Shelby County Today

08/15/2024

Neoma “Cissy” Clephas, 68, of Tenaha, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in Carthage.

Her wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Born April 29, 1956, in El Dorado, Arkansas, Neoma is the daughter of Charles A. Green and Martha Mayfield Green. She graduated as salutatorian of the Center High School Class of 1974. Neoma worked as an accountant at UT Health for twenty-five years. She loved spending time with her granddaughter.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Jenna Clephas and Mark Seifried of Tenaha

Stepson, Josh Clephas

Granddaughter, Kaylee Seifried of Tenaha

Sister-in-law, Donna Green of Tenaha

Nephews and niece:
Chuck Green
Chris Green
Amanda Campbell

Great-nieces:
Jaycee Franklin
Camie Green
Tori Green

Preceded in death by parents, Charles A. Green and Martha Mayfield Green; sister, Mable Campbell; brother, Eddie Green; and great-niece, Emmie Jo Green.

A special thanks to Panola County Nursing and Rehab and HeartsWay Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made toward final expenses.

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

08/14/24

Virginia (Ginger) Lemoine, 89, of Sardis, Texas passed on August 12, 2024. Ginger was born Virginia Ruth Smith on March 24, 1935, to the late Perry Buren Smith and Grace Louise (Whitton) Smith. 

Visitation will be held at Magnum Funeral home on Saturday, August 17th at 9am. Graveside services will follow at 10am at Sardis Cemetery.

Ginger grew up and raised her own family with her late husband, J.R., in the Sardis community. Virginia leaves a legacy of beauty, truth, and talent. Her artistic eye graced her garden, her kitchen, the wardrobes of many, and untold other projects she took up with her capable hands. Any guest at her kitchen table was greeted with an honest opinion and a glass of sweet tea. Her family will remember her wit, her generosity, and the vigor with which she tackled life.

Survived by:

Children:
Lisa Christian and husband Wayne of Center
Marty Lemoine and wife Dionne of Jefferson
Tammy Lemoine of Center
Joey Lemoine and wife Theresa of Sardis

Grandchildren:
Leslie Panaro and husband Tony
Crystal Kennon and husband William
Liza Firmin and husband Mark
Joseph Lemoine and wife Emily
Lindsey Thompson and husband Lincoln
Brooke Lane and husband Brad
Jade Cain, Jessica Phillips and husband William
Lauren Myers and husband Ethan
Jeremiah Lemoine and wife Alex
Ashton Campbell
Whitney McLemore and husband Patrick
Anisse Lemoine
Julien Lemoine

Great-Grandchildren:
Alivia
Jon
Dominic
Jade
Emelia
Christian
Andrew
Ruth
Jaxson
Parker
Chappel
Whitfield
August
Vivienne
Evangeline
Miles
Micah
Jack
Willa
Rosanna
Aaliyah
Jenaveve
Alivia
Isabella 

Great-Great-Granddaughter, Vivienne 

Virginia is preceded in death by her husband J.R.; parents, Perry and Grace Smith; brothers, Wayne Smith, Jerry Smith, and Ray Smith; and sisters, Edna Smith, Frances Snow, and Odessa Smith Weaver.

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

08/14/2024

Wanda Lee Ingerton, 78, of Center, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in Center.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Central Baptist Church in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Bro. Danny Dodson will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Wanda Englehart Ingerton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 27, 1946, to Robert Englehart and Norma Nichols Englehart. Her daddy, a German, was a master carpenter, and her mother, Irish, a Kansas City farm girl. Her family moved frequently and lived in several places throughout her life. When she was seven, their family lost the family ranch in Cortez, Colorado. They, in turn, moved to Victoria, Texas, because her dad found work there. Her daddy was an abusive alcoholic. She and her siblings dreaded the weekends because her daddy would beat their mom and destroy the house. They would sleep in the car on the side of the road.

When she was eight, she and her sister became “bus kids” at a Baptist church in Victoria, Texas. During the invitation, she went forward and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior. Her sister got mad because she was embarrassed, and it held her up from getting home. When they got home, two Baptist men asked her dad for permission for her to be baptized. He cussed them out and told them to get out of his house. Mama always told us she got peace with both Jesus and her dad that day. She said before she got saved, she hated him. However, after she got saved, she could forgive him and even love him. She got victory in Victory, Texas. This is why her daughter, Mrs. Tammy, loves the bus ministry. What a difference it made in her life and later in the life of her daughter.

Many years later, a red-headed preacher, Bro. Roy Wallace, led her husband, Rhodes Ingerton, to the Lord when he was out soulwinning. She re-dedicated her life and was baptized at Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas.

On July 26, 1983, Wanda became employed with Walmart. She retired as a department manager on July 31, 2008, after twenty-seven years of dedicated service. Her hobby was crocheting. 

She is survived by:

Children:
Tammy and husband Randy Hagler of Shelbyville
William Ben Ingerton of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Ashley and husband Dustin Parker
Alysse Hagler and Tyson Johnson
Devlyn Ingerton
Sheridan Ingerton
Brionna Ingerton
Autumn Ingerton

Great-grandchildren:
Jaxon Parker
Dylan Parker
Lane Parker
Shon Parker
Brantley Baldridge
Nova Lynn Bell

Brother, Robert DWayne Englehart and wife Bonnie of Athens, Texas

Sisters:
Betty and husband James Jenkins of California
Linda George of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by husband, Rhodes Ingerton; parents, Robert Englehart and Norma Nichols Englehart; brother, Ricky Englehart; and sister, Donna Sparks.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Parish, Devlyn Ingerton, Lane Parker, Sheridan Ingerton, Dylan Parker, Jay Bartlett, Shon Parker, Brantley Baldridge.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” – Romans 10:13

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” – Psalm 116:15

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

08/13/2024

Xavier Phillip Pierce, 29, of Porter, Texas, passed away on August 9, 2024, in Porter, Texas. He was born on September 20, 1994, in Conroe, Texas to Charles Pierce and Bianca Marin. 

Funeral service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home, with Bro. Jacob Casey officiating. Interment will follow at West Hamilton Cemetery. 

A visitation will be held prior to the service on Saturday, August 17, 2024, beginning at 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Xavier spent most of his adolescent years in Kountze, Texas. He graduated from Kountze High School Class of 2013. He married his best friend, Vanessa Lara Santoyo, on February 9, 2024. Xavier loved his wife, family, and little girl Mia very much. He had such a big heart. He enjoyed Jiu Jitsu, competing, and training with others. Xavier had a passion for ministering to those around him. He loved the Lord and served ministering to others as well as leading bible studies and prayer groups. He loved the outdoors whether it was camping, fishing, running, or just spending time with his family. He was also an artist. While in high school he won 1st place at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with a piece of art he created. Xavier was also a person that could take anything broken and fix it. He enjoyed the task of putting things back together as they were new. Xavier also loved to laugh and enjoyed playing jokes on everyone. His laughter and kindness will certainly be missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by:

Wife, Nadia Vanessa Lara Santoyo

Daughter, Mia Scarlett Lara Santoyo

Parents:
Charles Pierce
Jackie and Armand Chauvin

Brothers:
Lucas E. Mercer
Kendrick J. Nicholas
Garrett D. Rhoden
Kade J. Torres
Mitchum C. Pierce

Sisters:
Natasha N. Nicholas
Yazmin D. Mercer
Norah E. Rhogghe
Valencia F. Torres
Patience M. Pierce

Grandparents:
Alredo Marin
Patsy Mercer and husband Ken

Great-Grandmother, Olivia Rendon

Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins

Xavier is preceded in death by his mom, Bianca Marin; grandparents, Nora Rendon Marin, and Troy and Edith Risinger.

Pallbearers serving will be Charles Pierce, Kenneth A. Mercer, Lucas E. Mercer, Neil N. Nicholas, Aron J. Tubbs, Jon M. McGowan, Reece Stroud, OC Stroud, and Eric R. Rojas.

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

08/11/2024

Jane Ingram Morrison, 94, of Center, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born October 12, 1929, in Call, Texas to Russell Wood Ingram and Mildred Henderson Ingram.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm, Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 10am, Friday, August 16, 2024, at Fairview Cemetery in Center. Bro. Malcolm Monroe will officiate.

Jane Ruth Morrison, loving wife, mother and Mema, graduated from Center High School and later married the love of her life, Tommy Morrison. The couple was a “24/7” team both inside and outside of their home. In 1984, their partnership expanded when Jane Ruth joined the family business working alongside her husband at Morrison Insurance Agency where she played an active role until retiring in 2023.

