Posted 4/29/08
Janell Rae King
Funeral services for Janell Rae King, 33, of Wisner, will be held at South Central Baptist Church on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at 3 p.m. with Rev. T. J. Boyd and Rev. Ron Ferrington officiating. Interment will follow at South Central Cemetery under the direction of Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home in Winnsboro.
Mrs. King was born April 2, 1975 in Delhi, and passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Franklin Medical Center in Winnsboro. She was a resident of Wisner, a homemaker, and a member of the South Central Baptist Church. She will be remembered as a loving mother with a generous heart, who will be missed by family and friends.
She was preceded in death by: sister-Megan Renee' Rayborn, maternal great-grandparents: Cleve Smith and wife Pauline; and grandfather-in-law: "Nubbin" King.
Survivors include: husband, Jack E. King, Jr. of Wisner; daughter, Jacee Renee' King of Wisner; three step sons: Brandon King and Kendall King both of Winnsboro; and Cody King of Waynesboro, Miss.; mother: Shirlene Martin of Wisner; maternal grandparents: Howard and Lou Mullican of Crowville. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Pallbearers will be Jessie Smith, Charlie Parker, Billy Parker, Joe Erwin, Tommy Sproles, Jack Dixon, and Stacey Boone.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Williams and Benny Parker.
The family will receive friends at South Central Baptist Church from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008. To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngscommunity.com.
William Dickens
Graveside services for William Dickens, age 63, of Winnsboro, were held Monday, April 28, 2008 at Liberty Cemetery in Linville, La. under the direction of Gill First National Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Aultman officiating. There was no visitation.
Mr. Dickens was born March 12, 1944 to Jess and Bessie Perkins Dickens in Pitkin, La., and he passed from this life on Friday, April 25, 2008 at Plantation Manor Nursing Home in Winnsboro.
He was an auto mechanic who loved to hunt and fish. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Annette.
Survivors include two daughters: Sonya Arrender of Baskin; Angie Rodriguez of Marshall, Ariz.; and six grandchildren.
Pallbearers were George Arrender, Seth Arrender, Scott Matthews, Zane Matthews, Purvis Rodrigues, and Shannon Rodrigues.
Online condolences may be sent to www.gillfirstnational.com.
James C. Henry
Funeral services for Mr. James C. Henry, 64, of Saint Joseph, La., were held at Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home on Monday, April 28, 2008, with Rev. Dewayne Butler officiating.
Interment followed at Legion Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home in Winnsboro.
Mr. Henry was born April 28, 1943 and passed away Saturday, April 26, 2008 at his home in Saint Joseph. He was a resident of Saint Joseph, a mechanic, and a member of the First United Pentecostal Church in Saint Joseph, La.
He was preceded in death by: brother, Hollis Henry and sister, Mary.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Miller of Saint Joseph; three sons: Michael Henry of Coushatta, La., Keith Henry of Denham Springs, La., and James Henry, Jr. of Dallas, Texas; daughter, Cindy Henry of Downsville, La.; six brothers: Tony Henry of Carthage, Texas, Charles Warren of Fort Polk, Miss., Jesse Warren of Archibald, La., Danny Goodwin of Dry Prong, La., Johnny Ray McClenden of Harrisonburg, La., Ray Lynn Pittman of Tylertown, Miss.; sister, Earline Moore of Wisner. He was also survived by numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Pallbearers were Michael Henry, Jesse Warren, Shane Stockstill, Wesley Martin, Ken Kunkle, Glen McGlothin, and Wayne Crain.
Honorary pallbearers were Kendrick Kunkle, Mike Miller, Steve Miller, Terry Mize Jr, Ronnie McDaniel, Harry T. Goldman Jr, Keith Henry, and Tom Moore.
To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngscommunity.com.
Theo Eldridge Jr.
Funeral services for Theo Eldridge, Jr., 55, of Crowville were held Monday, April 28, 2008 at Crockett Point Baptist Church in Crowville with Jason Herrington, Rev. Joe Senn and Terry Lightsey officiating. Interment followed in Harris Cemetery in Crowville under the direction of Gill First National Funeral Home of Winnsboro.
He was born Aug. 23, 1952 in Delhi and passed from this life Thursday, April 24, 2008 in St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe.
Mr. Eldridge was a faithful member of Crockett Point Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his father Theo Eldridge, Sr., step-father James "Smitty" Smith, and mother Bobbie Caldwell Eldridge Smith.
He leaves behind his wife Karon Russell Eldridge of Crowville; four children: Theo "Trey" Eldridge III of Novato, Calif., Honny Eldridge of Mangham, Andy Eldridge and wife Donna of Rayville, and Jason Herrington and wife Melissa of Ft. Worth, Texas; and four grandchildren: Matthew Eldridge, Ema Gloor, Kemper Lively, and Cooper Eldridge.
Mr. Eldridge is also survived by a brother Rudy Eldridge and wife DeLane of Winnsboro; three sisters Diane "Flossie" Chapman and husband Gary of Crowville, Ginger Eldridge Brewer of Ridgeton, Miss., Lindy Steven and husband Sam of Crowville; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Pallbearers were David Christman, John Flowers, Dennis Franklin, Barron Gill, Richard Och, and Danny Warner. Bryant Fortenberry served as honorary pallbearer.
Online condolences may be made at www.gillfirstnational.com.
Virginia Ruth Pott Estes
Funeral services for Virginia Ruth Pott Estes, age 84, of Ruston, were held on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at the Grace United Methodist Church in Ruston. Officiating was Dr. Wayne Evans with a graveside service to follow at Myrtle Memorial Cemetery in Winnsboro, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.
Mrs. Estes was born in Rayville, La. on April 17, 1924 to the union of Fred and Augusta Pott. She passed away in Ruston, La. on April 27, 2008 after a brief illness. She was a long time member Grace United Methodist Church where she delighted in the Quilters and Friendship Club. Her hobbies included cooking, sewing and arts and crafts.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joel H. Estes of Ruston. She is survived by sons Joel H. Estes, Jr., and Edmund Anderson Estes and wife Dorothy G. Estes, all of Lewisville, Texas. She is also survived by sisters: Alice M. "Dacky" Tucker of Winnsboro, and Helen "Jiggs" McDuff of Jackson, Miss.
Planned memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or to Grace United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
Harvey 'Shorty' L. Laird
Harvey "Shorty" L. Laird, 74, of Kirbyville, Texas, died Monday, April 21, 2008 at his home due to cancer.
Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home in Winnsboro with Rev. Stacey Givens and Rev. Keith Jeselink officiating. Burial followed in Chase Cemetery with full military honors.
Shorty was born on June 6, 1933 in Chase, La., the son of Calvin Luther Laird and Beulah Terry.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Calvin and Beulah; two brothers, Calvin Joseph "C.J." and Luther Lee; five sisters, Azie Lee, Marie, Edna, Christine, and Donnis.
Survivors include wife of 54 years, Mary Helen Vines, Kirbyville, Texas; two sons, Harvey Glenn of Kirbyville, Texas, Michael Lynn and wife Roxie of Rigby, Idaho; two granddaughters, Mary Jill and husband Michael Daniels and Jamie Lynn; one grandson, Jason Lee; one great granddaughter, Jordon "Sweetpea" Allysse Laird, all of Longmont, Colo.; one sister, Hazel Simons of Dallas, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Laird was retired from U.S.A.F. and Temple Timber Co. after 21 years of service in each. Shorty was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting.
The family is honored to have our United States Military present as pallbearers.
Mary and family appreciate all the love and support they have received from family and friends during Shorty's illness.
Terri Lea Martin
Our mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, and friend Terri Lea Martin of Gilbert, Louisiana went to be with our father on April 24, 2008.
Terri, lived life to the fullest, always smiling, laughing, loving her family and friends.
Services for Ms. Terri Lea Martin, age 51, of Gilbert, were held at Calvary Baptist Church, Saturday, April 26, 2008, with Rev. Jimmy Harper, Rev. Nolan LeBeaux, and Mr. Bud Arnold officiating. The interment service will follow in Turkey Creek Cemetery near Gilbert, under the direction of Mulhearn Funeral Home of Winnsboro.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Survivors include: parents: Samuel "Skeet" and Ernestine McDaniel of Gilbert; sister: Karen Breckenridge and husband, Doug of Monroe; children: Joni Fontenot and husband, Jody of Newark, Texas; Kelli Ezell and husband, Shawn of Gilbert; Brooke Martin of Bay Saint Louis, Miss.; grandchildren: Garrett, Star, and Zoe Fontenot, and Blake and Ryan Ezell; nephews: Matthew and Stephen Meredith of Monroe.
