Obits taken from the Bogalusa Daily News, October, 1999 Prepared and Submitted by Carolyn Brumfield Henderson ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ TIPS FOR SEARCHING RECORDS ON THE INTERNET Netscape & Ms Explorer users: If searching for a particular surname, 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 your 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. 6. And last click on FIND NEXT and continue to click on FIND NEXT until you reach the end of the report. This 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 till you reach the end of the report to see all of the locations of the item indicated. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BOGALUSA DAILY NEWS OBITUARIES - Washington Parish, LA STEVEN G. PRITCHARD Died October 17, 1999 CEDAR PARK, TX - a graveside service for Steven G. Pritchard, 31, a resident of Cedar Park, TX., will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at New Hope Cemetery in Crossroads, with the Rev. Dan Finley officiating. He died Sunday at his home in Cedar Park, Texas. Widely known as "Highlander", Pritchard won USA amateur kick-boxing and Texas Golden Glove heavyweight championships. After becoming a professional, he had a winning record in fights in Austin, Houston, Denver and New Orleans; however, following a serious boating accident, he was restricted to work as an electrician. An aspiring actor and stunt man, Pritchard appeared in the TV series "Walker, Texas Ranger" as well as several other TV action series. A black belt karate expert, he instructed Austin SWAT units and youth groups in martial arts. Following high school in Kingwood, TX, he spent seven years in the United States Navy serving on a submarine, and also spent some time in police work. He was an active member of the Navy Reserve. He is survived by his wife, Lois Vonrille Pritchard, Carriere; his mother, Joyce Dupree, Spring Branch, TX; his father, Paul Pritchard, Carriere; a brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Phoebe Pritchard, Spring Branch, TX; a step-sister, Michelle Ayers, Houston, TX; four step-brothers, Tim White and Terry White, Crossroads, Tilton White, Carriere, and Brett Dupree, Irving TX; and his maternal grandmother, Joanne Neumann, Stuart, FL. Full military services were held at Cedar Park under the direction of Pritchard's Navy reserve unit. DEE WALL GREEN, SR. Died October 17, 1999 Bogalusa - Funeral arrangements have been completed for Dee Wall Green, Sr., age 75, as resident of 818 Mercedes Street, who died Sunday in St. Tammany Parish Hospital, Covington. Visitation will be today from 2 to 7 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Bogalusa, with a family hour from 7 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be tomorrow at 1 p.m. in the Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Tylertown, with the Rev. James V. Daniel officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Preceded in death by his wife, Velma Washington Green, and his parents, Emma C. Green and Jim Green, he is survived by a son, Dee Wall (Brenda) Green, Sr. of Mountain View, CA; four daughters, Edna (D.Lindell) Baker, Eula Perkins, Emma (Garrett) Pledger and Ella Lewis, all of St. Louis, MO; a brother, Hugh W. (Verta B.) Green of Tylertown; six grandchildren, Christopher Baker, Tony Lewis, D. Lynnel Baker, Eric Perkins, Terry Lewis, Quovatus Green; three great-grandchildren, Brittany Baker, Edward Kirkman and Yazuine Perkins; and a special friend and companion, Pauline White of Bogalusa. MAY FOREST STUPKA Died October 18, 1999 Bogalusa - The funeral service for May Foret Stupka will be held at 3 p.m. tomorrow in the Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Fr. Lawrence Phelps officiating. Interment will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. Visitation is tomorrow at the funeral home from noon until time for the funeral service, with the rosary at 2 p.m. A lifelong resident of Bogalusa, she died Monday in Fairhope, AL.A teacher in the Bogalusa School System for 38 years, she was a member of Annunciation Catholic Church, the Altar Society and the Sodality of the Blessed Mother, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Kaycettes and the Southern Louisiana College alumni. She is survived by three children, Claudette Stupka Perse, Otto Stupka and Karl Stupka; 10 grandchildren, Beth Saltaformaggio, John Saltaformaggio, Brad Saltaformaggio, Shawn Stupka, Kristy Stupka, John Stupka, Paul Stupka, Robin Hayman, Utina Stupka and Karl Stupka; seven great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. JAMES EDWARD WILLIAMS Died October 18, 1999 Melbourne FL - Native Bogalusan James Edward Williams, 72, a retired federal agent, World War II veteran, Mason and a resident of Melbourne, FL died in Melbourne on October 18. Interment was in Florida Memorial Gardens on October 24. The son of the late Eugene B. Williams, he is survived by a son, Robert Williams and a sister, Martha Lee Sampson of Bayonne, N.J. DOROTHY SCHWEITZER GATES Died October 19, 1999 Bogalusa - Funeral arrangements have been completed for Dorothy Schweitzer Gates, age 83, who died Tuesday in Rest Haven Living Center. Visitation will be tomorrow at the Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 11:30 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Fr. Lawrence Phelps will officiate, with interment in Ponemah Cemetery. A resident of Bogalusa, she is survived by three sisters, Helen Daniel of Florence, Al, Anna Joyce Schweitzer of Houston, TX and Marie Louise Cotton of Dallas, TX; numerouse nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George R. Gates, Jr.; and two brothers, Andrew B. Schweitzer, Jr. and Jim Schweitzer. GEORGE A. GRAHAM Died October 19, 1999 Bogalusa - George A. "Pete" Graham, age 73, died yesterday in the Veterans Administratin Hospital in Biloxi. A native of Rockport, MS and a long-time resident of Angie, he was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served in Korea, Japan and the Philippines during the Korean conflict. Survivors include three sons, Daryle Glen Graham and his wife Rhonda of Independence, Keath Douglas Graham of Baton Rouge and George Alex Graham, II of Bogalusa; two daughters, Dixie Lee Graham of Angie and Tanda Graham of Baton Rouge; a sister, Ada Cooper of Pearl River; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Terry Graham; a brother, Cassie Graham; and three sisters, Carrie Lee Bene, Gloria Hulderson and Nell Graham. Visitation will be today from 5 to 10 p.m. in the Brown-McGehee Funeral Home and continue tomorrow after 10 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 3 p.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Gene Simpkins will officiate, with interment following in Hillview Memorial Gardens. OLLIE STOKER Died October 20, 1999 Bogalusa - The funeral service for Ollie Stoker, age 77, will be held at 1 p.m. today in the Brown-McGehee Funeral Home. Mrs. Stoker died Wednesday in University Medical Center in Jackson, MS following a brief illness. A resident of New Hebron, MS and a former resident of Varnado, she was a retired nurse who worked for many years at the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. She was a former member of the Varnado United Pentecostal Church and a current member of the New Hebron United Pentecostal Church. The Rev. Stanley Talley will officiate at the final service, with burial following in the Woodland Cemetery at Kentwood. Visitation was held from 6 to 10 p.m. yesterday at the funeral home, and continued at 10 a.m. today until time for the funeral service. She is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Gary and Robbin Stoker of New Hebron and Bob Stoker of Fort Worth, TX; four grandchildren Dana Stoker and Staci Stogner of Varnado, Luke and Benjamin Pettiette of Bogalusa; a great-granddaughter, Kristian Stoker of Varnado; two sisters, Mrs. Bill Hughes of Bogalusa and Mrs. Ann Hurst of Kentwood; a brother, W. I. Simmons of McComb; numerous nieces and nephews. CAROLYN BICKHAM Died October 20, 1999 Franklinton - Carolyn bickham, a native and resident of New Orleans, died Wednesday in Lakeland Medical Center in New Orleans. Survivors include a son, Chris Bickham, and a sister, Mary Dumas, both of New Orleans; three brothers, Kenneth bickham of New Orleans, Norman Bickham of California and Michael Bickham of Franklinton, Louisiana. Also survived by two grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Visitation will be held tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Franklinton until time for the funeral service in the chapel at 2 p.m. Eld. Washington E. Drake will officiate, with interment to follow in Bethel Cemetery. OLA FONTENOT MARTIN Died October 20, 1999 Franklinton - Ola Fontenot Martin, age 87, died at 10 a.m. yesterday at her residence in Franklinton. She was the widow of Earl L. Martin and a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church. She is survived by two sons, Travis Earl Martin and William Goar, both of Franklinton; a daughter, Carol Sue Martin of Franklinton; a special nephew, Donald fontenot of Franklinton; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and a special caregiver, Nell Thomas. She was also preceded in death by a son, Edward Earl Martin, and a daughter, Regina Martin. Visitation will be held at Crain Funeral Home from 5 to 9 p.m. today, continuing at 8 a.m. tomorrow until time for the funeral service at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. The Rev. Charles Floyd and the Rev. Jerry Cox officiated, with interment in the Ellis Cemetery. LOUIS ELGENE WATSON, JR. Died October 21, 1999 Denham Springs - Louis Elgene Watson, Jr., age 69, a resident of Denham Springs, died Thursday in Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton rouge. A native of Pine Grove, he was a member of the Live Oak United Methodist Church. He is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Gwen and Jack Fussell of Bogalusa, Sharon and Carl Chutz, Bobbie and Cecil Ott, Tibby and Donald Ott; a sister, Mary Ann Allen; a brother, Milton Coxe; seven grandchildren, Bridget Ott, Byron Buhler, Billie McCurry, Leigh Ann Ott, Beau Ott, Curtis Ott, Keaton Fussell; two great-grandchildren, Tyler McCurry and Dakota Brignac; a grand-son-in-law, Mike McCurry; granddaughter-in-law LaDawn Buhler; future grandson-in-law, Sage Brignac, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hattie Hood Watson; his father, Louis Elgene Watson, Sr.; his mother, Jessie Coxe; his step-father, Reymond Coxe and a brother, Billy Coxe. Visitation was held Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, and continued Saturday at 9 a.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Allen Betz officiated with interment in the Salem Cemetery at Walker. CARRIE SHERIDAN LEWIS Died October 21, 1999 Bogalusa - Funeral arrangements have been completed for Carrie Sheridan Lewis, age 80, a resident of 64132 O.C. Morris Road, Angie, who died last Thursday in the Bogalusa Community Medical Center.Visitation will be tomorrow from 2 to 5 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Bogalusa. The wake service will follow from 7 to 9 p.m. at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Angie. The funeral service will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Linza Ray Cotton officiating. Interment will follow in the Moses Cemetery at Varnado. She is survived by two daughters, Loretta Sam and Debra M. Smith, both of Varnado; four grandchildren, Katherine (Glyn) Cotton, Covasha N. Packard, Yolanda E. Peters and Kenyatta Morris, all of Varnado; five great-grandchildren, Michael Packard, Richard Sam, Debrianna Packard, Asia Cotton and Errol Varnado, Jr., all of Varnado; a special friend/play daughter, Juanita M. (Rev. C. B.) Bias of Columbia, MS, a god-son, Larry Oneal (Deadra) Newkirk of Varnado; a special brother-in-law, Matthew Morris of Varnado; a special niece and nephew, Karen Thomas of Varnado and Charlie E. (Gerri) Morris of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Jessie Mae Anderson and Lillian (Early) Morris of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Jessie Mae Anderson and Lillian (Early) Morris, both of Varnado; and a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ovet Lewis; five sisters, Rosa S. Newkirk, Lula S. Morris, Minnie S. Abram, Lola S. Peters and Della S. Morris; and two brothers, Eddie Sheridan and Willie Sheridan. BRUCE OSBON STRAHAN Died October 21, 1999 Franklinton - Bruce Osbon Strahan, age 48, a native of Franklinton and a resident of Rock Spring, GA, died at 9 a.m. Thursday in Erlanger Hospital in Chatanooga, TN. He was a former Washington Parish Deputy Sheriff under late Sheriff Willie J. Blair and was currently employed by World Wide Turbine. He was a member of Grace Missionary Baptist church in Franklinton. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Mae Strahan Riley and Donnie Riley of Franklinton; a brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Brenda Strahan of Franklinton; and extended family members, Rex and Kim Hairston, Blake, Kelsey, Keely and Kerri of Chatanooga, TN; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father , Osborn Strahan. Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home from 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and after 8 a.m. Wednesday until time for the funeral service at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Eld. Edward Penton and Eld. Gary Sumrall will officiate, with burial following in Springhill-Magee Cemetery, Franklinton. TENA OXNER Died October 21, 1999 Bogalusa - Tena Oxner, age 84, a resident of Bogalusa, died at 8:20 p.m. yesterday in the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. She is survived by a daughter, Judy Oxner; two sons, Wayne Oxner and Edward Oxner, both of Bogalusa; four sisters, Celeste Alexander and Juanita Quinn, both of Mobile, Mae Sagona of Metairie and Genevieve Cabanish of Baker; 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Visitation will be tomorrow from 5 to 10 p.m. in the Poole-Ritchie funeral Home, continuing Sunday at 9:30 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. RENA RESTER SHERIDAN MOORE Died October 21, 1999 Bogalusa - Rena Rester Sheridan Moore, age 83, died yesterday at the home of her daughter in Mobile, AL. A native and life-long resident of Washington Parish, she was a member of the Ben's Ford Baptist Church. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Milfred and Joyce Sheridan of Sheridan; two daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Joyce Carter and Charles Morris of Mobile and Mildred and Donald Seals of Pine; a brother, George Rester of Wiggins, MS; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband by first marriage, Alton Edward Sheridan and by second marriage, Jessie Moore; her parents, John James Rester and Ada McNeese Rester; two brothers, Herbert and Robert Rester; and four sisters, Essie, ula, Bessie and Ruby Rester. Visitation will be today from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Brown-McGehee Funeral Home, continuing tomorrow at 8 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Harold Gaddy will officiate, with interment following in the Sheridan Cemetery in the Oak Grove Community. DAVID HENRIK THOMASSEN Died October 22, 1999 Mt. Hermon - A graveside service will be held Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery for David Henrik Thomassen, 42, who died Friday in Muskogee, OK. He was a native and resident of Franklinton. ROBERT K. "BOB" BRISCOE Died October 22, 1999 Franklinton - Funeral services for Robert K. "Bob" Briscoe, 69, are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday from the Crain Funeral Home chapel in Franklinton, with the Revs. Dr. Gene Richards, Greg Doss and Thomas Graves officiating. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. Monday at Williamsburg Baptist Church Cemetery in Collins, Miss., Crain Funeral Home directing. Visitation is from 5-10 p.m. today and after 8 a.m. Monday at Crain Funeral Home Mr. Briscoe was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. He was a mason and past commander of the Latimore Passman Post 7196 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Melvin Briscoe. Survivors include his wife, Betty Varnadore Briscoe, Franklinton, a son and daughter-in-law, Robert Kyle Briscoe and Tammy Briscoe, Baton Rouge; two step-sons and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kim Brannon, Lucedale, Miss. and James Brannon, Mobile, Ala; a sister, Allene Bjourk, Metairie, LA; one brother, Roy Briscoe, Senatolia. Miss; and seven grandchildren. EFFIE D. ROBINSON FOSTER Died October 22, 1999 Bogalusa - Funeral arrangments have been completed for Effie D. Robinson Foster, age 78, a resident of 25687 Blackwell Road, Angie, who died last Friday in the Bogalusa Community Medical Center. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home, Bogalusa, followed by a wake at 7-9 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Angie. The funeral service will be Monday at 2 p.m. at the church, with the Rev. Alfonso Nelson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the Foster Cemetery at Angie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie "Big Boy" Foster; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Robinson; a daughter, Margie Jackson; a son, Felton Foster; two sisters, Hattie Jefferson and Marie Foster; and three brothers, O.V. Robinson, Wilton Robinson and Johnnie Robinson. She is survived by four daughters, Dorothy Burnett of Carson, CA, Bennie (Amos) Spikes and Betty (Joe) Spikes, both of Angie and Inez (Ambus) Woods of Long Beach, CA; 27 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a son-in-law , Danny Jackson of California; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Foster of Angie; a sister-in-law, Wilda Fortenberry of Tylertown; three brothers-in-law, William T. Foster and Robert J. Foster, both of Angie and James H. Foster of California; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. PAUL JOSPEH FONTANA Died October 23, 1999 Bogalusa - The funeral mass for Paul Joseph "Polo" Fontana, age 79, was held at 11 a.m. today in Annunciation Catholic Church. The Rev. Fr. Lawrence Phelps officiated, with burial following in Ponemah Cemetery. A former resident of Bogalusa, he went peacefully to his eternal rest, surrounded by his wife and children, on Saturday at his home in Brandon, MS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon Fontana and Angeline Gulotta Fontana, and his sister, Lena Mae Fontana Seal. During World War II he served proudly and honorably in the Pacific Theater as a member of the 43rd Infantry Division, 172nd Infantry Regiment, company H. He was a warded two Bronze Stars, a Silver Star for gallantry in action and a Presidential Unit Citation. As a former member of the Annunciation Catholic church, he was a fourth degree charter member of the Father Hubert Bordenave Assembly of the Knights of Columbus in Bogalusa, and a third degree member of the Saint Jude Council 8038 in Pearl, MS. He was a lifetime member of American Legon Post 24. Having served as a member of the board of directors of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers, he was chosen as a member of the committee elected to form the new United Transportation Union in 1967. He retired from his job as a locomotive engineer in 1982 after 40 years of service on the GM&O and Illinois Central Gulf Railroad. Polo was the adored husband of Augusta Fowler Fontana for 59 years. Their love and devotion to each other was without bounds. He was greatly loved and will be forever missed by: daughter, Elizabeth Fontana Beasley of Greenville, MS; son and daughter-in-law, Leon Vance Fontana and Sandra Boutwell Fontana of Houston, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Jane Fontana Harris and Stephen Harris of Brandon, MS. He leaves a full and wonderful legacy for his 12 beloved grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was also much loved by his sole surviving sister, Lucille Fontana Mayfield and husband Jack Mayfield of Bogalusa. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Visitation was held yesterday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, where the rosary was recited at 7 p.m. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Charles Grosche II, David Fontana, Jason Grosche, Christian Harris, Jeffrey Fontanta, and great-grandson, Eddie Neese, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be fourth degree members of the Knights of Columbus Father Hubert Bordenave Assembly. THOMAS JAMES SHIPP Died October 23, 1999 Bogalusa - The funeral service for Thomas James Shipp, age 40, will be held at 2 p.m. today in Annunciation Catholic Church. The Rev. Fr. Lawrence Phelps will officiate, with interment in Ponemah Cemetery. A resident of Bogalusa, he died Saturday,. He is survived by a daughter, Ashley Lynn Shipp of Bogalusa; a sister and brother-in-law, Cauline and Andy Aasen; a nephew, Justin Saucier of Bogalusa; his fiancee, Diana Smith of Bogalusa; and numerous local relatives. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louise Shipp; his father, Lynn Shipp, a sister, Janice Shipp; his grandmother, Bena Entrevia Rester; and his grandfather, McCauley Rester. Visitation was held yesterday from 6 to 10 p.m. at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, with the rosary at 8 p.m. Visitation continued at 9:30 a.m. today at the funeral home until time for the funeral service at the church. DORIS LERENE HARRIS Died October 23, 1999 Bogalusa - funeral arrangements have been completed for Doris Lerene Harris, age 56, a resident of 1404 North Roosevelt Street, who died Saturday in Washington-St. Tammany Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be tomorrow from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa, with the funeral service on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Sweet Beulah Baptist Church. The Rev. James Magee, pastor, will officiate, with interment following in the Bogalusa Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Robert Harris of Bogalusa; a son, Robert C. Harris of Bogalusa; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie (Era) Hall of Bogalusa; two brothers, Howard Hall of Baton Rouge and Hansel Hall of Bogalusa; and two sisters, Marva Smithhof New Orleans and Jessie Thomas of Bogalusa; and host of other relatives and friends. BERTHA HAMMOND GUY Died October 24, 1999 Bogalusa - Bertha Hammond Guy, 87, of Austin, TX, died Sunday at St. David's specialty Hospital in Austin. She was a former resident of Poplas Street in Bogalusa. Survisors include two sons: Cleophus (Shirley) Guy, Sr. of Bogalusa and Curtis R. Guy of Los Angeles; a daughter Evelyn (Don, Sr.) Jenkins of Austin, TX; one borther, Curtis Hammond of Tylertown; three sisters, Mrs. Annie Stepney of columbia, MS, Mrs. Clemmie Quinn, and Mrs. Emily Campbell, both of New Orleans. Also survived by 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, a special caregiver, MS Kathy Jenkins Magee of Austin, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis Booker Guy, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie (Cornelia Conley) Hammond, four brothers, Wilmer Hammond, Leslie Hammond, James Hammond and George Hammond. At an early age, she joined China Grove Methodist Church in Tylertown, where she was a faithful member until she moved to Bogalusa. She then united with Thirkield MMC where she was a loyal member of the Usher Board and Communion Steward. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Visitation will be tomorrow at the Crain and Sons Funeral Home in Bogalusa, from 2 until 8 p.m. at the Thirkield United Methodist Church in Bogalusa, with the Rev. Louis A. Smith officiating. Interment will be in China Grove Cemetery in Tylertown, MS. LEROY WALLS Died October 24, 1999 Amite - The funeral services for Leroy Walls, age 40, will be held today at 2 p.m. at Orange Grove Church of God in Christ, Supt. Alonza Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in the New Hope Cemetery in Kentwood. He died October 24 at his residence in Kentwood. Visitation was held yesterday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the church. He is survived by his wife, Alice Faye Bullock Walls of Kentwood; three daughters, Aleshia Walls of Tangipahoa, Quelana Walls, and Leroyua Walls, both of Varnado; three sons, LaRoderick J. Walls of Tangipahoa, Jeffery Tailor of Bogalusa and Rontel Carter of Kentwood; one stepson, Gurnez Nichols of Varnado and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Authur Devine Walls. He is also survived by five sistes, Barbara Williams and Beverly Walls of Kentwood, Kenzie Montgomery of Walker, Urecia Newkirk of Varnado and Wanda Ramsey of Walker; one step-sister, Demetris Whaley of Bogalusa; three brothers, O.J. Ransey, Rev. Alan Ramsey and Curtis Ramsey of Greensburg; two step-brothers, Larry and Kelton Newkirk of Varnado and two Grandmothers, Susie Travis of Greensburg and Cain Walls of Kentwood. Walls was preceded in death by his mother, Mable Travis; grandmother, Lela Walls and grandfather, Henry Travis. The Richardson Funeral Home in Amite is in charge of arrangements JAMES MATTHEW ROGERS Died October 28, 1999 Bogalusa - James Matthew Rogers, age 14, a resident of Avenue F in Bogalusa, died last night as the result of injuries received in an accident. he was a seventh grader at Bogalusa Junior High School. He is survived by his parents, Jackie Ray and Romona Tynes Rogers of Bogalusa; paternal grandmother, Sally Rogers of Bogalusa; maternal grandmother, Gussie Tynes of Bogalusa; two brothers, Chris Tynes of Franklinton ann Carl Gregg, Jr. of Bogalusa; and two sisters, Angela Dykes and Cathy Hall, both of Bogalusa. Visitation will be tomorrow from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Brown-McGehee Funeral Home, continuing after 3 a.m. Sunday until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow in Ponemah Cemetery. GEORGE HILTON THOMAS Died October 28, 1999 Tylertown - The funeral service for George Hilton Thomas, age 66, will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. in the Carson Springs Baptist church. The Rev. Carl Dickens and the Rev. John E. Moore will officiate, with Masonic rites and interment following in the Carson Springs Cemetery. A resident of Sandy Hook, he died yesterday in Walthall General Hospital in Tylertown. Born September 15, 1933 in Walthall County, he is the son of the late Homer Thomas and Doris Moore Thomas who survives and lives in Tylertown. He was a saw filer in the wood industry, a member of the Carson Springs Baptist church, past master of Tylertown Lodge 392, F&AM, a York Rite Mason of Chapter 140 Council 18 Mccomb Commandry 34, a Whabi Temple Shriner, and a member of Tylertown Chapter 165, Order of the Eastern Star. He was also a bass singer with the gospel group, the Gospel Rivermasters. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Lillian Crain Thomas of Sandy Hook; a son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Peggy Thomas of Sandy Hook; a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Kevin Breland of Sandy Hook; five grandchildren and their spouses, Jason and Carol Thomas, Chris Thomas, Kerry and Jeremy Jones, Kandi Breland and Kolbi Breland; and one great-grandchild, Dakota Thomas. Visitation will be today from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Hartman-Hughes funeral Home in Tylertown. Pallbearers for the funeral service will be Ralph Stogner, Hoyt Crain, W. J. Crain, Larry McCain, Samuel Defour, Ken Bullock and Danny L. Thomas. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Stinson, Everall Jones, Dr. John Barrett, Edward Hughes, Bennie O'Quinn and Bobby Pope. LEROY CUTRER Died October 30, 1999 Franklinton - Funeral services for Leroy Cutrer, 64, are scheduled for 2 p.m. today in the Crain Funeral Home chapel with Elder Ted Phillips and the Rev. Jerry Cox officiating. Burial will follow in the Cutrer Family Cemetery, Crain Funeral Home directing. Visitation was from 6-10 p.m. Saturday and continued after 9 a.m. today at Crain Funeral Home.Mr. Cutrer died October 30, 1999 at his residence in Franklinton. A retired Louisiana Department of Highways employee, Mr. Cutrer was a longtime employee with the Town of Franklinton. He Was a member of First United Pentecostal Church. He is survived by his wife, Faye Taylor Cutrer, Franklinton; a son and daughter-in-law, Marty and Nelda Cutrer, Franklinton; two grandchildren, Justin Cutrer and Amy Sills; six sisters, Larkie Lowery, Wilmer, Ruth White and Lela Barcelona, both residents of Ponchatoula, Agnes Badon, Robert, and mary Jane Mulligan and Lovie Snyder, both residents of Covington, and one brother, R. J. Cutrer, Homestead, Fla. TERRI McELVEEN PARSONS Died October 30, 1999 Franklinton - funeral arrangements have been completed for Terri McElveen Parsons, age 39, a resident of Mt. Hermon who died Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in Riverside Medical Center. She is survived by her husband, Roland Parsons of Mt. Hermon; three daughters, Deshea Parsons, Bridgette Parsons and Kaci Parsons, all of Mt. Hermon; a son, Braeden Parsons; her father, Bobby McElveen of Mt. Hermon; her mother, Murlie Stevens of Mt. Hermon; two sisters, Debra McElveen of Mt. Hermon and Sheryl Lee of Dallas, TX; her grandmother, Alma Stevens; a granddaughter, Ragan Dakota Parsons; a nephew, Blake McElveen and a niece, Cameron McElveen; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Visitation will be today from 5 to 10 p.m... at the Crain Funeral Home, continuing tomorrow at 8 a.m. until time for the funeral service at 2 p.m. in the chapel. The Rev. Otho Schilling will officiate, with burial following in the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery. CHRISTINE HOPKINS THOMAS Died October 30, 1999 Bogalusa - Christine Hopkins Thomas, age 59, died Saturday at her residence in Golden Meadow. She is survived by two sons, James Thomas of Houma and Jefferson Thomas of Maurepas; a daughter, Christy Lynn Adams of Grand Isle; two brothers, Lonnie Hopkins of Pascagoula and Lester Hopkins; three sisters, Mildred Isaic, Martha Ann and Joyce Hopkins; and 15 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Thomas; a son, Alton Thomas, Jr.; and a brother, Hoppie Hopkins. Visitation will be today from 3 to 10 p.m. at the Brown-McGehee Funeral Home. The funeral service and interment will be at a later date. It is requested that flowers be omitted. ASHLEY RENEA SAWYER Died October 31, 1999 Franklinton - the funeral service for Ashley Renea Sawyer, age 5, was held at 10 a.m. today in the Crain's Creek Missionary Baptist church. Eld. illie J. Passman, Eld. Edward Penton and the Rev. Jerry Cox officiated, with burial following in the church cemetery. A resident of Pine, she died at 10:30 a.m. Sunday in Childrens Hospital, New Orleans. She is survived by her parents, Herbert Alan and Mandy Sawyer and a brother, Brian Alan Sawyer, both of Pine; her grandparents, John and Verdie Caves of Pine, Herbert Sawyer and Mary Sawyer, both of Tylertown; uncles and aunts, Ricky and Aundrea Caves of Hackley, Scott Caves of Pine, Teddy and Tina Caves of Bogalusa, Hubert Sawyer of Tylertown, Charles and Sue Sawyer of Cutoff, LA, Ann and Tery Jennings, Kathy and Jerry Hendrix, Mary Sawyer and Jimie Ray Ogden, all of Monroe; numerous cousisns and family friends. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Bonnie Barber Sawyer and great-grandparents, Bill and Agnes Corkern Caves and Tincie and Novie Barber. Visitation was held at the Crain Funeral Home from 5 p.m. yesterday until 9:30 a.m. today. BRIAN KELLY BRESHEARS Died October 31, 1999 Bogalusa - a graveside service was held yesterday at 10 a.m. in the Rester Cemetery at Varnado for Brian Kelly Breshears, age 33, a resident of Bogalua who died Sunday at 11:33 a.m. in Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Covington. The Rev. Lynn Martin officiated at the service. He is survived by a son, Justin Breshears of Alburquerque, NM; his mother, Carolyn Rachel Breshears of Bogalusa; his father, Kelly Breshears of Bogalusa; a brother, Terry Wayne Ladner of Bogalusa; his grandparents, Nellie ruth and Wilton Pittman, and Vernon Rachel, all of Bogalusa; a very special friend, Staci Furr of McComb; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a sister, Lynn Breshears; and two brothers, Kenneth Breshears and Brad Breshears. LODA FORD BELL Died October 31, 1999 Friendswood Tx - Former Bogalusan Loda Ford Bell, age 83, died Sunday in Friendswood, TX, following a lengthy hospitalization. A native of North Louisiana, she is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy Roy and Sheryl Bell of Friendswood; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Elsie Harris of Alexandria, Rose and Clarence Moorman of Natchitoches and Danita Ford of Benson, LA; three brothers and three sisters-in-law, Fred Ford of Benson, Henry P. and Ruby Ford of Bogalusa, James and Betty Ford of Houston, and Vera Ford of Alvin, TX. Visitation will be today from 6 to 10 p.m. at Rose Neith Funeral Home i n Mansfield, with the funeral service tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the chapel. Burial will follow in the Benson Cemetery.