Donald (Don) Roy Durr, 73, of Marthaville, went home to be with his Lord on Sept. 9, 2016. The memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 at Beulah Methodist Church in Marthaville. Don was born on Jan. 12, 1943 in Natchitoches. He is preceded in death by his father; W.C. (Pud) Durr; mother Florence Youngblood; and brother; Neal Durr. He is survived by his children; Tracy Durr and wife Donna of Livingston, Texas, Natalie Elfstrom and husband John of La Porte, Texas, Roy Durr of Leesville, Melinda Sansonetti and husband Phillip of Phoenix, Ariz., Scott Durr of Phoenix, Ariz., Kimberly Mize and husband Robbie of Jackson, Mo., Donald Durr of Phoenix Ariz., and Adam Durr of Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters, Vicky Petty and Lynda Roberts; 12 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. He was a butcher by trade but was really a “Jack of All Trades.” He served honorable in the United States Army. He was known for his witty sense of humor and had a heart of gold. He was an avid reader of the Thrifty Nickel. Hobbies included coin collecting and fishing. He was a “collector” of unique treasures and was always tinkering on old cars. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Estelle Harrington Pittman will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers in Pineville, officiated by Rev Jim Thomasee. The family requests visitation to be held from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. A private family graveside service will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Flora. Estelle, 84, formerly of Pineville, was born Aug. 31, 1932. She passed away peacefully in her home in Nashville, Tenn., due to complications of heart failure on Sept. 9, 2016. Estelle grew up in Natchitoches Parish and graduated from Marthaville High School in 1950. After graduation, she soon moved to Pineville, began her nursing career, married her beloved husband, Guy Pittman Jr., and started her family. During the mid-sixties, she taught kindergarten and attended Louisiana College. Estelle worked in the mental health field at Central State Hospital, retiring in 1984. She then went on to start treatment programs and mental health home care agencies. She officially retired from Huey P. Long Mental Health Unit in 2010 to care for an ill family member. Estelle was also very active in local and state politics. She was a member of AFSME and a very passionate and active lobbyist for the betterment of mental health care. She was a wonderful cook that many will remember from the benefits and church suppers she participated in. Estelle had an uncanny memory for names, dates and times. She never met a stranger and was devoted to her family. She was a member of Pineville Park Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church. Estelle Pittman is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Ruby Polk Harrington; husband of 50 years, Guy Pittman Jr.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Guy Pittman Sr. and Ludie Erwin Pittman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Fred and Barbara Pittman, L.A. and Lois Evans, Marjorie James, and Orena Harrington; niece, Vicky Francis Harrington; son-in-law Dennis LaCour; and dear friend, Verna Richey Boone. Those left to cherish her memory include sons, Randy Pittman Sr. (Linda) of Wisner, Floyd Pittman (Gloria) of Covington and Susan LaCour of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren Randy Pittman Jr. (Laurie) of Pineville, John Pittman (Janell) of Deville, Steven Pittman (Nicole) of Kolin, Jason Pittman (Melissa) of Covington, Alanna LaCour, Drew LaCour, and Adam LaCour all of Nashville, Tenn., and Lucas LaCour (Ashley) of Dry Prong; brother Jesse (Linda) Harrington of Natchitoches; sister, Dean Maley (Bill) of Natchitoches; brother-in-law Stewart James of Pineville; sisters-in-law, Inez Vercher of Dry Prong and Betty Cox (Jack) of Ruston; 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition, the Boone family, which she thought of as her own, dear friends Ina LaBorde and Elaine Walker, as well as many friends and neighbors. The family wishes to thank Vanderbilt Palliative Care Unit with special thanks to Dr. Sarah Martin and the Amedisys Hospice Group. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 5668, Alexandria, LA 71307.

“And with the stroke of a brush, you left us with the beauty of this place.” These words define the legacy of Grady Murrell Harper, Ph.D., 83, of Natchitoches, who passed away after a long battle with ALS. Graveside services will be held at Alexandria Memorial Gardens, located on Hwy 167 in Woodworth, at 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, 2016 with the Rev. Sarah Ann Berger officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. As a professor, artist, watercolorist, adventurer and collector, he guided and helped shape the knowledge and talents of thousands. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he nurtured and supported his family unconditionally. A native of Pineville, Harper was born Oct. 6, 1932. He attended elementary and high schools throughout central Louisiana and was a 1951 graduate of Bolton High School in Alexandria, where he met, and shortly after graduation married, his high school sweetheart, Sidney Ortego. He actively served in, and received an Honorable Discharge from, the U.S. Navy Reserve in the early 1950s, and in 1955 he received a B.A. degree from Louisiana College in Pineville, where he studied art. While beginning a teaching career at Pineville Junior High and Alexandria Junior High schools from 1955-1959, Harper continued his own education, and in 1957 was awarded a M.Ed. degree with an emphasis in art education from Northwestern State University, in Natchitoches. In 1959, he leapt at the challenge to teach college design and art education at his alma mater, Louisiana College, where he was assistant professor until 1969 and served as chairman of the Art Department from 1964-1969. During this time, he attended University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi for additional graduate school credit, and in 1969, he was awarded a Ph.D. degree in education from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Dr. Harper then went on later that year to complete a second master’s degree, this one in fine arts from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas. Dr. Harper accepted the position of Professor at Northwestern State University, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, in 1969, where he was a tenured member of the Art Department faculty until his retirement in 1990. While at NSU he was chairman of the Art Department for three years, and then served as Director of Northwestern Abroad, the university’s student international travel program. While at NSU, he served on the university’s Graduate Research Council four years. He also was active on various university committees and advisory boards, was a contributor to the plan for the Louisiana School for Math, Science & the Arts, and was proud to take art to the community with adjunct workshops, exhibits, demonstrations, and international study abroad programs open to community residents as well as university students. Dr. Harper authored many publishings, including‚ “Catch That Flowing Mixture of Pigment’s School Arts, (October 1962), which was used by its editor at a conference in Chicago for the National Committee on Art Education; “Don’t Overlook the Talented Child,” Arts and Activities, (1963); “Handicapped Enjoy Toe Painting,” Recreation for the Handicapped (November 1966) which was reprinted in Exceptional Children; “The College Art Department: Responsibility to Special Education,” Louisiana Schools, (March 1966); and “Develop Responsibility through Art” Arts and Activities, (May 1966). He also authored three books, Clean Creative Art Projects for Children; How to Collect Antique Paintings; and By Magic of the Pen and Brush: The Life of Jack Wilcock, a yet unpublished 374-page manuscript of the well-known British watercolorist and art scholar. During his career, Dr. Harper also exhibited in galleries and private collections nationwide and was accepted into numerous juried exhibits and art shows, often receiving awards or acknowledgments for work submitted. These include the Don Andrews Award from Southern Watercolor Society; the Bronze Medal Award presented by Prix du Centenaire Exhibit in Paris, France; a three-week exhibit of an original watercolor, “Doug’s Place” at the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors in Old Forge, New York; and had three lithographs chosen for exhibition in the Madison Gallery in New York. Dr. Harper is listed in the 1975 edition of Outstanding Educator of America and the 1981-82 Edition of the American Artists of Renown. He served on the Editorial Advisory Board for Louisiana Life magazine from 1981-1985, was past president of the Central Louisiana Art Association, and was an active and contributing member of the Writer’s Guild of Acadiana in the 1990s. He was honored to fulfill a request by Louisiana Rep. Jimmy Long in 1983 and donated an original watercolor, “Grand Ecore Bluffs” to the Louisiana House of Representatives. After his retirement, Dr. Harper continued painting local and regional scenes as well as commissioned art pieces as his style, subject matter, and medium matured and developed through the years. A specialist in watercolor and oil paintings, in recent years he adapted a unique technique of painting with coffee. While his oil paintings were a reflection of the essences of nature in lyrical abstract expressions, the watercolor paintings were more a direct representation of the visual element of the native southern environment. Last year, Northwestern State University honored Dr. Harper and his careers, both as an educator and as an artist. In March 2015, he was inducted into Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice Estelle Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Hall of Fame and honored during its annual Gala for his contributions to the arts community and to art education. Last October, the NSU Gallaspy Family College of Education and Human Development named him as one of the inductees in the 2015 Hall of Distinguished Educators. This prestigious honor was established in 2000 for the purpose of honoring graduates of NSU’s teacher education programs who have made significant contributions to the field of education. Over the course of his career, Dr. Harper has had hundreds of students who themselves have made significant contributions in fields of art, design, education, and related areas, and he was always eager to hear about their unique and varied careers. Dr. Harper’s interests outside of art were also unique and varied and included anything from antique clocks to winemaking. He particularly enjoyed the process of writing, and before his illness had become an enthusiast for World War II aviation and pilot history. In researching the life of his older brother who was a specialized pilot killed in that war, he had begun even greater investigation and writing about that subject. Dr. Grady Harper is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sidney Ortego Harper of Natchitoches; one daughter, Becky Harper Monrose and her husband, Blake, of Lafayette; three grandchildren, Brandon and Avery of Natchitoches, and Aaron of Baton Rouge; one brother-in-law, Dr. Robert Ortego, of Los Angeles, Calif.; two nieces, Debbie Wallace Morrison and her husband, Bill, of Pineville and Annette Wallace Cherwa, and her husband Mike, of Virginia Beach, Va. Preceding him in death are his parents, Robert and Ethel Harper; a brother, Robert S. Harper; two sisters, Vera Harper Hargis and Lucille Harper Wallace, and his in-laws, Beatrice and Robert Ortego. A special note of thanks is offered to Dr. Archie Breazeale, Alice and Bill Bryant, and Luanne Davis for their time and attention during his illness and their friendship during his life. A scholarship fund has been established in his name at Northwestern State University for the purpose of continuing Dr. Harper’s legacy of educating deserving students in art and design. Donations may be made to the Northwestern State University Foundation for the Dr. Grady Harper Visual Arts Scholarship, NSU Foundation, Office, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497. 

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016 in Minden for Mr. Horest Heinz Scheller Jr. He was born March 4, 1971 in Fort Riley, Kan. and died Sept. 3, 2016 in Minden. Interment followed in the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery in Campti. He was preceded in death by his parents Horest H. Scheller Sr. and Pennalee Gayheart Hammond and a Jonathon Scheller. Survivors include stepfather Jerry A. Hammond, stepgrandmother Dezilee S. Pepper, a sister Virginia Hammond, all of Creston, one brother, Delmore Hammond of Minden and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Estelle Harrington Pittman will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24 in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers in Pineville, officiated by Rev. Jim Thomasee. The family requests visitation to be held from 1 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home. A private family graveside service will follow at Jackson Cemetery in Flora. Estelle, 84, formerly of Pineville, was born Aug. 31, 1932. She passed away peacefully in her home in Nashville, Tenn. due to complications of heart failure on Sept. 9, 2016. Estelle grew up in Natchitoches Parish and graduated from Marthaville High School in 1950. After graduation, she soon moved to Pineville, began her nursing career, married her beloved husband, Guy Pittman Jr., and started her family. During the mid-sixties, she taught kindergarten and attended Louisiana College. Estelle worked in the mental health field at Central State Hospital, retiring in 1984. She then went on to start treatment programs and mental health home care agencies. She officially retired from Huey P. Long Mental Health Unit in 2010 to care for an ill family member. Estelle was also very active in local and state politics. She was a member of AFSME and a very passionate and active lobbyist for the betterment of mental health care. She was a wonderful cook that many will remember from the benefits and church suppers she participated in. Estelle had an uncanny memory for names, dates and times. She never met a stranger and was devoted to her family. She was a member of Pineville Park Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church. Estelle Pittman is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Ruby Polk Harrington; husband of fifty years, Guy Pittman Jr.; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Guy Pittman Sr. and Ludie Erwin Pittman; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Fred and Barbara Pittman, L.A. and Lois Evans, Marjorie James, and Orena Harrington, niece, Vicky Francis Harrington, son-in-law Dennis LaCour, and dear friend, Verna Richey Boone. Those left to cherish her memory include sons, Randy Pittman Sr. (Linda) of Wisner, Floyd Pittman (Gloria) of Covington, and Susan LaCour of Nashville, Tenn.; grandchildren Randy Pittman Jr. (Laurie) of Pineville, John Pittman (Janell) of Deville, Steven Pittman (Nicole) of Kolin, Jason Pittman (Melissa) of Covington, Alanna LaCour, Drew LaCour, and Adam LaCour all of Nashville, Tenn., and Lucas LaCour (Ashley) of Dry Prong; brother Jesse (Linda) Harrington of Natchitoches, sister, Dean Maley (Bill) of Natchitoches; brother-in-law, Stewart James of Pineville, sisters-in-law, Inez Vercher of Dry Prong and Betty Cox (Jack) of Ruston; 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition, the Boone family which she thought of as her own, dear friends Ina LaBorde and Elaine Walker, as well as many friends and neighbors. The family wishes to thank Vanderbilt Palliative Care Unit with special thanks to Dr. Sarah Martin and the Amedisys Hospice Group. In lieu of Flowers the family request memorials be made to Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 5668, Alexandria, LA 71307.

Betty Lou Wagley Rigsby, 88, a long time resident of Marthaville, went to be with the Lord on Sept. 15, 2016 surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Funeral services for Betty Lou Wagley Rigsby were held Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Beulah Methodist Church in Marthaville, with Dr. John Foster and Sister Charlotte Birdwell officiating. Burial followed in the Beulah Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches and immediately preceded the service from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Beulah Methodist Church. Betty was born on July 3, 1928 in Pleasant Hill to Albert and Ethel Wagley. In 1947, Betty married Luther E. “Dutch” Rigsby and the couple had two children, L.E. “Pee Wee” Rigsby Jr. and Connie Rigsby Birdwell. In 1951, Betty and Dutch moved to Arizona where they lived for six years. They returned to the Marthaville area in 1957, where they remained and lived happily. Betty was a lovely, generous lady who loved her family and friends and cherished long Sunday dinners and visits with them. She enjoyed reading and spending hours bird watching from the wooden swing in her yard. She had a passion for gardening and possessed the ability to grow almost any flower or vegetable. Betty and Dutch took great pride in canning their fruits and vegetables and preparing their delicious jelly, which they would distribute to friends and family in the community. Betty was an active member of the Beulah Methodist Church and worked as a volunteer maintaining the Beulah Cemetery for many years. She also served as a commissioner at her local polling place for elections and served as the commissioner-in-charge of her polling place for many years. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Luther E. “Dutch” Rigsby; her parents Albert and Ethel Wagley; four brothers, James Wagley, Robert “Buster” Wagley, Fred “Jiggs” Wagley, and Frank “Popeye” Wagley; her grandson, Rusty Rigsby; and her great-grandson, Andrew Moran. She is survived by her son, L.E. “Pee Wee” Rigsby’ Jr. and his wife Linda of Natchitoches; and her daughter, Connie Rigsby Birdwell and her husband Mervin of Natchitoches. Betty is also survived by one brother, Charlie Wagley of Duncan, Ariz., and three sisters, Bennie Rhodes of Natchitoches, Sue Gaddis and her husband Lloyd “Toy” of Belmont and Mary “Cookie” Reeve and her husband Jimmy of Marthaville. Betty is also survived by five granddaughters, Rebecca Rigsby Moran and her husband Tony of Natchitoches, Jennifer Birdwell Cheramie and her husband Ethan of Gretna, Nicole Birdwell Watkins and her husband Jeremy of Fort Worth, Texas, Morgan Rigsby Thornton and her husband Brandon of Natchitoches, and Lindsey Rigsby Vertichio of Port Charlotte, Fla. Betty is survived by seven great grandchildren: Tony “T.J.” Moran Jr. and wife Amber of Deville; Jackson, Annabelle and Grayson Cheramie of Gretna; Nicholas and Luke Watkins of Fort Worth, Texas; and Annabeth Thornton of Natchitoches. Betty is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Those honored to be pallbearers are Joseph Rhodes, III, Buddy Gaddis, James Reeve, Ethan Cheramie, Jeremy Watkins, David Rigsby and Bruce Rigsby. The family welcomes flowers or memorial donations made in honor of Betty to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Natchitoches Community Care Center, present and past, and Hospice of Natchitoches for the care, love and support they provided to Betty and her family.

