Obituaries
12/21/2022
Terry Louis Bridges, 64, of Center, passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022, in Nacogdoches.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 23, 2022, at Newburn Cemetery in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.
Born July 26, 1958, Terry is the son of Myrle Moore Bridges and Billy Gene Bridges Sr. His hobbies included fishing, motorcycles, and classic vehicles. Terry loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by:
Son, Justin Dewayne Bridges of Carthage
Grandchildren:
Kelly Bridges of Center
Kelsey Bridges of Center
Kolton Bridges of Center
Korbin Bridges of Center
Sister, Renee Bridges of Center
Numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his mother and dad, Myrle Moore Bridges and Billy Gene Bridges Sr.; and brothers, Billy Gene Bridges Jr. and Odie Edward Bridges.
Pallbearers will be Brant Bridges, Jake Henson, Cale Henson, Connor Henson, Cody Miller, and Lane Metcalf.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
12/21/2022
Ben J. Brittain, 90, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, December 19, 2022, in Nacogdoches.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 22, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Son Windham and Rusty Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Duncan Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Born December 8, 1932, in Rural Shelby County, Ben is the son of Nettie Eddins Brittain and Hearn Brittain. Ben worked as a heavy equipment operator on various pipeline construction jobs. His hobbies included traveling, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of International Union of Operating Engineers.
He is survived by:
Wife, whom he married on January 10, 1959, Shirley Shull Brittain of Shelby County
Daughter, Karen and husband Jimmy Everett Mitchell
Son, Michael Lance Brittain
Grandchildren:
Susan Lea Mitchell
Brian Everett Mitchell and wife Amanda
Natalie Erin Brittain
Donovan Lance Brittain
Great-granddaughter, Hailey Madison Mitchell
Sister, Marjorie Brittain Lundy
Brother-in-law, Johnny Hargrove of Shelbyville
Nieces:
Kim Hargrove Bridges of Center
Pam Brittain
Lynette Vaughn
Yondi Brittain Upchurch
Nephew, Michael Lynn Brittain
Also, numerous other family members
Also, numerous other nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Preceded in death by parents, Nettie Eddins Brittain and Hearn Brittain; brothers, Lamar Brittain, Hugh “Cotton” Brittain, Hershell Brittain, Joe Brittain; sister, Oneita Brittain Vaughn; and sister-in-law, Mary Frances Shull Hargrove.
Pallbearers will be Michael Lance Brittain, Aaron Steptoe (Hay Man), Clint Carol (White Car Man), Richard Sharp, Aaron Wilburn, and Darren Wilburn. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Mitchell, Troy Shofner, David Jones, Brian Everett Mitchell, Susan Mitchell, Donovan Lance Brittain, Natalie Brittain, and Hailey Mitchell.
Donations may be made to Shelby County Cancer Fund, PO Box 283, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
12/21/2022
Joyce Marie Miller, 66, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2022, in Joaquin, Texas. She was born on August 30, 1956, in Center, Texas, to the late Freddie Joe Alford and Doris Faye (Ritnour) Alford.
Graveside service will be held at Antioch Cemetery, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at 2pm with Bro. Johnny Lewis officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Monday, December 26, 2022, Mangum Funeral Home.
Joyce was raised in Shelby County. She graduated Joaquin High School Class of 1974. She attended Panola Junior College and received her Cosmetology Degree. While attending Panola she had a classmate that introduced her to her son. Through this relationship she found the love of her life, Ronald Miller Sr., and the two were married one month after his return home from the military on May 19, 1975. The two have spent almost 48 years together before her passing. They had two wonderful children, Ronald Jr. and Christa. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Joyce enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. They would always brighten her day. She loved the Lord and was a longtime member of Antioch Baptist Church.
She is survived by:
Loving husband, Ronald E. Miller Sr.
Son, Ronald Miller Jr. and wife Jodi
Daughter, Christa Weith and husband Jacob
Brothers:
Darrell Alford and wife Gaye
Tommy Alford
Sister, Brenda Risinger and husband Clinton
Grandchildren:
Rustin Miller and wife Savannah
Ryland Miller
Evan Miller
Brayden Watson
Leah Watson
Alexis Carroll
Hailey Weith
Harley Weith
Great-granddaughter, Parker Miller
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Freddie and Doris Alford; and sister-in-law, Verna Alford.
