Clodye E. McIntyre, a resident of Kentwood, passed away at 12:12 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 at St. Helena Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born February 23, 1921 in Kentwood and was 95 years of age. She was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church. She is survived by her sisters, Donnis Blades and Carolyn Sue Blades; and nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Preceded in death by her father, Coy McIntyre; mother, Mattye Booty McIntyre; brothers, Merle and William McIntyre; and her sisters, Glynn Painter, Doyce McIntyre, Joan Bartlette and Beverly McIntyre. Graveside Services were held at McIntyre Cemetery, Kentwood at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 2, 2017. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Casimo J. Viola, Sr., a resident of Hammond, passed away at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017. He was born November 15, 1922 in Independence and was 94 years of age. He was an U.S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Viola; sons, Anthony Viola, Vincent Viola, and wife, Hanna, Charlie Engeron and wife, Cathy, Johnny Viola and wife, Brandi, Casimo Viola, Jr. and wife, Connie, Michael Viola and wife, Ashley and Chris Engeron; daughters, Robin Romano and husband, Walter and Cathy Engeron; 24 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Mary Viola; brothers, Joe and Tony Viola and his sisters, Mary Bajaezky, Katie Pizzoloto, Lena Stubbs and Tina Viola. Visitation was held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2017. Services conducted by Fr. Howard Adkins. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

“Well done thy good and faithful servant!...”Come and Share Your Master’s Happiness!” Kathryn Shaw Kuss, a resident of Kentwood, passed away at 1:13PM on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born May 30, 1925 in Kentwood and was 91 years of age. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood where she served many years as church hostess and along side of her husband, Deacon Charles Kuss, Sr., served on many committees. She was a lifetime member of the Kentwood Garden Club. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Kelsey, Amite; 2 sons, Charles F. Kuss, Jr. and wife, Betty, Rome, GA, and Dr. Kit D. Kuss and wife, Dr. Charlotte Kuss, Niceville, FL; grandchildren, Chris Kelsey and wife, Tracie, Cullman, AL, Brennan Kelsey and wife, Donna, Kentwood, Robin Kelsey, Amite, Christian Kuss and wife, Tina, Rome, GA, Mary Kathryn Nichols and husband, Justin, Ashville, NC, Charles F. “Trey” Kuss, III, Rome, GA, Kristopher Kuss and wife, Danyelle, Meridian, MS, Kelsey Noll and husband, Austin, Tallahassee, FL; greatgrandchildren, Zoe, Mike, and James Kelsey, Rosa Kathryn Kuss, Tyler, Justin, and Casey Proux, Kayla Kelsey Bridges and husband, Matthew, Brennan and Keegan Kelsey, Michael Noll, and Hazel and Hank Nichols; 2 great great granddaughters, Madelyn and Blakely Bridges; and brother, Elton “Coach” Shaw, Kentwood. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Flory “Charley” Kuss, Sr.; son-in-law, Mike Kelsey; parents, Henry and Hazel Shaw; brother, Herbert Clay Shaw; and sisters, Doris Yarbrough, Elizabeth Audibert, Lucille Brown and Mavis Shaw. Visitation was held at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Baugh and Dr. Gene Richards. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Arvin I Johnston, a resident of Independence, passed away at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 at his home. He was born July 30, 1947 in Bogalusa and was 69 years of age. He was an U.S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his wife, Frances Johnston; two sons, Jason E. Johnston and wife, Melanie, and Terry A. Johnston; 2 grandchildren, Hailey and Skylar Johnston; two sisters, Wilda Harper and husband, Paul, and Bobbie Windham; and brother, Franklin Johnston and wife, Pat. Preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Verna Johnston; and his brothers, Titus, Samuel, Ralph, Allen and Carvin Johnston and his sister, Delores Johnson. Visitation was held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Clodye E. McIntyre, a resident of Kentwood, passed away at 12:12 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 at St. Helena Nursing Home in Greensburg. She was born February 23, 1921 in Kentwood and was 95 years of age. She was a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church. She is survived by her sisters, Donnis Blades and Carolyn Sue Blades; and nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Preceded in death by her father, Coy McIntyre; mother, Mattye Booty McIntyre; brothers, Merle and William McIntyre; and her sisters, Glynn Painter, Doyce McIntyre, Joan Bartlette and Beverly McIntyre. Graveside Services were held at McIntyre Cemetery, Kentwood at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 2, 2017. Services conducted by Dr. Danny Smith. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Casimo J. Viola, Sr., a resident of Hammond, passed away at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017. He was born November 15, 1922 in Independence and was 94 years of age. He was an U.S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Viola; sons, Anthony Viola, Vincent Viola, and wife, Hanna, Charlie Engeron and wife, Cathy, Johnny Viola and wife, Brandi, Casimo Viola, Jr. and wife, Connie, Michael Viola and wife, Ashley and Chris Engeron; daughters, Robin Romano and husband, Walter and Cathy Engeron; 24 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Mary Viola; brothers, Joe and Tony Viola and his sisters, Mary Bajaezky, Katie Pizzoloto, Lena Stubbs and Tina Viola. Visitation was held at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church from 9 a.m. until religious services at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 3, 2017. Services conducted by Fr. Howard Adkins. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

“Well done thy good and faithful servant!...”Come and Share Your Master’s Happiness!” Kathryn Shaw Kuss, a resident of Kentwood, passed away at 1:13PM on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. She was born May 30, 1925 in Kentwood and was 91 years of age. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood where she served many years as church hostess and along side of her husband, Deacon Charles Kuss, Sr., served on many committees. She was a lifetime member of the Kentwood Garden Club. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Kelsey, Amite; 2 sons, Charles F. Kuss, Jr. and wife, Betty, Rome, GA, and Dr. Kit D. Kuss and wife, Dr. Charlotte Kuss, Niceville, FL; grandchildren, Chris Kelsey and wife, Tracie, Cullman, AL, Brennan Kelsey and wife, Donna, Kentwood, Robin Kelsey, Amite, Christian Kuss and wife, Tina, Rome, GA, Mary Kathryn Nichols and husband, Justin, Ashville, NC, Charles F. “Trey” Kuss, III, Rome, GA, Kristopher Kuss and wife, Danyelle, Meridian, MS, Kelsey Noll and husband, Austin, Tallahassee, FL; greatgrandchildren, Zoe, Mike, and James Kelsey, Rosa Kathryn Kuss, Tyler, Justin, and Casey Proux, Kayla Kelsey Bridges and husband, Matthew, Brennan and Keegan Kelsey, Michael Noll, and Hazel and Hank Nichols; 2 great great granddaughters, Madelyn and Blakely Bridges; and brother, Elton “Coach” Shaw, Kentwood. Preceded in death by her husband, Charles Flory “Charley” Kuss, Sr.; son-in-law, Mike Kelsey; parents, Henry and Hazel Shaw; brother, Herbert Clay Shaw; and sisters, Doris Yarbrough, Elizabeth Audibert, Lucille Brown and Mavis Shaw. Visitation was held at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 10 a.m. until religious services at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Joe Baugh and Dr. Gene Richards. McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

Arvin I Johnston, a resident of Independence, passed away at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 30, 2017 at his home. He was born July 30, 1947 in Bogalusa and was 69 years of age. He was an U.S. Army Veteran. He is survived by his wife, Frances Johnston; two sons, Jason E. Johnston and wife, Melanie, and Terry A. Johnston; 2 grandchildren, Hailey and Skylar Johnston; two sisters, Wilda Harper and husband, Paul, and Bobbie Windham; and brother, Franklin Johnston and wife, Pat. Preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Verna Johnston; and his brothers, Titus, Samuel, Ralph, Allen and Carvin Johnston and his sister, Delores Johnson. Visitation was held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 11 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

November 13, 1940-February 09, 2017

Gloria Jane Boyd Cotten, 76, died peacefully but unexpectedly after a brief illness in Amite, Louisiana, on Thursday, February 9, 2017. Mrs. Cotten was the only child of the late Marshall Franklin Boyd and the late Inez Boyd Gorman of Shreveport, Louisiana. She was a native of Shreveport, LA, and a longtime resident of McComb, MS, where she was a keypunch operator for the local school system.

