Obituaries

Judy Everitt was born on February 17, 1954 and passed peacefully in her home on May 21, 2020 with her husband Pete at her side. Judy was born in Zwolle as well as a long time resident. She was the daughter of Lydia Craig and the late Dick Craig. She graduated from Zwolle High School in 1972. After being a candy striper in high school, Judy later graduated nursing school. Although her family; therefore, her heart was in Zwolle, Judy and Pete’s wanderlust has lead them to live in many locations including Colorado, West Texas, South Louisiana, as well as many of the surrounding towns here in Sabine until they finally made their home in the Belmont area. Since Judy didn’t have children of her own, her nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart. Judy has lived a long and exceedingly memorable life, and many of us would be hard pressed to find another person that was as fun-loving, and eccentric as she.

Michael Dowden, 67, of Baton Rouge, passed away on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 2:37 a.m. at his home. A memorial service was held on May 8, 2020 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge with deacon Reese Wiggins officiating. Interment followed at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, he was cremated.

Michael Dowden was born in Pasadena, Texas on March 31, 1953. Mike graduated from Many High School in 1971. He briefly attended Northwestern State University. He relocated to Baton Rouge and became involved in the industrial metal industry where he progressed to be an international consultant. Michael met the love of his life, Christine Thomas Dowden. They got married on March 17, 1973 at First Methodist Church in Many.

Preceding Michael in death is his parents, Huey Long Dowden and Josie Fay German; brother, Doug Dowden; and sister, Kay Dowden Ashy.

Lyvon Jennings, 85, of Marksville, was born on Tuesday, June 12, 1934 in Shreveport. He passed away on Friday, May 15, 2020 at Valley View Health Care in Marksville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Mamie (Ferguson) Jennings; brothers, William Jennings; Kenneth Burnett; sisters, Rachel Emrey; Roma Abel.

He is survived by his brother, Doyle Jennings and wife Barbara of Hineston, Louisiana; nephew, Stanley Walker and wife Belinda of Pleasant Hill; niece, Brenda Goldman and husband Mike of New Orleans; along with a host of other, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

A private family graveside was held at Bethany Cemetery in Marthaville, LA.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.warrenmeadows.com

Joseph Etheridge, 71, of Zwolle, was born on Wednesday, January 19, 1949 and he passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vance and Victoria (Ezernack) Etheridge; wife, Pamela Troquille Etheridge; brothers, Clifford Etheridge; Herman Etheridge; Tennen Etheridge; Nolan Etheridge; and Keith Etheridge.

Rebecca Ellis, 74, passed away on March 22, 2020 at home in Anacoco.

A memorial service will be streamed online by a Zoom Meeting on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at 1 p.m. with Patrick J. Sacco officiating.

Interment will be at Self Cemetery in Barham Road, Hornbeck, Louisiana.

Rebecca Elaine Self was born on July 31, 1945 in Port Arthur, Texas. She was baptized May 14, 1955 as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She served as a pioneer, a full-time minister, after she graduated from high school. She married Floyd D. Gladden Jr. on March 12, 1966 and raised a family of four children. Floyd died on November 16, 2010.

She married John D. Ellis on August 6, 2014 in Port Arthur, Texas. After Hurricane Harvey they moved to Anacoco, Louisiana where they were active in the Many Louisiana Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Preceding her in death were Floyd D. Gladden Jr. and her parents, Eliot N. Self and Violet Joy Ellis.