Shelby County Today

05/15/2023

Willie B. Anderson Elliott, 99, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on May 13, 2023, in Shelbyville, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on September 3, 1923, in Shelby County, Texas, to the late Wright J. Anderson and Sybil (Lout) Anderson.

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 2PM with Bro. Lamar Denby and Lynn Raymond officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service on Monday, May 15, 2023, beginning at 1PM until service time at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at West Hamilton Cemetery.

Willie was born and raised in Shelby County. She graduated from Shelbyville High School. She married the love of her life, Herbert A. Elliott, on January 24, 1942. They raised three wonderful children. She and Herbert enjoyed many wonderful years together before his passing in 2011. Willie enjoyed a wonderful long life. She was a loving, compassionate person. Even in her 80’s she was taking care of “old” people as a caregiver. She loved gardening, flowers, and the outdoors. Gardening independently into her early 90’s and enjoyed every minute of it. She was the most wonderful cook. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved the Lord and her church family.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Patricia Jackson and husband Jimmy

Daughter-in-law, Carolyn Elliott

Grandchildren:
James (the favorite) Elliott and wife Terrie
Jan Windham and husband Kyle
Bridget Hughes and husband Lance
Charles Elliott and wife Mandi
Stephen Elliott and wife Leigh Ann

Great-Grandchildren:
Konner Windham Dean and husband Brian
Holly Hughes
Emilee Elliott
Hunter Elliott and wife Alicia
Tanner Elliott and wife Harley
Physher Elliott
Clayton Elliott
Ainsley Elliott
Zac Hutchins
Liza and Jacob Kay

Great-Great-Grandchildren: 7

Willie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Herbert A. Elliott; sons, Wayne (Hub) Elliott, Aubrey Gene Elliott; granddaughter, Farrah Jackson; great grandson, Jacob Hughes; and brother, Cleveland Anderson.

Pallbearers serving will be Lance Hughes, Kyle Windham, Charles Elliott, Stephen Elliott, Brian Dean, and Lynn Raymond. 

The family would like to especially thank A Piney Woods Home Health, Affinity Hospice, and Brenda Hebert for the exceptional care given to Mrs. Elliott throughout this journey. Your exceptional, compassionate care has not gone unnoticed. 

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

05/11/2023

Dr. Joe Neal Lacy, beloved father, husband and friend, died suddenly and unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, May 7, at the age of 66.

A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 15, at Christ Chapel Bible Church, 3701 Birchman Avenue. His family will receive friends following the service.

Joe was born to John Neal Lacy and Zelma Palmer Lacy on December 2, 1956, in Center, Texas.  He graduated from Center High School and Summa Cum Laude with a Biology degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. He attended medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he also completed a Surgical Infectious Disease Fellowship, a General Surgery Internship and an Orthopedic Surgery Residency. He and a partner established an orthopedic surgery practice in Sherman & Denison Texas. Although entirely resolved later, upon learning of a health concern, Joe ended his surgical career and obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from The University of Texas at Austin. After several years of healthcare consulting with a prominent consulting firm in Dallas, Joe returned to medicine, completing a Radiology Residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, followed by a Musculoskeletal Imaging Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. For the past sixteen years, Joe has been a radiologist with Radiology Associates in Fort Worth. Joe received many awards and honors during his career and was a member of several professional medical organizations.

Far more significant than all those achievements were the things that gave meaning and purpose to Joe’s life. He worked to make a living and provide for his family, but his real passions were his family and forming meaningful relationships with those he encountered. His childhood experiences drove him to be a great dad and he pursued it intentionally, tenaciously and with God’s guidance. Together with Jane, he set an incredibly wonderful example for his children. When he made mistakes as a father, he was consistent with apologies and finding a way to use it for good. Joe’s children say because of their dad, they know and have confidence in who they are, and they’ve learned how to work and seek balance in life. Joe loved to be outside and work, getting his hands dirty. Wonderful times were spent in the mountains skiing and hiking with family. He rarely sat still and enjoyed productivity. He and Jane were working together on property they owned in the country when he died. Joe was deeply drawn to authenticity in relationships and shunned superficiality. He was a friend to many and was always generous with his time, willing to share his medical expertise with those having concerns. Joe, Jane, and their children are members of Christ Chapel Bible Church and Joe served on several missionary trips to El Salvador and most recently on a medical mission trip to Panama. Early in his life, Joe spent a great deal of time at First Baptist Church in Center participating in choir and other activities. He was a man of deep faith and routinely shared the difference Jesus Christ made in his life as his Lord and Savior. As he grew in his relationship with Christ, God transformed him to love and serve in deeper and greater ways.