The Miller family would also like to express sincere thanks to Hospice in the Pines and At Home Healthcare for their exceptional care given to Joyce during her illness.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
12/19/2022
L.D. Hibbard, Jr., 70, passed away at his home, in Center, Texas on Sunday, December 18, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at 11am. The funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation at 12 noon. Both will take place at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, 1554 State HWY 7 East, Center, TX 75935. Interment is at Oaklawn Memorial Park with Bro. Mike Belgard officiating.
L.D.’s battle with serious medical challenges over the last two years of his life showed his courage, tenacity, and his ability to face any challenge head-on, with a smile. He was fun-loving with a larger-than-life personality and a contagious laugh. He spent his life entertaining others with his joyful character and cracking jokes until the very end. His very last words to his family were, “I love you all.”
L.D. was born on June 6, 1952, in Houston, Texas to L.D. Hibbard, Sr. and Josephine (Mollie) Barton. He was a fun, humble, kind, and generous person who loved spending time with his family and friends. L.D. was a young soul whose voice filled the room with excitement. He enjoyed his grandchildren, fishing, flying his plane, creating his own golf rules, “Hibbard engineering,” inappropriate jokes, watching the Astros and Cowboys, and playing (and almost always winning) a mean game of 42 and Texas Hold’em. He also loved watching his birds and westerns.
He was a successful entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses ranging from computers, technical companies, and internet companies, to oil and gas endeavors and multiple gyms. L.D. showed his dedication to his community serving multiple years on the Center Volunteer Fire Department.
L.D. is survived by:
Wife, Carmen Morse Hibbard
Children:
Heather Hibbard Gerhard (Ken) of Missoula, MT
Kendall O’Neal (Joe Vinas) of Bellaire, TX
Michael O’Neal (Ana) of Kingwood, TX
Clint Hibbard (Heather) of The Colony, TX
Julie Hibbard (Blake Holman) of Frisco, TX
Grandchildren:
Cooper Gerhard
Cody Gerhard
Zoe Gerhard
Madison Vinas
Brooklyn Tomlinson
Isabella O’Neal
Jackson Vinas
Tripp Hibbard
Penelope O’Neal
Kate Hibbard
Ryder Holman
Siblings:
John Hibbard of Nacogdoches
Joe Hibbard (Wendy) of Nacogdoches
Debra Hibbard of The Woodlands
Wallace Hibbard (Pam) of Bullard, TX
Victor Hibbard of Bullard, TX
Judy Monroe (Donald) of Center, TX
Letitia Hibbard Poindexter of Center, TX
Greg Hibbard (Haven) of The Woodlands, TX
He is predeceased by parents, L.D. Hibbard, Sr. and Josephine (Mollie) Barton; and sister, Kathy Waldon.
Pallbearers are John Hibbard, Joe Hibbard, Wallace Hibbard, Victor Hibbard, Greg Hibbard, and H.B. Sparks.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
12/19/2022
Charlie Sharp, Sr., 63, of Joaquin, passed away Friday, December 16, 2022, in Joaquin.
Visitation to be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Brookland Cemetery in Joaquin. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. following visitation.
Born July 25, 1959, in Crockett, Texas, Charlie is the son of Georgia Mae Evans. He worked in the oilfield and was also a carpenter. He enjoyed joking around with his friends and family, and loved to hunt and fish.
He is survived by:
Children:
Crissy Braack and husband Robert
Chad Sharp
Stacy Sharp
Brad Smith
Nieces and nephews:
Jeff Sharp
Richard Sharp Jr.
Jimmy Sharp
Danyel Sledge
Deena Bossier
Kasey Chambliss
Numerous grandchildren and other family.
Preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Smith Sharp; son, Charlie Sharp Jr.; mother, Georgia Mae Evans; brothers, Jimmy Sharp, and Richard Sharp; and Andy Gibbs Sr..
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
12/15/2022
R.L. Smith, 58, passed away December 12, 2022. He was born December 18, 1963 to the late Ceaser Smith and late Willie Bell Smith.
