Shelby County Today

05/14/2016

Keith Allen Green, 46, of Center, passed away Friday, May 13, 2016, in Timpson.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, May 16, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Interment will follow at Old Salem Cemetery in Shelby County.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Mr. Green was born September 5, 1969, in Shelby County, to Thomas H. Green and Delores Windham Green.  His hobbies included riding horses and working on cars.  He won the bull riding for several years at Angola State Prison.

He is survived by
Father and Momma: “Buck” Green and “Kay” Green of Center

Mother: Delores Windham of Nacogdoches

Son: Bryan Keith Green and girlfriend, Jennifer, of Center

Brothers:
Bobby Green of Center
Rodney Green of Center
Jeffery Green of Center
Thomas Green Jr. and wife, Brandi, of Elkhart

Grandchildren:
Keith Frazier
BryLee Green
BreeAnna Green

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

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

05/13/2016

Odelle Lane Harrison, 96, of Nacogdoches formerly of Center passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

Services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Pat Windham and Bro. Ozay Ford officiating. Burial will follow at North Jericho Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel.

She was born August 25, 1919 in Shelby County, Texas to George Washington (Wash) and Stella Irene (Brittain) Lane. She retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1978 after 36 years of service. She worked for the Family Shoe Store in Center for several years and she was a hostess for Mangum Funeral Home for many years. She was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Center. She was a  lifetime member of Air Force Auxiliary, member of  the Telephone Pioneers of  America, Communications Workers of America and a Charter member of Daughters of Republic of Texas (DRT) at Center, Texas.

She is preceded in death by her Parents, Wash and Stella Lane and her Husband, Otis Lee Harrison.

She is survived by:
Daughters:
Mary Lane Castle & husband, Mike of Clovis, CA
JoBeth Webb Henson & husband, Elvin Ray of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
Scott Castle & wife, Amy of Tennessee
Tina Dee Long & Casey Ford of Nacogdoches
Michele Slayden & husband, Mike of Clovis, CA

Great-Grandchildren:
Madison, Cali & Ella Slayden
Anneliese, Elijah, Grace, Rebekah, Karrena & Titus Castle  
Cason “Bear” Joseph Lee Lane

Sister:
Avanelle Lane Christian & husband, Clarence Wayne

Nephews:
Dr. Charles Wayne Christian & wife, Edna
Kevin Lane Christian & wife, Christa

Great-Nephews and Great-Niece:
Weston Lane, Jacob & Zachary Christian
Chesney Raenell Christian

Pallbearers:
Dan Fussell, Darrell McDaniel, Willie Eberenz, Frank Fitzgerald, Bill Hughes & Jeff Boyd

Honorary Pallbearers:
J.W. Adams, Cason “Bear” Lane, Ron Cook, Mike Castle & Casey Ford

Memorials can be made to North Jericho Cemetery Fund, c/o Charles Barr, 137 CR 3229, Center, Texas 75935

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

05/12/2016

Helena Barfoot Ray, 90, of Center, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016, at her residence.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home with Bro. Kevin Windham and Bro. Charles Williams officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Ms. Ray was born August 31, 1925, in Northampton, England, to George Hebert Barfoot and Laura Middleton Barfoot.  She served in the Royal Air Force in 1942.

She is survived by
Sons:
David Ray of Center
Alan Ray and wife, Glenda, of Shelbyville
Adam Ray of Center

Daughters:
Melanie Pidcoke of League City
Stephanie Cooper of Center
Ivy Dominy of Center
Melissa Egge and husband, Chris, of Palestine

Grandchildren:
Micky Ray
Misty Ray
Michael Shane Ray
Brandi Ray Riggs
Bryan Pidcoke
Matthew Pidcoke
Courtland Peacock
Casey Cooper
Randy Clay
Jennifer Beattie
Jill Willey

16 Great-Grandchildren

1 Great-Great-Grandchild

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Husband: Delton Ray
Son-in-law: John Dominy

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

May 7, 2016

Michele Kay “Shelly” Hebert, 56, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on May 5, 2016 in Longview, Texas. She was born on July 23, 1959 in Los Angeles, California to Clyde T. Smith and Etta Jo Cromwell Smith. Funeral service for Shelly will be on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas. Interment will be at H&H Family Cemetery on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 2:30 PM. Visitation will be on Sunday, May 8, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, Texas. 

Shelly was a genuine, compassionate, and tenderhearted individual that impacted the lives of many over her lifetime. She was a true servant to her family, her church, her community, and even to others around the world. Shelly was a dedicated police officer in Dayton, Texas for Liberty County. Her badge was actually the first woman’s badge in the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. Her servant’s heart firmly grounded her in the public servant profession for her entire career.  

