Shelby County Today

02/13/2024

Ricky Lee Evans, 53, of Joaquin, Texas, passed away on February 13, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in Joaquin, Texas.  He was born on August 05, 1970, in Center, Texas, to L.B. Evans and Marylee (Alvis) Evans.

Graveside service will be held at 2PM on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Brookland Cemetery, with Bro. Jason Broadus and Bro. Jodi Hooper officiating. Visitation will be held from 12-2PM on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home.

Ricky was born and raised in Shelby County. He graduated from Joaquin High School Class of 1989. His pride and joy was his son, Lucas Bryan, whom he loved immensely. He loved watching Lucas play sports and always cheered loudly for him and his team. Ricky enjoyed the outdoors hunting and fishing. He was a very family-oriented man. His family was very important. Ricky loved his nieces and nephews and supported them throughout the years. His kind, compassionate heart was genuine.

He is survived by:

Wife, Deanne Evans

Mother, Marylee Evans

Son, Lucas Bryan Evans

Special Daughter, Stormie Myers

Brothers:
Gary Evans and wife Melissa
Jessie Griffith and wife Lisa

Sisters:
Christy Bates
Lori Evans Eldridge Gauger and husband Mark

Mother-in-law, June Swint

Sister-in-law, Diane Swint Wolfe

Nieces and nephews:
Alicia Davis
Michael Starner
Cody Evans and wife Meghan
Colton Eldridge
Callie Bonner and husband Justin
Carly Reeves and husband Seth
Kane Bates
Dylan Bates

Numerous great nieces, great nephews, and extended family that will miss him dearly.

Ricky is preceded in death by his father, L.B. Evans; brother, Mike Griffith; and brother-in-law, David Bates.

Pallbearers serving will be Justyn Brown, Jaydn Brown, Jake Neal, Brayden Cummings, Carson Rodgers, Try Laform, and Ethan McGhen. Honorary pallbearers serving will be Alan Palmer, Jerry Hunter, Shane Barber, and Danny Davis.

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

02/09/2024

Leacie Mae (Dennis) Mosby was born on July 12, 1937, to Alean (Bolton) and Cree Dennis in San Augustine, Texas, and peacefully passed away in her hometown on February 4, 2023.

Funeral Service is Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11am at New Hope Baptist Church, San Augustine, Texas with Pastor, Rev. David Mosby, Eulogist. Visitations will begin on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 10am at New Hope Baptist Church, San Augustine, Texas. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery, San Augustine, Texas.

Leacie's journey through life was marked by love, faith, and dedication.

She was preceded in death by her children, Helen Carpenter, John Morris Mosby, and Derwin Mosby, as well as her grandson Marcus Mosby, and siblings Crezell Dennis and Booker Bolton.

Throughout her life, Leacie touched the hearts of many. She first found love and married James Buckley, with whom she welcomed her daughter, Helen Buckley. Later, fate led her to meet and marry John Alton Mosby. Together, they relocated to Dallas and welcomed sons John Morris and Derwin. Though faced with the tragic loss of John Morris as an infant, Leacie's strength and faith remained unwavering.

Leacie accepted Christ at a young age and later joined Bon Air Baptist Church in Dallas, where she was a faithful member and served on the usher board ministry for over 20 years. Professionally, she dedicated herself to Kraft, Inc., where she worked diligently for 30 years until her well-deserved retirement.

Beyond her professional and religious endeavors, Leacie was a pillar of love and generosity within her family. Her classic style, demure grace, and warm disposition endeared her to all who knew her. She found joy in simple pleasures, such as baking and gardening, sharing her talents and creations with those she loved.

Leacie is survived by:

Sister, Pat Price

Grandchildren:
Elvis Buckley
Ingram Carpenter
LaRhonda Carpenter
Uneeta Mosby

Her legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends for generations to come.

As we gather to honor Leacie's life and legacy, let us find solace in the cherished memories we hold dear and the love that she shared with us all. May her spirit live on in our hearts forever.

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

02/06/2024

Elmelda Allen Thomas (62) of Houston, Texas, died on January 31, 2024. Elmelda is a 1980 Center High School graduate. She was born on November 26, 1961, in Lufkin, Texas to the late Elvin Allen Sr. and Willie B. McClelland Allen.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 1pm at the Gospel Way Missionary Baptist Church located at 3307 Bella Vista Street, Houston, Texas 77022. Graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 1pm at St. John Baptist Church Cemetery located at 2308 CR 2050 Center, Texas 75935 (Africa Community). Rev. C.R. Williams Sr. will be the eulogist.

Visitations is 11am to 1pm on Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Gospel Way Missionary Baptist Church and 11am - 1pm Saturday, February 10, 2024 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Committal is at St. John Baptist Church Cemetery Africa Community. Repass is at St John Baptist Church Cafeteria. 

Elmelda Allen Thomas is survived by:

Husband, Michael Thomas of Houston, Texas

Children:
Amanda N. Lindsey
Andrew L. Lindsey II

Granddaughter, Addisyn Grace Neveaux

Brother, Elvin Allen Jr. and wife Edwina

Best Friend/Cousin, Mattie A. “Sissy” Suell and her husband Melvin

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 

02/03/2024

Franklin Ray Doggett, 58, of Shelbyville, passed away Thursday, February 1, 2024, in Nacogdoches.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Bro. Don Windham officiating. Interment will follow at Rather Cemetery in Shelbyville.

Born October 27, 1965, in Center, Franklin is the son of Billy Ray Doggett and Yvonne Plant Doggett. He loved hunting, fishing, and riding four wheelers and horses.

He is survived by:

Daughters:
Brandi Doggett and Matthew Reynolds of Shelbyville
Jodie Doggett of Shelbyville

Grandchildren:
Paetin Doggett
Emily Gregory
Everleigh Reynolds
Levi Reynolds

Brother, Billy Doggett and wife Christine of Center

Mother of his children, Marsha Doggett of Shelbyville

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of friends.

Preceded in death by his son, Scotty Ray Doggett; parents, Billy Ray Doggett and Yvonne Plant Doggett; brother, David Robinson, Kenneth Robinson, and Curtis Robinson. 

Pallbearers will be Robert Bolton, Kenneth Gray, Jack Brittain, Cheyenne Fenton, Jason Griffin, and Brandon Doggett. Honorary pallbearers will be Clyde Parfait and Timmy Denby.

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

01/31/2024

Barbara Ann Anderson, 69, of Timpson, Texas, passed away January 31, 2024, surrounded by loved ones in Timpson, Texas. She was born on July 17, 1953, in Center, Texas, to the late Thomas W. Livingston and Pauline (Williams) Livingston.

Graveside service will be held at 2PM on Friday, February 2, 2024, at White Rock Cemetery with Bro. Fred Wilcox officiating.

Barbara had two important things in her life: God was first, then family. If she wasn’t reading her Bible, she was listening to the Bible on CD. Her faith and trust in God never wavered. She loved reading. She traveled all over the world simply through her books. Sometimes she enjoyed the trips so much that she would read some books, 3,4, and even 5 times. She loved to write short stories as well. Her children and loved ones will always remember her cooking. From the cakes, brownies, rice krispy treats, and fudge, but a few of the best dishes were chicken and dressing, potato salad, hamburger soup, and milky way cake.

She is survived by:

Son, Jason Anderson

Daughter, Renee’ Prince

Special Nephew, Stacy Valentino

Grandchildren:
Dakota Barr
Nathan Barr
Christapher Anderson
Blake Prince

Great-grandchildren:
Kaleb Anderson
Phoenix Barr

Sisters:
Evon Green
Linda Griffin

A host of aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Barbara is preceded in death by her husband, Witmar “Marty” Lamar Anderson; parents, T.W. and Pauline Livingston; maternal grandparents, Thomas Allen and Eva Beatrice (McCauley) Williams; and paternal grandparents, Roy and Ola (Adams) Livingston.

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

01/26/2024

Edna Ruth Shofner Birdwell, 82, of Center (formerly Nacogdoches), went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in Nacogdoches. She was surrounded by her family. 

Services will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Mangum Funeral Home in Center. Bro. Dathan Triplett of Revival Tabernacle will officiate.

She is survived by:
Son, Del Birdwell, and wife, Joanna of Center

Grandchildren: 
Bethany Birdwell Arnett, and husband, Matt of Holden, Louisiana
Brynna Birdwell Talavera, and husband, Taylor Talavera of Nacogdoches
Levi Birdwell, and fiance, Kloye Sonmor of Center

Great-granddaughter, Maren Mae Arnett of Holden, Louisiana

Sisters:
Linda Henderson, and husband, Joe of Tennessee Colony
Kathi Howard, and husband, Dewey of Center

Sister-in-laws: 
Rosa Lee Vaughn Shofner of Center
Beth Rogers, and husband, Jerry of Athens
Linda Wade, and husband, Stanley of Sacul

Brother-in-laws:
Jack Birdwell, and wife, Joyce of Nacogdoches
Lamar Birdwell, and wife, Judy of Madisonville

Numerous nieces and nephews

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bryant Haden Birdwell; parents, Martin Lee Shofner and Bessie Mae Fleming Shofner; brothers, James Richard Shofner and Delbert Shofner; sisters, Billie Jean Livingston and Mary Reichel; sister-in-laws, Carol Shofner, Betty Cole; brother-in-laws, Leon Livingston and Jerry Reichel, Bobby Birdwell, Joe Birdwell, Jim (Birdie) Birdwell; father and mother-in-law, Lawrence Birdwell and Wanda Fountain Birdwell; niece and nephew, Janet and Mike Wilburn. 

Edna was born in Center to Martin Lee and Bessie Mae (Fleming) Shofner on March 10, 1941. She was one of seven children and loved her family very much. She graduated from Center High School with the class of 1959 and spoke highly of the many dear friends that she attended school with. She attended Massey Business College in Nacogdoches following her high school graduation. She married Bryant Haden Birdwell of Cushing on March 13, 1965, and the two made their home in Nacogdoches, Texas with their son, Bryant (Del) Birdwell. Edna loved Bryant dearly, and they were married for 53 years before he went to be with Jesus in April 2018. Edna worked for Stone Fort National Bank for 30 years and went on to work for Stephen F. Austin State University until her retirement. 

Upon retirement, she stepped into the full-time role of “Nanny”--her favorite and most cherished title of all–to her three grandchildren. She was exceedingly proud of them and enjoyed talking about them to everyone she came in contact with. She left them with fond and lasting memories of days spent gardening, sewing, cooking, canning, shelling peas and shucking corn, frequenting bookstores, galavanting around Nacogdoches “Mall” on any given Saturday, and a fridge that was always full of Cokes. She was the best Nanny and a true “jack of all trades.” Her easy going temperament, patience, and willingness to teach will forever be etched into the hearts of her grandchildren. 

One of Edna’s dearest friends recently penned the following: 
“Her nature was kind, loving, affirming, and supportive. She seemed to always think of others before herself.”
She was known by many as a constant and faithful friend, a loving and kind mother, wife, and sister, an adoring grandmother, and a true Christian. We will miss her until we all meet again. 

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:8

If you would like to make a charitable contribution in memory of Mrs. Edna, please make it to Center Christian Academy, P O Box 427, Center, Texas, 75935.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net.

Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.

01/26/2024

Keith Tyrone Suell, 56, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024. He was born on December 13, 1967 to the late Bertha Lee Netherly and William Daniel.

Bertha Lee and Jimmy Netherly united in marriage in 1971; Keith was then loved and raised as Jimmy’s biological son. Keith joined Blount Chapel Baptist Church at an early age and was baptized by Rev. L.A. Thomas of Shreveport, Louisiana.

He was a graduate of Center High school and joined the United States Air Force. 

Keith had a passion for youth basketball and baseball, he coached for many years in the South Carolina AAU League.

He also had a passion for music and was the faithful disc jockey at many family gatherings by bringing his own equipment and many genres of music.

Keith was preceded in death by his mother; Bertha Netherly and grandmother; Hannah B. Suell. He leaves to cherish in his memory:

Kayla and Darian Suell, both of Columbia, South Carolina

Granddaughter, Jaelynn Suell of Columbia, South Carolina

Brothers:
Michael Netherly (Evette) of Center
Kip Dixon of Mckinney, Texas

Parents, Jimmy and Mary Netherly, of Center

Aunts:
Johnnie Mae Whitaker, who helped raise Keith like her own son
Austrene Edwards of Houston, Texas

Nephews:
Ryan Netherly
Myles Netherly
Caleb Dixon
Daniel Dixon
Josh Dixon

He also had a loving host of cousins and friends; including best friend; Lon Ratcliff of Dallas, Texas.

The memorial service for Keith Tyrone Suell will be held Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 at 12pm at Watson and Sons.

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

01/25/2024

Mr. Johnny Johnson, 74, of Carthage, Texas departed her life on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Carthage Healthcare Center in Carthage, Texas. He was born on July 28, 1949, to the late Robert Johnson and Eliza Jackson in Shreveport, La. Mr. Johnson’s Graveside service will be held at Westview Cemetery, at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 27, 2024.  Rev. Joe Mitchell will be the eulogist.  

Mr. Johnson is survived by:  
Sons:  
Chris Johnson of Florida
Johnny Johnson II of Carthage
John Johnson (Janett) of Carthage

Grandchildren: 
Johnny Ray Johnson III and Alessandrian Johnson of Carthage

Visitation: Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Hicks Chapel at 12:00 Noon. 

Interment: Westview Center, Texas

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

01/20/2024

Marilyn Dee Haywood Welch Griffin, 89, of the Stockman Community of Shelby County, went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2024. She was born November 5, 1934, to Jim and Stella Haywood.

Miss Marilyn loved her family, friends, and loved life. She never met a stranger. Marilyn was a door greeter for Wal-Mart in Center for many years. If she met you once, she recognized you forever as one of my customers. She was loved by a big family and many friends. Marilyn had many little sayings that each one of her children, grandchildren, and friends will remember of her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Claudine Moore, Ardell Bardwell, Hester Blackwell, James Haywood; son, Bobby Welch; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

Marilyn is survived by:

Daughters:
Delois Blackwell of Nacogdoches
Rebecca and Bobby Strong of Carthage

Sons:
Larry and Francine Welch of Springs, Colorado
Jimmy and Marilyn Welch of Stockman

Seven grandchildren:
Delisa Carroll
Terry Welch
Chris Welch
Jamie Welch
Anthony Welch
Buddy Strong
Robert Strong

Many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

A host of friends

Services will be at 2pm, Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Blair Cemetery in Timpson. Officiating the services will be Bro. Robert Strong and Buddy Strong.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Strong, John Strong, Austin Eldridge, and Anthony Welch.

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