Adell Paul, 81, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Friday, September 30, 2016, at her residence. She was a member of Community Pentecostal Church. She was a Godly lady and a great prayer warrior. She was the best wife, momma, grandma and friend. She loved unconditionally. Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 2, at Wallace Ridge Pentecostal Church near Jonesville with the Revs. Ronnie House, Lance Torrey and Todd Tucker officiating. Interment followed in the Heard Cemetery near Manifest under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 54 years, Ethelbert Paul; three grandsons, Luther Elbert Carter Sr., Jory Lee Wallace and Rex Nevada Wallace; two great-granddaughters, Ashley Diane Carter and Ariana Issabella Parker; and one great grandson, Little Ben Carter. Survivors include her son, Buddy Dupuis and wife Geneva of Nebo; four daughters, Virgie Carter and husband Dickie of Monterey, Myrtle Wallace of Sicily Island, Hazel Tomlinson and husband Tim and Cindy Byrnes and husband Odis, all of Sandy Lake; 19 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Katie Mae Harris of Monterey and Joan Jones of Jonesville; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Richie Carter, Benny Carter, Lance Torrey, Wayne Denny, Damien Dubois, Anthony Parker, Brian Dupuis and Jeremy Dupuis.  

The Louisiana State Police family suffered another terrible loss last Sunday morning with the sudden death of Trooper Bobby Smith. Words are inadequate to describe the life, love, and character of Trooper Smith. Trooper Smith began his career with LSP in 1983, and tragically on the night of March 14, 1986, Bobby was shot in the face by an armed assailant during a traffic stop. As a result of that incident he lost his sight, his career, and his marriage. Never one to succumb to adversity, Bobby earned his Ph.D., authored several books and set out on a path of helping others. He found love again and married his wife Janie. As if the unspeakable challenges Bobby had overcome were not enough, he lost his only daughter Kimberley in a car crash, and later lost his only son Brad. However, Bobby’s will to help others would carry him through his personal challenges as he traveled the world sharing his story and lifting up others. In 2008, Colonel Edmonson welcomed Bobby back into the LSP family where he become an invaluable staff advisor. In his new role with LSP, Bobby helped to establish the Trooper Assistance Program, and served as a peer counselor for his fellow Troopers. “We lost an indelible soul this morning... Bobby Smith,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police Superintendent, on Sunday after learing of the death. “As I stand in his living room and my eyes circle the room, it is evident how important his family and LSP were to him. I brought Bobby home yesterday from the funeral of WBR Deputy Donna Leblanc and her daughter. As we talked about the tragedy, his thoughts were of his wife Janie and his kids. Mostly of his daughter Kim whom he buried 19 years ago yesterday. He was incredibly proud to be a Louisiana State Trooper, a family he held close in his heart. We lost a part of all of us this morning, but Bobby Smith continues to guide all whom he touched. Heaven has welcomed home a hero.” Bobby Smith will be greatly missed by not only the Louisiana State Police family, but by all others that he had the opportunity to touch in life. To learn more about Bobby’s legacy, please visit www.visionsofcourage.com<www.visionsofcourage.com>. LaSalle Sheriff Scott Franklin, a former State Trooper, said the loss was a loss for the entire law enforcement family, noting that Bobby Smith had been in Jena numerous times speaking to his staff and others, offering words of encouragement.  

Stephen Gary “Steve” Auman, 77, of Jena, passed from this life at noon Saturday, October 8, 2016, at his residence. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 12, at Welcome Home Cemetery, east of Grayson, with Rev. Johnnie Phillips officiating. Interment will follow under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena. A complete obituary will be published in the next edition of this newspaper.    

Nina Elizabeth Richardson Bradford, 91, of Liberty Hill Road, Hartwell, Georgia, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2016 at her home. She was born on September 27, 1925 in Hartwell, GA, the daughter of the late J. C. Richardson and Janie Lee Cordell Richardson. Mrs. Bradford was the widow of Isaac Leslie Bradford and preceded in death by one brother that was not named at birth. Mrs. Bradford graduated from Hartwell High School and Rabun Gap Nacoochee College. After college, she worked in Atlanta building airplanes during WW II, then returned home to Hartwell, where she was a homemaker, giving up her career as a teacher to raise her children. Mrs. Bradford grew up in the Sardis Baptist Church and later became a charter member of the Cornerstone Baptist Church. She was an active member as long as her health permitted. She served in the nursery department for over 40 years. Services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct.8 in the chapel of Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with the Revs. Dale Carson and Mike Fitzpatrick officiating. Interment followed in the Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery under direction of Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell. Survivors include her children. Nancy & Keith McCurley, Lynn Cantrell, Ronald Bradford and Doug and Sheila Bradford; sixteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. Being an only child, she considered her husband’s brothers and sisters hers. She is survived by two sisters, Dorothy (Cecil) Windham and Velma Rose (Edward) Boyd and brothers: Pete (Mary) Neal and Dozer (Joyce) Norris. She was preceded in death by Clarence & Juanita Bradford, Bud & Jan Bradford, Van and Nell Bradford, Myrtle and Johnny Kendrick, Flora Speed and Evie Ann Bradford. Mrs. Bradford has many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that she was very close to. Family was very important. Memorials may be made to the Cornerstone Baptist Church Building Fund, 1543 Anderson Hwy, Hartwell GA 30643.  

Ella Inez Fortson, 95, of Jena, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2016, at the LaSalle Nursing Home of Jena. She was born January 10, 1921 to the union of her parents, Lloyd W. Jones and Hattie Durham Jones. Mrs. Fortson was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Jena and a member of the Green Thumb Garden Club. She and her late husband, Allen Fortson, Jr., were owners and operators of Fortson Hardware in Jena for many years. She loved her friends and family. Services were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena with the Revs. Dominick DiCarlo and Terry Townsend officiating. Interment followed in the Nolley Memorial Church Cemetery in Jena under direction of Kinner and Stevens, Inc. of Jena. She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen J. Fortson, Jr.; son, Allen J. Fortson, III; daughter-in-law, Catherine Crawford Fortson; sister, Irene Jones Moore; brother, Joel P. “Sonny” Jones and her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Cherie Fortson Williams and husband Kenny; four grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Steven Carlson, Charlie Heck, Scott Lofton, Jeremy Cassels, Clint Smith and Scott Maxwell.  

Reagen M. Rainey, 19, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, from injuries sustained in an accident on LA 124 north of Harrisonburg. Reagan graduated with the Class of 2016 from Harrisonburg High School last May. She was attending Delta Community College majoring in early childhood development. Services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 7, at Sandy Lake Pentecostal Church in the Sandy Lake Community in Catahoula Parish, with the Revs. Mark Johnson, and Joel Ford officiating. Interment followed in the Heard Cemetery near Manifest under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria. Survivors include her mother, Melinda Deann Rainey; father, William Sharp; mawmaw, Rajean Rainey; pawpaw, Barry Rainey; nonni, Rosa Rainey; paternal grandparents, David and Betty Sharp; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends who loved her very much. Pallbearers were Scott Ford, Kevin Rainey, Mike Rainey, Trent Bordelon, Wesley Bordelon, Kyle Romero, Gage Rainey, and Caleb Patten.

Wanda L. Fish Stott, 83, of Olla, passed from this life on Friday, August 12, 2016, at the Hardtner Medical Center in Urania following an extended illness. She was born February 2, 1933 to the union of her parents, James Lansdon Fish and Allena Pearl Dozier Fish. Services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15, from the sanctuary of Pine Hill Baptist Church of Olla with the Revs. Ed Smith and Corey Fowler officiating. Interment followed in the Olla Cemetery under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her son, Rodney Taylor, and by her grandson, Brandon Taylor. Survivors include her son, John Stott (Kim); her daughters, Tena Taylor Smith (Curtis), Vanessa Taylor Meziel (Jack), and Debra Owings and (Dave); step-daughters, Louise Exline (Connie Mac) and Clarice “Toni” Stott; step-son, Michael Stott; her brother, Jim Fish (Frances); and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Wayne Scott, Mark Parker, Jeffery Lasiter, John Floyd Knighten, Clint May, Andrew Strong, and Larry Fish. Honorary pallbearers were Curtis Breland, Dave Owings, Derek Smith, and Matt Cruce.  

