Donald Ray Effler Sr.
Donald Ray Effler Sr., of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the age of 74. He was born on Saturday, March 10, 1951, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
Ray worked for Coca-Cola as a production supervisor for 50-plus years.
Donald is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Hargrove Effler; daughter, Trista Effler; son & daughter-in-law, Donald Ray Effler Jr. and Rebecca Effler; grandchildren, Christian Hughes (Emily Cook), Leighton Hughes (Katie Cooper), Lavaeya Hughes (Michael Threeton), Donald Effler, III, and Lily Effler; and brother, Maurice Effler, brother Thomas Effler and his wife Sylvia Effler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Effler and Alida Landry Effler; and brothers, Johnny Woodrow Effler and Thomas Wells; and sister-in-law, Sue Effler. Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 11:00am until the Funeral Service begins at 1:00pm.
Interment will follow at Carter Cemetery in Springfield, Louisiana.
Pearl Joiner Martello
Pearl Joiner Martello, a native of Ponchatoula and resident of Independence, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at Landmark Nursing Center of Hammond on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born on October 13, 1930, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, the daughter of the late Alonzo Marion Joiner and Millie Hoover Joiner.
Known affectionately as Moma Pearl, she was the rock of the family, providing unwavering support, kindness, and wisdom to everyone around her. She enjoyed dancing, going to the casino, fishing, and playing Scrabble.
For the last ten years, Pearl was a resident at Landmark Nursing Home, where she became a beloved member of their community. Pearl loved singing gospel hymns, expressing her strong faith in the Lord, and lifting the spirits of those around her.
Throughout her life, Pearl was surrounded by a wonderful family that cherished her deeply. She longed to reunite in heaven with her beloved husband, Ned, and her enduring love for him remained throughout her life. Pearl will be remembered for her friendly disposition, and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her dearly.
Pearl is survived by her children, Hazel Lavigne, Michael Martello, Nedra Reed (Frank), Leona Vezinat (Calvin), Antoinette Desselle (Kevin), Cosimo Martello Jr., Dr. Ned Martello, and Marion Martello (Robin); grandchildren, Paula Singer, Kristi Lavigne, Ryan Lavigne, Michael Martello Jr., Micah Bazaldua, Matthew Martello, Brigitte Coslan, Bradley Fettes, step grandchildren, Jeffery Reed and Katie Reed, Shanna Bauman, Shawn Vezinat, Shane Vezinat, Christopher Dykes, Jayme Torres, Nicholas Martello, Zachary Allen, Ned Jacob Martello, and step grandchild, Lil’ Frankie Arnone; 30 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Cosimo “Ned” Martello Sr.; daughter, Patricia Martello; grandson, Brandon Martello; great granddaughter, Jaidyn Coslan; sons-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Lavigne and Leonard “Tank” Genco; as well as 5 sisters and 4 brothers.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Landmark Nursing Center for their compassionate care of Moma Pearl over the years.
Helen ‘Nan’ Nanette Robinson Adams; 89; Ponchatoula
native; September 24; survived by children Teri
Roberts (Randy), Marsha Kay, and Bruce Adams (Marilyn);
grandchildren, Beki Dupuy Lambert (Matt), Ryan
Dupuy, Ben Adams (Tiffany), and Eric Adams (Trisha);
and great-grandchildren Lily, Alex, Ava, Ceci, Emma, Cooper,
Madeline, and Holden.
Conley Wayne Alford; 60; Kentwood; October 15; survived by his wife, Cara McDaniel Alford; daughter, Caitlyn Alford; sons, Ryan and Brian Pierson; grandchildren, Brianna and Brynnly Pierson; niece, Samantha Thaggard (Andy); great-nephew, Cory Patterson; 2 great-nieces, Lacy Patterson and Karly Brandon; and dogs, Holly, Sally; Dixie, and Rambo.
Danielle Blake Strahan; 36; Albany; October 16; survived by her father, Michael Strahan; mother, Pattie Smith Strahan (Carl Cutrer); son, Brantley Tate Turner; brother, Michael Strahan; boyfriend, Clarence Hoyt (stepdaughter, Madison Hoyt); grandparents, Myrtis Kitchens and Betty Smith; and many more who loved her as family.
Leslie “Kemp” Sibley Jr.; 59; Walker; October 16; survived by his wife, Christy Sibley; daughter, Jolie Sibley; son, Garrison Sibley (Jayci); stepdaughters, Alyssa Rollins (Lathen Bruno), Gabrielle Rollins, Elizabeth Inman; sisters, Delisa Sibley, Jeri Kravat (Rick); brothers, Jesse Sibley (Tammy), Colee Sibley (Stacy); and many other relatives and friends.
Charles Frederick Coburn; October 16; survived by children Angie Coburn, Travis Coburn, Carla Taylor (Bradley); grandsons, Lee, Carl and Holden; siblings Mary Beth (Arne) Fremstad, Jay Coburn, Paul (Tammie) Coburn, Linda Gunderson, and John Coburn; mother-in-law Barbara Meeker; and several other relatives and friends.
Virginia Lee Hano; 81; Springfield; October 17; survived by children, Vickie Hano Hawkins, Rocky Hano, Nicole Hano LeJeune (Brian), and Daniel Hano; brother, James V. Lee Jr. (Edelgard); sisters, Cathyleen Lee and Susie Lee Hutchinson (Dwight); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many other friends and relatives.
