Dolores Mae Wells passed away on Sunday, Sept. 27 at her home. She was 74. She was a retired homemaker. A  native of Abend and a resident of New Orleans and Abend. Visitation was held at Demby & Son Funeral Home in Donaldsonville on Friday, Oct. 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again on Saturday at Mt. Bethel Baptist  of Abend from 9 a.m.  to 11 a.m. conducted by the Rev. Louis Scioneaux. Interment was held at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery in Abend.
She is survived by  three daughters and two sons-in-law: Vanessa and Rob Marks of Donaldsonville, Melanie and Armand Keller of Baton Rouge, and Clettia Wells of Gonzales. One son, Wayne Cortez of Donaldsonville. Three sisters and a brother in law: Barbara and Daveline Wilson and Vera Miller all of Los Angeles, Calif. and Paula Wells of Gonzales.
Two brothers: Clarence Richard of Los Angeles, Calif. and Henry Wells of Jacksonville, North Carolina, and a sister-in-law Ruby Wells.
Six  grandchildren: Wayne Wells Jr. and his wife Jennifer, Rob  Marks Jr., Jasman Marks, Darren Demby, Jeremy Lockett and Tamera Marks and one great-grandson, Jeremiah Cortez Wells and a devoted life-long friend, Mable Sanders. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Rosa Wells, a brother, Mike Wells Jr., two sisters-in-law, Ann Richard and Joyce Wells.
Demby & Sons Funeral Home of Donaldsonville in charge of arrangements.
 

Ronald Eugene Carbo born on February 14, 1929, resident of Brusly McCall, passed away on September 21, 2009 at the age of 80.  US Navy Veteran and a retired railroad conductor with 40 years of service to the Union Pacific Railroad. Member of United Transportation Union and the American Legion Post 98.  Visitation was held on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville, and on Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Church, Brusly, with a mass of Christian burial to follow.  Interment followed in St. John the Baptist Mausoleum.  He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Margaret Goodwin Carbo; 7 children Cynthia (Cindy) and Bruce Bergeron, Eric and MaryLou Carbo, Ellen and Robert Guillot, David Carbo, William and Betty Carbo, Linda Carbo, Meg and Steve Powell; 12 grandchildren and 2 adoptive grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; sister Jeanette Corbo; and numerous neices and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Claiborne and Linda Sanchez Carbo, brothers Russell and Claiborne, Jr. Pallbearers include: Robert, David, Stephen, William, Luke, and Paul. Honorary Pallbearers include: Eric, Bruce, Steve, Dylan, Russ, Adam, Jeremy, Dave and Chad.  Ronald loved gardening, his pecans and loved to share his bounties with family and friends. A graduate of Donaldsonville High School class of 1946, he was an avid reader, great dancer, and a very entertaining storyteller. A sincere thank you to the doctors and staff of Terrebone General Medical Center and Diversified Home Health. Friends and family may send their condolences and thoughts to www.mem.com



 

A two-vehicle crash on I-10 in Ascension Parish claimed the life of a Donaldsonville woman just after 2 a.m. Saturday morning, according to a Louisiana State Police press release.
Anthony Jackson, 46, of Vacherie was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Pickup west on Interstate 10 when he struck the rear of a 1998 Honda Accord, being driven by Denise M. Dumas, 25, of Donaldsonville.  The pickup rolled over several times after the collision.
Dumas was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ascension Parish Coroner’s Office.
Jackson and his passengers were properly restrained in the pickup and sustained only minor injuries.
Alcohol is not suspected to have been a factor in this crash.  However, Troopers have submitted a sample of Dumas’ blood to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for chemical analysis.
Jackson voluntarily submitted a breath sample to the Intoxilyzer 5000, with the results showing no detectable alcohol in his system.
The crash is still under investigation and no charges have been filed.
 

