The Prayer Link

Monday – Late Afternoon

Will Easley is in the midst of his 12 hour surgery. Pray all continues to go well.

Koby Sumrall

(July 6, 1995 – August 22, 2009)

Koby Sumrall was born on July 6, 1995 and passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at his residence. He was 14, a native of Hammond and a resident of Pine.

Koby loved skateboarding.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N and Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash and Bond’s Eye Clinic.

Monday Afternoon

I’m asking for pray for young accident victims

Colton Frazier

about 21
from New Zion area
son of Chris and Lynn Dees Frazier
University Hospital in New Orleans
remains in serious condiotion

Michael Prevost

about 5
Gillsburg area
son of Ellis and Jeanette Prevost
hospitalized in Jackson
tests continuing

Aaron McKay

about 15
Gillsburg area
son of Penelope and Doug McKay
hospitalized in McComb
had some surgery

All three boys and their families need your prayers! Keep them coming!

Daddy’s procedure went well today. He’s back at home. Thanks for praying for him.

tests continuing

Monday

“You have been bought and paid for by Christ,

so you belong to him—

be free now from all these earthly prides and fears.”

~1 Corinthians 7:23 LB~

Will Easley (10 yrs.) surgery is still on for today. It suppose to start around 7am this morning at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. Please continue to pray for him and his family. The surgery is suppose to last about 12 hours. Thank you and God bless.

Cheryl Hughes Greene

(Will only has one lung. That’s what the surgeon will be working on.)

Update from Dr. Jimmy Dukes

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jimmyandretiadukes

Update on Don Denton

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/dondenton

Continue to pray for Chuck Pittman and other battling cancer.

Pray for my daddy, Grant Smith, as he as a baloon procedure today to stretch his esophagus. The last procedure about five months ago did not work very well or very long.

Linda Stegall Hendry thanks you for your prayers on behalf of Ginny Stegall and for Robert, Linda’s brother, and the three girls, as they continue to adjust to living without Ginny. Linda knows and treasures the power of your prayers.

Cry

WALKING PAST MY barn one day, I heard a frantic chirping inside, and upon investigation I found a bluejay beating its wings against the glass pane of the window…

Had it not cried and squawked, I would not have heard it. But its plaintive note prompted me to open the door wide and the jay flew out to liberty. That bluejay was in a strange place for a bird; and Jonah found himself in a strange place for a human being. Because of his disobedience, Jonah was cast into the sea, swallowed by a sea monster and trapped in its belly. Although it was Jonah’s own fault that he was there, God was also there to hear his prayer. And when he confessed, God delivered him.

God’s children sometimes get themselves into some strange places and unhappy circumstances because of their folly. Are you in a strange place today? Are you out of fellowship with the Lord, defeated, unhappy? Then cry out to God, confess your sin, and be restored by His abundant mercy. God is waiting to hear your faintest cry and accept your repentance. Maybe through your own foolish choices you’re in a strange place today — but He is with you and waiting to hear your cry (M.R. DeHaan).

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” ( 1 John 1:9; cf. Jonah 2:1).

Posted by Mike Benson at April 4, 2006

My Sunday School class will be studying Jonah Sunday. Join us if you would like to refresh your memory or learn more about Joanh and why his story is recorded for us.

Thanks for praying today. You make a difference in many lives!

Anna Lee

Sunday Evening

Jimmy Harrell received a call tonight asking for prayer for two young people involved in an accident this afternoon. They are from the Gillsburg area. Please pray for Aaron McKay (15) and Michael Prevost (5).

I had two reports that Sonny Milton was doing better. Please keep him in your prayers.

Frances McKenzie Pope

(March 7, 1927 – August 21, 2009)

FRANCES McKENZIE POPE, age 82 and a resident of Franklinton died at 6:25 PM Saturday at her residence. She was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and the widow of Oveid Pope.

Survived by: 2 Sons: Ronald O. and Bonnie Green Pope Kenny W. Pope all of Franklinton 2 Daughters: Sandy and Rev. Breaux Tageant of Poplarville Rheba and Jimmy Fisher of Franklinton 11 Grandchildren: Ronald Pope, Jr., Chris Pope, Lucky Pope, Bridget Woodward, Chad Fisher, Kimberly Cassidy, Robert Tageant, Robin Tageant, Heather Tageant, David Hood Burris and John Paul Burris Also 8 great grandchildren Brother: James McKenzie of Tylertown

Visitation at Crain Funeral Home from 6 PM until 9 PM Sunday and after 8 AM Monday. A funeral service will be held at 10 AM Monday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Gene Richards and Rev. Breaux Tageant officiating. Burial in the Ellis Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Lakeshore Hospice in Mandeville.

