Shelby County Today

08/09/2021

Keith Powdrill was born in San Antonio, TX and died Sunday, August 1, 2021 at his daughter’s home. He died peacefully in his sleep.

As a young boy the Powdrill’s moved from San Antonio, TX to Huffman, TX on Lake Houston. Keith was proud of his accomplishment of never missing a day of school from kindergarten through 12th grade. He graduated in 1979 from Huffman Hargrave High School and attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, TX.

Keith then went on to live in Longmont, CO, and Cody, WY, before settling in Timpson, TX for the rest of his life.

Keith’s working career began at The Brown School in San Marcos, TX. He continued at Texas School for the Deaf, Austin, TX; Cody Ranch Resort, Cody, WY; and Railserve Inc., Longview, TX.

Keith enjoyed golfing, fishing at the pond, and bird watching. He looked forward to camping primitively and road trips where he often met up with longtime friends.

From an outpouring of his friend’s memories he was remembered as being “the connection, the glue that stuck his friends together.” Keith “made friends easily and he seemed to be the center of a wide circle of friends.”

At the Brown School in the 80’s and 90’s he was thought of as “a good friend and had a great rapport with the school population, the kids loved and respected him. He was the type of guy to leave a mark on colleagues even after he was gone.”

Keith’s infectious laugh and sly sense of humor brought smiles to the faces of family and friends. He had lots of adventures and good times over the years.  Keith was a good neighbor and thought of as a brother to some. He loved to laugh and enjoyed life. He was remembered as someone who truly cared about others. Kara and Kylie were always his pride and joy.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents Howell Lee Powdrill and Geraldine (Gerry) Lovelady Powdrill and uncle Johnny Ray Renfro of Timpson, TX.

He leaves his daughters:
Kara Dannette Powdrill
Kylie Lynn Powdrill of Timpson, TX

Grandsons:
Easton Kent Lee Carroll
Boston Blake Lee George
Porter Blake Bush
Kannon Drake Zamora

Sister, Melody Dannette Powdrill of Shreveport, LA

Aunt, Marcia Jean Kesterson and husband Hollis of Longview, TX

Aunt, Louise Renfro of Timpson, TX

Keith also leaves behind numerous cousins and lifelong friends.

A visitation and time for Remembering Keith will be held Friday, August 6 from 4pm-7pm at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Graves Dr, Timpson, TX 75975. 

08/06/2021

Velma Harper Jackson, 76 of Center, passed away July 30, 2021. On August 12, 1944, Velma Rae Harper was born to the union of WC and Earlie Harper.

Funeral service is 11am Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Abundant Love Ministries in Center. Interment is at Westview Cemetery with Pastor Arthur Young giving the eulogy.

She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church in Center, Texas. She enjoyed being a Registered Nurse and she loved her family and having a good time. Velma graduated from Center High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents WC and Earlie Harper; her two sisters, Betty Ruth Lathan and Thelma Rae Ratcliff; and brother R.C. Harper.

She is survived by:

Sisters:
Shirley Rushing
Linda Harper

Children:
Bobby Harper
Sandra Wynn (James)
Victor Jordan (Christiana)
Shelly Washington Leonard
Tonja Gardner Singleton (Willie)
Kelby Gardner

16 Grandchildren

34 Great-Grandchildren

3 Great-Great-Grandchildren

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends

Services are entrusted to McCoy and Harrison Funeral Home, Houston, Texas and Community Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

08/04/2021

Lou Jane Womack, 65, of Tenaha, passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021, in Tyler.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 6, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Tenaha with Bro. John Whitworth and Bro. Andrew King officiating. Interment will follow at Restland Cemetery in Tenaha.

Born September 5, 1955, in Carthage, Lou Jane is the daughter of Joe Dan Womack and Wandell Conner Womack. A member of Tenaha High School’s Class of 1974, she went on to earn a bachelor of fine arts degree from Stephen F. Austin University in 1979. Lou Jane later obtained her master’s degree in 1984. She also attended Panola College, where she was a member of the Panola Fillies. Lou Jane was an accomplished seamstress and artist. She loved her nieces and great nephews and sent cards for all occasions to her family. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Tenaha.

She is survived by:

Mother, Wandell Womack of Tenaha

Brother, Jerry Womack and Dina of Marshall

Brother-in-law, Joe King of Monroe, Louisiana

Nieces:
Katie Sanders and Bob of Las Vegas, Nevada
Jenni Pevoto and Sean of Las Vegas, Nevada
Megan Parks and Reginald of Marshall

Great-nephews, Ben Sanders and Joey Pevoto of Las Vegas, Nevada

Great-niece, Jenni Parks of Marshall

A number of cousins and other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her father, Joe Dan Womack; and sisters, Rebecca King and Terrie Womack.

Pallbearers will be Aaron King, Andrew King, Reginald Parks, Brack Harrison, Don Dial, Chip Roberson, and Tommy Baker. Honorary pallbearer will be Joe King.

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

08/03/2021

Mae Helen Swindle, age 76, of San Augustine, Texas passed away on Sunday, August 1, 2021 at her residence in San Augustine, Texas.

Funeral Service is at 9am Saturday, August 7, 2021 at St. Luke BC. Interment is at St. Luke Cemetery with Rev. Arron Fenley officiating.

Visitation is from 1pm to 6pm Friday, August 6, 2021 at Garner and Son Chapel.

She is survived by:

Sons:
James Swindle (Stephanie)j of Center, Texas
Jimmy Swindle (Brenda Hicks) of San Augustine, Texas

Daughter, Marilyn Swindle of Houston, Texas

A host of Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren

Sisters:
Shirlean Anthony (John) of Sexton, Texas
Lori Dupree (Winfred) of Cypress, Texas

As well as a host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Services are under the direction of Percy Garner & Son Mortuary, 304 Ironosa Rd., San Augustine, Texas 75972.

08/03/2021

Tommy Glenn Land "Bubba", 58, of East Liberty Community passed away Thursday morning, July 29, 2021, in Ft. Worth. 

Services will be at 11am Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Triumph Center in Center. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville with Bro. Desmond Johnson officiating.

Please wear a mask.

Tommy Glenn Land "Bubba" is survived by: 
Wife, Rosalyn Land "Peaches" of Center

Son, Marshane (Felisa) Pitts of Spain

Daughters:
Jozlin Moore of Center
Jakera Land of Plano

Four grandchildren

Sisters:
Mary (Eliza) Suell of Center
Annette Land of Center

Mother-in-law, Myrtle Garrett of Center

Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home of Center.

08/03/2021

Sarah J. Thomas Coats, of Mesquite, Texas, died July 25, 2021 at a local hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Funeral service will be 11am Friday, August 6, 2021, at Ceaugry & W.B. Houston Center (802 Cochran Street Tyler, Texas 75702). Committal is at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas.

Mrs. Coats is survived by:

Son, Allen R. Coats Jr.

Special Daughter, Autumn McClelland

Siblings:
Evelyn Cooper of Tyler, Texas
John Bethel Thomas Jr. (deceased)
Dr. Clyde Thomas of Omaha, NE (deceased)
Geraldine Steel of Center, Texas
Joe Leonard Thomas (deceased)
Deloris Stripling (Verlon) of San Augustine Texas
William Thomas, Sr. (Maria) of Tyler, Texas
Joyce Mitchell (Joe) of Garland, Texas
David Thomas (Andrea) of Dallas, Texas
Eric Thomas of Amarillo, Texas (deceased) and one miscarriage.

Harmon Undertaking Company of Tyler, Texas and Hicks Mortuary of Center, Texas.

07/30/2021

Margaret Louise (Grimsley) Bowlin, 83, of Shepherd, Texas, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Lufkin Texas.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Shepherd, Texas. Interment will be at Ramah Cemetery, Tenaha, Texas.

Born in Joaquin, Texas, on May 14, 1938, Margaret is the daughter of A.D. Grimsley and Camilla Hall Grimsley. 

Margaret attended Tenaha High School and graduated in 1957. She resided in Texas most of her life, working as an administrative assistant in Cleveland ISD and administrative assistant to the Superintendent of Shepherd ISD, retiring in 1999. She lived in Idledale, Colorado from 1999 until 2006, providing invaluable assistance in the care of her granddaughters. Margaret served countless volunteer hours for the Shepherd Band Boosters during her tenure at SISD and chaperoned many school club trips. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Shepherd, Texas. Margaret was an avid gardener, loved to bake and cook for her friends and family, cherished the company of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, volunteered often for the Shepherd Community food pantry, and worked with fellow church members to sew items for children in various mission fields supported by the church. 

Margaret is survived by:
Children:
Paul Wayne Bowlin and wife, Karen, of League City, Texas
Linda Gayle Bowlin Ferguson and husband, Tommy, of Shepherd, Texas
Lisa Anne Bowlin Kennedy and husband, Sean, of Etoile, Texas

Grandchildren:
Randall Wayne Benner of Deer Park, Texas
Matthew Wayne Bowlin and wife, Chelsey, of Woodbranch, Texas
Joseph William Bowlin of Dallas, Texas
Marin Ceili Kennedy of Durango, Colorado
Maisi Carlyn Kennedy of Fayetteville, Arkansas

Great-Grandchildren:
Chase Benner, Raeleigh Benner, Kendall Benner, Grant Benner, Abigail Benner
Mallory Bowlin, Camryn Bowlin

Siblings:
Nancy Kellar, Mamie Vanover (Jim), Forest Crawford (Sherry)

Preceded in death by:
Parents A.D. Grimsley and Camilla Hall Grimsley and siblings Mary Hansen, J.L. Grimsley, Frances McDaniel, Bill Grimsley and James Grimsley

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Hospice in the Pines (please designate inpatient unit) 1504 West Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904

07/29/2021

Letitia “Tish” Page was born on February 24, 1965, to the late Margie Von Adams Matthews in Center, Texas.  She departed this journey on July 27, 2021.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Greater Elizabeth Church of God in Christ in Tenaha, Texas.

She confessed Christ at an early age and united with St. John Baptist Church in Tenaha, Texas, under the leadership of the late Rev. A.W. Wright.  She later began to attend Greater Elizabeth Church of God in Christ in Tenaha, Texas, under the leadership of Elder Fremon Bryant.

She attended Tenaha ISD from elementary to graduation in May 1983.  She participated in many activities (track, cheerleader, basketball, softball, etc.).  She attended Panola College on a cheerleader scholarship.  Upon finishing college she joined the United States Air Force stationed in Moore, Oklahoma.  She earned numerous medal while serving her country like Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, MCO Professional Military Education ribbon, Combat Readiness medal, National Defense Service medal, Southwest Asia Service medal w/First Service Star, and Kuwait Liberation Medal – Saudi Arabia.  Upon returning to Tenaha, she was employed at Tenaha ISD as a paraprofessional until her health began to fail in 2019.

She leaves to cherish fond memories of her:

Daughter, Brittany Page

Son, Kale Page

Granddaughter, Primula Page

Sisters:
Robin Beatriz (Isaac) of Tenaha, Texas
Phyllis Thompson of Tenaha, Texas

Brothers:
Dexter Adams of San Juan, Puerto Rico
Bryan Adams of Floresville, Texas
Jon Matthews (Tina) of San Antonio, Texas
Jason Matthews (Lana) of Nacogdoches, Texas

Aunt, Ima Faye McClure of Tenaha, Texas

Uncles:
Ollie Adams of Houston, Texas
Willie Roy Adams of Tenaha, Texas

A host of nieces and nephews.

She really loved her babysitting crew, KéMyson, Kamari, and Jaya.

Ms. Page requested in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Greater Elizabeth Church in Tenaha, Texas.  The family would like to thank Tenaha ISD administration and staff along with Harbor Hospice of Lufkin, Texas.

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

07/27/2021

James Thomas Bailey, 79, of Center, passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Center.

Graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 30, 2021, at Neuville Cemetery in the Neuville Community of Shelby County. Bro. Don Noble will officiate. Visitation will be held prior at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at 8:45am.

Born January 23, 1942, James is the son of Caywood Bailey and Lona Bailey Bailey.  He retired from the logging industry and enjoyed word finds and reading. James was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by:

Children:
Angela Cuello of China
Jamie Powell of China
Thomas Bailey of China

Numerous grandkids and great grandkids

Sister, Ethel Gee of Center

Niece, Debbie Luman of Center

Great-nieces:
Lindsay Huskey of Center
Leslie McGuire of Center

Special nephews:
Ricky Andrews
Todd Gee

Numerous other nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Caywood Bailey and Lona Bailey Bailey; brothers, George Bailey, Billy Earl Bailey, Herman “Dick” Bailey, and Edward Bailey; sisters, Rosine Andrews, Christine Waller, and Jetty Pearl.

Pallbearers will be James’ nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to assist with final expenses or Neuville Community Cemetery, 854 FM 2140, Center, Texas 75935.

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