Willie B. Butler, 91, of Tullos, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2019.

He was born February 7, 1928 in Gibsland, to the union of his parents, Henry Butler and Jewel Miles Butler.

Mr. Butler proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He was a retired auto mechanic, an avid gardener and an active member and deacon of Calvary Baptist Church, west of Tullos.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Sunday, August 4, at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Norris Curry and Pastor Lori Spangler officiating.

Interment followed in the church cemetery under direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 68 years, Georgia Couch Butler; daughters, Sherri Texeira (Frank) and Nancy Ricketts (Warren); grandchildren, Kris (Amy), Isaac (Melissa), Windi (Keith), Lori (Jason), Ashley (Mike) and Brittani; fourteen great-grandchildren; brother, Charlie Butler (Glenda); sisters, Margie Brent (Lucky) and Betty Spears; and a host of nieces and nephews and special neighbors, Monty and Marty Atkins.

Pallbearers were Kris Ricketts, Isaac Ricketts, Jason Spangler, Jay Cooper Spangler, Mike Ford and Joshua Ricketts, with Monty Atkins serving as an honorary pallbearer.  

Edwin “Cowboy” Neal Allen, 84, of Soldotna, Alaska, and a native of Jena, returned home to his Heavenly Father on Thursday, July 18, 2019.

He was born February 2, 1935, in Jena to the union of his parents, Dwight Moody Allen and Janet Almeda Dickens Allen.

Ed enjoyed playing basketball and loved hunting with his brothers. After graduating from Jena High School, Ed joined the United States Army and was stationed at Wildwood in Kenai, AK in 1957.

Ed met and married his first wife of 28 years, Barbara Jean Stock, on January 25, 1958. He performed a year of isolated duty on Shemya Island in 1961 and remained stationed in Alaska until 1962 when he was transferred to Warrenton, VA and then again to Ft. Dix, NJ in 1965.

In 1967, Ed was sent to Vietnam and served as a field advisor to the Montagnard People of the Central Highlands. He was wounded his first year in Vietnam when his jeep hit a landmine. He returned home to Ft. Richardson, Ak in 1968 but his love for the Mountain People of Vietnam called him back; he volunteered for another tour in 1969. After two years in Vietnam, Ed returned to be stationed at Ft. Polk, LA in order to be close to his family.

Ed’s love for Alaska sent him back in 1973 when he requested a transfer to Ft. Greely. In 1975, he retired from the U.S. Army with an honorable discharge as a Master Sgt. of Arms.

Ed and his family settled in Soldotna, AK, where he worked for the Alaska Pipeline and did home construction until accepting a position with the Alaska State Prison in Seward, AK as a correctional officer. Ed met and married Donna Poage in 1991.

Ed was a master craftsman and builder, an avid hunter of Ptarmigan, rabbits, and squirrels, and an expert fisherman. Alaska created the perfect setting for his passions and talents. He had a love and pride for his country unsurpassed by none; his dedication and loyalty to the U.S. Army continued well past his retirement.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Bill Allen, Dwight “Doodle” Allen, Butch Allen, and George Allen.

He is survived by his brother, Leon Allen; sister, Betty Massey; wife, Donna Poage Allen; children, Warren Allen, Melanie Smith, Peggy Salvador, Devona Covey, and Jared Allen; 24 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Cowboy.

Maple Marie Tyler Book, 75, of Tullos, passed from this life on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born August 21, 1943 in Urania to the union of her parents, Samuel Franklin Tyler, Sr. and Mary Gardner Tyler.

Maple attended Northeast Louisiana University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She taught school at Central High of Larto before marrying the love of her life, Freddie Dean Book in 1963. They moved to Tullos where she taught at Tullos Elementary and LaSalle Junior High.

After 33 years in public school classrooms she moved to the Rod Brady Technical College in Jena and taught there for 12 more years before retiring.

