Obituaries from THE HAMMOND DAILY STAR, May 2003; Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, LA.
Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, May, 2003
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May 01, 2003
* Louise Robertson Baham, 42, Hartford, Mich.
* Paul B. Clark Jr., 74, Hammond
* Johnnie Mae Drake, 66, Albany
* Thomas W. Mancil, 51, Tickfaw
* Hazel Lewis Mashon, 79, Hammond
* Jeannette Walker Milano, 59, Holden
* Melinda R. Overmier, 25, Loranger
* Martha Travis, 78, Holden
* Effie M. Vosbein, 96, Hammond
* Wilbert Marco Walker, 22, Amite
LOUISE ROBERTSON BAHAM
HARTFORD, Mich. - Louise Robertson Baham, 42, died Monday, April 28, 2003, in
Independence.
She was a native of Independence.
Survivors include her husband, Floyd W. Baham of Hartford, Mich.; her mother, Deloris S.
Robertson of Albany; three brothers, Roy Pierre of Leesville, Patrick Robertson of
Independence and Robert Robertson of Bogalusa; one sister, Jackie Rainey of Independence.
Her father, Clifton Robertson; and her grandparents; preceded her in death.
The Rev. Charles Pierre conducted the funeral today. Burial was in St. Roch Cemetery,
Husser.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge.
PAUL B. CLARK JR.
Paul B. Clark Jr., 74, died Wednesday, April, 30, 2003, at Ochsner Foundation Hospital,
Jefferson.
A former salesperson with the Pet Milk Co., he was native of Bumcombe County, N.C.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Parker Clark of Hammond; two sons, Burke Clark of
Chesterfield, Va., and Keith Clark of Hammond; one daughter, Amy Friar of Prattville, Ala.;
one brother, Col. Joe Clark of Araphoa, N.C.; one sister, Ruth Ellen Cooper of Canton, N.C.;
and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul B. and Aurela Devlin Clark.
Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9 a.m.
until the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Bon Adventure Cemetery, Canton, N.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Club deVille West subdivision in care of
Denise Donner, Delmar Boulevard, Hammond.
JOHNNIE MAE DRAKE
ALBANY - Johnnie Mae Drake, 66, died Sunday, April 27, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Tylertown, Miss., and a homemaker.
Survivors include three daughters, Rose Drake-Hewitt of Albany, Helen Sibley of
Hammond and Edna Pines of Albany; two sons, Alton Drake of Albany, and Gaylon Drake of
Ponchatoula; two sisters, Victoria McGee of Springfield and Octoria McGee of Picayune,
Miss.; one brother, David Smith of Columbia, Miss.; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-
grandchildren.
Her husband, Alton E. Drake; her mother, Edna Lewis; her father, John Earl Smith; and one
daughter, Nettie Gilmore; preceded her in death.
The Rev. Charles Hart will conduct the funeral Friday at Sweethome Baptist Church,
Springfield, at 8 p.m. Dismissal will be Saturday at noon. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery,
Hammond.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
THOMAS W. MANCIL
TICKFAW - Thomas W. Mancil, 51, died Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at his home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home,
Hammond.
HAZEL LEWIS MASHON
Hazel Lewis Mashon, 79, died Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Maurepas.
Survivors include one daughter, Linda K. Reid of Ponchatoula; one son, Morris Mashon of
Ponchatoula; three sisters, Rose Vilar of Galvez, Shirley Wichard of Virginia and Ernestine
Schwartzenberg of Florida; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Clarence "Buck" Mashon; her parents, John and Mary Fontenot Lewis; and
one sister, Loney Chatelain; preceded her in death.
Visitation will be today at Apostolic Tabernacle, Loranger, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Friday
from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Lyle Wells conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula
Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
JEANNETTE WALKER MILANO
HOLDEN - Jeanette Walker Milano, 59, died Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Winter Garden, Fla., an instructor for the 4-H Club in Holden, a
member of the Holden Riding Club and previously employed with Wachovia Bank in
Jacksonville, Fla.
Survivors include one daughter, Suzanne Milano of Slidell; one son, Michael Milano of
Hoover, Ala.; two sisters, Murnell Merritt and Betty Jean McCumber, both of Orlando, Fla.;
and one grandchild.
Her parents, Clayton and Myrtice Vaugh Walker; and one brother, Jimmy Walker;
preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Friday at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 6:30 p.m. until the Rev.
Gerald Arceneaux conducts the funeral at 7:30. A reception will follow the service at her home.
MELINDA R. OVERMIER
LORANGER - Melinda R. Overmier, 25, died Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at St. Tammany
Parish Hospital, Covington.
She was a native of Hammond and a receiving associate for Sears & Roebuck.
Survivors include her husband, Jason Paul Overmier of Loranger; one son, Jason Paul
Overmier Jr. of Loranger; her parents, Carl Causey Simmons Sr. and Mary Ann Major
Simmons; three sisters, Beverly Simmons and Matilda Holobaugh, both of Independence, and
Jo Ellen Watts of Ponchatoula; two brothers, Carl Simmions of Independence and Michael
Simmions of Twenty-three Palms, Calif.; and her grandparents, Virgil And Dolores Casanova of
Amite and June Overmier of Loranger.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Gary Overmier.
Visitation will be Friday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until Jeanene
Farrior conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Loranger Cemetery, Loranger.
MARTHA TRAVIS
HOLDEN - Martha Travis, 78, died Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Norwood.
Survivors include her husband, Charlie Travis of Holden; six sons, Will Henry, L.K.,
Lawrence and Charlie Travis Jr., all of Montpelier, Edward Travis of Baltimore and Samuel
Travis Sr. of Kenner; four daughters, Clara Williams and Estella Warner, both of New Orleans,
Elnoria Pikes of Montpelier and Sylvana Travis of New Jersey; three sisters, Fannie Shropshire
of Clinton, Henrietta Dunn of Norwood and Elnoria Spears of New Orleans; and three
brothers, Will Spears Sr. of New Orleans, Huey P. Spears of Clinton and Jake Spears Sr. of
Baton Rouge; 31 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Her parents, Edward and Myrtis Spears; one son, Lewis Travis; and one daughter,
Florence Travis; preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Raymond Foster will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church,
Montpelier. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
EFFIE M. VOSBEIN
Effie M. Vosbein, 96, died Monday, April 28, 2003, at North Oaks Hospital, Hammond.
She was a retired school crossing guard at Metairie Grammar School.
She is survived by survived by two grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony J. Vosbein Sr.; her son, Anthony
Vosbein Jr.; her parents, George Vedross and Rita Barras Vedross; two sisters, Bessie
Lessigne and Andrea Smith; and two brothers, Sidney and Louis Vedross.
The funeral was today at 11 a.m. at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, Metairie.
Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.
The family guest book may be signed at www.legacy.com.
WILBERT MARCO WALKER
AMITE - Wilbert Marco Walker, 22, died Sunday, April 27, 2003, as the result of
drowning.
He was a native of Amite.
Survivors include one sister, Kathy Walker of Amite; two brothers, Anthony and Robert
Walker, both of Amite; his mother, Elsie Walker of Amite; and his grandmother, Dorothy
Andrews of Amite.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers and great-grandparents.
Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Frank Davis will conduct the funeral Friday at 11 a.m. at Little Bethel Baptist Church, Amite.
Burial will be in Butlers Cemetery, Amite.
May 02, 2003
* Doris B. Brown, 69, Mandeville
* Paul B. Clark Jr., 74, Hammond
* Frank Anthony Dawson, 30, Covington
* Johnnie Mae Drake, 66, Albany
* Neville Reid Edwards, 90, Ponchatoula
* Edgar Hess Jr., 82, Hammond
* Teri Jane Meiners Hopkins, 41, Baton Rouge
* Thomas W. Mancil Sr., 51, Tickfaw
* Joseph Roy Mancuso, 76, Hammond
* Melinda R. Overmier, 25, Loranger
* Mildred Smith, 64, Ft. Worth, Texas
* Melva Lee Williams, 73, Roseland
DORIS B. BROWN
MANDEVILLE - Doris B. Brown, 69, died Tuesday, April 29, 2003, in Covington.
She was a native of Uneedus and a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband, Henry Brown of Mandeville; two daughters, Mary
Richardson of Gulfport, Miss., and Carrie Heath of Hammond; one son, Leo Brown of
Houston; two sisters, Willie Mae Bell and Ruby White, both of Folsom; four brothers, Dewitt
and James Roberts, both of Folsom, Clarence Roberts of Hammond and Otto Roberts of
Milwaukee; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Rev.
Leon Edgerson will conduct the funeral Saturday at First Free Mission Baptist Church,
Mandeville, at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Mandeville Cemetery, Mandeville.
PAUL B. CLARK JR.
Paul B. Clark Jr., 74, died Wednesday, April, 30, 2003, at Ochsner Foundation Hospital,
Jefferson.
A former salesperson with the Pet Milk Co., he was native of Bumcombe County, N.C.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Parker Clark of Hammond; two sons, Burke Clark of
Chesterfield, Va., and Keith Clark of Hammond; one daughter, Amy Friar of Prattville, Ala.;
one brother, Col. Joe Clark of Araphoa, N.C.; one sister, Ruth Ellen Cooper of Canton, N.C.;
and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul B. and Aurela Devlin Clark.
The funeral will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Wells Funeral Home, Canton, N.C., followed by
burial in Bon Adventure Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Club deVille West subdivision in care of
Denise Donner, Delmar Boulevard, Hammond.
FRANK ANTHONY DAWSON
COVINGTON - Frank Anthony Dawson, 30, died Sunday, April 27, 2003.
He is survived by seven sisters, Barbara and Connie Dawson and Cheryl Woods, all of
Amite, Cynthia Casnave and Charlotte Winston, both of Mandeville, and Gretchen Winston and
Jennifer Robert, both of Covington; five brothers, Gary and Eric Dawson, both of Covington,
Frank Winston Jr., Sterling and Glen Winston, all of Mandeville.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Idella Dawson.
The Rev. James Winston will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. at Morning Star
Baptist Church, Mandeville. Burial will be in White Settlement Cemetery, Goodbee.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
JOHNNIE MAE DRAKE
ALBANY - Johnnie Mae Drake, 66, died Sunday, April 27, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Tylertown, Miss., and a homemaker.
She is survived by three daughters, Rose Drake-Hewitt and Edna Pines, both of Albany,
and Helen Sibley of Hammond; two sons, Alton Drake of Albany and Gaylon Drake of
Ponchatoula; two sisters, Victoria McGee of Springfield and Octoria McGee of Picayune,
Miss.; one brother, David Smith of Columbia, Miss.; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton E. Drake; her mother, Edna Lewis; her
father, John Earl Smith; and one daughter, Nettie Gilmore.
The Rev. Charles Hart will conduct the funeral today at Sweethome Baptist Church,
Albany, at 8 p.m. Dismissal will be Saturday at noon. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery,
Hammond.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
NEVILLE REID EDWARDS
PONCHATOULA - Neville Reid Edwards, 90, died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at her
home.
She was a native of Amite, a member of the Methodist Women's Society and served many
years as the church librarian.
She is survived by her daughter, Katherine E. Vigneron; three sons, Byard Edwards Jr.,
Beryl E. Robertson and Andrew M. Edwards II; nine grandchildren and three great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Justice Robert R. Reid and Katherine Buck
Reid; and her husband, Byard Edwards.
Visitation will be Saturday at the family home at 301 S. 4th St., Ponchatoula, from 5 to 8
p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until the funeral at 3. Burial follow at the family cemetery on the
Tangipahoa River near Robert.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ponchatoula Branch Library, 380 N. 5th
St., Ponchatoula, LA 70454.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
EDGAR HESS JR.
Edgar Hess Jr., 82, died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond.
He is survived by his wife, Charity Nelson Hess; one brother, James Hendricks of Houston;
one sister, Willie Mae Gibson of Compton, Calif.; and one son, Joe Hess of Baton Rouge.
The Rev. Larry Cross will conduct a memorial service Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul
Missionary Baptist Church, Hammond.
N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
TERI JANE MEINERS HOPKINS
BATON ROUGE - Teri Jane Meiners Hopkins, 41, died Wednesday, April 30, 2003, of
brain cancer.
She was an artist and computer programmer for Dillard's Department Stores and a member
of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Baton Rouge. She was a graduate of Louisiana State
University.
She is survived by her husband, David Walter Hopkins; her son, Justin David Hopkins; her
mother and stepfather, Linda Brayden Haschak and Paul Haschak of Hammond; her father and
stepmother, Mike and Paula Meiners of Mandeville; her sister, Lorraine Meiners-Lovel of
Memphis, Tenn.; and her grandmother, Irma Thomas Meiners of Mandeville.
Visitation will be Sunday at Welsh Funeral Home, Baton Rouge, from 6 to 9 p.m. with
recitation of the rosary at 7:30 and Monday from 9 a.m. until Mass at 10 at Our Lady of Mercy
Catholic Church. A graveside service will be at 12:30 p.m. at Mandeville Cemetery.
Donation may be made in her name to Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.
THOMAS W. MANCIL SR.
TICKFAW - Thomas W. Mancil Sr., 51, died Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Auburn, Ala., and a member of Agape Fellowship Church, Tickfaw.
He is survived by his wife, Ave Amengual Mancil of Tickfaw; two sons, Thomas Mancil Jr.
of Tickfaw and Charles Clark of Springfield; two daughters, Dena Quave of Killian and Jill
Jones of Bloomington, Ill.; seven sisters, Brenda Carpenter of Shreveport, Linda Tucker and
Diane Clark, both of Tickfaw, Doris Dardar, Beverly Weaver, Patricia Dardar and Olivia
Mancil, all of St. Bernard; and eight grandchildren.
His parents, Leonard and Janice Arrington Mancil, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be Monday at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, from noon until the funeral
at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery, Hammond.
JOSEPH ROY MANCUSO
Joseph Roy Mancuso, 76, died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond.
MELINDA R. OVERMIER
LORANGER - Melinda R. Overmier, 25, died Tuesday, April 29, 2003, at St. Tammany
Parish Hospital, Covington.
She was a native of Independence and a receiving associate for Sears & Roebuck.
Survivors include her husband, Jason Paul Overmier of Loranger; one son, Jason Paul
Overmier Jr. of Loranger; her parents, Carl Causey Simmons Sr. and Mary Ann Major
Simmons; three sisters, Beverly Simmons and Matilda Holobaugh, both of Independence, and
Jo Ellen Watts of Ponchatoula, two brothers, Carl Simmons of Independence and Michael
Simmons of Twenty-three Palms, Calif.; her grandparents, Virgil and Dolores Casanova of
Amite and June Overmier of Loranger; and her great-grandmother, Idee Casavova of Amite.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Gary Overmier, Joe and Totsie Simmons
and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Major.
Jeanene Farrior conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Loranger Cemetery, Loranger.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, was in charge.
MILDRED SMITH
FT. WORTH, Texas - Mildred Smith, 64, died Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at Harris
Methodist Hospital.
She was a native of Independence and a former member of Mount Teemer Baptist Church,
Independence.
She is survived by one daughter, Yolanda Jackson of Ft. Worth; four sons, Stanford and
Charlie Jackson Jr., both of Ft. Worth, Clay D. Jackson of Smyrna, Ga., and Jasper Jackson of
Amite; two sisters, Debra McCormick of Arlington, Texas, and Linda Varnado of
Independence; four brothers, Roy L. Smith of Arlington, Joseph Smith of Dallas, Ledell Smith
of Cleveland, Ohio, and Leo Smith Jr. of Newport News, Va.; eight grandchildren and one
great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Everline and Leo Smith Sr.; one sister, Hazel
Johnson; and three brothers, Larry, Hall and Lawrence.
Visitation will be today at Acts Church, Ft. Worth, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The funeral will be
Saturday at noon.
Gregory Spencer Funeral Home, 4000 Miller Avenue, Ft. Worth, is in charge.
MELVA LEE WILLIAMS
ROSELAND - Melva Lee Williams, 73, died Wednesday, April 30, 2003 in Roseland.
She is survived by three sons, Frank J. Williams of Missouri City, Texas, Robert L.
Williams of Roseland and Albert E. Williams Jr. of Houston; two daughters, Althea L. Bennett
of Galveston, Texas, and Katherine D. White of Houston; one brother, Felix McKnight Jr. of
Roseland; 17 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Felix and Lilah McKnight; her husband, Albert
Williams Sr.; one sister, Louise Burton; and one grandchild.
Visitation will be Sunday at Rosevalley Baptist Church, Roseland, from 4 p.m. until the Rev.
Bobby Showers conducts the funeral at 5. Dismissal will be Monday at 10 a.m. with burial
following in Mount Canaan Cemetery, Roseland.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
May 04, 2003
* Daniel Ray Alessi, 50, Hammond.
* Neville Reid Edwards, 90, Ponchatoula.
* George W. Bedsole, 83, Hammond.
* Joseph Roy Mancuso, 76, Hammond.
* Willie Mae Stevens Montgomery, 83, Hammond.
* Janie Young Newman, 81, Tangipahoa Parish.
* Emma E. Sauls, 65, Pumpkin Center.
DANIEL RAY ALESSI
Daniel Ray Alessi, 50, a native of Independence, died Friday, May 2, 2003, at his home in
Hammond, due to complications from cancer.
Survivors include his son, Daniel R. Alessi Jr., and his mother, Gloria Brabham Alessi, both
of Hammond; four sisters, Gloria A. Magee and Marie Smith, both of Hammond, Alisa A.
Fussell of Springfield, and Cindy A. Adams of Holden; and four brothers, Joseph C. Alessi and
Burnell T. Alessi, both of Independence, and Gene Jo Alessi Jr. of Hammond, and Jeffery
Alessi of Kentwood.
His father Gene J. Alessi, preceded him in death as did his grandparents, Joe and Linnie
Alessi and James and Bessie Brabham.
Visitation will be tonight from 6 until 9 and Monday from 8:30 until the funeral at 11:30 a.m.
at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes in Hammond. Burial will follow in Stevens Cemetery
in Independence.
GEORGE W. BEDSOLE
George W. Bedsole, retired Department Head Emeritus of Sociology, Social Welfare and
Criminal Justice and Professor Emeritus of Sociology, from Southeastern Louisiana University
died in Hammond, surrounded by family on Friday, May 2, 2003. He was 83 and a U.S. Army
veteran of World War II.
A native of Slocum, Ala., he was born on Nov. 9, 1919, and attended the University of
Alabama. He later transferred to Lousiana State University where he completed his graduate
degrees.
He accepted a teaching position at Southeastern in 1947 where he taught for 38 years,
retiring in 1983 after serving as Department Head for 15 years.
He worked diligently to establish the Criminal Justice and Social Welfare programs at
Southeastern and was proud of the national recognition these programs and the many graduates
brought to Southeastern. Throughout his tenure at SLU, he taught not only sociology, but
geography, economics and graduate courses in the department. His Criminology classes looked
forward to their first annual visit to Angola to see the facility first hand.
He was a former member of Pi Gamma Mu, the Southern Sociological Society, the
Southeast Division of the Association of American Geographers, a member of the Capital Area
Agency on Aging during its first year, an honorary charter member of the Louisiana Sheriff's
Association, and an honorary member of the Blue Knights of America. He was a member of the
First United Methodist Church of Hammond, and worked with many local organizations before
retiring.
Survived by his wife of 60 years, Cecil Reinken Bedsole, a daughter and son-in-law,
Robert G. and Brenda Bedsole Ricks, of Amite; two sons, G. Alan Bedsole of Amite, and
Robert L. Bedsole and his wife Krispin, of Baton Rouge; and five grandchildren, Michael and
Robert W. Ricks of Amite, and Rachel, Laura and Joseph Bedsole of Baton Rouge; and one
nephew, Hubert Woods Jr., and his wife Bille of Lake Charles; and two nieces, Jan Woods
Gray and her husband Bob of Lake Charles, and Betty Sue Woods Rash and her husband
Bobby of Slocomb.
Preceded in death by his parents, G. W. Bedsole and Bannie McKnight Bedsole; one
sister, Blanche Bedsole Woods; two brothers, Vergil Lee Bedsole and Wilmer Bedsole.
Visitation will be on Monday, May 5, 2003, from 5 until 8 p.m., and Tuesday, May 6, from
noon until services at 2 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Win Welford and Dr.
George Hess in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Goerge W. Bedsole Criminal
Justice Award Scholarship Fund through the Southeastern Louisiana university Development
Foundation, SLU Box 1073, Hammond, LA, 70402, or a charity.
NEVILLE REID EDWARDS
PONCHATOULA - Neville Reid Edwards, 90, died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at her home
in Ponchatoula.
A native of Amite, she was a member of the Methodist Women's Society and served many
years as the church librarian.
She is survived by two daughters, Katherine E. Vigneron and Beryl E. Robertson; two
sons, Byard Edwards Jr. and Andrew M. Edwards II; nine grandchildren and three great-
grandchildren.
Her parents were the late Justice Robert R. Reid and Katherine Buck Reid, and her
husband was the late Byard Edwards.
Visitation was at the family home, 301 S. 4th St., Ponchatoula, Saturday and will continue
today after 1 p.m. until the funeral at 3. Family and friends are invited. Burial will follow at the
family cemetery on the Tangipahoa River near Robert.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ponchatoula Branch
Library, 380 N. 5th St., Ponchatoula, LA 70454.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
JOSEPH ROY MANCUSO
Joseph Roy Mancuso, a 76-year-old retired shoe salesman, died Thursday, May 1, 2003,
at North Oaks Medical Center.
He was a native of Amite, resident of Hammond and a lifelong member of Holy Ghost
Church.
Survivors include his wife, Anna Lacara Mancuso of Hammond; a daughter, Rosalie
Mancuso Kusion of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a brother, Philip Mancuso, and a sister,
Josephine Mancuso, both of Amite.
His parents, Peter and Lena Mancuso preceded him in death as did two brothers,
Salvadore and Anthony Mancuso, and two sisters, Rosalie and Nancy Mancuso.
Visitation will be at Holy Ghost Catholic Church Monday from 8:30 until the Rev. Jaime
Diaz conducts the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Holly Garden Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond.
WILLIE MAE STEVENS MONTGOMERY
Willie Mae Stevens Montgomery, 83, died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center.
She was a native of Oakdale and resided in Hammond.
Survivors include her husband, Roscoe "Billy" Montgomery and a son, Billy W.
Montgomery, both of Hammond; two granddaughters; two great-granddaughters; and two
sisters, Jewel S. Price of Pumpkin Center and Gloria S. Cutrer of Hammond.
Her parents were the late Ellis Leon and Naomi Estelle Temple Stevens. A brother, Clyde
Stevens Sr. and a great-grandson also preceded her in death.
Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, tonight from 6 until
9 and Monday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Tom Cobb conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will
follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.
JANIE YOUNG NEWMAN
Janie "Lucille" Young Newman, 81, died on Saturday, May 3, 2003.
A native of Kentwood, she resident in Tangipahoa Parish and had retired from Hammond
State School after 16 years of service. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Evelyn Cutrer Magee of Covington; three sons, Walter I.
Newman of Sandy, Utah, James E. Newman of Albany and Allen Ray Newman of Pumpkin
Center; 13 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter R. "Son" Newman; her parents, Walter
Iddo and Meryl Spillman Young; a daughter, Mary Louise Cutrer Fontenot; four brothers,
Buddy, Tommy, Walter "Junior", and Leroy Young.
Visitation will be at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, Monday from 6
until 10 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Mitch William conducts the service at 10
a.m. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery.
EMMA E. SAULS
PUMPKIN CENTER - Emma E. Sauls, 65, died Friday, May 2, 2003, at Colombia
Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington.
She was a native of Boyd, Fla., and resided in Pumpkin Center.
Survivors include her husband, Herbert Sauls and a son, Lee Roberson, both of Pumpkin
Center; two daughters, Robyn Rober-son Luckey of Ponchatoula and Renee Roberson Watts
of Pumpkin Center; a brother, Edwin Blair of Astor, Fla.; seven grandchildren and four
greatgrandchildren.
Her parents, Hurbert and Grace Blair, preceded her in death as did four brothers, Ernest,
Everette, Elzie and Earl Blair; and a sister, Evelyn Blair McGuire.
Visitation will be at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, tonight from 6 until 9 and Monday
from 8:30 until the funeral at 10 a.m. in the funeral home chapel.
Burial will follow in Parklawn Cemetery, Hammond.
May 05, 2003
* George W. Bedsole, 83, Hammond
* Anthony Calderone, 86, Tickfaw
* Irene Bankston Johnson, 79, Albany
GEORGE W. BEDSOLE
George W. Bedsole, 83, died Friday, May 2, 2003, from complications of Alzheimer's.
He was a native of Slocomb, Ala., attended the University of Alabama and was a U.S.
veteran of World War II.
He was retired Department Head Emeritus of Sociology, Social Welfare and Criminal
Justice and Professor Emeritus of Sociology, from Southeastern Louisiana University.
