Obits: The Natchitoches Times, November 2000 Submitted by: Suzanne Shoemaker Many thanks to The Natchitoches Times for allowing the LaGenWeb to archive the obits from the newspaper. ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** The Natchitoches Times Obits November 8, 2000 issue JO ANN CANNON Services for Jo Ann Cannon, 60, of Cloutierville, were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 8 in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Cloutierville with Fr. Gerald Bordelon officiating. Burial followed in Cloutierville Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Miss Cannon died Friday, November 3, 2000 near Ajax. She was a native and lifelong resident of Cloutierville, was a lunchroom technician for the Natchitoches Parish School Board and was a long-time employee of Dixie Dandy Grocery Store in Natchitoches. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Survivors include one daughter, Sheila Henderson of Cloutierville; two brothers, George "Buddy" Cannon of Natchitoches and James Bernard Cannon of Cloutierville; two grandchildren, Shelley Delrie and Joshua Henderson. CARL NORMAN WILLIAMS SR. Funeral services for Carl Norman Williams Sr., 53, of Carthage, Texas will be held Wednesday, November 8 at 2 p.m. at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home chapel in Coushatta with Bro. Dan Chance officiating. Burial will follow in L. C. Weaver Cemetery in Campti. Mr. Williams died Monday, November 6, 2000. He was born March 27, 1947 in Natchitoches Parish. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Williams of Carthage, Texas; one son, Bubba Williams and wife, Regina, of Black Lake; one daughter, Cathy Delacerda and husband, Dale, of Black Lake; three step-daughters, Kathy Sellers, Libby McCarver and Debra Koontz, all of Texas; three brothers Archel Williams Jr., of Campti, Robert Williams of Campti and Leon Williams of Black Lake; three granddaughters, Heather Williams, Morgan Delacerda and Adriana Williams; several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; and numerous other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Archel Williams Sr. and one sister, Betty Mae Chesson. Pallbearers are Leslie Williams, Monty Williams, Russell Williams, Dale Delacerda, Randy Pace and Freddie Perot. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Potts and Allan Matthews. SYBLE LANELLE NELSON GRAY MAY 14, 1936-OCT. 16, 2000 Memorial services for Syble Lanelle Nelson Gray will be held on Saturday, November 11 at 2 p.m. at the Shamrock Advent Christian Church in Robeline. Officiating will be the Rev. Frank Cyphers. Sybil Lanelle Nelson Gray was born on May 14, 1936 to the late Luther and Aline Jordan Nelson of Robeline. Sybil was part of a large loving family who were all very close. Her parents made sure that the children all attended church. She was a member of Advent Christian Church in Robeline; the only existing church of that denomination in Louisiana. Later in her life, Syble became a member of the Westside Baptist Church in Adel, Ga. She was one of 11 Nelson children who all graduated from Marthaville High School. Syble graduated in 1954. She attended the Advent Christian College in Aurora, Ill.; Arizona State University and graduated from Glendale Community College in Arizona. She loved working at William C. Jack Elementary School where she taught special education. On September 7, 1957 she married her beloved husband of 43 years, L. E. Gray, better known as Al to the family. They traveled many years during Al's career in the U. S. Air Force. For the last 10 years, they had resided in Adel, Ga. Despite suffering much pain and illness for most of her life, Syble achieved many accomplishments. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her friends and family remember her as a happy and fun loving person who always cared for others. She was a Christian, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister who was very much loved. She was truly a beautiful person. Our Lord and Savior freed her from all pain on October 16, 2000 at Memorial Hospital in Adel, Ga. Services were held at Westside Baptist Church in Adel, Ga. At 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18 with interment in Beulah Church Cemetery. Those left to honor her memory are her husband, L. E. (Al) Gray of Adel, Ga.; two sons, Bill Gray and his wife, Kay, of Woodland, Calif. And David Gray and his wife, Barbara, of Glendale, Ariz.; two daughters, Debra Gray of Sparks, Ga. And Dianne Wyler of Adel, Gal; eight grandchildren, Lelia Gray, William Perazzoli, Shenay Wyler, Shannon Gray, all of Adel, Ga., Crystal Wyler, Christopher Breci, Jass Gray and Devin Gray, all of Glendale, Ariz.; three brothers, Donald Nelson and wife, Cecil, Ronald Nelson and wife, Fran, and Dean Nelson and wife, Pat, all of Robeline; seven sisters Mary Laroux of Robeline, Johnnie Mae Johnson of Piedmont, Ala., Mable Bachelor and husband, Ed, of Lapine, Ala., Vera Priest and husband, J. R., Sandy Lancaster and husband, Rocky, all of Tyler, Texas, Trudy Nelson of Montgomery, Ala. And Janet Nelson and husband, John, of Prattville, Ala.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. November 7, 2000 issue VICKIE LYNN SANCHEZ Services for Vickie Lynn Sanchez, 38, of Coldwater were held Monday, November 6 in Coldwater Baptist Church with the Rev. Hudie Boeboeuf officiating. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery at Coldwater under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Mrs. Sanchez died Saturday, November 4, 2000 in Natchitoches Parish Hospital. She was a native of Winnfield, a homemaker and a member of Calvary Baptist Church at Tullos. Survivors include two sons, Christopher Curry of Conroe, Texas and Joshua Sanchez of Zwolle; one daughter, Andi Curry of Calvin; her father, Dwane Thompson of Winnfield; three brothers, Leston Thompson of Coldwater, Mitch Thompson of Provencal and Jason Thompson of Andalusia, Ala.; four sisters, Javonna Watley of Coldwater, Gabrielle Thompson of Andalusia, Ala., Leslie McGowen of Pensacola, Fla. And Lessie Thompson of Andalusia, Ala.; and one grandson, Tristan Garrett of Calvin. Pallbearers were Brandin Frost, Daniel Frost, Darren Davis, John Watley, Dustin Thompson and Wayne Watley. November 16, 2000 issue MARY "EXA" LOUGHRIDGE Services for Mary "Exa" Loughridge, 91, of Flora were held Saturday, November 11 at 11 a.m. in Weaver Methodist Church at Flora with the Rev. Frank Yount officiating. Burial was in Weaver Cemetery in Flora under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Mrs. Loughridge died Thursday, November 9, 2000 in Heritage Manor Nursing Home at Natchitoches. She was a native of Cypress, a homemaker and a member of Weaver Methodist church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Otis A. Loughridge. Survivors include two daughters, Ann E. Strutz and her husband, Bob, of Flora and Beth Carter and her husband, Ronald, of Flora; one sister, Alma McLaren and her husband, Eurcle, of Natchitoches; four grandchildren, Lori Hennings and her husband, Phil, of Bedford, Texas, Buck Strutz of Appleton, Wis., Patricia Strutz-Behm and her husband, Jim, of Eagle River, Wis., and Scott Carter of Cookeville, Tenn.; two great grandchildren, Matthew Henning and Robert Henning, both of Bedford, Texas. Pallbearers were Hubert O'Bannon, W. P. O'Bannon Jr., Clifford Smith, Raymond Boswell, Thad Longlois, Burton Weaver Jr., Leroy Gallien and Clarence LaCaze. L. JOE "L. J." THOMPSON Graveside services for L. Joe "L. J." Thompson, 94, of Natchitoches were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 15 in Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches with the Rev. Doug Cain officiating under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Mr. Thompson died Tuesday, November 14, 2000 in Natchitoches Parish Hospital. He was a native of Bowden, Ga., a retired builder, a member of Wynnton Baptist Church in Columbus, Ga., and was a Mason. Survivors include two daughters, Jolene Anders of Natchitoches and Anne Powers of Richmond, Va.; six grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. LOU BALLARD FORD Funeral services for Lou Ballard Ford, 71, of Oak Grove will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, November 17 in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches with the Rev. Bennie Bynog officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery at Hagewood. Mrs. Ford died Tuesday, November 14, 2000 in West Carroll Hospital at Oak Grove. Mrs. Ford was a native of Provencal. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis E. Ford; parents, Clarence and Fannie Ballard; son, Frederick Carpenter/ brothers, Jeff Ballard, John Ballard and Dave Ballard; and sister, Susannah Ballard Reed. Survivors include one son, the Rev. George Holland of Goldonna; two daughters, Nancy Boutwell of Oak Grove and Jean Buras of Buras; two sisters, Bertha Bynog of Provencal and Shirley Reems of Vowells Mill; one brother, Fred Ballard of Provencal; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be George D. Holland, Sam Boutwell, Phillip Cassels, Fred Ballard Jr., Pete Eubanks and Walter Clack. Visitation will be Thursday, November 16 from 4-10 p.m. and on Friday, November 17 from 8 a.m. to service time in Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. GARY DALE KERRY Services for Gary Dale Kerry, 66, of Haughton will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, November 16 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Chopin with the Rev. Gerald Bordelon officiating. Burial will follow in Emmanuel Cemetery in Chopin under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Mr. Kerry died Tuesday, November 13, 2000, at Willis-Knighton Medical Center in Shreveport. He was a native of Chopin and a retired construction worker for Benson Construction in Haughton. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Rose Eva Kerry. Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Kerry of Haughton; four sons, Paul Taylor of Shreveport, James A. Kerry, John M. Kerry and Roy D. Kerry, all of Haughton; two daughters, Pamela S. Taylor of Albuquerque, N. M., and Victoria Sue Allen of Elm Grove; six sisters, Jimmy Faye Goss of Haughton, Margaret Nichols of Cloutierville, Judy Hernandez and Connie Romero, both of Bossier City, Juanice Hernandez and Bonnie Vercher, both of Natchitoches; five brothers, Artis Kerry of Bossier City, V. L. Kerry and Marvin Kerry, both of Shreveport, Larry Kerry of Pineville and Jerry Kerry of Cloutierville; 11 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. November 18-19, 2000 LUCILLE DAVID MALLARD NOV. 29, 1926-NOV. 1, 2000 "Bringer of Light" is the meaning of the name, Lucille, and bringing the light is exactly what she did in her life to people around the globe. Lucille (Lou) was born at Bermuda to the union of the late Rev. Gentry Davis and Mrs. Emma Bobb Davis on November 29, 1926. Lucille continued to shine that brilliant light, which was the essence of her being, at Grambling where she received a bachelor of science degree in the field of elementary education in 1952. In the year 1951, she married Jewel Mallard. Lucille was the loving and devoted mother of two daughters, Linda Mallard Alston, of Denver, Colo. And Phoebe Mallard Taylor of Natchitoches. She was also a loving mother to two spiritually adopted daughters, Sarah Jean Cornwell of Natchitoches and Carole Anderson of Memphis, Tenn. Many other young people adored her and relied on her wisdom and deep insight and enlightenment. Min May 1997, Lucille fulfilled yet another life-long dream. She received her MA and master of divinity degrees from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga. In addition, Lucille became a licensed Religious Science Counselor in May of that same year. Between the years of 1945 and 1986, Lucille touched the lives of many children as an extraordinary elementary school teacher. Twenty-four of those years were dedicated to Natchitoches Parish School System. Her sister and brother-in-law, Geraldine David Johnson and Levy Johnson; her "love" adoptive parents; four brothers, Horace Davis, Henry Davis, Gentry Davis and Andrew Davis; three sisters, Pearl L. Jones, Annie Lee Anthony and June J. Sheilds Hart, all preceded Lucille in death. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Linda Alston (her buddy) and Phoebe Taylor (her anchor); a son-in-law, Gerald K. Taylor; three grandsons, Courtney Alston, Macio Alston and Joshua Alston; three granddaughters, Stephanie, Crystal and Megan Taylor; one great grandson, Kelvin Christopher Latchie; one sister, Izema Smith (Johnnie); one brother, Milton Davis (Betty) both of Los Angeles, Calif.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. We love you Moma. CHARLES WAYNE CLOWER Funeral services for Charles Wayne Clower, 64, of Westlake, will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, November 19, 2000, in the Westwood Baptist Church in Westlake. The Revs. Craig Cabaniss and Bob Conner will officiate. Graveside services will be at 12:00 noon on Monday, November 20, 2000 at Central Baptist Church Cemetery in Robeline with the Rev. Earl Marr officiating. Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles is in Charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home and from 1:30 p.m. until time of services on Sunday at the church. Mr. Clower died at 12:35 a.m. Friday at his residence. Mr. Clower was a native of Garland, Arkansas and had lived most of his early life in Robeline, graduating from Robeline High School with scholastic and athletic honors. He attended McNeese State University on a basketball scholarship and earned his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Business. Upon graduation from McNeese, Mr. Clower began work with Conoco Refinery in Lake Charles, negotiating labor contracts with union members with the Teamsters International and the National Labor Relations Board. Mr. Clower worked for Conoco for thirty-three years, twenty years in Houston, before retiring as Manager of Employee Relations. He was manager of Conoco Global Downstream Operations. He served as former President of Southwest Chamber of Commerce. In 1973 he was appointed to the Selective Service Board by President Richard Nixon and was appointed Colonel/Aide de Camp, Governor's Staff, State of Louisiana. He was a member of the prestigious Mayflower Society and also a member of Champion Forest Baptist church in Houston. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Dillard Clower; three daughters, Krystal Woods of Lake Charles, Sue McMullan of San Antonio, Texas, and Ginger Cabaniss of San Diego, California; his mother, Opal Clower of Robeline; one sister, Marjo Cotton of Keithville, La., six grandchildren and five step-grandchildren. November 21, 2000 issue REV. GEORGE CLARENCE BERLY Services for the Rev. George Clarence Berly, 89, of Marthaville, were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, November 18 in First Baptist Church at Marthaville, with the Rev. Bob Salley officiating. Burial was in Marthaville Cemetery under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches. The Rev. Berly died Wednesday, November 15, 2000 in Dowlen Oaks Assisted Living Community in Beaumont, Texas. He was a native of Robeline. He was a retired postmaster at Marthaville. He was a retired Baptist minister, having served at Anthony Baptist Church near Robeline, Springridge Baptist Church near Pleasant Hill, Cedar Grove Baptist Church near Many, Rocky Springs Baptist Church at Marthaville, and Crossroads Baptist Church at Marthaville. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church at Marthaville before entering the ministry. He was a member of First Baptist Church. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U. S. Army. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Ruby Barnhill Berly of Marthaville; two daughters, Bonnie Rutherford of Westlake and Betty Stevens of Beaumont, Texas; two brothers, Robert Berly of Campti and Edwin Berly of DeRidder; four grandchildren, Gloria Reidlinger of Kingwood, Texas, Elizabeth Davis and Lisa Chapman, both of Dallas, Texas, and Michael Stevens of Valdez, Alaska; three great-grandchildren, Amy Reidlinger and Caleb Reidlinger, both of Kingwood, Texas, and Michael J. Stevens of Valdez, Alaska. November 22, 2000 issue I. W. "COTTON" WITHERS Services for I. W. "Cotton" Withers, 85, of Robeline will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 22 in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with the Rev. Wilbur Booty officiating. Burial will be in Rocky Mount Cemetery at Robeline. Mr. Withers died Tuesday, November 21, 2000 in HIS North Nursing Home at Many. He was a native of Robeline, a retired truck driver for Houston construction Co. in Houston, Texas and was a retired Pentecostal Minister from Shamrock Full Gospel Church at Robeline. Survivors include two sons, Doyle Withers and David Withers, both of Robeline three daughters, Maxine Slater of Natchitoches, Shirley Isgitt of Avery, Texas and Paula Behan of Robeline; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Jamie Withers, David Withers Jr., Shawn Isgitt, Brandon Isgitt, Eric French and Jeremy Nugent. HUGH D. SCHOEPHOERSTER Hugh D. Schoephoerster, 67, of Andover, Minn., died Friday, November 17. Private services are pending. Schoephoerster was a curriculum developer, children's textbook author and art collector. He received a bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University in Moorhead, Minn., and a master's and doctoral degree from Colorado State Teacher's College. He is survived by his sister, Janie Rognlie of Rapid City, S. D.; two sons, Paul and grandchildren Kirby and Jack of Fayette, Mo., and Ned and grandchildren Samuel, Carl and Wyatt of Circle Pines, Minn.; and one daughter, Kristin Schoephoerster and her husband David West and grandchildren Oliver and Margaret of Minneapolis, Minn. Memorials may be made to Young Audiences, a non-profit organization dedicated to youth art education or the Emma B. Howe YMCA. November 28, 2000 DEATH NOTICES WALTER GLEN JORDAN Funeral services for Walter Glen Jordan, 75, were held Saturday, November 25 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Florien. Burial was in Antioch Cemetery. Jordan died Wednesday, November 22, 2000 in Florien. ALBERT SPILLMAN Funeral services for Albert Spillman, 78, of Natchitoches, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 29 in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at Cloutierville, with the Rev. Gerald Bordelon and Msgr. Carson LaCaze officiating. Burial will be in Cloutierville Catholic Cemetery at Cloutierville under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches. Mr. Spillman died Monday, November 27 in Natchitoches Parish Hospital in Natchitoches. November 29, 2000 issue ETHEL FUTRELL SCROGGINS Services for Ethel Futrell Scroggins, 96, of Natchitoches were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 28 in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with Dr. Scott Shaver officiating. Burial will be in Memory Lawn Cemetery at Natchitoches. Mrs. Scroggins died Thursday, November 23, 2000 in Heritage Manor Nursing Home. She was a native and life long resident of Natchitoches, a homemaker and a former hostess at the Student Union Center at Northwestern State University. She was the longest surviving member of First Baptist Church in Natchitoches. Survivors include two sons, Billy O. Scroggins of Missouri City, Texas and Henry "Jackie" Scroggins of Terrytown; one daughter, Ethelyn L. Millar of Camarillo, Calif.; one sister, Kathleen Kennedy of Elfrida, Ariz.; one sister-in-law, Elanora Scroggins Chambers of Fisher; nine grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Stan Scroggins, Stacy Scroggins, Paul Scroggins, David Scroggins, Noble Flenniken, Mike Hawkins, Tom Murchison and Larry Oliver. Honorary pallbearers were Pete Antee, C. J. Raggio and Henry Maggio. SHANE WILLIS Funeral services were Shane Willis, 28, of Bossier city, were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 29 at Rose-Neath Bossier Chapel with the Rev. Larry Earl, pastor of First Church of God in Shreveport officiating. Burial followed in Rocky Mount Cemetery near Ringgold. Mr. Willis died Saturday, November 25, 2000 in Bossier City. He was a life-long resident of Bossier City and was co-owner and operator of Ray's Body Shop. He loved bull riding and was a member of the LRCA. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Gladys Gahn, Dr. Jack Willis and Vena Causey. Survivors include his wife, Leah DeBlieux Willis and unborn daughter, Jaycee; parents Hubert and Dian Causey and Richard Willis and wife, Elizabeth, all of Bossier City; grandparents James David Causey of Bossier City, Leslie R. Uzzle and Evelyn Willis, both of Ringgold; sisters, Brandy Willis and Jessica Willis; brothers, Dip Causey and Joshua Willis, all of Bossier City. Pallbearers were Harlan Marshall, Scott English, Rodney Harper, Todd Corley, Rocky Farrington and Ray Wiley. Honorary pallbearers were Ricky Williams, Blake DeBlieux, Bubba Sheffield, Shawn McCallister, Dean McCallister, Collin Bridwell and Billy Gipson. November 30, 2000 issue CLEMONS R. MATHEWS Funeral services for Clemons R. Mathews, 96, of Creston, will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 30 in Goldonna Baptist Church at Goldonna with the Rev. Doyle McGrew and the Rev. Nathan Keen officiating. Burial will be in Goldonna with Masonic graveside services under the direction of Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches. Mr. Mathews died Tuesday, November 28, 2000 in Natchitoches Parish Hospital at Natchitoches. Mr. Mathews was a native of Readhimer. He was a COA for Crawford Young Lumber Co. at Creston. He was a member of Goldonna Baptist Church, a Mason, Eastern Star member and a member of Scottish Rite Temple in Alexandria. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Dorothy Woodard Evans; two sons, Raymond Riser and Graves Riser; one sister, Merle Mathews; three brothers, Eugene Mathews, John Mathews and Cecil Mathews. Survivors include his wife, Minnie L. Mathews of Creston; two stepsons, L. T. Riser of Heflin and Billy Harper of Jonesboro; one daughter, Inez Hutto, and her husband, Waylon, of Keithville; four stepdaughters, Mary Lee Ayers of Arcadia, Maggie Harper of Bossier City, Sarah Bowlin of Baton Rouge and Lillian Colvin of Cameron; seven sisters, Mary Pullin of Hodge, Jeweleen Keen of Panama City, Fla., Beulah Parks of Seattle, Wash., Mildred Ponder and Lee Irma Hawkins, both of Saline, Gertrude Riddle of Bossier City and Clydie Morgan of Shreveport; 28 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, November 30 from noon to service time in the church. LAWRENCE WELCH Services for Lawrence Welch, 80, of Campti were held at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 30 in the chapel of Blanchard-St. Denis funeral Home with the Rev. Tom tingle officiating. Burial followed in the New Ebenezer Cemetery at Castor. Mr. Welch died Tuesday, November 28 in Christus Coushatta Hospital. He was a native of St. Maurice, a retired commercial fisherman and a member of Coulee Baptist Church. Survivors include his companion, Hazel Wheless of Campti; one son, David Thomasee of Tyler, Texas; one daughter Sybil Dubois of Montgomery; two sisters, Odie Lee Jones and Nancy Little, both of St. Maurice; one brother, Evan Welch of Shreveport; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Ronald Sander, Thomas Dubois, Stanley Welch, Johnny Welch, Richard Knighton and Chris Lonadier.