Obituaries

William Dwight “Sid” Spilker came into this world on March 5, 1954, born in Shreveport to the parents of William “Bill” and Mary Jo Spilker. He grew up as a small town country boy who enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing softball, and enjoying life. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Sue Gaddis. They were married 44 years and loved each other through thick and thin, sickness and health, and their true love was an example to us all. Sid and Kathy had three children, Stephen Brand Spilker, Brittany Allison Spilker Merricks, and Michael Cody Spilker. They welcomed three grandchildren, Haley Lauren Spilker, Hannah Grace Spilker, and Rylen Hunter Spilker into this world with open arms and love like no other. His grand-babies were his world. Dwight was more than just a husband, father, or grandfather. He was a best friend, a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on, a daddy, and a “Paw Paw Baby.” He always knew how to bring a smile to your face with a goofy joke or saying.

A celebration of the life of Elsie Mae Sibley Carter was held at Word of Truth Church in Many October 23. She was born into this world on August 29, 1931, the daughter of Ellis Kirkland Sibley and Bessie Wilson Sibley, and entered into her eternal rest with Jesus on October 20, 2018 at 87 years of age. Those left to cherish her memories are her husband of 68 years, Jack Carter; sister, Frankie Piscitelli of Albuquerque, New Mexico; children, Mike Carter and wife, Cindy, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Carolyn Ricks and husband, Hanan, of Many, Jeffery Carter and wife, Lori, of Roswell, Georgia, and Ginger Dugas and husband, Glenn, of Lafayette; grandchildren, Jacque Ricks Thurman, Jimmy Ricks, Kathy Carter Gibbons, the Rev. David Carter, Amanda Carter and Travis Carter; great-grandchildren, Ty and Brooke Thurman, Sophie and Carter Gibbons; and many loved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Margie Louise Brooks Cooper, 82, of Florien, were held October 22 at Warren Meadows Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ronnie Sandifer officiating. Burial followed in the Florien Cemetery. She was born Monday, October 5, 1936 in Sabine Parish, and she passed away Friday, October 19, 2018 in Many. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Lee Cooper; parents, Johnnie and Lula “Lewing” Brooks; brother, James Brooks; and son-in-law, Buddy Brown. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Louella Cooper Brown of Florien, and Bobbie Gail Cooper and companion, Paul, of Florien; brother, George Brooks and wife, Gail, of Keller, Texas; sisters, Charlene Brooks Sandifer and husband, Doyle, of Fisher, and Ann Brooks Randolph of Many; grandchildren, Dale Bridges and wife, Alicia of Florien, Tonia Bridges Self of Many, and Clint Bridges of Nashville, Kansas; 10 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Myrtie Marie Stewart Lee, 94, gently passed from this life surrounded by family on October 14, 2018, at her home in West Fork, Arkansas. She was born into a loving Christian home to Clarence and Leona Corley Stewart on September 30, 1924, in Cenchrea Community near Florien, and graduated from Mt. Carmel High School. She married Clifton Lee in 1941. They moved to Jackson, Mississippi, and lived there until they moved to New Orleans for several years before returning to Many. Clifton was in the Navy during WWII. Marie and baby Victor travelled to join Clifton when he was in port, riding the train to San Diego and Norfolk, Virginia. Marie began attending the Cenchrea Church of the Nazarene as a baby. She continued her faithful Christian walk wherever she lived. She was a member of the Many Church of the Nazarene and the Bethany First Church of Nazarene. Marie was a joyful, prayerful, Christian woman all her life. Her family and friends loved that she laughed and smiled readily.

