Shelby County Today

07/14/2021
Ronald L. "Ron" Cook, age 73, of San Augustine, Texas, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021, at his residence.

Ron was born August 24, 1947, in Center, Texas, to parents George E. and Ruthie Naomi (Stephens) Cook and had been a longtime resident of San Augustine. He retired from Southwestern Bell after 36 years of service in the East Texas area. After his retirement from the telephone company, he had worked as a sales consultant in the oilfield industry. 

He had a great love for fishing. Ron was a very integral part of the community, having served a number of years with the San Augustine Volunteer Fire Department; San Augustine City Council, including service as mayor pro-tem; and the County Appraisal District's review board. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and Redland Masonic Lodge.

Survived By:

Wife, Becky Jordan Cook of San Augustine, Texas

Children:
Kenneth Jordan and wife Cassondra of Huxley, Texas
Shelley Metts and husband Eric of Orangefield, Texas
Brandon Jordan and wife Tara of Center, Texas
Jana Hart and husband Kelley of Charleston, South Carolina

Brothers: 
Charles Cook and wife Mary of Hemphill, Texas
D.C. Cook and wife Rosalie of Pt. Neches, Texas
Greg Cook and wife Angie of Groves, Texas

A host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death his parents, George E. and Naomi Cook; a brother, Harlan Cook; and a son, Chad Jordan.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

Funeral services are set for 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 16, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, located at 205 S. Liberty Street, with Rev. Michael Dickerson, Rev. Martin Doran, Rev. Tim Turner, and Charles Sharp officiating. Interment will follow with Masonic rites at Oaklawn Memorial Park, located on Hwy. 7 in Center, Texas.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

7/12/2021

Tom Amos, 87, of Timpson, Texas went to be with the Lord Sunday, July 11, 2021, at home surrounded by his loving and caring family.

Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Woodland Christian Church, US-59, Timpson, Texas, 75975, with Bro. Roy Platt and Bro. Billy Bob Cox officiating. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery following the service.

Visitation will be held prior to services from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at Woodland Christian Church, US-59, Timpson, Texas, 75975.

Tom was born in Houston, Texas on July 27, 1933, to John Virgil and Faye Amos. He graduated from high school in Grayville, Illinois in 1952, soon after joined the U.S. Air Force.

On June 10, 1954, Tom married Betty Campbell, the love of his life. They just celebrated 67 wonderful years of marriage. From this marriage they were blessed with four sons, Stanley, Stephen, Tim, and Terry.

After completing his service with the Air Force, Tom obtained a job with McDonald Aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1958, Tom and Betty moved to Texas, after moving around for various jobs, they settled in Timpson in 1968. There they opened and operated “Tom’s Clothing” for 14 years. Tom was then employed at the local U.S. Post Office until his retirement.

Tom and Betty were long time devoted, and active members of Woodland Christian Church. After retirement, they pursued the love and life of their dreams, serving the Lord through World Mission Builders. They traveled the United States and Africa, Philippines and Mexico building churches and homes for the less fortunate and making memories and lifetime friends.

Church and family were equally important to Tom and Betty. Tom often said, “I’m Blessed.” His greatest joys were spending time with family whether it was a celebration, holiday or even a function involving the grandchildren or great-grandchildren. The last couple of years, he thoroughly enjoyed camping with his kids.

Tom was considered Timpson Bears and Lady Bears #1 Fan. If it were baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, track or football, no matter what, he was there. He truly loved his Bears. He was especially proud of the THS Collegiate Center. He watched the center being built from beginning to end and attended the day of dedication. He enjoyed attending games in the gym but was proud of the Collegiate Center giving the students opportunities they never dreamed of.

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Betty Campbell Amos

Sons:
Stanley and wife Lowana of Timpson
Stephen and wife Debi of Timpson
Tim and wife Debby of Timpson
Terry and wife Kim of Timpson

Grandchildren;
Shaun and Cheryl Milford
Megan and Joshua Adams
Kristan and Mark Solomon
Kelli and Daniel Holloway
Kaleb and Candace Amos
Nicole and Casey Williams
Damein and Danni Amos
Melissa and Nash Chandler
Hunter Amos
Chandler Amos

26 precious great-grandchildren

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Virgil and Faye Amos, brothers, John Amos, Don Amos, and sister-in-law Elaine Amos.

