And a resident of Franklinton passed away early Tuesday morning September 9, 2025 at her home, the property where she has lived her entire life. She was born on October 27, 1948 and following graduation from high school, attended business college in Baton Rouge and worked for a short time, before returning home to raise her family. Frances loved sewing and quilting, often making clothes and other items for her family and others. She loved making crafts, often helping her grandkids make the perfect items to enter into the booths at the Washington Parish Free Fair each year. Most recently, she made cute teddy bears for each of her family members and others she wanted to spread a little joy to. Frances enjoyed taking care of her yard and tending to her beautiful flower beds. She was forever a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all that knew her.
Survived by:
Husband of 57 years: Tommy L. Hickman
Son and Daughter in law: Tommy Hickman, Jr. and Celeste Hickman
2 Daughters and a Son in law: Michele and Perry Talley, Rachel Polk
Grandchildren: Kaitlin, Cassidy, Austin, Preston, and Brody Hickman, Vivian and Samuel Talley, Weston and Anna Kate Polk
Sister: Jerrie Hickman
Sisters in law and Brothers in law: Iris Hickman, Michael and Harriet Hickman, Lloyd Hickman, Deborah and Tom Eckert, John and Melanie Hickman
Also numerous nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her parents Ben Passman and Leona Magee Passman, sister Georgia Quinones, brothers Bennie Gene Passman, James Harold “Joe” Passman, father in law and mother in law Johnny and Audrey Hickman and other family members.
Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home Friday September 12th from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 am Friday with Bro. Mark Jenkins officiating. A private graveside service will follow in the family cemetery on their property.
Good morning, friends. I’m thankful for you and our time “visiting” every day. I hope you feel purposeful and encouraged today.
Reading the Bible in 2025
September 11
Job 38-39
WMU/Women on Mission
Quarterly Associational Meeting
FBC, Kentwood
10:00 A.M. Saturday
Come learn about the Georgia Barnette Offeing for Louisiana Missions and Camp Living Waters
I encourage all ladies and girls to a attend. You do not need a specific invitation, a WMU organization at your church, etc. Just come.
As a mother, If you have plans to send your child there, you may be interested in attending.
If you are a youth worker, this may be very informative to you.
If you support state missions, you may be interested in this site that ministers in our area.
No tickets or special invitations needed.
Obituary
Rebecca Ann Freeman Tabor
October 6, 1971 – September 9, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Ochsner Medical Center – West Bank in Gretna, LA. She was born October 6, 1971 in Madill, OK and was 53 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Thomas R. Tabor; children, Bailee Brassell and husband, Phillip, Skylar Tabor and fiance, Caitlin Reeves, Detroit Dixon and fiancé, Jessica Ingle, and Daylin Dixon and fiancé, David Walker; daughter-in-law, Autumn Morgan; grandchildren, Callee, Aspen, Britton, Ryder, Danica, and Anna Catherine; step-mother, Judy Freeman, father-in-law, Earl Tabor; and mother-in-law, Janice Cowman. Preceded in death by parents, Tommy Ray Freeman and Wanda Faye Williams Freeman; sister, Melissa Morris; and a brother, Tommy Ray Freeman. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 2:00PM until religious services at 3:00PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Many people need to have Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If you know of some, please pray for them and your need to minister to them. Today, add their names to a special prayer list. Then, pray for them frequently. Encourage them to be with those who will be encouragers and teachers.
Today, let’s focus on people. May we always love God, help others, and strive to be a good citizen in our homeland. Pray for America and for your responsibilities as a citizen.
Today’s Verse
Obituary
Jackie Scott Phelps
August 8, 1989 – September 8, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 in Tickfaw, LA. She was born August 8, 1989 in Concord, NC and was 36 years of age. She was a loving wife, mother, and daughter. She is survived by her husband, Reagan Phelps; 3 daughters, Lacy Prue, Annabelle Prue, and Ivy Prue; mother, Gina Causin (Steve); brother, Robbie Scott (Rachel); grandparents, Gene and Jane Throwe; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Mike and Tracey Phelps; and sister-in-law, Emily Phelps. Preceded in death by her father, Ken Scott; daughter, Sophia Prue; grandfather, James Scott; grandmother, Sandy Scott. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
I hope you noticed the moon last night and again this morning. God put on a special show for us. The moon was an absolutely huge and beautiful light! Only God!
(I did take a couple pictures last night, but this is not one of them. It was a golden color last night!)
Prayer Focus
This morning, let’s thank God for His many creations, especially human life and for the big beautiful moon he shared last night.
Today’s Verse
The Bible is like a special letter delivered to us each day. It is only words unless we read it and then apply it to our lives.
Read the Bible in 2025
September 8
Job 29-31
No New Obituaries This Morning
WMU/Ladies on Mission
Quarterly Meeting for Two Rivers Association
Saturday at FBC, Kentwood
10:00 – 12:00
Leadership Meeting at 9:00
Focus on Louisiana Missions (Specifically Camp Living Waters at Loranger)
Speaker: Bro. Harrell Sharkey, Jr. (Pastor at Kedron)
Pot-luck meal to follow
ALL ladies are invited.
One Week!
The truck from the La. Baptist Children’s Home will be here next Monday. Your food donations and or checks should be at the church by Sunday, September 15. You can give through any of our local Baptist churches.
You can also write out checks at this time or at any time of the year.
Give at church or mail to:
La. Baptist Children’s Home
7200 Desiard Street
Monroe, LA 71203
Children’s Christmas Program at FBC, Kentwood
Early December
Children from four years to sixth grade
Directed by Wendy Fowler and Nikki Rhodus
Operation Christmas Child
Thanks to the classes and the individuals who are contributing to pay the shipping charges on the boxes. The cost is minimal for each box, but large when many boxes are packed. We desire to place manyy boxes in many hands again this year.
Your support is both needed and appreciated. Be a part of getting boxes in all those little hands and the message of Jesus in all those precious hearts.
Good morning, friends. I look forward to Sundays every week. I’m sure many of you do too.
Today’s Scripture
We’ve been experiencing our usual hot, summer days. I’m sure all of you can relate to a bottle of cold water. Just like we can have a thirst for water, we can also have a thirst for the Lord. I hope you regularly seek to worship Him, especially on Sundays.
No New Obituaries This Morning
Georgia Barnette Offering
As we move into week two of focus on this Louisiana Baptist Focus, let’s consider the resort ministries. Louisiana is well known for recreation that involves water. Toledo Bend is a good example. You may be surprised to learn of the opportunities for a miisionary to serve there. Mary Gore has done so for 32 years.
She has made four requests:
Personal strength and perseverance as she continues to serve.
Volunteers and summer mission teams to join her in reaching out to tourists and locals.
Local churches who partner with the resort ministry to share the Gospel.
Increased giving to the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering to sustain this and other resort missions who reach out to people outside of a traditional church setting.
Let’s continue to give so others can serve in various sites across our state.
Fall Food Round-Up for the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
You only have one more week to bring your donations of checks, foods, and cleaning supplies that will be instrumental in helping feed and care for the residents for another year. The truck will be in Kentwood for pick-up of our donations on September 15th. The next pick-up will be during September 2026. Checks can always be mailed to them .
Two Rivers WMU/Women on Mission Meeting
Saturday
10 A.M.
FBC, Kentwood
Focus – Georgia Barnette Offering and Camp Living Waters in the Loranger area
Guest Speaker – Bro. Harrell Sharkey, Jr., pastor at Kedron Baptist Church
Chris and Kathy’s daughter just sent an update on Korey and Chris’ surgeries. Korey is home and already noticing how much better he feels and walks. Chris is still at the hospital, but plans are to release him today. Chris also is feeling a needed improvement and expects to be released today. Everyone surely is wearing a big smile at this point.
The family thanks you for your continued prayers. They apologized for not updating you sooner. Keep praying!
Let’s thank God for allowing us to live today and our ability to connect with Him periodically throughout the day. When we fail to pray, we miss sweet and meaningful opportunities.
Obituary
Ella Cleora Hyde Hayden
November 27, 1926 – September 4, 2025
Ella Cleora Hyde Hayden was called home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 4, 2025, at the blessed age of 98.
Cleora was born on November 27, 1926, in Roseland, LA, to Brice Miller Hyde and Emma Elizabeth Eldridge. She grew up on the family farm, where she learned the values of hard work and dedication, and she was a graduate of Chesbrough High School. In 1946, in Amite, LA, she met the love of her life, John Pershing “Johnney” Hayden. After marriage, they made their home in various locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. A devoted homemaker, Cleora also used her many talents as a beautician and a gifted floral designer, owning and operating several small businesses. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She and Johnney were blessed with two children, Lewell Patrick “Pat” Hayden, LTC Retired US Army (Faye) and Joannie Jena’ Hayden.
Cleora is now joyfully reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, John; her parents, Brice and Emma Hyde; her siblings: Lewell Brice, Digby Merrel, Buddy Frank “BF”, Erwall Carl, Herbert Miller “Joby,” and Juanita Thomas; and her daughter-in-law, Candace Hayden, son-in-law, Larry Grabert.
She leaves behind a legacy of love in her children, Pat Hayden (Faye) and Jena’ Hayden; her grandchildren: Tiffoney LaJaunie (Brent), Jennifer Hayden, Rebecca Haaby (Robert), Jessica Dick (Mike), and Melissa Parrino (Andrew); her great-grandchildren: Joshua, Ethan, Bryce, Bricen, Aven, Jamerson, Gavin, Sela, Mahlet, Mariah, and Marissa; and her great-great-grandchildren: Adalyn and Eli.
Cleora was a woman of unwavering faith, whose love for the Lord shone through in her every word and deed. She found profound joy in prayer, strength in Scripture, and peace in lifting her voice in praise. Her life was a testament to her trust in God’s plan, demonstrated through her boundless kindness and compassion for others. She often found comfort in the promise of Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” While our hearts grieve her absence, we do not grieve as those without hope. We rejoice in the assurance of Christ’s resurrection and the promise that we will be reunited with her in the glory of God’s eternal kingdom.
A service to celebrate Cleora’s life and her heavenly homecoming will be held at McKneely Funeral Home, 110 E. Factory St., Amite, LA, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Hyde Cemetery on LA-1058. A reception for family and friends will be held after the interment at the Florida Parishes Skeet & Gun Club, 61282 VFW Rd., Amite, LA.
We take immense comfort in knowing that Cleora is now at perfect peace, resting securely in the loving arms of her Savior.
The WMU speaker next Saturday will focus on Camp Living Waters and using it to impact our children, youth, and adults. Donations to the offering in the fall each year impact CLW and other sites and ministries throughout the state.
Prayer Requests for Louisiana missions – Pray that churches will continue to train, to give, and to go. Does that sound like the Great Commission?
Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home
Bring a check or food any local Baptist church. Our gifts will help feed the residents for the coming year.
Associational WMU Quarterly Meeting
One week away – September 13
Location – FBC, Kentwood
Time – 10:00
Bring – a food for the potluck lunch (Chicken provided by FBC, K)
Meet other ladies and girls
You do not need to be an active member of WMU or Women on Mission to attend.
Learn about mission opportunities for all church and family members
Today, let’s thank God for friendships. You may have many friends or just a few, those that are close and those not so close, friends of many years or friends you met in the last month, friends from school, friends from church, friends from our jobs. etc. Be thankful for the friendships God has allowed us to enjoy in our lives. Don’t casually toss them aside. Don’t miss out on them when you have regular or periodic opportunities to enjoy them.
Obituaries
Stephen Conway White
June 25, 1960 – September 3, 2025
A resident of Osyka, MS, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at his home. He was born June 25, 1960 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 65 years of age. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran and was a Combustion Boiler Systems Engineer and CEO for J and M Boiler Combustion Service, Inc. He is survived by 3 daughters, Caryl White Freeman and husband, James, Stephanie Andrews and husband, John T, and S. Lindsey Alexander and husband, Daniel Mark; 9 grandchildren, Bryanna Andrews, Aiden Alexander, Gabe Alexander, Ethan Andrews, Caitlyn Hoover, Eli Alexander, Declan Freeman, Eamonn Freeman, and Xander White; father, William H. White, Sr.; 2 brothers, William H. White, Jr. and Michael A. White; and a special nephew, Christopher J. White. Preceded in death by wife, Janet M. White; and mother, Mary “Janie” Stewart White. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at Stewart Wall Cemetery, Gillsburg, MS at 4:00PM Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Honorary pallbearers James Freeman, Declan Freeman, Eamonn Freeman, John T. Andrews, Ethan Andrews, Daniel Mark Alexander, Aiden Alexander, Gabe Alexander, Eli Alexander, and Xander White. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Mary Lou Ardillo Lee