Service is 1pm, Saturday, December 17, 2022 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, San Augustine, Texas with Rev. Daniel Holman as eulogist. Interment will be at the Boggy Cemetery in Geneva Penn station is Friday, December 16 from 10am to 6pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Center, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and two brothers.
He united with New Jerusalem Baptist Church at an early age.
He leaves to cherish his memories:
A special nephew, Charles Land
Special nieces:
Shameca Walker
LayLay Land
Sisters:
Jannie Burrell of Lufkin
Dorothy Goodwin of San Augustine
Willie Bledsoe of San Augustine
Brothers:
L.J. Smith (Marsha Kay Smith) of San Augustine
Eddie Smith (Nina Smith) of San Augustine
Jimmy Smith (Linda Smith) of San Augustine
Gay Smith of San Augustine
Charles Smith of San Augustine
Spiritual advisor, Pastor Jim Scott of Throne of Grace Ministry
Special Auntie, Nannie Culpepper of Lufkin
A host of nephews, nieces, cousin and friends
Our hearts still ache with sadness and many tears still flow. What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know. We hold you close within out hearts, and there you will remain. To walk with us throughout our lives. Until we meet again.
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.
12/15/2022
June Mims, age 97, of Nacogdoches, Texas passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022. She was born April 24, 1925 in Shelby County, Texas to John Bentley Green and Lily Tol Bowlin Green.
June graduated from Carrollton High School in 1941. Shelby County was home to her and her ancestors. She was a homemaker, key punch operator for IBM, and worked at Bussey Drug for many years. She never met a stranger serving the community for 53 years. She is remembered by many as Hard Worker. After the town job ended the hard work just began. She loved gardening, canning, fowl of all kinds. She was devoted to her parents and children.
June was a proud member of the Timpson Missionary Baptist Church; Timpson Genealogy Society and contributing columnist for the Timpson-Tenaha newspaper which she called "Rambling". She will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by parents; husband, Buford Mims; son-in-law, Kenneth Lindsey and grandson, Keith Lindsey.
She is survived by:
Son, John DeLamar and wife Pattie of Nacogdoches
Daughter, Sharon Lindsey of Nacogdoches
Grandchildren:
Mark Combs of Rockwall
Courtney Hencke of Houston
Collin DeLamar of San Diego, California
Great-grandchildren:
Paul Lindsey
Amanda Miller
Brandon Lindsey
Damian Lindsey
Luke Combs
Wyatt Hencke
William Hencke
Great-great-granddaughter, Clara Miller.
Inurnment service will take place, 11:00 AM, Friday, December 16, 2022, Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Patsy Barham and Bro. Levi Cohorst will officiate.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com for the Mims family.
12/14/2022
John Lee Miles, 68, of Center, passed away Monday, December 12, 2022, in Nacogdoches.
Visitation to be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Masonic graveside service to follow at Old Sardis Cemetery in San Augustine County.
Born October 3, 1954, in San Bernardino, California, John is the son of Bonnie Lou O’Dell and Donald Howard Miles. He retired from Wal-Mart Automotive. John was a member of Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149, where he was currently a Master Mason. John also served on the Tenaha Volunteer Fire Department, and assisted with both EMT and wrecker services.
He is survived by:
Significant other, Nina Walker of Center
Daughter, Shellie Rose Jackson of California
Numerous grandchildren
Cousins:
Linda O’Dell of California
Laura O’Dell Hill of California
Niece, Renee Miles Hammer of Louisiana
Stepdaughter, Brendah Burns and Charles of Center
Stepsons:
Duval Walker of Center
Donnie Walker and Sheila of Center
Also, numerous step-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie Lou O’Dell and Donald Howard Miles; brother, David Arthur Miles; and stepson, Vince Walker.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
12/13/2022
Lloyd Glen Holloway, 82, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on November 13, 2022, in Carthage, Texas.
A graveside service will be held 11am Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Blackjack Cemetery.
Glen was born on December 26, 1939, in San Augustine, Texas, to the late A.L. Holloway and Irene Quinn. He was raised in the Blackjack Community and graduated Chireno High School Class of 1958. It was because of school that he had the privilege of marrying his high school sweetheart, Patsy Jean Balch, on December 3, 1960. Patsy and Glen spent over 20 years together in marriage and to that union they had three wonderful children: Deborah, Stephen, and Wendy.