The family would like to thank everyone for the prayers, visits, phone calls and support during this difficult time. We would especially like to thank Ebony Wallace and the HeartWay Hospice ladies for their loving and dedicated care for Tom.

If you would like to make charitable donations instead of sending flowers, the family would like to suggest making donations in Tommy’s name to the following:

World Mission Builders
343 Papaya Cir.
Barefoot Bay, FL. 32976

Legacy Scholarship Fund
C/O Glenn Short
6409 W. Captains Dr.
Oklahoma City, OK, 73162-6838

Woodland Christian Church
PO Box 179
Timpson, TX, 75975

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.

07/08/2021

Melba Williams (Mrs. Buck as she liked to be called) passed away surrounded by her loving family Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Longview.  She was born in Shelby County, July 29, 1929, to Littie and Bruce Grimsley in the Short Community.

Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm, Friday, July 9, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas, with service at 2pm, Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Chris Watlington will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas. There will be a reception to follow at Center First United Methodist Church.

She met Buck Williams in July 1948 and was married September 2. It was “Love at first sight.” They were married 66 years when Buck passed away in August 2014.

Melba, local Business lady, opened Ms Kasual Korner, a ladies dress shop, in the late 70s. She retired from the “RAG business” as she called it in 2010, downsized to Melba’s Tux, and became friends with 99% of her customers. A special thanks to all the handsome guys who wore Tux from her store, “Melba’s Tux”. To quote Melba, “I enjoyed every minute of it.” My favorite guy was a 9 month old little boy who went on a cruise with his Mom and Dad. I put him in “Tails and Tux” shoes. This was Dr. McMullin and Donna’s son.

Melba is survived by beloved family:

Daughter, Monte Dawson of Longview

Son, Todd Williams and wife Donna of Weatherford

Granddaughter, Lindsey Dawson of Ft. Worth

Grandsons:
Stevie Tinkle of College Station
Austin Williams of Weatherford
Garrett Williams of Austin

Great-Grandchildren: Ilse Tinkle and Stoker Tinkle of College Station

Melba had three brothers and one sister. Elvin Grimsley was her twin brother. She is the last member of the Grimsley family. One of Melba’s greatest sorrows was losing a grandson, 6½ year old Shane Tinkle in August on Hwy 96 February 20, 1978. The son of Monte Dawson and Steve Tinkle.

In Melba’s family are over 50 surviving nieces and nephews, all serving as honorary pallbearers. 

Melba had two adopted sisters, Janis Hughes and Joy Livingston and also two special friends, Danny Lovell and Faye Johnson.

A special thanks goes to Chris Watlington, Music Man and whatever he is needed for – speaker for this service, and to all the members at United Methodist Church whom Melba was proud to call her “Church Family”.

Pallbearers will be Todd Williams, Stevie Tinkle, Austin Williams, Garrett Williams, Sandy Beard, David Koonce, David Ginn, and Johnny Covington.

Other honorary pallbearers will be Wayne and Lisa Christian, Steve and Mary Lynn Tinkle, Dicky and Eldora Gilchrist, and Rick Campbell.

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

Editor's Note: Melba was a contributing writing on Shelby County Today. To read her articles, click here. She will be missed.

07/08/2021

Mildred Joy Holman Patton, age 75, of San Augustine, Texas passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021 in San Augustine, Texas.    

Funeral Service is at 2pm on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at True Vine Baptist Church. Interment is at Greer Cemetery with Rev. Daniel Holman officiating. Visitation is from 1pm until 6:30pm on Friday, July 9, 2021 at Garner and Son Chapel in San Augustine.

She is survived by:

Brothers:
Johnny Lee Holman (Winnie Ruth) of San Antonio
Jamie Holman (Dorothy) of Center

Sisters:
Bobbie Redmon Wilson of San Augustine
Shirley Jackson (Dennis) of Nacogdoches
Joyce Allen (Danny) of Center

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

Services are under the direction of Percy Garner and Son Mortuary, P. O. Box 491 – 304 Ironosa Rd., San Augustine, Texas 75972

07/07/2021

Nellie Sue Strickland, age 81 of Azle, TX, went to be with her Lord on July 3, 2021. Nell was born in Coushatta, Louisiana on January 19, 1940. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Callie Johnson; her first husband, Ross Webb; her second husband, Ed Strickland.
siblings, Earl Johnson Jr., Minnie Lea Hull, Helen Lee, Raymond Johnson, Jerald Johnson; and two grandsons, Scott Webb and Cody West.

Survived by her Children: 
Kerry and Lisa Webb of Highland Village
Kim and Troy West of Azle, TX

Grandchildren:
Joshua and Kayla West of Azle, TX
Shane and Micah West of Center, TX
Hope and Cody Sowell of Frisco, TX
Chase and Gabrielle West of Center, TX
Dylan Edgin and fiancé Samantha Murphy of Lewisville
Dalton Edgin of Highland Village

Great-Grandchildren: Griffyn, Mavyn, Emmalyn, Jolee, Norah, Codi, Callen, Reese and Saige.

A memorial service will be conducted at the First Baptist Church of Azle, TX on Juy 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.

Lone Star Cremation, Mansfield, TX 76063

07/06/2021

Mike Strong, 64, of Center, Texas, passed away Monday, July 5, 2021, in Center, Texas.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Joe Walker will officiate. Following the service, Mr. Mike will be cremated.

Born April 18, 1957, in Mansfield, Mike is the son of the late Alva Tom Strong and Loretta Taylor McGuirt. His hobbies included gardening and tending to yard. Mike was of the Baptist faith.

He is survived by:

Children: 
Michael Strong and husband Dwight of Dallas
Andrea Bustos of Denton

Granddaughter, Victoria Bustos of Denton

Sisters:
Karen Fancher and husband Rodger of Huxley, Texas
Beverly Gibbs and husband James of Logansport, Louisiana
Guelda Sanford of Center, Texas
Sheila Walker and husband Joe of Joaquin, Texas
Annette Bounds and husband Alan of Logansport, Louisiana
Mary May of Joaquin, Texas
Tommie Deaton and husband Paul of Nacogdoches, Texas
LaJuan Hallo and husband Mike of Nacogdoches

Brother, Jimmy Strong and Sharon Hart of Center, Texas

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Alva Tom Strong and Loretta Taylor McGuirt.

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

07/05/2021

Evelyn Bright Hughes, 96, of Center, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021, in Center.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation starting one hour prior. Bro. James Goodwyn will officiate. Interment will follow at Campti Cemetery in Center.

Evelyn Bright Hughes passed away July 4, 2021. Born in the Campti Community to Price and Vera Forsyth Bright on January 23, 1925, she attended Campti School through 8th grade and then Shelbyville High School graduating in 1942. She met her sweetheart on the first day of grade school and told her mother at the close of the school day that she had found her boyfriend. She and Brother Travis were married 75 years and 9 months when death separated them. They loved their community and church and had a wonderful life helping others.

At age twelve Evelyn became a devout Christian when she received the gift of the Holy Spirit in the little country church. She and her husband, Travis, worked in the ministry for over sixty years never requiring a salary or benefit package and donated land and founded the Campti Pentecostal Church in 1972. She left this earth proudly proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to friends and the sitters that assisted her in her last weeks. She was a giver to those in need and passed on encouragement to the broken hearted. People come to us telling us of the times she helped them when no one else would.

As a Mother and Grandmother nothing made Evelyn happier than to attend church with her family and friends and to cook for them. Many Sunday gatherings of family and church members included fish fries at their camps. She had cooking skills for pies, cakes, fresh vegetables and Chicken Dressing and Dumplings unequaled by most and freely shared every recipe encouraging the young women to cook for their family at home instead of fast food. Her homemade birthday cakes are still remembered as the best by her children. She was fearless in business and an independent woman who thought for herself. Her hobbies were collecting glassware and playing “42” at the Senior Citizen Site.

She and her husband worked 88 full grown head of cattle until they were in their late 80’s. Any Wednesday could find them taking a load of cattle to the Center sale in their old red trailer. Earlier she had run a grocery store and helped with broiler and laying hen farms through the years. She was a bookkeeper, secretary and financial genius for her family. She gave us Dave Ramsey tips before we ever heard his name. She was underappreciated by all because of her willingness to work hard without complaint or praise. She will be missed by her family and those she prayed for often. Her prayer was to meet up with all of us in Heaven.

She is survived by: 
Children: 
Mary Culver and husband Jim
Mavis Carter
Martha Goodwyn and husband James

Grandkids: 
Michael Warren and wife Krista
Candace Carter Mahan and husband Will
Bradley Goodwyn and wife Sherry
T.J. Goodwyn and wife Blaine

Great-grandkids: 
Kyla and Mason Warren
Austyn Mahan
Judson and Jewel Goodwyn
Madison, Joshua and Jeremiah Goodwyn.

Preceded in death by her husband, Travis Hughes; parents, Price and Vera (Forsyth) Bright; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Sonny Jameson; son-in-law, Mac Carter.

Pallbearers will be Michael Warren, Will Mahan, T.J. Goodwyn, Thomas Powell, Jim Culver, Steve Jameson, Nolan Borders, Bob Carter, and Jason Rodgers. Honorary pallbearers will be Roe Belrose, Billy Rodgers, and Tom Powell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Campti Cemetery 357 CR 3080 Center, TX 79535; and Campti Pentecostal Church P.O. Box 329 Shelbyville, TX 75973.

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

07/02/2021

Patricia Clepper, 74, of Timpson, passed away on June 28, 2021, in Timpson. She was born October 12, 1946, in the Silas Community.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, with Bro. Fred Wilcox officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

As a child, Patricia was born into a very simple way of life. She was raised in the tiny little community of Silas, located outside of Timpson in Shelby County.  Her way of life as a young girl was just as anyone could imagine. She spent time working and playing outside. Her childhood was also a part of her life when she learned the all-important things young ladies need to know how to do, including cooking and sewing and making things she needed from whatever she had. These lessons turned into great talents that she loved and passed onto her children and grandchildren. She was quite the cook, and everyone enjoyed the meals she made when surrounded by her favorite people. She also loved trail rides, but if asked, her favorite things would be her family. Great emphasis would be placed on the love for her grandchildren, of whom she would pretty much do anything for! She was entertaining and supportive, loving and caring and always had time to plan the ultimate gathering. Patricia loved God and was a lifetime member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, where she made many friends over the years. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Patricia is survived by:

Son, Doye Wayne Cantrell, and wife Robin

Daughter, Toni Kay Jackson

Son, Gene Edward Clepper

Daughter-in-laws:
Karina Wilhoite and husband Robin
Angela Nell Clepper

Brothers:
Bobby Gene Crump
Doye Rodney Crump and wife Mary
Ronnie Crump, and wife Debbie

Sister, Vickie Miller, and husband Randy

Brother-in-law, Everett A. Ross

Grandchildren:
Tiffany R. Newman
A. Layne Cantrell
Whitley Williams and husband Taylor
Beverly K. Hurst
Nicholas Cade Hurst and wife Riley
John “Justin” Richerson and wife Chelsea
Harley Richerson and husband Ty Cheshire
Chelsea K. Hall and husband Rusty
Andrew Chase Clepper
Joshua Clepper and wife Erika
Jason Blake Clepper
Emily Blake and husband, Eric
Luke E. Clepper

Great-grandchildren:
Hunter W. Newman
Fisher B. Newman
Remington B. Newman
Tayley Callyn Williams
Dozier Williams
Jackson C. Hurst Alexander
Micha Lee Hurst
Brynlee Kate Hurst
Brooklyn Richerson
Alivia Deason
Lil Johnny Richerson
Tylie Cheshire
Lawson Hall
Sophia Blake
Caroline Blake
Jade Clepper
Jace Clepper
Riley Tarpley
Adelyn Tarpley
Peyton Tarpley

A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She is preceded by her parents, Alfred, and Winnie (Ramsey) Crump; beloved husband, Delbert Gene Clepper; daughter, Lesia Lynette Richerson; son-in-law, John B. Richerson III; son, Stacy A. Clepper; great-granddughter, Sophie Tallyn Williams; grandson, Derrick Clepper; and sister Alice Joy Ross.

Taylor Funeral Home 

07/01/2021

Edna Askew, 95, of Center, Tx passed away on June 30, 2021. She was born on March 29, 1926.

Visitation will be held Saturday July 3, 2021, from 5-7PM at Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX. Graveside Service will be Sunday July 4, 2021, at 1:00PM at McClelland Cemetery.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.