Shirley Ann Duke Gain

Jo Ann Hanks

Ruth Hadnot Hester

Virgie Mae Aguillard 
Marceaux

Dylan Cade McFarlain

Peggy Moreland

Ronald Glyn Slaydon

Ethel Marie White

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Shirley Ann Duke Gain

Shirley Ann Duke Gain, passed from this life in Lake Charles on July 4, 2020. Her life will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 7, at 10 a.m. in a private family service at Hixson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery.

Shirley was born Oct. 23, 1935, in DeQueen, Ar. She moved with her family to Baton Rouge in 1941 and graduated from Istrouma High School in 1953. She met her husband, Walter, when he was on a weekend pass from the Chennault Air Force Base with a Duke family friend. They married on June 19, 1953. In January, 1955, they moved to Denver, Co, Walter’s home town. The Gains transferred to Lake Charles, La, in 1967. She had made a very successful transition to her Denver home and really missed her friends and the mountains, but she quickly made a new home in Lake Charles.

Shirley was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother, devoted to her family. Friends and family will miss her warm and inviting “trademark” smile. She was a Christian who loved her church fellowships at Riverside Baptist Church in Denver and Trinity and Sale Street Baptist Churches in Lake Charles, participating as a Sunday School leader and teacher, a chaperone for mission trips and youth camps, a host for youth fellowships, and a part of the music ministry. She loved Bible study and was active in Bible Study Fellowship International since its beginning in Lake Charles.

Shirley loved the arts; she attended many concerts and enjoyed Broadway as well as many theater seasons at the Lutcher. She was extremely creative—always making things. Among the hobbies she loved were gardening, sewing, crocheting, painting, ceramics, china-painting, and various other crafts. In addition, she loved to sing, especially hymns. In her last few years, she sang with the Verandah Entertainers. She grew up singing in her church with her brother; often her family, neighbors, and friends would hear her singing her favorite hymns, including “In the Garden,” “On Calvary,” “Whispering Hope,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Church in the Wildwood,” and “I Know Whom I Am Believed.” Shirley was also a sports fan; she had season tickets for the McNeese Cowboy football games for three decades and loved to watch pro football and baseball, too.

Most of all, she was a “pro” at being a mom to four daughters. She was very supportive of all her daughters’ activities. She was always a room mother and a Girl Scout leader. In fact, when she found out that Lake Charles had no Girl Scout troops, she helped organize some and taught the girls outdoor camping and cooking skills. She helped with many school activities, including the Gatorettes, Barbe cheerleaders, Barbe Bluebelles, and the Barbe chorus. She knew how to support and assist without “hovering.” She attended nearly every performance, game, concert, speech, pep rally, and parent meeting. She sewed for her four “girls,” making uniforms, homecoming suits, prom gowns, costumes, and even their hand-beaded wedding dresses. She began working on her college degree when her oldest daughters were in college in 1975, and she graduated with her youngest daughter 10 years later. Of course, she had to take a few semesters away from her studies for graduations, wedding preparations, and the births of her grandchildren. She earned a B.A. from McNeese State University in 1985 and taught at various high schools in Lake Charles for many years.

Those surviving to cherish her memory are her four daughters: Margaret Gain Goode and husband Mark of Lake Charles; Patricia Gain Chester and husband Stan of Benton, Arkansas; Janet Gain Daigle and husband Francis of Sulphur; and Phyllis Gain Derise and husband Mark of Lake Charles. She was “Grandma Gain” to her seven grandchildren Tricia Lundy Barrow; Brandi Goode Ganser; Kevin Goode; Elliott Chester; Amy Daigle Nicholson; Kelly Daigle Pandosh, and Morgan Daigle Spaulding; and she was Great Grandma to their eleven children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Walter J. Gain; parents, Mamie (Grant) and John Porter Duke; brothers, John Porter Duke, Jr., and Wayne Duke. Shirley also leaves behind dear friends who may be comforted by their fond memories of her. The family is also grateful for Dr. Ron Lewis, Jr., St. Joseph Hospice, and the staff at the Verandah who cared for her in her last days.

Reverend Mel Yorks will lead the service. Pallbearers include Mark Goode, Stan Chester, Francis Daigle, Mark Derise, Elliott Chester, and Kevin Goode. In lieu of flowers, family would appreciate donations made to the building fund at Sale Street Baptist Church where the Gains fellowshipped for three decades.

