Shelby County Today

03/08/2016

Services to honor Auvy Nell Hooper, 80, will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home in Shreveport, LA. Rev. Crawford Williams will officiate along with Rev. Wayne DesLattes. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, March 10, from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at the funeral home. 

Nell was born Auvy Nell Madden on Sunday, May 26, 1935 in Shelbyville, TX. She was a devoted follower of Christ and a servant of Him and others. She loved and gave care to all of her family and friends and lived out a passion for teaching children at Ingleside and Calvary Baptist Churches for 48 years. She honored God throughout her entire life.

Mrs. Hooper was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Vergie Madden, and her sister Marie Waggoner. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Glynn Hooper, son Larry Hooper (fiancé Cookie), daughter Glynda Wood (husband Joe), grandchildren Brad Reeves, Allison Kain (husband Jason), Kara Burch (husband Joshua), Kaley Sanders (husband Colton), great grandchildren Madison and Mackenzie Reeves, Knox Burch, Caroline Sanders and other extended family and friends. 

Donations in her memory can be made to Shriners Hospital or St. Jude's Hospital.

03/06/2016

Daniel Forest Yarbrough, 81, of Center, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 7, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Tim Perkins officiating. Interment will follow at Short Cemetery in Shelby County.

Mr. Yarbrough was born May 20, 1934, in Oklahoma.  He was raised in Eunice, New Mexico and attended Abilene Christian College. He served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He worked and retired from Citgo Oil Company management. He met and married his wife, Alda, while working for Citgo in Center. From 2001 to 2013, he was the Shelby County Santa Claus. He enjoyed this role immensely and it was a role he was born to play. He served as Sunday School Teacher for the Runnels Chapel Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Hurst Street Church of Christ. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his family and friends.

Survived by:
Wife: Alda (Johnson) Yarbrough of Center, Texas

Children:
Steven Carter and wife Tiffni of Hoxie, Kansas
Darla (Windham) Smith and husband Carey of Lebanon, Tennessee
Janet (Windham) Hughes and husband Edward of Carthage, Texas

Grandchildren:
Phillip Joshua Carter of Hoxie, Kansas
Erin Carter of Hoxie, Kansas
Kaden Carter of Hoxie, Kansas
Brittany Breaux of Lebanon, TN

Pallbearers will be Phillip Carter, Edward Hughes, Carey Smith, Terry Walton, Kerry Lucas and Wyatt Windham. Honorary Pallbearers will be Newton Johnson, Jr. and Edgar Felder.

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

03/03/2016

Sister Eva M. Preston, 84, a long time resident of Center, Texas passed away on February 28, 2016 in Houston, Texas.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11am at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 607 Hopkins, Center, Texas with Rev. Jeremy Moore as the eulogist and Pastor Dr. Freddie Wilson officiating. 

Visitation will begin on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 1pm until 3:30pm at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Wake will begin on Friday, March 4, 2016 at 5pm until 8pm at St. Paul Baptist Church, Center, Texas.

Burial will be at Westview Cemetery, Center, Texas under the leadership of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Sister Eva M. Preston was born February 27, 1932 to George Cotton and Laura (Waterhouse) Cotton both deceased. She was also married to Dwight P. Preston, Jr., also deceased.

Survivors include:

Sons:
Dwight Preston III (Stephenia) of Center, Texas
John F. Preston (Normanique) of Missouri City, Texas 
Ronald R. Preston (Lisa) of Houston, Texas
Stephon C. Preston (Cynthia) of Houston, Texas

Sister-in-law, Ruth Cotton of Houston, Texas

God-daughter, Bonita Creag (Alexander) of Seagoville, Texas

God-sons: Willie Lathan and Michael Lathan (Debbie) of Bossier City, Louisiana

A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

March 2, 2016

Barkley Ben Bowlin, 77, of Tenaha, Texas was called home on March 1, 2016 in Carthage, Texas.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas. Burial will follow in Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Timpson, Texas. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM, Friday, March 4, 2016 at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas. 

Barkley was born March 18, 1938 to the late Jodie and Freda Roberts Bowlin. He graduated from Timpson High school in 1956. There, he was a proud football player for the Bears. He also ran high school track and went to state four years in a row for the 100 yard dash. For 39 years he was a route salesman for Sunbeam Bread Company and subsequently a supervisor for Wholesome Bread Company. He was a member of the Shelby County singers where he was a leader for many years. He loved to sing. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Barkley was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a devout member of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church.

Barkley is survived by:

Wife, Rose Bowlin of Center, Texas

Son, Michael Ray Bowlin and wife Mona of Tenaha, Texas

Daughter, Dawn Ritter and husband Emmit of Carthage, Texas

Sisters:
Gloria Fiedler, and husband Joe of Timpson, Texas
Kathy Birdwell and husband Jimmy of Kennedale, Texas

Grandchildren, Amber Mangrum and husband Michael, Brooke Morrow, Jameson Ritter and wife Brin, Eric Perry and wife Mandy, Vicky Sneed, Jamie Perry, and Meagan Baldobino; great grandchildren, Brylee Barbee, Dayton Mangrum, Devon Morrow, Caleb Morrow, Landry Bowlin, Callen Ritter, and Jace Ritter; and a host of friends and family that will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jodie and Freda Roberts Bowlin.

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.

Memorial services for Ervin A. Osby (73) will be Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 11:00am at Mt. Zion CME Church 921 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935. Mr. Osby died Saturday, February 26, 2016 at Overton Brooks VA Medical Hospital in Shreveport Louisiana.  Rev. Robert Gipson will be officiating. 

Mr. Osby’s survivors are:

Sons:
Mervin (Loraine) Osby of Center, Texas
Tracey (Jessica) Osby of Tenaha, Texas
Kenyatta Osby of Houston, Texas 

Brother:
Floyd Osby, Jr. of Nacogdoches, Texas

Sister:  
Dorothy Bonaparte of Center, Texas 

Sister-In-Law:
Evelyn Osby of Center, Texas 

Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary located at 804 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935

02/29/2016

Kenneth Williams, 59, of Gladewater, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016 at his residence.

Graveside Service will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at Fairview Cemetery in Nacogdoches with Bro. Danny Dodson officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday morning from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born December 30, 1956 in Center to R.B. and Louise (Dent) Williams.

He is preceded in death by his Father, R.B. Williams, 2 Brothers, Tommy Williams and R.W. Williams and Sister, Faye Clark and an infant Sister.

He is survived by:
Mother:
Louise Dent of Center

Wife:
Annette Williams of Gladewater

Sons:
Jimmy Williams of Nacogdoches
Keith Williams & wife, Lyndy of Gladewater

Grandchildren:
Codee Flanagan
Emma Mings
Christopher Williams

Sisters:
Lois Chandler of Center
Shirley Kitty of Center

Numerous Nieces & Nephews

Pallbearers:
Tommy Clark, Kirk Heaslet, Elzie Raymond, Jr.,
Donald Raymond, Cody Jarett & Wesley Gipson

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

02/29/2016

Heather Lianne Caughman Hudman, 39, of Carthage, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2016, in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Michael Fleming and Bro. Mike Brister officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Heather was born August 16, 1976, in Baytown, Texas.  She was a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by
Children:
Jade Kirkland and husband, Seth
Mika Hudman
Devan Hudman
Lanie Hudman

Grandchildren:
Liam Rowlett
Ainsley Kirkland

Parents: Lance and Pat Locke

Siblings:
Jason Locke and wife, Shelley
Heidi Cox and husband, Samuel
Kyle Locke and wife, Kellie
Kathryn Hudman and husband, Dewayne
Andrea Locke
Paul Caughman

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Father: Gene Caughman
Grandparents: Marion Caughman, Pat Caughman, Johnnie Mize

Pallbearers will be Clint Caughman, Jeffrey Caughman, Jason Caughman, Paul Caughman, Jon Caughman, Seth Kirkland, Jacob Boniol and Garrett Hochmuth.

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

02/27/16

Funeral services for L.M. “Red” Ward, Jr., 94, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday March 1, 2016, in the Taylor Funeral Home Chapel with Reverends Justin Coburn and Darrell Owens officiating.  Interment will follow in the Corinth Cemetery.

Mr. Ward was born July 15, 1921 to Larkin M. Ward, Sr. and Lillie Mae Cook Ward.  He was a lifelong resident of Timpson having lived on the same land where he was born and went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on February 26, 2016.  Mr. Ward was a hard worker. He worked in the logging industry for many years before going to work for Trailmobile in Longview from which he retired.  Upon retiring, he built birdhouses and swings, sawed trees that needed to be cut and hauled them to the sawmill with his old Ford truck.  He enjoyed the outdoors and working in the woods.  Until he could no longer walk, he took care of mowing his yard, and taking care of things around his home.

Mr. Ward was a faithful Christian and attended church regularly never missing many services even when his health was failing.  He was a member of Timpson Missionary Baptist Church and for many years was a member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church where he served as church clerk, church treasurer, song leader, and deacon.  He also served as trustee on the Timpson School Board.  

In addition to his parents, Mr. Ward was preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Lucille, in 2009; sister Estelle Porterfield; a number of half brothers and sisters; and son-in-law, John Garcia.

Survivors are his daughters, Carolyn Garcia of Lufkin, Judy Rice and husband Wiley of Center, and  Glynis Ritter and husband Johnny of Carthage; grandsons, John K. Garcia of Nacogdoches, Mark Herndon and wife Leslie of Liberty, Ward Herndon and wife Sommer of Center, William Ritter and wife Calley of Tyler, and Larkin Ritter of Colorado Springs, CO; five great grand children, John Mark Herndon of Waco, Laura Beth Herndon of Clemson, SC, Tyler Herndon and Hollie Herndon of Center, and Evan Ritter of Tyler.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, John K. Garcia, Mark Herndon, Ward Herndon, William Ritter, Larkin Ritter; great grandsons, John Mark Herndon, and Tyler Herndon.

Honorary pallbearers are Paul Bailey, Ronnie Peace, Steve Ramsey, Charlie Rhodes, James “Dickie“ Lewis, Randy Askins, Brian Yoder, Randy Graves, and Bobby Hudson.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday evening February 29, 2016 at Taylor Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Mr. Ward’s memory to be given to Timpson Volunteer Fire Department, 306 Jacob St, Timpson, TX 75975 or to Corinth Cemetery Association, PO Box 507, Timpson, TX 75975.

02/25/2016

George Daniel ‘Dan’ Furlow, age 79, of Homer, LA, passed away Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at the Claiborne Memorial Medical Center.

Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Homer, on Friday, February 26, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service and burial, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home of Homer, will be held at Strong Cemetery in Huxley, TX, with Dan’s cousin Rev. Gordon Vaughn, officiating on Saturday, February 27th at 2:00 p.m.

He was born September 14, 1936, in Huxley, TX, to Neva Green Furlow and Garland Eugene Furlow, being delivered at home by his grandmother, Mamaw Green. Dan always said his memory was so good, as he remembered the dogs barking as Mamaw came down the driveway for his delivery.

He graduated from Strong High School and immediately began working as a pipeline welder until the 1960’s. He moved his family to Haynesville, LA, in 1971, and worked for Gene Goodwin until he developed his own welding business, Furlow Welding. He enjoyed many days on oilrigs and had many funny stories about those who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Bob & Evie Green, Sudie & Frank Furlow, and two baby girls, Dana & Danette Furlow. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Furlow of Temple, TX and Buck Furlow of Keithville, a sister, Nell Jobe of Shreveport, and a niece, Patty Procell of Shreveport.

He is survived by his two sons, Mark Furlow, wife Candee, and their children Allee, Alex, and Garrett of Haynesville, Danny Furlow, also of Haynesville, Dan’s wife of 27 years, Virginia Furlow of Homer, and the mother of his children, Hilda Rogers Furlow of Haynesville. He is also survived by his two step daughters, Karen Bailey Lee and husband Butch of Homer, and Kim Bailey Barnette of Baton Rouge, and their children and grandchildren, Dusty Williams, husband Jared, and their son Bailey, Jenna Thompson, husband Shane, and their son Jack-Hutson, and Lindy Lee, and finance’ Aaron Dressel, along with a special niece, Sherri Bower of Robeline, LA.

Pall bearers to serve graveside will be Sammy Furlow, Mike Furlow, Thomas Furlow, Rodney Harvey, Johnny Howell Harvey, and O.L. Hendricks.

Memorials may be made to Claiborne Academy, 6741 Hwy 79, Haynesville, LA 71038, Strong Cemetery, or the donor’s choice.

The family would like to extent a special thanks to Dr.’s D. K, Mark, Scott and Maria Haynes, as well as the nurses and staff of Claiborne Memorial Medical Center.