Funeral services for Bernice McLaren were at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home with Jack Husung officiating. Interment followed at Weaver Cemetery in Flora. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 11 at the funeral home. Bernice McLaren, 92, passed away Aug. 5, 2016 in Springville, Ala. She was born Jan. 3, 1924 to the late John and Bessie Spurlin in Kent County, Texas. She is survived by her sons, Earnest McLaren and wife Brenda and Chriss McLaren and wife Tammy; grandchildren, David and Dawn McLaren, Daniel and Charis McLaren, Brett and Amanda McLaren, Wendy and Jason Muenzer, Jason and Jessica McLaren, Sonny Jackson, Michael and LaTonya Jackson; fourteen great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, Spence McLaren and a daughter, Judy Jackson. Those honored to serve as pallbearers were David, Daniel, Brett, and Jason McLaren, and Wendy and Jason Muenzer. Honorary pallbearers were Sonny and Michael Jackson.

Funeral services for Jimmy D. Long, Sr., widely recognized as one of the most prominent and respected political and state government figures in Louisiana history, are scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches. The Rev. Dr. Calvin Phelps, Sen. Gerald Long and the Rev. Tommy Rush will officiate, and there will be private family graveside services at American Cemetery in Natchitoches following the funeral. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday at the church. Long, who died Tuesday in a two-vehicle accident near his home on University Parkway in Natchitoches, was born Oct. 6, 1931, in the Tannehill community in Winn Parish. He is the brother of current Louisiana Senate President Pro Tem Gerald Long of Natchitoches. A member of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors since 2001, Long served eight consecutive terms in the House of Representatives from 1968 to 2000. Colleagues in the House and Senate adopted a resolution during his last term honoring Long as “Dean of the Legislature.” He served as chairman of the House Education Committee for 16 years and also held membership on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and Joint Legislative Budget Committee. He was a longtime member of the 16-state Southern Regional Education Board and was recognized across the region as an authority on education-related legislation. Long, who attended Northwestern State University, helped obtain millions of dollars over the years for construction and renovation projects at the school and for highways, bridges and other major improvements in his legislative district. He introduced legislation to establish the prestigious Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern and was also the author of a bill to create the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts, a residential high school in Natchitoches for gifted and talented students. Recognized by the Shreveport Times as one of the “100 Most Influential People of the Century” in Northwest Louisiana, Long was also presented the Lifetime Service Award in Education from the State Board of Regents for Higher Education. Inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame, Long also received the Public Service Award from the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation and the Friends of Education Award from the Louisiana Association of Educators. He was honored as a Louisiana Legend by the Friends of Louisiana Public Broadcasting along with such dignitaries as Terry Bradshaw, Jimmie Davis, John McKeithen, Eddie Robinson, Dave Treen, Archie Manning, Al Hirt and Pete Fountain. Long received numerous other honors over the years, including induction into the Northwestern State Long Purple Line Hall of Distinction, Natchitoches Parish Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and Natchitoches Jaycees Young Man of the Year. A seven-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Long was a business owner and cattleman in Natchitoches for more than a half-century. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church and held membership in numerous civic and professional organizations. Long is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Griffin Long, son Jimmy D. Long, Jr., and his wife Dr. Mary Ingram Long, granddaughters Elizabeth, Mary Grace and Anne Michelle Long, brothers Sen. Gerald Long and his wife Rose of Natchitoches, Bill Long of Shreveport and Carroll Long and his wife Susan of Natchitoches. Pallbearers will be Sheriff Victor Jones, Dr. Jim Henderson, Jerry Pierce, Joe Salter, Mike Smith, Russell Long Mosely, Joe Pierson and Johnny Koch. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System and current and former legislators who served with former Rep. Long during his 32-year tenure in the House. The family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a scholarship fund at Northwestern State University in honor of Jimmy and Dot Long.

