Obituaries

Judith (Judy) McDonald Hudson, 80, a long-time resident of St Francisville, LA and employee at Angola State Penitentiary, died June 12, 2025, following a chronic illness. A private service will be held by the family.

She was born September 19, 1944, in Winnfield, Louisiana. Daughter of the late Marie Gresham Spikes of Atlanta, Louisiana, late stepfather Charles Orville Spikes of Atlanta, Louisiana; and father, the late William McDonald of Mississippi.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Joseph Shannon Worsham and wife Kim, Lyn Brossett and husband William, Sean Carrel, Shane Worsham and wife Justine, nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, three sisters, Mary McDonald Kidd, Janea Spikes and Judy Spikes Finklea.

Mrs. Patsy Jean Martin, 88 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Mrs. “Pat” was born on Tuesday, November 17, 1936 in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was a secretary in a law office before becoming the loving wife of over 50 years to Bobby Joe Martin.

She was predeceased by her parents James Archie Wells and Maggie Lena Bass Wells, Husband, Bobby Joe Martin, Brother Jimmy Wells and sister Martha Lynn Barr.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, David Lance Martin (Sharon); and grand daughter Emily Faith Martin of Houston, TX, daughter, Mary Diane Martin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Private graveside services were held Tuesday in Sanders Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Nick Verrett officiating. Services were in care of Southern Funeral Home of Winnfield, Louisiana.

Leroy Hardwell, Sr., entered eternal rest on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

Born Jan. 10, 1943, to Kelly Hardwell, Sr., and Janie Jenkins Hardwell, Leroy’s life was marked by quiet strength, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family and community. He was first united in holy matrimony to the late Betty Lou Flowers Hardwell. From this blessed union, five children were born. Later in life, he united in marriage with Vickie Velicia Hardwell, and together they welcomed two children. Prior to this union, Leroy was also blessed with two children from a previous relationship. He was preceded in death by one loving daughter, Tina Hardwell Rivers, and one cherished grandson, Christopher Lewis; and nine siblings.

Edward Byron

Powell passed away on

March 25, 2025, in

Bossier City,

Louisiana, at the age of 76.

Byron was born on April 19, 1948, in Winnfield, Louisiana and attended his precious LSU after high school and later attended Northeast Louisiana University. His love for LSU remained a lifelong passion, particularly when it came to cheering on the LSU Tigers. Almost all of the time you’d find him either watching LSU football or baseball, or golf on the tv.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Edward Powell, Jr and Kathalene Powell, as well as his sisters, Mattsye Kaye Powell and Lisa Lavinia Powell.

He is survived by his son, Mark & wife Jenny, and daughter, Jenni Roberts & husband Steve, along with four grandchildren: Ben Powell, Grant Powell, Katherine Roberts and Mary Ellen Roberts.

The family will be having a private memorial service at a later date.

Eugene Dale Skains, Jr., passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025 of pancreatic cancer. He was born September 22, 1961 in Winnfield, LA, and was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Dale Skains, Sr., and Barbara Arakaki Skains, as well as his wife, Annette Brigance Skains.

Eugene was talented, loyal and passionate in many areas and his life journey was marked with intelligence, humor and compassion. He approached life with honesty and integrity. In early adulthood he worked at upscale restaurants and discovered a lasting passion for cooking that brought him much joy. He delighted in nourishing others while making them smile and laugh. And if you ever tasted his dishes, then you have experienced his love.

With his wife and daughters by his side, William Scott “Scotty” Maxwell entered eternal life on April 5, 2025, following a brief illness. Scotty was born on August 12, 1946, in Tullos, Louisiana, to Max William Maxwell and Betty Jo Adams Maxwell. The oldest of six children, Scotty spoke fondly of his childhood spent with his siblings and cousins on the family farm in Urania, including visits with his beloved grandmothers and great-aunt, and participation in the Baptist church.

Mrs. Mary Inez Young, age 81, of Winnfield, LA passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025 in the Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Young was born July 03, 1943 to Hamilton and Sylvia Dauzat who preceded her in death, along with her loving husband Lee Roy Young, one brother-Alton Dauzat, one daughterJudy Bond and two grandchildren, Debbie Bond and Jessie Dauzat.

Mary loved her Jesus first and foremost followed by her family, and church family. She was happiest when she had a houseful to spend time with. She loved embroidering, reading and talking with family and friends.

Adam was a talented, hard working, caring man. After graduating from Dodson High School, he began working to build a life & provide for his family. His ultimate dream was to open an art gallery/shop to facilitate others with various forms of creative expression. He wanted to teach younger generations to create & appreciate all forms of art. He was also creating a unique book both written & illustrated by his magnificent mind, which he had always referred to as his masterpiece. To those who supported his dream throughout the years, know he held you all in high regard & praised you often for the encouragement.

 July 6, 1952 — March 7, 2025

Funeral services for Derwood Maxwell were held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Riser Funeral Home in Olla, Louisiana, with Bro. Warren Maxwell officiating. Interment followed in Olla Cemetery under the direction of Riser Funeral Home. Visitation was held Monday, March 10, 2025, at Riser Funeral Home in Olla from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Derwood Paul Maxwell was born July 6, 1952, in Winnfield Louisiana, to the union of his parents, Lyndle Maxwell and Ernastine Wooley Maxwell, and he passed from this life March 7, 2025, at Haven Nursing Home following a brief illness. Derwood was a one of a kind. He worked until retirement, and fished until he no longer could. Derwood was a good and honest man who liked keeping his things organized. Whatever he used he put it right back. Derwood was also one who kept up with his grandchildren, going to ballgames or whatever they were doing. He also enjoyed watching college football.

A celebration of life will be held for Lisa Joyce Thornton Kepper, at 11 a.m., Friday, March 7, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, March 6, at Riverwood and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

Mrs. Kepper, 60, of Hattiesburg, MS, died March 4, 2025, at Asbury Hospice House. She was born in McComb, MS, September 28, 1964, to Jimmie Rogers Thornton and Barbara Mercier Thornton. She worked for many years as a Dental Hygienist.

Lisa loved spending time with her family and friends, and in particular, her new grandbaby, Luke. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church and an active member of “The Orchard” Bible Fellowship class. She was an avid gardener, and she loved cheering on her Mississippi State Bulldogs and her Atlanta Braves. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter, Landry Ryan Kepper.