Shelby County Today

03/16/2023

Funeral services for our Mother, Dorthy Adell Livingston, will be Monday, March 20th at 11 AM with visitation at 9 AM at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center. Burial will be at Mt. Herman Cemetery.

We, the family, request your prayers as we lay her to rest. She was an amazing woman. She lived to be 94 years old. Her first priority was her family. She was married on September 27, 1946 to our daddy, James Marron (Jim) Livingston. We kids and all the grands called him Papa. They both came from large families. She was one of 10 kids and he was one of 13. They never knew any other life other than taking care of family. At a young age, their responsibilities included taking care of siblings, there being so many in their families. Many ‘dates’ included a brother or sister or more along for the ride and their early married life found them sharing a home sometimes with parents, siblings and their sibling’s wives and kids. 

She and Papa had 5 Children, 14 Grandchildren, 30 Great-grandchildren, and 8 Great-great grandchildren with another Great-great grandson expected in May. 

She loved being a homemaker. She loved antiques, flower gardening, fishing, deer hunting, arrowhead hunting, volleyball, dominoes and 42 and was an avid lover of nature and the outdoors. She especially loved Autumn. She and her best friend and cousin, Velma Luman Smith, carved out loads of creek bank fun for us kids, and they loved to go treasure hunting, ‘bottle digging’, fishing, and hunted out all manner of outdoor fun for us to enjoy. She loved to raise a vegetable garden every year and spent many hours canning and preserving the bounty for her family. She always had her table set at least 3 times a day with a southern home cooked meal on the table. She always kept our home clean and we always had clean clothes to wear, no matter if the clothes hung out to dry on the clothesline got frozen in the winter and had to be brought in like a stack of planks. Almost everything had to be starched and ironed back then. Early on she made almost all of our clothes and each and every morning she had a pan of homemade biscuits. We never had to wonder ‘if’ she’d be home for supper when we got in from school or from the fields. She had supper ready and waiting. And if you just ‘happened by’ she’d fix up a mighty good home cooked meal in a hurry. She was an awesome cook and had a flair for decorating. She raised us 5 kids and provided a home for several of her brothers. She and Papa were watermelon farmers and raised cattle and chickens. There wasn’t much she couldn’t put her hand to. It takes a lot of patience and stamina to be a farmer’s wife, with all of its ups and downs, chores, long hours and knowing what can happen and probably will at the worst times. But she was always up to the task with faith and fortitude to get it done. 

She was a longtime member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized May 14, 1961. She made sure us kids went to church and lived a Godly life. She loved her Lord and Savior. I know her wish would be for each and every one of her family and you all to know Him too. We are so thankful for her suffering is over and rejoice because we know she is in Heaven.

She is survived by:

Three sons:
James Lynn and Catherine Livingston of Center
Richard and Tammy Livingston of Center
Chuck and Heather Livingston of Lufkin

Two Daughters:
Debbie Samford of Center
Donna Lynch of Shelbyville

Seven Grandsons:
Ronnie Livingston of Center
Craig and Sharon Livingston of Sunnyvale
Bryan and Amanda Livingston of Garrison
Dewayne Lovell of Center
Jeremy and Ashley Lynch of San Augustine
Ryan and Eryn Lynch of Austin
Eric and Bianca Livingston of Tyler

Five Granddaughters:
Deanne and Jason Sample of Tenaha
Delana Lovell of Center
Amy and Eddie Bridwell of Center
Stephanie and Kris Akins of Blanchard, OK
Hannah Bauerle of College Station

Thirteen Great Grandsons:
Zack Evans
Cash and Caitlin Livingston
Darin Livingston
Gauge and Ashlyn Sample
Hunter Sample and Brittany Hutto
Briar Sample
Jax Haislip and Kayla Green
Connor Lovell
Jake Lovell
Zane Lovell 
Dustin Bridwell
David Akins
Jace Lynch

Fifteen Great Granddaughters:
Emily and Adam Fausett
Whitney and Brian McDaniel
Madison Livingston and Cole Bickham
Kaylee Emerson
Amber and Brent Smallwood
Ally Livingston
Sarah Malanthy
Natalie Bridwell
Leah Livingston
Taryn Livingston
Kaycee Vaughn
Toni Lovell
Annelise Akins
Carolyn Akins
Luna Raine Bauerle

Eight Great-great Grandchildren:
Blake McDaniel, Serenity McDaniel, Adeline Bickham, Avery Bickham, Jase Bickham, Max Livingston, Wes Livingston, Caleb Livingston

Sister, Sue Cameron

Brothers and Sisters–in-law:
Patsy Luman
Dawn Luman
Pauline Brittain
Sammy and Joy Jones
Dora Jean Livingston
Dianne Jones
Sammy and Linda Clifton

Preceded in death by:
Husband, James Marron “Jim” Livingston
Parents, Elmer Luman and Irene Hooper Luman Isbell
Grandsons, Richard Wesley Livingston and Gregory Scott Livingston
Great-Grandson, Tony Dustin Lovell
Great-Granddaughter, Brooklyn Heflin Livingston
Son-in-law, Jerry Glynn Lynch
Daughter-in-law, Dianne Lynch Livingston
Father and Mother-in-law, Louis and Della Abbott Livingston
Seven Brothers: Dewey Luman, Ray Luman, Rex Luman, Royce Luman, Joe Luman, James Luman, and Kenny Luman
Sister, Odell Luman Samford
Special Cousin and Friend, Velma Luman Smith

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice, Pine Grove Nursing Home, Colonial Pines Nursing Home, Nacogdoches Medical Center, Dr. John Oglesbee, Dr. David Venthur, Dr. Christopher Gayden at Performance Orthopedics, and all the doctors, nurses and caregivers during my mother’s trials.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Texas Childrens Hospital or Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

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

03/15/2023

Charles Ray Williams, 78 of Center, was called home by the Lord on Monday, March 13, 2023. He was born August 18, 1944 to the late Willie Pilot and Annie Cook Williams.

Funeral service is at 11am on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Loop 500 Church of Christ, 3216 Loop 500 East, Center, Texas. Evangelist Minister LaVel Tukes, Sr. officiating. Visitation is from 10am until 6pm Friday, March 17, 2023 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center, Texas.

Charles worked in the poultry business until his health problems began. He fought a good fight.

He married Rosie and to this union two sons were born, Cedric and Daryl Williams (deceased). He later married Eunice Young on April 5, 1995. He raised her four children: Jacqueline, Angle, Bernadette, and Samuel as his own. They were married 27 years.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

Wife, Eunice Faye Williams of Center

Daughters:
Jacqueline Henry (Johnny) of Huntsville, TX
Angel Young of Center
Bernadette Simon of Houston

Son, Samuel Jones of Lufkin

Sister, Eula Ray Harris (James) of Houston

Brothers:
Fate William, Jr. (Anita) of Center
James Williams (Paula) of Center

Seven Brothers-in-law and Five Sisters-in-law

Fourteen Grandchildren and 20 Great-grandchildren

Host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends

He was preceded in death by both of his fathers, Willie Pilot and Bro. Fate Williams; mother, Annie Williams; sons, Cedric Williams and Daryl Williams; sister, Lena Mae Jones; and brothers, Robert L. Williams and Leon Williams.

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

03/14/2023

Anne Lamkin, 90 of Center, passed away Monday, March 13, 2023 at Colonial Pines in San Augustine.

Graveside Service will be 1:00 p.m. Friday March 17, 2023 at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Anne Lamkin. Anna was born September 29, 1932 in Mt. Carmel, IL to Bert and Mary Hancock. Anne attended Mt. Carmel School of Nursing in Mt. Carmel, IL. She then moved to Texas where she attended Nacogdoches Business School and there she met the love of her life, Rayford K Lamkin of 64 years. Anne was also the original founder of transcribing physicians orders at Shelby General Hospital in Center until they closed. One of her biggest pleasures was using her 25 years of experience as a Mary Kay Consultant, helping others look and feel beautiful.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Mary Haycock and loving husband, Rayford Lamkin.

She is survived by:
Sons and Daughters-in-law:
Keith and Kimberly Lamkin of Friendswoods
Kenneth and Peggy Lamkin of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Kelle, Blake, Casey, Julie, Angel and Morgan

5 Great-Grandchildren

She will be layed to rest for eternity next to her loving husband Rayford at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

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

03/14/2023

Ernest McNeil (Mac) Moore Jr., 89, of Center passed away March 9, 2023 in Longview, Texas. He was born June 26, 1933 in Center, Texas to McNeil Moore, Sr. and Iona Anderson Moore.

Services will be held Sunday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Center with Mike Belgard and Harold Hanson, officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. 

A man of God with a strong Christian faith, Mac was a leader in the First Baptist Church of Center for many years serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher. He also attended and taught Sunday School classes at the First Christian Church of Port Arthur. He loved his God, his faith, his family, and his friends. Mac attended Center schools and graduated in 1950. After graduation, he played football for the Rice University Owls. In 1951, he transferred to Sam Houston State University where he continued his football career for the Bearkats setting school rushing records that held for 50 years. He graduated earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree. In 1971 he was one of the first four inductees in the Sam Houston Athletic Hall of Honor. 

After graduation from SHSU in 1954, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears of the NFL as a defensive back. He played for the Bears earning Pro Bowl recognition until a knee injury ended his football career in 1957. He was also drafted by Uncle Sam and served in the U. S. Army from 1955-1956. After a brief coaching stint, in 1959 he began a career with American General Life Insurance Co. He retired from American General in 1997. In 1998, he was inducted in the Center High School Roughrider Athletic Wall of Honor, received the Center ISD Distinguished Alumni award in 2000 and was a member of the Center ISD school board. Mac was a longtime member of the Center Noon Lions Club, Sons of the Republic of Texas and the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce where he received the Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1968 and the distinguished Citizen of the year in 1994. 

He is survived by: 
Daughters, 
Karen Anderson and husband Bob of Longview
Kathy Sawyer and husband Jim of Center

Grandchildren:
Ashley Wier and husband Byron of Dallas
Austin Anderson and wife Kristen of Dallas
Bonnie Catherine Wilson and husband Matt of Dallas
Anne Marsh and husband Eric of Klein

Great-grandchildren:
Maddie Wier
Cooper and August Anderson
Marshall and Matthew Wilson
Connor, Tucker, and Sawyer Marsh

As well as many nieces and nephews.

Bonus children and grandson, Shannon, Troy, and Jacob Jones of Nederland. 

Mac is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 54 years, Bonnie, wife Linda Howard Moore and sister, Bettye Minter. 

Sincere love and appreciation to Kaye Powell and the entire staff at Lakeside Village Assisted Living of Center. He loved you all as family and we are forever grateful for your love and care in return. 

Memorials can be made to the McNeil and Bonnie Moore Roughrider Scholarship fund at Center High School or a charity of your choice. 

Pallbearers: Alan Minter, John Howard, Dewey Howard, Dana Howard, Bob Howard, Howell Howard, Thomas Howard and John Black. 

Honorary pallbearers: Carl Smith Laura Walker Mary Lynn Tinkle Kaye Powell 

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

03/10/2023

Jimmy Youngblood, 86, of Center, passed away Friday, March 10, 2023 in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 11, 2023 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday March 12, 2023 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Ronnie Youngblood and Koby Youngblood officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Shelby County.

Jimmy Rex Youngblood was born in Shelby County on October 28, 1936. He married Barbara Johnson on November 10, 1961 and they had 2 children, Ronnie and Becky. Jimmy and his parents ran their family owned grocery store from 1955 until they sold the business in 1978. He also delivered freight for Red Ball after which he was a city mail carrier in Center for over 25 years. Jimmy and Barbara enjoyed traveling and loved taking Ronnie and Becky on family vacations every year. Their favorite destination was Colorado.

They also enjoyed going to the Dallas Cowboys game every Thanksgiving. Jimmy also enjoyed playing 42. Never one to sit still, after retiring from the post office, Jimmy delivered and picked up cars for the local dealerships and he also worked part time at Toledo Automotive. He was a member of Sam Samford Lodge #149, and was a Mason for over 40 years. He was also a member of the Church of Christ in James. Jimmy was extremely proud of his family and he will be greatly missed. The family would like to extend its gratitude to Pine Grove Nursing Home and Affinity Hospice for their loving care.

He is survived by:
His children: 
Ronnie Youngblood and wife Margaret
Becky Elliott and husband Puncho

Grandchildren: 
Joni Youngblood
Koby Youngblood and wife Alyssa
Michael Elliott and wife Kay

Great-grandchildren: 
Sabryn Cook and husband Tanner
Cade Collins
Kambry Ferguson
Izzy Youngblood
Guner Youngblood
Deacon Youngblood
Nikki Youngblood

Great-great-grandchild:
Wrenlee Cook

Sister-in-law, Sandra Harkness

Preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Youngblood; and parents, C.W. Youngblood and Lena Williams Youngblood.

Pallbearers will be Koby Youngblood, Michael Elliott, Cade Collins, Guner Youngblood, Tanner Cook, Brian Harkness, and Deacon Youngblood.

Honorary pallbearers will be Stan Jones, and Bennie Baugh.

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

03/09/2023

Bo Posey, 67, of Joaquin passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at his residence in Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until service time, Friday, March 10, 2023 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm, Friday March 10, 2023 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Jody Hooper officiating. Interment will follow at Truitt Cemetery in Shelby County.

Bennie “Bo” Posey was born in Center, TX to N.F. and Betty Ross Posey shortly after midnight December 26, 1955. His mother so badly wanted him to be born on Christmas Day. She drank castor oil mixed with a Dr. Pepper. She didn’t get to enjoy her Christmas dinner. Bo loved being a carpenter. He and Sheila built their home. Bo also loved being a tow truck driver. If you ever had your Ford towed by Bo he would make sure to parade that Ford through Brookshire’s parking lot. Bo had a very quick wit and could snap back to you with a very funny cut down. Bo loved his grandchildren, taking them for rides in a trailing being pulled with the lawn mower. Bo was also a die-hard Dallas Cowboy’s fan. April 10, 2023 would have been Bo & Sheila’s 47th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by:

Wife of 46 years, Sheila Posey

Sister, Betty Ann Posey

Children adopted by the heart:
Joey Burns
Cathy Myers

Grandchildren:
Taylor Myers
Tanner Myers
Madeline Clark
Maisie Burns
Marissa Gortney
Michael Blankenship

Nieces and nephews:
Jenny Crooks
Jaime Ray
Jason Ross
Trevor Lawrence
Britney Hudsbeth
Kevin Reeves
Karen Reeves
Michael Reeves
Thomas Posey
Jesse Posey

Aunts:
Diann Walker
Tina Bridwell

Numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews

A host of cousins

Preceded in death by parents, Nathan Franklin Posey, Sr. and Betty Delores Ross Posey; brother, Frank Posey; and sister, Debra Reeves.

Pallbearers will be Clinton Layton, Trevor Lawrence, Lem Grigsby, Bill Speights, Bubba Lewis and Justin Lewis. Honorary pallbearer will be Thomas Dennis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Watson and Sons Funeral Home for final expenses. Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com

03/03/2023

Rodney L. Lambert, 74, of Joaquin, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023, in Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 6, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. James Duncan, Bro. Monroe Mercer, and Bro. Robert Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Shelby County.

Rodney was born December 31, 1948 to Edgar Lambert and Avis Scruggs Lambert. He attended Maple Springs Baptist Church. 

He is survived by:

Daughter, Reasha Walters and husband Scott of Lufkin

Grandchildren:
Claire Elizabeth Walters of Lufkin
Eli Lambert Walters of Lufkin

Brother, Rushing Lambert of Joaquin

Sister, LaRee Bounds and husband Randy of Joaquin

Sisters-in-law:
Michelle Rodgers of Benton, LA
Mona Cannon and husband Rodney of Ruston, LA

Nieces and nephews:
Delisa Willis and Monroe of Bossier City, LA
Donna Willis of Shreveport, LA
Robin Hart and Alan of Ruston, LA
Staci Williams and Stacy of Carthage
Devon Cannon of Ruston, LA
Randy Willis of Bossier City, LA
Rusty Lambert and Julie of Center
Doug Rodgers and Lindsey of Bossier City, LA
David Rodgers of Ruston, LA

Numerous great nieces and great nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Murlene K. Lambert; parents, Edgar Lambert and Avis Scruggs Lambert; sister-in-law, Toni Lambert; sister, Edna Willis and husband David; nephew, Chip Willis; in-laws, Murl Knight and Dolores Adams Knight.

Pallbearers will be Rodney Cannon, Scott Walters, Monroe Mercer, Rusty Lambert, Stacy Williams, Dylan DeChamplain, Nic Lambert, and Randy Willis.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jackson Cemetery, P.O. Box 15, Joaquin, TX 75954, Joaquin Cemetery, P.O. Box 236, Joaquin, TX 75954. 

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

03/02/2023

Joe R. Dillon, 98 of Timpson, passed away February 28, 2023.

Funeral service will be at 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at First Methodist Church, Timpson, Texas, with Rev. Jean Ferraro and Bro. Cameron LaSoya officiating. Burial will follow at Blair Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at First Methodist Church.

Joe R. Dillon was born in Timpson, Texas on June 10, 1924, to Robert Dillon and Carmen Thornton Dillon. Joe was a lifetime member of the Timpson/Blair Community, though his work years were spent in Texas City, TX. Above all, Joe loved God! After that, he loved and was devoted to caring for his wife and family. Joe loved his church in both Texas City and Timpson and was always very active in both.

Joe spent three years in service in the United States Army. He fought in World War II in Germany and Belgium and was present at the Battle of the Bulge. He was blessed to see the end of the war. He was a member of the 740th Tank Battalion, also known as the “Daredevil Tankers.” Joe was a member of the Timpson Masonic Lodge #437 and recently received his 75 year service pin. 

Joe is survived by:

Loving wife, Hazel Hudson Dillon. They would have been married 73 years in July

Daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Dillon, currently of Timpson

Son and wife, Larry and Debbie Dillon of Fort Worth

Grandchildren:
Patrick and Marlene Eller
Amanda and Brian Scott
Mark and Michelle Dillon

Great-grandchildren:
Daelyn and Matthew Eller
Tyler and Hayden Scott
Serenity and Willow Dillon

Great-great granddaughter, Ariel Eller

A multitude of nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Carmen Dillon, as well as, his nine siblings.

Joe was gathered into the arms of his Loving Savior on February 28, 2023. He will be buried next to his parents in Blair, TX.

Please join us in celebrating Joe’s life. It was one of faith, dignity, grace, kindness, and love. 

He will be missed by so many here on Earth, however, his life was well lived and is one to be celebrated. Our family rejoices in the assurance that he is now in Heaven and fully restored safe in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Pallbearers for the service will be Patrick Eller, Brian Scott, Mark Dillon, Daelyn Eller, Matthew Eller, and Tyler Scott.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Methodist Church, Timpson, TX.

The Dillon family is being served by Taylor Funeral Home. To offer condolences or to sign an online register, visit taylorfh.net.

03/02/2023

James Allen Cartwright, 90 of Shelbyville, died February 13, 2023. He was born April 12, 1932, in Shelbyville, Texas.

Graveside service is at 1pm on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Britain Creek Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas. Visitation is from 2pm until 5pm at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Center, Texas.

James was preceded in death by parents, William and Mabelle Moore; first wife, Ozella Maria; sister, Elouise (Doll); brothers, Lemes (Lem) and Thomas Wayne (TW).

James moved to California when he was 17 years old and began working on farms in Isleton, Rio Vista, and Walnut Grove. He worked most of his career as a farm laborer and Union construction worker.

Always in a good mood, James, also known as Man by his family, loved to crack jokes and make people laugh. He was an exceedingly kind person and loved helping others. James enjoyed gardening, working on cars, and watching basketball. He also enjoyed drinking buttermilk, eating home-cooked soul food, grabbing a burger from In and Out Burger, and he absolutely loved eating vanilla and strawberry ice cream.

He was a member of Capital City Seventh-Day Adventist Church and became a Deacon in the early 2000. He took his position very serious and enjoyed all of deacons and his church family.

He is survived by:

Wife, Elisabeth Cartwright

Siblings:
Janie Ruth
Thomas Earl
Esther Lee
Myrtle Lee
William Cartwright, Jr.

Children:
Patricia (m. Charles)
Janice
Jennifer (m. Larry)
Bill (m. Sheri)
Evelyn (m. Steve)
Velma (Veejay)
Brenda
Octavia

Stepchildren, Kizziey and Machona Mkandawire

Grandchildren and great-grandchildren

A host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

James will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.