Obits: Winn Parish Enterprise obits, April 2002, Winn Parish, LA Submitted by: Yvonne J. Jones, 10329 Mammoth Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70814 ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** The following full obits are found below: William James Sanford Sr. Edith Shelton Bernice Gunter Bonnette James G. Russell Jr. Della Latonia Lynch Riley Robert Elmer Almond James "Man" Martin Sr. Frances Louise Stinson Ruby Mae "Buie" Meredith Johnston Reubin G. Simpkins Sarah Jane Barton Gloria Ann Ketchum Troy Lynn Avant Carrie Catherine Dick Regnard "Rab" Burgess Joe Brady************************ Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, April 3, 2002, Page 3-A and 7-B William James Sanford Sr. Services for William James Sanford, Sr. will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 4, 2002 at Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel, Jonesboro. Graveside service at Lynn Cemetery, Archibald, LA, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2002 with Rev. Don Doughty officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Edmonds Funeral Home. Mr. Sanford, age 76 of Goldonna, LA died Tuesday, April 2, 2002 in the Winn Parish Medical Center. Survivors are his wife, Angie Louise Lynch Sanford of Goldonna, LA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Christine and Harold McGrew, and Stephanie and Ralph Malone, all of West Monroe, LA; three sons and daughters-in-law, Billy and Cindy Sanford of Jonesboro, LA, Willie and Kay Sanford Jr., of Goldonna, LA, and Steve and Karen Sanford of DeRidder, LA; four sisters, Beatrice Copeland of Rayville, LA, Audrey Fay Morgan of Magnolia, AR, Shirley Mae Parker of Rayville, LA and Myrtle Lou Peoples of Natchez, MS; one brother, Billy Paul Sanford of West Monroe, LA; 15 grandchildren; six great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Pallbearers are: Justin McGrew, Patrick McGrew, Timothy McGrew, Neil Newman, Mike Spillers, Brandon Wheelis and Lee Wheelis.************************ Edith Shelton Funeral services for Edith Shelton will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2002 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Eugene Love officiating. Burial will follow in the Forrest Lawn Cemetery in Pineville, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield. Mrs. Shelton, age 95 of Winnfield LA died April 2, 2002 in the Winn Parish Medical Center. She was a retired nurse working at the Winn Parish Medical Center for many years. She was a member of Laurel Heights Baptist Church. Survivors are two brothers, Earnest B. Dunn of Georgetown, LA and Willard H. Dunn of Pollock, LA; one sister, Lois D. Stubs of Winnfield, LA and several grandchildren.************************ Bernice Gunter Bonnette Funeral services for Bernice Gunter Bonnette were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2002 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel, Winnfield, LA with Revs. Elton Gunter and Daryl White officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Goldonna, LA. Mrs. Bonnette, age 85 of Goldonna, LA died Saturday, March 30, 2002 in the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, LA. She was a member of the Goldonna Assembly of God Church and a native of Goldonna, LA. Survivors are four daughters, Eunice Jones and Edna Gates, both of Jefferson, TX, Oleta "Fuzzy" Gates of Goldonna, LA and Marlene Taylor of Quitman, LA; one son, Marshal Bonnette of Pryor, OK; 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Pallbearers were: Paul Meek, Larry Taylor, Randy Tullis, Kenny Gates, Cody Gates, and Gleen Timon. Honorary Pallbearers were: Tyler Tullis, Brandon Smith, Ken Roach and Brynner Timon.************************ James G. Russell Jr. Services for James G. Russell Jr. were held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 1, 2002 in the First United Methodist Church of Winnfield, LA with Revs. Barry Hoekstra and Grayson Watson officiating. Burial was in Winnfield City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. Mr. Russell, age 88 of Winnfield, LA died Saturday, March 30, 3002 at the Winn Parish Medical Center. He was a graduate of LSU in 1935, retired from Bank of Winnfield after 35 years of service as Sr. vice president. He was presently a member of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Winnfield. He was a ember of the First United Methodist Church and a member of Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a Veteran of WWII. Survivors are one daughter, Ellen Russell of Winnfield, LA; one son and daughter-in-law, James G. "Rusty" Russell III and Betty of Winnfield, LA; one brother, Donald Russell of Bossier City, LA; one sister, Ruth Allen of Winnfield, LA; four grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Pallbearers were: Kiah Beville, Rick Hanna, Tommy Harrel Jr., Jimmy Williams, Lynn Maxey, Donnie Maxey, Lawrence White and David Procell. Honorary Pallbearers were: Crusaders for Christ Sunday School Class and Board of Directors of Bank of Winnfield.