Shelby County Today

11/15/2016

Lois Clark Ross, 99, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on November 14, 2016 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on November 13, 1917 in Timpson, Texas to George Clark and Ada Ramsey Clark. Graveside service for Lois will be on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Buena Vista Cemetery, Timpson, Texas. Visitation will be on Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home in Timpson, Texas.

Lois attended school in Buena Vista community.  Upon completing school, Lois met her beloved husband, Jesse Lee Ross, on the other end of the county road she lived on in Shelby County. Together they made their home on that same county road and raised their children. 

They were married in April 1937, and remained faithfully by one another’s side until his passing in 1992. Together, they owned and operated Ross Lumber Company in Timpson, Texas. Lois was a genuine, compassionate, and tenderhearted individual that impacted the lives of many over her lifetime.  

She enjoyed cooking, sewing, and caring for others.  She was a true servant to her family, her church, and her community.  If Lois would have had a profession it would have been being a nurse.  She found great joy in taking care of others.  Lois was a member of First Baptist Church in Timpson, Texas.   

Lois is survived by:
Her son: Mike Ross of Nacogdoches, Texas

Daughter: Linda Collins of Carthage, Texas

Grandchildren:
Donna and husband Jim Burchett of Timpson, Texas
Gary and wife Leslie Collins of Heath, Texas
Misty and husband Scott Nixon of McAllen, Texas
Amy Ross of Nacogdoches, Texas
Shelly and husband Cutt Ableson of Houston, Texas
Kacey and husband Kyle Ruppert of Edinburg, Texas

11 great-grandchildren

1 great-great-grandchild

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

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jesse Lee Ross; grandson, Michael Ross; brothers, Melvin Clark, Oris Clark; sister, Ura Stephenson; and son in law, Don Collins.

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.

11/15/2016

Jimmy Leslie Steele was born on July 17, 1935 in Brownsville, Texas. His parents were Guy Leland Steele and Lora Christelle Morgan Steele. He attended the University of Texas in Austin and received his Bachelor’s Degree.  He attended Stephen F. Austin University and received his Master’s degree.  He attended Perkins School of Theology at SMU to become an Associate Member of the Methodist Church.  Jimmy was a Methodist minister for 23 years both part-time in Center, Texas and later full-time in Trinidad, Texas.   He was a CPA for 43 years in Brownsville, Texas and Center, Texas.  He also had a small cattle operation and taught at the local junior college in Center, Texas.  He was a member of Lions Club International and was a life-time member with over 50 years of service, serving in almost all offices including District Governor of Texas District 2-A3.  He was a Charter member of The Gateway Texas Chapter #49 Sons of the Republic in Shelby County, Texas and a Charter member of The James George Chapter #59 of the Sons of the Republic of Texas in Athens, Texas.  He was a descendent of the Battle of San Jacinto, being the gr-gr-grandson of the last surviving member of that battle.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 6 to 8 PM at Huckabee-Tomlinson Funeral Home in Malakoff, Texas. Service will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church located at 225 Lovers Lane in Athens, Texas. Clergies: Rev: Farrah Bentley and Rev: Faulk Landrum. Interment will follow at Athens Cemetery in Athens, Texas. 
 
He is preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Christelle Steele, his brother, Donald Steele and his brother-in-law Calvin Schaefer.
 
He is survived by his wife, Toni Steele
His sons,
Anthony Steele and wife Becky of Kerens, Texas
Andrew Steele and wife Tricia of Rowlett, Texas
Grandchildren, Jack, Jenna, Jason and Jessie of Rowlett, Texas
Sister Dolores Schaefer of Silsbee, Texas
Sister-in-law Doris Steele of Trinity, Alabama
Sister-in-law Bobbie Wheeler of Kaufman, Texas
Brother-in-law Mike Carter and wife Donnie of Hillsboro, Tennessee
A large number of nephews and nieces
 
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lions Camp in Kerrville, TX, American Bible Society or your home Church.

11/11/2016

Tommy Lynn “T.L.” Lawson, 81, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016, at his residence.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 13, 2016, at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.  Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Sister Melba Rodgers officiating.  Interment will be held at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Joaquin. 

Mr. Lawson was born October 22, 1935, in Center, to Hobson Lawson and Lela Jones Lawson.  He served in the United States Army and was a member of Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.

He is survived by
Wife: Clydie Lawson of Joaquin

Daughters: 
Tammy Cammack and husband, Wayne, of Haughton, Louisiana
Karen Joy and husband, Mike, of Satsuma, Alabama

Grandchildren:
Amanda Treat of Joaquin
Candice Hennigan and husband, Anthony, of Joaquin
Leah Walker and husband, Steven, of Sarepta, Louisiana
Katie Cammack of Haughton, Louisiana
Colton Cammack of Haughton, Louisiana
Mikayla Joy of Satsuma, Alabama
Mileah Joy of Satsuma, Alabama

Great-Grandchildren:
Charles Reed
Kimberleigh Reed
Steadman Penuell
Haley Hennigan
Layla Hennigan
Parker Canton
Avery Cammack
Axel Walker

Brother: Billy Lawson of Center

Sisters:
Ruby Hughes and husband, Charles, of Center
Judy Carrington of Center

Sisters-in-law:
Wynell Lawson of Center
Leona Lawson of Baytown
Nadine Lawson of Center
Dianne Smith and husband, Jerry, of Joaquin
Jimmie Fay Haight of Joaquin

Preceded in death by
Parents: Hobson Lawson and Lela Jones Lawson
Daughter: Kimberly Lawson
Brothers: Joel, Glenn, Happy, Forriest
Sisters: Oleta, Mildred

Pallbearers will be Wayne Cammack, Mike Joy, Anthony Hennigan, Colton Cammack, Steadman Penuell, Charles Reed and Steven Walker.

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

11/10/2016

Louis Ainsley Runnels was born in Shelby County, Texas to his parents, Louis Ainsley Runnels, Sr., and Hannah Guthrie Runnels on June 11, 1920.

He graduated from Shelbyville High School and pursued a successful career in the construction business throughout Texas. He worked to restore Independence Hall at Washington on the Brazos and other historic buildings throughout East Texas. The last years of his career was working in roofing both commercial and private homes. He also stated a successful Storage Unit business in San Augustine.

He married Barbara Bailey on November 3, 1968, and they resided in Shelby County on a farm, until moving into San Augustine after retirement from the construction business. Retirement from the roofing business transitioned to managing the Storage buildings in San Augustine for many years as a second career.

Surviving relatives are his wife, Barbara Bailey Runnels; Sister, Bobbie Adkinson of Texarkana; Children: Tim Runnels and his wife, Debbie, and his children, Toby and Stacy. Tony's daughter, Bonnie Miller and husband, J.D. and his son, Louis IV and his wife, Ashley; Mary Bailey Mehta and husband, David K. Mehta with their children: Erin, Andrew, and Landon; Ann Bailey-Gonzalez and her children, Nicholas and Gabrielle Gonzalez, also nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Louis is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Bonnie Wingo and stepmother, Lima Dover and stepbrother, Joe Dover and his wife Jean Dover. Also a brother, Ney and brother in law, Tom Adkinson, and his youngest son Louis A. "Tony" Runnels.

Memorial Services will be held on November 12, 2016, at 11 a.m. at the Christ Church Episcopal in San Augustine. A Celebration of Life REeception will be immediately following the service at Gatling Manor, 850 South Liberty, San Augustine.

11/09/2016

Racine Graves, age 28, of Bryan, passed from this life on Thursday, November 3, 2016, in Bryan, after a long hard fight with cancer. She was born August 15, 1988, in Nacogdoches, Texas.

She was a member of the Skybreak Church in Bryan. After graduating from Chireno High School, Racine moved to Brenham. While living there, she received two associate degrees from Blinn College in Bryan-College Station. After meeting and marrying her husband, Nathaniel, they moved to Oceanside, California where he was stationed in the Marines. While there she received her Bachelor's Degree from Cal State University. Upon returning to Bryan College Station, Racine worked as an Office Manager for the Bryan Medical Association.

She is survived by her husband,Nathaniel Lee Graves of Bryan; son, Elijah James Graves of Bryan; parents, Jeff & Rexcine Boyd of San Augustine; mother-in-law, Pamela Britton of League City; brother, James Pate & wife Yolanda of Jacksonville, Florida; step-sisters, Kristine Taylor and Suzanne Monzingo; brother-in-law, James Beldon of League City; sisters-in-law, Chloe Britton and Monique Britton - both of League City.

A memorial service will be held for Racine at the Skybreak Church in Bryan College Station on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at 11:00 A.M., with Bro. Danny Green and Jeff Boyd officiating. There will be a gathering of friends at the church on Wednesday beginning at 10:00 A.M.

Also, there will be a memorial service at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel in San Augustine on Friday, November 11, 2016, at 11:00 A.M., with Bro. David Boyd and Jeff Boyd officiating. There will be a gathering of friends at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 A.m. until service time.

11/07/2016

Hershal Walker, 95, of Center, passed away Monday, November 07, 2016 at Garrison Nursing Home.

Graveside Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery with Bro. Keith Keele officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 8, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born February 19, 1921 in Roscoe, Texas to Dewey and Ellie (McSwain) Walker. He retired from Center Plywood after 27 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewey & Ellie Walker and wife, Carolyn Sue Walker.

He is survived by:
Children:
Janette Tucker & husband, Charles “Red” of Alabama
Donny Walker & wife, Bonnie of Nacogdoches 
Brenda Hill of Timpson
Kevin Walker & wife, Angela of Nacogdoches
Grandchildren:
Coy Norwood & wife, Theresa, Kelli Norwood & Clifton Norwood & wife, Stephanie
Devin Walker & wife, Ella and Katrina Bird & husband, Dustin
Clint Solomon and Ashley Davis & husband, Matt
Jennifer Walker VanDyke & husband, Kade, Hannah Walker & Hunter Walker
20 Great Grandchildren
1 Great Great Grandson
Sister-in-law:
Mary Paxton of Center
Pallbearers:
Hunter Walker, Brad Fitzgerald, Dustin Bird, 
Kade VanDyke, Paul Hughes & Ward Herndon

In lieu of flowers family request donations can be made to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Fund, c/o Mr. Eddie Barnes, 2698 St Hwy 7 West, Center, Texas 

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

11/07/2016

Sarah Wynell Hutchins, 76, of Joaquin, passed away Saturday, November 5, 2016, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2016, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Ozay Ford and Bro. Pat Windham officiating.  Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery in Shelby County.

Ms. Hutchins was born June 18, 1940, in Shelby County, to Travis Wright and Katie Hughes Wright.  

She is survived by
Sons:
Everett “Rowdy” Hutchins and wife, Rose, of Mississippi
Darrell “Jinx” Hutchins and wife, Cristi, of Joaquin

Grandchildren:
Katie Martin and husband, Mark, of Huntington
Holly Nichols and husband, Reid, of Joaquin
Jacob Hutchins and wife, Dawn, of Joaquin
Zac Hutchins of Joaquin
Caroline Corbell and husband, Jasper, of Center
Haley Hutchins of Shreveport, Louisiana
Liza Kay and husband, Jacob, of Joaquin
Cole Gary of Springhill, Louisiana
Madelynn Hutchins of Joaquin
Lexi Hutchins of Joaquin
Maddox Hutchins of Joaquin

Great Grandchildren:
Eli Hutchins
Harlow Hutchins
Heist Martin
Barrett Nichols
Kase Kay

Sister: Ann Hitt of Center

Sister-in-law: Judy Wright of Center

Special Nieces and Nephews:
Katha Bush
Pam Bailey
Patty Davis
Rusty Wright

Preceded in death by:
Husband: Darrell Hutchins
Son: Scott Hutchins
Parents: Travis Wright and Katie Hughes Wright
Siblings: Jake Wright, Bud Wright
Sister-in-law: Brenda Wright

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

11/04/2016

Susan Ruth Parks Windham, 54, of Center, passed away Friday, November 4, 2016, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at Spann’s Chapel Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. Don Noble and Bro. Steve Noble officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, beginning at 12:00 noon.

Mrs. Windham was born April 18, 1962, in Galena Park, to Jimmie Parks and Ima Spann Parks.  

She is survived by
Husband: James “Jamie” Windham of Center

Daughter: Tina Pardo and husband, Jaime, of Longview

Son: William “Jody” Windham of Center

Grandchildren:
Michael Price
Desera Myron
Estrella “Star” Pardo
Whitney Pierce
Summer Windham
Alexis Hargitt
Dylon Wallace

Brothers:
Charles Parks and wife, Sherry, of Center
Lance Parks and wife, Tonya, of Center

Sisters:
Shelby Pope of Center
Rose Ramirez and husband, Herman, of Center

Adopted Childen:
Kristy Elliott
Anthony Parish
Montaiz Stanley

Special Friends:
Montie Adams of Center
Dylan Worsham

Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends

Preceded in death by
Parents: Jimmie Parks and Ima Spann Parks
Brother: Jimmie Parks, Jr.
Father-in-law: Tom Windham

Pallbearers will be John Parks, Adam Ramirez, Montaiz Stanley, Dylan Worsham, Dylan Denby and Corey Sigler.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jaime Pardo, Anthony Parish and Bradley Livingston.

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

11/01/2016

Joel Harris Chapman, age 84, of Tenaha, passed away Tuesday, November 01, 2016 at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital.

Graveside Service will be 10:00 am Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha with Bro. Don Murphree. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 2, 2016 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born February 13, 1932 in Mt. Enterprise, Texas to parents, James Harris Chapman & Lela Bell Woods Chapman. He served in the United States Air Force. He owned and operated Chapman Cleaners in Tenaha  and he drove a school bus for Tenaha ISD for many years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James & Lela Chapman, 4 brothers; Eulan Chapman, Dempsey Chapman, Roy Chapman & Allen Chapman and 1 sister; Frances Hall.

He is survived by:
2 Daughters:
Sheri Basham & husband, Jessie of Tenaha
Sandra Chapman of Nacogdoches
Granddaughter:
Courtney Basham Martinez & husband, Darrell Martinez of Tenaha
Grandson:
Jesse Basham of Austin
Great Granddaughter:
Caitlyn Basham of Tenaha
Pallbearers:
Josh Hickman, Willie Holley, Roger Holley, Ron Barker,
Carlos Cuellar, John Estes & Francisco Perez

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