Obituaries from THE HAMMOND DAILY STAR, Aug. 2000; Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, LA. Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Sep, 2000 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ August 01, 2000 Tuesday's Obituaries * Marie Lockhart * Bobby J. Miller * Clarence Edmond Overmier * Howard Doyle Smith MARIE LOCKHART COVINGTON - Marie Lockhart, 65, a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., died. She is survived by three daughters, Cherrie Keeley, Las Vegas, Terry Fulton, Kansas City, Mo., and April Nixon, Covington; two sons, Michael and Kevin Nixon, both of Covington; one sister, Delores Preston, Waveland, Miss.; and two brothers, Leroy Toney, San Antonio, and James Toney, She was preceded in death by her parents. The Rev. Joe Beck officiated the funeral Monday at First Missionary Baptist Church, Covington, and burial was in Wilson Cemetery, Covington. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. BOBBY J. MILLER KENTWOOD - Bobby J. Miller, 43, a native of New Orleans, died Sunday, July 30, 2000, near Kentwood in an automobile accident. He was a heavy equipment mechanic. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Durr Miller, Kentwood; a daughter, Vicki Renee Miller, Kentwood; his parents, Warren Sr. and Ursula Oydone Miller, Roseland; three sisters, Brenda Miller Jenkins, Angie, Marcie Miller Holden, Amite, and Malissa Miller McMichael Jr., Roseland; and four brothers, David Miller, Kentwood, Warren Benjamin Miller Jr., Donald Ray Miller and William Louis Miller, all of Roseland. Visitation is today from 5 to 9 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery. CLARENCE EDMOND OVERMIER BATON ROUGE - Clarence Edmond Overmier, 81, died Monday, July 31, 2000, at Lane Memorial Hospital, Zachary. He was a native of Wells County, Ind., a former resident of Independence and a retired dairy farmer. Overmier, an Army veteran who served in World War II and a member of American Legion Post 109, is survived by two stepsons, Jerome Richardson, Zachary, and Clifton Richardson, Baton Rouge; two stepdaughters, Dorothy Basso, Baton Rouge, and Mary Martello, Pride; two sisters, Dorothy Berger, Clinton, and Irene Wagner, Loranger; numerous step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren and one great-great- grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hansboro "Brodie" Overmier; and one sister, Hazel Neuenschwanders. Visitation is today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Sidney Newell of Lanier Baptist Church, Baton Rouge, will conduct the service, and burial will be in Old Zion Hill Cemetery, Albany. HOWARD DOYLE SMITH Howard Doyle Smith, 78, died Friday, July 21, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Corsica, Pa., he was a retired major in the U.S. Army 101 Airborne Division. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean conflict and was the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Survivors include his daughter, DeNise Marek, of Hammond; son, Lt. Col. Tally Smith, Kunsan Air Force Base, Korea; brother Cecil Smith, California; and three grandsons. He was preceded in death by his wife, Da Marys Ray Smith; and son, Howard D. Smith Jr. A funeral was held at Jernigan/Warren Funeral Home in Fayetteville, N.C. Burial was in Lafayette Memorial Cemetery, Fayetteville, N.C. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Inc., was in charge of local arrangements. August 02, 2000 Wednesday's Obituaries * Altus Harvey Boyd * Andrew George Everett * Angelina Sirchia Lee * Ronnie Glen Robinson ALTUS HARVEY BOYD LORANGER - Altus Harvey Boyd, 76, died Monday, July 31, 2000, at Landmark Nursing Home, Hammond. He was a mechanic and a native of Walthall County, Miss. Survivors include his wife, Hilda Mae Moak Boyd, Loranger; son, A.J. Boyd, Napoleonville; two stepsons, Grover Burnett, Slaughter, Lynn Burnette, Baker; three daughters, Mary Burnett, Slaughter, Patricia Ann Bullock, Foxworth, Miss., Julia Marie Miller, Greensburg; stepdaughter, Ellen May Graham, Loranger; sister, Juanita Simmons, Tylertown, Miss.; 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Two brothers, Lloyd and Lesley Boyd; and two sisters, Jerzine Nation and Eula Mae Reid, preceded him in death. The Rev. Barry Cutrer conducted the funeral this afternoon at Hartman-Hughes Funeral Home, Tylertown, Miss., and burial was in Enon Cemetery. ANDREW GEORGE EVERETT AMITE -Andrew George Everett, 76, died this morning, Aug. 2, 2000, at his home. He was a welder and a machinist, a lifelong member and lay leader of Cooper's Chapel United Methodist Church and a native of Amite. Survivors include his wife, Carolina Flores Everett; son, Bydie Everett, both of Amite; daughter, Anita E. Morse, Loranger; two brothers, Amile Everett, Hammond, Bill Everett, Alabama; two sisters, Rita Everett, Loranger, Annette Toth, California; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Three sisters, Margaret Rousseau, Joyce Slocum and Jeanette Everett; and brother, Billy Ray Everett, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11:30. Burial will be in Lee Cemetery, Smiling Acres Road, Amite. ANGELINA SIRCHIA LEE INDEPENDENCE - Angelina Sirchia Lee, 72, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000, at North Oaks Rehabilitation Center. She was a native of Independence. Survivors include a daughter, Angetta Lee King, Zachary; five sons, Frankie Dennis Lee, Amite, Grover Clifton Lee, Marrero, Robert E. Lee, Springfield, Jimmy "Jim Bob" Lee, Walker, Anthony M. Lee, Independence; sister, Annie Franco, Tickfaw; brother, Joe Sirchia, Chalmette; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her husband, Clifton G. Lee; sister, Lena Samartino; four brothers, George, Emile, Johnny and Anthony Sirchia, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 10 and Thursday at United Pentecostal Church, Independence, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Colonial Cemetery. RONNIE GLEN ROBINSON Ronnie Glen Robinson, 30, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Hammond. Survivors include his mother, Carol Robinson McDonald, Hammond; father and stepmother, Doug and Pam Robinson, McComb, Miss. Arrangements are incomplete with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. August 03, 2000 Thursday's Obituaries * Ella Mae Allen Berry * Bessie Holliday Hollis * John Jackson Jr. * Claretha Mitchell * Ronnie Glen Robinson * Benjamin James Wadsworth Jr. ELLA MAE ALLEN BERRY PONCHATOULA - Ella Mae Allen Berry, 51, died July 28, 2000, at Landmark Nursing Home. She was president of the Senior Usher Board Greater St. Joseph Baptist Church, Ponchatoula. Survivors include her husband, Ernest L. Berry; mother, Elnarie Ducre Allen, both of Ponchatoula; daughter, Tia Delana Allen, Hammond; two sisters, Diane A. Pea and Joyce A. Cyprian, Ponchatoula; two brothers, Clarence Allen Jr., Ponchatoula and Joseph L. Allen, Hammond. Her father, Clarence Allen Sr.; grandparents, Violet T. Pines, Nelson and Easter Ducre, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. The Rev. Gerald Shelvin will conduct the funeral at 8 p.m. at St. Joseph Baptist Church. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m., and burial will follow in Holly Gardens Cemetery. BESSIE HOLLIDAY HOLLIS Bessie Holliday Hollis, 85, died Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. She was a native of Wadesboro. Survivors include her husband, Buren A. Hollis Sr., Hammond; two stepdaughters, Marie Kinchen, Thibodaux, Janet Calmer, Peel City, Ala.; stepson, Buren A. Hollis Jr., Baton Rouge. Three brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 9 and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10:30. Burial will be in Trinity Baptist Church Cemetery, Pumpkin Center. JOHN JACKSON JR. John Jackson Jr., 55, died July 13, 2000. He was a native of Independence and was employed by Jim Carey Distributing Co. Survivors include his wife, Bertha Anderson-Jackson, Hammond; six daughters, Shelia and Janie Jackson, Angelia Chester, Viola McClain, Chinelle Thornton, Dwnisha Smith; four sons, John Lee, Quinlin and Clabion Anderson, Chantey Baker; 12 sisters, Betty Jones, Ophelia, Jackie and Audrey Jackson, Billie Jackson Blount, Pearl Wade, Gloria Austin, Faye and Emma Brister, Carolyn Warford, Sally and Delores Chester; 17 brothers, Benny, Benjamin, Raymond, L.B., Larry and Alvin Jackson, Larry, Ronny, Clarence, Robert, Carl, Albert Jr., Eddie Lee and Melvin Chester, Geffery Blue, Michael Alexander, Micheal Brister; father, Bernard Jackson; and 23 grandchildren. His wife, mother, one brother and two sisters, preceded him in death. The Rev. Nora Gooden conducted the funeral Monday at First Bethel Independent Methodist Church, and burial was in Durbin Cemetery, Independence. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. CLARETHA MITCHELL Claretha Mitchell, 78, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000, in Hammond. She was a homemaker and a native of Hammond. Survivors include her husband, Luther Mitchell; daughter, Janice Marie Jackson, New Orleans; two sons, Ruben Walker, New Orleans, Bernell Walker, Hammond; two sisters, Leola Goodman, Hammond, Elvie Brumfield, Springfield; two brothers, Eugene Woods Jr., New Orleans, Curtis Woods, Hammond; 12 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, Saturday from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. The Rev. Charles Bryant will conduct the service, and burial will be in Holly Garden Cemetery. RONNIE GLEN ROBINSON Ronnie Glen Robinson, 30, died Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Hammond and attended Natalbany Baptist School and Hammond High School. Survivors include his mother, Carol Robinson McDonald, Hammond; father and stepmother, Doug and Pam Robinson, McComb, Miss.; daughter, Amber Hill, Hammond; twin-sister, Connie Hutches, Hammond; three brothers, Carl Douglas Robinson Jr., Opelousas, Christopher and Blake Robinson, McComb; grandmother, Ira Belle Robinson, McComb. Grandparents, Ray and Nona Daughdrill, Carl Wilson Robinson; and sister, Deborah Lynn Robinson, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 10 and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Dr. Rodney Taylor will conduct the service, and burial will be in Topisaw Cemetery, Brookhaven, Miss. BENJAMIN JAMES WADSWORTH JR. Benjamin James "Jimmy" Wadsworth Jr., 78, died Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Hammond and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Nelson Wadsworth, Hammond; two sisters, Adrienne Sims, Garland, Texas, Marion Pugh, Ponchatoula; and brother, T.G. Nelson, Houma. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. The Dominican Fathers will conduct the service, and burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. August 04, 2000 Friday's Obituaries * Ruby Lee Dupard * Belle Rasberry Guitreau * Bessie Holliday Hollis * Bernard Jackson * Ardamese Mccoy * Eugene Walker * Rose M. Cooper Walls * Fred Gray Willoughby RUBY LEE DUPARD TICKFAW - Ruby Lee Dupard, 63, died July 27, 2000, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center. He was a native of Amite. Survivors include three sons, Ezikel Dupard, Bogalusa, Lester Dupard, Hammond, Michael Dupard, Tickfaw; stepson, Joseph Dupard, Riverside, Calif.; four daughters, Wanda Phillips, Shelia Taylor, Darlean Cook, all of Tickfaw, Ora Lee Taylor, Independence; sister, Izola Pinkney, Brusly; brother, Henry Stewart, Brusly; 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Her parents, William and Leona Stewart; husband, the Rev. Joseph Dupard; and sister, Alberta Braxton, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at St. James Missionary Baptist Church tonight from 5 until the funeral at 7:30. The Rev. Wilbert Jones will conduct the service. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m., and burial will follow in Holly Garden Cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. BELLE RASBERRY GUITREAU PONCHATOULA - Belle Rasberry Guitreau died this morning, Aug. 4, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Oakdale, a member of Westside Baptist Church and Eastern Star, a nurse and was involved in the management of Our Home Nursing Home, Belle Maison Nursing Home and Kemp Street Nursing Home. Survivors include her husband, E.P. "Red" Guitreau; son, E. Paul Guitreau Jr.; daughter, Jacqueline Burnett, all of Ponchatoula; six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. A son, Robert Brecheen, sisters and brothers, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Saturday from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. I. Macintosh will conduct the service, and burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. BESSIE HOLLIDAY HOLLIS Bessie Holliday Hollis, 85, died Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. She was a native of Wadesboro. Survivors include her husband, Buren A. Hollis Sr., Hammond; two stepdaughters, Marie Kinchen, Thibodaux, Janet Calmer, Peel City, Ala.; two stepsons, Buren A. Hollis Jr., Baton Rouge and Guy Hollis, Ponchatoula; and sister, Katie Holliday Carter. Her first husband, Joseph Elmore; three brothers and two sisters; and a stepdaughter, Joyce Hollis Taylor, preceded her in death. The funeral was this morning at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and burial was in Trinity Baptist Church Cemetery, Pumpkin Center. BERNARD JACKSON INDEPENDENCE - Bernard Jackson, 76, died July 31, 2000, at his home. He was a native of Independence. Survivors include his wife, Almeta Jackson, Independence; nine sons, Bennie and Larry Jackson, Hammond, Hillary Blue and Benjamin Jackson, Chicago, L.B. Jackson, Meredith, Miss., Michael Berry, Alexander, Michael and Raymond Jackson, all of Independence; nine daughters, Ophelia, Jackie and Audrey Jackson and Pearl Wade, all of Chicago, Gloria Austin, Covington, Faye and Emma Brister, Carolyn Warford and Billie Blount, all of Independence; 100 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. One sister, three sons and five daughters preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Zion Traveler Baptist Church, Independence, Sunday from 6 p.m. until the funeral service at 8. The Rev. Wilbert Jones will conduct the service. Dismissal will be Monday at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Durbin Cemetery, Independence. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. ARDAMESE McCOY ROSELAND - Ardamese McCoy, 76, died Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000, at her home. She was a native of Roseland. Survivors include five sons, James Edward, Ernest Jr., John Allen, Stanley Berome and Jerry McCoy, Roseland; four daughters, Mary Annett McCoy Irving, Roseland, Janice Marie McCoy, Independence, Betty Ray McCoy Dixon and Wanda Faye McCoy, Roseland; 25 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Two brothers and one son preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 5 to 8. The Rev. John M. Mabry will conduct the funeral Saturday at Big Zion AME, Roseland, and burial will be in Big Zion Cemetery, Roseland. EUGENE WALKER AMITE - Eugene Walker, 55, died July 30, 2000, at University Hospital, New Orleans. Survivors include his wife, Jerrydean Higgenbotham; two stepdaughters, Annetta and Hellon Hodges, Amite; two sons, Jerone Tate, Erie, Pa., Randolph Robertson, Amite; five sisters, Dorothy Andrews, Laura Walker, Roberta Kelly, Velma Saulsberry and Patricia Reid, all of Amite; three brothers, Robert and Johnal Walker, Amite, James Walker, Erie; and six step-grandchildren. His parents and one brother preceded him in death. The Rev. Isaac Williams conducted the funeral Thursday night, and dismissal was this morning. Burial was in Butler's Cemetery. Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, was in charge. ROSE M. COOPER WALLS KENTWOOD - Rose M. Cooper Walls, 46, died July 31, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Kentwood. Survivors include her husband, Marshall Walls Jr., Kentwood; three sons, Jamie C.A. Walls, Killeen, Texas; Marshall V. Walls III and Michael D. Walls, both of Kentwood; daughter, Latoria D. Walls, Kentwood; six sisters, Margie Williams, Zeldia, Cara, Margaret and Beverly Cooper and Lorraine Grayson, Kentwood; four brothers, Albert Cooper Jr., Memphis, Tenn., Carl and John Cooper, Kentwood, Kenneth Richardson, Kentwood; father, Albert Cooper, Kentwood; and two grandchildren. Her mother, Rose Abiy Cooper; two sisters, Ester and Alva Mae Cooper; and brother, Paul Cooper, preceded her in death. Visitation will be tonight from 5 to 9 at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite. The Rev. Norwett Hills will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Spring Creek Missionary Baptist Church, and burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery. FRED GRAY WILLOUGHBY TICKFAW - Fred Gray Willoughby, 62, died Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a retired truck driver and a native of St. Pauls, N.C. Survivors include two daughters, Lori and Deborah Willoughby, Tickfaw; two sons, Donald Willoughby, Tickfaw, Mark Willoughby, Hammond; two sisters, Doris Hill, Red Springs, N.C., Zilla Brown, Parkton, N.C.; two brothers, Grady Willoughby, Monroe, N.C., Calvin Willoughby, Bladenboro, N.C.; and six grandchildren. His parents, William Grady and Gussie Hannah Willoughby; four brothers, Duncan, Dennis, Henry & Alex Willoughby; and sister, Maude Abbott, preceded him in death. A graveside service will be held Saturday at New Hollywood Cemetery, Lumberton, N.C. Floyd Mortuary, Lumberton, N.C., is in charge. August 06, 2000 Sunday's Obituaries * Mary Ann Adams Ardoin * Ramon Russell Colmer * Herbert Andrew Lanier * Randy Earl Sawyer Jr. * Vincent Sam Valenti * Lonnie Louis Wascom Sr. MARY ANN ADAMS ARDOIN Mary Ann Adams Ardoin, 50, died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, at Northshore Regional Medical Center, Slidell. She was a native of Ponchatoula and the owner/operator of Roller Kingdom Skating Rink. Survivors include her daughters, Tonya Ardoin, Covington, and Angel Lopez, Galvez; her son, Tony Ardoin, Pineville; her mother, Myrtle Hano Adams, Hammond; her brothers, Larry Adams, Hammond, Bobby Adams, Holden, and Nathan Adams, Houston; seven grandchildren and her former husband, Anthony Ardoin, Gonzales. Her father, Charles Adams, and an infant brother preceded her in death. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. RAMON RUSSELL COLMER PONCHATOULA - Ramon Russell Colmer, 73, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Ponchatoula and was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was in real estate. Survivors include his wife, Rowena A. Effler Colmer, Ponchatoula; two daughters, Alison C. Stanga, Ponchatoula, and Susan C. Felphs, Zachary; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be Monday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 9 a.m. to until the funeral at noon. Burial will be in Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery, Pumpkin Center. HERBERT ANDREW LANIER PONCHATOULA - Herbert Andrew Lanier, 68, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, at his residence. He was a native of Ponchatoula and retired from Shell Chemical Co. as a safety instructor. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and a member of the Knights of Columbus, #48 Father VanHalen Council, Ponchatoula. Survivors include his children, Connie Lanier, Donald Lanier, Terri Albert, Stacie Motichek and Christie Atkins, all of Ponchatoula; his brothers, Frank Lanier, Hammond, and Eugene Lanier, Youngsville; his sister, Eugenia Miller, New Orleans; and seven grandchildren. His wife, Gloria Triche Lanier, and parents, Donald S. and Alma Druce Lanier, preceded him in death. Visitation will be Monday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. with a 7 p.m. vigil prayer service, and on Tuesday after 8 until 9:45 a.m. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Ponchatoula Cemetery. RANDY EARL SAWYER JR. TICKFAW - Randy Earl Sawyer Jr., 14, died Friday, Aug. 4, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center after being injured in an all terrain vehicle accident. He was a native of Tickfaw and an eighth-grade student at Nesom Middle School in Tickfaw. Survivors include his mother, Sonia Shelton Purvis and stepfather Wayne Purvis Sr., Tickfaw; his father, Randy Earl Sawyer Sr., Bedico; his sisters, Christiana Soto, Tennessee, Chasity Purvis, Hammond, Harley Lane Purvis, Tickfaw; his brother, Willie Wayne Purvis Jr., Tickfaw; his grandparents, Marylin Quave Hartley, Tickfaw, Homer Shelton Jr., Utah, Ted Hartley, Springfield, and Earl and Gwendolyn Ann Sawyer, Bedico; and his great-grandparents, Eunice Sticker Wright and Gladys Sawyer, both of Bedico. His grandmother, Lois McKnight, and great-grandparents, Deanie Quave, Mary Ann Shelton, Homer Shelton Sr., Everett Sticker and Crawford Sawyer, preceded him in death. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Bucky Laborde will conduct the service, and burial will be in Little River Pentecostal Cemetery, Tickfaw. VINCENT SAM VALENTI Vincent Sam Valenti, 86, died Friday, Aug. 4, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was retired from the Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development, was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. His is survived by a sister, Rose Macaluso, New Orleans. He was preceded in death by his wife, Santa Valenti; and two brothers, John and Joe Valenti. Visitation will be Monday at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond. The Rev. Chris Eggleton will conduct the service, and burial will be in Rose Memorial Mausoleum in Hammond. LONNIE LOUIS WASCOM SR. WALKER - Lonnie Louis Wascom Sr., 71, died Friday, Aug. 4, 2000, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He was a native of Livingston Parish and a retired operating engineer of 38 years with Kaiser Aluminum, Baton Rouge. He was a member and deacon of Judson Baptist Church, Walker, and a charter member of New Bethlehem Baptist Church. He served as the Livingston Parish Ward 11 constable for 20 years. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Patsy Ruth Wascom Wascom; a daughter, Hazel Ann Wascom; three sons, Lonnie Louis Jr., Joseph Kirk and Robert Oran Wascom; one sister, Thelma Brown; a brother, Allen Wascom Jr.; three grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. His daughter, Melba Nirean Wascom; and sister, Odell Young, preceded him in death. Visitation will be today at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and at Judson Baptist Church, Walker, from 4 to 9 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday at Judson Baptist Church from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10 a.m. The Rev. Merelin McCon will conduct the service. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery in Walker. August 07, 2000 Monday's Obituaries * Albury Laverne Dearman * Diane Edna Wolf Denneau * Eupora S. Hutchinson * John Wayne Lessard Sr. ALBURY LAVERNE DEARMAN INDEPENDENCE - Albury Laverne Dearman, 56, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, in Independence. The Rev. George Anthony will conduct a memorial service Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Jesus Name Community Church, Independence. DIANE EDNA WOLF DENNEAU INDEPENDENCE - Diane Edna Wolf Denneau, 61, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at her home. She was a native of Los Angeles. Survivors include her husband, Frank Denneau, Independence; six sons, Terry Sr., and Melvin Childress, Baker, Stephen, William and Tracy Childress, Robert, Thomas Childress, Brookhaven, Miss.; daughter, Joyce Cryer, Natalbany; sister, Mary Lou Cooper, Folsom; 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Her parents, Edward and Mary Mayer Wolf; and first husband, James L. Childress, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, tonight from 6 to 10 and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at noon. The Rev. Charles Notariano will conduct the service, and burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. EUPORA S. HUTCHINSON HOLIDAY, Fla. - Eupora S. Hutchinson, 93, died July 30, 2000, in Holiday. She was a native and former resident of Kentwood. She was a graduate of the Tyler School of Business, established her own retail franchise in Kentwood and was a well-known employee of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office. She was a member of Kentwood Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Survivors include her daughter, Antoinette H. Morrow, Palm Harbor, Fla.; brother, Jason T. Schwartz, Kentwood; sister, Aurelie Nelson, Mission, Texas; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sunshine State Christian Home, 5250 Whipporwill Drive, Holiday, Fla. 34690, in her memory. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, is in charge. JOHN WAYNE LESSARD SR. DENHAM SPRINGS - John Wayne "Johnny" Lessard Sr., 27, died Thursday, Aug. 3, 2000, in Denham Springs. He was a carpenter and a native of Baton Rouge. Survivors include his wife, Tanya Zachary Lessard, Denham Springs; mother and stepfather, Anna Marie Castrenze Shelton and Johnny Pailette, Gonzales; father and stepmother, Jimmy and Louise Lessard, Amite; two daughters, Brittany and Sunday Lessard; and two sons, John Jr. and Zachary Lessard, all of Denham Springs; four sisters, Maryann Lea, Gonzales, Cheryl Lessard, Sorrento, Belinda Peco, Tickfaw, and Lori Marie Van Sickel, French Settlement; grandparents, Mary E. Baxter, Gonzales, Ivan Lessard, Gonzales. Grandparents, Woodrow W. Baxter and Amee Piper, preceded him in death. The Rev. Gerald Peak conducted the funeral this morning at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, and burial was in Mount Zion Cemetery, Galvez. August 08, 2000 Tuesday's Obituaries * Ollie J. Kyzar * Woodrow Wilson Jr. OLLIE J. KYZAR WALKER - Ollie J. Kyzar, 89, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a housewife and a native of Lincoln County, Miss. Survivors include five daughters, Sarah Inez Gunby and Verna Callihan, Kentwood, Elizabeth McGehee, Silvis, Ill., Joyce Varnado, Walker, Evelyn Rogers, Little Rock, Ark.; three sons, Jimmie Leo Kyzar, Arcola, Buster and Robert Earl Kyzar, Walker; 28 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Leo Kyzar; son, Walter Leo Kyzar; sister, Leona Thompson; and brother, William L. Jordan preceded her in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, tonight from 6 to 9 and Wednesday from 8 until 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Leon Carpenter will conduct the funeral at 11 a.m. at Lewiston Baptist Church, Kentwood, and burial will be in Lewiston Cemetery. WOODROW WILSON Jr. Woodrow Wilson Jr., 45, died Saturday, Aug. 5, 2000, in Hammond. He was a veteran and a native of Hammond. Survivors include a son, Travis T. Gross, Hammond; 11 sisters, Martha Legarde, Esther Watts, Mary Harris, Pat and Hilda Jackson, Gloria and Rosetta Wilson, Angilena Carr, Litia, Wilma and Beverly Banks, all of Hammond; four brothers, the Rev. Larry Jackson, Samuel Wilson, Charles Banks, all of Hammond, the Rev. Woodrow Wilson II, Greensburg; mother, Olivia Gray; and father, Woodrow Wilson Sr., both of Hammond Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. The Rev. Mack McCraney will conduct the funeral at 8 p.m. at Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, Ponchatoula. Dismissal will be Saturday at 10 a.m., and burial will follow in St. James No. 2 Cemetery, Hammond. August 09, 2000 Wednesday's Obituaries * Vernon Leroy Benton * Emily Victoria Benton Jones * Claree Wall VERNON LEROY BENTON TICKFAW - Vernon Leroy Benton, 58, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, at his home. He was a native of Tickfaw, a truck driver with DSI Transport and a U.S. Air Force veteran. Survivors include his wife, Judy Smyth Benton, Tickfaw; two sons, Michael A. Benton, Baton Rouge, Mark E. Benton, Hammond; daughter, Michelle N. Benton, Tickfaw; mother, Adell Oller Benton, Tickfaw; brother, Jerry E. Benton, Denham Springs. His father, Edward P. Benton, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 10 and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Stanley Baham will conduct the service, and burial will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Tickfaw. EMILY VICTORIA BENTON JONES TICKFAW - Emily Victoria Benton Jones, 78, died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Independence. Survivors include a daughter, Sylvia Distefano, Watson; son, Galen Jones, Tickfaw; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her husband, Glenn Jones; three sisters, Ermma Lea Starkey, Mae Sibley and Mary Addison; and two brothers, Revis and Leon Benton, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 9 and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. The Rev. Johnny Stewart will conduct the service, and burial will be in Tickfaw Baptist Church Cemetery. CLAREE WALL KENTWOOD - Claree Wall, 78, a native of Greensburg, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by three daughters, Freddie Underwood Silverwolf, Los Angeles; Beverly Wall Joe, Boston; Clementhy Wall Jackson, Kentwood; two sons, Clyde Louis Wall, Monroe; and Larry Donnell Wall, Magnolia, Miss.; four sisters, Cloteal Dudley, Chicago; Delorious Porter, Greensburg; Jessie Myers, Hammond, and Gloria P. Doty, Amite; 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Wall Jr.; a son, Roy Dudley; and her parents, Flynn and Bertha Dudley. Visitation is today from 2 to 6 p.m. at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland. The Rev. Ray Jackson and the Rev. B. Showers will conduct the funeral Thursday at 2 p.m. at Oak Grove AME Church, Kentwood. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Kentwood. August 10, 2000 Thursday's Obituaries * Lenell Buchanan * Alfred Lewis Gill Sr. * Wayne Jones * Virginia Lynn Carpenter Krause LENELL BUCHANAN AMITE - Lenell Buchanan, 38, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a cook. Survivors include a son, Sheldon Dawyne Thompson; six sisters, Valarie, Tammy, Carlas and Sharon Thomspon, Jackie Perry and Patricia Temple; and a brother, Archie Thompson. Her husband, Stanley Buchanan; mother, Helen Brown; father, William C. Foster; sister, Sandra Thompson; and brother, Gregory Thompson, preceded her in death. Visitation will be Saturday from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 3 p.m. at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland. The Rev. Billy Ray Johnson will conduct the service, and burial will be in Butler Cemetery. ALFRED LEWIS GILL SR. GREENSBURG - Alfred Lewis "Louie" Gill Sr., 75, died Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000, at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center, Baton Rouge. He was a native of Chesbrough, former resident of Baton Rouge, superintendent of fire alarms for East Baton Rouge Parish Fire Department, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of VFW, Kentwood, American Legion Post, Greensburg, AFL-CIO, Baton Rouge, and Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg. Survivors include his wife, Eunice Hurst Gill; two daughters, Rhonda Wilson and Sandra Pace, all of Greensburg; two sons, Lewis Gill Jr., Baton Rouge, Kevin Gill, Greensburg; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Maxie Hutchinson, Tangipahoa, Mary Joyce Allen, Baton Rouge; two brothers, Gorman W. Gill, Kentwood, Nolan Gill, Baton Rouge. His brother, Sammie Gill, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, tonight from 5 to 10 and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Ace McVea will conduct the service, and burial will be in Red Bluff Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. WAYNE JONES Wayne Jones, 28, died Aug. 2, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Hammond. Survivors include a daughter, Ashley Walker; sister, Antoinette L. Jones; brother, Carl Ray Jones; mother, Annie Landry; father, Anthony Landry, all of Hammond. The funeral service was held Monday morning at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, and burial was in Holly Gardens Cemetery. VIRGINIA LYNN CARPENTER KRAUSE BRENTWOOD, Tenn. - Virginia Lynn Carpenter Krause, 48, died Monday, Aug. 7, 2000, at Southern Hills Hospital, Nashville, Tenn. She was the store manager of Williams Co. Survivors include a son, Michael Krause, Brentwood; daughter, Roni Krause, Las Vegas; a grandson; mother, Henri Carpenter, Brentwood; and a sister, Lilly Carpenter, Livingston. Her father, Fredrick Ferdinand Carpenter, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in New Red Oak Cemetery. Brentwood Funeral Home, Brentwood, is in charge. August 11, 2000 Friday's Obituaries * Shirley Mae Hookfin Henderson * Stephen Pea Livers * Warren Pea * Josephine Smith SHIRLEY MAE HOOKFIN HENDERSON COVINGTON - Shirley Mae Hookfin Henderson, 87, died Monday, Aug. 7, 2000, at St. Tammany Hospital, Covington. Survivors include a daughter, Karen Setora Johnson, Bogalusa; 12 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, Ulysse Henderson; daughter, Helen Smith Michelli; four sisters, Unzelee and Evelyn Hookfin, Ada Atkins, Zoema Burton; four brothers, Joe, A.C., Eddie and the Rev. Simmons Hookfin, preceded her in death. The Rev. Wesley Cyprian will conduct the funeral tonight at 7 at Bethel Reform Methodist Church, Covington. Dismissal will be Saturday at 10 a.m., and burial will be in Wilson Cemetery, Covington. Crain & Son Funeral Home, Franklinton, is in charge. STEPHEN PEA LIVERS PONCHATOULA - Stephen Pea Livers, infant, died Sunday, Aug. 6, 2000. Survivors include his mother, Consuela Livers, Ponchatoula; father, Stephen Pea; sister, KeAnto Livers; two brothers, Kerion and Michael Livers, all of Ponchatoula; grandfathers, Robert Banks, Detroit, James Pea, Ponchatoula; and grandmother, Linda Banks. The Rev. James Ellis conducted the graveside service this morning at Ponchatoula Cemetery. WARREN PEA UNEEDUS - Warren Pea, 86, died Aug. 5, 2000. He was disabled and a native of Uneedus. Survivors include a sister, Rosa E. Cyprain, Covington; and brother, Andrew Roberts, Uneedus. The Rev. Joe Gallo conducted the funeral Thursday at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Uneedus, and burial was in Noah Cemetery, Uneedus. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. JOSEPHINE SMITH BATON ROUGE - Josephine Smith, 39, died July 30, 2000, at Baton Rouge Medical Center. She was a native of Livingston. Survivors include four daughters, Candy and LaTiffany Smith, Diamonic and Teiwan Knox, all of Baton Rouge; son, Keiwan Knox; five sisters, Patricia Turner, Alexandria, Va., Sharon Smith-Graves, Angie, Winnie Smith-West, Tickfaw, Carlene and Deloris Smith, both of Baton Rouge; two brothers, Leland Randell, Los Angeles, and Dexter Smith, Baton Rouge. Her parents, Buford Sr. and Earline Smith; and two brothers, Eugene Randell and Buford Smith Jr., preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Rhodes United Fidelity Funeral Home, Baton Rouge, today from 1 p.m. until the wake service from 7 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Robert Smith will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Greater Bethlehem Baptist Church, Killian, and burial will be in the church cemetery. August 13, 2000 Sunday's Obituaries * Violet Selena Coumes Collier * Florence Barber Crowder * Jeannette Anthony Latino * Rosalie Maggio * Charles Winfield Pierson Sr. VIOLET SELENA COUMES COLLIER PONCHATOULA - Violet Selena Coumes Collier, 89, died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at Hammond Nursing Home. A native of Ponchatoula, she retired from the Ponchatoula Police Department and was known in the community as "The Flower Lady." Survivors include two daughters, June Lillier Guagliardo, Austin, Texas, and Ruth Collier Buzzetta, Hammond; son, Edward Collier; two sisters, Cammie Coumes Fox, Delcambre, and Delores Coumes Hammack, Leesville; 13 grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Rubin Collier; a daughter, Beverly Ann Collier McCulloch; a sister, Nona Coumes Schmidt; a brother, Ruffin Coumes; and a granddaughter. Visitation will be from 6 until 10 tonight at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. FLORENCE BARBER CROWDER PENSACOLA, Fla. - Florence Barber Crowder, 91, died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at Pensacola Nursing Home, Pensacola, Fla. A native of Holden, she was a member of Magnolia Baptist Church in Holden. Survivors include two daughters, Maxie C. Melancon and Delores C. McKay; sister, Anne Landry; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie L. Crowder; a daughter, Joyce Finch; a grandson, three sisters and two brothers. Visitation will be from 6 until 9 tonight at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Howze Cemetery, Holden. JEANNETTE ANTHONY LATINO Jeannette Anthony Latino, 50, died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans. She was a native of Independence. Survivors include her husband, Johnny Latino; a daughter, Paula Latino; a son, Dale Latino, all of Hammond; seven sisters, Dovie Rousselle, LaPlace, Edith Sullivan, Baker, Inez Lewis, Denham Springs, Clarity Tuttle, Ponchatoula, Mildred Miller, Holden, and Patsy McKnight, Hammond; two brothers, Lloyd Whittington, Ponchatoula, and Herbert Anthony, North Carolina; and a grandson. She was preceded in death by her father, Hubert Anthony; and mother, Bertie Oller Anthony Clement. Visitation will be from 6 until 9 tonight at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, with a vigil service at 7 and Monday from 8 until 9:40 a.m. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery. ROSALIE MAGGIO DENHAM SPRINGS - Rosalie Maggio, 68, died Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000, at Harvest Manor Nursing Home, Denham Springs. She was a native of Independence. Survivors include her sister, Jo Dorsa, Kenner. She was preceded in death by a brother, Buster Maggio. The funeral was Saturday with burial in Colonial Cemetery. Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. CHARLES WINFIELD PIERSON SR. HOLDEN - Charles Winfield Pierson Sr., 78, died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at his home. A native of Gonzales, he was a member of First United Pentecostal Church in Denham Springs, a member of Millwright Local 102 in Prairieville and a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Lucille Ballard Lewis Pierson, Holden; three daughters, Kathleen Powell, Tickfaw, Dorothy Sticker, Ponchatoula, and Norma Murphy, Robert; son, Charles W. Pierson Jr., Tickfaw; four step-daughters, Evie Brown, Springfield, Mary Gordon and Dorothy Sanders, both of Holden, and Elaine Smith, Pine Grove; a stepson, David Luther Lewis, Holden; and numerous grandchildren and great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Amelia Hagan Pierson; and two grandsons. Visitation will be from 6 until 10 tonight at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Loranger Community Cemetery, Loranger. August 14, 2000 Monday's Obituaries * Melvin Elias Dykes Sr. * Grace Blossman Hollister * Dorothy Lucille Honea * John Joseph Matthews Jr. * Charles Farrell Wilson MELVIN ELIAS DYKES SR. WALKER - Melvin Elias Dykes Sr., 84, a retired carpenter and native of Loranger, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of Pottery House Pentecostal Church, Baptist. Survivors include seven daughters, Agnes Meche, Hazel Alvin, Livingston, Lisa Prine, Donna Hanna, Faye Lovell and Grace Dykes, Walker, Sheila Dykes, Albany; five sons, Melvin Dykes Jr., Loranger, Curtis Dykes, Livingston, David Dykes, Holden, Percy and Chris Dykes, Walker; 33 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren. His wife, Ruth Cutrer Dykes; a grandson; and daughter, Rachel Ann Dykes, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, tonight from 6 to 10 and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. The Rev. Charles Ray Pierre will conduct the service, and burial will be in Twin Pines Cemetery, Holden. GRACE BLOSSMAN HOLLISTER AMITE - Grace "Lovey" Blossman Hollister, 94, a native of Covington, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000. She is survived by her husband, Oliver Hollister Sr., Amite; three sons, O.C. Hollister Jr. and Ralph T. Hollister, both of Amite; and Paul B. Hollister, Metairie. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Fred, Sam, Woodrow and David Blossman; two sisters, Dorothy Blossman Hollender and Edna Blossman Buquoi; and one granddaughter, Rebecca Lynn Hollister. Visitation is Wednesday at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 10, and burial will be in Chubby Hill Cemetery. DOROTHY LUCILLE HONEA HOUSTON - Dorothy Lucille Honea, 74, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at Park Manor of Cy-Fair, Houston. She was former resident of Baton Rouge, a native of Mars Hill, Miss., a retired employee of Southern Pipe and Supply Inc. and a member of Florida Boulevard Baptist Church. Survivors include a daughter, J. Carlene Chisolm, Houston; a granddaughter; two sisters, Mamie Dell Case, Tomball, Texas, Addine E. Smith, Hemphill, Texas; and a brother, H.C. Smith Jr., Livingston. Her husband, Charlie S. Honea; and a sister, Tildie M. Dixon; preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, Baton Rouge, tonight from 5 to 8 and on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Garden of Memory, Baton Rouge. JOHN JOSEPH MATTHEWS JR. ALBANY - John Joseph "J.W." Matthews Jr., 75, died Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. He is survived by one stepdaughter, LaTroy Pope, Hammond; three stepsons, Joseph M. Quillen, Ponchatoula; Zimmon Quillen, Natalbany; and Kenny Ray Callahan, Tangipahoa; one sister, Mercede White, Orlando, Fla.; and one brother, Albert Jennings, Saginaw, Mich. He was preceded in death by a one brother, Tom Jennings. Visitation will be Tuesday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Frank Labee will conduct the funeral Wednesday at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. CHARLES FARRELL WILSON JACKSON - Charles Farrell Wilson, 68, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at his home. He was a native of Kentwood, a correctional guard therapeutic at Feliciana Forensic Facility, Jackson. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Allen Wilson; daughter, Glennis "Diane" DeLee; son, Robert Farrell "Robbie" Wilson, all of Jackson; two sisters, Norma Jean Hilbum, Zachary, Bobbie Ruth Carruth, Greensburg; two brothers, James V. Wilson, Hampton, Ga., Willie L. Wilson, Gainesville, Mo.; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be at Second Baptist Church of Jackson tonight from 5 until the funeral at 2 p.m. Tuesday. The Rev. Mack Stewart and the Rev. Charles Duncan will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Charlet Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge. August 15, 2000 Tuesday's Obituaries * Edna Potts Grice * Mary Louise Murphy * James Andrew Ware EDNA POTTS GRICE KENTWOOD - Edna Potts Grice, an 83-year-old housewife and native of Kentwood, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, Miss. She is survived by a daughter, Francis Anelia Grice of Baton Rouge; four sons Hulon Wesley Grice of Houston, Sammie Joseph Grice of Sugarland, Texas, Landry Earl Grice of Ponchatoula and Jerrell William Grice of Kentwood; one brother, Felix Potts of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Evelyn Potts Stafford and Flora Bell Potts Slaven, both of Kentwood; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her her husband, Hulon Grice; one brother, Monroe W. Potts Jr.; and one sister, Cerese Potts. Visitation is today at East Fork Baptist Church, East Fork, until the funeral Wednesday at 11 a.m. The Rev. Don Bassett will conduct the service, and burial will be in East Fork Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. MARY LOUISE MURPHY PONCHATOULA - Mary Louise Murphy, 43, a native of New Orleans, died Monday, Aug. 14, 2000, at her home. She is survived by her husband Daniel Murphy of Ponchatoula; three daughters, Mary Norine Bickford and Kathy Ann Murphy, both of Ponchatoula, and Lisa Marie Maury of Hammond; her parents, Ernest and Tammy Gras of Tickfaw and David and Coleen Mack of Norco; four sisters, Terry Sheilds of LaPlace, Amanda Perry and Ashley Gras, both of Tickfaw, Susan Blankenship of Ponchatoula; three brothers, Ernie Gras Jr. of Hammond, Johnny Gras Sr. of Norco, Dustry Gras of Tickfaw; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Susan Diane Gras; and a son, Patrick Murphy. Visitation is today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the service at 10. at First Apostolic Tabernacle, Ponchatoula. Burial will be in Sandhill Cemetery, Ponchatoula. JAMES ANDREW WARE James Andrew Ware, 94, a native of White Castle, died at his home Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000. He was a retired salesman, served as a U.S. Marine and was a member of the National Rifle Association. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by six brothers, John Stone Ware, Thomas Gourrier Ware, Francis Xavier Ware, Alfred Adams Ware, Glendower Owen Ware and Gerard Richard Ware; three sisters, Mildred Ware Anderson, Eloise Ware Lyons and Marjorie Ware McElwee. A memorial service will be held at a later date. August 16, 2000 Wednesday's Obituaries * Jasper S. Alfano * Elsie Fay Morris Eady * Edward L. Gatlin * Ford M. Graham * Frederick Henry Mcmurray * Eugene Vincent Pace * Mary Parker * Bobby Ruffin * Reece Michael Ryan JASPER S. ALFANO TICKFAW - Jasper S. "Jake" Alfano, 56, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War having served in the U.S. Marine Corps, a member of Woodland Park Baptist Church and a retired supervisor with BellSouth. He is survived by his wife, Linda Grisham Alfano, Tickfaw; a son, Jeffrey Jake Alfano, Phoenix; and two sisters, Nickie Alfano Peco and Anna Alfano Bowman, both of Tickfaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buster and Josephine DiBenedetto Alfano. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. The Rev. Ed Griffin will conduct the service, and burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery. ELSIE FAY MORRIS EADY Elsie Fay Morris Eady, 70, died, Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000, at Landmark Living Center, Hammond. She is survived by her husband, Jack Eady Sr., Hammond; two sisters, Mildred Cox, Medford, Ore., and Agnes Vanantwerp, Niles, Mich.; and one brother, Lester Charles Morris, Dallas. She was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Spalding. Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. The Rev. Louis Husser will conduct the service, and entombment will be Parklawn Memorial Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice. EDWARD L. GATLIN BAPTIST - Edward L. Gatlin, 83, a native of Pumpkin Center, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Covington. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army, a Tangipahoa Parish police juror and a retired produce salesman. He is survived by his wife, Mable Bankston Gatlin, Baptist; two daughters, Karen Cisneros, Lake Charles; Cathy Meadows, Pleasanton, Texas; two sons, Keith Gatlin, Albany, and Claude Fowler, Springfield; one sister, Edna Bone, Springfield; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Hollister and Quinton Gatlin; two sisters, Almeda Shaffer and Georgia McMorris; and one grandson, Claude Fowler Jr. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, today from 6 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11.Burial will be in Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery, Pumpkin Center. FORD M. GRAHAM COVINGTON - Ford M. Graham, 89, died Monday, Aug. 14, 2000, at his home. He was the former chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Louisiana Land and Exploration Co. He is survived by his wife, the former Maxine Ingold, Covington; a daughter, Shirley Wiginton, Loranger; a son, John J., Covington; eight grandchildren, 14 great- grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Covington, at 11 a.m. Thursday with visitation beginning at 9. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Christwood Retirement Community Endowment Fund, 1000 Christwood Blvd., Covington 70433. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, is in charge. FREDERICK HENRY McMURRAY BATON ROUGE - Frederick Henry McMurray, 74, a native of Ponchatoula, died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and a retired city/parish communications officer. He was also a member of the International Municipal Signal Association and the USS Hugh Purvis Association. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Dwyer McMurray, Baton Rouge; three daughters, Mary Beth McMurray, Fort Smith, Ark., Pat Davis and Shirley McMurray, both of Baton Rouge; two sons, Michael Dwyer McMurray, Baton Rouge; and Rick McMurray, Lafayette; three sisters, Isabel Charbonet, Florida; Carrie Nelson and Blanche Stasswinder, both of Texas; two brothers, Bernard McMurray, Ponchatoula, and Francis McMurray, Harahan; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a sister, Frances Stelley. Visitation is today at Welsh Funeral Home, 6700 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, from 4 to 9 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary at 7, and Thursday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. The Rev. David E. Allen will conduct the funeral at 10 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church, and burial will be in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. EUGENE VINCENT PACE BATON ROUGE - Eugene Vincent Pace, 69, a native of Rockford, Ill., died Monday, Aug. 14, 2000, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. He is survived by his wife, Anna Mae Lewis Pace, Baton Rouge; two daughters, Madonna Unlu, Houston, Susie Covey, Clearlake, Ill.; a son, Sebastian Pace, Hammond; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Theresa Farrell Pace; and his father, Sebastian Pace. Visitation will be Friday from 8 to 10:15 a.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. The Dominican Fathers will conduct the funeral at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond. Entombment will be in Rose Memorial Mausoleum. MARY PARKER INDEPENDENCE - Mary Parker, 76, a native of New Roads, died Saturday, Aug. 12, 2000, at her residence. She is survived by four sons, James Andrew and Clarence Parker, both of Peoria, Ill., and Lawrence and Charles Lee Parker, both of Independence; two daughters, Rose Mary West, Marietta, Ga., and Dorothy Ann Clay, Independence; one sister, Vera Roger, Independence; 20 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Parker; two sisters, one brother and one great-grandchild. Visitation is Friday from 5 to 6 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Israelite Baptist Church, Independence. The Rev. Johnny Milton will conduct the funeral at 8. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Durbin Cemetery, Independence. BOBBY RUFFIN ROSELAND - Bobby Ruffin, 62, Roseland, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ruffin, Roseland; four sons, Melvin Ruffin, New Orleans, Earl Ruffin, Arcola, Mark Wilson, Amite, and Michael Wilson, Arcola; two daughters, Stacy Ruffin, Arcola, and Karen Williams, Roseland; three sisters, Shirley Ruffin, Chicago, Georgia Ruffin and Ophelia Washington, both of Roseland; two brothers, Daniel Ruffin, Independence, and Johnell Ruffin, Chicago; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Jessie Ruffin; and one brother, Sterlen Ruffin. Visitation is Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite. Alonza Richardson will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Roseland Church of God In Christ, and burial will be in Mt. Canaan Cemetery. REECE MICHAEL RYAN KILLIAN - Infant Reece Michael Ryan died Monday, Aug. 14, 2000, at Women's Hospital, Baton Rouge. He is survived by his parents, Stanley Ryan Jr. and Jeanne Luttman Ryan, Killian; paternal grandparents, Junior and Barbara Poche Dixon, Springfield; maternal grandparents, Roy and Jane Smith Gasperecz, Ponchatoula; paternal great- grandparents, J.C. and Irene Fontenot Poche Sr. and J. Stanley and Gertrude Arnold Ryan. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Stanley Ryan Sr., and maternal grandfather, Lester B. Luttman Sr.; maternal great-grandparents, George and Rosa Palmasano Luttman and Roland and Willie Byrd Smith. Visitation will be at Huff Chapel, Killian, Thursday from noon until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. E. Rand Guy will conduct the service, and burial will be in Davidson Cemetery, Killian. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. August 17, 2000 Thursday's Obituaries * Mattie Mae Dempsey Brown * Mary L. Fluker * Elmener Peterson * Sherbert S. Richardson * Benice Lee Varnado MATTIE MAE DEMPSEY BROWN Mattie Mae Dempsey Brown, 65, died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Hammond, she was a housewife and member of Starnee Baptist Church. Survivors include four daughters, Gloria Brown, Carolyn Brown and Alice Collier, all of Hammond, and Sharon Denise Davis, Rayville; three sons, Douglas Brown, Hammond, Larry Brown and Donald Brown, both of Rayville; two brothers, Robert Flower and J.D Flower, both of Forrest City, Miss.; a sister, Mary Flower, Houston; 24 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Brown. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tennath Funeral Home, Rayville. The Rev. Earnest Collier will conduct the funeral Saturday at noon at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Rayville. Burial will be in Mangham. MARY L. FLUKER KENTWOOD - Mary L. Fluker, 71, a native of Bay City, Texas, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Covington. She is survived by three daughters, Rosalind Monton, Houston, Patricia Henry and Sabrina Fluker, both of Kentwood; one son, Steven Fluker, New Orleans; 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, two sons, five sisters and two brothers. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland. The Rev. F. C. Stallworth will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Oak Grove AME Church, Kentwood. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Kentwood. ELMENER PETERSON Elmener Peterson, 91, died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Hammond. She was a native of White Hall. She is survived by one son, Wayne Williams, New Orleans; one sister, Gladys Bailey, New Orleans; and two brothers, George and Junior Ashton, both of Killian. Visitation will be Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Ronald Valentine will conduct the funeral Saturday at noon at Second Zion Baptist Church, Head of Island. Burial will be in White Hall Cemetery. SHERBERT S. RICHARDSON FOLSOM - Sherbert S. Richardson, 47, died Thursday, Aug. 10, 2000, at his home. He was an auto body and fender repairman, a U.S. Army veteran and former member of Morning Travelers Gospel Singers. He is survived by two daughters, Sherlene and Clementine Williams, both of Folsom; one stepdaughter, Tonya Brumfield, Benton Harbor, Mich.; two sons, Mark Anthony Brumfield, Benton Harbor, and Sherbert Williams, Folsom; five stepsons, Kendrick and Marlon Brumfield, Benton Harbor, Damon, Will and Nathaniel Williams, all of New Orleans; four sisters, Sandra Hollins, Annie Marie Bell and Patricia Richardson, all of Folsom, and Norma Jean Weary, Covington; three brothers, William Penn, Benton Harbor, Willie Ray Richardson, Folsom, and Kevin Richardson, Naples, Italy; his parents, Willie and Veolia Richardson, Folsom; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one grandchild. Visitation will be Friday from 5 p.m. until the wake at 7:30 at Midway Church of Holiness, USA. Leroy Divinity and John Burris will conduct the funeral Saturday at noon. Burial will be in Hay Hollow Cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. BENICE LEE VARNADO Benice Lee Varnado, 69, a native of Osyka, Miss., died Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2000, at her home. She is survived by her husband, Frank Varnado; three daughters, Karen V. Jackson, Hammond, Zaneta Johns, Boulder, Colo., and Cherryl Watkins, Hammond; two sons, Darryl Varnado, Falls Church, Va., and Brian Keith Varnado, Atlanta; three brothers, Marshall Jones, Seattle, Willie Jones, Benton Harbor, Mich., and Robert Jones, Kenner, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Rita V. Magee. Visistation will be Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Jerry Hanible will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Greenfield Baptist Church, Hammond. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. August 18, 2000 Friday's Obituaries * Helen Hitchens * Mable Nelson * James Bernard Spurlock HELEN HITCHENS GREENSBURG - Helen Hitchens, 70, died Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2000, at St. Helena Parish Hospital. She was a native of Clinton. Survivors include three sons, Bernard Hitchens, Baton Rouge, Floyd and Donald Ray Hitchens, Greensburg; daughter, Lenora Joseph, Greensburg; five sisters; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Greensburg, tonight from 6 to 9. The Rev. Marvin Schaffer Sr. will conduct the funeral at Matthew Chapel AME Church, Darlington, at 2 p.m. Saturday, and burial will be in Johnson Cemetery, Chipola. MABLE NELSON CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Mable Nelson, 91, died Aug. 9, 2000, at Manor Care Health Services, Champaign. She was a native of Hammond, a missionary worker and conference branch president of the 8th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Survivors include two daughters, Annie Nelson Murrell, Indianapolis; and Nettie Nelson Roby, Austin, Texas; son, Ivory Vance Nelson, Philadelphia; sister, Bobbie LuCoren Marshall, Schneider, Texas; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Her husband, the Rev. Elijah H. Nelson; and one daughter, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 8. The funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. JAMES BERNARD SPURLOCK AMITE - James Bernard Spurlock, 56, died Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2000, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center. He was a native of Amite. Survivors include his wife, Bertha Mae Spurlock; son, Mario Kenterell Given, both of Amite; two daughters, Shewanda L. and Alice Givens, New Orleans; sister, Lillie S. Bell, Wilson; brother, Henry Spurlock, Wilson; mother, Willie Mae Drake, Wilson; and three grandchildren. His father, Johnny Spurlock; three brothers, a sister and his grandparents, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Emmanuel COGIC, Amite, Sunday, from 5 p.m. until the funeral at 7. Herbert Harrell will conduct the service. Dismissal will be Monday at St. Paul No. 2 Baptist Church, Wilson, and burial will be in Ruth Cemetery, Wilson. August 21, 2000 Monday's Obituaries * Martin James Bennett * Lawrence A. Guidroz Jr. * Annie Daniels Bates Jones * James Joseph Lesaicherre * Troy Lee Lillie Sr. * Lee S. Pace * Vergie E. Magee Smith MARTIN JAMES BENNETT ALBANY - Martin James Bennett, 43, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000. Arrangements are incomplete with Geisler Funeral Home, Albany. LAWRENCE A. GUIDROZ JR. ROSELAND - Lawrence A. Guidroz Jr., 53, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000. He was a native of Lockport and a member of Holy Savior Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Annie Mae Easley; stepson, Robert A. Guidroz; two daughters, Elizabeth and Michelle Guidroz; stepdaughter, Mary H. Hartman; brother, Larry A. Guidroz; and one grandchild. His parents, Lawrence A. and Josephine F. Guidroz, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Falgout Funeral Home, Lockport, tonight from 6 until 10 and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 9 a.m. at Holy Savior Catholic Church, and burial will be in the church cemetery. ANNIE DANIELS BATES JONES COVINGTON - Annie Daniel Bates Jones, 98, died Aug. 15, 2000, at Pontchartrain Guest House. She was a native of Orangeville and a member of Good Shepherd Association. Survivors include seven daughters, Ella Sheridan and Doris Watts Morgan, Hammond, Lillie Berry, Chicago, Victoria Hendricks, Compton, Calif., Clarice Andrews, Joyce Ruth James, Covington, Catherine Ingram Childres, Ingelwood, Calif.; son, Joseph James Bates, Denver; 35 grandchildren, 63 great-grandchildren, 32 great-great- grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild. Two husbands, Wade Bates and John Jones; one grandchild, seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 7 to 9. The Rev. Roger Bernard will conduct the funeral Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Seventh Day Adventist Church, and burial will be in Wilson Cemetery, Covington. JAMES JOSEPH LeSAICHERRE PONCHATOULA - James Joseph LeSaicherre, 90, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000, at his home. Survivors include three daughters, Carol Paul, Central, Joan Davis and Judy LeSaicherre, both of Hammond; a son, Lynwood LeSaicherre, Ponchatoula; sister, Marie Adams, Ponchatoula; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His wife, Louise Hils LeSaicherre; four sisters, Adele Gautreau, Louise Drude, Jeanne Gautreau and Lucille Smith; and four brothers, Peter, Julian, Johnny and Frank LeSaicherre, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, tonight from 6 to 9. The funeral will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Wetmore Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. TROY LEE LILLIE SR. BATON ROUGE - Troy Lee Lillie Sr., 71, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2000, in Baton Rouge. He was a retired Allied Chemical operator with 33 years of service, a member of Foster Road Baptist Church and a native of Kentwood. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Audrey Calmes Lillie; daughter, Deborah Hurlbert; three sons, Troy Jr., Thomas and Tracy Lillie, all of Baton Rouge; six sisters, Vernie Varden and Hattie Ognibene, Baton Rouge, Sally Phillips, St. Gabriel, Lettie Mae Dillion and Annie Toney, Kentwood, Helen Simmons, Osyka, Miss; brother, Aubrey Lillie, Baton Rouge; seven grandchildren. Two brothers, L.H. and Pierce Lillie, preceded him in death. The Rev. Huey Moak conducted the funeral this afternoon at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, and burial was in Greenoaks Memorial Park. LEE S. PACE BLUFF CREEK - Lee S. Pace, 82, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2000, at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center. He was the retired owner of Pace's Heating and Air Conditioning, a native of Deerford, a U.S. Army veteran, a graduate of Baton Rouge Vo-Tech School and past deacon of Bluff Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Audrey T. Thompson Pace, Bluff Creek; four daughters, Audrey Suir, Galvez, Ethel Pace Landry, Prairieville, Mary Elizabeth Guidry, Baton Rouge, Evelyn Craig, French Settlement; son, Charlie Richard "Joe" Pace, Clinton; four sisters, Maude Gayle, Bluff Creek, Emma Payne, Baton Rouge, Elmer Erwin, Watson, Christine Shelton, Amite; four brothers, Walter, Ernest "Bob," Ray and Gordon Pace, all of Bluff Creek; 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. The Rev. Byron Comish conducted the funeral this morning at Bluff Creek Baptist Church, Bluff Creek, and burial was in Pace Family Cemetery. Charlet Funeral Home was in charge. VERGIE E. MAGEE SMITH FRANKLINTON - Vergie E. Magee Smith, 77, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000, at her home. She was a member of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church, Mount Hermon. Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Murray, Zachary; son, Glen Magee, Franklinton; stepdaughter, Martha Alford, Kentwood; two stepsons, Walter W. Smith, Baton Rouge, Claude Smith, Ponchatoula; brother, Will Ervin, Tylertown, Miss.; five grandchildren, a great-grandchild and nine step-grandchildren. Her first husband, Claude A. Magee Jr.; and second husband, Wilson E. Smith, preceded her in death. The Rev. David Murray and the Rev. Ed Delancey conducted the funeral this morning at Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton, and burial was in Bickham Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of St. Tammany, 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington, 70433. August 22, 2000 Tuesday's Obituaries * Martin James Bennett * Christine Carona * Lena Provetere Clayton * James Alton Daniels * Clifford D. Goodrich MARTIN JAMES BENNETT ALBANY - Martin James Bennett, 43, died Saturday, Aug. 19, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Albany, a construction worker and veteran of the National Guard. Survivors include three sisters, Eva Bennett and Bessie Reid, Albany, Betty Dolan, Ponchatoula; and three brothers, Michael and Eddie Bennett, Albany, Randy Bennett, Robert. His parents, Felix and Calla Bennett, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at James Chapel Methodist Church, Holden, Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. The Rev. Carrol Richardson and the Rev. Noah Hano will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is in charge. CHRISTINE CARONA INDEPENDENCE - Christine Carona, 86, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by a daughter, Mary Lou Ingraffia, Independence; a son, Jack Carona III, Independence; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Carona Jr.; a grandchild, two sisters and two brothers. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 until 10:10 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Paul McDuffie will conduct the funeral at 10:30 a.m. at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. Entombment will be in Colonial Mausoleum, Independence. LENA PROVETERE CLAYTON INDEPENDENCE - Lena Provetere Clayton, 64, died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2000, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center. She was a native of Independence. Survivors include her husband, Merlin Clayton, Independence; daughter, Joy Novak, Albany; a son, Mark Clayton, Ponchatoula; brother, John Provetere, Independence; and three grandchildren. Her parents, Lena and Mike Provetere; and brother, Louis V. Provetere, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 to 10 and Wednesday from 8 to 9:40 a.m. The Rev. Paul McDuffie will conduct the funeral at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, and entombment will be in Colonial Mausoleum. JAMES ALTON DANIELS PONCHATOULA - James Alton Daniels, 52, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at his home. He was a native of Albany. Survivors include his wife, Charlene Branch Daniels, Ponchatoula; daughter, Theresa Daniels Finkelman, Allentown, Penn.; son, James Wesley Daniels II, Ponchatoula; sister, Linda Diane Quinlivan, Albany; three brothers, Arthur Eugene Daniels, Amite, Stanley Ray Daniels, Livingston, Curtis Wayne Daniels, Holden. His parents, James Wesley and Beatrice Neal Daniels, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Southeast Spouse Abuse Program, P.O. Box 1946, Hammond 70404 or Louisiana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole, Equipment Fund, P. O. Box 955, Amite 70422. CLIFFORD D. GOODRICH LORANGER - Clifford D. Goodrich, 51, died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2000, at Tulane Medical Center, New Orleans. He was a native of Amite and a foundryman at Amite Foundry & Machine, Inc. Survivors include his wife, Deloris Pierre Goodrich, Loranger; daughter, Cindy Rohner, Amite; son, Clifford Goodrich Jr., Loranger; two grandchildren; mother, Eunice Neal Goodrich, Loranger; and two sisters, Marie Anthony, Loranger, Mary Drew, Independence. His father, Sam Goodrich; and two brothers preceded him in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 to 10 and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Marshall Wallace will conduct the service, and burial will be in Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. August 23, 2000 Wednesday's Obituaries * Bertie Irene Mccormack Bowers * Lonnie Deurell Lowe Jr. * Renee Lebourgeois Platt BERTIE IRENE McCORMACK BOWERS NEW YORK CITY - Bertie Irene McCormack Bowers, 87, died Monday, Aug. 7, 2000, at Roosevelt Hospital in New York City. She was born in Ponchatoula and was the daughter of the former pastor of First United Methodist Church in Hammond. She attended Whitworth College in Brookhaven, Miss., and Southeastern University. She is survived by two daughters, Janet Bowers and Ann Shoemaker; and two sisters, Nellie Mae Black and Martha Schlicht of Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Alfred "Bill" Bowers. A memorial service will be held Sept. 14 at the Park Avenue United Methodist Church in New York City. LONNIE DEURELL LOWE JR. ALBANY - Lonnie Deurell Lowe Jr., 58, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at Landmark Nursing Home, Hammond. He was a native of Albany, a millwright and a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors include his mother, Dorothy Marie Lowe, Dinero, Texas; daughter, Wendy Lowe, Bastrop; three sons, David Lowe, Albany, Bobby Lowe, Norfolk, Va., Olen Lowe, Adairsville, Ga.; sister, Marie Oler, Dinero, Texas; and three granddaughters. His father, Lonnie Deurell Lowe Sr., preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Blood River Baptist Church, Albany, Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. the Rev. Victor Roudkovsky and the Rev Charles Reitz will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at the Hancock Bank in Albany. Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is in charge. RENEE LeBOURGEOIS PLATT METAIRIE - Renee LeBourgeois Platt, 52, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at East Jefferson Medical Center, Metairie. She was a native of Ponchatoula and was retired from Shell Oil Co. having served for 30 years as an accountant. Survivors include her father, Earl J. LeBourgeois; mother, Rosemary Decoteau LeBourgeois, both of Ponchatoula; and two brothers, Earl "Jay" LeBourgeois Jr., Warminister, Penn., and Wayne LeBourgeois, Ponchatoula. Her husband, Milton Lee Platt, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Friday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. M.J. Schanzbach will conduct the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. August 24, 2000 Thursday's Obituaries * Breonna R. Banks * Shema Yatira Jones * Lonnie Deurell Lowe Jr. * Vashun Dwayne Mcgary * Dale Roy Rousseau * Dorothy Short Strickland * David Walker * Grace Wilson Sr. BREONNA R. BANKS Breonna R. Banks, 18, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at Children's Hospital, New Orleans She was a native of Hammond. Survivors include her mother, Brenda Jolly; two brothers, Bryon Dewight Banks and Joey Kenneth Jolly, all of Hammond. Her father, Rusell Banks; grandparents, Elizabeth Nicholas Maddox, Almetha Banks and Franklin Banks, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Willie Gables will conduct the funeral at Macedonia Baptist Church Saturday at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. SHEMA YATIRA JONES Shema Yatira Jones, 20, died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2000. She was a native of Hammond and a child care worker. Survivors include three daughters, Sinesha Latira and Sundesha Sintira Washington and Shemethice Jameca Williams; four sisters, Wokina, Nica, Leah and Mysha Jones; five brothers, John Jr., Jonathan, Nehemiah, Chad and Branson Jones; mother, Doris Jones; father, John Jones Sr. Her brother, Jonathan Jeffery Jones, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 5 until the funeral at 7. The Rev. Norwert Hills will conduct the service. Dismissal will be Friday at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. LONNIE DEURELL LOWE JR. ALBANY - Lonnie Deurell Lowe Jr., 58, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at Landmark Nursing Home, Hammond. He was a native of Albany, a millwright and a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors include his mother, Dorothy Marie Lowe, Dinero, Texas; daughter, Wendy Lowe, Bastrop; three sons, David Lowe, Albany, Bobby Lowe, Norfolk, Va., Glen Lowe, Adairsville, Ga.; sister, Marie Oler, Dinero, Texas; and three granddaughters. His father, Lonnie Deurell Lowe Sr., preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Blood River Baptist Church, Albany, tonight from 6 to 10 and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Victor Roudkovsky and the Rev. Charles Reitz will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at the Hancock Bank in Albany. Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is in charge. VASHUN DWAYNE McGARY PONCHATOULA - Vashun Dewayne McGary, 19, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, in Hammond. He was a native of Ponchatoula and a student. Survivors include his mother, Patricia Ann McGary; father, Wayne F. Foster, Ponchatoula; six sisters, Crystal McGary, Ponchatoula, Wondearia Foster, Dallas, Telander Martin, Harvey, Roshanda Foster and Tammie Thompson, Springfield, Ivory Headspeth, Hammond; four sons, Wayne McGary, Aaron Moore, Ponchatoula, Kevin Pierre, Atlanta, and Rashaad Thompson, Springfield. His grandparents, Creola Foster, Will Foster and Mahalia McGary, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, Friday from 3 p.m. until the funeral at 7. The Rev. Joe Scott will conduct the service. Dismissal will be Saturday at 10 a.m., and burial will be in Cooper Cemetery, Robert. DALE ROY ROUSSEAU ST. AMANT - Dale Roy Rousseau, 50, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2000, in St. Amant. He was a shop foreman for 28 years with Mid-South Door Co., Baton Rouge, and a native of New Orleans. Survivors include his wife, Nancy Lanoux Rousseau, St. Amant; father and mother, Joseph Ray Sr. and Azalie Picou Rousseau, Maurepas; two daughters, Lisa Jacobs and Chasity Scherer, St. Amant; son, Rodney Rousseau, Gonzales; two sisters, Mary Templet and Joan Bercegeay, St. Amant; brother, Joseph "Butch" Rousseau Jr., Gonzales, and eight grandchildren. Visitation will be at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, tonight from 6 to 9 and Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. The Rev. James Kinkead will conduct the funeral at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Whitehall, at 10:30 a.m., and burial will be in Whitehall Community Cemetery. DOROTHY SHORT STRICKLAND OSYKA, Miss. - Dorothy Short Strickland, 83, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2000, at Southwest Mississippi Medical Center, McComb, Miss. She was a native of Sumrall, Miss., and a homemaker. Survivors include three daughters, Maggie Holden and Diann Woodard, Osyka, Shirley Sanders, Panama City, Fla.; three sons, Luther Ray McCallister, Livingston, Frank Strickland, McComb, James Strickland, Amite; 31 grandchildren, 50 great- grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Judy Strickland, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 to 10 and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. DAVID WALKER SPRINGFIELD - David Walker, 63, died Friday, Aug. 18, 2000, at his home. Survivors include his wife, Ardell C. Walker, Metairie; five children, David Walker III and Vanessa Walker Fisher, Kenner, Patrick F. and Sean C. Walker, Terrlet M. Johnson, all of Metairie; brother, Jessie E. Walker, Springfield; and seven grandchildren. Visitation will be at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Killian, Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Robert Smith will conduct the funeral at 1 p.m. Saturday. MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Denham Springs, is in charge. GRACE WILSON SR. NATALBANY - Grace Wilson Sr., 72, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center. He was a native of Dekalb, Miss. Survivors include his wife, Ernest Wilson, Natalbany; five daughters, Ann Revish, Hammond, Linda Manzella, Edna, Sharon and Jackie Wilson, all of Natalbany; two sons, Grace Wilson Jr., Alexandria, Steve Wilson, Hammond; sister, Christine Smith, Tampa, Fla.; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Ten siblings, one daughter, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at N. A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. The Rev. Keith Tillman will conduct the funeral Saturday, at 11 a.m., and burial will be in Holly Gardens. August 25, 2000 Friday's Obituaries * Eugene Caston * Justin Walter Chancey * Lula Mae Essex * Worthy James Fisher * George Arthur Francis And Charles Ray Francis * Linda Diane Harrison * Daniel Hurd Kropog * Clarence E. Lindsly Sr. * Williestean Moore * Gloria Jean Bigner Wheat EUGENE CASTON PORTLAND, Ore. - Eugene Caston, 58, died Aug. 20, 2000, at his home. He was a native of Greensburg and was retired. Survivors include a daughter, Epeka S. Caston; son, Mark M. Caston; five sisters, Lena Mae Ramsey, Rosia Mae Braxton, Helen Ard, Gladys Hall, all of Portland, and Virgie Ramsey, Kentwood; four brothers, Robert Caston, Robert Caston, both of New Orleans, Crawford Caston and Andrew Caston, Oregon; and one grandchild. His mother, father, two brothers and one son, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, today from 2 to 5 p.m. The Rev. Elton Strickland will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Kentwood, and burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery. JUSTIN WALTER CHANCEY Justin Walter Chancey, 20, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000, in Hammond. He was a native of Charlotte, N.C. He was a 1997 graduate of Albany High School and a student at Southeastern Louisiana University. Survivors include his mother, Cathy Chancey Westmoreland; three brothers, his twin, Jared William, James "Jed" Jr., Joshua Leonard Chancey, all of Albany; grandmother, Vesta Shotts Chancey, New Orleans, Thelma Mahner Brondum, Albany. His father, James Edward Chancey Sr.; and grandfather, William Walter Chancey and Leonard Crawford Brondum Sr., preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 until 9 and Saturday at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Albany, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Joe Dunn, the Rev. Alton Foster and the Rev. Terry Edwards will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. LULA MAE ESSEX NEW ORLEANS - Lula Mae Essex, 61, died Aug. 19, 2000, at University Hospital, New Orleans. She was a native of Ponchatoula. Survivors include her mother, Rosa Badon, Ponchatoula; 11 daughters, Rosa Ray, Fredrick Denise Gardner, Beatrice Essex, Valire Collins, Beryl Porter, Gilda Lewis and Armanda Tornabar, all of New Orleans, Diane Harris, Joyce Ann Essex and Vera Ann Lyons, Kansas City, Kan., and Mary Francis Brooks, Houston; five sons, Thomas Russell, Terry Simmons and Paul A. Essex, New Orleans, Charles Ray Brooks, Kansas, and Wayne Brooks, Brownsville, Texas; sister, Beatrice Essex, New Orleans; two brothers, Lucious and Joe Lewis Badon, Ponchatoula. Philip Hospedales will conduct the funeral Saturday at 21st Century Congregational Baptist Church, New Orleans, at 11 a.m. and burial will be in Port Hudson National Cemetery, Port Hudson. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. WORTHY JAMES FISHER AMITE - Worthy James Fisher, infant, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2000, at his home. Survivors include his mother, Deandra Solomon; father, Worthy James Fisher; three sisters, Fallon and Jamika Solomon, Chardon McCoy, all of Amite; brother, Larry Solomon. One grandfather, two great-grandfathers and two great-grandmothers preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, tonight from 5 to 7. The funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at New Jerusalem Church, Amite, and burial will be in Ricks Temple Cemetery, Amite. GEORGE ARTHUR FRANCIS and CHARLES RAY FRANCIS KENTWOOD - George Arthur Francis, 41, and Charles Ray "Rocylane" Francis, 44, died Aug. 19, 2000. They were natives of Mt. Hermon. George Francis was a laborer at Kent Enterprise, and Charles Francis was disabled. Survivors include George's children, Melvin, Jessie and Diane Taylor, Osyka, Miss.; two sisters, Diane Taylor and Delores Francis, Kentwood; four brothers, Danny Francis, Mt. Hermon, Michael, Steve and David Francis, Kentwood. Visitation will be at Crain & Son Funeral Home, Franklinton, tonight from 6 to 8. The Rev. Betran Smith will conduct the funeral Saturday at noon at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Osyka, and burial will be in Shady Grove Cemetery. LINDA DIANE HARRISON ARCOLA - Linda Diane Harrison, 52, died Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2000, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. She was a native of Amite. Survivors include two sons, Mitchell L. and Tariano Harrison; daughter, Renita Harrison, all of Roseland; six sisters, Ida Muse and Martha Perry, Roseland, Rebecca Nixon and Mary Harvey, New Orleans, Elsia Edwards and Beverly Muse, Amite; four brothers, Peter Jr., Emmitt, William Sherman and Daniel Muse Sr., all of Amite; and three grandchildren. Her parents, Peter Sr. and Carlee Foster Muse; one son and 16 siblings, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 5 to 8. Daniel Muse Sr. will conduct the funeral Saturday at Greater Community COGIC, Bennett Road, and burial will be in Butler Cemetery. DANIEL HURD KROPOG ALBANY - Daniel Hurd Kropog, 21, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000, in Tangipahoa Parish. He was a native of Albany and a 1997 graduate of Albany High School. Survivors include his parents, Dennis Earl and Dorothy Hess Kropog, Albany; two brothers, Benjamin Kropog, Murfreesboro, Tenn., Jacob Kropog, Abilene, Texas; and grandparents, Joseph W. and Mary Bayus Kropog, Nannette Merrill Hess, all of Albany. His grandfather, Benjamin Hess, preceded him in death. Visitation will at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Sunday from 6 until 9 p.m. with a 7 vigil prayer service and Monday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. with the funeral at 10 at St. Margaret Catholic Church Cemetery, Albany. Burial will be in the church cemetery. CLARENCE E. LINDSLY SR. NEW ROADS - Clarence E. Lindsly Sr., 79, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2000. He was the former owner of Lindsly's Furniture and Refinishing, New Roads, and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Vernice Major Lindsly, New Orleans; three daughters, Susan Lindsly, Slaughter, Sylvia Lindsly Watson, Kentwood, Veronica Lindsly Moore, Zachary; son, Clarence E. Lindsly Jr., New Roads; four sisters, Ann Hannaman, Alice Singleton and Agnes Normand, all of Baton Rouge, Clara D'Avy, Opelousas; brother, Lewis Lindsly Jr., New Roads; four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A brother, Felix "Brother" Lindsly Jr., preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Niland's Funeral Home, New Roads, Saturday from 8:30 to 11:15 a.m. The Rev. Michael Scharzle will conduct the funeral at St. Mary's Catholic Church, New Roads, at 11:30, and burial will be in St. Frances Cabrini Cemetery, Livonia. WILLIESTEAN MOORE ROSELAND - Williestean Moore, 64, a native of Roseland, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2000, at St. Tammany Hospital. She was a housewife. She is survived by three daughters, Mary Johnson and Joyce Donnett, both of Amite, and Myrtle Williams, Alabama; two sons, Harvey Johnson Sr., Harvey, and Joseph Buchanan, Roseland; five sisters, Claudatrice Ratcliff, Michigan, Arabella Jackson, Hammond, Dorothy Neely and Nora Johnson, Roseland, and Louise Campbell, Germany; two brothers, Joseph Johnson, Oklahoma, and David Johnson, Roseland; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son and one sister. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Big Zion AME Zion Church, Roseland. The Rev. John Mabry will conduct the funeral Wednesday at 10 a.m., and burial will be in Big Zion Cemetery, Roseland. Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, is in charge. GLORIA JEAN BIGNER WHEAT LIVINGSTON - Gloria Jean Bigner Wheat, 65, died Wednesday Aug. 23, 2000, at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center. She was a native of Pumpkin Center and a member of Red Oak Baptist Church, Livingston. Survivors include her husband, Huey Wheat; three sons, Wayne, Lee and Danny Wheat; four sisters, Sadonia LeBlanc, Doris Normand, Gilda Faye Alexander, June Bateman; brother, Reynold Bigner; seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her parents, Roger and Lillian Ballard Bigner; two brothers, Francis "Buster" and Louis B. Bigner; and sister, Louise Locersico, preceded her in death. The Rev. Andy Wood conducted the funeral this morning at Red Oaks Baptist Church, and burial was in New Red Oak Cemetery, Livingston. Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, was in charge. August 27, 2000 Sunday's Obituaries * Justin Walter Chancey * Mary Eva Lindell Corbin * Winnie Stephens Landaiche * Vashun Dewayne Mcgary JUSTIN WALTER CHANCEY Justin Walter Chancey, 20, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000, in Hammond. He was a native of Charlotte, N.C., a 1997 graduate of Albany High School and a student at Southeastern Louisiana University. Survivors include his mother, Cathy Chancey Westmoreland; three brothers, his twin, Jared William, James "Jed" Jr., Joshua Leonard Chancey, all of Albany; grandmother, Vesta Shotts Chancey, New Orleans, Thelma Mahner Brondum, Albany. His father, James Edward Chancey Sr.; and grandfather, William Walter Chancey and Leonard Crawford Brondum Sr., preceded him in death. The Rev. Joe Dunn, the Rev. Alton Foster and the Rev. Terry Edwards conducted the funeral Saturday at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Albany, and burial was in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1030, Albany 70711. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. MARY EVA LINDELL CORBIN PONCHATOULA - Mary Eva "Momadee" Lindell Corbin, 95, died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of New Orleans. Survivors include two daughters, Leila Corbin Walker and June Corbin Barrett, both of Ponchatoula; one sister, Gloria Durbin, Ponchatoula, and four grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton B. Corbin; and one daughter, Bobbie Dee Corbin. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Monday from 9 a.m. until the graveside service at 11 at Sand Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Charles Bigner of French Corner Baptist Church will conduct the service. WINNIE STEPHENS LANDAICHE PONCHATOULA - Winnie Stephens Landaiche died Friday, Aug. 25, 2000. Survivors include two sons, Carroll Joseph Landaiche and Cornel Paul Landaiche; one daughter, Jean Ann Garel; and eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd J. Landaiche; siblings, Vivian Jones, Ivy James Stephen and Linda Martin; and two grandchildren. A funeral Mass will be at the Jefferson Chapel of Tharp Sontheimer Tharp Funeral Home, Metairie, Monday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery. VASHUN DEWAYNE McGARY PONCHATOULA - Vashun Dewayne McGary, 19, died Monday, Aug. 21, 2000, in Hammond. He was a native of Ponchatoula and a student. Survivors include his mother, Patricia Ann McGary; father, Wayne F. Foster, Ponchatoula; six sisters, Crystal McGary, Ponchatoula, Wondearia Foster, Dallas, Telander Martin, Harvey, Roshanda Foster and Tammie Thompson, Springfield, Ivory Headspeth, Hammond; and four brothers, Wayne McGary, Aaron Moore, Ponchatoula, Kevin Pierre, Atlanta, and Rashaad Thompson, Springfield. His grandparents, Creola Foster, Will Foster and Mahalia McGary, preceded him in death. The Rev. Joe Scott conducted the funeral Friday. Dismissal was Saturday, and burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Robert. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. August 28, 2000 Monday's Obituaries * Neva Jo Baker Caraway * Jennie Michelli Colona * Mellie Leona Martinez Helm * Willie Stean Moore * Betty Lou Garner Trammel NEVA JO BAKER CARAWAY BATON ROUGE - Neva Jo Baker Caraway, 83, died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2000, at her daughter's home in Ponchatoula. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her daughter, Debbie Keaghey, Ponchatoula; son, Clark Caraway, Baton Rouge; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her husband, William A. Caraway, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral at 10. The Rev. Van Stinson will conduct the service, and burial will be in Greenoaks Memorial Park. JENNIE MICHELLI COLONA Jennie Michelli Colona, 94, died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Hammond. Survivors include three daughters, Carmela Piazza and Angie LaRocca, Hammond, Marie Vutera, Baton Rouge; son, Frank Colona, Hammond; three sisters, Virginia Rusciano and Phine Petrancosta, Hammond, Lucy Kirsch, Baton Rouge; 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Her son, Nat J. Colona; four sisters, Sarah Guarino, Mary Lacara, Rose Penzato and Lillie Medici; three brothers, Joe, John and Mike Michelli; and one grandson, preceded her in death. The Dominican Fathers conducted the funeral this afternoon at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, and burial was in Rose Memorial Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. MELLIE LEONA MARTINEZ HELM SPRINGFIELD - Mellie Leona Martinez Helm, 75, died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Springfield, was retired from Rheem Manufacturing, New Orleans, and was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, American Legion Auxiliary Post 258, Amvets Auxiliary Post 68 and Pineview Homemakers Club. Survivors include two sisters, Sallie Martin and Eva Monnerjahn, Springfield; two brothers, Leslie Martinez, Springfield, Donald Martinez, Albany. Her husband, Richard Helm; two sisters, Helen Poche and Eugenia Rigby; and a brother, Toney Martinez Jr., preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, tonight from 6 to 10 and Tuesday from 8 until 9:30 a.m. The funeral will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church at 10 a.m., and burial will be in Springfield Cemetery. WILLIE STEAN MOORE ROSELAND - Willie Stean Moore, 64, died Aug. 23, 2000, at St. Tammany Hospital. She was a native of Roseland. Survivors include three daughters, Mary Johnson and Joyce Donnett, Amite, Myrtle Williams, Alabama; two sons, Harvey Johnson Sr., Harvey, Joseph Buchanan, Roseland; five sisters, Claudatrice Ratcliff, Michigan, Arabella Jackson, Hammond, Dorothy Neely and Nora Johnson, both of Roseland, Louise Campbell, Germany; two brothers, Joseph Johnson, Oklahoma, David Johnson, Roseland; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her mother, father, husbands, son and sister preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Big Zion AME Zion Church, Roseland, Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. The Rev. John Mabry will conduct the funeral at 7:30 p.m. Dismissal will be Wednesday at 10 a.m., and burial will be in Big Zion Cemetery, Roseland. Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, is in charge. BETTY LOU GARNER TRAMMEL PONCHATOULA - Betty Lou Garner Trammel, 68, died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Morrilton, Ark. Survivors include five daughters, Sharon Trammel Raborn, Prairieville, Linda Trammel, Brenda Trammel Perrin and Peggy Trammel Portier, all of Ponchatoula, and Polly Ann Trammel, Baton Rouge; four brothers, Bill and Jimmie Garner, Forrest City, Ark., Tommy Garner, Arizona, Jack Garner, Washington; two sisters, June Festerman, Brickeys, Ark., Sue Bays, Virginia; nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Her husband, Patrick Gale Trammel; parents, Earl and Helm Brannam Garner; two brothers, Jerry Wayne and Bobby Garner; and sister, Barbara Garner, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, tonight from 6 to 10 and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. August 29, 2000 Tuesday's Obituaries * Theodore Harrison * Betty Lou Garner Trammel * Alfred L. Vernon THEODORE HARRISON Theodore Harrison, 76, died Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, at his home. He was a native of Velma. Survivors include his wife, Wessie Harrison; five sons, Theodore Jr., and Robert Harrison, McKinny, Texas; Frank Harrison Sr., Independence, John Harrison, Magnolia, Miss., Ronnie Harrison, Arlington, Texas; five daughters, Dorothy Harrison, Allen, Texas, Osia Brown, Frisco, Texas, Mary Robinson and Annie Richardson, Magnolia, Shirley Perry, McKinny; two sisters, Deloris Diggs, Velma, Christine Harrison, Hammond. Two sisters and three brothers preceded him in death. Visitation will be tonight from 5 to 7 at Bickham Chapel AME Zion Church. The Rev. Ernest Peters Sr. will conduct the funeral at 7:30 p.m. Dismissal will be Wednesday at 10 a.m., and burial will be in New Butler Cemetery, Amite. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. BETTY LOU GARNER TRAMMEL PONCHATOULA - Betty Lou Garner Trammel, 68, died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Morrilton, Ark. Survivors include five daughters, Sharon Trammel Raborn, Prairieville, Linda Trammel, Brenda Trammel Perrin and Peggy Trammel Portier, all of Ponchatoula, and Polly Ann Trammel, Baton Rouge; four brothers, Bill and Jimmie Garner, Forrest City, Ark., Tommy Garner, Arizona, Jack Garner, Washington; two sisters, June Festerman, Brickeys, Ark., Sue Bays, Virginia; nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. Her husband, Patrick Gale Trammel; parents, Earl and Helen Brannam Garner; two brothers, Jerry Wayne and Bobby Garner; and sister, Barbara Garner, preceded her in death. The funeral was this morning at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, and burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. ALFRED L. VERNON HUSSER - Alfred L. Vernon, 47, died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2000, at his home. He was a native of Tangipahoa Parish. Survivors include a daughter, April Vernon, Pumpkin Center; two sons, Dale and Tim Vernon, Husser; one grandson; stepmother, Lottie Vernon, Bayou Sorrel; and two brothers, Bill Vernon, Husser, Clyde Vernon Jr., Japan. His father, Clyde D. Vernon Sr.; and mother, Mary Bertha Vernon, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 to 9. The Rev. Greg Griffin will conduct the funeral at 7 p.m. August 30, 2000 Wednesday's Obituaries * Arthur Daniels Sr. * Edward Blount Kopfler * Earl Jewel Mcdonald * Judy Elizabeth Prestwood Price * Ronald Morgan Young ARTHUR DANIELS SR. AMITE - Arthur Daniels Sr., 46, died Saturday, Aug. 26, 2000, at Acadian Rehabilitation, Baton Rouge. He was a native of Amite. Survivors include two sons, Arthur Daniels Jr., Denver, Byron Daniels, Amite; daughter, Christie Daniels, McKinny, Texas; five daughters, Bonnie Wilson, Ella Maryland, Lisa Robinson and Sharon Montgomery, all of Amite, Lori Carr, Omaha, Neb.; nine brothers, Lucky Williams, Ken Robinson and Larry Carr, all of Omaha, Carl Williams, Pine Grove, Chuck Brown, Baton Rouge, Nick Carr, Abilene, Texas, Michael and James Carr and Mark Daniels, all of Amite; his father, James Daniels, Amite; and two grandchildren. His mother, Eva Mae Carr; and grandparents, Alice and Roscoe Daniels Sr., Ella and Willie Carr, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Alexander Giles will conduct the funeral at 1 p.m. Saturday at Grant's Chapel AME Church, and burial will be in Butler Cemetery, Amite. EDWARD BLOUNT KOPFLER LAKE CHARLES - Retired Chief Master Sgt. Edward Blount Kopfler, 81, died Thursday, Aug. 24, 2000, in Lake Charles. He was a native of New Orleans, a resident of Hammond during most of his early years, entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940 and retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1965. His 25 years in the military included service in World War II, the Korean conflict and Vietnam War. He then worked at the Manned Spacecraft Center, Houston and later was a government employee assigned to the Electronic Security Command/Air Force Intelligence Command. He retired in 1983 with 42 years combined service with the U.S. Government. He was a member of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Survivors include his wife, Alice May Thompson Kopfler; stepson, Steve Trahan, both of Lake Charles; two stepdaughters, Susan Broussard, Sulphur, Janice Zifilli, Marshall, Va.; and brother, retired 7th Ward Judge John Dodd Kopfler, Hammond. The Rev. Monsignor Irving DeBlanc conducted the funeral Aug. 26 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Burial with military honors was in Consolata Cemetery, Lake Charles. Johnson Funeral Home, Lake Charles, was in charge. EARL JEWEL McDONALD WALKER - Earl Jewel McDonald, 57, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, at Summit Hospital, Baton Rouge. He was a native of Woodhaven and an employee of Livingston Parish maintenance department. Survivors include his wife, Hampie Gallman McDonald; daughter, Winnie Patterson, both of Walker; three sons, Brian and Bobby McDonald, Satsuma, Billy McDonald, Denham Springs; and five grandchildren. His parents, Thomas and Estelle Richardson McDonald; four sisters, Ione Severio, Lula Thompson, Doris Santini, Dorothy Michon; and two brothers, Cecil and Curtis McDonald, preceded him in death. Visitation will be tonight at Satsuma Baptist Church, Satsuma, from 6 until the funeral at 10 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Aubrey Foster will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. JUDY ELIZABETH PRESTWOOD PRICE HOUSTON - Judy Elizabeth Prestwood Price, 55, died Aug. 17, 2000, in Houston. Survivors include her husband, James D. Price, Houston; daughter, Lisa Renee Whiddon, Independence; son, Alan D. Richardson; mother, Erah Elizabeth Prestwood, both of Houston; two sisters, Mary Seiter, Houston, Diane Rodriguez; brother, Henry C. Prestwood; five grandchildren. A graveside service was held Tuesday afternoon at Lighthouse Baptist Church Cemetery, Independence. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. RONALD MORGAN YOUNG PONCHATOULA - Ronald Morgan "Rolo" Young, 39, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, in St. John Parish in an automobile accident. He was a native of Ponchatoula. Survivor include his wife, Donna Nicholas Young; daughter, Amber Young; parents, Edwin and Texie Prine Young, all of Ponchatoula; two brothers, Carlton Michael Young, Slidell, Joshua Edwin Young, Tunica; and two sisters, Myra Anne Young, Tunica, Donna Young Yent, Robert. His grandparents, Elmer and Edna Drott Young and C.S. and Myra Gates Prine, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Thursday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. August 31, 2000 Thursday's Obituaries * Anna Leto Ruffino * Robert Granison * Shema Maria Yvonne Henderson * James W. Knighten * Wilbur Junior Morris * Geraldine Seals * Carol Raborn Varnado * Darien Watson ANNA LETO RUFFINO AMITE - Anna Leto Ruffino, 78, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2000, at Baton Rouge General Hospital. She was a native of Amite. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Sam J. Ruffino, Amite; three daughters, Loretta Borde, Tickfaw, Frances Nijoka, Greenwell Springs, Sandra Marie DeBartolo, Baton Rouge; son, Salvador John Ruffino, Amite; two brothers, John Leto, Kenner, Sam Leto, Amite; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A sister, Frances Leto, preceded her in death. Arrangements are incomplete with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. ROBERT GRANISON AMITE - Robert "Rock" Granison, 52, died Aug. 25, 2000, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center. He was a native of Lorman, Miss. Survivors include two sons, Ricky and Robert Jr. Cryer, Amite; two daughters, Casey M. Felder, Hammond, Pam Cotton, Amite; four sisters, Faye Marie Watson and Barbara L. Washington, Jackson, Miss., Dorothy A. Buens, Lake Charles, Mary Ann Dillon, Harvey, Ill.; nine brothers, Vernon Jackson, New Orleans, Donny Granison, Hammond, Parker Granison, Amite, Jessie Burns, Lake Charles, Dan Nelson and Clarence Granison, Philadelphia, Tommy Granison, Lake Charles, Isaac and Stanley Nelson, Natchez, Miss.; and father, Parker Granison Sr., Jackson, Miss. Her mother, Marie Nelson; and sister, Rose E. Nelson, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Willie Cage Jr. will conduct the funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday, and burial will be in Butler Cemetery. SHEMA MARIA YVONNE HENDERSON Shema Maria Yvonne Henderson, infant, died Aug. 26, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. Survivors include her mother, Nica Jones; father, Travis Henderson; two brothers, Trayvion and Travis Henderson Jr.; grandparents, Doris Jones, Yvonne Henderson, John Jones, all of Hammond; great-grandparents, Dorothy Scott and Louis Scott, Hammond, Catheline Dickens and Charlie Dickens, Ponchatoula, and Thomas McGee, Independence A graveside service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Holly Garden Cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. JAMES W. KNIGHTEN GREENWELL SPRINGS - James W. Knighten, 84, died Sunday, Aug. 27, 2000, at Lane Memorial Hospital, Zachary. He was a native of Clinton. Survivors include 10 daughters, Dorothy Boatner, Gladys Carney, Neomia Brooks, Mildred Brown, Virginia Knighten, Clarena Kelly and Patricia Williams, all of Baton Rouge, Thelma Hamilton, Zachary, Bernadine Bryant, Los Angeles, Lois A. Easterly, Sacramento, Calif.; five sons, the Rev. James Knighten, Houston, John Knighten, Alfred Bridgewater, all of Baton Rouge, Nathaniel Williams, Montpelier, and Charles Williams, Amite; two sisters, Beatrice Peak and Albertha Young, Baton Rouge; two brothers, Robert Knighten, Baton Rouge, Cleo Knighten, Greenwell Springs; 57 grandchildren and 53 great-grandchildren. Two wives, a son, two sisters, and three brothers preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Winnfield Funeral Home, Baton Rouge, Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10 at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. The Rev. Wilbard Jones will conduct the service, and burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Clinton. WILBUR JUNIOR MORRIS PONCHATOULA - Retired Lt. Col. Wilbur Junior Morris, U.S. Marine Corps, 74, died Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2000. He was a native of Lynchburg, Ohio, and was retired from the U.S. Marine Corps having served in World War II, the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War and was also retired from Blue Cross Insurance Co. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Ellison Morris, Ponchatoula; two daughters, Brenda Saravalli, Oceanside, Calif., Cynthia Charlton, Maurepas; two sons, Thomas Morris, St. Francisville, Michael Morris, Ponchatoula; sister, Daisy Hamilton, Martinsville, Ohio; brother, Charles Morris, New Vienna, Ohio; six grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Two brothers, Edward and Stanley Morris, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Saturday from 1 p.m. until the funeral at 3. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society. GERALDINE SEALS DENHAM SPRINGS - Geraldine Seals, 55, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center. She was a native of Pine Grove. Survivors include three sons, Terry and LaMonte Seals, Pine Grove, David Seals, Hammond; three daughters, Jane Woods, Alice and Paulette Seals, Pine Grove; sister, Betty Jean Myles, Greensburg; and two brothers, John Henry Robertson and Kado Parker, Pine Grove; and 19 grandchildren. Her parents, Peck Donhue and Mary Williams; and husband, Terry Lee Seals Sr., preceded her in death. Visitation will be at Greater Refuge Temple Ministries Saturday from noon until the funeral at 2 p.m. Joseph Ricard will conduct the service, and burial will be in Butler Cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. CAROL RABORN VARNADO BATON ROUGE - Carol Raborn Varnado, 66, died Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2000, at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center. She was a secretary, a native of Kentwood, was retired from Rosemount-Fisher Corp. and was a member of Florida St. Baptist Church, Baton Rouge. She is survived by her brother, Donald Raborn, Indiana, Penn. Her father, Otis J. Raborn; and her mother, Helen Dykes Raborn, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, tonight from 6 to 9 and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Byron Wilkinson will conduct the service, and burial will be in East Fork Cemetery, East Fork. DARIEN WATSON Darien Watson, infant, died Aug. 22, 2000, at North Oaks Medical Center. Survivors include his mother, Vanessa McClain; father, Damien Watson; sister, Arielle Ruffin; brother, Quinto Ruffin, all of Hammond; grandmothers, Stella McClain, Albany, Gloria Brooks, Springfield. His grandfather, Major Evans, preceded him in death. The Rev. Douglas McClain conducted the graveside service this morning at Greenlawn Cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. **** DWJ