Shelby County Today

05/13/2026

Memorial services for Paul Mullins, 68, of Timpson, will be held at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Good Hope Baptist Church, with Bro. John Raines officiating.

Paul was a man of great character, strength and dignity.  He spent his life fixing things and gained an enormous amount of knowledge that he loved nothing more than sharing with others.  His greatest blessings were his family and his most treasured accomplishment was his relationship with Jesus Christ.  Paul was a true deep east Texas kind of man.  He worked hard and dedicated himself to his family.  He adored and supported his wife and children and was the friend that people truly needed.  And then, when he was blessed with grandchildren, he figured out why hearing the word “Pawpaw” was the sweetest sound ever!  When he found the time to relax, he was either in the woods hunting or at the racetrack enjoying the adrenaline rush of drag-racing.

Paul met and married Paula Davis in 1981and together, they raised their children and then spent as much time as they could with their precious grandchildren.  The memories that belong to all of them will forever serve as a reminder of the hardworking and dedicated man that Paul was.  The life he lived was a great example for his children and grandchildren.  He will be missed by everyone, especially his sweet Paula.

Paul is survived by:
Wife of over 44 years, Paula

Children:
Angela Mullins
Jason Mullins, and wife, Kim
Jonathan Mullins, and wife, Jodi

Grandchildren:
Megan Lindsey
Fischer Rothenberger
Jacey Stockle
Hunter Mullins
Jorja Mullins
Jhett Mullins

Great-grandchildren:
Chandler
Lacyn
Dakota
Blakelynn
Cayson
Cole
Sawyer
Jolea
Wrenleigh

He is preceded in death by his parents, V.E. and Dorothy Mullins; sister, Joyce Shrum and brother, Vernon Mullins.

Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson.

05/13/2026

Albert Ronald Burrell passed away November 25, 2025. Albert never met a stranger and was a member of Witness to Innocence where he became and outspoken advocate against wrongful conviction and the death penalty. He was exonerated from a wrongful conviction in January of 2001 after spending 13 years on death row in Angola, LA. https://www.witnesstoinnocence.org/single-post/albert-burrell

His sister Estell and brother Larry picked Albert up from Angola state prison and brought him to Shelby County Texas where he resided the remainder of his life. He was featured in a Witness to Innocence article in March of 2021 National Geographic Magazine and in The Light and Champion of Center, Tx.

Albert was born March 7, 1955 in Dallas County, TX to James Albert Burrell and Gladys Aline Burdine Hudson Burrell.

He is survived by:

Son, John Steven Dugdale

Sister, Estell Hudson Branch

Brothers: 
Jim Dawson
Larry Abshier
James Burrell
Jesse Burrell

He was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad; and brother Thomas "Tom" Burrell.

Albert was a member of First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ 480 FM 2026 Center, Tx 75935 where there will be a Memorial Service June 14, 2026 12:30 PM.

05/11/2026

Ella Faye Bridge, 71 of Nacogdoches, formerly of Huxley, passed away April 24, 2026. She was born March 22, 1955 to John and Mary Beck.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on May 30, 2026 at Toledo Bend Community Church, 2534 FM 3172, Huxley, Texas with Bro. Don Richie officiating. Her wishes were to be cremated.

She is survived by:

Children:
Tonja Ard of Huxley
Devin Bridge of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
Justin Inthavan and wife Jennifer of Nacogdoches
Tyler Inthavan and wife Sara of Nacogdoches
Eli Ard of Huxley
Christian Wilbanks of Hurricane, Utah

Great-grandchildren:
Jayleigh and Jett Inthavan of Nacogdoches
Liam Inthavan of Nacogdoches

Brothers:
Tony Beck of Quitman, Arkansas
John Beck of Jonesboro, Arkansas
Donald Beck of Jonesboro, Arkansas

Sisters:
Inez Kight of Yukon, Oklahoma
Joyce Hill of Harrisburg, Arkansas
Mary Stepp of Fort Worth
Chris Irandousti of Fort Worth
Sandra Sorenson of Utah
Donna Romero of Halton City, Texas

A large host of nieces and nephews

Special friends:
Rossie Ransom of Shelbyville
Macie McGowan of Nacogdoches

Proceeded in death by parents, John and Mary Beck; sister, Debra Beck; son, Donald Wilbanks, and grandson, Bradley Ard.

