Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

~Psalm 23:6~

Jana Dillon Gill‘s surgery went well yesterday. She’s already back in Kentwood. Please pray for her recovery time.

Elizabeth Benefield Simmons

December 08, 1950 – November 10, 2020

Elizabeth Benefield Simmons, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. She was born December 8, 1950 in Apalachicola, FL and was 69 years of age. She is survived by 1 son, Les Simmons; grandchildren, Sydnie Simmons and Lauren Simmons; sisters. Bridget Miller and husband, Bill, Bonnie Carline and Eva Liles; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, E.W. “Dub” Benefield and Clara Benefield. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and Memorial Services at 8:00PM Tuesday, November 17, 2020. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith . McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Thomas “Tommy” Ray Johnson

January 10, 1953 – November 08, 2020

Thomas “Tommy” Ray Johnson, age 67, died peacefully in his sleep at home with his loving wife at his side on November 8th 2020, after a long battle with ALS disease.

Tommy Ray, who grew up in Greensburg, Louisiana, was a star football player and track star at Greensburg High School. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1973, and transitioned into the Army Reserves after active service. Master Sergeant Johnson was a proud and humble veteran of the Gulf War, who was a Bronze Star recipient, and later served in Afghanistan and Guatemala. Tommy also received the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal.

After returning from active service, Tommy enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond in 1983, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and a Masters in Health and Kinesiology, with a certification in Adapted Physical Education. After graduation, Coach Johnson became a social studies teacher and football and track coach at several junior and senior high schools in the Tangipahoa Parish area. His experience in the military played an important role in the discipline and goal-oriented focus that he inspired in his students through his work as a coach and with special needs childrens’ physical education. He was an active volunteer with Special Olympics and at the Berean Children’s Home as a House Parent and Mentor. He is remembered as living a life of service while being a humble and loving gentleman; a low-key man of honor with a great sense humor and wit.

Tommy Ray was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Simmons and her husband, Alva and his father, Billy Ray Johnson and his wife, Ruby. Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Jeannine “Gigi” Baer Johnson; his stepsons Christopher Barrett Lewis and Blake Hunter Lewis; his brothers Dr. Larry Simmons and his wife, Cheryl and Lawrence Brenner, Sr. and his wife Sybil, as well as many extended family members and friends.

The celebration of Tommy’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Greensburg, LA, with a viewing beginning at 9am, followed by his service at 11am. If you are unable to join us in person, the service will be livestreamed on the First Baptist Church of Greensburg’s Facebook Page. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.

Read the Bible in 2020 – November 14th

Ezekiel 29:1-30:26
Hebrews 11:32-12:13
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 27:17

Thankfulness – Day 14

Today, I’m thankful for “dependability“! It comes in many forms: automobiles, appliances, mail carriers, grocery stores, household appliances, hot water, janitors, bus drivers, secretaries, volunteers, family members, etc. Today, I’m thankful for a heating system that came on with an easy click. Yes, it did smell like lint burning for a few minutes, but the heat came on and quickly warmed the house. (David got up earlier than usual and turned the heat on.)

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all those who are finishing up packing “shoeboxes“. The greatest benefit is for all the children who will get a “shoebox” and who would have missed out if the last minute boxes were not passed. It’s not too late to include one more child!

Some churches are having services as usual tomorrow, but others are not because of Covid-19. Examples: Kentwood, yes & Osyka, no. You may need to check before you drive!

Anna Lee