Obituaries
07/24/2023
Dixie Ruth Taylor, 81, of Rosenberg, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 22, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Rosenberg, Texas. She was born on October 18, 1941, in Lone Cedar, Texas, between Center and Joaquin to Richard Wagstaff and Janie Huff Wagstaff.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 10AM at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas with L.D. Eddins officiating. Interment will follow at Willow Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9AM at Mangum Funeral Home.
She married Joe H. Taylor in 1958 and raised 3 children. The family resided in Louisiana for many years until settling in Rosenburg, Texas. Dixie drove the school bus for Lamar CISD until retirement and then drove the school bus for Needville ISD for many more years. Following the passing of her husband Joe after 58 years of marriage, Dixie married Ralph Barnes of Rosenberg until his passing a few years later.
Dixie was a member of Avenue N Church of Christ in Rosenberg, Texas. For the past few years Dixie has resided in Fort Bend Healthcare Center in Rosenberg, Texas battling a lengthy illness.
Survived by:
Sons:
Richard H. Taylor Sr. and wife Susie of Damon, Texas
William E. Taylor of Rosenburg, Texas
Daughter,
Donna Taylor Wilson and husband Craig of Sargent, Texas
Grandchildren,
Rick Taylor and Jenifer Norville of Needville, Texas
Joani Taylor Masliah and husband Romain of Sulniac, France
Tammy Taylor Lopez and husband Daniel of Rosenberg, Texas
Megan Taylor Brenner and husband Eric of Yokosuka, Japan
Trevor Preuss of Wallis, Texas
Kaitlyn Preuss Smyth and husband Josh of Wallis, Texas
9 Great-Grandchildren
Dixie is preceded in death by her husbands, Joe Howard Taylor, Ralph Barnes; parents, Richard E. Wagstaff and Janie Huff Wagstaff Hughes; daughters, Beverly Jane Taylor, Laura Jane Taylor; sisters, Francis Rendon and Mary Clark.
Pallbearers serving will be Bill Taylor, Richard Taylor, Patrick Layton, Rene Rendon, Daniel Lopez, Aiden Lopez, and Craig Wilson.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
07/25/2023
Dustin Mikel Sanford, 33, of Center, was taken to heaven by angels on July 21, 2023. Although he was taken so young, we know he is at peace now. Dustin will be so dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at Noon, Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Dustin was looking forward to all of the changes and new beginnings in his life. His happiest moments and times in life were the times he spent with his daughter, Gracie Bug. There wasn’t a second in any given day that he wasn’t thinking about his daughter.
Dustin absolutely loved playing with his remote control cars with his friend, David. Dustin loved going out in the boat, riding four-wheelers, hunting, and most of all, spending time with his family that he loved so much.
Left to cherish his memory is:
Mother who loved him so dearly, Sandy Sanford and fiancé Keith Shields of Center
Daughter, Micah Grace Sanford of Center
Brother, Bradley Richards (Duck) and fiancé Lora Harrell of Center
Sisters:
Nikki Postell and husband, Ben of Center
Montana Windham and husband, Julian of LaPorte
Lexie Sanford and her mother, Misty Yencho of Houston
Uncles:
Chris Tyre of Center
Chucky Tyre and Mandy of Huxley
Robert Sanford of Tennessee
David Sanford and Shauna of Center
Aunts:
Betty Byrd and husband Bill of Channelview
Linda McCauley and O’Neal of Nacogdoches
Oveta Pyburn and James of Tennessee
Vada Skelton and Jimmy of Garrison
Jeannie Moore of Groveton
Many cousins and friends who loved Dustin
Special friends, David and Sheila Holbrook
Nieces and nephews:
Kiersten Layne Richards
Bradley Connor Richards
Paisley Windham
Mason Windham
Preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Charles and Mary Tyre; nephew, Bradley Kent Richards; cousin, Patrick Dustin Tyre; father, Mikel Wayne Sanford; paternal grandparents, Robert and Nell Sanford; aunt and uncle; Adaa and Granville Rasberry; and uncle, W.C. Sanford.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/25/2023
Norma Gene Bates, 74, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on July 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was born on February 15, 1949, in Center, Texas, to the late Aaron Avery Blount Sr. and Girtuce Parker Blount.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home from 6-8PM.
Graveside service will be held at 10AM on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Willow Grove Cemetery, Joaquin, Texas, with Bro. Joe Halliway officiating.
