M.L. Cook
Funeral services for Mr. M.L. Cook, 75, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Don Woodard officiating. Burial will follow at Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 9 p.m. today, Dec. 17, at the funeral home. Mr. Cook, a native of Ruston and a resident of Minden, passed away Monday, Dec. 15, in Minden. He was a letter carrier for the post office. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Cook. He is survived by two sons, Artis Cook and wife Becky of Minden, and David L. Cook of Doyline; seven grandchildren, Lamar Cook, Brandon Cook, Lee Cook, Peggy Morgan, Mandy Rowell, Clint Cook, and Trudie Morgan; and eight great-grandchildren.

Christian Hampton
Graveside services for infant Christian Terrell Hampton will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Point Pleasant Cemetery in Homer. Services are under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden.

Marjorie Wilburn
Funeral services for Mrs. Marjorie Chandler Wilburn, 75, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Jim Crain officiating and the Rev. Don McCormick assisting. Burial will follow at Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Dec. 17, at the funeral home. Mrs. Wilburn, a native of Dodson and a resident of Minden, passed away Monday, Dec. 15, in Minden. She was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where she was very active. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Alma Chandler; husband, John L. Wilburn; sister, Eloise Willard; and brother, Coy Chandler. She is survived by three sons, Mickey Wilburn and Monique of Princeton, Michael Wilburn and wife Devora of Shreveport, and Mark Wilburn of Shreveport and friend Krista Long, also of Shreveport; sisters, Melba C. Jones of Dodson, June C. McPherson of Lakeland, Fla., and Katherine Wilkerson of Orange, Texas; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

Lena G. Williams
Funeral services for Mrs. Lena G. Williams will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Mt. Pisgah CME Church in Homer. Burial will follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Homer under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden.

Sylvia W. Bradford
Funeral services for Mrs. Sylvia W. Bradford will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Mt. Comfort Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden.

Marianne Canerday
A memorial service for Mrs. Marianne Colvin Canerday were to be held at 10 a.m. today, Dec. 15, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Minden in the West Chapel with the Rev. Mike Benefield officiating. A private burial will be held at 1 p.m. at Minden Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Mrs. Canerday, a native of Shreveport and a resident of Minden, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, at University Community Hospital in Tampa, Fla., after a lengthy illness. She was born on Dec. 26, 1934, and moved to Minden in 1948. She was a graduate of Minden High School and a member of First Baptist Church in Shreveport. After a long career with the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, she retired to Muscle Shoals, Ala., and then to Tampa. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald F. Canerday; parents. Lindell Calhoun Colvin and Lenora Hartsfield Colvin Kirchoff; and sister, Nora Jane Colvin Stelly. She is survived by her two sons, Ken Canerday and wife Diana, Carl Canerday, all of Tampa; daughter, Keitha Wineman and husband Ken of Auburn, Ala.; brothers, Grover Colvin and wife Lena of Godley, Texas, Leonard Colvin and wife Peggy of Gainesville, Ga.; brother-in-law, Gerald Stelly of Shreveport; step-brother, Robert Kirchoff and wife Cheryl of Baton Rouge; eight loving grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Ara Holtzclaw
Funeral services for Mrs. Ara Vay Kilgore Holtzclaw, 88, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003, at Unity Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Yocum and the Rev. John Bennett officiating. Burial followed at Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Mortuary, Inc., in Cotton Valley. Mrs. Holtzclaw, a resident of Cotton Valley, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, in Springhill following a short illness. She was born Sept. 15, 1915, to Jesse Oliver and Bonnie Clemeatine Anderson Kilgore. She was a lifelong resident of this area, a homemaker, devoted ordained Assembly of God minister and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Schery Kay Holtzclaw Taylor in 2001. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, F.E. Holtzclaw; sons, Charles Edmond Holtzclaw and wife Jimmie, James Lowell "Tootum" Holtzclaw and wife Rebecca, all of Cotton Valley; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Pallbearers were Mike Holtzclaw, Chris Holtzclaw, John Holtzclaw, Tod Holtzclaw, Brandon Holtzclaw and Jason Taylor. Honorary pallbearers were Brock Holtzclaw, Brady Holtzclaw, Tony Holtzclaw and James "Munchie" Holtzclaw.

Naomi Rushing
Funeral services for Ms. Naomi "Nimp" Rushing, 76, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003, at the Fourteenth District Building with the Rev. B. F. Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary, Inc., in Minden. Visitation will be held today, Dec. 15, at the funeral home. Ms. Rushing was born April 14, 1928, in Castor, to Viola Davis Rushing and Lewis Rushing. She was the third of eleven children, and was fondly called "Nimp." She attended elementary school in Castor, and graduated from Webster High School in 1947. Later, she attended Grambling State University, pursuing courses in early childhood education. Confirming her faith in God, Naomi was baptized at New Prosperity Baptist Church in the Lucky Community near Castor. After moving to Minden, she united with Saint Rest Baptist Church. Always a hard worker, her employment record reflects a variety of jobs: private homes, Minden Floral Shop, Minden Style Shop, and the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant. From 1974 until her retirement in 2002, she was employed by the Caddo Parish School Board as a paraprofessional at Valenciaa Junior High School, Broadmoor Middle School, and Bethune Middle School. After her retirement, she continued her part-time custodial job at Kitchens, Benton, Kitchens, and Warren Law Corporation, and she also found time to do whatever she desired. She was a caring, sharing, and generous person and will be remembered for her smile, her warm, friendly personality, and her willingness to help others. Although she had no children of her own, she loved children and helped educate her nieces, nephews, and godchildren, who lovingly referred to her as "Aunt T", "Aunt Nimp" or "Mama Nimp." Without hesitating, she would give of her time sitting with the elderly and the sick, running errands, and assisting others in any way that should could, right up to her death. Having lived a happy, rewarding life, Naomi departed this earth on Dec. 9, in Minden. Survivors who will always cherish fond memories of Naomi are two sisters, Beatrice Brackens of San Diego, Calif.; Maria Molless of Los Angeles, Calif.; three nieces, Jacqueline Porter and husband Herman of Pearland, Texas; Janice Barnes of Houston, Texas, and Linda Gail Smith and husband James of Palmetto. In addition, joyful memories of her love, vitality, and spunk will be remembered by friends and everyone who knew her, especially her extended family, the Key, Cobb, and Lewis families: Mrs. Bennie Key, her mother-like figure whom she loved dearly of Minden; Lorene Key Cobb and husband Richard, her best friend, who was just like a sister of Minden; and her godchildren, Gloria Cobb Flournoy and husband Bobby of Dubberly, Richard Cobb, Jr. and wife Latrell of Houston, Texas, and Charlotte Kay Cobb Kirk and husband Bruce of Harvey. Also, she is survived by her adopted nieces and nephews, Fulton Lewis, Cassandra Bailey, Dreon Lewis and wife Brandi, Kimberly Lewis, Deshannon Law, all of Minden, Wayne Lewis and wife Linda of Topeka, Kan., and Felma Lewis and Tasha Lewis of Waco, Texas.

Melvin Williams
Funeral services for Mr. Melvin O. "Doodle" Williams, 76, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Jerry McFarland officiating. Burial followed at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden. Mr. Williams, a native of Junction City, Ark., and a resident of Sibley for the past nine years, passed away Thursday, Dec. 11, in Shreveport. He was a self-employed carpenter. He was a Baptist and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Anita L. Williams of Sibley; one son, Donald R. Williams and wife Michelle of Minden; two daughters, Cynthia D. Rowell of Hopkinsville, Ky., Angela M. Price and husband Richard of Greers Ferry, Ark.; four grandchildren, Catherine R. Wyatt and husband Randy of Baton Rouge, Michael J. DeLano of Minden, Clayton W. Miller of Minden, and Justin C. Miller of Ruston.

Berneice Giddens
Funeral services for Mrs. Berneice "Mama B" Giddens, 89, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Springhill Baptist Church in Ringgold. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Dec. 12, at the funeral home. Mrs. Giddens, a native of Butler County, Mo., and a resident of Ringgold, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 10, in Ringgold. She was a former resident of Minden and Kerrville, Texas. She was a homemaker, and although she never had children of her own, she cared for many children and foster children. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Leon "Gid" Giddens of Ringgold; sister, Alene Pierce of Bartlesville, Okla.; sister-in-law, Mary Giddens of Ringgold; and many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be her nephews.

John Harris
Funeral services for Mr. John D. Harris will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Northwest 14th District Building in Minden. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. today, Dec. 12, at the funeral home. Mr. Harris, a native of Minden, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, at 9:30 p.m. He was born on Oct. 8, 1928, to the late Johnny Mack and Eula Bell Harris of Minden. He was the first and only son of four children. He was married to the late Ruby Lee Harris. To this union, six children were born. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; one child, Marilyn Sue; and one grandchild, Chelsie Harris. He is survived by five children, Joyce Marie, Johnnie Lee and wife Rosie Denise of Minden, Michael and wife L'Tanya of Memphis, Tenn., Kenneth Wayne, Bernice and Paul McDonald of Minden; three sisters, Ollie L. Phipps of Minden, Inator (Wattree) Gilbert, and Mary L. Stephens of Dayton, Ohio; 13 grandchildren, Vernell and Edith Harris, LaShunda Gill, Kelly Harris and wife Sarah, Nichole Lee and husband Timothy, Melody, La'Celia, LaBrandon, Khmika, Michael II, Phillip, and Kiceria Harris; 15 great-grandchildren, D'Antonio, DanTavion, Chelsea, Matthew, Kellion Harris, April and Aaron Wright, Chasity Moore, KaDarrion Mason, Nicollette Walker, Tyrese Smith, Diamond Coleman, Destine'e and Reagan Lee; a large number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Velma Hawk
Funeral services for Mrs. Velma Lee Hawk will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Gibsland. Family hour will be held from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. today, Dec. 12, at the funeral home.

