Brown-Holley Funeral Homes

04/01/2026

A memorial gathering for Lola “Dianne” Smith, 76, of Rayville, LA will be held at 5:00P.M. - 7:00 P.M., Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Brown-Holley Funeral Chapel, Rayville, LA.

Ms. Dianne was born on January 5, 1950, in Winnsboro, LA and passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026 in Monroe, LA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, William “Buddy” Smith; parents, Lola Fuller Windham and Alfred Eugene Moody; brother, Sonny Moody; and sister, Glenda Morris; brother-in-law, Gerald Barnett, Sr.; niece, Shanna Berry; nephews, Gerald Barnett, Jr. and Pap Moody;

Survivors include her step-son, Jeff Smith (Carolyn) of El Dorado, AR; grandchildren, Samantha Mann (Chris) of Sterlington, LA, Jacob Smith (Rachel) of Greers Ferry, AR; great grandchildren, Logan Mann, Emma Mann, Ella Mann, Effie Jane Smith, Elosie Smith; siblings, Dixie Stovall, Bobbie Moody, Tammy Malone (Reggie), Kitty Barnett; nieces and nephews, Eddie Lord (Anna), Tommy Lord, Raini Graham, Billy Boone (Charlotte), Felecia Lively (D.J.), Travis Barnett (Tracey), Cody Barnett, Terry Morris (Chasity), Kevin Morris (Tena), Kim Wall (Keith), Reggie Malone, Jr. (Abbie); and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

03/26/2026

Memorial services for Wayne McManus, 79, of Rayville, LA were held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, March 28, 2026 at First Baptist Church, Rayville, LA with Bro. Rayland Trisler, Dr. Justin Clark, Bro. Johnny Hoychick, Bro. Todd Morris officiating under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA

Wayne McManus, a good and faithful servant, was called home into the loving arms of Jesus on Wednesday March 25 at 12 pm. His life was a testament of faith, kindness, and unwavering devotion to anyone that crossed his path. He walked with grace and gave with a generous heart.

Wayne was a strong loving family man. Married 58 years to his loving wife, Brenda. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren on countless vacations and family outings. His sense of humor always kept his family and friends entertained.

Wayne was a successful and highly respected farmer for 32 years and never hesitated to help a fellow farmer in need. In his early years he was honored to be chosen as the Louisiana Farm Bureau farmer of the year. He had a great passion for farming and working the land. Farming was his true calling. Additionally, he was a part owner of Holly Ridge Gin. He was also a board member of Federal Land Bank and the River Road Water System.

After surrendering his life to Christ, Wayne became a faithful disciple witnessing to anyone that crossed his path. He would often bring new friends’ home for dinner and introduce them to the Lord. Wayne and his Gideon brothers faithfully visited Madison Parish Detention Center early every Sunday morning for many years.
Wayne was honored to be elected as a deacon at Grace Baptist Church and later at Rayville First Baptist. Wayne and Brenda loved their church family and enjoyed participating in all the activities including a memorable mission trip to Romania, Promise Keepers Ministry, Celebrate Recovery, and Wayne was a faithful member of the Gideons International Organization.

He was an accomplished turkey and deer hunter and cofounded the Hunters For Christ organization. One of his most favorite places in the world was Yucatan Hunting Club, where he enjoyed family and many lifelong friends. If you knew Wayne, you’ve heard the “stories!”

Mr. McManus was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Velma McManus; siblings, Marvin McManus, Irene McManus, Donnis Taylor, Eugene McManus, Lindell McManus.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Brenda Johnston McManus; children, Tracy Morris (Larry Joe), Tesa McManus (Monty Russell), Colby McManus (Torie); grandchildren, Natalie McManus, Marigrace Prophit (Brantley), Dylan McManus (Cassie), Cole Morris, Carter McManus (Ashley), Madison McManus, Brantley McManus, Ben McManus; great grandchildren, Zadee Love, Braylin Prophit, Van Prophit, Bowen McManus, Bennett McManus, Carson McManus, Gunner McManus, Adalyn McManus; brother, Milton McManus (Rhonda); sisters, Evelyn Cooper, Darlene Siscoe (Leslie).

Honorary Pallbearers were his grandsons: Dylan McManus, Cole Morris, Carter McManus, Brantley McManus, and Bentley McManus, and also included Todd and Neil Walton, Mike Sanders, Gideons buddies, and Johnny Hoychick’s Sunday School Class.

