Shelby County Today

09/28/2021

Longtime Angleton resident John Winder passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on September 23 at the age of 81 after a prolonged illness. 

A visitation will be held at Palms Funeral Home in Angleton on September 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. with graveside services and burial at Old Salem Cemetery in Center, Texas at 1 p.m. on Thursday. A reception will be held at the church afterwards. 

Born to parents Preston Winder and Jewel Hawthorne Winder on November 12, 1939, he was named John Wayne by his older sister Mavis who kept a close relationship with him all their lives. He grew up in the small community of Caro, Texas near Nacogdoches and attended school at Central Heights, graduating in 1958. Some of the best years of his life he often said were playing basketball for the Blue Devils.

He married Linda Johnson of Center in 1965 and they moved to Angleton in 1966. He was one of the first five people hired when Angleton Danbury Hospital opened in 1969 and he worked there until 1996, leaving as director of purchasing. He especially enjoyed co-workers and the student workers he supervised in Central Supply each year. 

In the 1960s and 1970s he was very active with the Angleton Jaycees, working on local projects such as the March of Dimes and attending conventions all over the state. He coached the Jaycees Little League baseball team and worked all fundraisers.

He was always close to his family, enjoying get-togethers at Caro and going on vacations with his brother Rho. He was just as close to his wife’s family and liked working with his in-laws at their East Texas farms. Wherever he was, there was always a game of dominos underway.

He was a morally good person, one who was always helpful, trustworthy and kind. He liked a calm life and never went to extremes.

The most exciting time of his life was the birth of his son David in 1974. The two shared a love of sports that started when David was a toddler and never stopped. He especially enjoyed the years helping out with David’s baseball teams and then watching him play basketball for the Wildcats.

More exciting times came with the birth of his grandchildren Saje in 2006, Sophia in 2008 and Finnick in 2012 and his daughter-in-law Renee still tells about how when Saje was a baby, he would go over just to watch her sleep.

In later years he enjoyed playing dominos at the rec center and spending time with close neighbors. He volunteered with projects for his wife’s journalism classes at Angleton High and also helped out with campaigns for State Representative Dennis Bonnen.

Plagued with health problems most of his life, he started declining about ten years ago. He slowly lost mobility and his eyesight but kept a keen mind and never lost his ability to remember any and everything that had ever happened in his life or on a basketball court or baseball field.

Pallbearers will be Mark Clifton, Lynn Johnson, Shelby Johnson, Ed Johnson, Dennis Bonnen and Royce Lawson.

He is survived by:

Wife, Linda Winder of Angleton

Son, David Winder and wife Renee of Clute

Grandchildren: 
Saje Winder of Clute
Sophia Winder of Clute
Finnick Winder of Clute

Brother, Rho Winder and wife Juasell of Nacogdoches

Sisters:
Mavis Clifton of Nacogdoches
Sue Sanders of Nacogdoches

In-laws:
Royce Lynn Johnson and wife Isabelle of Center
Karen Bittick and husband Wayne of Center
Angela Lawson and husband Royce of Center
Louise Johnson of Center
Billy Jernigan and wife Karen of Nacogdoches
Larry Jernigan and wife Lisa of Euless

Numerous nieces and nephews

Many special people in the Winder, Hawthorne, Johnson, McSwain and Jernigan families.

Preceded in death by: parents, Press and Jewel Winder; nephew, Jerry Clifton; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Myra Winder of Rusk; father-in-law, Royce Johnson of Center; father-in-law, Bill Jernigan of Center; and mother-in-law, Maxine Jernigan of Center.

Services are under the direction of Palms Funeral Home in Angleton, Texas.

09/28/2021

L D Allen, (79) of Houston, Texas died on September 21, 2021, at a local hospital in Houston, Texas. L D was born to Eugene Allen and Matilde Pilot, Allen in Center, Texas on February 14, 1942.

