Colleen (Rieson) Ponder
August 28, 1928 – March 6, 2025
Thelma Colleen (Rieson) Ponder passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025 in Jonesboro, Louisiana. She was 96 years old. Colleen loved to embroidery. She was considered to be the best biscuit maker around. Folks loved them so much that they started calling them “Ponder Biscuits.” If you never had the opportunity to taste a “Ponder Biscuit” you missed a treat! Colleen loved her family and cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Colleen is survived by her children, Janis Murphy, Benny Ponder (Margie), and David Ponder (Susan); grandchildren, Danny Ponder, Jr., Tim Murphy (Melinda), Brian Murphy (Bethany), Shannon Ponder, Jacob Ponder, Jarred Ponder and Kelly Wootton; great-grandchildren, Chloe Murphy, Lane Krickel, Michael Murphy, Emme Murphy, Willa Murphy, Lex Tatum, Eli Tatum, Jaron Tatum, Azlynn Tatum and Josey Meinrod; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lamar Ponder, son, Danny Ponder; father, Burley Rieson; mother, Dora (Neal) Rieson; great-grandson, Sammy Meinrod; son-in-law, Mike Murphy; 5 brothers; and 4 sisters.
The funeral service was held at North Hodge Assembly of God on Saturday, March 8, 2025 with Bro. Geary Phillips, Bro. Lance Huckaby, Bro. Mike Joyner and Michelle McDonald officiating. Burial followed in the Springhill Cemetery near Jonesboro, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers was Tim Murphy, Brian Murphy, Corey Vail, Brandon Joyner, Nick Walker and Alex Walker.
Earnest L. Cottonham Jr.
January 6, 1923 – February 27, 2025
At the age of 102, Deacon Earnest L. Cottonham Jr. went to be with the Lord on February 27, 2025. His Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, March 8th at Bethany Baptist Church in Quitman, LA. Interment followed at the Bethany Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
David O. Roberts, Sr.
November 1, 1948 – March 6, 2025
Mr. David Odell Roberts, Sr., age 76, entered eternal rest on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at his home in Colfax.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Colfax on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Father Brocato officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service with a Holy Rosary recitation at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow in Colfax Cemetery under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rita Brevelle Roberts; parents, Odell and Geraldine Roberts; and sisters, Carolyn King and Tammy Roberts.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, David O. Roberts, Jr. (Sandy) and Shannon Johnson (David); 6 grandchildren, Ethan Roberts (Macie), Hannah Jones (Wade), Abigail Miller (Christopher), Kelcie Johnson, Logan Johnson (Judith), and Alex Johnson; and 2 great grandchildren, Lainey Johnson and Emmy Jones; brothers, Roger Dale Roberts, Jonathon Keith Roberts, and Jon Kevin Roberts; sister, Donna Crowell; and a host of extended family and friends. He is also survived by a group of very special brothers- and sisters-in-law, as well as a wonderful group of nieces and nephews that were all very dear to him.
Mr. Roberts ran a timber company for many years, but most will remember him as their favorite local Ford Salesman. In his early years, he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. As he grew older, his most favorite pastime was being at a stadium, gym, or ballpark watching his children, then his grandchildren play ball. Besides watching, he was also an excellent sports commentator. He was a lifetime Saints fan, and could get a little rowdy when LSU was playing. He made the best gumbo, hands down, and loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything in this world. His passing has created a void that can never be filled.
Pallbearers honored to serve will be Ethan Roberts, Logan Johnson, Alex Johnson, Jason Roberts, Stacey Roberts and Bo Vets.
Give Mama a hug and a kiss from us, Daddy. Until we see you again. Rest in peace.
Christina Renee Harris
July 21, 1968 – February 24, 2025
Christina Renee Harris, age 56, gained her heavenly wings on February 24, 2025. Her Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, March 8th, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.