Obituaries from THE HAMMOND DAILY STAR, Dec. 2001; Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, LA. Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Jan, 2002 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ December 02, 2001 * Ronnie Bennett Bennett, 50, Sitman Heights * Bessie Newcomb Compton, 81, Hammond. * Hampton Dozar Jr., 66, Albany. * Meveline Lewis Holmes, 62, Independence. RONNIE BENNETT BENNETT SITMAN HEIGHTS - Ronnie Bennett Bennett, 50, died in his home in Sitman Heights Thursday, Nov. 29, 2001, from a lingering illness. He lived in New Orleans and taught at L.E. Rabouin High School until 1994, when he moved to St. Helena Parish. He received a bachelor's degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and was a member of various teachers' associations throughout the state. He attended Abundant Life Church on Wardline Road in Hammond. Survivors include his sister, Mildred B. McDaniel of Pine Grove; brothers, Edgar L. Bennett and Louis Earl Bennett, both of Amite; and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents, Homer L. Bennett and Janie L. Bennett, and two brothers, Luther Bennett and Jerry Bennett, preceded him in death. Visitation will be today from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite and Monday from 8 until the funeral at 10 a.m. The Rev. Lloyd Blount will conduct the funeral with burial at Shiloh Cemetery. BESSIE NEWCOMB COMTPON Bessie Newcomb Compton, 81, died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Laurel, Miss., and resided in Hammond. Survivors include a daughter, Betty C. Whann, Ponchatoula; sons, John Compton Sr. and Francis D. Compton Jr., both of Hammond, and Bill Compton and Ronnie Compton, both of Ponchatoula; 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Her parents, Julius and Rosa Hill Newcomb, preceded her in death as did her husband, Francis D. Compton Sr.; a son, Kenneth Compton Sr.; a grandson, a sister and three brothers. Visitiation will be at Harry McKneely & Son in Hammond today from 5 to 9 p.m. and Monday from 8 until the funeral at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at Ponchatoula Cemetery. HAMPTON DOZAR JR. ALBANY - Hampton Dozar Jr., 66, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was an Albany native, served in the Merchant Marines and retired from AFL Local 102 with Jacob's Engineering. He was a member of Goodwill Baptist Church in Albany. Survivors include his wife, Diane Dennis Dozar of Albany; two daughters, Barbara Ann Morgan of Ruth, Miss., and Rosemary Walters of Sandersonville, Miss.; two sons, Paul Dozar of Sulphur, and James Dozar of Albany; a sister, Audrey Plaisance of Bayou Vista; five brothers, Johnny Dozar of Morgan City, Robert Dozar of Orange, Texas, C.B. McMorris of Albany, Herbert McMorris of Walker and Tommy McMorris of Albany; seven grandchildren and a great- grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hampton Edgar Dozar Sr. and Zelma McMorris. Visitation will be at Geisler Funeral Home in Albany today from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at James Chapel Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please contact the family. MEVELINE LEWIS HOLMES INDEPENDENCE - Meveline Lewis Holmes, 62, died Friday, Nov. 30, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. Born in St. Helena Parish, she was an Independence homemaker married to J.P. Holmes of Independence. Survivors also include two children, Stephanie Candiotto and William Holmes, both of Independence, and eight grandchildren. Her brother, Steve Lewis, preceded her in death. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite on Monday from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Mitch Williams and the Rev. Eddie Hilburn will conduct the funeral, with burial at Durbin Cemetery in Independence. December 03, 2001 * Jeffrey Andrew Baham Jr., 4 weeks old, Hammond. * Eva Garon Leonard, 86, Hammond. * Piccola Populis Neal, 86, Loranger. * JoHanna Marie Sance, 8 months old, Hammond * Mae Dupre Simon, 85, Denham Springs. * James Kirby Smith Jr., 71, Ponchatoula. JEFFREY ANDREW BAHAM JR. Jeffrey Andrew Baham Jr., 4 weeks old, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at Amite Nursing Home. Survivors include his parents, Jeffrey and Rebecca Abels Baham of Hammond; two sisters, Carrie Jones and Sierra C. Abels; grandparents, Charles Andrew Abels Jr. of Hammond and Kathy Slaven Abels of Amite; and great-grandparents, Margie LeBourgeois of Hammond, and Charles A. Abels Sr. of Baton Rouge. The graveside service will be held today at Springfield Cemetery at 3 p.m. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. EVA GARON LEONARD Eva Garon Leonard, 86, died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. She was a native of Independence and resided in Hammond. Survivors include a daughter, Eva Spraberry of Ponchatoula; five sisters, Daisy Cooper of Manchac, Udell Fontana and Mildred Bryant of Independence, Ethel Garafola of Denham Springs and Julia Guy of Walker; and one grandchild. Her parents, John and Alice Basso Garon, preceded her in death as did her husband, Bennett Leonard; a brother, Frank Garon; and three sisters, Ida Leonard, Rosalie Straite and Clotile Fabre. The funeral was today at 11 a.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, and burial was in Stevens Cemetery. PICCOLA POPULIS NEAL LORANGER - Piccola Populis Neal, 86, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. A native of Folsom, she was a Loranger homemaker. Survivors include two children, Edna Neal Reed and Simpson Neal Jr. both of Loranger; 13 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Simpson Neal Sr.; a daughter, Norma Neal Davis; a son, Harvey Neal; and 12 brothers and sisters. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 to 9 and Tuesday after 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. The Rev. Emile Tasso and the Rev. Mike Hegwood will conduct the service. Burial will be in Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cooper's Chapel Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Patricia Watson, 57211 N. Cooper Road, Loranger, 70446. JOHANNA MARIE SANCE JoHanna Marie Sance, 8 months old, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at Children's Hospital, New Orleans. Arrangements are being made with Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond. JAMES KIRBY SMITH JR. PONCHATOULA - James Kirby Smith Jr., 71, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of McComb, Miss., had served with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict and had worked as a millwright. Survivors include his wife JoAnn Graves Davis-Smith of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Cathy Inman of Zachary, and Shiela Sullivan of Gordo, Ala.; four sons, Sheldon Reeve of Washington State, Steve Smith of Denham Springs, Douglas Smith of Cottondale, Ala., and Jason Smith of Baton Rouge; three brothers, Gordon Smith of California, Steve Smith of Baton Rouge, and Bobby Smith of Alabama; three sisters, Lorraine Brown and Dorothy Reynolds, both of Alabama, and Janice Smith of Magnolia, Miss.; 12 grandchildren; five stepchildren; 12 great stepgrandchildren; and five great-stepgrandchildren. His parents, James K. Smith Sr. and Nellie McGuire Smith, and seven siblings preceded him in death. Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Wednesday at Hartman Funeral Home, McComb, Miss., after 10:30 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Danny Ray Smith will conduct the service. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens, McComb. December 04, 2001 * Geneva Andrews, 77, Amite * Helen Cram Joynton, 99, Arcola * Sharon Page Pittman, 53, Amite * Emmette Elmo Pope Jr., 76, Springfield * Bessie Marie Gerstein Puls, 88, Loranger * JoHanna Marie Sance, 8 months, Hammond * James Kirby Smith Jr., 71, Ponchatoula GENEVA ANDREWS AMITE - Geneva Andrews, 77, died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Brookhaven, Miss. She is survived by four sons, James Marion Andrews of Amite, Robert Frank Andrews of Inglewood, Calif., Nathaniel McNealty of Chicago and Stanley McNealty of Kearney, Neb.; five daughters, Mary Jackson and Lorraine McNealty, both of Amite, Melbourne Jones of Kenner, Jennie Whitley of River Dale, Ga., and Sandra Allen of Long Beach, Calif.; one sister, Vollie Mae Edwards of Amite; two stepbrothers, Richard Morris and Riley Morris Jr., both of Amite; 42 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Mary McNealty, her husband, James Andrews; one sister, Eula Mae Vining; and a step-grandfather, Riley Morris Sr. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral will be Wednesday at Roseland COGIC, Roseland, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Butler's Cemetery, Amite. HELEN CRAM JOYNTON ARCOLA - Helen Cram Joynton, 99, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2001, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. She was a native of Albertlea, Minn., and a retired secretary. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and the Mayflower Society. She is survived by one daughter, Marion Boyles of Hattiesburg, Miss.; one son, Harry D. Joynton Jr. of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great- grandchild and one great-great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry D. Joynton Sr.; and three sisters, Lilah Cram Houeye, Alma B. Cram and Marion L. Cram. Visitation will be Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Amite from 8 a.m. until the Rev. David Fortenberry and the Rev. Jerry Barlow conduct the funeral at 11:30. Burial will be in Amite Cemetery. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. SHARON PAGE PITTMAN AMITE - Sharon Page Pittman, 53, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2001, at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center, Independence. She was a native of Independence and worked as a clerk. She is survived by one sister, Pamela Ann Pittman of Amite; and one brother, Delmer Pittman Jr. of Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her father, Delmer G. Pittman Sr.; and her mother, Clara Dean Pittman. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Bob Simpson conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Amite Memorial Gardens. EMMETTE ELMO POPE JR. SPRINGFIELD - Emmette Elmo Pope Jr., 76, died today, Dec. 4, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Wanilla, Miss., a member of the American Legion Post 258 in Springfield, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, retired from Exxon in Baton Rouge and a member of Grand Lodge of Mississippi, F&AM, Tylertown, Lodge 0392. He is survived by his wife, Lily May Buhler Pope of Springfield; one daughter, Pat Wilson of Denham Springs; one son, Emmette E. Pope III of Baton Rouge; three stepdaughters, Carolyn Fontenot of Springfield, Marilyn Fayard of Holden and Marlene Thompson of Colyell; two stepsons, Larry Hoyt of Springfield and Gary Slaughter of Holden; two sisters, Betty Landry of Baton Rouge, and Pat Lichtenheld of St. Louis; two grandchildren and numerous step- grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Miley Pope; one stepson, Clifford Slaughter Jr.; and his parents, Emmette and Louise Skaggs Pope. Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Sandy Sherman conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Carter Cemetery. BESSIE MARIE GERSTEIN PULS LORANGER - Bessie Marie Gerstein Puls, 88, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2001, at his home. She is survived by two daughters, Ida Neola Puls Brown and Eleanor Louise Puls Fletcher, both of Loranger; two sons, Fred Oliver Puls and Edwin LaVerne Puls, both of Loranger; four sisters, Louise Gerstein Wall, Freda Gerstein Samuels, and Johnnie Lou Meuret, all of Loranger, and Doris Meuret Bankston of Baton Rouge; 14 grandchildren 25 great-grandchildren and three great- great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold LaVerne Puls; and two brothers, Elwyn "Buck" Gerstein and Fred Allen Gerstein. The Rev. John Locascio conducted the funeral today, and burial was in Loranger Community Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. JOHANNA MARIE SANCE JoHanna Marie Sance, 8 months old, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at Children's Hospital, New Orleans. She is survived by her parents, Duane and Rosaline Miller Sance; one sister, Melanie Voltolina of Pine; one brother, Brandon Sance of Hammond; maternal grandparents, Joseph and Annabelle Miller of Tickfaw. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Alvin and Eva Sance. Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the Rev. Ernest Breaux conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Springfield Cemetery. JAMES KIRBY SMITH JR. PONCHATOULA - James Kirby Smith Jr., 71, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of McComb, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean conflict and a millwright. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Graves Davis-Smith of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Cathy Inman of Zachary and Shiela Sullivan of Gordo, Ala.; four sons, Sheldon Reeve of Washington, Steve Smith of Denham Springs, Douglas Smith of Cottondale, Ala., and Jason Smith of Baton Rouge; three brothers, Gordon Smith of California, Steve Smith of Baton Rouge and Bobby Smith of Alabama; three sisters, Lorraine Brown and Dorothy Reynolds, both of Alabama, and Janice Smith of Magnolia, Miss.; 12 grandchildren, five step-children, 12 step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, James K. Smith Sr. and Nellie McGuire Smith; and seven siblings. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday at Hartman Funeral Home, McComb, Miss., from 10:30 a.m. until the Rev. Danny Ray Smith conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens, McComb. December 05, 2001 * Henry E. Ford, 76, Independence * Edward F. Mahl, 75, Ponhatoula * Ryder Zenor Pigott Jr., 79, Kenner HENRY E. FORD INDEPENDENCE - Henry E. Ford, 76, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Amite and worked in the trucking business. He is survived by his wife, Scarlet S. Ford of the Sweetwater Community; their nine children, five children by his first wife, Elois; fourteen other sons and seven other daughters; one sister, Ruby Hayden of Independence; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Edith Ford; one son, Ezekiel Sharp; two brothers, Wallace and Cecil Ford; and one sister, Lela Hayden. Visitation will be Thursday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. until the Rev. Bill Gray conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Ford Cemetery, Independence. EDWARD F. MAHL PONCHATOULA - Edward F. Mahl, 75, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2001, at his home. He was a native of New Orleans and a retired heavy machine operator. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Wyers Mahl; one daughter, Kathaleen Mahl Pourciau; two sons, Bruce Edward Mahl and Michael David Mahl; five sisters, Anna Mae Redd, Louise Carr, Dorothy Fuselier, JoAnn Duvalle and Jacqueline Gerstner; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Alexander "Alec" Mahl; his mother, Mae Adams; and a stepdaughter, Barbara Ann Billet. A memorial service will be held Saturday at the Bedico Community Center at 9 a.m. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Hospice of St. Tammany, 1202 S. Tyler St., Covington 70433. RYDER ZENOR PIGOTT JR. KENNER - Ryder Zenor Pigott Jr., 79, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001, at his home. He was a U.S. Marine veteran of World War II and was retired in sales from Standard Coffee Co. He is survived by his wife, Florence Monroe Pigott; one son, Ryder Z. Pigott III of Springfield; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Ryder Z. Pigott Sr.; and his mother, Antoinette Hoover Pigott Kennedy. The funeral is today at 2 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. Burial will be in Carter Cemetery. December 06, 2001 * Percy Laverne Bardwell, 69, Madisonville * Jeffrey Wayne Corkern, 40, Hammond * George Leonard Kinchen Sr., 76, Albany * Alzada Milton Blount McAlister, 90, Hammond * Nina Mae Hodges Clark New, 104, Hammond * John William Penn Sr., 81, Ponchatoula * Shalayia Royae Stone, Baton Rouge PERCY LAVERNE BARDWELL MADISONVILLE - Percy Laverne Bardwell, 69, died today, Dec. 6, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Ponchatoula. He is survived by his wife, Colleen Chatellier Bardwell of Madisonville; three daughters, Gwen Broadway and Pam Patel, both of Houston and Laverne Bardwell of Ponchatoula; two sons, Dennis Bardwell of Ponchatoula and Wayne Bardwell of Madisonville; three stepdaughters, Jo Ann and Donna Miller, both of Madisonville, and Susie Foster of Covington; one stepson, Jessie Jenkins of Madisonville; one sister, Sarah Stanga of Ponchatoula; five brothers, Nelson Bardwell of Springfield, C.D. Bardwell of California, James, George and Carl Bardwell, all of Ponchatoula; 24 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Crawford and Mabell Hudgins Bardwell; three sisters, Alice Bickford, Lillian Cooper and Agnes Montgomery; and one half-brother, Milton Bardwell. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Jessie Shelton and the Rev. Leo Miller conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Cooper Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of St. Tammany, 1202 S. Tyler, Covington 70433. JEFFREY WAYNE CORKERN Jeffrey Wayne Corkern, 40, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at his home. He is survived by two daughters, Jamie Nicole and Jordan Lacey Corkern, both of Albany; his former wife, Janice Rios Corkern of Albany; his parents, Walter and Linda Monk Corkern of Hammond; one sister, Michele Marie Corkern of Baton Rouge; on brother, Stephen Lane Corkern of Independence; and his grandparents, Toby and Margaret Simolke Monk of Hammond. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Colbert and Rubye Givens Corkern. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Lonnie Wascom conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Fisher Methodist Church Cemetery, Richardson. GEORGE LEONARD KINCHEN SR. ALBANY - George Leonard Kinchen Sr., 76, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Baton Rouge General Hospital, Baton Rouge. He was a native of Albany. He is survived by three daughters, Mary Ann, Maxine and Gloria Jean Kinchen; five sons, George L. Kinchen Jr., Michael, Charles, Leonard and Willie Earl Kinchen; one sister, Florida Mae Miller; and two brothers, Hollis Kinchen and Howard Kinchen Jr. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and three brothers. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Alfred L. Hart will conduct the funeral Saturday at Rock Zion Baptist Church, Natalbany, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. ALZADA MILTON BLOUNT MCALISTER Alzada Milton Blount McAlister, 90, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Summit Hospital, Baton Rouge. She was a native of Walker and a homemaker. She is survived by two brothers, Willard and Mack Milton, both of Baptist. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Artist Blount; second husband, Evear Colmere; third husband, Wiley McAlister; her parents, J. Rufus and Louise Stafford Milton; four brothers, Edward, Warren, Leonard and Lawrence Milton; and three sisters, Simmie Harrell, Leona Bankston and Verna McCrory. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Kris Chenier conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Palmetto Cemetery, Walker. NINA MAE HODGES CLARK NEW Nina Mae Hodges Clark New, 104, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. She was a native of Washington County, Ga. She was a former resident and employee of the city of Moultrie, Ga., having retired after 25 years of service as a city bookkeeper. She is survived by one daughter, Carolyn Clark Juhasz of Hammond; one son, Charles F. Clark of Decatur, Ga.; two stepdaughters, Alice New McNeely and Ann New Prescott, both of Wadley, Ga.; one stepson, Ray New of Wadley, Ga.; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry M. Clark; second husband, Inman D. New; her parents, Robert and Texie Hall Hodges; five brothers, two sisters, two infant sons and one great-grandchild. Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Steve Sanders conducts the funeral at noon. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery. JOHN WILLIAM PENN SR. PONCHATOULA - John William "Jim" Penn Sr., 81, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Ponchatoula and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having served in the Army Transport Service. He is survived by his wife, Bunte B. Penn of Ponchatoula; one son, Rodney Penn of Ponchatoula; one brother, Roy Penn of Hammond; and three sisters, Jenny Tate and Emma Efferson, both of Baton Rouge, and Addie Morris of Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Carrie Mae Lavigne Penn; one son, John William Penn Jr.; and two brothers, Abraham and George Penn. A memorial service will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 1 to 2 p.m. SHALAYIA ROYAE STONE BATON ROUGE - Shalayia Royae Stone died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at Woman's Hospital. She is survived by her parents, Shaletha A. and Stephon Stone of Hammond; two brothers, Stephon Stone Jr. and Shyon Stone, both of Hammond; her grandmother, Annie Bell Hill of Hammond; her grandfathers, Roy Allbritton of Hammond and Joseph Stone of Baton Rouge; and her great-great-grandmother, Ella Gorman of Hammond. The funeral will be Saturday at noon and Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond. Burial will be in Holly Gardens, Hammond. December 07, 2001 * Harrynesha Eugene Banks, 3 weeks, Hammond * Sophie Beard, 91, Madisonville * Pinkney James, 91, Bolivar * James Clayton King, 78, St. Petersburg, Fla. * Charles Edward Knight, 68, Hammond * Shalayia Royae Stone, Baton Rouge * Durel James Sylve, 69, Kenner HARRYNESHA EUGENA BANKS Harrynesha Eugena Banks, 3-weeks-old, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. She is survived by her mother, Torshikia Long; her father, Harry Banks; and two sisters, Tiaquonna B. Washington and Victoria Long. Visitation and funeral will begin Saturday at 9 a.m. at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. SOPHIE BEARD MADISONVILLE - Sophie Beard, 91, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. She was a native of Napoleonville. She is survived by one son, Edward Beard of New Orleans; two grandchildren and one great- grandchild. The funeral will be Saturday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, at 11 a.m. Burial will be Cooper Cemetery, Robert. PINKNEY JAMES BOLIVAR - Pinkney James, 91, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He is survived by one son, Pinkney James Jr.; 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa James; and one daughter, Maxine Coston. Visitation will be today at Big Creek AME Church from 4 to 9 p.m. The funeral will be Saturday at 2 p.m., and burial will follow in the church cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. JAMES CLAYTON KING ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - James Clayton King, 78, died Oct. 7, 2001, at Hartland Nursing Home, St. Petersburg, Fla. He was a native of New Orleans and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Onnie Lee King of Kissimee, Fla.; a daughter, Lavanna Bordelon of Slidell; two brothers, David and Bobby King, both of Ponchatoula; three sisters, Eva Walker and Bernice Cockerham, both of Ponchatoula, and Doris Freeman of Resaca, Ga.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sadie Carroll King; his parents, William and Dollie King; three brothers, Clyde, Clifton and Alvin King; and one sister, Mildred K. Lee. A graveside memorial service will be Saturday at Jerusalem Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. CHARLES EDWARD KNIGHT Charles Edward Knight, 68, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Bogalusa and a U.S. Air Force veteran having served in the Korean conflict. He worked for Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill in Bogalusa and for the U.S. Corps of Engineers in New Orleans and the U.S. Department of Labor, Minerals Management Service in Metairie. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University with magna cum laude honors and earned a bachelor's of science degree in biology. He is survived by his wife, Wylene Remy Knight of Hammond; four sons, Charles Thomas Knight of Mandeville, Robert and Richard Knight, both of Slidell, and Randall Knight of New Orleans; one stepson, Christopher DeMarco of Kenner; five stepdaughters, Tonilyn Spring of Soldotna, Alaska, Suzette DeMarco, Tracie Spallino, Simone Ingram and Courtney DeMarco, all of Hammond; two brothers, Earnie Dale Knight of Cordell, Ga., and Wilmer Glen Knight of Covington; seven grandchildren and 13 step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Albert Knight and Elois Von Thomas Knight Rester; and one brother, Leon Hilton Knight. Visitation will be Saturday at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home, Bogalusa, from 9 a.m. until John Weber conducts the funeral at noon. Burial will be in Ponemah Cemetery, Bogalusa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be make to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond 70404. SHALAYIA ROYAE STONE BATON ROUGE - Shalayia Royae Stone died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at Woman's Hospital. She is survived by her parents, Shaletha A. and Stephon Stone of Hammond; two brothers, Stephon Stone Jr. and Shyon Stone, both of Hammond; her grandmother, Annie Bell Hill of Hammond; her grandfathers, Roy Allbritton of Hammond and Joseph Stone of Baton Rouge; and her great-great-grandmother, Ella Gorman of Hammond. The funeral will be Saturday at noon and First Bethel Independent Methodist Church, Hammond. Burial will be in Holly Gardens, Hammond. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. DUREL JAMES SYLVE KENNER - Durel James Sylve, 69, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001. He is survived by a son, Michael Sylve of Loranger; two daughters, Kim Weber and Pam Boudreaux, both of LaPlace; three stepdaughters, Pamela Johnson, Patricia Buckley and Phyllis Partain; two brothers, Louis Sylve of Harvey and Robert Sylve of Metairie; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Sylve; and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence A. Sylve. Visitation is today at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home from 6 to 9 p.m. A Mass will be Saturday at 10 a.m. Entombment will follow at Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. Donations may be made in memory of Sylve to the American Heart Association or Masses. December 09, 2001 * Claude Beans, 89, Amite. * Horace Wiley Green, 79, Holden. * Mary Pevey Jenkins, 79, Kedron Community. * Alice Warner Morse, 43, Ponchatoula. * Calvin W. Reeves, 36, Greensburg. CLAUDE BEANS AMITE - Claude Beans, 89, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Lallie Kemp Medical Center in Independence. He was a native of Greensburg and resident of Amite. Survivors include his wife, Hazel Beans of Amite; a daughter, Mary Beans of San Antonio; a son, Emmit Beans of Amite; 22 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren and 25 great-great grandchildren. The funeral will be at McMichael AME Church tonight at 7 p.m. with a dismissal service Monday at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Butler's Cemetery in Amite. Arrangements are with N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond. HORACE WILEY GREEN HOLDEN - Horace Wiley Green, 79, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001 at North Oaks Medical Center. A native of Livingston Parish, he served with the U.S. Navy during World War II and had worked as a heavy equipment operator. Survivors include four daughters, Mary Weber of Baton Rouge, Sally A. Morgan of Port Vincent and Yvonne S. Thompson and Shelly M. Holliday, both of Albany; three sons, Horace E. Green of Albany, Wallace D. Green of Bucyrus, Ohio, and Paul W. Green of Port Vincent; a sister Verna Jane Green; and a brother Wiley Green of Idaho; 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. His wife, Laura Bennett Green, preceded him in death as did his parents, Wiley Green and Evelyn Cain Green; a grandson; and a sister, Katherine Quave. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 9 and Monday from 8 until the funeral at 10 a.m. The Rev. Jeff McCon will conduct the service, and burial will be in Twin Pines Cemetery. MARY PEVEY JENKINS PONCHATOULA - Mary Pevey Jenkins, 79, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home in Ponchatoula. She was a native of Marion County, Miss., and resident of Kedron Community. Survivors include two daughters, Faye Williams of Culpepper, Va., and Sharon Hutchinson of Amite; a brother, Cooper Pevey of Amite; four sisters, Nettie Russell of Amite, Lucille Durnin of Denham Springs and Billie Lewis and Frances Sharp, both of Baton Rouge; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her husband, Roy Lee Jenkins, preceded her in death as did her parents, Fred and Nettie Pevey, and two brothers, Joseph Pevey and Frederick Pevey. Visitation will be McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, today from noon until the Rev. Pat Bourg and Rev. Casey Tingle conduct the funeral at 2. Burial will be in Kedron Cemetery in Amite. ALICE WARNER MORSE PONCHATOULA - Alice Warner Morse, 43, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, at her home in Ponchatoula from complications of diabetes and lung failure. She is a native of Covington and had resided in Ponchatoula for the past 13 years. She is the mother of Kisha Hoyt, James Ficco Jr. and Terry Morse Jr.; daughter of Nora Lee Sharp and John David Warner; stepdaughter of Argyle Sharp and Virgie Warner; sister of Laura Lee Morse, John Allen Warner, Scheryl Warner, Carlene O'Keefe, Barbara Ann Duncan, Katherine King and Paul David Warner. She had two grandsons. The funeral home did not list where any of the survivors are from. Visitation will be today from noon until the funeral at 2 p.m. at Schoen Funeral Home's chapel, 1414 S. Tyler St., Covington. Burial will be in Wager Cemetery. CALVIN W. REEVES GREENSBURG - Calvin W. Reeves, 36, died Dec. 7, 2001, in Greensburg as a result of a traffic accident. A native of Clinton and resident of Greensburg, he was a marine service technician and previously had worked for Ascension Marine in Gonzales, P.S.C. in Baton Rouge, and Allwaste in Walker. Survivors include two children, Kasey Collette Reeves and Lucas Boyd Reeves, both of Walker; his parents, Leslie "Skeet" Reeves and Linda Humphrey Reeves, both of Greensburg; his former wife, Michelle Shelton Reeves of Walker; and his grandmothers, Thelma Humphrey and Lois M. E. Reeves, both of Greensburg. A brother, William Boyd Reeves, preceded him in death as did his grandfathers, Rupert W. Reeves and Percy L. "Budd" Humphrey. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, tonight from 6 to 10 and Monday from 8 until the funeral at 11 a.m. The Rev. Darwin Hall will conduct the service, and burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery, Pine Grove. December 10, 2001 * Shirley Ford Bennett, 64, Independence * Mary Cutrer Fontenot, 62, Hammond * Christine Yvonne Knighten, 63, Hammond * Netta Bateman Miller, 88, Franklinton * Delbert Gordon Moore Jr., 58, Ponchatoula * Karrewa Lashay Moore, infant, Hammond SHIRLEY FORD BENNETT INDEPENDENCE - Shirley Ford Bennett, 64, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a homemaker. She is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Giamalva of Independence; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, S.H. Bennett, and one brother, Odis O. Ford. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Bob Simpson and Richard D. Ramsey conducts the funeral at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Ford Cemetery, Independence. MARY CUTRER FONTENOT Mary Cutrer Fontenot, 62, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by her mother, Lucille Young Newman of Pumpkin Center; one sister, Evelyn Cutrer Magee of Covington; and three brothers, Walter Newman of Salt Lake City, James Newman of Albany and Allen Newman of Pumpkin Center. She was preceded in death by her father, Cecil A. Cutrer; and her stepfather, Walter Newman. 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 funeral at 10. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery. CHRISTINE YVONNE KNIGHTEN Christine Yvonne Knighten, 63, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at her home. She is survived by her father, Kirby Knighten Sr. of Hammond; two daughters, Sandra Knighten and Roxie Stepteau, both of Hammond; five brothers, Kirby Knighten Jr., Lawrence, Claude, Robert and Freddie Knighten, all of Hammond. Visitation will be Tuesday at St. Paul Baptist Church, Hammond, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Larry Cross will conduct the funeral Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. NETTA BATEMAN MILLER FRANKLINTON - Netta Bateman Miller, 88, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at Riverside Medical Center. She was a native of Mt. Herman and a member of Trinity Baptist Church. She is survived by three sons, Danny Dupree Miller of Magnolia, Miss., Donald E. Miller of Franklinton and Bobby Gene Miller of Jackson; four daughters, Mary Nell Stollenwerck of Kentwood, Margie Ann Stewart of Wilmer, Betty MCain of Amite and Bonnie Sue Jones of Niagara, Wis.; one brother, Frank Bateman of Hammond; one sister, Inez Bahm of Franklinton; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Murvin Miller; her parents, Daniel and Carrie Bateman; five brothers, Louis, Hershel, Milton, Rufus and Claude Bateman; one sister, Laura Mae Fussell; and one grandchild. Visitation will be today at Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Stanley Statham, the Rev. Troy Bankston and the Rev. Joey Miller will conduct the funeral at 2 at Trinity Baptist Church. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery, Mt. Hermon. DELBERT GORDON MOORE JR. PONCHATOULA - Delbert Gordon Moore Jr., 58, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Marrero. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Moore of Ponchatoula; three daughters, Vangie, Vanna and Vanessa Moore, all Ponchatoula; two sisters, Bernice Dease of Converse and Edna Dufour of Marrero. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert Gordon Sr. and Dorothy Ada Little Gordon. Arrangements with Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, are in incomplete. KARREWA LASHAY MOORE Infant Karrewa Lashay Moore died Friday, Dec. 7, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by her parents, Ebony Johnson and Karlus Moore, both of Hammond; one sister, India Johnson; and grandparents, Betty Moore Davis, Juanita Perrier, Joseph Frazier and George Perrier. A graveside service will be Tuesday at noon at Greenlawn Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. December 11, 2001 * Lucious Jackson Sr. 74, Albany * Christine Yvonne Knighten, 63, Hammond * Lillie Niquiporo Miller, 73, Amite * Delbert Gordon Moore Jr., 58, Ponchatoula LUCIOUS JACKSON SR. ALBANY - Lucious Jackson Sr., 74, died Friday, Dec. 7, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Tylertown, Miss. He is survived by his wife, Mary E. Jackson of Wilmer; six sons, Lucious Jackson Jr. of Hammond, Robert Jackson of Tangipahoa, Matthew Jackson of Portland, Ore., Clifton Jackson and Williams Jackson, both of Amite and Donald Jackson of Albany; five daughters, Linda Jackson and Jannie Jackson, both of Albany, Delphine Jackson of Amite, Ella J. Lewis of Wilmer and Melondy Jackson of Greensburg; one sister, Ellarine Johnson of Albany; 31 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Corine Jackson; four sisters, Ellen Taylor, Cora Brown, Carolina Smith and Carrie James; two brothers, Willie and Arthur Jackson; and one grandchild. Visitation will be Wednesday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Leon Maryland will conduct the funeral Thursday at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hammond, at noon. Burial will be in the church cemetery. CHRISTINE YVONNE KNIGHTEN Christine Yvonne Knighten, 63, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at her home. She is survived by her father, Kirby Knighten Sr. of Hammond; two daughters, Sandra Knighten and Roxie Stepteau of Hammond; five brothers, Kirby Knighten Jr., Lawrence, Claude, Robert and Freddie Knighten, all of Hammond. Visitation will be tonight at St. Paul Baptist Church, Hammond, from 5 to 8. The Rev. Larry Cross will conduct the funeral Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond 70404. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. LILLIE NIQUIPORO MILLER AMITE - Lillie Niquiporo Miller, 73, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. She was a native of Hammond and was an instructor. She is survived by three daughters, Lana Jean Miller of Albany, Carolyn Cronin of Walker and Marlene Roney of Alexandria; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grover W. Miller; her parents, Earnest and Annie May Niquiporo; and two sisters, Mary Leinweber and Teresa Iverstine. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Walter Heine and the Rev. Lee Castello conduct the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Hillsdale Cemetery, Hillsdale. DELBERT GORDON MOORE JR. PONCHATOULA - Delbert Gordon Moore Jr., 58, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Marrero and a member of the Masonic Lodge 174 and the Shriners. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Moore of Ponchatoula; three daughters, Vangie, Vanna and Vanessa Moore, all of Ponchatoula; two sisters, Bernice "Jane" Dease of Converse and Edna Dufour of Marrero. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert Gordon Sr. and Dorothy Ada Little Gordon. The funeral was today at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond. Burial was in Converse Cemetery, Converse. December 12, 2001 * Harrell Bush, 74, Ponchatoula * Paul Chak Lam Fung, 52, Hammond * Sam C. Gennaro, 75, Hammond * Lucious Jackson Sr., 74, Albany * James Lewis Sr., 58, Hammond * Ruth Ritchie Ott Varnado Spears, 69, Kentwood HARRELL BUSH PONCHATOULA - Harrell Bush, 74, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, in Baton Rouge. He was a native of Amite. He is survived by his wife, Darbee McKay Bush of Ponchatoula; one daughter, Jeannine McKay of Jacksonville, N.C.; four sons, Michael and Sidney McKay, both of Jacksonville, N.C., David McKay of Tangipahoa and Carl McKay of Ponchatoula; four brothers, Hollis Bush Sr. of Amite, George Bush of St. Rose, Ray Bush of New Orleans and Amos Bush of Boston. He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Bush; and mother, Lorena Bush. Visitation will be Thursday at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, from 2 p.m. until the Rev. Henry Wagner conducts the funeral at 7. Dismissal will be Friday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Bush Cemetery, Amite. PAUL CHAK LAM FUNG Paul Chak Lam Fung, 52, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2001, at West Jefferson Medical Center, New Orleans. He is a owner of China Blossom Restaurant in New Orleans. He is survived by his wife, Audrey Bernadette Thomas Fung of Hammond; three daughters, Kendra Fung Foret of Houston, Angelina and Michelle Fung, both of Hammond; one son, Stephen Fung of Hammond; two sisters, Katie Pui-King Ng and Betty Pui-Yee Chan, both of San Francisco; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from noon until Fred Piazzo conducts the funeral at 3. SAM C. GENNARO Sam C. Gennaro, 75, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Independence, a real estate broker and a U.S. Merchant Marine. He is survived by two sons, Charles Gennaro of Mobile, Ala., and Mark Gennaro of Yazoo City, Miss.; one sister, Anna Whalen of Independence; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie G. Gennaro; his parents, Carlo and Mary Gennaro; and one sister, Josephine H. Gennaro. Visitation will be Friday at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Paul McDuffie will conduct a funeral Mass at 10:30. Burial will be in Colonial Cemetery, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. LUCIOUS JACKSON SR. ALBANY - Lucious Jackson Sr., 74, died Friday, Dec. 7, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Tylertown, Miss. He is survived by his wife, Mary E. Jackson of Wilmer; six sons, Lucious Jackson Jr. of Hammond, Robert Jackson of Tangipahoa, Matthew Jackson of Portland, Ore., Clifton Jackson and William Jackson, both of Amite, and Donald Jackson of Albany; five daughters, Linda Jackson and Jannie Jackson, both of Albany, Delphine Jackson of Amite, Ella J. Lewis of Wilmer and Melondy Jackson of Greensburg; one sister, Ellarine Johnson of Albany; 31 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Corine Jackson; four sisters, Ellen Taylor, Cora Brown, Carolina Smith and Carrie James; two brothers, Willie and Arthur Jackson; and one grandchild. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Leon Maryland will conduct the funeral at noon Thursday at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hammond. Burial will be in the church cemetery. JAMES LEWIS SR. James Lewis Sr., 58, died Friday, Dec. 7, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was born in New Orleans and lived in Robert before becoming a longtime resident of Ponchatoula. He was an alumnus of Grambling State University, a longtime bus driver for the Tangipahoa Parish School System and owner of J&J Hall and J&J Grocery in Ponchatoula. He was a businessman who owned and developed residential property. He was a member of the usher board and a transportation coordinator at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Hammond. He is survived by his wife, Josie Pierre Lewis of Hammond; one son, James Lewis Jr. of Sacramento, Calif.; two daughters, Gwendolyn Lewis Miles and Sonia Lewis, both of Atlanta; four sisters, Idella Louise Lewis and Ida Lewis Scott, both of Baton Rouge, Priscilla "Ann" Lewis Sanders of Hammond and Joyce Lewis Knox of Ponchatoula; one brother, Jerry Lewis of Hammond; and six grandchildren. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 4 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Larry Cross will conduct the funeral Thursday at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. RUTH RITCHIE OTT VARNADO SPEARS KENTWOOD - Britney Spears' grandmother, Ruth Ritchie Ott Varnado Spears, 69, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center after a long battle with cancer. She was a native of Osyka, Miss., a graduate of South West Junior College, worked as a personnel director at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena, Mont.; and was a retired sheriff's department property tax clerk. She was also a member of Greenlaw Baptist Church where she served as the treasurer. She is survived by her husband, June Austin of Kentwood; three daughters, Linda Ann Brandon- Kjos of Helena, Mont., Jeanine Spears Ballard of Osyka, Miss., and Leigh Ann Wrather of San Diego; seven sons, Ken and Culver Varnado of Helena, Alton "Tiance" Varnado, Jamie, William and Austin Spears Jr., all of Kentwood, and John Spears of Osyka; one sister, Margaret Ann Ott Blackwell of Baton Rouge; and 23 other grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Eunice Simmons Ott; and a stepmother, Nova Ott. The wake will be today at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, beginning at 6 p.m. The Rev. Riley Hinton will conduct the funeral Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, Miss. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, is in charge. December 13, 2001 * Lexie Pierce, 86, Kentwood LEXIE PIERCE KENTWOOD - Lexie "Granny" Pierce, 86, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001, at Southwest Regional Medical Center, McComb, Miss. She was the owner and operator of Granny's Seafood in Kentwood for 12 years. She is survived by one sister, Thelma Strickland of Tylertown, Miss.; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlie Pierce; one son, Billy Forbes; and two daughters, Kitty Sue Forbes McDaniel and Emma Jean Forbes Spears. Visitation will be today at her residence in Kentwood from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 8 until 9:10 a.m. The Rev. Riley Hinton will conduct the funeral at Greenlaw Baptist Church, Kentwood, at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, is in charge. December 14, 2001 * Zelda Collins Adams, 79, Hammond * James Curtis Brown Jr., 69, Loranger * Bennie Felder Jr., 74, Hammond * Lawrence Linton Kyzar, 71, Hammond * Ruby Buckenmeyer Paenos, 93, Ponchatoula * Charles Roberts, 74, Ponchatoula ZELDA COLLINS ADAMS Zelda Collins Adams, 79, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Evangeline Parish and worked as a paralegal. She is survived by two daughters, Pamela Bethune of Hammond and Lori Drankus of Springfield, Tenn.; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Asa Demarcus Adams and Lee Albert Adams; and one sister, Eloise Blanche Collins. The Rev. Lonnie Wascom will conduct a graveside service Saturday at 11 a.m. at Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. JAMES CURTIS BROWN JR. LORANGER - James Curtis Brown Jr., 69, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001, at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home, Kentwood. He was a native of Spring Creek, a retired Baptist minister and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served in Korea. He is survived by a daughter, Pamela Gail White of New Orleans; three sons, Keith Brown of Ponchatoula, Tab Brown of Houston and Tim Brown of Dallas; four sisters, Imogene Connerly of Tennessee, Shirley Robinson of Birmingham, Ala., Carolyn Brown of Neederland, Texas, and Evelyn Humphrey of Alexandria; one brother, Kit Brown of Dallas; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtis Rogers Brown; one son, Breit Lane Brown; and three brothers, Hubert, Rayford and Mitch Brown. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Danny Smith conducts the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek. BENNIE FELDER Bennie Felder Jr., 74, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Liberty, Miss., a carpenter and a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his wife, Nellie H. Felder; three daughters, Evelyn Brumfield of Magnolia, Miss., Barbara Giese of Moreno Valley, Calif., and Eva Felder of Hammond; three sons, Bennie C. Felder of Independence, Donald R. Harrell and Melvin C. Felder, both of Hammond; two sisters, Raphelia Johnson and Helen Patterson, both of Hammond; one brother, Freddie Primus of Walker; 27 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother. Visitation will be Sunday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Willie Gable Jr. will conduct the funeral Monday at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery. LAWRENCE LINTON KYZAR Lawrence Linton "Sam" Kyzar, 71, died today, Dec. 14, 2001, at the Hammond Rehabilitation Center. He was a native of Montpelier and a retired lineman with Louisiana Power and Light, which is now Entergy. He is survived by his wife, Billie Primes Kyzar of Hammond; one daughter, Patricia Moak of Bogue Chitto, Miss.; two sons, Ronald Kyzar of Independence and Gary Kyzar of Hammond; one sister, Ann Jenkins of Franklinton; six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and one great- grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ansil and Virena Harper Kyzar; and one brother, James Kyzar. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Larry Brignac conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Lanier Cemetery, Loranger. RUBY BUCKENMEYER PAENOS PONCHATOULA - Ruby Buckenmeyer Paenos, 93, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. A native of Ponchatoula, she was a housewife and a member of the Kingdom Hall Jehovah's Witness faith having been a member in Ponchatoula. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Paenos. Burt Hymel Jr. conducted a graveside service today at Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. CHARLES ROBERTS PONCHATOULA - Charles "Chuck" Roberts, 74, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Texas. She is survived by her husband, Todd Roberts of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Cova Holland and Suzann Roberts, both of Ponchatoula; one sister, Kathleen McKee of Waco, Texas; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Cova Beaumont and Anne Thames. The Rev. Charles Bigner will conduct a memorial service Monday at French Corner Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scottish Rite Hospital, 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219. Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, is in charge of the arrangements. December 16, 2001 * Carolyn Howie Clark, 66, Pumpkin Center * Paul Denham, 72, Hammond * Rita Eugenia Schum Deslatte, 80, Ponchatoula * Bernice Hall, 81, Albany * Gene Morris, 55, Covington CAROLYN HOWIE CLARK PUMPKIN CENTER - Carolyn Howie Clark, 66, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Mount Pleasant, Ark. She is survived by her husband, Gerald C. Clark of Pumpkin Center; two daughters, Jacquese C. Ricks of Pumpkin Center and Sandra C. Roberts of Houston; one brother, Edward Howie of Starts; and four granddaughters. She was preceded in death by parents, Calvin and Erma Coldwell Howie and one brother, Robert Howie. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Monday in Mt. Pleasantville Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, Ark., from 1 p.m. until the funeral at 2. The Rev. Eugene Howie will conduct the service, and burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond 70404. PAUL DENHAM Paul Denham, 72, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Hammond. He was a native of Rolling Faulk, Miss. He is survived by his wife, Mary B. Denham of Albany; one daughter, Alberta Denham of Springfield; one stepdaughter, Goldye B. Ballare of Houston; and one brother, Thad Denham, Jr. of Mississippi. Visitation will be Wednesday at MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Denham Springs, from 9 a.m. until the Rev. David Maryland conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be in St. Mark Baptist Church Cemetery, Walker. RITA EUGENIA SCHUM DESLATTE PONCHATOULA - Rita Eugenia Schum Deslatte, 80, died Friday, Dec. 15, 2001, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Hammond. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Hebert of Ponchatoula and Judy Wright of Slidell; two sons, Larry Deslatte of San Antonio and Paul Deslatte of Ponchatoula; six grandchildren, four step-granchildren, four great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Deslatte; four brothers, Henry, Simon, Peter and Argust Schum; one sister, Philomena Kluka; one grandson; one granddaughter; and her parents, Nicholas and Mary Schilling Schum. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 until 10 p.m. with a 7:30 vigil and Monday from 8 until 9 a.m. The Rev. Justin Kauchak will conduct a Mass of Christian burial at 9:30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church and burial will be in Wadesboro Catholic Cemetery. BERNICE HALL ALBANY - Bernice Hall, 81, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2001. She was a native of Mississippi and a homemaker. She is survived by one daughter, Louis Hall of Albany; one daughter, Cynthia Ashton of Albany; one son, William C. Brumfield of Albany; one sister, Willie Mae Martin of Hammond; nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be today from 4 to 9 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Ivy Williams will conduct the funeral Monday at Mount Olive Baptist Church, Hammond, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. GENE MORRIS COVINGTON - Gene Morris, 55, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. He is survived by his mother, Lillie Mae Spencer of Covington; one son, Freddie Winston Jr. of Covington; two sisters, Geraldine Callahan and Clara Mae Coleman, both of Covington; and three brothers, Archie Spencer Jr. of Gulfport, Miss., Johnny Lee Pack and Thomas Spencer, both of Covington. The funeral will be Monday at 11 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church, Covington, with burial following in Covington Cemetery. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. December 17, 2001 * Irene Rogers Anthony, 90, Tickfaw * Lucille L. Carter, 78, Hammond * Rita Eugenia Schum Deslatte, 80, Ponchatoula * Colis Elmer Drew, 61, Independence * Theresa Scarina Liotta, 92, Independence * Eleanor Williams Mydland, 93, Hammond IRENE ROGERS ANTHONY TICKFAW - Irene Rogers Anthony, 90, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2001, at her home. She is survived by one daughter, Sandra Anthony Gennaro of Mobile, Ala.; one son, Keith Anthony of Tickfaw; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Nicholas Starkey; second husband, Bennie Anthony; two sons, Jerry Starkey and Ricky Anthony; three sisters, Willie Hartness, Agnes Rogers and Idee Gulotta; and five brothers, Gayle, Arthur, Rube, Jessie and John Rogers. 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. Keith Anthony conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery, Tickfaw. LUCILLE L. CARTER Lucille L. Carter, 78, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001, at her home. She is survived by one daughter, Joyce Washington of Hammond. Visitation will be today from 5 to 9 p.m. at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond. The Rev. Alfred Hart will conduct the funeral Tuesday at Rock Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Natalbany, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. RITA EUGENIA SCHUM DESLATTE PONCHATOULA - Rita Eugenia Schum Deslatte, 80, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by two daughters, Mary Hebert of Ponchatoula and Judy Wright of Slidell; two sons, Larry Deslatte of San Antonio and Paul Deslatte of Ponchatoula; six grandchildren, four step-granchildren, four great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Deslatte; four brothers, Henry, Simon, Peter and Argust Schum; one sister, Philomena Kluka; one grandson; one granddaughter; and her parents, Nicholas and Mary Schilling Schum. The Rev. Justin Kauchak conducted the funeral today at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial was in Wadesboro Catholic Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, was in charge. COLIS ELMER DREW INDEPENDENCE - Colis Elmer Drew, 61, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was employed by Hunts Forest Products and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He is survived by his wife, Mary G. Drew of Independence; three daughters, Glenda Prine of Tickfaw, Denise Bryant of Independence and Doris Crafton of Baptist; two sons, James Dismore of Uneedus and Bennie Dismore of Pensacola, Fla.; a sister, Doris Hughes of Independence; one brother, Carleton "C.W." Drew of Independence; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Nina Chapman Drew; and one brother, Artie Drew. Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until Marshall Wallace conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger. THERESA SCARINA LIOTTA INDEPENDENCE - Theresa Scarina Liotta, 92, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Cornerview and was a retired employee of the Hammond State School. She is survived by one daughter, Jean L. Guzzardo of Independence; eight grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nick Liotta; and one daughter, Lena Marie Latino Chapman Crowdus. The Rev. Paul McDuffie conducted the funeral today at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church. Burial was in Colonial Cemetery, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. ELEANOR WILLIAMS MYDLAND Eleanor "Me Maw" Williams Mydland, 93, died today, Dec. 17, 2001, at her daughter's home in Hammond. She was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She is survived by two daughters, Marie Louise Douglas of Baton Rouge and Ann Henkel Crain of Hammond; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank T. and Marie Louise Whitney Williams; three sisters, Sister Agnes Ruth, Daughters of the Cross, Wilford W. Bourgeois and Sylvia W. Richards; one brother, Frank T. Williams. Visitation and funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral, Hammond. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Ghost Catholic Church Building Fund or the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. December 18, 2001 * Doris E. Jones Barton, 70, Bayou Barbary * Dora Lee Brumfield, 66, Folsom * Carol Ann Schwebel Heisler, 53, Kentwood * Eleanor Williams Mydland, 93, Hammond * Wanda A. Milton Nettles, 57, Denham Springs * Edith Myra Delaughter Stafford, 61, Hammond * Marjorie Jean Thorson, 75, Mandeville * Joseph M. Welch, 64, Roseland DORIS E. JONES BARTON BAYOU BARBARY - Doris E. Jones Barton, 70, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Bayou Barbary and a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Nova Stella Chapter 36. She is survived by her husband, Lawton E. Barton Jr. of Bayou Barbary; one son, Wendell M. Barton of Waller, Texas; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin Melvin and Alice Rowena Jones. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from noon at Pine Grove Baptist Church, Bayou Barbary, until the Rev. Jeff Pardue and Harold McNabb conduct the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Pine Grove Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pine Grove Baptist Church, 21949 state Highway 444, Livingston 70754, or to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge 70810. DORA LEE BRUMFIELD FOLSOM - Dora Lee Brumfield, 66, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Mt. Herman. She is survived by her husband, James E. Brumfield; four daughters, Virginia Issacc of New Orleans, Gloria D. Lomas of Hammond, Antronette B. Taylor of Covington and Lelia McGee of Folsom; two sons, Leo Lomas of Folsom and Raymond E. Brumfield of Hammond; four sisters, Areciea Martinez, Cora Bell Dennis, Pauline Hart and Myrtle James, all of New Orleans; two brothers, Herbert and Clarence James, both of New Orleans; 19 grandchildren and 11 great- grandchildren. The funeral will be Wednesday at Oak Grove Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. CAROL ANN SCHWEBEL HEISLER KENTWOOD - Carol Ann Schwebel Heisler, 53, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2001, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. She was a native of Norristown, Pa., and a licensed practical nurse. She is survived by her husband, Frederick P. Heisler Jr. of Amite; one sister, Lalou Voight of Amite; two brothers, Tommy and George Schwebel, both of Amite. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Vera Dykes Schwebel. Visitation will be Wednesday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Jack Nutter conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Sharkey Cemetery, Amite. ELEANOR WILLIAMS MYDLAND Eleanor "Me Maw" Williams Mydland, 93, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at her daughter's home in Hammond. She was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church. She is survived by two daughters, Marie Louise Douglas of Baton Rouge and Ann Henkel Crain of Hammond; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank T. and Marie Louise Whitney Williams; three sisters, Sister Agnes Ruth, Daughters of the Cross, Wilford W. Bourgeois and Sylvia W. Richards; and one brother, Frank T. Williams. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 and Wednesday from 8 until 10:15 a.m. The funeral will be at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond, at 10:30. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Ghost Catholic Church Building Fund or the Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. WANDA A. MILTON NETTLES DENHAM SPRINGS - Wanda A. Milton Nettles, 57, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2001, at the University of Maryland-Baltimore Hospital. She was a member of the Walker United Methodist Church, Walker, retired from Chevrolet and a former resident of Walker. She is survived by her husband, Richard Nettles; one son, Dru Nettles of Baton Rouge; four sisters, Mary Crow, Tee Rogers, Frances Perry and Betty Jenson; one brother, Bubba Milton; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Brigett Nettles; and her parents, "Shine" and Carrie Milton. In lieu of flowers, donations, may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Visitation will be today at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, from 4 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Palmetto Cemetery, Walker. EDITH MYRA DELAUGHTER STAFFORD Edith Myra Delaughter Stafford, 61, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. MARJORIE JEAN THORSON MANDEVILLE - Marjorie Jean Thorson, 75, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at Lacombe Nursing Centre of cancer. She was a native of St. Louis and lived in Pharr, Texas, most of her life. She was also a former resident of Springfield. She is survived by her husband, Conrad Thorson; one son, Gary Thorson; and two grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Tammany Hospice or any cancer charity. JOSEPH M. WELCH ROSELAND - Joseph M. "Papa Joe" Welch, 64, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Charlotte, N.C., and a metal lather. He is survived by his wife, Brenda K. Welch of Chesbrough; two daughters, Becky Lawler of Hammond and Wendi Lynn Scheumack of Santa Fe, Texas; three sons, Robert Welch of Corpus Christi, Texas, Joseph Ray Welch of Roseland and William Roger Welch of Pontotoc, Miss.; one stepson, Fletcher Dale Bowling of Hammond; three sisters, Christine Crisp of College Park, Ga., Ann Long of Newport News, Va., and Evelyn Paxton of Franklin, N.C.; 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Jodi Welch Lawler; one brother, Dennis R. "Denny Mo" Welch Jr.; his parents, Dennis R. and Nellie Jones Welch; and one grandson. A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 5 p.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. December 19, 2001 * Virginia Musacchia Governale, 68, Tickfaw * Edith Myra Delaughter Stafford, 61, Tickfaw * Justin Derrell Traylor, 21, Ponchatoula * Helen Maes Varisco, 97, Hammond * Beverly Ann Brescher Wells, 55, Ponchatoula * Wash Wilson Sr., 77, Tangipahoa VIRGINIA MUSACCHIA GOVERNALE TICKFAW - Virginia "Jean" Musacchia Governale, 68, died Dec. 18, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Arrangement are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. EDITH MYRA DELAUGHTER STAFFORD TICKFAW - Edith Myra Delaughter Stafford, 61, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Independence. She is survived by two daughters, Theresa S. Shelton of Hammond, and Prissi S. Pierre of Tickfaw; four sons, David and Lonnie Stafford, both of Tickfaw, Donnie Stafford of Colyell and Thomas Stafford of Ponchatoula; two sisters, Wilda Phillips and Louise Delaughter, both of Hammond; four brothers, Hamby Delaughter Jr. of Springfield, Michael Delaughter of Tickfaw, Arthur Delaughter of Hammond, and Kenny Delaughter of Texas; 28 grandchildren and six great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius D. Stafford; and her parents, Hamby O. and Mary Christine Hawkins Delaughter. Visitation will be today at Faith Apostolic Church, Holden, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Twin Pines Cemetery, Holden. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. JUSTIN DERRELL TRAYLOR PONCHATOULA - Justin Derrell Traylor, 21, died Dec. 18, 2001, in St. John Parish. He is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Norma Methvin Traylor of Ponchatoula; one brother, Chad D. Traylor of Ponchatoula; one half-brother, Ricky D. Traylor of Wyoming; two half-sisters, Shelia Traylor of and Sherry Traylor, both of Mississippi; and maternal grandparents, Gerald and Joyce Methvin of Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lee and Margie Traylor. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ponchatoula Police Department c/o Chief Tim Gideon, 110 W. Hickory, Ponchatoula 70403. HELEN MAES VARISCO Helen Maes Varisco, 97, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond She was a native of New Orleans. She is survived by her daughter, Toni Varisco Muscarello of Hammond; a son, Vincent Varisco Jr. of Hammond; six grandchildren and 12-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Varisco; one son, Vernon Varisco; one sister, Louise Durr; and three brothers, George and Freddy Plaeger and Alphonse Maes. Visitation will be Thursday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church from 8:30 a.m. until a Mass at 10. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. BEVERLY ANN BRESCHER WELLS PONCHATOULA - Beverly Ann Brescher Wells, 55, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. WASH WILSON SR. TANGIPAHOA - Wash Wilson Sr., 77, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2001, at the Hammond Nursing Home. He was a native of Clinton and a U.S. Army veteran. He is survived by his wife, Naomi Wilson of Tangipahoa; a daughter of Baton Rouge; two sons of Baton Rouge; one sister of Clinton; 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. The Rev. M.A. Jemison will conduct the funeral today at Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church at 7 p.m. Dismissal will be Thursday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Beach Grove Cemetery, Clinton. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. December 20, 2001 * Fannie Joseph Daniels, 81, Amite * Virginia Musacchia Governale, 68, Tickfaw * Earl Spell, 89, Hammond * Beverly Ann Brescher Wells, 55, Ponchatoula FANNIE JOSEPH DANIELS AMITE - Fannie Joseph Daniels, 81, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. She was a native of Darrow. She is survived by her husband, Fred Daniels of Amite; one daughter, Abigail D. York of Baton Rouge; one sister, Owena Huren of Lake Charles; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, Etienne and Sarah Joseph; two sisters, Evelyn Pierce and Marion Leona Joseph; and one brother, Arthur Joseph. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 3 to 7 p.m. The Rev. Francis Williams will conduct the funeral at Butler's AME Zion Church, Amite, at 7:30. Dismissal will be Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Butler's Cemetery. VIRGINIA MUSACCHIA GOVERNALE TICKFAW - Virginia "Jean" Musacchia Governale, 68, died Tuesday Dec. 18, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was retired from the Tangipahoa Parish School System having been employed at Nesom Middle School. She is survived by her husband, John Governale Jr. of Tickfaw; two daughters, Sharon Governale McDowell and Sandra Governale Bernard, both of Tickfaw; one sister, Frances Musacchia Banks of Tickfaw; one brother, Anthony Musacchia of Tickfaw; two grandchildren, one step-grandson and two step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Angelina Macaluso Musacchia. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 and Friday from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Mass will be held at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church at 10. Burial will be in Tickfaw Catholic Cemetery. EARL SPELL Earl Spell, 89, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2001, at his home. He was a native of Florence, Miss., a retired truck driver and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Hazel Spell of Hammond; one daughter, Barbara Arnold of Hammond; and one son, Sandy Conley of Hammond. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Alma Kitchen Spell, one brother, Erskine Spell; and two sisters, Effie Lee Johnson and Josephine McCullough. Visitation will be Friday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 3 to 7 p.m. The Rev. Jerry Hanible will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Greenfield Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. BEVERLY ANN BRESCHER WELLS PONCHATOULA - Beverly Ann Brescher Wells, 55, died Dec. 11, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by three daughters, Jennie Stephens of Hammond, Karie Stephens of Ponchatoula, and Ashley Lafton of Walker; one sister, Judy Galladora of Ponchatoula; and three granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her father, Douglas Turner Brescher; and her mother, Jessie Merle Colkmire. The funeral will be Friday at noon at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery, Ponchatoula. December 21, 2001 * Blanche Batson, 72, Jackson, Miss. * Myrtle Brignac Sanchez, 78, Bear Island * William Bowman Stevens, 48, Natchez, Miss. * Earl Robert Varnado Sr., 67, Ocean Springs, Miss. * Elrose Estelle Heller Walker, 68, Franklinton MYRTLE BRIGNAC SANCHEZ BEAR ISLAND - Myrtle Brignac Sanchez, 78, died today, Dec. 21, 2001, her home. She was a native of Maurepas. She is survived by one son, Charles Sanchez of Maurepas; two daughters, Betty Dupuy of Whitehall and Dot Smiley of Lake Charles; two brothers, Paul and Rogers Brignac, both of Maurepas; one sister, Nita Brignac Poche Picou of Maurepas; nine grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Renny Sanchez; five brothers, Alcide, Valmond, Lee Roy, Alfred and Jessie Brignac; one sister, Lena May Thompson; and his parents, Alcide and Alice Berthelot Brignac. Visitation will be today at St. Stephens Catholic Church from 6 until 10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Maurepas Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. WILLIAM BOWMAN STEVENS NATCHEZ, Miss. - William Bowman "Bill" Stevens, 48, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001, at University Medical Center, Jackson, Miss. He is survived by three daughters, Sally Ann Stevens of Baton Rouge, Anna Taylor Stevens of Hammond and Emma Katherine Stevens of Lafayette; two sons, William Bowman "Bo" Stevens Jr. of Hammond and Connor Patrick Stevens of Lafayette; his father, Vernon R. Stevens Sr. of Natchez, Miss.; two brothers, Vernon R. Stevens Jr. of Vidalia and Jody L. Stevens of Baton Rouge; and one sister, Grace Stevens Browning of Petal, Miss. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Bowman Stevens. The Rev. Paul Kunnumpurum conducted a memorial service today at Laird Funeral Home, Natchez, Miss. EARL ROBERT VARNADO OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. - Earl Robert Varnado Sr., 67, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2001, in Gulfport, Miss. He was a native of Natalbany and served the U.S. Army for 22 years. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Lee Gore Varnado of Ocean Springs, Miss.; one daughter, Roxanne Lynn Varnado Ducote of Denham Springs; one son, Earl Robert Varnado Jr. of Robert; one sister, Grace Whittington of Hammond; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Varnado and Lillian Smith Varnado; and one sister, Katie V. Guillary. A graveside service will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Biloxi, Miss., is in charge. ELROSE ESTELLE HELLER WALKER FRANKLINTON - Elrose Estelle Heller Walker, 68, died of cancer Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001, near Amite. She was a native of Victoria, Texas, and self-employed. She is survived by four daughters, Wanda East LeBlanc of Pine Grove, Rhonda W. Addison of Hammond, Susan Moran of Hillsdale and Tracie Mitchell of Burleson, Texas; three sons, Terry "Tebo" Walker of Stoney Point, Wesley Walker of Allen, Texas, and Michael Walker of Kentwood; one sister, Delores Dentler of San Antonio; one brother, Jerome Heller of Vanderbilt, Texas; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Harold Walker; and her parents, Willie and Lucille Walker. Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon until the Rev. Don McDaniel conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Stoney Point Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Stoney Point. December 23, 2001 * Elaine Estess Lipari, 75, Hammond * Morris McBuggage, 84, Hammond * David Wade Stevens, 24, Greensburg * Justin Derrell Traylor, 21, Ponchatoula * Eloise Fisher Varnado, 73, Amite ELAINE ESTESS LIPARI Elaine Estess Lipari, 75, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Hammond. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Lipari of Hammond; two daughters, Janet Elaine Authement of Mandeville and Joanne Gassen of Kingwood, Texas.; one son, Leonard "Leo" J. Lipari of Ponchatoula; one sister, Eloise Johnson of Alexandria, Ky.; one brother, Solon "Bill" Estess of Empire; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Nolia Stinson Estess; and a granddaughter. Visitation will be Monday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8:30 until 10:15 a.m. The Rev. Jaime Diaz Serna will conduct the funeral at Holy Ghost Catholic Church at 10:30. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Mausoleum. MORRIS MCBUGGAGE Morris McBuggage, 84, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Darrell and worked for the city of Hammond Sanitation Department. He is survived by his wife, Masalea Hall McBuggage of New Orleans; seven daughters, Catherine Buggage, Betty James, Willistine Elaine Melancon, Carolyn Buggage, Sheila Lafon, Barbara Buggage and Theresa Watson, all of New Orleans; and six sons, Richard Hall, Calvin Hall, Donad Buggage, Ernest Hall, John Morris and Charles Buggage; and a host of grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A graveside service was held Friday at Lanier Cemetery, Amite. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. DAVID WADE STEVENS GREENSBURG - David Wade Stevens, 24, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2001 at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Greensburg. He is survived by his parents, David and Sarah Glass Stevens of Greensburg; one sister, Becky Stevens of Greensburg; his maternal grandmother, Jewell Glass of Greensburg; and his paternal grandmother, Amy Stevens Davis of Tickfaw. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Joe Glass; and his paternal grandfather, Gilbert Stevens. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Lewis McNiel conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Stevens Cemetery. JUSTIN DERRELL TRAYLOR PONCHATOULA - Justin Derrell Traylor, 21, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2001, in St. John the Baptist Parish. He is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Norma Methvin Traylor of Ponchatoula; one brother, Chad D. Traylor of Ponchatoula; one half-brother, Ricky D. Traylor of Wyoming; two half-sisters, Shelia Traylor of and Sherry Traylor, both of Mississippi; and maternal grandparents, Gerald and Joyce Methvin of Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lee and Margie Traylor. A memorial service will be held Wednesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula. The Rev. Billie Kennedy will conduct the funeral at 8. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ponchatoula Police Department c/o Chief Tim Gideon, 110 W. Hickory, Ponchatoula 70403. ELOISE FISHER VARNADO AMITE - Eloise Fisher Varnado, 73, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2001 She was a native of Franklinton. She is survived by her husband, Dorman Varnado of Amite, eight children, Johanna V. Bowman, Shelia V. Ellzey, Greg Varnado and Patrick Varnado, all of Amite, Deanna V. Bateman of Franklinton, Jan V. DeBenedetto of Baton Rouge, V. Holly McClendon of Simi Valley, Calif., and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Keith Varnado of Salt Lake City. She is preceded in death by a grandson. Visitation will be today at Crain Funeral Home, Franklinton, from 5 to 9 p.m. and Monday at Canaan Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Willie Westmoreland and the Rev. Sam Leto conduct the funeral at 10. Burial will be in the church cemetery. December 24, 2001 * James Edward Bedinger, 66, Tickfaw * Billy Hugh Grishham, 63, Hammond * Joshua Paul Juneau, 21, Independence JAMES EDWARD BEDINGER TICKFAW - James Edward Bedinger, 66, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond. BILLY HUGH GRISHAM Billy Hugh Grisham, 63, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, at North Shore Regional Medical Center, Slidell. He was a native of Ripley, Miss., a member of Derby Baptist Church and a logger. He is survived by his mother, Mary Mauney Grisham of Hammond; six sisters, Betty Smith, Sharon Scott and Judy Scott, all of Poplarville, Miss., Marsha Moore, Marilyn Busby and Linda Alfano, all of Hammond; four brothers, Benny Grisham of Poplarville, Gale Grisham of Bogalusa, Bobby Grisham of Hammond and Lee Earl Grisham Jr. of Ponchatoula. He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Earl Grisham Sr. Visitation is today from 1 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, until the Rev. Jake Roudkovski conducts the funeral at 2:30. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery. JOSHUA PAUL JUNEAU INDEPENDENCE - Joshua Paul Juneau, 21, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, as the result of an automobile accident. He was a native of Marksville and attended Independence High School. He is survived by one son, Blythe Alexander Juneau of Robert; his mother and stepfather, Carol Guillot Danos and Kenneth Danos of Independence; his father and stepmother, Terry and Mellissa Kimble Juneau of Marksville; three brothers, Chad Paul Juneau and Blake Johnathan Juneau, both of Marksville, a twin brother, Jason Wayne Juneau of Independence; one sister, Casey Lynn Juneau of Marksville; his grandparents, Lena and Norville Courville of Marksville, Helen Dubroc Lachney of Picayune, Miss., Ellis and Joyce Juneau of Marksville, and Ned Guillot Sr. and Linda Guillot of Plaquemine Parish. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, Marksville. The funeral will be held Christmas Day, but the time is not available. For more information. call the funeral home at (318) 253-5979. December 26, 2001 * Lionel H. Austin, 51, Sacramento, Calif. * James Edward Bedinger, 66, Tickfaw * Lucy Cassidy, 79, Hammond * Lucy Ruffino Costanza, 89, Hammond * James Walter Duncan Jr., 48, New Iberia * Mary Dunomes, 79, Wilmer * Russell Michael Farace, 77, Independence * Patricia Hennigan Milone, 64, Jefferson * Frances Harris Richardson, 82, Springfield * Thelma Tillis, 82, Hammond LIONEL H. AUSTIN SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Lionel H. Austin, 51, 2001, died Dec. 13, 2001, at his home. He was native of Ponchatoula. He is survived by three brothers, Lionel Tibbs and Ernest Austin of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Melvin Austin of Ponchatoula; two sisters, Doris Houston of Springfield and Laverne Cook of Hammond. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lionel and Vastie Austin; two sisters, Evelyn and Annie Mae Austin; and one brother, Randolph Austin. Mack Jackson will conduct a memorial service Thursday at New Bethel Church of Living God, 1001 Mooney Ave., Hammond, at 11 a.m. JAMES EDWARD BEDINGER TICKFAW - James "Bear" Edward Bedinger, 66, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was a native of Catlin, Ill., a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean conflict, a member of the Independence American Legion Post and a financial consultant. He is survived by his wife, Sara Gooch Bedinger of Tickfaw; five sons, James Harold and Timothy Charles Bedinger, both of Taylorville, Ill., Dale Edward Bedinger of Springfield, Ill., James A. McAlpin of Metairie and William David McAlpin of Jackson, Miss.; three daughters, Debra Kaye Walker of Tickfaw, Jana Anne Dickerson of Sydney, Austrailia, Charlene Rene Chambliss of Huntsville, Ala.; one sister, Betty Lou Schotters of Deerfield, Ill.; five brothers, Douglas Bedinger of Colona, Ill., Daniel Bedinger of Ft. Worth, Texas, David Bedinger of Austin, Texas, Charles and Danny Joe Bedinger, both of Chester, Ill.; 14 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Harold Douglas and Mildred Sigmon Bedinger; and one sister, Jeanne Stewart. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 10:30 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. LUCY CASSIDY Lucy Cassidy, 79, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. She was a native of Pickering. She is survived by one daughter, Judy Ridgel of Natalbany; one son, John Scroggins of New Orleans; two sisters, Wanda Walker and Pat Ebarb, both of Shreveport; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul E. Cassidy; her parents, four sisters, three brothers and a grandchild. The funeral was today at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond. Burial was in Mt. Stevens Cemetery, Tickfaw. LUCY RUFFINO COSTANZA Lucy Ruffino Costanza, 89, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, at Slidell Memorial Hospital and Medical Center. She was a native of Amite and a housewife. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court 2050. She is survived by three daughters, Virginia C. Fisher, Laura A. Costanza and Mary C. Perrin, all of Hammond; two sons, Sonny Costanza of Amite and Louis J. Costanza of Okmulgee, Okla.; four brothers, Sam and Nunzio Ruffino, both of Amite, and Louis and Joe Ruffino, both of Baton Rouge; three sisters, Mary Checchin of McHenry, Ill., Stella Terracina of Thibodeaux and Josie Burrell of Amite; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip R. Costanza; two brothers, John and Tony Ruffino; and two sisters, Pamella Alack and Rose Ruffino. The Rev. Jack Nutter conducted the funeral today at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite. Burial was in Amite Memorial Gardens. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge. JAMES WALTER DUNCAN JR. NEW IBERIA - James "Butch" Walter Duncan Jr., 48, died Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001, in Dimmit County, Texas. He was a native of Little Rock, Ark. He was a U.S. Marine who served with the 1st Division for two years, served in Vietnam and was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, good conduct medal, Vietnamese Service Cross Medal and others. He received an honorable discharge. He is survived by his wife, Becky G. Duncan of New Iberia; one son, James Anthony Taylor, Kaiserslautern, Germany; one daughter, Jamie Leigh Duncan of Pine Bluff, Ark.; his mother, Molly Rowland Hickman of Clarksville, Ark.; one stepson, Jason Michael Bartlett of Ponchatoula; one sister, Janet Keith of Clarksville, Ark.; one brother, Joe McCuan of Gillette, Ark.; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, James Walter Duncan; and his grandparents. The funeral was Monday. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. MARY DUNOMES WILMER - Mary Dunomes, 79, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by two sons, Charles A. Wilson of Hammond and John L. Wilson of Kentwood; four daughters, Josephine Dyson, Marion Wilson and Beauty Dunomes, all of Kentwood, and Barbara Mason of Hammond; 23 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Sam Wilson; mother, Vida Garner Wilson; her husband, Joseph Dunomes; and three brothers. Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Wallace Cott will conduct the funeral Thursday at Good Hope Baptist Church, Wilmer, at noon. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery, Wilmer. RUSSELL MICHAEL FARACE INDEPENDENCE - Russell Michael Farace, 77, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and the owner/operator of Russell Farace's Wholesale Produce in Independence. He is survived by his wife, Mattie Orlando Farace of Independence; one brother, Joseph Farace of Tickfaw; one sister, Eleanor Farace Sinagra of Atlanta; two sons, John Russell Farace of Ponchatoula and Michael Salvador Farace of Baton Rouge; one daughter, Roslyn Farace Husser of Tickfaw; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Joseph and Cecelia Costanza Farace; and three brothers, Dominic, Sam and John J. Farace. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a vigil prayer service at 7 and Thursday from 8 until 9:30 a.m. The Rev. Paul McDuffey will conduct the funeral Thursday at 10 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence. Burial will be in Colonial Cemetery. PATRICIA HENNIGAN MILONE JEFFERSON - Patricia Hennigan Milone, 64, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Merryville and a homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Louis Milone of Jefferson; two daughters, Sharmon Bentin of Metairie and Kim Milone of Rockledge, Fla.; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Susie Hennigan; her father, Ruhl Hennigan; and one daughter, Janice Milone. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. The Rev. Scott Smith will conduct a graveside service at noon at Colonial Cemetery, Independence. FRANCES HARRIS RICHARDSON SPRINGFIELD - Frances Harris Richardson, 82, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was a native of Maurepas. She is survived by four daughters, Jeanne "Johnnie" Pugh of Baton Rouge, Frances "Frankie" Estes of Bethany, Jennifer Guillory of Springfield and Susan Walton of Hawaii; one brother, Archie Crouch of Springfield; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Llewellyn Richardson; her second husband, Ciro Gerace; two sons, Glen and Keith Richardson; two sisters, Beulah Adams and Allie Sinitiere; five brothers, Jesse Lee, V.J., Ultimo, Charles J. and Edward Kenneth Harris; her parents, John and Ultima Miller Harris; and one grandchild. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Billie Kennedy will conduct a graveside service at Resthaven Cemetery in Baton Rouge at 1:30 p.m. THELMA TILLIS Thelma Tillis, 82, died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by three daughters, Shirley Seaberry and Janice of Hogans, both of Hammond, and Margie Hemphill of Houston; five sons, Ray, Joe, Leo Mooney, Charles and Michael Tillis, all of Hammond; one adopted son, Anthony R. Graham of Hammond; three sisters, Lizzie Scott, Margie Thomas and Pinkie Wilson, all of Baton Rouge; 34 grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Tillis; one son, Donald Tillis; two sisters and one brother. Visitation will today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 3 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Mack Hurst will conduct the funeral Thursday at St. James AME Church, Hammond, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Holly Garden Cemetery, Hammond. December 27, 2001 * Anna Maude Halverson Adams, 86, Hammond * Clinton Austin, 69, Killian * Bertha Mollere Krafft, 86, Hammond * Marian Meissner Sibley Dedon Maddox, 81, Clio * Henry Ruffin, 96, Baton Rouge ANNA MAUDE HALVERSON ADAMS Anna Maude Halverson Adams, 86, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. She is survived by one daughter, Marilou Mercier Sullivan of Hammond; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lula Hill Halverson; and her husband, Howard C. Adams. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 10 a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Hammond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Happywoods Church of God Building Fund, 42418 S. Range Road, Hammond 70403. with picture CLINTON AUSTIN KILLIAN - Clinton Austin, 69, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He is survived by his wife, Mary Austin of Ville Platte; five daughters, Barbara A. Richard and Peggy A. Thomas, both of Ville Platte, Linda Latigue of Beaumont, Texas, Emily Austin of Picayune, Miss., and Alice Heckard of Lake Charles; six sons, Barry Corbin of Chicago, Charles Austin Jr. and Lucas Austin, both of Ville Platte, Nathan W. Austin of Killian, Craig S. Austin of Long View, Texas, and Vincient D. Austin of Lake Charles; three sisters, Evira Robinson of Marrero, Pearline Ducre of Killian and Norma Dotey of Ponchatoula; six brothers, Matthew Austin of Clinton, Iowa, Nathan Austin, Earl Austin Sr., Cleveland Austin Sr., Julius Austin and Bobby Austin, all of Killian; 25 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The Rev. Robert Smith will conduct the funeral Friday at 7 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Killian. Dismissal will be Saturday at 11 a.m. and burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery in Killian. N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. BERTHA MOLLERE KRAFFT Bertha Mollere Krafft, 86, died today, Dec. 27, 2001, at Belle Maison Nursing Home. She was a native of Ponchatoula and a 1932 graduate of Ponchatoula High School. She attended Southeastern Community College and was a housewife. She is survived by her husband, Ottomar "Otto" F. Krafft of Hammond. She was preceded in death by her parents, John T. and Orga Abribat Mollere; and one brother, Loys A. Mollere. Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9 p.m. with a vigil prayer service at 7 and Saturday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery. MARIAN MEISSNER SIBLEY DEDON MADDOX CLIO - Marian Meissner "Maw" Sibley Dedon Maddox, 81, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, in Livingston. She is survived by her husband, Jim Maddox of Clio; three sons, Ray, Valmond and Jack Sibley, all of Clio; four stepsons, Chris Dedon of Denham Springs, Randy Dedon of Tickfaw, Dale Dedon of Springfield and Randy Maddox of Springfield; one sister, Thelma Brignac of Clio; one brother, Lloyd Meissner of Ponchatoula; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Guy Sibley; second husband, Buck Dedon; one son, Guy Sibley; and her parents, Fred Oscar and Rose Olive Glover Meissner. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 until 11 a.m. Further visitation will be held at Huff Chapel Methodist Church from noon until the Rev. Bill Foster conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Springfield Cemetery. HENRY RUFFIN BATON ROUGE - Henry Ruffin, 96, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2001, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Wilmer. He is survived by two sons, LeRoy Ruffin of Zachary and Eugene Ruffin of Baker; one stepson, Thomas Jackson of Baton Rouge; two daughters, Gloria Walker and Barbara Smith Quinn, both of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Doris Ruffin; two daughters, one son, one brother and two sisters. Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. C.H. Gordon will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Richardson Chapel COGIC, Baton Rouge. Burial will be in Mount Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery. December 28, 2001 * Mildred Sibley Foster, 88, Springfield * Marian Meissner Sibley Dedon Maddox, 81, Clio * Ruby Cook DeMars Threeton, 75, Springfield * Neville Williams Womack, 91, Universal City, Texas MILDRED SIBLEY FOSTER SPRINGFIELD - Mildred Sibley Foster, 88, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, at her home. She was a native of Springfield. She is survived by one daughter, R. Lynette Foster of Springfield; one sister, Grace S. Moore of Kokomo, Miss.; 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius Foster; one daughter, Norma E. Foster; three sons, Jerod W. Foster, James R. Foster and E. Wayne Foster; seven brothers, William Wesley, Guy, Alfred Bray, Kevlin, Alex, Pearl and Jenning Gray Sibley; three sisters, Gertrude "Sister" Cucci, Vivien S. Loper, Eula S. Fontenot. Visitation will be Saturday at First United Methodist Church, Springfield, from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Bill Foster and the Rev. Sam Morrison conduct the funeral at noon. Burial will be in Springfield Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. MARIAN MEISSNER SIBLEY DEDON MADDOX CLIO - Marian Meissner "Maw" Sibley Dedon Maddox, 81, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, in Livingston. She is survived by her husband, Jim Maddox of Clio; three sons, Ray, Valmond and Jack Sibley, all of Clio; four stepsons, Chris Dedon of Denham Springs, Randy Dedon of Tickfaw, Dale Dedon of Springfield and Randy Maddox of Springfield; three stepdaughters, Vicki Spicer, Sherry Stewart and Jackie Maddox, all of Idaho; one sister, Thelma Brignac of Clio; one brother, Lloyd Meissner of Ponchatoula; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Guy Sibley; her second husband, Buck Dedon; one son, Guy Sibley; and her parents, Fred Oscar and Rose Olive Glover Meissner. The Rev. Bill Foster conducted the funeral today at Huff Chapel Methodist Church. Burial was in Springfield Cemetery. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, was in charge. RUBY COOK DEMARS THREETON SPRINGFIELD - Ruby Cook DeMars Threeton, 75, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She is survived by her husband, Bobby Threeton of Springfield; five daughters, Linda McMorris of Springfield, Diane Cormier of Rayne, Patricia Bailey of Texas, Lucille Williams of Gonzales and Peggy Pigott of Amite; four sons, Claude Taylor of Slidell, Billy Taylor of Angie, Sherwood Taylor of Hammond and Thomas Taylor of Holden; two sisters, Rosie Sharp of Picayune, Miss., and Florence Cook of New Orleans; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Sidney Taylor; her parents, Lester and Jeannette Heck Cook; and two brothers, Lester and James Cook. Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Jeff Hathorn conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will in Springfield Cemetery. NEVILLE WILLIAMS WOMACK UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas. - Neville Williams Womack, 91, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2001. A native and longtime resident of Springfield, she was retired from the Livingston Parish School System. She is survived by one daughter, Neville Womack DeArmond of Universal City, Texas; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Raoul and Mary Lillie Williams. The Rev. Bill Foster conducted a graveside service today at Springfield Cemetery with burial following. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge. December 30, 2001 * Mary Palmintier Alack, 85, Hammond, * Annie Fortenberry Campbell, 80, Albany. * Henry Frank Holden, 74, Hammond. * Tabitha Renee Landry, 44, Prairieville. * Lillie Mae Hilbun Lea, 82, Monroe. * John LeRoy McGee, 82, Hammond. * James Levaughn McLemore, 75, Hammond. * Ruth Ella Dowdell Wallace, 65, Hammond. * Caroline Washington, 88, Covington. * Mary Lee Williams, 70, Baton Rouge. MARY PALMINTIER ALACK Mary Palmintier Alack, 85, Hammond, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. She was a native of Hammond, a member of the Holy Ghost Catholic Church and Rosary Altar Society and charter member of Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, John F. Kennedy, Council #2952, Hammond. Survivors include her daughter, Mary Lou Alack Gladney of Lawrenceville, Ga.; two sons, Al and Ronnie Alack, both of Hammond; four sisters, Augustine Lobue, Jo Ann Peco, Mary Ann Masaracchia and Kathryn De Paula, all of Hammond; eight grandchildren and 13 great- grandchildren. Her husband, Carlo "Kelly" Alack, preceded her in death as did sons Joseph and Carl Alack, her parents, Joseph and Jane Signorelli Palmintier and five brothers, Vincent, Joseph, Johnny, Frank and Dr. Dominic Palmintier. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 10 with a vigil service at 7 and Monday from 8 to 9 a.m. A mass of Christian burial will be at Holy Ghost Catholic Church Monday at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Rose Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105 or the Holy Ghost Catholic Church Building Fund, 601 N. Oak St., Hammond, 70401. ANNIE FORTENBERRY CAMPBELL ALBANY - Annie "Boots" Fortenberry Campbell, 80, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2001, at Baton Rouge General Hospital. She was a native and resident of Albany. Survivors include her daughters, Diane Becnel of St. Amant, and Pansy Wagner of Albany; a son, Walter Campbell Jr. of Denham Springs; three brothers, Joseph Fortenberry of Jackson, Miss., James Fortenberry of Prospect, Tenn., and Isaac Fortenberry of Covington; five sisters, Pat Emerson of Elkhart, Ind., Joyce Williams and Clara Saucier, both of Pearl River, Helen Bullard of Marksville and Jerry Love of Jena; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Her husband, Walter Campbell Sr., preceded her in death as did her parents, Walter Campbell Sr. and Elvia Lanora Batton Fortenberry; two brothers, Jeff and Truett Fortenberry; two sisters, Mary McDonald and Thelma Fortenberry; a great-granddaughter and a step-great-grandson Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home Chapel, Hammond, tonight from 6 to 10 and Monday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday after 1 p.m. at Blood River Baptist Church in Albany until the service at 2 p.m. Rev. Ben Straton and Rev. L.C. Lord will conduct the service. Burial will be in the church cemetery. HENRY FRANK HOLDEN Henry Frank Holden, 74, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Holden and resident of Hammond. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Erwin Holden, Hammond; his daughters, Ruth Alack of Hammond and Jannie Lott of Independence; his son, Henry Frank Holden Jr. of Birmingham, Ala.; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Eva Buhler Holden, and siblings, Etta McDonald, Alma McMorris, Clara Prime, Lillie Drago, Freddie Bondenvature, and Olah Holden. Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Dale Ziebarth will conduct the service. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. TABITHA RENEE LANDRY PRAIREVILLE - Tabitha Renee Landry, 44, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2001, at her residence in Praireville. She was a native of Memphis, Tenn. Survivors include her mother, Betty Johnson Corbin of Baton Rouge; her father, Edward Johnson of Cranston, R.I.; her daughter, Stephanie Landry of Watson; a former husband, Barry Landry of Watson; her four sisters, Amber Corbin and Dana Bridges, both of Baton Rouge, Nina Lawrance of Greenville, S.C., and Teri West of Jackson, Tenn.; her brothers, Michael Johnson of Memphis, Tenn., and Jay Meldrum of Fort Worth, Texas; and a grandmother, Helen Johnson, Charleston, S.C. She was preceded in death by a son, Justin Keith Landry, and grandparents Carl Johnson, Odell Huffman and Icyveen Huffman. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Tuesday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday after 8 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond. LILLIE MAE HILBUN LEA MONROE - Lillie Mae Hilbun, 82, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at her residence in Monroe. A native and former resident of Line Creek, she was a housewife married to the late Mann Lea. She had made her home with niece Mary and Ray Pierce for the past seven years. Siblings Lorene Hilbun Lea and Hollis, Mose, Marion, Dave, William and Louis Hilbun preceded her in death as did her husband and her parents, William and Nelia Hilbun. Her sister, Virginia Lechelske, resides in Spring, Texas. Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, tonight from 5 to 9 and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. The Rev. John Cleveland will conduct the service. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. JAMES LEVAUGHN McLEMORE James "Joe Davis" Levaughn McLemore, 75, Hammond, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. He was a native of Ponchatoula, resident of Hammond, U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and member of Bible Baptist Church in Hammond. Survivors include his wife, Linda B. McLemore of Hammond; four daughters, Cindy Moore of Jacksonville, Fla., Gayle Woolverton of Benton Harbor, Mich., Susan Hanners of Coloma, Mich., and Sandi McGuire of Hartford, Mich.; three grandsons and two granddaughters. An infant son and a half-brother, Paul McLemore, preceded him in death as did his parents, John and Leta Davis McLemore. Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Tuesday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Barry Stanley will conduct the service. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery. RUTH ELLA DOWDELL WALLACE Ruth Ella Dowdell Wallace, 65, a native of Florida and resident of Hammond, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at North Oaks Medical Center. Survivors include her daughter, Luisa Wallace of New Orleans, and her sister, Betty Pratt of Ohio. Her husband, Robert F. Wallace, preceded her in death as did her parents Chester and Barbara Reeves Dowdell. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge of arrangements, which will be announced later. CAROLINE WASHINGTON COVINGTON - Caroline Washington, 88, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital. She was a native of Eutawville, S.C., and resident of Covington. Survivors include her daughters, Barbara Jane White, Laura Mae Simmons of Cross, S.C., Ora Lee Broton of Bronx, N.Y., and Yonata Richburg of Eutawville, S.C.; three sons, Raymond Washington of Eutawville, George Washington of New York and Johnell Washington of Covington; a sister, Lillie Mae Zoll Gordon of Covington; and 42 grandchildren. A daughter, a son and a sister preceded her in death. Visitation and the funeral were Saturday at Doughty Chapel A.M.E. Church in Covington with burial in the Wilson Cemetery in Covington. The Rev. Catherine Abedee officiated. Richardson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. MARY LEE WILLIAMS BATON ROUGE - Mary Lee Williams, 70, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001. She was a native of Loranger and resident of Baton Rouge who worked as a a care giver. Survivors include her husband, Johnny Williams of Baton Rouge; her daughter, Gilda Renter of Baton Rouge; seven sons, Lloyd Bell, Wilbert Bell, Jerry Renter and Robert Renter, all of Baton Rouge, and Joseph Bell of Folsom, Alton Bell of Chicago, and Donald Ray Renter of Fort Benning, Ga.; two sisters, Margaret Washington of New Orleans and Zadie Brown of Baton Rouge; three brothers, Theodore Baham of Folsom, Robert Baham of Hammond and William Baham of Independence; 28 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Visitation is today at Feltus-Lazard Memorial Temple COGIC, Baton Rouge, from 6 to 9 p.m. The funeral will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. The Rev. Errol Domingue and the Rev. Samuel Brown will conduct the service. Burial will be in St. John Church Cemetery, Loranger. Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge of the arrangements. December 31, 2001 * Lena Leota Singleton Hornsby, 91, Greensburg. * George Andrew May, 84, Hammond. * Evelyn McCoy Singleton, 85, Greensburg. LENA LEOTA SINGLETON HORNSBY GREENSBURG - Retired English teacher Lena Leota Singleton Hornsby, 91, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2001, at her home in Greensburg. She was a native of Jack and was married to the late Lester D. Hornsby Sr. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Hornsby Brabham Craddock of Greensburg; two sons, Charles E. "Butch" Hornsby of Mandeville and John Nelson Hornsby of Jack; three sisters, Vivian S. Womack of Greensburg, Estelle S. Bond of Pine Grove and Ruth S. Highbaugh of Denham Springs; 18 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death as did a son, Lester D. Hornsby Jr.; a sister, Lora S. Lindsey; a brother, Nelson Monroe Singleton; and a grandson. Visitation will be today at First Baptist Church, Greensburg, until the funeral conducted the Rev. Luther Stanford and the Rev. Charlie Ray at 3 p.m. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pine Grove. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge. GEORGE ANDREW MAY George Andrew May, 84, died Saturday, Dec. 29, 2001, at St. Tammany Hospital. He was a native of Jackson, Miss., and resident of Hammond. Survivors include his wife, Johnnie H. May of Hammond; three daughters, Judy Beaird of Clinton, Miss., Patricia Popek of Atlanta and Elizabeth Black of Hammond; two sons, George A. May Jr. of South Haven, Miss., and Benny Popek of Beverly, Mass.; 10 grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren. His parents, Edward Alexander and Harriet Mulholland May, and one brother, Edward Alexander May Jr., preceded him in death. The Rev. Lonnie Wascom will conduct a private memorial service today at Immanuel Baptist Church, Hammond. In lieu of flowers, donations may be to Immanuel Baptist Church, Hammond. Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge. EVELYN MCCOY SINGLETON GREENSBURG - Evelyn McCoy Singleton, 85, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2001, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center, Baton Rouge. A native of Amite, she resided in Greensburg and was married to the late Ernest Singleton. Survivors include a son, Ernest Lynn Singleton of Greensburg; a sister, Helen McCoy Robertson of Amite; two brothers, Joseph Medwin McCoy and Robert Earl McCoy, both of Amite; and two grandchildren. A sister, Irma McCoy Carruth, and a brother, Douglas Knighton McCoy, preceded her in death as did her husband. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church, Greensburg, Thursday from 10 a.m. until the funeral conducted by the Rev. Luther Stanford at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Greensburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, Greensburg. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.