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Georjean Woods

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 10:03am

Georjean Woods entered into eternal rest on August 12, 2020, at the age of 80.
She was a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge and an Educator for 40 years in St. Mary Parish, West St. John Parish and Lynwood, California.
Survived by her sons, Dwaine (Dynetta) Woods and Jarrad (Shana) Woods; sisters, Deloris Butler, Helen Miller and Zenola Simmons; eight stepchildren; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents, George Favors Sr. and Hilda Watts Favors; brothers, George Favors Jr., Lawrence Favors and Ronald Favors Sr.; and sisters, Hattie Perry, Vivian Miller and Ara Mae Favors.
The family will have a private graveside service at Heavenly Gates Cemetery of Baton Rouge, 10633 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA.
Funeral services entrusted to Hall Davis and Son.

Elizabeth Dorris “Beth” Fairley

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 10:02am

Elizabeth Dorris “Beth” Fairley, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to so many, passed away peacefully Monday, August 17, 2020, at Maison Jardin with her loving family at her side. She was 83.
Beth, as she was affectionately known, did not know a stranger and made instant friends where she went. She loved spending time with her family, eating Cajun food, and loved to ride the backroads of Louisiana! She collected angels and shared her angels with whomever needed them. She also collected the US State quarters from both mints and shared this hobby with several friends as well. She enjoyed life to the fullest and counted her blessings every day. Beth was a devoted Pastor’s wife and supported Vernon’s ministry throughout their marriage. Their loving marriage of 58 years was an example to all who met them. Her faith, strength and courage throughout a lengthy illness was a testimony to her love of God.
Those left to cherish her memory is her loving and devoted husband, Rev. James “Vernon” Fairley Sr.; her two children and granddaughters, who were the world to her, James Fairley, Kimberly Fairley Conrad and husband Glenn Conrad and their daughters, Alana Conrad and Madeline Conrad; and her only sister, Susan Dorris Johnson and husband Robert “BJ” Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Pitner Dorris and Catherine Elizabeth Baldwin Dorris.
A Private Graveside Service was held for Beth and she was laid to rest at St. Joseph Mausoleum in Patterson.
Family and friends are encouraged to visit Mrs. Fairley’s memorial page at www.hargravefuneralhome.com and share your memories and condolences. Everyone is also asked to consider sending cards and messages to Vernon and James at 516 Roderick St. Apt. 113, Morgan City, LA 70380.
Memorial contributions may be made in Beth’s name to MacDonell Children Services, 8326 E Main St., Houma, LA 70363.
Words cannot express the family’s gratitude to her caregiver, Kelly Cavalier, that was like another daughter to her. Also, we want to thank Dr. Bill Cefalu, nurses, AllCare nurses, her caregiver Regne “Sis” Darnell Hines, Heart of Hospice and the Staff of Maison Jardin for the wonderful care and love she received over the last six years. May God bless you all.
Hargrave Funeral Home of Morgan City was in charge of arrangements.

Clarence “C.G.” Cooper

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 10:01am

Clarence “C.G.” Cooper went home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 16, 2020, at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City.
He was born in Pineville, Louisiana, to John and Mary Cooper. Clarence moved to Morgan City in 1962 where he opened Cooper Brothers Welding Service with his brother. He traveled the world working in the oilfield, which was his passion, and he made many friends along the way.
He is survived by his wife, Alba Marilu Cooper; his son, Chris Cooper and wife Shirley of Morgan City; his daughter, Crystal Cooper Roy of Abbeville; grandchildren, Jennifer Cooper Wylie and her husband Doug of Baton Rouge, Jonathan Cooper and wife Jennifer of Morgan City, Kailyn Roy Daniel and husband Doug of Lafayette, and Victoria and Lyndi Cooper, both of Morgan City. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Chris and Mackenzie Cooper, Nathan Wylie, and Caroline Daniel. He is survived by his brother, Alton Cooper of Rayville.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his son Carlos Glen Cooper, his sisters Shirel Cooper McMahan and Sammye Cooper Callendar, and son-in-law Maxie Roy Jr.
A private memorial service was held and he was interred in Morgan City Cemetery alongside his son Carlos.

NSU music students to perform Beethoven

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:57am

THIBODAUX — Nicholls State University will hold a livestream where piano students will play movements from several of Beethoven’s sonatas, including “Moonlight.”
The Facebook livestream will be from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 8.
Gloria B. Callais Endowed Professor of Music Luciana Soares has been working with the students. She said they are looking forward to sharing the work.
“Come support our homegrown piano students as they perform some of the greatest music ever written,” the Steinway Artist said in a news release. “For a musician, Beethoven is the Everest of composers. We work hard to bring these pieces to life, and I believe it will be a rewarding experience for performers and audience alike.”
The event will conclude Nicholls’ celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birthday, which began in January. The students originally were scheduled to end the ceremonies in May, but the pandemic delayed the event.
For more about the Beethoven 250 event, visit www.nicholls.edu/music/beethoven250/.

