Jerry Lynn Rollins (Papa)

PRINCETON,LA – Jerry Lynn Rollins (Papa), 78, born March 3. 1939 went home to be with the Lord November 17, 2017. Jerry was born in Atlanta, TX and was a long-time resident of Princeton, LA, but resided in Shreveport, LA for the last eight years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Doris Yates Rollins, his parents, Maxine and Harry Glynn Rollins, brother, Junior Rollins, and sister, Helen Kirkland.
He is survived by one brother, JB Rollins of Queen City, TX; one daughter, Cindy Morris of Dubberly, LA; three sons, Rusty Rollins, Jerry D. Rollins both of Princeton and Ricky Rollins of Shreveport, LA. He had 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Kildare Baptist Church in Kildare, TX. Burial will follow at Kildare Cemetery in Kildare, TX.

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Eleanor Rea Spohn

BOSSIER CITY, LA – Eleanor Rea Spohn passed away at home in Bossier City on November 18, 2017, surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial for Eleanor will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church. Officiating will be Father Karl Daigle. Interment will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service on Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until service time at the Church.

Eleanor was born on December 5, 1927 in Bernice, LA. She was the eighth of nine siblings. She graduated from Summerfield High School as Valedictorian. She moved to Shreveport where she met the love of her life, Larry Spohn. They were married for 61 years. She attended Centenary College of Louisiana, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. She earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University. She taught for 30 years in the Bossier Parish School system.

Eleanor was very active in her church, St. Jude Catholic Church. She was an avid Bridge player and an aspiring artist (as long as the work could be completed in an hour).
To Eleanor, nothing was more important than family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lilly Barham Rea and Jess Rea; eight brothers and sisters; her husband, Larry Spohn; and granddaughter, Kristen McKellar. She is survived by her three children: Sandy Spohn McKellar and Bill McKellar of Bossier City, LA; Shelly Spohn Slack and Randy Slack of Livingston, TX; and Craig and Stacy Spohn of Bossier City, LA; and eight grandchildren: Katie McKellar Beville; Matt McKellar; Ryan Slack; Elizabeth Slack; Maris Slack; Sam Spohn; Caroline Spohn; and Sarah Catherine Spohn; and three great-grandchildren: Anna Kate Beville; Camille Jane Beville; and Tegan Ryleigh Slack. She had the love and support of many nieces and nephews, and cherished family members.

Honoring Eleanor as pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to St. Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Rd, Benton, La. 71006 or Christ the King Food Pantry, 1000 Ogilivie St, Bossier City, La. 71111.

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Mary Collins Davis

Plain Dealing, LA – Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Collins Davis, age 84, will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the Plain Dealing Baptist Church with Dr. Scott Teutsch and Dr. Chad Hardbarger officiating. Interment will follow in Union Springs Cemetery, Shongaloo, LA under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home, Plain Dealing, LA.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until service time Tuesday at the Plain Dealing Baptist Church.

Mrs. Davis was born on November 16, 1933 to Bruce Thomas and Zora Minnie Powers Collins in Taylor, AR and passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017 in Shreveport, LA. She was a faithful member of the Plain Dealing Baptist Church and had been a resident of Plain Dealing since 1957. She owned and operated a bookkeeping and tax business for many years and was a homemaker. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her son, Steven Davis and Donnalyn Davis of Vivian, LA; daughter, Teresa Davis Pilkinton of Benton, LA, and grandson, Douglas Byron Pearson and wife, Marti of Shreveport, LA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Douglas Davis in 1997; her parents, and seven brothers.

Pallbearers will be Michael Collins, Andy Collins, Cory Hale, Doug Pearson, Robert Haynes, Phillip Davis and Greg Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Pete New and Levi Nugent.

Sign our online guest book at www.baileyfuneralhome.net

Bailey Funeral Home
Plain Dealing, LA
318-326-4258

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Mae Ida Eason

BENTON,LA. – Home Going celebration of Sister Mae Ida Eason, 89, will be 11 am., Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Greater New Zion MBC, Benton, La. Pastor Kenneth Hopkins of Providence B.C., officiating. Interment will follow at Ford Wilson Cemetery. Open visitation will be Friday at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home.

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Elfriede Little

HAUGHTON, LOUISIANA – A Celebration of Life Service for Elfriede Elenor Little, age 76, of Haughton, LA will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Haughton, LA.. Pastor Gevan Spinney of First Baptist Church of Haughton will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for a time of visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

Elfriede was born in Weisbaden, Germany on January 22, 1941 to August and Rosina Pfeiffer. She passed away on Monday November 20, in Shreveport, LA.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Haughton. Walking by faith, Elfriede was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and sewing, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was always available to listen and share her thoughts in a friendly conversation. She was a friend to many will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Elfriede was preceded in death by her parents, August and Rosina Pfeiffer; brothers, Ginder and Willie Pfeiffer; and sisters, Katie Cunha, Hanelore Pfeiffer, and Johanna Sterner.
Surviving Elfriede is her loving and caring husband of 56 years, Gilbert L. Little of Haughton, LA; son, Michael L. Little of Minden, LA; daughter, Nancy Little Hanley and husband Bo of Haughton, LA; brother, Hanz Pfeiffer of Germany; grandchildren, Randy Hanley and wife Brenna, Casey Hanley Holloway, Alexis Little, Mason Little; great grandchildren, Holt Holloway, Madden Hanley, and Hanley Holloway; and a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Little, Mason Little, Randy Hanley, Bo Hanley, McCaul LaCobee and Chris Johnson.

Memorials and donations may be made in Elfriede’s memory to the Shriner’s Hospital, St. Jude’s, and Wounded Warriors.

The family would like to extend a special thanks and recognition to Dr. Mehmood, Dr. Kasabali, Dr. Lim, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Rokaw and all the Willis Knighton CCU Nurses for all the care and comfort to our mother, especially Joe, Michael, and Rachel.

You may offer condolences and sign the online guest book by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.

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Shirley Harper Fisher

BOSSIER CITY, LA – Graveside services for Shirley Harper Fisher will be 1 p.m. Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Forest Park West Cemetery, Shreveport, LA. Officiating will be Chaplain Larry Bass of Aime Hospice. Visitation will be prior to the service from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier.

Shirley was born February 24, 1918 to Henry and Avis Harper in Couchwood, LA and died November 17, 2017 in Bossier City, LA. She was a member of Mangum Memorial Methodist Church and was a retired bookkeeper.

She was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Lewis C. Fisher; parents; brothers, Edward, George, Wayne, and Welton Harper and special nephew, Michael Harper.

Shirley is survived by nieces, Sandra Harper Lee and husband, David and their children, Whitney Nolan and husband, Roger of Jasper, GA, Jared Lee and wife, Heather of Frisco, TX and children Hannah and Lexi Lee; Monica Harper of Ft. Worth, TX, her children, Mason Harper and wife, Jill of Wichita, KS and children, Zeke and Suzie Harper, Meredith Harper of FT. Worth, TX; Linda Peck of Bossier City, LA; Fran Ludington and husband, Dave of East Lansing, MI; a nephew, Dick Cross and wife, Linda of Marlton, NJ and several other nieces and nephews.

Shirley’s family would like to thank the staffs of Live Oak and Pilgrim Manor Guest Care for the kindness and care they gave to Shirley.

The family suggests memorials may be made to Mangum Memorial Methodist Church, 3939 Pines Road, Shreveport, LA 71119 or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

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Joseph Alan Bouillon

Joseph Alan Bouillon, age 65, of Benton, LA, died Thursday, November 23, 2017. He went home to be with the Lord and Savior in the hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born February 25, 1952, in Shreveport, LA. He was the son of the late G.Joseph Bouillon and Elizabeth Ann Bouillon.

He leaves his wife of 43 years, Charlotte Elaine Nicholson Bouillon; his daughter, Stacey Renee’ Bouillon Philyaw and husband, Larry; his son, Joseph Brian Bouillon and wife, Courtney; his four grandchildren, Ben, Lainey, Trevor, and Lexy.

“Joey” was an adventurous daredevil. He loved playing football and baseball as a boy. As a teenager, he was in the professional water skiing group, the Caddo Ski Bees. He enjoyed coaching his kid’s sports teams. He always had hobbies he enjoyed over the years including fishing, riding motorcycles, learning guitar, golfing, working on cars, photography, and he was a dessert connoisseur. He was a loving husband, dad, and Pop. He enjoyed time with his family more than anything!

His relationship with Jesus Christ gave him great peace as his health began to decline in the last few years of his life.

Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation at Cypress Baptist Church on Tuesday, November 28 from 4-6 pm and Celebration of Life Service to follow at 6:30 pm.

The family would like to say a special thank you to the Amedisys Hospice Center staff, Willis Knighton Bossier ER staff, & Dr. Royal Becker for all of the love and care they showed to him and the family throughout this difficult time.

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MSgt Jose Lugo-Martinez (Ret)

BOSSIER CITY, LA – Jose Benjamin Lugo-Martinez, known as Ben Lugo passed away on November 23, 2017 due to complications from diabetes. Memorial service will be held Sunday, November 24, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1814 Benton Road, Bossier City, LA at 4:00. Ben was born on August 19, 1940 in San German Puerto Rico to Justo and Paula Lugo. He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and his brother-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cherry Lugo of Bossier City, LA, son Ben Lugo and wife Donna of Cape Canaveral FL, daughter Ella Wilkerson and husband Brooks of Dover DE. Grandchildren: Joshua Dison and wife Skylar Jett, Dillon Dison, Jake Dison, Landon Wilkerson, Brooklyn Wilkerson, Jaimie Lugo and husband Matt, and Seth Lugo and girlfriend Amanda Vogle. Sisters Milagros Lugo, Provencia Lugo, Consuela Lugo, sister-in-law Tamra Cooper of Bossier City, LA, niece Tanya Simms and husband David of Bossier City, LA and a number of nieces and nephews.

Ben served in the Air Force from 1958 to 1982 and retired at Barksdale AFB. After a second career in the banking industry, he worked as an auditor for the City of Shreveport and retired in 2013.

Ben enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends and especially loved watching his grandson Seth Lugo pitch for the New York Mets. In August 2017 Ben was able to travel to a game and see Seth pitch.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Humane Society or your local animal shelter.

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James August Engelke

BOSSIER CITY, LA – James August Engelke, 79, passed away November 23, 2017 surrounded by his family. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Airline Baptist Church in Bossier City. Officiating will be Pastor Harrell Shelton. Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

James was born in Austin, Texas on June 26, 1938 and grew up in Houston, Texas. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force and retired after 24 years of service. In 1959, he married the love of his life Eddye Gilmore and raised three children. Later he moved to Bossier City, LA to be closer to his grandchildren, which he loved and cherished.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Reinhard Engelke, brothers, R.A. Engelke Jr., Lester Engelke, nephews, Lester Engelke Jr., Curtis Engelke, and great niece, Shannon Engelke.

Left to cherish his memories are his daughters, Carla E. Davis and husband Lee, Pamela E. Mosley, Dianne E. Gibson and husband Marc; grandchildren, Gordon Mosley, Ashby Davis, Brennan Mosley, Caroline Davis; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff and residents at the Brookdale Assisted Living in Bossier, Northwest Louisiana War Veterans Home, Palliative Care Unit at Overton Brooks VA Hospital, and especially to his sitter Alberta Small, for all their passionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering through Airline Baptist Church, 4007 Airline Dr., Bossier City, LA 71111, or to Disabled American Veterans, (dav. org/donate).

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Jean Couch Housiaux

BOSSIER CITY – A graveside service celebrating the life of Jean Couch Housiaux, 85, will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 3 p.m. at Hill Crest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends during a visitation time prior to the service in a stateroom at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home from 1-3 p.m. Rev. Dan Lay of Trinity Heights Baptist Church will officiate.

Jean was born on March 8, 1932 in Haynesville, LA and she went to be with her Lord after a brief illness on November 23, 2017. Jean was an active member of the Shreveport/Bossier community. She was a member of First Bossier and a lifelong member of Trinity Heights Baptist Church. Jean was a vivacious, generous person who loved caring for others. One of her great joys in life was cooking for her family. She also loved to travel and go shopping. Jean will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, and husbands, Melvin R. Couch and John E. Housiaux. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Melanie Couch Kratzer (Brandon); her two sons, Ricky Couch (Cathy), and Ronnie Couch (Cathy); her six grandchildren, Bradley Couch, Ashton Couch, Miranda Couch, Lauren Couch, Anna Claire Kratzer, and Colin Kratzer; her three great-grandchildren; and her special cousin, Betty Hobbs.

Honoring Jean as pallbearers will be: Brandon Kratzer, Bradley Couch, Ashton Couch, Colin Kratzer, Roy Cook, and Doug Asseff.
The family requests that memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to The American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Bloom and Willis Knighton North (2 West).

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.

