Shelby County Today

10/24/2023

Mary Aliece Mobley, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the age of 85 in Houston, Texas. Best known by her friends and family as Aliece, she was born October 28, 1937, in Joaquin, Texas as the eldest child of La Verne Meador English and William Turner English.

Aliece leaves to mourn her:
Surviving sons:
Michael Ray Mobley
Daniel Scott Mobley

A host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly and who cherished her in turn.

The bright smile and easy laugh she shared so freely will be deeply missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Jesse English and Collene Weber, and two of her sons - Larry Wayne Mobley and Thomas Alton Mobley. 

Aliece loved to cook for family and friends, so much so she began curating recipes and dishes into her own personal cookbook. These recipes will continue to be passed down to make snacks, full meals, and desserts for everything from ordinary dinners to holiday celebrations. Her specialty was Red Velvet Cake, frequently served at birthday parties and family gatherings.

Fond of traveling with family and close friends, two of Aliece’s favorite places to visit were Branson, Missouri for its country music shows and Lake Charles, Louisiana to challenge the one-armed bandit at the slot machines. She was often seen with a book in hand as she was an avid reader and lover of mystery novels.

In her early career, Aliece worked as an office manager with the Downtown Houston YMCA. Over the next twenty-five years, she would apply her skills towards First City National Bank, serving as office manager for their large corporate customers. Not yet ready for retirement, Aliece moved on to San Jacinto College North to provide her expertise as an administrative assistant, staying in their employ for over fifteen years before retiring in 2011.

A special thank you to the staff of Houston HCA Northwest Hospital and its in-patient rehabilitation facilities, Fall Creek Nursing Home, Brookdale Willowbrook Skilled Nursing, Brookdale Cypress Station Senior Living, and Eickenhorst Funeral Services for their comfort and care the previous months and to our friends for their support through difficult times.

10/24/2023

Selma Faye (Killen) Bush, 83, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on October 22, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.  She was born on August 23, 1940, in McClelland, Texas, to the late George Franklin Killen and Mary Lee (Lovell) Killen.  

Funeral services will be held at 2PM on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home, with Bro. Chris Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park. 

Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Selma was born and raised in Shelby County. She graduated from Shelbyville High School. She married the love of her life, Joe Parrish Bush, in 1957, and the two shared many wonderful years together before his passing in 2018. They raised two children, Stevie and Cheryl. Selma was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and the grandchildren. She also enjoyed making floral arrangements. Selma loved to cook and go to church when she was well. Although she was not able to go to church she watched as many church services on television as she could. She was a woman that loved the Lord and was longing for the time she could go be with him and her family.  

She is survived by:
Daughter, Cheryl Kaul and husband Ralf

Grandchildren, 
Brittany Smith and Brian Cobb, Brandi Smith

Great-grandchildren, 
Alexxis Allender
Halle Adams

Selma is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Bush; son, Stevie Bush; parents, George and Mary Killen; grandfather and grandmother Killen; grandfather and grandmother Lovell; brother, Charlie Killen; sisters, Linda Killen, Glenda Killen, and Jerry Killen. 

Pallbearers serving will be Ralf Kaul, Brian Cobb, Marlin Shofner Jr., Doug Gay, David Myers, Frankie Fitzgerald, and James Alvis.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all at Harbor Hospice for the love and compassionate care received. Nurse Chelsea extended exceptional care during this difficult time. 

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

10/20/2023

Sherry Ann Yarborough Ward, 82, of Center passed away October 19, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

Funeral service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at Mangum Funeral Home with Brother LD Eddins officiating. Interment will be at Waterman Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at noon.

Sherry was born on March 30, 1941 in Shelby County to Charles Chester Yarborough and Creva Mae Abbott Yarborough. Sherry graduated from Center High School in 1958. That fall she enrolled at Stephen F. Austin and while working the front desk at the Fredonia Hotel, Sherry met Jimmy Ward, a dark- haired handsome cowboy from Tyler. After a brief courtship, they married on December 21, 1958.

Sherry and Jimmy made their home in Nacogdoches where their son Jason was born. A few years later they moved to the Waterman Community in Shelby County where their son John was born and several years later, their daughter Gina.   They raised their children along with countless head of livestock and horses as Jimmy was a rancher and cattle buyer.  Sherry and Jimmy had the opportunity of traveling to Europe, Alaska and British Columbia and even living at their place in Paonia, Colorado for a while.

