2021_03_05_Obits

Published 6:00 am Friday, March 5, 2021

Anna August

Joyce Marie Savant Bellon

Racheal Whitney Brown

Zalee Gail Day-Smith

Anthony Ray Dronette

Henry Tommy Ellis Jr.

Email newsletter signup

Rodney Gerard Geyen

Martha Ann Haynes

Terry Anthony Jones

Pervis Leonard

Richard Lynn Lopez

COL Bernard H. McLaughlin, Jr., USA, Retired

Richard Dale Owen

Bernice Laughlin Perrodin

Larry James 
Prudhomme Sr.

Ronald Keith Rhodes

Margaret Ann Richard

Antoine Semien, Sr.

Stella L. Trahan

Amanda Bailey Williams

l

Anna August

Anna August, 74, was born on January 20, 1947, in Opelousas, LA. She entered into eternal rest on Feb. 27, 2021, at a local hospital. She loved spending time with her family laughing and telling jokes.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilda Griffin and Davis Robertson; grandson.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children; Shelia Robinson and Sterling Robinson; brothers, Jimmi Castille, Jesse Castille; three grandchildren; James Thomas, Anna Robinson, and Heavenly King; ten great-grandchildren, Cameron, Kennedy, Isabella, Aniya, Alonna, Aurora, Isaiah, Shelia, Corey, and Xaviah; two godsons, Jessie Bernard and Pastor and Evangelist Claude Kimble.

Her visitation will be held on Friday, Mar. 4, 2021, from 9 am to 10:30 am at Fondel Memorial Chapel. Burial will be Cemetery under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel.

Joyce Marie Savant Bellon

Funeral service for Joyce Marie Savant Bellon, 87, will be 10 a.m. today, March 5, at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Kinder. Burial will be at Indian Village Cemetery.

Racheal Whitney Brown

Racheal Whitney Brown, 32, of Lake Charles passed away at 4:56 AM on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in a local hospital.

Racheal was born on November 22, 1988 in Lake Charles where she lived a happy and content life surrounded by people who loved her. She had a kind soul and always wore a smile on her bright face.

She is survived by her mother, Darlene Sias; sisters, Darnella Igboekwe and Elizabeth Roberson; a brother, Eddie Brown; nieces, Kaiden Batchan, Kyleigh Batchan, Audrey Broussard and Isis Brown; nephews, Brennon and Bryson Roberson; and numerous extended family members and loving caretakers.

She was recently preceded in death by her maternal grandmother.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at University Baptist Church. Pastor Leona Benoit, with The Lord’s Outreach Worship Center, will officiate. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Church Cemetery in Lake Charles under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin in the church from 12:00 PM until the start of the service.

A special thank you is expressed to the staff at Heaven on Earth for the exceptional and loving care given to Racheal.

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

Zalee Gail Day-Smith

Zalee Gail Day-Smith, 14, of Longville, died Sunday, Feb. 28. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Westview Baptist Church in DeRidder. Burial will be at Old Cypress Cemetery in Rosepine, under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home.

Anthony Ray Dronette

SULPHUR — Anthony Ray Dronette, 85, died Wednesday, March 3, 2021, in a local hospital.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Sulphur. Ray attended St. Theresa Catholic Church and Our Lady of Lasalette Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He enjoyed assisting the Knights of Columbus cook bar-b-que for the Bon Ton Festival and had participated with the Cursillo walks in Prairie Rhonde. He was a U.S. Naval Reserve veteran. Ray worked for 18 years for Livingston Shipyard in Orange, Texas, for Carpenter’s Union No 953, and then for the Calcasieu Parish School Board in maintenance for 12 years until his retirement. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, frogging, gardening, and raising farm animals.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Clara Mier Dronette of Choupique; his children, Pam Reed and husband, James of Carlyss, Mendy Schoppe and husband, Eric of Austin, Texas, Nancy Horn and husband, Craig of Jasper, Texas, Becky Verret of Sulphur, Aaron Dronette and wife, Lena of Gillis, and Cindy Goodrich and husband, Ray of Denham Springs; his sister-in-law, Angie Dronette of Choupique; fifteen grandchildren, Courtney Kelley, Raleigh Reed, Bryce Schoppe, Allison Schoppe, Cory Ellison, Justin Ellison, Garrett Ellison, Blake Ellison, Cody Verret, Dustin Goodrich, Eric Goodrich, Luke Goodrich, Dylan Goodrich, Samantha Goodrich, and Aydan Dronette; and fifteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alpha and Mae Dronette; his brother, E.J. Dronette; and a great-grandson, Gabriel Verret.

His funeral will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 6, in St. Theresa Catholic Church. The Rev. Luke Krzanowski, M.S. will officiate. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Friday with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m. and from 8 a.m. until the time of service Saturday in the funeral home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.

Henry Tommy Ellis Jr.

Dec.26,1943 – Feb. 23, 2021

Service for Henry Tommy Ellis Jr. will be March 6, 2021 at Fondel Memorial Chapel. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon.

Henry is a native of Moss Bluff, La., he was born to Henry Ellis Sr. and Susie Mae Ellis. Henry was a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, La., where he worked as a truck driver and retired from Calcasieu Steel and Pipe. He was preceded in death by his parents Susie Ellis and Henry Ellis Sr.; his wife, Pearly Mae Johnson Ellis of Houston, Texas; his brothers, Jean Ellis of Beaumont, Texas, James Bilbo of Beaumont Texas; sisters, Mabilee Williamson and Francis Ellis, both of Lake Charles. He leaves behind his children, Merculus Ellis of Harvey, La., Michelle Ellis of Houston, Texas, Marcus Tommy Ellis of Lake Charles, Kevin Victorian Sr. of Lake Charles; brother, Billy Ray Ellis of Orange, Texas; sister, Eavy Mae Ellis of Lake Charles, Shirley Henderson of Moss Bluff; grandchildren, Monte’ Garcia-Ellis of Baton Rouge, La., D’Angelo Bourque, Kaevin Victorian, Raelen Williams Victorian, Kevin Victorian Jr. and Landen Logan; his life partner, Ms.Linda Brown of Lake Charles, La.; stepchildren, Lashon Brown of Houston, Texas, Troy Brown of Dallas, Texas, and Tyrone Brown of Lake Charles; great-grandchildren, Mia’ Garcia, Noah Dixon and Aria Brown.

Rodney Gerard Geyen

Rodney Gerard Geyen, 55, departed this life on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. He was born Aug. 14, 1965, to Rodney Geyen and Margaret Guillory Geyen in Lake Charles, La.

He attended Williams Chapel CME Church on many occasions and participated in Sunday school and other church activities. At an early age, he attended Sacred Heart Catholic School through 8th grade and was a 1983 graduate of Lake Charles High School. He was a certified chef receiving his Associates Degree in Culinary Art from Delta School of Business and Technology.

Rodney “Gerard” known by many as G-Man and GG leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Yolanda Ceasar-Geyen; his parents, Rodney Geyen and Margaret Geyen; three daughters, Gerica Geyen, Terrilyn Geyen and Lakeisha Ceasar; one son, Herbert Ceasar; two grandsons, Kenneth and Kameron Lang; two granddaughters, Jordan Geyen and Kensley Lang; one brother, Kelly Geyen of Houston, TX; two sisters, Terri Geyen of Houston, TX and Dana Mitchell of Los Angeles, CA; three nephews, Montrae LeBlanc of Houston, TX, Dominque Hodge of Los Angeles, CA, and Godson, Kaylon Geyen; one niece, Dr. Danielle Hodge of Boulder, CO; Goddaughter, Brittany Guidry; Godmother, Laura Richardson and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Adam Geyen, Sr. and Mildred Geyen and maternal grandparents, Curley Guillory and Loris Guillory Bihm.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., a Rosary at 11:00 a.m., and funeral service at 12:00 p.m., at King’s Funeral Home, Rev. Rodney Geyen, officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Kings Funeral Home.

