The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office assisted a local resident in safely recovering her dog after it ran loose in a neighborhood.

Deputies were patrolling the Gardenia Street area when they observed a woman attempting to catch her small dog, later identified as Zora, who had wandered off and was avoiding capture. Deputy Layfield joined in the effort, which briefly turned into a foot pursuit as the dog continued moving through the neighborhood.

After several attempts, Deputy Layfield was able to coax the dog back using french fries, ultimately bringing the situation to a safe and successful conclusion. Deputy A. Middleton also assisted in the incident.

Authorities reported that Zora was safely returned home with no injuries.

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The second day of early voting in Natchitoches Parish for the May 16, 2026, election saw a steady turnout, with 193 ballots cast on Monday, May 4.

Data from the Louisiana Secretary of State shows that 165 voters cast their ballots in person, while 28 absentee ballots were processed during the day.

Voter Demographics

The demographic breakdown for Day Two includes:

• Race: 120 White voters, 67 Black voters, and 6 voters identified as Other.

• Sex: 100 Female voters and 93 Male voters.

Party Affiliation

Party participation for the second day remained consistent with opening trends:

• Republicans: 85

• Democrats: 75

• Other/Other Parties: 33

Two-Day Early Voting Recap

Through the first two days of early voting, a total of 391 ballots have been cast in Natchitoches Parish.

Early voting continues through May 9, 2026 at the Natchitoches Parish Registrar of Voters office.

• All data provided by the Natchitoches Parish ROV  as of May 4 2026.

Louisiana U.S. House Elections Suspended; Early Voting for Local Races May 2-9

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has announced a temporary lane closure for a bridge on LA 493 in Natchitoches Parish.

On Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting, the bridge over Cane River at milepost 5.341 will be reduced to one lane for a routine inspection. The bridge is located approximately 1.95 miles east of LA 1.

No detour will be required, as one lane will remain open to traffic at all times.

Officials are urging motorists to drive with caution through the area and remain alert for work crews and equipment during the inspection period.

Travelers can access updated traffic and road condition information through the state’s 511 system by dialing 511 or visiting the 511 Louisiana website.

Official Statement from the Board of Directors: Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation (NTL-NC)

Some of you may have seen recent statements circulating on unofficial Facebook pages—pages that falsely claim to represent Tribal Registry members—in which Mr. Anderson accuses the legally recognized 501(c)(3) Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation (NTL-NC) of “stealing Tribal funds.”

These allegations are unequivocally false, reckless, and defamatory.

Following these accusations, NTL-NC was contacted by the High Crimes Unit of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office regarding a reported theft complaint. Although the identity of the complainant was not disclosed, the NTL-NC Board of Directors responded immediately, acting with full transparency and in good faith.

Rather than present credible evidence through proper legal channels, Mr. Anderson further escalated his conduct by using social media platforms to encourage others to file theft complaints against NTL-NC without any factual basis. Simultaneously, the Facebook page promoting these accusations was made public while selectively blocking opposing viewpoints—creating a misleading, one-sided narrative designed to misinform the public.

In response, NTL-NC conducted a thorough internal review and compiled a comprehensive report, supported by all relevant state and federal documentation. This report was submitted to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and clearly demonstrates NTL-NC’s full compliance, financial accountability, and lawful management of all organizational funds.

NTL-NC has now received formal confirmation from the investigating officer that the complaint has been closed, with a determination that the matter is civil in nature and not criminal.

This outcome reaffirms what we have consistently maintained: there has been no wrongdoing by NTL-NC.

The Board of Directors remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the continued protection of the Nonprofit Corporation’s integrity.  We, the Stewards, will not tolerate the spread of false and damaging statements and reserve all rights to pursue appropriate legal remedies to protect the Nonprofit Corporation in its mission, vision, values, and principles.

Board of Directors

Natchitoches Tribe of Louisiana Nonprofit Corporation (NTL-NC)

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Wilmer McLean was a retired officer of the Virginia militia who became wealthy as a wholesale grocer based in Alexandria, Virginia.  In 1850, he married Virginia Beverley Hooe.  Three years later when Virginia was expecting their first child, Wilmer searched for a quiet, peaceful place for his growing family to live.  On January 1, 1854, Wilmer’s son, John Wilmer, was born.  Wilmer had his sights set on the 1200-acre rural Yorkshire Plantation north of Manassas along Bull Run, a 31-mile-long tributary of the Occoquan River.  Shortly after baby John was born, Wilmer purchased the plantation.  Three years later, they welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lucretia “Lula” Virginia.  Theirs was a perfectly peaceful existence.  They lived in a huge two-story house, some referred to it as a mansion, on one of the many rolling hills next to the lazy stream.  It seemed as if they were living in a dream world which would last forever. 

Their peaceful, dreamlike existence ended abruptly on July 21, 1861.  Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard had commandeered Wilmer’s home and barn as his headquarters along the strategic Bull Run.  Whether Wilmer and his family continued to live in their home with the soldiers or moved to a nearby home is unknown, but they remained in close proximity.  On that hot July day, Union and Confederate soldiers fought an artillery duel on Wilmer’s plantation.  General Beauregard later wrote, “A comical effect of this artillery fight was the destruction of the dinner of myself and staff by a Federal shell that fell into the fire-place of my headquarters at the McLean House.”  What became known as The Battle of Bull Run was the first major campaign of the Civil War. 

Following the battle, the soldiers moved to other battlefields.  Wilmer and his family returned to the peaceful existence on Yorkshire Plantation that they had enjoyed before the war.  Soon thereafter, Virginia became pregnant with their third child.  Once again, their peace was broken when soldiers converged again near the same strategic location.  For three days in 1862, August 28-30, Confederate and Union soldiers fought the Second Battle of Bull Run.  Shortly after the battle, Wilmer and his pregnant wife and their two children abandoned Yorkshire Plantation for safer environs. 

On January 28, 1863, Virginia gave birth to a daughter named Nannie.  Shortly thereafter, Wilmer and his family purchased a large home about 140 miles to the southwest in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia.  For two years, Wilmer’s family lived far from the fields of battle.  On April 9, 1865, Virginia was pregnant with their fourth child when Charles Marshall, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s aide, asked Wilmer to show him a suitable place for Lee to meet another general.  Wanting to distance his family from any connection to the war, Wilmer showed the aide a dilapidated home which he quickly rejected.  With no other contenders, Wilmer reluctantly offered the use of his family’s home.  At about 1 o’clock that afternoon at the McLean home, General Lee met with Union General Ulysses S. Grant.  The Civil War ended during that meeting when General Lee surrendered the Confederate Army to General Grant.  The Civil War began in Wilmer McLean’s front yard and ended in his front parlor. 

Through it all, Wilmer wanted a safe and peaceful existence for himself and his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer dedicated himself to ensuring that the citizens of Manassas township in Virginia had the same safe and peaceful existence that he had wanted to provide for his family.  In June 1870, Wilmer McLean, whose homes bookended the Civil War, became a Justice of the Peace.

Sources:

1.     Jim Rogers, “Crumbling bar is all that’s left of Yorkshire Plantation,” Potomac News, July 23, 1990, accessed April 26, 2026, https://eservice.pwcgov.org/library/digitallibrary/hsdw/M_Folder/McLean76-274/pdfs/McLean76-274NewsArtA.pdf.

2.     Alexandria Gazette (Alexandria, Virginia), July 7, 1870, p.2.

3.     Kristi Finefield, “A Tale of Two Houses and the U.S. Civil War,” Library of Congress, April 9, 2015, accessed April 26, 2026, https://blogs.loc.gov/picturethis/2015/04/a-tale-of-two-houses-and-the-u-s-civil-war/.

4.     Hparkins, “The Peculiar Story of Wilmer McLean,” National Archives, November 10, 2010, accessed April 26, 2026, https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2010/11/10/the-peculiar-story-of-wilmer-mclean/.

5.     “The McLean House – Site of the Surrender Meeting,” National Park Service, Accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.nps.gov/apco/mclean-house.htm.

6.     “Wilmer McLean,” Findagrave.com, accessed April 26, 2026, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/5824/wilmer-mclean.

The potential for stormy weather Wednesday has prompted a schedule change pushing the St. Mary’s homefield baseball state quarterfinal game to Thursday.

SMHS will now welcome Central Catholic of Morgan City for a 6 p.m. contest Thursday evening. The winner advances to the Select Division IV state semifinals.

The ninth-seeded Tigers beat No. 8 Vermilion Catholic 5-0 Wednesday in Abbeville while the16^th-seeded Eagles upset No. 1 Opelousas Catholic 5-3. That resulted in St. Mary’s earning a home game in the next round.

Tickets will be $12 cash at the gate in the East Natchitoches Complex.

St. Mary’s is 16-9. Central Catholic has a 18-15-1 record.

The Natchitoches Tennis Center is celebrating National Tennis Month in May with a series of free events designed to promote health, wellness and community engagement through the sport.

Officials said the month-long observance offers opportunities for players of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes, to participate in tennis activities in a welcoming and social environment.

Events begin May 23 with Hit to Be Fit Day, featuring Adult Red Ball and Cardio Tennis Triples. The activities are designed to encourage participants to stay active while enjoying a fun, group setting.

On May 30, the center will host Junior Red Ball, a session tailored for youth players that includes drills, progressive learning tools and interactive games aimed at developing tennis skills.

Also scheduled for May 30 is Adult Open Play Day, offering continuous match play with rotating partners to create a dynamic and social experience for adult participants.

All events are free and open to the public.

RUSTON – The third baseball meeting of the season between Northwestern State and Louisiana Tech is tonight, and with it comes a much different scenario for the Demons than the first two meetings between the teams.

When Northwestern and the Bulldogs tangle at 6 p.m. at J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park in Ruston, the Demons will do so coming off a stretch of five days without a game – their longest such break of the season. The game will air on ESPN+ with radio coverage on 100.7 FM KZBL in Natchitoches and through the Northwestern State Athletics mobile app, which can be downloaded free for Apple and Android devices.

Northwestern (25-20) last played Wednesday at then-No. 16/22 Arkansas, falling to the Razorbacks, 5-2. The Demons had their open weekend in conference play and treated it as such, taking the weekend away from competition.

“This is definitely a first for us as far as the regular season,” third-year head coach Chris Bertrand said. “It seems though, as we’ve dealt with byes in the past, we’ve always had something on the schedule. So, this is a unique one. I think the rest came at a very welcome time for our team. Nonetheless, we got back after it (Sunday) night and we’re looking forward to being able to get back out and compete with the guys and the challenge of playing a team like Louisiana Tech. I’m looking forward to not only how we can answer the bell of the challenge but also how we can use the game to be able to prepare us for – and propel us – into a great series that is on the schedule for the weekend and what it means for Southland play.”

Northwestern goes to McNeese Thursday for the last three-game Southland Conference series of the regular season, with a chance to finish second in the league and host a first-round four-team regional next weekend.

The Demons have dropped the first two games of the season series with the Bulldogs (28-21), who lost two of three games at Dallas Baptist this past weekend in Conference USA play.

Louisiana Tech is 5-5 across its past 10 games and is 10-5 since scoring a 7-0 win in Natchitoches on April 7.

“There was some level of design behind the schedule – the way we wanted to challenge ourselves three times against such a quality opponent and the way those games were spread out,” Bertrand said. “We know we’re going to get a team that is hot. We know we’re going to go into an offensive ballpark against a potentially explosive offensive team. We know, just from seeing them twice already, what it is their bullpen has to offer. We know we’re going to get challenged, so again, all of those things, we’re going to compete our tails off and try to put the Demons in position to win the game, but we’re also going to be grateful for the opportunity to learn so much from the challenge.”

The Demons will send left-hander Carter White (1-3, 6.63) to the mound against Bulldog left-hander Luke Cooley (0-1, 8.78).

As they do so, the Demons also will battle the rest vs. rust theory.

“After three days off, I think sometimes you’re going to have to knock off a little bit of rust,” Bertrand said. “There was some level of rust that needs to be knocked off, but you could just really tell the way their bodies were moving, the way they had a look in their eyes, the way we saw great things in the weight room (Monday) morning. Our guys did well from the rest. They did well from being able to get away from it all, so to speak, and focus on a different aspect.

“Sometimes we get caught up in the challenge and the grind of the season – and you should be – but it gets to be so baseball-oriented that sometimes your bodies need rest, the fact that final exams are this week and academics need attention. When you’re in the thralls of the baseball part of it mixed with that, it can sometimes be overwhelming. The idea they not only got rest but also got to catch up on and, hopefully, check some life things, check some of those boxes, I think you’re going to see the benefits of that as we move forward.”

Funeral services for Rita Janis Hansel will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026 at Montgomery Church of Christ at 11:00 AM with Pastor Casey Clement officiating.  Burial will follow at Montgomery Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for a visitation Monday morning at 10:00 at the church.

