The City of Pineville announced on Feb. 23 it has applied for $750,000 in federal BUILD funds. This funding request, announced by Mayor Joe Bishop, is dedicated to the planning, engineering, and design phases of the Central Louisiana Hospital Redevelopment Project, which aims to revitalize 350 acres of land adjacent to downtown Pineville.

For nearly a century, Pineville served as part of a regional healthcare hub. However, the relocation of major state hospitals has left behind aging infrastructure and a disconnected internal roadway network that functions as a barrier to new growth.

The proposed project addresses these challenges through two primary components:

• Component A: Planning for a new, continuous corridor extending Napoleon Boulevard approximately 1,700 feet to Rainbow Drive, featuring a new 50-foot bridge over Spanish Bayou.
• Component B: Designing a new internal roadway extending approximately 2,500 linear feet from West Shamrock Drive through the former Central Louisiana State Hospital campus.

“This grant is a pivotal moment for Pineville’s future,” said Mayor Joe Bishop. “By securing these funds and working with the Pineville Downtown Development District, we are building a foundation for growth. This strategic plan addresses our transportation hurdles to improve safety, reduce travel costs, and signal to investors that Pineville is ready for economic prosperity.”

The project is designed to improve daily life for Pineville workers who commute by vehicle. By eliminating dead ends and fragmented connections, the City will reduce fuel waste, shorten travel times, and provide emergency responders with vital route redundancy.

This application builds on existing momentum, including recent private investments like the Giles Hyundai dealership, Y-NOT-STOP, and commercial office growth activity. By modernizing the infrastructure surrounding these sites, Pineville aims to transform underutilized institutional land into a vibrant, mixed-use urban core.

By JIM BUTLER

Alexandria has for now settled the reapportionment issue but an aspect apparently remains unresolved in district court.

The city’s request for cost reimbursements and damages from what it claimed was a baseless suit has yet to be heard.

According to court records, a January 9 order set a hearing on the city’s petition for 9:30 this morning in Judge Mary Doggett’s court.

Records available online Sunday showed civil rules on her docket today though not specifically listing the city matter.

The journey to this point began two years ago. 

District 4 Councilwoman Lizzie Felter proposed in March 2024 to re-reapportion council election districts in order to put her residence in the district she represents.

After the ensuing hoorah the council, 4-3, in April 2024 redrew lines drawn two years earlier.

Three citizens, represented by Malcolm Larvadain, sued; the city on April 12, 2024 filed its reconventional demand, according to records.

Larvadain and two others were elected in November-December 2024 to the council and the majority on the issue switched to 4-3 opposing the new boundaries.

By October 2025 it was a foregone conclusion that a pending vote would again shift the lines.

Councilman Larvadain on October 15, 2025 moved to dismiss the matter as resolved or no longer being pursued, according to his filing.

On October 21 he moved to withdraw as counsel and to have Tiffany Sanders enrolled as plaintiffs’ attorney.  The court so ordered.

On October 23, according to the record, Doggett, per Larvadain’s motion, dismissed the case.

On October 24 the city learned of the dismissal, which in effect cancelled a scheduled October 27 hearing on its counter measure.

In November 2025 it appealed to Doggett, noting in its motion the inadvertent dismissal of its counterclaims for damages, costs and sanctions.

Records show Doggett on December 4 vacated her dismissal order relative only to the city’s claim.

Also in December, the City Council passed the ordinance, 4-3, reverting the election district boundaries to pre-2024 lines.

Mayor Jacques Roy vetoed and the council sustained. A super-majority of five votes is required by the City Charter to override. The override vote, to no surprise, was 4-3. 

Whatever and whenever a resolution occurs it will not change boundaries for this fall’s election in Felter’s District 4. Also on the ballot are mayor and one of two at-large seats.

Community members gathered today for the annual Lunch for Law Enforcement, a meaningful event dedicated to honoring the lives and legacy of Jeremy “Jay” Carruth and David Ezernack, whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.

The event also recognized the contributions of Charles and Pat Carruth, who open their home each year in loving memory of their son, Jay. Organizers praised their kindness, strength, and continued commitment to honoring his legacy, calling it a gesture that means more than words can express.

The gathering provided an opportunity for community members to reflect on the dedication and service of law enforcement officers who protect and serve each day, and to show appreciation for the men and women of local police departments.

Chad Van Huis has been named the new principal of Oak Hill High School, bringing 18 years of experience within Rapides Parish schools to his role.

Van Huis began his administrative career as Lead Teacher at ASH and later served as Assistant Principal at Northwood High School from 2017 to 2025. He said his time at Northwood helped him build a strong foundation in instructional leadership and school culture.

“I’m looking forward to using my experience to raise the bar and help Oak Hill reach new heights — meeting and working with new faculty, staff, students, and especially the community,” Van Huis said.

His vision for Oak Hill emphasizes collaboration and trust, focusing on empowering staff to achieve student success. “As principal, I want to elevate my staff by being a steward of culture who builds a high-trust, collaborative environment. While our ultimate goal is student success, I believe we achieve this by empowering the adults with whom I work,” he added.

Eight Rapides Parish teams are in action tonight in the second round of the LHSAA girls basketball playoffs.

After enjoying first-round byes last Thursday, Buckeye and Menard play home games, both tipping off at 6 o’clock. Another parish team, 13^th-seeded Rapides, goes to No. 4 Menard in a Select Division III contest. Buckeye, seeded fifth in Select Division II, hosts No. 12 Loranger.

In Select Division I, both local teams travel to Lafayette.  ASH, seeded 12^th, plays at No. 5 Acadiana today at 5:30, and 10^th-seeded Tioga goes to No. 7 Teurlings Catholic in a  6 o’clock game.

A Class B matchup sends 10^th-seeded Glenmora to No. 7 Hathaway with a 6 o’clock tipoff.  No. 17 Oak Hill travels to top-seeded Bell City at 6 in another Class B game.

In Class C, No. 18 Plainview goes to second-seeded Calvin in a 6 p.m. contest.

Boys playoff brackets will be announced by the LHSAA this morning.

Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

Feb. 22

Javon Dn’que McGlory, 29, Alexandria – two counts domestic abuse battery, domestic abuse battery with child present, domestic abuse battery strangulation, aggravated second degree battery, simple battery, concealed negligent carry handgun, three counts contempt of court, $268,500 bail;

Gabrielle Marie Meadows, 31, Pineville – OWI first offense, speeding, improper lane usage, $1,200 bail.

Feb. 21

Darrell Dwon Balthazar, 39, Alexandria – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, theft, safety belt violation, six counts contempt of court, $14,600 bail;

Patrice Diane Bradford, 63, Shreveport – OWI second offense, restrict tire equipment, open container, expired MVI sticker, $1,800 bail;

Keldrick Deion Gaines, 38, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Matt Charles Masters, 43, Marksville – OWI first offense, improper lane usage, $1,100 bail;

Johnathan Paul McKithern, 33, Ball – possession of CDS, contempt on non-support, pedestrians on interstate, $50,500 bail;

George Noil, 40, Alexandria – aggravated assault domestic abuse, stalking, unauthorized entry of inhabited dwelling, no bail data;

Ernest Ray Sheppard Jr., 42, Alexandria – OWI first offense, speeding, $1,100 bail;

Antoine Deshown Tuco, 34, Alexandria – theft of a motor vehicle, two counts simple burglary, no bail data;

Addyson Belle Wilson, 19, Hineston – second degree battery, no bail data.

Feb. 20

Brandon Nathaniel Andrews, 42, Deville – contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Christin Leon Angel, 24, Ball – simple burglary, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, $50,000 bail;

Breanna Nicole Baham, 28, Pineville – two counts theft, criminal conspiracy, no bail data;

Taurus Contrell Brown Sr., 45, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, paraphernalia, producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, resisting an officer, bicycle lamps, $9,600 bail;

Deonta Latroy Hammond, 26, Alexandria – criminal conspiracy, aggravated burglary, burglary of inhabited dwelling, identity theft, $52,000 bail;

Jonathan Charles Harris, 41, Alexandria – theft, two counts contempt of court, resisting an officer, $3,000 bail;

Lindsey Erin James, 38, Alexandria – two counts theft, simple battery, criminal conspiracy, $2,000 bail;

Danny Gene Lachney, 47, Marksville – theft, criminal trespass, contempt of court, $101,000 bail;

Jessie Ray Onishea Jr., 50, Pineville – domestic abuse battery, contempt of court, $26,500 bail;

Kierron Ladarius Richardson, 32, Pineville – aggravated assault with a firearm, possession of firearm by convicted felon, battery on officer, resisting an officer, $101,000 bail;

Michael Wayne Rogers, 58, Alexandria – three counts contempt of court, $15,000 bail;

Howlisha Shinnell Self, 41, Alexandria – aggravated second degree battery, two counts contempt of court, $18,000 bail;

Darrius Jontell Thomas, 29, Alexandria – possession of CDS, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of marijuana, concealed negligent carry handgun, resisting an officer, flight from an officer, tail lamps red light, contempt of court, $20,100 bail.

Feb. 19

Ray Dale Ashlock, 32, Ball – two counts distributing of drug paraphernalia under 17, two counts possession of CDS, two counts producing manufacturing distributing of CDS, bicycle lamps and reflectors, parole violations, $3,600 bail;

Jarvis Jarrell Flanagan Sr., 49, Alexandria – possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, possession of firearm by convicted felon, illegal carry firearm with drugs, Louisiana fugitive, three counts contempt of court, $109,000 bail;

Kista Keontae Garrett, 27, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery, two counts contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Clinton Benford Germany II, 48, Deville – possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, obstructing public passages, $2,500 bail;’

Anthony William Gilmore, 34, Boyce – possession of firearm by convicted felon, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, $18,000 bail;

Michael Steven Hargrove, 44, Alexandria – second degree murder, burglary of an inhabited dwelling, two counts failure to appear, parole violations, $1.06 million bail;

Michelle Leann Lowe, 39, Boyce – possession of CDS, paraphernalia, obstruction of justice, five counts contempt of court, $47,500 bail;

Robert Edwin Maxwell, 64, Alexandria – OWI third offense, $50,000 bail;

Hank Odom, 62, Forest Hill – possession of CDS, contempt of court, $4,000 bail;

Ialiyah Shikia Destina Richard, 23, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child presrnt, criminal damage to property, contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

Kyle Serialle, 36, Pineville – possession of CDS, obstruction of justice, resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, Louisiana fugitive, $5,000 bail;

Franklin Kevin Smith, 57, Pineville – OWI first offense, six counts contempt of court, $1,000 bail;

Parker Charles Vernon, 28, Alexandria – two counts violation of protective orders (second/subsequent), $100,000 bail;

Tina L. Whatley, 42, Alexandria – speeding, obstruction of justice, operating a vehicle under suspension for certain prior offenses, flight from an officer, running a stop sign, theft, possession of CDS, probation violation, no insurance, $44,800 bail;

Brittany Lynne Woodard, 39, Alexandria – unauthorized entry into place of business, two counts failure to appear, $27,000 bail.

Feb. 18

Darian Michael Chaisson, 28, Glenmora – simple assault intimidating, $25,000 bail;

Markedriz De’Undre Howard, 17, Alexandria – possession of handgun by a juvenile, concealed negligent carry handgun, $5,500 bail;

Marques Dcortez Joseph, 30, Alexandria – two counts possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses, improper turn, probation violation, $3,600 bail;

Clayton Robert Lamkin, 29, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery with child present, six counts unlawful communication, violation of protective order (violent), five counts violation of protective orders nonviolent (second/subsequent),  public intimidation/retaliation, domestic abuse battery, resisting an officer, $118,000 bail;

Jamaar Antonio Payne, 43, Montegut – producing manufacturing distributing marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, illegal carry firearm with drugs, possession of paraphernalia, transactions involving proceedings from drug offenses, possession of firearm by convicted felon, $216,500 bail;

Donderrick Joseph Prier, 44, Mansura – domestic abuse battery strangulation, Louisiana fugitive, three counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Ashley Provost, 23, Alexandria – simple battery, seven counts contempt of court, $103,500 bail;

Biron Ricardo Reed, 38, Alexandria – unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, disturbing the peace, $4,000 bail;

Christopher B. Spencer, 58, Oakdale – OWI first offense, improper turn, open container, possession of marijuana, $1,700 bail;

Michael Doyle White, 46, Deville – domestic abuse battery strangulation, $10,000 bail;

Korion D’aquan Williams, 21, Alexandria – possession of firearm by convicted felon, aggravated assault, possession of CDS, resisting an officer, obstruction of justice, $28,500 bail.

Jyllian and Meredith Beran made history on Feb. 20 by becoming the first female Scouts in Rapides Parish to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. The achievement was celebrated during a Court of Honor at St. Francis & Anne’s Catholic Church.

The sisters were recognized for their dedication, perseverance, leadership, and commitment to service—qualities that exemplify the highest standards of Scouting.

Scoutmaster Gabi Stiltner and Troop 626 were acknowledged for their mentorship, and the Berans’ parents were credited for providing guidance and support that helped make this milestone possible.

State Representative Mike Johnson attended the ceremony, calling it an “uplifting experience” and congratulating the sisters on their historic accomplishment.

It is with heavy hearts but profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Reverend Donald J. Gauthier, Sr., who departed this world on February 20, 2026, at the age of 86, at his cherished home in Alexandria, Louisiana. Born on July 20, 1939, Donald was a guiding light to all who knew him, most notably as a beloved husband, father, and dedicated minister.

The funeral services to honor Donald’s life will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Hope Baptist Church, with Brother Rusty Thrift officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Alexandria Memorial Gardens, under the direction of Hixson Brothers, Alexandria.

The family requests that visitation be held at Hope Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Donald’s legacy is beautifully illuminated by the love he shared with his wife of many years, Carol Estes Gauthier, who stood by his side through life’s joys and challenges. Together, they cultivated a family rooted in faith and love. He is survived by his sons, Donald Gauthier, Jr., and David Gauthier, along with his devoted daughter-in-law, Patty. The laughter and light that will forever echo in their lives are embodied in his grandchildren—Brittany, David Jr., and his precious great-granddaughter, Annabell.

In addition to his loved ones, Donald is greeted in eternity by his parents, Amet Pierre and Cessna Bordelon Gauthier, and his dear brother, Marshall Pierre Gauthier.

The pallbearers honored to serve will be George Alford, Robert Bruce, Matthew Phillips, David Gauthier, Jr., Mark Poe, and Chad Wells.

In this moment of sorrow, we reflect on a life rich in service and devotion, where Donald Gauthier not only preached but lived out his faith with grace. His passion for the scriptures and tireless pursuit of truth have left an indelible mark on many hearts, making his memory a source of comfort and inspiration.

William Joseph (Billy) Liberto, Sr., 90, passed away peacefully and went to be with the Lord on February 15, 2026.

Born in Alexandria, on March 22, 1935, to Charles and Viola Liberto, William attended Bolton High School, where he was a standout on the baseball, football, basketball, and track teams. After graduating, the right-handed pitcher signed a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers and was assigned to the Shawnee Hawks of the Dodgers farm system. He was promoted to the Union City Dodgers, in Union City, TN, where he married his high school sweetheart, Sammie Jean Stroup. After four years in the minors, William and Sammie returned home to start a family.

Back in Alexandria, William worked as a salesman for Firestone and later managed the contract sales department for Sears & Roebuck. In the early 1980’s, he entered the restaurant industry as a franchisee of Stark’s family restaurant, and later Dairy Queen. With the help of his wife and children, he owned and operated multiple DQ restaurants across Central Louisiana and also brought the Bless Your Heart franchise to Alexandria. He was elected to and served on the Rapides Parish School Board and was a high school football referee for many years.

Family was the most important thing in his life, and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. William’s favorite hobbies included fishing, gardening, woodworking, and watching sports. A long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, William assisted on many church projects and in his later years enjoyed his time as a member of the church choir.

William is preceded in death by his father, Charles Liberto, Sr.; his mother Viola Liberto, his wife, Sammie Jean Liberto, daughter, Kathy Liberto Richardson, daughter, Tammy Liberto Fearrand, brother, Charles Liberto, Jr., sister Patricia Liberto, sister, Janelle Liberto Hendrix, and wife, Dorothy Corley Liberto.

Those left to cherish his memory include daughter, Cheryl Liberto Sooter (Rod), son, William Liberto, Jr.; grandchildren, Ricky Richardson (Stephanie), Danielle Liberto, Tiffany Herrington, Michael Fearrand, Jr. (Sydney), Gabrielle Liberto Moss (Matthew); stepdaughter, Tracy Ryder (Butch), stepson, Don Corley, Jr. (Dana); many nieces, nephews, and dearly beloved great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in Crowell Chapel at First United Methodist Church of Alexandria, 2727 Jackson Street, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m, with Reverend Kennon Pickett officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Honorary pallbearers include Rod Sooter, Lawyer Richardson, Kayne Richardson, Judah Richardson, Dylon Feazell, Logan Feazell, and Butch Ryder.

In lieu of flowers, the ever-frugal William would rather you save your money. However, if you insist, please consider making a donation to the First United Methodist Church of Alexandria.

Phonetic: /par·lance/

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition

a particular way of speaking or using words, especially a way common to those with a particular job or interest.
“dated terms that were once in common parlance”
Similar: jargon, language, phraseology

Patrol deputies responded to a reported shooting Thursday afternoon in the 500 block of Bayou Maria Road in Pineville. Deputies were dispatched on Feb. 19 around 4:27 pm to the area after receiving a report of a subject who had sustained a gunshot wound. The suspect had left the scene prior to deputies’ arrival.

Deputies provided medical aid to the victim until Pafford Ambulance personnel arrived and assumed treatment. The victim was transported to a local hospital. The extent of injuries has not been released.

Sheriff’s detectives and the Crime Scene Unit responded to continue the investigation.

Authorities said no further information is available at this time. Additional details will be released as they become available.

The Alexandria Water Department issued a boil water advisory on Feb. 19 for all properties along Alex Mall Drive following repairs to a 6-inch water line that caused a temporary loss of water pressure.

According to Barrett Dezendorf, Superintendent of Water Operations, the disruption may have compromised water quality in the affected area. The advisory is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

Residents and businesses in the advisory area are advised to disinfect water before consumption, including for drinking, ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation. Water should be boiled for one full minute in a clean container once it reaches a rolling boil. Tips for improving taste include shaking, pouring between containers, or adding a small pinch of salt per quart.

Once the advisory is lifted, residents and businesses should:

• Run cold-water faucets for one minute

• Run drinking water fountains for one minute

• Flush automatic icemakers by making and discarding three batches of ice

• Regenerate water softeners

• Run directly connected water coolers for five minutes

For more details and a map of the affected area, contact the Alexandria Water Department.

Scores of first-round LHSAA girls basketball games Thursday involving Rapides Parish teams:

SELECT DIVISION I

ASH 62, Mt. Carmel 54

Tioga 52, East Jefferson 14

SELECT DIVISION II

Booker T. Washington (Shreveport) 46, Peabody 42

SELECT DIVISION III 

Rapides 52, Independence 31

CLASS B

Oak Hill 54, Avoyelles Public Charter 36

CLASS C

Plainview 36, Summerfield 29

Three parish teams – Buckeye, Glenmora and Menard – earned first-round byes. Menard will host Rapides Monday night.

Is it just me, or when you come up with a mental image of the NCAA’s transfer portal, it’s a port-a-let?

Fits. Because most of the college players using the portal have flushed away their careers.

Over 11,000 football players entered the portal this winter. About 6,800 are stuck there, and they cannot rely on a plumber to save the day. Coaches have already allocated their roster spots to newcomers, whether they are transfers or even old-school signees.

The percentage is even worse for basketball players. Fewer roster spots, a higher rate of portal delusions.

In the X-box generation of sports, young athletes are used to hitting the reset button. It’s a habit formed before they get to high school.

There’s an overload of games, often a half-dozen or so a weekend for travel teams. The sting of losing does not linger for long. And there’s the constant chance to jump ship to another travel team or even school if Little Larry isn’t getting the playing time he needs – forget considering if he deserves it.

Travel ball isn’t new, but it’s never been this prevalent. It used to be summer ball but it’s spread faster than the Indiana Hoosiers football fan base.

It’s not totally terrible. There are positives and there are people who do it the right way, for the right reasons.

If your kid wants to play, and it’s financially feasible, tough to say “no.” At some point, I believe another word that should come up at least occasionally is “enough.”

There’s not only purity in backyard ball, pickup games at the park, and a lack of daily structure putting youngsters on a schedule from breakfast to bedtime. Freestyling sports and down time gives kids the chance to figure out things on their own, to be creative, to make their own fun.

Does anybody play Kick-the-Can around the carport lights these days? Red Rover Come Over? Or just a good 3-on-3 whiffleball game in the neighbor’s yard?

There’s a lot of (depending on how you see it) far-reaching (or far-fetched) long-term implications for the healthiest development of kids. Youth sports are an American standard; the grown-ups’ challenge is to not let them deteriorate into constant competition where the final score is the end-all be-all, instead of the final outcomes producing positive life lessons and lots of fun.

Jumping back to the college scene, this portal porn has fouled up so much of what we’ve enjoyed.

Bo Lamar died this week. You old-timers might remember him – the real Ragin’ Cajun, a guard who was for USL basketball what Pistol Pete Maravich was at LSU.

Pistol was flashier, played at a higher level, was other-worldly from the day he took the court for the Tigers. He’s the all-time college basketball scoring king and that was just one phase of his game.

Bo (real name Dwight) led the NCAA in scoring just after Pete moved into the pros. Pete averaged 44 points in his LSU career. Bo put up 31.2 per game for the Cajuns, scoring 3,493 points, lots of them from very long range.

“Bo Lamar is the purest shooter I’ve ever seen,” said Jerry Tarkanian, who saw a bunch in his Naismith Hall of Fame coaching career.

Pistol and Bo set records never to be broken. They’re absurdly out of reach.

But now with the portal in place, we won’t see very many career records topped anywhere in any major team sport. The good players will keep moving up the pay scale, changing teams 2-3-4-5 times (or more).

The classifications of freshman, sophomore, junior and senior are obsolete. The NCAA is allowing transfers to play for 5-6-7 years, even more, and at just as many colleges.

That’s the next iteration of travel ball.

The cash chase drives transfers. The need for NIL funds peaks with the super powers but every one of the 360-or-so Division I schools is trying to combine donor money with the new NCAA revenue share to reward current players and entice new ones.

It’s only going to take a few years before the people who feed the NIL accounts get weary of barely knowing the college kids they’re helping pay. They’ll get  frustrated when their generosity doesn’t produce enough wins.

Collective bargaining for the big boys, and some long overdue humble pie and common sense for everybody else, better come quickly if college sports in the ‘30s will look anything like it did just a few years ago, or even like it does today. 

Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com

Cynthia “Cindy” Henson (née Francis) was born on August 12, 1954 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and passed away in LeCompte, Louisiana, on February 12, 2026.

Cindy’s independence, resilience, creativity, and deep love for animals shaped every chapter of her life. After losing her home to a fire, she rebuilt with strength and quiet determination, continuing to find joy in her crafts and in the simple comforts that grounded her. Her new house became a home when she adopted her rescue dog Max.

During her professional career, Cindy served as an executive at a defense company, where she was known for her sharp mind, leadership, and unwavering work ethic. After retiring, she embraced her lifelong passion for arts and crafts, transforming it into a small business that brought joy to her and to those who cherished her handmade creations.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Williams (Eugene); her father, Ed Francis; and her many beloved canine companions.

She is survived by her son, Denny Smith (Kirsten); her sister, Julie Christie (Ed); her brother, Jason Francis (Cherish) and their children; and her father’s wife, Fran Francis. She is also survived by her loyal dog, Max, who remained faithfully by her side.

In keeping with her wishes, a private celebration of life will be held for family members. Those who wish to honor her memory may do so by donating to their local animal shelter, a cause that reflects her lifelong compassion for dogs and the many rescues she welcomed into her home.

She will be remembered for her creativity, resiliency, and the steady determination that carried her through life’s challenges.

Lillie Beatrice Paulk Newcomb, age 75, gained her heavenly wings and angelic voice, on Thursday February 19, 2026. Bea lived her entire life in Deville/Hickory Grove and died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and friends.

Bea was born on November 30, 1950 to Josh and Lillie McCann Paulk. She married her childhood best friend, Pinkie Newcomb on June 1, 1968. They resided in Hickory Grove their entire 57 years of marriage. Bea was a graduate of Buckeye High School where she enjoyed playing basketball during Jr. High School and was a majorette her 4 years of high school.

She worked at various firms as an executive secretary and legal secretary for almost 40 years. She was a Notary Public and Certified Administrative Professional. Bea grew up hunting with her dad, brothers and special hunting buddy Carroll Rosier. She loved hunting and fishing with Pinkie, her children and grandchildren, especially the competition of winning. She treasured the memories of vacations taken with best friends, Bert and Dorothy Rosier, Jan and Gerald Huffman, and David and Glenda Rosier. She was a member of Holloway Baptist Church and attended Unity Baptist Church for many years.

Bea is survived by her husband of 57 years, Pinkie Newcomb; two daughters and sons-in-law, Shannon and Harvey McDaniel and Stephanie and Jim Huffman.

Grandsons Clay McDaniel and wife Jessi, Brady Huffman and Jace Huffman. Nephew Dustin Newcomb(Ashley) and niece Marcy Newcomb Wiggins(Daniel), along with great-nephew Spencer Wiggins, whom she considered her grandchildren. She had too many nieces and nephews on the Paulk side to list but she loved them dearly and considered the older ones her sisters and brothers. She is also survived by her sister- in-law Derra Paulk.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josh and Lillie Paulk, in-laws George and Wob Newcomb, and Inez Newcomb, and her stillborn infant son; Siblings and in/laws; A.C. and Geraldine Paulk, Marie and Shirley Wiggins, J.L. and Pat Paulk, Virginia and Hyman O’Neal, Jane and Buddy Nugent, and Buster Gandy, and Hershel Paulk. She is also preceded by her brother-in-law, W.D. Newcomb, sister-in-law, Tammy Newcomb, and nephew Zack Newcomb. Three other nephews also preceded her, Cletus Paulk, Edward O’Neal and Dustin Bonnette.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she lived for times spent with her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Their visits and phone calls were the highlights of her day.

The family request that visitation be on Thursday February 19, 2026 at Holloway Baptist Church from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and again Friday February 20, 2026 until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery located at the Church. Officiating will be Dr. Jack West, Cathy Powell and Bro. Tim Shield.

Pallbearers honored to serve are Dustin Newcomb, Clay McDaniel, Brady Huffman, Jace Huffman, Ricky Nugent, and Brent Nugent. Honorary pallbearers are Darrell Paulk, Ralph Wiggins and Scott Paulk.

The family would like to thank Dr. Abi-Rachel and his entire staff, the Cabrini Infusion Center and her home- infusion nurses.