Funeral services for Louise Wooley Rushing, 80, of Ashland, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 at Ashland Baptist Church, with Bro. Dave Moore officiating. Interment followed in Weaver Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 at Ashland Baptist Church. Funeral services were under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home in Coushatta. Mrs. Rushing was born Nov. 14, 1935 in Chestnut and passed away Sept. 16, 2016. Mrs. Rushing enjoyed fishing as a pastime. She was a hard worker who never backed away from tasks that were before her. She spent endless hours driving a tractor working in the hayfield with her dad, side by side. There were hard times, but many memories made. Family was very special, with her grandchildren being the light of her life. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with all of them, especially her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Wilton H. Wooley and grandson, Seth Rushing. Mrs. Rushing is survived by her husband of 62 years, LeRoy Rushing; one son, Randall Rushing and wife, Jere’; one daughter, Diane Warren and husband, Randy; mother, Ola Wooley; one brother, Johnny Wooley and wife, Lillian; two sisters, Maxine Lum and husband, Bobby and Dorothy Guin and husband, James; two grandchildren, Evan Warren and Lecie Rushing, all of Ashland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Bill Griffin, Chad Curole, Troy Wamsley, John Alan Wooley, Gary Rushing, Terry Rushing, Michael Rushing, Danny Weaver and Nathan Cherry. Honorary pallbearers were Evan Warren, Jessie Wooley, Jonah Wooley, Lecie Rushing, Allie Curole and Josie Griffin. The family wishes to express a special thanks to Life Care at Willis-Knighton Pierremont, Stat Home Health Center in Sibley and Specialty Rehabilitation in Coushatta.

Patsy Thomas Gallien, 75 years of age and a resident of Natchitoches and formerly of Vidor, Texas, passed away Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at the Natchitoches Community Care Center. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Ruvian Gallien; her brother, Maxie Thomas and her parents, Allen and Bernice Thomas of Castor. She is survived by one sister, Gale Franklin of Haughton; three children, Ron Gallien and wife Pam of Cloudcroft, N.M., Deanna Hickman and husband Darrell of Natchitoches and Randall Gallien and wife Christy of Vidor, Texas. She was blessed with six grandchildren and one great grandchild. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 20 at Memory Lawn Cemetery, with Gloria Cannaday conducting the service. Burial followed under the direction of the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches. Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Jerry Bailey, Clyde LaCaze, Trey Masson, Jeff Rollo, Dewayne George and Hunter Masson.

Rita Frances Brockbank, 78 years of age and a resident of Natchitoches, passed away Sept. 23, 2016. Originally from California, Rita was born April 22, 1938. She earned a Masters Plus from the University of Arizona in education. She spent her life shaping and teaching young minds in Texas, Louisiana and Arizona, ultimately retiring from each of the three states. A vivacious reader, she continually was a student at heart. Traveling with friends was one of her greatest pleasures; she visited many countries and learned about cultures all around the world. Anyone that knew Rita knew she enjoyed having a good time and was always the life of the party. She was preceded in death by her mother Helen Lawler and father Francis Martin and her daughter, Laura Sullivan Reeves. She is survived by her granddaughter Aimee Stockham (Sam) and grandson Sean John, both of Phoenix, Ariz. and her great grandchildren Andrea Kelly, Sidney Stockham and James Stockham all of Phoenix. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten by those closest to her. A private memorial will be held at the Samuel Guy House at a later date.

Services celebrating the life of Mrs. Esther Nash Lee “Baby Sister” will be held at the Gilgal Baptist Church in Luella (near Clarence) Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. She passed away Sunday, Sept. 25, 2016. The remains will lie in state at the funeral home from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Formation of the procession from the funeral home to the church will take place at 1 p.m. Interment will take place in the church’s cemetery.  

Funeral Services for Elsie Huey will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church at 1116 Amulet Street with interment following in Lawrence Serenity Sanctum. She passed away Monday, Sept. 26, 2016. The remains will lie in state in the church’s sanctuary Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to service time.  

Funeral services for Ocie Davis will be held at the Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home in Natchitoches Saturday, Oct. 1 at 11 a.m., with burial following in the Campti Community Cemetery. He passed away Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. The remains will lie in state at the funeral home from 8 a.m. to service time.

Mary Louise Daughtrey Williams lived a long and blessed life. Her life began Sept. 1, 1925, in Mississippi. Her life’s journey was completed on Sept. 26, 2016 in Shreveport. A native of Hattiesburg for 67 years, Louise was a member of Main Street Baptist Church where she taught in the Preschool Sunday School. In later years, she was a member of Temple Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Joy Sunday School Class and the Joy Club. Prior to moving to Louisiana, Louise lived in West Point, Miss. for three years. She later moved to Louisiana, living in Natchitoches, then Shreveport. Her last few years were spent in Shreveport where she was an active resident of The Glen, living in the Stiles Apartments. She loved the staff and residents there and was always sharing a smile and encouraging word. Louise was a talented cook and loved to plan lunches and parties for her family and friends. She was quick to tell you how to prepare a Southern dish the correct way. She was also an accomplished seamstress and a hard working homemaker taking pride in her home and family. She is survived by her son, Joel A. Williams of West Point, Mississippi and his wife, Sylvia and her daughter, Brenda Williams Webb of Shreveport. Louise had four grandchildren, Tamara Webb Gatewood and her husband, Reggie, of McKinney, Texas; Lauren Webb Simokaitis and her husband, Nick, of Crestwood, Mo., Ginger Harvey and her husband, Mike, of Benton, Kentucky and Forrest Patrick Williams and his wife, Elizabeth of Pass Christian, Mississippi. Her great-grandchildren are Tyler, Ava, Nicholas, Ben, Patrick, Caitlin, Anthony, Walter and Witt. She is also survived by a loving sister, Diane Forbes of Raymond, Mississippi and sister-in-law, Peggy Pittman of Hattiesburg. She is survived by numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Williams; daughter, Joan Williams Gandy; son-in-law, Randall J. Webb; parents, B.L. Daughtrey and Clarice Daughtrey; brother, Herbert Daughtrey; and sister, Betty Keith. There was a visitation to celebrate the life of Louise at Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg on Wednesday, Sep. 28 from 10-11:30 a.m. Burial followed in Roseland Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Mississippi or Louisiana Baptist Children’s Homes.  

Bill Powell, age 85, of Marthaville, Louisiana, passed away on September 25, 2016. He was born to Jesse Shelton Powell and Lelia Potter Powell on March 4, 1931 in Provencal, Louisiana.

Bill was a simple man, with an unshakable character defined by the things he treasured on this Earth. He believed in the Lord, hard work and his family. Life required something special from Bill, and this began with the passing of his father when he was 9 years old. The needs of his mother and younger siblings caused him to leave school to start stacking pulpwood to help make ends meet. He would spend the rest of his life as a logger. On May 19^th, 1951, he married the love of his life, Betty Mae, and she would be at his side for the next 65 years. The first time he saw this pretty, freckled redhead, he said she was “as cute as a speckled pup under a red wagon.” Their courtship included syrup pull parties and going to church in his old pulpwood truck. As they began to build a life and family together, Bill and Betty were blessed with nine children and a grandson, Nolan Jr., they raised as a son. His pride and joy was his family, and he always put their needs before his. You would have difficulty finding a man who has ever done more for his family. He was a business owner, sawmill operator and landowner for over 65 years, and he set an example of solid values and tireless work ethic. Working from daylight to dark to provide for his wife and children caused his business to grow and taught that you can create something from nothing. Training mules and riding in covered wagons was something he loved to do in his free time, and his family and friends who accompanied him have many memories from the two trail rides a year he hosted. Bill was known for his generosity and his giving spirit touched so many people throughout his life. He was as tough as nails when it came to his dealings, but had a heart that would melt for those truly in need. He died in the peace and comfort of his home with his precious Betty Mae still at his side, surrounded by the family he loved so much. The story of Bill Powell is told in the good name and legacy that he leaves on this Earth.

Left to honor his memory is his loving wife of 65 years, Betty Mae Jenkins Powell; daughters, Loretta Greifzu, Lawanna Singletary and husband, Jason, and Laura Strahan and husband, Steven; sons, Marvin Powell, and wife, Teresa, Alton Powell and wife, Susan, Dana Dean Powell and wife, Patsy, Garland Powell and his wife, Anita, and Stacy Powell and wife, Dana; daughter-in-law, Yvonne Rawls Powell; 24 grandchildren, including the grandson they raised, Nolan Powell Jr. and his companion, Shawn Jessup; 40 great-grandchildren; 1 great great-grandchild; his two very special friends, Ira “Bootsie” Cochran and Sam Salim; and a host of family and friends.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents; his beloved son, Nolan Powell Sr. and an infant son; grandson, Casey Edward Powell; son-in-law, James Greifzu; sisters, Pearl Powell Richardson and Odessa Powell; and his brothers, Aubrey Powell, Jesse Powell, Melton Powell and James Powell

By Bill’s request, a simple graveside service honoring his life will be Monday, September 26, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Cedar Grove Cemetery, 4524 Cedar Grove Rd. Robeline, LA, with Bro. Glynn Howard officiating. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, he asked that donations be made to his favorite charity, St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

A funeral service for Ella O’Bannon Rhodes will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 at Provencal Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Grace officiating. Interment will follow at Provencal Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 at the Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home and from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at Provencal Baptist Church. Ella Rhodes, 86, of Provencal, died Sept. 28, 2016, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 23, 1929 in Provencal to Randall and Agnes O’Bannon. For over 30 years, Ella and her late husband, Elvis, owned and operated a cafe in Provencal where you could get the best hamburgers in the parish. They were known for helping those in need throughout the community. Ella loved to talk and never met a stranger. She was straightforward and was never shy about speaking her mind. She is preceded in death by her parents, Randall and Agnes O’Bannon; her husband, Elvis Rhodes; her brothers, Ruff O’Bannon, Harold O’Bannon, Gordon O’Bannon, Minor O’Bannon and Lynn O’Bannon; her sisters, Josephine O’Bannon, Velma Howell, Dorothy Haley and Cora Wyka; and an infant daughter, Joyce Rhodes. She is survived her daughters, Janice Boswell and husband Buddy, Judy Lindsey and husband Larry, Louise Yopp and husband Randy; one son, Robert Rhodes and wife Karen; her grandchildren, Cecil Boswell Jr., Rodney Boswell, Amy Holman, Jeremy Yopp, Misty Dees, Marcus Rhodes, Larry Lindsey Jr. and Angela Jennings; 11 great grandchildren; and one brother, Willie O’Bannon. Those honored to be pallbearers are Jeremy Yopp, Dakoda Wyatt, Cecil Boswell Jr., Rodney Boswell, Larry Lindsey Jr., Brad Woodel, J. L. Dees and Marcus Rhodes. The family would like to thank a special friend, Jena Brazil, for her kindness during their mother’s illness. Also, a special thanks to Hospice of Natchitoches for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Provencal First Baptist Building Fund in memory of Mrs. Ella. 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever: Psalms 23. Bridgett Ann Jefferson was born Dec. 3, 1972, in Natchitoches to the union of Mr. and Mrs. James Jefferson. Bridgett accepted the Lord as her Savior and received believers’ baptism by God the Holy Spirit and water baptism at an early age. She attended Natchitoches Central High School where she was a cheerleader and subsequently graduating. She matriculated to Northwestern State University receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and she was initiated into the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Further studies led her to Southern University in Baton Rouge Louisiana where she earned her Master’s Degree. Bridgett has worked various assignments within her field of study. She was a TSA Agent with Baton Rouge Airport Homeland Security. Bridgett was the “Who Dat” Queen. She loved herself some football (Saints and LSU). Bridgett leaves to cherish her legacy: James and Mamie Jefferson (Parents), Braylon and Bayleigh Jefferson (children), Felecia Johnson (sister), Tamara (Chris) Price (Niece), Pierre Jackson and A’Chrisle Price (Great Nephew and Niece), and a host of Aunts, Uncles Cousins, Friends and a very special Friend Ricky Fernandez. Bridgett was preceded in death by her (Maternal Grandparents) Ben and Irna Mae Holmes, (Paternal Grandparents) Lamar Jefferson and Ella Josey Lee, (Uncle) Terry Charles Holmes Sr. Visitation will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. until services at 3 p.m. Burial will be at Lawrence Serenity Sanctum in Natchitoches Oct. 3. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com. 

