Shelby County Today

07/21/2016

William Denton “Denny” Haley, Jr., 61, of Center, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016 at First Baptist Church Center with Rev. Carl Smith and Rev. Bobby Bressman officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be Friday, July 22, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born November 14, 1954 in Center to William Denton Haley, Sr. and Blanche (Stephenson) Haley. Denny worked in construction for many years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Center.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Denton Haley, Sr and his sister, Betty Ruth (Haley) Slatten.

He is survived by:
Mother:
Blanche (Stephenson) Haley of Center

Niece:
Haley Beth Williams & husband, Caleb of College Station

Great-Nieces:
Casey & Ava Grace Williams

Aunts & Uncles:
Minnie Lovejoy of Center
Faye Elder of Shreveport, LA
Carl Stephenson & wife, Patty of Houston
James Haley & wife, Frances of Mineola

Numerous Cousins & Other Relatives

Pallbearers:  Zack Warr, Burton Brown, Terry Stephenson, Randy Elder, Danny West and Eddie Bridwell

You may sign the online registry book at www.mangumfuneralhome.com Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas

07/19/2016

Myrtle Virginia Smith, 72, of Center, passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at her residence.

Memorial Service will be 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel.

She was born January 16, 1944 in Winsboro, Texas to Homer Hill Gallagher and Arlee (Henry) Gallagher.

She is preceded in death her parents, Homer and Arlee Gallagher and sister, Zelda Sparks.

She is survived by:
2 Sons:
Johnny Edward Burgess of Waxahachie
James Lee Burgess of Center
Grandchildren:
Kayla Burgess 
Corey Burgess
Brittney Burgess
Kayler Burgess
Joshua Burgess
Sister:
Betty Miller & husband, Sam of Carthage

07/18/2016

Billy Wayne “Wild Bill” Gattis, 65, of Joaquin, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2016, at his residence.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 21, 2016, at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin with Bro. Jeff Spring and Bro. Mark Woolf officiating.  Interment will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, beginning at 12:00 noon.

Mr. Gattis was born February 24, 1951, in Jacksonville, to George Stokes Gattis and Fannie Flora Atkerson Gattis.  He loved fishing, camping and spending time with his family.

He is survived by
Wife: Dorothy Gattis of Joaquin

Children:
Chasity Dean and husband, Troy
Ricky Nunley and wife, Holly
Keisha Byrd
Shaunda Byrd and husband, Dusten
Shelby Emerson and wife, Faith
Jamie Gattis and wife, Betty
Teresa Gattis

19 Grandchildren

2 Great Grandchildren

Brothers and Sisters:
Earl Wayne Gattis
Lee Gattis and wife, Marie
Hazel Croft
Mary Snow
Sandra Sanford
Brenda Armstrong and husband, Jack

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
2 Grandchildren
Parents: George Stokes Gattis and Fannie Flora Atkerson Gattis
Brothers: Richard Gattis, Ray Gattis

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

07/15/2016

Minnie Sue Kent, 71, of Center, passed away Friday, July 15, 2016, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 18, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. William D. Dickerson and Bro. William Paul Allen officiating.  Interment will follow at Blackjack Cemetery in Martinsville.  A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service, beginning at 12:00 noon.

Ms. Kent was born August 2, 1944, in Nacogdoches County, to Phines Oliver and Minnie Love Oliver.  Her hobbies included crafting, crocheting and sewing.  She loved being Memaw to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Ms. Kent attended Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

She is survived by
Daughters:
Sherri Addison of Center
Michelle Scarber of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
Christy Allen and husband, William, of San Augustine
Karen Whitehead and husband, Joey, of Bremerton, Washington
Sammy Addison Jr. and wife, Carrie, of San Augustine
Amanda Scarber of Nacogdoches

Great-Grandchildren:
Haven Allen of San Augustine
Payton Ray Allen of San Augustine
Connor Whitehead of Bremerton, Washington
Paisley Whitehead of Bremerton, Washington
Kimberly Addison of San Augustine
Jessica Addison of San Augustine
Zachery Addison of San Augustine
Alex Griffin of Pineland

