Category: Death Notice(s)

Wednesday

“Declare His glory among the nations,

His wonders among all people.”

~1 Chronicles 16:24~

Thank God for the wonderful rain He is providing for us this morning.

Jadon’s Story

I was hesitant to post this because it seems like everytime I post good news we have days of bad. I finally decide that I was because today was a great day. I don’t have many great days so we are just going to praise God for today and pray that we will have more good days than bad. I made it all night without having any spasms. When I woke up this morning, I had a bad cluster of around 35. Since then I have only had about 25 more spasms. This is a huge improvement. Thank you God!!! Maybe this medicine with the help of your prayers is working better than we thought. We will definitely know in the next couple of days. Thanks you God for this great day and thank you all for your prayers!!!!

Pray for Holly K. as she travels back to the United States today.  Thank God for her willingness to serve two years.  Pray for her safety as she travels.  Pray for her family.  I know they are anxious and very excited today.  Pray for Holly as God leads her in the next step of her life.

Operation Christmas Child

It’s that time of the year again.  We get to pack shoe boxes for children around the world.  They can learn of human love and God’s love because of the box they receive.  If you need more information, google Operation Christmas Child, contact a church that participates, or contact me.  Remember, it is more blessed to give than to receive.  Also, think of how great it is to introduce a child (and their family) to Jesus!

Jacqueline Russell Ricks
(January 28, 1941 – October 18, 2010)

A resident of Amite, she died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at her home. She was born January 28, 1941 in Independence and was 69 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 12 Noon Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola. Survived by 3 daughters, Shannon Reeves and her husband, Greg, Hammond, Laura Banos and her husband, Omar, Amite, Ann Renee’ Jones and her husband, Tracy, Roseland, 2 sons, Boe Ricks and his wife, Kelly, Roseland, John Ricks and his wife, Amy, Loranger, 4 sisters, Becky Davis, Amite, Jean Rowdon, Amite, June Graves, Ponchatoula, Bonnie Hardy, ILL, 1 brother, Charles Russell, Amite, 12 grandchildren, Jordan, Stephanie, Jason, Julie, Candace, Brock, Dakota, Tracie Danielle, Joei’ Lauren, Hunter, Logan, and Laiken, 5 great-grandchildren, Grace, Nicholas, Joseph, Kensley, and Kade. Preceded in death by parents, Charles Lee Russell and Nettie Laura Pevey Russell, 2 infant sons, Michael and Robert Ricks.

Are You Starting to Forget

There’s a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn’t wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn’t wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn’t want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented. The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister’s crib and said: “Tell me about God – I’m starting to forget.”

There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the “rat race” and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, “Tell me about God — I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are weeks when we’ve had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors’ appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord’s Supper to see God’s love and grace because “I’m starting to forget.”

There are days when we’re so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because “I’m starting to forget.”

“Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Don’t forget the Third Thursday meeting at the cabin tomorrow.  Contact me if you need more information.  We would love to have you!

Thanks for praying today.  You make a difference!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Afternoon

Caleb Estay did well with his surgery this morning.  Thank God for modern medicine and those who practice it as you thank Him for taking care of Caleb this morning.

Jonathan Barry Swearingen
(October 26, 1962 – October 18, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood, LA, he died at 1:40 p.m. on Monday, October 18, 2010 at his home. He was born October 26, 1962 in McComb, MS and was 47 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. Percy Frazier and Dr. Danny Smith. Interment Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood. He is survived by daughter, Nikki D. Swearingen, Livingston; father, Pete Swearingen and Nelda Allen, Kentwood; mother, Betty Dees Cade and her husband, Bobby, Kentwood; 2 sisters, Dee Johnson, Inverness, FL, and Julie Williams and her husband, David, Gillsburg, MS; granddaughter, Jayden B. Swearingen; nieces and nephews, Dalton Bridges, Katelyn Bridges, Maddox Williams and Rowdy Williams, and numerous cousins. Preceded in death by grandparents, Velo and Tincie Swearingen and H.C. and Bernice Dees and an uncle, Jerry Swearingen.

