The Era-Leader Obituaries, 26 Jul 2000, Washington Parish Louisiana Submitted by Cathy Warren Date: November 5, 2006 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ The Era-Leader, 26 Jul 2000 Erica J. Mizell Erica J. Mizell, 4, daughter of Mark and Brandi Magee Mizell of Enon, died at 3:45 p.m. on Tues., July 18, 2000 at Childrens Hospital in New Orleans. She is also survived by two brothers Timothy and Devon Mizell of Enon; grandparents Tim and Maureen Magee of Enon, Mary Jane Howell Mizell of Covington; great-grandparents Carey and Ivy Spencer of Franklinton and Flora Magee of Bogalusa. She is also survived by numerous other relatives and cousins. Visitation was Wednesday, July 19, 2000 at Crain Funeral Home at 4:00 p.m. until time for the funeral service at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel. Graveside service followed at sunset at the Spencer Cemetery. Rev. Leon Hickman and Rev. Craig Carrol officiated. Pallbearers were Alvin Eric Mizell, Paul Magee, Samuel Matney, Mitchem Anthony, and Jason Jenkins. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mildred Passman Stafford Mildred Passman Stafford, 83, resident of the Bonner Creek community died at 7:00 a.m. Saturday, July 15, 2000 at the St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington. She was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church and the widow of John D. Stafford. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law John Charles and Jean Stafford of Franklinton; two grandsons John Scott Stafford and Brett W. Stafford; four great- grandchildren Emily Tyson, Jordan Blake Stafford, Noah Ridge Stafford, and Hunter James Stafford. She is also survived by one sister, Esther Breland Allison of Bogalusa and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was at the Crain Funeral Home after 12 noon on Sunday, July 16 until time for the funeral service at 4:30 p.m. in the chapel with the Rev. Tim Gay officiating. Interment was held in the New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Verdie Blackwell, Billy Blackwell, Vernon Blackwell, Bobby Blackwell, Raymond Stafford, and Ricky Mitchell. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Flemin Louis Toomer Flemin Louis Toomer, age 77, a native of Franklinton and a resident of Alexander Street in New Orleans, died on Tuesday, July 29, 2000 at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans. He is survived by three daughters, Dorothy Sibley and Diana Matthews of New Orleans and Cynthia Matthews of Los Angeles, CA; two sons, Flemin Louis Toomer Jr., of Los Angeles and Matthew Toomer of New Orleans. Also survived by two sisters, Julia Toomer Bonds of New Orleans and Helen James of Franklinton; 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Also survived by three sisters-in-law, Mary Hall of New Orleans, Ophelia Toomer of Newmark, NJ and Willie Bee James of Franklinton; one brother-in-law, Hilton James of Franklinton and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Visitation was on Monday, July 24 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 5:00 p.m. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 25 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 a.m. Elder Washington E. Drake officiated. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Card of Thanks To our friends in Franklinton: Although Christine is no longer with us, I knew that she would have wanted you to know how much your concern, your prayers and your generosity of time, food and love meant to her and to our family. Christine was known as “Miss Chris” in Franklinton. She worked at First State Bank for 40 years and knew many of you personally. She was a dedicated choir member for 30 years and taught Sunday School and took part in all aspects of church life at the First Baptist Church. When she became sick almost six years ago, we all knew that each day was a gift from God. Chris remained strong and gracious throughout the course of her illness. We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary two years ago and she was able to see many of you that day. She loved Franklinton and the people who live here. For the past 10 months Christine’s illness became worse and she was bedridden most of the time. I have difficulty finding the words to appropriately thank you for being there for Chris and our family during this time. As in any challenge in life, the Lord provides people to help you along the way. We have been richly blessed with special people. I would particularly like to thank the following people for being there for Chris, the boys and for me: The Hospice of ST. Tammany-Lynn Nuss, Theresa Tolliver and Walter Heine who were kind and giving and added greatly to Chris’ quality of life. Dr. Jerry Thomas who helped us throughout the past six years and made himself available to us 24 hours a day. Fran Blackwell and Helen Bickham who are angels on earth. First Baptist Sunday School for cards, prayers and home “cookin’” Also, Jessie and Travis Mulina, Nell and Wendall Crain, Patricia and Johnny Peterson for you special friendship. My sisters Elise and Ludie, my sisters-in-law, Olean, Sally and Mabel, for your constant companionship and strength. This past week has been hectic. Those who have traveled this path known only too well what I mean. But the outpouring of love and concern from hundreds of friends has been most heart-warming to me. My sons, Ron and Dennis join me in thanking each of you for your expressions of sympathy and your kind endeavors during this time. Christine was the best wife and mother and was loved by all who knew her. I was fortunate to have been part of her life and love. We will all miss her. Sincerely, J.S. Thomas