Category: Death Notice(s)

Tuesday

“The only accurate way to understand ourselves

is by what God is and by what he does for us,

not by what we are and what we do for him.”

~Romans 12:3 MSG~

Mr. Luther Ricks

After 43 treatments of Radation and a five week wait, our prayers are answered. We are cancer free with a 0.1 P S A. It feels so good to say that word FREE. I can’t say thanks enough to those who said a prayer for me. Thanks, Thanks. Luther Ricks.

Mr. Billy Brabham

Mr. Billy Brabham has been in North Oaks where he had a heart procedure yesterday.  All went tell.  Continue to pray for him.

Averi Strickland

Averi is the 16 year old high school student who had a stroke and is hospitalized at Children’s Hospital.  He is now beginning therapy to continue to regain speech and movement.  Please keep Averi and his family and friends in your prayers.

Address for Mrs. Ann Chapman

Mrs. Ann Chapman

c/o Amite Baptist Church

7100 Amite Church Road

Denham Springs, LA 70726

Thank-you from Dr. Jimmy Dukes: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmyandretiadukes

Erin Duke’s blog (Recommended by Jimmy Dukes): http://embracingmycup.blogspot.com/

Maggie Lee Henson news releases: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggieleehenson

Einar “Bud” Oxholm
(November 15, 1931 – August 10, 2009)

Einar “Bud” Oxholm was born November 15, 1931 and passed away at 6:29 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2009 at the Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital, Lacombe. He was 77, a resident of Kentwood.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

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

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Ginny Chehardy Stegall
(April 4, 1958 – August 10, 2009)

Ginny Chehardy Stegall

Went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, August 10, 2009 at her home in Kentwood, LA. She was a native of New Orleans, LA. Age 51 years. She is survived by her husband, Robert B. Stegall, Jr.; 3 daughters, Hannah Marie Stegall, Lydia Grace Stegall and Sarah Elizabeth Stegall; a sister, Melanie Navazio, all of Kentwood; 2 brothers, Andrew Chehardy, Ft. Myers, FL and Rene Chehardy, Jr., Houston, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rene and Virginia Chehardy; a brother, George Chehardy. Visitation will be at Eagle Heights Church, Tickfaw, from 3 p.m. until religious services at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA.

KneEmail

Bridge

abbridge.jpgPEOPLE USED TO travel between the UP (Upper Peninsula) and LP (Lower Peninsula) of Michigan by ferry until they built a bridge along the Straits of Mackinac…

In 1934, the Michigan Legislature created the Mackinac Straits Bridge Authority to study the feasibility of the bridge and authorized it to sell bonds for the project. Preliminary plans for the bridge featured a three-lane roadway, a railroad crossing on the under deck of the span, and a center-anchorage double-suspension bridge configuration similar to the design of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. From 1939 to 1941, a cause-way of approximately 4,000 feet in length was constructed with concrete road fragments extending from the northern shore. With uncertainty in funding and the initiation of World War II, further building was delayed. In 1950, engineers resumed construction and the state legislature authorized the sale of $85 million in construction bonds on April 30, 1952.

David B. Steinman was appointed the design engineer in January 1953, and the American Bridge Division of United States Steel Corporation was awarded a contract of over $44 million to build the steel superstructure. On November 1, 1957, after two-and-a-half years of construction and the loss of five lives, the bridge finally opened to traffic. It was officially dedicated on June 25, 1958. The bridge is approximately five miles long, the third longest in the United States. Forty years after the dedication, the 100-millionth crossing was celebrated.

Most of us probably look at the construction of this bridge as a feat of modern engineering. True enough, it is. But behind the construction was the need: the need to connect two cultures and two land masses, to expand and improve economic prosperity by bringing people together.

Did the bridge spring up immediately? No.

How did it start? With a vision, a picture in the minds of visionaries of what it might resemble and how it might change the lives of all affected by its construction. When it became clear that ferries were too expensive and too inefficient to accomplish the goals of connecting the two sides, the bridge came to the forefront of everyone’s mind. The old ways of transportation just were not working. Something new had to be put into place.

What it cheap? No.
Was it easy to build? No.
Were human lives put in danger? Yes.
Was it worth the cost, the hardship, the lives lost, the requirements of years of work and commitment to make this bridge happen? For most people connected with the bridge, the answer was an overwhelming yes.

Like suspension bridges built across bodies of water, it takes time, money and risk for bridges of healing to be built between estranged people. Many may feel that the cost is too high to achieve the bridge. It might cost me time or pride. I might have to say I’m sorry. What if the person to whom I am trying to direct my bridge laughs at me, scorns me or refuses my overture–or worse yet, just plain ignores me?

Jesus said that we must count the cost of discipleship (cf. Luke 14:28). Building bridges that result in restored relationships is probably one of the most important costs of being a disciple of Jesus. Christ taught that reconciled relationships are more important to God than any offering we could bring before Him.

Why? Because for God, how we treat others is synonymous with how we treat Him (cf. 1 John 4:20). (H. Norman Wright, Larry Renetzky)

“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift”( Matthew 5:23-24).

Posted by Mike Benson


May you see God’s love all around you today!

Anna Lee

Monday

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends,

when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.

You know that under pressure,

your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. “

~James 1:2–3 MSG~

Mrs. Faye Price is in North Oaks for a few days, but will soon return to her home in Kentwood.  She no longer stays at Kentwood Manor.  Keep her and her family in your prayers.

Mr. Morris Easley has been hospitalized in Greensburg.  Please pray for him.

Pray for Frances Gay as she has work done on her shoulder next week.

Continue to pray for Mrs. Ann Chapman as she has physical therapy and as final preparations are made for Mr. Quincy’s memorial service.  Also, please continue to pray for Krisa and Emma as they continue to heal.

Pray for teachers, staff, and students in the beginning days of a new school year.

Maggie Lee Henson

Dearest Friends-
Words cannot express our gratitude for your generous prayers and concern for the life of our daughter, Maggie Lee.  It was remarkable to hear so many of you, friends and complete strangers alike, passionately pray for MLH.  She was a light to the world and since I don’t ask questions which have no answers, I will not begin to try to explain to you why she did not survive despite all the prayer. Horrible tragedies happen every day. That is part of life here on earth. Peoples’ lives play out without the slightest hint of a ripple. We are grateful that Maggie Lee’s impact has reached so far and wide. Her life and now death will not be in vain. We will make sure of that.  Please do continue to pray for us, we cannot carry on without that support from the Body of Christ.

Maggie Lees service will be archived as of Monday on http://www.fbcshreveport.org
We love you, please keep the faith and know that God is good ALL THE TIME!!!!
In His unexplainable peace and ridiculous joy,
Jinny

Quincy McDaniel Chapman

//
A resident of Denham Springs, he was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior on Saturday,
Aug. 8, 2009. He was 79 and a former resident of Kentwood. Visitation at Seale Funeral Home,
Denham Springs, on Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting resumes on Thursday
from 12:30 p.m. until service in the chapel at 2:30 p.m. The clergy will be Dr. Terry Booth, the
Rev. Clyde Northrup, the Rev. Ragan Courtney and the Rev. Joe Baugh. Burial in Evergreen
Memorial Park. Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Martha Ann Abernathy Chapman, of
Denham Springs; daughters, Debbie Seale and husband Mickey Seale, of Denham Springs,
and Brenda Pettit and husband Audie Pettit, of Columbus, Miss.; son, Deloy Chapman and
wife Krisa Chapman, of Denham Springs; sisters, Nan Bartholomew and Ann Parsons, both
of Amite; sister-in-law,-Lois Chapman, of Baton Rouge; eight grandchildren, eight great-
grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, Amos Kent and Emma Melissa Brumfield Chapman;
daughter, Melissa Jo Chapman; brother, Shelton “Pokey” Chapman; and sister and brother
-in-law, Sybil Courtney and Frances Courtney. He was a devoted Sunday School teacher and
ordained deacon formerly of First Baptist Church, Kentwood, and most recently serving at
Amite Baptist Church, Denham Springs. He was a member of the Louisiana Rabbit Breeders
Association. He retired from South Central Bell with 30 years of service and then worked for
the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. Memorial donations may be made to the Amite
Baptist Church Deacon’s Special Need Fund or the Deacon Scholarship Fund.

KneEmail

Purification

abjewelry.jpgLAST YEAR WHILE hiking in the mountains of North Georgia, I came across a very large unusually shaped brick…

The brick was almost completely covered in green, fur-like vegetation. After I scraped the green goop away, I carefully inspected the brick and discovered that it was a brownish-yellow color instead of the traditional red. I also discovered some unusual markings and identification numbers on the brick. When I returned home, I was able to do some research and found that this particular type of brick was used in the early-to-mid eighteen hundreds to construct smelting ovens. These ovens melted and purified gold after it was mined from the mountains of North Georgia and Carolina. The purpose of the melting process was to remove any impurities that were attached to the gold.

God compares the difficulties and trials that each of us must experience in our lives to the purification or smelting process that gold goes through in order to become valuable. It is kind of like the refining process that the old yellow brick had been a part of over a hundred years ago. The brick had actually facilitated the fire’s ability to remove impurities from the gold after melting, and thereby increased its value. And more than likely some of the very gold which was purified in that particular type of brick smelting oven is still around today, possibly in the form of antique jewelry that has been passed from one generation to another. (Mitch Temple)

“The genuineness of your faith,

being much more precious than gold that perishes,

though it is tested by fire,

may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

I Peter 1:7

Posted by Mike Benson

May you know God’s presence in your walk this week.

Anna Lee

Sunday


“We should choose to follow what is right.

But first of all we must define among ourselves what is good.”

~Job 34:4 LB~

Pray for Mrs. Ann Chapman to improve physically and for peace and comfort for the entire Chapman family.

Mr. Quincy M. Chapman, of Denham Springs, passed away Saturday, Aug. 8, 2009, at

Ochsner Medical Center of Baton Rouge. Services are pending through Seale Funeral Home,

Denham Springs.

Woodrow “Woody” Willson Hodges, Jr.

(February 22, 1957 – August 7, 2009)

Died at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009 at Lallie Kemp Regional Medical Center in Independence, LA. He was a native and a resident of Amite, LA. Age 52 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, August 10, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Hodges; son, Gerrid Hodges; step-son, Gary “Gator” McCarroll, Jr.; 3 grandchildren, Jacob Hodges, Danica Woodard and Brayden McCarroll; mother, Cosma Birch Hodges; sister, Louise Peterson; brother, Neil Currier. Preceded in death by father, Woodrow Hodges, Sr.

Alva Huey Hope

(March 6, 1931 – August 6, 2009)

U.S. Veteran He went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 6, 2009. He was a native of Kentwood, LA , a resident of Denham Springs, LA and a U. S. Navy Veteran. Age 78 years. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and from 11 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Monday. Services conducted by Leland Hodges. Interment Hope-Oliver Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Survived by 4 daughters, Valarie Hodges and her husband, Leland, Watson, Ouida Hedden and her husband, Pat, Gulfport, MS, Kathy Klein Urban and her husband, Danny, Cedar Park, TX and Judy Hall, Dallas, TX, 11 grandchildren, Michael, Kelly, Joshua, Chad, Brandon, Amber, Jennifer, Kristan, Timothy, Jessica, and Cody, numerous great-grandchildren, brother, John Donald Hope and his wife, Marsha, Harahan, 2 sisters, Dorothy Guy and her husband, Rand, Baton Rouge and Margaret James, Magnolia, MS, numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by, wife, Betty Jane Hope, who was buried at the National Cemetery in Dallas, TX, sons-in-law, Tommy Johnson, Wayne Hall and Bill Hall, twin brother, Otis Hope, 2 other brothers, Kenneth and Nolan, sister, Bill Goings.

Death

death.jpgBENJAMIN FRANKLIN IS accredited with saying that there is nothing in this life that is certain except death and taxes…

Funny, is it not, how neither seems to come at an opportune time? Death is something that we never come to grips with. We deny that it happens. We put it off until another day. We try to run ahead of it to ensure that it never catches up. Some even try to buy it off but they never succeed for death comes to us all.

However, this isn’t much comfort when our loved ones pass on. We have all lost someone near and dear to us. A grandparent. An uncle or aunt. A parent. A sibling. A close friend in the prime of life. And when these deaths occur in trivial circumstances, the pain is almost suffocating. A friend commits suicide. Another is taken in an automobile accident. A grandparent or parent who develops cancer is given only two weeks to live. An uncle is murdered.

It happens.

It shouldn’t.

But it does.

The pain that comes from death is worse than anything else that humanity can imagine or create. You see, death represents finality. That’s it. It’s the end of the line. They are gone. Your loved one is now only a memory. At least that is true for those who never know Christ. But for the ones who do, death is only a brief milestone between earth and eternity. (Michael Whitworth)

“…It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Posted by Mike Benson

Keep God in this Lord’s Day!

Anna Lee

Thursday – Obituary

Margaret Lee Henson
Maggie Lee Henson

SHREVEPORT, LA – Margaret Lee Henson (Maggie Lee,) born in San Antonio, TX, on October 29, 1996, died Sunday, August 2, 2009 at Blair Batson Memorial Children’s Hospital in Jackson, MS., from injuries sustained in a tragic bus accident while the First Baptist Church of Shreveport Youth were en route to Passport Youth Camp.

Maggie Lee was the daughter of Rev. John Henson and Jinny Henson and the incredibly devoted sister to Jack Henson, age 10.

Maggie Lee attended First Baptist Church School where she was a cheerleader and enjoyed singing in Show Choir and Anchoring Patriot T.V. She loved attending Youth Group on Wednesday Nights and Sundays. Maggie Lee also loved to travel, having visited Florida numerous times as well as Seattle, Chicago, California, New York and Pennsylvania. Maggie Lee also attended Crestridge Camp for Girls in North Carolina.

More than anything she did, Maggie Lee was precious by the virtue of who she was. She had a hilarious sense of humor, writing talent, vibrant spirit and a deep love for her Savior, Jesus Christ, as evidenced in the way she lived her life. In the spirit of Maggie Lee’s consistent selflessness and generosity, her parents donated her organs and although many were badly damaged due to the accident, two children will have gotten their miracle because of her.

Besides being a phenomenal daughter, Maggie Lee was a loving Granddaughter, tremendous cousin and unbelievable friend. Maggie Lee was intensely loyal, true and kind. She made friends quickly in the different cities where her father pastored and maintained those friendships for life.

Maggie Lee dreamed of starring on Broadway and took weekly voice lessons to that end. Her annual talent show performances, whether acting or singing, were always a fun expression of her talent. Each summer, she spent a week in Dallas taking acting workshops.

Her family will miss all of the fun they would have on trips, watching favorite random TV shows together, jumping on the trampoline, daddy dates, Happy Belly’s and lemonade stands.

Maggie Lee is preceded in death by her Paternal Grandmother, Shirley Henson, and Maternal Grandfather Bill Richardson. She is survived by her parents, John and Jinny Henson, brother Jack Henson, Maternal Grandmother; Judy Richardson, Uncle Ted Richardson, Aunt Kelly Richardson, Cousins Will, Blaine, Ben and Ally Richardson, Uncle Brink Richardson, Aunt Theresa Richardson, Twin Cousin Madeline Richardson, Melanie Richardson, Brinkley, Bryce and Braden Richardson. Paternal Grandfather Tom Henson and Step-Grandmother, Sherolyn Henson, Uncle Scott Henson and Aunt Kathy Mitchell.

Visitation will be at Rose Neath Funeral Home on Marshall Street in Shreveport from 5-7pm on Wednesday, August 5. A Celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church of Shreveport on Thursday, August 6th at 1p.m. Maggie Lee’s body will be buried in Tyler, TX, at a private family service. Her spirit is already with Jesus Christ.

Shreveport Times.com

Thursday

“Blessed be the Lord,

because He has heard the voice of my supplications!”

~Psalm 28:6~

Update on Greg Tanner

He is doing much better. He went back to work today. Got a long way to go, but he’s healing alot faster than the docs expected.

Chapmans

Good day/bad day. Good: Emma is now home, just can’t jump around or play hard for 6 weeks. Bad: Dad went from active hallucinations to quiet sleep to stopping breathing. They shocked his heart into starting, but he is now on life support. Had to break the news to Mom, who just began therapy today. Don’t know what happened or why. My sisters and I meet with doctors tomorrow to discuss options. Please pray.

Pray for Jimmy Schwartz as he makes a decision about knee replacement surgeries.

Pray for the Dukes family as they have the memorial service for Mrs. Retia Dukes today in Florida.  Pray for all of them in the coming days as they make the necessary adjustments from the life they have had for the last four months since the accident.

Pray for the Henson family, church family, and friends as services are held today for Maggie Lee at 1 P.M.  You can go to http://www.fbcshreveport.org/ at 1 P.M. today to view the live celebration of Maggie Lee’s life.

Earl Dennis Becnel, Jr.

(August 3, 1940 – August 5, 2009)

Died at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at Kentwood Manor Nursing Home in Kentwood, LA. He was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Kentwood, LA. Age 69 years. Graveside Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2009. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. He is survived by his 3 sons, Michael Becnel and wife, Gina, Kentwood, David Becnel and wife, Tanya, Slidell, and Mark Becnel and wife, Laurie, Picayune, MS; mother, Frances Becnel, New Orleans; 2 sisters, Patsy Fox, New Orleans and Catheline Becnel, New Orleans; a brother, Ronnie Becnel, New Orleans; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Dennis Becnel, Sr. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Lula Mae Will

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, August 6, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the funeral home Chapel at 11:00 a.m.

LEAVING COLLATERAL

I accompanied my husband when he went to get a haircut. Reading a magazine, I found a hairstyle I liked for myself, and I asked the receptionist if I could take the magazine next door to make a copy of the photo.

“Leave some ID, a driver’s license or a credit card,” she said.

“But my husband is here getting a haircut,” I explained.

“Yes,” she replied. “But I need something you’ll come back for.”

We are familiar with the concept of collateral.  Perhaps many of you have been in a situation, as I have in time past, where you pumped your gas or bought some groceries but then realized that you didn’t have any cash.  The cashier wanted something (usually a driver’s license) as collateral to serve as proof that you would return to pay the full amount.

In the Old Testament, the word that is most often used to describe collateral is “pledge”.  You may recall the story of Jacob and Tamar in Genesis 38, where Judah had sex with Tamar, thinking that she was a prostitute.  As payment, he offered to return home for a goat, but Tamar wanted collateral:  “What will you give me a pledge till you send it?” (Gen. 38:17).

Under the Law of Moses, if you needed collateral, you could take a person’s garment, but “If you ever take your neighbor’s garment as a pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down.” (Exodus 22:26) because that’s what he used to keep warm at night.

In the New Testament, the word that is most often used to describe the idea of collateral is “guarantee”.  Three times (2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5; Eph. 1:14), the apostle Paul says that God has given us His Holy Spirit as a “guarantee” that there is more to come.  We can be assured that God will keep all of His promises and give us great blessings (including a home in heaven) because we have the Spirit to serve as collateral.

“For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.  Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” (2 Cor. 5:4-5)

Trust me, that’s something God is definitely coming back for!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Wednesday

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice!

Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.”

~Psalm 27:7~

Mrs. Nadine Council is doing much better.  She is up and about a little.  Please pray for her continued progress.

Deloy’s Update on the Chapman Family

  • Pretty tired today. Here’s a quick update.
  • Dad – the same, but did get several hours sleep today (1st since Wed. night).
  • Mom – transferred to room 375, rehab floor at Our Lady of the Lake. As of 9:00 tonight no hallucinations. Rehab begins tomorrow, will be here about 3 weeks.
  • Krisa – doctor said she needs more bed rest, so she’s gotta stay home more and take it easy.
  • Emma – in room 307 now, but being DISCHARGED tomorrow. She’ll have plenty of limitations, but she’ll get to be with her momma!
  • Thanks for praying, please keep it up!

Thank God for his watchcare over the Chapmans.

Maggie Lee Henson

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 3:20 PM, CDT

We are back in Shreveport now and making preparation

s for Maggie Lee’s Celebration of Life, which will be this Thursday at 1:00 pm in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Shreveport.

Alan Hendrix from Broadmoor Baptist Church of Shreveport has graciously offered to have a camera crew there to provide a live feed of the service at 1:00pm Central.

To access the live feed at that time, visit First Baptist Church’s website on Thursday and you will find instructions.

Once again, Jinny, Jack and I are so grateful for your Guestbook entries, your prayers and your constant encouragement.

Retia Dukes

There will be two memorial services for Mom, as you may have read on an earlier post. Here are the details:

NEW ORLEANS
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
11:00am @ the Leavell Chapel on the
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary campus
(family greeting at 10:00am)

ORLANDO
 Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
3:00pm @ the main auditorium on the
First Baptist Church Sweetwater campus
in Longwood, FL
(family greeting at 1:30pm)

Baptist Press

August 4, 2009

PAKISTAN–Pakistan Islamist riots leave 14 Christians dead. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31012

WASHINGTON–Sotomayor vote near; ERLC urges ‘no.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31013

TENNESSEE–CULTURE DIGEST: Moviegoers reject boundary-crossing ‘Bruno.’ http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31014

OKLAHOMA–Tulsa church gives building to another congregation. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31015

LOUISIANA–Retia Dukes dies after 4 month battle. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31016

TENNESSEE–FIRST-PERSON (Lisa Huddleston): Growing pains. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31017

Anne Cittadino Guzzardo
(December 4, 1916 – August 3, 2009)

Anne Cittadino Guzzardo

On August 3, 2009, Anne Cittadino Guzzardo, born December 4, 1916 in Addis, LA, went to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, George Thomas Guzzardo; parents, Silvestro “Sam” and Vincenzo Tortorice Cittadino; 7 brothers; 2 sisters; and 2 grandchildren, Julie Anne Patanella and Mark Anthony Mannino. She is survived by her four loving daughters Antonino Mannino and her husband, Mike, Walker, Virginia Patanella, Independence, Joan Arnone and husband, Pete, Independence and Georgiana Guzzardo, Baton Rouge; 9 grandchildren, Michael J. Mannino, Philomena Martrain, Dennis Mannino, Matthew Mannino, Jo Ellen Marten, Rhonda Jo Martin, Roxanne Ridgel, Rebecca “Becky” Gonzales and Larry Touchet, Jr.; 24 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren. She was a retired employee of Lallie Kemp Hospital, a member of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Eucharistic Minister, member of the Dominican Laity professed for life, member of St. Joseph and St. Mary Societies. She and her husband owned and operated the Liberty Theatre and later Guzzardo’s Grocery in Independence. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Thomas Aquinas, Holy Ghost, Mater Dolorosa Catholic Schools or Generations Hospice. A special thank you to the employees of Heritage Health Care Center of Hammond for the love and support shown to our mother and the family during this difficult time. Visitation will be at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2009 conducted by Fr. Howard Adkins. Burial will follow in the Colonial Cemetery, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements.

KneEmail

Value

toothbrush.jpg
POSSESSIONS OF THE powerful, wealthy, or famous, no matter how common, can become extremely valuable, even priceless…

Napoleon’s toothbrush sold for $21,000. Can you imagine paying thousands of dollars for someone’s cruddy old toothbrush? Hitler’s car sold for over $150,000. Winston Churchill’s desk, a pipe owned by C. S. Lewis, sheet music handwritten by Beethoven, a house once owned by Ernest Hemingway. At the Sotheby’s auction of Jackie Kenndy Onassis’s personal belongings, her fake pearls sold for $211,500 and JFK’s wood golf clubs went for $772,500. Not because the items themselves are worthy but because they once belonged to someone significant.

Are you ready for a surprise? We fit that bill too. Think of the value of something owned by God. What incredible worth that bestows on us, what inexplicable dignity! We belong to Him. (Charles Swindoll)

“But you are a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

His own special people,

that you may proclaim this praises of Him

who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

I Peter 2:9

Posted by Mike Benson at August 4, 2009

Thank you for praying today.  Your prayers mean so much to so many.  Please feel free to share praises, requests, and updates.

Anna Lee

Tuesday

“Be happy with those who are happy,

weep with those who weep.”

~Romans 12:15 TEV~

Retia Dukes

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 1:10 AM, EDT

< memorial. >
Erik, Dad, Mom’s sister, Dad’s brother, and I together stood around Mom’s bed Monday evening taking in the vacant body before us. Mom was gone. What remained was the shell of a woman whose beauty was stunning and whose compassion was life-changing. Both have been affirmed over the last four months of a journey that still seems a bit surreal and unbelievable to me.

I plan to blog about it tomorrow – remembering Mom. For tonight, please let it suffice to simply give you a few details. Frankly, I am spent. Erik and I are about to get some sleep. Hopefully Dad is sound asleep by now, especially after only three hours of sleep last night while he waited in the hospital.

THERE WILL BE TWO MEMORIAL SERVICES for Mom. There will be one this coming Wednesday, August 5th, at 11am on the New Orleans Baptist Seminary campus in the Leavell Chapel. There will be a second memorial service on Tuesday, August 18th, in Orlando. We will get you the details for that one.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please donate any gifts to the fund that New Orleans Baptist Seminary set up for Mom and Dad.

Dad, Erik, our family members, and I cannot express in words our deep gratefulness for all of you and the way you have prayed for and stood beside us during these last four months. There is still a journey ahead. Not only the steps of grieving Mom’s departure, but also the new normal for Dad and his continued recovery. Please keep us in your prayers.