************************ Della Latonia Lynch Riley Latonia, a former resident of Shreveport and a native of Winnfield, LA, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ Sunday, March 31, 2002 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Latonia accepted Christ at an early age. She was born on February 10, 1969 to Elder Roland Lynch Sr. and her mother who preceded her in rest, Missionary Willie D. Lynch. Latonia, a graduate of Northeast University in Monroe as an Occupational Therapist and certified aerobics instructor. Latonia, her family and friends together fought a Good Fight and Kept Faith in God through her battle against Schleroderma. She left this world Victoriously, courageously and in high spirits. She leaves behind her loving, dedicate and "God sent" husband, Purvis Riley, a loving son Xavier Riley, her father Roland Lynch Sr. of Winnfield; her grandmother, Viola Smith of Winnfield, LA; mother-in-law Mary Smith of Monroe, LA; four sisters, Deloris Lynch and Joyce Fields of Shreveport, LA, Vernell Crawford of Rochester, Michigan and Ieishlia Lynch of Winnfield, La; four brothers, Roland Lynch, Jr. of Winnfield, LA, Larry Lynch of San Diego, CA, Samuel Lynch of Houston, TX, and Dale Lynch of Shreveport, LA; six nieces and five nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Homegoing services for Latonia will be held Saturday, April 6, 2002 in Winnfield, LA at Morning Star Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Family hour will be held in Winnfield, LA at Winnfield Funeral Home on Friday, April 5, 2002 from 6-8 p.m. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to all of you who joined efforts with us in our fight against Schleroderma to save Latonia's life. We were Victorious. Schieroderma was arrested in Latonia's life through her stem cell transplant. Thank you for your prayers, support and your donations. [Submitter's Note: Photograph accompanies obituary.]************************ Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, April 10, 2002, Page 7-B Robert Elmer Almond Graveside services for Robert Elmer Almond were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2002 with Rev. Danny Keyes. Burial was in the Brown Cemetery near Atlanta, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. Mr. Almond, age 77 of Greenwood, LA died Friday, April 5, 2002 in the IHS Piermont Nursing Home in Shreveport, LA. He was born in Minden, LA and was a retired truck driver for Yellow Freight. Survivors are his wife, Elizabeth Flurry Almond of Greenwood, LA; and one sister, Adeline Lewis of Haughton, LA. ************************ James "Man" Martin Sr. Funeral services for James "Man" Martin, Sr. were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2002 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Author Robinson and Rayford Higgs officiating. Burial was in St. Maurice Cemetery at St. Maurice, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. Mr. Martin, age 72 of Winnfield died Sunday, April 7, 2002 in his residence. He was born in Goldonna, LA and was a resident of Winnfield, LA. He was a retired sawyer and was a member of the Joyce Assembly of God. Survivors are two sons, James F. Martin Jr. and wife Gloria of Ringgold, LA and David A. Martin of Winnfield, LA; two daughters, Jimmie Faye Hudson and husband Lester of Winnfield, LA, and Allie "Vicki" LeBaron and husband Charles of Atlanta, LA; one step son, Patrick Rutledge of El Paso, TX; one step daughter, Ann Potter of Houston, TX; one brother, Johnny Martin of Goldonna; four sisters, Ella Mae Hickman of Hall Summit, LA, Bobbie Valdez of Alexandria, LA, Robbie Huffman of Jasper,TX, and Melba Karo of Lubbock, TX; 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 10 step grandchildren. Pallbearers were: Chuckie LeBaron, Dusty LeBaron, Yancy Martin, Kenneth Martin, Kenny Martin, David Foshee, George Breaux, Jr. and Billy Martin.************************ Frances Louise Stinson Frances Louise Stinson of Dallas, TX was born in Winn Parish, Louisiana in July 17, 1922 and passed away on March 24, 2002. She was a medical technologist at Woodland Hospital and Parkland Memorial Hospital for many years until her retirement in 1985. She was a long time member of Winn Genealogical & Historical Association and donated her collection of books and other research to the organization. She is survived by a niece, nephew, and numerous cousins and friends. Louise was an ardent cat lover and enjoyed her hobby of genealogical research. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 28, 2002 at Hughes North Chapel with interment in Winnfield Cemetery, Winnfield, LA. Memorials may be bade to SPCA of Texas, 362 S. Industrial Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207.