Doris Childers Sumrall
Services for Mrs. Doris Childers Sumrall, 73, of Senatobia, MS, formerly of Lafayette, LA will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 22, 2002 at the Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston. Officiating will be Rev. Perry Sanders. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Mrs. Sumrall died Tuesday, April 16, 2002 at Desoto Baptist Hospital in Southaven, MS after a brief illness. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lafayette and was a teacher in Lafayette Parish for 35 years. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, W. H. Sumrall, Jr.; mother, Harriett A. Childers; two sons, W. H. Sumrall, III of Senatobia, MS and Gary T. Sumrall of Collierville, TN; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Lafayette Building Fund or the Gideons Bibles through the church. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Monday at the funeral home.

Charles Choate, Sr.
Services for Charles Choate, Sr., 51, of Simsboro, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2002 in the First Baptist Church Simsboro. Officiating will be Rev. Wilton Wall and Rev. David Venerable. Interment will be in Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Choate died Thursday, April 18, 2002 in Ruston, LA following a brief illness. Charles was an employee of Central American Life Insurance Company for 16 years. He loved to fish and spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Laurice Choate, brother Lynn Choate, and sister, Ethel Choate. Survivors include his wife, Faye Choate of Simsboro; one daughter, Cristy Kelley and husband Kevin of Farmerville; three sons, Charles Choate, Jr. and wife Priscilla of Simsboro, Jeff Madden and wife Leslie of Dubach, and Brit Perkins of Simsboro; mother, Alice Choate of Simsboro; one sister, Gloria Teachman and husband John of Rochester, NY; two brothers, Jimmy Choate of Simsboro and Mike Choate and wife Kathy of Abilene, TX; two brothers-in-law, Clayton Singleton and wife Martha of Dubach and Calvin Singleton and wife Renee of Ruston; grandchildren, Samatha, Courtney and Logan Choate of Simsboro, Austin and Tori Desadier of Farmerville and Matt and Justin Madden of Dubach; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Pallbearers will be Michael V. Choate, Andrew Choate, Shane Choate, Lynn Laurice Choate, Jim Allen, C. A. Taylor, Jim Carroll and Johnny Cruse. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Attaway, Jeff Otwell, Raymond Mishell, Mike Godfrey, Lynn Newson, and Ray Flowers. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Simsboro. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Friday, April 19, 2002 at the funeral home.

Fredrick Sidney Hood
Services for Fredrick Sidney Hood, 99, of Simsboro, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2002 in the St. Rest Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Randy Ray assisted by Rev. Ronnie Sanders. Interment will be in St. Rest Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Hood died Tuesday, April 16, 2002 in Ruston, LA following a brief illness. Mr. Hood was a lifelong resident of Lincoln Parish and a lifelong member of St. Rest Baptist Church where he served as Deacon for 62 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Meddie Alvice McDow Hood; brother, Arthur Franklin; and sister, Mary Katherine Hood. Survivors include one daughter, Medrick Hood Canterbury and husband Richard (Buck) of Simsboro; one son, A. Fredrick Hood and wife Joan of Simsboro; one grandson, Keith Canterbury and wife Jan of Simsboro; seven granddaughters, Vicky Hood Hamilton and husband Joe (Bubba) of Ruston, Donna Hood Doss and husband Tommy of Dubach, Tammie Canterbury Rockett of Simsboro, Patricia Hood Nesselrode and husband Brian of Baytown, TX, Deanna Hood Hattaway of Simsboro, Willica Thomas and husband Tommy of Shreveport, and Connie Madden and husband Lowell of Nacogdoches, TX; one sister, Eugenia Hood Weir of Ruston; four sisters-in-law, Valla M. Waits of Arcadia, Pauline Hunt of Calimesa, CA, Jo Ann Kelly of Dallas, TX and Marylynn Averyt of Harker Heights, TX; thirteen great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. Pallbearers will be nephews and great nephews: M. L. Hood, Ivin Hood, Johnny Hood, Reese Hood, Rusty Woodard, Ray Waits and Danny Waits. Honorary pallbearers will be John Lane Wilson, Travis Hood, D. B. Gay and Lester Hood. Memorials may be made to the St. Rest Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2002 at the funeral home.

