Today’s Scripture

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

Read the Bible in 2026

July 29
II Kings 23-25

A Verse to Ponder

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Obituaries

Mary “Sis” Meyers

Mary Evelyn Hutchinson Meyers, lovingly known to many as “Sis,” passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at Avanti Senior Living in Covington, LA surrounded by her family. She was born on March 18, 1930, and was 96 years of age. She is survived by her son, Ben Meyers and wife, Gina; 2 grandchildren, John Meyers and Evangeline Meyers; sister, Margaret Hutchinson; and numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louie Prentiss and Mary Anna Hutchinson and her husband, Henry Ben Meyers, Sr.

Mary’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering commitment to education and her passion for music. Raised in Magnolia, Mississippi and a proud graduate of Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, she eventually settled in Greensburg, Louisiana with her husband, Henry Ben, and became an elementary school teacher before focusing on being a mother and homemaker. Through her work, Mary touched countless lives, inspiring young minds and nurturing a love of learning.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Mary was a talented musician, sharing her gift of music by playing the organ and piano at the United Methodist Church in Greensburg, LA for many years. Her musical contributions enriched the lives of many, and her service as both an organist and an later on as an usher at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Hammond, LA was a testament to her generous spirit and faith in God.

After Henry Ben’s passing, Mary moved back to Hammond where her later life was filled with simple joys and quiet pleasures. She found great satisfaction in playing bridge with friends, constructing puzzles and working through challenging crossword puzzles and word-searches. These hobbies reflected her sharp mind and her appreciation for the little details in life.

Above all, Mary was a kind-hearted and loving wife and mother, whose profound love for her son and her two cherished grandchildren was a guiding force in her life. Her family was her pride and joy, and she delighted in every moment spent with them. Her gentle nature and compassionate heart were evident in the way she spoke kindly to and of others, always offering a warm smile and an encouraging word.

Mary’s life will be celebrated in a brief service on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Hammond where family and friends will gather to honor her legacy of love and

kindness. Services conducted by Rev. Liz Embler-Beazley. Visitation will be held before the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Interment at Greenlawn Cemetery in Hammond will follow the church service. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Branson Neal Toney

December 16, 1969 – July 24, 2026

Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton

Brandon Neil Toney, former resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on July 24, 2026, at the age of 56.

Born in Greensburg, La on December 16, 1969, Brandon was the beloved son of Richard and Sandra Toney of Franklinton. He was a devoted father to his son, Broc Neil Toney and daughter-in-law Monica Vargas of Armenia, Colombia, and his daughter, Brooklyn Toney Thomas and son-in-law Adam Thomas, of Pine. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Jose Alejandro Zapata, Benjamin Lucas Toney, Noah Timothy Thomas, and Nash Jennings Thomas.

Brandon attended Bowling Green Elementary School, Chesbrough Junior High School, and Jewel Sumner High School. He later attended Sullivan Vocational and Technical School, where he studied automotive mechanics and graduated with the skills that would become one of his greatest gifts. His mechanical knowledge and ability to solve just about any problem earned him the respect and admiration of everyone who knew him.

Brandon was a well-known, respected, and deeply loved friend, farmer, and skilled mechanic. To those who knew him, there was simply nothing he couldn’t fix, figure out, or grow. Whether it was a piece of equipment, an old vehicle, or a problem someone else had given up on, Brandon approached everything with determination, knowledge, and an unmatched work ethic.

His generosity was one of his greatest gifts. Whether someone was a lifelong friend or a complete stranger, Brandon never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He would gladly give the shirt off his back or his last dollar if it meant helping someone in need. He had a servant’s heart, a quick wit, and a gift for storytelling that could fill a room with laughter. His infectious smile, clever comebacks, and larger-than-life personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all else, Brandon loved his family. His children were his greatest pride, and becoming “Paw Paw Pie” or “Alan Jackson” as his grandson Nash called him, brought him immeasurable joy. He treasured every moment spent with his grandsons, who brought endless happiness to his life.

Brandon found peace and purpose outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, tending his garden, caring for his chickens, horses, and cows, riding his tractor, baling hay, buying, fixing, and selling cars, working on farm equipment, raising beagle puppies, and cooking for those he loved. The farm wasn’t just where he lived—it was where he felt most at home.

Brandon is survived by his parents, son, daughter, son-in-law, 3 grandsons, brother, Brad Toney and wife, Glynda, and their family: Brenden Toney, Taylor, Bradley, and Bristol; Bryson Toney, Karlie, and Brylie; and Briannon Toney Gerlach and Tristan.

He is also survived by his uncles and aunts: Dale Toney (Barbara), Faye Gleber (Sidney), Candace Frazier, Dennis Wilcox (Ruth), Doug Wilcox, and Danna Erwin (Michael); along with a host of beloved cousins, their children and families. Brandon also leaves behind some of his lifelong best friends, Jonah Ballow, his beloved family, Chris Helton, and his beloved family, their friendship was a treasured part of his life.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Delbert and Mavis Toney; his maternal grandparents, George and Virginia Wilcox; his uncle, Paul Frazier; his aunt, Judy Harper Toney; his cousin, Melissa Toney; his beloved grandson, Neil Keston Thomas; his nephews, Chandler Toney and Braden Toney; the mother of his children, Ronya Lynn McKee and countless friends like him taken too soon.

Brandon’s legacy is one of kindness, hard work, generosity, laughter, and unconditional love. He leaves behind a family who adored him unconditionally, countless friends whose lives he touched forever, and a community that is better because he was part of it. Though he will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely will live on in all who knew him.

“It isn’t what we leave behind, it’s what we leave in people’s hearts that counts”

The family welcomes flowers and other expressions of sympathy. Those wishing to honor Brandon’s memory may also make a memorial donation to the American Stroke Association (www.stroke.org) It is the family’s prayer that continued research will spare other families from experiencing this same profound loss.

Visitation will be held at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton) on Saturday August 1st from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 12:00 pm Saturday with Rev. Randel Camardell officiating. Burial will follow in the Wilmer Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery (65243 Hwy. 1061, Kentwood).

Pallbearers: Brad Toney, Brenden Toney, Bryson Toney, Adam Thomas, Jonah Ballow, Chris Helton

Prayer Focus

There have been a number of people with illnesses and surgeries. As you pray for them, please also pray for the homebound. Often our prayers should be for whole families, not just one member. Remember that as you pray today.

Baptist Press

Choose and read the articles that interest you.

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Missions

There are many mission opportunities. Ask for more information if you would like to help in any way.

Coming Soon

I don’t have any definite information, be we had a report of Children’s Camp last year, so I expect we will get to hear about their camp Sunday morning at FBC, Kentwood.

Reminder

Update your prayer guide. Pray using your guide.

Closing Scripture

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee