Breunte JaWon Hicks
April 4, 1997 – October 7, 2023
On April 4, 1997, Breunte’ JaWon “Tè” Hicks was born to Jacqueline Blankenship and JaMarcus Roy. Growing up in Jonesboro, Louisiana, Breunte’ was reared in a God-fearing and close-knit family. His parents, Jacqueline and Terrance Blankenship, gave him a strong foundation of love, cherishing others, while teaching him to treat people the way he would want to be treated.
“Tè” as he was affectionately called by his schoolmates) proudly graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 2015. He continued his education at Delta Community College, where he earned his Technical Degree in Welding. Breunte’ put his skills to work as a Millwright at Jeld-Wen in Dodson, Louisiana.
Breunte’ was a remarkable young man known for his polite and kind demeanor, always graced with an infectious smile. His greatest joy was found in the company of family, friends, and classmates. He was an active member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church under the guidance of Pastor Bentley Williams, where he graciously contributed to the youth department.
When he wasn’t working, Breunte’ could be seen with his infectious smile enjoying his passions of hunting, fishing, and motorcycle riding. Breunte’ was also the proud and talented CEO of Bear Vizuals Photography and Videography.
While his earthy bows were taken on Saturday, October 7, 2023, we find comfort in his legacy and borrow from his smile.
Breunte’ was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph Roy, Ernestine Jenkins, Herman Jenkins, Dorothy Jones, Viola Leonard, Daffie Hicks, Gencie Leonard, and Author James Anderson, Sr.
Breunte’s joyous energy will continue to be cherished through his parents, Jacqueline and Terrance Blankenship; his dad, JaMarcus Roy; bonus mom, Keri Roy; his grandparents: Myra Clemons, John Hicks, Catherine and Charles Nicholson, Deborah Ewing, and great – grandmother Audrey Roy; his two sisters, JaShaun Roy and JaLynn Roy; and four brothers, Miles Wheeler, Michael Wheeler, Ethan Blake, JaDon Roy, and his godson Dredyn Gilbert.
He also left a special light shining in his six aunts, Tina Hicks, Lisa Hicks, Adrienne Conish, Heather Roy-Toney, Iyesshia Jenkins, and Amber Jenkins; special aunt, Kathie Witherspoon, uncles; Charles Jacoby Nicholson, and Author James Anderson, Jr., Perry Toney, Erroll Jenkins Jr.; five special cousins, JaLisa Hicks, TaFarrion Jones, DeMirrious Jones, Aubree Jackson, and Taylor Witherspoon. Breunte’ s life will continue to be celebrated through numerous relatives, classmates, and friends who cherished his presence.
Breunte’s life was a beautiful tapestry, intricately woven with love and cherished moments that will be forever etched in our hearts. As we say “see you later,” let us honor the life of Breunte’ and the impact he had on our lives. May his spirit continue to live on through the memories and infectious smile he shared with us all.
The Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, October 14th at North Hodge Assembly of God with interment following at Bethany Church Cemetery in Quitman under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.
Freddie Mac Pardue
December 9, 1935 – August 27, 2023
Freddie Mac Pardue, age 87, of San Augustine, Texas, passed away August 27, 2023, at his residence.
He was born December 9, 1935, in Jonesboro, LA, to parents Travis Booth Pardue and Helen Iva (McMurry) Pardue. Freddie spent his youth in Jonesboro and graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School where he excelled in sports and academics. He was Salutatorian and his classmates elected him president all four years. He was voted “Best All Around” and “Most Likely to Succeed.” He helped JHHS win a state track championship in 1952 and many football games as Q.B. Freddie graduated from L.S.U. with a degree in history and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
While at L.S.U. he became a lifelong Tiger fan. He also loved spending time in nearby New Orleans listening to great jazz musicians. The jazz pianist Bill Evans was his all-time favorite. Fred spent most of his adult life in Texas, where he worked for the Department of Agriculture for many years. In his later years, Fred reconnected with his childhood friend, Blanche Abbott, and they were married in 2002. They enjoyed many good years traveling together-especially to the concerts of their favorite Gospel artists, Brian Free and Ivan Parker. Freddie loved to sing!
