Era-Leader Obits, 3-10-04 Washington Parish Submitted for the LA GenWeb Archives by Bonnie M. Dier, Apr. 2004. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ Ruby Letchworth Lafleur, Baton Rouge Ruby letchworth Laflueur, 94, died Wednesday morning, March 3, 2004 at her residence. She was born in Franklinton in 1909 to her parents, Prospere D. Letchworth and Genora Spencer Letchworth. She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Rohan B. Lafleur and wife Lorraine of Baton Rouge and Austin Charles Lafleur and wife Libby of St. Francisville; eight grandchildren, Mary Lafleur of New Orleans and fiance Eric Holmes, Charles Christian Lafleur of Baton Rouge, Suzanne Lafleur Warwick and husband Brent of Kobe, Japan, Michael Lafleur of Baton Rouge, Lauralee Lafleur of Rock Hill, SC., Scott Lafleur of Baton Rouge, Brittanie Lafleur Van Dyke and husband Tracy of Denham Springs and Brooklyn Lafleur of Baton Rouge; a loving sister, Billie Wire of Baton Rouge; sisters-in-law, Theresa L. Beazer and Hazel Lafleur, both of Bunkie and Patricia Lafleur of Baton Rouge; and a host of nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Caroline Wire of Baton rouge. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Austin Benjamin Lafleur, Austin Benjamin Lafleur; sons, Sgt. Gregory L. Lafleur and George M. Lafleur; a granddaughter, Jennifer Lynn Lafleur; her parents, sisters, Bessie L. Peck and Elsie O. Letchworth; and brothers, Roy A. Letchworth and George M. Letchworth. The family received visitors at Welsh Funeral Home in Baton Rouge on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass was held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Interment followed in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Charles Christian Lafleur, Michael Lafleur, Scott Lafleur, Tracy Van Dyke, Eric Holmes, Robin Lafleur, Floyd Andes and James Lafleur. Honorary pallbearers were Francis R. Lafleur, Lloyd Spencer, Cary Spencer, Thelbert Spencer, Joseph Beazer and Marvin Lafleur. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Margaret Locker Fowler, Fayetteville, TN Margarette Locker Fowler, 92, a resident of Fayetteville, TN, died at 11:15 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2004 in Fayetteville. She was a former resident of Franklinton from 1962 to 1975 and was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Gus B. Fowler. She is survived by two sons and one daughter-in-law, Barry L. Fowler of Huntsville, AL and Dennie and Madonna Fowler of Franklinton; two grandsons and one grand-daughter-in-law, Niel and Shannon Fowler and Dustin Fowler, all of Franklinton; and one great-granddaughter, Brylie Denise Fowler of Franklinton. A funeral service was held at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville on Thursday, March 4, 2004 at 3 p.m. Burial followed in Cedar Hills Cemetery in Fayetteville, TN. The family requests that any memorial donation in her name be given to the building fund of Hillcrest Baptist Church. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Stephen Jay Seal, Sr., Franklinton Sephen Jay Seal, Sr., 42, a resident of Franklinton, died at 12:26 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2004 in Covington. He is survived by four sons and a daughter-in-law, Stephen Jay Seal, Jr. and Angele LaCroix of Franklinton, Jason Scott and Melanie Seal, Dustin Erik Seal and Joshua Dewayne Seal all of Braxton, MS; two grandsons, Colin Anthony Seal of Franklinton and Michael Scott Seal of Braxton, MS; his mother, Christine Penton Sticker of Franklinton; two brothers and sisters-in-law, lavel Ray and Tina Knight and Tyrone and Dorothy Seal all of Franklinton; a special uncle, Milton Penton of Franklinton; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, J. Seal; a brother, Tommy Seal; and a sister, Terri Lynn Seal. Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home from 12 noon until 10 p.m. Tuesday and after 10 a.m. Wednesday. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Pat Miller, Eld. Ted Phillips and Eld. J.W. Graves officiating. Burial followed in the Tullos Cemetery. Pallbearers were David Penton, Joe Penton, Mark Jones, Greg Jones, Rayford Goings, and Wayne Penton. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mason John Magee, Delhi, LA Mason John Magee was born November 24 2003 in Monroe and died at 4:20 p.m. Friday, March 5, 2004 at Children's Hospital in New Orleans. His death was due to complications from Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. He is survived by his parents, Yancy and Brandi Magee of Delhi (formerly of Franklinton); grandparents, Eld. Richard and Sharon Magee and Bradford and Evelyn Kemp all of Franklinton; and great-grandparents, Wanza Magee, Bonnie Gerald, Louisia Kemp and Mavis Magee all of Franklinton. He was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Johnnie Magee, Thomas Alvin Kemp, Lou Ella Magee and Edward Gerald. Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday and after 8 a.m. Monday. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel. Burial followed in the Magee Cemetery at Lawrence Creek. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Mason John Magee Fund at Hancock Bank would be greatly appreciated. Pallbearers were Terry Magee, James Bickham, Robbie Stuart and Cullen Kemp. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Robert Whitney, Clinton, LA John Robert Whitney, 65, a native of Bloomington, Indiana and a resident of the Louisiana War Veterans Home in Clinton, LA died Wednesday morning in Clinton. He was retired from the Navy and an avid basketball fan of the Indiana Hossiers. He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jerry Duncan of Pine; a son, Robert Steven Whitney of Tennessee; two half brothers and spouses, David and Phyllis Hovious of FL and Paul Hoviuous of IN; 3 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and many friends and workers of the War Vets Home. He was preceded in death by a son Donald Wayne Whitney. Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and after 9 a.m. Saturday. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel. Burial followed in the Jones Cemetery in the Oak Grove Community. Pallbearers were Lane Whitney, Larry McNabb, Jay McNabb, Casey Stewart, Roy Magee and Steve Whitney. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Elvie Eldora Jones Jenkins, Enon Elvie Eldora Jones Jenkins, 91, a resident of Enon, died at 7 p.m. Sunday, February 29, 2004 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home. She was the widow of Marion D. Jenkins. She was the last grandchild of Willim Jones and Charlotte Morris, early pioneers of Washington Parish. She is survived by a son-in-law, Charles Wade Sauls of Poplarville; a grandson, David Preston Sauls of Baton Rouge; a great-grandson, Benjamin Jenkins Sauls of Baton Rouge; and a great-granddaughter, Claire Elizabeth Sauls of Baton Rouge. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Eldora Jenkins Sauls; her parents Burrell Richardson and Adeline Loyd Jones; three sisters, Nona Neola Jones, Delta Mae Jones Wood, Anne Adeline Jones Neal; a brother, Revis Richardson Jones; half brothers ad sisters, Doretha Talley, Andenia Williams, James Fletcher Jones, Lannes Jones and Bevie Pierce. Visitation was at Crain Funeral home after 9 a.m. Tuesday until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Ed Jenkins officiating. Burial followed in the Jones Cemetery. Pallbearers were Michael Sharp, Ron Sharp, Ricky Mc Neese, Troy Ginn, David Sauls and Ben Sauls. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs. N. L. Smith, Franklinton [picture accompanies article] Mrs. N.L. Smith, 85, a resident of Franklinton, died February 25, 2004 at Good Samaritans Nursing Home. Mrs. Smith was born Sept. 25, 1918 in Walthall County, MS She was the daughter of Chess and Lillie Johnson Brumfield. She was a homemaker and former owner and operator of San Box Nursery. She was a member of Tylertown Baptist Church and was a Pink Lady volunteer at Walthall County General Hospital in Tylertown. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Billy Ray and Frances McRaney Smith of Tylertown; a daughter and son-in-law, Peggy S. and Earle R. Brown of Franklin- ton; three granddaughters and their husbands, Debbie Boyd Walker and Rick of Brandon, Cindy Smith Stogner and Kent of Tylertown and Susan Smith Johnson and Brett of Tylertown; seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, her husbanc, Wilsie Smith; three brothers, Clarence, Elisha and Cullen Brumfield; and four sisters, Ada Jones, Nolia Estess, Julia Burch and Birdie Sanford. Services were at Capps Funeral Home in Tylertown with the Rev. Michael Glenn officiating. Burial was in the Tylertown Cemetery. Pallbearers were Hugh M. Smith III, Larry Montgomery, Robbie Brown, Rickv Walker, Bret Johnson and Kent Stogner. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- William Woodford "W.W." Guin, Natchez, MS William Woodford "W.W." Guin, 89, a resident of Natchez, MS died Thursday, February 12, 2004 in Franklinton. He was born Nov. 30, 1914, in Millport, AL, the son of Almas Bascom and Wilma Shaw Guin. He was a member of Morgantown Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner. He was World War II Veteran of the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division, serving in part of the Normandy Invasion, Utah Beach, Northern France and The Rhineland. He is survived by his wife, Ammel Grey Guin of Natchez; two daughters and sons-in- law, Yvonne G. and Jerry Stewart of Chattanooga, TN and Lydia G. and Frank Creel of Frankliinton; four grandchildren, William Derrick Guin of Jackson, Rachel Cathleen Stewart of Chattanooga and Brianna Temple Creel of Franklinton; a great-grandson, Alex Guin of Biloxi; and brothers and sisters, Juanita Kippling of Memphis, TN, Bedford Guin of Natchez, Hudolph "Buck" Guin of Starkville, Wayne Guin of Brooks- ville, FL and Lucille Youngblood of Madison Funeral services were held at Laird Funeral Home Union Street Chapel with Dr. Edgar Wright officiating. Burial followed in the Greenlawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Dutch Carter, Johnny Ratcliff, Rayford Smith, Herman Eldridge, Frank Causey, Sr. and Eddie Forbess. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Adult Five Mens' Sunday School Class of Morgantown Baptist Church. Memorials may be sent to Hospice Ministries or Morgantown Baptist Church. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rev. Roy W. Blount, Jackson, LA Rev. Roy W. Blount, 86, a longtime resident of Franklinton, now residing in Jackson, LA, died at 3:46 a.m. Monday, March 1, 2004 at Lane Memorial Hospital in Zachary. He was a former employee of Lacox and a minister. He was a member of Apostolic Tabernacle in Jackson, LA. He is survived by five children and spouses, Dan and Alice Blount, Holly Woodward, Betty and Kenny Fletcher, Margie Trahan and Sally and Gerald Oldham, all of Jackson; a sister, Lillian Palmer of Albany; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 8 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Alma Bell Blount and his second wife, Lucille M. Blount; and two sons, Huey Trahan and Jake Woodward. Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday and after 8 a.m. Wednesday. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Leon Hickman and Rev. Elrige Anselmi officiating. Burial followed in the Tyson Cemetery. Pallbearers were Dewayne Trahan, Scott Sagely, Hank Fletcher, David Tousant, Edgar Richardson and Francis Hanlon. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LaVerne Seal Varnado, Canaan Community LaVerne Seal Varnado, 83, a resident of the Canaan Community, died at 1 p.m. Wednes- day, March 3, 2004 at Riverside Medical Center. She was owner/operator of Varnado Used Clothing Store for over 30 years and a member of Canaan Baptist Church. She was the widow of Arthur T. Varnado. She is survived by two sons, Kirby Varnado of Kentwood and Gene Varnado of Franklin- ton; a daughter, Ann Cowart of Franklinton; three brothers, Carl Seal of Seminary, MS, Kirby Seal of Sparta, NC and John Seal of Franklinton; three sisters, Wanda Cloice Bankston of Amite, Willie Bea Slaven of Lake Charles and Wilkie Miller of Franklinton; 10 grndchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a son, Mack Varnado, a daughter, Faye Miller; her parents, Wilton and Beatrice Spinks Seal; and a sister, Leatha Allen. Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday. Visitation continued after 9 a.m Friday until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church with Rev. Harold Bankston and Rev. Carl Seal officiating. Burial followed in the Seal Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Canaan Baptist Church for Ruston Zachary. Pallbearers were Justin Varnado, Darrell Varnado, Gary Varnado, Kenneth Varnado, Stewart Varnado and Colby Miller. # # #