03/30/07

Garry Stephen Walker, 68, of Onalaska, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Graveside services will be 2:00 pm Saturday March 31, 2007 at Pine Ridge Cemetery with Bro. Mark Woolf officiating.

He was born August 30, 1938 to Ray G. and Viola Walker.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Viola Walker.

He is survived by: 2 Children, Kelli martinez and husband Frank of Clear Lake, Texas, and John Melcher of Clear Lake, Texas. 4 Grandchildren: Austin, Samantha, Jennifer & Gabriella. 1 Great Granddaughter: Brooklyn and Uncle: Jess Coleman and wife Enola.

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas.

Reverend W.R. Gardner - Community Funeral Home of Center announces services for Reverend W. R. Gardner, of Carthage. Services are tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 11 o’clock at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Carthage. His body will lie in state from 10 until 11 in the morning tomorrow (Saturday) at the church. Reverend Gardner was the pastor of Gates Chapel Baptist Church in Shelbyville for 25 years.

Leon McCollister - Community Funeral Home of Center announces services for 72 year old, Mr. Leon McCollister, of Tenaha. Services are tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 11 o’clock at Saint John Baptist Church in Tenaha. Interment will be in Saint John Cemetery.

Among Mr. McCollister’s survivors are four sisters, Betty Tutt and LuCrecia Henderson, both of Tenaha, Doris Bussey, of Seattle, Washington, and Mary Ann Christopher, of Mansfield, Louisiana.

Flowler Tot Green - Taylor Funeral Home announces services for 90 year old, Fowler Tot Green, of Lake Jackson, and formerly of Bobo. Services are tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at two o’clock at Taylor Chapel. Interment will be in Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Among Mr. Green’s survivors are his wife, Anna Belle Screws-Green, of Lake Jackson, and his daughter, Trina Green Taylor, of Lake Jackson.

03/29/07

Sallie Young Parker, 95, of Center, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at Shelby Regional Medical Center. Sallie Garrett Young was born on November 11, 1911 in Marshall, the daughter of Robert Hall Young and Bertha Love Heartstill Young.

Mrs. Parker was the widow of Heber C. Parker who owned and operated Parker Brothers Motor Company for many years. She moved to San Augustine when she was four years old and graduated from San Augustine High School in 1928. She attended T.W.U., then Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth for one year and was on the tennis team. Mrs. Parker worked nine years for R.C. Downs of San Augustine, cotton buyer and president of First National Bank. On April 9, 1939 she married Heber C. Parked and moved to Center. Sallie & Heber were the parents of two children, Nancy Lynn, born in 1942, and James Perry “Jimmy”, born in 1944. Sallie was a member of First United Methodist Church; a member of United Methodist Women; past treasurer, member and past president of the Women’s Reading Club and a former member and president of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, April 2, 2007 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Rev. Greg Megill officiating.

Survivors include:

Daughter, Nancy Pederson & husband Paul of Waco

Son, Jimmy Parker & wife Anne of Center

Granddaughters:
Ashley Parker of Seattle, Washington
Lisa Parker of Center

Grandson, Brandt Parker & wife Lisa of Austin

Sister, Ellen Love Burrows of Austin

Brother, Heartsill Young of Mason

Also numerous nephews and nieces.

Special friends are Fannie Jackson, Lola B. Phillips, Pearl Burgay.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Center.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, April 1, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Hicks Mortuary announces services for 69 year old, Wilbert Ira “Wildcat” McClelland. Services are Friday afternoon at two o’clock at Mount Zion C-M-E Church. Burial will be in Westview Cemetery.

Among Mr. McClelland’s survivors are his wife, Myrtis M. McClelland, one daughter, Kristi R. McClelland, one son, Anthony McClelland, and two brothers, Doctor Charles Tatum, of Houston, and Willard McClelland, of Center.