Doris Walker Winbarg of Shreveport passed away Sept. 21, 2016 at the young age of 75. She was born July 11, 1939 in Robeline and is preceded in death by her parents, Willie Walker and his wife Ruthie of Natchitoches, husband of 40 years, Albert Asher Winbarg Jr. of Natchitoches, Brother WJ “Dub” Walker of Many, Sister Louise Raggio of Alexandria and sister Marice Conley of Shreveport. Doris is survived by her daughter; Brenda Willson and husband, Dan of Shreveport; her son, Thomas Winbarg of Shreveport; grandchildren, Drake Winbarg of Natchitoches, Caitlin and Lauren Willson of Shreveport; two sisters, Barbara Fiveash of Tyler, Texas, and Dottie Guilneau of Pineville. Doris was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. All that knew her will truly miss her. Not as a special thanks, but a heartfelt thank you to her dear friend Roszena Trotter, who spent countless hours by her side over the past three years, sharing memories, good times and wishes just as best friends who know each other like no one else, Doris never needed for anything while Roszena was with her. Services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 at Rose- Neath Marshall Street Funeral Home, Shreveport. Interment followed at Fern Park Cemetery, Natchitoches. 

On no soul doth God place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that is earns. And it suffers every ill that it earns. (Pray) Our Lord! Condemn us not, if we forget, or fall into error: Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which Though didst lay on those before us. Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Blot out our sins. And grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us, Though art our Protector. Grant us victory over the unbelievers. - Holy Quran Surah 2, Ayat 286 Elsie Marie Williams Huey, the oldest of three children, was born to the union of the late Pillip Denison Williams and Edna Steen Jackson on Feb. 15, 1938 in Natchitoches. She attended public school in Natchitoches and was a 1956 graduate of Central High School. Her college years were spent at Grambling College (now Grambling State University.) Her major fields of concentration were special education and political science. Elsie Marie was very much aware of the fact that God was her Creator, and her final return would be to Him. Therefore, she joined the First Baptist Church on Amulet Street, under the leadership of Rev. H B. Barnum. She was an Usher for many years. Elsie Marie went to church as often as she could. Even after her health had begun to fail, she kept on going. Her years of work were many. The jobs she enjoyed the most were with the Natchitoches Parish School Board as an Aide and a Substitute Teacher. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her one and only brother, Ralph Lee Williams. She leaves to cherish her memories: one Sister, Elcener Dale Williams Helaire (Tommy) of Natchitoches, eight nieces: Carolyn Helaire Wincher (Lee) of Houston, Texas, Emma Helaire Slate-Byrd (Danny) and Barbara Helaire Owens (Gordon) of Natchitoches. Kimberly Ann Helaire and Shuntell Felicia Helaire of Houston. Santonia Helaire of Natchitoches, Francene Helaire of Bastrop, Texas, Karmynah Helaire Young (Curtis) of Leesville. Five nephews: Albert Helaire of Natchitoches. Donald Ray Helaire, of Houson, Texas. Jerry Lynn Helaire (Andrea) of Monroe. Chioke Helaire and Tiji Helaire (Shanequa) of Natchitoches. Five special 1st cousins: Sarah Williams LaCaze/Lee of Natchitoches. Clarence Travers of Bossier City. Alberta Rose Triplett (Ernie) of Boston, Mass., Addie Elcener Levias (Bill) of Oakland, Calif. and Nettie Pearl Beasley of Zwolle. Her Goddaughter Emma Grace Helaire and her two children: Alasiah Madinah Ficklin and Ocietric LaTrell Ficklin Jr. all of Natchitoches, along with other relatives and friends. Active Pallbearers: Jeremiah Slate, Jibreel Helaire, Tiji Helaire, Jamal Owens, Chioke Helaire, Jerry Helaire, Gordon Owens Jr. Honorary Pallbearers: Tommy Helaire, Lonnie Bobb, Victor Helaire, Danny Ray Byrd, Ocietric Ficklin Jr., Charles Presley, Lee Wincher, Gordon Owens Sr. and Cleveland Presley.

Services for Alfra Wade will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 8 at the United Missionary Baptist Church at 10 a.m. He was born March 5, 1928 and passed away Sept. 28, 2016. A wake service will be held on Friday, Oct. 7 at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel from 5-8 p.m. Burial will take place in St. Mary Baptist Church Cemetery Little River in Melrose. A second visitation will be held at the church Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to service time.