He was a former member of Pi Gamma Mu, the Southern Sociological Society, the
Southeast Division of the Association of American Geographers, a member of the Capital Area
Agency on Aging, an honorary charter member of the Louisiana Sheriff's Association, an
honorary member of the Blue Knights of America, a member of the First United Methodist
Church of Hammond, and other numerous local organizations.
Survivors include his wife, Cecil Reinken Bedsole; his daughter, Brenda Bedsole Ricks of
Amite; two sons, G. Alan Bedsole of Amite, and Robert L. Bedsole of Baton Rouge; and five
grandchildren.
His parents, G.W. Bedsole and Bannie McKnight Bedsole; one sister, Blanche Bedsole
Woods; two brothers, Vergil Lee Bedsole and Wilmer Bedsole, all preceded him in death.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 8
p.m., and Tuesday from noon until Win Welford and George Hess conduct the funeral at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the George W. Bedsole Criminal
Justice Award Scholarship Fund through the Southeastern Louisiana University Development
Foundation, SLU Box 1073, Hammond, 70402, or a charity of one's choice.
ANTHONY CALDERONE
TICKFAW - Anthony Calderone, 86, died Saturday, May 3, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Tickfaw, a member of Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church and the
Knights of Columbus.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He received the American Defense Service
Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory
Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead
and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
Survivors include his wife, Lena Orlando Calderone of Tickfaw; and two sisters, Mary
Baiamonte of Tickfaw and Lena Acuri Galloway of Tickfaw.
His parents, Dominick and Frances Misuraca Calderone; four brothers, Frank, Vincent,
Benny and Juy Calderone; and a sister, Sannie Baiamonte preceded him in death.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to
10 p.m., and Wednesday at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church from 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
The funeral will be at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Tickfaw Catholic Cemetery.
IRENE BANKSTON JOHNSON
ALBANY - Irene Bankston Johnson, 79, died Sunday, May 4, 2003, at Belle Maison
Nursing Home, Hammond.
She was a native of Albany and a member of New Beulah Baptist Church.
Survivors include one son, Verson W. Johnson of Albany; three grandchildren and five
great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Woodrow W. Johnson; her parents, Willis and Eva Addison Bankston; five
sisters, Dorothy Moran, Corrine Barnfus, Bernice Gatlin, Lillian Stewart and Willa Dee Wax;
and one brother, Huey Bankston preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 6 to 9 p.m., and
Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Gatlin Cemetery, Baptist.
May 06, 2003
* Anthony Calderone, 86, Tickfaw
* Lois E. Perry, 83, Amite
* Alvin Leon Settoon, 74, Ponchatoula
ANTHONY CALDERONE
TICKFAW - Anthony Calderone, 86, died Saturday, May 3, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Tickfaw, a member of Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church and the
Knights of Columbus.
He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He received the American Defense Service
Medal, American Theater Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory
Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead
and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star.
Survivors include his wife, Lena Orlando Calderone of Tickfaw; and two sisters, Mary
Baiamonte of Tickfaw and Lena Acuri Galloway of Tickfaw.
His parents, Dominick and Frances Misuraca Calderone; four brothers, Frank, Vincent,
Benny and Guy Calderone; and a sister, Sannie Baiamonte preceded him in death.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10
p.m. and Wednesday from 8 to 8:45 a.m. The funeral will be at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic
Church at 9. Burial will be in Tickfaw Catholic Cemetery.
LOIS E. PERRY
AMITE - Lois E. Perry, 83, died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center
in Hammond.
She was a native of Roseland.
She is survived by her husband, Floyd Perry of Amite; one sister, Gloria Irving of Chicago;
and one brother, Wilbert Marshall Irving Jr. of Roseland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert Irving Sr. and Dora Irving; and three
sisters, Irene Watson Turner, Leontine Irving and Ora Bell Williams.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 3 to 6 p.m. The
Rev. Francis Williams will conduct the funeral at Butler AME Zion Church, Amite, at 7.
Dismissal will be Thursday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Butler Cemetery, Amite.
ALVIN LEON SETTOON
PONCHATOULA - Alvin "Plug" Leon Settoon, 74, died Sunday, May 4, 2003, at his
home.
He was a native of Ponchatoula, a retired truck driver and a member of the Army National
Guard.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Kraft Settoon of Ponchatoula; one daughter, Cindy
Settoon Whittington of Ponchatoula; one son, Curtis Leon Settoon of Ponchatoula; two sisters,
Helen S. Perrin and Thelma S. Vicknair, both of Ponchatoula; and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Cordie Robinson Settoon; three
brothers, William "Bill" Settoon, Carl Settoon and Leo Settoon; and one sister, Mildred
Settoon.
The Rev. Johnny Hernandez will conduct a memorial service Thursday at Eastside Baptist
Church, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, is in charge.
May 07, 2003
* Debrah Green Branton, 50, Nevada, Mo.
* Terry Dwayne Hall, 44, Hammond
* Margaret Cyprian Henry, 48, Fort Worth, Texas
* Alvin Thomas Joiner Sr., 79, Ponchatoula
* Geneva Knighten, 77, Tangipahoa
DEBRAH GREEN BRANTON
NEVADA, Mo. - Debrah Green Branton, 50, died Sunday, April 27, at Freeman Hospital,
Joplin, Mo., following a lengthy illness.
She was a native of Winnsboro, a former resident of Hammond, a member of The Way
Christian Center Church, Hammond, and a member of Pine Street Baptist Church, Nevada.
She was also a member of the Tangi Daily Bread and Food Pantry in Hammond.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Clayton Green and Edith M. Hootsell
Green; brothers and sisters.
Joe Puma will conduct a memorial service Saturday at The Way Christian Center Church,
Hammond, at 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, 301 S.
Washington St., Nevada, MO 64772.
TERRY DEWAYNE HALL
Terry Dewayne Hall, 44, died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with Geisler Funeral Home,
Ponchatoula.
MARGARET CYPRIAN HENRY
FORT WORTH, Texas - Margaret Cyprian Henry, 48, died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at
Harris Methodist Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas.
She was a native of Hammond, a campus monitor at Western Hills High Schools, a U.S.
Airforce veteran and a licensed cosmetologist.
Survivors include one daughter, Keshona Henry of Fort Worth; seven sisters, Betty Sims,
Glenda Williams, Golder Spears, Alzina Cyprian, Mae Jones and Wender Owens, all of
Hammond, and Dorothy Cyprian of Fort Worth; two brothers, Theodore Cyprian Jr. and
Stanley Cyprian, both of Hammond; her father, Theodore Cyprian Sr.; and three half-sisters,
Marilyn Alford of Amite, Angie Gaspard of Atlanta and Lois Harris of New Orleans.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Golder Cyprian; a brother, Emmitt Dillon; and
her grandparents.
Visitation will be Thursday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 2 to 5 p.m., and
at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Hammond, from 6 p.m. until the Rev. Samuel C. Brown Sr.
conducts the funeral at 8. Dismissal will be Friday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Garden
Cemetery, Hammond.
ALVIN THOMAS JOINER SR.
PONCHATOULA - Alvin Thomas Joiner Sr., 79, died Monday, May 5, 2003.
He was a native of Ponchatoula, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, a Purple Heart
recipient and a member of the Boiler Makers Union.
Survivors include his wife, Mary "Deana" Penn Joiner of Ponchatoula; four daughters,
Dorothy Loveless, Millie Williams, Stella West and Toni Robicheaux, all of Ponchatoula; two
sons, Sherman Joiner of Lafitte and Alvin "Tommy" Joiner Jr. of Ponchatoula; five sisters, Grace
Clark and Pearl Martell, both of Independence, Alma Jones of Franklinton, Gertrude Lowe of
Baton Rouge and Estelle Brescher of Amite; one stepson Dixie "Dickie" Penn of Ponchatoula;
one stepdaughter, Alicia Cordell of Waldorf, Md.; 10 grandchildren, three step-grandchildren
and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Shirley Joiner Lapinto; one grandson; his
parents, Alonzo and Millie Hoover Joiner; one sister, Stella Joiner McCrory; and three
brothers, Emery, Allen and Elbert Joiner.
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 funeral at 11. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery.
GENEVA KNIGHTEN
TANGIPAHOA - Geneva Knighten, 77, died Thursday, May 1, 2003, at Hood Memorial
Hospital.
She was a native of Centerville, Miss.
Survivors include her husband, Alton Knighten Sr.; three sons, Alton Knighten Jr. of Baton
Rouge, Esco Knighten of Houston and Nathaniel Knighten of Tangipahoa; two daughters,
Adlean Knighten of Muncie, Ind., and Kathy Knighten Williamson of Houston; foster sister,
Mary Ella Woodard of Tangipahoa; two brothers, Willie Turner of New Orleans and Robert
Turner of Los Angeles; 22 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Victoria Mae Knighten; her parents, William
and Hattie Turner; foster parents, Robert and Stella Jackson; and three sisters, Lubertha, Lula
and Mary Liza.
Visitation will be Thursday at Brown's Chapel Baptist Church, Tangipahoa, from 5 to 9
p.m. The Rev. Celestine Harris will conduct the funeral Friday at 1 p.m. Burial will be in
Brown's-Quinn Cemetery, Tangipahoa.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
May 08, 2003
* Robert R. Basney, 58, Hammond
* Brunette C. Coleman, 65, Kentwood
* Terry Dwayne Hall, 44, Hammond
* Grover Magee, 96, McComb, Miss.
* Dora Genovese Barcia Miller, 88, Hammond
* Pauline Odum, 68, Greensburg
* Henry Daniel Joseph Teal, 48, Holden
ROBERT R. BASNEY
Robert R. Basney, 58, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He was a native of Mt. Clements, Mich., and a brick mason.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Little Basney of Hammond; one son, Robert Smith of
Hawaii; six daughters, Teresa Kropog of Albany, Tamera Gruber of Virginia, Monica Reese
and Lynn Smith, both of Hammond, Laura Lemoine of Lafayette and June Murphy of
Ponchatoula; two sisters, Joan Warren of North Carolina and Julie Dennison of Michigan; and
11 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond S. Basney; his mother, Giselda Russell;
his grandmother, Johanna Miller, a brother, Roger Basney; and two sisters, Rita Basney and
Linda Brown.
Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 5 to
10 p.m. with the funeral at 8.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association, 61
Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10006.
BRUNETTE C. COLEMAN
KENTWOOD - Brunette C. Coleman, 65, died Sunday, May 4, 2003, at Tulane Medical
Center in New Orleans.
She was a native of New Orleans.
She is survived by her husband, Raymold Coleman of Kentwood; one son, Guy Michael
Coleman of Atlanta; four sisters, Delia Hall of Kentwood, Evelyn Lucien of Columbus, S.C.,
Doris Hookfin of Tangipahoa and Mittie Nell Carter of Loranger.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Benny and Samella Caldwell; two sisters,
Neomi Brown and Helen Cook; and one brother, Benny W. Caldwell Jr.
Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Rev.
Marshall Holiday will conduct the funeral Saturday at Quinns Chapel, Tangipahoa, at 11 a.m.
Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Kentwood.
TERRY DWAYNE HALL
Terry Dwayne Hall, 44, died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center in
Hammond.
He was a native of Thomasville, Ala., and employed as a cabinet maker.
He is survived by his wife, Nickie Bain Hall of Hammond; two daughters, Crystal Leigh Hall
Trapp and Samantha Ashley Hall, both of Hammond; his mother, Lola V. Bennett Hall
Stevenson; 12 brothers, F.L. Hall of Georgia; James L. Hall, Joe Everett Hall, Calvin Earl
Stevenson, San Stevenson and Curtis Wayne Stevenson, all of Hammond, Grover Hall of
Loranger, Thomas Michael Hall of Las Vegas, Tony Lamar Hall and Robert L. Stevenson, both
of Ponchatoula, Leonard Stevenson Jr. of Amite and Johnny Wade Stevenson of Mississippi;
three sisters, Brenda Cathy Hall of Albany, Oneida Stevenson of Union, Miss., and Glenda
Gayle Hall of Ponchatoula; and one granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Everett Hall; his stepfather, Leonard
Stevenson; and two sisters, Lanita Ann Hall and Misty Stevenson.
Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday
from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Loranger Cemetery.
GROVER C. MAGEE
MCCOMB, Miss. - Grover C. Magee, 96, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at Camellia
Estates in McComb, Miss., following a lengthy illness.
He was a native of Franklin County, Miss., a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Pumpkin
Center, and retired from the railroad.
He is survived by two daughters, Bobbie Forest of Greensboro, N.C., and Peggy Eisworth
of Ponchatoula; one brother, Alton N. Magee of Summit, Miss.; eight grandchildren and 11
great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L.L. Magee and Margaret Nettles; his wife, Ruby
Davis Magee; one son, Grover C. Magee Jr.; one daughter, Colleen Crouch; one grandchild;
two great-grandchildren; five brothers, Monroe, Leroy, Cletus, Spencer and Aubrey Magee;
and two sisters, Amye and Goldia.
Visitation will be Friday at Hartman Funeral Home, McComb, from 5 to 9 p.m. and
Saturday from 9 a.m. until the Rev. Randy Davis conducts the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in
Hollywood Cemetery, McComb.
DORA GENOVESE BARCIA MILLER
Dora Genovese Barcia Miller, 88, died Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Independence.
She is survived by two sisters, Dorothy Burchard of Hammond and Jean Nation of
Rockford, Ill.; and one brother, Anthony Genovese of Roscoe, Ill.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Sam Barcia; second husband, George
Miller; her parents, Anthony and Dorthia Sulla Genovese; stepmother, Josie Francismore
Genovese; four sisters, Josephine G. Zaffaro, Frances G. Mannino, Annie B. Marchiafava and
Virginia B. Heil; seven brothers, Phillip, Tony and Charles Bonfanti, Maurice, Charles, Vince
and Nick Genovese.
Visitation will be Friday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 10
a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The funeral will be at 1 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church followed by
interment at Rose Memorial Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Oaks Hospice.
PAULINE ODUM
GREENSBURG - Pauline Odum, 68, died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center in Hammond.
She was a native of Baton Rouge and a housewife.
She is survived by her husband, Robert D. Odum of Greensburg; three daughters, Mary
Dover of Greensburg, Frances Burcham of Corinth, Miss., and Del Marie Howell of Clinton;
two sons, Tony Bennett of Kentwood and Joey Bennett of Roseland; one brother, Joseph W.
Wilson of Missouri; 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one son, Johnny Bennett; and one granddaughter.
Visitation will be today at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday
from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Danny Smith conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Pine Hill
Cemetery, Arcola.
HENRY DANIEL JOSEPH TEAL
HOLDEN - Henry Daniel Joseph Teal, 48, died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of New Orleans, a cemetery maintenance employee with the New Orleans
Archdiocese for 22 years and a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Albany.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Frommeyer Teal of Holden; his former wife, Lisa
Welbrock of Ponchatoula; one adopted son, Joshua Fiorello of Holden; one stepson, Michael
Laylle of Hammond; three daughters, Jennifer Teal Laylle and Stephanie Chiusano, both of
Hammond, and Sherilyn Chiusano of Holden; two brothers, Gary Taylor of Sun and Theodore
Teal of Violet; two sisters, Sharon Wilkens of River Ridge and Linda Bordelmeier of Illinois;
and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elise Luquet Teal; his stepmother,
Elizabeth Dobard; one brother, Brother Taylor; and one sister, Shirley Schell.
Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, from 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday
from 9 a.m. until 12:50 p.m. The funeral will be at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Albany, at 1.
Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Canal Boulevard., New Orleans, at 3.
May 09, 2003
* Sandra Mercier Gold, 61, Hammond
* Percy Eugene Kennedy, 86, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
* Robert McLin, 87, Ponchatoula
* George Leonard Pea, 56, Chicago
* Robert Polk, 74, Jackson
* Frank Winters, 74, Kentwood
SANDRA MERCIER GOULD
Sandra Mercier Gould, 61, died Thursday, May 8, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of New Orleans.
She is survived by two daughters, Mary Ima V. Sharp of Ponchatoula, and Vera Denise V.
Moss of Hammond; five sons, Wallie Ray Vicknair II and Henry Lee Vicknair, both of
Pontotoc, Miss., Keith Joseph Vicknair and Troy Jules Vicknair, both of Hammond, and John
Timothy Vicknair of Lafayette; one brother, Perry Mercier Sr. of Albany; one sister, Evelyn Ima
Tournillion of Carrier, Miss.; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Ima Jenkins Mercier; her father, Perry J. "Pete"
Mercier; infant twins, Janette Michelle and Jimmie Michael Vicknair; and one sister, Vera Jean
Mercier Fischer.
Visitation will be Monday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 9
a.m. until the Rev. Jerry Addison conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula
Cemetery.
PERCY EUGENE KENNEDY
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. - Percy Eugene Kennedy, 86, died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at
Veterans Administration Medical Center, Biloxi, Miss.
He was a native of Mount Zion Community in Pike County, Miss., and a retired chief
master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and served during World War II, the Korean War and
the war in Vietnam. He was wounded during his duty in Vietnam and retired shortly afterward.
He was a Mason.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Scafidi Kennedy of New Orleans; two sons, William
Joseph Kennedy of Atlanta and Richard Kennedy of Bay St. Louis; three daughters, Connie K.
Proctor of Dallas, Sandra Kennedy of New Orleans and Cheryl Ladner of Kiln, Miss.; one
grandson; four brothers, Carl Speed of Hammond, Clarence Speed of Greensburg, John Speed
of Chatawa, Miss., and James Speed of Ada, Okla.; five sisters, Minnie Freeman of San
Antonio, Texas, Myrtle Buitt of Andalusia, Ala., Billie Nery of Park Ridge, Ill., Bobbie Rushing
of McComb, Miss., and Anne Thomas of Monticello, Ark.
A military funeral was held this morning with burial at Veterans Memorial Cemetery in
Biloxi.
Edmond Faye Funeral Home, Bay St. Louis, was in charge.
ROBERT MCLIN
PONCHATOULA - Robert "Billy" McLin, 87, died Thursday, May 8, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Ponchatoula, a retired farmer and trapper and a U.S. Army veteran of
World War II.
He is survived by two sisters, Noalie Stevens of Ponchatoula and Bessie Farrell of Tampa,
Fla.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Lydia Hoover; six brothers, Alan, Sidney, Tommy,
Jay, Rene and Lannie McLin; and his parents, Thomas and Bessie Robertson McLin.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from
8 a.m. until the Rev. Jake Roudkovski conducts the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Sand Hill
Cemetery, Ponchatoula.
GEORGE LEONARD PEA
CHICAGO - George Leonard Pea, 56, died Friday, May 2, 2003, in Chicago.
He was a native of Hammond and a truck driver.
He is survived by his wife, Vinnie Pea of Chicago, five stepdaughters, Linda, Bonnie, Lisa,
Nancy and Latrice, all of Chicago; two stepsons, Willie and Anthony, both of Chicago; seven
sisters, Clarine Wallace, Ollie Thomas, Lonita Smith, Amy Lott and Betty Harris, all of
Louisiana, Barbara Maddox of Florida and Laverne Wright of Texas; seven brothers, Stanley,
Archie, Mark, Ronald, Todd, Tregg and Mitchell, all of Louisiana; his mother, Louise Pea of
Loranger; 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Pea; and one sister, Audrey Miller.
Visitation will be today at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from noon to 6 p.m. The
Rev. Joseph Gallo will conduct the funeral Saturday at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church,
Uneedus, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
ROBERT POLK
JACKSON - Robert Polk, 74, died Saturday, May 3, 2003, at Villa Hospital in Jackson.
He was a native of Arcola.
He is survived by five sisters, Catherine P. Smith of New Orleans, Betty Blades, Brenda
Johnson, Vivian Spurlock and Devon Joseph, all of Baton Rouge; and seven brothers,
Roosevelt Jr., John Sr., Lionel Pope, Robert Sherman, Lawrence Phillips and Iziah Chatman, all
of Baton Rouge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt Pope Sr. and Evelyn Pope; his
grandparents and three brothers, Nathan, Eddie and Willie Pope.
Visitation will be Saturday at Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until Nathaniel
Richardson conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Mt. Canaan Cemetery, Arcola.
FRANK WINTERS
KENTWOOD - Frank Winters, 74, died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Kentwood.
He is survived by four sisters and one brother, Joe Winters of Kentwood.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Modie Winters; one sister, Beatrice
Winters; and two brothers, Ester Winters and Charlie Holiday.
Visitation will be Saturday at Sweethome Baptist Church, Kentwood, from noon until the
Rev. Lee Allen Pounds conducts the funeral at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
May 11, 2003
* Carl Stanley Bauerle Jr., 87, Hammond
* Jessie J. Hill, 51, Springfield
CARL STANLEY BAUERLE JR.
Carl Stanley Bauerle Jr., 87, died Friday, May 9, 2003, at his home.
The retired owner of Bauerle's Cabinet Shop, he was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran
and a member of Livingston Lodge No. 160, Hammond.
He is survived by his sister, Barbara "Bobbi" Roberts of Bella Vista, Ark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carly Stanley and Laura Redmond Bauerle; four
brothers, Gus, John Bernard, Dewitt and infant Donald Bauerle; and two sisters, Ruby Bedell
and infant Laura Shirley Bauerle.
Visitation will be Monday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 10
a.m. until the Rev. Leon Dunn conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Greenlawn
Cemetery.
JESSIE J. HILL
SPRINGFIELD - Jessie J. Hill, 51, died Thursday, May 8, 2003, at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Joycelyn Hill; one son, James Hill; one daughter, Sherrie Hill; his
mother, Dorothy Gehegan Hill; three brothers, one sister and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Tillman Hill.
Visitation will be Monday at Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, from 6 until 9 p.m. and
Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Jerusalem Cemetery, Baptist.
May 12, 2003
* Katie Ethel Castello, 82, Kentwood
* Ellen Nathalie Albin Lomax, 73, Independence
* Amelia C. Madere, 91, Hammond
* Linda Silessi Mladenoff, 52, Metairie
* Thelma J. Scott, 79, Denham Springs
KATIE ETHEL CASTELLO
KENTWOOD - Katie Ethel Castello, 82, died Saturday, May 10, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center in Hammond.
She was a native of Ethel, a homemaker and a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church.
She is survived by one sister, Babe Ruth Warren of El Paso, Texas, and one brother,
Thomas Earl Castello of Roswell, N.M.
She was preceded in death by one sister, Annie Irene Beck; her mother, Elivah Wall
Castello; and her grandparents, Marcus and Dolly Wall.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Spring Creek Baptist Church, Spring Creek, from 10 a.m.
until the Rev. Danny Smith and the Rev. Eric Latham conduct the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be
in the church cemetery.
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, is in charge.
ELLEN NATHALIE ALBIN LOMAX
INDEPENDENCE - Ellen Nathalie Albin Lomax, 73, died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at
Hammond Rehabilitation Center.
She was a native of Independence.
She is survived by four brothers, George and Donald Albin, both of Livingston, Olin Albin
of Independence and Lloyd Albin of Albany.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Vernon Lomax; her parents, Harrison
and Rosa Raine Albin; and two brothers, Dawson and Jerry Albin.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday at Albin Cemetery, Independence, at 2 p.m.
Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
AMELIA C. MADERE
Amelia C. Madere, 91, died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at Hammond Nursing Home. She
was a native of Hahnville and a resident of Hammond.
She is survived by one daughter, Joan Pizzolato of Hammond; one son, Gene Madere of
Springfield; one sister, Marion Zeringue of Luling; one brother, Jean Champagne of Luling; four
grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Madere; six brothers and two
sisters.
Visitation will be today at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9 p.m. The funeral
is Tuesday at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Taft, at 11:15 a.m.
LINDA SILESSI MLADENOFF
METAIRIE - Linda Silessi Mladenoff, 52, died Friday, May 9, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Independence and a hairdresser.
She is survived by her husband, Carlos E. Mladenoff II of Metairie; one son, Carlos E.
Mladenoff III of Metairie; her mother, Anna Belle M. Silessi of Covington; three sisters, Shirley
Silessi Taylor of League City, Texas, Brenda Silessi Hebert of Covington and Carol Silessi of
Atlanta, Ga.; and two brothers, Emile Silessi of Baton Rouge and Salvador Silessi Jr. of
Metairie.
She was preceded in death by her father, Salvador Silessi.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9
to 11:45 a.m. The Dominican Fathers will conduct the funeral at Holy Ghost Catholic Church,
Hammond, at noon. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery, Hammond.
THELMA J. SCOTT
DENHAM SPRINGS - Thelma J. Scott, 79, died Friday, May 9, 2003, at her home.
She is survived by three brothers, Morris Jordan Sr. and Lawrence Jordan Sr., both of
Denham Springs, and William "Doug" Jordan Jr. of Hammond.
Visitation will be Wednesday at MJR Friendly Service Funeral Home, Denham Springs,
from 2 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Alonzo Campbell will conduct the funeral Thursday at Roberts
United Methodist Church, Denham Springs, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery,
Denham Springs.
May 13, 2003
* Annie Bell Peavy Badgley, 100, Greensburg
* Virgie Boyd Davis, 77, Hammond
* Herman Ellis Hill, 60, Amite
* James Edward Skipper, 34, Denham Springs
* Eugene Edward Slason, 76, Independence
* Rodney Gene Walker, 43, Kentwood
ANNIE BELL PEAVY BADGLEY
GREENSBURG - Annie Bell Peavy Badgley, 100, died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at St.
Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg.
She was a native of Grant Parish, a resident of Greensburg, a former resident of Boyce and
a housewife.
She is survived by one stepdaughter, Euna Vee Chandler of Colfax; three grandchildren,
seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Lorena Hayes Hoover; her first husband, John
Wesley Hayes Jr.; her second husband, William Riley Badgley; eight stepchildren, three sisters
and three brothers.
The Rev. Joe Wilson will conduct a graveside service Wednesday at Shiloh Cemetery, Pine
Grove, at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shiloh Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 609, Pine
Grove 70453.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
VIRGIE BOYD DAVIS
Virgie Boyd Davis, 77, died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at Belle Maison Nursing Home in
Hammond.
She was a native of Hammond.
She is survived by two daughters, Marian Albanese of Hammond and JoAnn Stafford of
Independence; one brother, Curtis Earl Boyd of Fort Worth, Texas; two grandchildren, four
step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Manny E. Davis; one son, Bobby Durant; and
her parents, William and Pearl Badon Boyd.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from
6 to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 9:30. Burial will be in Rose Memorial
Cemetery.
HERMAN ELLIS HILL
AMITE - Herman Ellis Hill, 60, died Friday, May 9, 2003, in Hammond.
He was a native of Livingston Parish.
He is survived by his wife, Mabel Crouch Hill of Amite; three sons, Herman E. Hill Jr. and
Blake Labruzza, both of Amite, and Freddie L. Jones of Hammond; seven sisters, Dorothy
Gehegan, Hazel Hill, Mary Worred, Norvie Thornton and Tarrie Odell, all of Springfield, and
Joann Lott of Satsuma; three brothers, Elmer Ray Gehegan, Raymond Hill and Jerry Hill, all of
Springfield; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Pearlie D. Hill; and his twin brother
and sister, Florence and Lawerence Hill.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from
10 a.m. until the Rev. Shirley Vilar conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Jerusalem
Baptist Church Cemetery.
JAMES EDWARD SKIPPER
DENHAM SPRINGS - James Edward Skipper, 34, died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at Our
Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge.
He is a native of Walker.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Skipper of Denham Springs; three daughters, Gena,
Judy and Jamie Skipper, all of Denham Springs; one son, Tony Skipper of Denham Springs;
three sisters, Gena Skipper and Angie Martin, both of Walker, and Lisa Skipper of Holden;
two brothers, Gilbert N. Skipper III of Holden, and Phillip M. Skipper of Walker.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Harry Wayne Skipper.
A graveside service will be Wednesday at Lighthouse Pentecostal Church Cemetery at 9
a.m.
Geisler Funeral Home, Albany, is in charge.
EUGENE EDWARD SLASON
INDEPENDENCE - Eugene Edward Slason, 76, died Monday, May 12, 2003, at North
Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.
He was retired from the U.S. Marine Corps having served in World War II, the Korean
conflict, and during the Vietnam era. He was also retired from Infilco-Degrement, Inc. water
treatment plant.
He is survived by his wife, Joan Astbury Slason of Independence; two daughters, Hilarie G.
Nealon of Herndon, Va., and Trudie S. Lamberton of Lawrenceville, Ga.; a son, Jim Slason of
Salem, Ohio; one sister, Elaine Blais of Naples, Fla.; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene P. and Margaret O'Neil Slason; and one
sister, Margaret S. Volovski.
A memorial service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home,
Hammond.
RODNEY GENE WALKER JR.
KENTWOOD - Rodney Gene Walker Jr., 43, died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at St.
Tammany Parish Hospital, Covington.
He was a native of New Orleans, a licensed horticulturist and a writer.
He is survived by his brother, D. Shane Walker of Metairie; his wife, June Weinberger
Walker of Kentwood; two daughters, Brigette Walker of Hammond and Heather Walker of
Kentwood; one son, Rodney Gene Walker III of Kentwood; and two sisters, Lynn Sanchez of
Maurepas and Sherri Dugas of Slidell.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in
Ponchatoula Cemetery.
Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, is in charge.
May 14, 2003
* Janice C. Luark, 53, Ponchatoula
JANICE C. LUARK
PONCHATOULA - Janice C. Luark, 53, died Monday, May 12, 2003.
She was a native of Cincinnati and a homemaker.
She is survived by three daughters, Melissa Grice of Ponchatoula, Leslie Hernandez of
Killian and Shannon Fitch of Robert; one son, Gary Luark of Alabama; one sister, Betty
McCrory of Ponchatoula; and six grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin John and Rose Schmidt; and one sister.
Visitation will be at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, Thursday from 9 a.m. until
Marvin Wilson conducts the funeral at 11.
May 15, 2003
* Jessie J. Hill, 51, Springfield
* Janice C. Luark, 53, Ponchatoula
* Cornelia Shinn, 85, Amite
JESSIE J. HILL
SPRINGFIELD - Jessie J. Hill, 51, died Thursday, May 8, 2003, at his home.
Survivors include his wife, Joycelyn Hill; one son, James Hill; one daughter, Sherrie Hill; his
mother, Dorothy Gehegan Hill; one brother, Wayne Hill of Springfield; three sisters, Bernice
White and Lorraine Cook, both of Springfield, and Betty Jean Durbec of Tennessee; and two
grandchildren.
His father, James Tillman Hill, preceded him in death.
Burial was Tuesday in Jerusalem Cemetery, Baptist.
Seale Funeral Home, Livingston, was in charge.
JANICE C. LUARK
PONCHATOULA - Janice C. Luark, 53, died Monday, May 12, 2003.
She was a native of Cincinnati and a homemaker.
Survivors include three daughters, Melissa Grice of Ponchatoula, Leslie Hernandez of
Killian and Shannon Fitch of Robert; one son, Gary Luark of Alabama; one sister, Betty
McCrory of Ponchatoula; and six grandchildren.
Her parents, Edwin John and Rose Schmidt; and one sister preceded her in death.
Marvin Wilson conducted the funeral today at N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hancock Bank or Serenity House, 247 N.
12th St., Ponchatoula 70454.
CORNELIA SHINN
AMITE - Cornelia Shinn, 85, died Monday, May 12, 2003.
She was a native of Amite.
Survivors include, one daughter, Helen Shinn of Warren, Ohio; two sons, Eddie Nelson and
Billy Johnson, both of Amite; one brother, Jimmy D. Brooks of Fluker; 13 grandchildren and 15
great-grandchildren.
Her husband, parents, four sisters, one brother and three grandchildren preceded her in
death.
Visitation will be Friday at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, from 4 to 9 p.m. The Rev.
Francis Williams will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Butler's Cemetery,
Amite.
May 16, 2003
* Marvin Michael Baham, 50, Slidell
* Charlie Fisher Jr., 89, Amite
* Florence Dunham Langlinais, 90, Amite
* Norman Whitten, 84, Livingston
MARVIN MICHAEL BAHAM
SLIDELL - Marvin Michael Baham, 50, died Monday, May 12, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of New Orleans.
He is survived by his father, Martin Baham of Ponchatoula; one daughter, Jessica Baham of
Frost; and two brothers, Kenneth Baham of Ponchatoula and Bobby Baham.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Maxine Stringfield Baham.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to
10 p.m. with the funeral at 7.
CHARLIE FISHER JR.
AMITE - Charlie Fisher Jr., 89, died Sunday, May 11, 2003, at Lallie Kemp Regional
Medical Center, Independence.
He was a native of Clinton and associate pastor of Morris Chapel COGIC in Amite.
He is survived by his wife, Idella Fisher of Amite; four daughters, Naomi F. Davis of Los
Angeles, Shirley F. Dunbar, Ethel F. Henry and Caretha Dandridge, all of New Orleans; four
sons, James Fisher Sr. of Augusta, Ga., Johnny Fisher and Lionel Fisher of New Orleans, and
David Fisher of Amite; two sisters, Lillian Chorney of Amite and Lizzie Bryant of Baker;
numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, John Henry; and 12 siblings.
Visitation will be today at Morris Chapel COGIC, Amite, at 7 p.m. The Rev. Johnnie
Dunomes Sr., will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Bear Creek
Cemetery, Montpelier.
N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
FLORENCE DUNHAM LANGLINAIS
AMITE - Florence Dunham Langlinais, 90, died Tuesday, May 13, 2003, at Lakeview
Regional Medical Center, Covington.
She was a native of New Orleans and an account adjustor.
She is survived by one daughter, Florence Langlinais Callahan of Amite; three
grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Olivia Gagan, Bertha Goodrich and Viola
Mullen; and three brothers, Johnny, William and Jimmy Dunham; and 15 other siblings.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of the arrangements.
NORMAN WHITTEN
LIVINGSTON - Norman Whitten, 84, died Thursday, May 15, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Purvis, Miss., and a member of Teamsters Local 5.
He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Sandifer of Albany and Norma Lee Albrooks of
Gulfport, Miss.; three sons, Lloyd H. Albritton of Satsuma, David L. Whitten of Gulfport and
Norman Kenneth Whitten of Livingston; one sister, Ava Lee Bryant of Moss Point, Miss.; eight
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Valerie Whitten; his parents, Lem and Emily
Whitten; one sister, Ionia Riley; and two brothers, L.J. Whitten and Homer Whitten.
A private graveside service will be held at Palmetto Cemetery, Walker.
Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, is in charge.
May 18, 2003
* Serena Rosina Brown, 86, Hammond
Serena Rosina Brown, 86, died Thursday, March 20, 2003, at Lakeview Regional Medical
Center, Covington.
She was a native of West Virginia and lived in New Orleans for a number of years. She was
a homemaker and 25-year resident of Hammond.
Survivors include her daughter, Charlotte Turley of Hammond; two brothers, Richard and
John Brown, both of Summersville, W.V.; two sisters, Prudence Tackett of Elkhart, Ind., and
Jessie Sayre of Clendenin, W.V.; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Darrell Turley; one son, Frank Turley; and her parents, Frank and Pearl
Brown, all preceded her in death.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Scheon Funeral Home, Covington, was in charge of the arrangements.
May 19, 2003
* Sherrill Morse Boraks, 47, Metairie
* Frank Kenneth Constantine, 72, Albany
* Harold Silas Edwards, 69, Springfield
* Smiley Seals, 39, Wilmer
SHERRILL MORSE BORAKS
METAIRIE - Sherrill Morse Boraks, 47, died Saturday, May 17, 2003, at Lakeside
Hospital, Metairie.
She was a native of Ponchatoula.
She is survived by her husband, Henry "Beau" Boraks of Metairie; one stepson, David
Boraks, of Alexandria; a stepdaughter, Rachel Boraks of Alexandria; one sister, Ruth
Robertson of Ponchatoula; and three brothers, Glenn Arnold of LaPlace, Eugene Morse of
Ponchatoula and Hezzie Morse of Albany.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elzie and Bertha Lee Morse; one sister, Bobbie
Arnold Blow; and one brother, Charles Cleo Arnold.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10
p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Milton Gardner conducts the funeral at 10:30.
Burial will be in Morse Cemetery.
FRANK KENNETH CONSTANTINE
ALBANY - Frank Kenneth Constantine, 72, died Saturday, May 17, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Los Angeles.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Geisler Funeral Home, Albany.
HAROLD SILAS EDWARDS
SPRINGFIELD - Harold Silas Edwards, 69, died Sunday, May 18, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
He was a native of Bude, Miss., a longtime resident of Springfield, a retired control
operator from Kaiser Aluminum and a member of Blood River Church of God in Springfield.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy McKinney Edwards of Springfield; three daughters,
Sharon Kennedy and Vicky Coats, both of Springfield, and Elaine Graves of Watson; two
brothers, Sam Edwards Jr. of Whitehall and Glenn Edwards of Springfield; three sisters, Sally
Hill and Catherine Davis, both of Ponchatoula, and Glenda June Becnel of Independence; and
four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam Edwards Sr. and Louise Hoover Edwards;
and an infant brother, Jimmy Edwards.
Visitation will be Tuesday at Blood River Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith,
Springfield, from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Jim Shaull conducts the funeral at 11:30. Burial will be in
Carter Cemetery, Springfield.
SMILEY SEALS
WILMER - Smiley "Oliver" Seals, 39, died Sunday, May 18, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of New Orleans and a dairy farmer.
He is survived by his wife, Tawan L. Seals of Wilmer; two stepsons, Christopher Ard and
Kody Love, both of Wilmer; one brother, Winston Seals of Kentwood; and his father, Smiley
A. "Bud" Seals of Kentwood.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Argie Seals.
Visitation will be Tuesday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. until the Rev.
