“I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

~Acts 20:32 (NIV)~

Lois Gill Bridges

October 26, 1925 – March 05, 2021

Lois Gill Bridges of Tangipahoa, Louisiana was born on October 26, 1925 in Tangipahoa Parish and passed away March 5, 2021 at the age of 95. She was a homemaker, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will live on in our hearts and the special memories made through the years.

Lois was the daughter of William Hillery and Laura Crawford Gill. She was a member of Chesbrough High School class of 1942 and worked as a clerk for B. Stern Department Store in Amite, LA. She married R.D. Bridges in 1946, and they operated a dairy farm for many years. They were also faithful members of Tangipahoa United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Kentwood Art Guild and loved to travel, especially to the Smoky Mountains to see the leaves change colors. She also loved to paint, sew and crochet.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, R.D. Bridges, two brothers Roy and Monroe Gill, one sister Wanza Gill Keaton and her husband Bobby. Also her beloved son-in-law, Joe DeBlanc.

She is survived by her daughters, Dianne Williams and Patricia DeBlanc. Grandchildren Marshall Williams and Dawn, Ginger Hammel and Vince, Amy DeBlanc Burgess and Wade, and Jody DeBlanc and Laura. Great-grandchildren Taylor Williams, Blake and Colin Hammel, Alex Burgess, Ashlyn, Aaron and Allye DeBlanc. Also, a daughter of the heart, Bonnie Ford Cooper and her daughters Rebekah Allen and Brandon and Lauren Cooper and her daughter, Betty Rae. There were many nieces, nephews, special neighbors and friends who were very dear to her.

Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Kentwood on Monday, March 8, 2021 from 9:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM with Dr. Michael Townsend and Dr. David Millican officiating. Interment following at Tangipahoa Cemetery, Tangipahoa, Louisiana. Pallbearers are Brandon Allen, Alex Burgess, Aaron DeBlanc, Colin Hammel, Vince Hammel, Charlie LeBlanc, Stewart LeBlanc, and David Spears.

The family wishes to thank Aston Court Retirement Community where she lived for the last 8 years. A special thanks to Hospice Compassus who has provided excellent care since August. Also thank you to the many caregivers who have loved her so well. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a church or charity of your choice.

Obituary for Joan Foil Simmons

JOAN FOIL SIMMONS, AGE 79

A resident of Mt. Hermon died Thursday morning March 4, 2021 at her home after a lengthy illness. She was born May 23, 1941 in Independence and worked for most of her life, alongside her family, on their successful dairy farm. In 1993 she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Art from Southeastern Louisiana University. Joan, and her family, were always extremely proud of that accomplishment being done later in her life. She was an accomplished artist, painter and sculptor. Joan also played an active role in the arts and crafts community in and around Washington Parish, including at the Washington Parish Fair each year. She enjoyed gardening, especially her beautiful flower beds, and cooking for her family and friends. Joan loved taking care of her pet cats and dogs. She was always proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

Survived by:

Husband: Ned Simmons of Mt. Hermon

4 Children and Spouses: Jean Renee Burris and Jesse Burris,
Toni Stogner,
April and Bruce Simpson,
Lane and Tracy Simmons

10 Grandchildren

16 Great-grandchildren

Sister: Sharon Corkern

Also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dan Foil and Ozzie Passman Foil, a sister Mary Holmes, brothers Joseph Foil, Norris Foil.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday March 7th in the Bogue Chitto Baptist Church Cemetery (41088 Hwy. 438, Mt. Hermon, LA) with Bro. Adam Luper and Bro. Tommy King officiating.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to her caregivers Bev Simmons and Janice Brumfield for their loving kindness, Dr. Erin Boh, Chris Keaton and the nurses and staff at the Wound Care Clinic and to the staff of Community Care Hospice for all their care and support.

Pallbearers: Casey Forest, Blake Forest, Ryan Forest, Clint Smith, Adam Smith, Ian Torres, John Giroir

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – March 7

NUMBERS 25:1-26:65

Prayer Focus – those who are not saved

Pray for the salvation of all those who are not yet saved.

