Obituaries
06/04/2024
Ivan Jeral Van Der Schaaf, 83, passed away June 4, 2024, at his home in Center, Texas. He was born February 2, 1941, in Maurice, Iowa, to John I. and Louise Van Der Schaaf. He attended school in a one-room school in Sioux County, Iowa. He then graduated high school from Sioux Center, Iowa, class of 1959.
Funeral service will be held at 2pm, Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Central Baptist Church in Center with visitation beginning at 1pm. Bro. Danny Dodson will officiate, assisted by Bro. Stephen Hinton and Bro. Eddie Grimes. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Pallbearers will be Jeryl Wheeler, Jason Wheeler, Jacob Wheeler, Isaac Shofner, Matthew Chandler, and Mitchell Fountain.
He is survived by:
Wife of 62 years, Wanda
Their 4 daughters and their husbands:
Ila and Don Wheeler of Center, TX
Wynae and Stephen Hinton of Gresham, Oregon
Wanita and John Shofner of Center, TX
Iletha and Bobby Joe Jr. (Joey) Fountain of Center, TX
Grandchildren:
Jeryl Wheeler
John Wesley Wheeler
Jason and Stephanie Wheeler
Jenna (Wheeler) Andres and Micah
Jacob and Kandace Wheeler
Stephen Brent and Melissa Hinton
Wynette (Hinton) Francis and Luke
Isaac and Erica Shofner
Auna (Shofner) Chandler and Matthew
Mitchell Fountain
Leah Fountain
Great-Grandchildren:
Amryn Wheeler
Adhyx Wheeler
Bleu Wheeler
Kaz Wheeler
Elizabeth Andres
Emery Andres
Barrett Andres
Hudson Wheeler
Heidilynn Hinton
Rhys Francis
Westyn Francis
Braxton Shofner
Kenneth Shofner
Lilian Hinton
Otto Hinton
Sister, Jean Van Meekeren
Brother and sister-in-law, Merril and Marilyn Van Der Schaaf
He was preceded in death by his parents, John I. and Louise Van Der Schaaf; and brother-in-law, Clarence Van Meekeren.
A host of nephews, nieces, and friends.
Ivan was a man of strong faith and Godly character which was exemplified in every area of his life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was 16 years of age and served the Lord faithfully for the remainder of his life. Ivan was raised in a home with strong Christian values that he passed on to his four girls. He had a servant’s heart and was willing to give what he had to help others in need. Ivan was a member of Central Baptist Church in Center, Texas.
Proverbs 20:7, “The just man walketh in his integrity; his children are blessed after him”.
Ivan was a farmer. Whether it was soy beans, corn, cattle, chickens, or his immaculate vegetable garden, he loved to work the land, see his crops grow, and harvest what he tended. He was always willing to share what he grew with others. No one could out work him! You could often ride by Highway 7 West and see him on his lawnmower. He was outside busy doing something from early morning until the sun went down.
Ivan retired from Louisiana Pacific where he sharpened knives for 20 years while at the same time owning and operating a chicken and cattle farm. He also helped his son-in-law, Joey Fountain, with his logging operation for several years driving the truck or skidder. Whenever any of his daughters needed a hand, he was there.
He will be greatly missed, but the life he lived left an example for others to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Central Baptist Church Missions Program, 909 Cora Street, Center, Texas 75935.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
06/03/2024
Etta Jane (Adkinson) Ferguson was born August 11, 1960 in Chillicothe, Texas to Willie K. Adkinson and Velma Lorene (McIntyre) Adkinson. She passed from this life on May 31, 2024 in Nacogdoches and had attained the age of 63 years.
Ms. Etta was united in marriage with Billy Joe Ferguson and precedes her in death. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. When she was able, she attended the First Baptist Church of Center for many years. Since 2011, as she struggled with health issues, she resided in several different nursing homes, the most recent one being Westward Trails in Nacogdoches.
Etta Jane was the most loving, happy person that anyone could meet. She loved “everyone” and had an infectious smile. She especially loved her family and her close friends, using all of her minutes up on her phone with daily phone calls. It brightened her life. She loved to sing and it had delighted her heart that she was able to help raise her great nieces and nephews. Her little baby dolls were also an expression of her loving spirit, as she loved on them and dressed them each and every day.
