Shelby County Today

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

10/11/2023

Nicholas Hope (Nick) Wilkinson, the noted playwright, casting director and great friend to so many, has taken his last curtain call and made his final exit stage left.

Nicholas Hope Wilkinson started his life's journey in Malvern, Arkansas, on March 15, 1954, and finished his colorful and illustrious time on this Earth on September, 29, 2023, on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Pretty sweet step-up, eh?

Along with his brothers and sister, Nick spent his childhood in various small towns in Texas and also on Guam. Guess the guy had a thing for islands. Having been brought up under the loving gaze of his treasured mother, Bonnie, he learned to love nature, animals and cornbread, not necessarily in that order.

After he graduated from Center High School in 1972, he went to Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Austin. (Hook 'em, Horns!) During this time in his life, he discovered his love of theatre and was proud to be a resident member at Shakespeare At Winedale. When he wound up his studies at UT, Nick worked as an Associate Producer at Center Stage Theatre in Austin (back when Austin was really weird). During this time, he decided to try his hand at playwriting and ended up as the winner of the Texas Playwright's Award. What a start.

To raise money for the inevitable move to New York City, Nick spent an entire summer baking and selling cheesecakes with his best friend and striving actress, Jessie Jones. Shortly after their arrival in The City, Nick was hired by T. Edward Hambleton to be the assistant to the casting director at Theatre Communications Group. After a few years, Nick became Director of Casting at TCG himself and became a prominent player in regional theatres across America. During this time, Nick became a beloved champion and friend of the community of actors in New York who referred to TCG as Central Casting. He practically lived in the theatres on and Off Broadway and was well-known in all the favored watering holes for theatrical types. All to say, he was the toast of the town.

Not surprisingly, ABC lured Nick away from theatre and into the melee that was network television. Eventually, he leapt at an offer to be the Director of Casting at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, totally forgetting how cold the winters could be in that windy city. Luckily, after only a few months ABC reached out its corporate claw once more, stole Nick away and hurled him into the hot mess that is Hollywood. After many years of working in Movies and Mini-Series, Nick realized he couldn't bear to hound Ann-Margaret's agent yet again to star in another TV project so he took a hiatus to study at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. He made it all the way to Sauces and Gravies before he threw in his spatula and rushed back to Hollywood to work in casting again at ABC, in the Daytime division. It was during this time, Nick met the love of his life, a successful television writer/producer, Jamie Wooten. They met on a blind date and were together from that moment on. Theirs was a beautiful thirty-year romance.

Nick's third deployment to ABC was the charm and he finally retired from Casting and indulged his knowledge and love of art with a stint as a Docent at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He then returned to one of his original dreams, to become a writer. Teaming up with Jessie Jones - of cheesecake fame - yet again, they wrote episodes of network comedies, including the Emmy-winning Disney television series "Teacher's Pet," and projects for USA, WB, UPN, SYFY, Nickelodeon and Fox.

Through the next few years, Nick, Jessie and Jamie became writing partners and as their hair began to turn gray, the three decided to leave before Hollywood said, "Get out." The trio, who by this time were writing under the pen name Jones Hope Wooten, moved to Asheville, North Carolina and became a playwriting team. Playwriting was where Nick found his greatest success and enjoyed the happiest years of his life. As Jones Hope Wooten (Nick took his mother's maiden name "Hope" as his nom de plume), they exploded into the theatre world with a series of popular laugh-out-loud Southern-flavored comedies, all available from Dramatists Play Service or Theatrical Rights Worldwide - order your copies today! Over the next twenty years and twenty-five plays and with more than 8,000 productions in every state in the U.S. (and over twenty-one different countries), Jones Hope Wooten more than earned their reputation as three of the most produced playwrights in America. Nick had realized his dream and was one proud playwright.

Taking time between plays, the trio traveled the world together - and they had a ball! They journeyed far and wide, from Iceland to the Galapagos, New Zealand to Greece, Easter Island to Malta (more proof the man always loved islands) and Casablanca to Rome, always Rome, a place that captured Nick's heart.

And speaking of hearts, Nick and Jamie finally married at the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan in 2013. Since they were both writers, of course they had their wedding party dinner around the famed Round Table there. Besides Jamie, Jessie, theatre and travel, Nick had many big loves in his life. Among them were California plein air paintings, Florence, Italy, Joseph O'Conner novels, coconut peanut butter, labradorite, Tabasco, Cycladic art, turtles, doing laundry (yes, laundry), Dillards Clearance Centers, a good Cabernet, Wheel of Fortune slot machines, nachos, Nokomis art pottery, Adele, visors, France Vingt Quatre News, the musical 1776, fresh walnuts, long talks with old friends on the phone and Velveeta Rotel dip (who are we to judge?). He also spent his adult life trying to see every Vermeer and Caravaggio painting around the world. But above all, Nick loved animals, especially cats (he volunteered at an animal rescue facility in Asheville). One of his favorite places to visit was the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary in the center of Rome. Animals everywhere have lost one of their most constant and caring champions.

Nick is survived by his husband, Jamie, and his best friend and writing partner, Jessie. He's also survived by treasured nieces Kim and Andrea, a much-loved nephew, Eric, cherished grandniece, Amelia, precious cousin, Melissa, brothers Wayne and Tim, nephew Thomas and other Wilkinson, Wooten, and Jones family members, Hope cousins and an incredible community of beloved and supportive friends around the globe, as well as his extended theatre family who made his life's journey so amazing.

Nick was a gentleman in the true sense of the word - kind, caring, generous and sweet. He made everyone he met feel like the most important person in the world. This incredibly witty, warm and hugely talented man leaves behind a legacy of joy - laughter that he's brought to millions on the page, on the stage and in theatres everywhere across America and around the globe. What a wonderful gift to leave to this world. Please keep Nick in your hearts and think of him when you're enjoying a particularly good cocktail or scratching a cat under its chin.

Nick's ashes will be scattered in Rome and off the coast of his and Jamie's beloved Hanalei, Kauai. Those of us who knew and loved him feel fortunate and honored to carry his memory forward.

Donations in his memory can be made to Animal Haven of Asheville, NC - the city where the JONES HOPE WOOTEN COMEDIES first came to life. www.animalhavenofasheville.org

And surely Nick would do a little dance if you would donate to any Democratic candidate running against any incumbent Republican anywhere. Anywhere!

Arrivederci and Aloha, Nick!

This obituary notice was published on https://www.legacy.com/.