Shelby County Today

02/15/2023

Sam Sanders, Jr., 58, departed this life on February 10, 2023 in Houston, Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He was born December 18, 1964 in Louisiana to the late Evera Sanders.

Funeral service is 10am Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Center Triumph Church, Center, Texas. Interment is at Mt. Zion Cemetery, Timpson, Texas with Bishop Roosevelt Swindle officiating. Visitation will be held 10am until 5pm on Friday, February 17, at Community Chapel in Center.

He attended school at Center ISD but he left school at an early age to enter the workforce. Sam was a hard worker and he had worked in the Poultry Industry for many years. He had worked for both Pilgrims Pride and Tyson Food for years. Sam was a Truck Driver. It was said that Sam knew where every chicken farm was located in East Texas.

Sam was well known in his community for being willing to help others. He was blessed with a large and loving family.

He leaves to cherish his memories:

Wife, Nakisha Sanders of Center

Sons:
Dijon Sanders of Center
Kaden Dixon of Center
Mack Hamilton of Arlington

Brothers:
Travis (Tracey) Belin of Center
Vernon (Renoda) Washington of Houston
Joseph (Barbara) Belin of Houston
Cedric (Lisa) Redmon of Fredericksburg, Virginia
Tyrone Redmon of Whitehouse
Kenneth (Pamela) Redmon of Woodbridge, Virginia
Ronnie Williams of Nacogdoches
Tommy (Tabita) Williams of Center

Sisters:
Sharon (Otis) Ravenell of Dallas
Vickie (Tony) May of Spotsylvania, Virginia
Charlotte (Patrick) Robinson of Fredericksburg, Virginia
Jackie Haley of Nacogdoches
Sherry (Kyle) Hardy of Nacogdoches
Tammy (Stephen) Pickney of Lufkin

Sam was a devoted father, and avid fisherman. He enjoyed playing dominoes with family and friends. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He will be deeply missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Every Sanders; father, Cleveland Bobbie Redmon (CB); brother, Prentice Sanders; and sisters, Dorothy Horton and Polly McCollister Garrett.

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

02/14/2023

Linda Lee Wagstaff, 69, of Shelbyville, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023, in Shelbyville.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 17, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Mike Oliver officiating.  Interment will follow at Reynolds Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born March 18, 1953, in Pineland, Linda is the daughter of Verna Smith Taylor and Bill Taylor. She enjoyed spending time with kids and grandkids and loved to travel. She is a member of Hawthorne Missionary Baptist Church in Shelby County.

She is survived by:

Husband, Roger Wagstaff of Shelbyville

Son, Justin Wagstaff, and wife, Scharla of Shelbyville

Daughter, Jada Jones, and husband, Jay of Shelbyville

Grandchildren: 
Jake Wagstaff, and wife, Belinda of Shelbyville
Bryar Wagstaff of Shelbyville
Myla Wagstaff of Shelbyville
Cole Jones
Kelsey Jones
Kara Jones
Jayleigh Jones
Rhett Jones

Great-grandchild, Rex Wagstaff of Shelbyville

Brothers: 
Joe Taylor, and wife, Jeanne of Shelbyville
Paul Taylor, and wife, Cathy of Shelbyville
Monte Taylor, and wife, Donna of Shelbyville

Brothers-in-law:
Johnny Hargrove of Shelbyville
Spud King of Center
Wallace Chance of San Augustine

Sister-in-law, Debbie Lansford, and husband, Mark of Lufkin

Preceded in death by parents, Verna Smith Taylor and Bill Taylor; brother, Tommy Taylor; and sisters, Billie King, Dean Chance, Connie Hargrove, Patsy Taylor, and Shirley Taylor.

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

02/12/2023

Jerry Glenn Barlow, 66, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2023, in Center, Texas, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on June 1, 1956, in Center, Texas, to the late Jim Barlow and Johnny Hailey Bailey.

Graveside service will be held at Antioch Cemetery, San Augustine, on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 3PM. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 2PM on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Antioch Cemetery, San Augustine.

Jerry passed away at his home in Center, Texas, after a long illness. Jerry loved hunting, fishing and his game roosters and hens as long as it had to do with the outdoors. No one was going to mow his yard but himself because he enjoyed being on his mower for his piece of mind. Jerry met his wife Rhonda at a convenient store on e night that she had worked at. He was bound and determined he was going out with her. He went in the store and asked her for her name and her answer was “none of your damn business”! Well, that made him more determined. He won her over after a while. They met July 1978 and got married in June of 1979. They were married over 43 years. They had their ups and downs but stayed together through it all.

Jerry loved being around his grandchildren, watching them grow. Their little smiles can always put a smile on your heart. Jerry worked for W.H. and Dan Fussell at San Augustine Motor Company for 19 years before deciding to come to Center and work for Ray and Kevin Jones at Center Motor Company so he could be close to home to be with his mom as her health needed him. He worked for Center Motor Company for 23 years before retiring in 2021.

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Rhonda Barlow

Son, Marc Leach

Sisters:
Lillian Williams
Clara Clary

Brother, Bobby Barlow

Sister-in-law, Mary Rushing

Grandchildren:
Jazlynn Babin and Travis Henkel
Victorian “Tori” and Jacob Jackson
Sidney Leach

Great-grandchildren:
Anna Henkel
Damon Henkel
Adley Jackson
Kaston Jackson
Levvie Jackson

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Jim Barlow; mother, Johnny Hailey Bailey; stepfather, J.H. Bailey; sister, Estelle Caraway; brother in laws, Ray Williams and Franky Rushing.

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

02/10/2023

Quincy Simpson, 44 of Grand Cane, LA and Center, TX, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023 at his home in Center.

Funeral service is Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 1pm at Mary Evergreen Baptist Church, Grand Cane, LA. Visitation is from 1pm until 6pm at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport, Louisiana. Interment is at Old Zion Baptist Church, Grand Cane, Louisiana.

He is survived by:

Dad, Chester Simpson of Grand Cane, LA

Mom, Bertha Simpson of Stonewall, LA

Wife, Chiquita Simpson of Center

Children:
Aaulaygae Allen
EuoJonae Allen
Uuniga Allen
Cierra Taylor
Zae Drianna Simpson

Grandson, Ashir Vaughn

Sister, Francesca (Kevin) Fields

Services entrusted to Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport, Louisiana.

02/06/2023

Funeral service for Ms. Clineccia Shawntelle Trotty (31) of Coppell, Texas will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023; at 11:00 AM. Service will be held at Mt. Zion CME Church 921 Martin Luther King Drive Center, Texas 75935. Rev. Richard E. Edwards will be officiating. 

Visitation will be Friday, February 10, 2023, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Mt. Zion CME Church 921 MLK Drive Center, Texas 75935. Committal will take place at Westview Cemetery. Repass will be at Mt. Zion CME Church 

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

Clineecia was born May 16, 1991, in Center to Marketta Arnold-Edmond and Tommy Trotty. She completed her earthly assignment on January 30, 2023, at Medical City Center Dallas after a brief battle with leukemia. Clineecia attended Center High School and graduated in 2009 with honors.

She continued her education at Lamar University where she obtained both her bachelors and masters degree. She began her career in criminal justice at Minnie Rogers Juvenile Probation Center as a Juvenile Probation/Supervision Officer and was later promoted to the Juvenile Probation Officer position. After her time with Minnie Rogers, she began her career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a “Senior Officer.”

In 2016 Clineecia relocated to Dallas where she began her service as Legal Instrument Examiner for the Federal Government. Clineecia took pride in her work and was well respected by her colleagues. The determination and dedication to her continued success in her chosen field was not unnoticed. For those who knew her, we are not at all surprised and extremely proud of her accomplishments in the short amount of time she was gifted to this world.

The dedication to her success was only matched by the love she had for those important to her. There would never be a time an ear was not available to listen to or a shoulder available to cry on and other way she could do for those she loved. Clineecia will be dearly missed by all she’s encountered and touched throughout her time here.