She is survived by:
Sister, Betty Joyce Ferguson and husband Willis of Garrison
Brother, Willie Lee Adkinson of Center and her sister-in-law, Cissy Adkinson, also of Center
Numerous nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie K. Adkinson and Velma Lorene (McIntyre) Adkinson; husband, Billy Joe Ferguson; 2 children, Vanessa and Billy Joseph Ferguson; and a brother, Kent Adkinson.
Graveside funeral services will be held on Monday, June 3rd, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches County, Texas. Bro. Cookie & Sis. Fran Fitzgerald will officiate.
The following will be pallbearers: Willis Leon Ferguson, Jr., Marcus Adkinson, Kolton Adkinson, Cody Adkinson, Brandon Lawson, Robbie Guider, Justin Adkinson and Johnny McCarty. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Brittain and Johnny Brittain.
Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors will be in charge of arrangements.
05/31/2024
Lela Mae Jenkins of Center passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024 at Focused Care of Center. She was born March 12, 1965.
Funeral service is 1pm Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Abundant Love Ministries, 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas with Rev. Alvin Davis officiating. Interment is at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Center.
Visitation is from 10am until 6pm with wake from 6pm until 8pm on Friday, May 31, 2024.
Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
05/29/2024
Barbara Ann Allen Jacobs (83) of Orange, Texas died at the local emergency in Beaumont, Texas on May 27, 2024. She was born to the late Willie Goodwin and Christine Allen Jones in Center, Texas.
Funeral service will be held at Hicks Chapel at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Bishop Howard Cloudy, Sr. will conduct the eulogy. Committal is at Westview Cemetery Center, Texas.
Visitation is Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Hicks Chapel.
Barbara Ann Jacobs is survived by:
Brothers:
Robert Goodwin and Hattie of Houston, Texas
Donnie of Beaumont, Texas
Wayne and Anitrea of Orange, Texas
Willie of Orange, Texas
Mike of Houston, Texas
Sister, Janice and Jay Adams of Orange, Texas
Niece, Kalishea Moore and Demus of Beaumont
Cousins:
Laverne Johnson of Orange, Texas
Beverly Sims of Houston, Texas
Nephew, Darryl Gardner of Huntsville, Texas
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.
05/29/2024
Sterling Keith McCoy, age 57, of Houston, Texas departed this physical life on May 18, 2024, at Memorial Herman Northeast Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Funeral service is at 1pm on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Reed Chapel Baptist Church of San Augustine, Texas. Interment is at Greer Cemetery in San Augustine.
Visitation is Friday, May 31, 2024 from 3pm until 6:30pm at Garner & Son Chapel, 304 Ironosa Road, San Augustine, Texas 75972.
Survivors:
Brothers:
Brian McCoy (Kathy) of Center, Texas
Alan McCoy of Houston, Texas
Sisters:
Mechelle McCoy of Houston, Texas
Melissa Grayson (Gerald) of Houston, Texas
As well as a host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
Services are under the direction of Percy Garner and Son Mortuary, San Augustine, Texas.
05/28/2024
Blake Lynn Choate, infant daughter of Christopher Wayne Choate and Shelby Lynn Choate,
passed away Monday, May 27, 2024, in Nacogdoches.
Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, May 30, 2024, at White Rock Cemetery in
Center with Randy Harshberger o+ciating.
She is survived by:
Parents, Christopher Wayne Choate and Shelby Lynn Choate
Brother, Casper Choate
Many other family and friends who loved her.
Preceded in death by grandfather, Larry Choate.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
05/28/2024
Willard Ira McClelland (88) of Center, Texas died at the local emergency on May 25, 2024. He was born to the late Melvin and Christine Osby McClelland.
Funeral service will be held at Mt. Zion CME Church at 11am on Thursday, May 30, 2024, (921 Martin Luther King Blvd., Center, Texas. Rev. Richard Edwards will be the eulogist.
Visitation is Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 2pm to 6pm. Committal is at Westview Cemetery Center, Texas.
Mr. McClelland owned and operated McClelland Barbershop. He worked In the industry for over 60 years.
He is survived by:
Nephews:
C. Anthony McClelland of Center, Texas
Yoshida Charles Tatum (Sandra) of Virginia
Niece, Kristi R. McClelland of Center, Texas
Sister-in-law: Myrtis M. McClelland of Center, Texas
Special 1st Cousin, Oscar Bell
Special Cousins:
C.W. and Gwendolyn Garrett of Center
Lynett Cartwright of Shelbyville
Great Friends, Sam and Frances Lane
In lieu of flowers please donate in memory of Willard Ira McClelland to Mt. Zion CME Church Center, Texas mailing address: P.O Box 1504 Center, Texas 75935.
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.
05/25/2024
Willie Ray Horne of San Augustine passed away Friday, May 24, 2024, in San Augustine at the age of 95 years, 2 months, and 1 day.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.
Funeral services are set for 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the San Augustine County Cowboy Church, located on FM 711. Committal service and interment with a military flag presentation will follow at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden.
He was born March 23, 1929, in Sabine County to parents Margarette Thanie "Dink" (Jones) and Willie Vessie Horne. He was a longtime San Augustine resident and retired from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) in 1993 with 42 years of service. Willie Ray proudly served his country and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Horne had a great passion for hunting and fishing, as well as sports. He loved his family and was the greatest fan and supporter of them in their games. He usually had the best seat in the house, often working the chain at the football game, or coaching or umpiring.
Those left to cherish his memory include:
Children:
Jimmy Ray and Amy Horne of San Augustine
Billy Wayne and Debbie Horne of San Augustine
Alan and Sandra Horne of Center
Venita and David Horton of Tenaha
Pearl and Scott Sowell of Lumberton
Grandchildren:
Crystal and Steven Sowell
Jacob and Stacy Horne
Beth and Scott Carmichael
Bethanie Horne
Jeremy and Niki Smith
Brandie Fussell
Josh and Maranda Blue
Candace and Patrick Hendrick
Regina and Chris Bennett
Thomas and Amanda Horne
Timmy and Regina Sowell
Great-grandchildren:
Levi and Janna Rae Sowell
Will, Dakota, and Harper Horne
Jason, Kirsten, and Jacob Carmichael
Jubilie Horne
Daylon Smith
Brittany and Brianna Fussell
Hunter, Madalynn, Presley, and Hagen Blue
Mason and Adalynn Hendrick
Ryan Mutters
Joshua and Jaycob Blue
Kristen Box
Christina Embry
Elizabeth Franco and husband Aaron
Emily Embry
Maci Lutz
Rebecca, Hannah, and Brantley Bennett
Carson Mattox
Paisley Sowell
Great-great-grandchildren:
Kinsley and Brookelyn Carmichael
Morrigan Embry
Saylor Rosa
Siblings:
Joyce Ener
Lillie Faye Bennefield
Gaylon and Critt Horne
Doris and Donald Midkiff
Sister-in-law, Carolyn Horne.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Helen Horne; grandson, Bryan Blue; son-in-law, Bill Blue; parents, Margarette Thanie and Willie Vessie Horne; and brothers, Carl Horne and Rodney Horne.
Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be sons; sons-in-law; and Charles Horne and Carl Horne.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.
05/23/24
Sonder Bell Parker, 82, of Joaquin, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Nacogdoches.
Private family gathering will be held at a later date.
Born December 20, 1941, Sonder is the daughter of Frances Ward and Elsie Young Ward. She loved God and enjoyed bird watching.
She is survived by:
Son, Loyd Kelley of Joaquin
Grandchildren:
Heaven Cole of Joaquin
Frances C. Kelley of Nebraska
Sister, Marion Smith of Joaquin
Nephew, Butch Storm, and wife, Shelley of Joaquin
Great-nephews:
Matthew Storm of Joaquin
Angel Gonzalez of Joaquin
Preceded in death by daughter, Shirley Cole; parents, Frances Ward and Elsie Young Ward; and four sisters.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
05/23/2024
John Wesley Weir Sr., 68, of Center, passed away Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Center.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held 3:00 p.m. at Feagin Cemetery in Polk County.
Born June 12, 1955, in Livingston, Polk County, Texas, John is the son of James Albert Weir, Sr. and Mary Helen Clamons Weir. He loved fishing and hunting.
He is survived by:
Ex-wife, Dorothy Harvey of Tenaha
Son, John Weir Jr. and wife Ashley of Joaquin
Daughter, Marie and husband Chris Hunsley of Midland
Grandchildren:
Braxton Weir
Eli Weir
Brylee Weir
John Weir III
Dustin Weir
Nick Hunsley
Ashton Hunsley
Brother, James Weir Jr. of Center
Sister, Julia Weir Smith of Center
Numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by sons, Donald Weir and John Weir; and parents, James Albert Weir, Sr. and Mary Helen Clamons Weir.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
05/21/2024
Juana Antonia Balderas, 82, of Center, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Center.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2024, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Center. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Born February 15, 1942, in Comonfort, Guanajuato, Mexico, Juana is the daughter of Francisco Balderas and Margarita Salinas. She loved cooking, gardening, and caring for her family, especially her grandchildren. Juana was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Center.
She is survived by:
Husband, Jose Ramirez Sanchez of Center
Children:
Ignacio Ramirez and wife Yoana of Center
Teresa Santana and husband Nicolas of Center
Irma Moreno and husband Enrique of Fort Worth
Maria Ramirez of Guanajuato, Mexico
Grandchildren:
Hector Ramirez
Jahir Ramirez
Vanessa Santana
Reyna and Alex Vargas
Joanna Santana
Rebekah Santana
Ruth Santana
Daniel and Michelle Moreno
Elizabeth and Eric Escamillo
Angel Moreno
Arturo Garcia
Juan Carlos Garcia and Guadalupe
Martin Garcia and Mariam
Jesus Garcia and Yareli
Numerous great-grandchildren
Siblings:
Augustina Balderas
Alejandro Balderas
Martin Balderas
Adrian Balderas
Sarafine Balderas
Camerina Balderas
Apolonio Balderas
Christina Balderas
Nieces, Celia and Manuel of Fort Worth
Preceded in death by parents, Francisco Balderas and Margarita Salinas.
Pallbearers will be Ignacio Ramirez, Nicolas Santana, Enrique Moreno, Hector Ramirez, Daniel Moreno, and Juan Carlos Garcia.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
05/17/2024
Marsha Ann Killey Clark, 74, passed May 10, 2024 at her home in Lake Kiowa, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.
She was born January 25, 1950 to Andy Leo Killey and Billie Burke Bishop in Eureka, California. She grew up in the Stockman Community of Shelby County and graduated from Timpson High School in 1968. After attending Panola College, she was a book keeper for a company in Kilgore, Texas for many years.
She leaves behind to cherish her memories:
Loving husband, Mark Clark of Lake Kiowa
Son, Sean Layco of Lake Kiowa
Daughter, Cherry Mikeska and husband Rae of Sherman, Texas
Brother, Robert and Anita Killey of the Stockman Community
Grandchildren: Brianna and Zein
Great-Grandchildren: Teagon and Finley
Other extended family and firends
She was preceeded in death by parents, Andy Leo Killey and Billie Burke Bishop; and sisters, Martha Jane and Barbara Gayle.
She will be greatly missed. Her wish was to be cremated. No services are planned at this time.
Services under the direction of American Funeral Service, Denison, Texas.
05/17/2024
Gerald Dennis Hansen, 89, of Sulphur, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. He was born to his late parents, Jim and Gladys Hansen on November 11, 1934 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Gerald's dad was a truck driver which in turn influenced Gerald to become one and he drove for Nabisco for three years. After three years of driving a truck, he realized it wasn't for him. One day he just happened to be driving by the Air Force recruiting office and decided to enlist. He spent several years in Japan before being stationed at Chennault in Lake Charles.
Gerald was proud of his military service and served in the United States Air Force from May 1956 until May 1960 and rose to rank of Airman 1st Class. When he was stationed in Chennault, his roommate at the time did not have a car, so he would drive his friend to his girlfriend's house.
Through his friend's girlfriend, he met his future wife, Jeannette, at the Cal Cam Fair which turned out to be their first date. They met in October, were engaged in December, and finally married in February. They were married for 54 years before she passed in September 2014. They loved to dance and he taught her the polka. Gerald was employed by Himont where he would retire after 32 years of service. In his later years, Gerald loved attending the monthly L.I.F.T. (Living Information for Today), a social program for Widows/Widowers program in Sulphur, Louisiana, hosted by Jody Tyler.
He is survived by:
Son, James B. Hansen and son-in-law Brent McRoberts of Grand Junction, Colorado
Brother, Lowell Hansen (Bonnie) of Denmark, Wisconsin
Sister and brother-in-law, Veryl and Melvin Kiekhaefer (Mel) of Neenah, Wisconsin
Numerous nieces and nephews
Special-nephew, Lucas Ellender
Sister-in-law, Ramona Ellender, who was more like a daughter
Gerald is preceded in death by his wife, Jeannette Hansen; parents, Jim and Gladys; and his brother, Gordon Hansen.
A Celebration of Gerald's life will be held at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:00 am, with Hixson Celebrant Jody Tyler. Visitation will be at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Friday, from 8:30 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Mimosa Pines South Cemetery in Carlyss, Louisiana.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com
05/16/2024
Marion Riley, 97, of Center, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Pine Grove Nursing.
Funeral mass service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Center. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Saturday, May 18, 2024 start at noon until 1:30 p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.
Marion was born April 11, 1927 in Shelby County to Willie B and Betha (Blankenship) Mitchell.
She preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Betha Mitchell; husband, Harlen Riley; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Earnest Nation; and brothers, Curtis Mitchell and Joe Mitchell.
She is survived by:
Daughters:
Janet Adams and husband, Jerry of Center
Jeanie Suhor and husband, Al of Nacogdoches
Grandchildren:
Jason Adams of Shreveport
Jeremy Adams of Center
Brendan Suhor and wife, Carolyne of Montgomery
Bonnie Brewer and husband, Jed of Kingwood
Sister-in-law, Marie Mitchell of Orange
Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends and other Relatives
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
05/15/2024
Doris Jannette Swanzy, 86, of Garrison, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Garrison.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Truitt Cemetery in Joaquin with Hal Rymel officiating.
Doris was known by many names, she was lovingly called Momma, G, Granny, and sister by those that adored her. She was a loving, caring mother and a devoted Grandmother and Great-Grandmother to so many. Each one of her family members have such fond and lasting memories of their time with her.
Doris Jannette Swanzy was born to Monroe and Sybil Whiddon on June 9, 1937, in Logansport, Louisiana.
She grew up in Joaquin, Texas, and graduated from Joaquin High School. After high school, she furthered her career goals at Massey Business College in Houston, Texas.
She worked at Moore Business forms for 34 years in the accounting department and retired in 1999.
Doris Married Hugh “Sonny” Levi Swanzy, Sr. on September 3, 1957, and passed away on May 14, 2024.
She attended Bethel Baptist Church of Appleby and was a devoted and active member until her illness kept her homebound. She loved her church family very much.
Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Monroe and Sybil Whiddon; her husband, Hugh Levi Swanzy, Sr.; her brother, Kenneth Whiddon; and her sister-in-law, Retha; her brother, Royce “Mann” Whiddon; and her brother-in-law, David Vickery.
