Shelby County Today

05/04/2023

Lenora Jean Walton, 80, of Center, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 7, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Johnny Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Center.

Born August 23, 1942, in Center, Lenora is the daughter of Robert F. Batts and Marlene English Batts. She loved spending time outdoors in the garden, spending time with her grandkids, and watching murder mysteries.  Lenora also loved red roses and cooking for her family and friends. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:
Sons:
Terry Walton and wife Barbara of Center
Marty Walton and friend Andree of Maryland

Grandchildren:
Carla Stanley and husband Simon of Center
Sherry Cougler and husband Lucas of Center
Daniel Walton and wife Sumer of Center
Beth Lynch and husband Nathan of Joaquin
Misty Kirkland of Arlington

Great-grandchildren:
Haleigh Lynch of Joaquin
Phoenix Cougler of Center
Bryleigh Lynch of Joaquin
Kynleigh Walton of Center
Kaitlynn Stanley of Center
Cutter Lynch of Joaquin
Baylen Chaney of Center
Deacon Walton of Center
Mac Walton of Center

Brother, Mark Batts of Joaquin

Sister-in-law, Beverly Batts of Florida

Brother-in-law, Sam Walton and wife Becky of Stanley, Louisiana

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by husband, Billy Mac Walton; daughter, Belinda Walton Kirkland; parents, Robert F. Batts and Marlene English Batts; and brothers, Wayne Batts and wife Kay and David Batts.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Walton, Lucas Cougler, Simon Stanley, Phoenix Cougler, Nathan Lynch, and Jim Dearman.  Honorary pallbearers will be Cutter Lynch, James Windham, Sam Walton, Baylen Chaney, Deacon Walton, Mac Walton, and Mark Batts.

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

05/02/2023

Anayeli Rojas M., 31, of Center, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023, at St. Therese Catholic Church in Center. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born March 5, 1992, in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico, Anayeli is the daughter of Romal Rojas and Zita Mesquitillo. She enjoyed being nail technician and beauty operator. Most of all, she loved spending time with her niece and nephew. She was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Parents, Romal Rojas and Zita Mesquitillo of Center

Sister, Blanca Rojas and husband Mauricio of Center

Nephew, Julian Suasto of Center

Niece, Camila Suasto of Center

Grandmother, Matilda Balderas of Center

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

Anayeli Rojas M., de 31 años, de Center, falleció el Martes 2 de Mayo de 2023 en Nacogdoches.

El velorio se realizará a partir de las 4:00 p.m. hasta las 8:00 p.m. de Jueves 4 de Mayo de 2023 en Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. El funeral se llevará a cabo el viernes 5 de Mayo de 2023 a las 2:00 p.m. en la Iglesia Católica St. Therese en Center. El entierro seguirá en Oaklawn Memorial Park en Center.

Nacida el 5 de Marzo de 1992 en Celaya, Guanajuato, México, Anayeli es hija de Romal Rojas y Zita Mesquitillo. Le gustaba ser técnica de uñas y operadora de belleza. Sobre todo, le encantaba pasar tiempo con su sobrina y su sobrino. Era miembro de la Iglesia Católica St. Therese en Center.

Le sobreviven sus padres, Romal Rojas y Zita Mesquitillo del Center; hermanas, Blanca Rojas y esposo Mauricio del Center; sobrino, Julián Suasto del Center; sobrina, Camila Suasto del Center; y abuela, Matilda Balderas del Center.

Se pueden enviar condolencias y tributos en línea a www.watsonandsonsfh.com

05/01/2023

Bertha Irene Jacobs, 94, of Center, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2023, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Don Windham officiating. Interment will follow at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born December 13, 1928, Irene is the daughter of Johnny Walker and Susan Gilis Walker. She enjoyed working in her yard.

