Shelby County Today

02/05/2023

Mary Louise Morgan Stephenson, 84, of Timpson, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023, in Timpson.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at Noon. Bro. Dave Wood will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mary was born May 24, 1938, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

She is survived by:

Children:
Debra King Vick and husband Frank Vick of Silsbee
Thomas King of Timpson and his friend Cathy Woodard of Carthage
Angelia King Palmer and husband Timothy Palmer of Silsbee
Tammy King Mikesh of Timpson
Billy Dickerson and wife Lisa of Shreveport, Louisiana

50 grandchildren

54 great-grandchildren

20 great-great-grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

Special friends, Danielle Grigsby and Hattie Cochran.

Preceded in death by husband, Donald Stephenson; mother and stepfather, Ida Green and Luther Green; father, W.D. “Johnny” Morgan; siblings, Peggy Allison and her husband Red, Jerry Green, Maxine Bradshaw; daughter-in-law, Melissa King; son-in-law, Martin Mikesh; and great grandson, Connor Mikesh.

Pallbearers will be David Lawhorn, Wade Angelo, Derek Hughes, Dustin King, George Booker, Ricky Wright, Bryan Mikesh, and Kebo Parker.

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

02/04/2023

Stacey Glenn McSwain, 56, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 2, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on April 9, 1966, in Center, Texas, to J.C. McSwain and Venorah Williams McSwain. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 6-8PM at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 2pm with Bro. Son Windham officiating.  Interment will follow at 1374 CR 1286, Center, Texas.

Stacey was born and raised in Shelby County. He attended Center High School. He met the love of his life, Tammy Watson, through mutual friends. The two were married on November 8, 1985. They spent over 37 wonderful years together. They raised three wonderful children who were the light of his life. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Most precious time was spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Stacey was the owner of Stacey McSwain Logging. He followed in his dad’s footsteps to become a successful logger himself. 

One of the things he loved the most about logging was the fresh smell of pine resin in the early morning. His heart was huge, and it was filled with love, compassion, and a giving spirit. He had the biggest smile and the most unique laugh you will ever hear. He enjoyed sharing childhood stories with family and friends. Stacey enjoyed acquiring his gun collection, playing 42, and spending time with friends on the home front. Stacey spent time outdoors roping as a youngster, working cattle, and gathering at the pond with friends to just reminisce. He loved going on hunting trips and deep-sea fishing with his son Daniel and friends.

Stacey enjoyed dancing and listening to his favorite artist Elvis Presley. He never missed the opportunity to watch a good movies or TV show. Some of his favorites were The Lion King, 8 Seconds, Tombstone, and Yellowstone. The highlight of his years was putting on a firework show for New Year’s and the 4th of July for his family and friends. His four-legged friend “Matt” was his buddy. Stacey lived life to the fullest to the very end.  

He is survived by: 
His loving wife, Tammy McSwain

Children: 
Machael McSwain Cranford and husband Jami
Daniel McSwain and wife Brittany
Nicole McSwain

Grandchildren: 
Blaize McSwain
Zoey McSwain
Timber McSwain
Brigham McSwain
Kinley Cranford
Kash Cranford
Kelan McSwain
Kullen McSwain
Kami McSwain

Mother, Venorah McSwain

Sisters: 
Cecilia Boles and husband Ken
Tonya Andrews and husband George

Brother, Roscoe McSwain and wife Natalie

Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Stacey is preceded in death by his father, J. C. McSwain.

Pallbearers serving will be Nicholas Crocker, Michael Crocker, Cecil McSwain, Roscoe McSwain Jr., John Andrews, and Colton McSwain.

Honorary pallbearers serving will be David Nettles, Kevin Lynch, Ricky Lout, and A.L. Watts.

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

02/02/2023

Joyce Wilburn Smith, 77, of Center, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023, in Tyler.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.  Interment will follow at Patroon Cemetery in the Patroon Community of Shelby County.

Born August 6, 1945, Joyce is the daughter of Horace Wilburn and Bernice Elliott Wilburn.  She was a member of Patroon Baptist Church.

She is survived by:
Her son, Shawn Smith and wife Dana of Logansport, Louisiana

Daughter, Stacy Alexander and husband Stephen of Canton

Grandchildren:
Lexi Danielle Smith of Logansport, Louisiana
Kurston Jaymes Smith of Logansport, Louisiana
Roper Jake Smith of Logansport, Louisiana
Addison Joyce Alexander of Canton
Mallory Jo Alexander of Canton

Sister, Louise Tompkins of San Augustine

Brothers: 
Travis “Tappy” Wilburn and wife Delma of Center
Carroll Wilburn and wife Virginia of San Augustine

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by father, Horace Wilburn; mother, Bernice Wilburn; and brother, Larry Wilburn.

