Claudia Golay Darden

Claudia Golay Darden, 53, departed this life on Dec. 10, 2009,after a brief illness.

Claudia was born in Sherman, Texas, and spent her childhood inBrookhaven, after which she moved with her family to New Orleans,La. Claudia was a 1976 graduate of Louisiana State University whereshe obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in social work.Immediately upon graduation, she worked for the State of LouisianaDepartment of Health and Human Resources as a social worker inBelle Chasse, La., New Orleans and Gretna, La. She retired fromsocial work upon the birth of her son, Brandon, and devoted thebalance of her life to the love and care of her son andhusband.

She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 32 years,Marshall Taylor Darden; her son, Brandon Taylor Darden, whom sheloved with all her heart and soul; her sister, Debra Golay Edwards;and her brother-in-law, Larry Edwards, both of Houston, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lorene BrowerGolay; and her father, Claude Evans Golay.

She will be forever missed by her mother-in-law, Marian Darden,of New Orleans, with whom she had the most special and lovingrelationship. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, ArthurD. Darden of Gretna, and Robert G. Darden, of Plano, Texas, andtheir wives, Gina Darden and Sheri Darden. She is further survivedby her nephews, Lance Edwards, Christopher Darden and AndrewDarden; and her niece, Ashley Darden. She will also be missed bythe many friends she made throughout her life.

The family especially wishes to thank the medical staff at WestJefferson Hospital, who did everything possible to make her lastdays and hours comfortable.

Relatives and friends were invited to attend the funeralservices at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home Chapel, 5100Pontchartrain Blvd. (in Metairie Cemetery) on Tuesday, Dec. 15,2009, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be madein her name to the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans or St.Philips Episcopal Church of New Orleans.

To sign and view the family guest book, please visitwww.lakelawnmetairie.com.

Frances Thames Jenkins

Services for Frances Thames Jenkins, of Monticello, are 10 a.m.Thursday, Dec. 17, at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel in Monticello withburial in Fisher Cemetery in Franklinton, La.

Visitation is Wednesday from 5 until 9 p.m. at the funeralhome.

Mrs. Jenkins, 78, died Dec. 14, 2009, at Richland RegionalMedical Center in Rayville, La. She was born in Lawrence County onOct. 27, 1931, to Thomas Houston Stephens and Mammie WrenStephens.

She retired a seamstress from the Kellwood Manufacturing Co.Mrs. Jenkins lived in Franklinton for 15 years and moved back toMonticello in 1991. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church inMonticello.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, SamuelJenkins; her four brothers; and her two grandchildren.

Survivors are her sons, Jerry Thames, of Pearl, Lamar Thames andRonnie Thames, both of Monticello; her daughters, Sharon ThamesTatum, of Rayville, and Janice Thames Schillings, of Franklinton;her brothers, Charlie Stephens and Victor Stephens, both ofMonticello; her sisters, Linda Goings, of Franklinton, ElaineBraswell, of Jayess, and Alice Cliburn, of Pearl; her 10grandchildren; her 18 great-grandchildren; and her fourgreat-great-grandchildren.

James W. Lewis Jr.

Graveside services for James W. Lewis Jr., of Pasadena, Texas,are 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, at Holly Springs Baptist ChurchCemetery. Brookhaven Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Lewis, 85, died Dec. 15, 2009, in Pasadena. He was born onSept. 1, 1924, to James Webster Lewis and Hautie Fugler Lewis.

He was a retired World War II veteran who served his countryproudly in the U.S. Navy in Unit 38 at Iwo Jima. He also loved tosquare dance and was a member of the Holly Springs Church.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, James W. “JimBo” Lewis III; his brothers, Leland and Larry Lewis; and a sister,Odeal Honea.

Survivors are his daughter, Judy Johnson and husband, Bobby, ofPasadena; his brothers, Jimmy, Nollie, Maxie and Steven Lewis; hissisters, Bonnie Brown and Joann Wise; and his several nieces,nephews, other family members and friends.

James Anthony ‘T.J.’ Rutland Jr.

Services for James Anthony “T.J.” Rutland Jr., of Monticello,are 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Sontagwith burial in the church cemetery. Wilson Funeral Home is incharge of arrangements.

Visitation is Wednesday from 5 until 9 p.m. at the church.

Mr. Rutland, 21, died Dec. 13, 2009. He was born in Brookhavenon Nov. 4, 1988, to James Anthony Rutland Sr. and Shirley MahaffeyRutledge.

He was a cooling tower worker.

Preceding him in death were his mother; his grandparents,Malcolm and Marie Mahaffey and Paul Rutland; an uncle, Andy Boyd;and an aunt, Rhonda Rutland;

Survivors are his father, James Anthony Rutland Sr. and wifeHope, of Owings Mills, Md.; his brothers, Lance Martin, ofKnoxville, Tenn., and Austin Rutledge, of Brookhaven; hisgrandmother, Ruby Rutland, of Jayess; and an aunt, Vickie Boyd, ofJayess.