Velva Ann Bickford Effler was born on May 17, 1942, and passed away on September 19, 2025, at the age of 83. She is survived by her first love and husband of 63 years, Johnny G Effler, and a son, Jeffrey Effler. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brianna, Chance, and Justin, and their children. She also has two sisters, Hillery June Allen (Virgil) and Carlene Bridges Rouse (Darrell).
Velva was preceded in death by her parents Hillery and Alice Bardwell Bickford, her brother Ronald Bickford, and her precious daughter Chantelle Effler. Velva’s family were at the center of her life. Her friends, her faith, and every child she ever taught were precious to her.
As a career educator in Picayune, MS, she reflected God’s grace and love in everything she did and never missed an opportunity to show His tenets and expectations for our lives.
Thank you, Johnnie, for the love, patience, kindness, and care you have always shown to our sister, especially in the last several years.
BETTY LOUISE BRUNNER VINING
Date of Birth – February 6, 1933
Date of Death –October 5, 2025
Betty Louise Brunner Vining, 92 years old, was born in Ponchatoula, LA. “Mrs. Betty,” “Aunt Pete,” “Mama,” “Mawmaw” lived most of her life in Bedico, LA. She was an excellent seamstress, making untold numbers of dresses and outfits through the years. She also made many wedding dresses, formal wear, and Mardi Gras costumes for folks requesting her talent. She never turned anyone down that asked, charging little for her time and talent.
For over 25 years, she volunteered at Belle Maison Nursing Home and other surrounding nursing homes in the Ponchatoula – Hammond area with praise and worship services each Wednesday afternoon. She also volunteered calling Bingo on Saturdays, sometimes offering her own money as prizes to those that won “Bingo.”
All this came to a halt when Covid hit, at which time she crocheted many blankets that were later given to family and friends.
Betty spent much of her time at the Bedico Community Center, helping with various fundraisers and fellowships. She also worked at Vinson Uniforms in Lacombe, LA, for 25 years, with the last several years sewing from home for them. She loved her work and loved Jimmy and Kim Vinson, owners.
Betty traveled to Omaha, NE, for the College World Series a couple times. She loved LSU baseball and football. She loved cheering on those Tigers. She also loved watching the New Orleans Saints.
Betty never met a stranger. She was loved and cherished by everyone she met. She spent the last 3 years of her life at Belle Maison Nursing home as a resident. She crocheted many a blanket, called Bingo, and worked a lot of puzzle books.
While in hospice care, she passed away on October 5, 2025. She was surrounded by her children as she went to meet her Savior, Jesus Christ.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Emma Nober and William W. Brunner; husband, Frank Louis (F.L.) Vining; 5 sisters, Lucille Minton, Jeanette Stanga, Sybil Bardwell, Francis Gilbert, and Dora Ann Temple; 4 brothers, Tommy “Smokey” Brunner, Albert Brunner, Bill Brunner, and Charles Brunner; son Percy Wayne Bardwell; daughter in law, Kathy Bardwell and step son, Dwayne Vining.
She is survived by her son, Dennis Bardwell and daughters, Gwen Turner (Lynn), Pamela Reyes (Rudy), and Laverne Bardwell (Jim Coats); stepdaughter Lorraine Pankey and step son Bernard Vining; 12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 1 greatgreat- grandchild, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Her wishes were always for her remains to be donated to LSU, which has been done. A fellowship of life and memorial will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana
in her memory.
JENNA LEIGH VIAL
Jenna Leigh Vial passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and friends, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Hammond, Louisiana, at the age of 49 years and 249 days. To know Jenna was to know someone who embraced every single day with passion, purpose, and love.
Born on Friday, February 27, 1976, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Deborah and David Vial, Jenna grew up with deep roots in her faith, her family, and her community. She was a proud resident of Hammond, Louisiana, where her legacy will forever live on.
Jenna is survived by the loves of her life — her husband, Michael Wille; her children, Jacie Leigh Bellina, Braden Michael Bellina, and Julia Claire Bellina; her stepdaughter, Chloe Wille; her parents, David and Deborah Vial; her brothers, David Vial II (Donna) and their daughters Aubrey and Allie, and Colin Vial (Shonti) and their son Halston. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, forty-one cousins, and countless dear friends who were touched by her generous spirit.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry and Loretta Vial and Brewster and Myrt Dittmer.
Jenna’s faith was a guiding force in her life. A lifelong member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, she attended Holy Ghost Catholic School, Hammond High School, and Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned both a B.A. and a Master’s Degree in Education.
Her devotion to education was extraordinary. Jenna’s career spanned roles as classroom teacher, Administrative Assistant, Pre K–2 Curriculum Facilitator, and Assistant Principal. Her journey culminated in her most cherished achievement — EARNING the role as Principal of Hammond Eastside Elementary, where her leadership, warmth, and vision shaped the lives of countless children and families.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jenna’s greatest joy was her family. She treasured vacations and gatherings and most recently, a family reunion in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi this past July, where every member of her family came together. She prioritized creating memories, instilling values, and ensuring her children knew how deeply they were loved.
Even while bravely battling cancer, Jenna’s heart remained turned outward in service to others. Earlier this year, she organized the “Glo Walk” fundraiser, raising critical funds for the Corporate Angel Network, which provides free flights for cancer patients traveling to treatment. Having benefited from this program herself, Jenna was determined to give back — a reflection of her selflessness and resilience. In return for her extraordinary altruism, Corporate Angel Network awarded Jenna the “Fearless Fighter Award” and she was recognized as Patient of the Year.
Jenna never met a stranger. She lit up every room she entered with her kindness, laughter, and unwavering energy. She loved her community deeply — whether through her lifelong sisterhood in Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, the adventures with her beloved “Fab Five,” the joy of her Pokeno group, or the many circles of friendship she created simply by showing up with her authentic, radiant spirit.
Her light and legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, Jenna requested that donations be made to the Northshore Community Foundation “Stronger Together With Jenna Fund,” with proceeds directed to the Corporate Angel Network.
Family and friends are invited to honor Jenna’s life during visitation on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70401, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 9:00am to 11:00am at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 600 North Oak Street, Hammond, LA 70401, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.
Interment will take place at Rose Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum.