“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

~Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)~

Rosemary Sabella Graham

March 17, 1936 – October 04, 2020

To God our Creator, Jesus Christ our Savior, Holy Spirit our earthly inner strength and conscience, with the Virgin Mother of Jesus, receive into your heavenly realm Rosemary, showing her mercy and forgiveness for all of her earthly short comings. Rosemary, born on March 17, 1936, passed away on October 4, 2020 leaving in Christ her husband of 65 years, Nolan E. Graham; her four children, Keith (Mary Jo), Donna Campo (Matt), Kevin (Yvonne) and Dana Redmond (Joe); her 9 grandchildren, Jeffrey, Angela, Bryan, Matthew, Rachael, Sarah, Adam, Anthony, Emily and Zach; 13 great-grandchildren, Aivah, Joaquin, Sidney, Addison, Khloe, Preston, Sophia, Wyatt, Henry, Gabe, Barrett, Meritt and Rosemary; also survived by her sister, Jackie Sabella, and nieces, Kristi and Amber. Rosemary was the cornerstone of our family giving love, care, kindness and mercy to family and friends. Her occupation was caring for her husband and children, she took care of everyone, giving help to all that needed it. No one ever left her home hungry or empty handed, always helping others. A faithful Catholic her entire life, she graduated from Istrouma High and shortly afterwards married Nolan who was in the military at Fort Benning. Upon returning to Baton Rouge, they started a family and Rosemary was ever present in the lives of her family and church. Besides being a wonderful cook, she was known for holiday Italian Fig cookies and fruit cakes shared and enjoyed by so many, a tradition passed on to the next generation in her family. A true lover of her husband and family, but especially her Catholic faith. Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents, Ross an Tina Sabella; sister, Phyllis Jackson; in-laws, Ernest and Rezelda; brothers-in-law, Fred Moore, Ernest, Jr. and Edsel Graham; and sister-in-law, Maryann Graham. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 7, 2020 from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 12:00PM at St. Helena Catholic Church in Amite. Interment at Day’s  Cemetery, Liverpool, LA. As much as Rosemary loved her plants and flowers, in honor of her care for others and her faith, please if you desire make contributions to St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 8th

Jeremiah 10:1-11:23
Colossians 3:18-4:18
Psalm 78:56-72
Proverbs 24:28-29

Change of Plans – The Operation Christmas Child packing parties will be postponed due to Hurricane Delta. Please contact those working on your team.

Hurricane Delta

Pray for people in our area to be safe.

Get prepared.

Help others get prepared.

Pay attention to the weather reports.

Operation Christmas Child

Yesterday, I had an OCC volunteer to ask what they could begin doing to prepare for “shoeboxes” in 2021. That’s never happened before, but it certainly “warmed my heart”. If you would like to volunteer to make something or collect something for 2021, please let me know.

It’s not too late to give to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Louisiana or to the Louisiana Disaster Relief Fund.

Anna Lee

“Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”

~Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT)~

This morning we are facing the possibility of Hurricane Delta hitting here in the next few days. I do not feel it is wise to organize for and pack shoeboxes Thursday – Saturday. We will postpone for now. I will make a decision about when to reschedule after the storm passes through.

Hurricane Delta could be very bad. Make plans using wise decisions. Be prepared. Stay safe.

Betty and Andy Taylor are working on plans for a memorial service for Ricky. It will not be this week. In the meantime, please pray for them and their family.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 7, 2020

Jeremiah 8:8-9:26
Colossians 3:1-17
Psalm 78:32-55
Proverbs 24:27

This is certainly a day for preparation and prayer. If you know someone who might need assistance in getting ready for Delta, please volunteer to help them.

Anna Lee

With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. 

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

~2 Thessalonians 1:11-12~

Please continue to pray for Andy and Betty Taylor and their family.

Pray for all the many people in the path of the next hurricane. At this time, it is predicted to come right through here. Remember, to pray for the people who will be in it’s path when it comes ashore.

Thank God President Trump is better and able to be out of the hospital.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 6

Jeremiah 6:16-8:7
Colossians 2:8-23
Psalm 78:1-31
Proverbs 24:26

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

Packing of OCC “Shoeboxes” will take place this week at FBC, Kentwood. Today, let’s thank God for those who provided the items that will be shipped to boys and girls this year.

