Search Archived Marriage Records
Carolyn Johnson
Carolyn Harper Johnson passed away on Tuesday, August 30, surrounded by family and loved ones. Carolyn faced cancer with the same grace and dignity that she exhibited in every-day life and she was a beautiful example of faith and courage.
Carolyn Gail Harper came into the world on September 14, 1938, as the first born of Merle and Jewel (West) Harper and led the life of a much-loved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend in DeRidder, Louisiana.
After graduating from DeRidder High School in 1956, Carolyn headed to Baylor University in Waco, Texas, as the recipient of a music scholarship. Her daughters and granddaughters have always loved the story of the family’s trip to New York City on the train to purchase her college wardrobe at Macy’s.
No doubt, the wardrobe was sharp because at Baylor, Carolyn caught the eye of a tall, baseball-playing, chapel-skipping, good-looking Texan by the name of Gerald Johnson. His first attempt at contact was to ask whether she had “webbed feet,” since she was from Louisiana and, for some reason, she still agreed to go out with him. They married
on January 30, 1960, at the DeRidder First Baptist Church with Rev. Emory Wallace presiding.
Gerald’s time in the Army Chemical Corp. found them at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Aberdeen, MD; Carolyn taught school and daughter, Lydia was born in 1961. By 1963, they were back in DeRidder, where Carolyn started her career as a beloved elementary and kindergarten teacher. Son, Gerald III (Tracy), was born in 1963; daughter, Emily, Came along in 1974 and The Johnson Family was complete! Until 1998, Carolyn owned and operated Harper’s Dress Shop and provided style and class to the area’s fashion conscious. Gerald was elected mayor in 1986 and during his 5 terms, she served DeRidder as an elegant and hard-working “first lady.”
Weddings, births, graduations, funerals – time flew into 56 years of marriage, 8 grandkids and a big, noisy, extended family.
Carolyn was a faithful life member of First Baptist Church. She lent her alto and piano skills to the choir and loved the various Sunday School classes that she either taught or attended. Carolyn not only read her Bible daily, but she studied it and knew what it means to “walk one’s faith.”
Carolyn is survived by the love of her life and husband of 56 years, Gerald Johnson. This marriage was rock-solid, based on love and respect and an example of a true partnership to their children. These children are Lydia Johnson Chong and, husband, Danny (Carly, Gracie and Anna); Tracy Johnson (Tobin, Abby and Maddy); Emily Johnson Bauserman and, husband, Adam (Will and Harper). Other survivors are, sister, Sue Harper Chappell and, husband, Bill; niece, Cara Chappell and nephews Jon Cushman, Collin Cushman and West Chappell.
Carolyn was proceeded in death by her parents, Merle and Jewel Harper, and her sister, Sharon Harper Cushman.
Visitation will be Friday, September 2, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Myers-Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Saturday, September 3, 11:00 AM, First Baptist Church in DeRidder with internment to follow at Beauregard Memorial cemetery.
There are so very many thank yous to express– to treasured friends and beloved family; to the staff at BMH; to the area churches, their congregations and to the kind and compassionate people of DeRidder, Louisiana. The food, cards and letters, then more food and prayers and support have been amazing, but even more, the outpouring of pure and genuine love toward the entire family has been humbling and uplifting.
Psalm 121:1-2 – I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall come my help? My help comes from The Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Katherine Diane Evans-Smith
It is with great sadness that the Evans family announces the recent passing of their much beloved sister, Katherine Diane Evans-Smith, on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, following a lengthy battle with endometrial cancer. Our beloved Katherine was 61 years of age at the time of her passing.
She was predeceased in life by her devoted parents, Mitchel Mark Evans, Esq. and Wanda Evans, nee Herrington; her devoted grandparents, Vincent Charles Garofolo and Crecie Angeline Garofolo, nee Keel; and, is survived by her husband, the Rev. Don Smith of McDaniels, Ky.; her siblings, Charles Wayne Evans of Florence, Miss., Pamela Renee Evans of Baton Rouge, La., Mitchel Mark Evans II of DeRidder, La., Michael von Evans of Baton Rouge, La., Lisa Ann Hester, nee Evans of DeRidder, La., and Kristie LeNell Tracy, nee Evans of St. Martinsville, Ind.; two maternal aunts, Linda Lee Bull, nee Herrington of Pitkin, La., and Glenda Nell Nunziante, nee Herrington of Lafayette, La.; one paternal aunt, Eleanor Zahumensky, nee Blanciak of Vandergrift, Pa.; 35 first cousins and seven wonderful nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements will be under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home of DeRidder, with viewing to be held on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016, from 5-8 p.m. Thereafter, a memorial service will be conducted that on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, at 11 a.m. also at Myers Colonial Funeral Home of DeRidder, with a family social gathering and meal following the service at Abundant Life Church of DeRidder.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that charitable donations be made to the American Cancer Society, or the Presiding Bishop’s Fund, or their charity of choice.
MYERS-COLONIAL LOGO
Yvonne Pedersen
Yvonne Pedersen, 84, of Dry Creek, LA passed from this life on Sunday, August 28, 2016 in Sugarland, TX. Yvonne was born November 23, 1931 in El Dorado, Arkansas. She graduated from Dry Creek High School in 1949. She then went on to graduate from nursing school in New Orleans and worked as a Registered Nurse in Lake Charles and Kinder, then worked as a school nurse in Beauregard Parish. She was a member of Dry Creek Baptist Church.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Keith Prudhomme and wife Jan of Lake Charles; Greg Prudhomme and wife Lorraine of DeRidder; and Jeff Prudhomme and wife Darla of Missouri City, TX; step-children, Brandt Pedersen and wife Jane, Mike Pedersen and wife Tammy all of Lake Charles, Mark Pedersen and wife Cindy of Bell City; Chris Pedersen and wife Astrid of Lake Charles, and Tammy Granger and husband Damon of Holmwood; 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 14 step-grandchildren, and numerous step-great grandchildren; brother, Wayne Hiter and wife Jo of Baton Rouge. She was preceded in death by her husband, Erik Pedersen, son, Jonathan Prudhomme, and parents, Otis and Rose Hiter.
Visitation will be held from 4 pm to 8 pm, Wednesday, August 31 and the funeral will be 10 am, Thursday, September 1, all at Dry Creek Baptist Church in Dry Creek, LA. Rev. Charlie Bailey and Curt Iles will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakland cemetery in Dry Creek.
Earrol Lewis
Earrol LaMont Lewis, born May 29, 1967 to Scherry L. Lewis in DeRidder, Louisiana, passed away on August 15, 2016 in Kentwood, Louisiana.
Mr. Lewis is preceded in death by his mother – Scherry L. Lewis, grandparents - Purvis & Sweetie Bell Lewis, and aunt – Kathy B. Gilpin.
He is survived by his brother – Marcus T. O’Neal, son – Dontae Bowman, daughter – Donisha S. Bowman, son – Jawhan Lewis, aunt – Brenda J. Bell and husband, uncle – Purvis L. Lewis, Sr. and wife, uncle – Patrick J. Gilpin, Sr., common-law wife – Nadia Jackson, and a host of other family, relatives and friends.
Earrol graduated from DeRidder High School (DHS) in 1985. He attended Grambling University, and ultimately pursued a professional career in music (CISE DIGGA).
JESSICA GOINS ALLEN
Jessica Goins Allen, 33 of DeQuincy, LA, passed from this life on Friday, August 19, 2016. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at 2:00 PM at Good Hope Baptist Church in Singer, LA. Burial will follow at Good Hope cemetery in Singer, LA.
Survivors include her husband, Josh Allen of DeQuincy; Son, Kody Wayne Goins of DeQuincy; Adopted Son, Kaleb Benoit of DeQuincy; 4 Brothers, Tony Wayne Ray of Sulphur; Glen Ray & Rebecca of Merryville; Dale Wesley Baldridge & Leslie of Lafaytte and Tom Baldridge of Winnie, Texas and one sister, Angela Baldridge of Phoenix, Az.
DOROTHY P. MORRISON
Dorothy P. Morrison, 93 of Merryville, LA, passed from this life on Saturday, August 20, 2016. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at
10:00 A.M. at Calvary Baptist Church in Merryville, LA. Burial will follow at Cannon cemetery in Merryville, LA.
Survivors include, 2 sons, Charles Morrison, Jr & Sandy of Merryville and Kerry Stanley Morrison and Octavia of Merryville; daughter, Truthie Ann Mitchell of Merryville. She is also survived by tow Sisters -in-law, Sylvie Powers and Lola Mae Morrison both of Merryville; eleven grandchildren; twelve great granchildren; two great great granchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family & friends.
Barnette Willis
arnette Willis, 70, of Leesville, LA, passed from this life on Monday, August 15, 2016.
Mr. Willis was a retired truck driver, serving many years in the logging industry, working for Richard Cornwell logging and then for Bennett Timber. Mr. Willis was also a farmer. He served as a Deacon for Providence Baptist Church for a number of years.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Velda J. Willis ; sons, James Willis and his wife Christy of Leesville, La., Donald Willis of Rosepine, La., Joseph Willis and wife Monica of DeRidder, La.; brother, Alex Willis and wife Linda of DeRidder, La.; sisters, JoAnn Deville of Hackberry, La., Joyce Bailey of DeRidder, La.; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews as well as many friends.
Mr. Willis was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Artie Willis, and nine brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 10:00AM-9:00PM at Providence Baptist Church in Leesville, LA. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 19, 2016 at 2:00PM also at Providence Baptist Church.
Castoria T. Bolden
Castoria T. Bolden, 71, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Friday, August 12, 2016 in Lake Charles, LA.
At an early age, Castoria was baptized at Starlight Baptist Church in Coushatta, LA.
Those left to cherish her memory are: sons, Jessie Dale Bolden of DeRidder, LA, Joseph Lee Bolden & wife Monica of DeRidder, LA, Billy Ray Bolden & wife Dianna of DeRidder, LA; brother:, Willie Tate & wife Florence of Houston, TX, Elgia Tate & wife Cheryl of Coushatta, LA, Bobby Stiggs & wife Catherine of Houston, TX; sisters, Jessie Lee Smith of Coushatta, LA, Laurice Tate of Coushatta, LA, Elvenia French of Coushatta, LA, Jennie Jackson & husband James of Houston, TX, Pearlie Tiggs of Arlington, TX; 7 grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.
Mrs. Bolden was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Bolden; daughter, Gloria Bolden; grandchildren, Danny, Iesha, & Joe Jr. Bolden.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2016 from 9:00-11:00 am at Sunrise Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 20, 2016 at 11:00 am at Sunrise Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA. Pastor Alvin Peters, Sr. will officiate. Burial will follow at Beauregard cemetery in DeRidder, LA.
Timothy Dean Stracner
Timothy Dean Stracner, 56, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Friday, August 12, 2016 in DeRidder, LA. Those left to cherish his memory: son, Timothy Paul Stracner & wife Sarah of Bremerton, WA; daughters, Jessica Anne Deskins & husband Jared of Tallahassee, FL, Sarah Grey-Diane LeDoux & husband David of Murfreesboro, TN; five grandchildren, Chandler Paul Stracner, Coen Jaxson Jett, Silas Beaux Stracner, Lorelai Grey LeDoux, Roland Arthur LeDoux; parents, Ira Wencel & Norma Jean Stracner of DeRidder, LA; brothers, Steven Stracner & wife Becky of DeRidder, LA, Patrick Stracner of West Monroe, LA; nieces and nephews, Erin Moore, Steven Stracner, Jr., Daniel Stracner, Emilee Stracner, and Nicole Stracner. Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 14, 2016 from 6:00-7:00PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Funeral Services will be held Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 7:00PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.