Norma was born and raised in Shelby County. She graduated from Joaquin High School. Norma married the love of her life, Conald Webb Bates, on July 13, 1967, and the two were blessed with over 54 years together before his passing in 2022. Norma took great pride in raising her son Michael. Norma loved spending time with her family and her grandchildren. She enjoyed tending to her flowers. Norma had the greatest green thumb. She could grow anything. She loved her furry companion “Lucky” as they took care of one another. Norma loved the Lord and enjoyed time spent with her church family at Fellowship Baptist Church.
She is survived by:
Son, Michael Bates and wife Julie
Grandson, Zachary Bates
Grandson-in-law, Ryan Felder
Sisters:
Mickie Shull
Sandra Stephens and husband Jimmy
A host of family of friends that will miss her dearly.
Norma is preceded in death by her husband, Webb Bates; infant daughter, Meta Michelle Bates; granddaughter, Kara Bates-Felder; sister, Clara Ann Touchstone; and brother, Aaron Blount Jr.
Pallbearers serving will be Lynn Stephens, Earnest Claybrook, Gunner Claybrook, Dale Blount, Lane Bates, and James Leggett.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
07/25/2023
Brenda Marie Cassell, 61, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, July 24, 2023, in Shelbyville.
Funeral service will be held at 10am, Friday, July 28, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Interment will follow at Dunnigan Cemetery in Shelby County.
Born July 28, 1961, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Brenda is the daughter of James Vaught and Wanda Ezernack Vaught. She attended East Hamilton Baptist Church.
She is survived by:
Husband, Randy Cassell of Shelbyville
Sister, Cindy Lowe and husband James
Brother, James “J.C.” Vaught and wife Chelsie
Preceded in death by her parents, James Vaught and Wanda Ezernack Vaught.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/18/2023
Robert Allen Larson, 80 of Joaquin, Texas, passed away Monday, July 17, 2023, in Tyler, Texas.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
Born October 4, 1942, Robert is the son of Wilma Larson. He was married to Corinne Larson (divorced) and had three daughters. Robert worked as a line cook and manager of multiple restaurants around Faribault, MN. Robert enjoyed playing guitar, going to concerts, and collecting coins and stamps. He cherished the time he spent with his family and many friends.
He is survived by:
Daughters:
Tanya Davis and husband Danny
Lynn Larson
Dionne Hankins and husband Micah
Grandchildren:
Mason Davis
Joshua Larson
Jacob Stehlik
Jordan Larson
Jaxson Hankins
Jonah Hankins
Mother of their children, Corinne Larson
Great friends:
Charlie Samons
Dale Caron
Dale Schwartz
Preceded in death by mother, Wilma Larson; and great friends Leonard and Goldie Sorbel.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/18/2023
Lon L. Biggers, 73 of Missouri City, Texas, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023. He was born to the late Andrew and Johnnie Biggers in San Augustine, Texas on October 20, 1949.
Lon was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Mae Pearl Price Biggers in October of 2020.
Funeral service will be held at New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, 4711 Kelley Street, Houston, Texas 77026, under the leadership of Pastor Christopher Moore on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 10am. Committal is at Haley Bush Cemetery in San Augustine, Texas, Bland Lake Community.
Visitation is from 9am until 10am prior to the funeral service at New Mount Calvary MBC, 4711 Kelley Street, Houston, Texas 77026.
He is survived by:
Children:
Kenneth Price of Missouri City, Texas
Stanley Price of Missouri City, Texas
Vermona Price of Missouri City, Texas
Tarsha Boykin of Missouri City, Texas
10 Grandchildren
6 Great-Grandchildren
Siblings:
Willie F. Garrett of San Augustine
Alton Biggers of San Augustine
LeRoy Biggers of Tyler
For more detailed announcement visit: https://www.barkleyfuneralhome.com. Services entrusted to Hicks Mortuary of Center and Barkley Memorial Funeral Home of Houston.
07/18/2023
Bonnie Baggett, 85, of Center, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Center.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 21, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Bob Baggett officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.
Born November 22, 1937, in Shelby County, Bonnie is the daughter of Calvin Roy Belsha and Nellie Mae Spratley Belsha.
She is survived by:
Son, Curtis Baggett and wife Sherry
Grandchildren:
Delainey Baggett
Desirae Perry
Cody Baggett
Brandon Childs
6 great-grandchildren
4 great great grandchildren
Sister, Nelwyn Ables
Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and other family and friends
Preceded in death by husband, John T. Baggett; son Kenneth Baggett; parents, Calvin Roy Belsha and Nellie Mae Spratley Belsha; brothers, Howard Belsha, Lamar Belsha, and Calvin Belsha; and sister, Reva Pugh.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/18/2023
Billy Paul Nolan, 61, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed into his new life on July 18, 2023, Fort Worth, Texas. He was born on August 27, 1961, to William Paul Nolan and Billie Maxine Williams Nolan.
Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Friday, July 21, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Chris Collins officiating. Interment will follow at McClelland Cemetery.
Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9AM at Mangum Funeral Home.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Bill lived his entire life in Fort Worth Texas. He graduated from Haltom High School in 1979. He took several courses in Diesel Mechanics. He was employed with Marcuse & Son for over 22 years where he served as a diesel mechanic and shop foreman. Bill loved East Texas and his grandpa and Grandma Williams. He especially enjoyed going to Toledo Bend and eating catfish at the local restaurant and wandering on the backroads. He was a kind, caring individual. He will truly be missed by his mom, Maxine, and Ms. Rene Watts and family of Fort Worth who were his caring and loving family also.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Bill is survived by his mother, Maxine Nolan.
He is preceded in death by his father, William Paul Nolan.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
07/18/2023
Funeral services for Ellen Jean Matheny (Jeanie), 61, of Huxley, Texas will be Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 am at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Gordon Vaughn and Bro. Son Windham officiating. Jeanie passed away peacefully in her home on July 17, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Interment will follow at Wimberly Cemetery under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, prior to the service beginning at 9AM at Mangum Funeral Home.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Jeanie was born in Henderson Texas on November 15, 1961, to JB & Mary Dorsey. She grew up in Lakeport and lived for many years in Henderson. She spent the last 25 years residing in Huxley. Jeanie was known for her charismatic, cheerful, and loving personality. She was a member of Lydia MBC.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Jeanie always put others first and loved to visit and share stories. She was a firm believer in her Lord and Savior. Jeanie loved to fish, garden, watch Grey’s Anatomy and spend time with friends and family.
Jeanie is survived by:
Daughters:
Bridgett Smith and husband Stacy
Gina Jones and husband Aaron
Brooke Cartwright and husband Dylan
Grandchildren:
Amelia Joy Jones
Lee Howell
Billy Wyatt Jr
Cheyenne Wyatt
Numerous great-grandchildren
Sister, Renee VanDeCarr and husband Clay VanDeCarr
Nephews:
Skyler Gilpatrick, wife Mallori
Conner Gilpatrick, wife Kaitlynn
Great-nephew, Maverick McCoy.
Special friends Jamie Jamison, Betsy Freeman, and Travis Long.
Jeanie is preceded in death by her parents, JB Dorsey, Art and Mary Mixon.
Pallbearers serving will be Dale LaGrone, Roy Davis, Joe Wallace, Bobby Costello, Keith Bauer, and Jonathan Lumpkin (Boogie).
Honorary pallbearers serving will be Travis Long, Jeremy Dorsey, Javey Jamison, and Randy LaGrone.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
07/18/2023
Roman Victor, age 4, of Houston passed away on July 11, 2023, in Houston.
Roman was born to Roderick Victor and Jasmine Johnson of Houston on March 8, 2019.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 10:00 AM at The Church at Bethel’s Family located 12660 Sandpiper Dr. Houston, Texas 77035.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 20, 2023, from the hours of 8:30 AM until 10:00 AM.
This article is copied from Shelby County Today without permission.
Roman is survived by:
Parents, Roderick Victor and Jasmine Johnson of Houston
Grandparents. Stanley and Sharon “Sherry” Johnson on Houston
Local Survivors:
Great-Great-Uncle, Lucky (Wilda) Gardner of Center
Great-Great-Aunt, Betty Gardner Sander (John) of Center
A host of cousins and friends.
Online Streaming: The Church at Bethel’s Family web address www.bethelsfamily.org
Services are under the direction of Hicks Mortuary and Johnson Funeral Home of Houston.
07/17/2023
Bobby Lane Waller was born on October 24, 1964 to George Sidney Waller and Onida Christine Bailey Waller in San Augustine, TX. Bobby was a member of Center Christian Fellowship & The Called Out Church where he often preached & co-pastored. He truly had a servant heart and loved his church family.
Bobby Lane Waller, 58 passed away surrounded by his loving wife and three children as well as his brother and sister in law, into his eternal home Sunday July 16, 2023 at Nacogdoches Medical Center.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home with Bro. Don Murphree, Bro. Grant Murphree, and Sister LaVita Vincent officiating. Interment will follow at Neuville Cemetery in Shelby County.
Bobby was loved by more people than he even knew, he always said “Everybody loves Bob, if you don’t believe me just ask me, I’ll tell you”.
Survived by:
Wife of 35 years, who his devotion to was unwavering, Angela Christine Windham Waller
Children:
Erica Kelsey Waller (Key) and fiancé Matt Bone
JoAnna Marie Waller (RooRoo)
Clayton Samuel Waller (Sambo) and fiancé Savannah Rose Spann
Son-in-law; Michael Neuwirth and wife Lauren.
Grandchildren:
Sydney Neuwirth
Chase Neuwirth
Skyler Smith
Caden Neuwirth
Kaydence Smith
Everly Neuwirth
Sister; Lona Risinger and husband Jerry
brother; Lamech Waller and wife Michelle
Nieces and nephews:
Cheryl Lummus and husband Tracy
Pam Wilson and husband Faron
Janette Duffey
Nicole Woodall and husband Chris
Bradley Waller and wife Amber
Bryan Waller and wife Haley
Briana Michon and husband Matt
Bryce Waller
Best friends and brothers/sisters in Christ:
Cecil Chessher and wife Gina
Ronnie Smith and wife Joann
a host of great nieces and nephews, friends and church family.
Father-in-law; Roger Windham
brother-in-law; Max Windham and wife Tracy
aunts:
Ethel Gee
Jerry Ann Bailey
Carrie Ann Bailey.
He is proceeded in death by his daughter; Heather Christina Waller Neuwirth, parents; George Sidney Waller and Onida Christine Bailey Waller; mother-in-law; Maurine Windham.
Pallbearers will include Clayton Waller, Bradley Waller, Bryan Waller, Bryce Waller, Justin Lummus, Jerry Kibodeaux, Matt Michon, Logan Duffey, and Skyler Smith.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/17/2023
William Gordon Corbell, 89, of Shelbyville, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023, in Shelbyville.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelby County with Mike Belgard and Joey Gennaro officiating.
Born June 9, 1934, in Shelby County, William is the son of William Perry Corbell and Aileen English Corbell. He was a member of Association of Drilling Contractors and Patroon Baptist Church.
He is survived by:
Wife of 70 years, Nell Hitt Corbell of Shelbyville
Daughter, Lisa Corbell Gennaro and husband Joey of Center
Grandchildren:
Robert McDonald of Tucson, Arizona
Meghan McDonald and husband Brad of Midland
Great-grandchildren:
Caleb McDonald
Joshua McDonald
Mark Berryhill
Marlee Berryhill
Colt Berryhill
Mackenzee Berryhill
Violet McDonald
Numerous friends and relatives.
Preceded in death by parents, William Perry Corbell and Aileen English Corbell; son-in-law, Mark McDonald; sister, Wilma Campbell; and brothers, Gerald Corbell and Billy Jack Corbell.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Hamilton Cemetery.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/17/23
Sandra Gayle (Ramsey) Cantrell, 75, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023 in Lufkin, Texas. She was born on December 26, 1947 in Center, to the late Roy and Oleta Ramsey.
Graveside services will be held at 10am on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at Shady Grove Cemetery in Timpson, Texas with Orval Miller officiating.
Sandra grew up in Timpson where she graduated from Timpson High School in 1966. She worked for 38 years as an insurance sales assistant for State Farm. She was known as “Bird” to many co-workers and friends. Sandra had a love of country music and dancing. She met Gary while dancing in Lufkin, Texas. The two were smitten immediately and went on to marry on May 20, 1989. She had put up with Gary for over 34 years at the time of her passing. Sandra took joy in building and refinishing furniture. She could spend hours antiquing. Sandra loved being outdoors and took great pride in her gardens. Sandra was the best traveling partner and took many trips with Connie and Gary. She was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hudson, Texas. Sandra’s memory will be treasured, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Sandra is survived by:
Loving husband, Gary Cantrell
Daughters:
Connie Burnett
Amanda Lasiter and husband, Grant
Grandchildren:
Eli Lasiter
Adeline Lasiter
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Oleta (Thornton) Ramsey and an infant daughter, Tanya Gayle.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hospice in the Pines.
Services are under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home of Timpson. Online condolences can be made at taylorfh.net.
07/14/2023
Pascal Broach, 85, of Panola County, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in San Augustine.
His wishes were to be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Born September 3, 1937, in Lafayette, Louisiana, Pascal is the son of Betram Broach and Sudie Mae Jenkins Broach. He was family oriented, devoting his life to his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by:
Daughters, Leah and husband Travis Adams of Gary
Jennifer and husband Billy Wyatt of Timpson
Granddaughters:
Emma Adams of Gary
Susan-Mary Kaly Russell of Timpson
Great-grandchildren:
Joseph and Alondra Benavides of Timpson
Sisters and brother:
Betty Walters of Houston
Rodney Broach of Houston
Martha Jordan of North Carolina.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/14/2023
Vera M. Bailey Dubose, 88, of Keithville, Louisiana, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate. Interment will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Joaquin.
Born September 15, 1934, in Joaquin, Vera is the daughter of Walter S. Bailey and Oda M. Walker. She worked many years at Industrial Steel in Shreveport, Louisiana. Vera enjoyed Genealogy and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star Joaquin Chapter. Her favorite color was purple. She attended Pine Ridge Church in Joaquin and Caddo Heights Baptist Church in Shreveport.
She is survived by:
Husband, Donald R. Dubose of Keithville, Louisiana
Children:
Randy D. Stone and wife Lynn of Deberry
Larry W. Stone of Logansport, Louisiana
Vickie M. Galles and husband Kenny of Deberry
Stepchildren:
James A. Dubose and wife Sherri of Shreveport, Louisiana
Elaine D. Darity of Valdosta, Georgia
16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren
Sister-in-law, Justine Bailey of Bossier City, Louisiana
Numerous nieces and nephews
Preceded in death by parents, Walter S. Bailey and Oda M. Walker; sister, Thelma Bailey Windham; and brother, Robert N. Bailey.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com.
07/14/2023
Ruben Soto, 63, of Timpson, was called home to be with the Lord surrounded by his loved ones on July 13, 2023, in Center.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Interment will follow at Powdrill Cemetery in Shelby County.
Born October 12, 1959, in Mercedes, Texas, Ruben is the son of Rafael Soto and Ursula Munoz Soto. He worked as a landscaper for many years. Ruben was always up for a good time, enjoying country music and dancing. Fishing was also among his hobbies. He was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Center.
He is survived by:
Daughter, Crystal Epps and husband Alex of Dallas
Sons:
Ruben M. Soto Jr. of Garrison
Jacob Soto and wife Rebecca of Garrison
Grandchildren:
Brandon Soto
Shaun Soto
Hannah Epps
Brothers and sisters:
Ralph Soto Sr. of Timpson
Vangie McGraw of Goshen, Indiana
Jane Smith and husband Eddie of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Roland Soto and wife Donna of Elkhart, Indiana
Raul Soto of Timpson
Raymond Soto and wife Bonnie of San Antonio
Mary Walker and Allen Thompson of Center
Rose Mangrum and husband Mike of Center
Rudy Soto and wife Leslie of Shreveport, Louisiana
Jackie Soto and wife Kristle of Joaquin
Moses Soto and wife Alicia of Nacogdoches
Numerous nieces and nephews
Preceded in death by parents, Rafael Soto and Ursula Munoz Soto; siblings, Herlinda Soto, Helen Simmons, Rey Soto, and Ramiro Soto.
Pallbearers will be Ralph Soto, Raymond Soto, Rudy Soto, Brandon Soto, Justin Williams, and Eric Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Raul Soto and his best friend, “C.L.”.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/13/2023
John David Adams, 62, of Tenaha, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Lufkin.
Private family burial will be held at Antioch Cemetery in Center.
Born September 20, 1960, in Center, John is the son of John R. Adams and Betty Lovell Adams. His hobbies included hunting and fishing. John was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by:
Daughter, Kasey Chambliss and husband Robbie
Mother, Betty Joy Adams
Grandchildren:
Preston Chambliss
Christian Lewis Chambliss
Wesley Chambliss
Emily Chambliss
A host of nieces, nephews and cousins
Sister, Neva Joyce Dawson
Preceded in death by father, John R. Adams; brother, J.T. Adams; grandson, Klayton Lewis Chambliss; and grandparents, Mr. Flint and Georgia Adams.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/12/2023
Sister Mirilla Hill Garrett, 95 of Shelbyville, passed away Monday morning, July 10, 2023 at home in the East Hamilton Community. She was born to the late Isiah Hill Sr. and Docia Hill on September 4, 1927, in Shelbyville, Texas.
Funeral service is Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 1pm at East Hamilton Baptist Church, Shelbyville. Visitation is Friday, July 14 at 10am until 8pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Interment is at Burton Field Cemetery, Shelbyville with Bishop Roosevelt Swindle officiating.
Mirilla Hill Garrett accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior at a very young age and joined East Hamilton Missionary Baptist Church, were she served faithfully.
She loved and enjoyed garden work. She always gave her lasted. Loved cooking for people. Specialty greens, friend chicken, dressing, and homemade ice cream.
She is preceded in death by mother, Docia Hill; father, Isiah Hill; loving husband, Lee Mathis Garrett; sons, Tyrone Garrett and Billy Hill; brothers, Isiah Hill, Jr. and Jewel Hill; and sisters, Eara Hill Welk and Agartha Tilley.
She leaves to cherish her memory:
Sister, Vernon Williams
Daughters:
Janice Hill
Kathleen Garrett-Bolton (Joe)
Son, Lee A. Garrett (LaQuista)
Special niece daughter, Eunice Washington
Fourteen grandchildren
Nine great-grandchildren
Host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
07/12/2023
Judy Kay Hutto Wilkins, 64, of Shelbyville, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023, in Center.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley. Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate.
Born July 23, 1958, Judy is the daughter of Ed Foster Hutto and Grace Pearl Davis Hutto. She worked as an LVN for 36 years. Judy loved life, especially spending time with her daughter, grandchildren, friends and family. Antiquing and thrift shopping were among her hobbies. She attended Lydia Missionary Baptist Church in Huxley.
She is survived by:
Daughter, Chastity Wilkins
Grandchildren:
Matthew Jagger Hudman
Chesney Foster Wilkins
Cutter Lee Bradshaw
Chyler Grace Bradshaw
Sister, Sheila McDonald and husband Lannie McDonald Jr.
Nephew, Lannie McDonald III
Special friend, Peggy Davis.
Preceded in death by parents, Ed Foster Hutto and Grace Pearl Davis Hutto.
Pallbearers will be Lannie McDonald Jr., Lynn Davis, Keith Oswalt, Matthew Jagger Hudman, Chesney Foster Wilkins, and Howard Davis.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com
07/11/2023
Joe Raymond Cockrell, age 69 of Grayson, Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 13, 2023, from the sanctuary of Cross Roads Baptist Church with Bro. Shane Duke and Bro. Tommy Prince officiating. Interment will follow in the Cross Roads Cemetery under direction of Riser & Son Funeral Home of Columbia. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. at the church.
Joe Raymond Cockrell was born on July 21, 1953, at Mansfield , LA to the union of his parents, James Horace Cockrell and Jo Dell Edburg and he passed from this life on July 8, 2023, at Willis Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport following an extended illness.
Joe was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and loved his family immensely. He loved chatting with the guys at Dukes Hardware in Columbia. He graduated from Texas A & M University with a Bachelors of Science Degree and participated in many different things in life. He was an active member of Holum Baptist Church and his former church Cross Roads Baptist. He served as a Sunday School teacher and even taught in the public school system. He was preceded in death by his parents, by his son, Lester Cockrell and his brother, James Cockrell.
Left to cherish his memory is:
Wife, Karen Yarbrough Cockrell of Grayson
Sons:
Jacob Lee Cockrell of Colorado
Jerry Michael Cockrell of Grayson
Anthony "Tony" Cockrell of Grayson
R. J. Cockrell of Grayson
Issac Cockrell of Grayson
Daughters:
Rachel Cockrell of Grayson
Lorie Cockrell of Grayson
Makayla Cockrell of Grayson
Sarah Cockrell of Grayson
Brothers:
Jay Dee Cockrell of Joaquin, Texas
John Cockrell of Prosper, Texas
Grandchildren:
Gabriel Cockrell
Isabella Cockrell.
Serving as pallbearers will be Brian Boyd, Ray Braddock, Tim Yarbrough, Darrell Yarbrough, Reuel Yarbrough, Stacy Yarbrough, Tracy Yarbrough and Zachary Maudsley. Honorary pallbearers include Ricky Hatten, Tony Wyant, and Howard Hogg.
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