Roy Willie Ezell
Roy Willie Ezell died April 30, 2003 at the age of 94 in San Antonio, TX. He was born in Jena, LA on October 4, 1908 to Willie Splawn Ezell and Rebecca Elizabeth Boddie Ezell and spent many of his childhood and adolescent years living with his family in Gueydan, Vermilion Parish, LA. After the early death of his mother in 1925, Roy returned to Jena with his father and his sister, Elizabeth Ezell, where he lived until he graduated from Jena High School on May 13, 1927. He attended La. Polytechnic Institute (now LA Tech University) in Ruston, LA for several years, sharing expenses, a job and living quarters with his future brother-in-law, Dudley Roberts. During two summers, he participated in the Civilian Military Training Camp programs and a few years later, he entered a Civilian Conservation Corps camp near Chatham, LA. In 1934, he worked for the U. S. Coast & Geodetic Survey traveling across the northern part of the U. S. as the official boundary line between the U. S. and Canada was surveyed. On July 17, 1934, Roy married Sarah Lorena Roberts of Jena, LA while they and other family members were attending the Chicago World's Fair. For the first six months of their married life, they lived in a tent while Roy continued his surveying work. From 1939-1941, Roy was employed with United Gas in Vivian, LA. In 1942, he worked at the Army munitions plant in Texarkana, TX. Due to his hearing deficit he was not accepted into the armed forces during WWII, but instead was employed in the ship yards in Orange, TX, working with blueprints for ship building. In 1947, Roy began a career with the California Oil Company (now Chevron) near Lake St. John and Ferriday, LA. Soon, he, his wife, and his two daughters relocated to Ruston where he worked in the Hico Plant of the Calif. Oil Company. Roy retired from Chevron in November 1973, after 27 years of employment. Roy Ezell was preceded in death by six months by his wife, Sarah Lorena Roberts Ezell, with whom he had shared 68 years of married life. Also preceding him in death were his mother, Rebecca Elizabeth Boddie Ezell, his father, Willie Splawn Ezell (who lived for 97 years), his grandparents, Dr. Jefferson Ezell and Martha Elizabeth Splawn Ezell, Rev. Wyatt David Boddie and Sarah Jane Baker Boddie. He is survived by his daughter, Hilma Ezell Nelson and her husband, Robert Nelson of Montgomery, AL, his daughter, Patricia E. Ezell and Ernest Gerlach of San Antonio, TX and his sister, Elizabeth Ezell Kemp of Pineville, LA. During his 54 years in Ruston, Roy was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he attended the Hale Memorial Men's Bible Class, sang in the Men's Choir and served as a Boy Scout Master of Troop 45 and of Troop 47. Roy was a lifetime member of the Grand Lodge of the State of Louisiana Free and Accepted Masons, having initially joined the Vinton Lodge No. 363 in 1943. He was awarded the 32nd degree Master Mason designation in 1978 by the Ruston Blue Lodge #106 and was presented with his 50-year certificate in 1993. He was also a 50-year member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasony, S. J. of Monroe, LA. Roy had a strong love for outdoor life and enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping. During his retirement years, Roy and Lorena traveled throughout the U. S. pulling a camper trailer, often vacationing with family members at national park campsites. Roy and Lorena also loved growing flowers; his specialty was camellias and he had 18 beautiful camellia plants in his yard in Ruston. He was an active member of the Ruston Men's Camellia Club and could always be counted on to have prize-winning entries in camellias shows. Roy and Lorena also volunteered for several years at the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home. Roy lived a long and full life, impacting the lives of many. He was loved by family and friends and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. He was ready to join his "sweetheart" of 68 years with whom he has now been reunited. A memorial service honoring both Roy Ezell and Lorena Ezell will be held in Ruston, LA at Trinity United Methodist Church on Memorial Day weekend. This will be followed by a Masonic funeral with the final interment of the Ezells in the Douglas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grand Lodge of Louisiana Dyslexia Program for Children, the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Shreveport, The LA. Methodist Children's Home, P. O. Box 929, Ruston, LA 71273-9976 or to a charity of one's choice.