Janis was born in Lubbock, Texas on May 30, 1944 to Lewis and Essie Mae “Pat” Harvey.  She passed away peacefully at home on April 30, 2026.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Pat Harvey; her beloved son, Heath Brandon Hansel; her brother, Edward Bruce Harvey; and her sister, Molly Anna Moore.  She is survived by her loving husband, Bradley Lee Hansel; her daughter, Veronica Leigh Conley and husband Corey; and her grandsons, Colton and Caden Conley.

Janis grew up in Mineral Wells, Texas, where she later met the love of her life, Bradley Lee Hansel, while he was stationed at the military base in Mineral Wells.  The two were married and shared 57 wonderful years together. Janis and Bradley built a life rooted in hard work, family, and faith.  They raised two children and eventually settled in Montgomery, Louisiana, where they owned and operated Montgomery Tank of Louisiana for over 30 years. Janis became deeply involved in her Montgomery community.  She helped decorate the town with Christmas lights, assisted in the restoration of the VFW building, and contributed in many quiet but meaningful ways that reflected her generous spirit.

She was especially devoted to her grandsons, Colton and Caden, and never missed an opportunity to support them – whether at school events or sporting activities.  Her presence was constant, steady, and full of love.

Janis was raised in the Church of Christ and remained devoted to her faith throughout her life.  She continued that legacy by raising her children and grandchildren in the church. Her grandsons have continued that tradition by preaching at this and nearby Church of Christ congregations.

Janis will be remembered for her unwavering love, her faith, her strength, and the home she created for her family and community.  Her life was one of quiet service, deep devotion, and enduring love.  She had a warm spirit and a generous heart that left a lasting impression on everyone she met.  She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

Emergency responders were called to the scene of a two-vehicle crash on May 1 on Hwy. 486 Campti Cut-Off near Campti, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The crash was reported at approximately 4:35 p.m. and involves two passenger vehicles. Authorities said injuries are believed to be moderate.

Responding agencies include Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies, Natchitoches Parish Fire Protection District #9 and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center EMS. Louisiana State Police are also en route to assist with the incident.

Motorists traveling through the area are advised to expect delays as emergency crews continue working at the scene.

The City of Natchitoches Planning and Zoning Department approved 35 permits during the month of April with an application value of $1.27 million.

See Full Report Here:

The City of Natchitoches advises the public that the temporary road closure at 1441 Grace Avenue will be extended due to recent weather delays impacting drainage structure repairs.

The closure will remain in effect until the project is fully completed.

This project is addressing separations within the drainage pipe system along the roadway to improve infrastructure and prevent future issues.

The City of Natchitoches appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as this work is being completed by Wilson Construction.

For additional information, please contact the Public Works Department at (318) 357-3876.

The first day of early voting for the May 16, 2026, election concluded on Saturday, May 2, with a total of 198 ballots cast in Natchitoches Parish.

According to the statistical report from the Louisiana Secretary of State, the vast majority of voters chose to cast their ballots in person. Of the 198 total votes, 196 were cast in person, while 2 were processed as absentee ballots.

Voter Demographics

The demographic breakdown for Day One is as follows:

• Race: 128 White voters, 62 Black voters, and 8 voters identified as Other.

• Sex: 101 Female voters and 97 Male voters.

Party Affiliation

Participation across party lines remained competitive on the first day:

• Democrats: 84

• Republicans: 83

• Other/Other Parties: 31

Early voting for the May 16 election will continue through the designated period. Residents are encouraged to visit the Natchitoches Parish Registrar of Voters office to participate in the early voting process.

• All data provided by the Natchitoches Parish ROV  as of May 2, 2026.

Louisiana U.S. House Elections Suspended; Early Voting for Local Races May 2-9

The St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in the Bermuda Community will host its Annual Vacation Bible School from Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 5, with sessions scheduled nightly from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

This year’s theme, “Reigning with Purpose,” is based on 1 Peter 4:10 and will focus on teaching children about stewardship through an engaging western-themed curriculum. The program is designed to help participants explore how to use their gifts responsibly while emphasizing faith-based values in everyday life.

Organizers say the event will offer both learning and interactive activities aimed at creating a fun and meaningful experience for attendees.

Church officials are inviting the public to attend and are also seeking volunteers to assist with the program.

