Monday

Verse of the Day

Prayer Focus

Good Morning

We are home from a granddaughter’s (Madison’s) wedding. It was both wonderful and beautiful. I wish you all could have experienced it too. It was special meeting Jack’s parents. He was their only child.

Daily Bible Reading

  • May 24 – Num. 26-27
  • May 25 – Num. 28-30
  • May 26 – Num. 31-32

Prayer Focus

As we enter into June in a few days, remember to pray for the many June brides.

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read about 65 new missionaries who will be sent.

Obituaries

Kathy Ann Strickland

February 7, 1952 – May 20, 2025


A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at her home. She was born February 7, 1952 in Rienzi, MS and was 73 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Jeff Strickland; 2 daughters, Cindy Huber and Crystal Strickland; 2 sons, Jim Wages and Lonnie Wages; 1 sister, Dorothy Phillip; 3 brothers, Charles Studdard, Bobby Studdard, and Jimmy Studdard; 8 grandchildren, Dustin Wages, Cody Wages. Amber Huber, Rylie Achord, Ethan Strickland, Corey Wages, Sarah Wages, and Cristina Ricks; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her daughter, Wendy Ricks; parents, Jim Hill Studdard, Ruby Glidwill Studdard; and brother, James Studdard. Graveside Services will be held at Spring Creek Cemetery, Spring Creek, LA at 11:00AM Saturday, May 24, 2025. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Janet Lynn Mitchell

May 12, 1959 – May 22, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved sister Janet Lynn Mitchell, who left this world peacefully on May 22, 2025.  She was 66 years old

Janet lived life to the fullest and had enduring compassion for others. She had a beautiful soul which was evident to all who knew her, bringing warmth, laughter, and kindness into every room she entered.

Throughout her life, Janet embraced every moment fully. Whether traveling to new places, cheering on her favorite team, or gathering for a family meal, she infused everything she did with passion and heart.  She was a treasured sister and favorite aunt to all her nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Roy and Erline Mitchell, her nephew Shaun Tycer, and longtime companion Al Buckner.

She is survived by siblings, Deborah O’Shee (Jerry), Linda Tycer (Dwain), Alan Mitchell (Kelley), Ronny Mitchell (Louise), Jason Mitchell, and numerous nieces and nephews.  

She is also survived by Paige McVay (Ryan) who was loved dearly like a daughter and their children Lucy and Fisher who affectionately called her J-Maw.  

A celebration of Janet’s life will be held on Thursday, July 17th at 11:00 at Blythewood in Amite, LA.

Janet will be dearly missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Shellie Jean Taylor

February 18, 2005 – May 25, 2025

Shellie Jean Taylor, affectionately known as “Sister Sue”, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the age of 20. Shellie Jean, a resident of Amite, LA, was born on February 18, 2005, in Baton Rouge.

To know Shellie Jean was to love her. A shining star in every sense, she was witty, loving, and full of life. Shellie had an innate ability to light up any room she entered, making her the center of attention in the best way possible. Whether it was dressing up for an event or simply spending time with loved ones, she never hesitated to show her vibrant, one-of-a-kind personality. Her infectious laughter and joyful spirit made her the life of every gathering.

A devoted daughter, Shellie Jean’s love for her family was evident in every interaction. She shared a special bond with her mother, who lovingly prepared her favorite meals. Although tiny, she could eat her weight in crawfish or snow crabs.. Shellie’s love for good food was only  rivaled by her passion for life and the people in it.

She was a 2025 graduate of John Jay Beauty School in New Orleans, where she pursued her passion for hair and makeup as an aesthetician. Shellie Jean’s artistic talent and love for making others feel beautiful were clear in everything she did.  She was eagerly looking forward to attending nursing school in the fall.

Shellie Jean was greeted in heaven by her MiMi, Dot Taylor, and her grandpaw, Jack Taylor.

She leaves behind many who loved her dearly, including her mother, Lisa Taylor; her father, Michael Taylor; her brothers, Christopher and Jason (Chelsea Bates); her cherished niece, Rylee Jo Taylor; her grandpaw, Don Taylor; and her grandmother, Marian Taylor, affectionately known as MawMaw Marnie. She is also survived by her loving boyfriend, Cayne Ramsey. In addition, she is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; including a special aunt and uncle, Tammy and Chuck Rick; and Linda Perez; special cousins, Brittany and Chris McKinney, who were more like an aunt and uncle to her; and special cousins, Caidence, Collin, and Chloe McKinney, and Cody and Alli Rick, and their daughters Amelia, Abigail, Adeline, and Annie Kate.

Pallbearers will be Charlie LeBlanc, Chris McKinney, Christopher Taylor, Chuck Rick, Cody Rick, Collin McKinney, and Jason Taylor.

A visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home of Amite, on Wednesday, May 28, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM, followed by a celebration of her life at 11:00 AM.  Burial will be at Greensburg Cemetery.  Her family invites all who knew and loved Shellie Jean to join them in remembering her bright spirit.

”Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You believe in God; believe also in me.  My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14: 1-3

It’s hard to post obituaries for a former student and for the child of a former student on the same day!

Please pray for the families of these three young ladies. Please also remember David and Patsy Darnell who lost their son to lung cancer yesterday.

Memorial Day

Look up the meaning of this holiday. Meditate on it. Thank God for those

Addition Bible Reading

‘A Glorious Transformation’

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is freedom. 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces ….

2 Co. 3:17-18

Memorial Day

AI Overview

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors and remembers the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is observed on the last Monday of May. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

  • Origins:Memorial Day’s roots are in the aftermath of the Civil War, when Americans would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. It was initially called “Decoration Day”. 
  • Evolution:After World War I, the holiday evolved to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in service, not just those from the Civil War. 
  • Purpose:Memorial Day is a day for reflection and remembrance, a time to honor the sacrifices of those who died while serving our country. 
  • Observance:It’s marked by visits to cemeteries, parades, ceremonies, and the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., encouraging a pause for silence. 
  • Relationship to Summer:While primarily a day of remembrance, Memorial Day has also become a marker of the unofficial start of summer, with many Americans enjoying outdoor activities and barbeques. 

I think most Americans do not understand the purpose of this holiday. I only know of a few who died while serving. If you get a chance today, please share this information.

I missed you while I was gone. It hurt not to be able to connect with you. I’m so happy to be back!!!!!

Anna Lee