Shelby County Today

05/20/2026

Peggy Elaine Midkiff, 85, of Center, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Center.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Brandon Jones will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Born March 30, 1941, in Center, Peggy is the daughter of Kelton Samford and Addie Mae Pleasant Samford. Her hobbies included flower gardening, decorating, and traveling. Peggy enjoyed time spent at the lake house with her friends. She was a member of Center Missionary Baptist Church in Center.

She is survived by:
Husband of 67 years, Spencer Midkiff

Children: 
Tammie Jane and husband Ray Tindol
Mitchell Midkiff and wife Deborah
Kerri and husband Kevin Leech

Grandchildren:
Jamie Lyn and husband Adam Barbee
Amanda and husband Justin Bell
Jonathan McGown
Wade Bonner and wife Lauren
Virginia Midkiff
Matthew Midkiff

Step-granddaughter, Robyn Mahan and family

Great-grandchildren: 
Mason Barbee and wife Kelley
Rylan Barbee
Carter Bell
Cash Bell
Stella Bonner
Jackson Bonner

Great-great-granddaughter, Adalyn Barbee

Numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members

Preceded in death by parents, Kelton Samford and Addie Mae Pleasant Samford; and brother, Wayne Samford.

Pallbearers will be Mason Barbee, Adam Barbee, Wade Bonner, Rylan Barbee, Carter Bell, and Matthew Midkiff.

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

05/19/2026

N. H. Johnson, Sr., age 93, was born August 1, 1932 to the late Jessie Johnson and Bonnie B. Mitchell in Hemphill, TX; passed away May 12, 2026 in Center.

Funeral is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026- 3:00PM at Triump The Church and Kingdom of God In Christ, Inc. 908 Daniels St. Center, TX; with Pastor Marlin Cloudy, Sr. Eulogist.

Visitations will begin on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 4:00p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Triump The Church and Kingdom of God In Christ, 908 Daniels St. Center.

Burial will be in Blount Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches.

He leaves to cherish:
Children:
James Moore
Tommy and Cheryl Johnson
Willie Johnson
Clyde and Margie Johnson
Dietta and E.L. Nickerson
Carolyn Lacy
Doris and Tommy Samuel
Eddie Johnson
Calvin and Jennene Smith
Priscilla and Marcus Williams
Sandra and Robert Horton
Zandra Smith
June and Lynn Beasley
Tyrone and Megan Smith

71 grandchildren

Eight step-children

Two nephews

Two nieces

A host of great-grandchildren, cousins, and friends

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mavis Patton Johnson; parents; son, N H Johnson, Jr.; daughter, Betty Sue Belin; granddaughter, LaShun Moore; grandsons, Marcus Evans Johnson and James Belin; nephew, Rev. R. L. Cotton; and all of his Sisters and Brothers.

Services are under the direction of Sid Roberts Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

05/18/2026

Charles Glenn Pollard was born on May 3rd, 1946 to Joe and Helen Pollard in Center, Texas. Our loving father passed away on May 12th, 2026.  

Charles was a proud Tenaha Tiger, Class of 1964, and alumnus of Stephen F. Austin State University. He was a respected banker and genuinely cared for people. He served on the alumni foundation of Stephen F. Austin State University. Charles also graduated from The Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU in 1978.

His commitment to his community was reflected through his active involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary International of San Augustine, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of his dedication and generosity.

Faith was the cornerstone of his life. As a devoted, lifelong member of The Methodist Church, he faithfully served through Stephen Ministries, offering comfort, compassion, and encouragement to those facing difficult times.

He also found great joy in caring for his yard and took special pride in the beauty of his springtime bluebonnets and Christmas decorations each year. Those who knew him will remember the care he put into everything he loved — his family, his faith, his community, and even the simple beauty of the flowers blooming each spring.

Above all, he was a family man. He will be remembered for his warm smile, steady presence, unwavering faith, and the kindness he showed to everyone he encountered.

