Shelby County Today

06/14/2021

Maurene Hooper Broadway, 89, of Converse, Louisiana passed away on June 11, 2021, in Converse, Louisiana. She was born on February 9, 1932, in Shelby County, Texas the daughter of Charlie and Georgie Ethel Rollins Hooper.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at Mangum Funeral Home with Tracey and Joe Rowe and Rev. Charles Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Old Sardis Cemetery, San Augustine County. Visitation will be held from 5:00pm – 8:00pm on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at Mangum Funeral Home.

Our mother, Maurene, was the oldest of 11 children. At the age of 16 she moved to the big city of Center from the Sand Hills of Shelby County.  Her first job was a waitress at KB cafe where she would go on to meet her husband, Buddy Broadway.  

She went from being a waitress to being a nurse at the Center Sanitarium, under Dr Hurst, where she made lifelong friendships.  While working at the Sanitarium she married and gave birth to three children delivered by Dr Hurst. 

Maurene also worked briefly for Shelby General and Holiday Nursing Home. 

She went on to retire from Brookshire Brother’s in Center where she worked in the Bakery making cakes(which was one of her passions) and also worked as a checker for many years. 

In her spare time, she loved working with flowers and gardening and most importantly she was a devout Pentecostal and was in church every chance she got. 

Family has always been very important to Maurene and there will definitely be a void in our lives with her gone. 

The family would like to say a special THANK YOU to Mindy Fruge (special friend of the family) and Superior Hospice, Many Louisiana, for the extra special care you gave to Maurene! 

Maurene is survived by:

Children:
Anita Jones and husband, Bobby of Center
Rita Carter and husband, Wayne of Converse, LA
Bryan Broadway and wife, Kat of Timpson

Grandchildren:
Krista Warr and husband, Rodney of Center
Niki Martin and husband, Mike of Central Heights
Ashley Holloway of Appleby
Kim Holley of Spring
Heather Guillory of Spring
Shana Whitton and husband, David of Joaquin
Shelley Yarbrough and husband, Chris of Center
Tammy McNease and husband, Danny of Huntsville
Jake Broadway of Timpson
Jared Carter of Converse, LA
Travis Broadway and wife Sam of Marshall

25 great-grandchildren

2 great-great-grandchildren on the way

Sisters and brothers-in-law:
Charlene and Jackey Pigg
Georgie Marshburn
Delorse and Dave Martinez
Wanda and David Curbow
Zelma and James Litzmann

Brothers and sisters-in-law:
Hoyt and Jane Hooper
Durwood and Shirley Hooper

Brother-in-law, Larry Lawson

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie Green and Georgie Ethel Hooper; great-granddaughter Kiley Dearman; sister, Bonnie Free; brothers, Tim Hooper and Doyle Hooper; brothers-in-law, J.W. Free and Jimmy Marshburn; sister-in-law, Martha Hooper and the father of her children, Buddy Broadway.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements. To convey condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

06/14/2021

Virginia Maurene Hooper, 89, of Converse, Louisiana passed away on June 11, 2021. Born on February 9, 1932, to Charlie Green Hooper and Georgia Ethel Hooper.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 5pm to 8pm at Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX. Funeral Service will be Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 10am at Mangum Funeral Home Center, TX.

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

06/14/2021

Eltroy McCowin Jr (48) a loving husband, father, son, brother, and uncle died unexpectedly on June 8, 2021 in Pearland, TX.

A memorial service in Center will be held on July 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm. The service will be held at Abundant Love Church in Center, TX.

Eltroy was born in Center, Texas on June 17, 1972, to Eltroy McCowin Sr. and Lumorriel Thompson Colbert. He graduated from Center High School 1990, and briefly attended Texas State University. After finishing that chapter of his life, he went to barber school and soon owned four successful barber shops. He also owned two successful auto-detail shops in Houston and Center, TX. Later on he went to the Ocean Corp and graduated in 2005, where he became a certified Non-Destructive Technician and worked as a site lead inspector for IRISNDT at Chevron CPC up until his passing. He also had a passion for bulldogs, and he bred English and French bulldogs as a hobby. He was a well respected breeder at the time of his passing as well. He met his wife, Stephanie, in May of 1992. He accepted the Lord as his Savior in 1999, but has recently decided to reaccept the Lord in 2021.

Eltory is survived by:

Father, Eltroy McCowin Sr. 

Mother, Lumorriel Thompson Colbert (Charles Colbert)

Wife, Stephaine Morales

Sons:
Wesley McCowin
Trevon McCowin

Daughters:
Sydnee Morales
Emily McCowin

Sisters:
Annie Gibson (Harold Gibson)
Sandra McHenry McCowin
Nakeshia Swindle (Lance Swindle)

Special Nephews:
DeUndre McCowin
Kelvin Boldon (Shemita Boldon)

Eltory Jr. leaves to cherish his memory a host of other family members, classmates, and friends.

Eltroy was preceded in death by:
Grandmothers: Olevia Giddings, Maureen Green
Father-in-Law Frank Morales
Sister Anita Reed
A host of Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Viewing and Celebration of Life will both be held June 19, 2021 at Harvest Point Fellowship Church located in Pearland, TX. Viewing of the body will be held between the hours of 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Service will follow starting at 11:00 am.

For those that cannot attend the service, it will broadcast live, and a link will be posted on Facebook.

06/10/2021

Oliver W. Barnett, 85, of Shelbyville, passed away Wednesday, June 9, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation at 9:30 a.m. Bro. Rusty Hall will officiate. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Huxley.

Born March 3, 1936, Oliver is the son of Merl Barnett and Lois Whitton Barnett. He served in the United States Army. Later, Oliver was employed with Louisiana State Department of Agriculture. He was a member of both Texas Agriculture and Timber Association and Texas Cattle Association. When time allowed, Oliver loved to travel.

He is survived by:

Wife, Rodean Metcalf Barnett of Shelbyville

Daughter, LaVaunda Adams and husband Donnie of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Wade Adams and wife Haley
Chase Barnett
Amanda Hassfurther and husband Eric

Great-grandchildren:
Emma Grace Adams
Lily Jane Adams
Eli Hassfurther
Charlotte Hassfurther

Sister Peggy Mitchell of Logansport, Louisiana.

Preceded in death by his son, Leland Barnett; and parents, Merl Barnett and Lois Whitton Barnett.

Pallbearers will be Wade Adams, Chase Barnett, Eric Hassfurther, Jason Lily, and Donnie Adams.

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

06/09/2021

Herman Leroy Cummings, Jr., 70, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2021, in Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 11, 2021, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Joe Innerarity and Bro. Mike Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born May 15, 1951, in Joaquin, Herman is the son of Herman Leroy Cummings Sr. and Lillie Belle Murray Cummings. He retired from a career as a truck driver.  Herman loved time spent with his grandkids. He was a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by:

Wife, Lucy Cummings of Joaquin

Children:
Scotty Cummings and wife Kristie of Joaquin
Angie Stephens and husband Lynn of Logansport, Louisiana
Lance Cummings and wife Renee of Joaquin
Bobo Cummings and wife Anna of Joaquin

Grandkids:
Holden Cummings and wife Brandi of Joaquin
Emily Stephens and fiancé Davy of Logansport, Louisiana
Blane Cummings and wife Shawna of Center
Skyllar Cummings and Zachary Moore of Maybank, Texas
Hailey Cummings and boyfriend Badie of Bossier City, Louisiana
Lindsey Walker and husband Kaleb of Grand Cane, Louisiana
Hunner Cummings of Joaquin
Blake Cummings of Joaquin
Blaine Ramsey of Joaquin
Brayden Cummings of Joaquin
Brody Cummings of Joaquin
Brystal Cummings of Joaquin
Brent Cummings of Joaquin
Addison Cummings of Joaquin

Great-grandchildren:
Kohen Cummings
Isabella Walker
Luke Moore

Sisters-in-law:
Joyce Berry of Converse, Louisiana
Rosie Myers of Joaquin

Brothers:
Kenneth Cummings and wife Mary
Ike Cummings and wife Lisa

Sisters:
Patricia Gray and husband Richard
Linda Broadus and husband Roy
Sue Raybon

Numerous special nieces and nephews whom he loved so much!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman Leroy Cummings Sr. and Lillie Belle Murray Cummings; infant sister; and brother, Mike Cummings Sr.; grandparents, Jeff and Resa Murray and Henry and Hattie Cummings.

Pallbearers will be Holden Cummings, Blaine Ramsey, Blane Cummings, Blake Cummings, Brayden Cummings, Brody Cummings, and Brent Cummings. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Walters and Max Pugh.

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

06/09/2021

Josie Harris Horton (90) of Houston, Texas died Wednesday, June 2, 2021, in Houston, Texas. Mrs. Horton was married to the late Elnoris Horton. Mrs. Horton was born February 7, 1931.

Funeral service will be Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 12:00 noon at the Mt. Gillion Baptist Church (5920 State Highway 87 North Center, Texas 75935). Rev. Gary Suell will be officiation. 

Mrs. Horton is survived by:

Children:
Sharon Hamilton (Curtis) of Timpson
Pamela Joyce Jones of Houston
Josie Harper of Spring
Edward Horton (Sharon) of Center
Eric Horton (Shelia) of Humble
Larry Charles Horton of El Paso
Anthony Horton (Virginia) of Center 

14 Grandchildren
16 Great-grandchildren
5 Great-great grandchildren

Special Godchildren, Robert and Charlene Cooper of Center, Texas 

Special Great-grandkids, Tristan Tapley and Trinitee Tapley of Balch Spring, Texas

As well as a host of amazing relatives and friends.

Visitations will be Thursday, June 10, 2021, at 10:00 AM-12:00 Noon at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church.

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

Services are entrusted to Hicks Mortuary of Center, Texas and Skipper Lee and Sons Eternal Rest Funeral Home of Houston, Texas.

06/07/2021

Kathy Kay Waldon passed away in Houston, Texas on May 28, 2021.

Memorial graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born August 13, 1953 in Baytown, Texas to LD Hibbard, Sr. and Josephine “Mollie” Hibbard Barton. Kathy was raised in Shelby County. She attended school at Shelbyville and Center High School.

Kathy was an outgoing, fun loving, and witty person. She loved her children beyond measure. She had a talent for writing poetry and a love for music. She was a devoted Christian and enjoyed attending church regularly.

Kathy is survived by:

Children:
Justin Waldon of Overton
Eric Waldon of Overton
Elizabeth Kay Evans of Houston

Siblings:
John Russell Hibbard of Nacogdoches
Joe Cecil Hibbard and Wendy of Nacogdoches
Debra Ann Hibbard of the Woodlands
LD Hibbard, Jr. and wife Carmen of Center
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

She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.

Preceded in death by parents LD Hibbard Sr, William and Josephine Mollie Barton, grandparents Theodore Schrakamp and Josephine Schrakamp Willis, Joseph and Dorothy Hibbard, brother-in-law Billy L. Poindexter, nephew Ronnie Morgan, nephew Matthew Hibbard, and niece Christy Mae Taylor.

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

06/04/2021

Charles “Chuck” Eshliman, 69, of Center, passed away Friday, June 4, 2021, in Center.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at Noon. Bro. Gordon Vaughn will officiate. Interment will follow at Newburn Cemetery in Center.

Born July 21, 1951, in Michigan, Chuck is the son of Shirley Haacke. He worked as a warehouse manager at East Texas Poultry Supply for 23 years. Chuck loved spending time with his grandkids.

He is survived by:

Children:
Sally Murphree (Justin) of Center
Jonathon Eshliman of Center

Grandkids:
Brittany LeValley
Harley Eshliman
Johnny Eshliman
Tessa Eshliman
Wesley, Kye, and Kambree Murphree

Brother, Victor Haacke of Pasadena

Sisters:
Janet Fuchs (Ted) of Cypress
Karen Looman of Clear Lake

Sister-in-law, Judy Eshliman of Porter

Numerous nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Haacke; sisters, Barbara Crews and Roxanne Eshliman; brother, George Eshliman; and nephews, Ronnie Eshliman and James Michael Crews.

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

06/01/2021

Morris Donal Shofner, 86, passed away on May 27, 2021 in Houston, Texas.

Morris was born December 20, 1934 to World War I Army veteran Franklin Martin Shofner and Nettie Adell (Oates) Shofner in Dreka, the third of nine children. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1951 and married Ella Jeanell Smith in 1953. After the birth of their children, Wanda and Juanice, they relocated to Houston. He was a Scottish Rite Mason. Morris spent six years working for Houston Lighting Power and then joined the Houston Police Department in 1961 Class 24, retiring in 1989. He and Jeanell spent their golden years gardening and playing with their four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by Jeanell, his wife of 54 years; his parents, Frank and Adell; siblings: Hazel Shofner, Billy Sam Shofner, Peggy (Shofner) Jordy, Martin Quincy Shofner. 

Left to cherish his memory are:
Daughters:
Wanda Naumann of Houston
Juanice and Jay West of Dayton

Grandson, Jarod West and wife Jennifer of Austin

Granddaughters:
Ashley Naumann of Houston
Julie West and Ricardo Guerra of Houston
Dr. Heather Naumann and husband Nathan Sechrist of Houston

Great-granddaughter, Atlas West of Austin

Brother, Carl Shofner and wife Lynn

Sisters:
Clevie Cook and husband Larry
Sonya Keeling and husband Garley
Linda Campbell

Numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends

Visitation (12 pm) and funeral services (2 pm) will be on June 4 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 12800 Westheimer Road Houston, Texas 77077.

Pallbearers will be Jarod West, Nathan Sechrist, Ricardo Guerra, Derek Shofner, Marty Shofner, and Dylan Shofner. 

Donations can be made to Assist The Officer, Houston which is a non-profit organization providing short-term, immediate need financial assistance for Houston police officers critically injured or disabled in the line of duty via check, made payable to ATO, note Shofner in the memo line, and mail to ATO, ATTN: Gabriela, 1600 State St., Houston, TX 77007 or at https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=7B6KANZ9D5RSS