Steven Wayne Sanders
November 17, 1956 – January 24, 2025
Steven Sanders, age 68 of Jonesboro, made his way home for a grand reunion on Friday, January 24, 2025. He was born on Saturday, November 17, 1956 in Alexandria, Louisiana to the union of E.T. and Mary Sanders. Steven loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time. He also always enjoyed camping and tending to his vegetable gardens. He loved to grow tomatoes even though they could sometimes be contrary. Steven was a strong-willed man that was shy to show his heart of gold. He had a big heart and if he only had a dime he would surely share a nickel of it. Psalms 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Heath Sanders, Brittani Blair; siblings, Sandy Porter and Gary, Scott Sanders and Lynne; a host of nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebae (Robinson) Sanders; parents, E.T. and Mary (Williams) Sanders.
Friends may visit with the family on Monday, January 27, 2025, in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Funeral services are set to begin at 12:00 pm (noon) with Bro. Jason Womack officiating. Burial will follow in Gayla Traina Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Heath Sanders, Jason Porter, Tim Porter, Gary Porter, Kirk Halbrook, and Mark Harvey.
Carlton Sampson
November 18, 1962 – January 13, 2024
Carlton “Spunk” Sampson, age 62, went to his heavenly home on January 13th after a long period of failing health. A tremendously gifted athlete, Sampson is remembered for his athletic achievements at Jonesboro-Hodge High School during 1977-80 while competing in football, baseball, basketball, track, and powerlifting where he still holds school records.
Sampson’s Celebration of Life Service was held on Friday, January 24th, at Union Star Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Interment followed in the Union Star Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Dorothy Ann Leonard
July 29, 1948 – January 10, 2025
Mrs. Dorothy Ann Leonard, age 76, gained her heavenly wings on January 10th, 2025. The Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, January 25th at the Greater Jonesboro Church of God in Christ, with burial following in the Friendship Cemetery in Wyatt, LA, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Johnny L. Austin
November 1, 1944 – January 25, 2025
Pastor John L. Austin, age 80, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 25, 2025. Brother John was an ordained Minister with Frantom Chapel Church for 12 years. His belief was “With God, All Things Are Possible”. John was also a lineman for 46 years for LPL and retired as a lineman supervisor with Entergy. With his love for singing, he also sang with several gospel groups sharing his love for Jesus. His signature song, as you may know, was The Light House.
John was born November 1, 1944, in Chatham, LA to John Claude and Mattie Lou (Yeager) Auston.
He is survived by his wife, Emma Austin; brother, Ronald Austin and wife Helen, son, John Austin Jr. and wife Lori; daughter, Alissa Lestage, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Claude and Mattie Lou Austin; sibling Birdie Francis Simmons and daughter Allison Lynette Austin.
Friends may visit with the family at Frantom Chapel Church, Monday, January 27th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at Frantom Chapel Church, located at 1560 Flat Creek Road in Eros, LA on Tuesday, January 28th, at 11:00 am with Pastor Steve Austin officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, located at 2037 Vernon Eros Road in Ruston, LA under the direction of Griffin Funeral Home.
Serving as Pallbearers will be David Sweitzer, Daniel Austin, Christopher Maxwell Jr., Jacob Marcum, Rob Crowe, and Keith Walters. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chad Porter, Jerermy Soresen, Tommy Chatham, and Glynn Browder.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to:
Frantom Chapel Church
PO Box 105
Eros, LA