Shelby County Today

05/26/2022

Ima Faye McClure, 89, of Tenaha, TX passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 in Carthage, TX. Ima Faye Adams was born August 6, 1932 in Tenaha, TX to the late John Henry and Lousia Bussey Adams.

She married Elfinis James McClure, Sr. and he preceded her in death in 1995. Mrs. McClure worked for over 20 years for Green Acres Nursing Home in Center and retired as the Housekeeping Supervisor.

She loved fishing, sports, watching TV and going to church. Mrs. McClure was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Benford Chapel Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; and son, Gregg McClure.

Mrs. McClure is survived by:

Children:
Maxine Berry
Elfinis James McClure, Jr.
Mattie Fields
Deborah McClure
Elvis McClure
Kenneth McClure
Aubury McClure

Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Benford Chapel Baptist Church in Tenaha with Bishop Joseph Hall, Jr. officiating. Viewing will be from 12-2:00 pm on Sunday prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the service in the St. John Cemetery in Tenaha.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.

05/23/2022

Frances Fowler Fallin went home to Jesus on May 23, 2022 at age 94.

Frances was born to Odie and Maxie Harris Fowler on April 8, 1928 in the Sardis Community. As a child, she loved playing with paper dolls that she cut from clothing catalogs and dancing. Her love for singing and dancing was with her always if it only meant humming and tapping her toe.

Frances met her husband, C.E. Fallin, Jr. in 1948 in Center, Texas. They married in 1950 and went on to have four children, Don, Mary, David and Molly. They moved from Center to Tenaha in 1953 and remained there until she moved to Lumberton and Carthage due to her health in 2019.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Frances also loved praying, teaching the Bible, praying for truck drivers as she met them on the highways, sharing with multiple Women’s Bible Study groups, praying for anyone who asked her to pray and praying in that very spot – grocery store, Walmart, sidewalk, Championship ballgame – and witnessing to others about Jesus. Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her.

Frances joins her parents, her sister, Edith, her husband, CE, and a host of other friends and family in Heaven.

She is survived by:

Children and their families:
Don Fallin, Debbie, Kelly and Kent (Megan)
Mary Chance, Katy and Nathan (Cheyenne)
David Fallin, Karen, Avery (Max) Malone, Caleb (Kaylie), Kristen (Tyler) Klien, Kaitlyn Goeke, and Colton (Lee) Goeke
Molly Lemoine, Joseph (Emily), Jade (Jeremy) Cain, Jessica (Rick) Phillips

12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren

Niece, Colette (Casey) Metcalf

Multiple other nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and cousins.

As our cousin, Tommy Parker said…’what a beautiful lady, in every sense of those words’ …a very fitting tribute…a good and faithful servant who ran and finished the race set before her. Her grandson, Caleb, said, ‘People bring up C.E. and Frances’ name at least monthly in my day-to-day journey. They had a lasting impact on people’s hearts.’

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Tenaha with visitation one hour prior. A private family graveside service will follow.

We are very appreciative of the speakers, pallbearers, music, technology: Waylon and Carolyn Moore, Tommy Parker, Gloria Swindle, Katha Wyatt, Terry Bowlin, Robert Barton, David Fallin, Mike Edens, Chip Roberson, Kelly Fallin, Kent Fallin, Joseph Lemoine, Caleb Fallin, Nathan Chance, Rick Phillips, Seraphin Miranda, who all willing agreed to serve. A special thanks goes to Sharla Ware, her caregiver, and Bentley, her self-appointed guard dog, who would not leave her side when he was with her.  Our hearts have been comforted because of you!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to: Feed the Need Food Pantry at Panola College, in care of Panola College Foundation, 1109 West Panola, Carthage, TX  75633, Attn: Jessica Pace, or online.

The Happiness of Those Who Trust in God can be found in Psalm 34.

05/23/2022

Jasper M. Pettigrew, 46 of Center, died on Friday, May 13, 2022, at his local residence.Mr. Pettigrew was born to the late Willie B. Martin and late Flora Mae Pettigrew in Center, Texas on November 11, 1975.

Jasper is apart of the Center High School class of 1995.

Memorial service will be on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at 5:00 PM at Hicks Chapel. Elder Faye Dell Allen of Strong Triumph Church will be officiating.

Jasper M. Pettigrew is survived by:

Brothers:
Ala Lee Cartwright of Nacogdoches
James Willie Cartwright of Lufkin

Uncles:
Johnnie Pettigrew of Center
Richard Martin and Thomas Martin

Aunts:
Ann Marie Pettigrew
Ervin (Ernestine) Pettigrew

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net.

05/19/2022

Mr. Kelton Jones, 22, of Center passed away May 14, 2022.

The Jones family is announcing with great sorrow of their son, brother, nephew, and grandson Kelton. Kelton transcended peacefully on May 14, 2022. Kelton was born on January 23, 2000, in Nacogdoches, Texas to Kelvin and Tina Jones.

Funeral service for Kelton will be on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Abundant Love Ministries located at 1426 Shelbyville Street in Center, Texas 75935. Rev. Sherman Graham will be officiating.  
Kelton was loved by many and will truly be missed. 

Mr. Kelton Jones is survived by:

Father: Kelvin Jones of Center 

Mother: Tina Jones of Ft. Worth

Sister: Sidney Arrington of Dallas

Grandmothers: Bobbie Ann Price of Mansfield and Ollie Mosby of Center, Texas

A host of other relatives

Visitation: On Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Committal: St John Cemetery (Africa Community)
Repass: Abundant Love Ministries 

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.

Funeral services are under the direction of Hicks Mortuary and Heavenly Gates Funeral Home of Shreveport, Louisiana.

05/17/2022

Judy Gail Eddington, 73, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday May 15th, 2022, in Center, Tx. surrounded by her loving family and caretakers. 

A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 18th   at 10:00 AM, in the Mason Cemetery, Arp, TX. Longtime family friends, Bro. Don Stanaland and Bro. Shak Arrington will be officiating.  

Judy Hickman was born to Ollie Mae and Robert Dudley Hickman in Overton, Tx. on July 13th, 1948.  Judy attended Overton High School and Barrow Beauty School in Tyler, where she went on to become a licensed instructor before joining her mom, Ollie Mae, in their home beauty shop. Judy married the love of her life, Rudy Eddington, July 1st, 1967. They raised two wonderful children together.

Judy also spent many years as a library assistant in both the Arp and Shelbyville schools before retiring with her husband in 2007. 

Judy was a long-time member of both the Overton Missionary Baptist church and the Heritage Baptist Church in Center. She loved to play the piano at church and sing in the choir.  She was an outstanding cook. She loved to be outside feeding her animals and tending to her flowers.  She also loved family holidays and traditions, but most of all, she loved her family fiercely. She was a wonderful wife to her husband, and the best Mom/G-Ma to her kids, and grandkids. She was generous and kind to everyone she met, and she never met a stranger.  

Left to cherish her memory and carry her legacy are:
Her husband of 54 years, Rudy Eddington of Shelbyville

Her daughter and son-in-law, Tressa and Robert Barrera of Denton

Her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Mandy Eddington of Nacogdoches

Granddaughters:
Hannah and Sophia Barrera of Denton
Madison Eddington of Lufkin
Elexis Eddington of Timpson

Grandson:
Dylan Eddington of Nacogdoches

Two great-grandbabies 

She is also survived by
Her brother and sister-in-law, Dudley E. and Pam Hickman of Overton
Sister and brother-in-law, Sherry and Chad Littlefield of Overton
Brother-in-law, Benny Eddington of Cumberland, Ok.
Sister-in-law, Geri Eddington of Cumberland, Ok.
Sister-in-law, Sue Eddington of Gladewater
Sister-in-law, Jeannie Eddington of New London
Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Jerry Watson of Clarksville, Tn.
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Terri Eddington of Shreveport La.

A special nurse and friend that took such great care of her, Mallory Wright

Along with numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins and many life-long friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Dudley and Ollie Mae Hickman, her brothers-in-law, Eddie and Jimmy Neil Eddington, and her nephews, Anthony, Robin, and Kevin Eddington.  

The family would like to thank all the nurses and caretakers at Holiday Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Heart to Heart Hospice for the wonderful kindness and care they provided to our beloved Judy over the past few years. 

05/14/2022

Sonya Gayle Ebarb, 61, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on Saturday morning, May 14, 2022, in Longview, Texas. She was born on December 8, 1960, in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Sonya graduated from Center High School with the class of 1979. She moved to Carthage in 1984, from Center and worked at Farmers State Bank until her retirement. Sonya married Curtis LeRoy Ebarb on April 8, 2017, at Still Waters Cowboy Church in Carthage where she was a member. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janis Youngblood Doggett and her daughter, April Michelle Parker.

She is survived by: 
Her father, Tommy Doggett of Center

Husband, Curtis Ebarb of Carthage

Son, Christopher “Joey” Parker of Carthage

Daughter-in-love, Alesia Shubert of Carthage

Father of her children, John Parker of Center

Grandchildren:
Christopher John Parker
Michaela LeAnne Parker
Ethan Lee Parker

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Matt Comer officiating. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service. 

Pallbearers are Mark Harris, David Lungren, Richard Williams, John Parker, Danny Cranford, and Matthew O’Brien. Honorary pallbearers are Dean Ebarb and Brian Cumbi.

Memorials may be made to the Panola County Cancer Coalition, Inc., P.O. Box 70, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.

05/13/2022

Beaula Fay Webster, 90, of Center, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Dale Gannon officiating.  Interment will be held at Smith Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born February 10, 1932, in the Antioch Community, Beaula is the daughter of Willie Lee Fairris and James Ora Garner. She went on to pursue a teaching career from which she retired. Her hobbies included quilting hundreds of quilts and painting. Beaula was a member of XYZ Extension Club and James Community Church of Christ.

She is survived by:
Her daughter, Susan Webster Deason and husband Loy Deason of Livingston

Sons: 
J. Ben Webster and wife Cynthia of Joaquin
Jeffrey Webster and wife Leisa of Center

Grandchildren: 
Joshua Webster
Rachel Jones Babb
Joel Webster
Crystal Jones Wadyal
Audrey Parker
Holly Webster Groeling
Evan Jones
Davis Kline
Julia Reynolds

Numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren

Special friend, Weldon English of Center

Preceded in death by husband, Earnest “Shorty” Webster; parents, Willie Lee Fairris and James Ora Garner; and brother, James Garner.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Webster, Darrell Webster, Justin Webster, Tristan Groeling, Davis Kline, and Jonathan Webster.  Honorary pallbearer will be Evan Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123, www.cancer.org/donate.

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

05/10/2022

Christopher Martinez Cleveland, 43 of Center, passed away Thursday, May 5 in Center TX. He was born December 28, 1978 to Margaret Harper and Gilbert Roberts.

Visitation will be Friday, May 13, 2022 at Community Funeral Home, Center, TX and Funeral Services will be Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 2:00pm at Abundant Love Ministries in Center TX with Minister Michael Cloudy to officiate, Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery, Center TX.

Christopher “Clyde” Cleveland was born and raised in Center, TX. He met no strangers and if you talked and listened to him long enough you would find yourself reeled in. A true definition of “Your Right Hand Man.” He enjoyed laughing and joking around with his numerous family members and friends.

Survived by:

Father: Anderson Polley Sr. of Center

Son: Mikelti Ratcliff of Center

Grandsons:
La’Vontay Ratcliff of Cener
La’Kendrick Ratcliff of Center
Emmanuel Ratcliff of Center

Brothers: 
Michael Cleveland of Center
Patrick Cleveland of Center
Tyrone Cleveland of Nacogdoches 

Sister; Sasha Johnson (Neddrick) of Dallas

Nieces: 
LaKendra Barnes of Center
Shakeria Barnes of Center
ShaKemi Cleveland of Tyler
Kemi Cleveland of Center
Mukinsely Barnes of Center 
LaShyia Walker 
Kyandra Cleveland of Katy
Yasmin Johnson of Dallas
Zha’nya Johnson of Dallas
Shymone Ratcliff of Center

Nephews:
TyDarren Harper of Center
Ja’Darren Cartwright of San Augustine
Jerome Ratcliff of Center 
Neddrick Johnson Jr. of Dallas

Special Friend: Tonail Partner of Center

Proceeded in death by parents, Margaret Harper and Gilbert Roberts; sisters, Kemi Cleveland and Kamecia Cleveland; and brother, Marcus Cleveland.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

05/10/2022

David Zane Melton, 50, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 4, 2022, in Lufkin, Texas. He was born on June 7, 1971, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Gaylon Wayne Melton and Zanna Oats.

His wishes to be cremated was honored by his family.

David was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated high school and went to work. David’s younger years he loved bike racing.  He was a car salesman for many years. He enjoyed working and meeting new people. He has a son, Colby, whom he loved immensely. David enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing with his little dog “Poppy”. He was an avid pool player. Loved to shoot pool throughout the years. He loved spending time with his family. David will be missed by family and friends.

Survived by his son, Colby Melton

Mother, Zanna Oats Melton

Sister, Gayle Lynn Stephens

A host of family and friends.

David is preceded in death by his father, Gaylon Wayne Melton.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.mangumfh.net" www.mangumfh.net.

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