Ira Bell Elam
Mrs. Ira Bell Elam began her life's journey on December 12, 1910 in Vaugan, Mississippi. Mrs. Elam expired on April 14, 2002 at her residence in Jackson, Mississippi. Ira Bell Elam Foster was a native of Vaugan, Mississippi and at the age of nineteen she accepted Christ at the Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church. She attended the Gus Campbell School. She united with the late Archie Foster and to this union two children were born, Leroy and Mattie Foster. In 1945 she moved to Ruston, Louisiana and united with the Mays Chapel C.M.E. Church where she served as Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member, and the Mission. She served faithfully until she moved back to Jackson, Mississippi. Mrs. Elam worked for over 45 years as a bookkeeper, clerk, receptionist and secretary for Our Christian Funeral Home and Superior Life Insurance Company. In 1991 she moved back to Mississippi with her family and united with the Cathedral A.M.E. Zion Church, where she served as a member of the Adult Sunday School Class and was a Deaconess. Mrs. Elam leaves to cherish her memories one daughter and one son, Leroy and Mattie Foster of Jackson, Mississippi; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 20, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral A.M.E. Zion Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

Mrs. Golden Drayton Miles
Services for Mrs. Golden Drayton Miles will be held Saturday, April 20, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Ruston. Officiating will be Rev. Clyde Oliver and Rev. Roosevelt Tyler, Jr. Interment will be in Mt. Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Our Christian Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Miles was born on May 17, 1912 to the union of Mr. Lize and Sarah Drayton. She was born and raised in the Mt. Harmony community. She departed this life on April 14, 2002 in Ruston, Louisiana at the Health South Rehabilitation Hospital. Mrs. Miles attended school at the Mt. Harmony Missionary School 80 years ago. She accepted Christ at an early age at the Mt. Harmony Baptist Church under the pastorship of Rev. J. B. Huey. Mrs. Miles later moved to Arcadia, Louisiana with her parents and united with the Mt. Hebron Baptist Church after her father was killed in an automobile accident. After the unfortunate death of her father, she, her mother and sister returned to the Mt. Harmony community and lived with her Uncle Clem and Annie Wright. Later, they moved to Ben Smith Quarters in Ruston, Louisiana. She worked for the late Mayor of Ruston, T. C. Beasley, and reared his two sons, Bill and Don Beasley. She moved her membership to the Pilgrim Rest Church under the leadership of Rev. C. D. Simmons where she remained until her death. She was a faithful, dedicated church worker serving with the following church clubs: Home Mission, Willing Workers, Devotional Leader, Sunday School, Pastor, and Kitchen Helpers until her health failed her. Despite her illness, she faithfully continued to send her tithe to church. In 1972 Golden Drayton met and married Burtie (Pros) Miles who preceded her in death. One daughter, Elouise Russell, and granddaughter Emma Brantley preceded her in death. Mrs. Miles is survived by two daughters, Ella Mary Johnson of Compton, California and Sarah (Robert) Albritton of Ruston, LA; one granddaughter, Joan (James) McDonald of Ruston, whom she reared; thirteen grandchildren, Otis, James and Wanda Johnson of Compton, California, Sandra Gail Lewis of New Berry Springs, California, Pauline Staley and Rosemary Monroe of Fresno, California, Jacqueline (Jerry) Spencer, Robert Lashell Albritton, and Sarah (Billy) Kennedy of Ruston, Daphne Jackson Hood of Houston, TX, Lewandoski Albritton of Dallas, TX, Charlene Johnson of St. Louis, MO; twenty two great grandchildren; five great great grandchildren; and a host of friends and relatives.

Carl F. Lee
Services for Carl F. Lee, 90, of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, 2002 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Dick Paige. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Lee died Friday, April 12, 2002 in Ruston, LA following a lengthy illness. Mr. Lee served in the U. S. Navy and was a veteran of WWII. He was preceded in death by his wife Bertha King Lee; sons, Gerald Lee and Wayne Lee; and grandchildren, Cindy Lee, Chad McGovern and Steven McCray. Survivors include two daughters, Linda White and husband David of Ruston, LA and Betty McCray and husband James of Marietta, GA; two sons, Randy Lee and wife Brenda of Minneapolis, MN and Tommy Lee and wife Karen of Spokane, WA; grandchildren, Jerry Lee, Sue Anne Murphy, Penny Lee, Keith White, Allen White, Kevin White, Michael McCray, Heather McCray Sanders, Cody Lee, Kayla Lee, and Keagan Lee; ten great grandchildren; six brothers, Harvey Lee of Choudrant, LA, Castil Lee of Hamilton, TX, Narvis Lee of Shreveport, LA, Gasper Lee, Revis Lee and Prentiss Lee, all of Ruston, LA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 2002 at the funeral home.

Viola Kennedy
Services for Viola Kennedy, 86, of Ruston, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2002 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Bro. Ronnie Cosby. Interment will be in Liberty Hill - Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Kennedy died Friday, April 12, 2002 in Shreveport, LA following a brief illness. Mrs. Kennedy was a native of Farmerville, but she resided in Ruston for the past 24 years, where she was a member of Ruston Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson Arthur Kennedy, Jr. Survivors include two daughters, Joy Carol Kennedy Cathey and husband L. C. Cathey, Jr. of Clarksville, TN and Patsy Karen Kennedy Albritton and husband Eddie of Ruston, LA; grandchildren, Robin Albritton Everett and husband Mark of Covington, LA and Scott Eddie Albritton and wife Jodie of Tyler, TX; great grandchildren, Mallory Kay Everett and Britton Mark Everett of Covington, LA; and two brothers, Jack Traylor of Greer, SC and Max Traylor of Mesa, AZ. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, 2002 at the funeral home.