Former Fire Chief Kirk Landry died Friday and the parish coroner’s office is performing an autopsy on his body, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Department confirmed Monday.
Few details were available Monday as to the circumstances and cause of death.
He was found at his house and EMS emergency services responded to the scene.
Landry, 51, was not feeling well according to a fire department official and declined to go to dinner with his girlfriend Friday evening. The girlfriend went to dinner without Landry, and upon her return found him and called EMS.
Landry passed away after being transported to Prevost Memorial Hospital.
The body has been taken to Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville. Funeral services will be held at Ascension Catholic Church in Donaldsonville on Friday, August 14 at 11 a.m.
Landry was a 1975 graduate of Ascension Catholic High School in Donaldsonville, and a member of the 1973 state championship football team.
He was a historian, musician, thespian, teacher and firefighter. He attended the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, and at one time in his career held the most certifications offered by the LSU Fire Academy.
Landry’s keen interest in historic Donaldsonville and Ascension Parish led him to self-publish well received books and calendars that featured antique post cards that he collected.

She lived her life to do for others and loved cooking for her family and friends. She passed away peacefully at 11:35 p.m. on Thursday, July 30 at her residence. She was 79. She is survived by her devoted of 56 years Junior Sr., one devoted brother, Wilbert North Sr. and wife Ruby of Belle Rose. Fourteen children, Linda Mitchell and husband Joseph of Prairieville. Janice Joseph of Donaldsonville. Joann Jenkins and husband Henry Sr. of Donaldsonville. Joyce Geason and husband Bernard of St. James. Judy Mitchell and husband James Sr. of St. James. Geraldine Mayho and husband Marshall Jr. of St. James. Junior Joseph Jr. of Donaldsonville. Eugene Joseph and wife Linda of St. Amant. Nancy Quezaire and husband Andrew of Modeste. Linwood Joseph of Donaldsonville. Karen Peters and husband Curtis Sr. of Madison, Ga. Kennedy Joseph and companion Trina Miles of Klotzville. Terry Joseph and wife Sabrina of Stone Mountain, Ga. Mary Riley and husband Timothy of Gonzales. 34 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and one devoted friend, Pernella Skinner, and a devoted cousin Pauline Jones both of Donaldsonville.
Preceded in death by her parents, Corrine and Clarence North Sr., five brothers: Willie North, Clarence North Jr., Leonard North, Cal North, and Willard North Sr. Two sisters: Lena Johnson and Wilma North.
Family and friends will miss her. Visitation at Demby and Son Funeral Home in Donaldsonville on Friday, August 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visiting continues at Shekinah Glory Christian Fellowship Church on August 8 from 9 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. celebrated by Pastor Ronald D. Harbin. Interment in Emanuel Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family wishes to acknowledge the special services from Wanza Garnett and Paulette Redman of Amedisys Hospice Service.
Demby and Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
 

James J. Nelson Sr., was entrusted into God’s loving care on Monday, July 20. He was a retired industrial painter. He was 52. A resident of Modeste and a native of St. James.
Visitation was held at Demby& Son Funeral Home, in Donaldsonville on July 23, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Visiting was held at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Donaldsonville on Friday, July 24 from 9 a.m. until mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Recitation of the Rosary was held at 9:15 a.m. conducted by Rev. Ayo Emmanuel Efodigbue, Msp, Celebrant.
Interment was held in St. James Catholic Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife, Florence J. Nelson, father and mother, Norward and Elsie Dee Madison Nelson, a daughter Tamara Nelson, one step-daughter, Gisele Julien, a son and daughter-in-law, Jr. and Sherika Nelson. Five sisters and brothers-in-law: Pearlette and Michael Julien, Barbara and Cornelius Williams, Mary and Nolan Westley, Josephine and Roland Melancon, and Deloris and Gary Gipson.
One brother and sister-in-law, Ricky and Karisue Nelson.
Two step-grandchildren: Makayla Jacobs and Kenneth Williams.
Sisters and brothers-in-law: Lois and Herman Nicholas, Leonard, Jr., Linda Julien, Anthony Julien, and friend Elaine Williams, Clifford Julien, Matthew Julien, Ronald and Melissa Julien, Alyce J. Robinson, June and Stanley Mitchell, and Carlos Julien, and friend Tracey Campbell. A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents, father and mother-in-law.
Demby&Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
 

