Shelby County Today

06/21/2024

Michael Anthony Waller age 26 years, 4 months, and 19 days of Center, Texas went to walk with Jesus on June 2, 2024. Michael, the son of Melissa Jeannette Waller and Jerry Wayne Smith, Jr., was born in Marshall, Texas on Wednesday, January 14, 1998.

Memorial Service will be held 2pm to 4pm on July 16, 2024 at East Main United Pentecostal Church in Nacogdoches, Texas with Brother Ennis Fuller.

He attended Nacogdoches and Timpson TX High Schools. His first job was at Tyson Foods Center, TX.

Michael attended church in his youth at Glory Gang on Stallings Drive in Nacogdoches. He was baptized at Trinity Baptist Church on Solomon Rd. Nacogdoches County.

Michael was a great son, brother, relative and friend to everyone he knew. He was a friendly, kind, caring and jovial person. He enjoyed gaming with his online friends and sisters. He loved listening to music, singing, spending time with friends and family, animals and going to the beach.

He is preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Jerry Wayne Smith Sr. and Linda Nell Tube Smith; and maternal grandfather, Charles Steven Waller.

Survived by:

Grandmother, Carol Winfrey

Grandfather, Mike Couder

Mother, Melissa Jeannette Waller

Father, Jerry Wayne Smith Jr.

Sisters:
Christina Smith
Makayla Waller
Meagan Smith
Madison Smith Greear and husband Rocky Greear of Nashoba, Ok

Uncles:
Jeffrey and Tricia Smith
Jonathan Smith
Charles Waller

Aunts:
Delta Dawn Smith
Leann Couder Platt and husband Daniel Platt

Nieces, cousins

Great-Aunts and Great-Uncles

Hilliard Funeral Home, 386 N. Maple, Van, TX 75790

06/21/2024

Howell Maurice Adkison, 74, of Center, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in San Augustine.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. 

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Bro. Grant Murphree and Ginia Hooper will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Center.

Born April 20, 1950, in Jasper, Texas, Howell is the son of Hollis Howell Adkison and Myrtle Maurice Adkison. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Vietnam during part of that time.

He is survived by: 

Wife, Pamila Hooper Adkison of Center

Sons:
Brandon Heath Adkison of Nacogdoches
Clinton Howell Adkison, and wife, Anittra of Garrison

Grandchildren:
Leyonna Donyele Adkison
Brenton Howell Adkison
Austin Dean Adkison
Philip Ryan Adkison, and wife, Hali

Great-grandchildren:
Wyatt Raynor-Storm Grenzebach
Pierce Howell Adkison

Sister, Shirley DiVerdi, and husband, Vince

Mother-in-law, Ann Hooper

Sister-in-law, Ginia Hooper

Also, numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by grandparents, Fannie Mae Adkison, Vernie Turner, and brothers Stephen Hollis Adkison and Terry Lynn Adkison and wife Jeannie; and father-in-law, Billy Wayne Hooper.

Pallbearers will be Brenton Howell Adkison, Austin Dean Adkison, Philip Ryan Adkison, Dillion Hooper, Terry Adkison Jr., and Chris Denby.  Honorary pallbearer will be Mike Mangrum.

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

06/19/2024

Margaret Bell Kay, 88, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at Pine Grove Nursing Center.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Strong Cemetery in Huxley with Ryan Mason and Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.

Born November 10, 1935, in Center, Texas, Margaret Rose is the daughter of Arthur W. and Ruby Cain Bell. She graduated from Strong High School in 1953 and married Elwood Kay on November 10, 1953. Their union was for 56 years and ended upon his death September 8, 2010.

She was a lifelong resident of the Dreka and Huxley communities of Shelby County, Texas. She loved to garden and maintained a picture perfect yard and flower beds her entire life. She delighted in cooking pies for friends and family. You were truly blessed to have been gifted with one of her pecan, coconut, or chocolate pies. She also grew a vegetable garden in which weeds and grass didn’t venture to grow. Neighbors shared in her harvest, be it tomatoes, corn, peas, green onions, or greens.

Margaret loved to share the bounty of the many flowers she nurtured. She gladly would dig up clumps of Iris, Daylilies, or Hardy Hibiscus to gift family members and visitors.

She worked various jobs throughout her life, one of her favorites was driving a Shelbyville school bus. Her kids loved and respected her and she loved them too. She never spent her income on herself. She used it to provide a loving home. She also operated Rodgers Harbour, Toledo Bend, making lifelong friends with people near and far, never leaving at night until all fishermen were back at the dock. She retired in 1980 to being her favorite job of Nana.

She is survived by:

Daughters by birth:
Deborah Morgan
Kim Kay

Daughter by choice, Sherre Bowers

Granddaughters:
Kilie Mason (Ryan)
Codie Buchheit

Grandchildren: Danielle, Caleb, Rex, and R.J.

Sister, Lois O’Rear

She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur W. and Ruby Cain Bell; her husband, Elwood Kay; her brothers, James and Charlie Bell; and her sons-in-law, Aubrey Morgan and Billy Bowers.

Pallbearers will be her great grandsons, Caleb Mason and Rex Buchheit; nephews, Chance Cansler, Jason Bell, and Mark Kay; and special friend, Phillip Scarbrough. Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Kay, Buddy Kay, Bubba Bell, Craig Jordan, and Shane Corbell.

Margaret’s wishes were that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Strong Cemetery, PO Box 1383, Center, Texas 75935.

The family would like to thank Pine Grove Nursing Center, Heart to Heart Hospice, and Christian Love Private Home Care for the tender care they provided during their mother’s final months.

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

06/18/2024

William Chadwick “Chad” Warren, beloved son of William “Bill” and Donna, entered this world on January 16, 1970, in Center, Texas. His birth brought joy and light to their lives, and he grew up surrounded by love and warmth.

On June 12, 2024, Chad's journey on this earth came to an end in Mount Pleasant, Texas. His passing has left a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Chad was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Spencer Warren Jr., his mother, Donna Warren Holt, his grandparents, William Spencer Warren, Barbara Jeff Davis, Almon Chadwick Boozer, and Ona Mae Malone, his Uncle Thomas Charles Warren, his niece Danielle Angel Osburn, and his cousin Brent Warren Dance. Their memory lives on as he joins them in eternal peace.

Known to many as “Charming Chad,” he had a special way of brightening up any room with his humor, infectious laugh, and carefree attitude. His hobbies and interests were varied, encompassing motorcycles, music, coin collecting, and traveling. Chad's zest for life and adventurous spirit left an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Chad is survived by:

Sister, Paige and husband Mitchell Osburn of Bryan

Stepfather, Bill Holt of Center

Aunts and Uncles:
Barbara and Sammy Dance of Center
Kathleen Warren of New Orleans, Louisiana

Cousins:
Spence Dance of Center
Sea Sea Dance of Flower Mound
Trey Dance of Center

Nieces and Nephews:
Kassie Kate Osburn of New York, N.Y.
Dallas Reed Osburn of Bryan
Cody Warren Osburn, and wife, Kitty of Killeen
Kortney Anne Osburn of Bryan
Dakota Mae Osburn of Bryan
Dusty Dane Osburn of Bryan

Grandniece, Aubrey Alyse Lanehart, of Bryan

Daughter, Katie Lee Hughes of Arlington

Many more relatives and friends

A celebration of Chad’s life will be held on June 22, 2024. Visitation with the family will start at 12 PM followed by a service given by Father Malcolm at 1 PM at the First Methodist Church on Porter Street in Center, Texas, where family and friends will come together to honor his memory and share stories of his remarkable life. Honorary pall bearers include: Jason Buddin, Spence Dance, Chuck Gaddy, Bob Mooney, Brian Schoelpple, Preston Whitney, and Sean Wright.

In the wake of his passing, let us hold onto the cherished memories we shared with Chad and find solace in the knowledge that his spirit will live on through the love and laughter he brought into the lives of those around him. May he rest in peace, knowing he was deeply loved and will be forever missed and remembered.

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

06/15/2024

“Buddy” Tom Martin Jr., 64, of Joaquin, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024, in Louisiana.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at North Jericho Cemetery in Shelby County. Bro. Joe Walker will officiate.

Born August 3, 1959, in Center, Buddy is the son of John Thomas Martin and Claudia Mae Cogswell Martin. He loved fishing, hunting, and growing a big garden. He was larger than life. 

Buddy was a member of Logansport Missionary Baptist Church in Logansport, Louisiana.

He is survived by:
Sisters:
Laverne Martin Sanders of Mt. Enterprise
Billie Davis of Colorado
Eva Dewitt of Carthage

Brothers:
C.D. Belrose of Dayton
Red Belrose of Lufkin

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

Preceded in death by his parents, John Thomas Martin and Claudia Mae Cogswell Martin; brothers, Bill Belrose, Roy Belrose, Truman Belrose, and Austin Belrose; and sister, June Dobos.

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

06/14/2024

Kenneth Dale Strickland (Stick) of Crosby and Joaquin, Texas, left this world on June 12, 2024, to be with our Heavenly Father.  

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 17, 2024, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Bro. Paul Silvey will officiate.

Kenny was born on October 16, 1953, to A.D. and Hazel Strickland in Beaumont, Texas.  After graduating from Forest Park High, Kenny followed in his father’s footsteps and was hired on with the railroad.  After more than 40 years as a conductor with Union Pacific, Kenny retired and moved to Joaquin after the passing of his mother to be with his daughter, Kristi and granddaughter, Aimee.  

Kenny enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking, watching westerns, making people laugh and of course, watching his favorite football team, the Texans; however, the outcome of the games were not his favorite.  He also enjoyed reading the Bible, three times to be exact! 

Life gave him a few lemons, but he always seemed to turn it into lemonade.

Kenny enjoyed the simple life of living in Joaquin and spending time with his friends at the local tire shop or at his friends’ houses.  His last few years, he was fortunate enough to spend time with Kristi, Ricky, Aimee and, Michelle while they took care of him as he battled cancer.

Survivors include:
Son, Ricky Strickland of Beaumont

Daughters: 
Kristi Strickland of Joaquin
Michelle Rollocks, and husband, Felix of Crosby

Grandchildren:
Aimee Jergins, and her husband, Hayden of Joaquin
Alexis Morales of Crosby
Jaden Smith of Crosby
Chauncey Dior Smith of Crosby

Great-grandchildren:
Jaxton Dale Jergins
Addisyn Mae Jergins of Joaquin
Alexander Morales
Hailee Morales of Crosby

Brother, Larry Strickland, and his wife, Mary Beth of Vidor

Aunt and uncle, Ann and Wayne Barber of Jasper; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Strickland; father, A.D. Strickland; and mother, Hazel Strickland.

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

06/13/2024

Alice Faye Hughes Weeks, 72, of Center, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Tyler.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at Noon. Bro. Steve Noble will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born January 10, 1952, in Aimwell, Louisiana, Alice is the daughter of A.J. Poole and Eerie Poole. 

She is survived by:

Special friend, Bobby Holloway of Center

Daughters:
Cindy Furlow, and husband Kenneth, of Huxley
Jennifer Hughes of Center

Grandchildren:
Lance Furlow, and wife, Haley of Huxley
Brook Sturgis, and husband Hayden, of Center
Shelby Sturgis of Nacogdoches

Great-grandchildren:
Karson McCracken of Center
Brooks Buchannon of Center

Sister, Gwen Hyatt and husband James of Gary

Preceded in death by husband, Robert Hughes; parents, A.J. Poole and Eerie Poole; and sisters, Sherrie Vasquez, Nadie Morgan, and Diane Poole.

Pallbearers will be Herman Vasquez, Eddie Sturgis, Melvin Broadway, Michael Hughes, Tyler Hughes, and Chad Hughes.

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

06/12/2024

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved, Casey Gale Foley Albers, age 38, of Center, Texas on June 8, 2024.       

Casey was born December 16, 1985, in Houston, Texas to Corlis Gale Foley and Lisa Elizabeth Albers. She graduated from Brazos High School, class of 2004, where she was class president and homecoming queen. She studied at Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Major in Mass Communication – Public Relations degree in 2008. She was also a member of the sorority Chi Beta Delta. Casey later worked at Gucci and took great pride in her work, meeting wonderful people and establishing lifelong friendships.

Casey was a loving daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. Some of her favorite titles included: dog mom, Aunt Casey Gale, and godmother. She was the kindest, most loving and genuine person that could make you laugh with her quick-witted sense of humor. She loved playing softball, participating in pageants, traveling and shopping, but most of all, she loved spending time with the people that she loved. Despite facing many health challenges in her life, Casey remained resilient and persevered through it all. She was a fighter until the end, and she was an inspiration to us all.

Casey is survived by:

Grandparents, Charles and Mona Huff of Chickasaw, OK

Parents:
Jim and Lisa Albers of Center
Corlis Gale and Karen Foley of Wentzville, MO

Siblings:
Aric and Laura Albers
Jeremy Albers
Chad Humphreys
Nathan and Jeanette Humphreys
Blake Foley
Ryan Foley
Ethan Foley

A host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was proceeded in Death by her grandparents, Corlis and Hazel Foley, Lanell Huff and Louise Huff; and her brother, Cody Albers.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Starr Funeral Home located at 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas  

Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Brad Langford officiating.

Burial will follow at McMahan Chapel Cemetery, 2240 McMahan's Chapel Rd Spur 35, San Augustine, Texas.  Serving as pallbearers will be Aric Albers, Jeremy Albers, Chad Humphreys, Nathan Humphreys, Blake Foley, Ryan Foley, Ethan Foley and Jeremy Albers Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Bradley Huff and Casey Huff II.

We will miss her dearly but take comfort that she is now in a better place, free from pain and suffering. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3

Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfuneralhome.com.

06/09/2024

Nancy Pauline Kellar, 76, of Tenaha, passed away Friday, June 7, 2024, in Tenaha.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 10, 2024, at Ramah Baptist Church in Tenaha with Bro. Keith Keele and Bro. Andrew McDaniel officiating. Interment will follow at Tennessee Cemetery in Tenaha.

Born September 1, 1947, in Logansport, Louisiana, Nancy is the daughter of A.D. Grimsley and Camilla Hall Grimsley Crawford. She loved gardening, caring for her many animals, attending church, and spending time with her precious family and friends. A Christian and woman of faith, Nancy was a member of Ramah Baptist Church.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Danny Kellar and wife Cathy of Tenaha
Ronny and wife Tammi of Tenaha

Grandchildren:
John Glenn Kellar and fiancé Jennifer Kellar of Austin
Tristen Kellar of Marshall
Faith Marie Kellar of Fort Worth and fiancé Foster Stimpson
Katelyn Kellar of Tenaha
Michael Kellar of Tenaha
Joshua Cassidy Kellar of San Diego, California

Great-grandchildren:
Phoebe Kellar
Aiden Kellar
Isaac Kellar
Kinsley Kellar

Sister, Mamie Vanover and husband Jim of Carthage

Brother, Forest Crawford Jr. and wife Sherry of Chireno

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by husband, Arthur Eugene Kellar; father, A.D. Grimsley; mother, Camilla Hall Grimsley Crawford; stepfather, Forest Crawford; sisters, Mary Hansson, Frances McDaniel, and Margaret Bowlin; and brothers, John Grimsley, Bill Grimsley, and James Grimsley.

Pallbearers will be John Kellar, Michael Kellar, Danny Kellar, Ronny Kellar, Jake Vanover, and Tristen Kellar. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Ramah Baptist Church Adult Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ramah Baptist Church Building Fund.

The family would like to thank her doctors and staff at The Hope Center in Tyler, as well as her church family and friends for the love, prayers, and support this past year.

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