For more information, contact Directors Sharon Harris at (318) 289-7837 and Annie Helaire at (318) 652-2450. 

LAKE CHARLES – Northwestern State’s season came to a heartbreaking end Saturday afternoon as Stephen F. Austin scored three unanswered runs, including a game-tying home run in the seventh, to claim a 4-2 extra-inning victory over the Demons in the Southland Conference Softball Tournament.

Despite outhitting the Lumberjacks (30-25) and getting another complete-game effort from ace Mattison Buster, the Demons (24-29) were unable to capitalize on numerous scoring chances, stranding 11 runners on base in the loss.

“We fought the entire game and gave ourselves chances,” head coach Jenny Fuller said. “That’s the hardest part of this one. We did enough things to win. We hit the ball well, played good defense and got another great performance in the circle. But this time of year you have to come through when you have the chance to score and we didn’t do it today.”

The Lumberjacks struck first after the opening two batters of the game reached on a leadoff triple and a walk. SFA scored on an RBI groundout from cleanup hitter Morgan Wright, but the groundout was the second of seven straight retired by Buster as she quickly settled into another dominant outing.

SFA did not record another hit until a leadoff single in the fifth inning and had just one baserunner before that as Buster retired 12 of the next 13 batters she faced.

With Buster dealing in the circle, it was up to the Demons to provide support at the plate. Unfortunately, NSU’s recent struggles with runners in scoring position surfaced again on Saturday.

The first three batters in the Northwestern lineup reached base in the bottom of the first inning, creating an immediate chance to answer the early deficit. JT Smith drew a walk before Mckenna Rinewalt and Peyton Young followed with singles to load the bases with no outs.

A ground ball to third resulted in a force play at home, and consecutive fly-ball outs stranded the first three of the 11 runners left aboard by the Demons.

Northwestern had at least one hit in each of the first three innings, with the leadoff knock in the third finally tying the game. Freshman Mckenna Rinewalt launched a no-doubt home run down the right-field line to open the frame, her third of the season and second hit of a three-hit afternoon.

“Mckenna has been a real find for us this year,” Fuller said. “It’s not east for a freshman to set into that two-spot in the lineup and for her to excel in this environment and have the tournament she had says a lot about who she is and what her future can be.”

The Demons grabbed their first lead two innings later when Brynn Daniel delivered a clutch two-out single to score Rinewalt from second for a 2-1 advantage. NSU again threatened to add on after Aly Delafield worked a five-pitch walk, but another chance slipped away.

NSU put the leadoff batter aboard five times in the game but brought that runner home only once. A missed opportunity in the sixth proved especially costly when Sara Kate Booker drew a leadoff walk but was thrown out at the plate on a single by Smith, denying the Demons an insurance run.

As Buster held the Lumberjacks to just three hits through the first 6 2/3 innings, SFA’s fourth hit changed the course of the game.

One out away from an NSU victory, SFA pinch hitter Kara Pride connected on a solo home run to tie the game at 2-2 in the top of the seventh.

Neither team threatened in the eighth, but a leadoff double in the ninth gave SFA its opening. Two sacrifice bunts scored the go-ahead run, and a two-out RBI single added an insurance run for the final margin.

The Demons left at least one runner on base in seven of the nine innings and finished 0-for-4 with the bases loaded. Across their final five games, NSU went 0-for-12 in bases-loaded situations.

Even with the heartbreaking finish to the year, the 2026 season marked a major step forward for the program. The Demons set five single-season team records, ranked in the top 10 in five other categories and had five players place in the top 10 of 21 different single-season record lists, including six records tied or broken.

“I’m incredibly proud of this group and what we did this season,” Fuller said. “This is just the second year of this rebuild but making the conference tournament was a huge step for us and is just going to propel us further as well continue into the offseason and next year. This hurts right now, but what they accomplished this season laid a foundation and I am very proud of every one of them.”

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—It was an impressive end to the pre-conference season for Northwestern State, as many athletes recorded personal bests Saturday at the Alumni Muster in the final meet prior to the Southland Conference Championships.

All in all, 18 personal bests and 10 more season bests were either set or tied by NSU athletes at the Texas A&M meet with many coming on the track.

“I am very happy with everybody’s performances and in their work today after yesterday since it was just a miserable day travel day with all the rain,” head coach Mike Heimerman said. “I think this morning we woke up at 49 degrees and it ended up being a gorgeous day. The wind was good early and then faded in the afternoon when we kind of needed it.”