Survived by:

His wife of 32 years, Jane Ann Freese Lacy

Sons:
Wilke
Grey
Luke

Daughter, Anna

Sisters: 
Nancy Warr
Linda Reinhart
Janice Compton 
and their families.

Memorial: In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts be made to Vida Nueva, a church in El Salvador, which Joe served during several missionary trips. Instructions to give online or by mail can be found at https://www.goodnewsinaction.org/donate. Or to The Roughrider Foundation, P. O. Box 152, Center, TX 75935, in Joe’s memory.  Please note Joe Lacy on the check.

Arrangements Robertson Mueller Harper Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations 1500 Eighth Avenue – Fort Worth, Texas 817-924-4233

05/10/2023

Ruth Polley Cook, 83 of Houston, Texas, formally of East Liberty Community, died on May 6, 2023, in Houston, Texas. Ruth was born to the late James and Aree Eddins Polley on March 6, 1940, in Center, Texas (East Liberty Community).

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023, at 11:00 AM at East Liberty Baptist Church (2980 CR 2569 Center, Texas). Pastor Jeremy Moore will be the eulogist. Visitation is prior to service from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at East Liberty Baptist Church on Friday, May 12, 2023. Committal is at East Liberty Cemetery.

She is survived by:  

Son, Jimmy R. Polley

Daughter, Ruthie M. Polley-Phone (Ivan)

Grandchildren:
Morgan A. Mathis
Brandon J. Polley
Alicia A. Polley

Great-Grandchildren:
Ezra J. Polley
Issac A. Polley 

Brothers:
Arthur J. Polley (Georgia)
Charles W. Polley (Annie)

Special Friends:
Ozell Garrett
Ernestine (Tina) Lister

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net

05/09/2023

Michelle Lee Parish, 44, of Center, passed away Monday, May 8, 2023, in Center.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 12, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Center.

Born September 16, 1978, Michelle is the daughter of Jerry Akins and Mozelle Belsha.  She enjoyed her life of spending time with her grandbabies, visiting the beach, and swinging in her porch swing. Michelle was a member of Central Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Husband, Anthony Parish

Children:
Enedina Akins of Crockett
Maria and husband Josue Rodriguez of Center
Jose Tavera
Haley Parish of Center
Hannah Parish of Center

Grandchildren:
Zaylee Whitaker
Cielo Tavera
Zamaya Whitaker
Brianna Tarera
Camila Akins
Brandon Rodriguez

Brothers and sisters:
Jerry Wayne Akins II and wife Nikki Akins
Jeffery Akins
Jennifer Akins

Stepsisters:
Melissa Lovelady
Teresa Akins
Jimmie Bush

Mother-in-law and father-in-law, Dianne Parish and Bobby Adams

Aunts:
Nelda McCawley
Dianne Freeman

Uncle, Charles Belsha

Special cousin, Melinda and Jack Hughes

Numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved so much.

Preceded in death by parents, Jerry Akins and Mozelle Belsha; grandparents, James Akins, Mildred Louise Thomas, Earl and Ruby Belsha; uncles, Johnny Belsha, Tommy Rae Belsha, Robert Adams, Vera Nimitz, and Carolyn Moore.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

05/08/2023

Darline (Renfroe) Smith of Timpson, Texas, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at her residence at the age of 71 years, 2 months, 29 days.

She was born January 31, 1952, in San Augustine County, Texas, to parents Eunice Eleanor (Morris) and Leon Tyson Renfroe. Darline worked several years in the family business, Renfroe Furniture and a resale shop. She was also a longtime employee of Hardy's Sawmill in Broaddus, Texas, and J&B Lumber in Neuville, Texas. She had a number of hobbies, especially enjoying jewelry making and coin collecting, and absolutely loved fishing.

