Shelby County Today

04/04/2026

Robert Donnell “Bob” Burrus, 86 of Vernon, Texas passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Memorial services will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:00 am at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Mike Klappenbach officiating. 

Bob was born Sunday, October 29, 1939. He was the son of the late Tony Burrus and the late Dorothy Hager Burrus. He married Linda Parker on December 7, 1961. Bob served in the US Navy and was a Texas Game Warden. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent time hunting, fishing, camping and playing golf with family and friends. He coached little league baseball and basketball teams for his children and grandchildren and was a true fan of Johnny Cash, Charley Pride, and his little brother’s band, Young Country. Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Bob is survived by his four children, Tracy Williams of Wichita Falls, Texas,  Andy Burrus & wife Jennifer of Eastland, Texas, Tawna Haggard & husband Jeff of Canyon, Texas and Bobby Burrus & wife Carrie, of Vernon, Texas, his grandchildren, Hillary & husband Dane, Heather & fiancé Jeff, Hannah & husband Akeem, Austin & wife Emily, David & wife Lyn, Shelby & husband Rodney, Trevor, Bryce & wife Kelsea, Parker & fiancée Kaylee, Gage & wife Kennedy, Kason & wife Alice, Courtney & husband Stephen, Mackenzie & fiancé Raymond and Emily, and his great grandchildren, Corbin, Elliot, Lorelei, Bentley, Gentrie, Mayslee, Griffin, Harper and Bryson. Bob also leaves behind three siblings, Jack Burrus, Patricia Pope and Tony Burrus.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Tony & Dorothy Burrus and his brother, Charlie Burrus.

Visitation will be Monday, April 6, 2026, at Sullivan Funeral Home from 10:00 am until memorial services begin.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or the Texas Game Warden Memorial.

Linda Sue Burrus, 85 of Vernon, Texas passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Memorial services will be held Monday, April 6, 2026, at 11:00 am at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Mike Klappenbach officiating. 

Linda was born Sunday, May 19, 1940. She was the daughter of the late George H. “G.H.” Parker and the late Dorothy Deboch Parker. She married Robert Donnell “Bob” Burrus on December 7, 1961. Linda was a bookkeeper who retired from the North Texas State Hospital Accounting Department. She cooked the best breakfasts while camping and enjoyed golfing and dancing. Her favorite pastimes were shopping for her grandkids and playing Bunco with friends. She adored her children and grandchildren and never missed any of their events or sending letters on birthdays. She was a member of the First Baptist Church.

Linda is survived by her four children, Tracy Williams of Wichita Falls, Texas,  Andy Burrus & wife Jennifer of Eastland, Texas, Tawna Haggard & husband Jeff of Canyon, Texas and Bobby Burrus & wife Carrie, of Vernon, Texas, her grandchildren, Hillary & husband Dane, Heather & fiancé Jeff, Hannah & husband Akeem, Austin & wife Emily, David & wife Lyn, Shelby & husband Rodney, Trevor, Bryce & wife Kelsea, Parker & fiancée Kaylee, Gage & wife Kennedy, Kason & wife Alice, Courtney & husband Stephen, Mackenzie & fiancé Raymond and Emily, and her great grandchildren, Corbin, Elliot, Lorelei, Bentley, Gentrie, Mayslee, Griffin, Harper and Bryson. Linda also leaves behind her siblings, Verena Thompson, Toni Jesko and Joe Parker, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Linda is preceded in death by her parents, G.H. & Dorothy Parker.

Visitation will be Monday, April 6, 2026, at Sullivan Funeral Home from 10:00 am until memorial services begin.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls or Hidden Treasures with the North Texas State Hospital, Vernon Campus.

Services are under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home, 1801 Houston Street, Vernon, TX 76384.

03/31/2026

Margaret Sikes, 86, of Bryan, Texas, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Visitation will be at 1pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Funeral services will follow at 2pm. Officiating will be Chet Strain, pastor of Jasper County Cowboy Church.

Margaret is preceded in death by husband, John Sikes; granddaughter, Victoria Enmon; brother, Thomas Massey; and parents, John T. Massey and Nora Hartzog.

Margaret is survived by:

Daughters:
Elaine Jackson and husband Michael of Belton, TX
JoEllen Enmon and husband Victor of Bryan, TX
Karen Heitman and husband Tim of Aubrey, TX

Sisters:
Kathleen Fuller of Nederland, TX
Melody Luttrell of Jasper, TX

Grandchildren:
Jennifer Webb and husband Spencer of Belton, TX
Adam Jackson and wife Elisha of Temple, TX
James Enmon and wife Stormy of Vidor, TX
Christin Hommel and husband Justin of Katy, TX
John Stone and wife Mehgan of Little Elm, TX
Samantha Garcia and husband Paul of Aubrey, TX

Great-grandchildren:
McKenzie and Kayleigh Jackson
Jackson and Addison Webb
Corbin and Adilyn Hommel
Kenzee Kirkland
Richard Sellers

Great-great grandson, Ryzer Sellers

Serving as pallbearers will be family members Adam Jackson, James Enmon, John Stone, Spencer Webb, Justin Hommel, Paul Garcia, Luke Matthews and Daniel Matthews.

Born on August 20, 1939 in Newport, Arkansas to Nora and John Massey, Margaret and her family moved to Port Arthur, TX when she was about 3 years old. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School there, where she met John Sikes, her husband. Later they would settle in Little Cypress, TX where they lived for many years, eventually retiring to Georgetown, TX.

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

03/26/2026

Shirley Annette Polley Solomon, 65, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026. She was born November 25, 1960 to the parents of Anderson Polley, Sr. and Irene Garrett Polley.

Funeral service is at 12 noon on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Mt. Gillion Baptist Church, 5545 St. Hwy 87 North, Center, Texas 75935 with Rev. Rayford Caraway, Pastor and Eulogist. Visitation is from 11am until 7pm on Friday, March 27 at Community Funeral Home Chapel in Center. Family visitation time is from 5pm until 7pm.

Shirley grew up in the Mt. Gillion community. She graduated from Center High School and joined the United States Air Force. She married Cleophus Solomon on November 27, 2010 and remained a faithful wife until his passing in 2019.

She is preceded in death by father, Anderson Polley Sr.; mother, Irene Garrett Polley; brothers, Curtis Polley, and Anderson Polley Jr.; sisters, Betty Ratcliff and Lanell Casey; and nephew, Jermaine Bell.

She is survived by:

Sons:
Duntae Polley
Maraino Polley and wife Triquina
Timothy Polley and girlfriend Channing

Grandchildren: Kadence, Madilyn, MJ, Ji 'Kendrian, Teaudre, Zi' Braylen, Chyna, Zy'Kei, Ja' rhyana, Ja' rhyan, and Ky'Lyric

Great-Granddaughter, Kaizlynn

Sisters:
Loraine Moore
Linda C. Redmond (Darnell)

Brothers:
Artis Polley
Lawrence Pennington

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

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

03/25/2026

Gary John Frame, 59, passed away peacefully at home on March 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Bro. Derrick Lightfoot will officiate, assisted by Steven Berry. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Keith Byndom, Waylon Griffith, Derrick Lightfoot, Ronnie Youngblood, Glenn Johnson, and Bobby Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Frame, John Frame, and Gary’s grandsons.

Gary met the love of his life, Carol, when he was just 16 years old, and from that moment on, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and hard work. He often referred to Carol as “his rock,” and she truly was. Carol devoted herself as his full-time caregiver, selflessly ensuring he was always cared for and never wanted for anything. Together, they created a home and a family that meant everything to him.

Gary was a true protector and provider, always making sure his family was cared for, supported, and deeply loved.

Gary dedicated much of his life to serving his community. He joined the Center Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 28 and served faithfully for 25 years. In addition, he worked for the City of Center for 30 years before retiring, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and strong work ethic.

He found joy in the simple things – hunting, working on his old-school pickup truck with John, grilling for the family alongside Matt, and enjoying visits from Kara, whom he loved to be “catered to” by while also aggravating her. He also enjoyed spending quiet time watching westerns in his recliner. One of the most familiar and cherished memories will be hearing him pull into the driveway after a long day at work, windows down, radio blaring to one of his favorite songs, “Wanna Be a Baller.”

Gary was known for being strong-willed and sometimes quiet, but those who knew him best saw his sneaky sense of humor and the deep love he carried for his family. He didn’t always need many words – his actions spoke loudly, and his presence was steady and reassuring.

Gary is survived by:

Loving wife, Carol Frame

Children: 
Kara Frame
John Frame and wife Shelley
Matthew Frame and wife Nichole

Sister, Gayla Bright and family

Beloved grandchildren: John Jr. (Boog), Bella, Jace, Camryn, Mia, Ana, Daisy, Journi, Joshua, Jaycob, Aubreigh, Matti, Adi, Christian, Kylee, Kyndall, Colton, and Caden.

Gary is preceded in death by his unborn baby boy; his parents, John Bill Frame and wife Johnnie Sue; his brother, Gregory Neal Frame; his grandson, Charlie Frame; and his in-laws, Hookey and Anita Nichols.

Gary leaves behind a family who will forever hold him close in their hearts. His legacy lives on in the life he built, the values he instilled, and the memories that will never fade.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.”
-Isaiah 43:2

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

03/24/2026

Mary Ann Brown, 61, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on March 22, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones at home. She was born on August 8, 1964, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late Wayne Terrell Evans and Helen Jane (Curry) Evans. 

Funeral service will be held at 2PM on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas, with Bro. Tommy Cunningham and Bro. Joe Halliday officiating. Interment will follow at Jackson Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home. 

Mary grew up in Logansport, Louisiana. She married the love of her life, Butch Brown, on February 20, 1993, and together they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. She was a devoted wife who took great pride in caring for her family throughout the years. Mom, please know your daughter will take care of your “baby”.

Mary found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing every moment with them. She was a great supporter of everything that was happening. She was a woman of deep faith who loved the Lord and faithfully served through Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Joaquin.

Known for her loving and compassionate spirit, Mary touched the lives of all who knew her and will be deeply missed.

Mary is survived by:

Daughter, April Childress and husband Brandon

Son, J.R. Brown and wife Katie

Brother, Jimmy Wayne Evans and wife Martha

Sister, Debbie Jane Amox and husband Mike

Grandchildren:
Dustyn Raymond and wife Haley
Charles Carroll
Hunter Carroll
Lane Glaze and wife Kyla
Emerald Glaze
Justyn Brown
Levi Childress
Jalynn Brown
Jadyn Brown
Sadie Brown
Benson Brown
Devon Lee
Jaycee Metcalf
Kylie Metcalf
Degan Lee
TJ Hawkins
Rudy Daugherty
Macie Metcalf

Honorary Grandchildren:
Emmett Childress
Preslie King

Great-Grandchildren:
Karter Carroll
Brynlee Carroll
Willow Ann Puckett

She is preceded in death by her husband, Butch Brown; daughter, Nikki Diaz; and parents, Wayne and Helen Evans. 

Pallbearers serving will be Rocky Curry, Shawn Murray, D.W. Wheless, Brent Andres, Cody Childress, and Jody Roberts. 

Honorary pallbearers will be Mary’s grandsons.

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

03/21/2026

Wanda Lee (Lanier) Cannon passed away peacefully in her home holding hands with her devoted husband and daughter at 5:03 am on March 19, 2026.

Wanda was born to Willis and Mary Lanier (and Frank Bonura) on August 17, 1943, in Beaumont, Texas. She graduated from South Park High School in Beaumont in 1963.

She met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Cannon, in passing during a brief hospital stay, and it was love at first sight for both of them. She said, “He came in to take out the trash and left with my heart!” After a whirlwind romance of 3 months, they got married on January 25, 1964. They welcomed their only child, Robbie, 4 years later.

Together, they spent many years moving around the US and Germany when Bob served in the US Army. Wanda served as a charter member of the “Camp Followers Association” for 20 years before settling in Shelbyville, Texas, when he retired. She often joked that “home is wherever the Army sends you” but to Wanda, home was wherever Bob was.

After Bob retired, she got her favorite job as “Nana” and never stopped spoiling her grandchildren and later, her great grandchildren. Bob joked that she went to work for Shelbyville ISD (computer aide) and Carthage ISD (library aide) so that she would never have to tell any of them “NO” when they wanted something.

After double retirement, Bob and Wanda built a home in Gary, Texas. She enjoyed her golden years on Lake Murvaul, spending her days boating, fishing, bird watching, reading, working in her flower beds, playing cards and Bunco with friends, spoiling her dog “Baby,” and assembling every jigsaw puzzle she could get her hands on. She loved cooking for people, and thankfully, she taught her special recipes to her granddaughter, Rachel, and a select few other family members.

