Shelby County Today

10/04/2020

Alicia Gail Layton (Ready), age 67, passed away on October 3, 2020. Alicia was born November 25, 1952 in Houston Texas. 

Alicia battled Leukemia since 2017. She put a strong and brave fight until the end. Alicia was sweet and kind who loved her children and grandchildren above all else. She was her husband Rusty's life and they were each other’s best friend. Alicia will surely be missed by everyone.

Alicia is preceded in death by her mother Syble Jernigan, Step-father Earl Jernigan, Father Henry Norman (Bully) Ready, Step-mom Jean Ready and sister Donna Ready.

Alicia is survived by:

Sons:
Jarrod Munden
Joseph (April) Munden

Sister, Ramona (Lex) Koch

Brother Gary (Jenny) Ready

12 grandchildren:
Aaliyah Garza
Alanah Munden
Jarren Munden
Aubrey Munden
Avery Munden
Jace Munden
Michael Layton
Chance Layton
Cheyenne Layton
Farris Warr
Banner Warr
Connen Warr

Numerous nieces and nephews

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Shelbyville with visitation beginning 11:00 a.m., at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

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

10/02/2020

Paul Porter, 64, passed away on September 30, 2020. He was born November 26, 1955 to the late Jake Paul and Murlene Porter.

Paul enjoyed making ceramics, golf and scuba diving. He loved getting to spend time with his friends and family, as well as, playing with his dogs and checking cows.

Paul is survived by:

Wife, Arceli Llaida Porter

Granddaughter, Alyssa Porter of Austin, TX

Special Cousin, Randy Dennis and wife, Deborah.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Jake Paul and Murlene Porter and his son, Christopher Porter.

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/01/2020

Pearl Lee (Ratcliff) Jones, 99 of the East Liberty Community, passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020 in Houston, Texas.

Funeral service is 10am at Providence M.B.C., Houston, Texas. The procession should arrive at 2:30pm for a graveside service at East Liberty Cemetery for interment with Pastor Steven Standley officiating.

She is survived by:

Sister, Mary Angnes Lister of Center

Brother, Robert Ratcliff of Houston

Services entrusted to O.W. Wiley Mortuary, Houston, Texas and Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

10/01/2020

Tommie Lee Bryce, 64, of Timpson, Texas, passed away September 28, 2020 in Timpson, Texas. He was born on November 26, 1955 in Center, Texas, to the late Tommie Roscoe and Christine (Smith) Bryce. 
Funeral service will be at 10AM on Friday, October 2, 2020 at Taylor Funeral Home, 511 Ross Graves Dr., Timpson, Texas, 75975 Interment will follow at County Line Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Taylor Funeral Home, Timpson, Texas.

Tommie was born and raised in Shelby County. He attended Concord and Gary schools. Tommie was a hard worker and roughnecked most of his life providing for his family. He had one son, Tommie Lee Bryce Jr., whom he loved dearly. Tommie was a kind, compassionate, individual who enjoyed time spent outdoors visiting with his friends and family. He would not miss the opportunity to have a cold drink with his friends who walked many miles with him.

He is survived by:

Son, Tommie Lee Bryce Jr. and wife Jennifer

Mother, Christine Bryce

Brother, David Lynn Bryce and wife Vickie

Sisters:
Linda Kovar and husband Milton
Patricia Dukes

Grandchildren:
Kaitlyn Mae Bryce
Christina Bryce

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Tommie is preceded in death by his father, Tommie Roscoe Bryce.

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.

09/30/2020

Blake Carter Taylor, infant, of Timpson, Texas, passed away September 29, 2020 in Nacogdoches, Texas. She was born on September 29, 2020 in Nacogdoches, Texas, to B.C. Taylor Jr. and Kristen Elaine (Cooper) Taylor.

Graveside service will be at 4:00 PM on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas, 75975, with Bro. Kyle Lee officiating. 

Some only dream of angels. We held one in our arms. Knowing that the first thing our precious Blake saw when she was welcomed into this world was the face of Jesus helps us to find peace. We will always love her. She will be so easy to remember, yet so hard to live without. Blake will never truly be apart from us for she will forever remain a part of us. We will hold her in our heart until we hold her again in heaven. We will be loving her always, and forgetting her never. 

Blake is survived by:

Parents, B.C. and Kristen Taylor

Big Sister, Presley Miller

Big Brother, Cooper Miller

Grandparents: Harry Cooper Sr., Mimi Missy Cooper and papa Jeff Wilburn, Bret and Christy Taylor, Larry and Rachelle Bourque

Uncles: Harry Cooper Jr. and wife Melissa of Center, Texas, Robert Redman of Center, Texas, Will Hutto and wife Jessica of Hubert, North Carolina, Cade Cooper and wife Diana of Center, Texas, Kyle Tyler and wife Cassi of Shelbyville, Texas, Randall Garbee of San Antonio, Dylan Taylor of Garrison, Texas, Toby Taylor and wife Adriana of Nacogdoches, Texas

Aunt, Roxie Taylor of Baytown, Texas

Cousins: Marissa Cooper, Cody Cooper, Amanda Redman, Bryce Hutto, Elaesis Hutto, Wyatt Cooper, Jake Cooper, Madelyn Tyler, Nolan Tyler, and soon to arrive, cousin, Conway Taylor. 

She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Kathy Sue Cooper; great grandparents, Floyd Hutto Sr. and Willie Mae Hutto, Earl and Mag Cooper, Bill and Charlotte Taylor, Doug and Sissy Wilson; aunt, Sandy Cooper; cousin, Sawyer Cooper

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.

09/29/2020

Laura Lee Clifton, 86 of San Augustine, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 in Beaumont, Texas.

Graveside service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at New Hope Cemetery. Visitation is Friday, October 2, 2020 from 2pm until 6pm at Garner and Son Chapel.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Robert Clifton of Center, Texas
Wallace Clifton of San Augustine, Texas
James Clifton (Marchelle) of Port Arthur, Texas
Larry Clifton of Nacogdoches, Texas
Michael Edwards of Beaumont, Texas
Steven Edwards of San Augustine, Texas

Daughters:
Elizabeth Dupree of San Augustine, Texas
Mary Mosby of Beaumont, Texas
Fannie Carter of San Augustine, Texas

41 Grandchildren

A Host of Great-Grandchildren

10 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Sister, Joann Clifton of Phoenix, AZ

As well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Services are under the direction of Percy Garner and Son Mortuary in San Augustine, Texas.

09/29/2020

Bernadine Haney, 102, of Chireno, died September 25, 2020, in San Augustine. She was born June 11, 1918 in Nacogdoches County.

Graveside services for Mrs. Bernadine “Bea” Pleasant Mettauer Haney will be held at 10:00 am Monday, September 28, 2020 at Lower Chireno Cemetery. 

“Mrs. Bea” passed from this earthly life on September 25, 2020 at the age of 102 being the last of the six children born to Joseph Emory Pleasant and Minnie Euna Pleasant. “Mrs. Bea” was born in Nacogdoches County in 1918 and attended a rural school. She married Brown Mettauer of Chireno, Texas, and lived her entire life there except for her last years spent in the Twin Lakes Care Center in San Augustine, Texas. 

She was preceeded in death by her parents, her first husband, Brown Mettauer, an infant son, Charles David Mettauer and teenage son, Daniel Stephen Mettauer. Other siblings also preceeding her were Ora Pleasant Haney, Marjorie Pleasant Carlisle, William Clyde Pleasant, Billie Pleasant Stripling, and her twin brother, Colonel Bernice Everett Pleasant. Mrs. Bea’s late in life marriage to Charlie Haney ended with his passing.

“Mrs. Bea” truly had a “servant’s heart” as she loved her family and worked endlessly to meet their every need, as well as caring for her friends and serving her community in numerous ways. She was a devoted member of the Chireno Methodist Church. During the 175th Anniversary Celebration of the Chireno Methodist on October 19, 2019, Mrs. Bea was honored as being the oldest living member of the church—she was 101 at the time. She served on the Chireno City Council, the Board for the Chireno Independent School District as well as the Board for the Chireno Gas Company.

After the death of her first husband, Brown, Mrs. Bea operated the family grocery store until it was sold. She then became employed at the Chireno Post Office, a position which she held until she retired as Post Master. “Mrs. Bea” was known for her energy and positive attitude toward life. Once she retired, she continued to help with the local ‘Ladies Quilting Group’ and would drive disabled friends to the VA Clinic in Lufkin. She continued serving others by delivering “Meals on Wheels” until the age of 92. She was a member of the Chireno Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Colonial Dames of the XVII Century and the National Society of US Daughters of 1812.

Mrs. Bea is survived by:

Son, Joe Bill Mettauer and wife, Connie, of Center, Texas

Grandchildren:
Dr. Mark Menefee Mettauer and wife, Marissa of The Woodlands
Matthew Dance Mettauer and wife, Traci, of Center, Texas

Great-grandchildren: Marxli, McCade, Mabrey, Tatum, and Garrett Mettauer

As well as a host of nieces and nephews

Memorials may be sent to Chireno Methodist Church. C/O Linda Metteauer, 40 Gingerbread Lane, Chireno, Texas, 75935.

09/23/2020

Aubrey Gene “AG” Elliott, 70, was born on October 3, 1949 to the Late Herbert Arthur Elliott and Mrs. Willie B. Elliott in Converse, LA. He passed away on September 22, 2020 in Dallas, TX. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 2:00 PM at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelbyville, TX with Bro. Kevin Windham officiating. Visitation will be held prior to Graveside Services at Mangum Funeral Home from 12:00 – 1:30 in Center, TX.

AG was an avid outdoorsman and could always be found on the river with a good buddy. Even if they didn’t catch a boat load of fish, they would certainly tell you they caught them all. He enjoyed raising his chickens and spending time with his family, friends and his dogs.

AG started his career as a boiler maker for several years. From there, he went to work for Weldon Boles for the next 20+ years. AG was never one to slow down and stop working and when lifelong friend, Jimmy Lout, reached out for him to come work for him at the County he couldn’t pass up the offer. He felt he had received the best of both worlds getting to work while spending time with your best friend.

Mr. Elliott is survived by:
His mother, Willie B. Elliott

Sons: 
Charles Elliott and wife, Mandi, of Carthage
Stephen Elliott, and wife Leigh Ann, of Carthage
Frank Baker and wife, Emilee, of Joaquin

Daughters: 
Sheri Shofner and significant other Jason, of Center
Beth Moore and husband, Donald “Doc” Moore

His sister, Patricia Jackson and husband, Jimmy, of Shelbyville

Grandchildren: 
Hunter Elliott and Fiancé Alicia Kay Anderson
Tanner Elliott and Wife Harley
Physher Elliott
Clayton Elliott
Ainsley Elliott
Jeremy Hancock
Carrie Anthony
Danie Bragg and husband, David
April Hancock
Chris Hancock and wife, Libby
Sara Hancock
Shianne Shofner
Madison Baker
Dixie Baker

He is preceded in death by his father, Herbert A. Elliott; His Significant Other, Debbie Russell and his brother, Herbert Wayne Elliott.

Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen Elliott, Charles Elliott, Jimmy Lout, Jimmy Jackson, Shannon Metcalf and Johnny Glaze.

09/21/2020

Dean Fred Kawaja of Joaquin, TX passed away at 12:41 am on Saturday morning, September 19, 2020 in Shreveport, LA from complications of CHF.

Services are pending.

He was born in Ramallah, Jordan on April 21, 1945 to parents Fred and Suraya Kawaja. The children were gradually moved to the United States to make a better life for their family. Nour-Eddin (Dean) and his older brother Taj-Eddin were sent over in September 1956. He became a citizen November 21, 1961.  He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on May 26, 1965, and married Susan Adel Grayson on June 18, 1966. They later found out they were baptized at the same convention. He was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He never lost his hope of seeing his dear wife, Susan Grayson Kawaja whom he lost August 21, 2018. He always held on to the hope of seeing her in the resurrection that Jesus promised at John 5:28,29. He was a devoted member of the Center Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses and often attended the Nacogdoches English Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses via video conferencing. Even when it became very difficult for him, Dean enjoyed working in his yard, growing all kinds of plants and trees, canning (especially pickles), cooking (he was an awesome cook), and praying for others in hopes that even more would come to a knowledge of his God, Jehovah.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Susan, his parents Fred & Suraya Kawaja, his sisters Juliet Culpeper and Rimona Kaywood and his younger brother Rukne Kawaja. 
He is survived by:

Brother, Taj-Eddin and wife Beverly of Round Rock, TX

Sisters:
Taj-Mahal Dirbas of San Diego, CA
Muntaha Klöetzer of Wimberley, TX

Children:
Gentry Matlock and husband Danny of Nacogdoches, TX
Donna Barnes and her husband Danny of Bullard, TX
Freddy Kawaja and his wife Karen of Smithville, TX
Eric Kawaja of Smithville, TX
Paul Kawaja and his wife Dana of Kilgore, TX

11 grandchildren (2 spouses)

2 great-grandchildren as well as numerous other family and friends.

He will be missed dearly. We can’t wait to see him in the Paradise Earth that Jehovah God originally intended. Its “Just Around the Corner”!

Services are under the direction of Boone Funeral Home in Bossier City, LA.