Glen worked as a Diesel mechanic and was just an all-around craftsman. In his older years he found his love for animals and gardening. He loved to sit down and drink coffee while reading his favorite magazines such as Mother Earth’s News, The Farmers Almanac, The Peddler and just the plain old newspaper. He loved spending time with family and friends. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, they were his pride and joy. Time spent with family was time cherished.
Glen is survived by:
Daughters:
Wendy Wilburn, husband Jason, and their two kids, Holly Wilburn and Lance Wilburn
Deborah Thompson, husband Gary, and their two kids, Shaun Kirk and wife Cyndi, and Monica Kirk
Brother, Robert Holloway and wife Beverly
Brother-in-law, Harrell Stewart
Sister-in-law, Dorothy Holloway
Great-grandchildren: Ryan, Shelby, and Sasha Kirk
Numerous nieces and nephews
And special friends: Betty Runions, husband Bobby, and their three kids, Tara and boyfriend Rogelio, Kierra, and Nathan; Steven Myers; Mike the mailman; Red, his dog
A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his former wives, Patsy Jean Holloway, Mary Ann Carlton; son, Stephen Duane Holloway; parents, A.L. and Irene Holloway; brother, Wayne Holloway; and sister, Louise Stewart; his dog Willie; and special friend, “Mama B.”
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
12/12/2022
Johnny Erwin Williams, 73, of East Liberty Community died on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches. Johnny was born to the late Samuel Williams and Hazel McClelland Williams in Center.
Funeral service will be on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at East Liberty Baptist Church located 2980 CR 2569 Center, Texas 75935 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Steven Standley will be officiating.
Johnny Erwin Williams is survived by:
Sons:
Gary Williams (LaDerrica)
Nykius Williams
Siblings:
Debbera Haward of Clinton, MD
Brenda Suell Berry of Center
Yolanda Gray of Center
Carolyn Easter of Hooks
Anthony Williams (Ernestine) of Killeen
Visiting: Friday, December 16,2022, at Hicks Chapel 10:00 AM -6:00 PM
Committal: Rather Cemetery Shelbyville, Texas
Repass: East Liberty Church
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
12/12/2022
Marlin Ray Jones, Jr., 80, passed away December 11, 2022 at his home after a brief illness.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be Friday, December 16, at 10:00 a.m. at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Keith Keele officiating. Interment and grave side service will follow at Jones Cemetery on County Road 3737.
Ray was born in Center to Marlin Ray Jones and Maurene Borders Jones on August 6, 1942. He was raised in Center and attended Center public schools graduating Center High School in 1960. He continued his education at Baylor before transferring to SFA and completing his degree there. He then went to work at Center Motor Company, the family business. Ray’s father died in 1967 when Ray was 25 years old. At that time he had five younger siblings ranging all the way down to 9. Ray undertook management of Center Motor Company for his mother. He continued in that capacity until 1980 when he acquired ownership of thebusiness. Ray often said that making money at a dealership in rural East Texas without a truckline was difficult, but he succeeded.
In 1989, Ray acquired Whiteside Chevrolet in Timpson and relocated the dealership to its present location on Highway 96 in Center. His son, Marlin, manages that business.
In 1990, Ray purchased Parker Motor Company, the local Ford dealership, from Frank Edward Parker. He moved the Lincoln Mercury dealership into that location on Shelbyville Street and operated the combined business under the Center Motor Company name.
In 2004, Ray bought American Outdoor Power, the Polaris, Kawasaki, and Yamaha ATV dealership in Timpson. He relocated that business to a location next door to Center Motor Company on Shelbyville Street in Center. That business now operates in that same location under the name Center Motor Company ATV.
In 2015, Ray acquired land on Hurst Street and built the current Center Motor Company building. That building is a state of the art Ford dealership that will serve this area for many years to come. Ray's son, Kevin, manages that dealership.
Ray’s death ends an extremely successful business career of over fifty years. He leaves two auto dealerships and an ATV dealership for his boys.
He is preceded by death his parents, Marlin Ray Jones and Maurene Borders Jones; wife, Jane Ellen Jones; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dan Parker and Virginia Parker.
