Monday

I hope you had a wonderful Lord’s Day. We did.

A Scripture for today:

“A friend loves at all times”

Proverbs 17:17

Today, we begin a new work week, but for many of us, it’s work at home, basically doing what we choose to do.

For some people, they face a day of military battles. Let’s start out by continuing to pray for all involved.

We havefriends who are vacationing in the Holy Land. They are okay, but I can’t imagine being there at this time. Please pray for them to be able to get back to their home, in another state, safely.

Obituaries

Betty Jean Reid DeLancey

July 20, 1934 – February 28, 2026

Betty Jean Reid DeLancey, 91, a lifelong resident of Amite, Louisiana, was born on July 20, 1934. She passed peacefully 8:34am February 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Ray “Bill” DeLancey, with whom she shared many cherished years of marriage.

She was a devoted mother to her four children: Beverly, Jimmy, Eddie, and Melissa (Chad). Her family was her greatest pride and joy. She also leaves behind a beautiful legacy of 11 grandchildren, Jimmy Ray DeLancey Jr (LaDena), Darla Ann DeLancey Miller (Michael), Michael Scott DeLancey (Lori), Sheila Renee Saxon Rhodus (Will), Dedra Michelle Saxon, Eddie William DeLancey, Cody Michael Edwards (Courtney), Kyle Matthew (Nyomie), Courtney Nicole Edwards Hart (Austin), Taylor Hope Barr, Jaelyn Nicole Barr Kuhn (Ryan), 24 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews each of whom brought immense happiness to her life.

Betty was also preceded in death by her parents, Ivy William Reid and Bernice Louise Pratt Reid; grandchildren, Linnie Delv Saxon, Jr. and Beverly Leanne Saxon; sisters & brother, Velma June Reid Winn, Maxine Marie Reid, Junior William “Willie” Reid, Marjorie Ann Reid Smith, Esther Elaine Reid Lewis, and two infant sisters; many nieces and nephews.

Betty dedicated over 25 years of service to Master Chef and Miss Ann’s Fried Chicken, where she was known for her strong work ethic and warm spirit. She took pride in her work and in the friendships she built along the way.

After retirement, Betty truly enjoyed life. She loved laughing, joking, and spending time with family, friends, and members of her community. Her joyful personality and quick wit brightened every room she entered.

A faithful woman, Betty walked closely in her Christian faith throughout her life. She was blessed with the enduring friendship and fellowship of Brother Mitch and Sister Lilly during her journey at Independence Baptist Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and an inspiration to those around her.

Betty will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her unwavering love for her family, and her deep faith. Her legacy lives on in the generations she helped raise and the countless lives she touched.

Visitation at First Baptist Church of Independence from 11:00AM until religious services at 3:00PM on Monday, March 2, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Mitch Williams. Interment Natalbany Cemetery, Independence, LA. Pallbearers will be Kyle Edwards, Austin Hart, Howard Carroll, Johnathan Bergeron, Ryan Kuhn, and Blaine Gamache. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Hospice of Baton Rouge Butterfly Wing. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mary Esther Bond O’Malley

July 20, 1943 – March 1, 2026

A resident of Watson, LA, passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at her home. She was born July 20, 1943 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and a retired LPN from Hammond Developmental Center. She is survived by 3 children Marian E. Tate, Carol S. Scott, and Charles N. O’Malley, all of Watson; 8 grandchildren, Jessica Tucker, Darrell Stevens, Adam O’Malley, C.J. O’Malley, Bradan O’Malley, Ava Courrege, Gerald “Duane” O’Malley, Nora O’Malley, Francis Scott, and Kylee Scott; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Chief Gerald O’Malley; daughter, Ramona Jean Stevens; parents, Charles and Cornelia Hurst Bond; sister, Martha Jane Bond. Visitation at Montpelier Methodist Church from 12:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Services conducted by Pastor Ryan Frith. Interment Montpelier Community Cemetery, Montpelier, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.