Left to cherish her loving memory are:
Sisters:
Helen, and husband, Walter Craft
Linda Vickery
Brenda, and husband, Robert Sears
Sister-in-law, Yvonne Whiddon
Sons:
Hugh Levi Swanzy, Jr., and wife, Karla
William “Bubba” Julius Monroe Swanzy, and wife, Jennifer
Grandchildren:
Brett Swanzy, and wife, Sarah
Lee Allen, and wife, Kendra
Justin Allen, and wife, Amber
Wendy Brandenburg
Crystal Swanzy
Brooke Reynolds, and husband, Justin
Krystopher “Bo” Davenport
Jessy Davenport
Great-grandchildren:
Brayden Swanzy
Rowan Swanzy
Tyler Allen
Karly Allen
Kynleigh Allen
Samantha Allen
Rebekah Allen
Gracie Allen
Kelly Allen
Will Elizabeth
Levi Brandenburg
Zachary “Tanner” Swanzy
Joshua Berry
Christian Johnson
Hayden Ward
Justis Reynolds
Chason Davenport
Maddison Davenport
Lexi Davenport
Jaydyn Davenport
Jhayce Davenport
Kenleigh Davenport
Bodhi Davenport
Jhourni Davenport
Along with numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.
Her family would like to graciously thank Dr. Reddy and his wonderful staff of nurses, the A Pineywoods Home Health nursing staff, and Harbor Hospice’s awesome staff with a special thanks to Brittany and LaTonya for their loving care at home.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
05/13/2024
Jimmy Ray Garrett (69 of Joaquin) was born July 21, 1954 to Lee Earl Garrett, Sr. and Jessie B. Williams Garrett. His transition was quiet and peaceful in his home on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
Service is 11am Tuesday, May 14 at the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Center. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center with Pastor Johnny Jones officiating. Visitation is Monday, May 13 from 12noon until 5pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center.
As a child, he attended school in Joaquin, Texas.
Jimmy was retired from working at Automotive Collision Specialist in Center, Texas, where he worked for several years.
He is preceded in death by both his parents, Lee and Jessie Garrett; five brothers, Willie, Arthur, Archie, Sammy, and Larry; and one sister, Avis Garrett Crowder.
Among those left to cherish his memories, life, and love:
Brothers:
Wesley (Mary) Garrett of Houston
Lee Earl Garrett, Jr. of Joaquin
Prentice Garrett of Bryan
Johnny (Tricia) Garrett of Corrigan
Johnny (NaTasha) Jones of Mansfield, Louisiana
Sister, Mary Greer of Center
Along with amazing nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home in Center.
05/13/2024
Pudden Head Lout, 86, of Center, passed away Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Center.
Graveside service will be held at 2pm, Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Born July 3, 1937, in Shelby County, Pudden Head is the son of Charlie Lout and Dolly Mae Blackstock Lout.
He is survived by:
Sons:
Randall Lout of Center
Larry Windham and wife Ina of Lufkin
Grandchildren:
Joey Windham and wife Claudia of Palestine
Jena and Andrew Nichols of Huntsville
Savannah and Terrance Weathered of West Sabine
Lori and Jeremy Walker of San Antonio
Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Lout; parents, Charlie Lout and Dolly Mae Blackstock Lout; and brothers, Kenneth Lout, Donice Lout, and Wilbur Lout.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
05/10/2024
Janan Lea Ross, 53, of Center, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Center.
Memorial service will be held at 4pm, Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.
Born June 19, 1970, Janan is the daughter of Jesse O’Neal Ross and Judy Lois McSwain Ross. She loved her fur babies.
She is survived by:
Daughter, Shelby Ross and Anthony Craig of Tennessee
Grandchildren:
Skyler Ross
Aliyah Villard
Jaxon Ross
Sisters:
Joyce Ross Moore of Center
Samantha Sammons of Center
Aunts and uncle:
Joan Baldwin and Mike of Center
Diann Walker of Center
Tina Bridwell of Center
Cousins:
Alli Jo Dickerson and Coleman of Center
Angie Barbee of Center
Niece and nephews:
Ali Vidrine of Center
Gage Vidrine of Center
James Moore of Austin
Special friend, Seth Matthews of Center
Preceded in death by parents, Jesse O’Neal Ross and Judy Lois McSwain Ross Sammons; step father, George Sammons; grandparents, D.C. and Lucille McSwain and Oren and Willie Mae Squires; cousins, Scotty Baldwin and Pam; and uncle, Buddy Bridwell.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
05/10/2024
Kaye Francis (Pilot) McCoy, 87, departed from this life early Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in Dallas, TX. Kaye was born to E.D. Pilot and Willie Pearl (Wilson) Pilot on October 15, 1936 in Center, Texas.
Kaye was a graduated of CH Daniels High School. Kaye also graduated from Prairie View A&M University. Kaye worked many years and retired from Texas Instruments.
Kaye married Rober Earl McCoy and to this union four children were born. Kaye joined Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, TX and served in many capacities. If you were looking for Kaye, you could find her at Mt. Tabor busy doing the work of the Lord.
Kaye is survived by her children:
Derek (Barbara) McCoy
Byron (Tamiko) McCoy
Kenneth McCoy
Karla (Richard) Shaw
Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren
Siblings:
Shirley Suell of Center, TX
Myrna Williams of Melissa, TX
Nieces and Nephews:
Vicki Barnes
Ricky McCoy
Elzie White Jr.
Pam (Chauncey) Grant
Greg (Hattie) Horton
Kimberly Horton
Anitra Johnson
Monica (Morgan) Hill
Gary (Pamela) Suell
Marcia (Julius) Jones
Debbie Suell-Tanner
Jennifer (Larry) Ingram
And other nieces and nephews
She is preceded in death by her husband, Rober Earl McCoy; parents, E.D. and Willie Pearl Pilot; brother, James Pilot and sisters, Lillie V. Horton, Elma C. White and Eddie R. Davis.
The Memorial Service was Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11a.m. at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church, 3700 Simpson Stuart Road, Dallas, TX 75241. To view the Memorial on YouTube, click here.
05/10/2024
Nomie Gerld Smith passed away on May 8, 2024, at 10:00 PM from renal failure at Nacogdoches Medical Center at the age of 85.
Nomie Gerld was born on August 26, 1938, in the town of Olla in La Salle Parish, Louisiana. The first home that Nomie lived in as a child had no running water and no electricity. As a small child her favorite day of the week was wash day. Her mama would heat water on a wood burning stove, pour the water in a large tub and use a rub board to clean the clothes. Nomie would help. In her latter years looking back, she realized her family had been poor but she felt they never wanted for anything. Most of the family’s years in La Salle Parish were spent in the town of Tullos.
The Norsworthy family moved to Arcadia, Louisiana in the summer of 1955. Nomie began her Junior year of high school, where she met the love of her life Gerald Smith who was in his senior year of high school. During her high school days Nomie was a majorette, played in the marching band, and was voted homecoming queen in her senior year. She and Gerald were married on September 21, 1957 and would have been married 67 years this coming September.
Nomie loved flowers and gardening, and delighted in watching things bloom and grow. She was an avid genealogy researcher and enjoyed traveling. Family was the most important thing to Nomie. Her greatest joy was found in her family and spending time with them. She loved to talk about the trips they had been on, her childhood, and the crazy things she did with her grandkids. She loved music and enjoyed listening to records, especially recordings of Tom Jones, Englebert Humperdink, and Neil Diamond. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed making food for her family as well as trying out new recipes.
Nomie was a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and she wanted to share that with everyone else. She always wanted to share Christ’s love with everyone she met. She was a member of Good Hope Baptist church for 15 years and loved her home church dearly. A bright light, her joy was contagious and drew people to her. She embodied these qualities: gentleness, kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness, and she loved both fiercely and deeply.
Survived by:
Husband, Gerald Lagene Smith
Sons:
Brett (Carol) Smith
Scotty (Lesa) Smith
Daughter, Cindy (Todd) Bush
Nine grandchildren:
Katie (Jason)
Kayla
Tyler
Lauren (Drew)
Leah (Keene)
Jared, Caleb
Maggie (Brandon)
Deanne (Nathan)
Two great-grandchildren:
Kallie
Sloane
Preceded in death by: Father Henry Homer Norsworthy and Mother Maggie Gertrude Riley as well as her sisters Helen Norsworthy (Ganey) and Margarie Norsworthy (Richey), brother Arnold Norsworthy, grandson Mason Riley, and son-in-law Todd Bush.
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