Byron Thiac was called home on July 20, 2009 at 1:53 a.m. He was 72. He was born on March 19, 1937 and was a native of Donaldsonville and a resident of Thibodaux. Visitation will be held on July 22 at 8 a.m. until religious service at St. Joseph Cathedral in Thibodaux at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Survived by son Tim Thiac, and daughters: Melissa Noel, Cindy Edrington, Peggy Toups, Julie Ng, and Mary Zeringue. One brother, Brandt Thiac. 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his wife, Janice Thiac and sisters: Laura Lee Thiac, Marcel Caillouet Rouse, and Olga Thiac.
In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
Landry’s Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
 

Roy Joseph Rodrigue was entrusted into God’s loving care on Friday, July 17, 2009 at 2:00 a.m. in Baton Rouge. He was 79. He was a native of Paincourtville and resident of Belle Rose. He was a retired electrician for Savoie Ind. with 42 years of service and a
U.S. Army Veteran.
Visitation was held Sunday, July 19, 2009, at Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville, from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.  Visitation resumed at the funeral home Monday, July 20, 2009, from 8 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.  There was a procession to St. Jules Catholic Church in Belle Rose for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Joel LeBauve, officiating.  Entombment was in the church cemetery.
Survived by: Wife, Rosemary Achee Rodrigue; daughters and son-in-laws, Bonnie R. and Lynn Barbier, Kathleen R. and Barry Landry; grandchildren, Lindsey Barbier Booty and her husband John, Chris Barbier, Stephen Barbier, Ryan Barbier, Greg Barbier, Emily Landry, Nick Landry, and Jason Landry; sisters, Cecile and Alma; and his best friend-companion, German Shepard, “Happy.”
Preceded in death by: Parents, Olezie and Hostilia Cedotal Rodrigue; brothers, Alvin, Nicess, Eddie, Comey, Elic, and Gilbert Rodrigue, and Sam Cedotal; and sisters, Effie and Elonite.
Pallbearers were Lynn Barbier, Chris Barbier, Stephen Barbier, Ryan Barbier, Greg Barbier, Barry Landry, Gary Landry, and Leland Falcon.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Roy’s Godchild Joann Latino for all of her love and help and St. Joseph Hospice Carpenter House staff for all of their caring support.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to: St. Elizabeth School Memorial Fund or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Ourso Funeral Home of Donaldsonville in charge of arrangements.
 

Rosemary Jackson Henderson was entrusted into God's loving care on Wednesday, July 1. She was 66. She was a resident of Donaldsonville and a native of New Orleans. She was a homemaker. She was a graduate of Lowery High School class of 1961 and Southern University.
Survivors include: three daughters; Latineya and Tidra Henderson, Beaumont, TX, and Nieaka Christopher of Modeste. Two sons, Byron Henderson of Everette, WA and Jicarlo Henderson of Houma. One sister, Audrey Jackson Gaudin of Donaldsonville. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Leonard L. Henderson; her parents, Edward and Alice Jackson; maternal grandparents, Rev. James and Courtney James; and paternal grandparents, James Jackson and Barbara Skinner. Visitation was held at Demby and Son Funeral Home, Thursday, July 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Religious ceremony was held at St. Phillip Baptist Church in Modeste at 10 a.m. conducted by Rev. Victor Pedescleaux. Interment was held at St. Phillip Baptist Church Cemetery.
She was an active member of Henry Gallon Court Chapter # 30 Heroins of Jericho, Pride of Donaldsonville Chapter #80 order of Eastern Star, Boy scouts of America, Girl scouts of America, Deaconess and Treasurer of pastor's aid and support group at St. Phillip Baptist Church.
Demby and Son Funeral Home of Donaldsonville in charge of the arrangements.
 

On July 9, 2009 our Lord called home another blessed angel. Our dearest Mary E. Cottun entered the gates of heaven with love and joy in her heart. Mary is following her beloved husband, William J. Cottun II, their oldest daughter Patricia (Pat) S. Cottun Parker, and her cherished parents Neal Denson Evans and Ottie Lee Silman Evans.
She left in waiting her son William (Bill) J. Cottun III, his wife Lynn Ann Sharkey Cottun, and her most caring daughter Mary E. (Libby) Cottun Luther and her husband Terry S. Luther. Mary will continue to watch over her four grandchildren, Jon-Mikal L., Michelle Lynn, Natalie Elaine and Anthony Joseph and her five great-grandchildren.
Her three brothers, Wilson, Thomas, and Russell, three sisters Evelyn, Catherine and Ann and their families will miss their dearest Sister and Aunt very much. Mary is cherished by so many for she made each person she met know they were, and would always be, a very special person in her life. She shared her love and the blessings of the Lord with all.
We invite to a memorial service for Mary on July 19, 2009 at 3 p.m., Healing Place Church Annex, located at 14141 Airline Highway, Baton Rouge, LA, 70817. Please come and celebrate the life of our most dear Mary Geneva Evans Cottun. (March 15, 1931 to July 9, 2009)
Ourso Funeral Home of Donaldsonville in charge of arrangements.
 

Fredrick Gordon Lawson Jr., 77, died Monday, June 1, 2009, at his home in Donaldsonville. He was born on November 18, 1931, in Gypsey, West Virginia, to Frederick Gordon Lawson Sr. and Beatrice Ilce both deceased. He was married to Doris Gentry Lawson, also deceased.
Survived by his two children Kelly Lawson Zeringue, of Donaldsonville, and Alfred Gordon Lawson, of Dallas; two sisters and a brother, Vera Lawson Hess, married to George Hess, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Norma Lawson Steflick, married to Joe Steflick, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Jimmy Lawson married to Judy Lawson, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; five grandchildren, Charety Zeringue Followell, married to Jeremy Followell, of Geismar, Jake Zeringue and David Zeringue, both of Gonzales, and Holly Lawson and Kara Beth Lawson, both of Trenton, Texas; five great- grandchildren, Victoria Porrier, of St. Amant, Haylee Zeringue, Morgan Followell, and Zachary Followell, all of Geismar, and Conner Zeringue, of Baton Rouge,; and aunt, Ruth Cope of Henryetta, Okla. He was a Korean War veteran, with he rank of staff sergeant in the second battalion 9th Marines 1st Division from 1951 to 1954. Fred worked for 25 years as an instrument man at Triad Chemical in Donaldsonville. Fred was a member of the Southside Church of Christ in Gonzales, LA. Fred was known for his unique sense of wit and love for jokes. He enjoyed making homemade toys for the grandchildren. Graveside service was held at Faith Tabernacle Cemetery in Gonzales, on Thursday, June 4, at 10 a.m.
Arrangements are by Ourso Funeral Home, Donaldsonville.   
 