Wheel House

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:54am

VOTER DRIVE
Men In Black and St. Mary’s Black Lives Matter sponsoring a voter registration drive 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at St. John Lodge 11, 400 Barrow St., Morgan City. Refreshments provided. For info call 985-519-0421.

NSU alum named new University Police chief

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:51am

THIBODAUX — Lt. Alexander Barnes, a Nicholls alum, has been named chief of University Police at Nicholls State University, effective immediately.
The New Orleans native is a 16-year law enforcement veteran and got his start as a campus student officer as a Nicholls student. His career also includes five years with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Since 2018, Barnes had served as lieutenant and assistant director for police operations with University Police.
“As a student at Nicholls, this was always a long-term goal of mine,” Barnes said in a news release. “My team and I are excited to engage our students in positive interactions that will develop an open line of communication. Only through understanding, cooperation and partnering with not only our local agencies, but the entire university community, can we continue to do great things. It is important to remember that University Police is part of a larger whole. As part of that whole, we also have a role in the development of our students that goes beyond that of basic law enforcement.”
A committee that included Nicholls faculty, staff and the local law enforcement community oversaw the search to replace Craig Jacuzzo, who joined the university criminal justice faculty this fall after 16 years as University Police chief.
“From the beginning of this process, we have been impressed by Lt. Barnes’ passion for law enforcement, his affection for Nicholls and his vision for the department,” Nicholls Vice President for Finance and Administration Terry Braud said in a news release. “It is my pleasure to welcome him to the role, and I’m confident he will represent this university in the best way.”
Barnes is a member of the Nicholls Hall of Fame and is a former Student Government Association president, Nicholls NAACP president and Mr. Nicholls 2008.

Socha joins Conrad Shipyard’s senior management team

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:49am

Robert A. Socha has joined Conrad Shipyard LLC’s administration team as vice president of Sales and Marketing.
In this role, Socha will lead the company’s sales and marketing efforts. He will work collaboratively with other Conrad business groups, including Business Develo-pment, Engineering and Product Development, Contracts, Estimating and Operations.
“We are excited to have Robert join our team,” Conrad Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Johnny Conrad said in a news release. “He brings to our company 30-plus years of experience in sales and marketing in the marine industry, and he is a welcome addition to our company.
“Robert’s extensive background will help Conrad strengthen existing customer relationships, develop entries into new markets and expand our sales presence in the industry,” Conrad added. “Robert exhibits professionalism and integrity, qualities Conrad deems critical in taking care of our customers, and we are delighted to bring him aboard.”
Socha has served in numerous roles of increasing responsibility, including sales representative, assistant division manager, executive vice president and vice president of Business Development with various companies in the offshore and inland marine transportation, shipbuilding, oil and gas exploration and offshore engineering/construction industries.

Hospitals announce births

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:43am

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Blaine A. Domingue (nee: Carissa Fontenot) of Patterson, a boy, Drake Anthony Domingue, on July 30 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measured 19 inches.
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Born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Streetman (nee: Penny Breaux) of Morgan City, a girl, Violet Josephine Streetman, on Aug. 3 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 20 inches.
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Born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfonso Reyes of Morgan City, a boy, Alfonso Reyes Jr., on Aug. 3 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20 inches.
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Born to Patricia Moore and Jarett Reed of Morgan City, a girl, Chloe Lee Reed, on Aug. 6 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and measured 20¼ inches.
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Born to Niki M. Crappell and Marc A. Mireles of Morgan City, a girl, Madi Laine Mireles, on Aug. 7 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 19 inches.
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Born to Shanice Thomas of Morgan City, a girl, Jhai’Re Sanai Thomas on Aug. 9 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 21 inches.
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Born to Lexes Berthelot and Marvin May IV of Patterson, a girl, Malahni Rae May, on Aug. 10 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 inches.
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Born to Ashley M. Saucier and Dustin Pike of Patterson, a girl, Kinsley Grace Saucier, on Aug. 12 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. She weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces and measured 17½ inches.
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Born to Tiara Johnson of Amelia, a girl, Tieraney Roley Johnson, on Aug. 13 at Ochsner St. Mary in Morgan City. She weighed 7 pounds and measured 19¾ inches.

Louisiana Book Festival canceled due to pandemic

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:42am

BATON ROUGE — The Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana announces the cancellation of the 2020 Louisiana Book Festival due to the current pandemic.
The 2020 Louisiana Book Festival was originally scheduled for Oct. 31. This decision was made after carefully evaluating the evolving circumstances as well as considering the needs and availability of all of the festival partners including the supporting foundation, vendors, authors, moderators and volunteers, the State Library of Louisiana news release states.
“We know the Louisiana Book Festival is a big part of the fall season and not having it will be disappointing to many,” said Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser. “But my office is committed to doing our part to keep our community safe by putting the health and safety of the public and our employees at the forefront in making decisions.”
The internationally-recognized, award-winning Louisiana Book Festival brings together private industry, community stakeholders and local, state and federal partners each year to present a festival that highlights and celebrates Louisiana’s literary heritage. Each year the festival brings more than 20,000 people from all over the world to downtown Baton Rouge.
“As we made this decision, I was reminded our literary community and those who support it are some of Louisiana’s greatest treasures,” said State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton. “Together we have created something incredibly meaningful that stands as a tribute to Louisiana and tells her story with voices that represent all of us; that story will continue to be told until the 2021 Louisiana Book Festival brings us together again.”
The Louisiana Book Festival is a free event that takes place in the heart of Baton Rouge in the Louisiana State Capitol, State Library of Louisiana, Capitol Park Museum and tents on neighboring streets each fall. It features more than 200 authors and panelists discussing their books, and more than 100 programs, including the Young Readers’ Pavilion, where children and parents enjoy storytelling and performances; Teen Headquarters, featuring bestselling and award-winning young adult authors; and a wide variety of book-related activities, exhibitors and performances.
For information about the festival and future dates, visit www.LouisianaBookFestival.org.

Long-ago divorce remains source of constant criticism

Thu, 08/20/2020 - 9:41am

By Jeanne Phillips, ©United Features Syndicate

DEAR ABBY: I desperately need to learn how to cope with caring for my mother, who is living with me. We get along most days, however she is very much a “Negative Nancy” on all topics, especially my life.
I have been divorced for more than 10 years, but she digs about my ex and his new wife as often as possible. I have asked her repeatedly to stop, but she flat-out refuses because “he left me in financial ruin.”
Yes, my ex is more financially stable today than when we were married, but I am neither desolate nor destitute. She makes me feel like no matter what I do for her it’s not enough, and before you suggest it, our only option is to live together. Please help salvage my emotional state.
CHALLENGED IN TEXAS

DEAR CHALLENGED: For the sake of your sanity, you will have to learn to change the way you react to Mommy Dearest, who can’t let go of her grudge or resist stirring the pot. Do you think she does it because she enjoys needling you? Is she bored and has nothing better to talk about?
When she makes negative comments about your ex, don’t take the bait. Ignore her, leave the room or counter by saying something positive about him. (I hope you can come up with some good material.) And when she complains that you don’t do enough for her, start doing less, which may make you feel less taken for granted.
Understand that you may never please her, and when the quarantine ends, encourage her to spend time at a senior center, volunteering “to help others less fortunate,” or some other activity that will get her out of your house. You should also spend less time with her when you need to.

DEAR ABBY: My late husband and I had a dysfunctional marriage. He died in a car accident in 1995 at the age of 49. I was 44 then.
I did my best to shield my then-teenage daughter, “Wendy,” from his opiate addiction, suicide attempts, physical abuse and the constant flux of income because we were on and off welfare. On the flip side of his character, he was funny, super smart, helped anyone who needed help and was loved by everyone.
Little did I know, my husband had been confiding all of my perceived faults with Wendy over the years. Twenty-five years have passed, and she still has residual anger toward me for things I never did back then. It spills out when she judges me or accuses me about issues that happen between us today.
Her father was abusive and neglectful of her, too, but she doesn’t remember it. In her eyes, I was the bad guy in the marriage and he was the good guy and her hero forever.
I don’t know how to heal the ugliness between us. I don’t think it’s productive at this point to tell her how bad her father treated me back then. I continue to love her unconditionally, but it still doesn’t overcome her underlying pain and anger.
Was I wrong for hiding everything from her? It’s not fair being thought of unjustly. What else can I do?
FAILING IN FLORIDA

DEAR FAILING: By protecting your daughter from the truth all these years, you have contributed to the situation you find yourself in.
Tell your daughter it’s important the two of you get some issues out in the open, and if she agrees, make an appointment for you both with a licensed mental health professional who can facilitate and mediate the long-overdue discussion.
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