Several families in the Monroe area are preparing to lay loved ones to rest following recent deaths, each leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and community.
Keldrick Amphy, 17
Keldrick Amphy passed away on September 4, 2025, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Though only 17, his warm spirit and determination touched the lives of many. Friends and family remember him as an inspiration who remained hopeful throughout his illness.
- Visitation: Friday, September 12, 3:30–5:30 PM, McFarland Funeral Companies
- Funeral: Saturday, September 13, 11:00 AM, Greater Free Gift Baptist Church
- Burial: Richwood Memorial Gardens
Freddy Davis, Sr., 47
Freddy Davis, Sr. died September 7, 2025. He will be remembered during services in Monroe and Gilbert.
- Visitation: Friday, September 12, 6:00–8:00 PM, McFarland Funeral Companies
- Viewing & Service: Saturday, September 13, 2:00 PM, Greater Free Gift Baptist Church
- Burial: Oakley Cemetery, Gilbert, La.
John Sewell, 86
John Henry Sewell, a retired Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army and longtime pastor, passed away on September 6, 2025, at the War Veterans Home in Monroe. Born April 6, 1939, he served his country for 28 years before answering the call to ministry, pastoring St. Mary #2 Baptist Church. He is remembered as a devoted husband, father, and servant of God.
- Funeral: Wednesday, September 17, 11:00 AM, Greater Free Gift Baptist Church
- Burial: NELA Veteran Cemetery, Rayville, La.
Deborah Marshall, 66
Deborah Marshall died September 6, 2025.
- Visitation: Friday, September 19, 3:30–5:30 PM, McFarland Funeral Companies
- Funeral: Saturday, September 20, 11:00 AM, Greater Free Gift Baptist Church
- Burial: Monroe City Cemetery
George Wade, Sr., 72
George Wade, Sr., died September 7, 2025.
- Visitation: Friday, September 19, 6:00–8:00 PM, McFarland Funeral Companies
- Funeral: Saturday, September 20, 2:00 PM, Greater Free Gift Baptist Church
Quonshay Derel VanBuren, 40
Quonshay “Shay-Shay” Derel VanBuren, 40, formerly of West Monroe, served as Area Manager for Nike’s Memphis Distribution Center.
- Visitation: Friday, September 12, 6:00–7:30 PM, Smith Funeral Home
- Funeral: Saturday, September 13, 11:00 AM, Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, Monroe
- Burial: Hasley Cemetery, West Monroe
Michael Caster, 65
Funeral services for Micheal Caster, 65 will be held on Saturday, September 20, at 1 p.m. at the Zion Spring Baptist Church. Mr. Caster was a former Monroe City employee and was an outspoken advocate for working people. He was veteran supporter of the Southside Economic Development District.
Earlier Services
- Gregory Zeigler, 68 – Carpenter from West Monroe, died August 25, 2025. Services were held September 3, with burial at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery.
- Pastor Willie Lee Brown, 73 – Retired Quality Inspector of Monroe, died August 30, 2025. Funeral services were held September 6, with burial at Richwood Memorial Gardens.
