Obituaries
04/26/2021
Martin Bailey Lane, 83, of Jasper, Texas, passed away on April 23, 2021 at Harbor Hospice Hospital in Jasper, Texas. He was born October 27, 1937, in Tenaha, Texas, to Ruby Pearl Primrose Lane and James Bailey Lane.
Martin grew up in the Tennessee Community and attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Lamar State College of Technology. He retired from Texaco Research in Port Arthur, Texas, as purchasing agent. He was the co-owner of Tours by Lane, a travel business he and his wife operated in the Golden Triangle area, for 27 years. Martin was a member of Lake Rayburn United Methodist Church, a member of the DeWitt Clinton Masonic Lodge in Jasper, Texas, and a U.S. Army veteran.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by:
Wife of 33 years, Mary Moore Lane
Daughter, Brandi Lane Roach and her husband, Kendell Roach of Port Neches, Texas
Granddaughters:
Wynter Roach
Cameron Roach of Port Neches
Stepdaughter, Kimberly Isaacs and her husband, Dennis Isaacs of Beaumont
Granddaughter, Leslie Ann Walker and her husband, Joshua Walker of Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Great-grandson, James Hutchison Walker of Pagosa Springs, Colorado
Brother, Stephen Polk Lane and his wife, Donna Lane, of Marshall
Niece, Stephanie Lane Smith
Nephew, Michael Lane.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 10:00 AM, at Lake Rayburn Methodist Church, 349 FM 1007, Sam Rayburn, Texas, with interment to follow at 2:00 PM, at Tennessee Community Cemetery, located on FM 947 at CR 4683, Tenaha, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lake Rayburn Methodist Church, PO Box 5014, Sam Rayburn, Texas 75951.
Services are under the direction of Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home of Jasper.
04/23/2021
Maxine Lunsford Gaddy of Garrison, Texas passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021, surrounded by loved ones in Garrison, Texas. She was born on September 24, 1942, in Garrison, Texas to the late Albert Lee Lunsford and Mary Alice (Hartt) Lunsford.
Funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church, 7509 Camp Tonkawa Road, Garrison, Texas with Bro. Kenneth Rector officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Garrison, Texas. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11 AM at Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church, Garrison.
Maxine was raised in Garrison. She attended Garrison High School. She met the love of her life, Wayne Gaddy, in 1957 and the two were married shortly after. They raised three wonderful children whom they loved immensely. The two spent over 55 years together before his passing. Maxine joined Garrison ISD and drove a bus for many years. She then went to work at Moore Business Forms and spent over 20 years there before retiring. Maxine enjoyed genealogy and finding information on her family. She loved spending time outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, or watching wildlife she was very happy. Her most enjoyable moments were those spent with her children. Granny loved her grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well. Maxine served the Lord at Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church in Garrison, being a charter member since 1955. She loved to praise her Lord by singing and playing the piano and did so passionately.
She is survived by:
Daughters:
Jeanese Murdock
Jeanette Higginbotham and husband Randy
Sister, Mary Ann Wharton
Brother, James Lee Lunsford
Grandchildren:
Brandi Cochran
Waylon Murdock
Dustin Gaddy
Hunter Higginbotham
Great-grandchild, Logan Cochran
Special friends:
Teny Rector
Pauline “Sister” Bardwell
Special friends/caregivers:
Mary Ann Wharton
Terri Sparks
Piper Tindol
Tina Hutto
Bridgette Hudman
Numerous nieces and nephews
A host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.
Maxine is preceded in death by her loving husband, Wayne Gaddy; son, Michael Wayne “Mike” Gaddy; parents, Albert Lee and Mary Alice Lunsford; sisters, Wanda Jean Thrash, Doris Connell, and Mildred Sue Knight.
The family would also like to especially thank Harbor Hospice and Nurse Lori Iversen for the exceptional care given to their mother and loved one during this time.
You may listen to the funeral service being broadcasted on FM 98.7 from the parking lot of Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church. The family requests masks to be worn in the church building for the safety of everyone.
In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church, 399 CR 280, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75961.
You may listen to the funeral service being broadcasted on FM 98.7 from the parking lot of Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church. The family requests masks to be worn in the church building for the safety of everyone.
In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to Mt. Union Freewill Baptist Church, 399 CR 280, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75961.
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.garrisonfh.net. Garrison Funeral Home, Garrison, is in charge of arrangements.
04/23/2021
Dr. Kenneth Dewey Hairgrove went to rest on April 21, 2021. He was born on February 2, 1939, in the Buena Vista Community in East Texas to Agnes Burns and Dewey Jefferson Hairgrove.
Kenneth began his education in a one-room schoolhouse and continued his education at Timpson High School where he graduated in 1957. He then attended Stephen F. Austin University where he graduated with Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees. While at SFA, he played the baritone saxophone in the band.
Ken grew up attending the Buena Vista Baptist Church in his hometown and later was a member of Manor Baptist Church in San Antonio.
His first teaching job was in Port Arthur, Texas, in 1963. He moved to San Antonio to teach History at San Antonio College (SAC). During this time, he was also able to attend Texas Tech University and received a Doctor of Philosophy with a major in History in 1974. Kenneth spent his career at SAC and presented his classes with a genuine enjoyment of history and was loved by his students. He was an innovative professor and was one of the first in his department to serve as the professor for history telecourses. Before his retirement in 2008 as Professor Emeritus, he served as the Department Chair of History.
Shortly after coming to San Antonio, he was introduced to Sarah Jane Pearson by his cousin. Their first date was an evening at a square dance after a rare snowfall in San Antonio. They were married in 1970 at the First Baptist Church in Stockdale, Sarah’s hometown.
Ken and Sarah enjoyed traveling and visiting with family and friends. Ken liked yard work and growing different kinds of plants, experimenting with those he was not familiar with.
He went to many art shows with Sarah and helped in setting them up and talking with visitors from all over the world.
Ken loved animals, especially cats—among which were Abby, Kiki, Eliza, Opie, and Chloe—and one dog Samantha. They were treated as family members and led very special lives.
Kenneth was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful person. If someone needed help, he was glad to give it. He was a frequent donor to the South Texas Blood Bank.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Agnes Burns and Dewey Jefferson Hairgrove, a brother Marion Hairgrove, and sisters Lurline Hairgrove Cole and Elaine Hairgrove Neal.
He is survived by:
Loving wife Sarah, with whom he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary on July 18, 2020
Nieces and nephews:
Stanley Hairgrove
Brian Hairgrove
Brett Hairgrove
Randy Hairgrove
Alan Hairgrove
Jeff Neal
Sheryl Gollier
Janis Hairgrove
Many cousins and friends.
The family thanks Cornerstone Assisted Living and Embrace Hospice for their loving care.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Finch Funeral Home in Stockdale, Texas. Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. with a service to begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Stockdale Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Alamo Colleges Foundation, 2222 N. Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78215 or to the Buena Vista Cemetery Association, PO Box 629, Timpson, TX 75975.
04/23/2021
Our precious little angel, Scarlett Ann Gonzalez, beloved infant daughter of Jose Gonzalez and Mary Aldape, of Center, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Scarlett was born September 10, 2020. Throughout her 7 months her laugh and smile always brought joy and happiness to us and to everyone she touched.
Visitation will be held from 8:00AM to 8:00PM Friday, April 23, 2021 at Mangum Funeral Home Center, Texas.
Scarlett was survived by:
Brothers and Sisters:
Nataly Cardenas
Aracely Cardenas
Valentin Cardenas
Martha Cardenas
Nia Cardenas
Jorge Gonzalez
Aunt, Juanita Arreazola,
Uncle, Juan Aldape (Yarely Aldape,
Uncle, Jorge Arreazola,
Uncle, Rodolfo Perez,
Aunt, Sarahi Arredondo,
Uncle, Alexandr Gomez,
Grandparents:
Artemisa Gome
Ruben Gonzalez
Preceded in death by:
Grandparents: Maria Cruz Arreazola and Pilar Aldope,
Uncles: Abel Aldope and Jorge Gonzalez.
Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
04/23/2021
Bobbie Sue (Oliver) Eberlan, age 74, of Center, Texas, passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas.
She was born February 5, 1947, in Bronson, Texas, to parents Myrtie (English) Oliver and Odessa Oliver. Mrs. Eberlan was a longtime resident of the Center area. She was a homemaker and faithful daughter, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her family. She loved spending time with her family and helping take care of everyone. Her early school days were spent at the Rosevine Community School in Sabine County.
Her survivors include:
Daughters:
Melinda Macias and husband Tony of Center
Tammie Sutton and Kenneth Scott of San Augustine
Tina Taylor and Stacy of Center
Tonya Hinson and husband Keith of Center
Brother, Winford Oliver of Houston
Sisters:
Marsha Dearing of Hemphill
Marilyn Jagneaux of Fort Worth
Grandchildren:
Jimmie Smith
April Poindexter
Lyndall Johnson
Jessica Rice and Larry
Billie Poindexter
Chelce Smith and Givoanai
Dakota Poindexter and Ashley
Devin Dade and Amanda
Lyric Smith and Tra
Marissa Macias and Guillermo Ruiz
Tyrone Jones and Jennifer
Tionna Eberlan and Brianna
Tyrese Jones and Lacy
Kedrin Hinson
Timothy Johnson
Kierra Hinson
Great-grandchildren:
Nathaniel Taylor
Jimmarion Smith
Aprilyn Johnson
Cameron Hutson
Jaxon Goings
Sierra Smith
Amaya Smith
Kayden Dade
JaLaya Phillips
Korben Dade
Jayden Smith
JaCason Phillips
Chasen Smith
Klayton Dade
Kays'leigh SmitH
Levi McKinney
Alyzabeth Poindexter
Elijah Poindexter
Asher Poindexter
Aiden Ruiz
She was preceded in death by her father, Odessa Oliver; her mother, Myrtie (English) Oliver; a granddaughter, Christy Taylor; a great-granddaughter, Makayla Taylor; and siblings, Kenneth Oliver, Samuel "Bo" Oliver, Margie Harris, Pauline Birdwell, Lamar Oliver, and Marie Oliver.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 23, 2021, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine.
Funeral services are set for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 24, 2021, at the Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel. Committal service and interment will follow at Rosevine Cemetery, located on FM 1 in Sabine County.
Pallbearers: Devin Dade, Tyrone Jones, Nathaniel Taylor, Tyrese Jones, Guillermo Ruiz, Tionna Eberlan, Keith Hinson, and Dakota Poindexter. Honorary pallbearers: Jimmie Smith and her great-grandchildren.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.
04/23/2021
Harden Jones, 83, of Center, passed away Thursday, April 22, 2021, in Nacogdoches.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home with visitation at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Don Windham will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.
Born January 10, 1938, in Shelby County, Harden is the son of the late William N. Jones and Blanche Davis Jones. He became a carpenter by trade. On May 13, 1961, Harden married the love of his life, Libby Phillips, with whom he shared almost 60 years. In his free time, he enjoyed playing on a bowling league in Nacogdoches, camping, and watching Miami Dolphins football. Harden was a member of Timpson United Pentecostal Church.
He is survived by:
Wife, Libby Phillips Jones of Center
Children:
Lisa Jacobs (Roy) of Shelbyville
Vicky Shields (David) of Center
Wayne Jones (Penny) of Center
David Jones of Center
Grandchildren:
Leslie Pless (Rocky)
Candice Eaves
Tiffany Shields
David Shields (Dandi Davis)
Nathan Jones (Rachael)
Kylee Moore (Cheyenne)
Brant Jones (Annie)
18 great-grandkids; 6 great-great-grandkids
Sister, Elaine Yarborough (Joe) of Tenaha
Numerous nieces and nephews
He is preceded in death by his parents, William N. Jones and Blanche Davis Jones; brothers, Elbert Jones, Leon Foster, R.J. Jones, and LaVell Jones; and sister, Marie Combs.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Jones, David Shields Jr., Brant Jones, Jackson Parker, Samuel Pless, David Shields Sr., and Rocky Pless.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com.
04/19/2021
Imogean Daniels Williams, 72, of Center, Texas passed away on April 14, 2021.
Mrs. Williams was born to the Late Hilton Lee Daniels and Rosie Lee Garrett Daniels. She is a 1967 C.H. Daniels High School graduate.
