Ivory Alexander Sr.

Louis Cole

Jennie V. Gallaspie Daniels

Stanley J. Dix

Eva Ena Fontenot Leger

Linda Fay Logg

Madelyn Mevis

Charles Meyer Jr.

Michael Wayne Nixon

Willie F. O’Kelley Jr.

Bernetta Sue Parker

Peggy Goree Pemberton

Shelley Gene Rapier

Doris L. Springer

Danah Kaylor Whaley

l

Ivory Alexander Sr.

Bro. Ivory Alexander Sr., 96, was called to his heavenly reward on July 4, 2019, in Conroe, Texas.

He was the eighth of nine children. He was born on Nov. 23, 1922, to the late Zacharia Sr. and Josephine Wilson Alexander. Ivory was baptized at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church at a very young age and was a lifelong member. He participated in and held offices in the church throughout his lifetime; namely the Trustee and Steward Boards. He supported the Young People Department and was a member of the Pastor’s Aide Committee and Sons of Allen Ministry. He received his formal education from Second Ward High School. On Oct. 1, 1941, Ivory enlisted in the United States. During his four-year stint, he served in World War II as a cook and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant as a military police officer. As musically inclined as he was, he became a member of the United States Military Band playing what he played best … the saxophone. Upon his return, he married his high school sweetheart, the late, Marian Jackson; to this union his first born, Ivory Jr. was born. He later met and married Helen Marie Williams; and to this union a second son Michael Jerome and only daughter, Vanessa Kay (his princess) were born.

Ivory’s passion for big band music led him to pursue a career in music; including his own band … the Ivory Alexander Orchestra (this was between the late 40s and early 50s). Being a former musician, his love for music led him to a career in radio. He worked for stations in San Francisco, Jennings, and Lake Charles, He became the first African American disc jockey in Louisiana; and he entertained for 20+ years.

For many years, he hosted the popular Ivory Alexander Jazz Rhythm and Blues Show on KPLC and KAOK Radio Stations here in Lake Charles, La. During his career on the airways, Ivory interviewed notable celebrities such as Duke Ellington, B.B. King, Billy Eckstein; also, the bands of Andy Kirk, Bobby Blue Bland and many others. On Sunday mornings, he presented the Religious Gem featuring the Gospel Era. He interviewed personalities such as Mahalia Jackson, Marie Knight, the Angelic Gospel Singers and many others. Ivory continued serving in the community, in 1969, he was commissioned as a Deputy Sheriff with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriffs Department. During his 18 years tenure, he served as a jailer, youth director of the Jr. Deputy Program (in which he mentored many children. His later years as a Deputy Sheriff, he served as a funeral escort. Upon retiring from the Sheriffs Department, Ivory became the director of the Drug Elimination Program (sponsored by the City of Lake Charles); in this capacity, he was a drug educator servicing local schools, communities, and churches. This position allowed him to share his testimony of tobacco abuse. which lead to his once throat cancer, many years ago.

Ivory is survived by his two sons, Ivory (Monk) and Michael Alexander; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by the by his parents; seven siblings; former wife, Marion; and his wife, Helen; and daughter,Vanessa.

Visitation will be Friday, July 12, 2019, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Combre Memorial Chapel. Visitation will continue on Saturday, July 13, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church. Funeral service will be Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.

Words of comfort may be shared at www.combrefuneralhome.com.

Louis Cole

Funeral service for Louise Cole will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at Mill Street Church of Christ. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Garden under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.

Jennie V. Gallaspie 
Daniels

Jennie V. Gallaspie Daniels was born on Oct. 23, 1939, in Merryville, La., to the late Ben James “B.B.” Gallaspie and Earnestine Steele. She was the eldest of three children and she loved her brother and sister unconditionally. She was a widow to the late George W. Daniels. Jennie experienced a peaceful departure from this earthly life on July 9, 2019, at high noon.

Jennie was affectionately known as “Susie” by family and friends. She joined Sweet Home Baptist Church at an early age, and she faithfully served there until she moved to Atlanta, Ga., with her daughters. In Georgia, Jennie united with the Union Grove Baptist Church, but Sweet Home remained to be her home. When Susie’s health began to fail her, she did not allow it to hinder her faith. She knew that there was nothing like the name Jesus and she would worship from the comfort of her home.

Susie loved the Lord above all things. She read her Bible, prayed, and sang to the Lord daily. Next to her love for Christ, Susie loved her family; in fact, family was everything to her. Susie also had a heart for others. She was a Social Worker for many years where she touched the lives of countless men, women and children in need. She never met a stranger and she was adored by her co-workers and clients alike.

Jennie was preceded in death by her father, B.B. Gallaspie; her mother, Earnestine Steele Christine; her husband of 35 years, George W. Daniels; and her brother, Tommy L. Brown Sr.

Jennie leaves to cherish her memories her daughters, Janice Spady of Palmetto, Ga., Cheryal Spady of Fairburn, Ga.; two granddaughters, Catina Daniels Broadway (DeWayne) of Seattle, Wash., whom she adopted, and Leslie Spady of Palmetto, Ga.; one great-grandson, Cameron Broadway of Seattle, Wash.; two great-granddaughters, Kennedy Broadway of Charleston, S.C., and Kaitlyn Spady of Palmetto, Ga.; one sister, Henrietta Fudge of DeRidder, La.; one aunt, Anna Bell Broussard of DeRidder, La.; one uncle, Hayward Steele (Lula) of Denim Springs, La.; dear friends, Lou T. Smith of DeRidder, Billy Bridges and Rhalda Shuler of Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, from 9-11 a.m. at Sweet Home Baptist Church in DeRidder, La. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. The Rev. Roderick Steele Sr. will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, La.

Services are under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La.

Stanley J. Dix

Funeral for Stanley J. Dix will be 10:30 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park. Visitation will be Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Messiah Baptist Church located at 2605 Poe St. Stanley departed this life Wednesday, July 3, 2019, in a local hospital.

SFlb

Eva Ena Fontenot Leger

Eva Ena Fontenot Leger, 83, a resident of Westlake, La., passed from this life on July 11, 2019, surrounded by her family.

Eva will be missed and remembered as a wonderful, loving mother, grandmother and devoted friend. She was totally and completely devoted to her family. Eva was a strong-willed determined woman, who encouraged her children and grandchildren to keep their chins up and keep moving forward. She loved fishing and spending time at Toledo Bend when she was younger. Eva was an avid casino patron and loved the social interaction.

She is predeceased by her parents, Matthew and Eva Chapman Fontenot; and brothers, Steven and Reginald Fontenot.

Eva leaves to cherish her precious memory her five children, Rita LeBlanc and husband Pat, Linda McBride and husband Brian, Wanda Noland, Donald Leger and wife Debbie Hanks, and Sandra Palmer and husband Robert; son of heart, Roger Nation and wife Tina, nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2019, in the chapel of Lakeside Funeral Home. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14, 2019. Roger Nation is to lead the service. Cremation has been entrusted to Lakeside Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

Memories and words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.lakesidefh.com.

Linda Fay Logg

Linda Fay Logg, 68, of Sulphur, died July 7. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 12, at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home. Visitation will be 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home. Burial will be at Big Woods Cemetery in Edgerly.

Madelyn Mevis

Sept. 23, 1937 – July 10, 2019

Madelyn Mevis, 81, of Lake Charles, La., died at 10:38 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2019, in her residence.

She is survived by her son, David Mevis (Lori Smith); grandchildren, Matthew Mevis, Paul Mevi, and Mary Sneddon; one great-grandchild, Megan Sneddon; brother, Earl Louis Willis; and sisters, Jeanette Willis and Aleta Barnes Willis.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 60 years, Lionel Eugene Mevis; sisters, Ramona Snow, Greta Richardson and Patsy West; brother, Rodney Willis; and grandchild, Benjamin Mevis.

A gathering of family members and friends will be from 11a.m.-1p.m. Monday at Johnson Funeral Home. Burial in Prien Memorial Park will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net

Charles Meyer Jr.

Charles Meyer Jr., 54, passed away Thursday, July 11, in his residence. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 12, in Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa.

Michael Wayne Nixon

Michael Wayne Nixon, 56, died July 3 in a Lafayette Hospital. His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, in New Hope Baptist church under direction of Semien -Lewis Mortuary in Jennings.




Willie F. O’Kelley Jr.

Willie F. O’Kelley Jr., 76, of Westlake, passed away on July 11, 2019.

Willie O’Kelley was born on May 23, 1943, to Willie F O’Kelley Sr. and Iveleah Gray in Jonesville, La., and lived in Westlake most of his life. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran. He graduated from Westlake High where he also played football. He was a graduate of Sowela Technical College and later retired from Vista Chemical. In his free time he loved hunting, fishing and wood work.

Those left to cherish his memory are sons, Scott O’Kelley and wife Krista of Ragley, La., David O’Kelley of Westlake, La.; brother, Henry O’Kelley of Longville, La.; sisters, Embella Pedersen and Elizabeth Witherspoon; grandchildren, Matthew O’Kelley of Ragley, Amanda Johnson of Deridder, La.; step-grandchild, Dylan Fontenot of Dequincy, La.; step-granddaughter, Morgan Warner of Moss Bluff; and four great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by Sister Verena Iatesta.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 13, 2019, at Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2019 and will resume at 8 a.m. Saturday. Henry Iatesta and Allen O’Kelley will officiate. Burial will follow at Westlake Memorial Park Cemetery. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhome.com.

Bernetta Sue Parker

Bernetta Sue Parker, 69, of Lake Charles, passed away July 2. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. July 20, at Creel Memorial Chapel in Reeves. Cremation has been entrusted to Hixson Funeral Home.

Peggy Goree Pemberton

Peggy Goree Pemberton, 88, departed this life to Heaven July 9, 2019. She joyfully lived in Haynesville, La., her entire lifetime, and her final year in Lake Charles, La.

She is survived by her two sons, Phil and wife Candy, David and wife Tanya; grandchildren, Paige Pemberton, Blake and wife Amanda Pemberton, Ford and wife Sarah Pemberton, Brooke and husband Marc Kimball. Also, her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Roger “Smiley” Pemberton; mother; father; and three sisters.

Special thanks to Heritage Nursing Center and Brookdale Senior Care Facility, Heart of Hospice, and each who cared for her.

Visitation will be at Haynesville United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. Interment will be in the Old Town Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of Haynesville, La.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Haynesville Beautification Committee, 1909 Main St., Haynesville, LA 71038, or the Haynesville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 505, Haynesville, LA 71038.

Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.

Shelley Gene Rapier

Shelley Gene Rapier, 77, passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, surrounded by family at home after a lengthy illness in Lake Charles, La.

Mr. Rapier was born Jan. 6, 1942, in Palestine, Texas, to Vollie and Naomi Ham Rapier. He retired from the Red River Army Depot on Dec. 31, 2010, as a Heavy Machine Mechanic after 36 years. He was always willing to help anyone. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone without regard to himself.

Mr. Rapier is survived by one son, Billy Gene Rapier of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Terri Wilbanks (Aric) of Lake Charles, La.; three grandsons, Shannon Edwards of Texarkana, Texas, Austin Wilbanks, and Brandon Wilbanks, both of Lake Charles, La.; his brother, Hughwill Rapier (Betty) of Dallas, Texas; In-Laws, Marion Lee Eggleston (Shirley) of Midlothian, Texas, Raymond Eggleston (Ellen) of Winfield, Texas, Don Cole (Bertha) of Naples, Texas, Bobbie Miles (John) of Athens, Texas, Alice Herrera (Jesse) of Cayuga, Texas, Mary Eggleston of Dallas, Texas, Francis Eggleston of Athens, Texas, and Nancy Eggleston of Cayuga, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents; the love of his life for 52 years, his wife, Martha Ann Rapier; two brothers, James Rapier and Billy Rapier; twin sister, Shelia Henderson; sisters, Jackie Hamby and Dorothy Heman; and one brother-in-law, Marvin Ray Eggleston.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Ronnie Estes will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the start of the service. Cremation will be entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

The family is eternally grateful to Dr. Craig Greenman, Memorial Home Health, St. Joseph Hospice, and Heritage Home Health in Texarkana, Texas.

Words of comfort to the family can be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

Doris L. Springer

Doris L. Springer, 78, of Leesville, died Wednesday, July 10, in Alexandria. Cremation has been entrusted to Labby Memorial Funeral Home, DeRidder.

Danah Kaylor Whaley

Danah Kaylor Whaley, 91, of Sulphur, passed away July 10. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 12, at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines Cemetery.

DeRidder, La.

MYERS-COLONIAL

FUNERAL HOME