Online condolences can be made at https://www.thememorialchapels.com/obituaries/ella-bridge.

05/06/2026

Curtis Alvin Lister, 74, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026. He was born on July 27, 1951 to Alvin and Norvie Lister in Texas.

Visitation is from 11am until 6pm on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas. Funeral service is at 2pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Triumph Church, 908 Daniel Street, Center, Texas. Eulogist is Rev. Winston Kibbles.

Curtis worked at Tyson for 10 years, and Hallmark for 10 years.

He is preceded in death by father, Alvin Lister; mother, Norvie Lister; sister, Linda Meeks; niece, Chantina Lister; and brother-in-law and best friend, Donald Lofton.

He is survived by:

Significant Other, Deloise Walker Lister

Siblings:
Sister, Vanessa Perkins Lister
Brother, Riley Lister
Brother, Alan Ray Lister
Sister, Karen Lofton
Brother, Hyman Lister

Nieces and Nephews:
Niece, Tammy Nicole Eutsey
Nephew, Deljon Lister
Nephew, La-Trevion Lister
Niece, Shinay Lofton
Niece, LaDonna Philips
Nephew, Derrick Lofton
Niece, Bria Meeks
Nephew, Taigen Meeks

A host of great-nephews and great-nieces.

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

05/06/2026

Doris Marie Rather, 76, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2026. She was born on February 6, 1950.

Visitation is at 11am until 6pm on Friday, May 8, 2026 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. A celebration of life service will be held at 11am on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, 8033 FM 2026. Interment is at Mt. Gillion Cemetery. Repass at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, 5545 State Hwy 87 N, Center, Texas 75935.

Doris' life journey began on February 8, 1950, in the small town of Timpson, Texas. She was born the fifth child of the twelve children of the late Lee Berk and Lola Mae Jackson Rather. She was the third of seven girls.

Doris was always very strong and a hard worker in everything she did. She had an unusual strength about her that was unexplainable. However, one explanation was that she was a strong Christian woman. She was a praying woman and full of Faith which allowed her to accomplish many things. She was very creative and she loved working with children. She was a servant from her heart and loved doing things for people.

Doris graduated from Timpson High School in 1968 earning the Valedictorian of her class. After graduation, she entered Texas College in Tyler, Texas. Thanks to our math teacher in Timpson who was from Tyler, Mrs. Essie J. Carr, Doris became the first of our family to attend college.

After her second year at Texas College, she moved to Sweetwater, Texas with her oldest sister, Mary Horn. Doris began working as a seamstress at Wall's Industry, a coat factory in Sweetwater, until she retired. This is where she raised her two sons as a single mother providing everything they needed, putting them both through college. Sometimes she worked two jobs. Doris was a very dedicated Mother.

Doris united with the New Prospect Baptist Church in Timpson and was baptized along with several other young people in the Deacon Chairman's pond, at the age of twelve. Our parents made sure we were in Sunday School and Church every Sunday and were taught the Word of God.

After moving to Sweetwater, Doris united with Greater Zion Baptist Church where the late Rev. William Jackson served as pastor. She was very active in her church there in Sweetwater where she became the Youth Directress, choir member, church custodian, Vacation Bible School Directress, Culinary Ministry, and wherever else she was needed.

Doris later relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and united with Mt. Carmel Baptist church where she was very active until her health failed. She served as Deaconess President, Youth Sponsor, Vacation Bible School Director, Choir member, Girl Scout Sponsor, etc. She loved outreach and serving others. She would personally prepare meals for families who lost loved ones. She would often make things and deliver them to Nursing Homes, she was a part of the visitation Ministry with deacons who administered Communion to the sick and shut in, she would make things for her neighbors in her apartment complex which was for disabled Seniors. She also worked at a Church Day Care where she was over the kitchen. She prepared meals for the children and prepared food for the parishioners every Wednesday night. Doris was a phenomenal woman!!