In recent years, they moved to Center to be closer to Robbie and her husband, Pete. Wanda discovered fairly quickly that if she would put some puzzle pieces in the wrong spots, she could call on Robbie for help with a puzzle “emergency” and Robbie would drop everything to come help her straighten it out. They snuck in many hours of puzzle time that way, and for a while they thought they had Pete fooled, but he always knew what they were doing! Mother and daughter enjoyed a lot of puzzle time together, and puzzles may never be the same again for Robbie.

Wanda loved her family, her friends, and her Lord, and she will be missed by family and friends located all over the US.

She is survived by:

Loving husband, Bob

Devoted daughter, Robbie (Pete) Low of Center

Grandchildren:
Bobby (Gasannia) Jones of Center
Rachel (Bruce) Collins of Rogers City, MI
Christopher Caudle of New York, NY

Great-grandchildren:
Emmet Collins of Michigan
John Collins of Michigan
Gracie Boles of Center
William Boles of Center

Plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Willis and Mary Lanier and biological father Frank Bonura; brother, Charles Edward “Sonnie” Lanier; sister, Betty Jo Moore; as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, plus her half-siblings on the Bonura side of her family.

Friends are invited for visitation at 7pm on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Funeral service will be conducted by Andrew King at 2 pm on Sunday, March 22nd (same location) with burial to follow at Cannon Cemetery in Shelbyville, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a memorial contribution to one of the following charities:

Community Benevolence Fund of Affinity Hospice
℅ 2708 S. Medford Drive
Lufkin TX 75901

Happy Tails Adoption Center
PO Box 1049
Center TX 75935
Venmo: @happytailstexas

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

03/20/2026

Carolyn Ann Ward (Dillie) was born on March 8, 1955 to the late James Lloyd and Betty Tutt, in Center, Texas. She departed this earthly life on Monday, March 16, 2026 at the age of 71 surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral service is at 1pm Saturday, March 21, 2026 at St. John Baptist Church in Tenaha. Visitation is Friday, March 20, 2026 from 12 noon until 6pm at Community Funeral Home in Center.

Carolyn Ward was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who touched the lived of everyone who knew her. She will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Carolyn had a warm and caring spirit and found joy in spending time with her family and love ones. She loved working in the church, going to the grocery stores, and Dillie loved games shows, Family Feud, Price Is Right, and many more.

She was employed for more than 20 years at Nacogdoches Medical Center ICU unit doing what she loved, taking care of her patients. Carolyn’s love knew no bounds and her patients often said her smile was as healing as her care.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her father, James Lloyd; mother, Betty Nell Tutt; sisters, Peggy Williams, Janice Lloyd; and brothers, James Earl Tutt, John Henry Lloyd, Michael Lloyd, James Lloyd, Charlie Lloyd, and Bruce Lloyd.

She leaves to cherish her memories:

Loving husband, Joe Ward of Nacogdoches

Daughters:
Valencia Jones of Tyler
Bella Ward and McKenzie Ward of Nacogdoches

Sons:
Kenneth Caraway (Namoi) of Clarksville, Tn
James Caraway (Datricia) of Nacogdoches

Brothers:
Willie Tutt of Bossier City, La.
Chris Tutt of Tenaha
James Tutt of Tenaha
Michael Tutt of Lufkin
Cliff Llyod of Tenaha
Chris Goss (Tracey)
Royce Llyod (wife) of Tenaha
Williams Llyod of Houston
Farrah Fields of Houston
Billy Llyod of Houston

Sisters:
Patsy Tutt of Tenaha
Teresa Tutt of Tenaha
Tracey Tutt of Tenaha
Laverne Tutt of Tenaha
Cynthia (Cyn) Jones of Houston
Rose White of Houston
Meldenise Lloyd of Houston
Cynthia Gail Newsome of Houston

Grandchildren:
O'Neal Jones III
MaKayla Coffee
DeAndre Caraway
Kyle Caraway
James Caraway Jr

Great-great grandchildren: Nazian, O'Neal Jones IV, Aiden, Cameron, Peyton, and Alivia

A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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

03/19/2026

Ronald Edward Perry, 74, of Center, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born on May 24, 1951, in Corsicana, Texas, to the late Barney Perry and Lola (Higginbotham) Perry.

Graveside service will be held at 12PM on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center, Texas, with Charles Conway and James Carroll officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11AM at Mangum Funeral Home, 420 San Augustine St., Center, Texas. 

Ronnie proudly served his country in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Nancy Griggs, on May 27, 1971, and the two have cherished over 54 years together raising four sons. Ronnie enjoyed time spent with his family. Especially his grandchildren. Each of them held a special key to his heart. Ronnie was a man who held his family at the very center of his life. He was deeply proud of each of them and made sure they knew it. He shared a special bond with his daughters-in-law, whom he loved as his own daughters, welcoming them with open arms. 

He was known for his old-fashioned charm, Ronnie carried himself in a way that reflected a simpler time. He was rarely seen without his signature penny loafers paired with white socks- a look that became uniquely his. He preferred life without unnecessary complications, which was perfectly summed up by his trusty flip phone. While it may have driven his family a little crazy, Ronnie stood firm in his belief that a phone was meant to “open, talk, and shut.” True to that, he never once sent a text message. 

Above all, Ronnie was fiercely loyal. He was the kind of man who would show up without being asked, stand by those he loved without hesitation, and do anything within his power to help someone in need. His kindness, dependability, and steady presence made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He retired from Tyson Foods after 35 years of working in dispatch and driving a truck for the feed mill in Tenaha. After retirement Ronnie found his second home driving for the Jones at Ray Jones Chevrolet, Center Motor Company and Center Motor ATV. He drove as long as his health allowed.

He will be remembered for his steadfast love, his quiet strength, and the countless ways he made life better for those around him. Ronnie loved the Lord, served him through his church, and always kept the faith.

Ronnie is survived by:

Loving wife, Nancy Perry

Sons:
Ron Perry and wife Angela
Steven Perry and wife Angela
Tim Perry
Chris Perry and Charla 

Grandsons:
Connor Perry
Alex Tidmore
Toby Tidmore
Ayden Champagne
Rylan Whittington
Ky Whittington

Granddaughters:
Keeley Perry
Savannah Perry

Sister-in-laws:
Debra Carroll and husband James
Cathy Conway and husband Charles
Polly Perry
Barbara Perry

Numerous nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by his parents, Barney and Lola Perry; brothers, Barney “Bo” Perry, Jerry Perry, Don Perry; and sister, Judy Perry.

The family would also like to express sincere thanks to Marlin Jones, Kevin Jones, Josh Wulf, and Jonathan Wulf for allowing Ronnie to drive for Center Motor Company and Ray Jones Cheverolet for many years.

Pallbearers serving will be Ron Perry, Steven Perry, Chris Perry, Tim Perry, Ayden Champagne, Toby Tidmore, Alex Tidmore, Connor Perry, Rylan Whittington, and Ky Whittington.

Honorary pallbearers are Keeley Perry, and Savannah Perry.

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

03/18/2026

Jackie “Jack” Ray Adams, 89, of Timpson, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Center, Texas. He was born on June 19, 1936, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Green Debs Adams and Dora Mae (Hukill) Adams.

Visitation will be held from 6-8PM on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Calvin Gould and Bro. M.E. Lyons officiating. Interment will follow at 2PM at Colony Church of Christ Cemetery, Alba, Texas.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy joining at the young age of 18. He was called into the ministry many years ago. Following that call he moved from California to Texas to attend Texas Baptist Institute where he graduated. His greatest passion in life was teaching and preaching the Word of God. He pastored many churches throughout the years. After losing his first wife Jewel, he married Frances Fonville in 2001. The two served alongside one another until he retired. They made their church home New Columbia Missionary Baptist Church where they continued to serve until his health failed.

Jack also was a small appliance and small engine repairman. He loved taking things apart just to see how they worked. Jack also loved working outdoors in the garden. Jack was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

He is survived by:

Loving wife, Frances Adams

Daughters:
Barbara Jo Farnsworth and husband James
Melinda Jean Dodge
Donna Marie Joiner and husband Tim
Vonda Kay Wall and husband Tommy
Amanda Hughes and husband Michael “Pug”

Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren

Jack is preceded in death by his first wife, Jewel Adams; parents, Green and Dora Adams; son, Gerry Don Adams; daughter, Gina Bell Adams; brothers, Willis Adams, David Adams; and sister, Doris May Adams.

In lieu of flowers family requests donations in memory of Jack be made to American Baptist Association Missions, PO Box 1050, Texarkana, Texas, 75504, or by visiting https://www.abaptist.org/individual-giving-aba.

Pallbearers serving will be Nick Evans, Michael Hughes, Nick Hughes, Fisher Hughes, M.E. Lyons, and Joseph Jolley.

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