Obituaries from THE HAMMOND DAILY STAR, Mar. 2004; Tangipahoa Parish, LA. Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Mar 2004 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ March 01, 2004 * Virginia Macaluso Inzinna, 93, Tickfaw * Bobby Glenn Jones Sr., 68, Hammond * Edith M. Robertson, 77, Summit, Miss. VIRGINIA MACALUSO INZINNA TICKFAW - Virginia "Janie" Macalusa Inzinna, 93, died today, March 1, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by a daughter, Josephine Inzinna Vilardo of Independence; a son, Nunzio Inzinna of Tickfaw; two sisters, Josie Fuller of Ponchatoula, and Lena Amato of Hammond; three brothers, Nace Macaluso of Ponchatoula, and Sam and Joe Dorsa, both of New Orleans; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren. Her husband, Joe Emile Inzinna, preceded her in death as did two infants, Martha and Emile Inzinna; her parents, Sam and Francis Arnone Macaluso; five sisters, Annie Dorsa, Rosalie Salomone, Sandy Gebbia, Angelina Musacchia and Lucille Musacchia; and five brothers, Joe, Nick, Larry Macaluso and John Dorsa. Visitation will be at our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial conducted by Dominican Fathers at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at Colonial Cemetery, Independence. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. BOBBY GLENN JONES SR. Bobby Glenn Jones Sr., 68, died Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Independence and resident of Hammond, he was a member of Lawrence Baptist Church and had worked as a shipping and receiving clerk supervisor. Survivors include his wife, Frances Ann Easley Jones of Amite; two daughters, Sandra Lynn Badon of Independence, Glynda Ann Toney of Franklinton; three sons, Bobby Glenn Jones Jr. of Kentwood, Ronald Jeffery Jones of Wilmer and Tommy Dewayne Jones of Chesbrough; six sisters, Eva Mae Carney of St. Francisville, Mary "Peggy" Micelli, Charlene Mandella, Rachael Costanza and Betty Morris, all of Independence, and Leona Crowe of Magnolia, Miss.; two brothers, Lee Jones of Loranger, and Charles Ford of Independence; and 14 grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Tollivar Jones, and Eva Thompson Jones; two brothers, Charles T. Jones Jr., and John B. Jones; a sister, Easter Vada Jones Costanza; and two grandchildren. The Rev. Marshall Wallace conducted the funeral Friday. Burial was at Lee Cemetery, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. EDITH M. ROBERTSON SUMMIT, Miss. - Edith M. Robertson, 77, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, Miss. A native of Shaw, Miss., she was a former resident of Roseland and had worked as a retail sales manager. Survivors include two daughters, Fay Gonzales of Tickfaw and Dorothy Magee of Summit; two sons, Eddie Robertson of Hammond, and Vincent David Robertson of South Carolina; two sisters, Helen Bennett of Livingston, and Betty Bankston of Albany; a brother, Allen Taylor of Springfield; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Her husband, Vincent Leland Robertson, preceded her in death as did a sister, Billie Green, and four brothers, Donald Jones Taylor, Frank, J.W. and H.D. Taylor. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 to 9 and Tuesday from noon until the Rev. Jack Nutter conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier. March 02, 2004 * Alice N. Costanza, 91, Clinton * Bobby Edwards, 69, Amite * Paul King Hanshaw, 91, Abita Springs * Virginia Macaluso Inzinna, 93, Tickfaw * Anna Lacara Mancuso, 65, Hammond * Willie Osborne, 76, Independence * Artis E. Woods, 79, Covington ALICE N. COSTANZA CLINTON - Alice N. Costanza, 91, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004, at Lane Memorial Hospital, Zachary. A native of Amite, she was a housewife. She is survived by one son, Fred E. Gipson of Las Vegas; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three husbands, Levi Gipson, Joe Catalanotto and Joe "Pep" Costanza; and one daughter, Del-Marie Howell. Visitation will be Wednesday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Danny Smith conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. BOBBY EDWARDS AMITE - U.S. Army veteran Bobby Edwards, 69, died Monday, March 1, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A heavy equipment operator, he was a native of Amite. Survivors include his wife, Ruby J. Edwards of Amite; four daughters, Sandy Oliphant of Independence, and Vonda Jenkinson, Karen Birch and Sha Hebert, all of Amite; three sons, Randy and Chad Birch and T.J. Hebert, all of Amite; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Helen Shaffett of Albany and Estelle Cucchiara of Hammond; and one brother, Wallace Edwards of Kentwood. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ruben Edwards Jr.; and his parents, Ruben and Mae Edwards. Visitation will be Wednesday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Lane Nelson and the Rev. Adrian Spikes conduct the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. PAUL KING HANSHAW ABITA SPRINGS - Paul King Hanshaw, 91, died Sunday, Feb. 29, 2004, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Covington. A former resident of Ponchatoula, he as a native of Hoxie, Ark. He was a former businessman and resident of New Orleans, having been a distributor for Snap On Tools, Cornwell Tools. He also worked for Armour Packing Co. in Denver. Survivors include one daughter, Barbara Hanshaw Blades of Covington; and one grandchild. His wife, Mattie Blond Melton Hanshaw; his parents, John Newton and Lula Marcella King Hanshaw; four brothers, Oscar, Wilbur, Eldred and Claude Hanshaw; one sister, Gladys Hanshaw; and an infant brother, all preceded him in death. Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from noon until the Rev. Bob Deich conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Garden of Memories in Metairie. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice. VIRGINIA MACALUSO INZINNA TICKFAW - Burial was today at Colonial Cemetery in Independence for Virginia "Janie" Macaluso Inzinna, 93, who died Monday, March 1, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She is survived by one daughter, Josephine Inzinna Vilardo of Independence; one son, Nunzio Inzinna of Tickfaw; two sisters, Josie Fuller of Ponchatoula and Lena Amato of Hammond; three brothers, Nace Macaluso of Ponchatoula and Sam and Joe Dorsa, both of New Orleans; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren. Her husband, Joe Emile Inzinna; two infant children, Martha and Emile Inzinna; her parents, Sam and Francis Arnone Macaluso; five sisters, Annie Dorsa, Rosalie Salomone, Sandy Gebbia, Angelina Musacchia and Lucille Musacchia; and five brothers, Joe, Nick, Larry and Tony Macaluso and John Dorsa, all preceded her in death. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ANNA LACARA MANCUSO Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home of Hammond for Anna LaCara Mancuso, 65, who died at her home Monday, March 1, 2004. WILLIE OSBORNE INDEPENDENCE - Willie Osborne, 76, a native of Brookhaven, Miss., died Sunday, Feb. 22, 2004. Survivors include four sons, Charles Lee Osborne and Bobby Jo Osborne, both of New Orleans, Albert Earl Osborne of Jackson, Miss., and Fredrick Brothern; one daughter, Thelma L. Osborne of Brookhaven; six stepsons, Willie Richard, Gerald Brothern and Oscar Lewis, all of Brookhaven, Jerry Brown, E.J. Brown and Eager, all of Champaign, Ill.; five stepdaughters, Addie Smith and Clara Nelson, both of Monticello, Miss., Mary Herron of Jayess, Miss., Linda Manning of Silver Creek, Miss., and Phayler Ford of Jackson; one brother, Oscar Osborne; four grandchildren and one great- grandchild. He was preceded in death by his mother, Olevia Osborne; and one brother, Earl Wilson. Visitation will be Wednesday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be at Durbin Cemetery, Independence. ARTIS E. WOODS COVINGTON - Artis E. Woods, 79, died Saturday, Feb. 28, 2004. A native of Husser, he is survived by one daughter, Patricia A. Woods of Springfield, Mass.; two sons, Alton Woods of Sr. of Uneedus and Phillip Woods of Amite; 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, two sons, one sister, two brothers, and his parents. Visitation will be Wednesday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 p.m. until the Rev. Theodore Newman conducts the funeral at 7. Burial will be at Noah Cemetery, Uneedus. March 04, 2004 * Murriel Leroy Hart, 78, Kentwood * Irene Edwards Mabry, 85, Roseland MURRIEL LEROY HART KENTWOOD - Murriel Leroy Hart, 78, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He served fifty years in the public and private school systems in Tangipahoa Parish as coach, principal, school board member and president. He was a member and served as a deacon at Spring Creek Baptist Church. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. He received his degrees from Southeastern University and Louisiana State University. Survivors inlcude his wife, Margaret Corkern Hart; his son, Randy Roy Hart; one sister, Elaine Hart McElveen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Verda Strickland Hart and F.G. Hart; and one brother, Dr. Wayne F. Hart. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, and Friday from 8 until 10:30 a.m. The funeral services will be held at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Spring Creek, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Danny Smith will officiate, assisted by the Rev. Howard Brister. Burial will follow at Spring Creek Cemetery. IRENE EDWARDS MABRY ROSELAND - Irene Edwards Mabry, 85, died Monday, March 1, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Pickens, Miss., she is survived by her husband, Leslie Mabry Sr.; five sons, Edward Mabry of Boling Brook, Ill., the Rev. John M. Mabry of Independence, Leslie M. Mabry Jr., Ph.D, of Amite, the Rev. Willie E. Mabry of Baton Rouge, Eddie J. Mabry of Santa Maria, Calif.; six daughters, Annie T. Chatman of Hammond, Irene M. Daniels of Amite, Wardine Gordon of Baton Rouge, Roxie B. Philmore of Columbus, Ohio, Shirley E. Fields of Carson, Calif., Mary E. Holmes of Los Angeles, Calif.; two sisters, Myrtle Stanford of Chicago, Ill., and Roxie Nash of Rockford, Ill.; 32 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Her mother, Verna Edwards; her father, Tommie Edwards; one sister, Lillie C. Lindsey; one brother, Ellison Edwards; and two grandchildren, preceded her in death. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Bobby Showers will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Community Church Of God In Christ, Amite, followed by burial at Butler's Cemetery, Amite March 05, 2004 * Joe Combs, 80, Ponchatoula * Frazier Harrell Jr., 71, Folsom * Jack Saxon Sr., 92, Hammond JOE COMBS PONCHATOULA - Joe Combs, 80, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Survivors include his wife, Laura Combs of Ponchatoula; two step-daughters, Clara Wilson of Baton Rouge, and Ella Rose Seymore of Ponchatoula; three sons, Joe L. Williams of Bronx, N.Y., Johnnie Seymore and Nathaniel Combs, both of Hammond; 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His daughter, Mildred Womack; and one grandchild, preceded him in death. Visitation will be tonight at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Roosevelt Watson will conduct the funeral Saturday at Straightway COGIC, Ponchatoula, at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Ponchatoula Cemetery. FRAZIER HARRELL JR. FOLSOM - Frazier Harrell Jr., 71, died Monday, March 1, 2004, at his home. A native of Osceola, he is survived by five sisters, Ella Wese Bezue of Uneedus, Hattie Brumfield of Franklinton, Clay M. Jackson of Wilmer, Carrie Lowery and Laura Lowery, both of Hammond; two brothers, Robert Harrell of Hammond, and Eddie Harrell Sr. of Uneedus. Visitation will be today at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Uneedus from 6 until the funeral service at 7 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Theodore Newman. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Noah Cemetery, Uneedus. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. JACK SAXON SR. Jack Saxon Sr., 92, died Thursday, March 4, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. March 07, 2004 * Albert Clint Smith, 80, Greensburg * Francis William Garaudy, 77, Ponchatoula * Thomas Jefferson Hagan Sr., 91, Livingston * Marguerite R. Rollins, 81, Mandeville * Jack Franklin Saxon Sr., 92, Hammond * Eula Mae Varnado, 74, Hammond * Debra Jane McLeod Knight Wilkinson, 42, Holden ALBERT CLINT SMITH GREENSBURG - Albert Clint Smith, 80, died Friday, March 5, 2004, at St. Helena Parish Hospital. A retired dairy and beef farmer and Greensburg native, Smith was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U. S. Army Air Force, 794th Bomber Squadron with the rank of sergeant. He was a member of Greensburg United Methodist Church and a charter member of American Legion Post No. 264. He had a great love of nature. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Toffie Ainsworth Smith; two daughters, Lyn Easley of Denham Springs and Liesa Gillis of Greensburg; a sister, Elois Smith McNabb of Greensburg; a brother, Harold Ray Smith of Greensburg; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey Watson and Lou Ora Allen Smith; a sister, Nannie Mae Smith Womack; and a brother, William Matthew Smith. Visitation will be Monday at Greensburg United Methodist Church from 9 a.m. until the Rev. William Sewell conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Greensburg Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. FRANCIS WILLIAM GARAUDY PONCHATOULA - Francis William Garaudy, 77, died Friday, March 5, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He is survived by his wife, Connie Hebert Garaudy of Ponchatoula; six daughters, Mary G. Hoover, Linette G. Wylie, Dawn G. McHugh and Hope L. Garaudy, all of Ponchatoula, Michelle G. Nelson of Dallas and Claire G. Applin of Columbus, Ohio; six sons, William F. Garaudy, James F. Garaudy and Andrew H. Garaudy, all of Ponchatoula, Phillip C. Garaudy of Jackson, Miss., Sidney E. Garaudy of Loranger and Cecil J. Garaudy of Denham Springs; 16 grandchildren, and one brother, Claude L. Garaudy of Kenner. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney H. and Lelia Langlois Garaudy; four brothers, Sidney, Eugene, Ellis and Edward J. Garaudy; and one sister, Sylvia G. McCrory. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home of Ponchatoula today from 6 to 10 p.m., with a rosary service at 7. Services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula at 2 p.m. Monday with burial at Ponchatoula Cemetery. THOMAS JEFFERSON HAGAN SR. LIVINGSTON - Thomas Jefferson "T.J." Hagan Sr., 91, died Saturday, March 6, 2004, at his home. A retired tugboat captain and native of Loranger, Hagan is survived by two daughters, Helen Olsen and Barbara Joan Hoyt, both of Livingston; two sons, Harold Ray Hagan of Tangipahoa and Nathan H. Hagan of Greensburg; 20 grandchildren and numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren. A member of James Chapel, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Rueilla Hagan; two sons, Thomas Jefferson Hagan Jr. and Clifton "C.R." Hagan; a daughter, Margaret Arnold; and his mother, Sarah Hagan Cutrer. Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home in Livingston from 5 to 10 p.m. today and Monday from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Mark Lubbock conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be at Woodlawn Baptist Church Cemetery in Baton Rouge. MARGUERITE R. ROLLINS MANDEVILLE - Marguerite R. Rollins, 81, died Monday, March 1, 2004. A native of Covington, she was a food service worker. She is survived by one sister, Mable Randle of Mandeville; and one brother, Hendry Randle of Covington. Her parents preceded her in death. Visitation will be Monday at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Mandeville, from noon until the funeral =at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Covington Cemetery, Covington. Richardson Funeral Home is in charge. JACK FRANKLIN SAXON SR. Jack Franklin Saxon Sr., 92, died Thursday, March 4, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center. A native of Forest, Miss., he is survived by his wife, Katie Harris Saxon of Hammond; two sons, Jack Saxon Jr. of Hammond and Steven Saxon of Metairie; a sister, Edna McCardle of Hazelhurst, Miss.; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Stella Futch Saxon; six brothers, Oscar, Kent, Buford, Cleve, George and William Allen Saxon III; and three sisters, Myrtle Saxon, Clennie Bridges and Eula Huggins. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home in Hammond Monday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery. EULA MAE VARNADO Eula Mae Varnado, 74, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004. A native of Magnolia, Miss., she is survived by three daughters, Corine Parker of Hammond and Pearla Downs and Shelia Brumfield, both of Amite; four sons, Allen Bagent, James Williams and Frederick Varnado, all of Hammond, and William Varnado of West Palm Beach, Va.; 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson. Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home in Hammond. The Rev. Jerri Russell will conduct the funeral Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jeremiah, 308 S. Wilson St. Burial will be at Holly Gardens Cemetery of Hammond. DEBRA JANE MCLEOD KNIGHT WILKINSON HOLDEN - Debra Jane McLeod Knight Wilkinson, 42, died Friday, March 5, 2004, at her home. A native of Independence, she is survived by her husband, Vivian Lee Wilkinson of Holden; two sons, Jonathan, Christopher and Jacob Knight, both of Holden; her parents, Elizabeth Jane and Henry Eugene McLeod of Holden; a sister, Sharon Andrews of McComb, Miss.; and a brother, Timothy McLeod of Holden. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry Ray Knight; her grandparents, Lucille and Stewart Voight Sr. and Ethel and Jessie McLeod; and her infant sister, Shirley Jean McLeod. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Keith Payne conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be at James Chapel in Holden. March 08, 2004 * Charles Vincent Giannobile Sr., 92, Hammond * Marguerite R. Rollins, 81, Mandeville CHARLES VINCENT GIANNOBILE SR. Charles Vincent Giannobile Sr., 92, died Sunday, March 7, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center. A lifelong resident of Hammond, the retired farmer, livestock dealer and rodeo producer was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church and a charter member of the Knights of Columbus, John F. Kennedy Council 4952. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Bessie D'Anna Giannobile, formerly of Independence; a daughter, Marie Giannobile Donaldson of Baton Rouge; two sons, Charles and Victor "Buddy" Giannobile, both of Hammond; 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vito and Mary Deglomine Giannoble, who were immigrants from Villi Frati, Sicily; brothers, Sam, Tony, Paul and Peter Giannobile; and sisters, Catherine Fazzino, Josephine Pecora and Rose Cucchiara. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 7. A Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church at 9 a.m. Entombment will be at Rose Memorial Park Mausoleum. MARGUERITE R. ROLLINS MANDEVILLE - Marguerite R. Rollins, 81, died Monday, March 1, 2004. A native of Covington, she was a food service worker. She is survived by one sister, Mable Randle of Mandeville; and one brother, Hendry Randle of Covington. Her parents preceded her in death. The funeral was held today at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Mandeville. Burial was in Covington Cemetery, Covington. Richardson Funeral Home was in charge. March 09, 2004 * Stephanie K. Candiotto, 63, Independence * Shirley Jean Cox Bennett, 59, Hammond * Ottis R. Easley, 76, Ponchatoula * Geraldine Robertson Scott, 74, Tickfaw * Lillie Wells, 83, Hammond SHIRLEY JEAN COX BENNETT Shirley Jean Cox Bennett, 59, died Sunday, March 7, 2004, at Hammond Nursing Home. A native of Amite, she was a housewife. She is survived by three sons, Dennis, Timothy and Charlie Bennett Jr., all of Independence; two grandchildren; her mother, Annie Mae Cox Jones of Hammond; two sisters, Helen Bankston of Kentwood and Carolyn Hyde of Amite; four brothers, James Cox of Folsom, Floyd Cox of Covington, Dwane Cox and Ronnie Cox, both of Greensville, S.C. She was preceded in death by father, Jewel Cox; her paternal grandparents, Philon Cox and Dean Mulina Cox; and her maternal grandparents, Otto Stokes and Cora Lee Lebo Stokes. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. The Rev. Melvin Rushing Sr. and the Rev. Melvin Rushing Jr. will officiate. Burial will be at Wilmer Cemetery, Wilmer. STEPHANIE K. CANDIOTTO INDEPENDENCE - Stephanie K. Candiotto, 63, died Sunday, March 7, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Born in New Orleans, she was a public assistant of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Survivors include one daughter, Yvonne Church of Summit, Miss.; four stepchildren, Victor Candiotto Jr., Charity Candiotto and Tom Candiotto, all of Tangipahoa Parish, and Barbara Candiotto of Waveland, Miss.; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emile "Cuz" Kalil Sr. and Dolly Ruth Chase Kalil; her husband, Victor Candiotto Sr.; and two brothers, Tommy and Buddy Kalil. Visitation will be tonight at Catchings Funeral Home, McComb, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from noon until the Rev. Charles Ray conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Hollywood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to J.J. White Memorial Presbyterian Building Fund, P.O. Box 774 McComb, MS 39649. OTTIS R. EASLEY PONCHATOULA - Ottis R. Easley, 76, a retired Illinois Central Railroad engine foreman, died Sunday, March 7, 2004, at his home. A native of Amite County, Miss., he lived in Metairie and attended Tulane University. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Williams Easley; one son, Russell A. Easley; one daughter, Rhonda Easley Eckert; and three grandchildren. His parents, Russell A. and Thelma Prescott Easley; one sister, Eloise Easley Bond; and two brothers, Ray Easley and Percy Easley, preceded him in death. Visitation will be Wednesday at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, Metairie, from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Garden of Memories. GERALDINE ROBERTSON SCOTT TICKFAW - Geraldine Robertson Scott, 74, died Monday, March 8, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Survivors include two daughters, Dorothy Scott and Jennie Scott Jeansonne, both of Tickfaw; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; four brothers, the Rev. Jimmy Robertson of Zachary, Albert Robertson and Louis Robertson, both of Tickfaw, and Ed Robertson of Pride; four sisters, Olga DuBois of Livingston, Ruth Cook O'Neill of Tickfaw, JoAnn Neames of Baton Rouge and India Sibley of Albany. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Odelle Robertson and Edna Idele Addison Robertson; one brother, Ray W. Robertson; and her husband, Wiley Edward Scott. Visitation will be tonight at Countryside Baptist Church, Tickfaw, from 6 to 10 p.m. with a wake from 8 to 9. Visitation will also be held Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Mike Clark conducts the funeral at 10:30. Burial will be at Emaus Baptist Church Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. LILLIE WELLS Lillie Wells, 83, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is a native of Bay Minette, Ala. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Wells of Frisco, Texas, and Gena Webster of Richardson, Texas. Her husband, Louis Barton Wells; her parents, Joel and Leila Hand Franklin; and one sister, Leila Francis Blanton, preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. Burial will take place at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Mausoleum in Allen, Texas, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Box 80, Houston, TX 77030-4095. March 10, 2004 * Ellis Laurant, 83, Ponchatoula * Nathaniel Johnson Sr., 54, Hammond * Christopher Vincent Ourso, 30, Covington * Lillie Wells, 83, Hammond ELLIS LAURANT PONCHATOULA - Ellis Laurant, 83, died Monday, March 8, 2004, at Heritage manor Nursing Home, Hammond. He is survived by one sister, Irene Dederenx of Delise, Miss.; two brothers, James Laurant of Ponchatoula and Manuel Laurant of New Orleans. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Pearline Barze, Rita Peterson and Margaret Barze; and three brothers, Mose, Jeff and James Laurant. Visitation will be Thursday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 1 to 4 p.m. The funeral will be Friday at noon, and burial will be at Cooper Cemetery, Robert. NATHANIEL JOHNSON SR. Nathaniel "Dookey" Johnson Sr., 54, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at Hammond Nursing Home. Survivors include his wife, Marion F. Johnson of Tickfaw; a son, Nathaniel Johnson Jr. of Tickfaw; two daughters, Vanissa Tillman of Hammond and Cameisha Johnson of Tickfaw; his mother, Venner Johnson of Greensburg; six sisters, Dimple Mae Bryer of Greensburg, Emma Jean Crawford and Jeannette Jarnigan, both of Buffalo, N.Y., Bobbie Mitchell, Bobbie Clark and Armadella Kendrick, all of New Orleans; and a brother, Charles Johnson of Greensburg. Visitation will be Saturday at Rocky Hill AME Church, Greensburg, from 10 a.m. until the Rev. Ranches Hall conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Inc., Denham Springs, is in charge. CHRISTOPHER VINCENT OURSO COVINGTON - Christopher "Chris" Vincent Ourso, 30, died Monday, March 8, 2004, at his home. A former resident of Weems, Va., he is survived by his parents, Vincent J. Ourso Jr. and Susan Lee Ourso of Hardyville, Va.; one sister, Amy Michelle Ourso of Athens, Ga.; paternal grandmother, Bertha Bergeron Ourso of Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, V.J. Ourso; and his maternal grandparents Elbert and Sophie Fisher Lee. Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Burial will be at Ponchatoula Cemetery. LILLIE WELLS Visitation for Lillie Wells, 83, who died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond, will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9 a.m. until a memorial service at 10. A native of Bay Minette, Ala., she is survived by two daughters, Linda Wells of Frisco, Texas, and Gena Webster of Richardson, Texas. Her husband, Louis Barton Wells; her parents, Joel and Leila Hand Franklin; and one sister, Leila Francis Blanton, preceded her in death. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Box 80, Houston, TX 77030-4095. Burial will take place at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Mausoleum in Allen, Texas, at a later date. March 11, 2004 * Lee M. Cates, 87, Springfield * Antonio Ray Donahue, 21, Baton Rouge * Rosa Lee Hopkins, 95, Kentwood * Ellis Laurant, 83, Ponchatoula * Alex Lindsey, 25, Springfield LEE M. CATES SPRINGFIELD - Lee M. Cates, 87, a native of Eldorado, Ark., died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at his home. He was retired from McMillan Ring Free Oil Company previously located in Norphlet, Ark. He is survived by one daughter, Carol Roye of Springfield; one son, Lee Cates of Powell, Tenn.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday at Young Funeral Home, 508 Champagnolle Road, Eldorado, from 6 to 9 p.m. A graveside service will be held Saturday at Rest Haven Cemetery, Eldorado, at 11 a.m. Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is the local funeral home in charge. ANTONIO RAY DONAHUE BATON ROUGE - Visitation will be tonight at MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home in Denham Springs from 2 to 8 for Antonio Ray Donahue, 21, who died Friday, March 5, 2004, in Baton Rouge. Survivors included his parents, Bobby Ray and Gwendolyn Donahue; one son, Antonio Donahue Jr.; four brothers, Benjamin, Joseph, Troy and Deshaurn Donahue; and one sister, Devonne Donahue. The funeral will be held Friday at noon at Jerusalem Powerhouse COGIC, Amite. The Rev. Bert Doughty will officiate. Burial will be at Mount Zion Cemetery, Montpelier. ROSA LEE HOPKINS KENTWOOD - Rosa Lee Hopkins, 95, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home. A native of Kentwood, she is survived by two daughters, Louvenia Carpenter of Chicago, and Louethel Hudson of Jackson, Miss.; two sons, Vernon Perry of Chicago and Vernell Perry of Leesville; one brother, Cornwallace Williams of Kentwood; six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ruben Hopkins; her parents, Joshua and Louvenia Williams; two sisters and three brothers. Visitation will be Saturday at Union Chapel AME Church, Kentwood, from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. F.C. Stallworth will officiate. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, is in charge. ELLIS LAURANT PONCHATOULA - Visitation will be today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, until 4 p.m. for Ellis Laurant, 83, who died Monday, March 8, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Hammond. Survivors include one sister, Irene Dederenx of DeLisle, Miss.; two brothers, James Laurant of Ponchatoula, and Manuel Laurant of New Orleans. His parents, four sisters, Pearline Barze, Rita Peterson, Arthemia Laurant and Margaret Barze; and three brothers, Mose, Jeff and Julius Laurant, preceded him in death. The Rev. David Smith will conduct the funeral Friday at noon at the funeral home. Burial will be at Cooper Cemetery, Robert. ALEX LINDSEY SPRINGFIELD - Alex Lindsey, 25, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004, at Ochsner Foundation Hospital, Metairie. A native of Springfield, he is survived by his fiance, Amber King of Denham Springs; his parents, Albert Sr. and Rita Lindsey of Springfield; four brothers, Albert Jr., Alton, Donald and Daniel Lindsey, all of Springfield; three sisters, Becky Wax and Sharon Posey, both of Maurepas, and Debra Lindsey of Springfield; and his maternal grandmother, Lois Hopkins of Springfield. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Houston Bezal; and his paternal grandparents, John and Essie Lindsey. Visitation will be tonight at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 6 to 9 and Friday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be at Killian First Baptist Church, Killian. March 12, 2004 * Bert Anthony Ducote, M.D., 71, Hammond * Jina Rena Skipper Duncan, 23, Walker * Barbara Beulah Comfort Taylor, 71, Marietta, Ga. * Rachel Thomas Meyers, 89, Ponchatoula * Carter Nickens, 76, Hammond BERT ANTHONY DUCOTE Bert Anthony Ducote, M.D., 71, died Sunday, March 7, 2004, at his home. A native of Simmsport, he is survived by his wife, Joanny Ducote; one daughter, Monique Ducote Penfield; one son, Bert Anthony Ducote II; a step-son, Albert Roman; three sisters, Jaqueline Rabalais of Simmsport, Geraldine Stephens of Baton Rouge, and Delphine Nelson of Slaughter; eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallet and Eugenia Ducote; two brothers, Harry C. Ducote and Clyde Joseph Ducote; one sister, Elaine D. Brown. Visitation will be today at Greenoaks Funeral Home from 5 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at noon conducted by the Rev. Frank Bass. Burial will be at Greenoaks Memorial Park. JINA RENA SKIPPER DUNCAN WALKER - Jina Rena Skipper Duncan, 23, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at her home. A native of Walker, she is survived by her husband, Bruce Duncan Sr. of Walker; one son, Devin Lee Duncan of Walker; one step-son, Bruce Duncan Jr. of Independence; two step-daughters, Christian Nicole Duncan of Natalbany, and Brittany Rachelle Duncan of Independence; one grandchild; her parents, Gilbert Jr. and Isabella Smith Skipper of Walker; two brothers, Gilbert Skipper III of Holden, and Phillip Skipper of Walker; and two sisters, Lisa Hoyt of Holden, and Angie Martin of Walker. She was preceded in death by two brothers, James Skipper and Harry Wayne Skipper. Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Lorena Wilson conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be at J.W. Kinchen Cemetery. RACHEL THOMAS MYERS PONCHATOULA - Rachel Thomas Meyers, 89, died Thursday, March 11, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Ponchatoula, she is survived by three sons, George and Bill Meyers, both of Ponchatoula, and Albert Meyers of Slidell; one daughter, Joann M. Carrol of Hammond; and one sister, Vilear McClendon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Meyers; her parents, Silas and Florence Hunt Meyers; one sister, two half-brothers, two half-sisters, and three grandchildren. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Charles Bigner officiating. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery, Ponchatoula. CARTER NICKENS Carter Nickens, 76, died Thursday, March 11, 2004, in Hammond. A native of Hammond, he is survived by four daughters, Rhonda Lobell of Hammond, Melanie King and Gorgi-Anna Wainwright, both of Pumpkin Center, and Carlene Gleason of Carencro; one son, Brandon Nickens of Ponchatoula; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John David and Lula Ficklin Nickens; his wife, Doris Adams Nickens; one son, Donald Nickens; and all his brothers and sisters. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 8 until the funeral at 10 a.m. conducted by the Rev. Stacey Morgan. Burial will be at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. BARBARA BEULAH COMFORT TAYLOR MARIETTA, Ga. - Barbara Beulah Comfort Taylor, 71, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, in Marietta, Ga. She was a homemaker, and native of Hammond. She is survived by one daughter, Joyce Carter of Marietta, Ga.; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and two sons. The Rev. Albert Carter Sr. will conduct the funeral Saturday at First Bethel Independent Methodist Church. Burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. March 15, 2004 * Richard John Eleser Jr., 58, Hammond * Walter Craig Karasinski, 37, French Settlement * Sokrim Saing, 19, Ponchatoula * Anthony Taylor 24, New Orleans * Shirley Burns Vitter, 80, Ponchatoula RICHARD JOHN ELESER JR. Richard "R.J." John Eleser Jr., 58, a retired lineman from Louisiana Power & Light Co., died Sunday, March 14, 2004, at his home. A native of Ponchatoula, he was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie Cardinale Eleser of Hammond; two daughters, Lisa Eleser Luther of Tickfaw and Scarlet Eleser Morris of Loranger; one son, Rodney Eleser of Hammond; his parents, Richard J. Eleser Sr. and Dotsy Meyers Eleser of Ponchatoula; two sisters, Virgie Eleser LeBlanc and Lana Eleser, both of Ponchatoula; one brother, Reggie Eleser of Leesville; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis P. and Susie Robbins Eleser, and Louis P. and Antoinette Moran Meyers. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 until 9:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial, conducted by Dominican Fathers, will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church at 10. Burial will be at Rose Memorial Cemetery. WALTER CRAIG KARASINSKI FRENCH SETTLEMENT - Walter Craig Karasinski, 37, died Saturday, March 13, 2004, as a result of an motorcycle/automobile accident. A native of Ponchatoula, he served in Desert Storm with the U.S. Marines. He is survived by one daughter, Jessica Karasinski of Gonzales; one stepdaughter, Nikita Metrejean of French Settlement; two stepsons, Johnny Metrejean and Joey Simoneaux, both of French Settlement; his fiance, Beverly Mickler of French Settlement; his ex-wife, Michele Karasinski Freeman of French Settlement; one brother, Allen Karasinski of Ponchatoula; and one sister, Angie Karasinski of Ponchatoula. His parents Chester and Betty Williams Karasinski; one son, Joshua Craig Karasinski; his maternal grandparents, Austin and Willie Viola Williams; and his paternal grandparents, all preceded him in death. Visitation will be Tuesday at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the funeral at noon. Burial will be a New Hope Cemetery, Uneedus. SOKRIM SAING PONCHATOULA - Sokrim Saing, 19, died Sunday, March 14, 2004, in Ponchatoula as the result of an automobile accident. He is survived by his mother, Yunn Sieng of Hammond; three brothers, Sokrim Saing of Bedico, Sokngoy Saing and Sokoha Saing, both of Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his father, Touch Saing. Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 8 p.m. with a memorial service at 7. ANTHONY TAYLOR NEW ORLEANS - Anthony Taylor, 25, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at Charity Hospital, New Orleans. A native of Amite, he worked as a custodian. He is survived by his mother, Sheila Mae Taylor, one sister, Victoria Taylor, and one brother, Calvin Laroy Taylor, all of Amite. Visitation will be today at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, from 2 to 8 p.m. The Rev. D. Garrett will conduct the funeral Tuesday at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Butler's Cemetery, Amite. SHIRLEY BURNS VITTER PONCHATOULA - Shirley Burns Vitter, 80, died Saturday, March 13, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Ponchatoula, she is survived by three daughters, Barbara Vitter of Ponchatoula, Ella V. Sullivan of Hammond and Karen V. Landry of Baton Rouge; three sons, Charles "Billy" Vitter of Pumpkin Center, Sam Vitter of Prairieville and Chris Vitter of Ponchatoula; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and one sister, May Ordoyne of Ponchatoula. She was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar P. Vitter Jr.; her parents, Frank and Estelle Perez Burns; one brother, Frank "Pat" Burns; and one sister, Iris Brann. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 until 10:15 a.m. The funeral will be held at 10:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, followed by burial at Ponchatoula Cemetery. March 16, 2004 * Donald Nicolosi, 28, Ponchatoula * Sokrim Saing, 19, Ponchatoula * Lennard Joseph Tastet, 58, Ponchatoula DONALD NICOLOSI PONCHATOULA - Donald "Dago" Nicolosi, 28, died Saturday, March 13, 2004, as the result of an automobile accident. A native of Robert, he is survived by his fiance, Gieasie Hillard of Ponchatoula; one daughter, Abbi Donice Nicolosi of Ponchatoula; his mother, Odette Daix Pea of Ponchatoula; his stepfather, Alfred Pea of Ponchatoula; his father, Joe Nicolosi Sr. of Bogalusa; one brother, Joseph Patrick Nicolosi Jr. of New Orleans; two sisters, Christina Pea of Ponchatoula and Christina Nicolosi of Baptist; and his grandparents, Calvin Sr. and Patricia Daix of Robert. Visitation will be Thursday at Starvalley Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be at Sandhill Cemetery, Ponchatoula. Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, is in charge. SOKRIM SAING PONCHATOULA - Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 8 p.m. with a memorial service at 7 for Sokrim Saing, 19, who died Sunday, March 14, 2004, in Ponchatoula as the result of an automobile accident. Survivors include his mother, Yunn Sieng of Hammond; three brothers, Sokrim Saing of Bedico, Sokngoy Saing and Sokoha Saing, both of Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his father, Touch Saing. LENNARD JOSEPH TASTET PONCHATOULA - Lennard "Lenny" Joseph Tastet, 58, died Sunday, March 14, 2004, at his home. A native of New Orleans, he was a radiology technologist having received his degree from Delgado Community College. He had been employed with Southern Baptist Hospital for two years, Children's Hospital for 13 years and Sellers and Sanders Clinic for 29 years. He was a member of the American Registry of Radiology Technicians and Registered Technicians and was a member of the Baptist faith. He is survived by two brothers, Hubert Tastet Jr. of Reno, Nev., and Randy Tastet of Indiana; and one sister, Debbie Tastet of Indiana. His brother, David Tastet; and his parents, Hubert Joseph and Elizabeth Walterine Crochet Tastet, preceded him in death. Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, is in charge. March 17, 2004 * Melvin William Joiner, 64, Ponchatoula * Eloise Marie McCoy, 75, Roseland * Krystal Lynne Peters, 17, Tickfaw * Joyce K. Roy, 69, Roseland MELVIN WILLIAM JOINER PONCHATOULA - Melvin William Joiner, 64, died Saturday, March 13, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Survivors include his wife, Celestine Wilson Joiner of Ponchatoula; eight sons, Robert, Gregory and Jeremy Joiner, all of Ponchatoula, Melvin Anthony and Michael Joiner, both of Pensacola, Fla., Kenyon Joiner of Tulsa, Okla., Hosea Carter of Amite, and Thomas Jackson of St. Gabriel; six daughters, Yvette Joiner of Atlanta, Althena Jackson of Bogalusa, Doris Joiner of St. Peterburg, Fla., Joyce Gordon of Elizabeth, N.J., Valarie Joiner of Orlando, Fla., and Jenea Joiner of Ponchatoula; three sisters, Annie Labranch, Carol Wilson, Shirley Harris, all of New Orleans; one brother, Harold V. Joiner of New Orleans; and 25 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Annie Joiner; and his grandparents. Visitation will be Thursday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Roy D. Burton will conduct the funeral Friday at noon at First True Love Ministries, Ponchatoula. Burial will be at Good Hope Cemetery, Wilmer. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. ELOISE MARIE MCCOY ROSELAND - Eloise Marie McCoy, 75, died Friday, March 12, 2004, at her home. She is survived by four sons, Archie Ball McCoy Jr. of New Orleans, Jerry Anthony and David Jacob McCoy, both of Kokomo, Ind., and Terry Michael McCoy of Pensacola, Fla.; three daughters, Emma M. McCoy Wilson of Roseland, Patricia Lynn Briggs of Pittsburgh and Mary Ruth Johnese of Baton Rouge; one brother, Anderson Watterson Jr. of Weiokia, Okla.; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Anderson Watterson; her mother, Emma Janie Fox Watterson; two brothers, Walter and Robert Lee Watterson; and one sister, Joe Lee Watterson Worth. Visitation will be Thursday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. John Mabry will conduct the funeral Friday at 1 p.m. at Big Zion AME Zion Church. Burial will be at Big Creek Cemetery. KRYSTAL LYNNE PETERS TICKFAW - Krystal Lynne Peters, 17, died Sunday, March 14, 2004, in Mississippi as the result of an automobile accident. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. JOYCE K. ROY ROSELAND -Joyce K. Roy, 69, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Creole, she was a housewife. She is survived by two sons, John William Roy and David Russell Roy, both of Roseland; and one brother, Alcea Kershaw of Hackberry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted William Roy. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m., with the Rev. Mark Stupka conducting the funeral at 7:30. Other services will be held at Grand Chenier Catholic Church, Grand Chenier, La., Friday. Burial will be at Grand Chenier Cemetery. March 18, 2004 * Ross J. LeSaicherre Jr., 48, Slidell * Sidney Magee, 68, Kentwood * Addean Nelson, 95, Hammond * Krystal Lynne Peters, 17, Tickfaw * Lucius Stewart of Albany * Rebecca Lynn Threeton, 38, Covington ROSS J. LESAICHERRE JR. SLIDELL - Ross J. LeSaicherre Jr., 48, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at his home. He was a native of Ponchatoula and worked in management at J.P. Thibodeaux Automotive Superstore in New Iberia. He was a member of the Catholic faith. He is survived by his wife, Mary Dupuis LeSaicherre; his father, Ross J. LeSaicherre Sr.; his mother, Marie Handley Janes and stepfather, John Janes; his son, Keith Gleason; and two sisters, Jeannine LeSaicherre Gandy and Julie LeSaicherre Welch. Visitation will be Saturday at Schoen's Funeral Home, Slidell, from 10 a.m. until a funeral Mass at noon. The Rev. Adrian Hall will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Slidell Hospice, 1045 Florida Ave., Slidell, LA 70458 in the name of Ross LeSaicherre. SIDNEY MAGEE KENTWOOD - Sidney "Glen" Magee, 68, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Franklinton, he was an electrician. Survivors include his wife, Mary Beth Magee of Kentwood; three daughters, Terry Magee Boyd of Baton Rouge, Karen Magee Oliver of Gonzales and Ronda Baker Vestal of Kentwood; one son, Rick Baker of Nocona, Texas; one brother, Robert F. Magee of St. Francisville; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Sidney Joel Magee; and his mother, Geneva Russell Magee. Visitation will be Thursday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Dan Boyd conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Boliver Cemetery, Boliver. ADDEAN NELSON Addean Nelson, 95, died Thursday, March 11, 2004, at Hammond Nursing Home. A native of Magnolia, Miss., she is survived by three daughters, Annie Mae Wells, Shirley Flowers and Theresa Nelson, all of Hammond; 22 grandchildren, 18 great- grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Nelson; one son, Henry Nelson Jr.; two daughters, Alice Ray Winford and Dorothy Vicks; two brothers, David Daniels and Phillip Daniels; her mother, Annie Banner Daniels; and her father, David Daniels. Visitation will be Friday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 4 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Leroy Taylor will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Greater Rosehill Westside Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. KRYSTAL LYNNE PETERS TICKFAW - Krystal Lynne Peters, 17, died Sunday, March 14, 2004, in Mississippi. A native of Hammond, she is survived by her mother, Sherry Macaluso of Tickfaw; one sister, Ashley Peters of Tickfaw; her paternal grandparents, Carol Sawyer Peters of Hammond and Gilbert Peters of Independence; her maternal grandmother, Lois Iverstine of Tickfaw; and her great-grandmother, Nell Sawyer of Hammond. She was preceded in death by her father, Michael Andrew Peters; her great- grandfather, Paul Sawyer Sr.; and one brother, Dwayne Munn. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. David Correira conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Blood River Baptist Church Cemetery. FREDRICK CALLIS ROBERTS SPRING CREEK - Fredrick Callis Roberts, 66, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. A native of Line Creek, he was a bus driver and welder. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Crawford Roberts of Kentwood; two sons, Dwayne Roberts of Kentwood and Andy Roberts of Brookhaven, Miss.; four grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and numerous step-great-grandchildren; his mother, Leonarda "Ardie" Randall of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Mary Ann Harrell of Baton Rouge and Daisy Fortenberry of Progress, Miss.; and one brother, Otis Roberts of Abbyville. He was preceded in death by his father, John Allen Roberts; two brothers and two sisters. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Danny Smith conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. LUCIUS STEWART ALBANY - Lucius Stewart died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. REBECCA LYNN THREETON COVINGTON - Rebecca Lynn Threeton, 38, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Covington. A native of Springfield, she is survived by her husband, Jerry Smith of Covington; three daughters, Bridgette, Kelly Ann and Kristina "Tina" Threeton, all of Covington; four sons, Jerry "Bubba," Derek, Benjie and Christopher "Cody" Threeton, all of Covington; five sisters, Norma Threeton of Virginia, Melanie Threeton of Baton Rouge, Charlotte Sykes of Hammond, Barbara Sykes of Connecticut and Belinda Soley of Springfield; and four brothers, Douglas Brumfield of Harahan, Charles Wayne Brumfield of Florida, Benjamin Threeton of Holden and Jason Sykes of Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alton Ray and Betty Black Threeton; and one brother, Kenneth Brumfield. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Springfield Cemetery. March 19, 2004 * Carl Louis Carney, 35, Madisonville * Johnnie Lou Helton Elder, 71, Hammond * Patricia Ann Hart, 47, Hammond * Lonnie Mitchell Massey, 91, Amite * Lucius C. Stewart, 76, Albany CARL LOUIS CARNEY MADISONVILLE - Carl Louis Carney, 35, died Sunday, March 14, 2004. A native of Bogalusa, he is survived by two daughters, Lucretia Jones of Covington and Letisha Baham of Madisonville; one sister, Carla Toney of Chicago; two brothers, Anthony Carney Jr. and Dewayne Douglas, both of Baton Rouge; and seven grandchildren. His parents preceded him in death. Visitation will be Saturday at St. James Baptist Church, Madisonville, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be at White Settlement Cemetery, Covington. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. JOHNNIE LOU HELTON ELDER Johnnie Lou Helton Elder, 71, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. A native of Clewiston, Fla., she is survived by one daughter, Patricia Summers of Hammond; one son, Joseph E. Elder Jr. of Clewiston; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph E. Elder; and her parents, John Peter Helton and Beaulah Feilds Helton. Visitation will be Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Akin Davis Funeral Home, Clewiston. The funeral will be Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Ridgelawn Cemetery Clewiston. PATRICIA ANN HART Patricia Ann Hart, 47, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Survivors include her mother, Raphelia Johnson of Hammond; three daughters, Mahogany, Ashley and Lorenda Hart, all of Hammond; two sons, Phillip and Ricardo Hart, both of Hammond; and one grandchild. The Rev. Willie Gable will conduct the funeral Monday at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. LONNIE MITCHELL MASSEY AMITE - Lonnie Mitchell Massey, 91, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond, as a result of cancer. He was a logging contractor in the timber business. A native of Bruce, Miss., he is survived by two daughters, Joy Massey of Houston and Ann Sclavounos of Brinklow, Md.; one son, Dr. Mitchell Massey of Bogalusa; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray Massey of Monterey, Ga.; and one sister, Nell Barrett of Albany, Ore. He was preceded in death by his wife, Amy Collins Massey; and eight brothers and sisters. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon until the funeral at 3 p.m. Burial will be at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. LUCIUS STEWART ALBANY - Lucius Stewart, 76, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Laura Quay Whitehead Stewart of Albany; his son, Wayne Smith of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Ramona Lachney of Albany and Tammy Huckbee of Alton, Mo.; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and one sister, Verlie Raney of Albany. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Cynthia McMorris Stewart; one brother, Norman Stewart; and two sisters, Louise Stewart and Lucille Wagner. Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the the Rev. Charles Reitz and the Rev. Ian Smith conduct the funeral at 11. Burial will be at Blood River Baptist Church Cemetery, Albany. March 22, 2004 * Edwin L. Hyde, 84, Metairie * Michael Jon Sanders, 51, Hammond EDWIN L. HYDE METAIRIE - Edwin L. Hyde, 84, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in Jefferson. A native of Chesbrough and a former Amite resident, Hyde was a retired business manager for MFC Co-op. He is survived by his wife, Marie B. Hyde of Metairie; three daughters, Janice F. Valladares of Kenner, Diane Hyde of Lahabra, Calif., and Margaret Jenifer Hyde of Metairie; two sisters, Clara Hyde Heiman of St. Francisville and Eva Eugenia Hyde Young of Baton Rouge; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Edwin Hyde is preceded in death by four brothers, Cornelius Jesse "C. J." Hyde II, Percy Nesom Hyde, Charles Elmer Hyde and Claude Hyde. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite 6 to 9 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. Religious services, conducted by the Rev. Tommy Hicks, will be at First Baptist Church in Amite 1 p.m. Tuesday. Interment will be at Amite Cemetery. MICHAEL JON SANDERS Michael Jon Sanders, 51, died at his home on Mar. 16, 2004. Sanders was a resident of Hammond and a native of Ypsilntlantie, MI. He worked as an iron worker. He is survived by his fiancee, Kelly Verbene; his mother, Dorothy Johnson and a sister, Barbara Lee, both of Westland, MI; and two brothers, Guy and David Johnson, both of Westland, MI; and a daughter, Gabrielle Michaela Sanders. He was preceded in death by his father, Gaylord Sanders; and a brother, Terry Sanders. A memorial service will be held on April 10 at 2 p.m. at Range Road Baptist Church. The Rev. Kevin Bosarge will officiate. March 23, 2004 * Zula Bolden, 83, Hammond * Linda Joiner Decota, 56, Wadesboro * Loney Morris Findley, 88, Hammond * Joel Robert Howard, 52, Hammond * Lee P. McCaskey, 64, Hammond * Alvin James Richardson Sr., 58, Ponchatoula * Roland Wells, 45, Tickfaw ZULA BOLDEN Zula Bolden, 83, a native of Clinton, died Thursday, March 18, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by one sister, Emma Lee Jackson of Hammond; and two brothers, C.B. Gaten and George Gaten, both of Hammond. The funeral will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. at St. James AME Church No. 2. Dismissal will be Thursday at 11 a.m. followed by burial at the church cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. LINDA JOINER DECOTA WADESBORO - Linda Joiner Decota, 56, died Monday, March 22, 2004, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. A Loranger native, she is survived by her husband, William "Billy" Decota of Wadesboro; one son, Clinton Allen Decota of Wadesboro; two sisters, Sandra Hendon of Loranger and Nadaine Anderson of Amite; three brothers, Alfred, Jerry and Steve Joiner, all of Loranger; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Ellen Pat Oliphant Joiner. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Wetmore Cemetery, Ponchatoula. LONEY MORRIS FINDLEY Ponchatoula native Loney Morris Findley, 88, died Monday, March 22, 2004, at Landmark Nursing Center, Hammond. She is survived by two sisters, Margie Ballard of Hammond and Shirley Grantham of Ponchatoula. She was preceded in death by her husband, Odis Findley; her parents, William and Marguerite Wall Morris; three sisters, Verna Hoover Cory, Wilva Clarke and Audrey Favret; and three brothers, James, Ezell and Ralph Morris. Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral at 10:30. Burial will be at Ponchatoula Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to French Corner Baptist Church Building Fund at 39715 Teel Road, Ponchatoula, LA 70454. JOEL ROBERT HOWARD Joel Robert Howard, 52, died Friday, March 19, 2004. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. LEE P. MCCASKEY Lee P. McCaskey, 64, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004. A native of Coy, Ala., he was an offshore machine operator. He is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn McCaskey of Hammond; one daughter, Tamara McCaskey of Hammond; two sons, Carl McCaskey of Saginaw, Mich., and Lee T. McCaskey of Hammond; one sister, Marie Hudson of Mobile, Ala.; five brothers, Alex McCaskey of Bronx, N.Y., Herbert McCaskey, Willard McCaskey and the Rev. Henry McCaskey, all of Mobile, and Robert McCaskey of South Amboy, N.J.; and seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Edna McCaskey; and three sisters, Mary Jones, Georgia Murphy and Evelyne Charley. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and at Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Samuel Brown will conduct the funeral Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow at Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. ALVIN JAMES RICHARDSON SR. PONCHATOULA - Alvin James Richardson Sr., 58, died Saturday, March 20, 2004, at Hammond Nursing Home. Retired from the Tangipahoa Parish School System, he worked as a custodian at D.C. Reeves Elementary School. Survivors include his mother, Dorothy Reed of Ponchatoula; and two sons, Alvin J. Richardson Jr. and Brian Richardson; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father, James A. Richardson; and his grandparents, Gussie and Alma Reed. Visitation will be Thursday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from noon until the funeral at 1 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Egnos Pines. Burial will be at Ponchatoula Cemetery. ROLAND WELLS TICKFAW - Roland Wells, 45, died Monday, March 22, 2004, in Springfield. He is survived by one sister, Hilda Wells Bankston; and three brothers, Danny, Adril and Leroy Wells. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed Lee and Ruby Hill Wells; two brothers and four sisters. Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, tonight from 6 to 10 and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Bayou Barbary. March 24, 2004 * Carey Carl Finch, 72, Monticello, Miss. * Wesley Chambers, 79, Hammond * Joel Robert Howard, 52, Hammond * Luciana Evette Spears, 28, Ponchatoula CAREY CARL FINCH MONTICELLO, Miss. - Carey Carl Finch, 72, a native of Mount Herman, died Monday, March 22, 2004, at his home of pulmonary fibrosis. Retired from the Louisiana State Employment Service, he was a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean conflict, affiliated with the Mississippi National Guard where he retired after Desert Storm and a teacher with the Lawrence County School Board. He also served as post commander of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 4889 and was a member and past president of the Monticello Exchange Club. He was a Master Mason in Spring Creek Lodge 184. He is survived by his wife, Fay Fox Finch; one son, Joe Finch; two daughters, Holly Lathan and Christi Moss; four grandchildren; and one brother, James P. Finch. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Hallie Finch; and one brother, Tommy Finch. WESLEY CHAMBERS The Rev. Jerry Hanible conducted a graveside service today at Greenlawn Cemetery in Hammond for Wesley Chambers, 79, who died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Hammond Nursing Home. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. JOEL ROBERT HOWARD Joel Robert Howard, 52, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at his home. A native of Shidler, Okla., he was a broker and owner of Westside Real Estate of Hammond and a member of the Tangipahoa Parish School Board OK Realtors. He is survived by his son, Robert "Bo" Christopher Howard of Crossett, Ark.; one sister, Patricia L. Gonzalez of Tucson, Ariz.; and three brother, James E. Howard of Ponchatoula, Fred W. Howard of Walnut Shade, Mo., and David L. Howard of Sulphur. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lucille Ransch Howard. A memorial service will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. A private burial will follow the service at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 104 Arbordale Drive, Hammond, LA 70401. LUCIANA EVETTE SPEARS PONCHATOULA - Luciana Evette "Black Cat" Spears, 28, died Friday, March 19, 2004. She is survived by her mother, Catherine Spears of Ponchatoula; her father, Clarence McClendon of Baton Rouge; two daughters, Ty'Daisha and Ty'Jerriya Spears, both of Ponchatoula; and one son, Tylan Spears of Ponchatoula; two sisters, Andranette and Earnestine Spears, both of Ponchatoula; a stepsister, Anastasia Wynn of Baton Rouge; a stepbrother, Cedric Womack of Baton Rouge; her maternal grandmother, Helen Muse Spears of Ponchatoula; and her paternal grandmother, Alice McClendon of Greensburg. Visitation will be Saturday at First True Love Ministries, Ponchatoula, from 11 a.m. until the Rev. Carl Coleman conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Denham Springs, is in charge. March 25, 2004 * Arnetta Andrews, 64, Hammond * Pearl Kopfler Burch, 82, Amite * Millie Gene Burton, 71, Houston, Texas * Ignatius John Macaluso, 86, Ponchatoula * Gladys Stewart Ricks, 75, Greensburg ARNETTA ANDREWS Arnetta Andrews, 64, died Thursday, March 18, 2004, at her home. Survivors include her husband, Henry Andrews of Hammond; her father, Latimore Harvey; her stepmother, Shirley Perry Harvey; three daughters, Tonya Andrews of Hammond, Trina Suzzette Frazier of Clarksville, Tenn., and Henretta Daniels of Pennsylvania; three sons, Charles Andrews of Marietta, Ga., Raymone V. Andrews of Independence and Grayln Engram of Hammond; two sisters, Elaine Becks of Grambling and Audry "Pat" Washington of Hammond; one brother, Lionel McGhee of Hammond; and 11 grandchildren. Her mother, Nora Harvey; and her grandmother, Bernice Harvey, preceded her in death. Visitation will be Friday at New Life Outreach Ministries, Hammond, from 6 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Donald Bell will conduct the funeral Saturday at New Home Ministries, Hammond, at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. PEARL KOPFLER BURCH AMITE - Pearl Kopfler Burch, 82, died Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Amite and a housewife, she is survived by two sons, Bob and Bill Burch, both of Amite; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, A.L. Burch. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 until 10:10 a.m. The Rev. Michael Agnello will conduct the funeral at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Amite Cemetery, Amite. MILLIE GENE BURTON HOUSTON - Millie Gene Burton, 71, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at her home. A native of Fluker, she is survived by two sons, Frank Seymore Jr. and Henry E. Winters, both of Houston; one brother, Samuel C. Burton; and three grandchildren. Her parents, four brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. The Rev. Sylvester Mitchell will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Fluker Chapel AME Church, Fluker. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. St. Matthews Mortuary, Houston, is in charge. IGNATIUS JOHN MACALUSO PONCHATOULA - Ignatius "Nace" John Macaluso, 86, longtime owner of Nace's Grocery and Allstate Fence Company, died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at his home. A native of Tickfaw, he was a former Tangipahoa Parish police juror. He served his country for five years in World War II. He participated in five major campaigns in the European Theatre, 34th Tank Battalion, as first sergeant. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, DAV, American Legion Post 47 of Ponchatoula and a lifetime member of the Pontchartrain Beagle Club. He was also a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Eugenia "Jean" Pepitone Macaluso of Ponchatoula; two sons, Ron and Richard Macaluso, both of Hammond; three daughters, Debbi Peare of Indianapolis, Debbie Ritter of Youngsville and Donna Fisher of Ponchatoula; two brothers, Sam and Joe Dorsa, both of New Orleans; two sisters, Josie Fuller of Ponchatoula and Lena Amato of Hammond; 12 grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rose Ingraffia Macaluso; his parents, Sam and Francis Arnone Macaluso; six sisters, Annie Dorsa, Rosalie Salomone, Sannie Gebbia, Angelina Musacchia, Lucy Musacchia and Virginia "Janie" Inzinna; and five brothers, Joe, Nick, Larry and Tony Macaluso and John Dorsa. Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The funeral will be Friday at 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ponchatoula. Burial will be at Ponchatoula Cemetery, Ponchatoula. In lieu of flowers, donations, may be made to North Oaks Hospice, Hammond, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tenn., or Sister Mary McGready, Covenant House, Rampart Street, New Orleans. GLADYS STEWART RICKS AMITE - Gladys Stewart Ricks, 75, died Monday, March 22, 2004, in New Orleans. A native of Greensburg, she is survived by one daughter, Brenda Ricks of Amite; six sons, Joe Edwards and Joseph Ricks, both of New Orleans, Ivy, Randell and Claude Ricks, all of Amite, and James Ricks of Slidell; one sister, Jannie Tillis of Greensburg; one brother, Walter Stewart of Baton Rouge; 36 grandchildren and 24 great- grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, from 2 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Roy Dickerson will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Ricks Cemetery, Amite. March 26, 2004 * Ansil Mac Bickford, 68, Hammond * Alfred John Bistany, 76, Pine Grove * Matthew Butler Jr., 62, Baton Rouge * Sidney Farrell McMorris, 85, Livingston * Kendall George Sessions, 68, Independence ANSIL MAC BICKFORD Ansil Mac Bickford, 68, owner of Bickford and Associates Surveyors, died Thursday, March 25, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Ponchatoula, he was a member and past master of Pine Grove Lodge 288 F&AM of Ponchatoula, past patron of Nova Stella Chapter 36 Order of Eastern Star of Ponchatoula and the Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Consistory. Survivors include his wife, Jane Freeman Bickford of Hammond; three sons, Kenneth Bickford of New Orleans, David Bickford of Ponchatoula and Carl Alan Bickford of Hammond; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Bonnie Bickford Burns of Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Blanche Toney Bickford; and two brothers, John and Robbin Bickford. Visitation will be Saturday at Southern Methodist Church, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. with an Eastern Star service at 7 followed by a Masonic service at 7:30. Visitation will also be Sunday from 1 p.m. until the funeral at 2:30. The Rev. Chris Bratton will conduct the service, and burial will be at Ponchatoula Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southern Methodist Church, 118 Scanlan St., Hammond, LA 70401, or Pine Grove Lodge 288, P.O. Box 3, Ponchatoula, LA 70454. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ALFRED JOHN BISTANY PINE GROVE - Alfred John Bistany, 76, died Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at St. Luke's Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla. A native of Lawrence, Mass., he was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and also served in the U.S. Army the U.S. Air Force. He was a graduate of Baylor University Law School and practiced law in Texas. He was a member of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. Survivors include his wife, Ferne McNabb Bistany of Pine Grove; his daughter, Lori Kim Lea of Baton Rouge; his son, Maj. Lester Roan Lea of Spokane, Wash.; and three grandchildren. His parents, Saide and Jenny Bistany, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 until 9 and Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church, Pine Grove, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 10:30 a.m. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Joe Wilson, the Rev. Alvin Hall and the Rev. Darwin Hall, and burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery, Pine Grove. MATTHEW BUTLER JR. BATON ROUGE - Matthew Butler Jr., 62, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Baton Rouge General Hospital. Born in Independence, he was retired from American Bumper Sales. He was also the owner and operator of Matt & Ethel's Restaurant and Matt & Damon's Lawn Service. He was a charter member, co-founder and head deacon of the New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Carnelia Roquemore-Butler; three sons, Daryl Butler of Albuquerque, N.M., and Matthew and Damon Butler, both of Baton Rouge; two stepsons, De'Onta and Trevor Stone, both of Baton Rouge; one daughter, Loletha Butler of Baton Rouge; one brother, Curtis McSwain of White Castel; one sister, Racheal Butler of Loranger; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Butler; his mother, Gladys Butler; his father, Matthew Butler Sr.; one son, Nathan Butler; and three brothers, Louis Butler, Charles Murray and Fred Butler. The Rev. Plater Gooden will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Promise land Baptist Church, Baton Rouge. Burial will be at Winnfield Memorial Garden. MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Denham Springs, is in charge. SIDNEY FARRELL MCMORRIS LIVINGSTON - Retired Southern Baptist minister, the Rev. Sidney Farrell McMorris, 85, died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at Summit Hospital, Baton Rouge. A member of Doyle Baptist Church, he served churches in Louisiana for more than 49 years. He was a member of Carpenters Union Local 1098 and served in the CCC Camp in the late 1930s. He is survived by his wife, Helen McDonald McMorris; two daughters, Gloria Nesom of Denham Springs and Margaret Arledge of Livingston; a son, the Rev. Farrell McMorris of Tioga; one brother, Norwood McMorris of Corpus Cove, Texas; a half-brother, Eugene McMorris of Mississippi; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bridges McMorris and Manervey Achord; one sister, Esther McMorris Riggs; and four grandchildren. Visitation will be today at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. The Rev. Richard Wallace, the Rev. Joe Smith and the Rev. Leonard Free will officiate. Burial will be at Old Red Oak Cemetery, Livingston. ODEAL MORRIS SPRINGFIELD - Odeal Morris, 86, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at her home. A native of White Castle, she is survived by three daughters, Jeanette Winder of Kenner, Helen Brown and Margaret Cox, both of Springfield; three sons, Clarence Morris Jr. of Hammond, Louis Morris of Ponchatoula and Wesley Morris of Springfield; 19 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 32 great-great- grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday at Galilee Baptist Church, Springfield, from 7 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Warren Richard will conduct the funeral Saturday at noon. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. KENDALL GEORGE SESSIONS INDEPENDENCE - Kendall George Sessions, 68, died Thursday, March 25, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Greensburg, he was a retired stock clerk for the Department of Transportation and Development. He is survived by two brothers, Jerry and Ronnie Sessions, both of Independence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Francis and Corinne George Sessions. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until John Gibson conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be at Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. March 29, 2004 * Deborah June Catt, 53, Hammond * Merlin M. Clayton, 75, Independence * Sandra Lucille Rogers Creel, 64, Denham Springs * Antoinette D. Liuzza, 89, Amite * Alice King Lyons, 64, Roseland * Norma Ruth McCoy, 50, Greensburg * Lynn Joseph Veron, 47, Amite DEBORAH JUNE CATT Deborah June Catt, 53, died Saturday, March 27, 2004, at her home. A native of Knox County, Ind., she was the associate director of Educational Talent Research at Southeastern Louisiana University and a member of Pleasant Ridge Church of God. Survivors include her husband, Paul Catt of Hammond; her mother, Gertrude Biddle of Vincennes, Ind.; and a sister, Madalyn Peters, Monroe City, Ind. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Gladys Biddle and Delaine Biddle; and her father, Kermit Biddle. Visitation will be today at Pleasant Ridge Church of God, West Pleasant Ridge Road, Hammond, from 4 p.m. until the funeral at 7. An additional service will be held Thursday in Vincennes with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery in Vincennes. Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. MERLIN M. CLAYTON INDEPENDENCE - Merlin M. Clayton, 75, died Sunday, March 28, 2004, at his home. A native of Ponchatoula, he was a produce farmer. He is survived by one daughter, Joy Novak of Independence; one son, Mark Clayton of Independence; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lena Provetere Clayton; and one sister, Mable O'Neal. Visitation will be Tuesday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. The Rev. Stanley Day will conduct the service, and burial will be at Colonial Mausoleum, Independence. SANDRA LUCILLE ROGERS CREEL DENHAM SPRINGS - Sandra Lucille Rogers Creel, 64, died Saturday, March, 27, 2004, at Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. She was a native of Hammond and a retired nurse's assistant. She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Kay Creel of Baton Rouge; four sons, Russell Creel of Gloucester, Va., Jerry Creel, Jesse Creel and Todd Creel, all of Denham Springs; two sisters, Barbara Keen and Katherine King, both of Hammond; three brothers, Lloyd Rogers of Albany, Charles Buddy Rogers of Hammond and F. Rogers of Covington; 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell F. Creel Sr.; her parents, Merle and Edith Wall Rogers; one son, Dennis R. Creel Sr.; and one brother, Bill Rogers. Visitation will be today at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs from 5 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Charles Chesteen conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be at Willard J. Jenkins Family Cemetery, Denham Springs. ANTOINETTE D. LIUZZA AMITE - Antoinette "Annie" D. Liuzza, 89, died Saturday, March 27, 2004, at her home. She is survived by one daughter, Antoinette M. Liuzza of Amite; two sisters, Mary Hattier of River Ridge and Frances Currier of Amite; and two brothers, Joseph DiVincenti and Angelo DiVincenti, both of Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Liuzza; one son, Joseph Liuzza; her parents, Salvador and Felice DiVincenti; one sister, Rosie Genusa; and three brothers, Sam, Mike and Louis DiVincenti. The Rev. Jack Nutter conducted the funeral today St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite. Burial was in Colonial Cemetery, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. ALICE KING LYONS ROSELAND - Alice King Lyons, 64, died Saturday, March 27, 2004, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond She was a housewife and a native of Ponca City, Okla. She is survived by two sisters, Janet "Candy" Pourciau of Roseland and Carolyn Patterson of Hammond; and six brothers, Robert King of Springfield, Mervel King of Amite, Johnny King of Demopolis, Ala., and Ronnie and Richard King and Tuffie Jackson, all of Roseland. She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Lyons; one brother, Jack King; and three sisters, Bessie Mae, Dorothy and Betty Jean King. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 until 11:10 a.m. The funeral will be at 11:30 at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite. The Rev. Jack Nutter will officiate. Burial will be at Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. NORMA RUTH McCOY GREENSBURG - Norma Ruth McCoy, 50, died Saturday, March 27, 2004, at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center, Independence. A former supervisor in the Office of Family Support, she was a native of Clinton. She is survived by two daughters, Anna Marie Strickland of Kentwood and Meagan Jett Strickland of Greensburg; two sons, Benjamin Andrew "Andy" Strickland of Kentwood and Robert Cecil "Alabama" Strickland of Greensburg; her parents, Cecil A. McCoy Sr. and Colelia McCoy of Greensburg; two sisters, Mary Dale Walters of Albuquerque, N.M., and Lydia M. Smith of Ponchatoula; one brother, Cecil A. McCoy Jr. of Zachary; and one granddaughter. She was preceded in death by two grandchildren. The Rev. A.W. O'Quinn conducted the funeral today, and burial was in Greensburg Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. LYNN JOSEPH VERON AMITE - Lynn Joseph Veron, 47, died Sunday, March 28, 2004, at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond. March 30, 2004 * Johnny Coniglio, 70, Independence * Dowell Sidney Ducre, 24, Mandeville * Carl Eugene Foster, 72, Kenner * Angelo Joseph Recile, 81, Independence * Margaret Louise Turner, 70, Ponchatoula * Lynn Joseph Veron, 47, Amite JOHNNY CONIGLIO INDEPENDENCE - Retired state worker and longtime Independence resident Johnny Coniglio, 70, died Monday, March 29, 2004, at his home. Visitation will be tonight at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until Warren Fortenberry conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be at Colonial Cemetery. He is survived by his brother, Sal Coniglio of Walker; and three sisters, Virginia Wyble of Walker, Sara Blackwell of New Orleans and Phyllis Houghton of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nace and Lucy Miceli Coniglio. DOWELL SIDNEY DUCRE MANDEVILLE - Dowell Sidney Ducre, 24, died Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans. A native of Mandeville, he is survived by two sisters, Jennifer Monece and Breana Rose Ducre, both of Mandeville; one brother, Dominic T. Ducre of Mandeville; his mother, Sharon Ducre of Mandeville; and his father, Sidney Ducre of Mandeville. The Rev. Richard Amato conducted the funeral this morning at Covenant Christian Church, Covington. Burial was in Mandeville Cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. CARL EUGENE FOSTER KENNER - Carl Eugene Foster, 72, died Thursday, March 25, 2004, at his home. A native of Kentwood, he is survived by two sisters, Rita F. Horton of Amite and Linda F. Hutchinson of Hammond; and one brother, Sitman Foster of Jefferson. His father, Jesse D. Foster; his mother, Daisy Jewell Hutchinson Foster Lindstrom; two brothers, Henry and Jesse R. Foster; and one sister, Mona F. Carter, all preceded him in death. A graveside service will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Hutchinson Cemetery, Kentwood. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ANGELO JOSEPH RECILE INDEPENDENCE - Angelo Joseph Recile, 81, died Monday, March 29, 2004, at his home. A native of Independence, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a retired electrician from Hammond State School maintenance department. He is survived by his wife, Ethel Langlois Recile of Independence; one daughter, Frances Catalanotto of Amite; one son, Anthony Recile of Independence; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Frances Scaria Recile; four sisters, Frances Recile, Rose Peneciaro, Lena Cali and Jennie Monte; four brothers, George, Joe, Tony and Santo Recile; and one grandchild. Visitation will be Wednesday at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Paul McDuffy conducts a Mass at 10:30. Burial will be at Colonial Cemetery Mausoleum. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. MARGARET LOUISE TURNER PONCHATOULA - Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 4 to 6 p.m. for Margaret Louise Turner, 70, who died Saturday, March 27, 2004, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington. Born in New Orleans, she was a retired supervisor at Southeast Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville and a member of New Home Ministries in Hammond. Survivors include her sister, Willie Mae Turner Harrell of Abita Springs; two sons, Harold James Turner of Louisville, Ky., and Donald Turner of Ponchatoula; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillian B. Turner and Bob Turner; one son, Odell Turner; one brother, Robert Turner; and two sisters, Lou Ella Haynes and Clara Bell Wright. The wake and funeral service will be tonight at 8:15 at New Home Temple of Praise, Hammond. The Rev. Darryl Phoenix will officiate. Dismissal will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the church followed by burial at Ponchatoula Cemetery. LYNN JOSEPH VERON AMITE - A private burial will be held Wednesday for Lynn Joseph Veron, 47, a native of New Orleans, who died Sunday, March 28, 2004, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. Survivors include his wife, Laurie Benson Veron of California; one daughter, Brittney Veron of California; one brother, Kenneth Veron of Metairie; six sisters, Denise Passalaqua of Jackson, Miss., Shirley Veron Hidalgo of Covington, Shirleen Veron Monroe of Folsom, Michelle Junot of Algiers, Ella Laiche and Aimee Wynn Veron, both of Amite. He was preceded in death by his father, Allen Joseph Veron; and one brother, Allen Lawrence Veron. Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. March 31, 2004 * Beecher Vernia Gatlin, 84, Albany * Sean Michael Mbadugha, 20 Hammond * Kramer Sanders, 80, Brandon, Miss. BEECHER VERNIA GATLIN ALBANY - Beecher Vernia Gatlin, 84, died Monday, March 29, 2004, at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Hammond. A native of Pumpkin Center, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, a member of Hillside Baptist Church and American Legion Post 258. He was also a member and past master of Albany Masonic Lodge 466. Survivors include four sisters, Ruby Traylor, Esther Soape and Helen DeLaune, all of Pumpkin Center, and Willie Dunn of Natalbany; two grandsons and 13 great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Stewart Gatlin; his daughter, Ruth Gatlin Kinchen; two sisters, Eunice DeLaune Prevost and Eloise DePaula; and his parents, Thomas Green Gatlin and Rose Ella Bigner Gatlin. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, and Friday from noon until the Rev. Dan Munson and the Rev. Stacy Morgan conduct the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery in Albany. SEAN MICHAEL MBADUGHA Sean Michael Mbadugha, 20, died Sunday, March 28, 2004, at Lallie Kemp Hospital in Independence as the result of a drowning. A native of Independence, he was a 2002 graduate of Hammond High School and was a student at Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a member of The Way Christian Center Church in Hammond. Survivors include his grandmother, Mercedes Richardson; his mother, Linda Hill Hughes; his stepfather, Joe Hughes; his sister, Megan Mbadugha; a stepsister, Faith Mbadugha; his grandfather, Willie Richardson; and his father, Joseph Mbadugha of Nigeria, Africa. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home in Hammond from 9 a.m. until Joe Puma conducts the service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Holly Garden Cemetery, Hammond. KRAMER SANDERS BRANDON, Miss. - Kramer Sanders, 80, died Monday, March 22, 2004, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Miss. He was a native of Louisiana and a resident of Rankin County for the past three years moving from Covington. He was a retired automobile salesman in Kentwood and was a World War II Army Air Force veteran. Survivors include his wife, Mya Sanders of Brandon; a daughter, Ann Moak of Brandon; two sons, Sandy K. Sanders of Brandon and Joe Clay Sanders of Pensacola, Fla.; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The Rev. Bernard Nail conducted the service today at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home, Brandon.