Katherine Joan Richardson Simmons

(December 5, 1928 – August 23, 2009)

Katherine Joan Richardson Simmons died at her home in Hammond on Sunday, August 23, 2009. She was 80 years old and a native of Hammond; born December 5, 1928, the daughter of John P. and Katherine Varnado Richardson. She was a graduate of Franklinton High School and attended Belhaven College in Jackson, MS. She married Hyman Ottis Simmons, Jr., December 1, 1946, at Centenary Methodist Church in Franklinton. In 1954, they established Simmons’, a family department store in Kentwood that specialized in clothing for men, women, and children, a business that continued until 1995. Joan was a gifted singer, artist, cook, and able partner in the family business. She was an active member of the Kentwood United Methodist Church for 55 years until her death. She is survived by her 4 children, Rev. Dr. Michael O. Simmons and his wife, Varina, Rockford, IL, Mrs. Rebecca S. Young and her husband, Daniel, Indianapolis, IN, David L. Simmons and his wife, Susan, Hammond, John Scott Simmons and his wife, Michelle, Hammond, 8 grandchildren, Amanda Simmons Janitzsky and her husband, Nicolai, Rockford, IL, Nathan Young and his wife, Bonnie, St. Louis, MO, Jennifer Simmons, New Orleans, Erin Simmons Alexander and her husband, Hayden, Oxford, MS, Jimmy Simmons, Dallas, TX, Betsy Simmons, Hammond, John Scott Simmons, Jr., Hammond, and Jacob Simmons, Hammond, 1 great-grandchild, Dmitri Janitzky, Rockford, IL, 2 sisters-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Richardson, Franklinton and Nan Simmons, Franklinton. Preceded in death by her husband, Hyman Ottis Simmons, Jr., brother, Stephen Richardson, and sister, Anita Magee. Visiting at Kentwood United Methodist Church from 1 p.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2009. Services conducted by Rev. Percy Mac Frazier. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, Kentwood. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be given to Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 929, Ruston, LA 71273-0929. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.

Sunday

“Therefore, accept each other in the same way that Christ accepted you.

He did this to bring glory to God.”

~Romans 15:7 GWT~

Worship

DURING THE CIVIL War, when Liberty, Missouri, was under the command of Union troops, an order was issued that no public meeting, of any kind, was to be conducted…

This directive even included worship services. Dr. W.A. Morton, a strong southern sympathizer, was determined to keep the church doors open. Hence, the first Sunday morning the order was in effect, Dr. Morton went to the church building and prepared for worship. The members also showed up for worship. Word about the assembly spread quickly through the community, ultimately reaching the ears of the commanding officer. He responded by sending an officer to the building to remind the members that no services were to be held. Dr. Morton and the entire assembly responded by saying, “We have orders from a higher officer than yours to have services; and, we plan to obey his command.” The officer withdrew and services were held, not only on that Sunday, but every Sunday thereafter.

Dr. Morton and his brethren understood responsibility. As a result, they joyfully assembled on Sunday morning, despite their challenging circumstances. We, too, must embrace the responsibilities that God has entrusted to us (Mike Winkler).

“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said:

‘We ought to obey God rather than men’.”

Acts 5:29

Posted by Mike Benson

May your worship today touch your heart in a special way!

Anna Lee

Saturday Afternoon

Chapman Update

Friends,
This is Deloy, Quincy and Ann’s son. Most of you might know by now,
but Mom was concerned that many of you may not know the events that have
happened to our family the last month. So I am sending this generic
email to everyone one her email list (easier to click “send to all” than
to try to figure out who not to send it to!!) .
Daddy and Mamma and my wife Krisa and my youngest daughter Emma and
Emma’s friend Chelsea were in a serious car accident on July 29.
Numerous injuries and many nights in intensive care followed for
everyone but Daddy and Krisa. Krisa was released from the hospital 3
days later, as well as Chelsea. Emma remained in ICU for about a week,
and was discharged.
Mom sustained a broken neck (three broken vertebra), broken
collarbone, broken clavicle, many broken ribs, a broken ankle. She is
still in the hospital in rehab. She has one of these big metal halo
braces from waist to forehead, which will stay on at least until the end
of November. She is doing GREAT in reheab, and the doc says she will be
discharged on August 29. Once home, she’ll require 24 hour care until
the halo is off. We’re blessed that me, my two sisters, my wife, and
our children will be able to cover all of this care ourselves with help
from our church family.
Daddy seemed the least injured, walking around talking after the
accident. Xrays revealed a fractured lumbar vertebra. But the days
following the accident he became confused and disoriented. One week
following the accident he went into cardiac arrest and was put on life
support. Mom’s therapists were able to bring her to Dad to say goodbye,
and on August 8 we took him off of life support. So he is now at his
true home.
Krisa, Emma, and Chelsea are recovering wonderfully, and are almost
back to being able to do all regular activities.
Mom won’t be checking this email anymore. We’ve finally convinced
her to graduate to a real computer instead of this webtv stuff.
HOWEVER, because of her injuries, she won’t be able to use it for a
while still.
Until next Saturday you can reach her at Our Lady of the Lake
hospital in Baton Rouge, 225-765-6565, room 3274. After that, you can
reach her here at her house, 225-667-7110.
If you’d like to write her, you can send me an email and I’ll print
it off and give it to her. Use this email: dchapman@amitechurch.org.
If for some reason you would like to talk to me, my cell phone is
225-892-8960.
Thanks for your prayers. You know Mamma…she thrives on company, so
if you can ever drop by to see her, I know she’d appreciate it.

Deloy Chapman

Mrs. Evelyn S. Lea
(February 22, 1924 – August 21, 2009)

Mrs. Evelyn S. Lea a loving wife, mother, grandmother & great-grandmother passed away at 2:06 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. She was 85, a native of Stoney Point and a resident of Amite. Mrs. Evelyn was the oldest living member of the Chesbrough Baptist Church.

She is survived by 4 sons, Ralph J. “Joe” Lea and wife Nicky, Denham Springs, Michael G. “Cokey” Lea, Baton Rouge, James F. “Jimmy” Lea and wife Cindy, Hammond, and David L. Lea, Jackson, MS; a sister, Bessie Knight, Pine; 10 grandchildren, Kelly E. Harris, Wendy P. Lea, JoAnn Lea, Nicole Lea, Amy J. Lea, Michael G. Lea, II, Chris Lea, Josh Lea, Ben Lea & Quinten Lea; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews.

Visitation will be at the McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Monday, August 24, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. until Religious Services at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home Chapel with Bro. Dennis Walker officiating. Interment in the Hyde Cemetery.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

Saturday

“You also must help us by prayer,

so that many will give thanks on our behalf

for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”

~2 Corinthians 1:11, ESV~

Ms. Ola King, a teacher at KHS, has been hospitalized for a week due to pneumonia. Please pray for her to recover soon and return to her family and her school family.

Ms. Rose Williams, a former KHS teacher, is the primary caregiver for her husband who has suffered several health problems including a stroke. Pray for them as they go through an especially tough time.

Now that school has started and football season is beginning please pray for faculty, staff, students and parents in a new school year.

Baptist Press

August 21, 2009

KENYA–Starvation continues to stalk millions of Maasai in Kenya. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31121

WASHINGTON–Obama could stop abortion confusion, Land says. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31122

WASHINGTON–Q&A: Abortion & the health care plan. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31123

LOUISIANA–Hispanic conference focuses on revival. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31124

TEXAS–Prof stays at church with ‘gay’ members. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31125

WASHINGTON–LIFE DIGEST: Scientists pursue artificial human brain. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31126

TENNESSEE–LifeWay seeks tenants for historic Frost Bldg. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31127

TEXAS–FIRST-PERSON (Anne Fortenberry): Ramadan -– a Christian’s perspective. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31128

NORTH CAROLINA–FIRST-PERSON (Timothy Rogers): Covenant or confession. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31129

Mrs. Evelyn Lea

(Died August 21, 2009)

Mrs. Evelyn Lea passsed away at 2:06 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” (Philippians 2:10).

Mike Benson, Editor

IN HIS LITTLE book Fully Human, Fully Alive, author John Powell relates an experience which happened to a friend while he was vacationing in the Bahamas…

The friend was sightseeing when he noticed a crowd gathered toward the end of a pier. He walked down to investigate the commotion. Powell says:

“…he discovered that the object of all the attention was a young man making the last-minute

preparations for a solo journey around the world in a homemade boat. Without exception everyone on the pierwas pessimistic. All were actively volunteering to tell the ambitious sailor all the things that could possibly go wrong. “The sun will BROIL you!” “You won’t have enough food.” “That boat of yours won’t withstand the waves in a storm.” “You’ll never make it.”

When my friend heard all these discouraging warnings to the adventurous young man, he felt an irresistible desire to offer some optimism and encouragement. As the little craft began drifting away from the pier towards the horizon, my friend went to the end of the pier, waving both arms wildly like semaphores spelling confidence. He kept shouting: “BON VOYAGE! You’re really something! We’re with you! We’re proud of you!”

How much could be accomplished if there were more brave souls on the end of the pier smiling and affirming? (Charles Swindoll)

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 ESV

Make a point of encouraging at least one person today.

Anna Lee

Friday Afternoon

I am sending an urgent prayer request for a very
dear lifelong friend,Sonny Milton. Sonny suffered a stroke and while being transported to the Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans experienced an allergic reaction to the shot which is given to stroke victims. At this time he is on life-support at Ochsners and Doctors have not been able to assess the effects of the stroke. Thanks so much for your prayers.

Bobby and Faye Raborn

David Lee Sibley
(September 25, 1979 – August 20, 2009)

David Lee Sibley, a firefighter, was born on September 25, 1979 passed away at 10:57 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond. He was 29, a native of Hammond and a resident of Independence.

David is survived by his parents, Clayton” Booger” and Lynda Davis Sibley, Amite; 2 brothers, Darren Sibley, Amite and Daniel Sibley and fiancé, Amanda Wright both of Amite; grandparents, Huey and Doris Davis, Amite and Lorena Sibley, Pine Grove; numerous aunts, uncles and friends.

Preceded in death by grandfather, Jimmie R. Sibley and wife, Shelly Sibley.

Visitation will be at McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, on Saturday, August 22, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at the Hillsdale Baptist Church from 1:00 p.m. until Religious Service at 3:00 p.m. with Bro. Mike Woodard and Bro. Darryl Miller officiating. Interment at Pine Grove Methodist Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Terry Sibley, Joey Sibley, Jason Sibley, Chauncey Sibley, Charlie Sibley, II & Timothy Sibley. Honorary pallbearers will be Albert King & Buddy Fitzhugh.

In lieu of flowers family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Children’s Hospital 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, LA 71103.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

Friday

“Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body.”

~Romans 12:5 MSG~

Trisha and Dwayne Wilson shared this good report on their mission trip. Thank God for their opportunity and willingness to minister.

GAIN Team

El Salvador

June 27- July 6, 2009

· 600 GAiN CarePacks with backpacks distributed

Each pack contained: backpack, school supplies, hygiene items, 1 Beanie Baby,
1 New Testament, and 1 pair of Children’s sandals.

· 1075 CarePacks distributed with a Beanie Baby, and 1 pair of adult
sandals for family.

· 1300* Bibles distributed (There is about ½ case of bibles left that
Enrique will distribute)

· 425 estimated families received a bag of food. The bags were about
12-15 lbs of rice, beans, pasta, and soup mix

· Estimated 2200 individuals (Children and Adults and a few wandering
dogs) heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

· 80 GAiN Seed packets used at the Achiotal School.

Pray for the Lockwood family and the Pittman family as David and Chuck continue their battles with cancer.

Maggie Lee Henson’s mother placed some comments on Caring Bridge. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/maggieleehenson

KOMpray

Kids on Mission Pray

Kids love VBS

In Guadalajara, Mexico, children are baptized as babies. A 12-year-old Mexican girl was really surprised when she learned that Baptists are baptized after they accept Jesus as Savior. She was going to Vacation Bible School and learned about baptism and more about Jesus through Bible study, music, crafts and games.

One night during the week of Bible school, the leaders wanted to show an evangelistic Christian film. Evangelistic is a big word, but it just basically means that you want to tell others about Jesus so they can love Him too. The movie would have encouraged the kids in VBS and their parents to tell others about Jesus. Three people from the neighborhood came to protest the film. Unfortunately the projector was broken. Let’s pray that they get to show the movie some other time.

At the final program for Vacation Bible School, 15 parents came to hear the 62 children sing and repeat Bible verses. Yes, just like you, kids in Mexico love VBS too!

This story comes from the Operation GO team. If you want to learn more about them, ask your parent’s permission then visit their website: http://macopgo.blogspot.com/

Prayer Requests from Missionary Kids

Please pray for the Wa people. They are poor, and only a few of them know about Jesus. They are like Chinese people, but their language is different. MN, age 6 (Southeast Asian peoples)

Pray for my friend in Pakistan, that she’ll learn about Jesus. MARLA, age 7 (South Asian peoples)

My prayer request is about my school. My whole school will be moving this year. I hope we will be safe there. CW, age 10 (East Asian Peoples).

Please pray for my family to be safe in the US. Benjamin, age 6 (American peoples)

I have lots of prayer requests:
My grandma has cancer.
Friend’s grandpa not Christian.
Deaf people.
Most people are Catholic in Malta.
Please pray for our family as we serve God and love our family. KATHRYN, age 8, (European peoples)

Hi, my name is Christian. I would like you to pray for my family as we struggle our way through life and as we have bad times. I would like for me and my sister to get along. I also have some Tanzanian friends who are not Christian. Please pray for my dogs so that they can be well taken care of and live a long time. Please pray for me and my family. CHRISTIAN, age 12 (Sub-Saharan African peoples)

Pray for more people to become Christians. HOPE, age 8 (East Asian Peoples)

Baptist Press

August 20, 2009

ISRAEL–Huckabee, in Israel, pushes one-state solution. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31106

WASHINGTON–In reducing abortions, 2 bills take drastically different tactics. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31107

WASHINGTON–Pro-lifers: Rep. Tim Ryan, his bill not pro-life. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31108

MINNESOTA–Piper: tornado a ‘warning’ to Lutherans about approving sin. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31109

KENTUCKY–Mohler: SBC must be willing to change or face decline. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31110

ALABAMA–FIRST-PERSON (Bob Terry): What will SBC membership be? http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31111

MONTANA–Long recovery ahead for missionaries injured in Mont. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31112

VIRGINIA–Giving shortfall risks opportunity to re-engage closed country. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31113

LOUISIANA–FIRST-PERSON (Keith Manuel): Prayer in school. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31114

GEORGIA–Former NAMB president issues statement. http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=31105

David L. Sibley

(Died August 20, 2009)

David L. Sibley 29, passed away at 10:57 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2009 at the North Oaks Medical Center, Hammond.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

An on-line Guestbook is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite, is located at I-55N & Hwy 16W behind Mr. Tom’s Car Wash & Bond Eye Clinic.

KneEmail

“At the name of Jesus every knee should bow…” Philippians 2:10

Mike Benson, Editor

Henri Nouwen (Making All Things New) believes Jesus isn’t saying we should forget about our responsibilities and live happily ever after, ignoring the schedules and activities that make up our daily lives…

Jesus’ response to the rat race is different. He wants us to center our attention on something else that is much more important. Instead of being frustrated by too many items on our to-do lists, He asks that we focus on “one necessary thing.” He isn’t asking us to leave the world but to live in it with a new sense of prioritites: “Jesus’ does not speak about a change of activities, a change in contacts, or even a change of pace. He speaks about a change of heart.’

The rest of the book explores what it means to have a true “change of heart.” Does it mean getting up an hour earlier in the morning to be sure to have devotions? Working fewer hours? Taking a time management course? All those ideas are good ones, but the change of heart that Nouwen speaks of goes deeper than that.

The fast lane is a state of mind, not a certain ribbon of concrete between home and work. If we want to choose “the better part,” we need to start by following Jesus around to see where He goes and what He means.

Are you a Martha? A Mary? Somewhere in between? Are you controlling your schedule, or does it control you? (Fritz Ridenour)

“And Jesus answered and said to her,

“Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part,

which will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41, 42

Thursday Addition

Please excuse the delay. I simply forgot to ask for prayer for the Sibley and Blackwell families.

I haven’t found an obituary for David yet, but will post one when it is available.

Joyce Michelle “Shelly”Blackwell Sibley
(March 22, 1983 – August 20, 2009)

Joyce Michelle “Shelly” Blackwell Sibley was born on March 22, 1983 and passed away on August 20, 2009 in Hammond. She was 26, a native of Hattiesburg, MS and a resident of Amite.

Shelly is survived by her parents, Archie and Ann Blackwell, Amite; a sister, Cindy Kay Parnell and husband, Frank, Jr., Kentwood; 1 niece, Shelby Parnell; 2 nephews , Tanner Boyd and Justin Parnell all of Kentwood. Visitation will be at the Grace Independent Baptist Church, on Hwy. 1064,East of Natalbany, on Friday, August 21, 2009 after 6:00 p.m. until Religious Services on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 2:00 p.m., with Bro. Bobby Dansby, officiating. Interment in the Amite Memorial Gardens.

Preceded in death by grandparents, Archie and Lena Blackwell.

McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home, Amite is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line Guestbook and to view a Video Tribute is available at http://www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com