Graveside service will be Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Westview Cemetery in Center at 1:00 P.M. Bro. Freddie Wilson will be officiating.
She is survived by:
Sons:
Byron Daniels of Tyler
Brian (LaQuita) Williams of San Augustine
Norris Glenn (Valaria) Hearne
Daughter, Tabitha (Tommy) Williams of Center
Brothers:
Lilton Daniels of Center, Texas
George (Elma) Daniels of Center
Sisters:
Thelma Nobles of Tyler
Joyce Horton of Center
Deborah (Kenneth) Goodwin of Center
Aunt, Hazel Brown of Longview
Special Cousin, Joan Garrett of Houston
Visitations will be Tuesday, April 20, 2020 at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.
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
04/19/2021
Rebecca Lee Risinger Eddins, 36, of Center, passed away Friday, April 16, 2021, in Tyler.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at Noon. Interment will follow at Simpson Cemetery in the Woden Community of Nacogdoches County, Texas.
Born June 15, 1984, in Nacogdoches, Rebecca is the daughter of Troy Lee Risinger and Alice Risinger. She became a homemaker, loving her children, shopping, and her makeup.
She is survived by:
Her husband, Joshua Eddins of Center
Children:
Kelsey Amburn of Jennings, Louisiana
Katie Amburn of Nacogdoches
Andrew Risinger of Carthage
Grandson, Cameron Lee Fields
Sister, Kimberly Risinger of Woden
Parents, Alice Eddins of Nacogdoches and Troy Lee Risinger of Shelbyville; grandparents, Joy Nichols of Nacogdoches and Ruby Risinger of Shelbyville; numerous aunts, uncles, and other relatives.
Preceded in death by her sister, Tabatha Risinger and her grandfather, “Buddy” Risinger.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Fanestiel, Adam Skeeters, Jacob Eddins, Ronnie Broadway, Brent Risinger, and Landon Lavergne.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/15/2021
Rose Brashear McNeill, 77, of Tenaha, Texas passed this life April 10, 2021, in Longview, Texas. Mrs. Rosalee Marsh Brashear McNeill was born November 11, 1943.
Her formative years were spent on her family farm outside Gravette, Arkansas. Rose was one of six children born to the marriage of David Edwin and Ruby Dell Edwards Marsh. She was raised in the Christian faith. Rose was schooled in the Gravette educational system, graduating high school there, and then attended business school in Dallas, Texas.
In her legal career, Rose worked as a paralegal, legal secretary, and office manager in such prestigious law firms as Johnson and Swanson in Dallas and Clark, Thomas, Winters and Shapiro in Austin. She also worked for several notable attorneys in other firms including Mack Kidd and Rex White, Jr. of Austin.
Rose loved gardening, particularly flowers. However, the activity she devoted herself to more than any other was caring for the needs of her family and friends. Since her death, several of her friends have commented that if they were asked to sum up her life in three words, it would be that, “she was kind.”
Mrs. McNeill is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Arbie Marsh, and a brother-in-law, Max Scoggins.
She is survived by:
Devoted husband, Larry McNeill, of Tenaha
Son, Logan L. Brashear and wife, Lisa Schoenberger, of Oxnard, California
Brothers:
Paul Marsh and wife Mary of Rogers, Arkansas
Jerry Marsh and wife Pam of Farmington, Arkansas
Sisters:
Frances Riggs and husband Bill of Sparta, Tennessee
Lola Scoggins of Rogers, Arkansas
Sister-in-law, Ima Mae Marsh of Springfield, Missouri
Numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.
A memorial service will be held at the Paxton United Methodist Church in Paxton, Texas, on Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. A family gathering commemorating her life will be held late in May or early June in Rogers, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in her name to Paxton United Methodist Church, c/o Gene Hutto, 1150 CR 3550, Joaquin, Texas.
An online memorial maybe signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com.
04/15/2021
Willie Eugene Allen, 95, has gone to be with the Lord on April 11, 2021. He died suddenly at his home in Stonewall, LA of 14 years. Born in Fulton, AK, August 22, 1925 he was known as “Buster” because he was always breaking things.
