Brown-Holley Funeral Homes

06/17/2026

With profound sadness and endless love, we announce the passing of James "Roy" Tarver, who entered his eternal home on June 15, 2026, at the age of 67. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, June 18, 2026 at Faith Christian Church, Start, LA with Bro. Jacob Duvall and Sis. Pam Davidson officiating. Internment will follow to the Start Cemetery, Start, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Born on January 21, 1959, Roy was a lifelong resident of Start, Louisiana, where he built a life centered on family, friendship, and service to others. To know Roy was to know kindness. He never met a stranger and never hesitated to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His generous heart, gentle spirit, and genuine love for people left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Roy shared a beautiful love story with his beloved wife, Brenda Tarver. For 47 years, they built a life filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Their love served as an example to all who knew them. He was a proud and loving father to Robby Tarver of Start, Louisiana; Alison Roach and husband Shawn of Calhoun, Louisiana; and Noel Tarver and wife Cheyenne "Shiny" Tarver of Calhoun, Louisiana. Roy loved his children fiercely and was always their biggest supporter, protector, and source of strength.

While he treasured being a husband and father, his greatest joy in life was being "Papa." His grandchildren were the center of his world, and nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with them, sharing stories, making memories, and watching them grow. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Ashlyn Roach and partner Michael Sellers of Calhoun, Louisiana; Christian Roach and fiancée Jacey Bratton of Eros, Louisiana; Brendan Roach and partner Abby of Calhoun, Louisiana; Dylan Roach; Jet Tarver; Zeek Tarver; and Adalyn Thomas.
He was an amazing uncle to a host of nieces and nephews all of whom he loved like his own children. They knew one call and uncle Roy was there no matter the day or time.
Roy loved family trips, time spent with those he loved, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. He found joy in life's simple moments and made every person around him feel valued and loved.

He was preceded in death by his beloved father and mother, Winfred and Annie Ruth Tarver, his cherished twin brother, Winfred “Ray” Tarver, his baby brother, Chris Tarver, his sister, Betty Ann Bennett, nephews Billy Bennett, and Wayne Talbert, and many other family members and friends who undoubtedly welcomed him home with open arms.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we find comfort in knowing that the legacy of his kindness, compassion, and unconditional love will live on through the family he adored and the countless lives he touched. To his family, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, and amazing uncle. To his friends, he was dependable, caring, and true.
To all who knew him, Roy was simply one of the good ones. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Pallbearers are Christian Roach, Brendan Roach, Jet Tarver, Amos Marble, Chris Herrington, Chucky Borden, Darryn Frith, Josh Stanley, Greg Jones and Michael Sellers.

Honorary pallbearers are Noel Tarver, Robby Tarver, Clinton Ray Berry, Bobby Manes, Michael Herrington, Shawn Roach, Zeek Tarver and Dylan Roach.

Visitation will be 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Faith Christian Church, Start, LA.

06/11/2026

Jr. "James" Davis

Graveside services for Jr. “James” Davis, 75 of Delhi, LA were held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 12, 2026 at Faith Memorial Cemetery, Delhi, LA with Bro. Bernard Duchense officiating under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Jr. was born October 22, 1950 in Delhi, LA and passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at his residence in Delhi, LA surrounded by his family.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mildred Davis of Delhi, LA; children, Heather Davis (Chris) of West Monroe, LA, James E. Davis, III (Tabatha) of Rayville, LA, Kevin Davis (Ashley) of Delhi, LA, and Tracie Davis of Delhi, LA; grandchildren, Taylor LaBorde, James LaBorde, Camren Myers, Isabella Davis, Alex Davis, Harlea Davis, Avery Davis, Della Davis, and Lilah Davis; great grandchildren, Liam LaBorde, Declan LaBorde, Brennan Miller, Ivy Myers, and Bodie Simmons; brother, Earl Ray Davis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were James LaBorde, Alex Davis, Dominic DiGiovanni, Devin Smith, David Smith, and Baily LaBorde.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

06/08/2026

Miranda L. Stanley

Funeral services for Miranda L. Stanley, 44, of Monroe, LA were held at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, June 9,2026 at Faith Christian Church, Start, LA with Sis Pam Davidson officiating. Interment was in McKnight Cemetery, Holly Ridge, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Ms. Miranda was born May 24, 1982 in Cuero, TX and passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Monroe, LA.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, John and Virginia Stanley; grandfather, Jon Holt.