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 21 years, Helen Blanche Abbott Fowler Pardue of San Augustine; Daughters: Pamela Ann Pardue Sharp and husband Bill, Margarite Helen Pardue Anderson, and Sharon Elizabeth Pardue Jandrain; step-daughters: Lee Fowler Brady and husband Andy, Laura Fowler Dear and her sons Charles and Harrison; step-son: William Lee Fowler, Jr.; 5 Grandchildren: John Sharp, Libby Anderson Rhoades and husband Taylor, Laura Anderson and fiancé Carsen Medlin, Luke Jandrain and wife Audria, and Sam Jandrain; 2 Great-granddaughters: Gentry and Blair Rhoades;1 sister, Myrna Pardue Robbins and 1 brother, Cary Pardue and his wife Kathy; 3 nieces and 3 nephews, all whom loved him dearly and will greatly miss him!
Freddie Mac was preceded in death by his parents, Travis and Helen, his grandparents, Cleaton and Olive Pardue, and Elzie and Iva McMurry, brother-in-law Gerald Robbins.
A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held on October 21, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of Edmonds Funeral Home, 228 Allen Avenue, Jonesboro, LA 71251.
DeVontre Montavious Jackson
August 17, 1993 – October 7, 2023
DeVontre Montavious Jackson, known to his friends as Dee passed away on October 7th at the age of 30. Public Viewing will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Sunday, October 15th at Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro. The Celebration of Life service will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, October 16th at North Hodge Assembly of God Church followed by interment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro.
Robert Watson Tyler
August 23, 1934 – October 11, 2023
Robert Watson Tyler of Jonesboro, LA was born Thursday, August 23, 1934 in Creston, Louisiana to E.A. and Lois Pullin Tyler. He entered into his Heavenly rest on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. He grew up in the Chestnut area and graduated from Readhimer School. He attended Northwestern State University and then enlisted in the United States Navy as a Corpsman and was honorably discharged. While in the Navy, he married the love of his life, Barbara Gean Harvey and they settled in Louisiana and started raising a family. After serving his country, Robert continued his studies and received advanced degrees from Northwestern State University and Louisiana Tech University. He was blessed with a lengthy career beginning at Provencal High School and continuing at the Charity Hospital School of Nursing in New Orleans before returning to establish a home in Jackson Parish and teaching in both Winn and Jackson Parish Schools.
After retiring from teaching, Robert enjoyed farming, gardening, helping his wife can vegetables, setting up as vendors at Bonnie and Clyde, and fishing at the pond with the grandkids. His grandchildren were especially fond of their “Papaw’s” cooking adventures in the kitchen. “If Honey doesn’t need to add it to the pot, then we don’t need it either” was a favorite reminder. He also loved visits from friends, neighbors, family and former students with who he liked to “reminisce” about the school days.
His later years were spent in service to the Lord, becoming an ordained Baptist minister and serving as interim pastor at several churches in the community, before completing his ministerial service at Mt. Olive Church.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Carol Tyler Hutto; parents, E.A. Tyler and Lois Pullin Tyler; sister, Brenda Tyler; brother, Joe Seeph Tyler; sister in law, Barbara C. Tyler; Brother in law, Neil Lowe; sister in law, Helen Tyler; brother in law, Richard Barlow.
Those left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 68 years, Barbara “Honey” Tyler of Jonesboro, LA; daughter, Rebecca L. Masters (Rickey) of Quitman, LA; son, Robert D. Tyler (Gail) of Quitman, LA; grandchildren, Robyn Buchan (Michael) of Quitman, LA, Ryan Masters (Ashton) of Quitman, LA, Lila Buchholz (Eric) of Hurricane, WV; Regina Kittler (Andrew) of Bossier City, LA; Jon Wages (Reagan) of Monroe, LA; Sean Tyler of Charleston, SC; 10 great grandchildren, Tucker Masters, Tinsley, Samson and Hannah Buchholz, Avery, Easton and Matthew Buchan, Emilia Kittler, Remi and Lily Upshaw; sisters, Juanita Tyler Lowe of Ruston, LA; Nellie Tyler Barlow of Weston, LA; brother, Royal Tyler of Elm Grove, LA. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Saturday, October 14th in the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home chapel with Bro. Mike Green, Bro. Bobby White and Bro. David Womack officiating. Burial followed in Walnut Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers was Ryan Masters, Michael Buchan, Andrew Kittler, Jon Wages, Mark Turner, Rick Barlow, Ty Tyler, Ronnie Wedgeworth. Honorary pallbearers were Freddie Joe Capps II, John Harvey Capps, Joshua Wilks.
