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.

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store.

~Malachi 3:10~

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• June 15
• Matthew 7: 1-5
• Luke 5: 37-42
• “I tend to judge those who . . . . “

HEALTH CONCERNS

Today, let’s remember Gail Brister and Laurie Miller and thank God for the progress they have made. Gail is making good progress following her fall and surgery. She has graduated to a wheelchair which gives her much more freedom. Laurie continues to have good progress following back surgery.

BAPTIST PRESS

You surely will want to read some articles about the Southern Baptist Convention which was held in New Orleans this week.

https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/motion-to-clarify-bfm-passes-task-forces-approved/

PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY

Today, let’s turn our focus to those we don’t need to forger:

Newcomers to our town or community

Elderly

Handicapped

Those without transportation

Those who have drifted away from church

Those who work on Sundays

Those who work offshore

Spread some joy of Jesus today.

Anna Lee

If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

~1 Peter 4:14~

CHANGE of PLANS

Due to the heat, the Simmons Family has decided to have a memorial service at Line Creek Baptist Church, rather than the graveside service they had originally planned. There will be no visitation before the 10:00 A.M. service.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 14
• Matthew 5: 23-24
• Matthew 18: 21-35
• “Forgiveness must be a part of a servant’s heart because .. . . . “

PRAYER FOCUS for TODAY

Today, and in the next few days, let’s focus our prayers on the many pastors, many with families, who will be be leaving New Orleans as the Southern Baptist Convention draws to a close for 2023. Pray for safe travels, inspired hearts, and a desire to help their church people worship and serve in the coming days and years.

Have a wonderful day as you grow in the Lord and minister to others in your own way.

Anna Lee

I lost my post this morning. I will be very brief in redoing this today.

Verse of the Day – Psalm 77:1

Correction: Tommy Simmons’ graveside service will be in Roberts’ cemetery in Osyka.

Bible reading today:

Philippians 2: 1-8, II Corinthians 8:8 – 9: 5

“To be a servant of God I must . . . .”

Prayer Focus – Pray for children in summer school classes, church camps, and/or VBS this week.

Thank you for your patience today.

Anna Lee

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.

Isaiah 46: 9

ILLNESS

• Elaine Tolar Doucette – No cancer was found after her first round of treatment. Additional treatment will be done as a precautional measure. Elaine’s mother is still with her. Please continue to pray for Elaine.
• Bubba Roberts – Bubba had surgery recently, but hasn’t said much about it. He is doing well. Join the family in prayers of thanksgiving that this procedure went well and is behind them.

OBITUARIES

Carol Virginia Payne Thomas

July 4, 1945 – June 10, 2023

On Saturday, June 10, 2023, Carol Virginia Payne Thomas met her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face. Carol had been striving to overcome many physical difficulties for years. Now, she is free indeed! Carol is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jim Thomas; her sister, Susan Payne Tanner; and Susan’s children and their families: daughter, Stephanie Tanner Hewitt and husband Rick, Hannah and Tanner House; daughter, Rebecca Tanner Nowell and husband Justin, Carrie and Tyler Nowell and Carrie’s baby girl, Finley Nowell; and son, Greg Tanner Jr. Carol is also survived by many cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Walton Payne; and brother-in-law, Greg Tanner. After 55 years, Jim’s family was Carol’s family too. She was survived by Jim’s sister, Beverly Thomas Martens and husband Erv and their children and families. She is also survived by the children and families of Jim’s sisters, Delores Thomas Hoernke and husband Jerry; Joanne Thomas Bader and husband Russell who preceded Carol in death. Delores, Joanne and Beverly’s children are among those precious family members who were loved by Carol. Carol graduated from SLU in Hammond, LA with a degree in Elementary Education. Through the years, she taught first grade and served as Financial manager for Avis. But mostly, she worked closely with Jim in their furniture endeavors as the Office Manager. Carol and Jim lived in several cities across the country, finally settling in Tupelo, MS where they resided for 35 years. When they joined Harrisburg Baptist Church, they soon knew they had found home. Among the many wonderful friends they made at church were special friends: Mitzi Jackson, Nancy and Dick Stevens, Delores and John Smith, and Melissa Greer. A special thanks to the staff at The Claiborne, Carol and Jim’s home in McComb, MS and Deaconess Hospice for their loving care and support. There are not enough words to thank the sitters who stayed with Carol around the clock: Shirley, Dianne, Candace, Tiffany, and Barbara. Carol loved the Lord with all her heart and would want Him to be lifted up high. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Harrisburg Baptist Church, Tupelo, MS or Samaritan’s Purse. 

Wayne A. Husser

March 5, 1949 – June 10, 2023

A resident of Independence, LA, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born March 5, 1949 in Independence, LA and was 74 years of age. Wayne was the co-owner and operator of Husser City Glass, Radiator, and Muffler in Amite for 50 years.  He was a member of the Loranger Volunteer Fire Department where he served the community for over 40 years. He is survived by his daughter, Charity Gay and husband, Brandon; step-daughter, Melissa Brown; step-son, James Dewitt Bennett and wife, Malachi; granddaughter, Avery Rose Gay; 2 brothers, Jimmie Husser and wife, Shirley, and Kenny Husser and wife, Micaleen; 2 sisters, Pat Shockley and husband, Thomas, and Sharon Kay Lee and husband, Sidney; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Jeannie M. Husser; parents, Wilson and Dorothy Husser; and a special aunt, Johnnie Bennett Stanfield. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Oak Grove Church of Christ and the Loranger Volunteer Fire Department for their support and care for Wayne during this difficult time. Visitation at Oak Grove Church of Christ, Independence, from 9:00AM until religious services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Services conducted by Bro. Dale Ziebarth. Interment Loranger Community Cemetery, Loranger, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Tommy Simmons of Kentwood

Tentative Arrangements – Graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery Saturday morning at 10:00, followed by a family lunch at Line Creek Baptist Church.

VBS CONTINUES

This week – Osyka Baptist Church

Contact the church or a church member for more information

Pray for the workers and the children this week.

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION

The convention will be in New Orleans this year. If you attend, please visit the IMB (International Mission Board) booth and visit with our daughter, Jennie Hatchel. She has lots of information to share with the delegates this week.

READ the BIBLE

• Week 23 – Servanthood: My Gift to God
• Monday, June 12
• Matthew 20: 20-28
• Mark 9: 33-37
• Mark 10: 35-45
• “One Way I can serve others is . . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Let’s pray for the sermons, connections, business, etc. that will be addressed this week by the delegates. May God and evangelism be a strong focus of all that is done.

Anna Lee

Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,

1 Chronicles 16:12

PRAYER LIST UPDATES

Gerald Hyde is doing much better. His stay in rehab has been very helpful. Gerald will be coming home Tuesday.

Mollie Carter is home, but needs to be added to out personal senior adult list.

Ruby Travis is getting out, but her broken arm is still hurting. Pray for some pain relief for her.

PRAYER FOCUS TODAY

Today, let’s pray for Sunday School and worship in all our area churches. May God be glorified and our faith strengthened.

READ THE BIBLE TODAY

• Sunday, June 11
• Psalm 119:52-104
• “The greatest value of Scripture is .. . . . “
• Psalm 119: 105-176
• “My Bible study could be improved by . . . . “

CHURCH CAMPS for YOUTH and CHILDREN

About this time each year, our local churches begin the season of taking our children and youth to camp. Pray for each group as they prepare, travel, experience camp, travel back to their home church, and begin the process of application of what they learned during camp.

THANKS for READING

You are greatly appreciated. Your prayers make a difference!

Anna Lee

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 10
• Psalm 119: 52-104
• “My spirit is strengthened when I read . . .”

PRAYER FOCUS for the WEEK

This week we have focused on the Vacation Bible Schools in our area. Last night, David and I were blessed to attend the commencement of Kentwood’s VBS. It is such a blessing to see all the children and their families there. Pray the effort put into VBS this year has/will greatly impact children and their families.

The Bible is still the same. God’s love is still the same. Let me remind you of one of the songs that touched my heart long ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO-XbSaCX4c

It didn’t look like this, but looked like little boys and girls singing from their hearts the word of this song. I have often been in groups of adults taking about their VBS experiences as children. Yes, even back them, we had VBS. There are similarities and differences. The greatest similarity is the excitement of the VBS and the message of Jesus’ love. The greatest difference is that I remember VBS lasting two weeks! What a great time we had! The grape Kool-Aid served in “jelly glasses” and two cookies served each day were lovingly served by the same sweet ladies each day. What an impact VBS was on our lives!

I hope you have time to sit back with your eyes closed and listen. Then, I hope you pray for the boys and girls of Kentwood and beyond Kentwood as they grow up. Pray they receive the same simple message into their hearts.

FUNERAL SERVICE TODAY

Mr. Frank Erwin

FBC Kentwood

9:00 – 11:00 Wake with Funeral at 11:00.

I know you will want to “pay your respects”.

Be prepared and on time tomorrow.

Anna Lee

To them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.

~Isaiah 56:5~

PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray for Tommy Hood, son of Kenna Settoon and Bobo Hood. Tommy had to have emergency surgery to remove a tumor from his brain yesterday. Pray for Tommy and his family, please.

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 9, 2023
• Psalms 19: 7-11
• Psalms 119: 1-40
• “My spirit is strengthened when I read . . . . ‘

PRAYER FOCUS THIS WEEK

This week we are praying for three Vacation Bible Schools – FBC, Spring Creek, and Greensburg. Pray for the children and adults to finish the week strong. May there be wonderful memories of growing in the Lord. Pray for families who do not attend church regularly to be drawn into the flock of believers.

Have a fantastic day. Let you “little light” shine!

Anna Lee

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

~I John 3:16~

READ the BIBLE TODAY

• June 8, 2023
• Proverbs 6: 20-23
• Deuteronomy 4: 1-9
• Deuteronomy 6: 4-9
• Joshua 1: 6-9
• “Someone I can share the Word with is . . . .”

Hospitalized at North Oaks

Mr. “Cete” Dillon spent the day yesterday and last night at North Oaks. He may be able to come home later today.

OBITUARIES

Frank Enly Erwin, Sr.

December 28, 1935 – June 5, 2023

In loving memory of Frank Enly Erwin Sr. who was called home to meet his savior on Monday, June 5th, 2023. Frank is survived by his immediate family, his wife of 66 years, Barbara Ann Hays Erwin. He is preceded in death by a daughter Drew Ann Erwin Bourdonnay and a son Frank Enly Erwin Jr. He is survived by a daughter Leisha Marie Erwin of Kentwood and a son Gregory Tate Erwin and wife Miranda McDaniel Erwin of Sugar Land, Texas. Frank is preceded in death by a grandaughter Allison Lorraine Penny and grandson Thomas Riley Penny Jr. He is  survived by three grandchildren, Alexandra Christine Penny Morgan and husband Hugh Emlin Morgan II of Chester, Virginia, Kelsey Marie Erwin of Sugar Land, Texas, and Tyler Enly Erwin of Sugar Land,  Texas. He left us with two great grandchildren, Hugh Emlin Morgan III and Riley Lorraine Morgan both of Chester, Virginia. Frank was born in Kentwood, Louisiana in 1935 and graduated Kentwood High School in 1954, He went on to graduate Southeastern Louisiana University in 1959. He was a life long citizen of Kentwood as well as a life long member of the Kentwood First Baptist Church. Frank began his career selling cars for the Lewis Chevrolet company of Kentwood and finished his career with the Shell Oil Company working offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and in the countries of Syria and China. He retired in 1998 and devoted the rest of his life to his lifelong hobby of coon hunting. Frank will be sorely missed by both his family an friends. Visitation at First Baptist Church in Kentwood from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Services conducted by Rev. Darryl Miller. Interment Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. Pallbearers are Percy Taylor, Ray Burgan, Sim Peek, Glen Magee, Vince Estes, Troy Adams, Tyler Erwin, and Brandon Martin. Honorary Pallbearers are Bryan Tate, Benjie Morgan, Chris Miaoulis, Brad Toney, Bryan LeJeune, and Tommy Simmons. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Dorothy Ann Busby Williams

December 21, 1939 – June 6, 2023

Dorothy Ann (Busby) Williams, a resident of Roseland, LA, passed away at Ponchatoula Community Care Nursing Home June 6, 2023.  She was born December 21, 1939. 

She is survived by sons Ricky Williams and Jeffrey Williams and daughter Carla Williams. 

11 grandchildren, Krissy, Kasey, Cole and Kayla Williams, Ashley Simmerman, April Small, Bryan Loyd, Kristine Newton, Cody, Toby and Brittany Williams. 

8 great grandchildren. Cohen Williams, Michael Tincher, Cheyenne Avila, Preston Small, Marissa, Layla, Zamira Boggs and Kyla Ann Williams. 

Sister, Kim Busby Robinson and brother, Morris Busby. 

Preceded in death by her husband, Roy S. Williams, daughter, Laverne Loyd, daughter in law, Ricky’s wife Pamela J Williams, sister Betty Jean, grand parents, Mr and Mrs Eddie C Broughton, father, Percy H. Busby, and mother, Jessie Juanita Clements. 

A private service will be held at a later date. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

PRAYER FOCUS for the WEEK

This is day four of praying for local Vacation Bible Schools.

Thanks for reading TPL today.

Anna Lee