Obituaries
02/28/2022
Elbert Porter, 83, entered into his heavenly home Friday, February 25, 2022.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 28, 2022, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Don Windham and Sister Melba Rodgers officiating. Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery in Shelby County.
Elbert was born October 20, 1938, to John and Velma Porter. He went to work for Sante Fe railroad where he was a part of the bridge gang. He retired in September 2000, after 33 years.
Elbert loved God and was a member of Mt. Calvary Church. He spent his retired time working in the yard with his dogs Lulu and Leroy. He was a devoted father and grandfather and enjoyed playing with the grandkids as much as possible. He took pride in his family and never missed anything they were involved in. He was also a Master Mason at the Shelbyville Lodge for more than fifty two years.
Elbert is survived by:
Daughter, Brenda and Ronny Hogue
Stepdaughters:
Linda Whittlesey
Patsy and Elbert Jones
Grandchildren:
Ricky and Christina Sims
Michael Sims and Brandi
Jennifer Matthews
Daphne Lovell
Amber Frazier
Dewayne Jones
Candy Hogue
Jolene Hogue
Brad Hogue
Great-grandchildren:
Paige and James Jones
Mallory Sims
Tre Sims and Kaitland
Trent Sims
Trace Sims
Trinity Sims
Ella Mathews
Porter Matthews
Christian Clark
Great-great-granddaughter, Paislee Sims
Special nieces:
GeGe Byrd
Diane Carrol
Adopted daughter, Gwen Hutto
Preceded in death by wife, Wilda Porter; parents, John and Velma Porter; siblings, Bernice Campbell, Ruby Kee Bolton, Helen Joy Dennis; two step grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Darryl McDaniel, Randy Dennis, Vic Cooper, Greg McDonald, Jason Wells, and Shannon Shofner. Honorary pallbearers will be Tre Sims, Trent Sims, Trace Sims, James Jones, Porter Matthew, and Ron Wherry.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
02/28/2022
Eula Lathan White died February 23, 2022, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas at the age of 104.
Funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 11:00AM at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church 623 Martin Luther King Drive. Rev. Anthony Jackson will be officiating. Visitation is Friday, March 4, 2022, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and family visitation from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Committal is at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas.
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. With addition to COVID 19, temperature checks are required and vaccination cards are required, per family request.
Eula Lathan White was born on February 10, 1918, in Shelby County to the late Tom Lathan and Beulah Moore Lathan. Eula grew up on a farm in the rural area of Shelby County. Strong family values and perseverance were taught by the Lathan family.
Eula White was a lifelong, devoted member of Bright Morning Star Baptist Church, serving in many compacities, including choir member, financial secretary and deaconess board secretary.
Eula attended school in the Webb School District in the Africa Community and later transferred to Center Colored High School, graduating in 1937. Eula attended Butler College in Tyler, Texas, completing her studies at Texas College in Tyler, Texas from which she received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a minor in English. She pursued graduate studies at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas receiving her Master of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Administrative Supervision and Business. She pursued additional academic training at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas and in California.
Eula began her teaching career in 1942 in the Webb School District, located in the Africa Community. Many of the county’s rural schools had only two or three classrooms. She taught grades 4, 5 and 6 in one classroom. Some years later the Webb School was consolidated with C. H. Daniels School. She also taught at East Liberty High School and Marian Anderson High School, completing her teaching career with Center ISD, retiring in 1980 after 34 years as an educator. At one point she was a “Visiting Teacher,” where she visited the homes of students who had numerous absences. Eula noted that Mr. Standley was her first principal after integration. Eula and Mr. Standley’s family became great friends. Eula became a Licensed Vocational Nurse, graduating from Panola College in Carthage, Texas. These skills she employed in the care of her father and husband before their deaths and at Holiday Nursing Home in Center, Texas.
“School teaching” seemed to be a popular occupation within the Lathan and White families. Eula’s sister, Annie Mae taught in the public schools as did her uncle, Joseph Lathan, and her aunts, Picksey Cauley and Martha Pierce were noted teachers. Additionally, her husband, Marcellus, was a long-time teacher and principal. Through the years, she taught school alongside Mrs. Mary Lovell, Mrs. Selma McClelland, Ms. Elma Swindall and Mrs. Rubye Biggers, all of whom became respected colleagues and cherished friends.
Eula married Marcellus White on December 24, 1940. They were a dedicated couple and opened numerous opportunities for people in Shelby County and surrounding areas, particularly for young people as their home was always open to nieces, nephews, students and family friends. While Marcellus was known for his civic involvement as a member of the Center City Council, the Deep East Texas Advisory Council and the State of Texas Grant Review Committee, Eula was equally as involved serving on the Shelby County Tax Appraisal Board, Toledo Bend Retired Teacher Association, Shelby County Teachers Association, Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, Shelby County Historical Society and East Center Community Development Corporation.
Eula was preceded in death by her husband, Marcellus White, parents: Tom and Beulah Lathan and siblings: Annie Mae Roberts, John Boothe, Willie Mae Johnson, Rawsie Lister and T.O. Lathan
Eula leaves behind:
Nieces:
Sharon Polley
Dr. Veassa Johnson
Conchita Johnson Raatib
Devoted great-nephew: Keith Lister and wife Brenette
Surrogate son, Robert Brown
Surrogate daughter, Mary Smith
A host of great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund will be set up at Farmer State Bank in Center, Texas (Eula L. White Scholarship Fund).
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.
02/26/2022
Grady Edward Tyler, 71, of Center, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2022, in Center.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Hayden Dupree will officiate. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery in Center.
Born February 18, 1951, in Shelby County, Grady is the son of Dorothy Golden Tyler and Vertis Tyler. He served in the United States Army as a firefighter and marksman and later worked as a truck driver. His hobbies included fishing, wood crafting, and spending time with his fur babies. Grady was a member of Center Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by:
His wife of 49 years, Rowena Tyler of Center
Sons:
John Halstead Jr. and wife Karen of Shelbyville
Hugh Halstead of Center
Grandchildren:
Donald Lee and wife Jessica
John Halstead III and wife Samantha
Mianna Adair
Christopher Halstead
Great-grandchildren:
Shayanne Lee
Erica Lee
Alyssa Lee
Kylie Lee
Ryan Halstead
Maddie Halstead
Chloe Nix
Logan Nix
Devon LeBlanc and wife Makayla
Great-great-grandbaby, Auburn LeBlanc
Multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins
Preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Golden Tyler and Vertis Tyler; brothers, Jimmy Tyler, Cecil Tyler, and Captain Porter Tyler; sisters, Minnie Pearl Tyler, Bell Kent, Grace Russell, Vergie Howard, and Stella Louise Harris; great-granddaughter, Chesney Adair; and best lifelong friend, Jerry Green.
Pallbearers will be John Wesley Green, Corey Little, Donald Lee, John Halstead III, Rylan Halstead, and Devon LeBlanc. Honorary pallbearer will be Kenny Harris.
02/26/2022
Robert Charles Helander,81, entered into his heavenly home Friday, February 25th, 2022. Services will be at Watson & Sons funeral home in Center, Tx on Saturday, March 5th, 2022. Visitation will be prior to the service at 1 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.
Born in Houston, Texas on August, 4th 1940 to Robert (Bob) H. and Allie Jane Chance Helander. He graduated from Bellaire High School in Bellaire, Tx and attended Stephen F. Austin State University.
He served as a Staff Sargent in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1962 to 1968.
On September 24th, 1965 he married his love Sandra Rose Theiler. Early 70s Robert and Sandie moved to Flat Fork to raise their children Susan and Chance.
Robert worked a number of jobs as a bond underwriter, chicken farmer, wrecker driver, log truck driver, and retired from Tyson Foods after 12 years of being a long haul driver.
After Robert retired he enjoyed going to visit the surrounding nursing homes with his church family. Nothing made him happier than to visit with the residents.
Robert was a charter member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Survived by:
Wife of 56 years, Sandra (Sandie) Helander
Daughter, Susan Helander Snider and Monte Griffith of Tenaha, Tx
Son, Chance and Patti Helander of Crosby, Tx
Grandchildren:
Whitley Helander
Caleb Helander and fiance Nicole
Dalton Snider
Clay Helander
Special nephew, Kevin Theiler and Pam
A host of cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents Bob & Jane Helander, mother and father in law Jake and Valentine Theiler, Sister in law Thelma Theiler, Great Aunt Allie Elder, and Great Niece Brooke Theiler.
Special thanks to Affinity Hospice staff, especially Sara Lloyd RN, Kathy Espry RN, Mallory Wright LVN, Tristan Wilburn, Donna Moss.
02/25/2022
Kame Kaqua DeShanna McCollister Dagley, 39 from Tenaha, passed away Saturday, February 19, 2022 at a Shreveport hospital. On October 17, 1982, God blessed Mary McCollister with a beautiful little girl.
Service is at 2pm on Sunday, February 27, 2022 in the Tenaha High School Gym, 138 College Street, Tenaha, Texas 75974. Interment is at St. John Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas.
Shanna attended Tenaha Independent School District. She moved to Garrison and attended Garrison Independent School District during her earlier years, then returned back to Tenaha and graduated from Tenaha ISD.
She went to college at Kilgore College and received her Associate Degree and later graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Degree in Special Education.
She met and married Calvin Dagley and they have three beautiful children: I’Tianna, Arianna, and Calvin Jr.
She was a teacher at Tenaha ISD where she taught Special Education and was a basketball coach. She took her job very serious. She was all about the children, sports and of course family. She loved her family very much and we loved her.
She is preceded in death by very special aunt: Linda McCollister; grandmother, Kate McCollister; and grandfather, Frank McCollister.
She touched so many lives in Tenaha and will be missed so much.
She leaves to cherish her memories:
Husband who loved her dearly, Calvin Dagley, Sr., of Tenaha
Children:
I’Tianna
Arianna
Calvin Jr.
Mother, Mary McCollister of Tenaha
Sister, Katoria Giles of Center
Brothers:
Ronald Giles of Nacogdoches
Tavoris Giles, Sr. (Summer) of Tenaha
Cousin and best friend, Lillie McCollister of Center
Mother-in-law, Gloria and the rest of his family.
Aunts:
Eva Thompson of Tenaha
Rose Robertson of Tenaha
Uncles:
Kenneth McCollister (Diane) of Fort Towson, Oklahoma
Very special lady she called Grandma, Helen (Red) Mosley
Host of nieces and nephews: Tee, Lucy, Pete, JJ Brown, Alex, Bug, Trai, Tavi, Tx, Mya, Nali, Keyla, Ajayla, RJ, Ron Ron, Zamaria, Zaimaya, Zairectis, A Raison, Jada, Canon, and Prince
A host of cousins and friends.
Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
02/24/2022
Joe Neil Wallace, 91, of Center, passed away Thursday, February 24, 2022, in Center.
Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 27, 2022, at Truitt Cemetery in Joaquin with Andrew King officiating.
Born July 28, 1930, in Center, Joe Neil is the son of Flossie Pate and Frank Wallace. He retired from the United States Air Force and went on to work for Western Electric in Shreveport, Louisiana. Joe Neil was a member of Tenaha Church of Christ.
He is survived by:
Daughters:
Nancy Keeling and husband Jorge De La Cruz of Bullard
Elaine Carol Hall and husband, Gary Looney of Lufkin
4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren
Sisters:
Mary Sue Hagler
Marsha Lou Askew
Preceded in death by wife, Jimmye Elaine Wallace; brothers, Bud Wallace and Jesse Frank Wallace; and sisters, Margurette “Reatie” Adams, LaVada Mae Tees, and Marguette Oliver.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Boulevard, Tyler, Texas 75701.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
02/24/2022
Judy Ann Matthews Foster, age 71, of Center, Texas went to her heavenly home on February 23, 2022, with her family by her side.
Judy was born May 30, 1950 to Josephine Morrison Matthews and Virgil “Slick” Matthews in Lamesa, Texas. After graduation from Lamesa High School, she attended Texas Tech University and Lubbock Commercial College.