Service will be Livestreamed on the King’s Funeral Home Facebook Page.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com

Martha Ann Haynes

Martha Ann Haynes, 81, was born October 2, 1939 in Crowley, Louisiana to the late Manuel and Agnes Mott Stevens. Born in Crowley, she was a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was a member at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church where she served as a Deaconess and in the Inspirational Choir. She volunteered for Big Brothers and Big Sisters for many years and as a Grandparent in public schools. She departed this life Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10:12 AM in her residence. She leaves to cherish her memories, one daughter, Phyllis Haynes (Todd) Williams; three sisters, Anna Stevens, Carmella Edwards, and Sherry (Samuel) Joseph; two grandchildren, Jordan and Jayla Haynes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie “Jack” Haynes; daughter, Monica Haynes Ambrose; six sisters, Ida Neal, Vergie Jackson, Carmel Morgan, Hattie Garrett, Carol Guillory, and Petty Bellard; four brothers, Edison, Herbert, Murphy, and Mikah Stevens. Her visitation will be from 11AM Saturday, March 6, 2021 with her funeral following at 1PM at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 300 N. Blake Street in Lake Charles. Pastor Elmore Garner will officiate.

Terry Anthony Jones

Funeral service for Terry Anthony Jones, 59, will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021, New Covenant Faith Baptist Church. Visitation Saturday 8 a.m.

Pervis Leonard

Pervis Leonard, 75, died March 2, at a local care facility. Funeral service will be 6 p.m. today, March 5, in Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa.

Richard Lynn Lopez

Richard Lynn Lopez, 74, of Westlake, died Monday, March 1, in his residence. A gathering will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Johnson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff.

COL Bernard H. McLaughlin, Jr., USA, Retired

COL Bernard H. McLaughlin, Jr., 69, of Lake Charles, died Sunday, Feb. 28. Celebration of life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Immaculate Conception.

Richard Dale Owen

Richard Dale Owen, 88, of Lake Charles, died Sunday, Feb. 28. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. today, March 5, in Merryville Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles.

Bernice Laughlin Perrodin

Bernice Laughlin Perrodin, 74, of Baytown, Texas, formerly of Sulphur, died Tuesday, Feb. 23. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Big Woods Cemetery, Edgerly, under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home.

w/photo color

Larry James 
”Chico” Prudhomme Sr.

Visitation for Larry James “Chico” Prudhomme Sr., 67, will be from 9AM Saturday, March 6, 2021 with his funeral following at 11AM at New Faith Baptist Church. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park. He departed this life Wednesday, February 24, 2021 in Lake Charles.

w/photo color

Ronald Keith 
”Dusty” Rhodes

Ronald Keith “Dusty” Rhodes, 73, passed away on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021, in his residence.

Ronald was born on August 12, 1947 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to his late parents, Hilyard and Wanda Rhodes. He moved at a young age to Sulphur and was a 1967 graduate of Sulphur High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He worked as a Pipe Welder in his early years but found his true calling in law enforcement. He retired after 28 years as a Louisiana State Police Troop D Sargent. After retirement, he began a career in truck driving. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, working with his back hoe. He will always be remembered as a “jokester” with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Jinnifer Rhodes of Carlyss; his son, Ronnie Rhodes and wife, Liza of Carlyss; sister, Gail Driver and husband, Paul of Lewiston, Idaho; brother, Don Rhodes and wife Sallye of Sulphur; grandchildren, Summer Marcantel, Brittney LeBlanc, Brooklyn LeBlanc, Keelan Rhodes, Sadie Rhodes, David Eldridge, Austin Perron, and Kevin Perron; two great-grandchildren, Carter and Brooks LeBlanc.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Vincent Rhodes; his parents; and son-in-law, Michael LeBlanc.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 1 PM in Trinity Baptist Church in Sulphur. Dr. Sallye Rhodes will lead services. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021 from 4-9 PM and will resume at 9 AM until service time Tuesday in the church. Burial will follow in Mimosa Pines South Cemetery under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Words of comfort and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com

HIXSON LOGO

w/photo color

Margaret Ann Richard

Visitation for Margaret Ann Richard, 68, will be Saturday, March 6, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church in Dequncy with her graveside service following at 11 a.m. in Community Cemetery. Pastor James Harris will officiate. She departed this life Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, in Lake Charles.

