Local funeral directors are grappling with an unprecedented surge in services this weekend, forcing many establishments to schedule multiple ceremonies simultaneously – a situation not seen since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/21
This weekend the bulk of the funeral services are being handled by Smith and McFarland Funeral Home.
During the Pandemic it was not unusual for multiple graveside services to be held simultaneously at the same cemetery, often managed by the same funeral home, side by side.
This weekend’s unusual number of funerals is not attributed to any specific cause.
“We are assisting nine families confirmed and are working on others,” said Rev. Rodney McFarland of McFarland Funeral Homes.
“We’re working at maximum capacity,” McFarland said.
The timing poses additional challenges for all funeral homes and grieving families, as the holiday season traditionally sees fewer services scheduled.
Many families prefer to avoid having funerals near Christmas.
It’s already an emotionally charged time of year, and families often want to preserve the holiday season’s memories separate from their loss.
Some funeral homes have extended their operating hours and brought in additional staff to manage the increase. Despite these measures, several families have had to accept shared time slots or consider postponing services until after the holidays.
Local religious leaders have also stepped in to offer additional venue and service times to support the community during this difficult period.
Several pending funeral details have not been finalized for this weekend; however, among the funerals that have been announced for this weekend are:
Moore, Duffie, 74
Deputy Fire Chief Duffie Moore, Jr., 74, of Monroe, LA. Service will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Forsythe Avenue Church. Visitation is 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, December 20, 2024, at Forysthe Avenue Church of Christ, Monroe. Burial will be Monday, December 23, 2024, at Northeast Veterans Cemetery, Rayville, LA., under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
Duffie Moore Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and community leader, was born on October 28, 1950, to the late Duffie Moore Sr. and Lottie Ciel Moore. He entered eternal rest on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the age of 74, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and family.
Born into a family of faith and resilience, Duffie’s early life was shaped by loss and strength. Duffie’s sister Zenobia passed away shortly after birth. His father passed away when he was only six months old, leaving his mother to raise Duffie and his sister Leboria. Despite these challenges, Duffie’s life became a testament to dedication, service, and love.
While attending Carroll High School, Duffie made the profound decision to serve his country. In 1969, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served with honor until 1973, later joining the Marine Corps Reserve Forces until 1975. His military accolades include the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Campaign Medal with Device, and the RVAMC Cross of Gallantry First Class Color with Palm and Frame.
After his time in the Marines, Duffie returned to Monroe, Louisiana, to care for his aging mother. His strong work ethic and commitment to service extended to his professional life. Over the years, he worked as a local truck driver, store manager for Sears, car salesman, and ultimately found his calling with the Ouachita Parish Fire Department. Hired in 1984, Duffie rose through the ranks from driver to Captain, District Chief, and in 2005 became the first African American Deputy Fire Chief in Ouachita Parish. After 25 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2007, leaving a lasting legacy within the fire department and the community.
Duffie’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his savior in 1973 and served Him faithfully for the rest of his life. He preached at the Rayville Church of Christ for several years and was a committed member of the University Church of Christ in Monroe for over 35 years, always ready to preach, lead worship, or teach Bible classes. In his later years, he and his wife, Pat, worshiped at the Forsythe Avenue Church of Christ.
Family was at the heart of everything Duffie did. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. He was preceded in death by his father Duffie Moore Sr., mother Lottie Ciel Moore, two sisters Zenobia Moore and Leboria Moore, two daughters, Victoria Archangel (Alfred) and Tammy Downs (Terry). He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Patricia “Pat” Moore; two daughters, Nicki Stevenson and Lottie Conway (Paul); four sons, James Moore, Marklin Moore, David Moore, and Duffie Moore, III (Consettia); and eleven grandchildren: Cameron Moore, Tori Downs, Vinecia Williams, Tamia Downs, David Moore Jr., Vincent Williams Jr., Journey Moore, Nicholas Williams, Lynise Meredith, David Paul Conway Jr., and Daniel Luke Conway. He also leaves behind two uncles, George Smith and Lee Davis (Veronica); three aunts, Francis Lee (James), Georgia Mae Washington, and Belinda Smith-Martin (Rodney); along with a host of in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Duffie’s life was a shining example of love, service, and faith
Billups, Carolyn, 68
Carolyn Reynolds Billups, 68, of Monroe, La. Service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Greater Antioch Baptist Church, 301 Sherrouse Avenue, Monroe, La. A musical in her honor will be held at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Friday, December 20th, at 7 p.m. Public visitation will be held Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church (Brannon Hall).
Parker, William, 66
William Parker, 66 of Monroe, La. Service will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Public visitation will be Friday, December 20, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the McFarland Funeral Home.
Santella, Veronica “Papoose” Adams, 68
Veronica “Papoose,” Adams Santell, 68, of Columbia. Service will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 11a.m. at the Brownville Baptist Church in Columbia. Services are managed by McFarland Funeral Home.
Wagner, Rechard, 49
Rechard Wagner, 49, of Monroe, La. Service will be held at Zion Traveler Baptist Church, December 21, 2024, at 11 a.m. Miller Funeral Home in Charge.
Johnson, Essie 80
Essie Mae Johnson, 80, of Missouri formally of Monroe, LA. Graveside Service will be 2:30 PM Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Adile Cemetery under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
Marshall, William 58
William Kirk Marshall, 58, of Monroe, LA. Service will be 6:00 PM Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Smith Funeral Home under the direction of Smith Funeral Home. There will be no visitation.
Newman, Lenner, 84
Lenner Newman, Jr., 84, of Monroe, LA. Service will be at 2:30 PM Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Spiritual Harvest Worship Center, 3918 Harrison St., Monroe. There will be no visitation. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
Harris, Jessie Mae, 67
Jessie Mae Harris, 67, of Dallas, TX formerly Monroe, LA. Service will be at 2:30 PM Saturday, December 21, 2024, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1901 Lexington Ave. Visitation is 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM Friday, December 20, 2024 at Smith Funeral Home. Burial will be in Richwood Gardens under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
Fredricks, John, 68
John Henry Fredricks. , 68, of Monroe, LA. Service will be 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Smith Funeral Home. Visitation is 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM Friday, December 20, 2024, at Smith Funeral Home. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
Ross, Ronald 63
Ronald Wayne Ross, 63. Service will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, at 1 p.m. at the St. Mary Baptist Church, 1600 Peach Street. McFarland Funeral Home is in charge.
Willis, Thelma, 71
Thelma Jean Willis, 71, Service will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church. Public visitation will be just before the service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at McFarland Funeral Home.
Dunn, Lee Arthur, 63
Lee Arthur Dunn, 63. Died: Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Visitation: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Friday, December 20, 2024, McFarland Funeral Companies, Delhi, LA; Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, December 21, 2024, Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, 413 Barfield Road, Delhi, LA.
Humphrey, Tangaler Yvonne, 51
Tangaler Yvonne Humphrey, 51 of Monroe, LA. died December 7, 2024. Service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Smith Funeral Home. Visitation is 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Burial in Magnolia Cemetery, Monroe , LA under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
Burton, Patricia Ann, 60
Patricia Ann Burton, 60 of Dallas Texas formerly of Monroe, LA died December 08, 2024. Service will be 11:00 AM Friday, December 20, 2024, at Jesus Holy Temple, Monroe, LA. Visitation is 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM Thursday, December 19, 2024. Burial in Richwood Gardens, Richwood, LA under the direction of Smith Funeral Home.
