ALVIN WAYNE WILLIAMS
September 29, 1958 – November 26, 2024
Service: November 30, 2024, at Antioch Baptist Church in Leesville, Louisiana, at 12:00 p.m.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Waste Connection routes that are for Thursday pickup will be run on Friday.  Trash pickups that normally run Friday will run on Saturday of this week.

Waste Connections will be picking up trash Friday and Saturday.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Korey James Trauth, 36 of Leesville, was arrested by Agents with the Vernon Parish Narcotics Task Force.  Agents charged Trauth with one count of Possession of a Schedule II Narcotic and one count of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Bond was set at $4601. A detainer was placed on Trauth by the Louisiana Department of Probation and Parole.  Trauth remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Michelle Tinsley, 24 of Leesville, was arrested on two outstanding Bench Warrants.  Bond was denied.  Tinsley remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Nathan Daniel Lindsey, 45 of Leesville, was arrested and charged with one count of Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment.  Bond was set at $25,000.  Lindsey remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Cyril Lee, 35 of Leesville, was arrested on an out-of-jurisdiction Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Lee remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Michelle Coker, 34 of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Coker remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Derek Plaia, 34 of Leesville, was arrested on an outstanding Bench Warrant.  Bond has not been set.  Plaia remains in the Vernon Parish Jail.

Tuesday, November 26, the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a hunter, who had located what he believed to be human remains.  Detectives and deputies went to the area off Lunkers Cove Road, near Anacoco Lake.  The hunter told officers he had been on his ATV in dense, bushy woods when he came upon the remains.

Law enforcement confirmed the remains were human.  The Vernon Parish Coroner’s Office assisted with processing the scene.  Further examination will be made, but authorities confirmed the remains were those of 61-year old Bobby Burns of Leesville.

Burns was reported missing in April of 2024 by family members.  At that time, Burns’s abandoned vehicle had been located by law enforcement around the VFW Road area.  Foul play is not suspected.

The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office was involved in an active pursuit on Monday, November 25, of two suspects wanted on burglary charges in Lafayette Parish.  Deputies chased 18-year-old Landon Burrows of Benton, Louisiana, and Hunter Martin of Keithville, Louisiana through portions of Beauregard and Vernon Parishes, before the vehicle they were in crashed in the area of Beltz Road in Vernon Parish.  Burrows attempted to flee but was apprehended by law enforcement.

Martin ran into the woods nearby and was pursued by deputies.  Before they could find him, Martin was picked up by an accomplice near Highway 467.  Deputies in DeSoto Parish located Martin later in the day, but he again fled on foot into the woods.

The Vernon Parish Journal spoke with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s office Tuesday afternoon after 2 p.m.  They referred us to the Louisiana State Police for further information. We received no further information on the investigation after inquiries to the LSP. It is unknown if Martin has been apprehended at this time.

The Vernon Parish Police Jury’s Road Maintenance and Construction Committee met on Friday, November 22, at 3 p.m.  Discussion centered on the method used in letting bids for road overlays.

Currently, bids for soil/cement work and asphalt are bid separately.  Jurors discussed combining those bids in hopes of attracting bigger contracting firms to bid on the “bigger” job.  Jurors were in agreement that changes to the bid policy would get them more competitive bids.

Jurors will meet with road foremen to compile reports on each road to be overlaid 2025 list.  Those reports must be turned in by December 10 to the central office.  This will most likely cause bids to go out later than normal.

The 2024 Parish Overlay Project had 14 of 31 roads that were not completed.  Those roads will go on the 2025 list for finishing.  Jurors hope to attract more contractors willing to bid on larger projects, with the end result being a savings for Vernon Parish and the road budget.

The Vernon Parish Journal will publish notice of your business, organization, or church Thanksgiving celebration that is open to the public.  Send the information to:  vernonparishjournalnewsla@gmail.com

Crossties and Grace Bible Church- Free Community Thanksgiving meal.  Thursday, November 28, at noon.  Organizers will serve jambalaya, green beans, rolls, desserts, and drinks. All are welcome.  Grace Bible Church is located at 1101 Boone Street in Leesville.

VFW Post 3106-Leesville- VFW Post 3106 on Harriet Street in Leesville will host a Thanksgiving Pot Luck Dinner on Thursday, November 28 at 3 p.m.  Free food, drinks for purchase. Bring a side dish to share.  Open to the local community.

The Leesville City Council met Monday, November 25 at 3 p.m.  All Council members were in attendance.  The first order of business was to address current monthly bills, which totaled $82,867.49.  Four months into the new fiscal year, the City should be at 33% of their budget expenses.  They are currently at 34%.

City Engineer Mark McCarty recommended the City accept the street overlay contract.  There are a few driveways to adjust before completion.  Mayor Rick Allen announced some surplus road money will be spent re-doing the four-way stop at Gladys and Lawrence streets and doing work from Nona street to Orleans. They are repairing a manhole problem and may have to close a street to identify and fix the problem.

Two ordinances were introduced Monday.  Ordinance 6 of 2024 would authorize the mayor to establish a franchise fee pursuant to a state-issued certificate of franchise authority.  Ordinance 7 of 2024 will authorize the City to accept a land donation from Two Magnolias Land Company LLC and give the mayor the authority to sign and execute the agreement.  A public hearing on both ordinances will be on December 9 before the 3 p.m. Council meeting.

Several resolutions were adopted Monday.  The City will engage with Meyer and Associates for professional engineering services for the Water Sector Program Phase 2 System Improvement Project.  The City will also engage with Karen White Consulting to provide grant assistance services for the Louisiana Inaugural Community Wildfire Protection Plan.  Another resolution authorizes the mayor to sign and execute the 2024-2025 Community Enrichment Fund and Louisiana Government Assistance Program grant applications.  The City will submit a Request for Proposals for the construction of a new splash pad at the municipal recreation complex.  The City will submit a Request for Quotes for timber and land clearing and other facility improvement projects at the recreation complex.  The City approved the “Certificate of Substantial Completion” for the 2024 street rehab project.  The city will approve APECK Construction LLC to perform the overlay work on Boone Street.

City Administrator, Patti Larney, announced property tax notices will be going out in mid-December.  She also noted City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday of this week.

Council member Willie Mae Kennedy reminded those in attendance that Jubilee Park will host their annual tree lighting for the community on Thursday, December 5 at 5 p.m.  School choirs will perform, and you can enjoy free hot chocolate and snacks.  Bring the kids to see Santa!

The City invites all members of the community to the Leesville Event Center on Thursday, December 12 at 6 p.m.  Prayers for Unity will be offered for the nation, state, parish, city and home.  All denominations are invited to attend.

The next meeting of the Leesville City Council will be December 9 at 3 p.m.

The Pilot Club of Leesville will hold a Poinsettia sale on Monday, December 2, beginning at noon, at Leesville’s Dogwood Park on Belview Road.

6” plants in red or white are $12
8” plants in red or white are $20
10” plants in red or white are $30
Specialty 8” varieties (Christmas Mouse, Ice Crystal, Pink, or Picasso) are $25

The Pilot Club of Leesville has multiple civic projects going on that benefit our community. Support them and get into the Christmas spirit with lovely Poinsettias.

10TH ANNUAL REINDEER RUN

Pilot Club of Leesville presents their 10^th annual Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 14, with registration set at 8:30 a.m.  The race begins at 9 a.m.  Run headquarters will be at Dogwood Park off Belview Road in Leesville.  Individual runner cost is $35 (Early Bird cost) and $40 day of the race.  Teams of five or more runners are $25 per runner (Early Bird cost) and $30 day of the race.

Early bird registration is available until December 3.  To register go to https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race

St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leesville will host Breakfast with Santa at the church hall on Saturday, December 7.  Come join the fun from 8 a.m. – noon at the parish meeting hall.

Enjoy a pancake breakfast, games, letter writing to Santa, and more.  Get your picture taken with Santa for $8; a family of four or more is $40.  Included in that price is a fully-loaded pancake breakfast, games and a photo with Santa.  Individual photos without the breakfast are also available.

By Quinn Marceaux and Grace Thompson

Republican Gov. Jeff Landry got the Louisiana Legislature to back his bet of lowering individual and corporate income taxes to stimulate growth in the state.

The Legislature adopted a 3% flat tax for individuals, trimmed corporate taxes and will make up some of the lost revenue by temporarily extending and increasing to 5% the state sales tax. Louisiana will now have the highest combined local and state sales tax in the nation at 10.6%.

The tax package, passed Friday with the required two-thirds votes in both chambers, received bipartisan support by aligning Louisiana’s taxes with successful neighboring states. The bills now go to the governor for his signature. The action Friday closed a special session of the Legislature that opened on November 6.

“When we came to Baton Rouge, our goal was to have a long overdue conversation on our tax package,” said Sen. William Wheat, R-Ponchatoula. “This will put Louisiana in a better competitive space to compete with our surrounding states,” he said.

In a closed-door session, Senate lawmakers merged the politically-palatable income tax cut with the steep sales tax increase to win support for the package as a whole.  The idea was to flatten the personal income tax from a tiered-rate system with a top rate of 4.25%, which would have created over a billion dollars in deficits, prompting lawmakers to raise the sales tax and find other sources of revenue to offset the cuts.

The bill passed the Senate 38-1 vote, with Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, casting the sole dissenting vote. House approval was 80-18, with Rep. Beryl Amedee, R-Gray, as the only dissenting Republican.

Still, it was not clear that all the revenue lost by cutting taxes would be made up. “You’re creating a budget shortfall to provide a tax break for people who don’t need it, and creating another fiscal cliff,” said Jan Moller, executive director of Invest in Louisiana, a nonpartisan group in Baton Rouge that represents lower-income citizens.

This proposed sales tax increase mirrors one pushed by former Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in 2016, when Louisiana faced a significant deficit. However, Landry’s sales tax hike is intended to offset his plan to flatten income taxes, a step toward his long-term goal of eliminating income taxes entirely. To gain support, the income and sales tax measures were combined, enabling Republican legislators to stomach raising the sales tax to the highest rate in the nation.

“We are not expanding sales tax into any new services,” Sen. Blake Miguez, R-New Iberia, said.  However, the package will for the first time tax digital services such as streaming services and games.

The Senate approved a significant reduction in the corporate income tax and the complete elimination of the corporate franchise tax. The corporate income tax rate was lowered from 7.5%, one of the highest in the nation, to a flat 5.5%, a move legislators believe will make Louisiana more attractive to business. The bill was passed with a 38-1 vote in the Senate and a 90-9 vote in the House.

The corporate franchise tax, a levy on owning property or conducting business in the state, will be fully eliminated starting January 1, 2026. As part of this change, certain business tax credits will expire on June 30, 2025. Louisiana was previously one of only 17 states with a corporate franchise tax. The bill was passed unanimously in the Senate and by an 84-16 vote in the House.

“Most states around us have eliminated the franchise tax,” said Sen. Jeremy Stine, R-Lake Charles, former marketing director for his family business, Stine Home and Yard. ”As a business owner, this tax is a punishing tax.”

The Senate also approved a bill to make permanent the $2,000 annual stipend teachers have received over the past two years. With Louisiana facing a shortage of some 2,500 teachers, this measure aims to retain current educators and attract new talent. The raise will be partially funded by reallocating $2 billion from the state’s Millennium Trust Fund, managed by the Louisiana Education Department, to reduce debt in the teachers’ retirement system.

However, teachers at charter schools and other institutions that have not contributed to the retirement system will not qualify for the raise. Additionally, some school districts may have leftover funds after receiving this state funding. Any surplus must be directed toward other school employees rather than expenses like textbooks. The bill was unanimously passed in both houses.

Two subsidies that Landry wanted to eliminate were partially preserved after protests at the Capitol: tax credits for movie-making and historic preservation of buildings.

“They can fill a room or two or three,” said Sen. Cameron Henry, R-Metairie, the president of the Senate.

To enter this week’s contest,  CLICK HERE

Congratulations to high school football fan Rhonda Morrison of Leesville.  She is the mother of an athlete and coach, so we give her props for knowing her football.  There were several pickers that went 8-2, but Ms. Rhonda won it on the tiebreaker.  She just met this guy named Ben!   Good luck pickers! Every entry comes with a free subscription to the Vernon Parish Journal.  Click the link above this article to play and win.  Entries must be received by VPJ by Friday at 4 p.m.  We’ll be giving away $100 every week through December 14.

Thanks to our inaugural sponsors: The Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Mockler Beverage, Bud’s Auto and Towing, Mad Bullies-ATV Repair, Mark Smith Insurance, Cryer’s Sports, and Dairy Queen of Leesville.

Advertise your business with the Vernon Parish Journal and get results.  Call 337-208-9253 and get started.

HAPPY PICKING!!

The Leesville High Wampus Cats will make their eighth trip to the quarterfinals of the LHSAA playoffs, at home Friday, by virtue of their 42-24 win over the Loyola Prep Flyers from Shreveport.  Leesville will host Booker T. Washington of New Orleans, the #18 seed, who advanced with a 56-14 win at #15 Buckeye.

Leesville took the opening kickoff against Loyola on a cold, clear night and lined up in the Wildcat formation with all state running back Xavier Ford taking the snap.  It took two plays for Ford to score on a 29-yard run.  Leesville gave Loyola a good dose of Ford and he responded with 267 yards rushing and 3 TD’s on the night.

Quarterback Trel Broom was very accurate all night, completing eleven of thirteen passes for 165 yards, three TD’s and one interception. The sophomore hit Mike Davis seven times for 114 yards and a TD (25 yds).  Freshman Ju-Ju Brown caught both balls thrown his way including an 11-yard TD while Ford got into the act with two catches, one for a nine-yard score.

The Leesville offense never let go of control of the game.  Leesville never punted. They converted four of five third down attempts. The Cats were called for 9 penalties that cost them 95 yards.  Loyola was penalized twice for 25 yards.

The Leesville defense withstood 40 pass attempts by sophomore QB Bryce Restovich.  He completed 21 passes for three TD’s and was picked off once by Ethan Stewart.  Restovich led the Flyers to 19 first downs but was rattled time and time again by the fierce pass rush of the Wampus Cats.  Deandre Herron had eight tackles, four for losses, and a QB sack.  Stewart had seen tackles to go with his INT.  Deshun McNeely had seven tackles.

Restovich, already the school career passing TD leader as a sophomore, hit WR Jake Black with eight passes for 95 yards and a TD.  WR Ben Brewer pulled down six balls for 100 yards and a TD.  Brock Geter had 61 yards receiving and caught the first TD pass of the night from Restovich.

 #7 ranked Leesville (9-2) will now host #18 Booker T. Washington of New Orleans (5-6/2-3 Dist.10-3A) Friday night at 7 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the Division II Select division.  BTW advanced on a forfeit by #2 University High.  The Lions have won three in a row, including a win in the first round of the playoffs at #15 Buckeye, 56-14.  The Vernon Parish Journal will have a closer look at both teams in Friday’s edition.

Northwestern State University has restarted its rodeo team after a hiatus of more than 20 years. 

According to team advisor Professor of Educational Psychology Dr. Michelle Morris, alumni of the program reached out to the NSU administration last summer requesting the university sponsor a rodeo team again. 

“We have received an outpouring of support from the local community offering resources to support our rodeo athletes,” said Morris. “Rodeo alumni and the Natchitoches community rallied to restart the team. They called the university, connected with administrators and faculty and made Facebook posts to gain support. I’ve never seen such an outpouring of support and enthusiasm for bringing back a cherished sport to Northwestern.” 

NSU had a rodeo program from the early 1960s through the mid-90s supported by a student fee. Cuts to academic programs in agricultural sciences made it difficult to recruit students to participate. 

Morris said the university has been helpful in restarting the team. She said NSU has provided financial support for recruitment and rodeo advising since the beginning of the fall semester. Students were gifted competition vests with NSU’s logo to use while on the team. Student fees are available to support riders at the completion of paperwork.  

The team has two members, barrel racers Karli English, an accounting major from Leesville, and McKenzie Davis, an accounting major from Pollock. English competed in four intercollegiate rodeos this semester and Davis competed in two. NSU is in the Southern Region of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). There are five rodeos each semester and the national finals in the summer.  

Events for male rodeo athletes include saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, bull riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling and team roping. Events for female rodeo athletes include barrel racing, breakaway roping, goat tying and team roping.  

Morris said she is actively recruiting new team members. Current NSU students, incoming freshmen and transfer students who are ready to compete are welcome. For more information, contact Morris at paulselm@nsula.edu   

The City of Leesville is expanding the Jingle & Mingle Christmas event to three days this year with some exciting new ideas to help celebrate the holidays.

The event will be held at the new Leesville Event Center on Nolan Trace, December 6-8, both inside and outside the center.  The highlight for many will be a new indoor ice skating rink.  Skating sessions will be from 3-10 p.m. on Friday, December 6; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday, December 7; and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8.  Ages 5-11 will cost $5; ages 12 and up will cost $10.  Buy your ice skating tickets today at Eventbrite.com.

The three-day event will also feature a visit from Santa and Joy the Elf, inflatables, merchandise vendors, raffle door prizes, and food trucks on site.

by James R. Turner

As the boys who park their bulldozers by the fire tower say, “He’s a man with a hat but no cattle.”  It’s true!  I have a little unique spread on Anacoco Lake that is actually a bit of heaven.  It is a beautifully wooded and extraordinarily quiet place.  And as the girls say in town, “…hello handsome”. That is not true!  I have a sweet compound of historic buildings from 1855 or later called “Catalpa”. 

Meanwhile the nearby village of Leesville rolls with the punches way out here in No Man’s Land.  It’s all a measure of underappreciated luxury.

These and other mildly identifying charms, such as the historic courthouse and the whistle of the train, define a form of luxury that we might carelessly overlook.  The world is changing; decibels and water are rising.  Safe harbors are harder and harder to find.  Peace and quiet threaten to abandon the land in the big cities and sprawling suburbs, a long way from Vernon Parish.  Too much is noisy and worrisome.  In ways, anxiety seems to be creeping into every heart while small towns and quiet woods, like threatened species, become truly a luxury.  We forget the luxury of clean air, whispering pines, quiet nights, and devoted friendships.  We appreciate but often overlook the work of our law enforcement pros, our dedicated librarians and schoolteachers, our church elders, foresters, and considerate merchants as they go about their labors in support of the building and maintaining of the harmony and rhythms of a small town and good people.

What are the true luxuries we can count on?  What are the conditions that reduce or eliminate stress?  Certainly, it wouldn’t hurt us to recognize the true luxury of peace and quiet.  After all, so many yearn for it, work a lifetime to get it, and in many cases spend a fortune chasing what small towns and nearby shady woods have at arm’s length.

David & Kylie Knight are a husband-and-wife Christian illusionist duo who have traveled and performed together for over 15 years. They have a passion for wowing audiences with their craft, and their intense love for Jesus and for each other shines through in everything they do. Check out their website at https://www.knightillusions.com/

They will be performing at FBC Anacoco on Sunday, December 8th. For interview requests with David and Kylie Knight, please contact LeannCallaway@aol.com

When Christian illusionists David and Kylie Knight want to quickly capture the attention of audiences, they have been known to make it snow inside venues or cause objects to disappear. But there is a method to their madness. 

By using over-the-top object lessons, the husband-and-wife team entertains audiences in a variety of settings while sharing the gospel.

With a blend of humor, illusions and stunts to teach lessons, the Knights have become popular entertainers for sports award nights, children’s programs, youth events, retreats and church services.

As a team they have covered thousands of miles and helped churches and ministries all around the world reach their communities with the love of God.

Born and raised around Dallas, Texas, David has always been a performer. From his first role in a kindergarten play, David has continually found himself in front of a crowd. As a child, he would urge his cousins to perform in plays that he would write (and star in) for the family.

His early love was music. Concentrating on his vocal skills, he joined the Mesquite Boys Choir where he learned more about the skills of showmanship. He was also cast in a made-for-tv movie. But, he probably won’t tell you what it was.

It was during a 6th grade reading assignment that David felt the draw of the art of illusion after reading a biography on the famous magician and escape artist, Harry Houdini.

Throughout high school David honed his craft by performing in restaurants and at private parties around his hometown of Dallas, Texas. You would often find him at the local magic shop or hanging out with Dallas magic professionals like: past Society of American Magicians president Dal Sanders, world-wide performer and consultant Rick Walker or creator and TV personality Bizzaro.

While attending college, David was offered a position with world-renowned Christian illusionist, Andre Kole. He spent 3 years under Andre’s tutelage where he learned some of the finer skills of the art of illusion.  Kylie was born and raised in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Even at a young age, this southern girl enjoyed the stage. She participated in the school productions and was even briefly part of the Victorian Children’s Choir.

