Troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop E responded to a two-vehicle crash on Oct. 18 around 7:20 pm on Louisiana Highway 107 near Craig Path Road. The crash claimed the life of 40-year-old Ramon Galbon of Pineville.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2009 Ford F-150, driven by Galbon, was traveling south on Louisiana Highway 107. At the same time, a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling north on Louisiana Highway 107. For reasons still under investigation, the Ford crossed the centerline and collided with the Chevrolet.

Galbon, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet, who was unrestrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment on the part of Galbon is suspected. Standard toxicology samples were taken and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.

Troopers wish to remind motorists of the importance of making good decisions while in motor vehicles. Never drive impaired, fatigued, or distracted. Additionally, Louisiana law requires that every person inside a motor vehicle, regardless of seating position, always remain properly restrained. While not all crashes are survivable, taking simple precautions like these can mean the difference between life and death.

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Rapides Parish Fire District No. 2 honored Assistant Chief Jimmie Fields upon his retirement after 33 years of dedicated service.

Colleagues and community members gathered to celebrate Chief Fields’ long-standing commitment to public safety and his leadership within the department. Known for his integrity, mentorship, and deep sense of brotherhood, Fields was praised as a role model who made a lasting impact on those he worked alongside.

“It was a bittersweet day,” district officials shared, reflecting on his decades of service and influence within the department.

As Fields begins his next chapter, Fire District No. 2 extended its appreciation and best wishes to him and his family for a happy and fulfilling retirement.

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The City of Alexandria, in partnership with the Alexandria Police Department and the SafeAlex program, has launched a new public safety initiative designed to strengthen community partnerships in crime prevention and investigation.

The Alexandria Security Camera Registration Program, also known as Alex-Cam Connect, allows residents and business owners to voluntarily register their security cameras with the police department.

This private camera network helps officers quickly identify nearby cameras that may have captured valuable footage when a crime occurs.

While officers do not have live access to private cameras, the program enables faster contact with camera owners who may be able to provide footage to assist in solving crimes.

According to the Alexandria Police Department, video surveillance is one of the most effective tools for identifying and apprehending suspects. The program aims to make better use of existing technology by connecting police and community members through voluntary participation.

Alex-Cam Connect is expected to enhance emergency preparedness and help officers respond more efficiently to incidents across Alexandria.

Residents and business owners can learn more or register their cameras online at alexandrialapolice.org/camera-registration-form.

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Sheriff Mark Wood announces the implementation of a new piece of lifesaving equipment in the Resident Deputy Units.

Recently, the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office has equipped its Resident Deputies patrol units with automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through money received through the nationwide opioid settlements allocated to local governments and agencies.

Resident Deputies patrol in areas of Rapides Parish where sometimes, they are the first ones on the scene of medical emergencies. Sheriff Mark Wood purchased an AED for each Resident Deputy, as well as the RADE Unit and two Sheriff Substations, through opioid settlement money that was state appropriated funding from pharmaceutical companies. In total 14 AED’s were purchased so far.

“These devices can be crucial in treating individuals suffering from not only overdoses, but just cardiac arrest,” said Sheriff Wood. “All of our deputies have been issued and trained in the use of NARCAN, the standard in treating an opioid overdose. Having the AED’s is just another tool we have to help save someone’s life in the event of a cardiac arrest due to an overdose or other factors.”

The cost of the 14 AED’s was $24,500.00 and Sheriff Wood is looking into the possibility of equipping more deputies with this lifesaving tool in the future.

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PAID CONTENT

RAPIDES PARISH — The Governor’s Executive Order JML 25-119 – “CO₂ Capture and Storage Limits and Moratorium” issued on October 15, 2025 is a deceptively sly, blatantly unconstitutional and ultimately tone deaf non-response to citizen concerns regarding the ongoing dangerous carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects and the unconstitutional laws supporting the violation of citizen property rights as guaranteed by the Louisiana Constitution. This executive order is first and foremost a protectionist defense of the CCS industry and it’s climate change agenda origins disguised as “economic opportunity” while ignoring the People of Louisiana and their basic rights. We are not impressed.

Although Governor Landry’s “Moratorium” places a hold on new Class VI carbon storage applications, it does nothing to stop the currently active CCS project applications. According to data from the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources (LDENR), there are 31 active applications for 104 Class VI injection wells pending, plus one approved in Hackberry. The deception is that 32 total projects remain fully active and will continue through the permitting process, free to create environmental disaster endangering our lives. This “moratorium” does nothing to stop the current danger we face. The greatest of which is the possibility of contaminating the Chicot Aquifer, which the governor conveniently fails to mention but is one of the most vocal concerns of citizens.

The Chicot Aquifer is the principal source of drinking water for fifteen parishes representing hundreds of thousands of residents across central and southwest Louisiana. According to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) data, the Chicot Aquifer system supplies municipal and rural water wells across Rapides, Vernon, Allen, Evangeline, St. Landry, Calcasieu, and Acadia Parishes, among others. The USGS survey concludes that the expansive Chicot Aquifer supplies approximately 48% of all ground water used in Louisiana yet the governor ignored this immensely important aspect of citizen concern. At least 31 of the state’s Class VI CO₂ injection projects are situated within or directly above the Chicot Aquifer’s recharge zone. Once injected, carbon dioxide can migrate through geological faults or abandoned wellbores. When CO₂ combines with groundwater, it forms carbonic acid, capable of dissolving metals and contaminating both soil and potable water. This is blatant negligence of government to fulfill its Constitutional obligation under Article I, Sections 1 and 2 to protect public health and safety.

Another egregious section of this “moratorium” purports to create a “Landowner Bill of Rights”. The order declares that Acts 407 and 414 (2025) shall serve as Louisiana’s Landowner Bill of Rights. This statement by the governor is shocking in its basic ignorance that there exists within our Constitution greater protections of property owner rights than an unlawful legislative substitution. Neither the governor nor the legislature has the power to abrogate constitutionally guaranteed rights and protections. Through laws such as Acts 517 (2009), 61 (2020) and 620 (2024), the governor and legislature have shockingly authorized the taking of private surface and subsurface property by private and foreign entities engaged in industrial CO₂ capture and injection. These private companies were given the power of eminent domain by the governor and legislature. The governor’s “landowner bill of rights” statement is an absurdity of gargantuan proportions and displays a defiance to and contempt for the will of the People as clearly expressed in the Constitution. 

This executive order gives the illusion of action but in reality it does nothing substantive to address citizen’s actual concerns. It ignores our concerns over the Chicot Aquifer and it’s life giving water and it ignores our Constitutionally guaranteed Right to Property. The governor appears as though he is listening, but ultimately it betrays his support for industry over citizens and reveals his contempt for the people of Louisiana. Again, we are not impressed.

Save My Louisiana calls on the governor to respect the People of Louisiana and take the following legitimate actions;

1. Immediately suspend ALL Class VI well activity –  those approved, those in the approval process and future approvals.

2. Immediately call a special session of the legislature, honor and respect the Constitution of Louisiana and REPEAL any and all Acts which abrogate the Constitutional guaranteed Right to Property.

3. Call for judicial intervention to enjoin unconstitutional takings.

4. Issue a permanent moratorium banning all CO₂ injection within 50 miles of the Chicot Aquifer and any other water source.

5. Reaffirm his commitment to the Louisiana Constitution as per the oath of office he took as Governor of Louisiana.

About Save My Louisiana

Save My Louisiana, Inc. is a concerned citizen organization headquartered in Rapides Parish, Louisiana, partnered with the anti-CCS coalition made up of numerous state-wide organizations dedicated to defending Constitutional government, property rights, water security and our future. The organization is one of many leading the statewide opposition to carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) projects that threaten private-land sovereignty and public safety.

Gary L. Musgrove
President, Save My Louisiana, Inc
318-485-1347

Col(r) Mark T. Guillory
Director, Save My Louisiana Advisory Council
318-308-2541

www.SaveMyLouisiana.org

Paid Content

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Louisiana Christian kicks off a three-game homestand Saturday at 6 at Wildcat Field in Pineville, with every indication that the ‘Cats will send the Homecoming crowd home happy.

LCU (4-3 overall, 3-1 in the Sooner Athletic Conference) hosts a Nelson team (1-4, 0-3) that fell 34-13 last weekend to Oklahoma Panhandle State – the same team the Wildcats routed on the road, 56-27, last month.

Leading the ‘Cats is quarterback Bryce Perkins, who has thrown for 1,623 yards and 13 touchdowns.

His top receivers are Omarius Davis with 29 catches for 453 yards and five touchdowns, and ASH product EJ Scott (23 catches, 367 yards, no TDs so far).

Another ASH product, Datlan Cunningham, is the top rusher for LCU with 606 yards, a 4.4 average per carry, and six TDs.

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Arrests are accusations, not convictions.

 

Oct. 15

Kenny Bert Troquille, 38, Boyce – criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, off road vehicle on public road, $1,100 bail;

Sytiana Taechelle Vaughn, 25, Natchitoches – theft, remaining on premises, contempt of court, $2,750 bail.

 

Oct. 14

Morgan Lee Bourgeors, 40, Boyce – illegal possession of stolen things, resisting an officer, trespassing after remaining forbidden, $6,000 bail;

William M. Butter, 61, Forest Hill – possession of CDS, two counts contempt of court, $4,500 bail;

James Paul Delrie Jr., 36, Dry Prong – nine counts contempt of court, $153,500 bail;

Kim Allen Downs, 59, Alexandria – OWI second offense, improper lane usage, no vehicle registration, driving under suspension, possession of CDS, possession of marijuana, possession of CDS, failure to secure registration, $6,900 bail;

Quadarius Latyrin Guthrie, 31, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, producing manufacturing distributing fentanyl with intent, possession of CDS, paraphernalia, illegal carry firearm with drugs, illegal possession of a stolen firearm, possession of firearm by convicted felon, contempt of court, parole violations, $36,000 bail;

Jonathan Charles Harris, 40, Alexandria – theft, resisting an officer, three counts contempt of court, $5,500 bail;

Terrica Hart, 34, Lettsworth – Louisiana fugitive, no bail data;

Zackaryie Hawkins, 25, Alexandria – producing manufacturing distributing CDS, criminal conspiracy, resisting an officer, paraphernalia, safety belt violation, parole violations, $21,100 bail;

Jason A. Holt, 48, Otis – home invasion, simple battery on the infirm, disturbing the peace, domestic abuse battery, criminal damage to property, domestic abuse aggravated assault child endangerment, $92,000 bail;

Quindarrius Cortes Myles, 29, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery pregnant, domestic abuse battery with child present, $100,000 bail;

Stephanie Elizabeth Hayes, 47, Pineville – four counts contempt of court, $76,000 bail;

Delasia Johnson, 23, Winnfield – theft, resisting arrest, two counts contempt of court, $5,000 bail;

Derrick Dewayne Johnson, 36, Alexandria – possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, driving under suspension, resisting an officer, safety belt violation, contempt of court, $2,200 bail;

Kameron Tynique King, 29, Boyce – Louisiana fugitive, contempt of court, $50,000 bail;

Marlon LaFrance, 51, Alexandria – contempt of court, $2,500 bail;

Richard Allen Seymour Jr., 57, Alexandria – 12 counts contempt of court, $256,500 bail;

Patrick Dewayne Smith, 33, Alexandria – possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, $1,000 bail;

Troy Kevin Wells, 56, Ball – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, two counts contempt of court, $9,500 bail;

Gerald Ray White, 55, Pineville – create, distribute, possess CDS with intent, parole violations, $5,000 bail;

Jessica J. Wise, 45, Deville – five counts forgery, contempt of court, parole violations, $6,500 bail.

 

Oct. 13

Anthony C. Barron, 32, Pineville – criminal conspiracy, fraud access device, home invasion, theft, criminal trespass, $2,000 bail;

Kaleb Bloodsaw, 29, Jena – contempt of court, $25,000 bail;

Melinda Lea Dauzat, 53, Pineville – four counts contempt of court, Louisiana fugitive, $41,000 bail;

Derio Rayshaun Day, 31, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing counterfeit substances, failure to appear, safety belt violation, $6,100 bail;

Gary Donel Hagan, 57, Colfax – theft, criminal trespass, three counts contempt of court, $12,000 bail;

Stanley Jolly, 78, Deville – OWI first offense, $1,000 bail;

Adrion Lamar Logan, 43, Woodworth – simple burglary, possession of marijuana, $2,000 bail;

Jeffrey Scott Saylor, 37, Pineville – producing manufacturing distributing CDS with intent, possession of marijuana, improper window tint, $3,100 bail;

Kolby Tyler Wells, 27, Pollock – two counts contempt of court, $70,000 bail;

Edward Brian White, 47, Pineville – criminal damage to property, unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling, $27,500 bail;

Donald Frank Willis, 61, Bunkie – possession of CDS, possession of synthetic cannabinoid, theft second/subsequent conviction, $23,000 bail.

 

 

Oct. 12

Jameel Brown, 24, Avondale – OWI second offense, speeding, $1,600 bail;

Misty Lynn Dyson, 39, Monroe – possession of CDS, OWI first offense, contempt of court, $6,500 bail;

Jesse Lynn Halford, 42, Boyce – theft, contempt of court, $20,500 bail;

Reginald Wayne Jackson II, 30, Alexandria – domestic abuse battery serious injury, $2,500 bail;

Heather Dawn Malone, 28, Boyce – possession of CDS, possession of synthetic cannabinoid, paraphernalia, failure to dim lights, driving under suspension, $52,700 bail;

Nakeita Latornious Williams, 37, Alexandria – four counts contempt of court, $76,500 bail.

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Services for Dallas Blaine Lavespere will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Summerfield Baptist Church located at 171 Summerfield Rd. in Colfax, Louisiana with Bro. Rusty Flek and Skip Lavespere officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 am until the time of service. Interment will be at Aloha St. Rose Cemetery at 200 JN Fletcher Rd in Colfax under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home.

On May 3, 1994, this world welcomed the love and joy Dallas brought into the lives of all who knew him.

On October 14, 2025, at age 31, Dallas left this world leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness for anyone he ever met.

Dallas is preceded in death by his paternal great grandmother, Anniebelle Hodnett; his paternal great grandparents, Donald Traylor and Kitty Traylor; maternal great grandparents, Noel McManus and Dora McManus, all of whom he had the blessing of getting to know. He is also preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Obie Ray Lavespere; his maternal grandmother, Sandra Lynn Romero; and a bonus grandmother, Nancy Thomason.

Those left to forever cherish his memory are his parents, Kevin and Rebecca Lavespere; brothers, Daniel Lavespere and Austin Lavespere (Xan); sister, Tyler Lavespere (Zach); nieces and nephews, Jesse Goodman, Jayden Goodman, Ashton Lavespere, Ellynnton Friend, and Elias Friend; paternal grandmother, Theresa Lavespere; maternal grandfather, Johnny McManus (Judy); special bonus grandmother, Carly Arnold; his “kid in a fursuit”, Breezus Lavespere; and many family and friends that will forever feel blessed having loved him.

Dallas graduated from YCP in Carville, LA in 2011. He graduated from Job Core in Shreveport, LA in 2012.

Dallas was proud of these accomplishments, but what he was the proudest of was his sobriety. Dallas wanted his life to be a testament of hope that no matter how far down life seemed to get, better things could come. He wanted to share his faith with everyone. He found sobriety through the strength of God’s love, and he wanted the world to know the power and strength that God’s love held and the change to your life only God’s love could give. He knew this from his own personal experience because when he felt all alone in this world at his rock bottom, God reached down and held him as he climbed his way back to his family.

Dallas held within him a love so bright that all who knew him felt that love. Especially his niece and nephews. There was never any doubt those kiddos had their Dall Dall wrapped around their little fingers.

When it came to family, Dallas was a fierce protector, and he loved so deeply. He was so proud to have become a man his niece and nephews could look up to and depend on. In their eyes, Dall Dall was their best friend.

All who knew Dallas knew his love for music. He loved free-styling lyrics with his friends and siblings. He enjoyed life to the fullest and never met a body of water he didn’t want to put a fishing line in. He loved hunting. He would bring home more than his dad every time. He has the “it” factor his dad would say. Dallas put 110% in everything he did, and it showed in every job he had.

Pallbearers honored to serve will be Zachary Friend, Jacob Bonnette, Dakota Garrett, Tyler Roberts, Ricky Smith, and Robert Woodard. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Lavespere, Austin Lavespere, Heath “Bubba” Thomason, Dulane Lasyone, T.J. Lasyone and Nick Lasyone.

At this time, the family of Dallas would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Acadiana Ambulance Service, Grant Parish Sheriff’s Department, and the first responders who responded in their time of need. They would also like to thank all the family and friends who have wrapped them in their love and prayers during this difficult time.

As we come together to celebrate the life and love of Dallas Blaine Lavespere, let’s remember him with joy and a smile in our hearts. He wanted to be an uplifting presence to all he met, so let’s not cry and despair but remember that his love in God promises us that we will all be together again.

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Retha Louise Coleman, age 88, of Monroe, Louisiana, went home to be with the Lord surrounded by the ones she loved most. Born on June 25, 1937, Retha lived a full, beautiful life overflowing with faith in Jesus, laughter, and good old-fashioned Southern charm.

Retha always wanted her family and guests to feel special. Whether it was making their favorite meal or sharing words of wisdom from “her chair,” she had a way of making you feel seen and loved. She was strong but gentle, graceful with subtle wit, the heart of her family, and the keeper of so many sweet memories.

She relished the days of sharing coffee around the kitchen table with neighbors and family often recounting stories her time playing basketball for Ouachita Parish High School, her 20 years at the Department of Motor Vehicles, or her traveling adventures with her sister-in-law, Wilma Rainwater.

A true Gaither music lover, Retha found comfort and joy in gospel songs that lifted her spirit and spoke to her soul. You could often find her humming along, hands folded, letting those sweet harmonies fill her heart, while watching Jewelry television or playing cards.

Retha’s meek and quite spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family takes comfort knowing she’s now resting easy, at the feet of her Savior, reunited with so many family and beloved friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Ray Coleman; her parents, Raymond and Carrie Norman; and four brothers, Raymond Carl Norman, Douglas Norman, Eugene Norman, and Hobert Norman.

She leaves behind her devoted daughter, Peggy Lynn Coleman Barrett (Marc); granddaughter, Cari Elisabeth Barrett Hunt (Logan); two great grandbabies, Lori Faye Hunt and Barrett Hunt; who could always bring a smile to her face. They were her pride and joy. Also left to cherish her memory are sister-in-law, Barbara Norman, Sid Coleman, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Stillwater Hospice for the incredible care and support you provided for our entire family though this long journey. Your presence, empathy, patience and unwavering kindness have given us strength. Thank you for being a beacon of light in our lives and for the tremendous work you do.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Retha’s love for faith, family, and community, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alpine Christian School through the Alpine First Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life will be held in November, details to follow.

All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, LA. Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Coleman family by visiting http://www.rushfh.com.

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By JIM BUTLER

The question wasn’t if the Alexandria City Council would again take up reapportionment after last Fall’s elections but when.

The answer: at next Tuesday’s meeting, coincidentally less than week after the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in Louisiana’s seemingly landmark reapportionment case.

Sift through the layers and both cases appear to rest on the same base – racial populations in respective districts – and a ruling in the state’s favor could have major repercussions on remapping across the board from Congress to city councils.

Council District 4 member Lizzie Felter took to social media two days ago to alert residents to a bid to redraw Alexandria district lines, saying Council President Cynthia Perry had advised her the matter will be on the next meeting agenda.

The agenda posted later confirms Perry’s proposed resolution to restore previous district boundaries will be introduced as part of the consent calendar, bound over, if approved, to a future meeting.

Back in March 2024 Felter moved to change boundaries set in 2022 that put her residence outside her district.

After a month of tumultuous hearings and meetings the council adopted the changes over protests that the revision was unfairly shifting the lines.

The three other white members, saying almost nothing along the way, and Felter voted yes; the three black, saying a lot, voted no.

The Fall 2024 elections shifted the council composition to four black and three white, seemingly an indication of where the boundaries will next fall as the perspective on what’s fair shifts.

In her appeal Tuesday Felter asked one and all to urge their council member to reject a change.

“If passed, this ordinance would once again divide our neighborhoods – undermining community cohesion and weakening our ability to be represented effectively.

“Because an election has now been held under the 2024 maps, it would cause voter confusion in the affected districts and could further result in some precincts being unable to vote for a council member for six years instead of the four-year term guaranteed by our city charter, effectively robbing you of the right to vote.

“This change will purposely put the home I’ve lived in into another district for no clear reason other than taking away the right to choose, to vote whether or not to reelect a sitting council person, away from the people of district 4 and put it into the hands of a few members of the city council.

“This is not just about district lines – it’s about fair representation, neighborhood integrity, and protecting your right to vote,” she said.

Perry had released no statement on the matter through Wednesday evening.

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The Rapides Parish Police Jury has approved the hiring of the Gold-Weems firm regarding potential litigation between the Jury and the Acadian Ambulance Service.

The are the only details available at this time.

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Brian Cespiva has been elected without opposition to the 9th Judicial District Court seat in Rapides Parish. A longtime attorney and prosecutor, Cespiva brings decades of legal experience to the bench and will assume his new role following Judge Patricia Koch’s retirement later this month.

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Rapides Parish was recognized today in Baton Rouge at the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (BESE) Academic Goals and Improvement Committee meeting for outstanding growth in Math LEAP scores during the 2024-2025 school year.

Superintendent Jeff Powell accepted the recognition on behalf of the district, joined by Jamie Hebert, Executive Director of Numeracy, and Dr. Jenna Chiasson, Deputy Superintendent of the Louisiana Department of Education.

District leaders credited the achievement to the dedication and hard work of teachers across Rapides Parish who continue to ensure students master their grade-level content each day.

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The Rapides Parish School District is proud to celebrate Mrs. Cindy Rushing, Early Childhood Director, who was recently named a 2025 Champion for Children by the Child Care Association of Louisiana.

This statewide recognition honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and advocacy for early childhood education. Mrs. Rushing’s commitment to ensuring quality care and learning opportunities for young children has made a lasting impact on families and educators across Rapides Parish.

The district commends Mrs. Rushing for her tireless dedication to helping children thrive from the very start.

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Lallah Street near Military Highway will be closed to traffic on Thursday, Oct. 15, from approximately 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Military Highway will remain open for normal traffic.

The closure is necessary to allow Atmos Energy and its contractors to safely perform work in the area. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and allow extra time for travel.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to inform students who commute to Pineville High School of the closure and plan accordingly.

Officials appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while this work is completed.

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Our BOM team had an amazing time at LSUA’s Generals Expo! This event is all about connecting students with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed — and we loved being part of it! Pictured left to right: BOMs Abby Williams, Holly Cloessner, Gracelyn Jones, and Jessica Brunson.

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It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Ms. Debra Lynn Reed, age 42 of Pineville, Louisiana, on Sunday, October 12, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most.

A celebration of Debra’s life will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Ball with visitation from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am at the church. All who knew her are welcome to attend and share in honoring her memory.

Born on November 22, 1982, Debra was a woman of boundless creativity, warmth, and heart. She brought light into every room – not just with her smile, but with the magic she made from everyday moments. A devoted mother and daughter, doting grandmother, and beloved friend, she lived for family and found joy in the details of life that others might overlook.

Her love for decorating was nothing short of legendary. Whether it was Halloween pumpkins glowing on the porch, twinkling Christmas lights dancing through her home, or birthday streamers and balloons filling the kitchen, Debra made every celebration unforgettable. Each holiday was her canvas, each birthday a chance to make someone feel truly special.

A passionate and imaginative soul, Debra had a natural appreciation for fashion and spent hours designing clothes that were as bold, beautiful, and unique as she was. Her creativity spilled into every corner of her life, touching everyone she knew.

But of all her joys, nothing made her heart fuller than her family – especially her cherished granddaughter, Paisley, whom she adored beyond words. Their bond was filled with laughter, snuggles, and endless shared moments that will be treasured forever.

And then, of course, there was Maverick – her loyal feline companion. More than a pet, Maverick was family, a quiet comfort through life’s ups and downs, and always close by her side.

Debra leaves behind a legacy of love, celebration, and creativity. Her absence will be felt deeply, but her spirit – vibrant, generous, and joy-filled – will remain with us always.

She is preceded in death by her father, William “Bill” Cartwright.

She is survived by her sons, Kevin Reed (Abbie) and Mark Reed; daughters, Breanna Reed, Lila Reed, and Lauren Reed; mother, Nancy Sue Reed; brothers, Gary Reed and Johnny Reed; sisters, Margaret Reed and Donna Reed; and grandchild, Paisely Finley; and countless others who were lucky enough to be touched by her light.

Arrangements are under the direction of Gallagher Funeral Home of Ball, Louisiana.

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Sergeant Major Julius Clarkston Williams, Army, Retired, 88, of Lecompte, Louisiana, was born on May 16, 1937, in Cheneyville, Louisiana and passed away on October 11, 2025. Julius lived a life dedicated to service, family, and faith. His spirit, joy, and love for life will be remembered by all who knew him.

Julius was a proud and dedicated member of the United States Armed Forces, serving as a Sergeant Major until his retirement. His work ethic and dedication to his country were an inspiration to all around him. He was also a Mason, further exemplifying his commitment to service and camaraderie. When not serving his country or his community, Julius found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved to spend his time fishing, playing dominoes, and most importantly, spending time with his family. His love and dedication to his family were evident in everything he did, and he will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and Thomas Williams. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 10:00 am at Union Chapel Baptist Church, 20 Munson Rd., Cheneyville, LA 71325. Public Viewing & Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue until the start of the service. Interment with military honors will take place in the Union Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the service.

Please join us in remembering Julius. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family. We also encourage you to upload any photographs you might have of Julius, as your memories and stories serve as a source of comfort during this difficult time.

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