Cody Wayne Ranton, 33, of Olla, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was right where he wanted to be, at home, on his couch, holding the love of his life’s hand.

He was born on August 27, 1985 in Alexandria to the union of Terry and Carol Roshto Ranton.

Cody Wayne was a 2003 graduate of LaSalle High School where he mastered in welding and making others laugh. He immediately began his lifelong career in the oilfield, so he could “own a bunch of junk”.

For the last 6 years, he has been employed at XTO Entergy in Jena where he was grateful to work with such great guys and be able to come home every night to his family.

Cody was a self-taught, YouTube novice of woodworking, welding, and mechanics. He was often known for piddling, working on projects, and keeping every leaf out of his yard on Thrill Hill. His hobbies also included four-wheeler riding with friends, BMX racing, and working in his shop. Cody’s treasured family memories include annual beach vacations and Christmas mornings.

Cody later married his hunny and instantly became “Big Daddy” to Bronx. He will be remembered for his selflessness, willingness to help others, ability to tell a story, make others laugh, and keeping his stuff neat as a pin.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 19, at Pine Hill Baptist Church near Urania with the Revs. Bo Prather and Cody Fowler officiating.

Interment followed in the Urania Cemetery under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Roshto Ranton; maternal grandfather, Joe Roshto; paternal grandfather, Richard Wayne Ranton.

Those left with a large void in their hearts are his devoted wife, Jessica Ranton; son, Bronx Bertrand of Olla; father, Terry Ranton of Olla; brother, Zach Ranton of Brandon, MS; sister, Cayla Ranton of West Monroe; grandmothers, Rose Hemphill and Lavern Roshto; and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Pallbearers were Cass Ranton, Justin Smith, Daylan Andrews, Stacey Estis, T.C. Cockerham, Josh Lindsey, Chris Veuleman, and Andrew Strong.

Honorary Pallbearers were Ricky Andrews, Jamie Girod, Robin Francis, Jeffrey Lasiter, Brent Lurry, and Rocky Gomez.

Lois Pentecost McMillin, 87, of Jena, passed from this life on Sunday, December 23, 2018, in Jena.

She was born March 15, 1931 in Jena to the union of her parents, Walter Pentecost and Lizzie Wright Pentecost.

Services were held at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 25, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with the Revs. Craig James and Johnnie Phillips officiating.

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

She was preceded in death by her husband, Perry W. McMillin, Jr. of Jena; her parents; and brother, Clarence Pentecost of Jonesville.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her brothers, Huey Pentecost of West Monroe, and Charles Pentecost of Manifest; son, Kenneth McMillin and wife Paula of Jena; grandchildren, Robert K. McMillin and wife Danielle of Jena, and Jaime Hudspeth and husband Bo of Jena; great grandchildren Cassidy McMillin, Landen McMillin, and Bran Hudspeth.

Pallbearers were Chad Girlinghouse, Kurt Girlinghouse, Jay Paul, Melvin Worthington, Jason Meyers, and Luke Pentecost.

Honorary pallbearers were David Bradford, and Bo Hudspeth.

Charles Julian Walters, 91, of Olla, departed this life to his heavenly home on Friday, December 21, 2018, at the LaSalle Nursing Home in Jena, Louisiana. The location of his departure was the scene of where, as a young boy, Charles played many a game of baseball and enjoyed his early life.

He was born in Rochelle, on November 29, 1927, to the union of Julian Leroy and Carrie Adams Walters.  

He was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church near Olla, where he served in many capacities, including song leader, Sunday School teacher, and as a deacon for over 70 years.

Charles worked for International Paper Company for most of his working life. After retiring, he worked for many companies in and around the Olla area.  He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Betty Jane, for over 70 years. He was a dedicated Dad to his four children.

Mr. Walters was also a veteran, serving in the United States Army during WW II. He was a member of the 5250th Technical Intelligence Company in Post War Japan. This outfit was responsible for promulgating evidence against the Japanese Government for war crimes committed during WW II.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 23, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church near Olla with the Revs. Gary Norris and Joel Johnson, both former pastors of Mr. Walters, officiating.

Interment followed in the Harris Chapel Cemetery near Olla under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla.

He was predeceased by his wife of over 70 years, Betty Jane Walters, his parents, Julian Leroy and Carrie Adams Walters, and by his sisters, Jane Williams and Nan Walters.

He is survived by his children, Kirk Walters and wife Charlene, Terry Mann and husband Ed, Dave Walters and wife Cheryl, and Reed Walters and wife Marsheela; his grandchildren, Elaine Haddad and husband Micah, Chuck Walters, Mark Mann and wife Caila, Jarrod Mann and wife Brooke, Ashley Mann, Todd Box and wife Stephanie, Josh Box, Brett Walters, and Ronn Walters and wife Sara; his great grandchildren, Natalie Haddad, Julian Haddad, Abram Mann, Ellis Mann, Austin Box, Jaden Box, Caleb Box, Noah Box, Dylan Box, Jackson Walters, and Joseph Walters; a brother, Jimmie A. Walters and wife Freda of Olla; his niece, Sherri Coolman and husband, Eddie, of Olla, and their children, Ray Lynn and Michael; and nephews, Ricky Sanders and wife Helen, and Roger W. Sanders.

Pallbearers were Chuck Walters, Brett Walters, Ronn Walters, Mark Mann, Jarrod Mann, and Ray Lynn Coolman.

Honorary Pallbearers were Elaine Haddad, Micah Haddad, Ashley Mann, Sherri Coolman, Eddie Coolman, and Michael Coolman.

Russell Corbett Reeder, 60, of Summerville, passed from this life on Saturday, December 22, 2018, from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident near Olla.

He was born May 28, 1958 in Alexandria to the union of his parents, Corbett Reeder and Jessie “Jack” Boyd Reeder.

Russell was a native of Jena, and worked in the oilfield for most of his life. Starting out as a floorhand, working up to a driller, and towards the end of his oilfield career he served as a drilling consultant. In most recent years, he worked as a truck driver, Russell could be considered a multi-tasker. You name it, he could do it. Above all, he loved his grandchildren.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 26, at Summerville Baptist Church in Summerville with the Revs. Jesse Henderson, Johnnie Phillips and Leslie Tam officiating.

Interment followed in the Summerville Baptist Church Cemetery under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Johnny Reeder.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his son, James Reeder and wife Jacey of Aimwell; daughter, Michelle Smith and husband Casey of Olla; brothers, Michael Reeder and wife Jackie of Cabot, AR, Billy “Spooky” Reeder of Jena, and Darryl Reeder and wife LaRae of Jena; and sisters, Delores Cooper and husband Bob of Summerville, and Jackie Hooter and husband Clifford of Jena; four grandchildren, Tavin Reeder, Elijah Reeder, Corbett Smith and Emmalee Reeder.

Pallbearers were Jerry Hutzler, Jeremy Hutzler, Joshua Wiggins, Billy Reeder, Corbett Smith, Slim Earls and Glen Pauley.

Honorary pallbearers were Jack Scroggs, Tavin Reeder, Elijah Reeder, Bob Cooper Jr., and Jace Reeder.

Alvis “Big Al” Randall, 76, of Olla, passed from this life on Friday, December 21, 2018, at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria.

He was born October 29, 1942 in Clarks to the union of Wilma and Arvel “Tootie” Randall.

Alvis attended Olla Elementary School in Olla and graduated from LaSalle High School in 1961.

He served in the United States Navy and upon his return, he met and married his wife, Mildred Jiles Randall. After the birth of their son, Mark, the family moved to Thibodeaux.

Upon graduation from Nichols State, Al spent several years in the teaching and coaching profession. After moving back to his hometown, he worked many years in the oilfield industry.

“Big Al” was an avid sports fan. He loved coaching and watching track and field. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cooking, but most of all spending time with his family and lifelong friends.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mildred Randall; his sister, Glenda Brady and husband Gerald of Lafayette; his two nieces, Laurel Griffin and husband Kevin of McAllen, TX, great nephews, Brady, Hunter, and Cole Griffin and Stacey Melancon and husband David of Lafayette, great niece Caroline Melancon and great nephew Austin Broussard.

He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Dalon Randall and his parents.

At his request, he was cremated. Arrangements were handled by Riser Funeral Home of Columbia.

Mary Christine Hays, 62, of Mexico, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital-Audrain.

She was born November 14, 1956 in Mexico, the daughter of Robert O. and Patricia A. (Branch) Piper. On October 9, 1981 in Bismarck, North Dakota, she married Scott Hays, a native of LaSalle Parish.

Mrs. Hays was a 1975 graduate of Mexico High School. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for over 20 years at Audrain Medical Center and Pin Oaks Nursing Home. Mary was a member of St. Brendan Catholic Church.

Mary fought a long and difficult battle with MS, although it did not prevent her from doing many of the things that she loved most. She was able to continue working as a nurse at Pin Oaks Nursing Center for several years in spite of her challenges. She loved caring for the residents and working alongside the coworkers that she loved so dearly.

She always planted an exquisite flower garden each spring for all to enjoy. In spite of her physical limitations she was able to maintain a beautiful and spotless home, leaving her family in awe of her true determination. She had a deep love for her pets; Pomeranians Molly and Bunny, her cat Lucille and her collie, Chipper. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan, never missing a game on television if possible.

She loved classic rock and roll and fast cars; something that began when she was teenager and never left her young spirit. She was given a new yellow Dodge Challenger in November as a birthday gift by her loving husband Scott. To her, this was a newfound freedom. She enjoyed a daily outing in this hotrod named the “Bumble” which gave her so much joy. If Mexico residents see the bright yellow Challenger with black racing stripes driving down the road, remember Mary and how happy she was in this car.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 28, at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico, MO.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving mother Patricia Ann Piper.

Survivors include her husband, Scott Hays of Mexico, MO; two daughters, Nicole (Glen) Yates of Huntsville, AL, and Vanessa Hays of Springfield; two granddaughters, Madelyn and Lauren Yates, both of Huntsville, AL; her father, Bob Piper of Mexico; one brother, Greg (Victoria) Piper of Colorado Springs, CO; and three sisters, Cynthia (Rick) Vaughn of New Bloomfield, Laura (Ron) Caimi of Waterloo, IL, and Sharon (Mike) Koontz of Mexico.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, c/o Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.

Peggy Phillips LeMay, 79, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Monday, December 31, 2018 at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria.

She was born Tuesday, July 11, 1939 in Stamps, Arkansas to the union of her parents, Paul Oscar Phillips and Irene Warner Smith Phillips.

Mrs. LeMay was a resident of Jonesville and a member of Evangeline Baptist Church of Wildsville.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 4, at Pine Hill Baptist Church of Urania with the Revs. Chase Weeks and Cory Fowler officiating.

Interment followed in the Pine Hill Baptist Church Cemetery under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Robert Phillips and Larry Phillips.

Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Donald Seth LeMay of Jonesville; three daughters, Debra DeVaux of Kelly, Teresa Peoples of Oakdale, and Shelia Ford of Olla; son, Steve Le-May of Manifest; two sisters, Alice Shinn of Hot Springs, AR and Wanda Peterson of Magnolia, AR; nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Mike McCartney, C. H. Boyd, Tim Clark, Jeff Wyles, Eric Woodward and Chad Deville.

