Good morning. I’m using my regular computer this morning. Hopefully, it will look more like my regular posts.
A Verse to Begin this Day
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
— John 15:12–13, NIV
We are to love Him because he first loved us!
Prayer Focus
Let’s pray we all live a life that pleased Him and encourages others to do so.
Read the Bible in 2026
- May 26
- Numbers 31-32
Obituaries
Shelby Gene Alford
November 7, 1937 – May 20, 2026
Shelby Gene Alford was born on November 7, 1937 and entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Shelby was one of the hardest working men you could ever meet. He graduated from LSU in 1959 with a degree in Forestry and Agricultural. He worked for the Louisiana Election Department for over 35 yrs achieving the level of Election Director. At the same time, he was running S & S Alford Pulpwood company 7 days a week for years. Upon retirement, he raised cattle for years and later started a hay business providing hay bales for friends and neighbors. He is survived by his 3 children, Mitchell K. Alford of Kentwood, Melissa A. Guagliardo (Jay) of Ponchatoula, Frances A. Rollins (Shannon) of Denham Springs; 9 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and expecting 1 great great grandchild; special friend, Peggy Crawford. He is preceded in death by his parents, Shelby (Bumbo) and Mattie Alford of Kentwood; His first wife and mother of his children, Jackie Alford; and his former wife, Katie Alford; granddaughter, Felicity L. Guagliardo; sister, Shirley A. Rowe; and 2 brothers in law, Richard McDaniel and Samuel T. Rowe. The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Modern Hospice and The Cottage Church in St. Helena Parish. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 11:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, May 23, 2026. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley. Interment Alford Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers are Timmy Bates, Mark Easley, Joshua Anderson, Melvin Carlisle, Tyler McDaniel, and Doug Watson. A gathering with food and fellowship for family and friends will follow at The Cottage Church, 5794 Hwy 38, Kentwood, LA 70444. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Ferdinand Guy “Ferdi” Duplantier
December 30, 1945 – May 21, 2026
Retired First Sergeant Ferdinand Guy “Ferdi” Duplantier, USMC, a proud Vietnam veteran, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 80.
Born on December 30, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Ferdi was truly one of a kind, tough as nails, strong-willed, and never one to let life knock him down. A respected Marine, devoted family man, and friend to many, he carried himself with grit, humor, and quiet strength throughout his life. Those who knew him knew they could count on him, and those who loved him will never forget him.
Ferdi proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, retiring with the rank of First Sergeant after a distinguished military career that included service in the Vietnam War. He embodied the values of honor, discipline, and resilience long after his military service ended, earning the respect of everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Outside of the Marines, some of Ferdi’s happiest days were spent at his camp, “China Beach,” in Mount Hermon. A place filled with laughter, stories, family, friends, and memories that will live on forever.
He is survived by his daughters, Vicki Rae Duplantier and Roxy Duplantier Rivas and fiancé Boulan Guidry; grandchildren, Jenelle Duplantier and husband David “Robby” Robinson, Kyla Melvin, Marcos Rivas, and Adam Ferdinand Noto; and great-grandson, Dario “DJ” Carter Jr. He is also survived by his nephew, Fred “Freddie” Cavet; sons-in-law, Peter James Ott and Luis Rivas; sister-in-law, Linda Gibson; niece, Lori Billiot; and many extended family members and dear friends.
He leaves behind his devoted partner of 20+ years, Pauline Baham, who shared his life and heart, and the family he cherished as his own: daughters Jana Baham Matherne and fiancé Kevin Sharrock, and Joni Baham Kinney and husband Mike Kinney; and beloved granddaughters Olivia Matherne, Sofia Matherne, and Maci Kinney.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne Fee Duplantier; his mother, Jean “Sally” Cousin Duplantier; and brother-in-law Lawrence Gipson.
Visitation will be held at Wilmer Baptist Church from 1:00 PM until memorial services at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 25, 2026. Services will be conducted by Bro. Jason Skipper. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com..
Thomas Bellavia
October 25, 1945 – May 21, 2026
Thomas Bellavia Obituary
Thomas Bellavia, age 80, passed away peacefully at his home on the Tangipahoa River in Amite, Louisiana, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 25, 1945, in Amite, Louisiana, to the late Kelly Charles Bellavia, Sr. and Mamie Macaluso Bellavia.
Thomas dedicated many years of service to the Tangipahoa Parish School System, where he served as Assistant Administrator until his retirement. He also proudly served as President of the Tangipahoa Parish Teachers Credit Union.
A man of deep faith and devotion, Thomas was a lifelong member of St. Helena Catholic Church. He faithfully served his church in many roles throughout the years, most recently as a Eucharistic Minister.
Thomas is survived his brother, Frank S. Bellavia, and his wife, Brenda Ardillo Bellavia.
He is also survived by his beloved nieces: Patty Bellavia, Jody Bellavia Hannah, Jacqualyn “Bird” Bellavia Duhon and her companion, Michael; Kim Bellavia Eiland and her husband, Eric; Jessica Bellavia Stant; JoAnne Ardillo Falcone and her husband, Vincent; and Michelle Bellavia, wife of the late Kelly Bellavia III.
He is further survived by his nephews: Joseph “Jay” Emile Ardillo and his wife, Keri; Thomas Frank Ardillo and his wife, Michelle; and Marc “Deke” Bellavia.
Thomas also leaves behind many loving great-nieces and great-nephews and his cherished godchildren: Joseph “Joey” Bellavia Duhon and his companion Anastasia; Kate Eiland; Gabriel “Gabe” Stant; Sarah Stant; Elizabeth Stant; Emma Bellavia; Jackie Bellavia; Joseph Ardillo; Jonathan Ardillo; Vincent Falcone III; Nikki Falcone; Joshua Falcone; Margaret Ardillo; Madeline Ardillo; Cindy Ardillo Ridgel and her husband, Tim; Richard “Ricky” Ardillo and his wife, Laura; Zachary Bellavia; Zoe Bellavia; Melissa Ficklin Clark and her husband Cori; Amanda Ficklin Mixon and her husband, Chad; Jason Ficklin; Jared “J-bird” Blake Richardson and his wife Grecia; Milo Richardson; Grant Richardson and his wife, Amanda; Gray Richardson; Susan Esteven McGraw; along with several great-great-nieces and nephews and many great-great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kelly Charles Bellavia, Sr. and Mamie Macaluso Bellavia; his siblings, Emile “Mutt” Bellavia, Angelee Bellavia Ardillo, Joseph “Joey” John Bellavia, Kelly Bellavia Jr., Jackie Bellavia, John Bellavia, and Jackie Bellavia II; his sisters-in-law, Nancy LaMarca Bellavia and Mary Vanettie Bellavia; and his brother-in-law, Nick P. Ardillo Sr.
He was also preceded in death by his nephews Roy S. Ardillo II, James “Rube” Ardillo, Nick “Nicky” P. Ardillo Jr., and Kelly Bellavia III (Little Kelly); and by his great-niece, Emily Bellavia.
Thomas will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering faith, devotion to his family and friends, and lifelong commitment to serving others. He touched countless lives through his kindness, generosity, and gentle giant spirit. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Gospel of Matthew
In lieu of flowers the family request all donations be made to St. Helena Catholic Church
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Premium Care and Modern Hospice.
Pallbearers will be Joseph “Joey” Bellavia Duhon, Eric Eiland, Marc “Deke” Bellavia, Joseph Ardillo Gabriel “Gabe” Stant, Louis Joseph, Dennis James “Denny” Currier, Jeremy Owen, and Charlie Bailey. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tom Ed Brumfield, Karen Merrick & Mickey Pugh, Mike & Rowana Currier, John Carl and Lou Hammons, Rory Hayden, Mark & Bess Kowle, Virgil Allen, Camille Russell, Sharon McDaniel Capdau, Chick & Shirley Jo Core, Ron Genco, Randall “Randy” Genco, and Salvadore “Sal” Santora.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 7:45AM until 11:00AM with a Rosary at 7:00AM by Judy Williams followed by eulogies by JoAnne Falcone and Louis Joseph. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11:30AM on Thursday. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment will be at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite.
Debbie Hart Severio
October 28, 1962 – May 22, 2026
A resident of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026 in Slidell, LA. She was born October 28, 1962 in Kentwood, LA and was 63 years of age. She is survived by 2 daughters, Angela Breaux and husband, Lenny, and Alicia Assavedo and husband, Chad; 6 grandchildren, James Bankston, Hannah Bankston, Sarah Bankston, Kaylee Assavedo, Jace Assavedo, and Logan Assavedo; 6 brothers and sisters, Billy Hart and wife, Mel, Thomas Hart and wife, Rise, Patricia May and husband, David, Barbara Holliday and husband, Donald, Laura Doty and husband, David, and Susann Morgan and husband, Steve; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Severio; parents, William and Patricia Hart; son, Willie Severio; and sister, Dorothy Hart. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until Religious Services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press
Additional Scripture
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Ephesians 2:10
Operation Christmas Child
We will soon be meeting for another morning work time. If you have not participated before, but would like to participate, contact me.
Have a wonderful day sharing God’s love!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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