Five Lady Demons set personal bests in the women’s 200-meter dash and one more set a season best.

Rushana Dwyer, the reigning SLC Female Track Athlete of the Week, focused on the 200 at the meet and clocked a 23.57 to finish seventh.

Coming in closely behind was Margaret Conteh in 23.84, another personal best.

Two more NSU competitors posted personal bests and three recorded season bests in the men’s 100-meter dash, led by Koen Beavers’ 10.31 to post a personal best and move into the top five in the conference.

“We did a lot of good things happen today on the track,” Heimerman said. “We had some PRs in the field events too, but we did a lot of things that we wanted accomplished today. We didn’t get any luck with the winds in the 100s or 200s to help us with some better marks. Even with the little wind, we still ran very well. A lot of kids saw some positive things that’ll help them out for a conference.”

To kick off the running events, both NSU men and women teams ran season bests in the 4×100 relay, increasing their lead in the SLC.

The women’s team ran 44.84 to finish second out of seven, while the men’s team also placed second with a time of 39.42.

In the field events, three more posted personal bests and three also recorded season bests.

Shakera Kirk tossed a personal best 170-05 in the women’s discus to finish third.

In the men’s discus, Tarajh Hudson placed third with a toss of 182-1 and Seth Smith recorded a throw of 165-4 to finish fifth.

Teodora Samac continued a sensational season with a personal-best throw of 161-11 to finish fourth in the women’s javelin. Anisha Gibbons (152-4) placed seventh.

Shakera Williams finished fourth in the women’s shot put with a season-best toss of 47-11.25.  Ryah Dates came in closely behind with a throw of 44-1.5 to place sixth.

Three advanced to the finals in the men’s shot put, led by La’Darion Dudley’s 53-1.75 to finish sixth.

Three Demons reached the men’s long jump finals, led by  Roy Morris’ 23-8.25 to place sixth.

Randy Kelly had a strong showing in his signature event, the high jump, clearing 6-11.5 to finish fourth.

Next up is the conference meet, a three-day meet that begins May 14 on the campus of Stephen F. Austin.

February 6, 1947 – May 3, 2026

Freddie Ray Ward, age 79, received his deepest heart’s desire on May 3, 2026, when he joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven after valiantly battling colorectal cancer for two and a half years.

Freddie was born on February 6, 1947, to Clifton Ward and Mable L. Love. He excelled both academically and athletically, playing on the 1965 State AAA Champion Central High Gophers basketball team. He later attended Texas College on both an athletic and academic scholarship.

Freddie was an avid reader, a gifted visual artist, and an exceptional cook. Though humble and often unheralded, he was a no-nonsense man of strong tenacity and high standards. He devoted his passions and energy to what brought him the greatest joy—his three daughters.

His daughters, Ulisa, RoShunda, and Renita, were born during his first marriage to Patsy Johnson Ward Hoover. Above all else, Freddie was a devoted protector and provider for his family. He retired after dedicated service to Tidewater Inc. and Martco Plywood.

In his retirement, Freddie found joy in watching movies, imparting Biblical principles and wisdom into his grandchildren, and playfully teasing his daughters—especially about the New Orleans Saints’ losses.

Freddie leaves to cherish his memory his three daughters, Ulisa Ward Hookfin (Richard) of Addis, LA, RoShunda Ward Sanford (Lawrence) of Baton Rouge, LA, and Renita Ward Williams (John) of Baker, LA; his sister, Helen Obioha; six grandchildren, Dimitri Walker, Christian Walker, Teri Ward, Alysha Lewis, Adaya Williams, and Kristen Williams; three great-grandchildren, Camille Taylor, Emmy Ward, and Zamir Robinson; his nephews, Timothy Love and Patricke Ward; his niece, Paula Shields; along with a host of great- and great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton and Mable Ward; his wife, Joyce Ward, and his sister, Rose Ward.

Freddie through his daughters express their heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by Dr. Farqan Akhtar, the staff of NRMC Cancer Center, Old Jefferson Community Care of Baton Rouge, and Notre Dame Hospice of Baton Rouge.

A memorial service honoring Freddie Ray Ward will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Pentecost Baptist Church, 9425 LA-1, Natchez, LA 71456.