. . . . being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

Read the Bible

• Job 7: 6-10
• Job 8: 9
• Isaiah 40: 6-8
• “Considering life’s brevity, I value most . . . .”

Obituaries

Meredith “Ann” Viana Courtney

July 28, 1938 – December 4, 2023

Meredith “Ann” Viana Courtney, 85, of Amite passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family at North Oaks Medical Center on Monday, December 4, 2023. She was born July 28, 1938, in New Orleans. Her life touched everyone she encountered, and she left a legacy that will live in our hearts forever.

She came into the world as a miracle baby weighing 2 pounds and 11 ounces and spent her early life in Aruba. Her family moved back to the states for the birth of her brother. She attended Ursuline Academy, graduated high school from Ridgewood Preparatory School in 1956, and attended Dominican College before beginning her family. She married Kenneth Wayne Courtney on August 16, 1958 and moved to Amite where they made their life together. They were blessed with five children. She was a cherished wife, mother, and grandmother who set an extraordinary example and taught many lessons. She embodied gentleness, kindness, humility, compassion, generosity, patience, and loyalty. She had a deep faith in the Catholic Church, her joy emanated from within, and her love for her family was unwavering.

She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and served on the church bereavement committee. She was a founding member of the Oak Forest Academy Teacher Parent Club and the Booster Club and spent countless hours volunteering in many roles to ensure their success. She enjoyed cooking, baking, playing cards and pokeno with her friends, and cheering on the LSU Tigers. She welcomed everyone into her home with a hug and a smile and was happiest when surrounded by her family, who affectionately called her “The Queen of Hillsdale.”

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Kenneth Courtney; her 5 children, Suzanne Courtney, Sherri Oliver and husband Stevie, Tobey Courtney, Toni Riley and husband Chris, and Kenneth Courtney, Jr. and wife Melissa; 10 grandchildren, Courtney Putnam and husband Alan, Brett Ruffino and wife Michele, Carrie Smith, Brandi Ray and husband Ashton, Brittany Holland and husband Drew, Ken Courtney III and wife Courtney, Lindsey Misita and husband Drew, Brianna Riley, Adam Courtney, and Laney Courtney; 14 great-grandchildren, Andrew Smith, Morgan Ruffino, Addison Smith, Wyatt Putnam, Eli Ray, Cooper Ruffino, Avery Smith, Brock Putnam, Cohen Ray, Landry Holland, Oliver Ray, Miles Misita, Rafe Holland, and Meredith Misita; honorary granddaughters Crystal Alexander and Whitney Guitrau; nephew JJ Viana and numerous other nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Manuel Viana and Meredith Ann Daigle Viana, brother Glenn Viana, grandson Blayne Courtney, son-in-law Rick Bogdal (Suzanne), and daughter-in-law, Doris Owen (Tobey).

Visitation will take place Sunday, December 10, 2023, at McKneely Funeral Home from 5:00p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and will continue Monday, December 11, 2023, at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall with the recitation of the rosary at 9:30 a.m., visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., and a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Helena Catholic Church at noon celebrated by Father Miles Walsh. Burial will follow at Courtney Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Brett Ruffino, Ken Courtney III, Adam Courtney, Alan Putnam, Ashton Ray, Drew Holland, and Drew Misita.

The family would like to thank her caregivers Jessie McClain and Lois Bell, Dr. Ray, and the doctors and staff at North Oaks for their exceptional and compassionate care.

If preferred to flowers, donations in her honor may be made to St. Helena Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Clyde Donald Dykes

January 27, 1956 – December 6, 2023

A resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Hospice of Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born January 27, 1956 in Magnolia, MS and was 67 years of age. He is survived by his son, Wesley Dykes and wife, Tiffany; daughter, Jessica Dykes and Clayton Thornton; 4 grandchildren, Kaleb Dykes, Kaitlynn Dykes, Alayna Thornton, and Dakota Thornton; brothers, Walter Dykes and wife, Kathy, Raymond Dykes, and Mark Dykes and wife, Charlene; sisters, Betty Woodard, Elizabeth Hernandez and husband, Rudy, Denell Gill, and Kimberly Kelp. Preceded in death by his father, Clyde Dykes; mother, Nellie Perryman; brother, Sheldon Dykes; infant son, Baby Dykes. Memorial Services will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Today, let’s focus our prayers on keeping the right focus for the holiday season! Christmas is about JESUS!

Don’t Forget

WHO – Ladies, young to not so young, like me

WHAT – Lottie Moon Luncheon

WHEN – Saturday at 10 A.M.

WHERE – Spring Creek Baptist Church

WHY – Ladies gathering to focus on international missions

I hope to see you and yours there.

Have a wonderful day! Try to get some of the “real meaning of Christmas, in your life today!

Anna Lee

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Matthew 25:40

Updates

Bro. Darryl called last night, from home, to check on prayer meeting. He had THREE stents, not one! He hopes to be preaching Sunday morning.

“Miss” Theople’s surgery was done about noon yesterday.

Mike Estay’s surgery went well as did Paeton’s surgery.

Pam Forrest is now in hospice in Hammond.

Dorothy Wall’s mom passed away yesterday afternoon.

Ann Courtney of Amite also passed away.

Read the Bible

Job 21: 7-16

Psalms 49: 16-20

Psalms 73: 1-20

“When worldly people seem to succeed, I . . . .”

Prayer Focus

When the temperatures go down around freezing, we need to pray for those around us without adequate heat in their home.

Personal Prayer Lists

We need to pray for the many other needs people have, especially for their spiritual needs.

Anna Lee

I am the Living One;

I was dead, and now look,

I am alive for ever and ever!

And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Revelation 1:18

Read the Bible

• December 6
• Worldliness: Chasing the Wind
• I Samuel 8: 1-20
• “I find I want to be like the world in . . . .”

Surgery Updates

Bro. Darryl’s surgery went well.

Mrs. Theople’s surgery was postponed until today.

Senior Adult Lunch

Today at 11 A.M.

Lottie Moon Tea – Mistake! – There will be no Two River’s Associational Lottie Moon Tea!!!

Today’s Prayer Focus

Today, let’s pray for those who were not able to have Thanksgiving with family members and who will also not be able to be with family members for Christmas.

Thank you for reading and sharing TPL.

Anna Lee

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9

Read the Bible Today

• Luke 16: 19-31
• Hebrews 13: 5
• “My attitude toward wealth will lead me . . . .”

Obituaries

Robert “Randy” Noland

May 30, 1952 – December 1, 2023

A resident of Pine Grove, LA, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Baton Rouge General – Bluebonnet in Baton Rouge, LA. He was born May 30, 1952 in Oceanside, CA and was 71 years of age. Randy retired from Dow Chemical in 2006 after 30 years of service. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Chandler Noland; 2 sons, David Noland (Sara) and Geoffrey Noland; daughter-in-law, Manettta Noland; 4 brothers-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; 1 aunt, Mary Smith; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe Goynes and Leona Goynes; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Griffin and Christine Chandler; son, Christopher Noland; sister, Tanya Harrison. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Monday, December 18, 2023. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Katherine Charel Hulsey Raborn

November 10, 1942 – December 2, 2023

Katherine and I taught “across the hall from each other” for 14 years!

Katherine Charel Hulsey Raborn, 81, of Hammond, died peacefully on December 2, 2023. She was born to James Garvis Hulsey and Charel Hathorn Hulsey on November 10, 1942. Katherine graduated from Woodland High School in 1960. She attended LSU and went on to graduate with a degree in Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Years later, she returned to Southeastern to pursue a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Administration. In the spring of 1995, she proudly walked across the stage to accept her diploma while wearing a stole of distinction for being an honor graduate. Her teaching career began in 1965 at Pine Grove High, then to Amite Elementary. From there, she would spend the next 27 years at Oak Forest Academy, where she was one of the original faculty members. The highlight of her time at OFA was being there when her sons were her students. Her career ended at Ponchatoula High School when she retired in 2022, after teaching there for 24 years. Katherine was an educator, mentor and administrator for an unprecedented 56 years. She spoke fondly and with immense pride of her former students and how she always tried her very best to be a positive influence in their lives. Without a doubt, she succeeded. Hundreds upon hundreds of students have been touched by her kindness, compassion and knowledge. From cooking and sewing in Home Economics to Civics and American History, all who were fortunate to have been taught by her are better because of her. Katherine is survived by her three sons, Boyd Raborn, Jr. and wife, Michelle, of Lafayette, Louisiana, Jeff Raborn and wife, Ashley, of Winston Salem, North Carolina and Richard Raborn of Hammond, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, Jane Ashley, Gunnar, Jack, Bailey, Hunt, Breanna and Joshua Raborn; her brothers, Lieutenant Colonel James Hulsey, Jr. (Judy) and Dr. Thomas Hulsey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Boyd Raborn, Sr. Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, on Friday, December 8, 2023 beginning at 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am, conducted by Jeff McKneely. A private burial will follow at the Greensburg Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Gunnar Raborn, Jack Raborn, Bailey Raborn, Hunt Raborn, Joshua Raborn and Tyler McKinney. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Raborn Scholarship, at LSU Law. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Calvin “Buddy” Russell

August 10, 1949 – December 3, 2023

A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born August 10, 1949 in Independence, LA and was 74 years of age. Buddy was a simple man that loved the Lord and loved his family. He was a hard working man that lovingly provided for his family. He enjoyed deer hunting, cooking, and pulling pranks on people. He was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Brenda Maurer Russell; son, Bryant Russell and loving daughter-in-law, Rebecca McMichael Russell; brother, Vannie Ray Russell, Sr. and wife, Debbie; 3 sisters, Betty Jo Beach, Susie Viola and husband, Jimmy, and Irma Amick and husband, Robert “Bob”; sister-in-law, Ramona Russell. Preceded in death by parents, Calvin and Daisy Russell; brother, Flemin Russell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation at Lighthouse Baptist Church from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Gene Hoyt and Bro. Dallas Stewart. Interment Lighthouse Cemetery, Independence, LA. Pallbearers will be Blake Beach, Kenneth Beach, Wesley Whiddon, Michael Whiddon, Timothy Amick, and Bradley Russell. Honorary pallbearers will be Zack Beach, Buck Maurer, Kelby Henderson, and Bob Amick. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Prayer Focus

Please pray for the five people from Kentwood. who will be having surgery today, the three families. with deaths of family members whose obituaries are here, and those others who are on your personal prayer list.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Day 3

Read a real story from your brochure you received at church Sunday.

Christmas Opportunities

Please refer to the list I gave you yesterday.

The Prayer Link

I am so thankful for you when someone tells me you shared the link to this site with them.

There are so many reasons to pray. Thank you for both sharing and praying.

Operation Christmas Child

During the month of December, we will be collecting pencils, pens, colors, pencil colors, and calculators. At church you can give them to Bob and Jackie Babin, or David and me. Also, you can also hang your bag on the door in the basement if you are nearby.

I’m enjoying reading reports of some of those who are working in the processing centers. They realize how blessed they are to have that opportunity. If you ever have that opportunity, I hope you will take it.

Ana Lee

• Robert and Ora Lee Wilson’s great granddaughter, Peyton
• Mike Estay

 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Surgeries Tomorrow

Mrs. Theople Hurst – Toe surgery

Renee Terrell – Back surgery

Bro. Darryl Miller – Stent in blood vessel

Sicknesses

Many people have various illnesses this time of the year.

Some people are beginning therapy .

Some people continue to wear casts.

Some people have sickness and other issues within their family.

Please pray specifically for those you are aware of with health concerns.

Read the Bible

• 12-4-23
• Mark 14: 1-9
• “I would have told her . . . .”

Christmas Celebrations

Adult musical at FBC,K – Yesterday morning

Christmas music at Southwest Mississippi Community College – 7 P.M. the next few nights

Senior adult Christmas luncheon – 11 A.M. Wednesday

Amite’s Annual Christmas Program (Auditorium by AHS) at 7:00 Thursday

Music and Comedy Program – Thursday night at Spring Creek and Friday night at Taylor Creek

Two Rivers WMU Annual Lottie Moon Tea – 10 A.M. Saturday at SCBC

Children’s Christmas Program Sunday night at FBC, Kentwood at 6 P.M.

Also . . . . various classes and groups will be meeting this month . . . .

Prayer Focus

Pray for those who will not have their heart in all the Christmas celebrations.

Anna Lee

But as it is, those sacrifices every year

cause people to remember their sins.

Hebrews 10: 3

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

This offering, 100% of it going to overseas work to tell others about Jesus, will be the focus of the Week of Prayer which begins today. Be sure to get a brochure at church or have someone bring you one.

Thank God

Thank God for the rain He provided the last few days. Look for the new growth around us this week. Thank God each time you notice a benefit of the rain.

Sunday School Lesson

The focus is on Genesis 1 and 2. I always learn something new when I read the Bible. Take your time. Focus in on the verses. Study them. What did you learn?

Shoeboxes

I’ve been reading about the various packing locations the shoeboxes have been sent to before going overseas. They are so pleased when they get a well packed, full box of new items for a boy or girl including items from all four categories – school supplies, hygiene, clothing, and toys. Yes, we get all four categories in one box by shopping carefully, removing packaging, and packing carefully.

Think about a child who have very little. It’s really hard to do so in our country! After working with shoeboxes a few years, you can learn so much.

If you will be packing boxes next year for the first time, or would just like some guidance, I would love to help you learn how to do so.

Church Today

If you cannot attend church, study some on your own and watch an online service or two.

Anna Lee

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart;

consider what great things he has done for you.

I Samuel 12:24

Read the Bible

• Ecclesiastes 2: 1-11
• Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14
• “The only thing of real value is . . . .”

Thankfulness

Today, we all need to thank God for the rain we have received and the rain headed our way in the next few days. We had our brown cedar tree, and other trees, cut this week. I’m thankful not to see that big brown tree and look forward to some spring planting after the winter days that are ahead.

Prayer Concerns

Winter brings sore throats, coughs, sneezes, colds, and flu. We were in the cold too much this week. I had a slightly sore throat, but David was outside more and got sicker than I did. Will we ever learn? Have you learned that lesson yet? Please pray for all those who enjoyed too much time outside this week.

Obituaries

Wanda Wynette Holden

September 10, 1953 – November 30, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born September 10, 1953 in Jacksonville, FL and was 70 years of age. She worked at Leon’s Shoe Store in Amite for 32 years. She is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years, Bruce E. Holden; only child and daughter, Kimberly Holden Russell (husband, Brandon Russell); 3 beautiful granddaughters, Chelsie Lynne Verberne (Allen Bickford), Caitlin Leanne Verberne (Corey Clouatre), and Carlie Lauren Verberne (Hayden Varnado); 2 beautiful great-granddaughters, Kamryn Verberne and Lynleigh Clouatre; grandson, Dakota Russell; twin brother, Wayne Wytte Dixon; older brother, John Steven Dixon; one sister-in-law, Sue Holden Deakles (Gene Deakles); niece, Valerie Deakles Willman (Brett Willman); and great-nieces, Emilyn and Elisabeth Willman; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her mother, Eunice Estelle Dixon; father, John Baptist Dixon. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Jim Thornhill. Interment Sharon Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Conly Asher Chavers
March 31, 2004 — November 29, 2023
Hammond

Conly Asher Chavers, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away at North Oaks Medical Center on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the age of 19. He was born on Wednesday, March 31, 2004, in Hammond, Louisiana, the son of Chris and Diedra C. Chavers.

Asher was a sophomore at Southeastern Louisiana University and a member of the First Baptist Church in Ponchatoula. He was a proud dishwasher at Cate Street Seafood Station. He was a funny young man with a witty sense of humor. His love and compassion for other people was always strong. He had a big heart and loved animals especially birds.    

Asher is survived by his parents, Chris and Diedra C. Chavers, sister, Sophia G. Chavers, grandmother, Iris Cleveland, grandparents, Reggie and Joette Chavers, grandfather, Chris Johansen; aunts and uncles, Kim  Adams, Jessica and Tony Hopkins, Stephanie and Jonathan Hetrick, Charlotte Sylve, and David and Monette Cleveland, numerous cousins and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his “Pop”, Starret Cleveland, grandmother, Christine Johansen, and great-grandmother, Dora Lee Chavers.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely   Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Monday, December 4, 2023 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. 
A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev Robert Parkin and Dr. David Cranford officiating.

Interment will follow at Rosaryville Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Sunday School Preparation

Genesis 1-2

Head’s Up

The Wednesday adult Bible study will be held in the fellowship hall again this week because the children are practicing in the sanctuary again this week. I don’t know about the Sunday night service.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for international missions.

Week of Prayer

December 3–10, 2023

Southern Baptists observe a Week of Prayer for International Missions each year for the annual Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® emphasis. Will you join your heart with others to pray for missionaries around the world who are faithfully sharing the gospel?

You can give to the three Southern Baptist Mission Offerings all through the year. Be sure to mark your envelope and check “Lottie Moon” for international missions.

The missionaries thank you for providing the funds that provide for their mission projects all through the year. Without your gift, …..

Operation Christmas Child

OCC functions through Samaritan’s Purse, Billy Graham’s organization that works diligently to meet so many needs. “Shoeboxes” are one of it’s projects and has provided for underprivileged children in countries where the government does not help children. During the twenty years of OCC, 200 million shoeboxes have been given to children in 175 countries around the world! I am so blessed to be a small part of accomplishing that monumental task! Join me as we soon begin the 2024 Shoebox year.

Saturday = Preparation Day (for Sunday)

Do what you can today to make your Sunday run smoothly.

Anna Lee

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.

Lamentations 3:22

RAIN

We finally had rain. I know it was in God’s perfect timing! Look for more later. Let’s be sure to thank God for the blessing of rain He sent us!

OCC Thank-you!

Thanks to a lady from Hammond who periodically send money for us to spend as needed. You are greatly appreciated!

I also have received gifts from a mother and daughter at church. I look forward to beginning the shopping real soon for the 2024 year!

One of our first needs is for people who sharpen pencils. Please let me know if you can help do this.

SENIOR ADULT CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

We will have our annual Christmas luncheon Wednesday morning at FBC, Kentwood. Thank-you to the senior adult committee at church who plan, decorate, cook, and serve us this delicious meal.

NEW UNIT of STUDY in ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CURRICULUM – Genesis!

Come join us Sunday as the new unit begins. Sunday school begins at 9:15 and ends in plenty of time to get into the sanctuary for the 10:30 worship time.

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions

The week of prayer begins Sunday.

SINCE 1918

What is the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering?

Lottie Moon was sent as a Southern Baptist missionary to China from 1873 to 1912. She saw firsthand the world’s greatest problem — LOSTNESS. Meeting so many people who had never heard the gospel compelled her to write letters to American churches describing the need for a greater missionary presence.

She pleaded for increased prayer and financial support to send and sustain more missionaries. This challenge became known as the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering®.

Look for the brochure in the back of the pews Sunday!

Prayer Concerns

I have several friends having surgery soon. You probably do too!

Please be in prayer fo all who are having end-of-the- year and start-of-the-year surgeries.

Christmas Decorations

Towns are putting out their Christmas decorations. Please let me know if you see any religious one. We don’t want Jesus left out!

Thank-you for your faithfulness in reading this post.

Anna Lee

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