Nedra Dee Gaulden
October 17, 1939 – September 22, 2026
Nedra Dee Gaulden, age 86, of Quitman, LA, peacefully entered the arms of Jesus on Tuesday,
September 22, 2026.
Born on October 17, 1939, in Chatham, LA, Nedra is preceded in death by her loving husband of
60 years, Robert Lane Gaulden; parents, Elsie and W.N. “Bob” Heflin; and her sisters, Norma
Jean McKnight and Nelda Hollis.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Lisa Jones (Kenneth) of Clay, Terri Adams
(Jeff) of Arcadia, Lori Howard (Ricky) of Quitman, and Craig Gaulden (Rami) of Forney, Texas.
Mrs. Gaulden was blessed to have ten grandchildren: Mitchell Jones (Misty), Philip Jones (Kelly),
Amy Rowe (Corey), Caitlin Fursov (Michael), Danica Norred (Jerry), Jennifer Howard, Chelsea
Moore (Isaac), Tanner Howard, Katie Staton (John), and Blake Gaulden. She was also blessed
with fourteen great-grandchildren: Bryce Jones, Sarah Jones, Lily Jones, Kenzlie Jones, Ruger
Jones, Shane Rowe (Sadie), Luke Rowe, Eli Rowe, Emma Rowe, Benjamin Fursov, Hannah
Fursov, Ari Fursov, Gatlin Moore, and one Moore on the way. She will also be lovingly
remembered by her brother Roger Heflin (Sue) of Quitman, and a host of nieces, nephews, and
extended family and friends.
Mrs. Gaulden was a homemaker who wholeheartedly devoted herself to her husband and
children. Nelda was a faithful member at Hodge Baptist Church for 60 years, where she was a
long-standing member of the Character Builder’s Sunday School Class, served in Hearts of Light
ministry, where she cooked and delivered meals, served on the kitchen and decor committees,
as well as assisting with arts and crafts during VBS.
Nedra had a self-proclaimed black-belt in shopping, and she enjoyed reading, crafting, listening to music from a variety of artists (namely Elvis, Neil Diamond, and Wayne Newton), cutting up with her best friend Jo Ann Brinson, and trying out new recipes. Her culinary skills were vast, and her made-from-scratch chicken & dumplings, fried peach hand pies, fried chicken, and holiday dressing will be especially missed.
Never did a holiday go by where leftovers weren’t sent home in cool-whip or butter containers
she saved specifically for that purpose. She loved to see her food enjoyed by her family. Nedra
herself loved partaking of her favorite food, Johnny’s Pizza, and getting as many toppings as she
could.
Mrs. Gaulden enjoyed visiting Gatlinburg, TN, Branson, MO, and Asheville, NC alongside her
husband Robert, where she enjoyed shopping, museums, watching a variety of music shows,
and visiting Dollywood, Silver Dollar City, and the Biltmore Estate multiple times throughout the
year.
The children would like to especially thank Anna Abney for taking such wonderful care of
Mother. Anna was a source of blessing and joy to her and made the days pass in comfort with
her presence.
The visitation and funeral was held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at Hodge Baptist Church,
with Bro. Craig Stephens officiating. Burial followed at Antioch Cemetery in Quitman, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Serving as pallbearers was Tanner Howard, Mitchell Jones, Philip Jones, Luke Rowe, Eli Rowe,
Shane Rowe, Corey Rowe and Blake Gaulden.
If you would like to leave an online memorial message for the family, please visit:
www.owensmemorialfuneralhome.com.
Sherri Dian Mathews
February 1, 1949 — September 19, 2026
Sherri Dian Mathews passed away in West Monroe, Louisiana, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the age of 77. Sheri was a woman who found great joy in the things she loved most, especially her beloved dogs, Zoe and Sierra, who were very special companions in her life. She was a devoted Elvis Presley fan and enjoyed his music throughout the years. Sheri was also an enthusiastic New Orleans Saints fan and could always be counted on to cheer for her team. Her love for her pets, her music, and her Saints brought her many happy moments and reflected the simple pleasures she treasured in life.
Sherri is survived by her brother, Lester M. Henning (Nannie Sue); nieces, Martie Lawrence (Ben), Marcie White and Lee Ann Henning; nephews, Ashley Henning (Crystal), James R. Henning, Jr., Christopher R. Henning, Slade Henning (Tracy), Malcolm Henning (Tina), and Justin Pool (Kim); as well as a host of great nieces and great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Lester R. Henning; mother, Avis (Walker) Henning; brothers, James R. Henning and Jerry D. Henning; nephews, Scotty J. Henning, Michael C. Henning and Ellis L. Henning.
The funeral service was held on Friday, September 25 at 11:00 AM in the Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA. Burial followed at Walnut Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Wilfred Lee Williams
December 1, 1937 – September 19, 2026
Wilfred Lee Williams gained his heavenly wings on September 19, 2026 at the age of 88. A public viewing took place on Friday, September 25th and the Life Celebration service was held on Saturday, September 26th, both at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Hodge, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA
Marline Davis Dray
February 12, 1975 – September 24, 2026
Marline Davis Dray, 51, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, fiancé, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 24, 2026.
Born on February 12, 1975, Marline was a loving and devoted woman whose greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She especially treasured the moments she shared with her son, Dustin, and her granddaughter, Layla, who held a very special place in her heart.
Marline enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, and had a strong and unwavering faith in the Lord, which was an important part of her life. She found comfort and strength in her faith and carried that love with her throughout her life.
|She loved cooking, and she was always ready for a good shopping trip. More than anything, she valued being surrounded by the people she loved. Her warmth, love, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Marline was preceded in death by her parents, Bobbie and Freddie Davis; two brothers, Tommy Davis and Tony Davis; and two nephews, Austin Roberts and Christopher Pardue.
She leaves to cherish her memory her loving son, Dustin Spangler and wife Cassie of Jonesboro, Louisiana; her beloved granddaughter, Layla Spangler; two sisters, Donna Davis of Jonesboro, Louisiana, and Carla Roberts and husband David of Jonesboro, Louisiana; one brother, Ricky Davis of Jonesboro, Louisiana; her fiancé, Steven Coker; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Though she is no longer with us, Marline’s love will continue to live on through her family, the memories they shared, and the many lives she touched. She will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.
A public viewing will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 am on Monday, September 28th, at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA. The Life Celebration service will follow.
D’Marqueon “Poohman” Nash
April 18, 2002 – September 14, 2026
D’Marqueon “Poohman” Nash went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2026 at the tender age of 24. After a public viewing was held at the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA on Friday, September 24th, the Life Celebration service took place on Saturday, September 26th at Rivers of Joy MInistries in Jonesboro, LA under the direction of Paradise Funeral Home.