Shelby County Today

01/05/2021

Kenneth E. Yarbrough, a 50 plus year resident of Livingston, died peacefully on December 28, 2020. He was born on August 4, 1938 at home in East Texas along the Attoyac River near the Nacogdoches and Shelby county line to Eugene Yarbrough and Lucille Christopher.

Yarbrough worked hard along side his parents and siblings on the family dairy farm. He grew up in Shelby county and attended Center schools. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University and began his career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, then as an outside salesman for the Ralston Purina Company serving the many poultry farmers throughout East Texas. Married in 1961 to Norma Jean Hogan, they moved together to Livingston in 1969 and purchased an established farm and ranch retail business that eventually became Feeder’s Supply which they operated together for 25 years. He made many life long friendships during his time in the farm and ranch business. He even hosted a popular local radio show offering gardening tips and advice. A consummate salesperson, he reinvented himself as an independent insurance agent in 1993 and enjoyed many more years in his new career. He was an active supporter of his community becoming a member of the Rotary Club and volunteering with his children’s activities especially with the local chapters of the FFA, 4-H and the Polk County Youth Rodeo Association. Mr. Yarbrough was a Christian and was a long time member of the Livingston Church of Christ serving as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher. He especially loved worshipping the Lord in song. He was a good man, a hard worker and beloved by many.

Yarbrough is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Troy and an infant son, Clint.

He will be missed by:

Wife, Jean Yarbrough

Daughter, Deanna Rickabaugh and her husband Marvin of San Antonio

Son, Jason and wife Sandra of Magnolia

Beloved nephew, Danny Stephens and partner Jennifer of Austin

He loved the grandchildren he leaves behind:
Kathryn Walker and husband, Clint
Natalie Yarbrough
Clint Rickabaugh
Amy Rickabaugh

Brothers:
Joe Yarbrough (Elaine) of Center TX
Spencer Yarbrough of Wills Point, TX
Bruce Yarbrough of Center, TX

Sister, Lagene Smoak and husband Jerry of Jefferson

Sisters-in-law:
Frances Hancock Williams
Debra Lawson Yarbrough

Many, many other relatives and treasured friends. 

Due to Covid 19 safety concerns, no formal service is scheduled at this time. A donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org) or to the charity of your choice is suggested as an alternative to flowers.

Funeral services are under the direction of Cochran Funeral Home, Livingston, Texas. Online condolences can be made at https://www.cochranfh.com/obituary/kenneth-yarbrough.

01/03/2020

James Alan Johnson, was born in Center, Texas on July 15, 1948 to John “Johnie” Thomas Johnson and wife Maxine Williams Johnson. Alan attended Center High School where according to the stories, he really enjoyed life. After graduation, Alan began his career as a brick mason. He married Bettye Walker Johnson on July 3, 1975, and together started their family and business, Johnson Masonry. Alan was a member of Sam Samford No. 149.

Bettye and Alan lived in Center, Texas where they reared four children, Leigh, Lauri, Clint, and Callie. As the kids grew up, Alan made sure that each of them knew how to use a gun and introduced them to horses. Although shooting and riding were not in Leigh and Callie’s repertoires, Alan and Bettye worked together so that each child excelled in their own interests. If one asked about Alan’s parenting style, “We rode horses and shot guns; we did it always!”

As the kids grew older, Alan picked up roping. He traveled across the southern United States with his son Clint and friends roping and conversing. It is hard to find a person in the cowboy world who has not heard a story told by Alan Johnson. His love for tales carried out into the deer hunting world. The son-in-laws, grandsons, Clint, and hunting friends would all agree that “What is told at the deer lease, stays at the deer lease!” Interestingly, when customers remember Mr. Alan, they too remark on his company’s skill with bricks, but always remember his stories. I am sure it is the stories that helped him connect to God and be saved.

On January 2, 2021, James Alan Johnson ended his story but not his legacy in Nacogdoches, Texas surrounded by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: John “Johnie” Thomas Johnson and Maxine Williams Johnson; brother: John Keith Johnson. 

He is survived by:

Wife, Bettye Walker Johnson

Daughters:
Leigh Johnson Clopton and husband Kevin Clopton of Gunter, Texas
Lauri Johnson Sisk and husband Aaron Sisk of Center, Texas
Callie Alane Morton and husband Jeremy Morton of Whitehouse, Texas

Son, Clint Johnson and wife Donna Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas

Brother, Stephen “Steve” Gary Johnson and wife Renee Manning Johnson of Marlin, Texas

Sister-in-laws:
Cecile LeBlanc Johnson of Denton, Texas
Mary Jones Walker of Center, Texas

Grandchildren:
Bryce and wife Abby Clopton of Sanger, Texas
Braiden Clopton of Gunter, Texas
Camryn and husband Aaron Blankenship of Yukon, Oklahoma
Mackenley Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas
Khloe’ Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas
Allison Johnson of Nacogdoches, Texas
Grayson Mortan and Cade Mortan of Whitehouse, Texas

Numerous nieces and nephews across the United States.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, January 4, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. James Goodwyn officiating.

Pallbearers will be James Colton Hairgrove, Dillion Ward, Trey Byrnes, Zach Moore, Leonardo Escelante, Jason Griffin, Bryce Clopton, Braiden Clopton, and Donnie Moody. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles “Billy” Cook, Claude Lucas, and Don Moody.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Panola College Rodeo, 1109 W. Panola, Carthage, Texas 75633.

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

12/31/2020

Carmen Zagal, 27, of Tenaha, Texas passed away on December 30, 2020 in Tyler, Texas. Born June 10th, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois. Carmen is the daughter Antonio and Victoria Uribe. Visitation will be held at 8:30am, Friday January 1st, 2021, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas. Service will be held at 12:00pm, Friday January 1st, 2021 at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

Carmen Zagal is survived by: 
Her husband Bertin Zagal 

Children: 
Jade Naomi Zagal
Evelyn Alessandra Zagal
Carmen Sofia Zagal

Brothers: 
Ruben Uribe
Javier Uribe
Antonio Uribe

Sisters:
Patricia Uribe
Lucia Uribe
Teresa Uribe
Rocio Uribe
Rosa Uribe
Mariana Uribe

Numerous nieces and nephews and Family and Friends

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. 

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

12/28/2020

Duane Earl Doble, 79, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 25, 2020 in his home in Timpson, Texas. He was born on September 21, 1941 in Grandforks, North Dakota, to the late Oscar Doble and Ann Marie (Werre) Doble. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Duane was born and raised in Grandforks, North Dakota. He graduated high school and entered the workforce as a pipefitter. He continued this lifelong career and was a proud member of Pipefitters Local 300 Union. Duane met the love of his life, Mary Berglund, and the two spent over 30 years together.  Together they moved to Colorado, and later made their home in Timpson, Texas. Duane was a member of American Legion Post 157. He enjoyed fishing, watching football, especially the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. Duane was an avid NASCAR fan. He loved watching NASCAR racing.  

He is survived by:
The love of his life, Mary Berglund

Daughters: 
Loretta Goolsby and husband Charles of Timpson
Lisa Berglund of Centennial, Colorado
Linda Long of Centennial, Colorado

Brothers: 
Lloyd Doble of Grand Forks, North Dakota
Robert Doble and wife Carol of Surprise, Arizona
William Doble and wife Meredith of Seattle, Washington

Sisters: 
Darlene Dufault and husband Rodney of Aberdeen, South Dakota

Grandchildren: 
Chad Olson and wife Elizabeth of Two Harbors, Minnesota
Ryan Apodaca of Loveland, Colorado
Brandon Long of Centennial, Colorado
Justin Long of Centennial, Colorado

Great-grandchildren: 
Isaac Olson of Two Harbors, Minnesota
Hannah Olson of Two Harbors, Minnesota
Leah Olson of Two Harbors, Minnesota

Nieces:
Sue
Anne
Lynne
Faye
Sherry
Lorie
Joellen

Nephews: 
Tom
Tim
Scott

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly

Duane is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Ann Marie Doble; brother, Roy Doble; and sister in law, Esther Doble.  

In lieu of flowers family requests memorial donations be made to Mary Berglund, 1982 US Hwy 84W, Timpson, Texas, 75975, to assist with final expenses.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.taylorfh.net.

12/27/2020

Jimmy Vincent “Hoot” Gibson, Sr., 83, was born December 4, 1937, to Swanee Dow and Annie Ruth Toon Gibson in Uvalde, Texas, and passed away on December 27, 2020, in Hemphill, Texas.

During his life, he served in the U.S. Air Force and was an electrician by trade. Hoot was an avid cat hunter and over the years raised many hunting dogs. He was well known all over the country for his dogs. Hoot also loved to fish and caught many huge catfish out of the Sabine River.

Hoot married the love of his life, Norma Ann Sims Smith Gibson, on May 9, 1989. They shared a love of raising dogs and fishing until her death in 2018.

Hoot is survived by his children:
Jimmy Vincent Gibson, Jr. (Vince) and Sharon of Bryan
Keith and Angela Smith of Pineland
Tara and Paul Horton of Center

Grandchildren: Amberlin Gibson
Jimmy Vincent Gibson III (Trace)
Marc Fleming
Adam Smith
Bryan Smith
T.J. Horton
Josh Horton
Bradley Horton
Megan Hartt
Dalton Horton

Great-grandchildren:
Elizabeth Barnett
Tyson Gibson
Oliver Gibson
Rylee Gibson
Hadley Ruth Gibson
Felecity Fleming
Marlei Fleming
Logan Smith
Peyton Smith
Lacey Smith
Sarver Smith
Jaslynn Smith
Alyssa Horton
Tyeler Horton
Chandler Horton
Quinn Horton
Taylor Horton
Logan Horton
Gracie Horton
Brock Horton
Scarlett Hartt

Numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his parents, Swanee Dow and Annie Ruth Toon Gibson; his brothers, Sonny Gibson and Little Hoot Gibson; his beloved sister, Eddie Ree Upshaw, Rena Brooks, Charlene Carter, Norma McGuinis, and Faye Vogel; and his beloved wife, Norma Ann Sims Smith Gibson.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Timpson, with visitation one hour prior. Bro. Floyd Wright will officiate.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chad Clifton, Gary Fleming, Lee Henry “Hoot” Gibson, and David Carter.

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

12/23/2020

Judy English, 73, of Mauriceville, Texas went to be with her Lord Sunday, December 21, 2020. She passed peacefully at her home with family at her side. 

Judy was born November 16, 1947 in Center, Texas to Lynn and Bernice English. She lived most of her adult life in East Texas and moved to Mauriceville in 1994.  

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 26, 2020, at Strong Cemetery in Huxley with Bro. Michael Orange officiating.

She started her career at Elloitt and Waldren Abstract plant in the '70's and eventually became a one of the first women landmen working in East Texas. She later established a large field brokerage company in Center, Texas. She was known as having a tireless work ethic, a quick wit and being a fair but tough-as-nails boss. She always enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction of unraveling a particularly difficult chain of title or finding that one heir, seemingly lost in history, that no one else could find. 

Judy was a long-time member of the Deweyville United Pentecostal Church and a devout Pentecostal. She had many interests but was particularly fond of gardening, taking special care of her roses and nurturing her small, potted plants. She was also an extraordinary cook, most of her recipes began with butter and included several sprinkles of love. If you were around her you never left on an empty stomach or an empty heart because she always made sure both left filled. Heaven received angel from on earth.

Judy will be remembered as a very generous and loving soul who adored and occasionally spoiled her grandbabies when she had the chance. 

She is survived by:
Her daughters:
Ramona Ryan and husband, Rick
Jenice Welsh

Grandchildren: 
Julie McMahon
Devon McMahon, and wife Jenny
Sabrina Welsh Amaya
Kevin Amaya
Justin Welsh
Corey Ryan and wife Christina

Great-grandchildren:
Layliana McMahon
Lucas Allen Welsh
Jenise Kristina Amaya
Asha Joe Ryan

Brother-in-law, O. C. Campbell

Several nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as, close friends Maston Allen and wife Sarah, Wyatt T. Allen and Toby Fuss. 

She was predeceased by her parents Lynn and Bernice English and siblings; Arabell Anthony; Vernell English; Bobbie Campbell and Johnnie Wilburn; by son-in-law, Michael Welsh.

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

12/21/2020

Mae Lorise Mosley, 83 of Timpson, passed away Friday night, December 18, 2020 at her residence in Timpson.

Visitation is noon to 6pm Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at Community Funeral Home in Timpson. Funeral service is 11am Wednesday, December 23 at New Prospect Baptist Church off Folsom Chapel Road with interment at Friendship Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas with Rev. Rayford Caraway officiating.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Debra Bryant (Tyrone) of Garrison

Sons:
Douglas Fields (Nita) of Timpson
Timothy Mosley of Timpson
James Mosley (Vicki) of Tyler
Demetris Mosley (Rhonda) of Alto

Brothers:
Larry Hooper (Yvonne) of Dallas
Jerry Hooper (San) of Timpson

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

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Timpson, Texas.

12/21/2020

Novis Williams Mack, 74, of Carthage, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020, in Carthage.

Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Wildcat Cemetery in Tenaha with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Bro. Steven Hill will officiate.

Born August 9, 1946, in Tenaha, Novis is the daughter of the late Armory “Bo” Ray Williams and Claire Loyce Stone Williams.  She worked as a custodian at Carthage ISD and loved following the Carthage Bulldogs. 

She is survived by:

Brothers:
Kenneth Ray “Buddy” Williams of Woodville
Robert “Bo” Williams of Carthage

A host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Armory “Bo” Ray Williams and Claire Loyce Stone Williams; and sister, Betty Olliff.

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

12/18/2020

Claudia Mae (Blackburn) Goolsby, 90 of Timpson, Texas passed from our presence peacefully on the morning of December 18, 2020 in her daughter's home in Mabank, Texas surrounded by loved ones. Services will be held Tuesday, December 22, at 2pm at First Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas with Bro. William Dee Daniel and Dr. Russell Marshall officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

Claudia was born on July 30, 1930 in Nacogdoches to Fannie (Lollar) Blackburn and Johnnie Edward Blackburn. She graduated Nacogdoches Business College in 1947. She married Lloyd Benjamin (Ben) Goolsby on July 14, 1951 in Nacogdoches, Texas. They were married 66 years before his death in 2018. 

Claudia worked in various roles in Texas school districts during her career. She retired as tax collector of Timpson ISD. Claudia was a devoted wife, loving mother, generous grandmother, caring sister and daughter. Claudia loved her family and enjoyed every opportunity to spend time with them. She was a great cook and loved to host family gatherings. She was a faithful member of The First Baptist Church of Timpson where she sang in the choir and served wherever she was called. Every Monday she visited the residents of the Garrison Nursing Home lifting their spirits singing with the gospel group Heaven Bound. 

Claudia is survived by:

Son, Mark Goolsby of Nacogdoches, Texas

Daughter and son-in-law, Tammye and Russell Marshall of Mabank, Texas

Grandchildren:
Jordan Costlow and husband Zach of Ft. Worth, Texas
Griffin Marshall of Midland, Texas
Landon Marshall and wife Ashley of New York, New York
Alden Marshall of Mabank, Texas

Great-granddaughter, Emma Costlow of Fort Worth, Texas

Countless friends and loved ones who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ben Goolsby, sister Thelma Lee Moore, and great granddaughter Hannah Costlow. 

The family would like to thank Garrison Nursing Home, Debbie Lynn, Lisa Pelligra and Solaris Hospice for their kindness and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church, P O Box 488, Timpson, Texas 75975 or visit https://www.firstbctimpson.com/.

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.