A service to celebrate Elliott W. “Dub” Robertson Sr.’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches, with Rev. Thomas Rush officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Aug. 20 at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches. Elliott Robertson Sr., 90, passed away Aug. 14, 2016 in Natchitoches. He was born March 13, 1926 in Ball. Dub was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and a truly obedient servant that was totally devoted to his family and God. He enjoyed being with family, reading and keeping up with financial news. Although quiet in nature, Dub rallied in a crisis and provided others with ethical and Christian counsel in times of need. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, rooted in a strong foundation of Christian love. He was an example to those in his path. He served his country in WWII, fighting at The Battle of the Bulge and earning the Purple Heart, Good Conduct, ATO, EAMETO and WWII Victory medals. He started his insurance career in Lake Charles in 1951 and moved to Natchitoches in 1954 to work with Thomas Insurance Agency. In 1966, he started his own agency and retired after a successful career in 1981. He was a recipient of the Fidelity Award and was a member of Phoenix Lodge #38, F. & A. Masons 2012. He served as Treasurer, volunteered in the library and was an ordained Deacon at First Baptist Church in Natchitoches. He was a past member of the Board of Directors of Progressive Federal Savings Bank, as well as a past member of the Lions Club. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Tullos Robertson; three children, Elliott W. Robertson Jr. (Bill) and wife Ann Barnett of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., Danny Tullos Robertson and wife Ruth Haymon Robertson of Natchitoches, and Donna Robertson Worley and husband John A. Worley (Jay) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.; his grandchildren, Robert Mischel, Amie Mischel, Bethany Robertson Rush and Craig, Danny T. Robertson, Jr. and Shannon, Joe Payton Harris Jr. and Tracey, Robert Jedidiah Harris and Amaris, Jordan Kyle Harris, Anna Catherine Robertson, Morgan Faith Worley and Jared West Worley; and his great grandchildren, Christopher, Conner, Tyler, Kyle, Parker, Tyce, Elliott, Evelyn, Everett, Lyla, Heidi, Cady, Keri, Avery and Lily. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilson Alexander Robertson and Vada Mae Brown Robertson; and one grandson, Scotty Mischel. Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Dan Robertson, Payton Harris, Jed Harris, Jordan Harris, Jared Worley and Craig Rush. Memorials may be expressed through flowers or the Wounded Warrior Association or to any other related Veteran charities. 

Celebration of life and going home service for Peggy Morse Collins, 78, were held Wednesday, Aug. 17 at Fairview Baptist Church in Fairview at 11 a.m., with Bro. Matt Endris officiating. Interment followed at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery in Fairview. Visitation was held Tuesday, Aug 16 at Kilpatrick Rose- Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Coushatta from 5-9 p.m. Peggy was born March 28, 1938 in Haynesville to David Aden and Thelma Louise Morse and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, whom she greatly loved, on Aug. 15, 2016, in Natchitoches. She was a loyal trustworthy, supportive, caring, dedicated and loving wife for 32 years to her best friend, George K. Collins Jr., who survives her. She enjoyed attending the sporting events of her grandson, David Parks. She loved socializing with good friends, playing pokeno, attending Sunday School and serving children in Awana. Peggy had a wonderful laugh and sense of humor that would light up a room. She had a generous, kind and forgiving spirit and was always thoughtful of other’s needs. She will be missed by everyone. Preceding her in death were her parents. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, George K. Collins Jr., of Goldonna; son, Mike Oldemeyer and wife, Tanya of Bossier City; daughter, Connie Collins Parks and husband, Wayne of Hico; sisters, Patsy Brantly of Springhill and Kathy Giddens of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, David Parks, Christopher Oldemeyer, and J. P. Oldemeyer; and greatgranddaughter, Kylie Cole, who brought her a lot of joy. Serving as pallbearers were David Parks, Micky Dove, Jolley Nash, Jerry McWherter, Jeff Brantly and Ken Brantly. The family extends their thanks to the loving care from personnel at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and Hospice of Natchitoches. 

Celebration of life and going home service for Mary Maxine Quick, 86, was held Monday, Aug. 15 at the Foster Arbor Church in Castor at 1 p.m., with Rev. Greg Patten, Rev. Huey White and Rev. James Nailes officiating. Interment followed at Old Ramah Cemetery in Ashland. Visitation was held at the church beginning on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. until service time. Services are under the direction of Kilpatrick Rose- Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta. Mrs. Quick was born Feb. 12, 1930, in Reidhiemer to Alton and Retha Tilley and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Aug. 12, 2016, in Coushatta. Preceding her in death were husband, Howard Henry Quick; son-in-law, B. R. Loftin; sisters, Hazel Waldon, Tency Stewart, Louise Glen and Paulette Gardner; brothers, Stanley Ray Tilley, Levet Tilley and Sammy Tilley. Left to cherish her memory are sons, Gary Quick and wife, Carolyn of Ashland and David Quick and wife, Kim of Ashland; daughters, Kathy Cloud and husband, Tommy of Castor, Donna Loftin of Coushatta, Shelia Bates and husband, Keith of Castor and Tonyia Johnson of Ashland; daughter-in-law, Karen Quick; sister, Gayle Avenell of Conroe, Texas; brother, Roger Tilley of Castor; eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Hunter Wilson, Eric Campbell, Heith Bates, Brian Taylor, Brandon Quick, Curtis Myers, J. T. Thompson and Kyle Roderick. Honorary pallbearers were Michael Roderick, Jan Waguespak, Michael McLendon, Keith Bates, Tommy Cloud, Johnathan Waguespak, Wacy Johnson, Landrie Myers, Drew Roderick, Hunter Thompson, David Quick Jr., Thad Bates, Colin Bates and Jordan Waguespak. 

Mrs. Betty Raymo passed away in Longview, Texas Aug. 15, 2016 while a resident of a convalescent center in that city. Her son, Mr. Willie Earl Carpenter, has scheduled her funeral service for Saturday, Aug. 20 at 11 a.m., at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches, with burial following in the Lawrence Serenity Sanctum. The Rev. Jerald Gant Sr. will officiate the services.  

Funeral services for Mr. Morris Reid Sr. will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20 at First Baptist Church Amulet, where the pastor is Rev. Michael D. Callahan. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, also at First Baptist Church Amulet. Bro. Reid, born April 16, 1930, was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 at 12:30 p.m. at Rapides Regional Medical Center  

Graveside services celebrating the life of Charles M. Basco I will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20 at Gorum Cemetery under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria with Pastor Ryan Jones officiating. The family requests that visitation be observed at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Gorum, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 at 5 p.m. for fellowship, food and music until time of service Saturday. Pallbearers will be his sons and grandsons. Mr. Basco, 74, of Gorum, passed from this life on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 at Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Mr. Basco was a world-class musician playing the piano, guitar, fiddle and several other instruments. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was a veteran of the Post Korean War, Vietnam War and Cuban Conflict. Being a sniper, he was a lover of weapons and was a lifetime member of the NRA. He was a jack-of-all-trades and “Master of the art of the deal.” Charles loves Jesus and is at eternal peace with those he loves. He loves his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. “Uncle Charles” was a father to many nieces, nephews and will live in their hearts forever. His son, Steven Wilder Basco; parents, Leo Carson and Mae Belle Nichols Basco; granddaughter, Kelsey Nicole Brooks-Basco; one brother and six sisters preceded him in death. Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Brian Basco, Marlin Basco, Eric Basco and wife, Tamara, Ami’ee Walsworth and husband, Barry, Charles Basco II, Me’Chelle Allen and husband, Glenn, William Basco and wife, Robyn and Nathaniel Basco and wife, Tiffany; 17 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends. The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses at Rapides Regional Medical Center and the VA Hospital. Any memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kan. 66675. To extend online condolences to the Basco family, visit www.hixsonbrothers.com. 

