01/04/2018

Mary Nell Dorman Uselton, 89, of Pearland, Texas, passed away on January 2, 2018 in Katy, Texas. She was born on August 6, 1928 in Independence, Louisiana to William Joseph Dorman and Lydia Ellen Heugel Dorman. A private interment at Jackson Cemetery in Joaquin will be held at a later date.

Mary received her Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University in New Orleans. After graduation, she worked as a pharmacist for over thirty years. Mary had a servant’s heart and this was evident through her volunteer work at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston for seventeen years, as well as her time volunteering for the USO. Mary found great joy helping others in any way she possibly could. She was a member of the Christ Church Cathedral in Houston and loved singing in the choir there for many years. She will be deeply missed by all of friends, family, and loved ones.

She is survived by 
Daughter: Rachel Uselton Williams

Two grandsons: Daryl and Brett Williams

Great-grandson: Daniel Joseph Williams

Great-granddaughter: Leigh Ann Williams

Sister: Nikki Esther Dorman Spencer

Brothers: William Joseph Dorman and John Timothy Dorman

and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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

01/05/2018

Virginia Sue Parsons Howard, 72, of Center, passed away peacefully at her home on January 3, 2018.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 7, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Carl Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at noon.

Sue was born January 5, 1945, in Electra, Texas, to Raymond R. Parsons and Virginia Cooper Parsons. She married Wayne R. Howard on May 14, 1966. Sue was a member of First Baptist Church in Center. She grew up in Levelland, Texas and eventually moved to Center in 1977. Sue taught school in Shelbyville and Center and was very interested in kid’s education and wellbeing. She enjoyed talking to young people at every opportunity.
Sue truly cared for her family and friends and wanted everyone she came in contact with to enjoy life as much as she did.

She is survived by
Husband of 51 years: Wayne R. Howard

Children:
Corby Wayne Howard and wife, Kateri, of Hallsville, Texas
Courtney Howard Helton and husband, Scott, of Dripping Springs, Texas

Grandchildren:
Connor A. Howard
Blake T. Helton
Cole H. Helton

Brothers-in-law:
Jimmy L. Howard
Danny L. Mitchell

A number of nieces, nephews and cousins

Preceded in death by
Parents: Raymond R. Parsons and Virginia Cooper Parsons
Sister-in-law: Clara L. Howard Mitchell

Pallbearers will be Corby Howard, Scott Helton, Blake Helton, Cole Helton, Scott Mitchell and Wil Blackshear.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Howard, Danny Mitchell and John Childress.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to HeartsWay Hospice http://www.heartswayhospice.org/about/donate/ or First Baptist Church, 117 Cora Street, Center, Texas 75935.

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

1/3/2018

Mr. Lee Autry Williams, 76, of Center passed away Saturday, December  30, 2017 atr his residence in Center.

Services will be 11am Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Triumph Center in Center, Texas.

Interment will be at Blount Chapel Cemetery in Center, Texas with Rev. Bryon Coutee, Jr. officiating.

Mr. Williams is survived by:
Wife: Patricia Ann Williams of Center, Texas

Daughters:
Laronda (Ronnie) Williams of Center, Texas
Gwen Chapman of Pasco, Wa.
Linda Jones of Pasco, Wa.
Abby Jones of Pasco, Wa.
Ann Jones of Pasco, Wa.

Sons:
Patrick (Jacquelyn) Williams of Center, Texas
Christopher L. Jones of Pasco, Wa.

7 grandchildren

A host of great-grandchildren

Brother: O'Neal Jones (Lucille) of Garrison, Texas

1/3/2018

Mrs. Shirley Mae Jackson, 62, of Center passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017 at St. Luke Hospital in Houston, Texas. 

Services will be 2pm Saturday, January 5, 2018 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas.

Interment will be at St. John Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas with Bro. Harold Jackson officiating. 

Mrs. Jackson is survived by:
Husband Alton Jackson of Center, Texas

Daughter: LaTisha Garrett of Center, Texas

Sisters:
Annie Lee (Coleman) Johnson of Center, Texas
Rose Pitts of Center, Texas
Shelia Reed of Center, Texas
Gloria Reed of Las Vegas, Nevada

Brothers:
L.J. (Louise) Reed of Houston, Texas
Aurthor (Renell) Reed of Center, Texas
Jimmy (Geneva) Reed of Center, Texas
J.C. (Linda) Reed of Henderson, Texas

1/3/2018

Mrs. Thelma R. Ratcliff, 72, of Center passed away Monday in Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas. 

A wake will be held Thursday evening, January 4, 2017, from 6-8pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas. Services will be held 2pm Friday, January 5, 2017 at Abundant Love Ministries in Center.

Interment will he at Westview Cemetery.

Mrs. Ratcliff is survived by:
Husband: XL Ratcliff of Minnesota

Daughters: 
Shontreka (Carl) Booth of Center, Texas
Sandy (Terry) Eaden of Center, Texas

Sons:
Lon (Tiffiny) Ratcliff of Dallas, Texas
Dedrick (Patti) Ratcliff of Center, Texas

19 Grandchildren

16 great-grandchildren

Sisters:
Linda Harper of Center, Texas
Velma Jackson of Houston, Texas
Shirley Rushing of Center, Texas

Brother: R.C. Harper of Center, Texas

1/3/2018

Glenda Foreman Scruggs, 77, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2018, surrounded by her family.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Lone Cedar Cemetery in Joaquin with Bro. J.C. Lewis officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, beginning at 12:00 noon.

Mrs. Scruggs was born February 18, 1940, in Sour Lake, to Alcie Foreman and Sadie Odom Foreman.  She married the love of her life, Hilburn Scruggs, on July 16, 1953. Sundays were her favorite, where she enjoyed cooking and spending time with her family.  Mrs. Scruggs was a member of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church of Joaquin.

She is survived by
Husband of 64 years: Hilburn Scruggs

Together, they raised three children:
H. Glenn Scruggs and wife, Dorothea, of Shreveport, Louisiana
Dennis Scruggs and wife, Sherry, of Joaquin, Texas
Joanne Scruggs English and husband, Stevie, of Joaquin, Texas

Grandchildren:
Hollie Scruggs Adams and husband, Chad, of Joaquin, Texas
Brooke Scruggs Diven and husband, Kane, of Joaquin, Texas
Lindsey Scruggs Baillio and husband, Jody, of Bossier City, Louisiana
Noah Glenn Scruggs and wife, Emily, of Shreveport, Louisiana
Race English of Joaquin, Texas
Cam English of Joaquin, Texas
Randy Nelson of Lompoc, California
Lora Nelson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Hollie Jolley of Elm Grove, Louisiana
Jessica Peterson of Shreveport, Louisiana

Great-Grandchildren:
Caren, Callie and Cierra Adams
Titan, Shelby and Kaden Diven
Lila, Jillian, Sadie and Evalynn Baillio
Ezra and Alyza Scruggs

Special Loved Ones: 
Gail Russell Scruggs
Shannon Creech
Janet L. Tucker

Brother: Fred Foreman and wife, Frances, of La Marque, Texas

Sister: Maxine Moye of Pasadena, Texas

Sister-in-law: Eva Scruggs Melton

Brother-in-law: Joe Scruggs and wife, Frankie

Numerous other family and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Alcie Foreman and Sadie Odom Foreman Jordan
Sister: Betty Bundy
A number of brothers
Stepfather: Bruce Jordan

Pallbearers will be Chad Adams, Jody Baillio, Kane Diven, Noah Scruggs, Race English and Cam English.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lone Cedar Cemetery Fund, 204 CR 3182, Joaquin, Texas 75954 or Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 328, Joaquin, Texas 75954.