After her boys were grown and Gina was starting school, Sherry immersed herself in her first love, art! She became a very accomplished artist and owned and operated Downtown Arts and Sherry Ward Fine Arts Studio for many years on the brick streets of Nacogdoches. Sherry’s work is displayed in many homes and museums throughout the US and she is a signature member of National Watercolor Society. She was a long- time member and often officer of Nacogdoches Art League and SFA Friends of the Arts. Along with several local artists she started the Gallery Walk in the 1980’s that continues to this day. Sherry was the driving force in establishing the permanent art exhibit at the CVB in Nacogdoches, depicting life in the Piney Woods. Sherry was able to convince many local artists the importance of donating their works for future generations to enjoy.

She was also an avid gardener. Many of her paintings over the years were florals, which showcased her love of gardening inherited from her mother.

Sherry gave her life to the Lord as a teenager and continued that walk until her passing. Sherry was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Survived by:

Husband, Jimmy Ward

Sons:
Jason Ward and wife Rhonda of Nacogdoches
John Ward and wife Bridgette of Center

Daughter, Gina Castro and husband Sergio of Hurst, TX.

Grandchildren:
Chad Ward
Landry Ward
Brady Ward
Colton Ward
Dillon Ward
Krista Collum Warren
Danbert Collum

Ten great-grandchildren:
Hayden
Connor
Slone
John Ray
Ronan
Slate
Darcy
Waverly
Kyla
Mason

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Charles Yarborough, sisters Charlotte Bailey, Chestine Yarborough and Johnnie Sue Yarborough.

Pallbearers will be Jason Ward, John Ward, Sergio Castro, Chad Ward, Brady Ward, and Dillon Ward.

The family would like to recognize and give heartfelt thanks to her care givers, especially Vicky Sneed. They made it possible for her to stay comfortably in her home. 
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements

10/19/2023

Herbert Leon Wyatt, 65 of Center, passed away on October 10, 2023. He was born on April 11, 1958 to the proud parents Joe Nathan Wyatt and Shirley Jean Jackson.

Funeral service is 1pm Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church, 623 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935 with Pastor Anthony Jackson officiating and Pastor James E. Wyatt as Eulogist.

Herbert attended Center High School graduating in 1977 then proceeded to work in Center Plywood in 1978 for 19 years. He worked in Production and Sanitation for several years. He loved sports, played basketball, ran track, and was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan (How about them Cowboys!)

He married the love of his life Lenola Bolton in 1980 and within this union two sons were born, Dwayne Lamont Wyatt and Derrick Lamarc Wyatt, and stepdaughter Deshun Gregory of Nacogdoches. He united at an early age with Bright Morning Star Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend W.J. Star.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Nathan Wyatt; sister, Willie Mae Wyatt; aunt, Gloria Dean Reed; and grandparents.

His memories are cherished by:

Mother, Shirley Jean Singleton

Sons:
Dwayne Wyatt
Derrick Wyatt

Stepdaughter, Deshun Gregory

Sisters:
Jettie Evelyn Wortham (A.C.)
Jannette Carol Wyatt
Willie Mae Elizabeth Wyatt

Brothers:
Rev. James Edwards Wyatt (Simone)
Nathan Cornelius Wyatt
Lawrence Fitzgerald Johnson (Fish)

Uncle, Charlie Jackson, Jr.

Aunts:
Josephine Moore
Ethel Lee Bee

A host of cousins, friends, and other relatives.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/19/2023

Brent Warren Dance, 51, of Center, Texas, passed away on October 16, 2023. He was born on September 13, 1972, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Sammy Dance and Barbara (Warren) Dance.

A funeral service will be held at 2PM on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas, with Rev. Malcolm Monroe officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Brent graduated from Center High School in 1991. He then attended Texas Tech University majoring in Business Administration and Finance. He graduated in 1995 with Cum Laude honors.

Brent worked at Shelby Savings Bank as a loan officer from 1995 until 1997 when he went into the ice and water distribution business. He built a new plant on Louisiana Street and the company known as Artic Ice and Clear Springs delivered ice and water to Shelby and its surrounding counties for the next 15 years. After selling Artic Ice and Clear Springs, Brent began working as a registered landman. He enjoyed the research and traveling throughout the East Texas area to lease minerals.

Brent was a member of the National Association of Registered Landmen, several organizations related to flying, and was a charter member of Pineywoods Flyers.

Brent was a lifelong member of the First Methodist Church, Center. 

He is survived by:

Parents, Sammy and Barbara Dance

Son, Raymond Edward Dance

Brothers:
Spence Dance and wife Monica
Sammy Jefferson Dance and wife Judith

Nieces and Nephews:
Sierra Dance
Ashley Dance
Connor Dance

Aunts and Uncles:
Connie Mettauer and husband Joe Bill
Kathy Ross Warren

Numerous cousins and friends.

Brent is preceded in death by his grandparents, Carlton and Hulon Dance, Dr. and Mrs. Spencer Warren; uncles, William Spencer Warren, Thomas Charles Warren; and aunt, Donna Warren Holt.

Pallbearers serving will be Jeremy Eells, Joel Wagnon, O’Neal Jones, Greg George, Darin Borders, and Tristan Samford.

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

10/18/2023

Noel D. Grant, 89, of Center, passed away Monday, October 16, 2023, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 12 noon, Saturday, October 21, 2023, at First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ in Center, with visitation beginning at 10am. Pastor Richard Goodwin, Sr. will officiate. Interment will follow at Powdrill Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born September 6, 1934, in Shelby County, Noel is the son of Hoya Grant and Ruth Smith Grant. He loved working and loved his church, First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ.

He is survived by:

Wife, Dot Grant of Center

Daughters:
Nolette Grant of Corpus Christi
Meg Morgana Grant and husband Tyrone Johnson of Center

Son, Hoya Grant of West Monroe, Louisiana

Grandchildren:
Cayenne Grant
Lance Lilly and wife Amanda
Koye Lilly
Tyler Lilly
Joshua Grant
Christina Grant
Kole Grant
Trent Grant

Great-grandchildren:
Evelyn Lilly
Ethen Lilly

Brother, Neal Grant and wife Jackie of the Arcadia Community of Shelby County

Niece and nephews:
Kerry Greer and husband Reed
Doyce Grant and wife Beth
Derek Grant and wife Ann
Greg Grant and wife Melanie

Preceded in death by his wife, Dale Grant; son, Shawn Grant; and parents, Hoya Grant and Ruth Smith Grant.

Pallbearers will be Lance, Koye, Tyler, Hoody, Cole, and C.J. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ.

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

10/16/2023

Janice Kay (Eaves) Faussett, 73, of Tenaha, Texas, passed away on October 13, 2023, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on December 2, 1949, in Center, Texas, to the late Floyd Eaves and Maurice (Ballard) Eaves. 

A graveside service will be held at 2PM on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas, with Bro. E.J. Adams officiating. 

Janice enjoyed her animals and the outdoors. Horses being her favorite. She had Lightening, Bear, Jake, Serrett, and Bubba the mule. Her puppy So-So was another favorite which David recalls she thought more of than him sometimes. A cat named Maggie would run around outside from the barn to the house. Janice and David would sit and drink lots of coffee and watch as many westerns as they could in a day. When Janice was no longer able to attend church, she and David enjoyed hearing Bro. Charles Stanley and David Jeremiah on TV on Sunday mornings. Then late evening David would read the bible to her while they enjoyed their evening coffee. Janice loved that after her doctor’s appointments she and David would go to Denny’s and enjoy her special hamburger. It’s the little things about life and Janice that made it easy to love her. 

She is survived by:

Husband, David Faussett of Tenaha

Daughter, Billie Kay Wheless and husband Jason of Logansport, Louisiana

Brothers:
Renny Eaves
Randall Eaves

Grandchildren:
Caleb Wheless
Nathan Wheless

Nieces:
Elizabeth Eaves Malloy 
Candice Eaves Barnes

Nephews:
Jacob Eaves
Jeremy Hammers 

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Maurice Eaves; sister-in-law, Sara Eaves; and niece, Cassie Faussett Bates.

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

10/13/2023

Mary Womack entered into eternal rest on Thursday, October 5, 2023 after a courageous and admirable battle with an extended illness. She was born on a beautiful Spring day April 1, 1944 in Houston, Texas.

Funeral service is Monday, October 16, 2023 with viewing at 11:30am and memorial service at 12:30pm at The Church Without Walls - Chapel, 5752 Queenston Blvd., Houston, Texas 77084 with Pastor Ralph Douglas West, Sr. and Rev. James Harris officiating. Interment is at 3pm at Calvary Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, Humble, Texas.

She was the youngest of eight children. God poured out his blessing to her with 6 children.

She was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She later served as an usher at Leedale Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bates. She later moved to the north side of town and became a member of the Church Without Walls where she faithfully served over 24 years until her health failed.

Mary attended George Washington Carver High School, in the Aldine Independent School District. Her career included working at Dresser Industries, San Jacinto Junior College, and Mount Houston Elementary School in the North Forest Independent School District where she assisted in the library over 16 years. She later moved to Calvert Elementary School in the Aldine Independent School District where she worked as a secretary. She enjoyed working with students and seeing them become successful and productive citizens. After several years of service, she later retired to spend time with her grandchildren.

She was an animal lover and her prized possession was her dog "Boomer" that ruled the house for 13 years. Boomer preceded her in death. Her favorite vacation spot was Orlando, Florida. During her leisure time, it was always about watching TV and football. Mary loved the Christmas Season, decorating, and only white flocked Christmas trees were acceptable. This was her favorite time of year and she spent long hours cooking and baking. She enjoyed spending time with her sister Dorothy "Sister," they would go to Brenham every year to the Pecan Corner to get pecans for baking before the holidays. With that being said, Pineapple Coconut Cake and Lemon Pie were her favorites, both of which she could really cook.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories:

Children:
Hiram Harrison (Retena) of Center
Brenda Harrison
April Parson (Anthony)
Nick D. Baines
Stephen Baines (Raychelle)
Dominique Womack

Grandchildren:
Terena Wyrick (LaDarrell)
Alisha Alexis (Leford)
Michael Harrison
Ashleigh Harrison
Zachary Harrison
Alexandria Sostand
Xzavia Baines
Kendrick Spikes
Jordan Baines
Jaeden Baines
Andrienne Joseph (David)
Raymond Parson (Elysia)
Donte Baines
Dervyn Baines
Mekhai Davis

Great-Grandchildren:
Kamryn Henry
Amaya Alexis
Malcolm Harrison
Harper-Grace Carter
Tra'Shjuan Harrison
Mallory Williams
Noah Walton
Naomi Joseph
Olivia Joseph
Zoe Joseph
Joanna Joseph
Maliya Parson
Anaya Parson
Dean Parson
Khaza Baines

Siblings:
Sister, Dorothy Washington
Brother, Marshall Harrison (Mary Ann)
Brother, Lonnie Harrison, Jr. (Joann)
Brother, Paul Harrison

Her dog, Pennie

A great host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie Harrison, Sr. and Evelyn E. Brown Harrison; husband, John Womack; and brothers, Melvin Harrison, Charles Harrison, and Commodore Harrison.

Services are under the direction of Pruitt's in the Heights Funeral Home, Houston, Texas.

10/12/2023

Dorothy O. Hooper, 90, of Joaquin, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 13, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Sholar Cemetery in Shelby County. Bro. James Grandberry will officiate.
Born October 17, 1932, in Nacogdoches County, Dorothy is the daughter of John Preston Hooper and Mary Elizabeth McKinney Hooper.

She is survived by:

Niece and nephews,
Tommy Spurlock of Joaquin
Duane Hooper of Houston
Gerald Hooper of Houston
Martha Burch of Houston
Donald Hooper of Shreveport, Louisiana
Charles Hooper of Louisiana
Kenneth Hooper

Also, numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; other relatives; and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by parents, John Preston Hooper and Mary Elizabeth McKinney Hooper; and brothers and sisters, Tuel Hooper, Raymond Hooper, Marlin Hooper, Maurine Hooper, Travis Hooper, and Royce (Dugan) Hooper.

Pallbearers will be Frank Baker, Tommy Spurlock, Johnny Spurlock, Donny Spurlock, Duane Hooper, Gerald Hooper, Charles Hooper, and Donald Hooper.

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