Mary Mullinax Duke Willett (Mrs. Robert P. Willett)
Waskom, TX - Mary Margaret Willett, loving wife and mother, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2002. She was born in Mt. Pleasant, TX on August 1, 1930. She is preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Halley Mullinax, her sister, Sara Anderson and her (first) husband, Bill Duke. She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Robert P. Willett; son, Robert Claude Duke of Waskom, TX, son, Jim Willett and wife, Olga, also of Waskom; daughter, Sallie Meshell of Shreveport, LA; and one grandson, Dakota Meshell. Survivors also include one sister, Claudia, and husband Bill Long, and nieces Lea and Holly of Tyler, TX; and nephew, Ben Anderson and wife Cecilia of Houston, TX. Mary had chosen to dedicate her body to science; therefore, there will be no funeral services. Friends who wish to honor her memory may make a donation to the charity of their choice. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, September 15, in the family home to honor the memory of Mary's life.

Ochiltree (Bush) Hancock
Services for Mr. Ochiltree (Bush) Hancock, 77, of Downsville will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2002 at Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Officiating will be Rev. Louis Bartet and Greg Hancock. Interment will be in Rock Corner Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Mr. Hancock died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 at Town & Country Rehab Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was a member of Rock Corner Baptist Church and was retired from MOPAC Railroad. Survivors include three sons, Greg Hancock and wife Janice of Downsville, Danny Hancock of Monroe, and Brian Hancock and wife Jackie of Ruston; two daughters, Carole Ann Tisdale and husband Jerry of Choudrant and Karen Joy Hancock of Santa Cruz, Bolivia; and eight grandchildren. Serving as pallbearers will be Nicky Hancock, Walter Hancock, Ben Hancock, Kyle Hancock, Todd Hancock, Johnny Barmore, Stewart Shrader and Jamie Moore. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Sallie Lou Colvin McClintock
Sallie Lou Colvin McClintock, widow of the late Robert S. McClintock, Sr. and daughter of the late William Elmo Colvin and Nannie Delissa Martin, died Tuesday, September 10, 2002 in Wilmington, NC. Mrs. McClintock was a native of Ruston, LA. She was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and was a former teacher and business woman. Mrs. McClintock was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church where she was Secretary of Circle 2 of Women of ELCA. She was also a member of the New Hanover Regional Medical Center Auxilliary, Stamp Defiance Chapter of DAR, Old New Hanover Genealogical Society, and North Louisiana Genealogical Society. She is survived by one son, Stephen Arthur McClintock and wife Kathy of Wilmington, NC; two daughters, Martha Lou McClintock Taylor and husband Bob, and Nan S. McClintock Melerine of Erwin, NC; seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2002 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. John Misenheimer and the Rev. Mark Opgrand officiating. Interment will follow in Wilmington National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ray Butler, Gene Bollinger, Dave Halverson, Vance Williams, Larry Nissen and Mike Walton. The family will receive friends Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 12 N. 6th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401 or Benson Presbyterian Church, P. O. Box 623, Benson, NC 27504.

Douglas M. Waldrup
Services for Douglas M. Waldrup, 84, of Ruston, LA will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2002 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Wayne Evans. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Natchez, MS under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Waldrup died Saturday, September 7, 2002 in Ruston, LA following a lengthy illness. Mr. Waldrup was a member of Grace United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Natchez, MS Masonic Lodge. Mr. Waldrup served in the U. S. Army and National Guard before and after WWII. He achieved the rank of Staff Sgt. and received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Ribbon, and the American Defense Ribbon. He retired from Chevron Oil Company after 37 years of service. Mr. Waldrup is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Thelma Jean Butler Waldrup; parents, Charles L. Waldrup and Fannie Weston Green Waldrup; sister, Claire W. Marks; and brother, Charles L. Waldrup, Jr. Survivors include two daughters, Donna Nations of Ruston and Lynda W. Smith and husband Mike of Farmerville; two grandsons, Richard Lynn Nations of Dubach and Douglas Lane Nations of Choudrant; one granddaughter, Jillian Leigh Nations of Bastrop; one great grandson, Dillon Lane Boykin of Bastrop; two sisters, Edith Waldrup Howell of Vancouver, WA and Merle Waldrup Miley of Natchez, MS; and one brother, Horace Edwin Waldrup of Denham Springs, LA. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be Larry Marks, Ricky Murphy, Lane Nations, Scott Waldrup, Brent Waldrup, Greg Miley, Ricky Miley, Laughn Massey, Bryant Grant and Wayne Herron. Memorials may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2002 at the funeral home.