She married Terry Foster on July 14, 1973 and started a beautiful life with three children, Allison, Scott and Whitney, and a bonus daughter, Kelly. In 1974, Judy and Terry moved from Lubbock to Center and started farm life, raising cattle, chickens and kids. Judy first worked for Herider Farms, until Scott was born, and then later for Bounds Insurance. The years between she was a full-time mom and helped Terry on the farm.
Judy loved God, her family and her church. Volunteering at church was one of her passions and she served on several committees. She especially loved serving in the kitchen and helping with vacation bible school.
Her most recent years were spent with her kids and seven grandkids, who she loved beyond measure. Judy was at every game, rodeo, concert, or special achievement, cheering them on. She will be remembered for this love for her family and her strong faith in God.
Judy is survived by:
Husband, Terry Foster
Step-daughter, Kelly Foster and son, Sterling Alley of Ruidoso, NM
Daughter, Allison Pratt and husband, Eric – their children, Kaleigh and Keaton of Center
Son, Scott Foster and wife, Christi – their son Wyatt of Center
Daughter, Whitney Scarber and husband, Brady – their sons Tucker, Tyce and Tripp of Center
Sister, Jerry Smith of Shelbyville
The Cousins; The Girlfriends; My Sisters by Choice.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil “Slick” Matthews and Josephine Morrison Matthews; her brother-in-law, Terry Smith; her nephew, Shane Smith; and her special friend, Laura Simmons.
Visitation will be held February 25, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Her memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Center, Texas on February 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Karen Jones will officiate, assisted by Teddy Hopkins.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Phelps, John Schillings, Collin Matthews, Pat Scarber, Ed Johnson, Lee Rash, Tucker Scarber, and Tyce Scarber. Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Barton, J.B. Raymond, David Sample, Ralph Simmons, Bobby Daw, Rex Rash, Hector Cadena, David Majors, Billy Bob McAdams, Buddy Hancock, and Larry Horn.
In lieu of flowers, she asks donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or www.stjude.org.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
02/22/2022
Catherine Edmond, 80 of Tenaha, passed away Thursday morning, February 17, 2022 at the Center Emergency Room. On August 3, 1941 Catherine Suell was born to Bishop and Hanna B. Suell which preceded her in death. She was a graduate of C.H. Daniels High School. She married William Edmond and to this union three children were born with one child preceding her in death.
There will be no services.
She leaves to cherish her memories:
Husband, William Edmond of Tenaha
Sons:
David (Markieta) Edmond of Center
Roderick Edmond of Tenaha
8 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grandchild
Sisters:
Johnnie (Christian) Whitaker of Center
Austvene Edwards of Houston
Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center, Texas.
02/22/2022
Kimberly Lynn Scruggs, 49, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022, in Longview.
Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 25, 2022, at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.
Born January 15, 1973, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Kimberly is the daughter of Charlotte Boyd and Thomas Scruggs. She previously worked at Walmart, where she made lifelong friends, and later enjoyed babysitting. She was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin, where she had the honor of teaching the children in Sunday school.
Left to cherish her memory are:
Her children:
Kaitlynn Scruggs of Joaquin
Kassidy Scruggs of Joaquin
Kolton Scruggs of Joaquin
Mother, Charlotte Scruggs of Joaquin
Brother, L.T. Scruggs and wife Elizabeth of Center
Sister, Marie Jackson of Center
Numerous nieces and nephews
Best friend, Susan Thomas
Preceded in death by her father, Thomas Scruggs; and grandparents, Maurine and D.B. Boyd, Edith Scruggs Rowe and Lawrence Scruggs.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
02/22/2022
Rodney L. Harvey, 79, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022, in Joaquin.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2022, at Word of Faith Outreach Center in Joaquin with Bro. Haagon Lister, Bro. Gordon Vaughn, and Bro. Benny Anglin officiating. Interment to follow at Willow Grove Cemetery in Joaquin.
Born December 24, 1942, in Converse, Louisiana, Rodney is the son of Edna Jane Cassell and John Eddie Harvey. A successful business man, he worked as a pipeline contractor, took care of his cattle and horses, and enjoyed working with tractors and bulldozers. Rodney loved spending time with and taking the whole family on vacations. He was a member of Word of Faith Outreach Center in Joaquin.
Left to cherish his memory are:
His wife, Carmen L. “Connie” Harvey of Joaquin
Daughters:
Jannine and husband Brent Andres of Joaquin
Traci and husband Charles Rutherford of Joaquin
Ronna and husband Kevin Yates of Joaquin
Cortney and husband Nathan Anglin of Joaquin
Grandchildren:
Alix and husband Blake Barr
Micah Andres and wife Jenna
Maddison and husband Dustin Ramsey
Jessica Lawrence
Christopher Rutherford and wife Aly
Blayne Rutherford and wife Marissa
Paige and husband Cody Carlisle
Peyton and husband Tyler McSwain
Kain Yates
Ryleigh and husband Cody Jones
Kase Yates and fiancé Keri
Bennett Anglin
Ellie Anglin
Great-grandchildren:
Charles Brent Barr
Kennedi Barr
Braylon Barr
Elizabeth Andres
Emery Andres
Khoen Baker
Kaleigh Baker
Kyndall Lawrence
Kate Lawrence
Kennadie Powell
Connor Rutherford
Blair Rutherford
Caseyn Milford
Jaxon Rutherford
Adalyn Rutherford
Heidi Mae Rutherford
Case Carlisle
Aubrey Carlisle
Coy Carlisle
Landry McSwain
John Tyler McSwain
Paxton McSwain
Austin Willow Jones, and two on the way
Brother, John H. Harvey of Logansport, Louisiana
Sisters-in-law:
Kay Harvey of Joaquin
Loyce and husband Kenneth Dickerson of Joaquin
Joyce Neal of Joaquin
Ann Cammack of Minden, Louisiana
Brother-in-law, Rennie Cammack of Joaquin
Also, numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends
Preceded in death by his son, Rodney Dale Harvey; parents, Edna Jane Cassell and John Eddie Harvey; brother, Thomas Harvey; sister, Sybil and husband Hoss Shoalmire; sister-in-law, Lucille Harvey; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ercell and Weldon Cammack; brothers-in-law, Wayne Cammack, Dale Cammack, and Britt Neal; and sister-in-law, Jan Cammack.
Pallbearers will be Chris Rutherford, Blayne Rutherford, Micah Andres, Kain Yates, Kase Yates, and Bennett Anglin. Honorary pallbearers will be Cody Carlisle, Blake Barr, Tyler McSwain, Cody Jones, Dustin Ramsey, Case Carlisle, and Khoen Baker.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
02/22/2022
John Dillon Murphy, 81, of Shelbyville, Texas, passed away Monday, February 21, 2022, at his home in Shelbyville, which is where he wanted to be. Born June 20, 1940, in Wauchula, Florida, John was the son of Geraldine Calhoun and Arnold Murphy.
His wishes were to be cremated with no services or formal proceedings of any sort performed.
After serving in the United States Army 1956-1958 and 1961-1968 he served as an Officer with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and the Martin County Sheriff’s Department in the State of Florida, retiring to Shelbyville in January 2004.
He is survived by:
Wife, Laura Mae Murphy of Shelbyville
Children:
Pamela Winegard of Chipley, Florida
Peggy Stieren of Chipley, Florida
Jennifer McGee of Shelbyville
Dawn Rene’ Murphy of Shelbyville
John D. Murphy, Jr. of Palm City, Florida
Numerous grand, great, and great-great-grandchildren
Sisters:
Emma Lee Scott of Wauchula, Florida
Barbara Jene Ruth of Lakeland, Florida
Preceded in death by daughter, Donna Murphy Comeau; parents, Geraldine and Arnold Murphy; sister, Margaret Jeanette Norris; and brothers, Eugene ‘Dobie’ Murphy, Mabry Murphy, George Murphy, Donald ‘Ed’ Murphy, and Albert K. Moseley.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
02/22/2022
Shannon Smallwood Lowrie, age 56, of Lufkin, Texas, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2022, in Lufkin, Texas.
Shannon was born June 13, 1965, in Houston, Texas, as a daughter of Pamela (George) and Darrell Smallwood. She was a branch office administrator for Edward Jones Investments, having served for 15 years. She loved her family more than anything in this world. Being a Nene was her all time favorite.
