Category: Inspirational

A resident of Kentwood, died at 11:40 AM on Monday, January 13, 2014 at her home. She was born April 26, 1934 in Amite and was 79 years of age. Survived by husband, Leonard Newland; 2 brothers, Lawrence Bennett and wife, Maurein and Lester Bennett; Preceded in death by parents, Hinze and Emma Bennett; 3 brothers and 1 sister. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 9 AM until religious services at 12 Noon Thursday, January 16, 2014. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

ESTELLE “DOCK” DYKES ALFORD

(AUGUST 19, 1916 – JANUARY 11, 2014)

Estelle “Dock” Dykes Alford, a resident of Mt.Hermon died early Saturday January 11, 2014 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Mandeville. She was born August 19, 1916 at her home in rural Kentwood, LA to the late Walter and Pauline Brumfield Dykes. She was the youngest girl of a family of eight, all of whom preceded her in death.
Estelle, better known as “Dock” to her friends and relatives was the epitome of caregiving. It is the family’s belief that she was given the nickname because she “was always nursing someone back to health”. Upon graduation from Mt. Hermon High School, she postponed her career to care for her ailing mother who was partially paralyzed from a stroke. In later years, Dock provided constant care for her husband during his battle with cancer. She is remembered as “being by his side the entire time in and out of the hospital”. When her sister Hazel neared the end of her life, Dock cared for her at times in her home and until the end at the hospital.  Throughout her many years of living in the Mt.Hermon community, Dock, a wonderful cook, baked cakes, candy and her famous chicken and dumplings for her neighbors, family members, and church family. When her immediate family gathered at her home for holiday meals, a grand-daughter recently commented that “Mam-maw was always the last to sit down because she wanted to make sure that we all had what we needed”.
Although Dock was known for her selflessness and desire to improve the lives of her family, friends, and neighbors, she was also known for her many talents. She attended beauty school after her mother’s passing and owned and ran her own beauty shop in Kentwood for several years. Long after she closed the business, she was often known to comment on hairstyles of her family members stating that a different style or color may be more “flattering!” Her skills as a seamstress were exhibited in the beautiful clothing sewn for her daughters and then again for granddaughters when they were born. She enjoyed quilt-making and her great-grandchildren benefited from the baby quilts made upon their births. Her artistic abilities were evident in her ceramic making, a hobby in the 1970’s and 80’s, in her work at Bogue Chitto Baptist Church and with the Washington Parish Homemaker’s Club. A granddaughter recently stated that “I still have the cookbook with the front cover that Mam-maw drew”. She also loved music and played the piano “by ear” which may have been known only to close friends and family.
Dock was a longtime member of Bogue Chitto Baptist Church, where she actively participated in the Women’s Mission Union and various other committees. She was the chairman of the WMU Centennial in 1988. Dock often provided floral arrangements for the altar on Sundays using flowers grown at home. Her chicken and dumplings was a staple at church gatherings. In later years, she often spoke of her enjoyment of her Sunday School class taught by Hugh Fortenberry. “Helping out” with Vacation Bible School was always a priority during the summer. She always encouraged her children and grandchildren to use their “talents” in serving others as well.
Despite her numerous gifts and accomplishments, she remained humble and selfless in her love for family and friends.
Survived by:
Daughter and Son in law: Sharon and Michael J. Haight of Ponchatoula
Grandchildren and Spouses: Donna Beth and John Guidry of Mandeville, Melanie and Dalton Sumrall of Lacombe, Shawn and Julie Wascom of Deridder, Carlon Wascom of Mt. Hermon
Great-grandchildren: Brianne Guillot, Carly Wascom, Hannah Wascom, Drew Sumrall, Ashton Wascom, Raegan Wascom, Parker Wascom
Also numerous nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her husband Lester C. Alford, her parents, a daughter and son in law Sandra and Donnie Ray Wascom, and siblings Curtis Dykes, Glen Dykes, Clyde Dykes, Willard Dykes, “Teeny” Blades, Louella Schilling and Hazel Smith.
Visitation will be at Bogue Chitto Baptist Church, 41088 Hwy 438; Mt. Hermon, on Tuesday January 14th from 9 am until the funeral service at 11 am with Rev. Troy Bankston and Rev. Russell Kirkland officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers: Carlon Wascom, Shawn Wascom, Ashton Wascom, Drew Sumrall, Mike Alford, Walter Lee Dykes, Donald Dykes
Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.