12/18/2020

William Garfield Goodrich (Bill/Billy) of Longview, Texas passed away in his home in Flint, Texas surrounded by loved ones on December 14, 2020.

William was born on September 9, 1942 in Milo, Maine to William George Goodrich and Millie Evelyn Berry Goodrich. The family moved to Center, TX and Bill graduated from Center High School in 1961 and joined the U.S. Air Force shortly after and served until June of 1966. Bill then married Roberta Aves Harbordt (Robbi) in Nacogdoches, Texas on September 27, 1968 and moved to Longview, Texas where they would live most of their married life and raise their daughter. He spent his entire career at Texas Eastman Chemical Company in Longview, TX until his retirement. Bill and Robbi moved to Flint, TX four years ago to be closer to family.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Robbi, in October of 2019 and both of his parents.

He leaves behind:

Daughter, Heather Murphy and Son-in-Law, James Murphy

Three grandchildren: William Blake, James Bryce and Caleigh Lydia Grace Murphy of Flint.

Bill also leaves behind:

Sisters:
Bonnie Lucas and her spouse, Claude of Center, TX
Sue Britz and her spouse Terry of Johnson City, TN

Along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bill spent his childhood in Maine and spoke frequently about his days there filled with fishing, hunting, building snow forts and school days with friends. He loved to tell stories of his memories with cousins and extended family. He was so happy to be able to travel back to Maine to the beloved family camp in the Fall of 2016 where he traveled to all of the places he loved most and feasted on lobster and clam chowder! He was an outdoorsman and fisherman his entire life. His favorite days were spent on a boat with a line in the water. When married, he and his wife, Robbi, became licensed Texas Wildlife Rehabilitators and they rescued, rehabilitated and released injured wildlife for many years.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mr. Goodrich’s caregivers of the past two years, Ms. Alicia Robinson of Longview, TX, Ms. Constance Whitmore of Gladewater, TX and Ms. Amber Beauchesne of Tyler, TX for their love, care and devotion.

Memorial services will be held next year when family is able to travel and gather together. Family will gather at Rosewood Park Cemetery in Longview, TX at his final resting place.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of William G. Goodrich (Bill) to The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or The Milo Historical Society in Milo, Maine.

12/17/2020

Billy Wayne Williams, 75, of Center, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2020, in Center.
Graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 18, 2020, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.  Rev. Malcolm Monroe will officiate.

Born December 26, 1944, in Center, Billy is the son of the late Burnice Williams and Marcelle Green Williams.  He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and later retired from Bail Bond Services and Tax Services. Billy enjoyed fishing. He was a member of Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149. Billy was of the Methodist faith.

He is survived by:
His wife, Cathy Samford Williams of Center

Children: 
Stacey Wells of Nacogdoches
Melissa Williams of Odessa
Amanda Carson of The Woodlands

Grandchildren: 
Tatum Carson
Tucker Burford
Jacob Carson
Colton Wells

Nieces: 
Donna Hughes
Joyce Bush
Katha Hughes
Suzette Hughes

He is preceded in death by his parents, Burnice Williams and Marcelle Green Williams; and his sister, Linda Joyce Hughes.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research or First United Methodist Church.

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

12/15/2020

Kelley C. Hancock, 49, of Center, passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from Noon to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 17, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with funeral following at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at White Rock Cemetery in Center.

Born March 9, 1971, Kelley is the daughter of James Chandler and the late Sally Ruth Holt Chandler.  She worked as a CNA.

She is survived by:
Her children: 
Ashley Elizabeth Chandler of Center
Terri Hancock of Center
Jerad Hancock of Center

Father, James Ivy Chandler of Center

Brother, David Chandler and wife Keli of Center

Family friend, Aaron Hardin

Nephews: 
Dawson Chandler
Rylan Chandler

Numerous aunts and uncles

Preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Hancock; and mother, Sally Ruth Holt Chandler.

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

12/14/2020

Maudine “Doc” McClelland, 97 of Houston, joined her parents, brothers, and sisters on December 10, 2020. Maudine was born of December 6, 1923 in Shelbyville, Texas to George and Ada Lovell.

Graveside service will be Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas at 11am.
 
Her survivors are:

Husband, Willie T. McClelland, of 68 years of Houston

Son, Andre McClelland and wife Silvia of Pearland

Grandsons:
Andrew Travis
Michael Alexander “Bear” and wife Brandice McClelland

She will be missed by her family. The family will miss all the care and the attention she gave to them. The family will miss her laughter and pies.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

Service entrust to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net.

12/09/2020

Billie Ruth Lee Permenter, 90, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, December 9, 2020, in Nacogdoches.

Mrs. Permenter’s wishes were to be cremated and a private family graveside service will be planned at a later date. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 12, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Billie was born November 23, 1930, in Shelby County, to Guy Harris and Ellen Permenter Harris. Her hobbies included singing, playing the Omni chord, crocheting, and antiquing. Billie loved the outdoors, animals, and also enjoyed traveling. Above all, time with her grandkids was her favorite. Billie was a lifelong member of Lydia Baptist Church in Huxley.

She is survived by:

Children:
Dian Vaughn and husband Larry of Huxley
Tommy Lee and wife Judy of Center
Michael Lee and wife Viki of Center

Grandkids:
Doug Vaughn of Huxley
Dale Vaughn and wife Holly of Huxley
Tracy Anderson and husband Duane of Carthage
Gregg Lee and wife Shannon of Center
Sommer Herndon and husband Ward of Center
Renee Bush and husband Steven of Center
Jason Lee and wife Dorthea of Milan, Italy
Ellen Singletary and husband Ronnie of Carthage

Great-grandkids:
Jordan Anderson
Megan Anderson
Jesse Vaughn
Kaycee Vaughn
Mackenzie Shelton
Colton Bush
Ruston Bush
Janet Lee
Jacqueline Lee
Jacob Lee
Tyler Herndon
Hollie Herndon
Cam Lee
Arista Lee
Madison Bush
Chase Vaughn

6 great-great-grandkids

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Permenter; granddaughter, Katie Vaughn; father of her children, T.W. Lee; parents, Guy Harris and Ellen Permenter Harris; and brother, Guy Harris Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Lydia Baptist Church in Huxley or a charity of choice.

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

12/09/2020

Margie Ree Moton, 92 of Center, died December 6, 2020 in Lufkin. She was born July 15, 1928 in Center, Texas.

Graveside services will be Saturday, December 12, 2020 at St John Cemetery in Center at 1:00 P.M. and Rev. Winston Kibbles will be officiating.

Visitation will be Friday, December 11, 2020 at Hicks Chapel (804 MLK Drive Center, Texas 75935) from the hours of 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced.

Her survivors are:

Son, Travis Moton of Center

Daughters:
Deloris Thompson (Leonard) of Tenaha
Carolyn Weathered of Center
Jacklyn Cartwright (Harold) of Center
Sherry Moton of Nacogdoches

6 Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Grandchildren

Service entrust to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935. Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net

12/09/2020

Javier “El Pichi” Gonzalez, 68, of Center, passed away Tuesday, December 1, 2020, in Longview.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2020, at Iglesia Bautista Monte Sinai in Tenaha with Bro. Rafael Ramos officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Gonzalez was born May 23, 1952, in San Jose De Aura, Coahuila, Mexico, to Enrique Gonzalez Cantu and Eulalia Gonzalez Gomez. 

He is survived by:

Wife, Maria Del Rosario Gonzalez of Center

Children:
Claudia Gonzalez-Tello and husband Alfredo of Center
Janeth Tello and husband Fausto of Center
Ruth Gonzalez and husband Juan of Center
Rosario Espinoza and husband Oscar of Center
Guadalupe Flores and husband Samuel of Center
Javier Jesus Gonzalez of Center

Grandchildren:
Maria Mendoza and husband Jhosue of Houston
Celia Del Rosario Gonzalez of Center
Jose Carlos Tello and wife Janet of Dallas
Abigail Tello-Rodriguez and husband Henry of Center
Johan Gonzalez of Dallas
Aaron Tello of Center
Roxana Arcibar of Center
Juan Gonzalez of Center
Eduardo Arcibar of Center
Ezekiel Arcibar of Center
Daniel Tello of Center
Alex Arcibar of Center
Emily Arcibar of Center
Ethan Arcibar of Center
Zaqueo Arcibar of Center
Alexee Tello of Center
Miguel Martinez of Center
Jocelyn Flores of Center
Angel Flores of Center
Xavier Martinez of Center
Eric Flores of Center
Ivan Espinoza of Center
Alexandra Tello of Center
Christian Tello of Center
Set Espinoza of Center

Great-grandchildren: Audrie Rodriguez, Michael Mendoza, Maria Tello, Jael Tello, and Baby Tello

Siblings: Lilia Gonzalez, Jose Maria Gonzalez, Velia Gonzalez, Enriqueta Gonzalez, and Luis Antonio Gonzalez

Best friend Oscar Gonzalez.

Preceded in death by his parents, Enrique Gonzalez Cantu and Eulalia Gonzalez-Gomez; father and mother-in-law, Bernardo and Nicolasa Morales; brothers, Emilio Gonzalez, Enrique Gonzalez, and Carlos Gonzalez.
Pallbearers will be Alfredo Tello, Fausto Tello, Juan Gonzalez, Oscar Espinoza, Samuel Flores, Henry Rodriguez, Jhosue Mendoza, Jose Tello, Aaron Tello, Juan Gonzalez, Ezekiel Arcibar, Daniel Tello and Zaqueo Arcibar. Honorary pallbearer Javier Jesus Gonzalez.

With gratitude to the life of my brother, devoted husband, exemplary father, I make this brief remembrance as a tribute at this time.

Javier González González was born on May 23, 1952 in San José del Aura, Coahuila, Mexico, the son of Eulalia González Gómez and Enrique González Cantú, the seventh child of nine siblings.

In 1958, the whole family moved to live in Monterrey, Nuevo León, when he was around 6 years old, so he studied basic education in that city.

As a teenager, he started doing little jobs, traveling periodically to "Aura", where he decided to stay and live. We do not know who and when he was nicknamed "Pichi", which is how he was known in the town until recently.

He married María del Rosario González Balderas, they had six children, five daughters and one son; his three oldest daughters were born in Coahuila and the rest in Texas. 

He began traveling to the United States in the company of Don Beto Cárdenas, continually traveling back and forth to Mexico; then his wife and each of his daughters traveled, settling in Center, Texas. 

Together with his wife, they worked in the chicken houses, gathering eggs, among other jobs, with the whole family living together in a very modest way. At some point in those years, he suffered a serious accident, which required a plate to be placed on his skull. 

Over time, he always ventured alongside his wife and children in other jobs, but due to health problems, he found it necessary to experiment in different activities, such as selling clothes, boots, leather goods, bread, cleaning yards, repairing fences, etc., those who knew him, know what I'm talking about.
They lived in a mobile home; however, an unfortunate accident caused a fire in their home, forcing them to temporarily live with a nephew, subsequently managing to acquire the house that he lived in until his last days. 

Whenever there was an opportunity, their families from Mexico visited them until they adjusted their status in the United States, which allowed them to frequently travel to Mexico to see their relatives, my daughter and I were fortunate to see him on October 29, as always, he would look for ways to help me in everything I needed. 

Always a hard worker, he did not stop at any obstacle. With great effort and tenacity, he fulfilled his goals, including little by little the construction of a house in San José de Aura, his homeland, a place to which he was always deeply rooted ... one of his last wishes being to reunite his entire family from Mexico and the United States in his beloved town that saw him born. 

He leaves a great legacy in his large family in which he was always a pillar with his wife Rosario and of whom he was proud every day, his five daughters, one son, five sons in-law, twenty-five grandchildren, two grandsons in-law, one granddaughter in-law and five great-grandchildren.

As his granddaughter Abby aptly put it:

 “Javier González, Papá Javier, Grand Pa, was loved by many and loved nearly everyone he came in contact with. This great man would often sacrifice everything he had in order to take care of an immediate need in somebody’s life. Unfortunately, that often meant that he was unprepared for the unexpected. We greatly appreciate everyone who has been helping and continues to help in this time of our great loss. Thank you all for everything. His sister Velia Gonzalez Gonzalez

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


Javier “El Pichi” González, de 68 años, de Center, falleció el Martes 1 de Diciembre de 2020 en Longview.

El velorio se realizará a partir de las 5:00 p.m. hasta las 8:00 p.m. del Jueves 10 de Diciembre de 2020 en Watson & Sons Funeral Home en Center. El funeral se llevará a cabo a las 3:00 p.m., Viernes 11 de Diciembre de 2020, en la Iglesia Bautista Monte Sinai en Tenaha con el Hno. Rafael Ramos oficiando. Seguirá el sepelio en Oaklawn Memorial Park en Center.

El Sr. González nació el 23 de Mayo de 1952 en San José De Aura, Coahuila, México, hijo de Enrique González Cantú y Eulalia González Gómez.

Le sobreviven su esposa, María Del Rosario González de Center; hijos, Claudia Gonzalez-Tello y esposo Alfredo de Center, Janeth Tello y esposo Fausto de Center, Ruth Gonzalez y esposo Juan de Center, Rosario Espinoza y esposo Oscar de Center, Guadalupe Flores y esposo Samuel de Center, y Javier Jesus Gonzalez de Center; nietos, María Mendoza y esposo Jhosue de Houston, Celia Del Rosario González de Center, José Carlos Tello y esposa Janet de Dallas, Abigail Tello-Rodríguez y esposo Henry de Center, Johan Gonzalez de Dallas, Aaron Tello de Center, Roxana Arcibar de Center , Juan González de Center, Eduardo Arcibar de Center, Ezekiel Arcibar de Center, Daniel Tello de Center, Alex Arcibar de Center, Emily Arcibar de Center, Ethan Arcibar de Center, Zaqueo Arcibar de Center, Alexee Tello de Center, Miguel Martinez de Center, Jocelyn Flores de Center, Angel Flores de Center, Xavier Martinez de Center, Eric Flores de Center, Ivan Espinoza de Center, Alexandra Tello de Center, Christian Tello de Center, y Set Espinoza de Center; bisnietos, Audrie Rodríguez, Michael Mendoza, María Tello, Jael Tello y Baby Tello; hermanos, Lilia González, José María González, Velia González, Enriqueta González y Luis Antonio González. Mejor amigo Oscar González.

Precedido en muerte por sus padres, Enrique González Cantú y Eulalia González-Gómez; suegros, Bernardo y Nicolasa Morales; hermanos, Emilio González, Enrique González y Carlos González.

Los portadores del féretro serán Alfredo Tello, Fausto Tello, Juan González, Oscar Espinoza, Samuel Flores, Henry Rodríguez, Jhosue Mendoza, José Tello, Aaron Tello, Juan González, Ezekiel Arcibar, Daniel Tello, y Zaqueo Arcibar. Portador honorario Javier Jesus González.

Con agradecimiento a la vida de mi hermano, devoto esposo, padre ejemplar, realizo esta breve remembranza como homenaje en estos momentos.

Javier González González, nació el 23 de Mayo de 1952 en San José del Aura, Coahuila, México, hijo de Eulalia González Gómez y Enrique González Cantú, séptimo hijo de nueve hermanos.

En 1958, toda la familia se trasladó a vivir a Monterrey, Nuevo León, teniéndo alrededor de 6 años, por lo que curso su educación basica en esa ciudad.

Siendo adolescente, empezó a realizar pequeñas chambitas, viajando periódicamente a “Aura”, lugar en donde decidió quedarse a vivir. Desconocemos quien y en que momento le apodaron “Pichi”, siendo así como era conocido en el pueblo hasta últimas fechas.

Contrajo matrimonio con María del Rosario González Balderas, procreando cinco mujeres y un varón; naciendo sus tres hijas mayores en Coahuila y el resto en Texas.

Empezó a irse de “mojado” a Estados Unidos en compañía de Don Beto Cárdenas, viajando continuamente de ida y vuelta a México; luego pasó su esposa y cada una de sus hijas, estableciendose en Center, Texas.

Junto a su esposa, trabajaron en los gallineros, en la pizca de huevos, entre otras labores, viviendo unidos toda su familia, de forma muy modesta. En algún momento en esos años, sufrió un grave accidente, que provocó le colocaran una placa en el cráneo.

Con el tiempo, incursionó siempre a lado de su esposa e hijos en otros trabajos, pero debido a problemas de salud, se vio en la necesidad de experimentar en diferentes actividades, como venta de ropa, botas, artículos de cuero, pan, limpiando yardas, reparando cercas, etc, quienes lo conocieron, saben de que les hablo!

Vivieron en una casa rodante, sin embargo, un lamentable accidente provocó un incendio en su hogar, lo que los obligó a vivir temporalmente con un sobrino, logrando posteriormente adquirir la casa que habitó hasta sus últimos días.

Siempre que hubo oportunidad, sus familias de México los visitaban hasta que regularizaron su estancia en Estados Unidos, lo que les permitió trasladarse frecuentemente a México a ver a sus familiares, teniéndo la fortuna mi hija y yo de verlo el pasado 29 de Octubre, ya que como siempre, buscaba como ayudarme en todo lo que requería.

Siempre muy trabajador, no se detenía ante ningún obstáculo. Con mucho empeño y tenancidad cumplió sus metas, incluida poco a poco la construcción de una casa en San José de Aura, su tierra natal, lugar al que siempre estuvo muy arraigado… siendo uno de sus últimos anhelos reunir a toda su familia de México y Estados Unidos en su amado pueblo que lo vió nacer.

Deja un gran legado en su numerosa familia de la que siempre fue pilar junto a su esposa Rosario y de quienes cada dia estuvo orgulloso, siendo actualmente 5 hijas, 1 hijo, 5 hijos políticos, 25 nietos, 3 nietos políticos y 5 bisnietos.

Como certeramente dijo su nieta Abby:

“ Javier González, Papá Javier, Grand Pa, era amado por muchos y amaba a casi todas las personas con las que tenía contacto. Éste gran hombre, a menudo sacrificaba todo lo que tenía para atender una necesidad inmediata en la vida de alguien. Desafortunadamente, eso a menudo significaba que no estaba preparado para lo inesperado. Agradecemos enormemente a todos los que han estado ayudando y continúan ayudando en este momento de nuestra gran pérdida. Gracias a todos por todo. Su hermana Velia González González

Se pueden enviar condolencias y tributos en línea a www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com

12/09/2020

Herbert Edward “Ed” Turk, aged 75 years, entered Heaven’s gates on December 7, 2020 in Livingston, Texas after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ed was born on March 11, 1945 in Itasca, TX to Herbert Cooper Turk and Mary Faye (Cypert) Turk. He spent his early years on a cotton farm in rural Hill County. The family moved to Jal, NM when he was 5. He loved telling his grandchildren stories about growing up in an early gas field town on the open range desert of southeastern New Mexico.

After graduating from Jal High School in 1963, Ed moved to Fort Worth to attend drafting school and began working at Tri County Electric Cooperative in Azle, TX. While he only stayed at the coop for a few years, this began a career in rural electrification that spanned nearly 45 years.

Ed joined Cornelius-Pierce Consulting Engineers in 1975 and retired as a partner in 2007. More than the work, Ed enjoyed the people that he worked with at C-PCE and the electric cooperatives of East Texas. He made many lifelong friends at the cooperatives.

In February of 1968 Ed married the love of his life, Bobbie Jo (Harrison) Turk. They made their home in Benbrook, TX until moving to Center, TX to be closer to their grandchildren.

Ed was active in Benbrook United Methodist Church before moving to Center. He enjoyed hunting, fishing trips to New Mexico and spending time with his grandchildren, who knew him as “Be-Be”.

An outdoor funeral service will be held graveside at Hillcrest Garden of Memory in Hillsboro, TX at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 12. An outdoor viewing and visitation will begin at 1:00 PM at the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Larry Warren, Michael Warren, Bart Bauer, Steve Waters, Jack Vickers and Mark Healer.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cochran Funeral Home in Livingston, TX.

Ed is preceded in death by his mother, father, and wife of 50 years.

In addition to a host of extended family, Ed is survived by:

Son, Doug Turk and wife, Angie, of Livingston

Grandchildren:
Maggie Turk of Livingston
Eddie Turk of Livingston

Sister, Wanda Lou Cook of San Angelo

Brother-in-Law, Dr. David Harrison and wife, Dr. Kelly Harrison, of Blacksburg, VA

Niece, Prissy (Cook) McCollum and husband, Steve, of San Angelo 

Nephews:
John David Cook of San Angelo
Nathan Harrison and wife, Stephanie, of Christiansburg, VA
K.C. Harrison and fiancée, Catherine Heindel, of Blacksburg, VA

Great-Nieces:
Lauren McCollum of San Antonio
Harper Harrison of Christiansburg

Great-Nephew, Liam Edward Harrison of Christiansburg

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Benbrook United Methodist Church in Benbrook, TX or First United Methodist Church of Center, TX.

12/08/2020

Martha Marie Miller, 90, of Shelbyville, Texas, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 7, 2020.

Marie was born in Shelbyville, Texas on August 9, 1930, to Lonnie Burl Davis and Carrie Luman Davis. She graduated from Shelbyville High School as valedictorian of her class. She married Fearnon Learease (F.L.) Miller on September 3, 1949. F. L. and Marie then moved to Houston and worked for the telephone company. After 2 years of trying to get rich in Houston, they moved back to Shelbyville where F. L. worked as a rural mail carrier, water plant operator, fishing guide and jack of all trades. Marie saw an ad for a Census worker and signed up with her friend, Myrtle Yates. That job eventually led to her and F.L.’s postal careers, as those were political appointments during that era. Marie also worked for the tax office before finishing her career as the Shelbyville Postmaster.

Growing up, Marie’s mother, Carrie, sold eggs and butter so Marie could have piano lessons. Marie loved music and played for more than 70 years, playing for Doyle Boles and the Sunday Afternoon Singers and funerals, as well as being the pianist at Oakland Nazarene Church and then at Ephesus Baptist Church.

F. L. and Marie enjoyed playing 42 with their friends, and you could find them playing as often as they could. Marie enjoyed traveling in her younger years, packing her bags to go on cruises, family trips and more. They loaded up the kids and drove cross-country to see the Grand Canyon, the Smoky Mountains, Colorado, as well as many trips to Six Flags. She also loved going with her kids and grandkids to Disney World.

During the summer she called neighbors and friends to see if she could pick the figs from their trees to make her famous fig preserves. They were the absolute best to eat on one of her hot, homemade buttermilk biscuits. If you came to visit, you could almost count on her making a pan of biscuits in her cast-iron skillet, that made the best crunch on the bottom. She had it down to an art. AND if she made biscuits, she probably cooked at least a pound of bacon to go with them. All of the grandkids liked to pile it on their plates or go back for seconds.

If you ever visited T & R on a Sunday after church, or even on a week day, you could spot Marie filling her plate with her favorites: “green jello”, aka pistachio salad, and chicken fried steak with brown gravy. In her most recent years, if there wasn’t chicken fried steak on the buffet, she would ask one of the waitresses if they had any that day; and as she would tell us, “it magically appeared at the table.” She loved to go there on lunch dates with her friends, Ann Butler Curtis and Gladys Newman. If she was short on time, a quick trip to the Dairy Queen for steak fingers and onion rings was an option.
The first grandchild, Christie Gunter Adams, affectionately started calling her Big Mama, much to her dismay. However, the name stuck, she learned to love it, and she is known as Big Mama to many far and wide.

Big Mama loved to sew, and fashioned many outfits for our different occasions. She made a Halloween pumpkin costume that she kept passing down to the next child. She enjoyed quilting and had quite a collection of fabric. For many years, she appliqued matching Christmas shirts for all the girls in the family. As part of her love to serve, she made baby blankets and sent many of them to Ronald McDonald House in Houston. For a time, she also made Angel Baby Blankets for First Baptist Church in Center. She loved to sit and rock her grandbabies and greats and, sometimes it was hard for her to let them go and be put in their beds.

After Toledo Bend was built, F. L. bought a fishing boat and the family decided to learn to water ski. It took much practice and many falls, but Big Mama learned to ski and could hold her own. Many days you could see the family skiing four across from the Doyle English Marina.

Christmas was her favorite time of year. She wanted the tree up early, and loved decorating the house and yard.

A special thanks to Casey Lout and Affinity Hospice for all of their hard work in trying to bring our Big Mama home.

Marie is survived by:

Son, Dr. Keith Miller and wife Linda of Center

Daughters:
Ruth Gunter of Tyler
Wynema Payne and husband Steve of Greenville
Renita Hudman and husband Kelvin of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Christie Adams
Craig Gunter and wife Holly 
Steve Payne II
Seth Payne, wife April, and baby girl Payne
Spenser Payne and wife Courtney
Reid Miller
Ryan Miller
Amy Matthews and husband Luke

Great-Grandchildren:
Richard A. (Chipper) Adams Jr
Peyton Adams
Bailey Gunter
Kegan Gunter
Marlee Gunter
Jacob Payne
Carrie Matthews
Maggie Matthews
Sadie Matthews

Preceded in death by: The Late Fearnon “FL” Miller; parents, Lonnie Davis and Carrie Davis; and brothers, Early Davis and Barron Davis.

Interment will be at Rather Cemetery with a private family graveside service.

In lieu of flowers and food, please consider a donation in her memory to either Rather Cemetery % Cathy Taylor, 11883 State Highway 87 South, Shelbyville TX 75973; or Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Dept, P.O. Box 226, Shelbyville, TX 75973.

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.

12/08/2020

Charles Roy Hutto, 71, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2020 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on May 15, 1949 in Shelby County, Texas, to the late Freddie Hutto and Marie (Cordova) Hutto. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas, 75975. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson. 

Roy was raised in Shelby County.  He attended and graduated Timpson High School.  Roy’s hard work and determined work ethic was rewarded with his ownership of Hutto Wrecker and a service station for over 50 years. He has helped many people throughout the years in Timpson and surrounding areas.  Roy was a very kind man. He would do most anything to help someone out.  Roy loved his family and enjoyed visiting with folks.  

He is survived by:
His sisters: 
Helen Cruse of Carthage
Thelma Scott of Central Heights
Eva Lewis and husband David of Timpson

Brothers: 
Thomas Hutto of Garrison
Ray Hutto and wife Mary of Timpson
Rex Hutto and wife Gwen of Center

Numerous nieces and nephews; his precious dog Harley; and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Marie Hutto; and brother, Jerry Cordova.

The family would like to express special thanks to Encompass Home Health and Affinity Hospice for the exceptional care that was extended to Roy during his illness. 

Pallbearers serving will be Emmitt Yarbrough, Lenny Gaddis, Chase Hutto, Rodney Adams, Marc Quist, Michael Hutto. 

Honorary pallbearer will be Keaton Smith.

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

12/7/2020

Mark Wayne Campbell, 64, of Port Arthur, passed away Saturday, December 5, 2020, in Port Arthur.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Carroll Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born July 14, 1956, Mark is the son of the late Carl Truman Campbell and Joyce Ann Carter Campbell. He was a member of Stone Gate Baptist Church in Port Arthur.

He is survived by a host of cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Carl Truman Campbell and Joyce Ann Carter Campbell; grandparents, Jim Fred Campbell and Callie Tom Furlow Campbell and Smith Carter and Della Ballard Carter.

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

12/7/2020

Kathleen Noble, 76, of Lumberton, Texas passed away on December 1st, 2020 in Beaumount, Texas. Born August 11th, 1944, in Frankston, Texas, Kathleen is the daughter of Steve Bell and Mildred Lookabaugh.Visitation will be from 9:00AM to 10:30am on December 12th, 2020 at Mangum Funeral Home Center ,Tx. Graveside Service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday December 12th, 2020 at Oaklawn Memorial Park Center, Tx.

Kathleen is survived by:

Daughters:
Noelle Noble of Center, Texas
Christie Pickens and husband Chris of Lumberton, Texas

Sisters:
Silver Motley and husband Luke of Center, Texas
Linda Lane and husband Wardlow of Center, Texas

Grandchildren:
Austin Pickens and Brianna of Lumberton, Texas
Cortney Stelly and Chris of Christiana, Tennessee
Abby Pickens and Fiance Trey Hutto

Great-Grandchildren, Ryan and Kayla Pickens

Numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and a host of family and friends.

Kathleen is proceeded in death by her Husband, Charles Noble; Parents Steve and Mildred Bell and Brother, Steven Ray.

Pall Bearers: Chris Stelly, Trea Hutto, Luke Motley III, Mark Massey, Lynn Smith and Cord Will.

To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Tx is in charge of arrangements.

12/05/2020

Sharon Ann Railey Holt, 73, of Logansport, Louisiana passed away Friday, December 4, 2020, in Shreveport.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday, December 6, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 7, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Frankie Mathis and Sister Melba Rodgers officiating. Interment will follow at Willow Grove Cemetery in Shelby County.

Sharon was born October 21, 1947, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Lewis and Sadie Davis Railey. On September 6, 1965, she married Gunter Holt. She adored her family and her wonderful friends and they adored her as well. Sharon was known as “Nanny” to not only her grandkids, but also to her extended family. Seeing the grandkids play ball was always a highlight and Sharon attended every game possible. She was a member of Cowboy Church in Bethel, Louisiana, where she had a church family whom she dearly loved.

She is survived by:

Children:
Denise Curry and Mack Ramsey
Larry Holt and wife Wendy

Sharon is “Nanny” to:
Michael and Kayce Curry
Hillary Rutherford
Ryan and Michelle Curry
Sarah and Matt Smith
Cody and Elisha Holt
Shelby Holt
Derik Holt.

She is “Great Nanny” to Taylor, Zoey, Easton, Madisyn, Jaxon, Mason, and Maizeleigh.

Brother, Mike Railey and wife Carol

A host of other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gunter Holt; grandson, Christopher Wade Curry; great grandson, Christopher Ryan Curry; and parents, Lewis and Sadie Davis Railey.

Pallbearers will be Michael Curry, Ryan Curry, Cody Holt, Derik Holt, Matt Smith, David Holt, Mack Ramsey, and Lennis Holt.

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

12/04/2020

Ella Mae Jenkins, age 64, of San Augustine, passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, Texas.

Graveside service is Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11am at New Hope Cemetery with Rev. George Simon officiating.

Visitation is Friday, December 4, 2020 from 2pm until 6:30pm at Garner and Son Chapel.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Donny Jenkins (Shayvon) of Shelbyville, Texas
Kenderick Jenkins (Farlesha) of San Augustine, Texas

Daughters:
Lawanda Berry Weathered (Leonard) of Geneva, Texas
Yolanda Tanner of Lufkin, Texas
Lakeitha Simmons (Jamie) of Lufkin, Texas
Pamela Jenkins (Donothon) of Lufkin, Texas

21 Grandchildren

8 Great-Grandchildren

9 brothers and sisters:
Helen Ruth Martin of Phoenix, AZ
Helen Jean Henson (Billy) of Houston, Texas
Tommy Berry (Barbara) of Tenaha, Texas
Evangelist Wanda Kay Berry of Spring, Texas
Linda Smith (Jimmy) of San Augustine, Texas
Carolyn Malone (Cliff) of San Augustine, Texas
Margret Berry of San Augustine, Texas
Margret Berry of San Augustine, Texas
Jerry Berry of San Augustine, Texas
Terry Berry (Minnie) of San Augustine, Texas

A host of Nieces, Nephews, other relatives, and Friends.

Services are entrusted to Percy Garner and Son Mortuary, San Augustine, Texas.

12/03/2020

Annie Pearl Pilot, 77, of Center died, November 29, 2020 at her sister’s home in Longview, Texas. 

Mrs. Pilot was born April 1, 1943 in San Augustine. She is a graduate of the 1961 C.H. Daniels High School.  

Graveside services will be Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Westview Cemetery in Center at 11:00 A.M. Brother Freddie D. Wilson will officiate. 

In God’s care she leaves: 
Her adult son, Christopher Pilot of Center

Sister, Margie (Lamar) Turner of Longview

Grandchildren: 
Christal Jackson of Ft. Worth
Chataka “Danielle” Pilot of Lufkin
Christopher Jr. (Jennifer) Pilot of Temple
Jakayla Pilot of Shreveport, La.

Her only living Aunt Hazel Brown of Longview  

Nieces, nephew and a host of cousins, great-grands, family, and friends.  

Visitation will be Friday, December 4, 2020 at Hicks Chapel (804 MLK Drive Center, Texas 75935) from the hours of 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. 

Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and graveside services. All safety procedures are strictly enforced. 

Service entrust to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Center, Texas 75935

Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net 

12/03/2020

Linda Hamilton Campbell, 67, of Tyler died November 26, 2020 in Tyler, Texas.  

Mrs Campbell is the daughter of the late Luke and Rose Mae Hamilton. She was born on September 15, 1953. 

Funeral service will be Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Peoples Missionary Baptist Church in Tyler and burial will be at Hopewell Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in Tyler. 

Local Survivors:
Aunts: 
Margie Bennett  of Center
Mozell Smith of Center

Uncle, Jim Yarbrough of Center 

Services are under the direction of Hicks Mortuary and Community Funeral Home of Tyler.

12/02/2020

Anthony Darwin Caraway, 60 of Timpson, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at his residence in Timpson

Visitation is 11am until 6pm Friday, December 4, 2020 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Timpson. Funeral service is at 12 noon on Saturday, December 5 at First Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church of Timpson. Interment is at Smyrna Cemetery in Timpson with Bishop Cedric Grace officiating.

He is survived by:

Son, Doyle (Marketta) Johnson of Timpson

9 Grandchildren

Sisters:
Berdie Richards of Timpson
Annie Hooper of Dallas
Cathy Caraway of Timpson
Mattie Caraway of Spring
Lisa Caraway of Timpson

Brothers:
Jr. Caraway of Timpson
Charles Caraway of Round Rock
Jerry Caraway of Mansfield, LA
Reggie Caraway of Timpson

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Timpson, Texas.

11/30/2020

Betty Jo Webb, 80, of Center, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 29, 2020, in Garrison.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Bobby Bressman officiating. Visitation with limited family present will begin prior to the service at Noon. Private family graveside will be at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. The family requests social distancing be observed.

Betty was born in Hemphill, Texas, on July 19, 1940, to Carter Arnold and Connie White. She graduated from Hemphill High School in 1958. She married Robert Stephen Webb on February 9, 1963. Steve and Betty made their home in Center. They spent 50 years together until his death in 2013. Over the years, all the neighborhood kids could be found playing around the Webb’s house. 

Betty started a career in banking and loved her job and customers. She worked at Farmers State Bank for 34 years until retirement. She loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church of Center. Betty also served on Housing Authority Board of City of Center for over 20 years.

Betty loved her family and friends dearly. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and watching them grow. She always looked forward to a visit from her friends to catch up. She was an avid reader and loved a good book. Betty touched many lives and will be missed by everyone.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Barry Webb and wife Michelle of Crystal Beach, TX
Darren Webb and wife Wendi of Lago Vista, TX

Sister, Linda Horton of Hemphill, TX

Brother-in-law, Millard Smith of Hemphill, TX

Sister-in-law, Mildred Webb of Center, TX

Grandchildren:
Emily Webb of Fort Smith, Arkansas
Taylor Webb of Lago Vista, TX
Mallory Webb of Lago Vista, TX
Trace Greer of Nacogdoches, TX
Tatum Greer of New Braunfels, TX

Great-grandchildren:
Charlotte Webb of Lago Vista, TX
Averi Greer of Nacogdoches, TX
Addison Greer of Nacogdoches, TX

Numerous nephews, nieces, and a host of family and friends.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Steve Webb; parents, Carter Arnold and Connie White; sister and brother-in-law, Billie Ruth and Alvin Ferguson; sister, Johnnie Mae Smith; brothers-in-law, Eugene Webb and Joe Horton.

Pallbearers will be Michael Spells, Allen Metcalf, George Stubblefield, Randy Smith, Chris Mayfield, and Eric Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Webb, Robert Ferguson, Kenneth Ferguson, and Ronald Ferguson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Affinity Hospice, 203 Hurst St., Center, Texas 75935, or First Baptist Church 117 Cora Street, Center, Texas 75935.

Barry and Darren would like to thank the staff at Garrison Nursing Home for taking great care of their mother during her time there.

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

11/30/2020

Noble Ruth Ross, 89, of Logansport, Louisiana, passed away Monday, November 30, 2020, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 3, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Coy Hicks officiating. Interment will follow at Tennessee Community Cemetery in Tenaha.

Mrs. Ross was born August 3, 1931, in Shelby County, to Mood Anderson Woodfin and Ruth Arbith Despine Woodfin.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Brenda Doggett of Logansport, Louisiana
Joyce Atwater of Washington State

Grandchildren: John Paul, Larry, Jamie, and Michelle

Sister, Doshia Ann Hamilton of Joaquin

Brothers:
Virgil Joe Woodfin of the Tennessee Community of Shelby County
Jerry B. Woodfin of Gary
Herbert C. Woodfin

Numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Edwin Ross; son, Paul Hollis Luman Jr.; and parents, Mood Anderson Woodfin and Ruth Arbith Despine Woodfin.

Pallbearers will be Jerry B. Woodfin, John D. Woodfin, James C. Woodfin, Andy Woodfin, Guy Woodfin, and Jeff Woodfin.

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

11/30/2020

Marie Virginia Nail Humphries-Haltom, 96, of Crosby, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at her residence.

Marie was born December 7, 1923 in Center, to parents; Frank Dilliard and Ima Daisy Holt Nail, and has resided in the Crosby area since 1956. She was a graduate of Center High School, a former secretary for Crosby ISD, and held membership with Crosby United Methodist Church and Women’s Aglow Fellowship. Marie was also a licensed minister and volunteered at local nursing homes as well as Plane State Jail in Dayton. Marie also enjoyed quilting, gardening, and fellowship with others.

Mrs. Haltom was preceded in death by her parents: Frank and Ima Nail, husbands: Joseph Alton Humphries and James Hubert “Red” Haltom, sons: Ronnie Humphries and Michael Humphries, stepson: Tony Haltom, and brother: Blake Nail. 

She is survived by:
Her son, Joe Lynn Humphries and wife JoAnn

Daughter, Valerie Avonne Haltom and life partner Cindy Bowling

Daughter-in-law, Judy Humphries

Grandchildren: 
Sarah Humphries
J.R. Humphries and wife Tess
Susan Humphries
Richard Haltom and wife Melissa
Amy Strickland and husband Lynn
Allen Haltom and wife Mandy
Joyce Bowling
Roy Bowling

Great-grandchildren: 
Loxley Humphries
Roscoe Humphries
Katalina Mendez
Zander Westergard
Kayce Strickland
Emma Haltom
Kindal Moreau

Her devoted caregivers:
Maria Rojas
Carin Loeser
Heavenly Martinez

Numerous other relatives, and friends

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at he Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at the Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home Chapel in Baytown.  Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, at the Antioch Cemetery in Center.

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