Bogalusa Daily News (March 2002) Obits, Washington, LA submitted by: Bonnie Dier ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ Phillip Brooks (Died March 30, 2002) BOGALUSA - Phillip Brooks, 39, a resident of Bogalusa, died Saturday in Bogalusa. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. In lieu of flowers, donations are asked to help defray burial costs. Donations may be made by calling Mary Brooks at 732-9246. Willene L. Paige (Died March 30, 2002) BOGALUSA - Willene L. Paige, 74, a resident of Bogalusa died Saturday at Intergrated Health Services in Slidell. She is survived by two sons, William Paige of Bogalusa and David Paige of Slidell; a sister, Juanita Mills of Russelville, AR; and six grandchildren, Steven and Annie Paige, Jason Paige, Brandy Paige, Dustin Paige, Jennifer and Charlie Jones and David Paige Jr. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon "Buck" Paige; and a son, Henry S. Paige. Visitation will be today at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5-10 p.m. and tomorrow at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the service at 2 p.m. Elders Duane Ball and Glynn Erwin will officiate and interment will follow at the Garden District Cemetery in Covington. Eugene "Gene" Abram (Died March 14, 2002) WOODVILLE, TX - Eugene "Gene" Abram, 75, died March 14 in Beaumont, TX. Abram was born Feb. 6, 1927 to Mr. and Mrs. John Abram in Hub, MS. He worked as a skidder driver, metal worker and with Coleman's Funeral Home until he retired. He is survived by his wife, Hazel Lee Abram of Angie; Marthella Abram Hart of Hammond; Irene Abram of Bogalusa; Annie Abram of Angie; Debra Abram and Erica Abram of Hammond; James E. Abram Magee of Milwaukee, WI; Melvin Chester Abram of Bogalusa; Anna Parks and Raymond Abram, both of Woodville, TX; Belva Land of Jasper, TX; Sheila Wright of Baytown, TX; David Sterns of Kileen, TX; Henry Steams of Beaumont, TX; the Rev. Eddie Abram and Mark Allen Abram, both of Houston, TX; a brother, Ray D. Lewis of Sandy Hook, MS; a sister, Sarah Ratcliff of Jasper, TX; 59 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; 23 great great grandchildren; 20-step-grandchildren; other relatives and friends; and a close friend, Joe Green of Varnado He was preceded in death by his sons, Calvin Abram and Wesley Jones; grandchildren, Precious L. Speights and Promise L. Speights. The funeral was March 23 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Woodville, TX with the Rev. C.O. Hadnot and Dr. R.L. Batclay officiating. Interment was in Magnolia Cemetery in Woodville, TX. Coleman's Tyler Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Versie Talley Kenyon (Died March 5, 2002) PALO ALTO, CA - Versie Talley Kenyon, 87, died peacefully in Palo Alto on March 5. She was born on May 23, 1914, in Isabel to Alonzo Lemuel Talley and M. A. Virginia Lloyd Talley. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Barclay Thomas Kenyon Jr. of Palo Alto; her sister, Audrey; her niece, Maxine Parker of Metairie, LA; her three children, Tom of Saratoga, CA, Talley of Palo Alto and Barbara of Jackson, WY; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Azora, Claude and Fennon. Evelyn Sumrall Spears (Died March 26, 2002) PINE - Evelyn Sumrall Spears, 63, a resident of Pine died yesterday at Beverly Healthcare in Tylertown, MS. She was a member of Central Missionary Baptist Church. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Sharon Spears and Lester and Paula Spears, all of Franklinton; a daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Mike Thomas of Sandy Hook, MS; four brothers, Frank Sumrall of Montrose, CO, Donald W. and H. L. Sumrall, both of Pine and Gary D. Sumrall of Hackley; three sisters, Margaret Jenkins and Marlene Jordan, both of Pine, and Ester Lou Spears of Hackley; four grandchildren, Mike Spears, Amanda Jordan, Lynell Miley and Leann Thomas; and four great-grandchildren, Magen and Skyler Spears, and Dylan and Harlie Jordan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Spears; her parents, Herbert and Hazel Lambert Sumrall; a brother, Dorman Sumrall; and two sisters, Mevelyn Hartzog Starnes and Carol Jean Warren. Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton today from 6 p.m. until the service tomorrow at 2 p.m. Elds. Clyde Cooper and Doyle Ball will officiate. Interment will follow in the Nobles Cemetery. Alfred Tennyson Husser (Died March 26, 2002) FRANKLINTON - Alfred Tennyson Husser, 80, a resident of the Canaan Community died yesterday morning at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. He was a deacon and member of Canaan Baptist Church. He was a retired employee of the engineering department of the Louisiana Highway Department. He is survived by a son, Leroy Husser of Alexandria; two daughters, Kayla Grace and Sherry Kazar, both of Franklinton; a brother, Huey Husser of Franklinton; two sisters, Isabelle Givens of Franklinton and Marie Rarick of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alyne Fisher Husser and his second wife, Loretta Parker Husser; a brother, the Rev. Eston Husser; and a sister, Maudine Crawford. Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home today from 6-10 p.m. and continue tomorrow at Canaan Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. The Revs. Joey Harris and Johnny Williams will officiate. Interment will follow in the Canaan Baptist Church Cemetery. Eleanor Fornea Thomas (Died March 24, 2002) VARNADO - Eleanor Fornea Thomas, 92, a resident of Varnado died yesterday at the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. She was born November 6, 1902. She was a member of the Varnado United Methodist Church, the administrative board, and was a Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of the Weslian Service Guild, the night Circle of the ESM Church. She leaves memories for all she touched. She is survived by her only daughter, Tommie Lee Boone and her husband, Albert Jewel Boone of Varnado; a granddaughter, Glenda Boone Villarrubia and her husband, David; a grandson, Albert Boone Jr. and wife, Shey, all of Bogalusa; four great-grandchildren, David D. Villarrubia II and his wife, Gabrielle of Baton Rouge, Steven and John Villarrubia of Bogalusa; a great-granddaughter, Krystal Boone of Bogalusa; a great-great-granddaughter, Sadie Villarrubia of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Aver Dawsey of Varnado and Hattie Stafford of Bogalusa; two brothers, Cedric Fornea of Varnado and Elmer Fornea of Bogalusa; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren Glenn Thomas; her parents, Tom P. Fornea and Lou Ella Stallings Fornea; two sisters, Georgia Fornea and Nylean Bender; and two brothers, Burns and Johnnie Fornea. Visitation will be today at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. and tomorrow at Varnado United Methodist Church from 10 a.m until the service at 2 p.m. The Revs. Ester Hammond and Karl Wood will officiate. Interment will follow in the R. D. Fornea Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be set up in her memory at the Varnado United Methodist Church. Rebecca Dianne Slocum (Died March 23, 2002) BOGALUSA - Rebecca Dianne Slocum, 39, a resident of Bogalusa died Saturday at her residence. She is survived by two daughters, Michelle Yarbrough and Lacy Slocum, both of Bogalusa; two grandchildren, Michael Travas Jenkins and Joseph Tate Yarbrough, both of Bogalusa; three sisters, Kathy Burks, Carroll Carrier and Rhonda Talley, all of Bogalusa; a brother, Doug Slocum of Bogalusa; her mother and step-father, Mildred and Melvin Freeman; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Roger Chaplin. She was preceded in death by her father, Lamar E. Slocum; and a sister, Lisa Karen Slocum. Visitation was yesterday at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5:30-10 p.m. The funeral service will be today at the funeral home at 3 p.m. The Rev. Frank Gutierrez will officiate. Interment will follow in Pounds Cemetery. Valvery Miley Graves (Died March 22, 2002) WALKER - Valvery Miley Graves, 80, a resident of Walker and native of Enon was called home by her Lord Friday. She died at Summit Hospital in Baton Rouge. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Maria and Charles Rogers, Nell and Billy Forbes and Betty Sue and James Arnold; three sons and daughters-in-law, Kinzy and Maria Miley, L.J. and Betty Miley and Ricky and Sheree Miley; a sister, Janella Taylor; 11 grandchildren, Wayne Miley, Glenda Melcher, Chris and Daniel Forbes, Michelle, Robert and Scott Miley, Chad Rogers, Jason Miley, Dana Craig and Darla Taylor; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her second husband, Otis Graves; her first husband, Leslie Miley Sr.; her father and mother, Oscar and Leta Mizell Rogers; a son, Elvin Miley; two sisters, Carrie Venable and Dot Akin; and two brothers, Johnny and Norris Rogers. Visitation was yesterday at Lighthouse Pentecostal Church from 5-10 p.m. and today from 8 a.m until the service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Jerry Arnold will officiate. Interment will follow at the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church Cemetery in Denham Springs. Shirley Gann Bailey (Died March 21, 2002) BOGALUSA - Shirley Gann Bailey, 58, a life-long resident of Bogalusa died Thursday at her home. She is survived by a daughter, Kim Bailey of Bogalusa; eight grandchildren, Shannon Bowers of Metairie, Jesse Seal of Bogalusa, Wendy Sumrall of Hattiesburg, MS, Brandy and Kenneth Perez of Mandeville, Jason and Derek Sumrall of Bogalusa and Brittney Smith of Mandeville; seven sisters, Carolyn Kleinpeter of DeRidder, Barbara Gann of Crossroads, MS, Betty LeBlanc of Independence, Linda Davis of Crossroads, Sheila Gilbert of Amite, Kathy Seal of Bogalusa and Tisha Thomas of Crain's Creek; a grandson-in-law, Michael Thomas of Metairie; very special friends, Larry and Cathy Gill of Bogalusa; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Bailey; a daughter, Karen Bowers Bailey Sumrall; a son, William "Bill" Bowers; her mother, Eula Burge; her father, Leon Gann; and two brothers, Tom and Eddie Davidge. A memorial graveside service will be today at 3 p.m. at Kennedy Cemetery in Crossroads with Chaplain Walter Heine of Hospice of St. Tammany officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of St. Tammany, 1202 South Tyler St., Covington, LA 70433 Brown-McGehee Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jimmy Dewayne Wilson Jr. (Died March 22, 2002) FRANKLINTON -- Jimmy Dewayne Wilson Jr. was stillborn Friday at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. He is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Kim Sumrall Wilson of Pine; grandparents, Donald W. and Brenda Sumrall of Pine; a great grandmother, Ada Thomas of Pine and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by a grandmother, Rebecca Wilson and great grandparents Latimore Thomas and Herbert and Hazel Sumrall. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Thomas Cemetery with Rev. Harold Gaddy and Rev. John Inabnitt presiding. Crain Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Rebecca Diane Slocum (Died March 23, 2002) BOGALUSA -- Rebecca Diane Slocum, 39, of Bogalusa, died at 12:20 p.m. yesterday at her home. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete. Cynthia Paul Teper (Died March 22, 2002) HOUSTON, TX - Cynthia Paul Teper, 54, a former resident of Bogalusa and resident of Houston, TX died at this morning at her home in Houston. She fought valiantly for six years before succumbing to cancer. She leaves many friends in Houston and Bogalusa. She is survived by four sisters, Pauline Roussell of Baton Rouge, Dale Owens of Bogalusa, Betty Whichard of Slidell and Janice Breland of Slidell; a brother, Damon Paul of Atlanta, GA; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Mr & Mrs. Burdette Paul of Bogalusa. Visitation will be at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home Sunday from 1 p.m. until time for the funeral service at 3 p.m. Interment will follow in Hillview Memorial Gardens. Shirley Gann Bailey (Died March 21, 2002) BOGALUSA - Shirley Gann Bailey, 58, a resident of Bogalusa died yesterday at her residence. Brown-McGehee Funeral Home is charge of arrangements which are incomplete. Dawsey McCauley "Pete" Ard (Died March 18, 2002) ANGIE - Dawsey McCauley "Pete" Ard, 78, a resident of Angie died Monday at Our Lady of the Lakes Hospital in Baton Rouge as a result of an accident suffered in Livingston Parish. He is survived by four sons, Richard, Ronnie and J.D. Ard, all of Slidell and Patrick Ard of Angie; a daughter, Annie Baucumn of Picayune; five step-children, Shelia Forbes, Sandra Jenkins, Linda Stafford, Robert and Greg Stafford; four brothers, Milton Penton, Ester Penton, Elton "Red" Penton and Kelly Penton; three sisters, Christina Sticker, Ernestine Lawson and Helen King; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death was his wife, Lois Stafford. Visitation will be today at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home from 6-10 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted tomorrow from the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m. The Rev. Billy Ray Hines and Rev. Brent King will officiate. Interment will follow at First Baptist Church Cemetery at Pine. Bob" Adele Williams Rigsby (Died March 7, 2002) CARRIERE, MS - "Bob" Adele Williams Rigsby, 96, died March 7 in Southern Pines Personal Care Home in Carriere, MS. She was born February 16, 1906. A member of Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial Methodist Church in Bogalusa, she served as a youth leader and in various other roles of the church. She is survived by two grandchildren, Karen Doucet of Baton Rouge and Danny Williams of Picayune, MS; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Gertrude Fortenberry, Tommie Holmes and Dutha Lambert. Preceding her in death were two husbands, Houston Williams and Arthur Rigsby; a son, Ferrell Williams; four sisters, Norma Jean Boyd, Unav Bourne, Inez Howell and Texie Mae Reid; and three brothers, Elzin Boyd, Marvin Boyd and Buford Boyd. The funeral service was held Sunday, March 10 at Community Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Rev. Hugh Warren of Elizabeth Sullivan Memorial Methodist Church officiated. Interment followed in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Eugene 'Jean' Abram (Died March 16, 2002) WOODVILLE, TEXAS - Eugene "Jean" Abram, 75, of Woodville, Texas, died Saturday, at St. Elizabeth Hosptial in Beaumont. He was a former resident of the Angie and Sandy Hook communities. He is the husband of Hazel Abrams of Angie, LA. Leona Gatzman Stupka (Died March 16, 2002) BOGALUSA - Leona Gatzman Stupka, 88, a resident of Bogalusa died Saturday at the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. She was a life long resident of Bogalusa and a member of one of the pioneer families of the community. She was a graduate of Bogalusa High School, a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by a daughter, Frankie Stupka of Bogalusa; two sons, Michael B. Stupka of Mandeville and Mark Stupka of Baton Rouge; two granddaughters, Michelle Stupka of Austin, TX and Mary Beth Robinson of Denham Springs; two grandsons, Christopher McNeese of Mont Clare, VA and Derek Stupka of Minneapolis, MN; a great-grandson, Geofferson McNeese of Mont Clare, VA; and a sister, Viola Tilton of Pinehurst, NC. Preceding her in death was her husband of 65 years, Frank Sherman Stupka. Visitation will be at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home today from 6-9 p.m. with a rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will continue tomorrow at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until time of service at Annunciation Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Father Lawrence Phelps will officiate. Interment will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. Opal Georgine Sheridan Pittman (Died March 18, 2002) BOGALUSA - Opal Georgine Sheridan Pittman, 76, a native and lifelong resident of Bogalusa died this morning at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. She was a member and Church Secretary of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church. She was former Worthy Matron of Zona Chapter of The Eastern Star and a member Jasmine Chapter of Eastern Star in Bogalusa. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, John David Pittman Sr. of Bogalusa; five children and their spouses, Tommy Pittman and his wife, Vicki, of Bogalu; John David Pittman Jr. and his wife, Sherri, of Bogalusa; Sharion Busby and her husband, Wayne, of Bogalusa; Martha Ann Ledbetter and her husband, Donald, of Bogalusa; and Joyce Sewell and her husband, Joseph, of Panama City, FL; two sisters, Nettie Smith and her husband, Terry E. Smith, of Bogalusa; and Yvonne Rester and her husband, Eugene C. Rester, of Bogalusa; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home today from 6-10 p.m. An Eastern Star service will be held at 7 p.m. today. Visitation will continue tomorrow from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Marlin Gipson will conduct the service and interment will be in Emmanuel MissionaryBaptist Church Cemetery. Mary Earlene Pigott Williams (Died March 13, 2002) GONZALES - Mary Earlene Pigott Williams, 73, a resident of Gonzales died yesterday at Baton Rouge General Hospital. On this day, March 13, 2002, our Lord and Savior took his soldier home. She was 73, born April 10, 1928. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She grew up between Bogalusa and Varnado and then became a resident of Gonzales. She was a graduate of Varnado High School and Spencer Business College. She worked as a secretary until health problems caused her to stop. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a member of Grey's Creek Baptist Church in Denham Springs. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Tom Clifton Williams Jr. and his wife, Wendy Bercegeay Williams of Gonzales; a sister and brother-in-law, Ester Varisco and her husband, Sal of Hammond; a brother, Robert J. Pigott of Bogalusa; three grandchildren, Thomas Reid Williams, John Brandon Williams and Samantha Ann Williams, all of Gonzales; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Clifton Williams Sr; and her parents, Robert Reid Pigott and Cora Pittman Pigott. Visitation will be at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home today from 4:30-9 p.m. The funeral service will be tomorrow at the funeral home at 11 a.m. The Rev. Carl Sullivan will officiate. Interment will follow in Hillview Memorial Gardens in Bogalusa. Herlen Marshall Holts (Died March 12, 2002) BOGALUSA - Herlen Marshall Holts, 79, a resident of Erie Avenue in Bogalusa died Tuesday at the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. He is survived by six sons, Sander Felix Miller and Douglas E. Holts, both of Bogalusa, Stanley Ray Miller of Gulfport, MS, Hollis Holts of Franklinton, Marshall James Holts of Las Vegas, NV, and Peter Holts of San Diego, CA; five daughters, Aleicia M. (Ray) Magee of Bogalusa, Almeicia Barrett of New Orleans, Gloria and Gwendolyn Holts, both of Pasadenia, CA, and Amy (Culie Jr.) Cotton of Bogalusa; 38 grandchildren; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter (Mary) Holts; three children, Steven Roy Miller, Shelva Holts and Domeicia Holts; and a granddaughter, Salisha Marie Miller. Visitation will be tomorrow at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa from 2-6 p.m. The funeral service will be Saturday at in the funeral home chapel at 2 p.m. Tom Bailey, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Bogalusa Cemetery. Mary Earline Williams (Died March 13, 2002) BOGALUSA - Mary Earline Williams died this morning in Baton Rouge General Hospital in Baton Rouge. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete. Herlean M. Holts (Died March 12, 2002) BOGALUSA - Herlean M. Holts, 79, a resident of Erie Avenue in Bogalusa, died yesterday in the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete. Marie Celeste L. Starns (Died March 11, 2002) BOGALUSA - Marie Celeste L. Starns, 103, died yesterday in the Guest House in Baton Rouge. A resident of Baton Rouge and a past resident of Bogalusa, she was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church. Survivors include two sons, Karl and Richard Starns, both of Bogalusa; two daughters, Edith Starns Talbot of Baton Rouge, and Audrey Starns Gann of Bogalusa; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Karl L. Starns; her parents, George and Harriet Lasseigne; two brothers, Walter and Milton Lasseigne; and three sisters, Mae Lasseigne, Edith Stanga and Ella Mutter. Visitation was held yesterday at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home from 5:30-9 p.m. with a rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation continued today from 9 a.m. until the chapel funeral service at 11 a.m. Father Lawrence Phelps conducted religious services. Burial was in Ponemah Cemetery. James Melvin "Hawk" Williams (Died March 8, 2002) NEW BERN, NC - James Melvin "Hawk" Williams, 59, a native of Bogalusa and a resident of Bayboro, NC, died Friday in Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps., retired from Cherry Point Air Station as Aircraft Electrician, and was working as a bus driver for Ollison Transportation. Survivors include his wife, Beatrice Pearsall Williams of Bayboro, NC; two sons, John F. Williams of Irvington, NJ, and Malcolm L. Williams of Aurora, IL; three daughters, Violet A. Williams, Vantisha Williams, and Kierra Midgette of Bayboro, NC; four brothers, Ray Williams of New Bern, NC, Eugene Williams of California, Chris Williams of Oklahoma, and Michael Williams of Minnesota; a sister, Marilyn Williams of Bogalusa; and seven grandchildren. The family will receive friends at the home Wednesday, with the visitation planned from noon until 7 p.m. at Oscar's Mortuary, Inc. The funeral service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Antioch U.C. of Christ with the Rev. Adner Batts officiating. Burial will follow in Midgette Family Cemetery in the Maribel community. Ola Taylor Gates (Died March 11, 2002) FRANKLINTON - Ola Taylor Gates, 98, a resident of Franklinton, died yesterday at 5 p.m. in Heritage Manor Nursing Home. She is survived by two daughters, Dottie Ladner of Franklinton and Sandi Gardner of Clayton, New Mexico; a son, Donald Gates of Natchitoches, LA; grandchildren, Donna Carter, Vicki Politte, Tim Sheridan, Ginger Gates, Greg Gates, Shannon Sheridan, Steve Sheridan, and Shawn Sheridan; and two great-grandchildren, Tori Sheridan and John Marcell. A funeral service will be held Friday at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Magee, MS. Burial will follow at The Mendenhall Cemetery. Crain Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mary Josephine Adams (Died March 8, 2002) BOGALUSA - Mary Josephine Adams, 83, of Wanamassa, Ocean Township, New Jersey, died Friday at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune. She worked for Bendix Aviation, Eatontown, for five years before retiring in 1965. Before that, she worked for Stainbach's Department Store in Asbury Park. A member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Asbury Park, she was born in New Jersey and moved to Asbury Park in 1944 and to Wanamassa, Ocean Township in 1953. Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Johnie Lavelle Adams, formerly of Isabel, LA; sisters-in-law, Alda Lee Benentt of Isabel, Dorothy Bush and Ola Hobgood, both of Bogalusa, Carolyn Ann McCain of Sandy Hook, MS, Betty Sue Brumfield of Tylertown, MS, and Lucy Kuylen of Kenner, LA; brothers-in-law, Clyde Adams of Grand Prairie, TX, Danny Adams of New Orleans, LA; three god-children, Linda Adams Brode of Germantown, MD, Krislee Adams Dier of Bogalusa, and Debbie Bush Thomas of Waynesville, NC; 22 nieces; 22 nephews; and many cousins. Visitation will be held from 4-10 p.m. tomorrow at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home of Bogalusa. A mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Annunciation Roman Catholic Church in Bogalusa. Father Lawrence Phelps OSB will conduct religious services. Interment will be at Adams Family Cemetery in Isabel. James Melvin 'Hawk' Williams (Died March 8, 2002) BAYBORO, NC - James Melvin "Hawk" Williams, 59, formerly of Bogalusa, died Friday in New York. Oscar's Mortuary, Inc., located at 1700 Oscar Drive, New Bern, NC, is in charge of arrangements, which are incomplete at this time. Charles Dewayne Spears (Died March 8, 2002) BATON ROUGE - Charles Dewayne Spears, 53, died Friday at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge. A native of Bogalusa and resident of Livingston, LA, for the past 20 years, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Viet Nam conflict and was an associate instructor in manufacturing processing at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Rose Marie Kones Spears of Livingston; three sons, Daniel Dewayne Spears of Bogalusa, Kenneth Lee Spears of Wiggins, MS, and Christopher Nicholas Spears of Livingston; his parents, Lee Spears of Bogalusa and Myrtle Lee Revere Magee of Bogalusa; two brothers, Robert Earl Spears and Ted Magee, both of Bogalusa; two sisters, Gwendolyn Diane Cooper of Chino Valley, AZ, and Terry Lynn Slade of Bogalusa; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home in Bogalusa today from 4-9 p.m. and tomorrow from 8 a.m. until the chapel funeral service at 11 a.m. Ministers Lerand Hunt and the Rev. Wilbur Jarrell will conduct the service and interment will follow in Hillview Memorial Gardens in Bogalusa. Pallbearers will be John Riley, Jon Eric Riley, Ted Magee, Ben Slade, Bruce Cooper and Thomas Hayes. Tillie Edward Blackwell Jr. (Died March 9, 2002) BOGALUSA - Tillie Edward Blackwell Jr., 72, a resident of Bogalusa, died Saturday in his home. He was a member of Roogaroo, First Baptist Church and the American Legion, and was President of the Board at Zellco. Survivors include his wife, Gayle Pierce Blackwell; three daughters and their spouses, Beverly Blackwell, Allison Wheat and her husband, Clifton, and Julie Kellis and her husband, Kenny, all of Bogalusa; a son and his wife, Steve and Rhonda Blackwell of Bush; four sisters, Betty Jo Lyons of Bogalusa, Bobbie Nell Wallace of Lanette, AL, Jackie Bowles of Metairie, and Pattie Ray of Mandeville; a brother, Jerry D. Blackwell of Chalmette; four grandchildren, Missy (Jody) Bacque' of Colorado Springs, CO, Chris (Amanda) Blackwell, Corey Dutruch and Karlie Wheat, both of Bogalusa; five great-grandchildren, Ty, Blackley, Kelly, Payton and Hunter; and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Pat Pierce of Bogalusa. Visitation was held yesterday at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5:30-9 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted today at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Bob Adams will officiate at the service. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Members of Roogaroo's will be honorary pallbearers. Tillie Blackwell (Died March 9, 2002) BOGALUSA - Tillie Blackwell, a lifelong resident of Bogalusa, died yesterday at his home. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete. Charles Thomas Welch Jr. (Died March 9, 2002) BOGALUSA - Charles Thomas Welch Jr., 66, a resident of Bogalusa, died yesterday in Covington. He was a retired fireman with the City of Bogalusa. Survivors include his wife, Melba Dykes Welch of Bogalusa; two sons, Calvin and Charles Welch III, both of Bogalusa; two step-sons, Bruce Dykes of Ponchatoula and Gary Dykes of Reliance, TN; two daughters, Deborah and Terri Lynn Welch, both of Bogalusa; two step-daughters, Gail Dykes of Florence, AL, and Brenda Kennedy of Jonesboro; one brother, Alton Welch of Sarasota, FL; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home today beginning at 9:30 a.m. and at First Pentacostal Church on Highway 21 from 1 p.m. until the funeral service at 3 p.m. Bros. Jonathan Suber, Ronald Wilson and James Fontenot will conduct the service and interment will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. Athalee Carter Toney (Died March 8, 2002) BOGALUSA - Athalee Carter Toney, 88, a lifetime resident of the Plainview community, died Friday at Crosby Memorial Hospital in Picayune, MS. She was a longtime member of the Plainview Baptist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Geraldine Pierce of Bogalusa; three grandchildren and their spouses, Michell and Leo Schwartz of Pearl River, Jeffrey and Onita Pierce of Ponchatoula and Toney Pierce of Houston, Texas; six great-grandchildren, Steven, Morgan, Nicole and Ethan Pierce and Brittany and Kimberly Schwartz; and two sisters, Alphus Noland of Jackson and Johnnie Faye Culpepper of Pearl River. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilmer Toney; her parents, Wilder and Lennie Carter; and three sisters, Willie Carter, Lula Dea Jenkins and Eva Mae Stogner. Visitation will be at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home today from 5-9 p.m. and tomorrow at Plainview Baptist Church from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Kent Megehee will conduct and interment will follow in the Plainview Cemetery. Charles Dewayne Spears (Died March 8, 2002) BATON ROUGE - Charles Dewayne Spears, 53, died Friday at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge. A native of Bogalusa and resident of Livingston, LA, for the past 20 years, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Viet Nam conflict and was an associate instructor in manufacturing processing at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Rose Marie Kones Spears of Livingston; three sons, Daniel Dewayne Spears of Bogalusa, Kenneth Lee Spears of Wiggins, MS, and Christopher Nicholas Spears of Livingston; his parents, Lee Spears of Bogalusa and Myrtle Lee Revere Magee of Bogalusa; two brothers, Robert Earl Spears and Ted Magee, both of Bogalusa; two sisters, Gwendolyn Diane Cooper of Chino Valley, AZ, and Terry Lynn Slade of Bogalusa; six grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home in Bogalusa tomorrow from 4-9 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the chapel funeral service at 11 a.m. Pastor Lynn Martin and the Rev. Wilbur Jarrell will officiate. Interment will follow in Hillview Memorial Gardens in Bogalusa. Helen Owens Moses (Died March 5, 2002) BOGALUSA - Helen Owens Moses, 64, died Tuesday at Lane Memorial Hospital in Zachary. She leaves to mourn, four daughters, Sandra (Donald) Adams, Janice Moses, Debra (Calvin) Tate and Karen "Lynn" Moses, all of Baton Rouge; two sons, Michael Moses of Baton Rouge and Eddie "Beverly" Moses of Fort Worth, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Cameron Courtney, Durral Shayla, Whitney, La'Kesha, Tevin, Jalen, Curry, Tajuan, Kametria and Cedricka; two sisters, Doretha Abrams of New Orleans and Evelyn Owens of Baton Rouge; three brothers, Thomas (T.J.) Owens of Bogalusa, Claudell Owens of Milwaukee, WI and Jerry Owens of Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd and Annie Mae Owens; her husband, Eddie Otis Moses; a son, Darryl Moses; a brother, Samuel Owens and a sister, Edna Pearl Henry. Visitation will be today at Cook-Richmond Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. The funeral service will be tomorrow at the Sun Light Baptist Church in Sandy Hook, MS, at noon. The Rev. Charlie Galloway will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Elmer Pierce Kemp (Died March 6, 2002) BOGALUSA - Elmer Pierce Kemp, 94, a resident of Bogalusa died yesterday at the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. He was a lifetime member and deacon of Lee's Creek Baptist Church. He received an award in November 2001 as the church's only surviving charter member. He joined Lee's Creek Baptist in 1917. He is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Marie Hunt and her husband, Shelton of Bogalusa, Thelma Jones and her husband, J.P. of Lafayette, Marion Bridges and her husband, Gerald of Monroe, and Lorraine Latino and her husband, J. L. of Bogalusa; three sons and daughters-in-law, James E. Kemp and his wife, Louise, Wayne Kemp and his wife, Helen and Douglas Kemp and his wife, Sandra, all of Bogalusa; 18 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death was his wife of 62 years, Bertha N. Kemp; his parents, Quincy and Dicey Kemp; a granddaughter; two grandsons; a sister; and two brothers. Visitation will be today at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 6-10 p.m. and tomorrow from 9-10:30 a.m. The funeral service will be tomorrow at Lee's Creek Baptist Church at 11 a.m. The Rev. Lonnie Thompson will officiate. Interment will follow in Lee's Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Helen Owens Moses (Died March 5, 2002) BATON ROUGE - Helen Owens Moses, 64, a resident of Baton Rouge died yesterday at Lane Memorial Hospital. Cook-Richmond Funeral Home in Bogalusa is in charge of arrangements which are incomplete. Rodney Gary Holliday (Died March 5, 2002) BATON ROUGE - Rodney Gary Holliday, 64, a native of Covington and resident of Baton Rouge died yesterday morning at Great House in Baton Rouge. He was an operator at Allied Chemical and a U. S. Air Force veteran. He is survived by his wife, Sibyl Varnado Holliday of Baton Rouge; two daughters and sons-in-law, Stephanie and Danny Vallet and Lisa and Greg Polozola, all of Baton Rouge; four grandchildren, Haley Denae Vallet, Jared Daniel Vallet, Sean Gregory Polozola and Alana Adair Polozola; three brothers, Ernest Holliday Jr., Malous and William Holliday, all of Covington; and four sisters, Sarah Farra Wall, Edith Burel, JoAnn Akers and Lillie Belle Cleland, all of Covington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Holliday Sr. and Lydia Achee Harvey; and two brothers, Edward Achee and Adrian Holliday. Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home today from 5-10 p.m. and tomorrow from 8 a.m. until the chapel funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in the Seal Cemetery in Franklinton. Myrtle Holmes Morris (Died March 4, 2002) SLIDELL - Myrtle Holmes Morris, 94, a former resident of Bogalusa and resident of Slidell died yesterday at the Northshore Living Center in Slidell. She was born Oct. 29, 1907 in Walthall County, MS. She was well known as the school crossing guard for many years at Superior Avenue School. She is survived by a daughter, Anerlene A. McDaniel of Metairie; two sons, James Edwin Morris and Van Gerry Morris, both of Bogalusa; three grandchildren, Alvin Royer Jr. of Metairie, Angela M. Pritchard and Laura Morris; and two great-grandchildren, Tyler Pritchard and Tanner Pritchard, all of Bogalusa. Preceding her in death was her husband, Edwin Morris; and her parents, Elias and Rebecca Brock Holmes. Visitation will be today at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5-9 p.m. and will continue tomorrow at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. The Rev. Dennis Allen and the Rev. Sollie Smith will officiate. Interment will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rodney Wells, Reed Pritchard, Bill Mohon, Jabus Kelly, Tony McDaniel and Al Royer. Jeanette D. Mark (Died February 28, 2002) BOGALUSA - Jeanette D. Mark, 67, a resident of East 6th Street in Bogalusa died Thursday at her residence. She was an active member of St. John Temple where she served as pulpit hostess, taking care of the men of God in the pulpit. She was a faithful member of the Sisters Sunday School Class and an adult chaperon for the youth church. She leaves to cherish her memories, her father, Ben Dillon; four sons, John (Toni) Mark of Bogalusa, Larry (Annette) Mark of Angie, John L. Mark of New Orleans and Percy Mark of Bogalusa; two daughters, Jenell Mark and Jacqueline Mark, both of Bogalusa; three sisters, Kathleen Jackson and Bessie Brumfield of Bogalusa and Edna Dillon of Milwaukee, WI; two brothers, Issac and Excell Dillon of Chicago, IL; her mother-in-law, Olivia Mark ; 25 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, one aunt, cousins, and many other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillean Dillon; her husband, L. C. Mark; a son, James E. Mark; a sister, Alberta Magee; a brother, Willester Young; and a granddaughter. Visitation will be tomorrow at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa from 5-7 p.m. The funeral service will be Wednesday at St. John Elizabeth Temple Church of God in Christ in Bogalusa at 2 p.m. Elder Bobby R. Brown will officiate. Interment will follow in the Bogalusa Cemetery. Merley James 'Bud' Mathews (Died March 2, 2002) BOGALUSA - Merley James "Bud" Mathews, 85, a native of Sandy Hook, MS, and lifelong resident of Bogalusa died Saturday at his residence. He is survived by two sons, Raymond Mathews of Bogalusa and David Mathews of Covington; a step-son, Link Charles Beaudette of Walnut Creek, CA; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Nell George of Hattiesburg, MS; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace L. Caddy Mathews; his parents, Archie Mathews and Mary Belle Pigott Mathews; and a brother, Murphy Mathews. Visitation was held yesterday at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home from 6-10 p.m. The funeral service will be today at the funeral home at 2 p.m. The Rev. Marty McCoy will officiate and interment will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. Sidney H. 