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Diana Zacarias will be held on Thursday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. at The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, with Rev. Blake Deshautelle serving as celebrant. Interment will follow at American Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24 in the funeral home chapel. Diana was born on Oct. 22, 1993 to Alejandro and Rosa Zacarias and left our presence on April 4, 2016. Her devotion in her faith helps us know that she is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven. She is survived by her parents, Alejandro and Rosa Zacarias; sister, Cosette Zacarias; brothers, Diego and Oliver Zacarias; paternal grandparents Delfine and Eloisa Zacarias; maternal grandparents, Abraham and Maria Garcia; and her beloved pet cat, Puppet. Those honored to be pallbearers are Diego Zacarias, Oliver Zacarias, Aram Vartenian, John Whittington, Mr. Ali Ahmad and Ismael Castillo. The family requests for anyone attending the service to wear a white blouse, top, or shirt as a special remembrance for Diana. “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God,” Matthew 5:8 “With you, Oh Lord, is the fountain of life and in your light we see light,” Psalms 36:10 “Don’t worry about anything; but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving; make your request known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:6 

Funeral service for Dustin Andrew Edwards will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 22 at the Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. Interment will follow at Gorum Cemetery in Gorum. The family will receive friends from 5-9 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. Dustin Edwards, 23 years of age, passed away Aug. 12, 2016. Dustin was born Jan. 4, 1993 in Alexandria. He was a good ‘ol boy, raised up in the Gorum area; Dustin was full of life, laughter and loved to have fun. He couldn’t stand to see someone hurting or sad and always did what he could to make them smile. His love in life was his little girl who he cherished with all of his heart. He was a tough guy on the outside, but was just a teddy bear once you got to know him. He loved to hog hunt and bowfish and never passed a chance to do either. Dustin was a hard worker and was employed by Stephenson Environmental as a supervisor. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends. He is survived by his parents, Shirley M. Edwards and Jimmy Edwards of Gorum; his birth mother, Patricia Darlene Edwards of Gorum; his daughter, Avery Grace Edwards of Natchitoches; his sisters, Denise DeRamus and husband Eddie of Shreveport, Courtney Nicole Rachal of Provencal, Chasity Taylor Rachal of Alexandria, and Angela Alexis Morris of Dodson; his brothers, Chris Edwards and wife Sherry of Gorum, Corey Alexander Rachal of Cloutierville and Adam Dalme of Campti; several special nieces and nephews, Kearston and Zackary Edwards, Hailey and DeVine DeRamus and Daniel and Nevaeh Rister; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Theresa Angela Edwards; his maternal grandparents, Eunice and Jerry Boles; and his paternal grandparents, Coatie and Eloise Edwards. Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be Corey Rachal, DeVine DeRamus, Charles Boles, Cody Collier, Zack Ingram and Curtis Brossett. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Forestier, Adam Dalme, Eddie DeRamus and Chris Edwards 

On Aug. 16, 2016, Audie Eugenia Fife Weeks Smith, age 89, died at Grace Home, a Hospice facility in Shreveport. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug 19 at the Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches. The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18 at the Blanchard St. Denis. Her pastor, Dr. John Foster will officiate. Interment will follow at Old Robeline Cemetery. Audie was born on March 20, 1927 to her parents T. I. and Katye P. Fife in Ringgold. The family moved to Saline soon after her birth and lived there until they moved to Robeline when she was nineyears- old. This was her home for the rest of her life. She finished High School in Robeline at an early age as valedictorian of her class. After graduating from Spencer Business College in Baton Rouge, with honors in 1944, she attended some classes at Northwestern State University. She worked in offices while going to school and after. She was employed by the Exchange Bank in Natchitoches on March 15, 1945 and retired from there as Vice President on March 15, 1985. She was active in the Robeline United Methodist Church until it was discontinued and is now a member of Provencal United Methodist Church, as well as the Los Adais Foundation of Robeline and the Heritage Foundation. In past years, she was active in civic and church organizations and also the National Association of Bank Women. Audie was preceded in death by her parents, Katye P. and T.I. Fife, her first husband, Elbert Cletis Weeks; her second husband Alexander J. Smith; 3 brothers, Lenard, Frank and Archie Fife; 3 sisters, Ethel Fife Rogers, Irene Fife Moores and Norma “Red Top” Fife Adams; grandson, Torrie Ian Weeks and granddaughter Sunny Denise Weeks Wade. Audie is survived by her son, Elbert Cletis (Sonny) Weeks Jr. (Eloise), a daughter, Daphana Smith McAllen; four grandchildren, Michael L Weeks (Patty), Nona Marie Weeks, Lorie McAllen Green (Brian) and Bobby McAllen (Kasey); nieces, Corkey Weeks Bruce and Helen Weeks Tassin and Godchild and niece, Frances Adams Watkins Marynik. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren, her caregiver and good friend Hattie Freeman and her best friend since second grade Mary Doolittle Jones, as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews. Audie enjoyed the outdoors, including camping, fishing, hunting and gardening as well as her beloved dogs. Those honoring her as pallbearers were Michael Weeks, Bobby McAllen, John O’Banion, Mace Morris, James Berry and Chris Birdwell. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Roy Cook, Dr. Ira Campbell and Frank Welch. Audie was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great -grandmother and aunt. She will be greatly missed.  

