Shelby County Today

12/31/2019

Oscar Lee “Jack” Lister, 85 of Houston, Texas, passed away on December 18, 2019.

He was a native of Shelbyville but lived in Houston most of his adult life.  

Oscar, better known to many as “Uncle Jack” leaves to cherish his memory:

Daughters:
Anita and husband Jackie Williams of Center
Sherri and husband Thurston Love of Humble

Sons:
Cedric Lister and wife Alicia of Houston
Eric Lister of Houston

Brother, Hollis Lister of Houston, Texas

Sister, Shirley Lister Hardy Whitman and husband Rick of Los Angeles, California.

He also leaves 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial for “Uncle Jack” Lister will be on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 12noon at Lockwood Funeral Home, 9402 Lockwood Drive, Houston, Texas 77016.

Services entrusted to Lockwood Funeral Home, Houston, Texas.

12/31/2019

Watson “Mack” McCreary, Jr., 92 of Joaquin, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019, in Shreveport, LA.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3, at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport, LA. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, in the Chapel of Osborn. Officiating will be Brother J. Paul Silvey. Interment will follow at Forest Park East Cemetery.

Mack was born on March 29, 1927, in Parker, TX. He was a member of the Lucas Baptist Church, Lucas, TX, where his mother wished his membership to remain.

Mack was a life member of the VFW, Grady-Brown post 4588 Bossier City, LA and also a member of the American Legion, Lowe McFarlane Post 14 on Cross Lake in Shreveport, LA. He was a Master Mason in the Masonic Atkins Lodge No. 266 Taylor Town, LA. He was a member of Shelby County Shooters, in Center, TX and a past member of the Corrosion Engineers in Shreveport, LA. Since around 1954 he has been a Life Member of the National Rifle Association of America which he strongly believed in. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 56 years. He was a Scoutmaster in McKinney, TX and in Chelsea, MI. In Shreveport he was a Scoutmaster of Troop 59, Scout Hut located on the school grounds of Caddo Heights Elementary School and sponsored by The American Legion Post 14 Lowe-McFarlane on Cross Lake. The Norwella Council of Scouting in Shreveport awarded Mack with a Silver Beaver award around 1971.

Mack was retired in 1985 as Chief Maintenance and Operations from the V.A. Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. He had a 37-year career with the V.A. working at McKinney, TX as Chief Buildings and Grounds until it closed in 1965 and he was transferred to Ann Arbor, MI as Chief of Maintenance. During his 37-year V.A. career he worked for 23 different Chief Engineer Officers at three different hospitals and received 24 yearly outstanding or sustained Superior awards from 17 different V.A. Chief Engineers and most were with cash awards. In 1973, Mack was selected to receive the Department Award for Supervisory Excellence in the Incentive Awards Program. He was selected by the Washington D.C. Chief Medical Director over all 176 V.A. hospitals in the nation. Prior to his V.A. career he worked for the Internal Revenue in Dallas, TX.

Mack joined the Navy during World War II while he was still in High School in Plano, TX. After graduation while in the Navy he served in the Asiatic Pacific Area and China. He operated a VP 40-man amphibious boats as a 3rd class Boatswain Mate. On Okinawa the boat could not be backed from the Beach to return to his ship after unloading Marines and he then became a Marine for 37 days until the Navy picked him up. During the Korean Conflict he was a Staff Sergeant in the 443 Communication Squadron in charge of crypto, radio, teletype, and telephone at Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, SC. His military service ribbons include: American Defense Service, Asiatic Pacific Area, World War II Victory, China Service, and Navy Good Conduct. After his discharge from the Air Force he attended night school and graduated from Collin County Vocational School in McKinney, TX.

While working at the V.A. Hospital in McKinney, TX he met and married, Janelle Cole, of Jacksonville, TX, who was a V.A. Dietitian. They had two sons, Charles Wayne McCreary, Sr. (2012) who was a State Farm Agent and Michael Glenn McCreary, Sr. (1998) who was a Sergeant on the Plano, TX Police Department, both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Watson “Jack” and Clara Edith McCreary, of Parker, TX; and granddaughter, Rebecca McCreary, of Shreveport, LA.

He is survived by:

Loving wife of 69 years, Jan

Daughter-in-law, (Charles’ widow) Sherrill and their two children, Charles Wayne McCreary, Jr. and Elisabeth McCreary, all of Shreveport, LA

Daughter-in-law, (Michael’s widow) Debbie Hastings, of Plano, TX and their two children, Michael Glenn McCreary, Jr. and wife, Emma, McKinney, TX and Jennifer Nicole Childress and husband, Josh, all of The Colony, TX

Great-grandchildren, Jordan Elizabeth and Michael Glenn, III

A host of cousins.

His family was very, very dear to him. 

Mack was an avid hunter and fisherman and grew a large variety of vegetables. He liked traveling and sight-seeing. He also liked flying and obtained his pilot’s license in 1953, but soon gave it up. He played golf for many years and loved working with boys in the Boy Scouts. He often said he was still a “boy in the body of an old man”. He was one who loved the outdoors and backwoods.

Pallbearers will be Willie Edwards, Ronnie Stone, John Witham, and Craig Hendricks. Honorary pallbearers Dr. Tom Mosby, Billy Puckett, King Vidler, Bobby Craft, Richard Pridgen, and Johnny Pridgen. 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Rajan Kahanna and the Christus Highland Hospital nurses and staff. 

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home, Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport, LA and memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America, Norwela Council, 3508 Beverly Place, Shreveport, LA 71104 or First Baptist Church, 100 Connell Ferry Road, Joaquin, TX 75954.

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live, and whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)

Mack believed “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) He was a consummate “Southern Gentleman”, whose word and handshake were his bond.

12/30/2019

Sally Jeanette Corbell Vincent, 73, passed away December 27, 2019 at her home in Elkhart, Texas.

Sally was born April 26, 1946 and grew up in Huxley, Texas, the daughter of P.C. and Lovetta Corbell. She graduated from Joaquin High School in 1964. She was a beloved member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church in Elkhart, TX.

Funeral services are at Herrington Funeral Home at 2pm on Wednesday, January 1, 2020 with visitation from 12 noon until 2pm prior to the funeral service. Interment is at Cedar Creek Cemetery.

She is survived by:

Husband of 54 years, Jack Dale Vincent

Son, Matthew Vincent of Nashville, Tennessee

Daughter, Rachel Vincent of Elkhart

Grandson, Kyler Vincent

Granddaughter, Karley Jones

Sisters:
Montez and husband Joe McNaughten of Hemphill
Jerry Sue Williams of Lufkin
Betty Kay and husband Gene Blount of Joaquin
Charlotte Ingle of Lufkin

Sister-in-law, Sandra Watson Corbell of Lufkin, TX

Brothers-in-law:
Dean Vincent of Grapeland
Gary and wife Dolgma Vincent of Houston

Many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends

She was preceded in death by her parents, P.C. and Lovetta Corbell; mother and father-in-law, John and Willie Bell Vincent; brother, Perry (Pedro) Corbell, 4 Infant brothers, and niece, Kathi Goodwyn.

Services under the direction of Herrington Funeral Home, Palestine, Texas. Online condolences can be made at www.herringtonfuneral.com.

12/30/2019

Harold Randall “Randy” Hughes, 63, of Nacogdoches, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2019, in Nacogdoches.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2020, at Gospel Assembly Church in Nacogdoches with Bro. John Budd, Bro. Dennis White, Bro. Dick Tubbe, Dr. Donald Cagle, and Kathy Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Hughes was born May 22, 1956, in Center, to Harold Hughes and Ella Baggett Hughes. He retired from Nacogdoches County Road and Bridge Department. Hunting and cooking were among his hobbies. Mr. Hughes was a member of Gospel Assembly Church in Nacogdoches.

He is survived by:

Wife, Cathy Lynch Hughes of Nacogdoches

Daughters:
Mandy Tyre and husband Chuck of Huxley
Misty Kay and husband Mark of Brock
Bridgett Birdwell of Nacogdoches

Grandchildren:
Deeanne Hughes
Kalli Perkins
Zachery Hagler
Ryleigh Hughes
Briley Birdwell
Maddy Hagler
Alex Johnson
Kason Livingston
Abigail Kay
Hunter Kay
Ethan Tyre
Sadie Kay
Sawyer Kay

Mother, Ella Manshack of Center

Sister, Susan Helveston and husband Ronnie of Longview

Brother-in-law, Phil Lynch of Huntsville

Nephew, Eric Denby

Nieces, Maci Denby and Raylen Helveston

Numerous other family members.

He is preceded in death by his son, Brad Hagler; father, Harold Hughes; stepfather, James Manshack; and special friends, Charles Commander, Gibbs Chapman, and Bob French.

Pallbearers will be Teral Jones, Eric Denby, Josh French, Gunner Fleming, John Bentley, Daniel Bently, Bart Lynch, and Buster Garrett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Gospel Assembly Church, 2916 Lilly Street, Nacogdoches, Texas 75964.

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

12/28/2019

Marlene Lorraine Emmick McLendon, 64, died 28 December 2019 at her home in Upshur County, Texas. 

Mrs. McLendon was born 26 November 1955 at Sioux City, Iowa; the daughter of Eldon Ray Emmick and Ruby Elizabeth Gray Emmick. She married Clifton Palmer “Mack” McLendon 31 May 2008 at Klein, Harris County, Texas. On 10 August 2013, they were sealed for time and eternity in the Dallas Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mrs. McLendon is survived by:

Husband, Clifton Palmer “Mack” McLendon of Gilmer

Sons:
Adam Christopher Miller of Onawa, Iowa
Curtis Matthew Miller of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi

Stepdaughter, Sylvia Rose McLendon of Bethany, Oklahoma

Granddaughters:
Emily Michelle Miller of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi
Sarah Marie Miller of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi

Sister, Mary Ellen Emmick Butler of Des Moines, Iowa

Several other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held later.

Funeral services are under the direction of Ingram Funeral Home in Quinlan, Texas.

12/27/2019

Virginia Ann Forbes, 83, of Center, passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019, in Lufkin.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, December 29, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 30, 2019, First Baptist Church in Center with Bro. Bobby Bressman and Bro. Carl Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mrs. Forbes was born June 7, 1936, in Mountain Fork, Arkansas, to Herbert Eugene Campbell and Martha Christopher Addison Campbell. She was a professional business woman and worked as an administrative assistant for the Texas Department of Human Services. For 51 years, Mrs. Forbes served as a weather observer for the National Weather Service. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:

Children:
Angela Worsham and husband Ricky
Janet Yates and husband Billy
James Forbes

Grandchildren: 
Sterling Ashton Crelia
Amanda Beth Kirby and husband Kris
Landon Lamar Oliver and wife Rita
Charla Lou Ann Warr and husband Matt
Marina LeAnn Forbes and husband Brandon
Tiffany Schillings and husband Anthony
Samantha Ranft and husband Brant
Jeremy Yates

Great-grandchildren: 
Makayla Mayo
Macy Burns and husband Luke
Mason Mayo
Jamie Warr
Clay Warr
Madison Kirby
Slade Kirby
Sawyer Kirby
Kaylee Oliver
Brooklyn Oliver
Lily Oliver
Daylon Fountain
Calista Schillings
Preston Schillings
Kale Ranft
Jaycee Ranft
Kynzlee Permenter
Aubree Swearingen
Clint Swearingen
Jacob Green

Great-great-grandchildren: Chrisleigh Ann Burns

Siblings: 
Mary June Campbell
Herbert Eugene Campbell Jr.

Special friends:
Bettie Weeks
Frankie Fitzgerald
Vickie Rogers
Lupi Forbes.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James William Forbes; parents, Herbert Eugene Campbell and Martha Christopher Addison Campbell; siblings, Warren C. Campbell, Gladys Louise Campbell, and Coolidge Almon Campbell.