Ruth Aden Glover
Ruth Aden Glover, 92, died Sunday, April 27, 2003 at a local nursing center in Hurst, TX following a lengthy illness. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2003 at Temple Baptist Church Chapel in Ruston, LA with Rev. Dale Oden officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Ruston, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Ruth Aden was born in Bastrop, LA on February 15, 1911 to William Elbert Aden, Sr. and R. Etta Tucker. She was the third of five daughters, with two brothers. Ruth finished high school in Bastrop, LA and went to a year of Business College in Shreveport, LA. She met her husband, Fred Cecil Glover and they were married on July 3, 1931 in Bastrop, LA. Ruth served for many faithful years as Director of the JR. Department at Temple Baptist Church, she was Director of Girls Auxiliary and active in Women's Missionary Union. She enjoyed hand quilting and each child, grandchild and great grandchild received quilts. Many baby quilts went to friends and church nurseries. Ruth wrote, as a legacy for her family, about her early childhood, family life, Depression marriage and always her love of the Lord. Five grandsons will serve as pallbearers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred C. Glover in 1978, three sisters, Annie Irene Aden Turner, Ione Myrtis Aden Hill and Dorothy Aden Stapleton, and two brothers, Robbie Aden and William Elbert Aden, Jr. Survivors include one sister, Eloise Aden Howard and husband Kenner of Lake Providence, LA; two daughters, Eugenia Glover Pace of North Richland Hills, TX and Margaret Aden Glover Douglas and husband Cecil of Beaverton, OR; one son, Fred Odom Glover and wife Nancy of Chatham, LA; ten grandchildren, David Douglas, Stephen Douglas, Charles Douglas and Susan Douglas Fox, all of Oregon, Scott Glover and Carol Glover Mathus, both of West Monroe, LA, Cynthia Pace Presswood of Sunset, LA, Lisa Pace and Teri L. Pace, both of Hurst, TX, and Kenneth M. Pace of Carrollton, TX; and eighteen great grandchildren plus numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Sallie Mae Hicks Boyett
Funeral services for Sallie Mae Hicks Boyett, 88, of Heath, Ohio, will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2003 in the Chapel of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia. Officiating will be Rev. Dick Paige. Interment will be in Old Athens Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia. Mrs. Boyett died April 27, 2003 at her residence. Mrs. Boyett is preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert Boyett; daughters, Marie Owen and Margie Wesig; and granddaughter, Barbara Lynn Sasz. Survivors include sons, Travis Boyett, Leon and wife Carol Boyett, and Ronnie and wife Tina Boyett, all of Akron, Ohio; daughters, Bettie and husband Paul Sasz, Akron, Ohio, Ruth and husband Pete Wells, Heath, Ohio, and J. Barbara and husband Kenneth Johnson of Columbus, Ohio; sons-in-law, Jack Owen of Dubach, LA and Bill Wesig of Kettering, Ohio; one sister, Pete McLaughlin of Minden, LA; twenty seven grandchildren; thirty eight great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Jack Owen, Don Owen, Jerry Owen, Darin Owen, Ronnie Boyett, and Brandon Boyett. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until time for the service Saturday at the funeral home.

