Obituaries
03/19/2018
John Bradley Ballinger, 52, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on March 17, 2018 in Center. He was born on July 8, 1965 in Hanford, California to Edward Haskel Ballinger and Lillian Grozier Ballinger. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
03/18/2018
Billy Don Hughes, 78, of Center, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018, at his residence.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. Danny Dodson officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Billy Don was born August 23, 1939, in Center, to Theron Hughes and Thelma Gathwright Hughes. In his early years, he was a plumber. He learned his trade from a family owned business, H & W Plumbing. From there, he began his own plumbing business, which he operated for several years. He later established Hughes Backhoe & Dirt Work. After retirement, Billy Don still followed in his father’s footsteps; always able to negotiate a good business deal. Billy Don was a hard worker, but he also enjoyed having a good time. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was even featured in an edition of The Hunter’s Horn during his fox hunting days. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling with his lovely wife, Janice, and taking family trips to the beach. His family was his world. Billy Don was passionate about supporting world missions, especially his brother’s ministry, Bible Baptist Church in Cebu City, Philippines. He was a faithful prayer warrior and active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Center.
He is survived by
Wife: Janice Hughes of Center
Daughters:
Joyce Bush and husband, Michael Henry, of Center
Katha Hughes of Center
Donna Parker and husband, Tony, of Center
Suzette Smith and husband, Billie, of Port Neches
Stepdaughters:
Brandi Brown and husband, Chad, of Nacogdoches
Lee Ann Masterson and husband, R.J., of Center
Stepson: Jody Martin of Center
Grandchildren:
Michael David Bush and wife, Nicole
Lindsey Jackson and husband, Devin
Bo Chandler
Ryan Chandler and wife, Ashley
Cortney Hughes and husband, Chad
Emily Cagle
Allison Cagle
Jessica Smith
Zack Smith and wife, Nicole
Savannah Dahn Cessac and husband, Collin
Logan Brown
Cayman Brown
James Martin
Livia Martin
Honorary Grandson: Jason Burch
Great-Grandchildren:
McKynzie
Taylor
Ryan
Colton
MaKayla
Briley
Jordan
Lainey
Calob
Cole
Keaton
Kinzley
Drake
Mia
Racyn
Kayla
Michael
Tyler
Jaycee
Hayden
Jaeleigh
Emma
Rylan
Madison
Coy
Carter
Carson
Great-Great-Grandchildren
Tenley
Ryker
Ally
Avery
Chandler
Brother: Richard Hughes and wife, Rita, of Center
Brothers-in-law:
Billy Williams and wife, Cathy, of Center
Jimmy Snider and wife, Rhonda, of Timpson
Jeffrey Snider and wife, Sharon, of Carthage
Jason Snider and wife, Tiffany, of Center
Sister-in-law: Jimmie Hughes of Jasper
Mother-in-law: Johnnie Snider of Center
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends
Lifetime Treasured Friends: Bobby and Kay Watson
Preceded in death by
Parents: Theron Hughes and Thelma Gathwright Hughes
Wife and Mother of his children: Linda Joyce Hughes
Brothers: J.T. Hughes, Jack Hughes, Alton Hughes, Dalton Hughes, Missionary Bob Hughes, Kenneth Hughes, and Johnny Hughes
Sister: Mary Hughes
Pallbearers will be Michael Bush, Bo Chandler, Ryan Chandler, Jason Burch, Bobby Watson and Zack Warr. Honorary pallbearers will be Price Wilburn, Bobby Bushiey, Bill Williams, Maxie Eaves, Colton Etheridge, Hayden Hughes, Cole Chandler, Caleb Chisenhall, Drake Lutz, Keaton Smith and Rylan Halstead.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Bob Hughes Memorial Mission Fund, Central Missionary Clearinghouse, PO Box 219228, Houston, Texas 77218-9228.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
03/17/2018
James Allen Cockrell, 67, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018, at his residence.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 19, 2018, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating. Interment will follow at Sholar Cemetery in Joaquin.
Mr. Cockrell was born December 7, 1950, in Mansfield, Louisiana, to James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg Cockrell. He graduated from Joaquin High School in 1969. Mr. Cockrell later purchased Toledo Motor Supply in Logansport, Louisiana, where he was the owner and operator for twenty nine years. His hobbies included high school sports and vintage automobiles. He was a huge Longhorn fan. His family often referred to him as “Jack of all trades, master of most”. There wasn’t much he couldn’t accomplish. A couple of his major accomplishments were serving twenty years on the Joaquin ISD School Board and also serving several years on the Shelby County Appraisal Board. Above all, his family was the most important part of his life. All moments spent with them were treasured moments. Mr. Cockrell was a member of Truitt Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by
Children:
James Derek Cockrell and wife, Carly, of Tenaha
Wendy Gurley and husband, Adam, of Logansport, Louisiana
Grandchildren:
CPL James Grafton and wife, Sarah, of California
Amy Grafton of Bossier City, Louisiana
Dalton Grafton of Bossier City, Louisiana
Jace Gurley of Logansport, Louisiana
Great-Grandson: Miles Grafton of California
Brothers:
Joe Cockrell and wife, Karen, of Grayson, Louisiana
John Cockrell and wife, Karen, of Prosper
Jay Dee Cockrell and wife, Selisha, of Joaquin
Uncle and Aunt: Jerry and Margret Cockrell of Joaquin
Numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends
Preceded in death by
Parents: James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg Cockrell
Son-in-law: James Michael Grafton
Sister-in-law: Cynthia Cockrell
Pallbearers will be Rodney Dean, Phil Worsham, Robbie Woodfin, Kenny Weeks, Roy Cheatwood and Randy Bonner. Honorary pallbearers will be Neal McFadden and Larry Kay.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Sholar Cemetery, c/o Jay Cockrell, 8334 Highway 84 East, Joaquin, Texas 75954.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
03/17/2018
Pauline Lorah, 89, of Center, passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018, in Center.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Included in her survivors are her children, Cindi Taylor and Tommy Miller.
Additional information and service times will be announced at a later time.
03/16/2018
Lisa Marie Swindle Hill, 49, formerly of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on March 15, 2018 at the hospital in Longview, Texas after a battle with cancer.
Lisa was born February 6, 1969 in Fairbanks, Alaska to Archie and Clarice Swindle of Shelbyville, Texas.
In addition to her parents, Lisa is survived by her 15-year-old son, Xavier D. Hill, a brother, Levard Swindle and his wife, Heidi from Shelbyville, a brother, Gerald M. Swindle from Nacogdoches, as well as many uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Lisa was preceded in death by her brother Jonathan Swindle.
A memorial service is planned, but details are pending.
03/15/2018
Jeannine Ann Morris, 74, of Nacogdoches, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at her residence.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 17, 2018, at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.
Mrs. Morris was born March 9, 1944, in Fremont, Ohio, to William Paul Mader and Anna Marie Kavanaugh Mader. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing and crafting. She enjoyed art and had a love for animals. Some of her favorite memories were made while drinking coffee with family and friends.
She is survived by:
Children:
Thomas Morris and wife, DeDe, of Center
Matthew Morris of Austin
Amanda Morris of Bentonville, Arkansas
Sarah Guerrero and husband, Chris, of Nacogdoches
Jennylind Doyle and husband, Tim, of Plano
6 Grandchildren
5 Great-Grandchildren
11 Grand Cats
10 Grand Dogs
Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends
She is preceded in death by
Husband: Stephen Morris
Parents: William Paul Mader and Anna Marie Kavanaugh Mader
Sister: Mary Burnett
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The O'Malley Alley Cat Organization at http://omalleypet.org/ or call (936) 556-2754.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
03/15/2018
Larry Wayne "Bear" Hubbard, age 63 of Center, passed away Tuesday morning, March 13, 2018 at Pine Grove Nursing Center. Funeral service is at 1pm Saturday, March 17, 2018 at Center Triumph Church with interment at Thompson Cemetery, Shelbyville, Texas. Dr. Rev. Jackie Garrett officiating.
He is survived by:
Daughter, Alice Sanders of Center
Son, Brandon Suell of Tyler
Sisters:
Karen Jackson of Center
Charlotte Garrett of Center
Brothers:
Vernon Garrett of Center
Danny (Vernice) Brown of Center
Dr. Rev. Jackie Garrett (Joyce) of Beaumont
1 Grandchild
Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
03/14/2018
Fred Elisha Luman of Evadale was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 13, 2018.
Fred was born in April 19, 1926 to Dollie Metcalf and Lum Luman. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine during World War II. He married Myra Billingsly on February 2, 1948; they were blessed with 53 years of marriage. Fred retired from South Hampton Refinery.
He enjoyed camping, going to Bluegrass festivals, and the annual family reunion during the week of Thanksgiving, known as “The Hunt.” He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Evadale for 40 years.
Fred was a loving father, granddad, great granddad, and uncle who will be missed dearly. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dana, Britney, and Holly with CIMA Hospice.
Fred is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Myra; sisters, Bernice, and Martha; and a brother, Maurice.
Fred is survived by:
Daughter, Brenda Buckley, and husband, Chris, of Buna
Sons:
Kenneth Luman, and wife, Abbie, of Woodville
Tommy Luman, and wife Ginger, of Silsbee
Grandchildren:
Cory Buckley, and wife, Nancy, of Navasota
Heather Reveglia, and husband, Chance, of Vinton, LA
Dusty Luman, and wife, Kellie, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Cassie Del Pino, and husband, Peter, of Evadale
Great-grandchildren:
Caleb, Samantha, and Sarah Buckley
Audrey, Eric, Cole, and Lily Reveglia
Logan Del Pino
Sister, Madge Metcalf
As well as numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 15, 2018 in the Chapel at Lumberton Family Funeral Home from 5;00pm to 7:00pm. A Life Honoring Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Friday, March 16, 2018 at 2:00pm. Interment will follow immediately at Kirbyville City Cemetery in Kirbyville.
03/14/2018
Clara Little was born September 25, 1914 in Henderson, Texas to Ike and Mollie Lunsford. She entered into rest on March 12, 2018 in Nacogdoches, Texas having reached the age of 103 years. She was the oldest living member of Freewell Baptist District. She was a member of Mt. Union Freewell Baptist Church.
Funeral Service will be at 2:00pm, Friday, March 16, 2018 at the Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, Texas. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 pm before service. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Garrison, Texas. Bro. John Voss and Bro. Al Hancock will officiate the service
Survivors
Daughter: Dorothy Jean Little Staine of Garrison, Texas
Son: Robert Hurston Little of Garrison, Texas
Grandchildren:
Roy Harris
Deborah Jean Little
Charlotte Gay Calwell
Robert Lane Little
Cheryl Cranford
Benita Loundquist.
A host of Great Grandchildren, Great Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceded in death by:
Husband; Robert Harland Little
Son; Franklin Dewayne Little
Grandson; Kenneth Harris
2 sisters and 9 brothers
03/14/2018
Lila R. Nichols, 90, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on March 14, 2018 in Tenaha. She was born on September 25, 1927. Services are pending at this time with Mangum Funeral Home.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Lillie R. “Bootsy” Duncan was born October 17, 1928 in Garrison, Texas to Sam and Leaner Franks. She entered into rest on March 13, 2018 in Nacogdoches, Texas.
03/13/2018
James Edward Hairgrove, 92, left this world on March 13, 2018 in Houston, TX. He was born on February 21, 1926 on the family farm in the Buena Vista Community near Timpson, TX, to Wilburn N. and Pearl Burns Hairgrove. He was the oldest of seven children and attended his first few years of school in Tenaha, TX, moving to the Buena Vista School for 3rd through 8th grades and graduating from Timpson High School in 1943. After a one-year deferment for being the oldest son on a working farm, James Edward served in the US Army in WWII from January 1945 until November 1946. He trained to invade Japan by land, leaving port the same day the first atomic bomb was dropped. He became part of the occupation forces on Okinawa, where he guarded Japanese prisoners who he said were just as relieved the war was over as he was.
Upon returning home, James Edward attended classes at Stephen F. Austin State University, the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Houston where he majored in Electrical Engineering while working for Houston Lighting & Power, where he remained for 15 years.
After being introduced by friends from their respective jobs, Jim (as he was known in Houston) and Grace Rehrig (originally of Easton, PA) were married on March 1, 1957 in Houston and were blessed with two children, Kay Ann (1958) and Ronald James (1961). They resided in southeast Houston until moving to Pearland in the early 1970’s to a new home that Jim designed, built and lived in until moving to assisted living in 2016.
Jim became a Master Electrician and Owner of Certified Electric, an electrical contracting company that specialized in residential and small commercial projects. He and Grace ran the company together for over twenty years before selling the business. In retirement, Jim began remodeling his weekend home at Lake Murvaul, where the family has spent many happy times together. His other hobbies included photography and woodworking.
He is survived by:
Daughter, Kay Hairgrove Krenek and husband Wilfred of Houston, TX
Daughter-in-law, Susan Flournoy Hairgrove
Grandson, James Colton Hairgrove of Tenaha, TX
Sisters:
Wilma Culp of Lampasas, TX
Frances McIntyre of Timpson, TX
Brothers, Franklin Hairgrove and Bill Hairgrove, both of Timpson, TX
As well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Grace; their son Ronald James Hairgrove of Tenaha, TX; his brother Van Hairgrove of Center, TX; and sister JoNell Young of Marshall, TX.
A visitation will be held at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, TX on Friday, March 16 from 5:00-7:00 PM followed by a funeral service on Saturday, March 17 at 10:00 AM, also at Taylor Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Buena Vista Cemetery. Special appreciation to Maria Perales of Pearland, TX, who assisted Jim over the last 18 years and to the caring staff of Fairbanks Court Assisted Living in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to his family’s Historic Texas Cemetery, established in 1851 and recognized by the Texas Historical Commission.
Buena Vista Cemetery
c/o Frances McIntyre
3442 CR 4916
Timpson TX 75975-9336
To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.taylorfh.net
03/12/2018
Randolph Wayne “Randy” Forbes, 60 of Shelbyville, passed away March 7, 2018 in Shelbyville, Texas. He was born May 2, 1957 in Chateauroux, France to Jeanine Helene (Daigle) and Arvis Oscar Forbes. He was a member of Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church, Hwy 417 East (Off Hwy 87 South) in Shelbyville.
He is survived by:
Wife, Crystal Lynn Forbes of Shelbyville, TX
Children: Tracy Forbes and spouse, Alyx Aran; grandson Marcus and granddaughter Midna of Mesquite, TX
Mother: Jeanine Helene Daigle of Anahuac, TX
Stepson: Jack Christopher Allbritton, wife Tonya; their daughters, Sheena and Ciara, and son Jadan of Nacogdoches County, TX
Stepson: Bradley Cole Allbritton and wife Crystal; and their six children of San Antonio, TX
Sister: Linda Forbes Bratsch and husband Gary; nephews Keegan and Taylor Bratsch; niece Marin Bratsch of Crosby, TX
Sister: Patsy Forbes Bryan and husband Darrell; niece Ashley Bryan and Claire Bryan of Houston
Brother: Dennis Alan Forbes and wife Melissa; niece Allie Forbes of Houston, TX
Half-Sister: Darlene Forbes Abshier and husband Ronnie; their daughters Ronni and Kodi Abshier of Anahuac, TX
Half-Brother: Jeff Swanson Forbes; nephews Gage and Darion of Onarga, Illinois
Stepbrothers: Mike Daigle and Lee Daigle of Baytown, TX
Preceeded in death by father, Arvis Oscar Forbes, Jr; grandfather, Arvis Oscar Forbes, Sr; Grandmother, Winnie Theresa Forbes; and stepfather, Dudley Lee Daigle.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Mount Calvary Full Gospel Church, Hwy 417 East, Shelbyville, TX (Off Hwy 87 South.) Food to be served immediately after the service. Friends and family are invited to attend. Church will be open at 10:00 am for those wishing to send flowers or contact Crystal Forbes for the home address.
03/12/2018
Charles Edward “Charlie” Hawpe, 77, of Duncanville, Texas departed this life and joined his parents and beloved grandfather in heaven on March 9, 2018.
Charles was born on September 21, 1940 to Boyce Edward and Dora Aileen White Hawpe in Fort Worth, Texas. He grew up in Lake Worth, Texas and graduated from Lake Worth High School in 1957. Charles married Joan Leigh Yandell on September 8, 1961 in Fort Worth, Texas.
He graduated from North Texas State University in 1964 and earned his master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1984. Charles was an educator and taught high school in Munday, North Richland Hills, Rocksprings, and Center, Texas.
Charles moved with his family to Center in 1976. He taught ICT at Center High School for many years where he made lifelong friends and positively impacted the lives of his students. In 1993, he and Joan moved to Duncanville, Texas where he lived until his death.
In his younger years, Charles was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to travel, particularly in the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. In later life, he greatly enjoyed socializing with his close friends at the VFW 7843 and American Legion Post 81 in Duncanville.
Charles was a family man who was devoted to his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.
He is survived by:
Wife of 56 years, Joan Leigh Yandell Hawpe
Daughters:
Sheri Diane Campbell-Kaiser and her husband Patrick
Sheila Lynette Haddox and her husband Matt
Grandchildren:
Timothy Bryan Campbell
1LT Erik Edward Campbell
Whitney Leigh Haddox
Hailey Ruth Haddox
Charles had an incredible support network in his friends at both the VFW and Post 81. These friends greatly enriched the last years of his life and the family thanks them for the kindness and love extended to him.
In lieu of flowers, the family simply requests that you love your family as Charles loved his and do a kind deed for another in his memory. A private memorial for family will be held Tuesday, March 13.
03/11/2018
Funeral service for Mr. Fred Mandrell Williams, Jr. (61) of Glenn Heights, Texas will be Friday, March 16, 2018 at Friendship Baptist Church in Tenaha, Texas at 1:00pm. Mr. Williams died March 7, 2018 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Williams was born April 12, 1956. Pastor, Carlton Walls will be officiating.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 15, 2018 from the hours of 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Hicks Chapel with committal at Bo Bo Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas.
Mr. Williams is survived by:
Wife: Mildred Williams of Glenn Heights, Texas
Daughter: Ivanna Williams of Los Angeles, California
Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas.
03/11/2018
Grace Choron found eternal peace on 9 March 2018. Grace was born 4 November 1920 in Shelby County and lived to be 97. She enjoyed a lifetime of events, monumental milestones, and a wonderful family.
Grace graduated Center High School with the class of 39. Afterwards, she would marry the love of her life and be together with him for 59 years. She worked a variety of jobs ranging from farm work with her family to Western Auto. But she would find her biggest success with opening her own floral business known as Grace’s Nursery, where she provided some of the best floral products to Shelby County for over 30 years.
After her retirement, she enjoyed a little travel and spending more time enjoying her hobbies which included watching the Dallas Cowboys, wrestling, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She would be the first to tell you that, all though we mourn the loss of a loved one, it is the acceptance of Jesus that grants us eternal life.
She is preceded in death by her parents Henry and Maybelle Askew
Her husband, Wilton Choron
Her son, James (Jimmy) Choron
Brothers and sisters Norris, Dorris, Morris, and Iris
She is survived by her grandchildren,
Erik and wife Valerie Choron
Megan Choron
Heather and husband Steven Munding
Great grandchildren
Lydia Choron
Reilly Henderson
Cameron Cubstead
Lillian Choron-Munding
Guinevere Choron-Munding
Alexis Choron-Munding
Breanna Hartley
Family friends Stanley Pritchett and Lisa Adams
And numerous nieces and nephews
A special thank you to the staff of Pine Grove Nursing Home and Affinity Hospice, she considered you all family and loved all of you.
Services will be presided by Bro. Gordon Vaughn with the assistance of Eastern Star Lodge No. 348 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., with interment following at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 12, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
03/09/2018
William Ginn Jr., 87, of Center, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2018, in Center.
Due to family illness, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Among his survivors is his wife, Eleanor Ginn of Center and his sons, David Ginn and Andrew Ginn.
03/09/2018
Funeral for George Springer, 71, of Garrison, Texas will be at 2:00 pm, Sunday, March 11, 2018, at Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, Texas with Bro. John McGuire officiating, Burial will be at Cold Springs Cemetery, Garrison, Texas.
Mr. Springer died Thursday, March 8, 2018 in Tyler, Texas. He was born March 21, 1946.
Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Garrison Funeral Home.
03/09/2018
Samantha Grigsby, 49, of Timpson, passed away Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Texarkana, Texas.
Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 18, 2018, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.
Mrs. Grigsby was born November 5, 1968, in Beaumont, Texas, to Jack Graham Grigsby and Judy Shirlene Hiller. She was a member of Christian Motorcycle Association and was of the Christian faith.
She is survived by
Children:
Danielle Grigsby of Timpson
Scott Husband of Kerrville
Suzanna Husband of Timpson
Grandchildren:
Jasper Lee Jordan
Chris Leewayne Bolton
Allen Jerome White Jr.
Brothers and Sisters:
Mark Chantzifotis of Baytown
Mary Chantzifotis of Tenaha
Jeanne Grigsby of Willis
Cora Grigsby of Willis
Tammy Johnson of Austin
A number of other family members and friends
Preceded in death by
Parents: Jack Graham Grigsby and Judy Shirlene Hiller
Brother: Michael Chantzifotis
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
03/09/2018
Dorice Marjorie McKinley Anderson, 90, of Tenaha, Texas, received her blessed release on March 8, 2018, in Mt. Enterprise. She was born on August 20, 1927 in Houston, Texas, to George Elliot McKinley and Annalee Schultze McKinley. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Mangum Funeral Home with visitation prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery in the Fellowship Community in Joaquin.
Dorice grew up in Houston and was a member of The Disciples of Christ Church, where her mother was the organist and her father sang routinely as a soloist. She graduated from high school and then attended The University of Houston Business College. She met Charles Henry Anderson when he was visiting friends living in her neighborhood, and they married a year later on January 22, 1949, a union that would span sixty years. Shortly after their marriage, Dorice worked as an executive secretary for Bilbo Redding Drilling Company in Houston until moving to Alvin, Texas, in 1963. She later worked at Alvin Elementary School as an administrative assistant to the principal. She retired in 1990 and moved with Charles to their farm in East Texas near Flat Fork Creek. Widowed in 2009, Dorice continued to live at the farm, caring for her land and animals.
Dorice was a woman of many talents and abilities. She loved the challenge of learning, teaching herself to needlepoint and to crochet, to grow roses, herbs and fruit trees, and invent delicious recipes. She read the “Houston Post” daily and kept up with the latest styles in fashion. Meanwhile, her daily attire usually included rubber boots: she fed songbirds, hummingbirds, cats and dogs.
She relished the outdoors. An expert camper, she guided her Girl Scout troops on primitive camping excursions. She loved being a scout leader. While serving as president of the South Texas Girl Scout Council, Dorice was instrumental in the acquiring the Scouts’ very first camp, located along the Colorado River. She also created an after school program where scouts helped at-risk children do their homework. Later, she would continue volunteering with children through teaching Sunday School.
Dorice, as wife, mother, and homemaker, was a gracious hostess who entertained often, preparing all the party food by hand--from slow-simmered Cajun dishes to decadent confections. Dorice doted on her children and grandchildren, baking their favorite treats, finding fun activities for their amusement, and always making them feel especially loved.
Dorice is survived by:
Daughter, Denise Anderson Harclerode and husband, Scott Harclerode, of Mount Enterprise, Texas
Son, John Ellis Anderson of Pounchatoula, Louisiana
Granddaughter:
Cara Leigh Harclerode Case and husband, Christopher Scott Case of Longview, Texas
Katherine O’Brien Harclerode of Highland Park, Texas
Stephanie Lee Anderson of San Antonio, Texas
Numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends, including Mary Kay Longnecker and Betty Jo Longnecker Jacobs of Granbury, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles Henry Anderson; her parents, George and Annalee McKinley; and brothers, George Elliot McKinley, Jr. and William Charles McKinley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Shelby County Outreach Ministries Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1029, Center, Texas, 75935.
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please www.mangumfh.net.
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