Shelby County Today

02/22/2023

Belva Godwin Hartsfield, 72 of Lufkin, Texas, passed away February 14, 2023.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 11am. Service will be held at First Missionary Baptist Church (410 Scarborough St. Lufkin, Texas 75904). Rev. W.R. Ricks will be officiating.

Belva Godwin Hartsfield was born on June 17, 1950, in San Augustine, Texas to the late E.C. and Lera Taylor Godwin. She attended school at Norwood High School, graduating from Broaddus High School in 1968; after High School she attended Stephen F Austin (SFA), Nacogdoches, Texas. She began her career at Lufkin State Supportive System with a tenure of 20 years. Belva retired from the Lufkin State Supportive System to pursue her life dream as a Nurse. She followed her dream and enrolled in the Tyler County Hospital School of Vocational Nursing and received her degree as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN).

Belva accepted Christ early in life and was a member of Pisgah Baptist Church. After many years of living in Lufkin, she joined First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. W.R. Ricks where you would find her singing in the Choir. Belva also served her community as a board member for the Angelina and Neches River Authority.

She met and married Willie R. Hartsfield on April 17, 1971, and to this union three beautiful children were born. She dedicated her time and love to her family as well as friends. One of her greatest joys was being “Bob the Builder”. Belva departed this life on February 14, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, E.C. and Lera T. Godwin and brother, Euell Godwin.

Belva Godwin Hartsfield is survived by:  

Husband, Willie Hartsfield of Lufkin

Daughters:
Rebecca Hartsfield, Lufkin
Donya (Don) Jefferson, Lufkin

Son, Michael (Michele) Hartsfield, Kentucky

Sisters:
Nelva Godwin, Houston
Carolyn (Daren) Woods, Riverdale, GA
Terry Godwin-Pierce, Garland, TX

Brother, Allen J. Godwin, Lufkin

Aunt, Leona Shaw, Houston

Brother and Sister-in-laws:
Marilyn (Joe) Daniel, Lufkin
Betty McKenzie, Houston
Glenda (Jeff) Taylor, Lufkin
Cathy Kegler, Houston
Lewis Hartsfield, Huntington
Glenn (Regina) Watts, Lufkin
Bobby (Vivian) Watts, Nacogdoches
Perry Watts, Houston
Charles (Mona) Watts, Lufkin

Grandchildren: Tyesherea, Tyrell, Tyrique, Tydreque, William, Jackson and Declan

Great-grandchildren: Kinsley, Keilani, Jaevon, Amanee

Bonus daughters:
Youlanda Houston
Tina Miller
Erica Parker-Horace

Special friend/sister, Shenet Smith

Visiting is Friday, February 24, 2023, from 5pm to 7pm at Dimensions of Faith Apostolic Ministries, 424 E. Lufkin Ave, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

Repass food will be service “To Go” immediately after service.

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.

02/21/2023

Louis Wayne Adams, 69, passed away February 11, 2023.

A man of many passions, Wayne cared most about his family, friends, outdoor activities, teaching, and above all, his faith.

Wayne has preceded in death by his parents, J.W. Adams, and Wilma Adams, and his grandparents, John B. and E.V. Adams.

He was a devoted husband to his wife, Rusty, of 19 years, he was a loving father to his three children, Daniel Wayne and his wife Marie-Claude, Cassie Elizabeth and her husband Vernon, and Aaron Christopher and his wife Sapphire. His family meant everything to him, and he always put them first.

He was a proud grandfather to his grandchildren, Luke William, Ayden Sky, Athena Rain, and Arlo Charles, whom he adored and loved spending time with.

He was survived by his sister Sheilah and her husband Bob Reeves.

He will also be deeply missed by his stepchildren Carey Marie, Scott Anthony, and Jennifer Charlene, and their spouses.

The Prince of Peace Community was his Christian family, Wayne was a man of deep faith and devoted to the teaching of the church. As a member of the Knights of Columbus Men's Group, he immediately became an officer in the Council 11716 as well as the 4th-degree assembly 3642. Wayne eagerly volunteered for any activity that helped others in need such as the extraordinary and ever-popular monthly breakfasts, Special Olympics, Wreathes Across America, and one dear to his heart, trips to Mexico to provide wheelchairs to those in desperate need of them.

As a second-generation employee of AT&T for 48 years, Wayne started working part-time while still in High School in Center, Texas, trimming branches that grew near the telephone lines. He continued to climb that rank at AT&T while pursuing an undergraduate degree at Stephen F. Austin University earning a master's degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Arlington graduating Summa Cum Laude. He retired as an AVP of Investment Strategy & Risk Management in Finance on December 30th, 2022.

