Amy JoAnn King
August 28, 1963 – July 27, 2023
Amy JoAnn King, age 59 of Chatham, made her way to her Heavenly home on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Amy was a jokester that loved to laugh and make others laugh. She was a homebody that enjoyed spending time with her beloved fur-baby, Cookie. She loved the Lord and her family with all of her heart; especially her grandchildren. She absolutely adored her grandchildren and dotted her love on them every chance she got.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Justin Dickens and wife Natalie, Kiley Wages and husband Tony; grandchildren, Chelsey Dickens, Kaitlyn Dickens, Jonathan Dickens, Mandi Dickens, Konner Jumper, Abagail Wages, Emileigh Wages; great granddaughter, Audrey Mae; nephew, Mark Hammers; niece, Sarah Hiatt; best friend, Marcy Hammers; friends, Judy Frank, Rachel Anderson, Sharron Truelove, Angela McLain; cousins, Faye Hall, Susan Christian, Jan Breedlove, Ron Hall; fur-baby, Cookie; a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her granddaughters, Natalie Jumper, Gracy Dickens; parents, Joe and Beverly Ann (Osborne) King.
Her family plans to have a private family celebration at a later date.
Gary Kotchka
May 11, 1938 – July 21, 2023
(William) Gary Kotchka, 85, of Jonesboro, Louisiana passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, July 21, 2023. Gary was born on May 11, 1938 in Steubenville, Ohio to Norman and Alyce Kotchka. He grew up in Monaca, a small town in Western Pennsylvania along the Ohio River. After high school, Gary joined the Air Force and served several years. His service was cut short when a pre-existing heart condition was discovered during a physical. Through high school and his Air Force service, Gary distinguished himself on the baseball field and his passion for the sport led him to later become a Little League coach in Jonesboro. Gary was also an avid cyclist and fisherman and loved being in the woods and finding new fishing holes. He certainly fit in well in the “Sportsmen’s Paradise” of his adopted state.
Upon arriving in Jonesboro, Gary started working for the paper mill in Hodge, LA and retired from the mill in 2001, after 38 years. In 1964, Gary married Jonesboro native, Patricia Hanna, and together they adopted Brian in 1974. Brian brought joy to their lives for 23 years until his untimely passing from cancer in 1997. Gary loved to travel and learn about new places and thought nothing of hopping in the car for a drive up to Maine to visit with family. He took Brian on a multi-state trip to visit Washington DC, West Point and the Naval Academy that created memories for a lifetime.
Gary is survived by his brother, Darrell Kotchka of Zelienople, PA; sister-in-law, Nancy Kotchka of Phoenix, Arizona; numerous nieces and nephews; dearest friend, Sarah Lolley; loyal canine friend, Scout; and two daughters from a previous marriage, Pamela Umthum and Angela Sams, both of Iowa.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Hanna Kotchka; his parents, Norman and Alyce Kotchka; infant son, Jon Patrick; infant daughter, Anne Marie; son, Brian Kotchka; brother David Kotchka; and sister, Rita Adania.
Friends and family are invited to a memorial service for Gary to be held on Saturday, August12 at the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro. The time will be announced at a later date. Donations in memory of Gary Kotchka can be made to the Jackson Parish Recreation District, P.O. Box 315, Jonesboro, LA 71251.
Veronica Gail Eddines Ceaser
March 8, 1962 – July 13, 2023
Ms. Veronica, Gail Eddines Caesar, age 61, passed away on July 13, 2023. She was born March 8, 1962 to Susie Boatner(Graves) and Frank Eddines.
Gail was preceded in death by Her mother and father, her brother Cedric Graves and her Husband Michael Ceasar.
She leaves to mourn her passing 3 sisters Shelia( CT), Sandra(Bruce) both of Stockton Ca. And Cathey of Ruston La. 3 brothers Don, Michael and Lynn all of Yakima , Wa. And a multitude of other family and friends.
A graveside service was held on Friday, July 28th, at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Clay, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.
Donna Jean Sumner
June 2, 1942 – July 22, 2023
Donna Jean Sumner of Jonesboro, Louisiana passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2023 in West Monroe, Louisiana. She was 81 years old. Donna loved to fish and enjoyed reading in her spare time. She loved caring for animals and was affiliated with the Humane Society.
Donna is survived by her husband, Harvey Sumner; sons, Mark Madsen, Paul Madsen and wife, Janna, Mark Sumner and wife, Jessie; 2 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Elinore (Ryman) McGinn; and sister, Gerry Lynn Unrugh.
As per Donna’s wishes, she will be cremated and a private memorial service will be held.