Obituaries

Terry Lamar Ponder, Sr., passed peacefully from this earthly life to the next on January 13, 2023, while resting in his home after a good meal prepared by his devoted wife. Coffee and dessert awaited him, but the effects of lung cancer and its treatment claimed his earthly body.

Terry was born June 26, 1930, to Amos Lee and Nonie Phillips Ponder, and he grew up in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, as one of five boys. Terry was a great storyteller, and the years growing up with his brothers provided material for hilarious tales.

Funeral services for Lawrence Lee Ferkovich, 77, of Florien, LA, will be held on Friday, January 20th 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Pisgah Baptist Church, Toro Community, with, Brother Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in the Pisgah Cemetery. Visitation will begin on January 20th, at 11:00 a.m. until services at Pisgah Baptist Church, Toro Community.

Lawrence Lee Ferkovich was born on Tuesday, February 20, 1945 in Romulus, MI. Lee grew up in Westland, MI with his 3 brothers. He joined the Army and was stationed in Ft. Polk, LA. During his time, he met his lifetime love and friend, Linda, whom he married February 1st, 1969. He was enlisted for 3 years and was dedicated to his family, the Army, and his values. Lee retired from civil service after dedicating 25 years of his life. He passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023 in Leesville, LA.

On January 16, 2023, Jerry T. Baxter, loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, went to be with his Lord at the age of 79 after a life well lived.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Linda Baxter; their son, Jerry and his spouse, Tamera; their daughter, Lindsey; four grandchildren, Joel, Sarah, Ayden, and Daniel; two brothers, Tommy and his wife, Meta Baxter, Teddy and his wife, Lyn Baxter; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Beulah Baxter, and his in-laws, O.T. and Lillian Crain.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Helen Louise Durr Taylor, 89, will be conducted at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel in Mansfield, Louisiana at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Rev. Bobbye Russell will be officiating, assisted by Rev. Stephen Taylor. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana.

Mrs. Taylor was born in Shreveport, Louisiana August 25, 1933, to Rufus and Arlevy Durr. She entered into rest on Sunday, January 15, 2023, in Converse, Louisiana.

Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by her husband, J.P. Taylor; parents, Rufus and Arlevy Durr; grandsons, Jeremy Taylor, and Mark Taylor; and granddaughter, Veronica Burr.

Funeral services for Daniel “Danny” Lee Cook, 73, of Florien, LA, will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow in the Florien Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 10:30 AM at Warren Meadows Funeral Home, Many, LA.

Danny Cook was born on Saturday, January 7, 1950 in Shreveport, LA. He passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2023 in Florien, LA surrounded by many of his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy L. Cook and Opal (Westfall) Cook; son, Bronson Cook and his brothers, Roy Cook, Jr. and Harold Glenn Cook.

Funeral services for Marie Webb, 96, of Converse, LA, will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Noble United Pentecostal Church with Bro. Jimmy Price, Bro. Gordon Simmons, and Bro. Ricky Wead officiating. Burial will follow in the Noble Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Noble United Pentecostal Church.

Marie Webb was born on Saturday, November 20, 1926 in Smackover, AR. She passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Sabine Medical Center in Many, LA.

Funeral services for Brett William Mitchell, 54, of Many, LA, will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Friendship Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Leach officiating. Burial will follow in the Friendship Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 5:00 PM at Friendship Baptist Church.

Brett William Mitchell was born on Tuesday, June 11, 1968 in Many, LA. He passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023 in Spur, TX.

He was preceded in death by his father, Delmer Mitchell and sisters, Lynda Mitchell and Brenda Valdez.

Funeral services for Milton Adrian Milliken, 53, of Many, LA, will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Alford Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Dean Johnson and Rev. Mike Haynes officiating. Burial will follow in the Many Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 5:00 PM at Alford Heights Baptist Church, Many, LA.

Milton Adrian Milliken was born on Monday, September 22, 1969 in Thomasville, NC. He passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022 in Many, LA.

He was preceded in death by his father-inlaw, Roland Dees and nephew, Kelby Dodge Pilcher.

John Peace Godfrey of Many passed away at home January 12, 2023 after a lengthy illness. He was 74. John was born in Pleasant Hill, Louisiana. He graduated from Many High School and attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. In 1970 he married the love of his life, Betsy Freeman, and together they had two children.

John had a successful career in the timber industry working with Vancouver Plywood Company and managing Godfrey Land & Timber. He was a past Area 3 Chairman of the Louisiana Forestry Association and was a member of the American Tree Farmer Association. John served on the Board of Directors of City Bank and Trust and was a committeeman for Ducks Unlimited.

John was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Many, serving as Educational Superintendent and chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Mary Lynn Campbell, 67, of Orange, Texas passed away on January 7, 2023, in Beaumont, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Well of Hope Christian Fellowship in Bridge City, Texas. Officiating will be Pastor Rudy Elizondo. A graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 13, 2023, at Aimwell Cemetery in Zwolle, Louisiana.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00, Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.