Obituaries from THE HAMMOND DAILY STAR, August 2002; Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, LA. Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Sep, 2002 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ August 01, 2002 * Doris Louise Brown, 61, Kentwood * Louella Wilson Fleming, 54, Independence * David Charles Gates, Covington * Floviel Hollins, 75, Folsom * Mae Helen Ricard, 83, Montpelier * Rose Lee Taylor, 66, Amite DORIS LOUISE BROWN KENTWOOD - Doris Louise Brown, 61, died Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Magnolia, Miss., and was employed as a convenience store manager. She is survived by two sons, Johnny H. Wall Sr. and C. Charles Wall, both of Kentwood; one daughter, Louise Brown of Carr, Ala.; two sisters, Margaret Dechara of Independence and Eva Brown of Tylertown, Miss.; three brothers, Robert Ellzey Brown, Otis Brown and F.M. Brown, all of Alabama; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Callie Louise Booty Brown; and her father, Frank Ellrey Brown. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 until 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Dennis Mitchell and the Rev. Jerry Dye conduct the funeral at 10:30. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. LOUELLA WILSON FLEMING INDEPENDENCE - Louella Wilson Fleming, 54, died Saturday, July 27, 2002, at University Hospital. She was a native of Mount Herman. She is survived by three sons, Spencer, Stephen and Kaleb Fleming, all of Independence; two daughters, Stacie Holloway of Syracuse, N.Y.; and Kristen Fleming of Independence; two sisters, Sandra Wilson of Hammond and Bertha Mae Golman of Velma; three brothers, Nathaniel Wilson of Tickfaw and Lester Williams and Joseph Wilson, both of Independence; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warner Fleming; her mother, Alberta Miller Wilson; her father, Nathaniel Wilson Sr.; two sisters, Patsy Knighten and Clara Wilson; one brother, Freddie Wilson; and her grandparents. Visitation will be Friday at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church from 3 p.m. until the Rev. Jefphroe Jackson conducts the funeral at 7. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Fleming Cemetery, Independence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hancock Bank. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. DAVID CHARLES GATES COVINGTON - David Charles Gates died Wednesday, July 31, 2002. He is survived by his mother, Susan Henderson Blanchard; his father, Charles H. Gates Jr.; his stepfather, John R. Blanchard Jr.; one sister, Claire Marie Byrd; his grandparents, Bill and Rita Henderson of Hammond and Helen and Herman Page of Springfield; and his step-grandparents, June and John Blanchard Sr. of Bush. Visitation will be Friday at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral at 11:30. Burial will be in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. FLOVIEL HOLLINS FOLSOM - Floviel Hollins, 75, died Monday, July 29, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Hollins of Folsom; three sons, Floviel Hollins Jr. of Richmond, Calif.; Gene Milton Hollins of Abita Springs and Keith L. Hollins Sr. of Folsom; six daughters, Irma Lee Jackson of Greenville, Miss.; Connie N. Williams of Roseland, Barbara H. Sims of Breaux Bridge, Renee Johnson of Houston, LaJoyce Jacobs of Folsom and Belinda Hollins of Overland Park, Kan.; one sister, Julia Harrell of Chicago; one brother, Joseph Hollins of Benton Harbor, Mich.; 25 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Hollins; his mother, Emma Bridges Pickens; one son, Michael Anthony Hollins; one brother, Glenn Butler; two sisters, Willie Myrtle Leonard and Elouise Hookfin; and two brothers, Jerry Hollins and R.S. Robson. Visitation will be Sunday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 4 to 9 p.m. The funeral will be Monday at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, Covington, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Big Zion Cemetery, Roseland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parish National Bank, Shirley A. Hollins Memorial Fund c/o Floviel Hollins. MAE HELEN RICARD MONTPELIER - Mae Helen Ricard, 83, died July 27, 2002, at her home. She is survived by three daughters, Mary R. Seals and Betty Parker, both of Montpelier, and Doris East of Chicago; nine sons, Clemon Ricard Jr. of Amite, Leroy Ricard of Kenner and Tom A., Frank, Joseph, Jessie, Johnny, Carl and Ray Ricard, all of Montpelier; one sister, Emma Jean Taylor of Marrero; one brother, Charlie Williams of Ponchatoula; and 40 grandchildren. Visitation will be at Morgan Chapel AME Church in Montpelier today from 4 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Kermit Brown will conduct the funeral Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ROSE LEE TAYLOR AMITE - Rose Lee Taylor, 66, died Monday, July 29, 2002, at Hood Memorial Hospital. She was a native of Magnolia, Miss. She is survived by three sons, Robert Louis, Ellis and Louis Taylor, all of Amite; and five sisters, Bernice Walker and Sarah Thomas, both of Cleveland, Miss.; Estella Williams and Helen Luckey, both of Amite, and Clemetine Nicholas of Independence. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Hattie Gatlin; her husband, Ellis Taylor; two brothers and one sister. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 3 to 8 p.m. Daniel Muse will conduct the funeral Saturday at Greater Community COGIC, Amite, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Butler's Cemetery, Amite. August 02, 2002 * Angelee Bellavia Ardillo, 76, Amite * Ernest Tubb Barber, 56, Independence * Walter E. Benefield, 71, Osyka, Miss. * Emma L. Robertson, 80, Kentwood ANGELEE BELLAVIA ARDILLO AMITE - Angelee Bellavia Ardillo, 76, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite. She was a native of Amite and a housewife. She is survived by her husband, Nick P. Ardillo Sr. of Amite; one daughter, Joanne Ardillo Falcone of Independence; four sons, Roy and James "Rube" Ardillo, both of Amite, Joseph "Jay" Ardillo of Oklahoma City; and Thomas F. Ardillo of Belgium; two brothers, Frank S. and Thomas Bellavia, both of Amite; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Nick Paul "Nicky" Ardillo Jr.; her parents, Kelly Bellavia Sr. and Mamie Macalusa Bellavia; three brothers, Emile "Mutt," Joseph "Joey" and Kelly Bellavia Jr. Visitation will be Sunday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 to 9:40 a.m. The Rev. Jack Nutter will conduct the funeral at 10 at St. Helena Catholic Church. Burial will be in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite. ERNEST TUBB BARBER INDEPENDENCE - Ernest Tubb Barber, 56, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center, Independence. He was a native of Albany. He is survived by three sons, Kevin Barber of Shreveport, Bobby Barber of Greensburg and Jason Barber of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two daughters, Tami Tate of Independence and Renee Gatlin of Pumpkin Center; one brother, Al Barber of Independence; three sisters, Kathy Griffin of Tickfaw, Jane Mitchell of Holden and Mary Ann Hose of Amite; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Irma Purvis Barber; three brothers, James, Daniel and Frank Barber; three infant children and one infant grandchild. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10:30. Burial will be in Bankston Cemetery, 4th Ward. WALTER E. BENEFIELD OSYKA, Miss. - Walter E. Benefield, 71, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Kentwood, a retired dairyman, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War and a member of Pike County Farm Bureau. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Dean Benefield of Osyka; two sons, Benny Benefield of Live Oak and Doug Benefield of Osyka; two daughters, Penny Kent of Osyka and Mary Beth Allen of Kentwood; two brothers, Frank Benefield of Kentwood and Roy Benefield of Osyka; one sister, Marie Bass of Mt. Ida, Ark.; and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Huey Paul and E.W. Benefield; and one grandchild. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the Rev. John Cleveland conducts the funeral at Line Creek Baptist Church at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Line Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Line Creek Baptist Church Youth Group. Hartman Funeral Home, McComb, is in charge. EMMA L. ROBERTSON KENTWOOD - Emma L. Robertson, 80, died Monday, July 29, 2002, at Hood Memorial Hospital. She was a native of Kentwood. She is survived by 12 sons, Thomas Jr., Tyrone, Jamie, Carlo, Percy and Dallas Robertson, all of Kentwood, Jesse Sr., Charles, Robert Sr. and Ernest Robertson Sr., all of Baton Rouge, John Robertson Sr. of Houston and Lindsey Robertson of Richmond, Calif.; four daughters, Augustine Cryer of Kentwood, Mae Wheat of Amite, Mary Lena Robertson of Baton Rouge and Carolyn Brumfield of Folsom; three sisters, Pearly Morris and Lizie Randolph, both of New Orleans, and Inez Abram of Baton Rouge; two brothers, Thomas Holloway of New Orleans and Felix Braxton of Portland, Ore.; 49 grandchildren, 70 great-grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren and six great- great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Coride Holloway; her husband, Thomas Robertson Sr.; two sisters, one brother and one grandchild. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Joshua Brown will conduct the funeral Saturday at Temple Chapel Baptist Church, Kentwood, at noon. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery, Kentwood. August 04, 2002 * Francis Vincenza Mele Bordelon * Joyce Brown Forbes * Percy J. Raymond * Ella Mae Greely Williams FRANCIS VINCENZA MELE BORDELON Francis Vincenza Mele Bordelon, 85, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2002 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. She was a native and resident of Hammond. She is survived by two daughters, Amanda B. Castricone of Hammond and Wanda B. Roussarie of Marietta, Ga.; two granddaughters, Alexis Castricone of Hammond and Nina Roussarie, of Marietta, Ga.; a sister, Dorothy M. Comeaux of Hammond; and a brother, Joe Mele of Hammond. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis Bordelon; her parents Vito and Margaret Deliberto Mele; a sister, Celie M. Colona; and three brothers, Tony Mele, Pete Mele and Vince Mele. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son in Hammond today from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. and on Monday from 8 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Services will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church on Monday at 1 p.m. and will be conducted by the Dominican Fathers. Burial will be at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery. JOYCE BROWN FORBES Joyce Brown Forbes, 88, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2002. She was a native of Bogalusa and a resident of Hammond. She is survived by two daughters, Karen Forbes Brown of Hammond and Kathy Forbes Feierabend of Lenoir, N.C.; one son, E.A. Forbes of Hammond; one brother, Denver H. Brown of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; eight grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lee Marvin Forbes and her daughter, Kay Forbes Lucas. Visitation will be at Geisler Funeral Home in Hammond Monday from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral service at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. PERCY J. RAYMOND CHESBROUGH -Percy J. Raymond, 90, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2002 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Morgan City and a resident of Chesbrough. Also, he was a photographer and U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Marie Skaggs Raymond, of Chesbrough; a daughter Ruth Raymond Jackson of McComb, Miss.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney Paul and Delia Henry Raymond; a step-mother, Alice Ganaway Raymond; two brothers, Raymond J. Raymond and Wilbur Raymond; three half- brothers, Alvin Raymond, Lloyd Raymond and Sidney Raymond, Jr.; and one half-sister, Betty Ann Raymond Pillaro. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite from 10 a.m. today until services at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery in Tangipahoa. ELLA MAE GREELY WILLIAMS BOGALUSA - Ella Mae Greely Williams, 63, died Sunday, July 28, 2002, at Bogalusa Medical Center. She was a native of Ponchatoula. She is survived by her mother, Doreatha Shanks Lott; one son, Marvin Kennedy of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Elaine Miller of Bogalusa, and Melner Lampkin of Bloomington, Calif.; three sisters, Betty Ann Johnson of Gulfport, Miss., Joyce Joiner of Bogalusa and Marilyn Joseph of Ponchatoula; four brothers, Clyde Tate of New Orleans, Willie and Lionel Weathersby and Archie Greely, all of Bogalusa; three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Henry Greely; one brother, Lawrence Weathersby; and her husband, Melvin Williams. Visitation wil be Monday at Crain and Sons Funeral Home from 7 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be Tuesday at Sweet Beulah Baptist Church, Bogalusa, at 11 a.m. August 05, 2002 * Juanita Foster * Kenneth Dean Kelly Jr. * Pauline Scott Barnett Perrin JUANITA FOSTER Juanita Foster, 94, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Greenville, Miss.; was the oldest living graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University; received a master's degree from Louisiana State University; was twice regent of the Tangipahoa Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution; was a member of the Fern Leaf Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star; was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Hammond; and was retired from the Tangipahoa Parish School System, having served as librarian at Hammond High School. She is survived by one brother, Ben Foster of New Orleans. She was preceded in death by one sister, Eugenia Davis; two brothers, Thomas R. Foster Jr. and Mayson Foster; and her parents, Thomas and Juanita Wasson Foster. Visitation will be Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Hammond, from 11 a.m. until the Rev. Tom Cobb conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hammond, P.O. Box 609, Hammond 70404. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. KENNETH DEAN KELLY JR. LORANGER - Kenneth Dean Kelly Jr., 27, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2002. He was a native of Loranger. He is survived by his parents, Kenneth Sr. and Linda Zaffuto Kelly of Loranger; twin sons, Kevin Dean and Devin Joseph Kelly, both of Loranger; one sister, Stacey Kelly Rose of Loranger; maternal grandparents, Elvin O. and Pam Graves of Chalmette; and his paternal grandmother, Dorothy Alther of Hammond. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Adam Terry Kelly; maternal grandfather, Angelo Joseph Zaffuto; and two sisters, Lisa Ann Kelly and one infant sister. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Leon Dunn conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Loranger Cemetery. PAULINE SCOTT BARNETT PERRIN PONCHATOULA - Pauline Scott Barnett Perrin, 82, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Tomato, Ark. She is survived by four sons, Bill Barnett Sr., Carl, Daryl, and Steven Paul Barnett, all of Ponchatoula; seven daughters, Peggy Hollinsworth of Holden, Margie Pitts of Polk City, Fla., Linda Rosata, Patricia Wallace and Shirley Fletcher, all of Ponchatoula, Kay Holland of Jedsonia, Ark., and Dale Hutchinson of Springfield; two sisters, Sue Hoover of Arkansas and Georgia Boswell of Las Vegas; 35 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and four great-great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Amos Woodrow Scott and Mary Scott; two husbands, Elmer Barnett and Clyde Perrin; three brothers, Floyd, Homer and Woodrow Scott; two sisters, Myrtle and Ruth Scott; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. August 06, 2002 * Jessie Baker, 53, Hammond * Edward Pea, 80, Ponchatoula * Albert Petho, 85, Hammond JESSIE BAKER Jessie Baker, 53, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2002. He was a native of Independence and a driver. He is survived by his wife, Arie L. Baker of Hammond; five daughters, Deshone Cook and Casey Taylor, both of Amite, Linda Frazier, Melissa Baker and Georgia Baker, all of Hammond; three sons, Clyde and Jessie Baker III, both of Hammond, and Roland Allen of Ponchatoula; five sisters, Irma Pittman of Hammond, Lisa McClain of Amite, Jacqueline Williams and Susan Baker, both of Pensacola, Fla., and Terrian Walker of Ponchatoula; three brothers, Timmie Ray Baker, Glenn Baker and Morris Baker, all of Hammond; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters, one brother, one son, Keith Baker; his mother, Georgia Washington; and his father, Jessie Baker Sr. Visitation will be Thursday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Samuel Brown will conduct the funeral Friday at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Hammond, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Durbin Cemetery, Independence. EDWARD PEA PONCHATOULA - Edward Pea, 80, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2002, at the Hammond Nursing Home. He is survived by his wife, Georgia Mae Davis Pea of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Evelyn Pea and Emelda Pea, both of Ponchatoula; two sons, Jerry Pea of Pensacola, Fla., and Claude Pea of Ponchatoula; one brother, Walter Pea of Ponchatoula; 10 grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Navaughn Pea; and one brother, James Pea. Visitation will be today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 1 to 4 p.m. The Rev. Gerald Cheatham will conduct the funeral at 8 p.m. at Greater Star Valley Baptist Church, Ponchatoula. Dismissal will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. ALBERT PETHO Albert Petho, 85, died today, Aug. 6, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home, Albany. August 07, 2002 * Donald K. Houeye Sr., 76, Amite * Albert Joseph Petho, 85, Hammond DONALD K. HOUEYE SR. AMITE - Donald K. Houeye Sr., 76, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Amite, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and a retired supervisor at the Office of Family Support. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Amite. He is survived by his wife, Gloria F. Houeye of Amite; one daughter, Bess Houeye Kolwe of Amite; one son, Donald Kenneth "Donnie" Houeye Jr. of Amite; one brother, Charles Houeye of Roseland; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Lee and Gladys Houeye; and one brother, Arthur Lee Houeye Jr. Visitation will be Thursday at First Baptist Church, Amite, from 8:30 a.m. until the Rev. David Fortenberry and the Rev. Bradley Rushing at 11:30. Burial will be in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. ALBERT JOSEPH PETHO Albert Joseph Petho, 85, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Cleveland, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of American Legion Post 258. He is survived by one son, James Petho of Cleveland; two brothers, Rudy and Alex Petho, both of Albany; two sisters, Velma Kovach and Ruby Novak, both of Hammond; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, William, Andy, Nicholas and Ernest Petho; and three sisters, Rose Kish, Pearl Biben, Goldie Martin and Julianna Petho. Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in St. Margaret Cemetery, Albany. August 08, 2002 * Rosa Badon, 89, Ponchatoula * Aline Bradstreet, 83, Killian * Gena Chapman, 70, Kentwood * Ann Gale Chavers, 63, Walker * Timothy Duckett, 78, Hammond * Maria Harold, 90, Roseland * Alfred Van Stevens, 76, Amite * Samuel Hugh Wallace, 76, Holden * Albert Earnest Williams, 78, Roseland ROSA BADON PONCHATOULA - Rosa Badon, 89, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Fernwood, Miss. She is survived by two sons, Joe Badon of Ponchatoula and Lucious Badon of Staten Island, N.Y.; and seven grandchildren. The funeral will be Friday at New Zion Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, at 8 p.m. Dismissal will be Saturday at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ALINE BRADSTREET KILLIAN - Aline Bradstreet, 83, died Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at her home. She is survived by three daughters, Mary Ann Anderson and Reno Bradstreet, both of New Orleans, and Zoro Bradstreet of Amite; two sons, Eddie Jackson and Gilbert Bradstreet, both of New Orleans; 13 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. The Rev. Robert Smith will conduct the funeral Friday at 8 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Killian. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. GENA CHAPMAN KENTWOOD - Gena Chapman, 70, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center, Independence. She was a native of Centerville, Miss. She is survived by three sons, Lemmie and Theodore Chapman, both of Kentwood, and Eddie Chapman of New Orleans; three daughters, Willie Mae Bank, April Parker and Carol A. Cook, all of Kentwood; two sisters, Willie Mae Williams of Kentwood and Ruby Lee Gilmore of New Orleans; three brothers, Leon Dunn Sr., Theodore Dunn Jr. and Will Henry Dunn, all of Kentwood; 19 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theo and Gladys Dunn; one brother, Charlie L. Dunn; one sister, Gertrude Perry; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Orange Grove COGIC, Kentwood. Alonzo Richardson will conduct the funeral Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. ANN GALE CHAVERS WALKER - Ann Gale Chavers, 63, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Tangipahoa. She is survived by her husband, James E. Chavers of Walker; two daughters, Mimi Melancon and Ruthie Deas, both of Walker; two sons, Joe Benson Foster Jr. of Kentwood and Amos David Foster of Walker; her mother, Ruth Helen Bridges of Walker; one brother, Carson Bridges of Mississippi; one sister, Karen Knight of Albany; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Milton Bridges; one brother, William Lee Bridges; and one stepson, James E. Chavers Jr. Visitation will be Friday at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Odyssey Health Care of Baton Rouge, 7905 Wienwood Blvd., Baton Rouge 70809. TIMOTHY DUCKETT Timothy Duckett, 78, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He is survived by one daughter, Ora Hogan of Hammond; two brothers, Edward Duckett of New Orleans and Robert Duckett of Benton Harbor, Mich.; four grandchildren and 12 great- grandchildren. Visitation will be be Friday from 3 to 8 p.m. at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond. The funeral will be Saturday at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. MARIA HAROLD ROSELAND - Maria Harold, 90, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2002, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center, Independence. She was a native of St. Helena. She is survived by three sons, Richard Hall Jr. of Lancaster, Calif., Ellis Hall of Kentwood and William Harold of Roseland; two daughters, Willie Jane Anderson and Patricia Harold, both of Roseland; two sisters, Doris Robertson and Earline Dawson of Kentwood; one brother, L.T. Robertson of Kentwood; and 40 grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Maggie Robertson; two sons, five daughters and her husband, Earnest Harold. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Lee Allen Pounds will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Sweethome Baptist Church, Kentwood. Burial will be in the church cemetery. ALFRED VAN STEVENS AMITE - Alfred Van "Snake" Stevens, 76, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, at his home. He was a native of Amite, a retired power plant operator for Freeport-McMoRan, Inc. and a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Gussie H. Stevens of Amite; one daughter, Susan Champlin of Amite; four sons, Van W. Stevens II of St. Amant, Marvin Stevens of Montpelier, Wayne Stevens of Kentwood and Mark Stevens of Amite; one sister, Alma LaMarca of Independence; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Van W. Stevens; his mother, Emma s. Jones; his stepfather, Edward Jones; and one brother, Sidney Stevens. The Rev. Steve Elston conducted a graveside service today at Hayden Grove Cemetery, Amite. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hayden Grove Church of Christ Cemetery Fund. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. SAMUEL HUGH WALLACE HOLDEN - Samuel Hugh Wallace, 76, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Mellville and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He is survived by five daughters, Sammi Rigsby of Holden, Judy Wallace of Hammond, Linda Felts of Meridian, Miss., Sandra Golland of Seymour, Ind., and Carl Ann Wallace of Metairie; five sisters, Elaine Johnson of Krotz Springs, Elizabeth Belgrade of Santa Clara, Calif., and Fredith Rester of Richlands, N.C.; one brother, James Wallace of Krotz Springs; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Laura Emberton. Visitation will be Thursday at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 4 p.m. Burial will be in Sandhill Cemetery. ALBERT EARNEST WILLIAMS ROSELAND - Albert Earnest "Preacher" Williams, 78, died Monday, Aug. 5, 2002, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Melva L. Williams of Roseland; three sons, Frank, Robert L. and Albert Williams Jr.; two daughters, Althea Bennett Williams and Katharine D. White; two sisters, Mae Dorothy Phillips Brown and Ruby Williams; two brothers, John Wesley and Robert Williams; 17 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one grandchild. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Bobby Showers will conduct the funeral Saturday at noon at Mount Canaan Baptist Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. August 09, 2002 * Aline Bradstreet, 83, Killian * Allie Ruth Prine Gill, 73, Albany * Mary Kanel Memtsas, 92, Ponchatoula * Carsey Henry Neal Jr., 52, Ponchatoula * Louis C. Sharp Sr., Natalbany * Elora Dahnen Wells, newborn, Hammond ALINE BRADSTREET KILLIAN - Aline Bradstreet, 83, died Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at her home. She is survived by one daughter, Mary Ann Anderson of New Orleans; four sons, Eddie Jackson, Gilbert, Zoro and Keno Bradstreet, all of New Orleans; 13 grandchildren and 28 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bradstreet, one daughter and four sisters. The Rev. Robert Smith will conduct the funeral today at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Killian, at 8 p.m. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ALLIE RUTH PRINE GILL ALBANY - Allie Ruth Prine Gill, 73, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Columbia, Miss. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home, Albany. MARY KANEL MEMTSAS PONCHATOULA - Mary Kanel Memtsas, 92, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Ponchatoula. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. CARSEY HENRY NEAL JR. PONCHATOULA - Carsey Henry Neal Jr., 52, died Monday, Aug. 5, 2002, at his home. He was a native of Orleans Parish. He is survived by one daughter, Judy Neal of Hammond; two sons, Billy Neal of Hammond and Carsey H. Neal III of Ponchatoula; one sister, Alice Penton of Ponchatoula; two brothers, George Neal of Corrant, Miss., and Ray Neal of Amarillo, Texas; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carsey Henry Neal Sr. and Gladys Earls Moak. A graveside service will be Saturday at Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Hammond, at 2 p.m. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. LOUIS CHARLES SHARP SR. NATALBANY - Louis C. Sharp Sr., died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Ernestine G. Sharp of Natalbany; three daughters, Susan Pulliam of Owasso, Okla., Sarah Parent and Stacey Bennett, both of Loranger; one son, Louis C. "Chuck" Sharp Jr. of Hammond; eight grandchildren, two brothers and three sisters. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to North Oaks Hospice. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ELORA DAHNEN WELLS Elora Dahnen Wells, newborn, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by her parents, Texie Pender and Brian Wells of Hammond; one brother, Brendon Wells of Hammond; her maternal grandmother, Leah Webster of St. Francisville; her maternal grandfather, David Pender of Newberry, S.C.; her paternal grandmother, Dorothy Wells of Hammond; her paternal grandfather, Arden Wells Sr. of Hammond; and her maternal great- grandparents, Gail M. Webster of Woodville, Miss., and Donald and Blanche Pender of Watson. A private service will be held at a later date. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. August 11, 2002 * Katherine Winston Carter Burleson, 83, Hammond * Allie Ruth Prine Gill, 73, Albany * Theresa Parrino Husser, 64, Hammond * Mary Kanel Memtsas, 92, Ponchatoula * Henry Ray Jr., 84, Springfield * Jack Wade Sanders, 67, Greensburg * George Washington, 81, Independence KATHERINE WINSTON CARTER BURLESON Katherine Winston Carter Burleson, 83, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Scooba, Miss. She is survived by three daughters, Pat Equivel of Norwalk, Conn., Penny Smith of Hammond and Jill Harrell of Lakeside, Calif.; two sons, John and Chris Burleson, both of of Hammond; one sister, Lucile Carter of Franklin, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Leigh Burleson, one son and one sister. Visitation will be Monday at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Hammond from 4 p.m. until a memorial service at 5. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. ALLIE RUTH PRINE GILL ALBANY - Allie Ruth Prine Gill, 73, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Columbia, Miss. She is survived by two daughters, Elaine Johnson and Bobbie Gill Schnepf, both of Albany; one son, Benjamin Gill of Albany; one brother, John R. Prine of Chalmette; two sisters, Lois Prince of Baton Rouge and Texie Ray Young of Ponchatoula; eight grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Earl Gill; her parents, two sisters and five brothers. Visitation will be Monday at Geisler Funeral Home in Albany from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Hutchinson Cemetery in Albany. Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is in charge. THERESA PARRINO HUSSER Theresa Parrino Husser, 64, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Independence. She is survived by her husband, Huey Husser of Hammond; two daughters, Dabney Zahn and Georgette Phares, both of Hammond; one son, Bryce Statham of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; two stepdaughters, Lori Husser and Shayna Smith, both of Hammond; one stepson, Mark Husser of New York City; two sisters, Savina and Carol Campo, both of Amite; one brother, Frank Parrino of Oklahoma City; and 12 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Jennie Triolo Parrino, and her sister, Katie Sirchia. Visitation will be Monday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond, from 9 a.m. until the Dominican fathers conduct a Mass of Christian burial at 11. Burial will be at Rose Memorial Mausoleum. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. MARY KANEL MEMTSAS PONCHATOULA - Mary Kanel Memtsas, 92, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at her home. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church and a volunteer at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans for more than 25 years. She is survived by one daughter, Sylvia Amanda Memtsas Melms of Ponchatoula, and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chris Memtsas; her parents, four sisters and one brother. A memorial service will be held Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church, 3937 Canal Street in New Orleans. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. HENRY RAY JR. SPRINGFIELD - Henry Ray Jr., 84, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2002. He is survived by three sisters, Elnora Winder of Springfield, Martha Hodges of New Orleans and Minnie Blackmore of St. Louis; and one brother, Judge Ray of Grand Rapids, Mich. The Rev. Dalton Hills will conduct the funeral Wednesday at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Centerville, Miss. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. JACK WADE SANDERS GREENSBURG - Jack Wade Sanders, 67, died Friday, Aug. 9, 2002, at his home. He was a native of Gillsburg, Miss. He is survived by one stepdaugheter, Irene Morgan of Chesbrough; two stepsons, Bobby Bennett Sr. of Greensburg and Marvin Bennett of Clinton; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Baddy and Julia Sanders; his wife, Gladys Bennett Sanders; and one stepson. Visitation will be today at Clinton United Pentecostal Church from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Charles Duncan conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. GEORGE WASHINGTON INDEPENDENCE - George Washington, 81, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002. He was a native of Independence. He is survived by two daughters, Lubertha Leslee Stein of New Orleans and Sharlotte Stein of Independence; four sons, Booker T. Washington of Ponchatoula, Nelson Holmes of Seattle, David Moore of Hammond and Oliver Smith of Independence; and two brothers, William Washington of Hammond and James Washington of Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and George Washington Sr.; his brother and his sister. Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Johnny Milton will conduct the funeral Tuesday at 11 a.m. August 13, 2002 * James Kenneth Jacobs, 65, Hammond * Mary Kanel Memtsas, 92, Ponchatoula * Inez Blount Stafford, 91, Albany * Mary A. Taylor, 60, Clearwater, Fla. * George Washington, 81, Independence JAMES KENNETH JACOBS James Kenneth Jacobs, 65, died Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at his home. He was a native of Portsmouth, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Grace Jacobs of Hammond; three daughters, J.J. and Frog Jacobs, both of Hammond, and Kat Jacobs of Slidell; one son, C.J. Jacobs of Husser; his father, James Colby Jacobs of Michigan; one sister, Judy Harmon of Michigan; 11 grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Jason and Jahonna Shelton; and his mother, Midge Greenlee. Visitation will be Wednesday at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, from 1 to 3 p.m. MARY KANEL MEMTSAS PONCHATOULA - Mary Kanel Memtsas, 92, died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Ponchatoula, a member of St. John Lutheran Church and a volunteer at Mercy Hospital in New Orleans. She is survived by one daughter, Sylvia Amanda Memtsas Helms of Ponchatoula; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chris Memtsas; her parents, Frederick and Amanda Riedel Kanel; four sisters, Ruth Hebert, Lillian Mailhes, Frieda Thomas and Helen White; and one brother, George Kanel. A memorial service was held today at St. John Lutheran Church in New Orleans. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. INEZ BLOUNT STAFFORD ALBANY - Inez Blount Stafford, 91, died Monday, Aug. 12, 2002, at his home. She was a native of Albany. She is survived by three daughters, Annie Carpenter of Walker, Pinkie Hutchinson of Springfield and Joyce Dees of Kosciusko, Miss.; two sons, Jerry Kinchen of Albany and Earl Kinchen of Ketchikan, Alaska; three sisters, Versie Starkey, Josephine White and Elaine Degenhardt, all of Albany; 23 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Pink Kinchen; second husband, Joe E. Stafford; three sons, Alex and Elmer Kinchen and Douglas Baker; one daughter, Margaret Kinchen; three brothers, Monroe, Leo and Ellison Blount; and her parents, T.D. and Rebecca Fletcher Blount. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be in New Life Cemetery. MARY A. TAYLOR CLEARWATER, Fla. - Mary A. Taylor, 60, died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pa. She was a native of Topeka, Kan., and a graduate of Southeastern College in Hammond. She was a homemaker and a member of Bayside Women's Club. She is survived by her husband, John S.; two sons, John S. of Oldsmar, and Jason A. of Folsom; two daughters, Mary T. Jacobs and Amy T. Eggers, both of Clearwater, Fla.; three brothers, David A. Specht of Minden, William Specht of Bossier City and James A. Specht of Chatom, Ala.; one sister, Melanie J. Montgomery of Tallahassee, Fla.; and nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GFWC Florida, One Voice For Children, 4444 Florida National Dr., Lakeland, FLA 33813. Cronrath Funeral home, Lewisburg, Pa., was in charge. GEORGE WASHINGTON INDEPENDENCE - George Washington, 81, died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002. He was a native of Independence. He is survived by two daughters, Lubertha Leslee Steen of New Orleans and Charlotte Steen of Independence; four sons, Booker T. Washington of Ponchatoula, Nelson Holmes of Seattle, Dixid Moore of Hammond and Oliver Smith of Independence; and two brothers, William Washington of Hammond and James Washington of Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and George Washington Sr.; his brothers, Booker T. Cornett and Henry Washington; and one sister, Georgia M. Baker. The Rev. Johnny Milton will conduct the funeral today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond. Burial was in Durbin Cemetery, Independence. August 15, 2002 * Dustin Michael Nemeth, 24, Baton Rouge DUSTIN MICHAEL NEMETH BATON ROUGE - Dustin Michael Nemeth, 24, died Aug. 10, 2002, at his home. He was a native of Baton Rouge and a senior at Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity and employed by Nurri Sport. He is survived by his parents, Dale and Pam Nemeth of Baton Rouge; one sister, Stacey Casselberry; his grandparents, Bill and Anna Nemeth of Hammond and Rita Jackson of Independence. Visitation will be Friday at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, East, Baton Rouge, from 5 p.m. until the Rev. David Davis conducts the funeral at 7. August 16, 2002 * Kody Malone Smith, 73, Ponchatoula * Ouida Bridges Travis, 71, Picayune, Miss. KODY MALONE SMITH PONCHATOULA - Kody Malone Smith, 73, died Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Greenville, Miss., and was retired having worked at Avondale Shipyards in maintenance. She is survived by three daughters, Judy Molioo and Connie Smith, both of Quitman, Ark., and Glenda Parker of Amite; three sons, Stanley Richardson of Ponchatoula, Marty LaCourse of Covington and Kirby VanGelder of Hammond; one sister, Faye White of Hughes, Ark.; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Silas Malone and Paralee Givens Malone; four brothers, Bud, Joe, Herman and Audie Malone; two sisters, Clara Mae Robbins and Mary Ida Barkley; and one grandchild. Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, is in charge. OUIDA BRIDGES TRAVIS PICAYUNE, Miss. - Ouida Bridges Travis, 71, died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Magnolia and the owner of a convenience store. She is survived by one daughter, Sandra Sue Tate Callegan of Baton Rouge; one son, Gary Tate of Tangipahoa; one sister, Lorraine Donagriche of Denham Springs; one brother, Clarence Bridges Jr. of Port Neches, Texas; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Clyde Johnson; her second husband, E.D. Travis; an infant son; two sisters, Helen Young and Evelyn Bridges; three brothers, Norman, Alton and Kennon Bridges; and her parents, Clarence Bridges Sr. and Myrtis Bates Bridges. The Rev. Danny Smith conducted the funeral today. Burial was in New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, was in charge. August 18, 2002 * Anthony F. Catalano, 80, Independence * William Joseph Monnerjahn, 49, Springfield * Charlotte Gulino Spring, 42, Independence * Rose Lee Strahan, 52, Hammond ANTHONY F. CATALANO INDEPENDENCE - Distinguished World War II veteran and former Tangipahoa Parish School Board member Anthony F. "Hallie" Catalano, 80, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. A native and resident of Independence, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having served in the Medial Corps with a rank of sergeant. He received two purple hearts and a bronze star. He was a former employee with the state department of health and sanitation, former owner of Catalano Meat Co. and Hallie's AG Food Mart. He served two terms as a member of the Independence Board of Aldermen beginning in 1948 and was a Tangipahoa Parish School Board member from 1963 to 1973. He also had served as chairman of the Independence Housing Authority for 20 years. He was president of Colonial Cemetery Association, a member of the Independence Lions Club and American Legion Post 109 and a charter member of the Indepen-dence Knights of Columbus, Council 5627. Survivors include his wife, Marianne Costa Catalano of Independence; a son, John Anthony Catalano; and a grandson. His parents were the late John Catalano and Mary Giovingo Catalano. A sister, Opelia Catalano, and a brother, Leonard Catalano, also preceded him in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 until 9 and Monday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. The funeral will be at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Paul McDuffie will conduct the service, and interment will be in Colonial Mausoleum, Indepen- dence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church or to the American Kidney Foundation. WILLIAM JOSEPH MONNERJAHN SPRINGFIELD - William "Billy" Joseph Monnerjahn, 49, a native of New Orleans and resident of Springfield, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a former Times-Picayune employee in the printing department. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Monnerjahn of Springfield; a son, Joseph A. Monnerjahn of Quantico, Va.; his mother, Eva Martinez Monnerjahn of Spring-field; two brothers, Phillip A. Monnerjahn of River Ridge and Jerald A. Monnerjahn of Metairie; a stepdaughter, Stephanie Runnels, and two stepsons, Jerald and Joseph Schroeder, both of Springfield; and seven grandchildren. His father, Joseph Andrew Monnerjahn, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Monday from 10 a.m. until the funeral at noon in the funeral home chapel. Deacon Warren Fortenberry will conduct the service with burial in Springfield Cemetery. CHARLOTTE GULINO SPRING INDEPENDENCE - Elementary school teacher Charlotte Gulino Spring, 42, a native of Hammond and resident of Independence, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, at 2:45 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge. Survivors include her husband, Lloyd Spring; a son, Baron Thomas Spring; her parents, Joe and Phine Gulino; her brother, Tommy Gulino; and her godmother, Kathryn Anzalone, all of Indepen- dence. Her grandparents were the late Carlo and Jennie Schiro and the late Jim and Mary Gulino. Visitation will be at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond, Monday from 6 until 9 p.m. and at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Paul McDuffie and the Rev. Bob Perry will conduct the service with interment in Spring Cemetery, Amite. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Ghost Catholic School in Hammond or Mater Dolorosa Catholic School in Independence. Arrangements are with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. ROSE LEE STRAHAN Rose Lee Strahan, 52, a lifelong resident of Hammond, died Satur-day, Aug. 17, 2002, at her home. She was a retired firefighter for the city of Hammond. Survivors include her husband, A.C. Strahan Sr. of Hammond; three sons, Anthony "Tony" Strahan and A.C. Strahan Jr., both of Robert, and William "Richard" Strahan of Hammond; two sisters and five grandchildren. Her parents were the late Eddie and Margie Prine Nichols. Visitation will be at Geisler Funeral Home in Hammond on Monday from 6 until 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. The Rev. John Dickens and the Rev. Steve Wells will conduct the service, and burial will be at Zion Hill Cemetery on Highway 442. August 19, 2002 * John Duczer, 87, Hammond * Vera Mildred Rogers Lambert, 57, Hammond * Margie Landry Lessard, 83, Ponchatoula * Myrtle Hano Reid, 89, Independence JOHN DUCZER John Duczer, 87, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales. He was a native of Springfield. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geilser Funeral Home, Albany. VERA MILDRED ROGERS LAMBERT Vera Mildred Rogers Lambert, 57, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Natalbany. She is survived by her husband, Jesse Lambert of Hammond; three daughters, Cynthia Dugas, Charlotte Portier and Melissa Thomas, all of Natalbany; two sons, David S. Kinchen and Vernon L. Bassemier, both of Natalbany; one stepson, Timothy Lambert of Ponchatoula; two stepdaughters, Jennifer Howser of Pumpkin Center and Debbie Gibson of Texas; three brothers, Milton W. and Williams Rogers, both of Natalbany, and Roy Rogers of New York; four sisters, Margie Nichols, Ella Dennison, Lucille Deli and Mittie Ridgel, all of Natalbany; 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stonewall Jackson Rogers and Olivia Melissa Crayton Rogers; two sisters, Gloria Deli and Helen Rogers; three brothers, Harry Rogers, Stonewall Rogers Jr. and George Rogers. Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the Rev. Timothy Lambert conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Red Hill Cemetery, Tickfaw. MARGIE LANDRY LESSARD PONCHATOULA - Margie "Ms. Baseball" Landry Lessard, 83, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Gonzales. She is survived by two sons, Ronald Lessard of Ponchatoula and Larry Lessard of Springfield; two sisters, Violet Hilderbrand and Cammie Rottman, both of Ponchatoula; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Elmire Braud Landry; her husband, Joseph Lessard; two sisters, Gertie Landry and Velda Welborn; three brothers, Aswell, Roswell and Alwin Landry; and one grandchild. Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 until 9:45 a.m. The funeral will be at 10 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ponchatoula. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. MYRTLE HANO REID INDEPENDENCE - Myrtle Hano Reid, 89, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Independence. She is survived by one son, Norwood Reid of Independence; three grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, A.J. Reid; one son, Graham Reid; five brothers, Matthew, Murphy, Earl, Ivy and Mirl Hano; two sisters, Loranie Jarrell and Mary Cooper; and her parents, Fred and Georgia Ann Stage Hano. Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8:30 a.m. until the Rev. Marshall Wallace conducts the funeral at noon. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. August 20, 2002 * Pauline Locascio Cali, 85, Hammond * John Stephen Duczer, 87, Hammond * Margie Lee Howell, 59, Tickfaw * Jesse M. Martin, 84, Holden * William Null, Loranger * A.G. Oller, 89, Tickfaw * Heulette Addison Penton, 90, Mandeville PAULINE LOCASCIO CALI Pauline Locascio Cali, 85, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was a native of Hammond and a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, an Eucharist minister, a member of the Rosary Altar Society, a 25-year member of the Lioness Club and a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. She is survived by two daughters, Paula Cali Hymel of Raymond, Miss., and Barbara Cali Strobach of Hammond; one son, Sal J. Cali of Metairie; one brother, Sal Locascio of Hammond, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Salvatore J. Cali; and her parents, Joseph and Mary Graziano Locascio. Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 until 8:30 p.m. and Thursday from 8 until 10 a.m. The Dominican fathers will conduct the funeral at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond, at 10:30. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Mausoleum. JOHN STEPHEN DUCZER John Stephen Duczer, 87, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Gonzales. He was a native of Springfield and resident of Hammond. He is survived by his wife, Lucille Albin Duczer of Gonzales; three daughters, Cynthia Cason of Springdale, Ark., Darlene Burns of Kentucky and Claudia Venezia of Gonzales; two sisters, Annie Chaucer of Albany and Mary Blahut of Denham Springs; five grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Alex and Mike; two sisters, Lizzie and Helen; and one grandchild. Visitation will be Wednesday at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 9 to 10:50 a.m. A Mass will be at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Albany, at 11, and burial will be in Greenlawn Mausoleum, Hammond. MARGIE LEE HOWELL TICKFAW - Margie Lee Howell, 59, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at her home. She is survived by her husband, Reese Howell Sr. of Tickfaw; three daughters, Angie Howell, Wanda Anthony and Liz Price, all of Tickfaw; three sons, Tommy Anthony Sr., Reese Howell Jr. and Jerry Howell Sr., all of Tickfaw; two sisters, Rachael Self LaGroue and Bertha Self McMurray, both of Greenwell Springs; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ethel Lancaster; her father, Willie Self; and three brothers, Charles, Edgar and Lucius Self. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 until 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Felix Howell conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Howell Cemetery, Hammond. JESSE M. MARTIN HOLDEN - Jesse "Jake" M. Martin, 84, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002. He was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran and a retired electrician. He is survived by five daughters, Delores Reed of Colbert, Ga.; Faye Huff of Denham Springs, Yvonne Grantham of Holden, Peggy Hoover of Ponchatoula and Brenda Gatlin of Killian; one sister, Elvia Mack; 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Relma Martin; his second wife, Joyce Martin; his mother, Florence McAllister Martin; his father, Jesse V. Martin; one son, Charles Martin; one brother, Prentiss Martin; and one grandchild. Visitation will be today at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until Gilbert Reese conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, Holden. WILLIAM NULL LORANGER - William Null died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at LSU Lallie Kemp Medical Center in Independence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond. A.G. OLLER TICKFAW - A.G. Oller, 89, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was a native of Winnfield, a retired farmer and a deacon at Antioch Baptist Church in Tickfaw for 49 years. He is survived by his wife, Lois Benton Oller of Tickfaw; three sons, Bobbie Ray Oller, Jay Tracy Oller and A.J. Oller Jr., all of Tickfaw; three daughters, Fay Glascock of Albany, Barbara Ann Wax and Betty Jo Sibley, both of Tickfaw; 18 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.H. and Dovie Ebert Oller; one brother, Walter Oller; and two sisters, Birdie Clement and Ruby Morgan. Visitation will be today at Antioch Baptist Church, Tickfaw, from 6 until 11 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Tickfaw. Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. HEULETTE ADDISON PENTON MANDEVILLE - Heulette Addison Penton, 90, died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2002. She was an alumnus associate of Southeastern Louisiana University, a member of the Golden Pride Club for more than 50 years and a former resident of Hammond. She is survived by one son, Harold Roy Penton II; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Roy Penton Sr.; her parents, Harry S. Addison and Maud Heulet de Viard Addison; three sisters, May Addison, Wilda Varnado and Grace Genossee Addison. Visitation will be today at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday at Mandeville Bible Church, Mandeville, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Mandeville Mausoleum. August 21, 2002 * Willie R. Allen, 62, Hammond * Jerry Lewis Compton Sr., 61, Duncan, Okla. * Henry Crocker Jr., 38, Ponchatoula * Bernard Evans, 53, Wilmer * Ruby Gaude, 82, Mandeville * Anthony D. Jenkins, 33, Independence * William E. Null Sr., 75, Loranger * Glen Edward Simpson, 55, Kentwood * Beatrice Aydell Vicknair, 88, Ponchatoula * Edith Vitter, 86, Ponchatoula WILLIE R. ALLEN Willie R. Allen, 62, died Thursday, Aug. 15, 2002, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Hammond. He is survived by his wife, Rosetta Allen of Hammond; two daughters, Stephanie Marie Allen of New York, N.Y., and Joy Allen of Norfolk, Va.; four sons, Willie Roger Allen Jr. and Jeffrey Wayne Allen, both of Hammond, James Walter Allen of Atlanta and Raymond Allen of Greenville, S.C.; one sister, Marie Green of New York; and two brothers, Issac Allen of Akron, Ohio, and Nathan Allen of Boston. He was preceded in death by his father, Issac Allen Sr.; his mother, Millie Allen; and three brothers, James Walter Green, Shelly Green and Harry Peterson. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 p.m. until the funeral at 8. Dismissal will be Thursday at 11 a.m. with burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. JERRY LEWIS COMPTON SR. DUNCAN, Okla. - Jerry Lewis Compton Sr., 61, died Sunday, July 28, 2002, at Duncan Regional Hospital in Duncan, Okla. He was a native of New Orleans and a graduate of Hammond High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. He became a truck driver and was past owner of Paw-Paws Bar-B-Que and past owner of Paw-Paws Restaurant of Ramada Inn in Hammond. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Hammond. He is survived by his wife, Janice Hines Compton of Duncan; four sons, Troy Compton of Duncan, Jerry Lewis Compton Jr. of Thibodeaux, Scott A. Compton of Diamondhead, Miss., and Terrance "Terry" C. Compton of Metairie; two brothers, Johnny R. Compton of Pumpkin Center and Melvin V. "Jackie" Compton of Hammond; and three sisters, Doris Harper and Ellen C. Trapen, both of Hammond, and Shirley C. Brewer of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.C. and Delma Lott Compton; and one sister, Alice C. Swain. Funeral services were conducted Aug. 1 at Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral Home, Duncan, by the Rev. Harold Brown and the Rev. Joe Ligon. Burial was in Marlow Cemetery, Duncan. HENRY CROCKER JR. PONCHATOULA - Henry Crocker Jr., 38, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, at his home. He is survived by eight sisters, Karen Crocker Walker of Arcola, Lori Kemp of Ponchatoula, Cynthia Kimble of Kenner, Kathy, Catrina and Faith Kimble, all of LaPlace, and Casandra Kimble and Ernetta Kimble; five brothers, Gregory Crocker of Ponchatoula, Shawn, Marvin and Timothy Crocker and Ernest Kimble Jr. The Rev. Morris Payne will conduct the funeral Thursday at Mount Moriah Baptist Church at 7 p.m. Dismissal will be Friday at noon. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. BERNARD EVANS WILMER - Bernard Evans, 53, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at Amite Nursing Home. He was a native of Wilmer. He is survived by one daughter, Eurika Solomon of Tulsa, Okla.; two sisters, B.J. Evans of Wilmer and Lula Mae Evans of Picayune, Miss.; two brothers, Jasper and James Evans, both of Wilmer; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.J. and Ida P. Evans; one brother, Isaac Evans; two sisters, Gloria and Brenda Evans; and her grandparents. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Daniel Crosby will conduct the funeral at Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, Wilmer, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery, Wilmer. RUBY GAUDE MANDEVILLE - Ruby Gaude, 82, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at Heritage Manor, Mandeville. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. ANTHONY D. JENKINS INDEPENDENCE - Anthony D. Jenkins, 33, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, at Louisiana State University Medical Center. He was a native of Independence. He is survived by his wife, Jackie Jenkins; five sons, Anthony D. Bridges of Amite; Anthony D. Jenkins Jr. and Anthony D. Jenkins III, both of Independence, and Davarious T. Robinson and Tycoty D. White; eight daughters, Anterica Bridges, Antoinette and Jessica Smith, and Jessica and Antoinette Foster, all of Amite; Anthanisha Jenkins and Antreona Anderson, both of Independence; and Cheyenne A. Sibley of Hammond; three sisters, Yolanda, Shekeithia and Wanda Jenkins, all of Independence; one brother, Sedrick Deshun Selders of Independence; and his father, Eugene Jenkins of Roseland. He was preceded in death by his mother, Augustine Selders; his grandmothers, Eunice Selders and Mary Jenkins; and his grandfathers, Roosevelt Selders Sr. and Collins Jenkins. Visitation will be Saturday at Greater Refuge Temple Ministries, Amite, from 8 a.m. until Joseph Ricard conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Leonard's Chapel Church Cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. WILLIAM E. NULL SR. LORANGER - William "Billy" E. Null Sr., 75, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at LSU Lallie Kemp Medical Center in Independence. He was a native of Hammond and member of Creekside Baptist Church in Loranger. He served in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Imogene Bailey Null of Loranger; two sons, William E. Null Jr. of Hammond and Danny Null of Loranger; one daughter, Margaret Null Lamonte of Tickfaw; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother, Johnny Null. Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 until 9 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Joiner Cemetery, Loranger. GLEN EDWARD SIMPSON KENTWOOD - Glen Edward Simpson, 55, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at Kentwood Nursing Home. He was a native of McComb, Miss., and a scaffold builder. He is survived by his father, Jewel Edward Simpson of Kentwood; and one sister, Sandra Simpson Arnold of Kentwood. He was preceded in death by his mother, Loudean S. Simpson; and one brother, Kenneth Wayne Simpson. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Bradley Rushing conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. BEATRICE AYDELL VICKNAIR PONCHATOULA - Beatrice Aydell Vicknair, 88, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of French Settlement. She is survived by her husband, Larry Vicknair of Ponchatoula; one son, Ronald Vicknair of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Rachelle Swain of Harvey and Lanelle Wagner of Ponchatoula; two brothers, Eddie and John P. Aydell, both of Baton Rouge; nine grandchildren and 16 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Ada Guitreau; and one brother, Alvin Aydell. Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 8:30 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Mausoleum. EDITH VITTER PONCHATOULA - Edith Vitter, 86, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at Live Oak Village, Hammond. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. August 22, 2002 * Hillray Bell, 50, Ponchatoula * Emanuel J. Bornes Jr., 90, Independence * Leroy C. Butler, Oakland, Calif. * Mike Davidson, 58, Kentwood * Ruby Acosta Gaude, 82, Mandeville * Lena Guiffreda, 85, New Orleans * George McKenney, 59, Hammond * Otis K. Purvis, 83, Holden * Bessie G. Rutland, 89, Arcola * Ruth Simmons, 70, Hammond * Edith P. Varnado Vitter, 86, Ponchatoula HILLRAY BELL PONCHATOULA - Hillray Bell, 50, died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Tylertown, Miss. The funeral was today, and burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. EMANUEL J. BORNES JR. INDEPENDENCE - Emanuel J. "E.J." Bornes Jr., 90, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at Slidell Memorial Hospital. He was a native of Rosedale and a retired roofer and sheet metal mechanic. He is survived by his wife, Margaret R. Bornes of Independence; two daughters, Virginia Bornes Fontenot of Paulina and Leota Bornes "Le" Cambetta of Independence; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Emanuel J. Bornes Sr.; his mother, Vella Virginia Dardenne Bornes; one daughter, Mary Vella Bornes; his stepmother, Aline Harper Bornes Hartman; five brothers, Derby, Julius, Bernard, Alton and Robert Paul; five sisters, Alva, Myrth, Audrey, Hannah and Mary Edith; one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be Saturday at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Paul McDuffie conducts the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Colonial Mausoleum, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. LEROY C. BUTLER OAKLAND, Calif. - Leroy C. Butler died Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002, after a lengthy illness. He was a native of Amite and a veteran of the Korean War. He is survived by his son, Leroy "Ricky" Butler Jr of Oakland, Calif.; one sister, Idell Butler of Los Angeles; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Eliza Daniels Butler; four brothers, Oscar Jr., Elvin, Theodore and James; and two sisters, Grace and Elmira. The funeral will be Friday at C.P. Bannon Mortuary, Okland, Calif. MIKE DAVIDSON KENTWOOD - Mike "Gator Bait" Davidson, 58, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Chesbrough, a subcontract coordinator and a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, Velma T. Davidson of Kentwood; two daughters, Michelle R. Davidson of Sulphur and Lisa A. Sensat of Sulphur; one son, Mike Eugene Davidson of Las Cruces, N.M.; one brother, Billy Davidson of Chesbrough; five grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose Lee Davidson; his father, T.J. Davidson; and two brothers, Ivy Davidson and Jimmy Davidson. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Chris Watkins conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg. RUBY ACOSTA GAUDE MANDEVILLE - Ruby Acosta Gaude, 82, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at Heritage Manor, Mandeville. She was a native of Bogalusa and a member of the Slidell Noon Lioness Club. She is survived by her husband, Herman J. "Pete" Gaude of Mandeville; one son, Harold Stevenson of Lake Charles; two sisters, Myrtis Statham of Bogalusa, and Alice Hall of Salanis, Calif.; one brother, Eric Acosta of Covington; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene Blanchard Acosta and Eric Acosta. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. LENA GUIFFREDA NEW ORLEANS - Lena "Lynn" Guiffreda, 85, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Touro Infirmary, New Orleans. She was a native of Tickfaw. She is survived by two sisters, Patricia and Ann Guiffreda, both of New Orleans; and three brothers, Pat Guiffreda Jr. of Tickfaw, Roy Guiffreda of Brookhaven, Miss., and Frank Guiffreda of Ponchatoula. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pasquale and Virginia Giaratano Guiffreda; one brother, Phillip Guiffreda; and two sisters, Sarah Guiffreda and Mary G. Sheehan. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9 a.m. until Wallace Gainey conducts the funeral at noon. Burial will be in Tickfaw Cemetery. GEORGE MCKENNEY George McKenney, 59, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He is survived by two daughters, Alichia McKenney of Chicago and Jacqueline Yvette McKenney of Washington, D.C.; one son, George McKenney of Chicago; one sister, Rebecca Ward of East St. Louis, Ill.; three brothers, James McKenney of Corona, Calif., Joe Lee McKenney of Las Vegas and Shelby McKenney of East St. Louis, Ill.; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be Friday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. L.T. Maryland will conduct the funeral Saturday at Lincoln Park Baptist Church, Hammond, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. OTIS K. PURVIS HOLDEN - Otis K. Purvis, 83, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. He was a native of Independence and U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by one son, Arnold Purvis of Albany; four daughters, Mildred Oliphant of Holden, Peggy Kirby of Denham Springs, Debbie Richard of Baton Rouge and Pam Arnold of Albany; one sister, Irene Starns of Baton Rouge; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Othella Purvis; one daughter, Mary Jean Purvis; and one grandchild. Visitation will be Friday at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Tommy Stevens, the Rev. Carl Sullivan and the Rev. Bobby Carroll conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery, north of Walker. BESSIE G. RUTLAND ARCOLA - Bessie G. Rutland, 89, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood. She was a native of Scanlon and a housewife. She is survived by three daughters, Sherry Meyn and Peggy Wall, both of Arcola, and Alice Frazier of Kentwood; one son, Buddy Rutland of Arcola; four grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ollie Rutland; one sister, Ola Brown; one brother, Henry Golman; her parents, Tom and Alice Travis Golmon; and one grandchild. Visitation will be Friday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Starrett Cleveland conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Arcola- Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. RUTH SIMMONS Ruth "Ma Ruth" Simmons, 70, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by two daughters, Marilyn Jones and Loretta Severan, both of Hammond; three sons, Robert Simmons of St. Louis, Jewel Simmons of Manessa, Va., and Johnny Simmons of Baton Rouge; two brothers, Robert Lee and Willie Williams Jr., both of Chicago. Visitation will be Friday at Greenfield Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Jerry Hanible will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. EDITH P. VARNADO VITTER PONCHATOULA - Edith P. Varnado Vitter, 86, died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2002, at Live Oak Village, Hammond. She was a native of Brookhaven, Miss., a member of First Baptist Church of Ponchatoula and the Order of the Eastern Star, Kappa Iota, Delta Kappa Gamma, Gardenettes and the Strawberry Patch Quilters. She also taught first grade in Ponchatoula for 25 years. She is survived by one daughter, Margaret Sue Varnado Bailey of Ponchatoula; one stepdaughter, Shirley Ann Vitter Darouse of Albany; one stepson, R.W. "Bobby" Vitter Jr. of Ponchatoula; one brother, Jay C. Potter of Brookhaven, Miss.; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday at First Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Delta, 100 Smart Place, Slidell, LA 70458. August 23, 2002 * Theodore McCray Sr., 70, Amite * George McKenney, 59, Hammond * Reba Addison Owens, 85, Albany THEODORE MCCRAY SR. AMITE - Theodore McCray Sr., 70, died Aug. 20, 2002, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Covington. He was a native of Dennis Mill and a member of the Pride of Baton Rouge Lodge 210. He is survived by one son, Theodore McCray Jr. of Amite; three sisters, Carolyn Smith of New Orleans, Doris Shelton of California and Deloris Nichols of Las Vegas; five brothers, Warren McCray Sr. and Edward McCray, both of Denham Springs; Wilbert McCray of Natchez, Miss.; Norman McCray of Seattle; and Thorton McCray of Tacoma, Wash.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Yvonne McCray; and one son, Kirk McCray. Visitation will be Sunday at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church, Dennis Mill, with Masonic rites at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Francis Williams will conduct the funeral Monday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Rocky Hill Cemetery, Greensburg. MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Denham Springs, is in charge. GEORGE MCKENNEY George McKenney, 59, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by two daughters, Alichia McKenney of Chicago and Jacqueline Yvette McKenney of Washington, D.C.; one son, George McKenney of Chicago; one sister, Rebecca Ward of East St. Louis, Ill.; three brothers, James McKenney of Corona, Calif., Joe Lee McKenney of Las Vegas and Shelby McKenney of East St. Louis, Ill.; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. L.T. Maryland will conduct the funeral Saturday at Lincoln Park Baptist Church, Hammond, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Jefferson Barricks National Cemetery, St. Louis. REBA ADDISON OWENS ALBANY - Reba Addison Owens, 85, died Friday, Aug. 23, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Natalbany and a member of Wardline Baptist Church. She is survived by four sons, Leroy Owens of Holden, Paul Owens of Ponchatoula, Max Owens and Rodney Owens, both of Albany; one daughter, Lily Owens Williams of Baptist; 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph H. Owens; her parents, Esco and Lillie Albin Addison; two sons, Don and Dick Owens; two brothers, Bud and Johnny Addison; and one grandchild. Visitation will be Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Mitch Williams conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery. August 25, 2002 * Delma Populis * Jewell Stamey Jenkins * Oscar Jones Sr. * Norford "Butch" Ladner DELMA POPULIS SLIDELL - Delma Populis, 74, died Friday, Aug. 23, 2002, at his residence in Slidell. He was a native of Amite and an engineer class III. He is survived by his wife, Rita Buchholz of Slidell; three daughters, Debralee Ann Populis and Betty Jean Bankston, both of Hammond, and Edith Faye West of Poplarville, Miss.; two sons, Edward Delma Populis and Eric Jason Populis, both of Slidell; two sisters, Thelma P. Gordon of Gretna, and Ives P. Ryan of Metairie; a brother, Denver Populis of Chalmette; a foster-brother, Fred C. Anthony of Gulfport, Miss.; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Beulah Anthony Populis; five sisters, Evelyn P. Wallace, Lucy P. Clement, Mildred P. Hemphill, Inez Populis and Iona P. Wallace; and two brothers, Dallas O. Populis and Albert D. Populis. Visitation will be Monday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services are conducted by the Revs. Elester Raines and Marshall Wallace at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Lawrence Memorial Gardens, Independence. JEWELL STAMEY JENKINS BEDICO - Jewell Stamey Jenkins, 54, died Friday, Aug. 23, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Agusta, Ga. She is survived by three daughters, Mary Newcomb of Roxoboro, N.C., Julie Ann Dewitt of Bedico and Curlise Hazelwood of Mandeville; three sons, Matthew James Murphy of North Carolina, Curtis Odel Church of Pennsylvania and Charles Samuel Church of Milton, N.C.; and eight granchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Janie Dubose Stamey. Visitation will be Monday at Harry McNeely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Rev. Leo Miller will conduct the funeral in the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Bedico Community Cemetery. OSCAR JONES SR. Oscar Jones Sr., 99, died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002. He was a farmer and a native of Mississippi. He is survived by seven daughters, Maxine Wells, Lavern Harrell and Lenora Carter, all of Magnolia, Miss., Annette Smiley of Kokomo, Miss., Maggie Tate and Genora Abron, both of Hammond, and Thelma Kennedy of McComb, Miss.; four sons, Eld. Sam Jones, Johnny Jones and Wilkey Jones, all of Magnolia, Miss., and Oscar Jones Jr. of Long Beach, Calif.; a sister, Oreatha Wells of McComb, Miss.; grandchildren; a host of great-grand children; and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Jones and Courtney Davis; two daughters, Rosabell Jones and Mary Ann Jones; and five brothers. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home from 6 to 8. The Rev. Oscar Jones Jr. will conduct the funeral Monday at Jones Chapel C.O.G.I.C., Magnolia, Miss., at 11 a.m. Burial will be in New Home Missionary Baptist Church, Magnolia, Miss. NORFORD "BUTCH" LADNER METAIRIE - Norford "Butch" Ladner, 69, died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002, at Ochsner Foundation Hospital, Jefferson. He was an equipment operator and a native Delisle, Miss. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Della C. Ladner of Metarie; a daughter, Fay Stephenson of Wiggins, Miss.; three sisters, Gloria Harshbarger, Patsy Farragut and Elaine Pavolini, all of Pass Christian, Miss.; a brother, Harry Ladner of Pass Christian, Miss.; five granchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnel and Virgie Ladner; and a daughter, Shirley P. LeBlanc. Visitation will be Friday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Deacon Al Zeringue will conduct the funeral Saturday at St. Dominic Catholic Church at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in St. Dominic Cemetery in Husser. August 26, 2002 * Jeanette Resetar Higginbotham, 55, Livingston * Thomas Sarver, 70, Hammond JEANETTE RESETAR HIGGINBOTHAM LIVINGSTON - Jeanette Resetar Higginbotham, 55, died Friday, Aug. 23, 2003, at Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. She was a retired school teacher of Doyle Elementary and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She is survived by her husband, Sterling Higginbotham of Livingston; one daughter, Dayna Jeanette Higginbotham; two sons, Kenneth Ryan and Sterling Joseph Higginbotham; three sisters, Diane, Mary and Carolyn; two brothers, Donald and Theodore "Ted"; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Good Resetar; and one brother, Raymond. Visitation will be today at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, from 6 to 10 p.m. with a a rosary at 7 and Tuesday from 8 until 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Albany, at 10. Burial will be in the church cemetery. THOMAS SARVER Thomas "Jack" Sarver, 70, died Thursday, Aug. 22, 2002, at Metropolitan Hospice, Jefferson. He was a resident of Tangipahoa Parish and a native of Cincinnati. He was a retired employee of Avondale Industries. He is survived by his wife, Vietta Friloux Sarver of Kentwood; one son, Thomas James Sarver of Destrahan; one daughter, Brenda Sarver Smith of Kentwood; four grandchildren and one great- grandchild. James Miller conducted a graveside service today at Holy Rosary Cemetery, Taft. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. August 27, 2002 * Robert Charles Dyson Jr., 53, Varnado * Gladys Overmier Miskel Kelley, 76, Loranger * Ronald D. Kives, Terrebonne * A.G. Oller, 89, Tickfaw * Jennie Penn Tate, 86, Ponchatoula * Eugene Joseph Veillon, 59, Independence * Samuel Hugh Wallace, 76, Holden * Leah Shell Wooley, 89, Monroe ROBERT CHARLES DYSON JR. VARNADO - Robert Charles Dyson Jr., 53, died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, at Bogalusa Community Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Jessie Crosby Dyson of Varnado; four sons, Robert Charles Dyson III of Franklinton, Gary Wayne Dyson of Bogalusa, Michael Edward and Joseph Shane Holland, both of Varnado; three daughters, Cythia Elaine Herring of Franklinton, Susan Danette Blake of Jackson, Miss., Cheryle Lee Davis of Bogalusa; seven brothers, Eddie Dyson of Angie, Jimmie Ray Dyson, Early Dyson and Richard Dyson, all of Bogalusa, Joey Dyson of Carrier, Miss., Freddie Dyson of Varnado and Tony Dyson of Lumberton, Miss.; two sisters, Neva Lee Dyson and Norman Gail Frazier, both of Hammond; 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Charles Dyson Sr. and Evie Creel Dyson; and one grandchild. Visitation will be today at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home, Bogalusa, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Rupert Breland conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Ponemah Cemetery. GLADYS OVERMIER MISKEL KELLEY LORANGER - Gladys Overmier Miskel Kelley, 76, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center, Independence. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. RONALD D. KIVES TERREBONNE - Ronald "Ronny" D. Kives died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002. He is survived by his wife, Ann Houser Kives; one daughter, Tiffany Falanga; one son, Kevin J. Kives; his mother, Katie Martin Kives; one brother, Bryan A. Kives; one sister, Sandra K. Cronin; and one grandchild. He was preceded in death by his father, Alexander Kives Jr. Visitation will be today at Tharp Sontheimer Funeral Home, Metairie, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Jefferson Memorial Gardens. A.G. OLLER TICKFAW - A.G. Oller, 89, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a retired farmer and deacon at Antioch Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Lois Benton Oller of Tickfaw; three sons, Bobbie Ray, Jay Tracey and A.J. Oller Jr., all of Tickfaw; three daughters, Fay Glascock of Albany, Barbara Ann Wax and Betty Jo Sibley, both of Tickfaw; one sister, Adel Benton of Tickfaw; 18 grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.H. and Dovie Ebert Oller; one brother, Walter Oller; two sisters, Birdie Clement and Ruby Morgan. Visitation will be Tuesday at Antioch Baptist Church, Tickfaw, from 6 to 11 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. JENNIE PENN TATE PONCHATOULA - Jennie Penn Tate, 86, died Monday, Aug. 26, 2002, at Baton Rouge General Hospital. She is survived by one son, David Allen Tate of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Addie Barlow Penn Morris of Ponchatoula and Emma Penn Efferson of Baton Rouge; one brother, Roy Penn of Hammond; one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis "Bill" Tate; three brothers, Abraham, John Williams and George Martin Penn; and her parents, Martin George and Carrie Mae Lavigne Penn. Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Jackie Palmer conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. EUGENE JOSEPH VEILLON INDEPENDENCE - Eugene Joseph Veillon, 59, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, at his home. He was a native of New Orleans, and a U.S. Navy veteran of Vietnam. He is a member of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Houston and Memphis Cactus and Succulent societies, Louisiana Fern and Cycad Society, Houston and Memphis Cactus and Louisiana Palm Society. He is survived by his wife, Jean Boone Veillon of Independence; one daughter, Jeanine O'Neill- Blackwell of Covington; one son, Gene J. Veillon Jr. of Covington; his parents, Rudy and Ermine Verbeek Veillon of Metairie; one sister, Linda Buuck of Baton Rouge; one brother, Larry Veillon of Metairie; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. SAMUEL HUGH WALLACE HOLDEN - Samuel Hugh Wallace, 76, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Mellville and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He is survived by five daughters, Sammi Rigsby of Holden, Judy Wallace of Hammond, Linda Felts of Meridian, Miss., Sandra Golland of Seymour, Ind., and Carol Ann Wallace of Metairie; three sisters, Elaine Johnson of Krotz Springs, Elizabeth Belgrade of Santa Clara, Calif., and Fredith Rester of Richlands, N.C.; one brother, James Wallace of Krotz Springs; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Laura Emberton. Burial was Aug. 9 in Sandhill Cemetery . Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, was in charge. LEAH SHELL WOOLEY MONROE - Leah Shell Wooley, 89, died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, at her home. She was a native of Chatham and a former resident of Hammond. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, PEO, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She is survived by her daughter, Frances Gregory; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.B. Wooley; her parents, Josh and Fannie Shell; one brother, Jake Shell; and one grandchild. The Rev. Paul Nazarian conducted a graveside service Monday at Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Monroe, was in charge. August 28, 2002 * Milton Bradley Gomez Sr., 78, Hammond * Glenda Faye Grant, 43, Hammond * Michelle Nicole Hoyt, 20 months, Holden * Gladys Overmier Miskel Kelley, 76, Loranger * Edith F. McGehee, 87, Kentwood * Thelma Milton Taylor, 90, Robert * James M. Thompson, 75, Baptist MILTON BRADLEY GOMEZ SR. Milton Bradley Gomez Sr., 78, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of New Orleans, retired from Louisiana Gas Service Co. and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by his parents, Sydney and Vera Griffin Gomez; one sister, Juanita Carr; two brothers, Lucius and Sydney Gomez. Visitation will be today at First Baptist Church, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Thursday from noon until the Rev. Tom Cobb conducts the funeral at 3:30 p.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. GLENDA FAYE GRANT Glenda Faye Grant, 43, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was employed with Sanderson Farms. She is survived by her father, Mose Miller; five daughters, Janice, Tabitha, Anita, Inetta and Angela Grant; two sons, Reginald and Sedrick Grant; 10 sisters, Shirley Pea, Linda, Brenda, Rose, Carlese, Jacqueline and Carolyn Grant, Mary Moore, Peggy Ann Johnson and Regina Miller; four brothers, Author Lee Route, Calvin Grant, John Frazier and Morris Miller; and 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Annie Mae Route; and two sisters, Norma Jean Route and Janice Grant. The Rev. Morris Payne will conduct the funeral Thursday at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Hammond, at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. MICHELLE NICOLE HOYT HOLDEN - Michelle Nicole Hoyt, 20 months, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at Children's Hospital, New Orleans. She is survived by her parents, Jeremy C. Hoyt and Connie Marie Shirley Guidry, both of Holden; one sister, Alexis Brooke Guidry of Holden; her maternal grandmother and stepgrandfather, Mary G. Shirley and Dale Leindecker of Holden; her maternal grandfather, Jacque A. Shirley of Metairie; her paternal grandmother, Hazel Pierson of Livingston; her paternal grandfather and stepgrandmother, Carter and Jeanie Hoyt of Centerville; her maternal great-grandmother, Francis Olah Moss of River Ridge; her great-grandparents, W.C. "Bunk" and Barbara Hoyt of Centerville, Julius and Gladys Williams of Woodville, Miss., and Leon and Beulah Pierson of Livingston. She was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Connie and Carl Shirley Jr. and Gilbert Gutierrez Sr. Visitation will be today at Faith Apostolic Church, Holden, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. until the Rev. Ray Hudson conducts the funeral at noon. Burial will be in James Chapel Cemetery, Holden. Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is in charge. GLADYS OVERMIER MISKEL KELLEY LORANGER - Gladys Overmier Miskel Kelley, 76, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence. She was a native of Loranger and a member of Loranger Methodist Church, Busy Bee Homemakers Association and was retired from BellSouth having served as an operator. She was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers and CWA Union. She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Lee of Hammond and Vicki Bennett of Robert; one brother, George Overmier of Robert; five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Louis Miskel; her second husband, Leonard Thomas Kelley; one sister, Annabelle Buchanan; two brothers, Gary and Carl Overmier; and her parents, Glide and Nancy Rogers Overmier. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 until 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Emile Tosso conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Loranger Community Cemetery. EDITH F. MCGEHEE KENTWOOD - Edith F. McGehee, 87, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood. She was a native of Pike County, Miss., and a housewife. She is survived by one daughter, Peggy M. Stogner of Kentwood; one son, Webster N. McGehee of Kentwood; three sisters, Arlea Sims of Pearl River, Bonnie Wasson of Georgia and Lockie Nicholas of Baton Rouge; one brother, Weldon Fortenberry of Kentwood; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, I.M. McGehee; one sister, Pansy Blades; and three brothers, Clifton, Gilbert and Karl Fortenberry. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 until 9 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. John Henry and the Rev. Jerry Dye conduct the funeral at 10. Burial will be in East Fork Cemetery, East Fork. THELMA MILTON TAYLOR ROBERT - Thelma Milton Taylor, 90, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Hammond. She was a native of Walker. She is survived by one daughter, Doris Chustz of Robert; one son, Wylie Taylor of Hammond; two brothers, Monroe Milton Jr. and Austin Milton, both of Robert; 12 grandchildren, 14 great- grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Monroe and Mary Allen Milton; one son, Kenneth "Pat" Taylor; two brothers, Gerald and George Milton; and two sisters, Elma Bosarge and Doris Wells. Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. James Ray Robertson conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Red Oak Cemetery, Livingston. JAMES M. THOMPSON BAPTIST - James M. Thompson, 75, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at his home. He is survived by two sons, James L. Thompson of Baptist and Jessie Thompson Sr. of Natalbany; four daughters, Linda T. Valenti, Shirley Thompson and Lisa T. Harper, all of Baptist and Margaret T. Werfel of Hammond; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorena McDonald Thompson; six infant children; one grandchild; his parents; two brothers; and five sisters. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 until 9 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Carl Sullivan conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in James M. Thompson Cemetery. August 29, 2002 * Debra Ann Carter, 49, Gonzales * Catherine Camarata Finch, 77, Gonzales * Nicholas Raymond Gebbia Sr., 80, Hammond * Milton Bradley Gomez Sr., 78, Hammond * Glenda Faye Grant, 43, Hammond * Stanley Harold Howes, 74, Monroe * Theodore Kelly, 79, Covington * Roderick Lee, 19, Greensburg * Margaret Mansour Pearson, 88, Hammond DEBRA ANN CARTER GONZALES - Debra Ann "Debbie" Carter, 49, died Monday, Aug. 26, 2002, at Albany. She was a native of New Orleans and a convenience store manager. She is survived by one daughter, Victoria Boyce of Gonzales; one son, Thomas Nunnery of Gonzales; her mother, Helen Castillo Jr. of Kenner; her stepfather, Jose Luis Castillo Jr. of Kenner; six sisters, Sandra Robertson, Cindy Romero, Robin Harris, Betsy Combetta, Jacqueline Paysee and Jody Jenkins; one brother, John George VanderMolen IV; five grandchildren; three stepsisters, Catherine Smith, Alicia Dalesandro and Regina Moran; and two stepbrothers, Jose Castillo and Francisco Castillo. Visitation will be Saturday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until the Rev. Keith Crider conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. CATHERINE CAMARATA FINCH GONZALES - Catherine "Katie" Camarata Finch, 77, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at Canon Health Care Center, New Orleans. She was a native of Independence, a local radio and television personality and a nurse. She is survived by two sons, Joseph W. McLin Jr. of Hammond and James M. McLin of Gonzales; two brothers, Russell and Nunzio Camarata; one sister, Jennie C. Lloyd; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marino and Jennie Lagattuta Camarata; one brother, Benny Camarata; and one sister, Mary C. Lupo. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Colonial Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. NICHOLAS RAYMOND GEBBIA SR. Nicholas Raymond "Pops" Gebbia Sr., 80, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at his home. He was a native of Tickfaw, a Tangipahoa Parish sheriff's deputy and a World War II veteran. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Grace Gebbia of Hammond; two sons, Sam Gebbia of Covington and Nick Gebbia Jr. of Slidell; one daughter, Sandra G. Curole of Slidell; one stepson, Larry Macaluso Jr. of Ponchatoula; three stepdaughters, Cheryl M. Clark of Holden, Carla M. Kirkland of Loranger and Lisa M. Genco of Hammond; two sisters, Mary Gonzales of Arabi and Lou Bova of Baton Rouge; two brothers, Charles Gebbia of Oaks Ridge and Jim Gebbia of Independence; 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Santina Macaluso Gebbia; his parents, Sam and Santa Bravata Gebbia; one brother, John Gebbia; an infant brother, Joseph Gebbia; and three sisters, Lena Musacchia, Margaret Knight and Ann Bittel. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. Mass will be at Holy Ghost Catholic Church at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Tickfaw Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond 70404 or to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 601 N. Oak St., Hammond 70401. MILTON BRADLEY GOMEZ SR. Milton Bradley Gomez Sr., 78, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of New Orleans, retired from Louisiana Gas Service Co. and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived his wife, Clara Bernard Gomez of Hammond; one daughter, Irene Gomez Schafer of Pumpkin Center; one son, Milton Bradley Gomez, Ponchatoula; two sisters, Velora Lipscomb of Baton Rouge and Margaret Wascom of Hammond; two brothers, Wilfred "Lee" Gomez and Frank Gomez of Holden; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sydney and Vera Griffin Gomez; one sister, Juanita Carr; and two brothers, Lucius and Sydney Gomez. The Rev. Tom Cobb conducted the funeral today, and burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. GLENDA FAYE GRANT Glenda Faye Grant, 43, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond, as the result of an automobile accident. She was employed with Sanderson Farms. She is survived by her father, Mose Miller of Hammond; five daughters, Janice, Tabitha, Anita, Inetta and Angela Grant, all of Hammond; two sons, Reginald and Sedrick Grant, both of Hammond; 10 sisters, Shirley Pea of Albany, Linda Grant of Tickfaw, Brenda, Jacqueline, and Peggy Ann Johnson, all of Ponchatoula; Rose, Charlene and Carolyn Grant, Mary Moore and Regina Miller, all of Hammond; four brothers, Author Lee Route and Calvin Grant, both of Ponchatoula; John Frazier of Hammond and Morris Miller of Springfield; and 10 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Annie Mae Route Grant; two sisters, Norma Jean Route and Janice Grant; and two brothers, William Grant and Joseph Miller. The Rev. Morris Payne will conduct the funeral today at Mount Moriah Baptist Church, Hammond, at 7 p.m. Dismissal will be Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. STANLEY HAROLD HOWES MONROE - Stanley Harold Howes, 74, died Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at North Monroe Medical Center. A native of Ponchatoula, he was a Merchant Marine during World War II and a U.S. Army staff sergeant during the Korean War where he received a Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He was a member of Masonic Lodge, Shrine Temple and the Disabled American Veterans, and a former member of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Reserve Unit. He is survived by his children, Fritz Howes of Homer, Kurt Howes of Shreveport, Lisa Maria Howes of Clemmons, N.C.; one brother, Travis Howes of Independence; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Edward and Olga Fischer Howes. Visitation will be Friday at Mulhearn Funeral Home, Monroe, from 4 p.m. until the funeral at 6. Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport 71103. THEODORE KELLY COVINGTON - Theodore Kelly, 79, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2002. He was a former carpenter. He is survived by two daughters, Margie Ray of Slidell and Tommie McCormick of Covington; two sons, Morris Kelly and Noel Payne, both of Covington; three sisters, Carrie Cyprian of Covington, Priscilla Jackson of Huntsville, Ala., Jeridene Thomas of New Orleans; four brothers, George Kelly, Elijah Kelly, Jacob Kelly and Joseph Kelly, all of Covington; and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Priscilla Wyatt; and his father, George Kelly Sr. The Rev. Otis Brumfield will conduct the funeral Friday at First Baptist Church, Covington, at 8 p.m. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Wilson's Cemetery. Richardson's Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. RODERICK LEE GREENSBURG - Roderick Lee, 19, died Sunday, Aug. 25, 2002, at St. Helena Hospital, Greensburg. He was a native of Greensburg. He is survived by nine sisters, Edwina Knox of New Orleans, Audrey Alvinson of Startanburg, S.C.; Melverlin Jackson, Alma Wicker and Elaine Spears, all of Greensburg, Burnett Spooner, Sylvia Bryer and Idora Jackson, all of Baton Rouge, and Georgie Brumfield of Roseland; two brothers, Percy Wardell Lee of Greensburg and Osborne Gordon of Baton Rouge; his mother, Nancy Lee Clark of Greensburg; and his grandmother, Velma Lee of Greensburg. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert D. Lee; and one brother, John David Gordon Jr. Visitation will be Friday at Turner Chapel Church, Greensburg, from 7 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Stanley Carter will conduct the funeral Saturday at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Richardson's Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. MARGARET MANSOUR PEARSON Margaret Mansour Pearson, 88, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Hammond, she was a member of the Kaycee Ladies Auxiliary of Hammond and St. Albert the Great Catholic Student Center. She is survived by one son, Michael Pearson of Hammond; two stepsons, Michael Allen Pearson of California and Roy Pearson of Ohio; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Pearson; her parents, Joseph and Mary Shaheen Mansour; two brothers, Mike and Alcide Mansour; and one sister, Frances M. Joseph. Visitation will be Friday at St. Albert the Great Catholic Student Center, Hammond, from 2 p.m. until the funeral at 4. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. August 30, 2002 * Joe Wayne Cutrer * Catherine Camarata Finch * Donnie Nickie Lorio * Mamie Varisco Reiss * Leonard M. Sherman * Robert Lee Taylor * Avery Hosea Willie JOE WAYNE CUTRER AMITE - Joe Wayne Cutrer, 51, died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond following an accident at Ponchatoula High School. A native and resident of Amite, he was a self-employed electrician and a firefighter for Tangipahoa Parish Fire District 1. He is survived by his wife, Linda "Puddin" Cavaretta Cutrer; a daughter, Heather Ashlee Cutrer; his mother, Louise Henry Cutrer Murphy; his father, Edward Cutrer; and a brother, Bruce Edward Cutrer, all of Amite. His stepfather, J.B. "Buddy" Murphy, preceded him in death. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 until 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite. CATHERINE CAMARATA FINCH GONZALES - Catherine "Katie" Camarata Finch, 77, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2002, at Canon Health Care Center, New Orleans. She was a native of Independence, local radio and television personality, and a nurse. Survivors include her husband, Willie Z. Finch; two sons, Joseph W. McLin Jr. of Hammond and James M. McLin of Gonzales; two brothers, Russell and Nunzio Camarata; a sister, Jennie C. Lloyd; and a grandchild. Her parents, Marino and Jennie Lagattuta Camarata, preceded her in death as did a brother, Benny Camarata, and a sister, Mary C. Lupo. The funeral was today with burial in Colonial Mausoleum, Independence. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. DONNIE NICKIE LORIO BATON ROUGE - Donnie Nickie Lorio, 52, a native of Independence and resident of Baton Rouge, died Monday, Aug. 26, 2002, at Earl K. Long Medical Center in Baton Rouge. He is survived by two sisters, Rosemary Merriett and Sherry Thomas, both of Watson, and a brother, Sal Lorio of Baton Rouge. His parents were the late Kelly and Josephine Perise Lorio. The funeral will be at Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, Saturday at 11 a.m. Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. MAMIE VARISCO REISS Mamie Varisco Reiss, 87, died Monday, Aug. 26, 2002. She was a graduate of Hotel Dieu School of Nursing in New Orleans. Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Morreale of Middleton, N.J.; a sister, Angeline Latuso of Gonzales; and a grandchild. Her husband was the late Alexander Reiss, and her parents were the late Biaggio and Mary Ann Cali Varisco. Five sisters, Virginia Spatara, Frances Greenburg, Josephine Price, Rose Cagnato and Crusafine Magro also preceded her in death. The funeral was Tuesday at Beth David Memorial Gardens in Hollywood, Fla. LEONARD M. SHERMAN Leonard M. Sherman, 95, died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was a retired employee of Georgia-Pacific in Plaquemine and a longtime member of Local 60. He is survived by his wife, Mary Rose Sherman of Hammond; four daughters, Mary C. Doyle of Columbia, Mo., Judy Sherman of Albany, Patricia Neihaus and Karen Bates, both of Ponchatoula; a son, Kenny Sherman of Albany; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alice Murphy Sherman; his second wife, Mildred Peters Sherman; a son, William F. Sherman; and his parents, William Marion and Laura Mae Tuttle Sherman. Visitation will be Sunday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 1 p.m. until the Rev. Vernis Wolfe conducts the funeral at 3. Burial will be in Wetmore Cemetery, Ponchatoula. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William F. Sherman, MD Memorial Scholarship at the SLU Development Foundation. ROBERT LEE TAYLOR ROSELAND - Robert Lee Taylor, 49, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2002, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center in Independence. He was a native of Amite. Survivors include his wife, Brenda B. Taylor of Roseland; a son, Jabon J.A. Thomas of Okinawa, Japan; three daughters, Shyra Lynne Taylor Hornsby of Charlotte, N.C., TenČ Ngina Taylor of Amite and Sh·lin Breon Taylor of Roseland; a sister, Crystal Hutton of Kalamazoo, Mich.; four brothers, Ellis James Taylor, Louis Taylor and Randal Hutton, all of Amite and Duane Hutton of Kansas City, Mo.; and one grandchild. His parents were the late Ellis and Rose Lee Taylor. The Rev. Larry D. Lucas Sr. conducted the funeral Thursday at Greater Community COGIC, Amite, with burial in Butler Cemetery, Amite. Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. AVERY HOSEA WILLIE FOLSOM - Avery Hosea Willie, 73, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2002, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. He was a native and resident of Folsom, a U.S. Army veteran of Korea and a member of Live Oak Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Fayette Lester Willie of Folsom; a daughter, Kathy Willie Gueldner of Loranger; two sons, Darwin Willie of Tickfaw and David Willie of Hammond; a sister, Yvonne Walz of Ponchatoula; two brothers, Charles and Joe Willie, both of Folsom; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His parents, Hosea and Verna Thompson Willie, and two brothers, Hessie and Edward Willie, preceded him in death. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Saturday from 6 until 9 p.m. and at Live Oak Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, Sunday from noon until the Rev. Clyde Cooper conducts the funeral at 2. Burial will be in Wilson-Willie Cemetery.