Shelby County Today

04/14/2023

Jessie Lee McDaniel, 50, was called home on April 06, 2023. He was born June 15, 1952 to his mother, Faylene Davis.

A homecoming celebration will be at 1pm Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Bryant Temple Church of God in Christ, 11873 CR 3285, Garrison, Texas 75946 with Elder Freeman Bryant officiating. Visitation is from 10am until 6pm on Friday, April 14, 2023 at Commuity Funeral Home Chapel in Timpson, Texas.

Jessie Lee McDaniel is preceded in death by mother, Faylene Davis; and wife, Christine McDaniel of Garrison, Texas.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Daughters:
Tonya Allbritton (Jack)
LaTasha Woodard of Garrison

Sons:
Jarrell Roland of San Antonio, Texas
Demarcus McDaniel (Dana) of Garrison

Grandchildren:
Kenshena Woodard
Tywances Woodard
Keiara Tutt
Ja'Quaylon Mayfield
Morgan Roland
Ciara Allbritton
Jalynn Roland

Great-grandchildren:
Aalejah Woodard
Jayecon Bussey

Brothers:
Larry Roberson (Claudia) of Garrison
Lester Stevenson (Annette) of Orlando, Florida
Clarence Yarbrough (Mavis) of Nacogdoches

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

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

04/13/2023

Leamon “Buddy” Bridwell, 78, of Center, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, April 14, 2023, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Bro. Kevin Windham will officiate.

Buddy was born October 4, 1944, in Nacogdoches, to Leamon Harvey Bridwell and Ruth Haley Bridwell. Buddy would begin his day with a cup of coffee and a honeybun, with his dog, Bailey, at his feet getting his bites also. He loved his fur babies past and present. He loved helping people and watching TV shows about Big Foot. Buddy was a member of First Baptist Church in Center.

He is survived by:

Wife of 52 years, Tina Bridwell of Center

Son, Eddie Bridwell and wife Amy

Stepson, Cody Selph

Grandchildren:
Natalie Bridwell
Dustin Bridwell
Bobby Ray Walker and wife Michelle
Bradley Joe Lewis
Jessica Pike
Pamela Joy Crager

Numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives

And a host of friends

Preceded in death by his parents, Leamon Harvey Bridwell and Ruth Haley Bridwell; brother, James Bridwell; and sisters, Bobbie Jane White and Daisy Mae Bridwell.

Pallbearers will be Chance Porter, Dewayne Langey, Tony Davis, Jason Langey, Jamie Killen, and Bryan Langey. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Faust, Bill Rowland, and Steve Cox.

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

04/10/2023

Beulah Mae Hughes, loving and devoted mother, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the age of 99.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Watson officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

On Saturday, April 8, 2023, Beulah Mae Hughes, loving and devoted mother, passed away at the age of 99.

A Shelby County native, Beulah was born October 8, 1923, to Ben and Linnie Bryan. She was the only girl in a family of six children. She graduated from high school in Timpson in 1943. The following year, she married the love of her life, Stanton Hughes. After he returned from World War II, they soon moved to Center and bought a house where she has lived since 1946.

Beulah lived her life in service to others. She served her husband and family. She served her church, and she served her community. Her presence has had a lasting impact on all around her.

Beulah was a devoted wife who was always by her husband’s side. She and Stanton were married for 59 years. When Stanton could no longer be cared for at home and had to go to a facility, Beulah faithfully visited him twice a day and monitored his care. She made sure he never felt alone. Early in their marriage, she assisted Stanton in starting his auto repair business. She kept the books, handled the invoices, and paid the taxes. Beulah also served as the dispatcher for the Volunteer Firemen. She “manned” the fire phone from her kitchen and directed the volunteers to the location of the fire. In addition, Beulah served as Stanton’s partner in raising money for the Shriners, his chosen charity. She worked the fund raising just like a business. She worked in food tents before there were food trucks. Weekends were spent selling popcorn, cotton candy, burgers, fries, steaks, and anything else patrons wanted to eat. All profits were then given to the Shriners. Consequently, Beulah had long weeks; five days as a childcare provider, a shop bookkeeper, and a volunteer fire dispatcher, followed by weekends of working in food sales. She truly had the spirit and heart of a servant! With all of these activities, Beulah was an ACTIVE member of the Ladies’ Shriners Auxiliary.