'Paw Paw Carroll (Died March 3, 2002) BOGALUSA - Sidney H. "Paw Paw" Carroll, 84, a resident of Bogalusa died last Sunday at his residence. He was an avid Bogalusa High School and little league fan. He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Jeanie and John Redman and Sydney Gayle and Rodney Robertson Sr., both of Bogalusa; a sister, Juanita Qudauski of Bogalusa; two grandchildren, James Rodney Robertson Jr. and Christy Robertson and Robyn Gayle and James Jenkins; four great-grandchildren, Hamp Robertson, Cameron Robertson, Mallory Jenkins and Maggie Jenkins, all of Bogalusa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carnelia Carroll; and his sisters and brothers, Betty, Buck, Bob, Bernie, Jack, Paul, Bay and C. C. Visitation was yesterday at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home. The funeral was scheduled today at the funeral home at 11 a.m. The Rev. Sollie Smith was to officiate. Interment was scheduled to follow in Ponemah Cemetery. Erie C. O'Ree (Died Feb. 28, 2002) BOGALUSA - Erie Cleady O'Ree, 86, a life-time resident of 916 Sioux Place, died Thursday at 8:35 p.m. in the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. Mourning his departure while cherishing his loving memories are his survivors: two daughters, Erica O. (Don) Brumfield and Sybil O'Ree, both of Bogalusa; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be tomorrow from 2-8 p.m. at Crain and Son Funeral Home in Bogalusa. The funeral will be Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Dr. Aaron J. Thompson will officiate and interment will follow in Bogalusa Cemetery. Charles Clayton 'Clay' Mitchell (Died March 1, 2002) SUN - Charles Clayton "Clay" Mitchell, 35, a native of Bogalusa and resident of Sun, died Friday at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans. He is survived by one son, Justin Thomas of Bogalusa; a daughter, Kristan Mitchell of Bogalusa; two brothers, Richard D. Mitchell of Sun and David Mitchell of Covington; his parents, Charles Ernest Mitchell of Sun and Deborah Schilling and her husband, Bennie of Pine; three step-sisters, Theresa Rosenthal, Christy Galloway and Tammie Magee; his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Brister Mitchell of Sun; and his fiancé, Patricia Dykes and her children, Kema, Brandon and Kala Dykes, all of Bush. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Favret. Visitation was held yesterday from 4:30-10 p.m. at Brown-McGehee Funeral Home and will continue today from 8 a.m. until the chapel funeral service at 2 p.m. The Revs. Ed Jenkins, Lynn Martin and Steve Ecchols will officiate. Interment will follow in the Sun First Baptist Church Cemetery. Harold Thomas Rogers Sr. (Died March 2, 2002) BOGALUSA - Harold Thomas Rogers Sr., 93, a resident of Bogalusa, died yesterday at Bogalusa Community Medical Center. He was born Aug. 8, 1908 in New Orleans and attended Faith Outreach Ministry Center. He was a life-long resident and electrician in the Bogalusa area. He was trained by his father, James J. Rogers Sr., who was chief electrician at the Gaylord Paper Mill. Rogers was a member of the local Electrical Union No. 1877 of which he anonymously paid dues for many fellow members when they had problems doing so. He also served as a National Guardsman during World War II. He is survived by one daughter, Shirley Rogers Burr of Bogalusa; two sons, Charles and Tommy Rogers, both of Bogalusa; six grandchildren, Chuck and Scott Rogers, Albo and Bert Burr, Lori Moffett and Kristal Creel; five great-grandchildren, Holly Harris, Brady Hamm and Mandy, Kristen and Cadie Burr; and one great-great-grandson, Gage Glover. He was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Passman Rogers; his parents, James J. Rogers Sr. and Margaret Ingram Rogers; four brothers, Elmo, David, Frank and James J. Rogers Jr.; two sisters, Elsey Rogers George and Florence Rogers Dunaway; and a great-great-grandson, Jarod Moffet. Visitation will be at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home today from 1 p.m. until the chapel funeral service at 3 p.m. The Revs. Charles Purvis and Richard Ryals will conduct the service and interment will follow in Hillview Memorial Gardens. Doris Johns Brumfield (Died March 2, 2002) LAFAYETTE - Doris Johns Brumfield, 90, a native of Crystal Falls, MI, died at 10 a.m. yesterday at Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette. She was the daughter of the late William J. Johns and the former Mary Jane Stinton. A graduate of Cincinnati Mortuary School, she and her husband operated Brumfield Funeral Home in Columbus, MS, and she had worked at Poole Funeral Home in Bogalusa, Tharp-Sontheimer Westside and Schoen Funeral Home in New Orleans before her retirement. She taught practical embalming for five years at Delgado College in New Orleans, retiring in 1990. She was a former member and secretary-treasurer of the Greatner New Orleans Funeral Directors Association and a former member of the Louisiana, Mississippi and National Funeral Directors, Westside Business and Professional Women's Association, Eastern Star president and Woman of the Year and a member of Gretna United Methodist Church and choir. She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Mary B. and Percy Clark of Blackshear, GA, and Barbara B. Ryckman of Lafayette; one sister, Audrey J. Fields of Arlington, Texas, five grandchildren, Cindy Gullett, Paul Clark, Tara Callais, and Bill and Ralph Ryckman; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cabe H. Brumfield; her parents; a grandson, George Clark; her step-mother, Gertrude Oliver Johns; three sisters and one brother. The family extends special thanks to Dr. Glenn Mire and the staff of Magnolia Estates Nursing Home. The Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Dr., is in charge of the private funeral service.