Clineecia’s left so many to cherish her memory:
Mother, Marketta Arnold-Edmond (David)

Father, Tommy Trotty 

Grandmothers:
Frankie Arnold
Maxine Trotty

Siblings: 
Markeiisha Alonzo (Marco)
Brandon Brinson (Teresa)
Janika Edwards
Latoya Love
Kristi Arnold
Noreka Brooks
Isaac Trotty
Tomesha Trotty
Eric Johnson
Eli Goodman

Uncles:
Jeffery Arnold
Joe Lewis Phelps

Eight nieces and seven nephews

Special cousin/friend, Jessica Watts (Justin)

Devoted friends, who are more like family, Sharri Diggles and Demetria Thacker

Best friend since childhood, Sharonica Roberts

Numerous cousins, friends, colleagues, and extended family.

Clineecia was preceded in death by both grandfathers, Jimmie Arnold and Ike Trotty

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

02/05/2023

Mary Louise Morgan Stephenson, 84, of Timpson, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023, in Timpson.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at Noon. Bro. Dave Wood will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mary was born May 24, 1938, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

She is survived by:

Children:
Debra King Vick and husband Frank Vick of Silsbee
Thomas King of Timpson and his friend Cathy Woodard of Carthage
Angelia King Palmer and husband Timothy Palmer of Silsbee
Tammy King Mikesh of Timpson
Billy Dickerson and wife Lisa of Shreveport, Louisiana

50 grandchildren

54 great-grandchildren

20 great-great-grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

Special friends, Danielle Grigsby and Hattie Cochran.

Preceded in death by husband, Donald Stephenson; mother and stepfather, Ida Green and Luther Green; father, W.D. “Johnny” Morgan; siblings, Peggy Allison and her husband Red, Jerry Green, Maxine Bradshaw; daughter-in-law, Melissa King; son-in-law, Martin Mikesh; and great grandson, Connor Mikesh.

Pallbearers will be David Lawhorn, Wade Angelo, Derek Hughes, Dustin King, George Booker, Ricky Wright, Bryan Mikesh, and Kebo Parker.

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

02/04/2023

Stacey Glenn McSwain, 56, of Center, Texas, passed away on February 2, 2023, in Shreveport, Louisiana, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on April 9, 1966, in Center, Texas, to J.C. McSwain and Venorah Williams McSwain. 

Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 8, 2023, from 6-8PM at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at 2pm with Bro. Son Windham officiating.  Interment will follow at 1374 CR 1286, Center, Texas.

Stacey was born and raised in Shelby County. He attended Center High School. He met the love of his life, Tammy Watson, through mutual friends. The two were married on November 8, 1985. They spent over 37 wonderful years together. They raised three wonderful children who were the light of his life. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Most precious time was spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Stacey was the owner of Stacey McSwain Logging. He followed in his dad’s footsteps to become a successful logger himself. 

One of the things he loved the most about logging was the fresh smell of pine resin in the early morning. His heart was huge, and it was filled with love, compassion, and a giving spirit. He had the biggest smile and the most unique laugh you will ever hear. He enjoyed sharing childhood stories with family and friends. Stacey enjoyed acquiring his gun collection, playing 42, and spending time with friends on the home front. Stacey spent time outdoors roping as a youngster, working cattle, and gathering at the pond with friends to just reminisce. He loved going on hunting trips and deep-sea fishing with his son Daniel and friends.

Stacey enjoyed dancing and listening to his favorite artist Elvis Presley. He never missed the opportunity to watch a good movies or TV show. Some of his favorites were The Lion King, 8 Seconds, Tombstone, and Yellowstone. The highlight of his years was putting on a firework show for New Year’s and the 4th of July for his family and friends. His four-legged friend “Matt” was his buddy. Stacey lived life to the fullest to the very end.  

He is survived by: 
His loving wife, Tammy McSwain

Children: 
Machael McSwain Cranford and husband Jami
Daniel McSwain and wife Brittany
Nicole McSwain

Grandchildren: 
Blaize McSwain
Zoey McSwain
Timber McSwain
Brigham McSwain
Kinley Cranford
Kash Cranford
Kelan McSwain
Kullen McSwain
Kami McSwain

Mother, Venorah McSwain

Sisters: 
Cecilia Boles and husband Ken
Tonya Andrews and husband George

Brother, Roscoe McSwain and wife Natalie

Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Stacey is preceded in death by his father, J. C. McSwain.

Pallbearers serving will be Nicholas Crocker, Michael Crocker, Cecil McSwain, Roscoe McSwain Jr., John Andrews, and Colton McSwain.

Honorary pallbearers serving will be David Nettles, Kevin Lynch, Ricky Lout, and A.L. Watts.

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

02/02/2023

Joyce Wilburn Smith, 77, of Center, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023, in Tyler.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 3, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating.  Interment will follow at Patroon Cemetery in the Patroon Community of Shelby County.

Born August 6, 1945, Joyce is the daughter of Horace Wilburn and Bernice Elliott Wilburn.  She was a member of Patroon Baptist Church.

She is survived by:
Her son, Shawn Smith and wife Dana of Logansport, Louisiana

Daughter, Stacy Alexander and husband Stephen of Canton

Grandchildren:
Lexi Danielle Smith of Logansport, Louisiana
Kurston Jaymes Smith of Logansport, Louisiana
Roper Jake Smith of Logansport, Louisiana
Addison Joyce Alexander of Canton
Mallory Jo Alexander of Canton

Sister, Louise Tompkins of San Augustine

Brothers: 
Travis “Tappy” Wilburn and wife Delma of Center
Carroll Wilburn and wife Virginia of San Augustine

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by father, Horace Wilburn; mother, Bernice Wilburn; and brother, Larry Wilburn.

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

01/31/2023

Shellie Joe Fomby, 84, of Vidor, TX, passed from this life to be with his heavenly Father on Sunday, January 29, 2023 in Beaumont, Texas from complications of COVID. 

Joe was born in Emmet Arkansas on March 2, 1938 to Shellie and Emma Fomby. He graduated from Center High School with his beloved class of 1956. He lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. He attended the University of Houston and Lamar University. In 1966 he began his banking career at Sabine Valley Savings and Loan as a bank teller then quickly was promoted to loan officer, appraiser, and vice president. He was also appointed to the board of directors.

He was an original founder of Shelby Savings Bank as President. Later he teamed up with Farmers State Bank where he retired after many years as Vice President.

He served his community as Commissioner of Center Little League, President of Center Alumni Association, was elected Outstanding Young Man of the Year for the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Center Band Booster, President of the Center Noon Lions Club, served on the Center ISD School Board, Director of the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.

He was a faithful member of the Northside Church of Christ for many years until moving to Lake Murvual. He then served Northside Church of Christ in Carthage Texas until he moved to Vidor. He served at Northmain Church of Christ in Vidor until his passing.

Joe's smile will always be remembered as one of his greatest attributes.

Funeral services will be held at 9AM Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, Texas. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 5 - 7 PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor. Family burial will be immediately following at White Rock Cemetery in Center, TX.

Thursday, February 2, from 5PM-7PM, Watson and Son Funeral Home of Center will host a visitation for all local friends and family.
 
As per Joe’s request, in lieu of flowers please donate to the: Roughrider Foundation in the name of Joe and Nell Fomby.

Mail your support to: Roughrider Foundation P.O. Box 152
Center, Texas 75935

Please write Joe Fomby on the “for line” 

Joe is survived by: 
His wife Mary Fomby

Daughters:
Angela Rowe, husband, Robert 
Beth Harbison, husband, Ricky

Grandchildren:
Bradley Andrews, wife, Mindy 
Ashley Rowe, wife, Alex 
Christi Dukes, husband, R.T. 
Chelsea Oler, husband, Blake 
Mickey Wiggins, wife, Dacey

Great-Grandchildren:
Lexi Perry, husband, Daniel
Eden Andrews
Addison Rowe
Reagan T. Dukes
Kennedy Dukes
Connor Andrews
June Oler
Calvin Oler
Lincoln Dukes
Rosie Dukes

Great-Great-Grandchild, Charlie Perry

Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Preceded in death by:
His wife Nell Fomby, parents Shellie and Emma Fomby and brother, Roy Fomby.

Pallbearers: Bradley Andrews, Ashley Rowe, RT Dukes, Blake Oler, Mickey Wiggins, Reagan T. Dukes