Funeral service will be held at Progressive Missionary Baptist Church (3727 N. Westmoreland Rd. Dallas, Texas 75212) at 2:30 P.M. on October 2, 2021. Visitation is on October 1, 2021, at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home (6449 University Hill Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75241) from the hours of 3pm to 8pm. Committal is at Mountain Creek Cemetery in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Mr. Allen is survived by:

Children:
Darron McCoy (Toni) of Carrollton, Texas
Thomas Henderson (NaShonda) of Atlanta, Texas
Antonietter “Toni” Allen, White of Plano, Texas
Greg McCowin (Diana) Little Elm, Texas
Willie Suell of Tyler, Texas
Elizabeth Suell of Center, Texas

Sisters:
Bobbye Bowan of Tyler, Texas
Wyomia Allen of Dallas, Texas
Cora Sue Wallace of Nacogdoches, Texas
LaMerie Allen of Tyler, Texas

15 Grandchildren; 9 Great-Grandchildren

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Special Niece, Michelle Jenkins Anders of Dallas, Texas

Special Nephew, Kent Allen of Houston, Texas

Best Friend, Felton Greer of Giddings, Texas

Services entrusted to Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home of Dallas, Texas and Hicks Mortuary of Center, Texas.

09/27/2021

Louise (Walker) Cockrell, our loving mother, sister, and friend Louise Cockrell passed away on September 2nd in Seattle, Washington. She was born on October 22, 1930 to George and Lottie (Walsh) Walker in Monroe, Louisiana. 

Louise graduated from Many High School in 1948 and then attended Panola College in Carthage, Texas taking courses in business. After moving to Joaquin, Louise worked at the only café in downtown Joaquin where she met John Floyd Cockrell whom she eventually married on December 15, 1952.

A while after marrying John, Louise joined him in Manhattan Beach, CA where he was stationed in the Army. Louise returned to Joaquin to give birth to her son Ronald at Barksdale A.F.B. in October 1955. The family continued living in Joaquin after John was discharged from the service where Louise worked as a teller at the Texas State Bank in Joaquin.

In August of 1961, Louise and John decided to pack up their family and move to Tacoma, Washington in search of more opportunities for the future. John’s oldest sister and family were already living there, and John knew the area as he was stationed nearby during the Korean War. 

Louise and John remained happily married in Tacoma until John’s passing in the spring of 1983. After Ronald went to college, Louise returned to work as a store teller for the Fred Meyer grocery chain eventually retiring in 1992.

After retirement, Louise continued to enjoy her favorite pastimes of shopping, sewing, crochet, knitting, reading, and gardening. She lived independently in the family home until her health would no longer allow in early 2016.

Louise will be laid to rest in Sholar Cemetery next to her husband John. Friends and family are invited to visit Louise at the Mangum Funeral Home in Center, Texas on Saturday, October 2nd between 5 & 7 pm.  

A private service will be held graveside at her interment.

Louise is survived by: 
Her sister, Delores Gallien of Shreveport

Her son, Ronald Cockrell and his husband Michael Messick of Tacoma, WA 

Many nieces, nephews, and cousins on both her and John’s sides of the family.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charitable organization in Louise’s name.

09/26/2021

Judy Oswalt Dorris, 80, of Carthage, Texas passed this life peacefully September 26, 2021 at her Carthage home.

Funeral service will be 10am Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the Hawthorn Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rob Merriman officiating. Burial will follow in the Strong Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 4-6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Hawthorn Funeral Home.

Mrs. Judith Ann Bradshaw Oswalt Dorris was born October 22, 1940 in Shelby County, Texas. Judy was one of five children born to the marriage of Ira and Annie B. Price Bradshaw. She was raised and schooled in Shelby County graduating with the Center High School Class of 1958 and attended Massey Business College.

Mrs. Dorris spent her career as an administrative secretary working for Boyd Contracting, many years for Farmers State Bank and Tyson Foods before her retirement. She was a member of Central Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Judy loved fishing, bingo, making tamales and spending time with family. She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband Harold Oswalt.

She is survived by:

Husband, Hank Dorris of Carthage

Daughters:
Tammy Scarber and husband Marty of Rowlett
Cindy Schelhouse and husband Charles of Carthage
Kristi Chadwick and husband Frank of Longview

Sisters:
Rhonda Crosby and husband Chuck of Port Huron, MI
Sonya Belrose and husband Wayne of Center
Lisa LeGault and husband Mike of Orange

Grandchildren:
Tamra and Danny Flores
Allyson and Matt Griffith
Leah Bolin
Charley and Pamela Schelhouse
Christian Schelhouse
Christopher and Aly Chadwick
Chelsea Chadwick
Carly Chadwick

Nine great-grandchildren

Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be, Charley Schelhouse, Christian Schelhouse, Christopher Chadwick, Matt Griffith, Danny Flores, and Christian Boulware.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.hawthornfuneralhome.com

09/25/2021

Albert Levi Dennis, 82, of Joaquin, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021, in Joaquin.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 27, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Michael Belgard officiating. Interment will follow at Sardis Cemetery in Shelby County.

Born April 11, 1939, Albert is the son of Albert Frank Dennis and Nancy Walling Dennis. He served as a Merchant Marine from 1956-1958.  Woodwork was his hobby. Albert loved getting together with his family. He was a member of Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.

He is survived by: 
His children: 
Judy Smith and husband Jay of Center
Debra Perry of Joaquin
Johnny Dennis of Joaquin
Randy Dennis and wife Deborah of Joaquin
Diane Carroll and husband Dewey of Joaquin
Willie Dennis and wife Deena of Timpson
Dorothy “GeGe” Byrd and husband Steve of Joaquin
and Shane Dennis of Kentucky

16 grandkids

30 great-grandkids

Brothers and sister: 
Jimmy Dennis of Illinois
Gilbert Dennis of Huntington
Clara Blount of Joaquin
Thomas Dennis of Joaquin
Martha Blizzard of Pennsylvania

Special brother-in-law, Elbert Porter of Center

Also, numerous nieces and nephews

Preceded in death by his wife, Helen Dennis; granddaughter, Mandy Rachelle Dennis; great grandson, Joseph Scott Coy; sisters, Martha Anthony and Margaret Leach; and brother, John Thomas Smiley.

Pallbearers will be Shane Dennis, Todd Clark, Chant Clark, Chris Dennis, Cody Renegar, Brandon Byrd, Draper Carrol, and Darrel McDaniel.

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

09/23/2021

Ruthie Christina Hill, 69 of Fort Worth, Texas, was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 16 in Dallas, Texas. She was born November 13, 1951 in Center to Eula Moore Randle and Jeff Randle, Sr.

Funeral service is 1pm Saturday, September 25 at Center Triumph Church in Center. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center with Prince Cecil Washington officiating.

Ruthie Christina Hill attended Center High School and received her High School diploma. She moved on to further her education at Stephen F. Austin State University graduating with her Bachelor's degree in Business.

Ruthie became a member of Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ at an early age. She dedicated her life to God, her family and the church. While in the church she held many positions. Ruthie was a member of the National, State, and local choir. She also held the position as a church treasurer as well as the State and local secretary. She loved to praise God, and is probably up there having a great time with her family and friends!

Ruthie met Tony Hill and was united in Holy Matrimony; they had one child to this union, Christina Hill.

She moved to Dallas, Texas where she began a successful career at Texas Workforce Commission as a Team Leader and then later promoted to a Supervisor. After spending years at the Texas Workforce she retired to take care of her two grandsons after the death of her daughter, Christina.

She was a very dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Ruthie loved sports and was very supportive to her daughter's love for basketball and the participation of her grandchildren's sports. She was a strong, loving, caring, spiritual, and outspoken person. She will be missed by those who truly loved her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Anthony Hill; daughter, Christina Hill; father, Jeff Randle, Sr.; mother, Eula Moore Randle; and sister, Dorothy Randle.

She is survived by:

Grandsons:
Aaron Anthony Hill Smith
Christopher Alexander Price

Sisters:
Essie
Myrtle
Mary
Twanna (Charles)
Gisele

Brothers:
Jeff Randle, Jr. (Jessie)
James Randle (Jen)

A host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services are entrusted to Community Funeral Home of Center.

09/22/2021

Kyle Glenn Bush, 51, of Timpson passed away early Monday morning, September 20, in Tyler after a long, hard fight with Covid. During his 7 weeks in the hospital, he made a huge impression on those who cared for him. His doctor described him as being a “mule of a man” with a “heart of a lion” when speaking of his strength, determination and his will to fight. 

Kyle was born in Center on January 7, 1970 to Elton “Bubba” and Nancy McIver Bush. He was joined in 1975 by his brother, Kevin Dayton. As a young man, Kyle met the love of his life, Carla Ramsey, and they married in 1992. In 1994, their firstborn child, Kylie Renee, was born and died a few days later. After enduring such a devastating loss, their lives were forever changed on May 27, 1997, when they welcomed their greatest blessings, twins, Kaylie Renee and Keaton Kyle. For the rest of his days, Kyle’s world revolved around anything and everything that involved his kids. Barrel racing, softball, baseball, showing cattle, hunting, fishing and anything else they found to do along the way, Kyle was all in and spent every spare moment being Keaton and Kaylie’s biggest supporters alongside Carla. He was so proud of the brand Keaton has built, B Square, that began with he and Kaylie showing cattle as children. His kids were his greatest accomplishments and most cherished blessings. 

Kyle worked mostly in construction but he wore many hats along the way and made many investments that allowed him to give his family the best possible life. He loved to be anywhere his family was but his favorite places were in the woods and on the riverbank. He was a true outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing. He spent many days with his friends and he had so many. People were just drawn to Kyle for his big personality. He was known far and wide for his ability to entertain and cook for a crowd. He could make a competition out of anything and was the best 42 player. He left this world as a champion as he and Kaylie claimed first place in the 2021 Grill Fest 42 Tournament this past April. He was larger than life and to know him was to love him. 

Kyle is preceded in death by: infant daughter, Kylie Bush; grandparents, Coye and Ima Jean Bush, Dave and Kathryn McIver; aunt, Brenda Bush Wright; uncle, Randy Bush;  father-in-Law, Doyle Ramsey; and cousin, Nathan Davis.

Kyle is survived by:

Wife, Carla Bush of Timpson

Son, Keaton Bush of Timpson

His princess, Kaylie Bush of Timpson

Parents, Bubba and Nancy Bush, of Center

Brother, Kevin Bush and wife Brooke, of Elkhart

Sister-in-law, Connie McSwain of Timpson

Mother-in-law, Imogene Ramsey, of Timpson

Nephews:
Hunter and Holden Bush
Casey and Cole Milford 
Colton McSwain 
Luke Johnson 
Cecil McSwain
Roscoe McSwain, Jr.

Nieces:
Gracie Johnson
Ashton McSwain Askew

Aunts and Uncles:
Beverly Slatter and husband Basel
Tammy Ramirez and husband Amando
Sandra Walsh and husband Bubba 
Kim Jarjoura and husband Jeff 
Dewayne Bush and wife, Jeneane
Margaret Bush
Martha Rushing and husband, Charles
David McIver and wife, Mary Beth
Garrison McIver and wife, Sharon

He also leaves behind a tight knit group of 20 first cousins and a host of children that thought he hung the moon and the stars. 

Pallbearers will be: Shelby Johnson, Darren Wiggins, Joseph Mast, Brian Stephenson, Brian Hendricks, Cecil Jackson, Bazil Moore, Shad Lout, Stacy Pledger, Eric Perry, Phillip Gore, Ryan Sitton, Casey Lee, and John Sparks.

Honorary pallbearers will be his first friends, his cousins: Brandon Slatter, Brent Slatter, Chris Paddie, Charlie Bush, Colt Bush, Clay Bush, Trae George, Andy Ramirez, Brad Rushing, and David McIver.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 23rd from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be on Friday, September 24th at 11am, all at Center First United Pentecostal Church in Center, Texas. Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery.

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

09/22/2021

Rhonda Lee Soto, 62, of Timpson, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Travis Lee officiating. Interment will follow at Powdrill Cemetery in the Arcadia Community of Shelby County.

Born March 23, 1959, in Elkhart, Indiana, Rhonda is the daughter of Roland Smith and Leahoma Holt Smith. She enjoyed painting and gardening. Rhonda was a member of First Baptist Church in Timpson.

She is survived by:

Husband, Ralph Soto of Timpson

Children:
Christina Curtis of Anchorage, Alaska
Karla Jean Bright of Timpson
Rafael Soto of Timpson

Grandchildren:
Deserae Bright
Dylan Bright
Timothy Adams
Kayla Bright
Alyssa Bright
Madisyn Bright
Dakota Bright
Hunter Bright
Eliana Soto
Aubrie Soto
Kinsley Soto

Sister, Diane Ladd of Battle Creek, Michigan

Preceded in death by parents, Roland Smith and Leahoma Holt Smith.

Pallbearers will be Rafael Soto, Frankie Bright, Raul Soto, Israel Flores, J.R. Curtis, and Ruben. Honorary pallbearers will be Dakota Bright, Rudy Soto, and Timothy Adams.

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

09/19/2021

Bruce Howard Denby born Aug 21 1951, left his earthly home Friday, September 17, 2021, in Gary Texas surrounded by his loving wife and family. After becoming ill in January Bruce was no longer able to fight the mystery illness that was plaguing his body. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, September 20, 2021, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Brother Lamar Denby and Brother Rob Merriman officiating. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery with final prayer by Queenie Brinson.

Bruce, the youngest of five children grew up in Denby Town, Texas. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1969 where he was involved in many clubs and sports but loved football the most.

At a very young age Bruce learned to use his hands and skills in carpentry and anything mechanical. If he attempted to build it or fix it it was done with precision and beauty! His love for all things Ford was never called into question. Older trucks and mustangs were his passion projects. When he was not using his skills building something you would find him tinkering on an old vehicle or 10 in his shop. If you knew Bruce for 5 minutes you would surely hear all about the15 vintage vehicles he had and his vision for every one of them. 

Although a back condition kept Bruce from serving his country in the military he was so proud to spend 2 years in Iraq helping to rebuild that country. He loved working where he felt like he was making a difference in the lives of those around him at home or on foreign soil. Bruce `made so many faithful friends during his time overseas that have remained close right up to the end. Bruce worked as a saltwater pumper for Nuverra Environmental Solutions the past 10 years. He loved to work and was only recently sidelined from doing what he loved due to his illness.

Bruce loved Jesus, his family and friends and his Country. 

One of the greatest singer/songwriters that never made it, Bruce Denby! When he decided to enjoy a little down time you could find him in his man cave lightly strumming his guitar to some Gary Stewart, #3 on his jukebox, or any old school country music song. Karaoke was for sure his favorite way to wind down from a week of hard work. If you were looking for some belly laughs and a great night he was your guy!

Bruce loved to garden and no matter what he planted or where he planted it, IT GREW! It was said by Carolyn, his wife of 19 years, “ I do believe Bruce Denby could plant a tire and grow a car”! His friends and neighbors would agree!

The heart that beat inside Bruce’s chest was as big as the State of Texas. He was quick to smile, generous with all he had, never judging and always ready to give a little grace. Bruce may have been smaller in stature but he was a Giant in kindness. 

Left to cherish his memory is wife and best friend Carolyn. 

Children:
Brian Denby and wife Brandi
Chris Denby
Brad Denby and wife Shannon.
April Campbell and husband Justin
Keni Jo Biggar

Grandchildren:
Dylan, Zachary and Brannon Denby
Cody and Brent Denby
Haley Lout and husband Shon
Presley, Kross, Kwade and Kroix Campbell

Great-Grandchildren:
Symber, Ava, Harper and Carter 
Kylin, Kambri

Brother-in-laws: 
Tommy Ishee and wife Vickie
Garry Ishee and wife Karen

Mother in law and friend for many years, Annie Jean Barbe. 

Preceded in death by his grandparents Francis Elizabeth (Fannie) and Cull Denby and parents Clifford Reeves and Versie Denby. Brothers, Weldon, Jack and Cliff Jr. Sister, Beatrice.

Lifelong best-friend, Leroy Wilburn.

Pallbearers will be Justin Campbell, JJ Ebarb, Dillon Ebarb, William Dutton, James Allen Ebarb, Tommy Ishee, Brandon Ishee, Moon Dog Johnny Brinson, and Robbey Dutton.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Harrell, Rickie Mayo, and Charlie Moore.

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