Anthony James “Olga” Nicholas, 57, died on August 16, 2016. Olga was born on October 6, 1958 to Lester and Jerissa Nicholas. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Precilia “Gail” Nicholas of thirty-two years; his four daughters LaShika Robinson; LaTrisha Burgess (Michael), Anthrinae Bonier (Brian), and Preswellia Weaver (Eddie), his son Antonio Prelow; his mother, Jerissa Nicholas; his mother-in-law, Betty Robinson; his five siblings, Keith Charles, Chris, Mike, Mark, and Octavia Nicholas; his brothers and sisters-in-law, twelve grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Olga was a hardworking man who diligently labored at International Paper (previously known as Western Craft and Willamette) for 22 years. When he wasn’t working, Olga enjoyed spending time with his family especially his grandchildren. Olga also enjoyed playing basketball and relaxing in front of the television. Home going services for Olga will be held on Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Ben Johnson Auditorium at 400 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Natchitoches. 

Celebration of life and legacy services of Mr. Brown will be held at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Natchitoches at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. He was born Nov. 21, 1956 and passed away Aug. 16, 2016. Burial with Military Honors for Staff Sgt. Brown will follow in Shady Grove Community Cemetery. The remains will lie in state at the funeral home from High Noon to service time.

Funeral services for Jeanette Steadman Boylston will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 26 at the Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, with Rev. Zach Richardson officiating. Interment will follow at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 25 at the Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home. Jeanette Boylston, 86 years of age, passed away Aug. 22, 2016. She was born Oct. 5, 1929 in Powhatan. Loving, faithful and kind are just a few words that could be used to describe Jeanette, or “Moosie”, as she was known to her family—especially her grandchildren who loved her very much. Her family was her life in every way. She was sassy, funny, and happy all of the time. She loved birds and baseball, but she only liked the baseball teams that had a bird name, like the Blue Jays or the Orioles. Most of all, though, she loved Jesus. She dedicated her life to Him and lived for Him with vigor. She raised her children to do the same. She was a member of Old Bethel Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, as well as anything else that was needed. “Moosie” was a simple lady who was always down to Earth, and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughters, Kathy Richardson and husband David of Natchitoches and Liz Bonnette and husband Tim of Overland Park, Kan.; her grandchildren, Laurie Wilson and husband David of Bossier City; Zach Richardson and wife Stephanie of Friendswood, Texas, and Danielle Gilder and husband Ryan of Olathe, Kan.; and her great grandchildren, Mackenzie Richardson, Deacon Richardson, Katie Wilson, and David Wilson III. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Otis Boylston; her parents, Larry Steadman Sr. and Melvie Keene Steadman; her grandson, Tim Bonnette Jr.; her sister, Velern Mitchell; and two brothers, Larry Steadman Jr. and Gill Steadman. Those honored to serve as pallbearers will be David Wilson Jr., James Strickland, Ryan Gilder, Tim Bonnette, David Richardson and Malcolm Durr.

A service to honor the life of Mr. Carroll Long was at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22 at First Baptist Church of Natchitoches with Rev. Thomas Rush and Rev. Calvin Phelps officiating. A private family committal service followed at Zion Hill Cemetery in Tannehill. The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21 at The Natchitoches Events Center in Natchitoches. Carroll Long, 72 years of age and a resident of Natchitoches, passed away Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 with his family by his side. Carroll was a winner on and off the field and especially in the game of life. Born July 9, 1944 in Winnfield, Carroll joined his twin brother, Gerald who had been waiting 10 minutes for the start of a journey together. His parents, Rubin Ray and Ruby Long were now proud parents of their seventh and eights sons. Prior to the twins, Ruby had given birth to James Wade, Colvin Ray, Jimmy Dale, Tom Henry, Donald Smith and William Jack Long. Carroll was educated in Winn Parish and graduated in 1962 from Winnfield High. He left several records as a talented athlete and was awarded a football scholarship by his beloved Northwestern State College. He was named a team captain of the 1966 National Championship team coached by Jack Clayton. He was later named as a team captain on the All-Century Team of 100. He earned two degrees from NSU. He became a very successful State Farm agent and manager over the next 30 years earning the highest honor State Farm gives to an agent; membership in the Prestigious President’s Club. During his lifetime, he raised thousands of dollars for NSU as well as establishing numerous scholarships. The family asks that contributions be given to the Carroll Long Memorial Scholarship. These contributions will be a permanent part of his lasting legacy. Long was inducted into the Long Purple Line at NSU in 2014. His love for NSU inspired him to give of himself by serving as the Chaplain for the NSU football team the past 9 years. All current and former players and coaches are Honorary Pallbearers for his service. His legacy will be forever remembered for his generosity, compassion and deep love for his fellow man. He especially loved the underdog and would always help people in need. Carroll Long was a loving epistle of good will and integrity for all of us. He mentored many young people and taught by example how to be a productive citizen and how to be a good husband and father. He was a father figure for hundreds of young men who were privileged to know him, but his greatest and proudest achievement was being a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. Carroll is survived by his wife of 24 years, Susan Bevill Long. The Longs have three daughters, Melinda Long of Baton Rouge, Kimberly Long Wilcox and husband Garris and their two daughters, Caroline Ruby and Ann Garris Wilcox of Baton Rouge, and Rebecca Garrett of Austin, Texas; in addition Carroll leaves two brothers, Bill Long of Shreveport and Sen. Gerald Long and wife Rose of Natchitoches. Pallbearers were Gene Long, Scott Long, Mike Smith, Sam Goodwin, Jay Thomas, Austin Young, Jimmy Johns, Mike Welborn and Tommy Chester. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Mark Shelton, Greg Burke, Johnny Broussard, Jimmy Berry, Garris Wilcox, Adrian Howard, Dr. Jim Henderson, Randy Price, Norman Hicks, Jimmy Long Jr. and “Coach Black.” The family wishes to express their appreciation to First Baptist Church of Natchitoches, the PEO of Natchitoches, Northwestern State University and Hospice of Natchitoches, especially to Robert Jackson, Ruby Efferson and Darlene Hardy of hospice, Dr. Manish Dhawan, and Jennifer Thornton, FNP-c. Donations can be made to the following: Carroll Long Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o NSU Foundation, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497.