Sister: Clara Williams of Waterman

Preceded in death by
Husband: Bill Kent
Grandchild: Silver Addison
Parents: Phines Oliver and Minnie Love Oliver
Brothers: Robert E. Oliver, Neal T. Oliver, Heaz Henry Oliver
Sisters: Mary F. Vaco, Thelma Stewart

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

07/14/2016

Earl Cedell Chessher, Sr., 89, of Timpson, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 15, 2016, at The Called Out Church in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 16, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Interment will follow at Weaver Cemetery in Timpson.

Mr. Chessher was born March 9, 1927, in a small town and community called Carlisle, Trinity County that is now under Lake Livingston waters to Thomas Henry Chessher and Lizzie Attlean Chessher. He was one of six boys and two girls.

Earl spent his boyhood pulling cotton, dragging the yards-long burlap sack behind him and working the rows for his father, a share cropper. He lived in a log cabin in Carlisle, enjoyed the outdoors, and got into the usual amount of trouble as any active young boy will do. Earl Sr. never left behind his humble beginnings and his faith and love for God, having been raised by a brush arbor lay minister and a family that believed in praying at meals as well as often during each day. Old-fashioned remedies such as a dose of laundry bluing kept the kids alive to adulthood. He attended public schools, but spent most of his life learning at the school of life, reading the Bible and discovering the things about life which young men of his time were inclined to do.

He joined the United States Coast Guard in 1945, where he served on the U.S.S. Admiral W.L. Capps, bringing back troops from the Pacific Islands, where they had fought the Japanese during World War II. It was during this time that Earl became aware of a beautiful country girl with flaming red hair who, seeing that her friends and cousins were writing this boy from Houston, where she had been born, decided to get his address and write him too.

It didn’t take long for Earl’s letter writing endeavors to dwindle from a few young ladies to just one, and that was the girl who was to become his wife and mother to five children. They were married, with Margaret “Margie’s” grandfather conducting services in her home, the home of her parents, Clarence and Mary Margaret Mitchamore, of Goodrich, Texas. The story is that Margie agreed to marry on Christmas Day, ONLY if Earl Sr. promised to always have two gifts under the tree ... one for Christmas and another for their anniversary. A hard-working man of faith, strong work ethics, the highest of integrity and incredible mental, moral and physical strength, Earl Sr. spent most of his adult life as an adult-class teacher, helping young and older adults alike gain a better understanding of the Lord’s teachings and the Word as given in the Bible. He loved his involvement in various churches and was blessed by many for having been introduced to a life of Christian living by this dedicated man.

A life-long calling to the ministry came to fruition in 2001, when Earl Sr. answered to God’s insistent command, and he, along with the support of family and friends and fellow believers, established The Called Out Church, where it has now celebrated 15 years, and continues to grow. In his professional life, Earl was an award-winning insurance salesman. His standards for truth, and his integrity often butted heads with management at the insurance companies for whom he worked, including Prudential Life, Colonial Life and Accident and many others. He enjoyed gardening, carpentry and barbecuing. Nearly the first thing Earl did upon moving to a new home with the family, was build a brick pitt barbecue in the back yard. That was just his way, and all those who got a taste of his secret sauce and recipe, along with Mom’s pies, could never stop talking about the moveable feasts they enjoyed.

Upon moving to Center, Texas, Earl established a successful fencing business 41 years ago, which continues today. It is impossible to travel many miles in the Shelby, Panola and surrounding counties without seeing some of his work. Earl had the ability to use a divining rod to locate pipes and cables, and he could accurately step off to the foot, the length of fencing required for virtually any job. He, along with the assistance and care of his oldest daughter, Philda, helped keep Margie alive and living a quality life during her 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. And when the digging of thousands of fence post holes destroyed his shoulders, Earl finally stepped down from that physical labor. He took up reading the Bible over and over, preaching and carving out walking sticks from the many cedar fence posts recycled from the hundreds of jobs he did, replacing fencing that had been around for nearly a century, in places.

Earl spent his last years with his family as well, the patriarch of the Chessher clan, where his unique sense of humor, stamina, determination and sometimes strength of will kept the whip cracking, but none of the family cringing. He lived a Christian life by example, and remained a man of love and faith in God until his final breath. He will be missed by too many to count and respected by even more.

He is survived by
Wife: Margie McKinzie Chessher of Hawthorn Community of San Augustine

Sons:
Earl Chessher Jr of Huntington Beach, California
Clarence Chessher of Timpson
Cecil Chessher and wife, Gina, of Center

Daughters: 
Philda Adams and husband, Steve, of Timpson
Jacquelyn Fountain and husband, Donny, of Center

Step Daughter: 
Theresa Smith and husband, Glenn, of Cypress

Grandchildren:
Travis Chessher and wife, Jenny
Andre Chessher
Arthur Chessher
Stevie Adams and wife, Jean
Michael Reed and wife, Andrea
Christie Deckard
Melanie Lopez and husband, Luis
Darren Fountain and wife, Morgan
Bridgett Cockrell and husband, Andy
Chasity Cooper and husband, Shane
Chad Chessher and wife, Jenney
Mary Chessher and Bo
Sarah Chessher

34 Great Grandchildren

Brother:
Henry Lee Chessher

Sisters: 
Elaine Banks
Madelyn Grondine

Life-long friend: Duane Sutton

Preceded in death by 
Wife of 62 years: Margaret Mitchamore Chessher
Parents: Thomas Henry Chessher and Lizzie Attlean Chessher
Brothers: Lynn Chessher, Oran Chessher, 3 infant brothers

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

07/14/2016

Cheryl Anne Campbell Melton, 70, of Center, passed away Monday, July 11, 2016, in Nacogdoches.

Memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 17, 2016, at New Hope Congregational Methodist Church, 893 CR 1396, Center, Texas.

Mrs. Melton was born March 23, 1946, in Rochester, New York, to John Campbell and Betty Wittich Campbell.  She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, gardening and going to church.  She served Honored Queen Job’s Daughters in Long Beach, California. Mrs. Melton volunteered at Shelby County Outreach Ministries and was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and New Hope Methodist Church.

She is survived by
Daughter: Becky Rowlett and husband, Andy, of Houston

Son: Alan Moreau and wife, Tania, of Houston

Parents: John and Bettye Campbell of San Diego, California

Sisters:
Laurie Johnson and husband, Chuck, of Las Vegas, Nevada
Donna Henry and husband, Chuck, of San Diego, California

Grandchildren:
Stephen Dockens and wife, Brittney
Baylor Rowlett
Makayla Moreau
Colby Moreau
Nicole Rowlett

2 Great Grandchildren

Stepson: Joseph Melton and wife, Stacy

Nephews:
Michael Johnson 
Brian Henry

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to New Hope Congregational Methodist Church, c/o Dorothy Fausett, 404 Park Street, Center, Texas 75935.

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

07/13/2016

Services for Vera Mae “Beanus” Shahan will be held on Friday, July 15, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Logansport, LA. Interment will follow at Reeves Cemetery in Logan, TX, Officiating the service will be Reverend Joe Walker and Reverend Steven Hall. Visitation will be Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Logansport, LA from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Vera was born on May 29, 1926 in High Island, TX to Casey and Mable Sullivan and passed away on July 12, 2016 in Logansport, LA. Vera was a member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. Vera was also a homemaker, loved cooking and quilting. Her children were the love of her life.  

Preceding Vera in death was her husband, H.B. Buster Shahan; parents Casey and Mable Sullivan; son, Clinton Lewis Shahan; grandson, Little Buster Shahan; son-in-law, Freddie Paul David; brothers, Sidney Sullivan, Robert Sullivan, Henry Sullivan, Douglas Sullivan; sisters, Eunice Edgar, and Tinicy Garmmier.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her daughters, Verna Parker and husband Dare, Sandra David; Bea Bagley and husband Rickey, Eunice Harris and husband Mike; sons, Tommy Shahan and wife Carol, Henry Shahan and wife Anita, Sidney Shahan and wife Debbie; sister, Millie Bland, daughter-in-law, Reba Shahan; grandchildren, Dare Rix Parker, Dandy Holloway, Francie Woods and husband Lance, Chance David and wife Julie, Courtney Averett and husband Brian, Brad Shahan and wife Christy, Gary Shahan and wife Angela, Brandy Sharpe and husband Bo, Casey Bagley and wife Sammie Kay, Brittney Weems and husband Blake, Lacie Shahan; 18 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. 

Those honoring the life of Vera as pallbearers will be Dare Rix Parker, Brad Shahan, Chance David, Casey Bagley, Gary Shahan, C.J. Collier, and Justin Collier. Those honoring as honorary pallbearers will be Bryer Holloway, Hunter Derr, Pierson Collier, Abel Collier, Ian Shahan, Conrad Shahan, Dalton Shahan, and Sam Bagley.

In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made to Reeves McMillian Cemetery in Logan, TX. 

Services under the direction of Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Logansport, Louisiana.

07/11/2016

Randy Royd Adams, 60, of Center, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2016 at his residence.

Mr. Adams wishes were to be cremated and no services are planned.

Mr. Adams was born June 12, 1956, in Houston, to George Fane Adams and Effie Bernice Warr Adams.  He enjoyed riding motorcycles and spending time with his family and grandchild.  He was a member of Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149 in Center.

He is survived by
Wife: Jeanne Cornett Adams of Center

Daughter: Susan M. Adams Neel and husband, Eric, of Nacogdoches

Grandson: Noah Lyle Neel of Nacogdoches

Brothers and Sisters:
Jerryl Adams and wife Phillys of Center
Mike Adams and wife, Cathy, of Center
Steve Adams and wife, Jean, of Nacogdoches
Wanda Noles and husband, Freddy, of Carthage
Jana Ivey and husband, Randy, of Nacogdoches
Mark Adams of Center
Dana Adams Fountian and husband, Burt Randel, of San Augustine
Kip Adams and wife, Tracey, of Center

A host of in-laws, cousins and other family

Preceded in death by
Parents: George Fane Adams and Effie Bernice Warr Adams
Brother: George “Dean” Adams

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to White Rock Cemetery and Mt. Herman Cemetery.

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

07/07/2016

Funeral service for Elizabeth “Betty” Mary Perry, 69, of Leavenworth, Kansas, will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, July 8, 2016, at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM.  Mrs. Perry passed away July 2, 2016, in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Born November 12, 1946, in Saranac Lake, New York, Elizabeth “Betty” Mary Perry was the daughter of the late George Tyler and Mary Anne Ryan Tyler.  Betty graduated from  high school and soon met the love of her life, James Edward Perry, a native of East Texas while he was serving in the Armed Forces stationed in her hometown.  They spent over 40 years together until she was called home to be with her Lord.  

Betty enjoyed many things in life.  She raised her children and loved them dearly.  Betty spent much time travelling with James during the years he spent in the military.  She built miniature doll houses, miniature furniture and shipped them  all over the world.  Betty found great joy in spending time with her family, children and grandchildren.  

Betty is survived by:
Loving husband, James Edward Perry of Leavenworth, Kansas

Sons
James Perry Jr. and wife Danielle of Leavenworth, Kansas
Jason Perry and Audrey Miller of Tucson, Arizona 

Brothers
George Tyler of North Highlands, California
John Tyler and wife Lisa of El Dorado Hill, California

Grandchildren 
Alexis and Owen Perry of Leavenworth, Kansas 

Numerous family and friends that will miss her dearly

In addition to her parents, Elizabeth “Betty” Perry is preceded in death by her sister, Mary C. Tyler.

The family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, TX 75975.  To convey condolences online, please visit www.taylorfh.net.