Obituaries

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. (John 11:25, KJV) Nobie Goff Starks was born on April 27, 1953 to James and Cleo Goff. She accepted Christ into her life at an early age and served him well until God called her home. Nobie joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church at an early age, under the leadership of Rev. B. J. Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents James and Cleo Goff and brother Jimmy Ray Goff. Nobie was united to Edward Starks, Sr. on December 23, 1972, and to this union, two children were born. Nobie leaves to cherish her memories, a devoted husband of 43 years, Edward Earl Starks, Sr., one daughter, Shontay “Nay” Starks and one son, Edward “Pluck” Starks, Jr.

Mrs. Ruth Dean Skains Carpenter, age 87, of Winnfield, LA passed away on Thursday, November17, 2016. Born in Joyce, Louisiana, December 25,1928, Mrs. Carpenter was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where she served as founder and long-time teacher of the Encouragers Sunday School Class, WMU President and member of the choir. She loved to sing, and enjoyed traveling with her friends throughout the country. Especially noted for her baking skills, she spent many hours in her kitchen, preparing food for her family and friends. Mrs. Carpenter was preceded in death by her husband, William H. (Bill) Carpenter; parents, Luke and Lydia Skains; three brothers and two sisters. Those left to cherish her memory include one daughter, Martha C.

Mrs. Margaret Lorraine Caskey Anderson, age 78 of Dodson, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. Born Sunday, March 20, 1938 in Winnfield, Louisiana, she was a member of First Baptist Church of Dodson. She owned and managed, alongside her husband, the Dodson Corner Quick Stop for 30 years. The early years of her life were spent as a homemaker raising her children. She will be remembered as a loving wife, a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Mrs. Anderson was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Leslie and Fannie Lee Kirkham Caskey; granddaughter, Kaitlin Boyett; siblings, Cecil Caskey, Robert Caskey, Corrine Jordan. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, James T. Anderson; children, Toby Boyett (Alpha), Michael Boyett (Lori), Brian Boyett (Laura) and Tammy Brunson (James); siblings, H.L. Caskey, Jr.

Mr. William Carven “Billy” King, Sr., age 60 of Choudrant, and Gaars Mill, Louisiana passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016. Born Monday, December 19, 1955 in Jackson, Mississippi, he was preceded in death by his Parents, Carven Buddy and Sarah Crain King; his wife of 36 years, Cindy Chalk King; Great Grandson, Skylar Rabourn. Mr. King was Service Manager for P.K. Smith Motors for 30 years and was a member of Longstraw Baptist Church of Choudrant. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to those who knew him. Those left to cherish his memory include his Wife, Sue Peterson King; Children, Christie Cotton (Tommy), Buddy King (Christy), Cynthia Jones (Mason) and Caleb King (Marie); Step-Children, Ken Audirsch (Crystel), Rachel Clark and Jamie Phillips (Chad); Sister, Sarah Jones (Danny); 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlie R. Kirby, Jr., 101 years of age and a long-time resident of Verda, LA, passed away Friday, November 18, 2016 in Lenoir City, TN. Charlie, who was also known as Roger Kirby to distinguish from his father, Charlie Sr., was one of 22 siblings and was preceded in death by all but two brothers and two sisters. A hardworking man, he was a good provider for his family. He possessed a great sense of humor and would love to tell stories about his life to family and friends. He honorably served in the United States Army and was a World War II veteran. Charlie was a 32nd degree Mason and was very proud of his accomplishments achieved while serving as a Free and Accepted Mason. He will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his daughter, Glenda Beckett and her husband Jim of Palmetto Bay, FL; a granddaughter, Elizabeth Thompson. With so many siblings, there were obviously many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews; too many to mention.

Mr. Joe Hamilton LaCroix, age 90 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Monday, November 14, 2016. Born Friday, August 13, 1926 in Utility, Louisiana, he was a member and deacon of Central Assembly of God Church in Winnfield. He was retired from Allen & Allen Vending Co. with 20 years of service. Later, he retired from Kay Radio in Alexandria having 21 years of service. Mr. LaCroix was a US Army veteran of WWII having served three overseas tours of duty. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Claude and Rosa Hamilton LaCroix; Son, Robbie Lamar LaCroix. Those left to cherish his memory include his Son, Bobby Joe LaCroix (Betty Kay) of Olla; Grandchildren, Jada LaCroix of Abbeville, Rory LaCroix of Winnfield and Taylor LaCroix of Winnfield; 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home with Rev. Willie Beaubouef officiating.

Mr. Wayne Edward Smith, age 70 of Sikes, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, November 15, 2016. Born Sunday, March 3, 1946 in Urania, Louisiana, he was a member of Murray Street Baptist Church in Lake Charles and the Retread Motorcycle Club and was retired from Texas Eastman in Longview, TX. Mr. Smith served his country in the US Army. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Maxel and Ruby Jenkins Smith; Brother, Bobby Smith; Nephew, Bryan Smith; Great Niece, Suzanne Miller. Those left to cherish his memory include his Brother, Max D. Smith and (Jan); Sister, Delynda Womack (Lane); Nieces and Nephews, Tanya Clark (Tigger), Dana Smith, Ashley Carson (Seth), Karla Womack and Kevin Womack in addition to several great-nieces and nephews, first cousins and friends. Funeral services were held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin Womack, Rev. John W. Maloy and Rev. Michael McBride officiating. Interment followed in Wright Cemetery, in Sikes.

Mr. Beau Ryan Bates, age 36 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2016. Born Tuesday, May 6, 1980 in Shreveport, Louisiana, he was a self-employed carpenter and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Beau was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandfather, Orville Strickland and Paternal Grandparents, Merle and Alene Bates. Those left to cherish his memory include his Mother, Jane Elizabeth Howell; Father, Bobby Lynn Bates (Sandra); Children, Payton Elizabeth, Tyler Ethan and Makenzie Skye; Siblings, Lindsey Brook Bates Torrence (Mala), Joe Miles and Michelle Miles; Maternal Grandparents, Jean Strickland and Robert Howell (Ethel). Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 14, 2016 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Justin Hardy, Rev. Dick DeBusk and Rev. Lamar Carpenter officiating. Interment followed in Bethlehem Cemetery, in Calvin under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Mrs. Donna Long Pickett, age 62 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, November 12, 2016. Born Tuesday, February 23, 1954 in Winnfield, Louisiana, she was a life-time member of First Baptist Church and was a Registered Nurse and caregiver. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and as an active and devoted grandmother. Mrs. Pickett was preceded in death by her parents, Colvin Ray and Nellie Louise Nugent Long; brothers, Roger Long and Hershal Long. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 40 years, John Pickett; sons, Michael Pickett and Ryan Pickettand wife Katie; grandchildren, John Michael Pickett, Dolcy Pickett, expected Dallas Pickett, Kara Grantadams and Kassidy Grantadams; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Winnfield with Rev. Steven Smithson officiating. Interment followed in Garden of Memories, Winnfield.