Preceding him in death were his Grandparents Milton and Lula Cox Allen, his Mother Susie A. Stevens Allen and his sister Leah Allen Osburn.
The teenage “Buster” worked through the latter part of the Great Depression by plowing miles of cotton with two mules and later by digging postholes by hand for telephone poles with an eight foot posthole digger. “Buster” joined the Marine Corps in 1943 and carried a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) during the Pacific Campaign, specifically on Guam.
Gene returned to Shreveport where he married the love of his life Syble J. Belote and they had 72 glorious years together. They had three sons, Kerry, Barry and Mark, 10 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Gene was a salesman for the majority of his life and retired from Prudential Insurance. As a loving husband and Father Gene not only provided for the family but showed leadership and gave us discipline that has continued down through the generations. He loved the Lord, his wife, family and people in general. Previously he and Syble had lived in Joaquin, TX for 20 years and were active members of the Methodist church.
A celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on April 24, 2021 at the Methodist church in Joaquin, TX followed by lunch. A second Memorial service will be held at The Village at 877 Hwy 171 South, Stonewall, LA at 4:00 p.m. on April 25, 2021.
04/14/2021
Michael D. Hubbard, 58 of Center, died at the local emergency on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Mr. Hubbard is a 1981 Center High School graduate. He was born to the late David Lee Hubbard and Wilma Newton Hubbard on March 8, 1963.
Graveside service will be Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery at 3:30pm. Rev. Johnny Jones will be officiating.
Mr. Hubbard is survived by:
Wife, Lutonya Michelle Hubbard
Children:
Sylvia Hubbard (Aurthur) of Center
Tiara Hubbard of Center
Siblings:
Saundra Harris of Center
Terry Harris (Benita) of Killeen
Debbie Lathan (Michael) of Bossier City, Louisiana
Shanna Hubbard of Center
Jarvis Hubbard of Center
Devonda Hubbard (Danyell) of Tyler
David Curtis of Center
Michael Hubbard (Michelle) of Center
Sylvia Mosby (Victor) of Center
Jimmy Hubbard (Michelle) of Center
Brothers-in-law:
Melvin Jackson (Felicia) of Lufkin
Tony Garrett of Lufkin
Demetris Mosley of Texas
Sisters-in-law:
Nette Garrett of Carthage
Mary Garrett of San Augustine
Roslyn Land (Tommy) of Shelbyville
Visitations will be Friday, April 16, 2021 at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Repast: Community House
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.
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
04/13/2021
Tom Gardner, 84 of Shelbyville, Texas, died on April 12, 2021 at his residence. He was born to the late Clabe Gardner and Annie Redmond Gardner in Center, Texas.
Graveside service will be Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Walker Cemetery in Carthage, Texas. Rev. Robert Gipson will be officiating.
Visitations will be Friday, April 16, 2021 at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1pm to 6pm.
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.
Mr. Gardner is survived by:
Wife, Katy Gardner of Shelbyville
Son, Tommy Gardner of Shelbyville
Daughters:
Annie Fay Bell of Beaumont
Dyan Gardner of Shelbyville
Mae Lee Larkin (Michael) of Jasper
Sue Lean Jenkins of Shelbyville
Carolyn Sue Gardner of San Antonio
A host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren
Siblings:
Lucky Gardner (Wilda) of Center
Betty Sanders (Johnny) all of Center
Special Cousin, Felton Greer
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.
04/13/2021
Jimmy Lewis Brock, 66 of Center, Texas died Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Nacogdoches Medical Center in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born to the late Charles and Brock and Tassie King, Brock in Shelbyville, Texas.
Graveside service will be Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 1pm at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas with Bishop Howard Cloudy Sr. officiating. Visitations will be Friday, April 16, 2021 at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1pm to 6pm.
Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.
Mr. Brock is survived by:
Son, Charlie McCowin of San Augustine
Wife, Sharon Polley of Center
Sister-in-laws:
LaWanda Roland of Center
Telica Polley of Nacogdoches
A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
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.
04/13/2021
Pollyanne Barron Smith, loving mother and wife, passed away at the age of 78 on March 9th, 2021, after a 7 month long battle with cancer.