JAMES LOGO

w/photo color

Antoine Semien, Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the funeral arrangements for our dad and co-founder of Semien-Lewis Mortuary, Mr. Antoine Semien, Sr., 93.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, March 5th at 6:45 pm in the Church Chapel at Semien-Lewis Mortuary, 819 N. State Street In Jennings, LA. Reverend Dr. Alvin J. Noel will officiate. A public viewing will be held in the chapel from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A Rosary will be offered at 6:15 by the Legion of Mary. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2031 Opelousas St., Lake Charles, LA. Father Wayne LeBleu will officiate. Burial will follow in Combre Memorial Park with Military Honors Accorded by the U.S Navy. Face coverings and Social Distancing Guidelines are required.

Antoine Semien, Sr., affectionately known as “Pop,” was called from earthly labor to heavenly reward on February 25, 2021, while in Jennings American Legion Hospital. Antoine was a native of Opelousas, LA and lived most of his life in Lake Charles, LA. During the past thirteen years, he resided in Jennings, LA and was the Co-founder with his wife Mary Ellen Fondel-Semien of Semien-Lewis Mortuary, LLC.

Antoine Sr. was born on April 30, 1927, in Opelousas, Louisiana, to the late Frank (Francios) Semien, Sr. and Mary Esprit Semien. He was baptized on June 4, 1927 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas, LA and later united with Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Lake Charles, LA., pastored by Father Wayne LeBleu.

After completing his education, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served on a Battle Ship during World War II. Antoine earned the rank of Steward’s Mate 2nd Class (StM2c). He was a proud Naval Veteran and occasionally told stories of the different battles that were encountered. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in June of 1946, he returned home to Opelousas, LA. and later relocated to Lake Charles, LA. to work in the Petrochemical Industry.

Antoine Sr. entered into Holy Matrimony with Mary Lee Pete and to that union, two children were born, Gwendolyn Ann Semien and Antoine Semien, Jr. After the untimely death of his wife, he later met and married Mary Ellen Fondel and to that union, he adopted Donnie P. Lewis, Arthur J. Lewis II, Franklin D. Lewis, and Kevin R. Lewis. Antoine loved his wife and family and worked hard to ensure they were provided for and that all of his children were educated. He often took his family on summer vacations all over the United States. He and his wife always took Caribbean Cruises and trips to Hawaii to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Antoine Sr. retired from Pittsburgh Plate & Glass (PPG) Industries in Westlake, LA. After retirement, he put his talents to work in the areas of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical in remodeling and maintaining rental properties that he and his wife purchased. He continued to serve his community in the funeral industry in 2009 when he and his wife co-founded Semien-Lewis Mortuary, LLC in Jennings, LA until 2020 when his health failed. Antoine was a gentle and loving man, always considerate of others and thanking anyone for things done to assist him.

Antoine Sr. leaves to cherish his fond memories, his six children, Gwendolyn A. Semien, Donnie P. Page, Antoine (Pamela) Semien, Jr., Arthur J. Lewis II, Minister Franklin D. Lewis Sr., and Kevin R. (Sandra) Lewis; two brothers, Johnny Semien of Los Angeles, CA., and Hilton (Carolyn) Semien of Kansas City, MO; twenty-two grandchildren, Tywanna (Alex) Dushime, Jessica (Jesse) Guillory, Christopher (Isabella) Doshier, James Lewis, Jennifer Lewis, Christopher (Nicole) Reado, Tiffany Groves, Joshua Semien, Franklin Lewis, II, Kevin Lewis, Jr., Toccara (Kenneth) Babineaux, Perry Banks, Tristen (LaShonda) Pete, Aidan Semien, LaShanda Banks, Tyree Rideau, Terrell Rideau, Jereka Rideau, Andrea Rideau, Tevin Davis, Darrell Moss, Jr., and Derrec Simien; nineteen great-grandchildren, Greyson, Jermaine, Tyler, Braylon, Ava, Camryn, Christopher “CJ” Jr., Jayanah, J’Nayla, Jordyn, Emani, Tannia, Tianna, A’Mir; Deja, Kenydi, Journee, Tristen “TJ” Jr., and Franklin III, Malik Banks, and Make Banks; one great-great grandson, Carter; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Antoine Sr. was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lee Pete Semien; current wife, Mary Ellen Fondel-Semien; his parents, Frank (Francios) Semien, Sr. & Mary Esprit Semien; his brothers, Joseph Semien, Sr., Frank (Francios) Semien, Jr., Rufus Semien, and Hilary Semien, Sr.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at http://www.semien-lewismortuary.com

