Obituaries

5/16/35 – 3/16/23 Beverly Gourdon Bruce, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 16, 2023. She had a servant’s heart and lived her life meeting the needs of others.

Beverly was born on May 16, 1935, in Coushatta, Louisiana, to Lucile Guier Gourdon and Frank Dorval Gourdon. Beverly attended Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where she was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. In 1956, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education.

After graduation, Beverly married the love of her life, Andrew Morris Bruce, Sr. Beverly taught for nine years, teaching home economics in Natchitoches and Caddo Parishes. During her teaching career, she earned a master’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations from NSU, was a member of Kappa Kappa Iota teacher’s sorority, and was nominated as teacher of the year.

James Cecil Johnson, born August 15, 1937, in Coushatta, LA, went to be with his wife Janice in heaven on March 16, 2023.

James is probably best known for his friendly smile and ability to never meet a stranger. Many met him during his years managing the Piggly Wiggly of Mansfield or overseeing the Pines Apartments. After those ventures, James and Janette became small business owners, operating J&J Carpet Cleaners. In the 90s, he was also well-known for being the Mansfield Santa Claus. Throughout that time, the couple made many friends as they participated in square dancing across the region and were regular cheerleaders at ball games for all three grandkids.

As he neared retirement, James regularly drove cars for Mansfield Auto World and became a member of Antioch Baptist Church.

 8/15/63 – 3/04/23

A celebration of life was held for Julie Anne Adams Rogers, 59, at First Baptist Church Mansfield officiated by Pastor Chad Hardbarger, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023. There was a graveside service immediately following at Keatchie Cemetery. Her family welcomed guests to the visitation on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Southside, 2500 Southside Dr, Shreveport, Louisiana.

6/25/19 – 3/09/23

Graveside services celebrating the life of Mable Taylor, 103, were held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Grove Hill Cemetery, Mansfield, Louisiana. Officiating the service was Bro. Tommy Patton.

Mable was born June 25, 1919, in Grove Hill, Louisiana and entered into eternal rest on March 9, 2023, in Bossier City, Louisiana. She was a devoted homemaker and a member of Southside Baptist Church where she served as Church Clerk for 58 years.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Linda Woodard and husband, Johnnie; grandchildren, Courtney Brown and Bubba Woodard; and five great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry “Pat” Taylor and Bessie Ferguson Taylor; her husband, C.W. “Ben” Taylor; brothers, Lonnie Morris Taylor and Luther Elmo Taylor.

Honoring Mable as pallbearers were Johnnie Woodard, Bubba Woodard, Andy Brown, Doug Green, David Calhoun, and Nick Tooke.

Mary Loftin Burns, formerly of Logansport, passed away on February 26, 2023 at the age of 87. Services were held March 4,

2023 at Lloyd James Funeral Home in Tyler, Texas.

JOANNE WORTHAM

JONES 7/26/42 – 3/05/23

JoAnne Wortham Jones died peacefully on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at the ago of 80. Her pain and suffering are no more and she is reunited in Heaven with her husband, parents and sisters.

JoAnne was born on July 26, 1942, in Bernice, Louisiana, to Sedral and Jack Wortham. She graduated from Bernice High School and Louisiana Tech University, and received a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Seminary.

She taught school for a few years in Mansfield, where she met and married Don Jones. Don and JoAnne spent many years together in DeSoto Parish as a farming family, working as partners to keep the family’s dairy going. She was an incredibly hard worker and was a wonderful example of devotion to her family and friends.

JoAnne lived her Christian faith daily and was a member of the Southside Baptist Church and an honorary lifetime member of Antioch Baptist Church.

CLIFFORD MORRIS (PETE) SISTRUNK 1/24/42 - 2/26/23

Clifford Sistrunk, age 81 years entered into eternal rest on February 26, 2023, at his home in Mitchell, Louisiana surrounded by his loving family.

“Pete” as he was called by all who knew him, was born on January 24, 1942, at home in Mitchell, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Morris Sistrunk and Margie (McCullor) Sistrunk Tarpley.

Pete is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Ann (Parnell) Sistrunk and three daughters: Lois Jean Bergeron and husband Steven; Lisa Ann Procell and husband Paul; Lori Joan Barnhill and husband Gary. Four grandchildren: Andrew Bergeron, Alison Bergeron; Jacob Barnhill, and Emily Barnhill. Two stepg randchildren: Michael Procell; Courtney (Procell) Moshrefi and husband Justin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

SYBIL CORLEY RUFFIN 8/23/29 – 2/25/23

A graveside service for Syble Corley Ruffin was held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 4th at Highland Cemetery in Mansfield, LA.

Syble was born August 23, 1929 in Smackover, Arkansas to her parents P.A. and Lilly Corley and passed away February 25, 2023 in Mansfield, LA at the age of 93.

She was preceded in death by her husband Francis B. Ruffin, her parents, her 3 sisters and her 4 brothers.

Left to cherish her memory is her only daughter Francine Lindsey Ruffin, brotherin- law Gary Ruffin (Marianne) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Syble was a faithful member of the First Methodist Church of Mansfield. She and her husband ran several business operations during her lifetime. Syble loved her Savior, family and friends. Syble was always “dressed for the occasion” wherever she went.

Pallbearers were Jim Ruffin, Albert Ruffin, Sonny Hall, Alan Yarbrough, Lane Webb and Russell Webb.

A celebration of life will be held for Julie Anne Adams Rogers, 59, at First Baptist Church Mansfield officiated by Pastor Chad Hardbarger, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 10, 2023. There will be a graveside service immediately following at Keatchie Cemetery. Her family would like to welcome guests to the visitation on Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Southside, 2500 Southside Dr, Shreveport, Louisiana.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Vernon Sebastian was held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 19,2023, at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Chapel, Mansfield, Louisiana. Reverend Bob Latham officiated at the service. Visitation was held at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home on Sunday, February 19,2023 from noon until time of service.