Shelby County Today

05/17/2022

Judy Gail Eddington, 73, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday May 15th, 2022, in Center, Tx. surrounded by her loving family and caretakers. 

A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, May 18th   at 10:00 AM, in the Mason Cemetery, Arp, TX. Longtime family friends, Bro. Don Stanaland and Bro. Shak Arrington will be officiating.  

Judy Hickman was born to Ollie Mae and Robert Dudley Hickman in Overton, Tx. on July 13th, 1948.  Judy attended Overton High School and Barrow Beauty School in Tyler, where she went on to become a licensed instructor before joining her mom, Ollie Mae, in their home beauty shop. Judy married the love of her life, Rudy Eddington, July 1st, 1967. They raised two wonderful children together.

Judy also spent many years as a library assistant in both the Arp and Shelbyville schools before retiring with her husband in 2007. 

Judy was a long-time member of both the Overton Missionary Baptist church and the Heritage Baptist Church in Center. She loved to play the piano at church and sing in the choir.  She was an outstanding cook. She loved to be outside feeding her animals and tending to her flowers.  She also loved family holidays and traditions, but most of all, she loved her family fiercely. She was a wonderful wife to her husband, and the best Mom/G-Ma to her kids, and grandkids. She was generous and kind to everyone she met, and she never met a stranger.  

Left to cherish her memory and carry her legacy are:
Her husband of 54 years, Rudy Eddington of Shelbyville

Her daughter and son-in-law, Tressa and Robert Barrera of Denton

Her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Mandy Eddington of Nacogdoches

Granddaughters:
Hannah and Sophia Barrera of Denton
Madison Eddington of Lufkin
Elexis Eddington of Timpson

Grandson:
Dylan Eddington of Nacogdoches

Two great-grandbabies 

She is also survived by
Her brother and sister-in-law, Dudley E. and Pam Hickman of Overton
Sister and brother-in-law, Sherry and Chad Littlefield of Overton
Brother-in-law, Benny Eddington of Cumberland, Ok.
Sister-in-law, Geri Eddington of Cumberland, Ok.
Sister-in-law, Sue Eddington of Gladewater
Sister-in-law, Jeannie Eddington of New London
Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Jerry Watson of Clarksville, Tn.
Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tim and Terri Eddington of Shreveport La.

A special nurse and friend that took such great care of her, Mallory Wright

Along with numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, cousins and many life-long friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Dudley and Ollie Mae Hickman, her brothers-in-law, Eddie and Jimmy Neil Eddington, and her nephews, Anthony, Robin, and Kevin Eddington.  

The family would like to thank all the nurses and caretakers at Holiday Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Heart to Heart Hospice for the wonderful kindness and care they provided to our beloved Judy over the past few years. 

05/14/2022

Sonya Gayle Ebarb, 61, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on Saturday morning, May 14, 2022, in Longview, Texas. She was born on December 8, 1960, in Shreveport, Louisiana. 

Sonya graduated from Center High School with the class of 1979. She moved to Carthage in 1984, from Center and worked at Farmers State Bank until her retirement. Sonya married Curtis LeRoy Ebarb on April 8, 2017, at Still Waters Cowboy Church in Carthage where she was a member. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janis Youngblood Doggett and her daughter, April Michelle Parker.

She is survived by: 
Her father, Tommy Doggett of Center

Husband, Curtis Ebarb of Carthage

Son, Christopher “Joey” Parker of Carthage

Daughter-in-love, Alesia Shubert of Carthage

Father of her children, John Parker of Center

Grandchildren:
Christopher John Parker
Michaela LeAnne Parker
Ethan Lee Parker

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Matt Comer officiating. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home prior to the funeral service. 

Pallbearers are Mark Harris, David Lungren, Richard Williams, John Parker, Danny Cranford, and Matthew O’Brien. Honorary pallbearers are Dean Ebarb and Brian Cumbi.

Memorials may be made to the Panola County Cancer Coalition, Inc., P.O. Box 70, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.

05/13/2022

Beaula Fay Webster, 90, of Center, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 2022, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Dale Gannon officiating.  Interment will be held at Smith Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born February 10, 1932, in the Antioch Community, Beaula is the daughter of Willie Lee Fairris and James Ora Garner. She went on to pursue a teaching career from which she retired. Her hobbies included quilting hundreds of quilts and painting. Beaula was a member of XYZ Extension Club and James Community Church of Christ.