We love you.
-jason

Chapmans

  • Mom: had a tough night last night, doing well today, begins therapy tomorrow. Pray that she will rest well tonight.

  • Dad: same, but doctors are trying hard to figure out what medicines may help him rest without adding to his confusion. Pray that he will rest well tonight.

  • Krisa: overdid it yesterday, paid for it last night, but doing well today. I MISS MY SWEETHEART!! Pray for her neck and head pain.

  • Emma: tough night last night, but something clicked this afternoon and outwardly she is doing 100% better. Lungs problems won’t let her out of the ICU, so pray for that.

  • Me: I wish I could be in four places at one time, but I’m thankful for sisters and church family and other family and friend that are awesomely loving and helping in every way possible. I’ve been resting under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91), and He is GOOD.

KneEmail

Bounce

business-man-bounce.jpgGENERAL GEORGE PATTON argued, “Success is measured by how high you bounce when you’ve hit bottom…”

Simon Peter is a perfect illustration of this truth. He forsook his Lord and Friend in the garden. He even denied that he knew Jesus when identified by a young maiden around the fire. He hit bottom. However, he didn’t stay on the bottom. He bounced, and he bounced high. He would preach the gospel powerfully on Pentecost just a short time later  (Acts 2). He would be a catalyst in the growth of the early church (Acts 3-12).

The question is not whether we are going to fail; but rather, how high we are going to bounce once we do. (Wade Webster)

“Peter answered and said to Him,

‘Even if all are made to stumble because of You,

I will never be made to stumble.'”

Matthey 26:33

Posted by Mike Benson at August 3, 2009 3:26 PM

Thank you for praying.

Anna Lee

Monday Evening Update

Retia Dukes

Jason asked that we share this word with those of you who have been praying for the Dukes family…

Retia Dukes passed away this afternoon. She is now in the presence of her Savior. Her heart stopped just before 4:20.

Please continue to pray for the family. Thank you for how you have loved and given to them.

Retia is healed, and she is whole. And there will be a wonderful reunion one day soon.

Love to you all,

Jim Collins
Westpoint Church

Susan Belgard just updated me on the Chapmans with information from Debbie, one of Deloy’s sisters.

  • Quincy – fractured back; still disoriented (trauma or medication)
  • Ann – hallucinating; beginning therapy 2x/da for 3 hr.
  • Krisa – home; tears in stomach
  • Emma – more responsive after seeing her mother yesterday; broken ribs

Monday Evening

Baptist Press

August 3, 2009

WASHINGTON–House panel nixes another pro-life effort on health care. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31005

MISSISSIPPI–Second victim of church bus crash dies. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31006

TENNESSEE–GCR website goes live at pray4gcr.com. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31007

LOUISIANA–From New Iberia to Brazil, La. church reaches world. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31008

TENNESSEE–CP down 2.69%; off ’09 budget by 2.65%. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31009

CALIFORNIA–TRUSTEES: GuideStone trustees receive positive report. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31010

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Jerry W. Pounds Sr.): Drive-through weddings? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31011

Mrs. Lula Mae Needham Will
(February 25, 1925 – August 2, 2009)

Mrs. Lula Mae Needham Will
Mrs. Lula Mae Needham Will was born February 25, 1925 and passed away at 6:43 p.m., Sunday, August 2, 2009 at the St. Helena Parish Hospital, Greensburg. She was 84, a native of St.Helena Parish and a resident of Kentwood.Mrs. Lula is survived by 2 sisters; Mildred Needham Birch, Kentwood and Helen Needham Caston and husband, Edgar, Baton Rouge; a brother, John Needham and wife Judy, Gainsville, FL; a godchild, Janet Glascoe, and husband, Larry, Winston-Salem, NC; a nephew, Kenny Aron and wife, Betty, Roseland; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Preceded in death by: 1st husband, Ray Floyd Copeland, 2nd husband, George H. Will; parents, Jule Pierce and Mae Felps Needham; 2 sisters, Daisy Lee Needham and Mary Needham Roberts; and special niece, Sandra Birch Lee.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Thursday, August 6, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services in the funeral home Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Percy “Mac” Frazier & Rev. Richard Sandberg, officiating. Interment in the Bond-Needham Cemetery, Kentwood.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Express Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.