November 9, 1942 – September 4, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at her home. She was born November 9, 1942 in Amite, LA and was 82 years of age. Mary Lou worked for 20 years for First Guaranty Bank and later retired from the Town of Amite City as the City Clerk after 36 years of service. She never met a stranger and loved to cook and serve others. She is survived by son, Chris Lee; grandchildren, Mandy Lee, Kristi Lee, and Katelyn Newman Robertson; great-grandchildren, Isabelle Hebert, Liam Marant, Bambi Robertson, Kaston Robertson, Stephen Roberston, and Clover Robertson. Preceded in death by her son, Jim Lee; parents, Tony S. Ardillo and Mary Tozel Ardillo; and sister, Josie Mae Ardillo Lopinto. Visitation at St. Helena Catholic Church Hall from 8:30AM until 10:30AM with Funeral Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church, Amite, at 11:00AM on Monday, September 8, 2025. Services conducted by Fr. Emilio Gomez. Interment Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Leslie Lyle “Bubba” Dunn
September 15, 1941 – September 4, 2025
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at his home. He was born September 15, 1941 in Grangeville, LA and was 83 years of age. He was a lifelong member of Greensburg United Methodist Church and a past member of Gideon’s International. He was a bus driver for the Greensburg High School Wildcats athletic teams, and he coached Greensburg girls’s Softball team. An avid sports fan especially LSU. He is survived by his wife, Lois “Chee Chee” Schwartz Dunn; 2 daughters, Brenda Anne Dunn Miller (Randy), and Sherry Lois Dunn Schivers (Robert); 1 son, Christopher Leslie Dunn (Kelly); 1 sister, Doris JoAnn Dunn Higgins; 1 brother, Frank Garnett “Randy” Dunn; 5 grandchildren, Julie Ann Glass Martin (Corey), Randall Wilson Miller (Kate), Margaret Adele Dunn, Abigail Elizabeth Dunn, and Molly Catherine Dunn; great-grandchildren, Finley Martin, Ferris Martin, Kaden Glass, Daltry Glass, Sawyer Glass, Riggins Glass, Matthew Miller and Scarlett A. Miller; numerous loving nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, great-great nephews and great-great nieces. Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ethel Dunn; 1 brother, Rev. Joseph “Sandy” Emerson Dunn, Jr.; 2 grandchildren, Douglas Jason Glass and Breanne Adele Miller; 3 sisters-in-law, Janie Cunningham Dunn, Ann Blades, and Sally Needham; 2 brothers-in-law Dr. Bob Higgins, and James “Jimmy” C. Schwartz. Visitation at Greensburg United Methodist Church from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 8:00AM until religious services at 10:00AM on Saturday, September 6, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Donnie Easley and Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
While we celebrate our rich cultural heritage and unmatched hospitality, we recognize that many of our 4.6 million neighbors have yet to encounter the life-changing message of Jesus. Our state represents one of America’s most crucial mission fields.
Meeting Real Needs, Sharing Real Hope
The challenges facing our communities—poverty, addiction, broken families, disaster recovery, and spiritual emptiness—are opportunities to share the Gospel. Through the Georgia Barnette State Missions Offering, we equip Louisiana Baptists to meet practical needs while sharing eternal hope.
Additional Bible Reading
‘The Core Is Always theCore’
22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.
24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.
25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.
26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands
Acts 17:22-26
Sunday’s Lesson to Study
The Journey
Numbers 9:15-23
Every day God gives us is special. What will you do on this fantastic Friday?
Today, let’s focus on the fact that our days are numbered. Our final destination is determined at that. point. There is no longer an opportunity to change our ways and our destination then. Let’s pray for people to know that and to be smart and choose a eternity in heaven with Jesus.
Today’s Verse
Reading the Bible in 2025
September 3
Job 14-16
What a great Bible study!
The First Pine Ridge Bible Study of “Bad Girls of the Bible” was yesterday. We had a good day and were happy about the new ladies who attended. If you want to join us, it is not too late. Contact Kathy Wales or tell me. I will pass your name on to her.
Two Rivers Associational WMU/Women on Mission
Meet on September 13th at FBC, Kentwood
10:00 A.M.
Focus on Georgia Barnette Month of Prayer
Guest Speaker – Harrell Sharkey, Jr., pastor at Kedron Baptist Church will share information about improvements and opportunities at Camp Living Waters.
Potluck Lunch
All ladies and girls are invited.
Georgia Barnette Offering
Prayer Focus Today
Pray for churches across the state to be equipped and prepared to help their community in times of a disaster
Food Drive for La. Baptist Children’s Home
Bring your food items or donation to the church by September 14th.
The Prayer Link 
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