Maple also served two terms on the LaSalle Parish School Board, representing District 3. She chose not to seek re-election last fall because of her health, and her husband was elected to fill the District 3 seat on the school board.

She loved children and spent her life nurturing and challenging students to be the best they could be.

Maple attended Tullos First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was an active member. She was an avid reader and she loved the outdoors, camping and hunting. Her grandchildren were her joy and she loved them with all her heart.

Maple also served as “first lady” of Tullos during the tenure of her husband as mayor of the town.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 9, at First Baptist Church in Tullos with the Revs. Scott Smith and Brian Rankin officiating.

Interment followed in the New Union Cemetery, just north of Tullos, under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Inez Riggs and Ildia Lake; and her brother, Sam Tyler, Jr.

Survivors include her husband, Freddie Book; son, Bryan Tyler Book; daughter, Stephanie Book Clark and husband, Waymon; brother, Marvin “Boots” Tyler; grandchildren: Anna Clark, Seth Book, Clayton Clark and Andrew Powell; close family friends, Larry and Shanna Powell and Dawn Book.

Pallbearers were Larry Powell, Clay Clark, Seth Book, Steve Long, Napolean Book, Jr. and Dr. Brian Smith.

Honorary pallbearers were Anna Clark, M. W. Fife, Kenneth Emfinger, Buck Borland, Jim Loe and Jerry Harris.

James Slagle Mc-Guffee, 80, of Jena, went to meet his Savoir on Friday, August 9, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 27, 1938, in Aimwell, to the union of James and Ida King McGuffee.

Slagle was an avid fisherman and hunter, who would frequent his secret “honey holes” in search of white perch, he loved fish fries, singing bass and was blessed with a musically gifted family, whom he loved dearly.

He served in the Louisiana National Guard just out of high school and was part of the rotary club in Harrisonburg and a school board member of LaSalle Parish for nine years.

Slagle was a member of Temple Baptist Church, and was also a talented welder, where he built many fine BBQ pits. He worked and retired from the cementing industry, as a salesman, after 30 plus years.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, August 11, at Temple Baptist Church with the Revs. Jimmy Keene and Jonathan Cameron officiating.

Interment followed at Springridge Cemetery in the Aimwell Community under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Henry W. McGuffee; four cousins who were near and dear to his heart, “Big” Jim McGuffee, Alice Winegeart, Herbert Alice, and Glynn McGuffee.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Willma Sorrell McGuffee; daughter, Kay McGuffee; sons, Jay and Donna McGufee, Slagle Dwayne and April McGuffee, and David Joe and Penny McGuffee; sisters, Shirley Bartmess (John Ed), and Melba Bradford; grandchildren, Doug Windham (Amanda), Katie Stutson (Michael), Alyece Tullos (Daniel), Rebekah McGuffee, Courtney Cameron (Jonathan), Maggie Marcus (Christian), Brandy Brunson (Keith), Tandy Thompson, Megan Moffett (Mike), and Savannah Hendrix (Cole); as well as 17 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Richard Bradford, Layne McGuffee, Keith Andrews, Nathan Roark, Gary Wilbanks, Joe Philips, Jimmy Teague, and Brad McGuffee.

Honorary pallbearers are Wayne McGuffee, Warren Mills, Bart McGuffee, Brent McGuffee, John Ed Bartmess, G.H Sorrell, Glen Broussard, Ted Wright, Sidney Amyx, Morris Turner, Tom Hanson, and Harold White.

Ruby Faye Hailey, 77, of Nebo, passed from this life on Thursday, August 8, 2019, following a brief illness.

She was born October 8, 1941 in Jena.

Faye was a member of Nebo Baptist Church where she served as secretary and worked in the nursery for many years. She loved to mow her yard and fish.

Services were held at 1 p.m., Sunday, August 11, at Nebo Baptist Church in Nebo with the Revs. Mark Breland and Stephen Richardson officiating.

