Shelby County Today

07/26/2024

James Earl Suell, 76 of The Colony, Texas, departed this life on Monday, July 15, 2024. James was born to the late Mathew Lee and Emma Garrett Suell in Center, Texas on July 4, 1948.

Funeral services for Mr. Suell will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM at New Life Community Church located at 25631 Smotherman Rd. Frisco, Texas 75033. Visitations are Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home located at 8520 Main Street Frisco, Texas from the hours of 5pm until 7pm and Friday, August 2, 2024, at 10am at New Life Community Church located at Smotherman Road, Frisco, Texas 75033. Committal is at Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery at 2:00 PM located at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, Texas 75211.

James is survived by: 

Wife, June Lister Suell of The Colony, Texas

Sons:
Johathan Johnson of The Colony, Texas
Jamie Suell of Shelbyville, Texas 

Sister, Patsy Hall of Shelbyville, Texas

Brothers:
Melvin Suell (Mattie) of Center, Texas
Elzie Suell (Mary) of Center, Texas
Marlon Suell (Pam) of Shelbyville, Texas
Ray Suell of Shelbyville, Texas

Mother-in-law, Norma Lister of Shelbyville, Texas

Aunts:
Johnnie Rushing of Center, Texas
Austrene Edwards of Houston, Texas
 
Uncles:
Jimmy Netherly of Center, Texas
William Edmond of Tenaha, Texas

Services are entrusted to Hicks Mortuary and Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home.

04/25/2024

Allen Sims, 73 of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Shelbyville.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Ruston Bush, Bro. Wes Hall, and Elder Faye Dell Allen officiating. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Born June 6, 1951, in Houston, Allen is the son of Ward Allen Sims Sr. and Lue Rodrick Sims. He was a member of Toledo Bend Community Church in Shelby County.

He is survived by:

Wife, Debbie Sims

Children:
Melody Vaughn
Chris Vaughn
Brent Sims

Grandchildren:
Dexter Vaughn and wife Brianna
Austin Vaughn
Mallory and husband Tony Garcia
Logan Sims

Great-granddaughter, Adalynn Ann Vaughn

Mother, Lue Sims

Brothers:
Rickie Sims and wife Mary
Benny Sims and wife Barbara

Sister, Margie and husband James Estes

Sisters-in-law:
Connie Fletcher
Cathy Lee
Patricia Bush
Donna Penny and husband Bobby

Brother-in-law, Danny Windham and wife Vonda

Special friends, Ashley Hines, and Covington’s Lumber.

Preceded in death by father, Ward Allen Sims Sr.; brothers, Randy Sims and Howard Sims; mother-in-law, Elaine Yarbrough; sister-in-law, Mary Sims; nephew, Jeremy Sims; niece, Dayna Howard; and father-in-law, Dan Windham.

Pallbearers will be Gaylon Howard, Lance Jamison, Robert Berry, T Butch Fletcher, Scott Sims, Brad Bass, Pete Owens, and J.C. Cagle. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Dixon Golden, Carl Davis Smith, Roger Wagstaff, Larry Oates, Todd Jamison, and Gerald Corbell.

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

07/25/2024

Lawrence Ray Netherly, 81 of East Liberty, Texas, departed this life on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at Pine Grove Nursing Facility in Center, Texas. He was born in Choice, Texas on June 16, 1943, to the late Willis and Entha Thompson Netherly Jr. He accepted Christ at an early age, becoming a member of the East Liberty Baptist Church.

Mr. Netherly is a graduate of Liberty High and pursued additional education through attending Butler College in Tyler, TX. His goal was to complete college and become a school teacher. However, upon obtaining his Associates of Arts (AA) degree in Social Science, Mr. Netherly was drafted into the military. He enlisted into the United States Army on February 28, 1966, and retired after 20 years of service on May 31, 1986. Mr. Netherly was never married nor had any children.