Charles is survived by:
His loving wife, Sharon

Daughters:
Julie Martin, and son-in-law, Scott
Jennifer Pollard

Grandson, Trey Martin, and wife, Kalyn

Granddaughter, Mary Martin 

He is also survived by his brothers:
Joe Pollard, and wife, Mary Lynn
John Pollard, and husband, Henry Garcia

Brother-in-law, John Mathews and partner Kathi White

Also, sister-in-law Liz Marris and husband Dicky

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Joe and Helen Pollard

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, May 21 at 5:30-7:30 at the home of Sharon Pollard. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 22nd at 11:00 at First Methodist Church, Livingston followed by burial at Tennessee Community Cemetery. 

The family sincerely appreciates the kindness, prayers, and support of the community during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Charles’s name to First Methodist Church of Livingston Stephen’s Ministry 

05/16/2026

Jeanette (McSwain) Mena, 83 of Broaddus, Texas, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, at her residence.

Mrs. Mena was born April 4, 1943, in Buna, Texas, to parents Lillian (Brown) and Warren G. McSwain. She was married to Lynn W. Mena on June 4, 1960, and they lived in the Houston area several years prior to moving to Broaddus following retirement.

Faith was an important part of her life. Jeanette had been a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church since moving to the area in 1997. While in the Houston area, she was a devoted part of the St. Ambrose Catholic Community, serving with the Altar Society and in many other ways.

After her children were in school, Jeanette attended nursing school, obtaining a BSN degree. She worked over 20 years as an RN with Memorial Hermann, primarily in labor and delivery.

Jeanette loved her family--supporting and caring for them in all ways possible. She enjoyed spending many hours with Lynn fishing.

Christmas season was such a special time to Jeanette. She adored the time with family, but also the spiritual celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.

Mrs. Mena also found great love and pleasure in gardening with Spring being a favorite time of the year. She took extreme pride in caring for the beautiful flowers in her lawn.

"Servant" is a great word to describe the life of Jeanette Mena. Love and care was abundant, whether it was her service to her church and faith, patients and families through her nursing career, and especially the care and attention to all of her family and loved ones.

Her survivors include:

Husband of near 66 years, Lynn W. Mena of Broaddus

Son, Samuel David Mena of Cypress

Daughters:
Sheila Lynne Duhon and husband Glenn of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Kimberly Kaye Mena of Cypress

Sister, Edna Rae Carroll and husband Robert of Magnolia

Brother, Travis Lynn McSwain and his wife Donna of Cypress

Sisters-in-law:
Betty Sue McSwain
Lucille Jones
Jean Walker
Margaret Walters

Brother-in-law, Ray Mena

7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian and Warren G. McSwain; and brothers, Warren Gene McSwain and Ronnie Clark McSwain.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, located at 621 Hwy. 21 West in San Augustine, Texas. Committal service and interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center, Texas.

Visit www.wymanrobertsfh.com for memories and condolences. Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

05/15/2026

Morris Fremont Woods, 73, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Joaquin, Texas. He was born on July 11, 1952, in Johnson City, Tennessee, to the late Phillip Woods and Verna Ruth (Wilson) Woods. 

Graveside service will be held at 2PM on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Brookland Cemetery, Joaquin, Texas, with Bro. Paul Silvey officiating. 

Morris grew up in Willis, Kansas; Atchison, Kansas; and Falls City, Nebraska. He graduated from Falls City High School Class of 1970 and went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy for four years and the United States Army for eight years. 

Morris met the love of his life, Joyce Kelly, at a small café in Shreveport, Louisiana called Celtic Café. They were married on April 27, 2002, and shared more than 24 wonderful years together. Morris was a devoted and dedicated husband who deeply loved his family and his faith. 

He enjoyed playing chess, working with his hands, and was always fixing something. Known as a talented mechanic, Morris could repair almost anything. Above all, he loved the Lord and faithfully served through First Baptist Church Joaquin. 

Morris will be remembered for his servant’s heart, strong work ethic, and the love he shared with those around him.  

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Woods

Son, Evan Woods

Daughters:
Melissa Woods
Talene Willard Mutina and husband Richard
Tasha Willard Fortenberry

Brothers:
Mike Woods
Tim Woods and wife Susan
Alan Woods and wife Sandi
Scott Woods
Tony Woods and wife Kelli

Sister, Donna Krohn and husband Gary

2 Grandchildren

Host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. 

Morris is preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Verna Ruth Woods; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Woods. 

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

05/13/2026

Annie B Simions, 78 of Carthage, Texas passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at a nursing home in Carthage, Texas.

Annie B Simions was born to the late Tom Boykin and Ruthie Mae Williams Boykin in Tenaha, Texas.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11am at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church located at 428 Pipkin Street, Carthage, Texas 75633. Rev. Larry Thorn will be the eulogist.  

She leaves to cherish her memory: 

Brothers:
Tom Boykin Jr.
Henry Boykin 

Sisters:
Della Mae Boykin
Ernestine Boykin
Glennie Boykin
Betty Sue Boykin

Visitation will be Friday, May 15, 2026, at Hicks Chapel from the hours of 1pm to 6pm with committal at St. John Cemetery Tenaha. Repass will be at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.

Service entrusted to Hicks Mortuary 804 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Center, Texas 75935.

Please visit our website for online condolences at www.hicksmortuary.net.

5/13/2026

Kenneth Wayne Cravey, 61, of Center, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Center.

His wishes were to be cremated and no services are planned.

Born May 18, 1964, in Woodville, Texas, Kenneth is the son of Jim A. Cravey and Ruby Lee Cravey.  He loved the outdoors, specifically hunting and fishing.  Kenneth loved spending time with his wife, Penny, his family, and his dogs.

He is survived by:
Wife, Penny Cravey of Center

Daughters:
Shasta and husband Will Hooper
Tristan Cravey and Joseph Moore

Son:
J.T. Cravey
Kylie O’Brien

Grandchildren:
Heidi Stutts
Price Stutts
Mason Parks
Jaysen Bolar
Jaxson Cravey
Aubreigh Frame
Kylee Moore
Hunter Moore

Siblings,
Jimmie “Cricket” Cravey
Doyle “Rusty” Cravey

Preceded in death by his granddaughter, Mackenzie Parks; sister, Linda “Duck” McNeely; and parents, Jim A. Cravey and Ruby Lee Cravey.

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

05/12/2026

Shirley Owens, 82, formerly of Center, passed away on April 30, 2026. 

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday May 19, 2026 at 11am at First Baptist Church of Center. The service will be held on Tuesday, May 19th, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Center, Texas. The Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00am followed by a catered lunch for all to enjoy.  Special thanks to the church committee who assisted with all the arrangements and desserts.  

Shirley Aulene Anthony Owens was born in Center, Texas to Pauline Wilson Anthony and Wood D. Anthony on May 1, 1943 and was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on April 30th, 2026-the day before her 83rd birthday. Shirley was a proud graduate from Center High School. She married her husband, Bennie Owens in 1962 at the age of 19. In the 60’s, Shirley was given the opportunity to model professionally for Mister Lynn’s Modeling Agency in Shreveport where she became one of his top Cover Girls. Shirley spent many years as a homemaker, taking care of her husband Bennie and their two children, Ben and Sandi. Shirley supported her husband in his pharmacy career and as the owner of Headrick’s Drug Store in Logansport. She later attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she took courses in photography. She enjoyed working as an Account Executive for designer fragrance companies and spent about five years traveling with Lancome as a regional makeup artist. Shirley loved serving on numerous committees at First Baptist Church in Center and took pride in planning special events and working on the set of special holiday productions. She loved those she served with and considered it such an honor to serve God and her community in this capacity. She enjoyed being involved in Garden Club and always managed to have the prettiest African Violets sitting in her kitchen window. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, coloring, and crocheting. Getting a handmade gift was always special because of the time and love Shirley gave to making every project perfect. 

Shirley didn’t hesitate to put more miles on her vehicle, traveling the roads to help and see her friends and family. She became the official chauffer, driving to every out-of-town football game with a van full of cheerleaders and pom poms. She made frequent trips from Center to Bossier and back, just to help with her granddaughter, Morgan. She often put her own desires aside to do for others. Shirley was always willing to help others and did so, selflessly. She enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, loving them with her whole heart. She adored her three granddaughters, Morgan Matthews, Cami Owens, and Karsen Owens and was so proud of the young women they’ve become. There was a special place in her heart for her great grandchildren- Hudson Taylor Matthews, Hattie Faith Matthews, and Harper Grace Matthews. She enjoyed coloring with them and looked forward to every minute they could spend together. Shirley was forever grateful for Daniel Matthews, her grandson-in-law, and for his love and devotion to honoring Mr. Bennie’s final wishes…”Take care of my girls.”    

It was an honor for Shirley to share her love for Christ with others. She would pray for others on the spot and was never shy about her faith. She wanted God to use her for His glory. After her husband Bennie died on March 10, 2022, she moved to Bossier to be closer to her family.  

In November 2024, Shirley went to reside at Cypress Point Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. She had an amazing staff that worked with her and loved her through some very difficult times. She continued her love for art, drawing and coloring. On Easter Sunday, 2026, Shirley was taken to the hospital with pneumonia and heart failure. After two hospitalizations, Shirley returned to her home at Cypress Point on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Lord called Shirley home on April 30th, 2026, at 4:00pm. She had meaningful visits and conversations with family and close friends during her final hours. Shirley was especially grateful for Joni Youngblood and for all the years she helped their family with whatever needed to be done. Shirley truly appreciated those who demonstrated love and kindness to her.

To our Mom, Grandma and Gigi- We will always remember the sacrifices that you made for us over the years. We are forever thankful for all the lessons learned along the way. You definitely made your mark in the lives of so many people, and we hope that you realized all the love others had for you. We will always cherish the wonderful memories of you. Thank you for loving all of us the way you did. You’ll be greatly missed. 

Those left to cherish her memory are her

Children: 
Son, Ben Owens (fiancé - Jessica Mercer)
Daughter, Sandi Owens Davis

Grandchildren: 
Morgan Matthews (husband Daniel Matthews)
Cami Owens and Karsen Owens

Bennie and Shirley have three great-grandchildren:
Hudson Matthews
Hattie Matthews
Harper Matthews

Brother-in-law, Jamie Rice Owens, Jr. (wife Linda)

Nephews: 
Jamie “Bud” Rice Owens, III (wife Sandie Owens, their children- Jack Owens (wife Hannah)
Tyler Owens (wife Sam) Michael Owens (daughter Madison Owens)
Richard Wayne Owens (son of Bennie’s deceased brother Richard) and his children

Cousins by marriage, Darcy Rogers and Andy Rogers

Cousin, Brenda Perez

And other extended family members

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline Wilson Anthony, Wood D. Anthony, and her husband of 59 years, Bennie Gene Owens, and other cousins. A special thanks to all the sitters and friends that assisted with Shirley’s care over the last three years of her life. You have been like family to all of us.  

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that any donations go to support the Maui Humane Society. Please email for donations - donate@mauihumanesociety.org or call (808)877-3680 ext. 219. Please make donations in memory of Shirley Owens.  

05/08/2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Anne Doggett Parker Mallory, 72, of Houston. Anne passed away surrounded by the love of her family. She lived a life filled with strength, warmth, humor, and a larger-than-life spirit that touched everyone who knew her.

She leaves behind:

Devoted husband, William Howell Mallory Sr.

Daughter, Lisa Marie Parker

Beloved grandchildren:
William Jaxon Parker
London Anne Parker

Sister and brother-in-law, Pat and David Scruggs

Brother and sister-in-law, Reese and Tracy Doggett

Nephews:
Darrell Scruggs and wife Melody
Steve Scruggs and wife Tracy
Justin Doggett and wife Maria

Niece, Erin Doggett and husband Erick

Best friend of 60 years, Patsy Dean Moody

Beloved dog, Lexus, and cat, Pyewacket

Along with multiple nieces, nephews and cousins

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice and Marie (Tarin) Doggett; her husband of 28 years, James “Jimmy” Perry Parker; her father- and mother-in-law, Heber and Sallie Parker; and her sister-in-law, Nancy Parker Peterson.

Anne will be remembered for her vibrant personality, unwavering love for her family, and the joy and laughter she brought into every room. Her larger-than-life outlook on life will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

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