This picture should explain why I have not posted for the last few days. Our oldest grandchild graduated from Baylor University.

Thanks to those who called or contacted via email or facebook. It’s nice to know we were missed. We’ve been home since mid-afternoon. We watched the church service from FBC, Kentwood. Then, I started to work on TPL, but my keyboard needed charging, so I am back here later.

David, who didn’t drive at all for several years, drove every mile of the trip.

God is good!

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Because of the number of sick people in our community and the number of recents deaths, I have selected the following verse:

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

~Psalm 147:3~

David, who didn’t drive at all for several years, drove every mile of the trip. God is good!

Wanda Smith asked for prayer for her family Members who had health issues while I was away from my computer. It’s not too late to pray.

Mr. Emmett Watson has been sick. Please pray for him, his wife, Estelle, and other family members.

Vickie W. Gill has been hospitalized since July 23. Her family and friends request you pray for her at 10:30 A.M. and 8:30 P.M. daily.

Please continue to pray for Gibbie McMillan and his family. Gibbie has been hospitalized since July 14th

Randy Crawford

November 29, 1964 – August 08, 2021

Randy Crawford, a resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at Baton Rouge General in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born November 29, 1964 in Kentwood, LA and was 56 years of age. He is survived by 1 daughter, Kaysie Crawford; 1 son, Chase Crawford and wife Taylor-Ann; 1 sister, Becky Crawford and Otis Brewer; soon to be grandchild, Prezley-Ann Crawford. Preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Marilyn Crawford. Visitation at Spring Creek Baptist Church from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, August 14, 2021. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Joan Virginia Johnston Watkins

November 30, 1931 – August 09, 2021

Joan Virginia Johnston Watkins was born November 30, 1931 in Amite, LA. On August 9, 2021, she died peacefully with her sons William and Robert by her side at the Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson, LA. She resided in Hammond, LA for the last 10 years, but spent most of her life in Amite, LA. Her home in Amite was a place that hosted many things-Cub Scouts, Bridge, Amite Garden Club, Brown Bag Luncheons, Bible study, and many other events. Upon her retirement from the Louisiana Gas Service where she worked for 25 years as a supervisor, she continued to pursue her hobbies. Her favorite pastimes were bridge, quilting, pokeno, reading, needlepoint, traveling, and spending time with her family. She also enjoyed going out to eat with her friends and shopping.

Joan was a 3rd generation member of the First United Methodist Church in Amite where she devoted a great deal of time volunteering in many areas of the church. She belonged to the choir, altar guild, ladies’ guild, care team, made visits, cooked meals for shut-ins, and many other things. God has always been an important part of Joan’s life and she was a shining example of a good Christian woman.

She was also a big part of Options in Hammond. She helped anyway she could and attended most of the events. The thing she was most proud of was the bed size quilt she made each year so that Options could raffle it off in order to raise money. She will be missed by the staff and by the clients.

Devoted mother of 4 sons, Perrin J. Watkins (Ann), Robert D. Watkins (Kathleen), William C. Watkins (Patricia) and John D. Watkins.

Proud grandmother to Christopher J. Watkins Sr., Ashley Watkins Estopinal (Lenny), Jamie Watkins Bateman (Stephen), Alyce Watkins Lis (Daniel), Desiree’ Watkins Ryland (Hunter), and Wallis Watkins Woodward (Cameron).

Great Grandmother to Christopher, Jr., Caitlin, Cameron, and Cyreena Watkins; Layla, Sophie, and Grayson Estopinal; Charlie (Gabby) and Stephen (Bubby) Bateman; Mallory, Emma, and Nathan Lis; Pearl and Ruby Ryland.

She is also survived by her cousin Lucius Scott; devoted friend and caretaker of John, Deanna Savage; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents, Claude V. Johnston of Birmingham, AL and Mary Porter Johnston of McComb, MS; her brother, Claude Johnston of Amite, LA; and her loving husband of 46 years, Robert Perrin Watkins of Collins, MS.

Many thanks to the doctors and nurses at Ochsner in Baton Rouge, O’Neal Lane and Ochsner Main Campus for the loving care they showed while she was in their care. We will never forget how they helped make her transition to eternal life more peaceful.

A private Graveside Service will be held for the family at the Amite Memorial Gardens. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is in charge of arrangements. For online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

In lieu of flowers, Joan requested that donations be made to Options Inc., 19362 W. Shelton Road, Hammond, LA 70401.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date for all Joan’s friends and neighbors to attend.

Edana Efferson Hudson

October 30, 1958 – August 09, 2021

Edana Efferson Hudson, a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Monday, August 9, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born October 30, 1958 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 62 years of age. She was a faithful member and Sunday school teacher at First Pentecostal Church of Roseland. She is survived by her 3 children, Naomi Wascom and husband Brandon, Jeremy Hudson and wife Angela and Scott Hudson and wife Kassie; grandchildren, Kostin Wascom, Gabby Cutrer, Johnathan Hudson, Maggie Hudson, Layla Wascom, Jack Hudson and Jennifer Hudson; brothers and sisters, Jack Efferson and wife Donna, Leonard Efferson and wife Laney and Rhonda Cutrer and husband David; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Dudley Efferson, Sr. and Doris Morgan Efferson. Visitation at First Pentecostal Church of Roseland from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, August 14, 2021. Services conducted by her pastor Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Martha “Marcelle” Birch Cuti

July 09, 1934 – August 11, 2021

On Wednesday, August 11, 2021, Martha “Marcelle” Cuti, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to all passed away at the age of 87. She was most known for baking cakes, her ceramic shop, working at local voting precincts, and being “maw maw” to so many at Little School daycare in Amite. She loved and cherished her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and her time with them as well as her sisters and the rest of her family more than anything in the world. Marcelle was as sweet as they come and if you knew her you would know her love for Sunday Spaghetti with her family, trips to the casino, puzzle books, Diet Dr. Pepper, Little Ceasars, Chester’s Puffcorn, her purses, shoes, and matching jewelry, and her Christmas sweaters that she would wear year round. Marcelle touched so many lives and she was such a special part of her family and will be missed very much. She is survived by 3 children, David Cuti and wife Cindy, Mike Cuti and wife Wanda, and Carla Moak and husband Hamilton; grandchildren, Donna Kelsey and husband Brennan, Marcy Cutrer and husband Brian, Kris Cuti and wife Shannon, Khrystal Bridgers, Melissa Trout and husband Chad, Kelly Cuti and wife Amie, Vicki Tate and husband Joe, Samuel Cuti and wife Lita, Hunter Cuti and wife Shelia, Tasonya Cook, Kirsten, Tiffany, and Drew Cuti, Ashley Robertson and husband Shay, and Dakota Moak; 2 sisters, Ruby Wholken and Margaret Estes and husband Joe; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by husband, Salvador “Sam” Cuti, Sr.; 2 sons, Salvador “Sal” Cuti Jr. and Vick Cuti; grandchildren, Darren, Darrell, Keith, and Kevin Cuti, Marsha Callihan, and Christopher Coon; parents, William Leon Birch and Bernice Bridges Birch; brothers and sisters, Cosma Hodges, Thelma Humphrey, Clovis Birch, and Herbert Birch. Pallbearers are Samuel Cuti, Kris Cuti, Hunter Cuti, Dakota Moak, Joe Estes, and Caleb Hart. Honorary pallbearers are Joey Estes, Brendon Estes, Brennan and Keegan Kelsey, Bray Cutrer, Sharkey and Emmett Cuti, Kelly and Cayden Cuti, Gavin Tate, Tyler and Taylor Cuti, Shay Robertson, and Drew Cuti. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Monday, August 16, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Vince Estes. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Shannon D. Sanders

December 29, 1962 – August 12, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born December 29, 1962 in Kentwood, LA and was 58 years of age. He started working at the Tangipahoa Parish Clerk of Court in January 1983 and retired medically from the Tangipahoa Parish Tax Assessor’s Office in August 2016. Shannon loved to spend his time in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. Along with teaching his sons to hunt and fish, he enjoyed taking other youth and teaching them as well. He coached little league baseball for over 10 years. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lynette Browning Sanders; 3 sons, Dale Sanders and Crystal Ford, Danny Sanders and wife Sara, and Seth Sanders and Ishalyn Ballard; his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren, Raelyn, Blaise, Noah, Bailee, Brynlea, and Benton; 2 brothers, Blane Sanders and wife Amy and Ricky Dale Sanders; 2 sisters-in-law, Linda Hart and Margie Crawford; 1 brother-in-law, John Browning; and special nephew and nieces, Dustin, Shelbi, Kaleigh, and Maranda; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members. Preceded in death by his father, Roger Dale Sanders; mother, Dorothy Hilbun Prevost; grandparents, Mac and Joy Sanders and Arthur and Ethel Hilbun; nephew, Nicholas Sanders; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lynwood and Fay Browning. Pallbearers will be Jesse and Garrett Sanders, Dustin Hart, Matthew Titus, Danny Sharkey, and Jamie Fairburn. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Monday, August 16, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Don Turner and Bro. Jay Avance. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Margaret Darlene Strickland

July 11, 1954 – August 13, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born July 11, 1954 in Amite, LA and was 67 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Tina Chambliss and husband Heath; son, J. D. Strickland and wife Meagan; grandchildren, Aaron Chambliss and fiance Jennifer Thompson, Destinee McElveen and husband Brodie, Larissa Strickland and Little Frank Fowler, Austin Chambliss and fiance Roxanne Hall, and Brenna Strickland; great-grandchildren, Laythen, Zayne, and Kanon Chambliss, Caysen and Aubrey McElveen, Ryland Fowler, and Bebop Chambliss. Preceded in death by husband, Alvin Denman Strickland; parents, Luther and Doris Carpenter. Pallbearers will be Aaron and Austin Chambliss, Brodie McElveen, Little Frank Fowler, Garrett Brabham and JoJo Norris. Visitation at Psalms 23 Ministries, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Mike Stafford. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Psalms 23 Ministries, 520 Bellanger Lane, Kentwood, LA 70444. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Eva Elizabeth Smith Watts Simmons

August 25, 1942 – August 13, 2021

A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021 at her home. She was born August 25, 1942 in Kentwood, LA and was 78 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Shawne Graves and Jean Watts; son-in-law, Jason Mitchell and wife Alice; brother, James Smith and wife Nora; grandchildren, Nicole Jennings, Devin Mitchell, Jamie Quinlan and fiance Hardy Hayden, Kelsey Mitchell, and Bradley Wallace; great-grandchildren, Tanner Jennings, Dakota Jennings and wife Haley, and Starleigh Wallace; great-great-grandchildren, Scottlyn Mitchell, Austin Lane White, Lauralye White, and Liam Beckett Mitchell. Preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Larry Watts; second husband, I. W. Simmons; parents, James E. Smith IV and Addie T. Smith. Visitation at Line Creek Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Monday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Justin Craft. Interment German Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers will be Devin Mitchell, Brad Wallace, Dakota Jennings, Tanner Jennings, Jason Mitchell, Wayne Simmons, and Johnie Booty. If you choose to send flowers for the service, the family prefers faux arrangements. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Donnie Ray Booty, Sr.

July 12, 1952 – August 13, 2021

Donnie Ray Booty, Sr., a resident of Kentwood, LA passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021 at Riverside Medical Center in Franklinton, LA. He was born on July 12, 1952 in Tylertown, MS and was 69 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Alice Crowe Booty; sons, Donnie Ray Booty, Jr. and wife Dawn, Matthew Leon Booty and wife Dolan and Derek Ryan Booty and wife Kyrie; 7 grandchildren, Carley Ross and husband Cody, Macy Booty, Matte Booty, Paisley Booty, Mavryn Booty, Miller Booty and Mackland Booty; one great-granddaughter, Adaline Mae Ross; 2 sisters, Perle Jones and Bonnie Hunter;1 brother, RJ Booty. Preceded in death by his parents. Robert and Annie Mae Booty; siblings, Mirla Grace, Jewel Clyde Booty, Robert Laverne Booty, Gayle Booty and Glen Booty; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation at New Jerusalem Pentecostal Church from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Sunday, and from 8:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Monday, August 16, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Jerry Hutchison and Bishop Rick Maricelli. Interment New Jerusalem Pentecostal Church Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Sandra Crawford Wall

May 25, 1942 – August 14, 2021

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born May 25, 1942 in Chesbrough, LA and was 79 years of age. Sandra never met a stranger and her greatest accomplishment were her children and her grandchildren. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Arcola and a member of Walter T. Ott Chapter #217 Order of Eastern Star in Spring Creek. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Wall Miller; son, Ivy “Huck” Wall III and wife, Kelly; 5 grandchildren, Ben Pierre Miller, Brandi Victoria Miller, Ivy Wall IV, Ivan Huck Wall and Grace Kelli Wall; great- grandson, Preston Wright; 2 sisters, Dorris C. Sanders and Kay C. Saxon; brother, Jamie Crawford and wife Mary; sister-in-law, Margaret Crawford; brother-in-law, Bob Wall; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ivy Wallace Wall, Jr.; son, Gregory Wayne Wall; granddaughter, Ashley Sue Miller; parents, Pinkney Crawford and Lilah Davidson Crawford; brother, Norris Crawford; brothers-in-law, Clayton Sanders and Elmo Saxon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Services conducted by Pastor Bob Simpson. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. Pallbearers will be Ben Miller, Ivy Wall IV, Ivan Wall, Skylar Pirnar, Noah Saxon, Dillon Gorman, Brendon Allemore, Stone Saxon, River Saxon and Ivy “Huck” Wall III. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Pray for people who cannot get back into the country where they work because of health concerns.

Pray for other people who cannot get out of countries where they are not safe at this time.

Anna Lee