Wayne was also an ardent educator. He taught finance and accounting at the University of Incarnate Word and taught economics at Our Lady of the Lakes University in San Antonio where he inspired his students to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. One of the highlights as a professor was being a guest lecturer at his alma mater the University of Texas at Arlington. In addition to becoming a C.P.A. Wayne was also a valued member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute. He also served as a founding board member and president of the CFA Society in San Antonio.

Wayne had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He was also known for his infectious smile, his laugh, and his unyielding willingness to encourage the party to break into the chicken dance. Wayne loved festivals, events, gatherings, cultural celebrations, and parties. Wayne was always excited to witness the people he loved enjoy themselves and celebrate.

Wayne will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His legacy of love, kindness, and passion for life will live on through the many lives he touched.

A Vigil Service for Wayne will be held on March 10, 2023, at 7:00 PM in Ted Dickey West Funeral Home 7990 President George Bush Tpke, Dallas, TX 75252. Mass will take place the following day March 11, 2023, at 11:30 AM in Prince of Peace Catholic Church 5100 W Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093. Reception to follow immediately after mass.

Wayne, you will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace.

In Lieu of Flowers, please donate on his behalf to the following organizations: Dallas Pro-Life Community, PO Box 803541, Dallas, Texas 75380. https://www.prolifedallas.org/ or Birth Choice of Dallas, 8610 Greenville Ave, #200, Dallas, Texas 75243. https://www.birthchoicedallas.org/

Services in the care of Ted Dickey West Funeral Home, 7990 President George Bush Turnpike, Dallas, TX 75252.

02/21/2023

Willis Leron Henson, 50 of Arlington, Texas. Willis was born May 7, 1972, to Willie Henson and Evelyn Jenkins Henson in Jasper, Texas. They named this blessed gift Willis Leron Henson.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023; at 1:00 PM. Service will be held at New Macedonia Baptist Church FM RD. 83 in Hemphill, Texas. Rev. Joe Gilbert will be officiating.

In total awe of the faithfulness of God in the giving of his best to use, his parents did their best to guide and protect this precious gift from God to the best of their parental ability. Ron, as he was affectionally called, attended church at an early age at Macedonia Baptist Church and was a current member of Friendship West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. To know Ron would be to know of his gentle and kind nature. Ron was not only gifted to us as a precious form of love from God but was the epitome of the word itself. His kind heart gave him the ability to make friends, but most of all, he gave others a refuge in love through him when they had no one else. The love and life in Ron made him stand out among others. He was a shining light who had his own special way of adding life, laughter, and love, to any situation and any person he came across. Ron was vibrant, which is defined as full of energy and spirit; lively. Whether he was spending time with his family and friends, working on his old school car collection, watching sporting events in-person or on TV, decorating the yard (so the family could win Yard of the Month), coming home to East Texas and helping his dad with bushhogging (he would ride on the tractor with a smile) or even serving patients at the hospitals he worked, he did it all with grace and kindness.

Education was always important to his parents; therefore, he accepted and completed the challenge. He attended school at Hemphill ISD, graduating in 1990. While in school and even after graduation, he worked in the construction field with his dad, working side by side with his brother and uncles. He realized that he had a different calling, and so he decided to continue his education at Angelina College, earning his Associates of Science in Radiologic Technology and thus became a Radiology Technician. He was first employed at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, Texas. It was here that he earned a certification in Computed Tomography. He was then employed at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas. His last place of employment of was Methodist Hospital in Mansfield, Texas, where he served as Lead Computed Tomography Technician. He received many prestigious awards, including Employee of the Month.

Love was shown throughout Ron’s life. In 1993, on Valentine’s Day, Cupid came and shot an arrow straight through to his heart. This arrow was not like your ordinary arrow; this arrow came in the form of a beautiful young lady named Catina. Ron and Catina dated for many years, and on November 7, 1998, in front of family and friends, love united them in holy matrimony. Together, they welcomed two beautiful children, who were the vibrant stars in Ron’s life, their daughter Alexia “Lexi” and their son Jordan “JoJo”. Ron was a family man and would go above and beyond to the moon and back, for his family. Ron’s legacy is filled with love of family, friends, and the beautiful things in life. He lived life on his own terms and by his own rules. We celebrate life in the same spirit by which he lived life… energetic, upbeat, lively. He taught us all how to live life, even amid obstacles. His life’s message to all was: Let nothing or no one keep you from living your best life. No matter how life makes you feel, get up and try it again.

