Funeral service for O D “Dee” Niette were at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 16, at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home with Butch Bruce and Chris Birdwell officiating. Interment followed at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery in Spanish Lake Community. The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Dee Niette, 94, passed away  May 11, 2016. She was born March 31, 1922 in Vernon, Ala. She was a loving lady who was full of life and always brought a smile to everyone’s face that she was around. She was a sassy lady that often spoke her mind, but she was always fun to be around and brought joy to every situation. She loved to sew and plant flowers to pass the time. She often said, “Don’t cry for me because I’ve had a good life!” She was a great mother, the life of the party, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by one son, Ray Cato and Linda of Vicksburg, Miss.; two daughters, Tonia Birdwell and husband Mike of Marthaville and Sandra Niette of Robeline; five grandchildren, Karla Alford and husband Danny of Crystal Springs, Miss., Chris Birdwell and wife Misty of Marthaville, Misti Dupree of Coushatta, Wayne Rachal of Provencal and Nicki Rachal of Provencal; seven great grandchildren, Cameron Sherman, Cheyenne Martin, Bayleigh Easley, Weston Birdwell, Daniel Rachal, Lindsay Sullivan, and Christina Sullivan; and two close family friends, Rhonda Guilliams and Dolly Miller. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Harry Cato and Jimmie Niette; her parents, Oscar Dee Morton and Nola Jones Crawford; her daughter-in-law, Eileen Cato; three sisters; and four brothers. T hose honored to serve as pallbearers were Pat Miller, Gary Miller, Danny Alford, Cameron Sherman, Gary Broadway and Eric Upchurch. Mike Miller was an honorary pallbearer. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Drs. Brian and Sissy Picou for all of their loving care and treatment for Mrs. Dee over all the years they knew her. 

Memorial services for Anthony “Tony” Wilson Gustwick of Sherman were Saturday, May 14, at Howe First United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Monte Morris of Howe and the Rev. John R. Foster of Natchitoches officiating. Burial followed at White Mound Cemetery. Tony died suddenly at home Tuesday, May 10, 2016. Anthony Wilson Gustwick was born May 24, 1938, in Yoakum, Texas to Paul Forrest and Margaret Cooper Gustwick. He was raised in Yoakum and attended public schools there. He graduated from Yoakum High School where he lettered in football and track and was co-captain of the Bulldog football team. He was sports editor of the weekly school newspaper, and was president of the National Honor Society. Following graduation from high school, Gustwick attended Texas Tech University and received a B.B.A. degree in Industrial Management. In college he was cited for leadership at the all-college recognition service his junior year and was an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, National Service Fraternity, and received its Distinguished Service Award. It was during this time that he met and married Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Grimes. Following graduation from Texas Tech in 1962, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps of the U.S. Army. He served 28 months active duty at Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was discharged in 1968 with the rank of captain. Gustwick worked 10 years as assistant director of alumni affairs at Texas Tech before becoming director of alumni affairs at the University of North Texas. He served in various capacities with the Alumni Association at Louisiana State University and was vice president of alumni activities with the LSU Alumni Association prior to becoming executive director of the Northwestern State University Foundation in 1995. He retired from NSU in 2005, culminating a 40-year distinguished career in higher education. Gustwick received several honors and held membership in many organizations. He was an Eagle Scout, received the Army Commendation Medal, and was appointed an Honorable Admiral in the Texas Navy by Texas Gov. Preston Smith. He was the first chairman of the Southwest District IV of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and was a recipient of the district Distinguished Achievement Award. While residing in Natchitoches, he was president of the First United Methodist Men, the College Alumni Directors of Texas, Bon Temps Dance Club, Rotary Club, and was a float lieutenant, charter member and captain of the Mardi Gras Krewe of Dionysos. He was also a member of the board of the Wesley Foundation at Northwestern State and served on the board of the Association of the United State Army (Fort Polk Chapter), and on the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce Board. He also served on the board of D.O.V.E.S., and was a Mason and a Shriner.He met Linda Elaine Tillman in 1998, when they were both charter members of the Krewe of Dionysos. They married in 1999 and made their home in Natchitoches where they were active members of the First United Methodist Church. In late 2015, Tony and Linda moved to Sherman, Texas to be closer to family. They joined the First United Methodist Church at Howe. They enjoyed 17 happy years together until Tony’s sudden passing. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Betsy in 1989, and his two older brothers, Paul F. Gustwick, Jr. and Robert Everett Gustwick. He is survived by his loving wife Linda, son Robert Paul Gustwick (and Sharon Gordon) of San Antonio, and daughter Susan Elizabeth Gustwick (and Diana Bracken) of Lewisville. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Howe. The register book may be signed online at www.waldofuneralhome.com. 

Memorial services for Leslie Wayne Windham were held Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches with the Rev. Doug De Graffenried officiating. The family received friends from 1 p.m. until service time. Leslie Windham, 70, passed away May 11, 2016. Leslie was born Aug. 29, 1945 in Montgomery. Leslie graduated from Jena High School. He attended trade school and began working at AMF Beard as a master welder; and later worked at Bright and Son Cleaners as well. His career was found at Brookshire’s Grocery, where he retired as assistant manager in 2013 after 43 years of employment. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches, where he served in United Methodist Men Ministry, was an usher, and helped the kitchen crew of Young at Heart. Leslie was always helpful and kind; and he had the ability to fix anything. He was loved by the Brookshire’s employees and the children in his wife’s day care center. He loved hunting, his squirrel dog “Rock”, and taking care of his and his neighbor’s lawn. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Windham of Natchitoches, his children, Paula Geoghagan and her husband Freddie of Natchitoches and Shannon Oberle and her husband Mark of Madison, Miss.; four grandchildren, Austin Oberle, Braden Oberle, Ian Carrasquillo, and Gavin Carrasquillo; his brothers, Ronald Windham and wife Joyce of Jena, and Kay Windham and wife Helen of Jena,; his mother-in-law, Ethelene Bright; his sisters-inlaw, Rhonda Kuhlman and husband Lee and Sarah Lou Maines and husband Tommy; many nieces and nephews; his special friends who will miss him dearly, Dewayne George (whom he called son) and wife Lisa, Marvin Davis and wife Judy, Vic Below, John Abraham, and the employees of Brookshire’s Grocery. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martene McIlwain Windham and Bobbie Windham; his grandparents, Rufus and Velie McIlwain and Lewis and Lydia Windham; and his special friends, Troy Mayeaux and Keith Davis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his memory. 

Funeral services for Lloyd Raymond McClanahan Sr. were Saturday, May 14, at 2 p.m. at Sibley Lake Marina on Texas Street in Natchitoches, with Frank Manausa officiating. Interment will follow at Coldwater Cemetery in Hagewood. The family received friends Friday, May 13 from 5-8 p.m. at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. Lloyd Raymond McClanahan Sr., 55, passed away May 7, 2016. He was born May 12, 1960 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He absolutely loved to fish and to be on the lake! He was once fishing off of a platform on the oil rig in the middle of the ocean and his fishing line got tangled. It was nothing for him to jump off into the ocean and untangle that line to obtain his catch! He loved dirt bikes and playing basketball. His heart was so big that he took in anyone and everyone without judgments or expectation. At every single rodeo visit, he shared a huge banana split with all of his grand children. It had became a tradition that will deeply be missed. Rest in peace, Lloyd. He is survived by his three children, Brian McClanahan and wife Misty of Shreveport, Lloyd R. McClanahan Jr. and wife Frances of Saline, and Ashely Cason and husband Kenneth of Coushatta; 10 grandchildren; the mother of his children, Linda McClanahan Rivers; one sister, Nicole McClanahan; and four brothers, Ricky McClanahan, Dominic McClanahan, Montana McClanahan, and Ron Griffith. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Betty and Marshall Taylor, and Lloyd McClanahan. Pallbearers are Brian McClanahan, Lloyd R. McClanahan Jr., Aaron Pardue, Kenneth Cason, James Pardue and Frank Manausa. 

Celebration of Life Services were for Alfred Robinson at the Restoration Apostolic Ministries Church, 175 Fairgrounds Road on Saturday, May 14, 2016, 1:30 p. m. with burial in the Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, Hwy 6, Natchitoches. The remains were lying in state for public visitation at the church Saturday from 12:30 p. m. to service time. 

Funeral services for Eddie Clarence Foshee will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at Blanchard- St. Denis Funeral Home with Matthew Pagals officiating. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. until time of service. Interment to follow at Memory Lawn in Natchitoches where a military graveside service will be held. Eddie Foshee, 86, passed away May 10, 2016. Eddie was born May 3, 1930 to the late Sim and Arrie Foshee in Vowells Mill. He was a veteran and a 20-year retiree of the U.S. Army, serving in Korea. He received various honors while in the Army military service. He received the Bronze Star for the Heroic and Meritorious Achievement Award during the Korean War. He also received the Expert Marksman Award. He was also a Purple Heart recipient. He was an avid enthusiast and collector of guns. He most enjoyed taking hikes in the outdoors. He was extremely friendly and always joking in his conversations with people. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 61years, Doris Schepps Foshee of Vowells Mill and son Joel Levine of Princeton, W.V. ; one brother, Rev. Floyd Foshee and wife Nora Lois of LaPorte, Texas; one sister, Evelyn Rigsby of Converse; and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Sim and Arrie Foshee; three brothers, Lloyd Foshee, Earl Foshee and Nuell Foshee and his wife Ruby Foshee; two sisters, Ollie Foshee and Lily Foshee. Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Charles Honeycutt, Bruce Rigsby, Greg Howell, Gary Howell, Gerry Taylor, and Richard Penrod. Floyd Foshee, Douglas Foshee, and Josh Taylor will serve as an honorary pallbearer.

Born: June 22, 1944 Died: May 18, 2016 Homegoing Celebration Services will be held at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 318 North Street, Saturday, May 21at 4 p. m. with burial following in the Jackson Square Cemetery. The body will lie in state for public visitation at the funeral home Saturday from 2 p.m. to service time. 

A visitation for Tad Lindsey Prudhomme was at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home Friday, May 20, from 5-9 p.m. Tad Prudhomme, 58, passed away May 17, 2016. He was born Aug. 8, 1957 in Natchitoches. He was a loving father. Tad always wanted to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and felt the need to take care of those around him. He was well known in the Natchitoches community and loved spending his time outdoors fishing or hunting. He had a great love for his family and friends, and will be dearly missed by all. He is survived by his son, Seth Prudhomme and his wife Melanie; his daughter, Lindsey Reese and her husband Nick; four grandchildren, Gregory, Brayden, Ian and Kinsley; his parents, Charles Sidney Prudhomme Jr. and his wife Cecilia; his brothers, Charles Prudhomme, III, Richard Prudhomme, and Jim Prudhomme; and two sisters, Nicki Lilly and husband James and Lenora Strevy. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Crawford Prudhomme; and an infant child. 

Thomas Bradford Flynn, 36, passed away this weekend at his home in Natchitoches. A simple service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22. Family will receive guests immediately after. Arrangements are being handled by Blanchard-St. Denis. Raised in Union City, Tenn., he moved to Natchitoches in 1999 to be near his parents, The Rev. Richard and Mrs. Janet P Flynn. He graduated from Union City High School in 1998 and was a member of the Golden Tornado Marching Band. He and his family were proud that he attained the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from NSU and worked for many years as a cook and kitchen manager at Mama’s Oyster House and later the Pioneer Pub. He was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his mother, Janet Flynn, his sisters and brothers-inlaw, Kelly Flynn (Owen) Hines of Gulfport, Miss., and Jennifer Flynn (Chris) Galey of Martin, Tenn., and two nephews and a niece, Aidan and Tucker Hines and Addison Galey. He is also survived by his aunt, D’Ann Potts of Metairie, his uncle, Thomas B. Flynn, MD (Linda) of St. Francisville and his cousins, Sean Flynn, Heidi Flynn Barnett (Arden), and Rhys Flynn (Stephanie). He was affectionately known as “Brad” and “Bud.” He was a kind, gentle soul who loved his family and his friends. To know Brad Flynn was to love him, and now, to mourn him. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to any animal rescue, a charity close to Brad’s heart, any DARE chapter, or to The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (bbrfoundation.org), or any charity serving those suffering addiction or mental illness. 

Graveside funeral services for Mrs. D. Marce` Barber Larche, 85, formerly of Bastrop, were at 2 p.m. Monday, May 16 at Christ Church Cemetery with Bro. Clyde Miley officiating. Visitation was from noon until 2 p.m. Monday at Golden Funeral Home. Mrs. Larche, a member of Red River Cowboy Church in Coushatta, and a loving wife and mother, passed away May 13, 2016 in Natchitoches. She was a native of Bastrop, a retired U.S. Air Force Chaplain’s wife, an artist extraordinaire and a die-hard Redskins fan. She also loved traveling the world, shopping, swimming and animals. Mrs. Larche is survived by her three daughters, Suzette Nielsen and son-in-law Michael Nielsen, Shannon Larche and Deidra Larche; sister, Betty Barber Justice; grandchildren, Erin Nielsen, Kristan Nielsen, Colin Brunson, Luke Brunson, Marce` Chastain and four great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Lucien E. Larche Jr. and parents, Oper Ray Barber and Erla Mae Burks Barber. Serving as pallbearers were Max Waters, Grant Waters, Larche Waters, Dennis Baker, Jim Ogden, Colin Brunson and Luke Brunson. 

Jane Turpin Mott, a longtime resident of Oak Ridge and Monroe, died Wednesday, May 11 in Glen Rock, New Jersey due to complications related to Alzheimer’s. Born Dec.11, 1937, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, Jane was the daughter of Geraldine and Harry “Rags” Turpin. Jane attended LSU where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Jane married Woodard King Mott, of Oak Ridge, in 1959, and they were married for 42 years. They resided in Oak Ridge for 32 years where they farmed cotton and rice, and together they had four children. Jane had a upholstery business and later worked with CenturyLink until her retirement. She loved watching LSU football, gardening, making quilts, and being with her friends, family and pets. She also enjoyed being a parishioner and volunteering with St. Albans Episcopal Church where she was a member of The Order of the Daughters of the Holy Cross. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Harryette and Gene Richardson, and her four children and their families, Karen Mott and Shari Kearney, King Mott and James Collins, Janie and Robert Holland, and Turpin and Michelle Mott. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren. Jane will be remembered as a loving, kind person who was dedicated to helping others. Visitation with family will be on Monday, July 11, from 6-7:30 p.m. followed by a memorial service on Tuesday, July 12, from 10-11 a.m. at St. Alban’s Church, 2816 Deborah Dr., Monroe, LA 71201.

A service to honor the life of Mr. Bobby Ray Yelverton was at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, .at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with Bro. T.J. Boyd officiating. Interment followed at Pine Island Cemetery near Simpson. The family received friends from 5-9 p.m.Tuesday, at the funeral home. Bobby Ray Yelverton, 71 and a resident of Campti, passed away Sunday, May 22, 2016. He was born June 9, 1944 to Essie Mae (Campbell) Yelverton and Clyde Holly Yelverton Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Betty Sue Wall. Bobby spent his life riding horses and herding cattle. He competed in many rodeos and his favorite event was riding bulls. He quickly became a pro. He got a few broken bones along the way but he always got back up and rode again. He believed in the saying “There ain’t a bull that can’t be rode, and there ain’t a cowboy that can’t be throwed‚“ always learning from his experiences in life. He is survived by his children, Russell Yelverton and his wife Kelly, Tamara Lynn Yelverton Jones and her husband Danny, and Alisa Yelverton; his brothers, Clyde Yelverton Jr. and Leonard Yelverton; and a daughter-in-law, Susan DuBois. He was blessed with four grandchildren, Clay Yelverton and his wife Elizabeth, Courtney Yelverton, Callie DuBois, and Cole Yelverton and a step grandson, Aidan Weeks.  Those honored to serve as pallbearers include: Donald Smith, Rayburn Smith, Adam Sarpy, Jeff Waites, Blake DeBlieux and Ricky Thompson. Honorary pallbearer will be Hunter Thompson.

Funeral service for U.S. Bullock, Jr. were held at 11 am Monday, May 23, 2016 at the Ajax Community Church with Bro. Butch Rogers officiating.  Interment followed at Ajax Cemetery with military honors.

Mrs. Barbara Ann “Mott” Welch, 71 of Montgomery passed away on May 21, 2016 at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. She was born on Sept.17, 1944 in Natchitoches to the late Hargrove and Bernis Gongre. Barbara worked for many years as a caregiver to others. She loved being with her family and enjoyed putting puzzles together with anyone willing to help her. She enjoyed spending time in her flower garden as well as bream fishing when she was able. Crafting was something she loved to do and she was so great at it. She will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and everyone who loved her. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Welch. Survivors include her four Children: Clay Welch (Sondra Hale) of St. Maurice, Curtis Welch of Montgomery, Connie Welch Pharris and her late husband, Mark “Shakey” Pharris of Madisonville, KY, and Kevin “Boss” Welch (Sheryl) of Natchitoches. Grandchildren: Taylor Welch of Pineville, Jessica (Justin) Johnson of Verda, Lance Welch of Montgomery, Daniel Welch of Montgomery, Natasha (Gary) Ashley of Dodson, Brittany Plunkett of Montgomery, , Jamie Plunkett of Montgomery, James Plunkett of Montgomery, Kaitlyn Pharris of Madisonville, KY, Brandon Pharris of Madisonville, KY, Kristen (Tony) Procell of Natchitoches, Brittany (Aaron) Procell of  Natchitoches, and Colten Alexander of Natchitoches; great-grandchildren: Jaylee Johnson, Jolee Johnson, Jaxton Welch, Camryn Ashley, Kylie Carter, Khloe Cox, Kenadee Cox, Ashton Washington, Eli Washington, Emory Washington, Ryan Procell, Bayla Procell, A.J. Procell, Hayven Procell and MaLeah Alexander; sisters: Brenda (Kenneth) Curlee of Haughton and Bonnie Powell (Mark Rey) of Haughton. Funeral services were at Northside Baptist Church in Montgomery, on May 23, with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. and services at 2 p.m. with Rev. Chad James officiating. Burial followed at the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Wheeling, under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. Pallbearers will be, James Plunkett, Lance Welch, Daniel Welch, Colten Alexander, Gary Ashley, Justin Johnson and Cruz Welch.

Virginia Fern Glasgow Perot, 86, of Natchitoches, Louisiana passed away on May 23, 2016. The funeral service to honor her life will be held, Thursday, May 26, at 11 a.m. at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday until the time of the service. Brother Charlie Bailey and Brother Thomas Rush will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, immediately following the service. Fern was born in Endicott, N.Y., on Oct. 10, 1929 where she lived her life until she met the love of her life, husband Clint Perot Senior. Fern and Clint were married on Sept. 9, 1951. They were married for 23 years until his untimely death in 1974. Fern is survived by three sons Felix Clinton Perot Jr. and wife DeeDee of Natchitoches, Edward Joseph Perot (Petey) and wife Kate of Ruston, William Andrew Perot (Pandy) and wife Angie of Natchitoches; son-in-law John William Donaho Sr. and wife Beverly of Natchitoches. Fern is survived by nine grandchildren. Those that were honored to call her “Granny” include John Donaho Jr., Jessica Donaho, Clint Perot III (Scooter) and wife Sarah, Brant Perot, Christyn Perot Matt and husband Jacques, Joey Perot and wife Jenny, Josh Perot and wife Hailey, Meghan Perot Bailey and husband Charlie, and Hannah Perot Wenninger and husband Ben; 20 great-grand-children; brothers, Richard Glasgow of New York and James Glasgow of Georgia are her surviving siblings. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Raymond Perot of Lafayette, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. Fern served Natchitoches Parish as a member of the early Head Start Program and also served the citizens of the parish for 20 1/2 years as Deputy Tax Assessor and 2 1/2 years as the Natchitoches Parish Tax Assessor. Fern had a servant’s heart. She enjoyed drinking coffee and visiting with her friends. The last years of her life were devoted to visiting friends in the local nursing homes, hospital and the Council on Aging. She also enjoyed rolling silverware and entertaining her friends at Lasyone’s as a volunteer. Fern was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her hobbies included reading, working crossword puzzles and bowling when she was not following her children and grandchildren on the sports fields. Fern is preceded in death by her husband, Felix Clinton Perot Sr., her parents Edward Glasgow and Nellie Perrine Glasgow of New York; one brother, Edward John (Buddy) Glasgow and her beloved daughter Cheryl Perot Donaho. Serving as pallbearers are her grandsons John Donaho Junior, Clint Perot III, Brant Perot, Joey Perot, Josh Perot, Jacques Matt and Ben Wenninger. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the Cheryl Perot Donaho scholarship fund at Northwestern State University, St. Judes Children’s Hospital, or the charity of your choice. The family of Virginia Fern Perot would like to thank Drs. Chris Ingram and Kathleen Kautz for their kindness and care.