Jane Ruth was always impeccably dressed, whether going to the farm or a special outing. Regardless of the situation, this gracious lady had a kind word for those she came in contact with. She was an avid bridge player and hosted her Club the month prior to her death. She was a long-time member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Center Woman’s Reading Club where she made many lifelong friends. While known as wonderful hostess and compassionate friend, in her role as “Mema” she made every grandchild feel special. While each will treasure the birthday cards containing a $10 bill and the inscription, “Enjoy a hamburger on me!”, the memories of amazing arm and back scratches, Jello cups with fruit or riding in the front of the truck with “Big Daddy” and stopping at Gene’s to share 1 can of Coke and 1 can of Vienna sausage will never be forgotten. Jane Ruth Morrison leaves behind a legacy that will be treasured by all who knew her.

Survivors include:

Son, Tem Morrison and wife Connie of Shelbyville
Daughter, Sharon Morrison Crelia and husband James of Center

Grandchildren:
Thomas Morrison and Diana
Taylor Silva and husband Carlos
Jennifer Fausett and husband Randy
Stephanie Oney and husband Will
Philip Crelia and wife Tristyn
Joey Williams and wife Shea

Great-grandchildren:
Zachary Fausett and wife Madison
Mallory Chessher and husband Caden
Luke Fausett
Kamryn, Kenzie, and Hunter Oney
Saylor and Sutton Crelia
Charlie and Henry Silva
Braylon, Briley, Brynlie, and Brystol Williams

Great-great-grandchildren:
Hayes Chessher
Darcie Fausett

Sister-in-law, Mary Ingram of Diboll

Nieces and nephews:
John Morrison and wife Anne and family
Elizabeth and husband Dr. Trent Carlyle
Trey Ingram and wife Clis

Great-nieces and great-nephews:
Caroline and Cooper Carlyle
Nate, Wood, and Ella Ingram

Preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Morrison; parents, Russell Wood Ingram and Mildred Henderson Ingram; brother, Dr. Woody Ingram; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. T.E. Morrison.

Pallbearers will be Philip Crelia, Thomas Morrison, Luke Fausett, Randy Fausett, Zachary Fausett, and Will Oney.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Carlos Silva, Caden Chessher, Joey Williams, and Hunter Oney.

Donations to honor her memory and life can be made to the following: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – cff.org/donate; The Fannie Brown Booth Library; The First Methodist Church of Center; or the First Baptist Church of Center.

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

08/08/2024

DeRon Vondre Bowlds, 41, peacefully passed away Monday, July 29, 2024. DeRon Vondre Bowlds, affectionately known as D-Bo, was born on May 18, 1983.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11am Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Old Zion Baptist Church, 1901 Screamville Road, Grand Cane, Louisiana with Elder Dwight Gatlin, officiating. Visitation is from 10am until 8pm on Friday, August 9 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Visitation is at 10am until service time on Saturday, August 10 at Old Zion Baptist Church, Grand Cane, Louisiana. Interment is at Hogeye Cemetery.

He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Old Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Joe Lee Robinson, Sr.. D-Bo will be remembered for his infectious smile and his passion for the color red.

D-Bo was preceded in death by his father: Mr. Jerry Wayne Bledsoe. Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Mother, Brenda Faye Bowlds of Logansport, Louisiana

Children:
DeAndre Mikale Bowlds
LaVondre J. MeMillon
Jayla Washington

Brothers:
Hurley Smith (Sholonda) of Suitland, MD
Nadar Bowlds of Tulsa, OK
Kevin Bledsoe of San Augustine, TX
Jerry Wayne Bledsoe, Jr. of San Augustine, TX

Sister, LaShonda Bledsoe of San Augustine, Texas

Special aunties and uncle:
Annie Bledsoe
Shelia Rogers
Robert and Jeanette White

Special cousins:
Tremayne Smith
Donald Brian Smith
Alysia Smith
Elisha Rogers
Tre Rogers

Host of other aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends will cherish his memories.

May the memories of DeRon Vondre Bowlds live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace D-Bo.

Service entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

08/07/2024

Kenneth Harvey Dyber, 61, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home in Center on August 3, 2024.

A memorial service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home on Saturday, August 10th at 11am with Rabbi Craig Rosenstein officiating. Kenny’s family will receive visitors immediately preceding the service at 10am on Saturday, August 10th at Mangum Funeral Home.

Kenny was born in New York City on April 12, 1963. His parents were Miriam (Mickey) Dyber and Rabbi Seymour Baumrind. Kenny’s life was full of adventure. He grew up in and around New York City during his childhood and teenage years. As a young adult, he moved to Israel where he joined a kibbutz and served in the Israeli Defense Forces for several years.

Kenny loved many things about life on the kibbutz, but he especially treasured the time he spent caring for his nieces. Upon his return to New York, he worked in the garment district where he loved learning about the fashion industry and building relationships across the city. He then pursued training and served as an EMT in Pennsylvania, where he met lifelong friends. Kenny was proud to start and run his own small business as an owner/operator long-haul truck driver.

His truck driving career gave him the opportunity to travel all across the United States with his faithful bulldog, Snowflake. Kenny loved to share his passion for travel and adventure by taking his sons with him on the truck whenever possible. He made his home in Center for the last twenty-two years after meeting and falling in love with his wife, JoLynn Fountain. He showed remarkable resilience as he struggled with many health concerns in recent years. He formed a special bond with his brother-in-law, Walter Anderson, who faithfully accompanied him to many doctors appointments. Kenny leaves behind family and friends around the world whose lives were enriched by knowing and being loved by him.

Kenny is survived by:
His wife, JoLynn Fountain 
Sons:
Josh Lopater of Fall River, Massachusetts
Adam Dyber of Islip, New York
Cody Fountain, and wife Kim, of Center

Daughter, Casey Nelson, and husband Ben, of Lufkin

Grandchildren
Colton and Anderson Fountain 
Michelle Dyber-Bauer

Siblings
Israel Avivi, and wife Ingunn of Oslo, Norway
Randee Adan, and husband Yisrael of Woodmere, New York Many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he loved dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Miriam (Mickey) Dyber and Rabbi Seymour Baumrind, parents-in-law, Joe and Linda Anderson, and sister-in-law Anneke Avivi.
 
As Kenny was passionate about making and eating delicious food, memorial donations may be made to the World Central Kitchen (wck.org) in lieu of flowers. Additionally, Kenny’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to his special caregiver, Dorothy Cartwright.

08/07/2024

Charles Newton Lunsford of Spring, Texas, went to be with the Lord on the morning of August 3, 2024 after suffering complications of a stroke at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Charlie Lunsford; brother, Sam and wife Sidna; sister, Betty and husband, Bryan Russ; as well as in-laws, Phabrice and Rex Payne; and brother-in-law, Vance Payne, of Center, Texas.

Chuck, as he was known to his family and friends, was born on May 24, 1934, in Center. He and his beloved wife of 66 years, Lee Gayle Payne Lunsford, devoted their lives to their family, church, country and community.

Chuck grew up in Center and graduated from Center High School in 1951. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1955. He then served in the United States Army until 1957 and married Lee Gayle Payne, also of Center, in 1958. Following work in the private sector, Chuck entered duty with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a special agent in March 1962 where he served in Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Utah; Washington, D.C. (at both the field office and FBI headquarters); and Houston before retiring in 1986.

After his retirement from the FBI, Chuck worked in residential real estate in Kingwood with Lee Gayle until 1995 when they retired to their hometown of Center to live in the home in which she grew up. Chuck began work as an agent with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company and enjoyed that work until retiring for good.

Chuck was active in civic affairs and served on the Center City Council, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and as president of the City of Center Street Improvement for Economic Development Board of Directors. He was also a member of the Center Noon Lions Club.

Chuck and Lee were long-time Methodists and were active in the life of each church they attended over the years, with the last two being First Methodist Church in Center and Faithbridge Church in Spring, Texas.

They moved back to the Houston area in 2012 to be near their youngest daughter Mary and her family. They also enjoyed being closer to their beloved beach house at Crystal Beach on Bolivar Peninsula.

Chuck is survived:

Wife, Lee Gayle Payne Lunsford

Four Children and families:
Susan and husband, Joey Guedea of Fort Worth. Their son, Jonah and his wife, Jamie, and their daughter, Afton.
Charlie Lunsford and wife, Libby of Boerne. Their daughters, Claire and husband, Jake Hagen; Mary Kate and husband, Ben Carl; and Caroline and husband, Cinco Winston
Dr. Monty Lunsford currently lives in Portland, Oregon.
Mary and husband, Robbie Thompson of Spring. Their children Jake, Tyler and Gracie.

