In Loving Memory of Clord Andrew "Brother" Crockeham

Clord Andrew "Brother" Crockerham was born to Ado Crockerham and Luvina Williams Crockerham on January 30, 1939 in Independence, Louisiana. He was the eldest of seven children.  Brother was educated in the Tangipahoa Parish School System, where he attended O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, Louisiana. He later enlisted in the United States Army. He served his country from 1956-1960. He received ad honorable discharge upon completion of his military service.

Brother was a skilled electrician, plumber, carpenter, and cement finisher in Louisiana, Kansas, and New Jersey. He will forever be remembered for his expertise and his willingness to assist his neighbors with any type of construction job. Brother was married o the late Ethel Louis Davis. From their union , three children were born: Ronald, Donald, and Debbie.

Brother attended church at Roseland Church of God in Christ and Tabernacle of Faith Church. Brother retired tote old landmark of his rearing in the church , as he confessed Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and his desire to be baptized. 

As the eldest child, Brother took his role of big brother very serious. He demonstrated his love and concern for his siblings each and every day. He spent time with his family sharing whatever he could. One of his greatest joys was sharing our family history, especially with his youngest great-nieces and great nephews.

Brother leaves to cherish his memory three sons-Ronald and Donal Davis of Camden,  New Jersey; and Donnell Brumfield of Twin Falls, Idaho; Two daughters-Debbie Crockerham of Collingswood, New Jersey; and Latasha Brumfield of Greensburg, Louisiana; Eight grandchildren; Two brothers-Ivy (Barbara) Williams of Atlanta, Georgia and Jerry (Nancy) Crockerham of Amite, Louisiana; Five sisters, Mary (Howard) Thompson and Barbara Crockerham of Amite, Louisiana; Linda and Viola Crockerham of Independence, Louisiana; and Debbie Allen of New Orleans, Louisiana; and a host nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Brother was preceded in death by his mother and father; his paternal and maternal grandparents, two brothers---George Crockerham and James Crockerham; and two sisters--Ellen Chambers and Iola.

Source: Funeral Program for Cloud Andrew Crockerham

Contributor: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite, LA

Celebrating The Life of Bunea Fenestia McCray Harrison

Bunea Fenestia McCray Harrison

Bunea Fenestia McCray Harrison was born February 5, 1923 to Guy and Rhoda Ceaser McCray in Leesville, LA. She departed this life on July 2, 2005. Bunea was converted at the age of 9 years old and united with Mt. Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of  Rev. Alfred Graves. After moving to Roseland, LA in 1945, she moved her membership to Rose Valley Baptist Church. In 1946 she moved to Amite and united with the Little Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J.R. Vernon. She served faithfully under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Willard Vernon until his demise in 1994. Her work continued under the leadership of Rev. F.A. Davis, III Until her health began to fail. She was under the watch care of Rev. Raymond Jeston of Star Hill Baptist Church until her demise.

Bunea received her elementary and high school education in Vernon Parish. She received her B.S. degree from LA Negro Normal & Industrial Institute in Eduation, now Grambling State University, Grambling, LA.

Bunea touched and helped to mold many lives during her 31 years as a Junior High School Instructress in the public school system of Tangipahoa Parish.  Bunea is survived by one very loving son and his loving wife: Walter "Bo" (Lin) Harrison; one very loving daughter and her loving husband, Fenestia "June" (Shedrick) Griffin; three grandsons: Rashund, Christopher; and Shedron; one granddaughter: Shedricka; three great granddaughters: Kiera, Ne'Kailah, and Lyndsey; one great grandson: Xavier; two devoted nieces: Johnetta Russ and Sandra Harrison; two loving and devoted sisters-in-law: Kathryn Harrison and Everlina McCray; five sisters-in-laws; one godson; four chosen daughters Cassandera Simms (deceased), Helen Ross, Yvonne Collins, and Clardzell Harris; two chosen sons: Donald Walker and Davis Harris, the Little Bethel Baptist Church family, the Star Hill Baptist Family, a host of other nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Bunea was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Walter Mot Harrison; loving parents and grandparents, two brothers, two sisters, and one stillborn son. 

Source: The Funeral Program of Bunea Fenestia McCray Harrison

Contributor: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., Amite, Louisiana

A Homegoing Celebration For Sister Janie Bell Williams

Mrs. Janie Bell Williams

 Sis. Janie Bell Cutrer Williams was born to Dave Cutrer and Claudia Vernon Cutrer. at Stony Point, LA. on October 3, 1915. She grew up in the Mt. Canaan Community of Roseland, LA. Sister Williams was baptized at and early age at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. D. Johnson. She was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Joshua O.Williams, Sr. and became a member of Little Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Willard Vernon. She served diligently for some 50 years until her health failed. 

As faithful member she became a Deaconess, Secretary of the Missionary Board, a primary class Sunday school teacher, chairperson of the Program Committee and other events she served wholeheartedly to accomplished the Church's needs.

Sister Williams received her early education at the Mt. Canaan School and completed her high school training at the Tangipahoa Training School for Colored in Kentwood, LA., under the direction of Professor O.W. Dillon. She subsequently finished college at Grambling College in 1951. Her first teaching experience was in the Fluker, Louisiana, circa 1934. Sister Williams went on to teach school at Mt. Canaan with Principal Mary Vernon Cutrer and later finished her career at the old Amite Color Elementary School (Rosenwald) School and West Side High School totaling 37 years of dedicated work. Sister Williams is best know as a first grade teacher 'par excellence'. She serves a Librarian and Director of Food Service at both schools for many, many years. Sister Williams also taught night school at the Amite Color School. She was and ardent worker in the first Head Start Program and she served in other capacities and was perennial volunteers fo needed functions of the schools she served and her community. Sister Williams was honored by the Amite City Council as the only African American female in the mural depicted on the ceiling of the Amite City Hall. 

Sister Williams and her husband were founding members of the Martha Adam Alumni Association of Grambling College, the Young Men Social Club of Amite, and Tangipahoa Parish Retired Teacher's Association. They were also member of the Louisiana Educational Association.

Sister Williams was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joshua O. Williams, Sr.,  and brother Ivy Cutrer.  She is also preceded in death by  many aunts, two of whom she thought were her sisters, Cora Cutrer Johnson and Ardean Cutrer Leonard; and many other relatives.

Sister Williams leave to cherish her memories one son, Joshua O. Williams, Jr., M.D.; dedicated daughter-in-law, Alesia M. Williams, Ph.D.; two grandchildren, Jovonne Lorriane Williams, P.T., of Stone Mountain, GA., and Joshua Cutrer Marks Williams, PhD., Of New Orleans, LA; two brothers, John Wesley Cutrer (Edna) of Chicago, Ill, and Roy Cutrer of Martha's Vineyard, MA. She also leaves behind three aunts, two uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Source: 

Contributor: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., Amite, Louisiana

"Celebration of Life" Robert Lee Richardson

 

Robert Lee Richardson

On Tuesday events, November 6, 2007, at 8:12 p.m. at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, Louisiana the angel of silence came and with chilling fingers, sealed the lips of Robert Lee Richardson. He is soul winged its flight from this world o sin, sorrow, and pain to a place of eternal rest.

Bro. Robert Lee Richardson was born in Roseland, Louisiana on March 31, 1966 to Mr. Alonzo Richardson and Mary Burton-Richardson

He professed his hon in Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Roseland Church of God in Christ. He was retired Car Salesman by profession, ordained  minister and he was Gospel singer that has traveled through the nation with various gospel artists.

He leaves to cherish his memory, three siblings, Alonzo Jr. (Reginald) Richardson of Roseland, Louisiana; Lolita Caldwell of Kansas City Missouri; Charlie Richardson of New Orleans, Louisiana, eight children, Darilyn (Emmanuel) Johnson of Independence, Louisiana; Marilyn Mitchell of Independence, Louisiana; Janice Hancock of Sand Siege, California; Vantress Richardson of Los Angeles, California; Arhonda (Wesley) Blackwell of Independence, Louisiana; Kathy Richardson of Los Angeles, California, Reginald Richardson of Natalbany, Louisiana; Uland Richardson of Ponchatoula, Louisiana; 21 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren, a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Burton-Richardson; father Alonzo Richardson; brother, Tennessee Richardson; sister Pearl Richardson, Bonita Knighten, and Vivian Richardson. 

Source: Obituary of Robert Lee Richardson

Contributor: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite, Louisiana

Celebrating the Life of Willie Pearl Temple

Willie Pearl Temple

Willie Pearl Temple departed this life gently at home in the early morning hours of September 11, 2010. She was 93, born on May 28, 1917, the only child of the late Corine Lewis, by was raided by her grandparents the the late Rance and Lula Magee in Clifton, Louisiana with her adopted brother Bernistine "Bunch" (Nell) McGee.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Robert Temple, Sr. Willie Pearl loved children and to this union they were blessed with a son, Ricky (Sharon) Temple. She brought four children from her previous marriage to the late Carl Bridges,  Katherine Roy (late Water Roy, and the late John Jett, Sr.) of Baton Rouge, La., Barbara Smith (the late Clarence Sr.,) of Amite, LA., Robert Earl Bridges of Baltimore, MD. She welcome Robert's three children from his previous marriage to the late Josephine E. Armstrong. They are Cornelius (Mary) of Galveston, TX, Robert Jr., Amite, LA, and Carolyn (late Arthur) Essex of San Antonio, TX. She then adopted Jackie (Willie) Liggins of Memphis, TN. She was preceded in death by one grandson, Clarence Smith, Jr.

She accepted Christ at an early age at Jerusalem Baptist Church in Clifton, LA., and later joined Butler's Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church with her husband Robert. Willie Pearl was a faithful, dedicated member at Butler's until her health failed her. She served as a Deaconess, class leader and on many other clubs and boards. She loved the music of Zion and worked faithfully within the music ministry of the church.

Her second passion was children. She often said that she was so blessed after her adoption of Jackie that she wanted to give other children a good home. She worked with the foster children program for two decades, providing a home for Jamie and Eric Hawthorne, LaErica Jackson, Janice Ross, Marie Jackson, Pandora and James, as well as, others who lived briefly with her.

In earlier years Willie Pearl was employed with Charity Hospital in New Orleans and at the West Side and Amite Elementary Schools. She stayed busy. In later years despite being a senior herself, she work tirelessly at the Council on Aging at her meal site where she served meals and worked in capacity necessary. She also volunteered at God's Storehouse. In 1996 Willie Pearl was elected Queen for the Tangipahoa Council on Aging.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, sixteen grandchildren, numerous of great grandchildren, a large house of nephews and nieces and other relatives and friends. Her Godchildren, Trichelle Brumfield and Dimetria Evans will miss her greatly. 

Source: Funeral Program of Willie Pearl Temple, 

Contributed by: Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, Louisiana

My visit to Tangipahoa-Quinn-Brown Cemetery

Eliza Johnson Headstone
Photo Courtesy: Dr Antoinette Harrell

Today was such a beautiful and sunny day that I could resist taking a back road drive with my Canon camera as my companion. While driving down the road to the sound of some smooth jazz, the temperature was just right, and it couldn't get any better than this. I decided to go to Quinn's cemetery in the village of Tangipahoa. I went to my husband's uncle Leon's funeral, which was my first time in that cemetery.

You can see that they had just cut the grass, so I wasn't too concerned with snakes. However, I didn't let my guards down by no means. On the way in, I had to pass Leblanc Dairy and took a moment to take some photographs of the cattle. "Some of them looked at the camera as if they were saying," hurry up and take the picture. 

I wanted to find the oldest section in the cemetery to look at the headstones. I came across one monument that got my attention. It was of a woman named "Eliza Johnson' she was born in 1873 and died in 1918. I came back to my office and did some research on Eliza. They were married to Charles Johnson and was farm labor. She lived on Cross Roads W. Brick Yard & Saw Mill.

She and Charles had eleven children; Andrew, Ella, Daisy, Charles, Jr, Herman, Obby, Fred, Emile, and Carrie. In 1880, she was living in Ward 1 in the Village of Tangipahoa. Her parents were Howard and Sarah McGee. The 1880 United States Federal Census listed that her parents were from Kentucky. Her father, Howard, was born in 1820 in Virginia and did farm work. Eliza's husband Charles was in 1863; he was a bricklayer. Charles died in 1944. 

Only a decade after slavey was abolished Eliza was born. I wish that someone would have interviewed her and document her experience in Tangipahoa Parish. Tangipahoa Parish was formed in 1869 and she was born  a few years later. 

The Amite White Sox's

Amite White Sox's
Source: Ancestry 
Contributed by Michael Hughes
The picture represents three families who lived in the Amite City circa 1920
The Finn's, Johnson, and Tates Family

 

John Finn, Sr. of Amite, Louisiana.

John Finn, Sr, was born in 1900 to Marcel Finn and Samuella Tate Finn. John died in 1998 in New Philadelphia, Ohio. John was married to Mable Johnson.  Mable was born in 1903 in Amite, Louisiana. Her parents were Robert Allen Johnson and Maggie Steptoe. 

John and Mable had five children; Lula, Eva, Dorothy Ruth, and John Finn, Jr. His U.S., World War 1 Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 said that he was slender build, tall, black hair and black eyes. He was employed by the Light & Power Company. 

The Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Obituary Index, 18102-2013 recorded that he was ninety-eight years old when he died on November 14, 1998. 

John parents Marcel and Samuella (Tate) Finn had nine children. They were Lawrence Tude, John, Sr., Ruth Finn Johnson, Lucille Finn Bigelow, Morris M. Finn, Alphonso, Finn, Gertrude Finn, Nelson Finn, Sr., and Willie Huckberry Finn. 

When the Finn's family left the South during "The Great Migration" sometimes known as the Great Northward Migration or the Black Migration, six million African Americans out of the Rural Southern United States to the urban Northeast, Midwest, and West between 1916-1970.  

Jonathan Finn emailed me searching for his Finn family history connected to Amite, Louisiana. Johnathan is presently living in Upstate New York. He said that his ancestor Charles L. Finn, was a chauffeur and that maybe how the Finn family left the south. The origin of the Finn name derived from Irish, meaning "white" or "fair" the Finn family have a lot of family members listed as mulattos on the United States Federal Census. 

John Finn, Sr., and his wife Mable Johnson
Source: Ancestry Public Finn Family Tree

Carrie Butler Finn of Amite, Louisiana

Carrie Butler Finn
Source: William, Riley, Family Tree
Ancestry

Carrie Butler Finn was born in Amite, Louisiana in 1848 and died in Amite, Louisiana 1920. She was the daughter of Liza York and her father was unknown. Her mother Lisa York was born in 1805 and died in 1910. 

She was married to John Finn. They were the parents of  seven children; Marcel, Solomon, Fannie, Dallie, Joseph, John, and Charles Finn.  All their children was born in Amite, Louisiana Carrie named is also documented at Caroline Finn according to the United States 1870 Federal Census.  She was listed as a mulatto.  I also found her name to be Caroline (York) Saurtz Butler Finn.

Her husband John Finn, Sr., was born in 1836 and died in 1900. 

Charles Finn of Amite, Louisiana

Charles L. Finn
Sources: Ancestry

Charles L. Finn, was born in 1888 in Amite, Louisiana and died in in 1954 in Monticello, New York, He was the son of John and Carrie Butler Finn.

He was married twice, once to Martha and Mary  He and Martha were married in Ohio, County Marriage Records, 1774-1993. 

According to the U.S., World War 1 Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, Charles also lived in St. Tammany County, Louisiana. In 1940 he was a chauffeur, and rented his house. 

His wife  Martha (Mary) was a pastor and died in 1988, she is buried in Rock Ridge Cemetery in Monticello, New York. Charles.  

Elmer Finn is the son Charles L. Finn and Mary Dampier. Elmer was married's to Helen Finn. Johnathan Finn directly line is through John Finn. John was born in 1940 and died in 2000.

The Obsequies of Mattie Bush Patrick

Mattie Bush Patrick

On August 1, 1882, in Tangipahoa Parish she was born to the late Mary Temple Bush and Toney Bush, a baby girl given in the name of Mattie Bush. She became a Christian when she was a very young girl and she began her work in the Christian Kingdom.

In the year of 1918 she united in Hoy Matrimony to the late Tom Patrick. As a member of Morgan Chapel Church she worked in many capacities. Her civic duties were that of a leader and a spokesman for her community.

Tired from her journey down here, on Saturday,  May 6, 1978 at 2:00 a.m., the Angels of Heaven came into the hospital and with chilly fingers sealed the lips of Sister Mattie Patrick. Her soul winged its flight from this world of sin, sorrow, and pains, to a place of eternal rest. She leaves to mourn and adopted daughter, Mrs. Mae Helen Ricard of Montpelier, La.,  One sister Mrs. Alice Jennings of Independence, LA., Four brothers, David Bush of Mississippi, Wallace Bush of Amite, La, Daniel Bush of Baton Rouge, LA., and Buster Bush of Ohio, Nieces, Mrs. Helen Edwards, Mrs. Vivian Bush of Amite, Mrs. Elouise White and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Interment: Rocky Hill Cemetery

Active Pallbearers: Climon Ricard, Jr., Tom Alton Ricard, Leroy Ricard, Oscar Edwards, Oscar Ricard, Sam Morgan

Honorary Pallbearers: Herman Morgan, Climon Ricard, Sr., Curtis Edwards, Robert Temple

Source: Funeral Program for Mattie Bush Patrick

Richardson Funeral Home of Amite, Louisiana Preserving History Through Funeral Programs

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. CEO & Staff
Photo Courtesy: Antoinette Harrell

When a loved one passes away in the African American community, writing a funeral program about the person's life is very important in making the final arrangements. Funeral programs became an essential part of funerals in the early 60s. There is a lot of detailed information about the deceased. You will find their full name, birthday, the name of the parents, siblings, spouse, and children if they were married.  If it was a married one woman passed away, her maiden name is documented.  Sometimes it will also state where the person was employed, and the they school attended. It will provide additional information that the death certificated can't offer. 

My mother had a collection of obituaries in her keepsakes. Most of the obituaries in her collection were of family members. Like most older people in the communities, some have a very extensive collection in their homes. As a genealogist, I'm always delighted when someone allows me to look at  and scan their collection. 

Several days ago, the CEO and Owner  of Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., in Amite, Louisiana, called me to informing me that they were cleaning out some boxes at the funeral home and was wondering what to do with all the obituaries. My maternal first cousin, Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier, suggested that they call me to see if I wanted them. Well, you know what my answer was, of course, I will take them off your hand. Earl Scotty Richardson called me to tell me that he would drop them off at my home. 

Funeral Programs

I was thinking about their motto, "We Provide A Little More Than Services, We Care!" I couldn't agree more.  I know for a fact, they do a back-to-school giveaway and other things that they do to services the community, just like Earl's father, Earl. His father Earl did a lot to help people in need. 

In many genealogy seminars, conferences, and workshops, we have discussed how important the role that funeral homes can play in preserving our history though funeral programs. After I create a database of the funeral programs, I will donate them to the  Center For Southeast Louisiana Studies. I recently learned that I can all so add them to the FamilySearch database. Most of the funeral programs are of people who died in Tangipahoa Parish,  St. Helena Parish, and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., of Amite, Louisiana, are taking a new approach, and documenting these records. The entire staff made a wise decision in one of the Board of Directors meeting to not throw away these programs. Jo-Ann is a family griot, and she understand the importance of preserving history. She had  supporting my genealogy research in any way that she possibly can.