Dewey H. Carrier, Jr.
Dewey H. Carrier, Jr., age 76, of Denham Springs, LA died Thursday, September 5, 2002 at Summit Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was graduated in 1949 from Southeastern Louisiana University. He received a Master's Degree from Louisiana State University, plus 30 from SLU. He retired in 1977 after a 30 year career as coach, teacher and administrator, having taught at Holden High School, Walker High School, Denham Springs Jr. High School and as principal of Southside Elementary in Denham Springs. He was appointed by Governor Edwin Edwards in 1976 to a 6 year term on the Board of Trustees for Louisiana State Colleges and Universities. He enlisted in the US Marine Corp in November of 1943 and trained in San Diego, California. He was assigned to the K 4-13, 5th Marine Division, Camp Pendleton. Later he was sent to Camp Tarawa, Hilo, Hawaii. He participated in the assault and capture of Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, during the period of February 19, 1945, to March 27, 1945. He did occupation duty at Sasebo, Japan, following V J Day. He was discharged at Key West in 1946. He was a charter member of the Denham Springs Campers Club. He was a member of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association, Livingston Parish Retired Teachers Association; former member of the Denham Springs Jaycees, the First Exhausted Member at the age of 36. He was a 50 year member of American Legion Facundus Post 178; and active member of the 5th Marine Division Organization. Visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church, 319 Mattie Street, Denham Springs, LA, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday, September 6, 2002, and from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 7, 2002. Funeral service will be held at First United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. Rev. Wybra J. Price, II and Rev. Monica Monk will officiate. Interment will be at Pine Grove Methodist Church Cemetery in Pine Grove, LA. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janelle King Carrier; two daughters and sons-in-law, Janice Carol Pierce and husband John of Denham Springs and Jan Smith Webb of Shreveport; one son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Ray Carrier and wife Kim of Ruston; one sister, Willie R. Strickland of Denham Springs; one brother and two sisters-in-law, E. Bernard Carrier and wife Pauline of Denham Springs and Nell Roe of Jennings; eight grandchildren, Ashley Carrie Watson and husband Justin of Ruston, Justin, Jason and Dylan Carrier of Ruston, Shaun and Patrick Pierce of Baton Rouge, Jeremy Webb of Baton Rouge, Joshua Webb and wife Rebecca of Tyler, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Carrier was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey H., Sr. and Ella Bunch Carrier; two infant children, Barbara and James Carrier; three brothers, Richard Roe, Tom Roe and Earl Chaney. Seven grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Malford "Duke" Duclo, members of Denham Springs Campers Club, members of the Harry Jackson Sunday School class, and his domino friends. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 319 Mattie Street, Denham Springs, LA 70726 or the American Diabetes Association, 9405 Interline Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. The family wishes to express special thanks and appreciation to Rev. Wybra Price and Rev. Monica Monk, the nurses and staff of ICU and Telemetry at Summit Hospital, Dr. Richard Goodell and Dr. Joseph Lemlek. Arrangements are being handled by Seale Funeral Service, Inc., 1720 S. Range Avenue, Denham Springs, LA.

