Obits: Winn Parish Enterprise obits, March 2005, Winn Parish, LA. Submitted by: Yvonne J. Jones, Baton Rouge, LA ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** The following full obits are found below: Staff Sergeant Kristopher Shepherd Kevin Dean Bartley Rev. James Troy Ketchum, Sr. Edgar James "Doc" Ezernack, Sr. Lorraine (Zeagler) Holmes Virgie Pearl (Wyatt) Williams Clarice Adell (Temple) Green Eva Brewton Rushing Joan A. Clifford Inez McCarty Kidd Elsie Bell (Williamson) Bonnette Elzy Dillard Banks (Mr. Banks) Alvin Daniel Atkins Rhonda B. Copeland Lee J. Gaar Robert Leon Stewart Prentice Gleason Nugent Elba Lou (Luther) Shepard Larry Charles Zehr James Maurice Thompson George Ruffus Wilkerson Juanita Weeks William Poole "Bo" Gistand, Sr. Minnie Louise Edmonds Blair Larry Wayne Miller Betty Jean Parker Audrey (Roberts) Barker Lillian Estelle Carpenter Linda Cockerham Dickerson************************ Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, March 2, 2005, Page 6-A Soldier Dies The nephew of a local woman was killed during January in Iraq. Irene Creasy of Winnfield told the Enterprise that her nephew Staff Sergeant Kristopher Shepherd, 26, was killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated during clearing operations in Iraq. He left behind his wife Ruby, son Erik, 3 and daughter Cheyenne, 6. Shepherd was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Shepherd was an explosive's expert who had been in the military since he was 17 years old. In Afghanistan he suffered burns while disposing of another IED. His job was to get rid of unexploded military ordinance including bombs. He had been defusing bombs in Afghanistan for a year before going to Iraq. Shepherd lived in Lynchburg Virginia. His mother is Sheila Campbell. In addition to his aunt in Winnfield, Shepherd also has a cousin, Donna Cotton.************************ Kevin Dean Bartley Mr. Kevin Dean Bartley, age 44, of Winnfield, La., passed away Thursday, February 24, 2005, at Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, La. He was the son of the late Robert Bartley and the late Sally (Thompson) Bartley. He is survived by his wife Christine (Thompson) Bartley of Winnfield; three step-daughters, Dawn Prestridge of Gillis, La., Tina Ayres of Winnfield, La., Carolyn Ayres of Hornbeck, La; one son, Kevin Bartley, Jr. of Houma, La; two step-sons Michael Ayres of Hornbeck, La., Steven Ayres of Hornbeck, La; and three grandchildren. Graveside services were held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Sunday, February 27, 2005, with Rev. John Foster and Rev. Richard L. Bartley officiating. ************************* Rev. James Troy Ketchum, Sr. Rev. James Troy Ketchum, Sr., age 74, of Dodson, La., passed away Thursday, February 24, 2005, at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New Orleans, La. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Rev. Ketchum served his country in the Army during the Korean War. Rev. Ketchum served as pastor of Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Goldonna, La. and Clear Lake Baptist Church near Clear Lake. Rev. Ketchum served as interim pastor at numerous churches during his lifetime of ministry. He was a retired sheetmetal worker and member of the American Sheetmetal Workers Local #36L Rev. Ketchum was a Past Master of Rosemary Lodge # 278 in Sikes, La. He was the son of the late Benjamin Ketchum and Audrey (Shows) Ketchum- Bradley. He is survived by his two daughters, Ann (Ketchum) Lemoine and her husband Carl of Denham Springs, La., Jerri Christine Ketchum and fiance, Vance Luther of Winnfield, La; one son, James Troy Ketchum, Jr. and his wife Shannon of Saline Lake, La; four sisters, Eula Conley of Goldonna, La., Anne Bryant of Shreveport, La., Louise Ferguson of Shreveport, La., Ivy Bullock of Lafayette, La., two brothers, Charles Bradley of Many, La., Aubrey Bradley of Shreveport, La; six grandchildren Cliff, Jessica and Amanda Lemoine; Matthew Lemoine and his wife Jennifer; Kyle and Taylor Robinson; one great-grandchild Emma Lemoine. Rev. Ketchum was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Ann (Creel) Ketchum. Funeral services were held at the Southern Funeral Home Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 28, 2005, with Rev. Kenneth Tarver, Rev. Thomas Shields, and Rev. Mike Green officiating. Interment followed at Friendship Cemetery in Sikes, La under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Friendship Cemetery Fund through Friendship Baptist Church, in Sikes, La.************************ Edgar James "Doc" Ezernack, Sr. Edgar James "Doc" Ezemack, Sr., age 77 of Goldonna died Sunday, February 27, 2005 from a lengthy illness. Mr. Ezernack was a member of Sanders Assembly of God Church and served two terms on the Goldonna Board of Aldermen. He was a retired mechanic having owned his own business. Mr. Ezernack was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. John L. Ezernack; two sisters, Rose Carraway and Marcilete Morgan; one brother, Clama Ezernack, three grand daughters, Tammy Rhodes, Layla Ezernack, and Jennifer Ezernack; one great-granddaughter, Jasmine Heister. Edgar James "Doc" Ezernack is survived by his wife Dorothy Pierce Ezernack; four sons, Edgar James Ezernack, Jr. of Goldonna, Tony Ezemack and wife Lori of Magnolia, TX, Keven Ezernack and wife Frances of Natchitoches, Johnathan Ezernack of Natchitoches; two daughters, Brenda Gurganus and husband Toby of Edwards, MS, Kandes Hebert and husband DeWayne of Pollock; nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Visitation will be Wednesday at the funeral home at 10 a.m. until time of services. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at Southern Funeral Home Chapel, Winnfield with Bro. Doyle McGrew and Bro. Kenneth Stanfill officiating. Burial will follow in the Goldonna Cemetery, Goldonna, LA. Pallbearers will be Edgar James Ezernack, Jr Tony Ezernadk, Kenen Ezernack, Johnathan Ezernack, Doyce Gorham, and Wendel Corneille.************************ Lorraine (Zeagler) Holmes Mrs. Lorraine (Zeagler). Holmes, age 68, of Tullos, La., died Tuesday, February 22, 2005, at her residence in Tullos, La. She was a member of the Church of God, an avid Bass Fisherman and was retired from Crown Zellerbach. Mrs. Holmes was preceded in death by her parents Ike Zeagler and Winnie (Smith) Zeagler and first husband Bobby Wilson. She is survived by her husband Jerry Holmes Sr.; two sons, James R. Wilson and his wife Rebecca of Coushatta, La. and A. J. Wilson and his wife Amanda of Tullos, La; two step-sons, Jerry Holmes Jr. and his wife Cheryl of Phoenix, Ariz. and Jeffery C. Holmes and his wife Wendy of Raleigh, N.C; one daughter: Robin Wilson of Phoenix, Ariz; one step-daughter Kathryn Torrez and her husband Jose of Dayton, Ohio; one sister, Mary Roberts and her husband Harold of Winnfield, La; twenty two grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, February 24 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Albert Vickers officiating. Burial followed in the Beech Creek Cemetery near Olla. Pallbearers were Dick Zeagler, Jerry Zeagler, Eddie Bartley, Daniel Bartley, Tommy Holmes, and Jimmy Holmes. Friends may post messages of condolence online by visiting www.southernfuneralhome.com. ************************* Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, March 9, 2005, Page 6-A Virgie Pearl (Wyatt) Williams Mrs. Virgie Pearl (Wyatt) Williams, age 90, of Georgetown, La., passed away Thursday, March 3, 2005, at the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, La. She was a member of Beulah Baptist Church. Mrs. Williams was a retired school teacher and principal. She worked for both the Winn and Grant Parish School Systems. She was the daughter of the late Thomas M. Wyatt and the late Mae (Durham) Wyatt. She is survived by her two sons, Tom Williams and his wife Phyllis of Shreveport, La. Joe Williams and his wife Marguariette of Georgetown, La; one sister, Dorothy Weiser of St. Louis, Mo; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her husband, Troy C. Williams; and her son, Terry Wayne Williams. Funeral services were held at the Beulah Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005, with Rev. Lamar Carpenter officiating. Interment followed at Zion Cemetery in Georgetown, La. under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield, LA. ************************* Clarice Adell (Temple) Greene Mrs. Clarice Adell (Temple) Greene, age 92, of Dodson, La.. passed away Monday. March 7, 2005, at the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, La. She was a member of Cypress Creek Baptist Church. She was the daughter of the late Jesse Temple and the late Willie (Burnum) Temple. She is survived by her one daughter, Dewanna F. McGee and her husband Gerald of Shreveport, La; three sons, Royce H. Greene and his wife Sandy of Haughton. La, Rayford Greene and his wife Jeanette of Winnfield, La., E. C. Greene and his wife Ann of Homer, La; four sisters, Opal Boyett of Dodson, La., Olene Shively of Dodson, La., Wilma Gates of Ruston, La., Thera Lou Adams of Camden, Ark., eleven grandchildren; and eighteen great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. DeLoy Greene; her daughter, DeLora Hemphill; brothers, Carl Temple, Leonard Temple, and Arnold Temple. Friends may visit with the family at Cypress Creek Baptist Church in Dodson, La., from 1 p.m. to service time on Wednesday, March 9, 2005. Funeral services will be at Cypress Creek Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2005 with Rev. Nicholas Verett officiating. Interment will be at Cypress Creek Cemetery in Dodson, La.. ************************* Eva Brewton Rushing Eva Brewton Rushing, age 90, of Goldonna, La., passed away on Friday, March 4, 2005, at Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, La. Mrs. Rushing was a homemaker and a native of Wyatt, Louisiana. She was the daughter of the late Ollie and Albert Stephens. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday March 5, 2005 at the Antioch Methodist Church with Revs Hayward Hossler and Huey White officiating. Burial was in the Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield. Survivors are one son, Steve Brewton and his wife Darlene of Winnfield; four brothers, Raymond Stephens of Pullman, Washington, Lamar Stephens and Harry Stephens both of Jonesboro and John Henry Stephens of Waco, Texas; one grandson, Jonathan Brewton of Shreveport, La; four granddaughters, Misty Brewton of Natchitoches, Ashley Brewton and Pam Brewton Smiley of Winnfield and five great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Gary Stephens, Sonny Stephens, Arville White, Dennis Coleman, Landon Coleman and Darrell White. ************************* Joan A. Clifford Memorial Services for Mrs. Joan A. Clifford were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 in the Southern Funeral Home Chapel in Winnfield, La. with Rev. Lindsey Burns officiating. Interment followed in the Jordan Hill Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. Mrs. Clifford, age 49, a communications consultant, passed away on Wednesday, February 23,2005, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born February 10, 1956 in Shreveport, LA and worked for 23 years for Southwestern Bell. She loved golfing and was an active member of the Willow Springs Woman's Golfing Association, and played the Jack and Jill Tournaments Mixed Couples on Monday nights. Mrs. Clifford was preceded in death by her mother, Geneva Rosier Hammett, and Aunt Christine Sandifer. She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Matt Clifford; her Father, Lloyd Hammett of Winnfield, La; her brother, Tom Hammett and his wife Rosann of Arlington, TX; three uncles, Eugene Rosier and his wife Sue of Winnfield, La., Earl Sandifer of Alexandria, La. and Glenn Guin of Winnfield, La. She is also survived by several cousins from the Winnfield area..************************ Inez McCarty Kidd Funeral services for Inez McCarty Kidd, 89, of Rayville were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2005 at the First Baptist Church of Rayville with Dr. Ernest Winburn officiating under the direction of Muihearn Funeral Home, Rayville, LA. Burial followed at the Rayville Masonic Cemetery. Mrs. Kidd died February 28, 2005 at St. Francis Medical Center. Mrs. Kidd was born in Sikes, LA, but had lived in Richland Parish for approximately 65 years. Among her joys were fishing, gardening, singing in the choir of First Baptist Church, and the many friends she acquired after graduating from Dodd's Beauty School in Monroe, LA. She opened Inez's Beauty Shop in 1937 and owned and operated it until her retirement two years ago. Mrs. Kidd was preceded in death by Walter Kidd, her husband of 62 years. Also preceding her in death were her parents, George and Nola McCarty of Sikes, LA; and brothers, D.J. McCarty and wife Becky, Douglas McCarty, and Charles McCarty and wife Dorothy. She is survived by her sister, Sybil McCarty Christman and husband Emmett; nephews, Charles Wayne McCarty and wife Carolyn, George McCarty, Jimmy McCarty, Randy McCarty, Micky McCarty and wife Carol, Terry McCarty, Darryl McCarty and wife Pam; nieces, Debbie Risinger and husband Fred, Jan Vowell and husband Brad, Brenda Nicholson and husband Larry; and several great nieces and nephews. Other survivors include Bob and Roma Kidd, and Violet Shows. Pallbearers include Alvin Lane, Todd Morris, Dave Day, Ronnie Cobb, Jerry Autrey, Johnny Hoychick, Floyd Bruce Boughton and Oragene Morris. The family reqests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Rayville. ************************* Elsie Belle (Williamson) Bonnette Mrs. Elsie Belle (Williamson) Bonnette, age 83, of Winnfield, La., passed away Monday, February 28, 2005, at the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, La. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Calvin. She was the daughter of the late Damon Williamson and the late Belle (Milam) Williamson. She is survived by her husband of 65 years Reginald "Buck" Bonnette of Saline Lake, La.; three daughters, Sue (Bonnette) Franks of Saline Lake, La. Patsy Lester and her husband David of Calvin, La., Doris Leeper and her husband Morris of Saline Lake, La; one son, Donnie "Red" Bonnette of Calvin, La; eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Bonnette was also preceded in death by two sisters, Max Shaddinger and Maxine Cox; two son-in-laws, Larry Carpenter and Eddie Franks. Funeral services were held at First Baptist Church of Calvin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2005, with Rev. Lamar Carpenter and Rev. Carrol Garlington officiating. Interment followed at Sanders Chapel Cemetery in Calvin, La under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. ************************* Home Going Celebration for Elzy Dillard Banks (Mr. Banks) Sunrise-March 19,1919 Sunset-March 2,2005 Services for Elzy Dillard Banks were held at Doty Road Church of God, Ferriday, LA. Interment followed at Doty Road Church of God under the direction of Tennant Funeral Home, Rayville, LA 71269. Elzy Dillard Banks was born March 19, 1919 to the late Abe and Ellen Hollins Banks. He was united in marriage to the late Pastor Izella Lewis and was blessed with 59 years together. Six children were born to this union: Elzy Banks, Jr., Houston, TX, Hazel Wyatt and Ezra Banks (Teressa) of Winnfield, La, Zara Dale Banks (Linda) of Bellevue, NE, Ed Banks (Janette) and Elizabeth Singleton (Jesse) of Jonesboro, LA. Elzy Banks became a Christian under the leadership of the late Arthur Lewis. His spiritual heros were "Uncle Ben Lewis" and "Dad" Arthur Lewis. He was Co-Founder of 23rd Street Church of God Winnfield, LA. He was faithful in his duties while health permitted. 23rd Street Church of God gave him the title in 2002 of Honorary Deacon for his services. Elzy was a pillar in the community of Dodson, LA for forty (40) years. He was known to get jobs for the young men of the community. Politics and religion was his favorite topics of discussion. Elzy was a hard working man, good husband and father. Grandchildren are Lynn Banks, Marie Lamb, Tracy Banks, Lia (LaVonne) Briggs, Bobby Joe Banks, Daniel Cordell Thomas, Coy Darnell Booker, Deanna Banks, (deceased), Christopher Thomas, LaNae Banks, Marzella Banks, Ebony Jenkins, LaVonda Jones, LaTisha Banks, Danexter Pattan Banks, Ricky Pattan Banks, Travis Banks, Whitney Banks, Rechard Singleton and 18 great grands. Special goddaughter Benetra Hunter. Memories will be cherished by children, grands, greats, and host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives, friends and love ones.************************ Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, March 16, 2005, Page 6-A Alvin Daniel Atkins, Mr. Alvin Daniel Atkins, age 64, of Jonesboro, La., passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2005 in Lakeland, Florida. Mr. Atkins served his country in the Army and was a member of the Full Gospel Christian Center in Jonesboro, La. He was the son of the late John Atkins and Annie Mae (Grider) Atkins of Bastrop, La. He is survived by his wife Johnette (Folden) Atkins of Jonesboro,ta.; three daughters, Lisa Hughes and her husband Dennis of Oak Grove, La. Teresa Connor and her husband Michael of Jonesboro, La; Tina Maloy and her husband Chris of Winnfield, La; three sons, Mike Jordan and his wife Vicki of Mer Rouge, La; Ronnie Atkins and his wife Dewanna of Mer Rouge, La. Dewayne Mitchell and his wife Nancy of Winnfield, La; two brothers, Jimmy Atkins of Bastrop, La. Thomas Atkins of Bastrop, La; fourteen grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren Funeral services were held at Southern Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 13, 2005, with Rev. Billy McBride and Bro. Jerry Johnson officiating. Interment followed at Hurricane Grove Cemetery in Sikes, La. under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. ************************* Rhonda B. Copeland Rhonda (Browning) Copeland, age 45, of Dodson, La., died Monday, March 7, 2005. Mrs. Copeland was a member of the Cypress Creek Baptist Church. She was an avid painter and a devoted daughter, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Edward Copeland and her father, Joe F. Browning. Mrs. Copeland is survived by her one son, Kris Copeland and wife Laurie of Dodson, La.; two grandchildren, Bailey and Taylor Copeland of Dodson, La; mother, Mattie Wilson Browning of Dodson, La; three brothers, Joe Lynn Browning and wife Pam of Dodson, La., Gary Browning and wife Kathy of Dodson, La., Danny Browning and wife Robbin of Dodson, La; two sisters, Frances Chelette and husband Tommy of Pascagoula, Miss., Charlotte Kirtley and husband Charlie of Dodson, La; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Preston and Laverne Copeland of Dodson, La; sister-in-law Pam Harvey and husband Wayne of Weston, La; brother-in-law, Steve Copeland and wife Angie of Ruston, La; best friend, Margaret Thompson of Natchitoches, LA.; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Copeland were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12, at the Cypress Creek Baptist Church with Reverend Nick Verett officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. Pallbearers were Greg Browning, Joey Browning, Nathan Harvey, Caleb Copeland, Troy Wilson,. Kenneth Wilson, and Johnny Coolman. Honorary Pallbearers were Chad Robinson, Kyle Robinson, and Taylor Robinson.************************ Lee J. Gaar Lee J. Gaar, age 84, died Thursday, March 10, 2005 at Lincoln General Hospital following a brief illness. Mr. Gaar was born in Winn Parish, Louisiana on December 7, 1920 to William Russell and Eva Hall Gaar. He was a member of Hodge Baptist Church, a veteran of the U.S. Army having faithfully served his country during World War II and had retired from Crown Zellerback. Funeral services were held Sunday, March 13, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Southern Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro with Revs. Dwayne Boudreaux, Clovis Sturdivant and Loy Gaar officiating. Burial followed in New Hope Cemetery at Gaar's Mill. Mr. Gaar is survived by his wife Myrtis W. Gaar of Quitman; son, Jay Gaar and wife Cona of Houston, TX; brother, Loy Gaar and wife Grace of Dodson; and a host of other relatives and friends. ************************* Robert Leon Stewart Mr. Robert Leon Stewart, age 79, of Winnfield, La., passed away Thursday, March 10, 2005, at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Alexandria, La. Mr. Stewart served his country in the Navy during World War II. He was the son of the late Robert Stewart and the late Etta (Peppers) Stewart. He is survived by his wife Kathleen (Taylor) Stewart of Winnfield, La.; one daughter, Daughter -LaDonna DeLong and her husband George of Colfax, La; three sons, -Ronald L. Stewart and his wife Rosalyn of Houston, Texas, Gary L. Stewart and his wife Janet of Trout, La., son -Bruce E. Stewart and his wife Pat of Winnfield, La; fifteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Southern Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2005, with Rev. Lindsey Burns, Rev. Dick DeBusk, and Bro. Loy Gaar officiating. Interment followed at New Hope Cemetery in Gaars Mill, La. under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield, LA.************************ Prentice Gleason Nugent Funeral services for Prentice Gleason Nugent were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2005 at the Laurel Heights Baptist Church in Winnfield, LA. Officiating were Revs. Mac Brunson and Bob Braly. Interment followed in the Lincecum Cemetery near Georgetown, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield, LA. Mr. Nugent, age 55 of Winnfield died Sunday, March 13, 2005 at the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, LA. Mr. Nugent was a veteran of the US Army and was a member of the Laurel Heights Baptist Church. He worked in law enforcement for 24 years and served as the Chief of Police for the City of Winnfield from 1994 until 2002. He was preceded in death by his father Fred Harvey Nugent and his brother Fred Melton Nugent. Survivors are one son, Scott A. Nugent of Winnfield, LA; one daughter, Brandi Morgan of Cassville, Missouri; his mother, Juanita Nugent of Georgetown, LA; two brothers, Jimmy Ray Nugent of Salem, Oregon, and Charles Nugent of Pollock, LA; one sister, Cornella Bradford of Georgetown, LA; one granddaughter, Valerie Nugent; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were: C. J. Nugent, Chuck Nugent, Gene Nugent, Michael Durbin, Clay Robertson, Rusty Miles, Roy Cotton and Johnny Ray Carpenter.************************ Elba Lou (Luther) Shepard Mrs. Elba Lou (Luther) Shepard, age 84, of Joyce, La., passed away Friday, March 11, 2005, at the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, La. She was a member of East Winnfield Baptist Church. She was the daughter of the late Arthur Luther and the late Gertrude (Hurley) Luther. She is survived by her one daughter, Charlotte Parker and her husband Jr. of Sikes, La; two sisters, Doris Herrin of Los Altos, Calif., Dora Lea Peck of Shreveport, La; three brothers, A. G. Luther of Amory, Miss., James Luther of Lafayette, La., Charles Luther of Universal City, Texas; two grandchildren, Julie Bass and Thomas Lane Parker; eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the Southern Funeral Home Chapel at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 13, 2005, with Rev. Billy Bustin officiating. Interment followed at Union Cemetery in Joyce, La. under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. Thomas Lane Parker, Heath Bass, James Wroten, Robin Parker, Ross Newman, and Marcus Parker served as pallbearers. ************************* Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, March 23, 2005, Page 6-A Larry Charles Zehr Funeral services for Larry Charles Zehr were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 12 at the Winnfield City Cemetery, Winnfield with Rev. Robert K. Leach officiating. Burial was under the direction of Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Mr. Zehr, age 60, of Jonesboro died Thursday, March 10, 2005. He was a wood planer for the Timber Industry. Survivors include one daughter, Melinda Zehr Young of Sikes; one son, Everett Charles Zehr of Jonesboro; one sister, Nelda Wells of Jacksonville, Florida; one brother, Bill Bright of Corpus Christi, Texas and one grandchild. ************************* James Maurice Thompson Mr. James Maurice Thompson, age 72 of Jonesboro, LA died Tuesday, March 15, 2005 in the Jackson Parish Hospital. Mr. Thompson graduated from Winnfield Senior High School in 1951. While at Winnfield he was President of his class in 1948, was a member of the football team, the softball team, the track team, the Drama Club, the FFA, and was a member of the yearbook staff, and in 1947 he had perfect attendance. He served his country during the Korean War and was a member of the 38th Tactical Drill Team Squadron. For 18 months of his tour in Germany he worked for Nato in the Sunrise Serenade as a courier. He graduated from the LA. Polytechnic School of Business Administration in 1961. He was a retired vice president of Guaranty Bank and Trust in Morgan City, LA. Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Earl Thompson and Eunice Hammock Thompson; three brothers, Thomas Gene Thompson, Kenneth Ray Thompson and Clifford Earl Thompson, and sister Eva Mae Thompson. James Maurice Thompson is survived by his wife, Nell Davis Thompson, wife of 50 years, of Jonesboro, LA; two daughters, Lisa Ann Thompson of New Orleans, LA, Camille Norman Thompson of Jonesboro, LA; two sons, Louis Mitchell Thompson of Jonesboro, LA, James Randall Thompson of Jonesboro, LA; six grandchildren, Keith Thompson, Michael Thompson, Jennifer Thompson, Candice Thompson, Stephan Daves, and Justin Daves. He was also survived by his dog Toodles. Services for James Maurice Thompson were held on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 at 2 p.m. at the Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Stuart Sherman officiating. ************************* George Ruffus Wilkerson George Ruffus Wilkerson, 81, passed away Sunday March 13, 2005 in Highlands, Texas. He was born March 26, 1923 in Winn Parish to Bertha and Lige Wilkerson. He was a U. S. Army veteran where he served as a hospital orderly. He moved to Highlands, Texas in 1945, where he went to work for Humble Oil & Refining. He retired in 1980 after 35 years service. He worked as a master electrician. He was a member of 1ST Baptist Church Highlands, where he was a deacon. He enjoyed fishing, playing softball and going to church. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother William Luther and one sister, Eva Lynn. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Oline of Highlands, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, George "Mickey" and wife Karen of Crosby, Texas, daughter Deborah Hall of Highlands, Texas; two sisters and brotherin-laws, Faye and L.B. Bemont and Anne and Glen Futch, all of Winnfield, Louisiana; three grandchildren and spouses, Michael and Leslie Wilkerson of Baytown, Texas, Jennifer and Scott Wellingham of Barbers Hill, Texas and Tiffany Hopkins and Gilbert of Highlands, Texas; four great grandchildren, Brittany and Priscilla Hopkins of Highlands, Texas and Lauren and Brooke Wellingham of Barbers Hill, Texas; two nieces, Deanna Johns and Shirley Knotts of Winnfield, LA; two nephews, Jimmie Bemont of El Paso, Texas and Ronnie Lasyone of Winnfield, LA. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Earthman Funeral Home with Bro. Tim Edwards officiating. Interment was at Memory Gardens Cemetery with family and friends serving as pallbearers. Arrangements were under the direction of Earthman Funeral Directors, Baytown, Texas. To post a tribute go to: www.earthmanfunerals.com [Submitter's Note: Photograph accompanies obituary.]************************ Juanita Weeks Funeral services for Juanita Weeks were held at 2 p.m. March 23,2005 at Southern Funeral Home Chapel, Jonesboro with Reverend Ed Fenton, Ned Chipley, Eugene Doan officiating. Burial followed at Antioch Cemetery near Calvin under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Juanita Weeks, age 84, died March 19, 2005 at the Winn Parish Medical Center. She was a minister. She is survived by one daughter, Lynnita Diane Taylor and husband Buddy of Dodson; sister Robbie Thomas of Geneva, AL; sisters in law Jewell McCoullough of Geneva, AL, Laura Atkison of Titusville, FL; grandchildren Jonathan Taylor and wife Jennifer of Springfied, Illinois. Joel Taylor and wife Wendy of West Monroe; Jennifer Vidrine and husband Mitchell of West Monroe; and three great grandchildren. ************************* William Poole "Bo" Gistand, Sr. Februaty 23,1907 - March 10, 2005 Funeral services for William Poole Gistand, Sr., were held Thursday, March 17, 2005 at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Tommy Hamms officiating. "Bo" as he was affectionately called was a deacon of the New Zion Baptist Church ministry and he was a God fearing man who loved the Lord. He was born February 23, 1907 to Henry Gistand and Josephine Gilbert Gistand. In years to come he later married the late Ida Mae Smart and three children were born to this union, two of which preceded him in death. "Bo" departed this life, Thursday March 10, 2005 at the Winn Parish Medical Center. "Bo" leaves to cherish his memory a son William Purnell Gistand of New Orleans, LA; a daughter Cassandra Weatherford-Martin of Winnfield, LA; two granddaughters, Katherine Ball of Winnfield, LA and Connie Gistand of New Orleans, LA; three grandsons Brian Gistand of Atlanta, GA (Denise), Hayward Martin and Samtorian Martin of Winnfield, LA. He also leaves to mourn his passing great-grandchildren; a host of relatives, friends, neighbors and his church family. Honorary pallbearers were William Purnell Gistand, Brian Gistand, Hayward Martin, Samtorian Martin and Chauncey Hall. Active pallbearers were Narvin Powell, Jr., Tommy Glover, Sr, Tommy Glover, Jr., Bruce Triplett, and Tommell Hamms. [Submitter's Note: Photograph accompanies obituary.]************************ Minnie Louise Edmonds Blair Mrs. Minnie Louise Edmonds Blair, age 85, of Dodson, La., passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, La. She was a member of Siloam Baptist Church in Dodson, La. She was the daughter of the late William King and the late Minnie (Box) King. She is survived by her one daughter, Doris Roberts of Leesville, La; three sons, Edward Edmonds and his wife Ramona of Dodson, La., Jerry Edmonds and his wife Barbara of Dodson, La., Randy Zimmerman of Pensacola, Fla; one sister, Ida Rae Robinson of Jonesboro, La; one brother, Frank King of Minden, La; twenty three grandchildren; and twenty six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Southern Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2005 with Rev. Charles Hammons officiating. Interment will be at Siloam Springs Cemetery near Dodson, La. under the direction of Southern Funeral Home. Mrs. Edmond's grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.************************ Obituaries, Winn Parish Enterprise, Winnfield, Louisiana, March 30, 2005, Page 6-A Larry Wayne Miller Mr. Larry Wayne Miller, age 66, of Joyce, La., passed away Monday, March 28, 2005, at the Winn Parish Medical Center in Winnfield, La. Mr. Miller served his country during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War in the U.S. Army, from which he later retired. He was the son of the late Charles Miller and the late Esther (Smith) Miller, and was also preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Patricia Holland Miller; his grandson, Justin Matthew Sweat; and his sister, Patty Levy. He is survived by his one daughter, Cindy M. Sweat and her husband Mark of Joyce, La; one son, Stephen W. Miller of Dallas, Texas; two grandchildren Cody Ryan Sweat and Allison Ann Sweat of Joyce, La; five sisters, Ellen Light of Montville, Ohio, Catherine Donaldson of Orwell, Ohio, Rita Alexander of Madison, Ohio, Mona Miller of Orwell, Ohio, Kaye Webb of Paris, Va. Funeral services were held at Southern Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2005, with Rev. Dick DeBusk and Rev. Bobby Sanders officiating. Interment followed at Atlanta Cemetery in Atlanta, La under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield. ************************* Betty Jean Parker Betty Jean Parker, age 71, of Dodson, LA, died March 25, 2005 at Shreveport, LA. Betty Parker was born in Jonesboro, LA on July 5, 1933. She was a homemaker. Funeral services for Betty Jean Parker were held Monday, March 28, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA, with Rev. Huey Beaubouef and Rev. Thurman Malone officiating. Burial followed in the Friendship Cemetery in Sikes, LA. Survivors include her husband, J.C. Parker of Dodson, LA; one daughter Helen J. Parker of Dodson, LA; one son, Richard I. Parker and wife Lou Ann of Prospect, TN; one brother, Thurman Malone and wife Sue of Haughton, LA; nine grandchildren, and thirteen great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Rickey Parker, David Parker, Alan Malone, Rocky Parker, Jimmy Ketchum, and Willie Moore. ************************* Audrey (Roberts) Barker Mrs. Audrey (Roberts) Barker, age 95, of Prairieville, La., passed away Saturday, March 26, 2005, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales, La. She was a member of Parkview Baptist Church of Baton Rouge, La. She was the daughter of the late Dan Roberts and the late Ida (Jones) Roberts. She is survived by her one son, Bob Barker and his wife Amy of West Monroe, La; one daughter, Jean Underwood and her husband Paul of Prairieville, La; one sister, Lucille Buchans of Crowville, La; two brothers, Bill Roberts of Winnfield, La., T. J. Roberts of Dodson, La; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at Southern Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2005, with Rev. Jerry W. Price officiating. Interment followed at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield, La. under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Winnfield. Richard Underwood, Roger Underwood, Rex Barker, Chuck Tolar, Billy Buchans, and Russell Barker served as Pallbearers. ************************* Lillian Estelle Carpenter Funeral services for Lillian Estelle Carpenter, age 75, were held at 2 p.m. March 20, 2005 at Cypress Creek with Reverend Elton Gunter officiating. Burial was in Cypress Creek Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Lillian Estelle Carpenter died March 17, 2005 at her residence after a long illness. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband James Joe Carpenter, Sr., of Dodson; one son, James J. Carpenter, Jr. and wife Judy of Sicily Island, LA; one daughter Sharon L. Guin of Dodson, LA; one brother Ray Hall and wife Nova of Witchita Falls, TX; one sister Ruth Whatley of Witchita Falls, TX; grandchildren, Jennifer and Bud Acker, Janna and Eric Chauvan; great grandchildren, Juleigh Acker, Jenna Chauvan. Pallbearers were Bud Acker, Eric Chauvan, Ken Carpenter, Tony Coleman, Wayne Ott, Spencer Carpenter, Nicholas Carpenter, and Joe Carpenter.************************ Linda Cockerham Dickerson Linda passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2005 at Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport. A memorial service was held at Ruple Baptist Church in Homer on February 22. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Ozie and Gladys Caskey Cockerham; two brothers Wilburn and W. O. Cockerham; a sister Loretta Greeson and a niece Chris Fapiana. Survivors include her husband, Gordon Dickerson of Homer; two daughters, Kim Michael of Lebanon, MO and Kayla Hanson of Haynesville, LA; one son Mike Dickerson of Homer; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.