“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Mark 12:30
Prayer Focus – Families in difficult circumstances
Read the Bible in 2026
- September 19
- Psalm 36-39
Obituaries
Lander Pearce Bilbary, M.D.
January 6, 1941 — September 16, 2026
Amite, LA
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at her home in Amite, LA. She was born January 6, 1941 in Bunkie, LA and was 85 years of age. She was married 56 years to Charles E. Bilbray. Lander went to pre-medical school at Louisiana College in Pineville, Louisiana and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in chemistry. In 1968, she went on to graduate from LSU Medical School. After graduation, she worked 12 years at Veterans Administration Medical Center in New Orleans from 1974 until 1986 including 11 years full time where she was in charge of vascular radiology for several years and served as a clinical instructor at LSU Medical Center. Dr. Lander also worked 1 year part-time at Veterans Administration Medical Center in New Orleans as the head of ultrasound section and also served as assistant chief of radiology. During this time she also worked part-time in a private clinic practice in Prytania, New Orleans, Louisiana. She worked 15 years at Elmwood MRI/Metairie Imaging. Dr. Lander also worked 6 years at Open MRI of Metairie/Independence Imaging until Hurricane Katrina. She published a script and appeared in an educational video on hypotonic duodenography in conjunction with Louisiana Regional Medical Program and Tulane Medical School Department of Radiology. Dr. Lander was a member American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of Louisiana, and New Orleans Radiology Society until it closed due to Hurricane Katrina. She is survived by her brother, Steve Pearce; “Her Guardian Angel”,Wylie Foster. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bilbray; sister, Stephanie Corine Pearce; father, Berthol S. Pearce; mother, Eula Pearce. Graveside Services will be held at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA at 10:00AM on Monday, September 21, 2026. Services conducted by Chaplin Chris Chavers. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sara “Denise” Stevens
August 11, 1948 — September 16, 2026
Tupelo, MS
Sara “Denise” Stevens
It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved aunt, Sara Denise Stevens, age 78, who passed away peacefully September 16, 2026 at approximately 6:00 PM in Laurel, Mississippi, surrounded by her loving family. Sara Denise was known as “Dee Dee” to those of us closest to her and as “Coach Stevens” to the many former students and athletes whose lives she touched. Born and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Denise devoted more than 40 years of her life to teaching and coaching. She taught and coached PE and health in Louisiana and Texas. She loved working with her students and young athletes and took great pride in encouraging them, teaching them, and being a part of their lives. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom and the playing field, and we know that many of her former students and athletes will remember her for years to come. Denise was preceded in death by her parents, Amy Belle Stevens and Wayne Stevens; her infant brother, Preston David Stevens; and her brother, Carl Wayne Stevens. But to us, she was so much more than just our aunt. She was warm, loving, caring, and a very special part of our family. She was someone we could laugh with, talk to, and simply enjoy being around. We were incredibly blessed to have her in our lives. Those who knew Denise also knew how much she loved her sports. She especially loved watching her beloved LSU Tigers, and you could always count on her keeping up with her favorite teams. She was surrounded in her final moments by family who loved her dearly, including Carl Wayne “Rusty” Stevens II and his wife, Cherilon; Julee Stevens Pousson; Micah Stevens; and Matthew Stevens. Denise leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless former students and athletes whose lives she touched, and a family who will miss her more than words can express. Rest peacefully, Dee Dee. You were so much more than an aunt to us, and we will carry your love and your memory with us always. Graveside Services will be held at Bolivar Cemetery, Bolivar, LA at 11:00AM on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Robert “Bobby” Forbes
February 14, 1947 — September 17, 2026
Amite, LA
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
Robert Melvin “Bobby” Forbes, 79, of Roseland, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was born on February 14, 1947 in Amite, Louisiana, and was raised in the Amite community by his beloved grandmother.
Bobby was a 1965 graduate of Amite High School. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic, loyalty, quick wit, and genuine love for the people around him. He worked as a supervisor at K&B where the perk was all you could eat ice cream. He was a faithful member of Roseland Baptist Church, where his Christian faith was an important part of his life.
Bobby loved his family deeply, and his greatest pride and joy were his wife, Jane, their daughter, Laura, and their grandchildren. He and Jane built a life together centered around family, hard work, and making memories. After working hard throughout their lives, they enjoyed the opportunity to travel across the United States in their camper, seeing new places and experiencing the country together. Those travels became treasured memories that they shared as husband and wife.In retirement, Bobby and Jane returned home to Roseland, where they enjoyed settling back into the community and reconnecting with old friends.
An avid fisherman, Bobby enjoyed spending time outdoors and never needed much of an excuse to enjoy a day of fishing. He was also a devoted dog lover and had a special fondness for his four-legged companions, Bunny (2008) and Molly (2024). Whether fishing, traveling with Jane, spending time with family and friends, or simply enjoying the comforts of home, Bobby appreciated the simple things in life.
Above all, Bobby was a Christian whose faith was personal and deeply rooted. He was passionate about studying the Bible and faithfully read it every day. His love for Scripture was an important part of his daily life and his relationship with the Lord. His faith and love for God’s Word were a lasting part of the legacy he leaves with his family and friends.
Throughout Bobby’s extended illness, Jane remained faithfully by his side. With love, devotion, and unwavering commitment, she cared for him and walked with him through each season of his illness until his passing. Their nearly 55 years of marriage were a testament to the life they built together and the love they shared.
Bobby is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 55 years, Nancy “Jane” Russell Forbes; his daughter, Laura Ricuard; grandsons, Robert Ricuard (Anna) and Bruce Ricuard, Jr.
He is also survived by his siblings, Alice Mayer (Glenn), Bubba McCrory (Teresa), and Lester McCrory; sisters-in-law, Fairba Cade (Raymond) and Julie Kathy Russell; along with numerous extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will cherish his memory.
Bobby was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ruby Burch Forbes; mother-in-law, Juanita Bowman Russell Miller; siblings, Jackie Giroir (Sylvester), Linda Landreneau, John McCrory (Velma), Mary Murray, Nelson McCrory, and Essie Mae Sellers; and brothers-in-law, Lloyd Russell and Roy Russell.
Visitation at Roseland Baptist Church from 10:30AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. Interment Arcola Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Kathy Wales asked me to include the name of Ronnie Ricks. He passed away yesterday. I expect his obituary will be available later today at McKneely Funeral Home.
Baptist Press
Serving God
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:35-40
Missions
Get involved in one of the mission projects. Volunteer!
Important Date for your calendar
December 5, 2025
Women on Mission @Spring Creek at 10 A.M.
Learn about international missions.
This is when we bring stamped Christmas cards that are given to Tangipahoa Parish and St. Helena Parish to send to family members.
Closing Scripture
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.”
Philippians 4:11-12
Jesus is with you wherever you go!
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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