work for Citizen’s Bank in Center where she was head bookkeeper there. She retired after 27 years with the bank.

The most precious moments in Norvell’s life were spent surrounded by family and friends. Whether it was cooking amazing cuisine or enjoying a game of 42, the laughter and love shared within the walls of her home will be treasured forever. Norvell was a member of the Hurst Street Church of Christ in Center. 

Norvell is survived by:
Her sons: 
Jay Williams and wife, Dee of Center
Ronald Williams and wife, Jean of Nacogdoches

Sister: Leola Eaves of Center

Grandchildren: 
Erin Williams of Nacogdoches
Stephanie Williams of Bentonville, Arkansas
Stephen Williams and wife
Tanya of Center
Shay Williams and wife, Bonnie of Pharr

Nine great-grandchildren

She is preceded in death by her husbands, AJ Williams and Ira “Harry” Holt; parents, Henry and Mineola Spells; seven siblings; and grandson, Chris Williams.

Pallbearers Stephen Williams, Shay Williams, Tristan Williams, Zachary LeBouff, David Eaves, and Wendell Williams.
Honorary pallbearer will be Bobby Spells.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Sunny Glen Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1373, San Benito, Texas 78586.

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

02/25/2018

LeFern Moffett Parrish, 91, of Waco, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2018 surrounded by her family. Service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 27th, at Western Heights Baptist Church, 6301 Bosque Blvd in Waco with Pastor Bruce Worley officiating. She will be buried at White Hall Cemetery in Woodway.

LeFern was born January 23, 1927 in Center, Texas, to F. L. and Lenore Moffett. She graduated from Center High School and then TWU in 1947. She married Mitchell Parrish on July 20, 1947 in Center and became a dedicated homemaker for Mitchell and their three children.

She occasionally taught in public schools and was always active in her church in many ways until the end of her life, including teaching Sunday school for 68 years. LeFern and Mitchell celebrated their 70th anniversary last summer with scores of their friends and family attending.

She is survived by her devoted husband, three children Larry Parrish and his wife Paula of Ft. Worth, Susan and her husband Bill Nolen of Waco, and Cindy and her husband Warren Owen of Waco, sister Jane Bostick of Waco, sister-in-law Jean Barnett of Dallas, 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services under the direction of Oak Crest Funeral Home, Waco, Texas.

2/22/2018

Bronice McDonald Curtis, 87, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at Colonial Pines in San Augustine.  Visitation will be held Friday, February 23, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CST at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral services will also be held at Watson & Sons at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 24, 2018, with Bro. Mike Fodge and Bro. B.A. Morris officiating.  Interment will follow at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley.

Mrs. Curtis, born on March 7, 1930, was a lifelong resident of Shelbyville. She graduated from Shelbyville High School and was later employed by Bruce Hardwood Floors where she ultimately retired with 30 years of service.  Mrs. Curtis’ hobbies included cooking, canning, feeding and taking care of the cows as well as spending time with friends and family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Luther J. and Cassie Corene McDonald and brothers, Nolan and Marlon McDonald. 

Mrs. Curtis is lovingly remembered by:
Her children:
MaryAnn (and husband Kenneth) Gordon of Clear-Lake
Glenda (and husband Dennis) Durdin of Shelbyville
Doug Curtis of Shelbyville

Brothers: 
Howard McDonald
Gordan McDonald

Sisters:
Garvis Raborn
Jean Risinger
Belva Hoffman

Mrs. Curtis or “MeMaw” will also be fondly loved and remembered by her four grandchildren, Shelly Jackson (and husband Elmer), Les Perkins, Lesli Perkins and Mandy Durdin (and fiancé Donny Morse); four great-grandchildren and two great-great granddaughters. 

Mrs. Curtis was respected and loved by many others to include nieces, nephews and precious friends throughout her life. She was a member of West Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church in Shelbyville. 

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to West Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Maxine Parker, 4562 CR 2798, Shelbyville, Texas 75973 or Wimberly Cemetery, c/o Mack O’Rear, 11466 FM 2694, Shelbyville, Texas 75973. The family would also like to recognize and express their gratitude to the staff at Colonial Pines as well as Affinity Hospice Care for their compassionate love and care.  

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

02/21/2018

Robert Alan Thompson, 59, of Carthage, Texas passed away on February 16, 2018 in Carthage, Texas. He was born on March 8, 1958 in Houston, Texas. Robert is the son of Harold Thompson and Lille Mae Rowe Townsend. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 23, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Ramah Cemetery. A visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Robert grew up in the Deepwater Addition in Pasadena, Texas and went to school at Deer Park ISD until his family moved to Paxton in 1971. Robert attended Tenaha High School where he became very active in the FFA program. He graduated from with the THS Class of 1977 and afterward, went to work for the power company in Tatum. Robert continued onto a variety of jobs that would take him all over the state. The one occupation that he enjoyed most was as a pipeline surveyor. He was excited to learn how to use computers to complete the surveys and being outdoors was always of interest to him, so the combination made his job more fulfilling. 

In 2016, Robert had a major health set-back requiring him to have a heart valve replacement and double by-pass surgery. After regaining his strength, he moved to Carthage; however, his health never quite recovered. 

Robert is survived by his children, Ashley Chandler and husband, Ryan of Center, Colton Thompson and wife, Briana of Center, and Sara Barbee and husband, Clay of Center; mother, Lillie Mae Townsend; sister, Elizabeth McCoy and husband, Mike of Houston; mother of his children, Shelley Porter of Center; and grandchildren, Drake Lutz, Racyn Chandler, Jace Thompson, Hallie Barbee and Chayton Barbee.

He is preceded in death by his father, Harold Thompson; brother, Harold “Buster” Thompson, Jr.; and sister, Nancy Thompson.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Chandler, Carl Thompson, Whitton Thompson, Scooter Thompson, Chip Robertson and David Harvey.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Hermann Memorial Hospital NICU: 
Memorial Hermann Foundation
929 Gessner, Suite 2650
Houston, Texas 77024

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

02/16/2018

Margarita Mendoza Jimenez, 39, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 16, 2018 in Center. She was born on January 7, 1979 in Mexico to J. Merced Jimenez and Carmen Martinez. Funeral mass will be at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 19, 2018 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Center with celebrant, Father Nelson. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. A visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Rosary at 7:00 PM. 

Margarita graduated from high school while in Mexico before moving to the United States in 2000. She soon met Alejandro Mendoza and the two were later married in 2002. Margarita was a dedicated and loving wife and mother who treasured every second spent with her family. She was a selfless woman who put the needs of others above her own. She adored her children and enjoyed the precious memories she made with them. “Magga,” as so many friends and family would call Margarita, loved to shop and to eat out with her family. Her battle with cancer was a valiant one. Even on her toughest days, she faced them with faith and a smile surrounded by her family and friends. A kind and humble soul, Margarita will be dearly missed by those who were honored to know her. She was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Center.

Margarita is survived by her beloved husband, Alejandro Mendoza of Center; son, Alejandro Mendoza, Jr. of Center; daughter, Daniela Mendoza of Center; mother, Carmen Martinez of Center; brothers, Manuel Jimenez and wife, Delfina of Center, Gabriel Jimenez and wife, Maria of North Carolina and Nicolas Jimenez and wife, Laura of Center; sisters, Ofelia Torres and husband, Jose of California, Maria de los Angeles and husband, Jose Garcia of Center, Maria Guadalupe Jimenez and husband, Mauricio Ortega of Mexico, Juana Jimenez and husband, Gerardo Porras of Center, Maria del Carmen Jimenez and husband, Giovani Ramirez of Center, and Maria Magdalena Jimenez of Mexico.

She is preceded in death by her father, J. Merced Jimenez and brother, Miguel Jimenez.

Pallbearers will be Manuel Jimenez, Gabriel Jimenez, Nicolas Jimenez, Alejandro Jimenez, Mauricio Ortega, Giovani Ramirez, Jose Garcia and Gerardo Porras.

Honorary pallbearer will be Armando Mendoza.

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

Margarita Mendoza Jimenez, 39, de Center, Texas, falleció la 16 de Febrero del 2018 en Center. Nació el 7 de Enero del 1979 en México, hija del señor J. Merced Jimenez y la señora Carmen Martinez. Misa fúnebre será a las 2:00 PM el Lunes, 19 de Febrero, 2018 en La Iglesia Católica de St. Therese en Center con Padre Nelson oficiando. Entierro seguirá en Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitación será 5:00 PM a 7:00 PM en Domingo, 18 de Febrero 2018 en la capilla de Mangum Funeral Home con Rosario a las 7:00 PM.

Margarita se graduó de la escuela secundaria mientras estaba en México antes de mudarse a los Estados Unidos en 2000. Ella pronto conoció a Alejandro Mendoza y los dos se casaron mas tarde en 2002. Margarita era una esposa y madre dedicada y amorosa. Ella atesoraba cada segundo que pasaba con su familia. Ella era una mujer desinteresada que anteponía las necesidades de los demás a si misma. Ella adoraba a sus hijos y disfrutaba de los recuerdos preciosos que haciá con ellos. “Magga,” como muchos amigos y familiares llamarían Margarita, se encantaba ir a comprar y comer fuera con su familia. Su batalla con el cáncer fue valiente. Incluso en sus días más difíciles los enfrentaba con fe y una sonrisa rodeada de su familia y amigos. Un alma amable y humilde, Margarita será profundamente extrañada por aquellos que tuvieron el honor de conocerla. Ella era un miembro de La Iglesia Católica de St. Therese en Center.

Margarita es sobrevivida por su amado esposo, Alejandro Mendoza de Center; hijo, Alejandro Mendoza, Jr. de Center; hija, Daniela Mendoza de Center; madre, Carmen Martinez de Center; hermanos, Manuel Jimenez y su esposa, Delfina de Center, Gabriel Jimenez y su esposa, Maria de North Carolina, y Nicolas Jimenez y su esposa, Laura de Center; hermanas, Ofelia Torres y su esposo, Francisco de California, Maria de los Angeles y su esposo, Jose Garcia de Center, Maria Guadalupe Jimenez y su esposo, Mauricio Ortega de México, Juana Jimenez y su esposo, Gerardo Porras de Center, Maria del Carmen Jimenez y su esposo, Geovany Ramirez de Center, y Maria Magdalena Jimenez de México.

Es precedida en muerte por su padre, J. Merced Jimenez y su hermano, Miguel Jimenez.

Cargadores de féretro serán Manuel Jimenez, Gabriel Jimenez, Nicolas Jimenez, Alejandro Jimenez, Mauricio Ortega, Giovani Ramirez, Jose Garcia, y Gerardo Porras.

Cargador honorario será Armando Mendoza.

Enviar condolencias o firmar un registro en línea, por favor visite www.mangumfh.net.

02/20/2018

Myoe Min, 28, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 19, 2018 in Center. He was born on January 12, 1990 in Myanmar. Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. A visitation will be held prior to service time from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel.

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