Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Ephesians 5:25

OBITUARIES

Ursula Compton Kent

January 25, 1941 – June 17, 2023

Ursula Compton Kent passed away peacefully on June 17, 2023, surrounded by her family and close friends at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.  Little Urs or Sister, as she was affectionately known, was born to Ursula Compton Kent and Richard A. Kent, Jr. on January 25, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother, Richard A. Kent, III (“R.A.”). She is survived by her sister, Gwynette Kent Dixon and beloved first cousin, Lynne Compton; niece and nephews, David W. Carley (wife Murphy), Kevin W. Carley (wife Susan), Richard A.(“Rusty”) Kent, IV, and Dara Kent-Cobb (husband Trent); great nieces and great nephews, Houston Carley, Evelyn Carley, Jack Carley, Cameron Carley, Ross Carley, Cody L. Kent, and Brantley Kent.  She is also survived by her Atlanta “family” who cared for her for years, neighbors: Tim and Stacy O’Keefe, Virginia Vernon, Charles Baker and Dan Summer, friends Ric Sanchez, Rick Matthews, and dear friend and driver for 20 years, Oma Uhche.  Last but not least, Ursula is survived by her dog, Bayou Belle, the last in a long line of dogs and closest companions throughout her life, including Snu, Cajun, Aggie and Cinnamon.  Ursula attended Amite High School and Southeastern Louisiana University.  She moved to Gainesville, Florida and later to Atlanta, Georgia where she lived and worked for over 50 years.    She retired in 1998 and enjoyed retirement primarily watching sports, specifically anything LSU Tigers or Georgia related.  Urs loved her dogs and loved her friends . . . and they loved her.  Pallbearers will be David Carley, Kevin Carley, Rusty Kent, Houston Carley, Ross Carley and Jack Carley.  Visitation will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, from 9-11 am, followed by a Funeral Service at 11 am and burial at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood, Louisiana. In lieu flowers, donations can be made to Trees Atlanta (www.treesatlanta.org) 

Bobby William Warren

March 1, 1988 – June 19, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023 at Hood Memorial Hospital in Amite, LA. He was born March 1, 1988 in Hammond, LA and was 35 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Warren; 2 brothers, Jessie D. Warren and wife, Stephanie and Carl Everett Warren, III and wife, Amanda; nephews, Jessie Austin Warren, Mikey Ogima and Carl Everett Warren, IV; nieces, Isabella Nicole Warren, Madelynn Nunnery; great-nephew, Clayton Ogima; great-niece, Hanna Ogima; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his father, Carl Everett Warren, Jr.; grandparents, Henson and Elizabeth Singleton; grandfather, Carl Everette Warren, Sr.; grandmother, Addi Bell McDaniel; grandfather, Deloyd Cutrer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:30PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Friday, June 23
• Luke 6:27-38
• “The enemy I ask God’s blessings upon in . . . . “

Youth at Mission Fuge

Yesterday’s report was all was going well.

Now, It’s time to pray for them as they head home.

Sunday’s Worship Service

Pray for Sunday’s service which includes another baby dedication.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Have a blessed day!

Anna Lee

Be on your guard;

stand firm in the faith;

be courageous;

be strong.

~1 Corinthians 16:13~

HEALTH PROBLEMS

Pray for Rondi Lynn G. Booty as she sees Dr. Liner about her gall bladder problem.

Pray for “Miss” Ann Labarbara of Amite.

OBITUARY

Bobby William Warren

March 1, 1988 – June 19, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023 at Hood Memorial Hospital  in Amite, LA. He was born March 1, 1988 in Hammond, LA and was 35 years of age. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Warren; 2 brothers, Jessie D. Warren and wife, Stephanie and Everett Warren, III and wife, Amanda; nephews, Jessie Austin Warren, Mikey Ogima and Everett Warren, VI; nieces, Isabella Nicole Warren, Madaline Nunnery; great-nephew, Clayton Ogima; great-niece, Hanna Ogima; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his father, Carl Everett Warren, Jr.; grandparents, Henson and Elizabeth Singleton; grandfather, Carl Everette Warren, Sr.; grandmother, Addi Belle McDaniel; grandfather, Deloyd Cutrer. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 1:30PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023. Interment Arcola-Roseland Cemetery, Arcola, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 22
• Thursday
• Matthew 19: 16-30
• “In order to follow Jesus, I have given up . . . . “

M-Fuge in Mobile

Please pray for our youth as they complete their week at M-Fuge in Mobile, AL and travel home.

SCHOOL GROUPS

Pray also for school groups, like cheerleaders, who practice all summer to be “ready” when school and athletic events occur.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Although many of us do not see or even hear daily reports about teachers and students who are in school this summer, we still need to remember them in our prayers.

WEATHER ISSUES

Please pray for friends and neighbors, especially older folks, as we have another hot day with little chance of rain to help cool off homes. It seems our area has has been targeted with several wind storms/small tornadoes in the last year.

Have a wonderful day. Contact someone who might not have much summer contacts with others.

Anna Lee

Robin Hayden Vining

November 2, 1972 – June 19, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, June 19, 2023 at her home in Amite, LA. She was born November 2, 1972 in Hammond, LA and was 50 years of age. She is survived by her 3 daughters, Carlie White (Cody White), Casie Bauerle (Colby Bauerle), and Caitlyn Taylor (Levi Taylor); father, Dewey Hayden, Jr. (Roseann Hayden); sister, Amber Price; 4 brothers, Danny Hayden (Kim Hayden), Harvey Hayden (Bernadette Hayden), Levi Hayden (Jenny Hayden) and Denton Hayden (Kayla Hayden); 4 grandchildren, Lane Christ, Laikyn Christ, Evyn White and Carsyn Bauerle; Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her mother, Iris Langford; grandparents, Charlie and Cleon Peek and Dewey L. Hayden, Sr. And Jenny Rick. Visitation at New Sharon Baptist Church, from 4:00PM until Memorial Services at 6:00PM on Saturday, June 24, 2023.  McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com

Be on your guard;

stand firm in the faith;

be courageous;

be strong.

~1 Corinthians 16:13~

Once again, I’m so thankful I woke up and made it to my computer so I can write to you. I’m sure many of you are thankful God woke you up today. We don’t know all He has planned for us today, but we are trying to live according to His plan

Yesterday, I listed some men of my church/community. I’m also thankful for some ladies from my church/community. This list is/was longer, but here is a shortened, random list of names.

• Glenda Harrell
• Virginia McKenzie
• Theople Hurst
• Barbara Baugh
• Rachel Buckley
• Eleanor Morris
• Ora Lee Wilson
• Jackie Babin

Making a list is too limiting. but I’ll stop here for today. You get the idea though.

Allie Elizabeth Johnston Hyde

August 29, 1927 – June 19, 2023

Allie Elizabeth Johnston Hyde was called home to be with the Lord on June 19, 2023.  She was 95 years of age.  To all who knew her she personified the image of a southern lady, full of charm and grace, ever kind and considerate to anyone she encountered.  No matter what the circumstance, she was always made the best of a situation and her smile was infectious.  She would literally give a person in need the shirt off her back.  Near the end she appeared to be reluctant to leave, because she still had so much she needed to do for her family and friends. 

Allie was born August 29, 1927 to parents Nona Mae Burton Johnston and Marion Kendall Johnston in Yazoo City, Mississippi.  Her father affectionately called her “Storm,” due to her enthusiasm for life.  She married her husband of 59 years, Sam Hyde, Sr., in Greensburg, Louisiana in 1949.  She was a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and a long time member of First Baptist Church, Amite. 

During the course of her full life, she served as the initial first grade teacher at Oak Forest Academy for many years and came out of retirement to serve as sixth grade teacher years later.  She was president of the Louisiana Colonials, a member of the Kappa Rho sorority at Southeastern, and in 1995 she served as twentieth anniversary Oyster Pearl alongside her beloved husband, Sammie, Oyster King. 

Allie was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.  She is survived by her two children, Margaret Hyde Quin (Murray), and Samuel C. Hyde, Jr. (Sarah), along with six grandchildren:  Katie Quin, Patrick Quin (Jobi), Clay Hyde, Andrews Hyde, Sammie Hyde, and Sophie Hyde.  She is also survived by her brother Ken Johnston (Doris), along with a niece Aimee Johnston, two nephews Kenny and Mike Johnston, and many cousins. 

Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Matt White, will be held at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite, Louisiana on Saturday June 24, 2023.  Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 AM, with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Including this obituary made me realize I didn’t list all my teacher friends, my classmates, my neighbors, my relatives,etc. on my thankfulness/appreciation list. Lists can get us in trouble, but I hope you get the idea.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Luke 11: 37-12:3
• “To eliminate hypocrisy from my life, I . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS

Let’s continue to pray for the youth from some of our area churches as they participate in camp.

Have a wonderful day!!

Anna Lee

.

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

~Revelation 3:17~

This morning, I want to thank God for protecting me during the night. I know some people had a difficult weather night. I am safe, dry, and rested. What a fantastic way to wake up!

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 20th
• Mark 9: 38-48
• “Being Jesus’ disciple could cost me . . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS

Today, I want to focus our prayers on some men of our community. There is no rhyme or reason to the list, just names God gave me this morning. If you find your name here, just know you have been prayed for.

• Andy Taylor
• Chris Wales
• Darryl Miller
• Bryan Tate
• James Rimes
• “Cete” Dillon
• Tom Brister
• Gerald Hyde
• Charlie Schwartz
• Tommy Hood
• Gerald Griffith
• Frank Fowler
• (Remember, there is no connection between these people, just names God gave me this morning.! Well, maybe there is one connection, these are men I know from this general area.)

PRAYER FOCUS for the WEEK

We will continue to pray for the youth of our church and several other churches as they attend church camp.

Another prayer focus, is on the students and teachers who are in summer school.

OCC

Collecting for Operation Christmas Child is a year-long process. As we think about the many shoeboxes we are soon to fill with items for boys and girls, also know we are beginning to purchase items, like school supplies (calculators, erasers, pencils, etc.) as summer sales come up and store supplies are in abundance. Thankfully, the church provides room to store items until they are needed. What a great support system we have! We are indeed blessed!

THANKS

I appreciate each one of you who checks this site and prays each day. May God bless you for your faithfulness.

Anna Lee

“The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.  The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.

~1 Samuel 2:6-7~

OBITUARY

John M. Russell

July 26, 1949 – June 17, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at his home. He was born July 26, 1949 in Morgan City, LA and was 73 years of age. Mr. Russell was a U. S. Navy Veteran and a retired Registrar of Voters with Tangipahoa Parish. He is survived by his wife, Faye Cleveland Russell; son, Taylor Bennett; sister, Patti Sue Stieb and husband Bruce; brothers, Robert Weldon Russell, III, Michael Stevens Russell, Sr. and wife Lisa, and Randy Russell. Preceded in death by parents, Robert Weldon Russell, Jr. and Brooksie Marie Russell. The family would like to specially thank Willie and Jana Johnson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 20, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Michael Russell. Interment will be at a later date at Briar Patch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tangi Humane Society in Hammond. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

READ the BIBLE

• June 19
• Matthew 17: 14-20
• Luk3 9: 37-42
• “My faith is the size of . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS FOR THE DAY/WEEKWEEK

Pray for the youth and chaperones as they travel to MFUGE for camp. I understand they will be at the University of Mobile .

Be willing to pray as God leads you this week.

Anna Lee

Imagine your personal treasure chest.

For where your treasure is,

there your heart will be also.

~Matthew 6:21~

HEALTH CONCERN

Please be in prayer for Rondi Lynn Garner Booty. She has a gallbladder problem and is scheduled to see a specialist Thursday.

PRAYER. FOCUS

Many children and teens are involved in swimming lessons, church camps, school athletic camps. etc. Pray for safety and good experiences for each one. As you pray for the children and teens, please also pray for the adults who have taken on the responsibilities of supervising/leading these events.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Pray for the paid staff and the many volunteers who will lead the classes and services in our churches.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Sunday
• Week 24 – “The Call of Discipleship”
• Mark 1: 1-23
• Matthew 15: 1-20
• “I am a disciple of Jesus if I follow . . . .”

FATHER’S DAY

I remember an earlp principal I had as a young teacher. He was well-known for saying “Every child has a mother”. I always wanted to add that “Every child has a father!” It’s true! Let’s honor our fathers, those living and those deceased. I encourage all young men to step-up to the responsibility and be a great father. one who is loved and followed because of great values, not just a name on a birth certificate. I know our Heavenly Father is proud of the men who are great fathers to their children. Enjoy celebrating today.

Anna Lee

CHURCH LEADERSHIP

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

~Acts 3:6~

OBITUARY

Genelle L. Rick

October 23, 1943 – June 15, 2023

A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at her home. She was born October 23, 1943 in Amite, LA and was 79 years of age. She is survived by her children, Connie DiMiceli and husband, Jon, Charlie Rick, Jr. and wife, Tammy, Charlene Rick Taylor and husband, Mark Anthony, and Cindy DiMiceli and husband, Darryl; grandchildren, Lance Eugene Taylor and wife, Karen, Michael Scott Taylor and wife, Lynette, Leslie Marie Albarado and husband, Dustin, and Kelsey, Shelby, Charnell, Danielle, Derrick, Chance, Brittany, and Cody; great-grandchildren, Alleigh Marie Albarado, Abigail Brekay Albarado, Nito Michael Albarado, Noah Michael Albarado, Milanya Faith Taylor, Layla Lynn Taylor, and Layne Eugene Taylor; great-great-grandson on the way, Dustin James Albarado; brothers, Charles Ray Graham, A.C. Graham, Jr., Rocky Graham, Barney Joe Graham, and William Dennis Graham; sisters, Georgette Fontenot, Carol Sue Schexnayder, Debbie Marie Smith, Brenda Kaye McLean, Tammy Lynn Bennett, and Candace San Crowe; and her fur baby, Chloe Renee. Preceded in death by her husbands, Charlie Rick, Sr. and Percy Lott; parents, A. C. Graham and Wanzie Lee Jenkins Graham; granddaughter, Jennifer DiMiceli; and great-granddaughter, Jamee Lynn Rodriguez; brother, Michael L. Graham; and sister, Shirley Ann Dykes. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Wednesday and from 10:00 AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Felix Mearidy. Interment Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for boldness in inviting our friends, family, and neighbors to church tomorrow. Pray for those who will be invited to understand the love and concern we have for them as we invite them.

PREPARATION DAY

Let’s pray for our families and the families of others to do the tasks, washing, ironing, studying, cooking, etc. today that will make tomorrow run smoothly as families prepare for church tomorrow.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• Saturday
• John 4: 34-38
• John 5: 30
• John 6: 38
• “John’s willingness to serve is seen in ….”

FATHER’S DAY

Let’s honor our fathers (and grandfathers) today. Those we cannot honor in person, let’s be sure to call.

SERVICES at FBC, KENTWOOD TOMORROW

Sunday School and worship will be at the regular time. Fathers will be recognized in morning worship and by dismissing evening activities and services so families can spend time together. Pray for those who will not be with family members tomorrow. Pray they can find ways to honor the fathers in the family in their own way.

NEXT SUNDAY

The Fifth Sunday Singing scheduled for next week will be postponed a week to allow time for a big church family gathering at Percy Quin Park. Enjoy the devotional by Bro. Darryl, lots of activities to choose from, and lots of free food. Be thankful for our wonderful church family.

OCC CARDS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS OF SOME OF OUR CHILDREN WORKING DURING A PACKING PARTY

We have special cards this year. Rachel Buckley was our photographer. Janice Hornsby, the church secretary, was our printer. Various members will be needed to PRINT messages and DRAW/COLOR pictures to help this along.

Thanks to all who are willing to be a part of renewing of church cards in our “Shoeboxes” this year. I hope to have older children, youth, and adults do the writing this week and children to do the drawing and coloring next week. Let me know how you wish to participate.

Be a blessing to someone today.

BE A BLESSING TO SOMEONE TODAY.

Anna Lee

Honor the LORD with your wealth,

with the firstfruits of all your crops;

~Proverbs 3:9~

OBITUARIES

Charles Henry Doughty

February 14, 1939 – June 14, 2023

A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at his home. He was born February 14, 1939 in Greensburg, LA and was 84 years of age. He was a retired Lab Tech for Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and a farmer. He was an avid fisherman and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by his children, Tara D. Martin and husband, Clint,  Tania D. Boyd and husband, Bill, Paul C. McKean, Jr. and wife, Stephanie,  Charles Henry “Hank” Doughty, II and wife, Katherine, and Corey A. Doughty and wife, Aimee, as well as grandchildren,  Kellan, Kara, Kalee, Zachary, Zoe, Lily, Elisabeth, David and Mia; honorary grandchildren, Calvin, William and Cooper. Preceded in death by his wife of 54 years and 10 months, Theresa McKean Doughty; parents, Julius Berwick Doughty and Zelma Viola Wheat Doughty. Visitation at First Baptist Church in  Greensburg  from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Shawn Ostoj. Interment Greensburg Cemetery, Greensburg, LA. The family would like to thank Lisa King and Modern Hospice for their excellent care. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Mary Anna “Molly” Watson Hartzog Stagg

July 27, 1943 – June 15, 2023

Mary Anna “Molly” Stagg passed away peacefully with loved ones at her bedside on June 15, 2023, in New Orleans, La. A native of Amite, Louisiana, she was born on July 27, 1943. She was brought into this world alongside her twin sister, Sarah Elizabeth “Sally” Watson Pendergast by the late Roy and Anna Purser Watson of Amite, Louisiana. She graduated from Amite High School then attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where she met and married Seymon Hartzog. They settled in Seymon’s hometown of Bogalusa, where Molly became active in the community with social organizations, Eastern Star, First Presbyterian Church of Bogalusa and many philanthropic projects. Through the course of her life, she was a Championship barrel racer, a bull rider, a college majorette, a beauty queen, a hairdresser, a beloved dance instructor of 25 years, an accomplished tennis player, and a real estate broker. Described by many as adventurous, fearless, and fiercely competitive, she would light up a room with her exuberant personality. Affectionately known by hundreds of dance students as “Miss Molly”, she spent tireless hours encouraging and teaching every student no matter their skill level. Not a single soul would want for comfort or care while she had a say in the matter and that graciousness and consideration for others is what endeared her to all. She sadly lost her husband in 1996 and her youngest son, Preston Scott, a Championship boxer, in 2006. She endured these losses because of her unshakeable faith in God.

