Obituaries from THE HAMMOND DAILY STAR, Apr. 2003; Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, LA.
Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Apr, 2003
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April 01, 2003
* Frank Nemeth, 88, Hungarian Settlement
* Ella Jones, 88, Springfield
* Ralph A. Ponticelli, 42, Hammond
FRANK NEMETH
HUNGARIAN SETTLEMENT - Frank Nemeth, 88, died Sunday, March 30, 2003, at
North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
A native of Hungarian Settlement, he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having
served from 1941 until 1945. He was with the 762nd Tank Battalion, Saipan, and was a
chaplain. He received a Bronze Star.
He is survived by one son, Frank A. Nemeth of Hungarian Settlement; two daughters,
Teresa N. Ragusa of Hammond and Patricia N. Works of Warrior, Ala.; two brothers, Bill
Nemeth of Hammond and John Nemeth of Gulf Coast, Fla.; three sisters, Helen N. Payne and
Josephine N. Carroll, both of Tulsa, Okla.; and Mary N. Cannon of Hammond; seven
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Theresa Sazaki Nemeth; two
brothers, Joseph and Julius Nemeth; and one sister, Rose N. Erdey.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral, Hammond, from 6 to 10 p.m.
and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until Warren Fortenberry conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be
in St. Margaret Catholic Cemetery.
ELLA JONES
SPRINGFIELD - Ella Jones, 88, died Friday, March 28, 2003, at Landmark Nursing
Home.
She is survived by three daughters, Ruth McGary of Robert and Bettie Simmons and Elaine
Martin, both of Baton Rouge; and one sister, Elvira Carter of Springfield.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Jones Sr.; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Burl
Richardson; two sons, Allen Jones Jr. and Frank Jones; three sisters, Alene Smith, Dorothy
White and Ellen Jones; and four brothers, Burt, Noah, Henry and Louis Richardson.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 8 p.m.
The Rev. Jerry Edwards will conduct the funeral Thursday at St. James United Methodist
Church, Springfield, at noon. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
RALPH A. PONTICELLI
Ralph A. Ponticelli, 42, died Tuesday, March 25, 2003, in an airplane crash in Columbia,
South America.
He was a native of Massachusetts and received his formal education in Belen, New
Mexico, and graduated in 1978. He attended three military bases and one American dependent
school in Verona, Italy. He worked out of the American Embassy in Bogota, Columbia, and
was a master sky diver and master scuba diver. In addition to these accomplishments, he was
an FAA licensed aircraft mechanic and a licensed pilot. He was also an airborne electronics
operator.
He is survived by his parents, Gretta and Louis Ponticelli of Hammond; three daughters,
Shelby Ponticelli of Hammond and Stepheny and Francesca Ponticelli, both of Panama City,
Republic of Panama, South America; one son, Mark Ponticelli of California; and two brothers,
Steven Ponticelli of Southington, Conn., and Vance Ponticelli of Hammond.
A graveside service will be held in National Cemetery, Biloxi, Miss. The date of the service
will be announced at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Save The Children Fund.
April 02, 2003
* Jiyah Bickham, 3 months, Hammond
* Barbara Cortez, 48, Amite
* Dwain Jake Traylor, 49, Pumpkin Center
* Olen Marshall Vining Jr., 82, Velva, N.D.
* Bobbie Wilson Wascom, 85,
JIYAH BICKHAM
Jiyah Bickham, 3 months, died Friday, March 28, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
She is survived by her mother, Chivisia Robinson; and her father, Jesse Bickham; two
sisters, Tahjane Robinson and Jessicah Bickham; and two brothers, Malik Robinson and Jessie
Bickham Jr.
Visitation will be today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 1 to 4 p.m. The
Rev. Alfred Hart will conduct the funeral Thursday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens
Cemetery, Hammond.
BARBARA CORTEZ
AMITE - Barbara Cortez, 48, died Saturday, March 29, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Reserve.
She is survived by three sons, Tommy, Nicholas and Kenneth Cortez, all of Amite; three
daughters, Laticia, Latoya and Kimberly Cortez, all of Amite; three sisters, Evelyn Songy of
Walthall County, Miss., Francis Tolend of LaPlace and Victoria Donley of Amite; two brothers,
Herbert Cortez of Garyville and Victor Cortez Jr. of St. Gabrielle; and four grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Aurelie Cortez; one grandchild; one
brother, Richard Cortez; and one sister, Juliet Michael.
Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral
will be Thursday at Gordon Richardson Temple of Deliverance COGIC, Amite, at 1 p.m. Burial
will be in Amite Memorial Garden, Amite.
DWAIN JAKE TRAYLOR
PUMPKIN CENTER - Dwain Jake Traylor, 49, died today, April 2, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond
He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
He is survived by his mother, Martella Gatlin Traylor of Pumpkin Center; two brothers,
George Traylor of Pumpkin Center and Carlton Traylor of New Albany, Miss.; one sister,
Darlene Albin of Albany.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wilson H. Traylor; two brothers, Herbert D.
Traylor and Stanley Tuttle; his maternal grandparents, George and Aby Starkey Gatlin; and his
paternal grandparents, Arthur and Etta Bell Bigner Traylor.
Visitation will be Thursday at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at
1 p.m. Burial will be in Trinity Baptist Church Cemetery.
OLEN MARSHALL VINING JR.
VELVA, N.D. - Olen Marshall Vining Jr., 82, died Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Mississippi and a retired chaplain. He grew up in Louisiana and joined
the U.S. Army in 1941. After his discharge from the Army, he worked in several different
professions before entering Manhattan Bible College and becoming a minister. He preached in
several churches in Kansas and Nebraska besides working as a typesetter for newspapers. He
worked as a social worker for Rolette County in Rolla, N.D., until 1975. He then moved to
Velva where he worked for the National Child Safety Council for 10 years before returning to
the ministry full time. His last church was St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Butte, where he served
for nine years. He also served as chaplain for the Velva American Legion for more than 20
years.
He is survived by three sons, O. Marshall Vining of Fargo, Mark Vining of Devils Lake and
Daniel Vining of Rolla; three daughters, Donna Jenson of Velva, Mary Fournier of Las Vegas
and Doreen Sullivan of Bloomington, Minn.; two sisters, Annie Fortenberry of Biloxi, Miss., and
Inez Perriloux of Ponchatoula; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Hickman Vining; his parents, Olen Sr. and Ella
Edwards Vining; two brothers, W. Elmo and Robert "Bob" Vining; and one sister, Gertie V.
Sticker.
Funeral services were held Feb. 21 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Butte, N.D.
BOBBIE WILSON WASCOM
AMITE - Bobbie Wilson Wascom, 85, died Tuesday, April 1, 2003, at Summit Hospital,
Baton Rouge.
She was a native of Montpelier and retired as a residence hall director for Southeastern
Louisiana University.
She is survived by two sons, Maurice W. Wascom Jr. of Amite and Robert D. Wascom Sr.
of Prairieville; one sister, Violet Wilson Tate of Greenwell Springs; six grandchildren and four
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice W. Wascom Sr.; her parents, Robert
D. and Lavina Van Osdell Wilson; five sisters and two brothers.
Visitation will be Thursday at Southern Methodist Church, Amite, from 10 a.m. until the
Rev. George Aston and the Rev. Chris Bratton conduct the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in
Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
April 03, 2003
* Kenneth W. Furlow, 54, Lee's Landing
* Inez Hughes Bennett Morgan, 82, Dallas, Tex.
* Frank Nemeth, 88, Hungarian Settlement
* Grace Berry Smoot, 81, Independence
KENNETH W. FURLOW
LEE'S LANDING - Kenneth W. Furlow, 54, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at his
home.
He was a native of Ponchatoula.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Hammond.
INEZ HUGHES BENNETT MORGAN
DALLAS - Inez Hughes Bennett Morgan, 82, died Tuesday, April 1, 2003, in Dallas.
She was a native of Livingston.
Survivors include a son, William C. Bennett of Dallas; and one daughter, Betty Joel
McConnell of Dallas; four sisters, Maydee Rushing, Nettie Mae Arledge and Sarah Ballard, all
of Livingston, and Josie Wascom of LaPlace; one brother, T.J. Hughes of Livingston; three
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Her husband, Dalton H. Morgan, her parents and two sisters preceded her in death.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 8
p.m. The funeral will be Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Mausoleum.
FRANK NEMETH
HUNGARIAN SETTLEMENT - Frank Nemeth, 88, died Sunday, March 30, 2003, at
North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Hungarian Settlement, and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II
serving from 1941-1945. He was captain with the 762 Tank Battalion, Saipan. He was a
Bronze Star recipient.
Survivors include one son, Frank A. Nemeth of Hungarian Settlement; two daughters,
Teresa N. Ragusa of Hammond and Patricia N. Works of Warrior, Ala.; two brothers, Bill
Nemeth of Hammond and John Nemeth of Gulf Coast, Fla.; three sisters, Helen N. Payne and
Josephine N. Carroll, both of Tulsa, Okla., and Mary N. Cannon of Hammond; seven
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
His parents, Joseph and Theresa Sazaki Nemeth; two brothers, Joseph and Julius Nemeth;
and one sister, Rose N. Erdey.
Warren Fortenberry conducted the funeral Wednesday. Burial was in St. Margaret Catholic
Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral, Hammond, was in charge.
GRACE BERRY SMOOT
INDEPENDENCE - Grace Berry Smoot, 81, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at
Landmark Nursing Home, Hammond.
She was a native of Crittenden, Ky.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Hammond.
April 04, 2003
* Kenneth Warren Furlow, 54, Ponchatoula
* Julie Duett Lester, 77, Gretna
* Nadine B. Smott, 81, Loranger
* Frances T. Thomas, 84, Hillsdale
KENNETH WARREN FURLOW
PONCHATOULA - Kenneth Warren Furlow, 54, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at his
home.
He was a native of New Orleans and lived in Ponchatoula for the past 15 years. He was a
self-employed master carpenter.
He is survived by one daughter, Jaclyn Danielle Furlow of Metairie; one son, Kenneth Ryan
Furlow of New Orleans; two brothers, Randall D. Furlow of Boca Raton, Fla., and Robert L.
Furlow of Jefferson; and one sister, Janet Furlow Cancienne of Deerfield Beach, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren "Buddy" Furlow and Eleanor Graves
Furlow.
A graveside service will be held Saturday at Sand Hill Cemetery, Ponchatoula, from 1 to 2
p.m.
Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, is in charge.
JULIE DUETT LESTER
GRETNA - Julie Duett Lester, 77, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003.
She was a native of New Orleans.
She is survived by two daughters, Kathy J. Lester and Diane Lester Busselman; one son,
Larry Lester; two grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Lester; her parents, Eugenie Larousse
Duett and Auptee Joseph Duett; and one brother, Philip Duett.
Visitation will be today at Mothe Funeral Homes, Inc., 2100 Westbank Expressway,
Harvey, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in
Joiner Cemetery, Loranger.
NADINE B. SMOOT
LORANGER - Nadine B. Smoot, 81, died Wednesday, April 2, 2003, at Landmark
Living Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Crittenden, Ky.
She is survived by one son, Alan Smoot of Rapid City, S.D.; one daughter, Brenda
Kinchen of Loranger; one sister, Ruth Brantley of Lewis Port, Ky.; three grandchildren and four
step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles G. and Jennie Buchanan Berry; her
husband, Lloyd Smoot; three brothers, Adrian, Carl and Weldon Berry; and two sisters, Alda
Hayes Heady and Lucille Litchfield.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6
to 8 p.m. and Sunday at Oak Grove Church of God, Loranger, from 1 p.m. until Michael
Williamson and Steve Elston conduct the funeral at 2:30. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
FRANCES T. THOMAS
HILLSDALE - Frances T. Thomas, 84, died Thursday, April 3, 2003, at Tangi Pines
Nursing Home, Amite.
She was a native of Hillsdale and a retired dairy farmer.
She is survived by one sister, Mary Ellen Casanova; three grandchildren and six great-
grandchildren.
The Rev. Lee Castella conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Hillsdale Cemetery,
Hillsdale.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge.
April 08, 2003
* Gussie Bigner Benton Bennett, 80, Ponchatoula
* Katherine Lowery Newman, 80
* Mary Ruth Parker, 58, Houston
GUSSIE BIGNER BENTON BENNETT
PONCHATOULA - Gussie Bigner Benton Bennett, 80, died Saturday, April 5, 2003, at
her home in Ponchatoula.
She was a native of Winnsboro.
She is survived by her husband, William "Bill" Bennett of Chalmette; three daughters, Helen
Fay Benton Underwood of Baton Rouge, Edna Mae Benton May of Natalbany and Judith Ann
Benton Nicholas of Ponchatoula; a brother, Buddy Bigner; nine grandchildren, 19 great-
grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Robert and Florence Touchstone Bigner;
her first husband, Emile "Shorty" Benton; a son, Richard Emile Benton; two granddaughters;
three brothers, Wade, Hugh "Boss" and Omergreen Bigner; and four sisters, Inez Davis,
Rubysette Lucas, Therett Jones and Katie Mae Lee.
Visitation is at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula today from 6 until 9
p.m. and on Monday from 9 until 11 a.m. when the Rev. Mitch Williams conducts the religious
service at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Pumpkin Center.
Burial will follow in the Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
KATHERINE LOWERY NEWMAN
Katherine Lowery Newman, 80, died on Friday, April 4, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center in Hammond.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
MARY RUTH PARKER
HOUSTON - Mary Ruth Parker, 58, died on Friday, March 28, 2003, at Memorial
Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston.
Ruth, a social worker, was a native of Amite.
She is survived by one brother, Ronnie L. Statham.
She was preceded in death by her father, Hardy Jack Statham; her mother and step-father,
Marie and Victor Dandurand; her adoptive parents, Dwight and Lou Parker; and two brothers,
James and Byron Statham.
Visitation and religious services were Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in
Amite.
Burial will be in Statham Cemetery in Wilmer.
April 08, 2003
* Mamie Frazier Kirby, 92, Greensburg
* Alvin Joseph Galatas, 80, Husser
* James Russell Loper, 59, Hammond
* Sarah Jefferson Thomas, 90, Ponchatoula
ALVIN JOSEPH GALATAS
HUSSER - Alvin Joseph Galatas, an 80-year-old native and resident of Husser, died
Saturday, April 5, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond
He was a carpenter and was married to Rosemary Monier Galatas of Husser. Survivors
also include three daughters, Shirley G. Harvey and Lois G. Rodriguez, both of Husser; and
Dorothy G. Bercegay of Bayonne, N.J.; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
His parents, William Frank Galatas and Emma Brown Galatas, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral home, Amite, tonight from 6 until 9 and Tuesday
from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Paul McDuffie conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be in St.
Dominic Cemetery, Husser.
MAMIE FRAZIER KIRBY
GREENSBURG - Mamie Frazier Kirby, 92, died Sunday, April 6, 2003, at St. Helena
Parish Hospital.
She was a housewife and member of Amite Church of Christ.
Survivors include a son, Bobby Lee Kirby of Greensburg; 15 great-grandchildren and five
great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Bran Frazier and Bessie Carruth Frazier;
her husband, John Vernon Kirby; two sons, Zelion Quin Kirby and John Edward Kirby; four
brothers, Eual, J. Hugh, Benton, and John Frazier; and six sisters, Arneta Smith Strickland,
Annie May Harrell, Jessie Woodard, Olevia Welch, Minnie Lee and Nannie Lee Alford.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. and
Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Kenneth Istre conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will
be in Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg.
JAMES RUSSEL LOPER
James Russel Loper, 59, died Saturday, April 5, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He was a native of Springfield and resident of Hammond.
Survivors are two sons, James Russell Loper Jr. of Hammond and William Craig Loper of
Holden; three daughters, Lisa Joy Loper of Murpheesboro, Tenn., Angela Kim Loper of
Springfield and Traci Elizabeth Loper of Los Angeles; his mother, Louise Martin Loper of
Hammond; his brother, Curtis Loper of Greensburg; his sister, Brenda DiBenedetto of
Hammond; and a grandchild.
His father was the late Arthur Loper.
A memorial service will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Tuesday
from 6 to 8 p.m.
SARAH JEFFERSON THOMAS
PONCHATOULA - Sarah Jefferson Thomas, 90, died Monday, March 31, 2003, at
North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Magnolia, Miss., and resident of Ponchatoula.
Survivors are a daughter, Clara Dunn; a son, Jesse Thomas; 12 grandchildren; and great-
and-great-great-grandchildren.
Her daughter, Rutha Mae Jefferson; two sisters, Clara Mae Burton and Flora Mae
Jefferson; and seven brothers, Lemmon Jefferson, Henry Jefferson, Floizel Jefferson, Louis
Jefferson, Johnny Lee Jefferson, Edward Jefferson and Cardwell Jefferson all preceded her in
death.
Visitation will be at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. and
at Yellowwater Baptist Church in Hammond from 4 until the Rev. Edward Johnson conducts
the funeral at 7 p.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery.
April 08, 2003
* Bryce Montgomery Adams, newborn, Hammond
* Mary Myrtle Johnson Brewer, 86, Ponchatoula
* Authur Francis Daussat, 86, Hammond
* Katherine Lowery Newman, 80, Hammond
* Zachary Patterson, 81, Ponchatoula
BRYCE MONTGOMERY ADAMS
Bryce Montgomery Adams, 5 days old, died Monday, April 7, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
He is survived by his parents, Dallas and Staci Montgomery Adams of Hammond; his
paternal grandmother, Thalia Brunet Adams of Metairie; his maternal grandparents, Billy and
Linnie Lindsey Montgomery of Hammond; his maternal great-grandparents, Violet Hoover
Lindsey of Ponchatoula and R.L. Montgomery and Willie Mae Stevens Montgomery, both of
Hammond.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dallas Adams Sr.; his paternal great-
grandparents, Frank William and Sophrona Blanchard Brunet and Clyde and Thelma Barnett
McGinnis; and his maternal great-grandfather, C.J. Lindsey.
The Rev. Tom Cobb will conduct a graveside service Wednesday at Greenlawn Cemetery,
Hammond, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Adams Bereavement Fund c/o First
Guaranty Bank, 400 E. Thomas St., Hammond 70401.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
MARY MYRTLE JOHNSON BREWER
PONCHATOULA - Mary Myrtle Johnson Brewer, 86, died Saturday, April 5, 2003, at
Summit Hospital, Baton Rouge.
She was a native of Magnolia, Miss.
She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Smith of Owensboro, Ky., and Lavelle Gordon
of Ponchatoula; two sons, Bill W. Brewer of Ponchatoula and Bob L. Brewer of Tickfaw; 11
grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Wilbert Brewer; two daughters,
Wilma Rita Brewer and Bonnie Louise Brewer; four sisters, Betty Jane Carroll, Doris Brewer,
Gladys Easley and Lucille Easley; one brother, Hulon Johnson; and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6
to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Mike Patterson conducts the funeral at 2
p.m. Burial will be in Woodhaven Church of God Cemetery.
AUTHUR FRANCIS DAUSSAT
Authur Francis Daussat, 86, died Saturday, April 5, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He was a member of St. Anselm Catholic Church in Madisonville.
He is survived by his wife, Eugenie Vandrell Daussat; three daughters, Juanita D. Pearson,
Linda D. Broussard and Dianne D. Grasier; two sons, Arthur and Rick Daussat; nine
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Athos A. and Theresa Schwenden Daussat; one
sister, Leonise Munstereifel and one great-grandchild.
The Rev. Alan Weseman will conduct a memorial Mass Wednesday at St. Anselm Catholic
Church, Madisonville, at 2 p.m. Private burial will follow at the Theodore Dendinger Memorial
Cemetery, Madisonville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Anselm Building Fund, P.O. Box 40,
Madisonville 70447.
KATHERINE LOWERY NEWMAN
Katherine Lowery Newman, 80, died Friday, April 4, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Lacombe.
She is survived by her husband, Wallace Newman Sr. of Hammond; five sons, Wallace
"Buck" Newman Jr. of Covington, Kenneth "Buddy" Newman of Albany, Robert "Robbie"
Newman of Ponchatoula, Richard "Ricky" Newman Sr. and Richard "Little Ricky" Newman,
both of Hammond; two daughters, Joyce Newman Murray of Odgen, Utah, and Virginia
"Punkin" Newman Bassett of Tickfaw; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Josephine Lewis Lowery; three
brothers, Leroy, R.W. and Floyd "Bill" Lowery.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, from 6 to 10 p.m.
and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Melvin Rushing conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will
be in Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Hammond.
ZACHARY PATTERSON
PONCHATOULA - Zachary Patterson, 81, died Monday, April 7, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Ponchatoula.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Ponchatoula.
April 09, 2003
* Bryce Montgomery Adams, newborn, Hammond
* Ora Lee Briggs, 77, Amite
* John Henry Hines, 66, Hammond
* Martha Ann Haynes Long, 55, Hammond
* Zachary Patterson, 81, Ponchatoula
* Robert David Peterman, 44, Natalbany
* Frank Powell Jr., 53, Hammond
BRYCE MONTGOMERY ADAMS
Bryce Montgomery Adams, 5 days old, died Monday, April 7, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
He is survived by his parents, Dallas and Staci Montgomery Adams of Hammond; his
paternal grandmother, Thalia Brunet Adams of Metairie; his maternal grandparents, Billy and
Linnie Lindsey Montgomery of Hammond; his maternal great-grandparents, Violet Hoover
Lindsey of Ponchatoula, R.L. Montgomery and Willie Mae Stevens Montgomery, both of
Hammond.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dallas Adams Sr.; his paternal great-
grandparents, Frank William and Sophrona Blanchard Brunet, Clyde and Thelma Barnett
McGinnis; and his maternal great-grandfather, C.J. Lindsey.
The Rev. Tom Cobb will conduct a graveside service Thursday at Greenlawn Cemetery,
Hammond, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
ORA LEE BRIGGS
AMITE - Ora Lee Briggs, 77, died Friday, April 4, 2003, at her home.
She is survived by five stepsons, David Briggs Jr. of Baton Rouge, Jimmy Briggs of St.
Louis, Douglas Briggs of Hammond and Leonard and Alton Briggs, both of New Orleans; four
daughters, Gwendolyn, Deborah and Patricia, all of Amite, and Jacqueline of Slidell; one
stepdaughter, Brenda Faye of New Orleans; 45 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alton and Mattie Hendry; her husband, David
Briggs Sr.; two sons, Leam and George Matthews; and two stepsons, Robert and Paul Briggs.
Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. Alonza
Richardson will conduct the funeral Thursday at Strong Tower Christian Center, Amite, at 10
a.m. Burial will be in Union Chapel Church Cemetery, Boliver.
JOHN HENRY HINES
John Henry "Buddy" Hines, 66, died Monday, April 7, 2003, at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Earline Lester Hines of Hammond; four sons, Richard Joseph
Hines of Atlanta, Byron Keith Hines of Denham Springs and Kenneth Wayne Hines and Harold
Joseph Hines, both of Hammond; two sisters, Mary Ruth Popwell of Dexter, Miss., and Pat
Henley of Baton Rouge; four brothers, Doyle Hines and James Newton Ingram, both of
Bogalusa, William Terrell Ingram of Folsom and Harlan Wilson Ingram of Hammond; nine
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Hines and Annie Drummond Hines
Ingram; one daughter, Lorraine Marie Hines; one son, Darrell Hines; three sisters, Leatt
Crockett, Suzie Lobell and Adrian Hilton; and three brothers, Willie Dale Hines, Jewel Hines
and Walter Hines Jr.
Visitation will be Friday at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, Bogalusa, from 10:30 a.m. until 1
p.m. The Rev. Sammy Popwell will conduct a graveside service at Hines Cemetery in
Tylertown, Miss., at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, 216 Alabama
Ave., Bogalusa 70427.
MARTHA ANN HAYNES LONG
Martha Ann Haynes Long, 55, died Sunday, April 6, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
She is survived by her husband, Jonathan Long Sr.; four daughters, Vicky Long, Twanda
Smith, Jacqueline Long and Stephanie Brumfield; six sons, Eric, Marvin, Reginald, Thaddeus,
Tony and Michael Long.
Visitation will be Thursday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The
funeral will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, Natalbany. Burial will
be in Greenlawn Cemetery.
ZACHARY PATTERSON
PONCHATOULA - Zachary "Pat" Patterson, 81, died Monday, April 7, 2003, at his
home.
He was a native of Shawnee Oklahoma, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a truck
driver with LAW I.
