Mary E. Smith
Graveside services for Mary E. Smith, age 91, will be held Thursday, December 11, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Mary E. Smith was born February 3, 1912 in Pleasant Valley, OK. She died December 8, 2003 after a short illness. She had been a resident of the Wesley Chapel Community since moving from Mission, TX in 1982. For the past year, she had resided at the Russ House. Survivors include her daughters, Shirley Salmon and husband Ron of Ruston, LA and Joyce Wright and husband Gary of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Diana Humphries and husband Ben of Ruston, LA, Cynthia Barker and husband Price of Shreveport, LA, Steve Wright and wife Lisa of Cypress, TX and Karen de la Vega of Katy, TX; great grandchildren, Kelly Humphries, Taylor Wright, Molly Humphries, Kyle Wright, Maggie Humphries, Cameron de la Vega and Matthew Barker. She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Smith and infant daughter, Vera Mae Smith. She was a member of the Magi Chapter #85, Order of the Eastern Star.

Mattie Sue "Red" Simmons Larance
Mattie Sue Simmons Larance, 94, passed away on December 8, 2003 in the Alpine Nursing Home in Ruston, LA following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, December 11, 2003 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA. Officiating will be Reverend M. F. Copeland and Dr. Lionel Crowell. Interment will follow in the Vienna Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2003 at the funeral home. Mattie Sue was born November 27, 1909 in Vienna, LA to William Sterling Simmons and Beatrice Sealy Simmons. She was an active member and pillar of the Vienna First Baptist Church all of her life, where she served as the church treasurer for many years. Miss Red will also be fondly remembered as the manager of Lewis & Co.'s shoe department, where she was recognized in 1991 as the oldest employee in Lincoln Parish. She married Thomas Glenn Larance on June 1, 1936, and was a devoted wife for over fifty years. Mattie Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Glenn Larance; father, W. S. Simmons; mother, Beatrice Simmons; sisters, Victoria McKoin, Jewel Larance, and Mary Jackson; and brothers, Joe Simmons and Jimmy Simmons. She is survived by her son, Tom Larance of Shreveport; her granddaughter, Lynse Staton Larance of McAllen, TX; her grandson, Garrett Sterling Larance of Farmington Hills, MI; her sister, Gladys McKee of Vienna; and her brothers, Elmo Simmons of Bastrop and Graves Simmons of Wellington, FL.

Bess Edwards Cook
Services for Bess Edwards Cook, 97, formerly of Ruston, LA will be conducted at 11 a.m., December 8, 2003 in the Chapel of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston with Rev. Chris Craig officiating. Interment will follow in the Cook Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Cook died Friday, December 5, 2003 in Shreveport. Mrs. Cook was a lifelong resident of Ruston. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. J. R. Edwards and Lena Woodard Edwards, her husband, David F. Cook, a brother, John Edwards Jr., a son, James Edwards Cook and three grandchildren. She was owner and operator of Bess Cook's Dress Shop for many years. She was very active in First Baptist Church, a charter member of the Ruston Quota Club and an avid china painter. Survivors include one son, Don Cook and wife Betty of Shreveport; daughter, Anne C. Taberlet of Shreveport; grandchildren, Dr. John E. Taberlet, Donnette C. Smith and husband Greg all of Shreveport, Dr. Joey Taberlet and wife Martha of Belton, Texas, great grandchildren, Rebeka, Betsy and Molly Smith, Libby and James Taberlet. Visitation will be Monday, December 8, 2003 from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff at the Terrace in Shreveport and Life Path Hospice for their kindness and loving care.

Robert Bobby Williams
Services for Mr. Robert Bobby Williams, 94, of Ruston, LA will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 7, 2003 at Owens Memorial Funeral Home with Reverend Earl Moore and Reverend John Barr officiating. Interment will be in Vienna Cemetery, Vienna, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Funeral Home, Ruston. Mr. Williams passed away Saturday, December 6, 2003 at his residence. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Margie Barker Williams of Ruston; his son, R. B. Williams and wife Margaret Ann of Ruston; daughters, Barbara and husband Henry Hicks of Bossier, City, LA and Sharon and husband David Milczarski of Ruston; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be from noon until the service Sunday at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home.

Phillip A. McGrew, Jr.
Services for Phillip A. McGrew, Jr., 27, of Dubach, will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 6, 2003 at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston with Rev. Barry Joyner officiating. Interment will be in Fellowship Cemetery in Dubach under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Phillip died Thursday, November 20, 2003 following an auto accident. Phillip is preceded in death by his grandfather, James A. McGrew, Sr. of Choudrant. He is survived by his wife, Jackie McGrew of Ruston; a daughter, Destiny McGrew of Ruston; father, Phillip A. McGrew, Sr., of Dubach; mother, Beatrice Owens of Sarepta; grandparents, Annie McGrew of Ruston, E. L. Truelove of Chatham, Lucille Truelove of Arkansas; a brother, Mikel McGrew of Sarepta; sisters, Angel Allison of Sarepta, Lacy Ingram and husband Sean of Simsboro, and Ashley McGrew of Sarepta; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a tremendous amount of friends. Pallbearers will be Sean Ingram, Jeffery Farnell, B. J. Courtney, Monte Cobb, Robert Truelove, and T. J. Johnston. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, December 5, 2003, at the funeral home.

Mr. M.L. Causey
Services for Mr. M.L. Causey of Monroe, LA will be held at 10 a.m. Monday June 14, 2004, in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Rd., Monroe with Rev. Doug Allen officiating. Interment will follow in Mulhearn Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Causey was born in Ruston, LA on August 21, 1911, to Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Causey. He was one of 13 children and had a long and active life. Mr. Causey died in St. Francis Medical Center on Saturday June 12, 2004, following a brief illness. Mr. Causey was a charter member of College Place Baptist Church where his dedication was honored in a service in which he was recognized as a Deacon Emeritus. His favorite past time was ministering to the sick and shut-ins of his church, his friends and his family. Prior to his retirement in 1976, Mr. Causey was a warehouse manager for Morgan and Lindsay and G.C. Murphy for 46 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Edna Tullos Causey. Survivors include his three sons and their wives, Wayne and Patsy Causey of Ruston, LA, Donald and Sheila Causey of Winnfield, LA, and Lynn and Nell Causey of Monroe, LA; four grandchildren, Debbie and Roger Norman of Temple, TX, Larry and Lisa Causey of Tuston, LA, Randy and Leigh Causey of West Monroe, LA and Robby and Lisa Causey of Leesville, LA; seven great grandchildren; twin sister, Lucille Smith of Ruston, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Wayne Causey, Donald Causey, Larry Causey, Randy Causey, Robby Causey and Brent Causey. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of College Place Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. until service time Monday at Mulhearn Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to College Place Baptist Church, the Baptist's Children's Home, or a favorite charity.

Derrel A. McBroom
Derrel A. McBroom, 38, of Simsboro, Louisiana, died Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at Lincoln General Hospital in Ruston, Louisiana. He was the son of Esther Byrd of El Dorado, Arkansas. Derrel was born October 4, 1965, in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was raised until moving to El Dorado, Arkansas, in 1976. He received his Eagle Scout Honor from the Boy Scouts of America in 1983 as a member of troop 17 of the De Soto Area Council. He was a 1984 graduate of El Dorado High School and a 1989 graduate of Louisiana Tech University. A life-long farmer and long-time worker in the poultry industry of Louisiana, he had recently received reappointment to the Louisiana Livestock Sanitation Board. He served as Past President of the Louisiana Broiler Council and Past President of the Louisiana Poultry Federation. He attended church at Emmanuel Baptist in Ruston. Derrel is survived by his mother as well as his two sisters, Jo Byrd, of Washington, D.C. and Connie Byrd, of El Dorado, Arkansas, a brother, De Byrd of Madison, Wisconsin, and father Gordon Byrd, of El Dorado, Arkansas. He is also survived by his fiance' M'lee Russell and daughter Emma White both of Ruston, Louisiana. Visitation will be held Saturday June 12, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston. Funeral services will be given at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 2 pm, Sunday, June 13, 2004. Interment will follow at 5:30 pm at Parkdale Cemetery, Parkdale, Arkansas. Memorials may be made in his honor to First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado, Arkansas.

Thomas Harrison Phillips
Private graveside services for Thomas Harrison Phillips, 88, will be held on Saturday, June 12, 10:30 AM at the Pine Grove Cemetery in Bernice, Louisiana. Officiating will be Reverend Mike Smith, Pastor, Pine Grove Baptist Church. Kilpatrick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Phillips was born in Doyline, LA, November 19, 1915, passed away in Portland, OR, May 31, 2004, after an illness of several months. He was the youngest of seven children of Louis M. and Nancy Elizabeth Dawson Phillips. His early years were spent in Gibsland, LA, and the family moved to Ruston in 1924, when his father joined the Louisiana Tech faculty. Harrison graduated from Louisiana Tech University with majors in English and Music, Louisiana State University with a graduate degree in Music. After student years, he joined the LSU faculty in the department of Music. He was an accomplished pianist and performed concerts thru-out Louisiana during his teaching career. Mr. Phillips, a veteran of WWII, served with the U.S. Army from 1942-1946. He was discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant. After the Army, he returned to his position at LSU faculty. In 1952, he moved to New York City and worked with the editorial staff of the New Yorker Magazine, and remained with them for 15 years. He also taught piano at the Brooklyn Music School. Harrison was interested in foreign languages, and was fluent in several. This led to his association with the "Maritime Reporter and Engineering News" publication where he was a Senior Editor working with foriegn editions. He retired from this position in 1992 and moved to Oregon. Harrison's enthusiasm for everything he undertook, his interest in the arts, and the pursuit of musical excellence with the piano, were positive influences on his family and friends. His parents and five brothers preceded Mr. Phillips in death. He is survived by a sister, Blanche P. Harris, of Shreveport, two nephews, and on niece. He was the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. David Harrison Dawson of Bernice, and his great grandmother was the first person buried in this cemetery (1892- Nancy Bryant Dawson.) The family suggests remembrances be made to the Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, LA, or choice of the donor.

Jerry A. Andrews
Jerry A. Andrews, 94 of Ruston, LA passed away Tuesday, June 8, 2004 in Ruston after a brief illness. Mr. Andrews was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Lillie Mae Andrews and oldest son Jerry J. Andrews. He is survived by his sons Jack Andrews and wife Bonnie of Vidor, TX, and Bill Andrews and wife Mary of Abeline, TX; daughters Elizabeth Ambrose and husband Jimmy of Ruston, Frances Elliott of Ruston, and Judy McCarley of Ruston; sister, Jeanette Brewer of Ruston; Brother, Roligh Andrews of Ruston; as well as 13 Grandchildren, numerous Great Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Graveside Services will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 10, 2004 at Douglas Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Dr. Michael Hawley will officiate. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Heart Association.

Mr. Varch Otwell
Mr. Varch Otwell, 85, of Wilmot, Ark., was born Oct. 26, 1918 in Vienna, La. He died Thursday, June 3, 2004 at the Oak Woods Home for the Elderly in Mer Rouge, La. He was a resident of Wilmot for the past 40 years and a former resident of Monticello. He graduated from Ruston High School and attended Louisiana Tech. He was a veteran of the United States Army where he was a Staff Sergeant in the 1827th Service Command Unite. He was a lifelong pipeliner and retired from Eagleton Engineering Co. in 1981. He was preceded in death by his wife; Mildred Elinor Scolars Otwell in 1989 and his parents; B.C. and Fannie Duke Otwell. He is survived by two sons; Stephen Wayne Otwell and wife Mary of Wilmot, Ark. and Gregory Varch Otwell and wife Shelley of Haughton, La.; four grandchildren; Lance Gregory Otwell, Stephen Varch Otwell, Virginia Sherrer Otwell Batton and Matthew Gregory Otwell, four great grandchildren; Tyler Thomas Otwell, Mary Katelyn Otwell Thomas, Donovan Batton and Mathew Davis Batton. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Sunday June 6 at the Wilmot United Methodist Church with Rev. Ron Feeser and Bro. Carlos Pitts officiating. Burial will be in the Wilmot Cemetery under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home, Hamburg, Ark. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Baptist Children's Homes, P.O. Box 552, Little Rock, Ark., 72203.

Mrs. Ruth Thigpen
Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth Thigpen, 87, Ruston, La., will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2004, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Larry Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Thigpen died June 5 in Ruston following a brief illness. Mrs. Thigpen is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and taught high school business for one year and worked in her father's hardware store in Alexandria before moving to Ruston. Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church in Ruston and worked in the toddler Sunday School department for many years. She was an active volunteer serving as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader, a pink lady at Lincoln General Hospital and treasurer of Kappa Delta Alumni Organization. She loved to play bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs and was a member of the Ruston Garden Club. Ruth was born on July 10, 1916 in Alexandria, La. Mrs. Thigpen, a homemaker, was a long-time resident of Ruston. She was preceded in death by her parents; Thad and Lula Ensley and her brother, George Ensley. Mrs. Thigpen is survived by her husband of 63 years; Dr. Jack Thigpen of Ruston, son Jack Thigpen Jr. and wife Ann; daughter Sally Thigpen of Ruston; grandchildren Phillip Thigpen of Ruston, Lisa Lawton and husband Billy of Indianapolis, Ind., Sarah Freeman of Ruston, Sheena Thigpen of Choudrant and Leigh Ann Pierce of Monroe; four great-grandchildren; and a special niece, Lou Fomby and her husband Ray of Alexandria. Pallbearers will be Art Thigpen, Drew Thigpen, Leon Barmore, Hoye Grafton, Doyle Holstead and Randy Fallin. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Ruston or Charity of Donors Choice. The Family will receive friends Sunday from 5 pm until 7pm at the funeral home. The Family would like to give a special thanks to the Staff and Sitters at The Russ House.

Reverend Johnny Ray Stringer
Reverend Stringer was born on June 3, 1943 in Quitman, Louisiana to Deacon Edward Stringer and the late Sister Mary Leonard Stringer, the second of four children. He Departed this life on Sunday, May 30, 2004. Johnny was reared in a Christian home, converted and baptized at an early age at the Bethany Baptist Church. Johnny Ray, affectionately called "J.R.," attended the public schools of Jackson Parish and graduated from Jackson High School, Jonesboro, Louisiana. Upon graduation, he attended Bishop College, Dallas, Texas for two years and later attended Louisiana College of Pineville, Louisiana for one year. Following his ordination, he prepared himself for his vocation by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops provided by the local, state, and National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and Convention. He accepted his call to preach and began his ministry in May, 1962. When Reverend Stringer was being called to preach, he preached to a "dead" sweet gum tree which later came to life and bloomed again. He delivered his introductory sermon at his home church, Bethany Baptist Church of Quitman, Louisiana, under the leadership of Reverend E. L. Maxie. Reverend Stringer's pastoral leadership was wide and varied throughout North Louisiana. His faithful service as pastor and leader included: Mount Mariah Baptist Church, Chatham 20 years
Mount Nebo Baptist Church, Dubberly 11 years
Sweet Home Baptist Church, Danville 10 years
Mount Comfort Baptist Church, Minden 7 years
Mount Gillah Batist Church, Jonesboro 6 years
New Liberty Hill Baptist Church, Arcadia 5 years
Springville United Baptist Church, Gibsland 4 years
First Baptist Church, Natchitoches 5 years
Friendship Baptist Church, Dodson 15 years
China Grove Baptist Church, Grambling 3 years
Green Grove Baptist Church, Reahimer 3 years
Macedonia Baptist Church, Choudrant 3 years
Reverend Stringer visited and preached in every major city in the United States of America. He visited the Holy Land twice. He served as Moderator of the New Hope Baptist Association from 1973 to 1993. The New Hope Association was made up of 36 churches from Jackson, Lincoln, Bienville, Ouachita, and Winn Parishes. Under his leadership, 30 acres of land was purchased and the Boyer-Bell Building in Jonesboro was built. He served his community as a Ward Two Councilman for 13 years under the mayoral leadership of the Honorable john perritt, Elton Pody, and Hilda Taylor Perritt. He held membership in several outstanding civic and community organizations, and was currently a member of the Interdenominational Alliance of Ministers. After fourty-two years of preaching God's word and pastoring, Reverend Stringer resigned as pastor of Mount Mariah Baptist Church in Chatham on April 20, 2003 because of health problems. Reverend Stringer leaves to cherish his memory, his lovely and devoted wife, Mary Calloway Stringer of Ruston; one daughter, Jonetta Rachelle Stringer Arvie of Dallas, Texas; his father, Deacon Edward (Dorothy) Stringer of Ruston; two brothers: Aaron (Cora) Stringer of Jonesboro; Donnie (Lucretia) Stringer of Seattle, Washington; one sister, Eddie (Earl) Hollingsworth of Federalway, Washington; one granddaughter, Eva Arvie of Dallas, Texas; two aunts: Cherry Wright and Brenda Matthews of Ruston; three uncles: Ernest Jones of Ruston; Henry P. Jones of Bronx, New York; and Rex Jones of Grand Rapids, Michigan. In addition, he has one sister-in-law, Mary Lou Calloway of East Palo Alto, California; one brother-in-law, James Edward Calloway of East Palo Alto, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Mr. Edwin Clayton Driggers
Services for Mr. Edwin Clayton Driggers, 96, of Ruston, LA will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 4, 2004 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dale Oden officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Ruston. Mr. Driggers passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2004 at Lincoln General Hospital. He was a retired plummer, a Navel Veteran of WWII, a 32nd degree Mason and a lifelong member of Temple Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Clara, a son, Bobby E. Driggers and a grandson, Michael Driggers. Mr. Driggers is survived by son Rodney L. Driggers and wife Mary Ellen of Ruston; four grandchildren, Eva Clair Bowles and husband Matthew of Atlanta, GA, James Todd Driggers of Austin, TX, Bryant Max Driggers of Houston, TX and Suzanne Michelle Hatcher and husband Chad of Conroe, TX; three great grandchildren: Ashley Clair Bowles and McKinley Bowles of Atlanta, GA and Riley Douglas Hatcher of Conroe, TX. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Thursday, June 3rd at the Funeral Home.