Doris suffered many hardships in her life, but she pressed onward with very strong convictions, She went through so much, but yet she pressed on by the Grace of God. She could truly say as Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:7-8, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day...'

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Berk and Lola Mae Jackson Rather; two brothers - Nelson and Paul Rather; and two sisters - Mary Horn and Gladys Simon.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Sons:
Durl Lyn Rather (Tracy), Arlington, Texas
William "Billy" Rather (Allison), Alexandria, Louisiana

Godsons: Kerrington and Kylan

Brothers:
Samuel Rather of Nacogdoches, Texas
Michael Rather of Nacogdoches, Texas
Clifford Lynn Rather of Nacogdoches, Texas

Sisters:
Linda Black, Nacogdoches, Texas
Alice Snow Mosley, Tyler, Texas
Joyce Johnson, Center, Texas
Josie Rather of Houston, Texas
Birdie Kelley of Houston, Texas
Shelia Rather of Houston, Texas

Sister/niece: Sharon (Darryl) Dickey, Little Rock, Arkansas

Grandchildren:
Ellie Maris and Noah Harrison Rather, Arlington, Texas
Ayden Rather, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas 75935.

05/06/2026

Mr. Johnnie Mack Harper “Skippa Mack”, age 73, of San Augustine, Texas departed this physical life on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at his residence in San Augustine, Texas. DOB: 09/01/1952 - DOD: 05/03/2026

Funeral Service Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 12:00 Noon located at Reed Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Timothy Teal, Officiating Minister and Interment: Lane Town Cemetery.

Viewing Friday, May 08, 2026 at 2pm until 6:30pm located at  Garner & Son Chapel.

Survivors: 

Sons:
Jarvis Harper of San Augustine, Texas
Jonavic “Macshayne” Harper of Nacogdoches, Texas
Massaud Williams ( Romecia) of Center, Texas

Daughters:
Jasmine Harper of Lufkin, Texas
Latoya Miller (Kendrick) of San Augustine, Texas
Sha-Ryiah Harper of San Augustine, Texas

A host of Grandchildren, great-grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren

Sisters:
Verna Williams of Garland, Texas
Altee Harris of Flint, Michigan

As well as, a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

 Services are under the direction of Percy Garner & Son Mortuary, 304 Irons Rd. San Augustine, Texas 75972. https://www.percygarner.com/

05/05/2026

Graveside services for Doris Dale (Faussett) Hooper, 70, of Henderson, TX, will be held at 2:30 PM, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Woodlawn Cemetery with Bro. Kevin Windham officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM, at Taylor Funeral Home.

Doris was born on January 3, 1956, in Center and passed away on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Holiday Nursing Home in Center. She was the daughter of George Dewey and Hortense Faussett. Doris attended Angelina College as well as Dallas Community Christian College.

Growing up, she worked at Fred Hudson Hardware as a clerk and later as a caregiver for family.  Doris and her family attended Little Life Tabernacle in the James Community. She stayed in touch with two high school friends, Cathy and Beverly which she spoke of quite often. In 2024, Doris went on a cruise to Cozumel and had a great time. She also enjoyed beginning her mornings with a good cup of black coffee and her times listening to Elvis Presley recordings. Doris was also a lover of animals, raising many fur-babies through the years.

Doris became a member of the Hooper family and was considered as a daughter and sister. She was dearly loved by the Hooper family.

Doris resided in Henderson and spent several years living there. She spent many hours watching evangelist Joyce Meyers early in the morning, loved reading her bible and sending special words and verses of encouragement through Facebook. Another favorite past time would be spent with her friend Stacie playing board games such as Scrabble and Yahtzee.

Melisa, one of her daughters, would sing Doris’ favorite hymns to her when she came to visit. Through Doris’ health issues, she stayed strong with her faith from God.

The family would like to thank UT Henderson, Holiday Nursing Home staff and Heart to Heart Hospice for the love, compassion and care for our Doris.

05/04/2026

Chris Windham, 60, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Lufkin.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Bro. Kevin Windham will officiate.  Interment will follow at Patroon Cemetery in the Patroon Community of Shelby County.

Born December 1, 1965, in Pineville, Louisiana, Chris is the daughter of Keith Winston Bolton and Betty Ann Thomasee Bolton. Her hobbies included working in her flower beds, listening to music, reading, and shopping with her girls. She had a career in nursing for 25+ years. Chris was a member of Patroon Baptist Church in the Patroon Community of Shelby County.

She is survived by:
Husband, Jeffrey Nile Windham of Shelbyville

Daughters:
Jami Windham and her wife Mary Georges of Houston
Kacie Windham of Houston

Brothers:
Bryan Bolton of Shelbyville
Major General Charles Bolton and his wife Stacey Bolton of Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

Sister, Pamela Butler of Greenwood, Louisiana

In-laws:
Patsy and George Essary
Donald and Linda Windham
Bryan and Lori Windham
Jason and Pam Windham
Chad and Kimberlee Mills

Numerous nieces and nephews. 

Preceded in death by her parents, Keith Winston Bolton and Betty Ann Thomasee Bolton.

We would like to extend special thanks to Hospice in the Pines, Gaby Padilla and the amazing members of Patroon Baptist Church for all their support.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Patroon Baptist Church Youth Fund. Donations can be sent via Venmo @Mary-Georges or to their treasurer, Sandy Jenkins at 228 County Road 2156, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.

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

04/29/2026

Donald (Don) Raymond Johnson Sr., 76, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, in Center, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on September 22, 1949, to the late Raymond Johnson and Joy Windham Johnson. 

(Due to inclement weather this will be held at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel) Graveside services will be held at 10am on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, Texas, with Bro. Wes Hall, Rev. Melba Rodgers, and Shelia Gregston officiating.

Don’s life began in Center, Texas, where he was born at the Old Center Sanitarium. He graduated from Center High School and went on to earn his associate’s degree from Panola College. Later, he met the love of his life, Jennifer Spurlock Warr, and the two were united in marriage on January 29, 1982. Together, they built a life centered on family, love, and lasting memories.

Don retired from CCC Construction Group in 2017, where he served as an On-site Safety Supervisor. He took great pride in his work and was deeply committed to the responsibility of keeping others safe.

In his free time, Don had a love for airplanes, antique cars, and could often be found enjoying episodes of Gunsmoke on television. He also had a special place in his heart for his beloved fur babies, who brought him much joy and companionship.

He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, quiet strength, and a lifetime of memories that will be cherished and shared for generations to come.

He leaves behind:

Loving wife of 44 years, Jennifer Johnson

Children:
Donnie Johnson and wife Vicki
Randy Johnson and wife Crystal
Sonya Wilburn and husband Bradley

Grandchildren:
Lynn Johnson and wife Melissa
Mitchell Johnson
George Johnson and wife Lauren
Carson Wilburn
Emma Wilburn

Great-granddaughter, Maya Johnson

Brother, Ron Johnson and wife Marsha

Sisters:
Shelia Gregston and husband Eugene
Cherie Hall and husband Wes

Brother-in-laws:
Michael Spurlock and wife Shirley
Jeffrey Spurlock

Special Friends:
Rex Rains
David Ducote

Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. 

Don is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Johnson; mother, Joy Windham Johnson Wells; sisters, Pamela Johnson Barnett and Kathryn Johnson Hines. 

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Harbor Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Don during his final months.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Harbor Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Don during his final months.

Pallbearers serving will be Bradley Wilburn, Carson Wilburn, Randy Johnson, Donnie Johnson, Ron Johnson, Eugene Gregston, Steven Eaves, and Rex Rains.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Eat and Meet Club.

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