Jay Dee Chambers

Colleen Whittenbaugh Chance

Jerry Chaney

Gene Raymond Craft

Betty Jean Doescher

Georgie Ann Bourque Duhon

Gerald Edward Duhon, Jr.

Bella Rose Hahn

Laura Mae Hall

James Fruge Kennedy

Jimmy Joseph LeBlanc

Betsy Ross Crawford 
Mouton

Chief Apostle Laura Jane Reese

Billy Ray Richard

Wilma Marie Authement Sullivan

Jay Dee Chambers

Jay Dee Chambers, age 67 of Jemison, Ala., passed away on Feb. 2, 2021 at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, Ala. He was born in Lake Providence, La on July 31, 1953; the son of the late James Delbert Chambers, Jr. and the late Thelma Mae Whittington Chambers.

He was a former planner and scheduler with Sasol. He also honorably served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict.

He is survived by: Daughter, Tara Wilson of Greenwood, Ind.; Grandchildren, Alexandra and Derek Wilson of Greenwood, Ind.; Sister, Nancy (Gary) Parker of Lake Providence, La; Sister, Debbie Lyles of Lake Charles, La; three Nephews; and one Niece.

He is preceded in death by: Wife, Cindy Chambers; and Parents, James and Thelma Chambers.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home in Clanton with Rev. Rex Kent officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

A family interment service with military honors will follow in the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Ala.

The family request in lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to your local down syndrome association.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com

Colleen Whittenbaugh Chance

Colleen Whittenbaugh Chance was born March 14, 1933 in Rural Burdette, Colorado to Helen and Gayle Whittenbaugh. She died Feb. 1, 2021 at her home in Carlyss, La at the age of 87.

While attending Colorado State College of Education (now the University of Northeastern Colorado) she met her husband Rodney. They were married Aug. 1, 1954. After graduating, Colleen started her teaching career at a one room country school in Abarr, Colorado. She later taught at the Army military school in Sasebo, Japan while Rodney was stationed there in the Navy.

In 1965 she joined Rodney fulltime in the printing business. In 1973 the family moved to Southwestern Louisiana where she and Rodney contracted the printing for Delta Downs Racetrack when it opened until they retired in 1998 after 25 years at the track.

Colleen was a loving wife, mother, friend, teacher, and her favorite role – grandmother. She loved to tell stories about growing up on the ranch, her time in Japan, and the students she taught. Another favorite pastime was correcting her kids and grandkids grammar.

Those left to celebrate her life include her husband of 66 and a half years, Rodney; daughter Julie Chance of Dallas, Texas; son Randy Chance (Kara) of Magnolia, Texas; grandson Reese Chance of Belton, Texas; and granddaughter Kassidy Chance of Wichita, Ks; sisters in law Mari Le Hartwig and Margie Chance both of Yuma, Co; seven nieces and nephews and their families scattered across the country; and countless other family and friends in both Colorado and Louisiana.

Colleen was proceeded in death by her parents, Gayle and Helen Whittenbaugh; her two sisters Lois Jean Schlegel and Lila Lee McFarland and their husbands; brothers in law Roger Chance and Keith Hartwig; and her nephew Dave Orton.

Honoring Colleen’s wishes, there will be no service. Memorials may be made to Henning Memorial United Methodist Church in Sulphur or the charity of your choice.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.miguezfuneralhome.com

Jerry Chaney

Jerry Chaney, 69, of Longville, peacefully left this world with his family by his side on Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, following a hard-fought battle with Covid. The man who could fix just about anything couldn’t fix what had been done to his body.

On Oct. 22, 1951, in Leesville, La, Jerry entered this world as the 4th child of 8 born to Karl and Elizabeth Chaney of Florien. While he was a middle child, he assumed the role of a big brother. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he and his siblings entered foster care. He and his beloved brother, John, were cared for by the McDonald family of LaCamp.