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Linda Lynette Piazza Monismith

HAUGHTON, LA – Linda Lynette Piazza Monismith, 62, went home to be with her heavenly father on Wednesday, Nov 22, 2017 at her home with her family in Haughton, LA, after a valiant 13 year battle with breast cancer and subsequent metastasized cancer to the liver and bones.

Linda was a faithful Catholic, a loving wife, and a caring mother. Everyone around her saw her kindness and faithfulness to God and family. Linda was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Shreveport.

In the last few years of her life, Linda found peace in her struggle with cancer through her devotion to her family and firm belief in God. She prayed daily not just for herself and her family, but for the whole world and all its people.

Linda was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on September 21, 1955 to Mary E. and Joseph Piazza, Jr. She grew up in Bossier City with three brothers and three sisters. She met her husband David in high school. After marrying David, she earned her B.A. in Education and her Master’s Speech Pathology. While working on her Master’s she gave birth to David Jr.

She was a speech pathologist at North Highlands Elementary School during the early 1980s. Her husband David became an Air Force officer in 1985, and they moved to Blytheville, Arkansas where she taught 2nd, 5th, and 6th grade at Immaculate Conception Catholic School. Linda, her husband David, and son David Jr. moved to Germany in 1988, and Linda became a military spouse and teacher’s assistant at the children’s schools.

While in Germany, they lived in Bechofen and later moved to Bremerhaven where Linda gave birth to Ashley. Linda and her family moved to Sembach where they lived until returning to the U.S. in 1996. They then moved to Oklahoma in 1996, Florida in 1999, Illinois in 2001, and Virginia in 2004 where Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer. Linda was treated for breast cancer at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C and was cancer free for almost nine years. In 2007, Linda, Ashley, and David moved back to Haughton, Louisiana where she lived until her passing.

Even though Linda spent a large part of her life as a homemaker, she found ways to be involved in helping those around her. She enjoyed volunteering at church, shopping for clothes for her nieces and nephews, and cooking meals for others. While in Haughton, she helped care for her father-in-law in his last few years of his life. She loved baking cookies for holidays and giving them to family and friends.

Linda was involved in both her children’s education by volunteering at the schools. She also enjoyed sewing, reading, playing spider solitaire, gardening and decorating. Growing up, she always had a love for cats. David and her adopted 2 stray cats, Toro and Robin, whom she cared for dearly. Linda abounded with kindness, always putting others before herself by looking for ways to help anyone that may be in need.

Linda joins her parents Joseph and Mary E. Piazza Jr. and her sister Mary Jo McKay in heaven. She is survived by her husband David, son David Jr. and wife Andrea, daughter Ashley; three brothers William, David, and Samuel Piazza; two sisters Lesa McEwen and Elizabeth Piazza; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as many friends near and far.

Mass was held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2017. A private family interment of her cremated remains will be held at a later date at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Shreveport.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her honor to Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Shreveport or the charity of choice.

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Dorothy Robinson Fernandez

BOSSIER CITY,LA – Dorothy Robinson Fernandez, “Miss Dot”, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 23, 2017 at Riverview Care Center in Bossier City, LA. She was 86-years old.

Dot was born on March 24, 1931 in Vance, MS. She graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School as valedictorian and continued to receive her degree in Education (Spanish/English) at Louisiana Tech University. Dot graduated summa cum laude with the highest departmental honors.

After her graduation, she worked at the Louisiana Tech Registrar’s office, Grawood Christian School as the curriculum supervisor, and the Aulds Branch Library in Bossier City. She was the library associate for Northwestern State University School of Nursing for 23 years and retired at the age of 79. She met Federico “Fred” Fernandez at Louisiana Tech where they fell in love and married December of 1952. Married for 58 years, Dot and Fred raised their 2 daughters, Dory and Susie.

She was preceded in death by her husband Federico Fernandez; her parents, Chester and Pearl Robinson; her brother Marcus Robinson and sisterin- law Ginger Robinson. She is survived by her sister, Faye Powell; 2 daughters, Dory Michell (Ken) and Susie McDowell; 4 grandchildren, Jeff Lewis (Ellen), Kevin Lewis (Shannon), Mark Michell (Haley), Rachel Deyo, and her 14 great-grandchildren.

As a member of Koran Baptist Church, her greatest achievement was her service to God through teaching, serving on church committees, and mentoring youth and young adults.

Dot faithfully cultivated a family atmosphere with delicious cooking, baking, and after-church meals each and every Sunday. She was the heart of the family and loved to sing, write, read, and play games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren all share fond memories of Grandmommy singing “You Are My Sunshine” from as early as they can all remember. Dot’s beautiful, signature smile and warm charisma were staples of her personality, and her unconditional love will always be remembered.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from countless people and organizations including: Willis-Knighton Hospice, Riverview Care Center, family, friends, and neighbors. A special thank you to Ricarda Carlisle, our most heartfelt thanks for being such a compassionate and competent caregiver for four years.

Life Celebration services for Mrs. Fernandez are scheduled for 11 AM, Monday, November 27, 2017 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home. Hospice chaplain Dana Casey will serve as officiant with Rev. Mike Reichard assisting. The family will welcome friends from 10 AM to 11 AM prior to the service at the funeral home.

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Frank G. Giraud

Bossier City, La – CSM Frank G. Giraud, U. S. Army, retired, passed away peacefully in his home on November 20, 2017 at the age of 96.

He was born on November 24, 1920 in Tucson, Arizona to Ralph G. and Beatrice (Carrillo) Giraud. In 1941, he enlisted in the United States Army. Throughout his military career, which included serving in World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and the Vietnam War, CSM Giraud was awarded numerous awards and medals. He retired in 1967. Frank is a life-member of the DAV and VFW, an honorary member of Paralyzed Veterans, and a charter member of the National WWII Museum. He is an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus and a senior supporter of the Southwest School of Arts and Crafts in San Antonio, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marcia (Tedder) Giraud, his parents, Ralph G. and Beatrice (Carrillo) Giraud, sisters Beatrice Wenk, Bernice Larkin and brothers Ralph E. Giraud, Eugene Giraud, and son-in-law Lynn Vaught. He is survived by his daughters Valdrie E. Harris (Jimmy), Benton, Louisiana; Carol A. Hall (Ernie), Walnut Creek, California; and Virginia L. Vaught, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; sisters Mary Blaney, New Rochelle, New York and Edna Kurtz, Corpus Christi, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jimmy Harris Jr., Warren Harris, Cindy Greenfield, Janece Shellooe, Matthew Hall, Marcia Kautz, and JD Vaught. Eighteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City, Louisiana from 12:00-1:30 with graveside services immediately following at Rose-Neath Cemetery Bossier City.

The family wishes to thank Mary Waring, Jacqueline Caldwell, Beverly Hill, Southern Care Hospice and the staff at Medistar Home Health for all their care, love and devotion to their father. Also the family would like to remember the late Doris (Penny) Pennywell for her service as a devoted caretaker for the last 4 ½ years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice, or to St. Jude Catholic Church.

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Maureen Taunton Melville

Maureen Taunton Melville passed away on November 2, 2017, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born February 4, 1929, in Marion, Louisiana, she spent most of her adult life in southern Bossier Parish, living on and next to the Red River Valley Experiment Station at Curtis, where her husband David R. Melville, Sr., was for over thirty years a professor of agronomy.

Maureen was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Lela, and her siblings, Agnes, Norma, Francis, Eloise, Thelma, Sonny and Charles, all of whom she loved and nurtured until their deaths. She lost her husband, the stable rock of her life, too early, and never tried to replace him.

Maureen is survived by children David R. Melville, Jr., and wife, Melanie, Josilyn Horne, and Cecilia Kay Snyder, and husband, Russell; grandchildren Jude, Daniel, Grace, Taunton, Jenny, Jessica, Joshua, Holly and Cliff, along with their wonderful spouses and their many children (including one on the way!). As a central member of a large, loving and vibrant extended family spread over Louisiana and Texas, she also leaves behind siblings Pat, Wayne, Joyce and Billy Joe (all of whom expressed great love and affection for their sister), and a host of admiring nieces and nephews and their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, most of whom she knew not only by name, but by personality.

A woman blessed with confidence and natural hostessing skills, Maureen, or “Granny” as her grandchildren and their waves of friends called her, was the center of attention, filling lengthy visits with equal parts conversation and food. Whether due to a prodigious memory, an active curiosity for detail, or an often surprising sense of intuition, she even in her final weeks always seemed to know exactly what each member of her large family was doing and, just as important to her, how and when and why.

Maureen was a patriot, daily flying the American Flag; a celebrator of tradition, decorating her home carefully for each season; a born gardener, able to grow flowers it seemed sometimes just by accident; an irrepressible optimist, always in the process of making plans for events to come; and an imaginative participant, if often vicariously, in the world, regularly studying maps to capture a sense of exactly where her family traveled and religiously reading the newspaper to keep up with the latest comings and goings of the broader community. She was a lover of Jesus, believing always in the eternal life He offers and that she now enjoys.

A service of Death and Resurrection for Maureen was held on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at Hill Crest Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Haughton, Louisiana, followed by a graveside committal and reception at Hill Crest. Officiating was her son, Reverend David Melville. Honoring Maureen as pallbearers were grandsons Jude Melville, Daniel Melville, Taunton Melville and Cliff Snyder, great-grandson Caleb Green, and nephew Ed Taunton. Memorials may be given in Maureen’s name to Christ in the City and mailed to 1795 Parker Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

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John B. Leachman

BOSSIER CITY, LA – John Bennett Leachman, 80, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Saturday, November 25, 2017. John joins his parents Grady and Emma Lee Leachman and his sisters , Margaret Haughton Worsham and Ann Barmore in heaven.

John is survived by his wife, Gloria Dean Leachman of Bossier City; daughters, Laura Russell and husband Wes of Tyler, TX, Amy Lopez and husband Jorge of Fort Worth, TX; grandchildren, Mark Russell of Tyler, TX, Emily and Elena Lopez of Fort Worth, TX; sister Dell Shaw and husband A.W. Shaw of Vernon, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was a native of Ruston, LA and a resident of Bossier City for 40 years. He was a graduate of Louisiana Tech and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He spent his entire career in service to others, working as a mental health counselor, vocational rehabilitation counselor, chaplain and pastor. He was a very special and kind man who was loved by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at Hill Crest Funeral Home in Haughton. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Douglas Cemetery in Ruston. Karl Norris and Philip Neaville will officiate at the graveside service. Pallbearers are Mark Russell, Wesley Russell, Jorge Lopez, Philip Neaville, Billly McElduff, and Rel Shaw. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Bayne and Dale Wheelis.

In lieu of flowers the family request that you make a donation to the building fund of Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.

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Sandra Jones

HAUGHTON, LA – Sandra Diane Jones, 54, of Haughton, Louisiana, passed away November 23, 2017. She was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 2, 1963. Sandra graduated from Airline High School and received an Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Our Lady of Lake College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sandra spent her life taking care of the community through her call to nursing.

Nursing wasn’t just a career for Sandra, it was a ministry. She worked as an oncology nurse for 25 faithful years with Feist-Weiller Cancer Center at LSU Health Sciences Center. She worked as a hospice nurse and as a home health nurse for Louisiana Home Care Group. She was a member of the Oncology Nursing Society and a medical missions group.

She traveled to Africa to provide medical missionary relief to men, women, and children.
Sandra was a devoted servant in the body of Christ although her childhood home church was St. George’s Episcopal Church. She had a green thumb and a passion for giving life and beauty to the world around her. She championed for animals by volunteering regularly at animal shelters and humane societies and opening her home to rescue and rehabilitate animals back to health.

Sandra loved her family and friends, but no love matched the love she had for her grandson Lucas. She had a passion for the Word of God and for fellowship with other believers. She had a passion for ministering to young children and financially sponsored a child in Nicaragua.

Sandra was preceded in death by her mother, Diane K. Jones and her father Thomas L. Jones, and her beloved brother-in-law, Robert W. Boyd. She is survived by her daughter Kathryn Elizabeth Craigo-Whitaker, son-in-law Samuel C. Whitaker, grandson Lucas A. Whitaker, sister Sheryl J. Boyd, niece Megan E. Boyd, nephew Lance B. Boyd, her daughter’s father Robert A. Craigo, and her loving companion Ladd Custer.

The family will receive friends during visitation at Hill Crest Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

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Robert E. Hill, Jr.

BOSSIER CITY,LA – Funeral services for Robert E. Hill, Jr. will be 10 a.m. Thursday, November 30, 2017 at Rose-Neath Bossier Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Bryan Reed. Interment will follow at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at Rose-Neath Bossier.

Robert was born in Greenville, TX to Robert, Sr. and Callie Hill on September 16, 1931 and died in Bossier City, LA on November 25, 2017. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Robert retired after 42 years in sales, where he sold tools for saw and paper mills.

He was preceded in death by his parents; great granddaughter, Arielle Jayla Hill and mother of his children, Frenchie Gilliam.

Robert is survived by his son, James Robert Hill and wife, Vickie of Bossier City, LA; Teri Hill Dees and husband, Julian Vincent of Orlando, FL; sisters, Norma Hill Baker and husband, Billy of Hilton Head, SC, Janice Hill Girdley of Shreveport, LA; grandchildren, Rachel Demma and Jason Hill; great grandson, Julian Chapman and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Honoring Robert as pallbearers will be, Syd Gilliam, Ronnie Tucker, Nathan Tucker, Lane Baker and Jeff Watson. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Baker and LaJoy Tubbs.

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Katie “Bug” Lynn Grantham

BENTON, LA – Our Katie Bug entered this world on April 12, 2013 at 9:04 am and transformed Kirk and Morgan Grantham into Daddy and Mommy. From that moment forward, she charmed the pants off everyone she met. She is her Daddy’s Katie Bugger and her Mommy’s little sidekick. She adored her brother Gavin and he will forever be her “baby.”

Katie was fearless and loved to hunt frogs, dig for worms, and chase bunnies. All while wearing a tutu dress with a super hero emblem, ruffle leggings, and mismatched socks and shoes. She loved her Montessori family (Ms. Sieck, Ms. Cheryl, Ms. Dawn, ALL her friends) and walked in with confidence each morning. Her Mommy would stand at the end of the hallway and watch her guide Gavin to his classroom gently speaking to him and encouraging him the whole way that he was going to a “GREAT day today!” It was a glorious thing to see and her Mommy got to see that each morning. She would return for her turn to be escorted and never failed to ask for “one more hug,” which she always received.

Katie Bug hugs were the BEST hugs. They were full body: arms around your neck, legs around your waist. Her Daddy got one every day when he returned from work and it would turn in to a dance or an airplane game, or just a hug that seemed to last forever that they both needed at that time. She gave the BEST kisses and we will forever miss those sweet lips on our cheeks.
Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Katie Bug could instantly see her humor.

She was funny and just looking at her facial expressions could get the whole dinner table rolling with laughter. Katie and Gavin would spend hours playing outside, playing in the bathtub, or pestering each other. She always wanted to teach her baby something and he was a willing student (most of the time). Kati e loved to share all of her love with Gavin and sometimes he! r fruit snacks. Her family’s heart aches to see them laughing, running, and playing again.

Katie Bug was surrounded by people that loved her. When Teta (Teresa White) and Gigi (Kay White) got to pick her up from school, she knew that a yogurt trip was in her future. The joy and love she had for Papa Greg (Greg Grantham), Mawmaw Karin (Karin Grantham), Bubbles (Susan Berney), and Pawpaw Bill (Bill Berney) was evident each time she got to see them. Oh how she loved. Katie loved seeing her Uncle Coop (Cooper White) and Aunt Emily (Emily Copia White) get married and had the best time dancing the night away. Aunt KK’s (Kristi Byargeon) house was THE place to get candy, play with her cousins (Sal & Sophia Byargeon, Landon Grantham), and get pretty much whatever she wanted. Waiting on her in Heaven is her Pawpaw (Marvin White), and they are now dancing, singing, and hunting critters together.

Let us speak to those who did not have a chance to meet her. To Dr. Nanda, Dr. Notarianni, Dr. Conrad and their entire staff for being able to guide us through this process with grace and understanding. To her PICU nurses: Christie, Tamara, Kristi, and the whole 5th floor for loving on her and us like we were your own. To everyone at University Health who loved on Morgan and Katie during this time: Chandra – 10th floor, Seth – SICU, and many others. We will forever be grateful for your kindness. We are thankful for LOPA and their people for allowing our precious baby to live on. To the thousands who prayed over our sweet baby, we can never thank you enough. We heard and felt your prayers even when we could say none of our own. Our baby knew Jesus Christ and her Mommy would ask her each night: “Katie Bug, who is the ONLY person who knows the plan for Katie Bug Grantham?” She would respond: “God Mommy! He’s our best helper.”

We have been lifted in this tragedy by a community! who came together for a very special little baby who was instantly healed on Sunday, November 26th. There is hope in that. This world is not divided or hateful. It is a wonderful place with kind people doing wonderful works in the name of God. Our prayer is that you will remember our Katie Bug, her kindness, her humor, her everything…and show that to others. Our prayer is also that you would look to Jesus during times of troubles because HE can heal, HE can hold you up, HE can give you peace.

Those left to rejoice in her memory are Kirk, Morgan, and Gavin Grantham, Teresa White & Richard Cox, Bill & Susan Berney, Greg & Karin Grantham, Kay White, Rose Copsey, Yevonne Pierce, Cooper & Emily White, Casey, Kristi, Sal & Sophia Byargeon, Scott and Landon Grantham, Dodd, Mary Kay, Ashlie, & Haley (Hammonds) Grantham, and many, many others. To our friends far and wide who loved our baby girl because you CHOSE to: there is no greater testament to love than loving those you don’t have to. She loved her friends, she loved our friends, she loved everyone and that love will live on in all of us.

If our baby girl touched you in some way, please let us know (PO Box 367, Benton, LA 71006). We will be celebrating her life at Asbury United Methodist Church, 3200 Airline Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111 on Saturday, December 2 at 1pm. Doors will open at 12 for any visitors who wish to see the family. In lieu of flowers, please take a new, unwrapped toy to a Toys for Tots drop-off to bring joy to a child in need.

Donations can be made to The Hub Ministry or The Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission to help in their ministry. Most of all, if you want to honor Katie Bug Grantham, be kind, love others, laugh a lot with those you love, and love God. Talk to Him. HE will answer. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

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Louis Johnson

BENTON, LOUISIANA – A Celebration of Life Service for Louis Johnson, age 78, of Benton, LA will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 3, 2017 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Jim Benbrook will officiate the service.

Louis was born in Fitchburg, MA on December 15, 1938 to David Johnson and Barbara Hayes Johnson. He passed away on Tuesday November 28, 2017 in Minden, LA.
Lou was a man rich in character and spirited in nature. He retired from A.W. Chesterton Company after 42 years of dedicated service. He never met a stranger and he loved all with whom he came in contact. Lou was an avid outdoorsman, world traveler, and adventurer.

He had a big heart and brought his heart and soul to the football field, the lake where he rowed and waterskied, and to the wilderness at Camp Jeep. He enjoyed deep fried food, the dance floor, booze, guns, and fast cars. Lou will be fondly remembered by his family and friends for his outstanding sense of humor, culinary skills, dance moves, and athletic prowess. He worked hard and played harder….and that’s why he’s no longer with us. The Man, the Myth, the Legend…. Lou will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Lou is preceded in death by his father, David Johnson; mother, Barbara Johnson; and brother, Barry Johnson. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Rhonda Johnson of Benton, LA; daughters, Gudrun “Goodie” Johnson of Meriden, CT, and Erica Johnson of Dallas, TX; son, Kurt Johnson and wife Abigail of Los Angeles, CA; stepsons, Jason Grantham and wife Whitney of Haughton, LA, and Justin Grantham and wife Bre of Blanchard, LA; and stepdaughter, Michele Genusa and husband Bobby of Frisco, TX. He also leaves four granddaughters and one grandson along with a host of nieces, nephews, and special friends to cherish his memory.

The family would like to give special thanks and recognition to the staff at Meadowview Health and Rehab Center in Minden, LA.

You may offer condolences and sign the online guest book by visiting www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.

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Joe David Williams
June 11, 1934 – Nov. 11, 2017

Bossier City, LA – Joe David Williams, 83, of Bossier City, La., died Nov. 11, 2017, at Willis-Knighton Pierremont Medical Center in Shreveport, La., after a brief illness.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Faith Chapel at First Baptist Church of Bossier City, with the Rev. Robert Findley officiating. Visitation preceding the service will be from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel.

Williams, a retired businessman, was an Army veteran and attended First Bossier. Born June 11, 1934, in Evergreen, La., he grew up in Springhill, La., and spent much of his life in Haynesville, La., and Dallas, Texas, before also living in Plain Dealing, La., and then Bossier City.

Survived by his wife Eva Lee Williams of Bossier City; children Ross Williams of Tempe, Ariz., Rebecca McCormick and husband Brian of Winona, Texas; Amy Sims and husband Sammy of Haynesville, Rex Williams and wife Rebecca of Covington, La., and Rickey Williams and wife Tammy of McKinney, Texas; former wife and mother of children Jill Williams of Kilgore, Texas; 10 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Preceded in death by parents Murrel and Tressie Williams; one son Phil Williams; and one grandson Brady Sims.

Cremation arrangements handled through Forest Park Funeral Home in Shreveport. Interment will be at a later date in the Plain Dealing Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Bossier, First United Methodist Church of Plain Dealing, the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.

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