07/05/2021

Evelyn Bright Hughes, 96, of Center, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2021, in Center.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation starting one hour prior. Bro. James Goodwyn will officiate. Interment will follow at Campti Cemetery in Center.

Evelyn Bright Hughes passed away July 4, 2021. Born in the Campti Community to Price and Vera Forsyth Bright on January 23, 1925, she attended Campti School through 8th grade and then Shelbyville High School graduating in 1942. She met her sweetheart on the first day of grade school and told her mother at the close of the school day that she had found her boyfriend. She and Brother Travis were married 75 years and 9 months when death separated them. They loved their community and church and had a wonderful life helping others.

At age twelve Evelyn became a devout Christian when she received the gift of the Holy Spirit in the little country church. She and her husband, Travis, worked in the ministry for over sixty years never requiring a salary or benefit package and donated land and founded the Campti Pentecostal Church in 1972. She left this earth proudly proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to friends and the sitters that assisted her in her last weeks. She was a giver to those in need and passed on encouragement to the broken hearted. People come to us telling us of the times she helped them when no one else would.

As a Mother and Grandmother nothing made Evelyn happier than to attend church with her family and friends and to cook for them. Many Sunday gatherings of family and church members included fish fries at their camps. She had cooking skills for pies, cakes, fresh vegetables and Chicken Dressing and Dumplings unequaled by most and freely shared every recipe encouraging the young women to cook for their family at home instead of fast food. Her homemade birthday cakes are still remembered as the best by her children. She was fearless in business and an independent woman who thought for herself. Her hobbies were collecting glassware and playing “42” at the Senior Citizen Site.

She and her husband worked 88 full grown head of cattle until they were in their late 80’s. Any Wednesday could find them taking a load of cattle to the Center sale in their old red trailer. Earlier she had run a grocery store and helped with broiler and laying hen farms through the years. She was a bookkeeper, secretary and financial genius for her family. She gave us Dave Ramsey tips before we ever heard his name. She was underappreciated by all because of her willingness to work hard without complaint or praise. She will be missed by her family and those she prayed for often. Her prayer was to meet up with all of us in Heaven.

She is survived by: 
Children: 
Mary Culver and husband Jim
Mavis Carter
Martha Goodwyn and husband James

Grandkids: 
Michael Warren and wife Krista
Candace Carter Mahan and husband Will
Bradley Goodwyn and wife Sherry
T.J. Goodwyn and wife Blaine

Great-grandkids: 
Kyla and Mason Warren
Austyn Mahan
Judson and Jewel Goodwyn
Madison, Joshua and Jeremiah Goodwyn.

Preceded in death by her husband, Travis Hughes; parents, Price and Vera (Forsyth) Bright; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Sonny Jameson; son-in-law, Mac Carter.

Pallbearers will be Michael Warren, Will Mahan, T.J. Goodwyn, Thomas Powell, Jim Culver, Steve Jameson, Nolan Borders, Bob Carter, and Jason Rodgers. Honorary pallbearers will be Roe Belrose, Billy Rodgers, and Tom Powell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Campti Cemetery 357 CR 3080 Center, TX 79535; and Campti Pentecostal Church P.O. Box 329 Shelbyville, TX 75973.

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

07/05/2021

Mrs. Gwendolyn “Joyce” Jennings (71) of Center died Thursday, July 1, 2021, at CHI St Luke in The Woodlands, Texas. 

Mrs. Jennings was born to the late Mr. Beulah Jennings and Mrs. Frankie Hughes, Jennings on October 6, 1949 in Center, Texas. She graduated from C.H. Daniels in 1968.  

Funeral service will be Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Loop 500 Church of Christ located 3216 Tx 500 Loop in Center, Texas. Rev. Johnnie Johnson will be officiating.  

Mrs. Jennings is survived by:
Son: Kipp D. (Matreasa) Jennings of Pensacola, Florida 

Grandchildren: 
Sherina Jennings of Dothan, Alabama
Caderias Jennings of Dallas
Kipp D. Jennings II of Auburn, Alabama
Kerry Jennings of Pensacola, Florida 

Special Nephews: 
Kenneth “Ken” Price of Port Arthur
Odis Price of Peoria, Arizona 

Nephews: 
Lawrence Waltz
Danny Waltz
Elijah Waltz 

Great-Nephew: Charles Adams 
Nieces: 
Margie Mays
Karen Adams
Chinita Waltz

Great-Nieces: 
Jennifer Adams
Christy Mays
Jamece Mays Galloway     

Special Cousin: Bonnie Hughes 

Longtime Companion: Roland Jacobs 

Visitations will be Friday, July 9, 2021, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. 

Burial: Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas 

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

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

Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.netwww.hicksmortuary.nethttp://www.hicksmortuary.net 

07/02/2021

Patricia Clepper, 74, of Timpson, passed away on June 28, 2021, in Timpson. She was born October 12, 1946, in the Silas Community.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, with Bro. Fred Wilcox officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

As a child, Patricia was born into a very simple way of life. She was raised in the tiny little community of Silas, located outside of Timpson in Shelby County.  Her way of life as a young girl was just as anyone could imagine. She spent time working and playing outside. Her childhood was also a part of her life when she learned the all-important things young ladies need to know how to do, including cooking and sewing and making things she needed from whatever she had. These lessons turned into great talents that she loved and passed onto her children and grandchildren. She was quite the cook, and everyone enjoyed the meals she made when surrounded by her favorite people. She also loved trail rides, but if asked, her favorite things would be her family. Great emphasis would be placed on the love for her grandchildren, of whom she would pretty much do anything for! She was entertaining and supportive, loving and caring and always had time to plan the ultimate gathering. Patricia loved God and was a lifetime member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, where she made many friends over the years. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Patricia is survived by:

Son, Doye Wayne Cantrell, and wife Robin

Daughter, Toni Kay Jackson

Son, Gene Edward Clepper

Daughter-in-laws:
Karina Wilhoite and husband Robin
Angela Nell Clepper

Brothers:
Bobby Gene Crump
Doye Rodney Crump and wife Mary
Ronnie Crump, and wife Debbie

Sister, Vickie Miller, and husband Randy

Brother-in-law, Everett A. Ross

Grandchildren:
Tiffany R. Newman
A. Layne Cantrell
Whitley Williams and husband Taylor
Beverly K. Hurst
Nicholas Cade Hurst and wife Riley
John “Justin” Richerson and wife Chelsea
Harley Richerson and husband Ty Cheshire
Chelsea K. Hall and husband Rusty
Andrew Chase Clepper
Joshua Clepper and wife Erika
Jason Blake Clepper
Emily Blake and husband, Eric
Luke E. Clepper

Great-grandchildren:
Hunter W. Newman
Fisher B. Newman
Remington B. Newman
Tayley Callyn Williams
Dozier Williams
Jackson C. Hurst Alexander
Micha Lee Hurst
Brynlee Kate Hurst
Brooklyn Richerson
Alivia Deason
Lil Johnny Richerson
Tylie Cheshire
Lawson Hall
Sophia Blake
Caroline Blake
Jade Clepper
Jace Clepper
Riley Tarpley
Adelyn Tarpley
Peyton Tarpley

A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She is preceded by her parents, Alfred, and Winnie (Ramsey) Crump; beloved husband, Delbert Gene Clepper; daughter, Lesia Lynette Richerson; son-in-law, John B. Richerson III; son, Stacy A. Clepper; great-granddughter, Sophie Tallyn Williams; grandson, Derrick Clepper; and sister Alice Joy Ross.

Taylor Funeral Home 

07/01/2021

Carrie Shepherd Horton, 86, passed away June 29, 2021.