Mr. Netherly is survived by:

Aunt, Ozell Garrett

Nephews:
Weldon Greer Jr (Ariel)
Cedric Netherly

Nieces:
Linday Wimbley (Willie)
Terri Powdrill (Kermit)
Lynn McDonald (Willie)

Grand-nephews: 
Michael Greer (Shonda)
Ali Garrett
Tremaine Hewitt (Latrise)
Kermit Powdrill Jr.
Edward Powdrill
Justin Wayne Netherly
Kendrick Powdrill
Hunter McDonald

Grand-nieces: 
La Toya Greer
Haley Greer
Tina Greer

Hosts: 
Great-grandnieces, Great-grandnephews, Cousins, and Butler College Classmates.

Preceding in Death: Entha Thompson Netherly (Mother), Willis Netherly Jr. (Father), Lou Tilda Singleton (Sister), Jonnie Ray Netherly (Brother), Ruby Nell Netherly Greer (Sister). Gustarvus Wayne Netherly (Nephew), and Shelda Lynn Greer (Niece). 

Mr. Netherly was a humbly private man, so to honor and respect his wishes, there will not be a memorial 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

07/23/2024

Mr. Wallace Charles “Bo Easy” Clifton, 69, of  San Augustine, Texas.  Mr. Clifton departed this physical life on July 17, 2024, at his residence in San Augustine, Texas 
   
Funderal service will be Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 11:00am Garner & Son Mortuary Chapel

Visitation will be Friday, July 26, 2024 from 1:00pm to 6:30pm at Garner & Son Chapel.

Survivors include:

Sons:
Charles “Bunday” Quadrian of Center, Texas
Wallace Charles Smith of Lufkin, Texas

Daughters:
Trishuna Smith of Nacogdoches, Texas
Shunetha Smith of Center, Texas

Four grandchildren

Brothers:
Paul Clifton of Port Arthur, Texas
Larry Clifton of Nacogdoches, Texas
Steven Edwards of Beaumont, Texas
Robert Clifton of Center, Texas

Sisters:
Elizebeth Clifton of San Autustine, Texas
Mary Clifton Mosby of Beaumont, Texas
Deberah Calhoun (Charles) of Nacogdoches, Texas

As well as a host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services are under the direction of Garner and Son Mortuary and Johnson Funeral Home, San Augustine.

07/22/2024

Johnny Glen Hargrove, 82, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024, in Shelbyville.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Ronnie Wheeler and Bro. Larry Chandler officiating.  Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Born March 22, 1942, in San Augustine, Johnny is the son of John Hollis Hargrove and Mary Allene Elliott Hargrove. He served in the United States Coast Guard.  Johnny retired as a coal mining operator/foreman.  Most recently, he was employed with JML. His hobbies included trapping and hunting. Johnny was a 60 year member of Sam Houston Masonic Lodge #32.  He was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by: 
Children:
Kim Hargrove Bridges
Jessica Hargrove
Jared Hargrove, and wife, Felicia

Grandchildren: 
Amanda, and husband, Cody Miller
Kasey, and husband, Robbie Chambliss
Richard Sharp Jr.
Jerrick Hargrove
Riley Hargrove

Soon-to-be grandchild, Hollis

Great-grandchildren:
Bailey Miller
Blayne Miller
Knox Miller
Christian Chambliss
Wesley Chambliss
Preston Chambliss
Emily Chambliss
Paislee Sharp

Sisters: 
Carolyn, and husband, Joe Lawson
Mary Smith

Preceded in death by wife, Frances Hargrove; wife, Connie Hargrove; son, John Hargrove; daughter, Cindy Sharp; great grandson, Klayton Lewis Chambliss; parents, Hollis and Allene Hargrove; and son-in-law, Richard Sharp Sr.

Pallbearers will be Robbie Chambliss, Cody Miller, Jerrick Hargrove, Richard Sharp Jr., Christian Lewis Chambliss, and Joey Lawson.

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

07/18/2024

David Paul Swanzy, 86, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully at home, July 18, 2024. He was born on March 26, 1938, in Longview, Texas, to William Robert “Bob” Swanzy and Sallie Mae Billingsley Swanzy.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Monday, July 22, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home with Reverend Joel McMahon Sr. officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Private family graveside to follow at Shelbyville Cemetery in Shelbyville.

The Swanzy family came to Texas from Abbeville, South Carolina, to the Hurstown area in the middle 1850s, and the Billingsley family came from Mississippi to the Shady Grove Community, Shelby County, in the early 1860s. David’s parents were both educators and met at a college in the Center area before 1915 and were married in June 1915 in Shelby County. He was the last child of Bob and Mae’s six children of whom only four made it to adulthood. David liked to say that he “failed kindergarten three times.” His mother taught in a one-room schoolhouse in the Shelbyville area where she was able to take him to school with her starting at age three. In 1955, David graduated from Center High School as valedictorian, a year ahead of his age group.

Early in his school years, music became David’s main interest, and he was talented in that area. His specialty was cornet and trumpet. He was in the Center High School band all four years, many times playing the trumpet solos. After high school, David was provided a music scholarship to Centenary College in Shreveport, Louisiana, with the stipulation and privilege of playing in the Shreveport Symphony during those years.

In 1958, after meeting and marrying Ann Rice, a fellow student at Centenary, David began his career as a middle school music teacher in the Shreveport area. However, soon after that experience, David decided to continue his education by attending graduate school at Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, receiving his Master’s degree in 1962 and his Doctorate of Music in 1966. After several years of teaching at Edinboro University in Edinboro, Pennsylvania; Glenville State University in Glenville, West Virginia; and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, in 1977, he began his highly successful career of more than two decades as Dean of the College of Music at Loyola University in New Orleans.

During David’s career at Loyola, he wrote textbooks for the higher education market; won many awards; served on national music boards and advisory committees; and worked with the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He was especially involved with the jazz musicians in New Orleans as teacher, mentor, or friend. David was a tireless promoter of Loyola University and of the New Orleans Symphony. He was also privileged to have traveled the world including what had been Soviet Georgia. David was key in consultations regarding a student/faculty exchange program with the rector of the Georgian State Conservatory of Music of Tbilisi, Georgia. Computers were also fascinating to him and, during one of the several sabbaticals David took, he enjoyed working on the computer software Word Perfect at Brigham Young University in Provost, Utah.

In 2006, David retired moving back to his hometown of Center. He was very active in his church and the community, especially enjoying delving into Shelby County history and genealogy. Writing articles for The Light and Champion and Shelby County Today was a result of that research. David also produced an online magazine, We the People of Shelby County, for five years, until a decline in his health ended that pursuit. Being such an energetic man, even after heart surgery in 2015, in September 2016, David accepted the post and served as Interim Director of the School of Performing Arts and UT Tyler for six months.

After eleven years of research, David’s proudest accomplishment was writing and publishing a book about the French Resistance fighters during World War II, siting the death of his brother, Captain Robert Swanzy, on July 12, 1944, over a small town in France during an air battle. This historical narrative mostly consists of the personal accounts of the rescue of the crewmen who were able to escape their B-12 Liberator bomber, by parachute, before it crashed over a vineyard near La Tour d’Aigues.

He is survived by: 
Wife of 18 years, Maelinda Shepherd Swanzy

Son, David Michael Swanzy of Tyler

Daughter, Elizabeth Suzanne “Betsy” Swanzy of Summit, MS

Stepsons:
Berry Morgan Chamness of Philadelphia, PA
Thomas Kelly Chamness and wife Lisa of Baltimore, MD
Matthew Shepherd Chamness of Galveston

Grandchildren:
Emily Isemann
Marisa Rose Chamness
Justin Thomas Chamness
Courtney Megan Chamness Moore, and husband, Clayton
Nicholas Matthew Chamness
Reilley Alexa Chamness

Nephews and niece: 
David Dixon Golden, Sr., and wife, Melody
Dennis Donia Golden, Sr.
Gary Robert Golden, Sr., and wife, Jeanette
Sarah Suzon Golden Cloud, and husband, Danny

Numerous other relatives and friends

David is preceded in death by his wife of 23 years, Elizabeth Ann Rice Swanzy; his wife of 21 years, Janet Sitges Swanzy; parents, William Robert and Sallie Mae Billingsley Swanzy; brothers, William Robert Swanzy, Jr., Jack Richard Swanzy, Melvin Earl Swanzy; sisters, Sarah Jane Swanzy Golden and Martha Sue Swanzy; brother-in-law, Donia Dixon “Pete” Golden; sister-in-law, Wynona Lee “Nonie” Kirl Swanzy; and niece, Carolynn Jean Swanzy Brewer.

Pallbearers serving will be David Michael Swanzy, Matthew Chamness, Dixon Golden, Dennis Golden, Gary Golden, and Danny Cloud. Honorary pallbearers will be Thomas Kelly Chamness, Tim Verner, Walter “Buster” Bounds, David Chadwick, Leroy Newman, Charles “Chuck” Lunsford, John Crawford Rogers, Sr., Curtis Menefee, Michael R. Howard, and members of the Center Noon Lions Club.

The family would like to thank Accent Care Home Health Care Services and Hospice of East Texas for their loving care.

Also, special thanks to the wonderful round-the-clock caregivers/friends: Shana Bearden, Brittney Bearden, Debbie Quigg, and Tonya Williams. They were amazing and tireless in over three years of tender, loving concern, and responsible care.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be sent to Samaritan’s Purse or to your favorite church or charity.

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

07/17/2024

Annie Pearl Caraway Hooper, 71 of Timpson and formerly of Dallas, passed away Monday, July 8, 2024 in Timpson.

Funeral service is at 11am Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 1st Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson. Interment is at Smyrna Cemetery, Timpson with Rev. Branden D. Walker, Mt. Tabor Baptist Church of Dallas, eulogist. Visitation is Friday, July 19, 2024 from 3pm until 6pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Timpson.

She is survived by:

Son, Robert Hooper of Timpson

Daughter, Tamiko Hooper McCoy of Dallas

Grandsons:
Joshua Hooper of Dallas
Xavion Martin of Dallas
Xyler Myles of Dallas

Brother, Lewis Caraway, Jr. of Timpson

Sister, Bert Richardson of Timpson

Brother, Charles Caraway of Round Rock

Sister, Cathy Caraway of Timpson

Brother, Jerry Caraway of Shreveport, LA

Sister, Mattie Caraway of Spring

Brother, Reggie Caraway of Timpson

Sister, Lisa Caraway of Timpson

Services under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

07/13/2024

Lacey Kyle Rachal, 41 formerly of Center, passed away July 1, 2024.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Lacey Kyle Rachal was held at 1pm Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Norris Ferry Community Church with Pastor Jared Clary officiating, along with Pastor Robert Beadle and Steve Evans of First Baptist Church of Benton. Visitation was Saturday at Noon until the time of the service; burial is in Centuries Memorial Park.

Lacey was born September 1, 1982. Although she was born in Shreveport, she spent most of her childhood in Center, Texas, riding horses on the 4-H Drill Team and participating in youth activities at First Baptist Church of Center. After high school, Lacey was awarded collegiate degrees from both Panola College and the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, where she learned American Sign Language. Subsequently, Lacey found her calling as an Interpreter for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Program at Caddo Parish Schools for almost 15 years. She also served the deaf ministry of First Baptist Church of Benton, her home church.

Lacey loved music and had a beautiful voice. She especially loved musical theater and her knowledge of showtunes was encyclopedic. However, her greatest joy and life’s purpose was to glorify God. Lacey’s walk with Jesus was evident to all; her last breaths were used in prayer and praise before departing her loved ones to join her angelic voice in eternal praise and worship.

Lacey courageously dealt with medical challenges during her battle with cancer. She repeatedly received exemplary care throughout the Willis Knighton System. This care was provided by extraordinarily capable, kind, compassionate, professional nurses, support staff, and physicians. Her final days were replete with amazing healthcare providers from the Emergency Room, Surgical Unit, Oncology Unit, and finally on the Step Down Unit. We were blessed. This care was faithfully overseen and guided by her primary care physician, Dr. Timothy Nicholls. ‘Thank you’ is just not enough.

Lacey also received extensive treatment at Willis Knighton Cancer Center. We, her family, would like to express our profound appreciation to Dr. McDonald and his team, Dr. Veluvolu, and Dr. Lash, as well as, the nurses and staff of the Chemotherapy Unit. You inspired much needed hope and confidence. You became friends, mentors, and family to her. You encouraged her, laughed with her, cried with her, consoled her, and surrounded her with prayer. You saw her and you cared deeply. We, her family, cannot thank you enough.

Lacey is survived by:

Mother, Mona Reeves

Fathers:
Steve Rachal and wife Dianne
John Reeves and wife Amy

Sister, Sara and husband Matt Luquire

Brother, Winston Reeves and husband Jason Crum

Sister, Halley and husband J.B. Gibbs

Sister, Amber Rachal and husband Sean McClanahan

Stepbrother, Vincent Walker

Grandmother, Norma Simpson

Nieces, Brianna and Alyssa Luquire

As well as a host of other beloved family members and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jason Crum, Matt Luquire, Justin Dunn, Bickham Dickson, Andrew Lee, and Isaiah Evans.

Memorials in Lacey’s honor may be made to Caddo-Bossier Cancer Foundation League and Open Hands Deaf Services.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” -Colossians 3:16

Services under the direction of Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport, Louisiana.

07/12/2024

Alice Amelia Zenter West, 91, of Center, Texas, passed away on July 10, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in Center, Texas.  She was born on June 14, 1933, in Plain Dealing, Louisiana, to the late John Frederick Zenter and Fannie Spruill Zenter.

Funeral service will be held at 2PM on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home, with Bro. Harold Hanson and Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Alice was born the third child of schoolteachers, John Frederick and Fannie Spruill Zenter, on a farm in Plain Dealing, Louisiana. The family moved several times during her life, and she graduated from high school in Grand Cane, Louisiana, in May of 1951. In September of that year, she enrolled in what was then Northwestern State College, now Northwestern State University at Natchitoches. The fall of 1953 she met, Tommy West, who was enrolled at the same college. A two-year courtship resulted in marriage in January 1955 in the Baptist Student Union Chapel located on campus. She continued her education until she graduated in 1955.

They had four boys, Ronald, Danny, Troy and Kerry. Alice and Tommy moved to Louisiana for nine years, then returned to Center in 1969 to make their home for the last 55 years.

Alice loved the Lord and served many years through First Baptist Church Center. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She also spent many hours playing the piano.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Ronnie West and wife Connie
Danny West and wife Susan
Troy West and wife Kim
Kerry West and wife Florence

Grandchildren:
Joshua West and wife Kayla
Caleb West
Luke West
Rebekah West Cummings
Shane West and wife Micah
Clint West and wife Norma
Faith West Williams, and husband, Aaron
Jakeh West, and wife, Mary
Hope West Sowell, and husband, Cody
Chase West and wife Gabby
Bethany West

19 Great-Grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

Alice is preceded in death by her loving husband, Tommy West; parents, John and Fannie Zenter; brother John Zenter; sister, Sue Moore; grandson, Cody Josiah West; great granddaughter, Shiloh May West.

Pallbearers serving will be Chase West, Shane West, Josh West, Clint West, Stan Moore, and Cody Sowell.

The family thanks Sister Care Services for all their loving care. Words cannot express the love that was given to Alice by each of her caretakers. Special thanks to Ruby Gaddis. We are so blessed, and our hearts are full.

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