Obituaries

Mrs. Vertie Mae (Lawson) Davidson, 81 of Montgomery, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday May 17, 2017. She was born June 1, 1935 in Winnfield, LA. She was preceded in death by her parents Matt and Lorena Longino, her husband James O. Lawson, son James K. Lawson, son Michael Lawson, son Russell Lawson, daughter Cheryl Lawson and her sister Brenda Ferrier. Mrs. Davidson was a homemaker famous for her homemade buttermilk biscuits and coconut cake but she will forever be remembered for her tremendous strength and faith. Although she endured more loss than any one person should ever endure, she always showed love and compassion to everyone she knew. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church.

Our angel Christian Cordell Gore was born December 13, 2001 to Jovonia Gore and Cory Pennywell. He joined Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church on October 19, 2014 under the leadership of Pastor James B. King Jr. Christian was a fun-loving kid who loved people in general. Anytime you saw him, he had an infectious smile that could melt anyone’s heart. Some of his favorite things to do was watch game shows on TV and ride the school bus giving Mr. Hollingsworth and Rene a hard time. He loved being the center of attention with everyone around him. Christian gained his wings on May 9, 2017; he was preceded in death by his brother, Justin Tashon Gore. His loving memories will forever be cherished by his parents Jovonia Gore and Cory Pennywell. His Sisters Zakeia Sanders and ShCoria Pennywell, brother Cory Pennywell Jr., niece and nephew Journi Sanders and Jayce Triplett. Maternal grandparents Linda Gore and Charles Hamilton. Paternal grandparents Veronica and Jerry Pittman.

Mrs. Kiyoko Martin, age 92, passed away after a period of declining health May 5, 2017. Mrs. Martin was a native of Tokyo, Japan and was a retired nurses aide. Visitation was held 10:00 am until 11:00 am Monday, May 8 at Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Funeral services were held 11:00 am in the chapel with Reverend Kevin Bates officiating. Interment was at Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Edmonds Funeral Home. Survivors include son, Jimmy Martin of New Boston, TX; daughter, Mary Stephenson of Winnsboro, LA; many friends and loved ones. Serving the family as pallbearers were Jimmy Martin, Chris Permenter, Lance Thomas, Elton Pardue, Dale Thomas and Mike Lagrandier.

A service to honor the life of Eloise Sanders was held at 1 pm Friday, May 19, 2017, at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home of Natchitoches. Interment followed at Briarwood Cemetery near Saline, LA Eloise, 85 years of age, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017, in Sulphur, LA. She was born June 21, 1931, to Lawson and Shirley Babers in Winn Parish. The care and welfare of her family were the most important pursuit of her life. She was the most loving and encouraging mother any child would ever want. Her love for all children didn’t just end with her family. She assisted her husband Benny with the Hackberry Recreational Center and treated each child as if they were her own. Eloise was a talented cook, and prepared many delicious meals for her family. Her talents in the kitchen were equaled by her abilities in the garden. She could grow anything but was most proud of the over 60 varieties of Day Lilies she cultivated.

Mr. Keith Johns, age 63 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Born Wednesday, June 24, 1953 in Winnfield, Louisiana, he was preceded in death by his father, James Earl Johns; mother, Leona Cockerham Johns; wives, Beverly Malely Johns and Glenda Sue Procell Johns; and granddaughter, Loni Michelle Johns. Those left to cherish his memory include his sons Heath Johns (Ashley) and Jason Johns (Alicia); daughters Kala Johns (Micheal Green) and Kristy Johns; and brothers Kenneth Johns and Hubby Johns; 10 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Graveside services were held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at Old Union Cemetery with Bro. Jason Johns officiating. Serving the family as pallbearers were Colin Johns, David Johns, Jerry Johns, Kenneth Johns, Bobby Ivy, and Joey Ivy. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.southernfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Ardell Jordan, age 93 of Georgetown, Louisiana passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Born Wednesday, June 6, 1923 in Laurel, Mississippi, she was preceded in death by her parents, William Michael Hodge and Ethel Ola Thompson Hodge; and husband, Harvie Kelly Jordan. Mrs. Jordan was a devoted member of Big Creek Baptist Church and spent many hours reading her Bible. She loved working in her flower garden and feeding her birds, but above all enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Jordan loved to call and check on people with her phone ministry and was an active member of Home Demonstration Club.

Mr. Wilber Edgar “Eddie” Taylor, age 72 of Winnfield, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Born Wednesday, March 21, 1945 in Natchez, MS, he attended Laurel Heights Baptist Church and was retired from Franks Logging. He loved fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Taylor was preceded in death by his parents, Otha and Frances Coleman Taylor; Wife, Chloteen Newsom Taylor; Brothers, Tommy Taylor and Lonnie Taylor. Those left to cherish his memory include his Wife, Jewel Inez Norris Taylor; Children, Glen Taylor (Kim), Brian Keith Taylor (Michelle), Carolyn Roy, Debra Hill, Brenda Smiley and Stacey Ferguson (Keith); 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; Sister, Frances Cockerham (JW); Sister-in-law, Flora Stringer. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Southern Funeral Home with Rev. Arthur Robinson and Rev. Wallace Ingles officiating. Interment followed in Zion Hill Cemetery, in Tannehill.

Benny C. Martin, age 72 of Friendship, LA passed away Friday, May 5, 2017 at his residence. Mr. Martin was born January 7, 1945 in Hodge, LA. He was a logger. Preceding him in death were his parents Cecil (Maw) and Carson Martin, one brother Bobby Martin, and sister-in-law Jackie Martin. Survivors are his wife Pamela Kaye Haag Martin of Friendship, LA; four sons (Bubba) Benny C. Martin Jr. of Jonesboro, LA, Bradley C. Martin and wife Ragen of Ruston, LA, Blaine C. Martin and fiancée Heather of Ruston, LA, and Bannon C. Martin of Friendship, LA; step-son Shane Thetford and wife Beth of Bossier City, LA; two daughters Kayne Pullig and husband Billy Wayne of Jonesboro, LA and Stacy Golliher and husband Mike of Colorado Springs, CO; sister Billie Ruth Robinson and husband Glen of Danville, LA; 11 grandchildren: Tiffany Griffin, Bailey Golliher, Skylar Golliher, Jaleigh Martin, Brody Martin, Austyn K.

Jacqueline Pierce, resident of Prairieville, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2017 surrounded by her family and friends. She was 86 and a native and longtime resident of Winnfield. She was an amazing mom who raised four children, working many jobs. After her retirement, she taught piano to many children and adults and was the pianist and organist at her beloved Calvin First Baptist Church. She loved to crochet especially afghans and baby blankets. Up until recently she provided many baby caps and blankets for the NICU at Woman’s Hospital. Jacqueline also served as the Local Union Secretary at Manville.

Mrs. Cristi Ann Bullock Duke, 51, of Montgomery passed away Friday, May 12, 2017. She died at the home of her mother in the Hargis Community, where she was born and raised. Cristi was a graduate of Montgomery High School and Northwestern State University. She was a member of Hargis Baptist Church. She was a dedicated nurse and worked for many years in that profession. Cristi is preceded in death by her daughter, Morgan Miranda Duke, and her father, Thomas (Tommy) Bullock. She is survived by her husband Mike Duke, her children, Michael and Makayla Duke, and a child with a special place in her heart, Wyatt Quinn of Campti. She is also survived by her mother and stepfather, James and Betty Bullock Frantom, who lovingingly cared for her during her illness. Cristi’s sibings are Kenny Bullock (Denise), Jody Bullock (Mary), Cindy Barnes (Kevin), all of Montgomery, and Steve Bullock (Jan) of Beverly, WV. Her stepbrothers are Duane Frantom (Cherrie) and Mike Frantom (Rhonda) of Deville.