Today is a good day to contribute to the Georgia Barnette Offering for Missions in Louisiana. Contact the church office.

Speaking of the church office, a new one is now under construction directly across from our church. I look forward to riding by and seeing what God is doing. The plan is to convert the present office area to a nursery.

Have a great day. Today, let’s share a smile with others, even if it is behind a mask. Maybe, people will see the twinkle in your eyes. Try it and see if they share one of those hidden smiles with you.

Anna Lee

“There is nothing in us that allows us to claim

that we are capable of doing this work.

The capacity we have comes from God;

it is he who made us capable of serving the new covenant.”

~2 Corinthians 3:5-6 (GNT)~

Pray for the Andy and Betty Taylor family.

Thanks to all the ladies who are scheduled to pack shoeboxes Thursday through Saturday. This is the earliest we have ever packed. Thanks to those of you who provided items for the shoeboxes. When the large cartons become available, we will pack the cartons.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 5

Jeremiah 4:19-6:15
Colossians 1:18-2:7
Psalm 77:1-20
Proverbs 24:23-25

We have now read 75% of the Bible.

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

Please feel free to contact me with your requests, updates, and praises.

Anna Lee

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

~Proverbs 17:17~

Debbie Crawford of Line Creek shared this request:

Please add Jeremy Greer, Minister of Music at Line Creek Baptist Church, to your prayer list. He will have surgery this Thursday to try and save his eyeball. The doctor will have a cornea on standby in case he can do a transplant but it is not likely. Jeremy is one of the finest Christian men in the community.

Beverly Byrd Esteven

August 05, 1950 – October 01, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born August 5, 1950 in Pascagoula, MS and was 70 years of age. She worked at Ardillo’s Grocery and Restaurant for over 40 years as a bookkeeper and greeted everyone with a smile. She was a devoted wife, mother, Maw-Maw, and sister and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. She was a member of St. Helena Catholic Church and Catholic Daughters of America. After retirement, she also enjoyed spending time with her pets, Pup and Kittyman, and riding to Hammond on the “Old People Road” (Highway 51). She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Gregory Paul Esteven; daughter, Susan Esteven McGraw and husband, Brian; son, Gregory William Esteven; 3 grandchildren, Tristen Brian McGraw, Keaten David McGraw and Presley Susan McGraw; sister, Christina Byrd Richard; brother in law, Roy Esteven and wife, Pam; 2 nephews and 1 niece, Brady Hunter, Kaitlin Richard, and James Esteven; great-nephew, Dominic Steffek. She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie Moore “Bill” Byrd, Jr. and Johnnie Shotts Byrd; maternal grandparents, Talnethus Hood Shotts and Benjamin Franklin Shotts; paternal grandparents, Myrtle Lee Byrd and Willie M. Byrd, Sr. The family would like to thank Amite Fire and Rescue, Hood Memorial Hospital, and the staff of North Oaks Medical Center SICU for their excellent care during this difficult time. We would like to thank Fr. Mark Beard, Fr. Howard Adkins, Chaplain Keith Kincaid, and the entire community for all of their heartfelt prayers. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a funeral mass for Beverly will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Full of Grace at St. Helena Catholic Church or Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 4

Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
Colossians 1:1-17
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 24:21-22

Don’t forget the Georgia Barnette Offering for mission work in Louisiana. It’s never to late too contribute at your local Southern Baptist Church.

It’s Sunday. You have options today – Regular church services or online services. FBC, Kentwood will post online services live at 10:30 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Special thanks to those who do the behind-the-scenes work so those of us at home can be part of the service in real time or at any time we choose. Check out Facebook or YouTube to see for yourself.

Anna Lee

“Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”

~1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)~

Every day, I hear about school mates, teacher friends, etc., who have Covid-19. Today, it’s the president and first lady. If you have not already added them to your prayer list, please do so now.

William Earl Leonard

September 22, 1961 – September 23, 2020Share this obituary

William Earl Leonard, a resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at his home. He was born September 22, 1961 in Clinton, LA and was 59 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Sheila; 4 daughters, Brittany Smith, Stephanie Floyd, Angela Simmons, and Elizabeth Simmons; 1 son, William Blake Leonard; 7 grandchildren, Olivia and Abigail Smith, Alayna and Caleb Worley, Jana Floyd, Isabella Simmons and Eric Simpson. Preceded in death by his parents, F.L. and Thelma Murial Leonard; maternal grandparents, Neet “Son” Lee and Minnie Lee; paternal grandparents, Fred and Minnie Leonard. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Services conducted by Bro. Joe Day. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Woodrow Henry Ford, Sr.

July 29, 1923 – October 02, 2020

A resident of Amite, LA and formerly of Roseland, LA, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020 at his home. He was born July 29, 1923 in Roseland, LA and was 97 years of age. He was a retired Chief Petty Officer from the United States Navy and a Veteran of World War II and Korean Conflict. He also retired from Tangipahoa Parish School System where he served as a teacher and assistant principal. He is survived by 3 children, Shirley Sullivan (Mike), Bill Ford (Ann) and Carolyn Carona (Jack); grandchildren, Bridget Muse (Marshall Bailey), Brandi Taylor (Chris), Blair Catalanotto (Dyron Cerigny), Candice Sledge (Brady), Jack Brian Carona (Adrienne), Carrie Hamiter, Sean Ford (Elana), Dewayne Sullivan (Charlie) and Samantha Carey (Tyler); great-grandchildren, Blythe Muse, Caleb Muse, Caitlyn Muse, Blase Taylor, Bella Taylor, Blane Lee, Eli Perez, Ashtyn Sledge, Clay Sledge, Cian Hamiter, Marie Adele Carona, Jeanne Louise Carona, and Maddie Sullivan. Preceded in death by his wife, Magdalene Yepiz Ford; parents, William and Bessie Ford; son, Woodrow Henry Ford, Jr.; brother, William “Willie” Harrell; sister, Edna Ford Pitts; grandsons-in-law, Robert Muse and Brantley Taylor. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until 11:30AM on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Religious Services to follow at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday. Services conducted by Father Mark Beard. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Helena Catholic Church. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

(Mr. Woodrow and Daddy grew up as neighbors and were the same age. I have a long memory of Mr. Woodrow. When he completed his military service, he attended SLU and graduated in education while I was in college. In recent years, to my amazement, he called David and me by our names every time we saw him.)

It’s not too late to contribute to the Georgia Barnette Offering for work in Louisiana. After the recent storms, lots of churches have special needs this help. Help fund them.

Read the Bible in 2020 – October 3

Jeremiah 1:1-2:30
Philippians 4:1-23
Psalm 75:1-10
Proverbs 24:17-20

Thank-you for reading and praying today. Feel free to contact me by using the link on the top right of this page.

Anna Lee

Mr. Woodrow “Dub” Ford, St., passed away at 3:00 this morning. Please be in prayer for his family.

 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

~2 John 1:6~

Please pray for Mr. Woodrow “Dub” Ford, Sr. of Roseland. He is very ill.

Add Mose Guzzardo of Amite to your Covin-19 prayer lisst.

Beverly Esteven of Amite passed away. She always wore a big smile! Pray for peace and comfort for her family.

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

Louisiana Baptist Message – https://baptistmessage.com/

Read the Bible in 2020

Isaiah 66:1-24
Philippians 3:4-21
Psalm 74:1-23
Proverbs 24:15-16

Thanks to “Miss” Thelma of Osyka, a friend and neighbor of Luther and Renee Terrell, who sewed a Covid mask for each child and a “scrunchie”, a hair accessory, for each of the older girls for outr”shoeboxes”. She and others were a blessing to this ministry.

Today, please pray for each person like “Miss” Thelma who took time to handcraft items for our shoeboxes.

Enjoy the fall weather change.

Anna Lee

Anxiety weighs down the heart,

but a kind word cheers it up.

~Proverbs 12:25~

Gerald Simmons

November 05, 1942 – September 27, 2020

Gerald Simmons of Chesbrough, LA, passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2020 at Our Lady of the Lake with his loving children, Bodi and Charlee by his side. He was born November 5, 1942 in Chesbrough, LA and was 77 years of age. Gerald purchased his first dairy at the age of 15 and was in the dairy business for the next 40 years. His other business endeavors included owning a pole and piling company, feed and fertilizer store, farming crops and beef cattle. He also worked and retired from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. Gerald’s hobbies included quail hunting and rodeoing in which he was a competitive steer wrestler. His pride and joy were his 2 children. He spent long hours in the practice pen with Bodi and traveling to rodeos. He enjoyed shooting basketball with Charlee and cheering her on at all of her sporting events. In recent years, his joy came from being Paw Paw and visiting with his 6 grandchildren. Gerald is survived by his son, Bodi Simmons (Vanessa); daughter, Charlee Simmons Wedgeworth (Lance); six grandchildren, McKenzie and Weston Simmons and Cooper, Lane, Justin, and Harper Wedgeworth; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Hulon Luther Simmons and Myrtis Moore Simmons; sister, Patricia Simmons Peterson; nephew, Dwain Peterson. Visitation at First United Methodist Church of Amite from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Services conducted by Brother Rick Ledoux. Interment Bankston Cemetery, Chesbrough, LA. Pallbearers will be Bodi Simmons, R. J. Robertson, Jerry Rispone, Justin Fitzgerald, Ken Raye, and Bimbo Relan. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Buddy Anderson, Buddy Steverson, J. C. Ricks, Roy Joiner, Ralph Morgan, and James Harper. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

William Earl Leonard of Osyka, Mississippi | 1961 – 2020

William Earl Leonard, a resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at his home. He was born September 22, 1961 in Clinton, LA and was 59 years of age. He is survived by his wife, Sheila; 4 daughters, Brittany Smith, Stephanie Floyd, Angela Simmons, and Elizabeth Simmons; 1 son, William Blake Leonard; 7 grandchildren, Olivia and Abigail Smith, Alayna and Caleb Worley, Jana Floyd, Isabella Simmons and Eric Simpson. Preceded in death by his parents, F.L. and Thelma Murial Leonard; maternal grandparents, Neet “Son” Lee and Minnie Lee; paternal grandparents, Fred and Minnie Leonard. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Tuesday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. Services conducted by Bro. Joe Day. Interment Red Bluff Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 29

Isaiah 57:15-59:21
Philippians 1:1-26
Psalm 71:1-24
Proverbs 24:9-10

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

Today, let’s pray for all the hands and hearts involved in packing “shoeboxes”.

If you woke up today, God still has plans for you!

Anna Lee

Above all, love each other deeply,

because love covers over a multitude of sins.

~1 Peter 4:8~

Toby Miller‘s surgery went well. The doctor said the cancer is all removed. Now is the time for waiting for the pathology report. Now, this outdoor man has to stay inside for two weeks. That may take a lot of praying.

Barbara Daniel Yerby is slowly improving. Please continue to pray for her.

Joe Easley is also improving. He was off the vent all day yesterday. Please pray for continued improvement.

Mr. Harold Ard, 90, passed away yesterday morning. He grew up and lived most of his life in Loranger. This is Jan Hammons’ dad. I’ll post an obituary when one becomes available.

Please continue to pray for the Operation Christmas Child project in many of our area churches, clubs, and schools. All the boxes need to be filled and ready for shipment in about six week. At FBC, we will be packing our boxes at the end of next week. I feel much excitement in the air about the “shoeboxes”.

The Georgia Barnette State Offering (Louisiana) continues to be collected. OCC is an international project. ( Both are very important.) Your donation can be made at any Southern Baptist Church.

Read the Bible in 2020 – September 28th

Isaiah 54:1-57:14
Ephesians 6:1-24
Psalm 70:1-5
Proverbs 24:8

Baptist Press – https://www.baptistpress.com/

If you need to contact me concerning TPL, please send an email by using the “Contact Tab” at the top right of this page.

Thank-you for allowing me to come into your world each day. I do believe in prayer. Please pray for these requests and others that are not listed her. Thank-you for doing your part.

Anna Lee