John Raymond Larison, 87, of Jena, passed from this life on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at his residence.

He was born September 21, 1932 in Jena to the union of his parents, Eddie Monroe Larison and Flora Jane Andrews Larison.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, June 18, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

Interment will follow in the Andrews Cemetery in Aimwell under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his wife of 44½-years, Jackie Weems Larison; daughters, Rhonda Gayle Glasscock (William), Cynthia Ann Carter (Patrick), and Mary Elizabeth Hinton (Bruce); stepsons, Michael Edward Stamper, and Ronald DWayne Stamper (Valerie); grandchildren, Ashley Glasscock Thompson (Zachery), Nicholas Mathew Glasscock, Ellyn Glasscock Synek (Edward), Lauren Carter Martinez (Isaac), Christie Carter Wiley (Lance), and Abigail Kinsey Hinton; step grandchildren, Shawn Brandon Stamper (Amanda), Cody Leigh Stamper (Breanna), and Brooke Alexandra Stamper; great grandchildren, Reese Monroe Thompson, Carter Isaac Martinez, and Evelyn Elaine Martinez; and step great grandchildren, Zeik Edward Stamper, Wesson Colt Stamper, and Barrett Raymond Stamper.

Memorial donations can be made to School of Medicine – LSU Health Shreveport (Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy), Director of Anatomical Services, Allean McGowan Pratt, P.O. Box 33932, Shreveport, La. 71130

Dorothy Louise Blackshear Norris, 89, passed from this life on Friday, June 5, 2020, at her home.

Services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 10, at Beulah Baptist Church near Georgetown with Rev. Lamar Carpenter officiating.

Interment will follow in the Starks Cemetery of Georgetown under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria.

She was preceded in death by her father, Martin Lee Blackshear; mother, Bessie Dell Long; and sister, Elizabeth Ann.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Huey Pierce Norris; daughter, Melanie Anne Norris Floyd (Glen); sister, Shirley Rose Miles (Robert Sanders); grandchildren, Miranda LeAnne Rousseau Morgan (Trey), Thomas Joshua Rousseau (Emily Oliver) and Trestan Isaiah Rousseau; great grandchildren, Eli, Gage, Deakon and Lindsi.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Rousseau, Trestan Rousseau, Trey Morgan, Christian Roberson, Chance Norris and Kendall Hudson.

Memorial donations may be made to Beulah Baptist Church.

Bess Whatley Frye, 78, of Shreveport, and a native of Trout, passed from this life on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at The Bradford Rehabilitation Center in Shreveport, following an extended illness.

She was born October 27, 1941 at Trout to the union of her parents, Walter Steve Whatley and Florence Price Whatley.

Bess attended Trout-Good Pine High School, and graduated from Jena High School. She received a scholarship to LSU but was unable to make up the shortfall in cost so did not attend. However, she did attend numerous supervisory and management courses.

During her career, she worked for the State of Louisiana, worked for NASA, worked for a law firm in Houma, and for the U.S. Postal Serlvice, where she went from secretary to Postmistress in Patterson, where she retired after 28 years of service.

She was active with the Krewe of Cleopatra in Houma. She received awards from the community and the Postal Service during her 28 years of service.

Bess requested she be cremated and no services be held. There will be a gathering of immediate family in the future to disburse her ashes. She wanted no flowers but asked for donations be made to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s or the NWLA Humane Society in Shreveport.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Clarice Cowart and Vida Ruth Allbritton; brother, Charlie Whatley; her first husband and father of her children, David Smith.

Survivors include her husband, William Frye of Shreveport; son, Kenneth Smith; step son, Daniel Frye; daughter, Lisa Smith Jawahar; step-daughter, Missy Ben Yehoshua; sister, Sue Bradford; grandchildren, Dylan Zepeda, Eleanor Jawahar, and Bianca Tipton; and great grandchild, Aria Tipton.

Barbara Alice Greer, 79, of Trout, passed from this life on Thursday, June 4, 2020.

She was born June 1, 1941 in Monroe to the union of her parents, Ellis Jones and Luddie Edna Cotton Jones.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with Rev. David Lukens officiating.

Interment followed in the Nebo Cemetery in Nebo under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Daniel Greer; brother, Cecil Jones; and sisters, Alma Doughty and Oretha Jones.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her son, Jimmy Greer and wife Christie of Jena; daughter, Cindy DoLittle and husband Timothy of Meridian, MS; brother, C. E. Jones; five grandchildren, Christon, Renee, Alonna, Daniel, and Macy; and one great grandchild, Danielle.

Pallbearers were Jeremy Richards, David Lukens, Daniel Greer, Jimmy McLendon, and Jimmy Greer.

Leslie Ray Humphries, 67, of Trout, passed from this life on Friday, June 12, 2020.

He was born January 30, 1953 in Jena to the union of his parents, Avery Humphries and Gladys Juanita Ganey Humphries.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 15, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with the Revs. Jimmy Keene and Darrell Black officiating.

Interment followed in the Belah Cemetery in the Belah Community under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Billy Jack Humphries; and sister, Vicki Jolene Humphries.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his wife, Kathy Johnson Humphries; sons, Daniel Ray Humphries, and Roger Lee Humphries, both of Jena; daughter, Krystal Johnson (Brady) of Lafayette; brothers, Richard Humphries (Debra), Gary Don Humphries (Faye), and Raymond Humphries (Angie) all of Jena; sisters, Linda Cockrham of Olive Branch, MS, and Sybil Hailey of Jena; nine grandchildren, Cage Humphries, Tiffany Arrant, Sladen Humphries, Sydni Ruddell, Tynli Humphries, Avery Johnson, Jax Johnson, Isabelle Johnson, and Jackson Nichols; one step great grandchild, Wyatt Arrant; and a host of family and friends.

Pallbearers were Dewayne Cockerham, Chris Breland, Skipper Windham, Matt Greer, Jason Price, and Chad Breland.

Honorary pallbearers were Larry Courtney, John Rowlan, Tommy Coon, and Chad Windham.

John Raymond Larison, 87, of Jena, passed from this life on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at his residence.

He was born September 21, 1932 in Jena to the union of his parents, Eddie Monroe Larison and Flora Jane Andrews Larison.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 18, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena, with visitation beforehand from 12-noon until time of service.

Interment will follow in the Andrews Cemetery in Aimwell under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his wife of 44½-years, Jackie Weems Larison; daughters, Rhonda Gayle Glasscock (William), Cynthia Ann Carter (Patrick), and Mary Elizabeth Hinton (Bruce); stepsons, Michael Edward Stamper, and Ronald DWayne Stamper (Valerie); grandchildren, Ashley Glasscock Thompson (Zachery), Nicholas Matthew Glasscock, Ellyn Glasscock Synek (Edward), Lauren Carter Martinez (Isaac), Christie Carter Wiley (Lance), and Abigail Kinsey Hinton; step grandchildren, Shawn Brandon Stamper (Amanda), Cody Leigh Stamper (Breanna), and Brooke Alexandra Stamper; great grandchildren, Reese Monroe Thompson, Carter Isaac Martinez, and Evelyn Elaine Martinez; and step great grandchildren, Zeik Edward Stamper, Wesson Colt Stamper, and Barrett Raymond Stamper.

Memorial donations can be made to School of Medicine – LSU Health Shreveport (Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy), Director of Anatomical Services, Allean McGowan Pratt, P.O. Box 33932, Shreveport, La. 71130.

Vernie Mae Thomas, 77, of Nebo, passed from this life on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at her residence, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born November 7, 1942 in Houston, Texas, to the union of her parents, Vernie Gibson and Annie Allen Gibson.

Vernie Mae was a RN at Rapides Women’s Hospital and helped deliver all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed being active in her church and loved to play the organ. She also enjoyed cooking, fishing, playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and raising roses.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 11, at Nebo Baptist Church with the Revs. Mark Breland and Tom Lowe officiating.

Interment followed in the Nebo Cemetery under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her husband of 55 years, J.W. Thomas; sons, Scott Thomas (Christie) of Nebo, Steve Thomas of Nebo, and Dennis Thomas (Laura) of Jena; daughter, Stacey Anderson (John) of Nebo; sister, Donnie Joiner of Jena; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.

