I hope you have an attitude of gratitude every day.
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Today, I am thankful for coffee, breakfast foods, soft talk so as not to wake up others, and sitting around the table/room with the family. It’s good to have family here. I’m thankful!
for this isTHEwill of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
~1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV~
That verse merits a second reading. Make this a holiday of rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. You’ll be blessed.
George Lewis Jones
August 11, 1938 – November 20, 2021
George Lewis Jones (Lewis to family and friends), 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of November 20, 2021. Lewis was born August 11, 1938 to George and Lilly Jones. The youngest of four children, he grew up in Pine Grove, LA, where he married Barbara Griffin and embarked on his career as the fun-loving, devoted father of Steven, Jeffrey, and Lori.
He worked for ExxonMobil for most of his career, and was always in love with repairing, restoring, and driving vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pretty much anything with a motor. Lewis enjoyed people, and was always happy to stop in, have a cup of coffee, and swap stories with his many friends, often while scouring the country for model train sets and parts for his collection.
After a time being single, Lewis was lucky enough to meet Janice Porter, who he wed in 1984. Together, they had a daughter, Nikki, who in turn gave him the grandchildren he had always hoped to smother with attention. He retired from ExxonMobile after 29 years of service before moving to Ruston, LA, to be close to those beloved grandkids and family.
Lewis is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Janice Porter Jones, his four children, Steven (Leila), Jeffrey (Dawn), Lori, Nikki DeOliviera (Bryan), and his grandchildren, Adalinne, Porter, and Evangeline. Lewis also considered Callie Zurovetz his honorary daughter, and Adah Rae as his honorary granddaughter.
Before relocating to Ruston, Lewis was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he will be laid to rest next to his brother, Russell, on Saturday, November 27. Visitation is between 10 am-12 noon with a service at 12 noon at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Pine Grove.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Evelyn Lee Easley
November 11, 2021
Evelyn Lee Easley, age 93, passed away peacefully from natural causes on Thursday, November 11, 2021. She was a native of Amite and a resident of Houma, LA.
Evelyn is survived by her son Kelley Easley and wife, Audrey; daughter Lauren Easley and husband Kent; granddaughters Carly and Erin Easley; and her beloved little dog Harley.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Kelley, parents Alton and Emma Lee, brother Wallace Lee, and sister Jeanette Anzalone.
Evelyn was a graduate of Southeastern University in Hammond, LA and taught typing and shorthand at South Terrebonne, Terrebonne, and H.L. Bourgeois High Schools in Houma, LA. Prior to her teaching career she was a welfare social worker in Tangipahoa Parish and a secretary at the Monsanto chemical plant in St. Charles Parish. She moved to Houma in the early 60’s when her husband Kelley was transferred to Houma by Texaco, where he spent his career after his service in the Navy. She often told the story of going outside in Amite to rake leaves when she knew Kelley would be passing by in his Jeep on his way home from work, so he would notice her. Evelyn enjoyed reading, doing crossword puzzles, and spending time with her family – especially her granddaughters. She was blessed with a sharp mind that never dulled with age. She will be missed by all whose hearts and minds she touched.
The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Chateau Terrebonne Nursing Home and to Haydel Hospice for taking such compassionate care of Evelyn.
A gathering for family and friends will be held Saturday November 27th from 11 am to 12 at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite.
I posted multiple days for this week because of the holidays and households being on holiday schedules.
Thankfulness – Day 24
Today, I am thankful for better transportation and more highways. I grew up in Roseland where we had one traffic light on highway 51, the best form of a highway that existed. Today, I live out in the country where on a state highway with no traffic lights. Highway 51 and a traffic light are just a few miles away, but there is a newer and better highway between here and 51. It’s interstate 55. It brought eight of ten members of my family to be with us for the holidays. Some traveled by cars and some by car and airplanes. It’s the most family I have had since this time last year and I’m planning to have a good time with them here. I hope the holidays have brought you or will bring you some loved ones too.
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at his home. He was born January 25, 1977 in Independence, LA and was 44 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Graves Slade; 2 children, Sydney Slade and Logan Slade; 2 step-children, Lane Coplin and Brianna Coplin; mother, Ruby Slade; father, Charles Slade; step-mother, Nancy Slade; brother, Charles Bradley Slade and wife Pam; sister, Rebecca “Becky” Slade. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Luther Carl Slade and Irma Black Slade, Rebecca Renella Dearman Easley and Jeffie William Easley; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation at Friendship Baptist Church, Amite, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Steven Miller. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sometimes is seems like the number of deaths in our area is small, but sometimes, like now, it seems so many people have recently died. Please be in pray for all these families during the holiday season.