Velma Garnett Taylor known to many as “mom” or “Grandmo” was called home Sunday May 31 at 3:45 p.m. She was 82 and a native of Smoke Bend and a resident of Donaldsonville. She was a retired short order cook. Visitation was held at Demby & Son Funeral Home in Donaldsonville on Friday June 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Also at Second Baptist Church in Donaldsonville from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. conducted by Reverend James N. Dorsey, Sr. Interment was held at Second Mount Olive Baptist Church cemetery.
Survived by three daughters: Godrayann C. Biser, Garnetta Chatman and Gardenia A. Taylor, all of Donaldsonville. One son Willie O’Dell Taylor of Los Angeles, California. One stepdaughter Carrie Mae Miller of Donaldsonville. A host of grandchildren, great grand children and great great Grand Children, and other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents; Joseph and Celina Garnett, a sister, Lucille Polk, two sons- in- law; Vernon Chatman and Clarence Biser and a stepson; John Taylor.
Special thanks to Management and staff at Donaldsonville House Nursing Home for the care given to our mother.
Demby & Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Fredrick Gordon Lawson Jr., 77, died Monday, June 1, 2009, at his home in Donaldsonville. He was born on November 18, 1931, in Gypsey, West Virginia, to Frederick Gordon Lawson Sr. and Beatrice Ilce both deceased. He was married to Doris Gentry Lawson, also deceased.
Survived by his two children Kelly Lawson Zeringue, of Donaldsonville, and Alfred Gordon Lawson, of Dallas; two sisters and a brother, Vera Lawson Hess, married to George Hess, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, Norma Lawson Steflick, married to Joe Steflick, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, and Jimmy Lawson married to Judy Lawson, of Bridgeport, West Virginia; five grandchildren, Charety Zeringue Followell, married to Jeremy Followell, of Geismar, Jake Zeringue and David Zeringue, both of Gonzales, and Holly Lawson and Kara Beth Lawson, both of Trenton, Texas; five great- grandchildren, Victoria Porrier, of St. Amant, Haylee Zeringue, Morgan Followell, and Zachary Followell, all of Geismar, and Conner Zeringue, of Baton Rouge,; and aunt, Ruth Cope of Henryetta, Okla. He was a Korean War veteran, with he rank of staff sergeant in the second battalion 9th Marines 1st Division from 1951 to 1954. Fred worked for 25 years as an instrument man at Triad Chemical in Donaldsonville. Fred was a member of the Southside Church of Christ in Gonzales, LA. Fred was known for his unique sense of wit and love for jokes. He enjoyed making homemade toys for the grandchildren. Graveside service was held at Faith Tabernacle Cemetery in Gonzales, on Thursday, June 4, at 10 a.m.
Arrangements are by Ourso Funeral Home, Donaldsonville.   
 

Brad Noland Joseph Hidalgo Sr. was called home on May 30 at 1:50 a.m. He was 28. He was a native of Baton Rouge and a resident of Belle Rose. He was a glass technician at Donaldsonville Glass. He was an avid hunter. Visitation was held at Ourso Funeral Home in Donaldsonville on Wednesday June 3 from 6 to 10 p.m. Also at St. Jules Catholic Church on Thursday June 4 from 8 a.m. until religious service at 10 a.m. Internment will be held at St. Jules Catholic Church Cemetery.
Survivors include his father and stepmother Edward Hidalgo and Colette Thibodeaux.  Two sons: Brad Hidalgo Jr. and Austin Hidalgo. Three step brothers and their wives: Joey and Tasha Thibodeaux, John and Danielle Thibodeaux, and Shane and Beth Athens. A devoted grandmother Rose K. Torres and an ex -wife Cheryl Hidalgo.
Extended family includes Karl and Janet Kocke, Mickey Leblanc, Kevin and Celeste Kocke, John Kocke, Aaron Koshko, Kyle and Sherita Kocke. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.
In Lieu of flowers donations will be accepted for Brad Jr. and Austin education fund at Whitney Bank.
 

Stella M. Reynard was entrusted into God’s loving care on Tuesday, May 26 at 1:15 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. She was 73. She was a native and resident of Donaldsonville. She was a retired clothing technician. Visitation was held at Demby & Son Funeral Home in Donaldsonville on Monday, June 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Also at St. Mary Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 2 from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. conducted by Rev. Willie Ford. Interment will be held in the church cemetery. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Shanese and Earthy. Three sons and daughter-in-laws: Lloyd and Janice, Kevin and Melissa, and Dewayne and Trinette. Four sisters: Ernestine Harris, Ida Mae Taylor, Virginia Thompson, and Brenda Johnson. A devoted mother-in-law, Edna Reynard, five brother-in-laws, ten sister-in-laws, host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a special caregiver and friend, Mary Jones.
She is preceded in death by her husband: Roosevelt Reynard Jr., her mother: Stella Boudreaux, her father: Ernest Himes, her father-in-law: Rev. Roosevelt Reynard Sr., three brother-in-laws and two nieces.
Demby & Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.