Jesse E. Mason
Graveside services for Jesse E. Mason, 79, of Simsboro, LA will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 6, 2002 at the Simsboro Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Ronny Cathey. Interment will be in Simsboro Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Mason died Wednesday, September 4, 2002 in Arcadia, LA. Mr. Mason was a lifelong resident of Simsboro, Deacon in First Baptist Church of Simsboro, and a member of Simsboro Lions Club. He was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Mason. Survivors include three daughters, Melba Jean Jones and husband Harry L. of Simsboro, Connie Dean Doyle of Ruston, and Linda Kay Dowling and husband Curtis of Simsboro; one sister, Frances Wade of Carthage, TX; two brothers, Robert Mason and Bo Mason, both of Carthage, TX; and grandchildren, James Allen Jones, Olivia Hope Jones, Brian Doyle and wife Cynthia, Carey Doyle, Betsy Doyle, Karen Dowling and Angela Dowling. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Mamie Ruth Hall Green
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. - Proverbs 3:5, 6 Sis. Mamie Ruth Hall Green was born May 26, 1936 in Lisbon, Louisiana. Her mother and father, the late Dave and Q. J. Hall, reared her in a Christian home. They instilled in her the value of work, kindness and service to all humankind. Sis. Green accepted Christ at an early age and thereafter united with the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Lisbon, LA. She received her early education in Claiborne Parish. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Grambling College in 1959. Sis. Green had a love for knowledge and believed in self-enhancement, and continued to further her education by receiving her Masters degree from Louisiana Tech University and attending many summer sessions at Grambling State University in the subjects of Business, Education, and English. Sis. Green was blessed with vast knowledge of many subjects; however, the degree she was most proud of was her B.A. being "Born Again". Sis. Green began her career as an educator by helping integrate the Mount Holly High School in Mount Holly, Arkansas where she served as a guidance counselor. She later served as a teacher at Pineview High School in Lisbon, LA where students and faculty looked upon her as not only a teacher but as a mentor and friend. Her love for her students and her job surpassed the classroom. Sis. Green went the extra mile in all her endeavors. In 1963, she met and married the love of her life, A. J. To this union, God blessed them with six children. She instilled the same values that her parents instilled in her. Upon marrying A. J., she united with the Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. N. S. Coleman, where she remained faithfully until her health failed. At the time of her illness, she served as chairperson of the Deaconess board. In 1997, Sis. Green retired from the school system and dedicated the rest of her life to her husband, family, and church. All of her life, she was a pillar of strength and never tired of helping others. On this day, she leaves a devoted husband, A. J.; a legacy of four sons, Anthony, Clayton (Ethel), Dexter, and Antonio; two daughters, Regina (Darrell) and Shakeytha (Marshall); ten grandchildren, Rickesha, Brandon, Dexter, Dominique, Tiffany, Elizabeth, Christian, Ebenae, Jordan, Matthew, and the newest addition, Joy Mamie; two sisters, Keither (John Felton), Leither; one brother, Dave; one God daughter, Bridgette; one God son, Rev. Ronald D. Lee; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and the Zion Traveler Missionary Baptist Church family. Services will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. at the Zion Traveler Baptist Church, Ruston, LA. Interment will be in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery, Lisbon, LA under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Monroe, LA. The body will lie in state Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until time of the service at the church.

Jean McRae Horton
Services for Jean McRae Horton, 84, of West Monroe, LA, retired title clerk for Ford, Bacon & Davis, were held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, September 2, 2002 at Mulhearn Funeral Home Chapel in West Monroe, LA. Mrs. Horton was born September 19, 1917 at Acona, MS. She spent her early life in Lexington, MS. She married Claude Robert Horton, Sr. in 1949. She spent many years as court reporter for the Adams County Circuit Court and as legal secretary of judges in Lexington and Meadville, MS. Mrs. Horton had resided in West Monroe since 1973. She was a member of McGuire United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She was a frequent subsitute for the Western Pride Bridge Club. Mrs. Horton was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Horton in 1988. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Dona (L. F. "Bud) Traylor of Downsville, LA and Janie Horton (future husband, Walt Saxon) of Baton Rouge, LA; one step-daughter, Evelyn (Bill) Travis of Big Canoe, GA; one step-son, Claude Robert Horton, Jr. (Marilyn) of Niceville, FL; three grandchildren, Lisa (Shane) Coleman, Brad Traylor, and Robert Traylor; one great grandchild, Jackson Coleman; five step grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren; one sister, Julia McRae Criss of Grenada, MS; one sister-in-law, Genelle McRae of Jackson, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Interment was in Hasley Cemetery in West Monroe, LA with Rev. John Temple, Rev. Joe Cole (great nephews of the deceased), and Rev. Michi Head officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to McGuire Methodist Church Building Fund, the Immune Deficiency Foundation, or to the charity of one's choice.

Mr. Eddie Williams
Services for Eddie Williams, 97, of Ruston, LA will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, August 31, 2002, at the New Prosperity Baptist Church in Clay, LA, with Reverend William Roberson officiating. Mr. Williams accepted his heavenly gift of eternal life on Monday, August 26, 2002 at the Minden Medical Center. His parents, John and Julia Moore Williams, along with his four siblings, Mae Ola, Bessie, John Walter and John Henry Williams, preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory, four children- Bettye Jean (Cleo) Anders and Jerry B. Williams, both of Ruston; Richard Ted Williams of Monroe, and Elaine Williams (Nathan) Turner of Houston, Texas. He was blessed with five great-grandchildren. He often bragged on the devotion and care given him by his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Williams and his one-of-a-kind niece, Nelda Baisy. His extended family, neighbors and friends were always a joy and comfort to him. The family of Eddie Williams gratefully acknowledges all aspects of kindness shown them during the illness and death of their loved one. The family will be eternally grateful, especially to his caretakers Katherine Wimberly, Martha Williams and Phyliss Modest. The family also wishes to express special thanks to the following: Drs. Wayne Owens, Tommy Smith, and Sallie Sartor, Lincoln General ICU, Minden Medical Center, Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Town and Country Rehabilitation Hospital, and Northwest Hospice Care Services. Special thanks to Aunt Margaret Richard, his neighbor, Pedro Faison, and to his "so called lawyer" and friend Bill Smith for their support, help and concern. Wake services will be Friday, August 30, 2002 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the chapel of Our Christian Funeral Home in Ruston.

Mrs. Edna Howerton
Graveside services for Mrs. Edna Howerton, 85, of Ridgecrest, CA, will be Monday, September 2, 2002 at 2 p.m., at Evergreen Cemetery in Union Parish. Mrs. Howerton died Sunday, August 25, 2002 in Ridgecrest Regional Hospital in Ridgecrest, CA. Mrs. Howerton was born in Bernice, LA and had been a resident of Ridgecrest for the past 30 years. She is survived by a son, Donald Rexon of Tujunga, CA; brother, John W. Ray of Shreveport; sister, Ila Cooper of Baker; 12 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; and 4 great - great grandchildren. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 1 from 5 to 8 pm at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston.

