Mary Lloyd Bryant
December 9, 1956 – December 24, 2024

Mary Lloyd Bryant of Arlington, Texas, passed away early on Saturday, December 7, 2024, after experiencing a sudden onset of a previously undiagnosed condition of interstitial lung disease. Mary was born on December 9, 1956, in Hodge, Louisiana, to parents Lloyd G. Bryant and Mary Hay Bryant. She was the first of two little girls born to the couple. She and her younger sister, Brenda, grew up outside of Hodge on a farm with a multitude of dogs, cats, cows, and horses as playmates. Mary attended Hodge Elementary School and Jonesboro-Hodge High School, graduating in 1974. She played saxophone in the band at Jonesboro-Hodge, and then later joined the Pep Squad. Her first job while she was in high school was working in the concession stand at The Palace Theater in Jonesboro. She and her family were active members of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, La.

She moved to Arlington, Texas, after her high school graduation to attend Bauder Fashion College, where, in 1976, she received an Associate’s degree in Fashion Merchandising. After a short career spent in retail work, she began a career as a clerical professional for the Pennzoil Corporation in Houston, Texas. After a time, she moved back to north Texas and was employed by a number of mortgage companies including Bright Mortgage, Lomas and Nettleton, RMIC, and Saxon Mortgage. In the early 2,000’s, she changed career paths and moved into the field of older adult residential care. She had been employed at The Morada Independent Living Center in Pantego, Texas, for over 20 years at the time of her death.

Mary loved all things related to holidays, with her favorite being the Christmas season. She lavishly decorated her home with Christmas trees and lights, and she would fashion her wardrobe to match the season. Christmastime always brought out her childlike spirit, and she received much personal joy and happiness celebrating the Christmas holidays.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd G. Bryant, Mary H. Bryant Haile, and John L. Haile. She is survived by her son, Dylan M. Bryant, and her sister, Brenda Bryant Beaver, both of Arlington, Texas; her close friend and godmother to her son, Alicia Gray, of Arlington, Texas; her brother, Bill Haile, of Monroe, Louisiana; her nephew, Daniel Beaver and his wife, Katie, of Huntsville, Texas; her niece, Beth Patton and her husband, Daniel, of Huntsville, Alabama; her beloved great-nieces and great- nephews, Addie Beaver, Nora Patton, Andrew Beaver, and Colten Beaver; her fur babies, Zeus, Loki, and Thor, and many other beloved family members and friends. Mary was well known for her generous spirit of giving gifts to everyone she knew and loved. She was adamant about giving gifts, even when she had been requested not to do so! Her last act of generous giving was her most extraordinary one: Mary was an organ and tissue donor, and her gifts have enabled others to experience a second chance at living a healthy life.

A memorial service to celebrate Mary’s life is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Morada of Pantego, 2650 W. Park Row Drive, Arlington, TX. Mary will be laid to rest beside her parents at a graveside service on Saturday, January 18, 11:00 am, at the Walnut Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery located on the Arcadia Highway outside of Hodge, Louisiana. Friends and family will then gather after the graveside service at 1:00pm at the First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, Family Life Center, for a time of remembrance and fellowship. In lieu of giving flowers, please consider becoming a life-giving donor for organs and tissues.

Rodney L. Kelley
December 22, 1947 – January 7, 2024

Rodney Kelley, age 77, passed from this life on a beautiful, cold January day, after a lengthy Illness. Rodney (aka) Hotrod or Rattle Snake, was a devoted father of four boys. Rodney never met a stranger, he loved to talk, he was very loving, kind and would help anyone.

Rodney made his home on beautiful Caney Lake where the scenery from his back porch was just breathtaking, from the birds, squirrels, deer, ducks, and an old white crane. He loved to fish off the dock for white perch and visit with family and friends. This was his happy place. He also loved to hunt, he had many trophy bucks and could tell you the story behind each one.

Rodney worked at the Paper Mill in Hodge, LA for 41 years, and made many lifelong friends there. He umpired ballgames, installed satellite dishes and was the owner of R & S Auto.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lodess and Maxine Kelley, brother Johnny Kelley, sister Sue Kelley Watson, and son Rodney Shane Kelley.

Those left to cherish his memories are sons, Chad Kelley (Kara), Mark Kelley and Jamie Rod Kelley; grandchildren, Hunter Kelley (Jordyn) and Ashton Kelley; brothers, Steve Kelley (Irma)and Danny Max Kelley; sister, Kim Kelley Burns (Keith) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family.

The Celebration of Life service was held at Fellowship Baptist Church in Quitman, LA on Saturday, January 11th. Burial followed in the Fellowship Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home. 

Special thanks to Dr. Mark Portacci’s office, Jackson Parish Ambulance, Jackson Parish Hospital, and Forest Haven. 

Mildred “Kidada” Dobbins
July 17, 1974 – January 2, 2025

Mildred “Kidada” Dobbins, age 50, gained her heavenly wings on January 2, 2025. The Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, January 11th, at Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Interment followed at Travelers Rest Cemetery under the direction of Paradis Funeral Home. 

Grover LaFollette
August 5, 1942 – January 9, 2025

Grover “Hookum” LaFollette was born in Rochelle, La. to Sherman LaFollette and Lucille Hemphill. He started working at the age of seventeen for Tremont Lumber in Joyce and stayed until his retirement. He still talked about his days there and had many fond memories of the many people he worked with. He just mentioned Sunday that he only missed one day of work.

He also joined the Army National Guard. He loved raising livestock of all sorts and did so most of his life. He always enjoyed talking about the things that he and his brothers did as young men.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Amy, wife Patsy Stewart, brothers Bobby, Charles and Billy, sisters Virginia Hutchins and Peggy Busby.

Those left to remember him are his daughters Kim (Alex) and Shannon Stassen (Robert), grandson Lathan Wise, granddaughter Halle Wise, brother Danny, longtime companion Ann Garlington and their precious fur babies Peanut and Little Bit and many nieces and nephews.

The family will have a memorial service at a later date.