She was born on June 11, 1935 to the late Lemmer Anderson and Lawrence Shepherd. She attended school in Tenaha, Texas and lived there until she met her husband Milton Horton Sr. in 1952. To this union 9 children were born and one special child added. Milton and Carrie were married for 66 years before he left this earth for his heavenly home. She was a faithful member of Mt. Gillion Baptist Church until her death. She has served as the President of the Usher Board, a member of the mission sisters, and as the Mother of the Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Horton Sr., her parents Lawrence and Lemmer Shepherd, children Allen Ray, Darren, and Lawrence Horton, and her grandchildren, Timmy, LaSharrea and Shamfrea Hooper, and Mark Anthony Smith, along with a host of sisters and brothers.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Sister, Vinnie Joyce Caraway

Daughters:
Peggie Brown of Timpson, Tx
Betty Mitchell (Johnny) of Timpson, Tx
Callie Horton of Timpson, Tx
Donna Fletcher (Alford) of Timpson, Tx

Sons:
Milton Horton Jr. (Earsie) of Huxley
Ronnie Horton (Sherina) of Lufkin

Special son, Robert Shepherd of Nacogdoches

Special grand-daughters:
Danquein Horton of Houston, Texas
Shakeika Horton of Center
Tasche Mitchell of Center

Special grandson, Milton Horton Jr. of Huxley

21 grandchildren

48 great-grandchildren

3 great-great grandchildren

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Visitations is 2pm until 6pm Friday, July 2, 2021 at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr. Nacogdoches, TX 75961.

Funeral Service is at 1pm on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, Hwy 87 North, Center, TX 75935 with Rev. Gary Suell Sr, Pastor/Eulogist and Pastor Charleston Johnson, Officiant.

Services entrusted to her family of professionals at Sid Roberts Funeral Home, 3535 S.E. Stallings Dr., Nacogdoches, TX 75961. “Where The Family Comes First”

07/01/2021

Edna Askew, 95, of Center, Tx passed away on June 30, 2021. She was born on March 29, 1926.

Visitation will be held Saturday July 3, 2021, from 5-7PM at Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX. Graveside Service will be Sunday July 4, 2021, at 1:00PM at McClelland Cemetery.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

07/01/2021

Glenda Ann (Goings) Lutz, 62, of Center, Tx passed away on June 30 ,2021. Born on August 9, 1958, to W. J. Goings and Vernell Goings.

Visitation will be held Monday July 5, 2021, from 5-7 At Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX. 

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

07/01/2021

Diane Henderson, 62 of Tenaha, passed away Thursday night, June 24, 2021 at Christos Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Texas.

Services are 1pm Saturday, July 3 at St. John Baptist Church, Tenaha, Texas with Pastor Chandler Pettis as Eulogist. Interment is at St. John Cemetery, Tenaha.

She is survived by:

Children:
Chregg (Melissa) Henderson of Longview
Kennis (Jalanie) Henderson of Cushing
Jared Thomas of Dallas
Tierria Henderson of Garland

Brothers:
Amos (Mary) Henderson of Houston
Jesse (Nadia) Henderson of Center
Curtis Henderson of Tenaha

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

06/30/2021

Graveside service for Edna M. Dean, 86, of Humble, will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 2, 2021, at Tennessee Cemetery, in Timpson.

Mrs. Dean passed away on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Garrison. She was born June 19, 1935, in Timpson.

Services under the direction of Taylor Funeral Home.

06/30/2021

James Beasley, 77, of Center, died June 27, 2021 in Beaumont, Texas. James was born May 2, 1944 to James Furlon Beasley and Margaret Frances (Creech) Beasely. James was a graduate of Shelbyville High School class of ’62.

A Masonic graveside service will be held at 10am on Saturday, July 3, 2021 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas.

 

06/29/2021

Steven Paul Farmer, 64, of Tenaha, passed away Monday, June 28, 2021, in Longview.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with funeral service 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 2, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel. Bro. Jay Pollan, Bro. Hiram Melton and Bro. Chester Farmer will officiate. Interment will follow at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha.

