Report from the Red River Sheriff’s Office for May 26 – June 2, 2023
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Thursday was the first day of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said, “It is the perfect time to get a game plan.”
Thursday the National Weather Service Shreveport office said, “Thunderstorms associated with an area of low pressure over the Gulf of Mexico have become better organized this morning. Conditions are marginally favorable for further short term development but become unfavorable this weekend. No impacts to the Four State Region are expected.”
Edwards said, “Storms form quickly once they enter the Gulf and leave little time to prepare. Take time now to make sure you and your family have a plan in the event a storm heads our way.”
The Red River Parish Library is offering an entry level genealogy course during June. This service is provided in cooperation with the Coushatta Chute Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
The class will be led by Red River Parish native, Dr. Virginia Webb and will focus on tracing your ancestors. Forms to record family information and practical tips will be provided. Library staff and DAR volunteers will be on hand to assist participants in using class principles to trace their own ancestors. Computer skills are not necessary but would be helpful.
Class dates and times:
Tuesday June 13, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 15, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday June 20, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday June 27, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 29, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The class is provided at no charge, but registration is required. Space will be limited to allow assistance to be provided to individual participants. To register, call 318-932-5614.
We look forward to seeing you at the library to learn some history.
While you are sitting in your recliner with the air conditioner blowing frigid air on your face, think what it would be like not to have A/C. Or not to have even a fan to circulate the warm air.
The annual Fan Drive put on by the Red River Council on Aging is underway. They are now accepting donations of fans, or cash to buy more fans. Executive Director Liz Cannon told the Journal now is the tine to donate a fan.
Cannon told us of the generosity of Robert Earl Bamburg of Hickory Grove Baptist Church. He donated 12 fans to the council to help senior citizens.
Bring your fans to the Council on Aging on Front Street. You may also donate to the fan drive if you don’t have time to shop.
By Brad Dison
It was Christmas Day in 1982. J.R. and his family and friends, which amounted to about a dozen people in all, were enjoying a wonderful and relaxing Christmas at J.R.’s home in St. James, Jamaica. The day was bright and cheerful. Due to Jamaica’s warm climate, there was no snow. The warm temperature did not hinder their festive holiday moods in the least. They thought back on previous Christmases they had spent together and looked forward to many more. As the day slowly turned into evening on the tropical island, the dozen people readied themselves for dinner. The dozen people entered the large dining room from other parts of the house through three large doors. They began taking their places at a table large enough to accommodate 20 people which took up almost all of the space in the room.” They were just about to say the blessing when something happened which would make this Christmas the most memorable of their lives.
At precisely 6:00 p.m., with everyone seated, they bowed their heads to say the blessing. At that instant, three masked young men quickly entered all three doors of the dining room. One had a knife, another had a hatchet, and the third one had a pistol. One of the masked intruders said, “Somebody’s going to die here tonight!” J.R. and the others at the table were completely shocked. Some of them screamed while others were too afraid to make a sound. One of J.R.’s friends fainted out of fright. J.R. calmly looked at the intruders. He showed no fear but followed their instructions. The intruders had them lay on their stomachs on the floor. J.R. looked at each of the other 11 people who, before 6:00 p.m., had been enjoying a wonderful Christmas together. J.R.’s wife, June, slowly moved her hands under her body to hide her jewelry, especially her wedding ring. Seconds felt like hours.
“We want a million dollars, or somebody’s going to die!” the pistol-wielding intruder yelled. J.R. raised his head, looked at the intruder’s eyes, and explained that they did not have a million dollars. “You’ve got money!” he insisted. J.R. explained that they had some money but not such a large amount. One of J.R.’s companions began screaming, “I’m going to have a heart attack! I’m going to have a heart attack!” This shook the intruders who told one of their captives to go into the kitchen and fetch a glass of water. They let J.R. and the others change into a sitting position. J.R. realized that people who intended to kill would never show this sort of compassion. J.R. studied their movements and the tones of their voices. Although they were wearing stocking masks, J.R. was able to determine that the boy with the pistol was probably in his early 20s and the other two were only teenagers. He knew they were not professionals.
J.R. felt certain that if they could remain calm, they all might survive. J.R.’s wife began to break down when one of the intruders began to forcibly remove her jewelry. The intruder with the pistol grabbed J.R.’s eleven-year-old son and put the gun to his head. “Everybody do as I say!” For the next two hours, the armed robbers led the whole group of people through each room of the house and gathered anything of value that they could carry. All the while, the gunman held the pistol to J.R.’s son’s head.