Gloria Jane married Sheblon (Pete) Lamar Cotten in August, 1976, making a new family and merging two sets of children.

This began their journey together filled with love, laughter, and many travels. She and Pete spent their retirement years at Lake St. John, Louisiana, and on the Blood River before Mrs. Cotten settled in Amite, Louisiana. Gloria Jane and Pete enjoyed traveling in their RV and joined the Mississippi and Louisiana Good Sam RV Club. They had many wonderful years motoring across the United States and Canada in their RV along with their numerous Good Sam friends. Mrs. Cotten was a member of the House on the Rock Church in Amite, where she was very active and treasured the many friends she made through her church. She was a lover of books and a voracious reader. Her Book Club in Springfield, Louisiana, brought many new associations and friendships that she cherished.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Cotten, and her grandson, Marshall Blake Finnell, who died within days of each other in August, 2007. She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Finnell Lusco, Oxford, MS; her son, Harley (Bubba) Al Finnell, Jr. (Jerolyn), Dallas, TX; and step-children, Andy Cotten (Ellen), Hattiesburg, MS; Gayle Cotten, Amite, LA; and Susan Cotten Pray (Timmy), Amite, LA; grandchildren, Trey Finnell, Dallas, TX; Olivia Lusco Champion (Chris), Jackson, MS; Brittany Finnell, Austin, TX; Matthew Lusco (Meredith), Birmingham, AL; Sarah Anne Cotten Madaris (Clayton), Picayune, MS; Pete Cotten, Hattiesburg, MS; and Zach Pray (Jessica), Madisonville, LA; and six great grandchildren, Cadden Finnell, Amelia Champion, Worth Champion, Lucy Lusco, Emma Madaris, and Lexi Pray.

Visitation for Mrs. Cotten was held Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the House on the Rock Church, 727 W. Oak Street in Amite, Louisiana, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Memorials may be sent to her church: House on the Rock Church, P. O. Box 355, Amite, LA 70422; or to the charity of your choice. McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, is handling the arrangements. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

September 20, 1934-February 11, 2017

Aimee P. Besse passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2017, in Greensburg, Louisiana, at 82 years of age. She was born September, 20, 1934, in Bessamorel, France, and she and her husband, Bernard, and two children, Patrick and Rose, moved to the United States in 1969, where she made a home for her family. While living in France, She worked as a secretary at a bank in France. When the opportunity arose and her cousin, Aime Claudet, suggested, they moved to the United States. She and her husband jumped on the opportunity in order to give their children a better life. Here they managed an 800 acre farm where she and her family raised over 400 head of cattle. Work was hard and they missed their family, but she knew this would make a better life for them as she had experienced many heart aches during the war when France was invaded by Germany. Survived by son, Patrick Besse; daughter, Rose Sumrall and husband, Mike; 5 grandchildren, Shaun Besse and wife, Michelle, Shayna Morgan and husband, Sandy, Britney Bel and husband, Josh, Trevor Besse and Keith Sumrall and wife, Julia; 8 great-grandchildren, Lelia Analyse Dupont, Isabelle’ and Jaydon Besse, Anna Bordelon, Bristol Bel, Ryleigh Voight, Brody Morgan, and Michael Don Sumrall. Preceded in death by her parents, Clementine Adier and Jean Laurent Marcon; husband, Paul Bernard; 2 brothers, Joseph and Joannes Marcon; sister, Paulette Marcon; godparents, Aime and Rita Claudet; 2 great-grandchildren, Joleigh Bel and Christian Besse. Visitation was held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 10 a.m. until religious services at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 13, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Trey Waldrop. Interment Killian Chapel Cemetery, Amite. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heart of Hospice Fund, 15781 Professional Plaza, Hammond, LA 70403 in Memory of Aimee P. Besse. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

September 15, 1924-February 11, 2017

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He Maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23 Pauline Connolly Wayne was born in Kentwood, Louisiana, on September 15, 1924, and passed away on February 11, 2017, at the age of 92.

