Shelby County Today

03/19/2025

Barbara Colleen Real Johnson, 78, of Timpson, passed away Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in Timpson.

Memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, March 21, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Her wishes were to be cremated.

Born July 14, 1946, in Beaumont, Colleen is the daughter of James Gail Real and Euriel Francis Daws Real. She was a member of The Lighthouse in Mt. Enterprise. She previously taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and served as music director and an organist in church. Her hobbies included drawing, painting, and singing.

She is survived by:
Children: 
Dennis Wayne Johnson of Timpson
Samuel Embyr Johnson of Timpson
Theresa Barber of Omaha, Arkansas

Grandchildren: 
Lee Chriswell
Geoffrey Chriswell
Chase Chriswell
Christian Chriswell
Pixie Johnson

Numerous great-grandchildren

Sister, Eileen Real

Preceded in death by husband, Troy Malcolm Johnson; parents, James Gail Real and Euriel Francis Daws Real; and brother, Wayne Earl Real.

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

03/19/2025

Kim Monique Teagle Hart, 57 of Lufkin, Texas, departed this physical life on March 13, 2025, at Woodland Heights Medical Center of Lufkin, Texas. She was born July 27, 1967.

Funeral service is at 2pm, Saturday, March 22, 2025, at True Vine Baptist Church with Rev. S. J. Clark officiating. Viewing is Saturday, March 22 from 9am until 12 noon at Garner and Son Chapel then at 12:30pm until service time at True Vine Baptist Church. Interment is at Union Grove Cemetery.

She is survived by:

Husband, Daryl Hart of Lufkin, Texas

Sons:
Curtis Cotton (Nastassia) of Lufkin, Texas
Darryl Hart, Jr. of Lufkin, Texas
Ladrell Hart of Lufkin, Texas

Daughter, Vellacia Blackshire (Leonard)

6 Grandchildren

1 Great-Grandchildren

Brothers:
Kenneth Wilson (Shirley) of Fort Worth, Texas
Julius Teagle (Mary) of San Augustine, Texas
Chad Jenkins (Stephanie) of San Augustine, Texas
Draper Jenkins (Lavada) of Tyler, Texas
Kevin Pennington of San Augustine, Texas
Demarion Teagle of San Augustine, Texas
Michael Porter of San Augustine, Texas

Sisters:
Brigitte Lane of Lufkin, Texas
Kalieth Renee Porter of San Augustine, Texas
Denise Pennington of Dallas, Texas
Charlissa Teagle of Tyler, Texas
Romegain Teagle of San Augustine, Texas
Tasheena Boyer of San Augustine, Texas
Shayla Teagle of San Augustine, Texas

As well as a host niece, nephews, of other relatives and Friends.

Services are under the direction of Garner and Son Mortuary, San Augustine, Texas.

03/18/2025

Raul M. Soto, 69 of Timpson, passed away Monday, March 17, 2025, in Timpson.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1pm. Interment will follow at Soto Family Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born October 8, 1955, in Mercedes, Texas, Raul is the son of Rafael Soto Sr. and Ursula Munoz Soto. His hobbies included horseback riding, caring for his horses, dogs, and cattle, camping, and fishing. Raul especially loved time spent with family. He attended St. Therese Catholic Church in Center.

He is survived by:

Son, Raul Mavrick Soto Jr. of Elkhart, Indiana

Stepdaughter, Paula M. Wright of Elkhart, Indiana

Brothers and sisters:
Ralph Soto Sr. of Center
Vangie McGraw of Goshen, Indiana
Jane Smith and husband Eddie of Fort Wayne, Indiana
Roland Soto and wife Donna of Mishawaka, Indiana
Raymond Soto and wife Bonnie of San Antonio
Rose Heady and husband Mike of Center
Mary Walker and Allen Thompson of Timpson
Rudy Soto and wife Leslie of Shreveport, Louisiana
Jackie Soto and wife Kristle of Logansport, Louisiana
Moses Soto and wife Alicia of Nacogdoches

Also numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents, Rafael Soto Sr. and Ursula Munoz Soto; siblings, Herlinda Soto, Helen Simmons, Rey Soto, Ruben Soto, and Ramiro Soto.

Pallbearers will be Rudy Soto, Roland Soto, Toby McGraw, Antonio Heady, Nathan Soto, and Mike Mangrum. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Heady and Tyler Soto.

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

03/14/2025

Joyce Ellene Keating Scott went home to be with her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 11, 2025, at the age of 91. A woman of unwavering faith & love, she lived a life committed to the Lord & her family. She made her home in Timpson, Texas, but she entered into the presence of the Lord while surrounded by her family in Bullard, Texas.

Born in the community of County Line in Panola Country to Cullen and Ruth Keating, Joyce was the youngest of 3 children. She married Alvin E. Scott on October 24, 1959. They were married 40 years until his passing in 2000. She is now joyfully reunited in heaven with her husband, parents, sister Nadine Chadwick, brother Pete Keating, and her beloved daughter and son, Judy Veronica Cross & Wendell Jewel Scott. What a glorious reunion it must have been!

Joyce was a force for the Lord—steadfast in her faith, generous with her time. Teaching Sunday school, singing in her church choir, a living example of her Christ centered life. She was a powerful & supportive influence on those around her. A source of strength & resilience to everyone who knew her. Joyce’s greatest joy came from being a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She cherished every moment spent with her family & church family. Joyce is leaving behind a legacy of faith, determination & love.

Joyce’s tenacious spirit will now live on in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great grandchildren. She is survived by:

Daughter-in-law, Mrs. Thelma Scott

Grandchildren:
Kristi Cross Grogan, and husband, Chris of Bullard
Phillip Cross of Selmer, TN
Karla Cross Leslie, and husband, Grant of New Braunfels
Wendy Scott Coats, and husband, James of Nacogdoches

11 great-grandchildren:
Paige Grogan Kanipes
Jon Grogan
Kobe Grogan
Veronica Cross Martin
Elizabeth Harris
Haylie Cross
Heather Leslie
George Leslie
Sophia Leslie
Kinley Coats
Kaylee Coats

5 great-great-grandchildren

Though we grieve her absence, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is finally free, singing in the great choirs with the angels, talking, and resting in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of Mrs. Scott’s life will be held at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday March 19, 2025 at 2pm with Pastors Levi Cohorst and John Raines officiating. 

Visitation begins at 1pm. Reception immediately following at Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Scott’s residence at 1280 CR 4653, Timpson TX 75975

She is now in complete peace in the loving arms of her King & Savior. Mama Joyce, your love, faith, and legacy will echo in our hearts forever.

03/14/2025

Kathy McSwain Jones, 70, of Center, TX passed away Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at her home in Center.

Services will be conducted by Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center on Tuesday, March 18th.  There will be a private family viewing at 1pm, followed by a public viewing at 2pm.  The funeral service will be held at 3pm in the Watson Chapel.  Burial will follow at the Mt. Herman Cemetery. Bro. Porter Brewer will officiate.

Kathy was born on July 11,1954 to E.C. and Gwinnon McSwain in Houston, TX. She was the third child along with her siblings Keith, Kerry, and Kay. After growing up in Houston, she married and began having her family Jason, Kyle, and Kathryn. Later, she married Teral Jones and added her stepchildren, Brad and Tara. On February 10th, she and Teral celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary.

In the early 1980’s, Kathy began her Nursing career that would span the next 30+ years.  Throughout her career, she worked in various doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals. Her proudest achievements were spending 29 years working at Nacogdoches Medical Center in numerous departments and roles. Her first retirement came as the Director of Admissions for the entire complex.  After several years of retirement, she returned to nursing as the Diabetics Coordinator for the Tyler County Hospital in Woodville, TX. Retiring again a few years later, she and Teral enjoyed their home on Lake Amanda in Colmesneil. The lake had been the gathering spot for the entire McSwain family for decades. From the famous McSwain Family Reunions to quiet evenings by the lake shore, this is where her memories were made and cherished.

After several health issues, Kathy and Teral moved to Center where they have spent their last few years. After fighting the good fight, Jesus called her home to Heaven on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

She is survived by:

Husband of 41 years, Teral Jones

Children and Stepchildren:
Jason and wife Shelley Locke
Kyle and wife Kellie Locke
Kathryn and husband Dewayne Hudman
Brad and wife Natalie Jones
Tara Jones

Grandchildren:
Jacob and wife Destiny Locke
Emma and husband Brock Hughes
Shannon Locke
Audrey Locke
Emberlyn Locke
Micah Hudman
Brooke Hudman
Karson Hudman
Karlie Hudman
Kade Hudman
Brianna Jones

Great-Grandchildren:
Oaklynn Hudman
Townsend Locke

Sister, Kay and husband Mike Surface

Brother, Keith and wife Shyrel McSwain

Sister-In-Law, Elaine McSwain

Best Friend, Cathy Hughes

Numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Preceded in death by her parents, E.C. and Gwinnon McSwain; and brother, Kerry McSwain.

Pallbearers are Randy McSwain, Brian McSwain, Don McSwain, Patrick McSwain, Matthew Surface, Zach McSwain, Jacob Locke, Micah Hudman, Kade Hudman.

In place of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org.

The family would like to express special thanks to Heart-to-Heart Hospice and Vicky Sneed Sitting Services for all their care and support.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com. Services are under the direction of Watson and Sons Funeral Home.

03/12/2025

Calvin Brown Christian, at the age of 72, ended his earthly journey March 8, 2025 as an interstate truck driver. His final destination in this life came in Hillsborough, North Carolina, but his beloved resting place will be in Tenaha, Texas.

"Precious Memories" will be shared with visitation at 1:00 pm, Sunday, and the service at 2:00, March 16, 2025 at Tenaha First Baptist Church. "Heavenly Sunshine" will spread over the interment following at Old Union Cemetery. 
 
Calvin was born in Center, Texas to parents, Charlie B. and Trudie Maxine Golding Christian. Joining him were siblings, Kay, Charlotte and Carla. His schooling carried him to Center, Port Arthur and graduating with Tenaha's Class of 1971. Everyone knew his calling in life was to be a long haul trucker as evidenced by loudly shifting gears down the hallways of high school. Friends knew him as a jokester/prankster as evidenced by his trucker handle, Dip Stick, always adding laughter and cheering others up when times were tough. God granted Calvin a tremendous tenor talent. Audiences cherished his performances in choir and "Down in the Valley" a THS musical, then with Panola College's Pipers, a select singing group performing as ambassador's for the College. Most well knownwere his contributions in the Singing Christians Gospel Quartet, as he drove their bus on many tours and his tenor voice led them to receive numerous awards. Calvin depended on God's "Amazing Grace" throughout his life, and he played a role as member of First Baptist Church in Tenaha's Choir which trained him as did the hymnal, Heavenly Highway, which prepared him for the kingdom to come.

Calvin married Debra Gunter and to their union came children, Chad, Callie, and Brooke, who he dearly loved. Precious grandchildren, Callianna, Caitlyn (KK), and Case came to the intersection of his life. Years after Debra's death, he married someone "On the Road Again", teammate and trucker, Shirley (Sam) Trigg. 
 
"Stroll Over Heaven with You Some Day" has arrived as he meets his beloved parents and his extended family. Also greeting him will be sister, Charlotte, and her soprano voice singing, "Climb Every Mountain." Daughter, Callie, celebrates his singing, "No Measure of Time" as their reunion will be sweet. Both of his wives, Debra and Shirley, know he comes to heaven singing, "I'll Have a New Body" because the decades of driving had taken a toll on his health.

Cherishing his memory are:

Son, Chad Christian

Daughter, Brooke Cassell

Grandchildren:
Callianna
Caitlyn
Case

Sisters:
Carolyn Kay Morse and husband, Ronald
Carla Looney and husband, Mark

Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

To continue Calvin's legacy, contributions may be made to the Music Ministry at: Tenaha First Baptist Church or the Church of your choice.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

03/11/2025

Mary L. Biggers, 91, of San Augustine, Texas, opportunity to “Walk in the Light” came Saturday, the 8th day of March 2025, at Summitt Nursing Home in San Augustine.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2pm at the Reed Chapel Baptist Church in San Augustine. Rites of Christian Burial will follow at St. Luke Cemetery in San Augustine. Visitation will be from 12noon until 6pm on Friday, March 14th at Percy Garner & Son Funeral Home.

Mary Lousette Boyer Biggers was born December 9, 1933, in the Perkins Community in San Augustine to Sealy (Roberts) Boyer and Isom Boyer. A retired educator, she taught at San Augustine Elementary School.

A Deaconess at the Reed Chapel Baptist Church, she was also the “2023 Woman of the Year” at the church.

Survivors include:

Daughter, Mary Elizabeth Biggers Sanders of Longview

Granddaughter, Mariah Elyse Sanders of Longview

Grandson, Samuel Justin Hunter, III, “Sammy J.” of Longview

Brother, Ira Boyer (Lola) of Houston

Sisters:
Opal Boyer of Haywood, CA
Betty Robinson of Mansfield, LA

Sister-in-law, Marjorie Boyer of San Augustine

Brother-in-law, Wayne Sparrow (Francine) of Orange

She was preceded in death by her husband, Deacon John Willie Biggers.

Services are under the direction of Percy Garnder & Son Funeral Home of San Augustine and Sparrow Funeral Home of Orange, Texas.

03/11/2025

Dixie Whiteside, 88, of Center, passed away Monday, March 10, 2025, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 8pm, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Sister Melba Rodgers officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born September 11, 1936, in Center, Dixie is the daughter of George Mitchell and Lela Hughes Mitchell. She loved gardening and checking on her cows.

She is survived by:

Children:
Dannie Helton
Darrell Whiteside and wife Michelle

Daughter-in-law, Sheila Whiteside

Grandchildren:
Dan Helton and wife Stephanie
Charla and husband John Young
Darren Whiteside and wife Tina
Chad Nichols and wife Georgia
Connor Whiteside and wife Jaiden
Lindsey Eddins
Megan and husband Ridge Delahoussaye
Chavaletta Johnson and husband Brad
Waylon Whiteside
Jennifer Whiteside
Tiffany Whiteside
David Whiteside II
Colt Whiteside

31 great-grandchildren

4 great-great-grandchildren

Sister, Georgia Bloodgood

Family friends:
Aaron Stockton and wife Misty
Connie Hodges

Preceded in death by husband, Wayland Bacle Whiteside; children, Donese Whiteside and David Whiteside; and parents, George Mitchell and Lela Hughes Mitchell.

Pallbearers will be Jessie Rose, Shawn Whiteside, Darren Whiteside, Cecil Jackson, Aaron Stockton, and Zack Mahan. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Whiteside, Kenneth Noble, Shane Whiteside, and Chad Nichols.

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

03/09/2025

Michael Joseph Wulf, 75, of Center, Texas, passed away on March 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Center, Texas. He was born on September 1, 1949, to the late Ed and Rose Marie (Nowicki) Wulf.

A funeral mass will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at St. Therese Lisieux Catholic Church, with Father Luis Pena officiating.

Visitation will be held from 4-7PM on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas. 

Mike proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. When called to duty to serve in the Vietnam War, he nobly answered the call. During his time of service, he achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star and many other medals. As an honored Vietnam Veteran, he continued to “serve those who have served”, as the present VFW Post 8904 Commander and Gold Legacy Member. Mike was also a lifetime member of the Catholic War Veterans.

Mike Moved to Center, Texas in 1977 and made many friends and lasting memories. Known locally as “Uncle Mike”, he was a “people” person with a heart of gold and lived life to its fullest. Mike enjoyed hunting and other outdoor activities and serving the community. He was an avid sports fan, particularly college football and Notre Dame. He enjoyed watching his granddaughters, nieces, and nephews in all their sports activities. Mike regularly checked on and called his niece, Cori, who has suffered with a debilitating form of Stephens Johnson Syndrome for the past eleven years.

Mike was a past member of the Shelby County Cookers and currently served on the board of the Shelby County Outreach Ministries. He was the chief cook for the Friends of the Roughrider Athletic Booster Club.

Mike worked at General Shelters for eleven years and served as the plant manager for the production plant in Munday, Texas. He also worked for Port-a-Cool and was a Regional Sales Manager. In his travels as a salesman, Mike made many friends across the country. In his retirement, he enjoyed serving his community and spending time with his granddaughters and great-grandson. 

He is survived by:

Daughter, Delanda (Wulf) Agocs-Baker

Granddaughter, Shaelyn Agocs-Motichek (Skyliar)

Stepdaughter, Stevie Sanchez (Doug)

Granddaughters:
Madisen Sanchez
Mattilyn Sanchez

Great Grandson, “Big John” Agocs-Motichek

Siblings:
Fred Wulf (Mickey) of Center
Paul “Pickles” Wulf of Curtice, Ohio
Larry Wulf (Rita) of Toledo, Ohio
Lori Wieczorek of Toledo, Ohio
Tim Wulf (Jennifer) of Center
Mary Lou Lubinski (Ken) of Toledo, Ohio
Jim Wulf (Jenni) of Napoleon, Ohio

He was also survived by special friends, Derrick, Mary and Dylan Roberts, and Ashley Flick. 

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Rose Marie Wulf, infant brother, Joseph Michael Wulf; grandparents, Fred and Minnie Nowicki, and Anthony and Josefa Wulf; sister-in-law, Peggy Wulf; and brother-in-law, Larry Wieczorek.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one the following:
VFW Post 8904, PO Box 53, Center, Texas, 75935
Friends of Roughrider Boosters, 153 Foster St., Center, Texas, 75935
Roughrider Scholarship, 153 Fost St., Center, Texas, 75935

Pallbearers serving will be members from the VFW Post 8904.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. The family is being served by Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.