Today’s Scripture

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

— Philippians 2:4, ESV

(Don’t be selfish with your prayers. Pray for others too!)

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 21
• Numbers 18-20

Obituaries

Tabitha Marie Daigle

November 6, 1981 – May 3, 2026

A resident of Pride, LA, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at her home.  She was born November 6, 1981 in Hammond, LA and was 44 years of age. She is survived by her sons, Chase Daigle and Michael Locke; daughter, Jasmine Daigle; granddaughter, Renleigh Daigle; brothers, Neal Daigle, Jr. and family and Christopher Jones; sisters, Krystal Carnes and family and Jennifer Daigle and family; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Neal Daigle, Sr. and Tammie Jones Daigle. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 5:00PM until memorial services at 6:00PM on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Anita Gayle Currier

March 29, 1945 – May 9, 2026

Anita Gayle Currier, known affectionately as “Zia,” passed away on May 9, 2026 at the age of 81.

Gayle was born on March 29, 1945 in Amite, La to the late Joseph “JoJo” and Vera Warren Currier. She is survived by a loving sister, Jessie Lynn “Cookie” Coxwell of Amite, La and brother, Camile Warren Currier of Monroe, La.

She is also survived by two nieces, Jennifer Currier Boyle (Jason) of Bryan, TX, and Lynne Marie Coxwell of Baton Rouge, La; and step-niece, Cynthia Coxwell Konzelman of Amite; and step-nephew, Charles Coxwell (Paula) of Mobile, AL.

Gayle was the beloved great aunt of Ella and Claire Boyle of Bryan, TX, and great step-nephew and niece, Tyler and Destiny Coxwell of Mobile, AL. She was also “Zia” to surrogate niece, Antje Gothberg.

Gayle is also survived by long time family friend, Robin Holstead Currier, and many more Currier and Warren family members.

Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph “JoJo” and Vera Warren Currier; her brother-in-law, Sidney E. Coxwell; her step-nephews, Chris and Corky Coxwell; and her grandparents, Josephine Magliola and Carmelo Currier and Mary and Angus Warren.

Gayle was a teacher’s aide in the Tangipahoa School System for many years working in both the Italian program and Pre-K program.

Gayle was a wonderful artist and a gifted pianist that she learned to play by ear.

Anita Gayle was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend to all who was blessed to know her.

Gayle was a die-hard Amite Warrior fan. She was an AHS cheerleader and also played a number of sports in high school.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until memorial services at 11:00AM on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Services conducted by Deacon Eddie Renz. 

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Anita Gayle Currier, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Updates – Simmons child and Others

She will need another procedure to get enough material to have a better evaluation, but what they got Monday looks good. Her second procedure will be this morning.

Rachel Buckley will undergo shoulder surgery in the morning. Pray all goes well for her.

We have several friends with health issues. Please pray for my friends and for others on your prayer list.

Closing Scripture

“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!” — Psalm 34:3

Thank you for reading and praying.

Anna Lee

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

— 1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for families who are experiencing various health issues.

Let’s also pray for students who are finishing the current year of school. Many are making plans for summer jobs, traveling, visiting relatives, summer school, etc. Pray for them as a group and especially for those individuals you know.

Missions

We know we are to reach out to tell others about Jesus and to be involved in missions by doing certain tasks, by giving, etc. I hope you have found a mission project you can be involved in through actions, gifts, prayer, etc.

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 20
• Numbers 16-17

Obituaries

I didn’t find any new obituaries listed for our area today.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Coming Soon

Vacation Bible School! What an important time in individual lives. Many children make a profession of faith during these summer weeks. Let’s be a part of giving the children opportunities to be involved in various aspects of church this summer.

Remember “Others” Today

Find ways to share Jesus and His blessings with others this week.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth — 1 John 3:18, NIV

Have a wonderful day!

Anna Lee

A Scripture for Today

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

— John 15:12–13, NIV

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus on others.

• I was asked to add Jean Easley’s name for prayer today. Please pray for her.
• We need to keep praying the the little Simmons girl. David and I were at the home of Mrs. Barbara Hutchinson yesterday when she received the call that the surgery was finished, but not complete. Another surgery will be needed Wednesday to complete the process. That gives us time for more prayers. The family is greatly appreciative of your prayers and encouragement.

Obituary

Louise Morales Crusturner

August 20, 1930 – May 16, 2026

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born August 20, 1930 in Juigalpa, Nicaragua and was 95 years of age. Preceded in death by her husband, Sankey Lee Cruseturner; and her parents, Dolores Morales and Pudencia Solis Morales. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 22, 2026. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

• ‘Rededicate 250’ urges repentance, launches season of celebration with prayer
•  Special grace – standing for the vulnerable
• NOBTS celebrates more than 280 spring graduates 

Waylon Bailey Thought

Blessed are the Flexible

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 19
• Numbers 14-15

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for students as they complete a school year and face the summer opportunities. I pray adults will make wise decisions about how the summer holidays are spent by each and every child (new opportunities, vacation time, learning a new creative hobby, time with distant relatives, reading, new friendships, VBS, camp, and much more. Let’s also pray for it to be a safe season for each and every child.

One More Scripture

“Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.'”

— John 8:12

Have a wonderful day as you serve Him and minister to others.

Anna Lee

I trust you had a great day yesterday as you celebrated the Lord’s Day. Today, we welcome a new day. I wonder what great things He has planned for us.

Today’s Scripture

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech

but with actions and in truth.

— 1 John 3:18, NIV

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 18
• Numbers 11-13

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for each other as we begin another week. Monday’s can be hard in the real world. Let’s pray this Monday will be a wonderful day for each other.

Obituary

David was told Marty Guy passed away. That is not listed as an obituary yet.

I will share this obituary with a Roseland/Amite connection.

Charles Estus Gatewood

February 19, 1936 – May 12, 2026

Charles Estus Gatewood died May 12, 2026 at home at the age of 90.

He was born in Bay St. Louis, MS on February 19, 1936 to Charles and Jessie Necaise Baynes.

After their deaths, he was adopted at age 6 by Aubrey and Mable Forbes Gatewood.

He was raised in Roseland and attended Amite High School where he met the love of his life, Barbara Spring.  He excelled in football.  As a senior, he was the Amite Warrior’s candidate for all-state honors with 146 carries for 955 yards and scored 58 points. Described as one of the mighty mites of the prep gridiron, he was 5’8” tall and weighed 155 lbs.

After high school in 1955, he and his best friend, HC Callahan enlisted in the United States Air Force. He excelled in every job he was assigned. His evaluations showed exceptional knowledge of processes, attention to detail, his insistence on maintaining the highest degree of professionalism in any area of assignments were some of his strengths.  He had a “can do better” attitude in every task he was confronted with. Some of his strongest assets were the use of sound judgment, his loyalty, keen sense of responsibility and his selfless devotion to duty.

He married his high school sweetheart on May 18, 1957. The Air Force took them to Salina, Kansas where Kelley was born, Fairbanks, Alaska where Jeff and Barry were born, then Roswell, New Mexico, Fort Worth, Texas and finally Biloxi, Mississippi.

After 23 years of active duty, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, he retired to Walker, LA. He started his next job as maintenance supervisor to the then Doctor’s hospital and later Parkland Hospital.

Livingston Activity Center was his passion for the next 18 years.  It was more than a job. He made a difference in their lives and they in his.  “Mr. Chuck” was truly loved. He cared about them and treated them with respect.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a joy to him.  He loved to spend time doing things with them. “Pops” was always up for fun. He set a good example of how to be a grandfather.

Everyone who met or knew him enjoyed his good-natured, easy-going attitude. He was industrious and if something needed fixing, he would set about doing it. One of his famous sayings when faced with a challenge was “Oh, that’s easy.” He was a joyous soul who was always lighthearted, but a little mischievous. He will be truly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Jessie Baynes, Aubrey and Mable Gatewood; sisters, Theda Baynes Lake, Essie Baynes Bourgeois; brother, Garland Baynes; grandson, Jeremy Gatewood and great-grandson Reilly Berger.

He is survived by his spouse of 69 years, Barbara Yvonne Spring Gatewood; children, Kelley Mitchell (Alan), Jeffrey Gatewood (Phyllis), Barry Gatewood (Tina); grandchildren, Jenny Mitchell Pastore, Ashley Mitchell Pittman (Alex); great-grandchildren, Caleb Gatewood (Katie), Lola Pastore, Frankie Pastore, Quinn Pittman, Colton Tate, Aiden Berger; and a host of family and friends.

Special thanks to the ladies of Healing Waters Sitter Services, LLC.; Sonja Foster, Balivia Willis, Peggy Howard and Kim Adams. You were such an inspiration of care, love and encouragement to Dad, Mom and us. I truly felt he was in great hands. Your reliance on your faith in Jesus to guide his care brought great comfort to me. I could tell he felt your love. Tammy Davis from At Home Care, LLC started just in time. You were a great asset in Dad’s last weeks and I know Mom will continue to need your loving care.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA from 10:00 to 11:00.  Service to follow by his friend and “preacher” Mark Dunn then Military Burial at Spring Cemetery in Amite.

(I remember the Gatewood name, but not any particular individuals from my childhood. Charles Gatewood was a person my parents would have known.)

Special Prayer Request

Mrs. Barbara Hurchingson requested prayer for a great, granddaughter from the Simmons portion of her family. The child broke her hand playing softball. While having the break checked, testing showed another possible concern in that hand. Surgery, this morning, will give the doctors more information and a plan for treatment of the fracture. Please join in the praying for tis child.

Baptist Press

Choose what interests you to read this morning.

https://www.baptistpress.com

Coming Soon – VBS

Vacation Bible Schools will be held all across our communities in the coming summer months. The first one is usually at FBC, Kentwood which will be June 1-5 this year from 8:30 – 11:30 each day. Registration has begun online. If you need additional information, please contact the church office (229-8111).

The theme verse for the Lifeway VBS is “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” — Matthew 4:19 (NLT). That sounds like a lot of fun. Please encourage the children of your family to attend at least one VBS this summer.

What service can you be to others today?

Anna Lee

Happy Lord’s Day! Don’t forget to include Him today!

A Verse for Today

As we live here, we have to trust God. We do not yet see the things that belong to heaven. II CORINTHIANS 5:7, EASY

Sunday School Teaches the Bible to Us.

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more from the book of Matthew this morning and to hear the pastor’s message as well, as to learn from the hymns we sign today.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Prayer Focus this Morning

Pray for the opportunities available in all the area churches this morning. Let’s pray people take advantage of this opportunity in a chosen church today.

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 17
• Number 8-10

Obituaries

No new obituaries this morning!

Waylon Bailey Devotional

The Privilege of Prayer

http://waylonbailey.com/2020/10/10/the-privilege-of-prayer/

Additional Verse about Prayer

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

A Challenge for Today

When you are at church today and see someone you do not know, introduce yourself. Then ask about them. Write their name down and try to remember them. Call that person by name today and again when you see them. Keep your list of “new friends” handy to refer to as needed. If you know a couple things about them like family, location of home, job, etc., you will find it easier to speak to them the next time you see them and hopefully, you will remember something about them from each conversation. It not difficult! Pray now, then meet someone new today.

Be an encoourager today!

Anna Lee

A Verse for Today

• May 16
  • And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹Ephesians 6:18, NIV

Prayer Focus Today – Others

What should we pray concerning a friend, a teacher, a neighbor, a pastor, a relative, a grandchild, etc.?

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 16
• Numbers 7

Obituary

Clay A. Bankston, Jr.

November 6, 1948 – May 13, 2026

Clay A. Bankston, Jr. also known as Butch or Brother, he was resident of Amite, LA, formerly of  Baton Rouge, LA. He passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born November 6, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 77 years of age. He loved his grandkids, animals, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Clay was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and a proud graduate of Istrouma High School. He is survived by daughter, Ash-Leigh Bankston Garcia and husband, Omar; son, Jonathan Clay Bankston and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Adam “A.J.” Calais and fiancé, Ashlee, Ana-Grace Garcia, Grant Bankston, Carter Bankston, Easton Garcia, and Everett Bankston; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Kofron and husband, Bob, and Margaret Wascom; and numerous other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Clay A. Bankston, Sr. and Bessie Morris Bankston. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Camardelle. Interment Bankston Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Tomorrow’s Sunday School Lesson

• “Active Faith”
• Matthew 25:31-46
• Sunday School at FBC, Kentwood begins at 9:15.
• Many classes to choose from.
• We would love to have you visit us.

A Verse for Graduates

I will walk by faith

II Corinthians 5:7

A Verse for Today

• May 16
  • And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. ¹Ephesians 6:18, NIV

Prayer Focus Today – Others

What should we pray concerning a friend, a teacher, a neighbor, a pastor, a relative, a grandchild, a graduate, etc.?

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 16
• Numbers 7

Obituary

Clay A. Bankston, Jr.

November 6, 1948 – May 13, 2026

Clay A. Bankston, Jr. also known as Butch or Brother, he was resident of Amite, LA, formerly of  Baton Rouge, LA. He passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born November 6, 1948 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 77 years of age. He loved his grandkids, animals, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Clay was a member of Mt. Nebo Baptist Church and a proud graduate of Istrouma High School. He is survived by daughter, Ash-Leigh Bankston Garcia and husband, Omar; son, Jonathan Clay Bankston and wife, Kelly; grandchildren, Adam “A.J.” Calais and fiancé, Ashlee, Ana-Grace Garcia, Grant Bankston, Carter Bankston, Easton Garcia, and Everett Bankston; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Kofron and husband, Bob, and Margaret Wascom; and numerous other family members and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Clay A. Bankston, Sr. and Bessie Morris Bankston. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Monday, May 18, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Randel Camardelle. Interment Bankston Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

A Verse for Graduates

I will walk by faith, even when I cannot see.

“I will walk b y faith, II Corinthians 5:7

Vacation Bible School

The time is getting close.

• June 1-5
• 8:30 – 11:30 A.M.

Contact the church office for more information (229-8111).

Have a blessed day as you strive to be a blessing to others.

Anna Lee

Good Morning! I’ll do this better than yesterday.

Today’s Scripture

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

— 1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV

Prayer Focus

The above Scripture tells us pray for those in authority so we can live quiet, peaceful, and godly lives. Be sure your personal prayer list has a list of people in authority for you to pray for. It can include world leaders, local leaders, political leaders, giants of your profession, etc.

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 15
• Numbers 5-6

No New Obituaries This Morning

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

2026 Graduates

Let’s pray for our newest graduates to live a life that is a reflection of Christ on a daily basis.

FBC, Kentwood will honor our graduates Sunday.

If you would like to mark a Scripture in their Bibles, you may do so today in the hallway of the fellowship hall during office hours. Be an encourager! The graduates will be honored during the 10:30 service Sunday morning.

Training Followers by Waylon Bailey

http://waylonbailey.com/2020/09/19/training-followers/

An Additional Verse

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

— Philippians 2:4, ESV

Missions

Missions projects are always ongoing at church. Each one has its own focus. I hope you will find one at your church and volunteer to participate in that mission ministry. If you need assistance, I will be happy to help you with information and/or guide you to more information. Mission projects require time. If you want to volunteer time, your help would be greatly appreciated. Bro. Darryl may be good in guiding you to a leader of one of our mission projects. Just ask!

Coming Soon – VBS

• June 1-5
• 8:30-11:30 A.M.
• Nursery is provided for young children of those working in VBS.
• You may register your children online now.
• Call the church office for more information.

Have you got a few minutes.

Invest in others! Be an encourager daily.

Have a great day!

Anna Lee

I apologize. I forgot to write when I got home after working on shoeboxes. I got a lot accomplished this morning! My driver had an early schedule!

A Verse to Ponder On

Let each of you look not only to his own interests,

but also to the interests of others.

— Philippians 2:4, ESV

Obituary

Hilda Diane Buckley

May 16, 1946 – May 13, 2026

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at her home. She was born May 16, 1946 in Kentwood, LA and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Guy Franklin Buckley, Jr.; 1 daughter, Chantell Buckley Cortez; 2 sons, Guy Franklin “Trey” Buckley, III and wife, Rachel, and Trenity Wade Buckley and wife, Shelli; 1 sister, Donnie Mae Givens; 8 grandchildren, Tayler Buckley and wife, Jade, Calin Buckley and wife, Samantha, Tyler Cortez and wife, Rachel, Chesney Cortez, Gage Cortez, Trevor Buckley, Tanner Buckley and wife, Hailey, and Turner Buckley; 10 great-grandchildren, Eva Cortez, Adler Cortez, Sayler Cortez, Willow Cortez, Cora Buckley, Easton Buckley, Charleigh Buckley, Taton Buckley, Beau Buckley, and Lexi Buckley. Preceded in death by her dad, Luther Strickland; mom, Hilda Mae McElveen Strickland; brother, Gene Strickland; and sister, Trenia Faye Feldman. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS

Pray for the Buckley family and other families during their time of loss.

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 14
• Numbers 3-4

Pine Ridge Bible Study

The group will take a summer break and resume in September. If you would like to join the group, ask me. I will help you get connected. You can get your book and be ready to join us in September.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Read about the 71 newly appointed missionaries.

Additional Scripture

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

— Ephesians 6:18, NIV

Don’t Forget

Senior Dedication at FBC, Kentwood Sunday at 10:30.

“See” you in the morning!

Anna Lee

Our schedule is going to be different today. We are okay, but will be doing other things first.

I’ll share that Mrs. Diane Buckley passed away yesterday afternoon. It’s too early to expect an obituary.

I’ll be back this afternoon….

Anna Lee

Wednesday, 5-13-26

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. — Colossians 3:23NIV

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray we work for the Lord all day to show him how much we love Him .

Read the Bible in 2026

• May 13
• Numbers 1-2

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com

Obituary

Paul ” Mike” Reeves

December 17, 1949 – May 8, 2026

Paul “Mike” Reeves passed away on May 8, 2026, at the age of 76. Mike had longed to go to Heaven to be reunited with his Savior, his mother, and his beloved son, Hunter Reeves.

Mike enjoyed the simple things in life and found great happiness spending time fishing and making memories with his grandson, Christian Reeves. He also had a special fondness for Chocolate Lab dogs, which brought him much joy throughout the years.

Above all, Mike loved his family deeply. He is survived by his daughter, Christy Reeves Harrison; sons, Christopher Reeves (Kachada) and Austin Rushing (Delaine). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Harley Jones, Dustin Reeves, Seth Reeves (Rhea), Ainsley Reeves, Chelsey Harrison, Hannah Crapanzano (Michael), Christian Reeves (Macy), Caitlin Reeves (Skylar), Kali Reeves, Miles Coleman, Landen Coleman, Journie Rushing, and Amelia Rushing, along with numerous great-grandchildren.

Mike is also survived by his sisters, Paula Gennaro (Emile), Lisa Cutrer (Andy), and brothers, Bubba McCory (Sherri), Johnny McCory (Annie), Tommy Kelly (Callie). 

He was preceded in death by his sons, Paul Michael Reeves Jr and Hunter Reeves; his mother, Maxine Wallace; stepfather, Warren Wallace; sister, Sharon McNutt; and son-in-law, Roy “Trey” Harrison.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Wetmore Cemetery, officiated by Bro. Darryl Miller.

Our Purpose Dr. Waylon Bailey http://waylonbailey.com/2020/10/10/the-privilege-of-prayer/

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,

which God prepared in advance for us to do.

— Ephesians 2:10, NIV

Reminder

Don’t forgrt to go to the church this week to sign highlight a favorite verse in the Bibles for our 2026 Seniors.

Prayer Meeting (adults, youth, children, babies)

FBC, Kentwood has a place for everyone on Wednesday nights!

Additional Scripture

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve

others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

— 1 Peter 4:10, NIV

God doesn’t call us to be carbon copies of each other. He has a unique plan for each of us!

Be the person He wants you to be!

Anna Lee

ADDITION

THEPINE RIDGE BIBLE STUDY GROUP WILL MEET AT NOON TODAY.