Survivors include her children, Olivia Stanley, Daniel Stanley; parents, Roy and Renee Stanley; brother, Stephen Stanley (Dawn); nieces and nephews, Caitlin Caldwell (Trey), Gabe Stanley, Nathaniel Stanley, Ariel Stanley; great niece, Elizabeth Caldwell; grandmother, Shirley Pergande.

Pallbearers were Joshua Stanley, Randy Stanley, Jr., Craig Odom, Chris Dickens, Mike Holt, and Jason Holt. Honorary pallbearers were Gabe Stanley and Nathaniel Stanley.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

06/05/2026

Nellie Jean Lowery

Memorial services for Nellie Jean Lowery, 90, of West Monroe, LA were held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1110 Crosley St., West Monroe, LA 71291 with Bro. Victor Cheeks and Bro. John Ney officiating. Interment was at Kilpatrick Serenity Garden, West Monroe, LA under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Mrs. Nellie was born December 15, 1935 in Dubach, LA and passed away Thursday, June 4, 2026 in Monroe, LA.

Mrs. Nellie was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, West Monroe, LA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Robert Douglas Lowery; parents, Eva and Gerald Wartenburg, Sr.; aunt, Joann Graffton; and brother, Gerald Wartenburg, Jr.

Survivors include her children, Sherrie Barnett of West Monroe, LA, Roy Lowery (Rhonda) of West Monroe, LA, and Chasti Westmoreland of Monroe, LA; sister, Karen Oliver (Henry) of Augusta, GA; grandchildren, Brittany Lowery Messer (Nathan), Crissi Payne, R.J. Aday (Marci), Chelsea Barnett, Dusty Myers; and 12-great grandchildren.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

05/27/2026

Kevin L. Bunch

Memorial services for Kevin L. Bunch, 61, of Rayville, LA were held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Archibald Church of Christ, Archibald, LA with Bro. Colin Schmidt officiating under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville.

Mr. Bunch was born March 5, 1965 and passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Rayville, LA.

Some of Kevin’s greatest joy came from spending time with the people he loved most. He will be remembered not only from the memories he created, but for his hard work, dedication, loyalty, friendships, and the deep love he had for his family. He enjoyed cooking and making sure no one left hungry. Kevin lived his life with purpose and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He will be remembered as a loving husband, amazing father, outstanding grandpa, and the best father-in-law and brother. He is preceded in death by his mother, Evie Lou “Pat” Turbeville; father, Carl Bunch and H.E. “Hot” Turbeville; sister, Denise Bunch.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Debby Bunch; daughter, Chelsey O’Neal (Ben); granddaughter, Maylee Grace O’Neal; siblings, Kym Counts, Chad Turbeville, Carla Bunch, Carl Bunch, Jr., Betty Ladner; sister-in-law, Lora; numerous nieces and nephews; special friend, Austin Jackson.

The family would like to thank Cross Roads Hospice, Joe Banks Drywall, Palmetto Addiction Recovery, and Jackson Builders.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

05/26/2026

Fate "P*e Wee" Walker, Jr.

Fate E. “P*eWee” Walker, Jr., 67, of Oak Ridge, LA was born September 24, 1958 in Monroe, LA and passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Bastrop, LA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Walker; parents, Fate and Ellen Walker; brothers, John Walker, Terry Walker, Richard Walker, Mike Walker, Timothy Walker, James “Joe” Walker.

Survivors include his children, Kevin Walker (Lilliemae), Kacey Nolan (Matthew), Theresa Purvis (Jeff); grandchildren, Anna Walker, Megan Walker, Michael Walker, Kayden Nolan, Matthew Simmons, J. T. Simmons, Magan Higdon; sister, Mary “Sissy” Ellerbe (Robert); numerous nieces and nephews; and wife, Brittany Walker.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

05/25/2026

Pastor Tom Franks

Memorial services for Pastor Tom Franks, 76, of Mangham, LA were held at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Brown-Holley Funeral Chapel, Rayville, LA with bro. Ray Owens officiating under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Pastor Tom was born August 19, 1949 in Milwaukee, WI and passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026 at his residence in Mangham, LA surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marilyn Secora; and sister, Zena McClellan.

Survivors include his wife of 51-years, Rita Franks; children, Daphne Franks, Thomas W. Franks, III (Colleen), Dodie Clarkston (Ron), and Danielle Alexander (Derrick); grandchildren, Lace, Taylor (Meghan), Leah (Jovan), Tayden, Melony (Cekyrhien), Lance (Makayla), Talee, Travis (Fiancée, Kandyce), Johnta, and Alexander; great grandchildren, Olivia, Anneliese, Cairo, Beaux, Malachi, and Amelia; and brother, Greg Secora (Josie).

The family would like to thank the hospital staff at St. Francis Medical Center, Elara Hospice, Dr. Kyle Bruyninckx and staff, and any others who were involved in his care.

Visitation was 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM, Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at Brown-Holley Funeral Chapel, Rayville, LA.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

05/25/2026

Edward "Buck" David Stokes, Jr.

Memorial services for Edward “Buck” David Stokes, Jr., 84, of Rayville, LA were held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 6, 2026 at Antioch Baptist Church, Rayville, LA with Bro. Keith Evans officiating.

Mr. Edward was born February 22, 1942 in Kingsland, GA and passed away Saturday, May 23, 2025 in Shreveport, LA.

He worked with AH Recoulley from the age of 17 until the day he turned 62 and retired. He was a softball coach for the women’s team of Antioch. He loved to hunt and fish. One of his live by sayings was “You give a man an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay.” Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Martha “P*e Wee” Stokes; parents, Edward and Eunice Stokes; and sisters, Carolyn Head (Jerry), Linda Morris (Carl), and Catherine Hill (John).

Survivors include his children, Eddie Stokes of Rayville, LA and Cathy Jordan (Mike) of Arcadia, LA; grandchildren, Jacob Stokes, Brittany Stokes, Magan Bomar (Barry), Hannah Sachs (Tony), and Caleb Mathews; several great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

05/22/2026

A Celebration of Life for Bishop Claude S. Maddox, 68, of Delhi, LA was held at 4:00 PM, Sunday, May 24, 2026 at Dunn Church of God, Dunn, LA with Bishop Mark Leonhardt officiating under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Bishop Claude was born February 5, 1958 in Ada, OK and passed away Thursday, May 21, 2026 in Jackson, MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Dollie Maddox; sister, Mary Jean Taylor; brother, William Jasper Maddox.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Catherine Maddox; 3-children, Stephanie Hupf (Randy) of Neola, IA, Stephen Maddox (Katrina) of Bellevue, NE, Jacquelyn Jefferis (Dillan) of Forest, LA; 13-grandchildren; 3-brothers, Drexal Maddox (Karyn), Sam Maddox (Sheila), Phillip Maddox (Kitty); numerous nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.

05/20/2026

Graveside services for Violet “Dolly” Ashley, 76, of Rayville, LA was held at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 22, 2026 at Gwin Cemetery, Mangham, LA with Bro. Dwayne Achord officiating under the direction of Brown-Holley Funeral Home, Rayville, LA.

Violet was born January 26, 1950 in Little Rock, AR and passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026 in Rayville, LA.

She was preceded in death by her children, Greg Burgess, Carmen Baker; parents, John Swain and Christine Howard; brother, Bernise Howard.

Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Tommy Burgess; children, Rachelle Powell (Brad), Jeff Burgess (Candy); 9-grandchildren, Todd Burgess (Karley), Tori Burgess, Thomas Burgess (Pearl), Allen Baker, Ryan Powell, Shane Burgess, Sydney Burgess, David Baker, Skyler Burgess; 2-great grandchildren, Karsyn Burgess, Kollyn Burgess; siblings, Elizabeth Goodson (Charles), Beadah Turner (Ray Grasshoff), Jake Swain (Dottie), Jack Garner (Pam), Bernice Hebert, Marshall Howard, Larry Howard, Jerry Howard, Chris Howard, Naomi Freeman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were Todd Burgess, Thomas Burgess, Allen Baker, Ryan Powell, Shane Burgess, David Baker, Skyler Burgess, and Bradon McNeese.

In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association at

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