Rev. Charles W. Anderson, 63, of Jena, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at Hardtner Medical Center in Urania following a brief illness. He was born October 9, 1953 in Holden, LA. Charlie, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was a prominent businessman, minister and public servant. He owned and operated a Dry Kiln and Lumber Yard for the past 20 years. Rev. Anderson also served as pastor at Maranatha Fellowship Church (now Lifepoint) for eight years and served as co-pastor for six years. He was a member of the Sanctuary Family Worship Center at the time of his death. Charlie also was a fixture on the LaSalle Parish School Board for the past two decades. He was first elected to the Board in the fall of 1994, and served one 4-year term from 1995-1998, representing District 9. After sitting out one term, he was re-elected in the fall of 2002, and has served continuously since that time, and served several terms as president and was serving as vice-president at the time of his death. All total, Charlie served District 9 on the Board for 17 years and 9 months. His present term expires Dec. 31, 2018. Services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 22 at Lifepoint Assembly of God Church in Jena with the Revs. Heath Harris and Packy Thomspon, and his son, Tyler Anderson, officiating. Interment followed in the Woodland Cemetery near Jena under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Anderson, and two sisters, Nancy Hayes and Martha Roberston. Survivors include his wife, Cathy Williams Anderson of Jena; two sons, Chris Anderson and wife Carrie of Jena, and Tyler Anderson and wife Peyton of West Monroe; one daughter, Aimee Paul and husband Cheston of Jena; four grandchildren, Taylor Paul, Connor Paul, Anna Paul, and Andry Anderson; his mother, Onessia Cockerham Anderson of Summerville; and sister, Bobbie Hinson of Livingston. Pallbearers were Howard Chapman, Wayne Chapman, Tony Owens, Kevin Bacle, Ronnie Evans, and Junior Hudspeth. Honorary pallbearers were Superintendent Roy Breithaupt, and fellow board members – Dawn Stott, Jonny Fryar, Maple Book, Virgie Wilson, D’Juana McCartney, Buddy Bethard, Justin Reeves, Dolan Pendarvis, and Melvin Worthington.

James Isaac Cupples, 97, of the Pleasant Ridge Community near Olla, passed from this life on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Haven Nursing Center in Columbia Heights. He was born January 16, 1919 near Olla to the union of his parents, Viola Jones Cupples and James Wiley Cupples. James was reared in a dogtrot house in the Pleasant Ridge Community, just northeast of Olla, and attended school for one year at Harris Chapel, a one-room schoolhouse in his community. He then attended and graduated from Olla-Standard High School in 1939. After working a short time in the logwoods, he joined the U.S. Navy on October 1, 1940, where he would serve for the next 20 years. Sailor Cupples was sent to San Diego, California for his first assignment and training, and was assigned to the USS McDougal 3358, a Navy destroyer, where he would spend most of the next 14 years on assignment in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. On December 1, 1940, the USS McDougal left San Diego headed for Pearl Harbor. This was a year before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on Dec. 7, 1941. Cupples and his crew spent several months at sea training, and joining other ships in battle formation. James recalled that in April 1941 his ship was joined by a large number of ships, led by an Admiral aboard a battleship. On May 12, 1941, on Mother’s Day, Cupples’ ship made port at Hamilton, Bermuda. The USS McDougal ended up in Newfoundland in August 1941 and this was where Cupples became a witness to history in the making. The USS McDougal picked up President Franklin Roosevelt and transported him to meet with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who was aboard the HMS Prince of Wales in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland. James said he remembers watching President Roosevelt walk the gang plank (with help) from one ship to the other. All his other trips were made in his wheelchair. Cupples said the USS McDougal spent most of the war working in the Atlantic Ocean, going from Iceland to Cape Town, South Africa, including stops in San Juan. However, in April 1942, the ship came back to the states for an overhaul, which took about three months. In addition to serving aboard the USS Mc-Dougal, Cupples also spent from September 1954 to October 1956 aboard the USS Kidd, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. In addition to serving during World War II, Cupples also served aboard the USS McDougal during the Korean Conflict. For his service to his country, Chief Petty Officer James I. Cupples was honored by members of the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church on November 11, 2012 with the presentation of a plaque, which sits on his dining table at his home on Pleasant Ridge Road, Olla. Services were held at 1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21, in the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Olla with Pastor Robert McKeithen officiating. Interment, with full military honors by the Veterans Honor Guard of LaSalle Parish, followed in the Chickasaw Cemetery, near Olla, under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lonnie Cupples, Clarence Cupples, Macile Cupples, and Adrian Cupples; sisters, Anna C. Cruse, Chloe C. Johnson, and Ola C. Nichols; and a nephew, Charles W. Cupples. He is survived by one sister, Dottie Sciortino of Gonzales; 13 nieces and nephews and many lifelong devoted friends. Pallbearers were Mike McCartney, Richard Andrews, Wayne Gilliam, Roy Callender, Eddie Coolman, and Mike Kirkham. Honorary pallbearers were Alton Gilliam, Roy Smith, Jeffery Zeagler, and Joe Cruse.  