Monday Evening

Mrs. Avis Sullivan is headed to Line Creek.  Don’t you know she will be excited to see Line Creek after her hospital/rehab time!

East Fort Baptist Church is having a 5th Sunday singing this month.  I think the singing is from 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.

We will have the “Third Thursday” gathering at the cabin this week.  You are invited to come at 6:30 and enjoy the food, fellowship, and devotional time.

Jacqueline Gaines
(January 28, 1941 – October 18, 2010)

A resident of Amite, she died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at her home in Amite. She was born January 28, 1941 and was 69 years of age.

McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.
Jonathan Barry Swearingen
(October 26, 1962 – October 18, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood, he died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at his residence in Kentwood. He was born October 26, 1962 and was 47 years of age. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Sunday

“These things I plan won’t happen right away.

Slowly, steadily, surely, t

he time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled.

If it seems slow, do not despair,

for these things will sure come to pass.

Just be patient!

They will not be overdue a single day!”

Habakkuk 2:3 (LB)

Hilda Ard Ridgedell Easley
(March 24, 1923 – October 16, 2010)

A resident of Loranger, LA, died on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at LTCH of Hammond in Hammond, LA. She was born March 24, 1923 in Tickfaw, LA and was 87 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 10 a.m. Monday. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Cemetery, Loranger, LA. Survived by son, Carl Ridgedell and his wife, Robin, Loranger, grandchildren, Ashley Ridgedell Lee and her husband, Colis, Loranger, and Brandon Ridgedell, Loranger, step-grandchildren, Caleb Goudeau, Tara Goudeau, and Renee’ Goudeau, step-great-grandchild, Jaxsen Goudeau, numerous nieces and nephews, including, Marie Ard Guidry and Betty Jean Ard Bankston. Preceded in death by 1st husband, Spencer Ridgedell, 2nd husband, Odell Easley, 2 sisters, Aline Ard Easley, and Mamie Ard Anthony.

Miners heard Bible studies, sermons

Posted on Oct 15, 2010 | by Staff

SANTIAGO, Chile (BP)–Bible studies, Christian music and Adrian Rogers sermons were part of the Chilean miners’ remaining days below the earth as they awaited rescue.

God moved in the heart of one of the miners to request spiritual assistance and spurred an engineer working to free the men to provide not just physical aid but spiritual nourishment.

Though the Chilean culture typically could be characterized as secular and humanistic, people openly expressed gratitude to God as the 69-day ordeal came to an astounding end Oct. 13 with the rescue of all 33 men.

The miners had spent more than two months 2,300 feet below the earth’s surface in a chamber the size of a living room after a partial collapse blocked the mine exit Aug. 5. Their families had waited anxiously at the drill site as rescuers hurried toward their retrieval.

Jose Henriquez, one of three evangelical Christians among the trapped miners, sent up a request in September that an evangelical pastor be enlisted to minister to the miners and their families, according to an International Mission Board worker serving in Vallenar, Chile, about two hours from the mine in Copiapo.

Igor Bravo, a rescue engineer and a member of First Baptist Church in Santiago, heard the request and contacted the Chilean Baptist Union.

Marcelo Leiva, pastor of Vallenar Baptist Church, was called in to provide spiritual counseling at Camp Esperanza (Hope), where the families had gathered and where communication with the miners was ongoing.

Leiva was permitted to speak through a telephone to Henriquez, to pray for him and encourage him, and the pastor sent letters of encouragement down to the trapped men. He also shared the Gospel with their families, and one of the miners’ wives accepted Jesus as Savior.

Also as he mingled around Camp Hope, Leiva witnessed to Chilean policemen and foreign press who had convened at the site, including a Japanese reporter.

Bravo, meanwhile, had called on his pastor, Luis Cortez, for help in meeting the spiritual needs of the miners as they awaited rescue.