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

01/31/2023

Shellie Joe Fomby, 84, of Vidor, TX, passed from this life to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, January 29, 2023 in Beaumont, Texas from complications of COVID. 

Joe was born in Emmet Arkansas on March 2, 1938 to Shellie and Emma Fomby. He graduated from Center High School with his beloved class of 1956. He lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. He attended the University of Houston and Lamar University. In 1966 he began his banking career at Sabine Valley Savings and Loan as a bank teller then quickly was promoted to loan officer, appraiser, and vice president. He was also appointed to the board of directors.

He was an original founder of Shelby Savings Bank as President. Later he teamed up with Farmers State Bank where he retired after many years as Vice President.

He served his community as Commissioner of Center Little League, President of Center Alumni Association, was elected Outstanding Young Man of the Year for the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Center Band Booster, President of the Center Noon Lions Club, served on the Center ISD School Board, Director of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.

He was a faithful member of the Northside Church of Christ for many years until moving to Lake Murvual. He then served Northside Church of Christ in Carthage Texas until he moved to Vidor. He served at Northmain Church of Christ in Vidor until his passing.

Joe's smile will always be remembered as one of his greatest attributes.

Funeral services will be held at 9AM Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 5 - 7 PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor. Family burial will be immediately following at White Rock Cemetery in Center, TX.

Thursday, February 2, from 5PM-7PM, Watson and Son Funeral Home of Center will host a visitation for all local friends and family.
 
As per Joe’s request, in lieu of flowers please donate to the: Roughrider Foundation in the name of Joe and Nell Fomby.

Mail your support to: Roughrider Foundation P.O. Box 152
Center, Texas 75935

Please write Joe Fomby on the “for line” 

Joe is survived by: 
His wife Mary Fomby

Daughters:
Angela Rowe, husband, Robert 
Beth Harbison, husband, Ricky

Grandchildren:
Bradley Andrews, wife, Mindy 
Ashley Rowe, wife, Alex 
Christi Dukes, husband, R.T. 
Chelsea Oler, husband, Blake 
Mickey Wiggins, wife, Dacey

Great-Grandchildren:
Lexi Perry, husband, Daniel
Eden Andrews
Addison Rowe
Reagan T. Dukes
Kennedy Dukes
Connor Andrews
June Oler
Calvin Oler
Lincoln Dukes
Rosie Dukes

Great-Great-Grandchild, Charlie Perry

Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Preceded in death by:
His wife Nell Fomby, parents Shellie and Emma Fomby and brother, Roy Fomby.

Pallbearers: Bradley Andrews, Ashley Rowe, RT Dukes, Blake Oler, Mickey Wiggins, Reagan T. Dukes

01/30/2023

Sandra Lynette Hinson Latham of Center, Texas passed from this life to be with her Heavenly Father at the age of 73 on January 27, 2023. She will forever be remembered as an angel and a true servant that consistently demonstrated faithfulness, strength, and love to her family, church, and all that were blessed to meet her.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 12:30pm. Service will be held at Triumph the Kingdom and the Church located at 908 Daniels Street, Center, Texas 75935. Rev. Richard E. Edwards will be officiating.

Sandra, the second child, was born January 13, 1950, in Center, Texas to J.T. Hinson and Cleo Fountain Hinson. The importance of education and knowledge was ingrained in Sandra at an early age. She excelled both academically and socially, finishing 5th. in her graduating high school class, she had an awesome singing voice, and she had the ability to twirl a baton ablaze with fire as a member of the Daniel’s Cheerleaders Squad. Sandra enrolled in Prairie View A&M University in 1968, but missed home, so she returned home and transferred to Stephen F. Austin, working to earn both her Bachelor and Master’s degrees.

Sandra Hinson and Tommy Latham were joined in marriage on December 22, 1979. As she transitioned into marriage, she worked in the Center Public School District and then she and Tommy adopted a young daughter, DeShana Latham. Sandra worked in the Center Public School District until she retired in 2009 but continued substituting until her health failed.

Sandra was always active in her church devoting service to the Missionary Society, Stewardess Board, food pantry, Sunday school, and choirs. She had an outstanding singing voice which was on display at various venues. She was also involved in decorating her church, Mt Zion CME and other events around the county, including the infamous C.H. Daniels School Reunions. However, her most cherished job was being a wife, mother, and grandmother to Kyra.

