Michael Ponder
September 27, 1944 – March 12, 2025
Michael Ponder, age 80, passed away in Jonesboro, Louisiana on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. He was retired from the railroad and was a Master Mason. Michael enjoyed bass fishing with his wife of nearly 60 years, Lawanda (Neatherland) Ponder. Together, they fished many lakes in Louisiana including Caney, Kepler, Black, Old River, Claiborne, Darbonne and Old Saline. Michael was a loving and caring man. He loved his kids and grandkids with all of his heart. Possessing an easy-going personality, Michael was the quiet sort, and he never complained about anything.
Michael is survived by his wife, Lawanda; children, Chasity Patton (Tony) and Josh Browning (Tori); 9 grandchildren; sisters, Ann Carenza (James), Linda Griffin (Bobby), Marilyn Willis, Kay Welch, Teresa Harvad and Donna Ponder; sisters-in-law, Lynette Ponder and Ann Ponder; and numerous nieces and nephews. His family will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow Ponder; mother, Wilma (Key) Ponder; brothers, Billy Paul Ponder, Roger Ponder, Leo Ponder, Gerald Ponder; father-in-law, Roy Neatherland; and mother-in-law, Gladys (Wyatt) Neatherland.
Friends may visit with the family at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM, officiated by Bro. David Essmeier. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery near Weston, under the direction of Southern- Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be Tony Patton, Josh Browning, Colten Otwell, Kaden Browning, Drew Browning, Ricky Sims, Tre’ Pardue, Jason Potts and Matt Stevenson.
Honorary pallbearers include: Randy Stevenson, Jeremy Potts, The “Railroad” Boys, James Carenza, Bobby Griffin, David Neatherland, Joeboy Neatherland, Jeff Neatherland, Joey Neatherland, Rondy Maxwell, Randy Neatherland and Darren Neatherland.
Harvey Barnes
February 20, 1937 – March 10, 2024
Brother Harvey Barnes was born, February 20, 1937, on a cold, cold winter’s day in Jonesboro, LA, to Deacon Edd and Oneda Wyatt Barnes. Harvey was delivered by a mid-wife in the Pleasant Grove Community. He was the oldest of ten children. Harvey passed away peacefully, March 10, 2025 at his residence in Jonesboro, LA. He celebrated his 88th birthday with family and friends, Friday, February 21 at Catfish Inn.
He attended school in the Pleasant Grove Community and later at Jonesboro Colored High School. He was a member of the Class of 1958. At an early age he was united with the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in the Evergreen Community. He remained a faithful member until his passing. He was overseer of the church grounds and cemetery. He initiated the landmark sign identifying the location of Pleasant Grove MBC. He loved his church and worked diligently in any capacity he was assigned.
Harvey married the love of his life, Maggie M Potts, September 3, 1960, and they enjoyed 63 years of blissful marriage. Their union was blessed with two daughters and one son.
His work experience began at a young age. These experiences included picking and chopping cotton along with other field work duties; hauling pulpwood, transporting members of the community to and from wherever they needed to go.
In 1960, Harvey was employed with Continental Can Company, now known as, Smurfit WestRock. He worked in many capacities and had an awesome work ethic. After 39 years, he retired to enjoy being a grandparent and farming. He attended his last Smurfit WestRock Retirement Breakfast, March 5, 2025.
Harvey was known by many names: My Daddy, Coon Man, Bad Money, Mr. Barnes, Uncle Harvey, Pete, Old Man, Pappy, and Pawpaw, and a special one, “Horry”. He never met a stranger and during numerous interactions with people, when they asked, how are you doing? His reply was aways “Half and Half”.
During the turbulence of the 1960’s, Harvey became a member of the Deacons for Defense, Jonesboro Chapter. July 6, 2023, he was honored and presented with a plaque marking the Deacons for Defense Civil Rights Trail unveiling, in Jonesboro, LA. In 2024, he received an Outstanding Black American of Jackson Parish Award.
Over the years, Harvey found joy in hunting, talking on CB Radio, farming, and livestock, enjoying breakfast at the Waffle House, and with the Quitman Breakfast Club.
He was proceeded in death by his spouse, Maggie; his parents Edd and Oneda Barnes; and two sisters, Lula B. Barnes and Betty L. Barnes Stephens.
Left to cherish his memories: two loving daughters, Harvetta Thais Barnes Reddix (Henry) Monroe, LA, Stephanie Lavette Barnes Tatum (Jeff) Olla, LA; one loving son, Keith Hermandis Johnson, Jonesboro, LA; six grandchildren, Brittany T. Calahan, Whittany L. Powell, Stefi S. Lopez, Angelica D. Reddix, Chelsie Johnson and Christopher H. Lopex; seven great-grandchildren; four brothers, James E. Barnes (Dorothy) and Jesse R. Barnes, Kansas City, MO, Lee C. Barnes Sr. (Peggy) LaPlace, LA, and Cardell O. Barnes, Jonesboro, LA; three sisters, Dr. Liz White, Ruston, LA, Mable L. Houston (Lonnie), Jonesboro, LA, Linda R. Leon, Jonesboro, LA.; one sister in law, Mildred M. Henderson, Jonesboro, LA, and one brother in law, Willie E. Potts, Denver, CO.; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends. He also leaves 3 “road buddies”, Lonnie Houston, Bankston “BW” Rogers, and Otha L. Williams.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 pm om Monday, March 17th at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (PGBC) in Jonesboro. The Homecoming Service will take place at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 18th under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Jeff L. Blackstock
March 8, 1965 – March 13, 2025
Jeff L. Blackstock of Quitman, Louisiana passed away in Plano, Texas on Thursday, March 13, 2025. He was 60 years old.
Jeff loved everything outdoors. He loved Jeep rides in the woods, or just being outside; especially if any of the grand-babies were there. He would pull up a chair and push them in the swing for hours, even after they fell asleep. Sometimes, he would put them in a wagon or in the side-by-side and just make loops around the house. He got great laughs out of taking his wife and her niece “bigfoot hunting”. They would stand up thru the topless jeep and search the woods with a spotlight while Jeff would look for the biggest spider web he could find to run them through.
Jeff was a collector of all things. He collected whiskey and loved gadgets. The UPS drivers know his house well and joked that it was the only house where the wife fusses about all the boxes, instead of the husband. Jeff loved all things guns and loved to teach people about guns. He was president of the Lincoln Friends of NRA. Given the chance, Jeff would search for the most backwoods, rundown, hole-in-the-wall restaurant to try, and was rarely disappointed.
Jeff loved the car business because he said “it’s like a game of chess, I can get them to buy even if they didn’t come in to buy”. The car business has been hard the last few years and he talked about getting out many times. He didn’t because of people he worked with. They had become family. Jeff was also a jokester. He gave the men he worked with an especially hard time. Just know that if you were the target of his picking, it was because he had grown to care about you.
Survivors include his wife, Pam (Thomas) Blackstock; children, Samantha Rich (Jake), Shelby Chandler (Connor), Mitchell Robinson (Kaylee), Tyler Nolte and Caleb Nolte; grandchildren, Cason Robinson, Emersyn Rich, Gage Robinson and Elijah Chandler; mother, Gwendolyn Lowery; grandmother, Neva Gray; brothers, Greg Blackstock and Scotty Blackstock (Gena); stepfather, Jimmie Lowery; stepmother, Linda Blackstock; nephews, Trevor Blackstock and Cam Blackstock.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Ray Blackstock.
As per his wishes, Jeff will be cremated. His family will announce their plans for his memorial service next week.
Gregory Todd Tatum
February 1, 1963 – February 27, 2025
At the age of 61, Gregory Todd Tatum gained his heavenly wings on February 27th. His Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday, March 15th at Galilee Baptist Church in Hodge, LA followed by Interment at the New Galilee Cemetery in Jonesboro, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Judy Dell Greer
February 10, 1955 – March 14, 2025
Judy Dell Greer, 75, of Quitman, Louisiana passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on February 10, 1950, to Robert (Jack) and Beatrice Bush, Judy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.
Judy was a godly woman with the faith of a giant. Her unwavering trust in the Lord guided her every step in life, and she truly lived out her Christian Walk in all she did. She married her loving husband, Henry Greer, on June 5, 2010, and together they created a beautiful life full of joy, love, and shared faith. Judy was a dedicated member of her church (North Hodge Assembly of God since 1983), where she led the Greeters Team with warmth and grace, welcoming others with the same love she carried in her heart. She taught Sunday School for many years, impacting the lives of many and sharing the love of Christ with all. Judy also volunteered in the church nursery, and her warm, nurturing spirit made her a beloved presence to children and families alike.
Her heart was always open to those in need, and she spent countless hours preparing meals for people who were struggling. Whether it was a phone call to brighten someone’s day or offering a helping hand in times of trouble, Judy was always there for those who needed her. She visited shut-ins, offering them companionship, prayers, and the love of God. Judy served wherever she was needed, always with a willing heart and a selfless spirit.
Judy’s love for life was infectious. She truly lived life to the fullest, never taking a single moment for granted. She had a special place in her heart for holidays, family get-togethers, birthdays, pedicures, and any type of celebration. She was known for her signature love for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). Her enthusiasm for life and her ability to make every occasion memorable brought joy to everyone around her. She also cherished going on ladies’ trips with friends, where laughter and fun were always in abundance. Traveling to new places was one of her greatest joys.
Professionally, Judy worked for many years at Commercial Union Insurance Company, where she built lifelong friendships with coworkers. Her warm, kind nature made her a cherished member of the team, and she remained in touch with many of her coworkers long after she retired.
Judy is survived by her devoted husband, Henry Greer, daughters Tammy Lewis Cumpton (Tim Cumpton), Shawn Lewis Burns, and Connie Greer Shackleford (Ricky Shackleford); her son, Curtis Greer (Candi Greer); sisters Debbie Byrd and Barbara Torrance; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Lyndsey Cumpton Tomatz (Scott Tomatz), Whitney Cumpton Laskoskie (Mike Laskoskie), Brian Burns father of Madison Burns Siddon (Dustin Siddon), and Brooke Burns, Christopher Shackleford (Rikki Shackleford), Ayden Greer, Cody Greer, and Kacy Greer.
She was also blessed with great-grandchildren:Casey Tomatz, Crew Tomatz, Luke Laskoskie, Jace Laskoskie, Jace Siddon, Ella Siddon, Krew Siddon, Jess Kirtland, and Faith Kirtland.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice and Robert (Jack) Bush, and her brother, John Bush.
Her love for her family, her faith, and her community was immeasurable. Her legacy of kindness, generosity, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Judy’s memory will forever be cherished, and she will be deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to call her Mama, Mamaw, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.
A visitation and memorial service will be held in her honor at North Hodge Assembly of God with visitation taking place from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, March 16th and the Celebration of Life Service being held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 17th. Interment will follow at Jonesboro Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Josh Eugene Lawrence
March 13, 1981 – March 12, 2025
Josh Eugene Lawrence, age 43, passed away on March 12, 2025. Unfortunately, he was taken from this world very unexpectedly. Josh was born on March 13, 1981 in Jonesboro, Louisiana.
Josh enjoyed, spending time with his wife and kids and his doggy “Spot”. He also enjoyed anything having to do with the outdoors. You would seldom catch him in the house. He was very passionate about his career and loved being number one on the job. If you brought him most anything, he couldn’t fix it, even if others considered it unfixable. Some of his hobbies included fishing, four wheeler riding, hiking and racing. He also loved digging for arrow heads, and floating down the river for hours. He was always up for a late night donut and ice cream run.
His family has many fond memories of him including: going on long atv rides, taking the boat out on Chatham lake, staying up late talking at the kitchen table, going to fill the work truck up, working with him on things out in the yard, all of their bonfires, all the late night car rides, going on family trips, going to pick up whatever hunk of junk he had bought that week on Facebook Marketplace Place, shaking his glass at his ole lady to fill it up, going to get boiled peanuts at 3 in the morning, and so many more.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Robyn Lawrence, of Eros Louisiana; children, Joshua Lawrence and Irina Polunova of Eros Louisiana, Natalie Lawrence of Sikes Louisiana, Landon Lawrence, and Cayliee Lawrence of Eros Louisiana; brother, Joe Lawrence of Jonesboro Louisiana; aunt, Patricia Wiltcher, of Jonesboro Louisiana; Niece, Jasmine Lawrence of Chatham Louisiana; Nieces, Angel and Kim Lawrence of Sikes Louisiana; and a host of cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Oscar Eugene Lawrence and Peggy (Dark) Lawrence; brother, Jason Lawrence; grandmother, Gertrude Lois Lawrence; and his niece, April Lawrence.
Josh will be cremated and his family will plan a memorial service at a later date.
The family would like to offer a very special thank you to DG&E Logging for helping out their “number-one logger”.