He graduated from Pitkin High School in 1969, married Tanya Spikes in 1974, and later moved to Longville. He worked various jobs and then dedicated 48 years of his life to Prairie Construction, ending his career as a respected road construction superintendent. Along the way he owned Chaney Contract Services, providing a variety of services. He worked right up until the point of requiring a kidney transplant. After that he decided to spend his retirement selling produce at area farmers’ markets. Always ready for a good conversation and with a story to tell, being surrounded by people brought him joy. Life’s challenges never stopped him from living life exactly how he wanted – right up until the end. He took pride in taking care of his family, and he did it well. He adored his grandchildren. He was a true man, who worked hard, loved his family, saved a few lives, and helped many. We can honor his legacy by doing the same. He loved being outside, working on something, watching endless westerns for the horses, taking videos of his grandkids’ antics, telling a good story, and pulling pranks. He was one of a kind.

Jerry was a big man with a proportionate heart. He has left behind a void that will never be filled, but we can all try by living life to the fullest and helping others any chance we get. Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of nearly 47 years, Tanya, of Longville; daughter, Charlotte, and husband, Jason Doucett, of Moss Bluff; daughter, Sarah Chaney, of Longville; grandchildren, Shaye Doucett, Joshua Doucett, & River Chaney as well as foster grandchildren, Jordan, Savannah, & Christopher; brother, Charles McDonald, of Pitkin; sisters, Carol Keys, of Oregon; Susan Robinson, of Leesville; Cindy, and husband, John Rowell, of Shreveport; Kathy Chaney, of Virginia; two sisters in law, Sandra Chaney, of Otis, and Lisa Stracener, of DeRidder; many loved nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Elizabeth Chaney; his foster parents, Mike and Thelma McDonald; sister, Wyetta Sasser; brother and friend, John Chaney; brothers, Dennis Chaney and Brian Chaney; a nephew and four grandchildren.

Being the manliest of men, Jerry requested no flowers for his funeral. If you considered honoring his life that way, his girls request that you instead bless Tanya or help someone in need.

With friends all over creation and service attendance not being an option for some, his family knows there are stories they have never heard and pictures they have never seen that would normally be shared at visitation. They would love for you to share them via video, letter, email: JerryLChaney@yahoo.com, or by speaking at his service.

A celebration of life will be held on Feb. 6, 2021, at Heritage Funeral in Moss Bluff, La. Visitation will begin at noon and conclude with a memorial service at 2 p.m. Services will be officiated by Bro. Al Gist and Pastor Terry Ardizzone. No graveside services will be held.

His family would like to thank the family of Lillie Camille Harvey. When beautiful “Millie” tragically left them, they made the selfless choice to donate her organs. Her life saved many more. She lived on through Jerry, and his family is immensely grateful for the nearly four extra years she gave them with him.

Condolences can be made at heritagefuneralhomellc.com.

Gene Raymond Craft

Gene was born May 14, 1939 in Lake Charles, son of the late Mace Willie and Dorothy Craft passed away Feb. 1, 2021 surrounded by his family.

He graduated from Ragley High School and attended McNeese. Gene was a Vietnam veteran serving in the United State Army. He retired from South Central Bell after 30 years of service and member of Squyers United Methodist Church in Ragley.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Saundra Craft; two sons, Kelly (Michelle) & Kerry Craft; brothers, Larry and David Craft; four grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. The family would like to express their appreciation of the relationship Gene cherished with the family of J and Melissa Thornton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth Raymond Craft; sisters, Lucille Guidry, Darlene Skrine; brothers, Billy, Eldridge, Gerald and Charles Craft.

Graveside services will be Friday, Feb. 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. in Squyers Reisinger Memorial Park ~ Ragley, with the Revs. Kelly Craft and Lindsey Sirman officiating. Visitation is Friday from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. in Squyers United Methodist Church ~ Ragley.

Words can not express the appreciation and care Heart of Hospice showed us in our time of need.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Squyers Methodist Church, Post Office Box 46, Ragley, Louisiana, 70657.

***As per state compliance and face coverings will be required. ***

Words of comfort may be shared at: www.johnsonandbrownfuneralhome.com

Betty Jean Doescher

Betty Jean Doescher, 81 of Lake Charles was called Home on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021.

She was born May 8, 1939 in Lake Charles, La to Clifford and Eleanor Trouard and was a long time resident of Southwest Louisiana. She attended Marion High School Class of 1957.

She was a loving mother and wife to her family; she worked in the banking industry, which showed her two daughters that they could grow to be strong independent women. She possessed a kind and giving soul, always putting the needs of others before her own, always ensuring her husband and children were cared for. In 1990 she was reunited with Herman Doescher, who was her high school boyfriend and they were married in 1992, welcoming his children into her life. She enjoyed spending time with her family and being the BEST… NANA… EVER to her grandchildren. If she was not traveling with her family, you would find her reading and shopping.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, her step-father, Pete Cutler and her sister Patricia Trouard-Heimbach as well as Herman Doescher, Sr., and Daniel ‘Danny Boy’ Doescher.

Those left to cherish are her husband of 29 years, Herman Doescher, her children; Ellen (Nealon) Brown and husband Rick Selah, Melanie (Nealon) Fricke and husband Aaron and grandsons, Austin Brown, Mason Fricke, and Cutler Fricke, Jody (Gina) Doecher, and Pam (Jimmy) Poole and grandchildren, Cody Doescher, Lindsay Saenz, Lindsay Watson, Cole Poole, and Tara Knight, along with relatives Beverly (Bobbie) Jones and husband Eddie, Ronnie Summers and Venita (Doescher) Alston and Donna Kay Doescher.

For the health and safety of all friends and family, the family requests attendees to wear masks and respect social distancing.

The family will welcome friends at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 beginning at noon to 2 p.m. with graveside services to follow at Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.

We invite you to sign her digital register book, leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website www.johnsonfuneralhome.net

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Gerald Edward Duhon, Jr.

Gerald “Buster” Edward Duhon, Jr., 39, departed this life on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021, at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital in Lake Charles, La. He was born July 11, 1981, to Linda Faye Broussard LeBlanc and Gerald Edward Duhon, Sr., in Lake Charles, La.

He leaves to cherish his memories his father, Gerald Edward Duhon, Sr., three sisters, Cheryl Duhon (David) Brignac of Atlanta, Ga, Jennie January Hardin and Brandi January both of Lake Charles, La; seven nieces and nephews, A’Jhan Robinson, Milana Brignac, Joshua Hardin, Jr., David J. Brignac, Jakeim Hardin, Ca’Leah Babin and Jazlynn Guillory and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Linda Faye Broussard LeBlanc, stepdad, Dwight Stanley LeBlanc, bonus stepdad, Arceneaux January, Jr., “Bubba”, paternal grandfather, Edward Duhon, Sr., two aunts and three uncles.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, at 10 a.m., and funeral service at noon, at King’s Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Perkins Cemetery under the direction of King’s Funeral Home.

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

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Bella Rose Hahn

BELL CITY – Bella Rose Hahn died January 28, 2021. A Mass of Christian burial will be held in St. John Vianney of Bell City on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Lorrain DeRouen Cemetery under the direction of Johnson & Brown Funeral Home of Iowa.

Laura Mae Hall

Laura Mae Hall, 90, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021.

She was born on June 7, 1930 in Bel, La to Roy and Ella Donahoo.

She worked for many years as a receptionist and dental assistant for Dr. Hugh Robinson and later for Dr. Ted Bercier before retiring in 2010. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a lifelong, dedicated member of First Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Kevin Hall (Pamela) and William Edward Hall, Jr. (Laura Beth) of Ragley, La; daughter, Ginger Phillips (Roger) of Rowlett, Texas; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband and father of her children, William Edward Hall, Sr.; second husband, Jake Andrus; and brother, A.C. Donahoo.