Her survivors include:

Children:
Scott Edmond Smith and Bobbie of Timpson
James Michael Mangan and Cristal of Shelbyville
Anita Renae Smith and Timothy of Shelbyville

Sister-in-law, Kim Renfroe of Marietta, Texas

Special nephew, Danny Renfroe of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
James Michael Mangan Jr.
Roxanne Lizbeth Mangan
Rayleigh Ann Mangan
Mitchell Lee Tindol
Jessica Renae Smith
James Aaron Smith
Bradley Shane Smith

Great-grandchildren: Ryan, Sophie, Willow, Magnolia, Briar, and Clover.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Tyson and Eunice Eleanor Renfroe; and her brothers, L.T. Renfroe, Donald Renfroe, Kenneth Renfroe, and Carlis Renfroe.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Pastor Melba Rogers officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas. Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.

05/08/2023

James Allen Sapp, 93, of Timpson (Blair Community), Texas, passed away on May 5, 2023, in Garrison, Texas. He was born on April 22, 1930, in Timpson, Texas, to the late Benjamin H. and Elva Mae (Tindol) Sapp.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Blair Cemetery with Bro. Levi Cohorst officiating.

James was born and raised in the Blair community of Timpson, Texas. He served in the Air Force as an aviation mechanic after graduating high school. James married Mary Margaret White on March 25, 1951, in Las Vegas, Nevada. They then moved to Houston, Texas where James worked for Gulf Oil Corporation and raised his family. He retired from Gulf Oil after 30 years. James then moved back to his hometown of Timpson in 1981. He was an avid trap and skeet shooter, winning many awards. James was a supporter of the NRA and NSSA-NSCA. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

James is survived by:

Daughters:
Deborah Hinz and husband, Eric
Susan Odom

Grandchildren:
Shea Colgin
Hali Mischo

7 great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret; and son, Ben Sapp.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Garrison Nursing Home or Heart to Heart Hospice.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

05/08/2023

Betty Faye Hairgrove Bailey, 84, of Royse City, Texas, passed away on May 7, 2023, in Rockwall, Texas. She was born on November 8, 1938, in Timpson, Texas, to the late Mark Corley Hairgrove and Lizzie (Rhodes) Hairgrove.  

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 2PM with Bro. Bobby Warr officiating.  A visitation will be held prior to the service on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, beginning at 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, Texas.

Betty Faye was born and raised in Timpson and was a member of The First Baptist Church in Center. She graduated from Timpson High School. Betty Faye married the late Jimmy Bailey and, together they had five girls. They spent over 45 years together before his passing in 2003. Betty Faye worked numerous jobs including Tot & Teen, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Shelby General Hospital, grew and sold watermelons, and the Senior Nutrition Center. Some of Betty Faye’s hobbies included scrapbooking, sewing, and embroidery. She enjoyed spending time with family and her dog, Bella.

Betty Faye is survived by:

Daughters:
Larenda McDonald and husband Larry of Center, Texas
Rhonda Warr and husband Wesley of Center, Texas
Renea Rich and husband Jesse of Nacogdoches, Texas
Inette O’Neal and husband Dave of Royse City, Texas
Marla Coy and husband Russell of Royse City, Texas

Grandchildren:
Cooper Warr and wife Crystal
Casey Lovell and husband Bradley
Lindsey Snell and husband Stephen
Cody Warr and wife Lauren
Jason McDonald and wife Lyndy
Brandt O’Neal and wife Kenda
J.B. Rich
Brittany Narney and husband Mitch
Clay Rich and wife Elizabeth
Brandy Parks and husband Zach
Marty Rich
Hannah Coy
Hallie Coy

Great-Grandchildren:
Dillan Snell
Delane Lovell
Kylie Snell
Carsey Lovell
Lilly Warr
Carolina Warr
Caidi Warr
Aiden Warr
Dallas McDonald
Denver McDonald
Cannon Warr
Christian Warr
Tenley Snell
Brayden Parks
Landry McDonald
Colby Parks
Maddie Jo Narney
Kenley O’Neal
Callon Warr
Landyn McDonald
Mason Narney
Claire Rich
Charlotte Rich
Cassie Rich
Renee Warr

Her four-legged companion, Bella.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jimmy Morris Bailey; parents, Mark C. and Lizzie (Rhodes) Hairgrove; and brothers, Marcus Hairgrove, Vernon Hairgrove, Linvell Hairgrove, and Claude Hairgrove.

