John Thomason
Graveside services for Mr. John Houston Thomason, 75, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2003, at Aldridge Cemetery in Hot Springs, Ark. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. today, April 10, at the funeral home. Mr. Thomason, a native of Hot Springs and a resident of Cotton Valley, passed away Tuesday, April 8, in Minden. He was a retired truck driver. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Thomason of Cotton Valley; daughters, Evalou Sandlin and Walt Sakowsky of Sibley, Vicki Kay Reynolds and husband Dale of Sulpher Springs, Texas; grandsons, Brian Keith Sandlin, Joshua Sandlin, Timmy Reynolds, and Micah Reynolds; and six great-grandchildren.

Allen Loud
Funeral services for Mr. Allen Loud will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2003, at Valley Springs Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Valley Springs Cemetery under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Justin Morris
Funeral services for Justin Allen Morris, 21, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. Wayne DuBose officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memories Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, April 9, at the funeral home and Thursday prior to services, also at the funeral home. Morris, a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, April 6, in Memphis, Tenn. He was born in Minden Oct. 2, 1981. He passed away at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. Morris graduated from Glenbrook School in May 2000, where his senior year, he was named first team All-District, both offense and defense, for the Glenbrook Apache varsity football team. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Minden. Prior to his illness Justin had been a junior pre-med major at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, where he worked in the La. Tech Bookstore and was a member of Baptist Collegiate Ministry and Alpha Epsilon Delta, a pre-medical honors society. Even though he will not be able to fulfill his dreams of being a medical doctor, Morris had already touched the lives of many people and that influence will continue through memories of him. He was preceded in death by grandparents, W.H. "Bill" Bullock and E.C. "Pop" and Ruth Morris. He is survived by his parents, Frank C. and Jan Bullock Morris of Minden; three siblings, Matt, Brad and Kelsey Morris; grandparents, Louella "Dinah" Bullock of Monroe; step-grandparents, Wilma and Turner Sanders of Jena; aunts and uncles, Sandra Bullock, Karen Black and husband, Dr. Charles Black, of Shreveport, Bobbye and Junior Miller of Ormond Beach, Fla., Gwen Smith, Nell and Buddy Sanders, all of Jena; and numerous cousins. He is also survived by his adoring sweetheart Alisia Formby of Ruston and many friends. Pallbearers will be Chris and Craig Walker, Dr. Michael Chanler, Dr. Stanley Chaleff, Matt Bankston, and Chase Black. Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of Louisiana Tech University Bookstore. The family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Attn: Memorials Dept, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Emmett F. Muse
Graveside services for Mr. Emmett F. Muse, 80, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Pleasant Valley Church Cemetery with the Rev. Joe Hunter officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. today, April 9, at the funeral home. Mr. Muse, a native of Woodworth and a resident of Minden for the past five years, passed away Monday, April 7, in Minden at his residence. He was a retired truck driver. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister. He is survived by his wife, Zelma Ferrier Muse; daughter, Marsha Hortman and husband Charlie; son, Randy Muse; grandchildren, Brandi Price and husband Darryl, Aran Floyd and wife Carrie, Carrie Muse, Amber Muse and Dawn Muse; great-grandchildren, Michael Floyd, Misti Price, and Ashlyn Floyd; brothers and sisters, Earl Muse, Doris Muse, Carl Muse and wife Joanne Muse, Lee Muse and wife Ouida Muse, Shirley Selitto and husband Joe, Gerald Muse, and Sam Muse and wife Linda Muse. Pallbearers will be Ken Barrett, W.L. Woodall, Charlie Hortman, Darryl Price, Michael Floyd and Aran Floyd.

Steven Culver
Funeral services for Mr. Steven Glen Culver, 39, were to be held at 10 a.m. today, April 8, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Johnny Adkins officiating and the Rev. Floyd Stratton and the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor assisting. Burial will follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. Mr. Culver, a native of Arcadia and a resident of Minden, passed away Saturday, April 5, in Minden. He was a sheet metal worker. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, W.P. and Bobbie Rhodes. He is survived by his wife, Cheri Culver of Minden; mother, Betty Sue Kettler and stepfather, Russell of Minden; father, Henry D. Culver of Shreveport; son, Casey Culver of Minden; daughter, Courtney Culver of Minden; sister, Kim Ingram and husband Bobby of Minden; stepbrother, Bill Kettler of Jennings; father and mother-in-law, Earl and Barbara Coe; special uncle, Clovis Winget; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Avis Greer
Funeral services for Mrs. Avis McKenzie Greer, 86, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Lynn Malone, pastor of Lakeview United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Colquitt Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, April 8, at the funeral home. Mrs. Greer, a native of Haynesville and a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, April 6, at Town and Country Health and Rehab Center in Minden. She was a retired registered nurse for Bridges Clinic. She was a member of Lakeview United Methodist Church and a member of the Registered Nurses Association. She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Greer; and parents, G.E. and Bess McKenzie. She is survived by her daughters, Martha Furrate and husband Francis of Baton Rouge, Frances McGowan and husband Mickey of Minden, Donna Hinman and husband Russell of Houston, Texas; sons, Raymond C. Greer and wife Johanna of Marshall, Texas, Charles Robert "Bob" Greer; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Charlotte Buchner of Austin, Texas; brother, Stan McKenzie of Ben Wheeler, Texas; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Will Mercer, Eric Mercer, Raymond D. Greer, Michael McGowan, Brad Hinman, and W.D. Mercer. Memorials may be made to Lakeview United Methodist Church or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Randal Holcomb
Funeral services for Mr. Randal Holcomb will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. Wayne DuBose, the Rev. Bill Ichter and longtime friend, Fred Daniel officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 2 until 10 p.m. today, April 8, at the funeral home. Mr. Holcomb, a native of Homer and a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, April 6, at Christus Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport after a lengthy heart illness, which he faced daily without any complaints, only giving grace and thanks to Jesus Christ, his Savior. He was a devoted husband to his wife Virginia, which would have been 50 years on Nov. 23. He was a strong, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born July 19, 1930, and was a member of First Baptist Church in Minden. He served his country in the Air Force as crew chief for four years in England, Greenland and the North Pole, which was an honor for him as he loved his country and the flag in which it stands for. By trade, he was a boilermaker and machinist. He was a Mason in local Lodge #53 F&AM and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was associated with the Shriner’s Hospital and was truly a giving man by teaching many years in various Sunday school classes. He coached little league baseball and one of his proud accomplishments was playing baseball on the Sibley High Baseball Team. In 1946, the team was the Louisiana State Champion. He also loved being an avid farmer, fisherman and hunter. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Lee Holcomb; mother, Annie Camp Holcomb of Sibley; one sister, Evelyn Hightower of Shreveport. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Coffey Holcomb; son, Rickey Holcomb and wife Janet of Ruston; son, Ronnie Holcomb and wife Phyllis of Shreveport; daughter, Renee Sanders and husband Guy of Minden; grandchildren, Justin Holcomb, Haley Holcomb, both of Minden, Nicholas and Dustin of Shreveport, Brian Sanders of Bossier City, and Kyla Sanders of Minden; great-grandchildren MacKenzie Sanders, Desiree’ Rodgers and Paige Garland; brothers, Donald Holcomb and wife Nellie of Richmond, Texas, Raymond Holcomb and wife Becky of Sibley, Charles Holcomb and wife Joyce of Doyline; sisters, Shirley Kelley of Minden, Betty Ruth Giddings of Sibley, Melba Morgan and husband Harry of Sibley; a host of many nieces, nephews and other relatives; and many friends and neighbors. Pallbearers will be Sonny Giddings, Bill Chellette, Ronnie Woods, Jimmy Don Holcomb, Claude Clary and Alfred Sanders. Honorary pallbearers will be the Friendship Sunday School class and the players of the 1946 Sibley Bulldogs state championship baseball team. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital of Shreveport.

R.J. Jones Jr.
Funeral services for Mr. R.J. Jones Jr., 85, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Jeff Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow at Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today, April 8, at the funeral home. Mr. Jones, a native of Minden and a resident of Haughton, passed away Sunday, April 6, in Bossier City. He was a farmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Ora Jones. He is survived by his daughter, Bobbie Jean Heard of Minden; sisters, Clotel Branch of Minden, Eloise Wood of New York and Annie Lee McGuire of Minden; grandchildren, Roy Heard, Ray Heard, Jay Heard, Denise Heard Cook, Stacy Heard Cook, and Jay Perkins; and eight great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Jay Heard, Jeff Lewis, Mike Cook, Jay Perkins, Ray Heard and Squeaky McGuire.

Robert Fridenberg Jr.
Funeral services for Mr. Robert Wayne Fridenberg Jr., 44, will be held at 2 p.m. today, April 7, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Lee Nunley officiating. Burial will follow at Doyline Cemetery. Mr. Fridenberg, a native of Wimple Park Air Force Base, England, and a resident of Doyline, passed away Saturday, April 5, in Doyline. He was a credit manager in the banking industry. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Wayne Fridenberg Sr. He is survived by his mother, Lilly Fridenberg of Doyline; one sister, Frances McCalister and husband Jim of Doyline; one niece; three nephews; and one aunt, Barbara Ann Dycus of Memphis, Tenn.

Venie Mae Fuller
Graveside services for Mrs. Venie Mae Fuller, 88, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2003, at Fuller Cemetery with the Rev. Ronny Whitlock officiating. Services were under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Fuller, a native of Ringgold and a resident of Minden, passed away Friday, April 4, in Minden. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Lola Robertson; husband, Leon Fuller; and son, the Rev. Billy Fuller. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Vaughan of Minden; sister, Ora B. Teague of Minden; five grandchildren, William Scott Fuller, William Todd Fuller, William Paul Fuller; Tammy Renee Taylor, and Melisa Gayle Horton; and five great-grandchildren.

Loraine Pruett
Funeral services for Mr. Loraine "Red" Pruett, 74, were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003, at Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold with the Rev. Morris Robe officiating. Burial followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Ringgold. Mr. Pruett, a native of Ringgold and a resident of Heflin, passed away Thursday, April 3. He was born July 29, 1928. He is survived by his wife, Arlene Pruett of Heflin; sons, Russell Pruett of Castor, Roger D. Pruett of Heflin, Kevin Pruett of Minden; brother, Frank Edward Pruett of Heflin; five grandchildren; and a number of other relatives and friends.

Alwilda Cobb
Funeral services for Mrs. Alwilda Elouise Aaron Cobb will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 7, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Brien DaNese of Seventh Day Adventist officiating, assisted by Dr. Carlos Irizarry. Burial will follow at Forest Park Cemetery in Shreveport. Visitation will be held from 2 until 5 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at the funeral home. Mrs. Cobb, a native of Shreveport and a resident of Sibley, passed away Thursday, April 3, in Minden. She was born Aug. 15, 1920. She was a homemaker and a devoted loving mother and wife. She had frail health for several years. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Alvie "Bud" Aaron and Candace Ellen Davis Aaron of Shreveport and her loving husband, William T. "Bill" Cobb. She is survived by three children, Shirley Aaron Cobb of Sibley, Charles William Witter and wife Norma of Sequachee, Tenn., and James Edward "Jimmy" Cobb and wife Nancy of North Bend, Wash.; three grandsons, Monte Baker, Eric Witter, and David Witter; cousins, nieces and nephews.

Linnie Hudson
Funeral services for Mrs. Linnie O'Guinn Baskin Hudson, 104, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Bill Ichter officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 3, at the funeral home. Mrs. Hudson, a native of Waynesboro, Miss., and a resident of Minden, passed away Tuesday, April 1, in Minden. She was a seamstress. She was a member of First Baptist Church since Oct. 1, 1935 and was a faithful member. She loved her church. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Elora O'Guinn; sister, Margaret McCoy; first husband, Dennis Baskin; and second husband, Russell H. Hudson. She is survived by her nieces, Bernice Cundiff and husband Lloyd of Minden, Lennie Raley of Epps, and Pauline Alford and husband Earl of Liberty, Miss.; nephews, George McCoy and wife Gabriel of Hazelhurst, Miss., L.E. McCoy and wife Velma of Terry, Miss., and Jewel McCoy of Terry; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; and special friends, Martha Belton and Margaret Reliford, both of Minden. Pallbearers will be M.L. Cundiff Jr., George Turner, Ernie Tyler, Henry Hobbs, Bob Moore and George Calvit.

Michael Myles
Funeral services for Mr. Michael McQuinton Myles will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003, at Mt. Calm Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Mayflower Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the funeral home. Mr. Myles passed away Saturday, March 29. He was dearly loved by his family and friends, but God loved him best. He was born to Clarice Myles Calloway and Patrick Batton on Nov. 12, 1986. He confessed Christ at an early age, joining Mt. Calm Baptist Church. He was a sophomore at Minden High School. He was a fun loving young man who was full of life. He loved playing baseball, listening to music and being with friends. He especially loved being with his family. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Mack Myles Sr.; paternal grandmother, Mary "Mae" Batton (Mee Maw); and his stepmother, Bonnie Hampton Batton. He is survived by his mother; father; brother, O'Kessio; sisters, Candiss, Diane, Crystal, and Chandrika; maternal grandmother, Lois M. Harrison and husband Eddie; paternal grandfather, Lonzo Robinson; aunts, Kimberly Batton, whom he considered his other mother, Bridget Flournoy, Carolyn Cato and husband Edward, and Cynthia Hawkins and husband Billy Jr.; uncles, Artie Mitchell and wife Debra, Mack Myles Jr. and wife Ann, Dennis Myles and Andrew Myles and wife Linda; nieces, Anterrica and Serenity; and many cousins, other relatives and friends.

Freddy Wilson
Funeral services for Mr. Freddy Hill Wilson, 63, were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at First Assembly of God Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Burial followed at Chalk Bluff Cemetery in Waco, Texas, under the direction of Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home in Grand Prairie. Mr. Wilson, a resident of Arlington, Texas, passed away Friday, March 28, in Arlington. He was born Oct. 9, 1939 in Birmingham, Ala. He moved to Fullerton, Calif., as a child, living there until 1963. He served four years with the U.S. Marine Corps and worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and was transferred to several cities. He moved to the Metroplex in 1982. He married Jimmie Ratcliff Gregory on Dec. 30, 1983. He was the owner of America's Tire Co. in Grand Prairie and retired in 1999. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Grand Prairie and was a devoted member of Gideon Int'l since 1986. He loved to travel. He is survived by his wife; children, Michlind Wacker and husband Bruce of Arlington, Jami Curley and husband David of Mt. Olive, Ill., Niki Watson and husband Mick of Minden, and Christopher Wilson of Minden; grandchildren, Jacob, Adrienna, Jordan and Andrew Wacker, Cori and Zachary Curley, Laci Cropper and Sara Watson; mother in law, Nell Ratliff of Waco, Texas; sister, Billie Jo Scott and husband Joe of Long Beach, Calif.; niece, Tresa McCluskey of Ontario, Canada; and nephew, Steven Davis of Ridgemont, Calif. Memorials may be made to Gideon Int'l (Memorial Bible Plan), P.O. Box 531612, Grand Prairie, TX 75053.

Katherine Hofmeister
Graveside services for Mrs. Katherine Caudle Hofmeister, 90, will be held at 2 p.m. today, April 2, 2003, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery with the Rev. Gary W. Miller officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Hofmeister, a native of Rodessa and a resident of Minden, passed away Tuesday, April 1, in Minden. She was a homemaker and a member of Minden Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fermont W. Hofmeister; and parents, John and Lucy Caudle. She is survived by special friends, Martha Alexander, Millie Benit, Sue Dunn, Ollie Pickron, Katherine Lang, Redia Alexander, Henry Hobbs, and Willard McClung, all of Minden; and other relatives and friends.

Mattie Quarles
Funeral services for Mrs. Mattie Quarles will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2003, at New Light Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the funeral home.

Verline Mitchell
Funeral services for Ms. Verline "Ms. Pete" Mitchell, 70, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at St. Rest Baptist Church with the Rev. B.J. Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary in Minden. Visitation will be held today, March 31, at the funeral home. Ms. Mitchell, a resident of Minden, passed away Friday, March 28, in Shreveport. She was born April 10, 1932, to the late Nina Leah Monroe and Levi Walker in Webster Parish. For more than 30 years, she worked with small children as a dietician for St. Rest Day Care Center and Webster Parish Head Start Program. Her thoughts and actions were always of the welfare of others before herself. This was the simple nature of "Ms. Pete." She was preceded in death by her parents; and her son, David Edward Mitchell. She is survived by her four sons, Arthur Lee Walker of Shreveport, Archie Robinson Sr. of Sibley, Bobby Lynn Mitchell of Minden, and Fredrick Mitchell of Abondale, Ariz.; three daughters, Lessie R. Pearce-Brown, Alice F. Grant, and Nelwyn A. Terrell, all of Minden; a very special friend, Hosie Hatter of Minden; siblings, Claude "Jack" Walker of Richmond, Calif., and Bonnie Epps of Upper Marlboro, Md.; aunt, Lillie Flucas of Minden; 14 grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Freddy Wilson
Funeral services for Mr. Freddy Hill Wilson, 63, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at First Assembly of God Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Burial will follow at Chalk Bluff Cemetery in Waco, Texas, under the direction of Bean-Massey-Burge Funeral Home in Grand Prairie. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. today, March 31, at the funeral home in Grand Prairie. Mr. Wilson, a resident of Arlington, Texas, passed away Friday, March 28, in Arlington. He was born Oct. 9, 1939 in Birmingham, Ala. He moved to Fullerton, Calif., as a child, living there until 1963. He served four years with the U.S. Marine Corps and worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and was transferred to several cities. He moved to the Metroplex in 1982. He married Jimmie Ratcliff Gregory on Dec. 30, 1983. He was the owner of America's Tire Co. in Grand Prairie and retired in 1999. He was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Grand Prairie and was a devoted member of Gideon Int'l since 1986. He loved to travel. He is survived by his wife; children, Michlind Wacker and husband Bruce of Arlington, Jami Curley and husband David of Mt. Olive, Ill., Niki Watson and husband Mick of Minden, and Christopher Wilson of Minden; grandchildren, Jacob, Adrienna, Jordan and Andrew Wacker, Laci Cropper and Sara Watson; mother in law, Nell Ratliff of Waco, Texas; sister, Billie Jo Scott and husband Joe of Long Beach, Calif.; niece, Tresa McCluskey of Ontario, Canada; and nephew, Steven Davis of Ridgemont, Calif. Memorials may be made to Gideon Int'l (Memorial Bible Plan), P.O. Box 531612, Grand Prairie, TX 75053.

Sam May
Funeral services for Mr. Sam Theodore May, 81, will be held at noon Saturday, March 29, 2003, at St. Mary Baptist Church in Ringgold. Services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Ringgold. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today, March 28, at the funeral home. Mr. May, a native of Delhi, passed away Monday, March 24. He was born Sept. 28, 1921 and was a devoted soldier, husband, father, deacon, lodge member, teacher and friend. He was preceded in death by his wife Georgia Bass. He is survived by Linda May of Ringgold, Gloria Jean Martin and husband Albert of Minden, Stevie and wife Gwen of Ringgold, Sam May Jr. of Lexington Park, Md., Willie Shepherd May of Castor, Edith Mitchell of Houston, Texas, and Daphne May of Ringgold; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Doris Russell
Graveside services for Mrs. Doris Harvey Russell, 85, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2003, at Andrews Cemetery near Karnack, Texas, with Nels Thompson officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 28, at the funeral home. Mrs. Russell, a native of Goss and a resident of Minden, passed away Thursday, March 27, in Shreveport. She was a nurse and a member of the Church of Christ in Dubberly. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Irvin Harvey; second husband, Troy Russell; son, Joe D. Lovelace; and grandson, David A. Harvey. She is survived by sons, Thomas Lovelace of Keller, Texas, Richard Lovelace and wife Marilyn of Mannford, Okla., and Mitchell Harvey and wife Linda of Spring, Texas; sister, Martha Hubbard of Cotton Valley; brothers, George Bunner of Minden, and James Bunner of Cotton Valley; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mary Lumpkin
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Frances Kennon Lumpkin, 78, were held at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa with Deacon Chuck Hartman of Annunciation Catholic Church officiating. Burial followed at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Bogalusa. Mrs. Lumpkin, a native of Minden and a resident of Bogalusa since 1950, passed away Friday, March 21, 2003, at Resthaven Living Center. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and was the retired co-owner of Bogalusa Rentals, Inc. She was the original owner of Zesto. She was a former member of ESM Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Bogalusa Civic League, American Rental Association and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene H. Lumpkin Jr.; her parents, William and Emily Kennon; two sisters, Janie K. Frank and Joyce Davis; and two brothers, William P. Kennon Jr. and Edward Ross Kennon. She is survived by two sons, Jason Lumpkin Sr. and wife Ann of Bogalusa, Edward Lumpkin and wife Joan of Denham Springs; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; 10 nephews; and three nieces.

Raymond Moore Sr.
Funeral services for Mr. Raymond Moore Sr., 96, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2003, at Springfield Baptist Church with the Rev. Lawrence R. Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary Inc. Visitation will be held Friday, March 28, with family hour from 7 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Moore, a native of Bienville Parish, passed away Sunday, March 23, in Minden. He was born Nov. 4, 1907. He is survived by his wife, Estella Moore; four generations including two sons, Raymond Moore Jr. of Dubberly, Bobby Glen Moore of Gibsland; three daughters, Varise Duncan, Everlener Bennett, and Shirley Parker, all of Houston, Texas; 30 grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Carol Curtis
Funeral services for Mrs. Carol Manson Curtis, 54, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 27, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 26, at the funeral home. Mrs. Curtis, a native of Jackson, Mich., and a resident of Haughton, passed away Tuesday, March 25, in Shreveport. She was a housekeeping supervisor for Meadowview Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Christina Manson; and brother, Russell Manson. She is survived by her husband, Alonzo Ray Curtis of Haughton; son, Larry Curtis of Haughton; sister, Crystal Manson of Jackson; brothers, Howard Manson and Donald Manson of Jackson; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Oma A. Evans
Funeral services for Oma A. Evans were to be held at 11 a.m. today, Tuesday, March 25 at Rose Neath's Minden Chapel with Bill Crider presiding. Ms. Evans, a lifelong resident of Minden, passed away March 23. She was born June 22, 1927 to Otis and Lois Farrar of Farmerville. She was retired from Travlers Insurance Company, after which she started Oma's Fashion Agency and/or Modeling School. She loved helping young people become young ladies. She was a member of First Baptist Church and loved her Evelyn Leachman Sunday School Class, who supported her so faithfully in the last few years when she was unable to get out. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Lois Farrar; husband John H. Evans Jr.; and brother O.C. Farrar. She is survived by one daughter, Wanda McDaniels and husband Bobby of Bossier City; son, Freddy V. Evans and wife Laura of Minden; grandson Christopher Evans and wife Melissa; granddaughter, Jody Volentine; Clinton and Clayton Smith; and great-grandchildren Allison Volentine, John H. Evans, John Cayden Volentine; special friend Michael LeBrun; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pallbearers will be Christopher Evans, Dr. Richard Campbell, Lloyd Cundiff, Billy W. Logan, John Volentine and Mike Day. In lieu of lowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Senior Adult Ministry.

Robert Alderman
Funeral services for Mr. Robert E. Alderman, 75, will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2003, at Whispering Pines Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Barry Carter officiating and the Rev. Don McCormick assisting. Burial will follow at Whispering Pines Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 4 until 9 p.m. today, March 24, at the church. Mr. Alderman, a native of Montgomery, Ala., and a resident of Dixie Inn, passed away Sunday, March 23, in Minden. He was a heavy equipment operator and an Army veteran. He is survived by his wife, Edna Lorene Alderman of Dixie Inn; sons, the Rev. Jeff R. Alderman and wife Lisa of Sheridan, Ark., the Rev. James E. Alderman and wife Christi of Marshall, Texas; daughter, Carol Lynn Strain of Elm Grove; three stepdaughters, Nelvia Jo Rathbun and husband Les of Dixie Inn, Loretta Goodner and husband Charlie of Dallas, Texas, Georgetta Jestice of Dixie Inn; one stepson, R.F. Holder and wife Becky of Minden; and 21 grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Billy Tilly, Zach Alderman, Charlie Goodner, Steve Jackson, Frank Barnes, Eric Rush and Richard Scott. Memorials may be made to Whispering Pines Baptist Church Building Fund or Louisiana Missionary Baptist Institute and Seminary in Minden.

Robert Monk Jr.
Graveside services for Mr. Robert M. Monk Jr., 52, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2003, at Colquitt Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Homer. Mr. Monk, a native of Minden and a resident of Hobbs, N.M., passed away Friday, March 21, at Lea Regional Hospital in Hobbs. He was born Nov. 20, 1952, grew up in Minden and graduated high school here. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was the owner of Bo Monk Pipe Testing. He enjoyed fishing and hunting and had restored a 1966 Corvette. He was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Christy Bride Monk of Hobbs, father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Monk Sr. of Homer; mother, Mirian Monk of Minden; son, Will Pointer of San Angelo, Texas; daughter, Millicent Martin of Shreveport; sister, Mona Lisa Botzong of Minden; and one grandchild. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 1280 South Parker Road, Denver, CO 80231-2100.

Shirley Beckman
Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley Sorense Beckman, 75, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Minden with the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Beckman, a native of Franklin County, Iowa, and a resident of Minden for 40 years, passed away Sunday, March 16. She was an administrative assistant at Peoples Bank in Minden. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, William H. Beckman; son, Bruce Beckman and wife, Leslie of Shreveport; son, Todd Beckman and wife Tana of Minden; daughters, Nancy Riorden and husband Bob of Knoxville, Tenn., Lori Bleke and husband Jeff of Gainesville, Fla.; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Minden.

Chad Dennis
Funeral services for Mr. Chad Titus Dennis, 18, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2003, at First Baptist Church in McGehee, Ark., with Dr. Tommy Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow at McGehee Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Funeral Home in McGehee. Visitation will be held from 3 until 8 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Dennis, a native of Greenville, Miss., passed away Wednesday, March 19, at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark., following injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born April 21, 1984 to Gregory Allen Dennis and Betty Faye Purvis Dennis. He was a student and a member of First Baptist Church in McGehee. He is survived by his parents; one brother, Chase Dennis of McGehee; paternal grandparents, Talmadge and Betty Dennis of Cotton Valley; maternal grandmother, Dorothelen Purvis of Kilbourne; and a host of uncles, aunts and friends.

Rebecca McDowell
Funeral services for Mrs. Rebecca "Sue" McDowell, 51, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 22, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Richard May officiating. Burial will follow at Doyline Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 21, at the funeral home. Mrs. McDowell, a native and resident of Minden, passed away Thursday, March 20, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Aug. 25, 1951, to the proud parents of the late Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Harris. She graduated from Doyline High School in 1969 and on June 6, 1975, she married the love of her life, Edd McDowell. She attended cosmetology school and graduated as a cosmetologist in 1971. For many years, she worked in the cosmetology field. In 1996, she made a career change and began to work with Kilpatrick Life Insurance Company as an insurance agent. She will be remembered as a loyal wife, kind mother and friend. She focused her abundant love and energy of those closest to her. She was endowed with profound wisdom and kindness bringing happiness and joy to those lucky enough to know her. She enjoyed decorating, playing games, and shopping when not spending quality time with her devoted husband and loving daughter. She was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Ray McDowell; and her brother-in-law, David R. McDowell. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 27 years; her daughter, Jessica L. McDowell and fiancé James C. Hill of Shreveport; two sisters, Jerry Spooner of Waskom, Texas, Bobbie Moffett and husband Ray of Heflin; four nieces, Shelley Brown of Munday, Texas, Lindsay Spooner of Waskom, Teri Thrash of Memphis, Tenn., and Kelley Moffett of Heflin; lifelong friend, Sharon K. Walton and daughter, Ashley D. Knotts of Doyline; many friends and coworkers of Kilpatrick Life Insurance Company in Shreveport; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and very special friends. Pallbearers will be Randy Shelley, Rick Shelley, Tony Tuminello, Larry House, Cecil Savacool, and Bentley Hines. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Hinson and Byron Barclay. The family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Lizzie Walker
Funeral services for Mrs. Lizzie B. Walker, 84, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2003, at St. Rest Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. B.F. Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held today, March 21, at the funeral home. Mrs. Walker, a resident of Minden, passed away Friday, March 14, at Minden Medical Center. She is survived by her daughter, Ethel Ann Washington and husband Joe of Minden; three grandchildren, Tina Malone and husband Joe of San Antonio, Texas, Ertis Washington of Phoenix, Ariz., Marie Washington of Minden; and two great-grandchildren, Jacody of San Antonio and Jakiya.

Tom Gordon
Memorial services for Mr. Tom R. Gordon, 64, will be held at 10 a.m. today, March 20, 2003, at Skyland Seventh Day Adventist in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Services are under the direction of Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home in Northport, Ala. Mr. Gordon, formerly of Minden and a resident of Northport, passed away Monday, March 17.

Calvin Howard
Funeral services for Mr. Calvin Ray Howard, 58, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2003, at First Assembly of God in Minden with the Rev. Jim Reid officiating. Burial will follow at Minden Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held after 3 p.m. today, at the funeral home. Mr. Howard, a native of El Dorado, Ark., and a resident of Minden, passed away Tuesday, March 18, in Minden. He was a plumber for Morgan Plumbing. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oscar and Maggie Howard; and uncle Loyce Howard. He is survived by his wife Janet Howard of Minden; mother, Margie Lee Howard of Minden; father, William Howard and wife Mary of Elm Grove; children, Calvin Ray Howard Jr., Ginger Howard, Cody Ray Howard, all of Minden, Jamie Gradick of Monroe, Lee Turnbow of Monroe, Ben Moser of Shreveport; sisters, Ruth Austin and husband Clarence of Locust Grove, Okla., Betty Wallace and husband James of Heflin, Nellie Keith and husband F.C. of Prince, Lillie Biles and husband Johnny of Prattville, Ala., Beatrice Buck and husband Bill of Tyler, Texas, Becky Waltman and husband Lawrence of Minden, Lisa Odenvaugh and Lana Heidleberg of Elm Grove and Linda Murphy; grandchildren, Amber Howard, Maria and Hailey Gradick, Jeffery Howard, and Schyler Moser; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Charles Nicklas, Benjamin Waltman, Larry Waltman, Bobby Watts, Randall Maxey and Kenny Crawford.

Wallace Moody
Funeral services for Mr. Wallace Moody will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2003, at Mt. Calm Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home. Family hour will be held from 4:30 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the funeral home. Mr. Moody was born Nov. 19, 1910, to the late Willie Moody and Mollie Anderson Moody in Homer. At an early age, he joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church. He later joined Mt. Calm Baptist Church under the Rev. E.J. Barnes. For many years, he worked for and retired from the City of Minden Parks Department. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Hodge; his parents; two brothers; and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Creole Lang Moody; a special relative and caretaker, James Otis Milliner; nephew, Elroy Brown; four godchildren, Regina Mixon, Bruce Mixon, Calvin Mixon, Dwayne Mixon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Melissa Sult
Funeral services for Ms. Melissa Fay Britnell Sult, 29, were held Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at Fellowship Baptist Church in Wytheville, Va. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 21, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Haughton under the direction of Hillcrest Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m. Friday, at the funeral home. Ms. Sult passed away Monday, March 17, at Wythe County Community Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and a former employee of K-Mart. She was preceded in death by her stepbrother, Tony Freeman of Monroe. She is survived by her eight-month-old son, Timothy Harrell Sult; mother and stepfather, Patricia and Frank Morgan; father and stepmother, Steve and Suzanne Britnell; sister, Cheryl McCombs and husband Jerry; three stepsisters, Lola Kurowski, Charlotte Strickland and Amy Davis; stepbrother, Ted Freeman; maternal grandparents, P.A. and Mildred Crews; and paternal grandmother, Katherine Skains. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Hazel Menard
Funeral services for Mrs. Hazel Bourque Menard, 74, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Wayne DuBose officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 19, at the funeral home. Mrs. Menard, a native of Vermillion Parish and a resident of Minden, passed away Monday, March 17, in Minden. She was a homemaker. She is survived by two sons, Donald Menard of Coteau and Mark Menard of Portland, Texas; daughter, Lisa Bridges of Minden; two sisters, Marie Gary of Youngsville and Rita Romero of Abbeville; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Levi Montgomery
Funeral services for Mr. Levi Montgomery will be held Saturday, March 22, 2003, at Zion Traveler Missionary Baptist Church, located at 3400 North 29th Street in Kansas under the direction of Lawerance A. Jones and Sons Funeral Home in Kansas City, Kan. Mr. Montgomery, a native of Heflin and a resident of Kansas City, passed away Sunday, March 16. He is survived by his loving wife, Ollie Montgomery; five children, Roy Montgomery and wife Juanita of Heflin, Randy, Angella, and Kimberly of Kansas City, and Sharon of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; and two sisters, Iretha Ales and Irene Miles of Heflin.

Sara Moore
Funeral services for Mrs. Sara Gene McCrary Moore, 73, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Minden with the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today, March 19, at the funeral home. Mrs. Moore, a native of Ruston, passed away Monday, March 17, at The Terrace in Shreveport after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born Sept. 12, 1929, and was the first "live" baby cared for at the Louisiana Tech University Home Economics House in Ruston. She attended A.E. Phillips Lab School in Ruston and graduated from Ruston High School in 1946. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1959 with a degree in home economics. She married Don Moore in 1950 in Ruston. They moved to Minden in 1952. She taught home economics and science in Webster and Bossier Parishes for a total of 21 years, taking 12 years to be home with her children. She served as the home demonstration agent in Jackson Parish and was active in the Young Women's Service Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, Girl Scouts, UMW and was a member of First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Moore was a loyal wife, mother and friend. She focused her love and energy on those closest to her. She always exhibited herself with poise, grace and an unpretentious and unselfish attitude. She demonstrated love to others in sacrificial ways and possessed a wisdom beyond her age that was recognized by those who knew her. She enjoyed walking, cooking, china painting, reading, playing tennis, and drinking coffee with friends. She loved to laugh and would more often than not be seen with a smile on her face. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wiley "Mac" McCrary and Ruby Jemison McCrary; brothers, James McCrary, Eugene McCrary, Ralph McCrary, and Lane McCrary; and her husband. She is survived by two daughters, Genie Moore Burkhalter and husband Joe of Haughton; Ann Moore Inabnet and husband Morris of Shreveport; one son, Alan Don Moore of Marshall, Texas; one brother, Edwin McCrary of Baltimore, Md.; six grandchildren, Amanda Lea Burkhalter, Sara Ruth Burkhalter, Alexander Don Inabnet, Abigail Sara Inabnet, Andrew William Inabnet, Dylan Don Moore; and dear friend, Dottie Williamson. Pallbearers will be Cullen Clark, Layne A. Clark, Johnny Johnson, Lane Moore, Randy Rentz, and Kenny Williamson. Honorary pallbearers will be J.R. Boyett, Howard Spillers, Cleve Strong, Wayne Williamson, and the Gold Star Sunday School class. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the COA/Alzheimer's Association, 4015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, LA 71109 or First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway in Minden.

James Upton
Funeral services for Mr. James Saunders "Jimmy" Upton, 53, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Joe Hunter officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 19, at the funeral home. Mr. Upton, a native and resident of Minden, passed away Monday, March 17, in Minden. He was a safety director for Tango Trucking Company. He was a member of the Alumni Association at Northeast University and a USTFF all American hurdler in 1971. He also had the second best time ever at Northeast University in the Intermediate Hurdles. He was preceded in death by his father, Horace Upton. He is survived by his son, Tim Upton and wife Patricia of New Orleans; daughter, Allison Upton Cooper and husband Brett of Jena; mother, Mary Upton of Minden; sister, Ellen Madden of Bossier City; one grandchild, Blade Colyn Ellis of Jenna; and special friend Linda Nelson.

Perry Hickman
Funeral services for Mr. Perry Dwayne Hickman, 42, will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Ronnie Whitlock officiating. Burial will follow at Bistineau Baptist Church Cemetery in Heflin. Mr. Hickman, a native of Homer and a resident of Magnolia, Texas, passed away Saturday, March 15, in Tomball, Texas, following a brief illness. He was born March 2, 1961 and was a sales manager for Schwan's Fine Foods in Conroe, Texas. He attended school at Bonnabell High School in Metairie, where he graduated in 1979. He loved fishing and golfing and was very family-oriented. He accepted Christ as his personal savior and was baptized at the young age of 11 at Kenner Baptist Church in Kenner. He was a very outgoing person who loved everyone and everyone loved him. He held down several jobs in his lifetime, mostly in management. Mr. Hickman is with his heavenly Father now, and he is at peace. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Bonnie Thurston and O'Leater Young Childs; paternal grandparents, James Wilfred and Nellie Herrington Haynie. He is survived by his wife, Cathleen Ball Hickman; daughter, Tara Caitlyn Hickman of Magnolia; son, Andrew Dwayne Hickman of Minden; parents, James Leon and Sandra Faye Childs Haynie of Minden; brother, James David and wife Gloria Camille Carol Haynie of Heflin; nephews, James Alexander Haynie of Heflin, Alexander Rose of Orange City, Fla., Nico and Giancarlo Magliolo of Houston, Texas; nieces, Bonnie Camille Haynie of Heflin, Amanda Rose of Orange City; father and mother-in-law, C.L. and Delores Brooks Ball of Houston; sisters-in-law, DeAnn Rose and husband Bob of Orange City, and Melanie Magliolo and husband John "Dino" of Houston; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; and grandmother, Jeanne Hollis Houston Childs of Minden. Pallbearers will be Wayne Childs, Steven Grosz, Jason Haynie, Dale MaKowsky, Dino Magliolo, and Pat Kinsler. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Rogan, Jarred Haynie, Warren Haynie, and Eddie Paul.

William DeLoach
Funeral services for Mr. William E. DeLoach, 83, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Frank DeLoach officiating and the Rev. Josh DeLoach, the Rev. Mike Crump and Jeremy DeLoach assisting. Burial will follow at Fellowship Cemetery in Dubberly. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 18, at the funeral home. Mr. DeLoach, a native of Heflin and a resident of Dubberly, passed away Sunday, March 16, in Shreveport. He was retired after 20 years with the U.S. Army. He was a master sergeant during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He is survived by two sons, the Rev. Frank DeLoach and wife Connie of Cotton Valley, William E. DeLoach and wife Marilyn of Baton Rouge; daughter, Martha Vance and husband Michael of Dubberly; one sister, Ruby Walker of Minden; and three grandsons, Josh DeLoach, Jeremy DeLoach, and Wesley Dison.

Clyde Fields
Funeral services for Mr. Clyde Wilbert Fields will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2003, at Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Old Sparta Cemetery in Old Sparta. Family hour will be held from 6 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the funeral home.

Opal Mendenhal
Funeral services for Mrs. Opal Mendenhal, 86, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Bill Ichter officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 17, at the funeral home. Mrs. Mendenhal, a native of Wallaceburg, Ark., and a resident of Bossier City for the past one and a half years, passed away, Saturday, March 15, following a lengthy illness. She was a housewife and a member of First Baptist Church in Minden. She was also a lifetime member and past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Stella Yates; and husband, Homer Mendenhal. She is survived by two daughters, Earlene Lyle and husband Robert of Grand Bay, Ala., Barbara McLemore of Minden; two sisters, Rachel Turner and husband Ray of Nashville, Ark., Jeanette Flesher and husband Howard of Hope, Ark.; one sister-in-law, Frances Yates of Lafayette; one brother, Dale Yates of San Antonio, Texas; five grandchildren, Vicki Trigg, Allen Lyle, William McLemore, Keith McLemore, and Lori McGarity; and nine grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Russell Adams, Derald Kirkland, George Calvit, Bobby Moorehead, Jack Smith and Murphy Carrier.

Pamela Dawn Vallacchi
Funeral services for Ms. Pamela Dawn Vallacchi, 39, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Dee Anders officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Minden. Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. today, March 17, at the funeral home. Ms. Vallacchi, a native of Shreveport and a resident of Minden, passed away Friday, March 14, in Minden. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her father, Lloyd Snell; step-father, Don Muse; sister, Tondra Muse Smith; and grandparents, David and Naomi Sanders and Pauline and Worth Snell. She is survived by her mother, Gwendolyn Muse of Minden; son, Brandon David Muse of Minden; daughter, Anna Vallacchi of Minden; two sisters, Lynda Muse of Shreveport and Donette Roach and husband Jeff of Frierson; and a host of other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Brandon McCartney, Steven Williams, Jerry Jimmerson, Waylon Jimmerson, Darren Lee and Brandon Miles.

Felix Montgomery
Funeral services for Mr. Felix Montgomery, 96, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2003, at St. Rest Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. B.J. Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. today, March 14, at the funeral home. Mr. Montgomery, a resident of Minden, passed away Saturday, March 8, in Minden. He retired from KCS Railroad after 37 years of service in 1973. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Grice Montgomery. He is survived by his sons, Felix Montgomery Jr. of Houston, Texas, Richard Will Montgomery of Houston; daughters, Gladys Critton and husband Travis of Sibley, Laura Marie Montgomery, Emma Montgomery Moore, and Carolyn Patrice Montgomery, all of Minden; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

I.J. Allen
Funeral services for Mr. I.J. Allen will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2003, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Homer with the Rev. Ray D. Jiles officiating. Services are under the direction of Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. Friday, March 14, at the funeral home. He is survived by his wife, Mattie Allen of Minden; four daughters, Ida Barnett of Minden, Annie Washington of Minden, Luevata Moore of Minden, and Ida Fay Edwards of Shreveport; five sons, Jesse Allen of Homer, Ivory Allen of Homer, Almer Allen of Minden, Larry Allen of Minden, and Charles Allen of Minden; one brother, Charlie Levy of Belcher; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Donna King Warrick Funeral services for Mrs. Donna King Warrick, 61, will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 12, 2003, at Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home in Macon, Ga. with the Rev. Pete Peterman officiating. Burial will follow at Philadelphia Methodist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Warrick, a native of Mt. Clemens, Mich., and a resident of Macon, passed away Sunday, March 9, at her residence. She was raised in Louisiana most of her life prior to moving to Macon, where she lived for the past six years. She was a former resident of Minden. She was a personnel trainer employed with Wal-Mart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald E. and Norine Mundt King; and sister, Sheryl King. She is survived by her husband Henry D. Warrick of Macon; brother, Don King and wife Patsy of Minden; stepmother, Betty Perryman King of Minden; and several nieces; nephews; and special friends, David and Vicky Mouser.

Jason McTaggart
Memorial services for Mr. Jason Allen McTaggart will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 13, 2003, at Hill Crest Funeral Home with the Rev. T.W. Barnes, pastor of First United Pentecostal Church of Minden, officiating. Mr. McTaggart, a native of Minden and a resident of Galliano, passed away Tuesday, March 11, in Shreveport after a sudden illness. He was born Sept. 14, 1969. He was a marine engineer in the tug boat industry. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Jack and Carol McTaggart of Batesville, Ark.; mother, Jane McTaggart of Haughton; sister, Julie Small and husband Wallace of Minden; three brothers, Johnny McTaggart of Anchorage, Alaska, Jimmy and Jerry McTaggart, both of Minden; and a number of other relatives.

Michael Hunn
Graveside services for Mr. Michael Lee Hunn, 59, will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 11, 2003, at Minden Cemetery with full military honors. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mr. Hunn, a native of Gary, Ind., and a resident of Minden, passed away Friday, March 7, in Minden. He was retired from the U.S. Army and employed by the Army National Guard Y.C.P. He is survived by his wife, Toshiko Hunn of Minden; father and mother, Walter and Dorothy Hunn of Two Rivers, Wis.; sons, Thomas W. Hunn and wife Shannon of Minden, Chris Hunn and wife Susan of Denver, Colo., Steven A. Hunn of Minden; daughter, Theresa A. Hunn of San Jose, Calif.; sister, Sandy Hunn of Two Rivers; brother, David Hunn of Illinois; grandchildren, Justin M. Hunn and Bryan A. Hunn; and other relatives, Shawn Hatcher, Angela Hatcher, Donna Hatcher, Agnes Holliday, and David Hatcher, all of Minden.

Ed Williams Jr.
Graveside services for Mr. Ed Everett Williams Jr., 76, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2003, at Mt. Union Cemetery in Farmerville. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held at 4 p.m. today, March 11, at the funeral home. Mr. Williams, a native of Lillie and a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, March 9, in Minden. He was a welder. He is survived by his sons, Larry Carson of Kilbourne, Freddie Williams of Sibley; daughter, Rena Labranche of Metairie; sisters, Larue Ward of Farmerville, Evon Lyons of Greenboro, N.C.; grandchildren, Christopher Everett Williams, Brandy Wilson, Brittney Labranche, Cody Everett Labranche, Brenda Woods and Blenda McCoy; and great-grandchildren, Kendelle Leigh Williams and Abbey Gail Wilson.

Randy Miller
Funeral services for Mr. Randy Lee Miller will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2003, at King Solomon Baptist Church in Sibley. Burial will follow at Moore Cemetery in Heflin under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 4:30 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Miller passed away Wednesday, March 5, at 3 a.m. He was born to Dianne Miller and Ira Bennett on Feb. 18, 1986 and was the 11th of 13 children. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mildred C. Bennett; sister, Regina (BaBa) Miller; and aunt, Bobby Miller. He is survived by his mother; father; six sisters, Lanita of Dallas, Texas, Lakita, Nicole, Precious, Lil' Mildred, a twin sister, Candy Miller, all of Minden; five brothers, Ira, Kedric, Dedric, Demitrius and Willie Miller, all of Minden; one grandmother, Virgie Miller; great-grandmother, Jessie Gilbert; one great-great-grandmother, Carrie Thorton; grandfather, Herman Bennett; great-great-grandfather, Adam Mead; a very special aunt, also a second mother to him, Alberta Green; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and friends.

Michael Hunn
Graveside services for Mr. Michael Lee Hunn, 59, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2003, at Minden Cemetery with full military honors. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 10, at the funeral home. Mr. Hunn, a native of Gary, Ind., and a resident of Minden, passed away Friday, March 7, in Minden. He was retired from the U.S. Army and employed by the Army National Guard Y.C.P. He is survived by his wife, Toshiko Hunn of Minden; father and mother, Walter and Dorothy Hunn of Two Rivers, Wis.; sons, Thomas W. Hunn and wife Shannon of Minden, Chris Hunn and wife Susan of Denver, Colo., Steven A. Hunn of Minden; daughter, Theresa A. Hunn of San Jose, Calif.; sister, Sandy Hunn of Two Rivers; brother, David Hunn of Illinois; grandchildren, Justin M. Hunn and Bryan A. Hunn; and other relatives, Shawn Hatcher, Angela Hatcher, Donna Hatcher, Agnes Holliday, and David Hatcher, all of Minden.

Barbara McBride
Funeral services for Mrs. Barbara Gene Staggs McBride, 74, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Minden with the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor officiating and the Rev. Tom Howe assisting. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 9 p.m. today, March 10, at the funeral home. Mrs. McBride, a native of Shreveport and a resident of Minden, passed away Saturday March 8. She was retired from M.L. Bath Printing Co. where she worked as a compositor for 31 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Mae Staggs. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, J.P. McBride of Minden; four daughters, Cheryl Lynn and husband Robert of Bethlehem, Ga., Kathy Dickinson and husband Andrew, Laura Milligan and husband Mike, Lisa McBride, all of Minden; son, Patrick McBride and wife Cindy of Shreveport; brothers, Lawrence Staggs and wife Nell of Atlanta, Texas, Leslie Staggs and wife Elsie of Lufkin, Texas, Chuck Staggs of Elm Grove, Leonard Staggs and wife Cherrie of Shreveport; grandchildren, Christi, Jason, Elizabeth, Drew, Jennifer, Jeffrey, Lance and Nikki; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Donnie Arnold, Doug Arnold, Anthony Cardone, Mark Cardone, Paul Cordaro and Richard Latsos.

John Savage
Funeral services for Mr. John M. Savage, 73, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2003, at Lakeview United Methodist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. today, March 10, at the funeral home. Mr. Savage, a native of Tehuacana, Texas, passed away Saturday, March 8, at Willis-Knighton Hospital, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 7, 1929. He was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 141 of Shreveport, the Shriner's Organization, the Masons, and Lakeview United Methodist Church. He was an avid supporter of the Shriner's Hospital for crippled children in Shreveport. He was a devoted and determined Democrat, and successfully campaigned for many elected officials in Minden and Webster Parish, the state of Louisiana, and the United States of America. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and lover of children and animals. His love, compassion, and great heart will be greatly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew Verna Savage; mother, Susan Carolyn Forrest, aunt, Athleen Savage; and grandparents, Lois Beasley and Harvey Savage of Sumpter, Ark. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue Nowlin Savage; sons, Verna Mike and Sylvia Savage, Johnny W. Savage, both of Minden; daughters, Jhan and Grady Lee Jr. of Haughton, and Gina Savage of Elm Grove; daughter-in-law, Judy Simpson of Minden; nine grandchildren, Sherrie and Chris Rico, Michael and Tracy Savage, Timmy and Angie Savage, Craig Savage, Shondee and Pat Payton, Emily Bryant, Danny and Denise Bryant, Ben and Wendy Lee, and Katie Lee; great-grandchildren, Ryan Savage, Shane Savage, Mallorie and Issac Savage, Alora, Steven, Jaid Bryant, Katlyn Bryant McEachern, C.J. and Kendall Rico, and Allison and Brooke Payton; many other family and friends; and his mules, Cissero, Rooster and Pete. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital of Shreveport, or to the charity or organization of the donor's choice.

Earline Bradford
Funeral services for Mrs. Earline "Gal" Bradford will be held at noon, Saturday, March 8, 2003, at Mayflower Baptist Church in Minden. Burial will follow at Mayflower Cemetery under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden. Dinner will be served at the church. Mrs. Bradford was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Bradford; mother, Margaret "Sister" Graham; and her father, Willie D. Harrison. She is survived by her six children, Wonder Calloway, Albert Bradford III, Ricky Bradford, Melvin Bradford, Gregory Bradford of Minden, and Anthony Bradford of Mobile, Ala.; two sisters, Dorothy Arlene Cotton of Springhill, Asline Edwards and husband Handlo of Dubberly; one brother, Eddie D. Harrison and wife Lois of Dubberly; one sister-in-law Georgia Mae Heard of Orange, Texas; one brother-in-law, Louis Bradford and wife Faye of Princeton; 20 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one aunt; three uncles; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Author Kenner
Funeral services for Mr. Author Ray Kenner will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2003, at Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Pinegrove Cemetery in Taylor. Family hour will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. today, March 7, at the funeral home.

Otis Avant
Funeral services for Mr. Otis Lawrence Avant, 86, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Ron Morgan officiating. Burial will follow at Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, March 6, at the funeral home. Mr. Avant, a native of Hampton, Ark., and a resident of Minden, passed away Wednesday, March 5, in Springhill. He was born May 20, 1916, and was a retired heavy equipment operator and minister. He was married to Matha Lou Bryars Avant on Sept. 25, 1941. He is survived by his wife of 63 years; sons, Larry Avant of Woodworth, Lawrence Avant of Farmerville, and Marvin Avant of Doyline; daughter, Virginia Mears of Austinton, Ohio; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Raena Rushing
Graveside services for Raena Cherie' Rushing were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery with the Rev. Roy Strother officiating. Services were under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Miss Rushing, born in Minden, passed away Monday, March 3, in Minden. She is survived by her mother, Kimberly D. Rushing of Minden; father, Jason C. Garison of Minden; grandparents, Becky McClung of Minden, Don Garison of Doyline, Patricia Dianne Stevenson of Minden, and Robert Langwasser of Ringgold.

Winfred Albright
Funeral services for Mr. Winfred Lee Albright, 85, were to be held at 11 a.m. today, March 5, 2003, at Mt. Calm Baptist Church with Rev. T. A. Knapp officiating. Burial was to follow at Walker Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary in Minden. Mr. Albright, a native of Gibsland, passed away Friday, Feb. 28, in Minden. He was born June 15, 1927 to his parents, Nettie Rushing and Burgess Germany. He was reared from a baby by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Albright. He is survived by his loving wife, Esther Bell Albright of Minden; his biological mother, Nettie Rushing of California; his sister-in-law, Sarah J. Lewis of Minden; and a host of other relatives and friends.

John Paul Jones
Funeral services for Mr. John Paul Jones, 37, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2003, at Calvary Baptist Church with the Rev. Don McCormick officiating and the Rev. Larry Earnhart assisting. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. today, March 5, at the funeral home. Mr. Jones, a native of Shreveport and a resident of Mansfield, passed away Monday, March 3, in Shreveport. He was a former resident of Minden and was the general manager for Smith Marine in Minden. He was preceded in death by his father, John W. Jones; and brother, Monred Arlon Jones. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Renee Jones of Mansfield; mother, Mary V. Jones of Dixie Inn; five sisters, Melba Smith and Mary Sanders, both of Minden, Joyce Smith of Sibley, Mildred Carter of Doyline, and Nell Finley of Cotton Valley; three brothers, Homer Jones of Dixie Inn, S.J. Jones of Minden, and Printes Jones of Princeton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Billy Johnson
Funeral services for Mr. Billy R. Johnson, 59, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2003, at St. James Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. T.L. Ward officiating. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary in Minden. He is survived by his wife, Alma Johnson; son, Billy R. Johnson Jr.; three stepsons, Curtis Evans, Willie Evans, and Eric Johnson; one daughter, Christy Johnson Phillips; one sister, Mary Helen Harris; two brothers, David James Johnson, and Ira Johnson Jr.; five grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Nelma Anders
Funeral services for Mrs. Nelma Woods Anders, 80, were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Minden with the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor officiating and the Rev. Lynn Malone assisting. Burial followed at Rocky Mount Cemetery in Ringgold under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Anders, a native of Ringgold and a resident of Minden, passed away Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003, in Bossier City. She was a retired Webster Parish school cafeteria worker. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Jimmie D. Woods; and her second husband, the Rev. George "Andy" Anders; son, Jimmie N. Woods; five sisters; and three brothers. She is survived by her son, the Rev. Dee Anders and wife Brenda of Cullen; daughter, Jackie Roberts and husband Jerry of Minden; extended family, Linda Fields and husband Bill of New Orleans, Lucy Braun and husband Kevlin of Ponchatula; brothers, Leo Crumpton of Ringgold; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Terry Davis, Keith Craig, Kevlin Braun, Dan Gonzales, Drew Carter, and Larry Woods. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Minden.

Billy Finklea
Funeral services for Mr. Billy R. Finklea, 72, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Bossier City with the Rev. Harrell Shelton of Airline Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Doyline Cemetery. Visitation will be held today, March 3, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Finklea, a native of Vernon, Texas, and a resident of Bossier City, passed away Saturday, March 1, in Shreveport. He was a retired tech sergeant from the United States Air Force. He was a member of Airline Baptist Church, the VFW and a retired manager of American General Life Insurance Co. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Inez Finklea and son-in-law, Tommy Joe Eagles. He is survived by his wife Martha Finklea of Bossier City; daughters, Connie Eagles of Ruston, Sherrie Moseley and husband Earl of Doyline; Joni McElveen and husband Elwood Jr., of Forney, Texas, Jill Blair and husband Bruce of Forney; brother, Lloyd Finklea and wife Mary of West Plains, Mo.; grandchildren, Jamie and Katherine Eagles, Katie Eagles, Brandon and Amber Moseley, Dustin and Amanda Moseley, Savannah McElveen, Tyler McElveen, Addison McElveen, Hilary Blair, Holly Blair, Hunter Blair; and great-grandchildren, Christopher Eagles and Riley Moseley. Pallbearers will be his grandsons and sons-in-law. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Finklea's Sunday school class. Memorials may be made to the Tommy Joe Eagles Memorial Scholarship Fund at Louisiana Tech University or to Airline Baptist Church.

Herman Fryer
Funeral services for Mr. Herman Lewis Fryer, 79, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Eddie Sower officiating. Burial will follow at Westlake Cemetery in Doyline. Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. today, Feb. 28, 2003, at the funeral home. Mr. Fryer, a native of Greenville, Texas, and a resident of Doyline, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 26, in Bossier City. He was a salesman for a paper machinery company. He was a longtime member of Westlake Baptist Church in Doyline, where he will be remembered for his tape ministry and his tin men. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and World War II. He was married to his loving wife for 56 years. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sally Reeme; and two sisters, Merle Denny and Carolyn Sexton. He is survived by his wife, Nadine Fryer of Doyline; one nephew, Jimmy Denney of Shreveport; two grandchildren, Susie Anderson and husband Robert of Bamburg, Germany, and Josh Guillot and wife Tina of El Paso, Texas; four great-grandchildren, Hannah and Carly Anderson, and Tara and Taylor Guillot. Pall bearers will be Bill Timmons, Albert Booth, Jim Brown, Max Hammet, Ray Thorn, and Ron Maurer. Honorary pallbearers will be Reggie Rhodes, Travis Reeme, and Tom O'Neill. Memorials may be made to Westlake Baptist Church.

Kemp Wesley
Funeral services for Mr. Kemp Willis Wesley, 70, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2003, at Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Minden. Visitation will be held until evening today, Feb. 28, at the funeral home. Mr. Wesley, a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, in Minden. He is survived by his wife Naomi Wesley of Minden; brother, John Wesley Jr. of Minden; sisters, Opalene Bradford of Minden, Georgia McDonald of Minden, Gloria Grant of Houston, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Eddie Austin
Funeral services for Mr. Eddie Jay Austin will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, 2003, at Pinegrove Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Pinegrove Cemetery in Taylor under the direction of Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, at the funeral home.

William Fuller
Funeral services for the Rev. William Leon "Bill L." Fuller, 64, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Blytheville, Ark. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in Minden under the direction of Cobb Funeral Home in Blytheville. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m., today, Feb. 27, at the church. Fuller, a native of Minden, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville, following a short illness. He was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Blytheville. Born in Minden to Venie Robinson Fuller and the late Leon Fuller, he graduated from Minden High School and earned degrees from Louisiana Baptist College and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Fuller was licensed to preach at First Baptist Church in Minden on Sept. 3, 1958, and was ordained at First Baptist Church in Pineville on Aug. 8, 1962. Prior to coming to Blytheville in 1994, he pastored churches in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. He also served early in his career as a youth director and as a mission pastor. Fuller had been a member of the Blytheville Ministerial Alliance since 1994, served as chairman in 1998, and served as a member of the Arkansas Baptist Convention Executive Board, where he held positions of finance committee chairman, operations committee chairman, and missions committee of the ABSC executive board chairman. He was a member of the community advisory board of Baptist Memorial Home Care, Blytheville-Gosnell Food Pantry Board, and a chaplain at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville. He was a former member of the Pregnancy Crisis Center advisory board in Jackson, Miss., and former member and officer of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Fuller was a former chairman of both the boards of directors of Holiday Nursing Home in Center, Texas, and Deep East Texas Mental Retardation as well as serving on the Deep Texas council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. Fuller was also a former little league coach in Center. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Dorothy Weaver Fuller; three sons, William Scott Fuller of Blytheville, William Todd Fuller of Cleveland, Miss., and William Paul Fuller and wife Christie Lynn of Blytheville; his mother, Venie M. Fuller of Minden; sister, Linda Sue Vaughn of Minden; and four grandchildren, William Cody, William Blake, Rachel Nicole, and William Chase Fuller. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Blytheville.

Lodie Roberts
Funeral services for Mrs. Lodie Liles Roberts, 83, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003, at First United Pentecostal Church in Minden with the Rev. T.W. Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery in Athens under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 4 until 10 p.m. today, Feb. 26, and Thursday, Feb. 27, at the funeral home prior to services. Mrs. Roberts, a native of Athens and a resident of Minden, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 25, following a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Dola Mae Liles; two sisters, Nobie Griffin and Bell Zappa; three brothers, Coolidge, Frank and Cotton Liles; and one granddaughter, Stacey Ellison Collado. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ralph Roberts; two sisters, Mary McDonald and Ella Mae Zappa; children, Jerry Roberts and wife Jackie, Betty Ellison and husband Larry, Dot Roberts, Carolyn Warren and husband Carl, Linda Gandy and husband Richard, and Deborah Eldridge; grandchildren, Denise Craig and husband Keith, D'Ann Davis and husband Terry, Michael Ellison and wife Lisa, Teresa Ockerman and husband Troy, Ralph Gilbert and wife Iris, Shea Carson and husband Jason, Dana Elshout and husband Michael, Elizabeth Baldwin and husband Keith; great-grandchildren, Jessica and Matthew Craig, Steven and Stephanie Davis, Alexandra and Samantha Ellison, Adam Ellison, Justin and Aaron Ockerman, Cheyenne, Vivian and Chris Gilbert, Wyatt and Madison Carson, Sydney Elshout, Summer and Alexander Baldwin; and two very close friends, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Chanler. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and friends.

Stella Bledsoe
Funeral services for Mrs. Stella Bledsoe were to be held at 11 a.m. today at Point Chapel in Minden. Burial will follow at Point Chapel Cemetery in Doyline. Mrs. Bledsoe passed away, Saturday, Feb. 22, in Castor. She was born in Lamar County, Ala., and she was a homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tuvy Bledsoe, parents, Moses McCrary and Effie Stockman McCrary; three sons, Jack, J.T., and Jimmy Bledsoe; three sisters, Dellie Perkins, Madalee Guin and Mary Perry; one grandson, Ronald Bledsoe; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Bledsoe. She is survived by her son, Billy Bledsoe; daughters, Edith Sandifer and husband Harold, Margaret Smith and husband Ray; daughter-in-law, Dessa Bledsoe; sister, Opal Hayes; brother, Coy McCrary; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

Lois Kelley
Funeral services for Mrs. Lois Diann Kelley, 48, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Richard Methvin officiating. Burial will follow at Bistineau Cemetery in Heflin. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Feb. 25, at the funeral home. Mrs. Kelley, a native of Wilmot, Ark., and a resident of Star City, Ark., passed away Saturday, Feb. 22, in Star City. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Walter and Lela Kelley; and Henry and Mattie McDaniel; father, Charles Wesley Kelley; sister, Betty Faye Kelley; and niece, Patsy Lynn Vosburg. She is survived by her mother, Mary Frances Kelley of Wilmot; loving fiance, David Lane Jamison; son, William "Joey" Joseph Johnson of Simsboro, David Lane "Bugar" Jamison Jr. of Star City; daughter, Jennifer Powell and husband Jason of Dubberly; brothers, Bill Kelley of Wilmot, Jim Kelley of Gilmer, Texas, Glen Kelley and wife Charlotte of Bakersfield, Calif., and John Kelley and wife Sheryl of West Monroe; sisters, Virginia Studavin and husband Jerry of West Monroe, Bernice Tubbs and husband Allan of Bastrop, Joyce Pruitt and husband Royce of Crossett, Ark., Mary Hall and husband Rusty of Star City, and Annette Adcock and husband Owen of Gilmer; two grandchildren; eight nieces and 10 nephews.

Stella Bledsoe
Funeral services for Mrs. Stella Bledsoe will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Burial will follow at Point Chapel Cemetery in Doyline. Mrs. Bledsoe passed away, Saturday, Feb. 22, in Castor. She was born in Lamar County, Ala., and she was a homemaker who dedicated her life to caring for her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tuvy Bledsoe, parents, Moses McCrary and Effie Stockman McCrary; three sons, Jack, J.T., and Jimmy Bledsoe; three sisters, Dellie Perkins, Madalee Guin and Mary Perry; one grandson, Ronald Bledsoe; one daughter-in-law, Barbara Bledsoe. She is survived by her son, Billy Bledsoe; daughters, Edith Sandifer and husband Harold, Margaret Smith and husband Ray; daughter-in-law, Dessa Bledsoe; sister, Opal Hayes; brother, Coy McCrary; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

Estelle d'Arby
Graveside services for Mrs. Estelle Schultz d'Arby, 86, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2003, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden with Dr. Cliff Estes officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 today, Feb. 24, at the funeral home. Mrs. d'Arby, a native of Many and a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, at Minden Medical Center. She was a retired executive secretary for KWKH Radio and a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was a longtime resident of Rosehill Apartments. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia "Boots" Clair Woods; and special friends, Mike and Karen Brinkley.