Pallbearers will be Matt Warr, Sterling Crelia, Brandon Green, Landon Oliver, Mason Mayo, and Kris Kirby. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Byndom and Frankie Fitzgerald.

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

12/26/2019

Kristie Carol Branch Hairston, 49, of Timpson, Texas passed away on December 25, 2019, surrounded by loved ones in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Born May 27, 1970, in Port Arthur, Texas, Kristie is the daughter of Gary Lee Branch and Alice Ann (Caston) Branch. Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, December 27, 2019 at 2PM at Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service, Timpson, Texas. 

Kristie was born in Port Arthur, Texas. She was raised in Groves, Texas. Kristie graduated from Port Neches Groves High School.  Later she attended Kilgore College. She met the love of her life, Morris Alan Hairston Jr., and the two were married on February 14, 2010. They spent over 9 wonderful years together before her passing. She was an EMT, Paramedic, and Firefighter. She served many years on the Timpson Volunteer Ambulance Service and Timpson Volunteer Fire Department. She also worked for Nacogdoches Medical Center, Center, Texas for many years.  

If you knew Kristie, you knew she had a huge heart. She was a ray of sunshine to many. Her kind, compassionate, loving spirit was felt by those who came in contact with her. Helping others was a priority for her. She would go the extra mile, and beyond the call of duty to make sure all was well.  Her three wonderful children were her life. Kristie enjoyed many things in life, beyond being a dedicated wife, mom, daughter and sister, she enjoyed dancing, singing, and reading.  

Kristie is survived by: 
Her loving husband: Morris Hairston Jr.

Children: 
Logan Vincent
Julia Vincent
Lauren Vincent

Godson: Carson Tyler Russell

Mother: Alice Ann Caston Branch

Sisters: 
Amber Branch Herrera and husband Jason
Kellie Webber and husband John

Morris’s crew

Unkle Mo’s crew 

Numerous nieces and nephews

Great-nieces and nephews 

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

She is preceded in death by her father, Gary Lee Branch.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations be made to Taylor Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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.

12/23/2019

Sandra Faye Warr Rowell, 75, of Center, passed away Sunday, December 22, 2019, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Tenaha Church of Christ with Andrew King officiating.  Interment will follow at Jarrett Cemetery in Jacksonville. Visitation will be held prior to service, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Mrs. Rowell was born January 19, 1944, in Center, to John Morris Yeary and Gladys Opal Gilchrist Yeary.  She worked as a daycare teacher and enjoyed needle point stitching.  Mrs. Rowell was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by:
Her children: 
Sharla Mae Holley and husband Roger
John Thompson
Jack Thompson and wife Lezlie

Grandchildren: 
Jaeson Turner
Jax Turner
Dalton Holley
Delaney Holley
Danielle Runyon and husband Arik
Jeremy Thompson and wife Jessie
Anthony Thompson and wife Samantha

Four great-grandchildren

Niece: Kellie Eaves and husband Douglas

Special friend of the family: Pam Whitton

Her dog and best friend, Zeus

She is preceded in death by her parents, John Morris Yeary and Gladys Opal Gilchrist Yeary; and her siblings, William Morris Yeary and Martha Diane Cothren.

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

12/23/2019

Fonda Burgay, 80, of Garland, Texas, passed away Friday, December 20, 2019.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at Powdrill Cemetery in Center.  

Ms. Burgay was born October 22, 1939, in the Arcadia Community of Shelby County, Texas, to John Edwin Wheeler and Cletis Goolsby Wheeler. She worked for Safeway for 25+ years, then went to school to get her realtor license. Her hobbies included gardening, knitting, and hummingbirds. Ms. Burgay was a member of Saint Phillips United Methodist Church in Garland.

She is survived by:
Her daughters: 
Phyllis Griffin and husband Ken of Rowlett
Sharon Burgay of Sachse

Grandson: Brandon Griffin of Dallas

Nephew: David Wheeler and wife Sheila of Willis

Niece: Debra Smith and husband Mark of Hockley

Several beloved cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John Edwin Wheeler and Cletis Goolsby Wheeler; and her brother, Delbert Wheeler.

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