In honor of his memory, you may make a donation to the Gideons International Organization or Rayville Celebrate Recovery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Larry O’Linde and Dr. Kyle Bruyninckx for the wonderful care over the years. Also, the sweet nurses and aides at Elera Hospice and Home Health.

Visitation was Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 1:30 pm until 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church, Rayville, LA.

To leave condolences for the family go online to

The loss of a loved one can leave you with a lot of unanswered questions, feelings of stress and anxiety and grief that makes events difficult to handle. The experienced funeral directors at Brown-Holley Funeral Homes will guide you through the aspects of the funeral service with compassion, dignity...

03/13/2026

Dawn Faye Traweek
Rayville, LA

Graveside services for Mrs. Faye Traweek, 91, of Rayville, LA were held at 2:00 PM Monday, March 16, 2026 in Mulhearn Memorial Park, Monroe, LA with Deanna Corbitt officiating under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Mrs. Faye was born January 5, 1935 in Evergreen, AL and passed away Friday, March 13, 2026 in Rayville, LA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thaddius W. and Willie Traweek; sister, Grace Norman; brother, William “Pete” Traweek; and niece, Linda Sanchez.

Survivors include her nephews, Larry Sanches of Delhi; Bill Norman and wife, Debbie of Rayville; Joey Norman and wife, Denise of St. Joe; numerous great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Braydon McDavid, Trace McDavid, Matt Sanches; Thad Sanches, Will Norman, and Chance McDavid.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

03/05/2026

In Loving Memory of
Charles Richard "Ricky" Hendrix, Jr.
Rayville, LA

Memorial services for Charles Richard “Ricky” Hendrix, Jr, 68, of Rayville, LA were held at 12:00 PM, Sunday, March 8, 2026 at Brown-Holley Funeral Chapel, Rayville, LA.

Mr. Ricky was born December 30, 1957 in Delhi, LA and passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2026 in Rayville, LA. He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Richard “Buddy” Hendrix, Sr.

Survivors include his son, Charles Richard “Trey” Hendrix, III; daughter, Tiffany Hendrix Watson (Conner); grandchildren, Briley Marble, Levi Hendrix, Camden Hendrix, Eleanor Watson; mother, Alice Marie Hendrix; sisters, Kathy Hendrix, Terisa Morris (Ralph); and numerous nieces and nephews.

02/28/2026

Funeral services for Jeanette Burgess, 62, of Mangham, LA, will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, March 2, 2026, at Lone Cherry Baptist Church, in Mangham, LA with Bro. Doyle Adams and Bro. Prentis Gandy officiating. Interment will follow to Lone Cherry Cemetery, in Mangham, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, in Rayville, LA.
Jeanette was born on March 19, 1963, in Monroe, LA and passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Winnsboro, LA. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Heather Searcy, paternal grandparents, Carl and Rona Free; maternal grandparents, John and Eveyln Mercer; father, Carl Free, Jr.; brothers, Clayton Free and Mike Free.
Survivors include her son, Dewayne Searcy, Jr; life partner, Lance Griffin; mother, Maxine Free; siblings, John Free, Curtis Free (Mary), Juanita Glass (Sammy), Laura Ann Free; and special friend, Terri
Pallbearers are Joe Mercer, Richard Griffen, Brance Griffen, Dustin Franks, Ted Warren and Gene Free.
Honorary pallbearers Lance Griffen.
Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., Monday, March 2, 2026, at Lone Cherry Baptist Church, in Mangham, LA.

02/17/2026

William Thomas Walker

William Thomas Walker, 58, of Start, LA was born February 2, 1968 in Monroe, LA and passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at his residency in Start, LA. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mr. William was a great dad, with beautiful voice. He was a big man – tall, and impossible to miss. But what truly made him larger than life was his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Randall and Edna Walker; and nephew, Jordan Walker Gooding.