On February 14, 2023, Ron hopped into his Heavenly Mustang, revved up the engine, and took his final ride to be with our Heavenly Father.

He left to carry on his dreams, legacy, and love:

Loving wife, Catina Henson

Daughter, Alexia Henson

Son, Jordan Henson

Mother and father, Willie Ray and Evelyn Henson

Siblings:
Tracie Davis
Reginald Henson Sr. (Michelle)
Stacie Henson

Loving in-laws who loved him like their own son, Greg and Hattie Horton

Loving and caring nieces and nephews (whom he loved like his own)

A host of family, friends, colleagues to whom he loved them and they loved him back.

Visitation is Friday, February 24, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Triumph the Church of God and Kingdom (908 Daniels Street Center, Texas 75935) and Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at New Macedonia Baptist Church FM RD. 83 Hemphill, Texas 75948.

Committal is at Macedonia Cemetery, Hemphill, Texas 75948.

Repass is at Macedonia Church.

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.

02/17/2023

David Gerald Bishop, 75, of Tyler, Texas, passed away on February 16, 2023, in Tyler, Texas, in the care of Hospice of East Texas after a long battle with cancer. He was born on November 7, 1947, in Ringgold, Louisiana, to Ray and Deryl Bishop of Castor, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2023 from 5-7pm at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

Graveside service will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023, at 10am at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, Texas.

David was a graduate of the Joaquin High School class of 1965. He served in the US Navy from October 22, 1971, serving in the western Pacific Ocean abroad USS McKean (DD 784) and USS Truxton (DLGN 35) near Japan, Philippines, and Vietnam.

He worked as a heavy equipment mechanic in Jacksonville, FL. Starting in March 2002, he worked as a parts manager and general parts manager for Deep South Equipment in Jackson, MS, New Orleans, LA before and after Katrina, briefly during Katrina in Shreveport, LA and lastly in Tyler, TX.

David had a great sense of humor he inherited from his father and an organized mind from his mother. He was ready to help anyone in need. He enjoyed archaeological digs in northern Florida and southern Georgia under the direction of university professors. He did quite a bit of study of the American Indian, especially those of the southeastern USA.

David was a member of the Central Baptist Church, Tyler, Texas.

David is survived by:

Sister, Susan and Neil Golden, Joaquin, Texas

Brother, Michael and Delois Bishop, Tyler, Texas

Nephews:
Jeremy Golden, Houston, Texas
Lee Bishop, Irving, Texas

Nieces:
Holly Bishop, Plano, Texas
Jennifer and Paul McCaddon, Plano, Texas
Michelle and Scott Moore, Granbury, Texas

In lieu of flowers family asks that you please consider making donations to Hospice of East Texas Foundation or the American Cancer Society.

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

02/15/2023

Terry A. Steadman, 39 of Tenaha, departed this life on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at Nacogdoches Medical Center. He was born December 2, 1982 to Terry Steadman and Jessica Glenn.

Funeral service is 1pm Sunday, February 19, 2023 at First Baptist Church, Tenaha, Texas. Interment is at St. John Cemetery, Tenaha, Texas with Pastor Freeman Bryant officiating. Visitation will be held at 10am until 5pm on Saturday, February 18 at Community Chapel in Center, Texas.

Terry attended Tenaha ISD in Tenaha, Texas. Terry, aka "Fella," enjoyed fishing, playing dominoes, and spending time with family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Alice Steadman, and Janie Glenn; grandfathers, Jessie Glenn and Gene Evans.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Parents:
Terry Steadman
Jessica Glenn

Siblings:
Stephanie Glenn
Tnisha Steadman "Shy"
Terrance Steadman
Imari Horton

Children:
Jaylen Steadman
Jabralon Steadman
Maleaha Steadman
Deonte Jackson
Marshun Jenkins "Fat Mack"
Ki'Shaun Wilson

He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and friends. 

Special nephew, Alexavier Giles "Alex"

Special friends:
Len Giles
Kenny Dent "KD"
Pie Joe
Damion Reese "DThug"
Kebo

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

02/15/2023

Graveside services for Brandy Michele Stewart, 48, of Lufkin will be held Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in Gilbert Chapel Cemetery with Pastor Stan King officiating.

