July 16, 1983 - March 12, 2017

Funeral Services will be celebrated at the Ben Johnson Auditorium Saturday, March 18, 2017, 1 p.m. with burial following in the Lawrence Serenity Sanctum. The remains will lie in state at the auditorium from Noon to service time.

AUG. 14, 1926—MARCH 6, 2017

A private funeral service for Jimmy Maricelli, 90, was at 2 p.m. Friday, March 10 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home with Bro. Jason Womack officiating. Interment followed at Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches.

Mr. Maricelli was born Aug. 14, 1926, in Clarence and passed away March 6, 2017, at his home in Clarence surrounded by his loving family.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy.

Jimmy will be remembered as a mechanic in Clarence at his business “Jimmy’s Garage and 24 Hr. Wrecker Service,” and also for his deep love for animals, especially dogs. Jimmy owned and operated his garage for over 40 years.

He was musically gifted and could play the piano by ear just like Jerry Lee Lewis. He could also play the harmonica but would only play for family.

His family will remember him forever as a strong man who worked hard to provide for them. His grandchildren remember “Granddaddy” as a tough and hardworking man who could make them laugh, and allowed them to do things they were not suppose to do, in typical grandfather fashion. Jared was his “Moose,” Jason was his “Frog” and Kristin was his “Pretty Girl.”

Anywhere he knew there were dogs not being taken care of he would go out of his way to make sure they were fed. After he retired he was known in Clarence as the “Clarence Dog Pound.”

He truly was one of a kind and will be loved and missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sidney and Lola Tooley Maricelli; son, Ralph Maricelli; sisters, Ruby Maricelli Alday and husband Edwin and Lorena Maricelli Daigle and husband John; and brother, Joseph Sidney “Chuffy” Maricelli Jr. and wife Millie.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carolyn Faith Maricelli of Clarence; son, Freddy and wife Karen of Natchitoches; daughter, Denise Maricelli of Clarence; brother, Ed Maricelli and wife Iona of Dangerfield, Texas; three grandchildren, Kristin Dupree and husband Ben, Jared Maricelli and wife Nicole, and Jason Maricelli and wife Alexis; five greatgrandchildren, Reagan, Michael, Kinsley, Zane, Emerson, and one due in October; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed Maricelli, 85, the only living sibling of Jimmy recalls numerous memories of him and “Jim” growing up together. They loved each other and had a unique relationship in later years that only brothers can understand.

Honored to serve as pallbearers were Jared Maricelli, Jason Maricelli, Dennis Maricelli, Jeff Maricelli, Mike Maricelli and Ben Dupree.

The family expresses their thankfulness to Hospice of Natchitoches and Dixie Medical Equipment in Winnfield.

Freddie Deblieux, a resident of Greenwell Springs, passed away at Our Lady of the Lake regional Medical Center at the young age of 74 March 10, 2017.

Freddie was born in Coushatta to Elouise Adkins Deblieux Nov. 9, 1942. As a baby Freddie was adopted by “Sonny Boy” Deblieux who raised her, and whom she called father. Freddie was the oldest of four children.

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberley Harris Smith; son-in-law, Paul Hinson Smith Jr.; step grandson, Christopher Ryan Smith; son, Wendell Preston Harris III; sister, Molly Deblieux Hunt; brother, Dan David Deblieux and his wife Dawna Deblieux; along with many nieces and nephews, each having a special place in her heart. She is also survived by her little black dog Star, better known as Tar Baby to friends and family. Freddie is preceded in death by her mother, father, grandparents, Plinnie and Iva Adkins, as well as her brother, Barry Freeman Deblieux.

Freddie was a storyteller, historian, adventurer, naturalist, comedienne, genealogist, hostess and many other personas too numerous to mention.

While she had two children of her own, her extended family included hundreds of people she mentored over a 34- year career with the state of Louisiana. Freddie knew more about the politics of Louisiana than most elected officials, having worked at the new state capitol for 13 and one-half years. When she left there in 1994, she found her true home at the Old State Capitol, a building she loved and cared for as if it was her own. Freddie made it her mission to research and learn the history of the Old State Capitol, and share that knowledge with staff and visitors. It was not at all unusual to see Freddie come down the winding staircase in full costume and regale a group of school children, bringing to life the story of the building she loved. On holidays, she would dress for the occasion and hand out appropriate treats to visitors. Naturally, her favorite holiday was Christmas when Mrs. Claus would make her yearly appearance for “Santa in the Senate” and she would greet literally thousands of children and pose for photos all night.

From weddings, to political debates, to social events, Freddie performed her duty as hostess, greeting every person who walked through the front doors for the simple reason, that is what a good hostess does; after all, she was representing the Old State Capitol, and Freddie took that very seriously.

Freddie would be the first to tell a story on herself, and be the first to laugh about her “crazy” life. She would also have other people crying with laughter while telling the story. Freddie loved people, and was interested in hearing about their lives too.

So know that Freddie is fine and happy, sipping champagne, and playing with every dog she ever had. The flower in her hair will never wilt and she will watch over all of us in her own special way.

Celebration of Freddie’s life will be Sunday at the Old State Capitol, 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Old State Capitol Foundation, 100 North Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70801.

Special thank you to Dr. Luke A. Corsten, Neurosurgeon, and staff at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

Edwin Howard Poole was born in Lake Providence Feb. 10, 1953. His loving family surrounded him as he was welcomed into the arms of our Heavenly Father March 15, 2017, after a bravely fought battle with cancer. His positivity, commitment to others and kindness left a mark on anyone who was fortunate to know him. Ed was a devoted family man who enjoyed taking his son Timothy riding in Jeeps and trucks on the weekends. He had a passion for Jeeps and was a true outdoorsman. Once a year, Ed enjoyed traveling to Uvalde, Texas, for deer hunting excursions with friends. He also appreciated bonding over the mechanics of firearms and trips to the shooting range with his youngest son, Tyler. In the last three years, Ed joyfully welcomed two beautiful grandsons into his life, Cullen and Brennan. He enjoyed taking walks with them, reading stories, playing with trucks and loving on them. In addition to his commitment to his family, Ed was a dedicated employee of Benton and Brown in Bossier City. He was a man of few words but to know him was to know his warmth, intelligence, humility and integrity. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Wilburn Poole and Reather Evans Poole. He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Fran Foshee Poole of Natchitoches; two children, Timothy Poole of Natchitoches and Tyler Poole and wife Ericka; grandsons, Cullen and Brennan Poole, all of Baton Rouge; three sisters, Vivian Hitchcock and husband Stan of Greenville Miss., Susan Stroud of Lake Providence and June Silk of Rayville; two brothers, Jim Poole of Norwood and Steve Poole of Lake Providence; as well as numerous beloved nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services for Edwin Howard Poole will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches with the Rev. Bill Bearden officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Fern Park Cemetery in Natchitoches. Those honored to be pallbearers are Billy Townsend, Justin Foshee, Roger Kromis, James Lee Friedman, James Meadows and Hall Waller. Honorary pallbearers include Stan Hitchcock, Gary Brown, Glenn Stewart and Wade Manus. The sincerest gratitude is extended to Natchitoches Hospice, Harmony Health, Dr. Kathleen Kautz, Dr. Manish Dhawan and caregiver Shaniqua Johnson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriner’s Hospital and St. Judes.

We celebrate with honor the life of a righteous lady who loved the Lord and her family with all of her heart. A celebration of life memorial service will be at Westside Baptist Church of Natchitoches, 6834 Hwy 1 Bypass, Saturday, March 25 at 3 p.m. for family and friends. Born in Erie, Tenn., to Wit and Grace Bidwell, Wilma spent her days on this earth in service to so many: her Lord, her family, her church and her friends. Wilma was blessed to have six biological brothers: RB, Joe, Don, Roy, Billy and Conley. At the age of 13, Wilma went to live with her Aunt and Uncle Reba and Lloyd Johnson in Kingston, Tenn. These loving relatives took her in to be their own, and with them she gained two sisters, Linda and Rhonda, and one brother, Danny. It was living with this fine adopted Christian family that Wilma blossomed into the Godly woman we all love. This family’s love for her and the Lord influenced her life greatly and she loved them all with all her heart. Wilma married the love of her life, Russell Dean Alexander Sr., in 1958. Many of us have heard them both tell stories of how they fell in love at first sight at a local basketball game. The love Wilma and Russell shared flourished quickly and they were blessed with three children, Vanessa Joyce, Veniessa Dean and Russell Dean Jr. Stairstep born children, these three kept Wilma hopping! She made being a homemaker look easy. She cooked, sewed, car pooled, taught Sunday School, served as PTA President, sang in the choir and chaired many committees at church and the children’s schools. She loved to be involved especially when it involved “eating.” All the while, she took extraordinary care of Russell, who worked shift work at the paper mill most of his career. Always the last to bed and the first to rise Wilma juggled many hats but always included time in the morning for her Bible study and prayer time. After the children grew up and married and had their own children, Russell retired and they began a new chapter in their lives. They gave more of their time and were more active in church activities. They dearly loved their church family at Westside Baptist in Natchitoches. Wilma had a beautiful singing voice and began using her talent for the Lord in her teens. She and some close friends and family members sang in churches and area “singings” in the Tennessee area around Knoxville and she told many stories to all of us about the joy of sharing the gospel through song and how she enjoyed “shouting” of the Lord’s goodness with such gospel greats as The Righteous Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys and other well-known quartets. Wilma continued her life of service to the Lord singing with the Joyful Sound senior adult group at local nursing homes, special senior events and volunteered at the Natchitoches Parish Hospital as a pink lady serving coffee and God’s love to patients in the hospital and long term care facilities. She and Russell worked out three or four times per week and they blessed many lives with the “joy of Lord” wherever they went. Wilma and Russell have six grandchildren, Bethany, Dan, Alicia, Kristen, Brittany and Colten as well as 13 great grandchildren, Elliott, Evelyn, Everett, Lyla, Heidi, Olivia, Dean, Bayla, Hayven, Ryan, AJ, Ma’Leah plus one expected to arrive in October. Nothing could make Wilma smile like a visit or photo of these beautiful blessings. These grandchildren spent lots of time with their MeMe over the years and many of them, as well as her daughters, attribute her for planting the seeds of faith as why they have chosen to live for the Lord today. In December 2015, Russell went to be with the Lord and his passing seemed to break Wilma’s heart. Many have said she just couldn’t stand to live without her true love. We celebrate a life well spent and though we had to say goodbye too soon we know that the gates of heaven opened wide for this godly woman to join her husband, son, family members and friends in Glory.

