Ruth (Martin) Montgomery Culpepper
September 17, 1940 – July 15, 2026
Ruth Elizabeth (Martin) Montgomery Culpepper, age 85, finished her earthly journey on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Ruth was born Tuesday, September 17, 1940, in New Hope, Arkansas, to the blessed union of Perry and Annie (Wilson) Martin.
After graduating high school, she went on to study at LSU and LA Tech and earned her degree in nursing. She loved being a registered nurse and worked for many hospitals and schools throughout her career. She worked 20 dedicated years for EA Conway Hospital in the psychiatric ward and found helping patients to be very fulfilling. She retired from the State in 2010.
Ruth was known as a strong woman with a huge heart, especially when it came to children. She was a Godsend to many children in need throughout the years. She would do anything it took to help and to fix a bad situation when it came to a child. Ruth had a passion for genealogy and enjoyed tracing her family line. When she and Reggie got married, they used any excuse possible to get out and travel. They especially loved to bring their grandchildren along on their adventures. They took them to see a good bit of the United States. Ruth loved her family, and they were her world. She loved her children, her grandchildren more, and her great-grandchildren even more!
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Mary Kay Schoonover (Rusty), Billy Montgomery (Pennie), Becky Norred, Mandie Guthrie (Brian), Clay Culpepper (Cheryl), Brad Culpepper (Melissa); grandchildren, Cody Montgomery (Abbi), Sam Montgomery, Megan Schoonover (Kathryn), Jordan Kees, Railee Tankchell (Ikem), Hunter Guthrie, Haylee Guthrie, Amber (Louie), Adam Culpepper, Sara Beth Culpepper, Allyssa Culpepper, Morgan Culpepper (Laura), Wesley Norred; great grandchildren, Link, Grady, Paige, Eleanor Ruth, Miriam, Josephine, Kai, Ma’Lahni, Shane, Charlie, Jack, Logan, Irelan, Holyn, Ayden; best friends, Marion and Linda Beasley.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Culpepper; parents, Perry William and Annie Mae (Wilson) Martin; brother, Perry Wayne Martin; nephew, Steve Martin.
A graveside service was held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Alabama Cemetery in Arcadia, Louisiana. Burial followed under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers was Rusty Schoonover, Billy Montgomery, Clay Culpepper, Cody Montgomery, Sam Montgomery and Adam Culpepper.
The family would like to extend a Special Thank You to Amy Tolar for the love, care, and dedicated support that she provided for Ms. Ruth.
John R. Williams
July 20, 1947 – July 18, 2026
John R. Williams went to be with the Lord on July 12, 2026, at the age of 78. Following a public viewing in the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA , “Mr. John”, as he was affectionately called by friends, had his Life Celebration service on July 18th under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.
Nora Jane McKay
July 4, 1945 – July 14, 2026
Nora Jane (Hughen) McKay, age 81, passed away on July 14, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and love for those closest to her. Jane found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—tending her beautiful flower garden, spending time outdoors, fishing, and searching for special finds at thrift stores. A talented seamstress, she created many things with skill and care, but her greatest joy was always the time she shared with her beloved family and friends.
Jane is survived by her daughters, Carmen Ford, Melanie Tucker (Wetzal), and Lori Keeler; grandchildren, Jamie Miniard, Amanda Morgan, Kalee Yakaboski, Karly Higgs, Ford Norris, Blake Shute, Steven Smith, Meagan Landry, Tyler Heard, Seth Heard, Kelena Stewart and Donovan Stewart; 10 great-grandchildren; special friends, Dora, Mika and Carline; and her dog, “Baby Girl.”
She was preceded in death by her father, John Wesley Hughen; mother, Pauline (Broadus) Hughen; husband, Jerry McKay; son, Jimmy Norris; daughter, Leslie Norris Stewart; and grandsons, Justin Ford and Logan Norris.
As per her wishes, Jane will be cremated. Her family plans to have a private memorial service.
Tysonia West Davis
September 9, 1981 – July 10, 2026
Tysonia West Davis gained her heavenly wings on July 10, 2026, at the age of 54. The public viewing was held on Thursday, July 16th, in the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA, followed by Tysonia’s Celebration of Life service on Friday, July 17th, at St. Rest Baptist Church in Quitman, LA, under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.