Tuesday

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for all those who are hurting, not physically, but emotionally, in any way. I feel like that will be a large number. Many people do not “let on”, so once you pray for those that you know of, please pray for the others whose needs you don’t personally know of.

Daily Bible Reading

  • February 11
  • John 19-21

Obituaries

Martha Ann Sharkey Payne

September 30, 1950 – February 8, 2025

Martha Ann Sharkey Payne was born on September 30th, 1950, in Independence, Louisiana. She was one of five siblings; being in the middle (Connie, Faye, John, & Melissa). She met her husband and soulmate at a friend’s house in Amite, LA in 1967 and went off to be wed on July 28th, 1969. They lived in Kenner, LA before finally settling in Amite, LA on a piece of land that they liked to refer to as “Fort Payne”. They went on to have three beautiful daughters; Dawn Marshell Payne (deceased), Elizabeth Faith Payne Luna, and Leah Beth Payne. In addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, allowing her to work at different hospitals in different positions as a Registered Nurse before settling down at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA where she eventually retired. She loved cooking, dining out, traveling, and of course, shopping. But, what she loved most in this world was her family. Throughout her life she would make countless sacrifices, putting her family’s needs above her own; her love knew no bounds. Martha will be remembered as a selfless, loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She had a quiet strength, shown through her ability to never complain, and always look ahead to a brighter tomorrow. Her strength of character was only enhanced when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in June, 2023, and continued on until her passing on February 8th, 2025. She had every right to be mad and depressed, but instead she chose to remain strong and positive for all to see. She loved hard and lived for every moment she was given. Neither hard times nor cancer could rob her of who she was and with love and grace in her heart she is in God’s hands now. She is survived by her husband, Marshall Payne, two daughters, Faith Luna (Marty) & Leah Payne, five grandkids, Emily Kleinpeter (Hunter), Brennan Davis, Rylie Clement (Andrew), Jake Davis, and Asher Tabor, and one beautiful great granddaughter, Kennedy Kleinpeter. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Services conducted by Chaplain Chris Thomas. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. 

“They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.”   – William Penn

Maxie Lou Bennett

February 4, 1934 – February 6, 2025

A resident of Ponchatoula, LA passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Ponchatoula Community Care Nursing Home. She was born February 4, 1934 in Mt. Hermon, LA and was 91 years old. She is survived by her close friend, Keri Wickham, and many residents/staff at Ponchatoula Community Care, who became her “family” since 2018. Preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Homer and Winnie Henry, and half brother, Lonnie Henry. A graveside service will be conducted by Bro. Rick Elder on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

(I knew Maxie and her family from growing up in Roseland. When I was in the backyard at my parents house, I could look all the way through the block and into the next block, across from the school, and see the the Henry home. Maxie was older than me, but always was kind to me, as were her other family members. I also know Keri, who has been an adopted family member to Maxie.. I can’t say enough about her or anyone else who take on the responsibility of caring for a much older (23 years) person with no family connection. What a sweet and caring heart!

Jeanne Marie “Jeannette” Collette Mitchell McMillan

February 8, 1936 – February 8, 2025

With both heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Jeannette Collette Mitchell McMillan, a beloved daughter, spouse, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community leader, who was born on February 8th, 1936, in New Orleans and passed away peacefully on February 8th, 2025. She was 89 years old. Jeannette, affectionately known as “MawNette”, led a life of creativity, service, and unconditional love, leaving a lasting impact on the town of Kentwood and all who were fortunate to know her.

Jeannette was the proud owner of Collette-Mitchell Flowers and Gifts, where she spent more than 25 years serving Kentwood and the surrounding areas with her beautiful floral creations. She set the standard for floral design in the region, turning every bouquet, arrangement, and centerpiece into a work of art. Her creations were not just flowers—they were expressions of love, care, and beauty that she learned from her mother, Jeanne Collette. Beyond her floral talent, Jeannette was an exceptional cook—an artist in the kitchen who could make any local chef look like an amateur. Family gatherings were always full of laughter, watching most any sporting event – especially LSU athletics, savoring her delicious signature food dishes, which will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of enjoying them.

Jeannette was a true pioneer in home interior and exterior decorating, renowned for her breathtaking seasonal trees and festive Christmas lights, making sure to keep Hobby Lobby in business. Her home was a welcoming haven, filled with warmth, creativity, and love in every corner. Whether for a holiday, special occasion, or sitting around her kitchen table playing games or cards, being in Jeannette’s presence made you feel truly known and at home.

A devoted servant to her community, Jeannette was instrumental in organizing the Sunshine Ladies for the Kentwood Manor Nursing Home. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she served as a Worthy Matron and District Deputy Grand Matron for the State of Louisiana, District 24. Her commitment to her faith in Jesus was unwavering, and her presence at both the Kentwood and Mount Hermon Baptist Churches will be missed by many.

Jeannette was preceded in death by her first husband, Hoyle Elton Mitchell, and second husband, Donald B. McMillan; parents, Forrest Bryan Collete, Sr. and Jeanne Victoria Vincent; her brother, Forrest Bryan Collette, Jr. and his wife, Katherine. She is survived by her two sons, Wayne Mitchell (Denise) and Mark Mitchell (Michael Chapman); three grandchildren, Dustin (Katie), Dane (Brandi), Derek (Lauren); and seven great-grandchildren, Camille, Claire, Kylie, Carver, Kambry, Madison and Landon Mitchell; and special friend and caregiver, Pat Felker; along with many nieces and nephews. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them, surrounding herself with their photos to admire the legacy she leaves behind. Her contagious laughter and infectious smile will forever be etched in our hearts as we remain grateful for the way she shaped our lives and the countless others she influenced throughout her remarkable journey.

Services honoring Jeannette’s life will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana on Monday, February 17th with visitation starting at 10AM until 12PM, followed by a funeral service. Interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Donald Kent Farm in Hillsdale, 9293 Hwy 441, Amite, LA to conclude the services.

(Cele Crawford was kind and let us know of the death of Leah Venable Steward, daughter of Bridgette and Rod Venable of highway 441 in St. Helena.)

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Coming Soon

  • February 23
  • Gathering for all ladies and girls
  • FBC, Kentwood
  • Learn about Annie Armstrong for whom our North American mission offering was named.
  • Enjoy a couple of craft projects and refreshments

Operation Christmas Child

David and I found some coloring books for boys yesterday. We have plans to check the inventory of four more stores today. Wish us successful shopping!

My SS class did some online shopping last week. Another class made a donation. We are thankful for our church members and their heart for helping others, young boys in this case, learn about Jesus. Statistics now show that one shoebox has an impact on the person who receives the box and eight family members! We can make “eternal” differences!

How are you supporting/doings missions?

Anna Lee