NELLIE ‘NELL’ GUNNELS ESPONGE
Nellie “Nell” Ruth Gunnels Esponge entered the pearly gates of heaven to be with the Lord on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the age of 94. She was the devoted and cherished wife of the late Noles A. Esponge and spent 70 wonderful years together before his passing just five years ago. She was the loving mother of William James “Bill” Esponge (wife, Vicki) and Steven Wayne Esponge (wife, Kathy) and proud grandmother of one grandson, William Gregory “Greg” Esponge (wife, Angela), and one granddaughter, Kristina Renee Esponge Terry (husband, Michael), as well as great-grandmother to her five precious great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Mason, Kingston, Maverick, and Easton Terry, all of whom she loved and adored with all her heart.
Daughter of the late Milford Lee Gunnels, Sr. and Irma Lee Smith Gunnels.
Sister of Clarence Gunnels and Rebecca Cole as well as the late Annie Horne, Myrtle Brooks, Helen Knighton, Oma Jones, Milford Gunnels, Jr., William “Bill” Gunnels, Irma Lindsey, and Frank Gunnels.
Also survived and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, brother/sister in-laws, and dear friends.
Nell was a native of Phenix City, AL where she met her Cajun military man who was stationed at nearby Fort Benning in Columbus, GA. Upon his military discharge, he whisked her away to his hometown of Grand Isle, LA, later moving their residence to New Orleans, LA, then to Arabi, LA where they were longtime residents before settling in Lacombe, LA.
Member of First Baptist Church of Mandeville, former member of First Baptist Church of Chalmette, and Trinity Baptist Church, where she formed many special friendships, including the special bond that lasted throughout her lifetime with her Sunday School “Truth Seekers” class. She thoroughly enjoyed the many trips taken with her friends from each of these churches groups in her younger years, some just local outings and some that brought her to neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico as well as other countries abroad, such as Ireland, Scotland, England, France, Italy, Spain, and Greece, to name a few.
Nell retired with Sears Corporation where she worked in retail sales on Baronne St. in New Orleans and in catalog sales in Chalmette.
Favorite past memories which were talked about quite often included her camping and traveling adventures across the nation with her husband and young sons as well as taking a ride on the back of her husband’s Harley Davidson to different Shriner’s conventions along with other wives who called themselves “The Cyclelettes.” She also loved working really challenging puzzles, baking, and welcoming visits from her family and friends at any time of the day.
She was a woman of strong faith and well loved by many who will miss her deeply but are comforted in knowing she was welcomed in to the kingdom of heaven by our Lord and Savior.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services at 1 p.m. with family visitation from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and general visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Friday, March 28, followed by her being laid to rest with her beloved husband in St. Bernard Memorial Gardens.
RONALD JOSEPH ABNEY
Ronald Joseph Abney, of Slidell, Louisiana, peacefully fell asleep in death surrounded by his loving family on March 20, 2025, at the age of 76. Born on August 27, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was a man who lived a life marked by love, service, and an unwavering dedication to his family and country.
Ronald, known as “Pee Wee” to his friends and family, was a Decorated Vietnam Veteran who bravely served his country with honor and distinction in the United States Army. Following his military service, he embarked on a career as a diamond broker, where his keen eye for detail and his trustworthy nature earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and clients alike. Ronald’s life was one of continuous learning and personal growth, as evidenced by his achievement of an associate’s degree in college. His education was a source of pride and served as a foundation for his professional and personal endeavors.
Ronald is the beloved son of the late Melvin R. Abney Sr. and Elsie Melancon Abney. His memory will forever be cherished by his perfect partner of 33 years, Willie Hulette; his three girls: treasured daughter, Angelle Terre; his adored grandchild, Alicia Terre; his spirited great-grandchild, Hannah Terre; and siblings, James “Butch” Abney (Bonnie), Carol “Dee Dee” Abney Chambers (Stanley Loran), Diane Abney Salles (Rodney), Margaret Abney Schiro, Daniel “Danny” Abney (Pamela), and Melvin R. Abney Jr. (Pauline). He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will remember him with profound love and affection.
Those who knew Ronald understood that the word “loving” captured the essence of his character. He approached every relationship with an open heart and a generous spirit. His warmth and compassion along with his sparkling blue eyes were the hallmarks of his personality, and his presence was a source of comfort and joy to his family and friends. His laughter, stories, and the wisdom he shared will continue to echo in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on through the countless memories he created with his loved ones.
Ronald will be laid to rest with Military Honors in the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Catherine’s Hospice are appreciated. Memories and condolences may be expressed at www.AudubonFuneralHome.com
GEORGE E. SKINNER JR.
George E. Skinner Jr., of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 65. Born on May 16, 1959, in Clearwater, Florida, George’s life was one of dedication, love, and service, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him.
George was the beloved son of the late George Skinner Sr. and Mary Gramm; adored stepson of Shirley Ward; and treasured brother of Sheryl Taffolla and Hugh Thomas. George’s heart found its anchor in his wife, Bonnie Skinner, with whom he shared 46 years of unwavering love and partnership. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, George E. Skinner III (Erica) and Richard Skinner (Emily). His role as a grandfather to Sean, Maverick, Henry, Colten, Oliver, and Baby Beckham was one he cherished deeply, and his legacy will undoubtedly live on through them.
His extended family, including his father-in-law, John Julian; brother-in-law, Johnny Julian; sisters-in-law, Brigette Julian and Connie Wilder; and his nieces, Shanon, Angela, and Sheena, will remember George for his boundless love and the joy he brought to family gatherings. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Ida Thonn Julian.
After graduating from Abramson High School, George’s life was marked by his passion for the outdoors and the open road. He began working as a commercial fisherman, crabbing and shrimping in Lake Borgne and the Chef Pass at the young age of 15, a testament to his strong work ethic and love for the water. At the age of 38, George’s call to serve led him to the Slidell Regional Police Academy, where he embarked on a career in law enforcement, which would define much of his professional life. He served with distinction as a Slidell Police Officer, a role that allowed him to protect and serve the community he held so dear. His commitment to his fellow officers was evident in his tenure as the first President of the Slidell Police Association, where he worked tirelessly to improve the lives and working conditions of his colleagues.
In retirement, George found his way back to commercial fishing. An avid scuba diver, he found solace in the depths of the ocean. His love for riding and restoring motorcycles was more than a hobby; it was a reflection of his free spirit and his appreciation for the craftsmanship and freedom they represented. George’s love for music and movies provided a soundtrack and backdrop to the many happy memories created with his family and friends, especially his cherished grandbabies.
George E. Skinner Jr.’s life was a tapestry of love, service, and adventure. He loved deeply, lived fully, and gave generously of himself to those around him. His laughter, warmth, and kindness will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Audubon Funeral Home in Slidell. A funeral service will begin in the chapel at 2 p.m. George will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery following services. 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)
Sylvia Muller Lewis, age 86, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Born in New Orleans, LA, she worked as a manager at Chalmette Refinery Federal Credit Union.
In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, crafts and LSU baseball.
Doreene Elizabeth Hirstius Venturella, age 69, of Pearl River, LA, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Born in New Orleans, LA, she graduated from Abramson High School and had a career in banking for 23 years.
Honaker Funeral Home Obituary Listings
(For more information on services, contact Honaker at 985-641-1900 or online at: honakerforestlawn.com)
Melba A. Williamson, age 77, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Born in Monnette, AR, she previously lived in Illinois and Indiana, before moving to Slidell in 1992.
George Alexis Ladanne, Sr., age 73, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
Earline Elenora Banner, age 89, of Slidell, LA, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
She worked as a nurse’s aide at Slidell Memorial Hospital for over 10 years and also worked at Southeastern Hospital and NorthShore Psychiatric Hospital.
She was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary since 1975 where she was a devout member of the Catholic Church.
Jerry Allen Gray, Jr., of Granbury, TX, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Born in Corpus Christi, TX, he was raised in Slidell, LA, and graduated from Slidell High School.
He earned a Petroleum Engineering degree from LSU and served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant for 11 years. He was a submariner weapons officer in charge of a nuclear reactor, then later was an instructor for the Navy Nuclear Power School in Orlando, FL. He also worked for Johnson & Johnson and the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant.
He loved to travel, especially to the Dakotas and Montana, and loved to hike many Texas state parks. He was also an avid fan of opera music and reading.