She is survived by:

Son, Roy Jacobs Jr. and wife, Lisa

Grandchildren:
Brent Jacobs and wife, Leslie
Lindsay Jacobs Porter and husband, Jon
Leslie Jones Pless

Great-grandchildren:
Gauge Porter
Zoey Porter
Tatum Jacobs
Lawson Jacobs
Zane Jacobs
Molly Pless
Riley Pless
Samuel Pless

Preceded in death by husband, Roy Jacobs Sr.; parents, Johnny Walker and Susan Gilis Walker; and sister, Anabell Stanley.

Pallbearers will be Harold Ray Jacobs, Brent Jacobs, David Hemphill, Hal Jacobs, David Jacobs, and Gaylord Howard.

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

04/25/2023

Robert Jesse Beddoe, 84, of Galveston, Texas, passed away on April 23, 2023, in Canyon Lake, Texas, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born on February 27, 1939 in Wichita, Kansas to the late Walter Beddoe and Gladys (Shanks) Beddoe. He was known as Bobby Beddoe to everyone that knew him.

Graveside service will be held at 2 PM on Friday, April 28, 2023, at Jackson Cemetery, Joaquin.

Bobby was born in Wichita, Kansas. He grew up in San Benito, Texas, and graduated from San Benito High School. He later attended Stephen F. Austin State University, receiving a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree. He would later earn a Master's in Industrial Technology from the University of Houston.

He married the love of his life, Dolorus Neel, on December 23, 1967. The two spent many wonderful years together before her passing in 2005.

After retiring from AT&T, Bobby went to work teaching technology classes for Bryan ISD. After that he began teaching at Houston Community College, becoming the Department of Technology Chair for Houston Community College South. While living in the Canyon Lake area, he served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Hill Country Museum for many years.

One place Bobby always felt at home was anywhere there was salt water. He had a special love for Galveston, Texas, and lived in that area several times. He loved saltwater fishing and being on the beach.

Bobby loved archaeology and history. He also loved writing -- authoring several articles for amateur archaeology magazines. He also wrote several historical fiction novels, including "Sabinetown". He gave many talks on Native American history in Canyon Lake public libraries. Bobby was a proud member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and loved discussing Texas history.

Bobby is survived by:

Sons:
Joe Beddoe of Austin
Wally Beddoe of Connecticut

Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Dolorus Beddoe; daughter, Debbie Beddoe; infant son, Benjamin Beddoe; grandson Jake Beddoe; parents Walter and Gladys Beddoe; and special friend, Nancy Phippeny.

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

04/24/2023

Joe Scot (Scotty) Ramsey, 75, passed away at his home in Magnolia, Texas on Saturday, the 8th of April 2023. His high school sweetheart and wife of 55 years, Dorice Gafford Ramsey, was by his side. Scot was born on March 13th, 1948, in Memphis, TN to Samuel Price Ramsey, Jr. and Helen Stivers Ramsey Hardy but spent his childhood growing up in Center, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father and mother and his sister, Barbara Ramsey Hightower Bufford, and stepfather Augustus Lipscomb “Gus” Hardy.

Scot is survived by:

Loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Dorice Gafford Ramsey

Daughter, Jo Lea Ramsey Froehlich

Son-in-law, Kelly Froehlich

Grandchildren, Collin and Kyndall Froehlich

Three stepsisters:
Karen Hardy Lundberg
Kathy Hardy Lanham
Beth Hardy Holt who all reside in Texas.

Scot had many accomplishments throughout life. In high school he was on the Center Junior Rifle Club ranking 231st out of 3,000 competitors in NRA sectional tournaments where his 4-person rifle team ranked 4th best high school team in the nation. He went on to break existing shooting record and was declared State 4-H Rifle Champion in 1963. Golf was another sport he excelled at and enjoyed throughout his life, winning numerous local and state tournaments. His Dad played the piano which led him to pick up the guitar and teach himself to play lead guitar and sing in a high school band that entertained at local events. His Mom was an outstanding cook and Scot learned much from her while living at home and put those skills to use at family gatherings and over the campfire. He was an avid outdoors person who spent time with family and friends hiking, camping, canoeing, riding motorcycles, hunting, skiing, gardening, and just about anything that involved being outdoors.

Scot has always been a self-made man striving to be the best at whatever he pursues but never forgot who helped him along the way. He reunited with his classmates of 1966 last year in Center, Texas and so enjoyed visiting with them even though he was physically weak from cancer treatments…meant a lot to him seeing his high school friends again. Golf and hunting were his favorite sports and never missed a chance to get together with his friends, family and business associates for a fun-filled outing. As much as he enjoyed spending time with friends, he also enjoyed spending time with family on skiing, rafting, winery events, family gatherings and road trips to the Rockies. Scot’s greatest accomplishment of all was his love of family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was instrumental in raising his daughter and grandkids to be the best they could be in this life and for that our family is truly blessed.

Scot acquired an Associate of Applied Engineering from Tyler Junior College and later graduated from Lamar State College of Technology in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. Scot’s corporate career spanned four decades in the oil and gas industry as exploration geologist and later environmental consultant, with 15 years employed at Northern Michigan Exploration (CMS) as Gulf Coast Exploration Manager. He has been described by friends and colleagues as a Prince of a man having super brain power. He was an avid reader and historian, and being a scientist researched the facts before drawing conclusions. Scot always focused on the positive and gave no time to the negative. He had the ability to make everyone feel special, taking time to get to know them, and genuinely cared about them. He was highly respected and believed that all men could deal honestly by honest methods. He believed in courtesy, in kindness, in generosity, in good cheer in friendship and love of family. His integrity, sense of humor and wit will be forever missed.

Please join in remembering Scot by visiting our Memorial at http://www.kleinfuneralhome.com/obits. Through this site, you can share your thoughts and fond memories with the family.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Klein Funeral Homes, 14711 FM 1488, Magnolia, TX 77354 on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 2PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be made in his name to a charity of your choice.

04/18/2023

Katherine Ann Marino, 77 of Timpson, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2023 in Timpson, Texas.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Taylor Funeral Home with Andy Glenn officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson. Visitation will be held from 1-2pm prior to the service.

She was born on April 5, 1946 in Morgan City, Louisiana, the daughter of Herbert and Ellen Reeves Brown. She grew up on the bayou where she learned to love fishing, crabbing and generally being outdoors with her siblings. They had a bond like no other and continued that closeness during their lifetime. In 1965, at the age of 19, Katherine married Luke Marino, Sr. She became a housewife and filled her home with love and of course, children. In 1979 they moved to Timpson and bought a store. She absolutely treasured being a mother. Her kids were the light of her life and she made sure they knew she was always there for them. Although life dealt her the sorrow of being a widow early in life, she took it in stride and raised her children to know many things, including to love The Lord, be your own person, stand up for yourself and others, always put your family in the forefront of everything and to strive to be better people with every passing day. Katherine remarried later in life and remained the family matriarch.

Katherine was a woman of strong opinions and when asked what she thought about something, you better be ready because she was going to tell you… whether you liked it or not. She was boisterous, bold and could be a bit rigid but this is what made her strong. She loved with her whole heart and if she loved you, you knew it without any doubt. She would give up anything for those she loved. Although she was stern in her teachings, she was loving and giving. Katherine was proud of her children and what they grew up to be and bragged on them to everyone. Their families were perfect in her eyes and she loved all of them. Being a mother was her greatest accomplishment and watching them grow up and be successful adults was the answer to her prayers. When she had the name of “Granny” bestowed upon her, her heart was overwhelmed with joy. She treated and loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren just as she did their parents. 
Katherine was happiest when surrounded by her entire family and loved being the center of their world. She lived life to the fullest and made many memories while traveling with her sister, Lillie and best friend, Alice Blaze. They played Bingo, took their chances at the casino and saw many wonderful places together. She also made every vacation she could with her kids and grandkids. More than anything, she loved watching the happiness unfold right in front of her as they made these memories together. She loved watching old westerns, crocheting, reading and working puzzles. She also had a vast collection of movies that she spent many hours watching with her family. Katherine will forever be remembered as the strong woman who held the family close. Her teachings, devotion and dedication will remain the glue that will hold together the one thing she was most proud of… her family.

Katherine is survived by:

Children:
Luke Marino, Jr. and wife, Sherrie
Josephine Wise and husband, James
Bernadette Williams and husband, Donald Ray
Jennifer Pugh

Son-in-law, Thomas Hughes

Grandchildren:
Thomas Hughes, Jr.
Christina Thompson and husband, Wes
Richard Hughes and wife, Jasmine
Andrew Wise
Mollie Wise
Taylor Ray Williams and wife, Whitley
Laura Moore
Matthew Benson
Gracie Benson
James Williams
Daniel Pugh
Paden Pugh
Shane Pugh
Sara Pugh

Great-grandchildren:
Tayley Williams
Dozier Williams
Asher Hughes

Siblings:
Lillie Glenn
Liz Brown
Harold Brown and wife, Jernyl

She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Luke Marino, Sr. and Rickey Gray; daughters, Laura Marino and Angela Hughes; great granddaughter Sophie Williams and her best friend, Alice Blaze.

Serving as pallbearers will be Thomas Hughes, Jr., Taylor Ray Williams, Richard Hughes, Andrew Wise, Daniel Pugh, Matthew Benson, Paden Pugh, James Williams and Shane Pugh.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice In The Pines for the exceptional care given to their beloved mother and for the kindness they showed to them during their time of need.

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

04/18/2023

Donna Warren Holt of Center, TX passed away peacefully on April 16, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Carthage, MS and grew up in Houston, TX. She graduated from SFA with a Degree in Education after which, Mrs. Holt made her home in Center, TX for 57 years. 

She joined the Chi Omega sorority during her time at SFA and was an active member of the Center chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Serving as President and on many other offices and committees. 

She was a beloved teacher of Home Economics at Center High School for 26 years during which time she earned her Masters Degree in Education and another in Administration. Her students fondly remember “Mz. Warren” and her class.

She married Bill Holt on April 19, 2003 and they spent 20 beautiful years together. During which time he accepted her children, grandchildren, and great children as his own to create a strongly bonded family that will never be broken.

She was an active member of the First Methodist Church of Center, TX and enjoyed volunteering with church events and functions. 

Her membership in the Piney Woods Photographic Society brought her so much pleasure and joy. She traveled the coast of Texas and other parts of the state with fellow members to photograph birds and nature of different areas. Her photos won many blue ribbons in local and state events.

Donna loved her home and yard and took much pride in the beautiful flowers, plants and lush landscaping she designed and maintained.

She loved being with her friends in the Center Woman’s Reading Club and served as treasurer for the organization. Donna served in many volunteer positions throughout Shelby County. 

Donna was preceded in death by her precious parents, Ona Mae and Almon Chadwick Boozer and Granddaughter, Danielle Angel Osburn.

Donna's greatest joy in life was being “Nona”. Nothing brought her more joy than her family. She was a selfless woman who gave all her time and energy to those who needed it.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by:

Beloved husband, Bill Holt, of Center

Daughter, Paige and husband Mitchell Osburn of Bryan, TX

Son, Chad Warren of Austin, TX

Step-son Jim Holt and wife Donna of Tyler, TX

God-daughters:
Rhonda Walker
Shelley Watlington

Grandchildren:
Catherine Lee Hughes and husband Reid of Arlington, TX
Kassie Kate Osburn of New York, NY
Zachary James Holt and wife Emily Rose of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Dallas Reed Osburn of Denver, CO
Cody Warren Osburn and wife Kitty of Killeen, TX
Donny Hernandez of Killeen, TX
Kortney Anne Osburn of Bryan, TX
Dakota Mae Osburn of Bryan, TX
Jacob William Holt of Tyler, TX
Dusty Dane Osburn of Bryan, TX

Great-grandchildren:
Everett Walter Hughes of Arlington, TX
Aubrey Alyse Lanehart of Bryan, TX

She was happiest spending time with her large family and larger circle of friends. She cherished every moment with them just as they did with her. Nona was a bright light in a dark world, and the world feels dimmer without her.

