Shelby County Today

11/11/2024

Evie Lillian Holloway, 91, of Center, Texas, passed away on November 8, 2024, in Center, Texas.  She was born January 25, 1933, in San Augustine, Texas, to the late Thomas Jefferson and Alpha (Warr) Baggett.

Funeral service will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Southview Family Church, Center, Texas, with Bro. Andy Wilson and Bro. Derek Lightfoot officiating. Interment will follow at Old Salem Cemetery.

Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10AM at Southview Family Church, Center.

Evie was raised in San Augustine. She made her home in Shelby County. After graduating high school Evie married Roy Holloway, and the two shared many years together before his passing. They raised four children.

She was enthusiastic about deer hunting and never missed the opportunity to do so and spend time at the camp. Evie enjoyed traveling around the United States and her most favorite time was her cruise to Mexico. She had a passionate love for everyone. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, talking on the telephone, and attending homecomings. Family was most important to her. She had a special friend, Christine Borders, whom she never missed the opportunity to take adventures with. She was a proud Shelbyville Dragon supporter. She and her husband, Roy, owned and operated Holloway Welding for many years. Evie loved the Lord and served him through many ways in the United Pentecostal Church.

She is survived by:

Sons:
James Holloway and wife Sharon
Kirk Holloway 

Daughter, Rebecca Holloway Emanis and husband Charlie

Daughter-in-law, Ronda Holloway

Brother, Bobby James Baggett and wife Judy

Special Friends:
Christine Borders 
Ray Lynn Pinner

Grandchildren:
Jeremy Holloway
Jamie Jamison and husband Javey
Corey Holloway and wife April
Ashley Holloway
Robert Wayne Holloway and wife Jessica
Kevin Woolf
Joseph Woolf
Heather Chambliss and husband Nolan
Daniel Emanis and wife Monique
Michael Emanis
Christina Alexander and husband Eric

24 Great-Grandchildren

2 Great-Great Grandchildren

Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Evie is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Holloway; son, Robert Holloway; parents, Jeff and Alpha Baggett; daughter-in-law, Angela “Cozy” Holloway; 2 great granddaughters; brothers, Levi Baggett and wife Billie, Rufus Baggett and wife Rosie; sister, Nancy Ellen Baggett Spann, and an infant sister; and niece, Nancy Ruth Peterson.

Pallbearers serving will be Jeremy Holloway, Corey Holloway, Robbie Holloway, Riley Holloway, Kevin Woolf, and Joe Woolf.

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.

11/07/2024

Kamisha Laquette Ladean Jackson-Bluford, age 39. On Monday, November 4, 2024, at UT Health Memorial in Tyler, Texas, Kamisha’s beautiful life came to a close with no final farewell; Kamisha answered her final call.

Memorial service is at 2pm on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Reed Chapel Baptist Church, 206 Ironosa Rd, San Augustine, Texas with Pastor Rev. David Mosby, Officiant and Eulogist.

She was born Wednesday, February 20, 1985 in Center, Texas (Shelby County) to parents: Debra Ann Sexton, Melvin Jones, Kenneth Randle, and Teresa Jackson.

She graduated in 2003 from San Augustine High School and attended Angelina College, Lufkin, Texas. On March 14, 2020 she married Patrick Bluford. She was a successful Entrepreneur with Meme’s Boutique & Keys Wolf Shack.

She attended St. Matthews Baptist Church, San Augustine, Texas.

Kamisha loved to work and was very talented in creating/crafting beautiful things. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend who dedicated her all to what she truly loved. Kamisha had the biggest heart and never ceased to help those around her the best way she knew how through her love and support. 

She is preceded in death by her mother, Debra Ann Sexton; aunt, Elma Dean Greer; and grandparents, Gearl Dean Follie, Willie and Annie Jackson, and Jurline “Madea” Randle.

She leaves behind to cherish her memories:

Husband, Patrick Bluford of San Augustine

Children:
KeyAsia Jackson
KeyDarious Bluford
TyPatrick Bluford (Shayla)
Jasten Bluford
Christian Miller

Grandchildren:
Ayden Berry
Jacelynn Bluford

Parents:
Teresa Jackson, of San Augustine
Kenneth “Buckey” Randle (Mama Carla) of Pineland
Melvin Jones, of San Augustine

Father and Mother-in-law, William and Rachel Bluford of San Augustine

Siblings:
Kenyatta Hunter (Craig) of Jasper
Kennth “KP” Jackson (Dika) of Rosharon
Michael Randle (Raishaun) of San Augustine
Oliver Randle (Jameskia) of Pineland
Nicholas Randle (Luthandrea) of Pineland
Antowne Smith (Chiscynthia) of San Augustine
LaToya Miller (Kendrick) of San Augustine
LaTorshia Sigler of Houston

Brother-in-law, Carlton Bluford of San Augustine

Sister-in-law, Stacey Childress (Sam) of Lufkin

Special Aunt, Linda Cuney of San Augustine

Goddaughters:
Mya Cuney
Amyrah & Amanii Malone

Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Services entrusted to her Family of Professionals: Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Drive, Nacogdoches, TX 75961. (936) 564-4351.

11/05/2024

Susan Lois Bomba Cagle, 68, of Shelbyville, a beloved and devoted wife and mama and SueSue, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2024, in Houston.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 8pm, Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Chris Collins and Bro. Jon Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Shelbyville Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Born August 6, 1956, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Susan is the daughter of James Bomba and Lois Schmidt Bomba. She was a member of Shelbyville United Methodist Church in Shelbyville.

She is survived by:

Husband, J.C. Cagle

Children:
Jessica Merritt and husband Justin
Ashley Cagle
Clayton Cagle
Jeffrey Cagle

Grandchildren:
Jaxon Merritt
Jacob Merritt
Jayson Merritt
Ryder

Sister, Beth Bomba

Brother, David Bomba

Sisters-in-law:
Christene Borders
Rosemary Cagle
Barbara Cagle
Francine Rauma and husband Joe

Brother-in-law, John Henry Cagle and wife Cynthia

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and students.

Preceded in death by her grandson, Rhylee; parents, James Bomba and Lois Schmidt Bomba; sister, Amy Bomba; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifton and Zera Cagle; brothers-in-law, Ray Cagle, Mark Cagle, and Gene Borders.

Pallbearers will be B.J. Greer, John Henry Cagle, Rece Porterfield, David Hemphill, Dexter Vaughn, Allen Sandlin, Jeret Fleming, John Derr, and Lance Jamison. Honorary pallbearers will be Jaxon, Jacob, Ryder, Jayson, and baby Rhylee.

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

11/01/2024

Brian Marion Hairgrove, 76, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at HCA Healthcare Hospital in Pasadena, Texas. 

Brian was born on September 29, 1948 in Timpson, Texas to Marion Eugene Hairgrove and Mary Veronica (Barlow) Hairgrove. Brian was loved by many and will be missed. 

Brian graduated in May 1967 from Timpson High School and attended Panola Junior College for a brief time. In high school, he was voted Most Likely to Succeed by his graduating class. He loved the outdoors and also enjoyed playing the guitar so much that he, Jeff Bowlin, Johnny Risinger, and Gregory Crump started a local band called The Fugitives, later changed to The Jade Stein. After college, Brian worked for and retired from Shell Chemical in Pasadena, Texas. 

Brian is survived by:
Brothers: 
Stanley Hairgrove of Timpson
Alan Hairgrove of Timpson
Brett Hairgrove of Vidor
Randy Hairgrove, and wife, Sunny of Santa Fe

Sisters: 
Sheryl Hairgrove Gallier of Lumberton
Janis Hairgrove of Beaumont

Many nieces and nephews. 

Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Veronica Hairgrove. 

There will be a graveside service on November 8, 2024 at 2pm at Buena Vista Cemetery in Timpson, Texas.

10/29/2024

Charles Orville Leflett, 70, of Joaquin, passed away Saturday, October 26, 2024, in Joaquin. Born June 9, 1954, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Charles is the son of Orville Leflett and Iris V. Martin Leflett.

Charlie was loved deeply by his family and admired by so many. His life never lacked action or determination as he lived it to the fullest with grit and grace. Charlie showed all of those around just how “Cowboy Tough” he was, yet at the same time full of love and compassion. He was so proud of where and what he came from, always smiling when he told stories about how he was raised with his brother and sisters. Charlie was most proud to be called husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. He enjoyed every day, even throughout the battles he faced. “The Lord’s will be done” is what he leaned on and believed his entire life. After 70 years, God called him home, healed his body, and made him whole again. Those that were blessed to love him will miss his joy, love, light, contagious laughter and big hugs he gave so freely.

Charlie was welcomed into Heaven by his Father and Mother, Orville and Iris Leflett; sisters, Quelda, Leurene and Wanda.

Charlie is survived by:

Wife of 47 years, Glenda

Daughter, Alex Anne Rowe (Ashley)

Son, Cole Leflett (Brookie)

Grandchildren: Alexis and Addison Rowe, Chancie Jones and Doc Leflett

Great-Grandson, Charlie

Brother, Bobby Leflett (Nancy)

A visitation will be held Thursday, October 31, 2024, 10am–1pm at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, TX. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate to the Charlie Leflett Scholarship. Donations can be sent to Joaquin ISD, 11109 US Highway 84 East, Joaquin, TX 75954. 

