It is with a very sad heart that I share that our special friend, Debbie Miller, is now singing in heaven’s choir. She passed away this afternoon. Arrangements will be made in the morning. Please be in prayer for J.C., Josh. James, and other family members.
Category: Death Notice(s)
Wednesday
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
~Isaiah 1:18~
I love Scriptures that have become songs.
Today, let’s thank God for the improvement Chuck Pittman is making following his accident. Keep praying for him, his family, and the medical staff caring for him.
Josiah Huckaby had a procedure yesterday. He is doing well and is not expected to have another one for several months.
This silly boy enjoyed his “vacation” at the FedEx Family House last night. We are so grateful that Le Bonheur has this amazing resource for families that have to travel long distances for procedures & those that stay long term. He had a heart cath today & did great. They increased his stents from 4mm to 5mm without having to go through his liver. He won’t have to have another cath for 5 months unless he starts having symptoms of his pulmonary veins starting to narrow again. To God be the glory! @ FedExFamilyHouse
Today, I want to share three obituaries. David and I know all four of them with a variety of connections such at growing up years, school, and church.
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Annie Bell Caston Harrell
April 19, 1925 – April 15, 2019
- Annie Bell Caston Harrell of Greensburg, Louisiana passed away on April 15, 2019 at 9:00 PM at home. The daughter of the late Glen Hughes Caston and Lottie Elizabeth Frazier Caston, she was born April 19, 1925, in Amite County, Mississippi and was 93 years of age. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 76 years, Phillip Latham Harrell. A member of First Baptist Church, Kentwood, Louisiana, Mrs. Annie taught the “Steadfast” Senior Ladies Sunday School Class for many years. Chief of Mrs. Annie’s joys were her Faith in Christ, devotion to her late husband, Phillip and their family, and the lovely ladies who shared their Faith in Christ each Sunday morning and fellowship one with the other thru the years of their relationships. She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Harrell Yarborough; son in law, Don Yarborough; son, Ronald Ray Harrell; daughter in law Suzanne McNabb Harrell; grandchildren, Melanie Yarborough Mackey and husband Kevin, Alisha Yarborough Epperson and husband, Larry; Brian Keith Yarborough and wife, Tina; Anna Scott Harrell Sain, and husband Allen; Phillip Wade Harrell and wife Keri; and fifteen special great-grandchildren and five special great-great grandchildren. Visitation to be at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood, Louisiana Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM with religious services following. Interment at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood. Pallbearers: Brian Keith Yarborough, Matthew Yarborough, Drew Harrell, Luke Mackey, Kevin Mackey and Daniel Epperson. Honorary pallbearers: Allen Sain, Wade Harrell, Justin Mackey, and Larry Epperson.
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Michael “Mike” Joseph Murphy
December 31, 1948 – April 15, 2019
- Michael (Mike) Joseph Murphy passed away peacefully at his home Monday, April 15, 2019 at the age of 70. He was born December 31, 1948 in Leeville, LA to William Otis Murphy and Helen Josephine Holligan Murphy. His family moved to Roseland, LA when he was a child and he has resided in Amite for over 20 years. Mike graduated from Amite High School and attended Southeastern Louisiana University. Mike married Diane Cumpston in 1974 and their daughter, Laura “Jolene” was born September 3, 1977. Mike’s wry sense of humor will never be forgotten or understood. Mike was a faithful husband and father to the two ladies he loved dearly, Diane and Jolene. He was employed for over 25 years with Cal-Maine Foods in Pine Grove, LA. Mike is survived by his wife, Diane, daughter, Jolene, step-son, Heath Hulsey, sisters-in-law, Sandra Passman and Brenda Ardillo and family friend, Autumn Betbeze. Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helen and Bill Murphy, and his mother and father-in-law, Chuck and Marie Cumpston. Visitation will be held at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall in Amite from 8:00 am -10:00 am on Wednesday, April 17, 2019. A mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow visitation at 10:30 am. Service conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment will follow in Arcola-Roseland Cemetery.
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Randy D. Bryant, Sr.
December 16, 1958 – April 14, 2019
- Randy D. Bryant Sr., a resident of Holden, LA, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2019 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. He was born December 16, 1958 in Amite, LA and was 60 years of age. He was a U. S. Army Veteran. He is survived by wife, Charlotte Forsyth-Bryant; 2 sons, Randy D. Bryant, Jr. and Skylar Singleton and wife, Raeven; 2 daughters, Jessica Ann Bryant and Charlotte Rae Davis and husband, Jesse; 8 grandchildren, Gage Monroe Bryant, Brenden Dakota Latil, Kellan William Moran, Riley Bryant Moran, Alexis Rae Bryant, Alexandra Madeline Manzie, Maci Grace Davis and Colbie Lane Singleton; mother, Betty Gill Bryant; brother, Jimmy Ray Bryant and wife, Vicki; 3 sisters, JoAnn Bryant, Donna Callihan and husband, Gary, and Rita Fay Rutland; 2 beloved furry babies, Rosa Lee and Bear. Preceded in death by father, Walter Bryant. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read and Write the Bible – Hebrews 10:35-36 & Hosea 12:6
I believe in prayer. As I witnessed the full moon last night, I just had to stop and thank God for the moon and so many other things/people through whom God has blessed my life.
Anna Lee
Palm Sunday
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.
Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.
~Acts 2:32-33~
Read & Write the Bible Today – Hebrews 6: 13-15
Today’s death notice is for a lady we have know for years and have seen several times in the last couple of years.
Edwina Vining Ballard
May 07, 1934 – April 13, 2019Edwina Vining Ballard, a resident of Chesbrough passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at St. Helena Parish Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born May 7, 1934 in Amite and was 84 years of age. She was a member of the 1952 Amite High School Basketball State Champions. She served as Justice of the Peace for 34 years in Ward 4 of Tangipahoa Parish, was a notary for over 50 years, and was a member of First Baptist Church in Amite. She is survived by her son, Brett Ballard and wife, Angela “Boo Boo” Travis Ballard; 2 grandchildren, Shelbi Lyn Ballard and Braydon Lane Ballard; 2 sisters, Gloria Hood and Virgie Morgan and husband, James; brother, David Vining and wife, Carleen. Preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Shelton “Shell” Ballard; parents, Edwin and Estelle Vining; brothers and sisters, Jimmy Vining, John Vining, Eddie Vining, Abbie Pasko, Dorothy Vallance, and Juanita Campbell. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Trey Waldrop. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
If you are in attendance at FBC, Kentwood today, you will have an opportunity to see some items to purchase for Operation Christmas Child, “Shoeboxes”. Please take time to examine the contents of the box.
I can think of no better place to be today than in the Lord’s House. If you are unable to attend in person, please turn in to a good worship service on TV, your computer, or phone.
Anna Lee
Monday
“So if the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed.”
~John 8:36 NIV~
Young Jules Tanksley had a good day yesterday. Thanks to Children’s Hospital in NO for taking good care of many children from our area. Hopefully, Jules’ parents will be bringing her home soon.
Mr. Frank Erwin may be able to leave North Oaks and return home later today. His condition is treatable with medication.
James M. Burch
1931-2019
James M. Burch (Major, Retired, USAF) was born on July 26, 1931, in Liverpool, LA, and passed away Monday, March 11, 2019, at the age of 87. Having grown up on a farm in rural Greensburg, LA, he learned the value of hard work. He was a graduate of Louisiana State University and proudly served our country for more than twenty years in the United States Air Force. He had assignments at Goose Bay Air Base in Newfoundland, Canada, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, TX, and flew missions in Vietnam during the war. Following his military duty, he began his second career as a federal civil servant working in the United States Department of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. His final days were spent surrounded by family during a short stay at the Northeast Louisiana Veterans Home. He was a long-time member of Oakcrest Baptist Church and resident of Baton Rouge but most recently lived in Monroe, LA with Jerre, his wife of 51 years. He is also survived by four loving children, Chip Birch (Lisa), Sheree Burch Phifer (Glenn), Mary Burch Mangham (Doug), and Shawna Burch Johnson (Alan). He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Trey Birch (Meghan), Travis Phifer (Taylor), Victoria Phifer, Regan Mangham, Emery Johnson, Major Mangham, Reid Johnson, Daniel Birch; and two great-grandchildren, James Birch and Cindy Birch. He is also survived by five sisters, Barbara McDaniel, Jane Duncan, Grace Helen Williams, Cheryl Scott and Beverly Easley. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Sarah Birch; parents, Clifton and Rena Burch; sister, Carolyn Easley; and brothers, Jack Burch Sr., Donald Ray Burch and Percy Dean Burch. A memorial service will be held at New Zion Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA, at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2019. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the . Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com. Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe, LA.
