Prayer Focus – Seniors who will be graduating this month
Key Verse
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
I Timothy 4:12 NIV
Read the Bible in 2026
- May 5
- Leviticus 8-10
Obituaries
Mary B. “Ziffer” Thames
March 16, 1934 – May 2, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 16, 1934 in Amite, LA and was 92 years of age. She is survived by daughter, Sheila Porter (Tom); sons, Frank Shaffett (Kim) and Tom Mignalt; grandchildren, Velma Chapman, Shasta Anthony, Darrell Anthony, Frank Shaffett, Jr., Veronica Anthony, John Shaffett, Shaun Shaffett, and Nick Foster; great-grandchildren, Dalton Hutchinson, Landyn Milton, Alyssa Hutchinson, Ian Chauvin, Breanna Bates, Sara Anthony, Natalie Hutchinson, Conner Shaffett, Hunter Shaffett, Blue McLain, Ali Shaffett, and Jase Lowery. Preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Opal Bennett; son, John Shaffett, Jr.; daughter, Diane Chapman; grandsons, Jessie Chapman, Jr. and Johnathan Chapman; daughter-in-law, Lisa Shaffett; sons-in-law, Jessie Chapman, Sr. and Fred Porter; great-grandson, Landon Prokop; sisters, Phinney Sullivan, Nola Bennett, Susan Payne, Lavada Cutrer, and Aline Newcomb; brothers, Thomas Bennett and Ellis Bennett. Pallbearers will be Frank Shaffett, Jr., John Shaffett, Shaun Shaffett, Darrell Anthony, Jason Winner, and Ian Chauvin. Honorary Pallbearers will be Nick Foster, Landyn Milton, Dalton Hutchinson, Conner Shaffett, Hunter Shaffett, Tom Mignalt, Blue McLain, and Jase Lowery. We want to express our thanks to Baton Rouge Hospice, Stacy Howard, and her nurse, Renee Laird, her social workers, Charity Spears and Ms. Mary, and Chaplain Chris Chavers. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Thursday and from 8:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 8, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Matthew Booty and Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Ruby Loura Zachary Stevens
February 4, 1932 – May 2, 2026
2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Ruby Loura Zachary Stevens, affectionately known as “Granny” to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on May 2, 2026. Born on February 4, 1932, in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, Loura lived a life full of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. She was the beloved youngest daughter of Dudley I. and Louella Robertson Zachary, who preceded her in death along with her husband, Monroe Stevens, her brothers, Erwin and Lester, sister Vera, their spouses, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Though she did not have children of her own, Loura’s nurturing spirit touched the lives of many. Her legacy of love and guidance continues through the family she leaves behind. Her beloved niece, Carla Fitzhugh (Jerry) of Chesbrough, Louisiana, whom she regarded as her daughter. Her cherished “grandchildren” Bailey Anthony (Garret) of Chesbrough, LA; Coleton Bennett (Michaela) of Gillsburg, MS; and Katie Fitzhugh of Chesbrough, LA. Including her “great grandchildren” Cannon, Collin, and Oakleigh Bennett, and Gabriel and Liam Anthony. As well as her nieces and nephews and great nieces & nephews of both her Zachary & Stevens families.
On August 12, 1952, Loura married her beloved husband of 45 years, Monroe Stevens and together they shared a beautiful journey filled with love, hard work and mutual respect until his passing in 1997.
As an active lifelong member of Kedron Baptist Church, her devoted faith was the cornerstone of her life. She played the piano for numerous years and found great joy in volunteering for various church activities. Her passion for teaching Sunday School every week was unmatched, and it brought her immense happiness to spread the teachings of Jesus. Her dedication to her faith and her community was truly inspiring.
Loura had a green thumb and a love for gardening. Whether tending to her flowerbeds or cultivating crops, she found peace and fulfillment in the beauty of nature and being outdoors. Her back patio was her sanctuary, where she enjoyed many afternoons with a cup of coffee and her cordless house phone chatting up a storm. Known for her quick wit and honest nature, her smile was a constant source of warmth and comfort. Her refreshing honesty and wisdom were qualities that endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a unique way of making everyone feel valued and loved, and her presence will be deeply missed.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 2:00PM at Hyde Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to celebrate her remarkable life.
The family would like to thank The Lodge at Tangi Pines for the care and love that they provided her in her final years. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an
Reminder: Memorial Service for Keith Allen tonight at 6 P.M. at FBC, Kentwood.
Baptist Press
Missionary kid returns to the field for all the right reasons
By Tessa Sanchez, posted May 4, 2026 in International Mission Board
*Names have been changed for security reasons. Also, the photo is NOT the person written about in the article.
Thankfulness
We are all thankful for those who help when we have medical issues. God has blessed them with skills they need to minister to others. He has blessed us by placing these people in our path of life. We are very thankful for them.
Have a very blessed day.
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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