Obituaries

JEANORA MARIE MANUEL WALKER

Jeanora Marie Manuel Walker, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, in Natchitoches, surrounded by her loving family.

CATHERINE SOILEAU SYLVESTER

WHITEVILLE - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Catherine Marie Soileau Sylvester, affectionately known to many as Cathy, momma, and mimi. Cathy led a life dedicated to the Lord.

Local civic, church leader passes away

Leonard Glynn Fontenot entered his eternal home on Thursday, March 26, at the age of 89. Born in Ville Platte on February 22, 1937, to Leonard Fontenot and Elise Dardeau Fontenot, he spent nearly his entire life in the community he loved.

LAURA ARDOIN FONTENOT

VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services for Laura Ardoin Fontenot, 93, were held Friday, March 13, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Laura, a resident of Ville Platte, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Eunice Manor Nursing Home in Eunice.

JSM principal passes away

By: TONY MARKS Editor Fran Monique Lemelle, the principal of James Stephens Montessori since 2023, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, March 9. Funeral services for Lemelle, 51, will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m., with the visitation beginning at 9 a.m.

MARY IDA FONTENOT CURRAN

Mary Ida Fontenot Curran, who was born on Friday, August 25, 1939, passed away in Mamou, on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the age of 86. Visitation was held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Ardoin Funeral Home, in Mamou, beginning at 10:30 a.m. until time of service at 2 p.m.

ROY CHAFFIN

ROY CHAFFIN July 17, 1951 - February 9, 2026 Funeral services for Mr. Roy Chaffin were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Friendship Baptist Church, Pine Prairie. Reverends Brian Thomas, Barry Gautreaux, and Ervin Goodman and Speaker Tommy Fuselier officiated.

JOSEPH WILLIAM ANDERSON

Joseph William Anderson, a dedicated oilfield worker and loving family man, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Bayou Chicot, at the age of 73. A celebration of Joseph’s life will take place on a later date.

CARLA V. ARDOIN CLARK

Carla V. Ardoin Clark, a lifelong resident of Ville Platte, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 58. Funeral services took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Rev. Kevin West officiated the services.

ROB “RED” CHAPMAN

Rob “Red” Chapman, a loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in his hometown of Ville Platte, at the age of 85. Funeral services were held at Ardoin’s Funeral Home, in Ville Platte, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 2 p.m.