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RODGERS, BILLY HOWARD
Funeral services were held July 15, 2003, in the Delhomme Funeral Home Chapel of the Flowers, Lafayette, for Billy Howard Rodgers, 76, who died Sunday, July 13, 2003, at Lafayette General Medical Center. Rodgers, the son of the late Willie R. Rodgers and the former Ethel Jenkins, was a native of Grand Saline, Texas and a resident of Lafayette for 25 years. He was a devoted husband and father. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served during World War II. Rodgers was a retired civil engineer with Exxon Co. USA with 35 years of service. He was a graduate of Texas A&M. He was a member of First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Frances Smith Rodgers of Lafayette; a daughter, Jill Rodgers Barnhill and husband Barney Clive of Natchitoches; a son, Richard Dennis Rodgers and wife Theresa Hatton of Prairieville; six grandchildren, Missy Rodgers Snoddy and husband Porter, Mitchell Scott Rodgers, Megan Elizabeth Rodgers, Chad Preston Barnhill, William Brandon Barnhill and Amy Francine Barnhill; a great granddaughter, Janie Alexis Rodgers; two sisters, Joann Rouse of Rowlett, Texas , and Clota Kamman of Mesquite, Texas ; and a brother Johnny Rodgers of Mesquite. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Bob and J.R. Rodgers.
SMITH, BETTY GREGOIRE
A loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, she went home to be with her Lord at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2003, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet. She was 68 and a lifelong resident of Head of Island. interment in Whitehall Cemetery. Survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Pamela and Jeff McKenzie, Gonzales, Joy and Jim Ellison, Salem, Wis., and Tonya Westbrook, French Settlement; a son, Jesse S. Smith Jr.; two sisters, Viola Hoover and Elmire Hammerling; three brothers, Joseph Gregoire, Dewey Gregoire and Reno Gregoire Sr.; seven grandchildren, Jodie and Mark Babin Jr., Teran and T.J. Westbrook, Jamie Smith, Haley Robert and Justin Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Jesse S. Smith Sr.; parents, Dewey and Emma Picou Gregoire; and two sisters, Ella Hurlbert and Lillie Marchand. Pallbearers were Mark Babin Jr., T.J. Westbrook, Jim Ellison, Jeff McKenzie, Reno Gregoire Jr., Ryan Gregoire, A.P. Marchand and Shane Marchand. Honorary pallbearers were her nephews. She was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church. She was the anchor who held her family together. Her joyous laugh and passionate hugs will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
SMITH, PAULINE DAIGLE
A homemaker and resident of Greenwell Springs, she died Tuesday, July 15, 2003, at her home. She was 74 and a native of Lawtell. She was a nurse in the mid-1940s and owned North Foster Day Care from 1968 to 1976. Entombment in Sacred Heart Mausoleum, Church Point. Survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Allen J. Smith Sr.; six sons and five daughters-in-law, Carl and Faye Smith and Allen Smith Jr. and Karen, all of Titusville, Fla., Donald and Jill Smith of Prairieville, Blaine and Carolyn Smith, Danny and Kathy Smith, and Les Smith; two daughters and sons-in-law, Paula and Keith Phillips and Angie and Rob Hetrick; 20 grandchildren, Jimmy, Jenea, Samantha, Timothy, Markus, Sara, Ben, Jennifer, Christian, David and Micah Smith, Kasey, Thomas, Steve, Matt and Trace Smith, Mary Ann and Adam Phillips and Rachel and Zach Hetrick; and a brother, Woodrow Daigle of Scott. She was an active member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, the Ladies Altar Society and nursing home ministry, and was a Eucharistic minister.
SOTILE, JR. FRANK ANTHONY "MR. BASEBALL"
A loving and dedicated father, grandfather and brother, he died at 4 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2003, in Donaldsonville. He was 77 and a resident and native of Donaldsonville. He was a retired recreational director for the city of Donaldsonville and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Entombment in Ascension Catholic Church Mausoleum, Donaldsonville. Survived by two daughters and two sons-in-law, Debbie and Errol Burns, Donaldsonville, and Kathleen and Jon Bagala, Gonzales; a son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Sarah Sotile, Donaldsonville; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Concietta Tripode and Bena Matassa, Donaldsonville, Rose Marie Sheppard, Baton Rouge, and Loretta Sotile, Donaldsonville; five grandchildren, Anna, Jennifer, Amanda, Katy and Madeline; and two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Danielle. Preceded in death by his wife, Katherine "Katie" Essa Sotile; two daughters, Lorena and Geri Sotile; a son, Frank A. "Taror" Sotile III; parents, Frank A. Sr. and Rosa Mistretta Sotile; a sister, Laura Sotile; and a brother, Vincent Sotile Sr. Pallbearers were his nephews and friends. He was a member of the St. Joseph Society, Babin-Haynes American Legion Post 98, and Knights of Columbus Council 1087 and he was a faithful adorer at Ascension Catholic Church. He was inducted into the Southwest Region Hall of Fame in 1999. Mr. Frank will be sadly missed by all whose lives he touched through the Babe Ruth Program. He was named a Citizen of the Year in 1985.
STELLY, GREGORY PAUL "GREG"
A certified public accountant with Nortrax and a resident of Gonzales, he died Monday, July 14, 2003, in Gonzales. He was 39 and a native of New Orleans. He was a U.S. Army and Air Guard veteran. interment in church cemetery. Survived by his wife, Natalie Robert Stelly; father and mother, Floyd Joseph Stelly and Gloria Laiche Stelly; a daughter, Cecily Claire Stelly; a son, Easton Robert Stelly; a sister and brother-in-law, Monica Stelly Speligene and Darren Speligene; a nephew and godchild, Devin Speligene; and three nieces, Marina, Michaela and Melisse Speligene. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Burris and Stelma Laiche, Hillary and Edna Vidrine, and Saul Stelly; and godfather, John Burris "J.B." Laiche. He was a member of St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church and the St. Theresa finance committee. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Children's Miracle Network, 5000 Hennessy Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70808.
TANNER, CHARLES
A retired electrician with Ormet Corp. and a resident of Gonzales, he died in Gonzales. He was 68 and a native of Ascension Parish. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Military graveside service was held. He is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim Renee and Brian Darr, Gonzales, and Pamela Lynn and Dwain Vicknair, Prairieville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey Paul and Kellie Tanner, Gonzales, and David Glenn and Tina Tanner, Prairieville; three sisters, Diana, Ann and Brenda; three brothers, Ireas Jr., Oliver and Kevin; and nine grandchildren, Nicole Whitney Tanner, Devon Alyse Darr, Austin Michael Tanner, BreAnn Vicknair, Nicholas Keith Darr, Michael Adrian Tanner, Hailey Faye Vicknair, Morgan Rhea Tanner and Dwain Michael Vicknair Jr. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Faye Tanner; a son, Michael Wayne Tanner; and parents, Ireas Tanner Sr. and Lillian Millet Martin. He was a member of the Household of Faith and the American Legion in Gonzales.
VILLNUVE, PHILOMENE L. "MANO"
A homemaker and a resident and native of Sorrento, she died at 9:45 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2003, at her home. She was 100. interment in Holy Rosary Cemetery, St. Amant. Survived by her four daughters, Elnora Decoteau, Hazel Lee and Sammie Melancon, all of Sorrento, and Judith "Jut" Babin, St. Amant; two sons-in-law, Edmond "Bibby" Lee, Sorrento, and Gary Babin, St. Amant; and a sister, Josephine "Todd" Cruze, Sorrento; four grandchildren, Grady Melancon, Jackie Fife, Tyra McCoy and Tregg Babin; 15 great-grandchildren, Jeff Melancon, Bart Melancon, Ron Melancon, Lindsay Fife, Lathan Fife, Justin McCoy, Jason McCoy, Kelsey McCoy, Chris Trabeau, Megan Schexnayder, and Savannah, Tami, Shelby, Brier and Tregg Babin Jr.; and nine great-great-grandchildren, Alyssa Trabeau, Brooke Schexnayder, Morgan, Mandy and Mason Melancon, Britton and Kayla Melancon and Riley and Stran Melancon. Preceded in death by her husband, Louis Villnuve; mother; father; eight brothers; four sisters; three grandchildren, Kenny Melancon, Kerry Trabeau and Tami Babin; and three sons-in-law, Frank Melancon, Joseph "Dub" Trabeau and Allen Decoteau. Pallbearers were Edmond "Bibby" Lee, Gary Babin, Grady Melancon, Tregg Babin, Chris Trabeau and Jeff Melancon. Honorary pallbearers are Bart Melancon, Ron Melancon, Lathan Fife, Justin McCoy and Jason McCoy. She was the oldest living citizen in Sorrento for the past five years. She was 12 days from being 101 years old. She was also a member of St. Anne's Ladies Altar Society.
ACHORD, JR. THOMAS EARL"TOMMY"
A former welder and pipe fitter for Specialty Lighting and a resident of Gonzales, he died at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. He was 42 and a U.S. Marine Corps peace time veteran. interment in Hope Haven Cemetery, Gonzales. Survived by his parents, Thomas Earl Sr. and Glory Lambert Achord, Gonzales; a sister and brother-in-law, Pamela Achord Moran and Danny Moran, Gonzales; a brother and a sister-in-law, Chris and Hope Achord, Gonzales; three nephews, Casey and Quentin Moran and Noah Achord; and two nieces, Amanda Moran and his godchild, Gabrielle Achord. Preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clyde and Clemence Achord; and maternal grandparents, Rene and Agnes Lambert. He was a 1979 graduate of East Ascension High School.
BRAUD, KELLY ANN MELANCON
A resident and native of Gonzales, she died Saturday, July 26, 2003, at her residence. She was 42. interment in Holy Rosary Catholic Church cemetery. Survived by her husband, Paul Braud; father and mother, Raymond and Judy Melancon; two daughters and a son-in-law, Marissa and Robby Rogillio, and Amanda Braud; two sons, Adam and Stephen Braud; paternal grandmother, Lucille Melancon; maternal grandmother, Leona Morgan; a brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Stacy Melancon; a grandson, Nicholas Rogillio; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Ray Melancon; maternal grandfather, Fredrick Morgan; and uncles, James Terry Melancon and Melvin Lloyd Melancon.
BLUE, THOMAS D.
An employee of Tembec in St. Francisville, he died Sunday, July 27, 2003, at Lane Memorial Hospital ICU, Zachary. He was 51, a resident of Zachary and a native of Baton Rouge. interment in Bethany Cemetery. Survived by his wife, Shirley Easley Blue, Zachary; mother, Evelyn Blue, Prairieville; a daughter and son-in-law, Shannon Blue and Matthew Kahn, Zachary; a son, Tommy D. Blue III, Central; two sisters, Darlene Haynes, Baton Rouge, and Margie Ford, Prairieville; two brothers, Alvin Blue Jr., Slidell, and Allen Blue, Baton Rouge; and three grandchildren, Devin Lee and Dylan Thomas Raborn and Kaitlyn Nicole Kahn. Preceded in death by his father, Alvin Lamar Blue Sr.; and a daughter, Stacy Nicole Blue. Pallbearers were Gerald "Jerry" Godso, Wallace Easley Jr., Don Calhoun, Sidney Easley, Chris Easley, Glynn Sparks and Allen Blue. Honorary pallbearers were Devin Lee and Dylan Thomas Raborn.
BUGGAGE, SR. WILFRED JOSEPH "CHIEF"
He was an assistant warden with the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office, where he served honorably until his health required him to take a leave of absence. He died at 8:50 a.m. Sunday, July 27, 2003, at Prevost Memorial Hospital, Donaldsonville. He was 63 and a lifelong resident of Donaldsonville. interment in St. Phillip Baptist Church Cemetery, Modeste. He leaves to cherish his memory his dedicated wife, helpmate and friend, Yvonne Stewart Buggage; two sons, Glenn Stewart and friend Joyce Green of Donaldsonville, and Wilfred Buggage Jr. and wife Michelle of St. Louis; two daughters, Angela Steib and friend Willie Picou of Donaldsonville, and Cynthia Buggage of Houston and Washington , D.C.; a sister, Shelia Davis of Donaldsonville; father-in-law, John Johnson ; 10 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine Breaux and Jules Buggage Sr.; his mother-in-law, Mahalia Bryant Johnson ; father-in-law, Eliott Stewart Sr.; a brother, Jules Buggage Jr.; and a sister, Cheryl Buggage Ester. Wilfred trailblazed in many areas in the Donaldsonville and Ascension Parish political arena. He had the uncanny ability to bring communities together for a common cause. As his life was very full, his legacy will be most fulfilling. Memorial donations may be made to the Wilfred Buggage Scholarship Fund, 1021 Nolan Ave., Donaldsonville, LA 70346.
CLARK, BRENDA
A resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Bunkie, on the morning of Sunday, July 20, 2003, Brenda Kay Murdock Clark made her transition from labors of this life to sweet rest and fellowship with God. Brenda Clark was born on Feb. 26, 1956. Her life was spent walking in the love of Christ. Brenda was an active and faithful member of Word of Life Christian Center in Darrow, under the leadership of Dr. Leroy Thompson Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, John Clark; loving son, Jonathan Trimaine Clark; and loving daughter, Jennifer Teryl Clark all of Baton Rouge; her mother, Lillie Murdock; father and stepmother, Curtis Murdock Sr. and Ella Murdock; sisters, Rose Murdock and Ilene Murdock, all of Bunkie; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, David Nathaniel Clark, Shreveport, Albert and Linda Clark, Gloster, Bobby and Rosemary Clark and Joe Louis and Sheila Clark, all of Frierson, and Gloria and John Collins, Baton Rouge; and a host of other relatives and friends.
COPPENBARGER, SHIRLEY SPRAGUE
A loving mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, she died at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2003, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Gonzales. She was 74, a native of Farmer City, Ill., and a resident of Gonzales. interment in New River Methodist Church Cemetery. Survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Donna and Royce Duff, Warrensburg, Ill., Mary and Ernie Sperry, St. Elmo, Ill., and Judy Ampe, Gonzales; a son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Rhonda Coppenbarger, Gonzales; a brother, Richard Sprague; and nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Harold P. Coppenbarger; and father and mother, Jesse Wade and Martha Windship Sprague. Pallbearers were Brian Duff, Kevin Duff, Matthew Duff, Matt Roberts, Jesse Coppenbarger and Dennis Childress. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Gonzales.
FAVORITE, JOHNNY THOMAS "P"
A native and resident of Geismar, he died Thursday, July 24, 2003. He was 62. interment in Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church cemetery. Survived by two daughters, Sherel Favorite and Gale Favorite Williams, both of Gonzales; a son, Marvin Favorite; four grandchildren, Marlon Johnson , Marcus Cooper and Porche and Kiara Favorite, all of Gonzales; three sisters, Odeal Hill and Lucille Johnson , both of Geismar, and Geraldine Taylor , St. Gabriel; two brothers, Louis and wife Audrey Favorite, and Larry and wife Mary Favorite, all of Gonzales; a sister-in-law, Elvenia J. Favorite, Geismar; three aunts, Lorena Jackson , St. Gabriel, Beulah and husband Herbert Vallery Sr., and Agnes LeBlanc ; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, including a special friend, Sophia Carter. Preceded in death by his parents, Jordan and Pipina Favorite; and three brothers, Jordan Jr., Isaac and Earl Favorite.
