Vinal James Stewart
February 5, 1947 – Augurst 22, 2021
Vinal James ‘Jimmy’ Stewart was born February 5, 1947, in Jonesboro, Louisiana. He was raised in Jonesboro by his grandparents, Vinal and Virginia Stewart and his aunt and uncle, Norma and James Gleason, as a brother to their children, Tommy, Jimmy, and Karen. After graduating from Louisiana Tech University, he moved to Baton Rouge where he graduated from Louisiana State University School of Law. He resided in Baton Rouge until his death from COVID-19 on August 22, 2021, at the age of 74.
“Big Jim” not only practiced law, he was also an accomplished entrepreneur, starting many successful businesses, including Convent Marine and Southern Bulk Carriers. His passions were basketball, reading, and antique cars. He played basketball at Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Louisiana Tech University until a knee injury sidelined him. Later he played on the Ancient Athletes team and was always a serious fan of both college and NBA teams.
He was a prolific reader with interests ranging from science to history, his favorite. He was also quite the antique car buff, owning several through the years. He enjoyed hanging out with his buddies who all know him as his alter ego, “Odell Fern”, a brilliant, eccentric and witty character. However, his pride and joy were truly reserved for his daughters, Kristen Stewart and Katherine Stewart, and his granddaughter, Sage. His wit, brilliant mind, vast knowledge, and love will be missed. To honor Jimmy’s memory, donations can be made to Kelli’s Kloset, 3052 Du Soliel Ct. Baton Rouge, La 70810. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
John Wiseman Newman III
October 20, 1993 – October 26, 2021
John Wiseman Newman, III, age 28 of Jonesboro, died in his home’s fire on October 26, 2021. John was born in Monroe, Louisiana on October 20, 1993 to John H. and Renee R. Newman. John loved life and loved the Lord. He was adamant about his faith early in life and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro on November 7, 1999.
John loved the outdoors, hunting, and enhancing his marksmanship skills. During high school, he excelled in Louisiana’s 4-H Shooting Sports and Outdoor Skills program. He represented Team Louisiana on the National level for two years and was a 4-H State Ambassador. After graduating, he volunteered on the local, regional, and state levels as a range officer, safety and skills trainer, and mentor to the younger athletes. John had an intense pride in his niece and nephew. He spent a lot of time with Matthew, nurturing his interests and teaching him life skills from an early age. John enjoyed his cars and was extremely well-read. He particularly loved reading and researching military history.
John was homeschooled through his sophomore year. In his junior year of high school, John was honored with the Masonic Honesty and Integrity Award from the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. He completed his junior and senior years at Bethel Christian School in Ruston, earning several scholarships before graduating in May 2011. Only 17 at the time and unsure of a permanent career path, he attended Central Louisiana Technical College in Winnfield, graduating with honors as a Building Technology Specialist in May 2013.
Before he could even drive, he was already working with the Walker Community Water System, reading meters with his grandfather and mother. After getting his driver’s license, that route was his first paying job. John took the state’s water production/treatment/distribution classes as soon as he was able, and in November 2012, earned all three Class I Licenses, becoming an Operator Specialist for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.
In January 2013, John had already begun the testing and application phases with the United States Postal Service and was hired as a rural carrier, following in his mother’s footsteps. He worked in the Dodson and Ruston offices before securing his favorite, our local Jonesboro office. He walked to work his first day, “…because I can!” He loved the job and was good at it, open to working any position that needed help. In addition to his rural routes, he ran city routes, did custodial duties and vehicle and equipment maintenance. At last count, between home offices and offices he loaned out to, John knew approximately 40 routes. The Jonesboro routes were his favorite. He had a fantastic memory for names and addresses and took care of his people, often going back out after hours to help the needs of elderly customers.
John loved life, seemed to always have a pun for every occasion, and will be truly missed. He was predeceased by grandparents John W. Newman, Jr. and Roberta H. Newman. Those left behind grieving his loss are parents John H. and Renee R. Newman, sister Allison Newman, nephew Matthew Earl, niece Ivy Earl, grandparents Raymond and Vertna Roush, aunt Rebekah Newman, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and a host of friends.
A memorial sevice was held on Friday, October 29th at the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro.
Mary Eloise Roesemeier
February 06, 1921 – October 03, 2021
Mary Eloise Roesemeier, age 100, passed away on October 3, 2021 in Titusville, Florida after a lengthy illness following a fall. She was born in Dodson LA, the daughter of the late Wesley and Ione Johns of Jonesboro, and is survived by her sister Gloria Kelly, also of Jonesboro, her daughter Charlene Edwards of Titusville FL, 2 grandchildren Steven Edwards and Tamara Morgan, 4 great-grandchildren Christopher, Andrea, Taryn, and Jeremiah, 8 great-great-grandchildren Kaiya, Andrew Jr., Oliver, Araya, Muzzia, Manasseh, Miriam, Rebekah, several nieces and nephews, and was loved by many who knew her.
She was a member of the Jonesboro Hodge United Methodist Church and the Heritage Sewing Guild of Jonesboro for many years. In addition to her love of sewing and quilting, she was an avid gardener who loved her flowers.
Funeral services that were held at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, October 30, 2021 was officiated by Pastor Rex Shores. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations in memory of Mrs. Mary be made to the Louisiana School for the Blind in Ruston.
Marquita Shankle
December 27, 1951 – October 22, 2021
Ms. Marquita Shankle passed away Friday, October 22, 2021 at Northern Louisiana Medical Center after a brief illness. She was a Certified Nursing Assistant for forty-three plus years at Lincoln General / Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston.
Ms. Shankle is survived by her brother, Eddie Shankle and wife, Vickie of Georgia; first cousins, Jerry Shankles and wife Shirley, Don Shankles and wife Mary, Betty Wyatt, Anita Parsley, Johnny Shankles, Charlene Shankles, Elizabeth Shankles; Niece, Lauren Shankle; Nephew, Kyle Shankle and a host of other relatives and friends.
Preceding Ms. Shankle were her parents, Ellis Price Shankle and Willie Nell (Graham) Shankle.
Ms. Shankle loved her dogs and enjoyed caring for them. They returned her love as loyal companions. She enjoyed the company of her many friends and always spent her vacation time in Tylertown, Mississippi where she visited her loving family.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Jonesboro, Louisiana.
C. B. Brown, SR
December 09, 1930 – October 23, 2021
C.B. Brown Sr., son of Clarence and Ivy Mae Brown, born on December 9, 1930 in Sexton, Sabine County, Texas, succumbed to stroke complications on October 23, 2021 at Rapides Regional Hospital in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Brown attended school through the ninth grade all while learning the trade of carpentry from his father.. He continued to pursue this career, acquiring a crew of his own at a young age and later became known as a master carpenter. In 1951 he was drafted to serve in the United States Marines and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. He served a full active term, 1951-1953, for our country. He then met and married Alice Elaine Colley on June 10, 1955.They started their lives in Shreveport, LA then later relocated to Readhimer, LA. They were blessed with three children: Judy, Jan, and CB Jr.
CB loved to share stories of his passions in life; hunting, fishing, and family. CB could sit and tell you every detail from when he killed a deer, caught fish, or found an arrowhead in the woods. He also would remind us on how houses used to be built with square nails and how it made it difficult to get the nail out with the hammer if you messed up. So, you learned real quick to do things right the first time. He used his carpentry skills to make an unknown number of box stands and ladders climbing the highest oaks and pines in Louisiana. One tree in particular, he said that on a clear day you could see all the way to Jonesboro.
He continued working until he was in his seventies and then retired to do what he loved best-hunting, fishing, riding his four wheeler, building things, feeding the deer and fish, gardening, playing multiple musical instruments, visiting with friends, helping others, and spending time with his family- especially his great-grandchildren and grandchildren.
Wow, what an honor to have known such a strong, talented, and caring man who witnessed many changes in our history over the past ninety years. You will forever be missed and always cherished in our hearts.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 29th, at the Strange Methodist Church in Readhimer, La. with interment in the church cemetery following.
Ricky Glenn Springfield
November 03, 1965 – October 25, 2021
Mr. Ricky Springfield, age 55 of Weston, peacefully entered into his Heavenly rest on Monday, October 25, 2021. Ricky was a loving father, brother and a friend to many people. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and all of the outdoor activities. He will be missed by many.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Joshua Glen Springfield & Anita and Hunter Lee Springfield; brother, Richard Springfield & Stephanie; granddaughter on the way, Mary Jane Springfield; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; Special Friends, Chance Lemoine and Easton Dubois. Preceding him in death are his parents, Riley & Mary Alice Springfield; brother, Ronald Springfield.
Funeral services were held in the Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, October, 28th Thursday with Bro. James Oddo and Bro. Hudie Beaubouef officiating. Interment followed in the Old Bethel Cemetery near Jonesboro under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Honoring Ricky by serving as pallbearers were Clint Allen, Jason Springfield, Butch Springfield, Paul Leedy, Jody Edmiston and Jack Walsworth. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Potts, Moey Lemoine, Danny Potts, Charlie Brown, David Tilley and Richard Morris.
To report an issue or typo with this article – CLICK HERE
