Today, let’s focus some of our prayer time on leaders in our churches. Pray for them as they guide and carry out activities in our churches.
Let’s also pray for people in our town to have love, not anger, for other people. I hope we all want to do more to show God’s love for other people.
Daily Bible Reading
2-1-25
Luke 21-22
Saturday
This is a day of preparation for Sunday. In your household it may include Bible Study, selection and preparation of clothing for church tomorrow, preparation of food for lunch, cleaning in and around the house, etc. These tasks vary from household to household. Whatever you need to do, get busy and get it done.
Operation Christmas Child
I have been told donations were given and items ordered to include in the hygiene kits for our “Shoeboxes”. Thanks to those who donated. The hygiene kits will be one of our first “Shoebox” projects this year. I hope these donations will be an encouragement to others to give and or do tasks for OCC.
Special Prayers Today
Please pray for the following people: I know they will all appreciate your prayers.
Mrs. Mary Varnado
Mrs. Barbara Erwin
Mrs. Ferrie Gene Blackmon
Mrs. Alice Faye Lee
Mrs. Theople Hurst
Thank-you for reading today. Remember to include these names and the names of those on your personal prayer list. Remember to get out and do some things to help these people and/or others on this list and your prayer list.
Today, let’s focus our prayers on our community. Pray we all have love and show kindness to others. May we be gracious and giving so nobody “goes without” and everyone is shown love and appreciation. Smile! Greet everyone you see! “Meet” someone you don’t know.
Read the Bible Every Day
Friday, January 31
Luke 17-18
Wintertime Illnesses
The cold weather has a special way of bringing sniffles and coughs to us. I have learned that Alice Mary Honeycutt and Mike and Janice Hornsby have been fighting pneumonia. Pray for them and others who are fighting pneumonia and other winter illnesses.
Obituary
Sherry Ann Gill Simpson
July 11, 1958 – January 29, 2025
Our beloved Sherry Ann Gill Simpson, a resident of Mt. Hermon, passed away peacefully on January 29 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana and entered her heavenly home with her savior, Jesus Christ. She was born July 11, 1958, and was 66 years of age at the time of her passing. Sherry was a graduate of Mt. Hermon High School class of 1976. She was an active member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church where she headed the Hospitality Committee and showed her love through taking care of others. Sherry was a true servant for the Lord, her church, her family, and friends. She never hesitated to serve others in an unselfish manner, expecting nothing in return. Sherry was a great cook and candy maker and made countless batches to give to others each holiday. One of her favorite things to do was to make M & M cookies with her grandchildren and those close to her. She was also an avid sports fan, especially when it came to her LSU Lady Tigers. Sherry worked at Dairymen Incorporated for 13 years and later went on to Kentwood High School to work until retirement where the students and faculty adored her. She loved to hunt and fish alongside her husband of over 45 years, Ricky. She took great pride in telling you about her sons, daughter-in-law, and grandsons. Visiting her family was what she enjoyed most in life.
Sherry is survived by her husband, Ricky Simpson; children, Brandon Simpson (Laura), and Britt Simpson; grandsons, James Boyd “JB” Simpson and Alexander Gregory Ray “Aggie” Simpson. She is also survived by two brothers, Kenneth (Melody) Gill and Mike (Betty) Gill; brother-in-law, Wayne Simpson (Susan), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friend Lou Alford Jennings whom she treated as her own daughter, Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Billy and Dorothy Gill; father-in-law, Burnell Simpson, and mother-in-law, Hazel Simpson.
Visitation will be held Sunday, February 2 at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with funeral conducted at 4 p.m. by Reverend Ray Wuerzer . In lieu of flowers, the family would like for donations to be given to Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (Hospitality Fund). Thank you to all the family and friends for your visits, phone calls, and prayers
Pallbearers: Korey Gill, Kyle Gill, Jason Simpson, Kerry Simpson, Deven Martin Honorary Pallbearers: Andrew Gill, Caleb Jennings
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sherry Ann Gill Simpson please visit our Sympathy Store.