Annie Armstrong Offering for North America – Day 1 of the Week of Prayer for North America

(Read or Watch)

Shahid & Maroofa Kamal: Sharing A Living God

https://www.anniearmstrong.com/resource/shahid-maroofa-kamal-sharing-a-living-god/

I trust you will be able to attend worship in person or join an online service today.

Anna Lee

The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,

turning a person from the snares of death.

~Proverbs 14:27~

Ana Spiers‘ Thursday surgery went much better than Friday’s surgery. The doctors had to remove one of her lungs, but could not remove all the tumor around her heart yesterday. They will continue with a third surgery in three days this morning. Please continue to pray for Ana and her family.

Donna Bennett, the wife of my classmate Robert Bennett, had some biopsies yesterday at M.D. Anderson. One was inconclusive, but one indicated cancer. Donna will be doing her chemo and radiation in Jackson. Your prayers will be appreciated.

Lee Burford

September 28, 1942 – February 26, 2021

A resident of St. Rose, LA, passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Ochsner Medical Center in Kenner, LA. He was born September 28, 1942 in St. Louis, MO and was 78 years of age. He was U. S. Air Force Veteran of Vietnam and a retired Professional Engineer. He was saved by the grace of God in 1970 and served the Lord faithfully for the rest of his life. He had a passion for knowledge which led him to learn both Greek and Hebrew to better understand the word of God. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Burford; children, Krista Lee McCauley (Kenneth), Julie Mauser (David), Rachel Rogers (Mike), Nathan Burford (Ellen), Deborah Burford, Jared Burford (Keri), and Michael Burford (Angela); 13 grandchildren, Clara, Henry, Evelyn, and Mary Beth Mauser, Zachary, Hannah, and Nicholas Rogers, Ezekiel, Hazel, and Isaac Burford, Elliott and Cecelia Burford, and Gabriel Burford; 2 brothers, Milton Burford (Jane) and Jerry Burford (Colleen). Preceded in death by parents, Frederick and Hazel Burford. Visitation at Faithful Word Assembly, 1401 Joe Yenni Blvd., Kenner, LA from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, March 6, 2021. Services conducted by Pastor Russell Tardo. Interment Jefferson Memorial Gardens, St. Rose, LA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faithful Word Assembly for Mission Outreach. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Dennis Charles Biechman

August 05, 1950 – March 04, 2021

Dennis Charles Biechman, a resident of Franklinton, LA, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at his home. He was born August 5, 1950 in Albany, NY and was 70 years of age. He is survived by his significant other, Letitia Patridge; daughters, Michelle Biechman Hummel and husband Brent, DeAnna Simmons and Jamie Hyde; son. Brian Biechman and wife Marlene; sisters, Debra Biechman Haberman and Michelle Biechman Driscoll; brothers, Desmond Biechman and Kevin Biechman; grandchildren, Colin Hummel, Gavin Humme, Larissa strickland, Ragan Younger, Connor Simmons and Lana Hyde; great-grandchild, Ryland Strickland. Preceded in death by his daughter, Jennifer Biechman; father, Clinton Biechman; mother, Anna Biechman. Services will be scheduled at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021

NUMBERS 22:1-24:25

March 22nd – Shirts to Dresses Project

It’s wonderful to get positive responses about our OCC project to make dresses for girls 10-14 from men’s shirts. If you need have any questions, please let me know. We will also be making other projects such as pencil bags for those who do not sew. Thank-you to those of you who have been turning in dresses. If you choose to remove the pocket, please remember to save it. It will be used too. There will be projects for all of you with “Willing Hands”!

Prayer Focus for Today – Today, let’s pray for honest, hard-working people who make the “wheels of our country” turn daily. The blue-collar people are often overlooked, but help our country tremendously every day.

Prayer is very important. Our prayer lives improve as the number increases!

Anna Lee

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

~2 Chronicles 7:14~

Thank you for praying for Ana Spiers yesterday. She is doing well. Today, she will have another cancer surgery she does well again today.

Mr. “Cete” Dillon is doing well at home. Continue to pray for him.

Wayne L. Hagan

1954 – 2021

Wayne L. Hagan, age 66, passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana surrounded by his family. Wayne was born on April 4, 1954 on an army base in Del Rio, Texas to the late June Dykes and Herman Hagan. His father passed away unexpectedly when Wayne was just an infant. He was raised in the small town of Montpelier, LA by Tom and June Dykes, his parents. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Louisiana State University and was the owner of Timberland Management Services, Inc. He was appointed as a member of the Louisiana Forestry Commission in 2005, and he was a member and elder of First Presbyterian Church of Ponchatoula. Wayne loved nature and was an avid outdoorsman, who shared his love of duck and turkey hunting with many life-long friends. When it came to traveling, he was always ready for a trip…as long as it involved a hunt. He loved his family above all else, with his grandchildren being his greatest joy. Despite the great success he found in business, he remained down to earth, humble and kind. Raised by a basketball coach, his love for the game began at a young age. He was a talented athlete, who attended Southwest Mississippi Community College on a basketball scholarship. He later coached his daughters and remained an LSU fan for life. Wayne was a man of many interests and talents but he enjoyed the simple things in life. Out of everywhere in the world, the Manchac Swamp, which he called “a piece of heaven on earth” was his favorite place to be. Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Peggy Lea Hagan; daughters and sons-in-law, Heather and James Bankston, Lindsay and Lance Thompson, and Beth and Gus O’Krepki; grandchildren, Brynleigh Berthelot, Gavin Bankston, Ava Berthelot, Molly June Thompson, Sarah Beth Thompson, Hagan Thompson, Bruce O’Krepki, and Mattie O’Krepki; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rodney and Dianne Dykes, and David and Gaye Dykes. Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Herman Hagan, and parents, June and Thomas Dykes; grandson, Hunter Thompson. Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral service from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, 1190 Highway 51 North Ponchatoula, LA 70454, on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 2:00 pm, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Pastors Jeremy Glascock and Aaron Gordon will conduct the service and interment will follow in Wetmore Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to OPTIONS (19362 West Shelton Road Hammond, LA 70401), or The International 22q11.2 Foundation (P.O. Box 532 Matawan, NJ 07747). For more information and to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.thompsoncares.com.

Read the Bible Chronologically in 2021 – #March 5, 2021

NUMBERS 19:1-21:35

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Louisiana Baptist Message

https://baptistmessage.com/

Prayer Focus for Today: Those who have lost they employment

Operation Christmas Child is showing excitement over out work day on March 22. Turn your men’s shirts in at the tote across from the church elevator.

Thanks for reading and praying today.

Anna Lee

“Do not rebuke an older man [in the church] harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.

Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.”

~1 Timothy 5:1-2 (NIV)~

Susan Vining Johnson was my classmate. Her daughter-in-law has battled cancer for several years. She will be having surgery today and tomorrow in Texas. Pray for Ana Spiers, her husband, young children, and other family members.

Douglas Warren spent some closely monitored time off the vent yesterday. Thank God for the progress he has made lately. He has been hospitalized for three months at North Oaks.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – March 4

NUMBERS 16:1-18:32

Prayer Focus for Today – Churches

Pray for churches as they make adjustments to meet the current needs/changes in their facilities, programs, and services as we progress in overcoming Covid.

Operation Christmas Child – Shirts to Dresses

Men’s dress shirts

• Button fronts
• Long or short sleeves
• If you can remove the pocket, do so and save the pocket.
• If you cannot remove the pocket, we will do so for you.
• Shirts can be placed in the crate in front of the elevator.
• March 22 – demonstration to learn how to cut and sew dresses.
• Bring a sewing machine and/or serger, shirts, and basic sewing needs such as scissors, thread, pins, and elastic.
• Other information
• March 22 – If you do not sew, there will be other OCC activities for you to do hands-on activities and learn more about “shoeboxes”
• You are invited to bring a finger food to add to our refreshment table.

We look forward to having you visit and learn with us.

Anna Lee

“It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—

and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

not by works, so that no one can boast.”

~Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)~

Today, Louisiana is moving into stage three of Covid-19 recovery. Progress! I’m thankful we are moving in the right direction. On this day one year ago, our daughter called and put us on lockdown. It’s been a long year. We are so thankful Louisiana is making some progress.

We have all lost family and friends to this pandemic. There are people who are still hospitalized and fighting Covid. Some are making progress after three full months of quarantine. Keep praying.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – March 3

NUMBERS 14:1-15:41

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

March 22 – “Shirts to Dresses”, FBC, Kentwood, 10 A.M.

Today’s Prayer Focus – Missions

We have local, state, national, and international missions. Be a part of each one. Pray today to see how God wants. you involved.

Anna Lee

Mr. “Cete” Dillon did well this morning with his heart valve replacement. He will stay overnight for observation and may possible have a pacemaker put in. Thank-you for praying for him and his family.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Philippians 2:3

Please continue to pray for Mr. “Cete” this morning as he has a heart valve replacement.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021

NUMBERS 11:1-13:33

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Operation Christmas Child

I used a seam ripper yesterday for the first time in a long time. I removed a pocket from a shirt that will be used to make a dress for a girl who receive our shoeboxes. No problems! The crate in front of the elevator is the location to turn in shirts for our project. Someone asked about the sleeve length. Both short sleeve and long sleeve shirts are usable. Any color! Any print! Any size as long as it is a man’s button-front shirt!

Today’s Prayer Focus – Volunteers

Pray for volunteers who will convert the shirts to dresses. It’s not a highly skilled sewing project, so plan to bring a sewing machine, a serger, and basic sewing needs to practice while Mrs. Thelma Pierce is here to help us on Monday, March 22 at 10 P.M. Pray also for the young ladies who will receive our dresses.

Anna Lee

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,

who have been called according to his purpose.”

~Romans 8:28 (NIV)~

Please pray for two friends who will be having surgery early this week. Don Hammons of Arcola will have shoulder surgery this morning. Mr. “Cete” Dillon will have a heart procedure tomorrow at Ochsner in New Orleans.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – March 1

NUMBERS 6:1-27
NUMBERS 10:1-36

Baptist Press

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today’s Prayer Focus – Monday

Mondays is often the least favorite day of a week. Today, let’s do something special to make this Monday one of our best days this week. Pray for others as they face Monday. One reason Monday is not a happy day is that too many activities were crammed into the weekend. At school, on the job, and in our homes, lets pray for smoothness and happiness. May we find ways today to be a blessing to others.

Anna Lee

“Be kind and compassionate to one another,

forgiving each other,

just as in Christ God forgave you.”

~Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)~

When I memorized this verse, many years ago as a child, the New International Version did not exist. I learned “Be ye kind ….”.

Ralph Samuel Thompson

Ralph S. Thompson, 74 years old, born and raised in Pine Grove, LA.  He is survived by his only living sibling, Jimmie Noe Thompson, and many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and so many friends, including Dennis Sheffield and his family.  He is predeceased by his parents, George Dewey Thompson and Mable Rayborn Thompson, his siblings, Sibley Thompson, George Dewey Thompson, Jr., Dewitt Thompson, Ella Mae Thompson Johnson and Arthur Lee Thompson and his other great friend, Ronnie Ballard, all of whom he is enjoying being with now.  He loved coon hunting and enjoyed fishing more than anything else.

Claude “Jack” Lawrence Clements

August 26, 1942 – February 25, 2021

Cassie Marie Jones

June 29, 1984 – February 25, 2021

Cassie Marie Jones, a resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2021. She was born June 29, 1984 in McComb, MS and was 36 years of age. She was a loving mother, daughter granddaughter and sister. She was born and raised in Kentwood, LA. She graduated from Jewel M. Sumner In 2002. She is survived by her son, Caden Allen Day; parents, Scott and Lesia Jones; sisters, Bridgette Jones Porter and husband Matthew and Danielle Jones Graham and husband Blake; nieces and nephews, Annsleigh, Evie and Belle Louise Porter, Duely Deaton and Lane and Leatte Graham; grandmother, Joan Travis. Preceded in death by grandparents, W.B. Travis, Marice Jones and Bobbie Turnipseed Farris. Visitation at New Zion Baptist Church from 6:00PM until 10:00PM on Monday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Services conducted by Bro. Larry Blades. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible chronologically in 2021 – February 28

NUMBERS 4:1-5:31

Happy Lord’s Day! Be sure not to leave Him out on His day!

Anna Lee

“Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

~Colossians 3:13 (NLT)~

Three Reasons to Forgive – Rick Warren

1. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because God has forgiven you. Colossians 3:13 says, “Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (NLT). If you want to be a forgiving person, you first need to accept the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. The Bible says God came to Earth in human form in Jesus in order to forgive everything that’s ever been done wrong. He paid for those wrongs so we don’t have to. That’s Good News.

2. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because, otherwise, resentment will control you. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Only fools get angry quickly and hold a grudge” (CEV). Resentment makes you miserable. It keeps you stuck in the past. And when you’re stuck in the past, you are controlled by the past. Every time you resent something, you let that thing control you. Some of you are allowing people who hurt you five, 10, or even 20 years ago to still hurt you today because of resentment. Don’t let that continue to happen. Your past is past. You’ve got to let it go.

3. You have to forgive those who’ve hurt you because you’re going to need more forgiveness in the future. Jesus said, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV). Forgiveness is a two-way street. You can’t receive what you are unwilling to give.

READ THE BIBLE CHRONOLOGICALLY IN 2021 – FEBRUARY 27

NUMBERS 2:1-3:51

Iva Jane Travis

November 7, 1966 – February 14, 2021

On Sunday, February 14, 2021 Iva Jane (Janie) Travis passed away in her home in Kentwood, Louisiana with her loving husband, Lewis Peyton Travis. She was a loving mother, aunt, sister, daughter, wife, and grandmother. She gained her wings at the age of 54. A Graveside Service will be held March 2, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Holliday Cemetery in Holliday, Texas. McMillan-Satterwhite Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Iva Jane was born November 7, 1966 in San Jose, California to Curtis and Waunella Cashion. She moved to Texas and established several successful businesses. For the last 10 years, she worked in the oil industry alongside her husband. Her infectious laugh sang through the lives and hearts she came into contact with. She was a firecracker through and through. Her Joyful habit of dancing down the aisles of the store to embarrass us will always be in our memories. Her sassiness and spunk will be unmatched. Iva Jane had a passion for helping others and making life fun. From making special cakes and throwing parties, to giving whatever she could. She was known as Grandma Sugars. She loved spoiling children as well as her six precious grandchildren. Janie’s spirit will continue to live on among all of us.

Iva Jane is survived by sons, Timothy Doan and wife Paige, Zachary Doan, Benjamin Doan and daughter, Taylor Doan. 2 stepsons, Lewis Peyton Travis, Jr. and Landon Ray Travis and wife Kelsey; 4 grandchildren Carter, Lydiah, Elijah, Owen, and grandbaby girl on the way. Step-grandson, Bentley. Parents, Curtis and Waunella Cashion of Holliday Texas, 3 sisters, Doris Bazan and husband Charlie of Graham Texas, Connie Evans and husband David of Wichita Falls Texas, Lisa Shoemaker and husband John of Holliday Texas. Several nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, and many cousins.

Today’s Prayer Focus – Church Staff Members

Let’s remember to pray for the staff at our own and other churches.

Anna Lee