Read and Write the Bible – 2 Thessalonians 1: 3-5
The youth of FBC, Kentwood will have a fundraiser for camp expenses next Sunday. The youth from SCBC will have a BBQ chicken on the following Tuesday.
FBC, Kentwood will present an Easter program Sunday, April 13th at 6 P.M.
Thank God for protecting us during last night’s storm.
Anna Lee
Friday
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
~John 1:29~
Read & Write the Bible Today – 2 Corinthians 6: 3-5
Eva Naquin McNabb
March 22, 1934 – April 03, 2019
Eva Naquin McNabb, a resident of Kentwood passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Landmark Nursing Home in Hammond. She was born March 22, 1934 in Houma and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her daughter, Jo Ann Pitre, Independence; a son, Donald Barousse, Hammond; 4 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Kirby Naquin, Kenner and Joseph Naquin, Metairie. Preceded in death by her husband, Bobby L. McNabb; 3 infant children, Bobby, Keith, and Cheryl McNabb; 4 sisters, Edna Carroll, Leona Perkins, Annie Gautreau, and Rita Savoya; 2 brothers, Andrew Naquin and Percy Naquin; parents, Joseph and Ophelia Naquin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Don Meadows. Interment Hutchinson Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Baptist Press – bpnews.net
Missions comes in many forms.
- Cooking for a family who has had a death in a family
- Helping a child pay to attend church camp
- Visiting a family who moved into your neighborhood and telling them about church opportunities
- Giving items for a children’s home
- Giving household items to a church operated thrift store
- Supporting mission offerings in your church
- Packing a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child
- Providing school supplies to a family having a difficult time
- Giving a Bible to someone who doesn’t have one and teaching them how to use it.
- Invite your neighbors to your home for coffee and a dessert while getting to know them better.
- Take a needy child shopping for seasonal clothing or church clothes.
- Etc.
I know many people just survive Fridays so they can do weekend activities. Put some effort into making this Friday productive.
Anna Lee
Wednesday
…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
~Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)~
Little Jules Tanksley had her heart cauterization yesterday. Today, she will have surgery. Pray for Jules, her family, and the medical team working with her.
Lillian Hyde Brumfield
October 30, 1937 – March 30, 2019
Lillian Hyde Brumfield, a resident of Chesbrough passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at her home. She was born October 30, 1937 in Chesbrough and was 82 years of age. She is survived by 3 sons, Jimmy Brumfield, Kenny Brumfield and Shelby Brumfield, Jr. and wife, Frankie; 4 daughters, Susan Brumfield, Penny Gaines, Lynn Harris and husband, Mitchell, and Helen Vitrano and husband, Victor; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Isaac and Lillian Hyde; husband, Shelby Brumfield, Sr.; 2 grandsons Mitchell Harris, Jr. and Michael Rowdon; 1 granddaughter, Sarah Lillian Vitrano; and 6 brothers. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11:00 a.m. until religious services at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Interment Hyde Cemetery, Chesbrough. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Read & Write the Bible – I Thessalonians 5:15-18
FBC, Kentwood will have youth activities beginning at 5 P.M. The Children in Action and adults will meet at 6 P.M.
Becoming a Missionary – If you are interested in becoming an IMB missionary, short-term, long-term, or somewhere in the middle, you will want to check out this site.
Former IMB missionary leader Steve Smith, 57, dies
http://www.bpnews.net/52618/former-imb-missionary-leader-steve-smith-57-dies
I hope you found something here today to help you in some way.