David Cutrer conducts the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Corkern Cemetery, Amite.
May 20, 2003
* Beverly Ann Ryan Billings, 60, Bay St. Louis, Miss.
* Sherrill Morse Boraks, 47, Metairie
* Rita May Mayer, 78, Hammond
* Frank Kenneth Constantine, 72, Albany
* Joseph Francis Ingraham, 86, Covington
* Ada Francis Lewis Neblett, 58, Hammond
* Wilson Vardaman Walker, 69, Hammond
BEVERLY ANN RYAN BILLINGS
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. - Beverly Ann Ryan Billings, 60, died Sunday, May 18, 2003, at
her home.
She was a native of Springfield.
Survivors include her parents, John Stanley and Gertrude Arnold Ryan of Clio; two sons,
Timothy Lemoine and Clifton LaBruzza, both of Bay St. Louis, Miss.; three daughters, Janet
Chambers and Shelia Taylor, both of Bay St. Louis, and Tanya LaBruzza of Albany; one
brother, Kenneth Wayne Ryan of Clio; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
One grandchild and one brother, Stanley Leonard Ryan, both preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from
6 to 10 p.m. and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Davidson
Cemetery.
SHERRILL MORSE BORAKS
METAIRIE - Sherrill Morse Boraks, 47, died Saturday, May 17, 2003, at Lakeside
Hospital, Metairie.
She was a native of Ponchatoula.
Survivors include her husband, Henry "Beau" Boraks of Metairie; one stepson, David
Boraks of Alexandria; a stepdaughter, Rachel Boraks of Alexandria; one sister, Ruth Robertson
of Ponchatoula; and three brothers, Glenn Arnold of LaPlace, Eugene Morse of Ponchatoula
and Hezzie Morse of Albany.
Her parents, Elzie and Bertha Lee Morse; one sister, Bobbie Arnold Blow; and one
brother, Charles Cleo Arnold, preceded her in death.
The Rev. Milton Gardner conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Morse Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge.
RITA MAY MAYER
Rita May Mayer, 78, died Tuesday, May 20, 2003, at her home of Alzheimer's disease.
She was a native of New Orleans and a 17-year resident of Hammond. She graduated from
Sophie Wright High School in 1941, was a longtime parishioner of St. Andrew The Apostle
Catholic Church in New Orleans and a librarian at the school and a parishioner of Holy Ghost
Catholic Church in Hammond.
Survivors include four children, Randell Paul Mayer of Albany, Sandra Marie Fleenor of
Loranger, Russell Paul Mayer of Hammond and Andrew Philip Mayer of New Orleans; 15
grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Her husband, Randell S. Mayer Jr., preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from
11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Mass will be held at 1 p.m. at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Hammond.
Burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Colonel Randell S. Mayer Scholarship
Fund at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, 14520 Voss Drive, Hammond 70401.
FRANK KENNETH CONSTANTINE
ALBANY - Frank Kenneth Constantine, 72, died Saturday, May 17, 2003, at his home.
A native of Los Angeles, he was retired with the U.S. Navy and served in World War II,
the Korean conflict and the Vietnam War. He was a member of the American Legion Post and
Veterans of Foreign Wars in California.
Survivors include one son, Paul Constantine of Los Angeles; two daughters, Renee Braud
of Ponchatoula and Jeanene Glover of Maryland; one sister, Jewel Van Loenen of La Mirada,
Calif.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His parents, Frank and Ione Wooten Constantine; and one sister, Diane Wooten; preceded
him in death.
A graveside memorial service will be Thursday at 4 p.m. at Holly Gardens Cemetery,
Hammond.
Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
JOSEPH FRANCIS INGRAHAM
COVINGTON - Joseph Francis Ingraham, 86, died Sunday, May 18, 2003, at Forest
Manor Nursing Home, Covington.
He was a native of New Orleans, a longtime resident of Robert and a colonel with the U.S.
Marine Corps Reserves.
Survivors include two sons, Joseph Edwin Ingraham of Amarillo, Texas, and Douglas
Michael Ingraham of St. Rose; two sisters, Margaret I. Pereira of Covington and Marie I. Jumel
of Metairie; one brother, Frederick Ingraham of New Orleans; four grandchildren and seven
great-grandchildren.
His parents, Joseph Sydney and Marie Antionette Horner Ingraham; one daughter, Gail
Antionette I. O'Heeron; and four brothers, Charles, Henry, Robert Edward, William Andrew
and Michael Richard Ingraham; preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be Wednesday at St. Peter Catholic Church, Covington, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 4015
Wilson Blvd., 10th Floor, Arlington, VA 22203-1952.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
ADA FRANCIS LEWIS NEBLETT
Ada Francis Lewis Neblett, 58, died Saturday, May 17, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Burns, Tenn., and a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Pumpkin
Center.
Survivors include one daughter, Scarlett Roper; two sons, Craig and Wayne Neblett; seven
grandchildren, one great-grandchild and one great-great-grandchild.
Her husband, Buford Neblett, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be at McReynold-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, Clarksville, Tenn. Burial
will follow in Slayden Church of God Cemetery, Slayden, Tenn.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, is in charge of local arrangements.
WILSON VARDAMAN WALKER
Wilson Vardaman Walker, 69, died Monday, May 19, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Kentwood.
Survivors included his wife, Jewell Travis Walker of Hammond; one son, Randy Walker of
Hammond; one daughter, Rita Pittman of Covington; two sisters, Joyce Frazier of Kentwood
and Shirley Von Cannon of Johnson City, Tenn.; one brother, Dale Walker of Denham Springs;
and four grandchildren.
His parents, W. Vardaman and Zoe Fussell Walker; and one brother, Earl Brent Walker;
preceded him in death.
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. Rodney Gaylor conducts the funeral at 10
a.m. Burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Natalbany Baptist Church Building Fund or to
North Oaks Hospice.
May 21, 2003
* Marcus Gail McKnight, 50, Amite
* Wilson Vardaman Walker, 69, Hammond
* James William West Jr., 61, Hammond
* Ovede C. Zeigler, 79, Livingston
MARCUS GAIL MCKNIGHT
AMITE - Marcus Gail McKnight, 50, died Thursday, May 15, 2003, in New Orleans.
He was a native of Amite, a truck driver and a U.S. Army veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Veronica M. McKnight; five daughters, Alexis and Anita
McKnight, both of Amite; Mokisha McKnight of Atlanta, and Sandra and Tiffany McKnight,
both of Kentwood; two sisters, Karen McKnight Buckley of Dayton, Ohio, Susan Pool of
Tangipahoa; one brother, Lawrence McKnight of New Orleans; and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marlon and Lucious "LC" McKnight.
Visitation will be Friday at Angelic Funeral Home, Roseland, from 4 to 8 p.m. The Rev.
Christopher Matthews will conduct the funeral Saturday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial
will be in Big Zion Cemetery, Roseland.
WILSON VARDAMAN WALKER
Wilson Vardaman Walker, 69, died Monday, May 19, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Kentwood.
Survivors included his wife, Jewell Travis Walker of Hammond; one son, Randy Walker of
Hammond; one daughter, Rita Pittman of Covington; two sisters, Joyce Frazier of Kentwood,
and Shirley Von Cannon of Johnson City, Tenn.; one brother, Dale Walker of Denham Springs;
and four grandchildren.
His parents, W. Vardaman and Zoe Fussell Walker, and one son, Earl Brent Walker,
preceded him in death.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10
p.m., and Thursday from 8 a.m. until the Rev. Rodney Taylor conducts the funeral at 10 a.m.
Burial will be in Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Natalbany Baptist Church, Building Fund, or
to North Oaks Hospice.
JAMES WILLIAM WEST JR.
James William West Jr., 61, died Monday, May 19, 2003, at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He is survived by his mother, Margie West; three daughters, Scarlett W. Engram, Angela
Carter and Sonja West of Hammond; three sons, Raymond Wells and K. Michael West Sr.,
both of Hammond, and Tyrone Barze of Indiana; one sister, Dorothy W. White of Algiers; two
brothers, Joe West of Wisconsin and Alvin West of Hammond; and 12 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, James W. West Sr.; one sister, Lucille Johnson;
and one brother, Frank West Sr.
Visitation will be Thursday at Macedonia Baptist Church, Hammond, from 4 to 8 p.m. The
Rev. Willie Gable will conduct the funeral Friday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Holly Gardens
Cemetery, Hammond.
N.A. James Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
OVEDE C. ZEIGLER
LIVINGSTON - Ovede C. Zeigler, 79, died Monday, May 19, 2003, at Our Lady of The
Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge.
He was a native of Livingston Parish, a U.S. Army World War II and Korean War veteran.
He was also a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Bayou Barbary, a member of the
American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War Post 7017, Charter member of the Tickfaw
Hunting Club, board member of the 444 Hunting Club and member of Painters Local 728.
He is survived by his wife, Vengie Lee Zeigler of Livingston; one daughter, Patricia Carley
of Baton Rouge; one son, Andrew Zeigler of New Orleans; one brother, Ansel Zeigler of
Livingston; and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Colyear Zeigler; his mother, Wilma Zeigler; an
infant daughter; five brothers, Kenneth, Horace, John R., Berlin and Van Zeigler; and one sister,
Lemona Zeigler.
Jeff Pardue will conduct the funeral today at 3:30 p.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church,
Bayou Barbary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, is in charge.
May 22, 2003
* Aklen Reid Baham, 89, Folsom
* Janie Cacioppo Giacone, 89, Hammond
AKLEN REID BAHAM
FOLSOM - Aklen Reid Baham, 89, died Wednesday, May 21, 2003, at Heritage Manor
Nursing Home, Hammond.
She was a native of Uneedus.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Hammond.
JANIE CACIOPPO GIACONE
Janie Cacioppo Giacone, 89, died Wednesday, May 21, 2003, at Hammond Rehabilitation
Hospital.
She was a native of Morgan City.
Survivors include three daughters, Anna Jo Giacone Montz of Lutcher, Carrol Marie
Giacone Stallings of Many and Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Giacone Thompson of Hammond; two
sisters, Mary Ann Smith of Marshall, Texas, and Josie Kusch of Baton Rouge; two brothers,
Dionisus Cacioppo of Baton Rouge and Cyrus Cacioppo of Swisher, Iowa; seven
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Kelly C. Giacone; her parents, Dominick and Bessie Ameado Cacioppo; two
brothers, Carlos and Johnny Cacioppo; preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Friday at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, from 8:30 a.m. until the Mass at 10
a.m. Burial will be in Rose Memorial Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
May 23, 2003
* Aklen Reid Baham, 89, Uneedus
* Wanda Lee Davis, 73, New Orleans
* John Harrington Poche, 69, Denham Springs
* Helen I. Magdus Ujvari, 80, Springfield
AKLEN REID BAHAM
UNEEDUS - Aklen Reid Baham, 89, died Wednesday, May 21, 2003, at Heritage Manor
Nursing Home, Hammond.
She was a native of Uneedus.
She is survived by two daughters, Yvonne B. Huhner of Gretna and Myrtle B. Rodriguez of
Folsom; five sons, Arthur and Allen Baham, both of Uneedus, Garfield Baham of Franklinton,
Ambrose Baham Jr. of Loranger, and Sherman Baham of Deerfield, Mo.; one sister, Rachael
R. Carter of Loranger; 19 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and
three stepgreat-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ambrose Baham Sr.; her parents, Garfield and
Elizabeth Lee Reid; her husband, Ambrose Baham Sr.; one grandchild; six sisters, Angeline and
Myrtie Reid, Ada Rodriguez, Mary Ann Burnthorne, Monnette Tryon and Ethel Baham; and
two brothers, Fred and Milton Reid.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9
until the funeral at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Noah Cemetery, Uneedus.
WANDA LEE DAVIS
NEW ORLEANS - Wanda Lee Davis, 73, died of cancer Thursday, May 22, 2003, at
Lutheran Nursing Home, New Orleans.
She was a native of Missouri, lived in Anchorage, Alaska, and Seattle. She was a retired
administrative assistant and one of six organizers who help found the Krewe of Pontchartrain
and worked for New Orleans Tours.
She is survived by her father, Jefferson Cadwell of Tulsa, Okla.; one daughter, Amy Davis
Guilbeau of Ponchatoula; and two grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Jo Ailene Cadwell.
A memorial service will be held today at St. Maria Goretti Church, New Orleans, at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of
Louisiana.
JOHN HARRINGTON POCHE
DENHAM SPRINGS - John Harrington Poche, 69, died Thursday, May 22, 2003, at Our
Lady of The Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge.
He was a native of Ponchatoula, retired from Dow Chemical with 30 years of service, a
deacon and longtime teacher of children and youth at Hebron Baptist Church. He also served in
the U.S. Army and was active in Boy Scout Troop 11.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Palmer Poche of Denham Springs; one daughter,
Machelle Garcia of Denham Springs; one son, John B. Poche of Hammond; six grandchildren;
and two sisters, Jeanette Bailey of Loranger, and Yvonne Wharton of Port Neches, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, O'Neille Harry and Claire Robertson Poche.
Visitation will be today at Seale Funeral Home, Denham Springs, from 6 to 9 p.m., and
Saturday from 10 a.m. until the Rev. Rob Burns and the Rev. Whit Holmes conduct the funeral
at noon.
HELEN I. MAGDUS UJVARI
SPRINGFIELD - Helen I. Magdus Ujvari, 80, died Thursday, May 22, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Wimbur, Pa.
She is survived by her husband, Anthony P. Ujvari of Springfield, one son, William P.
Ujvari of Burbank, Ill.; one daughter, Pearl A. Ujvari Scalzitti of Chicago; and two
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Pearl Gurmidy Magdus; three
brothers, Elizabeth Bushman, Mary Kish and Pearl Kish; and one brothers, Joseph Magdus.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10
p.m., and Saturday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Catholic
Church, Albany, and burial will follow in the church cemetery.
May 27, 2003
* Melissa Hollie Berteau, 36, Ponchatoula
* Georgia Haight Eaton, 56, New Orleans
* David E. Rader, 63, New Orleans
MELISSA HOLLIE BERTEAU
PONCHATOULA - Melissa Hollie Berteau, 36, died Friday, May 23, 2003, at St.
Tammany Parish Hospital.
She was a native and resident of Ponchatoula.
Survivors include her husband, James Berteau Jr.; two daughters, Rebecca and Ashley
Ford; her parents, Wayne and Diane Williams Hollie; her sister, Marie Prevost; her brothers,
James and Ray Hollie; her maternal grandmother, Viola Willie Williams; all of Ponchatoula; and
her paternal grandmother, Dorothy Bryant of Independence.
Her maternal grandfather, Austin Williams; and her paternal grandfather, Jimmy Hollie;
preceded her in death.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 10
a.m. until the funeral at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery.
GEORGIA HAIGHT EATON
NEW ORLEANS - Georgia Haight Eaton, formerly Georgia Frances Burke, 56, died in
her home Monday, May 19, 2003.
She was an artist.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Peter Eaton; her children, Elizabeth Haight Moore of
Madisonville and Michael James Haight Jr. of Ponchatoula; her father, George Francis Burke of
Fruitville, Texas; her brothers, Hollis Harold Burke of Portland, Ore., Kenneth Wayne Burke of
Ponchatoula, George Francis Burke Jr. of Hammond and John McIntyre Burke of Slidell; and
three granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First United Methodist Church,
Hammond. Burial will be in the Ponchatoula Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge of the arrangements.
DAVID E. RADER
NEW ORLEANS - David E. Rader, 63, died Friday, May 23, 2003, at Cannon Hospice
in Mercy Hospital in New Orleans.
He was a native of Knoxville, Tenn., and a New Orleans resident since 1958. He was a
retired merchant seaman and a parishioner of St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Anne McDaniel Rader of New Orleans; his son, David
E. Rader Jr. of New Orleans; three daughters, Jody Rader Battaglia and Joyce Freiler Rader,
both of New Orleans, and Anne Frazier Rader, Ocklawaha, Fla.; his mother, Frances Lee of
Oak Ridge, Tenn.; two sisters, Vivian Mimbs and Sue Hamlett, both of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; and
five grandchildren.
His daughter, Tee Frances Rader Panarello; and his father, Ernest J. Rader, preceded him
in death.
Visitation will be Tuesday at the St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans from 10 a.m. until the
Rev. Kenneth Hedrick conducts the funeral at noon. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery,
Kentwood, at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cannon Hospice in Mercy
Hospital, New Orleans.
McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of the arrangements.
May 27, 2003
* Leon Ward Baham, 80, Crystal Springs, Miss.
* James Edward Murphy Jr., 34, Robert
* Joel George McWilliams III, 55, Hammond
LEON WARD BAHAM
CRYSTAL SPRINGS, Miss. - Leon Ward Baham, 80, died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at
Sunny Montgomery Veterans Administration Hospital in Jackson, Miss.
He was a native of Tickfaw.
Survivors include his daughter, Jane B. Jackson of Crystal Springs; two sisters, Frances
Adams of Sun and Gertrude Nazworth of Hammond; a brother, Daniel Baham of Stockbridge,
Ga.; a grandson and two great-granddaughters.
His wife, Carmella E. Baham; three brothers, Leroy, Wallace and David Baham; and his
sister, Helen B. Warren; preceded him in death.
The funeral was this afternoon with burial in St. Roch Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge.
JAMES EDWARD MURPHY JR.
ROBERT - James Edward "Eddie" Murphy Jr., 34, died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at his
Robert residence.
He was a native of Robert.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Hammond.
JOEL GEORGE MCWILLIAMS III
Longtime Hammond resident and well-known public employee Joel George McWilliams III
died Saturday at Oschner Foundation Hospital.
McWilliams, 55, was diagnosed with sclerodema in 1990 and died Saturday of
complications of the disease.
Last week McWilliams underwent a successful lung transplant but then died of organ failure,
his wife said.
He was an engineer with the state Department of Transportation and Development for 31
years. McWilliams worked closely with area officials in attaining highway improvements. He
was also a construction loan inspector for Florida Parishes Bank, Parish National Bank and
Hancock Bank.
He also served honorably in the Louisiana National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve for
28 years, retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. McWilliams taught and was the course
coordinator for reserves in the U.S. Army Engineer officer advance course at Ft. Belvoir and
Ft. Leonard Wood.
McWilliams was dedicated to family and church and loved his job, said his wife, Jane
McMahon McWilliams.
"He was very dedicated. He was a fighter and had fought sclerodema for years," she said.
McWilliams graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1965 and attended Southeastern
Louisiana University. He was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.
He graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in 1972 with a bachelor of
science in civil engineering.
Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Jodee Gill and Joelle McWilliams; his
mother Virgil Ozment McWilliams Krafft, his sisters Rebecca Roberts, Patricia Berner and
Cathy Parker, and a grandson.
His father, J. George McWilliams Jr. who retired from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's
Office; and his grandfather, J.G. McWilliams St., a police chief and former mayor of
Ponchatoula, preceded him in public service and death.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in
Hammond and Wednesday from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
McWilliams will lay in state at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church on Wednesday from 11
a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in the Ponchatoula Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Joel G. McWilliams III Memorial
Scholarship Fund, c/o Southeastern Louisiana Development Foundation, SLU 10703,
Hammond 70402.
May 27, 2003
* Linda M. Anzalone, 82, Independence
* Jesse T. Edwards, 74, Hammond
* Corinne Succow Bridges Nicholas Martin, 89, Hammond
* James Edward Murphy Jr., 34, Robert
* Virginia Pompeo Phillips, 70, Ponchatoula
* Jimmie Ann Smith, 63, Ponchatoula
* Wendall Keith Watt, 44, Hammond
* Susan Springer Nicolosi Watt, 45, Hammond
LINDA M. ANZALONE
INDEPENDENCE - Linda M. "Mac" Anzalone, 82, died Thursday, May 22, 2003.
She was born in Pike County, Miss., a registered nurse at Lallie Kemp Charity Hospital
where she worked for thirty years.
She is survived by two sons, Gene Anzalone of Baton Rouge, and Dan Anzalone of
Independence; two grandchildren; two sisters, Artis "Pete" Gardner of Bay Springs, Miss., and
Billie Jean Hemphill of McComb.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank S. Anzalone; two sisters, Nellie Lampkin
and Antee Beecher; one brother, Noel McDaniel; one grandchild; and her parents, J.N. and
Nellie McDaniel.
A memorial service will be Thursday at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to North Oaks Hospice, P.O. Box 2668,
Hammond, LA 70404, or The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., 5005 LBJ
Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, Texas 75244.
JESSE T. EDWARDS
Jesse T. Edwards, 74, died Monday, May 26, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Newport, Miss., a longtime theater owner and operator in Hammond
having owned and operated the Ritz and Columbia theaters, and the Joy Drive-In. He was a
member and past president of the Hammond Lions club and the Livingston Masonic Lodge
160.
He is survived by his wife, Madee Sibley Edwards of Hammond; two sons, Jesse T.
Edwards Jr. and John E. Edwards, both of Tampa, Fla.; four daughters, Janet Edwards Kurtz
of Tampa, Fla., Toni Edwards Kanter of Tickfaw, Terri Edwards Covington of Walker and
Judy Edwards of Hammond; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Jo
Hudson of Durant, Miss., Irene Reynolds and Jane Welburn, both of Jackson, Miss.
She was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Allen Edwards; one brother,
Ennis Edwards; and one sister, Phyllis Waller.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6
to 10 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Masonic Service conducted by Livingston Lodge 160.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children Burn Unit
815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas 77550-2725.
CORINNE SUCCOW BRIDGES NICHOLAS MARTIN
Corinne Succow Bridges Nicholas Martin, 89, died Monday, May 26, 2003, at Belle
Maison Nursing Home.
She was a native of Hammond.
She is survived by three sons, Laten L. Bridges of Rayville, Darryl Bridges of Ponchatoula,
and Terry Bridges of Hammond; one sister, Mary Rose Succow Allen of Ponchatoula; 11
grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Laten L. Bridges; second husband,
Rodney Nicholas; her parents, Hugo and Agnes Schafer Succow; and one brother, Hugo
Succow.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to 9
p.m., and Wednesday from 8 until theRev. Jim Nettles conducts the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial
will be in Wetmore Cemetery.
JAMES EDWARD MURPHY JR.
ROBERT - James Edward Murphy Jr., 34, died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at his residence.
He was a native of Robert, and a welder with Trinity Marine in Madisonville.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Denton Murphy of Robert; one daughter, Krystal LeAnn
Murphy Dugas of Pumpkin Center; one grandchild; one step-daughter, Ginger Clemment of
Belle Rose; two step-sons, Randy and Sergio Hernandez, both of Pearl River; his parents,
James and Norma Pierson Murphy of Robert; one brother, Charles "Ricky" Murphy of
Ponchatoula; and one sisters, Tammy Null of Mandeville.
He was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Robert and Eadrie Turnage
Murphy; and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Amelia Hagan Pierson.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6
to 10 p.m., and Thursday from 8 until the Rev. Jim Howell conducts the funeral at 11 a.m.
Burial will be in Loranger Community Cemetery.
VIRGINIA POMPEO PHILLIPS
PONCHATOULA - Virginia Pompeo Phillips, 70, died Saturday, may 24, 2003, at her
home.
She was a native of Connecticut.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced with Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Ponchatoula.
JIMMIE ANN SMITH
PONCHATOULA - Jimmie Ann Smith, 63, died Monday, May 26, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Sebastopol, Miss.
She is survived by her husband, Frederick Marshall Smith of Hammond; her mother, Flora
Turner of Jackson, Miss.; one daughter, Stacye Dubuisson of Kingwood, Texas; one son,
Stephen Smith of Pensacola, Fla.; one sisters, Polly Anthony of Pearl, Miss.; and four
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Marshall Turner.
Visitation will be Wednesday at Geisler Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 1 until the funerla
at 2 p.m. burial will be in Ponchatoula Cemetery.
WENDELL KEITH and SUSAN SPRINGER NICOLOSI WATT
Wendell Keith Watt, 44, and his wife, Susan Springer Nicolosi Watt, 45, both died
Sunday, May 25, 2003, as the result of an automobile accident at North Oaks Medical Center,
Hammond.
He is survived by two sons, Brian Joseph and Jeremy Keith Watt, both of Ponchatoula; two
step-sons, Craig Michael Nicolosi of Albany, and Ryan Matthew Nicolosi of Hammond; two
step-grandchildren; his parents, L. Jeffrey and Doris McGill Watt of Mobile, Ala.; four
brothers, Walter M. Watt of Alton, Ill., Winston J. Watt of Warrenton, Va., William B. and A.
Wesley Watt, both of Mobile.
Susan Watt is survived by two sons, Craig Michael Nicolosi of Albany, and Ryan Matthew
Nicolosi of Hammond; two step-sons, Brian Joseph and Jeremy Keith Watt, both of
Ponchatoula; and one grandchild and one step-grandchild; her father, Frank L. Springer of
Monroe; three sisters, Judie McGowan of Monroe, Frankie Fife of West Monroe and Nita
Saizan of New Roads; and one brother, William L. Springer of Monroe.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Helen Onita King Springer.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 6 to 10
p.m., and Wednesday from 8 until the funeral at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Rose Memorial
Cemetery, Hammond.
