9/20/06

John Lawson, 81, of Shelbyville, passed away September 19, 2006 at San Augustine Medical Center. Services will be held Friday, September 22, 2006 at Patroon Baptist Church at 11 am with Bro. Welton Blackmon officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Hill Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday, September 21, 2006 at Mangum Funeral Home from 4 until 6 pm.

He was born on April 20, 1925 to John Mitchell Lawson Sr. and Rosa Lee Jeter Lawson. He was a Engineer for KCS Railroad for many years. He was a member of Patroon Baptist Church.

He is preceded indeath by his mother Rosa Lee Mason & spouse Carl James Mason, father, John Mitchell Lawson Sr. and spouse Momma Rosa, on brother Elmo Young Lawson, one half brother George H. Lawson and one half sister Betty Clark.

He is survived by: Wife of 24 years, Peggy McShan Lawson, 3 Daughters, Susan Page and husband Ronald of Nederland, Tx. Elizabeth Oliver and husband Jerry of Beasley, Tx. Patricia Swaby and husband Richard of Deer Park, Tx. Grandchildren: Tabitha Mowies and husband Kevin of Spring, Tx. Shawna Page and Stefanie Page of Nederland, Tx. Charli Lachney of La Porte, Tx. Meagan and Chase Oliver of Beasley, Tx. Great Grandchildren: Jared and Jacoby Mowies of Spring, Tx. Kalie Lachney of La Porte, Tx. Sisters Naomi (Bobbie) Perry and Sadie Natusch of Houston, Tx. Numerous Niece and Nephews and In Laws from England. Church Family and a host of other friends.

Maudine Hughes Hopkins, 78, of Center, passed away Monday, September 18, 2006. She was born February 5, 1928 in Shelby County to Thomas Clinton Hughes and Ellie Irene Carter Hughes. Ms. Hopkins was a member of the First Baptist Church and also a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Center with Rev. Michael Hale, Rev. Carl Smith and Bro. Henry Hughes officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan Hopkins, Timothy Hopkins, Benjamin Hopkins, Keith McSwain, Charles Paul Hughes & Larry Ballard.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Deacons of the First Baptist Church and J.W. Adams.

Survivors include:

Husband of 60 years, James Granvel Hopkins of Center

Sons:

Guy Hopkins & wife Linda of Morrow, Georgia

Teddy Hopkins & wife Becky of Center

Grandchildren:

Jonathon Hopkins of Dallas

Timothy Hopkins & wife Jessica of Dallas

Benjamin Hopkins of Morrow, Georgia

Rachael Hopkins of Morrow, Georgia

Rebekah Frederick & wife Mike of Jonesboro, Georgia

Great Grandchildren:

Jayda Hopkins of Dallas

Genevieve Hopkins of Jonesboro, Georgia

Brothers:

Tom Hughes of Monahans

Henry Hughes & wife Peggy of Center

David Hughes & wife Cathy of Center

Preceded in death by:

Parents, Thomas & Ellie Hughes

Brothers, Orland, Ted, John, Bill, Jack & Carter

Memorials can be made to the Carroll Cemetery Fund.

****Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center, Texas

James Henry Pate -89 year old, of Center passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital after a lengthy illness.

Services will be Saturday morning September 23, 2006 at 11 o’clock at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Carl Smith officiating, burial will follow at Mount Olive Cemetery. Visitation will be tomorrow (Friday) from noon until nine p.m. at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born on August 5, 1917 in Sealy , Texas to parents, James H. Pate Sr. & Vallie Bell Webb Pate. He is retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. He was a member of First Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by: His parents James H Pate Sr. & Vallie Bell Webb Pate. Wife of 51 years and Mother of his children, Mildred Berwick Pate. And wife of 18 years, Zelma Palmer Lacy Pate, 2 Sons, L. Bruce Pate & William E. Pate. Brother, Preston H. Pate.

His surviving relatives include: 1 Daughter, Sheron Outlaw & husband David of Spring Branch, Tx. 3 Step Daughters, Nancy Warr & husband, Bobby of Center, Linda Reinhart & husband, David of Columbus, Ohio.and Janis Compton & husband, Jeep of Lufkin. 1 Step son, Dr. Joe Neal Lacy & wife, Jane Ann of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 7 Grandchildren, Lee Pate Fischer & husband, Bill of Sna Antonio, Jeremy B. Pate & wife Phyllis of Austin, Blake Outlaw & wife Audra of Austin. Carter Outlaw of San Antonio, Joseph Outlaw of Spring Branch, Molly Outlaw of Austin and Whit Outlaw of Austin. 3 Great Grandchildren, Megan & Trey Fischer of San Antonio and Gage Outlaw of Austin. 9 Step Grandchildren, Tracy & Reese Doggett of Houston, Wesley Allen Warr & wife Lisa of Santa Fe, Angie & Scott Shoemaker of Columbus, OH., Alan St. Clair of Chattanooga, TN., Brad & Melanie Hughes of Joaquin, Brent Hughes of Houston, Wilke, Grey, & Anna Lacy of Chapel Hill, NC. 10 Step Great Grandchildren, Justin & Erin Doggett, Jacob, Joshua & Jordan Shoemaker, Haley & Amber Warr, Brock & Mason Hughes, Grant Hughes. 1 Brother in law, Delbert Palmer & wife Dorothy of Center,

Pallbearers: Blake Outlaw, Carter Outlaw, Joey Outlaw, Whit Outlaw, Jeremy Pate, Brad Hughes, & Brent Hughes.

Visitation from 12 Noon Friday to 9 ppm Family will be at funeral home from 5 pm until 9 pm

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

9/19/06

Jane Pridgen, 74, of Joaquin, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2006. She was born December 30, 1931 in Joaquin to E.C. Oates and Geneva Spurlock Oates. Mrs. Pridgen was a member of the First Baptist Church in Joaquin.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Rev. Paul Silvey officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park.

Survivors include:

Husband, Bill Pridgen of Joaquin

Daughters:

Cathy Jordan & husband Vance of Joaquin

Donna Hudson & husband Doug of Nacogdoches

Bet Kirkland & husband Don of Ovilla

Grandchildren:

Kim Holt & husband Kevin of Glendive, Montana

Jason Jordan of Ft. Worth

Shelly Jordan of Whitehouse

Jana Nicole Kirkland of Ovilla

Troy Hudson of Nacogdoches

4 Great Grandchildren

Sisters:

Alpha Holcomb of Joaquin

Doris Gunter of Tenaha

Preceded in death by:

Parents, E.C. Oates and Geneva Spurlock Oates

Sisters, Euthalia McCann, Etheline McMahon, Monie Martin & Melba Henderson

****Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center****

Grover M. Russell, Sr., of Center, passed away Monday, September 19, 2006. He was born October 28, 1924 in Texarkana, Arkansas to John Russell and Pearl Russell. Mr. Russell enjoyed fishing & his grandchildren. He was of the Baptist faith.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at The Garden of Memories in Minden, Louisiana.

Survivors include:

Wife, Lorene Russell of Minden

Son, Grover Russell, Jr. & wife Sue of Center

Granddaughter, Meredith Russell Bright & husband Sean of Austin

Grandson, Matthew Stephen Russell of Austin

****Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center****

Claudia Cordray, 93, of Port Arthur, passed away Monday, September 18, 2006. She was born November 26, 1912 in San Augustine County, the youngest of seven children, to William P. Harkness and Mary Anna Askew Harkness. Ms. Cordray graduated in May 1931 in the first class of Shelbyville High School. In 1933 she married Willie Cordray, who preceded her in death. Claudia was a member of the First Methodist Church of Shelbyville where she taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir. During WWII she worked in the Shelbyville cafeteria/candy shop where she loved the interaction with the students. She later worked at John. C. Rogers Drug Store and Sears, from which she retired as a manager. Ms. Cordray and her late husband were pioneers in the broiler industry. Upon his death, she moved to Port Arthur to be near her children. She joined the First Baptist Church of Nederland where she made many friends, and she loved having the young people visit her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 21, 2006 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with Vance Green officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Pallbearers will be Ms. Cordray’s Grandsons and Great Grandsons.

Survivors include:

Daughter, JoAn Byrd & husband James of Port Arthur

Son, Aubrey Cordray & wife Pam of Newton

Grandchildren:

James & Linda Byrd

Sherle & Jay Ward

Richard Cordray

Rachel Slaughter

Great Grandchildren:

Will, Sarah & Daniel Byrd

Tobin & Aubrey D. Ward

Memorials can be made to the restoration fund of the First Baptist Church of Nederland or to Shelbyville Cemetery in care of the First Methodist Church of Shelbyville.

****Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center****

9/18/06

Mary Florence Pratt Davis Harris - 92, of Center, passed away Monday, September 18, 2006. She was born February 21, 1914 in the Alto Community of Shelby County, Texas to Monroe Pratt and Belie Bush Pratt. Her parents passed away when she was five and she was raised by her Grandmother in the Alto Community of Shelby County. As an adult she worked as a nurse for Dr. Hurst, Dr. Walter Warren, Dr. Henry Warren & Dr. Spencer Warren in Center. Ms Harris was also a nurse during WWII where she cared for German POW's. She lived a while in Virginia with her niece, Hilda Samford Pina, while caring for her sister. She then moved to Louisiana near her son and his family, but returned to Shelby County where she lived on her own for 12 years. At the age of 92, she started residing at Pine Grove Nursing Center.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at Watson and Sons Chapel with Bro. Jim Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow at Asbury Chapel Cemetery in Shelby County, Texas.

Pallbearers will be VFW Post 8904.

She is survived by: Son, Larner "Buddy" Davis & wife Lela of Timpson.

Grandchildren: Kathy Brunch of Louisiana, Steve Davis of Louisiana, Debbie Claudio of Shelby County, Donnie Davis of Duson, Louisiana, Rhonda Babineax of Duson, Louisiana, Tonya Romero of Duson, Louisiana, Monica Richards of Duson, Louisiana.

22 Great Grandchildren, 5 Great Great Grandchildren. Also numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her granson, Ronnie Davis

Visitation will be held from 3:30 pm to 8 pm on Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

9/12/06

Mrs. Edna E. McClelland Garrett - Hicks Mortuary announces services for 87 year old, Mrs. Edna E. McClelland Garrett, of Shelbyville. Services will be this Saturday afternoon at one o’clock at Todd Springs Baptist Church. Burial will be in Rather Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday afternoon from three until five o’clock at Hicks Chapel and on Saturday from noon to one o’clock at Todd Springs Church.

Among Mrs. Garrett’s survivors are two daughters, Stephania Garrett Preston and Agnes Jean Garrett Johnson, both of Center, two sisters, Billie Provost, of Milam, and Eula Metcalf, of Nacogdoches.

9/8/06

Desmond Eugene Williams - Community Funeral Home of Center announces services for 35 year old, Desmond Eugene Williams, of Center. Memorial services will be tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon at two o’clock at Kingdom Hall in Center.

Among Mr. Williams’ survivors is his mother, Vera Baxley, his father, John Baxley, one brother, Anthony Williams, and two sisters, Shaunda Nobles and Tameka Landon, all of Center.

Charlie Polk Smith, age 80 of Pearland formerly of Center passed away Thursday, September 7, 2006 at Baywind Village in League City, Texas.

Services will be 2 pm Saturday, September 9, 2006 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery in Center. Visitation will be Friday evening after 4 pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

She was born October 26, 1925 in Center to Parents, Charles Polk Smith and Margaret (Price) Smith. She attended Baylor College of Medicine, she was a Medical Technician. She was of the Methodist faith.

She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Gwendoly Corene Carlton.

She is survived by:
Sister: Martha Frances "Fannie" Hagler of Center.
Nephew: Nik Hagler of Pearland.
Nephew: Lon Carlton of San Leon.
Great Niece: Kim Lovelace of Sugarland.
Nephew: Keith Hagler of Center.
Nephew: Curt Carlton of North Richland Hills.
Nephew: Cwen Parker of Arlington.

Special Friend: Vivienne McCoullough of Pearland.

9/7/06

Eloise McMeans, age 92, of Center, passed away Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at Shelby Regional Medical Center.

Services will be 10 am, Friday, September 8, 2006 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel in Center with Bro. John Bender officiating, burial will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Visitation will be Thursday evening from 3 pm until 5 pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

She was born on March 20, 1914 to Eddie E. Keasler and Bessie Mae Crawford Keasler. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Center were she attends the Conway Bible Class. She was a hairdresser for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband J.G. McMeans and son Michael McMeans.

Her survivors include: One Brother, Earl Keasler and wife Maxine of Atlanta, Texas. Sister in law, Erna Gurley of New Orleans, La. Nieces and Nephews, Numerous Friends and Family.

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

9/5/06

Bernice Fults Bradshaw, 88, of Center passed away Monday, September 4, 2006 in Nacogdoches. She was born October 17, 1917 in Center, Texas to John Wesley Fults and Minnie Pearl Webb Fults. Ms. Bradshaw was a homemaker, mother and grandmother. She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ.

Graveside services will be held at 10 am Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Shelby County.

Survivors include: Sons, Pat Morrison Bradshaw and wife Sharon of Center and Donny Ray Bradshaw and wife Connie of Center.
Grandchildren: Todd Bradshaw and wife Theresa of Houston, Kerry Bradshaw of Houston, Shonda Clifton and husband Michael of Center, Chad Bradshaw of Center, Shane Wesley Bradshaw and wife Rachel of Center, Misty McCracken of Timpson and Heath Woodrome of Arkansas. Twelve Great Grandchildren.

Brother: Billy Ray Fults and wife Nora Bell of Center. Sister: Juanita Harkness of Nacogdoches. Preceded in death by Husband, Morris Grover Bradshaw, Parents, John Wesley Fults and Minnie Pearl Webb Fults, Brothers, Raymond Fults and Buster Fults. Grandson, Kurt Woodrome.

Visitation will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm, Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home in Center.

Sadie Greer - Hicks Mortuary and Golden Gate Funeral Home of Dallas announces services for Sadie Greer, formerly of Center. Services will be this (Tuesday) morning at 11 o’clock in Dallas. Interment will be this (Tuesday) afternoon at four o’clock, at Saint John Cemetery in Center.

Ben Barnes - Taylor Funeral Home announces services for 91 year old, Ben Barnes, of Nacogdoches and formerly of Timpson. Services will be tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 11 o’clock, at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Timpson Missionary Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will begin this (Tuesday) evening at five o’clock.

Among Mr. Barnes’ survivors is a sister, Vance Garrard, of Nacogdoches.

Curtis Tarver - Mangum Funeral Home and Mountain Valley Funeral Home in Burleson, announce the passing of 60 year old, Curtis Tarver. Services were held yesterday in Burleson.

Among Mr. Tarver’s survivors is his mother, Mary Lou Ramsey Tarver, who is a 1945 graduate of Center High School and lived here for many years before moving to Burleson.

9/4/06

Betty L. Warren, age 80 of Center, Texas passed away Monday, September 4, 2006 at her home in Center.
Her Body was cremated and a memorial will be held at a later date. She was born August 15, 1926 in Illnois to Parents, Henry & Lueilla Sargent. Amoung her survivors include: Sons, Donald R. Warren Sr. of San Augustine, David R. Warren Jr. of LaProyor, Texas. Brothers, Jim Sargent of Spear, Ill. and Bill Sargent of Clinton, Ill.
Grandchildren, Rebecca Warren, Donald Warren Jr., Michael Warren, Suzanne Warren, Ava Pelc, Monia Pelc, Stephanie Warren, Charlie Warren, and David Warren III.

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

9/3/06

M.A. Whittlesey, Jr., age 49, of Ponder, Texas passed away Friday, September 1, 2006 at Denton Regional Medical Center.

Services will be: 11am Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gene Kirkley officiating. No burial, Cremation after service. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5 pm until 9 pm at Mangum Funeral Home.

He was born November 5, 1956 in Center, Texas to Parents, M.A. and Dorothy (Tidwell) Whittlesey. He was a construction worker.

He is preceded in death by his parents, M. A. and Dorothy Whittlesey, Brother, Ricky Whittlesey, and Sister, Marjorie Cunningham.

Amoung his survivors include: Wife, Dianne Couturier of Keller, Son, Skyler Whittlesey of Seguine, 3 Grandchildren, Brothers & Sisters, Grady Whittlesey and wife Ginger of Humble, Barbara Norton of Warren, Judy Whittlesey of Houston, Julia Mae Bienek and husband Lloyd of Spring and Robert Whittlesey and wife, Beatrix of Winnie. Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

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

9/2/06

Homer E. "Jack" Smith - age 88 years, of Center passed away Saturday, September 2, 2006 at a Nacogdoches hospital. He was born January 27, 1918 in Angelina County, Texas to Rand Smith and Henrietta Phillips Smith. Mr. Smith was a member and deacon of Providence Missionary Baptist Church.
Services will be held at 10 am, Monday, September 4, 2006 at Watson & Sons Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Donald Moore and Rev. Mervin Scott to officiate. Burial will follow in Old Salem Cemetery in Shelby County.
Pallbearers will be Mr. Smith's grandsons.

Survivors: Wife, Velma Smith of Center. Daughter, Betty Sue Graves of Deadwood. Daughter, Jeanene Porter and husband Danny of Deadwood. Daughter, Linda Scottt and Mervin of Deadwood. Son, Gene Edward Smith and Mila of Center. Son, Douglas W. Smith of Springfield, Va. 12 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren. Sisters, Fannie Choate of Center adn Addie Mae.
Preceded in death by daughter, Kathy Smith. Visitation will be held from 5 pm to 8pm on Sunday, September 3, 2006 at Watson and Sons Funeral Home.