Anna Lee
Monday Addition
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
~Romans 10:17~
Today’s obituary is about Lalou, another one of my former students. It is always hard to post these. I recall that I called her “LouLou”, with her permission.
Lalou Schwebel Voight
July 23, 1962 – March 31, 2019
Lalou Schwebel Voight, a resident of Amite, LA , passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2019 at her home in Amite, LA. She was born July 23, 1962 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 56 years of age. She was a member of Cooper’s Chapel UMC. She is survived by husband: Weston Y. Voight; 2 daughters: Crystal Alexander and husband Wendell and Whitney Voight; 2 step sons: Brandon Voight and wife Lauren and Todd Voight and wife Georgette; 2 brothers: George F. Schwebel and Tommy Schwebel and wife Terri; 5 grandchildren: Evan Alexander, Daisy Voight, Hunter Voight, Triston Voight, and Ryleigh Voight. Preceded in death by parents: Fred and Vera Schwebel; 1 stepson: Stephen Voight; 1sister: Carol Heisler. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2019, and from 8:00 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Services conducted by Bro. James Moore. Interment Sharkey Cemetery, Amite, LA. Donations may be made to Leah’s Girls Support Group 53483 S. Bennett Rd. Independence, LA 70443. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Today, David and I made our weekly trip to Ochsner on O’Neal in Baton Rouge. We were pleased to learn he will continue on the same medication and the same Monday schedule. MDS is not the big problem; the nonalcoholic cirrhosis will be more troublesome. David got his 18th unit of blood while we were there. We go back next Monday. We continue to appreciate all your prayers.
I learned a new acrostic today.
F – Face
E – Everything
A – and
R – Rise
That’s our goal!
Anna Lee
Sunday
“God’s family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”
~1 Timothy 3:15 GW~
I don’t know about homecoming today at FBC, Kentwood, but I do know the the talented group from years ago, Gloryland, will perform at Gillsburg Baptist Church tonight at 6 P.M. This will be the first time they have sung as a group in many years. They will sing at 6 P.M.
Viola R. Jones
September 24, 1933 – March 28, 2019
VIOLA RAYBOURN JONES, (85), loving wife and mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, left this earthly life on March 28, 2019. Viola Mae Raybourn was born September 24, 1933 , the third child of James Alfred Raybourn and Etta Mae Broome Raybourn. Viola married her husband of 61 years, Darrell Dwight Jones of Maurepas, Louisiana, on May 7, 1955. Viola attended Kentwood High School. She met Darrell while attending business college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Shortly after their marriage, Darrell entered the US Army and Viola moved with him to Fort Polk in Leesville, Louisiana, where she worked on post as an office assistant. Viola and Darrell moved to Brusly in 1964 where they raised their three children. She worked out of the home for many years, doing upholstery work and making custom draperies, and also as a substitute teacher. She later became the office manager for Brusly High School. Viola maintained a strong faith in God, and was active in her Baptist faith, most recently at First Baptist Church in Plaquemine, La. She was a long-time member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Viola and Darrell were avid campers and loved to travel. They were fortunate to visit many of our countries grandest places, traveling to every state except Hawaii. In 1988 they camped their way all across the US and Canada up to the Denali valley in Alaska. One of their all-time favorite places was Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, Georgia, where they returned for many summers. Their children have many wonderful memories of this park and its rangers, who came to be old friends to Darrell and Viola. In their later years, they spent several weeks each summer in Southfork, Colorado and several weeks during the winter at San Benito, Texas, from which they always returned loaded down with grapefruit. Viola was preceded in death by her loving husband Darrell on April 28, 2016. Viola is survived by one daughter, Deborah Suzanne Jones Torres, and her husband Lyle Charles Torres; and two sons: James Darrell Jones, and his wife Lauren Suzanne Massey Jones; and Daniel Leroy Jones, and his wife Melissa Ann Cade Jones. She had seven grandchildren: Leigh Nicole Jones Adams and her husband Richard Todd Adams; Phillip Matthew Mack and his wife Michelle Clare Folse Mack; Rachel Layne Jones Chappell and her husband Cory Donald Chappell; Jaime Elizabeth Mack Chenevert and her husband Cody Joseph Chenevert; Jennifer Michele Jones Browning, and her husband Gage Daniel Browning; Evan Darrell Mack, and Jared Michael Jones. She also had six great-grandchildren: Piper Eloise Mack, Alice Violet Mack, Georgette Viola Adams, Raylen Leigh Chappell, Silas James Mack, and Jones Ganson Chappell. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings James Houlon Raybourn, Bonnie Verlie Smith Crawford, and Zettie Janette Raybourn Rhodus. She is survived by two brothers, Percy Ben Raybourn and Adren Lavon Raybourn. As per her wishes, Viola will be laid to rest with a small gravesite ceremony at the Line Creek Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation (www.alzfdn.org).
Read & Write the Bible Today – Proverbs 12:9-14
I have the Bible reading guide for April and will try to get it to the church this morning so you can follow it. The theme of the verses for April is “Waiting on God”.
Don’t forget to support the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North America and to bring your donations for Operation Christmas Child. The OCC purchases can be left in the Sunday School classroom next to the choir room. If you prefer to give money to OCC, mark your envelope to say special account for OCC. Thank you for giving so others can learn about Jesus.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee
Saturday
I heard that tomorrow is homecoming at FBC, Kentwood. I’ve been out so much that I know no details. If someone will fill me in, I will post it. Thanks!
Read the Bible – Proverbs 19:17 & 22:9
Baptist Press has some great articles today.
I wasn’t there, but I understand the Gathiers had a wonderful concert at FBC, Covington last night. They are one of my favorite groups. I always try to catch them on the television on Saturday evenings.
Please pray for all the young families who are not bringing up their children in church and keeping them there as long as they live at home. This article one of several I have read lately that broke my heart.
Sidney C. Simmons
January 03, 1933 – March 28, 2019
Sidney C. Simmons, a resident of Bolivar, LA , passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at his home. He was born January 3, 1933 in Magnolia, MS and was 86 years of age. He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte Newman; 2 sons, Richard S. Simmons and wife, Patricia, and Gary B. Simmons; 3 sisters, Jeanette Maxie, Patsy Dillon, and Iris Kay Walker; a brother, Percy Simmons; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents, Clyde and Golda Simmons; a sister, Ivy Lee Robertson; and 2 brothers, Bernard Simmons and Reginald Simmons. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday and from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. Tim Lacoste. Interment Bolivar Cemetery, Bolivar, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I hope I gave you some “food for thought” and prayer today.
Anna Lee
Friday
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
~Hebrews 10:24 NIV~
Bryan and Rita Tate made it home from MD Anderson for a while. Send a card, make a phone call, prepare a dish, plan a visit, etc. All of you will be blessed.
Today, I request prayer for David again. The doctor and David will be considering a new treatment Monday. Please pray they make the right decision.
I was told Brett Fraier is doing better. Keep the Frazier family in your prayers.
There are others with needs that are not physical, maybe spiritual, loneliness, grief, etc. Go to the top and read the Scripture from Hebrews 10:24 again.
Read and Write the Bible
- Proverbs 3:27-28
- Proverbs 11: 25-26
Delores Casanova
July 24, 1952 – March 27, 2019
Delores Casanova, a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born July 24, 1952 in Independence, LA and was 66 years of age. She is survived by 2 sons Richard T. Bearden, Jr. and Carlton Wayne Walker; 4 grandchildren Jayden Wayne Broussard, Destiny Lynn Bearden, Bridget A. Case, and Richard Austin Bearden; 5 great grandchildren Meka McFall, Skyler McFall, Akashia McFall, Blakely Rain, and Damien Austin Bearden; 1brother Frankie Earl Casanova and wife Angela; Special friends Angela Cutrer, Diane Cutrer, Gail Slaven and many other family members and friends. Preceded in death by parents Farrel and Louise Casanova; grandaughter Denise Desinee McFarland. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., Friday, March 29, 2019, and from 8:30 a.m. until religious services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
As you plan your day, try to work in some time to minister to others. Make that a priority for your day.
J – Jesus first
O – Others second
Y – Yourself last
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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