For the safety of Mrs. Gain’s family and friends during this current pandemic, the services will be closed to the public. We invite you to sign her digital register book and leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

Jo Ann Hanks

Jo Ann Hanks, 85 was born on March 11, 1935 in Pollock, La and entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

Jo Ann was the youngest of 10 children born to Joseph and Jessie Johnson and grew up in the Lake Charles area. She attended LaGrange High School, where she enjoyed participating in school sports as a “Gatorette”. She would gracefully prance across the field, her headdress feathers flowing in the wind and her baton held in her right hand. She graduated Class of 1953 and went on to Cosmetology School, earning her degree.

It was while in school she would meet her first husband, the brother to a classmate, Johnny Duhon Sr. They were married in 1955 and welcomed two children Jed Duhon and Joel “Squeak” Duhon. She was a loving and doting mother, always making sure her family and husband were well taken care of. As a house wife, she was mostly indoors, she dare not sweat off her make-up. Upon the passing of her husband in 1976, she fearlessly took on the role as a widow caring for her children, the house, and ensuring all their needs were met.

It was by chance, she would meet her second husband, Jack Hanks and they were married in 1978. Jack worked in communications, owning his own business, Hanks Communication. He often was sent out on the road traveling to various law enforcement and fire conventions across the country. Jo Ann always had her “Go” bag ready, make-up train case and all. Together they traveled enjoying the country side and sights along the way to each destination.

In 1983, she graduated to “MiMi”, as her first grandchild, Brooke, was born. Just like her children, she doted on all the grandchildren born into her life. Her door was always open, as the kids would burst through it, sometimes finding her touching up her lipstick. It had to be the perfect shade to leave a kiss mark on their cheeks whether they were coming or going.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents; Johnny Duhon Sr. and Jack Hanks, her son Joel, and her siblings.

Those left to cherish her memory are; her son Jed Duhon & Cristella, her grandchildren; Rachel McGee, Brandy Ray, Marcus Duhon, Reina Duhon and Joanna Duhon, Brooke Soileau and Samantha Duhon and seven great grandchildren.

The family will welcome friends on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Hixson of Lake Charles beginning at 10 a.m. until time of service. A rosary will be held at 1:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be led by Monsignor Dubois beginning at 2 p.m. Jo Ann will be laid to rest at Duhon Cemetery.

We welcome you to sign the digital register book, leave a favorite memory or sentiment of condolences at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com

Ruth Hadnot Hester

Ruth Hadnot Hester, 96, departed this life on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at her residence.

Ruth was born Dec. 19, 1923, in Westlake, La., to George and Alberta Williams Hadnot. She was a long time resident of Mossville, La.

She was an avid listener of music and enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren dance. Some of her favorite songs were Amazing Grace, Precious Lord, Bells Will Be Ringing and Hole in the Wall. Although she had hearing challenges, she was able to communicate effectively with family and maintain positive relationships.

As a virtuous woman (Proverbs 31:10, 28-31) and the Matriarch of her family….she lead by example. She was strong, resilient, dedicated, trustworthy, caring and nurturing. She instilled in her children her firm belief of life’s golden rule “treat others as you would have them treat you”

God was the center of her Joy and she knew all her help came from the Lord

Her unwavering zeal to care for her family lasted well into her 90s. She always ensured her family had the essentials of life and reared her children to always be respectful. Her discipline method was never meant to be punitive, but a mere “Look” which spoke volumes.

Ruth was a passionate cook and always made sure there was enough food for everyone. Her holiday ritual was to make sure dinner was served at “12” noon every holiday. Her culinary skills were impeccable and insisted everyone wash their hands before entering her kitchen.

Her favorite biblical chapter was “Psalms 27: 1-14”. In addition, as a minister’s wife – she was an avid lover of TV ministry (Rev. Ike and Oral Roberts). Ruth showered her family with love regardless of life-challenges and always readily available to rescue, defend and discipline her family members, as needed.

She was not an individual to past judgment on the action of others, but always attempted to explore the best possible practice to achieve the most positive and optimal outcome.

She was a compassionate and forgiving person. Her heart was full of love and this is the legacy she leaves for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She leaves to cherish her memories four sons, Larry Hester of Sulphur, La., Nathaniel (Melanie) Hester of St. Louis, Mo., Van Norman (Kammie) Hester of Sulphur, La. and Marvin Hester of Snellville, Ga.; three daughters, Vergie (Martin) Thomas of Moss Bluff, La., Verna Johnson of Lake Charles, La., and Vera (Paul) Rougeau of Westlake, La.; one sister, Jimmie Lee Cazer of St. Louis, Mo.; one brother, Isaac Hadnot of Westlake, La. and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, George and Alberta Williams Hadnot; spouse, Rev. Jessie Hester Sr.; three sons, Chester, Jessie Jr. (June) and Willie (Batman) Hester; three sisters, Dorothy Mae Hadnot Moss, Iona Hadnot and Francis Hadnot Ledoux; one brother, Clyde Hadnot; one grandchild, Marcus W. Anderson and three great grandchildren, Alexis Byrd, Jada L. Hester and Chester Johnson Jr.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2020, Stevens’ Funeral Home. Burial will be in Morning Star Cemetery in Mossville, La. Visitation Tuesday 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. Due to the restrictions of COVID 19 Funeral Attendance is limited. Everyone is asked to wear masks. Funeral will be livestreamed on Stevens’ Funeral Home Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lcLouisiana/

Virgie Mae Aguillard 
Marceaux

Virgie Mae Aguillard Marceaux died Thursday, July 4 at her home. Funeral service is Tuesday, July 7, 2020 to follow at 2 p.m. in Hixson Funeral Chapel. Interment to follow at Consolata Cemetery.

Dylan Cade McFarlain

Dylan Cade McFarlain, 8, of Moss Bluff, La, passed away peacefully at 7:04 AM on Saturday, July 4, 2020 in his residence.

Dylan was born January 8, 2012 in Lake Charles, La. He remained strong throughout his life and touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a strong, happy boy with an infectious smile. He loved his family dearly, enjoyed watching Westerns, and loved Snoopy and dinosaurs. He had a special bond with his twin sister, Kaydence, and loved when she read to him.

Dylan is survived by his parents, Brandon and Krystal McFarlain; twin sister, Kaydence McFarlain; sister, Tori Craddock and husband Joshua; grandparents, Rodney and Kathy Thompson and Belva McFarlain; nephew, Justin Blaine Craddock; aunt, Bethany Jones “TT” and husband David “Tio”; uncle, Barrett McFarlain “Nonc T” and wife Chelsea; uncle, Kasey Thompson; and cousins, Charleigh McFarlain and Amelia McFarlain.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Kenneth and Audrey Allen, Tulius and Jim Thompson, and Irvie and William Lee McFarlain.

His memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel in Moss Bluff. Reverend Glenn George will officiate. A gathering of family members and friends will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and continue on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the start of the service.

The family would like to express a special word of thanks to his nurse, Laura Bull, the faculty, teachers, aides, staff and students at Gillis Elementary, and to the Therapy Staff, Kids Team, and anyone throughout the years that had a part in his medical care.

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

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Peggy Moreland

Peggy Marie Gros Moreland passed away in the comfort of her home after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, July 4, 2020.

Peggy was born June 4, 1936 in Sulphur, La to Alton and Lottie (McCullen) Gros. She lived in Sulphur, where she was a member of The First Baptist Church of Sulphur. Peggy was also Worthy Matron of the Love Chapter #209 of The Order of Eastern Star in 1975.

Some of her favorite times were travelling out West to Jackson Hole, Wy where she and her family spent time every summer for 30 years. However, she found most of her joy spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-children, nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her sweet smile, gentle spirit, and her strength above all.

Peggy is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Kenneth L. Moreland; her children, Darlene (Reagan) Manuel, Kenneth (Mary) Moreland, II; niece, Patti Ann Ellender Arlan; nephew, Ray Ellender; grandchildren, Lindsey (Steve) Wisner, Lauren Marie Manuel; great-grandchildren, Lottie and Lincoln Wisner.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and R. D. Ellender, and her grandson, Blake Louis Manuel.

Her funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Johnson and Robison Funeral Home of Sulphur. Burial will follow at Mimosa Pines South in Carlyss. Visitation will be 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home and resume at 8 a.m. Tuesday until time of service. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.com.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Heart of Hospice, Ms. Kim Francis, and the family of Jasmine Shillow.

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Ronald Glyn Slaydon

Ronald Glyn Slaydon, 57, of Longville, La died Saturday, July 4, 2020 at his home. Graveside service is Tuesday, July 7, at 10am at Magnolia Cemetery.

Ethel Marie White

Ethel Marie White, 88, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2020. Funeral Service of Ethel will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 7, 2020 in Johnson & Robison Funeral Home of Sulphur. Burial will follow at Mimosa Pines Cemetery in Carlyss.