Donnie E. “Scrappy” Nation, 73, passed from this life on Friday, October 21, 2016, at the Citizens Medical Center in Columbia Heights. Services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 24, at Pine Grove Apostolic Church of Kelly with the Revs. Johnny Barnhill and Heath Barnhill officiating. Interment followed in the Little Star Cemetery in the Holum Community in Caldwell Parish under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria. He was preceded in death by dad, Willard Nation; mom, Jimmie Nation; brother, George Nation; and granddaughter, Kassie Simons. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Thelma Nation; son, Randele Nation and wife Erin of Trout and their children, Kaden, Anna and Savannah; daughters, Tammy Hinton of Kelly and her children, Logan and Tyrel; Donna Butler and husband Hoss of Ozark, AR and their children, Christopher and Colton and wife Katie; and Grace Simons and husband Kim of Holum and their children, Dayla and Karissa; four great grandchildren, MyKennah, Ethan, River Gage and Emma Mae; and two brothers, Bill Nation of Jena and Travis Nation of MS. Pallbearers were Kim Simons, Logan Hinton, Tyrel Hinton, John Wayne Duncan, Chris Tyler and Caleb LeFebvre.  

Donny Gene Sheppard, Sr., 83, of Jena, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 16, 2016 in his residence. He was born Monday, January 2, 1933 in Electra, Texas, to the union of his parents, John Morris and Hester McDowell Sheppard. Donny was a camp supervisor for Halliburton Services, a member of the Pampa Lodge #966, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Jena. Services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 20, in the First Baptist Church in Jena with Rev. Dominick DiCarlo officiating. Interment followed in the Jena Cemetery, east of Jena, under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jerry Gayle Wright Sheppard; his parents; one brother, Bobby Sheppard; and four sisters, Martha Ainsworth, Louise Morehead, Betty Butler, and Shirley Gaharan. Survivors include two sons, Donny Sheppard, Jr. and Randy Sheppard and wife Becky; one daughter, Susan Sheppard King and husband Jean; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Brenda Neyland; two sisters-in-law, Jan Wright Paape and Gloria Sheppard; and a special friend, Wanda Hudson. Pallbearers were Ross Sheppard, L. J. Lambert, Joe Sheppard, Patrick Stevens, Adam Newell, and Randy Thompson.    

Ayla Faith Marie Breeland, six-year old first grader at Jena Elementary School, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 26, 2016. She was born July 26, 2010. Services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, October 29, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Jena with Rev. David Hutchinson officiating. Interment followed in the Magnolia Cemetery near Nebo under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, G. T. Breeland. Survivors include her father, Allen Breeland of Jena; step-mother, Jessie Breeland of Jena; mother, Wendy Blasingame of Jena; sister, Julia Breeland of Jena; grandparents, Peggy Breeland of Jena, Micah “Dog” Dave Blasingame of Jena; step grandparents, Christie Kilgore of Little Creek, and Erick Guin of Nebo; step great grandparents, Floyd Broussard and wife Lucy of Little Creek. Pallbearers were Micah Blasingame, Jr., Kevin Meche, Louie Don Sharp Jr. and Kirk Poole. Honorary Pallbearers were Thomas Bigner, Peyton Meche, and Michael Grice.  

