CONTINUED FROM TEACHERS     

TEACHERS II 

L-Z See A-Z UNDER TEACHERS

Minden Press-Herald - Thursday, August 8, 1996

                                                                                                   Arthur K. "Buddy" Lancaster, Sr.

Services for Arthur K. "Buddy" Lancaster, Sr., 69, of Ferriday will be held on Friday, August 9,s 1996 at Young's Funeral Home Chapel in Ferriday at 2 p.m.   Reverends Bruce Lancaster and David Porter will officiate.  Interment will be at Natchez City Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi. Visitation will be at Young's Funeral Home on Thursday, August 8, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Mr. Lancaster passed away on August 7, 1996 at the Natchez Community Hospital.
Lancaster was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ferriday, and was a Navy veteran of the Korean War.  Lancaster graduated from Northwestern University where he played football.
Lancaster is survived by his wife, Shirley McGee Lancaster of Ferriday; three sons, Arthur K. "Art" Lancaster, Jr. Of Madisonville, George W. Lancaster of Conway, South Carolina, J. Todd Lancaster of Ferriday; two daughters, Millie L. Young of Ferriday, and Chanda L. Crews of Monroe; one brother, Dr. Joe Price Lancaster of Ferridy; three sisters, Mittie L. Schiele and Jane Lancaster of Ferriday, and Margie L. Wood.

Minden Press-Herald, Monday, November 9, 1998   Martha Risdon "Mattie" Levins

Martha Risdon "Mattie" Levins   Services for Martha Risdon "Mattie" Levins, were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden Chapel.  Burial was in the Mt. Lebanon Cemetery, Mt. Lebanon.   Miss Levins died Nov. 7 at Lincoln General Hospital, Ruston. She was born in Mt. Lebanon, January 26, 1902, the daughter of Alonzo Franklin Levins and Nona Smith Levins.   She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Alonzo Franklin, Jr. and Richard Levins; six sisters, Mary Emily Levins, Alma Morgan Levins, Ellen Thompson, Anne Willis, Letha Courtney and Nona Pace; four nephews, Clint and Frank Willis, Edwin and Jack Courtney; niece, Marie Thompson Wilkerson.   She is survived by nieces, Frances Thompson Watts, Elizabeth Willis Curtis, Emily Willis Kell, Mary Alma Courtney Brymer, Barbara Courtney Land, Winona Pace Yeager, Martha Pace Hollis, and Louie Bess Pace Myers; two nephews, Levins Thompson and Jim Willis and many great-great nieces and nephews.   This kind, gentle Christian lady touched the lives of thousands as she dedicated her life to the two things most important to her; her church and the education of children.  A graduate of Louisiana State Normal College (Northwestern) in Natchitoches in 1936, Miss Levins  obtained a Master of Arts Degree from George Peabody College for Teachers in Nashville, Tenn. in 1939.  Forty-five years of her life were spent teaching elementary school children in Louisiana schools and later training teachers in the Lab School at Northwestern State University.  In 1963 Miss Levins was named Educator of the Year for Webster Parish. Her death ended a longtime active participation in Delta Kappa Gamma, honorary teachers' organization.

    Pallbearers were her nephews and great nephews.   Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Minden or Mt. Lebanon Cemetery Association, c/o Gibsland Bank & Trust, Gibsland, La. 71028

Submitted by Ann Mays Harlan

Theresa McConnell Lowe

 Theressa McConnell Lowe (1905-1959) Minden City Cemetery Section C interred next to her husband Prentis W. Lowe (1905-1992) His parents are also interred in the Lowe plot.  Perry F. Lowe (1879-1937) and Eunice J. Lowe (1884-1964) Mrs. Theressa Lowe - Survived by two daughter's (Stella and Mrs. Tommy (Edna) Searles.

Mrs. Lowe is buried in the Minden Cemetery alongside the High Street portion. The junior high that was named for her is now called "Webster Parish Alternative School." Her name is no longer used! (Theressa Lowe)

Mrs. Eugie LeRue Lyon 

She and her husband are interred in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden.  (Row 14, Garden of Faith)Eugue L. Lyon born 13 March 1895 died 28 Jul. 1967 LeRue Lyon born 1 Dec. 1899 did 15 Apr. 1978

Minden Press-Herald,  Monday, April 17, 1978 Services for Mrs. Lyon today Funeral services will be conducted today at 2 p.m. for Mrs. Eugie L. Lyon, a prominent Minden woman who died Saturday afternoon in the Minden Medical Center after an extended illness. The Revs. Tracy Arnold, Paul Durbin, and Ed Thomas will officiate at the services in the First United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow in the Gardens of Memory under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Mrs. Lyon is survived by one sister, Mrs. Clarence Easley of Bentonville, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will include Graydon Kitchens, Sr., Luther Moore, Don Moore, Loy Watson, W. W. Williams, and J. Davidson Brown. Mrs. Lyon was the 16th recipient of Minden's Woman of the Year Award, having received the honor in 1973.  Though honored many times, Mrs. Lyon remained humble, stating at the time that she won the 1973 award, "It is very unwarranted.  Think of all the worthy people in Minden." Larue Cook Lyon was born on a small sand-hill farm near Heidelberg, Mississippi, where she spent her elementary school years.  She continued her education at the Jones County Agricultural 1924 before coming to Minden to teach the sixth grade.  Later she was transferred to high school to teach freshman English. While at Minden High School, Mrs. Lyon helped other English teachers reinstitute the GRIG, the school's yearbook which had not been published since 1922.  She assumed full responsibility for the GRIG in 1949. Mrs. Lyon devoted 46 years to teaching, and in l967 she was chosen the Teacher of the Year by the Minden High School student body.  Continuing her work on the GRIG earned her the Gold Key Award from Columbia University for outstanding devotion to the school press, one of only 13 awards given nationally.  One of those winners had been Harry Truman. In l969 Mrs. Lyon was presented the Distinguished Service Award given by the Louisiana Council of English Teachers, a group she had served as president and treasurer. Until her illness prevented such, Mrs. Lyon was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary organization of teachers. She was also active in the workings of the First United Methodist Church where she taught the Miller Bible Class.  She was also a member of the Wesleyan Service Guild. 

Mrs. Robert O. (Maxine) Martin   - Dodd College 6th Grade Teacher - Minden Junior High SchoolBefore Mrs. Martin became a teacher, she taught piano lessons and played the organ for worship services at the First Baptist Church of Minden. She and Mr. Martin are interred in the Garden of Memory Cemetery in Minden on row ten, section two, Garden of Faith. The markers read:Robert Oliver Martin born 10 Aug. 1910 died 13 Dec. 1989Maxine Owen Martin born 05 Sep. 1913 died 04 Aug. 1992

Mrs. Willie Joyce McCausland

During the time Mrs. McCausland taught third grade at Stewart Elementary school she lived next door to Richardson School in Minden.
Funeral services for Mrs. Willie Joyce Roberts McCausland, 88, will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Bill Ichter officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 7 until 10 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Mrs. McCausland, a native of Clarks and a resident of San Antonio, Texas, passed away Friday, Oct. 8, in San Antonio.
She was a school teacher for Webster Parish Schools and was a member of First Baptist Church in Minden.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel McCausland; daughter, Carolyn White; one sister; and four brothers.
She is survived by two sisters, Marjorie Hymer of Dianna, Texas, and Margaret Robert Rice of Monroe; two brothers, Norris Roberts of Tulsa, Okla., and Henry R. Roberts of San Antonio.

Submitted by Billy Hathorn

Mrs. Mac as she was known, loved her students.  She was so supportive in
promoting team spirit whether football or basketball.  She could usually be
found at the pep ralleys yelling along with the students.  She tired to
inspire in all of us a sense of responsibility, a sense of team efforts will
help you go far in life, strictness to what is right whether iubmitted by Billy Hathorn

Mrs. Mac as she was known, loved her students.  She was so supportive in
promoting team spirit whether football or basketball.  She could usually be
found at the pep rallys yelling along with the students.  She tried to
inspire in all of us a sense of responsibility, a sense of team efforts will
help you go far in life, strictness to what is right whether it was how to
conjucate Spanish verbs or properly write an English paper.  It was at times
as if she was a student taking in all of the events of campus life.  She was
a part of our lives - short and little but so powerful.  Her illness was a
puzzlement.  I visited with her in her home at one point and she was telling
me how baffling the doctors were because MS never strikes siblings.  Her
brother was also diagnosed with MS.  When she died, tears flowed because of
the influence she had on us during our high school career

McConathy, Michael (Ms)  She taught me Spanish in 1968, was cute and every short. 

 Everyone loved her. Please add her to the deceased teachers.

Submitted by Sue Ann Richardson Kinsey

Mrs. McConathy was a wonderful teacher and person. Unfortunately, she acquired
MS at a very early age.  I did not know what MS was back then. Nola and I have
a dear friend that has Multiple Sclerosis. We walk each year in the local MS
Walk-a-thon for MS in honor of our friend.

I remember Mrs. McConathy being a beautiful woman and full of energy.  I was
in one of her classes.  She was strict, but helpful.  It really broke
everyone's hearts when Mrs. McConathy had to use a wheel chair at such an
early age.

I read somewhere that her son became a doctor. She would have been proud of
him regardless of his degree.

Once I wrote an English assignment paper containing terrible slang words. 
Mrs. McConathy really came down on me.  She later felt that she was too hard
on me and tried explaining that as an English teacher, she really could not
allow the words I had chosen. I am thankful today for strict teachers like
Mrs. McConathy. 

A few years before her untimely death, I was had the honor of selling her
footwear at Robertson's Shoe Store.

Our loss was Heaven's gain.  She was a jewel.

Submitted by Tommy White

William Matthew "Matt" Martin

William Matthew "Matt" Martin

MINDEN, LA - Graveside services for William Matthew "Matt" Martin will be held Monday, October 17, 2011 at 10:00 AM at Evergreen Cemetery in Evergreen Community in Minden. Officiating will be Rev. Leon Boggs. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 PM Sunday, October 16, 2011 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.

His parents William Matthew "Bill" Martin and Harriet Robertson Martin preceded him in death.