Survivors include his daughter, Shelby Walker of Start, LA; stepson, Lauten Walsworth (Jessica); step grandchildren, Caden Walsworth and Caylee Walsworth; siblings, Juanita Gooding of Monroe, LA, Randy Walker (Lou) of Gilbert, LA, and Audrey Walker of Celina, TX; numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

02/11/2026

Sarah "Tut" Margret Bolton

Sarah Margret Bolton, affectionately known as “Tut”, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026 surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jamie and Susie Boies, her brothers, James Reese and Lannie Boies, her beloved husband, George, W. Bolton Jr., her son, George W Bolton III, and daughter-in-law, Debi Bolton. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Hoychick and husband Johnny of Rayville, Mary Lynn Bolton Bruyninckx and Joe of Rayville, Jimmy Bolton and wife Julie of Texarkana, AR, son, Jeff Bolton of Monroe, LA.

Grandchildren: Johnny B. Hoychick and Becky of Rayville, Danny Hoychick and Michelle of Houma, LA, Timothy Hoychick and Jennifer of Rayville, Bryan Bolton and Rachel of Nashville, TN, Caleb Bolton and Amy of Jacksonville TX, Sarah Ann Shields and Fred of Monroe, Jamie Bolton and Lindsay of Shreveport, LA, John Bolton and Jessica of Texarkana, AR, April Bolton Perault of Baton Rouge, Jordan McWilliams and Patrick of Monroe.

She is also survived by 30 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Tut was born July 24, 1924. She spent her early childhood living in the Mangham, Louisiana area. Her family later moved to Rayville where she graduated. She then attended Louisiana College in Pineville. After graduation, she returned to Rayville and worked at the Richland Parish Clerks office. It was at this job, she first met the love of her life, who was practicing law after returning from World War II. They immediately fell in love and were married within six weeks!

Tut was a devout Christian, who radiated the light and love of Jesus her entire life. A lifelong member of First Baptist Church Rayville, she served in numerous roles and positions, including Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader/teacher, WMU, GA’s and numerous ministries through the years.

Tut, along with her daughter Susan, were instrumental in starting a local women’s prison ministry which lasted for 22 years. A team of ladies went weekly to lead worship services and teach the Word of God to the incarcerated ladies. This ministry dissolved when females were no longer housed there.

A dream she had came to reality 13 years ago when she renovated a large room in her house, turning it into a Prayer Room. She started a ladies Prayer Group, which continues to meet weekly in her home. Tut enjoyed a special bond and love for these ladies. She also had a passion for “the lost” accompanied with a boldness to share Jesus with anyone willing to listen!

Pallbearers were her grandsons.

The family would like to express special thanks and appreciation to Dr. Kevin Carlisle for his wonderful care through the years. They also would like to thank Premiere Hospice for their kind and caring services. A very special thanks to all of those who have provided outstanding care over the last year: Sholonda Miller, Tonya Williams, Tammi Miller, Ann Mack, Rebeka Johnson, Jaylon Barker, Richalian Miller.

Services were held at 2:00 PM Sunday February 15,2026 at First Baptist Church Rayville. Visitation was from 12:30 PM until service time, under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Mission Dignity, which provides finances for needy bi-vocational pastors and their widows after their retirement, Mission Dignity, PO Box 673001, Dallas, TX 75267-9734 or to Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

02/11/2026

Verna Louise Trahan

Funeral services for Verna Louise Trahan, 85, of Rayville, LA were held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, February 12, 2026 at First Baptist Church, Rayville, LA with Dr. Justin Clark officiating. Interment was in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Oakdale, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Ms. Verna was born October 19, 1940 in Oakdale, LA and passed away Monday, February 9, 2026 in Rayville, LA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, John Trahan; stepdaughter, Dale Scallan; step great grandson, Eli Branch; sister, Billie Hagemeier; and parents, Vernon Conway and Myrtis Johnson.

Survivors include her children, Jenny Branch (Ken) of Rayville, LA and Randy Trahan of Long Beach, CA; step-daughter, Patty Fuselier (Bobby) of Maurice, LA; grandchildren, Blake Branch (Taylor), Haleigh Petit (Matthew), and Erin Williams (Samuel); great grandchildren, Molly Branch, Lincoln Branch, Tucker Petit, Kendall Petit and Leighton Williams; step granddaughter, Nikkole Branch; step great grandchildren, Mallory Branch, Katelyn Branch and Ty Branch; siblings, Toni Melton and Tobi Hathorn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Matthew Petit, Blake Branch, Ken Branch, Samuel Williams, Ty Branch, and Dan Branch.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

02/03/2026

Glenda "Michele" Black O'Deay

Michele was born April 15, 1956 in Delhi, LA and passed away peacefully Monday, February 2, 2026 while in the hospital.

Mrs. O’Deay dedicated her life to her family. She was always available when one of us might need help, a shoulder to lean on, or just someone to listen. She was always involved in her boy’s extra-curricular activities; there wasn’t any event she would miss. She enjoyed sewing, crotchet, painting, there wasn’t a craft that she disliked, she also enjoyed spending hours on the phone talking about anything and everything to her sister.

Michele was preceded in death by her parents, James and Melva Black; husband, Kraig B O’Deay; sisters, Jamie Allison Black and Julie Lynette Casares.

Survivors include her sons, Justin Keith Black of Rayville and Jeremy Daniel Black of Rayville; special daughter, Rachel Ann Black of Rayville; brother, Bradley Keith Black of Vermont; brother-in-law, Juan Casares of Texas; grandchildren, Daniel Black, LeeAnna Black and Skylar Black; former sister-in-law, Tracy Black; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Michele’s wishes are to be cremated and spread together with her husband by her boys at a later date.
A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

02/02/2026

James Elkins

Memorial services for James Ray Elkins, 74, of Bastrop, LA will be held at a later date.

Mr. James was born October 1, 1951 in Rayville, LA and passed away Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Shreveport, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, J. W. and Irma Elkins; siblings, Lena Wilder, Bessie Caronne, and John Elkins, Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Betty Grice Elkins; daughter, Tessa Elkins Ibarra (Jose); step-son, Sam Grice (Ben); grandchildren, Layla Ibarra; William Anderson; Ruby Ibarra Nunez (David); siblings, Juanita Saucier; Mary Ovdiyenko; Helen Cramer; Rosie Clark; numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

01/20/2026

Jeff M. Golliher

Funeral services for Jeff M. Golliher, 85, of Alexandria, LA were held at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 23, 2026 at Brown-Holley Funeral Chapel, Rayville, LA with Bro. Shawn Corley officiating. Interment was the Stevenson Cemetery, Rayville, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Mr. Jeff was born October 28, 1940 in Rayville, LA and passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026 in Alexandria, LA after a lengthy illness.

Jeff was formerly employed by the Union Pacific Railroad for 54 years. He was preceded in death by his brother, Pat Golliher, sister-in-law, Dot Golliher; and parents, William and Nannie Golliher.

Survivors include his children, Brenda Golliher of Bellevue, NE and Tammy Golliher of Alexandria, LA; grandchildren, Sara Panepinto Weelborg (Trent), Donald Panepinto, II, and Alexis Golliher; great grandchildren, Madeline Weelborg and Camila Dauzat; niece, Pam Golliher; nephew, Bill Golliher (Virginia); mother of his children, Janet Dauzat Golliher; fur babies, Buddy Boy and Kitty Mama; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

01/13/2026

Jennifer Lisaette Jones Lingefelt

Funeral services for Jennifer Lisaette Jones Lingefelt, 44, of Epps, LA were held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Epps Baptist Church, Epps, LA with Bro. Alvin Stowe, Bro. Bobby Arnold, and Bro. Robin Cox officiating. Interment was in the Epps Cemetery, Epps, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Jennifer was born October 24, 1981 in Lindsay, OK and passed away Saturday, January 10, 2026 with her family at her residence in Epps, LA.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Jones; brother, Jody Ponder; sister, Janet Jesalink; father-in-law, Larry Lingefelt; nieces, Alexis Paige Jones and Sydney Lingefelt; and a host aunts and uncles.

Survivors include her husband of 22 years, Chris Lingefelt; daughters, Morgan Lingefelt, Megan Lingefelt, and Marlee Lingefelt; dad, James Lewis; father, Charles Jones and wife, Linda; mother-in-law, Patsy Lingefelt; brother-in-law, Adam Lingefelt and wife, Sarah; sister-in-law, Angelina Ponder; brother-in-law, Shane Jesalink; nieces and nephews, Willow Ponder, Candance Millwood, Abel Lingefelt, Owen Lingefelt, Carson Nettles, McKenzie Lingefelt, Ryder Lingefelt, and Cash Lingefelt; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Pallbearers were John Boleware, Joey Boleware, Kyle Clack, Brad Lingefelt, Josh Wilhite, B.J. Moore, Homer Stewart, and Mark Deere.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.