Hortenscia Langley, 81, of Trout, passed from this life on Friday, January 4, 2019. She was born September 10, 1937 in Hidlago, Texas. Mrs. Langley was a stay at home mother who loved her family dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Langley; father, Pedro Liscano; mother, Angela Delarosa; brother, Tomas Liscano; and two sisters, Petra Corando and Bertha Reyes. Those left to cherish in her memory include her sons, Joseph Langley of Columbia, and Jesse Langley of Dry Prong; daughters, Angela Shirley of Trout, Mary Clark of Pineville, and Rose Langley of Georgetown; and sister, Eva Flores of Rio Grande City, TX.

Kernie Wayne King, 57, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Friday, December 28, 2018, in Ferriday.

He was born Saturday, January 7, 1961 in Jonesville to the union of his parents, J. R. King and Kathleen King.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Monday, Dec. 31 at Jonesville First Baptist Church in Jonesville with Rev. Todd Whittington officiating.

Interment followed in Heard Cemetery of Manifest under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville.

Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Cynthia Book King; his parents, J.R. King and Kathleen King; daughter, Chelsea King and fiancé Byron J. Skinner; son, Devin King; daughter, Kacie Smith; daughter, Ashley White and her wife Bobbi; son, Aaron Smith and wife Heather; daughter, Amanda Smith; eight grandchildren, Bannon Jett Skinner, Carrigan Kathleen Skinner, Aven Elijah White, Jude Tilton White, Sadie Briar Smith, Emma Hadley Smith, Carson Slade Urena, and Mason Ray Urena; brother, Kirby King and wife Kay; and also a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers were Kalon King, Kyle King, Ken King, Ben King, Ronnie King, and Bodie King.

Honorary pallbearers were Chuck Smith, Barry Ford, George Book, Tommy Millican, and the Catahoula Parish School System bus drivers.

Neva Mary Ford, 86, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Thursday, January 3, 2019, at the LaSalle General Hospital of Jena.

She was born Sunday, December 25, 1932 in Jonesville to the union of her parents, George Washington and Mary Brown Cockerham.

Mrs. Ford was a member of the Oak Grove Free Methodist Church.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 6, at Oak Grove Free Methodist Church with the Revs. Emitt Belgard and Bo Edwards officiating.

Interment followed in the Heard Cemetery of Manifest under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wonnie Aubrey Ford; seven brothers, Walton Cockerham, Lloyd Cockerham, Moses Cockerham, Shelton Cockerham, George Cockerham, Ray Cockerham, and Willie Cockerham; three sisters, Annie Crooks, Joyce Franklin, and Alice Cox; granddaughter, Karen Gail Neal; and daughter-in-law, Linda Ford.

Survivors include two daughters, Glenda Neal and husband James, and Phyllis Boothe and husband Cecil; two sons, Aubrey Ford and Wayne Ford; and brother, Ronald Cockerham and wife Ann, all of Jonesville; 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and four great great grandchildren.

Pallbearers were her great-grandsons, Matt Neal, Eli Porter, Payne Hardie, Dylan Smith, Bryant Smith and Zach Fowler.

Honorary pallbearers were her Grandsons, Michael Neal, Gary Neal, Tim Neal, Aubrey Ford, Johnny Porter, Jonathan Smith and Cliff Fowler.

Charlie Leon Whatley, 89, of Baytown, Texas, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 28, 2018. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends.

He was born November 19, 1929 at Trout to the union of his parents, Walter and Florence Whatley.

He was raised on Rural Road 1 near Trout. He began his life of travel when he left the piney woods of Louisiana and joined the Navy after graduating from high school. Charlie was stationed in California out of Port Hueneme where he was assigned to the USS Norton Sound. His ship was the Navy’s first guided missile Test Ship (AVM-1) that went on to fire the first low yield nuclear project warhead (Project ARGUS).

He got his Shellback at this time for crossing the equator going down to South America. He married Vivian Maxine and got out of the Navy with his first Honorable Discharge in October 1949. With the Korean War ramping up, he was recalled into the Training Sector and stayed until his second Honorable Discharge October 1955.

He began a career with General Telephone Company in California and three children later, left to be closer to his Louisiana roots by arriving in Baytown, Texas.

Charlie had a well-developed, dry sense of humor that was adored by everyone who knew him. Absolutely no one was safe from some comment, but to know him was to love him. He has remained Dad Whatley to the vast group of friends who knew him and loved him from Sterling High School.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Vida Ruth and Clarice.

He is survived by his wife Sarah Whatley; his children, Richard, Terri and Donald and stepchildren Sherry, Tammy and Michele and their loving spouses; four sisters, Sue Bradford and Ethel Frazier, both of Jena, Bess Frye of Shreveport, and Doris Andrews of Baton Rouge; sistersin-law, Vanessa and Dianna from West Virginia; 16 grandchildren and several great grandchildren, with one on the way.

A memorial service was held Friday, January 4, 2019, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, Texas 77521.

Leona Maxine Smith, 84, of Aimoch Community, passed from this life on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the Jena Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jena.

She was born December 23, 1934 at Aimoch.

Mrs. Smith loved caring for her family, gardening, hunting and fishing, always there to take care of everyone else, and never worrying about herself.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 1, from the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Olla with Rev. Willie Beaubeouf officiating.

Interment followed in the Zion Hill Cemetery, west of Olla, under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Owen “Wimp” Smith; her mother, Clara B. Powell; and son-in-law, Gary Wages.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her son Ronald Smith of Olla; daughter, Wanda Wages of Olla; brother, Stanley Ford of Olla; her grandson, Craig Jacobs and partner Merandie of Dodson; great grandson, Colin McMillan, two grandchildren, Ashlee and Hunter Davis; and two sisters: Peggy Welch  and Nedra Hall.

Pallbearers were Denny Boyette, Justin Beaubeouf, Ricky Gould, Bobby Blackwell, Kevin Clark and Michael Hermen, with Olen Coolman serving as honorary pallbearer.

Reverend Larry Prestridge, 72, of Georgetown, passed from this life at 10 a.m., Monday, December 31, 2018, at the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria.

He was born November 1, 1946 to the union of his parents, James and Myrtle Prestridge.

He was a retired Pentecostal Minister, having served for 35 years, and a retired used car salesman and owner of Larry’s Auto Sales for 16 years. He was a member of Georgetown United Pentecostal Church.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5, at Georgetown United Pentecostal Church in Georgetown with the Revs. Donnell Spurgeon and Lonnie Weidner officiating.

Interment followed in the Georgetown Cemetery under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Pinesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Henry Prestridge, Robert Lee Prestridge and Stanley Ray Prestridge.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 47 years, Lucy Bookout Prestridge; daughters, Kate (Wayne) Deas, and Debra (Matt) Robinson; grandchildren, Kelby and Klaire Robinson; sister, Jewel (Joe) Sazama; brothers, Winson Prestridge, and Rudolph Prestridge; special friend, Lady.

Pallbearers were Oscar Coodie, Bruce Coodie, Ronny McBroom, Jonathan Spurgeon, Ray Williamson, John Karisny, Brad Smith, and Carl Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers were Kelby Robinson and Klaire Robinson.

Quitman Clifford Poole, 72, of Jena, passed from this life suddenly on Saturday, December 29, 2018.

He was born March 7, 1946 in Jena.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at Christ Temple Pentecostal Church in Jena with the Revs. David Poole, Jesse Henderson, and Daren Smith officiating.

Interment followed in the Spring Ridge Cemetery near Aimwell under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Elaine Poole; father, Ernest Poole; mother, Kate Roark; brothers, Alford Poole, Enoch Poole, and Bennie Poole; sisters, Nelda Mitcham, Karon “Kay” Wells, and Ineta Brodnax.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his fiancé, Patsye Paul of Nebo; sons, Quitman T. Poole and wife Mia of Olla, and Clifford Dale Poole and wife Angie of Jena; daughter, Mindy Poole of Jena; brothers, Billy Poole and Charles “Buddy” Poole, both of Olla; sisters, Elizabeth Beth Coleman of Olla, Jacqueline “Jakki” Richardson of Jena, and Rebecca “Sissy” Beckley of Olla; grandchildren, Chelsie Burns, Matt Poole, Miranda Poole, Laci Wilson, Hillaree Cockerham, Azelyn Guin, Malee Belle Guin, Hannah Hall, Ainslee Poole, Jesilyn Poole, and Quitman J. Poole; and four great grandchildren, Jaleigh, Faith, Paisley, and Remi.

Nephews served as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers included members of The Band at Jena Old Town Hall, and Shady Grove Young at Heart.

Holly Diane Lofton, 54, of Olla, passed from this life on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at her residence.

She was born February 21, 1964 in Columbia to the union of her parents, Vernon Coy Jacobs and Diane Elizabeth Powell Jacobs.

To know Holly was to love her. Her family meant so very much to her. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. She loved to cook for her family and always enjoyed a fishing trip.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 4, from the chapel of Riser Funeral Home in Olla with the Revs. John Norwood and Greg Dunn officiating.

Interment followed in the Olla Cemetery under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Rowdy Wayne Little; her sisters, Charlotte Jacobs and Shanna Hughes; brother-inlaw, Jaron Newby; and step-mother, Mary Jacobs.

Left to cherish her memory is her son, John Wesley Little and wife Gail of Olla, and their children, Corbin, Colton, and Cooper; her daughter, Chasady Butts and husband Anthony of Dry Prong, and their children, Olivia and Atlas; three sisters, Dawn Blackwell and husband Rocky of Urania, Amanda Wheeler and husband Michael and Stella Newby, all of Odessa, TX; her best friend, Dana Butler; and her sweet Boxer pup “C.C.”, who was her lap puppy.

Pallbearers were Devin Seaward, Bryce Stegall, Jacob Butler, Brant Hinton, Toby Stegall, and Ray Lofton.

Jimmie Ruth Hamilton, 72, of Jena, passed from this life on Sunday, December 9, 2018 in Gadsden, Alabama.

She was born April 4, 1946 in Manifest.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, Dec. 14, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with Rev. Ashton Clark officiating.

Interment followed in the Pine Grove Cemetery of Rhinehart under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Hamilton; father, James Brown; and mother, Claire Pippins Brown; and three great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her sons, Leonard Roland “Buddy” Smith Jr. of Grayson, and Jimmy Wayne Hamilton and wife Nickie of Gadsden, Al.; daughters, Judy Ruth Smith, and Carolyn Rose Wise and husband Jackie, all of Jena; and Francis “Renee” Session of Georgetown; brother, Ancil Woodard and wife Pat of Jena; three sisters, Marilyn Mason of Jena, Evelyn Sparks and husband Ralph of Grayson, and Janice Young and husband Carl, Sr. of Jena; ten grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Garnet Rose Thompson, 59, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Saturday, January 5, 2019, in Jena.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, at Utility Baptist Church near Jonesville with Pastor David Carlton officiating.

Interment followed in the Palo Alto Cemetery at Mayna under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria.

She was preceded in death by her father, Albert E. Pilson; husband, Richard Thompson; two grandchildren, Destiny Cristina and Jace Higginbotham; one great grandchild, Destiny Brook Higginbotham; and long-time companion, Mike McCarthy.

Those left to cherish her memory include her companion, Larry Wallace of Jonesville; five children, William (Michelle) Folds of Fitzgerald, GA, Lynn (Waylon) Thompson of Robeline, Richard Thompson, II of Jonesville, LA; Marilyn (Calvin Holly Jr) Thompson of Harrisburg, LA, and Chad (Shonda) McCarthy of Harrisonburg; 11 grandchildren, Jacob, Zachary, Chase Higginbotham, Dakota and Brooklyn Adams, Christopher, Jennifer and Jessica Folds, Chad, Sidney and Trace McCarthy; one great grandchild, Aurelia Faith Higginbotham.

