Shelby County Today

04/12/2024

Joyce Ann Walker Reaves, age 89, of Center, Texas entered intorest on April 6, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, Houston, Texas. Officiating the services will be Bro. Don Chumley of Spring Hill Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service at Brookside Memorial Park in Houston.

A visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

Joyce was born in Sherman, Texas, on July 25, 1934, to Joseph Eugene Walker and Sybil Clark Walker. She attended schools in San Antonio and Houston. She married Fred Reaves at the age of 17 years and dedicated her life to their two daughters, Linda Joyce Reaves and JoAnna Reaves. She was a resident of Houston, Texas for many years as well as Marble Falls, Texas. Joyce loved being with her family more than anything, and in later years she enjoyed her life on the farm in Center. Joyce always had compassion for the less fortunate and a heart for animals. She and Fred shared a passion for the great outdoors with adventures in traveling, camping, and boating. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Hempstead, Texas. Following her move to Center, she faithfully attended Spring Hill Baptist Church, Martinsville, Texas.

Left to cherish her memories are:
Daughter, Linda Joyce Gilliam

Daughter and son-in-law, JoAnna and David Martin

Grandchildren: 
Christopher Phipps, and wife, Shanna
John Marcus Gilliam, and wife, Sara
Johna Childress Underwood, and husband, Joe
Lindsay Kae Gilliam

Great-grandchildren: 
Austin Phipps
Daniel Phipps
Baili Proffit
Jace Gilliam 
Lilly Gilliam
Andrew Underwood
Sarah Underwood
Jordan Underwood

A host of family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Maxwell Reaves; parents, Joseph and Sybil Walker; brother, Joe Rogers Walker; sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Kelly Richardson; and nephew, Steven Richardson.

To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.earthmanresthavenfuneralhome.com

04/11/2024

Dana Aaron Randle, 60 of Center, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024 at his residence. He was born December 6, 1963 in Center, Texas to R.L. Suell and Essie Mae Randle Gibbs.

Funeral service is 1pm Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Bright Morning Star Baptist Church, 623 Martin Luther King Drive, Center, Texas 75935. Interment is at Westview Cemetery in Center with Eulogy by Rev. Jackie Garrett.

Visitation is from 10am until 5pm on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Community Funeral Chapel in Center.

Dana was known for his love of working with his hands, his hard work ethic, and asking family and friends 'Let me hold somethiń.'

He attended Center High School and graduated in 1982. After completing his high school career, he worked for E.L. Bruce Hardwood Floors for a few years. While he worked on becoming an entrepreneur, Dana spent most of his life working for himself as a carpenter and plumber.

In his last days, he enjoyed being around his family, cooking good food, and having a drink on the porch.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tamara Nichols Harris; and father, R.L. Suell.

He leaves behind to mourn him:

Children:
Onaska Evans of Center
Dana L. Randle-Stiggers of Dallas

Mother, Essie Mae Randle Gibbs

Brother, Marlin Suell

Sisters:
Sherry Chiles of Cedar Hill, TX
Charllette Jackson of Desoto, TX
Jacqueline Gibbs of Dallas
Melba Mitchell of Houston
Marchelle Randle of Houston
Monica Suell of Houston

9 Grandchildren, 1 Great-grandchild

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

04/10/2024

Graveside services for Ethel Mae (“Mary”) Lee, Aaron Travis Lee, and Richard Travis Lee will be Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 10:30am at Duncan Cemetery with Brother Danny Lewis of Gateway Tabernacle of Kirbyville to preside over the blessings in celebrating each of their lives.

Ethel Mae (“Mary”) Lee, wife of Aaron Travis Lee, passed away January 18, 2022, of cancer. She was born on February 5, 1938, to Syble Duncan Shue and Hoyt Shue who were members of a large family in East Texas. Mary’s sister Eleanor passed away a few years ago. Her maternal grandparents were William H. Duncan and Sallie McMahon Duncan of Shelby County, TX. Mary was an artist, could design, build, and sew, and loved pets, wildlife, hunting with her husband, and taxidermy. Mary was a determined individual, raised to be strong, resilient, and loyal. The center of her life was her beloved husband, Aaron. They loved to dance to Country & Western music. Her husband, Aaron Lee called her the love of his life and soulmate; she “always had his back” in their very successful businesses together. She had a gift for sizing up the motivations of others and was a very kind person. Their family consisted of three sons, Rodney, Richard, and Ryan. Mary is survived by two of her children, grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, & nephews.

Aaron Travis Lee, husband of Ethel Mae ("Mary") Lee, was born November 16, 1939, McKenzie, Alabama of Noah Travis Lee and Alma Ledlow Lee. Aaron passed away on February 22, 2022, a month after deeply grieving the loss of his wife, Mary. Aaron graduated high school in McKenzie, Alabama. He moved to Houston, Texas where an Arkansas Football scout picked Aaron for the University of Arkansas. Aaron then joined the National Guard to serve two years, living in Pensacola, Florida. He met Mary, the love of his life in Texas. Aaron enjoyed coaching his sons’ baseball teams and also hunting in Colorado, Montana, and Texas. He owned several successful businesses in Houston and Round Rock, TX. When one son needed help in business, they moved to Tomball, Texas where they lived until they passed away. They were dedicated to family and worked at helping them until they died. Surviving family: Rodney Hoyt Lee, wife Anna G. Lee, Children: Michaela Ann Elizabeth Lee, Trevor Daniel Lee, Tianna Juanita Lee, Zachery William Hoyt Lee. Ryan Vincent Lee, wife Christine Lee, Children: Hunter Shaddock Lee & Casey Travis Lee; one sister, Avis Lee-Reid of Killeen, Texas and one brother, Mack Lee of Enterprise, Alabama.

Richard Travis Lee, Aaron & Mary Lee’s middle son, was born in Houston, Texas on August 8, 1967. He passed away at age 49 on February 6, 2017, with heart problems. He went to Lamar High School until 1985 where he was named best running-back in Houston in 1985. He attended college at Blinn College, worked in the car business with his family and in dealerships in the Austin area. He received numerous exemplary sales awards, given his outgoing, gregarious, and kind personality. Ricky enjoyed football, golf, spending time at the Bay House, and on his bike “Ole’ Girl”. Ricky Lee was survived by his fiancée, Ellen Nolen Schloegel of Houston, Texas. Ricky inherited his strong faith, work ethic and love of family from his parents. The cremated remains of Aaron, Mary and their son, Richard will be buried alongside Mary’s parents, Hoyt Shue and Syble Duncan Shue.

04/05/2024

Kenneth Ray Keath, age 79, entered into rest on April 4, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Chapel of Mangum Funeral Home, Center, TX. Officiating the services will be Bro. Larry Delcambre and Bro. Richard L. Tull. Interment will follow at Cool Spring Cemetery, Logansport, Louisiana.

The family will receive family and friends at the funeral home Monday, April 8, 2024, from 10:00 am until time of service.

Kenneth was born in Houston, Texas on February 12,1945 to Marshall Ferrell Keath and Velma Farris Keath. Kenneth graduated from Vidor High School in 1963 and went to work as a voluntary firefighter for the Vidor Fire Department. Kenneth proudly served in the U.S. Army in the 54th infantry of the 4th Armored Division. He worked for Perry Brothers as manger and as a brick mason for Texaco Refinery. Kenneth proudly owned Golden Triangle Masonry. Later he worked for First Baptist Church in Nederland as building supervisor and worked for swimming pool companies as an installer. One of the highlights of Kenneth’s working career was being road manager for Bob Cain and traveling with Bill Gaither. He also worked for two Christian bookstores. After that he moved to Joaquin and built, owned, and operated Texas Eatery and Gifts.

He is preceded in death by parents, Marshall and Velma Keath; sister, Janiece Lasiter and husband, Truitt; and brother, Yandell Keath.

Left to cherish his memories are:

Wife, Nancy

Sons:
Kenneth Gregory “Greg” Keath
Milton Ray Keath

Grandchildren:
Jennasea Keath
Grant Keath
Conrad Keath

Nieces:
Ann Darwin
Theresa Tilly

Nephew, Alton John Laister

The family suggests that memorials may be made to Cool Springs Cemetery, Logansport, LA.

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

04/04/2024

Randall Scott “Randy” Pritchett, 62, of Center, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Center.

His wishes were to be cremated.

Born December 18, 1961, in Center, Randall is the son of Larry Pritchett and Leah Moorman Guice. He graduated from Tenaha High School in 1980. Randall went on to become a talented musician, even teaching music at times. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by:

Son, Randall Wayne Pritchett and wife Heidi of Joaquin

Daughter, Geneva Lynn Pritchett

Grandchildren:
Chandler Pritchett
Aspen Pritchett

Sister, Martha Pritchett Rowe and husband Larry of Houston

Brother, Roy Pritchett and wife Renee’ of Houston

Numerous nieces and nephews

Family friend, Eva Spurlock of Center

Stepfather, Mac Guice of Louisiana

Preceded in death by mother, Leah Moorman Guice; grandmother, Martha Moorman; and brother, Ronny Pritchett.

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

04/02/2024

Vickie Warr, a Center native, died on December 27, 2023, at an assisted living community in Austin. She was 79.

Vickie was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys Boothe Warr and Winston Roger Warr, Sr. (“Winkie”); two sisters, Patsy Warr and Diane Warr; and her brother, Winston Roger Warr, Jr..

Vickie graduated from Center High School and earned a B.A. in Psychology from Lamar University. After graduating, she returned to Center, where she lived until shortly before her death. Vickie was an avid reader, especially of mysteries. She was an animal lover, rescuing countless stray dogs and cats. Like all the Warrs, she adored children. She loved to laugh and play cards and games, and she was a wonderful aunt.

The Warr family will inter Winston’s and Vickie’s ashes in the family plot at Fairview Cemetery on Saturday, April 13 at 10:30 am. There will be no service, but any friends wishing to join the family for an informal gathering are welcome at the gravesite.

04/02/2024

Marlin Jackson Butler, 49, of Shepherd, Texas, went to rest on the afternoon of March 30, 2024, at Kingwood Hospital having faced a rigorous battle with numerous extensive heath conditions. He was born in Baytown Texas, on July 18, 1974, to James Bobby Butler and Betty Alford Marberry.

Funeral service will be held at 11AM on Thursday, April 4, 2024, Mangum Funeral Home, with Bro. Tim Perkins officiating. Interment will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, Martinsville, Texas.

A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 10am at Mangum Funeral Home on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Marlin’s early years were spent growing up in Martinsville, Texas. He graduated from Martinsville High School. He later moved to Shepherd, Texas, residing with the ones he loved and worked as a supervisor on a pipe yard. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who loved a good challenge. No matter what he was doing, he was going to be the best. When he wasn’t spending time outdoors, he was spending time in the kitchen. He could do anything he set his mind to do. Marlin will be missed by numerous friends, family and other loved ones.

He is survived by:

Wife, Kelly Rhodes Butler

Children:
Madison Butler Green and husband Dustin
Karly Ishmael and boyfriend Jake Wiggins
Jaxon (Butler) Duke

Brother, James Butler and wife Verona

Sister, Brandi Butler Meck

Marlin is preceded in death by his mother, Betty Alford Marberry and husband Robert, and his father, James Bobby Butler.

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

03/30/2024

Hazel Brittain, age 93, completed her earthly journey on March 28, 2024, at Garrison Nursing Home. She was born to parents, Averett and Virginia Baggett on May 23, 1930, in Converse, Louisiana. She grew up in Shelby County and attended school in Center. She and T.C. “Pete” Brittain were married in 1947 and shared life and family for 56 years, before his passing in 2003. They were parents to a son, Travis, and a daughter, Barbara.

Much of her adult life was spent caring for her home and family and sharing in the work of farm and ranch life. She and Pete owned and operated Chambers Water Well Co. for several years, from the mid-sixties through the early seventies. During this time, she attended nursing school at Panola College and became an LVN. Her children were grown by this time. They sold the business and moved to the Cedar Yard community, where they raised chickens, cattle, and horses and always had a huge garden. The grandchildren have many memories of times spent at the farm during their growing-up years. Hazel continued to work at Holiday Nursing Home until her retirement.

She was a member of Lone Star Baptist Church for many years and loved her church family there. She was sad when she could no longer attend because of health issues.

She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word search, forty-two or just visiting with family and friends over a “good” cup of coffee.

Hazel is survived by:

Daughters:
Barbara Richards and husband Charles

Sharon Brittain, daughter-in-law and mother of Jamey and Charley
Cathy Brittain, former daughter-in-law and mother of Rodney, Nikki and Jill

Grandchildren:
Nikki Brittain
Brandon Richards and Melissa
Jill Jefferson and Keith
Jamey Brittain and Courtney
Charley Brittain and Kailyn

Great-grandchildren:
Trace Brittain
Logan Jefferson
Morgan Jefferson
Olivia Richards
Gracelyn Brittain
Kollyn Brittain
Karter Brittain
Kaisley Brittain
Tristan Samford

Brother, Hulon Baggett and Sharon

Sisters:
Ella Manshack
Joyce Noble

She is preceded in death by parents, Averett and Virginia Baggett; husband, T.C. “Pete” Brittain; son, Travis Brittain; grandson, Rodney Brittain; infant grandson, Sheldon Richards; brothers, Clifford and Ernest “Buddy” Baggett; and infant sister, Glennis Baggett.

Hazel leaves us with a legacy of love for and faith in Jesus Christ. Her prayer was to one day see each of us again in Heaven. In her home, she proudly displayed the wall art saying given to her by Nikki which reads, “Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time.”

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 1, 2024, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Dr. Nathan Hodge will officiate. Interment will follow at Cedar Yard Cemetery in Shelby County.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Richards, Jamey Brittain, Charley Brittain, Trace Brittain, Tristan Samford, Josh Cooper, and Logan Jefferson. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Jefferson, Wesley Brittain, Jody Brittain, Hulon Baggett, Buddy Hodge, and Thomas Mendez.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Garrison Nursing Home and staff for their compassionate care.

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

03/29/2024

Joe Fiedler, 96, formerly of Timpson, Texas, passed away on March 28, 2024, in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was born on September 13, 1927, in Wells, Texas, to the late Joseph Fiedler and Theresia (Maikish) Fiedler.

Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas, with Rev. Randy Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Timpson Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Timpson.  

Joe grew up in Forest and Wells, Texas. He graduated from Wells High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Joe attended and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University. There he met the love of his life, Gloria Bowlin, and the two spent over 63 wonderful years together before her passing. They had two children. Through the years, Joe taught in the public schools of Vidor, and in the Nederland Independent School Districts. He later served as a school administrator in Nederland ISD, and a superintendent at Joaquin ISD. He enjoyed the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, and raising cattle. Joe was a family man, and enjoyed time spent with his children and their families. 

He loved the Lord and served him at Paxton Methodist Church. 

Joe is survived by his son, Ben Fiedler and wife Robin

Daughter, Lesa Henning 

Sister, Mary Clemonds

Grandchildren:
Logan Henning
Jarrod Henning
Claire Fiedler Bradshaw
Candace Fiedler

5 Great-Grandchildren

A host of family and friends that will miss him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria.

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