Mrs. Stewart was born April 2, 1974 in San Augustine, Texas to Nancy Jane (Coulter) and E.C. Kennon, and died Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at her residence.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff Stewart of Lufkin and numerous friends and other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kidney Cancer Association, P.O. Box 676226, Dallas, Texas 75267.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Carroway Funeral Home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.

02/13/2023

Deborah (Debbie) Davis was born August 13, 1949 in New Orleans, Louisiana to Thomas J. Calamia, and Evelyn M. Calamia. She ended her earthly journey on February 13, 2023 in Central, Louisiana a suburb of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

She is survived by: 
Her husband of 55 years Charles R. Davis, Jr. They were married on July 14, 1967, in New Orleans. 

Deborah is also survived by: 
Children:
Evelyn Davis Fox
Dr. Rebecca Davis
Charles R. Davis, III

Grandchildren:
Thomas Huckaby (Erica)
Benjamin Huckaby
Katie Castille (Anthony)
Chloe Hixson
Noah Hixson

Great-grandchildren: 
Grayson Castille
Hudson Castille
Harrison Huckaby

She is also survived by a sister Phyllis Lerma (Ben) of Atlanta, Texas and nieces and nephews.

Deborah was a devout Christian lady. She was at one time a Church bus captain, and Sunday School teacher. She was responsible for winning many souls to Christ. 

Her star will shine brightly in Heaven as a result of her efforts in that area of her life.

Debbie loved arts and crafts. She was once an art teacher and owner of the former “Timeless Treasures by Debenbec” art store in Harahan, Louisiana. She was also formerly a cosmetologist licensed in both Louisiana and Tennessee. Her passions in later life were crocheting, quilt making and collecting oriental vases and dishes. 
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

We would like to express our gratitude to Latasha Lee with Cardinal Hospice for outstanding care and compassion to our family. We will forever be grateful!

Our family asks that in lieu of flowers, you celebrate Deborah’s sense of charity by making a memorial contribution in her name to one of her favorite charities: The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank located at 10600 S. Choctaw Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70815. (225) 359-9940 www.brfoodbank.org.

02/10/2023

Angela Michelle Clifton Amburn, 46, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023, in Shelbyville.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Kevin Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Spann’s Chapel Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born June 3, 1976, Angela is the daughter of Roger Dale Clifton Sr. and the late Belinda Garner Clifton. She loved her children, spending time with her family, and her dogs. Angela enjoyed going riding, and traveling around to see Andy and David. She was always chasing Shiloh around the country, supporting her during cheer, ballgames, and UIL. You could always find her at Sonic getting a route 44 water with lemon. She was a very loving mother, wife, and daughter. Anyone that knew her, remembered her. Angela could put a smile on anyone’s face. 

She is survived by: 
Her husband, Andy Amburn of Shelbyville

Son, David Amburn and wife Megan of Center

Daughter, Shiloh Amburn of Shelbyville

Father, Roger Clifton Sr. and wife Karen of Joaquin

Mother-in-law, Virginia Amburn of Huxley

Brother, Roger Dale Clifton Jr. of Amarillo

Preceded in death by mother, Belinda Garner Clifton; grandparents, Bonnie Garner, James Garner Sr., Marie Combs; and uncles, Raymond Garner and James Garner Jr.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Vaco, Robert Amburn, Raymond Amburn, Billy Jack Amburn, Brandon Garner, and Zack Runnels.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Garner, Sam Garner, and Tim Garner.

The family would like to thank Affinity Hospice, Christus Highland Hospital, Nacogdoches Medical Center ER in Center, Tri-County Employees, and Pam Faucett.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

02/08/2023

Jackie Warren Eaves Jr., 68, of Tenaha, passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha with Bro. E.J. Adams officiating.

Born October 3, 1954, in Center, Jackie is the son of Jackie Warren Eaves Sr. and Adell Conway Eaves.

He is survived by:

Sisters and brothers:
Debra Pratt of Center
Elaine Hicks and husband Donald of Tenaha
Tommy Eaves and wife Rebecca of Tenaha
Douglas Eaves and wife Kelli of Tenaha
Larry Joe Eaves and wife Delicia of Center
Angela Hurst and husband Ed of Tenaha
Becky Bridges and husband Willie of Tenaha
Brandy Kerr and husband Brian of Nacogdoches

A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by his parents, Jackie Warren Eaves Sr. and Adell Conway Eaves; sister, Cynthia Ann Eaves; brother-in-law, Gaylon Pratt; and grandparents, Gene and Ollie Eaves and Tom and Reba Conway.

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