OBITUARIES, THE ERA-LEADER, FRANKLINTON, WASHINGTON PARISH, LA Prepared and submitted by Carolyn Brumfield Henderson ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ OPAL LAVONIA LEWIS, Poplarville, MS (The Era-Leader May 1, 2002) Opal Lavonia Lewis , 70, died Wednesday, April 20, 2002 at IHS Care Facility in Slidell, LA, following a long illness. A native of Purvis, Lewis had lived in Poplarville for 45 years until she became ill and moved to Resthaven Living Center in Bogalusa, LA, and later to the long-term care facility in Slidell. She was employed by Movie Star Factory, Inc. for 40 years. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Homer E. Lewis; two sons, Lavon Lewis of Picayune and Wesley Lewis of Ocean Springs; two daughters and sons-in-law.Theresa and Terry Bullock of Lumberton, and Anita and Donnie Smith of Franklinton.seven grandchildren, Tony Bullock and his wife, Carol of Jackson, Jason Bullock of Lumberton, William Lewis of Jackson, Colleen Lewis of Covington, La. Wendy R.and her husband, Lane Russell of Franklinton, Nikki Roberts of Franklinton and Bailey Smith, also of Franklinton; three great-grandchildren; three loving brothers; three loving sisters; and a former daughter-in-law and her family Pam Lewis Gale. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Lee Andrew and Ada Mae Dickson and two brothers. Visitation was held at White Funeral Home in Poplarville Thursday from 5-9 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. until the service at 10 a.m. at Murray Hill Church of God in the Ford's Creek Community. Burial Followed in the church cemetery. WILMEATER CRAIN, Franklinton ( Era Leader May 1, 2002) Wilmeater Crain, 77, a resident of Franklinton died at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington. He is survived by one daughter, Barbara "Bob" (Henry) Willis of Phoenix, Arizona; one son, Clyde "Fonzie" (Annette) Crain of Franklinton; seven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. with funeral services Wednesday, April 24, 2002 at 11 a.m. at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness with Rev. Washington E. Drake officiating. Burial followed at Sweet Home Cemetery. WILLIAM JOSEPH "BILL" BRIGHT III, Franklinton (The Era Leader May 1, 2002) William Joseph "Bill" Bright III, 38, a resident of Franklinton died Monday April 22, 2002 at his residence. He is survived by Wife, Carol Ann Fox Bright of Franklinton; three daughters: Brittany Bright, Jazmine Bright and Courtney Bright of Franklinton; one son, Ryan Smith of New Orleans; his mother, Jimella Bright of Franklinton; his father William J. Bright, Jr. of Franklinton; four sisters, Tricia (Frankie) Crosby, Sherri Bright, Nancy Bright, and Cassie Bright of Franklinton; seven brothers, Timothy (Stacey) Bright of Atlanta, Georgia, Alex Bright, Ernest Bright, Joshua Bright, Markie Bright, Edward Bright, and Lucky Bright of Franklinton; six nieces, four nephews; one great niece and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Friday, April 26, 2002 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a family hour from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral services were held Saturday, April 27, 2002 at 2 p.m. at Tylertown First Baptist Church with Rev. Walter Smith and Elder Clayton Bullock officiating. Burial followed at Greater Hayes Creek Cemetery. BERNETTIE REID BOYD, FRANKLINTON (The Era Leader May 1, 2002) Bernettie Reid Boyd, 76, a native of Mississippi and resident of Franklinton died at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the Riverside Medical Center She is survived by her husband Alton E. Boyd of Franklinton; one daughter and son-in-law, Diane and David L. Smith, Sr. of Franklinton; three grandchildren, Mrs. Stacy (Mechele) Dickerson, David L. Smith, Jr. both of Franklinton and Mrs. Joseph (Chastity) Busacker of Fort Polk, LA; one brother, Jewel Reid of MS. She was preceded in death by her son, Jewel Ray Boyd and her parents Jessie and Zena Thames Reid. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Monday and after 8 a.m. Tuesday. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Eugene Anding and Rev. Pat Miller officiating. Burial followed in the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Jayess, MS. TAMARA ANN PARISH FINLEY, FRANKLINTON (The Era Leader May 1, 2002) Tamara Ann Parish Finley, 25, a resident of Franklinton died Thursday morning in an automobile accident near Franklinton along with her son Logan Lee Finley. She is survived by her husband Calvin A. Finley of Franklinton; three sons, Dakota Whetstone, Dustin Whetstone and Calvin Finley, Jr. all of Franklinton. her mother and step-father, Carolyn and Lee Barber of Jackson, LA; two brothers, Travis Parish of Independence, Paul Parish of Central; and one sister, Stormie Parish of Denham Springs. She was preceded in death by her father L. L. Parish. Visitation was on Friday at Crain Funeral Home until time for the funeral service on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Charles Aries Ray Creel, Dr. Wayne Cook and Eld. Willie J. Passman officiating. Burial followed in the Brooks-Martin Cemetery at Thomas. Pallbearers for the service were Richard Holden, Joey Holden, Travis Parish, Curtis Parish, Billy Jones, Ricky Gill, Richard Martin, Micky Martin, Travis Jones, Paul Bankston, Dewayne Graves, Robert Daughtery and Michael McNeese. LOGAN LEE FINLEY, Pine (The Era Leader May 1, 2002) Logan Lee Finley, 5 months, died Thursday morning in an automobile accident along with his mother, Tamera Finley. He is survived by his father, Calvin A. Finley of Franklinton, three brothers, Dakota Whetstone; Dustin Whetstone and Calvin Finley, Jr. all of Franklinton; grandparents, Robert and Brenda Finley and Carolyn and Lee Barber of Jackson, LA; and a great-grandfather, Arthur Martin of Franklinton. He was preceded in death by a great-grandmother Elsie Schilling Martin. Visitation was on Friday at Crain Funeral Home until time for the funeral service on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Charles Ray Creel, Dr. Wayne Cook and Eld. Willie J. Passman officiating. Burial followed in the Brooks-Martin Cemetery at Thomas. Pallbearers for the service were Richard Holden, Joey Holden, Travis Parish, Curtis Parish, Billy Jones, Ricky Gill, Richard Martin, Ricky Martin, Travis Jones, Paul Bankston, Dewayne Graves, Robert Daughtery and Michael McNeese. Johnson Borne, Thomas (The Era Leader May 8, 2002) Johnson Borne, 75, a native of Golden Meadow and a resident of Thomas died at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Riverside Medical Center. He was a member of Brockdale United Pentecostal Church. He is survived by one son, David Dardar of Houma; one daughter, Dale Isabel of Ville Platte; his brother, Dempsey Borne of Golden Meadow;' one sister Mary Billiot of Thomas; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 6 to 10 pm Monday and after 8 a.m. Tuesday/ Funeral services were held at 4 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Bobby Spears officiating. Burial followed in the Thomas Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were Dave Dardar, Greg Berthaut, Ray Thomas, Harvey Spears, Johnny Boudreaux, and Klint Boudreaux. Leroy L. Luper, Pine (The Era Leader May 8, 2002) Leroy L. Luper, 66, a resident of Pine died at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Riverside Medical Center. He was a retired truck driver and a member of Poplarhead Missionary Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Penton Luper of Pine; two sons and daughters-in-law, Craig and Ann Luper of Pine and Kevin and Sheret Luper of Pine; one daughter and son-in-law Juana and Jesse Conner of Shuqualak, MS; six sisters and spouses, Nellie and Jim Sandifer; Elaine and Alton Primes, Pauline and Robert Branch, Sybil and Johnny Seal, and Sally Penton, all of Pine and Betty and Billy Amacker of Denham Springs; two brothers and spouses, Bobby and Delores Luper and James and Sandy Luper all of Pine; and seven grandchildren, Theresa and Jay Connor, Christopher Lane, and T. J. Luper and Logan and Raven Luper. He was preceded in death by his parents Lucious and Inez Reviere Luper; three brothers, Willie Luper, Larry Luper and Johnny Ray Luper. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home Saturday from 5 to 10 and after 9 a.m. Sunday until time for the funeral service and 3 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with Eld. Clyde Cooper, Eld Ben Whatley, and Eld. Warren Heck officiating. Burial followed in the Harmony Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were Lerand Hunt, Kevin Blackman, Dwayne Amacker, Chuck Luper, Larry Feazell, Conrad Luper, Randall Penton, and Ken James. JOHNNY DENNY FISHER (Era Leader May 15, 2002) April 28, 2002 Johnny D. Fisher, 52, a resident of Texas passed away Sunday, April 28, 2002 in Texas after a lengthy battle with Leukemia. He was a mechanical project manager with Plullip Services Corp. and a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a resident of Denham Springs and a former resident of Franklinton. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Gayle D. Fisher; a daughter, Carrie Danielle Fisher; and a son, Jacob D. Fisher. He is also survived by his mother, Tommie Manning Bennett; a sister, Barbara Hoover; and a nephew, Walter Welch. Visitation was held at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs from 2 p.m. Saturday until memorial services at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Attn: Adult Leukemia Foundation. JEREMY DAVID KNIGHT, Thomas (Era Leader May 15, 2002, no date) Jeremy David Knight, 16, a resident of the Thomas community died Saturday night in an automobile accident near Thomas. He was a 10th grade student at Pine High School where he also played football for the Pine Raiders. He attended Faith Tabernacle church. He is survived by his father Jessie Knight, Jr. of Thomas; his mother, Sandra Provost of Bogalusa; one brother, Jonathan Knight of Thomas; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Jessica and Rocky Blanchard of Franklinton and Amber Knight of the Hilltop community; his grandmother, Mary Knight of Thomas; his grandfather, Warren Provost of Pine; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandparents Jessie Knight, Sr. and Linda Mayfield. Visitation was held at the Crain Funeral Home from Noon until 10 p.m. Tuesday and continued after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Faith Tabernacle Church until time for the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the church with Rev. Jerry Cox officiating. Burial followed in the Thomas Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were cody Simmons, Josh Jenkins, Justin Crain, Jason Phillips, Daniel Knight, and Zachary Knight. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Pine High School football team. MARK FOSTER, Franklinton (Era Leader May 15, 2002; no date) Mark Foster, 27, a resident of Franklinton died at 11:15 p.m. thursday at Riverside Medical Center. He was a captain with Crew Boats, Inc. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Greg and Celeste Foster of Ponchatoula; his step-mother, Norma Jean Foster of Franklinton a special uncle, Guindal Kerbow of Mt. Hermon and five other uncles, Jimmy Schilling of Mt. Hermon, Jerry and Dwight Schilling of Jackson, LA and Roy and Clovis Foster of Greensburg; three step-brothers and two step-sisters. He is preceeded in death by his parents Willie and Hilda Schilling Foster. Visitation was held at 9 a.m. Saturday until time for the funeral services at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jim Hearn officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were Brad Kerbow, Philip Kerbow, Tony Schilling, Keith Schilling, Albert Perilloux, and Terry Fortenberry. MILDRED H. KNIGHT, Baton Rouge (Era Leader May 15, 2002, no date) Mildred H. Knight, age 88, a resident of Baton rouge and a long-time resident of the Springhill community near Franklinton died early Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge. She was a member of the Springhill Baptist Church and the widow of Floyd Knight. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law: Gerrilyn and Howard Keene, Jonesboro, Ar. Flora Gayle and Darryl Rester of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren, James William Keene of San Antonio, Keith Howard Keene of Ft. Worth, Sherri Ann Baskette of Mountain Laurel, N.J. John Darryl Rester of Metairie and Jeffrey Knight Rester of Ocean Springs, MS; three great-grandchildren, Rudy and Beth Baskette and Jill Keene; and one sister, Ruby Dean of Ponchatoula. Visitation was held at the Crain Funeral Home after 9 a.m. Monday until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Thomas L. Graves officiating. Burial in the Ellis Cemetery. The family prefers donations in her memory be made to the Springhill Baptist church, 47239 Hw. 1072 Franklinton, LA 70438. Pallbearers for the service were John Rester, Jeff Rester, Keith Keene, Terry Howes, Frank Mixon and Joe Knight. JOHNNY DENNY FISHER (Era Leader May 15, 2002) April 28, 2002 Johnny D. Fisher, 52, a resident of Texas passed away Sunday, April 28, 2002 in Texas after a lengthy battle with Leukemia. He was a mechanical project manager with Plullip Services Corp. and a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a resident of Denham Springs and a former resident of Franklinton. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Gayle D. Fisher; a daughter, Carrie Danielle Fisher; and a son, Jacob D. Fisher. He is also survived by his mother, Tommie Manning Bennett; a sister, Barbara Hoover; and a nephew, Walter Welch. Visitation was held at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs from 2 p.m. Saturday until memorial services at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Attn: Adult Leukemia Foundation. JEREMY DAVID KNIGHT, Thomas (Era Leader May 15, 2002, no date) Jeremy David Knight, 16, a resident of the Thomas community died Saturday night in an automobile accident near Thomas. He was a 10th grade student at Pine High School where he also played football for the Pine Raiders. He attended Faith Tabernacle church. He is survived by his father Jessie Knight, Jr. of Thomas; his mother, Sandra Provost of Bogalusa; one brother, Jonathan Knight of Thomas; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Jessica and Rocky Blanchard of Franklinton and Amber Knight of the Hilltop community; his grandmother, Mary Knight of Thomas; his grandfather, Warren Provost of Pine; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandparents Jessie Knight, Sr. and Linda Mayfield. Visitation was held at the Crain Funeral Home from Noon until 10 p.m. Tuesday and continued after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Faith Tabernacle Church until time for the funeral service at 1 p.m. at the church with Rev. Jerry Cox officiating. Burial followed in the Thomas Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were cody Simmons, Josh Jenkins, Justin Crain, Jason Phillips, Daniel Knight, and Zachary Knight. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Pine High School football team. MARK FOSTER, Franklinton (Era Leader May 15, 2002; no date) Mark Foster, 27, a resident of Franklinton died at 11:15 p.m. Thursday at Riverside Medical Center. He was a captain with Crew Boats, Inc. He is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Greg and Celeste Foster of Ponchatoula; his step-mother, Norma Jean Foster of Franklinton a special uncle, Guindal Kerbow of Mt. Hermon and five other uncles, Jimmy Schilling of Mt. Hermon, Jerry and Dwight Schilling of Jackson, LA and Roy and Clovis Foster of Greensburg; three step-brothers and two step-sisters. He is preceeded in death by his parents Willie and Hilda Schilling Foster. Visitation was held at 9 a.m. Saturday until time for the funeral services at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jim Hearn officiating. Burial followed in the Mt. Hermon Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were Brad Kerbow, Philip Kerbow, Tony Schilling, Keith Schilling, Albert Perilloux, and Terry Fortenberry. MILDRED H. KNIGHT, Baton Rouge (Era Leader May 15, 2002, no date) Mildred H. Knight, age 88, a resident of Baton rouge and a long-time resident of the Springhill community near Franklinton died early Saturday at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center in Baton Rouge. She was a member of the Springhill Baptist Church and the widow of Floyd Knight. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law: Gerrilyn and Howard Keene, Jonesboro, Ar. Flora Gayle and Darryl Rester of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren, James William Keene of San Antonio, Keith Howard Keene of Ft. Worth, Sherri Ann Baskette of Mountain Laurel, N.J. John Darryl Rester of Metairie and Jeffrey Knight Rester of Ocean Springs, MS; three great-grandchildren, Rudy and Beth Baskette and Jill Keene; and one sister, Ruby Dean of Ponchatoula. Visitation was held at the Crain Funeral Home after 9 a.m. Monday until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Thomas L. Graves officiating. Burial in the Ellis Cemetery. The family prefers donations in her memory be made to the Springhill Baptist church, 47239 Hw. 1072 Franklinton, LA 70438. Pallbearers for the service were John Rester, Jeff Rester, Keith Keene, Terry Howes, Frank Mixon and Joe Knight. LIZZIE MILLER BURCH, Mt. Hermon (The Era Leader May 22, 2002) Lizzie Miller Burch, 81, a resident of Mt. Hermon died at 9:33 a.m. Wednesday at St. Tammany Hospital in Covington. She was a loving mother of thirteen children. She was a member of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church and the widow of Shelby Burch. She is survivied by six sons and daughters-in-law, George and Jan Burch, James Burch, Janson and Carolyn Burch all of Mt. Hermon, Shelby Burch, Jr., Jerry and Virginia Gail Burch, Cecil and Margaret Burch all of Franklinton; six daughters and sons-in-law, Jean Goldman of Osyka, MS Pat and Donald Slaven, Kay and Norman Rogers, and Virginia Slaven, Kay and Norman Rogers, and Virginia Slaven all of Mr. Hemon, Linda Miller of Franklinton, and Myra and Millard Gunnell of Bogalusa; one brother Tim IMiller of Columbia, SC; two sisters, Bobbie Varnado of Kentwood and Jewel Dale Strickland of Osyka; twenty-eight grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a son Milton Burch; three sisters, Omie Slocum, Evie Blades and Shirley Rogers. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Friday and after 8 a.m. Saturday. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Joe Wiggins, Rev. James Hearn and Rev. Charles Abbey officiating. Burial followed in the Bankston Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service was Chris Slaven, Scott Slaven, Tim Goss, Tony Goss, Patrick Burch, and Ashley Burch. Honorary pallbearers for the service were Roland Burch, David Burch, Shelby Charles Burch, Christopher Burch, Jake Dillon, Zack Rogers, and Jimmy Cannon. IDA O'BRYANT O'BRYANT, Walthall County (The Era Leader, May 22, 2002 Ida O'Bryant, 93, a resident of Walthall County died on May 16, 2002 at Billdora Nursing Home. She was a Cafeteria Worker and a member of Starhill Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation was held Friday, May 17 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and continued Saturday, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. with funeral services held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Capps Chapel. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Walter and Susan O'Bryant of Franklinton; one granddaughter and husband, Alison and Mike Singley of Franklinton;' two grandsons, Cory O'Bryant and Joseph Strahan of Franklinton; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three sisters, Janie Holmes, Gladys Creel and Elsie O'Bryant; three brothers, Jessie O'Bryant, T.C. O'Bryant and Leslie O'Bryant. Visitation was held Friday, May 17, 2002 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and continued Saturday, May 18, 2002 from 8 a.m. until time for the funeral services, with Rev. Mike Anderson officiating. DOROTHY B. DAUSER, Franklinton (The Era Leader May 22, 2002) A homemaker died on Friday May 3rd at the Riverside Medical Center. She was 84, Mrs. Dauser was a homemaker born in New Orleans, and a resident of Franklinton for the past 3 years. Survivors include three sons Douglas and Richard Dauser and Matthew W. Dauser Jr.; a daughter, Suzanne Betts and son-in-law Terry Betts and Daughter-in-law, Judie Dauser; twelve grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Leitz-Egan Funeral home in Metairie. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery. EMMA HART, Franklinton. (The Era Leader May 22, 2002) Emma Hart, 108, a resident of Heritage Manor Nursing Home died Saturday, May 11, 2002 at the nursing home She is survived by one daughter, Armetha Wilson of Franklinton; one son, Silas Hart of Franklinton; numerous grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and numerous great-great-grandchldren; two daughters-in-law, Ozzie Mae Hart of Franklinton and Ida Hart of Gulfport, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Friday, May 17, 2002 at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. with a wake service beginning at 6 p.m. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 18th at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church at 2 p.m. with Rev. Johnny Causey officiating. Burial followed in the Martin Cemetery. NORMAN L. TREBES, JR., Metairie (The Era Leader May 22, 2002) Norman L. Trebes, Jr. 72, a resident of Metairie died April 13, 2002 at Canon Health Care Hospice in New Orleans. He was an electrician at Shell Oil in Norca, LA for 12 years and worked at Avondale Shipyard for 9 1/2 years. He was also a member of the Chosin Few and a member of First Baptist Church of Kenner. He served in Korea in the Marine Corps and retired Air Force M. Sgt. Also served during the Viet Nam War and a member of the Strategic Air Command He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Fisher Trebes;; daughters, Karen Trebes Lambert of Metairie and Susan Trebes West of Baton Rouge; one brother; Donald Trebes; and three grandchildren. Visitation was held at the Kenner Funeral Home of L.Z. Muhleisen and Sons from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and continued after 9 a.m. on Thursday at First Baptist Church of Kenner. Funeral services were held April 18, 2002 at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial followed in the Biloxi National Cemetery. JOYCE MAE CROWELL RAINEY, Denham Springs (May 29, 2002) Joyce Mae Crowell Rainey, 73, resident of Denham Springs died at 6:35 PM Monday at Baton Rouge General in Baton Rouge. She was a dollmaker and craft designer. She is survived by one son, Bryce Bankston of Denham Springs; four daughters, Kim Richardson of Hammond, Beth Williams of Zachary, Dorothy Landry, Sharolyn Smith both of South Carolina; three brothers, Bill Crowell of Baker, Bob Crowell of Galvez and Ernie Crowell of Watson; numerouse grandchildren and great-grand-children. She was preceded in death by her mother Arretta Corkern Crowell; her father, Arthur B. Crowell and a brother Cecil Crowell. A graveside service was held at 4 pm Wednesday at Corkern Cemetery in Franklinton. DELOS ANDREW "DON" GAYER, Norman Oklahoma (The Era Leader May 29, 2002) Delos Andrew "Don" Gayer, was born in Norman, Oklahoma on September 27, 1916 to Rev. Theodore and Alice Johnson Gayer. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harden Simmons University in Abilene and did post graduate work at Brown University. He then graduated from the University of Texas Law School and prior to WWII practiced law in Catulla, TX and Edenburg, TX. During the European campaign of WWII, Don served with the 84th Infantry Division and apent an additional year in "Occupied Germany and Belfast, Ireland. He moved to Miami, Florida in 1946 and worked for McBreem Insurance Associates who specialized in aviation insurance until 1981. After his retirement, Don devoted twenty years as a volunteer for the Vizcaya Museum of Miami, serving as librarian and guide. He helped start the Moonlight Tours which are guided tours of the Vizcaya Gardens at night. He also volunteered at Florida's Fairchild Gardens and the Wolfsonian Museum. Don moved to Midland, TX in 1999. Don will be buried in private graveside services at Ellis Cemetery in Franklinton, Louisiana. He is survived by several cousins and various other cousins. RUBY JORDAN CREEL, Franklinton (The Era Leader, May 29, 2002) Ruby Jordan Creel, 94, and a resident of Franklinton died at 11:30 AM Sunday at Riverside Medical Center. She was a member of Acy's Creek Missionary Baptist Church and the widow of J. D. Creel She was a caretaker of many and loved by all. She will be missed greatly. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, James and Mary Creel of Franklinton; three daughters and a son-in-law, Artie Thomas, Estelle Crain and Louise and Larry Jenkins all of Franklinton; one sister, Eva Thomas of Franklinton; one brother, Cullie Jordan of Bogalusa; seven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren; and twelve great- great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents Tom and Rean Crain Jordan, two brothers, two sisters, three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Monday and after 9 a.m. Tuesday. A funeral service was held at 2 pm Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with Eld. Duane Ball, Eld. Clyde Cooper. and Eld. Richard Magee officiating. Burial followed in Acy's Creek Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. WILLIE J. CRAIN, SR., Franklinton Willie J. Crain, Sr., 74, died Friday May 17, 2002 at Riverside Medical Center. He is survived by one daughter Lucille (Richard) Walker of New Orleans, Louisiana; one son, Willie J. (Barbara) Crain, Jr. of Franklinton, Louisiana; seven sisters, Myrtis Warren, Emma Walker, Jennie Conerly, and Essie Singleton of Franklinton, Louisiana, Betty Jackson and Mildred Anderson of California, four brothers, Walter Crain of Franklinton; Jewell Crain of New Orleans, Latimore Crain Jr. and Elijah Crain, of California; five grndchildren, and five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Thursday, May 23, at Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Franklinton from 3 p.m.until 6 p.m. with a wake service Friday, May 23, 2002 beginning at 6 p.m. Burial followed at Folsom Community Cemetery. ROSA LEE WALLACE HOLDEN, Franklinton (The Era Leader May 29, 2002) Rosa Lee Wallace Holden, 87, a resident of Franklinton died at 9:15 a.m. Monday at Good Samaritan Nursing Home. She was a member of San Pedro Missionary Baptist Church and the widow of Robert Holden. She is survived by one son, Louis Holden of Bush; two grandchildren, Joy Schmitt and Wayne Holden both of Slidell. Visitation was held at Crain Funeral Home from 10 a.m. Wednesday until time of funeral at 1 PM Wednesday in the funeral home chapel with Eld. Ted Phillips officiating. Burial followed in the San Pedro Church Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service were Wayne Holden, Alfred Holden, and Mark Schmitt. JAMES "JIMMY" OTIS RAY REESE, Murieta, CA James "Jimmy" Otis Ray Reese passed away on March 10, 2002. He was born on November 2, 1938 in Magnolia, MS. When he was two years old, his family relocated to Franklinton where he grew up. He and his wife have lived in Murieta, CA for the last four years. He worked as an aerospace engineer for Rockwell International (Boeing) for forty years. He retired in 1999. Jimmy graduated from Louisiana Tech in Ruston, and then attended Yale University for his Master's in Electrical Engineering. He was a winner of several math related awards and scholarships. He graduated Magna Cum Laude. He was a member of Eta Kappa Nu, Tau Beta Pi, and a lifetime member of IEEE. He enjoyed participating in Bible study and learning Jewish History. Always active in his church work and he took part as a volunteer with several organizations. He was always called on by his friends, his church, and family with there was "how to do or fix it problem." He was an absolute whiz with computers and programming. He is survived by his wife Sherry Reese of Murrietta, a son, David Reese of Colorado Springs, CO, a daughter, Lori Reese Gregg of Marianne, FL; three sisters, Dorothy Reese Morrison of Diamondhead, MS. Mary Reese Moossy of Shepherdstown, WV, and his father and mother, James Otis Ray Reese, Sr. and Jewette Mulkey Reese of Franklinton. A memorial service was held for him on March 14, 2002 at Valley Funeral Home in Murrietta. Burial followed in the Laurel Cemetery in Murrietta. Contribution can be made to the Salvation Army in Murrieta, CA or to a personal charity.