Obituaries

Funeral services celebrating the life of Juanita Inez Young Chandler, age 82, of Winnfield, Louisiana, were held at a graveside service on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cypress Creek Cemetery with Rev. Mark Green officiating. Mrs. Chandler passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Juanita was born on September 17, 1943, in Junction City, Louisiana, to Thomas Alvin Young and Rosa Ann Bedgood Young. She spent her life caring for others and was affectionately known by family and friends as “Nanny.” Her compassionate heart and gentle spirit led her to devote many years as a caregiver, touching countless lives through her kindness and selfless service.

Mrs. Moeice Lashley Jones, age 95, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Born on May 15, 1931, in Atlanta, Louisiana, she lived a life marked by devotion to her faith, her family, and her community.

Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by her beloved husband, C.W. “Jack” Jones, with whom she shared nearly 77 years of marriage. Their enduring love and commitment served as an inspiration to all who knew them.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Buford E. Lashley and Bermie Shows Lashley; her sister, Willie Jean Lashley Snead and husband J.D. Snead; and her brothers, Buford Elmo “Sonny” Lashley and James Harold Lashley.

Mr. Wayne Arthur Duperron, Sr., 82, of Sikes, LA, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, in Winnfield, LA. Wayne was born to the late Lorenzo Bertram and Cecilia Mae (Hartner) Duperron on November 24, 1943, in Detroit, MI. On June 19,1965, in Taylor, MI, he married his wife, Sandra Leigh Brown. He spent most of his time in Michigan. Wayne was a member of the Faith Christian Center in Taylor, MI. He enjoyed anything outdoors, being on the water with his fishing buddy Vern Fisher. Wayne could fix anything. He worked at General Motors, was a car mechanic and also drove a school bus for many years. Above everything, family was a top priority and the love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents Lorenzo and Cecilia Duperron; wife of 50 years Sandra (Brown) Duperron; granddaughter Toni Elwartowski-Mousseau; Sisters Darlene (Duperron) Carnell; Dorothy (Lynch) Nessmen; Brother Norman Lynch.

Russell (Russ) Skains, a man whose charisma and kindness left a mark on all his friends, passed away on May 7, 2026. A true son of Louisiana, Russ was born and raised in Winnfield, Louisiana, attended Louisiana College, and became a lifelong LSU fan.

He took his own path in life. As a young man, he built many enduring friendships that he carried with him into adulthood. His professional journey took him into the movie industry, where his natural charm and ability to connect with people served him well in a fast-paced and creative world.

To know Russ was to know the life of the party. He possessed a rare magnetic energy, and always had a kind word ready for friends and strangers alike.

Outside of work, Russ’s heart belonged to his family, friends, and LSU football. On Saturdays, every fall, you could find him cheering on The Fighting Tigers with the same passion he brought to every area of his life.

Kenneth Wayne Barton, 65, of Homerville, died on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on May 1, 1960, in Winnfield, LA, to the late Samuel Clayton and Billie Nell Calhoun Barton. Kenneth grew up working with his daddy, grandpa and uncles in the woods and was driving log trucks by the age of 14. He became a truck driver for Walmart in 1998, earning the distinction of 2.7 million safe miles during his 28 year career. He was known by many names, such as Cajun, Cajun Baby, Pretty Baby, Papa Cajun, Rueben and Cajun Bacon. He was also known as the Golden Nephew among his cousins and aunts in LA. Kenneth loved the Lord, LSU sports, enjoyed hunting, and loved spending time with his family, friends and fur babies. In the early 1970s, he, along with several of his friends, founded the now famous Atlanta Fish Fry in Winn Parish, LA. He also took great pride in designing commemorative coffee cups for the annual event.

Jane Claborn Purser, a cornerstone of the Winnfield community, transitioned to her eternal home on March 28, 2026. Her 92 years were a profound testament to the biblical call to love one’s neighbor, defined by a life of quiet grace, unwavering faith, and a tireless commitment to serving others.

Presence and Service

Jane’s civic leadership was not merely a duty but an extension of her Christian walk. For 56 years, she served the Rotary Club of Winnfield, embodying the motto of “Service Above Self” through a lens of faith. Her devotion was most visible at the Winn Community Food Pantry, where she spent her retirement years as the hands and feet of Jesus, ensuring her neighbors were nourished in both body and spirit.

Ellen Kay Higgs, age 57, of Winnfield, Louisiana, passed away on January 8, 2026 at Winn Parish Medical Center with loved ones at her side. She was born in Warren, Arkansas, and spent her life bringing warmth, love, and kindness to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Alvie Eugene Martin and Patricia Ellen Thurmon; her sister, Brooke Davis; and her cherished daughter, McKenzie Higgs.

She is survived by her fiancé, Richard Walton; her son, Tyler Hayes (Caitlin); and her treasured grandchildren, Jayden, Scarlett, Brooks, Tucker, and Whitlee Kay, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her sister, Amy Hooter (Brad); sister in law, Lucille Sharbono; nephews, Dalton Harger, Cody Maloy, and Hunter Maloy; nieces, Brooklyn Harger and Hanna Williams; life long friend, Gena Sullivan; and her beloved fur babies, Roman and Caesar, who were constant companions and a source of joy.

Ellen Kay Martin Higgs, aged 57, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Winn Parish Medical Center. Born on August 6, 1968, in Warren, Arkansas, Ellen was the beloved daughter of Alvie Eugene Martin and Patricia Ellen

Williams Martin. She dedicated her life to her family, finding immense joy in the company of her loved ones.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands Tony Higgs and Robby Higgs, her cherished daughter McKenzie, and her sister Brooke Davis. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with her son Tyler Hayes and his wife Caitlin, her adored grandchildren Jayden, Scarlett, Brooks, and Whitlee Kay, and her fiancé Richard Walton. Ellen is also survived by her sister Amy Hooter and her husband Brad, her sisterin- law Lucille Sharbono, her nephews Dalton Harger, Cody Maloy, and Hunter Maloy, and her nieces Brooklyn Harger and Hanna Williams. Her beloved pets, Roman and Ceasar, were also a significant part of her life.

Marilyn Elaine Tharpe Baker, 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 in Lafayette, La., with her daughters by her side.

She was born June 22, 1944 in Alexandria, La. to the late Virgil and Ruby Tharpe of Winnfield, La.

Marilyn served her country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where she met the love of her life and soulmate, Larry W. Baker.

She and Larry married only four months after they met, on her birthday, June 22, 1965. She and Larry were married for 54 years when he passed away in 2019.

Marilyn loved antiques and collectibles, collecting meaningful pieces over the years that she proudly displayed in her home. She also enjoyed spending time with her daughters and grandchildren, painting, crocheting and outings with her family.

Funeral services for Penny Mayes Dulaney, age 62 of Sikes, were held 1:00 PM, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from the Columbia chapel of Riser & Son Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Montgomery officiating. Interment followed in the Dulaney Cemetery near Sikes. The Dulaney Family received visitors on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the funeral home from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Penny Irene Dulaney passed from this life December 11, 2025. She was proceeded in death by her father, William Harvey Mayes, mother, Marie Arrant Mayes, 2 sisters: Patricia Campbell and Shirley Williams, and one brother, Freddie Wayne Mayes. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Donald Dulaney, one son, Joseph Dulaney and wife Autumn Dulaney, 4 grandchildren: Addy Dulaney, Colt Dulaney, Stetson Dulaney, and Case Dulaney, and a host of nieces and nephews.