Obituaries

Mrs. Rudell Maxine Jones Bates, age 88 of Winnfield, La passed away on Friday, August 12, 2016. Mrs. Bates was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and the Encouragers Sunday School Class. She was a wonderful cook, an artist and an avid reader. Mrs. Bates was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Earl Odell Bates, Jr., and parents Curtis and Docia Jones. Those left to cherish her memory include three children, Gary Delane Bates (Martha), Sherri Janine Bates of Winnfield, Louisiana, and Russell Earl Bates (Micheale) of Rock Springs Wyoming. She is also survived by two grandchildren, Gary Wayne Bates (Jennifer) of Winnfield, Louisiana and David Delane Bates (Elizabeth) of Springfield, Virginia and two great grandchildren, Terry Delane Bates and Gracey Dean Bates of Springfield, Virginia. Funeral services for Mrs. Bates were held Monday, August 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

Julie Barrera Boatman, age 90, of Winnfield, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 8, 2016, after a short illness. She was born in LaParrita, Texas. After she graduated, she began a career as a school teacher, and later as a payroll secretary. She was married to Jim Boatman and after starting a family she became a homemaker and seamstress for her family. She was very active in the Tremont Homemakers Club and also served on the Board for the Friends of the Louisiana Political Museum Foundation. She was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where she was known as a “Prayer Warrior.” She participated in Sharing Faith, Women’s Club, Evangelistic Team, served as a Eucharistic Minister, taught catechism, and organized snacks for bible school where she was nicknamed “Koolaid Lady” by the children. She will be remembered as an extraordinary spiritual person. Julie prayed faithfully on a daily basis for her family and the needs of many people.

Mrs. Melbalene Holbrook, age 77 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2016. Born Thursday, October 6, 1938 in Montgomery, Louisiana, she was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Cecil Lawson and Ethel Loney Brady Lawson; brother, Vivan Lawson; and son-in-law, Jimmy Folden. Mrs. Holbrook was a member of The Family Church of Winnfield, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a pastor’s wife and supported her husband in his ministry. Mrs. Holbrook was well known for her famous fried chicken and loved baking and crocheting.

Brenda Mae (Williams) Arthur of Killeen, TX passed away August 3, 2016. Memorial services were held August 13, 2016.

A celebration of life for James “Jimmy” A. Morrow will be from 1pm-5pm, Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Full Gospel Christian Center, 714 Railroad Avenue, Jonesboro, LA 71251 with Bro. Greg Morrow officiating. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reese Pete Morrow “Fredman” & Molly Ruth Morrow; daughter, Laura Ruth Morrow; sister, Patsy Morrow Schmidt; and brother, Wayne Morrow. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 36 years, Debbie Morrow; children, Shelia Sandefur and husband Danny of Ruston, Tapper Morrow of Dubach and Jody Owens and wife Lindsay of Dodson; 7 grandchildren, Jennifer Jiles of Arkansas, Molly Sandefur of Ruston, Madaline Sandefur of Ruston, Mary Sandefur of Ruston, Jesseca Owens of Dodson, Seth Owens of Dodson and Matthew Sandefur of Ruston; 3 Great Grandchildren, Ryder, Mckensie and Madi; 5 Brothers, Bobby Morrow of Dubach, Jacky Morrow of Dubach, Tommy Morrow of Dubach, Leo Morrow of Dubach and Kenneth Morrow of Pea Ridge.

Mrs. Carolyn Faye Jones Foshee, age 57 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Born Wednesday, July 29, 1959 in Winnfield, Louisiana, she was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Mrs. Foshee was preceded in death by her parents, Jerrell and Elizabeth Griffin Jones. Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Justin Foshee (Amanda), Danielle Foshee and Mary Foshee; grandchildren, Janeshia, Jakara, Aidan, Jackson and Kylie; siblings, Lee Roy Jones (Cindy), Mike Jones (Carolyn Sue), Debbie Cox (Dale), Darlene Hammons (James) and Kenneth Jones (Gwen); numerous nieces and nephews Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Ernest Little and Rev. Frank Shields officiating. Interment followed in Jones Cemetery, in Winnfield under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

Mrs. Margaret Ann Peel, age 73 of Olla, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. Born Thursday, November 19, 1942 in Oakdale, Louisiana, she was preceded in death by her parents, Orval A. and Orelia Bryant Garrett. Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Michael Moss, Urania, LA; grandsons Michael Glen Moss, Austin, TX, James Moss, Austin, TX, Robert Moss, Olla, LA, and Tony Moss, Oak Harbor, WA; and 4 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at Southern Funeral Home with Rev. Clark Palmer officiating. Interment followed in Bethel Cemetery, near Colfax. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.southernfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Debra Ann Turner, age 53 of Atlanta, Louisiana passed away on Friday, July 29, 2016. Born Thursday, December 27, 1962 in Winnfield, Louisiana, she was currently an employee of Winnfield Wal-Mart. Mrs. Turner was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys Hay Lemmons. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Nicole Bonner, Amy Pitts and Heather Smith all of Waynesboro, MS; Grandchildren, Tristan Layne Woodson, Jaelyn Bonner, Savannah Turner, Braylon Turner, Taylor Pitts, Memery Smith and Alexius Smith; boyfriend, John Clements, Atlanta. Graveside funeral services were held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, August 4, 2016 at Evergreen Cemetery in Goldonna with Rev. Dusty Durbin officiating. Interment followed under the direction of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.southernfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Pearlie McLaren, age 85 of Atlanta, Louisiana passed away on Friday, August 5, 2016. Born Thursday, January 29, 1931 in Coldwater, Louisiana, she was preceded in death by her parents, Charley and - Harriet Blake Dean; brothers, Joe and Jack Dean; sisters, Armetta Huddleston, Cornelia Ross, Zahlia Ross, Charlene Dean, Irene Dean, and Elvie Johnston; son-in-law, Robert O. House; and grandsons, Dean House and Justin Smith. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Howard McLaren, Atlanta, LA; daughters, Dianne House, Baytown, TX, Cathy Waters and husband John, West Monroe, LA, and Pam Jordan and husband Steve, Winnfield, LA; son, Colvin Smith and wife Kathy, Tullos, LA; grandchildren, Stacey Jackson, John Waters, III, Christopher Waters, Jared Little, and Jenna Walsworth; 6 great grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild; and sister, Jessie Gresham, Jonesboro, LA. Graveside services were held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 8, 2016 at Garden of Memories with Rev.

Graveside services for Mr. Donnie Melton were held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 in the Garden of Memories Cemetery, Winnfield, Louisiana with Pastor Doug James officiating, under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home, Ball, Louisiana. Mr. Melton, age 62, of Atlanta, Louisiana, entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 7, 2016 at his residence. Mr. Melton was a resident of Verda, Louisiana. Donnie was retired from the oil and gas industry for over 20 years of service. He loved watching NASCAR and was an avid Dale Earnhart, Jr. fan. He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Edwina Melton. He is survived by one brother, Steve Melton (Janette) of Black Lake; one sister, Kay Bryant (Joel) of Verda; two aunts, Jerry Stroud of Winnfield and Carolyn Smith of Whitney, Texas; two nephews, David Johnson (Allison) of Verda and Justin Johnson (Jessica) of Verda. Pallbearers were Glen Davis, BJ Davis, David Johnson, Justin Johnson, Todd Hale and Morris Pardee.