A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born April 5, 1944 in Amite, LA and was 81 years of age. Frances was a lifelong, devoted member of St. Helena Catholic Church where she loved serving on the bereavement committee. She is survived by her son, Jeff Jones and wife, Tammy; grandchildren, J. J. Jones and wife, Harley, Christine Jones Smith and husband, Cody, and Mikki Jones; great-grandchildren, Peyton Smith, Cameron Smith, Mason Cole Jones, Ella Menard, Cooper Jones, Vincent Jones, and one on the way, Addie Jean Jones; and her sister, Theresa Rispone Forrest. Preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Jones; son, Mark Jones; and parents, John D. Rispone and Virginia Levatino Rispone. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 8:00AM until 10:30AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church at 11:00AM on Monday, March 23, 2026. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be J. J. Jones, Peyton Smith, Cameron Smith, Ricky Forrest, Kade Pedelahore, and Kamden Pedelahore. Honorary pallbearer will be Mason Jones. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
(Frances was a classmate of David.)
Additional Bible Reading:
James 2:14-17: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Matthew 28:5-6
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s remember those all across our country who have had damage and even deaths this year due to the weather.
Obituary
Louis Blanchard
January 29, 1947 – March 14, 2026
Claville Louis Blanchard, Jr., age 79, of Amite passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana.
Louis was born in New Orleans to Claville Louis “CL” and Antoinette Zuppardo Blanchard on January 29, 1947. He was a native of Gentilly and later made his home in Amite, Louisiana. Between 1983 and 2000 he spent part of each year in Telluride, Colorado and in recent years also enjoyed time in Milbridge, Maine.
He was a 1965 graduate of St. Aloysius and was a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #60. Louis established Blanchard Mechanical Contractors, Inc. in 1982.
Louis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon Howard Blanchard; daughter, Michelle Blanchard Dees and husband Brian, Amite, son, Donald Blanchard and wife Keri, Amite, and daughter, Renée Blanchard Carpenter and husband Frederick, Amite; 11 grandchildren, Amy Woodard (Trent), Gonzales, Patrick Dees (Jessica), Amite, Daniel Dees (Brianne), Hammond, Danny Edwards Jr., Hammond, Baylor Blanchard, Telluride, CO, Zachary Edwards (Bailey), Hammond, Kaleb Hebert, Colorado Springs, CO, Carter Blanchard, Jackson, MS, Benjamin Dees, Amite, Anna Blanchard, Suwanee, GA, and Sam Blanchard, Fayetteville, AR; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lynn Blanchard Crumb, Kenner; 10 nephews and 1 niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Debbie Wild O’Regan; nieces, Hala Hegab and Bonnie Punch; and nephews, Josh Punch and Matthew Dubreuil.
Pallbearers will be Danny Edwards, Jr., Baylor Blanchard, Zachary Edwards, Kaleb Hebert, Carter Blanchard, Benjamin Dees and Sam Blanchard.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at St. Helena Catholic Church. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Amite Cemetery, Amite, LA.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….I remember when this family moved from the south shore to Roseland. David’s parents kept the boys when neede
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born February 26, 1962 in Franklinton, LA and was 64 years of age. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Becky Holmes; 3 daughters, Alison Patrick (Matthew), Blaire Holmes Phares, and Adrian O’Bryant (Brian); parents, Carroll Holmes (Starr) and Jeanette Sumrall; sisters, Tammy Kaye Guy (Melvin), Paula Miller (Larry), Jennifer Johnson, Tammy Lynn Brumfield (Brian); brothers, Greg Holmes (Jeanie) and Andrew Holmes; grandchildren, William Edward Patrick, Presley Ann Patrick, Shane Hannon Patrick, Eli Alonzo Phares, Braisyn Arlie O’Bryant, Logan Dale O’Bryant, Reagan Sue O’Bryant, and Waylon Brian O’Bryant; special aunt and uncle, Mike and Rose Sumrall; mother-in-law, Miriam Rohner; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Preceded in death by his grandparents, C.L. and Ethel Holmes and Zander and Liddie Sumrall; grandmother, Mimi Pacie; sister, Scarlette Taylor; father-in-law, J.W. Rohner. Pallbearers are Shelby Rohner, DJ Rohner, Zander Holmes, Alex Sumrall, Michael Guy, and Braisyn O’Bryant. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Wednesday and from 8:00AM until 10:30AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Religious Services at St. Dominic Catholic Church at 11:00AM on Thursday. Services conducted by Fr. Paul Gros. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible in 2026
March 17
I Timothy 1-4
It’s a Girl !
Nathan and Deanna Raynolds Daniels have their new baby girl, Scotland.
They sat by us at church Sunday. It was clear the baby wouldn’t be too long before arrivig.
I had more information about Scotland, but is it not available now.
Prayer Focus
Pray for all the families of FBC, Kentwood and churches of our surrounding area. We will soon have even more “little ones”. What a blessing!
We have been ordering and receiving packages of items that will go into the hygiene kits and pencil bags for our shoeboxes. We are getting so excited and anxious to get these two parts done, but not just yet. We still need some additional item…. My “Hammond Friend” contributed the first funds to help with our purchases. She has faithfully and regularly contributed for several years and will never know how she has helped and encouraged us!
I’m so glad you “checked in” today. All prayers are appreciated.
We’re starting another week. I hope you have a great one!
Easter Scripture
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
I Peter 1:3
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for those who are homebound and without much contact with other people.
Welcome to the Lord’s Day! He surely took care of us Wednesday night. We are scheduled to have another round of bad weather tonight. Let’s pray for his watchcare through another storm.
Where have the weekdays gone? It seems like before I know it, it’s already Saturday! I enjoy both the weekday and weekend activities. God made all the days of the week for us.
Today’s Scripture
We know that God helps those people who love him. He uses everything that happens to them to bring something good. He does this for the people that he has chosen to serve him. Romans 8:28
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s pray for our military and political leadership as they make many decisions that affect all of us.
Your dead shall live; their bodies shall rise. You who dwell in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a dew of light, and the earth will give birth to the dead.
Baptist Press
I hope you check out the articles posted in Baptist Press. This morning, I have already read some that were very interesting. I trust you will also enjoy reading some of the articles this morning.
Ladies’ Night – Friday, at 6 P.M., at FBC, Kentwood in the fellowship hall for all ladies, teens to senior adults.
Don’t miss out! Please get your name on the list in the foyer of the church or in the church office by Wednesday if you plan to attend. The lists helps us in having the right amount of food. Come enjoy being with other ladies for the evening and learning more about the church and each other.
If you have any questions, call me. The time has been changed to 6:00 P.M.
Operation Christmas Child.
We have been ordering some items for the shoeboxes and enjoying thinking about having them in our shoeboxes this year. Many things will be the same as in previous years because they meet the needs of the boys and girls. Other items are special so the boxes will be more unique.
We will be spending some time, beginning next week, in the early steps of preparation. Let us know if you would like to be more involved in this wonderful progress. There are numerous “workdays”!
There are other ministries in church that are ongoing. Because I am not involved in them, it is hard for me to keep up with everything. Some ministries choose to keep their work more private and not involve but a few people. That works well for them.
Annie Armstrong Offering for North America – “A Mission Field in Need of Hope”
The North American Mission Board serves a diverse and complex region comprised of: United States, Canada and U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa.
386M – Population
291M – Estimated Lost
378 Languages
161 Unreached people groups
Those numbers give you an idea of the need and the variety of needs with the Annie Armstrong offering. You can turn your offering in by using a special envelope in the back of the pews at church or by using a regular envelope and clearly marking “Annie Armstrong Offering“.
As far as I know, all the area Baptist churches are now collecting for this offering. It is not limited to any particular church(es.).
Get Involved at Your Church
All churches provide opportunities for your involvement. The more you are involved, the more you will benefit! Also, the more you can help others, individually or in groups.
I cannot tell you all that is going on with everything happening at church, because David and I do not have children and grandchildren here, but if you need more information, I can connect you the someone who can help you.
Have a wonderful day as you close out this week and enter the Lord’s Day tomorrow!
I invite you to visit FBC, Kentwood if you do not have a church. If you need more information about us, I can connect you with other people of an appropriate age group.. If you choose to attend another church, that’s fine. Get involved and help to make a difference there.
It overwhelms me when I get to meet any of you. I appreciate each of you spending time with me each day. It’s never too late to join us!
Read the Bible in 2026. It’s never too late to join us!
March 13
Colossians 1-4
A Scripture for Today
‘Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.’ Philippians 2:4
An Special Easter Scripture
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
Obituaries
At this time there are no new local obituaries listed, but it is always time to pray for those who have lost family members recently.
Please ask me if you have any questions about OCC at FBC or for your own church or other group interested in packing shoeboxes this year. I would love to help inform and encourage you. At this time of the year, we are all planning what we will give to each boy and girl according to age group. We are packing our shoeboxes for the older boys and girls. We are purchasing washcloths, highlighters, crayons, washcloths, etc. It takes a lot of shopping to be ready to pack in October. I hope you take part in this ministry in some way. It is such a blessing!
What makes OCC so special? Not only do we send hygiene kits, school supplies, coloring book, toys, etc., but we send the child the opportunity to read, study, sing, and speak their own language as they slearn about Jesus! That the main thing. It’s the opportunities that come with the shoeboxes to learn of and about JESUS!
Prayer Request
Please add Ora Lee Wilson andFerrie Gene Blackmon to your prayer list if they are not already there. You probably have the names of some neighbors, family members, or friends you know who you wish to pray for. Add them too!
Coming Soon
There will be a Fifth. Sunday Singing at FBC, Kentwood on March 29th. If you love Christian music, you are welcome to join us. I hope you can work this in your schedule.
We had some serious weather last night. I’m thankful we didn’t have any serious damage all over the area. I hope the weather didn’t leave you with any major damage.
Focus on getting to meet others and learning about our church.
Please sign the list in the church foyer or call the office to get your name on the list. (A count in needed to assure adequate food is prepared!)
We will be doing some crafting too!
Teen girls are welcome to join us too.
ANNIE ARMSTRONG OFFERING
This is one of three offering collected for missions by North America. This one supports mission work in Louisiana. All money given to this offering goes directly to provide for this ministry.
The Annie Armstrong Easter Offering (AAEO) is the primary way Southern Baptists fund missions in North America. One hundred percent of gifts given to AAEO go to the field to support more than 3,000 missionary families serving across the United States and Canada.
Enjoy the exercise of the day – picking up limbs and twigs!
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Read the Bible in 2026
March 11
Ephesians 4-6
Obituary
David James Graham
August 15, 1950 – March 9, 2026
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at his home. He was born August 15, 1950 in Amite, LA and was 75 years of age. He is survived by son, Gerald David Graham and wife, Esther; brothers and sisters, Jimmy, Billy, Pauline, Roxanne, and Jerry; grandchildren, Hunter Graham (Jessica), Carley Graham, Sara Graham, Amyra Gray, Taylor Sansovich (Louis), Katie Monteleone (Cody); great-grandchildren, Kane, Jacy, Huntlie, Colt, Merric, Jett, Graham, and Davis. Preceded in death by his wife, Marsha A. Stokes Graham; son, Stacy James Graham; mother, Faye Winborn Graham; father, L.C. Graham. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 11:00AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Because of You, Missionaries Are Planting Churches and Meeting Needs Across North America.
“There is joy and urgency in the mission to take the gospel to the most under-reached and under-served parts of North America. What you give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is invested on the front lines where it will make the biggest gospel impact.”
Kevin Ezell, President
NAMB (North American Mission Board)
100% of all gifts go to the mission field% of all gifts go to the mission field
Coming Soon
Pine Ridge Bible Study – Noon Today
FBC Senior Adult Lunch – Today (Call the church office for details.)
Ladies Night – September 20th at 6 P.M. – Note time change…..!).)
Fifth Sunday Singing – March 29th @ FBC
Additional Scripture
“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” Hebrews 13:16
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Prayer Focus
Today, let’s spend some time focusing our prayers on the people who live in danger of missiles, drones, etc. Let’s also pray for peace for everyone in the world.
I think if you take time to look at this site today, you will find more than one article you are interested in reading. Baptist press is always both current in timely.
A Statement to Consider:
We don’t know everything about the lives of others around us. We don’t know their personal situations, dreams, needs, problems, joys, hurts, etc. We are all different. Sometimes, it doesn’t take much on our part to show love to someone else. Often, it seems BIG to them and meets a need they have.
Sometimes, we are the person with hurts and/or dreams. and others work to minister to us.
Sometimes love is just being friendly. Sometimes, we don’t realize we have “Made the day!” for another person. We might even think we have nothing to give to others. We always do. We have a smile, a kind greeting. a hug, a ride to church, a pew with space for them, a meal, half a cake, time to pick up limbs, time to talk for five minutes, a photo to share, a vehicle to take someone to the doctor, etc.
“When anyone among you has troubles, you must help each other. If you do that, you will be obeying Christ’s rule“. Galatians 6:2
Have a great day. Make time to show you care about someone today.
Thank you for spending some time here today. You are appreciated!
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Prayer Focus
Robbie Lynn Callihan was scheduled for surgery last week, but. it was postponed. It will probably be this week. Please start praying for Robbie Lynn and the surgeon while I try to chuck on the new day of surgery.
Read the Bible in 2026
Monday, March 9
Galatians 4-6
Obituaries
There are not usually any new obituaries on Monday mornings. You can check with the local funeral homes later today or just wait until tomorrow.
Plans are coming along. Be sure to get your name on the list in the church foyer or call the church office. It’s very important so we will have a place, food, and craft supplies for you.
There are several reasons for this gathering. If someone is new to our church, they can learn some names, programs, ministries and classes available. The second purpose is so people who are already members can learn to connect new names with new faces.
The meeting will be both fun and informative; Get you name on the list! You don’t want to miss out!
The Prayer Link 
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