He is survived by:
Sons:
Marlin Jones III and wife, Anna of Center
Kevin Jones and wife, Jennifer of Center
Grandchildren:
Collin Jones
Ryan Jones
Camille Jones
April Stephens
Ava Stephens Kyle
Great-Grandchild, Jaylee Arbuckle
Special Friend, Mary Owens
Brothers and Sister:
Jeff Jones and wife, Karen
Mike Jones and wife, Cherry
Deck Jones and wife, Montie
Jennifer Wulf and husband, Tim
Jack Jones and wife, Betty
Numerous Nieces and Nephews
Brother-in-law, Danny Parker and wife, Cindi
Sister-in-law, Teresa Parker
Pallbearers: Collin Jones, Ryan Jones, Terry Scull, Drew Scull, John Michael Burns, and Michael Haley. Honorary Pallbearers: Johny Covington, Sammy Dance, Fred Borders, Dan Fussell, and Mark Matthews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Catherine Pinkston Roughrider Scholarship Foundation. Donations can be mailed to: Roughrider Scholarship Foundation, PO Box 152, Center, Texas 75935. Visit online at http://roughriderscholarship.org/donations.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
12/09/2022
Billie Lorraine (Johnson) Wilson, 90, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on October 10, 1932, in Center, Texas, to the late Fred Johnson and Flossie Jones Johnson.
Graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Colonial Gardens Cemetery, Elysian Fields Rd. Hwy 31, Marshall, Texas, 75672.
Billie was born and raised in Shelby County. She attended Center High School.
Billie met the love of her life, Ellis O’Neal Wilson Sr. in Center upon his return from WWII. The two were married and had three wonderful children. She worked at JC Penney for over 33 years in management before retiring. After losing her spouse, Ellis, in 1988 she later connected with an old high school sweetheart, Gene Ritter, and the two spent over 20 years together enjoying dancing, and music of all genres. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church, Center.
She is survived by:
her sons:
Scott Allen Wilson
Ellis O’Neal Wilson Jr. and wife Loura
Daughter, Neala Wilson George and husband Robert
Grandchildren:
Ryan McIntosh Grant and wife Michelle
Rory O’Neal Grant and wife Nicole
Great-grandchildren:
Will McIntosh Grant
Lucy Grant
Maggie Grant
Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Billie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ellis Wilson Sr.; parents, Fred and Flossie Johnson; and sister, Vivian Barron.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
12/08/2022
Charles Edwards Nash, 71, passed on Monday, December 5, 2022 when the Lord died his light and called him home. Now he is resting in peace in his permanent home. He was born on August 27, 1951 to Exie Lee Daniel and Kelly Nash. He was raised by Aunt Billie Harris who also preceded him in death.
A homecoming celebration will be held at 2:30pm on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Open Door Baptist Church, 900 Cotton Ford Road, Center, Texas with Bishop William Nash, Jr. officiating. Interment is at Blount Chapel Cemetery in Center, Texas.
Charles loved dancing, singing, and listening to music and making people laugh. He was a loving person and also was a people person. Charles had a kind heart with a big personality and a lovely heart that brought joy to many that were around him. He lived his life to the fullest and he will be missed.
Charles Edward Nash is preceded in death by: mother, Exie Lee Daniel; father, Kelly Nash; aunt, Billie Harris; sister, Gloria Jean Nash; brothers, William Nash, Billy Earl Nash, and Robert Nash.
Left to remember :
Sons:
Charles Nash, Jr. and wife, Amona
Chris Nash and wife, Summer
Brother, Tommy Lee Allen and wife, Mary
Sister, Helen Nash
Special Aunts:
Catherine Goodwin
Rose Stevenson
12 Grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren
Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
12/08/2022
Pauline Garrett Johnson, 94 of Center, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Pine Grove Nursing Center. Mother Pauline Garrett Johnson was the second child of the late Reese and Minnie Lee Garrett and was born on April 17, 1928.
Funeral service is 11am Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Center Triumph Church, 908 Daniels Street, Center, Texas 75935. Visitation is 10am until 6pm on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Interment is at Thompson Cemetery in Shelbyville with Bishop Howard Cloudy, Sr. officiating.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reese and Minnie Lee Garrett; husband, Noble Johnson, Sr.; brother, R.C. Garrett; sisters, County Mother Emme Lee Suell and Emeritus State Mother Lurline McCowin; grandsons, Eric Johnson, Jermaine Johnson, Jason Johnson; and great-grandson, Justin Johnson.
She united with Triumph the Kingdom of God in Christ at an early age and has been a faithful member therein serving as a County Mother under the leadership of Bishop Howard Cloudy, Sr. for many, many years and now under the leadership of Pastor Robert Hunter.
Mother Johnson was very devoted to her family and always encouraged each one to dedicate their lives to Christ and to go to church.
Many memories will be held in our hearts for those left behind to celebrate her life and legacy:
Children:
Charles (Era Mae) Johnson of Center
Willie (Rachel) Johnson of Nacogdoches
Noble Johnson, Jr. of Center
Linda Rushing of Center
Patricia Moore of Center
Dan (Tammy) Johnson of Tenaha
18 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, 46 great-great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-great-grandchildren
Host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
12/07/2022
Bryan William Blue of San Augustine, Texas, passed away Monday, December 5, 2022, at the age of 33 years, 8 months, and 28 days.
Bryan was born March 8, 1989, in Center, Texas, to parents Venita (Horne) and William "Bill" Blue. He was a lifelong area resident and was working as a truck driver.
His survivors include:
Mother and step-father, Venita and David Horton of Tenaha
Children:
Joshua Blue
Jaycob Blue
Ryan Mutters
Brother, Josh Blue and wife Maranda of Silsbee
Step-sister, Candace Hendrick and husband Patrick of Timpson
Grandfather, Willie R. Horne of San Augustine
Nieces and nephews; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Blue; grandparents, Bernice (Pickard) and John Daniel Blue, and Helen Horne; and an uncle, James Blue.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2022, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Rev. Sherry Harding officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at the Chumley Cemetery, located on County Road 127.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.
12/07/2022
Abraham Chavira Galvan, 53, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2022, in Center.
Visitation to be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Francisco Aguirre officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Born March 16, 1969, in Tamazunehale, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to Odon Chavira and Francisca Galvan Hernandez, Abraham is the sixth of eleven children.
Among his survivors are:
His wife, Edith Chavira
Son, David Chivira.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
12/07/2022
Clemontine Teagle Johnson of San Augustine, Texas, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Colonial Pines Health Care Center at the age of 84 years, 5 months, and 20 days.
Mrs. Johnson was born June 16, 1938, in San Augustine County to parents Ella (Jones) and Joe Teagle. She had lived in other areas, but returned to the San Augustine area to reside for the past several years. A nursing assistant, she had worked at a Houston hospital in addition to several years at Colonial Pines Health Care Center in San Augustine as well as Green Acres Nursing Home in Center.
She was a member of St. Matthew's Baptist Church. She had a great fondness for cooking along with caring and providing for her family. Clemontine loved working outdoors in her yard and especially gardening.
Her survivors include:
Daughters:
Joycelene Greer and husband Nathanael of San Augustine
Linda Diane Johnson of San Augustine
Linda Rene Davis of San Augustine
Son, Bracy Michael Johnson of Beaumont
Sister, Evon Shelton-Gentry of San Ramon, California
Sister-in-law, Helen Johnson Thompson of Wallis
Grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2022, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine. Funeral services are set for 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home Chapel. Committal service and interment will follow at Greer Cemetery, located on FM 711.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.
12/7/2022
Clarence “Larry” Paul Fontaine, 81, passed after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, to be with his Savior in heaven.
Larry was born to Orugene Emil Fontaine and Clara Pauline Surprenant Fontaine in Ludlow, Massachusetts. He was the fourth of seven children.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022, at First Baptist Church Tenaha, 155 S George Bowers Drive, Tenaha, Texas, with Brother Bill Holmes officiating.
Larry was a seasoned carpenter by trade and a man of many talents that most of the community was able to witness first-hand. Socially, Larry was a pillar in his community, often taking time to speak and visit regularly with friends across multiple towns and county lines.
In his personal life, nothing lit Larry’s eyes like spending time with his family and close friends at home. Holiday feasts and a home filled with his family brought joy to his heart and gleaming pride in the legacy he built. Fishing with his sons, taking his grandkids out on his property and hunting with his wife were the things most important to Larry. Above all, Larry’s faith and family were what brought him peace and happiness in this life, in which he lived well.
Larry took on many roles in his life, however these are the most notable: son, brother, husband, dad, papa, friend, Santa, mentor, and his favorite – grandfather.
Larry was a faithful member of Tenaha First Baptist Church and the Men’s III Sunday School Class. Larry served as a Mason and was an endowed member of the Tenaha Masonic Lodge 737 acting as the current Treasurer. He was also a member of Tenaha Chapter 185 Order of the Eastern Star and served two terms as Worthy Patron, once with wife Lula Beth, and again with wife Cathy.
Larry is preceded in death by parents, Orugene Emil Fontaine and Clara Pauline Surprenant Fontaine; brothers, Orugene “Gene” Louis Fontaine and Albert Delphis Fontaine; sisters, Roberta Mae Fontaine Howe and Joan Marie Fontaine Deschaine; wife, Lula Beth Pitts Fontaine; and stepson, David McConaha.
His memory is cherished by:
Wife, Cathy Renee Cranford Fontaine
Son, Justin Cody Fontaine (Daniel Zorn)
Brothers:
Ernest Ramon Fontaine
Ellery “Dick” Richard Fontaine (Mary)
Sisters-in-law – Charlotte Fontaine and Audrey Fontaine
Children of the heart:
Dan McConaha
Doreen McConaha
Donna McConaha Davis
Debbie McConaha Lussier (Phil)
Donna Permenter
Nathan Amelung
Aaron Amelung
Charles “Chuck” Permenter
Shauna Renee Anderson Martin (Scott)
Phoebe Renee Martin
Jesse Wayne Anderson (Charla)
Seth Alecsander Storey
Atlas Wayne Anderson
Ivey Anderson
Numerous nieces and nephews
The Fontaine family would also like to express our sincere thanks to Elara Caring, Center – Enhabit Home Health, Nacogdoches – MidSouth Transitions Medical Group, Texarkana – Hospice of East Texas, Home Place, Tyler – Woods VFD – Woods Community – and to the members of Tenaha FBC for the calls, prayers, texts, and visits.
12/7/2022
Cynthia “Sam” Kay, 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 5, 2022.
Funeral is 11:00 A.M. Friday, December 9 in the Chapel of Mangum Funeral Home in Center. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Thursday evening, December 8 at the funeral home.
Sam was born September 28, 1953, in Center to the late Bill and Evelyn (Bates) Wise. She grew up in the Joaquin area and graduated from Joaquin High School in 1973. While in high school, she enjoyed cheering and excelled in basketball and volleyball.
“Ms. Sam” impacted the lives of countless children in her over 26 years of service to Tenaha ISD. She began as a para-professional and served as the elementary secretary. During her years with the school, she served many roles including being a bus driver, cheer/drill team sponsor. She was instrumental in helping to re-establish the marching band program. Sam was honored in 2021 by being inducted into the Tenaha ISD Hall of Honor.
Sam married Harold Kay in 1988 at the insistence of her six-year-old daughter, Jamie. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family. They are members of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.
Sam most enjoyed spending time with her family. She absolutely adored her roles as a wife, mama, and Nana. Her “babies’ babies” will forever cherish the memories they have of their Nana.
Sam was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Billy Ray and W.D. Wise; sister, Katie Campbell; and husband, James Conway.
Survivors:
Loving and devoted husband, Harold Kay, Jr.
Son, Gabe Owens of Joaquin
Daughters:
Buffey Vestal and husband Gary of Gilmer
Jamie Walker and husband Cody of Bedford
Step-son, Kenneth Conway and wife Tracy
Step-daughter, Rhonda Samford and husband Ronnie
Grandchildren:
Addison Coleman
Jon Vestal
Penelope Vestal
Madison Taylor and husband Kade
Aiden Walker
Lincoln Walker
Sister, Joy Rankin and husband Lloyd
Mother-in-law, Nancy Kay
Sisters-in-law:
Nannette Hendricks and husband Skipper
DeAnn Niles and husband Dennis
Cassie Thompson and husband Jim
Host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
12/06/2022
Jane Elizabeth McAllister Smith Smith Fields Phelps, 70, cashed out of this life on December 2, 2022 in Houston, Texas surrounded by her husband of 40 years and daughter of 36 years.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be at Lower Chireno Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.