03/25/07

Bruce Wagnon, 63, of Center, passed away Saturday, March 24, 2007 as the result of an automobile accident. He was born March 28, 1943 in Warren, Arkansas to Floyd A. Wagnon and Georgia Berryman Wagnon. Mr. Wagnon served in the US Army during Vietnam, where he received a Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, a Purple Heart, a Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation Badge, and a Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal First Class Unit Citation. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Center and was a member of the Sam Samford Masonic Lodge #149. Mr. Wagnon retired from SWB and was a member of the SWB Pioneers.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 29, 2007 at Watson and Sons Chapel in Center with Rev. Michael Hale, Rev. Carl Smith and Steve Wagnon officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be John Doggett, Barry Doggett, Clay Wagnon, Tracy Collins, Bob Covington, Ken Ramsey, Harold Osborne and Todd Baldwin.

Honorary Pallbearers will Joe Ellis, Hal Wyatt, Franky Adams and Claude Lucas.

Survivors include:

Wife, Elaine Wagnon of Center

Sons:

Brett Wagnon of Center

Daniel Wagnon & wife Sheila of Lewisville

Joel Wagnon of Center

Grandchildren:

Grace Wagnon of Center

Luke Wagnon of Lewisville

Brothers:

George Wagnon & wife Laura of Warren, Arkansas

Keith Wagnon & wife Amanda of Center

Mother-in-Law, Barbara Bittick of Center

Brother-in-Law, Bruce Bittick of Center

Sister-in-Law, Marlene Doggett & husband John of Center

Also a number of nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by:

Parents, Floyd A. Wagnon & Georgia Berryman Wagnon

Brother, Bobby Wagnon

Father-in-Law, J.C. Bittick

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center

Harold Edwar Lewis Sr.63, of Joaquin passed away Saturday, March 24, 2007 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Mr. Lewis was born August 8, 1943 in Houston to Harold Garner Lewis and Lela Winifred Perry Lewis. He served his country in the Army during the Vietnam War. Mr. Lewis was an electrician. He was a member of the NRA, enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved to watch his grandchildren play sports.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Thad Mills officiating. Interment will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Randy Woodcox, Rick Kirby, Jason Harvey, Timothy Wilkerson, Michael Joe Byrd, Bo Posey, Justin Runnels and Timothy Mills. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Tomlinson, Thomas Harvey, Glenn Byrd and Orville Davis.

Survivors include:
Sons: Harold Edward "Bubba" Lewis Jr. and wife Celeste of Joaquin. and Jerry Lewis of Joaquin.
Daughters: Candy Cox and husband Roy of Joaquin and Sheri Lewis of Joaquin.
Seven Grandchildren: Jameie Baskin, Bradley Lewis, Brandi Lewis, Benjamin Baskin Jr, Amanda Lewis, Justin Lewis and Jamie Raimond.
Three Great Grandchildren:
Host of nieces, nephews and family and friends.

Preceded in death by:
Parents, Harold Garner Lewis and Lela Winifred Perry Lewis

Visitation will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm, Monday, March 26, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home.

03/24/07

Iris Wooley, 80, of Tenaha passed away Friday, March 23, 2007 in Longview. She was born May 30, 1926 in Tenaha to James Arthur Erwin and Ruby Emma Goolsby Erwin. Ms. Wooley retired from Superior Oil Company where she was employed as an accounting clerk. She was a member of the Tuesday Night Painting Group, The Do Dat Graft Group and the Methodist Women's Crafting Group.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at Watson & Sons Chapel in Center, Texas with Rev. Jim Bradley officiating.

Memorials may be made to ASPCA Tributes, 110 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10011.

Survivors Include:
Daughter; Joann Ballou and husband Jeffrey Scott of North Troy, Vernont

Brothers;
Paul Erwin and wife Frances of Texarkana, Arkansas
Jack V. Erwin and wife Alma of Liberty, Texas

Sister; Betty Jean Childress of Joaquin

Nieces and Nephews:
Linda Jane Weaver, Diane Roquemore, Artie Erwin, Don Erwin, Carter Erwin, Brad Erwin and Cindy Childress

Preceded in death by:
Husband; Denson Sapho Wooley
Parents; James Arthur Erwin and Ruby Emma Goolsby Erwin
Brother and sister-in-law; James Carter Erwin and Pauline

Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas.

03/23/07

Jessie Mae Bolton - Community Funeral Home of Center announces services for 61 year old, Jessie Mae Bolton, of Shelbyville and formerly of Palestine. Services are Sunday afternoon at Triumph First Pentecostal Church in Shelbyville. Interment will be in Westview Cemetery.

Among Mrs. Bolton’s survivors are her husband, L. B. Bolton, Senior, of Center, one son, Kenneth Bolton, of Center, one daughter, Gloria Nays, of Palestine, three sisters, Lola Phillips, and Gwendolyn Singh, both of Center, and Vera Brown, of Nacogdoches, and one brother, Billy Cartwright, of Center.

Services are under the direction of Community Funeral Home.

03/20/07

Sarah Emmaline Adame, 17, of the Patroon Community in Shelby County, Texas passed away Friday, March 16, 2007. She was born November 3, 1989 in Sarasota, Florida to James Adame and Pamela Hale Adame. Sarah was a student at Hemphill High School where she participated in UIL, drill team, the drama club, varsity soccer, the gourmet club and was president of the Robotics Club. She had been a resident of Patroon for the past six months, having previously lived in Birmingham, Pennsylvania and Seattle, Washington.

At the family’s request, Sarah has been cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, March 23, 2007 at First Assembly of God Church in San Augustine, Texas with Rev. Jeff Headrick officiating.

Survivors include:

Mother, Pamela Hale of Seattle, Washington

Father, James Adame & wife Katherine of Birmingham, Pennsylvania

Sister, Eve Marie Adame of Birmingham, Pennsylvania

Brother, James Adame of Birmingham, Pennsylvania

Grandparents, James & Barbara Hale of the Patroon Community, Shelby County, Texas

Grandmother, Margaret Trott of Tyler, Texas

Grandfather, Fred Adame of Viera, Florida

Great Grandfather, Rev. Harry S. Coons, Jr. of Seminole, Texas

Great Grandmother, Letha Mae Hale of San Augustine, Texas

Also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins & a host of friends.

Memorials can be made to the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue East, Seattle, Washington, 98109.

Ellie Wilson-Quinn - Taylor Funeral Home announces services for 89 year old, Ellie Wilson-Quinn, of Timpson. Services are tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon at two o’clock at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Timpson. Interment will be in Corinth Cemetery. Visitation is this (Tuesday) evening from six until eight o’clock.

Among Ms. Quinn’s survivors is one daughter, Iris Bailey, of Timpson, and special friend and caregiver, Frankie Mae Newcomer, of Timpson.

James Alford, 72, of Center, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2007. He was born October 6, 1934 in Tenaha to Noble L. Alford and Clotile Brown Alford. Mr. Alford attended Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Timpson.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 22, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center with Rev. Kenneth Verner officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Michael Decker, Joseph Graves, Joseph Arnold, Edward McEachern, Clint McEachern and David Wayne Alford.

Survivors include:

Wife, Jerry Alford of Center

Daughters:

Mary Graves & husband Junior of Tenaha

Penny Barchett & husband Bill of Colorado Springs, Colorado

Royalene McEachern & husband Edward of San Augustine

Kay Nichols of Huntington

Sons:

Noble Alford & wife Pam of Center

James Alford of Plano

David Alford & wife Terri of Timpson

Nicky Nichols & wife Kelly of Smithville

Granchildren:

Kendra Arnold & husband Joseph, James Michael Decker, Joseph Michael Graves, Amber Alford, Khristina Snider & husband Josh, David Wayne Alford & wife Mary, Kellie Walker & husband Noah, Joe McCallum & wife Jennifer, John McCallum, Nicki Lee Nichols, Scott Nichols, Seth Nichols, Ashley McEachern, Clint McEachern.

Great Grandchildren:

Mackenzi Alford, Jesse Snider, Blake Walker, Bella Kate Alford, Reece McCallum, Tatum McCallum

Sisters:

Tulia Browning of Aqua Dulce

Lenora Hughes of Tenaha

Christeria Holloway of Center

Betty Adams of Moores Hill, Indiana

Alice Deloney of Garrison

Jackie Allen of Henderson

Brother, William Dee Alford & wife Ann of Moores Hill, Indiana

Brother-in-Law, Billie Sam Donnell & wife Alice of Melrose

Sister-in-Law, Marie Shannon of Chireno

Mother-in-Law, Connie Donnell of Nacogdoches

Preceded in death by:

Grandsons, Cody Wayne Alford & Bryan Lee McEachern

Granddaughter, Susie Elizabeth Decker

Brother, John Alford

Father-in-Law, Sam Donnell

Daughter-in-Law, Toni Shofner Alford

Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 21, 2007 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

03/19/20

Kenneth Paul Billingsley - Taylor Funeral Home announces services for 54 year old, Kenneth Paul Billingsley, of Center and formerly of Timpson. Services are tomorrow (Tuesday) morning at 10 o’clock at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation is this (Monday) evening from five until eight o’clock at Taylor Funeral Home.

Among Mr. Billingsley’s survivors are his brother, Byron Billingsley, of Timpson, and his sister, Nina Hughes, of Center.

03/18/07

Sarah Adame, 17, of Patroon. Services pending at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas. Among Miss Adame’s survivors are her grandparents, James and Barbara Hale, of the Patroon Community.

Blanche Duncan Wilburn, 89, of Shelbyville, passed away Sunday, March 18, 2007. She was born August 14, 1917 in Shelbyville to Albert Volner Duncan and Ada Blackstock Duncan. Ms. Wilburn was a member of First Baptist Church in Shelbyville.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, March 19, 2007 at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelby County with Bro. Billy Windham officiating.

Pallbearers will be Billy Clyde Duncan, Spencer Fenton, Lewis Harbison & Johnny Hargrove.

Survivors include:

Son, Charles E. “Scotty” Wilburn & wife Jimmye of Lake Deerwood

Grandchildren:

Angie Wilburn of Katy

Tonya Fenton & husband Spencer of Shelbyville

Ginger Bekker of Carthage

Great Grandchildren:

Hannah Fenton

Max Fenton

Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceded in death by:

Parents, Albert Volner Duncan & Ada Blackstock Duncan

Husband, Eric Wilburn

Daughter, Gail Williamson

Brother, Cleo Duncan

Sister, Lois Boyett

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am 12:30 pm, Monday, March 19, 2007 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

03/16/07

Lenora G. Prothro, 80 of Joaquin passed away Friday, March 16, 2007 at the home of her daughter in Joaquin.
Services will be 2pm Monday, March 19, 2007 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel, her body will be cremated after the services and her cremains will be buried at Jackson Cemetery beside her husband at a later date.

Visitation will be Monday morning beginning at 10am and continue until service time at Mangum Funeral Home.

She was born January 9, 1927 in Natchitoches, LA to parents, Benjamin & Mae Thomason Garcia. She was a homemaker and she was of the Baptist Faith.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bennie & Mae Garcia.

She is survived by:

Daughter & Son-in-law: Brenda & Paul Grant of Joaquin

Son & Daughter-in-law: Stanley & Carol Prothro of Newalla, OK

Grandchildren:

Shanna & Michael Murphey of Joaquin

Brian Grant of Galveston

Shelia & Michael Hale of Edmond, OK

Great Grandchilden:

Caleb & Raelyn Hill

Ellieana Hale

2 Sisters:

Bennie Mae Johnson of Lake Charles, LA

Bobbie Gray of Natchitoches, LA

Services were under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas

Yvain Rushing - Community Funeral Home of Center announces services for 46 year old, Mr. Yvain Rushing, of Center. Services are tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at 2:30 at Triumph Center. Interment will be in Westview Cemetery.

Among Mr. Rushing’s survivors are one son, Yvinski Rushing, of Nacogdoches, two brothers, Jimmy Rushing, of Center, and Darry Lynn Rushing, of Beaumont, and three sisters, Cynthia Hooks, of San Angelo, Benita Lynn Washington, of Center, and LaMikah Latrese Rushing, of San Antonio.

03/14/07

Billy Isbell, age70, of Shelbyville (the Patroon Community) passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at his home.
Services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, March 17, 2007 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Henry Hughes Officiating, burial will follow at West Hamilton Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Visitation will be Friday starting at 6:00 pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born October 16, 1936 in Runnels County, Texas to parents, James & Carrie (Taylor) Isbell. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Robert Isbell.

He worked for Champion Paper Company in Pasadena for many years. He was a member of the Neuville Baptist Church.

He is survived by:

Wife, Jerry Nell (Berry) Isbell of Patroon

Children:

Josh Isbell of Sweetwater

Jace Isbell of Danbury

Jeree Bunch of Pearland

Mark Foster of Sugarland

Lisa Martinez of Deer Park

Brother, Donald Isbell of Brownwood

Sister, Jolaine Watson of Beaumont

Sister, Verlaine Lafferty of Leander

Pallbearers will be, Jordan Bunch, Blake Isbell, Eric Isbell, Steven Berry, Michael Morehouse, Matthew Morehouse, Robert Berry and Michael Martinez

Honorary Pallbearers will be, Charlie Smith, Charles Hall, Marshall Windham, Joe Ellis and Jacob Bunch

Services are under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas

Peggy Boles Verbosky, 77, of Houston, passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2007 in Houston. She was born April 18, 1929 in Lufkin to Vessie Victor Boles and Gladys Florence Warren Boles. Ms. Boles was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.

Graveside services will be held at 4:00 pm, Sunday, March 18, 2007 at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center with Rev. Randy Ledbetter officiating.

Survivors include:

Daughter, Vikki Carpenter & husband Wayne of Bayou Vista

Daughter, April Box & husband Randy of Spring

Son, Norman “Chip” Verbosky & wife Christina of The Woodlands

Grandchildren:

Kimberly Martin & husband Tom

Larry Wunderlich & wife Myla

Christina Verbosky

Crystal Verbosky

Megan Verbosky

Great Grandchildren:

Brock Martin

Kynan Wunderlich

Bella Wunderlich

Sister-in-Law:

Mary Boles of Center

Also numerous nieces, nephews & other relatives.

Preceded in death by:

Parents, Vessie Victor Boles and Gladys Florence Warren Boles

Siblings; Kenneth LaMerle McCulley, May Katherine Street and Billy Bruce Boles

Memorials can be made to Rainbow Connection at UTMB Galveston, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, Texas 77555-0361.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 18, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

W. J. Starr - Services for Reverend W. J. Starr, Pastor of the Bright Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church will be held tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at one o’clock at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church on M-L-K in Center. Visitation is this (Wednesday) evening from six until eight p.m. at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church. Interment will be in Nacogdoches.

Mary Liza Price - Hicks’ Mortuary announces services for 86 year old, Mary Liza Price. Services are this (Wednesday) afternoon at one o’clock at Lily of the Valley Church of God in Christ. Burial will be in Westview Cemetery.

Among Mrs. Price’s survivors are three sons, Willie Price, of Hawkins, Claudell Price, of Georgia, and Freddie Price, of San Antonio, two daughters, Jessie Mae Price, of Center, Margie Nell Jackson, of Colorado, and one sister, Bertha Hill-Bryant, of Houston.

Minnie Mae Luman - Hawthorn Funeral Home in Carthage announces services for 77 year old, Mrs. Minnie Mae Luman, of Tenaha. Services are tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon at two o’clock at Hawthorn Chapel. Interment will be in Mount Herman Cemetery in Center. The family will receive friends this (Wednesday) evening from six until eight o’clock at Hawthorn Funeral Home.

Among Mrs. Luman’s survivors are one son, Dale Luman, of Jasper, one sister, Geraldine Smith, of Tenaha, and one brother, Carl Smith, of Gary.

Ervin DeWayne Williams - Hicks’ Mortuary announces services for 25 year old, Ervin DeWayne Williams, of Center. Services are Saturday, March 17th, at 11 o’clock in the morning at East Liberty Baptist Church. Burial will be in Rather Cemetery.

Among Mr. Williams’ survivors are his father and step mother, Johnny E. Williams and Beverly, of Center, his wife, Collette Swindle, of Center, one daughter, Taigan Williams, one son, Khyle Daniels, two brothers, Gary Williams, of Tyler, and Nakyu Williams, of Center, and one sister, Renaudi Handy, of San Augustine.

03/12/07

Annie Bernice Towns, 96, of Center, passed away Monday, March 12, 2007. She was born August 23, 1910 in Tenaha to Aullen Andrew Robertson and Annie Belle Cook Robertson. Ms. Towns was a member of First Baptist Church in Timpson. She was also a member of Telephone Pioneers of America, having retired from Southwestern Bell.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Sammy Eldridge and Bro. Gordon Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Timpson.

Pallbearers will be Charles Hooker, Bobby Watson, Micky Ray, Misty Ray, Kevin McLawchlin, Kevin Michael McLawchlin, Woody Jernigan & Jerry Hammers. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons of Hillcrest Baptist Church & Charles Towns.

Survivors include:

Son, Mike Towns & wife Becky of Center

Granddaughters:

Lisa McLawchlin & husband Kevin of Timpson

Misty Ray of Center

Grandson:

Micky Ray & wife Melinda of Houston

Great Granddaughters:

Michelle McLawchlin of Timpson

Marissa McLawchhlin of Timpson

Morgan Ray of Houston

Meghan Ray of Houston

Great Grandson:

Kevin Michael McLawchlin of Timpson

Special friend, Miriam Jernigan of Center

Also numerous nieces, nephews & a host of friends.

Preceded by:

Husband, Ebben Towns

Sisters: Gladys Barnes, Sallie Hooker, Eddie Templin

******Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home********

Harry Williams - Watson and Sons Funeral Home announces services for 81 year old, Harry Williams, of Center. Mr. Williams passed away Friday, March 9, 2007 in Nacogdoches. He was born August 14, 1925 in Marion, North Carolina to Grover Williams and Mary Polberg Williams. Mr. Williams served his country in the Navy during World War II. He was a lineman with Southwestern Bell until 1985 when he retired with 33 years of service. Mr. Williams was a member of the Sardis Methodist Church.

Graveside services are tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon at one o’clock at Sardis Cemetery. Visitation is this (Monday) evening from six until eight o’clock at Watson and Sons Funeral Home.

Among Mr. Williams’ survivors are his daughter, Sherry Bishop, of Colorado, and four brothers, Talley Williams, Jack Williams, Fred Williams, and Frank Williams, all of North Carolina.

Preceded in death by Wife, Erma Smith Williams.

03/08/07

Hazel Lee Edwards, 89, of Center, passed away Monday, March 5, 2007 at Shelby Regional Medical Center. She was born June 27, 1917 in Alto, Texas to Aldredge Eugene Lawrence and Harriet Sharlotte Lewis Lawrence.

Graveside services were held at 10:00 am, Thursday, March 8, 2007 at Weches Cemetery in Houston County with Rev. Gordon Vaughn officiating.

Survivors include:

Sister, Edna Marie Billman of Mission

Nephews:

Albert W. Billman of Mission

Laurence B. Billman of Edinburg

Danny Ray Lawrence of Center

Aldredge Eugene Lawrence of Weslaco

Jon Dee Lawrence of Laredo

Timothy Lawrence of Houston

Nieces:

Brenda K. Lawrence of Center

Alma Lee Lawrence of Houston

Preceded in death by Husband, Bennett Edwards

03/06/07

Irene Oliver Bailey, 93, of Center, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at a Nacogdoches hospital. She was born September 8, 1913 in Livingston, Texas to John O. Oliver and Addie Richards Oliver. Irene was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother and friend. Her Christian example of her life touched not only her family but all who knew her. She was a member of Neuville Baptist Church for over 50 years where she was also a Sunday school teacher.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, March 8, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Bro. Marion Huckaby and Bro. Clifton Hughes officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center

Pallbearers will be Charles Conway, Wendy Whitlock, Billy Don Ross, Jerry Conway, Randy Robertson and Ronnie Perry. Honorary pallbearers will be John Paul Samford and Lonnie Traxler.

Survivors include:

Son, Doug Bridwell of Center

Step Daughters:

Wanda Bailey Fleming & husband Scotty of Center

Bobbie Sue Bailey Smith & husband Miles of Mineola

Grandchildren:

Pam Alford & husband Noble of Center

Jeff Bridwell & wife Cindy of Center

Great Grandchildren:

Cherry, Michelle, Justin

Great Great Grandchild:

Dustin

Sister-in-Law: Ollie Oliver of Texas City

Special Niece & Nephew: Peggy & Will Haden of Texas City

Daughter-in-Law: Sue Bailey Monsour & husband Billy of Logansport

Step Grandchildren:

Shea Fleming Swindler & husband Clay, LaTonya Bailey Clark & husband Cody, Myla Putt & Mark Smith

Step Great Grandchildren:

Bailey, Robin Glenn, Clayton, Caroline, Terren, Kyle & Lindsey

Step Great Great Grandson, Lucas Dalton

Former Daughter-in-law, Sue Nell Bridwell Jackson & husband Jim of Nacogdoches

Also numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Preceded in death by:

Husband, J.D. Bailey

Parents, John O. Oliver and Addie Richards Oliver

Four Brothers & One Sister

Step-Sons, Jerry Bob Bailey & Glenn Bailey

Step Grandsons, Scott & Shannon Fleming & Steven Glenn Bailey

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

03/03/07

Ruby Walker Weldon, 92, of Huxley, passed away Friday, March 2, 2007 in San Augustine. She was born October 14, 1914 in Newton, Mississippi to Joseph A. Walker and Laura Lovett Walker. Ms. Weldon was a member of Dantzler Memorial Methodist Church in Moss Point, Mississippi, but she most recently attended Toledo Bend Baptist Church in Huxley. She was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 5, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Rev. Jack Forbis and Rev. Carla Reed officiating. Interment will follow at Strong Cemetery in Shelby County.

Survivors include:

Daughters:

Louise Felts & husband Ben of Huxley

Bobbie L. Mitchell & husband Robert of Gautier, Mississippi

Sons:

J.D. Weldon & wife Ailene of Huxley

Dr. Mike Weldon & wife Marie of Madison, Mississippi

Ronnie Weldon & wife Cindy of Cannon Falls, Minnesota

12 Grandchildren

17 Great Grandchildren

12 Great Great Grandchildren

Sister, Mary Francis Lewis & husband Preston of Rose Hill, Mississippi

Also a number of nieces, nephews, cousins & a host of friends.

Preceded in death by husband, Robert E. Weldon.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

03/02/07

Robert Vance Payne, 65, of Center, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2007 at a Nacogdoches hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Sunday, March 4, 2007 at First United Methodist Church in Center with Rev. Greg Megill, Rev. Robert Montgomery and Rev. Carl Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Charles Rushing, Richard Prince, Jerry Phelps, Luke Motley, III, Jim Sawyer, Chuck Lunsford, Roy Blackshear, Billy Ihlo, Charlie Lunsford, Monty Lunsford, Joey Guedea and Robbie Thompson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of the Center Noon Lions Club and members of the Center High School Class of 1959.

He was born August 13, 1941 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Rex Gayle Payne & Phabrice Montgomery Payne. Vance was a 1959 graduate of Center High School and a 1963 graduate of SFA. He and his family owned and operated Payne-Payne Hardware ‘n Suchlike in downtown Center from 1915 to 1996. Payne’s Community News was started in 1949 by Vance’s parents and he continued the broadcast after his mother’s death in 1982.

As a staunch supporter of Center and Shelby County, he served the community in many different ways. Vance was a past president of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Center Noon Lions Club and a member of the 2007 class of Leadership Shelby County. He was also the home stadium voice of the Center Roughrider football team for many years.

Vance was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church of Center. He was active as a youth in MYF, had served in the Chancel Choir since 1963 and served his church in many leadership capacities.

Vance was also a past president of the Southwest Hardware & Implement Association.

Survivors include:

Wife, Billie Sue Payne of Center

Daughter, Angela Walker & husband Kevin of Nacogdoches

Son, Rob Payne & wife Kim of Center

Son, Joshua Vance Payne of Dallas

Grandchildren, Jennifer, Hannah & Hunter Walker of Nacogdoches

Sister, Lee Gayle Lunsford & husband Chuck of Center

Mother-in-Law, Gwendolyn Crawford of Timpson

Brother-in-Law, Michael Crawford & wife Glenda of Carthage

Brother-in-Law, Jim Crawford and wife Annette of Kilgore

Vance is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to the First United Methodist Church, 211 Porter Street, Center, Texas 75935, the Roughrider Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 152, Center, Texas 75935, or the charity of your choice, in Vance’s name.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center.

William L. "Bill" Beasley, 59, of Humble, passed away Friday, March 2, 2007. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at Forest Park, Woodlands, with 4 p. m. Full Military Graveside RItes in Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Preceded in death by wife, Virginia Lynn Taylor and parents James and Margaret Beasley, Grandparents Judge John W. Creech, Judge Dora Adams Creech and Jimand Lena Beasley.

Survived by: Wife, Terri Beasley of Conroe, Children, Donna and Bill Rayburn of Oxford, MS., Scott and Emma Beasley, Travis AFB, Ca. , Doug and Rebecca Beasley of Denton, Texas, Dan Beasley and fiancee Katie Eddington, Knoxville, TN., Step children, Deidra and Roger Bussell of Conroe., Derik and Maxine Lewis of San Diego, Ca., Grandchildren, Sarah and William Beasley, Julia Rayburn, Step-grandchildren, Keaton, Laudon and Brayson Bussell and Jaden Lewis and siblings, Jim and Beth Beasley of Garland, Nancy and Jim Powell of Beaumont, and Terry Beasley of Carthage, 3 nephews and a niece, Sandra Aycock, Brandon and Jared Powell and Sam Beasley.

Also survived by aunts and uncles, Dr. Roy and Irma Creech, Starksville, MS, Mildred and Eugene Webb of Center, Marcelle and Paul Geudner, of Littleton, CO., and Jerry and Elaine Creech of Port Arthur, La Verne Creech of Nacogdoches, Bernerdine Creech of Center and Marie Creech of Port Neches, Texas..

Hazel L. Borders age, 91 of Center, Texas passed away Thursday, March 1, 2007 at Tomball Regional Hospital.
Services will be:

4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2007, Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Billy Freeman officiating, burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 3, 2007 from 7 pm until 9 pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

She was born June 24, 1915 in Shelby County, Texas to parents, James Ruben & Teresa (Crenshaw) Lemons who precede her in death. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Marlin E. Borders.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Center, Texas and she was a homemaker.

She is survived by:

3 Sons:

Robert Borders and wife, Dorothy of Magnolia
Joe Borders and wife, Cecilia of Carrollton

John Borders of Rosenburg

2 Grandchildren: Susan Evans and husband, Wade of Rosenburg

Sarah Borders of Tomball

1 Sister, Gladys Jones of Brownwood

Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Services were under the direction of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas

Hazel L. Borders - Mangum Funeral Home announces pending services for 91 year old, Hazel L. Borders, of Center.

Among Ms. Borders’ survivors are two sons, Robert and John Borders.

03/01/07

Imogene Williams - Hicks Mortuary announces services for 87 year old, Ms. Imogene Williams, known as “Ms. Pete,” of the Saint Johns Community in Center. Services are Saturday morning at 11 o’clock at Saint John Baptist Church. Burial will be at Saint John Baptist Church Cemetery.

Among Ms. Williams’ survivors are one son, Timothy Harris, of Center, two daughters, Esterlene Byndom, of Center, and Barbara