Pallbearers serving will be Cooper Warr, Cody Warr, Jason McDonald, Brandt O’Neal, J.B. Rich, Dillan Snell, Delane Lovell.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

05/05/2023

Tommie LaJuan Boulware Garner, 86, of Shreveport, Louisiana. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Rev. Mike Hawkins will officiate. Burial will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery, 4000 Meriwether Rd. in Shreveport. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Tommie passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, May 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Born October 17, 1936 in Center, Texas, Tommie moved to Shreveport at the age of 21 where she lived out the remainder of her life.

Left to cherish her memory:

Husband, John Garner

Brother, Truman Wimberly and wife, Diane

Daughter, Mollye Brown

Son, Douglas Boulware and wife, Sandra

Grandchildren:
Amy Cagle
Amanda Fort
Steven Boulware and wife, Karen
Clay Boulware
Katie Walker and her husband, William

Stepsons:
Johnny Garner and wife, Donna
James Garner and wife, Maggie

Step-grandchildren:
Kendall Garner
Chase Garner and wife
Melissa, Kelly Yurdagul and husband, Art
Hunter Garner

Many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Buron and Alma Wimberly, of Huxley, Texas; husband of 35 years, Sherrill O’Daniel Boulware and her two stepsons, Jewel Boulware and Jerry Boulware.

The devoted matriarch of her family, Tommie came from a lineage of strong women. As a testament to Proverbs 31, Tommie was “clothed in strength and dignity and feared the Lord.”  She depended on her strong faith to help her through some trying times and passed that faith along to her children and grandchildren.

Tommie’s favorite place was at her kitchen table with her friends and family and a pot of coffee.  Many stories were told and problems solved there. Many times, her children heard from friends and strangers alike how Tommie helped them in times of trouble. For those who knew her, she was a solid rock that could always be depended on. She will certainly be missed.

Serving as pallbearers will be David Glass, Johnny Wimberly, Steven Boulware, Clay Boulware, Chase Cagle, and Johnny Garner.

A special thank you to Kissie Milligan, Willie Baylor, the staff of The Gables at Springlake and Springlake Skilled Nursing and Rehab for your loving care of our mother. The family would also like to thank The Guest House Skilled Nursing and Rehab for their loving care.

Under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.

05/03/2023

Edward Anton Konderla Sr., 91, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on May 1, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on January 29, 1932, in Dallas, Texas, to the late Joseph Rudolph Konderla and Janie Paulin Handlin.  

A memorial Catholic Mass will be held at 5:30PM with a Rosary following on May 5, 2023, at St. Therese Catholic Church, Center, Texas.

Edward was born in Dallas, Texas. He proudly served his country through the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Ann Louise Halleck, on September 6, 1952, and the two spent over 58 years together before her passing in 2011. They raised four wonderful children. Edward graduated from Texas A&M University with an Engineering degree. He went to work in the oil and gas industry and work at various plants throughout the United States for many years. He worked many years for Georgia Gulf in LaPorte Texas. Edward purchased a farm in Shelby County in 1988. He later retired to the farm in Shelby County. Edward was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He held the high honor of a 4th degree Knight. He loved the Lord and was a faithful member of the St. Therese Catholic Church in Center Texas. 

Edward is survived by his sons:
Edward Jr. Konderla and wife Tresa of Ecuador
Richard Konderla and wife Dottie of Timpson, Texas

Daughter:
Marianne McLemore of Beaumont, Texas

Brothers:
Bob Konderla and wife Marynell 
Joe Konderla

Sisters:
Nancy Donaldson and husband David 
Anita Hunstable 

11 Grandchildren

11 Great-Grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ann Louise Konderla; son, Phillip Michael Konderla; parents, Joseph and Pauline Konderla; and brother, David Konderla.

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

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.