Kathryn Roberts
Graveside services for Mrs. Kathryn E. Nelson Monroe Roberts are pending, but will be held at Forest Park Cemetery on St. Vincent Avenue in Shreveport with Bishop Clayton Grigg officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Shreveport. Mrs. Roberts, a native of Gibsland and a resident of Minden, passed away this morning, Dec. 12, in Minden. She was born Nov. 30, 1908 to the late Minnie May Finley and Lannie M. Nelson. She was a devoted mother and loved by her family. She graduated from Teneha High School in 1925 and was the class poet. She attended Baylor College for Women in Marshall, Texas. She married Gurvais Rhame Monroe on Aug. 11, 1936. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two grandchildren, Douglas Lee Neely and Betty Jane Grigg; and six of her seven siblings. She is survived by five daughters, LouAnne Grigg and husband Clayton of Waskom, Texas, Jane Pittman and husband Glen of Minden, Martha Burnly and husband Eugene of Shreveport, Madeline Brown and husband Wayne of Provo, Utah, Ruby "Feedie" Gorman and husband Bob of Minden; 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; one brother, Alexis A. Nelson of Nacogdoches, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Spencer Wren
A memorial service for Mr. Spencer Wren, 82, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, 2003, at Village at Skyline in Colorado Springs. Burial of his remains will be held next spring. Mr. Wren, a native of Minden, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, at Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs. He was born Feb. 27, 1922. He served in World War II as a B-29 gunner and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was a Methodist pastor in Louisiana before moving to Denver, Colo., in 1968, to work for the Colorado Council of Churches, where he became executive director. He was a Methodist pastor in Steamboat Springs from 1980 until his retirement in 1992. He is survived by three children, Spencer, Jr. of Manitou Springs; Michael of Denver and Barbara Joslin of Portland, Ore. He was proud grandfather to Hans Bork; Emma Joslin; Marshall Joslin; Katy Joslin; Graham Wren and Briar Wren. Memorial contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice Foundation, 825 East Pikes Peak Ave., Suite 600, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

John Harris
Funeral services for Mr. John D. Harris will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Northwest 14th District Building in Minden. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home. Family hour will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at the funeral home.

Elnora Thompson
Funeral services for Mrs. Elnora Thompson, 96, were to be held at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 11, 2003, at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church with Minister Stanley Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Fellowship Cemetery in Dubberly under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Thompson, a resident of Dubberly, passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, in Dubberly. She is survived by her son, Joe Daniels of Irvin, Texas, Claudell Daniels; daughters, Eva Mae Lindsey, Olevia Odom, Earmie Lee Holmes, Lavern Shepherd, Olivia Teberbough and Fannie Mae Turner, all of Dubberly; one grandson, whom she raised, Tommy Zilliner of Heflin; 21 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and 32 great-great-grandchildren.

Ester Lee Bryant
Funeral services for Mrs. Ester Lee Bryant, 90, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at King Solomon Baptist Church with president elder, the Rev. Floyd M. English, officiating. Burial will follow at Union CME Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary, Inc., in Minden. Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 12, with family hour from 6 until 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Mrs. Bryant, a resident of Minden, passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, in Sibley. She was born Dec. 12, 1912 in Mobile, Ala., to Joseph and Lilly Davis Harper. She is survived by her four sons, Moses Bryant Jr. of Shreveport, Edward J. Bryant of Charleston, S.C., Willie Bryant, and Michael Bryant, both of Sibley; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Norma Morgan
Funeral services for Norma Marie Lee Morgan, 69, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Dec. 10, 2003, at Mt. Paran Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Garner officiating. Burial will follow at White Hall Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Mortuary in Springhill. Ms. Morgan, a native of Leton and a resident of Shongaloo, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, at her residence. She was born Aug. 16, 1934 to Dayton Fletcher and Mary Iller Miller Lee. She was a lifelong resident of Shongaloo, member of Mt. Paran Baptist Church and a caregiver to many people through the years. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by two daughters, Bonnie Morgan Hunter and husband Sammy of Haughton, Nancy Morgan Simmons and husband George of Springhill; one son, Donnie Morgan and wife Anna Jo of Shongaloo; grandchildren, Timothy Hunter and wife Karen, Duane Dickey and wife Chanelle, Robbie Dickey and wife Tonya, Scott Dickey and wife Zaundra, Patrick Dickey, Monica Dickey Havins and husband Nile, Albert Morgan and wife Rachel, Joe Morgan; great-grandchildren, Aaron and Ashley Hunter, Ashley Haynes, Taylor Dickey, Josie Dickey, Gabbie Dickey, Olan Dickey, Alayna Dickey, Elizabeth Morgan; sister, Gladys Baker of Rogers, Ark.; brother, Jesse Lee and wife Nell of Shongaloo; former husband and friend, Clinton "Cowboy" Morgan; mother-in-law, Rue Morgan of Shongaloo; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Gary Sexton, Robbie Dickey, Hershel Talley, Ronnie Leonard, Wayne Thrash and L.H. Wise Jr.

David Butler
Funeral services for Mr. David Gerald Butler, 37, will be held at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 10, 2003, at Antioch Baptist Church in Dixie Inn with the Rev. Danny Warbington officiating and the Rev. Tom Carlton, pastor of First Baptist Church in Doyline, assisting. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mr. Butler, a native of Minden and a resident of Heflin, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, in Shreveport. He was a factory worker at Inland Container. He was preceded in death by his father, Hershel Butler; and sister, Lita Rochelle Butler. He is survived by his wife, Crystal Butler of Heflin; mother, Nell Butler of Minden; two sons, David and Chris Butler of Marksville; two daughters, Olivia and Megan Butler, both of Heflin; two sisters, Donna Haynie of Waldo, Ark., and Katrina Pellissier of New Orleans; three brothers, Paul Stanfield of Minden, Tom Butler of New Orleans and Ricky Butler of Abilene, Texas; special friends, Granny Gail, Papa Buddy and Nik Nik, all of Heflin. Pallbearers will be Paul Stanfield, Ricky Butler, Tom Butler, Kary Bryce, Todd Nation and Lynn Lambert.

Tishie Hudson
Funeral services for Mrs. Tishie W. Hudson, 87, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at Growing Valley Baptist Church, where the Rev. George Rice is pastor. Burial will follow at Growing Valley Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary, Inc., in Minden. Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 12, at the funeral home. Mrs. Hudson, a native of Minden, passed away Friday, Dec. 5, in Minden. She was born June 9, 1916, to Clim and Tishie Owen Warren. She is survived by her five sons, Clim Hudson of Los Angeles, Calif., Lee Drew Hudson of Morrow, Ga., Edward Monroe Hudson of Grambling, Bernard Hudson and Dave Hudson, both of Minden; three daughters, Lillie Hudson of Los Angeles, Carrie Walker and Peggy Hudson, both of Minden; one sister, Ruth Ann Carey of Minden; 28 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Dorothy Williamson
Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy "Dottie" Williamson, 76, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tom Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. today, Dec. 10, at the funeral home. Mrs. Williamson, a native of Peoria, Ill., and a resident of Minden, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, in Minden. She was a homemaker and a loving wife and mother. She was preceded in death by her sister, Peggy Davis. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Wayne Williamson of Minden; one son, Kenny Williamson of Minden; one daughter, Carol Ann Davis and husband Jimmy of El Dorado, Ark.; sister, Frances Hurst of Bastrop; five grandchildren, Chris Davis, Steve Williamson, Angela Margis, Barbara Cheatham and Ben Davis; six great-grandchildren, Brigham Cheatham, Rebecca Cheatham, Hannah Margis, Cameron Margis, Peyton Davis, and Preston Davis; and very special friend, Elizabeth Lowe. Pallbearers will be Steve Williamson, Chris Davis, Mark Margis, Tommy Cheatham, David Hurst, Allen Moore, Alan Lee, Fred Evans and Ben Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Judge Cecil Lowe, Russell Adams, Don Downs, Prentice Johnson, J.C. Johnson and the Gold Star Sunday School Class. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Sheri Woodall
Graveside services for Miss Sheri Michele Woodall will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery with Jeffery Darren Lee, brother-in-law, and the Rev. Jim Reid, pastor of First Assembly of God in Minden, officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Dec. 9, at the funeral home. Miss Woodall, a native of Bossier City, passed away Monday, Dec. 8. She was born May 2, 1979. She was a 1998 graduate of Elysian Fields High School and a resident of Minden for the past five years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Minden. She enjoyed her family and friends, special times at the lake, and she had a unique sense of humor. She loved country music and lunch dates with Billy, her "stepdad." She is survived by her mother, Casandra Person Woodall of Minden and very special companion, Billy Desoto of Minden; father, Bruce Wayne Woodall and wife Carolyn Sue of Point, Texas; two sisters, Shani Lee and husband Darren of Minden, Sheli Coyle and husband Douglas of Mesquite, Texas; two special nieces, Shelbi Kathryn and Payton Brooke Lee; two special twin nephews, Luke Anderson and Logan Reese Coyle; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Person of Jamestown; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Woodall of Choudrant; and special "Granny," Laverlan Desoto; aunts and uncles, Dana and Barry James of Minden, Rick Person of Sibley, Randy and Judy Person of Haughton, and Debbie and Billy Crowder of Choudrant; special cousins, Kyler and Cody James, Casey and Mitch Person, Wayne and Greg Crowder and Craig Person. Pallbearers will be Mitch Person, Wayne Crowder, Don Myers and Roger White. Honorary pallbearers will be SPC Gregory Crowder, currently serving his country overseas.

Herman Bonsall
Funeral services for Mr. Herman E. Bonsall, 70, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. George Tharpe officiating and Bro. Robe assisting. Burial will follow at noon at Bailey Family Cemetery near Dodge City. Visitation will be held from 5 until 9 p.m. today, Dec. 8, at the funeral home. Mr. Bonsall, a native of Saline and a resident of Sibley, passed away Friday, Dec. 5, in Dallas, Texas. He was employed at La. Power and Light Co. for 42 years. He was also fire chief in Sibley for many years. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Kim Day; and great-granddaughter, Shelby Rhame. He is survived by his wife, Jennie Bailey Bonsall of Sibley; son, Jim Bonsall and wife Cathy of Minden; daughter, Sandy Brewer and husband John of Dubberly; brother, James "Jim" Thomas Bonsall and wife Kathlyn of Bastrop; grandchildren, John, Joshua, Kimberly, Penny, Toby and Wendy; and great-grandchildren, Emily, Ashley, Thomas, Bradon and Summer. Pallbearers will be Tommy Russell, Sparky LaBorde, Ronnie Moncrief, Ley Cathey and Robert Smart. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Heard, Leroy Patterson, Leon Snyder, Roger Smith, Sherwood Akin and Ray Weaver. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Ree Johnson
Graveside services for Mrs. Ree Dodson Johnson, 90, were held at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Macedonia, Ark., with the Rev. Tommy Holzclaw officiating. Services were under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Johnson, a native of Magnolia, Ark., and a resident of Minden, passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, in Minden. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sheldon Johnson; two sons, Billie Wayne Johnson, and Serel Joe Johnson; and grandchild, Jo Ann Johnson. She is survived by her sons, Randall L. Johnson and wife Jean of Bossier City, and Gary A. Johnson and wife Hope of Miami, Fla.; daughter-in-law, Shirley Johnson of DeQuincy; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Cora Batton
Funeral services for Mrs. Cora Batton will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Newton Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 1 p.m. today, Dec. 5, and family hour will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Deloris M. James
Funeral services for Mrs. Deloris M. James, 67 will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at the Kennon's Mortuary with the Rev. Durwin Adams officiating. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery in Minden. Visitation will be held Friday, Dec. 5, at the funeral home, with Family Hour from 6 until 7 p.m. Mrs. James, a resident of Minden, was born August 2, 1936, in Baton Rouge, to Earnest and Alberta Brooks Matthews. She passed away on Nov. 30 in Minden. She leaves to cherish her memories one son, Darren Harold Stewart and wife Patricia of Cleveland, Ohio; three daughters, Patricia Ann Alexander and husband Michael of Cleveland, Ohio, Monta Stewart of Minden, and Catherine Stewart of Cleveland; eight grandchildren, Myessha Talley and husband Walter, Jr., Tasha Stewart, Rasshan Stewart, Devon Stewart, Montraill Stewart, Ajeena Stewart, La Shawn Stewart and Ajee Jackson Stewart; two great grandchildren, LaDeveontae Wardlaw and Kameron Talley; two brothers, Joe Taylor of Sacremento, Calif., and Ernest Taylor of San Francisco, Calif.; four sisters, Dorothy Hewitt of Oakland, Calif., Leonna Faye of San Francisco, Joyce McBryant of Freemont, Calif., and Sylvia Washington of San Leandro, Calif.; and a host of other relative and friends.

Vera Lee Ware
Funeral services for Mrs. Vera Lee Ware, 86, were to be held at 11 a.m. today, Dec. 5, at Wares Chapel Church with the Rev. Elizabeth Cockrell officiating. Burial was to follow at Wares Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Mortuary, Inc., in Haynesville. Mrs. Ware, a native of Emerson, Ark., and a resident of Haynesville, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Health South-Rehab Center. She was born Feb. 19, 1917, to the late Tommie Lee and Laura Jones Cockrell. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.B. Ware; sons, Jerry Lynn Ware and Wayne Lee Ware; and her parents. She is survived by her son, Jimmy Ware of Minden; and grandson, Benjamin Lee Ware of Minden.

Chris Stratton
Funeral services for Mrs. Chris Stratton, 74, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. Wayne DuBose officiating and the Rev. Bill Ichter assisting. Visitation will be held from 5 until 9 p.m. today, Dec. 4, at the funeral home. Mrs. Stratton, a native of England, Ark., and a resident of Minden, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 2, in Minden. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her son, Dick Stratton; and her granddaughter, Stacey Stratton. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Floyd Stratton of Minden; sons, Terry Stratton and wife Kay, and Tommy Stratton and wife Cheddy; daughter, Joan Michael and husband Ellis, all of Minden; daughter-in-law, Susan Stratton of Atwater, Calif.; brother, Jessie Dowdy of Star City, Ark.; sister, Helen Holloway of Star City; grandchildren, Chris Gibson, Debra Stratton, Josh Stratton and Amanda Cohen; great-grandchildren, Nick Stratton and Corinne Cohen. Pallbearers will be the Friendship Sunday school class of First Baptist Church.

Ella Mae Franklin
Funeral services for Mrs. Ella Mae Franklin, 98, will be held at noon Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Homer under the direction of Our Christian Funeral Home in Ruston. Visitation will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, at the funeral home. Mrs. Franklin passed away Sunday, Nov. 30, at Minden Medical Center. Ms. Ella Mae, as she was often called, was born to the union of the late Auld and Catherine Crew Sr. on May 18, 1908. She was married to the late deacon Tom B. Franklin Sr. on Sept. 7, 1930. She was a devoted and faithful member of Union Baptist Church until her health failed. She served as church mother, Sunday school teacher, church missionary, deaconess, secretary, and Baptist Training Union (BTU) teacher. She was also a devoted mother of 10 and a mother figure to many more. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years; three children, Willie Clyde Franklin Sr., Ruby Lee Dies and Ruby Franklin; and her parents. She is survived by her four sons, the Rev. Tom Franklin Jr., Moses Franklin, both of Ft. Worth, Texas, Hughett Robert Franklin and wife Louise, and Deacon Eddie Auld Franklin Sr., both of Dayton, Ohio; three daughters, Catherine Bolton of Hico, Angie Jefferson of Minden, and Mary Jackson and husband Robert Lee of Ruston; one goddaughter, Francis Hill of Gibsland; three brothers, Willie and Zack Crew of Homer, and Auld Crew Jr. of Dayton; 29 grandchildren; 73 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, neighbors and friends.

Elaine Johnson
Funeral services for Ms. Elaine Johnson will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at Mt. Zion CME Church in Minden. Services are under the direction of Heavenly Gates Funeral Home in Shreveport. Family hour will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the church. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., at the funeral home, located at 1339 Jewell Street in Shreveport, across from Pete Harris Café. Ms. Johnson passed away Saturday, Nov. 29, at Harmony House Nursing facility in Shreveport, after a lengthy illness. She is survived by her three loving sons, Daiquiri L. Powell Sr., Ean Johnson, and Antron Johnson, all of Minden; two brothers, Reni Powell Sr. of Shreveport and Robert Powell of Perris, Calif.; one uncle, Theodore Powell of Garland, Texas; four grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Harry E. McInnis
Memorial services for Mr. Harry E. McInnis will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Minden. Officiating will be the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor and the Rev. James Poole. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Visitation with family members will be at a reception immediately following the service in the Wesley Room at First United Methodist Church. A lifelong resident of Minden, Mr. McInnis died on Sunday, November 30, at his home. The son of Helen Norman and John Lawson McInnis, Mr. McInnis was born on June 13, 1913, at Bussey, Ark. As a youth, he was active in his church, school, and Scouting. As a member of Troop 35 in Minden, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1929. He graduated as salutatorian from Minden High School in 1930, having served as president of his senior class. After working for one year as the sports editor of the local newspaper, he attended Louisiana State University from 1931 to 1935, attaining a bachelor of science in business administration. While at LSU, he was a member of the LSU Marching Band and Theta Xi Fraternity. After graduating from LSU, he worked for the Louisiana Department of Revenue until his enlistment in the United States Navy in 1942. During World War II, he served as an Ensign aboard the aircraft carrier USS Fanshaw Bay in the Pacific Theater of war from 1942 to 1945. After the war, he returned to Minden to the family insurance business, McInnis Insurance Agency, which he served as president from 1946 to 1990. He was a member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Louisiana and the secretary-treasurer of the Minden Insurance Exchange. In 1947, Harry and his brother, John L. McInnis, co-founded McInnis Brothers Construction, a commercial and industrial construction firm, which he served until his retirement. He was a past president of Associated General Contractors, Shreveport Chapter. Mr. McInnis was a member of First United Methodist Church in Minden since 1925. He was a longtime member of the Banks Sunday school class and past chairman of the Church Finance Committee. He also served on three church building committees. He served his community as a member of the Webster Parish Selective Service Board from 1967 to 1972. He was a director of Minden Bank & Trust Company from 1957 to 1983, serving his last two years as chairman of the board. He was selected as Minden's Man of the Year in 1976. Mr. McInnis was the recipient of Norwela Council's Distinguished Citizen Award in 1996 and was also recognized as a James E. West Fellow by Boy Scouts of America. Mr. McInnis was a longtime member of the Minden Lions Club, American Legion, and Shreveport Club. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Claire Burks McInnis. He is survived also by two sons: Harry E. McInnis, Jr., and M. Philip McInnis and his wife Kathy. Surviving grandchildren are Marshall Phillips McInnis and wife Amy; Katherine McInnis Webb and husband Craig; Kyle Christopher McInnis and wife Molly; Margaret Elizabeth McInnis; and Mark Philip McInnis, Jr. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Mary Grayson McInnis, Claire Bickham McInnis, and Chandler Elizabeth Webb. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church of Minden.

Edward Chandler
Memorial services for Mr. Edward Vance Chandler, 46, will be held at Hurricane Cemetery in Claiborne Parish, where his parents and other family members are buried. Mr. Chandler, a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, 2003, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 30, 1957, to Revis and Clara Chandler of Minden. He was born in Shreveport, moved to Minden in 1957, and graduated from Glenbrook High School in 1976. He also served four years in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. He spent most of his adult life as a self-employed contractor and the last several years, while fighting cancer, working with and helping those afflicted with cancer and those less fortunate. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by one child, Quentin Ross, 14, of Haughton; five brothers, Ronnie of Weatherford, Texas, Jeffery of Salt Lake City, Utah, Stephen of Calhoun, Kenneth of Albuquerque, N.M., John of Haughton; sister, Linda Carol Prosperie of Great Falls, Mont.; two stepchildren, Wells Raymond Arden Marshall, who has a son, Eathon Arden Marshall, age one year and four months old, and Meechell Gail Marshall, who has a daughter, Destony Jade Nicole Lonidier, age five.

Thurman Brooks
Funeral services for Mr. Thurman Lee Brooks, 46, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, 2003, at Growing Valley Baptist Church with the Rev. George Rice officiating. Burial will follow at Growing Valley Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held until evening, Saturday, Nov. 29, at the funeral home. Mr. Brooks, a resident of Dallas, Texas, passed away Saturday, Nov. 23, at Baylor Medical Center in Garland, Texas. He is survived by his brothers, Wilbert Brooks and Larry Brooks, both of Minden; sisters, Catherine Norton of Dallas, and Helen Brooks of Shreveport.

Linda Chandler
Funeral services for Mrs. Linda Dianne Roton Chandler will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will be held at Hurricane Cemetery in Hurricane. Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 28, at the funeral home. Mrs. Chandler, a resident of Clinton, Utah, passed away Saturday, Nov. 22, at her residence, after an extended illness. She was born Jan. 10, 1952, in Minden to Jack Lamar Roton and Joy Seegers. She married Donald Jeffrey Chandler on Aug. 6, 1970 in Sterlington. They had five children, Holly, Brian, Jamey, Kristen and Jared. She spent most of her life in Louisiana. Mrs. Chandler and her husband moved to Utah three years ago to be close to their grandchildren. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her greatest joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sons, Brian Chandler of Maryland, James (Jamey) Chandler of Utah, Jared Chandler of Utah; daughters, Holly Holland of Utah, and Kristen Chandler of Utah; three grandchildren to whom she will always be remembered as "Nanny," Tyler, Andrew and Savannah; two brothers, Russell (Rusty) Roton, Danny Roton, both of Haughton; and one aunt, Maxine Rosier of Ringgold.

Christine Tucker
Funeral services for Mrs. Christine Davis Tucker, 58, will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003, at Crossroads Baptist Church in Crossroads, Texas. Burial will follow at Elysian Fields Cemetery in Elysian Fields, Texas, under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Shreveport. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 28, at the church. Mrs. Tucker, a resident of Elysian Fields, passed away peacefully in her home Wednesday, Nov. 26, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones and left this world with her signature grace and beauty. She was the wife of Bill Tucker, and the couple enjoyed many special times together after rediscovering loving later in their lives. The two enjoyed spending time fishing, being outdoors, cooking and hosting friends and family at their home overlooking a pond. Born and raised in Minden, she was the fifth child and baby of the family. Her parents were Bruce and Kate Davis. Her childhood was spent creating fond and somewhat adventurous memories with many special people on "Goat Hill," the neighborhood in which she grew up. A lifelong educator, Mrs. Tucker devoted herself to children and was committed to excellence in both the schools and the lives she touched. From her beginnings as a young, bright-eyed kindergarten teacher, to her amazing work with children with special needs, she never backed away from any challenge. Her dedication and continual pursuit for growth is evident in the degrees she obtained while working full time and raising a family. At the time of her retirement, she was superintendent of Elysian Fields ISD but had also successfully accomplished classroom teaching, special education coordination, counseling and leading other educators as an elementary principal. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her older sister, Barbara Brunson. She is survived by her husband Bill; daughters, Macy Kauffman and husband Chris of Austin, Texas, Amy Dickson and husband Johnny of Elysian Fields; stepdaughters, Millie Ellis and husband Brad of Elysian Fields; Mollie Hodgson and husband Eddy of Dallas, Texas; siblings, Buddy Davis, Louis Davis, and LaNelle Roberts; grandchildren, the apples of her eye, Ellis and Henry Kauffman of Austin, Hayleigh and Jeb Dickson of Elysian Fields, Jake and Cabe Dickson of Longview, Annabelle and Tucker Ellis of Elysian Fields, and Erin Hodgson of Dallas; and two new grandsons, who will be born shortly after the new year. She is also survived by a host of additional family and friends, including Texanna and Bailey Parks, who always held a special place in her heart. Pallbearers will be Bart Roberts, Stephen Roberts, Mark Davis, Claude Reeves, Maynard Chapman and Pat Parks. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Browning, Charles Browning, Joe Browning, David Browning and Steven Marston. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Chris Davis Tucker Courage Scholarship Fund in Elysian Fields ISD, Hospice Longview, or the American Cancer Society.

Devenski Day
Funeral services for Mr. Devenski Shaboyer Day, 35, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2003, at St. Rest Baptist Church with the Rev. B.J. Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Mr. Day passed away Friday, Nov. 21. He was born Dec. 22, 1967 to Gwendolyn Day and the late W.L. Cosby. He is survived by his mother; and stepfather, Calvin Washington; two brothers, Elton A. Day and Ravi A. Flournoy of Minden; two sisters, Vanessa Y. Bell and husband Kirk of Memphis, Tenn., and LaRhonda McCuin and husband Andre of Minden; one daughter, Atiya Bianca Morgan of Minden; grandmothers, Irene Day and Arlee Cosby, both of Minden; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Essie Whitfield
Funeral services for Mrs. Essie Mildred Moore Whitfield, 100, will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with Dr. Rick May officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Mrs. Whitfield, a native of Lexington, Miss., and a resident of Minden, passed away Monday, Nov. 24, in Minden. She was a retired registered nurse. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Louis Whitfield; son, Charles Whitfield; and daughter, Carol Whitfield. She is survived by her son, Tim Whitfield Sr. and wife Brenda of Minden; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Daniel Larroux, Scott Toland, Chris Toland, Trey Laborde, Cody Laborde, and Scott Coker. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Jessie Anderson
Funeral services for Mr. Jessie B. Anderson will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003, at Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Minden. Family hour will be held from 6 until 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Devenski Day
Funeral services for Mr. Devenski S. Day will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28, 2003, at St. Rest Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden.

Katherine Hortman
Funeral services for Mrs. Katherine Marie Fish Hortman, 94, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Minden with the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held at 3:30 p.m., today, Nov. 25, at the funeral home. Mrs. Hortman, a native of Marshall, Texas, and a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, in Minden. She was a homemaker She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Monroe Hortman; and her parents, William and Donie Fish. She is survived by her son, Alton Monroe Hortman Jr. and wife Trista of Minden; daughter, Kathleen Hortman Bryan of Homer; grandchildren, Amy Tinsley and husband Doug, Richard Bryan, Heidi Doeding and husband Rich, Tracey Hortman, William "Bill" Hortman and wife Sarah; great-grandchildren, Tyler Lewis, Joseph "Joey" Hortman, Emily Doeding, Erica Doeding and Jacob Hortman; two nephews; and one niece. Pallbearers will be her family members. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Bobbie Little
Funeral services for Mr. Bobbie Ray Little, 49, were held at noon Monday, Nov. 24, 2003, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Plain Dealing with the Rev. Drain Piper officiating. Burial followed at Union Cemetery in Plain Dealing under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Mr. Little was a resident of Plain Dealing. He is survived by his brothers, Kenneth E. Little of Minneapolis, Minn.; sisters, Mary L. Johnson and husband Clyde of Benton, Shirley F. Williams and husband Jr. S. of Plain Dealing, Jerrie Monk of Los Angeles, Calif., Martha Harris of Galveston, Texas, Verdi Player of Plain Dealing and Christine Boyd of Dallas, Texas.

Larry Woods
Funeral services for Mr. Larry G. Woods will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2003, at Mt. Comfort Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. Joshua Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Allen Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 28, at the funeral home. Mr. Woods passed away Saturday, Nov. 22, at 5 a.m. after a lengthy illness. He was a cook at The Crawfish Hole in Dixie Inn, until his illness. He is survived by his father, Freddie Woods; mother, Rosie Woods; three sisters, Freddye Wilson of North Carolina, Brenda Combs of Long Beach, Calif., and Linda Pennywell of Bossier City; two brothers, Donald and Randy Woods of Minden; three children, Kedrick Woods, Karla James and Kory Woods, all of Dallas, Texas; nine grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Elsie Walker
Funeral services for Mrs. Elsie Brunson Walker, 84, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 24, 2003, at First Pentecostal Church in Cotton Valley with the Rev. Kenneth DeHart officiating and the Rev. T.W. Barnes, the Rev. Bob Rhymes and the Rev. Dewey Bass assisting. Burial will follow at Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Walker, a native of Doyline and a resident of Cotton Valley, passed away Saturday, Nov. 22, in Cotton Valley. She was a housewife. She is survived by her husband, George Curtis Walker of Cotton Valley; two sons, Curtis Glenn Walker and wife Beth of Cotton Valley, Ron Walker and wife Sandy of Bossier City; one daughter, Dianne Edwards and husband Billy of Sarepta; three sisters, Jessie Kaylor of Lake Jackson, Texas, Dorothy Williamson and husband Jimmy of Hardin, Texas, and Georgia Faye Green and husband Chester of Tyler, Texas; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and special friend and caregiver, Mae Kierbow. Pallbearers will be Ricky Walker, Jeffrey Walker, Barry Walker, Gerald Martin, Brandon DeHart, and Mike Williamson.

Talmadge Joe Cassel
Graveside services for Mr. Talmadge Joe "Red" Cassel, 67, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003, at Minden Cemetery with the Rev. Ronnie Whitlock officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 4 until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 24, at the funeral home. Mr. Cassel, a native of Ennis, Texas, and a resident of Minden for the past 12 years, passed away Friday, Nov. 21, in Shreveport. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Irby Cassel of Minden; four sons, Peter Cassel of Bossier City, Robert Cassel of Princeton, Richard Cassel of Breaux Bridge, and Virgil Cassel of Bear, Del.; one daughter, Brenda Cassel of Bear; four sisters, Mary Lewis of Dallas, Texas, Bessie Ballard of Princeton, Nellie Faye Craft of Haughton, and Betty Weems of Princeton; one brother, Billy Ray Cassel of Ruston; a number of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and two stepsons, Kenny Thrash and Brett Thrash, both of Memphis, Tenn.

Myra Peaker
Funeral services for Mrs. Myra Mims Peaker, 86, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Bill Ichter officiating. Burial will follow at Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 24, at the funeral home. Mrs. Peaker, a native of Webster Parish and a longtime resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, Nov. 23, in Minden. She was a homemaker and a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Minden. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Peaker; sister, Theo Mouser; and brothers, R.L. Mims and Hinson Mims. She is survived by her sons, Ken Peaker of Monroe and Butch Peaker and wife Rita of Minden; daughter, Marsha Shuler and husband Ronnie of Minden; sister, Hasseltine Meeks and Margaret Hearne, both of Fort Worth, Texas; brother, T.J. Mims of Shreveport; eight grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Larry Peaker, Scott Peaker, Jeff Donald, Jerry Rogers and Tony Thrash.

Terri Adams
Funeral services for Mrs. Terri Denise Riley Adams, 41, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Wayne DuBose, pastor of First Baptist Church in Minden, officiating, and the Rev. Bob Rhymes, pastor of First United Pentecostal Church in Minden, assisting. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 9 p.m. today, Nov. 21, at the funeral home. Mrs. Adams was a resident of Pearl, Miss., and a former resident of Minden. She will always be remembered for her love of people and a special love and compassion for animals. She will be greatly missed by all. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Samuel B. and Audie Riley, Virgil and Lillian Hunter; and father-in-law, Clois Adams. She is survived by her husband, Jason Adams of Pearl; three children, Michelle Miller West of Tyler, Texas, Jamie O'Rear of Minden, and Derek O'Rear of Pearl; two grandchildren, Shane and Kara West of Tyler; parents, Samuel L. and Joan "Vicky" Riley; mother-in-law, Barbara Adams of Mississippi; one brother, the Rev. Keith Riley and wife Tanua of Oak Grove; two nieces, Chasity and Kortney Riley; and numerous other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Steve Brown, Michael Gray, Dewayne Garris, Chris Hunter, Todd Hunter, and David Eldridge.