Renna James Burkhalter
Services for Renna James Burkhalter, 70, of Ruston will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2002 in the Trinity United Methodist Church Sanctuary. Officiating will be Rev. Fred Wideman, Rev. Rolly Walker and Dr. Doug McGuire. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Burkhalter died Friday, April 12, 2002 in Ruston following a lengthy illness. She was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church and graduate of Southern Methodist University. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewell Orum Burkhalter and son, Lewell Orum Burkhalter, Jr. Survivors include sons and their wives, Bryan J. and Alpha Burkhalter of Little Rock, AR, Steve and Libby Burkhalter of Shreveport, LA and David and Suzanne Burkhalter of West Monroe, LA; brothers and their wives, Ben and Margaret Ann James and John Tom and Beverlee James, all of Ruston, LA; sisters-in-law, Mrs. John B. Shearer of Ruston, LA, Mrs. A. B. Rogers of Baton Rouge, LA and Mrs. A. I. McMichael of Choudrant, LA; grandchildren, Bradley, Brenton and Brody Burkhalter of Baton Rouge, LA, Lauren and Taylor Burkhalter of Shreveport, LA, Lindsey, Alexis, Arielle and David Michael Burkhalter of West Monroe, LA; and lifelong friend, Helen Wright of Dubach, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends Saturday, April 13, 2002 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Rev. Oliver Will Billups
Funeral services for Rev. Oliver Will Billups will be at 1 PM Saturday, April 13, 2002 at New Rocky Valley Baptist Church in Grambling, LA with Rev.'s Roosevelt Bryant and Samuel Joseph officiating. Burial will be in Grambling Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Reverend Oliver Will Billups was born December 5, 1924 in Wisner, LA. He was reared in a Christian home by his mother, the late Janie Walker Billups and grandmother, the late Rhoda Walker. They instilled in him the value of work, kindness and service to all mankind. Reverend Billups accepted Christ at the age of eleven (11) and united with the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Wisner, LA and remained a member until 1973. In 1973, he united with the New Rocky Valley Baptist Church, where he served as a faithful member until his death. His early education was received in Franklin Parish. He earned his college degree from Grambling College and the Master of Religious Education from the United Theological Seminary. He served his country in the United States Navy for two (2) years, seven (7) months during World War II. As an educator, he served as an elementary teacher in Franklin and Ouachita Parishes and retired in 1974. Reverend Billups was called to the Ministry in 1958. He served as Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church, Monroe, LA from 1963 to 1996, New Zion Baptist Church, Peck, LA from 1963-1977, and Brown Grove Baptist Church, Jonesboro, LA from 1977 until his death. He ended all his prayers with the following words:..."And when we've gone the last mile of the way, may we look behind and see a well-spent life and on before a joyful day." He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Association, Louisiana Baptist State Convention, National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Grambling National Alumni Association, Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce, AARP, Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, Grambling Unit of Retired Teachers, Lions Club and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His survivors include his wife of forty-one (41) years, Ruby Weekly Billups; daughters, Geraldine Billups Richardson (Oliver), San Antonio, TX, Susan Billups Wiley (Robert), Ruston, LA; and sons, Arland W. Billups (Linda), Tallahassee, FL, Oliver W. Billups, Jr., Monroe, LA and Rodney Claude Billups (Rita), DeSoto, TX; ten (10) grandchildren; Barbara, Monica, Marcus, Candice, Oliver "Tre", Bridget, Ashley, Chelsea, Chauncey, and Kayla; four (4) great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Susie Johnson and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 6-8 PM Friday, April 12, 2002 at Miller's Funeral Home in Ruston.

Melvin Jennings Witt
Services for Mr. Melvin Jennings Witt, 72, of Ruston, LA will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 13, 2002 in the South Parkway Worship Center. Officiating will be Rev. Harold Hawks assisted by Rev. Chris Witt and Rev. Stephan B. Witt. Interment will be in Pines Memorial Garden under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Witt died Wednesday, April 10, 2002 in Ruston following a brief illness. Mr. Witt was born in West Virginia. He was former President of the AFL-CIO in Cleveland. Mr. Witt had been a resident of Ruston since 1985 and a member of South Parkway Worship Center. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Witt; and brother, Charles Witt. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Clara Mae Murphy Witt of Ruston; two sons, Rev. M. Chris Witt and wife Jeanie of Ruston and Rev. Stephan B. Witt and wife Cindy of Cleveland, OH; one daughter, Pam Labbato-Witt of Ruston; one brother, John L. Witt and wife Connie of Fayetteville, WV; two sisters, Martha R. Witt Crow and husband Lonnie of Lady Lake, FL and Connie Witt Jones of Falls Church, VA; nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Louie Smith, Paul Holman, Robert Payton, Leroy Jynes, David Davis and Byron Crowder. Honorary pallbearers will be Jesse Witt, Dallas Witt, Daniel Labbato, Shawn Payton, Josh Witt and Aarron Talley. Memorials may be made to South Parkway Worship Center Building Fund. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2002 at the funeral home.

Charlie "John Henry" Johnson, Jr.
Services for Charlie "John Henry" Johnson, Jr., 72, of Pea Ridge Community, LA will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, April 11, 2002 in the Mineral Springs Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Steve Hughes. Interment will be in Mineral Springs Church Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Johnson died Tuesday, April 9, 2002 in Ruston, LA following a brief illness. He was a member of Mineral Springs Baptist Church. He served in the U. S. Army and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. Survivors include two daughters, Tina Morrow and Tammy Atteberry, both of Ruston, LA; one step-daughter, Vicky Pickett of Arcadia, LA; one sister, Ann Ambrose of Lake Charles, LA; nine grandchildren, Paige Murray, Patience Beckham, Rachel Morrow, Ashley Morrow, Megan Morrow, Cheyenne Morrow, Aaron Atteberry, Jon Adam Atteberry, and Dylan Atteberry; and two great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Mineral Springs Baptist Church. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2002 at the funeral home.

Beulah Pipes Maxwell
Services for Beulah Pipes Maxwell, 95, of Choudrant, LA will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2002 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Dr. Michael Hawley. Interment will be in Longstraw Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Maxwell died Sunday, April 7, 2002 in Nacogdoches, TX following a brief illness. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was a retired school teacher from Choudrant High School. Mrs. Maxwell was preceded in death by her husband, Spencer Maxwell. Survivors include two daughters, Carolyn Driver of Nacogdoches, TX and Bettye Smith of Haughton, LA; grandchildren, Chet Driver, Jennifer Ford, Janet Beagles, Julie Smith, Jay Smith, and Jeff Smith; and seven great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Chet Driver, Stephen Ford, Fred Beagles, Jeff Smith, Jay Smith and Brad Lepore. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2002 at the funeral home.

Jean B. Donaldson
Services for Mrs. Jean B. Donaldson, 75, of Ruston, LA will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2002 in the Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston. Officiating will be Rev. James Evans. Interment will be in Jonesboro City Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Mrs. Donaldson died Monday, April 8, 2002 at the Lincoln General Hospital after a lengthy illness. She was a member of Wesley Chapel UMC Church, and was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Ed Donaldson; a daughter, Kara Donaldson Giddings and husband Steve of Ruston; a son, Kyle Donaldson and wife Tammy of Lafayette; and two grandchildren, Shelby Giddings and Shane Giddings, both of Ruston. Visitation will be 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2002 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cancer Society.

Billy Young "B.Y." Taylor
Services for Billy Young "B.Y." Taylor, 63, of Ruston, LA will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2002 at the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Officiating will be Father Jerry Thelen. Interment will follow in Pines Memorial Gardens of Ruston under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Taylor died Sunday, April 7, 2002 in Monroe following a brief illness. Mr. Taylor was a longtime resident of Ruston and a longtime member of St. Thomas Catholic Church. He retired from Southern Natural Gas in 1993 after 35 years. Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Diane Cantrell Taylor of Ruston; three sons, Billy Y. Taylor, Jr. of River Ridge, LA, Barry Taylor and wife Kim of Farmerville, and Bryan M. Taylor and wife Allison of Monroe; one daughter, Terri Belknap and husband David of Shreveport; four brothers, Calvin Taylor of Kosciusko, MS, Donald Taylor of Coffeeville, MS, Alton Taylor and wife Peggy of Kosciusko, MS and James Taylor and wife Gayle of Picayune, MS; and three grandchildren, Ryan and Michael Thomas Taylor and Owen Belknap. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2002 at the funeral home.

Clayton Burch Watson
Clayton Burch Watson, a loving husband, father, and Paw Paw, passed away Friday, April 5, 2002 at Live Oak Retirement Center after a lengthy illness. Services will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church on Monday, April 8th at 2:30 pm. Officiating will be Dr. George Pearce, Dr. Ed Thomas, and Rev. Stephen Spurlock, Senior Minister. Interment will follow at Century Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday at 1:30 pm. The first of eight children, Clayton Watson was born Nov. 2, 1915, in Palestine, Texas. He graduated with honors as Valedictorian of Rio Hondo High School. After attending Texas A&I College, he joined Superior Iron Works and Supply Co. in 1936. During his 46-year affiliation with the company, he served as Sec/ Treasurer, Treasurer, and President. After retiring in 1982, he continued to work with Superior as a consultant. Clayton's long career was interrupted only by World War ll. After receiving his commission in the US Navy, he served 2 years as a naval supply officer in Washington D.C. and New York City. Clayton received the Distinguished Service Award from the Petroleum Industry Buyers Group at the 67th annual NAPM Conference in Los Angeles in 1982 in appreciation for his outstanding service. He was a charter member of the Purchasing Management Association of Shreveport and an honorary member. Clayton was a longtime member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church serving as Chairman of the Administrative Board in 1971 and 1972 and an active member of the Couples Class. He was a Master Mason of the York Rites, a member of the Broadmoor Masonic Lodge #432, and El Karubah Shrine. He was also active in Junior Achievement and the Shreveport Chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. He was a member of the North Shreveport Lions Club serving as President and Vice President. After retirement, he helped organize the South Shreveport Lions Club and served as President in 1989. He received the International Foundation Melvin Jones Award and was honored as Lion of the Year. Lion Clayton had perfect attendance. Clayton was very active in community and civic affairs. He was named President of the United Way in 1974, having served as Vice President and Chairman of the United Fund Budget Committee in 1973. He was active in The United Fund and Community Chest for 27 Years. In 1975, he was President of the Petroleum Club, having served as Vice President and Chairman of the House Committee in 1974. He was an active member of the Centenary Gents Club since its inception in 1951. He was a member of the Board of Directors and named Chairman of the Gents Club Drive in 1983 and 1984. He served as President of the Centenary Gents Club in 1986 and 1987. He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Virginia Watson; infant son, Charles Watson; granddaughter, Michelle Heil; parents Ethel Burch Watson and Dock Watson; and sister, Essie Lee Snowden. Clayton leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 31 years, Betty Grappe Hohlt Watson; daughters, Candace Byrne and Tommy, Sandra Githens and Rick, and Karen Lanius; sons, Clayton B. Watson, Jr. and Charlotte and Rick Hohlt and Jamie; five sisters, Helen Farrar, Lucille Bounds and Pat, Mildred Coates, Mary Molitor and Elmer, and Allene Hopwood; one brother, Henry Watson and Etta. Ten grandchildren, Angela Hagan, Lisa Hill, Ginny Watson, Jeb Buddeke, Matt Githens, Ross Githens, Ryan Lanius, Lori Lanius, Adam Hohlt, and Leslie Hohlt; and five great grandchildren. The family extends a special thanks to Live Oak East Wing staff and the Shreveport-Bossier Hospice staff. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Broadmoor United Methodist Church or the charity of their choice.

Hyter Chris "Nick" Colvin Jr.
Funeral services for Hyter Chris "Nick" Colvin Jr., 74, of Dubach, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 8, 2002, at the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel in Ruston. Officiating will be the Rev. Randy Lee and the Rev. Don Stevens. Interment will follow in Fellowship Cemetery near Dubach under the direction of the Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Colvin died Saturday, April 6, 2002, in Monroe following a lengthy illness. Mr. Colvin had been a longtime resident of Monroe, living the past five years in Dubach. He was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church. Mr. Colvin was retired from Missouri Pacific Railroad after 41 years of service. He had served in the Navy during World War II. He attended Ouachita Baptist College at Arkadelphia following his graduation from Union High School. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Billie Jean Flynn Colvin of Dubach; sons, Gary and wife Rhonda Colvin of Choudrant and Keith Colvin of Dubach; daughter, Gaye Furlow of West Monroe; sisters, Gerry Dumas and husband Cecil of Springhill, Norma Hooper and husband Harry of El Dorado, Ark., and Linda Mitchell of Tulsa, Okla.; grandchildren, Donny, Andy and Todd Furlow and Jarrod, Jacob and Jannon Colvin; and cousin, Nell Stegell and husband John of Lawson, Ark. Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 7, 2002, at the funeral home.

Eual Phillips
Eual Phillips, 66, a native of Bienville, LA and resident of Houma, LA, died at 12:10 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2002. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2002 at the New Mt. Zion B. C., 922 Goode Street, Houma, LA. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2002 at the New Rising Sun Baptist Church, 230 St. Charles St., Houma, LA at 9 a.m. with burial in Rest Lawn Cemetery in Avondale, LA. He is survived by his wife, Juanita B. Phillips of Houma, LA; two sons, Eual Phillips, Jr. of Bakersfield, CA and Nick Walker (Patricia) of Oak Park, IL; four daughters, Lisa Phillips of New Orleans, Cheryl Phillips of Kansas City, MO, Lisa Fletcher (Artie) of Picayune, MS, and Karen Walker of Marrero, LA; three brothers, Colvin Phillips (Kitty) of San Diego, CA, Frank Phillips, Jr. (Ollie Van) of Grambling, LA, Cardell Phillips (Grace) of Jonesboro, LA; three sisters, Mary Walters of San Diego, CA, Dorothy Wimbush of Tulsa, OK and Jean Haskin (Joe), Kansas City, MO; ten grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Phillips, Sr. and Lucille Banks Phillips, and one brother, Henry (Bobby) Phillips. He served in the U. S. Army. Until his death he was an active Prince Hall Mason. He was employed by Terrebonne Parish Public Schools, Louisiana Job Employment Training (LaJet) and the T.E.A. Federal Credit Union. He was an active member of New Mt. Zion B.C. in Houma, LA.

Lillie Alverne Martin
Services for Lillie Alverne Martin, 76, of Athens, LA will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2002 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Eddie Balance. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mrs. Martin died Tuesday, April 2, 2002 in Ruston, LA following a two month illness. Mrs. Martin was a longtime resident of Athens, LA and member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She retired as Director of Nursing at the Ruston State School and had previously worked several years at Lincoln General Hospital and Union General Hospital. She loved to cook and garden. Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her husband, Laurie Richardson; parents, Robinson and Lydell Martin; son, Stevie Worsham; sister, Mary Beth Gallman; grandson, Michael David Vasquez; and great grandson, Dylan Wall. Survivors include one son, Robert Michael Worsham and wife Ann of Homer, LA; three daughters, Bonita Smith and husband Butch of Ruston, LA, Suzanne Cupples and husband Gary of Pasadena, TX and Cyndy Gantt and husband Dennis of Athens, LA; one sister, Hellen Jimmerson of Ruston, LA; grandchildren, Will Smith, Jonathan Smith, Paul Vasquez, Clint Gantt, Tiffany Lary, Jennifer Wall, Cynthia Long and Cassidee Gantt; great grandchildren, Hunter, Fisher, River, Michael, Matthew, Zane, Reese, Patience, and Savannah; three great grandchildren to be born in 2002, Jessica, Devin and Willo; and several beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Jody Gallman, Brandon Gallman, Jamie Tucker, Wayne "Jug" Martin, Hadley Martin and Bevon Martin.

Johnnie Frank Houck
Services for Johnnie Frank Houck, 48, of Hico, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2002 in the Harmony Chapel United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Jon Lord and Rev. Ronnie Dies. Interment will be in Harmony Chapel Church Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Houck died Monday, April 1, 2002 in Ruston. He was a member of Harmony Chapel United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his father, O. A. Houck and sister, Christine Houck. Survivors include his wife, Susan Combs Houck of Hico; one son, John Raymond Houck of Hico; one step-son, Andy Singleton and wife Amanda of Bernice; one grandson, Thomas Lawrence Singleton of Bernice; his mother, Viola Domangue Houck of Hico; four sisters, Brenda Grafton and husband Donny of Bernice, Charlotte Deloney of Ruston, Patsy Roden and husband Carroll of Emerson, AR, and Cindy Hockenjos and husband Spooky of Crossroads; three brothers, Jimmy Houck and wife Kaye of Hico, Ricky Houck and wife Lynn of Hico, and Harvey Houck and fiancee Linda Johnson of Corinth; father-in-law, Thomas Combs of Arcadia; sister-in law, Jan Sims and husband Gilbert of Arcadia; brother-in-law, Mark Combs and wife Mary of Sibley; and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces. Pallbearers will be Ken Martin, Randy Shelton, Charlie Jackson, David Fowler, Daniel Houck and Gary Dickerson. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Kranz, Bobby Kirkland, Stanley Crawford, Tracy Houck, Bill Barham, Skip Russell and Jerry Griffin. Memorials may be made to the Hamony Chapel United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at the funeral home.

Keith W. Kelley
Services for Keith W. Kelley, 68, of Bernice, LA were held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2002 in the Pisgah Baptist Church. Officiating was Bro. Arthur Smart. Interment was in Pisgah Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Bernice. Mr. Kelley died Saturday, March 30, 2002 in Ruston, LA following a lengthy illness. He was a member of Pisgah Baptist Church and served in the U. S. Army. He retired from Penrod Drilling Company. Survivors include his wife, Eddie Kelley of Bernice, LA; two sons, Keith Kelley, Jr. of Bernice, LA and Joe S. Kelley of Springhill, LA; one daughter, Connie E. Wilkerson of Jonesboro, LA; two step sons, Ken Heard of Homer, LA and Tommy Heard of Hico, LA; two step daughters, Kathy Heard of Bernice, LA and Karen Freeman of Homer, LA; two sisters, Darlene Grafton of Bernice, LA and Viola Hamilton of Farmerville, LA; two brothers, Kenneth W. Kelley and T. M. Kelley, both of Bernice, LA; sixteen grandchildren; one great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Tim Kelley, Terry Kelley, Mark Kelley, Kenneth Kelley, Jr., Phillip Thomas and Mike Grafton.

Velma Harper Naff
Services for Velma Harper Naff will be at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Golden Funeral Home, Bastrop, with the Rev. Dick Day officiating. Burial will be in Carter Cemetery, Collinston. Mrs. Naff, 92, formerly of Bastrop, died Sunday, March 31, 2002 in Southfield Care Center in Lecompte. She and her late husband were owners of Naff's Cafeterias in Ruston and Bastrop. She was a graduate of Bastrop High School and a member of The Depression Kids Reunion Group that met through the 90s. She was a long-time member of Bastrop First Baptist Church, but at the time of her death was a member of Lecompte First Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Annie Harper; her husband, Harry Naff; two sons, Harry Newton Naff and James David Naff; two brothers, Jessie Harper and Rufus Harper. Survivors include her daughter, Betty Naff Beard and her husband Fred of Woodworth; one son, Harold Naff and his wife Kay of Ruston; daughter-in-law, Pat Naff of Natchez; foster son, Lee Doss of Lubbuck, Texas, and his wife Nona; a brother, David Harper of Bastrop; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Naff Linzay of Bastrop and Era Harper of Pineville; seven grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be David Naff, David Timm, Jim Beard, Jeff Beauboeuf, Tracy Naff and Brett Naff. Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church Bastrop or First Baptist Church Lecompte. Friends may call from 1:30 until the time of services Tuesday in the funeral home.

George D. Hogg
Services for George D. Hogg, 61, of Houston, TX, formerly of Dubach, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2002 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Unionville Cemetery, near Dubach, LA under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Hogg died Wednesday, March 27, 2002 in Houston, TX following a sudden illness. Survivors include his wife, Jaynie Hogg of Houston, TX; two daughters, Dona Sandstrom and husband Rich of Spring, TX and Sandy Applewhite and husband Shane of Bogue Chitto, MS; two grandchildren, Sterling Sandstrom and Tay Applewhite; three sisters, Dorothy Riser of West Monroe, LA, Mary Shannon of Dubach, LA and Linda Champagne of Houma, LA; two brothers, Larry Hogg of Dubach, LA and Cecil Hogg of Portland, OR; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Pallbearers will be Patrick Riser, Dan Shannon, Gary Hogg, Jason Hogg, Caralin Champagne, and Jay Riser. Family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time on Monday, April 1, 2002 at the funeral home.