Obituaries

Mrs. Wanda Lang Murphy, age 94, died on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at Aime Hospice Care in Shreveport, Louisiana. Wanda Lang Murphy was born on January 11, 1924, into the marriage of former Louisiana State Representative Dudley D. Lang and Eula Harlan Lang. She was a graduate of Atlanta High School and attended Louisiana College where she was a Honor Roll Student and was a Homecoming Maid. While attending college, she met and married her husband of 54 years after 3 weeks of courtship. During the early years of her marriage, she lived in Louisiana and Wisconsin while her husband served his country during World War II. She traveled with him and their children during his years of construction and employment in the United States and Canada, prior to establishing a permanent residence in Montgomery, Louisiana. As her children grew into adulthood, she began working in the family business and eventually went to work as a healthcare provider at Pinecrest Service Center.

Kirt Roy Ricks III, age 24, of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away, on Friday, September 7, 2018 as the result of an accident in the line of duty. Officer Ricks was a member of the First Baptist Church of Winnfield, Louisiana and was a recent graduate of Lafourche Police Academy. He was Assistant Chief of Police of the Montgomery Police Department. He enjoyed golfing but had a real passion for helping others and serving his community through law enforcement. He was jovial with everyone he met and will be remembered for his constant smile and dedication to those he served. He is preceded in death by his father Kirt Roy Ricks Jr.

Debra Kay Roy Hill, age 55 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away at her residence on September 11, 2018. Debra was a member of the Laurel Heights Baptist Church in Winnfield and enjoyed spending time with her family especially her son, nieces and nephews. She also had a passion for gardening and growing flowers. Mrs. Hill was preceded in death by her father James Edward  Roy. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Tyler G. Hill, Stepsons Billy James Hill Jr.,(Mikka), and Curtis Ray Hill, mother Inez Roy Taylor, sisters Carolyn Roy, Brenda Roy Smiley, and Stacey Roy Ferguson(Keith). Survivors also include numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mrs. Debra Kay Hill were held at 3:30 Pm Saturday at the Laurel Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Lee Tilton officiating. Interment followed in the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Winnfield under the direction of Southern Funeral Home.

A celebration of the life of Hope Austin Weeks was held Saturday, August 25, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Minden, Louisiana with Bro. Chet Johnson officiating. Hope was born December 10, 1933 in Dodson, Louisiana to Evan W. and Rhuey Stewart Austin. She entered her eternal rest Wednesday, August 22, 2018 in Minden, Louisiana. She was raised in the Tannehill Community where she resided until her marriage to Dewey D. “Bob” Weeks. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Minden where they raised their three children plus five foster children. Hope was a charter member of Eastside Missionary Baptist Church in Minden. She was an excellent cook and provided lunch for her family every Sunday until her health prevented it. She loved her family with a passion and left a legacy of memories to all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband; Dewey D.

Rose Creel Epperson, a native of Winnfield, LA and resident of Baker, LA, passed away, Sunday, August 26, 2018, at the age of 85. She was born on April 3, 1933, in Winnfield, LA. Rose was educated at Winnfield High School, Northwestern State University with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education, and Louisiana State University with a master’s degree in Library Science. While at Northwestern State University, Rose was member of the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band where she served as a majorette. Rose was elected as the State Fair Queen for the Northwestern vs. Louisiana Tech football game in Shreveport, LA. She was also named queen of the Central Louisiana Fair game between Northwestern and Louisiana College in Alexandria, LA. Rose was a retired teacher from the East Baton Rouge Parish School System with 25 years of service, a retired business owner of 20 years, and retired church organist of First Baptist Church of Baker with 51 years of service.