Shelby County Today

01/26/2025

James Orvis Davis, 91, of Pineland passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2025. He was born on October 11, 1933, in the Sardis community of Shelby County, the son of Homer and Velma Davis. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

James was a hardworking and dedicated man. He was an Army veteran who served during the Korean War. After honorable discharge from the Army, he spent many years working in the oil field industry of southeast Texas and south Louisiana before returning to Shelby County to run his own chicken farm. He was known for his hard work and the love of horse trading. He loved sharing stories and spending time with his family and friends. 

James is survived by:
Wife, Joyce Davis, of 21 years

Sister, Cassie Balch

Sister-in-law, Sue Garffer

Children:
Robin Davis, and wife, Jeannette of McKinney
Roy Davis, and wife, Amy of Center
Jamie Davis of Memphis, Tennessee

Step-Children
Ricky Mott and wife, Debbie of Pineland, Texas 
Step Daughter-in-law, Sue Mott, Friendswood, Texas 

Grandchildren 
Joshua Davis and wife, Sharon 
Nicolle Davis 
Christopher Davis and wife,Tiffany
Kara Mann and husband, Michael 
Jaclyn Zelfer and husband, Joshua 
Joanna D’Ambrosio and husband, Brian 

Step-Grandchildren 
Kayla West and husband, Chris 
Zachary Mott and wife, Rebecca 
Justin Mott 

Great-Grandchildren 
Candace Davis 
Lexie Davis 
Hunter Davis 
Ryder Davis 
Hannah Wagstaff and husband, Junior 
Kaitlynn Justus 
Benjamin Zelfer
Gemma D’Ambrosio 
Mia D’Ambrosio 
Michael D’Ambrosio 

Step-Great-Grandchildren 
Keria Wood 
Wyatt Wood 
Lily West 
Skylar Mott 
Lakyn Mott 

Great-Great Grandchildren 
Jacks Wagstaff 
Melody Harrell 
Serenity Harrell 
Arizona Harrell  

Preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Joan Oates Davis. 
Preceded in death by Father - Homer Davis, Mother - Velma Davis, Sister - Verna Mae Cooper, Brother - MC Davis, Sister - Dorothy Goodwin, Stepson - Rusty Mott, Daughter-in-law - Rebecca Davis, Great-grandchild - Hadley Davis, Great-great-grandchild - Heaven Harrell. 

A celebration of James’s life will be held on Monday, January 27th at Watson and Son’s Funeral Home in Center, Texas, beginning with a visitation at 9:00 a.m.followed by a service at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at Oaklawn Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be Christopher Davis, Josh Davis, Michael Mann, Zachary Mott, Chris West, and Justin Mott.
 
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

01/24/2025

Linda Susan Shelton, 71, of Joaquin, passed away Thursday, January 23, 2025, in Joaquin.

Her wishes were to be cremated.

Born August 20, 1953, in Miami, Florida, Linda is the daughter of Charles Bogg and Marjorie Maple Chapman Bogg.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies.  

She is survived by:
Children: 
Candace Barber, and husband, Shane of Joaquin
Chance Porter, and wife, Alyson of Center
Kenny Shelton, and wife, Stephanie of Florida

Grandchildren:
Scott Dickerson of Joaquin
Coleman Dickerson, and wife, Alli Jo of Center
Colby Shelton, and wife, Skyla of Florida
KayLeigh Shelton of Florida
Laney Strong, and husband, Aaron

Great-grandchildren: 
Sophie Dickerson of Center
Dawson of Hawkins
Charlotte of Hawkins
Adalee of Center

Sister, Patty DiSinea, and husband, Jim of Houston

Sister-in-law, Lynn Barber

Special-friend, Becca of Hawkins

Preceded in death by husband, Kenneth Shelton; great grandson, Dalton Lout; parents, Charles Bogg and Marjorie Maple Chapman Bogg; and brother, Jeff Bogg.

A special thank you to HeartsWay Hospice for the wonderful job they’ve done.

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

01/21/2025

Mrs. Billie Joyce Daniels, 84, of Center passed away at her residence on January 16, 2025. She was born on December 1, 1940, in Center, Texas, to the late Northeria Randle and Alvord Singleton, Sr. She was also blessed to have Julurs “Hussler” Jenkins as her bonus father.

Billie and Cleo Daniels were united in holy matrimony on April 7, 1956. Their marriage lasted 40 years and concluded when the Lord called Cleo to his eternal home on January 13, 1996. 

Funeral service for Mrs. Billie Joyce Daniels will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul Baptist Church, located at 617 Hopkins Street, Center, Texas. Dr. Freddie Wilson will be the eulogist.

Mrs. Billie Joyce Daniels’ is survived by:
Sons:
Roy C. Daniels
Reggie Daniels (LaWanda)

Daughters:
Brenda Daniels-Willis (Wardell)
Stephanie Daniels-Miles (Demetrius)

Bonus Son, Tyrone Deason

Sisters:
Joyce Edwards
Ella Garrett (W.J.)
Fannie Holman
Debra Mayweather (Donald)

Sisters-in-law:
Leola Barker
Rosie Stephenson
Catherine Goodwin
Sarah Jenkins
Clara Dergin
Allene Singleton

Brother, Willie James Singleton

Grandchildren:
Chris Daniels
Sheri Page (Wilean)
Omar Gardner (Brittany)
Demeka Daniels
Amber Sullivan
Kelly Sullivan
Reggie Daniels II
Caleb Willis
LaClea Miles
Martell Moore
Contessa Moore
Benjamin Daniels
Cassidy Daniels
Tristen Johnson (Evyian)
Laketha Johnson
Johnathon Johnson

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleo Daniels; her son, Ricky Wayne Daniels (Jerdena); her mother, Northeria Jenkins; her fathers, Alvord Singleton, Sr. and Julurs Jenkins; her brothers, J.B. Jenkins, J.C. Jenkins, Thomas Earl Jenkins, Alvord Singleton Jr., Archie Singleton, Leon Singleton, and Vernon Singleton; her sister, Elma Suell; her sister-in-law, Billie Harris; and her grandson, Sederrick Goodwin.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Hicks Chapel from 7pm to 8pm. Committal will be at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas. 

The service is entrusted to Hicks Mortuary, located at 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Center, 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 

01/21/2025

Noble Johnson Jr. was born to Noble and Pauline Johnson on September 19, 1949, both preceeding him in death. 

Memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 11:30am officiated by Bishop Howard Cloudy Sr. at Triumph The Church and Kingdom of God & Christ located at 908 Daniels, Street Center, Texas 75935.

As Noble grew into an adult, he started his own family and married Shelia Pitts, and to this union, two sons were born. Later years, he married Shirley Johnson, and to this union, one daughter was born. 

Noble leaves to cherish his memory:
Wife, Shirley Johnson

Sons:
Manuel Zane Johnson (Yolanda) of Nacogdoches
Meguel Johnson of Nacogdoches

Daughters:
Cursandra Johnson (Roy) of San Augustine
Kalia Johnson Wilson (Wilson) of Lufkin

Sisters: 
Linda Gale Rushing of Center
Patricia Ann Moore of Center 

Brothers: 
Charles E. Johnson (Era) of Center
Elder Willie E. Johnson (Rachel) of Nacogdoches
Dan Ray Johnson (Tammy) of Tenaha

15-grandchildren, 20-great-grandchildren, many nieces nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Services under direction of Community Funeral Home in Center and All Families Mortuary in Lufkin.

01/17/2025

Florance Burns Adams, 66, of Tenaha, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, in Tyler.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, January 18, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Tenaha with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Bill Holmes and Bro. Zachary Minix will officiate. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Smith Cemetery in Center.

Born November 24, 1958, in Beaumont, Florance was the daughter of Joe D. Burns Sr. and Mary Jeane Lord Burns. She graduated from Center High School in 1977 and married the love of her life in October of the same year. In 1980, her favorite chapter of life began when she became a mother for the first time. Shortly after, she became an active member of First Baptist Church in Tenaha, where faith became a driving force in her life and children’s ministry became her passion. Not only did her three children call her momma, but countless others referred to her lovingly as ‘Momma Flo’.

She worked at First National Bank of Hughes Springs in Tenaha for more than 20 years where her co-workers were more like family. She enjoyed being active in the community and served on the Tenaha City Council as an Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem. 

She is survived by:
Children:
Mandie Caldwell, and husband, Jerry of Gary
Whitney Minix, and husband, Zach of Caldwell
Michael Adams, and wife, Danielle of Tenaha

Grandchildren
Avery Caldwell
Alayna Caldwell
Alana Kelly

Brothers:
Joe D. Burns Jr., and wife, Tammy of Timpson
Billy Burns, and wife, Rayla of Silsbee
Charles Burns, and wife, Brendah of Center

Sister, Bridget Burns-Collins and Michael Jones of Harrisburg, Arkansas

Special friend, Lisa Fleming

Numerous nieces, and nephews

Preceded in death by her husband, Steve Adams; and parents, Joe D. Burns Sr. and Mary Jeane Lord Burns.

Pallbearers will be Paul Adams, Craig Burns, Aydan Collins, Gabriel Fleming, Nathan Fleming, Aaron King, and Justin Tatom.  

Honorary pallbearers will be Don Dial, Craig Haltom, Keith Martin, and Chip Roberson.

“Because of Jesus Christ, death is just the door into Heaven.”  - Unknown
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

01/15/2025

Martha Ileta Adams (Williams), 86, of Garrison, TX, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Nacogdoches, TX. Ileta Adams was born on September 27, 1938, in Cooper, Texas to Marvin and Juanita Williams.

Visitation is from 11am until 1pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Garrison Funeral Home. Graveside service is at 2pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, 1440 CR 1470, Timpson, TX.

While in college she met the love of her life, Waynon Adams, and they married on December 27, 1958. After graduating, she went to beauty school so she could become a beauty instructor, making others look and feel their best.  Ileta and Waynon opened their own barber and beauty salon in Timpson, Texas until they retired. They spent 44 wonderful years together.

Ileta began farming and raising cattle and her favorite part of it was naming all her cattle. She attended First Assembly of God in Center, Texas for many years and loved being a member of her church. She was selfless, kind, fun, free spirit and her beautiful soul will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ileta is survived by:

Sisters:
Shirley Cunningham of Wichita Falls, TX
Peggy Maddux and husband, Larry, of Mineola, TX

Many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Waynon Adams, parents Marvin Odie and Juanita Phillips Williams, and brothers Johnny Williams, Don Williams, and sister Ruby Jones.

Services under the direction of Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, Texas.

01/15/2025

Thomas Earl (Tom) Cartwright, 80 of Silsbee, passed away January 13, 2025. He was born on November 19, 1944 in Shelbyville, Texas to William Cartwright and Mabelle Moore Cartwright.

Funeral service is at 11am Saturday, January 18, 2025 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 480 Bonner Street, Silsbee, Texas 77656 with Rev. Richard Ayers officiating. Interment is at Brittain creek Cemetery with graveside service at 3:15pm.

He spent the majority of his life logging and in pulp wood. He was a member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church where he enjoyed playing his harmonica and guitar. He was known for love and kindness toward others, always giving a helping hand. He never met a stranger and was a father figure to many.

He loved all his children unconditionally, he always wanted to make sure each one knew how much he loved and supported them all.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents William and Mabelle Moore Cartwright; brothers, T.W. Cartwright, Lemes Cartwright, James Cartwright; sisters, Elouise Johnson, Jane Ann Coleman; mother of children, Liza Brooks Cartwright Singleton; daughters, Laura Cartwright, Jennifer Garrett; and grandsons, Edmond Brooks and Jonas Goodwin.

Tom leaves to cherish his memories:

Daughters:
Jeane Cartwright of Silsbee
Armer Early (Jeff) of Atlanta, Georgia
Leah Smith (Marco) of Shreveport, Louisiana
Melissa Cartwright of Shreveport, Louisiana
Telisia Cartwright of Shreveport, Louisiana

Sons:
Thomas G. Cartwright (Tina) of North Patte, Nebraska
Todd Cartwright (Tanya) of Beaumont, Texas

Brother, William Cartwright, Jr. of Center

Sisters:
Ester Cartwright
Myrtle Osby
Mattie Lee Martin of Center

A host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas and Mitchell Funeral Home, 101 South Wheeler Ave., Colmesneil, Texas 75938.

01/14/2025

Johnny Mack Daw, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully left this world on January 13, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on March 11, 1946, to Peggy Roberts Daw and James Daw, Johnny Mack was a man who led a full and meaningful life, leaving behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and cherished memories.

Johnny Mack was a proud graduate of Joaquin High School, class of 1964, where he made his mark both academically and as a dedicated basketball player under the guidance of Coach Red Owens. His love for learning and his passion for history and economics led him to further his education at Panola College in Carthage where he spent two years. He later went on to attend Stephen F. Austin University, where he earned a degree in history and economics and became a proud alumnus.

Johnny Mack has always known his wife, Evon Wilburn Daw, since the second grade at Fellowship Elementary School, but it wasn't until their first date in 1961 that they became lifelong sweethearts. He set out with the love of his life embarking on a journey together and was married in 1966 and raised three beautiful daughters: Carmen, Jennifer, and Robin. His love for his family was abundant, and he took great pride in being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by:

Wife, Evon Wilburn Daw

Daughter, Jennifer Klingenberg and husband Chris

Grandchildren:
Jessica May and husband Dudley
Gracen Klingenberg
Joey Klingenberg

Beautiful great-grandchildren:
Radlynn Letha May
Zendan Roy May

Sisters:
Joyce Carter
Jaye Robison

Brother-in-law, Randy Thomas

Sister-in-law, Joyce King

Son-in-law, Taner Ozkan

Numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Johnny Mack worked as a lab technician at the Bayer Chemical Plant in Orange, Texas, where he spent the majority of his career before retiring in 2000. His professional life, however, was just one facet of his diverse interests. A passionate outdoorsman, he was an avid fisherman and hunter, participating in countless fishing tournaments throughout the years. One in particular he was very proud of was his big catch in the Dupont Employees Recreation Association Bass Tournament where he placed catching 5 bass weighing in at 30.8 pounds. He loved the solitude of nature, finding peace in the outdoors and sharing his love for it with friends and family.

A lover of politics, history, and a natural storyteller, Johnny Mack could often be found engaging in lively discussions, sharing tales from the past, and offering his opinion on a wide range of topics. He was known for his sharp wit, deep knowledge, and unwavering passion. He had a close-knit circle of friends, including Herman Bates (deceased), Thomas Harvey (deceased), and Myron Prince, who stood by his side throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jimmie Kay Thomas; brother-in-law, Jack King; and brother-in-law, Donnie Robison; and his beloved daughters and granddaughter, Carmen, Robin, and Sabine Daw.

Though Johnny Mack was known for his strong opinions, his dedication to his family, his love for history and the outdoors, and his heartfelt storytelling, he will remain a lasting influence on all who knew him. He was a man who lived life with passion and conviction, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A private family memorial service to celebrate his life will be held.

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

01/10/2025

Funeral services for Mr. Johnny Metcalf, 58, of Deadwood, Texas will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2025 at the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dennis Landtroop and Rev. Steven Hill officiating. Burial will follow in the Deadwood Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8:00 p.m. Saturday night at Hawthorn Funeral Home.

Mr. Johnny E. Metcalf was born December 21, 1966 in Center, Texas. He passed this life January 9, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his Deadwood home. Johnny was born to the marriage of Doris Thompson and Melvin Metcalf. He was raised and schooled in Center but convinced his kids he went to P.T.U. Possum Trot University. Johnny married his love, Carolyn Renee LaGrone and they celebrated 19 years and 10 months together.

Johnny spent most of his career in the Oil Field working for S.H.B. and Scruggs, Inc. He was a member of the Sanctuary of Pentecost. He loved the outdoors and hunting, but fishing was a love/hate relationship. He was proudest of his five kids, “We done a pretty good job on’em didn’t we!” but what he fought the hardest for, was the light of his life, his nine grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Billy Ray Thompson, Sr.

Johnny is survived by:
Loving wife Renee Metcalf

Beloved children:
Caleb Metcalf, and wife, Kandace
Lani Kendrick, and husband, Chris
Ashley Whitaker, and husband, J.C.
Hunter Dale LaGrone, and wife, Alexx
Jasey “Birdy” Williams, and husband, Lance

Brothers: 
M.C. Metcalf
Billy Ray Thompson, Jr.

Grandchildren:
Camryn Kendrick
Kreed Kendrick
Addy Kendrick
Sawyer Metcalf
Brooklyn LaGrone
Blaire LaGrone
Cutter Dale LaGrone
Kyson Whitaker
Kyler Whitaker

Loving in-laws:
Dale and Carolyn LaGrone
Shaun and Kerrie Harris

Nieces and nephews:
Madison Harris
Mason Harris
Levi Harris
Jake Metcalf
Rana Metcalf

Many other relatives and a host of friends

Serving as pallbearers will be, Kenny Harris, Troy Jones, Toby Claubaugh, Dave West, Tommy Allison, Trent Nickerson, Bo Lawson and Lee Hoell. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Randall Eaves, Lennis Holt, Joe Scruggs, Mason Harris, Levi Harris, and his best friend Shaun “Big Willie” Harris.

An online guestbook may be signed at: www.hawthornfuneralhome.com