The Prayer Link – Thursday

Prayer Focus

Today, with a temperature of 25 degrees, I will again ask you to pray for those who have trouble keeping their homes and families warm on such days. If you have a neighbor who has a home such as that, please do what you can to help them stay warm. Pray for them to stay healthy despite the very cold temperatures.

Obituaries

Herbert “Herb” Cartwright Freiler

September 26, 1943 – February 14, 2025

Herbert “Herb” Cartwright Freiler, 81, of Amite, Louisiana, passed away on February 14, 2025. Born on September 26, 1943, Herb lived life on his own terms, never afraid to speak his mind or go against the grain. He was known for his sharp wit, charm, and ability to turn strangers into friends with ease.

A proud graduate of Louisiana State University, Herb carried his Tiger spirit throughout his life. He built a successful career as a real estate broker, founding and running Freiler & Associates with dedication and determination. Beyond his work, he will be remembered for his humor, sarcasm, and larger-than-life personality that left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Herb is survived by his daughter, Sydney Freiler of Jacksonville, FL; his grandson, Zaden Portis; his two sisters, Dale Freiler of Hammond, LA and Buffie (Larry) Grayson of Baton Rouge, LA; along with his two nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Frederick Freiler and Maude Perkins Cartwright Freiler. He lived exactly as he wanted, and in keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.

Herb’s legacy is one of authenticity, laughter, and unwavering individuality—he will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Diane Rohner

June 30, 1956 – February 18, 2025

A resident of Amite, LA , passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at her home. She was born June 30, 1956 in Independence, LA and was 68 years of age. She is survived by her sons, Tim Lawrence (Meghan) and Melvin Battles (April Soape); grandchildren, Landon Lawrence, Ely Battles, Elijah Dyrakes, Blaine Battles, Johhonie Battles, Jillian Phillips (Dakota Phillip), Chad Lawrence, and Seth Lawrence; sisters, Jeannie Watkins and Dorinda Rohner; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, Rip and Yvonne Rohner; son, Jason Lawrence; sister, Cathy O’Hara. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Friday, February 21, 2025.  Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. Please wear purple in honor of Diane to the services.  For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Tommy Jean “T.J.” Reid

May 20, 1945 – February 18, 2025

An only child, TJ. Reid was preceded in death by a loving, devoted mother, Mattie Lea Beatty, and her late father, Martin Goldstein of New York City.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Reid of Amite, a son, Billy and Jeanne Reid of Florence, AL, and a daughter, Laura Lea Reid and Marcello Benetti of Hammond and Italy. Her later life was centered on five precious grandchildren – Mattie Reid, Lilith Reid, Abigail Reed, (husband, Nate Reed), Walton Reid, and Rocco Benetti. In the last years of her life, she discovered her half-sister Jaclyn Goldstein Gantz of Weston, Florida, brother-in-law, Charles M. Reid and wife, Cindy, of Amite. A feline little girl named “Cutie”, who will miss her greatly. 

Tommy Jean Reid was an award-winning author and retailer, who was also a speaker, a consultant, and a QVC television personality. She owned TJ.’s… for Her in Amite for over 20 years, and was editor, owner and publisher of FASHION ADVANTAGE magazine for 28 years, retiring in 2017. She influenced thousands of retailers throughout her career.

A much-honored civic leader for decades, she was named Amite Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year in 1981 and was also Louisiana Retailer of The Year 1984, and a member of Edwin Edwards’ Governor’s Advisory Board. She served on the World’s Fair Board in 1984 and the 150th Anniversary of Tangipahoa Parish committee. She was president of the chamber in the 1980’s, and then co-founder and first president of The Downtown Merchants Association in Amite. In 2016 she received The Legendary Leadership Award from The Dallas Apparel Mart for her devotion and inspiration to retailers nationwide for over 50 years. She was a member of the OFA Parents Club, President of the Amite Jaycee Janes and the U.D.C., a member of the Kentwood Garden Club, the Stem and Stamen Club of Amite and the Tangipahoa Parish Fair Board. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Amite, and the Louisiana Democratic Party.

In the last years she was Marketing Director of the Amite Chamber and published The Guide to Living in Amite City in 2019 and 2020. She spent many hours researching the history of Amite, and planning events to benefit its future. During her lifetime as a writer, she began as editor of the Kentwood High School paper. The Kangaroo Pouch, then went to The Kentwood News, The Tangi Talk and The News Digest. In her later years she also had columns in The Hammond Daily Star and several national business magazines. At one time she was president Of the Louisiana Press Women’s Association and was honored with a national first place award at The Press Room podium in Washington, DC. As president of the local chamber in the 1980’s and again in 2021 she spanned two centuries supporting the Town of Amite.

Visitation at First United Methodist Church, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, February 21, 2025. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Health Issue

Alice Faye Lee is in St. Tammany hospital. Please pray for her.

Coming Soon – “Annie Armstrong”

An opportunity to learn about the person and her mission in life

  • Sunday Afternoon
  • Fellowship Hall of FBC, Kentwood
  • 3:30 P.M.
  • For all ladies, youth, and girls
  • Bring a friend
  • Have Fun Learning

Another Opportunity

  • Associational WMU Meeting
  • Hillsdale Baptist Church
  • Quarterly Meeting
  • I’ll more on this tomorrow.

Daily Bible Reading

  • February 20
  • Acts 21-23
  • If you get behind, don’t quit. Read three or four chapters a day until you catch up with us.

Stay Warm!

Anna Lee