************************ Ruby Mae "Buie" Meredith Johnston Services for Ruby Mae "Buie" Meredith Johnston, 79 of Sikes were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2002 from the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Columbia. Interment followed in the Wright Cemetery near Sikes. Mrs. Johnston was born in Winn Parish on December 7, 1922 to the union of Clarence and Julia Fluitt Meredith and died Wednesday, March 6, 2002 at the Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe. She was a homemaker and worked at the Sikes School Cafeteria for 22 years. She was also a member of the Old Union Baptist Church. She was a devoted mother and grandmother to all her children, grandchildren and a little dog, Pee Wee. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Floyd Johnston and their grandson, Darren Johnston. Survivors include her sons Tommy Johnston of Sikes and Julian and his wife: Beth of Calhoun, her daughter, Gloria Johnston Green and her husband, Mike of Sikes, her brother, John Meredith of Clarks, her grandchildren, Suzy Moore, Sam Johnston, Paul Johnston, Roger Johnston, Bryan Johnston and Mark Green and 13 great grandchildren. Pallbearers were grandsons and honorary pallbearers were her nephews.************************ Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, April 17, 2002, Page 11-B Reubin G. Simpkins Funeral services for Reubin G. Simpkins, 91, were held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13, 2002 at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield, Louisiana. Mr. Simpkins passed away on April 11, 2002 after a brief illness. Officiating was Rev. Joe Hamilton of the United Methodist Church in Hodge, Louisiana. Mr. Simpkins was born in Eros, Louisiana on April 2, 1911. He resided most of his life in Dodson, Louisiana where he was very active in his community. Mr. Simpkins served as an Alderman for the Village of Dodson and served several terms on the Winn Parish School Board. He also served as a Winn Parish Police Juror. Mr. Simpkins worked as a mechanic for Kilpatrick Ford in Jonesboro for many, many years until his retirement. Mr. Simpkins was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved the outdoors, his church family. He was an active member of the Dodson United Methodist Church. Mr. Simpkins was a dedicated father, beloved grandfather and was truly loved by all generations of his family. Mr. Simpkins is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Berline Geuin Simpkins of Shreveport, Louisiana; one son, Donald R. Simpkins of Houston, Texas; one daughter, Betty Bishop and husband, Kelly, of Shreveport, Louisiana; four granddaughters: Suzanne Rushing of Shreveport, Louisiana; Angela Young and husband, Jay, of Shreveport, Louisiana; Donna Jellison and husband, Michael, of Houston, Texas; Lisa Chandler Smith of Houston, Texas, 9 great grandchildren; 3 sisters, Lois Geuin, Edith Fuller and Medria Nordan, all of West Monroe, Louisiana. Mr. Simpkins was preceded in death by his son, Kenneth Wilson Simpkins, and his daughter, Carol Simpkins Yates. Pallbearers were: Chester Hemperly, Henry Allen Kornegay, Jay Young, Blake Rushing, Brandon Young and Evan Rushing. Honorary Pallbearers were Kermit M. Simmons, Terry Hayden, Don Kelley, Wayne Geuin, Charles Geuin and Kelly Bishop. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Jimmy Smith, M.D., Nurses "Jackie" and "Honorene," and the wonderful staff of Lifecare Hospital-Linwood for all of their kindness and care during this difficult time.************************ Sarah Jane Barton Services for Sarah Jane Barton were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2002 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel, Winnfield with Rev. Danny Keyes officiating. Burial was in Sardis Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield, LA. Mrs. Barton, 94 of Winnfield, LA died Thursday, April 11, 2002 in the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, LA. She was a Winnfield native, a homemaker and a member of Sardis Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Matthew Barton; five sons, Edgar Barton, Elmer Ree Barton, Mack Barton, Robert Lavee Barton and Robert Lee Barton; and three daughters, Sara Beth Barton, Lillie Mae Jordan and Edna Mae Jeter. Survivors are four sons, Edward Barton of Monroe, LA, Huey Barton and Charles Barton, both of Winnfield, LA and Bobby Barton of Greenville, TX; three daughters, Clara Crooks of Alexandria, LA, Hulene Seymore of Winnfield, LA and Earlene Meadows of Mooringsport, LA; one sister, Susie Miller of Joyce, LA; and a number of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Pallbearers were: David Meadows, Keith Barton, Scott Barton, Bobby Crooks, Steve Barton and Brett Crooks. Honorary Pallbearers were: grandchildren and great grandchildren.************************ Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, April 24, 2002, Page 9-B Gloria Ann Ketchum Services for Gloria Ann Ketchum were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2002 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel, Winnfield, LA with Revs. Kenneth Tarver and Wallace Ingles officiating. Burial was in Friendship Cemetery at Sikes, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield, LA. Mrs. Ketchum, age 66 of Dodson, LA died Tuesday, April 16, 2002 in the Natchitoches Parish Hospital. She was a native of Dodson, LA and was a homemaker, a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Survivors are her husband of 46 1/2 years, James Ketchum of Dodson, LA; one son, James Ketchum Jr. of Dodson, LA; two daughters, Ann Lemoine and husband Carl of Denham Springs, LA and Chris Ketchum of Winnfield, LA; three brothers, Bobby Creek [Creel] of Winnfield, LA, Jerald Creel of Monroe, LA, and John Creel of Dodson, LA; one sister, Corene Haygood of Liberty, MS; four grandchildren, Cliff Lemoine of Ruston, LA; Matthew Lemoine of Denham Springs, Jessica Lemoine of Baton Rouge, and Amanda Lemoine of Denham Springs, LA. Pallbearers were: Bobby Creel, John Creel, Jerald Creel, Carl Lemoine, Rodger Verret and Sam Haygood.************************ Troy Lynn Avant Funeral services for Troy Lynn Avant were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2002 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel, Winnfield with Dr. William Poe, and Revs. Wayne Dunn and Wallace Ingles officiating. Burial followed in the Shady Grove Cemetery at Verda, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield, LA. Mr. Avant, age 60 of LA died Wednesday, April 2002 in the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, LA. He was a native of Verda, LA, a member of Laurel Heights Baptist Church and retired from the Winn Parish Road Dept. Survivors are his wife Juanita Fredieu Avant of Joyce, LA; one son and daughter-in-law, Terry Avant and Kristy Avant of Winnfield, LA; daughter and son-in-law, Tonya and Christopher Miller of Winnfield, LA; three grandchildren: Kalyn Brooke Avant, Bradley William Miller and Christopher Scott Miller; two brothers, J. C. Avant of Texas and Murray Avant of Shreveport; five sisters, Lillie Patterson of Arlington, TX, Velma Gregory of San Anselmo, CA, Catherine Davis of Everman, TX, Murriel Covington of Ft. Worth, TX and Eleanor LeBarrron [LeBarron] of Shreveport, LA.************************ Carrie Catherine Dick Graveside services for Carrie Catherine Dick were held on Saturday, April 20, 2002 at the Atlanta Cemetery. Dr. Ray Teal officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. Mrs. Dick age 87 of Atlanta, LA died Saturday, April 20, 2002 in the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, LA. She was born in Sabine Parish, LA and was a homemaker. She was a member of the Atlanta Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Dick, two sons, Tommie Dick and Jerry Dick; and one daughter, Ramona Waldrum. Survivors are one son, Larry Frank Dick of Atlanta, LA; one daughter, Bonnie Broussard of Mobile, AL; one daughter-in-law, Janice Dick of Gonzales, LA; five grandchildren, Callie Wheeler, Deborah Alday, Lisa Nickens, John Dick and Michael Dick; and four great grandchildren.************************ Regnard "Rab" Burgess Services for Regnard "Rab" Burgess will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2002 in the First United Methodist Church, Winnfield, LA with Revs. Barry Hoekstra and Steve Caraway officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories, Winnfield, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield, LA. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2002 and from 8 a.m. until services on Thursday. Mr. Burgess, age 69 of Joyce, LA, died Sunday, April 21, 2002 in the VA Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. He was born in El Dorado, AR; was a retired gas plant operator, a Veteran of the U. S. Army, serving in the Korean War, recipient of the Silver Medal Star, survivor of Outpost Harry, member of U.S. Field Artillery Association and member of the First United Methodist Church. Survivors are one son, Christopher Howard Burgess of Portland, TX; one daughter, Suzanne Burgess Vickers of Corpus Christi, TX; and five grandchildren, Cassandra, Nicole, Sara, Rab IV and Mason. Pallbearers are Donna Coe, Joan Holmes, Linda Lestage, Sissy Mercer, Cindy Peavy, Candy Polk, Arnie Vercher, Penny Mercer.************************ Joe Brady Graveside services for Joe Brady were held on Friday, April 19, 2002 in the Couley Double Church Cemetery near Winnfield, LA. Officiating was Rev. Andy Wilson. Arrangements were under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. Mr. Brady, age 52 of Winnfield, LA died Tuesday, April 16, 2002 in the Winn Parish Medical Center. He had worked as a seismographer and was a member of the Jehovah's Witness Church. Survivors are two daughters, Betty Sharp and Sherry Wyatt, both of Winnfield, LA; one brother, Charles Brady of Winnfield, LA; one sister, Jayne Smedley of New Iberia, LA and 12 grandchildren.