Memorial Day 2019

As we celebrate this long Memorial Day weekend with picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, let us also remember the reason for the holiday — to reverently honor and pay our respects to those who gave their lives serving their country, preserving and protecting the freedoms that we all enjoy today.

Let us also remember with gratitude our servicemen and women who, as I write this, are risking their lives every day to keep America out of harm's way. May God protect them as they protect us, and bless them and their families for the sacrifices they make for us.

Let's take time this weekend, as "one Nation, under God," to proudly fly our flags and bow our heads in gratitude as we remember our fallen heroes.

Marlene & Great Grandson Brody

A great picture of Marlene Wilson Langston Caston (Class of 1959) with her Great Grandson Brody Langston.  

Former Classmate Lynda Kennedy Vince Dies

Mrs. Lynda Kennedy Vince, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on April 8, 2019, at the age of 77. She was born on November 13, 1941, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Mrs. Vince was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School. She was the founder and owner of Special Risk Insurance. She was a member of the Bocage Racquet Club, Insurance Women of LA, LA Firemen Association and LA Fire Chief's Association. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Raymond L. Vince; sons, Thomas David Stogner and Ray Vince Jr.; sister, Davie Kennedy Ashby; grandchildren, Brandon Stogner, Kayla Stogner, Regan Vince and Lauren Vince; Nephews and nieces, Chris Gauthier, Daniel Gauthier, Michelle Gauthier Fussell, Joey Poche and 2 great nephews and 3 great nieces. She is preceded in death by her parents, James David and Anne J. Kennedy; sister, Mary Anne Kennedy, and brother in law, Bill Ashby. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70819, on Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 5:00pm-9:00pm. Visitation will resume Friday, April 12, 2019, from 11:00am until funeral service time of 2:00pm. Interment will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Louisiana Burn Camp, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932

Our Classmate ~ Lynda Rose Kennedy Vince

November 13, 1941 ~ April 8, 2019

Kay Hess Simms:  Two classmates reunited after many years apart. We visited together on April 5th, 2016. Lynda Rose wanted to attend our class reunion & see all her classmates. It wasn't meant to be. Lynda is reunited with some of her beloved family. Enjoy your Heavenly Party, Lynda Rose Kennedy Vince.

Our SFXA & SAHS 60th Class Reunion

The "Icebreaker" held at Myrtle and Bobby Alvarado's lovely home on Cherry Street, April 26, 2019.

DVD playing long ago pictures of our childhood and classroom days that Louis "Sonny" Logue put together for our "50th" Class Reunion.  

The lovely foyer at Myrtle and Bobby's home.

A beautiful chandelier!

Dining table set-up for our celebration with food by Fit Chef Catering.  

Marian Ann Love and Ina Carol Lott Whittington.

Refreshments of beer and wine for everyone.  

Johnny Hennessey, Bill Adams, and wife Juliet talking to Lady of the House, Myrtle Loviza Alvarado.  

Marie and Louis "Louie" Renaud.

Juliet Adams enjoying herself. 

Classmate, Kay Hess Simms talking as hubby, Jim looks on.

Myrtle and myself enjoying the evening with our classmates. 

Classmates catching up on fond memories.  

Marie, Greg (Myrtle's son), Jim and Bill enjoying the celebration.

Bill Adams, Myrtle, John, and little Lilly!

Bobby with Granddaughter, Lilly!

Myrtle with her brother, Joe Loviza!

Class of 1958, Joe Loviza and former Mayor of Vicksburg, MS.

Sitting:  Billie Marie Clarke, Kay Hess Simms, Myrtle Loviza Alvarado, Juliet Adams.  Standing:  Bobby Alvarado, Jim Simms, Bill Adams, Ina Lott Whittington, myself, Johnny Hennessey, and wife Jo Ann. 

Classmates attending "Icebreaker" for our "60th Class Reunion.  Seated:  Billie Price Clarke, Kay Hess Simms, and Myrtle Loviza Alvarado.  Standing: Bill Adams, Ina Lott Whittington, myself and John Hennessey. 

Lunch at 10 South Rooftop Bar & Grill, Saturday, April 27, 2019.   

Bill and Juliet Adams, Bobby and Myrtle Alvarado, Ina Lott Whittington, myself, Billie Price Clarke, Kay, and Jim Simms.  

View looking west at the Yazoo Diversion Canal and Lake Centennial.  

A delicious Bloody Mary!

10 South Original Burger and Sugar Cane Slaw.

View looking south towards the MS River/bridges. 

St. Francis/St. Al's 60th Class Reunion at Levee Street Warehouse on Saturday, April 27, 2019. 

Our two tables for Class of 1959 with pictures.

Left to right: George Evans with wife, Carol, Jo Ann wife of John Hennessey and Louis Logue with wife Wanda.  

Ina Lott Whittington, myself, Billie Price Clarke, Juliet and Bill Adams, Jim Simms (Kay in red in the background had left the table), Myrtle and Bobby Alvarado.  

Friends reunited - Shirley Farish and Bill Adams.

Our 60th Class Reunion picture - Seated: Billie Price Clarke, Kay Hess Simms, myself (Marian Ann Love).  Standing: Myrtle Loviza Alvarado, Ina Lott Whittington, Louis "Sonny" Logue, George Evans and Bill Adams.  John Hennessey had left before our picture was taken.   

A very happy couple, Bill and Juliet Adams!

Champagne Brunch at Riverwalk Casino on April 28, 2019.

Seated:  Myself, Billie Price Clarke, and Sue McNamara Fowler.  Standing: Kay Hess Simms and Myrtle Loviza Alvarado.

Riverwalk Casino Hotel

Two heavy metals playing music on the Mighty Mississippi River at Riverwalk Casino. 

Margaritaville and Walnut Hills

Monday afternoon, April 29, 2019, having drinks at the Landshark's Margaritaville and afterward dinner at Walnut Hills Resturant. 

Rusty's Riverfront Grill

Tuesday afternoon, April 30, 2019, we had drinks and dinner at Rusty's Riverfront Grill.

I took this picture after we left Rusty's of the riverboat "American Duchess" preparing to dock at the waterfront with her passengers to tour our historic civil war town of Vicksburg all day Wednesday. 

The Beechwood Restaurant & Lounge

Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., May 1, 2019, we all met at The Beechwood Restaurant & Lounge for drinks and meal. 

Standing left to right: Sue McNamara Fowler, myself, Ina Lott Whittington, George Brown (Husband of our deceased classmate Vera Marshall Brown), Myrtle Loviza Alvarado, Kay, and Jim Simms.  Until we meet again! 

(I will be mailing out souvenirs to classmates who could not attend our 60th Class Reunion.  You were all in our thoughts and prayers).