Born November 14, 1956, in Abbeville, Louisiana, Steven is the son of Chester Ray Farmer and Bernice Rita Bourgeois Farmer. He served in the United States Marine Corps, went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree, and later became a teacher. After 25 years, he retired from Tenaha ISD. Steven enjoyed gardening and fishing, but most of all he loved spending time with his grandbabies. He was a member of Lone Cedar Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as deacon.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Brenda Farmer of Tenaha; sons, Jason Farmer and wife Melanie of Tenaha and Alan Farmer of Tenaha; grandchildren, John Paul “JP” Farmer of Tenaha and Daisy Farmer of Tenaha; in-laws, Hiram and Beth Melton; brothers, Chester Farmer Jr. and wife Sandy of Carthage and Randy Farmer of Converse, Louisiana; sister, Jeanette Ortigo and husband Ronney of Longview; brother-in-law, Richard Newman of Longview; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents, Chester Ray Farmer and Bernice Rita Bourgeois Farmer; and sister, Barbara Newman.

Pallbearers will be Phil Worsham, John Paul Lawson, Ricky Lawrence, Mark Owens, Jason Freeman, Glen Oates and Chad Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Clifford Hamilton, Tommy Gray, and Hugh Daw.

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

06/29/2021

Rebecca Jo Womack King, 68, of Monroe, Louisiana, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Monroe, Louisiana.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation Wednesday, June 30, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Andrew King will officiate. Interment will be at Ramah Cemetery in Tenaha.

Born February 1, 1953 in Carthage, TX, Becky is the daughter of Joe Dan and Wandell Womack. Though once a teacher, Becky found her calling as a homemaker and dedicated her life to the happiness and well-being of her family. Beyond caring for her family, Becky was an avid reader, accomplished seamstress, and talented pianist. Above all, Becky had a smile that no one could forget, and an unshakeable faith in Jesus.

She is survived by:

Husband, Joe Allen King of Monroe, Louisiana

Daughters:
Katie Sanders with her husband Bob of Las Vegas, Nevada
Jenni Pevoto with husband Sean of Las Vegas, Nevada

Grandchildren:
Benjamin Sanders of Las Vegas, Nevada
Joseph Pevoto of Las Vegas, Nevada

Mother, Wandell Womack of Tenaha

Sister, Lou Jane Womack of Tenaha

Brother, Jerry Womack of Woodlawn

Preceded in death by her father, Joe Dan Womack; and sister, Terrie Womack.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Womack (honorary), Sean Pevoto, Bob Sanders, Reginald Parks, Andrew King, Aaron King, and Timothy Roberson.

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

06/29/2021

William "Don" Michael, age 76, of Bronson, Texas, passed away Monday, June 28, 2021, at his residence.

Don was born February 20, 1945, in Lufkin, Texas. He served as Sheriff of San Augustine County, elected in 2004 and completed his term on December 31, 2008. Don's long career in law enforcement spanned several years in various states. In addition to serving as San Augustine County's sheriff, his service in East Texas also included peace officer positions in San Augustine, Sabine, Angelina, and Nacogdoches counties. Mr. Michael showed excellent leadership and helped to guide with responses to many disasters during his tenure. He also faithfully served his country with the U.S. Navy.

His survivors include his wife, Jennifer Michael of Bronson, Texas; daughters, Stephanie Holiday and husband Ray of Laneville, Texas, Penny Sanders and husband Perry of Broaddus, Texas, Kathy King and husband Richard of Henderson, Texas, and Ina Dean and husband James "Jay" of Eagan, Minnesota; sons, William Charles Michael and wife Jordan of Bronson, Texas, and Timothy Michael of Nacogdoches, Texas; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Billie Charles Mesa, in 1992.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at Oak Grove Baptist Church, located on USFS Road 317 near Broaddus, Texas.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

06/27/2021

Hermenegildo “Herman” Martinez-Ramirez, 45, of Center, passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021, in Longview, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 9:30am to 8pm, Sunday, June 27, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with funeral service at 1pm, Monday, June 28, 2021. Fausto Balderas and Alberto Leos will officiate. Interment will follow at Neuville Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born July 23, 1975, in Comonfort, Guanajuato, Mexico, Herman is the son of Adan Ramirez and Victoria Martinez Ramirez. He loved gardening, carpentry, cooking, and spending time with family. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Shelby County.

He is survived by:

Children:
Adam Ramirez and girlfriend Ashley of Center
Tori Ramirez and boyfriend JaMichael of Center
Angelique Sigler and husband Corey of Center
John Parks and wife Briget of Center

Grandchildren:
Kasen and Korbyn Sigler
Kingston Hurst
Kellon Parks

Brothers:
Fernando Ramirez and wife Adriana of Center
Silvestre Ramirez and wife Aleyda of Center
Adam Ramirez and wife Rebeca of Center

Former wife of 21 years, Rose Parks, of Center

Nieces and nephews:
Kelly Ramirez
Taylor Ramirez
Allison Ramirez
Seth Ramirez
Niari Ramirez
Eliel Ramirez and wife, Kieana

He is joined in heaven with his sister, whom he often thought about and loved, Maria Ramirez; and grandparents, Silvestre Ramirez Ramirez, Josefa Aguilera, Juan Martinez, and Amalia Cruz.

Pallbearers will be Tyrone Jones, Fernando Ramirez, Silvestre Ramirez, Adam Ramirez, Adam Ramirez Jr., JaMichael Weathered, Corey Sigler, and Fermin Ramirez. Honorary pallbearers will be John Parks, Kasen Sigler, and Kingston Hurst.

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

06/27/2021

Nancy Hufferd Holmes, 72, of Center, passed away Saturday, June 26, 2021, in Center.

Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 27, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born August 23, 1948, in Greenville, Texas, Nancy is the daughter of L.C. Hufferd and Ople Verner Hufferd. A Pastor’s wife, Nancy enjoyed teaching the Bible, being involved in Sunday school classes, and caring for family and friends. She loved the mountains of Colorado.

She is survived by:

Husband, Stephen Holmes of Delta, Colorado

Daughters:
Rebekah Ann Durham and husband Dr. Mark of Temple, Texas
Sarah Gail Roslund of Littleton, Colorado

Grandkids: Reuben, Joel, Luke, and Naomi Durham

Sister-in-law, Evelyn Hufferd of Lake Murvaul, Texas

Preceded in death by her parents, L.C. Hufferd and Ople Verner Hufferd; son-in-law, Gavin Roslund; and brother, L.C. “Top” Hufferd.

Pallbearers will be Tammy Ainsworth, Mark Durham, Reuben Durham, Joel Durham, Luke Durham, and Tod Hufferd.  

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

06/25/2021

Mable Montgomery Johnson, 96, was born on July 27, 1924 in Shelbyville, Texas to Bertha and William Montgomery. She passed on June 4, 2021. She attended elementary school in the area and went on to attend high school at Timpson High School. With great encouragement to pursue higher education by her parents, Mable went on to attend Texas College where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She later attended Texas Southern University with aspirations of a Master’s Degree.

After college, Mable moved to Orange, Texas where she married William Johnson and they started a life together. They worked hard to provide for their family and Mable’s aging mother. They had three children, Wendell, Larry and Cynthia.

Mable began teaching in the Orange Public School System and West Orange Cove CISD where she taught for 30 plus years. She taught 2nd grade, 4th grade and specialized reading. She was also a member of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

In her retirement, Mable enjoyed volunteering with Orange Christian Services where she served as an interviewer and pantry worker. She was an active member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for 70 plus years, where she served with her church’s Caring Kitchen food ministry program and was a faithful and dedicated member of The Senior Gospel Choir, Deaconess Ministry, Senior Mission and Vacation Bible School Ministry. She was honored by the church for her dedicated service as one of the oldest members and for her faithful service to the Senior Gospel Choir.

After pledging Delta Sigma Theta at Texas College, Mable became a charter member of the Orange Alumnae Chapter in 1953, along with her sister Lillian. Mable served on many committees for the organization and was a representative to many National Conventions. During her many years of service, she created life long friendships with so many of her Sorors. She was a dedicated member until death.

Nannie, as she was affectionately called by those who loved and admired her, was always known for keeping things in order, had a love for plants, and loved her sweets and treats.

Mable was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha and William Montgomery, her husband, William Johnson, her son, Wendell Johnson and her sisters, Mariam Montgomery and Lillian Lister and her nephews, Daryl, Adrian, and Raymond Lister. 

She leaves to cherish her memory:

Son, Larry Johnson (Claudette Byrd)

Daughter, Cynthia Adams (Howard, Jr.)

Grandchildren:
Shawn Hunter
Jarvis Johnson
Corey (Barbara) Blair
Cedric Broussard (Shantee)
Kenisha Sappington (Kareem)
DeAndrea Strong (Willie, Jr.)
Charissa Scott (Martin)
Jacorey Johnson
Chase Adams
William C. Johnson

8 great-grandchildren

1 soon to be great-great grandchild

Godson, Mathellis Wilson

Extended special families: McClelland, Lister, Johnson, Adams, Scott, Byrd, Delta Sorority sisters, Pastor Crockett and MOBC church family, special neighbors and friends.

Final care was provided by Calvary Mortuary, Beaumont, Texas.

06/25/2021

Billy “Joe Boy” Mims, 70 of Center, Texas died Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Michael E. DeBarkey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Mims born to the late Billy Earl Mims and Velma Jackson in San Augustine, Texas.

Mr. Mims was raised by his late grandparents Mr. John Mims and wife, Mandy Gardner, Mims.

Funeral service will be Saturday, June 26, 2021, at 11am at Abundant Love Ministries located 1426 Shelbyville Street in Center. Pastor Marlin Cloudy will be officiating. Minster, James “Jamie” Cartwright Eulogist.

He is survived by:

Wife, Sandra Mims of Center

Son, Joseph Mims of Center

Daughter, Joycelyn Mims of Center

Aunts:
Levady (C.W.) Gillaspie
Mozelle Smith all of Center

Godson, James “Jamie”  Cartwright

Visitations will be Friday, June 25, 2021, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 2pm to 5pm. Burial is at Westview Cemetery in Center, Texas.

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

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

06/22/2021

Patti Gaubatz of Mobile, Alabama passed away on Tuesday, June 22, 2021. She was born in Shreveport on June 19, (Juneteenth) 1948. However, Patti grew up in Center, Texas and attended school there. She was the daughter of Mac Shelby Smith and Mozelle Lumen Smith. 

After graduation from Center High School, Patti moved to Dallas, then to Houston where she worked as a medical secretary. In 1971 she married Dr. Jim Gaubatz and they began an adventurous journey through various states before settling in Mobile in 1979. She had two children: a daughter, Shelby Elizabeth, and a son, Benjamin Andrew. Patti was able to fulfill her dreams of being a mother and homemaker. 

Patti was the most kind and generous person; very outgoing and loved making new friends. She had a passion for baking and shared her cakes and cookies with friends and neighbors. Her life truly centered around her home. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dorcas Ann Smith Sonmor, and her brother-in-law, Donald Sonmor. 

She leaves behind her husband of 50 years, her children, her nephew, Young Sonmor and his wife Amanda. And of course, her many friends. 

Patti’s wishes were to be cremated with a private celebration to be held at a later date. 

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Saad Hospice and Home Health Care for their outstanding kindness and support. 

Online condolences and comments can be sent to https://www.serenityfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Patti-Gaubatz/.

06/21/2021

Barbara Bittick, 93, of Center, passed away Sunday, June 20, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Bro. Harold Hanson officiating.

Born October 11, 1927, in San Francisco, California, Barbara is the daughter of Earnest Matthew Bell and Ludie D Walker. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, spending time outside, gardening, and coloring. Barbara was a member of First Baptist Church in Center, where she was baptized at twelve years old.