Her survivors include:
Husband, Cliff Lowrie of Lufkin
Father, Darrell Smallwood and wife Janice of Houston
Daughters:
Christina Barnett and husband Brandon of Chireno
Courtney Bush and husband Preston of San Augustine
Grandchildren:
Ella Barnett
Laine Bush
Callie Bush.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Pamela Lilly and husband Clyde; grandparents, Alvin and Mattie Ella Smallwood and Clover George; and her parents-in-law, Mae and Frank Lowrie.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.
Funeral services are set for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at the San Augustine County Cowboy Church, located at 539 FM 711 North in San Augustine, Texas.
Committal services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 24, 2022, at Farris Cemetery, located on FM 1791 near Huntsville, Texas.
Pallbearers: Andy Lowrie, Roger Lowrie, Coyte Lowrie, Matthew Bush, Derek McCloud, and Darrenn Fountain. Honorary pallbearers: Brandon Barnett, Preston Bush, Jaykob Lowrie, and Steve Hively.
In lieu of flowers, Shannon's family is requesting memorial gifts to the National Kidney Foundation.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences. Services are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.
02/21/2022
Elroy Bert Coan, 81, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on February 19, 2022, in Garrison, Texas. He was born on July 2, 1940, in Timpson, Texas, to the late Elroy Bert and Vella Sue (Neill) Coan. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at First Baptist Church of Timpson officiated by Bro. Dee Daniels. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.
A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Timpson.
Bert was born on July 2, 1940, in Timpson, Texas to Bert and Vella Sue Neill Coan. He was raised in Pasadena, Texas. He attended and graduated from Pasadena High School where he was quite the athlete. He was awarded several titles during this time, including being a part of the All-State Football team, voted into the Texas High School Hall of Fame, Pasadena Athletic Hall of Fame and gained the title of State Champion in track in 1957.
Bert then attended Texas Christian University and eventually The University of Kansas. Bert’s ultimate dream of being a player in Professional Football came true when he entered into the draft and was chosen by the San Diego Chargers. He remained with them for one season and then joined the Kansas City Chiefs where he played until he retired in 1970. Bert played in the first ever Super Bowl at the end of the 1967 season. During this honorable time in his life, he became the husband of an outstanding woman. Dora was his best friend and most loyal supporter. He loved her with his entire being. After his retirement, he supported their family by working in Spring, Texas as a concrete salesman for Parker Brothers, Pioneer Concrete and Campbell Concrete. In 2005, Bert returned to East Texas where his family had always called home. He loved being in Timpson and has spent the past 16 years making great memories during his retirement years.
Bert is survived by:
Daughter, Kaylee Burkhardt and husband, Joe
Son, Bert Coan and wife, Rita
Granddaughters:
Lee Ann Lusk and husband, Derek
Kelsi Jacob
Great-grandson, Kolt Elroy Ganze
Nieces and nephews:
Rhett Coan and wife, Janet
Dana Coan Rogers
Steve Andries
Tina Andries
Davy Stephens
Randy Stephens and wife, Mona
Scott Stephens and wife, Michelle
Beth Lofton and husband, Ryan
He is also survived by numerous beloved great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dora Lee; parents, Bert and Vella Sue Coan and a brother, Stanley Everett Coan.
Serving as pallbearers will be Davy Stephens, Randy Stephens, Scott Stephens, Ryan Lofton, Derek Lusk and Billy Lusk.
Honorary pallbearers include Bobby Ply, John Hadl, Bob Duffin, Roger Taylor, Charlie Rhodes, Steve Andries and Mickey Walker.
Bert’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Garrison Nursing Home. The care provided to their beloved Bert was beyond extraordinary and they have all become like family to each other.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net. Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.
02/21/2022
June Blackerby, 75, of Gary, Texas, passed away on February 16, 2022, in Gary, Texas. She was born on June 10, 1946, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the late Carl and Hester Turner.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at Carthage Missionary Baptist Church.
