Elsie (Buckalew) Bagwell

Mrs. Elsie Bagwell of San Augustine, Texas, passed away Friday, August 11, 2023, at Summit Health Care in San Augustine, Texas, at the of 82 years, 10 months, 28 days. She was born September 14, 1940, in Navasota, Texas, and was adopted by Ed and Robbie Buckalew. The family moved to San Augustine shortly after and opened up a furniture store and one of the first drive-in theaters in east Texas. Her first job was working the concession stand.

      ~She finished 8th grade and married into the Sanders family. She had her first born daughter Reba Gail at 15, her middle daughter Karen at 16, buried still-born twins at 20 and had her ‘late in life’ son, Roy B. at 23.

     ~She obtained her beauty license and opened her own shop, making the ladies in San Augustine beautiful for 37 years. She loved to tell the story of Lady Bird Johnson calling her little ol’ beauty shop to speak to one of her customers (a railroad commissioner’s wife) in the 60’s.

      ~ In her late 40’s she passed her GED with the help of her customers/friends, school teachers Mrs. Harlowe Johnson and Mrs. Dorette Barr.

      ~In 1990, she discovered the names of her biological parents. Her Mom had recently passed, but she was overjoyed to meet a sister and brother.

      ~ After retiring from the beauty shop, she decided to open two tobacco shops, putting her daughters in charge.

      ~She married Herald ‘Zip’ Bagwell in 1993 and they shared a great love up to her passing.

     ~She was sassy, fun and had a good time wherever she went. She loved animals – had horses, dogs, cats and even a monkey!

     ~She was fierce, strong in her beliefs, a leader, an entrepreneur. Her humor and wit were unparalleled. She loved to dance.

     ~And even after burying 3 adult children (and two babies when she was younger) she continued to amaze with her grace, faith and determination. A true matriarch, adored by her family and all that knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Harold "Zip" Bagwell of San Augustine; son-in-law, Albert Chambers of San Augustine; and grandchildren, Kelley Theriot and husband Steven, Cody Austin Sanders and wife Samantha, and Colt Wayne Sanders and wife Joni; great grandchildren, Addie Dillon, Parker Dillon, Paxton Sanders, Ollie B. Sanders, Robin Sanders, Noelle Sanders; sister, Sherry Weeks; brother, Jerry Kuhns; sisters-in-law, Betty Lytle, Doris Bentley; daughter-in-law, Shelly Schultz, and step-sons, Greg Bagwell and Scott Bagwell. 

She was preceded in death by her children, Reba Chambers, Karen Sanders, Roy Benny Sanders Jr., and infant twins.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

Funeral services are set for 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023, at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel.  Officiating will be Bro. Leo Wright.   Committal service and interment will follow at Lower Chireno Cemetery, located off FM 95 South in Chireno, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please make a memorial donation to Lower Chireno Cemetery, P. O. Box 62, Chireno, Texas, 75937

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, located at 316 W. Columbia Street in San Augustine, Texas.

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