Sandra unselfishly invested her time and energy to support young students from coaching various school teams and was awarded Teacher of the Year! She always encouraged all to do their best.

Sandra was inducted into the Eta Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in the Fall of 1973. An Ivy Beyond the Wall ceremony will be held to be announced.

Sandra is survived by:

Husband of 48 years, Tommy Latham

One child, DeShana Latham

Granddaughter, Kyra Latham

Brother, Dr. Kenneth E. Hinson and wife, Elma Jones Hinson

Niece, Kesha E. Hinson

She is also survived by children of deceased couple, brother Jimmy Ray and wife Carolyn Hinson; sons Keith and Kirt, and daughter, Deandra “Sonya" Hinson

Twin sister/cousin, Joyce Lynn Johnson

Goddaughter, Jocelyn Berry

A host of cousins and close friends.

Sandra was also the spiritual mother and grandmother to countless women, men, and children throughout the years. She was skilled at decorating her beautiful home with crafts as her mother, Cleo, had done her entire life. She was an amazing role model, always leading with patience and wisdom and listening with empathy. She will be missed but we know she is in heaven rejoicing with the heavenly choir. She will never be forgotten.

Visiting: Friday, February 4pm to 7pm at Hicks Mortuary

Committal: Westview Cemetery in Center

Repass: John D. Windham Civic Center (146 Express Blvd., Center, Texas 75935)
 
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

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.

01/30/2023

Giovanna (Givvie) Mooney Searcy, 89, of Pasadena, Texas passed away on January 28th in Webster, Texas. She was born on August 13, 1933, in San Augustine Texas to Lawrence Henry Mooney, Sr. and Lonita Mooney.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas with Linda Searcy officiating. Visitation will begin 30 minutes prior to the service at Mangum Funeral Home.

After graduating Center High School, Givvie went on to marry the love of her life (Leon) while he was serving in the Navy during the Korean War. She went on to graduate from college with a degree in business and worked her entire career with AT&T and became one of the first women managers in her division. This was a testament to her ability to excel in business and her personal life.

She was active in her community and would later achieve many personal and professional awards. She was President of the Rotary Club of Pasadena and served on the board of the Pasadena Pet Adoption Society. She was a long-time member and representative of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce where she was a leader in welcoming new business owners to the City of Pasadena and performed many ribbon cutting ceremonies on behalf of the city.

In addition, she was a member of the Pasadena Philharmonic Society where she served on the board. She was a leader in the Republican Women’s Society and later went on to be a delegate for the Republican party. She was a poll watcher for countless elections and was a huge advocate for teaching the younger generation the importance of voting and the freedom it can provide.

She and Leon worked in the reading program for the local elementary schools while volunteering in the school reading programs in local elementary schools in Pasadena ISD.

She was noted for her representation in the “Sister Cities” program where she traveled to Hadono, Japan on numerous occasions and made many long-lasting friendships fostering a sense of partnership and community within Pasadena and abroad.

Givvie had a passion for life, people, and family. She was especially proud of her grandsons and her son. She was full of laughter, kind-hearted, and a person of strong convictions and faith. She was a long-standing member of Faithbridge Church in Deer Park, Texas and volunteered there on many different activities. She will be greatly missed by her friends and her family.

Givvie is survived by:

Son, James L. Searcy, Jr.

Daughter-in-law, Linda Searcy

Grandsons:
Jason L. Searcy
Nathan M. Searcy

Host of other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Henry Mooney, Sr. and Lonita Mooney and her brothers David Mooney and Lawrence Henry Mooney, Jr.

The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

01/28/2023

Janice Lorraine Moody, 71, of Center, passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 30, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Johnny Lewis and Sister Melba Rodgers officiating.  Visitation will begin at Noon.  Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born September 17, 1951, Janice is the daughter of Jack and Hazel Vaughn. 

She is survived by her
Husband, Don Moody

Son, Donnie Moody and wife, Heather Moody

Daughter, Jeannie Moody Taylor

Grandkids: 
Dustin Bloodgood and wife, Cortni
Austin Bloodgood 
Justin Bloodgood and Courtney Green
Lexi Moody Bell and husband, Blake Bell
Rowdy Taylor 
Rory Taylor 
Dru Moody 

Great-Grandkids: 
Evie Sue Bloodgood 
Raiden Bloodgood 
Banks Bell

Sister, Marie Permenter

Brothers: 
Robert Jerry Vaughn and wife, Nikki
Larry Vaughn and wife, Dianne
Jackie Vaughn 
Waylon Vaughn and wife, Regina
Gerald Vaughn and wife, Patty

Brother in Law, Tommy Moody and wife, Linda

Sister-in-Law, Ann Blackwell and husband, Willis 

Mother-in-Law, Freddie Moody 

Special caretaker, Shelby Green

Preceded in death by:
Father: Jack Vaughn 
Mother: Hazel Vaughn
Grandson: Jesse Don Moody 
Brothers: Marlie Vaughn, Darrell Vaughn & Prentice Vaughn 
Father in law: Dan Moody 

Pallbearers: Dustin Bloodgood, Austin Bloodgood, Rowdy Taylor, Rory Taylor, Justin Bloodgood, Blake Bell

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

01/27/2023

Shirley Ruth Rushing, 85 of Center, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023 at the Center Emergency Room. She was born January 17, 1938 to her mother, the late Earlie Harper and father, the late Ira Jim Rushing. She was born and raised in Center, Texas.

Funeral service is 12 noon Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Abundant Love Ministries with Pastor Marlin Cloudy officiating. Final resting place is Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas. Visitation is 10am until 7pm on Friday, January 27, 2023 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center.

Mama Shirley was a great faithful Christian lady, a homemaker, that provided for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even to those in the Community.

She was the glue to us, our family. She showed us a way of life, when those rainy days come, she said, “Just know how to keep your refrigerator full to survive!” She never let us go without lights, gas, and water. Most of all she kept plenty of food on the table for us to eat. She never wanted to see us sad or separated from her goodbyes. As we sit here and remember Ms. Shirley Ruth Rushing on today, we are so thankful to God, this Angel, had a chance to pass our way. For 85 years she was able to stand through these test of times.

She is preceded in death by her father, Ira Jim Rushing; mother, Earlie Harper; sisters, Betty Ruth Lathan, Thelma Harper, Velma Harper, and Lee Gail Rushing; brothers, Leroy Rushing and R.C. Harper; son, Prentice Ray Greer; and grandsons, Caddren Keia Harris and Robert Tyrell Bolton III.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Long-time companion, Milton Fields of Center

Son, Donald Rushing of Houston

Step-son, Milton Brumley of Houston

Daughters:
Vickie Rushing
Shirley Rucker
Pearly Harris
Lisa Carpenter (Eric) of Center
Terry Capiti (Tommy) of Nacogdoches
Allison Young (Arthur) of Yazoo, Mississippi

Step-daughters, Latasha and LaWanna Brumley of Houston

Brothers:
Lawrence Rushing of Houston
Derry Gleen Rushing of Houston
Ira Gleen of Nacogdoches

Sisters:
Lina Sue Harper of Center
Jackie Brown of Longview

Blessed with 10 grandkids and 22 great-grandkids

Special caretaker, Marilyn Roland

Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

01/26/2023

Bobby Leon Ritter, 74, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on January 24, 2023, in Timpson, Texas. He was born on January 13, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, to the late William Hoyt Ritter.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Timpson Methodist Church in Timpson, Texas with Kyle Green officiating.

Bobby grew up in the Carthage/Gary area. He attended Gary High School before earning his GED. Bobby met Judy Hudman when they were set up on a blind date. They fell in love and were married. They spent almost 50 wonderful years together. Bobby loved to ride horses and trailride. He enjoyed being outdoors and would spend hours on his side-by-side checking fence lines. Bobby was a hard worker and could often be found in his shop working on some type of metal project. He made a hobby of shooting guns and did that as often as he could. Bobby was the best friend and neighbor anyone could ask for. He would truly give anyone the shirt off his back. Bobby was a faithful member of Timpson First Methodist Church for over 35 years. He and Ashley accepted Christ at the same time. Bobby was a wonderful man that will be missed greatly in this community and by all who knew him.

Bobby is survived by:

Loving wife, Judy Hudman Ritter

Daughter, Ashley Ritter

Brother, Johnny Ritter and wife, Glynis

Brothers-in-law:
Jeff Hudman and wife, Ann
Chris Hudman

Sisters-in-law:
Johnnie Nix
Barbara Green and husband, Mike

Special friends, Tonia and Andrew Epperson

Numerous special nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, William Ritter; grandson, Warren Loup; brother, Worth Ritter; surrogate mother, T9C McWilliams; in-laws, Bernice and Noble Hudman; and brother-in-law, Michael Nix.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.