Shelby County Today

04/04/2024

Randall Scott “Randy” Pritchett, 62, of Center, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Center.

His wishes were to be cremated.

Born December 18, 1961, in Center, Randall is the son of Larry Pritchett and Leah Moorman Guice. He graduated from Tenaha High School in 1980. Randall went on to become a talented musician, even teaching music at times. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by:

Son, Randall Wayne Pritchett and wife Heidi of Joaquin

Daughter, Geneva Lynn Pritchett

Grandchildren:
Chandler Pritchett
Aspen Pritchett

Sister, Martha Pritchett Rowe and husband Larry of Houston

Brother, Roy Pritchett and wife Renee’ of Houston

Numerous nieces and nephews

Family friend, Eva Spurlock of Center

Stepfather, Mac Guice of Louisiana

Preceded in death by mother, Leah Moorman Guice; grandmother, Martha Moorman; and brother, Ronny Pritchett.

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

04/02/2024

Vickie Warr, a Center native, died on December 27, 2023, at an assisted living community in Austin. She was 79.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys Boothe Warr and Winston Roger Warr, Sr. (“Winkie”); two sisters, Patsy Warr and Diane Warr; and her brother, Winston Roger Warr, Jr..

Vickie graduated from Center High School and earned a B.A. in Psychology from Lamar University. After graduating, she returned to Center, where she lived until shortly before her death. Vickie was an avid reader, especially of mysteries. She was an animal lover, rescuing countless stray dogs and cats. Like all the Warrs, she adored children. She loved to laugh and play cards and games, and she was a wonderful aunt.

The Warr family will inter Winston’s and Vickie’s ashes in the family plot at Fairview Cemetery on Saturday, April 13 at 10:30 am. There will be no service, but any friends wishing to join the family for an informal gathering are welcome at the gravesite.

04/02/2024

Marlin Jackson Butler, 49, of Shepherd, Texas, went to rest on the afternoon of March 30, 2024, at Kingwood Hospital having faced a rigorous battle with numerous extensive heath conditions. He was born in Baytown Texas, on July 18, 1974, to James Bobby Butler and Betty Alford Marberry.

Funeral service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, April 4, 2024, Mangum Funeral Home, with Bro. Tim Perkins officiating. Interment will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, Martinsville, Texas.

A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10am at Mangum Funeral Home on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Marlin’s early years were spent growing up in Martinsville, Texas. He graduated from Martinsville High School. He later moved to Shepherd, Texas, residing with the ones he loved and worked as a supervisor on a pipe yard. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved a good challenge. No matter what he was doing, he was going to be the best. When he wasn’t spending time outdoors, he was spending time in the kitchen. He could do anything he set his mind to do. Marlin will be missed by numerous friends, family and other loved ones.

He is survived by:

Wife, Kelly Rhodes Butler

Children:
Madison Butler Green and husband Dustin
Karly Ishmael and boyfriend Jake Wiggins
Jaxon (Butler) Duke

Brother, James Butler and wife Verona

Sister, Brandi Butler Meck

Marlin is preceded in death by his mother, Betty Alford Marberry and husband Robert, and his father, James Bobby Butler.

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

03/30/2024

Hazel Brittain, age 93, completed her earthly journey on March 28, 2024, at Garrison Nursing Home. She was born to parents, Averett and Virginia Baggett on May 23, 1930, in Converse, Louisiana. She grew up in Shelby County and attended school in Center. She and T.C. “Pete” Brittain were married in 1947 and shared life and family for 56 years, before his passing in 2003. They were parents to a son, Travis, and a daughter, Barbara.

Much of her adult life was spent caring for her home and family and sharing in the work of farm and ranch life. She and Pete owned and operated Chambers Water Well Co. for several years, from the mid-sixties through the early seventies. During this time, she attended nursing school at Panola College and became an LVN. Her children were grown by this time. They sold the business and moved to the Cedar Yard community, where they raised chickens, cattle, and horses and always had a huge garden. The grandchildren have many memories of times spent at the farm during their growing-up years. Hazel continued to work at Holiday Nursing Home until her retirement.

She was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church for many years and loved her church family there. She was sad when she could no longer attend because of health issues.

She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word search, forty-two or just visiting with family and friends over a “good” cup of coffee.

Hazel is survived by:

Daughters:
Barbara Richards and husband Charles

Sharon Brittain, daughter-in-law and mother of Jamey and Charley
Cathy Brittain, former daughter-in-law and mother of Rodney, Nikki and Jill

Grandchildren:
Nikki Brittain
Brandon Richards and Melissa
Jill Jefferson and Keith
Jamey Brittain and Courtney
Charley Brittain and Kailyn

Great-grandchildren:
Trace Brittain
Logan Jefferson
Morgan Jefferson
Olivia Richards
Gracelyn Brittain
Kollyn Brittain
Karter Brittain
Kaisley Brittain
Tristan Samford

Brother, Hulon Baggett and Sharon

Sisters:
Ella Manshack
Joyce Noble

She is preceded in death by parents, Averett and Virginia Baggett; husband, T.C. “Pete” Brittain; son, Travis Brittain; grandson, Rodney Brittain; infant grandson, Sheldon Richards; brothers, Clifford and Ernest “Buddy” Baggett; and infant sister, Glennis Baggett.

Hazel leaves us with a legacy of love for and faith in Jesus Christ. Her prayer was to one day see each of us again in Heaven. In her home, she proudly displayed the wall art saying given to her by Nikki which reads, “Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time.”

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 1, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Nathan Hodge will officiate. Interment will follow at Cedar Yard Cemetery in Shelby County.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Richards, Jamey Brittain, Charley Brittain, Trace Brittain, Tristan Samford, Josh Cooper, and Logan Jefferson. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Jefferson, Wesley Brittain, Jody Brittain, Hulon Baggett, Buddy Hodge, and Thomas Mendez.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Garrison Nursing Home and staff for their compassionate care.

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

03/29/2024

Joe Fiedler, 96, formerly of Timpson, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2024, in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was born on September 13, 1927, in Wells, Texas, to the late Joseph Fiedler and Theresia (Maikish) Fiedler.

Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas, with Rev. Randy Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Timpson.  

Joe grew up in Forest and Wells, Texas. He graduated from Wells High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Joe attended and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University. There he met the love of his life, Gloria Bowlin, and the two spent over 63 wonderful years together before her passing. They had two children. Through the years, Joe taught in the public schools of Vidor, and in the Nederland Independent School Districts. He later served as a school administrator in Nederland ISD, and a superintendent at Joaquin ISD. He enjoyed the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, and raising cattle. Joe was a family man, and enjoyed time spent with his children and their families. 

He loved the Lord and served him at Paxton Methodist Church. 

Joe is survived by his son, Ben Fiedler and wife Robin

Daughter, Lesa Henning 

Sister, Mary Clemonds

Grandchildren:
Logan Henning
Jarrod Henning
Claire Fiedler Bradshaw
Candace Fiedler

5 Great-Grandchildren

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

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria.

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

03/28/2024

Jessie James Cooks, Jr., 65 of Tenaha, passed away Saturday night, March 23, 2024 at Harbor Hospice, Jasper, Texas.

Visitation is from 10am until 7pm on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Community Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

He is survived by:

Sister, Sherry Cooks of Center, Texas

Brothers:
Jesse Lee Cooks of Tenaha
Jesse Earl Cooks of Tenaha
Jesse John Cooks of Tenaha

Niece, Kristen Tutt of Tenaha

Host of Nieces and Nephews

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

03/28/2024

Aubrey "Gene" Hooper, 61 of Timpson, TX, passed away Thursday March 21, 2024 in his home.

Gene was born April 10, 1962 in Salina KS., to Jon Ben Hooper and Sylvia East Upton. Gene lived in Timpson most his life. He did a little bit of everything: structural steel, cutting trees, worked for the cable company and the last 24 yrs of his life he drove 18 wheelers hauling everything from lumber to windmill blades, and heavy equipment. Gene also enjoyed hunting to being outside doing yard work. 

His survivors include:

Wife, Pamela Hooper of Timpson

Brothers:
Jon Hooper of Pittsburgh TX
Joey Hooper of Henderson
Harry Liedtke of Henderson

Sister, Katreena Leavitt of Gary

Sons:
Timothy Hooper and wife Joslyn of Pine Bluff, AR
Stephen Hooper of Pine Bluff, AR

Step-Daughter, Roni Quinn of Pine Bluff, AR

Grandkids:
Tina Hooper
Avril Hooper
David Hooper
Aaliyah Hooper
Timothy Hooper Jr
Preslie Hooper

Many nieces and nephews, lots of family and friends. 

Celebration of life will be held April 6th at 10am-6pm at 720 E. Main Street, Nacogdoches, Texas.

03/25/2024

Kayla Jordan Turner, 35 of Carthage, completely filled with the Holy Spirit stepped into eternity with her Lord and Savior on March 24, 2024.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Stillwaters Cowboy Church. Interment will follow in the Six Mile Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 at Hawthorn Funeral Home. 

Born November 15, 1988, she grew to be an elegant and virtuous woman. She was devoted to each title she held in life: follower of Jesus Christ, wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She took pride in each. Her resilience, strength and love were unmatched and were a testament to the impact Jesus Christ had in her life. She was an avid member of Still Waters Cowboy Church and joyfully served on the Children’s Team. She was passionate about everything she did and would always do it to the best of her ability. She was the perfect example of being the hands and feet of Jesus. That carried over into each area of her life. She continued her ministry through her career as a beautician by sharing Christ and His true love and joy to each of her clients. Being a selfless person, Kayla always desired to build people up rather than break down and be last instead of first. She never wanted the attention on her for any length of time at all. No matter the hardships she faced during her life she never held a victim’s mentality and handled every situation with thankfulness and true integrity. She faced each circumstance as a growing opportunity. She was and is a true warrior. Warrior: A brave, or experienced soldier or fighter. There is no truer description of her. She has fought through every season of her life so faithfully.

Kayla got her fairytale ending when she stumbled across her cowboy, Corey Turner. They built a beautiful life and family together on the Turner Ranch over the last 8 years. The love that is shared between the two of them is indescribable and there was no denying that Christ was in the center of their story.

Temporarily, she leaves behind:

Husband and best friend, Corey Turner

Adored children, Cambrie and Keaton

Mother, Sharon Kirchner Brown and husband Donny Brown

Father, Gary Lee and wife, Sandra Gill Lee

Biological father, Bill Fisher and wife Amanda

Sister, Amelia Nieves and husband, Lexi

Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Brian and Melissa Turner

Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ryan and Hali Westbrook

A number of nieces and nephews who loved her dearly and referred to her along with many others as KK.

She is preceded in physical death by her sister, Naomi Murray.

Even today, Kayla would not desire that the focus be on her but that it be on Jesus Christ and the salvation that comes only from Him in hopes you would receive it and live it out as she did. As she spent her last weeks fighting until the very end, she ministered to each and everyone within the walls of her room and even the ones outside of it. She spoke truth and shared things that will truly hold an impact to all of us for a life time. She reminded her husband in their last conversation and would desire to remind you that, “You can either be with Him or against Him, but He is still God.” So we encourage you today, to always Fight Like Kayla.

Services under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home, Carthage, Texas.

03/22/2024

Donna Carol Carroll, 74, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, in Center, Texas. Donna was born on July 23, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Parker and Irene Shannon. 

A memorial service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Christian Life Center Pentecostal Church, Nacogdoches, Texas.

At a young age the family moved to Beaumont, Texas. Shortly after graduation Donna proudly served her county in the United States Army. The U.S. Army is where she met her soulmate and future husband, Paul. Donna married and became a mother. She followed her husband around the world as he continued his service in the U.S. Army. After Paul’s retirement, Donna followed her lifelong dream and graduated Panola College in 2001, becoming a nurse. 

Donna has always been a caretaker, after graduation she worked at the nursing home taking care of her father. She worked at various nursing homes around East Texas and many years at Garrison Nursing Home. When her mother was admitted to the nursing home, Donna took a job there to take care of her mother. When her brother fell ill she took him in her home and took care of him. Donna retired from Arbor Assisted Living facility in December 2022.

Donna is survived by:
Loving husband, Paul Carroll of Timpson

Sons:
Paul Carroll and wife Dawn of Carthage, TX
Colton Carroll of Timpson, TX

Daughters:
Carolee Kent and husband Allen of Mesquite
Betty Clifton and husband Shane of Timpson
Rebecca Horn and husband Daniel of Timpson

Sister, Joye Rice and late husband Larry of New Braunfels

Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Parker and Irene Shannon; brothers, Ralph Shannon, Chester Shannon; and beloved granddaughter, Shelby Carroll.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Pine Grove Nursing Home and Hearts Way Hospice for giving comforting care during her stay.

The Courteous Staff of Mangum Funeral Home