Doug Williams
Graveside services for Mr. Doug Williams, 44, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2003, at Old Athens Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home in Tuscumbia, Ala. Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 a.m. Monday, at Minden Church of Christ. Mr. Williams, a native of Minden, and a resident of the Shoals area for the past 12 years, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 18. He was a minister, a member of Valdosta Church of Christ and had been an insurance agent. He was preceded in death by his father, John Malcolm Williams. He is survived by his wife, Judy Williams of Tuscumbia; mother, Shirley Williams of Abilene, Texas; son, Jeremiah Williams; daughter, Rebekah Williams, both of Tuscumbia; sister, Beverly Walker of Abilene; and nieces and nephews.

John McCoy
Graveside services for Mr. John L. McCoy will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at Isrealite Cemetery in Ringgold. Services are under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 5 until 6 p.m. today, Nov. 21, at the funeral home.

Zeola Sims
Funeral services for Mrs. Zeola Brantley Sims will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at New Zion Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 7:30 until 8:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the funeral home. Mrs. Sims passed away Tuesday, Nov. 18. She was born Dec. 24, 1917 to the late L.C. Crow and Wade Brantley. She confessed Christ at an early age. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ezekiel Sims; two sons, Melvin and T.C. Sims; and brother, Wilbur Brantley. She is survived by her daughter, Maeola Mims of Sibley; three sons, L.T. Sims of Minden, Ewill Sims and wife Anita, and Robert Sims of Dallas, Texas; one stepdaughter, Dorothy Franklin of Dallas; one sister-in-law Fannie Lee of New Jersey; two sisters, Waddie Jean Smith and husband LeVersus, Willie Mae Williams of Haynesville; two brothers, Robert Lee Brantley of Kentucky, Con L. Brantley of Bradley, Ark.; 22 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be her sons and friends. Active pallbearers will be her grandsons and friend.

Thomas Cage
Funeral services for Mr. Thomas Jackson Cage, 78, were to be held at 11:30 a.m. today, Nov. 19, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Mike Benefield officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden. Mr. Cage, a native and resident of Minden, passed away Monday, Nov. 17, in Minden. He was an engineer for KCS Railroad. He is survived by his wife, Ann Genice Cage of Minden; cousins, Evelyn Leachman of Sibley, Mary Miller of Minden, Tommy Cage of Dixie Inn, and Ricky Cage of Minden. Pallbearers were to be Barney Dowden, Alan Lee, Grady Lee Jr., Bruce Lee, Tommy Cage, James Thompson and David Maxey.

Idella Walton
Funeral services for Mrs. Idella Walton will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at White Oak Grove Cemetery in Homer.

Vann Forrest McCasland
Funeral services for Mr. Vann Forrest McCasland will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2003, at Lisbon United Methodist Church with the Rev. Steve Fowler officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Mr. McCasland passed away Saturday, Nov. 15, at his home on McCasland Hill in Lisbon, where he had lived for the better part of his life. He was born there on Oct. 14, 1914, to Martha (Mattie) Jane Pryor McCasland and Olen Earnest McCasland. He is descended from Isaac Shelton and Malana Burnham McCasland, a pioneer family that settled in Lisbon in 1834 and has had a presence in Claiborne Parish for the past 169 years. As a young man, he worked for Schlumberger, retiring in 1967. After retirement, he was a rancher/farmer, proprietor of McCasland Oilfield Services, and developer and president of the Middlefork Water System, which provided needed water to more than 140 families for his community in the Friendship area. He was preceded in death by his parents; his devoted wife of 66 years, Melba Roach McCasland; his sisters, Ernie Maxwell, Agnes Patton, Elsie Marsh, infant Quita Isophinia McCasland; and his brothers, Moise, Glenn, Shelton and Wallace McCasland. He is survived by his daughters, Jane McCasland, Ernestine Heath, Virginia McCasland and Darlene Acosta; grandchildren, Forrest Taylor, Schell Taylor, Paige Taylor, Wendi Heath, Holly Dyas, Steve McCasland, and Inge Cole; great-grandchildren, Alexander Hardy, Hunter Dyas and Keaton Dyas.

Lalia Sparkman Grissett
Funeral services for Mrs. Lalia Sparkman Grissett, 83, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Frank Deloach officiating and the Rev. Josh Deloach and the Rev. Mike Crump assisting. Burial will follow at Fellowship Cemetery in Dubberly. Visitation will be held at 4 p.m. today, Nov. 18, at the funeral home. Mrs. Grissett, a native of Claiborne Parish and a resident of Dubberly, passed away Monday, Nov. 17, in Minden. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by James Sparkman; and Edwin Grissett. She is survived by her children, Ronnie Sparkman and wife Anne of Kingwood, Texas, Sue Cannon and husband Eddie of Longview, Texas, Tim Sparkman of Dubberly, Paula Sparkman of Dubberly and Connie Deloach and husband Frank of Cotton Valley; brothers, Roy Reagan and wife Barbara of Dubberly and Tom Reagan of Dubberly; grandchildren, Chris Cannon, John Cannon and wife Cheryle, Ron Cannon and wife Ginger, Kim Smart and husband Keith, Laurie Osban and husband Mark, Josh Deloach, Jeremy Deloach, Mary Sparkman and Anna Bryne and husband Shawn; great-grandchildren, Lauren Smart, Kaleb Smart, Shelby Cannon, Lindsey Lalia Cannon, Cole Osbon; and step-great-grandchildren, Austin Smith and Travis Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Memorials may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church, P.O. Box 37, Dubberly, LA 71024. Other surviving relatives include first cousins and longtime friends, Laura Caruthers and Robert McAdams, along with many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Leon Stewart, Lawrence Flowers, Stan Dupree, Sid Killgore, Bob McAdams and Steve McCasland. Memorials may be made to the Lisbon Methodist Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 216, Lisbon, LA 71048.

Rosiland Siah
Memorial/interment services for Mrs. Rosiland Siah will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at St. James Baptist Church. Mrs. Siah, a native of Camden, Ark., passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, in Los Angeles, Calif. She was born May 29, 1930 to the late Fred and Virginia Bryant. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ardis Siah, formerly of Louisiana; four children, Bernard Siah and wife Francine of Columbus, Ga., Billy Siah and wife Helen of Palmdale, Calif., Gwendolyn Siah-Chapman of Las Vegas, Nev., and Carolyn Christopher and husband Jeffrey of Palmdale; one sister, Merrill Vaughn; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Birdel Willis
Funeral services for Mr. Birdel Willis will be held at noon Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003, at King Solomon Baptist Church in Sibley. Burial will follow at King Solomon Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at the funeral home.

Allton Cravens
Funeral services for Mr. Allton "Buck" Cravens will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003, at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South with the Rev. Terry Richardson officiating. A local memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, at Minden Cemetery. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Devine, Texas. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. today, Nov. 17, at the funeral home. Mr. Cravens, a resident of Minden for 20 years, passed away Friday, Nov. 14, peacefully in his sleep. He was born in Elmendorf, Texas, on Aug. 22, 1921. He was a devoted member of Valley Hi Assembly of God Church and a veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife Beatrice Cravens. He is survived by his wife, Eula B. Cravens; brother, Jack Raymond Cravens and wife Lillian of California; sons, Arthur Cravens and wife Sara of Texas, Clayton Cravens and wife Vickie, Allton Cravens and Alex Cravens, all of Louisiana; daughters, Linda J. Cravens of Texas, Lynda Beasley of Louisiana, Beverly Reeves and husband Conrad of Louisiana, and Jenny Soignet and husband Clarence of Texas; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; brothers-in-law; and sisters-in-law.

Shirley Combs
Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley Ann Combs will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2003, at Carter Memorial Baptist Church in Heflin. Burial will follow at Theus Cemetery in Heflin under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden.

Melba Lee Shepherd
Funeral services for Mrs. Melba Lee Shepherd, 85, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 12, 2003, at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Ringgold with the Rev. Bill Hines officiating and the Rev. Eric Hodge assisting. Burial will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery in Ringgold under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Shepherd, a native of Ringgold and a resident for most of her life, passed away Monday, Nov. 10, in Minden. She was a housewife and a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church as well as the American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Shepherd and son, James Shepherd. She is survived by one son, Jerry Shepherd and wife Mary of Ringgold; two daughters, Ellen Herren and husband Morris of Minden, Peggy Lindsey and husband Richard of Sibley; one sister, Ina "Meme" Pedro and husband Nick of Shreveport; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Shepherd of Sibley; 12 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a number of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be her nephews and cousins.

Edna Fountain
Funeral services for Mrs. Edna G. Fountain, 75, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at Mt. Paron Primitive Baptist Church with the Rev. Harry Burns officiating. Burial will follow at Cox Cemetery near the church under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Homer. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 11, at the funeral home. Mrs. Fountain, a resident of Homer, passed away Monday, Nov. 10, at Community Care Center in Ruston. She was retired from Dietician Services with 23 years of service at Homer Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Mt. Paron Primitive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter William Fountain Jr. and one sister, Esma English. She is survived by her two daughters, Brenda Fountain of Calhoun, and Barbara Machen and husband R.O. of Minden; one sister, Faye English of Homer; three brothers, Robert D. Gathright of Homer, Bonnie K. Gathright of Sterlington, and Durward Gathright of Homer; four grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Lance Thomas, Pat Blackwelder, Olin Machen, Matt Sedgwick, David Fountain and Tony Hall.

Joe Greene
Graveside services for Mr. Joe Greene, 78, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003, at Union Springs Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mr. Greene, a native of Camden, N.J., and a resident of Doyline, passed away Sunday, Nov. 9, in Minden. He was an oil field worker. He is survived by his sons, George Gann of Doyline, Hank Gann of Houma, G.W. Gann of Hinesville, Ga., and Walter Gann of Kilgore; daughter, Carol Norred of Quitman; 13 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Willis Hand
Funeral services for Mr. Willis Garland Hand, 88, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 11, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Ringgold with the Rev. Kit Hathorn and Dr. A.W. Smart officiating. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery in Ringgold under the direction of Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold. Mr. Garland was born Sept. 13, 1915. He taught in various schools in the surrounding parishes and retired from the Bossier Parish School system in 1973. In his middle years, he was a very successful poultry farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeffie Poland Hand; his parents, W.W. and Inez Hand; brother, Henry Hardy Hand; sister, Mary Stella H. Hollman; and his brother-in-law, Gene Hollman. He is survived by his three sisters-in-law, Elouise Mizell, Rena Roberson and Henry Ella Hand; nieces, Patricia Lindsey Price, Karen Hood, and Sue Hand; nephews, Scott Mizell, Ron Hand and Steve Hand; along with many, many friends. Pallbearers will be James Wiggins, Scott Mizell, Ron Hand, Steve Hand, Henry Hand, Richard Hand, Bryan Hildebrand and Jason Mizell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Willie Hall
Funeral services for Mr. Willie Oquin "Quin" Hall will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Leslie Hunter and the Rev. Raymond Sewell officiating. Burial will follow at Whispering Pines Baptist Church Cemetery on Hwy. 371, north of Dixie Inn. Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. today, Nov. 10, at the funeral home. Mr. Hall, a native of Minden, passed away Saturday, Nov. 8, following a lengthy battle with diabetes. He was born June 2, 1932 and was a member of Sheppard Heights Assembly of God Church. He was the owner of Hall's Garage and Wrecker Service until his retirement in 1999. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Gertrude Hall; brother, Lelan Hall; father and mother-in-law, Alvy and Beatrice Coleman; brothers-in-law, L.B. Culpepper and Joe Kearney. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Kate Coleman Hall; daughters, Niki Cunningham and husband Bud of Princeton, and Lynn Baldree and husband Danny of Minden; grandchildren, Holli Kate and Tim Vining, Quinnon and Jeff Anders, Jake Cunningham, Sonny Cunningham, Daniell and Jason Morrow; great-grandchildren, Austin Vining, Abram Anders, Nikki, Skylar and Peyton Morrow; sisters, Clovice Culpepper and Florece Kearney; sister-in-law, Evie Hall; special aunt, Earline Goins; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. Pallbearers will be Tim Vining, Jeff Anders, Jake Cunningham, Jeff Hall, Sheriff Ted Riser and Damon Kearney. Honorary pallbearers will be Bud Cunningham, Danny Baldree, Dennis Coleman, Jerry Thornton, Leonard Miller and Charles Cundiff. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sheppard Heights Assembly of God Church, 1599 Sheppard Street, Minden, LA 71055.

Harold Steed
Funeral services for Mr. Harold David Steed, 62, were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at Evergreen Union Church with the Rev. Weston Brown officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mr. Steed, a native of Laneburg, Ark., and a resident of Minden, passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, in Minden. He was retired military Air Force Reserves. He is survived by his wife, Janette Steed of Minden; son, Dennis Richard Steed of Shreveport; daughters, Belinda Ann Rodela and husband Robert of Arlington, Texas, Jennifer Elizabeth steed of Euless, Texas; stepsons, Anthony Ray Beale of Boise, Idaho, Charles Bryan Beale of San Pedro, Calif., and Gary Clay Beale of Lady Lake, Fla.; sister, Geneva Steed of North Little Rock, Ark.; brothers, Thomas Leroy Steed of Jacksonville, Ark., Louis Ray Steed of Prescott, Ark., and Donald Richard Steed of Prescott; 12 grandchildren, Zoe, Samantha, Morgan, Hannah, Raymond, Steven, Zachary, Christopher R., Christopher M., Sarah, Justin and Gavin.

Webster Cooper
Funeral services for Mr. Webster Dugger Cooper will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Shepherd Street Cemetery in Minden.

Louise Mims-Greer
Funeral services for Mrs. Louise Mims-Greer, 83, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at St. Paul Baptist Church in Taylor, Ark., with the Rev. W.C. Tims officiating. Services are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home in Stamps, Ark. Visitation will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the funeral home. Mrs. Mims-Greer, a native of Minden and a resident of Taylor, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Magnolia City Hospital. She was born Sept. 9, 1920. She was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Taylor. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gilliam and George Peterson-Mims Sr.; spouses, Lewis McCray Sr. and Roy Ira Greer; three sisters, Letha Wyrick, Ida Eason, and Mary Mims; three brothers, Calvin Batton, and Albert and Glover Mims; and one grandchild. She is survived by three children, Eula Miller and husband Clinton of Stamps, Robert Ellis and wife Christell, and Lewis McCray Jr. and wife Diane of Moines, Iowa; three sisters, Lucille Jones of Pine Bluff, Ark., Mattie Grant of Magnolia and Kathalean Jackson of Minden; three brothers, Booker T. Mack of Taylor, Willie and Gilliam of Minden; 10 grandchildren 22 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Juanita Dison
Funeral services for Mrs. Juanita Dison, 74, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Malcolm Self officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery in Dixie Inn. Visitation will be held from 3 until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 6, at the funeral home. Mrs. Dison, a native of Coushatta and a resident of Sibley, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Sibley. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Dison; son, Bruce Dison; parents, Justab and Eva Lacaze; and sister, Jewell Calloway. She is survived by Shirley Brewer of Gilmer, Texas, Yvonne Powell of Sibley, Jean Flores of Gilmer, Donna Beck of Minden; sister, Frances Howard of Memphis, Tenn.; brother, Joseph "Joe" Lacaze of Shreveport; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Willie Ray Lee
Funeral services for Mr. Willie Ray Lee will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at Mt. Zion CME Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Shephard Street Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden.

Johnnie Biles
Funeral services for Mrs. Johnnie Faye Biles, 60, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 5, 2003, at North Acres Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. Roy Strother officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Biles, a native of Natchitoches Parish and a resident of Minden, passed away Monday, Nov. 3, in Shreveport. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her father, John William Desadier. She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Ray "Joe" Biles Sr.; mother, Elenora F. Desadier; sons, Charles Ray Biles Jr. and wife Rose, Timothy Lynn Biles and wife Amanda; daughters, Sheila Ann Nelson and husband Ricky, and Brenda Joyce DeLoach; brothers, Edward and Fred Desadier; and sisters, Patsy Ann Beal and Elaine Tomlinson; seven grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.

Robert Calton
Funeral services for Mr. Robert Calton will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Homer. Family hour will be held from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m., at the funeral home.

Frank Griffith
Funeral services for Mr. Frank Griffith, 55, were held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2003, at Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold with the Rev. Benny Alford officiating. Burial followed at 4 p.m., at Forest Park Cemetery in Shreveport. Mr. Griffith, a native of Webster Parish and a resident of Shreveport, passed away Saturday, Nov. 1. He was born Nov. 14, 1947. He was working for the Shreveport Airport Authority, and during his spare time, he was busy working on his "farm" in Ringgold, where he enjoyed raising cattle. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Charlie Ryan. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Griffith of Shreveport; father, Harry Griffith and wife Barbara of Doyline; mother, Jewell Ryan of Castor; son, Eric Duos of Lafayette; daughter, Sheila Guillory and husband Tony of Minden; stepson, David Hall and wife Katie of Shreveport; stepdaughter, Rebecca Lioi and husband Tom of Shreveport; one brother, Ray Griffith and wife Barbara of Ringgold; nieces, Crystal Conley and husband Kevin, and Constance Nelson; father and mother-in-law, Earnest and Mary Parisy; four grandchildren, Cassie Guillory, Ryan Guillory, Chandler Duos and Grace Hall; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Roy Kemp
Funeral services for Mr. Roy Kemp will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at Bright Star Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Bright Star Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 7 until 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Melvin Fleming
Funeral services for Mr. Melvin Emerson Fleming, 73, were to be held at 10 a.m. today, at Central Baptist Church with Dr. Ron Harvey officiating. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Mortuary Inc., in Springhill. Mr. Fleming, a native of Oak Grove, passed away suddenly Saturday, Nov. 1. He was born June 13, to the late George W. and Myrtie Miller Fleming. He was a lifelong resident of Springhill, member of Central Baptist Church and past Commander of the American Legion Post. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a very close and dear friend, Collie Sedall "Tator" Beardon. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Helen Hinton Fleming; one daughter, Georglyn Miller and husband John Jr. of Ashdown, Ark.; two sons, Steven Fleming of Harleton, Texas, Ross and wife Angelia Fleming of Springhill; brother, George Fleming and wife Margaret of Springhill; sister, Sue Esch and husband Ron of New Holland, Pa.; seven grandchildren, John Miller III, Sunny Miller, Kyle Miller, Christopher Fleming, Chelsea Fleming, Stephanie Fleming and Alyssa Fleming; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins; and his very special companion, "Dog." Pallbearers will be Billy Smith, David Sawyer, Pickett Orr, John Moore, Robert Bryan, Robert Colley, Dennis Robin and Randy Leonard. Honorary pallbearers will be members of his Sunday school class, Earl Haynes, Connie Ray Teutsch, John Whipple, Laverne Barnes, Sherman Pace, Mike Burns, Rudy Taylor and J.L. Carraway.

Riley Moore
Funeral services for Mr. Riley "Doyle" Moore, 44, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. J.C. Clements and the Rev. Ronnie Glover officiating. Burial will follow at Brushwood Cemetery in Dubberly. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Nov. 4, at the funeral home. Mr. Moore, a native of Minden and a resident of Shreveport, passed away Sunday Nov. 2, in Shreveport. He was a heavy equipment operator for Schlumberger. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Kathryn Moore; uncles, Charles Barton and Bobby Barton; and aunt, Laverne Springfield. He is survived by his wife Rhonda Sandifer Moore; father, A.R. Moore; son, Austin Riley Moore; daughter, Lacey Michele Moore; sister, Carrie Denise Depriest; maternal aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Barton, Mr. and Mrs. David Barton, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Barton, Earlene Rolen, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Sandy Perryman, Gayle Barton, Sue Barton, Glenda Barton, and Bobby Springfield; paternal aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Baldree, Gale Grey, Ruth Hicks, and Alton Moore; three nieces; one nephew; and three great-nephews. Pallbearers will be Berle Winston, Jerry Griffin, Shelby Johnson, Anthony Shans, Jimmy Williams, Butch Reed and Marlon Robinson. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Perryman and Billy Sandifer. Memorials may be made to Grace Home of Shreveport or to the American Cancer Society.

Jackie Turner
Funeral services for Mrs. Jackie Lee Turner, 58, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003, at Whispering Pines Baptist Church with the Rev. Richard Methvin officiating. Burial will follow at Whispering Pines Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held at 3 p.m., today, Nov. 4, at the church. Mrs. Turner, a native of Shreveport and a resident of Princeton, passed away Sunday, Nov. 2, in Shreveport. She was a nurse. She is survived by her husband, Robert Wayne Turner of Princeton; sons, Jessie Wayne Turner of Colorado, and Wayne Lunford of Minden; daughters, Lisa Ann Turner of Seattle, Wash., and Amanda Renee Turner of Dillon, S.C.; brother, William Guin of Ringgold; and four grandchildren.

Jewel Calloway
Graveside services for Jewel Calloway, 76, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Monday, Nov. 3, 2003 at Salem Cemetery near Dubach under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Mrs. Calloway, a resident of Minden and native of Red River Parish, passed away Friday, Oct. 31. She was a housewife and a Baptist. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Calloway. She is survived by four sons; two sisters, Frances Howard of Jackson, Miss., and Juanita Dison of Minden; and one brother, Joe LaCaze of Shreveport.

James Walter Pope
Funeral services for Mr. James Walter Pope, 70, were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003 at the Rose-Neath Chapel under the direction of the Rev. Sewell. Burial followed at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Minden under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Mr. Pope, a resident of Minden, passed away Thursday, Oct. 30, in Shreveport after a lengthy illness. He was a carpenter. Mr. Pope served in the U.S. Army and proudly served in the Korean Conflict. He was an avid fisherman and loved to garden with his wife of 26 years. He was a devoted husband and loving father. He is preceded in death by his brother, Charlie Pope; his father, Walter B. Pope; and mother, Ina Chandler. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Mills Pope of Minden; children, Jimmy Pope of Walden, Ark., Becky Epperson of Little Rock, Ark., Vicki Owens of Walden, Ark., Dale and Alice Baldree, Beverly and David Cotty, Lynn Baldree and Shelia Banks, all of Minden, Sandra Russell of Alabama, Evan and Mike Robinson of Homer, Randy and Lisa Baldree of Doyline, and Susan and Kenny Brewer of Evergreen; one brother, Johnny B. Pope of Shongaloo; 22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives. Pallbearers will be Chris Robinson, Wayne Pope, Chad Brewer, Kenny Brewer, John T. Whitt III and Ronnie Pope. Honorary pallbearers will be John Harkins and William Dale Baldree.

William P. Watson
Funeral services for Mr. William Patterson Watson, 66, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 3, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor and the Rev. William Peeples officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Mr. Watson, a native of Haynesville and a lifelong resident of Minden, passed away Thursday, Oct. 30, in Shreveport. He was an amateur radio operator since the age of 13. He served in the Air Force and worked for RCA in the NASA Space Program during the Gemini Program in NASA Bahamas. He also worked in satellite tracking for RCA in Fairbanks, Alaska, and owned and operated W5UNY Co., 2-Way Radio Communications in Minden. He also served aboard ships in the Merchant Marines until 1996, when he took a medical retirement. He was also a member of QCWA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Loy A. and Clovice Fomby Watson; and aunt, Rozelle Fomby. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Virginia C. Watson; son, John Bates and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Joshua and Brandon Bates; cousins, Jan Modisett and husband Drayton of Shongaloo, and Carol Ann Kemp of Irving, Texas; and special friends Randy Taylor and wife Judy of Shreveport. Pallbearers will be Randy Taylor, Ed Brown, Jim McDaniel, Dusty Collins, Thomas Baldwin and Charlie Hennigan. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice or First United Methodist Church in Minden.

Gregory Mitchell
Funeral services for Mr. Gregory Tyrone Mitchell, 46 will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003 at the 14th District Building in Minden with the Rev. Richard Jefferson officiating. The burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home. Mr. Mitchell, a resident of Houston, Tx. passed away Monday, Oct. 27. He is survived by his mother; Della Thomas of Houston, father; Melvin Thomas of Doyline, siblings; Chelsea Thomas, Donna Thomas, Bradley Thomas all of Houston, Myra Morris and husband Clydell of Elm Grove, Milton Thomas and wife Martha of Sibley, Larry Thomas and wife Ruthie of Ringgold, Gwendolyn Swan and husband Roosevelt of Shreveport, Melvin and Ann Jones, Sandra Washington and husband Tommy both of Minden, John Jackson and wife Juanita of Dallas. Aunts; Cora Brooks of Houston, Lottie Teague and husband Joe of Houston, special aunt; Icie Manning Fuller and husband James of Minden, one uncle, Herod Thomas and wife Louise of Minden, a special cousin Eddie Brooks of Houston and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 at the funeral home.

Arlean Marie Parker
Arlean Marie Parker, 90, of Morrilton, Arkansas, formerly of Minden, died Monday, October 27, 2003. She was born April 17, 1913 in Mt Pleasant, Texas to Webb Parsons and Willie Keyes Teddlie Burrage. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morrilton, Arkansas, Altar Society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Auxillary at St Anthony Hospital in Morrilton. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles James Parker Jr. Survivors are her daughters Carey Farley of Morrilton, Arkansas and Marie Parker of Austin, Texas; son Chuck Parker of Kankakee, Illinois, 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2003 at the Camp Mitchell Chapel on Petit Jean Mountain. Memorials may be made to the Perry County Nursing Home or Conway County Library. Cremation arrangements by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, Arkansas

Blanche Holleman
Funeral services for Mrs. Blanche Robinson Holleman, 93, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia with Jack Mulkey officiating. Burial will follow at St. Rest Cemetery near Dubach. Mrs. Holleman, a resident of Arcadia, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Homer Memorial Hospital. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Holleman; parents, Luther and Delia Robinson; brothers, Morris, Minor, Lee and Ben Coleman Robinson. She is survived by her son, James Marvin Holleman and wife Marie of Gibsland; daughter, Mary Turner and husband Bud of Nashville, Tenn.; sisters, Doris Stokler of Shreveport, Janie Meadows of Oklahoma City, Okla.; five grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Wesley Wortham, Eric Pylant, Harold Campbell, Wayne Valley, Scott Tyler and Dennis Pickering. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arcadia Baptist Retirement Center, located at 1355 6th Street, Arcadia, LA 71001.

Mary D. Qualls
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary D. Qualls will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003, at Galilee Baptist Church in Dubberly. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Simsboro under the direction of Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 1 until 6 p.m. today, Oct. 30, and from 1 until 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at Patterson Funeral Home in Arcadia.

Verter Smith
Funeral services for Verter Smith will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003, at Galilee Baptist Church in Dubberly. Burial will follow at Moore Cemetery in Dubberly under the direction of Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 1 until 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, at the funeral home.

Michel P. McConathy
Graveside services for Mr. Michel P. "Mike" McConathy, 75, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, 2003, at Arcadia Cemetery with the Rev. Robert. L. Peyton officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at the funeral home. Mr. McConathy, a resident of Minden, passed away Monday, Oct. 27, at Christus Schumpert Highland Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Davis McConathy; and his parents, Ira J. and Maxie P. McConathy. He is survived by his son, Dr. Michel McConathy of San Antonio, Texas; brother, Leon McConathy and wife Sarah of West Monroe; niece, Jane Brandon; and nephew, "Butch" McConathy. Pallbearers will be Barry Teague, Joe Rogers, Connie Mack Martin, "Butch" McConathy, Jerry Brandon and Joe Storcy.

John Roberts
Funeral services for Mr. John Anthony Roberts, 38, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003, at Smith Funeral Home in Stamps, Ark. Burial will follow at The Sardis Cemetery, north of Stamps. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. today, Oct. 29, at the funeral home. Mr. Roberts, a resident of Crossett, Ark., passed away Monday, Oct. 27, at his home. He was born Jan. 11, 1965 in Homer. He was a comic book dealer and collector. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Jacob Daniel Roberts and Stephen Shane Roberts. He is survived by his wife Tammy Coday Roberts of Crossett; three sons, John Russell Roberts of Dubberly, Raymond W. Roberts of Plain Dealing and Jason L. Cox of Stamps; mother, Andrea Roberts Brimer of Dubberly; brother, Louis Henson of Little Rock, Ark.; and grandson, Sladen J. Cox of Hope, Ark.

Curtis Merritt
Funeral services for Mr. Curtis Woodrow Merritt, 90, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with Garland Hughes officiating. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery. Mr. Merritt, a native and resident of the Evergreen Community, passed away Friday, Oct. 24, in Evergreen. He was born Oct. 31, 1912, and was a member of the Church of Christ. He was a retired member of the Louisiana Highway Department where he worked for 25 years, 10 years of which he served as foreman. Prior to that time, he was a farmer in the Evergreen Community. He was preceded in death by his father, Mott Merritt; his mother, Lucinda Merritt; and all siblings except Louise Tripp of Greenville, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edna Martin Merritt; four daughters, Kathleen Bias and husband Darrell of Minden, Melba Bias and husband Gene of Atlanta, Texas, Gloria Morse and husband Melbern of Shongaloo, and Lynell Baker and husband James of Atlanta; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews that he loved. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sarepta Church of Christ.

Grayson Copeland
Funeral services for Mr. Grayson "Bo" Copeland, 85, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Jimmy Eppinette officiating and the Rev. Randy Brown assisting. Burial will follow at Woodard Cemetery in Taylor. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. today, Oct. 24, at the funeral home. Mr. Copeland, a native of Taylor and a resident of Minden for 25 years, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, at Landmark of Shreveport. He was self-employed, retired. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Copeland; and his parents, Allen and Alice Copeland. He is survived by one daughter, Judy Sellers and husband Phil; one brother, Jimmy Copeland and wife Yvonne; two grandchildren, Erin Brand and Mark Sellers; and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Tony Copeland, Neal Copeland, Jamie Copeland, Jarred Copeland, Conrad Reeves and John Williams. Memorials may be made to The Shriners Children's Hospital in Shreveport.

J.W. Thornton
Funeral services for Mr. J.W. Thornton, 81, will be held at 3 p.m. today, Oct. 24, 2003, at Gill First National Funeral Home in Winnsboro with the Rev. Wayne Stroud, the Rev. Leon Ward and the Rev. Terry Mims officiating. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery. Mr. Thornton, a resident of Winnsboro, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22. He was a paint contractor and a member of Sardis Baptist Church, VFW member and the American Legion. He also served in World War II, South Pacific. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Daughdrill Thornton; two brothers, Roger Thornton and Luther Thornton; and his parents. He is survived by his children, H.W. Thornton and wife Bea of Minden, Sandy Moore of Winnsboro; James Kent Thornton and wife Jackie of Winnsboro, Rosette and husband John Knipp of Winnsboro, Marty Thornton and wife Jardia of Winnsboro, and Angie Matkins and husband Ken of Monroe; brother, Troy Lee Thornton and wife Pearl of Tyler Texas; sister-in-law, Chris Thornton of Winnsboro; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Donald Bush
Funeral services for Mr. Donald Eugene Bush, 84, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Cotton Valley with the Rev. Terral Lowe officiating and the Rev. Dee Thornton assisting. Burial will follow at Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Oct. 23, at the church. Mr. Bush, a native of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and a resident of Cotton Valley for the past 55 years, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Shreveport. He was retired from Marathon Oil Company after 36 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Frances Bush; in laws, Oral and Lillie Smith, two sisters and four brothers. He is survived by his wife Virginia S. Bush of Cotton Valley; one daughter, Debra Lynn Bush of Shreveport; one son, Steven R. Bush and wife of Colleyville, Texas; one grandson, Chad Bush; one brother, Denzel Lee Bush and wife Betty Kirkwood, Mo.; and a host of relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Chris Cory, Kevin Hatchett, John Carmen, Billy Dalrymple, Gene Dickerson and Dr. Michael Acurio. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Jackson, J.T. Lash, Dalton Maynor, Robert Nelson, Frank Brown and Gene Sullivan. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to First United Methodist Church in Cotton Valley.

Debbie Goldsby
Funeral services for Mrs. Debbie Lynn Sanders Goldsby, 40, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Oct. 23, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Cotton Valley with the Rev. Jim Sayers officiating and the Rev. Kenny Joyner assisting. Burial will follow at Barlow Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia, Ark. Mrs. Goldsby, a resident of Cotton Valley, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 21, at her residence. She was born Aug. 5, 1963 in Magnolia. She was a merchandiser for Proctor and Gamble Co., and Field Flex. She was a member of the Cotton Valley Riding Club and a member of Antioch West Baptist Church in the Magnolia area. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Marvin (Doodle) and Margie Bridges; Heston and Vivian Sanders; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Nadine Goldsby. She is survived by her parents, Sammy and Shirley Sanders of Cotton Valley; her husband, Kirk Goldsby of Cotton Valley; one brother, Larry Sanders and wife Becky; one stepson, Steven Goldsby, both of Cotton Valley; two nieces, Amber Plunket of Minden, Ashley Sanders of Cotton Valley; and a special cousin, Kay Herion of Magnolia. Flowers: Jerry Slack, Chris Bass, Tim Herion and Brad Plucket.

Lonnie Chatman
Funeral services for Mr. Lonnie T. Chatman will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, at Springhill C.M.E. Church in Homer. Burial will follow at Springhill C.M.E. Cemetery in Homer under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden.

Patrick Turner
Graveside services for Mr. Patrick Dallis Turner, 29, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, at Whispering Pines Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Methvin officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held at 3 p.m. today, Oct. 21, at the church. Mr. Turner, a native of Minden and a resident of Shreveport, passed away Friday, Oct. 17, in Haughton. He was a truck driver for Hollingsworth Construction. He was a member of Eastside Missionary Baptist Church in Minden. He is survived by his mother, Judy Birchett of Seattle, Wash.; father, Robert Turner and wife Jackie of Princeton; grandmother, Mrs. R.S. Turner of Minden; fiancé, Katherine Fruge' of Lake Charles; two sisters, Lisa Ann Turner of Seattle, Amanda Rene' Turner of Dillon, S.C.; and one brother, Jesse Wayne Turner of Eaglewood, Colo.

Rosa Rodgers
Funeral services for Mrs. Rosa Lee Rodgers, 80, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Tom Brown officiating. Burial followed at Plain Dealing Cemetery. Mrs. Rodgers, a native of Cotton Valley and a resident of Dubberly for 25 years, passed away Friday, Oct. 17, at Meadowview Health and Rehab Center in Minden. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, John M. Rodgers. She is survived by her son, James E. Blythe and wife Helen of Dubberly; two grandchildren, James Blythe Jr. and wife Jennifer and Heidi Blythe Gurry; four grandchildren, C.C. and John Curry and Gemi and Hayden Blythe; two nieces, Mary Richard and Wanda Dick; and one nephew Buddy Skaggs. Pallbearers will be Paul Striplin, Wesley Striplin, Buddy Skaggs, Curtis Skaggs, Charlie Dick and Elbert Stewart.

Kenneth Frautschi
Graveside services for Mr. Kenneth Odell Frautschi, 78, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 2003, at Hill Crest Cemetery in Bossier City. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the funeral home. Mr. Frautschi, a native of Sacramento, Calif., passed away peacefully following complications from heart surgery surrounded by his loving family. He was born Oct. 10, 1925, and was reared in Corning, Calif. He graduated in 1943 and joined the U.S. Armed Forces' efforts in World War II. A distinguished 30-year military career in the Marines and Air Force saw him through both the Korean and Vietnam Wars until his retirement in 1973 as a chief master sergeant. He was then employed by the City of Minden for 13 years with their Park and Recreation operations, retiring in 1986. He was a member of Masonic Faith Lodge #1158, Wichita Falls, Texas. His life was one of devotion to his family always tempered by humor, honesty and steadfastness. Before failing health, he was a superb athlete in any sport he chose to pursue and was a much respected coach of youth football and baseball. An expert marksman, he cherished his time tramping and hiking in remote areas. As a hobby in later life, he trained as a cabinetmaker and took great joy in sharing his beautiful handiwork with family and friends. He was a wonderful dancer, and his was a lifetime spent in learning, travel and duty. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carrie L. (nee Morris) Frautschi of Winston, Ga.; four children, Rick J. Frautschi of Belmont, Calif., Delilah M. Riffle and husband Larry of Winston, Roland L. Frautschi and wife Melissa, and Robin E. Snyder and husband Larry of Shreveport; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners' Children's Hospital in Shreveport.

Selena McLaughlin
Funeral services for Miss Selena V. McLaughlin will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003, at Saint Rest Baptist Church with the Rev. Benjamin J. Martin, pastor and Dr. B.F. Martin officiating. Burial will follow immediately after the service. Visitation will be held from 6 until 9 p.m. today, Oct. 17, at the church. Miss McLaughlin, a longtime resident of Grambling, passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, following a brief illness. She was a longtime devoted employee of Grambling State University, where she worked in the Teacher's Education Department until recently, when her health began to fail. She moved to Houston, Texas, after learning she would need assistance and extended medical care to live with her loving and devoted nephew, George F. Smith III, his wife Karen and children, Maryssa Leigh-Jai and George IV, along with her older sister, Mary Helen McLaughlin Smith. She is survived by her sister of Houston; one brother, Charlie W. McLaughlin Jr. and wife Dorothy of Gibsland; her devoted caregivers, her nephew and niece; one niece, Sharon Bailey Jay and husband Mark of Atlanta, Ga.; three nephews, Charlie W. McLaughlin III and wife Tori of Grambling, Gerry W. McLaughlin and wife Pamela of Grambling, and Stanley McLaughlin and wife Gail of Atlanta; four great-nieces; eight great-nephews; a brother-in-law, Lutellus Bailey of Minden; special friends, Barbara Fowler and Silvertean Williams; the Grambling State University family and colleagues; and other relatives and friends.

Sat Lee Brown
Funeral services for Mrs. Sat Lee Brown, 86, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, 2003, at Sibley Church of God in Christ with Elder Norman Meadors officiating. Burial will follow at Pilgrim Rest Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary, Inc., in Minden. Visitation will be held from noon until 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, with family hour from 6 until 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Mrs. Brown, a native of Sibley, passed away Monday, Oct. 6, in Sibley. She was born May 27, 1917, to the late Charlie and Nancy Sims Ashley. She was a faithful member of Sibley Church of God in Christ, where she served as a Mother of the church. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Charlie Ashley Jr.; husband, Louis Brown; and children, Lola B. Alford and Edward Brown. She is survived by her three sons, Elbert Brown of Detroit, Mich., Albert Brown of Sibley, and David Brown of Denver, Colo.; two daughters, Bessie Brown of Houston, Texas, and Gloria Tippins of Sibley; 19 grandchildren; close and special friends, Josephine Bailey, Lucille Walters and Wilma Kinsey, all of Sibley; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ruby Thrift
Funeral services for Mrs. Ruby Lee Harper Thrift were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003, at Oliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, with the Rev. Donzell Archie officiating. Burial followed at Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery under the direction of McCoy V. Harrison Funeral Home, Inc., in Houston. Mrs. Thrift passed away Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003. She was born Sept. 10, 1926, the fourth child of George and Sarah Harper in Dubberly. She later moved to Houston. She was preceded in death by her husband; father; mother; one son; four sisters; and six brothers. She is survived by two sons, Wayne Lewis of Topeka, Kan., and Fulton (Skeet) Lewis of Minden; two sisters, Christine Hampton of Minden, and Johnnie Mae Seamster of Houston; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Buster Maness
Funeral services for Mr. Buster Maness, 67, were held Monday, Oct. 12, 2003, in Kentucky. Burial followed at Shiloh Cemetery under the direction of Hardy and Sons Funeral Home. Mr. Maness, a resident of Smith's Grove, Ky., passed away Friday, Oct. 10, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born and raised in the Minden area before moving to Kentucky. He was a retired truck driver from Wal-Mart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Myrtle Maness; brothers, A.L. Maness and Ralph Maness; and sister, Jeriline Butler. He is survived by his son, Donald Maness of Jacksonville, Ark.; daughter, Teri Riley of Portland, Ore.; granddaughter, Brenna Riley; brother, Ted Maness of N. Little Rock, Ark.; sisters, Shirley Maness and Iris Grigsby of Minden; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Morris Simms
Funeral services for Mr. Morris Simms will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today, Oct. 14, at the funeral home. Just as he lived, quietly and peacefully, Mr. Simms slipped into eternity on Saturday, Oct. 12. Morris was born in Magnolia, Ark., on Nov. 3, 1913. He graduated in Minden, attended Centenary College, then went on to LSU where he received his Masters Degree in Science. He was the only son of Benjamin and Claudia Simms who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Barrington Simms. In her memory, Morris had a statue of an angel created and placed on the property of the First United Methodist Church where he was a member. The statue is entitled "Angel of Hope". Morris served overseas in the Army during World War II. He worked for the VA in Shreveport. Later, he was Air Operations Supervisor at Barksdale A.F.B. when he retired. The loving care shown by the nurses at the Minden Medical Center and Dr. Andrea McMahon is gratefully acknowledged and deeply appreciated. They will long be remembered. Morris leaves a host of friends to mourn his passing. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Minden.