Her funeral service will be held at First Pentecostal Church of Lake Charles on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at 1 p.m. under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff. Rev. Jeff Ralston will officiate. Burial will take place in Creel Cemetery in Camp Pearl following the service. Visitation will be held at the church Saturday from 11 a.m. until the start of the service.

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

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James Fruge Kennedy

James Fruge Kennedy, 85, of Longville, La, passed from this life on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Services are under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La.

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Jimmy Joseph LeBlanc

Jimmy Joseph LeBlanc, 71, of Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 at Golden Age of Welsh. He was born on Feb. 21, 1949 in Welsh, La. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He most enjoyed playing his accordion on a Saturday morning sitting on the front porch and riding his four wheeler, which was his life.

He is survived by his mother, Aneed Gaspard of Iowa; aunt, Myrna LeBlanc; three nieces, Lisa Wilkins (Michael) of Lake Charles, Heidi Hayes of Lafayette, LaShonda Lewis Van Slyke (Wattie) of Iowa; along with three nephews, Matthew Hayes of Iowa, Joe Hayes (Jessica) of Lake Charles, and Derrick Hayes of Iowa.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his father, Richard LeBlanc; two brothers, William Ray Hayes, Alfred James Hayes, Jr; and one nephew, Joshua Hayes.

Services will be held at Hixson Funeral Home in Welsh on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 11:00am, with Father Alan Trouille officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson Funeral Home in Welsh on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a Rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Broussard Cemetery in Lacassine.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonwelsh.com.

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Betsy Ross Crawford Mouton

Betsy Ross Crawford Mouton, age 70, of Lafayette, La died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at noon on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Dutch Cove Cemetery in Carlyss.

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Chief Apostle Laura Jane Reese

Chief Apostle Laura Jane Reese departed this life at the age of 80, on Jan. 29, 2021, at Christus St. Patrick Hospital. She was born on June 9, 1940, to the late Clifton B. Jack and Mary Frank Jack in Ville Platte, La. She attended James Stephens Negro Elementary/High School, where she excelled academically and graduated at the age of sixteen years old. In 1964, Laura Jane received a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, in 1976, she received her Master’s degree in Education. Then, in 1977, Laura Jane became a Reading Specialist & Supervisor of Student Teaching. In 1978, she received her Master’s degree plus 30 graduate hours. In 1981, she received a Parish/City School Supervisor of instruction & Principal all from Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She retired as a school teacher.

The evening, of Oct. 29, 1979, Laura Jane Reese accepted an invitation call to discipleship. Immediately, she gave her life to Christ. Ironically, this very same evening she received a “prophetic” word from Pastor Allen Celestine, Jr. Prophetically, he prophesied the calling & anointing on her life. He said, “I see you teaching, preaching & ministering to lots of women”. Heartily, Sister Laura J. Reese received the prophetic word spoken into her life. Zealously, she with tenacity took her place in ministry.

Now, having been on the Evangelistic field for five years, Evangelist Laura J. Reese held many positions in ministry which was not taken lightly. She served as a faithful administrator, counselor, missionary & Sunday school teacher.

On October 8, 1986 Evangelist Laura Jane Reese was licensed into the Gospel Ministry by her overseer Pastor Allen Celestine, Jr. Then, June 26, 1988 she was ordained.

Since, 1989 Chief Apostle Laura J. Reese was the founder, overseer and pastor of Greater Faith Ministries of Lake Charles, La., Inc. She relinquished her career & degrees in education to answer the call of God. Truly, she was a five-star general, trail- blazer, overseer, visionaire, kingdom builder, prophetess, Ephesians 4 pastor and dedicated servant of the Lord. Chief Apostle flowed under a powerful three-fold evangelistic, prophetic and apostolic anointing. Her outreach ministries extended nationally as well as internationally. A great movement of the Holy Ghost was emphasized in all services. As a result, miracles, signs & wonders occurred in them. Souls were saved, set free, delivered and healed by the Holy Ghost power of God.

