Maxine C. Farmer
Services for Maxine C. Farmer, 84, of Ruston will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2003 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Chris Craig officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Farmer died Saturday, June 28, 2003 at Lincoln General Hospital. Maxine was the owner and operator of Glamour Beauty Salon in Ruston for over 50 years. She was preceded in death by her first husband, William Rodgers, her second husband W. M. Farmer, parents Lige and Ola Chandler, brother Donald Chandler, brothers-in-law Robert Boyd and Charles Burns, and nephew Kenneth Chandler. Survivors include sisters Elaine Boyd of Ruston, June Grant and her husband Bryant of Ruston, and Blanche Burns of Shreveport; sister-in-law Marie Chandler of Shreveport; and stepson Walter Farmer and wife Pam of Alexandria. Maxine was the beloved aunt of ten nieces and five nephews and several great nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Ruston or the charity of the donor's choice. Family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2003 at the funeral home.

Michael Lee Roton
Services for Michael Lee Roton, age 15, of Ruston, will be conducted at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 29, 2003 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston, with Reverend Donnie Sanders officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Rest Cemetery in Dubach under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Michael died Wednesday, June 25, 2003 at Lincoln General Hospital following an accident. He was a student at Ruston High School. Michael is survived by his father Chris Roton and step-mother Lisa Roton of Simsboro; mother Renee Anderson of Monroe; one brother Christopher Roton, Jr.; two sisters Heather and Valerie Roton; one step-brother Heath Mullins; one step-sister Deanna Nunn, all of Simsboro; paternal grandfather Tommy Roton of New Jersey; paternal grandmother Deller Roton of Simsboro; maternal grandmother Jeanie Pourciau of Walker, La.; great-grandmother Edith Trevillion of Simsboro; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Leon W. Carter
Services for Leon W. Carter, 84, of Brookhaven, MS will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2003 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. David Maxwell and Dr. Bruce McGee. Interment will be in Sharon Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Carter died Wednesday, June 25, 2003 in Brookhaven, MS following a brief illness. Mr. Carter was retired from the U. S. Marine Corp and was a Veteran of WW II and the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie Lee Carter, and his parents, Jess and Ludie Carter. Survivors include one brother, Herman T. Carter and wife Betty of Brookhaven, MS; two sisters, Jenell Colvin of Dubach, LA and Winnie Colvin and husband Bobby of West Monroe, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Troy Carter, Boyd Colvin, Bill Colvin, Prentis Barmore, Randy McKinney and George Green. Family will receive friends on Friday, June 27, 2003 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Linnie H. Frazier
Services for Linnie H. Frazier, 93, of Choudrant, Louisiana were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2003 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home's Ruston Chapel with Rev. Brad Jones officiating. Interment was in Choudrant Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Frazier died Friday, June 20, 2003 in Choudrant following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Frazier was a lifelong resident of Choudrant and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Choudrant. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elsie E. Frazier, and her grandson, Jason Spillers. Survivors include her sons, Jackie E. Frazier and wife Willie of Choudrant and Billy Frazier and wife Vicky of Choudrant; daughter, Joann King and husband Max of Choudrant; sister, Reba Hammett of Ruston; six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Scott Frazier, Steve Frazier, Jr. Maddox, Kyle Pee, Tim Maddox, Pud Evans and Jordan Frazier. The family would like to give a special thanks to the caregivers, Sherry Frazier, Bertha Wright and Bonnie Moore.

Christine F. Aulds
Funeral services for Mrs. Christine F. Aulds, 85, of Spearsville, LA will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2003 at Camp Creek Baptist Church, Spearsville, with Bro. Forrest Post, Bro. Dan Hall, and Bro. Joe Aulds officiating. Music will be provided by Rev. J. W. Carraway. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home of Farmerville. Mrs. Aulds, a homemaker, died Wednesday, June 25, 2003. She was a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church, Spearsville. She is survived by her husband, Joe B. "Dick" Aulds of Spearsville; two sons, Joe C. Aulds and wife Donna of Ruston and Kerry L. Aulds and wife Barbara of Provencal, LA; one daughter, Barbara Aulds Nutt and husband Billy of Arcadia; one sister, Farris Foster of Spearsville; six grandchildren, Janet Maxwell and husband Gary of Ruston, Tonya Blanton and husband Barry of West Monroe, Stephen Nutt and wife Katie of Dallas, TX, Kimberly Lowe and husband Brad of Seymour, TN, Joe Christopher Aulds and wife Mary of Ruston, and Rachael Aulds of Ruston; seven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Pallbearers will be Stephen Nutt, Barry Blanton, Gary Maxwell, Brad Lowe, Joe Christopher Aulds, and Robert Foster. Honorary pallbearers will be Troy Risinger, Terry Foster, Charles Futch, Max Futch, Glen Futch and Quinton Tullos. Visitation will be Thursday at Camp Creek Baptist Church, Spearsville from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.

Iva Lucille Brown
Iva Lucille Brown, age 91, of The Woodlands, Texas died Thursday, June 19, 2003 at Regent Care Center. She was born April 22, 1912 in Bradley County, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Milton Pennington and Beulah Davis Pennington. She was a homemaker, a Presbyterian, and the widow of Noel Clifton Brown, who died November 6, 1974. Surviving is a daughter, Nelda Bender and spouse Al, Malaysia; one sister, Mary Frances Taylor, Center, Texas; one grandson, Sean Bender, Malaysia; and one great grandson, Matthew Bender, Malaysia. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Lummye Joy Brown. Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 23, at Hickory Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. until service time at Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren, Arkansas, www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

Jimmy E. Taunton
Services for Jimmy E. Taunton, 61, of Dubach, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2003 in the First Baptist Church of Dubach. Officiating will be Rev. Barry Joyner. Interment will be in Hamilton Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Taunton died Thursday, June 19, 2003 in Ruston, LA following a brief illness. Mr. Taunton was a native of Jonesville. He was a longtime resident of Dubach and a member of the First Baptist Church of Dubach. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Nancy H. Taunton of Dubach, LA; one son, Wayne Taunton and wife Vera of Ruston, LA; one daughter, Karen Cain and husband David of Denton, TX; grandchildren, Jared, Brittany and Alexis Taunton of Ruston, LA, Joshua and Danielle Cain of Denton, TX; two brothers and two sisters; and a number of nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends on Friday, June 20, 2003 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Willie Ray Robison
Willie Ray Robison, age 59, died Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at Ochsner Foundation Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Beverly Bowles Robison; son of the late Willie Isaac Robison and Aylean Neal Robison; father of William Ray Robison; brother of Patricia Holloway of Shreveport, Jack Robison of Shreveport, Sharon Aulds of Farmerville, Wayne Robison of Alexandria, Cleeve Robison of Calhoun, and Ralph Robison of Ruston. Mr. Robison served six years in the U. S. Army serving two terms in the Republic of Vietnam under hostile conditions. As a Staff Sergeant, he earned several citations and awards including Presidential awards, "The Air Medal Award", 2 Bronze Stars, First Oak Leaf Cluster, 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation Medal and the prestigious Purple Heart Award for his bravery and injuries. Mr. Robison was born in Vivian, LA, raised in Ruston, LA and Chatham, LA, and was a resident of Harvey, LA. He was employed by Chevron Oronite Chemical Refinery in Belle Chasse, LA. Relatives and friends of the family, also members of the Terrytown VFW Post #3121 in Gretna, LA, employees of Chevron Oronite Chemical Refinery and employees of the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court, are invited to attend funeral services on Friday, June 20, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Mothe Funeral Home, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA. Interment will follow services in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Gretna, LA. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 19, 2003 from 6:00 until 10:00 p.m, and on Friday morning, June 20, from 8:00 until 10:00 a.m.

Lois Holder Holleman
In the early morning hours of Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Bon Secours Maria Manor in St. Petersburg, FL, Lois Holder Holleman went home to be with her Heavenly Father. She was born in Dubach, LA on December 18, 1914. Mrs Holleman, a long-time resident of Simsboro, had spent the last four years in Tampa, FL. Visitation will be at the Southern Funeral Home in Jonesboro on Wednesday, June 18, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Celebration services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, June 19, at First Baptist Church in Simsboro with the Rev. Wilton Wall officiating. Interment will be in the Simsboro Cemetery. A graduate of Dubach High School, Mrs. Holleman attended Louisiana Tech. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Simsboro where she served in numerous capacities, but she especially loved her Sunday School Class that she taught for many years. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, she will be missed by her family and friends, who will long remember her loving and caring spirit and her wonderful sense of humor. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Cliff Holleman; her father, William Daniel Holder; her mother, Bernice Jones Holder; a brother, Donald Alice Holder Joiner; and a son, Stephen Frederick Holleman. She leaves to cherish her memory and to celebrate her homegoing three sons and two daughters, John William Holleman of Palm Springs, CA, Kaye Holleman Gassie of Dallas, TX, Robert Alexander Holleman and wife, Georgia of Travelers Rest, SC, Clifton Wayne Holleman and wife Pam of Midland, TX, and Deborah Lynn Weir and husband David of Tampa, FL; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers and two sisters, William Daniel Holder of Jonesboro, John Felix Holder of Shreveport, Pauline Holder Perry of Shreveport, and Jo Anne Holder Spigener of Minden, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints," PS 116:15.

Betty Jo Roberts
Services for Betty Jo Roberts, 69, of Farmerville, LA will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2003 at the First Baptist Church with Rev. Roger Johnson and Dr. James Parker officiating. Burial will be in Epps Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. in Epps, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Farmerville. Mrs. Roberts died Saturday, June 14, 2003 in the Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe, LA. Mrs. Betty was a member of First Baptist Church, Farmerville, and President of WMU, and president of Union Parish Teachers Assn. She was a retired teacher that taught at both Farmerville Elementary and Middle School. Mrs. Betty was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who was always ready to help anyone in need. She is preceded in death by her parents Earl and Dezzie Raley. Survivors include her husband of 47 years, H. P. "Sleepy" Roberts of Farmerville, LA; children, Phyllis Rambin and husband Mark of Choudrant, LA, Suzonne Taliaferro and husband Mike of Tyler, TX, Randy Blake Roberts of Dallas, TX, Joseph P. Roberts and wife Sheryl of Iowa, LA; grandchildren, Tara Rambin Murphy and husband Ricky, Brittany M. Rambin, Raley Taliaferro, Addison Taliaferro, Tyler Roberts, Gabe Roberts, and Sadie Roberts; brothers, Don Raley and wife Wanda of Epps, LA, Julius Raley and wife Nina of Crowville, LA, Vernon Calcote and wife Billie Sue of Hot Springs, AR, Charles Calcote and wife Mary of Farmerville, LA; sister, Nell Simpson of Delhi, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Eddie Albritton, Danny Boyd, Marty Rykard, Ricky Albritton, Steve Auger, Keith Taylor, Gary Cobb and Jimmy Pardue. Honorary pallbearers will be Seek and Serve Sunday School Class, and the WMU. Memorials may be made to the LA Baptist Children's Home, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Family will receive friends Monday, June 16, 2003 at First Baptist Church in Farmerville, LA from 5 pm. until 8 p.m.

Gladys Doyline "Sue" Bennett
Funeral services for Mrs. Gladys Doyline "Sue" Bennett, age 79, of Spearsville, LA were held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 14, 2003 at Antioch Church of Christ, Spearsville, with Bro. Virgil Scott, Bro. Ralph Gage and Tommy Bennett officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home of Farmerville. Mrs. Bennett, a homemaker, died Thursday, June 12, 2003. She was retired from the Union Parish School System, a member of Antioch Church of Christ, and the Spearsville Council on Aging, and an avid reader. She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, John Coy Bennett; parents, Elder R. W. Rhodes and Etta Burnside Rhodes; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Tom Bennett and Anna Bell Risinger Bennett; one brother, Joe Rhodes; and three sisters, Mabel, Blanche, and Agnes Rhodes. Survivors include four children, Cindy B. Nichols and husband Ted of Pearland, TX, John Van Bennett and wife Donnette W. of Spearsville, LA, Lydia Sue Farrar and husband Richard of Lillie, LA and Anna Camille B. Deason and husband Mark of Spearsville, LA; two brothers, Edward "Sonny" Rhodes of Little Rock, AR and Vergil Rhodes of Spearsville, LA; two sisters, Bobbie Bennett and Lynette Barron, both of Spearsville, LA; twelve grandchildren, Candace Nichols of Long Beach, CA, Caroline Nichols of New York City, NY; Velvet Roberts of Spearsville, LA, Brittany Ezell of El Dorado, AR, Avery Wilson of Nashville, TN, Cody, Dana and Blair Bennett of Spearsville, LA, Rebecca and Daniel Farrar of Lillie, LA, and Wayne and Andrea Deason of Spearsville, LA; and three great grandchildren, Dusty Roberts, Kaitlynn Ezell and Bhrett Farrar. Pallbearers were Wayne Deason, Cody Bennett, Daniel Farrar, Justin Post, Scott Barron, Joe Barron, Randy Bennett and Wayne Wade. Honorary pallbearers were Eddie Rhodes, David Bennett, Paul Bennett, Kent Bennett, Donnie Wade, Thomas Wade, Adam Holloway, Jerry Rockett, Buddy Rhodes, Mike Kerr and Gladden "Doc" Hearn.

Leslie G. "Ty" Aulds
Funeral services for Mr. Leslie G. "Ty" Aulds, 81, of Farmerville, will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, June 16, 2003, at Farrar Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Roger Johnson officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Farrar Funeral Home of Farmerville. Mr. Aulds, a retired power plant superintendent at Louisiana Tech, died Friday after a brief illness. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Farmerville and a U.S. Navy Veteran serving in WWII. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Lutie, Dillard Aulds and brother, Neville Aulds. Survivors include his wife, Sally Taylor Aulds of Farmerville; one daughter Anne Aulds Stuart and husband Rob of Bedford, Texas; two brothers, John Jord Aulds and Ed Aulds, both of Farmerville; one sister, Virginia Aulds Taylor of Farmerville; one grandson, Ryan Stuart of Bedford, Texas; two granddaughters, Allison and Ashley Stuart of Bedford, Texas. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Farrar Funeral Home of Farmerville.

Judge Leon Harrell Whitten
Services for Judge Leon Harrell Whitten, age 65, will be held Saturday, June 14, 2003, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, LA. Burial will follow the services at Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro. Judge Whitten was a resident of Jonesboro, LA. He attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and graduated from Louisiana State University Law School in 1962. He served as District Attorney of the Second Judicial District from 1972 to 1982 and as a District Judge from 1982 to 2000. He was an active member of First Baptist Church and the Jonesboro - Hodge Lions Club. He was preceded in death by his parents, H.L. Whitten and Ruth Phillips Whitten and his wife Jatis Robinson Whitten. He is survived by his adoptive mothers Louise Whitten Tyler and Lurline Vail Whitten. He is also survived by his beloved wife Sarah Robinson Whitten and five children: Laurie Whitten and husband Robbie James, Rob Whitten and wife Abby, Kate Whitten Julazadeh and husband David, Judd Harnage and wife Michele, Leslie Harnage Cuevas and husband Ramon. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Leon Harrell Whitten II, Hannah Whitten, Isabel Julazadeh, Tanner Harnage, and Wyatt Harnage. He is also survived by many other relatives. Pallbearers will be Jim Gimber, Emmett Hall, Jimmy Golden, Troy Smith, Ed Rich, Jerry Shankles, Jim Schmidt, and Johnny Templeton. Honorary pallbearers will be the Honorable Jennifer Clason, the Honorable Glen Fallin, the Honorable Jimmy Teat, the Honorable Robert Butler, the Honorable Paul Newell, the Deacon Board of First Baptist Church, and members of the McDonald's Coffee Club. Visitation will be held at the Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA on Friday, June 13, 2003 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Building Fund, 500 South Cooper Ave. Jonesboro, LA 71251, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of the donor's choice.

Michael G. DeFreese
Funeral services for Michael G. DeFreese will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2003 at First Baptist Church of Bastrop with Dr. L. H. McCoullough officiating. Interment will be in Concord Cemetery in Chatham, LA under the direction of Golden's Funeral Home of Bastrop. Michael passed away at 6:23 a.m. on June 10, 2003 at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, LA. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Bastrop. He is survived by his father, Reginald DeFreese, Sr.; his mother, Rita DeFreese; brother, Reginald DeFreese, Jr.; sister-in-law, Diane DeFreese; daughter, Celeste L. Allen and husband Scott Allen; grandson, Joseph Michael Allen; niece, Lauren Michelle Galland; very close companion, Carol Cariglino; and many close friends. Pallbearers are Dr. John Coats IV, Dr. Byron Dickerson, Tony Osbon, Russell Whiting, Bruce Gray, Jim Atkins, Sonny Cathy, and Dr. Freddie Revels. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Northcutt, John Allen Johnson, Aubrey Robinson and Roy Hewell. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. John Coats, the Oncology team at LSU Medical Center Shreveport, the caring medical staff at the VA Medical Center in Shreveport, and Community Services of Mer Rouge, Louisiana. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to cancer research. Visitation will be held Thursday evening, June 12, 2003 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Golden's Funeral Home in Bastrop.

Clara Ella (Drewery) Driggers
Services for Mrs. Clara Ella (Drewery) Driggers, 85, of Ruston, LA will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 12, 2003 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston with Bro. Dale Oden officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Mrs. Driggers died Monday, June 9, 2003 in Ruston. She was a retired beautician and a member of Temple Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a son, Bobby E. Driggers and a grandson, Michael Driggers. She is survived by her husband, Edwin C. Driggers; one son, Rodney L. Driggers and wife Mary Ellen of Ruston; two granddaughters, Eva Clair Bowles and husband Matthew of Atlanta, LA and Suzanne Hatcher and husband Chad of Conroe, TX; two grandsons, Todd Driggers of Austin, TX and Byrant Driggers of Houston, TX; three great grandchildren, Ashley Clair Bowles, McKinley Bowles and Riley Hatcher. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Cory Otwell
Services for Cory Otwell, age 16, of Ruston, LA will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at Cook Baptist Church in Ruston, with Bro. Tim Johnson and Bro. Steve Hughes officiating. Interment will follow in Mineral Springs Cemetery in the Mineral Springs Community under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Cory died Saturday, June 7, 2003 in an automobile accident. He is survived by his parents, Mike "Freck" and Karen Otwell of Ruston; four brothers, James Otwell and Noelle of Choudrant, Josh Otwell & Jessica of Dubach, Mark Otwell of Dubach and Jason McBee of Choudrant; one sister, Jamie Fredericks of Choudrant; paternal grandparents, Billy Mack and Anita Otwell of Dubach; maternal grandparent, Patsy Phillips of Choudrant; great grandparents, Jim Bell and Barbara of Farmerville and Helen Davis Hammons and Charlie of Choudrant; two nephews, two nieces, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and a host of friends. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up at Community Trust Bank.

Louise Benson Page Faulk
Services for Louise Benson Page Faulk, 93, of Ruston, LA will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, 2003 in the Trinity United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Dr. Fred Wideman assisted by Dr. Doug McGuire. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Faulk died Sunday, June 8, 2003 in Ruston, LA following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Faulk was a graduate from University of Missouri with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. She received an Honorary Doctorate from Louisiana Tech University. She leaves an indelible mark on this community through many years as an accomplished journalist and as a generous benefactor. Louisiana Tech University Journalism Department Head and former Ruston Daily Leader Editor Wiley Hilburn said one of the greatest women and the greatest people in Lincoln Parish history has been lost. "Not only was Mrs. Faulk a full partner of her husband Clarence Faulk in the publishing of The Ruston Daily Leader," Hilburn said, "she was also a one woman urban development team for Ruston. Her fingerprints are on half the architecture in this town. She had remarkable taste and an eye for design." Hilburn said on a personal basis, Louise Faulk was like a second mother to him. "I was just a lowly 16 year old reporter at The Ruston Daily Leader and she would have me over for dinner," Hilburn recalled. "She taught me which forks to use and she used a dinner bell. I had never seen anything like it." Hilburn said he credits Louise Faulk with saving his career on at least three occasions. "On three different occasions I was fired by Mr. Faulk, each time for a very good reason," Hilburn said. "Each time I called Mrs. Faulk and she talked him into hiring me back." Hilburn said both Faulks were graduates of the School of Journalism at the University of Missouri and were highly accomplished writers and publishers. "Mrs. Faulk wrote a column called The Grapevine," Hilburn said. "It was must reading for the whole town. It was a social column but it was also a political commentary. When I was away from Ruston at The Shreveport Times and The Monroe News Star she would keep up with me in her column." After he returned to Ruston to assume leadership of Louisiana Tech University's Journalism Department, Hilburn said he called on the Faulks for help in getting the department off the ground. "The three of us were sitting in their living room and I was making my case," Hilburn said. "Mrs. Faulk listened to what I had to say and then asked me if $60,000 would help at all. That was typical of the modesty and concern with which she did everything." Hilburn said he will always remember Louise Faulk as a striking and beautiful woman. "It was just not a party in Ruston unless Louise Faulk was there, or hosting it herself as was often the case," Hilburn said. "She was always beautiful to see and so gracious. "Of course, she was also a woman with power but she always used that sparingly and only to accomplish worthwhile goals." Louisiana Tech University President Dan Reneau said Louise Faulk will be sorely missed by all members of the university family. "Louisiana Tech University has lost one of its great decades long supporters and benefactors," Reneau said. "Louise Faulk was honored along with her husband as one of the first three people in university history to be awarded the Honorary Doctorate. They were recognized together because they were full partners." Former Louisiana Tech University President F. Jay Taylor said the loss for him was both personal and professional. "In addition to losing a dear personal friend, we have lost a wonderful benefactor for Louisiana Tech University, particularly the school of journalism," Taylor said. "All who knew her in any capacity will miss her greatly." Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth said her contributions to the city and the community would live as a permanent legacy but many would remember her most for her kind and genteel manner. "She was just such a special person to so many people," Hollingsworth said. "She had a kind and sensitive manner and a real sweetness about her. She and Clarence were so good to us as a family when we came here. They helped us in every way they could and we will always have a special place in our hearts for them. "This is a terrific loss for our community, too. She had a great empathy for people and she gave of herself in so many ways. I will always remember how she and Clarence worked side by side on everything virtually their whole lives. Our hearts go out to him and the entire family." Survivors include her husband, Clarence E. Faulk, Jr. of Ruston, LA; two sons, Clarence Eugene Faulk, III and wife Mary of Canandaigua, NY and Dr. Ward Page Faulk and wife Clara of Indianapolis, IN; one daughter, Amelia Josephine Rauser and husband Walter of Rockville, MD; one brother, Alfred Benson Page of Scottsdale, AZ; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at the funeral home.

Stacie Dianne Goff
Stacie Dianne Goff, born January 4, 1976 in Kaufman, Texas, passed away on June 7, 2003 in Dallas. Stacie is survived by her husband, James Nicholas Goff, II, and one son, James Nicholas Goff, III, both of Ruston, LA. She is also survived by mother and step-father, Karen and Ronnie Harper; father and step-mother, Don and Louise Boyd; paternal grandparents Celia Boyd, Betty and Deryl Barnes; maternal grandparent, Addie Stevens; one brother, Ryan Harper; one sister, Stefanie Parks; and mother and father-in-law, A. Kennon Goff, III and Stephanie Goff. Stacie is also survived by a number of other loving family members and a host of friends. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in the Roselawn Chapel in Seagoville, Texas. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6 until 9 p.m. Graveside services will be at held 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2003 in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston, LA.

Jessie Ernestine Rodrigues
Services for Jessie Ernestine Rodrigues, 83, of Ruston, LA will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in the Temple Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Joseph Geuin assisted by Rev. Jeff Stroud. Interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Rodrigues died Sunday, June 8, 2003 in West Monroe followimg a brief illness. She is preceded in death by her husband Purvis Hunt Rodrigues, Sr., mother Pauline Loftin, father George Hiram Berry, sister Bliss Robertson and brother Gaddis Berry. Survivors include three daughters, Suzanne Walpole of Jonesboro, LA, Miriam Robinson and husband Ward of Hineston, LA and Becky Sutherland and husband Dennis of Ruston, LA; son, Purvis Rodrigues and wife Mildred of West Monroe, LA; four step daughters, Gloria Gullatt and husband Billy of Ruston, LA, Delores Montcalm of Bastrop, LA, Martha Mencer and husband Jim of Sheridan, AR and Patricia Durbin of West Monroe, LA; one step son, Charles Ray Rodrigues; and numerous grandchildren, several great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Barry Robinson, Jason Robinson, Brandon Sutherland, Shannon Rodrigues, Ronnie Rodrigues and Jerry Rodrigues. Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Culpepper, Dennis Sutherland, Ward Robinson, Buddy Wells, James Garland Kennedy, Joe D. Dycus and Chuck Walpole. Family will receive friends on Monday, June 9, 2003 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Helen S. "Lena" Wessels
Helen S. "Lena" Wessels, 93, of Pine Bluff, AR died Tuesday, June 3, 2003 at White Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 6, 1910, her parents were the late Chris and Hilda Wilkins Sartorius. Mrs. Wessels was reared and received her early education in Stuttgart, Arkansas. She married Oscar G. Wessels there on January 17, 1926. She moved to Pine Bluff from Stuttgart in 1950 and has resided here since that time. She was a homemaker and member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mr. Wessels died December 26, 1991. Mrs. Wessels was preceded in death by her husband and a great grandson Spencer Ryan Wessels. Her survivors include four sons, Robert R. Wessels of Idabel, Oklahoma, Charles H. Wessels of Ruston, Louisiana, Lloyd A. Wessels of White Hall, Arkansas and William L. "Bill" Wessels of Fort Smith, Arkansas; one daughter, Ruby Wessels Poteet of Pine Bluff; fourteen grandchildren; thirty great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Friday, June 6, 2003 at 10:00 A.M., at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Dean Clausing officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son. Visitation was from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 5, 2003 at Ralph Robinson & Son. The family requests that memorials take the form of contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church, 4200 Old Warren Road, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603.

Willie Dave McCallister
Services for Willie Dave (W. D.) McCallister, 73, of Ruston, LA will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 7, 2003 in the New Prosperity Baptist Church in Clay, LA. Officiating will be the pastor, Rev. William Roberson. Interment will be in the New Prosperity Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Our Christian Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. McCallister died Monday, June 2, 2003 in Arcadia, LA after a lengthy illness. Mr. McCallister was a deacon at New Prosperity Baptist Church in Clay, LA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Dave McCallister, and one brother, James (J. V.) McCallister. Survivors include his wife, Martha of Ruston, LA; two daughters, Ernestine Lillie White of Ruston LA and Karla Atwater of Arlington, TX; two sons, Keith McCallister (Cheryl) of Bedford, TX and Andrew McCallister (Kaprena) of New Orleans, LA; six sisters, Lessie Howard and Laura Spivey (Walter) of Ruston, LA, Pearlie Rucker of Oakland, CA, Elizabeth Talton of San Francisco, CA and Mara Lee Brice and Betty Wilks (Elton) of Arcadia, LA; one brother, Joseph McCallister (Rachel) of Ruston LA; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Memorial service and visitation will be held from 7-8 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2003 at Our Christian Funeral Home in Ruston, LA.