Irene Bruit, 93, of Wildsville, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, in Jonesville. She was born February 13, 1923 in Concordia Parish to the union of her parents, Benjamin Randall and Mollie Tarver. Mrs. Bruit was a retired beautician, and was a faithful member of Evangeline Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school and Training Union for many years. Her life revolved around her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends. Mrs. Irene “Granny” to those who knew and loved her was an inspiration and mentor, not only to her family, but to the many lives she touched throughout her life. Granny loved her Church and Church family, but most of all she loved her Lord. She thoroughly enjoyed celebrating the holidays with her family. She always looked forward to making candy for the holidays and distributing it throughout the community. Services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, at Evangeline Baptist Church in Wildsville with the Revs. Curtis Smith and Dennis Baker officiating. Interment followed in the Evangeline Baptist Church Cemetery under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville. Irene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 60 plus years, Harvey Bruit, Jr; two brothers, Guy Tarver and Johnny Tarver; three sisters, Ruby Bennett, Bernice Halford, and Hazel Chandler; an infant grandson, Derrick Bruit; and a son-in-law, Henry Vanier. Survivors include her daughter, Wanda Sue Vanier of Vidalia; her two sons, Rusty Bruit of Wildsville, and Ronnie Bruit and wife Mary Krause Bruit of Wildsville; one granddaughter, Amy Bruit of Harrisonburg; three grandsons, Timothy Vanier and wife Sandy of Vidalia, Dwight Vanier and wife Stacie of Stonewall, and Ron Bruit and wife Amie Kaye; one great grandson, Derek Vanier; six great granddaughters, Hayley Vanier, Faith Lowe, Brianna Vanier, Maddie Maisie, and Maggie Bruit; two great great-grandsons, Corban and Connor Vanier; along with numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Peggy Adams. Pallbearers were Bennie Tarver, Walter Krause, Derek Vanier, Paul Riggs, Elbert McEntyre, Richard Zucarro, Aaron Wade and James Boyette. Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons of Evangeline Baptist Church.  

Rev. Everette D. Mayo, 87, bettter known as “Bro. Shorty”, passed from this life on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2016 at the age of 86 years. He was born in Newellton, LA on April 7, 1930. He started his ministry at the age of 17 years, pastored several churches and assumed pastorship of the Aimwell Pentecostal Church in April of 1960. He served as pastor there from 1960-1990 and then became Bishop of the church - a position he maintained in heart and title until his death. Brother Shorty was a Chaplain at Huey P. Long Hospital and Central State Hospital for over 30 years. He was a great lover of people and had a passion and love for God that defined his life. He served as the Superintendent of the Louisiana District of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ for 26 years and then as the National Assistant Chairman of the organization for 12 years. His ministry spanned 69 years of preaching, pastoring, singing, worship and serving others. Bro. Shorty was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting and fishing were his pleasure. He was a gentleman and he never met a person that he didn’t treat with kindness and respect. His motto was, “To have friend you have to show yourself friendly.” He was genuine in his fervor for God and he lived what he preached and believed both publicly and privately. His homegoing services were held at Aimwell Pentecostal Church at 6 p.m., on Thursday, with his son, Rev. Kirk Mayo, his grandson, Rev. Cody Mayo, Rev. Jack Knapp and daughter-inlaw, Deborah Mayo, conducting the service. Interment followed Friday morning in the Jena Cemetery, east of Jena, under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena. Rev. Mayo was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Lou Ella Dupreast Mayo; his father and mother, John Thomas and Tommie McVay Mayo; his two brothers, J. T. Mayo and Adrian “Blue Eyes” Mayo; and his daughter-in-law, Reba. Survivors include three sons, Everette D. Mayo, Jr. and wife Sheila, Tony G. Mayo and Rev. Kirk D. Mayo and wife Deborah; seven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Jimmy Hamilton, Jimmy Berry, Rev. Mike Poole, Blake Nugent, Jason Hayman and Jason Holland. Honorary pallbearers were grandsons, Jeremy Mayo, Everette “Chip” Mayo, Cody Mayo and Jordan Mayo. Bro. Shorty fought a good fight, he kept the faith and he never wavered in his trust in God. He loved his family - his brothers, sisters, sons and grandchildren. His family will cherish his beautiful memory and celebrate his life and his home going until we meet again around God’s throne where we will worship together.