Shelby County Today

10/16/2017

Austin Underbrink, 23, of Timpson, passed away on October 15, 2017. He was born on April 9, 1994 in Center, Texas to Barrett Underbrink and Tammy Redmon. Funeral services for Austin will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Son Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at Mangum Funeral Home.

Austin grew up in Shelby County. He attended Joaquin ISD and graduated with the Class of 2012. He was a proud member of the Joaquin Ram Football team and was known as the “Gentle Giant.” He was a fierce competitor on the field, but out of uniform he had a true heart of gold. He really liked attending Word of Faith in Joaquin with his friends. Austin was a hard-working young man that worked in the oil and gas industry on pipelines. While he did not have a lot of spare time off from work, when he did, he was surrounded by family and friends. Austin loved his family and treasured those moments spent around camp fires and just talking. He might show up at his aunts and uncles homes at any moment just to catch up. He also had a great time riding four-wheelers and mud-hogging. Never a negative word was spoken when Austin’s name came up. Everyone in the community knew him as a genuine and caring young man. He was selfless. He never worried about himself but always put others and their needs above his own. He even sent money to random churches and other organizations he would attend while off working just to help out. He was the purest soul you would ever meet.

Austin is survived by:

Mother, Tammy Diane Redmon of Timpson

Father and step-mother, Barrett and Jeneva Underbrink of Center

Brothers:
Shaquille Ingram of Center
Dakota Ingram of Timpson

Sisters:
Kaylee Underbrink of Center
Chelsey Windham and husband, Son of Huxley
Mikaela Stone and fiancé, Patrick of Center
Laela York and husband, Corey of Center

Maternal grandparents:
Joy Lynn Redmon of Center
Verl Redmon of Center

Paternal grandfather, Urban Underbrink, III of Center

Maternal great-grandmother, Johnnie Cassell of Center

Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his uncle, Jason Eli Redmon, great uncle, Jerald Goings, and paternal grandmother, Susan Sanford and paternal great-grandfather, Howell Cassell.

Pallbearers will be Chase Baker, Jeff Estes, Robby Dutton, Tyler McSwain, Lance Lawson, Skyler Gilpatrick, Hayden Ferguson, Dalton Willis, Jamie Carrol, and Justin Underbrink. Honorary pallbearers are Kurstan Underbrink and Joseph LeBlanc.

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

10/13/2017

Hildred Dempsey, 94, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on October 12, 2017. She was born on November 28, 1922 in Timpson to Arthur Thornton and Jewell Bell Morris Thornton. A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 16, 2017 at St. Mary’s of the Epiphany Catholic Church in Timpson, Texas with Father Nelson and Father Jose, Celebrants. Interment will follow at Blair Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Monday, October 16, 2017 at Taylor Funeral Home. Rosary will be at 11:30 AM at Taylor Funeral Home.

Hildred was born and raised in Timpson, Texas. She graduated from Timpson High School and attended Stephen F Austin University. She worked for Southwestern Bell in Houston. She met the love of her life, Joseph John Dempsey, Sr. in Houston, Texas. They married three short months later on October 11, 1945. The two spent over 32 years together before his passing in 1977. After Joe’s passing, Hildred worked for 16 years at the Center Post Office.

Hildred is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe; her parents, Arthur and Jewell Thornton; son, Joseph John Dempsey, Jr.; and sister, Audrey King.

She is survived by:

Son, Thomas Dempsey and fiancé, Deanna Banks of Lafayette, Louisiana

Daughters:
Mary Gordon and husband, Jeff of Friendswood, Texas
Cathy Peters of Missouri City, Texas
Susan Roderick and husband, Homer of Joshua, Texas
Colleen Dickerson and husband, Mason of Lafayette, Louisiana
Maureen Hunt and husband, Dannie of Timpson, Texas

Brother, Ross Thornton and wife, Betty of Timpson, Texas

Fourteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Hildred adored her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Hildred was a peacemaker, never spoke an unkind word, and always found something special in everyone. She was a shining example of Christ-like attributes. She found great joy spending time in her flower gardens, working in the yard, wading on the beach, and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom she lived for each day.

Pallbearers for Mrs. Dempsey’s service will be Andrew Gordon, Michael Gordon, Adam Roderick, Tom Roderick, David Roderick and Joseph Hunt.

Honorary pallbearers are John Angenend and James Allen Sapp.

The family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.taylorfh.net.

10/11/2017

Buford Burt Weaver, 77, of Center, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Joe Walker officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Weaver was born January 17, 1940, to Jay Elmer Weaver and Mary Maurine Koonce Weaver. He enjoyed gardening and woodworking. Mr. Weaver was very active in Logansport Missionary Baptist Church in Logansport, Louisiana.

He is survived by
Wife: Sue Weaver

Children:
Larry Weaver and wife, Pam
Denise Owens and husband, Pete

Grandchildren:
Lindsey Morris
Kolby Owens
Kelsey Owens
Karson Owens
Kamden Owens

Great Grandchildren:
Chesney Davis
Clint Davis
Tennyson Morris
Gentry Owens

Preceded in death by
Grandson: Clint Weaver
Parents: B.D. Koonce and Mary Maurine Koonce Weaver

Pallbearers will be Kolby Owens, Karson Owens, Kamden Owens, Wayne Hendricks, Chad Hughes and Terry Walton.

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

10/11/2017

Estelle Scott Burgay, 94, of Timpson, Texas passed away on October 10, 2017 in Garrison, Texas.  Born September 30, 1923, Estelle is the daughter of the late Leroy and Lizzie (Bass) Scott.  Visitation will be held Thursday October 12, 2017 from 6-8PM at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas.  Funeral service will be held Friday October 13, 2017 at 2PM at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas with Bro. Ronnie Sowell officiating.  Interment will follow in Blair Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

Born and raised in Shelby County, Texas, Estelle was one of seven children.  She graduated Timpson High School. She then went to work at the local pharmacy where she met the love of her life, Dallas Burgay, whom she spent over 58 years with until his passing.  She had an abundant love for children, keeping many through the years.  Ms. Estelle loved working in her flower garden.  She enjoyed spending time outdoors She found great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Nanny loved each one of them.  Ms. Estelle was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church serving the Lord in many capacities.  

Ms. Estelle is survived by
Her loving daughters: 
Judy Vaughn
Yvonne Ramsey

Grandchildren: 
Stephen Burgay and wife Belinda
Donna Vaughn Skinner and husband Ben
Amanda McAlexander Ross
Robin Ramsey Hooper and husband Tracy
Penny Ramsey
Chuck Kay and wife Kathy
Selisha Cockrell and husband Jay Dee

Great-grandchildren:
Margo Hooper
April Ramsey
Hannah Ross
Benjamin Skinner
Ashley Skinner
McKenzie Burgay
Chandler Burgay
Karly Kay
Michael Kay
Kade Cockrell
Jodi Cockrell

Great-great-granchildren:
Brantley Jeff Coat
Brylie Kay

Daughter-in-law: Betty Burgay

Sister-in-law: 
Sharon Scott

Brothers-in-law:
James Weber
Jerry Woodfin

A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Dallas Burgay; parents; son, Stanley Burgay; daughter, Patricia Ann McAlexander and husband Fred; sisters, Oleta Weber, Bobbie Woodfin; brothers, Edward Scott and wife Elizabeth, Bennie Mack Scott and wife Doris Faye, Bob Scott and wife Mary Ann, Jimmy Scott; son-in-laws, Walter “Buddy” Vaughn, and Glynn Ramsey.

Pallbearers serving will be Ben Skinner, Tracy Hooper, Benjamin Skinner, Rex Scott, Stephen Burgay, and Chandler Burgay.

Honorary pallbearers serving will be Smokey Beard, James “Cecil” Woodfin, Roger Scott, James Moore, and Charles Mackey.
 
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net. 

Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.

10/09/2017

Barbara Gene Surette, 67, of Houston, passed away Friday, October 6, 2017, in Houston.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 8pm, Monday, October 9, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 1pm, Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Center.

Mrs. Surette was born November 1, 1949, in Houston, to Jesse Leon Dockens and Juanita Mills Dockens. She enjoyed trail riding and taking care of her horses.

She is survived by
Husband: Clayton Adams of Houston

Sisters:
Dixie Dockens
Debbie Dockens

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Jesse Leon Dockens and Juanita Mills Dockens

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

10/06/2017

Richard Earl Jones, Sr., 82, of Garrison, passed away Wednesday, October 4, 2017, in Garrison.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Garrison Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Caledonia Cemetery in Rusk County.

Mr. Jones was born November 16, 1934, in Covington, Kentucky, to James Earl Jones and Inda Sue Whitley Jones.

He is survived by
Wife: Emma Jones of Garrison

Children:
Sheralen Pollard and husband, Dickie of LaPorte
Richard Earl Jones, Jr. and wife, Christine, of Nacogdoches
James Jones (late wife, Sherry) and Cindy of Lufkin
Timothy Jones and wife, Tonya, of LaPorte
Christopher Jones and wife, Carol, of Mt. Enterprise

Grandchildren:
Kandi Zacker
David Pollard
Joshua Jones
Crystal Jones
Shawn Jones
Stacy Jones
Collin Jones
Hunter Jones
Cameron Jones
Jennifer Pirtle
Christopher Jones II
Stephanie Whitlow

18 Great Grandchildren

Brothers and Sisters:
Johnny Jones of Cleveland
Carolyn Bell of Magnolia
Eileen Fisher of Houston
Russell Jones of Houston
Allison Jones of Houston
Laura Jones of Houston

Numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: James Earl Jones and Inda Sue Whitley Jones
Brother: Charles Jones
Nephew: Charlie Jones

Pallbearers will be David Pollard, Joshua Jones, Shawn Jones, Collin Jones, Hunter Jones, Cameron Jones, Chris Jones II and Chase Julian.

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

10/05/2017

Nancy Lou Shaddox McLendon of Penasco, NM, passed away Wednesday, October 4, after a brave journey through cancer.

Nancy was born September 6, 1941, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She graduated from Ray High School in Corpus Christi and attended Texas A and I University and Stephen F. Austin State University. She held degrees in English, Art, and Special Education.  In the late 1960’s, Nancy settled with her family in Center, Texas. She taught school in Center, Texas and Shelbyville, Texas. She was a well-known artist in the area and enjoyed sharing her talents through art shows, watercolor lessons, and private commissions.

During the summer of 1989, Nancy took a trip to explore New Mexico’s art and landscape. She met a local student in the community of Penasco when she stopped to sketch the view. After learning she was a reading teacher, the young man shared that his reading teacher had just left. She applied for the position and was hired. That was the start of 28 years in the community she fell in love with on the High Road to Taos.

In addition to exploring different art mediums, developing amazing relationships with friends, and teaching school, Nancy established her own small gallery, the Walking Woman Gallery, and participated in events such as Hersday at Art for the Heart, the organization founded by her beloved friend, Jean Nichols. Nancy loved and lived a life rich with culture and art in this community.

Nancy Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Robert H. and Pearl Kathryne Shaddox. She is survived by her children, Robert Michael and Mary Beth Glass and Kathryne Noel and Daniel Olsen; grandchildren, Hannah and Lance Saunders, Teal and Tyler Morris, Emily Glass, and Raleigh Wilkins; and great-grandchildren, Aiden Wilkins, Kodi Kate Morris, and Collins Morris.

At Nancy’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. In lieu of a service the family is planning a celebration tribute of her life and art.  It will be held at her studio during the High Road tour season in 2018.

The family of Nancy Lou Shaddox McLendon has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley.

10/04/2017

Martin Michael “Mike” Middleton was a 5th generation Shelby Countian born at the Sanitorium in Center, Texas on February 13, 1947.  He passed away on October 3, 2017 in Boerne, Texas following a 10-month battle with melanoma.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2017, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 7, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Center.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mike grew up in Shelby County and graduated from Center High School in 1965.  He started working at an early age, including driving the Center band bus. Mike took over his family’s feed mill and poultry business at the age of 16 after his own father passed away.  He remained active in the chicken farming and cattle ranching business for much of his life, but Mike’s primary career was devoted to trucking.  He grew the family business which shipped 3 daily loads of chickens from Center to Seguin into a dedicated trucking company based out of Center.  By the time he semi-retired, Mike was president of Middleton Transportation Company / Lisa Motor Lines, a company that operated several hundred trucks out of Fort Worth and focused on delivering fresh produce and many other food products between producers and grocers across the US, Canada, and Mexico.  Even after retirement, Mike helped his sons run several other trucking companies until 2011.

Mike will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, proud father of 4 boys, and a grandfather that adored his 5 granddaughters and grandson.  He was a loyal friend to many, and a respected businessman and employer.  Mike was a generous philanthropist and went above and beyond to assist family, employees, and complete strangers in need.  In his personal life and his business, Mike was a man of integrity, and his word was his bond.  On the outside, he embodied the tough, rugged Texan ideal, but on the inside he had a large and generous heart and earned the love and respect of many people during his 70 years.  

He is survived by
Wife: Brenda Williams Middleton

Sons: Martin, Michael, Mark, and Matt

Sister: Alice Joy Canales

Brother: Verner Wayne Middleton

Grandchildren: Michaela, Courtney, Breanna, Hannah, Maci, and Micah 

Dog: Benji

Preceded by: Parents Martin McCoy Middleton and Shirley Booth Middleton

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Healthwell Foundation – an organization dedicated to assisting those unable to afford lifesaving medications for chronic illnesses.
http://www.healthwellfoundation.org/ 
Phone: (800) 675-8416

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

10/02/2017

Aillene Roberson, more commonly known as Mrs. Jack Roberson, passed from this life into the waiting arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, October 1, 2017, in Longview, TX.

Born Gladys Aillene Samford on February 10, 1927, in Paxton, Shelby County, Texas, she was the daughter of Rogers Ben and Eula Cammack Samford. She graduated from Tenaha High School in 1944, and then finished her freshman year of college at SFA in May of 1945.

Aillene married Jack Norris Roberson on July 8, 1945, in Tenaha and they began a 57-year journey that would produce 4 sons, 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. 

Preceding her in death was her husband, Coach Jack Roberson, her parents, one brother, Rogers Burke Samford, one daughter-in-law, Patti Roberson, her in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. HG Roberson, brother-in-law, Chuck Roberson, and sister-in-law Mildred Roberson. 

Surviving Aillene are:
Brother: Thomas Fred Samford, and wife, JoAnn of Longview 

Brother-in-law: Charles, and wife, Van of Clear Lake City

Sons: 
Steve Roberson, and wife, Jerrilyne of Longview
Ken Roberson of Stamford
Ric Roberson, and wife, Sue Ann of Coppell
Ron Roberson, and wife, Susie of Spring

Grandchildren:
Mark Roberson, and wife, Stephanie J. of Carthage
Ben Roberson, and wife, Kristi of Longview
Stephanie Cabra, and husband, Juan of Kingwood
Sydney White, and husband, Jason of Abilene
Amanda Powell, and husband, Ben of Austin
Caroline Roberson of Denton
Rhett Roberson of Houston
Abby Roberson of Houston

Great-grandchildren:
Emily Roberson of Nacogdoches
Hannah Roberson of Carthage
Caleb Roberson of Longview
Wesley and Morgan Cabra of Kingwood
Connor White of Abilene

Aillene is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jack and Aillene moved from Tenaha to Carthage in 1951, as Jack took a coaching and teaching position at Carthage High School. Aillene learned to love sports as she was the only female in a house full of boys. She was an excellent homemaker, wife, and mother. She was a selfless person always wanting to help someone else.

After taking an 18 year time out to raise 4 boys, Aillene returned to college in 1963, completed her sophomore year at Panola College, and then graduated with a BA from SFA in 1965, 20 years after she had begun college. She majored in Homemaking with a minor in Art, and said that with her experience raising 4 boys, she could have taught some of the college courses she took. She was skilled as a seamstress, and as a chef deluxe, at least in the eyes of those she was dressing and feeding on a daily basis. 

Aillene taught Home Economics at Carthage High School for 20 years and enjoyed every minute of it. She loved her students and said she couldn’t believe she was getting paid to do something she loved so much. Jack and Aillene were excellent money managers to provide for their family and put 4 boys through college without even one student loan. Of course, the boys were taught to work, were expected to work, and were led by example. Jack taught his boys that work was honorable and that laziness was a sin.

Aillene was a very positive person and always exhibited a positive attitude. When cancer came into her life in 1971, she faced it head on and by God’s grace, she fought and defeated it, being declared cancer free in 1976. She was a survivor, but she had to live with the scars left from the battle for the rest of her life. She never complained and was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She loved her family and was especially proud of her “daughters”. Since she had no girls of her own, she really embraced her sons’ wives as her own daughters. She loved them so! And when the grandchildren came along, they were the cutest and smartest ever, at least according to “Grandmother”. The only kids that could compare with her grandchildren were her great grandchildren.

She was a strong Christian lady who introduced all her children and many of her students and friends to Jesus Christ. She was a member of Central Baptist Church from 1951, until her death in 2017. She taught several ladies Sunday school classes and was a proud member of the Silver Tones Choir and the Silver Strummers. 

Aillene Roberson loved people and they loved her back. She was always there lending a helping hand or providing a meal for someone in need. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans, she took not 1, but 2 families into her home for over a month. She had a big heart.

Special thanks to the staff at Hawkins Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care in Longview for their special care these past 10 years. Also, we thank Heart’s Way Hospice for their special care these last 8 months.

Heaven must be just a little sweeter place now that Aillene is there, celebrating her homecoming reunion with all her loved ones that have gone home before her. We love you, Mother, and will look forward to seeing you whole again in heaven! 

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Todd Roberson officiating. Interment will follow in Ramah Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers are Caleb Roberson, Wesley Cabra, Glenn Samford, Rhett Roberson, Ben Dial, and Lee Baker.

Memorials may be made in Aillene’s memory to Heart’s Way Hospice, 4351 McCann Rd., Longview, TX 75605 or Central Baptist Church, 220 W. Sabine, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.