Obituaries

Betty Jean Waller Thompson was born on October 26, 1925 in Winnfield, Louisiana to James Irving Waller and Dottie Mae Patterson Waller. She died on December 7, 2018 in Dayton, Texas.

James Leonidas “J.L.” Hinckley, Sr., age 92 of Vick, Louisiana passed away on Sunday, December 09, 2018. Born Friday, October 01, 1926 in Jena, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his parents, Florence Smith Hinckley and James Cotton Hinckley; sister, Olga DeTogne; and wife, Bobbie McNeal Hinckley.

Mr. Hinckley served his country in the U.S Army in the Pacific Theater and the Occupation of Japan during World War II.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, James L. Hinckley, Jr., Dodson, LA; daughter, Janice Hinckley Stroud, Monroe, LA; son, Justin C. Hinckley, Ruston, LA; granddaughter, Jennifer Hinckley Vidrine, and great grandchildren, Samuel, Sylvia and Marcie Vidrine,

Graveside services were held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 with Rev. Bill Strawbridge officiating at Vick Baptist Cemetery in Vick, LA under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield.

Thomas Hull Ferrell, Ph.D., ULL Retired Professor of Political Science, died at his residence, Thursday, December 13, 2018. He was 76 years old. Tom, as he was known to friends and relatives, was born in Winnfield LA in 1942. He graduated from Northeast Louisiana State University, now the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and continued his education at Louisiana State University where he received both a masters and doctorate in Political Science. He spent his career at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the Department of Political Science where he served as Head of the Department. In addition to his research accomplishments, he was recognized by the university as an outstanding student advisor and guided many Acadiana attorneys in their undergraduate preparation for law school.

First Baptist Church of Winnfield will be hosting a holiday concert on Sunday, December 9 at 6:00 p.m. The Sanctuary Choir will open the program with several dynamic choral selections and then special guest, Joseph Habedank, will join them for an evening of music that you will not soon forget!

Joseph Habedank is a Grammy nominated and Dove Award winning singer and songwriter. Singing News Magazine named him Soloist of the Year in 2017 and 2018. Joseph has a unique and powerful testimony that has been featured on national television and in Billboard Magazine. His singing career began with Southern Gospel music and has given him the opportunity to share his songs in some of America’s greatest churches as well as at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

Make plans to bring a friend and come join the congregation of First Baptist Church for this spectacular holiday event!

Mr. Timothy Alton Walker, age of 40 of Jonesboro, joined his Savior Monday, November 26, 2018. Timothy was a huge fan of just about every sport, but especially was a fan of #24 Jeff Gordon, #9 Chase Elliot and the San Fransisco 49ers. He kept up to date with FOX News and our president Trump. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, son in law, classmate and friend. He was a true blessing and treasure to all he met. Timothy loved his wife and daughter and enjoyed every moment of time he spent with them

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife, Ashley Causey Walker; daughter, Carlie Nicole Walker; parents, Linna Jane and M.H. Walker; brothers, Mark Walker and wife Lisa, Phillip Walker and wife Michelle, Stephen Walker and wife Elizabeth; mother in law, Carla Tyler Causey; father in law, Tony Causey; sister in law, Toni Causey; 6 nieces; 5 nephews; a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Janie Lewis Coolman, age 70 of Dodson, Louisiana passed away on Friday, November 30, 2018 at her residence.

Born Tuesday, June 1, 1948 in Montgomery, Louisiana, she will be remembered as a loving, Christian wife, mother and grandmother. She loved children and helped raise many of her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Lewis; stepfather, Gil Milligan; sister, Glenda Hunt; brother, Lawrence Lewis, Jr. and his wife Deidre.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 45 years, John M. Coolman; sons, Michael Coolman (Pam) and Jason Coolman; grandchildren, Laney, Landon and Kaden; father, Lawrence Lewis and step-mother, Mabel; sister, Delores Carpenter (Mike); step-brothers, John, Gene and Pat McRae; numerous nieces and nephews.