Welcome to Friday. I hope it is going to be a good day for you.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9

Prayer Focus

Pray for those who who recently had surgery including Laurie Miller who got home Wednesday evening.

Read the Bible in 2026

Friday, June 5
Deuteronomy 21-23

Obituaries

Harold Stokes

January 18, 1944 – June 3, 2026

Harold Stokes, age 82, of Amite, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, at Hood Memorial Hospital. He was born on January 18, 1944, in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

Harold was a proud graduate of Amite High School, Class of 1962, and a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Amite. Throughout his life, he built a career in the scaffolding industry, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication.

Outside of his work, Harold embraced life to the fullest. He found joy in dancing with his lovely wife, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends. He especially loved floating the river, bird hunting, fishing, working with his bird dogs, and participating in field trials with his bird dogs, as well as spending time with horses and going on trail rides. Many will remember him at the pool table or cheering on loved ones at sporting events, often with massive bowls of Blue Bell ice cream nearby. His greatest joy, however, was the time he spent surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Zola Mae Stokes and Shelby Harold Stokes; his brother, Daniel Stokes; and his father-in-law, Clifton Jones, and mother-in-law, Erline Jones.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 62 years, Ruth Elizabeth Jones Stokes. He leaves behind his children: DeRenda Denise Stokes Gill (Harrison Gill), DaWanna DeLaine Stokes Schultz (Leonard Schultz), and Shelby Shane Stokes (Rachel Andre, affectionately known by Harold as his “Fruitcake”).

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Justin Bennett (Abigail Bennett), Daniel Bennett (Ashton Rohr), Rebecca Davis Schmidt (Kleat Schmidt), Molly Gill (Justin Darby), Cody Ellis, David Ellis (Madeline Ellis), Dusty Stokes (Geoffrey Young), and Dakota Stokes (Blair Stokes).

Harold was blessed with numerous great-grandchildren: Hannah Bennett, Blake Bennett, Paisley Bennett, Jace Bennett, Jaxon Bennett, Danny Bennett, Summer Lyne Bennett, Waylon Bennett, Myley Ellis, Brinley Ellis, CJ Ellis, Aubrey Grace Ellis, Ryatt Ellis, Jaxon Stokes, and Amelia “Millie” Stokes, with one more great-grandchild, Josephine Rose Schmidt, expected in June 2026.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Amite, Louisiana, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Matthew White officiating. Graveside services will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests consideration of a donation to the First Baptist Church Amite Flower Fund. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 935, Amite, Louisiana 70422.

Harold will be remembered for his love of family, his lively spirit, and the countless memories he created with those who knew and loved him. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Shirley Frazier Cuccia

July 13, 1937 – June 3, 2026

A resident of Greensburg, LA passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. She born July 13, 1937 in Greensburg, LA and was 88 years of age. She served as deputy clerk and clerk of court of Greensburg for over 40 years. She is survived by her nephews, Brooksie Ash and wife, Carol and Alex Joffre Ash and wife Mauda; and niece, Tonya Smith. Preceded in death by her parents, Alex Preston and Neva Frazier; and son, Gavin Juan Cuccia. Visitation at Red Bluff Baptist Church from 9:30AM until Memorial Services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Services conducted by Bro. Joe Day. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Additional Scripture

“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.”

Isaiah 25:1

Baptist Press

://www.baptistpress.com

Southern Baptist Convention

Florida
Next week
Pray for a productive meeting.

Vacation Bible School at FBC, Kentwood

Here is the attendance report for Thursday

112 children
41 adults
12 youth
163 total

Reminder

Tonight at 6:00 P.M., FBC, Kentwood will host the families and friends of children who attended VBS this week in Kentwood with a program to give you an insight into their week together.

THE PRAYER Link – FRIDAY