Pallbearers were Matthew Meredith, Stephen Meredith, Jeff Meredith, DeWayne Martin, Ken Martin, and Josh Garcia.
Honorary pallbearers were Shawn Ezell, Blake Ezell, Ryan Ezell, Jody Fontenot, and Garrett Fontenot
Online Condolences may be made at www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com
J. Gordon Mitchell Jr.
Funeral services for J.Gordon Mitchell, Jr. will be held at 11 a.m. (today) April 30, 2008 at the First Baptist Church in West Monroe with Rev. Mark Fenn officiating. Burial will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe. Gordon passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 27, 2008.
J. Gordon Mitchell, Jr., son of Jera Warner and J. Gordon Mitchell, Sr., was born July 2, 1926, in Grayson, Louisiana; he was raised in Wisner, Louisiana, where he attended grammar school and later graduated from Wisner High School in 1943.
Upon graduation, Gordon enrolled at Northeast Junior College. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the U. S. Army where he proudly served his country during World War II as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division. His service was based in the Philippines and after the war he remained in Japan as part of the Occupation Army.
Returning home in 1946, Gordon enrolled at Louisiana Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a B. A. in Economics in 1949. While attending Louisiana Tech and becoming active in the Baptist Student Union, he met the love of his life, Colleen Kennedy. They married in December 1951, and made their home in Baton Rouge while Gordon attended graduate school at Louisiana State University, and he began his banking career with Louisiana National Bank.
Upon completion of his studies at the School of Banking of the South, Gordon returned to Wisner to become branch manager of The Franklin State Bank. While working at FSB, he was also a visiting lecturer of economics at both Northeast Louisiana State College in Monroe, and the University of Southern Mississippi in Natchez. During these early years, Gordon and Colleen started their young family and centered their lives on the activities of the small community, particularly First Baptist Church. It was there that many lifelong friendships were formed that will always be treasured.
In 1965, Gordon joined Ouachita National Bank as Vice President and remained there until his retirement in 1988. During those years in banking, he served in many capacities and was most instrumental in Marketing and Business Development of Ouachita Parish. Gordon's vision for community growth in the West Monroe area was partially realized with the opening of the ONB Glenwood Branch. As branch manager, he established the "Go West" theme, which played a small part in what West Monroe has become today. He can best be remembered as knowing something about almost everyone in the area.
Gordon was active in many professional and civic organizations throughout his lifetime. In particular, he served as president of the West Monroe Chamber of Commerce and West Monroe Lion's Club. He was an active sponsor of the Dixie Youth Baseball Program serving as director and treasurer for many years. Being an avid reader, Gordon was a loyal patron of the Ouachita Parish Public Library. He was a lifelong Grand Mason, and he was a committed supporter of the American Red Cross, the Silver Waters Girl Scout Council, and the Louisiana Forestry Association.
He was a long time member of First Baptist Church West Monroe, where he served as a deacon and was later named deacon emeritus. He founded and taught the first "couples" Sunday school class at FBC for many years, and was currently a member of the Rob Roberson Life Group.
Upon retirement, Gordon was happiest spending time at his family farm in Grayson, LA. He especially looked forward to gatherings there amongst family and friends. His love for "The Farm" will provide a legacy for all to cherish. Gordon was also a loyal follower of the Lady Techster basketball program since its beginning and has remained a season ticket holder for over 25 years.
Above all, Gordon (Pappy) adored spending time with his grandchildren and always made each of them feel special. He will forever be remembered for his wonderful laughter and his great sense of humor. Gordon was a wonderful Christian man and an example to all of the many lives that he touched. His love of life and commitment to family will be dearly missed.
Gordon was preceded in death by his wife Colleen Kennedy Mitchell; and parents, Jera and J. Gordon Mitchell, Sr.