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

01/03/2017

Jerry Lyle Huffman, Sr. 76, of Hemphill, Texas passed away Monday, January 1, 2018 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston, Texas.

Jerry was born in Hemphill on March 31, 1941 to John Riley and Viola McGee Huffman. He attended school in Hemphill and graduated from Hemphill High School in 1959.

He married Carolyn Faye Eddins in 1960 and had three children. Following a divorce, he married Robbie Curry.

Jerry drove a truck for Texaco for 17 years before moving in the Texaco office in Belaire where he stayed until his retirement. He traveled a lot with his work but came back home as much as he could. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sam Rayburn, Texas.

Jerry loved hunting and was a car enthusiast, having raced cars in his younger years. He was also a member of the Houston Gun Collectors Association.

He is survived by:
His wife: Robbie Huffman, of Hemphill, Texas

Sons:
Jerry Lyle Huffman, Jr.
John Lance Huffman, both of Houston

Daughter: Joy Lynn Reavis and husband, Philip, of Osawatomie, Kansas

Granddaughters: 
Aleshia Huffman and Matt Wimpee of Nacogdoches, Texas
Jamie Reavis and Joanna Reavis, both of Osawatomie, Kansas

Great-grandsons:
Max Wimple of Nacogdoches, Texas 
Patrick Wimple of Nacogdoches, Texas

Brother: Jimmy Huffman and wife, June, of Hemphill

Step-children:
Sharon Worsham of Logansport, Louisiana
Ricky Curry
Vernese Green
Theresa Womack and husband, Horace, all of Mansfield, Louisiana
Rocky Curry and wife, Kerin, of Logansport, Louisiana

Sister-in-law: Melba Caro of Lubbock, Texas

A host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and very special friends Bob and Gladys Giddens of Mt. Pleasant, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, ten brothers, four sisters, and one step-son.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr St., Hemphill, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2018 in Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steve Hurst and Rev. Bernese Green officiating.

Burial will follow in Hemphill Cemetery under the direction of Starr Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be made at starrfuneralhome.com.

01/02/2018

Ford Brown Sr., 100, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017, at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. David Pate officiating.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Ford Brown was born September 19, 1917, on the Stratton Plantation near present day Clute, TX, to Perry Maxey Brown and Merle Stratton Brown. He was raised in the Freeport, TX (Velasco) area.  He attended Freeport High School, at which he was a member of their 1935 Championship Football Team.  He met the Love of his Life, Iva Nell Pate, after the 1932 hurricane, while pumping some fresh water for her. Just six years later, they were married on June, 28 1938.  Shortly after their first two children were born, Ford was called to serve in World War II as a U.S. Marine.  He valiantly and heroically served throughout the Pacific Region and was part of the Invasion of Okinawa, the bloodiest and last battle of the Pacific.  After returning from the war, his youngest child had been born. Ford held several jobs as a pipe fitter and went back to work for Dow Chemical until he retired in 1984.  Other accomplishments included serving as Mayor of Lake Barbara, TX, serving as City Councilman in Clute, TX and serving as a deacon for Emmanuel Baptist Church.  Ford spent his retirement years visiting with family, working in his garden, reading every Louis Lamour book, tearing up mower after mower, fishing or playing one of his favorite domino games.  Ford’s life was full of serving God and others and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by
Wife: Iva Nell Brown of Center, Texas

Children:
Sylvia Brown Hearn of Center, Texas
Ford S. Brown Jr. and wife, Janis, of Center, Texas
Cynthia Perez and husband, Ramiro, of Angleton, Texas

Grandchildren:
Julia Annelle Belcik and husband, Matt, of Bryan, Texas
Lorri Hearn of Houston, Texas
Melissa Hass and husband, Troy, of Woodstock, Georgia
Andrew Brown of Tyler, Texas
Samuel Brown of Harper, Texas
Phillip Brown and wife, Lua, of Bowie, Texas
Elisabeth Brown of Garland, Texas
Katherine Johnson of Mesquite, Texas

8 Great Grandchildren

Brother: Jack Brown

Sister: Clive Rush

Preceded in death by
Grandson: Daniel James Brown
Parents: Perry Maxey Brown and Merle Stratton Brown
Brothers: Perry Maxey Brown, Dixie Brown
Sisters: Mina Rolbar, Francis Willenberg

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

01/02/2018

Jo Ann Shull Shofner, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, December 31, 2017, at her residence.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. Billy Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Mrs. Shofner was born May 31, 1932, in Shelby County, to Nolan Shull and Lillian Guidry Shull. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, quilting and decorating cakes. Mrs. Shofner was a member of First Baptist Church in Shelbyville.

She is survived by:

Sons:
R.E. “Bubba” Shofner Jr., of Shelbyville
Troy Shofner of Shelbyville, Texas

Granddaughters:
Shari Shofner Sautner of Atlanta, Georgia
Amanda Shofner Graves and husband, Kirk, of Patroon, Texas

Great-Grandsons: Colin Sautner, Rowan Sautner

Brother: George Shull and wife, Betty, of Shelbyville, Texas

Sisters-in-law:
Mickie Shull of Center, Texas
Vivian Hamaker of Shreveport, Louisiana
Billie Marie Corder of Shreveport, Louisiana

Cousins:
Shirley Brittain of Shelbyville, Texas
Jane Ewing of Port Bolivar, Texas
Juanita Beasley of Haslam, Texas
Linda Ann Choate of Galveston, Texas

Special Friend and Daughter: Kellie Jean Baty

Troy’s Special Son: Jamie Carroll and wife, Shelby

Troy’s Special Granddaughter: Tucker Carroll

Special Caregiver and Friend: Hazel Sullivan

Preceded in death by,
Husband: R.E. “Pete” Shofner Sr.
Great Granddaughter: Dixie Graves
Parents: Nolan Shull and Lillian Guidry Shull Monroe
Brother: Eugene Shull
Grandparents: Bill and Fannie Shull
Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law: P.O. and Odell Sample

Pallbearers will be Richard Sharp, Barry Hughes, Brent Hughes, Bart Hughes, James Shull and David Ewing. Honorary pallbearers will be Elton Chumbley, Matt Boren, Donald O’Rear, Walt Baty, Jamie Carroll, Robert Eugene Shull and Jesse Hughes.

A special thanks to Affinity Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memorial donations can be made to Strong Cemetery Fund, c/o Prentice Hendricks, PO Box 1383, Center, Texas 75935 or a charity of your choice.

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

01/01/2018

Funeral service for Mrs. Shirley Fay Garrett (76) of Timpson, Texas will be Saturday, January 6, 2018, 2:00pm at New Prospect Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas. Mrs. Garrett was born on February 19, 1941. Mrs. Garrett died at Nacogdoches Medical Center on December 22, 2017. Rev. George Grace will be officiation.

Mrs. Garrett is survived by:

Daughter: Shelia Aguilar

Granddaughter: Talissa Caraway

Great-Grandchildren: Memoree McClure and Kanas McClure

Sister: Ellis Berry of Timpson, Texas

Visitation: Friday, January 5, 2018 after 1:00pm

Committal: Antioch Cemetery in Timpson, Texas

Repass: Timpson Community Center in Timpson, Texas

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

01/01/2018

Clifford Wayne Craver, 74, of Huxley, passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017, at his residence.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at Toledo Bend Cowboy Church in Shelbyville with Bro. Jeff Spring officiating. Interment will follow at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Craver was born August 5, 1943, in Dyer, Tennessee, to Vincent Ritchey Craver and Flora Lee Sims Craver. He enjoyed music and playing the piano. Mr. Craver was a member of Toledo Bend Cowboy Church, where he served as the music minister for twenty years.

He is survived by
Wife: Judy Craver of Huxley

Children:
Vincent Leroy Craver and wife, Barbara, of Richmond 
Jessica Randall of Huxley

Grandchildren:
Kali Nichole Randall of Huxley
Kalub Christopher Randall of Huxley
Melissa Lee Ann Craver of Nacogdoches
Vincent Bryce Craver of Nacogdoches
Benjamin Luke Craver of Richmond
Olivia Grace Craver of Richmond

Brother: Franklin Robert Craver of Waverly, Tennessee

Preceded in death by
Parents: Vincent Ritchey Craver and Flora Lee Sims Craver
Brother: Milton Eugene Craver

Pallbearers will be Richard Norris, Richard Thrasher, Russell Swaim, Trever Doucet, Landon Oliver and Anthony Tomlin. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Patton, Robert Windham, Ken Cooper and Mike Hubel. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Toledo Bend Cowboy Church, 2543 FM 3172, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.

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

1/1/2018

Idell Fults, 96, of Center, Texas, passed away on December 31, 2017 in Center. She was born on September 16, 1921 in Center to James Porter Fults and Lela Ceapearl Fults. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with Bro. Lynn Johnson officiating.
 
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

1/1/2018

Thomas 0. Davis, Jr. age 94 died peacefully on Saturday, December 30, 2017. Thomas was born in Center, Texas to Judge T.O. and Ella Mae Davis. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Jeff Warren, and his younger brother Charles Edward Davis; and by the late Bertie C. Davis, beloved wife of 62 years. 

Thomas is survived by: 
Daughters and their spouses: 
Deborah and Kevin Whitsett of Dallas, Texas
Diane and Bill Dunnagan of Spring, Texas

Grandchildren: 
Emily Dunnagan
Paul Whitsett
Claire Fittz and husband, Michael
David Dunnagan

Great-grandchildren: 
Harrison Fittz 
Caleb Fittz

Several nieces and nephews

Thomas graduated from Center High School, attended one year at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and graduated from the University of Texas, earning a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering in 1947. WW II interrupted his college education. He received a commission as Ensign, U.S.N.R., at the Notre Dame Midshipman School and served with distinction for three years with half of that time in the Pacific Theater. His last assignment was Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. Prestige, an-underwater mine detection vessel.

Thomas's entire 38-year working career was spent with Atlantic Richfield Company where he began his career as a reservoir test man in DeRidder, LA. He later worked in various engineering positions in Odessa, TX and Longview, TX. He served in Casper, WY and Denver, CO as District Engineer in ARCO's Rocky Mountain District for 8 years. He transferred to Dallas, TX in 1966 and became Principal Buyer for technical equipment in ARCO's Purchasing Department where he worked until his retirement in 1985. 

He served as a deacon at the Skillman Avenue Church of Christ for several years and later became an active member of the Prestoncrest Church of Christ.

Thomas and Bertie traveled extensively in the United States and Canada. Their favorite place was Ogonquit, Maine where they headquartered many times to see the fall colors in New England. They also traveled to Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland and Western Europe. They especially enjoyed England and returned time and time again to the Cotswolds where they stayed in a little village named Burton-on-the-Water. 

They also enjoyed visiting the theater in London. One of their most memorable and emotional experiences was when they walked through the Cemetery for the American World War II Veterans in France near the shore of the English Channel.

A Memorial Service will be at Restland Memorial Chapel on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at 10 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to a charity of your choice.

12/30/2017

Kimberly Ann Sherrod, 50, of New Caney, Texas, passed away on December 28, 2017 in Kingwood. She was born on February 22, 1967 in Nacogdoches to Ora Verdell Christopher and Helen Miller Christopher. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Bro. John Withem officiating. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. A visitation will be held prior to service time from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Kim was a down-to-earth and gentle woman who loved being with family more than anything. “Mimi” would quickly jump at the opportunity to keep her grandchildren and found so much joy caring for each of them. Such a kind and genuine heart, Kim really knew how to be a wonderful sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. If she was not at home taking care of family, Kim enjoyed shopping and traveling the world on cruises. She was proud to say that she knew the Lord.

Kim is survived by her husband of 33 years, Timothy Sherrod of New Caney; parents, Ora and Helen Christopher of Nacogdoches; children, Stacy Sherrod of Center, Kayla Sherrod of Porter, Shelby Sherrod of New Caney and Forrest Rushing of Cleveland; brothers, Ronald Miller and wife, Betty of Nacogdoches, Steve Christopher and wife, Rhonda of Martinsville, and Joey Christopher and wife, Lindsay of Nacogdoches; sister, Tresa Ady and husband, Tony of Nacogdoches; eleven grandchildren, Kolton, Cody, Kaptan, Sequin, David, Blake, Leo, Mariah, Jeremiah, Joey, and Loghen; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Ora Verdell “Bubba” Christopher, Jr.

Pallbearers will be Kayla Sherrod, Stacy Sherrod, Shelby Sherrod, Forrest Rushing, Joey Christopher, and Cody Burrage.

Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

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.

12/30/2017

Louise Faulk Worsham,

92, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 4, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Brad Faulk officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Worsham was born May 28, 1925, in Tenaha, to John T. Holmes and Era Cox Holmes. She was a cosmetologist and also worked in the family business of Worsham Grocery in Joaquin for many years. Mrs. Worsham was a member of Jackson Baptist Church in Joaquin.

She is survived by
Son: Terry Faulk and wife, Myriam, of Spring, Texas

Step-Children:
Jill Kay and husband, Ken, of Joaquin, Texas
Kay Childress of Tenaha, Texas
Phil Worsham and wife, Debra, of Joaquin

Daughter-in-law: Candi Faulk of Rockwall, Texas

Grandchildren:
Sandy Farr of Bullard, Texas
Bradley Faulk of Richland, Washington
Ashley Holcombe of Pasco, Washington
Alesha Seroczyski of Grainger, Indiana
Danise Faulk of Dallas, Texas
Damon Faulk of Wylie, Texas

19 Great-Grandchildren

Step-Grandchildren:
Josh Childress
Nena Ivey
Sarah Gand y
Travis Worsham
Olivia Worsham
Shelby Commer
Cassey Porter
Jacob Kay

A number of step-great-grandchildren

Sisters:
Ever Andreason of South Dakota
Irene Yancy of Houston, Texas

Preceded in death by
Husbands: A.D. Faulk, Levis Worsham
Son: Danny Faulk
Son-in-law: Buddy Childress
Parents: John T. Holmes and Era Cox Holmes
Sisters: Vivian Owens, Clara Holmes

Pallbearers will be Damon Faulk, Jacob Kay, Phil Worsham, Ken Kay, John Owens and Matt Commer. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Farr, Jacob Farr, Josh Childress, Travis Worsham, Kyle Ivey, Bryan Gandy and Matt Porter.

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

12/29/2017

Ms. Willie Mae Cartwright, 58, of Shelbyville passed away Tuesday morning at her residence in Shelbyville. 

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Ms. Willie Mae Cartwright is survived by:
Daughter: Raetta (Hollis) Polk of Nacogdoches, Tx.

Sons:
Kinshana Cartwright of Jacksonville, Tx.
Cortez Cartwright of Shelbyville, Tx.

Sisters:
Shirley Hightower of Houston, Tx.
Sophia Cartwright of Center, Tx.
Shelia Cartwright of Shelbyville, Tx.

Brothers:
Wayne Thompson of Center, Tx.
Billy Bennett of Shelbyville, Tx.
Larry (Camilla) Cartwright of Shelbyville, Tx.

12/28/2017

Irene Meurer, 89, of Center, passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2017, in Center.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 31, 2017, at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Mrs. Meurer was born March 28, 1928, in Ft. Worth, to Joseph Hank Smith and Opal Irene Moorehead Smith.  She was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by
Children:
Frances Sprouse of Austin
Mary Watts of Palestine
Carolyn Glasscock of Tyler
Betty Davis of Joaquin
Patsy Meurer of Tyler
James Meurer of Palestine

Grandchildren:
Delvin
Billy
James
Kathy 
Jearl
Danny
Rebecca
Kelly
Misty 
Crystal
Kim
Chasity
Michael
James
Joe

A number of great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by 
Daughter: Janette Miles
Parents: Joseph Hank Smith and Opal Irene Moorehead Smith
2 Sisters
2 Brothers

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

12/27/2017

Joe McCary, 93, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on December 26, 2017 in Center. He was born on December 3, 1924 in Shelby County to John and Sarah Chambliss then lovingly adopted by John French McCary and Alice Huntington McCary. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. James Risinger and Bro. Son Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery. 

A visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel. 

After serving in the United States Army in World War II, Joe moved to Houston working for the City of Houston water department while also owning and operating McCary Furniture and Appliance. After retiring, he came back to East Texas and settled here with his family. He was one of the hardest working men around. He was the owner of Patroon Concrete and took great pride in his work. Joe was also a lover of people and people loved him equally in return. He enjoyed visiting with anyone that wanted to take the time to talk. On any day of the week, you could stop by and find Joe in the front porch swing or walking in the pasture. Those peaceful moments outdoors were some of his favorite. Baby and Bitty, his sweet feline friends, were sure to be close to his side. Joe was known for being a great craftsman, and he loved traveling to flea markets to sell his creations, especially his swings. Joe was a good provider for his family and made sure they had whatever they needed. 

Joe is survived by:
His daughters: 
Barbara Risinger and husband, James of Goober Hill
Ruthie Folsom and husband, Wayne of Center
Rhonda McSwain of Center

Step-sons: 
Johnnie Ponder and wife, Flordelis of Rockwall
Clifford Ponder of Dallas
Tom Ponder and wife, Delicia of Lewisville

Grandchildren: 
Mark Jackson
David Jackson and wife, Christy
Cody Folsom and wife, Maggie
Casie Windham and husband, Landon
Ashton Askew and husband, John
Roscoe McSwain, Jr. and wife, Ronna
Bryan Ponder
Michael Ponder
Kristina Petralia

Great-grandchildren:
Lane and Madison Jackson
Dawson and Ethan Jackson
Allie Windham
Annistyn McSwain
Lemley Folsom
John Camden Askew

Special friend: Maggie Hudson and her granddaughter, Liberty.

He is preceded in death by his wives, Martha Luman McCary and Mildred Chandler McCary; parents, John and Alice McCary; and four brothers.

Pallbearers will be Mark Jackson, Lane Jackson, Landon Windham, John Askew, Cody Folsom, and David Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers are Dawson Jackson, Ethan Jackson, Kenneth Hardy, Jimmy Strong, Johny Covington, and Paul Birdwell.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Rather Cemetery. 

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.

12/26/2017

Donald Francis (Don) Schmutz, age 83 of Center, Texas passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at the Overton Brooks VA Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, succumbing to his battle with cancer. Don and Judy moved to Center, Texas in 1967 where Don was a very successful businessman. He raised a family in Shelby County where all of his children graduated from both Center and Shelbyville High Schools. Don and Judy semi-retired in 1989 and moved to West Yellowstone, Montana, working in the restaurant food service industry for 10 years before returning to Shelby County.