JULY 20, 1939 – MAR. 13, 2017
SHREVEPORT, LA

We celebrate with honor the life of a righteous lady who loved the Lord and her family with all of her heart. A celebration of life memorial service will be at Westside Baptist Church of Natchitoches, 6834 Hwy 1 Bypass, Saturday, March 25 at 3 p.m. for family and friends. Born in Erie, Tenn., to Wit and Grace Bidwell, Wilma spent her days on this earth in service to so many: her Lord, her family, her church and her friends. Wilma was blessed to have six biological brothers: RB, Joe, Don, Roy, Billy and Conley. At the age of 13, Wilma went to live with her Aunt and Uncle Reba and Lloyd Johnson in Kingston, Tenn. These loving relatives took her in to be their own, and with them she gained two sisters, Linda and Rhonda, and one brother, Danny. It was living with this fine adopted Christian family that Wilma blossomed into the Godly woman we all love. This family’s love for her and the Lord influenced her life greatly and she loved them all with all her heart. Wilma married the love of her life, Russell Dean Alexander Sr., in 1958. Many of us have heard them both tell stories of how they fell in love at first sight at a local basketball game. The love Wilma and Russell shared flourished quickly and they were blessed with three children, Vanessa Joyce, Veniessa Dean and Russell Dean Jr. Stairstep born children, these three kept Wilma hopping! She made being a homemaker look easy. She cooked, sewed, car pooled, taught Sunday School, served as PTA President, sang in the choir and chaired many committees at church and the children’s schools. She loved to be involved especially when it involved “eating.” All the while, she took extraordinary care of Russell, who worked shift work at the paper mill most of his career. Always the last to bed and the first to rise Wilma juggled many hats but always included time in the morning for her Bible study and prayer time. After the children grew up and married and had their own children, Russell retired and they began a new chapter in their lives. They gave more of their time and were more active in church activities. They dearly loved their church family at Westside Baptist in Natchitoches. Wilma had a beautiful singing voice and began using her talent for the Lord in her teens. She and some close friends and family members sang in churches and area “singings” in the Tennessee area around Knoxville and she told many stories to all of us about the joy of sharing the gospel through song and how she enjoyed “shouting” of the Lord’s goodness with such gospel greats as The Righteous Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys and other wellknown quartets. Wilma continued her life of service to the Lord singing with the Joyful Sound senior adult group at local nursing homes, special senior events and volunteered at the Natchitoches Parish Hospital as a pink lady serving coffee and God’s love to patients in the hospital and long term care facilities. She and Russell worked out three or four times per week and they blessed many lives with the “joy of Lord” wherever they went. Wilma and Russell have six grandchildren, Bethany, Dan, Alicia, Kristen, Brittany and Colten as well as 13 greatgrandchildren, Elliott, Evelyn, Everett, Lyla, Heidi, Olivia, Dean, Bayla, Hayven, Ryan, AJ, Ma’Leah plus one expected to arrive in October. Nothing could make Wilma smile like a visit or photo of these beautiful blessings. These grandchildren spent lots of time with their MeMe over the years and many of them, as well as her daughters, attribute her for planting the seeds of faith as why they have chosen to live for the Lord today. In December 2015, Russell went to be with the Lord and his passing seemed to break Wilma’s heart. Many have said she just couldn’t stand to live without her true love. We celebrate a life well spent and though we had to say goodbye too soon we know that the gates of heaven opened wide for this godly woman to join her husband, son, family members and friends in Glory.

