OBITUARIES, WASHINGTON PARISH, LOUISISANA February, 1998 Submitted by Bonnie M. Dier, Prepared by Emily M. Hughes ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ TIPS FOR SEARCHING RECORDS ON THE INTERNET Netcape and MS Explorer users: If searching for a particular locality, or date while going through the records in the archives or anywhere....try these few steps: 1. Go to the top of the report you are searching. 2. Click on EDIT at the top of you screen. 3. Next click on FIND in the edit menu, 4 When the square pops up, enter what you are looking for in the FIND WHAT _______blank. 5. Click on DIRECTION - DOWN button. 6. And last, click on FIND NEXT and continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report. Following these steps should highlight the item that you indicated in FIND WHAT every place it appears in the report. You must continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report to see all of the locations where it appears. MELLINEE HUNT SHARP PARKER (The Era-Leader 4 February 1998) Mrs. Melline Hunt Sharp Parker, 85, a resident of Franklinton and a longtime resident of’ Bush died at 2:15 a.m. Monday at the Riverside Medical Center. She was member of Trinity Baptist Church. Mrs. Parker is survived by three sons and daughters-in-laws, Alex, Jr. and Rosie Sharp of Picayune, C.A. (Jack) and Carolyn Sharp of Onalaska, TX, Troy and Carolyn Sharp of Bush; one brother, Malachi Hunt of Bogalusa; one sister, Lurleane Jenkins of Franklinton; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her first husband Alex Sharp and her second husband Jewel Parker. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday and after 10 a.m. Tuesday. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Joey Miller and Rev. Larry Jenkins officiating. Burial followed in the Sharp Chapel Church of God Cemetery in Bush. Pallbearers for the service were Wade Talley, Kim Hunt, Melvin Hunt, Chuck Sharp, Leverett Hunt and Dale Freeman. ANNA MERLE WILLIAMS BENOIT (The Era-Leader 4 February 1998) Mrs. Anna Merle Williams Benoit, 66, a native of Columbia, Mississippi and a resident of Franklinton died Saturday, Jan. 31, at 10:05 a.m. att Columbia Lakeview Medical Center in Covington. Her family will miss and cherrish all the times they shared. Her journey of life is over here but is just beginning in peace with the Lord. Mrs. Benoit is survived by two sons, Larry Wayne Williams and Raymond Williams; one daughter, Sherry (Sally) Rushing all of Franklinton; one sister, Mrs. Edith Eli of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; also five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Dan Jack Williams and Linwood Benoit; four brothers, Robert Lavelle, Charles, Felton and Jack James; and a sister, Sara Athalee James. Visitation was held Sunday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Brown McGehee Funeral Home in Bogalusa. Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Leon Bickham officiation. Burial followed in Williams Cemeterry in the Oak Grove Community. Pallbearers for the service were Larry Williams, Jr., Jason Williams, James Moffett, Daniel Rester, David Rester and Donzil Sumrall. JEAN FOIL SIMMONS (The Era-Leader 11 February 1998) Mrs Jean Foil Simmons, 71, a resident of Franklinton died at 4 a.m. Monday at M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston. She was a retired Chief Civil Deputy Sheriff with the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office and a member of First Baptist Church. Mrs. Simmons is survived by her husband, Dudley W. Simmons of Franklinton, one son, Glenn Simmons of Phoenix, AZ; two daughters, Janice Brock and Monica Simmons both of Franklinton; six grandchildren, Sgt Jennifer Simmons, Jason Simmons, Glenna Simmons, Sandra Simmons, Phillip Brock, and Hannah Jean Simmons; and one brother, Rosco “Rock” Foil of Bogalusa. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Foil and a brother, Billy Foil. Visitation was held at the Crain Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday and after 9 a.m. Wednesday. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Joe Baugh, Rev Karl Tingle, and Ben Morgan officiating. The Eulogy was delivered by Sheriff Daune Blair. Burial followed in the Foil-Springfield Cemetery. Active pallbearers for the service were Jerry Alford, Dennis Crain, John Wright Crain, Rocky Foil, Kevin Foil, Kyle Foil and Reggie Simmons. Honorary Pallbearers for the service wete Bennie Crain, Randy Seal, Sheriff Daune Blair, and employees of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office. THOMAS O. “BUSTER” CARTER (The Era-Leader 11 February 1998) Mr. Thomas O. “Buster” Carter, 89, a resident of Franklinton died at 3:45 p.m. Saturday at Riverside Medical Center. He was a retired bus driver for Washington Parish Schools and also a retired painter. He was a veteran of World War II; a memberr of the First Baptist Church and Fellowship Sunday School Class. He was also a member of Merry Hearts Organization. He was preceded ub death by his first wife Irene Reese Carter. Mr. Carter is survived by his wife, Veda Lambert Carter of Franklinton; a step-son, Ronnie Carter of Dallas, one brother, Otis Carter of Bogalusa; two sisters, Lillian Fisher of Franklinton and Sadie Bennett of Bogalusa; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren also numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday and after 10 a.m. on Monday. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Jerry Barlow and Ben Morgan officiating. Burial followed in the Morris Cemetery. Active pallbearers for the service were Richard Knight, Hunter Knight, Mike Carter David Carter, Tommy Carter, and Sonny Bennett. Honorary pallbearers for the service was the Fellowship Sunday School Class and the Homer Magee American Legion Post 113. WILLIS G. DYKES (The Era-Leader 11 February 1998) Mr. Willis G. Dykes, 70, a resident of Thomas died at 3:25 p.m. Tuesday at the Riverside Medical Center. He was a retired heavy equipment operator and a member of the Grace Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Dykes is survived by his wife, Charlene Tullos Dykes of Thomas; one son, John A. Dykes, of Alexandria; one daughter, Rita Graves of Thomas; one grandson, Joshua Spinks; one brother, Leon Dykes of Franklinton; three sisters, Ophelia McElveen and Rosetta Miller both of Franklinton, and Johnnie Pearl Boutwell of Bogalusa. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Wednesday and after 9 a.m. Thursday. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home chapel with Eld. Ted Phillips, Eld. Edward Penton and Eld. Willie J. Passman officiating. Burial followed in the Crain’s Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers for the services were Mike Creel, Steven Ray Branch, Joseph Branch, Jimmy Guy, Joshua Guy and Andy Guy. JOHN CARROLL MAGEE SR. (The Era-Leader 11 February 1998) Mr. John Carroll Magee, Sr. 79, died January 21, 1998 at Wathall General Hospital. Mr. Magee was a mechanic, a World War II Army veteran, a member of Knoxo Baptist Church and a Mason. He was born November 24, 1918, at Slidell, Louisiana, son of the late John and Mattie Ginn Magee. He married Hilan Alford Magee, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were two brothers, Ben Lewis and Ford Magee; and a sister, Grace Magee. He is survived by two sons, J.C. Magee, Jr. and Sammy Kaye Magee of Tytlertown; a daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Wayne McElveen of Franklinton; two granddaughters, Samantha and Jayne Magee of Marrero; four grandsons, Marty and Jason McElveen of Ruston, Nathaniel Magee and Christopher Holmes of Marrero; and a brother, Billie Magee of Nashville, Tennessee. Funeral services were held January 23, 1998, at Capps Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jerry Wayne Dillon officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens with Capps Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Pallbears for the service were Alex Alexander, Vernon Alford, Earl Alford, Billy Alford, Jimmy Alford and Mike Magee. ALBERT C. SMITH (The Era-Leader 18 February 1998) Mr. Albert C. Smith, 75, a resident of Franklinton died at 11:45 p.m. at Riverside Medical Center. Mr. Smith is survived by three sons, Paul Smith of Franklinton, A.J. Smith of Tulsa, Ok, and Richard Norris of Slidell, four daughters, Diane Kirwain of Ann Arbor, MI, Ella Rose Davis of Narchez, MS, Clara Joe Walley and Leona Lynn Smith, both of Bogalusa; one brother, Julius R. Smith of Slidell; and sixteen grandchildren and numerous great-grand- children. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Leona Smith. Visitation was held at Crain’s Funeral Home from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and after 9 a.m. Saturday. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Urtle officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Mt. Hermon. Pallbearers for the service were Mike Van, T.J. Smith, Robert Daugherty, Charles Merritt, Boris Stogner, and Burl Stogner. LOUISE SHARP MIZELL (The Era-Leader 18 February 1998) Mrs. Louise Sharp Mizell, 84, a resident of Isabel died at 11:30 p.m. Thursday at Riverside Medical Center. She chose as her vocation the loving, directing and guiding of her entire family throughout their lives. She was a member of the Berry’s Creek United Pentecostal Church, where she was active in the Ladies Auxiliary and the Mothe’s Memorial Program. She was also active in the Council on Aging. Mrs. Mizell is survived by her husband of sixty-six years, Hezzie “Tom” Mizell of Bogalusa; two sons, Lavell “Red” Mizell and Levert Mizell both of Bogalusa; three daughters, Inelda Ruby Mizell, Evelyn Polk, and Verda Lea Dillon all of Bogalusa; one brother, James Pugh of Bogalusa; three sisters, Wilda Herring of Bogalusa, Ruth Hagg of Barting, ARK, and Alberta Reviere of Slidell; twenty grandchildren; thirty-seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hermon and Artelia Sharp; a daughter, Elverda Mizell Corken; a good friend “Tippy”; two sisters, Gladys Strange and Vera Parker; and two brothers, Ollie Pugh and Robert Pugh. Visitation was held at the Crain Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday and after 9a.m. Saturday at Berry’s Creek United Pentecostal Church. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Berry’s Creek United Pentecostal Church with Rev. Ed Jenkins, Rev. Jerry Tucker, Re. Leon Hickman and Rev. Willie Pierce officiating. Burial followed in Mizell Cemetery. The land for the cemetery was donated by “Tom” Mizell’s grandfather, Warren Mizell. JULIA GOTTLIEB MOAK (The Era-Leader18 February 1998) Mrs. Julia Gottlieb Moak, 76, a resident of Franklinton died at 9 a.m. Friday at Riverview Apartments in Franklinton. She was a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church in Franlinton. She also worked as a librarian at the Washington Parish Library for twenty-eight years. Mrs. Moak is survived by her husband, Pecy Moak, Jr. of Bogalusa ; three sons, Nathan Moak of Bogalusa, David Moak of Franklinton and Benjamin Moak of McKinney, TX; three daughters, Cynthia Martinez of Baton Rouge, Sylvia LaPoint of Jonesboro, GA; and Lydia Asgari of Richland, WA; also nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday and after 9 a.m. Monday. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Spiller Milton officiating. Burial followed in the Ellis Cemetery in Franklinton. Pallbears for the service were Art Martinwz, Paul LaPointe, Benjamin Moak, Lee Davis, Davis Moak, and Medi Asgari. LISA CRAIN (The Era-Leader 18 February 1998) Lisa Crain, 37, a resident of State Line died at 3;30 p.m. Saturday at Lakeview Medical Center in Covington. She was a member of the State Line Baptist Church. She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Pat (Elaine) Smith of Pine; one brother, Darrel Crain of State Line; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Burdette and Phylonia Kennedy Crain. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 3p.m. until 10 p.m. Sunday and after 8 a.m. Monday. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday at State Line Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Christian, Rev. Billy Ray Hines and Rev. Carl Dickens officiating. Burial will be in the Seal Cemetery at State Line. Pallbears for the services were Neil Kennedy, Danny Knight, Phillip Branch, Alan Williams, Justin Kennedy and Dickie Dillon. Honorary pallbearers for the services was the men’s Sunday School Class and her special friends. MAMIE WARREN PASSMAN (The Era-Leader 18 February 1998) Ms. Mamie Warren Passman, 90, a resident of the Lawrence Creek Community died at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at her residence. She was a member of the Lawrence Creek Missionary Baptist Church and the widow of Otto Passman. Mrs. Passman is survived by one son, Charlie Passman of Franklinton; one daughter, Sharon Garner of Franklinton; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Iris Passman and two sons, Jimmy Passman and Daniel Passman. Visitation was held at Cranin Funeral Home afterr 5 p.m. Monday and until 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Lawrence Creek Missionary Baptist Church with Eld. Don Jacobs, Eld. Bobby Lowery and Eld. Willie J. Passman officiating. Burial followed in the Magee Cemetery at Lawrence Creek. Pallbearers for the services were Durwood Jenkins, David Jenkins, Wayne Passman, Jimmy Dale Passman, Wayne Phillips, and Reggie Williams. ROSETTA MOORE (The Era-Leader 18 Feb 1998) Mrs. Rosetta Moore, 82, a resident of Franklinton died Monday, Feb. 9, at Bogalusa Community Medical Center. She is survived by two sisters, Ida Mae William and Aretha Warner of Franklinton and a host of niecesm nephews, close relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Preston and Mary Dillon, her husband, Monore Moore; three sisters and one brother. Visitation was held Friday, February 13 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 3 p.m. until 7p.m. Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 14 at 11 a.m. at Hayes Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Terrence August officiating. Burial followed in Hayes Chapel Cemetery. Crain and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. IRA DAUNTON GIBBS (The Era-Leader 18 February 1998) Ira Daunton gibbs, Jr., retired Coco-Cola distributor for 36 years, passed away on February 12, 1998 at the age of 86. Mr. Gibbs was born in a box ar in 1911 in Clifton, LA. A Washington Parish native and long time resident. He was a parish historian and genealogist, contributing for many years to the preseveration of the history of the parish. He served as Deacon of First Baptist in Franklinton for 50 years and served First Baptist in many positions, including General Secretary for 41 years. Mr. Gibbs was a past Master of Masonic Lodge #101 in Franklinton where he was a 50 year member. He was an active menber of the American Legion and recently received his 50th year membership card from his fellow Legionaires in a special ceremony. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He actively contributed to the estabablisment of Mile Branch Settlement in the Washington Parish Fairgrounds, researching much of its history. Mr. Gibbs is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mrs. Vera B. Gibbs, two grandsons, M. Cullen Gibbs and Joshua Gibbs, a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ira D. Gibbs III of Houston, TX, his sister-in-law, Mrs. James (Dot)Smith of Hattisburg, MS, and an adopted daughter, Mamie Burch of Mt. Hermon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira D. Gibbs Sr., and Emma Graves Gibbs, two brothers, Kendall Gibbs and Merril Douglas “Buddy” Gibbs and his son, Ira D. Gibbs III. Mr.Daunton will be fondly remenbered as a loving Christian, devoted to his family, his church and his community. He was a true Southern gentleman. His contribution of documented local and area history, which he so readily shared, is also a valued legacy from the quiet gentle man. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home on Friday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. was a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. Funeral services, conducted by Dr. Jerry N. Barlow, Ben Morgan and Dr. Joe Baugh were conducted on Saturday, February 14th, 1998 at 2 p.m. in the afternoon. Pallbearers included James Prescott, Alvin Fortenberry, Jake Bateman, Richard Morgan, Dr. Chip McVea and Roy Richard. Honorary pallbearers were the First Baptist Church Deacons, members of Masonic Lodge #101 F&AM, the American Legion, the Rev. Otha Schillings, Ed Logan, Harold Smith, Larry Archote, Grady Howell and John Barber.