Pallbearers were Glenn Womack, Tim White, Cedric Martin, Fredrick Smith, Roger Wilson and Ethen House.

Malcolm Doyle Poole, 75, of Jena, passed from this life on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 in Alexandria Louisiana at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital following a brief illness.

He was born November 10, 1943 in Jena to the union of Pleas Humble and Sadie Bell Poole.

Doyle was retired from the construction industry, and was a Mason, a member of the Michael Dempsey Masonic Lodge No.327, F&AM, in Jena.

He loved and enjoyed his family and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 12, in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home in Jena with Rev. Jimmy Keene officiating.

A private family burial was held Sunday afternoon at Woodland Cemetery, east of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Joan Sweeney.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory are his wife, JoAnn Poole of Jena; two sons, Edwin Poole and wife Khristi, and Steve Poole and wife Christina; one daughter, Missy Amyx and husband Sid; one brother, Cleveland Poole and wife Zella; his loving grandchildren, Adrien and Art Veloz, Dewey Amyx and fiancé Erin, Ethan and Haley Poole, Garrett Poole, Nathan Poole, and Emily Poole.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The American Heart Association.

Diane Harrison Gardner, 69, departed this life on Friday, January 4, 2019 in her home. “Jehovah is my Shepard, I will lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1.

She was born October 14, 1949 in Archie to the union of her parents, Mary and Haze Harrison, Sr.

Her hobbies were sewing clothing for many, planting flowers in her yard, and cooking those special meals for her nephew Bobby.

On December 25, 1967, she married Elbert Gardner, Sr. who preceded her in death. Three children were born to this union.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: two daughters, Reginne Gardner, and Renee Gardner; one son Elbert Gardner, Jr. (Ashley); one step-son, Anthony Phelps; a special nephew that she grew up with as a brother, Bobby Cooper; four sisters, Ella Harrison, Gladys Harrison Taylor, and Shirley Harrison Moore, all of California, and Debra Harrison Hart (Willie), of Jena; a brother, Haze Harrison, Jr., of Jena; 13 grandchildren, six great-grand children; two God children, Michael Gardner of Jena, and Derrick Hart of Texas; five brothers-in law, three sisters-inlaw, a host of nieces and nephews, along with other relatives and friends.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, January 12, 2019, at Kingdom Hall in Olla with Bro. Robert Collier officiating.

Interment followed in the Webster Cemetery of Good Pine under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla.

Pallbearers were Derrick Hart, James Henry, Mike Williams, Shannon Lemons, Will Minger, and Favian Masters.

Polly Sandifer Sargent, 91, of Jena, passed from this life on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at LaSalle General Hospital of Jena following a brief illness.

She was born August 20, 1927 to the union of her parents, Henry and Hattie Delaney Maxwell.

Ms. Pauline enjoyed a vast array of hobbies. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, playing cards (rook), her church family, and certainly her cherished family and grandchildren. She was known for her love of people and her sunny disposition in life.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home in Jena with Rev. Daniel Breithaupt officiating.

Interment followed in the Friendship Cemetery at Fishville under direction of Kinner and Stevens, Inc. of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edwin L. Sandifer; second husband, Ben Sargent; her parents; son, James W. Sandifer; brother, J.D. Maxwell; and sister-in-law, Jouberta Maxwell; mother, Hattie Delaney Maxwell; and father, Henry Maxwell.

Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss are her son, Donnie Sandifer and wife Marlyn of Jena; her grandchildren, Cody Hickman (Heath) of Alexandria, Tammie Sandifer and Jay Sandifer, both of Vidalia; Daryl Lincoln of New Boston, TX; and Stacey Lefebvre (Donnie) of Jonesville.

Pallbearers were Donnie Lefebvre, Tyler Sandifer, Cameron Boyette, Ryan Muse, Gerald Norris, and Heath Hickman.