Floyd Leslie Sandle
The life of Floyd Leslie Sandle was one of arduous service marked by remarkable courage, fortitude and dedication. He performed his duties faithfully with the help of a merciful God, Who called him home on August 22, 2002. The impact of Dr. Sandle’s influence on Grambling, the town, and especially Grambling State University, shall likely be felt for many years to come. He was born on July 4, 1913, in Magnolia, Mississippi, where he received his elementary and secondary schooling. Floyd Sandle, mentor, developer, educator, administrator, and scholar, received the B.A. degree in English and Drama from Dillard University, New Orleans, Louisiana (1937). As a loyal United States citizen, Sandle served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1945. In 1947, he earned the M.A. degree in Reading and Speech from Louisiana State University (LSU- Baton Rouge), which gave him distinction of being the first black student in LSU’s history to receive a Doctorate from that institution. After a one-year stint teaching English and Science at Kentwood High School in Kentwood, Louisiana, Sandle came to Grambling in 1938. He devoted his career and indeed, his life, to developing the minds of young people. When Sandle arrived at Grambling College, (then called Louisiana Negro Normal College) the only position open was teaching general science. He gladly accepted the position because college teaching positions for young black men were few. But it was his dream to teach speech and drama and to direct plays. It wasn’t long before he was able to put together one-act theatre productions that he directed using faculty and community actors. Sandle steadily prodded and nudged the administration to add a speech course, then a theatre course, then a budget for play production. Over time, and largely because of Sandle, a department was established. Considered the “father of theatre” at Grambling State University, he was the founder and developer of the Speech and Drama Department and its first department chair. He had been inspired by the late Dr. Sheppard Randolph Edmonds, who had taught him at Dillard University. Initially located in a small, white frame building, the department eventually moved to its present location in the Fine Arts Building, now called Dunbar Hall. The Speech and Drama Department was established as a degree-granting department in 1951, with the first class graduating in 1956. Under Dr. Sandle’s leadership, the department flourished, earning its well-deserved reputation as one of the top Speech and Drama programs in the country. As Chairman, he taught courses in Public Speaking, Phonetics and Play Directing. He also directed plays and in this role he was considered one of the best. He directed such classics as A Raisin in the Sun and Death of a Salesman, for which he received legendary praise and rave reviews. In 1963, Dr. Sandle led a group of theatre students representing Grambling College, on a month-long tour of the Northeast Command for the United States Department of Defense and the American Educational Theatre Association. They traveled to Greenland, Iceland, and Newfoundland with the three-act “Blithe Spirit”. The tour came as a result of the outstanding work that had been done in drama as far back as 1942 with the community and faculty drama program. Prior to the tour, Sandle had introduced hundreds of young people to the theatre and presented and toured several states with theatre productions that he had originally staged at Grambling. The plays were also presented at numerous Louisiana high schools. In March 1990, during a black-tie dedication ceremony, the Grambling State University Speech and Theatre Department renamed its little theatre the “F. L. Sandle Theatre", dubbing Sandle “A Living Treasure”. He was honored for his pioneering spirit, his contribution to the university’s theatre program, and his many years of service to its program. Dr. Sandle always believed that the ultimate reward for a teacher was to learn, later in life, that his students had succeeded in part because of their teacher’s influence. He was, thus, proud of the fact that eight of his former students, among them, Dr. Allen Williams of Grambling State University, have earned Ph.D.’s and chair departments across the United States. The speech and theatre training, in particular the public speaking course, helped hundreds of other students launch various careers with added confidence and better communication skills; such as Mr. Joseph Dyer, a retired producer at the CBS television affiliate in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Sandle served as State Director of Drama (LIALO) in Louisiana from 1952-1963. From 1977-1978, he served as President of the Conference of Louisiana Colleges and Universities. He also became very active in the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA), serving as that organization’s Publicity Director, Vice-President, and ultimately its President. When attending the NADSA’s conferences, he would always take a group of students who participated in the annual one-act play festival, thereby providing them with laboratory experience. After an illustrious career in Speech and Drama, Sandle moved to Administration serving as Dean of General Studies, during which time he wrote a Title III funded proposal designed to decrease the high attrition rate among college Freshmen at Grambling State University. Records indicate that the program was successful. Dean of General Studies was the position Dr. Sandle held until his retirement in 1978, after forty years at Grambling State University. Shortly after his retirement he was named Professor Emeritus. Thirteen years (1972) after receiving the Ph.D. from LSU, and before his retirement from Grambling, Sandle accepted the invitation to serve as a visiting professor of Speech there for the 1972-73 academic year. When asked about his worthiness of such an appointment, Sandle replied:”If I’m not qualified to teach at LSU, I’m not qualified to teach at GSU.” After his retirement from Grambling, Dr. Sandle served as professor of Speech and Drama and Chairman of the Divison of Humanities at Dillard University from 1978 until 1986. That same year (1986), he was inducted into the Grambling State University Hall of Fame, an honor bestowed upon him for his outstanding contribution to GSU. A prolific writer, Dr. Sandle wrote two plays, Grounds for Reprieve: and “The Lord’s Day”. He has written articles that have been published in such journals as NADSA, Encore, Southern Speech Journal, Louisiana Educational Journal, The Speech Teacher and others. Dr. Sandle also authored three books, the first two, Orientation: An Image of the College and The Negro in the American Educational Theatre, published in the early part of his career. The third, Grambling: My Years in Drama and Speech Revisited, 1938-1978, was published in 1998, when Sandle was 86 years old. Dr. Sandle was active in church work and community service. He was a longtime faithful member of New Rocky Valley Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He was also a member of the Grambling State University Foundation, the Louisiana Literacy Task Force, the Grambling Chapter of the Lions Club and a member of the brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which he joined as an undergraduate at Dillard University. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie, whom he met at Grambling and to whom he was married for sixty-one years, by his oldest, child, Gail and a half-brother, Julius. He is survived by his remaining children, Ava Sandle Phillips, Wanda Marie Sandle, Floyd Leslie Sandle, Jr., and Anthony Wayne Sandle; his grandchildren, Gretchen and Paula Phillips; son-in-law, Leon Baine Phillips; sisters-in-law Leora McCoy and Mildren Pigues; nephews Carlton and Artis McCoy, Alphonso, Anthony, and Craig Cole; nieces Janis Talliaferro, Cheryl Cleveland, Rita Burrows, Rhonda Miller and Diane Alsberry. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. in the New Rocky Valley Baptist Church in Grambling. Visitation will be this evening from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church.

Emma Lee Upshaw Burns
Services for Emma Lee Upshaw Burns, 78, of Spearsville, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2002 in the Canaan Baptist Church. Officiating will be Dr. Glenn Morgan assisted by Rev. Phillip Smith. Interment will be in Canaan Church Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Bernice. Mrs. Burns went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 in Bernice, LA following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Burns was a member of Canaan Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and was a retired First Grade teacher of 36 years. Mrs. Emma Lee Burns loved and honored her Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, her family and church and her country. She was preceded in death by her husband, James L. Burns. Survivors include one daughter, Christy Hatley and husband Joe of Bernice, LA; one son, James Edward Burns and wife Pat of El Dorado, AR; two brothers, Kenneth Upshaw of Orange, TX and Jimmy Penton of Spearsville, LA; one sister, Mary Gene Rhodes of Spearsville, LA; grandchildren, Mark Hatley of Bernice, LA, Emily Adkins of Bastrop, LA and Lara Burns of El Dorado, AR; and great grandchildren, Johnathan, Bailey and Cody. Pallbearers will be Mark Hatley, Andy Farrar, Jonathan Spears, Ronnie Hall, Steve Lawson, and Terry Burns. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Thomas and Austin Thomas. Memorials may be made to the Canaan Baptist Church. Family will receive friends on Thursday, August 29, 2002 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Bernice.

Herschal H. Stewart
Graveside services for Mr. Herschal H. Stewart, 92, of Ruston were conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2002 at Douglas Cemetery with Rev. Raymond Crofoot officiating. Interment was in the Douglas Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Mr. Stewart died Sunday, August 25, 2002, in Minden. He was a member of Douglas Methodist Church, a 31st degree Mason and was retired from Arkla Gas Co. He was preceded in death by his wife Leslie Liner Stewart and a grandson, Roy Herschal (Butch) Grant. Survivors include one daughter, Peggy Yates and husband Bobby; one granddaughter, Michelle M. Williams and husband Donnie of Doyline; and one sister, Elma S. Harp of Ruston.

Teddy Lavon Grafton
Services for Teddy Lavon Grafton, 64, of Bernice, LA will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 25, 2002 in the Pisgah Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Daryl Stagg, Rev. A. W. Smart and Rev. M. F. Copeland. Interment will be in Pisgah Church Cemetery, with Rev. Jessie Foster officiating, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Bernice. Mr. Grafton died Friday, August 23, 2002 in Bernice, LA following a brief illness. Mr. Grafton was a member of Pisgah Baptist Church where he was a Deacon and Music Director. Teddy's first love was leading music. He was an avid fisherman and loved hunting and working on the farm. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Connie Grafton of Bernice, LA; five children, Lynn Scroggins and husband Mike of Swartz, LA, Penny Foster and husband Jeff of Spearsville, LA, Donna Walton and husband Tony of Bernice, LA, Polly Stagg and husband Daryl of Kenosha, WI, and Terry Grafton and wife Becky of Bernice, LA; grandchildren, Brian Walton, Cierra Walton, Benjamin Walton, Dixie Foster, Caleb Stagg, Joshua Stagg, Amber Grafton and Angela Grafton; three brothers, Wallace Grafton of Bernice, LA, Bobby Grafton of Nacogdoches, TX and Billy Grafton of Farmerville, LA; and two sisters, Johnnie Griffin and Ruby Taylor, both of El Dorado, AR. Pallbearers will be Jim Mabry, Jimmy Gray, Jack Wayne Owens, Chuck Lowrey, Bruce Dendy and Larry Pixley. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Albritton, Jerry Till, James Dickerson, Harry Cook, Eddie Lee, Thomas Monk, Joe Copeland, Chris Adkins, Bob Tubbs, Dr. Calvin Reeves, Danny Conn, Deron Grafton, Travis Grafton, Buddy Griffin, Gerald Taylor, Chuck Taylor, Steve Auger and Donald Farley. Memorials may be made to the Pisgah Baptist Church Building Fund. Family will receive friends on Saturday, August 24, 2002 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the church.

Jo Ann Driskill Sproles
Services for Jo Ann Driskill Sproles, 57, of West Monroe, LA will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 24, 2002 in the Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be in Driskill Mountain Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Ms. Sproles died Tuesday, August 20, 2002 in West Monroe, LA. Survivors include her mother and step-father, Gladys and Chris Dye of Dubach, LA; children, Johnette McCann of Addison, TX, Jessica McCann of Milwaukee, OR, Bo Sproles of West Monroe, LA, and Lee Ann Sproles of Helena, MT; granddaughter, Lauren Sproles of West Monroe, LA; one brother, James T. Driskill of Downsville, LA; one sister, Sarah Ayers of Minden, LA; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Bo Sproles, James Driskill, James Thomas, John Shirley, John Seyfarth and Victor Cervantes. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Dye, John McCann and Tim Andrews. Family will receive friends on Friday, August 23, 2002 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Camille C. Duchesne
Dr. Camille Chesnier Duchesne, 56, passed away Friday, August 16, 2002 at M. D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. She had been a resident of Midland, Texas for the past 17 years. Camille was born to Irene Delony and Roderick C. Duchesne, Sr. in Winnsboro, on November 27, 1945. After completing high school in Ruston, Camille graduated from Louisiana Tech University where she became a life-long member of the Delta Zeta Sorority. She then earned her Master's degree from McNeese State University and subsequently completed her Doctorate from Texas A & M at Commerce. Among many other honors and scholarships, she was selected as the Outstanding Doctoral Student in Education. Dr. Duchesne taught high school English in Louisiana, later served as the Director of Vocational Skills Training at Central Texas College in Killeen, and began her career at Midland College in 1985. She served in numerous capacities at Midland College and at the time of her death, was Dean of Distance Learning/Continuing Education, supervising staff and faculty of more than 350 people. A member of First Presbyterian Church of Midland, Camille had served as Deacon and as Bell Ringer and was an active participant in the Stephen Ministries and the Emmaus Community. Camille was recognized across Texas as an educator, mentor and resource for higher education issues. She served on many Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board committees. She was the immediate past president of the Texas Administrators of Continuing Education for Community and Junior Colleges (TACE) as well as a member of the Texas Association of College and Technical Educators. As great as were her contributions to education, her church and her community, Camille's caring, humor, and faith were her greatest assets. She was quick to respond, quick to laugh and quick to care. She will be forever missed by all who knew her and a loss to those who did not have that pleasure. She is survived by her brother, Roderick Duchesne, Jr. and wife Linda, of Haughton; her sister, Ren E Cowles and husband, Pat of Midland; her nieces and nephews, Rae Brantley and husband Tony, of Bossier City; Aimee Barr and husband, Lonnie of Baton Rouge; Jacques Tassin of Midland; Rick Duchesne of Haughton; Alex Tassin of Midland; her great-niece Bailey Brantley of Bossier City; and her Godchild, Kyrie Lantz of Lake Charles. Services are planned for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21st in Ruston, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston, with Dr. Scott Teutsch officiating. Burial will follow at Vienna Cemetery. On Friday, August 23rd at 10:00 a.m., a memorial service celebrating Camille's life will be held in Midland at First Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Jerry Hilton officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the Dr. Camille C. Duchesne Scholarship Fund at Midland College, the Stephen Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Midland, or the charity of one's choice. Visitation will be Wednesday August 21, 2002 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM service time at the funeral home.

Mildred D. Ferrington
Mildred D. Ferrington of Ruston, LA passed away Sunday, August 18, 2002 at the age of 74. Mrs. Ferrington was preceded in death by her loving husband, Russell C. Ferrington. She is survived by her son, Alan Ferrington. Mrs. Ferrington is also survived by special friends, J. Gordon Mitchell and Rita and Charlie Williams. Mrs. Ferrington was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University. She was active in the First Baptist Church of Ruston, the Women's Missionary Union, the Praise and Worship Choir of the First Baptist Church and the Arts Club of Ruston. Dr. Andy Johnson will lead graveside services for Mrs. Ferrington at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Ruston, under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, Ruston. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Praise and Worship Choir. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Praise and Worship Choir in care of The First Baptist Church of Ruston. Contact Mattsye Pearce.

Vera Jones Davis
Vera Jones Davis, 81, formerly of Baskin, passed away August 13, 2002 in Atlanta, GA following a heroic battle with ovarian cancer. She was born in Richland Parish, Louisiana on August 2, 1921, and lived an exemplary life as wife, mother, friend and teacher. Recognized for her outstanding scholastic abilities, she graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors from Northeastern Jr. College and Northwestern College in Natchitoches. During WWII, Vera participated in the war effort working on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, TN. In 1945, she married Robert Dean Davis of Alexandria soon after his return from serving in the Navy during WWII. They settled and raised a family in her hometown of Baskin. There, she taught school for 20 years, and together they owned and operated Bob Davis' Grocery. Throughout her life, she was a strong and tireless advocate for children and the disadvantaged, helping many to realize and achieve their full potential. She embraced a philosophy of engaged compassion and humility. She is preceded in death by her spouse, Robert Davis, Sr. and two sons, Robert Davis, Jr. and John Davis. Survivors include one brother, Whit Jones of St. Joseph; one son, Dr. Don Davis of Atlanta; three daughters, Lynn Dozier of Calhoun, Judy Singleton of Orlando, FL and Nancy Davis of Gibsland; five grandchildren, Nicole Davis, Brandon and Drew Singleton and Lauren and Casey Dozier. She also leaves behind many other relatives and a host of dear friends. Though heartbroken, we celebrate the life of one who gave her children life and nourished them with great love, philosophical insight, human values and vision. Many have been blessed to know her and she lives on in the lives of all those she touched and inspired. A memorial service for Vera Jones Davis will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2002 at Baskin Baptist Church with Rev. Marion Spence officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Calhoun, Baskin Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.

Lt. Col. Oliver M. Noland
Services for Lt. Col. Oliver M. Noland (Retired), 87, of Downsville, LA will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2002 in the Downsville Baptist Church. Officiating will be Rev. Charles Davis. Interment will be in Downsville Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Noland died Sunday, August 11, 2002 in Downsville, LA following a lengthy illness. Lt. Col. Noland was a member of Downsville Baptist Church and a Sunday School teacher of the Adult Men's Class for many years. He was a member of the Downsville Masonic Lodge #143 F&AM; Past Worshipful Master and Secretary; member of the 32nd Degree College Town Lodge, Monroe, LA; and charter member of the Barak Shrine Temple of Monroe, LA. Lt. Col. Noland served in the U. S. Air Force for 26 years. He held every enlisted grade and retired as Lt. Col. on August 31, 1961. He was preceded in death by his son, Maj. Oliver M. Noland, Jr., USAF. Survivors include his wife, Josie Smith Noland of Downsville, LA; daughter-in-law, Nelda Noland Neal and husband Dr. Lawrence Neal; granddaughters, Susan Noland Ewing and husband Brandon, Emily Noland Adams and husband Jody, and Rebecca Neal, all of Ruston, LA; great granddaughters, Allison Rosemary and Elizabeth Anne Ewing, both of Ruston, LA; great grandson, Nicholas Gray Adams of Ruston, LA; and sister-in-law, Gertrude Graves of West Monroe, LA; sister, Aline Thames and husband Thomas Thames of Mangham, LA; and a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, relatives, friends, and a great church family. Pallbearers will be members of the Downsville Lodge #143 F&AM. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2002 at the funeral home. He bids you all a long Christian life and now is going home to be with his Lord and loved ones.

Billy G. Jenkins
Services for Billy G. Jenkins, 74, of Dubach, LA will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2002 in the First Baptist Church of Dubach. Officiating will be Rev. Barry Joyner. Interment will be in Henry Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Mr. Jenkins died Saturday, December 7, 2002 in Ruston, LA following a lengthy illness. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Dubach. Survivors include his wife, Billie J. Jenkins of Dubach; one son, Robert W. Jenkins of Dubach; four grandchildren, John Paul Jenkins of Dubach, Traci Cobb of Dubach, Michelle Webb of El Dorado, AR and Stephen Jenkins of Dubach; five great grandchildren; and several nieces. Pallbearers will be Maurice Kay, Jimmy Tubbs, Curtis Tubbs, Steve Lasko, Coleman Hensley and James Pilgreen. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Dubach. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2002 at the funeral home.