Funeral services honoring  the life of Hattie Mae Brown, 88,  were held October 11 at Old Pisgah  Baptist Church in Marthaville,  with Reverend Dean Johnson officiating.  Burial followed at Spring  Ridge Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.  Hattie was born July 6, 1930 in  Pleasant Hill, to Gilbert and Annie  Jacobs Stutts and entered into rest  on October 8, 2018, in Shreveport.  Preceding Hattie in death  were her parents; husband, Hugh  Harvey Brown, Sr.; son, Cecil Ray  Brown; grandsons, Jimmy Simms, Randall Permenter, Jr.; great grandchildren,  R.J. and Kelsi Wates; special friend, Kelly Eason; sisters, Dessie  Savell, Lessie Kirkland; and brothers, Chester, Earl and Larry Stutts.  Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Hugh Harvey  Brown, Jr. and wife, Diane, of Belmont, Mary Anne Collins and husband,  Herbert, of Pleasant Hill, Robert P.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later date for Olivia Richard Tatum, 45, who passed away on Tuesday, October 9, 2018. After many years of bravely and strongly battling, Olivia lost her fight, passing peacefully in her sleep. Olivia most enjoyed spending time with her family, and the light of her life were her four grandchildren. Always remember when you stub your toe she is laughing her butt off. Those left to cherish her memories are her husband, Jerry Tatum; her father, Tommy Richard and wife, Rachel Richard; grandmother, Dorothy Nolan; daughters, Kelsey Richard and husband, Austin Goings, and Senika and husband, Justin Free; brother, Jason Richard and wife, Kristy Richard; grandchildren, Ava Goings, Joshton Free, Teyton Free, and Rayne Free; nephew Nathan Richard and wife, Karli Rogers; niece, Caitlin Richard; and many more family and friends. Those there to welcome her Home are her mother, Kathy N. Richard; brother, Jonathan W.

Tonia LaRue Matthews, native of Denham Springs, was a Living testimony of Bible second greatest commandment, “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.” Toni was the second oldest of six children. Tonia was known by all who ever knew her as Toni and by few as Tiger, was born in Saginaw, Michigan but spent most of her childhood growing up in Zwolle. She attended Many High School, and after graduating Toni attended Louisiana Technical College - Sabine Valley Campus where she pursued a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She spent nearly 30 years working as a nurse in multiple specialties, but her love was surgery (General, ENT/Maxillofacial, Orthopedic, Cardiothoracic, Trauma, Ophthalmology/Cornea Transplants). She enjoyed being a mother, spending time with her family, and helping others in need. She was truly uniquely created and a selfless servant to anyone in need. An avid lover of God, family, and people, Toni loved caring and cooking for others.

Funeral services for Gene Leo Hubley, 87, of Many were held October 1 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Father Duane Trombetta officiating. Burial followed in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery. Gene was born on Sunday, July 5, 1931 in Many to Winnie Virginia Davis and Cleve Julian Hubley, and passed away Thursday September 27, 2018 in Coushatta. Gene made the United States Navy his career. He was a Petty Officer First Class and served during the Vietnam era working on helicopters, planes, etc. on the ships. After retirement, he came back to his hometown of Many to care for his mother. He had various jobs and working with the SARC clients was very special to him. Another special “job” was caring for his sister, Lynna, upon her return from California. He was a loyal parishioner at St. John’s and was active with the Men’s Club helping whenever and wherever he could.

A funeral mass celebrating the life of Larry Gene Parrie, 68, were held on October 5, 2018 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Ebarb. Father Richard Norsworthy will be officiating. Interment followed in St. Ann Catholic Cemetery. He was born on October 27, 1949 in Converse to Louis Parrie Jr. and Marguerite R. Parrie. He passed away October 2 in Shreveport. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Desiree Troquille Parrie. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Pamela Ba-Lee Parrie and Shannon Gladem; sisters, Sandra L. Sepulvado and husband, Doyle, and Karan R. Montgomery and husband, Donald; grandson, Michael Holley; nephews and nieces, Eric D. Parrie, Lynsi Meshell, Avaree Parrie, Sean Montgomery, and Sydney Montgomery; and great-nephew and niece Nickolas and Jorja Parrie. Honoring Larry as pallbearers were Allen Ebarb, Kevin Ebarb, Pat Parrie, Robert Sepulvado, Joseph Escott, and Gilbert Paree.

Callie Blackwell, 28, of Big Spring, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends at her home in Florien, on September 28, 2018. Callie was a longtime resident of Florien. She enjoyed reading, traveling, and taking on new Challenges. She was collector of many different things, and took every opportunity to shop anytime she could. Some of her best times were simply playing various card or board games, watching movies or just visiting and spending time with family and friends. There is no doubt Callie stood diligent in her fight for life. Family and friends, as well as her beloved dog, “Blue”, were her motivation in life. She was taken from this earth far too early. Her precious memory will be cherished by all who knew her. Preceding Callie in death are her mother, Melissa Ann Stephenson Lee, an infant brother, Christian Scott Lee and maternal grandfather, Ernest Sanders Stephenson.