He is survived by his wife, Vera Beverly Patterson of Ponchatoula; one daughter, Brenda
Mayers of Downey, Calif.; three stepdaughters, Pamela Johnson of Marrero, Rene Merritt of
Baker and Monica Savoy of Ponchatoula; two stepsons, James Fendlason of Picayune, Miss.,
and George Fendlason of Gillsburg; a twin brother, Jack Patterson of Kentwood; and 11
grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a son, Russell T. Patterson; and his parents, A.Z. and Allie
Hammers Patterson.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to
10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. James Fendlason and the Rev. Glynn
Fendlason conduct the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery.
ROBERT DAVID PETERMAN
NATALBANY - Robert David Peterman, 44, died Sunday, April 6, 2003, at Hood
Memorial Hospital in Amite.
He was a native of Natalbany and a member of Electrical Union 995 in Baton Rouge.
He is survived by one daughter, Aaron Marie Peterman of Robert; two sons, Robert David
Peterman II of Robert and Joshua Scott Peterman of Hammond; his mother, Margaret Parker
Peterman of Natalbany; and two sisters, Debbie Peterman Drude of Ponchatoula and Becky
Peterman Felder of Maurepas.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Robert "Bob" Peterman Sr.; and two
brothers, John Robert Peterman Jr. and Daran Mark Peterman.
Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 9
a.m. until the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert David Peterman Memorial Fund,
c/o First Guaranty Bank, 170 West Hickory, Ponchatoula, 70454.
FRANK POWELL JR.
Frank Powell Jr., 53, died Thursday, April 3, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He is survived by one sister, Laura Powell Miller; seven brothers, Edward Joe Powell Sr.,
Matthew, Earl James, Randolph, Oscar, Ulyess and Alfred Powell.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Powell Sr. and Laura McGee Powell; and
one brother, Charles Powell.
The Rev. L.T. Maryland will conduct the funeral Thursday at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Park Baptist
Church in Hammond. Dismissal will be Friday at 10 a.m. followed by burial in Holly Gardens
Cemetery.
April 10, 2003
* Thelma Mahner Brondum, 86, Albany
* Arthur Preston Daniels Jr., 24, Aurora, Colo.
* Dallas Paul Gauthier, 86, Livingston
* Monroe Landry Jr., 73, Maurepas
* Terri Giacone McLaughlin, 40, Hammond
* Pearlie Mae Simpson Miller, 82, Livingston
* Lucille Cecile Macaluso Musacchia, 87, Tickfaw
* Douglas Lee Vanzile, 54, Denham Springs
THELMA MAHNER BRONDUM
ALBANY - Thelma Mahner Brondum, 86, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, in Mandeville at
the home of her son, Leonard C. Brondum.
She was a native of New Orleans.
In addition to her son, she leaves one daughter, Cathy Chancey Westmoreland of Albany;
one sister, Patricia Hanson of Gulf Shores, Ala.; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and
one great-great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard C. Brondum Sr., two sons, Roy J.
and Robert K. Brondum; one grandson; and one brother, Arthur F. Mahner, Jr.
The Rev. Joe Dunn will conduct a private graveside service at Bethlehem Baptist Church in
Albany.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of St. Tammany, 1202 S. Tyler St.,
Covington, 70433 or Bethlehem Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1030, Albany 70711.
Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is in charge.
ARTHUR PRESTON DANIELS JR.
AURORA, Colo. - Arthur "Poon" Preston Daniels Jr., 24, died Saturday, April 5, 2003.
He was a native of Amite.
He is survived by one sister, Kristie Daniels of Amite; one brother, Byron Daniels of Amite;
his mother, Patricia Davis of Amite; and his grandmother, Jessie Mae London of Amite.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur P. Daniels Sr.; and his grandfather.
Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Alexander Giles will conduct the funeral Saturday at Grant Chapel AME Church, Amite, at 11
a.m. Burial will be in Butler Cemetery, Amite.
DALLAS PAUL GAUTHIER
LIVINGSTON - Dallas Paul Gauthier, 86, died Monday, April 7, 2003.
He was a retired carpenter with Carpenter's Local Union No. 1846 and a native of
Hessmer. He was a World War II Army veteran who served with the 168th Infantry, decorated
with the EAMETO Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star Medal and the
Distinguished Unit Badge. He was a former resident of both Avoyelles and Jefferson parishes.
He is survived by his wife, Hazel Mary Gauthier; two daughters, Brenda A. and Ellen M.
Gauthier; two brothers, T-Fred and Newman Gauthier; and a sister, Eyola G. Lucas; eight
grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Gauthier and Valce Daigrepont Gauthier;
his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gauthier; and three sisters, Ella, Lena and Muti
Gauthier.
Visitation will be today at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, Metairie, from 5 to 10 p.m. and
Friday from 10 a.m. until Mass at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Restlawn Cemetery, Avondale.
MONROE LANDRY JR.
MAUREPAS - Monroe Landry Jr., 73, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center in Hammond.
He was a native of Maurepas.
He is survived by his wife, Henrietta Picou Landry of Maurepas; one son, Keith Joseph
Landry Sr. of Maurepas; one daughter, Jacqueline L. Kelley of Maurepas; five grandchildren,
two step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Louise Sanchez Landry; three
sisters, Odelia Picou, Thelma Picou and Albertine Farrell; and one brother, Edward Landry.
Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6
to 10 p.m. and Saturday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Bear Island, from 9 a.m. until the funeral
at 11. Burial will be in Maurepas Cemetery.
TERRI GIACONE MCLAUGHLIN
Terri Giacone McLaughlin, 40, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center in Hammond.
She was a native of Hammond.
She is survived by her parents, Anne and Hollis Seal of Leeds, Ala.; her stepmother, Marie
Anglero of Loranger; one daughter, Jade Engle Bankston of Hammond; one stepson, Bo
McLaughlin of Florida; two brothers, Randy Giacone and Mike Giacone Jr., both of Loranger;
four sisters, Colynne Trahan and Laura Lea Giacone, both of Loranger; Hycy Capdeboscq of
Husser and Flossy Miley of Mt. Herman; one adopted sister, Kristi Stauder of Hammond; and
two step-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence "Red" McLaughlin; her father, Mike
Louis Giacone Sr.; and one stepson, Kirk McLaughlin.
Visitation will be Friday at Midway Baptist Church, Robert, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at
11. Burial will be in McLaughlin Family Cemetery, Hammond.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of her late husband, Clarence "Red" McLaughlin, the family
requests that donations be made to the North Oaks Hospice Foundation, 15790 Paul Vega,
M.D. Drive, Hammond 70403.
Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, is in charge.
PEARLIE MAE SIMPSON MILLER
LIVINGSTON - Pearlie Mae Simpson Miller, 82, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at
Landmark Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Hammond.
She was a native of Livingston, a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church and a homemaker.
She is survived by two daughters, Elna Ernest Bowman and Norma Miller of Osyka, Miss.;
one son, Roy Lansing Miller; one sister, Evelyn Carrisco; one brother, Valmon Simpson; 12
grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren and seven great-great-
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Lansing Miller; her parents, Grover
and Lillie Hayden Simpson; one daughter, Kathryn Amildra Miller; one son, William Berlin
Miller; two brothers, Berlin Simpson and Percy Simpson; and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be today at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday at
Pine Grove Baptist Church, Bayou Barber, from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in
the church cemetery.
LUCILLE CECILE MACALUSO MUSACCHIA
TICKFAW - Lucille Cecile Macaluso Musacchia, 87, died Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at
North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond.
She was a native of Tickfaw.
She is survived by four daughters, Mary Musacchia, Frances Willie, Lucille Baiamonte and
Jo Ann Thompson, all of Tickfaw; three sisters, Virginia Inzinna of Tickfaw, Josie Fuller of
Ponchatoula and Lena Amata of Hammond; three brothers, Nace Macaluso of Ponchatoula,
Joe Dorsa of Arabie and Sam Dorsa of New Orleans; six grandchildren and nine great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph T. Musacchia; her parents, Sam and
Frances Arnone Macaluso; four sisters, Rosalie Salamone, Annie Dorsa, Angelina Musacchia
and Santana "Sandy" Gebbia; and five brothers, Joe, Nick, Larry and Tony Macaluso and John
C. Dorsa.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to
10 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 9:30. The Dominican Fathers will conduct the funeral at Our
Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, Tickfaw, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Tickfaw Catholic
Cemetery.
DOUGLAS LEE VANZILE
DENHAM SPRINGS - Douglas Lee Vanzile, 54, died Monday, April 7, 2003, Summit
Hospital, Baton Rouge.
He was a native of Corning, N.Y.
He is survived by one son, Douglas "D.J." Vanzile Jr. of Liberty, Texas; two stepsons,
Lawrence Lingerfelt of Ponchatoula and Louis Lingerfelt of Denham Springs; three
stepdaughters, Kathy McEwen of Clarkton, N.C., Linda Saddler of Ocala, Fla., and Helen
Jensen of Denham Springs; three brothers, Arthur and Edward Vanzile, both of Corning, and
George Vanzile of Nomkis, Fla.; five sisters, Elizabeth Stanley of Osceola, Pa., Becky Cooper
of Elkland, Ga., Joan Kessler of Englewood, Fla., Roseann Knowls of North Fort, Fla., and
Ruth Turner of Corning; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Street Vanzile; one brother, Richard Vanzile;
one sister, Mary Turner; his parents, Daniel and Violet Vanzile; and one grandchild.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8:30
a.m. until the Rev. Noah Hano conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Sand Hill
Cemetery, Ponchatoula.
April 14, 2003
* Hattie Butler Booker, 96, Hammond
* Earl W. Bridges, 79, Metairie
* Stella Cooper Delatte, 84, Robert
* Clementine Dyson, 69, Wilmer
* Karen Ellan Fair, 56, Springfield
* Grace Eleanor Fussell, 83, Amite
* Mary Rita Lonergan Greenshaw, 83, Ponchaotula
HATTIE BUTLER BOOKER
Hattie Butler Booker, 96, died, Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
She was a native of West Baton Rouge Parish.
She is survived by seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Booker, a daughter, Ethel M. Carter;
her parents, Nathan and Ella Butler; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Visitation will be today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 4 to 9 p.m. The
Rev. Ivy Williams and the Rev. Hamp Collier will conduct the funeral Saturday at Mount Olive
Baptist Church, Hammond. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
EARL W. BRIDGES
METAIRIE - Earl W. Bridges, 79, died Sunday, April 6, 2003, at Kenner Regional
Hospital.
He was a native of Osyka, Miss., received a Purple Heart for his services in the North
Atlantic during World War II and was retired from Proctor and Gamble.
He is survived by his sister, Evelyn B. LeTard; two sons, Ronnie and Glenn; five
grandchildren; a stepdaughter, Debbie Deem; and a stepson, Don Olson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Cella Thompson Olson Bridges.
Visitation will be Saturday at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10 a.m. until the
funeral at 11. Burial will be in Osyka Cemetery, Osyka, Miss.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans Association or the
Osyka Baptist Church, P.O. Box 152, Osyka, MS 39657.
STELLA COOPER DELATTE
ROBERT - Stella Cooper Delatte, 84, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Robert.
She is survived by a son, Larry H. Delatte of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Mary Ann
Brescher of Robert and Sandra P. Willie of Folsom; a brother, Davies Cooper of Ponchatoula;
two sisters, Ann Stanga and Catherine Hammack, both of Bedico; nine grandchildren and 13
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Leon Delatte; a son, Benjamin L.
Delatte Sr.; her father, William C. Cooper; her mother, Elizabeth Davies Cooper; three
brothers, Chester, Albert and Stafford Cooper; and one grandchild.
The Rev. Leo Miller conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery. Harry
McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, was in charge.
CLEMENTINE DYSON
WILMER - Clementine Dyson, 69, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Washington Parish.
She is survived by three sons, Remeo Dyson of New Orleans, Wayne Dyson of Kentwood
and Bernard Dyson of Roseland; one daughter, Selina Dyson of Atlanta; one sister, Rose Mary
James of Amite; two brothers, Lucious Brumfield of Uneedus and Bobby Ray Brumfield of
Sacramento, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bealsey and Allie Brumfield; her husband,
Wilford Dyson; her son, Billy Dyson; two sisters and one brother.
Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Albert Brumfield will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Plainview Church of Christ
Holiness USA, Mount Herman. Burial will be in Union Chapel Cemetery, Kentwood.
KAREN ELLAN FAIR
SPRINGFIELD - Karen Ellan Fair, 56, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Fort Worth, Texas, and a member of Grace Memorial Episcopal
Church, Hammond.
She is survived by her parents, Henry and Georgia Fair of Sarasota, Fla.; two brothers,
Mike Fair of Winter Haven, Fla., and Tom Fair of Hamilton, Mont.
GRACE ELEANOR FUSSELL
AMITE - Grace Eleanor Fussell, 83, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at Tangi-Pines
Nursing Home, Amite.
She was a native of Baton Rouge and a department store clerk.
She is survived by her husband, Clyde A. Fussell of Amite; two sons, John Griggs of
Fairmont, W.V., and Thomas Griggs of Greenwell Springs; six grandchildren and four great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one sister, Alice M. Rice; her father, Allen Worden Prescott;
and her mother, Alice Mears Prescott.
Visitation will be Saturday at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 10 a.m. until the
Rev. Jack Nutter conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of the arrangements.
MARY RITA LONERGAN GREENHAW
PONCHATOULA - Mary Rita Lonergan Greenhaw, 83, died Thursday, April 10, 2003,
at her home.
She was a native of New Orleans.
She was preceded in death by her son, John Sterling Greenhaw of Dallas; four daughters,
Linda Gore of Ponchatoula, Rosie Kennedy of New Orleans, Barbara Ward of Ardmore,
Tenn., and Gloria Elliot of Springfield; one sister, Kathleen Amedeo of Slidell; nine
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling Brazziel Greenhaw; her parents,
Joseph and Frances Dillmann Lonergan; two infant children; five brothers, Bill, Lloyd, Borgia,
Raymond and Dennis Lonergan; and one sister, Anna Mae L. Greathouse.
Visitation will be Sunday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 7 to
10 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until Warren Fortenberry conducts the funeral at 10:30.
Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery.
April 14, 2003
* Catherine Coralie Davies Bryan, 82, Hammond
* Bessie Genco Misita Giacone, 89, Amite
* Mary Rita Lonergan Greenhaw, 83, Ponchatoula
* Coletta Lamarca, 93, Monroe
* Nigeal Malbrough, 12, Hammond
* Sam Pea, 73, Ponchatoula
* Naomi Pounds, 66, Kentwood
* Fred O. Puls, 72, Loranger
* Mary Toefield, 83, Independence
CATHERINE CORALIE DAVIES BRYAN
Catherine Coralie Davies Bryan, 82, died Friday, April 11, 2003.
She was a native of Ponchatoula. She lived in Slidell for 50 years and taught at Slidell and
Abney elementary schools before retiring. She was a former longtime member of First Baptist
Church of Slidell where she helped implement the food pantry ministry. At the time of her death
she was a member of Crossgate Baptist Church in Robert. She was a graduate of Northwestern
College and the University of New Orleans.
Survivors include her son, Dr. Stephen Odis Bryan of Kentwood; two daughters, Cathy
Bryan Kahl of Horn Lake, Miss., and Becky Bryan Joiner of Loranger; two sisters, Leslie
Davies Lauderback of Pleasonton, Calif., and Marie Davies Morrison of Seattle; 11
grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Odis Oscar Bryan; two brothers, Benjamin J. and Morgan Rudolph Davies;
and her sister, Ursula Davies Gaude; preceded her in death.
Visitation will be after noon today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond,
until the funeral at 3 p.m. The Rev. Louis Husser will conduct the service, and burial will be in
the Davies Family Cemetery in Ponchatoula.
BESSIE GENCO MISITA GIACONE
AMITE - Bessie Genco Misita Giacone, 89, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center in Hammond.
She was a native of Amite and a housewife.
She is survived by one son, Sal T. Misita of Amite; one sister, Rose Guzzardo of Amite;
one grandchild and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Tony Misita; her second husband, Joe
Giacone; five brothers, Charlie, Joe, Paul, Leonard and Nick Genco; and one grandson.
Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Monday
at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Jack Nutter conducts the
funeral at 11. Burial will be in Amite Cemetery.
MARY RITA LONERGAN GREENHAW
PONCHATOULA - Mary Rita Lonergan Greenhaw, 83, died Thursday, April 10, 2003,
at her home.
She was a native of New Orleans.
She is survived by one son, John Stering Greenhaw of Dallas; four daughters, Linda Gore of
Ponchatoula, Rosie Kennedy of New Orleans, Barbara Ward of Ardmore, Tenn., and Gloria
Elliott of Springfield; one sister, Kathleen Amedeo of Slidell; nine grandchildren and five great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sterling Brazziel Greenhaw; her parents,
Joseph and Frances Dillmann Lonergan; two infant children; five brothers, Bill, Lloyd, Borgia,
Raymond and Dennis Lonergan; and one sister, Anna Mae L. Greathouse.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 7 to
10 p.m. and Monday from 8 a.m. until Warren Fortenberry conducts the funeral at 10:30.
Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery.
COLETTA LAMARCA
MONROE - A graveside service will be held for former Independence resident Coletta
Lamarca, 93, at 5 p.m. today at Colonial Cemetery in Independence.
She is survived by her son, Tony Lamarca of Monroe; her daughter, Chickie Cooper of
Loranger; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Mulhearn Funeral Home in Monroe is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be
made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Monroe.
NIGEAL MALBROUGH
Nigeal Malbrough, 12, died Monday, April 7, 2003, in a drowning accident.
He was a native of Hammond.
He is survived by his mother, Lillian Malbrough of Hammond; his father, Michael Spears of
Hammond; four sisters, Sheilla Malbrough, Hellaschious Spears and Nicole Keys, all of
Hammond, and Sharnitha Dawson of Independence; and five brothers, Derick and Aurellio
Malbrough and Michguel Spears, all of Hammond, and Shaffee and Michael Dawson, both of
Ponchatoula.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Norris Keys.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from noon to 9 p.m.
The Rev. Curtis Wilson will conduct the funeral Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holly
Garden Cemetery.
SAM PEA
PONCHATOULA - Sam Pea, 73, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center in Hammond.
He was a native of Ponchatoula.
He is survived by three daughters, Bernice Brumfield, Sonorah Berry and Shaunda Cobbs;
four sons, Sam Pea Jr., Noble Henry, Melvin Pea and Donald Henderson, all of Ponchatoula;
one stepson, Lee Edward Bess of Ponchatoula; five sisters, Helen Austin and Ceola
Henderson, both of Ponchatoula, Georgia Mae Jones of Kenner, Sarah Dyson of Youngstown,
Ohio, and Marie Cooper of Pensacola, Fla.; two brothers, Lucious Pea of Ponchatoula and
Clarence Pea Sr. of Hammond; and 19 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Visitation will be Monday at Star Valley Baptist Church, Ponchatoula, from 4 p.m. until the
Rev. Gerald Cheatham conducts the funeral at 8. Dismissal will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. Burial
will be in Holly Garden Cemetery.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
NAOMI POUNDS
KENTWOOD - Naomi Pounds, 66, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Lallie Kemp
Regional Medical Center in Independence.
She was a native of Magnolia, Miss.
She is survived by three daughters, Alice Fleming of LaPlace, Janice Jackson and Darlene
Dunn, both of Kentwood; two sons, the Rev. Lee Allen Pounds Jr. of Baton Rouge and Teddy
Pounds of Harvey; six sisters; and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Allen Pounds Sr.; and one daughter,
Veronica Pounds.
Visitation will be Tuesday at MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Greensburg, from 6 to 9
p.m. The Rev. Percy Veals will conduct the funeral Wednesday at Tickfaw Missionary Baptist
Church, Magnolia, Miss., at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Spring Creek Church Cemetery,
Kentwood.
FRED O. PULS
LORANGER - Fred O. Puls, 72, died Friday, April 11, 2003, at Lallie Kemp Regional
Medical Center.
He was a native of Loranger and a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean conflict. He was a
member of American Legion Post 255, Loranger. He was also a member of the Tangipahoa
Parish and Louisiana Cattleman's Association and the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeder's
Association.
Survivors include his wife, Louise Addison Puls; his daughter, Joyce Puls Null; his son,
Dwayne Puls; two sisters, Ida Puls Brown and Eleanor Puls Fletcher; one brother, Edwin Puls;
and three grandchildren, all of Loranger.
His parents, Francis and Marie Gerstein Puls, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be today from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home,
Hammond, and Monday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. The Rev. Emile Tosso will conduct
the service. Burial will be in Loranger Community Center.
MARY TOEFIELD
INDEPENDENCE - Mary Toefield, 83, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Lakeland
Hospital.
She was a native of Independence.
She is survived by three daughters, Joyce Wilson of Independence, Deloris Sibley and
Barbra Toefield, both of Hammond; three sons, Luther Toefield of Detroit, Charles and Donald
Ray Toefield, both of Independence; two sisters, Anita Bonnett of Independence and Margaret
Washington of Hammond; 30 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Toefield Sr.; one daughter, Ida
Toefield; one son, Edward Toefield Jr. and her parents, Lillian and James Scott Sr.
The Rev. Johnny Milton will conduct the funeral Tuesday at Richardson Funeral Home,
Hammond, at 7 p.m. Dismissal will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Warren
Cemetery, Independence.
April 14, 2003
* Richard Casas Garza, 74, Hammond
* Gladys Holmes Alford Ginn, 78, Loranger
* Ella Robertson Hanna, 86, Ponchatoula
* Angelina Howes, 71, Homer
* Nettie McLin Pevey, 80, Pine Grove
* Mary Toefield, 83, Independence
RICHARD CASAS GARZA
Richard Casas Garza, 74, died Friday, April 11, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He was a native of Bracketville, Texas, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II and
a retired master carpenter.
He is survived by his wife, Angelina Flores Garza of Hammond; two daughters, Melba
Garza of Hammond and Nelda Garza Hamilton of Baker; one son, Gerald Garza of Baker; one
sister, Ninfa Garza of San Antonio; and one grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Adelaide Casas Garza; one son,
Sergio L. Garza; three sisters, Consuelo Lozano, Hortensia Montante and Margaret Ramos;
three brothers, Peter, Rudy and Gilbert Garza.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and
Tuesday at First United Methodist Church, Ponchatoula, from 8:30 a.m. until the Rev. Bob
Deich conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery.
GLADYS HOLMES ALFORD GINN
LORANGER - Gladys Holmes Alford Ginn, 78, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at her
home.
She was a housewife and a native of Foxworth, Miss.
She is survived by her husband, Billy Gene Ginn; two sisters, Seba Ginn and Bertha Rich.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bud Alford; one brother, Elisha Holmes;
and five sisters, Effie Graham, Jo Easley, Leola Duncan, Nettie Ridgedell and Emmer Ard.
Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until the Rev. Emile
Tosso conducts the funeral at 7.
ELLA ROBERTSON HANNA
PONCHATOULA - Ella Robertson Hanna, 86, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at North
Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Ponchatoula.
She is survived by two daughters, Triliby Faye Soles and Rosie Dee Howes, both of
Ponchatoula; one son, Billy Wade Hanna of Ponchatoula; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-
grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Hanna; her parents, Charlie and Jani
Wells Robertson; six sisters, Virginia Dodd Traylor, Molly Caceres, Cora Lee Blount, Evelyn
Miller, twin sister Katie Matthews and Delores Robertson; four brothers, Aswell, Walker,
Leonard and Neub Robertson; and one great-grandchild.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6
to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral Wednesday at 11. Burial will be in
Sand Hill Cemetery.
ANGELINA HOWES
HOMER - Angelina Howes, 71, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Claiborne Manor Nursing
Home in Homer.
She was a homemaker and a member of Rocky Springs Baptist Church.
She is survived by two sons, Fritz Hunter Howes of Homer and Duane Howes of
Shreveport; one daughter, Lisa Marie Howes of Winston Salem, N.C.; one sister, Katherine
Bufalo Landry of Mobile, Ala.; one brother, George Bufalo of Alta Monte, Fla.; seven
grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The Rev. Rusty Gilbert will conduct the funeral Tuesday at Rocky Springs Baptist Church,
Lisbon, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Homer, is in charge.
SCHDRICK MCKNIGHT
AMITE - Schdrick McKnight, 22, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Lallie Kemp Medical
Center, Independence.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Temple Chapel Baptist Church, Kentwood, from noon until the
funeral at 2 p.m. The Rev. Joshua Brown will conduct the service, and burial will be in Hope
Cemetery, Kentwood.
A full obituary will run in Tuesday's Daily Star.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
NETTIE MCLIN PEVEY
PINE GROVE - Nettie McLin Pevey, 80, died Saturday, April 12, 2003, at her home.
She was a lunchroom manager for the St. Helena Parish School Board and a native of Pine
Grove. She was also a professional quilt maker.
She is survived by her daughter, Ann Kibodeaux of Vinton; one son, L.J. Pevey of Pine
Grove; one brother, Clarence McLin of Tampa, Fla.; six grandchildren and 15 great-
grandchildren.
The Rev. Joseph E. Starns conducted the funeral Sunday. Burial was in Shiloh Cemetery,
Pine Grove.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge.
MARY TOEFIELD
INDEPENDENCE - Mary Toefield, 83, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Lakeland
Hospital, New Orleans.
She is survived by three daughters, Joyce Wilson of Independence, Deloris Sibley and
Barbara Toefield of Hammond; three sons, Luther Toefield of Detroit, Charles and Donald Ray
Toefield, both of Independence; two sisters, Anita Bonnett of Independence and Margaret
Washington of Hammond; 30 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Toefield Sr.; one daughter, Ida
Toefield; one son, Edward Toefield Jr.; and her parents, Lillian and James Scott Sr.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, and at
Isrealite Baptist Church, Independence, from 5 to 6 p.m. until the wake and funeral service
conducted by the Rev. Johnny Milton at 7 p.m. Dismissal will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. Burial
will be in Warren Cemetery, Independence.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
April 15, 2003
* Katie Musso Anzalone, 89, New Orleans
* onald M. Goutierez, 59, Slidell
* Ella Robertson Hanna, 86, Ponchatoula
* Marie Roccaforte Landry, 84, Gramercy
* Schdrick McKnight, 22, Amite
* Frank Novak, 73, Metairie
* Edna Stafford Passman, 74, Bogalusa
KATIE MUSSO ANZALONE
NEW ORLEANS - Katie Musso Anzalone, 89, died April 14, 2003, at West Jefferson
Hospital, Marrero.
She was a native of Independence.
She is survived by her daughter, Rosetta Anzalone Tumminello of New Orleans; four
grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carmelo Musso and Theresa Parrino Musso;
her husband, Pete Anzalone; two brothers, Frank and Chris Musso; two sisters, Lena LaPlaca
and Frances Guzzardo.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 9
a.m. until a Mass at 11. Burial will be in Colonial Mausoleum, Independence.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond.
In lieu of flowers, the family request masses.
RONALD M. GOUTIEREZ
SLIDELL - Ronald M. Goutierez, 59, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at Slidell Memorial
Hospital.
He was a former resident of New Orleans and had lived in Hammond for 17 years. He was
a self employed salesman.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn Goutierez of Slidell; one daughter, Elizabeth Goutierez
Robertson of Loranger; one son, Randy Robertson of Loranger; three grandchildren and one
great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Numa Goutierez Jr. and Audrey Mae
Moree Goutierez; and one brother, Joseph Numa Goutierez III.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home, Pearl River. The
Rev. Walker will conduct the funeral at 6.
ELLA ROBERTSON HANNA
PONCHATOULA - Ella Robertson Hanna, 86, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at North
Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Ponchatoula.
She is survived by two daughters, Triliby Faye Soles and Rosie Dee Howes, both of
Ponchatoula; one son, Billy Wade Hanna of Ponchatoula; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-
grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Hanna; her parents, Charlie and Jani
Wells Robertson; six sisters, Virginia Dodd Traylor, Molly Caceres, Cora Lee Blount, Evelyn
Miller, twin sister Katie Matthews and Delores Robertson; four brothers, Aswell, Walker,
Leonard and Neub Robertson; and two great-grandchildren and one great-great-granchild.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to
10 p.m. and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral Wednesday at 11. Burial will be in Sand
Hill Cemetery.
MARIE ROCCAFORTE LANDRY
GRAMERCY - Marie Roccaforte Landry, 84, died Sunday, April 13, 2003.
She was a native of Garyville.
She is survived by one son, Bubby Landry; four daughters, Gerry Hotard, Jo Ann Bland,
Kat Bocz and Marsha LeBlanc; one sister, Louise Accardo; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris J. Landry Sr.; her parents, Frank and
Mary Roccaforte; one brother, Lamana Roccaforte; and two sisters, Rosie Tramonte and Sarah
Bueche.
Visitation will be today at Rose Lynn Funeral Home, Lutcher, from 6 to 9 p.m. and
Wednesday at Sacred Heart Church, Gramercy, from 9 a.m. until mass at 11. Burial will be in
St. Joseph Cemetery, Paulina.
SCHDRICK MCKNIGHT
AMITE - Schdrick McKnight, 22, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at Lallie Kemp Regional
Medical Center in Independence.
He was a native of Kentwood.
He is survived by his wife, Alyssa McKnight of Amite; one daughter, Schkira McKnight of
Amite; one brother, Alfred McKnight of Kentwood; his mother, Wanda McKnight of
Kentwood; his stepfather, Robert Coleman of Kentwood; and his grandfather, Robert Aackette
of Gillsburg, Miss.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Glady McKnight.
The Rev. Joshua Brown conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Hope Cemetery,
Kentwood.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge.
FRANK NOVAK
METAIRIE - Frank Novak, 73, died Monday, April 14, 2003, at East Jefferson General
Hospital in Metairie.
He was a native of Albany, owner and operator of Novak's Paint and Appliance Store in
Albany for 20 years and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Virgie Stephens of Metairie; one stepdaughter, Yulonda
Babineaux of New Orleans; and one step-granddaughter.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, from 1 p.m. until the
funeral at 2. Burial will be in Greenlawn Mausoleum in Hammond.
EDNA STAFFORD PASSMAN
BOGALUSA - Edna Stafford Passman, 74, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at East Jefferson
General Hospital, Metairie.
She is survived by three sisters, Dell Bush of Bogalusa, Gloria Gill of Hammond and Brenda
Peterman of Natalbany; and one brother, Harrell Stafford of Unionville, Va.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Loran M. Passman; her parents, Floyd and
Zola Mae Adams Stafford; and two brothers, Leroy and Jackie Stafford.
Visitation will be today at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home, Bogalusa, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and
Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Lynn Martin and the Rev. Jimmy Byrd conduct the
funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Ponemah Cemetery, Bogalusa.
April 16, 2003
* Sarah McAlister Bundy, 78, Ponchatoula
* Noelie Guidry Galatas, 90, Ponchatoula
* Nathaniel S. Heeth, 85, Marietta, Ga.
* Rudolph Hoover Sr., 96, Springfield
* Lillie Mae Jackson, 92, Wilmer
SARAH MCALISTER BUNDY
PONCHATOULA - Sarah McAlister Bundy, 78, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at her
home.
She was a native of Greenville, S.C.
She is survived by her husband, Bennie Bundy of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Jo Ann
Bundy of Ponchatoula and Susan Gill of Albany; two sons, Walter Whitaker of St. Francisville
and John Whitaker of Baton Rouge; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from noon until the
funeral at 2 p.m.
NOELIE GUIDRY GALATAS
PONCHATOULA - Noelie Guidry Galatas, 90, died today, Apil 16, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Madisonville.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son
Funeral Home, Ponchatoula.
NATHANIEL S. HEETH
MARIETTA, Ga. - Nathaniel S. Heeth, 85, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003.
He pastored First Presbyterian Church in Hammond from 1956 to 1962 and First
Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph from 1971 to 1975. He was a World War II veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Mary E. Heeth of Marietta; two sons, Patrick Heeth of Canton
and Robert Heeth of Nashville, Tenn.; and five grandchildren.
Visitation will be today at Carmichael Funeral Home, Smyrna, Ga., from 4 to 7 p.m. and
Thursday from 9 until the Rev. George F. Ganey III conducts the funeral Thursday at 10 a.m. at
Smyrna Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Alpharetta City Cemetery, Alpharetta Ga.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Smyrna Presbyterian Church Missions,
3130 Atlanta Road, Smyrna, GA 30080.
RUDOLPH HOOVER SR.
SPRINGFIELD - Rudolph Hoover Sr., 96, died April 15, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Springfield.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Ponchatoula.
LILLIE MAE JACKSON
WILMER - Lillie Mae Jackson, 92, died Sunday, April 13, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Thomasville, Ga.
She is survived by her husband, Alexander Jackson of Wilmer; seven sons, R.S. Williams of
Bogalusa, Jephroe and Alexander Jackson Jr., both of Hammond, Jim Jackson, John Jackson
and Collier Jackson, all of Wilmer, and Ernest Jackson of Baton Rouge; two daughters, Lillie
Smith and Pauline Harvey, both of Titusville, Fla.; and one brother, David Williams of
Thomasville.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mattie Bush Williams; one son,
Joseph; four sisters, Pearlie, Emmalean, Augustus and Lizette; and two brothers, Herbert and
Joseph Jr.
Visitation will be Thursday at Oak Ridge Baptist Church from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev. Daniels
Cosby will conduct the funeral Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery,
Wilmer.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite.
April 17, 2003
* Claud Clark Bennett, 88, Amite
* Walter Collins, 48, Hammond
* Eugene Thomas Ferrant, 79, Ponchatoula
* Carl Fultz, 45, Independence
* Noelie Guidry Galatas, 90, Ponchatoula
* Rudolph Hoover Sr., 96, Springfield
* Vera Faye Starkey, 51, Amite
CLAUD CLARK BENNETT
AMITE - Claud Clark Bennett, 88, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Amite, graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, school teacher
for several years and member of Hayden's Grove Church of Christ. She had retired as a case
worker with the Tangipahoa Parish Office of Family Support.
Survivors include two sons, Henry Bennett of Baton Rouge and Robert Bennett of Monroe;
four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Norman E. Bennett, and her parents, William Henry and Edna Stevens Clark,
preceded her in death as did two sisters, Inez Clark Foulks and Edith Clark Bennett.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, Friday from 9 a.m. until the Rev.
Kenneth Istre conducts the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Amite Cemetery.
WALTER COLLINS
Walter Collins, 48, died Friday, April 11, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
Survivors include a daughter, Belinda Kenison of Hammond; a son, Antonio Kenison of
Houston; two sisters, Pauline Williams and Debra Collins, both of Hammond; three brothers,
John and Edward Collins, both of Hammond, and James Weathersby of Florida; and four
grandchildren.
His parents, Louis and Cameal Collins, preceded him in death as did a brother, Freddie
Collins, and two sisters, Lillie Ruth Allen and Ethel Cyprian.
Visitation will be at Greater Rosehill Baptist Church, Hammond, Friday from 8 a.m. until the
Rev. Matthew Sims conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Garden Cemetery,
Hammond.
Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, is in charge.
EUGENE THOMAS FERRANT
PONCHATOULA - Eugene "Gene" Thomas Ferrant, a musician with the Lizard Creek
Ramblers, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at his home. He was 79.
A native of Ponchatoula, he had served with the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II and
was a member of Ponchatoula American Legion and of Springfield AM Vets post. He had
retired as chief engineer with Brown and Root and as a barber in Ponchatoula.
His wife, Ruth "Annie" Jones Ferrant, and children, Lynn Rene Ferrant Martin, Eugene
Jacob "Buck" Ferrant and Rodney Thomas Ferrant, all reside in Ponchatoula, as does his sister,
Lucille Ferrant Charbonnet. Survivors also include two brothers, Paul Ferrant of Zowle and
Ernest Ferrant of Fort Worth, Texas, and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Ellsie Perrin Ferrant; a sister, Ethel
Clark; and two brothers, Alvin and Bernard Ferrant.
Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, tonight from 6 to
9 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Charles Bigner and the Rev. Paul Ferrant conduct
the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery.
CARL FULTZ
INDEPENDENCE - Carl Fultz, 45, a native of Amite and resident of Independence, died
Saturday, April 12, 2003, at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite.
Survivors include three daughters, Mildred Knighten and Janie Bell Fultz, both of
Independence, and Barbara Franklin of Amite; three brothers, Harry Fultz and Preston Harrell,
both of McComb, Miss., and John Fultz Jr. of Roseland; and his mother, Mary Jackson of
Amite.
His father, John Fultz Sr., preceded him in death as did two brothers, Leroy Harrell and
George Robinson, and a sister, Zula Mae Harrell.
Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Bobby Showers will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Tangipahoa
Cemetery, Tangipahoa.
NOELIE GUIDRY GALATAS
PONCHATOULA - Noelie Guidry "Miss Nellie" Galatas, a 15-year volunteer with North
Oaks Medical Center, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at her home. She was 90.
A native of Madisonville and resident of Ponchatoula, she is survived by her daughter,
Merle "Pud" Ozment of Ponchatoula; asister, Maude Anderson of New Orleans; two brothers,
George Lee Guidry of Orange, Texas, and Joseph V. Guidry Jr. of Marietta, Ga.; eight
grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Her parents, Joseph V. and Lucille LeBlanc Guidry; husband, Marvin Galatas; son Marvin
Galatas II; and two sisters, Lucille Pelloat and Eula Alioso, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Saturday from 8
a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668,
Hammond, LA 70404.
RUDOLPH HOOVER SR.
SPRINGFIELD - Rudolph Hoover Sr., a Springfield native and resident who was retired
from Holsom Bread Co., died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond. He was 96.
Survivors include three daughters, Juanita Hoover Stafford of Ocean Springs, Miss., Shirley
Hoover Wild of Mandeville, and Joan Hoover Baumback of Tampa, Fla.; two sons, Rudolph
Hoover Jr. and Glenn Hoover, both of Springfield; 17 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren
and two great-great-grandchildren.
His wife, Jeanette Gregoire Hoover, preceded him in death as did five sisters and three
brothers.
Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, Saturday from 10
a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Carter Cemetery.
VERA FAYE STARKEY
AMITE - Vera Faye Starkey, 51, died Thursday, April 17, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Hammond.
Survivors include her father, Andrew Starkey of Amite; three brothers, Andrew Gideon
Starkey Jr. of Ponchatoula; three brothers, Andrew Gideon Starkey Jr. of Ponchatoula, William
Starkey of Holden, and D.D. Starkey of Amite.
Her mother, Mary Pear Hammons Starkey, and a sister, Barbara Ann Torres preceded her
in death.
Visitation will be at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday
from noon until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in New Haven Baptist Church Cemetery,
west of Albany.
April 18, 2003
* Carl Fultz, 45, Independence
* Richard Fultz, 80, Tangipahoa
* Kennit Charles Lee, 58, New Orleans
* Necie Pea, 88, Lilburn, Ga.
* Karen Rogers Saltzman, 49, Manchac
* Dempsey Smith, 68, Ponchatoula
* James Howard Wild, 77, Springfield
CARL FULTZ
INDEPENDENCE - Carl Fultz, 45, died Saturday, April 12, 2003, at Hood Memorial
Hospital, Amite.
He was a native of Amite.
Survivors include three sisters, Mildred Knighten and Janie Bell Fultz, both of
Independence, and Barbara Franklin of Amite; three brothers, Harry Fultz and Preston Harrell,
both of McComb, Miss., John Fultz Jr. of Roseland; and his mother, Mary Jackson of Amite.
His father, John Fultz Sr.; two brothers, Leroy Harrell and George Robinson; one sisters,
Zula Mae Harrell preceded him in death.
Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Bobby Showers will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Tangipahoa
Cemetery, Tangipahoa.
RICHARD FULTZ
TANGIPAHOA - Richard Fultz, 80, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at Hood Memorial
Hospital, Amite.
Survivors include his wife, Marva Fultz; two daughters, Marcia Williams and Tamarva Fultz;
three sons, Jerome Fultz and Arnold and Darrell Gordon; one sister, Iris Shanks; and 23
grandchildren.
The funeral will be Saturday at Quinn's Chapel AME Church, Tangipahoa, at 11 a.m. Burial
will be in Tangipahoa Cemetery.
N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
KENNIT CHARLES LEE
NEW ORLEANS - Kennit Charles Lee, 58, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at Mercy
Medical Center in New Orleans.
He was a native of Mt. Herman.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Lee; his mother, Clara Bell Taylor; one daughter,
Dionne Prince; two sons, Reginald and Kennit Lee; four sisters, Mattie and Betty Brumfield and
Dorothy and Diane Taylor; four brothers, Samuel, Charles, Fredrick and Jimmy Taylor; and
four grandchildren.
Visitation will be today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The
funeral is Saturday at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Progress, Miss., at 2 p.m. Burial will be in
the church cemetery.
NECIE PEA
LILBURN, Ga. - Necie Pea, 88, died Sunday, April 13, 2003.
She was a native of Ponchatoula.
She is survived by two sons, John and Shelly Haynes; two sisters, Stella Carr and Minnie
Roberts; and one brother, Lucious Stewart.
Visitation will be today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The
funeral is Saturday at Westside Church of God in Christ, Ponchatoula, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in
Ponchatoula Cemetery.
KAREN ROGERS SALTZMAN
MANCHAC - Karen Rogers Saltzman, 49, died Thursday, April 17, 2003, at West
Jefferson Hospital.
She was a native of Mayfield, Ky.
Survivors include her husband, Joseph "Billy" Saltzman of Manchac; two sons, Willie
Saltzman of Livingston, and Matt Saltzman of Ponchatoula; one daughter, Victoria McDonald
of Livington; her mother, Alice McFadden Delcluze of Hammond; and eight grandchildren.
Her father, Harry Pender Rogers; stepfather, "Papa" Delcluze; one brother, Ronnie Rogers;
and two grandchildren preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Monday at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, beginning at 6 p.m. with a
memorial service at 7:15 p.m.
DEMPSEY SMITH
PONCHATOULA - Dempsey Smith, 68, died Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at North
Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Ponchatoula.
Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Smith of Ponchatoula; two daughters, Ruth Dillon of
Ponchatoula, and Joan Young of Crystal Springs, Miss.; three sons, George Smith and
Dempsey Smith III, both of Ponchatoula, and Eugene Vernon Winters of Benton Harbor,
Mich.; four sisters, Rebecca McGee, Clestine Hills and Lorine Caldwell, all of Benton Harbor,
and Dorothy Cheatham of Ponchatoula; six brothers, Raymond Smith and George Henderson,
both of Benton Harbor, Richard Smith of Hammond, Daniel and William Smith and Erwin
Henderson, all of Ponchatoula; and 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
His mother, Alma Henderson Smith; and his father, Dempsey Smith Sr. preceded him in
death.
Visitation will be Sunday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 3 to 8 p.m. The
Rev. Larry Rheams will conduct the funeral Monday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Garden
Cemetery, Hammond.
JAMES HOWARD WILD
SPRINGFIELD - James Howard Wild, 77, died Thursday, April 17, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Springfield, retired from the U.S. Navy and a member of Kingdom Hall
of Jehovah's Witnesses, Ponchatoula.
Survivors include his wife, Margurite Durbin Wild of Killian; a stepson, Roger Ashford Jr.
of Frost; and one brother, William "Bill" E. Wild Jr. of Denham Springs.
His parents, Williams and Theresa Cambre Wild; his sister, Nerley Cockerham; and two
brothers, Joe and Warren Wild preceded in him in death.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to
9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. until Burt Hymel Jr. conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be
in Stroecker Cemetery, Killian. [?Schroeder Cemetery? - DWJ]
April 21, 2003
* Irma M. Jackson, 94, Independence
* Gasper Joseph Laciura, 65, Tickfaw
* Margaret Simolke Monk, 84, Hammond
* David Morris, 84, Hammond
* Antoinette Rockenschuh Strickland, 97, hammond
* Shelly Siegfred Walton, 49, Oak Grove, Miss.
* Brad David Womer, 26, Ponchatoula
* Earl Wright, 64, Hammond
IRMA M. JOHNSON
INDEPENDENCE - Irma M. Johnson, 94, died Friday, April 18, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Summit, Miss.
She is survived by one son, Willie N. Young of Chicago, Ill. and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Martin Chapel AME Church, Independence, from 9 a.m. until
the Rev. Thelma Thomas conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Butler's Cemetery, Amite.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
GASPER JOSEPH LACIURA
TICKFAW - Gasper Joseph Laciura, 65, died Saturday, April 19, 2003, at Lallie Kemp
Regional Medical Center in Independence.
He was a native of Independence.
He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Fontana Laciura of Hammond; two daughters, Beth
Laciura of Wisconsin, and Mary Ann Ratcliff Laciura of Hammond; one son, Gasper Palermo
of Hammond; two sisters, Jean Ricks and Marie Ludwig; seven grandchildren and three great-
grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Aldon Laciura; and his father, Nuncio Laciura.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to
10 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until 9. The Rev. Paul McDuffy will conduct the funeral at
Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Colonial
Cemetery, Independence.
MARGARET SIMOLKE MONK
Margaret Simolke Monk, 84, died Saturday, April 19, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center in Hammond.
She was a native of Stratford, Wis.
She is survived by her husband, Basil Roy "Toby" Monk of Hammond; one daughter, Linda
Monk Corkern of Hammond; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Bauer Simolke; three sisters,
Louise Wright, Jessie Johnston and Katie Kohal; four brothers, Fred, Albert, James and Bill
Simolke; and one grandson.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9
p.m. with a religious service at 7 p.m. The Rev. Lonnie Wascom will conduct a graveside
service Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Gardens of Memories, Minden.
DAVID MORRIS
David Morris, 84, died Saturday, April 19, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center.
He was the pastor of Morris Chapel Church of God in Christ in Amite.
He is survived by his wife, Rose W. Morris of Hammond; three daughters, Pearly Thomas
and Paula Morris, both of New Orleans, and Pamella Gambrell of Amite; two sons, David
"Butch" Morris of Chicago, Ill., and Gregory Morris of Atlanta, Ga.; 19 grandchildren, and 15
great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Morris Chapel Church of God in Christ, Amite, from 6 to 9
p.m. The funeral will be Wednesday at Community Chapel Church of God in Christ, Amite, at
noon. Burial will be in Bear Creek Cemetery, Montpelier.
N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
ANTOINETTE ROCKENSCHUH STRICKLAND
Antoinette Rockenschuh Strickland, 97, died Saturday, April 19, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center in Hammond.
She was a native of Covington.
She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bill" Strickland; her parents, Henry
and Bertha Zeitzovel Rockenschuh; four brothers, Clarence, James, Albert and Clifford
Rockenschuh; and two sisters, Bernadine DiMaggio and Marguerite Abadie.
The Dominican Fathers conducted a mass of Christian burial today at Holy Ghost Catholic
Church, Hammond. Burial was in Greenlawn Cemetery.
Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge.
SHELLY SIEGFRED WALTON
OAK GROVE, Miss. - Shelly Siegfred Walton, 49, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at Field
Memorial Hospital in Centerville, Miss.
Survivors include one sister, Camillia Gorden of Oak Grove; three brothers, Estrada
Walton of Oak Grove, Vasconi Walton of Natchez; and Jimmy Harris of El Torro, Calif.; and a
grandmother, Belvy Henderson Cobb Causey of Oak Grove.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Burder Walton; a brother, Calvin Terrell; and his
grandfather, Matthew Causey.
The funeral was Saturday at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Community Methodist Church, Oak
Grove. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Marshall Funeral Home, Bude, Miss., was in charge.
BRAD DAVID WOMER
PONCHATOULA - Brad David Womer, 26, died Sunday, April 20, 2003, at North
Oaks Medical Center in Hammond.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely and Son
Funeral Home in Ponchatoula.
EARL WRIGHT
Earl Wright, 64, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Hammond and employed with the city of Hammond.
He is survived by three daughters, Pamela Wright and Shanta Keller, both of Hammond
and Mayta Thorn of Philadelphia, Pa.; two sons, Larry Robinson and Earl J. Robinson, both of
Hammond; and two sisters, Gladys Wright of California and Myra Sanders of Hammond.
Visitation will be today at Greenfield Baptist Church, Hammond, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Rev.
Jerry Hanible will conduct the funeral Tuesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery.
N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
April 22, 2003
* Carolyn Marie Bailey, 4, Loranger
* Ricky Barrios, 43, Kentwood
* Johnny Lee Davis, 56, Hammond
* Irma M. Johnson, 94, Independence
* Jessie Mae McMellon, 86, Wilmer
* Walt D. Watson, 80, St. Helena
* Tomasa Mejia Whitaker, 68, Tickfaw
* Brad David Womer, 26, Ponchatoula
CAROLYN MARIE BAILEY
LORANGER - Carolyn Marie Bailey, 4, died Saturday, April 19, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center in Hammond as a result of an automobile accident.
She was a native of Covington.
She is survived by her father, Carroll "Chuckie" Bailey Jr. of Loranger; her mother, Theresa
Margo Mixon Starkey of Loranger; one sister, Delta Brooke Bailey of Loranger; two brothers,
Dustin David Bailey and Tristen Dale Bailey, both of Loranger; and her grandparents, Mr. and
Mrs. Carroll Bailey Sr. and Lynda Mixon Miller.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Walter Dale Mixon.
