Tay’Vionne Tate
October 28, 1998 – May 11, 2025
This past Sunday, May 11th, Tay’Vionne Tate went to be with the Lord at the young age of 26 years old. A public viewing was held for the 2018 Jonesboro-Hodge High School graduate on Friday, May 16th at Union Star Missionary Baptist Church in Jonesboro with his Celebration of Life service taking place on Saturday, May 17th at the Shady Grove High School Gymnasium in Saline, LA. Interment followed at the Pine Grove Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Donald Perry Shields
February 9, 1951 – May 13, 2025
Donald Perry Shields, affectionately known as Big Don, Dad, Mr. Shields, the plant guru, and most proudly, Papaw, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana, at the age of 74. A resident of Weston, Louisiana, Don was surrounded by the people he loved most and who loved him deeply as he transitioned to his eternal home.
Born on February 9, 1951, in Hodge, Louisiana, Don lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and heartfelt connection. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Johnette Faye Avery Shields; and his parents, James Perry Shields and Willene Shovan Shields.
He is survived by his children, Derek Shields and wife Melea, and Rebecca Shields; grandson, James Hamilton Shields; siblings, Randy Shields, Joey Shields and wife Cindy, and Denise Baker; and a host of nieces, nephews, former students, and cherished friends.
Don earned both his Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and a Master’s of Science in Education from Louisiana Tech University. After graduating in 1963, he began his career at Flowerwood Nursery near Mobile, Alabama, before returning home to establish Shields Nursery in Quitman. There, he became well-known for his expertise in Hibiscus and Bougainvillea. In 1984, following his marriage, he relocated the nursery to Weston, where he continued his horticultural work before beginning his teaching career.
Don found his calling as an educator. He began teaching at Downsville High School and later served as the Agriculture teacher at Jonesboro-Hodge High School from 1999 until his retirement in 2017. He took great pride in mentoring students and sharing his knowledge and love of agriculture, and he always enjoyed hearing from and talking with his former students.
Don lived life to the fullest, embracing every opportunity for joy. He loved playing guitar, hunting, attending concerts, enjoying the outdoors, and, above all, spending time with family and friends. He had a deep appreciation for good food, good company, and meaningful conversation.
Though we will deeply miss his wisdom, his laughter, and his ever-present love, we take comfort in knowing that Don is reunited with his loved ones and that he has been made whole again. His life was a life well-lived, full of purpose, generosity, and warmth.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Quitman, Louisiana. The Funeral service took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at the same location with Chris Bennett and Randy Dark officiating. Interment followed at Antioch Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were Joey Pender, Phillip Walker, Bob Davis, Tim Smith, Wesley Horton, Bennie Anderson, Josh Wilhite with Honorary Pallbearers being Bill Ortego, Wayne Nash, and Randy Stevenson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Antioch Graveyard Fund at Hodge Bank. The family extends heartfelt thanks for your continued prayers, love, and support during this time.
Fred Miller Thomas Jr.
August 24, 1963 – May 5, 2025
Fred Miller Thomas Jr. was called to be with the Lord on May 5, 2025 at the age of 61 years old. Public visitation was held on Friday, May 16th, at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge, LA. The Celebration of Life service under the direction of Paradise Funeral took place on Saturday, May 17th at Galilee M. B. C. with Reverand Warren Johnson Jr. officiating.