“I had to help in some Christian way,” Bravo said. “If there is an opportunity to share the Gospel — even if we’re extremely occupied — and to contribute to the Christian cause and evangelism, it’s something that’s in [my] blood.”

Cortez contacted Radio Harmonia, a Christian broadcasting station in Santiago, which provided MP3 files of Adrian Rogers’ sermons in Spanish as well as Christian music. Rogers, the late pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., was a former Southern Baptist Convention president who had an extensive television and radio ministry.

In another effort to get the Word of God to the men, Bravo located 33 New Testaments and two entire Bibles that could fit down the small corridor to the miners. Henriquez led in Bible study each evening and encouraged his co-workers to stay positive.

“It started out 5, 10, now 20 participants,” Bravo said just before the rescue. “[The people on the surface] have Jose Henriquez identified as the spiritual leader; they call him ‘The Pastor.'”

Two of the miners accepted Christ while they were trapped in the chamber.

On Oct. 11, Leiva sent his final handwritten note to Henriquez.

“I encouraged him for remaining days of confinement,” Leiva said. “That he would remember the promises of the Lord, to have hope and confidence, and that he would also convey to the other 32 miners the message that the same God who has guarded them is the One who is going to guide them in the rescue. And so the anxiety can be dissipated with prayer and confidence in God.”

Christian Maureira, national director of Campus Crusade for Christ in Chile, arranged for the miners to receive T-shirts with the words “Gracias Senor” (Thank you, Lord) printed across the front. He wanted the T-shirts to help the men express thanks to God in a way no one could miss.

Some of the miners had given input for the design of the shirts, and on the back was a reference to Psalm 95:4: “In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him.” Several men were wearing the shirts when they emerged from the earth in the rescue capsule.

“When I saw the miners on TV [wearing the shirts], my heart was like this … really fast,” Maureira said. “I was really excited because a lot of people around the world were looking at that. They gave the glory to God.”

Along with the T-shirts, Maureira had sent the miners 33 MP3 players containing audio versions of the Bible and the “JESUS” film.

Maureira said he hopes the rescue of the miners will be a triumph over tragedy that changes the nation of Chile for the better.

“With these T-shirts, we want to tell [Chileans] it is the plan of God and the glory of God. God is in this situation,” he said. “That was the mission, and we completed the mission.”

Officials said they expect all 33 miners to be home with their families by Sunday, after three miners were discharged from a regional hospital Thursday night and more were expected to be released Friday.

After the mine collapsed, workers endured 17 days before they were able to establish contact with the outside world, and some were afraid they would die underground.

The miners met with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on Thursday and were undergoing tests, CNN.com reported, and though a few received treatment, all were in relatively good health. The psychological impact of the ordeal is more of a concern to medical personnel, who said eventually all of the men could exhibit post-traumatic stress disorder.

(Based on reports by Tristan Taylor, an International Mission Board writer in the Americas.)

Have a great Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Friday

I’m sorry you haven’t heard from me for a couple of days.  A backhoe took me out of service for a while.  Thankfully, I’m back!

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;

My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

~Psalm 18:2~

Today is World Cancer Day!  Please pray for a cure.

CaringBridge

Mrs. Mildred Birch’s surgery went well.  She has some stents and a balloon.  The doctor said it was a blessing she had this warning before a major heart attack.  “Miss” Mildred should be home by now and able to drive tomorrow.  What a blessing this family has received.

Cheryl Hughes Green said her lab reports went well.  The tumors in her arm were all fatty tissues.  Join Cheryl in thanking God.