Matt started his teaching and coaching career in Gibsland High School and continued to coach at Homer High School, then coming to Webster Parish he taught at Shongaloo High School served as assistant principal at Webster Jr. High, and was principal at Sarepta High School. He also served as principal of Minden High School for six years and retired from Webster Parish School Board as assistant superintendent. He was a member of Lakeview Methodist church, which he was faithful in serving the Men's Breakfast and in various capacities at the church and was on the board of Counseling on Aging.

Mr. Martin can best be remembered as an avid Tider supporter who did his best to attend all the games and functions. Students will remember him for the encouragement he gave each student, always referring to them by name. His grandchildren and their friends knew him as simply "Poppie"

He is survived by his wife Ruth Lenard Martin of Minden, son Scott Martin and wife Michelle of Minden daughter Angi Martin Oller and son-in-law Jeff of Minden, grandchildren Morgan Oller, Maty Oller, Will Martin, and Ali Martin all of Minden.

Pallbearers will be the Evergreen Breakfast Club.

Honorary pallbearers will be Monday and Thursday Nite Card Groups.

Memorials may be made to the Matt Martin Scholarship Fund, c/o Tina Haynes, 140 Sanders Road, Minden, Louisiana 71055 or donor's choice.

  Obit submitted by Waynette Sharon, Class of 1964   Matt Martin was a great educator to many young people in our area. He had "true grit." What he said was his word, and you could go to the bank with it. He was a good friend and inspiration to me and many others. He had also served as assistant principal at Webster Junior High, and we used to really enjoy telling stories about our experiences there. His passing leave big steps to be filled by those who follow in Webster Parish schools. With many prayers for Ruth and all his family,   William Watson

Minden Press-Herald, Wednesday, Sept. 12, 1973:   Mrs. Virginia McConathy   (Carolyn Virginia Davis McConathy)   Mrs. Virginia McConathy, 42, died last night in the Minden Medical Center after a lengthy illness.   She was born in Taylor, Louisiana and spent most of her life in Webster Parish.  A teacher of Spanish and English, she taught at Minden High School for 16 years.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church.   Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Rose Neath Chapel with Dr. Ronald Prince officiating.  Burial will be in Woodard Cemetery in Taylor.   Survivors include her husband Michel P. McConathy; a son, L. Micheal McConathy of LSU; her parents Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Davis of Taylor; a sister, Mrs. Catheriene Reid of Shreveport; a brother, Ernest W. Davis of Taylor; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. McConathy,

KIRTLEY J. MILES - MATH AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL  Nothing like this has ever happened to me before, apologized humbly and unpretentious Coach Kirtley Miles when told that he had been names as Proudly we hail teacher, This country boy who rode a black horse to a small school building each morning kept repeating that his life had been nothing extraordinary as our previous teachers' biographies had revealed.
When asked if he could give a different slant to his life story, he pondered a moment and said, "Yes, Mine was a very ordinary life. The others all did something great in their lives."
Mr. Miles was born into a large family of four older brothers and one sister. He graduated from the old Minden High School building in 1921, where he played center and tackle on the football team. The team went to state, but was defeated 7.0 by Warren Easton in the playoff. "The nearest I got to the All-state team was honorable was mention," revealed the
humorous coach who married high school sweetheart. "She was a good friend of my sister,"  remebered Mr. Miles. (Maybe thats' the way to catch them, girls! If them have a sister.)
Upon the completion of his degree at Louisiana College, he was offered a head coach position at Cotton Valley where he taught for five years. After fourteen years as principal at
Heflin, he returned to his Alma Mater to teach mathematics. I have a degree in English but I never go around to using it. They needed a math teacher and I've been at it ever since" explaineds this joke telling professor of mathematics in Room 
14.
 This teacher, often compared with the highly admirable Knight in Canterbury Tales, thinks that athletes ought to do as much or more than other students and not be excused because they participate in sports.
When asked what principle he used in his math classes to teach his students, he answered, "I try to make the students as individualistic as possible. I try to see that each student understands the problems before going on."
A father of two athletic sons, he says that he feels he could better understand girls' problems had he and Mrs. Miles had a girl. He was quick to explain that he was, however quite proud of his boys, Larry and Jack.
And we, the staff, students, and faculty, are proud to hail you, Mr. Kirtley J. Miles, for the
life which you thought dull but which we find very dear and challenging to us every day. It
typically exemplifies all the traits of a character suitable for our Proudly We Hail.

Minden Press-Herald, Thursday, November 4, 1993 Kirtley Miles is interred in Section F. of the Minden City Cemetery. There is a double marker for Eris Monzingo Miles born 18 Jun. 1907. (No death date.)  Funeral services for Kirtley Jackson Miles, 89, of Minden, will be held Friday, November 5 at 10 a.m. at Rose-Neath's Minden Chapel.  Rev. Mike McLaurin will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Minden Cemetery.  Mr. Miles died Monday, November 1 at Town and Country Nursing Home, following a lengthy illness.  He was born in Sparta, La., had lived in Minden most of his life and was a retired teacher and coach, having served the Webster Parish school system for 48 years.  Mr. Miles was a former assistant principal at Minden High School, past director of the Minden Recreation Dept. and past recipient of Teacher of the Year.  Survivors include his wife, Eris Monzingo Miles; two sons, Jackson M. Miles and wife, Dana, of Santo, Texas and Larry K. Miles and wife, Lanette, of Indianapolis, Ind.; four grandchildren, Jackson M. Miles and wife, Darla of Weatherford, Texas, Davis Miles and wife, Stephanie of Fort Worth, Texas, Mellisa Coffelt and husband, Brad of Lipan, Texas and Tina Liree Baird and husband, Lyn of Spring, Texas.  Serving as pallbearers will be R. O. Machen, George Harold Miles, Killian Turner, Harry Stahl, Earle Cooke, Edwin Blewer, "

VIRTIE M. MILLER

 Virtie Mae O’Bier Miller passed away May 28, 2005 in Kilgore, Texas at age 89.  Her memorial service will be held Wednesday morning at 10 am in the chapel of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana with Senior Adult Pastor of First Baptist Church Minden, Bill Cryder officiating.

Mrs. Miller was proceeded in death by her much beloved husband Jesse L. Miller, her parents, Emmett and Fannie O’Bier of Shongoloo, Louisiana, her brothers Theron and Tilon O’Bier and their wives, and by her brother and sister-in-law Eugene Lee Miller and Isabelle Miller Valentine Higgins. 

Mrs. Miller was a public school teacher in Webster Parish, Louisiana for thirty-two years.  She graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, and attended the Baptist Bible Institute in New Orleans and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.  She taught Sunday School and worked with Royal Ambassadors in the First Baptist Church of Minden, Louisiana for many years.

She is survived by Nancy and Mike Lee of Longview, Texas and Art and Carol Miller of Richardson, Texas, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.  Also by her brother and sister-in-law Bob and GG Miller of Fort Worth, Texas, sister-in-law Lena Miller of Springdale, Arkansas, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Bucker Retirement Center, Clairmont Nursing Home, and The Willows Nursing Home for the excellent care given her during her last days. 

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Rose Neath Funeral Home.  If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to:

First Baptist Church

301 Pennsylvania Ave  

Minden, Louisiana 71055

Compliments of Sue Ann Richardson Kinsylvania Ave  Minden, Louisiana 71055

 


Mona Miriam Robinson Monk MINDEN, LA - Funeral services for Mona Miriam Robinson Monk, 82, of Minden, La., will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. for family members at Myrtle Memorial Cemetery in Winnsboro, La. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 4th from 5 until 7. Miriam died on Saturday, April 1 at her home. She was born in Winnsboro, La., on Robinson Road and will be buried beside her parents, Isaac Theodore Robinson and Gladys Durham Robinson. Miriam is preceded in death by her parents and her son, Robert Merrel Monk, Jr. Miriam's survivors include: her daughter, Mona Lisa Monk Botzong of Minden; daughter-in-law, Christy Monk of Hobbs, NM; granddaughter, Rhonda Millicent Monk Martin and husband, James A. Martin of Shreveport; grandsons, Marco Anthony Botzong of Manassas, Va., and Raymond Matthew Botzong of Minden; step-grandson, William Pointer of Hobbs, NM; great-grandsons, Benjamin Davis Martin, and Samuel Hollis Martin of Shreveport.

Miriam graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1944. During WWII, when Miriam's husband, Robert Merrel Monk, Sr. was overseas, she taught band and vocal music, then organized the first band at Crowville High School in Crowville, La. In 1947, Miriam organized the first band at Arcadia High School in Arcadia, La. Miriam retired from band directing in 1980 after twelve years Director of the Lowe Junior High School Band in Minden, La. For the next nine years, Miriam Monk was a Teacher in the Expanding Horizons program for gifted children in Webster Parish. She retired from her teaching career in 1989. Miriam was active in civic organizations in Minden. She was a member of the Junior Service League, Minden Garden Club, and President of Minden Residential Historic District Association. Miriam was a member of the First Baptist Church, and an active witness for God. She believed upon her death, that she would immediately be at home with the Lord. Miriam wanted to be remembered as a happy, loving person, a successful teacher, and someone who cared about the history of Minden. Memorials in her name may be made to the American Heart Association and to the American Cancer Society. Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Minden Chapel, 318-377-3412

Published on April 04, 2006.

Compliments of Patricia Palmer

I saw Miriam Monk at the Fabulous 50's concert Friday night.  She looked beautiful. I greeted her at the door with a big hug and she told me 'she missed me' and I told her I missed her and loved her.
I was saddened to hear of her death. She was a remarkable woman who will be missed my many. She gave so much to the children of this parish. She inspired me and always gave me such encouragement. I'm going to miss her so much!!!

Chris Broussard

I left home a few minutes before 9 yesterday morning to be at Cards
'n Things when the door opened for the first day of the "going out of business"
sale.  As I turned the corner off Lewisville Road onto East and West, I saw Miriam Monk sitting on her front porch.  Sometime later yesterday she died.
 
Ann Mays Harlan

Monday's Minden Press Herald should carry the obituary for Miriam Robinson Monk.  Although Miriam went to school in Winsboro, La, she taught in the Webster Parish School system many years.  She was the band director at Lowe Junior High School.  The years before her retirement, she taught Expanding Horizons gifted classes in several parish schools.  Her granddaughter, Millicent Monk Martin, is the daughter of Miriam's son Robert (who died about three years ago) and Rhonda Martin Monk.  Both Robert and Rhonda were graduates of MHS. Miriam's daughter Mona Lisa is also a graduate of MHS.

Claire Turner Fussell

Charlie Moore's Job Never Ends   Charlie Moore is one of the most familiar figures at Minden High School.  You can usually find him in the bookroom, giving change, or around school helping anybody who needs him. 

 He can be recognized by his new white uniform, with Minden High School written in bold red letters across his back.

   Charlie has worked at Minden High School for 19 years.  He has been one of the most faithful and cooperative workers at MHS.  He is always present when a teacher or a student needs a little job done.  Whenever his services are needed at night programs, Charlie is ready and willing to serve.

   Not only does he do his school work, but also he is the owner of a taxi company.  Charlie has a wife and home where he spends a lot of his time.

   When asked if the work in the new school is any harder, he replied,  "The work isn't any harder, but there sure is a lot more of it."

   As students of Minden High School, we take our hats off to Charlie.  He has really been a wonderful worker and is a faithful fan of the Minden Crimson Tide football team.  It is our wish that Charlie will give many more years of service to Minden High School.

Charlie in his new uniform

In the 1959 Grig under Charlie Moore's picture is the following statement: " Charlie Moore died suddenly December 12, 1958 after 22 years faithful service at Minden High School." Minden Press - Monday, December 15, 1958 

Funeral Rites for Charlie Moore tomorrow. Funeral services for Charlie Moore, 62 year old , who had worked for more than 20 years as  buildings and grounds superintendent at Minden High School, will be held tomorrow at 3 p.m. at the Mt. Zion C.M.E. Temple on East Union.

  Moore, a lifelong Minden resident, died early Friday morning at his home, following a heart attack. (NOTE: Charlie is buried in Sheppard Street Cemetery.  His grave marker states Dec. 11, 1958, as death date.)

SARA GENE MCCRARY MOORE

Sara Gene McCrary Moore - Row 8, section1, Gardens of Prayer in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Minden, Louisiana there is a double marker for Sara Gene and Don D. Moore born 17 Feb. 1928 died 16 May 2001 married 4 Nov. 1950  to Gara Gene McCrary born 12 Sep. 1929. Her death date is blank. Parents of Eugenia, Alan, Don and Sara Ann.Thursday, March 20, 2002 The Minden Press Herald
Funeral services for Mrs. Sara Gene McCrary Moore, 73, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2003, at First United Methodist Church in Minden with the Rev. J. Roddy Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today, March 19, at the funeral home. Mrs. Moore, a native of Ruston, passed away Monday, March 17, at The Terrace in Shreveport after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born Sept. 12, 1929, and was the first "live" baby cared for at the Louisiana Tech University Home Economics House in Ruston. She attended A.E. Phillips Lab School in Ruston and graduated from Ruston High School in 1946. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1959 with a degree in home economics. She married Don Moore in 1950 in Ruston. They moved to Minden in 1952. She taught home economics and science in Webster and Bossier Parishes for a total of 21 years, taking 12 years to be home with her children. She served as the home demonstration agent in Jackson Parish and was active in the Young Women's Service Club, Delta Kappa Gamma, Girl Scouts, UMW and was a member of First United Methodist Church. Mrs. Moore was a loyal wife, mother and friend. She focused her love and energy on those closest to her. She always exhibited herself with poise, grace and an unpretentious and unselfish attitude. She demonstrated love to others in sacrificial ways and possessed a wisdom beyond her age that was recognized by those who knew her. She enjoyed walking, cooking, china painting, reading, playing tennis, and drinking coffee with friends. She loved to laugh and would more often than not be seen with a smile on her face. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wiley "Mac" McCrary and Ruby Jemison McCrary; brothers, James McCrary, Eugene McCrary, Ralph McCrary, and Lane McCrary; and her husband. She is survived by two daughters, Genie Moore Burkhalter and husband Joe of Haughton; Ann Moore Inabnet and husband Morris of Shreveport; one son, Alan Don Moore of Marshall, Texas; one brother, Edwin McCrary of Baltimore, Md.; six grandchildren, Amanda Lea Burkhalter, Sara Ruth Burkhalter, Alexander Don Inabnet, Abigail Sara Inabnet, Andrew William Inabnet, Dylan Don Moore; and dear friend, Dottie Williamson. Pallbearers will be Cullen Clark, Layne A. Clark, Johnny Johnson, Lane Moore, Randy Rentz, and Kenny Williamson. Honorary pallbearers will be J.R. Boyett, Howard Spillers, Cleve Strong, Wayne Williamson, and the Gold Star Sunday School class. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the COA/Alzheimer's Association, 4015 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, LA 71109 or First United Methodist Church, 903 Broadway in Minden.
 

Minden Press-Herald, Monday, May 25, 1998

William F. "Pappy" Mouser

  Services for Mr. William F. "Pappy" Mouser, 84, of Benton will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 1998 at the Minden Rose-Neath Chapel with the Rev. Malcolm Self officiating.  Burial will follow at the Doyline Cemetery. Mr. Mouser was born in Emerson, Ark., and died on Saturday, May 23, 1998 in Shreveport.  He was a retired janitor with Webster Parish Schools. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jefferson Mouser and Varia McIlveena Mouser; wife, Alma Mouser; sister, Janette Mouser; brother, Thomas Jefferson Mouser, and a grandson, Ronnie Bradley. Survivors include two sisters, Willie Mae Woodard of Shreveport and Clois Duke of Shongaloo; two brothers, Qunintion Mouser of Shongaloo and James R. Greer of Alexandria, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. The family expresses thanks to Hospice Management Care.

Patrick Cary Nation - Shreveport Times

MINDEN, LA - Funeral services for Mr. Patrick Cary Nation will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, January 9, 2005, at Rose-Neath Chapel in Minden. Internment will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2005.

Patrick Cary Nation died Thursday, January 6, 2005 at Minden Medical Center. He was born in Minden, October 8, 1918, the seventh of twelve children of A.B. and Ethel Nation. Pat graduated from Minden High School in 1937, then attended Louisiana Normal School (later Northwestern State University) on a football scholarship. He was a member of the 1939 team that went undefeated and won the 51AA, LC Championship. One of the highlights of his football career was playing every play, scoring a touchdown and kicking three extra points in a thrilling win against archrival Louisiana Tech. He was also a member of the Northwestern Track team. After receiving his B.S. degree from Northwestern, Mr. Nation enlisted in the Naval Air Corps. Lt. Nation saw extensive action as a fighter pilot in the South Pacific during World War II.

Upon his release from the Navy, Nation pursued his dream, coaching. After a brief stint at Cotton Valley, Pat became an assistant coach at Minden High School, handling the backs and defense for head coach George Doherty, a position Nation held for 15 years. It was not long before Minden was on the football map, winning the State Championship, Minden's first, in 1954. Nation also served as head coach of the Crimson Tide baseball team, where he won over 80% of his games, a record which still stands. During his tenure, the Tiders never failed to make the playoffs and won two state championships. It was at this time Minden became known as "Home of the Champions", winning State in football, baseball, track, basketball and girl's swimming.

1954 was a good year for Pat off the field as well. Minden High School hired Barbara Powell from Stamps, Arkansas to coach girl's basketball and swimming. Pat and Barbara started dating in June and were married by December. They remained a loving couple until Barbara's death in 1990.

In 1961, Nation was offered the principalship at Lowe Junior High School in Minden. For 16 years he demonstrated his ability to communicate and manage faculty and staff, winning numerous state awards and receiving national recognition.

Nation was always quick to credit others, saying, "Just like a coach is only as good as his players, a principal is only as good as his faculty and staff. And during my time at Lowe, I was blessed to be surrounded by teachers who truly cared about their students."

After an unsuccessful attempt at retirement, Pat returned to his first love, coaching. This time at Glenbrook, the private school in Minden. Nation coached and taught for 3 years before finally retiring.

Mr. Nation was very active in the community, serving in various civic organizations. He was president of the Lions Club in 1979 and voted Outstanding Lion in 1980. He was also Post Commander of the American Legion, Worshipful Master of the Masons, president of the Webster Parish Teachers' Association, president of Pine Hills Country club and chairman of the board of stewards at Lakeview Methodist Church, where he has been a Sunday School teacher for 50 years. Nation has also been recognized by Daughters of the American Revolution as well as Who's Who in America. He was the first recipient of Minden's Friendliest Citizen award. In addition to his B.S. degree from Northwestern he held a Master's degree form LSU and a Specialist degree in advanced school administration from LA Tech.

More recently, Mr. Nation found he had more than a little interest in poetry. In 1990, he was honored with the Golden Poet Award and in August 2003 was a finalist for the Shakespeare Award. Many of his poems have been published and have received national acclaim.

An avid sportsman, Mr. Nation enjoyed fishing and playing golf. Mr. Nation is known as a dedicated teacher who wanted only the best for his students. He was a leader, a mentor and an important influence to many. Mr. Nation or "Coach" to so many, always disciplined with love, care and support. He will long be remembered for the lives he touched.

Mr. Nation was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Powell Nation; parents, A.B. and Ethel Nation. Also his brothers, Oree Nation, A.B. Nation, Jr. and Donald Nation; and his sisters, Dorothy Hurley, Fern Booth, Lois Stanley and Helen Albright.

The ones who will miss him most are daughter Cindy Taylor and husband, Earle Taylor and their two daughters Brittany and Shelby, all of New Iberia, LA, daughter Terri Kreamer and husband Michel Kreamer, their daughter Michelle and son Garrett, all of Lafayette, LA, daughter Kristi Blevins and husband Mike Blevins and sons Jake and Zack, all of Lake Charles, LA; and son Patrick Cary Nation, Jr. and wife Yvette Nation, of Panama City Beach, Florida, loving friend and companion, Ernestine Lewis of Ringgold, LA; brother Webster Nation and wife Catherine of Minden, brother Caston Nation and his wife Della of Greenville, TX; sister Evelyn Moak and husband Herbert Moak of Willmington, DE, sister Virginia Nation of Minden, LA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Ed Gulley, Bobby Cutrer, Mickey Love, John McDonald, Britt Nation, andTodd Nation.

Honorary pallbearers are Sam Harper, and members of the Men's Sunday School Class of Lakeview Methodist Church.

Special thanks to the the staff at Minden Medical Center, Dr. Chanler, Dr. Roseman, Dr. Kheiralla, Minden Medical Centers Home Health, the staff at the VA Medical Hospital in Shreveport, the Arbor staff and residents, and Lakeview Methodist Church staff and congregation. Also Barbara Sue and Judy for sharing their mom and Christopher for sharing his grandmother, Ernestine Lewis.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the American Cancer Society.

PRESS- HERALD - Monday, January 7, 1963

                                        Rites Today For Joe D. Oliphant

Funeral services were scheduled to be conducted at 3 p.m. today for Joe D. Oliphant, one of the foremost sports figures in northwest Louisiana.  He died late Saturday from an accidental gunshot wound.
Rites for the Minden High School athletic director and teacher were to be conducted in the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Truman Aldredge officiating.  Burial was to be in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery under the direction of Green-Kleinegger Funeral Home.
Oliphant's body was found about 8:45 p.m. Saturday near the railroad trestle at Lorex, some 6 miles northwest of here.  Dr. T. A. Richardson, parish coroner, ruled accidental death and said Oliphant died instantly when the shotgun blast struck him in the right side of the head.  Dr. Richardson set the time of death at about 4 p.m.
The 52-year old athletic director's body was found about 400 yards west of his automobile, which was parked on the east side of the railroad trestle spanning the Dorcheat Bayou.  Two members of the Minden Rescue Squad made the discovery about 20 minutes after the unit organized a search for the missing man.
T. C. Bloxom, Jr., director of the squad, said Mrs. Oliphant called him about 7:30 p.m. and said she was worried because her husband had not returned from a hunting trip in the Lorex area.  She asked him to check the area without calling out the entire rescue unit if possible.  She said he had left by himself about 3:00 p.m.
Accompanied by Blanchard Youngblood, Bloxom drove to Lorex, where they found Oliphant's car.  Dr. Tom Alley, who also had been called by Mrs. Oliphant, drove up minutes later to join in the search.
When calls and horn-blowing failed to gain an answer, Bloxom summoned the rescue squad by radio to begin a search of the area.  Within minutes after their arrival, Oliphant's body was discovered.
Bloxom said the victim was found about halfway down the gravel fill leading to the west side of the trestle.  "It seemed apparent that he had started up or down the fill and lost his footing," he said.  "The shotgun butt had fallen against the ground and discharged the full blast into his head."
Some 15 men were involved in the brief search.
Oliphant was born in Marshall, Texas, in 1910 where he finished high school before entering junior college.  After one season of junior college football, the deceased transferred to Centenary college which was then playing "bigtime football."His three years on the Gents squad earned him All-American honorable mention, and according to Hoss Geisler, who did make All-American as an end on the same squad, Oliphant was the man.

 JOE D. OLIPHANT 1910-1963         PAULENE 1911-1996     GARDENS OF MEMORY (Row 8, Garden of Faith)Coach Oliphant the water shows (aquacades) long before Coach Hillard got there and was actually probably the one who taught all of us to swim..Even after Coach Hillard took over the aquacade, he still helped figure out the formations.

Submitted by Harol Lynn Turner Thompson

MISS LILLIAN PHILLIPS RESIGNS AS SCHOOL LIBRARIAN OF MHS

                                    From the Tide Talk - May 5, 1953

   Miss Lillian Phillips, Minden High School librarian, has announced her resignation, effective May 22, 1953. After a great deal of teaching experience, Miss Phillips came to the library the year it was organized in 1929. She graduated from Minden High School serving as president of her senior class. She was graduated from Louisiana State Normal (Northwestern State College). and Georgia Peabody College and Teachers, where she was also President of the School of Library Science. She did summer work at Louisiana State University and the University of Denver. Before coming to Webster Parish she taught one year at Pioneer in West Carroll Parish. She then went to Cotton Valley, in Webster Parish where she taught a year. She taught four years in Springhill, serving as principal during the latter part of the 1918-19 semester while the regular principal joined the armed services. She taught all grades from the third through high school, teaching the seventh in Minden for several years prior to coming to the high school library.
   Miss. Phillips was a charter member of the Nu Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society (Claiborne and Webster), National and International Honorary Teacher's Sorority. She served as president of the local group for two years and secretary of the state group for two years. She was also a member of the National Education Association, American Library Association, Louisiana Education Association, Classroom Teachers Association, and the Louisiana Library Association. She served as president of the latter group for a term.
   When the school was evaluated by the Southern Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges in 1952, the Minden High School Library was judged among the best in the South. This was because of Miss Phillips' efficient operation of the library and her tireless work for the faculty and students of Minden High School.
   Miss Phillips said she had enjoyed her work immensely and that her resignation was one of the hardest decisions she had ever had to make. When asked her plans, Miss Phillips said, "I plan to do a number of things I have always wanted to do during the school year, and could not do because of being "on the job." "I want to see Washington, D.C. during cherry blossom time. I want to be in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. I would love to be in Shreveport for "Holiday in Dixie." I want to read; I want to work with flowers. I believe I'm going to have a full schedule."
   We would like to express our thanks to Miss Phillips for a job well done.

                                  Minden Press-Herald, Thursday, February 20, 1986                                           Pianist, Mrs. Hazel Rankin, dies

   Funeral services for Mrs. Hazel Rankin of Minden will be held Thursday, February 20 at 2 p.m. in the Rose-Neath Minden Chapel with Dr. Ronald Prince officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery.  Mrs. Rankin passed away February 18 in the Minden Medical Center following a lengthy illness.  She was 86.  A retired concert pianist, Mrs. Rankin had been a music teacher in the Minden area for a number of years.  She was a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Inc. and the First Baptist Church of Minden.  She studied music under Rudolph King of Germany and attended the Kansas City Conservatory of Music.  She also did concert work.  Mrs. Rankin is preceded in death by her husband, B. R. Rankin and is survived by one sister, Mrs. Marion Settle of Minden.       Minden Press-Herald, Monday, June 23, 1986  -  Letters to the Editor                           Hazel Rankin made the world a nicer place                                        Editor, Minden Press-Herald:   Amid the cacophony of the busy everyday activities, there is a melody that cannot be forgotten or ignored - it is the melody of the life of Hazel Rankin.  Not many people have the opportunity to leave a living legacy as their memorial.  The late Mrs. B. R. Rankin (Hazel) touched the lives of Minden children and young people for almost half a century with the gift of music appreciation and the gift of music skills.  Across the south from Florida to New Mexico, and even on to Oregon, and all in between, people who were taught and trained by Hazel Rankin are serving as organists, pianists, and as music teachers.  For many years the local First United Methodist Church and Mrs. Rankin recognized the need for trained organists.  They opened their church and allowed the use of their organ so that Minden young people might be taught to play the organ and be available to our churches in future years.  Mrs. Rankin, who was a Baptist, taught all denominations on the Methodist organ.  Today many of the churches in Minden and the surrounding area have one of her pupils serving as organist or pianist.  Those who knew Mrs. Rankin well were aware that she was considered medically to be a paraplegic, and that she was plagued with many illnesses all her life.  She was in almost constant pain.  In spite of all the physical infirmities, she kept a radiant smile, and was cheerful and optimistic.  She loved her pupils and they became to her the children that she and Mr. Rankin never had.  It was her joy to see and know that each pupil had achieved  in some area of life, and especially if it were in the field of music.  She was always ready to recommend a pupil for service as a pianist for a Sunday School Department, a worship service, or as a paid church musician.  She taught each child to be a professional musician or a music teacher.  Many of her students are music teachers.  She expected great things from each student, and to secure this, she prodded, cajoled, entreated, coerced, flattered and demanded that they learn.  There were rewards that a pupil received - such as - if the lesson had been well prepared and practiced, the child was allowed to play on Mrs. Rankin's organ.  The youngest child was encouraged to play in front of its peers with her "practice parties."  Often she would use the two pianos to play along with a pupil to emphasize  the correct tempo or to teach the time.  That technique helped the embarrassment of wrong notes from a beginning student.  Perhaps the most rewarding thing that she did was the training of organists who were able to help out our local churches.  The paper said that she had died.  But how can that be, when a part of her music lives on through the many musicians that she taught.  What a wonderful memorial she has left!  The melody of her life has permeated so many musicians, and been a blessing to others.  Wherever churches congregate this Sunday, many of her students will be using the skills that she taught them to provide the music for the worship services. Thank you, Hazel Rankin, the world is a better place because you lived!  From a mother of two of her students

 He was my shop teacher in High school. I also worked for him at LAAP for a short time. I thought him to be a real nice man, and considered him as one of my friends.
     Robert Stephens                                                                                                     
  
Huey Lawrence Riche
A funeral mass for Huey Lawrence Riche, 77, of Minden, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2006 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Minden, followed by graveside services at Gardens of Memory with Father John Pardue officiating.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home with a rosary and prayer service at 7 p.m.

Mr. Riche was born Dec. 22, 1928 in Simmesport. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army working as a teletype operator in Japan from July 1946 to October 1947.

He graduated from the University of Southern Louisiana in 1951 and moved to Minden where he worked for a short time teaching shop and Algebra at Minden High School. For the next 40-years, he worked as the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant until his retirement in 1993.

He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, The Knights of Columbus and the Minden Lions Club.   

He was my shop teacher in High school. I also worked for him at LAAP for a short time. I thought him to be a real nice man, and considered him as one of my friends.
     Robert Stephens      

                                     Press-Herald - Friday, January 31, 1997 
                                                   Sadie Elouise Reynolds

Funeral Services for Sadie Elouise Reynolds will be conducted at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 1997.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.  Services will be officiated by Rev. Tom Howe, First United Methodist Church minister.
Miss Reynolds passes away Thursday, January 30 at Town & Country Nursing Home.  She was born to Dr. and Mrs. Charles Russel Reynolds July 28, 1903.
She was a graduate of Minden High School and attended Northwestern State College.  Miss Reynolds taught 50 years in the Webster Parish School System.
Miss Reynolds was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Business and Professional Sunday School Class and United Methodist Women.  She was also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Northwest Historical Society, Louisiana State Teachers Association and the Webster Parish Teachers Association.
Miss Reynolds is survived by nieces, Sybil Merritt of Minden and Mary Grace Ford of Bela Vista, Arkansas;nephew William "Bill" Reynolds of Thailand and a number of great and great and great-great nieces and nephews. 

SADIE REYNOLDS: AN EDUCATOR TO REMEMBER, By William Turner Watson

On Saturday, February 1, 1997, our community laid to rest Sadie Reynolds, a marvelous educator from the "old School" of teaching and a southern lady of our highest order.  Her passing at age ninety-three, marks in some respects, the passing of an era--and it was an era that evokes lots of fond memories for me and for the many hundreds of students whose lives she helped to mold over some fifty years of teaching.

On the day after Labor Day in 1961, I entered her eighth grade Louisiana history classroom in the new and modern Theresa M. Lowe Junior High School (later the Webster Parish Alternative School). I listened in awe as this interesting lady with hair as red as fire told us about what to expect from her. She told us: "Not all that I have to teach you will come from this book. Much of it will come from history I have lived myself." She continued with all of us practically spellbound. She said, "For instance, by now all of you have studied about the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. You know that they spotted the Indians who finally came out from the woods and into a clearing, waving at these new settlers." She went on, "Now think. The Indians did not use waving as a method of greeting. Someone had to have taught those Indians how to wave. And I was that someone."

Needless to say, I had something interesting that night at the supper table when my turn came. I'll never forget my mother's response: "William, you have Miss Sadie Reynolds. And she told me the same outlandish story the first day I was in Louisiana history class!" My mother then told me; "You be sure to tell her who you are." Well, when I was a child growing up in Minden, telling someone who you were took a week before "I got up" enough courage and had rehearsed what I was going to say. I saw to it that I was the last child in the line that passed Miss Reynolds on the way out of class that day. (She spoke to virtually each of her students at the doorway as they departed.) Nervously began a "Who I am" speech that I had prepared, and I was so relieved when she interrupted me after I told her me name. She said to me: "William, I know who you are." And before long I was startled to learn that she knew more about me than I did.

She was "Miss Reynolds" then. One of the rites of passage into adulthood in Minden then was to be allowed to refer to her as "Miss Sadie." Years later when I had been a teacher for almost 20 years and she was well into her retirement, I was training to run the Boston Marathon. I was only three and a half miles into a long twenty-mile training run. Going down the hill on Pearl Street just past the post office one warm, humid Saturday morning, I spied "Miss Sadie" out in the front yard. She had an electric mower and was mowing the very steep sloop in her yard. She would lower the mower by its cord and then pull it back up the slope by the cord. The grass was moist and slippery from a recent rain, and I knew that at any moment "Miss Sadie" would slip and fall down the slope onto the sidewalk--and likely break her hip. I immediately interpreted finished the mowing for her. At first she would have none of it. Then she said she would let me finish the yard  only if Id let her go into the house and get me a cold coke. I told her that a glass of water would be just find, but she insisted on a coke instead. She was determined my efforts would be properly rewarded. "Miss Sadie" was like that with all the adults and children with whom she dealt. (No disrespect to the Hunter family, but the last thing someone who had run sixteen miles needed was to put into his stomach was a carbonated soft drink! As soon as she disappeared inside, my feet slipped out from under me and the mower and I both fell six feet or so onto the sidewalk. Little was injured maybe a scraped knee--other than my pride. I quickly repaired the damage and finished the mowing just as "Miss Sadie" returned. She then had me sit the on the porch and drink all my coke before returning on my run. The thought of telling her that I had plenty--or that I could feel my leg muscles tightening with each minute didn't dare enter my mind. She talked with me about many of the "children" that she had taught. Many of these "children" were either dead or gone, or they were just people I thought of as elders. She also told me things that I said as did as a junior high student that I had long since forgotten.

My mother (since deceased) attended "Miss Sadie's funeral Saturday, partly of a deal she and "Miss Sadie" stuck man years ago. The deal was that whoever was left behind would attend the other's funeral so there would be someone there. "Miss Sadie" had a fear that by living so long and with so many of her associates in the education community gone, few people would be around who would be old enough to have remembered her. I know that she pleased to look down and see so many folks there the Saturday she was laid to rest.

Some of her fear was well founded. So many of that wonderful faculty -- Mrs. Belton, Mrs. Rabb, Miss Bullock, Miss Bullock, Mrs. Starr, Mrs. Mrs. Ford, Mr. Harkness, to name a few had gone on to that classroom in the sky. That Saturday, I couldn't help but think how fortunate I and so many other young folks growing up in Minden were to have had "Miss Sadie" and all those other marvelous teachers who saw the innate goodness in each child who passed those through their classroom doors and who cared about who you were. Things have changed a lot in Minden and since those those times. We have big screen color TVs. We drive drown the road talking on cell phones. We talk in computer lingo about "dot.com" and surfing web sites."

Once early in my teaching career I was talking to "Miss Sadie" about my fear that a recession the country was going through might turn into a full-blown  depression. Her response was "It'll be the first time we ever had a depression with just about everyone owning a car and watching a color TV." But in many ways, things haven't changed that much in this town. It's still about the size it was when I was a child, and there is a whole new generation of teachers, many with whom I work, who--just like "Miss Sadie" see the future in our children, who teach them as individuals, and who do take take to the time to know who they are. But God threw the mold away when he made Miss Sadie!" She is greatly missed and will be greatly remembered by all her "children."

  Minden Press-Herald, Tuesday, June 29, 1999 - THELMA  ALSOBROOK RUSHING

She is interred in the Gardens of Memory on row 3,  section 1, Garden of Faith. There is a double marker for Marion D. Rushing born 1895 died 1978.  Thelma A. (Her dates are blank.) Services for Thelma Alsobrook Rushing will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, at the Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel in Minden, with the Rev. Ryan Horton officiating.  Burial will be in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden.  She died on June 28 in Muskogee, Okla. Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m., today at Rose-Neath Funeral Home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney H. Alsobrook, Sr. and Tallulah Alsobrook; one brother, Sidney H. Alsobrook, Jr.; and her husband, Marion D. Rushing. Rushing is survived by her sister, Evelyn Alsobrook Tomlinson of Broken Bow, Okla.; one nephew, Madison H. Tomlinson and wife Kathy and their four children, Holli, Lydia, Daniel and Joseph, all of Muskogee, Okla. Rushing was a native of Oklahoma, where she was reared and educated.  After their marriage, Marion and Thelma moved to Minden, where she lived until 1998, when her declining health required her to move to Muskogee, so that she could be cared for by her family. Rushing was an educator, a patriot, a political activist, a cherished and devoted wife, a loyal friend and an elegant lady in the best Southern tradition.  She spent many years as a teacher of social studies and was the librarian at Minden High School.  She was uniformly admired and respected for her high standards of personal behavior and scholarship as well as her dedication to the students who were fortunate enough to be in her classes.  She remained in close contact with many of her students, who regarded her as a friend and mentor long after they graduated from high school.  Pallbearers are Dr. Richard Campbell, Donald R. Hinton, Harry McInnis, Jr., Harold Montgomery, Luther Moore and Carleton Prothro. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Seborn E. Woods and Dan R. Robinson, Jr.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Minden or the Webster Parish Library. Mrs. Thelma A. Rushing - Gardens of Memories; Row 3, Section 1, Row 3, Garden of Faith. Marion D. Rushing (1895 - 1978.) Her dates are blank.

MRS. MARJORIE SCHONLAU RUSSELL was born on July 12, 1914, and she died at 80 on  8 May, 1995. She is buriedin the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Row 8, Section 1, Gardens of Fountain of Youth.

MARJORIE SCHONLAU RUSSELL

Mrs. Marjorie Schonlau Russell was a native of New York State. She lived near Minden High School in a house on on Ash Street. She was another of our Minden favorites, but she was not always "popular" with some of the students. Kids "feared" her tough talk and no-nonsense demeanor, which made it easy for her to do her job. It took someone "special" to appreciate and love Mrs. Russell. She first came to Louisiana by way of train to Winnfield during the summers when she was a little girl to visit her grandmother. I was in her class in the old part of MHS from 1959-60; that was before some renovation followed in the early 1960s. She had us present topics of current events before the class once a week. She said that we could mention train wrecks or air plane crashes but not car wrecks. At the time I could not understand the distinction that she was trying to make; now of course such a distinction is self-evident. She introduced us to politicians like Hubert Humphrey, Stuart Symington, Lyndon Johnson, and of course John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, all of whom were seeking the presidency in 1960. Hubert Humphrey had a campaign song that if people would vote for him "he would make everybody happy."
My father's father died at 82 in October 1959. He was buried on a Sunday afternoon. That Monday morning, Mrs. Russell took me aside and told me how sorry she was to learn of my grandfather's death. She also used to scold me for biting my nails, a habit I did not stop until adulthood, when I was too busy too waste time on nail biting.  I later learned the simple solution to biting nails is to file them after cutting!! Now I never bite nails. Today, every time I see a student who bites nails, I tell him about filing them down to stop the habit -- just like Mrs. Russell tried to do for me. 
Mrs. Russell is buried in Gardens of Memory in the southwest corner. She died in May 1995, at the age of 81. Her daughter Barbara lived for years in the Atlanta area; she and her husband have relocated to Minden. A son Jimmy was a banker in Bossier City after he taught and coached for a few years. He was married to the former Lynda Minter of Minden. Years later, Mrs. Russell did substitute teaching, and she would go on and on about how unruly the students were compared to the early 1960s.
Ramona Wigley, a colleague and neighbor of Mrs. Russell's at one time, found her to be "a  most unusual person, most kind to those she liked, and totally unrelenting if she had reason to question or doubt others." Mrs. Russell's brother was a doctor in Monroe; so while Miss Wigley was on staff of {then} Northeast LA State University, she visited Mrs. Russell in the  brother's home on occasion. 
"Marjorie was a most talented needlewoman, and she and my mother had much in common with their sewing and their homemaking.  Often they would sit on the porch and do their 'finishing' work, like hemming, blind whipping facings, etc., as they visited and exchanged hints for improving their already near-perfect sewing," Miss Wigley recalled.
When Miss Wigley graduated from MHS in 1944, she bought fewer than twenty graduation invitations, as "neither my parents nor I wanted to appear as if we were asking for gifts.  And we reasoned that those about us would be attending graduation anyway --- hence, no local mailing of invitations. "Miss Wigley continued: "But Marjorie Russell came across the street with a gift package containing two lovely handkerchiefs from Brown-Goodwill.  Do know that handkerchiefs were much in vogue as gifts in 1944?   These were beautiful all-over floral designs, one in shades of blue and white, the other yellows, oranges, and greens.   I sat down and wrote a most grateful thank you note that very afternoon.   That was the first of many thoughtful and tasteful gifts which would be given to us by Marjorie Russell.  We always loved the clever and unusual gifts which she made and personalized, as well as the many tasty gifts from her kitchen.    I still have in our living room a lovely pillow which Marjorie needle pointed and gave to me at some point after our mother's death in 1969.   She was, as I have said already, a most generous and caring person --- to those she genuinely liked.   She was my brother's Sam's sixth grade teacher, too.  He liked her! What a special person: Marjorie S. Russell. We miss you! 

Submitted and written by Billy Hathorn and Ramona Wigley

Miss Kuma Shealy - 1889-1986  Math & Latin

 Submitted by LeVerne Langheld Kidd    1936/7

Minden Herald and Webster Review  -  Thursday, May 12, 1955   BELOVED MINDEN HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER TO BE HONORED AT OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY  An open house, honoring Miss Kuma Shealy, who is retiring this year after 47 years of teaching at Minden, will be held in the high school auditorium Sunday afternoon beginning at 1:45.  Sponsored by the Kuma Shealy Appreciation Committee, the program will pay tribute to a woman who has placed Christianity first in her life and now that she is retiring wants to spend more time studying the Bible.  A band concert will get the open house underway.  This will be followed by a short program and then a reception.  The subject to be honored began her teaching career at the Minden Female College, a frame building located in the area where the junior and high school buildings are now situated.  She moved the next year to a new Minden High School where she taught until the present junior high was erected.  Instilled with an insatiable desire for more knowledge, Miss Shealy has returned to college on many occasions during the summers and has earned a Master's degree from LSU.  Latin and mathematics have been the subjects which she has always taught.  Miss Shealy has won the admiration and respect of her students as well as fellow workers throughout the years.  At the mention of her name, graduates of Minden High School began eulogizing the teacher who has never sent a pupil from the room or used a paddle, although she admits, "Sometimes I think perhaps I should have."                                                                                                                            December 19, 1955 Tide Talk. 

  Miss Kuma Shealy,  former MHS teacher and assistant principal, appeared Wednesday before an assembly of the student body in the Minden High auditorium and gave a talk, showing pictures taken on a recent trip to the Holy Land.  Miss Shealy retired last year and in view of her many years of service, she was presented a trip abroad and to the Holy Land by her friends and former students.  In closing the program, Miss Shealy emphasized the point that America was by far her choice for a home, even after visiting so many other countries, and she sincerly thanked the students for their part in making her trip possible.

 Miss Shealy is interred in the Minden City Cemetery next to her parents John Noah Shealy (1862-1917) and Lydia Walker Shealy (1868-1932) Also buried in the Shealy plot is her sister; Elsie Shealy Fitz (1890-1990) and her husband Theophilus E. Fitz (1880-1943)  Section A West. Section B West, is her sister Lavinia Shealy David (13 May 1893-13 Aug. 1961) and her husband William Bert David (24 March 1892-10 May 1973).

Minden Press-Herald, Tuesday, December 9, 1986   Services eulogize educator   Funeral services for longtime Minden educator and community leader Kuma Shealy were conducted today at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church.  Dr. Ronald Prince officiated with Rev. Ron Laughlin assisting.  Burial followed in the Minden Cemetery under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home.  Miss Shealy died Sunday, Dec. 7 at Meadowview Nursing Home at the age of 97.  Miss Shealy served as assistant principal of Minden High School from 1923 to 1955, and was a teacher from 1906 until she retired in 1955.  She then devoted herself to tutoring children and serving her church and community.  She was born in the Mt. Lebanon community in 1889, but she and her family soon moved to Dubberly, where they resided for 10 years before she moved to Minden.  Miss Shealy graduated from Minden High School in 1906.  She then enrolled in the Normal College and earned her certificate to teach, which she began doing at Minden High in 1908.  In 1921 she earned her BS degree in mathematics from the George Peabody College for Teachers.  And in 1939 she received her masters in Latin from LSU.  During her illustrious 47-year teaching career with the Minden system she was many times honored and recognized.  Miss Shealy had been a member of the First Baptist Church since 1901, where she was a Sunday School teacher, Training Union worker, Woman's Missionary Society member, and much more.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Retired Teachers Association, and the Women's Dept. Club.  She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Elsie Fitz of Minden; one niece, Mrs. Lydia Coleman, Shreveport; four nephews, John Shealy, Ruston; Edward Shealy, Texas; Bert David, Dallas; and Richard David, Minden.  Pallbearers were George Lorraine, Dr. Sam Williams, C. O. West, Jesse Miller, Harry McInnis, Jr., and W. W. Williams, Sr.   Minden Press-Herald, Sunday, October 26, 1986   Kuma Shealy - Has anyone ever been so loved?  -  by Marilyn Miller, Executive Editor   Graduates representing the Minden High School Classes of 1926, '36, '46, '56, '66, and '76 walked onto the football field at Tide Stadium Friday night as special guests of Homecoming 1986.  And though one special alumnus was unable to make it, her heart was there--as it has been since the day she graduated in 1906.  At 97, Miss Kuma Shealy is no longer the vibrant, tireless teacher and administrator to decades of students and faculty members who have come and gone from Minden High School.  She is now confined to a nursing home--but she is not forgotten.  Probably more yearbooks and Senior memorials have been dedicated to Miss Kuma Shealy than any other person in the history of MHS.

 With her sympathetic understanding and interest she has endeared herself to the pupils in this school.  When the dates of history and the conjugation of verbs shall have been forgotten there will remain for many the priceless memory of a friend."

 After graduating from Minden High School in 1906, Miss Shealy enrolled at the Normal College in Natchitoches.  Not knowing what she wanted to be, she agreed to teach for one year in order to receive free tuition.  This was standard procedure.  After attending Normal for two years, she began her one year of teaching--and as was quoted in the MHS Tide Talk, she "just never quit."  Throughout the years at MHS she furthered her education.  She attended the George Peabody College for Teachers, from which she received her BS in mathematics in 1921.  She obtained her MA in  Latin from LSU in 1939.  She served as assistant principal of Minden High from 1923 to 1955, and was a teacher from 1906 until 1955, when she retired.  A native of Mt. Lebanon in nearby Bienville Parish, she has resided in Minden since 1901.  When she retired in 1955, her friends, fellow faculty members, and former students thought enough of her to present her with a trip to Europe and the Holy Land.  Her interests weren't limited to education.  She is still a member of the First Baptist Church, which she served as a Sunday School teacher, Training Union worker, and Woman's Missionary Society member for many, many years.  She is also a member of the Women's Department Club and Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary teacher's society.  In 1955, the year that she retired, the "Grig" dedicated its pages to her.  The dedication read, "We are dedicating the 1955 GRIG to one who has lived a life of dedication in the service of Minden High School, of her church, and of her community.  Her teaching career has been devoted solely to the Minden school, and for many years she has been assistant principal as well as instructor in Latin and Mathematics."  "She is lovingly remembered  by hundreds of former students, who have benefitted from her store of knowledge and rare gifts of mind, who have been strengthened by her personal Christian faith, and who have enjoyed her keen sense of humor.  It is with pride and love that we dedicate this volume to Miss Kuma Shealy, who is retiring from the teaching profession at the close of this school year."  However, retirement in 1955 didn't end her teaching career.  For years afterwards, children could be seen trudging up the hill at 217 West Union Street to be tutored by "the best" in Latin and mathematics.

 In the early 1970's she was named Minden's Most Respected Woman and her   name also appears on the Woman of the Year plaque.

                                                 &="Arial">However, retirement in 1955 didn't end her teaching career.  For years afterwards, children could be seen trudging up the hill at 217 West Union Street to be tutored by "the best" in Latin and mathematics.

 In the early 1970's she was named Minden's Most Respected Woman and her   name also appears on the Woman of the Year plaque.

 Class of 1906  In addition to Miss Shealy, the Class of 1906 was comprised of Willie B. Life, W. K. Watkins, Irma Watkins, Kathleen Cox, Lucille Grigsby, Carrie Heard, Una Lee Harrell, Clyde Wallace, Lucy Craton, and Bertha Miller.  But Miss Kuma Shealy will be the most remembered...she touched the most lives...dedicated the most years to education...and gave the most of herself to others. From the December 19, 1955 Tide Talk...Proudly We Hail column

WALTER C. SIBLEY

Minden Press-Herald, Monday, March 11, 1968   Rites Today For Walter C. Sibley

    Walter Cecil Sibley, Minden High School Math teacher, died Saturday,  March 9, 1968, in the Minden Sanitarium after a sudden illness.   Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronald Prince officiating.  Burial will be in the Memory Lawn Cemetery in Natchitoches, under the direction of Green-Kleinegger Funeral Home. Masonic graveside services will be conducted at 3 p.m. in the Memory Lawn Cemetery.   Mr. Sibley was born May 17, 1905, in Natchitoches, La., and had made his home in Minden for the past fifteen years.  He had been a Mathematics teacher in the Minden High School since 1952.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Masonic Lodge, the Eastern Star, Commandry, and the Shriners.   Pallbearers are to be S. T. Sibley III, Sylvan Sibley, L. W. Sibley, Tommy Sibley, Carlos Morgan, and W. W. Williams.   Named as Honorary Pallbearers are the Faculty and Members of the Minden and Webster Parish Schools.   Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Jewel Pennington Sibley; four daughters, Barbara Sibley, Judy Sibley, Sandra Sibley, and Wanda Sibley, all of Minden; two sons, Cecil Sibley and Wayne Sibley, both of Minden; two brothers, Ray Sibley of Bastrop and Vivian Sibley of New Orleans; and one sister, Miss Shirley Sibley of Natchitoches.