She is survived by:

Daughters:
Elaine Wagnon of Center
Marlene Doggett and husband John of Center

Grandchildren:
Brett Wagnon of Center
Daniel Wagnon and wife Sheila of Aledo, Texas
Joel Wagnon and wife Janet of Nacogdoches
Barry Doggett and wife Jamie of Center
Kimberly Jones and husband Jeff of Gore, Oklahoma

9 great-grandchildren

2 great-great-grandchildren

Preceded in death by her husband, Jesse “Pistol” Bittick; son, Bruce Bittick; and brothers, Earnest Bell and Leroy Bell.

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

06/21/2021

Charles Denton, 84, of Chandler, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2021 in Chandler, Texas. He was born on May 28, 1937, in Crossett, Arkansas, to the late Paul Denton and Marie (Miller) Denton.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Corinth Cemetery, FM 1970, Timpson, Texas, 75975.

Charlie grew up in a nomad-type life. He moved around a lot, but he had adventures everywhere he went. He even attended Jr. High and High School with Elvis! After High School, he joined the Army. While serving in the military, Charlie was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. From his experiences while in the Army and just throughout life he lived life to the fullest and had plenty of stories to tell about all the adventures he had been through. Charlie loved his daughter and all of his grandkids. One of his greatest joys was hearing his grands call him “Paw Paw”. Charlie absolutely loved being outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, or just go out boating. He also loved to take care of his yard, and you better not mess up his grass. He had a great dry and sarcastic sense of humor that kept everyone around him laughing. Charlie had also been known to play a prank or two. He loved playing 42 with family and friends. He was such a regular customer at Whataburger that they knew just what he wanted when he pulled up and they missed him when he didn’t come. Charlie always had to have his daily paper and would fuss if he didn’t get it. Charlie was known to give the greatest “Coffee Sugars”. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.

Charlie is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marie (Miller) Denton; his wife, Merle Denton; and his infant son, Charlie Joe Denton.

Charlie is survived by his daughter, Debra McIntyre and husband, Rob; grandchildren, Eva Marie Brown, Keely Merle Graves, and Amanda Jo Deaton and husband, Carl; great-grandchildren, Kat, Haidyn, Matthew, and David; and a host of other family and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Mark Lawson, Andrew Dyer, Lane Harrison, Haidyn Rude, and Bill Meeler.

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.

06/21/2021

Donnie Leon Borders passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2021 at the age of 73 at his residence in Center, Texas.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 11:00 am with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. The service will be held at Watson and Sons funeral home in Center. Officiants, Randall McCoy, Darrell McCoy, and L. D. Eddins. Favorite memories shared by Gena Pinner. Interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas.

Donnie was born May 1, 1948 in Port Arthur, Texas to Alton E. Borders and Susie K. Dearing Borders. He graduated from Center High School in 1966 and attended Stephen F. Austin State University for 3 years. Donnie was a hard worker hauling pulpwood and hay during his time in college. Later he obtained a real estate license. He was a forester, did landman work, logged, owned and drove dump trucks and liked to mechanic. He owned property in several counties. Donnie’s favorite occupation was when he served 2 separate terms as the Precinct 1 Shelby County Commissioner . He was the first Republican to run in Shelby County and win. This was in 1996.

He enjoyed keeping up with local, state, and national politics. He had a good sense of humor and loved to visit and tell stories especially about traffic violations or warnings he received. He was always helping others. He was a fun loving and generous person. He was a faithful member of the Center First United Pentecostal Church where he will be missed.

Donnie is survived by:

Brother, Ronnie Borders of Center

Sister-in-law, Christine Borders of Center

Numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends

Donnie was preceded in death by:
Parents: Alton Borders and Susie Borders
Brother: Gene Borders

Pallbearers will be Nowell Borders, Darin Borders, Rece Porterfield, Luke Brown, Joshua McDonald, Norman Logsdon, Matt Boren, And Joey Fountain. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Borders, Mack Borders, Herbert Daw, L.D. Eddins, Archie Cooley, Norman McCauley, Harry Cooper, Terry Carriker, Buck Green and his Brookshire Brothers and T&R Steaks and More buddies he hung out with regularly.

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

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