Obituaries

James Henry “Jay” McGuffee, 62, went to be with his Savior, Lord, and Friend on Monday, October 5, 2020, following a brief illness.

He was born April 6, 1958 to the union of James “Slagle” and Mary Wilma McGuffee.

Jay was known for his loyalty, faith that could move mountains, and a heart of pure gold. He had the “gift of gab” and loved making others laugh. His smile and encouraging spirit could bring light to the darkest room, and lighten the heart of those in need.

A longtime bachelor until he met the love of his life, Donna. After a short romance they married and later were blessed with their precious Beka.

Jay’s passion for working and serving in the church lead him to be youth director at East Jena Baptist Church and Temple Baptist Church. After making his home in Woodworth, he was elected to serve as deacon of Horseshoe Baptist Church. Jay will be greatly missed by us all.

Robert Martin Flacy, Sr., 82, of Harrisonburg, passed to his heavenly home on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, in Baton Rouge.

He was born November 16, 1937 in Monroe to the union of his parents, Camillus Watkins Flacy, Sr. and Eunice Folden Flacy.

Robert proudly served his country in the US Navy aboard the USS Currier. For 32 years he worked at LA Power & Light (Entergy) in the engineering department. Robert was a faithful member of Harrisonburg First Baptist Church.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8 at Harrisonburg Cemetery in Harrisonburg with Dr. Philip Caples officiating.

Interment followed under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Columbia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Sue Crawford Flacy; sister, Mary Lee Miller; brother, C. W. Flacy, Jr.; and grandson, Layton Crawford.

Helen Paul Davis, 64, of Jena, passed from this life Saturday, October 3, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born June 18, 1956.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ezra Davis; her mother, Martha Huffman Paul; her father, Elvin Paul; brother, John Alton Paul; and sister, Elsie Paul.

She is survived by three sons, John Peoples (Amy), Kenneth Peoples (Deanna) and Keith Peoples (Tessa); one daughter, Mary Peoples Beeson (Bubba); two stepsons, Hank Davis (Paige) and Darrell Davis; two brothers, Ted Paul (Francis), L.E. Paul (Jeanie); sixteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements were handled by Gallagher Funeral Home of Ball.

Jack Alexander Lanier, 82, passed from this life on Friday, October 2, 2020 in Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria.

He was born November 2, 1938 in Catahoula Parish to the union of Travis and Flora “Tee” Margaret Jackson Lanier.

Jack spent his working career in the Petroleum Industry, and construction as well. He was a current resident of LaSalle Nursing Home of Jena. He was a kind-hearted individual and will certainly be missed by all who had opportunity to meet him. He enjoyed fishing and hunting in his pastime.

He proudly served his country for six years in the national guard.

Services were held at 3 p.m., Sunday, October 4, at East Jena Baptist Church with the Revs. Steve Lanier and Shad Tibbs officiating.

Interment followed in the Mt. Zion Cemetery of Aimwell under direction of Kinner and Stevens Funeral Home of Jena.

Arthur Gene Fisher, Sr., 83, passed away September 23, 2020 at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria.

Mr. Fisher was born December 19, 1936 in Paducah, Kentucky, to the union of his parents Evelyn Cummings and Robert Fisher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Mike Fisher.

Survivors include his daughter, Rose Greer of Rogers; and three sons, Bill Fisher, Anthony Fisher and Chipper Fisher, all of Jena.

The family honored his wishes to be cremated.

David Nathan Cooper, 63, passed from this life on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at the Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria.

He was born April 9, 1957 to the union of his parents, Ray and Billie Cooper.

David was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his lifetime. He spent 46 years of his life on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico and other places around the world. You could find him at home in the hay fields or tinkering around in his shop.

He had the greatest love for his dear wife Tammy. He and Tammy would spend their days around their home or traveling to various places together. His heartbeat was his grandchildren. He loved them with every fiber of his being.

If you looked up Pawpaw in the dictionary, David’s face would be there. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Services were held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Trinity Baptist Church, east of Jena, with the Revs. Mike Russell and Tyler Stevison officiating.

Marcus Lynn Aplin, 72, of Harrisonburg, passed from this life on Monday, September 28, 2020, at his residence.

He was born Tuesday, October 14, 1947 in Harrisonburg to the union of his parents, Marvin and Grace Aplin.

Marcus was a resident of Harrisonburg and a member of Harrisonburg First Baptist Church. He retired from Block High School with 33 years of teaching service. He proudly served his county in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Services were held at 12-noon Thursday, Oct. 1, at First Baptist Church in Harrisonburg with Dr. Philip Caples officiating.

Interment followed in the Harrisonburg Cemetery under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his in-laws, Lister and Doris Alexander.

Beverly Ann Harris Coney Weston, 78, of Sicily Island, passed from this life on September 20, 2020 after a lengthy illness.

She was born July 9, 1942 in Baton Rouge to her parents, Wilmer S. and Beverly Tucker Harris. She was lovingly raised from infancy as an adored daughter by her uncle and aunt, Cameron B. and Katie Harris Coney of Sicily Island.

Beverly graduated with honors from Sicily Island High School. She attended Louisiana Tech University and Northeast Louisiana University where she was awarded a MS+30 degree in Psychology and Education. Beverly was an esteemed educator and supervisor with the Louisiana State Department of Education in her career, a devoted wife of 48 years to Johnnie, and mother to Merrick and Stacy, and was beloved by many lifelong friends throughout the state. Hallmarks of her life include her wit and intelligence, a love for travel, and her gift for writing.

Betty Marie Miles, 67, of Jena, passed from this life at the LaSalle Nursing Home in Jena on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, following a 30-year courageous battle with multiple sclerosis.

She was born March 26, 1953 in Jena to the union of her parents, Milton and Audrey Miles.

Betty graduated from Jena High School in 1971. She was licensed in 1972 by the Alexandria Academy of Beauty Culture in Alexandria, and in 1977, received her degree in journalism from Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe.

During the summer of 1976, Betty served as a reporter for her hometown newspaper – The Jena Times - while completing requirements for NLU journalism curriculum.

While in college, she served on the staff of the Pow Wow, NLU’s campus newspaper. After working for a year at Paula’s Educational Supplies she joined the staff of the South Towne Courier in Shreveport, where she served as news editor.

Clifton Woodrow Tullos, 76, of Harrisonburg, passed from this life on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at his home.

He was born Tuesday, December 7, 1943 in Harrisonburg to the union of his parents, Woodrow and Lodie Stewart Tullos.

Clifton was employed by the Catahoula Parish Soil and Water Conservation District and retired after 45 years, learning every inch of Catahoula Parish. Clifton loved the outdoors and farming, but his family was his true love and enjoyment.

Graveside services were held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27, at Mt. Zion Cemetery of Aimwell with Rev. Dan McClure officiating. Interment followed under direction of Young’s

Interment followed under direction of Young’s Funeral Home of Jonesville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Geraldine Tullos.