Obituaries

A memorial service for Lynda Sue Evans Mathis, 80, was held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1016 Hwy 346, Pelican, Louisiana. Visitation and vigil was held on Monday, June 24, 2024 beginning at 5:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. led by Robin Mathis. Family and friends are invited to share stories and keep Lynda company throughout the night leading up to the service. Officiating the service was Father Timothy Hurd of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Many.

Glenda Fae Simpkins-Ganier was born on September 26, 1944 in Mansfield, Louisiana to the late Willie Hazel Street-Scott and the late Dr. Cuthbert O. Simpkins. During that time, it was customary to be born at home and Ms. Della “Mama Dell” Shepherd was the midwife in attendance at her birth in a small house on Gibbs Street. She was educated in the Louisiana, DeSoto Parish, School system graduating Salutatorian in the Class of 1962. “Peaches” was a member of the award-winning superior-ranking high school choir under the direction of the renowned Mr. Bobby Wiggins. She also played clarinet in the school Marching Band and was a member of numerous academic clubs and church and social organizations.

Lillie Mae Sloan, 91, Returned to her heavenly home on May 13, 2024, after a beautiful faith filled life. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her through the trials of life and gave her peace. Lillie Mae was born to the late Jonathan Walker and Joyce Alberta Goldsby, in Mansfield, Louisiana on July 27, 1932. She was immersed in the Christian community from a young age at Antioch Baptist Church and joined Emmanuel Baptist Church during her teenage years. Her Christian family would be a lifelong support for her. She graduated from Mansfield High School in May of 1950, and married her best friend Joseph Mason Sloan on June 10, 1950.

12/23/62 — 6/12/24

Passed from this Life 5/23/24

7/28/40 – 5/3/24

12/12/32 — 5/17/24

03/02/57 — 4/22/24

A funeral service for Connie Gannon was held on Thursday April 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 943 Polk Street Mansfield, Louisiana with a visitation to be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. Connie was born on March 2, 1957, in Parsons, Kansas to J.W. “Bill” Berkenmeier and Barbara Ann Mattox and entered rest on Monday April 22, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband, Scott Gannon; father, J.W. Berkenmeier; brother, Christopher J. Maddox; and stepsister Karen Herbert.

9/04/42 – 4/15/24 Patsy Jean Roath, 81, passed away peacefully following a lengthy battle with cancer in the early morning hours of Monday, April 15, 2024. She was born in Urania, Louisiana on September 4, 1942, the eldest child of Grace Callender Wilson and Thomas J. Wilson. Pat was a child of Christ, daughter, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, manager, and athlete with a keen competitive streak. Pat attended LaSalle High School where she was a star athlete. Pat married the love of her life, Arthur Otto Roath, on April 24, 1959, at the age of sixteen. She began her career in food service in the Rapides Parish School System, becoming an excellent baker of yeast rolls, cinnamon rolls, hamburger buns and biscuits. Pat relocated to Mansfield, Louisiana with her husband, Art, with the startup of the International Paper mill.

Nicolas Ray Melancon, 46, of Grand Cane, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024 after a brief illness.

Born on March 28, 1978 in Marrero, LA, Nic, as he was known to his friends and family, was passionate about computers and technology, and enjoyed a career in IT.

Nic was particularly proud of his sobriety, and he touched the lives of many others who struggled with addiction.

He is survived by his parents, Willie and Sandra Melancon, as well as his brother, Josh Melancon, and numerous other family members and close friends.