Writer: Ruthie Losavio at rlosavio@agcenter.lsu.edu

BATON ROUGE, La. — A produce prescription program is putting fresh fruits and vegetables within reach for families in rural Louisiana.

The Healthy Families Produce Prescription (HFPRx) program — developed through a partnership of the LSU AgCenter’s High Obesity Program (HOP), Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign and About Fresh — is now available in Assumption, Terrebonne, Winn, Morehouse and Claiborne parishes.

HFPRx helps families with Medicaid-enrolled children between the ages of 3 and 17 access healthier foods by providing $40 a month for six months on a pre-loaded FreshConnect card. This card can be used to purchase fresh produce at participating grocery stores and farmers markets, including Walmart and Albertsons.

“Access to nutritious food is a critical part of public health,” said Jamila Freightman, LSU AgCenter HOP program manager. “By working with health care providers and local retailers, we’re making it easier for families to eat well and feel better.”

Enrollment is simple. Eligible families can self-enroll using a flier from a participating health care provider or community partner. Health care providers serve as key referral sites by confirming eligibility and sharing program materials during appointments or through patient portals.

The program also offers benefits to local food retailers. Grocers and market vendors interested in joining the FreshConnect Retail Network can expand their customer base and support a healthier community with minimal technical effort and dedicated support.

Enrollment for HFPRx is open now and will close June 30. Families are encouraged to enroll early to make the most of the six-month benefit period.

This produce prescription initiative is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP). The HOP program is funded through a cooperative agreement between the AgCenter and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information about enrollment in Winn, Morehouse or Claiborne parishes, contact April Temple at apriltemple@agcenter.lsu.edu or 318-435-7551. For enrollment details in Assumption or Terrebonne parishes, contact Makenzie Miller at makenziemiller@agcenter.lsu.edu or 225-578-4565.

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By Steve Graf    

The recent Masters golf tournament was a true test of will and determination by Rory McIlroy.
The entire tournament was a roller coaster ride of emotions, highs and lows, and wasted
opportunities. Rory, who came into the event as one of the favorites to win, had a history of
not fulfilling his dream of becoming a Masters champion.

But after 17 failed opportunities to win The Masters, he finally reached his goal of putting on
the green jacket which is given to everyone that wins The Masters.

Rory, as a kid, did not come from a privileged family with country club money. His family was
lower middle class, but his dad recognized at a very early age that Rory had a God-given talent
of how to hit a golf ball.

One day, a young Rory asked his dad if they could go hit some range balls. His dad, who lived
paycheck to paycheck, knew he only had one range token, which was good for 30 balls. So, he
told Rory to pretend he was at The Masters and to make every ball count, since his father could
not afford any more tokens until the following week when he got paid.

Rory has never forgotten all the sacrifices his family made in order for him to have a chance to
become one of the world’s greatest golfers. But on this year’s final round of The Masters and a
one-hole playoff with fellow European and friend Justin Rose, Rory’s emotions came to the
surface as he made a 4-foot birdie putt to win the most prestigious tournament in the world —
The Masters!

After making the most important putt of his life, Rory dropped to his knees and sobbed as all
the stress and pain of 17 failed opportunities to win this event came rushing to the surface.
Finally, he proved all the naysayers wrong. He would no longer have to answer media questions
on why he hadn’t won this event.

All of us at some point in our daily lives have had things hanging over our heads or that we have
carried around for years and never seem to overcome. It could be something as simple as
finding the perfect job or losing weight. Maybe it’s a bad habit that we’ve carried for years like
smoking.

No matter what our issue might be, there’s pretty much nothing each of us can’t overcome
with a little encouragement from family and friends, or in some cases, professional help. But
when that day finally arrives where we have conquered our demons, the relief from pressure
lifted off of us can be absolutely incredible! 

Like Rory McIlroy winning The Masters after 17 tries, it’s important that we never quit. Just
keep fighting those demons each of us carry deep inside, and through perseverance and
determination, hopefully the day will come when we get to celebrate our own personal victory
and put on our own green jacket just like Rory McIlroy.

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Doug de Graffenried

How is your perspective? The word is defined as, “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”

There is a dog owner in the Gibsland metroplex that is very frustrated. The dog owner is in part time possession of what is a very large juvenile dog. If I were a guessing individual, I would guess the dog is a Catahoula Curr. She is going to be a monster when she fills out. I know the other part time owner of the dog is being frustrated by this dog. She is an escape artist.

She has a collar, and I have seen and removed several items that were a lame attempt at keeping the dog in her yard. I say lame, because she comes to the house with various objects attached to her collar. She is stronger than the attempts to keep her in the yard. She is at the same time causing frustration and bringing joy. She is living her life as a dog!

I have a bowl of dog food out for her. She shows up once in the morning and once in the evening to empty the bowl of dog food. She will follow me around the yard as I do my chores. I am in hopes to teaching her how to weed the garden. She has met my other two canine denizens, and they have barked at each other in a hearty manner. I’m not sure of the emotions behind the barking, but I’ve decided to keep her away from them.

She does have an adorable habit. She is a leaner. The first time she walked up she leaned against me while I gave her a little petting. She has continued leaning and the petting sessions have lengthened.

I’m glad to see her every day. But up the street there is a dog lover likely saying bad words about the dog who has yet again escaped. The same dog is viewed with two perspectives.

We call it walking a mile in another person’s shoes. Whether saint or sinner, we are all in need of expanding our perspective, of trying to understand the other person’s perspective. Take a deep breath and try to “get where I’m coming from,” it might help you with something that happens today.

Jesus’ words about perspective are gracious. We are to go the extra mile, turn the other cheek, settle disputes quickly and seek reconciliation when relationships are broken. Remember, for one guy it is an escaped dog, for another guy it is a daily visitor that leans in to receiving the human touch.

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Residents of Claiborne Parish should prepare for rising temperatures and the possibility of isolated storms as the region heads into the weekend.

Wednesday brings sunshine and sweltering temperatures, with a high near 94°F. South winds will blow at 5 to 10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph at times, contributing to the hot, breezy conditions. Skies will remain partly cloudy Wednesday night, with overnight lows dipping to around 70°F.

On Thursday, conditions will stay hot and humid, with partly sunny skies and a high again near 94°F. Clouds will build into the evening, with a low of about 73°F overnight under mostly cloudy skies.

Friday begins mostly cloudy, with only a slight 10% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Highs will remain in the low 90s, peaking around 92°F. However, rain chances increase significantly into Friday night, with a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms and lows near 72°F.

Looking toward the weekend, Saturday brings a 30% chance of scattered showers and storms during the day, though skies will remain partly sunny with highs around 93°F. Saturday night holds a 20% chance of rain, with mostly cloudy skies and lows near 71°F.

Sunday rounds out the forecast with another 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs remaining hot at approximately 93°F.

Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and monitor local weather alerts for updates on developing storms as the weekend approaches.

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By Brad Dison

Public libraries are important to our communities because they provide free access to all the world’s recorded knowledge. Public libraries promote education and literacy in safe and welcoming environments to people of all ages, backgrounds, and social class. We, as citizens, have a responsibility to return the books we borrow by a set date, or we will face the shame of returning an overdue book.

In April 2010, Mark Bartlett, head librarian at the New York Society Library, noticed that two books checked out by the same person had not been returned. According to the library records, George checked out two books on October 5, and the books were due back on November 2. On October 15, ten days after checking out the books, George had to travel for work. He was a salesman of sorts who was trying to rally support for an idea rather than a tangible product. He referred to it as a promotional tour. He left New York City and, over the next two weeks, visited factories and farms in nearly 60 towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. George, then 57 years old, hoped the trip would improve his health. He had gotten sick during the summer and was not recovering as quickly as he had expected.

The fines on George’s overdue books began accruing on November 3. When George returned to New York on November 13, he failed to return the books. Perhaps his health did not improve as he had hoped. Perhaps he was exhausted by the whirlwind trip. Maybe he simply forgot. When the head librarian learned of the overdue books, he sent a letter to George’s home address about the overdue books. But there was a problem. By the time the library learned of the overdue books, George had died. In their correspondence with James Rees, representative of George’s estate, Mark asked if they could try to locate the overdue books. Mark explained, “We’re not actively pursuing the overdue fines, but we would be very happy if we were able to get the books back.”

Despite his best efforts, James was unable to locate the books. As a last resort to rectify the situation, James decided to replace the books. But there was another problem. The books had become rare. In May 2010, James found a copy of one of the overdue books, The Law of Nations, on a rare books website, made the purchase, and gave it to the library. The price of replacing just that one overdue library book was $12,000. James is still searching for a copy of the other overdue book. $12,000 is a huge sum to pay to replace a library book, but the representative of George’s estate got off light. Had the library not been so forgiving, the fines would have totaled around $300,000.

You see, in April 2010, the librarian learned that the books were overdue by 221 years. They had been checked out on October 5 and were due back on November 2, 1789. George, the salesman who traveled throughout New England, was rallying support for the United States Constitution. On the ledger which recorded the name of the person who checked out the books was written by quill and ink, not George, but “President.” George Washington had been President of the United States for less than six months when he checked the books out.

Sources:

1. Ed Pilkington, “Fine owed by George Washington for overdue library books now $300,000,” The Guardian, April 18, 2010, accessed May 11, 2025, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/apr/18/george-washington-library-new-york.

2. Catherine Treesh, “New England Tour,” MountVernon.org, accessed May 11, 2025, https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/new-england-tour#:~:text=George%20Washington%20went%20on%20his,%2C%20Massachusetts%2C%20and%20New%20Hampshire..

3. “George Washington’s 221-year overdue library book: A timeline,” The Week, updated January 8, 2015, accessed May 11, 2025, https://theweek.com/articles/494173/george-washingtons-221year-overdue-library-book-timeline.

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NONE

Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

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A two-vehicle crash on U.S. Hwy. 79, North of Minden on May 6 has taken the life of a 55-year-old Homer woman.

Louisiana State Police report Cecilia Marston was pronounced dead from her injuries at a local hospital after her northbound vehicle reportedly crossed the center line and collided with an 18-wheeler at approximately 7:50 p.m.

LSP investigators said reasons for the collision are still under investigation, but impairment is not suspected.

Reports show Marston was properly restrained, but suffered severe injuries. The driver of the 18-wheeler was also reportedly properly restrained and sustained no injuries.

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Homer High School has been selected as a 2025 recipient of the prestigious “Model Schools” award, recognizing its outstanding commitment to academic innovation, student growth, and resilience in the face of challenges.

As part of this national honor, Dr. Rachael Feaster and Mrs. Linda Beavers will represent the school at the National Model Schools Conference in Washington, D.C. this June, where they will present on the school’s journey and success in overcoming obstacles to create a thriving learning environment.

Notably, Homer High School is the only school from Louisiana to be selected for this distinction in 2025.

The award, presented annually by the International Center for Leadership in Education, honors schools across the country that have demonstrated significant improvement and innovative approaches to education.

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Students in grades 4 through 12 who are interested in showing animals as part of the Claiborne Parish Livestock Program for the 2025–2026 school year are invited to attend an upcoming informational meeting.

The meeting will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Claiborne Extension Office, located at 507 West Main Street in Homer.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn how to get involved in showing a variety of animals, including swine, goats, lambs, beef and dairy cattle, rabbits, and chickens. The event is designed to provide details on the program’s requirements and answer any questions families may have.

For additional information, contact John Monzingo at (318) 927-3110.

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Baton Rouge – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), along with GeauxPass, Louisiana’s statewide toll system, would like to remind residents of a nationwide “smishing” scam. The scammers are using text messages to falsely represent a tolling agency and make false claims that a toll payment is due.

The fake text messages direct recipients to an unaffiliated website, where they are asked to provide personal and financial information to settle alleged balances. GeauxPass will never ask for personal information via text.

Scammers will direct responses to a web address that has a hyphen in the address, such as geauxpass-la.com, or one that is misspelled by one letter, such as leaving out the “x” in GeauxPass, and has a .net domain instead of .com.

INCORRECT: https//geaupass.net
INCORRECT: https://geauxpass-la.com

The correct website to access your GeauxPass account and to contact the customer service team is http://www.geauxpass.com.

Citizens should also be aware that some scam texts direct recipients to what appears to be the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). The OMV website is http://www.expresslane.org and does not contain any extra characters at the end. These texts are fraudulent as well. Please note that OMV is a separate agency from DOTD, and citizens should directly contact OMV with any questions at 225-925-6146.

INCORRECT: https://expresslane.org-phxm.win/us

Tips to avoid online scams include:

Checking domain names carefully and remembering that scammers are hoping you don’t notice small changes.
Not logging in if anything seems suspicious.
Deleting any scam text received.
If you clicked any link or provided your information, taking efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts.
When in doubt, calling GeauxPass customer service.

To view the FBI’s reporting recommendations, click here.

If you have any questions, contact GeauxPass customer service by emailing customerservice@geauxpass.com or calling 866-662-8987.

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The week ahead will bring a mix of sun, clouds, and scattered rain chances across the region, with temperatures remaining seasonally mild.

Wednesday: There is a slight 10% chance of early morning showers and thunderstorms before 7 a.m., along with patchy fog lingering until 10 a.m. The rest of the day is expected to clear, becoming mostly sunny with a high near 84°F. Winds will be calm, shifting to the southwest at around 5 mph.

Wednesday Night: Rain chances increase to 30% after 1 a.m., with a low near 62°F. Skies will remain partly cloudy with calm winds.

Thursday: A 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast, primarily during the afternoon. Skies will be mostly sunny with a high near 83°F. Winds will be calm in the morning, shifting northward at about 5 mph later in the day.

Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms remain possible throughout the night, with a 30% chance of precipitation. Skies will be mostly cloudy and the low will dip to around 60°F.

Friday: Intermittent rain is expected throughout the day, with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly after 1 p.m. The high will be near 75°F under partly sunny skies.

Friday Night: Rain and thunder remain a possibility after midnight, with a 30% chance of precipitation. The low will be around 56°F under mostly cloudy skies.

Saturday: A 30% chance of showers is expected, especially after 1 p.m. Skies will be partly sunny with a high near 74°F.

Saturday Night: A slight 20% chance of showers remains before 1 a.m., followed by mostly cloudy conditions and a low around 54°F.

Sunday: Scattered showers are possible once again, with a 30% chance of rain under mostly sunny skies. The high will reach near 76°F.

Sunday Night: A 20% chance of showers continues into the night with partly cloudy skies and a low around 57°F.

Monday: The week begins with mostly sunny skies and a 20% chance of showers. Temperatures will climb to a high near 80°F.

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By Steve Graf    

One of the great pleasures in life is watching our kids grow to achieve their dreams or reach
their goals. It’s one of the many things that gives us so much fulfillment in being a parent. From
the day our kids are born, we as parents want nothing more than for our kids to be happy.
Today, I’ll talk about some of the sacrifices my parents (especially my mother) made for me to
have the life I’ve enjoyed so much.

Most of you already know my story from past articles. But in case you haven’t, my aunt and
uncle rescued and adopted me at the age of 10 and turned my life completely around and
literally saved me from the streets of Houston, Texas. They put me on the path to success with
sacrifices and dedication of their own free will.

Again, the good Lord above blessed me with some athletic ability that only He can give. But it
was my parents who made sure that my talent did not go to waste. So many days my mother
made sure I was at every practice and every game on time.

She sat in a hot car for hours waiting on practice to be over knowing she still had supper to
cook, clothes to wash, another child to tend to and a husband to take care of. Getting home
after 7 o’clock each evening, she cooked dinner and made sure our homework was complete
before ushering me and my brother off to take a bath.

She made sure uniforms were always washed and ready for the next game. She had very little
time to herself as she worked full time as a nurse at a local clinic. But not one time did she fail
to make sure I was where I needed to be whether it was a baseball or football practice or a Boy
Scouts meeting. Mom sacrificed!

You never fully appreciate these sacrifices until the day comes when you have kids of your own
and realize the effort it takes to make sure your kids are where they are supposed to be. She
did this not just for me but my younger brother Chad, who was about six years younger than
me.

All of my years growing up, we never took a vacation as a family. Mom never took one of those
much-needed “getaways.” Sure, we made the occasional trip to Six Flags in Dallas or maybe to
see the Texas Rangers play, but never a trip to the Caribbean or the mountains of Colorado to
enjoy the scenery.

Pretty much every trip we took revolved around me or my brother playing baseball with All-Star
playoffs. Even as I got into high school, she followed me to every game (home or away). She
made the trip to Austin as we reached the state baseball tournament and won our first state
championship in 1978.

Not one time did she ever complain or say “no” to any sport I wanted to play. Her devotion was
unlimited, and her sacrifices were intentional. All to make sure I had every opportunity to
achieve success!

I think it goes without saying that I was one of the lucky ones who had parents wanting their
kids to have the best — the best opportunity to achieve and be successful in life. Sometimes I
think we forget just how important those sacrifices are.

But at the time, we just think that’s how it’s supposed to be, but in reality, that’s not true. It
takes parents willing to make those sacrifices unselfishly and make their kids a priority and their
main focus.

For parents, the reward comes much later in life when they sit back and brag about all the
accomplishments their kids have achieved all because of the sacrifices made. In the end, it’s
worth every second and hour we set aside to make sure our kids are the priority! 

Without sacrificial parents, kids don’t stand a chance! So, to all you young adults out there
looking to have children of your own, make sure they are your top priority. Thank you Mom, for
your dedication and commitment to ME! Remember, sacrifice is unspoken love. Happy
Mother’s Day to all the moms who make sacrifices for the benefit of others. 

Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com

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By Doug De Graffenried

If the Bible tells us that “God laughs,” could it be that humor is divine? If so, it would explain why some of us are blessed with the spiritual gift of dad jokes.

The Library of Life, Love, and Laughter has compiled some eye-opening statistics—literally, if you’re laughing hard enough. Did you know…

Studies have pinpointed 18 different kinds of smiles. The most recognizable is the smile of enjoyment. (Who has this job? Can I apply? I imagine their college transcript starts with Upturned Mouth 101 and ends with Advanced Guffawing. Do they have pop quizzes where you must correctly identify a smirk from across the room? I need answers.)

Thirteen muscles are used for smiling, but frowning demands a whopping 50? (Want to preserve your face value? Smile! You need to frown nearly a quarter of a million times to make a single wrinkle. So, in the battle against premature aging, laughter is basically skincare.)

Laughter lowers cortisol levels, which in turn boosts your immune system? (So technically, giggling at cat videos is self-care.)

Laughing stimulates your heart and lungs, elevates blood pressure, and temporarily improves breathing capacity. (In terms of exercise, laughing 100 times a day is like rowing for 10 minutes. Who needs a gym membership when you have a sense of humor?)

Charles Darwin believed that facial expressions influence moods. (Bio-feedback studies back him up. So, if you’re having a bad day, slap on a grin—even if it’s forced. Of course, people might start wondering what you’re up to.)

Laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to your lifespan? (So if you binge-watch stand-up comedy, do you achieve immortality?)

Impressive statistics, right? Laughter is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself—unless, of course, you belong to the Chicken Little League, whose members believe humor is suspicious behavior.

Psychologist Patricia Keith-Spiegel, in The Psychology of Humor, references a researcher who analyzed laughter like a malfunctioning engine. According to him, it involves spasms of the diaphragm, upper-body movements, nostril dilation, bulging eyes, and jaw vibrations. Keith-Spiegel observed, “One gets the feeling that a person engaging in this act must be critically ill rather than enjoying himself.” Ever met this serious person? The one who treats jokes like an unnecessary disruption to the universe? They’re probably a frequent flyer in the Chicken Little League.

Yet, sinners, prostitutes, and children loved hanging out with Jesus. Do you think it had anything to do with His laughter? Maybe He cracked a few legendary jokes, maybe His smile could light up a room. Either way, His presence was joyful. And if joy is holy, maybe humor is, too.

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By Brad Dison

In 2002, Michael and Kelley Flamoe were house hunting in Tacoma, Washington. They saw several houses which were all nice and would have fit their needs, but something held them back each time. They were all nice houses, but none felt like home to them. Then, the realtor took them to a house at 1112 North J Street in Tacoma. The neighborhood was nice. All of the houses on North J Street were at least two stories. The houses were built on a hill about six feet tall, which gave them the appearance of being taller than they actually were. To get from the sidewalk to the front doors of the houses took two flights of stairs sided with wrought iron hand railings which added to the charm of North J Street. Across the road sat a large grey stone Catholic church. It was a picturesque neighborhood. This house had a unique feature in that it was the only house on the block which had numerous groupings of square columns rather than single round columns supporting the porch and roof. Michael and Kelley loved the craftsman style of the home they were considering, and they had not even walked in the front door. After viewing the house’s interior and large backyard, Micheal and Kelley decided their search was over. At first glance, this house felt like home.

Michael and Kelley moved in a short time later. They were in the process of emptying their mountain of moving boxes when they heard a noise coming from the front of their new home. It was a pleasant noise. Michael and Kelley paused to listen more closely. They heard people singing. They remembered the large Catholic church across the street. Perhaps the parishioners were singing, but they were certain they would be unable to hear the singing through the solid stone walls. Michael and Kelley walked to the front room and peered from the picture window. There, at the base of their two flights of stairs, stood a gathering of people who were singing to their new home. Michael and Kelley gave an awkward smile and wave, their singing neighbors returned the gesture. After three or four songs, they ended on a Christmas song, but Christmas was months away. As soon as they finished singing, the crowd began returning to their nearby homes as if it were a perfectly normal thing to do.

To the crowd, it was perfectly normal. They gathered once a week to sing to the house. Michael and Kelley were not bothered by the act, or by the other strange happenings that occasionally happened in front of their home. Carloads, and sometimes busloads, of tourists would stop in front of their home on the normally quiet street, pile out, take pictures of and selfies with the home, some would sing to the house, then they reboarded their mode of transportation and disappeared as quickly as they had come. The weekly singings and the random visits by tourists happened long before Michael and Kelley moved in and it continues to this day. You see, when Michael and Kelley moved into the home, they paid little attention to a bronze plaque embedded into one of the steps leading to the home. It read, “Birthplace of Harry Lillis “Bing” Crosby.”

Source: Steve Dunkelberger, “100+ Years Later: A Look Inside Tacoma’s Historic Bing Crosby House,” South Sound Talk, September 3, 2015, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.southsoundtalk.com/2015/09/03/bing-crosby-house-tacoma/.

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National Tourism Day, observed annually on May 7, highlights the significant role tourism plays in the economy and cultural exchange. As the world gradually recovers from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, bringing renewed attention to its importance.

Tourism contributes trillions of dollars to the global economy and supports millions of jobs. In the United States alone, the travel and tourism industry generated over $1.6 trillion in economic output in 2019, according to the U.S. Travel Association. The industry encompasses various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and retail.

Beyond economic benefits, tourism fosters cultural understanding and global awareness. Travelers gain firsthand experiences of different cultures, traditions, and histories, promoting empathy and global citizenship.

However, the industry also faces challenges, such as environmental concerns and the need for sustainable practices. Over-tourism can strain local resources, damage ecosystems, and disrupt communities. As a result, there’s a growing emphasis on responsible tourism, encouraging travelers to minimize their environmental footprint and respect local cultures.

On National Tourism Day, stakeholders in the industry, including travel agencies, hospitality businesses, and government agencies, often host events and campaigns to promote travel and highlight its benefits. It’s also a time to reflect on the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the longevity and positive impact of tourism worldwide.

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NONE

Claiborne Parish Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access – $95. Contact your funeral provider or billvance.erg@gmail.com. (Notice of Deaths shown above are FREE of charge. You may email them to billvance.erg@gmail.com

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Harriett Michaud Dowies, 91, was born January 25, 1934, in Ruston La, to Nelson and Ruth Robison Michaud, and passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025.

Mother grew up in Hodge, Louisiana, and graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 1951. Mother was so proud of her family’s part in developing Hodge and building the Paper Mill. She graduated from Louisiana Tech in 1955, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. In 1960 she received her Masters degree in Education.

Mother met the love of her life, Carrell G. Dowies, Jr., while he was coaching and teaching at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. After their wedding they lived and raised their 2 sons in Lake Charles, Ruston and Homer.

Our mother was the definition of a “Southern Lady”. She supported Dad, fixed supper every night, and was always well dressed for every occasion. Our family was always amazed that she kept a diary of what she wore to every party or event she attended so she wouldn’t wear the same thing. Mother loved to play bridge. She and her bridge ladies played as often as they could and wherever they could. Mother and Dad also belonged to a Happy Hour group which they loved attending and hosting. Her bridge ladies and their Happy Hour group were cherished friends and had memories for a lifetime.

Her life was fulfilled by following her two grandchildren, Maggie and Stephen, and following all Tech events. The Bulldog football, basketball, baseball and Lady Techster games at home and away were events she and dad always enjoyed attending. She and Dad continued with many college and football friendships through the NAAGQ Club which they were a big part of.

Mother(Gran) was devoted to her family, her church and every community she lived in. She will be missed by her sons, Gil Dowies and wife, Melinda of Homer, Louisiana and Mike Dowies of Franklin, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Maggie Voorhees and husband Matt of Ruston, Louisiana and Stephen Dowies and wife Alex of Athens, Louisiana; 4 great-grandchildren that she adored, Collier and Nena Voorhees and Warren and Cannon Dowies; her sister, Suzanne Michaud Malone of Diana, Texas, sister in laws, Vern Dowies Lancaster of Choudrant and Joyce Zey Dowies of Homer, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mother was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister in law Dorothy Dowies and brother in laws Andy Malone and Jim Dowies.

Services were held at 2:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church of Homer (formally First United Methodist Church) on Monday, April 28, 2025, and Dr. Steve Fowler officiated. The burial followed at Arlington Cemetery. Visitation was held at Cornerstone Church on Monday, April 28, 2025, from 12:30 pm until the time of the service.

Our family cannot thank Dr. Mark Haynes, the Staff and residents of Presbyterian Village of Homer enough for the care and love they gave to Mother. Since October of 2024 they became her extended family. We want to thank Passage Hospice for their loving care of Mother. We also want to thank her sitters who became party of our family. They were with her at home and at Presbyterian Village – Brenda, Debbie, Ethel, Maxine, Yulonda, Audrey, Tenesha, Sherri, Annalee.

Pallbearers for Mother were Trent Anders, Reed Anders, Trent Verdin, Ian Starks, Tony Sanders and Jimmy Hand.

Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Church of Homer, P. O. Box 357, Homer, LA 71040 or donor’s choice.

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