Jordan Brooks Smith, of St. Tammany, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2014, after being fatally injured on duty at Bogue Chitto State Park, where he was employed as an Interpretive Ranger.
He was 28 years old.
He was the son of Virginia “Jeanne” Brooks Smith and the late Macks “Randy” Smith; and grandson of John Alma Brooks and the late Hugh Brooks Sr., and the late Charles and Molly Smith.
He is also survived by an aunt, Teneilia B. Anderson (Don); uncle, Hugh F. Brooks and numerous cousins, including Kim Parker Grubbs (Kerry) and Amanda Brooks Hindson (Jon).
He was a 2003 graduate of Northshore High School, and received an undergraduate degree and graduate degree in Political Science and Applied Sociology from Southeastern La. University.
He was a member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, Jacques de Molay Lodge #389, Shriners International and Past Worshipful Master of Bayou Lacombe Lodge #459.
A city boy who became a park ranger, Jordan read, researched and taught himself the skills he needed to share his wealth of knowledge. He was a true teacher at heart, creating and presenting programs to hundreds of children and adults, both in and out of the park.
He was a hunter education instructor, boating safety education instructor and held certifications in multiple disciplines.
The family wishes to thank the members of Grace Memorial Baptist Church, Marshall Pierre and the many friends who have supported us in this time.
Masonic services were held on July 17 at Honaker Funeral Home in Slidell.
The family is establishing the Jordan Brooks Smith Memorial Interpretive Education Fund, to help his legacy live on. To bring a deeper understanding of God’s creatures to the children of our state, please go to rememberjordan.com.
Visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell.
Harry D. Spence, longtime Slidell resident, passed away at his home in Slidell on Saturday, July 12, 2014.
He was 91 years old.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jabe Benjamin Spence and Ella Jenkins Spence; by his wife, Polly; and all 10 of his older brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his children, Michael, Steven, Barbara, Joanne, and Carol; and by 12 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren (with two more due in September).
Spence was born in a railroad camp in Nicholson, Ms. After the family relocated and spent several years at the Southpoint, Louisiana, railroad camp (Orleans Parish) the family moved to Slidell where Spence spent the remainder of his life. A 1940 graduate of Slidell High School, he later served his country in World War II by joining the US Navy in the 76th Construction Battalion (“Seabees”).
Spence served for 2 years in Hawaii, Guam, and later with the Japan Occupational Force in late 1945 (in the 98th Construction Battalion); he was very proud of his service.
Upon arriving back to Slidell, he started his over 40-year career with the Central Louisiana Electric Company (CLECO) as a lineman becoming a well-known and recognized figure around Slidell and Pearl River. In 1952 he found the love of his life with Polly (Pauline) Bird of Lacombe and started a family. Early on Harry and Polly were active in the Kiwanis Club and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) with both serving in a number of positions.
Spence was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church. He also volunteered for many duties and functions including Cub Scout Pack 344 leader and Boy Scout Leader for Troop 344 (First United Methodist Church of Slidell).
In retirement, Spence took up deer hunting, decoy carving, lamp making, and being a regular and active member of G.O.S.H. (Guardians of Slidell History).
A funeral service was held on July 18 at First United Methodist Church, 433 Erlanger St., Slidell.
Visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell.
Patricia Jean McClendon Richardson passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2014.
She was 68 years old.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Slidell. Richardson is survived by her children, Misty Richardson Labat (Mark Labat), Christopher Shane Richardson (Susan Richardson), Lisa Richardson Hesson (Rodney Hesson), and Chad Ashley Richardson (Antoinette Richardson).
She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Courtney Lynn Labat, Cameron Sterling Labat, Megan Richardson, Matthew Richardson, Michael Richardson, McKayla Richardson, Olivia Hesson, Corinne Hesson, Lindsey Hesson, Sara Hesson, Catherine Hesson, Chance Richardson, Taylor Richardson, and Kaleb Richardson.
Memorial services will be held at Grace Memorial Baptist Church located on Pearl Acre Road in Slidell, on July 26 at 11 a.m.
Brother Bob Heustess officiating.
In lieu of flowers, cards, or plants, the family desires donations be made payable to Chad Richardson in an effort to offset medical expenses for his recent liver transplant.
Donations can be mailed to 109 Constellation Drive, Slidell, Louisiana 70458.
Elvira Adrienne Block Gordon (VI) passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2014.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Melanie and Louis A. Block; sister, Myrle Block; and husband, Gerard W. Gordon.
She is survived by her daughter, Carole Gordon Gillio; husband, Larry Gillio Sr.; and son, Greg Gordon and his wife Lynn Arnold Gordon.
She is also survived by brothers, Adrian Block, Louis E. (Diggy) Block, Douglas F. Block (Helen), and Horace Block.
She leaves behind her grandchildren, Larry Gillio Jr., Gerry Gillio, Douglas Gillio (Rachel) and Melanie Gordon Dunn (Brian), as well as five great-grandchildren and a host of much loved nieces, nephews, and caring friends.
Elvira was born on June 6, 1913, in New Orleans. She served in the USO during World War II, receiving numerous commendations. She worked for the Federal Government at the Port of Embarkation in New Orleans. She was a homemaker and a resident of Slidell since 1999. She was a devout parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Slidell and a member of the Slidell Republican Women’s Club. She recently celebrated her 101st birthday with friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in her name can be made to Children’s Wish Endowment (PO Box 1259, Slidell, LA 70459) OR CASA/Court Appointed Special Advocates (150 Cleveland Ave., Slidell, LA 70458).
A funeral Mass was held on July 16 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Slidell, 400 Westchester Blvd., Slidell.
A private burial will be held at a later date.
Visit www.honakerforestlawn.com to sign the guestbook.
Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell.