John Terrall Banken

Danny Lauren Bond

Betty Ann Guidry Daigle

Rodney Duhon

Betty Winn Jason-Thomas

Ja’Quez Jones

Cynthia Marie Keys

Wilbert J. Lewis

James Colby Phipps

Joel Robinson

Velma Rogers

Charles A. Sarver

Phyllis Eloise Hatsfelt Sutton

l

John Terrall 
”Terry” Bankens

John Terrall “Terry” Bankens departed this life on November 10, 2020 to spend eternity with his Savior. He was known for his warm smile, fun-loving nature, generous heart, strong faith, and family devotion. Terry was an encourager who helped others believe in themselves and left a legacy of authentic love.

He was born on October 15, 1954 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Johnnie Matthew and Barbara Isdale Bankens. He was their third son, following his older brothers, Rodney and Charlie. Terry and his brothers shared wonderful memories growing up together, working in their father’s garden, and spending time with their extended family in DeQuincy. Terry always spoke with admiration and respect for his parents and the life they provided.

As a child, he attended Westlake schools, graduating from Westlake High School in 1972. He was a proud life-long citizen of Westlake and maintained treasured friendships with teachers and school friends. Terry’s family knew that a quick trip to Market Basket with him would not be quick because he always met old friends and loved to visit. He took a genuine interest in others’ lives, and he had a powerful talent for building meaningful relationships. Terry had a way of even making new friends feel like family. When you left a visit with Terry, you were uplifted.

In 1976, Terry married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Rhonda Susan Creel Bankens. Terry and Susan were married for 44 years, and they placed their love for family and their love for God in the center of their lives. They have three children: Lori Benoit, married to Derek Benoit; Jonathan Bankens, married to Charity Bankens; and Sarah Long, married to Landon Long. They also have seven grandchildren: Daniel Benoit, John Benoit, Katie Bankens, Noah Bankens, Remington Long, Cohen Long, and Camden Long.

Terry was so proud of his family, and he wholeheartedly supported them in all their endeavors. He helped his children participate in 4-H, teaching them how to raise animals and bringing them to many livestock shows throughout the state. He also organized family trips to go snow skiing and white water rafting, which brought him pure joy and gave his family such wonderful memories to cherish. He loved to take road trips with his family, especially if his grandchildren could ride along. Terry encouraged his children and grandchildren to participate in school and church activities, helping with their fundraisers and cheering on their success. He was also tremendously proud of his wife’s artistic gifts and always encouraged her to write, sing, and use her talents in church ministry. In every way, he was a devoted husband and father.

With his unique talent for developing and managing systems, Terry pursued several different business and industry paths. While attending McNeese State University after high school, Terry worked at Kroger. He excelled in this position, eventually becoming the youngest Kroger store manager at that time. He left that position to join a family business that would become one of the largest rental equipment companies in the region. Recently, he was employed with WHC Energy Services, working along the Gulf Coast and in West Texas. Terry’s keen attention to detail, meticulous organization, profound skill to develop systems, and unique ability to build relationships allowed him to pursue work he enjoyed, make meaningful contributions to local business and industry, and provide well for his family.

Terry was a faithful and prayerful man who loved his Pentecostal heritage. For many years, he attended the First Pentecostal Church of Westlake where he served as Sunday School superintendent, organizing the curriculum and personnel to oversee a growing children’s ministry. For the past fifteen years, Terry has enjoyed being part of First Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles church family. Throughout his life, he has been an outstanding bible study teacher, leading many to the Lord. One of his favorite ways to serve has been making financial donations to local ministries as well as foreign and home missions. Truly, only Heaven will tell of the fruit of his investment in the kingdom.

Terry’s faithful example of unconditional love was a testament to his walk with God. Some of his lasting mottos are, “Life is terrific,” “Life is too short to have a bad day,” “It’s time to shine,” and “No matter what the weather is, make sure own sunshine.” He loved us with everything in him, and he taught us how to love with that same intensity.

Terry is preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Matthew Bankens. Left to cherish his memory are his family and dear extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. His pallbearers are his beloved nephews and friends: Robbie Bankens, Kevin Bankens, Jeffrey Bankens, Johnnie Bankens, Jared Bankens, Glyn Bogard, Chuck Huddleston, Andrew Queen, Tyson Queen, Kyle Queen, and Charlie Willis.

The celebration for Terry’s life will be on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. at Apostolic Temple, 2711 West Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles. It will be officiated by Rev. Jeffrey Ralston, Rev. Rick Treece, Rev. Jonathan Bankens, and Rev. Landon Long. The visitation for family and friends will precede the service at 3:00 p.m. Terry’s burial service will be on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake and will be officiated by Rev. Rodney Bankens.

Words of comfort may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

Danny Lauren Bond

Danny Lauren Bond, 62, of Elton, died Wednesday, Nov. 11. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. today, Nov. 13, in Mt. Hope Baptist Church, Oakdale. Military rites will be conducted by the Fort Polk Honor Guard. Committal service will be in Bond Cemetery under the direction of White Oaks Funeral Home, Oakdale.

Betty Ann Guidry Daigle

Mrs. Betty Ann Guidry Daigle, age 87, of Sulphur, joined her husband, Dr. Roy J. Daigle, in heaven on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020. Mrs. Daigle was born in Rayne, La., on July 31, 1933, to Preston and Claudia Guidry. She married her husband in 1952, and they celebrated 64 years of marriage before Dr. Daigle’s passing.

Mrs. Daigle was a devout Catholic and member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church in Sulphur. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, interior decorating, and a glass of Chardonnay. Mrs. Daigle enjoyed hosting friends and family in her home. For 30 years, Mrs. Daigle hosted the ladies of Sulphur and Lake Charles in her most anticipated Christmas Tea.

Mrs. Daigle is survived by her son, Roy “Rock” Daigle of Austin, Texas. Although she gave birth to only one child, Mrs. Daigle was considered a mother to all the children in the neighborhood when they would often gather at the Daigle house. Later she became the Band Mom for the local Roy Rockit Band. Later in life, she gained an extension to her family, to include her daughter-in-law, Vera, and her precious grandchildren, Trey and Shadoe. She leaves behind many family members who loved their Tante, and so many others who knew and loved their “Momma D”. She made an incredible impact on many and will be sorely missed.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov.13, at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home in Sulphur. Visitation will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday until time of service. Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Chapel. Deacon Christopher Fontenot will officiate services. She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Dr. Daigle, at Mimosa-Pines Cemetery in Carlyss, LA following the service.Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com for the Daigle family.

Rodney Duhon

Mr. Rodney Duhon, 90,passed away on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020.

He is survived by eight children, daughters, Kathleen Mosely and her husband Clarence “Chop” and Veronica Walker and her husband Morris, all of Lake Charles, Jennifer “Elaine” Parker and her husband Glenn of Houston, Texas, Terrie Lute and her husband David of Erath, La., and Deidre Buchanan and her husband Marcus, also of Houston, and sons, Kirt P. Duhon and his wife Debra of Lake Charles, Rodney “Tony” Duhon Jr. of Houston, and Carl E. Duhon and his wife Alissa, also of Lake Charles.

Visitation will be Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. in Combre Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of Combre Funeral Home.

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

Betty Winn Jason-Thomas

Evangelist Betty Winn Jason-Thomas was born on Sept. 16, 1946, to her late parents Bro. Manuel and Missionary Emilee Jason in Ville Platte, La. She was the oldest daughter of six children. She was baptized at an early age. During her early years, she attended school in Ville Platte. She worked in the potato fields alongside her family until the day she met “that handsome young man” while riding the school bus. This “handsome young man” would then forever change her life.

Through the years, Evangelist Thomas became well known as a housekeeper, care giver and CPSB bus aide for disabled children. Although she enjoyed every occupation held, she knew through the Holy Spirit that she had a passionate purpose, potential, and calling on her life which involved souls and Jesus’ salvation for them. She knew that the Lord had called her to work in His ministry.

She departed this life to be reunited with her loving husband and children in the eternal presence of the Lord late morning on Nov. 5, 2020.

She leaves to cherish her many memories are daughters, Evangelist Tammy (Deacon Marvin “Doc” Lartigue) and Tina Thomas (fiancé Douglas Nunez); sons, Jason Thomas and Pastor Joshua (First Lady Natalie) Thomas; sons-in-law, Deacons John Marshall and Marvin “Doc” Lartigue; sisters-in-law, Audrey Slaughte and Enola Jason; brother, Herman Jason; sister, Missionary Exie Adams; nine grandchildren, Shelbey Thomas, Samantha (Charles) Mosely, John “Lil J”, Johne’, John “Tre”, and Jalayah Marshall, Hannah Lartigue, Lia Beasley (Thomas) and Maddison Thomas; and one great-grandchild, Aubren Joseph Marshall, the New Rock of Faith Church Family, the Convention of the Covenant Churches, and a host of many, many relatives and friends….AND Marley, her faithful dog and hungry companion.

Her visitations will be Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. with her funeral following Saturday at 11 a.m. all at New Rock of Faith Church, Pastor Joshua Thomas. Burial will be in Perkins Cemetery under the direction of James Funeral Home.

w/photo color

Ja’Quez Jones

Ja’Quez Jones aka Quez was born Sept. 7, 2004, to his parents Regina Fontenot and Ronald Jones Sr. in Lake Charles, La., and passed away on Oct. 21, 2020. Ja’Quez was a very respectful, humble, caring and loving man. Although his life ended to soon, Quez lived his life to the fullest! He attended F.K. White middle school, where he enjoyed playing basketball and football. He was loved by his teachers and classmates. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Always ready to play sports or the play station with his brothers and cousins.

Ja’Quez is survived by his mother Regina (Brandon) Thomas of Lake Charles, La.; his father, Ronald Jones Sr. of Lake Charles, La.; three brothers, Ronald Jones Jr., Jatyln Jones, Kalean Broussard; two sisters, Jasmine Fontenot and Janae Broussard, all of Lake Charles, La.; grandmothers, Ella Fontenot and Ella Jones of Lake Charles, La.; his aunts, Lavenia and Gerry Fontenot of Lake Charles, La.; uncles, Derick Moore, Sandford, Bryant and Dale Jones, all of Lake Charles, Joe and Melinda Keller and Beverly Martin, where like grandparents to Ja’Quez. Many people played a part in his life are Terrance and Bianca Martin, Connie Rochan, Candace Victorian, Constance Joseph, Sheneatha Moore, Patricia Fusilier, and Noretta Guillory. A host of cousins, D’ante fontenot, D’laiah Moore, Derick Moore Jr., Kha’Dejah Moore, Marquez Moore, Tae Tae Ryan, Jamarcus Guillory, Jaylyn Guillory, Juresha Guillory, Syniah Banks, Snoop Banks, Jayla Victorian, Jaqualyn Victorian, Dookey, Dearrika Arcenaux, Keilonni McAlpine, Keimonni McAlpine and Kevin Bell Jr.

He was proceeded in death by his grandfathers, Jerry Fontenot and Francis Jones.

w/photo color

Cynthia Marie Keys

Visitation for Cynthia Marie Keys, 61, will be Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, from 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall with her funeral following at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Welsh, La. She departed this life Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020, in a local hospital.

w/photo color

Wilbert J. Lewis

Funeral service for Wilbert J. Lewis, 54, of Lake Charles, La., will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at noon at Trinity Baptist Church North Venue, with a visitation at 10 a.m. until time of service. A wake service will be held on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020, at Combre Funeral Home, at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with The Omega Ritual at 6 p.m.

Wilbert built a life of distinction and service in the arenas of Poetry, Civic Life, Civil Rights, Ministry and Public Speaking. His name will be forever associated with the NAACP, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and The L.O.V.E. Foundation because of the remarkable legacy he created. Wilbert was a very affable, endearing and humble man that was passionate about love, peace and respect.

He was a graduate of Lake Charles Boston Class of 1984. He earned a Football Scholarship to McNeese State University where he became an Omega. He was an employee of CITGO Refinery for thirty-one years, as an Operator until his untimely demise. Wilbert’s impact on the community will Bless generations to come. He attended Christian Baptist Church and became an Associate Minister. He was the author of Silent Child and Jewels of Wisdom and founder of The L.O.V.E Foundation.

Survivors include his loving wife, Tessa Charles Lewis; three sons he called his “Warriors”, Christopher, Robert and Kingston Lewis; four bonus children, Trevons, Ra’Chelene , Robin and Ranashia Charles; five grandchildren, Kai, Annalya, Lacey, Layla and Jonavon; siblings, Linda Samuel, Patricia, William and Freddie Jones Harold Lewis; three godchildren; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Batiste; brother friends, Leonard Daniels and Roman Thompson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

w/photo color

James Colby 
(CoCo) Phipps

James Colby (CoCo) Phipps, age 45, passed away on Monday, Nov. 1, 2020, at Lafayette General in Lafayette, La. He was born on June 20, 1975, in Memphis, Tenn., and relocated to Lake Charles, La., during his formative years. He was a 1993 graduate of Washington-Marion Magnet High School. He had a passion for living life, and his enthusiasm was contagious. He is survived by his mother, Semoyen Jackson; two sons, Dyamond Phipps and James Phipps Jr.; three daughters, Alicia Lafleur, Shaniesha Ward and Jada Phipps; one grandchild, Annya Coleman; all the children that he loved and who loved him; one brother from birth, John Phipps; five sisters, Johnnqueline Joseph, Valance Howard, LeTricia Campbell, Tisha Chretien, and Ingra Lemelle; brothers, Alvin Joseph and Derrick Joseph, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. James was preceded in death by a grandchild, Melanie Phipps.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at Fondel Memorial Chapel.

w/photo color

Joel “Howard” Robinson

A graveside service for Joel “Howard” Robinson will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Lone Star Community Cemetery with Alvin Robinson officiating under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines at all times. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Howard’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org.

Howard was born March 20, 1942, and passed away Nov. 8, 2020, at the age of 78. He was a devout Christian man who attended Oak Grove Mission Church and was a member of two Masonic Lodges – Gardner and Glenmora. Howard had a contagious smile and laugh and was loved by everyone who knew him. He was a very giving man who helped many in need over the years. Words can’t describe the love he had for his family. Howard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He exemplified unconditional love to his family and always had his “flip phone” near to call and check on his grandkids. When you answered his calls, you knew you would hear the happiest voice ever. Howard’s hobby was loving his grandchildren, and he would often pass a $5, $10 or $20 bill to his grandchildren, great nieces and nephews and any children he came in contact with. When the grandchildren were asked to write a short, favorite memory of their PawPaw, one said, “I don’t have a short, favorite memory. There are too many and none are short.” Howard always let his family know how proud he was of them, and would celebrate each achievement and say, “They are a chip off the old block.” All he wanted for his family was for them to be successful and live their lives for Christ. He said many times, “I want all my family to be in heaven with me one day.”

Howard worked for four generations of the J.W. McDonald family in road construction for 60 years. His career started with picking up sticks to build a road in Sieper, La. After that, he drove a gravel truck and later operated bull dozers and motor graders, eventually working his way to a foreman and supervisor. He built state and parish roads all over the state of Louisiana, many through sugar cane fields. During the mid 70s, he took a break from building roads to manage Acadiana Asphalt Company in Lafayette. He was well respected and loved by colleagues and company employees.

Howard was preceded in death by his infant daughters, Ginger Annette Robinson and Jennifer Lin Robinson; parents, Spencer Robinson and Bessie Mae Robinson; brothers, Ivy Robinson and Web Robinson; and granddaughter, Emily Dauzart.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Virginia Robinson of Hineston, La.; son, Scotty Robinson and wife Kay of Gardner, La.; daughter, Gina Rougeau and husband Ronald of Katy, Texas; brothers, Donald E. Robinson, K.C. Robinson, and Ward Robinson; grandchildren, Dustin Rougeau, Devin Rougeau, Lane Robinson, Peyton Rougeau, Cade Robinson and Linzey Dauzart; great-grandchildren, Carter Dauzart and Natalie Dauzart; and a host of extended family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Robby Taylor, Scotty Robinson, Lane Robinson, Cade Robinson, Devin Rougeau, and Ronald Rougeau.

w/photo color

Velma Rogers

Velma Theresa Rogers, 93, of Sulphur, was called to her reward in Heaven Thursday, Nov. 11, 2020.

Velma was of Pentecostal faith and read her Bible daily. She loved her Lord and Savior and wanted to help others find their way to God. Velma often witness to others and would remind them to “Make Heaven your home.” Velma was loved by all and will be remembered for her infectious smile and deep faith.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Donnie Madden and wife Elizabeth of Baton Rouge; grandchildren, Cindy Strother and husband Kenneth of Carlyss, Hal Benoit of Sulphur, Angie McAlister and husband James of Sulphur, Steven Madden and wife Donna of Baton Rouge, Belinda O’Brien of Baton Rouge; and Jamie Arceneaux and wife Kayla of Sulphur; and numerous great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two husband, Lionel Broussard and Harold Rogers; two daughters, Beverly Benoit and Roseanna Arceneaux; and two grandsons, David and Brian Arceneaux.

Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Johnson & Robison Funeral Home. Burial will be a Big Woods Cemetery in Edgerly. Visitation will be held 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home.

Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.com.

Charles A. Sarver

Funeral service for Charles A. Sarver will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Faith Tabernacle, Kinder. Interment will be in Lyles Cemetery, Oberlin, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Kinder.

Phyllis Eloise 
Hatsfelt Sutton

Phyllis Eloise Hatsfelt Sutton, 86, of Lake Charles, died Tuesday, Nov. 10. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens.