BENOIT, CHRISTOPHER LEE
A self-employed, talented and gifted painter and artist, age 38, he died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002, at 10:30 p.m. at his home in Baton Rouge. Chris painted artwork, logos, city seals etc., on water towers, designed logos and painted and installed vinyl signs for businesses and on commercial vehicles. His paintings on water towers can be seen in Southern and Southeastern states from Maryland to Texas. He also painted logos and seals on military bases and space centers. A memorial Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2002, at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 1853 Broker Ave., Baton Rouge. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002, at 3 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall at South Baton Rouge Church of Christ, 8725 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge. Family and friends are invited through this medium. Chris is survived by his wife, Lynette Baber-Benoit from St. Joseph, Mo.; mother and stepfather, Robert and Rose Horne of Atlanta; father and stepmother, Harry and Gatha Benoit of Brusly; brother and sister-in-law, Rene and Cammie Benoit of Port Barre; a sister and brother-in-law, Lori and Larry Sweeting of Atlanta; stepbrother, Mark Horne of Atlanta; two stepsisters, Mary Ann Horne of Athens, Ga., and Charlotte Laborde of French Settlement; maternal grandmother, Camille DeVillier of Arnaudville; mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Linda and Al Wilkins of Baton Rouge; father-in-law, Larry Baber of St. Joseph; a sister-in-law, Amy Baber of New Orleans; and a brother-in-law and wife, Glen and Lea Baber of Baton Rouge. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Chris was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Jude Benoit; maternal grandfather, Raoul DeVillier; and paternal grandparents, Harry and Gladys Benoit. Chris was a graduate of Woodlawn High School, Class of 1981. The family would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to all who have provided help and support to Chris and his wife and family during his illness with cancer. They would also like to express thanks to the LSU Medical School Oncology Unit, Tulane Medical School Neurosurgery Unit and Hospice of Baton Rouge, for their care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, make donations to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.
BOURGEOIS, GIRARD WILFRED "JEFF"
Died at age 56 of cancer on Friday, Nov. 22, 2002, at Veteran's Hospital in Tucson, Ariz. He was born in Thibodeaux and grew up in Baton Rouge, attending Redemptorist High School and LSU, where he played trumpet in both marching bands. During the Vietnam War he served in Germany with an Army missile group. Later he graduated from R.E.T.S. Training Center in electronics in Metairie, and at the time of his death was owner of the North West Drafting Co. in the Shreveport/Bossier City area where he lived. He was an avid distance-runner and also enjoyed participation in a local philosophy group. Other interests were woodworking and canoeing. Preceded in death by his father, Girard, Sr. He is survived by his mother, Betty Torres Bourgeois of Baton Rouge; a sister, Mary Janice Waguespack, and her husband, Howard, of Beaumont, Texas; two nephews; a grandniece; his beloved companion and fiancee, Deborah Baer of Shreveport; and special friends, Ron Hagar and Liz Clayton, both of Shreveport. Arrangements for a memorial service in Shreveport, are pending.
CALDWELL, HELEN LOUISA HUTCHISON
Private services will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002, for Helen H. Caldwell, 70, who died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2002, at Lafayette General Medical Center.
Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, is in charge of the service.
CAMPBELL, DR. LEROY A.
A longtime professor of classics and author of Mithraic Iconography and Idiology, LeRoy A. Campbell, Ph.D., a 1938 Yale graduate, died Monday, Nov. 25, 2002.
A former longtime resident of South Horwich, Mass., he resided with his son and daughter-in-law in Gonzales since 1999.
He is survived by his son, Bruce, and daughter-in-law, Joy; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.
COLEMAN, SHIRLEY SPRUEL
A homemaker and a resident and native of Baton Rouge, she died at 9:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at her home. She was 44. Visiting at Richardson Chapel Church of God in Christ from 8 a.m. Friday until religious service at 11 a.m., conducted by Superintendent Charles Gordon. Interment in Southern Memorial Gardens. Survived by her husband, James E. Coleman, Baton Rouge; two daughters and a son-in-law, Chantelle and Aldrick Griffin, and Jasmine Coleman, all of Baton Rouge; a son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Rasheda Byrd of Baton Rouge; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Joyce and Alvin Lee, and Beverly Spruel, all of Baton Rouge; three brothers and a sister-in-law, James and Loretta Spruel of Lake Charles, Thomas L. Spruel of Baton Rouge, and Lionel Spruel of Baker; four grandchildren, Mikel, Makala and Myshala Byrd and Marquise Cato, all of Baton Rouge; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, James, Sr. and Jessie King Spruel; grandparents, and a brother, Alexander Spruel, Sr. Miller & Daughter Mortuary, Zachary, in charge of arrangements.