She is survived by:
Her daughter, Susan Webster Deason and husband Loy Deason of Livingston

Sons: 
J. Ben Webster and wife Cynthia of Joaquin
Jeffrey Webster and wife Leisa of Center

Grandchildren: 
Joshua Webster
Rachel Jones Babb
Joel Webster
Crystal Jones Wadyal
Audrey Parker
Holly Webster Groeling
Evan Jones
Davis Kline
Julia Reynolds

Numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren

Special friend, Weldon English of Center

Preceded in death by husband, Earnest “Shorty” Webster; parents, Willie Lee Fairris and James Ora Garner; and brother, James Garner.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Webster, Darrell Webster, Justin Webster, Tristan Groeling, Davis Kline, and Jonathan Webster.  Honorary pallbearer will be Evan Jones.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73123, www.cancer.org/donate.

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

05/10/2022

Christopher Martinez Cleveland, 43 of Center, passed away Thursday, May 5 in Center TX. He was born December 28, 1978 to Margaret Harper and Gilbert Roberts.

Visitation will be Friday, May 13, 2022 at Community Funeral Home, Center, TX and Funeral Services will be Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 2:00pm at Abundant Love Ministries in Center TX with Minister Michael Cloudy to officiate, Interment will follow at Westview Cemetery, Center TX.

Christopher “Clyde” Cleveland was born and raised in Center, TX. He met no strangers and if you talked and listened to him long enough you would find yourself reeled in. A true definition of “Your Right Hand Man.” He enjoyed laughing and joking around with his numerous family members and friends.

Survived by:

Father: Anderson Polley Sr. of Center

Son: Mikelti Ratcliff of Center

Grandsons:
La’Vontay Ratcliff of Cener
La’Kendrick Ratcliff of Center
Emmanuel Ratcliff of Center

Brothers: 
Michael Cleveland of Center
Patrick Cleveland of Center
Tyrone Cleveland of Nacogdoches 

Sister; Sasha Johnson (Neddrick) of Dallas

Nieces: 
LaKendra Barnes of Center
Shakeria Barnes of Center
ShaKemi Cleveland of Tyler
Kemi Cleveland of Center
Mukinsely Barnes of Center 
LaShyia Walker 
Kyandra Cleveland of Katy
Yasmin Johnson of Dallas
Zha’nya Johnson of Dallas
Shymone Ratcliff of Center

Nephews:
TyDarren Harper of Center
Ja’Darren Cartwright of San Augustine
Jerome Ratcliff of Center 
Neddrick Johnson Jr. of Dallas

Special Friend: Tonail Partner of Center

Proceeded in death by parents, Margaret Harper and Gilbert Roberts; sisters, Kemi Cleveland and Kamecia Cleveland; and brother, Marcus Cleveland.

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

05/10/2022

David Zane Melton, 50, of Center, Texas, passed away on May 4, 2022, in Lufkin, Texas. He was born on June 7, 1971, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Gaylon Wayne Melton and Zanna Oats.

His wishes to be cremated was honored by his family.

David was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated high school and went to work. David’s younger years he loved bike racing.  He was a car salesman for many years. He enjoyed working and meeting new people. He has a son, Colby, whom he loved immensely. David enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing with his little dog “Poppy”. He was an avid pool player. Loved to shoot pool throughout the years. He loved spending time with his family. David will be missed by family and friends.

Survived by his son, Colby Melton

Mother, Zanna Oats Melton

Sister, Gayle Lynn Stephens

A host of family and friends.

David is preceded in death by his father, Gaylon Wayne Melton.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.mangumfh.net" www.mangumfh.net.

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

05/10/2022

Mary Edith Lewis, age 87, of San Augustine County, Texas, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Colonial Pines Healthcare Center.

Mrs. Lewis was born December 26, 1934, in San Augustine County to parents Loucious J. Sanders and Zora Roberts Sanders. "Edith" was a lifelong area resident and retired following many years as a restaurant cook in the Broaddus/San Augustine area.

Her survivors include:

Sons:
James Earl Bryan of San Augustine County
Roy Allen Bryan and his wife, Malinda of San Augustine County

Brother, Alvis Rudolph Sanders

Granddaughters:
Amanda Ann Cripe
Cheri Lynn Bryan

Three great-grandchildren

Three great-great-grandchildren

She was preceded in death by her parents, J.L. and Zora Sanders; her husband, Harmon G. Lewis; a brother, Curtis Sanders; and sisters, Reba Sanders and Melva Jean Wagstaff.

Memorial services are being planned for later with inurnment at Macedonia Cemetery in Broaddus, Texas.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.

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

05/09/2022

James A. Cartwright, 68 of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday morning, May 5, 2022 at Focused Care of Center, Texas.

Funeral service is 2pm Thursday, May 12, 2022 at Community Funeral Home Chapel, Center, Texas.

He is survived by:

Mother, Creola Cartwright of Shelbyville

Sisters:
Denise J. (David) Cartwright of Shelbyville
Annita (Vernell) Moody of Center

Brothers:
Charles (Ramonia) Shephard of Shelbyville
Iva Lee Cartwright of Shelbyville

Niece, Jadena Johnson Daniel of Center

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

05/05/2022

Billy Ray Jones, 87, entered into the gates of Heaven on May 2, 2022. He was born in Campti, LA on March 12, 1935 to George and Thelma Jones.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 6th at Watson and Sons, Center, TX, at 10am with funeral services to follow at 12. Bro. Gordon Vaughn to officiate. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Billy Ray was raised in Bossier City, LA and graduated from Bossier High School in 1953. He served in the Louisiana National Guard following graduation. On a blind date, set up by God and a second cousin, he met the absolute love of his life, Vera Carol Bullock. They were married on October 16, 1955 in Calvin, LA. They enjoyed 42 years of marriage until Vera entered Heaven in March of 1997.

Billy Ray initially began work as a draftsman with Placid Oil Company where he worked until beginning a very successful career with Dunhall Pharmaceuticals in Arkansas. He worked there for 27 years as a top salesman. Following that, he joined his brothers at their business, Pump Masters Inc., in Shreveport, LA. He worked there until his retirement.

He loved his home on the lake in Huxley and loved his community even more. He loved spending time with his family and friends with many cookouts and fish fries. He was an avid LSU, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Cubs fan. Not once did he meet a stranger, and would always leave them laughing and smiling.

He is survived by:

Son, Jay and wife, Jada of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Colton Alexander Jones of Shelbyville
Kelsey Leigh Jones of Shelbyville
Kara Grace Jones of Shelbyville
Jayleigh Vera Jones of Shelbyville
Judson Rhett Jones of Shelbyville

Sister, Margie McDaniel of Bossier City, LA

Brothers:
Leo Jones and wife Merry of Haughton, LA
Mack Jones and wife Diana of Bossier City, LA
Jack Jones and wife Jana of Bossier City, LA

Sister-in-law, Linda Jones of Haughton, LA

Proceeded in death by wife, Vera Carol Jones; parents, Thelma and George Jones; and brothers, Leon and Joe Jones.

Pallbearers are Jim Daw, Joe Daw, Andrew Dolan, Jason Harvey, Jeremy Harvey, Brad Hughes, Colton Jones, Judson Rhett Jones, Doug Jones, Scott Jones, Matt Matthews, Blake Roberts, Zack Runnels, Michael Bill Taylor, Justin Wagstaff, and Tommy Glen Wilburn.

Special thanks to the staff at A Pinewoods Home Health Care, Affinity Hospice and Nacogdoches Medical Center for all their help and attention given to Billy Ray.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or Samaritan’s Purse.

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

05/02/2022

Rickey W. Pierce, 62, of Joaquin, Texas, entered into rest on April 30, 2022. Rickey was born to Lawrence and Margie Hemphill Pierce on August 4, 1959 in Mansfield, Louisiana.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Jackson Missionary Baptist Church, 11620 TX-7, Joaquin, Texas, with Rev. Vernese Green and Rev. Luke Garrett officiating. Burial will follow at O.E. Price Cemetery in Logansport, Louisiana. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the church.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Toots Pierce; and sister, Lisa May.

Left to cherish his memory:

Son, Lawrence David Pierce and wife, Breanna

Daughter, Brandi Pierce

Sister, Kathy Seago and husband, Cecil

Brother, Tommy Pierce and wife, Tina

Grandchildren:
Brayden James
Bransen Lee
Braylen Kash
Krista Lingo

Great-grandchild, Hayden Lingo

Pallbearers will be Harry Furlow, Rudy Howell, Chance David, Brad Stanley, Jody Covington, Dale Arbuckle, Tommy Pierce, and Jamie Jones

Services are under the direction of Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Mansfield, Louisiana.