Jane was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on November 22, 1952 to William McAllister (Mack) Smith and Clara Elizabeth (Betty) Palmer Smith. She was a first generation Texan and sometimes imagined herself as a southern bell. She was raised in Chireno, Texas in a pine cabin built by her daddy. Growing up she loved horses and building pine straw houses with her best friends. Here she met Charlotte Singleton and they remained best friends for the rest of Jane’s life. As a girl she traveled every summer to Waverly, Tennessee to visit her Aunt Barbra where her love of horses met her love of mischief. She attended boarding school in Connecticut and later, the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She didn’t learn a lick of French but she pretended she did. Upon visiting her in Paris, her aunt and uncle were relieved to see while she had become a hippy, she at least bathed.
She later moved back to Texas and then promptly to San Francisco to explore a brief, ill-advised marriage to her first husband that she had met while in Europe. After she realized the mistake of marrying someone with the same last name, she high-tailed it back to Texas where she started working in Center for Dr. Robert I. Hughes. She worked with Robert for nearly 40 years where they became chosen family. A second marriage (and friendship) occurred when she met Gene and his son Alphaa. Alphaa walked so that Dianne could later run. Another one of Jane’s spoils from her split with Gene was her friendship with Dianne Murphee. Dianne, whom she named her only daughter after, became her best friend of a certain number of years that neither would divulge.
In the fall of 1980, Jane met Mark E. Phelps and while the story told of their meeting has been changed a few times over the years, it’s safe to say they were immediately smitten. They married in 1982 and celebrated 40 years married this past July. Dianne came along eventually and Jane did her best to show Dianne how to be a lady. She failed, but Dianne does know what fork to use.
Jane loved to tell jokes and stories and while they usually fell flat, she thought she was hilarious and that is truly what matters most. She loved to play bridge, chain smoke cigarettes and drink coffee. She loved to play the slots and to visit the casino. She had a sometimes green thumb and educated Dianne on all the flowers. Her love of hummingbirds resulted in her sometimes having hundreds of hummingbirds visit her feeders at a time. She enjoyed fine China and silver but was not above rolling up an enchilada into a napkin to take with her for later. Jane thought of herself as crafty and Dianne gaslighted her into thinking she could sell her handmade ornaments on Etsy. Jane adored Christmas and tradition, something she passed onto her daughter. She hoarded Kleenexes and straws, hated drinking water and never finished anything that she opened in the pantry. She loved animals and when asked before she passed who she was excited to see she immediately answered “the dogs”. She was competitive and not above cheating even when Dianne was a small child. She was generous and loved giving gifts. She was tender hearted and loved to hold hands.
A brief battle with lung cancer that spread throughout her body devastated her family but Jane remained strong for us all. She gave it hell and we are so proud of her.
Jane is preceded in death by her parents, Mack and Betty Smith, and brother Richard Dutton.
The gratitude the Phelps family have for the nurses and doctors and staff at M. D. Anderson is immeasurable.
Jane left a large hole in the hearts of her family and will be missed with every breath.
Rest well, my little Jewish mouse.
Jane is survived by:
Her favorite husband, Mark Phelps
Daughter, Dianne Phelps
Stepson, Alphaa Fields
Special friend, real daughter, accomplice and chauffeur: Alma Jaimes
Sister, Louise Nelson of Punta Gorda, Florida
Brother, Bigs and Judy Smith of Boise Idaho
Sisters in Law:
Jon Rholes of Kyle
Laura Jo Richardson and Kirk of Jasper
A host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Innumerable friends.
Pallbearers: Joe Parker, Billy Ihlo, Alphaa Fields, Robby Hughes, Troy Bara and Aditya Atholi
Honorary pallbearers: Dr. Robert Hughes, Ryan Rholes, Dr. L. E. Golden, and Terry Harris
Most say in lieu of flowers, but truly, she wanted all the flowers.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
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