Shelby County Today

04/09/2022

Leatha Juanita Adams, 82, of Granbury, Texas, passed away on April 8, 2022, in Granbury, Texas. She was born on September 16, 1939, in Corsicana, Texas, to the late Loarnette and Pauline (Ashcraft) Moore.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 11, 2022, at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, officiated by Bro. Levi Cohorst. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Timpson, Texas.

A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:30 am at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church, Timpson, Texas.

Leatha Juanita went to walk the golden streets of Heaven on April 8, 2022, in Granbury, Texas. She was born September 16,1939 in Corisicana, Texas to Larnette Moore and Pauline Ashcraft Moore. She was one of 4 children. 

She married Ray Grooms in 1957 in Ft. Worth, Texas. They had 2 children; Paula Jean and Johnny Michael. She divorced Ray in 1960 and married Carlos Jerry Adams 1961. She inherited 2 children Wanda Mae and Gary Lee. Jerry and Leatha went on to have 2 other children, Jerry David and Rodney Lemon. 

While living in Ft. Worth she was a part of a square-dancing group. She loved to go bowling. Her and Jerry loved to travel on his plane. She became a member of the Eastern Star. She worked for the city of Ft. Worth for 20 years where she retired. 

They moved to Timpson, Texas. Where she was still an avid member of the Eastern Star. She was a very active member of the Timpson Missionary Baptist Church. 

She was not one to sit still, so in her young 60s she went to work for the Cobb lumber company. She retired again when they decided to close the business. 

She loved to work outside, teach the granddaughters to crochet, make all types of dresses and be busy outside mowing. 

She is survived by:

Daughter, Paula Jean Grooms of Granbury, Texas

Son, Johnny Michael Grooms of Ft. Worth, Texas

Inherited daughter, Wanda Mae Hibbler of Belton, Texas

Sister, Patricia Aldalco of Jacksboro, Texas

16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren

 Many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Larnette and Pauline Moore. Her sister Paulmaneal Brock. Her brother, Doyle Wayne Moore. Her husband Jerry Adams. Her three sons, Gary Lee Adams, Rodney Leman Adams, and Jerry David Adam.

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.

04/08/2022

James Lee Durham, age 63, of Center, Texas passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Nacogdoches Medical Center. 

James, the oldest of six siblings, was born January 6, 1959 in San Diego, California to Carolyn Evans. He became an accomplished painter and painted many of the homes around Shelby County. He was a man of many talents, a true handyman. When healthy, James loved fishing, hunting, target shooting, gardening and just being outdoors. Later, he developed a passion for cooking. Some of his favorite things were guns, knives, swords and cookbooks. He always had a knife (or several of them) on his belt, boot or in his pockets, that was just James.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles Laurel and Ada Eddeath Tindol.

He is survived by:

Mother, Carolyn Ann Evans

Daughter, Amanda Anderson and husband Joe

Grandchildren, Nicolas and Camille Anderson

Brothers:
Damon Durham and wife Enid
Jeremy Evans and wife Karen
Marcus Evans

Sisters:
Angela Lee and husband James Jr./
Lorinda Lee and husband Ricky

Special friend and loving caretaker, Marilyn Sue Childress

Numerous nieces and nephews 

And his loyal dog Shadow

James will be memorialized in a small service at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Center, Texas where his ashes will be laid to rest between the grandparents that he loved and respected. Date pending.

At only 63, James was taken from us too soon due to a long, hard battle with alcoholism. Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of anyone struggling with this cruel disease. In his remembrance, please consider a donation to your local Alcoholic Anonymous chapter at www.aa.org or to Mt. Herman Cemetery c/o Jerryl Adams, 670 CR 190, Center, TX 75935.

Online condolences can be offered at www.borenconner.com/blog/post/james-lee-durham

04/07/2022

Mary A. Hodge, 73, of San Augustine, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022, in San Augustine.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2022, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with graveside service following at 2:30 p.m. at McClelland Cemetery in Shelby County.  Sister Melba Rodgers will officiate. 

Born September 15, 1948, in Shelby County, Mary is the daughter of Odell Fultz and Barnett R. Mobley. She was a member of McClelland Community Church in Shelby County.

She is survived by:

Son, Johnnie Hodge and wife Linda of San Augustine

Daughters:
Susan and husband Chuck Gaddy of Center
Tammie and husband Ken Muckelroy of Center

Grandchildren:
Johnnie Hodge Jr. and wife Sarah
Shelby and husband Travis Garrett
Dusty Davis and wife Ashley
Dandi and husband David Shields
Madison and husband Austin Whitney
Tyler Muckelroy and wife Alexis
Abbie Muckelroy

11 great-grandchildren

Sister, Sheila Aguilar of Tenaha.

Preceded in death by mother, Odell Vaughn; father, Barnett R. Mobley; sisters, Wanda Bearden, Teresa Whitton, and Linda Collins; and stepfather, Finnis Vaughn.

Pallbearers will be Johnnie Hodge Jr., Travis Garrett, Travis Hodge, Patrick Jacks, Alex Blue, Jimmy Welch, and Glen Hutto.

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

04/05/2022

Bruce May, 75, of Joaquin, TX, passed away on Saturday morning, April 2, 2022, in Shreveport, LA. Marvin Bruce May, Sr. was born on July 24, 1946, in West Monroe, LA to the late Prentice Osley and Myrtle Lucille Dalaney May. He married Connie Faye Carter on Oct. 3, 1966, in Center, TX.

Bruce served as a Drill Sergeant in the U.S. Army, retiring after 21 years as First Sergeant. During his service, he was stationed in many places including Vietnam, Korea, and Germany. After his service, he worked as an electrician at Texas Utilities in Tatum until his retirement.

Bruce loved to hunt and fish with his boys. He and Connie enjoyed raising a big garden every year and they also loved traveling in their R.V.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Peggy Yvonne May; brother, Wayne May; and in-laws, Ernest and Birdie Carter. 

He is survived by:

Wife of 55 years, Connie Carter May

Sons:
Marvin B. May, Jr. and wife Lori
Ronnie J. May and wife Rebecca
Pete May and wife Stephanie

Grandchildren:
Morgan May and friend Matt Kramer
Trevor May and fiancé Taighen Mathews
Matthew May
Cloe May
Ava May
Keaton May

Brother, Jimmy L. May

Sister, Ramona Peden and husband Kevin

Aunt, Tilley Lynch

Brother-in-law, Buddy Carter and wife Mattie Grace

Sisters-in-law:
Judy May
Mary Jones
Shirley Broadus and husband Richard Gean

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends. 

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Mary Smith officiating. Interment with Military honors will follow in Adams Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. 

Honorary pallbearers are Trevor May, Matthew May, Bubba Broadus, Alan McDaniel, Eddie Carter, Buddy Powell, Jacob Balikes, Jordy May, and Keaton May. 

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

04/05/2022

Montie Jo Adams, 60, of Center, Texas, passed away on April 4, 2022. She was born on March 29, 1962, in Center to Bobby Joe Adams and Shirley B. Wilkerson Adams.

Funeral service will be held at Mangum Funeral Home, on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 10am with Bro. Mike Belgard officiating. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery, Center, Texas. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 5-7PM at Mangum Funeral Home.

Montie was often found working at McDonald’s in Center where she was a dedicated employee for over 30 years. She was a loving, caring, daughter, sister, and aunt. She had a contagious smile that everyone that knew her loved. She enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by:

Mother, Shirley B. Adams

Sister, Sylvia Adams

Brothers:
Bobby Adams and wife Diane
James Lee Adams and wife Martha

Nieces and nephews:
Dakota Lee Adams
Bobby Allen Hutto
David Lee Hutto
Christopher Bradley Hutto
Destiney Lynn Adams
Christopher Wayne Adams
Anthony Parish and wife Michelle

Great-nieces and great-nephews:
Heather Lynn Adams
Blair Hutto
Valerie Hutto
Dustin Hutto
Adrian Hutto

Cousins:
Geraldine McGhen
Eva Cortez
Jerry Moore and wife Jody

Host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

Montie is preceded in death by her father, Bobby Joe Adams; sister, Cynthia Gail Hutto; and grandparents, George and Hattie Wilkerson, and Selma Pike.

Pallbearers serving will be Dakota Lee Adams, David Lee Hutto, Bobby Allen Hutto, Christopher Bradley Earl Hutto, Anthony Parish, and Jerry Moore.

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.

04/01/2022

William Rhett McGee, infant son of Taylor Michelle and William “Tony” McGee, of Shelbyville, passed away March 29, 2022, in Nacogdoches.
Private family graveside service will be held.

He is survived by:
His parents, Taylor and William “Tony” McGee of Shelbyville

Sister, Bella McGee of Shelbyville

Grandparents: 
Pam and Mike Furlow of Shelbyville
Pam and Britt Bush of Fort Worth
Kathy and William “Chuck” McGee of Joaquin

Aunts and uncles:
Allen Weeks of Shelbyville
Logan Furlow of Lufkin
Miranda and Will Blackwell of Shelbyville
Megan McGee of Joaquin
Brittany and Price Downham of Fort Worth
Missy and Justin Mincy of Fort Worth

Great-grandparents:
James A. King of Center
Judy and Pat Bush of Granbury
Janice and Bert Furlow of Huxley
Wayne Gilstrap of Calera, Oklahoma

A host of great uncles, aunts, and cousins

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

03/31/2022

Charles Franklin Burkhalter, 86, of Baytown, Tx passed away on March 25, 2022. He was born on May 3, 1935, in Center, Texas to the late Travis and Dora Mae (Halstead) Burkhalter.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, April 1, 2022 at Asbury Chapel Cemetery.