Loyd P. Walker
Services for Loyd P. Walker, 70, will be held Tuesday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Kilpatrick's Funeral Home with Rev. David Hastings officiating, assisted by Rev. Joe Aulds. Visitation will be Monday, April 28 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Interment will be in Pines Memorial Cemetery in Ruston. Mr. Walker died April 26 after a brief illness. Mr. Walker was born January 29, 1933 in Ruston, LA. He was a lifelong resident of Ruston. Mr. Walker achieved many things in life. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He served in the Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Walker worked 28 years and retired from the Louisiana Tech printing department. Mr. Walker was a lifelong cattleman and raised game chickens. He also worked and served on the board of Louisiana Animal Breeders Cooperation for 17 years. He worked with the FSA and served on the board. He held the record for years served on the board. He was chairperson for the last year. He was a member of several camping clubs, Holiday Rambler, Ark-La-Tex Tee Pee Toters, Chapter 419 diesel pushers. Mr. Walker had many accomplishments, but most of all he was loved, admired, and respected by all. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Mr. Walker was not a big man in stature, but he stood tall to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by all. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Wilson Walker; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Angie Walker; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda Walker Rushing and Robert Rushing, all of Ruston; brother, John Liner Walker and sister-in-law Barbara of Pueblo, CO; grandchildren, Justin R. Williams, Colby Rushing, Dylan L. Rushing, Shana Freeman, Lee Walker, and James Walker, all of Ruston. Ricky Trahan, George Trahan, and Evans LeBlanc, all foster sons. Pallbearers will be Mike Craft, Steve Beard, Doug Davidson, Wesley Harris, Paul Harris and Phil Harris. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Holiday Ramblers Camping Clubs.

Irma Kornegay
Services for Mrs. Irma Kornegay, 98, of Ruston, Louisiana, will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2003 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel, Ruston. Interment will be in Douglas Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Kornegay died April 25, 2003 in Ruston following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Kornegay was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Kornegay; son, Buddy Waldron; and grandson, Mike Waldron. Survivors include her daughter: Mildred Herren of Ruston, five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous great great grandchildren.

Lt. Col. Carroll G. Biggs
Services for Lt. Col. Carroll G. Biggs, USAF Retired, 86, of Ruston, Louisiana will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston with Rev. Fred Wideman officiating assisted by Rev. Rolly Walker. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Ruston with full military honors under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Biggs died Friday, April 25, 2003 in Ruston following a brief illness. Mr. Biggs was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston. He served in the Army/Air Corps. and was a veteran of World War II. During this time he was a POW held in Germany. Mr. Biggs was the oldest living former POW in Lincoln Parish. He was a former co-owner of the Marbury Rexall Drug Store and The Clinic Pharmacy of Ruston. He was born Nov. 17, 1916 in Franklin, Kentucky. He achieved the rank of Lt. Col (USAF) retired, was a W.W.II B-17 pilot and a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft III in Sagan, Germany. He has been a Ruston resident since 1947. His children are Mrs. John McCann of Ruston and Jackson Biggs, II, of Longview, Texas. Their mother was Betty Kendall Biggs, a lifelong resident of Ruston. He was a member of the National Alliance of Retail Druggists, past president and charter member, Greater Tech Foundation; past president of the Ruston Chamber of Commerce, 1951-1952; Boy Scouts of America, Order of Arrow, leader Air Explorer Scout Troop Institutional Representative; Veterans of Foreign Wars; American Legion; past Commander Ruston Chapter Air Force Association; Retired Officers Association; Chairman twice of Goodwill Industries Drive; 20 years as a member of the Ruston Mental Health Board; Ruston Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board; Secretary-Treasurer, Jackson Biggs Studio, Inc.; a Rotarian and recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award in 1981; Administrative Board of Trinity United Methodist Church where he is a member of the Hale Memorial Bible Class and charter member of the Covenant Prayer Group. Carroll Biggs has busied himself over the past 40 years to better his community for his family and fellow citizens as is evidence above. He has sold his part of the Marbury Drug Co., to Mrs. J.B. Kendall, Jr., wife of his long time partner and brother-in-law, Buddy Kendall, who passed away in 1983. Mrs. Kendall has planned a reception to honor the retirement of Mr. Biggs from the drugstore. The Marbury Drug was incorporated one year before the town of Ruston. Mr. Biggs and Mr. Kendall took over the management of the store in 1956. Survivors include his wife, Gerthel West Biggs; daughter and son-in-law Marion Biggs McCann and John McCann; son, Jackson M. Biggs; stepson, James West; grandchildren, Justin Biggs, Jessica Large, Johnette McCann, John C. McCann, Gabriel McCann, Elisabeth McCann, Ashley West, Adam West; great grandchildren, Marion Elisabeth McCann, Johnathan Tyler McCann; nieces, Carol Biggs Rinehart, Linda Biggs Hoekstra, Carole Williams Crossley, Peggy Williams Handerhan; nephews, John Ben Kendall, Kendall H. Williams, Malcolm L. Williams and Barton G. Williams. Memorials may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Building Fund. Pallbearers will be Marshall Bice, Robert G. James, Barton Williams, Justin Biggs, John Carroll McCann and Gabriel McCann. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Ruston Rotary Club and members of the Hale Memorial Bible Class of Trinity United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2003 at the funeral home.

Angela Marie Norris
Services for Angela Marie Norris, 46, of Choudrant, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2003 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Karl Norris and Rev. Tim Johnson. Interment will be in Sibley Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Angela died Thursday, April 24, 2003 at her residence in Choudrant following a lengthy illness. She was a lifelong resident of Choudrant. She was a uniquely gifted artist whose work has been displayed in galleries and museums in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. She was a member of the Mississippi Artist's Guild, Louisiana Craft Marketing Program, and the Piney Hills Art Gallery. Angela was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Jack Norris, Sr. Survivors include her mother, Barbara June Norris of Choudrant; one sister, Deborah Annette Disk and husband Tom of Orion, IL; three brothers, Karl Norris and wife Irene of Pineville, LA, Randall Mark Norris and wife Angela of Choudrant, and Thomas Jack Norris, Jr. of Ruston; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Family will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Northwest Regional Hospice. Family will receive friends on Friday, April 25, 2003 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. The family would like to give a special thanks to Northwest Regional Hospice.

Irma M. Boyd
Funeral services for Irma M. Boyd, 97, of Ruston, will be held Thursday, April 24, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel at Temple Baptist Church. Her grandson, Dr. Harry Boyd, Jr. will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 until 10:30 a.m. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Boyd's grandsons: Jim and Tom Frazier, Jay, Mac, Keith and Ben Boyd. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston. Mrs. Boyd was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse F. Boyd. She is survived by a daughter, Jessie Mae Frazier and husband James; two sons, Jimmy Boyd and wife Billie Jean of Shreveport and Harry Boyd of West Monroe; seven grandsons; thirteen great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Raymond Anthony Heit
Raymond Anthony Heit, 66, died on April 18, 2003. He will be remembered as a loving husband and father, and friend to one and all who came to know him. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Helen Carlee Langford Heit and his daughter Amy Cecelia Heit. A memorial mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church, 10503 Westheimer, Houston, Texas, with a reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Christopher Carl Heit Scholarship Fund at the University of St. Thomas, Institutional Advancement Department, 3800 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77006.

Paul Gray
Services for Paul Gray, 85, of Bernice, LA will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2003 in the Pine Grove Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Wayne Gray and Rev. Mike Smith. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Mr. Gray died Thursday, April 17, 2003 in Bernice following a brief illness. Mr. Gray was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church where he was the Director of Music for 30 years, the Senior Deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He enjoyed playing the bass guitar at church and the nursing homes. He was a Veteran of WWII serving in the Philippines and Guam. Mr. Gray was a retired employee of Union Parish Police Jury. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Margaret Inez Shirey Gray, by an infant son David Randall Gray, son Larry Paul Gray, and a brother, James F. Gray. Survivors include one daughter, Carolyn Roberts and husband Luther Fred "Ted" of Dubach, LA; one daughter-in-law, Emily Gray of Ridgeland, MS; one brother, Donald Gray of Homer, LA; two sisters, India Davis of Dubach, LA and Tommie Dean Colvin of Ruston, LA; grandchildren, Devonne Walker, Jeff Roberts, Wayne Gray, Jay Roberts and Chris Gray; and great grandchildren, Thomas Walker, Amanda Atkinson, Loran Roberts, Chance Roberts, Corey Gray, Katie Gray, Samantha Roberts and Haley Gray. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of Pine Grove Baptist Church. Family will receive friends Friday, April 18, 2003 from 2:30 p.m. until service time at the church. Memorials may be made to the Pine Grove Baptist Church Building Fund.

Ruby Nell Cobb
Services for Ruby Nell Cobb, 76, of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2003 in the chapel of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Officiating will be Dr. Michael Hawley. Interment will be in New Hope Cemetery in Choudrant, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Cobb died Thursday, April 17, 2003 in Ruston, LA following a brief illness. Mrs. Cobb was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Ruston, LA. She retired as the Lincoln Parish Clerk of Court where she was employed for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. "Bill" Cobb. Survivors include one daughter, Gail Barnett and husband Dr. John Barnett of Alexandria, LA; one sister, Angie Green and husband Spencer of Ruston, LA; grandchildren, Wayne Barnett and wife Leslie of West Monroe, LA and Samatha Till and husband Matt of Ruston, LA; two great grandchildren, Elena Till of Ruston, LA and Trace Barnett of West Monroe, LA; three nieces and one nephew; several great nieces and nephews; one aunt, and many cousins and other relatives. Pallbearers will be Jerald Bartlet, Brian Green, Bobby Green, Wayne Barnett, Wes Burns, and Matt Till. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m until 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2003 at the funeral home.

Annie Laurie Travis
Services for Annie Laurie Travis, 87, of Delhi, LA were held Saturday, April 12, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. in the Dunn Baptist Church in Delhi. Officiating was Rev. Terry Ganey and Rev. Herman Savoie. Interment was in the Delhi Masonic Cemetery under the direction of Cox Funeral Home of Delhi, LA. Mrs. Travis died April 10, 2003 in the Glenwood Medical Center in West Monroe, LA. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawson Travis; father, Marion VanBuren Bostic; and mother, Rosa Dora Bostic. Survivors include two daughters, Bertha Travis Brown, Houston, TX and Deborah Kay Hauser of Ruston, LA; two granddaughters, Melanie Ayers and Terri Walding, both of Houston, TX; three grandsons, Lee Brown, Houston, TX, Brian Hauser and Brent Hauser, both of Ruston, LA; two sisters, Ivie Naylor Lewis, Tallulah, LA and Estelle Mondey, Port Arthur, TX; and eight great grandchildren. Pallbearers were Greg Ayers, David Walding, David Shanks, Dick Bostic, Harry Bostic and Eddie Fuller. Memorials may be made to Dunn Baptist Church, Sr. Citizen Fund, Delhi, LA.

George O. Norris, Jr.
Services celebrating the life of George O. Norris, Jr., of Ruston, LA will be held Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer with Reverend Edward Head officiating. Services are under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Norris was a native of Longview, Texas, and a resident of Ruston for thirty-four years. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer. He retired as Regional Manager with Hughes Tool Company after forty years of service. He was a Veteran of World War II where he served in the Army Air Corps. Mr. Norris was a 32nd Degree Mason and active in the Boy Scouts of America for a number of years. Mr. Norris was preceded in death by his mother, Callie W. Norris; sister, Faye E. Cordell; and son, George O. Norris, III. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Robinette C. Norris, Ruston, LA; daughter, Debbie Hightower and husband Butch, Ruston, LA; daughter-in-law, Marguerite Norris, Thibodaux, LA; granddaughters, Leigh Chandler and husband Mike, Ruston, LA, Nicole Fisher and husband Chris, San Diego, CA, and Angela Creighton and husband Kip, Houma, LA; grandsons, Heath Hightower and wife Lisa, Destin, FL and Seth Hightower, Shreveport, LA; great grandsons, Clint and Clay Chandler, Ruston, LA; great granddaughter, Callie Elyse Fisher, San Diego, CA; and cousins, Freida Hanson, Alison Lowery and Renee Stack, Weatherford, TX, and Julie Lowery, San Antonio, TX. Pallbearers will be Heath Hightower, Seth Hightower, Clint Chandler, Clay Chandler, Mike Chandler and Cullen Clark. Honorary pallbearers will be James Tarver, Dick Nealy, Bubba VanHook, Tom Boyd and Dick Farmer. Family will receive friends Wednesday, April 16, 2003 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Kilpatrick's Funeral Home. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the employees of Longleaf Nurse Care Center for the love and excellent care given to Mr. Norris. They are a devoted group of caring people. Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer or The Alzheimer Association, 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, Illinois 60611-1676, 1-800-272-3900.

Mary Lou (Best) Richardson
Mary Lou (Best) Richardson was born March 27, 1918 in Bienville Parish, Louisiana and passed away in Baytown, Texas on April 13, 2003. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Simsboro, Louisiana and spent much of her life in Louisiana and Texas. Her last years have been in Baytown, Texas. She is preceded in death by her brother, Everett Best; and her sisters, Esther Bell and Ruth L. Smith. She is survived by her brother, Robert Emmett Best and wife Laura of Mt. Vernon, Washington; sister, Ruby Kathleen Conville and husband Bobby of Simsboro, LA; sister-in-law, Nonie Best of Shreveport, LA; son and daughter-in-law, Aubrey and Cynthia Richardson of Blum, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Mary Beth and James Osgood of Baytown, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Don and Betty Richardson of Ft. Worth, TX; daughter, Carolyn Stanley of San Antonio, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Charles (Monte) and Sandra Richardson of Arlington, TX; ten grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends Margaret O'Sullivan Hill and Doris Jasper of Baytown, Texas as well as many friends. Special thanks and gratitude go to the staff of St. James House of Baytown, Texas. Her favorite past time was singing and listening to sacred music and playing table games. She retired from Lincoln General Hospital, Ruston, Louisiana in 1981. Interment will follow a graveside service at Simsboro Cemetery, Simsboro, Louisiana on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of usual remembrances, special memorials may be made to Houston Alzheimer's Association, 6161 Savoy Dr., Suite 240, Houston, TX 77036 or St. James House, 5800 W. Baker Rd., Baytown, TX 77521. Services are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook, Baytown, TX 77521.

Balinda Murphy Higgins
Balinda Murphy Higgins passed away Monday, April 7, 2003 at Turo Infirmary of New Orleans after a short illness. Balinda was 49 years old. Balinda graduated from La. Tech with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned her teaching certificate from Holy Cross College in New Orleans. Balinda taught in the Orleans Parish school district. She was an avid lover of animals, especially her cats. Balinda is survived by a loving husband, Walter Darrell Higgins, Jr. of New Orleans; parents Harry D. and Betty C. Murphy of Dubach; grandmother, Nancy C. Cooper of Dubach; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Balinda was preceded in death by her grandparents, Elmer L. (Bill) Cooper, Raburn Murphy, John L. and Frankie Murphy Mount. Services for Balinda were held Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Cancer Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Glenis Hope Amox
Services for Glenis Hope Amox, 61, of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12, 2003 in the Young's Funeral Home in Vidalia, LA. Officiating will be Walton Smith. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Natchez under the direction of Young's Funeral Home of Vidalia, LA. Ms. Amox died Wednesday, April 9, 2003 in Lincoln General Hospital in Ruston. She was born April 2, 1942 in Longview, TX. She was a self employed Artist, and was a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her father, Glen Clifton Amox; mother, Helen Kelly Amox; and niece, Nikko Lynn Beach. Survivors include sons, Jim and Michele Amox of Edmond, OK and Lancer Wayne Stokes of Atlanta, TX; one daughter, Teresa (Amox) Rosado of Ruston, LA; two sisters, Nancy Halford of Natchez, MS and Gayle Cowan of Ferriday, LA; two brothers, Harlan Amox of Snyder, TX and Jimmie Amox of Lewisburg, LA; and one grandson, Mason Parker Stokes. Pallbearers will be Kenneth M. Halford, Lance Wayne Stuckey, James Victor Rosado, Samuel Glen Fitze, Donald Wayne Stuckey and Harlan Russell Amox. Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Wayne Stokes, Dale Cowan, and Alford Ray Beach. Visitation will be held Friday evening, April 11, 2003 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Young's Funeral Home in Vidalia, LA.

Homer Paul Sisemore
Homer Paul Sisemore was born February 12, 1920 in Mt. Dora, FL and went home to be with the Lord on August 6, 2003. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2003 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Services will be held at the Clay United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2003, with the Reverends Jimmy Pyles and Genny Hoyt officiating. Burial will be at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery immediately following the service. Homer served with distinction in the 82nd Airborne Division in WWII and received the Purple Heart award. He returned to Clay, LA where he met and married his devoted wife, Sarah J. Beatty. Homer worked for Louisiana Tech University until his retirement. Homer was a member of the Ruston Masonic Lodge #106, F & AM. He was a Master Mason, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite, and a member of the Barak Shrine Temple Monroe, LA. Homer is survived by his wife, Sarah J. Sisemore of Clay, LA; son and daughter-in-law, Lester K. Sisemore and Joan Sisemore of Houston, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Linda G. Lynde and Gerald D. Lynde of Houston, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Karl D. Sisemore and Renee Sisemore of Clay, LA; sisters, Nellie Massey of Clay, LA; Myrtis Peel of Quitman, LA; and brother, Wade Sisemore of Calhoun, LA. Loving grandchildren are Melissa Morrison, Chris Sisemore, Lance Sisemore, Kim Grissom, Michael Lynde, Leslie Saucier, Emily Webb, Alicia Norman, Devlin Sisemore, and Keon Sisemore. Devoted great grandchildren are Austin Grissom, Michelle Morrison, Caden Morrison, Marissa Sisemore, Logan Webb, Conner Webb, Kara Saucier, and Ryan Saucier as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Samuel Lamkin, Dwight Lamkin, Cliff Chiles, Lance Sisemore, Wallace Sisemore, Chris Sisemore, Michael Lynde, and Michael Morrison. Honorary pallbearers will be John Freeman, Mike Freeman, Jimmy Freeman, John Massey, David Massey, Douglas Massey, and Luther Hammons. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.

Oscar Charles Williams
Funeral services for Mr. Oscar C. Williams, 78, will be held Saturday August 9, 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Zion CME Church with Rev. Charlie Coleman, officiating. Interment will follow at the Grambling Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Grambling, Louisiana. Oscar C. Williams, a resident of Minden, was born December 21, 1924 in Winnfield, LA to the late Gus and Roseanne Smith Williams. He departed this life to be with the Lord on August 3, 2003 in Shreveport, LA. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Mr. Williams was a retired educator and elementary school principal, having worked in Winn, Lincoln and Webster Parish school systems for over 30 years. Mr. Williams was a faithful member of the Mt. Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where he served as a Steward, Church Treasurer, and coordinator of the Helping Hands Food Program. He also served as a member of the Joint Board of Finance of the Louisiana CME Conference. Oscar C. Williams, a devoted Civic Servant and Humanitarian was active in many organizations and causes including Kiwanis International, Webster Association of Retired Teachers, AARP, Boys and Girls Club of Minden Board Member, Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce, Grambling Alumni Webster Parish Chapter, Life Member of the National Grambling Alumni Association, Life Member of the National Educators Association, NAACP, Boy Scouts of America, and a former member of the Minden Civil Service Board. Mr. Williams is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Marguerite Hayes Williams of Minden, LA; daughter, Linda Durril (Pompia) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; son, Staff Sergeant Marcus Williams of Fort Wainwright, Alaska; stepdaughter, Yvette Hayes Edwards (Wayne) of Minden, LA; five grandchildren, Roseanne Durril of Oak Park, Illinois, Crystal Durril of West Lafayette, Indiana, Kenneth Durril of St. Paul, Minnesota, Forrest Hayes Ashley of Minden, Louisiana, and Markayla Williams of Houston, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held Friday, August 8, 2003 in the Kennon's Mortuary from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 P.M. and Saturday, August 9, 2003 at Mt. Zion CME from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. Services are entrusted to Kennon's Mortuary of Minden.

Myrtle Baker Raley
Services for Myrtle Baker Raley, 102, of Ruston, LA will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2003 in the Grace United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Dr. Wayne Evans assisted by Dr. Douglas M. McGuire. Interment will be in Douglas Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Raley died Sunday, August 3, 2003 in the Alpine Guest Care Center following a brief illness. Mrs. Raley was born in Natchitoches, and was a resident of Lincoln Parish for 98 years. She was a graduate of Choudrant High School and attended La. Tech. Mrs. Raley was a charter member of Grace United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She also served as a Girl Scout Leader at the Methodist Children's Home. She was an active member of the Pink Ladies at Lincoln General Hospital for many years, and retired on her 90th birthday. Mrs. Raley was preceded in death by her husbands, Blanchard Ford and Tomp Raley. Survivors include one daughter, Helen F. Kaufmann and husband Roger of Bella Vista, Arkansas; two grandsons, Michael Kaufmann and wife Carolyn of Baxter Springs, Kansas and Russell Kaufmann and wife Amanda of Tulsa, Oklahoma; great grandchildren, Grant Kaufmann of Norman, Oklahoma, Allyn Kaufmann and Laura Kaufmann of Baxter Springs, Kansas; two brothers, Fletcher Baker of Ruston and Leon Baker of Calhoun; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Marian Baker of Baton Rouge and Mrs. Kathleen Baker of Choudrant; and a host of nieces and nephews. Family requests memorials be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 3401 North Trenton Street, Ruston, LA 71270. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Bobby Wayne "Mr. Bob" Otwell
Services for Bobby Wayne "Mr. Bob" Otwell, 66, of Clay, LA will be held at 10:00 a.m. Sunday, August 3, 2003 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Bradford Jones. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Clay, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Otwell died Thursday, July 31, 2003 in Shreveport, LA. Mr. Otwell was in the 549th Transportation Battalion in the National Guard. He was a grocery store owner for 36 years and owned Bob's Grocery. He was a newborn Christian. Mr. Otwell was preceded in death by his father, Loyd Ben Otwell and brother, Fred Otwell. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Marjorie Otwell of Clay, LA; three daughters, Carolyn Berry and husband Donnie of Quitman, LA, Kay Smith and husband Dale of Clay, LA and Sumer Rane Boyd and husband Robin of Clay, LA; grandchildren, Donnie Berry, Jr., David Smith and Jeffrey Smith; his mother, Eva Otwell of Ruston, LA; two brothers, Hollis Lamar Otwell and wife Kim of Vivian, LA and Loyd Benny Otwell of Ruston, LA; one sister, Paulette Davis and husband Jerry of Choudrant, LA; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2003 at the funeral home.

Octava Sledge Delony
Funeral services for Octava Sledge Delony, 87, of West Monroe will be held Saturday, August 2, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston. Officiating will be Dr. Randall D. Sledge. Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick on Friday, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Delony was born October 28, 1915 in Red River Parish and passed away in West Monroe on July 30, 2003. She graduated from Normal State College and studied at Louisiana Tech University. Mrs. Delony taught school at Ringgold, served as secretary of Temple Baptist Church and to the Dean of Engineering, Louisiana Tech. She also worked in insurance and banking. She was a faithful, devoted member of Cook Baptist Church for many years. Mrs. Delony was preceded in death by her husband, M. L. (Pete) Delony; her parents, William D. and Ada D. Sledge; and her twin sister, Eulava Dupree. She is survived by two children, son Lamar Delony, Jr. and wife Jan of West Monroe and daughter Ada D. Jarred of Natchitoches; two grandchildren, Kevin Delony and wife Amy of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Elizabeth Jarred of Alexandria; two great grandchildren, Rachel and Connor Delony of Mechanicsville; two brothers, Wayne D. Sledge and Randall D. Sledge of Shreveport; and sister Wilma R. Rittenhouse of Medford, Oregon. Pallbearers will be Eric Brazzel, Kevin Delony, Roy Delony, Ruel Gene Roberson, Wayne Sledge and Elmer Lolley. Memorials may be made to Cook Baptist Church, Ruston or to Alzheimer's Association.