Funeral services for Eli John Stephens Jr. will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches with Rev. Clyde Miley officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family received friends from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 26 at Blanchard - St. Denis Funeral Home. “E.J.” Stephens Jr., 87 years of age, passed away Aug. 24, 2016. He was born Sept. 23, 1928 in Natchitoches. He was a wonderful man and servant to his community, dedicating around 40 years of his life working at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriffs Office. He enjoyed gardening and watching baseball, as well as walking outdoors. He loved to tease people, especially his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lynelle Reed Stephens of Natchitoches; his sons, Stanley Keith Stephens and wife Cindy of Houston, Texas, John Alan Stephens and wife Donna of Georgetown, Texas, and Craig Duane Stephens and wife Sharon of Natchitoches; his daughter, Cynthia Lynn Moreland and husband Roger of Hot Springs, Ark.; his seven grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Wayne, Matt, Mischa, Sarah and Joseph; six great grandchildren; and one sister, Ruby Allen of Marthaville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli John Stephens Sr. and Clara Cox Stephens; his daughter, Brenda Jones; his son, Terry Glenn Stephens; his grandson, Garrett Jones; three sisters, Pearl Gray, Birtye Gray, Marzette Foster; and two brothers, Wesley Stephens and Elijah Stephens. Those honored to be pallbearers will be Wayne Stephens, Matt Stephens, Bradley Reed, Mike Breedlove, John D. Grayson and Paul Keyser.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Sandra H. Triplet will be Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Asbury United Methodist Church. Viewing will be from 1-3 p.m. until time of service.  

Memorial Service Barbara Eady after immediate cremation will take place at the North Star Baptist Church in Powhatan Tuesday, Aug. 30 at 1 p.m. with Bishop William Roberson officiating.   

Funeral service for Sister Izeller Williams will be Saturday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church-Amulet. Viewing will be for 9 – 11 a.m.  

George Thomas Scott Sluppick of Natchitoches, Louisiana (also known as “Big George”) a Vietnam War veteran, died of lung disease on Aug. 26, 2016. He was 70 years old. Born in Waukegan, Ill., in 1946, the oldest of six children, his parents George Sr. & Florence Sluppick raised him as a farmhand for several years before relocating the family to Memphis, Tenn. Dropping out of high school, he enlisted into the U.S. Army in March of 1964, just a few months before his 18th birthday. His first assignment was in Korea, where he stayed for ten months before being reassigned to Vietmam. In 1965, he served with the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, known as the Gladiators under the command of Gen. Hugh Smith as a Huey helicopter crew chief & gunner and later as a truck master on convoys. He survived the Tet Offensive of 1968 but was unfortunately exposed to Agent Orange, which later led to his lung disease. Post war, he married twice, fathered four children and was the credit manager for Merck, Sharp and Dhome pharmaceutical company in Memphis. For more than 20 years, he worked tirelessly, maintaining a busy schedule moonlighting at several jobs, raising his kids and attending night school at Shelby State Community College, where he received his associate’s degree and was elected into the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. In addition to fronting his own band, the Tennessee Blues Connection, as bassist and singer, George was also an active member of the Memphis Blues Society. As production and stage manager for the Blues Amateur Talent Contest in the 1980’s, he helped usher-in hundreds of blues artists from all over the world. In 1990, he met Judy Jones who lived in Natchitoches and they were married on Oct. 6. Relocating from Memphis, Big George very quickly immersed himself into the community there, devoting himself to his church and to the people. He and Judy were owners of For Heaven’s Sake Christian bookstore for several years until he got into radio, a life-long dream of his. As news reporter on KNOC and the host of Talk Back Natchitoches for more than ten years, he helped in the establishment of the Radio M*A*S*H* (Make A Smile Happen) Radio-thon, a fundraiser for needy children during Christmas. He was also a very active member of The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, one of the world’s largest and most impactful fundraisers to help end Cancer.  George is survived by his wife, Judy Sluppick; his brothers, Saro and Michael Sluppick; his sister, Juanita Zientara; his children, George Sluppick, Dawne Woods, Audra May, Darrell Jones and Laura Bishop; and his grandchildren, Hannah Grace, Chelsea Rose Joy, Jessica Roach and Zachary Bishop; and his great grandchildren, Olivia Rose Joy and Keegan Woods. Big George was loved and adored by everyone who knew him and he will surely be missed. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at Freedom Life Church in Natchitoches. Interment was at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family received friends for visitation on Monday, Aug. 29 from 5-8 p.m. at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches.