Roger D. Young
December 7, 1941 – March 18, 2025
Roger Duane Young, 83, passed away on March 18, 2025, in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Born on December 17, 1941, in North Hodge, Louisiana, he lived a life dedicated to service, family and faith.
Roger’s career was marked by unwavering commitment to his community. He served as Jonesboro Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief and held the position of Jackson Parish Civil Defense Director for over 40 years. He was a dedicated fireman for 60 years. His leadership extended to public service as a city councilman in Jonesboro and as a member of Jackson Parish Police Jury. A proud alumnus of LSU’s Fire Science program, Roger used his expertise to enhance fire safety and emergency response efforts throughout the region.
Beyond his public service roles, Roger was a successful and inventive entrepreneur. He owned car washes in Jonesboro, Winnfield and Arcadia and owned/operated Young Oil Gas Station in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, he and his supportive wife Marzette, purchased and developed Hancock Haven subdivision on Caney Lake, their favorite place to be. His passion for firefighting led him to establish First Alarm Fire Equipment Company, dedicated to building new fire trucks and fire truck restoration for decades. Roger also played a vital role in the Jackson Parish Rescue Squad, coordinating volunteers and emergency response serving his neighbors when they needed him the most for 50 years.
Roger’s contributions to emergency services were profound. In the 1980s, he spearheaded fundraising efforts to purchase the “Jaws of Life,” making it one of only three such rescue tools in North Louisiana at the time-the only one available in Jackson Parish and surrounding areas. This life-saving equipment benefited countless individuals over the years.
During his extensive career in public service and business ventures, Roger worked for 18 years at Continental Can paper mill. Roger also earned his private pilots license and loved aviation and found great joy in his hobbies. He loved captaining his pontoon boat, water skiing, collecting Lionel antique train memorabilia, riding his motorcycle.
The Celebration of Life service was held on Friday, March 20th, at North Hodge Assembly of God with Interment following at Gayla Traina Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Jimmy Donaldson
April 30, 1942 – March 15, 2025
Jimmy Eugene Donaldson, age 82, left us peacefully on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Born on Thursday, April 30, 1942, he lived a life filled with hard work, love, and devotion. Jimmy spent countless hours working on anything with a motor, a hobby that brought him both joy and satisfaction throughout his life.
For over 40 years, he dedicated himself to Smurfit-Stone, where he worked with pride as an oiler and maintenance mechanic. After retirement, he shifted his focus to his greatest joy—his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
He was a man of strong work ethic, unwavering love, and selfless generosity, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 41 years, Peggy Watkins Donaldson; son, Jimmy Layne Donaldson (Sandy); daughter, JoAnna Chretien Jones (Bill); grandchildren, Cody Donaldson (Sheree), Justin Donaldson (Savannah), Machaela Morris (Jared), Madilynn Collins, Hayden Collins, and Carley Williamson (Kyle); Great-grandchildren Tuff Donaldson, Georgia Donaldson, Hunter Donaldson, Aubrey Donaldson, Kolton Donaldson, Baker Morris, and Brexlie Williamson; and nephew Shane Donaldson (Melissa).
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Lit Donaldson, and his brother, Fred Donaldson.
The funeral service was held in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro on Saturday, March 22, 2025 with Bro. Mac Brunson and Bro. Bubba Walsworth officiating. Burial followed in the Siloam Springs Community Church Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Cody Donaldson, Justin Donaldson, Hunter Donaldson, Shane Donaldson, Jared Morris, Hayden Collins, Daniel Hightower, and Jacob Madden.
Jeannie Mae Stringfellow
January 5, 1947 – March 12, 2025
Jeannie Mae Stringfellow went to be with the Lord on March 12, 2025, at the age of 78 years old. After visitation with family and friends her Celebration of Life service was held on Friday, March 21, at Robinson Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Eros, LA. Interment followed at the Old Ziegler Cemetery in Eros under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Betty Lou (Beasley) Britt
September 5, 1947 – March 19, 2025
Betty Lou (Beasley) Britt of Sterlington, Louisiana passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at her residence. She was 77 years old. Betty worked for 40 years as a comptroller in automobile dealerships for Kilpatrick Ford, Jonesboro Ford, and retired from Jimmy Granger Automotive Group. She enjoyed spending time with her loyal pets, Layla and Gus. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her life. She spent as much time as she could with them and enjoyed every minute.
Betty is survived by her 2 sons, Joel Britt and wife, Crystal of Alexander, Arkansas and Nicholas Britt and wife, Misty of Sterlington, Louisiana; grandchildren, Statton Britt and wife Amber, Cole Britt and wife Ashley, John Michael Britt, Taylor Britt and Reed Britt; great-grandchildren, Porter Britt and Sutter Britt; nieces, Pam Ebey, Cindy Baysinger and Amy Morrow; nephews, Guy Beasley, Bryan Beasley and Boyd Beasley; sister-in-law, Marion Beasley.
She was preceded in death by her father, Wafer Beasley; mother, Lois (Jones) Beasley; brothers, Johnny Beasley and wife Alma, Homer Beasley and wife Elaine, and James “Bo” Beasley.
Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM at Friendship Baptist Church. Bro. Stuart Toms will officiate the funeral service which begins at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Friendship Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Guy Beasley, Bryan Beasley, Tommy Ebey, Statton Britt, Cole Britt, John Michael Britt, Travis Baysinger and Brenton Thompson.
Willine Gray Davis
October 4, 1940 – March 19, 2025
Willine Gray Davis gained her heavenly wings on Wednesday, March 19th, at the age of 84 years old. Visitation for family, friends and well-wishers will be held from 2:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 23rd at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge, LA followed by the Celebration of Live service. Interment will then take place at the New Galilee Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.