Beulah was an attentive mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her goal was to make sure her “babies” were loved and cared for. She strived to make sure everyone was happy and had everything they needed. She never forgot a birthday and always remembered everyone’s favorite dish. She served many a welcomed meal at her kitchen table.

Beulah served the First Baptist Church of Center her entire adult life. She attended all services throughout the week and taught Sunday School and Training Union. She was instrumental in advising the church when it decided it needed to start a day care center. It was her knowledge and experience that helped establish a successful platform for the Wee Learn Day Care Center.

Beulah served her community by helping “raise some of the best kids in Shelby County”. She started a private day care center in her home in 1962 when many young, working mothers began asking her to keep their children. She soon became known as Mama Hughes, and she was Mama Hughes until 1989 when she retired. Beulah once said, “They say everyone has a calling, and I guess mine has been to take care of children.” And Beulah took great care of all her children. She knew all the “tricks” in getting them to eat. One of the kids’ favorite practices was to push the back of a spoon down in a serving of mashed potatoes. That created a “bird’s nest” that would hold the gravy. Then the little one could eat from the bird’s nest.

Beulah truly had the heart of a servant. She continuously gave of herself, asking for nothing in return. She eagerly used her gifts to help others. Clearly, all have benefited from knowing Beulah Mae Hughes.

Beulah had three children: Walter, Mary Ann, and Stanton Thomas. She carried the grief of losing Walter in a childhood accident.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Mary Ann and her husband John

Son, Stanton Thomas and his wife Freddie

Grandson, Brian and his wife Jana and two children Missy and Rebecca

Granddaughter, Emily and her husband Mike and two children Mackenzie and Micheal

Granddaughter, Kayla and her husband Daniel and baby Natalie

Granddaughter, Chloe and her husband Tristan

Granddaughter, Katherine.

Niece, Peggy Monk, who helped care for her at home

Numerous nieces and nephews are left to cherish her memory.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mrs. Hughes’ caregivers that sat with her and allowed her to remain in her home: Mary Byrnes, her friend and homecare supervisor; Doris Samuels, Dawn Green, Sonya Gulley, and JoAnn Dodson.

Pallbearers will be Brian Tatum, Mike West, Micheal West, John Monk, John Byrnes, and Mark Tidwell.

During Beulah’s final days, she was cared for by the nurse practitioners, nurses, and staff of Nacogdoches Medical Center. Their compassion and kindness surpassed every expectation, making the family very grateful.

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

04/06/2023

Domingo Santana, 84, of Center, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Jalpilla, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 9, 2023 at Watson & Sons Chapel.  Interment will follow at Neuville Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born May 12, 1938, in Mexico, Domingo is the son of Fernando Santana and Senaida Guillen Garcia. Domingo was born and raised in Jalpilla, Guanajuato, Mexico. He was well known in his town for being a hardworking man and for his sense of humor. He took care of the family ranch where he worked cattle and harvested corn. When his time wasn’t spent on the farm, he was home with his loving wife Natividad. 

When he would come to visit his family in Texas, he always found a way to stay busy working in the woods, helping his sons run the timber business, and entertaining the grandkids with outdoor activities.  He loved music, especially singing and dancing to and his favorite song, “Pasito Tun, Tun”.  Domingo loved to have a good time with his family and friends.  He was loved by so many people and will be missed very dearly.

Family members include: 
Children: 
Matias and Isabella Santana
Louredes and Juan Chavez
Nicolas and Teresa Santana
Martin and Francisca Santana
Antonio and Maria Santana
Cecilia and Jose Chavez
Jose and Blanca Santana

Grandchildren: 
Erica Santana
Nehemias Santana
Gerardo Chavez
Armando Chavez
Jaime Chavez
Javier Chavez
Jose Juan Chavez
Alfredo Chavez
Sergio Chavez
Enrique Chavez
Abraham Chavez
Vanessa Santana
Reyna Santana
Joanna Santana
Rebekah Santana
Ruth Santana
Natalia Chavez
Martina Santana
Salvador Santana
Diego Santana
Cristal Santana
Tanya Santana
Yesenia Chavez
Oliver Chavez
Brisa Chavez
Perla Santana
Jose Santana Jr.
Abraham Santana
Johnny Santana
Samantha Santana

Siblings:
Antonio Santana
Salvador Santana
Bonifacio Santana
Cruz Santana
Damian Santana
Teresa Santana
Benita Santana
Miguel Santana
Porfiria Santana

Preceded in death by his wife, Antonia Natividad Maldonado; daughter, Cecilia Chavez Santana; and son-in-law, Juan Chavez.

Pallbearers will be Matias Santana, Martin Santana, Jose Santana, Antonio Santana, Nicolas Santana, Jaime Chavez, Jose Juan Chavez, and Armando Chavez.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.comhttp://www.watsonandsonsfh.com

04/05/2023

John Alvin Sikes, formerly of Little Cypress, loving husband and father, passed away on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the age of 86.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 15, 2023, Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Born September 16, 1936 in El Campo, Texas, John was raised on the family farm where he lived with his parents John and Rosa Rooker Sikes and sister Maureen Sikes Baker until they moved to Port Arthur around 1940.

John attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, graduating in 1954. He went on attend Lamar University in Beaumont, majoring in geology.

High school sweethearts, John met wife Margaret Massey Sikes while the two were just teenagers. Their love for each other would last a lifetime, celebrating 68 years of marriage.

John was a handy mechanic, often working on everything from car engines to appliances and anything that needed repair.  He collected many tools over the years, including those he inherited from his father.

John was also a self-taught carpenter, building decks from the ground up for his home in Little Cypress. Multiple hurricanes came and went during their years there, with many trees falling victim to the storms, but John’s well-built decks held firm through all of it.

As a young man, John worked at a variety of places in Port Arthur including Plettman’s Grocery, Holsum Bakery and also Sears as a shoe salesman. He then worked for Gulf Oil and Jefferson Chemical, eventually making his way to Firestone Chemical where he worked for more than 30 years as a skilled serviceman. While there, John also served as Union Steward and retired in 1995.

Having spent his formative years on a farm in Texas, John grew up with a love of the land and always dreamed of becoming a farmer himself. Their move to Little Cypress in 1974 was a lifelong dream come true, where Dad purchased 33 acres of land. After buying a vintage tractor which John promptly restored into working order, he began what was to be his biggest hobby and passion — cutting grass, clearing brush and tilling the soil, all while sitting proudly atop that tractor.

John also had a love for music, taking piano lessons at an early age. Later as a young married man, two of John’s first purchases were a piano and a stereo system for his collection of LPs. From 50s rock-and-roll to country music, John enjoyed playing his records for friends and family. 

During their younger years, John and wife Margaret owned several AKC German Shepherd dogs whose pups went on to live out lives as service dogs and police narcotics dogs. It was a frequent site to see John on his tractor, followed by one or more of his dogs faithfully following him along.

John enjoyed watching baseball on TV, mowing the grass, and spending time in his garage. After retiring to Belton, TX, John bequeathed his tractor and his land to grandson James, ensuring that a love of the land was passed down yet again to the next generation.

John is survived by:

Wife, Margaret

Daughters:
Elaine Sikes Jackson and son-in-law Mike of Belton
Jo Ellen Sikes Enmon and son-in-law Victor of College Station
Karen Sikes Heitman and son-in-law Tim of Aubrey, TX. 

Grandchildren:
Adam Jackson (wife Elisha) of Temple, TX
Jennifer Jackson Webb (and husband Spencer) of Belton, TX
James Enmon (and wife Stormy) of Vidor, TX
Christin Enmon Hommel (and husband Justin) of Katy, TX
Namesake, John Stone (and fiance’ Mehgan) of Little Elm, TX
Samantha Stone Garcia (husband Paul) of Dallas, TX.

Great-grandchildren:
McKenzie Jackson
Kayleigh Jackson
Jackson Webb
Addison Webb
Corbin Hommel
Adilyn Hommel
Kenzie Kirkland

John is preceded in death by Victoria Jo Enmon, his much-beloved granddaughter; sister Maureen Sikes Baker; and John Herman Sikes and Rosa Rooker Sikes, parents.

Pallbearers will be James Enmon, Justin Hommel, Adam Jackson, Spencer Webb, John Stone, Paul Garcia, and Kevin Fuller.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jackson Webb and Corbin Hommel.

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

04/05/2023

Lathan Gene Johnson "Thumb," 50, passed away on March 24, 2023. He was born February 1, 1973 in Center, Texas to Gloria and the late C.J. Johnson.

Homecoming celebration will be held at 11am Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Triumph First Pentecostal Church, 222 CR 2024, Shelbyville, Texas 75973 with Bishop Roosevelt Swindle, Pastor. Visitation is from 10am to 6pm Friday, April 7, 2023 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Interment is at Brittain Creek Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas.

Lathan was always the life of the party at which he was the family dancing machine. No matter what he always kept a smile of joy on his face. He loved spending time with his family and friends.

Lathan was preceded in death by his father, C.J. Johnson; daughter, Aaliyah Johnson; grandparents, Ella Wee Johnson, Mose Chumbley, C. Dale, and LeElla Kinney; uncles, Daniel Boone Kinney, Jarvis Johnson Sr., Vester Johnson, Tommy Johnson, and Charlie Lee Chumbley; and cousin, Rebecca Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his sweet memories:

Mother, Gloria Nell Johnson

Daughters:
Tiarius Booker (Devon)
Brethya Johnson
Taniella Johnson
Brittany Johnson

Sons:
Quantarius Johnson
Jordyn Johnson

Grandkids:
De'Khiry Scroggins
Dakota Booker
Ta'layia Nash

Brothers:
Johnny Johnson
Jeff Chumbley
Marcus Nobles
Timothy Nobles

Sisters:
Gloria Johnson
Brenda Johnson (Selvin)
Linda Cartwright (Frank)
Lisa Johnson
Kim Nobles
Penelope Johnson (Bo)

He is also survived by a host of uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Special cousins, Nett, Dale, and Andy Johnson

Special friend, Cedric Jenkins

Lathan will be greatly missed by his family

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

04/04/2023

Kathryn Virginia Monk Wheeler passed away on March 28, 2023, at Willis Knighton, in Bossier City, Louisiana. Kathryn was 85 years old. 

Memorial service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Center Christian Church, 1215 Woodlawn Dr., Center, Texas, at 11AM with Bro. Sam Wheeler officiating.

Kathryn was born in the Short Community to Sam Monk and Vilua Owen Monk. She was the fourth of eight children.

After graduation from Center High School, Kathryn married Gilbert Wheeler. They were married over 53 years before his passing in 2009. Together they raised three wonderful children. Kathryn and Gilbert were the owners of Farmers Feed and Supply and Farmers Fertilizer Cooperation.  Together they raised cattle, and grew chickens for Holly Farms and Tyson for 50 years. 

Kathryn was an energetic and classy lady. She loved the color red, and kept her home decorated for Christmas all year long. She loved her family and friends and never hesitated to help those in need. Kathryn loved the Lord and served him in many capacities throughout her 47-year membership at Center Christian Church. Her smile and laughter will be missed by those that knew her. 
Kathryn is survived by:

Daughters, 
Pam Hibbard and husband Wallace of Bullard
Kathy Brittain of Center

Son,
Don Wheeler and wife Cheri of Center

Brothers, 
Sammy Monk and wife Cathy of Center
John Monk and wife Peggy of Center

Sister, 
Mary Monk May of Appleby

Sister in law,
Dixie Monk of Plantersville

Grandchildren, 
Christie Gray and husband Chad of Troup
Craig Hibbard and wife Ashlee of Tyler
Johnathan Brittain and wife Christy of Huntsville
Ashley Henry and husband Sean of Kyle
Brett Wheeler and wife Candace of Center
Ben Wheeler of Center
Luc Allen and wife Samantha of Colorado
Whitnee Lee and husband Ricky of Center
Sydnee Allen of California

Great-grandchildren, 
Collin and Cheyenne Gray of Murchison
Callie Gray of College Station
Camdyn Gray of College Station
Johnnie Hibbard of Tyler
Henry Hibbard of Tyler
Raeleigh Brittain of Huntsville
Brighton Henry of Kyle
Beckham Wheeler of Center
Scarlett Allen of Colorado
Tristian Lee of Center
Tate Lee of Center
Tanner Lee of Center

Great-great grandchildren, 
Courtlynn Gray of College Station
Baby Gray arriving in August

Her furry sidekicks, Oscar, Tulip, and Tracks

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

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Gilbert; parents, Sam and Vilua Monk; son-in-law, Ray Brittain; grandson, Zane Allen; brothers, James William Monk, Gerald Monk; sisters, Marie Monk Rollins, Martha June Monk; sister-in- law, Juanice Powell and husband James; brother-in-laws, Tom May, and Richard Wheeler and wife Barbara.

In lieu of flowers family asks that donations be made in memory of Kathryn Wheeler to Center Christian Church, P O Box 169, Center, Texas, 75935.

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

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

03/30/2023

Our beloved Momma, Cheryl Jean Findley-Joiner, of Katy, Texas, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was 68 years old.

Visitation will be on April 2nd, 2023, from 12:30 to 1:30p.m. at Magnum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Following with a graveside service at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
Flowers or memories may be shared with Magnum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St, Center, TX 7535.

Cheryl was born on April 20, 1954, in Houston, Texas to Walter and Maycel ImoJean Bosman. Cheryl attended MacArthur High School in Houston, Texas where she completed Cosmetology school in 1972. She was a hairdresser for over 35 years in the Houston area where she served her beloved clients. During this time, she formed some of her most cherished and valued friendships. Her clients truly became family.

In 2009 Cheryl married her sweetheart George ‘Buck’ H. Joiner Jr. They enjoyed 13 years together sharing their love of traveling and fishing. You could always find them fishing on the shores of Mexico, Florida, Louisiana, and all over the great Texas coast. Cheryl loved swimming in her pool with her girls, grandchildren, and friends enjoying a great margarita. She also found the most joy and peace in her flower gardens and listening to her birds in the backyard. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. Those that knew her best called her LuLu and a few of us called her NuNu. Momma will always be remembered for her unique style, one-of-a-kind personality, and always had a good time wherever she went.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Gloria Jean Peterson, Bettye Dean, Gary Bosman, Walter Bosman Jr., and Ellen Carter. Also, she was preceded in death by her furry sidekicks Bridgette and Brandi.

She will be greatly missed by those left behind including:

Loving husband, Buck

Daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Justin Collins of Berryton, Kansas

Daughter, Sherri Jo Brier of Brenham, Texas

Daughter, Rachael Beseda of Fayetteville, Texas

Stepdaughter, Jennifer Joiner of Houston, Texas

Stepson, Richard Joiner

Cheryl’s most prized possessions were her three amazing grandchildren, BreAnne Kelly, Ryleigh Kelly, and Taylor Brier.

And not forgetting her constant dachshund companions Roxy and Charlie.

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

03/29/2023

David Lilly, 68 of Stockman, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 in Tyler. He was born on August 18, 1954 in Shelby County.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Taylor Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Calloway officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-2pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

David was born in the community of Stockman and spent his childhood there. He and his siblings were raised as most kids were in that time period. They were taught to be honest, responsible young people. Their parents wanted them to be resilient, responsible adults, therefore they made them work and learn the value of a dollar. They hauled hay and worked on the farm with their family. All of the boys enjoyed running and playing and occasionally found mischief to get into. Although they were busy being boys, they always made sure their only sister, Dorinda (known as Lulu by most) had brothers to protect her.

David graduated as a proud Timpson Bear in 1972 and went on to obtain an Associate Degree from Panola College and 2 Bachelor degrees from Stephen F. Austin. He proudly accomplished this by working to pay his own way through college. David coached and taught math at Timpson school for 4 years and then went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad. He spent 26 years there and then retired, making his way back to East Texas and the land that he loved. His retirement and return to the Pineywoods afforded him the greatest opportunities to attend every local game he could. His love of sports was evident to all those around him. He was a dedicated alumni of THS but would make it to surrounding areas games when he could. David enjoyed being able to spend his days with his brothers and sister. Being the oldest, he had the role of protector and “mother hen” as they lovingly accused him of, but also appreciated. In addition, David took on the responsibility of taking care of their mamma. He visited her every day at the nursing home and made sure she was happy and content and knew how much they loved her.

David was a good ole’ country boy at heart and loved his family. He will always be the big brother that Danny, Dennis and Lulu needed and the wonderfully devoted son that any mother would be proud of.

David is survived by:

Siblings:
Danny Lilly of Stockman
Dennis Lilly and wife, Patty of Garrison
Dorinda “Lulu” Warren of Nacogdoches

As well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Orren and Aliene Thompson Lilly and his brother, Dean Lilly.

Serving as pallbearers will be Casey Warren, Lance Lilly, Cory Lilly, John Halstead, Devin LeBlanc and Chase Lilly.

The Lilly family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home. To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.taylorfh.net.