Six Great-grandchildren:
Annie and Libby Hagen
George and Bobby Carl
Ford and Elle Winston

Sister-in-law, Billie Sue Payne of Center

Many nieces and nephews and their families:
Karan Elliot
Becky Dayoc
Bryan Russ and wife, Laura
Charlie Russ and wife, Mary
Rob Payne and wife, Kim
Angie Payne Walker and husband, Kevin
Josh Payne and wife, Lacie
Mark Lunsford and wife, Leigh

“Daddy Chuck” as he was known to his family, was adored by each one. He had a gift for making each person feel loved, supported and cherished. He has left a legacy of integrity, honor, hard work, laughter, generosity, a love of sports and music as well as an active and abiding faith.

A memorial service to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, August 17, at First Methodist Church in Center with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Services under the direction of Watson & Sons Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

07/31/2024

Karen J. Bittick, 76 of Center, passed away Friday, July 26, 2024, at the Shelby Emergency Department.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Short Methodist Church with interment following in Short Cemetery in Center, Texas. 

Karen was born in Center, Texas, on September 2, 1947, to Royce Edward Johnson and Maxine McSwain Johnson. She graduated from Center High School in 1965 and later continued her education taking classes at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas after marrying Wayne Bittick in July of 1979. She accepted Christ as her Savior and shared her faith whenever the opportunity arose. Karen would prepare delicious recipes for family and friends to enjoy while visiting or playing a variety of games, finding numerous ways to share stories and laughter, and creating many great memories. She and Wayne enjoyed “going to the boat” and loved spending time together traveling to various places around the U.S. and Mexico! They both loved to visit and stay in touch with family and friends. Karen found numerous ways to stay in touch with many acquaintances she had known through the years through Facebook Messenger, Messages, her cell phone, and visiting while shopping or eating at favorite restaurants.

Karen worked with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department from September 1994 until her retirement in December 2015. During her years of service, she worked with four different administrations: Carl Shofner, James Moore, Newton Johnson, and Willis Blackwell.

She is survived by:

Her husband of 45 years, Wayne Bittick

Children:
Donna Bradshaw McSwain, and husband, Kelly
Branden Bradshaw, and wife, Cindy
Susan Bittick Thomas
Brian Bittick, and wife, Kristen

Grandchildren:
A J McSwain
Rick McSwain, and wife, Natalea
Payton McSwain, and wife, McKenzi
Brady McSwain, and wife, Katie
Dustin Chandler, and wife, Ashley
Jake Bradshaw, and wife, Keni
Chelsea Bradshaw Jernigan, and husband, Michael
Matt Mills 
Brittney Thomas and fiancé, Justin Smith
Jaxson Bittick
Journee Bittick
Justiss Bittick

Great-Grandchildren:
James Lee McSwain
Celeste, Kyndra, Zeke, and Arlus McSwain
Evie McSwain
Collin and Blakeley Chandler
Jason, Kooper, and Kamille Bradshaw
Aubrie and Bryer Jernigan
Ollie Mills

Sisters:
Linda Johnson Winder
Angela Johnson Lawson, and husband, Royce

Brother:
Royce Lynn Johnson, and wife, Isabel

Stepbrothers:
William (Bill) Jernigan, and wife, Karen
Larry Jernigan, and wife, Lisa

Sister-in-law, Sandy Bittick Mead, and husband, Ronnie

Brother-in-law:
Jasper Bittick, and wife, Maureen
Michael Konzack, and wife, Nina

Aunt, Christine Mahan

Uncle, Robert (Bobby) McSwain, and wife, Connie

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by: father, Royce Edward Johnson; mother, Maxine McSwain Jernigan; step-father, William (Bill) Jernigan; father-in-law, Wylie Bittick; mother-in-law, Iola Bittick; aunts, Billie Johnson Hoyt and Janie McSwain Johnson; uncles, Earl McSwain, Eddie Mahan, and John Hoyt; brothers-in-law, Ed Bittick, Eugene Bittick, and John Winder; and sisters-in-law, Patsy Rice and Jo Ann Davis.