LEONARD ‘LENNY’ WAYNE RIST
Leonard “Lenny” Wayne Rist, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the age of 76.
Lenny was born in Slidell, Louisiana on February 14, 1947. He graduated from Slidell High School in 1965. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Air Force, serving our country for four years. As a USAF aircraft mechanic on a KC-135 tanker, he traveled all over the world. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Rosemary Artis, in Shreveport, Louisiana. For a year and a half, he traveled to Goose Bay Labrador, Canada and Rosemary to Shreveport so they could spend time together. This long distance romance led to 52 years of wedded bliss following a marriage on July 24, 1970.
Lenny spent many years as an automotive parts salesman at Lake Auto Parts and NAPA and was known as one of the best and most knowledgeable in the business. His mechanical expertise kept all the family cars running. He was an avid outdoorsman, spending his free time fishing, hunting, crawfishing and even alligator hunting. He was a big LSU fan and enjoyed watching the Tigers play. Lenny was often found at his grandsons’ many school activities and sporting events, even traveling to Canada to cheer on his grandsons there. At home, he spent much time in his garden, growing some of the best vegetables in the neighborhood. Though he enjoyed his hobbies, his family was his biggest passion.
Lenny was a wonderful patriarch to a loving family. He and Rosemary had two children, Dr. Wayne Rist (Lori) and Dr. Paul Rist (Sara) of whom they were very proud. Lenny leaves behind six grandsons, Jude, Patrick, Wade, Avery, Ryan, and Nate. They all brought much joy to his life and he loved them dearly. Lenny is also survived by his sisters, Diane Graves (Earl) and Sandy Moran (Jimmy); his brother, Steve Rist; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard K. Rist and Doretha Rist.
Lenny was a kind and loving man who would help anyone in need. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation and a funeral was held at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. Lenny was laid to rest with Military Honors in the Southeastern Louisiana Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of choice are preferred. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
JENNIFER JUNELL WOOD
Jennifer Junell Wood was born on February 4, 1964 in Midway, Florida to Ira Davis Sr. and Hazel Cotton Davis. She was youngest of seven siblings, five brothers and two sisters. As a child, she attended Midway Elementary School, Havana Middle School, graduated from Havana High School in Havana, Florida in 1982, and attended Tallahassee Community College. Jennifer confessed her faith at an early age and began an active Christian walk while singing in her local church choir (St. Luke Primitive Baptist Church of Midway, Florida).
She left Florida as a young woman and traveled all around the world by way of an Army spouse. While temporarily homesteading in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1987, Jennifer was blessed with a daughter, Katrina. She continued her Christian growth and mission work by spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. She then moved to Killeen, Texas, where she was a member of the Simmonsville Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Reverend H.E. Debose Sr., Pastor. While serving at Simmonsville, she was a Sunday school teacher, usher, church finance secretary, and member of the Woman’s Mission Department. While in Killeen, Jennifer met the love of her life, Gary Wood. They married on May 28, 1994. Shortly after, the Military relocated Jennifer and her family to Slidell, Louisiana.
Sister Wood became a beloved member of the Pentecost Missionary Baptist Church family. After arriving in the Slidell Community in 1996, she got right to work within the Pentecost Church. She served as a Sunday school teacher, mission advisor, Deaconess, Woman’s Conference coordinator, Young Woman in Action advisor, Sisters Linking-Up advisor, and First Lady. She was also a member of the steering committee for the community-wide “Sista to Sista” Women’s Retreat. In addition, she was a gifted speaker carrying the truth wherever God led her. She touched the lives of many men and women throughout greater St. Tammany, New Orleans, Texas, and Mississippi. On October the 5, 2014, she received her license as an Evangelist. She was fully capable and willing to carry out her calling from God and thus began a new journey in her life.
In addition to serving her church, Jennifer also served as the director of Rainbow Childcare Center, where she nurtured and cared for hundreds of children all over the Slidell community for 25 years. She formally retired from Rainbow on July 5, 2023.
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Jennifer departed her earthly home and walked into heaven to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her father, Ira Davis Sr.; her mother, Hazel Davis; and her brothers, Ira D. Davis Jr.(Federa), Theodore Davis, Leon Davis (Beverly), and Jimmy Davis (Verdelle). Jennifer leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Pastor Gary Wood; daughter, Katrina Trainor (Darryl); her unborn grandchild; sisters, Constance Davis and Reverend Sarah Pitts (Dexter); brother, Michael Davis (Jillian); Goddaughters, Miracle Buckley, Felicia White, and Gabrielle Robertson; Godsons, Stephen White, Isaac Morrow, and Isaiah Morrow; and spiritual daughters, Catera Cook and Naehaven Cook. She also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in whom her memory will live forever.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, July 15, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Living the Word International Church in Slidell. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Jennifer will be laid to rest in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10 a.m.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Young Women in Action at Pentecost Missionary Baptist Church. Donations can be sent via mail to 36138 Shady Lane, Slidell LA 70460, Cashapp: $PentecostMBC, or Venmo: @PentecostMBC. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
JOHN J. BORNE
We regretfully announce the passing of John J. Borne, of Slidell, Louisiana. John left us unexpectedly on July 3, 2023 at the age 0f 73. He was a native of New Orleans, Louisiana born on August 31, 1949.
In his early years, John was raised in New Orleans East. His earliest playmates included his three brothers. The quietest of the group, John spent his days building stilts for kids in the neighborhood to play on in the summer. He eventually moved onto larger projects building treehouses for all the boys to hang out in as teenagers. He was fondly referred to as “John the Builder” amongst his brothers and friends. Always interested in repairing things (especially cars), he would eventually turn this joy and skillset into a career.
In 1968, John married his wife, Paula. The two would go on to share 55 years of creating a wonderful life together. They had a long-lasting marriage and partnership for over five decades filled with raising a family, running businesses, being involved with their community, and much more. John had two children, Lisa and Troy, whom he loved unconditionally. He spent his early adulthood crabbing and camping with Paula, the kids, and his extended family. Eventually, he watched his children grow into adults and each have families of their own. In his golden years, he enjoyed hosting holidays at his home for all the family to enjoy and fixing anything he could get his hands on, especially old tractors and cars.
Professionally, John was a mechanic, builder, and dedicated business owner. After many years as a mechanic, he and Paula went into business constructing houses amongst other things. There was nothing he could not fashion. His hard work and dedication were appreciated by many over the years and he was known for always completing his jobs to perfection.
John was preceded in death by his loving parents, Joseph J. Borne and Myrtle W. Borne, along with his eldest brother, Gerald Borne Sr. (Judith). He is survived by his beloved wife, Paula Borne; his two children, Lisa Steele (Luke) and Troy Borne (Brenda); his four grandchildren, Amanda Stogner (Darren), Kacie Fayard (Woody), Josh Comans, and Ella Steele; his three great-grandchildren, Dominick Stogner, Aubrie Stogner, and Dane Stogner; and two of his brothers, Ronald Borne (Cheryl) and Terry “Toons” Borne (Wendy). He also leaves behind a host of extended family members and friends whom he loved greatly.
John was a parishioner of St. Genevieve Church, where he attended Mass weekly. He will fondly be remembered as a devoted family man, hard worker, and loyal friend. John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, July 10, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. Words of remembrance from family and friends will be shared beginning at 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service in the chapel at noon. John will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery following the services. All attendees are encouraged to dress casually. John would have wanted everyone to feel comfortable for this event. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that you make a donation in John’s name to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or K9s For Warriors. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
Audubon Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For information on services, contact Audubon at 985-645-0600 or online at: audubonfuneralhome.com)
Kevin Claude Barrios, age 52, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
Born in New Orleans, he attended Redeemer High School and graduated in 1988, then began his own lawn care business as owner of Coastal Cuts Lawn Care.
He enjoyed playing darts as a member of the Slidell Dart Association and showed his generosity by donating to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency.
Honaker Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For more information on services, contact Honaker at 985-641-1900 or online at: honakerforestlawn.com)
Chris Pham, Sr., age 73, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
Mary Ann Hixson McClain, age 88, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
A native of Clarks, LA, she worked at the Methodist Children’s Home for several years, and with Mother’s Day out at First Methodist in Slidell.
Sally Elaine Fish Piske, age 68, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
Born in New Orleans, she retired as a Customer Service Manager who enjoyed cheering for LSU and the Saints.
She also was a lover of music, dancing, cooking and baking.
Sylvia McKenzie Bellau, age 94, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023.
Born on a rural Mississippi farm, she grew up at the end of the Great Depression and worked during the war effort as a teenager, sewing coats.
She had a career in real estate for 40 years for Latter & Blum.
John Arthur Arruebarrena, Sr., age 97, of New Orleans, LA, passed away on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
Born in New Orleans, he was a former resident of Slidell who served in World War II as a Navy Seaman. He later worked as an electrician for the railroad until retirement.
David Paul Adams, age 63, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
He was born in New Orleans before moving to Slidell.