CAMPTI, LA

Funeral services for Opal  Mae Stiles, 93, of Campti were  at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 18  at Coulee-Bethel Baptist  Church, Campti, with Bro.  Clyde Miley officiating.  Interment followed in Coulee-  Bethel Cemetery under the  direction of Rockett-Nettles  Funeral Home.  Mrs. Stiles was born May 4,  1923, in Campti and passed  away March 16, 2017.  She was a very dedicated  Christian lady who loved life  itself. Mrs. Stiles was also a  very talented lady, not only in  her excellent cooking skills,  but also in her sewing skills.  She enjoyed both crocheting  and quilting. Her special talents  will live on in the memories  of her family through the  many quilts she made special  for each of them.  Mrs. Stiles, who was affectionately  known as “Nan-  Naw,” was a loving wife, mother  and grandmother and will  be dearly missed by all those  who knew her.  She was preceded in death  by her husband, Lee Roy  Stiles; infant daughter,  Carolyn Sue Stiles; four brothers,  Henry Roberts, Palmer  Roberts, Fred Roberts and  Billy Earl Roberts; and seven  sisters, Marie Roberts, Etta  Rhodes, Edith Cook, Laura  Wren, Myrtle Clark,  Marguerite Weaver and Ida  Smith.  She is survived by two  daughters, Patsie Miley and  husband Clyde and Judy  Herrington, all of Campti;  three sisters-in-law, Marie  Roberts, Mildred Roberts and  Yvette Nichols; six grandchildren,  Robin Miley, Kristie  Moore and husband Jimmy,  Julie McRight and husband  James, Melanie Hendrix and  husband Charlie, Brad  Herrington and wife Patricia,  and Bruce Herrington and  wife Jane; 10 great-grandchildren;  and one great-great  granddaughter.  Pallbearers were Lance  Moore, Logan Moore, Hunter  Hendrix, Ian McRight, John  Paul Herrington and Luke  Moore.  Honorary pallbearer was  Dennis Weaver.  The family would like to  express a special thanks to  Hospice of Natchitoches and  the staff of Green Meadow  Haven.

Aug. 16, 1927 - Mar. 16, 2017

Mina Mae Coleman Graves, 89, passed away March 16, 2017, at The Courtyard of Natchitoches. Born Aug. 16, 1927, Mae grew up in Marianna, Ark. The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home. A graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 24 at Memory Lawn Cemetery, with a processional leaving Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home at 10:15 a.m. Mae was preceded in death by her husband, William Austin Graves Jr., and son Daniel Austin Graves. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Linda Burke Graves; granddaughter, Taylor Graves Williams; grandson, Michael Wayne Graves; and five great-grandchildren. During their marriage, Mae and Bill made their home in many communities throughout the continental United States while traveling for work. Mae settled in Natchitoches with her son’s family for the last 10 years. Mae worked with Avon for over 30 years becoming a top sales expert and achieving supervisory status. During retirement, she created many memories with friends by living out her dream of traveling. Mae will be greatly missed by family and friends. The family wishes to extend their thanks for the loving care provided to Mae from the staff at The Courtyard of Natchitoches. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the charity of your choice.

Aug. 9, 1947 - Mar. 20, 2017

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, March 24, at 11 a.m. at the St. Augustine Catholic Church of Melrose with entombment following in the church’s mausoleum. The family will receive friends at a wake/visitation Thursday at Winnfield Memorial Funeral Home Chapel from 5-9 p.m. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will start at 7:30 p.m. during the wake service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Center, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Yvonne Marie Jones, 69, passed at her longtime residence March 20, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Yvonne was born to the late Avis Chelette Jones and Victor Edward Jones Sr. in Pineville Aug. 9, 1947, the oldest of six children which blessed this union. Yvonne married her beloved college sweetheart, Nolan Joseph Jones Jr. of Melrose in 1971. From this union, they were blessed with three children, two daughters, Sonia Jones Huntsberry and Shante’ Jones LaCour, and one son, Nolan Jones III. Yvonne attended St. James Elementary School in Alexandria. She graduated from A. Wettermark High School in Boyce. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL) in Lafayette. Yvonne graduated from the Nursing program at USL in 1969. She began her career working in the hospital system as a labor and delivery nurse. Yvonne was then hired as the first school nurse of Natchitoches Parish. Yvonne went on to coordinate the school program from 1977-2006 with astounding tender loving care. In addition to the care she gave the children of the parish, she was the Vice President of Parish Counsel, Vice President of Christian Mothers at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Board Member of Dixie Youth Baseball and Softball Program, Ambassador for St. Jude Children’s Hospital Research Program, and a member of the initial chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority at USL. Yvonne was known for her countless hours of nursing services to the community of Cane River. Yvonne found joy in dancing, attending sporting events, traveling and serving her church community. After retirement she looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren. Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Avis Chelette Jones and Victor Jones Sr.; nephew, Chad Jones; father-in-law, Nolan Jones Sr.; mother-in-law, Florence Long Jones; and sister-in-law, Linda Jones Davis. Mourning her departure, but cherishing the memories made are devoted husband, Nolan Jones Jr. of Melrose; three children, Sonia Jones Huntsberry (Hayward) of Huffman, Texas, Shante’ Jones LaCour of Spring, Texas, and Nolan Jones III of Melrose; sisters, Peggy Braxton of Natchitoches (Calvin), Rita Jones of Cloutierville, Patricia Roque of Natchez (Darrell), and Susie Winston of Natchitoches (John); brothers, Victor Jones Jr. of Natchez (Deloris), Jerry Jones of Cloutierville (Marie), Kenneth Metoyer of San Diego, Calif., (Sylvia); four grandchildren, Reagan LaCour, Aubrey LaCour, Mikaila Huntsberry and Brailyn Huntsberry; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services for Kerry David Anderson, 57, of Natchitoches were Tuesday, March 21, at 1 p.m. at Fountain of Life Pentecostal Church in Natchitoches with the Rev. James Whitehead and the Rev. Mark Whitehead officiating. Burial followed in the Aimwell Cemetery, Zwolle. Visitation will begin Monday, March 20 at 5 p.m. at Fountain of Life Pentecostal Church. Kerry David Anderson was born Thursday, Aug. 13, 1959, in Shreveport. He passed away Friday, March 17, 2017, at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center in Natchitoches. He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Jack and Marguerite Brown, and paternal grandparents, William and Linda Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Annette Anderson of Natchitoches; children, Kaci Anderson of Stonewall, Dana Brossette and husband Michael of Stonewall, Kyle Tyson of Stonewall, Brandi Powell and husband Joey of Marthaville, Jami Dans and husband Roland of Marthaville, Gregory Young and wife Stacy of Negreet, Elizabeth Brewster and husband Calvin of Marthaville and Jacob Young of Marthaville; mother, Sally Brown Pilcher of Zwolle; father, R.H. Anderson and wife Brenda of Many; sisters, Kim Derrick and husband David of Shreveport and Susan Roblow of Shreveport; grandchild, Boston Bradshaw; numerous step grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Pallbearers were Lee Raymond Isgitt, Jeffery Voorhies, Michael Chelette, Ross Desadier, John Wynn Jr., Bruce Alsandor, Craig Vercher, Wesley Harrell and Brian Lovemore.

BATON ROUGE, LA.

Jean Daray Harmon passed away March 17, 2017. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 25 at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Natchitoches. Visitation will be at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 24. Born July 3, 1945 in Natchitoches, Jean graduated with honors from St. Mary’s Academy and then earned B.A. and M.A. degrees in special education from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Jean was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. She is survived by her sons, Thomas H. Harmon Jr. and John Daray Harmon of Baton Rouge; and grandchildren Mary Danner Harmon and Thomas H. Harmon III of Mobile, Ala. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert W. Daray and Dorothy Legendre Daray. Pallbearers will be Thomas Harmon III, Joeie Stone, Michael Church, Bill Cloutier and Murry Harmon. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Laverne Tujague and George Haynes.

Raymond Hayward, 80, of Big Fork, Ark., died Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at 9 p.m. in St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs after a brief illness. Graveside services were Friday, March 17 at 2 p.m. in Big Fork at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Bowser Funeral Home with Bro. George Shipman officiating. Raymond was born in Natchitoches to Robert Hayward and Nettie Addison Hayward Oct. 19, 1936. Raymond was always a hard worker and was the Fire Chief at the Big Fork Fire Department for 20 years as well as an active member of the Community Center for 17. Raymond spent 28 years as the owner / operator of Big Fork “Mall” and spent 365 days a year serving his community in Arkansas and loved every minute of it. He was most proud of building and overseeing the fire station in Big Fork, that when completed was paid in full. He also was the previous owner / operator of Broadmoor Gulf in Natchitoches for 20 years prior to moving to Arkansas. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and great friend and will be missed by those who knew him well. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Kenny Hayward and Joe Hayward; brother, David Hayward; and brother-in-law, Riley Wallingsford. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Patricia “Patty” Hayward of Big Fork, Ark; three sons, Bob (Kim) Hayward of Robeline, Kevin Casey of Gresham, Ore., and Damon (Kassie) Burns of Alexandria, Va.; one daughter, Tami (Alvin) Broadway of Big Fork, Ark.; one brother, Donald (Edwina) Hayward; one sister, Lottie Wallingsford of Shreveport; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services for Mary Kolowajtis Bamburg, 63, of Coushatta were at 11 a.m. Friday, March 24 at Martin Baptist Church with Bro. James Hester officiating and Dr. Nathan Davis assisting. Interment followed in Martin Cemetery. Mrs. Bamburg was born Jan. 8, 1954, in Lake Charles and passed away March 20, 2017. In many ways Mary had a dream life. At 19 years old, she married her high school sweetheart. She finished college, supported her husband in the Air Force, worked hard to make ends meet and settled down not far from where she grew up. Two children, a girl and a boy, her dream house and a minivan later, she became a devoted housewife, teacher and friend of her children. She transitioned to being a preacher’s wife. She prayed her children through the woes of adolescence and fell in love again with their spouses. She called them son and daughter. She was there for the birth of her grandchildren making crib bedding, rocking them to sleep and taking them on vacations. It was a pretty perfect life. However, her real story is her faith in her Lord, Jesus Christ. She came to accept Him as her Savior at the age of 13. She relied on Him during the grief of losing her father to pancreatic cancer. A journal entry says, “I was searching for God’s love and comfort.” I think she found it! Throughout high school and into her adult life she worshiped in numerous choirs. At the ripe age of 23, Mary and Harry experienced two miscarriages. Devastated, she mourned their loss the rest of her life, knowing she would “see them again in glory.” The next major turn in her life was in the mid 1990s when her loving husband surrendered to the heavenly call of God’s ministry. She wrote, “Before Harry was called to the ministry, God called me. I guess He knew I would be the one hard to convince . . . He was preparing me.” Next, in August 2007, Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer. She hated needles. Absolutely phobic! Before surgery, she was stuck 18 times to start an IV. She wrote, “After 2 1/2 hours, a lot of praying, crying and screaming, they got one . . . God is an awesome God.” A later journal prompt asked about a time when God answered a specific prayer. She wrote, “When I cried out about my cancer. Peace flooded me.” Five years later, she experienced crippling sciatic nerve pain. She was angry that God would allow something else to happen, yet she kept saying, “Not my will, but His will.” After much agony, He granted her prayers for relief and she enjoyed playing with her grandchildren. In summer 2016, a severe seizure alerted her to a devastating diagnoses, glioblastoma, grade 4, brain tumor. The events that followed were nothing short of God letting Mary and her family know He was present. A hospital bed “happened” to become available with the best neurosurgeons in the region. Dr. Anil Sin was available to perform the surgery, although he was not the one to which she was referred. It just “happened” that Harry and Mary’s niece worked with Dr. Sin. He already knew the family! During surgery 30-40 people gathered in the University Health waiting room and lifted Mary and her surgical team in prayer. She came home just two days later. She was determined to beat a terminal illness, however “Not my will, but His will” was her mantra again. Again came the needles through lab work, MRIs and surgeries. She continued her faith “not my will, but His will.” Her faith was evident to all who knew Mary, even those who had only known her a short time. In a journal entry she was asked what word described her life and why. She wrote, “Content. We have been through so much . . . The Lord has always been there. He has seen us through good times and bad.” She often said that if God didn’t deliver you from it, He would deliver you through it. Her battle with GBM ended March 20, 2017. Her victory was won as she stepped into the open nail-scarred hands of her Lord and Savior. She is reunited with countless friends and family members on the streets of gold. After meeting Jesus, there is no doubt that she finally got to meet those two precious babies she lost nearly 40 years ago. While we can only imagine the grand homecoming, her faith had been made complete. Her body is whole. Her spirit is set free from the chains of this life. Her legacy of devotion, honesty, faith and love will be carried by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her father, Mitchell Walter Kolowajtis and mother, Opal Loftin Kolowajtis. Mrs. Bamburg is survived by her husband of 43 years, Harry T. Bamburg Jr. of Coushatta; one daughter, Holley Bamburg Shivers and husband Chuck of Natchitoches; one son, Harry T. Bamburg III “Trey” and wife Charla McMillan Bamburg of Coushatta; five grandchildren, Madison, Kate and Maci Shivers, and Maverick and Sophie Bamburg. The family wishes to express a special thanks to the Liberty Church family and classmates of Martin Class of 1972. Memorials may be made to the Liberty Baptist Church Building Fund or American Cancer Society.

Funeral services for Silas Randal “Randy” Akin, 60, of Readhimer will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 30 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel, Coushatta with Ricky Harper officiating and Bro. Lindle Stewart assisting. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the funeral home. Mr. Akin was born March 28, 1956, and passed away March 24, 2017. Randy worked with Camus Electric for many years. He received several honors during his lifetime including Apprentice of the Year after graduating at the top of the electrical program. He did not seek man’s approval but desired to serve Yahweh above all else. He was full of integrity and honor and lived fully by the Word of Yahweh. He cherished his wife above all others and loved his family without reproof. He will be greatly missed. Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine. Exodus 19:5 Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Dalton and Judy Akin; two sisters, Janelle Strickland and Venda Gibson. Left to cherish his memory include his wife of 38 years, Sharon Lowring Akin; one son, Silas Nathan Akin; one daughter, Ashly McCabe and husband Jim all of Readhimer; and three grandchildren, Cecilia Akin and Allison and Jase McCabe. Pallbearers will be Paul “Joey” Albrecht III, James Morgan, Ricky Harper, Dennis Azlin, Fulton Jones, Donald Brown and Harold Rowell.

Mrs. Florence LaRoue passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Ouachita Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center where she had been a resident for almost two years. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 29 at Memory Lawn Cemetery on Hwy 6 following a visitation at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home starting at 11 a.m. She was born Aug. 17, 1926, in Many. She is survived by one older brother, Emmitt Haskell Ammons; two sons and their wives, Larry and Stephanie Blackmon of West Monroe and Dennis and Alita Blackmon of Greensboro, N.C.; as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. LaRoue was preceded in death by her husband, James LaRoue; two sisters, Nettie Mae lsgitt and Martha Jean Ammons; two brothers, Cedric Ammons and J. D. Ammons; as well as by a son, Marcus Blackmon. Mrs. LaRoue was very active in Baptist churches from childhood, beginning in Sabine Parish, and then in the Shreveport area, Delhi, and in Natchitoches. Since her move to West Monroe, she has been a member of the Cedar Crest Baptist Church.

Funeral services for Mr. John Bradford were at 2 p.m. Friday, March 31 at Pritchard Baptist Church with Bro. Carl Gulde and Bro. Terry Doughty officiating. Interment followed in the Pritchard Cemetery. John Edward Bradford, 63, was born Nov. 6, 1953, in Jena and passed from this world on to Glory, gaining his Crown of Righteousness, March 27, 2017. He loved the Lord, and he loved people, especially his beloved wife, children and grandchildren. John died just as he lived, with kindness, honor and dignity, his family loved and provided for and his affairs in order. Throughout his life, his illness, and especially during his last days on this earth, John was continuously in the midst of his loving family and friends, and with no pain or suffering, passed peacefully at home, according to his wishes. Those left to cherish in his memory include his wife, Debra Price Bradford; daughters, Kristina Cherie Bradford of Harvey, Jamie Bradford Lopez and husband David of Bossier City, and Tara Bradford Smith and husband Travis of Natchitoches; brothers, Terry Walter Bradford and wife Michele of Old River and Michael David and wife Lynda of Acme; sister, Nila Harris and husband Roddy of Jonesville; grandchildren, Rebecca Maurin, Michael Maurin, Gabe Olvera, Madison Lemoine and Ethan Lemoine. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Alvin and Mary Elizabeth Edwards Bradford; brother, James Len Bradford; and sister, Mary Sue Tullos. Serving as pallbearers were Terry Bradford Jr.; Daniel Tullos, Will Harris, Kyle Day, Jarred Fonseca, Tommy Smith, Ted Bradford and Bo Little. Honorary pallbearers were Richard Mitchell, Daryl Wilson, James Lemoine, David Boyd and Clarence Bruce.

Nov. 28, 1943-March 30, 2017

A memorial service for Mrs. Rose Dartez will be Sunday, April 9 at 3 p.m. at Grand Ecore Baptist Church, 1700 Washington St., Natchitoches, LA 71457, with Bro. Wayne Hicks officiating. Rose, 73, passed away in Natchitoches March 30, 2017. She was born in Sabine Parish Nov. 28, 1943, and grew up along Hwy 6 between Robeline and Many. After high school, she initially worked as a telephone operator for AT&T. She was a kind and caring person who eventually made it her profession to take care of others. She attended Northwestern State University and earned her LPN degree. She worked for several years at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center where her sweet and compassionate personality was felt by all those with whom she worked. She is survived by her husband, Joseph C. Dartez; a son, Bradley Tarpley; a daughter, Mona Berry; and two sisters, Dorothy Wheeler and Alice Parker. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elena Holmes Allbritton; five brothers; three sisters; and her first husband

Funeral services for R. L. Blanchard, 73, of Coushatta were at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Clyde Miley and Bro. Josh Curry officiating. Interment followed in Memory Lawn Cemetery, Natchitoches. Mr. Blanchard was born July 23, 1943, in Coushatta and passed away March 31, 2017. R.L. was a hardworking man who was a friend to everyone and always willing to help others. He was a family man who loved his family dearly. He had a special love for his grandchildren and they were truly the light of his life. He was definitely their biggest fan at a ballgame and was an awesome Daddy and Papaw. He will be missed by all those who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elaine Blanchard; sister, Barbara Blanchard; and wife, Sue Blanchard. Mr. Blanchard is survived by one son, Cleve Blanchard (Stephanie); one daughter, Charlene Blanchard; mother of his children, Doris Lawson; special niece and nephew, Teresa Moore Sims and Jimmy Moore; five grandchildren, Mitchell Blanchard, Kelsey and husband Zack Perot, Katie Blanchard, Matthew Blanchard and Robbie Blanchard; four great-grandchildren, Ryder, Adaleigh, Paityn and Zoey; and numerous other nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Shelby Hearold, Landon Gardner, Jason Dickson, Delane Godwin, Lance Moore, Logan Moore, William Brown and Patrick Corley. Honorary pallbearers were Red Giddings, Andrew Giddings and Doyle Giddings. The family wishes to express a special thanks to Rosie Brown, Dr. Gavin Chico and all the staff of Christus Coushatta Health Care Center.

Memorial services for Mr. Jack Harvey McBride will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 9, in the Chapel of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria. Family and friends are invited to come pay their respects and share their good memories of Mr. McBride. Mr. McBride, 85, of Alexandria passed from this life, Monday, April 3, 2017, at Belle Teche Nursing Facility in New Iberia. Born in Natchitoches, he lived most of his life in Alexandria. He attended Northwestern in Natchitoches and served proudly in the U.S. Air Force. He worked most of his life and retired from the oil and gas Industry. However, he worked extensively for the State of Louisiana and was very active in state and local politics. He was a life-long fan of the game of basketball. He was preceded in death by parents, Johnny H. and Jewel Brister McBride. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Doris Painter McBride; daughter, Deborah D. Williams and husband John; grandson, Jack E. Jowers; great granddaughter, Alexandra E. Jowers; and a host of other family members and friends. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN, 38101. To extend online condolences to the McBride family, please visit us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.

Mr. Clifford Walker, formerly of Natchitoches, transitioned from Time to Eternity Thursday, March 17, 2017, at John Peter Smith Hospital in Ft. Worth, Texas. Clifford was born Nov. 5, 1949, the son of the late Owen “Bum” and Emily Dyas Walker. He was the last of his siblings to return to God being preceded in death by Jimmie Lee Walker Balthazar, Oria James Walker and Victoria Walker Helaire. He was also preceded in death by his nephew Ruben Balthazar. As a child, Clifford was baptized and confirmed in the Holy Spirit at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church. He later united with Brentwood Baptist Church in Houston during his time there and when he returned to Natchitoches, placed himself under the spiritual care of the Rev. Leo Walker Sr. and the family at St. Paul Baptist Church. His education was received at the hands of the Sisters of Divine Providence at St. Anthony Piegay Memorial Church School and the instructors of Central High School. Clifford’s working life included the execution of skilled trades such as plumbing and electrical work before he became incapacitated and retired. Clifford was known for his gregarious nature and was a “gifted liar.” He could tell a story that if told by anyone else would be rejected immediately, but he had a way of somehow making you think it might be true. And you could be sure 50 percent of every story was true. You just never knew which 50. Left to mourn his passing are his son, Ronald Johnson and wife Stephanie of Houston; daughter, Alexis Carpenter and husband of Dallas; and a joyful bunch of grandchildren. He also leaves a God-sister, Louella Blount of New York and a host of nieces and nephews that adored their “Uncle Tip.” His children have chosen no funeral services for Clifford. Everyone who remembers him is asked to celebrate his life in their own way; telling a “He wasn’t so bad” or “You remember when Cliff ” story of their choosing. Boiled crawfish and a refreshing adult beverage of your choice should be part of any celebration. “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”