A private burial will take place at a later date.

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

10/28/2024

Hans Joseph Polk, 87, of Timpson, passed away Friday, October 25, 2024, in Timpson.

Liturgy of the Word Service and Rosary will be held at 5pm, Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center officiated by Father Bernard. A visitation will follow from 6pm to 9pm.

Funeral service will be held at 1pm, Friday, November 1, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Matthew Helder officiating. Interment will follow at Folsom Chapel Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born March 23, 1937, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Hans is the son of Eduard Polk and Bertha van der Rhoer Polk. He was a survivor of the Holocaust. He served in the United States Army. Hans loved golfing and spending time with his family. He was a volunteer for CASA and the President of the Association of Credit Management. He was a member of Knights of Columbus and St. Mary’s of the Epiphany Mission Catholic Church.

He is survived by:

Wife of 38 years, Kay Polk of Timpson

Daughters:
Martha Garcia of Arlington, Texas
Roxanne Miller and husband Joe of Huntly, Virginia
Michelle Helder and husband Brad of Silverdale, Washington

Grandchildren:
Angela Hernandez
Rosalie Ohanian
David Hans Garcia
Joe Miller
Justina Murzyn
Marie Hunt
Carol Lynn Miller
Teresa Donohue
Michelle Miller
James Miller
John Paul Miller
Joshua Polk Miller
Megan Miller
Matthew Helder
Melissa Cianciarulo

14 great-grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eduard Polk and Bertha van der Rhoer Polk; second parents, Martha and Frits van Peski; and in-laws, Jean and Paul Flournoy.

Pallbearers will be Joe Miller, James Miller, John Paul Miller, Joshua Polk Miller, David Hans Garcia, and Matthew Helder. Honorary pallbearers will be Joseph Jolley, Jeff Flournoy, and Hector Juarez.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to International Fellowship of Christians and Jews at www.ifcj.org

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

10/25/24

Captain John Mark Moore, age 80, of Center, Texas, died on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. John was born December 17, 1943 in Center, Texas, to Floyd Moore and Helen Fay Smith Moore. He was the second of seven children.

John graduated from Center High School in 1962 as class president and football team captain. John earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University in 1966 and a Master’s degree in electrical engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1968. He was a member of five national honor societies of engineering and mathematics. His name is honored in the new Texas A&M Engineering building lobby, and he is certified as a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.  John joined the Apollo Mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1968, providing technical support for in-flight communications. He subsequently was elected as a Commissioned Officer for the United States Public Health Service in 1970. He worked with the Atomic Energy Commission nuclear weapons testing program, the Environmental Protection Agency Superfund waste cleanup program, and the Environmental Protection Agency ecological monitoring program.

During his career, he directed programs with the U.S. Department of Energy, the State of Nevada, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and Clark County, Nevada. He concluded his 30-year career as Director of one of four EPA National Environmental Research Laboratories. John received the U.S. Public Health Service Outstanding Service Medal and the EPA Silver Medal Award and retired with the rank of Navy Public Service Captain (0-6).

John married Nancy Norris on December 27, 1968 in Shenandoah, Iowa. His children, Lisa Catherine Moore, and Richard Andrew Moore, were born in 1972 and 1975. John married Kerry Catlett, mother of Tammy Ann Daileda Lewis and Amy Lara Daileda, on May 1, 1985 in Las Vegas, Nevada. John was an active member of the St. Viator Catholic Community for fifty-four years. He served as a Lector, as a Eucharistic Minister, as a Pastor Care Minister for the Sick, and as President-elect of the St. Viator Church Parish Council. He was a well-respected leader in the St. Viator Catholic Community and served as a mentor to church volunteers.

John committed forty-five years to running. He completed ten marathons, including the Boston Marathon, multiple half marathons, and ran greater than sixty thousand miles. He earned 12 gold, 11 silver, and 7 bronze medals with the EPA Corporate Challenge in Las Vegas. He played doubles tennis and enjoyed watching national and college football and tennis. John was active with his fellow laboratory colleagues. He planned and organized team events, including the EPA Corporate Challenge in Las Vegas for eight years. His EPA marathon relay team went on to the Las Vegas Track Club Marathon relay competition. He enjoyed genealogy as a hobby.

In 2022, John was elected into the Center High School Hall of Honor.

John will be deeply missed by his wife, Kerry Catlett Moore

Children:
Dr. Lisa Moore (Tom)
Richard Moore
Tammy Lewis (Craig)
Amy Daileda (Mario)

Grandchildren:
Abigail Brown 
Madeline Brown

Brother, Paul Moore (Jackie)

Sisters:
Mary Catherine Mimsy Spells
Patty Livingston (Jimmy)
Nancy Norris Devonshire.

John was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Moore; his mother, Helen Fay Smith Moore; his brothers, Steve Moore, Joey Moore, and Jeff Moore.

Funeral Mass will be at St. Viator Catholic Church, 2461 E. Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89121 on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 11AM with a rosary at 10AM with Father Rinn officiating. Burial will be at the Southern Nevada Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, with military honors. Arrangements under the direction of Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89123. Online tributes may be made at www.palmeastern.com. 

The family requests for memorial contributions to be made to Catholic Charities or for memorial donations to be send to the Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Dr, College Station, TX 77840. Please designate gifts “In memory of Captain John M. Moore ‘66’” in the memo line of the check. Gifts will be directed to the Helen Fay Smith Moore Memorial Scholarship account, established by John in memory of his mother. 

10/24/2024

Verbon V. Pate Jr., 86, of Center, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Bro. Porter Brewer and Bro. Harold Hanson will officiate.

Born November 13, 1937, in the Arcadia Community of Shelby County, Verbon is the son of Verbon Vester Pate Sr. and Lilly Mae Richards Pate. He served in the United States Air Force. Verbon was a member of First Baptist Church in Center, where he served as a deacon. He considered it a great honor to serve his Lord and First Baptist Church and had a passion for God’s Word. Verbon was the pillar of strength for his family, always there when needed. He was happiest when piloting a plane or traveling with Elizabeth in his fifth wheel touring the country, especially the mountains of Montana and the Dakotas. There were few places in the USA, Canada and Mexico that he had not traveled. He and Elizabeth were married for 65 years, living in Washington State for several years while serving in the Air Force. After his discharge they moved to Lake Jackson where he worked for Dow Chemical Company, and later moved back home to Center, where he went into the cattle business. Verbon’s skills as a mechanic and electrician gave him pleasure in working on large locomotive engines to telephones. Commuting to work at Marathon Oil Company for several years and having to be away from home, Elizabeth led Verbon to own Pate’s Jewelry. He mastered his skill with jewelry repair school, and soon became known as one of the best in East Texas.

He is survived by:

Wife, Elizabeth Harris Pate of Center

Brother, Jerry Pate and wife Deborah of Center

Sister, Virginia Goodrum of Jacksonville

Nieces and nephews:
Clint Pate and wife Lori
Brandy Cook and husband John
Sherry Kidd and husband Steve
Jeaniece Mukherjee

Numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Verbon Vester Pate Sr. and Lilly Mae Richards Pate.

Pallbearers will be Clint Pate, Scotty Wilkins, Ben Wilkins, Cade Harris, Clay Harris, and Teddy Hopkins. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org or DRT Scholarship Fund, c/o Merle Howard, 420 King Street, Center, Texas 75935.

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

10/23/2024

James Arthur (Hopper) Waller, 78, of Center, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2024, in Lufkin.

Funeral service will be held at 11am, Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Central Baptist Church in Center with visitation beginning at 10am Bro. Danny Dodson will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born June 18, 1946, in Center, James is the son of Marvin A. Waller and Melinda Whiteside Waller. He grew up in Shelby County and had a deep love for the people in his community. He never met a stranger. His family and friends were often entertained by his storytelling, and many fell prey to his loving pickin’ and joking. Hopper always had an infectious smile on his face. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing at the lake and taking care of his animals. Children from all over the county enjoyed visits to the Waller Farm to see his goats, chickens, and other animals. Above all, he loved his Lord and was a man of faith. Hopper was a life-long member of Central Baptist Church in Center.

He is survived by:

Wife of 57 years, Iva Waller of Center

Daughter, Angela Barreraz and husband Bobby of Center

Son, Marty Waller and wife Veronica of Cypress

Grandchildren:
Brittany Barreraz of Center
Brent Barreraz of Center

Sisters:
Lena Barrow of Deweyville
Marcelle Jackson and husband Douglas of Center

Brother, Larry Waller and wife Kim of China

Sister-in-law, Lora Hutto and husband James

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of friends and his 42 family at the Senior Nutrition Site.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marvin A. Waller and Melinda Whiteside Waller; and his brothers, Lee Waller and Gypson Waller.

Pallbearers will be Marty Waller, Brent Barreraz, David Spratley, Clifford Grimes, Cameron Hutto, Colton Hutto, Chase Hutto, and Dennis Liker. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Waller, Douglas Jackson, Cecil Jackson, Maxie Eaves, Victor Bryan, and Walt Baty.

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