May 28, 2003
* Elvora Vining Arnold, 85, Bedico
* Jakerra Evans, 11 weeks, Hammond
* Salena Lagrue, 88, Morgan City
* Virginia Pompeo Phillips, 70, Ponchatoula
* Janos Suto, 77, Baptist
ELVORA VINING ARNOLD
BEDICO - Elvora Vining Arnold, 85, died Monday, May 26, 2003.
Survivors include, Armitize T. Morse; sister, Evelyn Derks, Edna Ostendorf, Lula M.
Morse and Mattie Jenkins; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Jake Richard Arnold; and one brother, Frank L. Vining; preceded her in
death.
Visitation will be today at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, from 6 to 10 p.m., and
Thursday from 9 a.m. until the funeral at 11. Burial will be in Morse Cemetery, Bedico.
JAKERRA EVANS
Jakerra Evans, 11 weeks, died Friday, May 23, 2003.
Survivors include the newborn's parents, Shawntrelle Evans and Kendall Thomas; two
sisters, Jessica and Rashawn Evans; and one brother, Mark Watts.
The Rev. John Burris conducted the funeral today. Burial was in Holly Garden Cemetery,
Hammond.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge.
SALENA LAGRUE
MORGAN CITY - Salena Lagrue, 88, died Friday, May 23, 2003, at Landmark Nursing
Home, Hammond.
She was a minister and a foster parent.
Survivors include one daughter, Paula Lagrue of Hammond; one sister, Beatrice Brown of
New Orleans; one brother, Fredrick Columbus Sr. of Lompoc, Calif.; one grandchild and 24
foster children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Irving Lagrue; her parents, two sisters and
three brothers.
Visitation will be Thursday at Pentecostal One Way Holiness Church from 9 a.m. until
Joseph Williams conducts the funeral at 10. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, New Orleans.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
VIRGINIA POMPEO PHILLIPS
PONCHATOULA - Virginia Pompeo Phillips, 70, died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at her
home.
She was a native of Connecticut.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Joseph Phillips Sr. of Ponchatoula; two daughters,
Camillia Ann Phillips Huszar and Kathy Jo Phillips, both of Ponchatoula; three sons, Robert
Joseph Phillips Jr., Wayne Allen Phillips and Walter James Phillips, all of Ponchatoula; one
brother, Carmine Pompeo of Wayland, Mass.; three sisters, Rose Pompeo Phillips Mitchell of
Ponchatoula, Geraldine Pompeo Passmor of Portland, Maine, and Anna Pompeo Locadie of
New Gloster, Maine; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her father, Fortunato Pompeo; her mother, Philomena
Aliberti Pompeo DeDonato; and three brothers, Dominico, Antonio and Rocco Pompeo.
Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6
to 10 p.m. and Friday from 8 until 9:45 a.m. The Rev. Justin Kauchak will conduct the funeral
at 10 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ponchatoula. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery.
JANOS SUTO
BAPTIST - Janos Suto, 77, died Monday, May 26, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Nagycsakany, Hungary.
Survivors include his wife, Helen Gottschalck Brumfield Suto of Baptist; one brother, Antal
Suto, Hungary; two stepchildren, Ronnie Brumfield of Natchez, Miss., and Delores Brumfield of
Hammond; and two step-grandchildren.
His parents, Peter and Anna Suto; his brothers, Peter, Pista and Steve Suto; an infant
sibling; and one sister, Francisca Suto; preceded him in death.
Visitation will be Thursday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8
a.m. until the funeral at 10:30. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Hammond.
May 29, 2003
* Creola Burton, 89, Greensburg
* Walter Ellis, 82, Covington
* Rollen Gersch, 77, Hammond
* Donald Hammack, 52, Memphis, Tenn.
* Mary Frances Johnson Lloyd, 41, Hammond
* Mary Milone, 86, Independence
* Virginia Pompeo Phillips, 70, Ponchatoula
* Dennis Vining, 55, Hammond
CREOLA BURTON
GREENSBURG - Creola Burton, 89, died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at North Oaks
Medical Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Greensburg.
She is survived by seven sons, David, Lorin, Clarence and Billy Ray Burton, all of
Greensburg, Willie Lee Burton of Roseland and James and Earnest Burton, both of Baton
Rouge; one daughter, Lea Dora Burton of Greensburg; 60 grandchildren and 100 great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons and three daughters.
Visitation will be Friday at Lizard Temple COGIC from 6 p.m. until the wake service at
7:30 p.m. Daniel Muse will conduct the funeral Saturday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Nettle
Cemetery, Greensburg.
Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge.
WALTER ELLIS
COVINGTON - Walter Ellis, 82, died Sunday, May 25, 2003.
He was a native of Carollton, Miss.
He is survived by five daughters, Johnnie Andrews, Debra Jordan, Shirley Jordan,
Jacqueline Smith and Wanda Wilson, all of Covington; one sister, Betty M. Russell of Jackson,
Miss.; and one brother, George Ellis Sr. of Jackson, Miss.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a son, brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be Saturday at First Baptist Church, Covington, from 11 a.m. until the Rev.
Eddie Brazil conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Wilson Cemetery, Covington.
Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, is in charge.
ROLLEN GERSCH
Rollen Gersch, 77, died Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional
Medical Center, Baton Rouge.
He was a native of Natalbany and retired U.S. Marine gunnery sergeant. He was a veteran
of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
He is survived by his wife, Wilton Roe Gersch of Hammond; one daughter, Gwen G.
Bertone of Hammond; two sons, Joe Wayne Gersch of Independence and Glen Gersch of
Spartanburg, S.C.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, William "Bill" Gersch; his parents, one sister, Gwen
Todt; three brothers, Bob Peterman, Charles Gersch and Charles Peterman.
Visitation will be Friday at Geisler Funeral Home, Hammond, from 10 a.m. until the funeral
at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery, Hammond.
DONALD HAMMACK
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Donald "Don" Hammack, 52, died Monday, May 26, 2003, at Med
Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., as a result of a vehicle accident.
He was a member of Delta Pioneers and employed by Delta Airlines.
He is survived by his wife, Juanita Butler Hammack; a son, Andrew James Hammack; and
sisters, Roseanne H. Porta and Elizabeth H. Hahn.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew C. Hammack and Mamie Spano.
Visitation will be Friday at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, Metairie, from 6 to 10
p.m., and Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.
MARY FRANCES JOHNSON LLOYD
Mary Frances Johnson Lloyd, 41, died Saturday, May 24, 2003.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Lloyd of Hammond; one stepdaughter, Brittany
Cyprian of Independence; two sons, Jeffrey L. and Michael T. Johnson, both of Hammond;
three sisters, Patricia Williams of Marietta, Ga., Carolyn Vaughn of Hammond and Aspen
Johnson of College Station, Texas; one brother, Jeffrey Johnson of Hammond; her mother,
Laura Mae Johnson of Hammond; and five grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Johnson; and one grandchild.
Visitation will be Friday at Richardson Funeral Home, Hammond, from 5 to 9 p.m. The
Rev. Timothy Richardson will conduct the funeral Saturday at noon at Rock Zion Missionary
Baptist Church, Natalbany. Burial will be in Holly Gardens Cemetery, Hammond.
MARY MILONE
INDEPENDENCE - Mary Milone, 86, died Tuesday, May 27, 2003, at Doctor's Hospital
of Jefferson, Metairie.
She was a homemaker and retired waitress of Krystal Hamburgers and former resident of
New Orleans.
She is survived by her son, W.E. King Jr. of Kenner; four grandchildren and six great-
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Rose Schiro Milone; and one son,
Henry E. King.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 9
a.m. until Al Zeringue conducts the funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Colonial Cemetery,
Independence.
VIRGINIA POMPEO PHILLIPS
PONCHATOULA - Virginia Pompeo Phillips, 70, died Sunday, May 25, 2003, at her
home.
She was a native of Connecticut.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Joseph Phillips Sr. of Ponchatoula; two daughters,
Camillia Ann Phillips Huszar and Kathy Jo Phillips, both of Ponchatoula; three sons, Robert
Joseph Phillips Jr., Wayne Allen Phillips and Walter James Phillips, all of Ponchatoula; one
brother, Carmine Pompeo of Wayland, Mass.; three sisters, Rose Pompeo Phillips Mitchell of
Ponchatoula, Geraldine Pompeo Passmor of Portland, Maine, and Anna Pompeo Locadie of
New Gloster, Maine; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her father, Fortunato Pompeo; her mother, Philomena
Aliberti Pompeo DeDonato; and three brothers, Dominico, Antonio and Rocco Pompeo.
Visitation will be today at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Ponchatoula, from 6 to
10 p.m. and Friday from 8 until 9:45 a.m. The Rev. Justin Kauchak will conduct the funeral at
10 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ponchatoula. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery.
DENNIS VINING
Dennis Vining, 55, died Monday, May 26, 2003, at his home.
He was a native of Ponchatoula.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harry McKneely & Son Funeral
Home, Hammond.
May 30, 2003
* Josephine Tinnerello Armato, 75, New Orleans
* Pearl Torres Frank, 78, Ponchatoula
* Helen McNeese Mike, 72, Hammond
* Catherine Clare Shappert, 68, Oak Ridge, Tenn.
JOSEPHINE TINNERELLO ARMATO
NEW ORLEANS - Josephine Tinnerello Armato, 75, died Thursday, May 29, 2003, at
Pendelton Methodist Hospital, New Orleans.
She was a native of Hammond.
Survivors include her husband, Anthony S. "Tony" Armato of New Orleans; one son,
Salvador Joseph Armato of North Carolina; one grandchild; and one sister, Mary T. Cardinale
of Hammond.
Her parents, Guy and Margaret Alfano Tinnerello; and one sister, Evelyn T. Cardinale;
preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 10
a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. at Our Lady Of Pompeii Catholic Church,
Tickfaw. Burial will be in Tickfaw Cemetery.
PEARL TORRES FRANK
PONCHATOULA - Pearl Torres Frank, 78, died Thursday, May 29, 2003, at her home.
She was a native of Ponchatoula.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lionel and Esperance Steib Torres; and her
husband, Clarence Frank.
A graveside service was held today at Ponchatoula Cemetery.
Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, was in charge.
HELEN MCNEESE MIKE
Helen McNeese Mike, 72, died Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at North Oaks Medical
Center, Hammond.
She was a native of Kilgore, Texas.
Survivors include three daughters, Sandra Leva of Crockett, Texas, Peggy Bell of Castle
Rock, Colo., and Rebecca Monteleone of Hammond; one son, Wilson Joseph Morvant Jr. of
Hammond; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Rachel Poston of
Long View, Texas, and Mary Louisa Greer of Kilgore, Texas.
Her husband, Charles Mike; one son, Howard Greer Jr.; one daughter, Susan Greer; three
brothers, Johnny, James and Luther McNeese; and her parents, John Levy and Ellen Oakley
McNeese; all preceded her in death.
Visitation will be Saturday at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, Hammond, from 8:30
a.m. until the Rev. Steve Wells conducts the funeral at 10:30. Burial will be in Rose Memorial
Cemetery.
CATHERINE CLARE SHAPPERT
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. - Catherine Clare Shappert, 68, died Wednesday, May 28, 2003, at
her home.
She was a native of Baton Rouge, a graduate of Southeastern High School in Hammond,
and a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana College and Louisiana State University. She was a
teacher at Lake Charles High School before taking a position in the biology division of the Oak
Ridge National Laboratory where she also worked as a technical editor.
She was president of the Dance Club, Church Women United, and secretary of the
Diabetes Association at Methodist Medical Center and a member of St. Mary's Catholic
Church.
Survivors include her husband, Larry B. Shappert of Oak Ridge; two daughters, Susan
Saliba of Dayton, Ohio, and Becky Luther of Bristol, Tenn.; two sons, Stephen Shappert of
Commercial Point, Ohio, and Christopher Shappert of Suwanee, Ga.; nine grandchildren; and
two sisters, Susan Forbes of Norris, Tenn., and Carol Clark of Asheville, N.C.
Her parents, Roy E. Hyde and Elaine Lorio Hyde, preceded her in death.
Visitation will be today at Weatherford Mortuary, Oak Ridge, from 6 until a scripture
service at 8 p.m. The Rev. Michael Woods will conduct the funeral Saturday at St. Mary's
Catholic Church, Oak Ridge, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Make A Wish
Foundation.
Weatherford Mortuary, Oak Ridge, Tenn., is in charge.