Dr. Johnny Filmore Jones, DVM, 83, of Winnfield, passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2018. Born Tuesday, August 7, 1934, in Olla, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Filmore Jones and Vera V. Jones Wells; step-father, Tuley J. Wells; daughter, Vera Voncille Jones Cunningham; great grandson, Dylon Jay Stinson; and grandparents, John and Josie Long and Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Filmore Jones. Dr. Jones was an active veterinarian in Rapides Parish for 56 years. He was also owner of Cenla Animal Clinic. Dr. Jones served as president of the Cenla Vet Association. He was a Police Jury Member for Ward 10 (District B), President of Rapides Parish Police Jury, and a member of Kingsville Baptist Church. Dr. Jones graduated from Texas A&M Veterinary Medical School, Class of 1963. He moved to Winn Parish for the last 4 years where he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 62 years, Mona Collins Jones, Winnfield, LA; daughter, Joy Jones Montiville and husband Bobby, Winnfield, LA; son, Tuley Filmore Jones and wife Donna, Ball, LA; daughter, Sandy Jones Pantfoeder and husband Joe, Pineville, LA; grandchildren, Trey and Claire Cunningham, Charlotte, NC; Alayna and Stan Seward, Dry Prong, LA; Blake Stinson, Humble, TX; Chad and Michelle Stinson, Deville, LA; Shane Montiville, Pineville, LA; Samantha and Joseph Bridges, Ball, LA; Makenzie Jones, Pineville, LA; Jordan Jones, Ball, LA; Jeremy Jones, Ball, LA; Aaron and Krista James, Clarksville, TN; 12 great grandchildren; 6 nieces and nephews; and 10 great nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at Calvary Baptist Church with Reverends Sammy Morrow, Norris Curry, and Dick DeBusk officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. Pallbearers will be Dr. Trey Cunningham, Blake Stinson, Chad Stinson, Shane Montiville, Jeremy Jones, and Sgt. Aaron James. Honorary pallbearers will be Alayna Seward, Samantha Bridges, Makenzie Jones, Jordan Jones, JLynn Monty and Mike Atkins. The family asks that memorial donations be made to the Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

Loleta Ann Kees May, 74, of Grayson, passed from this life on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at the Ochsner’s Medical Center in New Orleans after a brief illness. She was born July 2, 1943 in Winnfield to the union of her parents, O’Neal Kirkland Kees and Dorothy Cornelia Riggs Kees. Leta was raised in Georgetown and was Valedictorian of the 1961 graduating class of Georgetown High School. She attended and graduated from LSU with a degree in Home Economics. After graduation Leta moved to Texas to take a job with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. While she always declared she would never be a school teacher, like her mother and grandmother, it seemed life had a different plan. While home for a visit a series of events led her to take a position as a second grade teacher there in Georgetown. In 1975 she accepted a position at Grayson Elementary as a kindergarten teacher. While teaching she went back to college and took classes from LA Tech, Northwestern, LA College and NLU, now ULM. She earned her Master’s Degree in 1982 and a Plus 30 in 1984 from ULM. In 1984 she became the principal of Grayson Elementary and maintained that position until 1997. Before retiring in 2005 she had worked at Caldwell Parish School Board as School Nutrition Supervisor, Elementary Supervisor and Adult Education Supervisor. She educated young people for 34 years and never regretted a moment. Leta was active in numerous educational organizations throughout her career and after her retirement. She was a charter member of Gamma Delta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International. She was an active member of Grayson Baptist Church. She had friends far and wide and was loved by so many. She will be greatly missed. Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 10, at Grayson Baptist Church with Rev. Rick Crandall officiating. Interment followed in the Georgetown Cemetery under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia-Olla. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law, James Hardy Smith. Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Sue Tant (Don) and Sandra Smith; her brother, Kirk Kees (Molly); step-children, Melton May and Shawn Skyles; nieces and nephews: Andrew Tant, Luke Tant, Shani Green, Christie Frazier, Treigh Kees, Kevin Kees and Casey Kees; 5 great-nieces and a special young man she loved like a son, Anuj Shroff. Pallbearers were Melton May, Andrew Tant, Luke Tant, Lyn Meredith, Scott Green and Scott Frazier. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Meredith, Tommy Parker and Billy Joe May. The family requests donations be made to Georgetown Baptist Church, Rose Window Fund, PO Box 440, Georgetown, LA 71432

Lester Van Fannin, 75, and a lifelong resident of the Old River Community, crossed over to his heavenly reward on Father’s Day, at 9:15 a.m., Sunday, June 17, 2018, at his home on Old River. He was born in Archie, Louisiana on May 14, 1943, to the union of Madison Monroe and Carrie Francis Fannin, Lester worked hard from a young age at a variety of jobs. Farming, dozer work, and outside activities kept him very active and productive. He farmed soybeans, cotton, corn, milo, wheat, cattle, catfish, and hogs. While at Whitehall Mall, he had fun keeping a tally of breakfast biscuits sold, greeting customers at the gas pump, and stocking shotgun shells. Over his lifetime, Lester was an ASCS Committee member, NRA Golden Eagle, Farm Bureau member, Ducks Unlimited member, National Wild Turkey Federation member, served on the Catahoula Hospital Board, served as Whitehall Water System President, and enjoyed membership in the Michael Dempsey Masonic Lodge #327, F&AM. He was a founding member of a lifetime partnership, Fannin Brothers Farm, with his brother Dale, and for a very enjoyable time he operated the Whitehall Mall. Lester was also an active member of Pritchard Baptist Church for many years. As a husband, father, brother, cousin, friend, and mentor, his favorite role by far was being a grandfather. Daddy Van, as known to Chandlar and Rhett, and Van Van, as known to Hank and Allee, loved and spoiled his babies, as only he could. Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 19, at Pritchard Baptist Church in the Old River Community, with the Revs. Terry L. Doughty and Gary Norris officiating. Interment followed in the Jena Cemetery, east of Jena, with full Masonic Rites, under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena. Lester was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Lester Lamar Fannin; and two nephews, Rodney Dale Fannin and Hubert Ray Fannin. Left to cherish his memory, his wife of 55 years Carolyn Rose Price Fannin of Old River; two sons, J. Todd Fannin and wife Allyson Cooper, and Chad Smith, all of Jena; four grandchildren, Chandlar Madyson Fannin, Rhett Eli Fannin, Carter Hank Smith, and Allee Claire Smith; one brother, Dale Fannin and wife Bonnie of Jonesville; and two nieces, Kim Fannin and Jamie Fannin Ford and husband Steven, all of Jonesville. Pallbearers were Cameron Harris, Chris Freeman, Doyle Pritchard, Ellis Erwin, Jr, Eugene Edwards, Hank Smith, Rhett Fannin, and Zach Shovan. Honorary Pallbearers included Joe Merle Francis, Bobby Ray Francis, Eli A. Cooper, Kenneth Cooper, J. C. Thompson, David Francis, Nathan Francis, Ben Dosher, James Crooks, Red Hailey, W. L. Huffman, Robert Joy, Terry Smith, Junior Hudspeth, Jimmy Miller, Jerrell Floyd, Steven Ford, Lee Meredith, Michael Meredith, Ronald Red Renfrow, Dr. Bo Calhoun, Robert Bradley, Wayne Wagner, Mike Jones, Billy Joe Williams, David Cooper, Robert Huffman, Ryan Creel, Melton Neal Wheat, Randy Nugent, Ricky Nugent, Kenny Davis, Tom Kendrick, Jim Fannin, Kelly Fannin, and Johnny Fannin.

Gene Branch, 62, of Sicily Island, passed from this life on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at his home. Services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, at New Life Pentecostal Church near Manifest with the Revs. David Poole and Ken Hoots officiating. Interment followed in the Siloam Cemetery of Aimwell under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Bama Young; grandfather, Henry Young; father, J. D. Hardy; mother, Rubye Young Hardy; sister, Dianne Smith; and brothers, Tommy Smith, David Branch and James Hardy. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 41 years, Debra Branch of Sicily Island; daughter, Shaunda Minton and husband Steve; grandchildren, Tommy, Chaznee and Lexie; brothers, Jimmy Smith and wife Mimi, John Hardy, R. L. Hardy and wife Pam and George Hardy and wife Iris; sisters, Sue Hardy Cotten and husband Derwood and Valerie Hardy Poole and husband Dwight; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers were nephews, Chad Sanford, Chis Diamond, James Smith, Logan Branch, London Hardy, Jr., Jacob Hardy and Ethan Cotten. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Minton, Jr., Roger “Fred” Reeves and Jack Coleman.

Gary Dewayne Randall, 71, of Olla, passed from this life on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born September 30, 1946 in Winnfield to the union of his parents, Lowell P. Randall and Bernice Aycock Randall. Gary was a devoted active member at Standard Baptist Church until his health affected his attendance. Gary’s grandkids was the light of his life and loved hunting and fishing. He was employed as a diesel mechanic and served as shop foreman for twenty five years with Permian Corporation. He was also employed with Trademount, Monroe Mack, Amyz Concrete and Cliffs Drilling. Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 19, from the sanctuary of Standard Baptist Church near Olla with Rev. Shad Tibbs officiating. Interment followed in the Hawthorne Cemetery in the Little Creek Community under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Donna Randall; and a brother, Bill Randall. Left to cherish his memory are his children, son, Gary Don Randall and fiancé Tina Taylor of Olla; his daughters, Shelly Randall of Olla and Samantha Guidry of Mamou; one brother, Rex Randall of Olla; and his beloved grandchildren, Makenzy Randall, Braydon Howard and Adalyn Randall. Pallbearers were Dennis Crawford, Danny Guidry, Matthew Guidry, Kaden Moreau, Jim McKeithen and Chris McKeithen. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Kerry and Alvie Snody.

E. W. Walker, 91, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. He was born Sunday, August 8, 1926 to the union of his parents, Charley and Emmett Edwards Walker. Mr. Walker proudly served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. He was retired from International Paper with over 40 years of service as an instrument operator. Services were held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 16, at Utility Baptist Church near Jonesville with Rev. James Foster and Dr. Ralph Webber officiating. Interment followed in the Locust Grove Cemetery of Jonesville under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lottie Elaine Walker; son, Rodney Neal Walker; six brothers, Larry Walker, Willie Walker, Genie Walker, Charlie Walker, Rev. Mack Walker, and Dudley Walker; and a sister, Bonnie Collins. Survivors include his wife, Carma Whittington Walker of Jonesville; one daughter, Lana Carr and husband Shelby of Jonesville; step-daughter, Mona Whittington of Glen Rose, TX; three grandsons, John Logan Taunton and wife Christina of Mandeville, Micah Taunton of Monterey, and Rod Walker of Houston, TX; one granddaughter, Carla Howard and husband Tracy of Sulphur; step-grandson, Daniel Upchurch and wife Keira of Glen Rose, TX; step-granddaughter, Monica Keeley and husband James of Demopolis, AL; sister, Venie Emfinger of Ferriday; eight great grandchildren and seven step-great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Mike Walker, Adron Walker, Logan Taunton, Micah Taunton, Rod Walker and Jim Kelly. Honorary pallbearers were the Deacons and his Sunday School Class of Utility Baptist Church.

Leigh Hurl Jutzi Jordan, 92, of Winnfield, passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. She was born Tuesday, March 23, 1926 in Rochelle, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Winnfield. Services were held at 11 a.m, Thursday, June 14, at Southern Funeral Home in Winnfield with Rev. John Holland officiating. Interment followed in Garden of Memories in Winnfield under direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. Mrs. Jordan was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Ella Nugent Jutzi; husband, Arnold Jordan, Sr.; son, Arnold Jordan, Jr.; sister, Alma Jean Smith. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Ronnie Lee Jordan, Mitchell Lynn Jordan and Ellen Jo Jordan; grandchildren, Joey Jordan, Angela Davis, Tammy Bento, Stephanie Shuff, Sonya Cornett, Mitchell Lynn Jordan, II, Brooklyn Noel Johnson and Nikki Lawson; 19 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Joey Jordan, Steve Johnson, Mitchell Jordan, II, Robert Cornett, Sam Shuff and Darryl Jordan. Honorary pallbearers were Stewart O’Donnell, Zane Davis, Zach Davis and Zeth Davis.

Anna Maria Ekwall Reeves, 95, of Jena, passed from this life Sunday, June 17, 2018, in Jena. She was born Monday, March 12, 1923 in Critia, Florida to the union of Charles and Annie Douglas Ekwall. Mrs. Reeves was a member of Eastern, Red Hat Society, and Pink Lady. Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 19, in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena with Rev. Truman Stagg officiating. Interment followed in the Belah Cemetery in the Belah-Fellowship Community under direction of Kinner and Stevens, Inc. of Jena. She was preceded in death by her parents. She was survived by her nephew David Foster

Jeffrey Humphries, 70, of Shreveport, and formerly of Olla, passed from this life on Friday, June 21, 2018 at the Willis Knighten Hospital in Shreveport after a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at Springhill Baptist Church, Hwy 506, Grayson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Humphries; his parents, Mavis and George Humphries; and his brother, Glen Humphries. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Amy Humphries; son, Boomer Humphries and wife, Sarah; grandchildren, Courtney, Kira and Karley Humphries and Emily and Justine Humphries; brothers, George Humphries and wife Sharon, Steve Humphries and wife Laveta, Larry Humphries and wife Mary, and Tracy Humphries and wife Kathy; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Willie P. (Bill) Foster, 85, a lifelong resident of Georgetown, crossed over to his heavenly reward on Friday, June 22, 2018 at Winnfield Nursing and Rehab at 5:27 a.m. He was born in Georgetown, on February 4, 1933 to the union of B. F. Foster and Ruby Parker Foster. Mr. Foster was a member of Eastern Star Lodge # 151, charter member of Dugdemona High 12 Club, 32nd Degree of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, American Legion and VFW post 5002. He was also honorably discharged from the United States Air Force. Services were held at 1 p.m., Sunday, June 24, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Jena. Interment followed in the Georgetown Cemetery in Georgetown under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Carl Beckham; and nephew, Mark Hebert. Those left to cherish his memory include sister, Jerry Beckham; nieces, Carla Carruth and husband Randy and Caren Hebert; nephew, Wayne Beckham and wife Tammy; 13 great nieces and nephews and 23 great-great nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Melvin Cody, Jr., Randy Carruth, Jeremy Beckham, Derek Desselle, Dakota Beckham and Spencer Galland. Serving as honorary pallbearers were W.L. Hollaway and members of Winnfield Lodge and Eastern Star Lodge #151.

Mary Louise Curtis, 91, of Trout, passed from this life on Sunday, June 24, 2018, at the LaSalle General Hospital of Jena. She was born November 2, 1926 in Marion, Oregon to the union of her parents, Annanias and Edyth Swabb Wilson. Mrs. Curtis was a retired bookkeeper. Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with the Revs. Billy Edwards and Clark Palmer officiating. Interment followed in the Belah Cemetery in the Belah-Fellowship Community under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena. She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband, O. E. Curtis. Those left to cherish in her memory include her son, William R. Curtis of Trout; daughter, Clarice Ann Curtis of Trout; and sister, Edyth Jenness of Seattle, WA; grandsons, Stephen Roy Curtis and Carl Raymond Smith; and great grandson, Andrew Smith. Pallbearers were Clark Palmer, Kendall Price, Johnny Hutchins, Bill Appleby, Justin McPherson and Chad Taylor

Lenard Leroy Henderson, 79, of Georgetown, passed from this life on Friday, June 22, 2018 in Georgetown. He was born Friday, July 29, 1938 in Selma, Louisiana to the union of Dodd and Hattie Armstrong Henderson. Leroy was a graduate of Georgetown High School and was a member of Tullos First Baptist. He started working in the oil industry for Justiss-Mears Oil Company and later worked for Hunt Petroleum, where he retired after numerous years. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. Services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 25, at First Baptist Church of Tullos with the Rev. Scott Smith officiating. Interment followed in the Georgetown Cemetery in Georgetown under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Aaron Henderson. Survivors include his wife Verlene Henderson of Georgetown; a son, Leonard R. Henderson and wife Patty of Georgetown; a daughter, Darlene Lindgren and husband Wade of Hibbing, MN; two granddaughters, Stephanie Henry and husband Hugh, and Tessa Myrick and husband Daniel; two grandsons, Stephen Williams and Derrick Henderson; six great-grandchildren, Allison Henry, Bailey Henderson, Brian Henderson, Macie Myrick, Jack Myrick, and Brian Smoot. Pallbearers were John Thornton, Kevin Salter, Darwin Fife, Tim Lasiter, Melvin Worthington, Shelby Loe, Jr., Larry Edwards and Grayson Walpole. Honorary pallbearers were Shelby Loe, Sr., Leon Sykes, and Darrel Wilson.

Carrice Anne Russell Baker, 91, of Jena, passed from this life on Saturday June 23, 2018 in her home. She was born Sunday, July 5, 1926 in Rhinehart, to the union of Willie and Alice Alexander Russell. Mrs. Baker was a legendary girls basketball coach, serving at Winnsboro High School for 26 years and then at Jena High School for 13 years. She had numerous awards and honors over the years and was proclaimed as the winningest girls basketball coach in Louisiana history. (See story about Coach Baker’s career on page 1A this week). Services were held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 26, at First Baptist Church of 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. She was predeceased by her husband, William Morgan Baker, Sr; her parents; a brother, Steele A. “Alex” Russell; and sisters, Lorraine Russell Baker, Mable Russell and Alice Rose Sparks. She is survived by four step-sons, William Morgan Baker, Jr. and wife Wendy, Samuel Hunt “Sam” Baker and wife Judy, James Fletcher “Jim” Baker, and Joe David Baker; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; a brother, Willie Waggoner Russell and wife Dorothy; and special friends, Dorothy Kittlin, Elaine Knight, Faye Munson, and Enk and Hilda Husbands. Pallbearers were Adam Powell, Glen Johnson, Chip McLaurin, Dustin Keene, Gary Beasley, and Will Baker. Honorary pallbearers were Steven Baker, Waggoner Russell, Robert Sparks, Thomas Schneider, Mark Schneider, Keith Tarver, Carl “Enk” Husbands, Bobby Alexander, Rusty Russell, and Bill Burnsed. Memorial donations may be made to the Cliff Williams Foundation, Jena First Baptist Church Building Fund, or the LaSalle Parish Scholars Fund.

Myrna “Cubby” W. Boyd, 84, of Jena, was called to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at her home in Jena after a lengthy illness. She was born January 20, 1934 in Good Pine. Cubby retired in 1990 from the Concordia Welfare Office after many dedicated years of service. She was an active member of Bellevue Baptist Church in Jena where she played the piano for many years. Services were held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with Rev. Byron Norris officiating. Interment followed in the Belah Cemetery under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, William Matthew “W.M.” Boyd; her parents; son, Terry Boyd; brothers, Cicero Winborne and Bobby Enterkin; and grandson, Bart Nathan Boyd. Survivors include one sister, Jeanine Seaman of Shreveport; two sons, John “Randy” Boyd of Jena, and Paul Nathan Boyd and wife Cricket of Waskom, TX; seven grandchildren, Caleb Boyd, Kim McCoy, Kaiti McFarland, Matthew Boyd, Devin Gentry, Miranda Boyd, and Toni Adkins; nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Caleb Boyd, Matthew Boyd, John Winborne, Wesley Turner, Evan McFarland, and Brandon Poole. Honorary pallbearers were Bobby Joe La- Crosse and Mike Foley.

Kathleen Earl Bruce, 82, of Georgetown, passed away on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. She was born Wednesday, September 25, 1935 in Winnfield, to the union of her parents, Albert Earl and Audrey Mae Miles Wilson. Mrs. Bruce enjoyed having the grandkids and great grandkids coming over to visit, where they always held their birthday parties. She loved sitting in her recliner or rocker watching the birds and squirrels. Services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 29, at Georgetown Baptist Church with the Revs. Joel Johnson and Joe Bruce officiating. Interment followed in the Georgetown Cemetery under direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard Bruce; and daughter, Lori Bruce. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Teresa Grice and husband Ricky; son, Mike Bruce and wife Pam; daughter, Rhonda Richardson; son, Mark Bruce and wife Carrie; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and brother, Bub Wilson. Pallbearers were Chance Grice, Cody Grice, Little Dee Brunson, Kevin Rox, Jeff Kendrick, Jody Kendrick, Carl Bruce, and Scotty Bruce. Lane Grice and Mark Bruce served as honorary pallbearers.

Ida Mae “Fidget” Cockerham, 76, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria. Services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 30, at Sandy Lake Pentecostal church with Rev. Joel Ford officiating. Interment followed in Heard Cemetery of Manifest under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her husband, L. C. Cockerham, Jr.; daughter, Patricia Coates; and brother, Bobby Ray Squyres. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, James Cockerham and spouse Lori; and grandsons, Curtis Coby and Brett of Leavenworth, KS; grandson, Brian Coates of Jonesville; sister-in-law, Beverly Edwards and spouse Jessie of Jonesville; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers were David Squyres, Robert Squyres, David Ray Squyres Jr, Anthony Squyres, Scotty Smart and Deven Cupstid.

James Allen Francis, 62, of Jena, passed from this life at his residence in Jena on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, following an extended illness. He was born August 26, 1955 at Jonesville to the union of his parents, Joe Marion and Lois Lorene “Jack” Finlay Francis. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all. He loved his family with his whole heart, especially his grandbabies. Over the years, he drove a truck for Francis Gravel, Holsum Bread Company and Baroid-Halliburton. He graduated from Jena High School in 1973. James was a lifelong member of Temple Baptist Church where he enjoyed teaching Sunday School for many years. Even in his last days he loved watching baseball, listening to music, and spending as much time with his family as possible. Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 29, at Temple Baptist Church in Jena with the Revs. Lane Corley and Jimmy Keene officiating. Interment followed in the Woodland Cemetery, east of Jena, under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Marty Francis; a sister, Marilyn “Cy” Francis; and nephew, Darren “Bull” McDowell. Those left to cherish in his memory include his wife, Patty Francis of Jena; son, Thomas Francis, daughters, Jenny Parker and husband Jamie, Lindsay Williams, and Brooke Adams and husband Cody; brothers, Joe Merle Francis and wife Junell of Jena, Tommy Francis and wife Lana of Jena, and Robin Francis and wife Carolyn of Trout; sisters, Judy Nottingham and husband Delman of Oil City, Linda Decker of Jena, Virginia Miller of Deville, Doris Corley of Jena, Terry Morphis and husband Bill of Jena; and two grandchildren, Cydney Kate Parker and Sophie Layne Williams. Pallbearers were Rad Morphis, Russ Francis, Ryan Francis, Jon Decker, Caleb Francis, Duane Nottingham, Bradley McDowell, and Thomas Francis. Honorary pallbearers were Steve Andrews, Chris Shivers, Tommy Terrell, Reggie Ingram, Ronnie McLendon, Clifton Jackson, Gawan Burgess, Carlos Crooks, Mike Crooks, Alex King, Justin Ganey, Joe Baker, Patrick Francis, Todd Nottingham, Brandon Decker, Dustin Decker, Jerred Miller and Reggie Loe.

Addie Leah Ronsonette Butler, 83, of Little Rock, Arkansas, and formerly of Jena, passed away at 10:29 a.m., Monday, June 25, 2018, at Hospice Home Care in Little Rock, AR. surrounded by family. She was born September 30, 1934 in Shreveport to the union of her parents, Vivian Domengeaux and Walter Joseph Ronsonette. She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Butler- Oberste and son-in-law, Dan Oberste. Addie attended Providence High School in Alexandria, LA and the University of Southwestern in Lafayette, LA. She was co-owner of Butler Insurance and Real Estate in Jena, with her then husband, Robert Butler. Following retirement she moved to Little Rock Arkansas to be closer to her daughter. Addie was welcomed into Tracy’s married family, enjoying dinners and holidays with the large Oberste clan. She acquired her daughter’s appreciation for Pinot Grigio but maintained her love of fine steak despite Tracy’s red-meat-free urging. The mother and daughter pair enjoyed Addie’s final days to the fullest, staying up into the wee hours playing her favorite music, singing along, and remembering old times. Addie will be missed but not forgotten. There was a gathering of family and friends in memory of Addie on Friday June 29th at 6:30 pm, at the home of Marleen and Terry New in Little Rock. The family ask that memorials be made to Rock City Rescue animal shelter. Click the donate button at https://www.rockcityrescue.org/ donate to support her favorite cause. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Arkansas Cremation.

Virgil Ray Brawley, Jr., 69, of Mountain View, Arkansas, and a graduate of LaSalle High School in Olla, began a new journey beyond this world on Friday, June 22, 2018. He was born September 29, 1948 in Brookhaven, MS to Dorothy Case and Virgil Ray Brawley, Sr. Virgil learned to love horses and blues music as a child in the stables with his dad and the transistor radio tuned to WNOE New Orleans. He began playing guitar in Brookhaven “garage bands” as a teenager then went on to play “Brookstock” in his hometown every summer with friends & classmates. Virgil served in the Army as a sergeant in Vietnam where he was stationed in a long-range reconnaissance platoon as a sniper. He was highly decorated with numerous medals including two Bronze Stars & an Army Accommodation Medal with Valor. Upon returning to MS, Virgil attended Co-Lin Community College, then received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radio, Television & Film from University of Southern MS. A memorial service was held at Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View, AR at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27. A second memorial service will be held at Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson, MS at 4 p.m., on Sunday, July 8, 2018. A Blues Jam in his honor will be held that evening. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Magnolia Speech School, 733 Flag Chapel Drive, Jackson, MS 39209.

Margie Magilean Brewton, 91, of Jena, passed from this life on Monday, June 25, 2018, at the LaSalle General Hospital of Jena. She was a homemaker. Services were held at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 28, in the Goldonna Baptist Church with the Revs. Doyle McGrew and Jim Cooper officiating. Interment followed in the Goldonna Cemetery under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Brewton; a son, Ted Brewton; and a grandson, Chris Spears. Those left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Brenda DeBello and husband Ray of Haughton, Louise Myles and husband Lum of Jena and Liz Rugg and husband Bush of Downsville; a son, Dom Brewton and wife Barbara of Augusta, SC; a sister, Audra Stevenson of Readhimer; and seven grandchildren.