June was a very loving and kind person. She loved her family with all she had. She enjoyed spending time with her family and taking care of her grandchildren. June was a great cook and really enjoyed cooking for her family. She will always be remembered for her world-famous cheeseburgers she cooked out at the lake. June will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
June is survived by:
Children:
Jada Depenbrock and husband, Rod
Ron Blackerby
Sheley Clifton and husband, David
Sister, Ruby Martin
Brother, Gene Turner
20 grandchildren
2 great-grandchildren
She is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Hester Turner; 6 brothers and sisters.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net. Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.
02/21/2022
Ava Christian, native of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 17, 2022. Ava was born in Center on April 30, 1936, to Stella and Wash Lane.
Her early school days were spent in the James Community in Center. She joined the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. She graduated from Center High School in 1953 and soon after became one of the youngest women to participate in national numismatic (coin) shows, winning various awards and recognition throughout the U.S.
She settled in her native Texas, where she spent most of her life. She married Clarence Wayne Christian in early 1970. They had two sons and lived in East Texas – including Center, Shelbyville, and San Augustine -- until the early 1980s. From there, they moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, where Ava and her family joined the Church of the Nazarene. She became an active volunteer in a variety of ministries. She raised two sons, Charles and Kevin, and was a committed wife, mother, and friend, offering hospitality and a smile to everyone she met.
She served as Missionary Society president for North Dallas Church of the Nazarene for over twenty years. Upon hers and her husband’s retirement, they moved back to Center and then to Shelbyville.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Stella Lane Squyres; her father, George Washington Lane; and her sister, Odelle Harrison.
She is survived by:
Loving husband Clarence Wayne Christian
Sons:
Charles Wayne and wife, Edna Christian
Kevin Lane Christian
Grandchildren: Weston, Jacob, Zachary, and Chesney
One Great-granddaughter
Along with two nieces:
Mary Lane Castle
JoBeth Webb
Her memorial service will take place on Saturday, February 26th, at 2:30 p.m. at the chapel of Watson and Sons Funeral Home (1554 TX 7 East) in Center with visitation one hour prior. Dr. Charles W. Christian and Rev. Jim Henvey will officiate the memorial service.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
02/18/2022
Glenda Sue Stockle, age 65 of Simsboro, was born on February 2, 1957 in Center, Texas and went to her heavenly home on February 15, 2022.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, February 18, 2022 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston with Jason Cole officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston under direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Sue enjoyed traveling, cooking and spending time with family but her favorite thing to do was boss her husband around! She had a green thumb when it came to plants and was very active in her children and grandchildren’s life. Sue had a very creative and crafty mind and there was never a time she would pass up a good adventure. She had a strong relationship and bond with her lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Audra Livingston and Pauline Hendricks Livingston; her mother-in-law, Kathryn Stockle; her sisters, Mary Ann Adams and Betty Lou Fountain; and her brother, Paskel Livingston.
Left to cherish her memory:
Love of her life, Mark Stockle
Daughter, Tanya Lay and boyfriend Jason Ellis
Son, Scott Fausett
Stepson, Will Stockle
Grandchildren:
Shelby Reaser and husband Brandyn
Nya Miller
Tristen Lay
Trent and Tydus Fausett
Timothy Stockle
Sister, Mary Lou Ford and husband Jack
Brothers:
Lyndon Livingston and wife Paula
Clinton Livingston and wife Mary
Brother-in-law, Jack Adams
Sister-In-law, Melanie Cross and husband Danny
Brother-in-law, Mike Stockle and wife Cristy
Precious fur babies: Jango, Reba and Macy
Numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Matt Cross, Andy Cross, Danny Cross, Tristen Lay, Don Doyle and Brandon Anthony. Honorary pallbearers are Trent Fausett, Timothy Stockle, Ronnie Adams, Donnie Adams and Michael Adams.
The family would like to thank Lacey Stevens, Erica Wyatt and the rest of the amazing people with St. Joseph Hospice for the loving care for her during her final days. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until service time Friday at Owens Memorial Chapel. To leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
02/17/2022
Jimmy Samford, 80, of Timpson, Texas, passed away on February 16, 2022, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on April 24, 1941, in Center, Texas, to the late W.J. and Rachel (Vaught) Samford. A memorial service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, February 26, 2022 at Holly Springs Baptist Church.
Jimmy served in the US Army for 4 years. He retired at Spec 5. He had hard duty. He was stationed in Hawaii, and he won many awards for his shooting skills.
He loved hunting, fishing, and camping. But most of all, he loved Jesus with all his heart and stood by his convictions. He was an expert woodsman. At 80, he could work circles around younger men. He could do it all and do it well. Now he is pouring down the rain.
Jimmy is survived by:
Loving wife of 55 years, Judith Hunter Samford
Son, Joseph Daniel Samford
Brothers:
JW Samford and wife, Jacqueline
Mac Samford and wife, Sharon
Sister, Kay Sanders and husband, Roy
Numerous grand and great-grandchildren
Best buds:
Jon-Jacob Samford
Garrett Ammons
Mark Fincher
Jeannie Rhodes
He is preceded in death by his parents, W.J. and Rachel Vaught Samford; brother, Troyce Glenden Samford; sister, Ada Mac Samford; son, Jerry Dane Samford; and loving mother-in-law, Adelle Rodgers Hunter
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net. Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, is in charge of arrangements.
02/16/2022
Archie Wayne Cooley, 72, of Center, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2022, in Houston.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, February 18, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Andy Wilson will officiate.
Archie was born August 8, 1949, in Lucedale, Mississippi, to Louise Parnell and Archie Alton Cooley. He worked as a truck driver. Hoarding, piddling, browsing Facebook marketplace, DIY-ing, and watching Hallmark channel were among his hobbies. Archie was a member of Center First United Pentecostal Church.
He is survived by:
Wife, Caroline Seagroves Cooley of Center
Children:
Michael A. Garrett (Darlene)
Danny Cooley (Jeannie)
Angel (Bradley) Sullivan
Hannah Cooley
Grandchildren:
Chass Garrett
Patrick Garrett
Brian Garrett
Danny Bailey
London Cooley
Chris Barton
Jeremy Cooley
Alexandria Manning
Jesse Reeves
Casey Garrett
Karsyn Miles
Cruz Cooley
A host of great-grandchildren
Siblings:
Nelta Woodard (Bobby)
Alvie Dean Seals (Earl)
Maurica Davis (Jeff)
Herbert “H.L.” Cooley (Danette)
Timothy Cooley (Sharon)
Preceded in death by wife, Teresa “Terri” Cooley; and parents, Louise Parnell and Archie Alton Cooley.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
02/16/2022
Jerry Michael Green, 72, of Center, passed away Monday, January 17, 2022, in Center.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.
Born May 27, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Jerry is the son of Ida Grace O'Donnell and Luther Ruby Green. He retired from the City of Center. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and teaching his grandkids about wildlife. Jerry was a member of Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149 in Center.
He is survived by:
Wife, Lois Evon Green of Center
Children:
Peggy Green of Center
Patricia Green Wright and husband Buddy of Center
Tina Smith and husband Josh of Hemphill
John Green of Center
11 grandchildren
16 great-grandchildren
Sisters:
Mary Stephenson of Timpson
Barbara Guch of Quitman
Also, numerous nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Ida Grace O'Donnell and Luther Ruby Green; great granddaughter, Ariel Williams; and sisters, Peggy Allison and Maxine Bradshaw.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
02/14/2022
Jerry Holt, age 78, of Myrtle Beach, SC, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022
Jerry was born in Center to the late J.T. and Eldora Holt.
He served in the US Navy after high school until 1967. He married the love of his life, Kathy, in 1967. They raised their family in Jersey City and Browns Mills, NJ. He retired after 30 years in the airline industry with Eastern Airlines, The Trump Shuttle and Kiwi Airlines, to Florida and South Carolina. Jerry was an artist and craftsman. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Jerry is survived by:
His loving wife, Kathy Holt
His children:
Tara (Brad) Nachman of Center
Cindy (Jorge) Ortega of Fl.
Jerry Robert Holt of Pa
His siblings:
Sandra (Marcus) Wilson of Center
Phyllis (Jerryl) Adams of Center
Phillip (Charlotte) Holt of Haslet
His grandchildren:
Mitchell Nachman
Amanda Nachman
Ariana Vera
Austin Vera
Three great-grandchildren.
A private family service was held in South Carolina.
Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
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