Charles was born and raised in Center, Texas. After graduating from high school, he went on to the University of Houston. He married his wife, Elsie, around 1960. They had one daughter, Sondra Kay. He worked for years and eventually retired from Houston Natural Gas Odorizing Inc. Charles enjoyed listening to gospel music and reading the word. Charles loved to write poetry and was very good at it. He even had some of his work published. Charles “Brud” loved his family. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Glimpses of God
By: Charles Burkhalter

No man has seen the Father’s face
And while I know tis true
Yet in the works of Thine own hands
I’ve had glimpses, God, of you

I’ve seen You in my father’s work worn hands
That earned our bread each day
I’ve seen You in my mother’s eyes
As she soothed our hurts away 

I’ve seen You in the mountains
That soar above the sea
A picture of Thy strength
And Thy eternity

I saw a snow white egret
Silently suspended in heaven’s blue
In this symbol of height and purity
I caught a glimpse of You

I’ve seen Thee in the winds that roar
And churn an angry sea
And yet flow gently into a stream
When they are calmed by Thee

Glimpses here I’ve only had
Yet in Thine own time and place
I’ll behold Thee in Thy Glory full
And see Thee face to face

Charles is survived by:

Brothers:
Dennis Ward Burkhalter and wife, Virginia Ann
Darrell Travis Burkhalter
Donald Eugene Burkhalter and wife, Teresa
Danny Michael Burkhalter and wife, Linda
Corey Dwayne Burkhalter and wife, Tina

Sister, Judy Ann Reynolds

Great-grandchildren:
Cassie Lindsey
Kayla Lindsey
Boppie Lindsey

He is preceded in death by his parents, Travis Franklin and Dora Mae Burkhalter; wife, Elsie Burkhalter; daughter, Sondra Kay Lindsey; grandsons, Josh Lindsey and Chad Lindsey; brothers, James Aaron Burkhalter and Ronald Gilbert Burkhalter; and sister, Brenda Lynn Buckner.

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.

03/29/2022

Dana Green Allen, 60, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully at her home on March 24, 2022, after a bravely fought battle with cancer. Dana was born on March 30, 1961 to Charles and Kathy Green in Morgan City, Louisiana. After graduating from San Augustine High School in San Augustine, Texas in 1979, she attended college at Stephen F. Austin State University. In 1982, Dana met and married her loving husband, David. The two went on to have three children, Ashley, Katelyn, and David. 

Dana’s family and faith meant everything to her, and she devoted her life to raising her children and serving the Lord. She radiated kindness and love and was always first to lend a hand to someone in need. Her greatest joy in life was her six grandchildren, who she loved with every ounce of her being. When she wasn’t spending time with her grandchildren, Dana enjoyed traveling with her husband, sewing, gardening, and teaching children’s church.

Dana is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Johnny Allen, her mother’s siblings, as well as two nephews and one niece.

She is survived by:

Devoted husband of nearly 40 years, David Allen of Center, Texas

Daughters:
Ashley Healy (Caleb) of Austin, Texas
Katelyn Cassidy (Chuck) of Austin, Texas

Son, David “DJ” Allen (Chelsea) of Center

Grandchildren:
Ethan and Hudson Healy
Olivia and Case Cassidy
Aubrey and Grace Allen

Parents, Charles and Kathy Green

Brothers:
Charles Green (Becki)
Darin Green (Lynnann)

Sister, Lori Strick (Steve)

Mother in-law, Lillian Allen

As well as many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Center Christian Fellowship on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Angel Care Hospice, 702 Fair Park Drive, Suite 102, Henderson, TX, 75654 (www.angelcarehospice.org). Checks should be made out to Angel Care Hospice and indicate direction to The Benevolent Fund.

03/26/2022

Adrian Erroll Harris, 67, of Logansport, Louisiana, passed away Friday, March 25, 2022, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, March 28, 2022, at Word of Faith Outreach Ministry in Joaquin.  Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Wimberly Cemetery in Huxley with Bro. Haagan Lister presiding.

Born April 16, 1954, Adrian is the son of Maggie Maddox and Louis W. Harris.  He loved traveling (especially trips to Cabo), deep sea fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, and tending to his chickens. 
He looked forward to Sunday lunches.

Left to cherish his memory is: 
His wife, Mitzi Duncan Harris

Daughters: 
Christy and husband Tod Mercer
Shandria and husband Jason Moon
Jennifer and husband Steven McCann
Susan and husband Ben Burns
Natalie and husband Ron Hughes

Grandchildren:
Dakota Mercer
Landon Moon
Ebbie McCann
VivyAnne Hughes
Duncan McCann
McKenzie Mercer
Kaz McCann

Sisters:
Vickey and husband Bubba Crozier
Peggy and husband Mike Thomas
Lisa and husband David Blankenship

Sisters-in-law: 
Brenda and husband David Permenter
Christa and husband Jerry Groves

Beloved cousin/brother, Charles Connor

Beloved friend, Susie Ashcraft

Forever friends, Debbie and John Deckard

Preceded in death by daughter, Misty Hall; parents, Maggie M. and Louis W. (Sonny) Harris; and in-laws, Bro. and Mrs. Lamar Duncan.

Pallbearers will be Dakota Mercer, Brad Talbert, Landon Moon, Chris Duncan, Duncan McCann, Brad Groves, Kaz McCann, Chad Groves, Michael Permenter, Brandon Neal, Jake Neal, Zach Cheatwood, Drew Fuller, Wade Seegers, Wesley Groves, Saben Emery, and Vic Crowell.

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