Jadon’s Story

  • So my seizures are a little better. I’m still having alot but they are better. I was having them all day long. Now I’m only having them when I go to sleep and wake up. I had one bad cluster of 30 this morning but the other clusters were only about 12. I had a few single spasms here and there but overall they are better. I’m estimating about 70. I was having over 100 in Boston. We still have to increase the medicine two more times. So maybe this medicine will work. We will continue to pray that it will be our miracle drug. I am totally off my clobazam and I can’t tell you how excited I am. I am not tired all the time. I am napping just like a normal 1 year old now. I have never done this. I have always slept like an infant. Now I’m taking only two naps a day. I’m also more vocal and I’m moving around more. I just wish we could have stopped that clobazam earlier. I will keep you updated. Please continue to pray for me. I love you, Jadon
  • My seizures continue to get better. They are still not controlled but they are better. I’m only having them when I go to sleep, when I wake up, and then just a few here and there. I’m also sleeping much better. In fact, last night I only woke up 1 time. I had 15 spasms and then went right back to sleep. They is a significant decrease at night. I’m also still only taking two naps a day. I sleep about 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. This makes us so happy 🙂 We will increase the banzel again tonight. Please continue to pray for improvement. Your prayers are working. We are praying that once I get on the full dose we will have control of these spasms. Thanks for caring and praying, Jadon
Willie Mae Graves
(March 10, 1922 – October 14, 2010)

A resident of Greensburg, LA, died on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was born March 10, 1922 in Amite, LA and was 88 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 10 a.m. until religious services at 12 noon Monday. Services conducted by Rev. Mark Robinson. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Survived by 2 daughters, Linda Graves Cutrer, Amite, and Catherine G. Courtney, Bossier City, son, Charles Wayne Graves, Amite, 10 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Preceded in death by, husband, Charles W. Graves, parents, Marley and Arry Mapes Pittman, granddaughter, Donna Lynn Courtney Tilli, 2 sisters, and 3 brothers.
Emma Thompson Phillips
(May 10, 1923 – October 14, 2010)

A resident of Independence, LA, died at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at Landmark Nursing Home in Hammond, LA. She was born May 10, 1923 in Hillsdale, LA and was 87 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9 a.m. on Saturday until religious services at 12 Noon Saturday. Services conducted by Rev. Brady Whiddon. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Survived by daughter, Camille P. Russell, Independence, sister, Eula Mae T. LaPorte, Port Vincent, 4 grandchildren, Brandon C. Hammons, Scotch D. Phillips, Kendall P. Woods, and Hagan T. Hammons, 9 great-grandchildren, Cannan Hammons, Banner Hammons, Gyvan Hammons, Taylor Phillips, McKenna Phillips, Ella Rose Phillips, Hudson Woods, Hayden Woods, and William Woods. Preceded in death by husband, Haynie H. Phillips, son, Howell H. Phillips, parents, Johnny R. Thompson and, Katie Hardy Thompson, brother, Alvin C. Thompson, and sister, Loneta T. Binder.


Mary Jane Cuti Dickson
(July 25, 1918 – October 13, 2010)

Mary Jane Cuti Dickson or “Maddie”as she was lovingly known by family and friends, passed away on October 13, 2010. Born July 25, 1918, she lived a full life, always happily caring and giving to her family and friends. She worked for many years at Lallie Kemp Hospital from where she eventually retired. However, her favorite job was caring for her family. She was always in the kitchen cooking, ready for whomever stopped by. Mangia! was one of her favorite phrases. She used food as her personal way to show her love. Mary’s final days ended at the Richard Murphy Hospice House with her family by her side.A lifelong resident of Independence, LA, Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Lyle Dickson, her father and mother, Sam and Annie Cuti; brother, Vincent Cuti; sister, Josephine Cuti Alfano; brother Victor Cuti. She is survived by her two sons, Salvador Dickson and Michael Dickson, both of Independence; five grandchildren, Karl Dickson of Severn, MD; Shawn Dickson of Hammond, LA; Missy Dickson Miller of Albany, LA; Michael Dickson of Independence, LA; and Kristine Dickson of Baton Rouge, LA; as well as eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Funeral arrangements have been made through McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, LA. Services will be held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church on Friday, October 15, 2010. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 to11:30, followed by the Mass. Burial services will follow at Colonial Cemetery.

Ionia Hill
(April 9, 1921 – October 13, 2010)

Ionia Lucy Kirkland Griffin Hill, born April 09, 1921 near Headland, AL died early Wednesday morning, October 13, 2010 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg, LA. She was the daughter of Paten and Mellie Brown Kirkland. Ms Ionia married the love of her life, Joseph David Griffin July 01, 1945. They made their home in Jackson, LA where they raised their three children; Polly, Wade and Joe Jr. Her husband, Joe died at the age of 54, and Ionia married Herman Coyt Hill; a preacher from Carthage MS.; who also preceded her in death. Visitation will be at The Lord’s Church, Kentwood, Saturday from 8 a.m. with a service at 10 a.m. Following, there will be visitation and a funeral service at the First Baptist Church in Jackson, LA from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m, Saturday. Services will be conducted by Rev. Don Meadows and Rev. Joe Nesom. Internment will be at the Jackson Cemetery. She is survived by her children Polly Griffin Bridges of Kentwood, LA. Wade Griffin and wife, Debby, of Baytown, TX; Joe Griffin Jr. and wife, Kathey, of Jackson, LA. Grandchildren are Joseph W. Bridges and wife, Jennifer; Mitchel A. Bridges and wife, Donde, of Kentwood. Step grandchildren Mark Stites and wife, Devon of Houston, TX; Penny Stites Morrison and husband, Earl of Dear Park, TX; Joseph Russell and wife Danielle of St. Francisville, LA and Johnny Russell and wife, Becky of St. Francisville, LA. Great grandchildren are Will, Matt, Rebecca. Ashton and Kirkland Bridges; all of Kentwood Lauren, Jonathan and Owen Stites of Houston, TX and Mallory, Mackenzie and Max Morrison of Dear Park, TX, Emily and Mallarie Russell. She was preceded in death by sisters Julia Whitlock and Juanita Dean, brothers Odell, Crawford, Alvis, Horace, Eudolph and Quincey Kirkland. She was an active member of The Lord’s Church, 1936 Hwy. 440, Kentwood, LA 70444 and a longtime former member of the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 155, Jackson, LA 70748. Memorials may be given to either of the above churches or to the Christian ministry of your choice. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Starret Dewaine Cleveland
(October 20, 1952 – October 12, 2010)

A resident of Greensburg, he died on Tuesday, October 12, 2010 in Hammond. He was born October 20, 1952 in Amite and was 57 years of age. Rev. Cleveland was a pastor at churches in Mississippi and Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, Iris Strahan Cleveland, Greensburg; daughter, Diedra Cleveland Chavers and her husband, Chris, Albany; son, David Cleveland and his wife, Monette, Albany; Pop had 4 grandchildren, Meredith, Micah, Asher, and Sophia. Also survived by a sister, Phyllis “Dell” Gatewood, 2 brothers, Ira Cleveland, Jr. and his wife, Carol Ann, and Mike Pierce, 2 half-sisters, Susie Capdeboscq and Kay Cleveland. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Passman Pierce and father, Ira Cleveland, Sr. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and from 8 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. Thursday. Services conducted by Rev. David Fortenberry. Interment Friendship Cemetery, Amite, LA. Memorial contributions may be made to youth or children’s funds at Red Bluff Baptist Church, Greensburg, or Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Amite.

Have a great evening!

Anna Lee

Tuesday Evening

Mrs. Mildred Birch had a heart attack yesterday and was admitted to Baton Rouge General on Blue Bonnet this afternoon.  She is scheduled for a heart cath. at 6:30 Thursday morning unless it becomes necessary to do it sooner.   Please be in prayer for “Miss” Mildred, her family, and the doctors caring for her.

Elmer Hudson, Sr.
(June 28, 1939 – October 12, 2010)

Elmer Hudson,Sr. was born June 28, 1939 and passed away at 5:30 A.M., Tuesday, October 12, 2010 surrounded by his loving family at Hood Memorial Hospital, Amite. Her was 71 years, a native of Columbia, Ms. and a resident of Amite, La.

Mr. Elmer is survived by his daughter Vanessa H. Carpenter and husband Charles, Sr. of Amite; 3 sons, Elmer Hudson, Jr. and wife Martina of Texas, Felton Hudson and wife Darlene, Booneville, Ms., and Larry Hudson, Easleyville, La.; 7 Grandchildren, Charles Carpenter, Jr., Ashley Carpenter, Elmer Hudson,III, Stacy Hudson, Jackie Hudson, Candis Drake and husband Brian, and Carliss Hudson; great-grandson, Landon Carpenter; Sister, Maggie Hudson Locke

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Birtie Stubbs Hudson, 4 sisters, and 4 brothers.

Visitation will be at McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 10:00 A.M. until Celebration Of Life Services at 2:00 P.M in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Ricky Howell and John Bel officiating. Interment in Briar Patch Cemetery, Loranger, La.

An on-line guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely and Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy.#16 West (Exit #46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Carwash and Holiday Inn Express.

Tuesday

“Or what man is there among you who,

if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?

Or if he asks for a fish,

will he give him a serpent?

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father who is in heaven

give good things to those who ask Him!”

~Matthew 7:9-11~

Bubby Dunn

Please keep Mr. Bubba Dunn and his family in your prayers. He is having some heart problems and will have surgery tomorrow morning (Tuesday) at North Oaks.

Becky Carruth Lindsey

Pray for Holly K. as she makes final plans for her return to Osyka on Oct. 20th. The family will get to spend time together for a while.

CaringBridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/calliecole

Jack V. Ballard, Jr.
(March 12, 1944 – October 10, 2010)

Jack V. Ballard, Jr. was born on March 12, 1944 and passed away on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at his residence. He was a native of Independence and a resident of Amite. Jack served our country in the US Marines and was a member of Kedron Baptist Church.

He is survived by 3 daughters, Rhonda Ballard, Albany, Jackie Ballard, Knoxville, TN and Karen Ballard Hammond; 2 sons, Gary Ray Ballard, Denham Springs and Eric Ballard, Amite; mother, Mrs. Collean Finch Bickham, Amite; 2 brothers, Thomas Ballard, Sr., Amite and Dennis Ballard, Amite.

Preceded in death by his wife, Karen G. Ballard and father, Jack V. Ballard, Sr.

Visitation at Kedron Baptist Church, Amite, on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Jake Williams officiating. Interment in the Kedron Cemetery, Amite.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

Baptist Press 10-11-10

2 Chilean miners accept Christ while trapped underground

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33842

Thank God for the rain we received.  It was needed in our area.

Anna Lee

Saturday Update

Sharon Wunstel Stephens
(April 15, 1951 – October 8, 2010)

A resident of Kentwood, she died at 10:10 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2010 at her home. She was born April 15, 1951 in Cleveland, TN and was 59 years of age. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 a.m. on Monday until religious services at 2 p.m. Monday. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Survived by her husband, Thomas Stephens, Kentwood, daughter, Brenda Robertson and her husband, Lee Robertson, Jr., Livingston, 2 sons, Robert Clay Wunstel and his fiance’, Traci Mire, Maurepaus, and Joseph Wunstel and his fiance’, Christy McKnight, Kentwood, sister, Diane Stewart, Greensburg, 2 brothers, Rev. Chelch Reagan, Forest City, AR, and Ronald Reagan, Robert, 12 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 3 step-sons, Preston Stephens, Wayne Stephens, and Bryan Stephens. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Ellie Reagan, 2 sisters, Mary Martinson, and Joellon Godwin, 2 brothers, Jerry Reagan, Chris Reagan.

Saturday

Each of us will have to give a personal account to God.

~Romans 14:12 (NLT)~

Pray for my Texas relatives as Micah is evaluated by M.D. Anderson next week.

(in)ecourage:http://www.incourage.me/2010/10/has-anyone-told-you-lately-how-amazing-you-are.html

Baptist Press:  http://www.bpnews.net/

Sharon R. Wunstel
(April 15, 1951 – October 8, 2010)

She passed away at 10:10 a.m. on Friday, October 8, 2010 at her home in Kentwood. She was born April 15, 1951 and was 59 years old.

Arrangements are incomplete with McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood.

Thursday

Now you belong to him …

in order that you might be useful

in the service of God.

~Romans 7:4 TEV~

CaringBridge

Baptist Press Stories for Oct. 6, 2010
—————————————
  • Three decades of one-child policy plagues China
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33809
  • Canadian court OKs legalized prostitution
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33810
  • ‘Secretariat’ director grew up in church
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33811
  • Volunteers minister to equine enthusiasts
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33812
  • A submissive horse is collegian’s witness
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33813
  • Dakota Baptists trim budget, send more to SBC
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33814
  • FIRST-PERSON: Moments in Utopia
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=33815

Thomas B. Singleton

(December 15, 1930 – October 5, 2010)

Thomas B. Singleton was born December 15, 1930 and passed away at 4:15 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was 79, a native of Roseland and a resident of Amite. Mr. Thomas was a Veteran of the US Navy.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Louise Brown Singleton, Amite; 2 sons, Wayne Thomas Singleton and wife, Faye Elizabeth, Amite and Barry Lee Singleton, Manchester, NH; sister, Bertha West, Baker; sister-in-law, Jeanine Singleton, Baton Rouge; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by parents, Tom and Clara Johnson Singleton; son, David Alan Singleton; 4 sisters, Ida Magee, Mattie Thornton, Irene Courtney and Lela Vicknair; brother, Clifton Singleton.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Friday, October 8, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. until Celebration of Life Services at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home Chapel with Rev. Larry Blades officiating. Interment in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Roseland, LA.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W (Exit 46) next to Bill Hood Automotive and behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Holiday Inn Express.

Thought for the Day: Be Careful Who You Imitate

The following story is reported to be true:


A new missionary recruit went to Venezuela for the first time. He was struggling with the language and didn’t understand a whole lot of what was going on. Intending to visit one of the local churches, he got lost, but eventually got back on track and found the place. Having arrived late, the church was already packed. The only pew with a seat open was the one on the front row.

So as not to make a fool of himself, this recruit decided to pick someone out of the crowd to imitate. He chose to follow the man sitting next to him on the front pew. As they sang, the missionary tried to follow along. When the man stood up to pray, the missionary recruit stood up too. When the man sat down, he sat down. When the man took the cup and bread for the Lord’s Supper, he took the cup and bread. During the preaching, the recruit didn’t understand a thing. He just sat there and tried to look like that man in the front pew.

Then he perceived that the preacher was giving announcements. People clapped, so he looked to see if the man was clapping. He was, and so the recruit clapped too. Then the preacher said some words that he didn’t understand and he saw the man next to him stand up. So he stood up, too. Suddenly a hush fell over the entire congregation. A few people gasped. He looked around and saw that nobody else was standing, so he sat down.

After the service ended, the preacher stood at the door shaking the hands of those who were leaving. When the missionary recruit stretched out his hand to greet the preacher, the preacher said, in English: “I take it you don’t speak Spanish.”

The missionary recruit replied: “No I don’t. Is it that obvious?”

“Well yes,” said the preacher, “I announced that the Acosta family had a newborn baby boy and would the proud father please stand up.”

There is nothing wrong with imitating godly men and women, but we need to be careful who we imitate, and to what extent. Even the apostle Paul was careful to limit those who sought to follow him:

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)

Follow the example of those you know who are living godly lives, but be sure to keep one eye on Christ as the ultimate standard. Otherwise, you may find yourself standing when you ought to be sitting!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

Be blessed today!

Anna Lee