Today’s Scripture
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Read the Bible in 2026
- April 28
- Exodus 28-29
Prayer Focus
Let’s thank God for our country and those who are proud to be citizens here.
Babies
We have a number of new babies in our church family. I want to share a verse in honor of the families.
“For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted the desires of my heart.”
1 Samuel 1:27
Obituaries
Delores Ratcliff Cornette
March 14, 1956 – April 26, 2026
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born March 14, 1956 in Franklinton, LA and was 70 years of age. She is survived by her two daughters, Kelly Gamble and husband, Jeremy, and Melissa Cornette Tynes and husband, Case; step-son, Russ Cornette and wife, Tiffany; son-in-law, Darrel Graham and Danielle Reech; grandchildren, Cole Cornette and wife, Emily, Anna Kinchen and husband, Tristan, Graydon Cornette, Ava Graham, Case Tynes II, and Marcus Graham; sisters, Myrna Goings and Sharon Perry and husband, DeWitt; sister-in-law, Carolyn Ratcliff; brother, Bill Ratcliff and wife, Evelyn; mother-in-law, Hazel Wells Cornette; brother-in-law, Mac Cornette and wife, Cheryl; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Russell Cornette; daughter, Jana Cornette; parents, Fleet and Etta Ratcliff; sisters, Mary Ratcliff, Shelia Stafford, and Barbara Riley; brother, Talmadge Ratcliff; father-in-law, Bobby Cornette. Visitation at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, Greensburg, from 12:00PM until religious services at 2:00PM on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Interment Wesley Chapel Methodist Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at McKneely Funeral Home. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Frances Marie Slaven
December 22, 1941 – April 26, 2026
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born December 22, 1941 in Kentwood, LA and was 84 years of age. She was a member of East Fork Baptist Church where she was the organist for over 70 years. She had a love for music. She worked for the Tangipahoa School System for over 20 years where she retired. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Janet Marie Allen and husband, Jack, and Angela DeLynn McMorris; grandchildren, Stephen Craig Allen, Courtney Lynne Torregrossa and husband, Michael, Skylar Wade McMorris and fiancé, Cheyenne Eldridge, Dylan Blake McMorris and wife, Emily. Preceded in death by her husband, John C. Slaven; parents, Wallace and Evelyn Potts Stafford. Visitation at East Fork Baptist Church from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Thursday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, May 1, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Jay Avance. Interment East Fork Cemetery, East Fork, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I shared that has player the organ at East Fork for 60 years, but should have written “mor than 70 years”.
Curtis Keith Allen
April 23, 1948 – April 24, 2026
Curtis Keith Allen, 78, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026.
For many years Keith and his brother, James, were the co-owners of Kentwood Farm Center. He enjoyed cutting his grass and helping others with theirs. He was a proud Kentwood Kangaroo class of 1966 alumni. On Friday nights, you could find him sitting in the stands “Under the tank” cheering on the Kentwood Kangaroos and on Saturdays watching any LSU sports team.
He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood.
Keith was born April 23, 1948 to the now late J.Y. and Mamie McNabb Allen.
Survivors include his 2 sons, Michael Keith Allen and Curtis Keith Allen, Jr. (Leigh Anne); grandson, Zachary “Zac” Allen (Haylee); and granddaughter, Jules Allen; 3 great-grandchildren, Caroline, Clay, and Carli Allen; brother-in-law, Jerry L. Clark (Betty); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Allen; sister, Dorothy Gill; brother, James Allen; brother in law, Billy Gill; and sister in law, Hazel Allen.
Memorial service to be held at First Baptist Church in Kentwood on Tuesday, May 5th, at 6pm.
McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.
Sandra Ann GAINES Collins
December 29, 1953 – April 25, 2026
Obituary
Sandra Ann Gaines Collins, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Sandra was born on December 29, 1953, in Amite (Tangipahoa Parish), Louisiana, to her parents Carl Denman Gaines Sr. and Georgie Lee Holden Gaines.
Sandra was devoted to her role as a homemaker, creating a home filled with warmth, care, and unwavering love. She found joy in the simple moments caring for her family, supporting those she loved, and making her house a place where everyone felt welcome, especially the homemade cookies. Her life was a testament to selflessness, kindness, and quiet strength.
She was married on June 15, 1985, to Jerry Wayne Collins, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, partnership, and love. Together for 40 years, they built a blended family rooted in faith, resilience, and deep connection.
Sandra will be remembered for her tough but gentle spirit, her compassionate heart, and her ability to bring comfort and peace to those around her. She had a special way of making others feel valued and cared for, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Sandra loved the art of quilting and was devoted to her quilting group family, and the special time they shared. She also loved the beach, as she was always the first person out and last person in when visiting Galveston and Gulf Shores.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Collins; daughters: Roddi Lynne Blackman and husband Jason; Rhonda Pritchett Hoolahan; sons: John Carl “Clay” Pritchett and Wife Elizabeth; Troy Collins; Shannon Collins and wife Gretchen. Grandchildren: Keeli Blackman; Mia Collins, Tyler Collins, Colton Collins, Emma Collins, Sophia Collins, Julian Pritchett, and Elaina Pritchett. Great-Grandchild, Presley Blackman, and numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends who were blessed to know her.
Her legacy will live on through the love she gave and the lives she touched.
A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Central Baptist Church, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the beautiful life she lived. Friends are welcome to visit with the family beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Sandra’s life reminds us of the importance of love, family, and faith. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will remain in the hearts of those who loved her.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to send donations to the Native Vision for Christ Navajo Ministries.
Baptist Press
Thank-you for “visiting” this morning. Have a wonderful day!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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