Wilma Davis
Graveside services for Mrs. Wilma Gallahan Davis, 69, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 24, 2003, at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden with the Rev. Lynn Malone officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Davis, a native of Peru, Ind., and a resident of Minden since 1962, passed away Saturday, Feb. 22, in Minden. She was a retired route supervisor with the Minden Press-Herald. She is survived by her husband Jessie "Preacher" Davis of Minden; three sons, Jeffery Davis and wife Brenda of Heflin, Terry Davis and wife D'Ann of Minden, and Eric Davis of Minden; one daughter, Vicki Koehler and husband Charles William of Doyline; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Docia Ford
Funeral services for Mrs. Docia Mae Henderson Ford, 69, were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at St. Mary's Baptist Church in Ringgold with Elder Lenward Brown officiating. Burial followed at Brown Cemetery in Heflin under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Ford, a resident of Heflin, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Purvis Harris
Funeral services for Deacon Purvis V. Harris were to be held at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 24, 2003, at Mt. Calm Missionary Baptist Church in Minden. Burial was to follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery under the direction of Benevolent Funeral Home in Minden.

Floyd Seegers Jr.
Funeral services for Mr. Floyd Arthur Seegers Jr., 76, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2003, at Sibley United Methodist Church with Dr. Morris Robe officiating and the Rev. Rod Taylor and Dr. Jimmy Tharpe assisting. Burial will follow at Lane Memorial Cemetery in Sibley under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 6 until 9 p.m. today, Feb. 24, and Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the funeral home. Mr. Seegers, a native of Homer and a resident of Sibley, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23, in Sibley. He was a heavy equipment operator for the local 406 IUOE. He was a member of the Baptist Tabernacle in Sibley. He was preceded in death by Floyd A. Seegers Sr., Gussie Holcomb Seegers; brother, E.M. Seegers and sister, Joy Shelton. He is survived by his wife, Juanita Gray Seegers of Sibley; sons, Gary A. Seegers and wife Pam of Sibley, Larry F. Seegers and wife Sandy of Sibley; sister, Maxine Rozier of Ringgold; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Steve Wunnenberg, Mike Pruitt, Teddy Gray, Eddie Noles, Gregory Hay and Richard Davis Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Marvin Joiner, Jim Packer, James Stewart and the 1945 Sibley High ball team. Memorials may be made to Baptist Tabernacle's building fund.

Sidney Baten
Funeral services for Mr. Sidney Odell Baten, 81, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 24, 2003, at Antioch Baptist Church with the Rev. Malcolm Self officiating and the Rev. Jim Townsend and the Rev. Julian Cloud assisting. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Mr. Baten, a native of Loving, Texas, and a resident of Minden, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Shreveport. He was born Nov. 23, 1921, and was a farmer. He spent the last 11 years of his life at Heritage Manor South in Shreveport. He was preceded in death by his wife, Etha Lee Adams Baten; parents, Sidney H. and Martha G. Baten; and brother, Horace Baten. He is survived by two daughters, Nelda Kay Wilkerson and husband Bobby of Stonewall, Donna Jean Walker and husband Terry of Alexandria; sisters, Jane Pickett of Shreveport, and Lola Faye Lanning of Shreveport; brothers, Glen Baten and wife Clyda of Minden, and Robert Baten and wife Anita of Shreveport; grandchildren, James Walker and wife Sondra of Pineville, Angie Walker of Shreveport, and Emily Wilson and husband Larry of St. Clair Shores, Mich.; three great-grandchildren, Ashlee Walker, Amber and Jo Helen Rowlen of Pineville. Pallbearers will be James Walker, Glen Davis, Glen Melton, Bruce Lanins, Tommy Baten, David Ingram, and Reggie French.

Billie Basinger
Funeral services for Mrs. Billie Basinger, 75, were to be held at 10 a.m. today, Feb. 21, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Ringgold with the Rev. Tommy Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at Providence Cemetery under the direction of Rockett Funeral Home in Ringgold. Mrs. Basinger, a native of Port Nachez, Texas, and a resident of Ringgold, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19. She was retired from Ringgold High School, where she worked for several years as the office secretary. After retirement, she immediately went to work as the secretary of First United Methodist Church. She was a very devoted member of the church, and her life revolved around her family, friends and church. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Maude Boatman; one brother, James J. Boatman Jr.; and one sister, Martha Lucas. She is survived by her husband, L. Howell Basinger of Ringgold; two daughters, Marsha Watts and husband Wally of Minden, Janice Northcutt and husband Gerald of Ringgold; five grandchildren, Craig Watts and wife Jessica, Beth Watts, Jessica Bates and husband Jason, Jerry Northcutt, and Jordan Northcutt; and one great-grandchild, Paige Bates. Pallbearers will be David Basinger, Seth Basinger, Danny Basinger, Alan Clayborn, David Kidd, and Bob Nix.

Sidney Baten
Funeral services for Mr. Sidney Odell Baten, 81, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at Antioch Baptist Church with the Rev. Malcolm Self officiating and the Rev. Jim Townsend and the Rev. Julian Cloud assisting. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the funeral home. Mr. Baten, a native of Loving, Texas, and a resident of Minden, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Shreveport. He was born Nov. 23, 1921, and was a farmer. He spent the last 11 years of his life at Heritage Manor South in Shreveport. He was preceded in death by his wife, Etha Lee Adams Baten; parents, Sidney H. and Martha G. Baten; and brother, Horace Baten. He is survived by two daughters, Nelda Kay Wilkerson and husband Bobby of Stonewall, Donna Jean Walker and husband Terry of Alexandria; sisters, Jane Pickett of Shreveport, and Lola Faye Lanning of Shreveport; brothers, Glen Baten and wife Clyda of Minden, and Robert Baten and wife Anita of Shreveport; grandchildren, James Walker and wife Sondra of Pineville, Angie Walker of Shreveport, and Emily Wilson and husband Larry of St. Clair Shores, Mich.; three great-grandchildren, Ashlee Walker, Amber and Jo Helen Rowlen of Pineville. Pallbearers will be James Walker, Glen Davis, Glen Melton, Bruce Lanins, Tommy Baten, David Ingram, and Reggie French.

Walter Tims
Funeral services for Mr. Walter Kenneth Tims, 74, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at Bailey Mortuary in Springhill with the Rev. Jerry Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Old Sarepta Cemetery. Mr. Tims, a native of Chestnut and a resident of Minden for the past 12 years, passed away Thursday, Feb. 20, in Corner Stone Hospital in Bossier City, following a lengthy illness. He was born Sept. 22, 1928 to Walter Joe and Ethel Lou Aulds Tims. He was a former resident of New Orleans, was of the Baptist faith and was a Food Street Vendor in New Orleans. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Gifford of Sarepta; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Lovie Crow
Funeral services for Mrs. Lovie Dixon Crow, 80, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at New Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Frank Peoples officiating. Burial will follow at New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary in Minden. Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 21, with family hour from 7 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mrs. Crow, a native of Webster Parish, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 12, in Minden. She was born Dec. 25, 1922, to Roger and Bessie Presley Dixon. She is survived by one daughter, Bessie Crow Lane of Minden; two sons, Wanda Wayne Crow and Charlie Crow, both of Minden; one sister, Eva Mae Kyle of Houston, Texas; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Joyle Cecil Tims
Funeral services for Mr. Joyle Cecil Tims, 71, were to be held at 10 a.m. today, Feb. 20, 2003, at Bailey Mortuary in Springhill with the Rev. Charles Woolley officiating. Burial will follow at Old Sarepta Cemetery. Mr. Tims, a native of Chestnut and a resident of Minden since 1958, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18, following a short illness at Minden Medical Center. He was born April 27, 1931, to Walter Joe and Ethel L. Aulds. He had been employed and retired from the City of Minden Street Department. He was a member of the Baptist faith and a U.S. veteran. He is survived by his wife, Louise Ezernack Tims of Minden; sons, Cecil Joe Tims and Richard Lynn Tims, both of Minden; one brother, Walter Kenneth Tims of Minden; one sister, Ruth Gifford of Sarepta; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Joey Tims, Stevie Tims, Randall Tims, Blake Tims, Leo Perkins, and Mark Smiley.

Alma Allen
Funeral services for Mrs. Alma Ward Allen will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at the funeral home. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Moore and husband Monroe; one son, Willie K. Allen and wife Roberlene; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Treabi Lee of Bossier City, Ruby Lee, Ora Hicks of Doyline; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Doris Briggs
Graveside services for Mrs. Doris Helen Briggs, 73, were to be held at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 18, 2003, at New Ebenezer Cemetery in Castor with the Rev. Bill Ichter officiating. Services are under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Briggs, a native of Coushatta and a resident of Sibley, passed away Sunday, Feb. 16, in Minden. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Miller and Louise Berry; brothers, Johnny A. Foster, and James C. Foster Jr.; and parents, James and Annie Foster. She is survived by her brother, Joe L. Foster and wife Carolyn of Sibley; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

James Miller
Funeral services for Mr. James David Miller, 44, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 14, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Richard Methvin officiating and the Rev. James Harris assisting. Burial will follow at Gilgal Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Miller, a native and resident of Minden, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 11, in Minden. He was a lab tech. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, David E. Miller, Ruby W. Miller; grandparents, C.O. Horn and Thelma Horn. He is survived by his wife J. Bernadette Miller; daughters, Audrey McCormick and husband Gabriel, Elaina McCormick and husband Jarred, and Amber Miller; son, James Caleb Miller; granddaughter, Madison McCormick; parents, Jimmy C. and Connie Miller; two sisters, Rheba Miller Savelle and husband Sammy, and Peggy Renee Miller; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Pallbearers will be Gabriel McCormick, Jarred McCormick, Mark Smith, Mace Morgan, Howard Morgan, Jonathan Rumby, Jeffrey McCormick and Danny Johnson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Edna Jones
Funeral services for Mrs. Edna Jones, 76, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at Greater St. Paul Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie Bryant officiating. Burial will follow at Sheppard Street Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m., today, Feb. 14, at the funeral home. Mrs. Jones passed away Sunday, Feb. 2, in Oakland, Calif., following a lengthy illness. She is survived by two sons, Larry Anderson of Kent Wash., Byron Benten of Marshallville, Ga.; one daughter, Barbara Larkford of Oakland; one brother, Shelly Anderson of Oakland; 10 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Donald Smith
Funeral services for the Rev. Donald Lee Smith will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at the funeral home and at 10 a.m. at the church on Saturday.

Ruy Boland
Ruy J. Boland was born June 11, 1909 to Dona Redman and Casey Wesley Boland in Comanche County, Texas, and passed away at the age of 93 Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003. He will be buried at Garden of Memories Cemetery in El Campo, Texas. In 1934, he married Ruth Lois Johnson of Louise, Texas. He attended school in Comanche County and graduated from Wharton Jr. College. After working as a mule-skinner with the Gray Line Railroad, as a steel worker and as a construction worker, Mr. Boland began 48 years as a professional in the oil industry, working first in the oil patch. He worked with Magnolia Oil Company in various phases of pipeline construction work and rough-necking for several drilling companies. In 1949, he went to work for Houston Drilling Co., which later became Salt Dome Oil Company. He was the drilling superintendent for the rig that drilled the first offshore well in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1965, he was the drilling superintendent for Texas Oil and Gas Corporation's Gulf Coast District. Mr. Boland was an active member of Louise United Methodist Church, having served as church treasurer and on the board of trustees. He was a former member of the Louise Lions Club. Having been a Mason for 50 years, he was a member of the Ganado Masonic Lodge #1055 A.F. and A.M. and the Shriners of Houston. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1978; his parents; brother, William Columbus Boland; son, Dr. Sidney Wesley Boland; and sister, Vata Williamson. He is survived by his daughter, Patsy Ruy Sanders and husband Bill Sanders Sr.; daughter-in-law, Ona Faye Boland of San Antonio, Texas; half sisters, JoAnn Gordon of Minden; Corrine Joyce of Folsum, and Mildred Moore of Dubberly; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his friend and companion, his cat, Callie, who brought him great joy in his later years.