Shelly met her beloved husband, James Hebert, when she came to work for him. They were married on January 19, 1978 in Houston, Texas and remained faithfully by one another’s side until Shelly’s passing. Together, they traveled all over while James was working in the oil field. They eventually retired to their farm in Timpson, yet still spent their days working the farm side by side. Shelly was known for having fun and filling a room with joy. She loved entertaining her nieces and nephews. Shelly and James also were the host family for many foreign exchange students over the years. She had a great time playing t-ball and table games, attending ‘Girls Night Out’ with her church family, and for being a GA leader at church camp. Some of her fellow friends’ fondest memories are of Shelly’s silly songs at church camp. In her quiet moments, Shelly liked to unwind on the water while fishing. She was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star and of First Baptist Church in Timpson. 

Shelly is survived by her husband, James Hebert of Timpson, Texas; parents, Clyde T. Smith and Etta Jo Cromwell Smith of Somerville, Texas; brother, Mackey Smith and wife, Deborah of Humble, Texas; sisters, Niccola Bilski and husband, Danny of Brenham, Texas, Neoma Hickman and husband, Rick of Somerville, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews and exchange students the Hebert’s hosted. 

She is preceded in death by her brother, Brodrick Eugene Bassham.

Pallbearers are Kirk Bilski, Dustin Bilski, John Locke, Zane Locke, Camrron Miller, Clay Campbell, Rick Bassham, Nathan Gladney, and James Hervey.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church, 715 N. 2nd Street, Timpson, Texas, 75975.

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

05/04/2016

Susan "Gwen" Ratcliff Truitt passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones on May 1, 2016, in Logansport, LA, following a 13 year battle with cancer. She was 62 years old. 

Gwen was born on Sept 8, 1953 in Jena, LA to parents, Thomas W. and Aileen Pyle Ratcliff. She was a member of Mims Springs Baptist Church. Gwen married Donald Allen Truitt in April 1985. She welcomed 2 step-sons into her life and shortly after gave birth to a baby girl. As her mother stated, she was the happiest pregnant woman she had ever seen. She then decided to pursue a degree in nursing. Gwen found her true passion as an RN by helping others. She touched many lives in and out of the hospital.

Gwen was a generous, deeply caring soul, with a joyful and infectious laugh. She was admired by many for her strength, courage, and determination to live life to the fullest, even throughout her 13 year battle. She feared no obstacle and never hesitated to take on a challenge by applying her skills in “Gwengineering”. 

Gwen is survived by her husband Donald Allen Truitt of Logansport, LA; her daughter and 2 step-sons, Kelly Boyett of New Orleans, LA; Allen Truitt and wife Diane of Center, TX; Andrew Truitt and wife Cheryl of Muenster, TX; grandchildren Eli Hutchins, Lanie, Lexie, and Avery Truitt; her sister Tempie Ratcliff Bush and husband Keith, children Thomas and Katherine of Bossier City, LA; her brother Chad Ratcliff and wife Tina of Judsonia, AR; and devoted friend/sister Jo Stone of Center, TX; Gwen was blessed with countless friends of whom she also considered family. 

Gwen is preceded in death by her first husband, Lawrence (Tootsie) Pierce Jr.; father Thomas W Ratcliff; mother Aileen Pyle Ratcliff; brother Ronnie Ratcliff; sister Edythe (Edie Wee) Davidson; and son-in-law Buddy Boyett.

Memorial Services will be held Sunday May 8, 2016, at Mims Springs Baptist Church – Located at 1227 HWY 765 Logansport, LA 71049. Visitation will begin at 2pm, with memorial services starting at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Love, INC  of Nacogdoches, TX, or to the Brad Wiggins/Adam Matthews scholarship fund with First Baptist Church of Logansport, LA. 

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Gerard Ventura and his staff, as well as Superior Hospice Care.

2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

To know Gwen, was to love her.

05/02/2016

Jimmy Wayne Adams, 78, of Center, passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at his residence.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, May 5, 2016, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.  Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 noon.

Mr. Adams was born August 14, 1937, in Center, to Hugh J. Adams and Olga Mae Livingston Adams.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting and traveling. 

He is survived by:

Wife of 17 years: Jean Brannan of Center

Son: Gregory Adams and wife, Janet, of Colmesneil

Daughter: Susan Kelsoe and husband, Darrell, of Cypress

Step Daughter: Melinda Maye of Huntsville

Grandchildren:
Shauna Sanford and husband, David
Nicole Bush and husband, Michael
Natalia Prescott 
Matt Adams

Great-Grandchildren:
Taylor Ethridge
Colton Ethridge
Makayla Ethridge
Lauren Sanford
Dakota Sanford
Devin Sanford

Great-Great-Grandchildren:
Tenley Baker
Ella Almaraz
Whitley Sanford

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Hugh J. Adams and Olga Mae Livingston Adams
Brother: Joe Adams
Sister: June Adams
Special Friends: Everett Harbison, Gene Deal

Pallbearers will be Jimmy McCauley, Kenneth Hardy, Zack Warr, NoBerto Musico, Robert Lemon and Patrick Netherly.  Honorary pallbearers will be John Walker and Coy Campbell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to HeartsWay Hospice, PO Box 5608, Longview, Texas 75608.

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

05/02/2016

Thomas Edgar Williams, 68, of Center, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2016, at his residence.

Graveside service was held at 4:00 p.m., Sunday, May 1, 2016, at his residence.

Mr. Williams was born August 29, 1947, in Center, to Clark Paul Williams and Emma Irene Fincher Williams.  He was a welder and mechanic and loved racing his car.  He enjoyed his family and was always taking the children to stores to buy them things.  He was a member of Swift & Newburn Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by
Wife: Nora Williams

Daughter: 
DeLania Williams Manchack

Son:
Thomas Shane Williams and wife, Tammie

Grandchildren:
Jessica Williams
Valierie Williams
Katelyn Reveil
Lexi Reveil
Thomas Clay Manchack
Sarah Abriele Manchack
Lane Garrett Manchack
Logan Creed Williams

Brothers and Sisters:
Shirley Faye Berg
Edwina Higginbotham
Venorah McSwain
Clark Paul Williams
Carolyn Sue Caldwell

Numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Clark Paul Williams and Emma Irene Fincher Williams

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

04/27/2016

Alton A. Nutt, 93, of Carthage, TX, passed away on Tuesday morning, April 26, 2016, in Longview, TX. He was born on Aug. 22, 1922, in Gary, TX, to the late Charley Mathis and Delie Cassity Nutt. Mr. Nutt graduated from Gary High School with the class of 1940. He married Odie Earnest Vermillion on May 17, 1941, in Gary. Mr. Nutt served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII and was honorably discharged. Mr. Nutt graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education. He worked in education for over 32 years as a teacher, coach, principal, and administrator. Mr. Nutt loved antique clocks and lamps and was the 8th oldest member of the Aladdin Knights, an Aladdin lamp collectors association. He loved sports, especially basketball, was an avid quail hunter, and an excellent bird dog trainer. He lived most of his life in the area and was a member of Central Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and formerly sang in the choir. He was preceded in death by a son, Jamie Leon Nutt, and brothers, Buford Nutt and J.V. “Bid” Nutt. 
    
Survivors include his loving wife of 75 years, Odie Nutt of Carthage; sons, Bid Alton Nutt and wife Nelda of Houston and C.M. Nutt and wife Sara of Bastrop; sister, Charlcie Phillips of Carthage; grandchildren, Tracey Friedel of Sugarland and Aundrea Williams and husband Ryan of Pearland; and great-grandchildren, Conner, Zane, Korryn, and Olivia. 
    
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, 2016, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home, 1131 State Hwy. 149, Carthage. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2016, at Central Baptist Church, 220 W. Sabine, Carthage. Rev. Steve Jackson and Dennis Smith will officiate. Interment will follow in Gary Cemetery, 176 Bobcat Trail, Gary.
    
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Winkler Place, Briarcliff, ETMC Carthage, Good Shepherd 5th Floor I.C.U., and a special thank you to Lynda Fowler and Ruby Carter for the loving care shown to Mr. Nutt.  
    
Memorials may be made to Gary Cemetery Assn., P.O. Box 334, Gary, TX 75643 or to the Gary I.S.D., Bobcat Scholarship Fund, c/o Jason Woodfin, 132 Bobcat Trail, Gary, TX 75643.
    
A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.

04/26/2016

Cindy Casey, 56, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, April 25, 2016, in Lufkin.

Mrs. Casey’s wish was to be cremated and no services are planned at this time.

Mrs. Casey was born November 17, 1959, in Missouri to Jack Tripp and Phyllis Ann Moorehead Tripp.  She enjoyed playing Bingo. Mrs. Casey was a member of Patroon Baptist Church.

She is survived by
Husband: Rick Casey of Shelbyville

Children:
Ricky Casey of Shelbyville
Jammie Casey and wife, Laura, of Shelbyville
Angie Lyons of Neuville
Beth Casey of Shelbyville
Kathy Casey of Shelbyville

Seven Grandchildren

Numerous other relatives

A host of friends

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