He is survived by his children: son, Jay Mitchell and wife Sandra, West Monroe; daughter, Tina Smith and husband Jeff, West Monroe; son, Don Mitchell and wife Gina, Plano, Texas; beloved sister, Carolyn Malone, Seminole, Fla.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jimmie and Bill Fowler, Ruston, La.; and grandchildren: Anne Marie and Addison Smith, West Monroe; Meredith and James Mitchell, Plano, Texas, and Kasey Stansell, Monroe. He is also survived by special nieces and nephews: Carol Dimura, Sharon Spataro, Marilyn Dale, Eric Malone, and Jim Fowler.
The family wishes to thank special caregiver Loretta Mattox for her love and care of their father, the Amedisys Home Health, Hospice Care of Louisiana, Dr. Don Hammett, Dr. Coy Gammage, and Dr. Clyde Elliot.
Serving as pallbearers will be Walter Lacey, Art Knop, Joe Daniel, Dolph Ferrington, Charles Bedgood, Charles Welch, Jim Jones, and Lloyd Ray.
Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Wisner Building Fund or the charity of your choice.
Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com.
Lillian Sproles Smith
Lillian Sproles Smith died at her home in Norwood on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at the age of 81.
Funeral services were held Friday, April 25, 2008 at Young's Community Memorial Funeral Home, Winnsboro with Brother Kevin Sartin officiating. Interment followed in Central Baptist Church Cemetery, Wisner.
She is survived by three sons and four daughters-in-law: James "Jim" Smith and wife Cathy McCain Smith of Norwood, LA; Herbert Smith and wife Mary Thomas Smith of Pearl River, LA; Donnie Smith and wife Trina Pruitt Smith of Pearl River, LA; and daughter-in-law Margaret McCain Smith of Aledo, Texas; nine grandchildren: Donna S. Mitchell and husband Chris; Deanne S. Grimes and husband Rob; Bryon Smith and wife Tracey; Todd Smith and wife Leah; Tonia S. Duncan and husband Willie; Michael Smith; Jeremy Smith and wife Nycole; Adam Smith; and Tiffany Smith; 13 great-grandchildren: Heather and Haley Mitchell, Shelby and Raylee Grimes, Cheyene and Natalie Smith, Blaine and Brennen Smith, Nicholas Duncan, Michael Alan and Priscilla Smith, and Kaitlyn and Samantha Smith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, H. B. Smith; parents, Otha Sproles and Stella Smith Sproles; sons, H. Ray Smith and David Smith; siblings, James "Buddy" Sproles, J.Z. Sproles, Prentiss Sproles, Leslie Sproles, Edna S. Edwards, Ina S. Greer, and Ida S. Cain.
Pallbearers were Todd Smith, Michael Smith, Jeremy Smith, R. Bryon Smith, Willie Duncan, Adam Smith, Chris Mitchell, and Rob Grimes.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.youngscommunity.com.
Libby Price
Libby Price passed away in the loving arms of her husband and children in the early morning of April 7, 2008.
She was a devoted wife and mother.
Mrs. Price was born in Wisner, La., on Jan. 10, 1926 to Elnathan and Lena Kirkland. Libby and her sister Dottie grew up across the cotton field from her beloved Grandpa and Grandma Clark.
While she was attending college in Jackson, Miss., she fell in love with a handsome army soldier, Reed Price, from Oregon. They were married Jan. 14, 1944. Pam, the first of their four children, was born while Reed was serving in the Pacific Theater.
After the war, the family moved to the Oregon Coast. Here, she traded in the cotton fields for dairy pastures, where they were involved in dairy farming and cheese making. Their children Marsha and James were born in Tillamook, Ore.
In 1960, they relocated to Billings, where their youngest son Rob was born. Libby's life was dedicated to her family. She enjoyed many skills, including cooking, ceramics, painting and she was a talented seamstress. One of her favorite pastimes was watching was watching birds at her birdfeeders.
After retirement, Reed and Libby enjoyed living in Salem, Ore., and Yuma, Ariz. They loved traveling in their motor homes to visit friends and family.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years; daughters Pam and Tracy Willett, Marsha Price of Billings; son, James Price of Portland, Ore.; son Rob Price of Seattle; and her sister Dottie and Bob Ferrington of Ruston.
A memorial service was held at Smith's West Chapel on Thursday, April 10, 2008. Cremation is planned and burial will be in Hebo, Ore., at a later date. |
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