The Rev. Emile Tosso conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Joiner Cemetery,
Loranger.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge.
RICKY BARRIOS
KENTWOOD - Ricky "Speedy" Barrios, 43, died Sunday, April 20, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Marrero and a tire technician.
He is survived by his mother, Judy Phillips of Kentwood; one daughter, Angie Barrios of
Hammond; and one brother, Randy Barrios of Kentwood.
He was preceded in death by his father, Octavia Joseph Barrios.
The Rev. Chris Watkins conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Greensburg Cemetery.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge.
JOHNNY LEE DAVIS
Johnny Lee Davis, 56, died Monday, April 14, 2003, at his home.
He is survived by one daughter, Joenit Berry; one son, Johnny Lee Davis Jr.; four sisters,
Minnie Mae Porter, Theresa Legard, Effie Johnson and Irma Brooks; and three brothers,
Willie, Robert and Alfred Williams.
The Rev. Samuel Brown conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Holly Gardens
Cemetery.
N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge.
IRMA M. JOHNSON
INDEPENDENCE - Irma M. Johnson, 94, died Friday, April 18, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Summit, Miss.
She is survived by one son, Willie N. Young of Chicago; two grandchildren and three great-
grandchildren.
The Rev. Thelma Thomas conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Butler's Cemetery,
Amite.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge.
JESSIE MAE MCMELLON
WILMER - Jessie Mae McMellon, 86, died Tuesday, April 15, 2003.
She is survived by four sons, Ferlon Walker and Robert Jackson, both of Wilmer, Wilford
Williams of Baton Rouge and Wesley McMellon of Slidell; and two sisters, Lucille Walker of
Tangipahoa and Emma Burkhalter of Mt. Herman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and two sons.
Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Daniel Crosby will conduct the funeral Wednesday at noon at Oak Ridge Missionary Baptist
Church, Wilmer. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery, Wilmer.
WALT D. WATSON
ST. HELENA PARISH - Walt D. "Hamp" Watson, 80, died Sunday, April 20, 2003, at
Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite.
He was a lifelong resident of St. Helena Parish, a retired carpenter and a veteran of the U.S.
Army during World War II.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Dees Watson of Amite; one son, Walt H. "Shot" Watson of
Amite; two sisters, Martina Hall and Sybil McCray, both of Amite; and two grandchildren.
Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and
Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Bobby Joe Carroll conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial
will be in Amite Cemetery.
TOMASA MEJIA WHITAKER
TICKFAW - Tomasa Mejia Whitaker, 68, did today, April 22, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of San Pedro, Honduras.
She is survived by one son, Emile Anthony Whitaker IV of Tickfaw; two brothers, Pablo
Mejia of Ceiba, Honduras, and Fernando Mejia of Tela, Honduras.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francisco and Antonia Maradiaya Mejia; five
sisters, Juana, Mercedes, Francisca, Adriana and Dionicia Mejia; and two brothers, Jose and
Martin Mejia.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Natalbany Baptist Church in Natalbany from 6 to 9 p.m.
and Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. David Prichard conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will
be in Tickfaw Catholic Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
BRAD DAVID WOMER
PONCHATOULA - Brad David Womer, 26, died Sunday, April 20, 2003, at North
Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Ponchatoula.
He is survived by his parents, R. David Womer III and Annette Naquin Womer of
Ponchatoula; one sister, Brooke Womer of Ponchatoula; his fiance, Rachel Emmons of New
Orleans; and his grandparents, Herbert and Shirley Naquin of Norco.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, R.D. and Dories Gauthreaux
Womer Jr.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 8 until
9:30 a.m. Service will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ponchatoula, at 10 a.m. followed by
burial in Wetmore Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charlie Landry Memorial Scholarship
Fund, 15073 Wadesboro Road, Ponchatoula 70454.
April 23, 2003
* Shirley Ann Carver, 66, Russell, Kansas
* Walter Collins, 48, Hammond
* Sammy Edwards, 45, Baton Rouge
* Clara Washington Grant, 56, Hammond
* Henry Elton Lavigne, 77, Ponchatoula
* Michael Cody Marchesseault, 25, Springfield
* Hazel B. Veatch, 77, Altoona, Iowa
* LaVerne Eugene Wolber, 81, Hammond
SHIRLEY ANN CARVER
RUSSELL, Kansas - Shirley Ann Carver, 66, died Saturday, April 19, 2003, at Vintage
Place Assisted Living, Russell, Kansas.
She was a native of Iberia, Mo., and a former resident of Independence, Mo., and
Hammond. She was a member of Emanuel Baptist Church in Independence, Mo., Presbyterian
Church of Climax Springs and a recent member of First Baptist Church in Russell, Kansas.
She is survived by a son, David Carver of Hammond; and four grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; a sister, Edna Mae Mills; and one
brother, Roy Wayne Eiffert.
Memorials have been established with Southwind Hospice of Pratt Vintage Place and
Emanuel Baptist Church.
Visitation will be Friday at Speaks Suburban Chapel from 12:30 p.m. until the funeral at
2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens at a later date.
WALTER COLLINS
Walter Collins, 48, died Friday, April 11, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He is survived by one daughter, Belinda Kenison of Hammond; one son, Antonia Kenison
of Houston; two sisters, Pauline Williams and Debra Collins, both of Hammond; three brothers,
John and Edward Collins, both of Hammond, and James Weathersby of Florida; and four
grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Cameal Collins; two brothers, Dure
and Freddie Collins; and two sisters, Lillie Ruth Allen and Ethel Mae Cyprian.
The Rev. Matthew Sims conducted the funeral Friday at Greater Rosehill Baptist Church in
Hammond. Burial was in Holly Gardens, Hammond.
Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, was in charge.
SAMMY EDWARDS
BATON ROUGE - Sammy Edwards, 45, died Friday, April 18, 2003, at Earl K. Long
Hospital, Baton Rouge.
He was a native of New Orleans and a mechanic.
He is survived by his wife, Ida Carter Edwards; one daughter, Fayean Thomas of Baton
Rouge; one son, Huey Thomas of Baton Rouge; two sisters, Annie Lee Bernard and Linda
Sanders, both of New Orleans; six brothers, Andrew Edwards of Las Vegas, John, George
and Thomas Edwards, all of New Orleans, James Glover of Baton Rouge and Murphy
Edwards of Kentwood.
Charles H. Gordon will conduct the funeral Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Richardson Chapel
COGIC, Baton Rouge. Dismissal will be Friday at 10 a.m., followed by burial in Southern
Memorial Garden.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
CLARA WASHINGTON GRANT
Clara Washington Grant, 56, died Thursday, April 17, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
She was a teacher in the Tangipahoa Parish School System.
She is survived by her mother, Beatrice Hart; one daughter, Ashley West of Hammond; and
four grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie Grant; and her grandparents, Dunk and
Maude Washington.
Visitation will be today at St. Paul Baptist Church, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Jerry Hanible will conduct the funeral Thursday at Greenfield Baptist Church, Hammond, at 11
a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond.
N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond is in charge.
HENRY ELTON LAVIGNE
PONCHATOULA - Henry Elton "Teeny" Lavigne, 77, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at
North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Ponchatoula and an insurance agent with State Farm Insurance
Company.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Hoover Lavigne of Ponchatoula; one son, Brad E.
Lavigne of Ponchatoula; one brother, Milton E. Lavigne of Thibodaux; and one sister, Linnie L.
Wilkins of Temple, Texas.
He was preceded in death by one son, Henry "Hank" Lavigne Jr.; one brother, Charles E.
Lavigne; and his parents, Charles Wilson and Kate Bernucho Lavigne.
Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The funeral will be at 8.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.
MICHAEL CODY MARCHESSEAULT
SPRINGFIELD - Michael Cody Marchesseault, 25, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in
Springfield in an automobile accident.
He was a native of Baton Rouge and a carpenter for Turner Industries.
He is survived by his mother, Rhonda Marchesseault; his stepfather, Donnie Wayne
McKinney; his sister, Jessica McKinney; his grandmothers, Gladys May and Adeline
Marchesseault; and his finace, Mikki Martin.
He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Marchesseault; and his grandfathers,
Leverne Marchesseault and H.B. May.
Visitation will be at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, today from 5 to 9 p.m. and Thursday
from 9 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in Davidson Cemetery, Killian.
HAZEL B. VEATCH
ALTOONA, Iowa - Hazel B. Veatch, 77, died Friday, April 18, 2003, at Mercy Medical
Center, Des Moines, Iowa.
She was a native of New Orleans, a homemaker and former resident of Hammond.
She is survived by her daughter, Hazel Anderson of Altoona; her son, Edward Veatch of
Hammond; her sisters, Emily Bernadas of New Orleans; and five grandchildren and two great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Veatch; and her parents, Albert and
Hazel Bernadas.
A Mass was today at 1 p.m., and burial was in St. Louis No. 3 Cemetery, New Orleans.
McMahon-Coburn-Briede Funeral Home, New Orleans, was in charge.
LAVERNE EUGENE WOLBER
LaVerne "Red" Eugene Wolber, 81, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003.
He was a native of Ogden, Iowa.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Hammond.
April 24, 2003
* Nelson Bardwell, 74, Ponchatoula
* Monda Mixon Miller Burt, 35, Hammond
* Donald Roy Hopkins, 62, Pontotoc, Miss.
* Rosetta Palmer, 56, Atlanta
* Kinara Williams, 6 months, Atlanta
* Vonda Williams, 35, Hammond
NELSON BARDWELL
PONCHATOULA - A memorial service for Nelson Bardwell, 74, will be held Saturday.
He died Saturday, April 5, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Ponchatoula, a retired truck driver and a former Merchant Marine.
He is survived by one son, Carl Lawrence Bardwell of Mandeville; four brothers, Carl
Lewis Bardwell, George W. Bardwell and James "Buckshot" Bardwell, all of Ponchatoula, and
Calvin "C.D." Bardwell of California; one sister, Sarah Stanga of Ponchatoula; and numerous
stepchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Crawford and May Belle Hudgins
Bardwell; two sons, Kirk Lawson Bardwell and Kenneth Nelson Bardwell; one brother, Percy
L. Bardwell; three sisters, Alice Bickford, Agnes Montgomery and Lillian Cooper; and one
half-brother, Milton Cole Bardwell.
The Rev. James Ray Robertson will conduct the service at Harry McKneely and Son
Funeral Home, 100 West Magnolia Blvd., Ponchatoula, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
MONA MIXON MILLER BURT
A memorial service for Mona Mixon Miller Burt, 35, will be held Saturday. She died
Sunday, March 9, 2003.
She was a native of Milledgeville, Ga., and was a convenient store cashier.
She is survived by her former husband, Edward A. Burt of Hammond; two daughters,
Kalira S. and Johnnie B. Miller, both of Gonzales; her father, Merrill James Mixon, and her
stepmother, Marcia D. Mixon, both of Carrizozo, N.M.; her mother, Linda D. Miller, and her
stepfather, Dan Miller, both of Spindale, N.C.
The Rev. Tom Cobb will conduct the memorial service at First Baptist Church, Hammond,
at 2 p.m.
Donations may be made in memory of Mona Burt to the Louisiana Commission on Law
Enforcement, Crime Victims Reparations Board, 1885 Wooddale Blvd., room 708, Baton
Rouge 70806.
DONALD ROY HOPKINS
PONTOTOC, Miss. - Donald Roy Hopkins, 62, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in
Greensburg at St. Helena Hospital.
He was a native of Ponchatoula, a U.S. Army veteran and an offshore pipefitter.
He is survived by his wife, Johnnie Washington Hopkins of Pontotoc, Miss.; one daughter,
Melody Hopkins Curtis of Tupelo, Miss.; two stepdaughters, Diane Bankston and Terri Franks;
one stepson, Kenneth Moss of Ponchatoula; seven sisters, Dollie Berens of Redwood City,
Calif., Fay Shortnacey of Jonesboro, Ark., Maxine Kelly of Loranger, Betty James of Burleson,
Texas, Bonnie Knox of Benson, Ruth Ridgdell of Ponchatoula and Phyllis Hope of Houma; and
one grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Hopkins; his mother, Agnes Butts Hope;
and two brothers, Jack and Ralph Hopkins.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9
p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Denton James conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will
be in Ponchatoula Cemetery.
ROSETTA PALMER
ATLANTA - Rosetta Palmer, 56, died Friday, April 18, 2003, at Atlanta Medical Center
in Atlanta.
She was a native of Hammond and a homemaker.
She is survived by three daughters, Melissa Palmer and Crystal Palmer, both of Atlanta, and
Emma Sparks of Hammond; two sons, Levan Palmer of Hammond and James Palmer of
Atlanta; four sisters, Georgia Berry and Eliza Bailey, both of Hammond, and Ophelia Baker and
Gladys Harris, both of Amite; one brother, Mack Cryer of Amite; and 11 grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Maude Doty Palmer and James Palmer; two
brothers and one sister.
Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The
Rev. Hamp Collier will conduct the funeral Saturday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn
Cemetery.
KINARA WILLIAMS
Kinara Williams, 6 months, died Monday, April 21, 2003, at Children's Hospital in Atlanta.
Survivors include one sister, Zinara Williams of Hammond; her mother, Rebecca Williams
of Hammond; and her legal guardian, Frankie Frazier of Hammond.
The child was preceded in death by a grandmother, Venus Williams; and a grandfather,
Johnny Williams.
The Rev. Augustus Fox will conduct the funeral Saturday at Providence Baptist Church,
Springfield, at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
VONDA WILLIAMS
Vonda Williams, 35, died Sunday, April 20, 2003, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home,
Hammond.
She is survived by her father, Joseph Wagner of Independence; her mother, Rose Jackson
Linzer; one daughter, Ebony Rosetta Williams of Hammond; one son, Angel Williams of
Hammond; one sister, Wanda Joseph of Hammond; and two brothers, Kevin and Darell
Williams, both of Hammond.
Visitation will be Friday at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The
Rev. Matthew Sims will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Rosehill Baptist Church,
Hammond. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond.
April 25, 2003
* Mary Louise McColloch, Brawley, Calif.
* Mae B. Nunnery, 59, Independence
* Vonda Williams, 35, Hammond
* LaVerne Eugene Wolber, 81, Hammond
MARY LOUISE MCCOLLOCH
BRAWLEY, Calif. - Mary Louise McColloch died Wednesday, April 23, 2003, in
Brawley, Calif.
She was a former resident of Hammond, a 1936 graduate of Hammond High School,
Southeastern College and Tulane University. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church, a
member of the Order of the Worker Sisters of the Holy Spirit, the United Daughters of the
Confederacy and other organizations.
She is survived by her daughter, Judy Grant of Brawley; two sons, Franklyn and Laurence
McColloch, both of Dallas; and five grandchildren.
Visitation will be Sunday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, and
Monday at Grace Episcopal Church, Hammond, from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 10. Burial will
be in Rose Memorial Gardens, Hammond.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church of Hammond.
MAE B. NUNNERY
INDEPENDENCE - Mae B. Nunnery, 59, died Monday, April 21, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Watson.
She is survived by her husband, Claude E. Nunnery of Independence; two daughters, Helen
Edith Braase of Independence and Brenda Ann Billiot of Lafitte; one son, Samuel James
Nunnery of Victoria, Texas; three sisters, Jessie Ballard of Springfield, Vivian Coody of Baker
and Virginia Muson of Slidell; and nine grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Gladys Rabb Turbeville; and two
brothers, Donald and L.B. Turbeville.
The Rev. Mitch Williams will conduct a memorial service Saturday at First Baptist Church,
Independence, at 11 a.m.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
VONDA WILLIAMS
Vonda Williams, 35, died Sunday, April 20, 2003, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home,
Hammond.
She is survived by her father, Joseph Wagner of Michigan City, Ind.; her mother, Rose
Jackson of Hammond; one daughter, Ebony Rosetta Williams of Hammond; one son, Angel
Williams of Hammond; one sister, Wanda Joseph of Hammond; three brothers, Kevin and
Darell Williams, both of Hammond, and Elray Williams of Providence, R.I.
Visitation will be today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, from 3 to 8 p.m. The
Rev. Hebert Wagner will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Rosehill Baptist Church,
Hammond. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond.
LAVERNE EUGENE WOLBER
LaVerne Eugene "Red" Wolber, 81, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Ogden, Iowa, a member of First Christian Church of Hammond, a U.S.
Army veteran of World War II and a retired dairyman.
He is survived by his wife, Madeleine Eidahl Wolber of Hammond; a son, James "Jim"
Wolber of Baton Rouge and currently residing in Russia; two grandchildren and one great-
grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Gladys Bryan Wolber.
Visitation will be Sunday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 9
p.m. and Monday from 8 until 10:30 a.m. The funeral will be at 11 at First Christian Church,
Hammond. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery.
April 28, 2003
* Katye Belle Rogers Chehardy, 89, Independence
* Elmer Crane, 75, Pumpkin Center
* Pearson Fletcher, 48, Albany
* Gerhart Jerry Moore, 76, Hammond
* James Daniel Rogers, 65, Kentwood
* Joe Webber II, 60, Hammond
KAYTE BELLE ROGERS CHEHARDY
INDEPENDENCE - Katye Belle Rogers Chehardy, the retired proprietor of Chehardy's
store in Independence, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond. She was 89.
A native of Natalbany, she was a Hammond High School graduate and member of First
Baptist Church of Independence.
Her brother, Tom Rogers, resides in Denham Springs.
Her husband, Dewey Chehardy, and an infant daughter, Rosamond Victoria Chehardy,
preceded her in death as did her parents, James Lemuel and Rosa Randall Rogers; two
brothers, Alcess Rogers and Merrill Rogers; and a sister, Annie Mae Rogers Huhn.
Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Tuesday from 9
a.m. until the Rev. Mitch Williams conducts the funeral at noon. Burial will be in Stevens
Cemetery, Independence.
ELMER CRANE
PUMPKIN CENTER - Elmer Crane, 75, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at his home.
Survivors include his wife, Casilda Fontalvo Crane of Hammond; a son, Marco Crane of
Hammond; two daughters, Lisa Null and Sarita Hartley, both of Hammond; a brother,
Lawrence Crane of Greenwell Springs; two sisters, Dorothy Bourgeois and Delores Vampran,
both of Ponchatoula; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His son, Steven Crane, preceded him in death as did seven brothers, Harold, Henry,
Albert, Lonnie, Byron, Edward and Wally Crane, and two sisters, Vera Crane and Erma
Crane.
Visitation will be at Trinity Baptist Church, Pumpkin Center, Tuesday from noon until the
Rev. Randy Davis and Danny Cook conduct the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in the church
cemetery.
PEARSON FLETCHER
ALBANY - Pearson "Pete" Fletcher, a 48-year-old native and resident of Albany, died
Sunday, April 27, at his home.
Arrangements are incomplete with Geisler Funeral Home, Albany.
GERHART MOORE
Retired assistant professor of math Gerhart Jerry "Mr. G." Moore, died Sunday, April 27,
2003, at his home.
A native of Miami, he attended Father Ryan High School in Nashville, Tenn., and was a
graduate of Louisiana State University with degrees in geology, education and mathematics. He
taught at Southeastern Louisiana University.
Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Shallon Moore, and a sister, Mary A. Moore of
Hollywood, Fla.
Visitation will be at Rabenhorst East Funeral Home, Baton Rouge, Tuesday from 5 to 9
p.m. and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. until the Rev. Arun John conducts the funeral at 10:30
a.m.
His parents, Paul and Marguerite Gerhart Moore, preceded him in death as did a brother,
Paul Randal Moore and his grandparents, Simon "Sam" Washington and Mary Jane "Mayme"
Smith Gerhart and Cornelius Alexander and Eva Thompson Moore.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen
Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1951.
JAMES DANIEL ROGERS
KENTWOOD - James Daniel Rogers, a 65-year-old auctioneer, died Thursday, April 24,
2003, at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite.
He was a native of Pinson, Ala.
Survivors include his wife, Lora B. Rogers of Kentwood; two daughters, Connie Punch of
Folsom and Chandra Doughty of Amite; a son, Daniel Rogers of Kentwood; a sister, Susan
Dufreche of Ponchatoula; a brother, Billy Rogers of Cowpen, S.C.; and two half-sisters,
Bobbie and Evelyn; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
His parents, John Daniel and Mary Ann Rogers, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, tonight from 6 to 9 p.m., and
Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Glen Bickford conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in
Mt. Hermon United Pentecostal Church Cemetery, Mt. Hermon.
JOE WEBBER II
Joe Webber II, a 60-year-old truck driver, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in Hammond.
He was a native and resident of Hammond.
Survivors include two daughters, Martha L. Conley of Hammond and Kenya M. Webber
of Bakersfield, Calif.; a brother, Hollis Webber Sr. of Hammond; and 10 grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
Visitation will be at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, today from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Morris Payne will conduct the funeral Tuesday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens
Cemetery, Hammond.
April 29, 2003
* Pierson Fletcher, 48, Albany
* Blanche S. Statham, 97, Amite
* Joe Webber II, 60, Hammond
PIERSON FLETCHER
ALBANY - Pierson "Pete" Fletcher, 48, died Sunday, April 27, at his home.
He was a native of Albany and retired from Southeastern Louisiana University maintenance
department.
Survivors include three daughters, Sherri Ballard of Holden, and Tammy Fletcher and Laura
Hodges, both of Albany; his mother, Elaine Degenhardt of Albany; and five grandchildren.
His wife, Alberta Sanders Fletcher; his father, James Fletcher; and a step-grandchild;
preceded him in death.
Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday
from noon until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in James Chapel Cemetery, Holden.
BLANCHE S. STATHAM
AMITE - Blanche S. Statham, 97, died Monday, April 28, 2003.
She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church.
Survivors include one son, George B. Statham of Hunt, Texas; one daughter, Mary Lou
Williams of Spartanburg, S.C.; one sister, Mary Jackson of Amite; six grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bryce C. Statham; and seven siblings.
Visitation will be Wednesday at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, from 9 a.m. until the
Rev. Jack Nutter conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Amite Cemetery, Amite.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
JOE WEBBER II
Joe Webber II, 60, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in Hammond.
He was a native of Hammond and a truck driver.
Survivors include two daughters, Martha L. Conley of Hammond and Kenya M. Webber
of Bakersfield, Calif.; two sons, Jose Webber III of Hammond and Michael Webber of
Bakersfield; one brother, Hollis Webber Sr. of Hammond; and 10 grandchildren.
His parents preceded him in death.
The Rev. Morris Payne conducted the funeral today at 11 a.m. Burial was in Holly Gardens
Cemetery, Hammond.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge.
April 30, 2003
* Louise Robertson Baham, 42, Hartford, Mich.
* Robert Lee Davis, 45, Kenner
* John V. Sirchia, 81, Independence
LOUISE ROBERTSON BAHAM
HARTFORD, Mich. - Louise Robertson Baham, 42, died Monday, April 28, 2003.
She was a native of Independence.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd W. Baham of Hartford, Conn.; her mother, Deloris
S. Robertson of Albany; three brothers, Roy Pierre of Leesville, Patrick Robert of
Independence, and Robert Robertson of Bogalusa; one sisters, Jackie Rainey of Independence.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clifton Robertson and her grandparents.
Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9
a.m. until the Rev. Charles Pierre conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in St. Roch
Cemetery, Husser.
ROBERT LEE DAVIS
KENNER - Robert Lee Davis, 45, died Monday, April 28, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Kenner.
He is survived by his wife, Rosalind Lacomb-Davis of Kenner; one son, Robert Lacomb of
Kenner; one daughter, Amanda Lacomb of Kenner; her mother, Barbara Loper Davis of
Robert; three brothers, John Davis of Ponchatoula, Ray Davis of Marrero, and Carl Davis of
Robert; and two sisters, Gladys Mulkey of Ponchatoula, and Helen Poche of LaPlace.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Davis.
Visitation will be Friday at 7 p.m. at Pontchartrain Baptist Church, 600 Hammond
Highway, Kenner.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
JOHN V. SIRCHIA
INDEPENDENCE - John V. Sirchia, 81, died Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Independence, retired from Louisiana Department of Transportation and
Development having worked in maintenance.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Starns Sirchia of Independence; one son, Joseph M.
Sirchia of Independence; one brother, Frank Sirchia of Independence; five sisters, Annie
Cacioppo and Katherine S. Giaratano, both of New Orleans, Frances M. and Lena R. Costa
and Christine S. Gulotta, all of Independence; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Pauline Pigno Sirchia.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6
to 10 p.m., and Thursday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. at Mater
Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence.
Entombment will be in Colonial Mausoleum, Independence.