Don was born to John and Enda (Christenson) Schmutz on December 29, 1933 in Peoria, Illinois. Don married Judith Ann (Judy) Van Dusen on June 5, 1957 and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this summer. Don is survived by his sons Randy (wife Amber); Ricky (wife Grace), Rodney (wife Michelle) and Cassidy (wife Nana); his grandchildren Cade, Conner & Calli (Randy & Amber); Patrick and Sarah (Rodney & Michelle); Ryan & Sophia (Cassidy & Nana); Amber Luzko (Rhonda); his great grandchildren Annabelle and Katya (Amber Luzko). Don is also survived by his sister Mary Lou Meis from Peoria, Illinois and many wonderful nephews and nieces. Don was preceded in death by his daughter Rhonda, his parents, John and Edna Schmutz, his brother Jim Schmutz and his sisters Vivian Litterest, Elaine Skaggs, Dorothy Drieth, Beverly Christensen.

Don served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954 and was honorably discharged with the rank of 3rd Class Signalman. While serving in the Navy, Don attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus. Honorary Pallbearers will be his lifelong friend Bill Jones and his grandsons, Patrick Schmutz, Cade Schmutz and Conner Schmutz and Tommy Hughes and Tim Wulf.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 28th from 5pm to 7pm at Watson & Sons Funeral Home located at 1554 TX Hwy 7 in Center, Texas. Funeral will be Friday, December 29th at 10am at the St. Therese Catholic Church located at 717 FM 2974 in Center, Texas. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley, Texas.

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

12/26/2017

Odell Shofner Sample, 86, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on December 26, 2017 in Center. She was born on February 23, 1931 in Shelbyville. Funeral services for Mrs. Sample will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. 

A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel.

Odell grew up in Shelbyville and graduated from Shelbyville High School. She took pride in being a virtuous woman who truly loved the Lord and Savior. Odell was a living example of what a woman of God should be for her husband and for her family. She loved, supported, cared for and stood beside the love of her life, P.O. Sample for 67 years until his passing. She was passionate about serving her family to the best of her ability and make sure to always be available for them no matter the circumstances. Odell was a fantastic Grandma to her entire crew and each one was a special sparkle in her eye.

Odell loved to work outside in the flower beds and mowing her yard. She also enjoyed sewing and making clothes for others. If Odell wasn’t outside taking in God’s beautiful creations, she would definitely be found in the kitchen cooking up a scrumptious meal. She was famous for her fried chicken and her chicken and dumplings. 

Odell was a member of Shelbyville First Baptist Church. 

Odell is survived by:

Children:
Cathy Brittain of Shelbyville
Debbie Snider and husband, Billy of Center
Larry Sample and wife, Debbie of Center

Grandchildren:
Rodney Brittain of Shelbyville
Nikki Brittain of Richmond
Jill Jefferson and husband, Keith of Shelbyville
Karen Liker and husband, Jason of Center
Bridget Kirkwood and husband, Donny of Salado
Matt Snider and wife, Mallory of Center
Pat Sample of Center
Stephanie Harkness and husband, Justin of Center
Ashley Hayes of Houston
Mary Alford and husband, Wayne of Timpson
Christopher Peurifoy and wife, Becky of Longview

Great-grandchildren:
Aaron, Jesse, Jake and Ariel Liker
Trace Brittain
Logan and Morgan Jefferson
Cyper and Tolan Harkness
Bronson and Bryanna Sample
Braylyn and Millie Sims
Garrett Kirkwood
Mason Snider
Bella and Mackee Alford
Caleb Peurifoy

Sisters:
Vivian Hamaker and husband, CJ of Shreveport
Billie Corder and husband, Charles of Shreveport

Brothers:
Joe Shofner and wife, Shirley of Center
Doug Sample and wife, Myrtle of Pittsburg
Donald Sample and wife, Deloris of Quitman
Ronnie Sample and wife, Deborah of Jasper

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, P.O. Sample; parents, Arvie and Della Shofner; and brothers, Jack and Pete Shofner.

Pallbearers will be Pat Sample, Matt Snider, Aaron Liker, Logan Jefferson, Keith Jefferson, Jake Liker, and Jesse Liker.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Affinity Hospice, Latham Cemetery, or Pine Grove Nursing Home.

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

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