Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

~James 5:20~

OBITUARIES

Helen Joyce Newsom Dykes

September 24, 1935 – March 27, 2023

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21: 1-4

Helen Joyce was born to Ernest (Babe) Newsom and Zora Venable Newsom in Tangipahoa La. They lived in Kentwood La. as she was growing up and she graduated with honors from Kentwood High School in 1954. After high school she attended Baton Rouge Business college and worked in the old Louisiana state capital building prior to returning to Kentwood to marry her sweetheart Rodric Rudolph Dykes Jr. on July 7, 1956. They settled in the community of East Fork where they spent their entire lives raising their children Ernest Scott (Sandra) and Tracy Dykes LeBlanc (George).

Helen Joyce grew up in the Kentwood United Methodist Church and then joined East Fork Baptist Church after her marriage to Rodric and was a lifelong member and was remembered for her pecan brownies and stuffed celery for all occasions. Preceded in the loving arms of Jesus Christ by her mother and father, husband, brother Ernest Donald Newsom, sisters Doris Kennon and Elaine Hilburn. Survived by son and daughter and their spouses, grandchildren Seth Leblanc (Brooke), Cody Foster, Rodric (Lance) Dykes (Mallory), Nicole LeBlanc (Jhon Odevilas), Ben LeBlanc (Remi), Luke LeBlanc, Scotti Dykes Pennington (Eric). Great grandchildren, Collins Avery, Sam Andrew, Levitt James, LeBlanc; Killian Mackenzie, Khloe Grace Maza, Jackson Gabriel Odevilas; Theodore Lawrence (Teddy) Dykes. Numerous nieces and nephews and special cousin Edith Caillouet. Many thanks and love to special friend Theresa Nichols, Richard Murphy Hospice House and North Oaks Medical care team.

Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 8:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Jay Avance. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Richard Murphy Hospice House or Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Donald “Duck” Duncan

May 2, 1941 – March 23, 2023

Donald “Duck” Duncan, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at his home surrounded by family and friends.  He was born May 2, 1941 in Clinton, Louisiana and was 81 years of age.

 He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, Charlotte Jane Duncan, and three daughters, Dana Dugas, husband, Brian, and grandsons, Devin and Mason; Donna McShan, husband, Richard, and granddaughter, Deanna Bousquet, husband, Nicholas, great granddaughter, Reese, and great grandson, John Luke, grandson, Austin McShan, wife, Jennifer, and great grandson, Charles, and granddaughter, Peyton McShan; daughter, Denise Hanson, and husband, Brian; grandson, Duncan, granddaughter, Meagan Sims, husband, Sandy, two great grandsons, Culver and Truett, grandson, Denton Hanson, wife, Kamrie, and great grandson, Camden.  He is also survived by his brother, Emmett Watson, wife Estelle, and three nieces. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Mildred Duncan, two brothers, Marvin Duncan Jr and Richard Duncan, three sisters, Norma Bordelon, Edna Taglialavore, and Roma Dusharme. 

Donald was a member and deacon of New Zion Baptist Church and served on numerous committees and boards throughout the State of Louisiana. Donald was an avid farmer, he loved to cook for anyone willing to eat, and was the quarterback for the 1958 Greensburg High School football state champion team. His pride and joy were his grand and great grand kids.

Visitation
Wednesday, Mar 29, 2023
5:00 PM-8:00 PM

Visitation
Thursday, Mar 30, 2023
8:00 AM-9:30 AM

Funeral Service
Thursday, Mar 30, 2023
10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Graveside Service
Thursday, Mar 30, 2023

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray we can be encouraging to others.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25 

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• March 28
• Luke 7: 36-48
• “Like this woman, I need . . . . “

TOTALY SURPRISING

Ninr ladies gather in the fellowship hall yesterday morning at 9:00 to paint the inside of the lid of 200 shoeboxes. Everyone worked hard. There was a sweet spirit in the room as everyone worked. We painted all 200 shoeboxes to add to the ones that are already read for packing. These boxes will have a picture and a message added to them soon.

Thanks to all who helped. What a “Sweet. Sweet Spirit”!

OCC WORKSHOP

Saturday at 9 A.M. in the FBC Fellowship Hall

Please bring items to add to the shoeboxes and snacks to share with the other workers.

APOLOGY

We had no power due to the storm. When the power was restored, we still had no internet service due to continuing weather issues. I’ m thankful all is well now and usually is each morning when I try to write and post TPL.

Anna Lee