(Sherry and I worked together at KHS where she was always seen doing for others.)
Operation Christmas Child
We have officially started collecting items for the hygiene kits for the 450 boys we are sending “Shoeboxes” to this year. Our focus will be on older boys, ages. 10-14. This a is group that hasn’t been receiving enough boxes in recent years.
You are invited to participate as a family and/or a Sunday School class this year. We have two ladies, Wanda Smith and Jackie Babin, who will gladly shop for you on Amazon so you don’t have to worry about locating items in stores. Talk with them if you would appreciate their help.
ORLANDO, Fla. – What is Brad Crawford’s one message to those who may be disheartened about the darkness in the world and what that might mean for the next generation? His one message is a simple three words: “God is greater.”
PITTSBURG, Kan. (BP) — Elijah “Touch” Touchton was a big believer in the big impact missions can have on a church.
If you have ever read an online review for a restaurant, hotel or product, you know that there are those who love to complain. The truth is, we all complain at one time or another.
Volunteers Appreciated
If you have a time or a talent, it can be used at your church. Two of these opportunities that probably can use you are helping in the nursery or being a substitute teacher. You can volunteer to help without it being a weekly task if that is more appealing. You can volunteer to help when a teacher or leader is absent. Choose some classes you would like to work in or volunteer to help “as needed”. Help someone periodically who regularly serves.
You can turn your name in at the church office or with a particular leader/teacher. Help someone who serves regularly like when they are ill or have a family event they need to attend elsewhere, often in the church of a family member.
You will be greatly appreciated for serving in this way! Volunteer today!
Learn about Missions and Annie Armstrong
Sunday afternoon, February 23
For all girls and ladies and anyone else with a desire to learn more about missions.’
Members of other churches can probably work this into their Sunday afternoon without missing anything at their own church. Let me know if you need more information.
I’m so thankful you “Tuned in” today. Feel free to help someone else learn how to “Tune in”. Until tomorrow morning . . . .
Today, let’s focus our prayers on loving each other in our families, our communities, our country, and all around the world.
Sunday School Lesson for Sunday
Yesterday, I gave. you the verses for last Sunday.
Next Sunday (2-2-25): Exodus 40: 16-21, 34-38; “The Inhabited”
Read the Bible Today
Thursday
1-30-25
Luke 17-18
Obituaries
Donald E. Langston
December 16, 1955 – January 27, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald E. Langston, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Donald passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Donald was born December 16, 1955 in Independence, Louisiana. Donald retired from the Town of Greensburg after serving his community for 35 years.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years Bobbie Jean, children Sandra Cutrer, Sonny Cutrer (Viola), Joy Martin (Tommy), grandchildren Carla Powell (Richie), Robbie Culbertson (Sandra), Tyler Barber (Dawn), John Barber (Kalynda), Colton Budde, Garrett Cutrer (Ashley), Corey Cutrer, Scott Doyle (Stephanie) and Stephen Doyle, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaugther, brother Carl Benjamin Langston (Debra), sisters Katherine Thomas (Rob) and Carolyn Athey (Gary) and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Juanita Langston, and brothers David and William Langston.
Visitation at Mckneely Funeral Home in Amite on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. Interment in Greensburg Cemetery followed by food and fellowship at Greensburg Baptist Church.
Special thanks to The Hospice of Baton Rouge. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sherry Gill Simpson
Sherry was a diligent worker in many environments: Her family and extended family, Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Kentwood High School, wherever she was! She was loved and appreciated for all she did for others! Sherry was hospitalized in New Orleans at the time of her death
You may remember me telling you about caring for others each day. Sherry lived a life of constantly caring for others! Her obituary is not available at this time.
Remember, it is all about God’s purpose! See the first verse included in today’s post. Until tomorrow . . . .
Today, let’s pray for our families and friends, especially those who do not know the Lord as their Savior.
