RUSS GUZZARDO is recovering following his accident. We got to visit with him briefly in Amite yesterday.
REV. JOE BAUGH AND “MISS” BARBARA are both doing okay at this point. Each one is concerned about the other and doing a good job of caring for them.
Sybil Fay Shoemaker
August 13, 1931 – March 13, 2022
Sybil Fay Shoemaker died peacefully in her sleep on March 13, 2022 in Breman’s Jewish Home. She was born in Lillie, Louisiana to Kenne and Lillie Ward Shoemaker on August, 13, 1931. Her family moved to New Orleans where she attended middle and high school. She received her RN from Touro Hospital in NO and then attended LSU where she received a Masters degree in Nursing. She then moved to Houston, Tx., where she had a long successful career at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital where she was Assistant Director of Nurses for the last several years of her career. She retired in Kentwood, La., where she enjoyed her hobbies of bird watching and Master Gardener. In 2018, she moved to Atlanta to St. Anne’s Terrace where she lived until mid January when she went on Hospice at Breman’s Jewish Home. She is preceded in death by her two sisters, Flo Shoemaker Sanders and Are Fern Shoemaker Brennan and is survived by two nieces, Debra Sanders Cross and Nicole Brennan. A graveside service will be held at Woodland Cemetery in Kentwood, La. on Monday, March 21 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Kentwood, La. or St. Anne’s Terrace in Atlanta in her memory.
Donald Lee Bryant
July 8, 1941 – March 14, 2022
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 11:00 am at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette for Donald L. Bryant, 80, who passed away Monday, March 14, 2022, at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center in Lafayette.
Visitation will be observed at Fountain Memorial Funeral Home in Lafayette on Saturday, March 19th from 9:00 am until the time of service.
Donald was born July 8, 1941, in Kayford, West Virginia. In his youth, his family relocated to Amite, Louisiana where he graduated from Amite High School. Donald attended Southeastern Louisiana College and graduated with a Doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa in 1964. A proud veteran, Donald served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves from 1960 to 1966. He met the love of his life, Brenda Daniel of Amite, and they married on June 23, 1963.
Donald provided care to patients at Chiropractic practices in Brookhaven, MS, Amite, LA and Lafayette, LA. He was active in his community and served as Chairman of Louisiana Chiropractic Peer Review Board, Secretary/Treasurer of Lawrence Country Civitan Club and was a member of the Optimist Club in Lafayette. An avid fisherman, Donald was also a member of Christian Fellowship of Bass Anglers and Anglers of Christ. He was a Deacon in the First Baptist Church of Amite, taught Sunday School Young Couples class, sang in choirs in Mississippi and Louisiana churches as well as in the Central Churchmen Gospel Group in Brookhaven, MS. Donald was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Lafayette. Most of all, Donald loved to spend time with his family and friends and will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Brenda Lou Daniel Bryant, of Lafayette; two sons, David Bryant, of Lafayette and Kevin Bryant and his wife Brandi, of Hammond, LA; daughter, Donna Katherine Relan, of Springfield, LA; ten grandchildren, Daniel Lee Bryant and his girlfriend Jennifer Begnaud, Koby Bryant, Dave Bryant, Ben Bryant, Taylor Relan, Jordan Relan, Macey Relan, Jordan Martin, Zoe Ungren, and Makala Ungren; eight great-grandchildren, Kai, Caylee, Ellanor, Mason, Lawson, Gabrielle, Caroline, and Madilyne and numerous dear nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Lee and Mildred Crum Bryant; his sister, Lois Bryant Eldridge and son-in-law, Stanley Relan.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and 6th floor staff of Oschner Lafayette General Medical Center for the compassionate care given to Donald and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donald’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, by phone at (800) 822-6344 or online at www.stjude.org.
Mary C. “Kathy” Morris
July 26, 1936 – March 14, 2022
A resident of Belle Chasse, LA, passed away on Monday, March 14, 2022 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. She was born July 26, 1936 in Montpelier, LA and was 85 years of age. She is survived by her 3 children, James P. Morris, Vickie Futrell and husband, Mitch, and Pamela Smith; and like a daughter, Debbie Rhodes; grandchildren, Jennifer F. Martin and Jessica Wall and husband, Joseph; great-grandchildren, Jayde Wall, Jolie Wall, and Jase Martin; 2 sisters, Ruth McDaniel and Lucille Woods. Preceded in death by her husband, James E. Morris; parents, Sam J. and Lula Jordan Crouch; grandson, Jason P. Smith; son-in-law, Kerry V. Smith; 7 brothers and sisters. Family and friends are invited to attend Graveside Services will be held at Montpelier Cemetery, Montpelier, LA at 1:00PM Thursday, March 17, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. Merlin Liverman. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Karrington Len Jade Smith
December 16, 2004 – March 12, 2022
On Angels Wings you were taken away but in our hearts you will always stay. We will hear your whisper in the tallest trees, feel your love in the gentle breeze. Our beloved Jade, a resident of Loranger, LA, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022 in Baton Rouge, LA along with her unborn son, Dallas Layne Husser. She was born December 16, 2004 in Baton Rouge, LA and was 17 years of age. She is survived by her mother, Kathleen Hammett; father, Kenneth Smith, Jr.; brother, Kenneth “Trey” Smith, III; grandparents, Elaine Smith, Sherri Hammett, and John Hammett (Kim); beloved boyfriend and Dallas’ father, Dustin Husser and his parents, Thomas Husser, Jr. and Virene Husser and his grandmother, Sylvia Husser; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by grandfather, Kenneth “Buddy” Smith. Visitation at The River Pentecostal Church, Tickfaw, from 6:00PM until 9:00PM on Friday and from 9:00AM until religious services at 1:00PM on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. Josh Payne. Interment Pine Grove Cemetery, Pine Grove, LA. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
WAR IN UKRAINE
Please pray for an end to this invasion soon. Pray for the people who have experienced this war to have a time of peace so they can get their lives adjusted to a new normal. May the churches there and in neighboring countries be bold in their witness to the refugees. I pray the people will turn to God for healing in body, mind, and soul.
Thank God for organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and Send Relief that are doing all they can to meet the needs of the people. Let’s support them as they are working so hard in difficult circumstances and with unfathomable numbers of people.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE TODAY
March 16 – Isaiah 30:19
ANNIE ARMSTRONG OFFERING FOR NORTH AMERICA
The goal for this year is $70 million. You can give at any Southern Baptist Church at any time of the year. One hundred percent of your contribution to the Annie Armstrong offering will go directly to meeting needs and winning people to Jesus.
Thank-you for reading and praying. When you have a request or an update, you can contact me by using the “CONTACT” link at the top of this page.
May you see God’s abundant blessings in your life today.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
“ ‘ “The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’
MISS FAYE SHOEMAKER, formerly of Kentwood, passed away. Her graveside service will be in Kentwood at 2 P.M., Monday the 21st, at Woodland Cemetary.
DR. DAVID BRYANT, formerly of Amite, is very ill. Please pray for his family.
Pray for ORA LEE WILSON as she has knee surgery in Covington today.
READ AND WRITE SCRIPTURE
March 14 – Psalm 140: 13
ANNIE ARMSTRONG OFFERING FOR NORTH AMERICA
The North American Mission Board serves a diverse and complex region comprised of: United States, Canada and U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa
366M
POPULATION
275M
ESTIMATED LOST
350
LANGUAGES
2,200+
MISSIONARIES
SEND RELIEF – COMBINES HELP AND HOPE
A collaboration between the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board, Send Relief is here to help you make a difference in your community and the world around you—because compassion ministry opens doors to the gospel.
Sharing the love of Jesus is central to everything we do at Send Relief. Whether it’s responding to natural disasters, caring for refugees and displaced families, fighting human trafficking at home and abroad, supporting adoption and foster care efforts and strengthening communities facing economic and physical crises, our goal is the same.
With your help, we have raised millions of dollars to serve vulnerable people across the globe. By equipping you and your church at ministry centers and working with international partners, you help bring the hope of the gospel to dozens of countries, and, because of your generosity, hundreds of community development projects are completed every year.
But the need is still great! Pray, give and serve alongside us to reach the nations with the hope of the gospel!
Bryant Wright
President of Send Relief
We need to pray for Bryant Wright and others who work in many different ways in many different places.
Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
~Psalm 90: 1-2~
Please continue to pray about the war in Ukraine. Pray for families that are separated because of the war and the decisions that will continue to make life-changing results for them. Thank God for the people who are helping those who have left their country for safety. Pray for the leaders to find a way to agree on a peaceful end to this situation.
Please pray for our country, our leaders, and decisions that affect all of us.
Pray for ORA LEE WILSON as she anticipates knee surgery in Covington Monday. Pray both for a good surgery and rehabilitation.
Please continue to remember all those who are homebound.
It’s today, not yesterday as I posted. Retirement has a way of helping us lose track of the days of the seek. By the time I learned about my mistake and got home, it was 4:00. I apologize for my mistake.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
I heard we will be having a time change. We spring forward, giving us more time.
Anna Lee
I forgot to mention a ladies’ event at this this evening. If I am not mistaken, it is 4-6 P.M. I understand we will all enjoy the time. See you in the fellowship hall at 4:00.
Agnese “Peaches” Vickers Miller, a resident of Hillsdale, LA, died at 7:20 am at home on Tuesday March 8, 2022, at the age of 85. She was born on January 26, 1937 in the Sweetwater community to parents, Hiram and Gladys Goings Vickers. She is survived by her children Belinda Miller, Pete Miller (Brenda), Cindy Miller, Denise Miller Smith, Ellen Miller Harter, and Morgin Miller Ricks, beloved niece Alaina Miller, sister Mary “Mae Mae” Ellen Gulotta, sister-in-law Carol Varnado Vickers, 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Charles Alton Miller, parents – Hiram and Gladys Goings Vickers, brother – Eli Hiram “Buddy” Vickers, son – Dennis Charles Miller, and 2 grandchildren – Brooke Webb Carcamo and Steban Campbell.
She was a graduate of Independence High School, retired from Louisiana State Office of Child Support, and worked Amite Livestock Sales for over 20 years. She was an avid LSU fan, former member of Montpelier Garden Club, and participated in numerous pokeno clubs. She was a member of Hillsdale Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School teacher for many years as well as being active in the WMU and serving as the WMU director intermittently. She was greatly loved and will be sorely missed by family, friends, and community.
Her viewing will be on Friday March 11, from 10-12 at Hillsdale Baptist Church, Amite, LA with services to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Hillsdale Community Meal Ministry is requested. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Ruth Evelyn Spring of Kentwood, Louisiana
December 5, 1941 – March 9, 2022
Mrs. Ruth Evelyn Spring, 80, a resident of Kentwood, died at her residence on Wednesday, March 9, 2022.
She was born December 5, 1941 in Kentwood, LA. She was the daughter of the late Clyde E. and Mamie Westmoreland Travis.
She was a retired Croft Metals’ office worker and a member of East Fork Baptist Church where she worked in the nursery for 33 years and later served at nursery coordinator. She was also a member of the WMU.
She and her late husband, Donald, enjoyed traveling with their special friends to Arkansas, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. Mrs. Spring had a special love for all babies—red, yellow, black, or white—they were all precious to her, and she could never pass one without stopping to talk to or pet them. She loved her family and friends, was also fond of flowers and gardening, and enjoyed collecting chickens and bells.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, of 33 years, Donald Spring; one brother and sister-in-law, Aaron and Janis Spring; a granddaughter, Mandy Dennis Tackett; and a sister-in-law, Charlene Travis.
Mrs. Spring is survived by one son, Eugene (Tammy) Tackett; two daughters, Loretta (Randy) Wilson and Anita (Johnny) Wall; one brother, Kenneth Travis; five grandchildren, Paige (Justin) Curl, Kimber (Justin) Herrington, Travis (Haylie) Tackett, Johnny Wall, Jr., and Delane Wilson; five great-grandchildren, Piper Watts, Wyatt Holtman, Evelyn Curl, Emma Herrington, and Jase Wall and many nieces, nephews, and other friends.
Pallbearers will be Chris Bassett, Travis Tackett, Justin Hendry, Steven Spring, Logan Johnson, Roger Tate, and Kevin Travis.
Visitation will be Friday, March 11, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at East Fork Baptist Church in Kentwood, Louisiana and will continue Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 9 A.M. until funeral service at 11:00 AM. The Reverend Jay Avance will officiate. Burial will be in the East Fork Cemetery with Hartman-Jones Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
The family would like to say thanks to their East Fork Baptist Church Family, Brother Jay Avance, Modern Hospice, Lisa King, and Vanessa Creel. A very special “Thank You” to Rose B. Newman—you were a God send to us. Also, to the late Cindy Phillips who was our week-end helper.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home 7200 Desiard Street Monroe, Louisiana 71203 or St. Jude’s Children’s’ Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Steven Jon Humphries
July 1, 1962 ~ March 5, 2022 (age 59)
On March 5, 2022 Steven Jon Humphries arrived at his eternal home.
Born July 1, 1962 and a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Steve was a graduate of Belaire High School. A highly sought after baseball recruit, Steve attended LSU where he pitched for the Tigers on a baseball scholarship.
Steve is preceded in death by his loving wife Melanie Adcock Humphries and his father, B. Bennett Humphries, Jr. He is survived by his daughters Crystal Palermo and Hailey Humphries, his mother and stepfather Charles and Sharon Tinsley, stepmother Patricia M. Humphries, brother Michael Humphries, sister Lauren Martin and husband Dan, nieces Lindsay, Rachel, Erica and Hannah and several loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
Steve had a passion for learning about the Lord and loved to share the things he learned when spending time in The Word and through his Daily Devotionals. Nothing gave Steve more delight in life than cheering on Hailey at a softball game, basketball game or a cross country meet. He was the epitome of a “sports dad”, never missing an event and often found coaching from the stands and volunteering to pull the equipment trailer.
We will celebrate Steve’s life on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Resthaven Funeral Home. Visitation will be 10am – 1pm with a service to immediately follow.
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21
Today is day 14 of the war in Ukraine. Pray for the united front of people who love their country and each other. I know there are many Christians among them. I trust their faith has spread to others. May the name of Jesus be carried boldly wherever they go today.
Mrs. Evelyn Spring of East Fork moved to her heavenly home. She was very helpful to me when I joined the Two Rivers Associational WMU.
Shelby Keith Womack
May 04, 1959 – March 06, 2022
Shelby “Keith” Womack was born on May 4, 1959 in Magnolia, Mississippi to Shelby and Ivy Womack of Kentwood, Louisiana. On March 6, 2022 at the age of 62, Keith entered into eternal rest at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana surrounded by his loving family. His battle with serious medical conditions in recent years showed his determination in facing life’s challenges with courage and grit. Despite his earthly prognosis, Keith set his sight on the comfort he knew was rightfully his through a relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As a child, Keith loved collecting little green army men and developed a love for airplanes, walkie-talkies and all things soldier-like. He set his heart on joining the military and serving others on a larger scale. This dream was first fulfilled when he joined the United States Air Force.
Keith later continued an extraordinary life of public service as a beloved Kentwood Police Officer, Louisiana State Trooper, and Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Deputy. He was awarded Trooper of the Year in 1993 for his dedication and strong work ethic. His favorite part of being a Trooper was his involvement in the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He absolutely loved children and found a genuine sense of purpose in helping them fulfill their dreams through the program. In the latter part of his career, he contracted as “one heck of a” Drug Interdiction Officer and pursued his Private Investigator’s License, establishing Womack Investigations, LLC. His investigative work in New Orleans, Louisiana along Bourbon Street to help rescue victims of human trafficking was a true honor.
In his free time, Keith surrounded himself with books. He loved getting lost in a thick war-based novel and oftentimes could be seen in his police unit doing just that in between traffic stops. He also enjoyed serving at Kentwood First Baptist Church in the children’s department and as the bus driver for church trips. His love for other people was evident in his kind, generous spirit, and he was known for his dry sense of humor and handsome grin.
Above all, Keith was most proud of being a Dad to his two daughters and two sons and being a loving “Paw-Paw” to his grandchildren. He loved and protected his own fiercely. He always enjoyed a hot home-cooked meal, sitting around a fire on fall nights, and watching from the porch when storms were “brewing”. He treasured all the meaningful, simple things in life.
Keith is survived by: His daughters Krystal Erin Dukes and Leslie Nichole Shaw, both of Pineville, LA; his sons Braxton James Womack and Preston Shelby Womack, both of Kentwood, LA; grandchildren Ethan Thomas Lee, Shelby Marie Lee, Gracelyn Mae Shaw, Lennox Bradley Womack, and Collin Blaise Sanders; brothers, Ken Donnell Womack and Kerry Dwayne Womack; mother, Ivy Jean Womack. He was preceded in death by his father, Shelby Birch Womack.
Visitation will be at McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, from 12:00 Noon until funeral services at 2:00PM on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Services conducted by Rev. Nathan Wall and Bro. Sonny Travis. Interment will follow in Spring Creek Cemetery, Kentwood. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.