Obituaries from THE HAMMOND DAILY STAR, May 2001; Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, LA. Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, May, 2001 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ May 01, 2001 * Brenda Lynn Kaizer, 41, Mandeville BRENDA LYNN KAIZER MANDEVILLE - Brenda Lynn Kaizer, 41, died of cancer Saturday, April 28, 2001, at her home. A native of Erie, Pa., she had lived in Mandeville for the past 23 years. Survivors include her mother, Dottie P. Kaizer; a son, Bobby Kaizer; a brother, B.J. Kaizer; and three sisters, Jennifer Rogers, Mandeville, Robin Trahan, Hattiesburg, Miss., and Lisa Kaiser, Tangipahoa. A graveside service will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Mandeville Cemetery. Vickers Northshore Funeral Home is in charge. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations toward funeral expenses. May 02, 2001 * Thelma Landry Picou, 82, Maurepas * James Richardson, 63, Amite THELMA LANDRY PICOU MAUREPAS - Thelma Landry Picou, 82, died Tuesday, May 1, 2001, at Ascension Living Center, Gonzales. She is survived by one son, Charles W. Picou of St. Amant; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Monroe Landry Jr. of Bear Island. She was preceded in death by her husband, Denny W. Picou; her parents, Monroe and Louise Sanchez Landry; one daughter, Loretta P. Henderson; two sisters, Odelia Picou and Albertine "Tina" Farrell; and one brother, Edward Landry. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, and Thursday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Bear Island, at 9 a.m. until a Mass of Christian burial at 10. Burial will be in Maurepas Cemetery. JAMES RICHARDSON AMITE - James Richardson, 63, died Saturday, April 28, 2001. He was a native of Caney, Texas, a mechanic and a U.S. Navy veteran. He is survived by his wife, Emma Raye Hinton; two daughters, Tammie Kay Richardson of Kentwood and Mary Ann Walton of Riverside, Texas; three sisters, Annie Ruth Forster of New Caney, Texas, Dorothy Rae Brooks of Houston and Alice Helen Richardson of Minnesota; three brothers, Tommy David Richardson of Houston, Donald Ray Richardson of Porter, Texas, and Raymond O. Richardson of North Carolina; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, John Alton Richardson; mother, Ruth Lafern Hough Richardson; and one brother, Samuel Alton Richardson. Visitation was today, and burial was in Briar Patch Cemetery, Amite. Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, was in charge. May 03, 2001 * Robert Louis Clark, 83, Ponchatoula * Carol Ann Deery, 41, Hammond * Melvin L. Murphy, 63, McComb, Miss. * Elaine Crain Russell, 80, Amite ROBERT LOUIS CLARK PONCHATOULA - Robert Louis Clark, 83, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Charlotte, N.C., and a retired auto parts salesman. He is survived by one daughter, Margaretta "Hannah" Cook Howard of Ponchatoula; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Marze Cook; and his parents, Louisa and Margaretta Eberhardt Cook. A graveside service will be Friday at 1 p.m. at Greenoaks Memorial Park, Baton Rouge, with burial following the service. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. CAROL ANN DEERY Carol Ann Deery, 41, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001. Arrangements with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, are incomplete. MELVIN L. MURPHY McCOMB, Miss. - Melvin L. Murphy, 63, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at North Oaks Rehabilitation Center, Hammond. He was born in Ponchatoula, a retired deputy sheriff in Covington, a security guard and a member of McComb Gospel Assembly Church. He is survived by his wife, Glenda Murphy; one stepdaughter, Ruby Avent of Richland; one stepson, Ralph Swanner of Hattiesburg; three sisters, Joann Everet of New Orleans, Wanda Wiggins of Kenner, Joyce Cutrer of Metairie; and four step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Murphy and Lillie Foster Murphy; his first wife, Elizabeth Hawo Murphy; one stepson, Greg King; one stepdaughter, Donna Swanner; and a twin brother. Visitation will be today after 5 p.m. at McComb Gospel Assembly on state Highway 44 east of McComb until the funeral Friday at 11 a.m. The Rev. Bobby Boyd will conduct the service. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery in Lincoln County. Catchings Funeral Home, McComb, is in charge. ELAINE CRAIN RUSSELL AMITE - Elaine Crain Russell, 80, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Arrangements with Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton, are incomplete. May 04, 2001 * Sidney Clarence Baham, 78, Loranger * Robert Louis Cook, 83, Ponchatoula * Carol Ann Deerey, 41, Hammond * Clara Peggy Maher Horgan, 79, Hammond * Elaine Crain Russell, 80, Amite * Francis Jewel Slocum, 45, New Orleans * Albert Lee Smith, 99, Robert * Nick Anthony Vaccaro Sr., 90, Independence * Joshua O. Williams Sr., 85, Amite SIDNEY CLARENCE BAHAM LORANGER - Sidney Clarence Baham, 78, died Monday, April 30, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He is survived by two sisters, Fay Hall of Loranger and Shirley Ott of Harvey; and three brothers, Andrew Baham Sr. of New Orleans, Oscar Baham of Independence and Clinton Baham of Loranger. Visitation will be tonight from 5 until the funeral at 8 at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond. Dismissal will be Saturday at 1 p.m., and burial will be in Zemurray Cemetery, Loranger. ROBERT LOUIS COOK PONCHATOULA - Robert Louis Cook, 83, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Charlotte, N.C., and a retired auto parts salesman. He is survived by one daughter, Margaretta "Hannah" Cook Howard of Ponchatoula; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Marze Cook; and his parents, Louisa and Margaretta Eberhardt Cook. A graveside service was today at Greenoaks Memorial Park, Baton Rouge, with burial following the service. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. CAROL ANN DEEREY Carol Ann Deerey, 41, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Houston, a school teacher, a member of Liberty Baptist Church and served 23 years as the bus captain for Liberty Baptist Church on the Joy Bus Route, a Sunday School teacher and a junior church worker. She is survived by her husband, James P. Deerey of Hammond; two sons, James P. Deerey Jr. and Frank M. Deerey, both of Hammond; her father, Jerald V. Rambo of Idabel, Okla.; her mother, Ruth E. Rambo of Jasper, Alabama; three brothers, Jerry K. Rambo of Reserve, Jeff V. Rambo and Rick L. Rambo, both of Houston; and one sister, Lisa M. Rambo of LaPlace. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, conducted by the Rev. Wade Cash. Burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Liberty Baptist Church, 710 E. Iowa St., Hammond 70403. CLARA PEGGY MAHER HORGAN Clara Peggy Maher Horgan, 79, died Thursday, May 3, 2001, at her home following a brief illness. She was a native of Meridian, Miss., retired from the Louisiana State Highway Department, a duplicate bridge Bronze Master and an active member of St. Margaret's Guild of Grace Memorial Episcopal Church. She is survived by three children, Jon Horgan Kemp of Dauphin Island, Ala., Porter S. Horgan of Hammond and Kay Horgan Hardee of Houston; one sister, Jewell M. Barker of Slidell; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hunter Hudson Horgan Jr.; one son, the Rev. Hunter Hudson Horgan III; and her parents, John M. and Carrie Terrell Maher. Visitation will be Saturday at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, Hammond, from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond 70404, or Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 100 W. Church St., Hammond 70401. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ELAINE CRAIN RUSSELL AMITE - Elaine Crain Russell, 80, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a member of Amite First Baptist Church and a retired clerk for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in St. Helena Parish. She is survived by three daughters, Judy Russell of Indianapolis, Jan Guzzardo of Amite and Kathy Rushing of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and one sister, Bevie Davidson of Franklinton. She was preceded in death by her, husband, Earl T. Russell. Visitation will be at Amite First Baptist Church Saturday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. The Rev. David Fortenberry will conduct the service, and burial will be in the Roseland-Arcola Cemetery. Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton, is in charge. FRANCIS JEWEL SLOCUM NEW ORLEANS - Francis Jewel Slocum, 45, died Sunday, April 29, 2001. He was a native of Independence. He is survived by one daughter, Paris Slocum; two sons, Don Tar and Don Avin Slocum; his mother, Evelyn Slocum; seven sisters, Lillie Davis of New Orleans, Rose Wright, Joe Ann Lee, Elaine Sherman, Diana Barze, Helen Slocum and Mary Dantzler, all of Hammond; four brothers, Ernest Slocum and Earl Slocum, both of Hammond, and Otis Slocum and Calvin Slocum, both of New Orleans. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Bickham; grandparents, Edora and Leslie Sibley; and stepfather, L.C. Slocum. Visitation will be Monday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Calvin Brown and Mack Jackson will conduct the service. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. ALBERT LEE SMITH ROBERT - Albert Lee Smith, 99, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Pearl River, a member of the Robert Church of God and a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge 336 in Sun. He is survived by two daughters, Darnell Farmer of Walker and Ginger Childress of Robert; nine grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Zelma Corine Smith; two sons, Shelton Carl Smith and A.L. Smith Jr.; one daughter, Maxine Irene Williams; two brothers, Morgan George Smith and Verneil "Mike" Smith; four sisters, Mary Talley, Beulah Neilson, Edna Cambre and Mattie Brooks; and one grandchild. The funeral was this morning at Robert Church of God, and burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Robert. Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. NICK ANTHONY VACCARO SR. INDEPENDENCE - Nick Anthony Vaccaro Sr., 90, died today, May 4, 2001, at his home. He was a retired insurance agent for Dixie Life Insurance Co. and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by one son, Nick A. Vaccaro of Independence; and one grandson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Giovingo Vaccaro; his parents, Tony and Frances Sparacino Vaccaro; two brothers and three sisters. Visitation will be Sunday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, with a 7 p.m. vigil service and Monday from 8 to 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence. Burial will be in Colonial Mausoleum. JOSHUA O. WILLIAMS SR. AMITE - Joshua O. Williams Sr., 85, died Wednesday, May 2, 2001, in New Orleans. He is survived by his wife, Janie B. Williams of Amite; one son, Joshua O. Williams Jr. of New Orleans; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Elmer, Ashford and Guest A. Williams. Visitation will be Saturday at at Little Bethel Baptist Church, Amite, from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Frank Davis III will conduct the service, and burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery, Wilmer. Richardson Funeral Home, Kenner, is in charge. May 06, 2001 * Theresa Blewett Cosner, 75, Hammond * Rufus Eugene Crayton, 86, Tickfaw * Christopher Harrison, 5, Independence * Adelaide Lance Knight, 79, Slidell THERESA BLEWETT COSNER Theresa Blewett Cosner, 75, died Thursday, May 3, 2001, at North Oaks Rehabilitation Center in Hammond. She was a native of Canyon, Texas. Survivors include her son, John J. Cosner III, Newburyport, Mass.; a daughter Claire C. Leggett, Greenwich, Conn.; a brother, Lynn Blewett, Canyon, Texas; a sister, Elaine B. Buckner, Doylestown, Pa.; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Cosner Jr.; a brother, Howard Blewett; and a sister, Louise B. Easton. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, 100 W. Church St., Hammond. Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. RUFUS EUGENE CRAYTON TICKFAW - Rufus Eugene Crayton, 86, died Saturday, May 5, 2001, at his home. A native of Natalbany, he was a retired mechanic and a member of Pleasant Ridge Church of God. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Lillie May Crayton, Tickfaw; five daughters, Dorothy Milton, Hammond, Laurie Sherman, Albany, Dorcas Perrin, Watson, Patricia Soape, Pumpkin Center, and Connie Crayton, Natalbany; four sons, Rona Crayton, Natalbany, Rubin Crayton, McAllen, Texas, Rufus Crayton Jr., Hammond, and Dennis Crayton, Loranger; 29 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Katie Kinchen; two brothers, Dennis and John H. Crayton; and a granddaughter. Visitation will be today from 7 until 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in New Beulah Cemetery. CHRISTOPHER HARRISON INDEPENDENCE - Christopher Harrison, 5, died Saturday, April 28, 2001, in an automobile accident. He was a student at Independence Elementary School. He is survived by his mother, Linda Harrison, Independence; two sisters, Latyra and Ebony Harrison, both of Independence; grandparents, Katie and William Harrison Sr., Independence; and his great-grandmother, Doris Holiday, Greensburg. He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Joseph Holiday Sr.; his great- grandmother, Lurener Harrison; and his great-grandfather, Otis Harrison. Visitation will be Monday from 8 to 10 a.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite. Isaac Williams will conduct the funeral at 11, and burial will be in Harris Chapel Cemetery, Independence. ADELAIDE LANCE KNIGHT SLIDELL - Adelaide Lance Knight, 79, died Friday, May 4, 2001, at Slidell Memorial Hospital. She was a native of McMineville, Tenn., and a resident of Slidell. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Knight Simpson, Covington; a brother, Orville Lance, McMineville, Tenn.; a sister, Ruby Haley, Detroit; six grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, K.F. Knight; a daughter, Mary Ann Knight Harmon; and a brother, Leonard Lance. Visitation will be from 5 until 9 p.m. today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. May 07, 2001 * Edwin Benedict Darouse, 84, Hammond * Mary Louise St. Romain Nettles, 75, Albany * Clinton Clifton Threeton, 85, Albany EDWIN BENEDICT DAROUSE Former city leader and longtime Hammond businessman Edwin Benedict Darouse died Saturday, May 5, 2001, at his home. The 84-year-old was a former Hammond City Council member where he had served as mayor pro-tem. He was also the former finance director for the city of Hammond and was former owner of Darouse Construction Co. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Hammond chapter, and a member of First United Methodist Church of Hammond. He is survived by his wife, Frances Evelyn Hutchinson Darouse of Hammond; one daughter, Cherie Darouse Stevens of Tangipahoa; one son, Dennis Darouse of Hammond; two sisters, Dorothy Hunt of Gulf Shores, Ala., and Ruthie Downs of Baton Rouge; four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Edith Lavigne Darouse; and four brothers, Arthur "Sammy," Johnny, Tommy and Richard "Dick" Darouse. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Volunteers of American or Baton Rouge Hospice. MARY LOUISE ST. ROMAIN NETTLES ALBANY - Mary Louise St. Romain Nettles, 75, died Sunday, May 6, 2001, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. She was a member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church, Kenner. She is survived by her husband, Earl Nettles of Albany; two daughters, Bonnie Gatlin of Loranger and Dennie Faller of Holiday, Fla.; two sisters, Lucille Venerella of Destrehan and Vivian Ausbon of Baton Rouge; one stepbrother, A.J. St. Romain; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by two grandchildren. Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m., the Rev. Lonnie Mosingo officiating. Burial will be in Carter Cemetery. CLINTON CLIFTON THREETON ALBANY - Clinton Clifton Threeton, 85, died Saturday, May 5, 2001, at Landmark Living Center, Hammond. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, a retired Livingston Parish school bus driver, a former Livingston Parish School Board member; a former former Livingston Parish sheriff's deputy and a business owner who owned and operated numerous business in Albany. He is survived by one sister, Lucy Threeton Hutchinson of Albany; and one brother, Amos Threeton of Albany. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leona Woods Threeton; his parents, Willie Densmore and Seney Gill Threeton; and one sister, Elvey Threeton. Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11:30. The Rev. Joe Dunn will conduct the service, and burial will be in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Albany. May 08, 2001 * Nathan O. Ricard, 62, Amite * Ronald Lee Rogers, 51, Manchac NATHAN O. RICARD AMITE - Nathan O. Ricard, 62, died Friday, May 4, 2001, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Mildred Ricard of Amite; one son, Craig Ricard of Amite; one daughter, Natalie Ricard Franklin of Amite; one sister, Shirley Rudison of Yorba Linda, Calif.; one brother, Charles Ricard of Gramercy; and his mother, Anna Ricard of Montpelier. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Ricard, and his grandparents. Visitation will be Wednesdy from 5 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite. The Rev. R. Foster will conduct the funeral Thursday at 11 a.m. at Mount Zion Free Will Baptist Church, Montpelier. Burial will be in Butler's Cemetery, Amite. RONALD LEE ROGERS MANCHAC - Ronald Lee Rogers, 51, a native of Kentucky died Saturday, May 5, 2001. He is survived by his mother, Alice Delcluze; his wife, Donna Rogers of Manchac; two daughters, Carla Rogers of Albany and Angela Rogers of Tickfaw; one son, Anthony Rogers of Manchac; one sister, Karen Saltzman of Manchac; one brother, Harry Rogers of Holden; and three grandchildren. Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, and the funeral will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Wetmore Cemetery. May 09, 2001 * Herbert Fields Caldwell, 63, Ponchatoula * Lula Hardy Robertson, 90, Independence * Oscar Young Sr., 96, Hammond HERBERT FIELDS CALDWELL PONCHATOULA - Herbert Fields Caldwell, 63, died Monday, May 7, 2001, at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center, Independence. He was a native of Jefferson, N.C., a U.S. Army veteran and a pipe fitter with Local Union 60 of New Orleans. He is survived by his wife, Betty J. Caldwell of Ponchatoula; three sons, Dan F., David R. and Matthew R. Caldwell, all of Ponchatoula; one daughter, Lisa Caldwell Luneau of Ponchatoula; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Ray Caldwell of Jefferson, N.C., and Gary Caldwell of Ponchatoula; and four sisters, Nellie Pollard and Sally Caldwell, both of Jefferson, N.C., Mae Pugh of Sparta, N.C., and Janet Gomez of Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents, John William and Pearl Chattom Caldwell; and one brother, Tom Caldwell. Visitation will be today from 5 to 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. The Rev. Gary Dennis will conduct the service, and burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery, Ponchatoula. LULA HARDY ROBERTSON INDEPENDENCE - Lula Hardy Robertson, 90, died Tuesday, May 8, 2001, at Hammond Nursing Home. She was a native of Bayou Barbera and a housewife. She is survived by one daughter, Vera R. Chambers Hayden of Amite; one son, Elvert Hulon Robertson of Baton Rouge; nine grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Zack H. Robertson; two sons, Zack Robertson Jr. and Eulon Lionel Robertson; and one daughter, Clementine R. Johnson. Visitation will be today from 5 to 9 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10 conducted by the Rev. Mitch Williams. Burial will be in Colyell Cemetery, Livingston. OSCAR YOUNG SR. Oscar Young Sr., 96, died Thursday, May 3, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Lafayette and a truck driver. He is survived by six daughters, Elnora Williams of Hammond, Shirley Morris of Denham Springs, and Mary Ruffin, Lillie Young, Sarah Barnes and Elizabeth Johnson, all of Hammond; eight sons, Oscar Jr., Jerry, Donald, James, Jonny, Joseph and Robert Young, all of Hammond, and Phillip Young of Michigan City, Ind.; one brother, Alfred Young; 42 grandchildren and 54 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Young; his mother, Mary Francios; one sister, Daisy Lane; and two brothers, James and Jonny Young. Visitation will be Thursday at Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church from 5 p.m. until the funeral at 7, Roger Bernard officiating. Dismissal will be Friday at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. May 10, 2001 * Alan Flavius Meades, 45, Pumpkin Center * Carl Watson Overmier, 68, San Andreas, Calif. * Ann East Traylor, 68, Robert ALAN FLAVIUS MEADES PUMPKIN CENTER - Alan Flavius Meades, 45, died Wednesday, May 9, 2001, at his home. He was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church in Pumpkin Center. He is survived by one daughter, Raven Johanna Meades of Pumpkin Center; his mother, Mattie Lou Meades of Pumpkin Center; one sister, Marjorie "Margie" Foster of Pumpkin Center; and five brothers, Wesley Meades of Pumpkin Center, Flavius "Jr." Meades Jr. of LaPlace, Stanley Meades of Robert, Glen Meades of Gonzales and LeVern Meades of Pumpkin Center. He was preceded in death by his father, Flavius Meades. Visitation will be today from 5 to 9 p.m. at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral at 10 at Jerusalem Baptist Church, Pumpkin Center. The Rev. Jimmy Walls and the Rev. Greg Dunn will conduct the service. Chris Springer, a chaplain with Trinity Hospice, will interpret the services for the hearing impaired. Burial will be in the church cemetery. CARL WATSON OVERMIER SAN ANDREAS, Calif. - Carl Watson Overmier, 68, died May 1, 2001, in Sacramento, Calif. He was a native of Loranger, and retired after 25 years of serving as manager of the Environmental Health Department in Sacramento. He is survived by his wife, Florence Overmier, a native of Loranger; four sons, Carl, Clifford, Charles and Clyde; one daughter, Peggie Goehring; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; one brother, George Overmier of Robert; and one sister, Gladys Kelley of Loranger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glide and Mae Overmier; one brother, Gary Overmier; and one sister, Annabelle Buchanan. A private funeral and burial were held at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, Calif. Remembrances may be made to: St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. ANN EAST TRAYLOR ROBERT - Ann East Traylor, 68, died Thursday, May 10, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Ponchatoula. She is survived by her husband, Robert "Bobby" Traylor of Robert; one daughter, Patricia Traylor Jones of Robert; one son, Robert "Robby" Traylor of Robert; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Maude Darbonne and Joy Stephens; and three brothers, Richard, Charles and Marion East. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Brenice East; a daughter, Cynthia "Cyndie" Dominick; and a brother, Bob East. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 10 a.m. until the funeral at noon. The Rev. James Ray Robertson will conduct the service, and burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. May 11, 2001 * Daniel Ray Hall, 31, Ponchatoula * Henry John Lacour Jr., 75, Holden * Robert S. McMillan, 52, Liberty, Miss. * Ronnie Dave Walker Sr., 47, Traveler's Rest, S.C. DANIEL RAY HALL PONCHATOULA - Daniel Ray Hall, 31, Ponchatoula, died Thursday, May 10, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He is survived by his parents, David and Violet Hall of Ponchatoula; and four sisters, Ruth Hall, Mary Wells and Johannah Hall, all of Ponchatoula, and Dorcas Strahan of Robert. Visitation will be today at 7 p.m. at Jesus Name Holiness Church, Ponchatoula. The Rev. Glen C. Henson will conduct the funeral Saturday at 2 p.m., and burial will be in Ponchatoula. Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. HENRY JOHN LACOUR JR. HOLDEN - Henry John Lacour Jr., 75, died Thursday, May 10, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of New Orleans and a member of St. Margaret's Knights of Columbus Council 10178. He was a retired NOPSI Entergy worker having served for 40 years in the gas department as a shop foreman. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Holliday Lacour of Holden; two daughters, Alana D'Antonio II and Beverly Lacour, both of New Orleans; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry John Lacour and Florida Janet Lacour. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, with a 7 p.m. vigil prayer service and a 7:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus service, and Saturday from 8 to 10:15 a.m. The Rev. Leo Guillot will conduct the funeral at 11 at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Albany, and burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Hammond. ROBERT S. McMILLAN LIBERTY, Miss. - Robert S. McMillan, 52, died Wednesday, May 9, 2001, at his home. He was a member of Gillsburg Baptist Church, served in the National Guard, penned and roped cattle in Amite County and worked in the oil field. He is survived by his mother, Lucille McMillan Bates of Liberty; two sons, Bryant Carter of Chatawa and David Wayne McMillan of Oceanside, Calif.; one daughter, Evelyn Buchse of Baton Rouge; four brothers, Norman Hewitt McMillan of St. Francisville and Kenneth Wayne, J.A. and Richard McMillan, all of Liberty; two sisters, Edith Maurer and Anita Gerarve, both of Hammond; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Spencer McMillan; one brother, David L. McMillan; one sister, Evelyn McMillan; and his grandparents, Herman and Jenny McMillan and Bill and Queen Ann McKenzie. The funeral was this afternoon at Hartman Funeral Home, McComb, Miss. Burial was in Gillsburg Cemetery. RONNIE DAVE WALKER SR. TRAVELER'S REST, S.C. - Ronnie Dave Walker Sr., 47, died Tuesday, May 8, 2001, in Springfield. He was a native of Independence, a technician and a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Michelle K. Walker of Traveler's Rest, S.C.; two sons, Derrick Walker of Traveler's Rest, S.C., and Ronnie Dave Walker Jr. of Scaly Mountain, N.C.; one daughter, Christonya R. Wright of Piedmont, S.C.; his mother, Lillie Walker of Amite; one brother, Roger Walker of Yell, Wash.; and five sisters, Ancebelle Stafford of Fincastle, Va., Clara Jean Reid of Ponchatoula, Betty Lorich of Bossier City, Joanne Reid of Watson and Rachael Purvis of Tickfaw. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy E. Walker Sr.; his brother, Roy E. Walker Jr.; and one sister, Artie Marie Walker. Visitation will be today from 3 p.m. until the funeral at 8 conducted by the Rev. Bob Simpson at First Baptist Church of Arcola. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Derrick Walker School Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. May 13, 2001 * Clara Young Carter, 82, Kentwood * Ruth Long Cutrer, 90, Brandon, Fla., * Kenneth Howard Dominguez, 61, Pumpkin Center * Donald Wayne Miller, 55, Tickfaw * Mary Ann Vurik Morris, 80, Hammond * Amos Lee Ponder Jr., 84, Amite * Cathy Dean Schilling, 44, Tickfaw * Warren H. Sullivan, 86, Roseland CLARA YOUNG CARTER KENTWOOD - Clara Young Carter, 82, died Saturday, May 12, 2001, at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home. A housewife, she was a native of St. Helena Parish and resided in Kentwood. Survivors include a daughter, Irene Carter Mitchell, Kentwood; sons, Robert "Tony" Carter and Roger Carter, both of Kentwood, Jeffie Carter of Zachary and Wayne Carter of Walker; a brother, Charlie Young, Kentwood; 14 grandchildren and numerous great- grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Carter, a son, Shelby Joe Carter, a granddaughter and numerous brothers and sisters. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood today from 6 until 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 until the funeral at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jerry Blackwell will conduct the service in the funeral home chapel, with burial at Woodland Cemetery. RUTH LONG CUTRER BRANDON, Fla. - Ruth Long Cutrer, 90, died Thursday, May 10, 2001. She was a native of Carrolton, Miss., and resident of Brandon. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Dell Goodus of Brandon; a granddaughter, and three nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Cutrer, and a brother, James Malcolm Long. A graveside service will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. KENNETH HOWARD DOMINGUEZ PUMPKIN CENTER - Kenneth "Kenny" Howard Dominguez, 61, died Friday, May 11, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He owned Dominguez Petroleum, was a member of Calvary Christian Center in Hammond and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a native of Ponchatoula and resided in Pumpkin Center. Survivors include his wife, Piney Traylor Dominguez, Pumpkin Center; his father, Howard Dominguez, Ponchatoula; a sister, Carolyn Dominguez Charbonnet, Baton Rouge; two grandchildren; a niece and a nephew. His mother was the late Virginia King Dominguez. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, today from 6 until 10 p.m. and Monday from 8 until the funeral at10 a.m. The Rev. Jackie Palmer will conduct the service at the funeral home chapel, with burial at Wetmore Cemetery. DONALD WAYNE MILLER TICKFAW - Donald Wayne Miller, 55, died Friday, May 11, 2001, at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence. A construction superintendent, he was a native of Independence and resided in Tickfaw. Survivors include three sons, Kevin Miller of Hillsdale, Kendal Miller of Mandeville and Shane Miller of Parma, Mich.; a daughter, Samantha Miller, Parma; five brothers, Bobby O. Miller of Bogalusa, Gerald D. Miller of Albany, Earl E. Miller of Hillsdale, Thomas F. Miller of Amite and Danny R. Miller of Knoxville, Tenn.; two sisters, Annette Delatte, Robert, and Gail McDaniel, Franklinton; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be at Hillsdale Baptist Church Monday from noon until the funeral at 3 p.m. The Rev. Don McDaniel and the Rev. Lee Castello will conduct the service, with burial at Hillsdale Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home in Amite is in charge of arrangements. MARY ANN VURIK MORRIS Mary Ann Vurik Morris, 80, a native of Michigan, died Thursday, May 10, 2001, at Landmark Living Center in Hammond. She was a member of Unity Fellowship Christian Church. Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Cotton, Ponchatoula; two sons, Jim Morris of Oakhurst, Calif., and Tim Morris of Ponchatoula; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald "Jim" Morris; a brother, Stephen Vurik; and two sisters, Amella Coldgrove and Helen Pugh. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond, 70404. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond is handling funeral arrangements. AMOS LEE PONDER JR. NEW ORLEANS - Amos Lee Ponder Jr., an Amite native who won the Purple Heart and once served as an assistant U.S. attorney, died Friday, May 11, 2001, at Memorial Medical Center's Baptist Campus in New Orleans. He was 84. A resident of New Orleans, Ponder was a graduate of Tulane Law School and served with the U.S. Army during World War II. He received the Purple Heart after participating in the campaigns in Africa and Italy. Survivors include his wife, Marguerite Chadwick Ponder of New Orleans; two daughters, Amanda Ponder Strickland and Marguerite Chadwick Pellerin, both of New Orleans; a brother, John D. Ponder, Amite; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A sister, Julia Ponder Doane, and a brother, George Ponder, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite Monday from 2 until the funeral at 3 p.m. The Rev. David Smith will conduct the service, with burial at Amite Cemetery. CATHY DEAN SCHILLING TICKFAW - Cathy Dean Schilling, 44, a native of Hammond and reisdent of Tickfaw, died Friday, May 11, 2001, in Independence. Survivors include two daughters, Kim McKinney and Crystal Gregoire, both of Springfield; a son, Douglas McKinney of Springfield; a sister, Laverne Threeton of Ponchatoula; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cilmon J. Schilling and Nellie Addison Schilling. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home in Hammond on Monday from 9 until the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery. WARREN H. SULLIVAN ROSELAND - Warren H. Sullivan, 86, a native of Amite and resident of Roseland, died Saturday, May 12, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was a member of Spring Creek Lodge #184, F&AM, a carpenter and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Survivors include two daughters, Delores Martin of Amite and Marlane Cassels of Denham Springs; two sons, Wheeler D. Sullivan of Loranger and Joseph Moore of Independence; a brother, John L. Sullivan of Denham Springs; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. His wife, Phine Sullivan, and a grandchild preceded him in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite today from 6 until 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Killian Chapel Cemetery in Amite. A Masonic service will be held tonight. May 14, 2001 * Tommie Lucius Cowan, 93, Tickfaw * Mary Rose Sinagra, 86, Independence * Berlin Karo Wascom, 87, Hammond TOMMIE LUCIUS COWAN TICKFAW - Tommie Lucius Cowan, 93, died Sunday, May 13, 2001, at Leisure Living Nursing Home, Denham Springs. He was a native of Natalbany. Survivors include three daughters, Marie C. LeBauve, Belle Rose, Mildred C. Gregoire, Springfield, and Kathleen "Kat" C. Bankston, Tickfaw; eight grandchildren, 28 great- grandchildren and 25 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite Montgomery Cowan; his parents, Thomas and Xann Addison Cowan; six sisters, Annie Addison, Odie and Finess Chavers, Frances "Sis" Cowan, Esther Starkey and Ruth Finch; a brother, John Cowan; two grandchildren and a great-grandson. Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in New Haven Baptist Church Cemetery. MARY ROSE SINAGRA INDEPENDENCE - Mary Rose Sinagra, 86, died Saturday, May 12, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Independence. Survivors include numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Rosalie Virgo Sinagra; two sisters, Frances Patanella and Annie Sinagra; and five brothers, Nobby, Chris, Angelo, Charles and Phillip Sinagra. The Rev. Paul McDuffy conducted a Mass of Christian Burial this afternoon at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, and burial was in Colonial Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. BERLIN KARO WASCOM Berlin Karo Wascom, 87, died Friday, May 11, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home, Hammond. He was a native of Satsuma and a member of Springfield Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Jewel Mae Becnel Wascom; a daughter, Bessie Givens, Franklinton; three sons, Bartett Wascom, Denham Springs, Delree Wascom, Walker and Curtis Wascom, Springfield; three brothers, Nesom and Ray Wascom, both of Satsuma, and Cleveland Wascom, LaPlace; 12 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Minnie Wascom; two sisters, Totsie Collins and Sadie Hood; and a brother, Emeric "Bob" Wascom. The Rev. Randy Guy conducted the funeral this morning, and burial was in Sibley Cemetery, Walker. Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, was in charge. May 15, 2001 * Johnny B. McIntyre Adams, 82, Tickfaw * Sybal Courtney Battaglia, 79, Chalmette * Frank Joseph Fontana, 69, Hammond * Daniel Ray Hall, 31, Ponchatoula * Henry Mack, 82, Hammond * Thomas Robinson, 45, Kentwood JOHNNY B. McINTYRE ADAMS TICKFAW - Johnny B. McIntyre Adams, 82, died Monday, May 14, 2001, at his home. She was a native of Springfield. She is survived by her husband, James Merle Adams of Tickfaw. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertie Bonicard McIntyre; and one son, James M. Adams II. The Rev. Eddie Morgan conducted the funeral today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond 70404. SYBAL COURTNEY BATTAGLIA CHALMETTE - Sybal Courtney Battaglia, 79, died Saturday, May 12, 2001, at Chalmette Medical Center in Chalmette. She was a native of Darlinton and a housewife. She is survived by one son, Frank E. Battaglia Sr. of Chalmette; one daughter, Patricia Noel of Chalmette; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and one brother, William "Bill"Courtney of Jackson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Battaglia. The Rev. Mac McGrath conducted the graveside service this morning at Centre Cemetery, Greensburg. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. FRANK JOSEPH FONTANA Frank Joseph Fontana, 69, died Monday, May 14, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Independence. He is survived by his wife, Josie Vicaro Fontano of Hammond; four daughters, Mary Blades, Pat Fontana, Sharon Maxwell and Debbie Fontana, all of Hammond; one son, Frank Fontana of Hammond; four grandchildren; and three sisters, Mary Leitz of Kansas City, Mo., Lucille Caminita of New Orleans and Elizabeth Lacuira of Independence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosaro and Maria Tuzzia Fontana; three sisters, Victoria Cuccia, Frances Amato and Angie Fontana; and one brother, Jake Fontana. Visitation will be Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Jeff Ellis will conduct the service. Burial will be in Colonial Cemetery. DANIEL RAY HALL PONCHATOULA - Daniel Ray Hall, 31, Ponchatoula, died Thursday, May 10, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He is survived by his parents, David and Violet Hall of Ponchatoula; four sisters, Ruth Hall, Mary Wells and Johannah Hall, all of Ponchatoula, and Dorcas Strahan of Robert; one brother, Arthur Hall of Hammond; and a maternal grandmother, Ida Walker of Ponchatoula. The Rev. Glen C. Henson conducted the funeral Saturday, and burial was in Ponchatoula Cemetery. Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. HENRY MACK Henry Mack, 82, died Friday, May 11, 2001. He was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is survived by nine daughters, Mary Stewart, Willie Mae Moore, Willie Mae Straughter, Bessie Mae Hunter, Janice M. West, Jerry D. Bridges and Gwendylon Moore, all of Hammond, Patsy Lean Greely of Natalbany and Kerin Ann Dillon Ulla of Richmond, Calif.; one son, Wesly Ray Magee of Hammond; 31 grandchildren, 39 great- grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. The Rev. Joseph Williams conducted the funeral this morning at Zion Apostolic Church. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. THOMAS ROBINSON KENTWOOD - Thomas Robinson, 45, died Thursday, May 10, 2001 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. He was born in Natchez, Miss., and a former resident of Ferriday. He was a music instructor for the South Pike High School in Magnolia, Miss., attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, graduated from Alcorn State University where he earned a master's degree in music and was a church musician for Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Arcola, Temple Chapel Baptist Church in Kentwood and Mount Olive Baptist Church in McComb, Miss. He is survived by six brothers, Robert James Robinson and Harvey Robinson, both of Ferriday, Brian Robinson of Washington, D.C., LaVandia Jordan of Waterproof, Willie Jordan of Wiggins, Miss., and Charles Jordan of Chicago; and one sister, Dorothea Robinson of Alexandria. He was preceded in death by his father, Lily "Man" Jordan; his mother, Juanita Robinson; and one sister, Amanda Jolla. The Rev. Hosea Cook will conduct a special service Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, Arcola. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Concordia Funeral Home, 609 Alabama Ave., Ferriday. The Rev. Johnny Hollins will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at New Morning Star Baptist Church, Ferriday, and burial will be in Ferriday Cemetery. May 16, 2001 * Frank Joseph Fontana, 69, Hammond * Jessie Lee Brumfield Corbin Giere, 88, Hammond * Michael C. Moore, 47, Marrero * Vernon Starns, 88, Ventress FRANK JOSEPH FONTANA Frank Joseph Fontana, 69, died Monday, May 14, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Independence. He is survived by his wife, Josie Vicaro Fontana of Hammond; four daughters, Mary Blades, Pat Fontana, Sharon Maxwell and Debbie Fontana, all of Hammond; one son, Frank Fontana of Hammond; four grandchildren; and three sisters, Mary Leitz of Kansas City, Mo., Lucille Caminita of New Orleans; and Elizabeth Lacuira of Independence. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosaro and Maria Tuzzia Fontana; three sisters, Victoria Cuccia, Frances Amato and Angie Fontana; and one brother, Jake Fontana. The Rev. Jeff Ellis and Stephen Vicaro conducted the funeral this afternoon, and burial was in Colonial Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. JESSIE LEE BRUMFIELD CORBIN GIERE Jessie Lee Brumfield Corbin Giere, 88, died Sunday, May 13, 2001, at the home of her son in Zachary. She was born in Franklinton, and was a member of Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Hammond. She is survived by her son, Robert Marshall Corbin; two grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Howard S. Giere; her first husband, Dr. Robert Adwood Corbin III; another son, Robert Adwood IV; her parents, Marshal Amacker and Fanny Penney Brumfield; and one brother, John Brumfield. The funeral was this morning at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, Hammond, and burial was in the church cemetery. Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, Baton Rouge, was in charge. MICHAEL C. MOORE MARRERO - The Rev. Michael C. Moore, 47, died Monday, May 14, 2001. He was a native of Jonesboro. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Zeaser Moore; two daughters, Sarah and Rachel Moore; his parents, Dixie Whittemore Moore and Harold Moore; and three brothers, James Arthur "Artie" Moore, Harold Moore Jr. and Joseph Moore. Visitation will be tonight from 6 until the funeral at 8 at First Pentecostal Church, 3200 Ames Blvd., Marrero. A graveside service will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Mothe Funeral Home, Inc., Marrero, is in charge. VERNON STARNS VENTRESS - Vernon Starns, 88, died Thursday, May 10, 2001, at the Care Center of Baton Rouge. He was a native of Otts Mill in Livingston Parish, and a longtime resident of Baton Rouge and Ventress. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corp, was a farmer and a retired employee of Exxon. He was also a chapter member and deacon of Hooper Road Baptist Church of Baton Rouge and a member of False River Baptist Church of New Roads. He is survived by five sons, Vernon L. Starns and Felix "Bo" Starns, both of Ventress, George C. Starns Sr. of Mobile, Ala., Vincent N. Starns and Marshall Ray Starns, both of Baton Rouge; three daughters, Ann Spring of Hammond, Sue Elder of Pineville and Ruth Starns, a resident of the Care Center of Baton Rouge and former resident of Ventress; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Norwood Starns of Denham Springs He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie Aquilla Hodges Starns; his parents, Alonzo Warren Starns and Amanda Corean Hinson Starns; one grandchild; five brothers, Julius, Leo, Dock, Burlin and Woodrow Starns; and three sisters, Delia Neal, Estelle Vining and Ethel Starns. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 3 p.m. The Rev. Joe Starns will conduct the service, and burial will be in Greenoaks Memorial Park. May 18, 2001 * Morris Bates Jr., 73, Hammond * Cecilia Macaluso Bonfiglio, 74, Hammond * Maggie Schliegelmeyer Drude, 83, Ponchatoula * Joseph Lee Hughes, 42, Independence * Lillian Butler Tate, 64, Franklinton MORRIS BATES JR. Morris Bates Jr., 73, died Tuesday, May 15, 2001, at his home. He was a native of McComb, Miss., and a retired electrician. He was a member of Saint Joseph Baptist Church and Pride of Hammond Lodge 39. He is survived by his wife, Marliss J. Bates; three daughters, Marsha Boyd, Sheryl Thompson and Marlayna Bates; two stepdaughters, Toni M. Jackson and Jolayne L. Tillis; two sons, Malcolm Bates and Phillip Morris Bates; one stepson, Michael Martin; one brother, Elzy Bates; 16 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris Bates Sr. and Rosa McGee Bates; and one stepdaughter. Visitation will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. at Saint Joseph Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, and Saturday at Greenfield Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond, from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Gerald Shelvin will conduct the service. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. CECILIA MACALUSO BONFIGLIO Cecilia Macaluso Bonfiglio, 74, died Wednesday, May 16, 2001, at Mercy Hospital, New Hospital, New Orleans. She was a native of Chicago. She is survived by one daughter, Donna Silewicz of Hammond; one son, John Frank Bonfiglio Jr. of New Orleans; two grandchildren; and one brother, Nick Macaluso. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Frank Bonfiglio Sr.; one brother, Joseph Macaluso; and her parents, Nace and Lucy Bravata Macaluso. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. with a 7 p.m. vigil prayer service at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Saturday from 8 until 9:45 a.m. The Rev. Chris Eggleton will conduct a Mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Mausoleum. MAGGIE SCHLIEGELMEYER DRUDE PONCHATOULA - Maggie Schliegelmeyer Drude, 83, died Thursday, May 17, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Wadesboro. She is survived by one daughter, Judy Drude Workman of Ponchatoula; one son, Lawrence "Larry" Drude Sr. of Ponchatoula; one sister, Marie Mason of Gulfport, Miss.; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin F. Drude Sr.; a son, Melvin F. Drude Jr.; her parents, John and Elizabeth Oehlenberger Schliegelmeyer; five sisters, Lizzie Yent, Lydia Yent, Mollie Schwartz, Katie Goudeau and Rosie Hodges; and three brothers, Johnny, Willie and Big John Schliegelmeyer. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 3:30 p.m. The Rev. Jimmy Wall will conduct the service, and burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. JOSEPH LEE HUGHES INDEPENDENCE - Joseph Lee Hughes, 42, died Sunday, May 13, 2001, at Lakeview Medical Center. He is survived by one daughter, Nicole Henderson of Roseland; two sons, Joseph Lee Hughes Jr. of Atlanta and Joseph T. Hughes of Alaska; three sisters, Emily M. Brumfield of Roseland, Linda Houston and Trudy Wess, both of Independence; one brother, Grover Maxwell of Bogalusa; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary M. and Joe Hughes. Visitation will be today from 3 to 7 p.m. at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland. The Rev. James Oden will conduct the funeral at 7. Dismissal will be Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Warren Cemetery, Independence. LILLIAN BUTLER TATE FRANKLINTON - Lillian Butler Tate, 64, died May 11, 2001. She is survived by her husband, Doyle "Coot" Tate of Franklinton; one sister, Carrie Douglas of Hammond; two brothers, Gilbert George Butler and Albert Butler , both of Hammond; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be today until 8 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Franklinton. The Rev. Terrence August will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Winan United Methodist Church, 622 18th Ave., Franklinton. Burial will be in Sweet Rest Memorial Park. May 20, 2001 * Barbara Ann Hibley, 49, Albany * Earl Sylvester Hoover, 56, Livingston * Larry Washington, 50, Roseland BARBARA ANN HIBLEY ALBANY - Barbara Ann Hibley, 49, died Friday, May 18, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Marion County, Miss., a homemaker and a member of Jesus Name Holiness Church. Survivors include her parents, Clem and Panzie Peak, Mississippi; her husband, Bill Hibley, Albany; three daughters, Abigail Nagarajan, Mississippi, Joanna Hibley, Loranger, and April Hibley, Albany; two sons, Billy Hibley, Loranger, and Brian Hibley, Albany; four sisters, Wanda Dickson, Debrah Beach and Janice Collins, all of Mississippi, and Betty Albin, Albany; five brothers, Kenneth, Sammuel, Joe and Jimmy Peak, all of Mississippi, and James Peak, Alabama; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Jerry and Daniel Peak. Visitation will be today at Jesus Name Holinesss Church in Ponchatoula from 6 p.m. until the funeral Monday at 10 a.m. The Rev. Glen C. Henson will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. EARL SYLVESTER HOOVER LIVINGSTON - Earl Sylvester Hoover, 56, died at his home Friday, May 18, 2001. A native of Independence, he was an U.S. Army veteran and a retired facilities technician for BellSouth Telephone Co. Survivors include one daughter, Sylvia Hutchinson; three sons, Michael Hoover, Earl Hoover and Brian Hoover; two sisters, Norma Matheny and Susan Coates; one brother, Carl Fletcher; four grandchildren; and two former wives, Helgrid Hoover and Patricia Hoover. He was preceded in death by his mother, Artimese Fletcher; one sister, Gayle Hoover; and one brother, William Hoover. Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, Monday from 4 p.m. until the funeral at 6, the Rev. Jeff Cambre officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge 70810. LARRY WASHINGTON ROSELAND - Larry Wahsington, 50, died Tuesday, May 15, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Amite. Survivors include his wife, Cindy Washington, Roseland; four sons, Larry Washington Jr. and Christopher Lee, both of Amite, and Lance and LaVantis Washington, both of Tulsa, Okla.; two daughters, Latasha Washington, McComb, Miss., and Carmen Taylor, San Antonio; a stepdaughter, Lashandrus Jackson, Roseland; three sisters, Mary, Sheila and Ursla Washington, all of Seattle; 10 brothers, Louis Leon, Edward and Wille Lee Washington Sr., all of Amite, Cleo Washington, Baton Rouge, Jerry Washington, Dickinson, Texas, Frank Washington, Houston, Herbert Washington, Independence, Lindsey and Clint Washington, both of Seattle, and John Oneal Washington, Roseland; his mother, Margarette Green-Washington, Amite; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis Leon Washington Sr.; a sister, Johnnie Mae Evans; and a brother, Billy Washington. Visitation will be Monday from 3 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite. The Rev. Hosea Cook will conduct the funeral Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Roseland, and burial will be in Big Zion Cemetery, Roseland. May 21, 2001 * Marie Travis Blades, 88, Kentwood * Cherylyn Claverie Keretz, 42, Robert * Alton Hoyt McNabb, 39, Pine Grove MARIE TRAVIS BLADES KENTWOOD - Marie Travis Blades, 88, died Sunday, May 20, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of St. Helena Parish. She is survived by one sister, Dorothy T. Hughes, Kentwood; and four brothers, Winford, Lige, Alton and Clyde "Billy" Travis, all of Kentwood. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dolan Blades; her parents, Walter and Nettie McMillan Travis; two sisters, Rosa and Ethel Travis; and two brothers, Lee and E.D. Travis. Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, and Tuesday from 1 p.m. until the funeral at 2 at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church. The Rev. Eddie Morgan will conduct the service, and burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine Ridge. CHERYLYN CLAVERIE KERETZ ROBERT - Cherylyn Claverie Keretz, 42, died Saturday, May 19, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond, following a one-car accident. She was a native of New Orleans. She is survived by her husband, Julian Keretz of Robert; two daughters, Eden and Jeanne Keretz, both of Robert; her mother, Gloria Ducote St. Pierre of Loranger; and three sisters, Charmaine Traub, Darlene Lala of Harvey and Gloria Hidalgo of Florida. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis and Eric Claverie. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11, conducted by the Rev. Louis Husser. Burial will be in Garden of Eden Cemetery, Robert. ALTON HOYT McNABB PINE GROVE - Alton Hoyt "Bud" McNabb, 39, died Sunday, May 20, 2001, near Greensburg in a car accident. He was a native of Brandon, Miss., and worked as a pipeline helper. He is survived by one son, Alton Hoyt McNabb II of Greensburg; one sister, Gail Ardillo of Amite; five brothers, Calvin, Bryan and John McNabb, all of Pine Grove, Gary McNabb of Loranger and Waylon McNabb of Clinton; and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gene McNabb of Pine Grove. Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, and Tuesday at Shiloh Baptist Church, Pine Grove, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Mike Woodard will conduct the service, and burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery, Pine Grove. May 22, 2001 * Galon Luther Durand Jr., 61, Hammond * Linda Ellen McCracken, 47, Bedford, Texas * Robert Peterson Jr., 59, Covington GALON LUTHER DURAND JR. Galon Luther Durand Jr., 61, died Monday, May 21, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a retired butcher having worked at National Tea Co. and a member of Amalgamated Meat Cutters and the Butcher Workmen of North America. He is survived by his wife, Anna Lee Delaune Durand of Pumpkin Center; three sons, Galon "Butch" Durand III and Wyndell Durand, both of Pumpkin Center, and Daniel Durand of Albany; two sisters, Ruby Durand Cleaver of DesMoines, Iowa, and Evelyn Durand Barnes of Birmingham, Ala.; three grandchildren and one step-granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Galon L. and Aline Forrest Durand; and one brother, Johnny Durand. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. LINDA ELLEN McCRACKEN BEDFORD, Texas - Linda Ellen McCracken, 47, died Friday, May 18, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Houston, and an executive assistant in the banking industry. She is survived by one daughter, Meredith McCracken of Bedford; her father, Russell Landry of Mandeville; one brother, Wynn Landry of Lafayette; and two sisters, Frances Frederick of Hammond and Julie Bruhn of Ponchatoula. She was preceded in death by her mother, Constance Landry. A service was held today at Forest Ridge Funeral Home in Hurst. Local visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. ROBERT PETERSON JR. COVINGTON - Robert Peterson Jr., 59, died Thursday, May 17, 2001, in Hammond. He was a native of Goodbee and a landscaper. He is survived by two daughters, Jeanine Austin of Mobile, Ala., and Deneen Payne of Oakland, Calif.; two sons, Ron Peterson of Port Allen, and Malcolm Peterson of Modesto, Calif.; three sisters, Clara M. Batiste of Lacombe and Deloris Peterson and Celia Davidson, both of Covington; two brothers, Isaac Peterson of Mandeville and Charles Peterson of Lacombe; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11, at First Baptist Church, Covington, conducted by the Rev. Samuel Richardson. Burial will be in White Settlement Cemetery, Covington. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. May 23, 2001 * Hilda McFadden Armstrong, 83, Hammond * Galon Luther Durand Jr., 61, Hammond * Joseph Arthur Franklin Fletcher, 69, Hammond * Phillip Joseph Harrell, 18, Kentwood * Aline St. Cyr Martin, 89, Springfield * James Joseph Morel, 55, Atlanta * Joe Ann Baham Wells, 62, Ponchatoula HILDA McFADDEN ARMSTRONG Hilda McFadden Armstrong, 83, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by her husband, Ben Armstrong Jr. of Hammond; three children, Edward P. Dameron IV and Stanley Dameron, both of Hammond, and Charles Emery Cate Dameron of San Francisco; three grandchildren; one brother, Dennis McFadden of Hammond; and one sister, Doris White of Lafayette. She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel E. and Leona Guillot McFadden; one sister, Blanche Cutrer; and one grandchild. A graveside service will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Boniventure Cemetery, Savannah, Ga., with burial to follow in the same location. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. GALON LUTHER DURAND JR. Galon Luther Durand Jr., 61, died Monday, May 22, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a retired butcher having worked at National Tea Co., and was a member of Amalgamated Meat Cutters and the Butcher Workmen of North America. He is survived by his wife, Anna Lee Delaune Durand of Pumpkin Center; three sons, Galon "Butch" Durand III of Pumpkin Center, Daniel Durand of Albany and Wyndell Durand of Pumpkin Center; two sisters, Ruby Durand Cleaver of DesMoines, Iowa, and Evelyn Durand Barnes of Birmingham, Ala.; three grandchildren and one step- granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Galon L. and Aline Forrest Durand; and one brother, Johnny Durand. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10, conducted by the Rev. Greg Dunkin. Burial will be in Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery. JOSEPH ARTHUR FRANKLIN FLETCHER The Rev. Joseph Arthur Franklin Fletcher, 69, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Font Hill, Canada. He worked as a elementary and adult education teacher and vice principal and was a pastor. He is survived by his wife, Shirley VanVleet Fletcher of Hammond; one son, Joseph Jeffrey Fletcher of Ponchatoula; three daughters, Cheryl K. Swartz of Litchfield, Minn., Debra L. Buckman of Long Wood, Fla., and Christine N. Fletcher of Hammond; one brother, Arthur D. Fletcher of Pelzer, S.C.; two sisters, Rena Payne of Font Hill, Canada, and Mabel Payne of Waterloo, Iowa; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph H. and Wilda Blackwell Fletcher; a stepmother, Doris Fletcher; and one stepbrother, Walter Robertson. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Friday from 8 until 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Dale H. Swartz will conduct the funeral at 10 at Happy Woods Church of God, Hammond. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Happy Woods Church of God Building Fund, 42418 S. Range Road, Hammond 70403. PHILLIP JOSEPH HARRELL KENTWOOD - Phillip Joseph "P.J." Harrell, 18, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, near Kentwood in an automobile accident. He was a native of Independence and employed as a tree trimmer. He is survived by his parents, Phil and Gwen Harrell of Kentwood; one sister, Stephanie Harrell of Kentwood; one brother, Allen Dale Harrell of Kentwood; his grandparents, Margaret Harrell of Kentwood, Charles Harrell and Janice Harrell, both of Clinton. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Doris and Buck Williams; and his great- grandparents, Frank and Betty Harrell and Phillip Joseph and Minnie Blanchard. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Chris Watkins will conduct the service. Burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery. ALINE ST. CYR MARTIN SPRINGFIELD - Aline St. Cyr Martin, 89, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was native of Bayou Barbera, a farmer and a member of Woodhaven Baptist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Delores Kropog of Baptist and Annett Martinez of Springfield; two brothers, Happy Sance of Ponchatoula and Frankie Sance of Hammond; four grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Effie Demars; her father, Daniel St. Cyr; two brothers, Alvin and Ray St. Cyr; two sons, James Kropog and one who died as an infant. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany. Leo Miller will conduct the funeral Thursday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Woodhaven Baptist Church Cemetery. JAMES JOSEPH MOREL ATLANTA - James "Jim" Joseph Morel, 55, died Monday, May 21, 2001. He was a native of Hammond and was self-employed in software engineering and design consulting. He is survived by his wife, Carrie White Morel of Atlanta; and three sisters, Dawn M. Cole and Penny M. Edwards, both of Hammond, and Renie M. Clark of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry J. and Rubylee Morel; and one infant brother, Henry J. Morel Jr. A graveside service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond, and burial will be in the same location. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Foundation at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta in memory of James Morel for the Heart and Vascular Center, 1100 Johnson Ferry Road, N.E. Suite 150, Atlanta, GA 30342. JOE ANN BAHAM WELLS PONCHATOULA - Joe Ann Baham Wells, 62, died Monday, May 21, 2001, at the Hammond Nursing Home. She was a native of Madisonville. She is survived by two daughters, Tami Wells and Sunny Ann Wells Senft, both of Baton Rouge; one son, Skipper Wells of Ponchatoula; one brother, C.T. Baham Jr. of Ponchatoula; one sister, Shirley Baham Manookin of Genoa, Utah; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Sonny Wells; and her parents, Clarence Baham Sr. and Yvonne Spell Baham. The funeral will be today at 2:30 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital. May 24, 2001 * Nina Sibley Collett, 72, Holden NINA SIBLEY COLLETT HOLDEN - Nina Sibley Collett, 72, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. She was a native of Frost. She was a member of James Chapel United Methodist Church in Holden where she was a treasurer and Sunday School teacher. She is survived by her husband, Roland E. Collett of Holden; one daughter, Janice Campbell of Holden; three sons, Gary Collett of Pine, Carl Collett of Holden and Randy Collett of Walker; one brother, Thomas Sibley of Holden; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Andrew O. and Lola Hano Sibley; and one grandchild. Visitation will be today from 5 to 9 p.m. at James Chapel United Methodist Church, Holden, and Friday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 10. The Rev. Carol Richardson will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, is in charge. May 25, 2001 * Izora Luvenia Singleton Carter, 96, New Orleans * Germaine Chatman, 26, Covington * Ruth Kemp Dyson, 91, Amite * Otis Elzy Jr., 60, Kentwood * Sterling Foster Sr., 62, Amite * Colvin O. Galloway, 81, Amite * Elizabeth Allen Keenum, 64, Denham Springs * Aubry Earl Pate, 75, Slidell IZORA LUVENIA SINGLETON CARTER NEW ORLEANS - Izora Luvenia Singleton Carter, 96, died Thursday, May 17, 2001, at St. Charles General Hospital. She was a homemaker. She is survived by three daughters, Sophia Mae Carter Foster, Julia Carter Chaney, Lula Mae Carter Dykes, all of New Orleans, Marguerite Carter Davis of Los Angeles and Mary Carter Latigue of Ville Platte; two sons, Estavan Carter of New Orleans and Sandy Carter Sr. of Los Angeles; 26 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sophia Jackson; her father, the Rev. Adam Singleton; her husband, Norris Calvin Carter; and two daughters, Karie T. Carter Bryant and Freddie Ophelia Carter. Visitation will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Kermitt L. Brown will conduct the funeral Saturday at Rocky Hill AME Church, Greensburg, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. GERMAINE CHATMAN COVINGTON - Germaine Chatman, 26, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Covington. He is survived by his parents, Frank James of Uneedus and Alice Chatman of Covington; one daughter, Mikeria Martin of Mandeville; two sons, Tremaine Chatman and Germaine Chatman Jr., both of Covington; two sisters, Denise and Lakisha Chatman, both of Covington; and two brothers, Dennis and Derrick Chatman, both of Covington. The Rev. Malory Calahan will conduct the funeral at 10 a.m. at Starlight Baptist Church, Covington. Burial will be in Wilson Cemetery, Covington. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. RUTH KEMP DYSON AMITE - Ruth Kemp Dyson, 91, died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at her home. She was the wife of Luther H. Dyson, longtime former president of Southeastern Louisiana University. She was graduate of Newcomb College, a member of the Round Table Club, Hammond and Amite garden clubs and active in the Episcopal churches in both Hammond and Amite. She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Dyson Pirsig of Houston; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one grandchild; three sisters, Georgie Kemp Edwards, Lillian Kemp Guas and Lucille Kemp Kentzel; and her parents, William Breed Kemp Jr. and Lucile Lotspeich Kemp. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 to 3:45 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. The Rev. Don Campbell will conduct the funeral at 4 at Church of the Incarnation-Episcopal, Amite. Burial will be in Amite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ruth and Luther Dyson Scholarship Fund, Southeastern Louisiana University or to the Church of the Incarnation- Episcopal. OTIS ELZY JR. KENTWOOD - Otis Elzy Jr., 60, died Thursday, May 24, 2001, at his home. The Rev. Ray Jackson will conduct the funeral Saturday at 2 p.m. at Oak Grove Methodist Church, and burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Franklinton, is in charge. STERLING FOSTER SR. AMITE - Sterling Foster Sr., 62, died Monday, May 21, 2001, at Ochsner Hospital. He was a construction worker. He is survived by one daughter, Armena Foster; six sons, Michael, Carl Sr., Reginald Sr., Brian, Sterling Jr. and Craig; one sister, Maxine; one brother, Oliver; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and his father, McCray Foster. He was preceded in death by his wife, Letha Mae Foster; and his mother, Mamie. The Rev. Frank Davis III conducted the funeral Thursday, and burial was in Butler Cemetery. Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, was in charge. COLVIN O. GALLOWAY AMITE - Colvin O. Galloway, 81, died Thursday, May 24, 2001, at his home. He was a native of DeQueen, Ark. He was a locomotive engineer and a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served in World War II. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Goss Galloway of Amite; and two sisters, Dorothy and Margie Galloway. He was preceded in death by two brothers. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. ELIZABETH ALLEN KEENUM DENHAM SPRINGS - Elizabeth Allen Keenum, 64, died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at Summit Hospital, Baton Rouge. She was a native of Washington County, Miss. She is survived by two daughters, Glenda K. Stewart of Walker and Brenda K. Smith of Pearl, Miss.; one son, James Wayne Keenum Sr. of Independence; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Wesley Keenum; and her parents, Haskel and Gladys Parker Allen. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10:30. The Rev. Mitch Williams will conduct the service, and burial will be in Colonial Cemetery. AUBREY EARL PATE SLIDELL - Aubrey Earl Pate, 75, died of leukemia Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at Memorial Medical Center. He was a native of Shreveport and an attorney. He was a U.S. Navy veteran having served in World War II as an electrician's mate first class. He was discharged from the U.S. Navy Amphibious Force with 4 Stars for the D-Day Invasion of the Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands, Marianas Islands and Okinawa. He also served aboard one the of the first ships to Japan after the war in the occupation of Japan. He is survived by his children, Elizabeth Pate Piner of Covington, Creg and Mitchell Pate, both of Slidell, and John Pate of Ponchatoula; eight grandchildren and one great- grandchild. He was preceded in death by one son, Paul Pate; his parents, Lena Humphrey and Aubrey L. Pate; and one sister, Winnie Rae Fedrowisch. The funeral was today at Bultman Funeral Home, 3338 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, and burial was in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens Cemetery. May 27, 2001 * Virginia Lewis Armstrong, 82, Gulfport, Miss. * Minnie L. Corona, 68, Baton Rouge * Ivy Dykes, 79, Kentwood * Sterling Foster Sr., 62, Amite * William Charles Hutcheson, 36, Semmes, Ala. * Rita Wanda Hyde Westmoreland Lee, 74, Red Bluff * Johnny Allen Shaffett Sr., 56, Baton Rouge * Leo Smith, 83, Ponchatoula * Dagmar Dinkgreve Springer, 82, Independence * Quentin Sireno Stukes, 73, Springfield * Pearl Bryant Travis, 86, Kentwood * Champ Breeden Yarborough, 87, Kentwood VIRGINIA LEWIS ARMSTRONG GULFPORT, Miss. - Virginia Lewis Armstrong, 82, died Sunday, May 20, 2001, in Gulfport. She was a native of Tocopelia, Chile, and had resided on the Gulf Coast for 35 years. She was Catholic. Her husband, Charles Benson Armstrong, and her sister, Lillian Lewis Tipton, preceded her in death. She was cremated and her ashes will be interred in Ponchatoula Cemetery with a private family ceremony. Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home in Gulfport is in charge of the arrangements. MINNIE L. CORONA BATON ROUGE - Minnie L. Corona, 68, died Thursday, May 24, 2001, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Mid City. She was a native of Kentwood and resident of Baton Rouge. Survivors include her daughter, Tish Landry; sons Albert and Mark Corona; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation and the funeral service were held Friday and Saturday at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, Baton Rouge. Burial was in Greenoaks Memorial Park. IVY DYKES KENTWOOD - Ivy Dykes, 79, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at his residence near Kentwood. He was a dairy farmer and a native of Tangipahoa Parish. Survivors include his wife, Lorelise Bankston Dykes, Kentwood; two daughters, Charlene D. Waller and Sharon D. Venable, both of Kentwood; his sons, Wayne F. Dykes, Ponchatoula, and Wilton I. Dykes, Alpharetta, Ga.; his sisters, Helen Frazier, Greenwell Springs, and Genevieve Prescott, Magnolia, Miss.; nine grandchildren and five great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. Visitation will be at Line Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, today from 6 to 10 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. The Rev. Bobby Holder and the Rev. John Cleveland will conduct the service. Burial will be in Dykes Cemetery, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ivy Dykes Cancer Research Fund, care of the Bank of Greensburg. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, is in charge of the arrangements. STERLING FOSTER SR. AMITE - Sterling Foster Sr., 62, died Monday, May 21, 2001, at Ochsner Hospital. He was a construction worker. He is survived by one daughter, Armena Foster; six sons, Michael, Carl Sr., Reginald Sr., Brian, Sterling Jr., and Craig; one sister, Maxine; one brother, Oliver; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his father, McCray Foster. He was preceded in death by his wife, Letha Mae Foster, and his mother, Mamie. The Rev. Frank Davis III conducted the funeral Saturday, and burial was in Butler Cemetery. Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, was in charge. WILLIAM CHARLES HUTCHESON SEMMES, Ala. - William Charles Hutcheson, 36, died Friday, May 25, 2001, in Mobile, Ala. He was a native of Ponchatoula and resident of Semmes. Survivors include his wife, Latisa Day Hutcheson, Semmes; his parents, Ernest and Thera Harper Hutcheson, Ponchatoula; four daughters, Brittany, Ashley, Whitney and Tiffany Hutcheson, all of Ponchatoula; a stepdaughter, Keisha Sheffield, Semmes; a stepson, Bo Sheffield, Semmes; a sister, Cynthia Hutcheson Pritchard, Ponchatoula; and two brothers, Robert Hutcheson, Tickfaw, and Earl Hutcheson, Robert; and a step- grandmother, Josephine Weiderman Hutcheson, Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Earl and Margery Roberts Hutcheson, and his maternal grandparents, Charles Willard Harper and Sally Taylor Harper. Visitation and funeral arrangements are incomplete with Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond. RITA WANDA HYDE WESTMORELAND LEE RED BLUFF - Rita Wanda Hyde Westmoreland Lee, 74, died Thursday, May 24, 2001. She was a native of Chesbrough and a member of Red Bluff Baptist Church. She retired from the Louisiana Department of Corrections in 1987. Survivors include her husband, LelanLee, Greensburg; three daughters, Lucille Westmoreland, Hettick, Ill., Elizabeth Westmoreland, Texarkana, and Barbara Lee, Jackson; her sisters, Elizabeth Ola Stevens, Amite, and Dora Ann Bellard, Arcola; two brothers, John "Johnny" Norten, West Lake, and William "Bill" Pen Hyde, Natalbany; 12 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. JOHNNY ALLEN SHAFFETT SR. BATON ROUGE - Johnny Allen "Buddy" Shaffett Sr., 56, died Friday, May 25, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Baton Rouge, a former Baton Rouge policeman and an auto mechanic with SAIA Electric. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Survivors include his daughter, Misty Shaffett, Ponchatoula; his son, Johnny Allen Shaffett Jr., Abilene, Kansas; two sisters, Eloise Simmons, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Irene Meliet, Baton Rouge; and eight grandchildren. His parents, Manuel Shaffett and Elise Fletcher Shaffett, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, Baton Rouge, today from 3 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. The Rev. Sid Chaney will conduct the service in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Greenoaks Memorial Park. LEO SMITH PONCHATOULA - Leo Smith, 83, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Church Point and a member of Local Carpenter's Union 1846. Survivors include his daughter, Janice Brown, Ponchatoula; a stepson, Donald Ancelet of Bedico; two brothers, J.E. Faul, Carencro, and Octave Faul, Lawtell; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His wife, Georgia S. Smith, three sisters and a brother preceded him in death. Visitation will be Monday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church from 11 a.m. until the funeral service 1 p.m. Burial will be in Parklawn Cemetery. DAGMAR DINKGREVE SPRINGER INDEPENDENCE - Dagmar Dinkgreve Springer, 82, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, at the Landmark Nursing Center in Hammond. She was a native of New Orleans and had resided in Independence for the past 17 years. Survivors include her sons, Joseph L. and Lon W. Springer; her sister Adeline Pourmaroux. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph L. Springer Sr., and her siblings, Elvira, Josephine, William, Richard and Herman Dinkgreve. The funeral was held Friday in New Orleans. Burial was in Restlawn Cemetery, Avondale. P.J. McMahon and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. QUENTIN SIRENO STUKES SPRINGFIELD - Quentin Sireno Stukes, 73, died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home, Hammond. He was a native of Port Isabelle, Tx. Survivors include his wife, Bertha Ware Stukes, Springfield; his daughters, Brenda Richardson, Springfield, Frances Flether, Killian, Shirley "Cookie" Burg, Pumpkin Center, and Denise Brann, Hammond; one son, Jimmy Herring, Springfield; one sister, Faith Stukes, Springfield; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters. There will be a graveside memorial service Monday at 11 a.m. at the Springfield Cemetery. PEARL BRYANT TRAVIS KENTWOOD - Pearl Bryant Travis, 86, died Friday, May 25, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of St. Helena Parish and a housewife. Survivors include her husband, Winfred Travis, Kentwood; her two daughters, Norma Muse and Petty Crawford, both of Kentwood; her two sons, Warren Travis, Denham Springs, and Winfred Travis Jr., Kentwood; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Seven siblings, Ola Harrell, Norma Sanders, Parker Bryant, Garland Bryant, James H. Bryant, Yvonne Carruth and Neva Webb, preceded her in death. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Monday at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. The Revs. Clint Lovell, Eddie Morgan and Bill Sirman will lead the service. Burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Pine Ridge. CHAMP BREEDEN YARBOROUGH KENTWOOD - Champ Breeden Yarborough, 87, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Kentwood and a retired troop commander with the Louisiana State Police. He was also a retired transportation supervisor from the Louisiana Department of Transportation. He was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and the Lions Club International where he received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for humanitarian services. Survivors include his daughter, Sherwood Lampton Ice, New Orleans; his son, John Edgar Yarborough, Hammond; his brother, Cyril Yarborough, Kentwood; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His wife, Peggy Lampton Yarborough, his son, David Kenneth "Jack" Yarborough, his brother Degant Yarborough and sisters Zula Watson, Lillian Evans, Anita Yarborough, Tena Kish, Rena Douglas, and Maggie Cartwright, preceded him in death. Visitation will be today at the Kentwood United Methodist Church from 6 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Fred Moore will conduct the service. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. May 29, 2001 * Willie Abron, 59, Hammond * George Bunch, 83, Kentwood * Jimmie N. Burrescia Sr., 74, Independence * Delania A. Collins, 91, Ponchatoula * Albert Cyprian, 65, Independence * Braxton Dodd, 60, Albany * Brenda Edwards-Sims, 37, Hammond * Ima Jean Williams Kinchen, 68, Springfield * Shane Lee, 26, Amite * Pearl Beatrice Keathley Mahan, 79, Tickfaw * Julianna Elizabeth Maxwell, infant, West Monroe * Mayhan Draughon Perkins, 80, Pride * Sanrda Strickland, 40, Fluker WILLIE ABRON Willie Abron, 59, died Thursday, May 24, 2001, at Dixon Medical Center, Covington. He was a native of Magnolia, Miss. He is survived by his wife, Genora J. Abron of Hammond; four daughters, Carolyn, Mary and Genice Abron and Elaine Brooks, all of Hammond; four sons, Bradley, Victor, Willie Jr. and Darion Abron, all of Hammond; one sister, Elaine Robertson of Hammond; two brothers, Troy and Roy Abron, both of Hammond; 26 grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Larry Odell Abron; one daughter, Wanda Rene Abron; three brothers, Claude Jr., Earnest and Albert Lee Abron; and one sister, Dorothy Whitsett. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 p.m. until the funeral 7:30, conducted by the Rev. Shirley Patterson. Dismissal will be Wednesday at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Progress, Miss. GEORGE BUNCH KENTWOOD - George "Nookie" Bunch, 83, died Sunday, May 27, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was the owner of Bunch Cleaners and a U.S. veteran of World War II. He was also a member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood's City Hall Sunday School class. He is survived by one daughter, Pam Sellers of Kentwood; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marguerite N. Bunch; his parents, George and Etta Bunch; one sister, Edna Landry; and four brothers, Oscar, Wilson, Paulie and Perry Bunch. The Rev. Dennis Mitchell conducted the funeral today, and burial was in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, was in charge. JIMMIE N. BURRESCIA SR. INDEPENDENCE - Jimmie N. Burrescia Sr., 74, died Friday, May 25, 2001, at Landmark Nursing Home, Hammond. He was an X-ray technician. He is survived by three sons, Jimmie N. Burrescia Jr. and Dominick Thomas Burrescia, both of Independence, and John J. Burrescia of Dickinson, Texas; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Navarra Burrescia. The Rev. Paul McDuffie conducted the funeral Monday at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, and burial was in Colonial Mausoleum, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. DELANIA A. COLLINS PONCHATOULA - Delania A. Collins, 91, died Monday, May 28, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Gonzales and a longtime resident of Denham Springs. He was retired from Boiler Makers Union and a member of Eastside Baptist Church. He is survived by one daughter, Alma Collins Ourso of Houma; two sons, Luther Collins of Florida and Donald Collins of Ponchatoula; one brother, David L. Collins of St. Amant; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Marie Clark Collins; one son, Irvin Collins; three brothers, Wilbert, Alton and Carlton Collins; and her parents, Ted and Alma Collins. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Denham Springs Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home or the Gideons. Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, is in charge. ALBERT CYPRIAN INDEPENDENCE - Albert "Monroe" Cyprian, 65, died Wednesday, May 23, 2001, at Mercy Memorial Hospital, New Orleans. He is survived by his wife, Elnora Cyprian of Independence; eight sons, Thatis Walker of Baton Rouge, Delwayne Cyprian of Atlanta, and Terry Cyprian, Willie Cyprian and Albert Franklin, all of Greensburg, and Albert McKnight, Joel McKnight and Carnell Cyprian, all of Independence; five daughters, Regina Cyprian and Latrice Franklin, both of Greensburg, Talwanzie Orikahi of Atlanta, Cherie Gilmore and Latrice McKnight, both of Independence; eight brothers, John T. Cyprian of Los Angeles, Gormon Cyprian of Slidell, Eddie, Norman, Robert, Harold and Emile Cyprian, all of Independence, and Albert Coleman of Amite; and two sisters, Yvonne York of Denham Springs and Dolores Street of Westwego. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Independence, until the funeral at noon conducted by the Rev. Jefphroe Jackson. Burial will be in Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, Independence. MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Denham Springs, is in charge. BRAXTON DODD ALBANY - Braxton Dodd, 60, died Monday, May 28, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Birllant, Ala., and a U.S. Navy veteran. He is survived by his mother, Gladys C. Dodd of Albany; three sisters, Mary Gainey, Sinda Olah and Sherran Rusk, all of Albany; two brothers, Alvin G. Dodd of Chalmette and Jimmy R. Dodd of Picayune, Miss.; one half-brother, A.J. Dodd of Hatfield, Ark.; and one half-sister, Bobby Attanoch of Albuquerque, N.M. He was preceded in death by one brother, two sisters and three half-brothers. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10, conducted by the Rev. Jerry Addison. Burial will be in Hungarian Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Albany. BRENDA EDWARDS-SIMS Brenda Edwards-Sims, 37, died Friday, May 25, 2001, in Mississippi. She was a native of Independence and was was employed as a cook. She is survived by her husband, J.P. Edwards; three daughters, Shandrika Wilson of Hammond, Lekiesha Smith and Marquita Sims, both of Jackson, Miss.; one son, Robert Earl Smith of Jackson, Miss.; four sisters, Sandra Smith, Maeola Smith and Tiffany Smith, all of Hammond, and Natasha Wilson of Dallas; three brothers, Leon Smith Jr. of Baton Rouge, William C. Smith and Terry D. Smith, both of Hammond; her mother, Olevia Pines of Hammond; her father, Leon Smith; and 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sons, Ryan Dewayne Smith, Mike Antonio Smith and Ike Antonio Smith. The Rev. Albert Carter conducted the funeral Monday, and burial was in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. IMA JEAN WILLIAMS KINCHEN SPRINGFIELD - Ima Jean Williams Kinchen, 68, died Monday, May 28, 2001, at her home. She is survived by three sons, Robert O. Kinchen Jr. and John Shane Kinchen, both of Ponchatoula, and Kevin Ray Kinchen of Holden; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Lee and Cecelia McGee Williams. Visitation will be Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10:30 at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and burial will be in Hillview Memorial Gardens, Bogalusa. SHANE LEE AMITE - Shane Lee, 26, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Baton Rouge and was employed as a carpenter. He is survived by his parents, Sammy and Reba Lee of Amite; one sister, Kindle Charel Lee of Amite; one brother, Roman Kyle Lee of Amite; and his maternal grandparents, Hobert and Mae Jean Smith of Amite. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Henry and Jessie Agnes Lee. Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Cornerstone Church of Amite, and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11, conducted by the Sam Leto. Burial will be in Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. PEARL BEATRICE KEATHLEY MAHAN TICKFAW - Pearl Beatrice Keathley Mahan, 79, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Enola, Ark. She is survived by two daughters, Betty Kennedy and Martha Porta, both of Tickfaw; two sisters, Christine Lane of Vilonia, Ark., and Helen Shock of Conway, Ark.; one brother, John Keathley of Denard, Ark.; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Noble Beaver and Oscar Mahan; her parents, John and Margaret E. Keathley; one son, Oscar Mahan Jr.; and one grandchild. The Rev. Rodney Taylor conducted the funeral today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and burial was in Sand Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2688, Hammond 70404. JULIANNA ELIZABETH MAXWELL WEST MONROE - Julianna Elizabeth Maxwell, an infant, died, Sunday, May 27, 2001. She is survived by her parents, Michael and Tiffany Maxwell, and one brother, Bailey, all of West Monroe; grandparents, Randy and Lori Viola Cuny of Bush; the Rev. David and Wanda Maxwell of West Monroe; great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Frances Allan Cuny of Kenner, and Mrs. and Mrs. Horace Maxwell of Delhi and Mrs. Lottie B. Fletcher of Dunn. Visitation will be today from 5 to 7 p.m. at Mulhearns Funeral Home, West Monroe, and the funeral will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. MAYHAN DRAUGHON PERKINS PRIDE - Mayhan Draughon "M.D." Perkins, 80, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at Lane Memorial Hospital, Zachary. He was a native of Clinton, and a retired pipe fitter for Union Local 198 in Baton Rouge. He was also a member of Central Masonic Lodge and a 32nd Degree Mason. He is survived by three daughters, Barbara P. Bankston of Baptist, Peggy J. Danner and Danna P. Hunt, both of North Andover, Mass.; two sons, Luther H. and Kenny L. Perkins, both of Pride; one sister, Geneva "Kitty" Logan of Richton, Miss.; and 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Melder Perkins; one son, Billy Lee Perkins; and one brother, Rufus Perkins. The Rev. Dale Phillips conducted the funeral today at Charlet Funeral Home, Zachary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriner's Children Hospital, 3100 Sanford Ave., Shreveport 71103. SANDRA STRICKLAND FLUKER - Sandra Strickland, 40, died Saturday, May 26, 2001, at University Hospital, New Orleans. She was a school teacher at Central Tangipahoa Head Start. She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Elton Strickland; two daughters, Shareka Muse of Amite and Ashley Strickland of Fluker; one son, Elton Strickland Jr.; her mother, Delores Richardson of Amite; six sisters, Willie Mae Ginn of Fluker, Cynthia Rena Jackson of Houston, Gwen Williams of Baton Rouge, Wanda Anahid of Detroit, Natarsha and Danita McNealty, both of Amite; one brother, John Alton Boykins; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Boykins. Visitation will be today from 3 to 9 p.m. at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland. The Rev. Bobby R. Showers will conduct the funeral Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Greater Community COGIC, Amite, and burial will be in Community Baptist Church Cemetery, Fluker. May 30, 2001 * Edward H. Acosta, 70, Belle Chasse * Thelma Boothe McKinstry, 91, Hammond * Sara Rose Campo Melancon, 64, Baton Rouge * William Bacon Purcell, 85, Chandler, Texas * John Szanyi Jr., 94, Albany * Johnie Ray Travis, Walker EDWARD H. ACOSTA BELLE CHASSE - Edward H. Acosta, 70, died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Algiers and was employed as a master plumber. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Belle Chasse and a U.S. Navy veteran having served in Korea. He is survived by his wife, Vera B. Acosta; one son, John J. Acosta; two brothers, Clarence and Robert Acosta; and one grandchild. Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mothe Funeral Home, Harvey, and Thursday from 7:30 until 9 a.m. A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. at Bankston Cemetery, Hammond. THELMA BOOTHE McKINSTRY Thelma Boothe McKinstry, 91, died Monday, May 28, 2001, at the Hammond Nursing Home. She was a native of Covington. She is survived by one son, Charles Edward Odom of Oklahoma City; four daughters, Odelle Odom Roesky of Metairie, Mary Odom Beverly of Ponchatoula, Jean Odom Reagin of Atlanta and Irma Odom Lyons of Houma; 17 grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; two brothers, Huston Boothe of Pumpkin Center and Hulan Boothe of Kaplan. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Hillary Odom; second husband, J.B. McKinstry; one grandchild; one brother, Herbert Boothe; and her parents, William Howell and Fannie Willie Boothe. Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Leon Dunn will conduct the service, and burial will be in Bogue Falaya Cemetery, Folsom. SARA ROSE CAMPO MELANCON BATON ROUGE - Sara Rose Campo Melancon, 64, died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Mid City. She is survived by one daughter, Margie Frances Melancon Coomer; three sons, Alan D., Mark D. and Glenn J. Melancon; one sister, Mary Frances Ardillo; one brother, Steve A. Campo; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be today from 5 to 9 p.m. at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, Baton Rouge, with a 7 o'clock vigil, and Thursday from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite. Burial will be in Amite Memorial Gardens. WILLIAM BACON PURCELL CHANDLER, Texas - William Bacon Purcell, 85, died Saturday, May 26, 2001. He was born in Arcola and lived in Shreveport before residing in Chandler for two years. He was a retired salesman for janitorial supplies. He is survived by his wife, Anne Marie Purcell; one son, Philip Michael Purcell; one stepson, Richard G. Bartholomew; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A private service was held under the direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home, Tyler, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice or Books for Underprivileged Children, Bunnie Purcell, 10198 Reeder St., Overland Park, KS 66210. JOHN SZANYI JR. ALBANY - John Szanyi Jr., 94, died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, at his home. He was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife, Mary Marshall Szanyi; and one daughter, Elizabeth Rhodes of California. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Arpod and Joe Szanyi; and one sister, Helen Szanyi. Visitation will be Thursday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Albany. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is in charge. JOHNIE RAY TRAVIS WALKER - Johnie Ray Travis, died Friday, May 25, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Oria and a retired clerk from the Hammond Developmental Center. She is survived by her sister, Brenda Travis. She was preceded in death by her parents, John T. and Arlylee Thomas Travis; and two brothers, Wallice T. and Freddie B. Travis. Visitation will be Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. at MJR Friendly Funeral Home, Denham Springs. The Rev. Edgar Thomas will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Greater Saint Mark Baptist Church, Walker. Burial will be in Cockerham Chapel Cemetery, Peoria, Miss. May 31, 2001 * Delaina A. Collins, 91, Ponchatoula * Carl Lee, 78, Symsonia, Ky. * Sarah Una Rose Pinter, 75, Old Bridge, N.J. * Diane Freeman Powell, 51, Carmichael, Calif. * Rosemary Sansoni Reich, 83, Loranger * Lester Wayne Rogers Sr., 45, Tickfaw * John Henry Smith, 61, Chicago * Ernest Wilson, 69, Natalbany * Robert H. Whitehead, 85, Ponchatoula DELAINA A. COLLINS PONCHATOULA - Delaina A. Collins, 91, died Monday, May 28, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Gonzales and a longtime resident of Denham Springs. He was retired from Boiler Makers Union and a member of Eastside Baptist Church. He is survived by one daughter, Alma Collins Ourso of Houma; two sons, Luther Collins of Florida and Donald Collins of Ponchatoula; one brother, David L. Collins of St. Amant; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Marie Clark Collins; one son, Irvin Collins; three brothers, Wilbert, Alton and Carlton Collins; and her parents, Ted and Alma Collins. The funeral was this morning, and burial was in Denham Springs Memorial Park. Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, was in charge. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home or the Gideons. CARL LEE SYMSONIA, Ky. - Carl Lee, 78, died Friday, May 25, 2001. He was born on the White River in Arkansas and was a former resident of Albany. He is survived by three daughters, Betty Grace, Myrtle Lee and Sheri Cambron; five sons, Donnie, Marx, Tommy, Tracy and Stacey Lee; and 14 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sons, Carl Lee Jr., Johnnie and Dean Lee; and his parents. A private family ceremony will be held in Twin Lakes in Kentucky. Filbeck and Cann Funeral Home, Benton, Ky., is in charge. SARAH UNA ROSE PINTER OLD BRIDGE, N.J. - Sarah Una Rose Pinter, 75, died May 24, 2001, at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, N.J. She was a former resident of Cave City, Ark. She was a homemaker and a member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in South River, N.J. She is survived by two sons, John James Pinter of Milltown, N.J., and Frank Pinter of West Minister, S.C.; one daughter, Mary Susan Pinter of Old Bridge, N.J.; two brothers, Pat Rose and Frank Rose, both of Cave City, Ark.; two sisters, Zora Boyer of Paragould and Florence Gardner of Ponchatoula; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Parkey and Tennessee Rose; her husband, John Pinter; one son, Joe Pinter; three brothers, W.C., Ernest and J.P. Rose; two sisters, Wilma Smith and Dorothy Perilloux; and one grandchild. Howard Brewer will conducted a graveside service today at 3 p.m. at Mt. View Cemetery in Cave City, Ark. Qualls Funeral Home, Cave City, is in charge. DIANE FREEMAN POWELL CARMICHAEL, Calif. - Diane Freeman Powell, 51, died Saturday, May 26, 2001 in Carmichael, Calif. She worked for Health Net Insurance and was a member of the New Testament Baptist Church. She was a native of Independence. She is survived by her husband, Rufus; three children, Stanley, Theresa and Rufus Jr.; and five grandchildren. The funeral will be Friday at 11:30 a.m. at New Testament Baptist Church, North Highlands, Calif. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer or Diabetes Association. Mt. Vernon Mortuary, Fair Oaks, Calif., is in charge. ROSEMARY SANSONI REICH LORANGER - Rosemary Sansoni Reich, 83, died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, at her home. She was a native of New Orleans. She was also a genealogist and past PTA president of several Jefferson Parish schools. She is survived by her children, Bonnie Lee Perk and Rosemary Tassin, both of Loranger, Jean Thompson of Orlando, Fla., Katie Merryweather King of Apopka, Fla.; Stephen Reich of Newport Beach, Calif.; Helen Reich of Covington; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Galvin V. Reich; one brother, Joseph Sansoni; and one sister, Anna Ladner. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 10:45 at Schoen Funeral Home, 1414 S. Tyler St., Covington, and burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Hammond. LESTER WAYNE ROGERS SR. TICKFAW - Lester Wayne Rogers Sr., 45, died Tuesday, May 29, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He is survived by three sons, Stevie and Shane Rogers of Tucson, Ariz., and Lester Rogers Jr. of Tickfaw; three sisters, Judy Rogers of Natalbany, Nancy Rogers of Midland, Texas, and Lucille Rogers of Baptist; two brothers, Joseph Rogers of Natalbany and Zander Rogers of Pensacola, Fla. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester E. Rogers and Pauline Cangelosi Rogers; and one brother, Vincent Rogers. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in New Beulah Cemetery. JOHN HENRY SMITH CHICAGO - John Henry "Joe Boy" Smith, 61, died May 21, 2001, in Chicago. He was a native of Kentwood. He is survived by four children, Joann Hughes and Yvonne Smith, both of Amite, Janttea Smith and Damer Smith, both of Chicago; four grandchildren; and one brother, Lionel Patterson of Washington, D.C. He was preceded in death his parents, Jessie and George Smith; and his grandparents, Troby and Dora Walker Elzey. Visitation will be today from 6 p.m. until the funeral at 8 at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, conducted by the Rev. Eddie Braziel. Dismissal will be Friday at 11 a.m., and burial will be Elzie-Dickerson Cemetery, Kentwood. ERNEST WILSON NATALBANY - Ernest "Ernie Lee" Wilson, 69, died Sunday, May 27, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Canton, Miss., and worked within the Tangipahoa Parish School System. She is survived by five daughters, Ann Revish of Hammond, Linda Manzella, Edna, Sharon and Jackie Wilson, all of Natalbany; two sons, Grace Wilson Jr. of Alexandria and Steve Wilson of Hammond; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Grace Wilson; two grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Alfred Hart will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Rock Zion Baptist Church, Natalbany, and burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. ROBERT H. WHITEHEAD PONCHATOULA - The Rev. Robert H. Whitehead, 85, died Wednesday, May 30, 2001. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son, Ponchatoula.