Pauline graduated from Kentwood High School before attending Southeastern Louisiana University. While attending Southeastern, she married the love of her life, Paul Wayne, in 1944. Pauline was a loving and devoted wife who along with her husband of nearly 73 years began a family. After college, Pauline worked for the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office before becoming a court reporter for the 21st Judicial District. Pauline worked for many judges throughout her career. She had a work ethic like no other. She worked many long hours, sometimes typing into the early morning hours to translate court documents while caring for and raising a family. She was highly respected by her colleagues and judges. She retired in 1986.

Pauline was the matriarch of her family. She loved and cared for her immediate family as well as many extended family members. Pauline enjoyed cooking and spending time around the dinner table with her family - Pauline’s life was complete when she had her family together. Her love for cooking and her kindness was a benefit to friends as you could always count on a hot meal when you went to her home. Pauline was a woman of amazing strength, both spiritually and emotionally. A life-long Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Amite, Pauline read her Bible and used it as a guide for her life. She also raised her children to love others, but to love God the most. Pauline always saw the good in people and the beauty in everything that she experienced. She lived a long and happy life, not always easy, but she approached and handled each situation with the utmost class and grace. Pauline lived her life simply and honestly... which is why many people turned to her for guidance and advice. She always offered an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on...she selflessly put others first. Her nurturing advice was always loving and wise. She was a true blessing to those who knew her, and she will be greatly missed.

Pauline not only enjoyed spending time with her family, she also enjoyed getting together with some of her closest friends - Mrs. Katie Russell, Mrs. Evelyn Rispone, Mrs. Genie McKneely, Mrs. Frankie Doss, and Mrs. Yvonne Jones for fun, food, and fellowship together. Many happy times were shared with this “lunch bunch”. She also enjoyed working cross word puzzles, researching her family’s genealogy, and watching Dr. Stanley and The Lawrence Welk Show.

To her family, Pauline was the glue that held the world together. She was our protector, our caregiver, our strength, and our security. She made our lives easier and filled our lives with love and happiness. She supported us and gave us the strength to accomplish anything. She never wanted any of the credit for our achievements.

Aside from spending time with her family, Pauline’s passion was camping in her RV. She would take her grandchildren camping every available weekend. Pauline was also a member of the Denham Springs Campers’ Club where she could be found many weekends visiting and having a pot-luck dinner with family, friends, and fellow campers. Pauline and her dear friend and co-worker, Mrs. Helen Waldrop, spent many weekends sitting around a campfire visiting and solving life’s problems.

Pauline is survived by her daughter; Cheryl Wayne Davis and husband, Ralph Davis of Baton Rouge; her grandchildren, Leigh Anne Bel Lambert of Amite; W. Bart Beaver of Amite; and Beau W. Beaver of Amite; her great-grandchildren, Hunter Lambert and Jaden Lambert.

Pauline is preceded in death by her parents; Hansel and Mary Leona Connolly, her loving husband of nearly 73 years, Paul Wayne; and daughter Sarah Ann Wayne Beaver; sister Mamie Eldridge; brother James Connolly, and several half-sisters.

Visitation was held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday and at First Baptist Church of Amite from 9 a.m. until Religious Services at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 13, 2017. Services conducted by Rev. Trey Waldrop. Interment Mulberry Street Cemetery, Amite. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.

December 09, 1936- February 11, 2017

Morris J. Bergeron, Sr., a resident of Tickfaw, passed away at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond. He was born December 9, 1936 in Independence and was 80 years of age. He was retired from Tangipahoa Parish School System after 24 years of service and umpired baseball in the Tangipahoa Parish Area for 36 years. He is survived by 2 grandchildren, Martin and Raelyn McAllister; numerous great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Jessie and Louis Bergeron; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by wife, Hazel Grace Foy Bergeron; son, Morris J. “Joey” Bergeron, Jr.; daughter, Cynthia Ann Bergeron; 4 brothers, George, Thomas, Philip, and Oliver Bergeron; parents, Philip and Julia Lemay Bergeron. Visitation was held at McKneely Funeral Home, Amite, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2017. Religious Services at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, Independence, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Services conducted by Deacon Roger Navarra. Interment Colonial Cemetery, Independence. For an online guestbook, visit http://www.mckneelys.com.