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

She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Butler; mother, Susie Crooks Seaton; brother, Andy Butler; and sisters, Louise Root, and Rachael Hawthorne.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her husband, M. S. “Red” Hailey of Nebo; daughter, Jennifer Hailey Little and husband John of Nebo; sister, Joyce Thompson of Jena; grandchildren, Jenny Lynn Paul and husband Cullen of Searcy, John Robert Little and wife Audrey of Nebo; and great grandchildren, Audrey, Bradley, Cailey and Dalton Paul, and Johnson and Evalee Little.

Pallbearers were J. L Paul, Rickey Huffman, Dolan Pendarvis, Greg Deason, Wayne Russell, L.D. Stinger, Hope Fallin, and Keith Eaves.

Honorary pallbearers were Doyle Stevenson, W. L. Huffman, J. W. Thomas, David Graham, Brent Farley, Jesse Davis, Larry Lambeth, and Will Huffman.

The family requests memorials be made to the Shriners Hospital in memory of Faye.

Noel Wayne Adams, 73, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Monday, August 12, 2019, at his home.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Larto Baptist Church of Larto with the Rev. Kenny Smith and Brother Juan Mc-Clure officiating.

Interment followed in the Pease Cemetery of Jonesville under direction of Magnolia Funeral Home of Alexandria.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis J. Adams and Essie White Adams; brothers, Otto Adams, W.L. Adams, Curtis R. Adams, and B.L. Adams; sister, Carolyn Adams Vercher; and daughter, Rena M. Adams.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Margaret “Cookie” Wiley Adams of Jonesville; one son, N. Ben Adams and wife Aarica of Larto; grandchildren, Steven C. Adams and wife Amber of Monterey, Austin W. Adams and wife Kalee of Jonesville and Caleb L. Adams and Abby of Jonesville; four great grandchildren, Zackary and Danei Adams of Monterey and Rena and Kassidy Adams of Cottonport; one sister, Belva C. Adams Arnold of Nebo; and a host of family and friends.

Pallbearers were Ben Adams, Steven C. Adams, Austin Adams, Caleb Adams, James Adams and Steven Davis.

Honorary pallbearers were Milton Adams, Scott Fields, C.J. Autin, Steven A. Wiley Jr., Colby Scarbrough and Jeff Wiley.

Denver Glen Finley, 72, of Olla, passed from this life on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria after a brief illness.

He was born October 15, 1946 in Olla to the union of his parents, Dixie Finley and Beatrice Meredith Finley.

Denver was a quiet man who took care of his family and worked hard all his life. He was always willing to help a neighbor or friend when needed. He enjoyed traveling, hunting and fishing.

Denver was a member of Olla First Baptist Church.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19, at Olla First Baptist Church with Rev. Greg Dunn officiating.

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

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 12 years, Sharon Garner Finley; his sons, Denny Durand Finley (Michelle) and Jeffrey Glen Finley, Sr.; step-children, Jonny Fryar (Tammy) and Susan Albritton; sisters, Wanda Parker (Jim) and Susan Shastid; his cousin who was like a brother, Buster Finley (Virginia); grandchildren, Hayden Finley, Landon Finley, Jeffery Finley, Jr., Jon Patrick Fryar, Ashtin Bradford (Austin), Brandon Fryar and Nicholas Fryar; great-grandchildren, River Grace Finley, Eden Rose Bradford and Emmy Lynn Bradford; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Hayden Finley, Jeff Finley, Mickey Steen, Don Moore, Jonny Fryar and Nicholas Fryar.

Honorary pallbearers were Landon Finley, Jon Patrick Fryar and Brandon Fryar.

Memorial donations may be made to the Youth Fund of the Olla First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 326, Olla, LA 71465.

Patsy L. Jones, age 79 of Winnfield, passed from this life on Saturday, August 17, 2019.

She was born Thursday, April 11, 1940 in Belah, to the union of Claude Allen Jones and Alice Laverne (Ganey) Jones.  

Ms.  Patsy was a fun spirit who frequented many social functions in her day, where she would grace other attendees with her presence and her frozen lemonade pies.

Services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, in the chapel of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home in Jena with the Revs. Bill Robertson and Steve Jones officiating.

Interment will follow in the Belah Cemetery in the Belah Community under direction of Kinner and Stevens, Inc. of Jena.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Nelda Butler; and two brothers-inlaw, Gerald Butler and Dee McCann.

Those left to cherish her memory include her niece, Angela Williams (Jon), of Trout; sisters, Claudette McCann of Belah, and Doris Coon (David Guy) of Jena; nephew, Slade Bradford (Casie) of Trout; nieces,  Missy McEntyre (Eric) of Jena, and Julie Spencer (Scott) of Belah; great nieces and nephews, Danielle McCann Shipley (Rance), Brand Bignar (Paige), Jennifer Spencer Whatley (Logan), Jodee Spencer, Kade Bradford, Braylen Bignar, Maci Pendas, and Caroline Pendas; great great nieces and nephews, Billy, Lauren, Peyton, Lacey, Colton, Zoey, and Hudson,

Pallbearers will be Rance Shipley, Billy Guillot, Slade Bradford, Brand Bignar, Joey McCann, and Jim McCann,

James Elliot Love, 82, of Jena, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2019, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Tuesday, March 2, 1937 in Olla, to the union of Clifton Benson and Mary Barker Love.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from May 1955 to December 1958, where he served as a communication center specialist and crypto operator. He was an educated man who held a Master’s in Philosophy. He was a Baptist Pastor who served his community.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15, at Crossroads Baptist Church with the Revs. Richard A. Bullock, Johnnie Phillips, and Brandon Poole officiating.

Interment followed in Tidwell Cemetery in Sharptown under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Alice Evelyn Love.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margaret G. Love, of Jena; children, James Everett Love, Jr., Mary Love Heard and Roy Heard, both of Jena, Debbie Bullock (Richard)  of Pineville, Donna Banks of Deville, Diane Wyatt of Houston, TX, Dana Finni (Scott) of Jacksonville, FL, Frank Banks (April) of Ruby; and Fred Banks of Pineville; two brothers, Clifford Benson Love, Jr. of Kansas, and Robert Love (Wanda) of Olla.

Pallbearers were Nick Jones, Chris Love, Rusty Love, Brian Laflour, Joseph Banks, and Benjamin Banks.

Honorary pallbearers were Robert Love, Benny Love, Jr., James Cody Love, Jr.,

Carol Suzette Masters, 70, of Jena, passed from this life on Saturday, August 17, 2019.

She was born February 21, 1949 to the union of her parents, Elbie Masters and Clarice Clinton Masters.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18, in the Woodland Cemetery, east of Jena, with Rev. Dennis Bignar officiating.

Interment followed under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

Those left to cherish in her memory include her brothers, Manual R. Masters of Perham, MN and Bobby G. Masters of West Monroe; sister, Gail Wilburn and husband Don of Deville; nephews, Brian Masters, Darren Bignar, Gary Masters, and Jamie Bignar; and niece, Deedra Zeaglar.

Honorary pallbearers were Jamie Bignar, Darren Bignar, Brian Masters, Gary Masters, Bobby Masters, Mason Zeaglar, Brayden Zeaglar, and Jim Bignar.

Robbie Masters, 63, of Jena, passed from this life over the weekend at his home on Lutrick Lane in the Pleasant Hill Community, east of Jena.

Funeral arrangements had not been made as of press time on Monday, but will be handled by Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

Timothy Wade McDowell, Sr., 58, of Jena, passed from this life on Friday, August 16, 2019.

He was born September 23, 1960 in Alexandria to his parents, Eugene McDowell and Beverly Plummer McDowell.

Timothy loved hunting, fishing, and being at the camp with his family.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 19, in the chapel of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena with Rev. Scotty McDowell officiating.

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

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Arnold and Verdie McDowell, and Melvin and Irma Plummer.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his daughters, Emily Humphries and husband Devin of Cheneyville and Hailey McDowell of Hessmer; sons, Timothy Wade McDowell, Jr. of Alexandria and Seth McDowell of Hessmer: sister, Sonja Faith Allen and husband Randy of Jena; non-blood sister, Mary Beth McCartney and husband Tim; brothers, Arnold Eugene Mc-Dowell and wife Kelly of Jonesville, Melvin Brian McDowell of Jonesville, and Alan Scott McDowell and wife Terry of Jena; non-blood bother, Ray Robison and wife Denise of Deville; grandchildren, Charlie Humphries, Kinslee Humphries, Breanna McDowell, and Olivia McDowell.

Pallbearers were Derrek McDowell, Darrell McDowell, Danny McDowell, Kevin Allen, Robert McDowell, and Ray Robison.

Honorary pallbearers were Dawson McDowell, Dylan McDowell, Bruce Cole, Randy McDonald, Seth McDowell, Ross Cockerham, Hadley Allen, Zack McDowell, Luke Allen, Cody Paul, Timothy McDowell Jr., Devin Humphries, and Randy Allen.

Polly LaCour Miley, 75, of Ferriday, and a native of LaSalle Parish, passed from this life on Sunday, August 11, 2019, in Alexandria.

She was born December 29, 1943 in LaSalle Parish.

Polly was a resident of Ferriday, a member of Ferriday First Baptist Church and a member of The Ladies Auxiliary Club at Panola Woods Country Club.

Polly earned her Bachelor and Master Degrees in Education at Northeast Louisiana University and was a school teacher in Concordia Parish School System until she retired.

Polly was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Family and friends were her most prized possessions. One was always welcome to come and sit and visit with her on her front porch. Polly was the “glow” in a room full of people and had a true zest for life. She had a strong faith in God and she loved her community.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 15, at First Baptist Church of Ferriday with Revs. Josh Morea, Roger Johnson and Wayne Gray officiating.

Interment followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Natchez, Mississippi, under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Ferriday.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Velma LaCour; sister, Peggy LaCour; three great aunts, Rose Holloway, Lottie Holloway and Eunice Holloway.

Survivors include her loving husband of 54 years, Wayne Miley of Ferriday; daughter and husband, Alison Miley Cupit and Mark Cupit of Vidalia; two grandsons, Cole Cupit of Frogmore, and Carson Cupit of Vidalia; her loving extended family and her “100” best friends.

Pallbearers were Cole Cupit, Carson Cupit, Wendel Miley, Randy Miley, Bodie Miley and Dick Whitaker.

Honorary pallbearers were Lowery Moak, Dallas Beatty and Butch Hosea.

The family request memorials be made to Aiden’s Light, P.O. Box 401 Monterey, LA 71354 or First Baptist Church of Ferriday at 302 E.E. Wallace Blvd, Ferriday, LA 71334.

Howard Decell Ward, 90, of Jena, passed from this life on Friday, August 9, 2019 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Pineville.

He was born on March 5, 1929, in Jena, to the union of his parents, Watson Ward and Elizabeth Courtney Ward.

Mr. Ward proudly

served his country in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean War.

Services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at New Evergreen Baptist Church of Jena with full military honors provided by the Jena Honor Guard.

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

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James Ward, Bobby Ward, and Eugene Ward; his sisters, Essie L. Polk, Myrtle “Mert” Beard, Marie Combs and Wilma Wright; his wife, Ella Bell “Red” Ward; oldest son, Donald Ray Ward; and oldest daughter, Catherine K. Ward Louis.

Those left in remembrance of him are daughters, Billie Jean Ward Miller (Clarence) of Hamburg, AR and Brigge Sue Ward Savoir (Gary) of Katy, TX; son, Ernest W. Ward of Livingston, TX; and adopted grandson, Bolagee O. Ward, Sr (Alistine) of Crossett, AR; daughter-in-law, Early Jean Ward; ten grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Graveside services for James Norris Creel and Remi LaKaye Creel were held at 10 a.m., Friday, August 23, at Heard Cemetery in Manifest with Rev. David Poole officiating

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

James Norris Creel and Remi LaKaye Creel of Harrisonburg were born Tuesday, August 20, 2019 in Alexandria at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital and went on to their heavenly home on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

Those left to cherish in their memory include their father and mother, Ken Westly Creel amd J. LaShay Coleman Creel of Harrisonburg; sisters, Kassie Marie and Kaylen Reign Creel of Harrisonburg; paternal grandparents, Kenny and Linda Creel of Aimwell; maternal grandparents, Curtis and Eula Coleman of Winnsboro, and Katie Ray of Monterey; maternal great grandparents, Duard Ray and Martha Paris of Monterey, and Nan-Lou Coleman of Jonesville; paternal aunt, Kylie Andrews and Robin of Aimwell; maternal aunt, Miranda Elliott and James of Jena; cousins, Seth, Audrey, Emile Grace, and Sawyer.

Ken Creel served as pallbearer.

James B. Evans, Jr. age 64, of Menasha, and a native of Jena, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wisconsin.

He was born on August 5, 1955 in Jena, to James B. “Jim” and Lydia Alice Gibson Evans.

Jim was a graduate of Jena High School and later attended Fox Valley Technical Institute in Appleton. On May 11, 1985 he married Susan Vajgrt in Spring, Texas. He was employed with Plunkett’s Pest Control for the last 14 years.

Jim’s family was very important to him. He was active in the Boy Scouts, and loved coaching youth sports, especially baseball and softball. He also liked hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at 11 a.m., at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Community, in Neenah, with Fr. Dennis Bergsbaken officiating.

Arrangements were under direction of Wichmann Funeral Homes, Laemmrich Chapel.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Susan; children, Jennifer and Aaron Teche of Stoughton, Brenda and Patrick Norton of Iron River, WI; Ronnie Evans of Menasha, Danny Evans of Bourbonnais, IL, and Christopher Evans of Champaign, IL; grandchildren, Justin, Anthony, Lucian, Marcus, Calvin and Bianca; one sister, Minnie Sue Farley; one nephew; Brett and two nieces, Daphne and Trina; and many other relatives and friends.

Robbie Dale Masters, 63, of Jena, passed from this life on Saturday, August 17, 2019, at his home.

He was born August 30, 1955 in Jena to the union of his parents, Cary Masters and Oleta Ainsworth Masters.

Robbie was a tool pusher for H&P Drilling Company. He loved to hunt, fish, ride motorcyles and four-wheelers, but most of all, he loved his grandchildren.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church near Jena with Rev. Ricky Gresham officiating.

Interment followed in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Jena under direction of Hixson Brothers Funeral Home of Jena.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Marlene Dunn.

Those left to cherish in his memory include his wife, Diane Lutrick Masters of Jena; daughters, Marsha Stapleton and husband Chad of Jena, and April Lacombe and husband Jeffery of Hessmer; brother, Ken Masters and wife Doris of Jena; grandchildren, Mallory Boyette of Jena, Alex Hudnall of Hessmer, Madalyn Boyette, Keely Stapleton, Kenzie Stapleton, and M’Lynn Boyette, all of Jena, Brooke Hudnall, Abigail Lacombe, and Jacob Lacombe, all of Hessmer, Scotty Stapleton, Avery Stapleton, and Madelyn Stapleton, all of Jena; and great grandchildren, Slade and Ava Boyette.

Pallbearers were Jeffery Lacombe, Chad Stapleton, Shawn Edmonds, Jason DeBusk, John Perrin, and Alex Hudnall.

Herman “Hamp” Johnson, 77, passed from this life on Friday, August 16, 2019, in Compton, California. Services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019, at Antioch Baptist Church with the Revs. Brian L. Moran and Paul Stubbs officiating.

Lloyd Lee Poole, 78, passed from this life on Wednesday, August 28, 2019, at St. Joseph Nursing Home.

He was born April 1, 1941 in Olla, to the union of his parents, Velva Smith Poole and Leroy Poole.

Lloyd enjoyed fishing, hunting, and traveling.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 29, in the chapel of Riser Funeral Home with Rev. Grant Bamburg officiating, with eulogy being delivered by Brother Ricky Jones.

Interment followed at Blake Cemetery (behind Pleasant Ridge Church) under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia and Olla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jimmie Lawrence Poole; and sister, Betty Jo Poole Cruse.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Elizabeth Poole; daughters, Charlotte Poole and Laura Poole; brother, Donnie Lane Poole; sisters, Marion Poole Johnson, Lavinia Poole Blake and Gloria Poole Marshall; grandchildren, Sarah Ranolls, Melissa Donnalley and Kimberly Donnelley; and great grandchildren, Alivia Ranolls and Wesley Donnalley.

Pallbearers were Danny Cruse, John Graham, Allen Coates, Martin Mullins, Joel Ranolls, Charles Lee Stephens and James Mcanally.

Honoray pallbearer was Jacob Coates.

Irma Rae Thompson, 87, of Jonesville, passed from this life on Monday, August 12, 2019.

She was born February 24, 1932 to the union of her parents, Allen Book and Loney White Book.

Sister Thompson, as most called her, was a very precious lady. Her walk with God was unique. She and Brother W. D. Thompson were married in 1949, and oh, what a life they had.

No, they didn’t have a lot of these earthly riches, but they had each other and they loved each other very much and they loved God. She taught her children to love God.

She was a very loving wife, and was a pastor’s wife to Bro. Thompson and followed him all over Texas and Louisiana. She taught Sunday School for many years, was a leader of worship, and was always the first to stand up and start praising God during the service.

In 1972, the couple established the Good Road Pentecostal Church. After becoming ill, brother-in-law, Rev. Bryan Taylor and Sister Myrna Loy Taylor came to carry on the work to see the church to continue on for 47 years.

Services were held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Sandy Lake United Pentecostal Church with the Revs. Joel Ford, Blayne Muse, Kenneth Patten, Bryan Taylor and David Poole officiating.

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

She was preceded in death by her husband and parents; two brothers, Arnold Book and Jerry Book, Sr.; one grandson, Roderick Tolbert; five sisters, Edith Book, Audrey Moreland, Rosalie Miller, Flora White and Lois White.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three daughters, Linda Tolbert and husband Tim, Shelia Tolbert and husband Bill, and Tina Muse and husband Donald, all of Jonesville; one son, W. D. Thompson, Jr. and wife Cindy of Jonesville; nine grandchildren, Stephanie Posey and husband David, Amber Pentecost and husband Sparky, Ashley Spence and husband Lynn, Tonya Hathcock and husband Gerry, Tosha Tolbert, Rayne Muse and wife Amber, Blayne Muse and wife Megan, Auston Thompson and wife Chastity, and Candy Williams and husband Landon; 20 great grandchildren, and one greatgreat grandchild; one sister, Myrna Loy Taylor and husband Rev. Bryan Taylor; and one brother, Ronnie Book and wife Shelia.

Pallbearers were Auston Thompson, Rayne Muse, Blayne Muse, Sparky Pentecost, David Posey, Tanner Hathcock, Gerry Hathcock and Adyen Thompson.

Honorary pallbearers were Trevor Pentecost, Timothy Spence, Caleb Spence, Luke Spence, Donovan Muse, Peyton Muse, Brett Muse, Levi Leavins, Gabe Thompson, Finn Thompson, Beaux Williams, and Taylor Hathcock.