Chief Apostle Laura Reese’s gifts has allowed her to have traveled forty-one states in the U.S. and twenty-nine countries abroad, such as The Middle East, Jerusalem, the Holy Land, Jericho, Nazareth, Tele Vie, Bethany, Capernaum, Magdala, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and South Africa. Awesomely, she had an experience to cruise the Nile River, Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Also, Chief Apostle L. Reese was honored and privileged to preach on the Sea of Galilee, baptizing several tourists in the Jordan River, powerfully, under the anointing of the Holy Ghost.

According to financial institutions in the City of Lake Charles, Chief Apostle L. Reese, Pastor of Greater Faith Ministries has made history. Miraculously, in June 2017, she was the first woman to have built a reputable church from the ground.

Chief Apostle Laura Jane Reese’s legacy is one of unconditional love, faith based, Spirit-filled, holiness, kingdom living, prayer, the Word of God, excellency, integrity, protocol & family-oriented, In Jesus Name.

She leaves to cherish her memories: one son, Billy C. (Kawanda) Merritt of Grand Prairie, Texas; one brother, Lawrence K. (Maxine) Jack of Ville Platte, La; five grandchildren, Angelica N. Alfred, Trina M. (Michael, Jr.) Nickerson of Lake Charles, La, Craig D. Merritt and Keyan Tezeno, Sr. of Ville Platte, La, and Amanda Merritt of Clearwater, Fla.; six great grandchildren, Korian Lubin & Trinity Lubin of Lake Charles, La, Caden Chapman, Khar’lynn Tezeno, Keyah Tezeno and Keyan Tezeno, Jr. all of Ville Platte, Louisiana; four Godchildren, Christian Butler, Jessica Bellard, Bernadine Mallory and Jeremiah West; her two special friends, Pastor Bonnie Riley and Evangelist Katherine Lemelle and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, relatives and the members of Greater Faith Ministries.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton B. Jack and Mary Frank Jack; sister, Edolia Alfred and brother, Laundry Jack.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, from 5 to 9 p.m., at Greater Faith Ministries and a private funeral service on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. Burial will follow in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of King’s Funeral Home.

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

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Billy Ray Richard

Billy Ray Richard, 67 of Lake Charles, La was called Home on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 at 2 p.m.

He was born Jan. 18, 1954 in Creole, La to Dudley and Lois Richard. A lifelong resident of Southwest Louisiana, he enjoyed the fruits that Cameron Parish provided; he enjoyed working cows, duck hunting, and trapping.

On May 28, 1988 he and Debra Ann married and together they welcomed two children, Jordan and Whitney. He was a loving husband and father to his family, his employment included Cameron Parish Police Jury and a Production Operator in the oilfield.

When he was not rooting for his South Cameron Football team, you’d find him rooting for any team headed for the play-offs, tending to his fruit trees, canning their fruits or cooking. He was a life long member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Creole until Hurricane Rita when his family relocated to Lake Charles joining then St. Mary of the Lake.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, a sister; Larmae Miller and Geneva Conner; a brother, A.B. Richard; and a sister in-law, Karen “Cookie Ann” Richard.

Those left to cherish his memory are; his wife of thirty-two years, Debra Ann Richard; his children, Jordan(Shalyn) Richard and Whitney (Jeremy) Rabalais; his grandchildren, Annsley, Kolten, Kirklyn, Cohen; a brother, Terry “Hippy” Richard; and numerous nieces, nephews and family. The family will welcome friends at University Baptist Church on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021 beginning at 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a Rosary to be prayed at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 until time of service. Funeral Mass, led by Monsignor Gaddy will begin at 10 a.m. under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest at Sweetlake/Grand Lake Cemetery.

You are invited to sign his digital register book, leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.

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Wilma Marie Authement Sullivan

Wilma Marie Authement Sullivan, 90, of Lake Charles died Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 in her residence. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at University Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.