John Gaspard
February 1, 1948 – April 8, 2025
John Kenneth Gaspard, age 77 of Jonesboro, was called home on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. He was born on Sunday, February 1, 1948 in Eunice, LA to the union of Howard and Marie Gaspard. John enjoyed spending his free time fishing. He loved to keep busy working on things such as gardening or working on cars and trucks. He enjoyed letting his grandchildren take the reins and let them boss him around, he did whatever they requested with a smile on his face. Most of all, John really loved to spend time with his family.
Those left behind to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Linda (Caskey) Gaspard; children, Waylon Evans, Angela Harvey and Troy, Tammy Evans, David Evans and Liz, Tasha Evans, Malinda Peoples and Elmer, Ray Ray Hurt, and Michelle Murphy; grandchildren, Brody, Destiny and Ayden, Jonathan, Taylor and John, Hunter and Cassie, Austin and Shy, Kelli and Calob, Elmo, Courtney, Bubba and Ashley, Lilly, Xena and Henry, Kenneth, and Jacob; 17 great grandchildren; siblings, Martha, Janet, David, James, Ray, Margaret, and Debra.
John was preceded in death by his son, Todd Gaspard; grandson, Clayton Evans; parents, Howard and Marie (Corvell) Gaspard; siblings, Gregory, William, and Cecille.
Funeral services were held on Friday, April 11, 2025 in the chapel of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home with burial following in Springhill Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers were Hunter Evans, Austin Brooks, William Brooks, Jonathan Harvey, John Pabaya, Marty Moore, and Michelle Murphy. Waylon Evans served as an honorary pallbearer.
Freida (Capps) Peel
July 24, 1959 – April 6, 2025
Freida Capps Peel, 65, of Chatham, Louisiana walked through heaven’s gates straight into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, April 6, 2025 after a brief illness. She was born on July 24, 1959 to Fred and Jonny (Nalley) Capps and they raised her in Eros, La. Freida graduated from Bethel High School and went on to NLU where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education. She attended Chatham Community Church where she was a faithful member for many years. Freida was a talented pianist and singer and used her talents to serve her Lord faithfully from the time she was a child. Serving in different music ministries with her husband for over 40 years was her joy and she used her gifts to serve and witness to others whenever she could.
Freida loved being the best Nana to her grandbabies that she could possibly be and spent as much time as she could, supporting and nurturing them. Blueberry muffins were a staple at her house and she loved to bake with her babies. She never missed an event for anyone in her family and loved us so well, but her favorite person was the love of her life, Danny. They spent countless hours going on dates and enjoying their time together. She would often say how much she “loved that man”. Freida was an avid reader and loved spending time at home journaling, cooking, and having fun with her family. Her laugh was contagious and it was one of her family’s favorite things about her. It was a common sight to see her paddling around the pond in her little boat, the Jewel, trying to catch as many bream as she possibly could. Freida also loved the North Louisiana Emaus family like they were her own and devoted so much time to their ministry.
Those left behind that will always cherish her memory are her husband of 44 years, Danny Elton Peel; children, Hillary Peel Aulds and Robert of Chatham, La, Daniel Peel and Ashley of West Monroe, La; grandchildren, Harper Aulds, Nora Peel, and Lily Peel; sister-in-law, Doris Capps; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Jewel and Jonny Mae (Nalley) Capps; brother, Freddie Joe Capps.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 9 at Chatham Community Church with Sis. Lala Ball and Bro. Lynn Malone officiating. Burial followed in Salem Cemetery in Eros, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the first responders that helped our family. We will never forget what you did for us.
“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die…” John 11:25-26.
Mildred “Lil Bit” Henderson
August 20, 1936 – April 6, 2025
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, Sister Mildred “Lil Bit” Henderson completed her earthly commitment and was called to eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. She was born on August 20, 1936, to the late Fletcher and Willie Mae Bradford Potts.
Lil Bit accepted Christ at an early age and became a devoted member of Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church, where she served for many years. Her passion for Sunday School was evident as she dedicated herself to teaching until her health began to decline. She also served faithfully as the recording secretary for the Northeast LA Baptist Association. In addition, Sister Henderson was a devoted Usher, and throughout her years of service, she had the honor of serving as the Usher Board President for many years, welcoming all with warmth and grace.
As a proud graduate of Shady Grove High School in 1955, Sister Henderson furthered her education and earned a nursing degree from North Delta Vocational College in 1974. She worked at Pine Hill Nursing Home before dedicating over 32 years to Jackson Parish Hospital, where she earned the love and respect of many. Although she retired in 2002, she continued to serve her community as a caregiver for years thereafter.
On November 28, 1966, Mildred was united in holy matrimony to Willie James Henderson, and they enjoyed 45 years of marriage. This union was blessed with four children.
Sister Henderson was preceded in death by her parents, Fletcher and Willie Mae Potts; her sisters, Rosie M. Smith and Maggie P. Barnes; her husband, Willie James Henderson; and her son, Mundrey Henderson.
She leaves to cherish her memories: two sons, Dexter (Oretha) Potts of Columbia, MD, and Andre’ (Connie) Henderson of Jonesboro, LA; one daughter, Shontae’ (Hal) Mims of East Hodge, LA; and a bonus child, Keith (Nelda) Henderson of Ruston, LA. She is also survived by her brother, Edward Potts of Denver, CO; her brother-in-law, Carey (Emily) Henderson of Dallas, TX; her sister-in-law, Icy Mae (Chris) Jefferson of Saline, LA; and one aunt/sister, Ruth E. Henderson of Ruston, LA and a special cousin, Vincent Bradford of Minden, LA.
Her legacy is carried on by her seven grandchildren: Michael (Danielle) Henderson of Baton Rouge, LA, Machaela (Bianca) Henderson of Harlingen, TX, Mitchell Osborne of Jonesboro, LA, Heather Potts of Columbia, MD, Jasmine Potts of Manvel, TX, Zacherik Bishop of East Hodge, LA, and Italy Bishop of Hodge, LA. She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Trinite’, Jha’Darius, Mariyah, Morgan, Mitchell Jr., Owen, Olivia, Blake, and Bryce; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives and friends.
Sister Henderson’s life was one of unwavering faith, service, and love for her family and community. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her.
The Homcoming Celebration was held on Saturday, April 12th at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Kenneth Loyd Blalock Sr.
November 29, 1939 – April 5, 2025
A graveside service for Kenneth Loyd Blalock, Sr. was held on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Kilpatrick’s Serenity Gardens in West Monroe, Louisiana.
Ken was born in Hodge, Louisiana on November 29, 1939 and passed peacefully into eternal life on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at his home of 42 years.
He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a loving caregiver, always putting the needs of his family first. He selflessly tended to his wife, exemplifying unconditional love and commitment. He dedicated many years of service to Howard Brothers and Family Dollar. In his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening and taking care of his granddog Sophie Lou.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lou Allie Blalock; father Loyd Blalock; sisters, Doris Hennigan and Judie Blalock; children, Robert Cadell and Anita McLaughlin; great-grandchild, Starlin Blalock.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 57 years, Pat Blalock; son, Ken Blalock, Jr.; daughter, Karen Parker(Perry); daughter, Sandi Lawson (Terry); son, Teddy Cadell, Jr. (Jean); grandchildren, Dustyn Nichols (Holly), Tylar Nichols (Shelby), Peyton Parker (Maddie), Kade Parker (Lexie), Trey Blalock (Danielle), Jourdan Blalock, Kaylie Blalock, Anslea Roberts, April Vail (Miles), Michael Palmisano, Sara Cadell, Nicole Herr (Brad), Robbie Cadell (Crystal), Tressa Cadell; granddog, Sophie Lou Parker; numerous great grandkids; sister, Mary Blalock; niece, Kathy Hattaway (Butch); nephew, Greg Hennigan (Robin) as well as a host of many family and friends.
We would like to say a special thanks to David Turner and Jessica Sharp for their compassionate care and unwavering support over the last years.
Pallbearers were Trey Blalock, Dustyn Nichols, Tylar Nichols, Peyton Parker, Kade Parker, and Greg Hennigan. Honorary pallbearers were Michael Palmisano and Robbie Cadell.
Carole (Jordan) Hays
February 16, 1945 – April 2, 2025
Carole Jeanette (Jordan) Hays, age 80 of Quitman, was called to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. She was born on Monday, February 16, 1945 in Hodge, Louisiana to the happy union of Horace and Amboline (Wheatly) Jordan. Carole was a Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate that went on to attend NLU where she received her Bachelor’s degree in English and then LA Tech where she earned her Master’s degree in English. She enjoyed doing genealogy. She had a love for music and loved playing the clarinet. Carole was a longtime member of Hodge Baptist Church. She began attending Sunday school there at the young age of 3. She adored her church family and enjoyed singing in the choir. Carole had a big heart and with it she loved her family and animals fiercely. She loved most every animal that God ever created. Her family was her biggest love of all. Her children and grandchildren hung the moon in her world.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Sean Arter and Jeremy, Shelley Suire and Russell, Stacey Huckaby and Monty, John Hays, Craig Hays and Jacque; grandchildren, Crystal Hays Fox, Jacob Shows and Anna Claire, Cole Shows, Ben Shows, Jackson Suire, Landry Suire, Paris Huckaby, Adrian Huckaby, Evan Huckaby, London Huckaby. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Hays; daughter, Susan Hays; parents, James Horace and Amboline Juanita (Wheatly) Jordan; sisters, Jackie Hughes, Betty Walsworth.
Funeral services were held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at Hodge Baptist Church with Bro. Keith Thomas and Bro. Norris Curry officiating. Burial followed in Hodge Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers was Jacob Shows, Cole Shows, Ben Shows, Jackson Suire, Adrian Huckaby, Evan Huckaby, Russell Suire, and Monty Huckaby.
Cecil Wayne Guillory
July 12, 1964 – March 30, 2025
Cecil Wayne Guillory, 60, passed away March 30, 2025. Cecil’s ashes will be interred with his wife Carol at Northwest Louisiana Veteran’s Cemetery in Shreveport, LA at a future date. Cecil, who was affectionately known as “Tony” or “Cless” by his hometown friends was born in New Orleans, Louisiana then raised by his father and paternal grandmother in Ville Platte, Louisiana.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Myette Guillory; father, Joseph; grandmother, Vernice Guillory; grandfather, Paul Guillory; sister-in-law Kathryn “Kitty” Guillory; and nephew, Jonathon Guillory.
Left to cherish his memory are brothers Eddie (Stacy) of Hammond, LA; Michael (Susan) of Baton Rouge, LA; aunt Sylvia (Nelson) Vidrine; nephew and nieces, Nicholas (Anna) Guillory, Danielle (Timothy) Benavente, Courtney Guillory, Samantha (Steven) Leonard; step-nieces and nephew, Gabrielle Capdeboscq, Blake Capdeboscq, Sydney Capdeboscq and Lauren Capdeboscq along with many great-nieces and nephews.
Cecil or “Tony” will be remembered for his many fun antics but mostly his sweet, loving heart. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.