Shelby County Today

02/16/2020

Billy Irvin Harkness, 73, of Center, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2020, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2020, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Center with Justin Harkness officiating.  Visitation will be held prior to the service at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, beginning at noon.

Mr. Harkness was born January 23, 1947, in Center, to Cecil Irvin Harkness and Thelma Inez Nichols.  He worked as truck driver, bought and traded old tractors, and also worked in the timber industry.  

He is survived by:
His wife, Sandra Jean Harkness of Center

Children:
Carlton Harkness and wife Pattie of Center
Steven Harkness and wife Maria of Shelbyville
Brian Harkness and wife Becky of Center
Chronda Wilson and husband John of Bullard

Grandchildren: 
Justin Harkness and wife Stephanie of Center
Sara Hughes and husband Dustin of Nacogdoches
Maggie Harkness and friend Matt Harvey of Center
Katie Williams of Waco
Kassidy Fox and husband Jake of Nacogdoches
Alyssa Harkness of Shelbyville
Garrett Harkness of Shelbyville

Great-grandchildren: 
Cyper Harkness of Center 
Cecil Harkness of Center
Hanson Hughes of Nacogdoches
Charlsie Hughes of Nacogdoches 

Brothers: 
Wayne Harkness and wife Shirley of Center
Joe Harkness and wife Ricky Kaye of Brady
Ricky Dale Harkness and wife Carolyn of Center

Sisters: 
Delores Haliburton Bauwens and husband Vince of Waco
Peggy Smith of Center
Linda Waldon and husband William of Waco
Anitra Harris and husband Terry of Carthage 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Irvin Harkness and Thelma Inez Nichols; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alvin and Addie Johnson.

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

02/12/2020

Donna Kay Stephens, 68, of Queen City, Texas passed away on February 8, 2020 in Dallas, Texas.  Born January 22, 1952, in Houston, Texas, to the late Herman L. Stephens and Lillian Lidy (Schwartz) Stephens. Graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020 at 11:00AM at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Timpson, Texas, with Bro. Carroll Jones officiating.   

Donna was raised in Southeast Houston. She graduated from Smiley High School. She went to University of Houston and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. She later furthered her education and received her Master’s Degree then Doctorate Degree in Psychology. She worked over 41 years in the healthcare industry, serving as a registered nurse many years and recently retired from being a counselor for US Department of Veteran Affairs. Although Donna was a quiet, reserved person, she enjoyed helping others. When she was not working, you could find her listening to music, reading, doing medical research, and working on her computer. Donna found great joy in taking care of her little dogs whom she loved dearly.

She is survived by:
Her sister, Kathi Townes

Adopted brother, Andy Stephens and wife Jodi

Adopted sister, Emily Jordan and husband Bill

Several nieces and nephews; and extended family that will miss her dearly.  

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Herman L. Stephens and Lillian Lidy Stephens; and sister, Linda Kolajack. 

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.

02/10/2020

Jimmy “Jim” Ray Anderson, 74, of Tenaha, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2020, in Shelbyville.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with E.B. Adams officiating. A military honors service will follow under the direction of VFW Post #8904. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at noon. Interment will be at Anderson Family Cemetery in Tenaha.

Mr. Anderson was born November 8, 1945, in Houston, to Byron Anderson Jr. and Louis E. Edwards Anderson. He served in the Texas Army National Guard. His hobbies included fishing, welding, fabricating, and most of all, spending time with grandkids. Mr. Anderson was a member of First Assembly of Timpson.

He is survived by:

Children:
Michael R. Anderson and wife Sherry of Dayton
Belinda McDonald and Wayne Stokes of Garrison
Betty Basham of Tenaha
Jimmy Anderson and wife Crystal of Silsbee
Lonnie Anderson and wife Amanda of Katy
Troy Anderson of Tenaha
Bret Anderson of Texarkana

Number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and a host of friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Anderson; grandson, Joe Clyde Smith; parents, Byron Anderson Jr. and Louis E. Edwards Anderson; brother, Clyde Anderson; uncle, Bill and Neil Anderson; and mother-in-law, Opal Dobos.

Pallbearers will be Michael Smith, Steven Anderson, Jimmy Anderson II, Tristen Anderson, Bret Anderson, Kaden Foster, and Ashton Anderson. Honorary pallbearer will be Joe Clyde Smith.

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

02/10/2020

Laura Angela Simmons, 65, of Center, Texas passed away on February 7, 2020 in Tyler, Texas. Born December 11, 1954, in Refugio, Texas, to Thomas Hornburg and Martha (Summerall) Hornburg. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 10:00 AM at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas, with Bro. Harold Dement officiating. Interment will follow in Folsom Chapel Cemetery, Center, Texas. 

Visitation will be held Monday February 10th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

Laura was raised in Refugio Texas. She graduated Refugio High School and attended Texas Tech as a Journalism major. Laura was a beautiful and gracious lady. Laura married Ralph Simmons on February 4, 1977 and the two spent over 43 years together before her passing. She was an amazing mother, and devoted wife. If you knew her, you loved her. Laura never met a stranger. Her kindness knew no boundaries. She loved to travel and her most memorable times were those spent on the beach. Laura was an excellent cook and serving her family brought her much joy. Her family and especially her grandchildren were the light of her world. She loved the Lord, and lived her life accordingly. She was at peace with her eternal place, now with her Savior. Laura was a member of Folsom Chapel Baptist Church. She was also a member of Shelby County Republican Women.

She is survived by her husband, Ralph Simmons of Center, Texas; daughters, Stephanie Simmons Gutermuth and husband, Steven of Timpson, Texas, Heather Stewart and husband, Brent of Nacodgoches, Texas; son, Jacob Simmons and wife Victoria of Lake Jackson, Texas; grandchildren, Colton, Taylor, and Megan Gutermuth, Ashton and Avery Stewart, Eden and Ezra Simmons; sister, Teresa Hornburg; and a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly.

Laura is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Martha Hornburg; and daughter, Candace Simmons.

In lieu of flowers please make donation to St Jude Childrens Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
 
To send condolences and sign the online guest book you may go to www.mangum@mangumfh.net. 

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

02/06/2020

Mike Hudson, 72, of Nacogdoches, died Tuesday, February 4, 2020, in Nacogdoches after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born December 17, 1947, in Center, TX.

Graveside Service will be at 10am, Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Corinth Cemetery in Timpson, with Bro. Sonny Scarborough, Bro. Ronnie Sowell, and Bro. John Withem officiating.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM, Friday, February 7, 2020, at Laird Funeral Home.

Mike graduated Timpson High School in 1966 and went on to attend Stephen F. Austin State University where he graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ag Science. Mike retired from Tyson Foods in 2005 after 28 years of service that began in 1976 when the company was known as Holly Farms.

Mike’s brother, David, introduced him to Susan at a football game on November 2, 1967. They were married on May 24, 1968, and were happily married for 51 years, 8 months, and 11 days. Mike was a small-town country boy who loved his family, farming, raising cattle, and later, his tree farm. He was a quiet man who believed fiercely in love and loyalty. His love for his fur babies was exceptional, especially Trotline, his favorite dog. Trot and Mike were inseparable for 18 years. Trotline always rode on the center console of Mike’s truck directing him where to go, oftentimes, to Dairy Queen for ice cream.

Mike enjoyed all types of hunting, but dove and quail hunting around Abilene were his most favorite. Mike also loved fishing for crappie and catfish with his buddies. A favorite pastime was reminiscing the many years he spent fishing and hunting with his friends.

Mike was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church where he and Susan assisted with the Church’s Fall Festival and AWANA program for several years.

Mike is survived by:

Wife, Susan

Daughters:
Michelle Miles
Stephanie Romero and husband, Kevin

Grandchildren:
Benjamin Miles
Morgan Miles

He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Blanche Hudson; brother, David Hudson; and son-in-law, Brandon Miles.

Serving as pallbearers are James Hudson, Jayson Park, Mike Whiteside, James Allen, Daniel Quinn, Kenneth Quinn, and R.W. Reppond. Honorary pallbearers include Orlin Bergh, Jason Bergh, Joel Bergh, Benjamin Bergh, Trever Bergh, and Robin Willhoite.

Mike’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the employees of Happy At Home and Accolade Hospice.

Funeral service under the direction of Laird Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

02/04/2020

Richard Ross Fabian, 50, of Houston, formerly of Center, passed away Friday, Janaury 31, 2020, in Houston.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, February 7, 2020, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Rev. Gary Suell officiating. Interment will follow at White Rock Cemetery in Center.

Mr. Fabian was born January 15, 1970, in Dayton, to Robert Fabian and Dorothy Bridwell Murphy. He loved spending time at the lake fishing, watching wrestling, playing dominoes, and singing karaoke. 

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Hannah Fabian
Alex Fabian

Mother, Dorothy Murphy and Junior Carroll

Sister, Stacie Stringer and fiancé Jeffery Board

Nieces:
Crystal Blackmon and husband Justin
Jessica Weathers
Kristen Stringer
Kimberly Murphy

Nephew, Justin Murphy and wife Savannah

Great-Nieces and Nephews:
Marley and Max Blackmon
Jackson Paul Murphy
Kailyn, Vanessa, and Sophia

Numerous other nieces, nephews, other relatives; and a host of friends

Stepmother, Marina Fabian.

He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Fabian; grandparents, Aaron and Betty Bridwell and Lester and Virginia Ericson.

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

01/30/2020

Elijah Clay Riley, infant son of Jesse Clayton Riley and Miata Shanique Cartwright Riley of Center, passed away on January 29, 2020, in Nacogdoches.

Graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Johnny Jones officiating.

He is survived by:

Parents, Jesse Clayton Riley and Miata Shanique Cartwright Riley

Brother, Isaiah Kai Riley

Grandparents:
Wayne and Sherry Riley
Adric and Kelly Watts
James Cartwright
Lisa Rowland

Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his great grandmother, Annie Mae Pitts; uncle, Jason Edward Riley; and aunt, Naomi Rae Cartwright.

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

01/29/2020

Dannie Calvin Hunt, 59, of Timpson, Texas passed away on January 28, 2020 in Timpson, Texas. Born February 22, 1960, in Houston, Texas, to Barbara Ann Truss. Funeral service will be held on February 1, 2020 at 2:00PM at Center United Pentecostal Church, Center, Texas, with Bro. Andy Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Blair Cemetery, Timpson, Texas. 

Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1PM on February 1, 2020, at Center United Pentecostal Church, Center, Texas.

Dannie was raised by his Uncle Melvin and Aunt Aggie Garlington. He graduated from Tatum High School. He married Maureen Dempsey, on May 2, 1987.  He and Maureen have made many memories over the past 32 years together. The two made their home in Timpson, Texas, raising their son, Joseph. Dannie was an amazing man. His greatest love in life was his wife, Maureen, son, Joseph, and grandson, Sawyer. They put the biggest smile in his heart. Dannie’s love for our family was his priority in life. He loved to cook large amounts of food on the grill to feed all of our extended family when we were all together.

Dannie loved the community he lived in. He was a school board member for over 13 years. This last term with much pride, Dannie served as President of the school board. Dannie was humbled by serving on this board for Timpson ISD. He loved the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, but most of all gardening. Dannie was a self taught master gardner. He was also a skilled meat cutter. He loved to learn and incorporated his knowledge in all aspects of his life. He loved his church and his entire church family. 

He continued to grow in his love for God, he truly followed this verse; Isaiah 40:31, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” He is soaring now.  

He is survived by:
His loving wife, Maureen Hunt

Son, Joseph Hunt

Grandson, Sawyer Hunt

Brothers: 
Terry Hunt and wife Starla
Allen Lunsford

Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

Dannie is preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Ann Truss; brother, Randall Garlington.

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.

01/25/2020

Nelwyn Whitley Hawkins, 71, of Marshall, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 23, 2020. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Hawkins, and her parents William D. and Louise Whitley. While her unexpected departure has left a hole that can never be filled, we are comforted knowing she is finally reunited with her best friend.  

A farm girl from Lucky, Louisiana, Nelwyn loved gardening and could make almost anything not only grow but thrive.  She was a wonderful mother and natural-born caregiver who would drop everything to lend a hand to anyone who was sick or in need. The door to her home was always open to her family, her friends, her children’s friends, and more. Nelwyn enjoyed preparing delicious home cooked meals for those she loved.  Her 5-layer chocolate delight is practically famous!  Nelwyn never hesitated to help others when they needed it most; giving until it hurt was all she knew.  

Her husband, who affectionately nicknamed everyone, called her Opie and Ope because of her beautiful red hair. This unique nickname eventually evolved into Granny Ope and Guh when Nelwyn became a grandmother. While we all know she loved her family, her precious grandbabies were truly the light of her life.  We will definitely miss the “snuggle love!”

Nelwyn is survived by:
Her daughter, Judy Dill and her husband Brian of Atlanta, Georgia

Her son, Steve Hawkins and his wife Rachel of Marshall, Texas

Her grandchildren: 
Alex and Rebecca Dill
William and Elizabeth Hawkins

Her sisters:
Dell Priest and husband John
Paula Kaercher and husband Ron
Carla Peterson and husband Pete

As well as numerous relatives and friends

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, 4608 Elysian Fields Road, Marshall, Texas. Burial will be at Liberty Hill’s Taylor Cemetery in Bienville, Louisiana on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to The Liberty Hill Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 44, Bienville, Louisiana, 71008.