BAKER, ROBERT DEARING
A longtime resident of Greenwell Springs, he passed away at his home on Friday, Aug. 30, 2002. Born in the Magnolia community on Jan. 17, 1913, he grew up on his family farm and attended Indian Mound, Baywood and Central schools. He exaggerated his age so he could join the Army at 16 years of age in 1929. He spent 12 years assigned to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, where he met his wife of 61 years, Carol Wetzel Baker. He returned to Baton Rouge, on the eve of World War II to train future Army officers in the ROTC at LSU. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1950, and he and Carolyn built their house the following year and have lived in it since then. Bob was a longtime athlete who played basketball and boxed at Fort Sam Houston and continued to play basketball into his 80s. He was a recent convert to golf and loved the game. He was a loving son of James Calvin and Kinchloe Baker; loyal brother of four brothers and a sister; faithful husband of Carolyn; a generous friend; and a dedicated member of Magnolia United Methodist Church and Central Masonic Lodge 442. He leaves behind his wife and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors who will miss him very much. Memorial service at Magnolia United Methodist Church, Greenwell Springs, at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Welsh Funeral Home, 6700 Florida Blvd., in charge of arrangements.
BALL, CHARLOTTE V.
Services for Charlotte V. Ball will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the chapel of John Kramer & Son, with the Rev. James E. Flowers officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood Memorial Park, Pineville, under the direction of John Kramer & Son, Alexandria. Charlotte V. Ball, 72, of Alexandria, died Monday, Sept. 2, 2002, at her residence. Mrs. Ball was a graduate of Bolton High School and attended LSU. She was a member of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church and a former member of the Junior League of Alexandria. She was preceded in death by her father, John VanDornick; and her mother, Billie Hawkins VanDornick. Charlotte Ball is survived by her husband, J. Nelson "Buddy" Ball, III of Alexandria; two sons, J. Nelson Ball, IV of Natchitoches and John Stephen Ball of Marksville; a daughter, Brenda Anne Jackson of Baton Rouge; and four granddaughters, Amber Dawn and Heather Ball of Natchitoches and Kelly and Amy Jackson of Baton Rouge. Pallbearers will be Charlie Anderson, David Ball, Billy Hendrix, Guy Humphries, Jeff Moore and Ray Whatley. Honorary pallbearers are George Bowden and Paul Creed. Friends are asked to call from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 8:30 a.m. until time of service Wednesday at John Kramer & Son. The family has requested memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society, Central Office, 605 C. Medical Center Drive, Alexandria 71301.
BERCEGEAY, GUY PAUL
A retired mechanic for Thomas Marine and a resident of Gonzales, he died at 7:10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2002, in Gonzales. He was 85 and a native of Ascension Parish. Visiting at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mark Catholic Church, Gonzales, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, conducted by the Rev. Joel LeBauve. Interment in St. Theresa Cemetery, Gonzales. Survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Ray Wilde, Gonzales; a son and daughter-in-law, Manuel and Margaret Bercegeay, Liberty, Miss.; a son-in-law, Napoleon "Nap" Taillon, Boothville; two sisters, Vernell Reine and Elma Decoteau, both of Gonzales; a brother, Leo Bercegeay, Gonzales; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Clevia Decoteau Bercegeay; parents, Elphor and Aristillia LeBlanc Bercegeay; a son, Gene Bercegeay; a daughter, Elsie Taillon; and two granddaughters, Tammy LeBlanc and Cindy Bercegeay. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. He was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church, Gonzales.
COMEAUX, RUSSELL JOHN
A retired leaderman from Solvay Chemical, he died at 7:20 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, 2002, at his residence in Addis. He was 90 and a native of Sardine Point. Visiting at Wilbert Funeral Home, Plaquemine, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Brusly, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, celebrated by the Rev. Eric Gyan. Entombment in church mausoleum. Survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Gloria and Allen Daniel, Addis, and Katherine and Philip Pillittere, Addis; two sons, Russell Comeaux, Jr., Addis, and Stephen Comeaux, Baton Rouge; a son-in-law, Pete "Bubba" Strauss, Addis; a sister, Vera Seneca, Addis; a brother, Ralph Comeaux, Plaquemine; 16 grandchildren, Pete Strauss, III, Val Strauss, Dana Strauss, Mike Strauss, John Strauss, Julee Blink, Brandi Doss, Matthew Daniel, Rachel Daniel, Aaron Daniel, Lisa Scalise, Kelley Moore, Becky Comeaux, Tyler Comeaux, Leslie Royer and Trisha Slayton; and 18 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Bernadine Breaux Comeaux; parents, Rodolph Pierre and Sybil Rivet Comeaux; a daughter, Barbara Strauss; a sister, Zilma Marionneaux; grandchildren, Mary Holly and Mary Kris Daniel, Seth Daniel, Randy Pillittere and Stacy Whittington; and godparents, Verner Comeaux and Josephine B. Jahraus. Special thanks to Shirley Berthelot, Martha Moss, Polly Triplett and others who lovingly cared for our father.
