Louisiana Florida Parishes African American Collections and Preservation

Amite Genealogy Library
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr.

The first time I began conducting genealogy research  more than 25 years ago. In my research, I did not find much on the history of African Americans in the Louisiana Florida Parishes. I asked myself, "What are you willing do to do change it?" After carefully considering my options, I decided to pursue the task I wanted to accomplished. I specifically wrote down my plan of action and started implementing it.  The Amite Genealogy Library in Amite, Louisiana was my first stop. As part of my strategic plan, my next steps were to organize folders on different families that have lived in the parish since 1870. Secondly, I contacted several key people who have live in the Florida Parishes all their lives. I informed them as to what I was doing and how much I needed their assistance to accomplish my goals. Some people started pulling out boxes of photographs and other documents. From Ponchatoula to Kentwood, I've seen and learned so much just from visiting peoples homes and looking at their private collections.

Several years later, I began blogging about the people and local history of the Florida Parishes. Currently the blog post has close to 400,000 readers globally. Periodically, I produced several short films about the some of the people and the local history. A number of highlighted articles have been published in the local newspapers, including the Daily Star, Tangi Digest, and the St. Helena Echo. My third objective was to establish African American collection at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies.  Four African American Collection have been established; Bernice Bennett Collection, Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison, Antoinette Harrell, and Richardson Funeral Home, Inc, Amite.

The Daily Star Newspaper.

Additionally, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Special Collections was added as a repository for the African American funeral programs. The programs will be scanned and made available on their library's websites for researchers. The Amistad Research Center in New Orleans, Louisiana received an extensive collection as well. The book entitled " Images of America" African Americans in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes was published approximately three years ago and now the book sit on the bookshelves in libraries, museums, and the Louisiana State Archives.  One of the other major accomplishments were documenting nine African American cemeteries in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. My youngest son Bernard and my colleague Ilona Little helped me to document the cemeteries and made them available on the USGenWeb site for genealogy research for anyone researching their family history in the Florida. Parishes. There are others that needs to be recorded. Most of the churches do not have a record of who is buried in the cemetery. I would like to talk with the leaders and secretaries of the churches and ask them about keeping records of the deceased buried in their cemetery.

It has truly been a rewarding journey and I'm looking forward to the next chapter of this journey. In the near future, I would like to have interns who can train under me so that I can prepare myself to pass the torch to the next generation who are interested. Hopefully next summer, I will get interns and volunteers to help me to continue documenting the history of the Florida Parishes. In some cases I need to create databases of some of the finding.

The Florida Parishes had gained exposure as a result of my guest appearance on internet radio and zoom broadcasts about the history and people. Numerous of filmmakers, writers, magazine publishers and. other media outlets regarding my research. In the coming years, I intend to collect oral history from the elders in the community. As I ponder on the subjects, that will determine how I will find the people I want to interview. 

Peonage Research Documentary 
Photo Credit: Walter C. Black, Sr. 

Source:

The USGenweb Archives Part of the The USGenWeb Project (Tangipahoa Parish Index)

http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/tangipahoa/cemeterya.htm

Dr. Antoinette Harrell Collection

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/h_k/harrell_collection.html

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite Collection

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/r_s/richardson_funeral_home/index.html

Dr. Kingsley B. Garrison Collection

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/e_g/garrisonkingsleyb.html

Bernice Alexander Bennett Collection

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/a_b/bernice_alexander_bennett.html

The Amistad Research Center

http://amistadresearchcenter.tulane.edu/archon/index.php?p=accessions/accession&id=1248

The History of B. Stern Co., LTD

B. Stern Truck Driver
Photo Courtesy of Hancock Whitney Bank
Amite, Louisiana.

B. Stern located in Amite, Louisiana was incorporated in 1861.  Levi Stern was one of the several Jewish families in Amite, Louisiana. Levi Stern was born in a small Gerrman Village in 1828.  He was a young boy when he came to America with his family. He enlisted and fought in the  Confederacy for his new homeland. After the war ended, he settled in Amite, Louisiana and opened a store. He opened the largest department store in Amite in 1870. He named the store "B Stern" Levi passed away in 1888 and was buried in Amite, La. 

People from Amite and surrounding areas frequently shopped at the department store. People occasionally window shop, perusing all the goods displayed in the store windows. During the Christmas holiday, toys were displayed in the window that captivated the children's attention. My mother often talked about shopping at B.Stern. During the the 1950s and the 1960s, African Americans would dress up on a Saturday and head into town for shopping, a movie, and ice cream cones. 

One the weekend, going into town was a great way to unwind after working hard all week. This was a easy to see their friends who didn't live in close proximity. Many of the younger people spent the long summer days working in the fields, picking beans and other produce. In the 1970s a hamper of beans went up to a $1.50 a hamper. So with that being said, it was far less in the 60s. They worked and saved their money. They enjoyed spending their hard earned money on items they wanted or needed. Nevertheless, some people still window shop because they had other obligations for their money. 

Source

https://www.isjl.org/louisiana-amite-encyclopedia.html

Touring the Louisiana State Archives

Louisiana State Archives
Photo Credit: Leonard Smith III

The Louisiana State Archives is the official repository for Louisiana's historical records. Over the past twenty-five years. I have made numerous trips to the archives in order to conduct genealogy research on both my paternal and maternal lines. I recently saw a flyer advertising a tour of the archives and I was excited to sign up for the tour. Throughout all my years of research, I have never gone past the first floor. After learning that I would have access to the second floor, I was very pleased. 

When I told my friend and documentary filmmaker Leonard Smith III that the Louisiana State Archives was hosting a tour, he said that he would join me for the tour. The second floor consists of a warehouse of boxes containing original records, boxes and some personal items of individuals. A tour of several departments of the film production facilities and microfilms was conducted. I was pleased to meet with Alliso Liorens, Executive Staff Officer: Brad France, M.A. Archives Supervisor, and Catherine J. Newsome, State Archivist and Executive Director of the Louisiana State Archives. We toured the exhibit room as well as the auditorium during our visit. 

Some of the staff  pulled search materials out for us to see. Records for Mahalia Jackson, Louis Armstrong, Bonnie and Clyde, and Marie Laveau. They also pulled a suit, shirt and tie that belonged to Huey P. Long. There is nothing comparable to reviewing original records. Over the course of my research trip. I visited many courthouses, archives, and libraries. I also met many people who still maintain original records within their homes. 

Following the tour, Leonard and I had a good discussion about what we seen and what we learned from the tour. The mere sight of all the boxes overwhelmed me since I have boxes in my office ready to be sent to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, the Amistad Research Center, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Special Collection, and the Amite Genealogy Department. 

Leonard Smith III
Louisiana State Archives 
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc, Amite Donated a Volume of Funeral Books for Preservation

Funeral Records

The secretary for Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., Amite contacted Nurturing Our Roots Media regarding a volume of books that we might be interested in for genealogy research. She explained exactly what was in the books, and Dr. Antoinette Harrell assured her that she would be there in thirty minutes to examine them. 1996 to 2012 is the start and end date of the volume.

The books contain funeral records as well as indexes. Among the information researchers can find are the deceased's name, race, date of birth, date of death, occupation, and parents' names. Furthermore, it indicates whether the mothermaiden name, the funeral date, interment information, whether she was married, and the information's name. 

The books will be part of the Richardson Funeral Home Collection at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies.  Parallelto the donation of books, 590 funeral programs will be added to the collection. EBPL Special Collections Department is digitizing the funeral programs and returning the originals to Dr. Antoinette Harrell at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. The Richardson Funeral Home is the first funeral home in the Louisiana Florida Parishes to preserve such records.

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/r_s/richardson_funeral_home/index.html

More African American Funeral Programs to Be Digitized at the EBPL Special Collections Department

Patsy  Johnson

I've had a busy week of preserving African Americans funeral programs at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Special Collections Department and conducting peonage research in the Mississippi Delta  made this week one of my busiest. Not to mention the many meetings I had scheduled. One of my meetings this week was with Patsy  Johnson concerning her collection of funeral and church programs. 

There are over 100 African American funeral programs in her collection from several South East Louisiana parishes: Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, St. Helena, East Feliciana, and Washington Parishes. A large number of the funeral programs were composed of members of her family, friends, and church family. Having thumbed through her collection, I made a recommendation to her about preserving her collection. In our conversation, I explained how important it is for her collection to be digitized in order to be preserved, and how I have partnership with the EBPL Special Collection Department to assist with the preservation of such collections. 

Patsy made use of this opportunity to ensure long term preservation to digitization. It was encouraging to know she understood how these funeral and church programs can be extremely valuable to the study of local history and genealogy research. I discussed with her how disappointed she would be if a natural disaster or other catastrophic event took place that could cause her collection to be damaged or destroyed. It is for reason like this, that we must consider alternative approaches to preserving our rich collections. 

Our meeting concluded with a plan of action for preserving her collection and making it accessible to other researcher through online digitization at the EBPL Special Collections Department. It is expected that the process will be completed within three months. 

Funeral Services for Bro. Jim Williams

1885-1962, to be held at  Church of God in Christ, Amite, La. on Thursday, February 1, 1962 at 1:00 p.m. 

Order of Service

Master of Ceremony.....................................................................................................Supt. Monroe McGee 

Presiding.............................................Elder Alex Richardson, Pastor, Church of God in Christ, Amite, LA

Song................................................................................................................Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross

Invocation.............................................................................Rev. Leroy Thomas,  Pastor of Church of God

Christ Dell Chapel, Independence, Louisiana

Talk by Family..................................................................................................................Bro. Monroe Perry

Talk by Friends...................................................................................................................Deacon C. Wheat 

Solo.................................................................................................................................... John E. Forman

Eulogy..................................................................................................Elder J.J. Johnson, Pastor of Church of God in Christ Darlington, Louisiana.

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Jim Williams

Courtesy of Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite

Notes: 

Jim was married twice, first to Lillie Edwards Williams  and secondly to Emma Vining Williams was his second wife. According to the 1940 United States Federal Census, he and his family were living in Amite, La. on Highway 103. His occupation was a farmer and they rented their home. According to the census, he never attended school. He and Emma was the parents of: Ethel, Arthur, Jim, Jr., and Dorothy Williams. He was the stepfather of: Alexander, Josephine, Alma and Rosabelle Richardson.      

Jim and Lillie were the parents of; Viola Williams, E.D. Williams, and J. D. Williams. Jim is buried at Mount Zion also known as Greater Refuge Temple and Bear Creek Cemetery in Montpelier, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.   

According to his U.S. World War 1 Draft Registration Card, he was born on December 14, 1879. A slender build man, short in height, black hair and black eyes.                  

Thomas Richardson, Sr. of Amite, Louisiana

Thomas Richardson, Sr. 

Thomas Richardson, Sr. was born in Amite, Louisiana on July 4, 1928 to the late Alexander and Melissa Wheat Richardson. He died on October 3, 1971 in Compton Los Angles. He was the first born child to this union. He had had nine siblings: one sister; Helenstine Richardson Williams; eight brothers: Samuel, Walter, Alex, Emmitt, Joseph, Earl, Nathaniel, and Darnell Richardson.

He married his sweetheart Leola Gilbert in 1953 in New Orleans, LA.  They had five children:  Thomas, Jr., Yolanda, Winifred, Malcom, and Russell Richardson.  According to to his Military Draft Card he was eighteen years old and live in Route 1, Box 16 E, Amite, LA.  Thomas was employed by Welton Brumfield in Amite, La. 

He had brown eyes, black hair, dark brown complexion and was 5'2". He listed his father as his next of kin. 

The Celebration the Life of Thomas Richardson

Thomas Richardson, Sr. 

Without warning death pluck a flower from the Richardson's Garden on Sunday October 3, 1971. Thomas was born July 4, 1929/ He was born and reared in Amite, LA. He was married to Leola Gilbert on July 25, 1953. To this union was born five children. To his family he was a loving and faithful striving always to keep them happy and in material comforts of life. He was a faithful husband and a loving father. All the beautiful things in life the most beautiful, is character and he who possesses a beautiful character is worthy of the flowers we give. A beautiful life is the fruit of a beautiful character, he who we memorialize here at this time possessed a beautiful character and lived a beautiful life.

To my mind the highest tribute that can be paid to any man is, that he was loved by his fellows and Christ. Truly  he was a noble gentleman and citizen. He was a hared worker. He sought to help and encourage all who needed such. He was always busy, and alert to find something to do or a word to encourage. 

Thomas leaves to mourn his death, a wife Leola; five children: Thomas, Jr., Yolanda, Winfred, Malcom and Russel of Compton, California, mother and father, Elder. and Mrs. Alex Richardson (Amite), one sister, Mrs. Helestine Williams (Houston, Texas) eight brothers: Walter (Tulsa, Oklahoma), Alex, Jr., (Houston, Texas), Nathaniel and Emmitt (Los Angles, California), Samuel, Earl, Joseph, and Darnell of Amite. A host of relatives and friends. 