Memorial Service will be held at First Methodist Church in Center, TX on April 21, 2023 at 2 PM. Visitation with family will be one hour prior to the service.

Services are under the direction of Watson and Sons Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

04/17/2023

Jimmy Oyd “Ish” Bradshaw, 77 of Center, TX was born on September 14, 1945, to John and Essie Gunnels Bradshaw. He passed away on April 16, 2023, in Bossier City, LA. 

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Chris Collins and Bro. Steven Berry officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

On October 14, 1972, Jimmy married the love of his life, Betty. They spent 50 wonderful years together raising 3 beautiful children: Michael, Darla, and Bo. Jimmy was in the trucking business for 48 years and was known for taking pristine care and exceptional maintenance of his trucks. Jimmy loved spending time with his family and friends. He also loved working with his hands. Some of his favorite hobbies were camping, fishing, gardening, woodworking and watching his favorite show Swamp People, which he often would talk about wanting to go gator hunting. Jimmy never met a stranger and always loved to make people laugh. After he retired, you could find him fishing on Toledo bend, woodworking in his shop, or just being outdoors. He was extremely creative and crafty; He could make and invent anything. From taking an old copy machine and turning it into a pea sheller to making and selling pens. A few other things he made were keychains, cutting boards, jewelry boxes, bird houses, a fish scaling table and the list goes on. Jimmy loved the Lord and was a member of the McClelland Community Church. He truly enjoyed life and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by:

Wife of 50 years, Betty Bradshaw

Children:
Michael Willoughby and wife Dorrie of Germany
Darla Hughes and husband Brent of Houston, Texas
Bo Bradshaw and wife Susan of Joaquin, Texas

Sisters:
Billie Jean Henry of Longview, Texas
Ila Rae Williams of Lake Jackson, Texas

Grandchildren:
Ashlyn Sims and husband Matt
Kristyn Willoughby
Jeremy Williams
Taylor Wright and wife Elizabeth
Bailee Bradshaw
Emilee Bradshaw
Jade Hughes

5 Great-Grandchildren

A number of nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by
Parents: John and Essie Bradshaw
Father-in-law: Clyde Windham
Mother-in-law: Virginia Windham
Brothers: Doyle Bradshaw and Benny Bradshaw
Sister: Sue Bradshaw Frame
Brothers-in-law: Bill Frame, D.E. Henry, and Robert Windham
Uncles: Marvin Bradshaw, Hunter Bradshaw, and Ira Bradshaw

Pallbearers will be Bo Bradshaw, Darrin Lout, Gail McClelland, Bill White, James White, and Taylor Wright. Honorary pallbearers will Pete Andrews, Mark Jackson, Kevin Jones, Joey Lawson, Steve Lovell, and Carl Davis Smith. 

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

04/17/2023

Barbara “Granny” Works, 77, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Shelbyville.

Born March 30, 1946, in San Bernardino, California, Barbara is the daughter of Harold Lewis Coe and Frances Lena Pinkler Coe.  

She is survived by:

Daughter, Cassandra Carter Yeager and husband Donnie

Grandkids:
J.J. Kennedy
Stephanie Kennedy
Bethany Badger
Edgar Fuentes
Mariah Wright and husband Dean

Great-grandchildren:
Andrew Badger
Brinn Badger
Eli Kennedy
Adelina Wright
Izabelle Wright
Kailani Ruth Wright

Preceded in death by parents, Harold Lewis Coe and Frances Lena Pinkler Coe; and daughter, Ruthie Carter Hughes.

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