Charleen Ward Jones, 89, of Jena, passed from this life on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria.

She was born September 1, 1929 in Mangham to the union of Jim and Alzena Horace Ward.

She was educated in the schools of Richland and LaSalle Parishes and at I.M. Terrell High School in Ft. Worth, TX. She graduated from Good Pine High School in Good Pine.

Mrs. Jones was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, lovingly known as “Mama Charles” to immediate and extended family.

She was a member of Mars Hill Baptist Church for 70 years and served her community as a worker at LaSalle Community Action for 32 years.

A homegoing celebration was held at 1 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, at Mars Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Rev. Gregory Tolbert and Rev. Renwick Bacon officiating.

Interment followed in the Webster Cemetery of Good Pine under direction of Gayden Funeral Home of Jena.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Casey Jones of Jena; daughter, Norma Faye Johnson of Dallas, TX; son, Casey D. Jones and wife Olivia of Jena; brother, Leo R. Ward of Bellevue, WA; three grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one honorary daughter, three honorary granddaughters, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers were Leon Dean, Quante Hatcher, Brandon Gibbs, Ben Reid, Terry Brown, and Wayne Howard.

Honorary pallbearers were Howard Ward, Leo R. Ward, Robert Shelley, III, Dupree Shelley, Larry Shelley, Oliver Ward, Lorenza Ward, Michael Shelley, Ron Shelley, and Gregory Ward.

Dlolita “Dee Dee” Hunter, 51, of Jena, entered eternal life on Monday, January 14, 2019.

She was born October 31, 1967 in Jena to the union of J. B. Hunter, Sr. and Laura Hunter.

Dee Dee confessed Christ at an early age and was united with New Evergreen Baptist church and later united with the Trout Creek Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Roger Green.

Dee Dee attended Jena High School, graduating with the Class of 1986. She was employed as a supervisor at Garan, Inc. of Jena until her health failed.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 19, at Trout Creek Baptist Church with Pastor Rev. Jamerson Jackson officiating.

Interment followed in Webster Cemetery of Good Pine under direction of Gayden Funeral Home of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Laura Hunter; and two sisters, Donnitta Hunter and Adrienne Hunter.

Her memory will forever be in the hearts of her children: Shanita (Mike), Starr, Carr Hunter and Ja’Ray Jenkins, all of Jena; her father, J. B. Hunter, Sr. (Linda) of Los Angeles, CA; three sisters, Deneen Dangerfield, and Melissa Hunter, both of Jena, and Tina Hunter of Los Angeles, CA; four brothers, J. B. Hunter, Jr. and Marcus Hunter, both of Wichita, KS, Maurice Hunter of Jena, and Haracheo Jones of Los Angeles, CA; three grandchildren, Zy’Kerrik, Zy’Kera and Callie Hunter; a special friend, John C. Jenkins; and a host of uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers were Scoop Lee, James Miles, Zeek Walton, Chad Butler, Ronald Davis, and Clyde Bowens.

Honorary pallbearers were Ja’Ray Jenkins, Zy’Kerrik Hunter, Rafeal Dangerfield, Chris Walker, J. B. Hunter, Sr., J. B. Hunter, Jr., John Jenkins, James Wright, Maurice Hunter, Marcus Hunter, Haracheo Jones, Marquel Lonzo, Quentin Purtue, Brian Evans, Ernest Holmes, and Paul Parkman.

Kenneth Ray “Pee Wee” Fitzgerald, 62, of Olla, passed from this life on Thursday, January 17, 2019, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born December 20, 1956 in Columbia to the union of his parents, Bill Junior Fitzgerald and Caroline Merlene Womack Fitzgerald.

Known to everyone as “Pee Wee”, he was a loving son and brother and a list of his friends would be endless because of his wonderful personality, a trait which allowed him to make friends everywhere he traveled being a trucker that went all over the United States.

Love for his family and his passionate love for trucking had to give way for his love of biking. He was a member of “Band of Brothers” and was a Caldwell Parish High School graduate of Class of 1975. Pee Wee never met a stranger and he will never be forgotten as his legend will live on in the hearts of all those who knew him.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 20, from the Columbia chapel of Riser Funeral Home with Bro. Saint Barnett officiating.

The family honored Kenneth in his wish to be cremated. Arrangements were under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Ann Fitzgerald.

Left to cherish his memory is his brother, Billy Wayne Fitzgerald of Columbia; brother and friend, Mike “Super T” Thomas and wife Renee “The Accountant” Thomas; his cousin and brother, Scotty Ray Fitzgerald and wife Melinda; a host of nieces and nephews and as previously mentioned his biking buddies and trucking brothers.

His “Band of Brothers” served as pallbearers.

James Douglas “Doug” Winberry, 83, of Alexandria and a native of Urania, passed from this life on Monday, January 20, 2019 at his residence.

He was born November 1, 1935 in Urania to the union of his parents, Mary Reed Winberry and James L. Winberry.

Doug started school in Tullos in 1942, moved to Urania in 1943 and went to Urania until he went to LaSalle High School in 1950 and graduated in 1954. While at LaSalle he lettered in four sports and was a state champion in the 100 and 220 yard dash. He was awarded the first full scholarship in track to LA Tech in Ruston upon graduation in 1954.

Doug married Romona Long, his high school sweetheart in 1955. After graduation from LA Tech in the spring of 1959 he coached and taught at the Winnfield High School the remainder of that school year. He coached and taught at Bonita High School, Bonita, Louisiana the following school year.

He moved to Jena Louisiana in 1960 and coached and taught at Jena High School until 1964. While coaching at Jena he was voted District Basketball Coach of the Year in the 1963-64 school year.

He moved to Tullos, Louisiana in 1964 (the school where he first began in education) and served as principal until he went to LaSalle High School (the school he graduated from 1954). There he served as principal until his retirement in 1980.

In 1980 he was employed by Placid Oil Co. as a petroleum Landman in the Good Pine Office. There he worked for Placid and the other Hunt Companies until his retirement in 1997. He continued to work as an independent Landman for another 12 years.

Doug was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. Doug has been a member of Tullos First Baptist since 1964, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School Teacher. Doug taught an “outreach” bible study class for 12 years at the S. H. Loe oil field office for the men who worked on Sundays. Sheby Loe and Lester Couch cooked breakfast. He felt blessed to be a member of two wonderful families, the Winberry and Long families.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25, at Tullos First Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Smith and Dr. Cliff Stewart officiating.

Interment followed in the Urania Cemetery under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Alexandria.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Marvin Winberry and Larry Winberry.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 63 years, Romona Winberry; his wonderful daughter, Joanna Taylor and husband Wayne; granddaughter, Katherine (Kat) Taylor Ikard; and his grandson, James William Taylor. They were the joy of his life. He is also survived by his sister, Mary “Sis” Littlefield and husband, L. C.; brother and best friend, Kenneth “Kent” Winberry and wife Sue; and a host of wonderful Winberry and Long nieces, nephews and many wonderful cousins.

Memorials may be made to Tullos First Baptist Church, Building Fund, 9970 Main St, Tullos, LA 71479.

Betty C. Wilson, 77, of Jena, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, in Shreveport following a brief illness.

She was born July 7, 1941 in Rosefield.

Betty was a retired Para-Professional at Jena Elementary School. She was an avid reader and loved to cook.

She also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 26, at Temple Baptist Church in Jena with Rev. Jimmy Keene officiating.

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

She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Cockerham; mother, Theo Eubanks; brother, Keith Cockerham; and granddaughter, MeAnn Miller.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her husband, Warren “W.G.” Wilson, Sr. of Jena; son, George Wilson and wife Donna of Pineville; daughters, Miah Armstrong and husband John of Alexandria, and Michelle Carter and husband Michael of Jena; brothers, Bobby Ray Cockerham of Jonesboro, Benny Merle Cockerham of Colonial Heights, VA, and Kenneth Wayne Cockerham of Jonesboro; sisters, Reba Sneed of Jonesboro, and Rajean Rainey of Summerville; grandchildren, Mason Cabral, Alex Cabral, Nathan Cabral, Kara Carter, Blaine Armstrong, Kelsey Armstrong, Lauren Wilson, and Kelsey Miller; and great grandchildren, Micah Cabral, Adeline Tam, and Aspen Armstrong.

Pallbearers were Gregory Sumbler, Robert Rogers, Brian Daigre, Eugene Burke, Mark Ayres, and Darryn Linzay.

Judith “Judy” Syvern Brown, 67, of Houston, Texas, and a native of Jena, passed from this life on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

She was born July 3, 1951 in Jena to the late Doretha Wilson and L. V. Walker.

Judy was baptized at Mars Hill Baptist Church at a very young age.

She attended Good Pine High School where she played varsity basketball for the Jena Giants. She later went on to attend community college in both Alexandria, and Houston, TX. Later she permanently moved to Houston, where she would continue growing her family.

She made many friends who would later become more like family. She did all of this while keeping close and strong bonds with family and friends in Jena.

Judy shared her gift of life with everyone and no one was a stranger. She was such a giving and nurturing person to all. Her desire to explore the world took her to many destinations both within the U.S. and abroad, to places such as India, Thailand, The United Kingdom and Israel, to name a few.

Services were held Tuesday, January 22, at Lockwood Funeral Home in Houston, Texas.

Survivors include her very good friend and companion, Adam Lewis; brothers, Clarence Walker and Willie Walker, both of California; her two sons, Patrick Brown and Michael “Antonio” Brown, both of Houston; sisters, Linda Brown, Patricia Ann Brown and Francis Wilson, all of Jena, Billy Wilson “Jr.” of Killeen, TX, Vickie Walton, Virginia Slaughter and Willie Wilson “Tiny” of Denver, CO; and a host of nieces, nehews, grandchildren and friends, whose lives have been impacted in a positive way and who will miss her dearly.

Bruce Landreth Henry, 67, of Jena, passed from this life on Friday, February 1, 2019.

He was born December 21, 1951 in Jena.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 4, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with Rev. Bobby McGee officiating.

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

He was preceded in death by his father, George Robert Henry; mother, Ruby Jean Edwards; sister, Dottie Sue Warwick; and son, Bruce Lane Henry.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his son, Steven Mac Henry and wife Meagan of Aimwell; daughter, Carrie Jean Henry of Grayson; brothers, Clifton “Click” Henry of Jena, and Larry Henry of Monterey; and four grandchildren, Ian Williams, Ryleigh Ashworth, Lincoln Henry, and Pyper Henry.

Tommy Enoch Hudnall, Sr., 86, of Jena, passed from this life on Saturday, February 2, 2019.

He was born August 21,1932 in Jena to the union of his parents, White Hudnall and Ada Hudnall.

Mr. Hudnall was a veteran of the United States Army, was a heavy equipment operator and was employed by Justiss Oil Company of Jena.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 4, at Cross Roads Baptist Church in the Cross Roads Community with Rev. Dennis Bignar and Dennis Bradford officiating.

Interment followed in the Tidwell Landing Cemetery near Whitehall under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruth Albriton, and Margaret Lamb; and daughter Rytha Edith Hudnall.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his sons, Tommy Enoch Hudnall, Jr. and Troop Allen Hudnall, both of Jena; grandson, Jessee Allen Hudnall; nephews, Billy Mac Lamb; great nephew, Bill Dayton Lamb; great nieces, Jennifer Decker and husband Brandon, and Valerie Parker and husband Jessie; two great great nephews and eight great great nieces.

Enos LaVel Masters, 84, of Jena, was born on this earth on December 22, 1934 in Sandy Lake and his heavenly birthday was Tuesday, January 29, 2019.

He was born to the union of William Vernon Masters and Nellie Loice Mitchell.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1, at New Life Pentecostal Church of Manifest with the Revs. David Poole and Tony Ewing officiating.

Interment followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Manifest under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Vernon Masters; mother, Nellie Loice Mitchell; brothers, Millard Masters, Ocie Masters, and Alvin Masters; sisters, Viva LaCroix and LaVerne Cox; grandchildren, Allen Dale Masters and Michelle Cherie Newman.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his loving wife, Linnie Faye Morris Masters of Jena; sons, Kenneth LaVel Masters of Walkerville, and Dennis “Dinky” Glen Masters and wife Connie of Jena; daughters, Shirley LaVerne Masters Newman of Jena, and Katherine “Kathy” Diana Masters Robertson and husband Donny of Jena; and sister, Christine Masters Gentry of Hammond.

Pallbearers were his grandsons and great grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers were David Conley, Harvey Ray Brown, and Earl Brown.

Bobby L. Smith, 84, of Urania, passed from this life on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at the LaSalle Nursing Home of Jena.

Mrs. Smith was a member of Urania Pentecostal Church. She loved her church, and church members, and held a special spot in her heart for her pastor, Rev. Clay Hutto, but most of all she loved the Lord. She is blessed to be with Pop again.

Services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Urania Pentecostal Church with Rev. Clay Hutto officiating.

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

She was preceded in death by her husband, Coy Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory include her nephews, Brian K. Corley, Kevin J. Corley, Paul L. Corley and Jeffery S. Corley.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Corley, Paul Corley, Scott Corley and Keith Corley.

Ray A. Babcock, 89, of Pollock, and a native of Catahoula Parish, entered eternal rest on Friday, February 1, 2019, at the Woods Haven Nursing Home of Pollock.

He was born April 1, 1929.

Ray grew up in Catahoula Parish. He was a retired construction superintendent working highway construction, which was his passion. He was a member of Pollock United Methodist Church. Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Pearlie Mae Babcock.

Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include three daughters, Deborah Jefferson of Bentonville, AR, Barbara Ashworth of Pollock, and Donna Utech and her husband Tim of Tallahassee, FL; four sons, Rod Babcock and wife Charlene of Pitkin, Joe Babcock and wife Molly of Pollock, Steve Babcock of Baton Rouge, and Kenneth Babcock of Blanchard; one sister, Alice Girod of Houston, TX.; 12 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

The family will have a private memorial service at a later date under the direction of Rush Funeral Home of Pineville.

Memorials may be made in honor of Mr. Ray Babcock to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Bertha Loread Morace, 102, of Jena, passed from this life on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

She was born December 30, 1916 in Rodgers.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 9, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with Rev. Mike Evans officiating.

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

She was preceded in death by her father, Alexander Steven Evans of Catahoula Parish; mother, Hattie Leeoma Gibson of Jackson, LA; brothers, Lonnie Evans of Trout, Edgar Evans of Jena, John Evans, and CW Bonds; sisters, Lula Shadow of Jena, and Martha Evans; sons, Paul Raymond Morace of Ruston, and Alex Morace; and grandsons, Andy Lemoine and Michael Lemoine.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her daughters, Eva Lemoine of Tuscon, AZ, Marylin Sanders of Rayville, Sadie Love of Jena, and Charlene Helams of Delhi; daughter-in-law, Fran Morace of Ruston; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and great great great grandchildren.

Grandsons served as pallbearers

Michael “Mike” Walter Pritchard, 62, of Jena, passed from this life on Sunday, February 3, 2019.

He was born April 13, 1956 in Archie.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, from the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with the Revs. Terry Doughty and Johnny Porter officiating.

Interment followed in the Pritchard Cemetery at Rhinehart under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gove Alberta Pritchard; mother, Sarah Jane Hanes; and brothers, Timothy Pritchard, Oggie Pritchard, and George Pritchard.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his wife, Judy Pritchard of Jena; son, Michael Walter Pritchard, Jr. of Lufkin, TX; daughter, Dee Dee Pritchard of Little Creek; brother, Buddy Pritchard of Tampa, FL; sisters, Jane Jacobson of Baton Rouge, Jimme McClure of Tampa, FL, Mary Gibson of Lafayette, Bill Smith of Erath, Carrie Laporte of Denham Springs, Doris Herring of Orangefeild, TX, Phyllis Estes of Manifest, Polly Cockerham of Jena, Jill Miller of Old River, and Kathy Grimes of Dallas, TX; and numerous grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Buddy Smith, Clyde Young, Richard Breithaupt, Jesse Hudnall, Zach Warren, and Evan Brown.

Honorary pallbearers were Jimmy Miller and Sherman Cockerham.

Quentin “Fritz” Francis Sagdahl, 88, of Tullos, passed from this life on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at Hardtner Medical Center in Urania.

He was born October 30, 1930 to the union of Emil and Eleanor Olson Sagdahl of Furguson Falls, Minnesota.

Quentin was a graduate of Furguson Falls High School class of 1949. After high school, he attended vocational trade school and spent his working career as a welder in the petroleum industry.

He served his country as an Airman in the Untied States Air Force, receiving an honorable discharge December 28, 1953.

Quentin served for twelve years as a councilman for the town of Tullos, Louisiana.

He will certainly be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, February 17, 2019, at the Tullos First Baptist Church.

Arrangements are under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss are his two daughters, Mary Frances Clement and husband Kellam, of Imperial, MO, and Kellie Ann Harris and husband Chip of Hattiesburg, MS; six grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Ann Rankin Sagdahl; his parents, Emil and Eleanor Sagdahl; mother-in-law, Julia Ann Rankin; and father-in-law, W. L. Rankin.
The family wishes for memorials to be made to Tullos First Baptist Church.

Alma Rae Beasley, 86, of Deville, passed from this life on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at her home.

She was born Friday, November 11, 1932.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 15, at Pisgah Baptist Church in Manifest with Rev. Terry Doughty officiating.

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

She was preceded in death by her husband, Caughey Web Beasley; and two brothers, Lank Estes and Lemuel Estes.

Survivors include her three sisters, Shirley Ford, Sarah Wayne Luttrull and Mary Loustalot; two children, Catherine Evans and Janice Huffman; five grandchildren, Alexander Pantiledes, Anastasia Pantiledes-Ikeda, Jonathan Web Wiley, “Little Gerald” Huffman, II, and Jill Nugent; and six great grandchildren, Malorie Huffman, “Ty” Gerald Huffman, III, Mia Huffman, Eli Nugent, Levi Nugent, and Easton Glen Wiley.

Pallbearers were Bill Brown, Jeffrey Estes, Drew Taylor, “Little Gerald” Huffman, II, Jonathan Web Wiley, and “Ty” Gerald Huffman, III.

Walterine Brewton Durham of Jena passed from this life on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at her residence in Jena.

She was a lifelong resident of the area, and spent her working career as a Dietician Nutritionist at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Pineville.

She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Jena, where she taught children’s Sunday School for over 40 years. She possessed a great love for children. She was a great lover of nature, and continued to help family and friends with proper diet after her retirement.

Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss is her daughter, Naylyn Dill and husband Jerry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Walter and Sadie Smith Brewton; one brother, William Walter (W.W.) Brewton, Jr; and sister-in-law, Aliene Ganey Brewton.

A private family graveside service was held at 10 a.m., Friday, February 15, under the direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

Bertha Evans Morace, of Jena, passed from this life on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at the age of 102.

She was born to Alexander Steven Evans and Hattie Lee Oma Gibson on December 30, 1916 in the Rogers Community.

She was married to Charlie Wellman Morace from 1933 until his death in 1994.

Mrs. Morace was preceded in death by her brothers, Lonnie Evans, John Evans, Edgar Evans, and C. W. Bonds; her sisters, Martha Evans, and Lula Shadow; her sons, Paul Raymond Morace and Alex Morace; and grandsons, Andy Lemoine and Michael Lemoine.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Eva (W.J.) Lemoine of Tucson, AZ, Marylin (Johnnie) Sanders of Rayville, Sadie (Benny) Love of Jena, and Charlene Helams of Delhi; and daughter-in-law, Fran Morace of Ruston; as well as 13 grandchildren, Winton Lemoine, Becky (Steve) Knope, Judy (“Skeet”) Hodgkins, Jayne (Tom) Lawson, Joe (Maria) Lyles, Benny Love, Alan (Danielle) Love, Amanda (Bob) Lau, Richard (Denise) Helams, Sara (Jeremy) Hodges, Charles (Leigh Ann) Helams, Paula (Justin) Brown, and Steven (Casey) Morace; and numerous great and great great grandchildren.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 9, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with the Revs. Mike Evans and Edgar Evans officiating.

Interment followed in the Dewey Cemetery in New Era.

Grandsons served as pallbearers.

Those who wish to make a donation in Mrs. Morace’s name may consider New Era Baptist Church cemetery fund.

Betty Carey Brown, 80, of Jena, passed from this life on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, at her residence.

She was born November 25, 1938.

Betty was loved by all who met her.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, at Crossroads Baptist Church near Nebo with Rev. Billy Prince officiating.

Interment followed at Pine Grove Cemetery of Rhinehart under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Sonya Brown Huff and husband Bob, Rance Brown and Lei Lani Brown-Test; grandchildren, Michael Patton and wife Jody, Rance Allen Wood, Brandon Brown, Brandi Sweeting and Cheyanne Holston; great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Barnette, Kimberly Patton, Jordyn Wood, Laylah Abernathy, Olivia Moody and Riley Lonero; siblings, Edith Bignar, Louise “Sissy” Buchanan and husband Jack, Erma Turner and husband LT, Floyd Caery and wife Peggy, Linda Scaife, Ricky Caery and wife Patricia, Ronnie Caery and Eddie Caery; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Michael Patton, Bob Huff, CB Bennett, Daniel Fogleman, Rance Allen and Brandon Brown.

Honorary pallbearers were her nephews.

Michael “Mike” Nelson, 74, a resident of Morgan City, was called home to be with the Lord at his residence on Tuesday February 12, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 2, 1944, in Columbia, La., the son of Gwendolyn Cruse Nelson and Copeland Ray Nelson.

Mike served in the United States Marine Corp from 1963-1967. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam with Battlefield promotions to Corporal, then Sergeant.

After Vietnam, he played minor league baseball for two years. He also was an avid pool player who learned from the great Willie Mosconi. He was a lifetime St. Louis Cardinals fan from the age of 8 years-old and did play-by-play with the late Harry Carey. He had a great passion for the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish.

He owned Nelson Enterprises for 46 years, which included bars such as The Naughty Knight, The Purple Peacock and the Rathskeller. It wasn’t uncommon to have all-time greats such as Lynard Skynrd, Fats Domino, Percy Sledge, Tommy McClain and David Allen Coe at his home. He also served on the Civil Service Board for three years.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 15, in the chapel of Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City.

He was laid to rest in the Morgan City Mausoleum with full military services conducted by the U.S. Marine Corp Funeral Squad.

He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 47 years, Susan Griffin Nelson of Morgan City; two children, Michael Ray Nelson and Cynthia Melissa Nelson, both of Morgan City; seven grandchildren, Karson Nelson, Kollin Nelson, Kameron Nelson, Kolton Nelson, Trent Williams, Liani Williams, and Sarah Williams; exchange student he mentored, Pablo Machado of Caracas, Venezuela; and also his companion service dog Jack.

He was preceded in death by his son, James David Nelson; step-daughter, Cheryl Deville; parents; grandfather, Charles Cruse; and grandmother, Georgia Elizabeth Gilliam Cruse.

Pallbearers were Kenny Duay, Anthony Thibodeaux, Chuck Cruse, Gordon Rice, Lenny Dartez, Leroy Breaux, James Morrison, Ben Chaisson, Earl King, Gary Guarisco, and Dr. Vernon Thibodeaux.

The Family requests that memorial donations be made to Central Catholic High School or the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, 7200 DeSaird St., Monroe, LA 71023, in his memory.

Donna Nell Poole, 68, of Summerville, passed from this life on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, in her residence surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness.

She was born October 26, 1950 at Jena to the union of her parents, Lawrence Edwin and Alda Donna Poole.

Donna was known by all for her addictive smile and bright personality. She had a kind word for all. She served several area churches through the ministry of music as pianist. She had a great love for her Savior and her church family.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb.17, at Summerville Baptist Church in the Summerville Community with the Revs. Mickey Hudnall and Jessie Henderson officiating.

Interment followed in the Spring Ridge Cemetery near Aimwell under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Wayne Poole; and a brother, Jerry Poole.

Those left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss are daughters. Kimberley Morace and husband Troy of Trout and Kristie Taylor and husband Tebo of Summerville; sons, Kevin Poole and wife Kristie of Sidney, NE, Kerry Poole and wife Misty of Clarks, Kyle Poole and wife Katie of Pollock, and Kirk Poole of Trout; two brothers, Carl Poole of Boyce and Dwight Poole of Jena; one sister, Sharon Taylor and husband Glen of Jena; 14 grandchildren, Jessica Barber, Candice Taylor, David Platt, Lauren McKee, Christopher Taylor, Chris Platt, Timothy McKee, Bryson Platt, Kameron McKee, Holden Syverson, Charlee Poole, Rylie Poole, Tamrynn Poole, and Heath Poole; and four great grandchildren, Madi Grace Jewell,Weslyn Platt, Cohen Barber,and Clayton Barber.

Pallbearers were Josh Smith, Joe Barber, Curtis Barber, Austin Jones, Danny Jones, and Mark Creed.

Honorary pallbearers were Christopher Taylor, Timothy McKee, Kameron McKee, Heath Poole, Holden Syverson, Chris Platt, Bryson Platt, and David Platt.