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.
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.
FIRST-PERSON: Why am I a Southern Baptist?
Questions can lead children to Jesus, ministry leader says
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?
Bring a check or food any local Baptist church. Our gifts will help feed the residents for the coming year.
Renouncing Worldliness
Timothy. 2:4-14
Thanks for reading and praying today. May you also find ways to go and do.
Anna Lee
9-5-25
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.
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.
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.
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.
Week 1 – A Land of Spiritual Opportunity
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.
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.
‘The Core Is Always the Core’
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
Every day God gives us is special. What will you do on this fantastic Friday?
Anna Lee
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.
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.
‘Love Displaces Fear of Judgment
Judgment’
1 John 4:18-19
Please pray for Chris and Korey Wales who are both having back surgery in Covington this week, one today and one tomorrow.
Also, please pray for Kerry O’Quin who is having shoulder surgery early this morning.
Pray for Bobby Raborn of Spring Creek who is hospitalized after a fall at his home.
Have a “Terrific Thursday” today.
Anna Lee
Get your food or checks turned in to your church no later than September 14th because the items at our churches will be picked up early on the 15th.
‘Only Out of Love’
11 You must stop those people from teaching false things like that. They are causing whole families to believe their lies. They teach things that they should not teach. They deceive people because they want people to give them money.
12 Many years ago, there was a certain man who lived on Crete. The people there called him their prophet. Even he said, ‘People who live on Crete are always telling lies and doing wicked things. They are lazy and they eat too much food.’
13 What that man said is true. So you must warn the people there. Help them to believe the true message about Jesus more and more.
14 They must not listen to Jewish stories that are not true, or to human rules. Those things are the ideas of people who refuse to obey God’s true message.
Titus 1:11-14
Have a blessed day!
Anna Lee
We have all been enjoying some cooler temperatures as an indication fall is on it’s way! I am certainly happy for the changing seasons God provides for us.
Please pray for the Anthony and Wall families as well as others who have recently had a death. Reach out to them.
Ladies, we begin our next study tomorrow at 12:00. If you haven’t signed up, you can contact Kathy Wales, me, or just show up. This will be a study of the book “Bad Girls of the Bible”. Tomorrow, Chris and Kathy are providing lunch. Please read the first chapter of the book.
FBC, Morgan City helps others with services provided during and following hurricanes and hosting volunteers from other states/ Read more in the brochure you received at church or at this link.
February 26, 1947 – August 29, 2025
Maurice Wall passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA, surrounded by his family. He was born February 26, 1947 in Amite, LA, and was 78 years of age. He married Edna Marie Miller in 1970, and they settled in Greensburg, where they raised a family.
Maurice was a proud graduate of Amite High School, and attended State Championship games in the Louisiana Superdome on numerous occasions to cheer on the Warriors. In March of 2006, after more than 40 years of service, he retired as Shift Supervisor of the Pulp Mill of the Tembec Paper Co., St. Francisville, LA.
From the very beginning, his life was marked by a strong work ethic, take-charge attitude, and loyalty to friends and family.
Maurice, known to family as Dootsie, known to some as M.L., and known by his grandchildren as “Pops” was very adventurous. He enjoyed traveling the United States, sharing those adventures with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman, especially largemouth bass. He fished lakes, canals, ponds, and tributaries all across Louisiana. His favorite spots were Lake Verret, Bayou Bonfouca, Bayou Sorrel, and Bayou Pigeon. As per his request, a portion of his remains will be scattered at one of those locations at a later date. Maurice also enjoyed hitting the open road on his motorcycle, and throughout the years, owned numerous.
At the time of death, he was a member of the First Baptist Church, Greensburg, LA. Throughout his lifetime he served as treasurer and deacon at the Grangeville Baptist Church and at one time was the song leader of the Wesley Chapel Methodist Church, Darlington, LA.
Maurice is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marie Miller Wall; 3 sons, Maurice Lee Wall, III, Derek Wall (Koree), and Will Wall (Christy); 4 grandchildren, Maurice “Moe” Lee Wall IV (Ashley), Jackson Wall, Randi Beth Wall, and Carter Wall; 2 great-grandchildren, Hendrix Wall and Alexis Wall; 1 brother, Ronald D. Wall (Judi); 4 sisters, Christia Wall Dees (Reed), Kathy Wall Stafford (Mark), Marcia Wall Kent (John), and Tricia Wall McCain (Pat); step-mother, Bonnie Bethel. He is preceded in death by his father, Maurice Lee Wall, Sr. and mother, Chestine Rich Wall. Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church of Greensburg LA, from 9:30AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Services will be conducted by Bro. Shawn Ostoj with McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckne
‘Furthering the Faith’
Titus. 1:1-9
Anna Lee
The Good Lord woke us up. Now, let’s get going.
Today’s Scripture
Mrs. Velma Anthony went to her heavenly home early yesterday morning. The plans are to have her service Thursday morning at McKneely’s in Kentwood. I will post an obituary when one is available.
FIRST-PERSON: My Katrina Word by Dr. Chuck Kelly
This year we will focus on only four needs, one a week for this month. This week, we will learn more about the FBC, Morgan City.
Every year Louisiana Baptists take up an offering dedicated to help fund missions and ministries around the state. The money received through the offering is used by God to transform the lives of people and churches in Louisiana.
Learn more about some of the specific ministries that benefit from this offering and how your gifts are allocated.
The offering is typically promoted and collected by the churches of Louisiana. But, if you are inclined to give an individual gift, you can do that here.
The yearly Louisiana Missions Offering is named in honor of Miss Georgia Barnette, a missionary to New Orleans in the early 1900s. Keep reading to learn more about her story.
Week 1 – Disasters and Open Doors (First Baptist Church, Morgan City)
Louisiana: Our Mission Field at Home
‘I Know Your Words and Thoughts
Then the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the gate of the house of the LORD that faces east. There at the entrance of the gate were twenty-five men, and I saw among them Jaazaniah son of Azzur and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people.
Ezekiel 11:5 NIV
Thank-you too those who gave money yesterday to help pay shipping fees of $10.00 per shoebox. We have many boxes to send, so let’s keep giving.
The children’s home truck will be here September 15 to pick up our donations of food or money for shopping in that area as needs arise. You can give a check in the offering plate.
Have a marvalous Monday!
Anna Lee
Let’s thank God for all He has done for us this week and the opportunity to study His Word and worship Him.
December 10, 1974 – August 28, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at his home. He was born December 10, 1974 in Hammond, LA and was 50 years of age. Bubba, despite passing away at the beautiful age of 50, finds peace in the memories of his time on earth. His journey took him to many places, but the most significant aspect was his decision to give his life to Christ. He serves as a reminder to never wait for someone else’s apology or approval in life, but always to seek God. May he rest in eternal peace until we meet again, but never forgotten. He is survived by his 4 siblings, Sheila Genusa, Sonja Bradley and husband, Bill, Mark Taylor and wife, Katy, and Dr. Lisa J. Taylor Waizenegger; nieces and nephews, Heather, Hilary, Heidi, Christian, DJ, Adeline, John Michael, Mark Glenn, Annmarie, Matthew, Julian, and Eli; numerous great-nieces and nephews; step-mother, Betty Travis Taylor. Preceded in death by his parents, James “Captain Jim” Taylor and Lola Virginia “Gennie” Byrd Taylor; niece, Millicent Bradley. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12:00PM until Religious Services at 2:00PM on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Wayne Ratliff. Interment Kedron Cemetery, Amite, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
We serve a great God!
Have a wonderful Lord’s Day!
Anna Lee
8-30-25
Maurice Wall of Greensburg passed away yesterday about 11:00 A.M. I’ll post the obituary tomorrow after arrangements have been made.
December 17, 1930 – August 26, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington, LA. She was born December 17, 1930 in Amite, LA and was 94 years of age. She is survived by her 2 daughters, Linda Ann Ballard (Gene) and Veronica Arlene Boutian (Daniel); son, Kerry James Casanova; grandchildren, James Kendrick Casanova (Kim) and Benjamin Paul Boutian; great-grandchildren, Chelsea Doby (Kenneth) and Roger Leon, IV (Yajaira); great-great-grandchildren, Saige Doby, Autumn Doby, Ayden Doby, Elijah Leon, and Connor Leon; sisters-in-law, Annie Thompson and Verma Casanova. Preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Lorena Thompson; husband of 75 years, Austin Joseph Casanova; sisters, Frances Thomas, Vernis Thompson, Katy Thompson, and Cecile Woodruff; brothers, Jimmy Thompson and Kenion Thompson. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until Religious Services at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Services conducted by Bro. Rusty Durand. Interment St. Dominic Cemetery, Husser, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
We will be collecting food for the LA Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe for two more weeks. Get your food or checks turned in soon. The truck will be here early on the 15th.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of our new church year. One important part of that is many of our children will be promoted to a new class and a new teacher. Pray for the children and teachers as they make this adjustment. Especially pray for those who will now be moved up to the youth department.
Prepare for your Sunday School lesson. This will be the last one from Psalms this year. The lessons have been very good. New literature for the next quarter will be available in your classroom tomorrow.
Pray for the employees of Smitty’s as many of them adjust to a new job or continue to seek a new job. In your prayers, please continue to thank God they are all living and none were injured.
2 Timothy 4:1-8
This translation is easy to read and understand.
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Thank-you for reading today. I hope you found something here that is meaningful and inspiring.
Anna Lee
8-29-15
Today, let’s pray for people to be more patient and understanding with each other everywhere and in all circumstances.
There are no new obituaries listed for our area.
Maurice Wall was sent home yesterday. Please continue to pray for him and his family.
“To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee.”
— William H. Walton
If you haven’t already done so, today is the day to begin studying your Sunday School lesson for Sunday. It is based on Psalms 42:1-11.
Sometimes you know the events that discourage people, but not always. Often, just speaking with someone for a minute or two lets you know so much about what is happening in their heart. I know you cannot solve every problem a person has, but surely a few kind words are an encouragement. Give it a try.
Anna Lee
The Prayer Link 
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