Miss Ina Smith   Especially qualifying Miss Ina Smith, M.H.S. teacher of shorthand and typing to "Proudly We Hail," is her competent teaching.  Having studied under Miss Smith is an asset in itself for the student seeking a job.  Miss Smith holds several degrees.  From Central Missouri State Teachers' College, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and History; from the University of Missouri, her Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education.  Miss Smith's extensive teaching career began in Harrisonville, Missouri, where she taught social studies and algebra.  She next taught in Kansas City.  Leaving Missouri for Colorado, Miss Smith taught at Bent County High School in Los Animas.  Returning to Missouri, she taught at Central State Teachers' College.  After a two-year interim Miss Smith went to Arkansas, where she taught in El Dorado High School.  Starting as a teacher, Miss Smith rose to the principalship of the schools of Harrisonville, Missouri, and Bent County, Los Animas, Colorado.  Miss Smith's favorite hobby is to travel.  She says that of all the states she has toured she likes Louisiana best.  "I am a Missourian by birth, but a Louisianian by choice."  This is quite a compliment to our state because in the last year Miss Smith has visited 26 of the 48 states.  She has also been in Canada.  During the Thanksgiving holidays she attended a three-day meeting of the Southern Business Leaders' Education Association in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Miss Smith's choice of our state and of M.H.S. has made it possible for students here to gain the invaluable instruction she offers.

MISS INA SMITH - Minden Press-Herald Monday, August 3, 1977       

 Miss Ina Smith passed away recently at the age of 86. She was a resident of Minden for 40 years. She was a classroom teacher and a principal during her teaching career. She retired from active teaching at Minden High in 1956. She was a member of the First Christian Church and a native of Archie, Missouri. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Kansas City, Missouri.

LONGTIME EDUCATOR - NURSE CATHERINE SPITZFADDEN DIES
Frontpage - Minden Press-Herald - April 12, 1988
A longtime Minden resident, Mrs. Catherine resident, Mrs. Catherine
Spitzfadden, 79, passed away on Monday, April 11 at Minden Medical
Center after a short illness.
A rosary will be said in the chapel of Rose-Neath Funeral Home at 6 p.m.
this evening. Father Woods will officiate.
Mrs. Spitzfadden born in Monroe, had lived in Minden for 45 years, a retired
registered nurse, she had also retired from the Webster Parish School Board
after many years as a teacher. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic
Church.
Surviving two daughters and their husbands: Judy and Edward Calhoun
of Minden and Kitty and Howard Holyfield of Shreveport; two sisters: Wilma
Hough, Minden and Elaine King of Homer; six grandchildren: Amanda Duck
and Pamela Hartsell of Bossier City; Janet Wood Brian Holyfield of Shreveport,
and Clayton Long of Minden; and five great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church in Minden.
Burial was in the Minden City Cemetery Section F.
CATHERINE B. SPITZFADDEN
20 FEB. 1909
11 APR 1988 Buried next to her Mother,Ketha Callaway Burleigh born 04 Oct. 1874 died 08 Jul. 1956.
Mrs. Spitzfadden was a wonderful teacher and friend.

Mrs  Eloise Starr

Mrs. Eloise M. Starr married Lloyd C. Starr. Supt. of schools. She taught eighth grade English at Minden  Jr. High School. There is a double marker in the Garden of Memories, section 1, Garden of Faith for Lloyd C. Starr (1899 -     ) and Mrs. Eloise M. Starr. They were the parents of one son, Bobby Starr.

Minden Press-Herald, front page, Friday, January 27, 1978   Minden notable, Mrs. L. C. Starr dies   Mrs. Lloyd C. Starr, who was for over 25 years a teacher in the Minden school system, died Thursday afternoon in the Meadowview Nursing Home where she had been a resident for some months. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon in the First Baptist Church with Dr. Ronald Prince and Rev. Tracy Arnold officiating.  Interment will follow in the Gardens of Memory under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home. Mrs. Starr, 76, was a native of Claiborne Parish.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church where she served as a teacher of Sunday school and a member of the choir. She is survived by her husband, L. C. Starr, Minden; one son, Bobby H. Starr, Metairie; one sister, Mrs. Velma Miller, Hughes Springs, Texas; one brother, Harvey Melton, Haynesville; two grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews. Mrs. Starr's nephews will serve as pallbearers.

L.C. STARR, former Supt. Webster Parish School is also deceased. He was born in 1899.

Minden Press-Herald, Thursday, December 30, 1982   Lloyd C. Starr:  1899 - 29 Dec 1982   Services will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the Rose-Neath Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Ronald Prince and Rev. William Willis officiating.  Interment will be held at Gardens of Memory with Masonic rites conducted by Lodge No. 51.   Mr. Starr was a native of Waco, Ga., a member of the Millionaires Club, Southern Regional Sales Club, and the President's Club and employed with Investors Diversified Services.   A resident of Minden for many years, Mr. Starr had served as a teacher with the Webster Parish School System and served as a School Board member.   He was also the author of the weekly column, "Could This Be The Way It Is?" and had recently penned a book by the same name.   Survivors include his wife, Mildred Langley Frye Starr of Minden; a son, Bobby Starr of New Orleans; a brother, Ennis R. Starr of Salt Lake City, Utah; two grandchildren, Mrs. Debbie Siltanen of Tuscaloosa, Ala. and Richard Starr of New Orleans.   Active pallbearers Bobby Cook, Bobby Marks, Bobby Nelson, Travis Starr, Winfred Starr, Jack Batton, and Hugh Greer.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Banks Sunday School Class.

Photo compliments of Rowland Ivy

There are three graves in the Sutton plot. All have different last names. Ann wondered if the other two could have been sisters of miss Sutton?

Mrs. Eva Sutton born 1907 1907 died 2000 submitted by Ann Mays Harlan

Arcadia Cemetery Cemetery, Arcadia, Louisiana

EVA GRACE SUTTON

LYNDON L. TAYLOR



Mr. Taylor was one of the founding faculty members of Lowe Junior High School (opened 1960) and was a seventh grade teacher and coach in the 1960s. I believe that he retired very early. -- Billy Hathorn





MINDEN, LA - Services celebrating the life of Lyndon L. Taylor, 86, of Minden, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Minden Chapel, with the Rev. Leland Crawford, Bill Crider and Willard Moore officiating. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation is from 5 until 8 p.m. Monday, February 7, 2011.



Lyndon was born September 21, 1924 in Bodcaw, Ark. to the late Judge O.W. and Irma (Whitten) Taylor of Magnolia, Ark. He was also preceded in death by brothers, Oris, Leland and Alton Taylor; granddaughter, Lori Nicole Pullman and great-grandson Kyle Knotts.



A world war II veteran, Lyndon served his country in the US Navy. He was a long time PE instructor, athletic coach and teacher who influenced and inspired many people over his lifetime. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and gardening. He was president of the Sailes Hunting Club since it's inception in 1960 and was still a very active part of the club. Lyndon was a member of the First Baptist Church of Minden.



He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean Taylor of Minden; daughter Lynda Gordon and husband, Paul of Dubberly; daughter Karen Pullman of Minden; son Barry Taylor and wife, Kim of Minden; brother Travis Taylor and wife Jeannie of Jackson, Miss. and sister Marilyn Story and husband Monroe of Magnolia, Ark.; granddaughter Stephanie Knotts and husband, Steve of Dubberly, grandsons Randy Gordon of Dubberly, Ronny Gordon of Minden, Jeremy Pullman of Irving, TX. and Justin Cruse of Minden; great-granddaughter Kimber Knotts and great-grandsons Kason Knotts, Trenton Gordon and Harley Gordon, all of Dubberly.



Pallbearers will be Joe Burkhalter, Mike Savage, Johnny Savage, Randy Hamm, Christopher Hamm, Dustin Harp and Richard Kaufman. Honorary pallbearers will be the Truman Friendship Sunday School Class and the members of Sailes Hunting Club.



Submitted by Billy Hathorn,Class of 1966
 

Asa Jackson Warren

HEFLIN, LA - Asa Jackson "A.J." Warren, 82, was surrounded by family when he passed peacefully on, Sunday, October 30, 2011. In celebration of his life, a funeral mass officiated by Father Pike Thomas and Father Mark Franklin will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Minden, LA, on, Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery in Haughton, LA. Visitation will be held on, Tuesday, November 1, 2011, at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, LA, from 5-7:30 PM. A prayer service led by Father Mark Franklin will follow the visitation.

A.J. was born in Haughton, LA, on March 11, 1929. After graduating from Centenary College of Louisiana, he began a 33-year career in teaching and coaching. Though his career began in Big Flat, AR, alongside his brother Jim, he later established home in Webster Parish. A.J. was married for 57 years to Rene Warren. Together, the owner-operators of Bistineau Store raised a family of six children in Heflin, LA. A.J. was a faithful servant at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Ringgold, LA.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Rene and six children; Mandy Warren, Jack Warren and wife Lori, Teresa Collier, Paul Warren, Ellen Carlisle and husband Dayton, Amy Dean and husband Cameron. Twenty-five grandchildren and great-grandchildren love and remember A.J. as "Pop."

Pallbearers will be Wesley Carlisle, Wayne Cooper, Elliot Dean, Thomas Dean, Trey Dean, Asa Warren, and Mackenzie Warren. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who offered their love and support throughout the last months of A.J.'s time with us. Deep appreciation is offered to the Oaks of Louisiana and their staff for all of their hard work and dedication. A.J. was always respected by his students. He will be forever missed and loved by his family and all who were close to him.   Submitted by Tom D. Carey, Class of 1965

Minden Press-Herald, Monday, December 16, 1985   Mrs. Eloise Sanders Watkins   Mrs. Eloise Sanders Watkins of Minden passed away at 9:45 p.m. December 12 at Schumpert Medical Center following a sudden illness.  She was 74.  Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 14 in the Rose-Neath Minden Chapel with Rev. Bob Burgess officiating.  Interment will follow in the Minden Cemetery.  Mrs. Watkins was a native of Plain Dealing and had lived in Minden for the past 50 years.  She was a retired school teacher with the Webster Parish School System and a member of First United Methodist Church of Minden and Delta Kappa Gamma.  She is survived by two sisters, Hazel Sanders and Mrs. A. L. Keoun,  both of Plain Dealing; one brother Leon Sanders, Jr., also of Plain Dealing; four nieces and three nephews.

Eloise Sanders Watkins was born 18 Dec. 1910 - died 12 Dec. 1985. In the Grigs 1953 thru 1959 she was identified as Mrs. John R. Watkins. 

John Ridley Watkins is buried next to his wife Eloise Sanders Watkins.  His dates are 21 May 1898-4 Apr 1965.  I'   Lynella Watkins Toadvin (John Watkins' sister) is buried next to her husband Clyde Toadvin.  Her dates are 29 Mar 1903-19 Apr 1987.  The Clyde Toadvin Watkins listed in the book is an error.  It is Clyde Toadvin.

 Interred next to her in the Minden City Cemetery is Clyde Toadvin  born 1 Jan. 1895 born 22 March 1974.

The Cemetery Inscriptions of Webster Parish, Louisiana Volume II listed Clyde Toadvin as Clyde Toadvin Watkins. Lyndell Watkins Toadvin and John Ridley Watkins were not included in their record cemetery book on page 92.

Loy A Watson 1908 -1989

 F. Watson 1910 - 1996

Mrs. Clovis Watson in 1949.                                                          Many Years After Retirement, she was later promoted to a Truant Officer for the Webster Parish School Board.  Mrs. Watson is interred in the Gardens of Memory Cemetery - Row 6, double marker, Section 1, Garden of the Good Shepherd beside her husband Loy A. Watson 1908 -1989.

Funeral services were held for Clovice F. Watson on Sunday, September 22 at 3 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in Minden. She was preceded in death by her husband, Loy A. Watson. She is survived by her son, William Watson and wife, Virginia; sister, Rozelle Fomby of Cotton Valley; grandson, John Bates; great-grandson, Joshua Bates; two nieces, Janice Modisette of Shongaloo andCarol Ann Kemp of Irving, Texas. Watson was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and the Garden Club, and worked in education in Webster Parish from 1931-1971. She was a past member of the Germantown Colony and Museum Commission; a member of the First Methodist Church in Minden and the Wesleyan Service Guild, and received the 1968 Woman of the Year award.

Submitted by Mr. & Mrs. William P. (Virginia) Watson

Thursday, June 13, 2003 Minden Press-Herald

Grace Turner Watson

Funeral services for Mrs. Grace Turner Watson will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2002, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden with the Rev. Bill Ichter of First Baptist Church Minden officiating. Burial will follow at Minden Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 7 until 9 p.m., with family hour at 6 p.m., today, June 12, at the funeral home.
Mrs. Turner was born in Minden on July 25, 1919, one of seven children of June and Emma Botzong Turner of Minden. She was the last surviving member of that family. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church Minden and recently a member of the Chapel Sunday School Class.
She was married May 29, 1942, to James William Watson of Homer, at First Baptist. After the war, they moved into their new home in Minden, where they lived from 1950 until present and raised their two sons, William and Frank. She wrote extensively about family and local history. She was descended from several area pioneer settlers, including the Germantown Colony settlers, George Frederick and Emmaline Botzong, and of John Sidney Killen, who authored the 1871 bill creating Webster Parish.
Mrs. Watson was a sixth and seventh grade language teacher in Minden at Lowe Junior High, Stewart Elementary, and Richardson Elementary, and maintained friendships with many of her now grown students. She was also active in the Dorcheat Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for which she served as secretary. She also prepared the annual newspaper scrapbook this year for the Louisiana D.A.R.
She is survived by her husband; sons, Frank A. Watson and wife Debbie of Kenner, and William Turner Watson of Minden; grandchildren, Kelsey Elizabeth Watson of Minden, Ryan Kendall Watson and wife Rebecca of New Orleans, and Tyler Clayton Watson of Kenner; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family members.
Pallbearers will be David Boyd, Glenn Johnston, Tyler Watson, Ryan Watson, James Turner, and Kerry Johnston. Honorary pallbearers will be the Friendship Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, First Baptist Church and Northwest Regional Hospice.

Louise Watson has a marker in the Garden of Memories in the Garden of Prayer, section 3, row 6 next to her husband Phares L. born 3 Nov. 1907 died 4 Jan. 1986 PFC US Army WWII. She was born 4 August 1909. Her death date is blank. The marker reads "Beloved wife and mother.

.

Wayne W. Williams Sr. born 10 Sep. 1917 died 16 Sep. 2000 Capt. US Army WWII, Irene B. Beloved wife and Mother; Gardens of Memory, row 2, Garden of Fountain of Youth.

WAYNE WYNN WILLIAMS FORMER SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT DIES AT 83. Minden Press-Herald - Sept. 18, 2000

 Minden - Webster Parish lost one of its longtime, dedicated educators over the weekend. Wayne Wynn Williams 83, died Saturday, Sept. 16 following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held today, Sept. 18, at First Baptist Church in Minden with the Rev. Bill  Ichter officiating and the Rev. Bill Crider assisting. Burial will be in the Gardens of Memory cemetery in Minden under the direction of Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden. Visitation was held Sunday, Sept. 17, from 5 until 8 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Minden.  Mr. Williams was born Sept. 10, 1917 in Leesville. Here he received his bachelor of arts from Normal College In Natchitoches and his masters degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Route. He was a veteran of WWII, where he received the rank of captain while serving in the China-Burma India Campaign with the 10th Air Force. Mr. Williams devoted his life to education to make a positive impact on the youth of Webster Parish. He began his career in education at Shongaloo High School , where he taught history and English and coached basketball and baseball following the war, Mr. Williams returned to Shongaloo High School to become principal of East Side Elementary (later renamed Richard Elementary) and Minden High School.  While at Minden High School, he was responsible for building the track field and rebuilding the current football stadium. During his tenure, Minden High School  was called the "Home of Champions" due to the numerous athletic championships and achievements in academics. One of Mr. Williams proudest accomplishments while principal was having the students test between 95 and 99 percentile on national standardized tests, meaning that only one to five percent in the U.S. ranked ahead of Minden High School. Following his tenure as principal, Mr. Williams served as high school supervisor and assistant superintendent for Webster Parish Schools.  In 1971 he became supt. of Webster Parish Schools, where he oversaw desegregation and consolidation of the schools. After his retirement in 1978, he worked at the family business, Minden Athletic Supply, where he was in charge of the trophy department. Mr. Williams was also active in numerous civic organizations. He served as pres. of the Minden Lions Club, director of the Minden South Chamber of Commerce and commander of Wiley-Pevy American Legion Post. He was named Minden's 1961 "Man of the Year" and also named the 1965 "educator of the Year" in Webster Parish. He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he was a life deacon and taught Sunday School for more than 40 years. Mr. Williams enjoyed spending times  outdoors -- either fishing, gardening or supporting local athletic teams. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play little league and high school sports. He was also a fan of Louisiana Tech University Athletics, especially the Lady Techsters. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Samuel Smart Williams and Louise Emma Wynn Williams. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Irene Botkin Williams, son, Wayne, "Butch" Williams and wife Karen "KI" Marlowe Williams of Sibley, grandchildren, Wayne "Trey" Wynn Williams III of Baton Route, Christopher Marlowe Williams of Dallas, TX, Gregory Kyle Williams of Minden, Christen Williams of Sibley. Jennifer Suzanne Williams of Sibley and James Byron Williams Jr. of Sibley; sister Rosemary Sandefur of Punta Gorda, Fla; and great grandchild, Braeden Thomas Robinson of Sibley. Serving as pallbearers will be Harold Bartlett, Jerry Lott, Matt Martin, Richard Noles, Cleve Strong, Otis Strong, Ernie Tyler and Andy Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be the Friendship Sunday School Class, Don Hinton and Don Nation.

Minden Press-Herald, Thursday, October 19, 1989

Mrs. Portia Winford dies  Portia Featherstone Winford, a resident of Minden for more than 50 years, died this morning at Minden Medical Center after a long illness.  Mrs. Winford, who was named "Woman of the Year" in Minden in 1984, was born in Greenfield, Tennessee on June 27, 1906.   She graduated from high school at age 15.  She received her bachelor's degree in English from Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) and subsequently taught at Parkin and Delight schools in Arkansas.  In 1962 she received her master's degree in English from Louisiana Tech University.  From 1949 until 1959, she owned and operated Portia's Dress Shop in Minden.  In 1959 she returned to teaching and taught English and Latin at Minden High School until she retired in 1973.  She then went to Murfreesboro High School in Arkansas, where she taught for a year.  She was a member of the Woman's Department Club, Minden Garden Club, Louisiana Tech Alumni Association, University of Central Arkansas Alumni Association, and the Retired Teachers Association.  A lifelong Christian, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Minden for 49 years.  She was active in the Womens Missionary Union, Adult Choir, and the Girls Auxillary Association.  She also did much volunteer work in the church and taught many Sunday School classes.  Up until 1988 she continued to tutor children at her home.  Mrs. Winford is survived by a son, George M. Winford of Minden; a daughter-in-law, Charlotte M. Winford, also of Minden; nine grandchildren and a great granddaughter.  She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Winford Meeker, and a son, James M. Winford, Sr

Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 21 at 10 in the First Baptist Church.  Burial will be in the Murfreesboro Cemetery at 2.

From left to right: From W.W. Williams, Mr. Earl Cook, Coach Joe Oliphant, Coach George Doherty, and  Lawrence C. Dickerson.

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