At the age of 20, with a nudge from God, she bravely decided to get on a plane and travel to the other side of the world on her own in hopes of traveling.

Kylie’s talent isn’t limited to the stage and spotlight; in Australia, Kylie was a dental assistant. She considers this her “crown”-ing achievement.

As a partner in the show, Kylie is much more than just an assistant. It is because of her tireless work and attention that the show is able to go on. Her time onstage does not reflect the copious amount of work that she does behind the scenes.

From load in to load out, Kylie handles and coordinates the set up and flow for the show. If that weren’t enough, she also has to keep David in line — that can be a full-time job in itself!

The Junior League of Leesville will host a donation drive for the Vernon Council on Aging.  They are looking for the following items: socks, blankets, flushable wipes, shampoo, soap, hats, gloves, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and snacks. The deadline for gathering these items is Monday, December 9.

Contact any member of the Junior League and they will come and pick up your donations.  Call Brittney Merritte at 225-747-0779 to arrange for the pick up.

Glynn Edward Welch, born on March 6, 1958, in Leesville, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home in Westlake, Louisiana, on November 19, 2024, at the age of 66. Glynn was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, known for his easy-going nature and determination.

A graduate of Leesville High School, Glynn embarked on a career working alongside his father and brother for many years and later as a heavy equipment operator and contractor. In his younger years he developed a passion for softball and became an avid player. He loved gospel music, and he was renowned for his culinary skills, often delighting in cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. He cherished his time with children and grandchildren. Above all, Glynn loved the Lord and imparted his deep faith to his family.

Glynn was preceded in death by his parents, William Chester “Ted” Welch and Ruth Mae O’Banion Welch; siblings, Linda Mae Cauthen, Jimmy Kenneth Welch, Anthony Scott Chamberlain; and the mother of his children, Sheila Ann Reich. He leaves behind a loving family to cherish his memory: siblings Adrian Smart (Jerry), Billie Thomason (Tom), Charles Welch (Glenda), Brenda Whatley (Dwayne), Teddie Medina, and Pam Castillo; children Kylie Kelley (Heath), William “Daniel” Welch (Jessica), and Brittani Teal (Daniel); and grandchildren Gabriella, Evelyn, Caroline, Brylie, Lyra, Stella, Cohen, Beau, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville, officiated by Reverends Mark Christian and Jon Welch. Burial followed at Oak Forest Cemetery under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.  Serving as pallbearers were William Daniel Welch, Daniel Teal, Heath Kelley, Shane Welch, Dustin Welch, Jesse Lentz, Joshua Mata, Bradley Smart, Jeffrey Castillo, and Braeden Bradley. Serving as honorary pallbearers were Michael Castillo, Scott Chamberlain, Michael Chamberlain, Richard Cauthen, Darrell Woofter, Jon Calvin Thomason, Jose’ Mata, Joseph Loupe, David Larwood, and Tommy Burns.

Glynn will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.

A visitation for Sue Babin Marshall will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Jeane’s Funeral Service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service at 1:00 p.m. at Union Grove Cemetery in Slagle, Louisiana under the direction of Jeane’s Funeral Service.

Sue was born on March 17, 1934, to Adolph and Lula Babin and was a lifetime resident of Vernon Parish. She passed away on November 23, 2024, in Leesville, Louisiana at the age of 90. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who adored her family dearly.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 72 years, Clarence Lee Marshall; brother, Henry Babin; and sister, Eva Self. She is survived by her daughter, Frances McClelland and husband Richard of Port Neches, Texas; granddaughter, Amber Swierkowski and husband Tom of The Colony, Texas; and grandson, Scott McClelland of Port Neches.

BARBARA ANN WHITE
September 3, 1944 – November 21, 2024
Service: November 24, 2024, at Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Pitkin, Louisiana, at 2:00 p.m.

RONALD PAUL JETT
January 20, 1972 – November 20, 2024
Service: November 23, 2024, at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Leesville, at 11:00 a.m.

SUE BABIN MARSHALL
March 17, 1934 – November 23, 2024
Service: November 29, 2024, at Union Grove Cemetery in Slagle, Louisiana, at 1:00 p.m.

VERA ALYENE MCRAE
February 12, 1945 – November 24, 2024
Service: November 30, 2024, at Old Anacoco Baptist Church in Anacoco at 12:00 p.m.