Clayton Brown
Funeral services for Mr. Clayton E. Brown will be held at 3 p.m. today, Feb. 12, 2003, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Bill Ichter officiating and the Rev. Wayne DuBose assisting. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Mr. Brown, a native of Eupora, Miss., and a resident of Minden, passed away Monday, Feb. 10, in Minden. He was born Dec. 16, 1918, to Elmer and Ina Brown. He lived in Minden for 21 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Minden and was a faithful member of the Friendship Sunday School Class. He was also a member of Minden Chapter #53, Order of the Eastern Star and was a Master Mason. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and was discharged in 1946 with the rank of staff sergeant. He was retired from Northwest Louisiana Vocational School, where he was the maintenance supervisor for 17 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers; and three sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Irene Rowland Brown; daughter, Kathy Gibbs and husband Bob of Goshen, Ind.; son, Ricky Brown of Minden; three grandchildren, Jason Gibbs and Rob Gibbs of Goshen, and Kelly Gibbs Lawson of Baltimore, Md.; two great-grandchildren; sister, Louise Smith of San Antonio, Texas; sisters-in-law, Inez Landrem and Hazel Young; brother-in-law, Noel Byars of Minden; and a host of other relatives and friends. Pallbearers will be Jason Gibbs, Rob Gibbs, Scott Lawson, Charles Landrem, Gene Byars, Charles Camp, and Steve Bryan. Honorary pallbearers will be the Friendship Sunday School Class.

Alice Moore
Funeral services for Mrs. Alice Cole Moore, 94, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at 14th District Building with the Rev. Rickey Alstork officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Comfort Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Kennon's Mortuary in Minden. Visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 14, with family hour from 6 until 7 p.m., at the funeral home. Mrs. Moore, a native of Webster Parish and a resident of Minden, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 5, in Minden. She was born Aug. 1, 1908 to Jim and Ada Dillard Cole. She is survived by two sisters, Evelyn Franklin of Minden, Minnie Kennedy of Houston, Texas; 16 grandchildren, Elroy Washington, Don Harris, Linda Washington Reed, Booker T. Washington, Brenda Washington, Alvin Washington, Wayne Washington, Frank Washington, Henry Harris, Ray Harris, Freddie Harris, Tarome Harris, Burnis Richardson, Charlean Cornelius, Lynetta Cornelius, and Cynthia Cornelius; 36 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Stella Racine
Funeral services for Mrs. Stella Hunter Racine, 79, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, at North Acres Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. Roy Strother officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Park West in Shreveport under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Feb. 12, at the funeral home. Mrs. Racine, a native of Sibley and a resident of Minden, passed away Monday, Feb. 10, in Minden. She was a retired insurance underwriter for Tyler-Duncan Insurance Co. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Ward P. Flores Sr., and Leon Racine; son, Ward P. Flores Jr.; and grandsons, Christopher Peyton Eberli and Brian Flores. She is survived by two sons, Tommy Flores and wife Laura of Doyline, Wayne Flores and wife Debbie of Santa Monica, Calif.; four daughters, Margaret Woods and husband Billy of Ringgold, Dianna Hooper and husband Jake of Mena, Ark., Shirley McGeehee and husband Kenneth of Kilgore, Texas, and Neva Lopez of Kilgore; sisters, Willie Mae Horne and Lena Bell, both of Montgomery, Ala.; brothers, Frederick Hunter of Saratoga, Texas, and Warren Hunter of Shreveport; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Joe Flores, Jamie Guice, William Flores, Robert Woods, Shelby Edwards, and Douglas Culpepper. Honorary pallbearers will be all her brothers in Christ from North Acres Baptist Church.

Gerald Coleman
Memorial services for Mr. Gerald Lee "Jerry" Coleman, 69, will be held at noon Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003, at American Legion Hall, Camilla Post #629, Coldspring, Texas. Mr. Coleman, a native of Homer, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Luke's Hospital in Houston, Texas, following a brief illness. He was born Jan. 2, 1934. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War on a mine sweeper. After serving his country, he went to work for Tidewater Compressor in Houston, where he began as a diesel mechanic. He moved to Coldspring after his retirement, where he became very active in the American Legion, in which he held several local offices. Mr. Coleman will be remembered for his good-heartedness, quick wit, and love of hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 32 years, Hat'Sue Euda Coleman; his parents, Chris C. and Mattie Gore Coleman; and his brother, William Robert "Bill" Coleman. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; one brother, T.E. "Gene" Coleman and wife Martha of Homer; one sister, Sue Coleman Morgan of Minden; 15 nieces and nephews; 27 great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous cousins. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Camilla Post #629, P.O. Box 645, Coldspring, Texas 77331, or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Ruby Smith
Funeral services for Mrs. Ruby Ethel Kelley Smith, 92, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 11, 2003, at Antioch Baptist Church with the Rev. Malcolm Self officiating and the Rev. Danny Warbington assisting. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Mrs. Smith, a native of Ruston and a resident of Minden, passed away Sunday, Feb. 9, in Minden. She was a retired sales clerk. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Smith; grandsons, David D. and Dennis Smith; and one son, David Devon "Bud" Smith. She is survived by her sons, Alvin Darrel Smith and wife Bonnie of Dubberly, Maurice Weldon Smith and wife Bonnie of Lafayette; daughters, Neva Elise Davis and husband Bill of Natchitoches, Evelyn Smith Walden and husband Joe of Minden; three grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Randy Davis, Kenny Smith, Alan Smith, Jason Smith, Jimmy Davis, and Blake Chadwick.

Donnie Douse
Funeral services for Mr. Donnie Joe Douse, 45, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, at Springville United Baptist Church with the Rev. Timothy Carroll Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Walker Cemetery in Gibsland under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held today, Feb. 7, until evening at the funeral home. Mr. Douse, a resident of Athens, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Athens. He is survived by his father, C.T. Douse; mother, Mattie Douse, both of Athens; daughter, Ms. Nunley of Shreveport; brothers, Ed Douse of Athens, Sammy Douse of Gibsland, Johnny Douse of Minden; sisters, Brenda Douse of Athens, and Patricia Douse of Flagstaff, Ariz.

J.B. Shelley
Funeral services for Mr. J.B. Shelley, 77, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 7, 2003, at Hill Crest Funeral Home in Haughton with the Rev. Bobby Dye, pastor of Central Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Shelley, a resident of Bossier City, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Willis-Knighton Bossier after a lengthy illness. He was a retired route supervisor with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company with 40 years of service; a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard; a member of Central Baptist Church; and a resident of Bossier City for 49 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mattie Shelley; sister, Neva McDowell; and brother, Charlie Shelley. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frankie Burdue Shelley; daughter, Pamela S. McKinley and husband James of Frisco, Texas; brother, Jack Shelley of Doyline; two grandchildren, Jennifer McKinley and Lauren McKinley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Steve Shelley, Rick Shelley, Randy Shelley, Edd McDowell, Jack Robey McClendon, and Jerry Mann. Honorary pallbearers will be Rayburn Green, Roy Burroughs, Charlie Jacobs, Larry Rogers, Jimmy Ray Walker, Joe McDaniel, Donald Crump, Ronald Crump, and Otis Strong.

Mary Bell Wortham
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Bell Wortham, 85, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, at the Fourteenth District Building with the Rev. Robert Whitaker officiating. Burial will follow at Sheppard Heights Cemetery under the direction of Miller-Pioneer Funeral Home of Minden. Visitation will be held from 7 until 8 p.m. today, Feb. 7, at the funeral home. Mrs. Wortham, a resident of Minden, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 29, in Shreveport. She is survived by two sons, Odell Qualls of Wiley, Texas, L.B. Bailey Jr. of Detroit, Mich.; two daughters, Fannie Stanley of Minden, Mary Jo Smith of Minden; three brothers, John Willie of Oakdale, John T. Mitchell of Houston, Texas, Willie Lee Mitchell of Minden; five sisters, Emmie Lee Linear, Jessie D. Jones, Ola B. Grim, Emma Lee Tobins, Georgia Mae Coleman, all of Minden; 35 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-great-grandchildren.

Tony Bradford
Funeral services for Mr. Tony Bradford will be held at noon, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003, at St. Mark Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Kirk Chapel Cemetery in Doyline under the direction of Patterson Funeral Home in Minden. Family hour will be held from 8 until 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, at the funeral home.

J.B. Shelley
Funeral services for Mr. J.B. Shelley, 77, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2003, at Hill Crest Funeral Home in Haughton with the Rev. Bobby Dye, pastor of Central Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. today, Feb. 6, at the funeral home. Mr. Shelley, a resident of Bossier City, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Willis-Knighton Bossier after a lengthy illness. He was a retired route supervisor with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company with 40 years of service; a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard; a member of Central Baptist Church; and a resident of Bossier City for 49 years. He is survived by his parents, John and Mattie Shelley; sister, Neva McDowell; and brother, Charlie Shelley. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Frankie Burdue Shelley; daughter, Pamela S. McKinley and husband James of Frisco, Texas; brother, Jack Shelley of Doyline; two grandchildren, Jennifer McKinley and Lauren McKinley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Steve Shelley, Rick Shelley, Randy Shelley, Edd McDowell, Jack Robey McClendon, and Jerry Mann. Honorary pallbearers will be Rayburn Green, Roy Burroughs, Charlie Jacobs, Larry Rogers, Jimmy Ray Walker, Joe McDaniel, Donald Crump, Ronald Crump, and Otis Strong.

J.D. Parker
Funeral services for the Rev. J.D. Parker, 86, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 3, 2003, at First United Pentecostal Church in Cotton Valley with the Rev. Crawford Coon officiating and the Rev. Kenneth Dehart assisting. Burial will follow at Cotton Valley Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Rev. Parker, a native of Jena and a resident of Cotton Valley for 17 years, passed away Sunday, Feb. 2, in Shreveport. He was a retired Pentecostal minister. He is survived by his wife, Annie Lee Parker of Cotton Valley; two sons, Darwin Parker and wife Connie of Cotton Valley and Delbert Parker and wife Cindy of Shelbyville, Tenn., and one daughter, Lynette Hartman and husband Don of Alleman, Iowa; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Marlon Parker, Garland Parker, Jeremy Parker, Jonathan Lange, James Monroe, Tommy Wheeler, Greg Gibb, and Kirk Hartman. The family requests that memorials may be made to the Tupelo Children's Mansion.