ichard “Tippy” Tipton passed away on April 30, 2026, from Alzheimer’s Disease at 80 years old in Mandeville, LA.
Tippy was born in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 13, 1945, in the midst of a hurricane to Harry Britt Tipton and Henrietta Marcelle Steadman Tipton. The family moved to Hammond in Tangipahoa Parish when his father became the GM of JC Penney following Tippy’s birth. His mother died when he was 6 years old, and he eventually moved to a ranch in Amite, LA. There he lived with relative, Bolivar E. Kemp, and had a wonderful upbringing. Tippy graduated from Amite High School, followed by LSU. It was there in college he received his favored nickname of “Tippy”.
Tippy was friend to many and had an ebullient spirit that was irresistible.
Smart, funny, quirky, and a great dancer, he excelled at all things social. He was always the warm and wonderful life of every party.
As an adult, he channeled that winning personality and intelligence into his long and successful career in media sales (radio in the late 70’s and early 80s: WGSO, WTIX to name a couple ). Then, followed by local TV sales for WNOL and WGNO, he sold media analysis technology. Tippy was the top biller wherever he worked.
Tippy is survived by his adoring wife, Sally Rodman; his beloved daughter, Jennifer Tipton Kropog (Ryan); 3 grandchildren, Ella (6), Zachary (5), and Cameron (2); 5 nieces and nephews, Harry Maxwell Tipton (Julie), Edith Marcelle Tipton Hermes (Peter), Heather Maureen Tipton Lindquist (Benjamin), Andrew Bartholomew Steadman Tipton (Melia), and Marilyn Elizabeth Tipton Osborne (Jeffrey); and his brother, Ronald Britt Tipton (Berit).
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial mass on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1026 Napoleon Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM and eulogies beginning at 11:30 AM.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Tipton’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” Exodus 20:12 NIV
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for families as they honor mothers, those who are living and those who are deceased. Also, please pray for those who raised children who were not their born to them.
Today’s Sunday School Lesson
“ALERT”
Matthew 24:36-51
Obituary
John Leon Lindsey
July 4, 1945 – May 8, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 4, 1945 in Independence, LA and was 80 years of age. Mr. John was a U. S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War and was a retired tool pusher and superintendent with Nabors Industries after 46 years of service. He is survived by his son, Tommy Lindsey and wife, Rhonda; daughter, Toni Wilson and husband, Richie; grandchildren, Tyler Lindsey and wife, Kalin, Trevor Lindsey and wife, Destiny, Brandon Wilson and wife, Kayla, Ashley Wilson and husband, Kyle, Sarah Howell and husband, Matt, Sadie Wilson, Megan Wilson, Calum Dillon, and Ava Dillon; great-grandchildren, Stella, Holland, and Finley Lindsey, John Leon Lindsey, II, Reece, Maddox, Wyatt, McKinley, and Ramssey Kate Wilson, Lydia Howell, Kanen, Tucker, Adley and Oakley Huguley; sister, Margie Lindsey Lascaro and husband, Anthony; brother, Tommy Lindsey and wife, Becky; sister-in-law, Barbara Lindsey; brothers-in-law, Steve Christ and wife, Brandy, and Tap Jarreau; special friends, Janie Lundbom, Pam Gill, Clayton Blades, and Christian Trahan. Preceded in death by the love of his life, his loving wife, Barbara A. Lindsey; parents, John Lamar Lindsey and Elaine Brabham Lindsey; sisters, Nell Matherne and husband, Leroy, Pearline Williams and husband, Bob, Mary Strickland and husband, Harold, Lida Coates and husband, Warren; brother, Fred Lee Lindsey, Sr.; special nephew, Leroy Matherne, Jr.; special niece, Karibeth Lindsey Barbary. The family would like to thank Jeannie Cox, Hospice of Baton Rouge, Renae Laird, Rhi Strong, Mary Perkins, Chris Chavers, and Charity Spears. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Tyler Lindsey, Trevor Lindsey, Brandon Wilson, Calum Dillon, Jay McGregor, and Fred Lindsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Clayton Blades, Christian Trahan, and Scott Lindsey. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Another Scripture
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” PSALM 121:1-2
Read the Bible in 2026
May 10
Leviticus 22-23
It’s never too late to begin a Bible-reading plan.
Graduates
Our 2026 graduates will be honored next Sunday during the worship hour.
First, we have a week to mark a Scripture and sign our name in the Bibles that will be given to them next week. (The Bibles are located in the hallway of the fellowship hall. Go by at your convenience today or any day this week.)
Prayer List
Use your personal prayer list to guide you in praying today. Update your list, if needed.
Thank-you for being an encourager to others. You have an impact on others!
Prayer Focus – Today, let’s all pray we can do our part to make our world a little better today.
A Verse for Today
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'”
Proverbs 31:28-29 (NIV)
Read the Bible in 2026
May 9
Leviticus 19-21
Obituary
Albert Davis ” Doodle” Newman, Jr.
August 17, 1943 – May 7, 2026
Albert Davis Newman, Jr., also known as “Al” or “Doodle”, a resident of Kentwood, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 7, 2026. He was born August 17, 1943, in McComb, Mississippi, and was 82 years old.
Al attended Kentwood High School and married Joan “Meme” Irwin, on August 30, 1963. He retired after 42 years of dedicated service with the United States Postal Service as a rural letter carrier. Alongside his wife, Joan, he owned and operated Kentwood Raceway and Newman Blueberry Farm for many years.
Al was a faithful member of Taylor Creek Baptist Church and later devoted much of his time volunteering with the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief ministry. He loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed spending time working with his sawmill in recent years.
Above all, Al dearly loved his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him immense joy, and they truly were the center of his world.
He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Newman Kennedy and husband Tommy; daughter, Leslie Newman Hoffstadt and husband Henry John Hoffstadt; son, Reese Deven Newman and wife Lynda Edwards Newman; daughter, Tanya Newman McNabb and husband Benny Wess McNabb; grandchildren, Brittany Blackledge and husband Todd, Hank Hoffstadt and wife Caitlin, Dillon McNabb and wife Shea, Jacob Newman and wife Haylea, Kolby McNabb and wife Madison, Taryn Revere and husband Blake, Casey Newman, Shelly Hoffstadt; great-grandchildren, Baylor Newman, McKenzie Newman, Tenley McNabb, Payton McNabb, Sadie Hoffstadt, Adelyn McNabb, and Lincoln McNabb; nephew, T. L. Kennedy and wife Georgiana; great-nephew, Dalton Kennedy; and great-niece, Raleigh Kennedy.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan Irwin Newman; mother, Mae Dell Frazier Newman; and father, Albert Davis Newman, Sr.
Visitation will be held at Taylor Creek Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026. Services will be conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. Interment will follow at New Zion Cemetery.
McKneely Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Taylor Creek Baptist Church Playground Fund.
An online guestbook is available at the funeral home website.
ORLANDO (BP) – Southern Baptist Convention President Clint Pressley has named the roster of tellers to count votes at the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting June 9-10. Pressley named David Haynes, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Senatobia, Miss., to lead the team. Haynes and his wife April served as tellers at last year’s meeting in Dallas.
This Scripture is sometimes called. “God’s Phone Number”.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known”
Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)
Since I was a young child I have enjoyed seeing families gather at church with MOTHERS on this special Sunday to honor them. I hope your church is full of families tomorrow. I know the mothers will be so blessed to have their families with them tomorrow.
Good morning, friends. I rested well last night and hope you did too.
Today, we will begin with this Scripture.
“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” Romans 15:2
Read the Bible in 2026
May 7
Leviticus 14-15
No New Obituaries in Our Area This Morning
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s focus our prayers on a friend she haven’t seen in a while. Checking with others is usually good for them and for you. Praying first is encouraging and helpful.
It’s Wednesday already! David and I stay so busy, the days fly by. I am so very thankful God has given us these days and the ability to spend each one pretty much as we choose.
Today’s Verse
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24
(We have a forgiving and merciful God. I need that. I need Him!)
My Prayer Focus
God, walk with me and help me to do and say what pleases you today!
What is your personal prayer focus today?
Read the Bible in 2026
May 6
Leviticus 11 – 13
Obituaries
There are no new obituaries for our area this morning.
Prayer Focus
Who is your your heart today? Pray for them!
Who did you see and speak to as you journeyed through this week? Did you tell them you appreciate them?
Do you have funds to bless someone in need today?
Can you make time to bless someone by taking care of a chore they cannot do alone?
Pray about how God can give you as a blessing to someone for a portion of this day.
PRAY! Let God lead you today! Act on His leadership!
Thank-you to the class who purchased crayons for Operation Christmas Child last week. If I am not mistaken, this is their third purchase for us this calendar year. You are greatly appreciated! You make a difference!
I remember the joy of a new box of crayons. I cannot remember my first crayons. Can you? Think about the joy they will bring to children. What a blessing this class is to OCC! What a blessing to little children who will be blessed by their gifts! What a blessing to many all through the year!
Graduation Bibles
It’s time to consider what verse(es) you will use when you sign the new Bibles for our graduates. You will impact their lives by what you share. Choose carefully!
Who do you appreciate? Will you share with them how they influence your daily life?
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
*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.
“Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.”
Ecclesiastes 11:5
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for senior adults in our communities. Think of all the wonderful things you have learned from those who are older than you. Often, they are the most faithful people in our churches. Let’s pray for them regularly.
Obituary
Curtis Keith Allen
April 23, 1948 – April 24, 2026
Curtis’ Obituary
Curtis Keith Allen, 78, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026.
For many years Keith and his brother, James, were the co-owners of Kentwood Farm Center. He enjoyed cutting his grass and helping others with theirs. He was a proud Kentwood Kangaroo class of 1966 alumni. On Friday nights, you could find him sitting in the stands “Under the tank” cheering on the Kentwood Kangaroos and on Saturdays watching any LSU sports team.
He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood.
Keith was born April 23, 1948 to the now late J.Y. and Mamie McNabb Allen.
Survivors include his 2 sons, Michael Keith Allen and Curtis Keith Allen, Jr. (Leigh Anne); grandson, Zachary “Zac” Allen (Haylee); and granddaughter, Jules Allen; 3 great-grandchildren, Caroline, Clay, and Carli Allen; brother-in-law, Jerry L. Clark (Betty); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Allen; sister, Dorothy Gill; brother, James Allen; brother in law, Billy Gill; and sister in law, Hazel Allen.
Memorial service to be held at First Baptist Church in Kentwood on Tuesday, May 5th, at 6pm.
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.
Thursday, we will. celebrate the National Day of Prayer for our country.
ADDITIONAL VERSE
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching .” Hebrews 10: 24-25
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Today is a good day to read/hear these words so we can share them later.
Prayer Focus
Today is an ideal day to pray for decisions in our churches. Let’s pray that as God touches hearts in our classes/services, people will choose to follow His leadership.
Read the Bible in 2026
May 3
Leviticus 1-4
Obituaries
Verma Cecilia Hoover Casanova
April 13, 1935 – April 29, 2026
“The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you…” Deuteronomy 33:27
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Verma on April 29, 2026 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, Louisiana after a brief illness. She was 91 years old.
She was born April 13, 1935 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana to Bazile and Ruth Perriloux Hoover. She was the third child in a large family of twelve children.
She became a resident of Amite when she married her husband of sixty three years Dwight Casanova, Sr. She became a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Husser at that time. Verma and Dwight owned a dairy for many decades where she worked alongside her family. In her younger years she was a gifted seamstress, often creating her own patterns. It brought her great satisfaction crafting an outfit from a simple piece of cloth.
A private person, Verma lived her life with strong convictions and quiet determination. She will be sorely missed by her family. In every memory we will keep a piece of her alive.
She is survived by her daughter Lana Marie Casanova, two sons Dwight V. Casanova Jr and Michael Wayne Casanova, and two granddaughters Erica Marie Casanova and Jessica Lynn Casanova.
Also surviving are her sisters Evelyn Hoover Lavigne (Henry), Jerri Ann Scott (Carl), Norma Hoover Tucker (Tommy), and Madelyn Hoover Ragan (Stanley), and brothers Jim Hoover (Sandy) and Russell D. Hoover (Cheryl).
Preceded in death by husband Dwight V. Casanova, Sr., Parents Bazile and Ruth Perriloux Hoover, sisters Deloris Hoover, Mary Lou Hoover, Myrtle Hoover Lusk and Christine Hoover Chapple, and brother Darwin “Zeke” Hoover.
Private Graveside Services will be held at St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA on Monday, May 4, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Ann Neal Ford
January 27, 1950 – May 1, 2026
A resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born January 27, 1950 in Independence, LA and was 76 years of age. Mary Ann was an Avon Consultant for many years. She is survived by husband, John Paul Ford; children, Jonathan L. Ford and Keith W. Ford; 3 grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ford, Kase Ford, and Coby Ford. Preceded in death by parents, John A. Neal and Eva Mae Anthony Neal; sisters, Shirley H. Cardwell, Evelyn Neal, and Catherine Neal; and 2 brothers, James and Robert Holden. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Don McGee. Interment Ford Cemetery, Independence, LA. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Ford, Keith Ford, Kase Ford, Coby Ford, Randy Cardwell, and James Allen. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Katie brought her dad, James Rimes, home late yesterday afternoon. Thank God for the progress James has made, his ability to be back at home, the care he received in the hospital, and for Katie who oversaw the whole process.
Additional Scripture for Today
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2
Enjoy your break from the rain. Plan to be in the Lord’s House tomorrow. Encourage others in various ways.
The Prayer Link 
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