There will be a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Center, TX at 2:00 p.m., May 15, 2021. Friends and family are invited to take a few minutes to view a video of memorial photos in the visitation room at Watson and Sons Funeral Home between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on the day of the graveside service.
Polly was born on February 24, 1943, to Mae and Jack Barron. She grew up in Center, TX, graduating from Center High School in 1960. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Political Science from Baylor University in 1964 and her Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1979. She spent many happy years making learning fun for hundreds of kindergarten and other early elementary school students. Polly raised her two children in Center and retired from Center I.S.D. in 1995.
In 2002, Polly married her high school sweetheart, Larry Smith. They enjoyed traveling and planting vegetables in the garden. Polly was a wonderful cook who loved sharing the fruits of her labor. The Christmas season was always a favorite time for sharing treats like gingerbread men and homemade fudge. She enjoyed spending time with those she loved, visiting over coffee or playing bridge. She was always creating something: preserves from the seasonal East Texas bounty, crochet-edged baby blankets, homemade bread and fun dishes to serve at the next group function. She was an active member of several organizations including her book club, The Women’s Reading Club, Beta Sigma Pi, and the First United Methodist Church Bell Choir. Memories of Polly’s kindness and her wit will be treasured by family and friends.
Polly Smith was preceded in death by her parents, Mae Walling Barron and Jack Claude Barron; and her brother Jack Walling Barron.
Polly Smith is survived by:
Husband, Hubern Larry Smith of Center, TX
Daughter, Lois Anne Bessinger and husband Glenn Bessinger of Allen, TX
Son, John Richard Lane of Corpus Christi, TX
Grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and many beloved cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Fannie Brown Booth Library, 619 Tenaha Street, Center, TX 75935.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/12/2021
Anita Lovett Alford, 52, of Center, passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021, in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 15, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at Noon. Richard Goodwyn will officiate. Interment will follow at Good Hope Cemetery in Shelby County.
Born April 20, 1968, in Center, Anita is the daughter of Jerry Lovett and Elizabeth Ann Miller Lovett. She worked in home health and also at Wal-Mart. Anita loved flowers, enjoyed cooking, and cherished times spent with her grandchildren. She was a member of First Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ.
She is survived by:
Husband, Randy Alford of Center
Son, Richard Alford of Center
Daughter, Rachel Alford of Center
Grandchildren:
Roger Kelly of Center
Braileigh Alford of Carthage
Brother, Will Lovett of Center
Sister, Lydia Jan Harris of Alaska
Special daughter, Morgan Glover of Shelbyville.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jerry “Rooster” and Elizabeth “Dolline” Lovett; grandparents, Sonny and Delmer Miller and Tracy and Ruby Lovett; sister, Tracy Ann Lovett; and granddaughter, Randa Jean Kelley.
Pallbearers will be Justin Lovett, Tracy Lovett, Kinder Nunley, Dustin Windham, Rodney Jackson, and Rocky Jackson.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/12/2021
Elizabeth Allene (Foreman) Lott was born June 24, 1927 in Logansport, Louisiana and passed away on March 9, 2021 at the Heritage Manor West Nursing Home of congestive heart failure.
She is preceded in death by her father Willie Foreman and mother Mary Ellen (Williams) Foreman. Also, deceased sisters and brothers: Lois, Edward, Bill, Gertrude, Sadie-Marie and Buck.
Her WWII veteran husband S. D. Lott died in May of 2003 and her only son Robert Charles Lott passed away February 14, 2021. Her granddaughter Trudee Ann (Lott) Alaniz passed away in January 2019. Trudee’s son Charles lives in Ringgold, LA and has two children Ella Charlotte and Daniel. Robert’s son Robert C. Lott, Jr. lives in Atlanta, GA.
Her only daughter Elizabeth Ann (Lott) Ramsey lives in Rock Hill, SC with her husband Tom. There are three grandchildren from their marriage: Rosalie (Ramsey) Hunter, Bryan Ramsey, and Joshua Ramsey. Rosalie has one son Brody Hunter. Bryan has two stepsons Chase and Everett Tarleton.
Mrs. Lott was a member of the Westwood Baptist Church just outside of Keithville, LA near her home where she served as a Sunday School teacher. She loved to read her Bible every day. She was loved by all and will be missed.
04/12/2021
Edwena (Ed) Williams Higginbotham, 80, of Warner Robins GA, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 in Georgia. She was born on August 1, 1940 in Center, Texas to Clark Paul Williams Sr. and Emma Irene Fancher Williams.
Graveside services will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at White Rock Cemetery, Center, Texas with Bro. Son Windham officiating.
Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1 PM at White Rock Cemetery, Center, Texas.
Being raised in Grigsby with a large family of mischievous sisters and brothers, a circle of togetherness and love was formed that will never be broken. Her sister, Venorah always loved to tell stories about how mean she could be to Edwena because Ed was “soft”. Of course that merely meant that Ed was kind. Venorah tells of Big Moma, their grandmother, telling their dad, Dr. Bill about Ed and Venorah’s fighting. She would say, “Dr. Bill, did you hear about the girls fighting in Grigsby today?” Of course, he would play right along with Big Moma. He said, “No, I didn’t hear about it.” She would continue, “Well these girls were fighting with butcher knives, and an old lady had to come out of the house and separate them!” Funny Funny! Thank goodness these episodes never escalated into a brawl. It was just for fun so Venorah says now! Aunt Ed always said Venorah was the meanest thing around. Another one of her siblings, Clark Paul, had this to say when asked what his first thought was of Edwena. He said, “This is going to sound crazy but biscuits and gravy.” Everybody makes biscuits and gravy but none ever as good as Ed’s. All the way to Georgia, I would be waiting to get my mouth on her hot biscuits and gravy. Edwena didn’t disappoint either. She would say, “well I got to make biscuits and gravy now because Clark is here.” Edwena was always known as the “cook” while everyone else was in the fields working the crops. She didn’t like to work outside much but instead through the years learned to cook wonderfully.
After graduation, Edwina married and lived a military life that took her overseas where she spent many years in the Philippine Islands and eventually brought her back to the States where they settled in Warner Robins, Georgia. As soon as her family settled in Georgia, Ed continued her education and earned her career job as Vice President of C & S Bank. Edwena quickly gained the respect of her employers and was known as exemplifying perfection in her work ethics. Once retiring from C&S Bank, Edwena could not be satisfied and wanted to work longer. She became employed by a private airline and quickly moved into a managerial position with them. Edwena was known as a “people person” and loved to talk and learn of their travels. She loved the airline job and stayed there as long as her health allowed. Through the years, Ed was involved with the “Red Hat Society or Breakfast Club” as they called it. She loved the fellowship of being with other people.
Paul, her grand kids and great grand kids were the light of Edwena’s eye. Edwena loved her family and extended that love to others that were not blood kin but in her eyes-they were. One such person was B.J. Brantly. She considered him to be a grandson because she helped take care of him from birth. Ed always talked of him when she was in Texas just as she did her grand kids. Ed also loved her neighborhood and neighbors. Her neighbor, James Paul, helped Ed with many chores so she would bless him with her good home cooking. James especially liked her pinto beans. She was someone that would give you the shirt off of her back if possible.
Edwena was a Texas girl at heart and would always come home to Texas every chance she could squeeze in the time to go. She loved bringing her grand kids to Texas hoping to develop the same love and admiration for her childhood home and family. She loved Texas memorabilia and wanted all her friends to know that she would someday return to Texas.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Van Buren Higginbotham; her parents, Clark Paul and Emma Irene Williams Sr.; brother, Thomas Williams; sister, Carolyn Caldwell; brother in law, J. C. McSwain; brother in law, Jack Berg; and brother in law, Dallas Caldwell; and sister in law, Norie Williams.
Edwena is survived by:
Son, Paul Higginbotham (Diana)
Grandchildren:
Amy Marie Zmak (Justin) from Arizona
Jo Lynn Cathcart (Alex) from Rome, GA
Samantha Higginbotham
Shannon Ray (Shane) from Warner Robins, GA
Scott Carlson from Wisconsin
Sisters:
Shirley Faye Berg from Center
Venorah McSwain from Center
Brother, Clark Paul Williams Jr. and wife, Tina from Center
6 great-grandchildren.
Please visit www.mangumfh.net to sign the online guestbook. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
04/12/2021
Jean Norton Horne, age 96, of Shelby County, Texas, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at her residence.
Mrs. Horne was born January 25, 1925, in Sam Fordyce, Texas, (Hidalgo County), and was a former resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, before relocating to Shelby County over 35 years ago. She had retired from office accounting. Mrs. Horne was a longtime member of Memorial Presbyterian Church and was faithful in many capacities to her church.
Her survivors include:
Daughters:
Judy Blacklock and husband Douglas of Missouri City, Texas
Linda High and husband E.J. of Dumfries, Virginia
Grandchildren:
Brian Blacklock and wife Abby
Jason Blacklock
Sarah Leger and husband Tony
Great-grandchildren:
Bella Blacklock
Madison Blacklock
Caleb Blacklock
Grace Blacklock
Murphy Leger
Levi Leger
Niece, Sandy Bertelsen and husband Viggo Bertelsen Jr.
In addition to her parents, Ethelbert Harwell Norton and Nancy Jane Deckard Norton, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Horne; a sister, Dorothy Sager; and a brother, Edgar Norton.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2021, at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Memorial Presbyterian Church, located at 205 E. Livingston Street in San Augustine, Texas, with Dr. Jeph Holloway officiating. Interment will follow at McRae Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Lud Davis, William Richards, Brian Blacklock, Tock Blacklock, John Blacklock and Ron Pearson.
In lieu of flowers, donations have been requested to be made to the East Texas Food Bank, 3201 Robertson Rd., Tyler, Texas 75701, or the Salvation Army, 412 S. 3rd Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901.
Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, San Augustine.
04/10/2021
Tammy Ann Wedgeworth, 61, of Shelbyville, passed away Friday, April 9, 2021, in Lufkin.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation an hour prior. Bro. James Goodwyn will officiate. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.
Born July 11, 1959, in Crowley, Louisiana, Tammy is the daughter of Robert Elmer Wedgeworth and Kathryn Yvonne Goodwyn Wedgeworth. She went on to have a career in nursing. Tammy loved her animals and enjoyed time on the family farm. Her hobbies of crocheting and travel made crocheting cruises the perfect vacation. Tammy was a member of both the William Carroll Crawford Chapter and Nacogdoches Chapter of Daughters of the Republic.
She is survived by:
Her son, Roy Dean Evans Jr. of Houston
Mother, Yvonne Wedgeworth of Center
Sister, Robbie Cartwright of Fulshear
Niece, Holly Cartwright of Fulshear
Nephew, Joshua Cartwright (Miranda) of Richmond
Great-nephews:
Luke Cartwright
Cody Cartwright.
Preceded in death by her husband, Mike Calhoun; and father, Robert E. Wedgeworth.
Pallbearers will be Steve Sparks, Todd Sparks, Joey Jernigan, Chris Jernigan, Mikey Lout, and Ricky Lout.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Sands, Darrin Lout, Jack Lout, Glen Williams, Dwayne Lout, and George Warren.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Animal Justice League of Houston or Dream-Dachshund of Houston.
Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
04/09/2021
Tommy Tinner, 50, passed away April 5, 2021. On September 6, 1970, a son was born to Leavelt and Johnnie Lou Tinner.
Funeral service is at 3pm Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Abundant Love Ministries, 1426 Shelbyville Street, Center, Texas 75935
He is preceded in death by Mother, Johnnie Lou Tinner; Father, Leavelt Tinner; Sisters, Lavada Tinner, Dorthy Gaines, Martha Tinner, and Maggie Tinner; Brothers, Willie Tinner, Curtis Bryant, and James Tinner.
He leaves to mourn:
Daughter, Destiny Tinner of Center
Sisters:
Carolyn Tinner of Center
Brenda Dones of Center
Tammy Lane (Anthony) of Center
Gloria Tinner of Arizona
Barbara Tinner and Norma Green of Fort Worth, TX
Brothers:
Leavelt Tinner, Jr. of California
Sammy Bryant of Huntsville, TX
Clifford Jones of Logansport, LA
Ronnie Tinner of Fort Worth, TX
A host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.
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