Walter Charles Crockett; 77; Tickfaw; October 17; survived by his wife Betty Jean Crockett; sons, Walter E. Crockett (Elizabeth), Keith Crockett (Sharon), David Crockett, LJ Rodriguez (Jamie); daughter, Melissa Cornwell (Brian); sister, Debra C. Pace; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Denise Elaine Coplin Beck; 75; Hammond; October 17; survived by her daughter, Sheri Elaine Beck; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; companion of 20 years, Mal Theriot Jr.; son-in-law, Edward Dewhirst; and former husband of 32 years, Robert Beck.
Michael Barney Farnham; 72; Loranger; October 17; survived by the love of his life, his wife, Diane Farnham; stepdaughter, Amanda Pravata (Johnny); daughter, Michaelanne Barton (Brett); son, John Rhodes Farnham (Jenny); and grandchildren, Annabrett, Bella, John Michael, Blythe, Julianne, Brooks, Jameson, and Jeno Sam.
Martha D. Johnson; 93; October 18; survived by her son, Glen Johnson; two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Suzanne P. Aikman; 83; Ponchatoula; October 18; survived by her children, Christie Noble (P.J.), Kevin Aikman (Rhonda), Lori Rabalais (Mark), Carol Aikman, and Baynum Aikman (Kayla); eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; niece and nephews; and her loving companion of 10 years, Terry James “Jim” Thibodeaux.
William D. “David” Sellers; 75; Kentwood; October 19; survived by his son, William D. “Bill” Sellers, Jr. (Michell), daughter, Kara Corkern (Wesley), granddaughters, Molly Sellers and Camellia Corkern, and sister, Pam Sellers, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Raymond Lloyd Chriswell; 80; Ponchatoula; October 20; relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a gathering at the home of Raymond, 15406 West Murray Rd. Ponchatoula, LA, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11:00am until 4:00pm.
Annie Lou Stafford Mitchell; 81; Holden; October 21; survived by her son, Jerry ‘Duane’ Mitchell (Crystal); nephews, Derek Cutrer (Heather) and Jeremy “J.J.” Cutrer (Crystal); sisters, June Duczer (Alex), Paulette Davis (Steve), Bobbie Stafford, and Sandy James (Ted); brother, Hillery Stafford Jr. (Julie); four grandchildren; and numerous other relatives.
Roland Derek Handrop; 89; Hammond; October 21; survived by his devoted daughter, Lori Handrop Mendoza (Richard); grandchildren, Taylor Alphonso (Micah), Mason Mendoza, Mikah and MacKenzie Mendoza; great-granddaughter Novah Alphonso; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his cousin, Gary Boutwell (Glenn).
Sundria Bergeron Whiddon; 84; October 22; survived by her daughter, Tina Mungle (Jesse); sons, Christopher Whiddon (Debra) and Davis Whiddon Jr.; sister, Audrey Raffray (Ray); brother, Dennis Bergeron (Peggy) ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Randy Russell; 68; Springfield; October 22; survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn Ott Russell; his children, Glenn Russell and Jennifer Escher (Roland); grandchildren, Aaron and Emma Escher, and bonus grandson, Chris Escher, as well as his girls, Emma Jo and Savannah Escher.
Jerry Nell Wainwright; 84; October 23; survived by her daughter, Lorinda Wainwright; sons, Terry Wainwright (Tina), Jeff Wainwright (Latitia), Danny Wainwright (Lucy), Scott Wainwright (Sissy); 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild on the way; and her lifelong friend, Jeanette Forbes.
Evelyn Jones Sledge; 96; October 23; survived by her sons, Collie Britain “Brit” Sledge, Jr. (Dorothy); Taylor Marklin “Mark” Sledge (Lisa); and Charles Chapman Sledge (Cynthia); seven grandchildren; Collie Britain Sledge III, Clayton Sledge, Rebecca Johnson, Caroline Crespino, Taylor Sledge Jr., Travis Sledge, and Emily Sledge; and ten great-grandchildren.
Joseph Michael Jason; 80; Ponchatoula; October 23; survived by his beloved wife, Mildred Jackson Jason; children, John Jason (Catherine), Joseph Mark Jason, and Rachael Giurintano (Scott); grandchildren, Jessica, Julianna, John Jr. and Jacob Jason, and Logan, Andrew, and Megan Giurintano; sister, Betty Adams; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jennifer Hodges Biggs; 75; Montpelier; October 23; survived by brother, Jody Hodges; sister, Patty Burrows; brother-in-law, Dennis Knight; stepdaughter, Lewynell Provost (Brandon); stepsons, Mike Biggs (Michelle) and Chris Biggs (Casey); and numerous other relatives and friends.
Ella Mae “Mae Mae” Barron; 87; Ponchatoula; October 23; survived by her daughter Cynthia Perrin; granddaughter Pamela Newman; great-granddaughter Olivia Spring; grandson Wayne Perrin; great-granddaughter Jo’Ella Perrin; brother Louis Meyers Jr.; sisters Eloise Tantillo (Joe) and Ruby Lavergne; and numerous nieces and nephews.