Shelby County Today

06/20/2020

Josephine Elizabeth Marie “Mollie” Schrakamp Hibbard Barton, 89, of Center, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020, in Center.

Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Tim Perkins officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

Born September 27, 1930 in Long Island, New York to Theodore and Josephine Schrakamp. Mollie was a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman for many years in Shelby County.  In the early ‘70s she owned and operated Hibbard Office Supply and the local Western Union.  She obtained her real estate license in the early 70s.  She became a real estate broker in the mid 70’s and opened her own Real Estate Office.  Mollie forged the way for other women in the Real Estate business as one of the first women in Shelby County to earn a Real Estate License and Brokers License.  She also became a Certified Texas Appraiser in the early 90’s.  She was designated President of Piney Woods Association of Realtors many times throughout her career.  

Mollie was a vivacious woman with a passion for life. Mollie loved people and people loved Mollie! She never met a stranger and was loved by the entire community.  She loved Christ and she dedicated many hours to helping others.

She is survived by: 
Her children: 
John Russell Hibbard of Nacogdoches
Joe Cecil Hibbard of Nacogdoches and Wendy
Debra Ann Hibbard of the Woodlands
LD Hibbard, Jr. and wife Carmen of Center
Kathy Hibbard of Houston
Wallace Lee Hibbard and wife Pam of Bullard
Victor Allen Hibbard of Bullard
Judy Lyn Monroe and husband Donald of Center
Letitia Poindexter of Center
Gregory Thomas Hibbard and wife Haven of Conroe  

Grandchildren: 
Denny Hibbard
Linda Witt and husband Bruce
Russell Hibbard and wife Angie
Dianne Brown and fiancé Chad Wells
Kristen Harvey and husband Andrew
Kim Hibbard
Nicole Lyon and husband Andy
Shelly Schillings
Jason O’Donoghue and wife Mallory
Julie Arsenault and husband Jerry
Ricky Morgan
Nick Morgan and wife Brittany
Debra Ann Flanagan and husband DK
Christy Wells and husband Kenny
Duane Morgan and wife Mary
Ruthie Mueller and husband Rudy
Heather Gerhard and husband Ken
Kendall O’Neal Venus and husband Joe
Michael O’Neal and wife Ana
Clint Hibbard and wife Heather
Julie Hibbard
Justin Waldon
Eric Waldon
Kay Evans
Christie Gray and husband Chad
Craig Hibbard and wife Ashlie
Lindsey Hibbard
Hayley Rubio and husband Isaiah
Kayla Smith and husband Luke
Steven Hibbard
Reese Monroe
Christine Taylor and husband Shane
Amber Owens
D’Wayne Bearden and wife Brittany
Joshua Beardon and fiance’ Ashley
Dakota Poindexter and wife Ashley
April Poindexter
Billie Poindexter
Bryleigh Bearden
Chris Hibbard and wife Gagan
Stephan Hibbard
Oliver Hibbard
Knox Hibbard
Hazel Hibbard

Numerous Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren, numerous cousins and other relatives.  

Preceded in death by parents Theodore Schrakamp and Josephine Schrakamp Wills, brother Nick Schrakamp, brother Theodore Schrakamp, sister Margarite Franovich, sister Carolyn McKantz, Grandson Matthew Hibbard, Granddaughter Christy Mae Taylor, Grandson Ronnie Morgan, Son-in-Law Billy Poindexter.

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

06/18/2020

William Russell Spivey, 92, of Garrison, Texas passed away at home on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, in Garrison, Texas. Born April 8, 1928, in Arlam Community, Garrison, Texas, to the late John Martin and Cora Belle (Young) Spivey. Graveside service will be held at 10AM on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Caledonia Cemetery, Garrison, Texas with Bro. Darrell Pollard and Bro. Kyle Lee officiating. 

Visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Friday, June 19, 2020 at Garrison Funeral Home, 886 US Hwy 59, Garrison, Texas. 

William Russell Spivey graduated Garrison High School in 1945. His college studies were interrupted when Russell joined the United States Army to serve in the Korean War. As he finished studies at Sam Houston with a degree in Agriculture, his strong work ethic was evident even then as he returned home as often as he could to help in his father’s dairy. Russell met the love of his life, Laree Wheeler, and the two were married October 6, 1950. They made their home beside the dairy that would become their family business for the next 50 years. As many would agree that Russell was one of the hardest working men they have ever known. Russell joined Arlam Baptist Church as a young boy around 1941. He served as a Deacon. Together they raised seven children. 

He is survived by:

Children:
Janie Ramsey and husband Glenn
Phyllis Pollard and husband Darrell
Mickey Weatherly and husband Eddie
Bill Spivey and wife Becky
Angie Spivey
Cindy Taylor and husband Rial
Nancy Harris and husband Timmy

18 Grandchildren

33 Great-grandchildren

A special canine friend Lily

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

Russell is preceded in death by his wife, Laree Spivey; and granddaughters, Julee Ramsey and Charlotte Harris.

Grandsons will be serving as pallbearers.

Special thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice for allowing us to keep our dad in his own home during this time. The family would like to especially thank Cecelia Dolan and Demedric Loftis for the exceptional support and care given to our father during his time of illness. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Arlam Baptist Church, 3251 CR 289, Garrison, Texas 75946; Caledonia Cemetery, P O Box 535, Garrison, Texas; Heart to Heart Hospice, 2102 S John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, Texas 75904; or a charity of your choice.

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

06/18/2020

Amber Lynn Howard Alvarez, 48, of Center, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2020, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 19, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Rusty Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery in San Augustine.

Born August 18, 1971, in Lubbock, Amber is the daughter of Jimmy Lynn Howard and Kathleen McLean Hardy. She was a member of First Methodist Church.

She is survived by:

Daughter, Aubrey Rene Alvarez of Houston

Father of Aubrey, Rene Alvarez

Mother, Kathy Hardy and husband Kenneth of Center

Father, Jimmy Howard and wife Terrie of Center

Sister, Brooke Howard-Dykes and husband Chris of Denver, Colorado

Niece, Sawyer Dykes of Denver, Colorado

Grandmother, Winnie Jo McClean of Levelland

Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, J.B. McLean and Clara and Aubrey Howard.

Pallbearers will be Shon Mireles, Gregg Hart, Tim Hopkins, Jamie Dutton, Chris Dykes, and Luke Mooney.

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

06/17/2020

Wilma Diana Richard was born in Timpson, Texas to Winifred Hooper and Lester Roberts on August 6, 1953. She was deeply loved and raised by her grandparents Clyde Sr and Lula Hooper. Diane made her transition on Sunday, June 14, 2020

Diane grew up with 14 siblings and attended Timpson Public School System for her entire education. She graduated from Timpson High School in 1971. While attending Timpson High School, she met and fell in love with her forever best friend and husband Ralph Richard in 1969. They united in holy matrimony on December 13, 1975 and remained together with 51 years under their belt. During this time, they raised a daughter Tyecia and was dedicated in helping with their 2 granddaughters Nailah Joy and Naiema Skye. Before retiring she worked at Shelby Savings Bank where she made lifelong friendships. She loved and served as a dedicated Pastor’s Aid President at Smith Chapel Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by: Grandparents: Clyde Sr. and Lula Hooper; Parents: Winifred Hooper Stephens (Bobby); Siblings: Belton Hooper (Vera); Bobby Hooper Sr; Mary Driver (Billy); Ima Jean Holman( Nathan); Willie James Hooper(Norma Williams); Clyde Hooper Jr (Ruthie Johnson Hooper); Cynthia Stephens; Robert James Stephens Jr; and Robin Stephens Fisher.

She leaves to cherish her memories:
Husband: Ralph Richard

Daughter: Tyecia Lundie (Richard Lundie)

Granddaughters:
Nailah Lundie
Naiema Lundie

Siblings:
Betty (Oscar Turner)
Earnestine Morris (J. W.)
Annie Hooper
Dwight Stephens (Venita)
Obie Bussey (Melody)

Special Cousin: Sister Lisa Jo Baldwin (Rick)

She leaves many more beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved with everything she had. 

Services are Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Smith Chapel Baptist Church, 919 CR 4704, Timpson, Texas 75975 with visitation 10am to 11am and celebration of life at 11am.
Celebration of Life – 11:00 a.m.

You may view online service on Facebook at 11am - Smith Chapel Live.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at Walker Funeral Home , Crosby Texas – Legacy.com, 734 FM 1942-P.O. Box 229, Crosby, Texas.

Please do not send wreaths, VA Cemetery does not accept wreaths.

06/16/2020

Paula Burns Askew, 61, of Tenaha, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2020, in Tenaha.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born October 16, 1958, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Paula is the daughter of George Burns and Geneva Coleman Burns.  She retired from Carthage UTMC as a ward clerk.  Paula loved spending time with her grandkids and family.  She was a member of Sardis Pentecostal Church.

She is survived by:
Daughters, Gina Furra and husband James of Tenaha
Clara Bragg and husband Douglas of Center

Grandchildren:
Jesse Gay
Savannah Bragg

Mother, Geneva Burns of Tenaha

She is preceded in death by her father, George Burns.

Pallbearers will be Douglas Bragg, James Furra, David Furra, Calvin Foy, John Gay, and Lee Gibbs.

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

06/15/2020

Earl Ramey, 80, of Garrison, Texas passed away on June 14, 2020 in Garrison. He was born on October 24, 1939 in Tenaha, Texas to Alton Ramey, Sr. and Ida Mae Ross Ramey. A graveside service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 19, 2020 at Old Home Cemetery in Tenaha, Texas with Bro. Billy Clayton officiating.

Many knew him as Billy Boy or Bill Boy. He grew up in Tenaha and met the love of his life, Joyce, in Garrison, Texas. They married on June 16th 1960 and went on to have five children. Earl had a love for working on cars and followed in his father’s footsteps when he became a mechanic. For twenty years, he worked for Proller Steel in Houston before moving back to Garrison to open his own repair shop. Earl was a big fan of Audi Murphy westerns and had a love for Hank Williams Sr country and western songs. He also loved to keep people around him laughing by telling jokes. Earl was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. 

He is survived by:

Wife, Joyce Ramey of Garrison

Sons:
Willie Ramey of Beaumont
Alton Ramey of Nacogdoches

Daughters:
Earlene and husband Johnny Herron of Willis
Teresa McKey of Pasadena
Michelle and husband Jim Jacobs of Center

Eleven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his twin sister, Pearl Webster of Pasadena. 

The family is being served by Garrison Funeral Home in Garrison, Texas. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.garrisonfh.net.

06/12/2020

Edward Applequist was born on June 12, 1945 in Ross, California to Martin and Louise Applequist. He died on June 10, 2020 at his residence in Center, Texas.

He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona in 1967.  After which he was drafted into the U. S. Army and served in Vietnam. Upon his return he started working as a forester for the Texas Forest Service in Lufkin, Texas. In 1973 he moved a branch of that office to Center, Texas. He worked the remainder of his life as a self employed Consulting Forester.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda Applequist

Son, Cary Applequist

Brother, Mark Applequist

Sister, Karen Applequist

The family would like to thank the medical staff at the UT Health North Campus Tyler.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.

06/10/2020

Iva Nell Brown, 98, of Center, passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2020, in Center.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 12, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Gordon Vaughn and David Pate officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Brown was born January 16, 1922, in Shelby County, to Curtis Marian Pate and Lottie Cornelia Bullard Pate. She enjoyed writing and was a published poet. Her hobbies also included cooking, sewing, and reading. Mrs. Brown loved Jesus more than anything, then her family, which included friends. She was born again at the age of twelve years and led her daddy to the Lord. Mrs. Brown loved memorizing the Bible and was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school. A wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother, she will be greatly missed on this earth. She never forgot birthdays, anniversaries, or thank you, get well, or thinking of you cards.

She is survived by:

Children:
Sylvia Hearn of Center
Ford Brown Jr. and wife Janis of Center
Cynthia Perez and husband Ramiro of Angleton

Grandchildren:
Julia and Matt Belcik of North Zulch
Lorri Hearn of Houston
Melissa and Troy Haas of Woodstock, Georgia
Andrew and Carol Brown of Tyler
Samuel Brown of Harper
Phillip and Lua Brown of Bowie
Elisabeth Brown of Rowlett
Katherine Johnson of Mesquite
Robert and Faith Perez of Waco

Numerous great-grandchildren

Brothers and sisters:
Robert Pate of Kenner, Louisiana
Nelda Test Miller of Richard
Kelsey Jo Stewart of Picayune, Mississippi
Rachel McCleary of Brazoria
Inez and Tim Peltier of Clute
Patsy and Bob Mahone of New Boston

Sister-in-law, Clive Rush

Many nieces, nephews, and other relatives

Preceded in death by husband, Ford S. Brown Sr.; parents; grandson, Daniel James Brown; brothers and sister, Vestal Pate, Charles Pate, Sam Pate, Curtis Edward Pate, and Billie Maxie Mullins; in-laws, Perry Maxie Brown and Merle Stratton Brown.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Brown, Samuel Brown, Phillip Brown, Zack Peltier, Robert Perez, Derick McCleary, Bobby Brown, and Robert Pate Jr.. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Belcik, Bobby Watson, Conrad Moody, Pat Brown, and Michael McCleary.

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

06/08/2020

Billy L. Funderburk, 75, left this world to rest safely in the arms of Jesus on Sunday, June 7, 2020 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Bill was born July 16,1944 in Corpus Christi, Texas to James and Diana (Kennedy) Funderburk.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church in Center at 11am on Saturday, June 27th.

Bill accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior when he was seven years old and committed the rest of his life in service to God.

His father worked for Mobile Pipeline for many years and they moved a lot in Bill’s 18 years at home, so he had no problem meeting people and making friends quickly.

After graduating High School in Kermit, Texas, Bill went to Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, majoring in Music Education.  Upon graduating from HSU, he completed a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from Eastern Kentucky University, Lexington, Kentucky.

He married the love of his life, Joyce Porter Funderburk, on August 29, 1964 at Lamar Street Baptist Church, Sweetwater, Texas.

He served in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant during the Vietnam war era. He served as Commander of the 543rd Military Police Company in Ft. Knox, Kentucky until his discharge in 1971.

Bill was called by God to the ministry and for the next 50 years, served as Minister of Music in several Baptist churches in Texas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wyoming.  The last full time position was at First Baptist Church, Center, Texas, where he and Joyce served for 15 years.

Bill was a very kind spirit with a smile for everyone.  He had a beautiful singing voice and loved to play his trumpet and guitar in the privacy of his home and during worship services.

He is survived by:
His wife of 55 years, Joyce Porter Funderburk, Lake Charles, Louisiana

Children:
Kevin Funderburk, wife Regina of Lake Charles, Louisiana
Kimberly Funderburk Roberson, husband Kevin of Temple, Texas.

Mother Diana Funderburk of Midland 

Sisters:
Dianne Redus of Cleveland
Judy Day and husband David of Midland

His pride and joy were his grandchildren:
Garrett Roberson and wife Kelly, USAF Spokane, Washington 
Drew Funderburk, Texarkana, Texas
Chayli Funderburk, Lake Charles, Louisiana 
Hope Roberson, Temple, Texas
McKynzi Roberson , Temple, Texas
Esther Funderburk, Lake Charles, Louisiana 
Eden Funderburk, Lake Charles, Louisiana 

Additional family members and friends also mourn his passing.

Preceding him in death was his father, James Lawrence Funderburk, father-in-law  and mother-in-law, Knox and Rubye Porter, infant granddaughter, Alyssa Lauren Jones, grandparents H C and Cora Funderburk and J B and Ruby Kennedy, and brothers-in-law, Ronald Porter, Royce Porter, and Billy Redus.

His wishes were to be cremated.

Services under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, Lake Charles, LA.