FLORES, JANE CALDWELL
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002, at 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Lafayette, for Jane Caldwell Flores, 71, who died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at 10:42 p.m. at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital. The Rev. R Rhodes Stipp, pastor, will conduct the funeral service. Interment in Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery. Visiting was at Martin & Castille Funeral Home, Lafayette, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Visiting at the funeral home after 8 a.m. Wednesday. Survivors include her husband, William Flores of Lafayette; a daughter, Catherine Caldwell Flores of Boston; three sons, William S. Flores, Jr. and his spouse, Mary, of Lafayette, James C. Flores and his spouse, Cherie, of Houston, and John V. Flores and his spouse, Stephanie, of Destin, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Margaret and Elizabeth Flores, both of Lafayette, Olivia, Caldwell, Meredith and Alanna Flores, all of Houston, and Jack Flores of Destin; two sisters, Mary Ann Caldwell Naasz of Rapid City, S.D., and Nancy Caldwell Hollenbeck and her spouse, James, of Mesa, Ariz.; and her first cousin, Richard Clyde Johnson of Shreveport. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Craig and Alice Irene Olsen Caldwell. Mrs. Flores was a native of Mobridge, S.D., and a resident of Lafayette for 48 years. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. Jane Caldwell Flores touched many people with her beautiful smile and her service to others. Jane's community involvement included her sustaining membership in the Junior League of Lafayette, where her most important achievements included her art and literary contribution to the league's now-famous cookbook, "Talk About Good." Jane Caldwell Flores was an active alumna of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, where she earned her 50-year service pin for dedicated service. Jane Caldwell Flores' service to the arts continued with memberships in the LSU Museum of Art and the Lafayette Art Association, where she was an award-winning artist and photographer. Jane had a strong Western heritage, beginning with her early cowgirl years in South Dakota. She preserved that Western heritage as a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and the National Cutting Horse Association and as president of KIS Land and Cattle Co. for more than 20 years. Jane Caldwell Flores was a loving wife, caring mother, talented artist, accomplished equestrian and rancher and most of all "a true friend to all of humanity." Memorial contributions may be made to the Acadiana Arts Council of Lafayette, 704 Lee Ave., Lafayette, LA 70501 or LSU Museum of Arts, Memorial Tower, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
GUERCIO, MIRIAM WYNONA TATUM
A homemaker and resident of Greenwell Springs, she died at 1:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at her home. She was 80 and a native of Silas, Ala. Visiting was at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Visiting in the funeral home chapel from 8 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m. Wednesday, conducted by the Rev. Shelly Adams. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Survived by two daughters, Miriam Guarisco and husband, Joseph Guarisco of Erwinville, and Patricia Baber and husband, Winston Baber of Metairie; a son, Nicky V. Guercio, Sr. and wife, Jeanne Guercio of Baker; three sisters, Sara Winstead of Baton Rouge, Nita Coaker of Chipley, Fla., and Jan Capano of Deltons, Fla.; a brother, Richard Tatum of Waynesboro, Miss.; 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Dominick Guercio, Jr.; parents, Samuel and Bertha Tatum; two sisters, Betty Barnes and Alice Tatum; a brother, Jerry Tatum; and two grandchildren, Tara Gravois and Toni Crenshaw. Pallbearers will be Nicky Guercio, Jr., Richard Guercio, Walter Gravois, Jr., Dr. Bradley Banks, Chuck Stafford and Carl Ciulla. Honorary pallbearer are Mathew Martinez, Tyler Martinez, Charles "C.J." Stafford, Jr., Nicky Guercio, III and Todd Crenshaw, Jr. She was a member of Comite Baptist Church.
