Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
–Isaiah 40:30-31–
Sherman Cutrer is in North Oaks following a possible diabetic issue. Please pray for Sherman and Jewel Kay.
Audrey Faye Blades Williams
February 24, 1936 – February 20, 2021
“There is a place of infinity, Tucked away in memory…gentle breezes stir the air, and my soul finds solace there” -Audrey Williams
Audrey Faye Blades Williams passed from this life with peace surrounded by family on February 20 at the age of 84. Expert-biscuit-maker, matriarch, devoted wife of 65 years, family historian and true southern lady… Audrey “Sister” was born to William Oscar & Ellen R. Blades Feb 24, 1936. She was raised in the Pine Ridge community of St. Helena Parish. There, she attended Greensburg High School where she was a cheerleader, basketball player and earned valedictorian honors. In 1955, she married the love of her life, James W. “Pete” Williams, Sr. and reared their four children in Baker, LA. In her accomplished career, she was a passionate mental health advocate with the state of Louisiana. For over 40 years she worked tirelessly for the rights of the forgotten, underserved and less fortunate. As Director, she was pivotal in developing the program that brought Adult Protective Services to Louisiana, and dedicated her life to helping those in need. Arguably, her greatest achievements lay in matters of the heart. Her love story began when she met Pete at an Easter egg hunt, where she bent the rules in order to beat him. The winner of the prize that day is still debated, as he is the one that left with the girl. After dating for several years, she decided they should see other people. Pete met her on the porch swing the next day and kindly offered to join her on her other dates, to make sure they were okay. The rest is history. The years were full of beautiful memories, constant laughter at the antics of her husband and enduring love; even in the final days. Her purest moments of joy were found in those surrounded by children. She was a homemade chicken and dumpling enthusiast, an expert decorator, gardener and floral arranger, shopper extraordinaire, passionate defender, a poet and a friend to all. Through each of life’s seasons, she held our hands intently in her own, gave the deepest hugs, and listened as if absorbing every trouble to lighten the load. A holiday perfectionist, lover of angels, dreams and spirituality, she made each gathering a magical event. Inexplicably, she had an effortless way that made everyone that knew her feel at home. There are so many things that we will miss about Audrey, none more so than her endlessly compassionate and loving soul. Audrey Faye Blades Williams, member of First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge, is survived by her loving husband of 65 years James W. “Pete” Williams, Sr.; sons James “Rusty” Williams ( Mary); Randal Williams (Kristi); daughters Mari Ellen Wintz (Al); Sherry Williams-Jenkins; grandchildren Adam Childers; Will Wintz; Alison Balkey; Jamie Sillivent; Michele Solomon; Chad Williams; Nicole Williams; Charles “CJ” Jenkins; Luke Jenkins; great-grandchildren Sarah and Liam Wintz; Noah Childers; Grey and Micah Balkey; Gage and Ryker Sillivent; Brooks Solomon; brothers Wilbur “Bo” Blades (Sharon); Roger Blades; Clayton Blades ( Margaret); Linda Moore (Ric); brother-in-law Skippy Yarborough; sister-in-law Lorraine Blades. Preceded in death by parents Oscar and Ellen Blades; Sister Betty Yarborough; brothers Harold and Sonny Blades (Ernestine); sister-in-law Annette Blades; son-in-law Chuck Jenkins; and grandson John Randal Williams. Pallbearers are Adam Childers, Will Wintz, CJ Jenkins, Luke Jenkins, Chad Williams, and Al Wintz. We can’t begin to thank Rikki Lynn Hurston, (RN and niece) enough for the love and tender, skilled nursing care she provided during the last weeks of life. Donations in Audrey’s memory can be made to the Audrey and Pete Williams Social Work Field Education Scholarship at SLU, research to cure dementia, St. Jude Research Hospital, or an act of kindness to someone in need. Services will be held at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church, 3893 LA-440 in St. Helena Parish. Visitation will open to all on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. A private Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday conducted by Rev. Dr. Michael Townsend. A Graveside Service will be held at Pine Ridge Cemetery around 11:40am and will be open to all-feel free to bring a chair. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read the Bible chronologically n 2021 – February 21
Levviticus 17:1 – 19:37
Baptist Press
Prayer Focus for Today
Today, lets pray for those helping in the process to get people vaccinated against Covid-19. Think how many lives they may be saving.
Have a wonderful Monday!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 