SEMIEN LOGO

w/photo color

Stella L. “P-Nut” Trahan

Stella L. “P-Nut” Trahan, 72, passed away Wednesday, March 3, 2021 in a local hospice facility with her family at her side.

P-Nut was a lifelong Sulphur resident. She was born on October 16, 1948 to Valentine “Tiny” and Lora Vincent O’Quain. She worked for Silver King as a waitress and most recently worked for Fisherman’s Headquarters in Carlyss.

P-Nut loved playing Bingo cooking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Johnny O’Quain, Sr. (Shelly), David Trahan, Sr., and Veronica Sheridan (Adam); grandchildren, Paige (Allen), Lacey (Kallee), Johnny Jr. (Brooke), Clint, Chloe, Gaige, Brantley, Drake, David Jr. (Allyson), Hannah, and Brice; great-grandchildren Paisley, Bentley, and Kinsley; sisters, Brenda Browning (Sam), Virginia Jones (Paul), Rose Mays (Eddie), Mary Vincent (Johnny), and Carol Wright.

P-Nut is preceded in death by her son Thomas Trahan; her parents; sister Betty Shanabarger; and brother, Larry O’Quain.

Funeral Services will be held 11am, Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Johnson & Robison Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Antioch Cemetery in Edgerly. Visitation will be in the funeral home 5 – 8pm, Friday and resume at 9am Saturday until time of service. Words of Comfort and memories may be shared with the family at www.robisonfuneralhome.net.

ROBISON LOGO

w/photo color

Amanda Bailey Williams

Amanda Angela Bailey Williams, 36, of Gulfport, MS went home to her Lord and Savior and her family in Heaven Monday, March 01, 2021.

Amanda was born at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, TX, was raised in Lake Charles and was a 2004 graduate of Lake Charles Boston High School. She married in 2006 and in 2014, her little family made Gulf Port, MS their home. She enjoyed reading her Bible, her favorite reading being, “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only son” John 3:18. She was proud to be a stay-at-home mom who home schooled her son. She also enjoyed cooking, spending time together with family, playing games (especially uno), watching movies, listening to music and spoiling her cat, Garcon. Monday was her favorite day of the week as she looked forward to her 1:00 PM phone call to her mom to check on her, recap their week and discuss plans for the week ahead. Amanda devoted her life and love to her faith and family. She will be most remembered for her quiet, gentle and loving spirit.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of fourteen years, Dennis LeRoy Williams, Jr. and one son, Dennis LeRoy Williams, III of Gulfport, MS; her mother, Vicki J. Cart Bailey; two brothers, Clifford Bailey and Richard Bailey; one sister, Tammy Bailey Johnson (Dene) and one uncle, Elmer Ray Cart, all of Lake Charles; mother-in-law, Rhonda Hammonds and father-in-law, Al Seifert, both of Glen Burnie, MD; brother-in-law, Benjamin Williams (Micah) of North Carolina; sister-in-law, Krystal Hammer (Joseph) of South Dakota; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and one great niece and one great nephew.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert L. Bailey; sister, Kathleen Ann Bailey; maternal grandparents, Elmer R. Cart, Sr. and Eva Dell Marie Meaux Cart; paternal grandparents, Robert G. Bailey and Velma Louise Hedges Bailey and aunt, Brenda Gail Cart Louviere.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Monday, March 08, 2021 at University Baptist Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Pastor Tony Bourque will officiate. Interment will follow in Hopewell Cemetery in DeRidder. Visitation Sunday will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM and will continue Monday from 8:30 AM until the time of service in the church.

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

JOHNSON LOGO