HEARD, THOMAS H. "TOM"
A retired general contractor and a resident of Baton Rouge, he died at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. He was 76 and a native of Frierson. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East chapel, 11000 Florida Blvd., from 1 p.m. until religious service at 3 p.m. Wednesday, conducted by Dr. Stephen Trammell. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Lee Heard; three sons, Edward H., David H. and Brian L. Heard; a sister, Annie D. "Embry" Heard; six grandchildren, Angie, Stacy, Tracy, Kayeli, Thomas and Selena; and two great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, G.B. and Jessie Sandifer Heard; five brothers and a sister. He was a member of Florida Boulevard Baptist Church, a life director of The Associated General Contractors of America and founding director of the National Bank of Commerce. Memorial contributions may be made to Florida Boulevard Baptist Church or to a favorite charity.
HENDERSON, RECA
A resident of Cottonport, she died at 11:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at Avoyelles Manor Nursing Home, Dupont. She was 85. Visitation was at Escude Funeral Home, Cottonport, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, with recitation of the rosary and wake service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation at the funeral home after 7 a.m. Wednesday. Religious service at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Plaucheville, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, celebrated by the Rev. James Ferguson. Interment in Mater Dolorosa Cemetery. Survived by two daughters, Martha Henderson Travasos, Metairie, and Jeanette Henderson Diaville, Baker; four sons, Morel Henderson, Cottonport, Terry Henderson, Zachary, and Michael Henderson and Brent Henderson, both of Baton Rouge; and a sister, Nelda Paré, Dupont; 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Preceded in death by her husband, Henry Henderson; father, Archille Mayeux; mother, Eva Mayeux; a sister, Lerety Manuel; and a granddaughter, Christine Roberts.
HOWARD-KIMBLE, CAROL DEE
A resident of Baton Rouge, she died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. She was 53. Visiting at Winnfield Funeral Home, 7221 Plank Road, from 8 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m. Wednesday, conducted by Pastor Gregory Cooper, Sr. Interment in Southern Memorial Gardens. Survived by four daughters, Helen Nelson, Ella and husband, Percy Turnley, Ronda Howard and Georgette Kimble; a son, Earnest and wife, Wanda Nelson; three sisters, Mary Jane Howard, Josephine and husband, Richard Decuir, Sr., and Allison and husband, Kevin Barnes; four brothers, Arthur Howard, Jr., Ronnie and wife, Sylvia Howard, Darrell and wife, Betty Scott and Joseph and wife, Tress Howard; and 12 grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, George Kimble, Jr.; parents, Arthur Howard, Sr. and Helen Bocard Howard; three brothers, Earnest Howard, David Howard and Warren Scott; a sister, Ella Mae Howard; a daughter, Carole Michelle Howard; and a granddaughter, Tiara Howard.
THURMAN, LANELLE RUSHING
A longtime Hammond resident, LaNelle Rushing Thurman, age 78, died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002, at the home of her daughter, Stephanie Harper. Also at her bedside were her daughters, Donna Adams of Pumpkin Center, and Linda Thurman of Los Angeles, and her son-in-law, the Rev. Michael Adams of Pumpkin Center. Mrs. Thurman was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Hammond, and served in a number of capacities, including the building committee and as hostess for many church functions. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Hammond Garden Club and the Altrusa Club. She was affectionately known by many in Hammond, as "Mama T." She also traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She was born in Natchez, Miss., and made her home in Brookhaven, Miss., before moving to Hammond in 1956 with her former husband, T. Melton Thurman. In addition to her daughters, Mrs. Thurman is survived by her brother, Donald Rushing of Scio, Ore.; and four grandchildren, Melanie Harper Jarreau, Heather Adams Sullivan, Jonathan Adams and Jennifer Adams Teague; and three great-grandchildren, Reaghan Jarreau, Anna Adams and Eli Adams, all residents of the Hammond area. Mrs. Thurman was preceded in death by her parents, Ida and Ernest Rushing of Brookhaven; and a brother, Robert Rushing of Slidell. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Hammond on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2002, from 1 p.m. until a memorial service at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary. In lieu of flowers and in appreciation of the kindness and support provided during Mrs. Thurman's illness, the family has requested donations to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, North Oaks Hospice or Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation.