Program

Devotion

Mistress of Ceremony.........................................................................................................Helen P. Edwards

Selection...............................................................................................................................................Chorus

Solo.........................................................................................................................................Mr. J.M. Mabry

Talk.................................................................................................................................Mrs. Eunice Rudison

Solo.....................................................................................................................................Mr. Leslie Mabry

Obituary...............................................................................................................................Mr. Leslie Mabry

Acknowledgement of Condolences, Flower, and Telegrams/Mrs. Helen P. Edwards

Solo.........................................................................................................................Miss. Darilyn Richardson

Eulogy..................................................................................................................................Supt. H.H. Evans

Viewing of Cadaver

In charge of arrangements, Richardson Funeral Home and Purple Shield Life Insurance

Reprint: The Funeral Program of Thomas Richardson

East Baton Rouge Parish Library Digitizing Funeral Programs from Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite.

Kay Hurst and Melissa Eastlin
EBPL-Photo
Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

The African American funeral programs contains a wealth of information about the deceased that gives insights into their lives. The funeral programs contains their name, date of birth, date of death, parents names, maiden names of women who were married, occupation, education and civic duties and organization affiliation, names of their siblings, and children.  Valuable information  is provided in these programs that can be a great help to anyone researching their family history. 

In sharing some of the Watson funeral program with  award winning author, radio talk show host, and genealogist Bernice Bennett, she discovered information about her family history and learned about her ancestors on her grandfather side of the family. "These are my relatives on my grandfather side of the family. Bennett explained to me." Each of the people on the Watson funeral programs and funeral home books are in my family tree. 

Kay Hurst, Research Specialist at the Genealogy and Special Collections Department at the EBRPL, sent an email requesting me to meet with   them about the collection. They read the article published  in the Advocate newspaper "Segregation erased generation of  Black history. This Louisiana funeral home rediscovering it." During our meeting they told me that they would gladly digitized the collection and return the originals copies  back to me. Because Richardson Funeral, Inc. Amite has a collection at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, I thought it would be best to consult with Dr. Samuel Hyde, the Center Executive Director before I make any decision concerning this collection. He informed me that was alright to get them digitized. I was hoping that he would agree with this process.

East Baton Rouge Parish Library collection is a collaborative effort between the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Special Collection  Department and numerous community contributors to collect preserve and make available this unique resource.

Any archivist's greatest concern during a natural disaster is the loss of historical materials, rare books, audio, video, and photographs.  The Georgia Public Library Service new collection features more than 100 years of digitized African American Funeral programs. The San Antonio Public Library, Texas has a digitized African-American Program Collection. The African American Funeral Programs Collection at the East Baton Rouge Parish. I'm glad to see that this digitized process is happening Louisiana,

Thomas Cook
EBPL: Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., Amite, Nurturing Our Roots Media and Dr. Antoinette Harrell has become a contributors to the preservation for funeral programs at EBPL. Digitization of this collection provides access to the funeral programs of several of the Florida parishes and other parishes in Louisiana to anyone worldwide who are searching for genealogical and historical information through the use of digital technology. In collaboration with my brother Thomas, we gathered the funeral programs and took them to the East Baton Rough Parish Library Special Collection Department for digitization preservation. It will take Kassandra and Kay approximately one month to digitize the collection.

It took me two days to alphabetize 590 funeral programs. I also created a database of the funeral programs for Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., Amite,  The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies, and the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. Creating this database facilitates a faster processing of the collection. I would definitely say it's my passion and a labor of love. 

Please see the link below for the African American Funeral Program EBRPL:

https://www.ebrpl.com

https://batonrougedigitalarchive.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16340coll17

St. Helena Parish, Louisiana Civil Rights Activist Ellis D. Howard, Sr.

Ellis Howard, Sr. was born in St. Helena Parish, Louisa to Charlie and Amanda Howard. He attended elementary school and continued his education thru Home Study Correspondence. Ellis joined church at an early age and was faithfully in church until his health failed. His beginning membership was at Black Creek A.M.E. Church. He later moved his membership to Turner Chapel A.M.E Church where he served as Adult School Class Teacher and Leader.

Ellis was President of the N.A.A. C. P. in St. Helena Parish and worked faithfully with the community assisting everyone with their problems. He was a member of the Masonic Eagle Lodge #212. Ellis was well known in the Greensburg area. He worked hard with civil rights activities and assisted in school desegregation and much more. 

Ellis was preceded in death by his brothers: Charles, Jake and "little" Jake Howard:  5 sisters: Katie Broom, Georetta Thompson, Clara Hampton, Amanda Daniels, Rodesa (Polly) Howard and Joanna Howard: one daughter: Mae H. Carlson: one son: Ellis Howard, Jr.; one grandson: Cedrick Howard; one niece: Joanne Chambers: one great niece: Ollie Gray.

He leave to mourn his loving wife, Bernice Howard; three sones: Thomas, of New Orleans, David of Marrero, James of Marrero; 2 granddaughters: Devina Dewitted and Vernise Howard;  9 grandsons: Jerome, Sanders, Albert, Ron, Rodrick, David, Jr. Thomas, Patrick, James, JR., Joshua and a host of relatives and friends. 

Funeral Program Courtesy of Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite

Reprint from Funeral Program of Ellis D. Howard, Sr. 

Bernice Knighten Howard of St. Helena Parish Was a Civil Rights Activist

Bernice Knighten Howard

Bernice Knighten Howard was born in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana to Thomas and Maggie Knighten in 1919. She attended New Star Elementary School. Bernice joined church at an early age and was in church until her health failed. Her beginning membership was at Black Creek A.M.E. Church. She later moved her membership to Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church where she served as Sunday school  Treasurer.

She worked very hard as a Christian in the church were they raised their family. She love the church family and everybody she came in contact with throughout the church. Mrs. Howard worked sided by side with her husband in the community assisting everyone with their problems. She was well known in the Greensburg area. She worked hard with the civil rights activities, assisted in school desegregation and much more.

Bernice ws preceded in death by her father and mother: Thomas and Maggie Knighten, husband; Ellis Howard, Sr., daughter; Mae H. Carlson; one son: Ellis Howard, Jr.; one son-in-law: Carl Carlson; one grandson: Cedrick Howard.She leaves to mourn her 3 sons: Thomas of New Orleans, David of Marrero, James of Marrero: One brighter: Willis Knighten: two granddaughters: Davina Dewitted and Vernise Howard: nine grandson: Jerome, Sanders, Albert, Ron, Rodrick, David, Jr., Thomas, Patrick, James, Jr., Joshua and host of relatives and friends.

Funeral Program Courtesy of Richardson Funeral Home, Inc., Amite

Reprint for the Funeral Program of Bernice Knighten Howard

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite Preserving History Once Again By Donating Funeral Programs for Preservation

Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

Just as I was finishing up a long day at my home offie, my phone starting ringing. On the other end of the line was Jo-Ann Frazier, the secretary at Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite. It was obvious to me that if she was calling me so late that evening, it must be something important. As it turned out it was true, she mentioned that the staff had cleaned out the closet of one of their long time staff members, Eddie Brazil, who had recently passed away, and they had discovered boxes and boxes of funeral programs that he had been been holding on for many years.

Eddie was the archivist at Richardson's Funeral Home, so to speak. The quote "Those who plant trees, knowing that only others will enjoy the shade, are public benefactors." Even in death, Eddie continues to give to the community through these rich funeral programs. My only wish is to have had the opportunity to interview him about the collection. I would like to know what motivated him to save the funeral programs?

As a result, they discussed what should be done with the collection in their staff meeting. Jo-Ann suggested they contact me about the collection. I replied that I would take them without hesitation when Earl Richardson, one the proprietors contact me. I advised him that I would consult with Dr. Samuel Hyde, Executive Director of the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies about the collection. Following the consultation with Dr. Hyde, he informed me that the department would gladly take the collection for preservation. We both agreed that the collection should stand on its own as the "Richardson Funeral Home Funeral Program Collection" and it was formally established at that point. 

The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies mission is to preserves and promote the history and cultures of Louisiana's Florida Parish, Southwestern Mississippi. It is customary for African American funeral programs to include extensive information about the deceased and oftentimes it contains a piece of local history as well.  In addition to that, they are donating a volume of funeral book that include the name of the deceased person, date of death, where they will be buried, and other information.

 Funeral Records

Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite is the first funeral home to preserve such a large amount of records, which will prove to be extremely valuable to genealogists, historians, writers, and filmmakers. I would appreciate if other funeral homes in the area took similar measures. It all began with Eddie preserving and collection these funeral programs and he probably did not realize that it would lead to something so great and wonder. Once again, the entire staff is giving back to community through these donations. 

When the collection is placed in my hands, I start reading and analyzing each program carefully and thoroughly. Then I immediately begin sorting them alphabetically. I begin the process of developing a database for the collection before it is donated to the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Once the center receive it, it processes and posts a finding aid online to the collection. Depending on the complexity of the project, the entire process may take six to seven month to complete.  Genealogist, historians, and organizations and societies that study genealogy will benefit from this collection. Please accept our appreciation to Richardson's Funeral Home, Inc. Amite for their generous contribution to the study of genealogy and local history. Please see the link below for their collection at the Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies. Please email Dr. Antoinette Harrell at nurturingour@gmail.com  if you have any funeral programs in your private collection that you would like donate.

Link to the collection:

http://www.southeastern.edu/acad_research/programs/csls/historical_collections/archival_collections/r_s/richardson_funeral_home/

Remembering Aunt Melissa

Left: Helestine Richardson Williams and
her mother Melissa Wheat Richardson

Aunt Melissa was the wife of my maternal great Uncle Alexander Richardson. She was one of those aunts I admired dearly. She had such a lovely smile and beautiful character. Her beautiful smile and gentle character was always so pleasant. Everyone who met Aunt Melissa loved her kindness and gentle nature. Aunt Melissa was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was the mother of ten children; handsome nine sons and one beautiful daughter.  Her delightful presence graced the room wherever she was. 

Her benevolent disposition led her to care for others in her church and community. Aunt Melissa's husband, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews cherished and adored her. Her high standards and elegance characterized her in every way. Aunt Melissa was an example of a virtue woman. There was a very humble way in which she shared her wisdom with everyone she encountered. She was a very pious woman and loved serving God and being a servant. 

I can describe her in the best possible way of such words as; charming, respectful, sweet and gentle, kind, beautiful, elegant, a woman of virtue, and most importantly; a woman of God. As she is no longer with us, my writing are in past tense. Yet, the beautiful legacy she left lives in the lives of her offsprings and others who's lives she encountered. I will close by saying" Gone But Never Forgotten."

Homegoing Celebration for Melvin Finn

Melvin Finn

Melvin Finn was born October 19, 1937, in Amite, Louisiana. He was the oldest of the three sons born to Nelson and Bertha Daniels Finn. God saw Melvin getting very weary and called him home early Monday morning, May 17, 2004. His family suffers the terrible loss of their wonderful father and grandfather. However, God's plan calls for Melvin to be in His presence...and to reunite with the loved once who went on before him.

Melvin Finn, known to many as "Tator" was an all around athlete. He excelled at basketball, track, football and boxing. It was at O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, Louisiana, that Melvin was named Champion of the Boxing Club. West Side High School was opened in Amite, Louisiana, where Melvin continued his high school studies. He graduated from West Side High School in 1956. After graduation, he attended Southern University through his athletic football scholarship.

In 1957, Melvin married his first love, Ora L. Finn, former principal of Amite High School. Melvin and Ora was blessed with three devoted children: Samara, Schirra, and Tigia. He worked in construction briefly in the 1960's to support his family. In August of 1966, Melvin Finn became the first Black policeman of the Town of Amite City. He served diligently with the force 24 years until his retirement in August of 1990. 

After retirement Melvin spent his leisure time enjoying his favorite past times. He was and avid fisherman. Melvin, Mr Mot, Mr. Raymond, and Mr. Roscoe spent many days on the water and returned home with big fish tales. He was Aldo a part of a local bowling leaguer for over twenty years. His partner, Dr. Percy Walker, Melva and other bowling partners continued to bowl well into the ninety. 

The Finn Family worshiped at Butler's AME Zoo Church faithfully. During worship services Melvin's wonderful baritone voice often filled the church singing praises to the Lord. As a part of the Butler's Male Chorus and the Senior Choir, he served dutifully as Choir President in 1993. 

He leaves to cherish his delightful memories: oldest daughter, Samara (husband Larry), Joseph of Atlanta, GA; only son Schirra Finn, Sr.; youngest daughter Tigia M. Finn both of Amite.; four grandchildren: Sean and Syrus Finn of Amite, Grace Watson of Franklinton, and Kahilla Finn of New Orleans; and a host to cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends.

Mr. Finn is preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Bertha Finn; his loving wife, Mrs. Ora L. Finn all of Amite, Louisiana., two brother, Alfred Charles Finn, Sr., and Nelson Finn, Jr., both of California.; cousin Melva Brumfield, of Amite, Louisiana..; several aunts and uncles, John Finn, Alphonse Finn, Gussie Daniels, Rosemary Dillon, Ruth Johnson, Lucille Bigelow, and Gertrude Barrett.

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Melvin Finn

Courtesy of Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite

Celebration of Life of Robert Earl Daniels

Robert Earl Daniels

Robert Earl Daniels was born March 18, 1948 to the union of the late. Esau & Eunice Daniels. He attended and graduated high school of West Side High Schoo in Amite, Louisiana. He alter joined the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged, following his discharged from the Nave, he pursued higher education at Grambling State University and received his B.A. In Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. He also received his Program Administration Certification from Hughes Aircraft Company. Los Angeles, C.A. Robert later became a State of Oklahoma Licensed Realtor.

Robert accepted Christ at and early age and was baptized by Reve. Francis Williams at Butler Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Amite. LA. Robert's life experience took him many places. However, he moved back to Louisiana in June 2018, and was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life of Zula Jones Daniels. To this union there were no children. 

Robert departed this life on September 12, 2019, at 10:59 A.M. at North Oak Medical Center, and leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and loving wife, Zula Jones Daniels; on step-daughter, LaTonya Brown (Kevin) North Chicago, Illinois; one brother, Jerry Lee Daniels (Jackie) of Amite, LA., two nieces, Yolanda Daniels (Hammond, LA) Keisha Daniel-Peters (Dallas, TX) and a. great niece Jalyn Levias, a great nephew, Camrod Peters and a host of cousin, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Esau and Eunice Daniels, his brothers, Jimmy Delly and Ezell Daniels. 

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Robert Earl Daniels

Source: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc. Amite, Louisiana

In Loving Memory of Rosie Thomas Bright

Rosie Thomas Bright

Mrs. Rosie Thomas Bright was born January 21, 1911 to Mr. John & Mrs. Louise Butler Thomas. She departed this life September 7, 2003 at North Oaks Medial Center. Rosie was the fourth of six children born to the union of John and Louise Thomas. Rosie was united in Holy Matrimony to the late Adolph Bright of Chicago, Ill. 

She was converted at a vary early age and joined Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. She relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she united with Bethel A.M.E. Church and served faithfully until her health began to fail. She was again relocated in Amite, Louisiana and by teller was again received in Grant Chapel A.M.E. Church. She loved the church was was an actress participant until she became ill and could no longer work. For the past twelve years sister Bright was resident of he Amite Nursing.

Rosie was gainfully  employed in New Orleans and later in Chicago, Illinois as a Health Care Worker. Rosie brought joy to the lives of all who knew her. Rosie was preceded in death by her husband Adolph Bright, parents; John & Louise Thomas, (4) brothers, Johnny, Willie, Frank and Norman Thomas (1) sister; Katie Irving.

She leaves to cherish her memory (1)brother: Robert (Bertha) Thomas of Amite, Louisiana, (1) sister: Josephine Gascie of Amite, Louisiana; a God-child, Ms. Wanda LaBlanc of Chicago, Illinois, a devoted friend, Mrs. Ernestine Ballard of Chicago, Illinois, a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. 

Reprint from the Funeral Program of Rosie Thomas Bright

Source: Richardson Funeral Home, Amite, Inc. 

Celebration of Life for Allie Ruth Leonard

Allie Ruth Leonard

We pause to pay our tributes of love and reflect on the life and work, of our dear sister. Allie Ruth Leonard. She departed this life quite in her home on Tuesday, June 10, 2003. Born to Sebron Leonard and Ardean Cutrer Leonard on March 3, 1938. She confessed Christ and accepted him as her personal Savior and was baptized at the Mount Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.

The character of her life might be summed sin in these words: she was sincere, she was earnest, and she was loyal. Charm and sweetness radiated from her personality. Allie had the unique quality of a conversationalist. She often telephoned here cousins and friends acting in the capacity of informant or confidant. She acquainted them and with births, illness, deaths and circumstances of other family members and friends whom they knew. In these conversation, being highly opinionated, and respectful for the stance, she would at all times remain unchallenged. As a part other life she was known as the family historian. 

He early educational training began at the Mt. Canaan Elementary School. She graduated from West Side High School in 1956. Allie Ruth continued her education at Grambling State University, earning a B.A. Degree in Education.

She began her teaching career at Burgher Elementary School in Independence, La., and Dillion Memorial in Kentwood, LA., until permanently hired at Mt. Canaan Elementary School as a fourth grade teacher. In 1969, her teaching career continued at Chesbrough, C.M. Fagan, and Amite High School until her retirement in 1996.

Her church affiliations included attending Sunday school each Sunday, singing in the choir, members of Mission Society, working with Vacation Bible School, tutorial program, decorating committee and cake maker for many occasion. Civic and social activities included membership in the Grambling Alumni Association and the Tangipahoa Parish Retired Teachers, Allie Ruth also served as volunteer for numerous Senior Citizens programs. 

She leaves to cherish her memories, one sister: Naomi Johnson (Granderson). one brother: Arthur Sebron Leonard, Sr. (Theresa) of Amite, La., four aunts: Mae Holden Hookfin (Obie) and Evelina Cutrer of Kentwood, La., Bernadine Blackburn and Creola Dyson (Rev. L. Dyson) Franklinton, La., three uncles: William Cuter (Mildred)) of Kentwood, LA., Leo Cutrer and Cleo Cutrer of Franklinton, La., A nephew Donald, the first grandson in her family who lived with her until young adulthood, three god-children: Arthur S. Leonard, Jr., Deidra Leonard, and Brandon H. Sanders, a first cousin, Carolyn Puckett, who catered to her every wish, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents: Sebron and Ardean Leonard, and one brother: Bernard Milton Leonard.

Celebration of Life for Ora Lee Finn

Oral Lee Garman Finn

Oral Lee Garman was born sixth of seven siblings to Jake Bunion and Lubertha Bell German on January 28, 1940, in Independence, Louisiana. On Sunday, January 11, 2003, her beautiful soul departed for rest. Her family and friends feels tremendous loss for someone who was so special  to them, however, they are all grateful for being a part of the life of such a remarkable spirit. 

Her early educational training began at Burger Elementary in Independence, La. She graduated Class Valedictorian from West Side High School in 1957. Mrs. Finn continued her education throughout the years at Southern University, Louisiana State University, and Southeaster Louisiana University, earning her Bachelor, Master, Master +30, and Educational Specialist Degrees.

As prominent educator, Mrs. Finn, devoted over 33 years to the students, the parents, and the communities of Tangipahoa Parish. She began her career as a teacher in 1965 at O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, LA., and briefly taught at West Side School until integration in 1969.

After integration, she transferred to Amite High School where the invested over 30 professional years influencing and affecting numerous lives. Mrs. Finn taught Biology and Math for eleven years. In 1980, she became Assistant Principal; and in 1990 she was named principal, the first Black woman principal ever at Amite High School. Even well after retirement in 1998, he loved for teaching children and her love for working with people continued at various schools in the parish. 

In 1957, she married her only love, Melvin Finn, former Amite Assistant Chief of Police. From their union Melvin and Ora was blessed with three devoted children: Samara Bonita, Schrirra Montrell, and Tigia Motice Finn.

Butler A.M. E. Zion Church in where the Finn family has worshipped for over forty years. Mrs. Finn served as Adult Sunday school Teacher and Sunday school Treasurer. She implemented many programs and activities for the youths of the church during those years. As a faithful members, Mrs. Finn became a "Living Testimony" to those who witnessed her God-like spirit in action.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories: her having husband, Melvin Finn of Amite: oldest daughter, Samara (husband Larry) Joseph fDecatur, GA: only son, Schirra (wife Gina) Finn, Sr.; youngest daughter, Tigia M. Finn both of Amite; three grandchildren: Sean and Syrus Finn of Amite, Kahilla Finn of New Orleans; two sisters: Elousie Steptoe of Independence; Lizzie Collins of New Orleans; two brother: Dan German, Millton German of Peoria, II.: and a host of nieces, nephew, cousins godchildren, other relatives, and close friends.

Mrs. Finn was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lubertha German of Independence;  one brother, Hilton German, Sr.; one sister, Love Thompson both of Peoria, II.; three brothers-in-law: Nelson Finn, Alfred Finn bought of CA, Wallace Collins of New Orleans; three nieces: Sharon Edwards of Seattle, Wa., Betty Seiber of Peoria, II., Gwendolyn Tanner of Independence, La.; one nephew, Gregory Collins of New Orleans, LA.

Reprint for the Funeral Program of Oral Lee Finn

Source: Richardson Funeral Home, Inc, Amite