At first, the intruders were rough with their captives. Through it all, J.R. spoke softly and calmly. Rather than try to hide things of value, he pointed out the most valuable items in the home. His family and friends were more valuable to him than anything else. After two hours together, the intruders began to relax and became friendly, polite, and even chatty. They started calling J.R. “sir.” The gunman asked J.R.’s son “What do you like to do in Jamaica? Do you like to snorkel?” The gunman still held the pistol to his head. The gunman asked J.R.’s son, “Do you want to feel my gun?” For the first time, J.R. was terrified by what the gunman meant. J.R.’s son calmly replied, “No, sir. I don’t play with guns. I have a lot of respect for them. They’re very dangerous.” The gunman grinned behind his stock mask and said, “Hey, I like you man!”
Once the intruders bagged up all they could carry, one of them said, “We’re going to lock you in the cellar.” The intruders led them to the cellar, closed the door, and wedged a two-by-four across the outside of the door. J.R. and the others could hear their footsteps fading as they walked away. Before they had a chance to relax, they heard footsteps approaching the door. Although none of the captives spoke, they all wondered if the intruders were coming back to kill them so as not to leave any witnesses. Suddenly, they heard a scraping sound on the floor on the other side of the door. Someone slid a large plate of turkey under the door. “We want you people to have your Christmas dinner after all,” one of the intruders said. “We don’t want to take that away from you.” Again, they heard footsteps fading. Moments later, when J.R. decided the intruders had gone, he and his brother-in-law began ramming the large, solid door. After several tries, they finally broke the door down. J.R. calmly called the police. Within a few days, police captured each of the three intruders.
The captives credited J.R.’s calmness for saving their lives. On the rare occasions that he spoke of the armed robbery, J.R. said that for them to escape unharmed, he knew he had to remain calm. Perhaps his stint in the U.S. Air Force helped him in this situation. It was an Air Force rule that required J.R. to assume a name in place of the one his parents gave him. J.R. chose John. You and I know J.R. Cash as Johnny Cash, the Man in Black.
Source: Cash, Johnny, and Patrick Carr. Cash : The Autobiography. San Francisco, Ca, HarperSanFrancisco, 1997, p. 34-43.
First Baptist Church of Coushatta is seeking a full-time Administrative Secretary.
Please send resumes to:
First Baptist Church / Roger Cason
P.O. Box 465
Coushatta, LA 71019
Or email resume to fbccoushatta@bellsouth.net.
Men of Courage Red River invited all men to join them for the June Man Church on June 8th. They will welcome Bro. Philip Reid Caples to the Coushatta area.
Shawn Beard said, “He has a timely message for all of us, you don’t want to miss June 8th at the Shop. Caples is the new Pastor at 1st Baptist Coushatta.”
Man Church promises a Manly Meal of Jambalaya, Manly Music, and a Manly Message. Beard said, “It’s for guys of all ages (12-120) so make sure to bring a friend. We will see YOU there!”
By Steve Graf
Well, the latest question from bass fishermen has been, “Can you win a bass tournament without forward-facing sonar on your boat?” The answer you get will depend on who you ask. So many of today’s young anglers (ages 18-30) will say that if you’re not using it, then you’re probably fishing for a second. But some older anglers, who fish off of instincts and experience, are proving that you can win without it.
Nothing has had a bigger impact on the sport of tournament bass fishing in the last 20 years than this new forward-facing sonar that first hit the market from Garmin Electronics. Then Hummingbird and Lowrance followed with their own version, and all were considered very good units. But like any other sonar unit, there was a learning curve. Once anglers figured out what they were looking at and how to fine tune each unit, that’s when it became super popular and highly effective.
Some anglers did not bat an eye at spending $5000 for one of these high-grade sonar units that showed you actual live time imaging of fish swimming around a boat dock or a brush pile in 25 feet of water. These units allowed you to make a cast and see your bait in real time as fish approached and struck whatever bait you were throwing. It has evolved into a video game allowing the younger generation of anglers to adapt quickly.
Professional angler, Elite Series Pro John Cox, who does not own a one of these high dollar units, says that for a shallow water angler that fishes in water less than five feet, it does not really serve a purpose. Therefore, John and a few other top shallow water pros have decided that it’s not worth the investment.
As someone who has interviewed other top anglers, both professional and amateur, not all of them own a forward-facing sonar. It’s still a matter of personal choice as to whether you want to make the investment or not. But one thing all anglers will agree on is that you don’t have to own one to be successful or to win a bass tournament. It’s just another tool an angler may choose if they so desire or can afford one.
One group that may have benefited more from forward-facing sonar than bass fishermen are professional guides and crappie anglers. For a guide, this unit has been heaven sent as it has allowed many of them to find and catch fish on days when the fishing is tough. As an outstanding guide on Lake Fork, Johnny Guice says that the unit has helped him find crappie when the bass isn’t biting, therefore, saving a trip and making customers very happy. Guides will tell you that most customers don’t care what they catch, they just want to catch fish.
So, to answer the question about forward-facing sonar and can you win a tournament without it? The answer is yes; it’s simply another tool that is only as good as its user. Till next time, good luck, good fishing, and don’t forget to set the hook or wear your sunscreen.
Louisiana Tech University has announced graduates from its Spring 2023 commencement ceremonies held May 20. There were three students from Coushatta among the graduates.
Coushatta grads are Adam T. Bryant awarded a Bachelor of Science Forestry degree, Jaden Jaleen Roberson awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree, and Alyssa Woodard awarded a Bachelor of Science degree.
The River Parish School Board is accepting applications for the following position:
Reading Specialist/Interventionist (salary starting at 60K including supplements)
Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 effective years of experience as a certified ELA teacher. Teaching experience in 6-12 grade level. Proven results when working with struggling readers. Strong knowledge of how children learn to read. Knowledge and experience working with high-quality reading curriculum.
Certified in the following areas:
Secondary Grades 6-12
Reading Specialist 1-12
Louisiana Trained Mentor Teacher
Submit applications at the Red River Parish School Board and at http://www.rrbulldogs.com under “Employment”. Deadline for submission is June 2, 2023.
For more information, you may contact Nicole Eason by email neason@rrbulldogs.com or 318-271-3150.
Nicole M. Eason
Red River Parish School Board
Human Resources Department
A private graveside service celebrating the life of Nina Faye Giddings, 90, will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Thomas Wren Cemetery with Bro. Wiley Cole officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta.
Mrs. Giddings was born on May 3, 1933, in Martin, LA to John and Ola Hunter and passed June 1, 2023, in Coushatta, LA.
Mrs. Giddings was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred Giddings, Sr.; children, Lloyd Louis Hoover, Carolyn Dial, Shirley Miller, Sue Palmer, and Buddy Giddings; and siblings, Jimmy Ray Hunter, Ruth Fuqua, and Mildred New.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Fred “Bubba” Giddings, Jr., and wife, Bertha, Cynthia Smith and husband, Gene, Freda Dupree and husband, Randall, Kathy Smith, and Brenda Youngblood and husband, John; sisters, Ella Rene Parrish and JoAnne Bishop; brother, John Marvin Hunter; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and friends.
Pallbearers will be Trey Giddings, Will Giddings, Clint Young, Ryan Dupree, Gary Hoover, Philip Kay and Shea Youngblood. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Known to most everyone as “Mimi,” “Aunt Deb,” or “Mrs. Debbie;” Deborah Anne Johnson, in her home in Martin, Louisiana, passed away with a smile on her face as she greeted her Lord and Savior to take her home on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Born in Pasadena, Texas on September 15, 1958 (though momma will swear it’s on the 21st – long story) Debbie was a young, feisty, and sassy 64-year-old who was the daughter of the late Martha and Kenneth Ivy; and left behind two siblings, Brenda Rushing, husband Michael Rushing; and Jimmy Ivy, wife Janis Ivy; two daughters, Leah and Leslie Johnson; and only grandson, the pride and joy (her favorite, though Leah will try to argue it), Joseph “Kyle” Guillory. She was also an aunt to Colby and Jenna Rushing, Tabitha and Johnny King, James and Kelsey Ivy, and Elise Ivy. Debbie also had a great-nephew and several great-nieces: Chance, Summer, Bailee, Jadyn, and Jessica (“Jessi”).
Debbie graduated from Martin High School where she was both a cheerleader and basketball player. She always told her girls that she hated school, but ironically enough, became an elementary school teacher. For approximately 25 years, Debbie taught at Mauriceville Elementary and Middle School as a PE teacher who made her students exercise by dancing to line dances such as the electric slide, the macarena, and the tootsie roll; but was also the middle school volleyball and basketball coach. The relationships that she built with her colleagues, students, and parents of students created forever friendships and memories. Then she moved to Beaumont ISD where she would retire from Jones Clark Elementary School with well over 30 years of educational experience.
Of course, her journey to be completely retired did not last long as she found herself coming out of retirement in order to work at Riverdale Academy as the Kindergarten teacher out in the “little red schoolhouse.” Her short three-and-a-half years teaching at Riverdale Academy created even more life-long friendships and bonds, so much so that they became family. She cherished the community, the one in which she grew up, and loved the fact that her grandson attended the same school in which she taught.
Anyone who met her would easily tell you that she had a smile that would brighten a room and warm one’s soul. Not only was that smile the first thing people commented on, but she also had such a loving, and tender spirit. There was never a time when Debbie would not reach out for a hug, wave excitedly across a room/field/gym, nor not talk with you about anything you wanted. She was a phenomenal listener and could be caught most times talking on the phone or sharing a cup of coffee with family and friends.
Besides her love for traveling to watch Kyle and the Rebels/Lady Rebels ballgames, you could usually find her chasing the dogs (unruly animals, so Leslie would say) out in the front pasture because they had zero recall, working in her yard trying to find more places to put flowers and plants even though there were already plenty, watching TV shows that her girls watched so she could have those special moments with each of them, or playing card games with her family that became sometimes vicious (Kyle may or may not have lost his life on one or more occasions). The one bond that she cherished more than anything was that with her grandson, Kyle. One could find “Mimi” spending time getting the school gossip or sharing secrets with Kyle and them holding a full conversation by stealing glances across the dinner table or living room.
Ultimately, these memories are ones that the family cherishes, but the truly inspirational piece to Debbie’s story was that with her battle against not just one, but two cancers; Ovarian and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The past five years of her life were filled with so many storms, but to watch her fight, her will to stay positive even in the darkness, is one that touched many lives, young and old. The additional friends who became family, the community rallying together for the fight, and the community support provided to her girls and grandson, was one that she cherished deeply. That drive and will also resonated in her faith and belief that all things were in God’s hands. She never wanted this to be the thing that beat her, but in the end, Debbie, as a final act of defiance, made it home to be surrounded by loved ones as family and friends visited to share their stories with her and her daughters.
A celebration of life/memorial service will be forthcoming and posted on Leah’s social media pages.
Mrs. Mary E. Cook Hays, affectionately known by many as “Mrs. Wayne,” age 79, died on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at home in Shreveport, LA. She was lovingly surrounded by her closest family and friends as she peacefully passed from this life into the arms of her Heavenly Father for her promised eternity.
Mrs. Hays was born in Marianna, FL. At the age of 16, she met, and then married, the love of her life in Brewton, AL on August 25, 1960. Together, they solidified their Earthly walk with the Lord by being jointly saved in 1966 at a small Baptist church in Summit, MS. In 1969, after moving to Coushatta, LA, Mrs. Mary and Mr. Wayne Hays decided to make their residence permanent and opened their successful and well-known business, “Wayne’s Welding Service,” located on historic Front Street, where they were proud to provide services to the citizens of Coushatta and surrounding areas for more than 30 years. Over the last 20 years, she has been a faithful member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, located in Hickory Grove, LA, where she has served as special song leader, a Sunday school teacher, and assumed any other role she has been asked or called to fill as a faithful servant and Child of God. Albeit a gifted woman, a selfish one she was not, openly sharing both her gifts in the kitchen and behind a microphone with anyone who graced the threshold of her church or home. She ministered vocally across the region where she sang solely with the desire to glorify God and in doing so, inevitably shared her musical talents for the joy of everyone at local area churches, revivals, weddings, nursing homes, funerals, and business openings, just to name a few. In addition to her service through Christ in church, Mrs. Mary found ways to give back to her community by also serving as the Commissioner in Charge of voting ward 5, precinct 2 for over a decade to facilitate many successful elections across Red River Parish.
Mrs. Mary was a truly wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was honest and loyal to a fault. She will be remembered as a true ray of light and beacon of hope. Her faith was unwavering, and her inner beauty radiated through the sparkle in her blue eyes when she smiled. It is no doubt that she fulfilled her true calling and anointing on Earth serving as a caregiver, in all capacities, to not only her husband and 4 children, but also through the special relationship she cultivated with her father-in-law and brother-in-law, both of whom she happily cared for through the end of their life while running a bustling home. She loved her Lord, church, and family unconditionally.
Family welcoming Mary healed and pain-free, into the arms of her Lord and Savior include: Francis Virginia Keith, mother; James Franklin Cook, father; Doris Rose Cook, stepmother; John Wayne Hays, Jr., son; Kenneth Wayne Sewell, “bonus son”-in-law; William Percy Hays, father-in-law; Pinkie Jackson Craven Hays, mother-in-law; Carl Cook, brother; W.H. Hays, brother-in-law; and Angel Rose Maddox, sister.
Those left to honor and cherish her beautiful memory include: John Wayne Hays, Sr., her loving husband of 62 years; Jo Ann Wheeler, daughter and “bonus son”-in-law, Darrell; Ronda Kay Webb, daughter and “bonus son”-in-law, Nolan; Susan Marie Sewell, daughter; Dawn Odom, “bonus daughter”-in-law; as well as numerous grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, other relatives, and many friends.
Pallbearers will be Nolan Webb, Darrell Wheeler, Nolan Jared Webb, Chesley Gibbons, Jeffrey Garbert, Dugen Hays, and Tony Monroig. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons.
Visitation was held Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta, LA. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 2, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Coushatta, LA with Pastor Mike Fort officiating. Burial will follow funeral services at Hand Cemetery in Coushatta, LA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to honor Mrs. Mary be made to the “John Wayne Hays, Jr. Bible Fund, Hickory Grove Baptist Church” and mailed to 1911 Sigler Street Coushatta, LA 71019.
Rose Neath Funeral Home is in charge of all funeral arrangements.
Carl Wayne Breedlove
November 26, 1950 – April 15, 2023
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel.
Nina Faye Giddings
May 3, 1933 — June 1, 2023
A private graveside service will be held Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Thomas Wren Cemetery.
Deborah Anne Johnson
September 15, 1958 — May 28, 2023
A celebration of life/memorial service will be forthcoming.
Mary Cook Hays
Died May 27, 2023
Services will be held Friday, June 2, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Coushatta, LA.
Alonzo “Lon” Corley Lovett
December 20, 1962 – May 29, 2023
Graveside services will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Springville Cemetery.
The Red River Parish Journal publishes “Remembrances” – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $70. The obituary will be included in the emails sent to subscribers. Contact your funeral provider or RedRiverParishJournal@gmail.com. Must be paid in advance of publication.
Red River High is proudly pointing out that Bulldog Baseball Players are getting recognized.
Several have turned up on all-star lists recently. Among them are Pitcher Tyler Hughes, Pitcher and Outfielder John Dickey, and Designated Hitter and Outfielder Chris Carper.
The High School also congratulated Bulldog Softball player Bryan Danzy. Danzy made the Shreveport Times all area softball second team as a Catcher and Outfielder.
Martin Village has a new book out at the walking track. Go check it out. Thanks to Morgan Moseley, Ben Moseley and Judy Cannon for putting the book out for RRP 4-H.
Mrs. Mary E. Cook Hays, affectionately known by many as “Mrs. Wayne,” age 79, died on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at home in Shreveport, LA. She was lovingly surrounded by her closest family and friends as she peacefully passed from this life into the arms of her Heavenly Father for her promised eternity.
Mrs. Hays was born in Marianna, FL. At the age of 16, she met, and then married, the love of her life in Brewton, AL on August 25, 1960. Together, they solidified their Earthly walk with the Lord by being jointly saved in 1966 at a small Baptist church in Summit, MS. In 1969, after moving to Coushatta, LA, Mrs. Mary and Mr. Wayne Hays decided to make their residence permanent and opened their successful and well-known business, “Wayne’s Welding Service,” located on historic Front Street, where they were proud to provide services to the citizens of Coushatta and surrounding areas for more than 30 years. Over the last 20 years, she has been a faithful member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church, located in Hickory Grove, LA, where she has served as special song leader, a Sunday school teacher, and assumed any other role she has been asked or called to fill as a faithful servant and Child of God. Albeit a gifted woman, a selfish one she was not, openly sharing both her gifts in the kitchen and behind a microphone with anyone who graced the threshold of her church or home. She ministered vocally across the region where she sang solely with the desire to glorify God and in doing so, inevitably shared her musical talents for the joy of everyone at local area churches, revivals, weddings, nursing homes, funerals, and business openings, just to name a few. In addition to her service through Christ in church, Mrs. Mary found ways to give back to her community by also serving as the Commissioner in Charge of voting ward 5, precinct 2 for over a decade to facilitate many successful elections across Red River Parish.
Mrs. Mary was a truly wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was honest and loyal to a fault. She will be remembered as a true ray of light and beacon of hope. Her faith was unwavering, and her inner beauty radiated through the sparkle in her blue eyes when she smiled. It is no doubt that she fulfilled her true calling and anointing on Earth serving as a caregiver, in all capacities, to not only her husband and 4 children, but also through the special relationship she cultivated with her father-in-law and brother-in-law, both of whom she happily cared for through the end of their life while running a bustling home. She loved her Lord, church, and family unconditionally.
Family welcoming Mary healed and pain-free, into the arms of her Lord and Savior include: Francis Virginia Keith, mother; James Franklin Cook, father; Doris Rose Cook, stepmother; John Wayne Hays, Jr., son; Kenneth Wayne Sewell, “bonus son”-in-law; William Percy Hays, father-in-law; Pinkie Jackson Craven Hays, mother-in-law; Carl Cook, brother; W.H. Hays, brother-in-law; and Angel Rose Maddox, sister.
Those left to honor and cherish her beautiful memory include: John Wayne Hays, Sr., her loving husband of 62 years; Jo Ann Wheeler, daughter and “bonus son”-in-law, Darrell; Ronda Kay Webb, daughter and “bonus son”-in-law, Nolan; Susan Marie Sewell, daughter; Dawn Odom, “bonus daughter”-in-law; as well as numerous grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, other relatives, and many friends.
Pallbearers will be Nolan Webb, Darrell Wheeler, Nolan Jared Webb, Chesley Gibbons, Jeffrey Garbert, Dugen Hays, and Tony Monroig. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons.
Visitation will be held Thursday, June 1, 2023, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Coushatta, LA. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 2, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Coushatta, LA with Pastor Mike Fort officiating. Burial will follow funeral services at Hand Cemetery in Coushatta, LA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations to honor Mrs. Mary be made to the “John Wayne Hays, Jr. Bible Fund, Hickory Grove Baptist Church” and mailed to 1911 Sigler Street Coushatta, LA 71019.
Rose Neath Funeral Home is in charge of all funeral arrangements.
Known to most everyone as “Mimi,” “Aunt Deb,” or “Mrs. Debbie;” Deborah Anne Johnson, in her home in Martin, Louisiana, passed away with a smile on her face as she greeted her Lord and Savior to take her home on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Born in Pasadena, Texas on September 15, 1958 (though momma will swear it’s on the 21st – long story) Debbie was a young, feisty, and sassy 64-year-old who was the daughter of the late Martha and Kenneth Ivy; and left behind two siblings, Brenda Rushing, husband Michael Rushing; and Jimmy Ivy, wife Janis Ivy; two daughters, Leah and Leslie Johnson; and only grandson, the pride and joy (her favorite, though Leah will try to argue it), Joseph “Kyle” Guillory. She was also an aunt to Colby and Jenna Rushing, Tabitha and Johnny King, James and Kelsey Ivy, and Elise Ivy. Debbie also had a great-nephew and several great-nieces: Chance, Summer, Bailee, Jadyn, and Jessica (“Jessi”).
Debbie graduated from Martin High School where she was both a cheerleader and basketball player. She always told her girls that she hated school, but ironically enough, became an elementary school teacher. For approximately 25 years, Debbie taught at Mauriceville Elementary and Middle School as a PE teacher who made her students exercise by dancing to line dances such as the electric slide, the macarena, and the tootsie roll; but was also the middle school volleyball and basketball coach. The relationships that she built with her colleagues, students, and parents of students created forever friendships and memories. Then she moved to Beaumont ISD where she would retire from Jones Clark Elementary School with well over 30 years of educational experience.
Of course, her journey to be completely retired did not last long as she found herself coming out of retirement in order to work at Riverdale Academy as the Kindergarten teacher out in the “little red schoolhouse.” Her short three-and-a-half years teaching at Riverdale Academy created even more life-long friendships and bonds, so much so that they became family. She cherished the community, the one in which she grew up, and loved the fact that her grandson attended the same school in which she taught.
Anyone who met her would easily tell you that she had a smile that would brighten a room and warm one’s soul. Not only was that smile the first thing people commented on, but she also had such a loving, and tender spirit. There was never a time when Debbie would not reach out for a hug, wave excitedly across a room/field/gym, nor not talk with you about anything you wanted. She was a phenomenal listener and could be caught most times talking on the phone or sharing a cup of coffee with family and friends.
Besides her love for traveling to watch Kyle and the Rebels/Lady Rebels ballgames, you could usually find her chasing the dogs (unruly animals, so Leslie would say) out in the front pasture because they had zero recall, working in her yard trying to find more places to put flowers and plants even though there were already plenty, watching TV shows that her girls watched so she could have those special moments with each of them, or playing card games with her family that became sometimes vicious (Kyle may or may not have lost his life on one or more occasions). The one bond that she cherished more than anything was that with her grandson, Kyle. One could find “Mimi” spending time getting the school gossip or sharing secrets with Kyle and them holding a full conversation by stealing glances across the dinner table or living room.
Ultimately, these memories are ones that the family cherishes, but the truly inspirational piece to Debbie’s story was that with her battle against not just one, but two cancers; Ovarian and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The past five years of her life were filled with so many storms, but to watch her fight, her will to stay positive even in the darkness, is one that touched many lives, young and old. The additional friends who became family, the community rallying together for the fight, and the community support provided to her girls and grandson, was one that she cherished deeply. That drive and will also resonated in her faith and belief that all things were in God’s hands. She never wanted this to be the thing that beat her, but in the end, Debbie, as a final act of defiance, made it home to be surrounded by loved ones as family and friends visited to share their stories with her and her daughters.
A celebration of life/memorial service will be forthcoming and posted on Leah’s social media pages.
The Village of Martin announced their newly appointed Alderman, Kevin Robinette. Kevin will finish the term of an alderman who moved out of state.
Robinette was sworn in Tuesday, May 30th by Red River Parish Clerk of Court Stuart Shaw.
The village posted, “We know he will be a great asset to the Village.”
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury Office of Community Services is announcing the availability of funds dedicated to assist eligible low-income households in Red River Parish. This call is for non-crisis assistance. Please call 318-872-0880 or 1-800-872-0889 on June 7, 2023. Our office will be accepting calls at 8:00 A.M. No calls will be accepted before 8:00 A.M. You will receive an appointment letter in the mail with detailed information in reference to your LIHEAP appointment. Funding is limited and appointments are first come first serve.
To schedule an appointment, you may call: 318-872-0880 or 1-800-872-0889.
Crisis funding is available for Red River Parish residents. Residents with a disconnect notice (Crisis) should call 318-872-0880 or 1-800-872-0889 while funding is available to schedule a crisis appointment.
An eligible household is one whose total income is at or below the levels listed in the table below.
By Molly Seales
On May 15-19, residents and employees of Green Meadow Haven celebrated National Nursing Home Week with fun themed days and activities. Monday’s dress theme was spring attire. Residents were treated to vanilla wafers and lemonade under the pavilion, where they got to also enjoy the beautiful sunny weather. Tuesday’s dress theme was decade’s day. Treats for the day were throw-back refreshments-Dunk-A-Roo cookies and Hi C drink boxes. Everyone also enjoyed regular Tuesday afternoon bingo.
Wednesday was pajama day, and the residents were treated to freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. They also had their usual Wednesday noon church service with Bro. Olan McLaren from Davis Springs Southern Methodist Church and Caleb Willis from Fairview Baptist Church. Thursday was wacky and tacky day. This seemed to be the resident’s favorite day! They enjoyed an afternoon of “The Price is Right.” Unlike real tv, “hostesses” Katie, Destiny, and Mary Tom made sure everyone was a winner!
The week concluded with Patriotic Day on Friday. The employees and residents enjoyed boiled crawfish, but another treat was in store for them after lunch. Pey-Pey’s Ice Cream Truck came by, and everyone was treated to an ice-cream snack. Thanks to Wesley Chapel Church for making this happen. The day ended with Mrs. Sharon Adkins’s usual Friday afternoon Bible study.
The activities department would like to say a big thank you to everyone who participated and made it a fabulous week for the residents.
Photo credit Mary Cowser
By Teddy Allen
Two of the past three weeks, we’ve traded love notes about one of the Major Food Groups.
Been a good run, our time with cereal.
And it doesn’t have to end — not in real life. Not as long as the amber waves of grain are a thing.
But it does have to end here. Time to move on to other Foods, other Friends, other Things.
As an exclamation point, we’ll do something I used to do semi-regularly but we haven’t done yet in the SBJ. Today, a few of you take the wheel and share some Very Personal Stories. Had to leave out so many, including a favorite from a friend who loves cereal so much, he uses many of his favorites in his various passwords. Thank you to all who took the time to bear their Cereal Souls.
From Donnie Golfgame: There was a time in my life I was torn between Quisp, which I’m proud you mentioned, and Quake – which was like a sister cereal to Quisp, although instead of a sister there was a picture on the box of a miner with a light on his hardhat. As George Herbert Walker Bush would say, Quisp was a “kinder, gentler” form of Cap’n Crunch, which we all know is like having a mouthful of thumbtacks in your mouth. Quake, however, was Cap’n Crunch’s evil uncle as far as texture. Eat a bowl of Quake and you weren’t eating — couldn’t eat — anything else that day. Gum carnage.
I noticed when my kids were little that Sugar Crisp had suddenly become Honey Crisp and then later on it was just Crisp on the box. Same thing with Sugar Pops, which became Corn Pops and I think today it might just be Pops. Sugar has gotten a bad rap.
My Top 10, starting at the top:
From Duke of Don: There’s nothing more numerous than different people’s sense of humorous, right? I sent your Cereal Piece to a nephew in England. He responded, “Sadly nearly every cereal mentioned is not known to me; here we have our own which are the same as yours only under a different name. My breakfasts are not usually cereal-based but are instead …
1: Muesli (our own make barley flakes, rolled oats, porridge oats, oat bran, every kind of nut crushed up, mixed seeds, and raw cacao pieces plus milk); keeps you going through the day.
2: Croissants with lashings of extra butter, (Sundays only).
3: Porridge
4: Bacon Sandwich
5: Cold meats and cheese when in Europe
6: Crumpets
7: Toast
8: Lashings of coffee
9: Weetabix with warm milk but not very often
10: Corn flakes but only with a gun pointed at my head
From JayVee, Team Captain: First, a resounding NO to Trix, or any cereal with colors, and also to Grape Nuts (who in the world thinks this is really human food?! And why ruin the good name “Grape” by associating it with this product?)
3 and 4. Cheerios and Honey Nut Cheerios (tie game)
From The Skynman: My go-to is Honey Nut Cheerios. I have ditched the rest. I can do both ways. With milk or without. A handful of HNC for a quick snack is a pick-me-up. And on long trips there is a box in the seat next to me to munch on while I drive and listen to my book on tape.
From Train: If a team of cereal played ball, here’s my batting order:
Naturally, a bowl would coach first, a spoon third, and milk would be the manager.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
The River Parish School Board is accepting applications for the following position:
Reading Specialist/Interventionist (salary starting at 60K including supplements)
Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 effective years of experience as a certified ELA teacher. Teaching experience in 6-12 grade level. Proven results when working with struggling readers. Strong knowledge of how children learn to read. Knowledge and experience working with high-quality reading curriculum.
Certified in the following areas:
Secondary Grades 6-12
Reading Specialist 1-12
Louisiana Trained Mentor Teacher
Submit applications at the Red River Parish School Board and at http://www.rrbulldogs.com under “Employment”. Deadline for submission is June 2, 2023.
For more information, you may contact Nicole Eason by email neason@rrbulldogs.com or 318-271-3150.
Nicole M. Eason
Red River Parish School Board
Human Resources Department
Our 2023 Summer Staffers began arriving this week to start Staffer Training at Clara Springs Baptist Camp. The camp asked, “Pray for our Summer Ministry Team as we serve the Lord.”
The annual staff support program is beginning. Would you consider adopting a staffer? This is a special program at Clara Springs to help encourage the team during the long summer through prayer and little gifts/cards of encouragement you send.
You can click this link to sign up: clarasprings.wufoo.com/forms/summer-staff-adoption/
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