We ended ouR week of collecting shoeboxes at FBC, Kentwood with a total of 1,773 shoeboxes fROM a number of area churches and individuals. That’s an increase over the 1601 packed last year. I learned yesterday that when our boxes leave Hammond they they will travel to Charlotte, NC , not Dallas.
Our collection process ran smoothly because of 18 volunteers who put in 132.5 hours during the eight days. We could not have done everything without all our volunteers. During the year numerous others have helped to prepare and pack items in 454 shoeboxes at our church. Great work, everyone! Think of all the boys and girls who will be blessed with Christmas gifts AND the opportunity to learn about Jesus!
Thankfulness – Day 22
Today, I am thankful for religious holidays that give us a special opportunity to talk about Jesus and share blessings. I know I have been blessed in many ways this year. This week I will take time to reflect on the blessings and to thank God for the blessings. This is not the only time of the year to “Say thanks to God”, but it is a reminder. I’m thankful for my country starting this holiday celebration and pray they will never delete this holiday.
FBC, Kentwood packed 454 shoeboxes this year. We also served as the area drop-off church. I am so thankful for the dedicated people who have worked together to pack and ship the shoeboxes on to their next location. So far, we have 1,661 shoeboxes! I expect more this morning! Some have been sent to the next location, but the rest will be sent today. If you know of anyone who has shoeboxes to ship, please tell them to get them to us by 10:00 this morning. Thank-you to all who worked in the shoebox ministry this year. Tomorrow, we begin again!!!
Christmas Opportunity
The local missions team will be preparing Christmas bags for area students. All you have to do is get a brown gift bag from the church, fill it for the child described on the tag, and then turn it in during the next few weeks. Alice Mary Honeycutt is the head of this mission opportunity. She will gladly answer any questions you have.
Coming Soon – Christmas programs presented by the adult and children’s choirs! Check the church office for details about the dates and times.
Thankfulness – Day 21
Today, I am thankful for holidays and the family gatherings they bring. All but two of our six grandchildren will join their parents at our house this week. David and I are delighted most of the family will be able to be here. Lots of fun or helpful activities are planned. Neither those activities, nor the big meal on Thursday, will be the highlight of the week. It will be the time we spend together, the hugs we share, and the love we have for each other.
I trust your family is gathering and sharing love this holiday season. If you do not have holiday plans, please let me know. Give me a call or send me a message.
A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at The Lodge at Tangi Pines in Amite, LA. She was born May 26, 1929 in Independence, LA and was 92 years of age. She is survived by 2 sons, John Lamonica and wife Lota and Paul “Chimp” Lamonica; grandchildren, Michael, Kenny, and James. Preceded in death by her husband, Joe M. Lamonica; parents, Tony and Rosalie Danna Maniscalco; brothers, Dominick, Kelly, Tony, and Nurphy Maniscalco; and sisters, Stefana Lashouto, Josie Maniscalco, Sarah Maniscalco, Mary Whiddon, and Jennie Lamonica; grandsons, Troy and Gregory. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 10:30AM on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. Religious Services at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 11:00AM on Tuesday. Services conducted by Fr. Reuben Dykes. Interment Colonial Mausoleum, Independence, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Thankfulness – Day 21
Today, I am thankful for all workers at businesses who go above and beyond to help their customers. Yesterday, David and I got new phones. His contact list did not transfer from his flip-phone to a new Iphone. Two workers took time to manually enter all his contacts into the new phone. They saved me a lot of time! They took this kind action without us making that request! For their actions, I am thankful today. There are owners and workers at many stores who do similar services for customers. We need to show appreciation when that happens.
I hope all of you attend worship in your chosen church in person or online today.
Today, I am thankful for those who love to teach. It may be a missions class, a choir, an art class, Bible study, math, English, sciences, band, home economics (now called family and consumer science), business skills, mechanics, first aid, typing, shop, etc. Those who have knowledge and skills and the desire to pass them on help make future generations ready for the world. Because of teachers, we are who we are!I’m thankful for the many teachers I’ve had in my life.
I’m not too old to continue to learn more. I don’t think we ever get too old to learn.
I am thankful for the safety of Frank Fowler, his girls, and number of other people who were in the area of an alarm to their safety. Frank and his girls were delivering our cartons of OCC shoeboxes to their next location and were alerted of possible danger. They are safe and so are all the other people who were in that area. Frank left our church at 2 P.M. and got back to Kentwood at 7 P.M. after unloading our trailer. The shoeboxes are handled by many people on the way to their destination. I pray the boxes safely make the trip to the boys and girls so they have an opportunity to learn about Jesus. I’m also thanking God for watching over the Fowlers and all the others Thursday afternoon.
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.'”
~Hebrews 10:36-37 (NIV)~
Norma Travis Muse
January 16, 1940 – November 16, 2021
Norma Rae Travis Muse, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Springfield LA on November 16, 2021 at the age of 81. She was born January 16, 1940 to the late Winfred Walter Sr. and Pearl Bryant Travis. Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Edward Muse Jr. and son James Edward Muse III. She is survived by her children Liz Muse Sharp (Ronnie), Trudy Muse Shockley (Walter) and Stephen Muse (Melissa); grandchildren Ron Sharp, Jordan Shockley, Brayden, Sydney and Taylor Muse; siblings Peggy Crawford, Warren Travis (Norma) and Winfred Travis Jr (Kathryn). Visitation will be held at Pine Ridge United Methodist Church in Kentwood on Monday, November 22 from 5-8 PM . Visitation will continue Tuesday, at 9 AM until the service at 11 AM with the burial immediately following in the church cemetery. The family would like extend thanks to Audubon Hospice—Stacey Browhow, Nurse and Vanessa Creel, CNA, as well as Total Live-in Care—Sandra Windham and Melanie Howard for the compassionate care you all gave to our mother. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pine Ridge United Methodist Church or Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Covington, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Our Operation Christmas Child Drop-Off at FBC, Kentwood has now received and packed over 1,000 shoeboxes. We are so thankful to be a part of this ministry. I personally appreciate all the churches and individuals who have brought us shoeboxes and those at our church who have teamed up to pack the shoeboxes, load the trailer, contribute during the year, etc.
I am thrilled that so many children will receive the toys, hygiene items, clothing, and school supplies. I was thrilled to meet the gentleman who brought 60 boxes that his family packed this year, the first year they knew about this opportunity. All the visits with the people who delivered shoeboxes have been great! Thank-you to each of you!
Thankfulness Day 19
Today, I am thankful for the faster communications of today’s world. I remember during my teen years and the war reports which would be a day old before an airplane could fly the video back to our country to be aired on the nightly news. That was an great improvement over previous methods. Today with our phones, computers, etc., we can watch as news happens. When these things affect our families, we are very thankful for the quickly received information.
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at St. Helena Parish Hospital in Greensburg, LA. She was born August 14, 1945 in Kentwood, LA and was 76 years of age. She is survived by her 3 children, Johnie B. Booty, Tracie Renee Luper and Keith, and Alton W. Booty, III; 10 grandchildren, Jonathan Tyler Booty and wife, Rondi Lynn, JoAnna Taylor Booty, Jacob Travis Booty, Jace Trent Booty, Jordan Randall Luper, Jimmy Keith Luper, Rachel Lyn Booty, Davin Alton Booty, Sarah Ashton Booty, and Lauren Elizabeth Booty; 6 great-grandchildren, Piper Harrison, Annabel Graham, Sadie Mae Graham, Norah Kate Booty, Emma Luper, and Spencer Sloane; 3 sisters, Barbara Smith Gill, Martha Smith LaLonde and husband Leon, and Ivanee Smith Raybourn and husband Adrian; companion, Shelby Gene Alford. Preceded in death by her husband, Maurice E. Jones; parents, Johnie and Mildred Stewart Smith; brother-in-law, Jimmy C. Gill; infant sister, Johnietta Smith; infant brother. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 8:00AM until religious services at 12Noon on Friday, November 19, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Beryl Billiot. Pallbearers are Jonathan Booty, Jacob Booty, Jace Booty, Davin Booty, Jordan Luper, and Paris Gill. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Ted Carol Lewis of Kentwood, LA, was born on January 5th, 1941, and died mid-morning on November 16th, 2021, aged 80. He attended Kentwood High School and Louisiana State University and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. While at LSU he married his wife, Barbara. They had two children together, Joseph “Joey” Wendell Lewis and Brian Scott Lewis. After graduating, Ted held several jobs for major firms, but eventually returned to the area and opened his own business in Bogalusa. In 1997 Ted and Barbara retired to the home they built in Lewiston, which also served as a museum for high school memories and artifacts from other eras as well. He loved to share his collection and memories with friends, family, and strangers alike. In retirement, he enjoyed continuing to collect antiques, and enhance and maintain the beauty of the property that so many people in the community admired and enjoyed. He was a deacon at Lewiston Baptist Church, and loved his church community. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wendell Lewis and Bertha Stafford Lewis, and his son Joey. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his brother Don Lewis, son Brian and daughter-in-law Susan, and two grandsons, Anderson and Reed Lewis of Austin, TX. Visitation at Lewiston Baptist Church from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Services conducted by Rev. Cory Morris. Interment Lewiston Baptist Church Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who are so interested consider a donation to the Lewiston Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Ann Hodges Young
September 12, 1937 – November 16, 2021
Young, Mary Ann Hodges died at 1:26p.m. on Tuesday, Nov 16, 2021, at Ponchatoula Care Center. She was 84, a native and previous resident of Kentwood. Mary was a loving mother and a great friend to many. Visitation will be held at the McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 4 p.m. to 7p.m. on Friday. Visiting at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. Survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Valerie and Henry Aucoin, Parker, Co, Debra and Tim Taylor, Aurora, CO and Gaye Allison and Jack McCart, Kentwood, La; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and five sisters. Preceded in death by parents, Floyd and Pauline Hodges, brother, Luther Hodges, husband of over 50 years, George Allen Young and second husband James Miller. Pallbearers will be granddaughter, grandsons and great-grandson.. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Say special prayers and do something special for those who do not have family to enjoy Thanksgiving with. Also, help those who might need some Thanksgiving food this year.
Thankfulness – Day 18
Today, I am thankful for my computer and my tech expert, my son, who set up this site for me. I appreciate his skill and his patience. Because of him, his skill, and my computer, I am able to share with you each day.
Now all we cansee of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror.
Later we will see him face to face.
We don’t know everything, but then we will, j
ust as God completely understands us.”
~1 Corinthians 13:9, 12 (CEV)~
Yesterday, my procedure was delayed so we didn’t get home as early as we expected and I didn’t post as planned. All went well for me. The anesthesia lasted longer than last month. I got an hour and a half nap when we got home and felt better after that. Thank-you for your prayers.
I learned of these deaths:
Mr. A.J. Harris of Baton Rouge – father of Susan Belgard of Chesbrough
Mr. Ted Lewis of Lewiston
Mrs. Norma Muse of Kentwood
Mrs. Mary Young Miller of Kentwood
Fay Harling Liuzza
February 15, 1939 – November 13, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at her home. She was born February 15, 1939 in Booneville, MS and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Jack V. Liuzza; 1 sister, Betty Harling Travis; 2 aunts, Luna Pace and Jeannie McCreary; nieces , Tracie Travis Ryan (Scott), Missy Liuzza McAllister (Luther), Cathy Liuzza McAllister (Roland), nephews, Herman Travis, Reid Travis (Allyson), Christopher Liuzza (Connie), David Liuzza (Stacey), Anthony Liuzza (Brittany); numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Preceded in death by her mother, Alice Sandifer; step-father, Lewis Sandifer; father, J.C. Harling; brother, Jonnie Clay Harling; nephew, Peyton Travis; great-niece, Jessie Travis. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 8:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, November 17, 2021. Services conducted by Fr. Mark Beard. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Pallbearers will be Eddie Guidry, Gary Stanga, Luther McCallister, Anthony “Fuzzy” Liuzza, Reid Travis and Jerry Rispone. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Barbara Irene Sowell Miller
October 02, 1946 – November 14, 2021
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021 at her home in Amite, LA. She was born October 2, 1946 in Amite, LA and was 75 years of age. She is survived by her 2 sons, Michael Smith and wife, Melissa and Clint Smith; 4 grandchildren, Laken Lee Dufresne, Shelby Wilkinson and husband, Shawn, Alayna Smith, Mazzy Smith, and Linkin Smith; 4 great-great grandchildren, Rylin Wilkinson, Wyatt Wilkinson, Baylor Wilkinson, Hayes Wilkinson and Brayson Dufresne; brother, Allen Sowell, Jr.; nephews, Allen Sowell, III and Darren Sowell. Preceded in death by her parents, Allen Sowell, Sr. and Irene King Sowell. Graveside Services will be held privately. Services conducted by Rev. David Cutrer. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I am thankful for those in the medical profession. Even though many of us have chosen other professions, we count of those in the medical profession. As we have gotten onder, David and I have done so more often than in the earlier days. Sometimes medical professionals help to identify problems and make us more comfortable. Sometimes they save our lives!
Thankfulness – Day 17
Today, I am thankful for all the people who work behind the scenes or simply do jobs that are not medical, but are necessary for the medical facilities to run smoothly. They might park your vehicle, greet you at the door, help you to do computer check-in, clean the restrooms, deliver food, prepare food, roll you out to your vehicle, cut the grass, trim shrubbery, wash the linens, sweep and mop floors, fill water containers, man the front desk, give out masks, and many other behind-the-scenes, but necessary, jobs.
Operation Christmas Child: Today will be our third day to function as a drop-off location for our area. What a blessing it is to help all the shoeboxes get packed in cartons and ready for their next destination. We received 779 shoeboxes Monday and 106 yesterday. Today, we will be receiving boxes from 3:00-5:00 P.M.. We appreciate our “regular” volunteers and those who are serving for the first time this year. There is a job for everyone.
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