And God then blessed her with a new love in Rev. Philip Stagg. Phil gave Molly many years of happiness, which included living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming after his retirement. Her love of animals was great, and the two spent many days observing the wildlife in Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Her generosity and love brought her and Phil to New Orleans to help care for Phil’s first grandson, Elliott James Stagg and granddaughter, Griffin Pearl Stagg.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Seymon “Windy” Hartzog and Anna Beth Goodman; her stepchildren David and Anneke Stagg; her grandchildren Molly Evangeline Benda, Dixie Camille Hartzog and Abigail Grace Hartzog; her step-grandchildren Elliott and Griffin Stagg. The family wishes to thank Lacey, Kim, Montrel and Angelique at Annvoi Hospice Care and her caregivers Carole Pierce, Danyell Spencer, Sabrina Wilson, Rosalie Williams, Christina Milton, Kattie Chattmon, Yeniffer Borges and Ivone Hernandez for their dedicated support and care at the end of her life. She is now dancing in heaven with all her loved ones that have gone before her.

Molly’s favorite salutation was “The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church in Bogalusa with the visitation starting at 9:00 am until the funeral service at 11:00 am and interment following at Garden of Peace in Ponemah Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, P.O. Box 632, College Station, Tx. 77841, http://www.bluebonnetequine.org.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 17
• Romans 12: 1-4
• II Corinthians 10: 2-7
• “A barrier that prevents me from giving myself totally to Christ is . . . . ”

TODAY’S PRAYER FOCUS

Today, let’s pray for all those driving on our highways. This includes inexperienced drivers, senior adult drivers, tired, sleepy drivers, those who are speeding, those with other things on their minds, those who are medicated or taking a substance into their bodies that hinders their thinking or reflex time, and those who are in an unfamiliar area. May each driver do their best to be a safe driver when they get behind the wheel.

BAPTIST PRESS

https://www.baptistpress.com/

Jennie enjoyed working the IMB booth at the Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans earlier this week. She read last night that almost 19,000 people attended. Pray much was learned and will be helpful in local churches. Pray, too, that the decisions made will have a positive impact on individual churches.

May God richly bless you as you serve Him.

Anna Lee

Mr. Tommy Mason Simmons, Sr.

September 28, 1942 – June 11, 2023

Tommy Mason Simmons Sr., age 80, a resident of Osyka, MS, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 11, 2023. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10:00 am at Line Creek Baptist Church in Kentwood, LA with a gathering to follow in the Fellowship Hall. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Byron Cutrer, Rev. Butch Simmons and Rev. Kenny Cutrer.
Tommy was born on September 28, 1942 in Natchez MS and was adopted six weeks later by the late Curtis and Helen Simmons of Magnolia, MS who nurtured him into the man he became. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Ronnie J. Simmons.
The greatest gift a parent can bestow on their children is to introduce them to Jesus Christ. Tommy learned this at the First Baptist Church in Magnolia, MS. The greatest gifts a person can give to the world is to love, have patience, bring joy and laughter, be humble, and to share quality time. Tommy flourished with these attributes.
Tommy was a proud graduate of the Magnolia High School Bearcats of 1960. He married Diane Cutrer on September 5, 1964 and God blessed them with two outstanding children, Tom and Ginger.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 59 years Diane, son Tom Simmons, wife Veronica, granddaughter Chaning Strange, husband Trenton, and great-grandson Tucker Strange. Grandson Tommy “Mason” Simmons III. Daughter Ginger Simmons, husband J. Wendell Simmons Sr., grandson Jeff W. Simmons Jr., wife Meagan, great-granddaughter Caroline Simmons and granddaughter Chelsea Simmons. Brother-in-law Byron Cutrer, wife Vickie, sister-in-law Melinda Simmons and a host of nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers are Wendell Simmons, Jeff Simmons, Mason Simmons, Trenton Strange, Arnold Pezant, Marvin McLaughlin, and George “Peanut” Brooks.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Carpenter’s House in Baton Rouge and the nursing staff of B6 Oncology at the Baton Rouge General for their care and compassion.