Sherrod Ross Towns II, 64, passed away May 20, 2016, after his battle with cancer. He was born June 9, 1951, in New Orleans. He is survived by his former wife Jo Marie Bananno Towns of Powhatan, seven nieces, one nephew, one sister Victoria Wright and special friend, Vicki. He is preceded in death by  his father, Henry Sherrod Towns, his mother Joyce Lyon Towns of Natchitoches; his grandparents Dr. Sherrod Ross Towns, M.D. and Velma Martin Towns, of Union  Church, Miss.; his niece Amanda Bananno, nephew Dane Bananno, and great nephew, Michael Patrick Bananno. Sherrod graduated in 1969 from Natchitoches High where he was a member of the band playing the trumpet. He also enjoyed playing his guitar. But most of all he loved to fish. He spent the last few years of his life counseling those fighting additions. Sherrod was a good and loving friend and will be truly missed. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept my faith.” Rest in peace, my love.

Born: November 03, 1959

Died: May 22, 2016

Life Celebration Services will be held at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church of Clarence, LA Saturday, May 28, 2016, 11:00 a. m. with burial following in the church’s cemetery. The remains will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 9 a. m. to service time.

Funeral services to honor the life of Wilda Ruth Thompson Shirley will be held Saturday, May 28 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Natchitoches. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be held Friday, from 5-9 p.m. at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home and at Calvary Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until time of service on Saturday. The service will be officiated by her nephew, James Shirley. Wilda passed away on May 26, 2016 in Natchitoches at the age of 86. She was born Feb. 1, 1930 in Ferriday, to her parents, William and Donna Thompson. She married Edgar D. “Buck” Shirley in 1951. Wilda was a graduate of Ferriday High School and attended Northwestern State College. She was a homemaker and enjoyed reading, puzzles, flowers, and most of all her family. She was a member of Eastern Star and of Calvary Baptist Church. Wilda was a loving mother and grand-mother and is survived by seven children: Donna Perot and husband Bryan, Michael Shirley and wife Tina, Keith Shirley and wife Jodi, all of Natchitoches, Ruth Laferriere and husband James of Ridgeland, S.C., Edward Shirley and wife Vicki of Dry Creek, Barbara McGrath and husband Joe of Georgetown, Texas, and Brian Shirley of Bluffton, S.C.; 12 grandchildren and 12 greatgrandchildren. Wilda was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years Edgar David Shirley, parents William and Donna Thompson, and sister Helen Claire Spencer. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are grandsons Kyle Shirley, Andrew Shirley, Jon Shirley, Seth Shirley, Terry Shirley, and Brayden Barbo. Honorary pallbearers are Ronald Shirley and David Shirley. The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Natchitoches Community Care Center for their kindness and care.