Pallbearers were Logan Thomas, Drew Thomas, Blake Anderson, Tyler Thomas, Billy Jensen, and Michael Richard.

Honorary pallbearers were Ryder Thomas, Micah Thomas, and John Luke Anderson.

Reggie Dale Whatley, 67, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at his home.

He was a professional coon hunter, fisherman, loved to laugh, was always smiling and loved God and his family.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 12, at Sandy Lake United Pentecostal Church in the Sandy Lake Community in Catahoula Parish with the Revs. Joel Ford, David Poole, and Steve Roark officiating.

Interment followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Manifest under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Nathan Whatley and Byron Whatley; parents, Pete and Evern Whatley; brother, Perry Whatley; sister, Brenda Little; brother-in-law, Jeff Keith; father-in-law, Lavelle Shirley; mother-in-law, Florine Wall Sullivan; and great nephew, Weston Brown.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 35 years, Debbie Whatley of Jonesville; daughter, Cristy Whatley Bell and husband Perry of Sicily Island; son, Chad Whatley and wife Heather of Jonesville; daughter, Candice Whatley of Jonesville; grandkids, Trey and Derrick Schrock, Tanner Boyett, Chloe and Landon Whatley; brother, Terry Whatley; sisters, Barbara Keith and Rita Bass; brother-in-law, Robert Shirley and wife Abbie; and a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

Pallbearers were Chad Littleton, Logan Franklin, Perry Bell III, James Franklin, Cody Pritchard and Bill Little.

Honorary pallbearers were Charles Ray Franklin, Trey and Derrick Schrock.

Kenny Marion Hudnall, 58, of Nebo, passed from this life on Sunday, June 14, 2020, at his home in Nebo surrounded by loved ones.

He was born March 6, 1962 in Jena to the union of his parents, Bobby Van Hudnall and Arline Hudnall.

Kenny enjoyed taking pictures and he loved his video games. He enjoyed singing in his younger years and was even in a band. He had a profound love for music. But most of all, he loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren. He fought so hard to stay here with them, but God needed him more.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 17, at Nebo Baptist Church in Nebo with Rev. Mark Breland and Brother Red Hailey officiating.

Interment followed in the Nebo Cemetery under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Van Hudnall; maternal grandparents, NJ and Myra Roark; and paternal grandparents, Milton and Betty Hudnall.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his wife of 24 years, Linda Breithaupt Hudnall of Nebo; sons, Donny Van Hudnall (Kimberly) of Trout, and Kenny Wayne Hudnall (Robin) of Nebo; daughter, Kristina Marie Hudnall (Bill Lamb) of Nebo; mother, Arline Hudnall of Nebo; brothers, Keith Hudnall (Marli), and Carlos Hudnall (Renee), all of Jena; seven grandchildren, Becca Hudnall, Ethan Masters, Ashley Hudnall, Dillan Hudnall, Kaitlyn Pritchard, Dayson Dean, and Colton Lamb; and a host of family and friends.

Pallbearers were Slade Bradford, Will Dayton, Jack Zeagler, Charlie White, Donny Hudnall, and Kenny Wayne Hudnall.

Nadie Bernice Poole Morgan, 72, of Rosefield, passed from this life on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

She was born November 6, 1948 to the union of Alfred James Poole and Ernie Roark Poole.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena. Interment followed in the Randall Cemetery of Aimwell under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her husband, Bennie Morgan; sons, James Glen Johnston (Lori) of Hebert, Shawn R. Johnston (Karen) of Jena, and Daniel Ivy Webster Johnston of Rosefield; sisters, Gwen Hyatt of Gary, TX, Sherry Fasquez of Mansfield, Faye Poole of Center, TX,and Diane Poole of Russellville, AR; grandchildren, Alecia Phillips (Hoy Lane), Tara Johnston, Paige Johnston (Scott), Case Johnston, Dusty Johnston, and Baylee Johnston; great grandchildren, Anna Cate Carr, Lane Matthew Phillips, Brenton McMurray, Briley Bryant, Brayken Bryant, Brock Bryant, Della Johnston, and Dax Johnston (one on the way); and a host of nephews and nieces.

Pallbearers were Case Johnston, Dusty Johnston, Hoy Lane Phillips, Danny Joe Dodson, Charlie Joy, and Jason Hayman.

Honorary pallbearers were Dennis Evans and Chester Ray Ford.

Julia Ann Nugent, 81, affectionately known to all as Judy, passed from this life in her residence on Saturday, June 20, 2020.

She was born July 23, 1938 to the union of John Mike and Edith Odell Stone Evans in Jena.

Judy was a kind hearted individual whom everyone enjoyed the company of. She spent her working career in the insurance industry and for many years was employed with Central State Life Insurance, later to be Kilpatrick, and Old South Life Insurance, a subsidiary of Southern Funeral Homes.

She was dedicated to her church and loved the Lord. She will certainly be missed by her family and many friends.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, June 22, in the Magnolia Cemetery in the Rogers Community, south of Jena, with Rev. Mike Evans officiating.

Interment followed under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, E.W. Nugent; one brother, Val Evans; and daughter-in-law, Shanna Whatley.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Sheila Whatley Hudspeth and husband Junior of Pollock, and Jackie Whatley Wilson and husband Rodger of Jonesville; sons, Ben Whatley of Nebo, Chet Whatley of Jena, Rickey Nugent and wife Tammy of Olla, and Randy Nugent and wife Samantha of Olla; two brothers, John Harvey Evans of Rogers, and Mike Evans; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Velda Leola Smith Thornton, 83, was received into heaven peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, June 15, 2020.

She was born December 8, 1936 to the union of Edgar Wesley and Nettie Karl Allen Smith of Jena.

Ms. Velda was a native of Jena, Louisiana and the wife of the late Rev. Gove Walker, and more recently the late Rev. Don Thornton. She was known for her sweet spirit and bright personality, and certainly her love for the Lord.

She spent her working career as a nurse and pastor’s wife. She had a great compassion and dedication for the ministry of the gospel. She very much enjoyed her time with family and friends. Very blessed was her walk here on this earth. She will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to cross paths with her.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 18, at Whitehall United Pentecostal Church with the Revs. Darryl Morse, Joey Paul, and Gove Morse officiating. Interment followed in the Pine Grove Ceme

Interment followed in the Pine Grove Cemetery of Rhinehart under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gail Walker; her sister, Maudeen Sistrunk; her first husband, Rev. Gove Walker; and her second husband, Rev. Donald Thornton.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Margaret Reeves of Jonesville, and Velda Denise Morse and husband Darryl of Robert, LA; her grandchildren, Susan Gordon, J.J. Ingram, Amanda Williamson, Crystal Pritchard, Lorie Wright, Charlotte Bridges, Robin Abney, Shaye Spell, Dillon Morse, and Gove Morse; 28 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Jamie Pritchard, Jacob Fontenot, Noah Spell, Tyler Pritchard, and Brandon Coleman. Honorary Pallbearers were Robin Abney and

Honorary Pallbearers were Robin Abney and Judah Spell.

David Stanley Tillar, 86, passed from this life on Sunday evening June 14, 2020.

He was born May 23, 1934 in Jonesville to the union of Warren Stanley Tillar of Jonesville and Marie Alton Jackson of Aimwell.

David started working in the oilfield at a young age and he worked for most of his life, advancing to drilling supervisor at the time of his retirement. He loved his work and was well respected in his field. David was a member of the Masonic lodge #267 in Houma.

He traveled the world with his family and spoke fluent Portuguese with his beloved wife, Nazare’, whom he met in Brazil and spent 47 happy years together. He loved his children greatly and taught them everything he knew, so much so that he was often referred to as “technical support”. He felt immense love and pride for his grandchildren and spoke to them often and visited with his great granddaughter weekly.

David was a great man who was loved and respected by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

A family graveside service was held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 21, at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Aimwell, under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Hallie Marie Lonidier; and one brother, William Eugene Tillar.

David is survived by his wife, Nazare Tillar; his three daughters, Michele Wilson (John), Sandy Trahan (Blaine), and Cindy Tillar; his son, Richard Tillar; one sister, Shirley Girlinghouse; five grandchildren, Michael Wayne Barker, Nathan Allen Barker, Mathew Richard Barker, Morgan Michele Barker, and Richard Darrel Tillar; one great granddaughter, Charley Mae Barker; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Pallbearers were Michael, Nathan, Morgan and Matthew Barker, John Wilson, and Blaine Trahan.

Honorary Pallbearers were Richard Darrel Tillar and Warren Johnson.

Donald Clyde Veuleman, 64, of Grayson, passed from this life on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at his home.

He was born Wednesday, May 30, 1956.

Memorial services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 19, at Outreach Baptist Church of Columbia with Pastor C. R. Martin officiating.

He was preceded in death by his father, Aubrey Van Veuleman; grandparents, Joseph Edward Veuleman and Mary Lee Campbell Veuleman; and grandparents, Joseph William Fandal and Augustine “Gussie” Mathern.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Teresa Barnhill Veuleman; children, son, Dylan Sinclair and wife Leah of West Monroe; daughter, Tessa Veuleman Ricks and husband Michael of Buna, TX; and son, Dawson Veuleman of Grayson; mother, Joyce Veuleman of Raceland; brothers, Van Veuleman (Linda) and Dan Veuleman (Jody), all of Olla; sisters, Jan Veuleman of New Iberia and Annette Klingman (Joe) of Raceland; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Fire Chief Bobby Strozier of Belah, will be held at two locations on Saturday, June 27, 2020.

Fire Chief Strozier, 70, of Belah, passed from this life on Saturday, April 18, 2020.

In addition to being the volunteer Fire Chief of the Eden-Fellowship Fire District, he instructed firefighting as an instructor with LSU-FETI.

Because of the COVID-19 stay-in-place order, the memorial service was delayed. Phase 2 guidelines for this service will be in effect and mask protocols will be followed.

The first location will be the Belah United Methodist Church – family and Eden Fire Departent private service at 2 p.m.

The second service will be at Felowship Baptist Church at 5 p.m. with full Fire Department Memorial.

After the memorial service and last call, there will be a Fire Department Parade from the church out by his Fire Station, his house, and end in Jena, where fire departments and firefighters will be disbanded.

Fire departments and firefighters and members from anywhere that would like to attend are welcome to attend the second service. Fire truck and fire department vehicles are welcome.

Charles Benjamin Berry, 71, a former Jena resident, departed this life on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 following a brief illness.

He was a resident of Holly Lake Ranch in Wood County, Texas at the time of his death.

Charlie was born December 10, 1948 in Oakdale, Louisiana to C. W. Berry, Jr. and Helen E. Berry. He attended public schools in Oakdale, graduating from Oakdale High School in 1965.

Following graduation he attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. His education was interrupted by a tour in the U.S. Army, following which he returned to LSU, graduating from there in 1973.

Charlie spent years in the insurance business and taught courses for prospective agents and continuing education for many years. For a long time, he operated an insurance agency and represented a mail order firm from the present location of the Brisket House.

Charlie was a die-hard LSU football fan and played in the Tiger Band during his tenure there. Most Jena Giant fans will remember Charlie as the sidekick of the late Larry Evans as the pair broadcast Jena Giant football games. Charlie will forever be remembered for his saying, “Yellow on the Green” when officials threw a flag during the game. He, too, was a former football official. He also was an avid fisherman and generally enjoyed the outdoors.

A private memorial service was held at 1 p.m., June 13, 2020, at the grave site of his parents in Winnsboro. Charlie was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Marilyn; his brother, Jim Berry (Tammie) of Rayville; and by his children, Shon George Berry (Denniece) of West Monroe, Cara Stutzman (Blake) of Gonzales, and Phillip Charles Berry (Brittnie) of Caddo Mills, TX; his beloved grandchildren, Andrew Berry, Benjamin Berry, Ethan Stutzman, Avary Grace Stutzman, Sydney Ann Berry, and Zachary Berry.

Renee Routh Pritchard, 52, of Monterey, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.

She was born December 29, 1967, in Alexandria.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 26, at the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

Reverend James Wright Simons, 95, of Winnfield, passed from this life on Monday, June 22, 2020.

He was born March 22, 1925 in Franklin Parish to the union of his parents, Marion Simons and Ola Hatten Simons.

After graduating from Crowville High School, Rev. Simons joined the U.S. Navy where he was selected to receive advanced training as a radioman. He was initially trained in San Diego, CA where he was taught to send and receive Morse code, type, and become familiar with naval radio operating procedures along with commando training for shore operations.

As a radioman, he was responsible for the prompt delivery of special handling code, classified message traffic, and specifically designated messages for the commanding officer and the associated chain of command on ship or during shore duty. He served in the Navy until the end of World War II with his primary experience being in the Philippines where he was a part of the islands’ liberation forces.

Upon release from the Navy, he married Audie, his high school sweetheart, in Brandon, MS on March 13, 1946 and they returned to Louisiana. Reverend Simons began a career as a farmer and subsequently worked for Guin Building Contractor as an electrician.

He was ordained as a Baptist minister at Bayou Macon Baptist Church of Winnsboro in 1960. He graduated from Clark Junior College, Newton, MS in 1964 and from Louisiana College in Pineville in 1967.

He served as a pastor at Turkey Bluff Baptist Church, Crowville; Fort Necessity Baptist Church, Fort Necessity; Selma Baptist Church, Georgetown; Standard Baptist Church, Olla; Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Winnfield; and Sharon Baptist Church, Sikes.

His ministerial career spanned more than 50 years with him continuing to serve as an active pastor, preside over weddings, and conduct funerals. He served as head of the Deer Creek Louisiana Baptist Association for a number of years. He served as an elected elder of the Boeuf River Cherokee Tribe. He was an avid gardener and loved to share his bountiful crops with his neighbors and friends.

Brother Simons, as he was affectionately known, was devoted to his God and his family, which included his many church families. His training as a naval radioman was just the start of his delivery of special messages as he used his God-given talents to continue to deliver God’s message to congregations throughout the state for over 50 years.

In the Navy he noted that one of the most critical duties was to “stand watch” in the radio shack in the event that a special message came in and he correlated that to his responsibilities as a pastor. We are confident that he is continuing to stand watch today and that the many messages he delivered will continue to pay dividends in the many lives he touched as a pastor, father, brother, and friend.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 27, at Hebron Baptist Church of Eros with Rev. Joe Evans officiating.

Interment followed in the Hebron Cemetery under direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Donations in Brother Simons’ memory may be made to the Hebron Cemetery, care of Margaret Waggoner, 3682 Tisdale Rd., Eros, LA 71238.

Jimmy A. Taylor, 80, of Columbia, passed from this life on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at his residence.

He was born November 9, 1938 in Olla to the union of his parents, Walter and Jessie Arnold Taylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pearlie Taylor; and daughter, Melinda Perot.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Michelle Lindsey (Nick); sister, Katherine Newsom; grandchildren, Dylan Perot (Kim), Dustin Perot, and Andie Lindsey; and great grandchildren, Kinleigh Perot, Kaylee Perot, Brayden Perot, and Mattie Perot.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date, under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia.

Rebecca Lynn Townsend Wilson, 54, of Cottonport, passed from this life on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at her home.

She was born Tuesday, May 24, 1966.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 26, at Wallace Ridge Pentecostal Church in Catahoula Parish with the Rev. John Holloway and Brothers Terry Glaspell and Stevenson officiating.

Interment followed in Heard Cemetery near Manifest under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Fid and Mennie Parker; paternal grandparents, Al and Virginia Townsend; and granddaughter, Ariana Parker.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Kenneth Wilson of Cottonport; children, Anthony and April Parker of Jonesville, and Jared Parker, all of Jonesville, Cody Wilson of Cottonport and Kaylee Wilson, both of Cottonport; grandchildren, Hallie Parker and Bryleigh Parker of Jonesville; parents, Allen (Hawk) Holloway and Linda Holloway of Harrisonburg; father, James Ray Townsend; brothers, Ray Townsend, Herbert Townsend, James Ray Townsend, Jr. and Joseph Townsend; sisters, Amanda Kaye Butts, Elizabeth Bedford and Cheryl Holloway; numerous nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

Pallbearers were Jamey Crum, Chase Womack, Ray Townsend Jr. Ray Meche, James Teague and Kaden Blood.

Honorary pallbearers were Gregg Wilson and Matthew Teague.