Families with Needs
Those struggling to pay their medical bills
Those struggling with health concerns
Those struggling with providing food for their families
Those struggling with balancing jobs and families
Those struggling with their faith
Those struggling in guiding their children
Those struggling with caring for older relatives
The list continues on and on.
Read the Bible Every Day
September 28
Luke 14-16
Obituary
Joel Dirk Gray
January 15, 1970 – January 27, 2025
A resident of Amite, LA, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born January 15, 1970 in Denton, TX and was 55 years of age. He is survived by his father, Billy Gray; 2 daughters, Montana Gray and Katelin Gray; 2 sisters, Amanda Ridgel and Marie Faulk. Preceded in death by his mother, Norma Gray; step-mother, Terri Gray; grandparents, Elton and Bessie Gray and Euless and Edna Latham; and a sister, Nicole Boyd. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sunday School Lesson for this Week
“Instructions”
Exodus 25:1-9 and 31:1-6
Couples Who Would Appreciate Your Prayers Today
Andy and Betty Taylor
Tom and Gail Brister
Bobby and Betty Simpson
Operation Christmas Child
It’s time to think about how you as a individual, as a family, or as a member of a class will participate in the coming months to help prepare shoeboxes for boys, ages 10-14, who will be so blessed to receive a “shoebox” FULL of hygiene items, school supplies, clothing, and toys. We will pack our boxes in October so you will have the opportunity to help from the end to January until early October. You will also get to help get items prepared for packing, because they cannot be sent as they come from the stores. Come learn what is needed and how we get it ready for shipping. We will have a group lesson so you can learn more.
Pray for teachers and students as they prepare for Spring Testing during the coming months. These tests determine the learning level of students in the coming year.
A Thought to Consider
Churches don’t do this, but just for a few moments consider this for yourself and your family members. What if churches gave tests to determine placement in classes? Where would we be placed? Just a thought . . . .
Today, let’s pray for families who have a very sick loved one or who have recently lost a loved one. Today, we will pray for the families listed below and any other family that comes to mind.
Chris Primes
Dennie Walker
Buster Quin
Kathy Dunn
K.K. Kennedy
Deborah Jones
T.A. Booty
Ben Mion
We would also like to remember families with sick people. Some of them would be those listed below.
Kemble Kenneth Kennedy, Jr., of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born April 7, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the only child of Kemble Kenneth Kennedy, Sr. and Madge Evans Sims Kennedy. He graduated from Baton Rouge High. His initial intention was to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a law degree, but those plans were altered and he went on to finish his undergraduate degree at LSU in 1954 in Animal Industry. He was a member of Kappa Alpha and Alpha Zeta. He served as Regimental Commander of the Army ROTC at LSU and thus lived in the LSU Stadium (The Rock), where all freshmen were required to stay at that time. He was a Distinguished Military graduate and was appointed 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve. He remained an avid LSU fan all his life.
In 1955, KK was called to active duty and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Infantry at Ft. Jackson, SC. He was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and taught weapons courses. In 1957, he was discharged from active duty and re-assigned as Company Commander of the Reserve Unit in Kentwood, LA, where he became a Captain in 1961. He loved his country and felt a deep sense of duty to it.
He married Shirley Joyce McMillan on October 30, 1954, and believed until his last day that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen – something that he was only too keen to tell everyone he met. Together, they had four children, and they lived in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana and Springfield, Missouri, before moving to Brandon, Mississippi, to be closer to some of his wife’s family.
After discharge from the Service, he returned to Tangipahoa Parish and ran the family dairy farm – 3K Acres – for the next 27 years. He was Dairyman of the Year many times involving his wife and children in all phases and served as President of the Tangipahoa Parish Farm Bureau Association and served on its Board of Directors for 26 years. He had a full life and taught Sunday School at the First Baptist Church of Kentwood, was a Scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts in Kentwood, and was secretary of the Florida Parishes Farm Services, Inc., a farmers’ co-op. His son, Kemble, took over the reins of the family farm as Mr. Kennedy’s career path led him into law enforcement as a Deputy in the Tangipahoa Sheriff’s office in 1980 for 13 years. Upon retirement, he was able to actively and passionately pursue genealogy, which he continued even after publishing a Kennedy family book and donating documentation back to Huey P. Long to the LSU Archives as well as Louisiana Tech.
Mr. Kennedy is preceded in death by his parents, Kemble Kennedy, Sr. and Madge Kennedy; daughter, Kimberly Kennedy; son, Kemble Kenneth Kennedy, III; and grandson, Kemble Kenneth Kennedy, IV.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Shirley McMillan Kennedy; daughter, Karen Coscia (Robert) of Keller, Texas; son, Keith Kennedy (Melissa) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandchildren, Lindsey, Kathryn (Ryan), Peyton, Kimberly, Ashley, Michael, Brittany, and Victoria; and one great grandchild, Samantha…and all his genealogical legacies.
The family wishes to thank NeNe Simmons, Christy Edwards, and John Smith for their many kindnesses and dedicated care.
Deborah Lynn Jones
November 7, 1960 – January 22, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in Covington, LA. She was born November 7, 1960 in Palatka, FL and was 64 years of age. She is survived by her niece, Carla Day Hilbun and her husband, Daniel; brother-in-law, Carl Day; also survived by Barry and Carrie Roundtree and their three daughters, Adara, Cece and Kara, and Barbara Cooper and Diane Miller. Preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Margaret Peters; brothers and sisters, Leslie Peters, John Peters, Pamela Peters and Rebecca “Becky” Peters Day. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 9:00AM until religious services at 11:00AM on Friday, January 31, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Richard Taylor and Rev. J. B. Davis. Interment Emmaus Baptist Church Cemetery, Tickfaw, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Buster Quin passed away Friday.
If you know where I should look for the obituary, please let me know.
Let’s pray for our country and it’s leaders. Pray for our people who are hurting because of storms, fires, drought, accidents, long-time illnesses, etc.
Today, we want to focus some of our prayers on Sherry Simpson, David Sellers, Velma Anthony, and Eddie Keith Schwartz. As you pray for them, please also pray for their families. We also want to continue to pray for the families of those who have recently lost loved ones: Kathey Dunn, Dennis Walker, Chris Primes, and others.
Read the Bible Today
January 27
Mark 10-11
Wedding
We attended the wedding of a grandson, Braden, at the beautiful, old Frost Chapel on the campus of Berry College in Rome, Georgia over the weekend. He and his bride, Virginia, were in band and the same class back during their high school days. They seem to make a wonderful, Christian couple.
Special Thanks
For the second time, I called upon Laurie Miller to teach my Sunday School class. Thanks for filling in and doing a good job.
Weather
I am ready for spring weather, but think winter is hanging around for a while. Be sure to check on others who are not well-prepared for the next cold days we are facing soon.
In closing . . .
May we live a life that honors God today and work hard to show love to everyone we meet.
Today, I have special requests from family members of Sherry Simpson and Eddie Keith Schwartz. Sherry’s brother, Kenny Ray Gill, reports that after time in Hood Memorial and North Oaks, including the ICU, Sherry is being transferred to Ochsner in New Orleans where she will be seeing a specialist for her newly diagnosed condition, a problem with her immunity. Eddie Kerith was home, but having some issues yesterday. Charlie Schwartz requests that we pray for Eddie Keith. “Please and thank-you” for praying.
Read the Bible
Jan. 24 – Luke 7
Jan. 25 – Luke 8
Jan. 26 – Luke 9
I am current (Up-to date) with my readings. Are you? If not, double up until you catch up. Go ahead and do it before you get behind even more.
Sunday School Lesson
If you have a Sunday School book, read the lesson material for this week. Take your time and really pay attention to the material presented.
Thankfulness
Today, I am thankful that last night was the last really cold night for a while. Maybe this will be the day we can get out of our homes and see people other than family members.
Pray for those having a hard time in this cold weather.
Pray for the President Trump as he continues his first week.
Pray for Sherry Simpson who is now being transferred to Ochsner.
Read the Bible Today
Luke 6
I’m enjoying reading with you this year. I have a suggestion that may help you remember to read if you do not have a set time to do so. Put your Bible (and pen and highlighters, if you are using them) on a table or desk in your living area. Leave your Bible open to the passage you just read. During the day, you will see your Bible and be reminded. Another idea is to choose a regular time to read and set the clock on your phone. When it alarms, stop what you are doing and read. A third suggestion is to partner with a friend and read at a chosen time each day. Doing both suggestion two and suggestion three would be an extra good plan.
Daily Schedules
Our schedules should be getting back to a routine when this COLD weather gets out of our area. I hope you got by without any broken pipes or with frozen pipes that thaw but are not broken. As I usually tell you, check on others who may not have fared as well as you did.
Church Schedules
They should be back on their regular schedule Sunday.
School Schedules
Getting children back on their normal routine will also make it easier to get children back on their routine.
Spend some time reading our lessson for Sunday and/or the Scriptures for the lesson. Read the verses from another version of the Bible to possibly get a better understanding.
No new obituaries.
Today, I am thankful we do not have any new obituaries to list. We have lost several good friends lately. I’m sure you may have too. Adjust your prayer list as needed.
Let’s pray for the weather situation in Louisiana where we do not usually have such low temperatures and so much snow. Yesterday was snow day. Today is ice day! Driving is not safe today.
Pray for people east of us who are now or soon will be facing the low temperatures and much snow.
Read the Bible Today
January 22
Luke 5
Obituaary
Nina Kathryn “Kathy” Daniel Dunn
February 13, 1946 – January 20, 2025
Nina Kathryn “Kathy” Daniel Dunn
February 13, 1946 – January 20, 2025
Nina Kathryn “Kathy” Daniel Dunn passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at her home. Kathy was born February 13, 1946, to Norris and Melrose Cook Daniel and was a lifetime resident of Amite, Louisiana. Kathy was an active member of Kedron Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, leading music, and teaching years of VBS every summer. Kathy was especially proud that she was able to mentor her grandsons, getting them to church, witnessing to them and seeing them accept Jesus as their savior. Kathy and her husband of 43 years, Richard, had many businesses in the Amite area throughout the years, including Dunn Construction Company, Riverside Grocery & Hardware, as well as Riverside Septic. Kathy enjoyed interacting with and becoming friends with many of her customers, employees, and vendors over the years. Since retirement Kathy loved volunteering at the Hope Center, being able to help people, and always asking if she could pray with the people she encountered.
Kathy is survived by three daughters: Lori Dunn Vicknair (Chad), Dana Dunn Meyn (Wade), and Kristen Dunn Hemphill (Dannie), sisters: Brenda Daniel Bryant, Barbara Daniel Yerby, Debbie Daniel Rogers (C.F.), Frances Daniel Smith (Sherman), sister in law Diane Dunn Scott (Danny), brother Norris Daniel (Valerie) and brothers in law: Ricky Dickerson, Leroy Wilson (Margaret Ann); grandchildren; Courtney Vicknair Behrnes (Derick), Jade Patton Bullard (Daniel), Kayren Vicknair Ruiz (Dennis), Savannah Ballard, Richard “Chase” Ballard, Raina “Ceph” Sofge, Emma Sofge, Joshua Davis, Brayden Matherne, and Hunter Meyn, seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard Wilson Dunn, daughter Kelly Dunn Sofge, sister Suzie Daniel Dickerson and numerous brothers and sisters in law.
Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home in Amite on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 12 p.m. until religious services conducted by Bro. Harrell Sharkey Jr. at 2 p.m. Interment in Kedron Cemetery.
{Kathy was such a good friend for many years. We did church, vacations, children, visits to restaurants, fishing, sewing, etc. together. We got to visit her at her home recently. She smiled and did her special little laugh the whole time we were there. The first thing she told us was that she was sick and knew where she was going! I have no doubt at all that she is in heaven now.}
Prayer Meeting
A decision was made yesterday to NOT have any church activities tonight due to driving conditions. That includes adults, youth, and children. Stay home and be safe. I have heard that several other churches have also made that decision.
Women on Mission & Girls on Misssion
(FBC, Kentwood)
Sunday, January 26
5 P.M. in New Hope and Girl’s rooms
Operation Christmas Child
Thanks for all your help packing 450 “shoeboxes” in 2024. It’s time to look forward to our next “shoeboxes” now. We are kicking off 2025 with visits to adult classrooms Sunday. I hope you are excited to begin another year of shoeboxes too! This year we will do some of our work by classrooms. That will be both different and fun!
Sunday School
The Scriptures for Sunday are Exodus 25:1-9 & 31:1-6. The lesson is titled “Instructions”. It’s never to0 early to start your preparations. I feel sure we can get out and travel safely by Sunday.
Phone Calls
Check with friends who live alone. They will surely be happy to know someone care enough about them to call and talk with them. Be a blessing to them!
Today, let’s focus our prayers on safety during the snowstorm and on the many families who have had a death recently. Let’s also pray for safety as people play and drive in the snow we are not accustomed to here. Pray for all the children and teens who are out of school and in need of close supervision.
Deaths
First, let me tell you the service for Dennis Walker was one of the most special services we have ever attended. That showed how special Dennis. was, not only to us, but also to many other people. We love all three of his children and were blessed to meet two of his three grandchildren. If Dennis knew you, he loved you and wanted you to be with Jesus in Heaven one day. His legacy lives on in many of us!
Guy Nelson Lea, Jr.
January 27, 1944 – January 17, 2025
Guy Nelson Lea, Jr., 80, a resident of Line Creek community in Kentwood, La, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, January 17, 2025. Nelson or “Bub”, as he was affectionately called by his family, was born on January 27, 1944 in Greenwell Springs, La to Guy Nelson Lea, Sr. and Cheba Inez Carroll Lea. He was raised in Greenwell Springs and graduated from Central High School. He served as a MP in the Army Reserve for six years in Hammond, La. Nelson worked for many years with Formosa Plastics in Baton Rouge, where he later retired. But not to the rocking chair! He purchased a bull dozer and completed many clearing and clean-up jobs through the years. He returned to the workforce after moving back to Kentwood, and began a career with the Parish of Tangipahoa, where he stayed until age 78, working on the roads and bridges of the parish. Nelson was also a very talented carpenter. He built two beautiful homes with his own hands – one in Greenwell Springs and one in Kentwood, where he lived out his final 25 plus years. In his spare time, he loved to be on his tractor and lawn mower or sit on the back porch drinking coffee and visiting with friends and family that stopped by. Nelson is preceded in death by his parents; his infant brother, Lloyd Lane Lea; his niece, Erin Rachel Lea; and his brother-in-law, Vernon Branch. He is survived by one sister Sandra Lea Branch of Pine, La; two brothers, Chris Lea and wife Sheila of Duck Hill, Ms. and Kernan Lea and wife Debbie of Kentwood, La; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Arrangements: McKneely in Kentwood La Saturday, January 25, 2025 Wake 9:00-11:00 Service at 11:00 Interment Line Creek Cemetery Pallbearers: Kernan Lea Brady Lea Taylor Lea James Lea Adam Lea Rodney Hoyt Kevin Luper Honorary Pallbearers: Robert Hayden Brad Bridges. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Sharon B. Hunter
December 9, 1942 – January 17, 2025
A resident of Walker, LA, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2025 at her home. She was born December 9, 1942 in Ringgold, LA and was 82 years of age. She is survived by her husband, Robbie L. Hunter, Sr.; daughter, Darlene Doss (Jim); 3 sons, Randy Fowler, Donny Owens, and Robbie Hunter, Jr. (Shelly); 10 grandchildren, Grayson Doss (Edie), Melissa Carley (John-Michael), Josh Doss, Jessica Owens, Blake Owens, Briana Owens, Bobbie Anne Fowler, Michael Fowler, Taylor Felder (Christian), and Jathen Hunter; 7 great-grandchildren and one on the way; 2 sisters, Maxine Morgan and Tammy Blake; brother, Mark Blake (Nita); sister-in-law, Diane Booty. Preceded in death by parents, Addis Blake and Audrey Gray; 3 sisters, Barbara Wallingsford, Catherine Brown, and Charlotte Coker; and a brother, Larry Blake. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 12:00 Noon until religious services at 2:00PM on Monday, January 20, 2025. Services conducted by Rev. Larry Dudley and Rev. Patrick Wollerson. Interment New Jerusalem Cemetery, Bolivar, LA. Pallbearers will be Johnny Martin, Grayson Doss, Blake Owens, Christian Felder, Dustin Thames and Jathen Hunter. Honorary Pallbearer will be Chad Bossom. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Doris Louise Shaffett
June 2, 1943 – January 19, 2025
A resident of Kentwood, LA , passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at her home. She was born June 2, 1943 in Independence, LA and was 81 years of age. She is survived by her 1 daughter, Lisa Shaffett; 3 sons, Newell Didone, David Brown, and Roy shaffett; 2 sisters, Ruby Ridgedell and Vermie Simmons; 1 brother, Andrew Brown; 10 grandchildren, Christina Thornhill, Kimberly Kowalski, Cody Brown, Newell Didone, Jr., Aaron Didone, Dustin Brown, T. J. Stinson, Darbie Patin, Rodney Shaffett, and Devin Brown; 10 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Johnny W. Shaffett; brothers, Richard W. Brown, Jerry Brown, and Jack Brown; sister, Orgie Ruth Seal; daughter, Debbie Brown; mother, Nannie McDaniel; father, Wallace Brown. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
Scott Matherne
November 16, 1967 – January 19, 2025
A resident of Greensburg, LA, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at his home. He was born November 16, 1967 in Independence, LA and was 57 years of age. He is survived by his daughter, Tara Matherne; 5 grandchildren; mother, Clara Ann Scott Dupre. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Almatine Scott and Alton and Marie Matherne. Scott loved music of all types and laughter. Pallbearers are Bud Scott, Lenny James, Rusty James, Cade Hermann, David Carter, Ed Evans, Wyatt Evans, and Jeff Gatlin. Visitation at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10:00AM until religious services at 2:00PM on Jan. 24, 2025, Friday. Interment New Zion Cemetery, Kentwood, LA. In lieu of flowers, Scott requested a donation in his memory for Tunnel to Towers or St. Joseph Hospice, Covington, LA. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.
One more death:
Kathy Daniels Dunn also passed away after a brief issness. Her service is scheduled for Saturday. The obituary should be posted in a couple of days.
WEATHER
I was surprised when I took my first glance at my phone this morning. It had already started to snow, just flurries, but still snow. It doesn’t cling and last, but that will happen later today.
Be careful to take good care of people and your home. Think real hard. Who can you help, or just check on, today? We’re going to have a long few days with many of us staying safely at home.
Prayer Meeting
Some churches are having services Wednesday and some are not. Use good judgment as you make a decision about getting out for prayer meeting or anything else in the next few days.
You may not normally do this, but if not, today is a good day to start. Let’s thank God and servicemen for our electrical power and our telephone service that works 99+% of the time.
Take good care of your family, neighbors, home, etc. to the best of your ability. Don’t endanger your health if at all possible.
Pray for people who must be out and about. Have warm meals and beverages to help your body on these COLD days. Maintain a connection with people outside your home.
Pray for the extra needs in our community during the COLD days!
The Prayer Link 
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