A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born May 26, 1929 in Independence, LA and was 92 years of age. She is survived by 2 sons, John Lamonica and wife Lota and Paul “Chimp” Lamonica; grandchildren, Michael, Kenny, and James. Preceded in death by her husband, Joe M. Lamonica; parents, Tony and Rosalie Danna Maniscalco; brothers, Dominick, Kelly, Tony, and Nurphy Maniscalco; and sisters, Stefana Lashouto, Josie Maniscalco, Sarah Maniscalco, Mary Whiddon, and Jennie Lamonica; grandsons, Troy and Gregory. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 10:30AM on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Religious Services at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11:00AM on Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Thankfulness – Day 21
Today, I am thankful for all workers at businesses who go above and beyond to help their customers. Yesterday, David and I got new phones. His contact list did not transfer from his flip-phone to a new Iphone. Two workers took time to manually enter all his contacts into the new phone. They saved me a lot of time! They took this kind action without us making that request! For their actions, I am thankful today. There are owners and workers at many stores who do similar services for customers. We need to show appreciation when that happens.
I hope all of you attend worship in your chosen church in person or online today.
Today, I am thankful for those who love to teach. It may be a missions class, a choir, an art class, Bible study, math, English, sciences, band, home economics (now called family and consumer science), business skills, mechanics, first aid, typing, shop, etc. Those who have knowledge and skills and the desire to pass them on help make future generations ready for the world. Because of teachers, we are who we are!I’m thankful for the many teachers I’ve had in my life.
I’m not too old to continue to learn more. I don’t think we ever get too old to learn.
I am thankful for the safety of Frank Fowler, his girls, and number of other people who were in the area of an alarm to their safety. Frank and his girls were delivering our cartons of OCC shoeboxes to their next location and were alerted of possible danger. They are safe and so are all the other people who were in that area. Frank left our church at 2 P.M. and got back to Kentwood at 7 P.M. after unloading our trailer. The shoeboxes are handled by many people on the way to their destination. I pray the boxes safely make the trip to the boys and girls so they have an opportunity to learn about Jesus. I’m also thanking God for watching over the Fowlers and all the others Thursday afternoon.
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.'”
~Hebrews 10:36-37 (NIV)~
Norma Travis Muse
January 16, 1940 – November 16, 2021
Norma Rae Travis Muse, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Springfield LA on November 16, 2021 at the age of 81. She was born January 16, 1940 to the late Winfred Walter Sr. and Pearl Bryant Travis. Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Edward Muse Jr. and son James Edward Muse III. She is survived by her children Liz Muse Sharp (Ronnie), Trudy Muse Shockley (Walter) and Stephen Muse (Melissa); grandchildren Ron Sharp, Jordan Shockley, Brayden, Sydney and Taylor Muse; siblings Peggy Crawford, Warren Travis (Norma) and Winfred Travis Jr (Kathryn). Visitation will be held at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church in Kentwood on Monday, November 22 from 5-8 PM . Visitation will continue Tuesday, at 9 AM until the service at 11 AM with the burial immediately following in the church cemetery. The family would like extend thanks to Audubon Hospice—Stacey Browhow, Nurse and Vanessa Creel, CNA, as well as Total Live-in Care—Sandra Windham and Melanie Howard for the compassionate care you all gave to our mother. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pine Ridge United Methodist Church or Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Covington, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Our Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off at FBC, Kentwood has now received and packed over 1,000 shoeboxes. We are so thankful to be a part of this ministry. I personally appreciate all the churches and individuals who have brought us shoeboxes and those at our church who have teamed up to pack the shoeboxes, load the trailer, contribute during the year, etc.
I am thrilled that so many children will receive the toys, hygiene items, clothing, and school supplies. I was thrilled to meet the gentleman who brought 60 boxes that his family packed this year, the first year they knew about this opportunity. All the visits with the people who delivered shoeboxes have been great! Thank-you to each of you!
Thankfulness Day 19
Today, I am thankful for the faster communications of today’s world. I remember during my teen years and the war reports which would be a day old before an airplane could fly the video back to our country to be aired on the nightly news. That was an great improvement over previous methods. Today with our phones, computers, etc., we can watch as news happens. When these things affect our families, we are very thankful for the quickly received information.
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. She was born August 14, 1945 in Kentwood, LA and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her 3 children, Johnie B. Booty, Tracie Renee Luper and Keith, and Alton W. Booty, III; 10 grandchildren, Jonathan Tyler Booty and wife, Rondi Lynn, JoAnna Taylor Booty, Jacob Travis Booty, Jace Trent Booty, Jordan Randall Luper, Jimmy Keith Luper, Rachel Lyn Booty, Davin Alton Booty, Sarah Ashton Booty, and Lauren Elizabeth Booty; 6 great-grandchildren, Piper Harrison, Annabel Graham, Sadie Mae Graham, Norah Kate Booty, Emma Luper, and Spencer Sloane; 3 sisters, Barbara Smith Gill, Martha Smith LaLonde and husband Leon, and Ivanee Smith Raybourn and husband Adrian; companion, Shelby Gene Alford. Preceded in death by her husband, Maurice E. Jones; parents, Johnie and Mildred Stewart Smith; brother-in-law, Jimmy C. Gill; infant sister, Johnietta Smith; infant brother. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 8:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Friday, November 19, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Beryl Billiot. Pallbearers are Jonathan Booty, Jacob Booty, Jace Booty, Davin Booty, Jordan Luper, and Paris Gill. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Ted Carol Lewis of Kentwood, LA, was born on January 5th, 1941, and died mid-morning on November 16th, 2021, aged 80. He attended Kentwood High School and Louisiana State University and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. While at LSU he married his wife, Barbara. They had two children together, Joseph “Joey” Wendell Lewis and Brian Scott Lewis. After graduating, Ted held several jobs for major firms, but eventually returned to the area and opened his own business in Bogalusa. In 1997 Ted and Barbara retired to the home they built in Lewiston, which also served as a museum for high school memories and artifacts from other eras as well. He loved to share his collection and memories with friends, family, and strangers alike. In retirement, he enjoyed continuing to collect antiques, and enhance and maintain the beauty of the property that so many people in the community admired and enjoyed. He was a deacon at Lewiston Baptist Church, and loved his church community. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wendell Lewis and Bertha Stafford Lewis, and his son Joey. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his brother Don Lewis, son Brian and daughter-in-law Susan, and two grandsons, Anderson and Reed Lewis of Austin, TX. Visitation at Lewiston Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Cory Morris. Interment Lewiston Baptist Church Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who are so interested consider a donation to the Lewiston Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Ann Hodges Young
September 12, 1937 – November 16, 2021
Young, Mary Ann Hodges died at 1:26p.m. on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2021, at Ponchatoula Care Center. She was 84, a native and previous resident of Kentwood. Mary was a loving mother and a great friend to many. Visitation will be held at the McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. on Friday. Visiting at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Valerie and Henry Aucoin, Parker, Co, Debra and Tim Taylor, Aurora, CO and Gaye Allison and Jack McCart, Kentwood, La; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and five sisters. Preceded in death by parents, Floyd and Pauline Hodges, brother, Luther Hodges, husband of over 50 years, George Allen Young and second husband James Miller. Pallbearers will be granddaughter, grandsons and great-grandson.. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Say special prayers and do something special for those who do not have family to enjoy Thanksgiving with. Also, help those who might need some Thanksgiving food this year.
Thankfulness – Day 18
Today, I am thankful for my computer and my tech expert, my son, who set up this site for me. I appreciate his skill and his patience. Because of him, his skill, and my computer, I am able to share with you each day.
Now all we cansee of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror.
Later we will see him face to face.
We don’t know everything, but then we will, j
ust as God completely understands us.”
~1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 (CEV)~
Yesterday, my procedure was delayed so we didn’t get home as early as we expected and I didn’t post as planned. All went well for me. The anesthesia lasted longer than last month. I got an hour and a half nap when we got home and felt better after that. Thank-you for your prayers.
I learned of these deaths:
Mr. A.J. Harris of Baton Rouge – father of Susan Belgard of Chesbrough
Mr. Ted Lewis of Lewiston
Mrs. Norma Muse of Kentwood
Mrs. Mary Young Miller of Kentwood
Fay Harling Liuzza
February 15, 1939 – November 13, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at her home. She was born February 15, 1939 in Booneville, MS and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Jack V. Liuzza; 1 sister, Betty Harling Travis; 2 aunts, Luna Pace and Jeannie McCreary; nieces , Tracie Travis Ryan (Scott), Missy Liuzza McAllister (Luther), Cathy Liuzza McAllister (Roland), nephews, Herman Travis, Reid Travis (Allyson), Christopher Liuzza (Connie), David Liuzza (Stacey), Anthony Liuzza (Brittany); numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Preceded in death by her mother, Alice Sandifer; step-father, Lewis Sandifer; father, J.C. Harling; brother, Jonnie Clay Harling; nephew, Peyton Travis; great-niece, Jessie Travis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Eddie Guidry, Gary Stanga, Luther McCallister, Anthony “Fuzzy” Liuzza, Reid Travis and Jerry Rispone. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Barbara Irene Sowell Miller
October 02, 1946 – November 14, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at her home in Amite, LA. She was born October 2, 1946 in Amite, LA and was 75 years of age. She is survived by her 2 sons, Michael Smith and wife, Melissa and Clint Smith; 4 grandchildren, Laken Lee Dufresne, Shelby Wilkinson and husband, Shawn, Alayna Smith, Mazzy Smith, and Linkin Smith; 4 great-great grandchildren, Rylin Wilkinson, Wyatt Wilkinson, Baylor Wilkinson, Hayes Wilkinson and Brayson Dufresne; brother, Allen Sowell, Jr.; nephews, Allen Sowell, III and Darren Sowell. Preceded in death by her parents, Allen Sowell, Sr. and Irene King Sowell. Graveside Services will be held privately. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I am thankful for those in the medical profession. Even though many of us have chosen other professions, we count of those in the medical profession. As we have gotten onder, David and I have done so more often than in the earlier days. Sometimes medical professionals help to identify problems and make us more comfortable. Sometimes they save our lives!
Thankfulness – Day 17
Today, I am thankful for all the people who work behind the scenes or simply do jobs that are not medical, but are necessary for the medical facilities to run smoothly. They might park your vehicle, greet you at the door, help you to do computer check-in, clean the restrooms, deliver food, prepare food, roll you out to your vehicle, cut the grass, trim shrubbery, wash the linens, sweep and mop floors, fill water containers, man the front desk, give out masks, and many other behind-the-scenes, but necessary, jobs.
Operation Christmas Child: Today will be our third day to function as a drop-off location for our area. What a blessing it is to help all the shoeboxes get packed in cartons and ready for their next destination. We received 779 shoeboxes Monday and 106 yesterday. Today, we will be receiving boxes from 3:00-5:00 P.M.. We appreciate our “regular” volunteers and those who are serving for the first time this year. There is a job for everyone.
Pour out your heart like water in prayer to the Lord.”
~Lamentations 2:19 (NCV)~
This is the day-by-day schdule for dropping off shoeboxes this year.
Kentwood, LA – First Baptist Church, Kentwood
310 Avenue E Kentwood, LA 70444-2518
Mon, Nov. 15: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tue, Nov. 16: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Wed, Nov. 17: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Thu, Nov. 18: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fri, Nov. 19: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sat, Nov. 20: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sun, Nov. 21: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Mon, Nov. 22: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
If you would like to pack a shoebox and can get it ready by Monday. November 22. see me at church today, 9;00 A.M. – 12::00 P.M.. I will have a box for you to fill.
Today, I am thankful for those who share the Gospel. They might be pastors, Sunday School teachers, missionaries, evangelists, or untitled Christians. They know our responsibility to tell others about Jesus and do so.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Today, I am thankful for all the people who grow, manufacture, package, ship, haul, shelve, or sell me the food I buy to feed my family. I know there has been a lot of effort put into the process so I can simple walk around the store and select the items I put in my buggy. Seeing empty shelving in some stores in the last few months has made me more aware of all the work that goes into the groceries I purchase. Have you considered what you would have if you had to grow/produce all the food you eat?
It’s the Lord’s day! Be blessed as you worship Him and study His Word.
Leroy Wilson is hospitalized in northern Louisiana waiting to see a cardiologist this morning. Please pray for Leroy and his family.
There are many people in our area also sick. Keep your prayer list handy.
Life can be sad, lonely, and stressful. Holiday seasons can make it more difficult. Pray for those who have a difficult time living without a loved one who passed away.
Today, I am thankful for memories, sweet memories. We are all blessed with family members in our lives. With them and with friends, neighbors, and classmates we have mainly grown up with only a limited number of worries and cares. I’m thankful to have a closet full of good memories from my childhood years. I know I have been blessed.
A resident of Ponchatoula, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at his home in Ponchatoula, LA. He was born May 6, 1950 in Magnolia, MS and was 71 years of age. He was a mason and a former MP with the Army Reserve. He is survived by his 3 daughters, Amy Harrell, Laura Harrell Giancola, and Lillie Harrell Brooks (Josh); 3 grandchildren, James, Jackson and Davis Brooks; 2 brothers, Bruce Harrell (Kathy) and Ronnie Harrell (Christian). Preceded in death by his wife, Marlise Ory Harrell; parents, Benjamin Claiborne Harrell, Jr. and Norma Newsom Harrell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, November 12, 2021. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Next week is the drop-off week for shoeboxes. FBC, Kentwood is a collection site. Please see me Sunday if you are able to help us.
Two quotes I found this morning:
Give without remembering.
Receive without forgetting.
and
Birds start each new day with a song.
Thankfulness – Day 12
Today, I am thankful for OPPORTUNITIES I have had, have, and will have. Many have helped me grow. Some have taught me lessons I needed, and some were beneficial to others. Opportunities all lead to choices. Hopefully, good choices. The path of life looks like a gameboard. There are places in life that tell us to pick up a card, read it, and choose our next move. That becomes our future.
The Prayer Link 
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