Shelby County Today

07/18/22

Alfred Edward Barnett, 92, of Conroe, Texas, passed away on July 16, 2022, in Conroe, Texas.  

Graveside service will be held at Union Cemetery, US 96 N Tenaha, Tx at 11:30 am on Tuesday July 19, 2022

Alfred Edward McDaniel was born July 28, 1928 to Clarence Edward and Ella Louella (Lindley) Barnett in Vernon, Tx.

He is survived by:
His daughter, Pamela Daniel and husband, Bill

Grandchildren:
Jason Daniel and wife, Vikki
Brittney Sparacino and husband, Bardi
Tara Levin and husband, Lucas

Great-grandchildren: 
Jack Daniel
Scarlett Isabella
Magnus 

Albert is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Ella Barnett, his wife, JoAnn Batez Barnett, son, Rickey Barnett and Sister, Bertha Shifflet

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

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

07/15/2022

Albert Carlisle McGee Jr., 87, of Center, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022, in Center.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with interment to follow at North Jericho Cemetery in Center. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Born October 28, 1934, in McCool, Mississippi, Albert is the son of Lura McClelland and Albert Carlisle McGee Sr. He played football for Weir High School and later joined the United States Air Force. He served during the Korean War, Cuban Crisis, and Vietnam War, retiring after 23 years of service. Following retirement, he worked in the oil field and became a licensed heavy equipment operator. Albert cleared his land in East Texas and raised chickens and cattle on his farm with his family. He loved North Jericho Church, where he was involved in its reopening after 24 years. Albert was the last remaining deacon. He loved Pastor Mike Belgard and Connie. Albert enjoyed live music and always surrounded himself with his family and dear friends who were like family - John Oliver, Waylon George, John Watson, late “Runt” Ramsey, and Danny Paul and Sally Windham.

Survivors include:

Wife, Mary Vivian Bailey McGee

Daughter, Tamara “Tammy” Alicia McGee Anderson

Son, Albert Carlisle “Chip” McGee III

Grandson, Mark Shannon Anderson and fiance, Casey Davis

Brother, Jimmie C. McGee

Sister, Nancy Malek

Special friends, Robin Fulsom Andrews and Melanie Scott.

Preceded in death by parents, Lura McClelland and Albert Carlisle McGee Sr.; brother, J.D. McGee; and sisters, Ellie Curtis and Elsia Wilson.

A special thanks to Tammy Jacobs, Mike Belgard and Connie, Peggy Johnson, Gueinn Clark, Don Bailey and Doris, Billie Bailey, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Hart, Rick Murphy and Dianne, and Mr. and Mrs. John Oliver.

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

07/14/2022

Mona Ray Daw Brandt, 81, of Joaquin, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2022, in San Antonio.

Graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 16, 2022, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation at Watson and Sons Funeral Home at 9am. Tim Perkins will officiate.

Born January 2, 1941, Mona is the daughter of Lorine Blount Daw and Burk Daw. She was master of many tasks – sales, writing, photography, business ownership, restaurant owner, etc. In Shelby County, Mona served as a SCSO Deputy. Hobbies included puzzles, writing, painting, reading her Bible, crafting, and family. A huge SPURS fan, Mona loved watching basketball! She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she served as Associate Pastor and Sunday School Teacher.

Survived by:

Son, John Edward Brandt

Daughter-in-law, Twilla Lynn Brandt

Son, Stephen Anthony Brandt

Grandchildren:
John Matthew Brandt
Ashley Nicole Whitehead
Christina Rene Brandt
Charlea Jones

Also, many great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by parents, Lorine Blount Daw and Burk Daw; and brother, Wayford A. Daw.

Pallbearers will be John Brandt, Brandon Whitehead, Stephen Brandt, Christina Brandt, Matt Brandt, and Matthew Brandt. Honorary pallbearer will be Jerry Brandt.

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

07/14/2022

Annie Lee Haley, age 77, transitioned from labor to reward on July 9, 2022. She was born on June 13, 1945 in Shelbyville, Texas to Albert and Myrtle Haley.

Services will be held Friday, July 15, 2022, 11am at Goodwill Baptist Church Pineland, Texas with Rev. Steve Gardner, Eulogist. Due to Covid-19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.

In 1960 she met and married Mr. Murnest C. Freeney of Rusk, Texas. This union brought forth (5) five children: Burnest Lee, Margaret, Earnest, Edwin, and Patrick.

She moved from Texas to Oakland, California in 1968, where she studied at Laney College, and later graduated from Barbeon Modeling School in San Francisco, California.

In Oakland, California Annie was an active member of Humanity Missionary Baptist Church. After she moved back to Pineland, Texas, she joined Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church.

She leaves to cherish her memory:

Sister, Cecile Spikes

Brothers:
James Haley
Willie Haley
Orvis Gardner
Stevie Gardner
Charles Haley

Daughter, Margaret Freeney

Sons:
Earnest Freeney
Edwin Freeney
Patrick Freeney Mignon

12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Myrtle Haley; brother, Elzie Haley; son, Burnest Lee Freeney. 

Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home.

07/12/2022

Jan Permenter, 69, of Center, passed away Monday, July 11, 2022, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Tenaha Church of Christ with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born December 22, 1952, Jan is the daughter of Laverne Clark and Winston B. Fields. She worked as a speech pathologist and was a member of Tenaha Church of Christ.

Survived by:

Husband, Jim Permenter of Center

Nieces:
Hannah Fields Lee and Mark of Nacogdoches
Whitney Koltonski and Chris of Center

Nephew, Alpha Fields of Center

Great-nephews:
Stephen
John
Andrew
Caleb

Great-niece, Lila

Mother-in-law, Betty Permenter of Center

Sister-in-law, Suzanne Richards and Rex of Center

Preceded in death by parents, Laverne Clark and Winston B. Fields; brother, Gene Fields; sister-in-law, Cathy Fields; uncle, Dub Clark; aunt, Billie Clark; and brothers-in-law, Jerry and Mike Permenter.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105, www.stjude.org

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

07/08/2022

Rita Marie Albrecht Simpson Nesbitt, 85, of Center, Texas, passed away on July 3, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on July 8, 1936, in Newald, Forest County, Wisconsin, to the late Edward W. Albrecht Sr. and Ann Ida Vallard Albrecht.  

Rita calls the Seattle, Washington area hometown. She graduated from Lake Washington High School, Kirkland, Washington in 1954.  She enlisted in the US Air force in 1954, at Seattle, serving in the dental service and attaining rank of A/1C (sergeant) at Lackland AFB, San Antonio. She married Melvin Simpson in 1955 and divorced in 1975.

Her subsequent employment consisted of Boeing Airplane Company, Seattle, as a Research and Development librarian during the BOMARC missile development, which was the beginning of the NASA Space Program; employed at Corpus Christi Army Depot as military travel and passport agent, and technical writer; Corpus Christi Police Department as secretary; Flour Bluff ISD as librarian’s assistant.  When possible, she attended colleges in Waco, Lake Charles, and Corpus Christi.

She married. In 1989, the Nesbitts moved from Corpus Christi to Trinity, where she became active in many civic affairs, such as Friends of the Library, Community Fair, Historical Society, Garden Club, Huntsville Raven’s Quill Writer’s Group, Trinity Writer’s Critique Group; and a Charter founding member of Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. In 1995 she was ordained a Presbyterian Lay-Minister and served as supply preacher to Presbyterian churches in Trinity, Livingston, Crockett, Tomball, and Alabama-Coushatta Indian Church. She has led a number of non-denominational Bible Studies in her home. She was a member of many local churches, and was well known for refusal to compromise on teachings that did not measure up to the Scripture. She was a Fourth Day member of Houston North Emmaus Community’s Walk to Emmaus. 

Her hobbies included photography, home decorating, designing, and sewing her own clothes until her right hand became partially paralyzed. Reading, studying Bible history and Bible archeology, and writing Christian fiction about the Civil War era were her latest interests.

She felt her greatest disappointment in her private life was giving up a dream of commercial piloting because of her petite stature, not to mention her “Dysfunctional” depth perception. “Knowing where to find the ground is somewhat important in landing,” she would laughingly explain. But her discovery late in life of her creative writing talent made up for it. She felt her greatest joy was using her talents and gifts to serve her Lord Jesus Christ. She often said her high point in life was preaching and teaching Bible Studies. There were few people she did not like and had many friends in all races and walks of life.  She said her love and compassion came from having first-hand knowledge of prejudice because of her Native American Indian blood in an area of Wisconsin where prejudice, anti-Semitism and Nazism ran high.  She was taught early in life not to mention her Pottawatomie and Jewish relatives, but she was proud of them, and always hope to track them down.

Rita is survived by: 
Her son, Aubrey Lee Simpson and wife Eva Dianne of Center

Granddaughter, Katheryn Scott of Leakey

Four great-grandchildren 

Brother, Edward Albrecht of Lynden, Washington

Sister, Judith Warren and son Taylor of Twin Falls, Idaho

Aunt, Louise Vallard of Mountain Home, Idaho

Stepsons: 
Stephen Nesbitt of Clear Lake
David Nesbitt of Corpus Christi

She is preceded in death by her husband, William W. Nesbitt; son, William Basset Simpson; mother, Ann Ida Vallard Albrecht; father, Edward W. Albrecht, Sr.; sister, Ida Louise Albrecht.

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

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

07/07/2022

Elsie Lee McDaniel, 88, of Center, Texas, passed away on July 6, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on August 31, 1933, in Center, Texas, to the late Charles Edward Clark and Ida Vera Sanford Clark.

Graveside service will be held at Sardis Cemetery, FM 414, Center, Texas, on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 10am with Bro. Chuck Horton and Bro. Rocky Otwell officiating.

Elsie Lee Clark McDaniel was born and raised in Shelby County. She attended Sardis School. She married the love of her life, Sam Austin McDaniel December 19, 1953. They raised two wonderful sons, Darrell and Vance. Sam and Elsie spent over 20 wonderful years together before his passing in 1976. Elsie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved the Lord and was a lifelong devoted member of Sardis Missionary Baptist Church. She had a servant’s heart. Elsie made sure everyone was taken care of. She loved her children, grandchildren, and family very much. She enjoyed cooking, and spending time outdoors gardening. Although she has left this earth she will forever be in our hearts.

Survived by:

Son, Darrell McDaniel and wife Kelly

Grandchildren:
Katy Gray and husband Chadd
Cole McDaniel
Sterling Mason and husband Adam

Great-grandchildren:
Cooper Gray
Kaleb Gray

Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends.

Elsie is preceded in death by her loving husband, Sam Austin McDaniel; parents, Charles and Ida Clark; and son, Vance Bradley McDaniel.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

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

07/05/2022

James William (Bill) Haley was born in Center, Texas, September 22, 1943, and died July 3, 2022, in Austin. Bill attended public schools in Center through his high school education. Following high school graduation, he completed a bachelor’s degree at his beloved Texas Christian University (TCU) and his teaching certification at Stephen F. Austin State University; he later earned an M.A. from Texas State University. Bill taught in public schools in Houston and Center for more than a dozen years before being elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1978.

While serving in the Texas House, Haley was instrumental in the enactment of the most sweeping reforms in the Texas education system since the 1949 Gilmer Aiken bill. His legislative initiatives included the curriculum reform of 1981 and the comprehensive education changes mandated in House Bill 72, passed in 1984. As chairman of the House Committee on Public Education in the 68th, 69th, and 70th Legislatures, he also served on the House committees on State Affairs and Financial Institutions.

In 1988, Haley was elected to the Texas Senate, representing fifteen counties in deep East Texas. His communications with friends and fellow legislators were sprinkled with his abiding sense of humor as well as insightful knowledge. He was an unwavering supporter of education. Writer Molly Ivins dubbed him “East Texas Maverick” for his distinctive East Texas drawl and his tenacious pursuit of legislation he supported.

Among Haley’s numerous honors include the Friend of Education Award given by the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Champion of Education award given by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, as well as many other awards from educational, civic, and business groups.

Bill was an active member of University Christian Church (UCC) in Austin where he served as elder, chairman of the board and in various other leadership roles. For twenty-three years, he enjoyed teaching the Seekers church school class.

A loyal TCU Horned Frog, Bill was active in the Austin Alumni Board. He was a member of the Austin Regional Council, the National Alumni Board and on the executive board of the TCU College of Fine Arts Board of Visitors. Bill and Mary received the TCU Alumni Service Award in 2017.

Bill and Mary were a devoted team. They had known each other since childhood, and their love for each other and their friends and family was apparent. Bill’s most treasured roles were those of husband, father and grandfather (Papa).

He is survived by:

Wife, Mary Russell Scriven Haley

Son, Jeffrey Russell Haley and wife Michele of Austin

Grandsons:
William Russell Haley of Austin
Jonathan Michael Haley of Austin

Son, Robert Colin Haley and wife Lisa Marie Haley of Bertram

Grandchildren:
Andrew Christopher Haley of Bertram
Ava Brooke Haley of Bertram
Alexis Giuliana Haley of Bertram

Brother, Thomas Laurence Haley and wife Michelle of Henderson

Many nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents, father Eugene Wayne (Pete) Haley, Sr., mother Mary Elizabeth Miller Haley, and brother Eugene W. Haley, Jr.

The Haley family would like to thank the caregivers at Arbor Terrace Lakeway and Magnolia Hospice for their tender, compassionate care of Bill. Caregivers there enjoyed Bill’s humor and his unique personality. They are deeply appreciated.

Visitation for Bill will be held Monday, July 11, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home in Lakeway. Services will be held Tuesday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m., University Christian Church, 2007 University Avenue, Austin, Texas. Burial will follow at the Texas State Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Haley Family Fund for Medicine and the Arts at TCU, Mary Scriven and James W. Haley Endowed Theatre Scholarship at TCU, or University Christian Church Organ Fund.

07/04/2022

Vivian Laurie “Sis” Raymond, 84, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away on July 3, 2022, in Shelbyville, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on May 19, 1938, Shelbyville, Texas, to the late William Wayne Armstreet and Exa Risinger Armstreet.  

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at 1PM with Bro. Kevin Windham officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service on July 5, 2022, beginning at 12PM until service time at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Shelbyville, Texas.

Sis was born and raised in Shelby County. She attended and graduated Strong School. She married the love of her life, Charlie Edward Raymond, and the two spent more than 14 years together before his passing in 1974.  They had two wonderful boys, Charles and Jerry.  Sis enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She loved the outdoors fishing. Sis had a passion for cooking. Those that knew her certainly loved her peanut brittle. She loved the Lord and served him many ways. Sis always made sure the children in the neighborhood had transportation to and from church. She would pick them up and deliver them so they could hear the word of God. Sis was the church pianist and loved to sing.  She also served as the church secretary for many years. She was a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Shelbyville, Texas.  

She is survived by:

Sons:
Lynn Raymond and wife Christine
Jerry Lamar Raymond and wife Gina

Sister, Lucille Armstreet Smith

Grandchildren:
Jennifer Garcia and husband Andrew
Charlie Raymond and wife Brooke
Ashlie Jacobs and husband Dewayne
Chesnee Berry and husband Hunter
Ruger Raymond

Great-grandchildren:
Isaiah Garcia
Mason Garcia
Alathia Garcia
Cooper Raymond
Blakely Raymond
Tristan Smith
Karista Smith
Peyton Jacobs
Presli Jacobs

Numerous nieces and nephews

Host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

Sis is preceded in death by her husband, Charlie E. Raymond; parents, William Wayne and Exa Armstreet; brother, Waymon E. Armstreet; grandson, Colton Raymond; nephew, John Armstreet; sister in laws, Margaritte “Tbo” and husband T.O. Brittain, Lamerle Willey and husband Henry, Norma Jean Raymond; brother in laws, Jesse “Bud” Raymond, Arnold Dean Raymond and wife Bertha Lee, Boyce Raymond and wife Betty, and Fred Smith.  

Pallbearers serving will be Isaiah Garcia, Mason Garcia, Cooper Raymond, Tristan Smith, Dewayne Jacobs, and Hunter Berry.

The family would like to give special thanks to Pine Grove Nursing Center, Affinity Hospice, and Vicky Sneed and staff, for the exceptional care given 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.