Shelby County Today

12/09/2021

Sarah Judith “Judy” Welch, 87, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, December 8, 2021, in Center.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation an hour prior.  Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Born February 12, 1934, in Beaumont, Judy is the daughter of Andrew Charles Sobert and Hattie Perkins Sobert. Raised in south Louisiana, Judy would later earn her R.N. degree from the School of Nursing at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It was while completing her training in Shreveport that she was introduced to Jim Welch by lifelong friends Bill and Dee Wiggins. Jim and Judy were married in 1956 and established their family in Dallas, Texas, where, over a span of six years, she would give birth to four sons.

In 1970, the family traded the Dallas suburbs for a small country store in southeastern Shelby County, where Welch's Grocery and Big Jim's Gun Shop provided gas and groceries for the Dreka, Possum Trot, and Goober Hill community. Judy was the heart of her family and their business -- always serving -- with genuine kindness and good humor, along with the occasional dose of nursing wisdom and skill.

After the closing of the store and Jim's subsequent death, Judy returned to nursing as a home health case managing R.N.  She also would soon embrace wholeheartedly her new favorite name, "Nana," and all that came with that special relationship.

In retirement she continued to serve, this time as "Momma Sunshine" to son Roy, helping run the shop and making deliveries for Sunshine Flowers & Gifts in Joaquin. She loved being the bearer of comfort and cheer to those who would receive someone's thoughtful expression of kindness, because that truly was her heart.

Throughout all of the good times and bad that come with a long life, Judy remained a steady example of grace and kindness to all who knew her. Her memory and that legacy are a blessing.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Gordon Andrew Welch and wife Debbie of Shelbyville
William Roy Welch of Shelbyville

Granddaughter, Elaina Welch Fitzgerald of Levelland

Brother, Paul Rogers Sobert of Richmond, Virginia.

Preceded in death by husband, James Bird Welch; sons, James Nathan Welch and Norman Boyd Welch; and brother, Andrew C. Sobert.

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

12/06/2021

Funeral services for Oswell Lamar Martin will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Laird Funeral Home with Bro. Don Chumley officiating. Interment will follow at Martinsville Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at the funeral home.

Lamar entered his heavenly home on December 3, 2021, in Nacogdoches, Texas, at the age of 86. He was born on November 3, 1935, in Nacogdoches, to Quillon Oswell Martin and Lessie Bridges Martin. Lamar grew up in Martinsville, Texas and graduated from Nacogdoches High School. After graduation, Lamar attended Texas A&M University where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree. He then went on to further his education by earning his Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. Lamar began his teaching career as a science teacher at Rusk High School. He worked here for a few years before moving to Nacogdoches High School where he retired after 32 years of teaching.

Lamar spent 59 wonderful years with the love of his life, Kay Martin. They were married on December 26, 1958, and raised two children, David and Janet. Lamar enjoyed spending time outdoors whether it was farming and ranching or relaxing and fishing at Lake Sam Rayburn. He was a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church where he served his Church and community as a deacon.

Lamar is survived by:

Son, David Martin and wife JoAnna

Daughter, Janet Lucas

Sister-in-law, Martha Dunham and husband, Joe

Sister-in-law, Vickie Martin

Grandchildren:
Wesley Lucas and wife, Katie
Jacque Holt and husband, Shad
Jason Martin and wife, Stephanie
Justin Martin
Johnna Underwood and husband, Joe
Christopher Phipps

Seven great-grandchildren

Lamar is preceded in death by his wife, Kay Martin; parents, Quillon and Lessie Martin; sister, Margaret Hardy and husband, Tommy; and brother, Bruce Martin.

Serving as pallbearers will be Sean Martin, Jason Martin, Wesley Lucas, Christopher Phipps, Rocky Justice, and Tom Randall. Honorary pallbearers include Mike Mills, Don Bailey, and Brian Justice.

Services under the direction of Laird Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

12/04/2021

Mark Wilson Blackwell Sr., 53, of Timpson, passed away Friday, December 3, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at Noon, Monday, December 6, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at 10:00 a.m. Bro. Son Windham will officiate. Interment will follow at Blair Cemetery in Timpson.

Born February 14, 1968, in San Jacinto City, Mark is the son of Earl Blackwell and Hester Mae Haywood Blackwell.

He is survived by:

Children:
Jennifer and Bryan Green
Will Blackwell and Miranda
Lucas Blackwell
Marcus Blackwell

Grandkids: Keith, BryLee, BreeAnna, Levi, Eli, Lyla, and Beau

Mother of his children, Jill Bloodgood and Robin Short

Brothers:
Keith Blackwell and Angelie of Big Spring
Kenneth Blackwell and Renee of Timpson
Robert Doyle Blackwell of Leesberg, Florida

Sister, Stella Louise Blackwell of Joaquin

Numerous nieces, nephews; and a host of friends and other relatives.

Preceded in death by his parents, Earl Blackwell and Hester Mae Haywood Blackwell; sister, Betty Lorene; brother, Jimmy Wayne; and niece, Denise Blackwell.

Pallbearers will be Will Blackwell, Lucas Blackwell, Marcus Blackwell, Bryan Green, Keith Blackwell Jr., Justin Blackwell , and Jeffery Blackwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark’s grandkids.

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

12/04/2021

Edna D. Williford, 97, of Center, passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Don Windham officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:20 p.m. Interment will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Center.

Born October 29, 1924, in Knox County, Kentucky, Edna is the daughter of Ada and James Garfield Matlock. She was a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Huxley.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Donald Wells and wife Mary of Magnolia, Texas
Terry Wells and wife Jacquelyn of Magnolia, Texas

Grandsons:
Donald Wells Jr. of Magnolia, Texas
Danny Wells of Kingwood, Texas
Mike Wells of Spring, Texas

Granddaughters:
Heather Wells Kufchak of Clear Lake, Texas
Sarah Wells of Magnolia, Texas

Stepson, George Williford and wife Sue of Center, Texas

Stepdaughter, Dianne Williford of Center, Texas

Grandchildren:
Misty Ann Williford of Center, Texas
Laurie MacDonald of Center, Texas
George Williford II of Center, Texas
Travis Munsinger of Center, Texas
Julie Corder
Michael Corder
Darrell Williford
Jayson Guzman
Wendy Williford

Also, numerous great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband, Martin Wells; husband, Levi Williford; daughter, Vicki Williford; stepsons, Robert Williford and Lewis Williford; and granddaughter, Robert Williford Jr., Dewayne Williford, Dwain Williford, Tammy Williford, Lewis Williford Jr., and Theresa Williford.

Pallbearers will be Terry Wells, Mike Wells, Dan Wells, Jayson Guzman, Don Wells Jr., and Darrel Williford.

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

12/02/2021

Charles Edward “Ed” Spencer passed away on November 29, 2021 at the age of 67.

Visitation:will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday,  December 4, 2021 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home, 1554 TX - 7 E, Center, Texas 75935 with Reverend Gordon Vaughn  officiating. Burial will be at Jackson Cemetery at Jackson Missionary Baptist Church, 11120 State Highway 7 E, Joaquin, Texas 75954. 

Ed was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, and he and his family later moved to Aransas Pass, Texas. He moved to Houston as a young man. He went into the remodeling trade and became well-known as a perfectionist and artisan. He worked for the former River Oaks Remodeling company in Houston for 25 years, and he had many repeat customers who loved his work. Ed met Nikki Esther Dorman in Houston. Her father, Dr. William J. Dorman, was from the Day Community in Joaquin, Texas. Her mother was from Indiana. 

Ed and Nikki married in 1987. They moved to Katy, Texas. Nikki had three daughters from a previous marriage to William Travis Childs. Ed and Nikki also adopted six children. Ed loved all of his children, and he was very interested in their welfare. He was a “go to” dad – they would go to him if they had a difficult problem, and he would try to help figure it out. He loved being with his children, and particularly enjoyed taking them to football, basketball, and track practices and games. 

Ed loved to cook delicious taquitos every Sunday after church. It became a family tradition. He loved his wife and children with all of his heart. The children enjoyed being with him and admired him. They have said they learned their work ethic from him. He showed them by example how to be honest and hard working. They saw him go out of his way to help anyone in trouble, and now they go out of their way to help people, too.

Ed will be so greatly missed by all who knew him and saw his sincere and kind personality. He could, however, be rough and tough, too. He was a very strong man. He was never too macho, though, to show respect for his mother—always.

Ed leaves behind his wife, Nikki Esther Dorman Spencer, to whom he was always faithful, and nine children and stepchildren named below:

Catherine Elizabeth Childs Wilson
Betty Louise Childs
Anthony Edward Spencer (Birth name: Anthony Don Cardenas)
Mario Xavier Spencer (Birth name: Mario Anthony-Padilla-Trevino)
Martin Valentino Spencer (Birth name: Martin Trevino)
Nicholas Christopher Spencer (Birth name: Christopher Rene Cardenas)
Daniel Boone Spencer (Birth name: Daniel Boone Kahle)
Tawny Jaguar Spencer (Birth name: T J LaShone Pleasant)

Ed leaves behind siblings, as follows:

Dawn Marie Spencer
Richard Roy Spencer
Robert Henry Spencer (wife Annie Rios)
Penni Leah Spencer Stephens (husband Gerald Stephens)
Starr Ann Spencer Gilden

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Edward Spencer, Sr. and Delores Cifaldi Spencer, and by his step-daughter, Patricia Annette Childs Willis.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Spencer, Mario Spencer, Nicholas Spencer, Richard Spencer, Penni Spencer Stephens, and Christina Bernal. Honorary pallbearers are Catherine Childs Wilson and Sabrina Bishop who did so much to help Nikki Spencer care for Ed during his critical illness.

A special word of gratitude is given to the doctors and nurses of Memorial Hermann Hospital – Medical Center, Houston and Memorial Hermann Hospital – Memorial City, Houston for their scientific knowledge and strategies to prolong and save lives, along with their extremely kind care of their patients.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity.

12/01/2021

Tony LaVance Yarbrough (T Man), 57 of Timpson, passed away Saturday morning, November 27, 2021 at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Funeral service is 1pm Saturday, December 4 at First Assembly of God in Timpson. Interment is at Antioch Cemetery in Timpson with Bishop Cedric Grace officiating. Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services.

He is survived by:

Wife, Vickie Yarbrough of Timpson

Daughters:
LaToyia (Kawan) Jeter of Carthage
Destiny (Jeremy) Boykins of Louisville, Texas
Ryleigh Yarbrough of Timpson
Shambrica Page of Houston
Shun Page of Timpson

12 Grandchildren, 1 Great-Grandchild

Sisters:
Lucy (Allen) Gossett of Timpson
Angie (Robert) Reed of Nacogdoches
Linda (D Monte) Taylor of Lufkin
Peggy Greer-Walker

Brothers:
Kenneth (Carolyn) Yarbrough of Timpson
Emmett (Loulou) Yarbrough of Timpson
Howard Daniels of Garrison
Stacy (Suzette) Thompson of Tenaha

Father-in-law, Larry Williams of Carthage

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

12/01/2021

Ricky Wayne Daniels was born on February 22, 1966, to the proud parents of Cleo and Billie Joyce Daniels in Center, TX. He went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 22, 2021.

Funeral service is at 1pm Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church in Center. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center with Pastor Anthony Jackson officiating. Due to COVID 19, masks are required during visitation and funeral services.

He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at an early age and was a proud member of Bright Morning Star Baptist Church. Ricky was an ordained Deacon at Bright Morning Star and served as an Usher. Two of his favorite songs were "Never Would Have Made It" and "He Saw the Best in Me" by Marvin Sapp and Ricky was often heard singing them very loudly and with great conviction.

In 1984, Ricky graduated from Center High School where he excelled on the basketball court. After high school, he attended Kilgore Junior College and later joined the US Navy.

Ricky married the love of life, Jerdena Johnson, on March 30, 1996. Although married for 25 years, God blessed them to share over 30 years filled with cherished moments.

Ricky was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, nephew and friend to all who knew him.

Ricky is preceded in death by his father, Cleo Daniels and his son, SeDerrick Goodwin.

His Family Leaving to cherish his memory:

Wife, Jerdena Daniels

Mother, Billie Joyce Daniels

Brothers:
Roy Daniels
Reggie Daniels (LaWanda)
Tyrone Deason

Sisters:
Brenda Daniels-Willis (Wardell)
Stephanie Daniels-Miles

Daughters:
Amber Anderson
Kelley Sullivan
LaKetha Handy

Sons:
Johnathon Johnson
Tristen Johnson Sr. (Evyone)

Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren include Aanyah, Aiden, Ariyanna, Amyra, BraKeria, Cameron A, Cameron G, !marl, JaKacee, Jazaria, Joniyan, Kristen, La'Roya, Malik, Nevah and Tristen Jr.

Special family includes Cheryl Johnson (Sister-In-Law), Joyce Edwards (God Mother/Aunt), Ke'Isha Johnson, LaClea Miles and LaKrista Page, Shanue Jenkins (Nieces) and Nichole Ellington, (Cousin/Sister).

Aunts:
Leola Barker
Billie Harris
Catherine Reed
Rose Stephenson
Ella Garret
Debra Mayweather
Fannie Holman
Sarah Jenkins
Clara Dergin
Baby Lou Gardner

Uncles:
Willie Singleton
Vernon Singleton

A host of other special family and friends.

Ricky will be forever known for his kind spirit, loving heart and as the number one fan of the San Francisco 49'ers. Rest easy Slick Rick!

Services entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

11/30/2021

Jessie Salter Smith was born on July 21, 1938 in Whitney, Texas the daughter of Jessie and Freida Salter. Mrs. Smith passed away on Thursday, November 25, 2021 in Shelbyville, Texas. 

Jessie was very devoted to her Christ and Savior and found immense pleasure in being the daughter of a King. Her devotion led her to membership at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and her life was centered around having her name written down in glory. She appreciated being outside and took extraordinary pride in keeping her yard pristine for as long as she was able. When she was not outside enjoying the beauty of God’s creations, she spoiled herself by watching episodes of General Hospital. In addition to the many other things she experienced in life, she was honored to have been a dispatcher, taking particular care to help ensure the safety of those who protect others. Jessie had a great love of family. She smiled with joy and was happiest when surrounded by those closest to her. 

She is survived by:

Sons, Tony Smith and wife, Darlene
Charlie Smith and wife, Kathy
Michael Smith

Daughters:
Kathy Holloway and husband, Mitch
Paula Lout and husband, Jimmy

15 grandchildren

24 great-grandchildren

5 great-great grandchildren

Brother, Ronnie Salter and wife, Carmen

She was also blessed to have a God-sent daughter, Danielle Frazier.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.

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

11/30/2021

James Allen Payne, Sr., 86, of Hemphill, Texas passed away Friday, November 26, 2021, in League City, Texas.

He was born in Center, Texas on November 13, 1935, and was the fourth of four children born to A.J. (Jimmie) and Mary Coy Dellinger Payne. He attended Center public schools and graduated Center High School in 1954. His parents owned and operated a grocery store in East Center for many years. He was active in the Boy Scouts, earning Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow.

After high school, James Allen attended Panola Junior College where he met the love of his life, Penny Charlotte Pinckard. They both thereafter attended the University of Texas at Austin. James Allen put himself through college (BBA 1958) and UT Law School (J.D. 1961) working for then Lieutenant Governor Ben Ramsey at the State Capitol. Hard work and sacrifice were a constant in his life. James Allen and Penny wed on June 6, 1959 at the First United Methodist Church in Carthage, Texas.

The couple briefly lived in Lufkin, Texas where he worked as an attorney for the Texas Department of Transportation. They moved to Hemphill in 1961 where James Allen entered law practice with John Henry Minton, also operating J.H. Minton Abstract Co. After Mr. Minton’s death James Allen continued operating the title company and practicing law until retiring in 2004. James Allen was a member of the State Bar of Texas, also admitted to the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, a member of the First Judicial District Bar Association, and a licensed title agent for Stewart Title. He served in numerous offices over the years, including Sabine County Attorney, Hemphill City Attorney, Pineland City Attorney and Hemphill ISD School Board, among others. He served as legal counsel to many other local government entities, boards and associations. His law practice was active and broad. He prosecuted criminal cases as the County Attorney and often with the District Attorney. He tried civil cases of all types while maintaining an active real estate practice. He was widely known and respected and was a stalwart in the East Texas legal community.

James Allen was also extremely active in his community. He was a member of the Hemphill First United Methodist Church where he served as a lay leader and on many boards. He was instrumental in the building of the current Sanctuary and Church facilities. He was a Scout Master, a member and past president of the Hemphill Lions Club, a member of the Pineland Service Club, and served on the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee for the JR Huffman Public Library. His list of organizational memberships and charitable contributions was long and varied.

James Allen was one of the original members of the Board of Directors of Pineland State Bank, serving from 1968-2000. He served on virtually every committee at the bank and derived a great deal of joy from that work and his close friendships with the other Directors and bank employees. After retiring as a Director, he continued his banking work, joining the Advisory Board of Directors for Shelby Savings Bank, Hemphill branch. That opportunity and the relationships made meant a lot to him.

He will be missed by many. His unique sense of humor and dry wit were well known and will be missed. His wife, Penny, passed away in 1990 and although he mourned her loss until his death, he remained a rock to his family. He leaves a legacy of hard work, honesty and kindness.

He is survived by:

Children:
daughter, Jennifer Payne Figge and husband, Alan, of League City
son, James Allen Payne, Jr. and wife, Jill, of Center
daughter, Charlotte Payne Markowski and husband, Brent, of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Grandchildren:
Lauren Figge of Dallas
Paige Figge of Nashville, Tennessee
James Allen Payne III of Midland
Madison Jane Payne of Center
Dana Markowski of Vacaville, California
Holly Markowski of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Sister, Portia Gaines of Center, Texas

Nieces:
Polly Montemayor and husband, Johnny, of Center
Jeannie Gaines of Center
Beverly Rogers of Albuquerque, New Mexico

He was preceded in death by his wife, Penny Charlotte Pinckard Payne; parents, A.J. (Jimmie) Payne and Coy Dellinger Payne; sisters, Patricia Payne Brittain and Gloria Payne.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 30, 2021 in Starr Funeral Home Chapel, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas.

Funeral services will follow visitation at Starr Funeral Home with Pastor Karen Jones and Pastor Alberto Williams officiating.

Condolences can be made and guest book may be signed online at starrfuneralhome.com.