Mr. James Wicks Duncan, Jr.
Mr. James Wicks Duncan Jr., 59, of Plaisance, LA passed away Monday, May 31, 2004 at his residence. He was a native of Ruston, LA and was the Assistant Principal of Northwest High School. Mr. Duncan Jr. was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Rice Duncan, and father James W. Duncan, Sr. He is survived by his spouse, Abbie Pitre Duncan, her mpther, Celina White Pitre, as well as three sons: Dr. Karl Duncan, M.D. and Dr. Kurt Duncan, M.D. both of South Field, Michigan, and Kinte' Duncan and wife Jeniqua of Orlando, Florida. He is also survived by his sister Dr. Janet D. Barnes, M.D. of New Orleans, LA and four brothers-in-law; Joshua Pitre and wife Alice of Plaisance, LA, Donald Pitre and wife Mamie of Plaisance, LA, Jessie Pitre and wife Leeanna of Houston, TX and Dr. Shelton Barnes, M.D. of New Orleans, LA. The wake will take place Friday, June 4, 2004 from 5pm-9pm at Mohorn B.C. in Plaisance, LA. Visitation resumes on Saturday, June 5 from 8am-11am with the funeral following at 11am. Pastor Nicholas D. Thomas will officiate.

Norma Featherston Wilson
Norma Featherston Wilson, 80, passed away Tuesday, June 1, 2004, in Ruston, LA. Mrs. Wilson was a member of First Baptist Church in Farmerville, LA. She was born in Columbus, GA on March 11, 1924. She was a retired Tax Auditor with the IRS. She had just celebrated her 80th birthday with friends and family at Alpine Nursing Home in Ruston, LA where she had lived for the past three years. The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers at Alpine for their support and care to Mrs. Wilson. She is survived by her children Donna Kelley and husband Stephen of Farmerville, LA; John R. Wilson Jr. and wife Betty of Glen Allen, VA; four granchildren, Brandon Kelley, Allyson Kelley, Greg Wilson and wife Jennifer, and Jason Wilson. She is also survived by two great grandchildren, Kyle and Owen Wilson. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 3, 2004 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Farmerville, LA from 5pm until 8pm. Funeral services will take place Friday, June 4, 2004 at 10:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. Roger Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery located in Hot Springs, AR at 3:00 pm under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Farmerville, LA. Pallbearers will be Stephen Kelley, Brandon Kelley, Greg Wilson, Jason Wilson and Shorty Aulds. Honorary pallbearers are her great grandsons, Kyle and Owen Wilson.

Violet C. Whitten
Services for Violet Carter Whitten will be held at 2:00 PM Friday June 4, 2004 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston. Officiating will be Rev. Dale Oden of Temple Baptist Church. Interment will be at Monroe Memorial Park Cemetery in Monroe. Visitation will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston from 5:00-8:00 PM Thursday, June 3, 2004. Mrs. Whitten, 83, passed away Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at Lincoln General Hospital after a long illness. Mrs. Whitten was born November 6, 1920 in Point, LA to Cleveland and Maggie Carter. She was a long time resident of Ruston working 28 years at the Lincoln General Hospital as an LPN. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband Mayo; son Ronnie; great grandson Brayton Whitten; parents; brother C.W. Carter, Jr.; and sister Fern Stiles. Survivors include her sons Richard and wife Janet of Hood River, Oregon and George Robertson and wife Jennifer of Raleigh, North Carolina. She is also survived by her grandchildren Ron and Deede Whitten; Jenna and Blain Lehman; Cindy and Adam Graham; and Noelle and Scott Reid; six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Ron Whitten; Blain Lehman; David Breland; Gary Breland; Johnny Breland; and Billy Carter.

Kailaigh Prentice Dunn
Kailaigh Prentice Dunn, 4, a pre-kindergarten student at Lincoln Center School in Ruston, La., left with the cherub angels on Monday, May 24, 2004. Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday in the sanctuary of Cornerstone Baptist Church, 5415 Matlock Road, Arlington, TX The Rev. Dwight McKissic will officiate. Burial: Moore Memorial Gardens. Visitation: You may visit Kailaigh noon to 8 p.m. Friday in the Veronica Chapel of the funeral home. Kailaigh loved pink and Barbie dolls. Survivors: Parents, Kimberly Dunn and Garvin Harrell; brother, Jadan R. Dunn; grandparents, Gerald P. Dunn, Josie A. Smith and Khallelah Jawad; great-grandparents, Vyleria M. Dunn, S.L. and Josephine Smith; and the blessing of having a host of many other loving relatives and friends. Gregory W. Spencer Funeral Directors 4000 Miller Ave., Arlington, TX (817) 531-8666

Mary Alice Oxford Martin
Mary Alice Oxford Martin, 81, passed away Tuesday, May 25, 2004 in Ruston after a lengthy illness. Mrs. Martin is a member of First Baptist Church in Dubach. In addition to being a wife to Paul Martin for 62 years, "Mamaw" cared for her children, grandchildren, and friends through her many talents, including sewing and cooking. Her passion was her family whom she loved to take care of and cook for. Many hours were spent rocking and sewing while she listened to her much-loved gospel music. She was preceded in death by her parents; Ray Oxford and Audria Alexander Oxford. Mrs. Martin is survived by her Spouse, Paul H. Martin of Dubach, LA; Children: Jackie H. Martin and wife Judy of Ruston, LA, Martha M. Lewis, Kenneth Ray Martin and wife Bitsy and Lisa M. Caver and husband Mike all of Dubach, LA.; Sister: Melba O. Whitman of Ruston, LA; Brother: Newton Oxford and wife Phyllis of Dubach, LA.; Granchildren: Jacqueline M. Atkinson and husband Michael of Ruston, LA; Jeff Martin and wife Lisa of Simsboro, LA., Johnny Martin and wife Cristy of Simsboro, LA., Kyle Martin and wife Michele of Ruston, LA., Jimmy Martin and wife Amanda, Lacey Martin, Marty Lewis, and Logan Caver all of Dubach, LA.; Great Grandchildren: Bradlee Martin, Mackenzie Martin, Taylor Atkinson, Chance Martin and Emily Martin. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Thursday at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, LA. Funeral services will take place Friday, May 28, 2004 at 10:00 am in the Chapel. Rev. Barry Joyner and Rev. Dayton Doughty will officiate with the interment following at Unionville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeff Martin, Johnny Martin, Jimmy Martin, Michael Atkinson, Kyle Martin and Marty Lewis. Billy Aycock will be an honorary pallbearer. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Dubach or a memorial of donor's choice. Also a special thank you to Dr. Holly Kidd and to Dr. Billy Smith for their dedicated and compassionate years of care.

Martha"Marty" Moore Dudley
Services for Martha Moore Dudley will be held at 11:30 am, Friday, May 28, 2004 at Rose-Neath Marshall Street Chapel in Shreveport, LA. Officiating will be Pastor Doug Sanders of Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church. Interment will follow in Forest Park Cemetery, St. Vincent Avenue. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 27, 2004 at Rose-Neath Marshall Street Funeral Home in Shreveport. Mrs. Dudley, 85, died Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at Dubuis Hospital in Shreveport. Marty was born September 18, 1918 in Ruston, LA. She was educated in Lincoln Parish schools and was a graduate of Louisiana Tech in Ruston in 1939. Mrs. Dudley was a member of Vineyard Christian Fellowship Church of Shreveport. She worked for a few years at Highland Hospital and later in the office of the Caddo Parish Clerk of Court. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Tubb and Clara Lane Moore; her husband, Ira Lewis Dudley, Jr.; two brothers, Dr. Walter Moore and William Richard Moore; four sisters, Elizabeth Moore, Mary Price, Dell Zachary and Clara V. Norris. Survivors include her five children, Ira Lewis Dudley, III of Ruston, LA, Robert Lane Dudley and wife, Sita of Houston, TX, Mary Robins and husband, Richard of Shreveport, LA, William Andrew Dudley of Paris, France and Edward Richard Dudley of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Michael Corin Dudley of Los Angeles, CA, Nicholas Yoan Dudley of Paris, France, Richard Lewis Robins and wife, Samantha of Bossier City, LA and Meagan Robins of Shreveport, LA. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, June Moore of Kenner, LA and brother-in-law, Edward C. Greco of Shreveport, LA. In addition, she is survived by eight nieces and five nephews; many beloved friends; and countless others who were adopted unofficially as Marty's children and grandchildren. The family requests memorials be made to your favorite charity. The Dudley family expresses their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and aides at Dubuis Hospital for the care they gave to their mother in recent weeks.

George T. "Malvin" Cranford
George T. "Malvin" Cranford, 69, passed away Monday, May 24, 2004 in Ruston, LA after a lengthy illness. Mr. Cranford was a member of Southside Baptist Church and owner of Cranford Grocery in Ruston. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rose Volentine Cranford of Ruston, LA and two sons, Steve Cranford and wife Aliscia of Simsboro, LA and Mike Cranford and wife Dari of Columbia, MO. He is also survived by his brother Jim Cranford and wife Linda of Concord, NC; two sisters, Artie Beth Cranford Runyon and husband Jerry of Choudrant, LA and Becky Roberts and husband Harry of Pioneer, LA; and seven grandchildren, Annie, T.J., Steven, Natalee, Morgan, Tanner and Riley. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 25, 2004 from 5 pm until 8 pm under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, LA. Funeral services will take place at Southside Baptist Church, Wednesday, May 26, 2004 at 10:00 am. Rev. Larry Emory will officiate assisted by Rev. Brad Jones. Pallbearers will be Ray Caraway, Mike Collie, David Frasier, Matt Hamblin, Blain Owens and Bruce Kelpe. Glen Hunt, Bill Kinnman and J.C. Knight will be honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Southside Baptist Church building fund or the Methodist Orphanage.

Johnny M. Siler
Johnny M. Siler, 65, of Ruston, LA passed away Sunday, May 23, 2004 in Ruston after a lengthy illness. Mr. Siler was a longtime resident of Ruston and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion and the Moose Lodge. Mr. Siler served in the U.S. Navy for 10 years and was a Vietnam veteran. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Shirley Siler of Ruston, daughter Paula Osbon and husband Tony of Ruston, and sons James Siler of Ruston, Micheal Baxter and wife Amee of Ruston, and Johnny Siler III of California. He is also survived by his sister Evelyn Mascari of Mississippi, brother Jelbert Siler and wife Ruthie of Arkansas, grandchildren Casey Baxter and Chistopher Miles Siler both of Ruston, Megan Siler of California, nieces Virginia Arnold and husband Forest of Missouri and Dorothy DeFore of Tennessee as well as several other nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Monday May 24, 2004 from 5pm until 8pm at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Services will be held Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 2pm at Calvary Baptist Church near Ruston with Rev. David Hastings officiating. Interment will follow at Brooks Chapel Cemetery in Quitman.

Patricia "Patsy" Cruikshank Cobb Berry
Mrs. Patricia Berry, 70, passed away on May 13, 2004 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Survivors include her husband George P. Berry, Jr.; three daughters: Cathy Cobb (Cliff Sr.) Carey of Lebanon, Carol (Russell) Brown of Colonial Beach, VA, and Cynthia (Danny) Brian of Knoxville, TN; one son: Al (Regina) Cobb of Pascagoula, MS; nine grandchildren: Kimberly (Adam) Carey Tune, Cliff Carey Jr. of Lebanon, Natalie and Allen Cobb, Joshua, Aaron, Sarah, Nathan, and Jeremiah Brown; and one great-grandchild: Brooks Tune. Mrs. Berry is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Eunice Ponthieux Cruikshank Sr., by her brother Arthur W. Cruikshank Jr., and by her first husband Jimmy Cobb. Funeral services were held at Saint Frances Cabrini Catholic Church on Sunday, May 16, 2004 at 3 p.m. Father Zacharias Payikat conducted the service.

John W. Spencer
John W. Spencer, 79, of Simsboro, LA passed away Wednesday 19, 2004 in Monroe, LA after a lengthy illness. Mr. Spencer served in the U.S. Navy for 15 years. He retired in 1974 after serving 16 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Senior Master Sgt. He was a veteran of WW II, Korean Conflict and Vietnam. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Nancy E. Spencer of Simsboro, LA; Four Children: Arlene Smith of Eudora, KS, Duane Pixley and husband Jeff of Choudrant, LA, John W. Spencer, II and wife Susan of Simsboro, LA, and Nancy Beth Bailey and husband Kenneth of Montgomery, AL; Thirteen grandchildren: Jason Smith, Douglas Smith, Sherry Moffitt all of Eudora, KS, Lorah Ratliff of Houma, LA, James Revels of Lafayette, LA, Jennifer Spencer, Greg Spencer, Aubrey Spencer, Jentsel Spencer, Emily Davis all of Simsboro, LA, Abraham Bailey, Wesley Bailey, and Novella Bailey all of Montgomery, AL. He is also survived by six Great Granchildren: Jacob and Joseph Ratliff, James Revels, Jr., Summer and Kaytlyn Spencer, and Lucille DeCoulode as well as one sister, Helen Greiner of Piney View, WV. Services will be Friday, May 21, 2004 at 2:00 PM under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Pallbearers include Greg Spencer, Jason Smith, Douglas Smith, James Revels, Michael DeCoulode, and Jeff Pixley. Rev. Kenneth R. Bailey, Jr will officiate with the interment following in Sibley Cemetery in Choudrant with full military honors.

Girtha Ree Lewis
Funeral Services for Girtha Ree Lewis, 66, of Ruston, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2004 at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Dubach. Officiating will be Rev. Samuel Andrews. Interment will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery under the direction of Our Christian Funeral Home of Ruston. Ms. Lewis died May 14, 2004 in Ruston. Survivors include two daughters, Cherylon Green and husband Don of Bossier City, Glenda Hill and husband Roderick of Simsboro, two grandsons Joshua and Nicholas of Bossier City, three sisters, Clara Houston of Seattle, WA, Alverne Hill of Grambling, and Vera Jackson of Dubach; five brothers, Elmo Lewis of Los Angeles, CA, L.C. Lewis and J.P. Lewis of Compton, CA, Quincy Lewis of Seattle, WA, Osie Lewis of Dubach and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Visitation will be from 11a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2004 at the funeral home and one hour preceding services on May 21, 2004 at Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

Joe Nezat
Joe Nezat, a resident of Licoln Parish for 42 years, moving to Ascension Parish in November of 2001, peacefully passed away on May 16, 2004 at home in Prairieville, LA at the age of 83. Visiting at Owens Memorial Chapel on Tuesday at 8:00 am until religious service at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Tulip Cemetery in Athens, LA. Survivors include his wife of 54 years Beth Watts Nezat, 2 sons and daughters-in-laws, and one daughter and son-in-law; Terry and Debby Nezat, Houma, Louisiana, David and Amy Nezat, Richardson, Texas and Susie and Bubba Richard, Prarieville, LA; 3 grandsons, Jarrod "JJ" Nezat, Quinn "Opie" Richard and James Nezat. Also survived by 3 brothers, Pruitt, Johnny, and Eugene Nezat and 3 sisters Joyce Gonzales, Betty Pitre and Laura Mae Mouton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Barnett Springs Baptist Church, Ruston, LA or Odyssey Hospice in Baton Rouge, LA.

Myrtle McGrew Pesnell
Myrtle McGrew Pesnell, 80, of Choudrant, LA passed away May 15, 2004 in Ruston, LA following a brief illness. Mrs. Pesnell was a lifelong member of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her brother Hollis McGrew, sister Arlene Poe and granddaughter Kristina Pesnell. She is survived by her husband Everett Pesnell of Choudrant, LA; Children Kenny Pesnell and wife Shirley, Gary Pesnell and wife Sandra, Jerry Pesnell and wife Lois, Richard Pesnell all of Choudrant, LA, Vickie Heath and husband Marion of Shreveport, LA; Brothers Letrell McGrew, Ellis McGrew, Clayton McGrew, Joe McGrew, Leroy McGrew all of Monroe, LA, as well as, 14 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. The family received friends from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, May 16, 2004 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home. Services will be 2:00 pm Monday, May 17, 2004 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Choudrant with Rev. Brad Jones officiating. Pallbearers will be David Pesnell, Adam Pesnell, Kendon Pesnell, Everett Pesnell, Michael Heath, and Troy Lord. Honorary Pallbearer will be Kevin Pesnell. Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Choudrant, LA.

Jesse W. Collinsworth
Funeral services for Jesse W. Collinsworth will be held Saturday, May 15, 2004 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Arcadia. Officiating will be Rev. Jeff Hoffman and long-time friends, Rev. Nathan Robinson and Gene Reeves. The family will receive friends at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Arcadia from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 14, 2004. Mr. Collinsworth died Thursday, May 13, 2004 at Arcadia Health Care Center. He was born November 5, 1903 in Bienville Parish. He served as bookeeper for the Bienville Parish School Board until his retirement. After his retirement, he worked for thirty-two more years at New Arcadia Health Mart. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Arcadia where he served as a deacon for many years. He was also an active member of the choir. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Tronie Lann Collinsworth, his first wife, Olla Shively Collinsworth, and a step granddaughter, Chrissy Willis. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Blackwelder Collinsworth; stepdaughter, Diane Willis of Ruston; stepsons, Allen Willis and wife, Judy of Ruston, Charles Willis and wife Sharon of Arcadia, Danny Willis and wife Beverly of Choudrant, and Billy Willis and wife Linda of Ruston; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by an extra special "adopted" family in Gene and Alicia Reeves and their children, Allison, Angie and Jared. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Lance, Matt and Mike Willis, Jared Reeves, Greg Reynolds and David Shively. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of First Baptist Church of Arcadia and grandson, Jason Willis, who is serving in Afghanistan.