Obituaries

Jerry Hugh Norwood, born in Holly, Louisiana, October 4, 1940, left his earthly life on February 17, 2026 in Shreveport, Louisiana from complications of a December 2022 stroke. He was predeceased by his parents, Burdette and Isolene Brown Norwood; sister Nadine Reed and her husband, Marshall; brother Ronald Glen Norwood; brother Richard Norwood and his wife Jeannette; brother-in-law Del Worth and nephew Mark Worth. Jerry was a proud 1958 graduate of Pelican High School. He immediately enrolled at Northwestern State University earning his accounting degree within three years. Upon graduation, he purchased his beloved 1961 red and white Ford Galaxy that his buddy, Glen Myers, saw in the dealer’s showroom, and started work as an auditor for the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), New Orleans district. He traveled all over the South on audits usually lasting several months.

OCTOBER 16, 1950 — JANUARY 10, 2026

JUNE 19, 1932 — JANUARY 12, 2026

FEBRUARY 17, 1944 — DECEMBER 28, 2025

JULY 2, 1957 — DECEMBER 18, 2025

Rick Eugene Pharris, age 68, of Mansfield, Louisiana, passed away on December 18, 2025. Born July 2, 1957, Rick lived a life marked by faith, service, strength, and a love that showed up in real ways.

Rick was the kind of man people felt safe around. Strong and fearless, he carried himself with purpose and took the utmost pride in his job and in life in general. He believed in doing things the right way, standing on what you say, and giving your best — because that is the standard he lived by.

Rick was proud of his service in the United States Marine Corps and was also known for his time with the Sheriff’s Department. He had a protector’s spirit — steady, loyal, and unshakable. A man of God, Rick believed in putting God first, family second, and everything else last, and he passed those values down through the way he lived.

JULY 17, 1939 — DECEMBER 7, 2025

James Edward Griffith of Grand Cane died peacefully after a long illness on the evening of December 7th, surrounded by his wife, dear friends, and pastor. He was 86 years old and had just celebrated 60 years of marriage to his wife, Donna, on July 10th. James approached life with curiosity and joy. He was a lifelong learner who embraced new challenges and never used age or health as an excuse to shrink from adventure or from learning a new skill. Born in Grand Cane on July 17, 1939, to Lamar and Lela Mae Griffith, James enjoyed growing up in a small town and loved telling stories of the “olden days” to his children when they were young. He attended Grand Cane High School, graduating in 1957. He played basketball and discovered a love for theater that would stay with him for years to come.

OCTOBER 17, 1939 — DECEMBER 6, 2025

Funeral services celebrating the life of Jerry Lamar Holmes, 86, of Keatchie, Louisiana, were held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation was held from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. Burial followed at Longstreet Cemetery. Officiating the service was Bro. Dean Register. JerrywasbornonOctober17,1939to RalphandAlma Holmes and passed away Saturday, December 6, 2025. Jerry was in the dairy business for 50 years. He served on the DeSoto Soil and Water Conservation District Board and Panola-Harrison Electric Cooperative Board.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Alma Holmes; sister, Doris Bagley; and twin grandsons, Wyatt Colton Bandy and Justin Lane Bandy.

SEPTEMBER 8, 1960 — NOVEMBER 25, 2025

DECEMBER 23, 1941 — NOVEMBER 14, 2025

A funeral service honoring the life of Mr. John H. Asseff was held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Kilpatrick’s Rose Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street, Mansfield, Louisiana with Reverend Mary Richard officiating. Burial followed at Highland Cemetery, Mansfield, Louisiana. Visitation was held on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

John passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was born in Mansfield, Louisiana on December 23, 1941, to Waddie and Helen Elias Asseff.

He graduated from Mansfield High School then attended Northeast Louisiana University School of Pharmacy. He was co-owner of Medical Center Pharmacy for 40 years in Many, Louisiana. John was a lifelong member of Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Mansfield, Louisiana.

FEBRUARY 7, 1937 — OCTOBER 25, 2025

Funeral Service — Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

Solid Rock Baptist Church

8218 South Broadway Los Angeles, California 90003