COURTNEY, VIRGIL JAMES "J.V."
A resident of Baton Rouge, for 61 years, he passed away at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2002, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home at the age of 98 years and 9 months. He was born Dec. 11, 1903, in Brushy Mountain, Okla., Indian Territory. He was preceded in death by his wife, Essie LaBass Courtney, by one year after 77 years of marriage. He retired from Exxon in 1968 after 38 years of service. He was a member of Gideons International and Hosanna First Assembly of God Church. He is survived by three sons and two daughters, the Rev. James V. Courtney, Jr. and wife, Ruth, Pensacola, Fla., Bill N. Courtney and wife, Frankie of Baton Rouge, John L. Courtney and wife, Sophia of Mineola, Texas, Ilene Hurley and husband, the Rev. Everett Hurley of Baker, and Joann Grimmer and husband, Charles of Baton Rouge; 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Sam Courtney; and a sister, Ethel Young. His great passion was to serve the Lord and to have an unbroken circle in heaven. Visiting at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and after 8 a.m. Wednesday. Religious service in Greenoaks Funeral Chapel at 10 a.m. Wednesday, conducted by the Rev. Kelvin Courtney. Entombment in Greenoaks Crestview Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 15824, Baton Rouge, LA 70895.
"Bless the Lord O my Soul and all that is within me, Bless his holy name." Psalm 103:1
DAGGETT, FLORENCE AVALON
She was born March 30, 1907, in Jennings. In her early years, she moved to California, with her parents and later attended UCLA, where she majored in speech and drama. She then taught high school English and drama. Within a few years, she married Andrew Metcalf, who owned a construction company. At the outbreak of World War II she took over the construction business, which she ran most successfully. Later, she opened her own business, Avalon Daggett Productions, making documentary films, many of which were placed in schools across the United States. A great many of her films were done on Indian reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. After gaining the confidence of the Indians, she was permitted to film many of the rituals where only National Geographic magazine was permitted to film. She was an official photographer of the Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif., for many years. She later returned to her native Louisiana, where she did documentary films for state government. She also filmed the inauguration of Gov. Jimmie Davis when he became governor of Louisiana. Throughout her many years in the film industry, she received many honors and awards, but her most cherished award was winning the Cannes, France, Film Festival award for the best documentary. After she retired, she moved to Switzerland, where she lived for several years traveling around the world. Her travels took her to 127 countries. In the 1970s, she settled in Sun City, Ariz. It was in 1997 when she returned to her native state of Louisiana, where she spent the remaining years of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ephriam and Florence Davis Daggett; and her husband, Stanford A. Peterson. She is survived by several cousins. Visiting at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., from 1 p.m. until religious service at 3 p.m. Wednesday, conducted by the Rev. Gary Rayburn. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park.
DIDIER, SR. L. PEARCE
A resident of Thibodaux, and a native of Marksville, he passed away at his residence on Sunday morning, Sept. 1, 2002. He was 79, born Jan. 21, 1923. Visiting was at Thibodaux Funeral Home, 104 St. Patrick Highway, Thibodaux, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. Visiting in the funeral home chapel from 1 p.m. until religious service at 3 p.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. Jim Duck. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. He was a graduate of Catholic High School of Baton Rouge and Louisiana Tech University in Ruston. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army 99th Infantry's "Checkerboard" Division. He saw active combat in the famous Battle of the Bulge against Germany, was captured and was a prisoner-of-war for a year. He was an outstanding athlete in both football and baseball at Catholic High and Louisiana Tech. He was an avid sportsman and outdoorsman with a love for fishing and hunting. He started and spearheaded Thibodaux's Ducks Unlimited chapter 27 years ago, which became one of the largest chapters in Louisiana. He moved from Baton Rouge to Thibodaux and lived there for 36 years. He began his career in Thibodaux as a loan officer at First Federal Savings and Loan, and then became president of People's Federal Savings and Loan. He was also instrumental in starting a credit union in Thibodaux. A loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Freida Reed Didier of Thibodaux; a son and daughter-in-law, L. Pearce, Jr. "Butch" and Kathy Didier, Knoxville, Tenn.; three brothers, Robert L. Didier, Jr., Baton Rouge, Melvin J. Didier, Sr., Phoenix, and Gerald R. Didier, Baton Rouge; and granddaughters, Michelle and René Didier, both of Thibodaux. He was preceded in death by his parents, R. Irby and Edith Didier; a son, Bruce R. Didier; and brothers, Raymond E. Didier, Sr. and Clyde P. Didier, Sr. Pallbearers will be Bernie LaFaso, Tony LaFaso, George Sherwood, Dan Knight, Gerald Chenier and Sterling Arbonaux. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a favorite charity.
DOWNING, MARJORIE NELL CASTELLO
A homemaker and native and resident of Baton Rouge, she died at 8:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2002, at her residence. She was 73. Visiting at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. until religious service at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, conducted by the Rev. Huey Moak. Interment in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Survived by husband of 54 1/2 years, Richard W. "Dick" Downing; a daughter, Tammie K. Downing, Prairieville; three sons, Judge Bob Downing, Baton Rouge, the Rev. Paul Downing, Opelika, Ala., and Eric W. Downing, Zachary; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Deloney W. and Eula Starks Castello; a sister, Irma Lee Brashier; and a brother, Eulice D. Castello. Pallbearers will be Tony Ventrella, Floyd Brashier, George Davis, Richard Tucker, Ray Rogillio and Henry Martinez. She was a 1947 graduate of Istrouma High School and a member of Foster Road Baptist Church, Baker. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wellspring Ministries, P.O. Box 2131, Opelika, AL 36803-2131.
GOUDEAU, NANCY GREMILLION "POOCH"
A retired optician and a resident and native of Baton Rouge, she died at 12:05 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2002, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. She was 65. Visiting was at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visiting at St. Agnes Catholic Church from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, conducted by Monsignor Robert H. Berggreen. Interment in Port Hudson National Cemetery. A loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she is survived by her husband of 46 years, Thomas Goudeau, Jr., Baton Rouge; two daughters and a son-in-law, Darlene and Thomas "Skipper" Arnold, and Jaime "Diane" Goudeau, all of Baton Rouge; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Michael Goudeau, Port Allen, and Marc and Tricia Goudeau, Baker; former daughter-in-law, Patty Goudeau, Zachary; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Betty Zuccarello, Holden, and Kathleen and Hoffman Hibbitt, Covington; a brother and a sister-in-law, Esnard "Junior" and Peggy Gremillion, Baton Rouge; nine grandchildren, Michael Adam Arnold, Baton Rouge, Eric Arnold and wife, Lacy, Slaughter, Chad Goudeau and Kasey Goudeau, both of Zachary, Reagan Champagne, Denham Springs, and Cherie, Sarah, Matthew and Mitchell Goudeau, all of Baker; and a great-granddaughter, Victoria Marie Arnold, Slaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Esnard and Maude Moreau Gremillion; a sister, Marie Coco; and four brothers, Sydney, Larry, Cecil and Donnie Gremillion. Pallbearers will be her sons, grandsons and nephews. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Holy Name Society and Blue Army.
HAYNES, DOROTHY MAE
Dorothy Mae Haynes, age 77, of Rockwall, Texas, passed away Sunday, Sept. 1, 2002. She was born Oct. 12, 1924, in New Orleans. Formerly of Baton Rouge, she was a member of St. Mary Baptist Church for 62 years, where she sang in the church choir. After moving to Texas in 1998, she was a member of Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church of Garland. Mrs. Haynes is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sabra and Michael Richard of Rowlett, Texas; a granddaughter, Brandi Richard; a great-granddaughter, Brandice M. Tilley, also of Rowlett; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Lena Kelly Burgess Lewis; stepfather, Thomas Lewis; father, Willie Burgess; a brother, Solomon J. Williams; sisters, Elizabeth Williams and Rosa Williams Johnson; and a nephew, Lionel Paynes, Sr. Funeral service will be held Thursday at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rowlett Chapel, Rowlett, Texas, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Leonard O. Leach and the Rev. Aaron Gaddis officiating. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rowlett. The family will receive visitors Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
HOLLINGSWORTH, RACHEL deBLIEUX
Rachel deBlieux Hollingsworth, a loving wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away at 4:20 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2002, at her home in Baton Rouge surrounded by her loved ones. Rachel fought a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Born April 29, 1952, in Natchitoches, she was a very successful businesswoman and founder of Rachel Hollingsworth Court Reporting Inc. in 1982. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Joseph Philip Hollingsworth; a daughter and son-in-law, Jami Lee and Andrew Hebert of Baton Rouge; a stepdaughter, Elisabeth Dawn Allen of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Dara deBlieux and Delilah deBlieux of Baton Rouge; a brother, Bill W. "Bo" deBlieux of Monroe; and a special companion, Jolie. She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Wemp deBlieux; and her mother, Fonta Mae deBlieux. Pallbearers will be Andrew Hebert, John Akers, Scott Hollingsworth, III, Russell deBlieux, Dustin deBlieux and David deBlieux. Thanks to Dr. Millitello and his staff. A special thanks to Cynthia Holmes, R.N., with Hospice of Baton Rouge for all the love and comfort she gave. Donations may be made, in lieu of flowers, in Rachel's memory to Hospice Foundation of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.
