Reverend Zettie Lee Moore Jr.
June 22, 1953 – June 4, 2026
Reverend Zettie L. Moore, Jr. was born on June 22, 1953, in Hodge, LA, to Zettie Lee Moore, Sr. and Lillie Mae Jackson Moore. From a toddler to age ten, he was reared by his maternal grandparents and special aunt, Ruth Jenkins Malone, in Hodge, LA, before migrating back to Chicago, IL, with his parents and siblings. As a child, he was baptized at Galilee Baptist Church of Hodge, LA.
He graduated from Kenwood High School in Chicago, IL, in 1972. He returned to Louisiana in 1974 and enrolled at Grambling State University in Grambling, LA, graduating with a degree in Sociology in 1978. Reverend Moore married Cassie White on July 8, 1980, and to this union three children were born: Falon, Paschá, and Trey.
Reverend Moore accepted his calling at Galilee Baptist Church of Hodge, LA, in 1978 under Reverend Calvin Kimble and was ordained on December 19, 1982, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend E.L. Johnson. He began his ministry as Pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church on Evergreen Road in Jonesboro, LA, in 1983. In 1987, he was called to St. David Baptist Church of Vienna, LA.
In October 1989, Reverend Zettie L. Moore, Jr. became the Senior Pastor of Travelers’ Rest Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Louisiana. He was an inspiration to the congregation and community for over 36 years. Through his preaching of the “Word of God,” Reverend Moore touched many lives and demonstrated the meaning of having a “Shepherd’s Heart.” From the pulpit, pew, and pavement, he ministered and prophesied to people while seeking to save souls for Christ. Not only was he a pastor, but he was also a teacher of the “Word.”
Reverend Moore had a deep and abiding love for his church and the people God entrusted to his care. He cherished the fellowship of the congregation and faithfully served alongside its members for many years. His bond with his deacons was especially meaningful, built on mutual respect, friendship, prayer, and a shared commitment to serving the Lord. Though he faithfully served as pastor, he never hesitated to do whatever was needed. Whether preaching from the pulpit, driving the church van, preparing church programs, visiting members, assisting with church events, or quietly working behind the scenes, he willingly stepped into whatever role was needed. His servant’s heart, humility, and unwavering dedication to God’s people left a lasting impact on the church family he loved so dearly.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Reverend Moore was an active member of the New Hope Baptist Association, where he served as First Vice-Moderator. He also served many years as the Dean of the Congress of Christian Education. His service crossed denominational and racial lines as he was a member of the Jackson Parish Unity Team (JPUT), a community-wide collaboration of some twenty churches working to address the social ills of the community. He was also a member of the Louisiana Missionary Baptist State Convention.
One of Reverend Moore’s greatest joys was helping young pastors and ministers grow in their calling. He was known for opening his pulpit to young preachers, giving them opportunities to proclaim God’s Word and develop their ministry gifts. He took pride in seeing them mature, gain confidence, and answer God’s call with boldness. Reverend Moore also had a deep appreciation for prayer. While he faithfully prayed for others, he loved being prayed for by fellow believers. He understood that no servant of God walks alone and treasured the encouragement, strength, and covering that comes through prayer.
In addition to shepherding God’s people, he was employed by Pine Belt Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency, Inc. for 42 years (June 1984). During his tenure at Pine Belt Head Start, he served as Social Services Coordinator, Advisor for Grambling State University social work interns, Assistant Director, and Director of Pine Belt Head Start.
His commitment to service was further reflected in his membership in the Louisiana Head Start Association; LA Cooperative Extension Department Advisory Board (Bienville and Jackson Parishes); Grambling State University Alumni; Grambling State University Social Work Advisory Board; Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (D.A.R.T.); and the Louisiana Educators’ Association–COHORT.
Despite his many responsibilities, Reverend Moore never lost his sense of humor. He loved to have fun, share jokes, laugh, and bring joy to those around him. He never met a stranger and genuinely enjoyed talking with people from all walks of life. A simple trip to Walmart or a quick errand often turned into a lengthy visit, as he would stop to greet friends, strike up conversations, and check on others. Whether among family, friends, church members, or colleagues, his warm spirit and infectious laughter helped create lasting memories and reminded others of the joy found in everyday moments.
While Reverend Moore was devoted to his ministry and community, his family was among his greatest blessings. He often proclaimed how richly the Lord had blessed him through his wife, Cassie, and he was exceedingly proud of his three children and the individuals they had become. He shared a special bond with each of his children, and they treasured the love, wisdom, encouragement, and support he provided throughout their lives. Each would readily say they were blessed to have a father whose love and devotion never wavered. He cherished every opportunity to support, encourage, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Reverend Moore also shared a special bond with his son-in-love, Rodney McFarland, Jr. Over the years, their relationship grew into one of mutual love, respect, and friendship. United by their shared love for Christ and the ministry, Reverend Moore took great joy in watching Rodney preach and treasured the fellowship they shared. He was grateful for the love, support, and devotion Rodney showed to his daughter and their family.
His role as “Paw-Paw” held a special place in his heart. He adored his three grandchildren (Ava, Bella, and Remi) and never missed an opportunity to spend time with them, cheer them on, and remind them how deeply they were loved. Their achievements brought him great pride, and the time he spent with them created memories he treasured.
Reverend Moore was preceded in death by his parents, Zettie L. Moore, Sr. and Lillie Mae Jackson Moore; his siblings, Michael Moore, Carl Moore, Tanya Moore, and Steven Moore; his parents-in-love, Willie White, Sr. and Lula Bell White; and siblings-in-love, Jimmie Dale and Mae Bell Malone, Thurlee Patterson, Ezell Tobin, and Archie and Debbie Moore.
He leaves to cherish his wife of 45 years, Cassie White Moore; his children, Falon (Rodney) McFarland of Lexington, KY; Frances Paschá Moore of Grand Prairie, TX; and Zettie Lee (Trey) Moore, III, of Hodge, LA; three grandchildren, Ava McFarland, Bella McFarland, and Rodney (Remi) McFarland, III; five siblings, Janice Ruffin, Charlotte Moore, Ralph Moore, and Alphonse Moore, all of Chicago, IL, and April Moore of Neenah, WI; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He also leaves to cherish his siblings-in-love of more than 45 years: Trimmie Tobin; Willie White, Jr. (Stella); Laverne Henderson; and Paula Lee (Wayne).
Visitation for friends and family will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 pm on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA, with a Wake following from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. On Saturday, June 13th, a Public Viewing will be held at Traveler’s Rest Baptist Church, located at 409 Congo Street in Jonesboro, LA, at 12:00 pm, with the Life Celebration Service beginning at 1:00 pm.
Austin Dewayne Creed
August 6, 1999 – June 5, 2026
Austin Dewayne Creed passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the age of 26. Austin was an intelligent and thoughtful young man whose curiosity about the world shaped many of his passions. He enjoyed reading, listening to music, and spending time researching subjects that fascinated him, especially science and history. A devoted student of the Bible, Austin had recently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University to pursue a degree in Religious Studies, reflecting both his deep faith and desire to continue learning.
Austin possessed a sharp mind and an inquisitive spirit, always eager to seek knowledge and better understand the world around him. Above all else, however, his greatest love was for his son, Noah. Being a father brought Austin tremendous joy and purpose, and the bond they shared was very special. He will be remembered for his intellect, gentle nature, and the deep love he carried for his family.
He is survived by his son, Noah Creed; father, William Ayres; mother, Shannon Phillips (Chris Knight); siblings, Caleb Plunkett, Hanna Phillips, Joshua M. Lallis, Jessica L. Broshears, Wynona Ayres, William M. Ayres, and Chance Ayres; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Austin was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Velma Peters and Vernon Morse, and his paternal grandmother, Dorothy Phillips.
Austin will be cremated. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro, from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon.
Karen Kay Bryan Emerson
January 9, 1953 – June 8, 2026
Karen Emerson, of Taylor, Arkansas, passed away Monday, June 8, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Karen Kay Bryan Emerson, born January 9, 1953, in Hodge, Louisiana to Dutch and Helen Bryan. She was a 1971 Graduate of Jonesboro Hodge High School and attended Louisiana Tech University. She began her career at the Hodge Paper mill, where she worked until her retirement in 2010. After retirement, she and her husband Bobby moved to their farm in Taylor, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dutch and Helen Bryan; her brothers, JW (Bubba) Bryan, Don Bryan, and Rodger Bryan; her sisters, Elaine (Sister) Wheat & Linda Ann Butler.
Karen is survived by her husband of 23 years, Bobby Emerson, of Taylor, Arkansas; her daughter and son-In-law Kori and Joey Pardue, Bart Emerson (Mindy), and Suzanne (James) Reynolds; grandchildren, Katherine Pardue, Beau Emerson, Alexx Ivey (Phillip Gahr), Mason Maloch (Kaitlyn), Kelsey Passaflume (Nick); great-grandchildren, Mattie and Miles Maloch, Caleb, Connor & Olivia Passaflume. Her sisters are Rosemary (Charles) Spangler and Krista Bryan; her brothers are Ronnie Bryan (Betty), Joey Bryan (Cherise), and Jeffrey Bryan (Cindy). As well as many special nieces and nephews, and lifelong friends.
Visitation will be at Jonesboro-Hodge Methodist Church on Thursday, June 11, from 5:00 -7:00 pm, and on Friday, June 12, from 10:00 -11:00 am, with service to follow at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Siloam Springs Community Church Cemetery in Wyatt, Louisiana, under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes in Ruston, LA.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tharwat Ghattas, of Ghattas Oncology, and Charlotte Odom of Ascend Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion they provided Karen during her illness. We are deeply grateful for their kindness and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Methodist Children’s Home or American Cancer Society.
Patricia Nichols
March 2, 1955 – June 7, 2026
Mrs. Patricia Nichols went to be with the Lord on June 7, 2026, at the age of 71 years old. Open Visitation will be held from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm on Friday, June 12th at Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA. Her Graveside Celebration will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 13th, at Union Hill Cemetery in Calvin, LA, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home