NEWS AND EVENTS
Arthur H. Hamlin
January 1942 - September 2025
January 1942 - September 2025
Arthur H. Hamlin
Arthur H. Hamlin was an educator and a coach; a job he loved because he loved young people, especially young men. He touched their lives through sports by instilling in them the importance of getting an education and teaching them how to become responsible men. Arthur H. Hamlin was also a civic-minded man. For over thirty years he served the citizens as the Alderman.
“A Coach for All Seasons”
When Augustine Morgan and Elmore Hamlin welcomed their last boy child to the family on January 4, 1942, little did they know the impact he would have on their small rural community of Bastrop, Louisiana. Now, they had Elmore, Jr., Edward, Cleophus, Joel, and Gladys. Later, Maude Ella would make her appearance, but Arthur, oh, but Arthur would make an impact that legends are made of or written about in books of lore. Arthur made his advent on a Sunday, so the Hamlins did not attend services at Alexander Lawson.
He grew up and attended the public schools of Morehouse Parish. After graduation from Morehouse High School, Arthur enrolled at THE Grambling State College and majored in Physical Education. He had a good friend from Bastrop, one Joseph Carter, who loved introducing his “homeboys” to the young ladies on campus. There was this cute little friend of Joseph’s from south Louisiana, Deloris Elaine Scott who Joseph introduced to Arthur. Was he interested? Sure, he was. That introduction blossomed into a beautiful romance. On March 5, 1966, Miss Deloris Elaine Scott became Mrs. Arthur Henry Hamlin in her parents’ front yard in St. Francisville, Louisiana. They were blessed with two children: Eric Wayne and Erica Jeanee.
Arthur was an educator and a coach; a job he loved because he loved young people, especially young men. He touched their lives through sports by instilling in them the importance of getting an education, and teaching them how to become responsible men. Arthur H. Hamlin was also a civic-minded man. For over thirty-years he served the citizens as the Alderman representing District E. Arthur and his family were members of St. Mary C.M.E. church, where he served as a Steward and any other capacity where his help was needed.
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“A Coach for All Seasons”
When Augustine Morgan and Elmore Hamlin welcomed their last boy child to the family on January 4, 1942, little did they know the impact he would have on their small rural community of Bastrop, Louisiana. Now, they had Elmore, Jr., Edward, Cleophus, Joel, and Gladys. Later, Maude Ella would make her appearance, but Arthur, oh, but Arthur would make an impact that legends are made of or written about in books of lore. Arthur made his advent on a Sunday, so the Hamlins did not attend services at Alexander Lawson.
He grew up and attended the public schools of Morehouse Parish. After graduation from Morehouse High School, Arthur enrolled at THE Grambling State College and majored in Physical Education. He had a good friend from Bastrop, one Joseph Carter, who loved introducing his “homeboys” to the young ladies on campus. There was this cute little friend of Joseph’s from south Louisiana, Deloris Elaine Scott who Joseph introduced to Arthur. Was he interested? Sure, he was. That introduction blossomed into a beautiful romance. On March 5, 1966, Miss Deloris Elaine Scott became Mrs. Arthur Henry Hamlin in her parents’ front yard in St. Francisville, Louisiana. They were blessed with two children: Eric Wayne and Erica Jeanee.
Arthur was an educator and a coach; a job he loved because he loved young people, especially young men. He touched their lives through sports by instilling in them the importance of getting an education, and teaching them how to become responsible men. Arthur H. Hamlin was also a civic-minded man. For over thirty-years he served the citizens as the Alderman representing District E. Arthur and his family were members of St. Mary C.M.E. church, where he served as a Steward and any other capacity where his help was needed.
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Willie David Parker
1945- 2025
1945- 2025
Willie Parker & Bob Love
“Willie David Parker says he could write four books on his fascinating life, which has taken him from Mer Rouge to the NFL and back to Morehouse Parish. I could write one for high school, one for college, one for the pros and one for my time as a policeman,” Parker said.
Parker recently added another chapter to his football career when he was inducted into the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College /University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Letter “A” Club Hall of Fame. Joining Parker in the six-member class were Clarence Collins (track and field), John Eaves Sr. (tennis), Donald Evans (football), Willie Roberts (football and baseball) and honorary inductee Carl Whimper, the school’s former sports information director.Willie "Big D" Parker reflects on his football playing days at Morehouse High
School, Arkansas AM&N and the Houston Oilers as well as a 33-year stint with the Bastrop Police Department.
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Parker recently added another chapter to his football career when he was inducted into the Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College /University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Letter “A” Club Hall of Fame. Joining Parker in the six-member class were Clarence Collins (track and field), John Eaves Sr. (tennis), Donald Evans (football), Willie Roberts (football and baseball) and honorary inductee Carl Whimper, the school’s former sports information director.Willie "Big D" Parker reflects on his football playing days at Morehouse High
School, Arkansas AM&N and the Houston Oilers as well as a 33-year stint with the Bastrop Police Department.
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Joyce Atkins Lee
1945 - 2025
1945 - 2025
She Touched Lives”
Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17
It was a Sunday in Bastrop, Louisiana. The date: October 7. The year: 1945. Just another crisp fall day to most of the citizens in the small town of Bastrop in extreme northeast Louisiana. But for Winfred O. Atkins and Louise Smith Atkins, it was a momentous day. It was on this day that they proudly announced: “We are the proud parents of our ninth child". A beautiful baby girl. They named her Joyce! They did not know that her name would define her career, her life! Joyce, a name associated with a personality that is diplomatic, patient, and cooperative. A name associated with education; because she loved knowledge. The ninth of ten children. Joyce, their baby girl! Joyce!
Educated in the public schools of Morehouse Parish, Joyce graduated from Grambling State University and received her Masters’ Degree from ULM. She spent part of her adult life in Florida, but home beckoned her, and she returned to Bastrop. Her compassion led her to adult education because she desired that all who wanted an education. should have one. She eventually became the Director of Morehouse Parish’s Adult Education program.
Her dedication to her church, Mt. Sinai-Williams Temple, and her involvement in public service and community activities endeared her to all she met.
A few days ago, Joyce’s journey on this earth ended. But her impact on her grateful children, Michael and April, her precious grandchildren, her siblings, and the hundreds of lives she touched will forever be felt because Joyce Atkins Lee made a difference.
Rest in Love, Joyce! Rest!
Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17
It was a Sunday in Bastrop, Louisiana. The date: October 7. The year: 1945. Just another crisp fall day to most of the citizens in the small town of Bastrop in extreme northeast Louisiana. But for Winfred O. Atkins and Louise Smith Atkins, it was a momentous day. It was on this day that they proudly announced: “We are the proud parents of our ninth child". A beautiful baby girl. They named her Joyce! They did not know that her name would define her career, her life! Joyce, a name associated with a personality that is diplomatic, patient, and cooperative. A name associated with education; because she loved knowledge. The ninth of ten children. Joyce, their baby girl! Joyce!
Educated in the public schools of Morehouse Parish, Joyce graduated from Grambling State University and received her Masters’ Degree from ULM. She spent part of her adult life in Florida, but home beckoned her, and she returned to Bastrop. Her compassion led her to adult education because she desired that all who wanted an education. should have one. She eventually became the Director of Morehouse Parish’s Adult Education program.
Her dedication to her church, Mt. Sinai-Williams Temple, and her involvement in public service and community activities endeared her to all she met.
A few days ago, Joyce’s journey on this earth ended. But her impact on her grateful children, Michael and April, her precious grandchildren, her siblings, and the hundreds of lives she touched will forever be felt because Joyce Atkins Lee made a difference.
Rest in Love, Joyce! Rest!
Dr. Billye Goree Burns
1937–2025
1937–2025
Dr. Billye G. Burns
Dr. Billye Goree Burns was a beloved educator, public servant, mentor, and trailblazer in Northeast Louisiana. Born in 1937, Burns dedicated her life to teaching, leadership, and community service. She passed away on April 9, 2025. As the Monroe Free Press noted, she was a “revered educator, public servant, mentor, and trailblazer” whose “remarkable impact” on education and public service will be remembered.
Dr. Burns spent decades as a teacher and administrator at Morehouse High School (Bastrop, Louisiana) and in the Monroe City Schools, where she was known as a passionate science and math educator and a leader among faculty. Colleagues recalled her as a “pioneer educator” who opened doors for students and teachers alike. In later years she served as an educational consultant and worked as a program evaluator for the Louisiana Department of Education, sharing best practices statewide. Throughout her career she was actively engaged in professional associations and school committees, consistently advocating for academic excellence and equal opportunity.
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Dr. Burns spent decades as a teacher and administrator at Morehouse High School (Bastrop, Louisiana) and in the Monroe City Schools, where she was known as a passionate science and math educator and a leader among faculty. Colleagues recalled her as a “pioneer educator” who opened doors for students and teachers alike. In later years she served as an educational consultant and worked as a program evaluator for the Louisiana Department of Education, sharing best practices statewide. Throughout her career she was actively engaged in professional associations and school committees, consistently advocating for academic excellence and equal opportunity.
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Henry Cotton
1946 - 2025
1946 - 2025
Henry Cotton
Henry Cotton, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at his home on March 16, 2025, in Bastrop, Louisiana. He was born on December 9, 1946, to Walter and Farise (Finley) Cotton.
He attended Morehouse High School and graduated in 1963. He continued his education at Grambling State University, Southern University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and Bay Ridge Christian College. He later earned a master’s degree in divinity from Shaw University Seminary Without Walls. His life was a testament to dedicated service and diverse accomplishments. He served his country honorably in the United States Army, where he specialized as an air defense radar repairman, showcasing his technical skills and commitment. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He worked for IBM, as a field and systems engineer. During this time, he answered the call to ministry and served as pastor of Church Street Church of God in Oak Grove, LA before becoming pastor of Zion Church of God in Oakdale, MS from 1970 to 1985, and later serving as Associate Pastor at Pearl Street Church of God in Bastrop, LA. In 1977 he served as District Representative of the Greater Monroe area to U.S. Representative Jerry Huckaby.
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Robert "Bob" Love
1942- 2024
1942- 2024
The Chicago Bulls mourn the passing of Bob Love, who passed away today in Chicago at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer. Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family. During his nine remarkable seasons with the Bulls.
“Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family. During his nine remarkable seasons with the Bulls, Bob was a three-time NBA All-Star, a tenacious defender, and a cornerstone of our team. With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters, his on-court achievements are forever etched in history, but Bob’s impact transcended basketball. He became an inspirational figure and a passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches. We are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy both on and off the court in Chicago. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Emily, his family, and his many friends.” – The Chicago Bulls
“Bob was a true legend and a beloved member of our family. During his nine remarkable seasons with the Bulls, Bob was a three-time NBA All-Star, a tenacious defender, and a cornerstone of our team. With his No. 10 jersey hanging in the United Center rafters, his on-court achievements are forever etched in history, but Bob’s impact transcended basketball. He became an inspirational figure and a passionate community ambassador for the Bulls, dedicating himself to charitable causes and uplifting countless lives with his motivational speeches. We are profoundly grateful for his enduring contributions and legacy both on and off the court in Chicago. Our deepest condolences go out to his wife, Emily, his family, and his many friends.” – The Chicago Bulls
OBITUARY
Robert Earl Love
Robert Earl Love
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Robert E. Love
Robert Earl Love’s road to NBA stardom was, to say the least, long and winding. Nicknamed “Butterbean” as a boy due to his fondness for the vegetable, Bob Love grew up in a two-bedroom shanty located in rural northeastern Louisiana as one of 14 children. Bob’s mother was just 15 years old when he was born, and his father was nowhere to be found. When he was eight, his mother married an ex-Marine who seemed to be angry all the time and would hit Bob whenever the mood struck him. Not long after they married, Bob ran away, moving in with his grandmother, who was only too happy to take him in. As Bob tells the story, when his stepfather came to get him, his grandmother answered the door brandishing an axe handle. “Get out of here,” she said. “The boy lives here now.”
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Lucious Jackson
(1941–2022)  Lucious "Luke" Jackson
Lucious Jackson was among the 2016 inductees into the inaugural Small College Basketball Hall of Fame on November 17, 2016. Jackson, who retired in 2002 from the City of Beaumont's Parks and Recreation Department, doesn't talk much about his years playing basketball, preferring to lead a quiet, down-to-earth life, but his list of accomplishments in the sport is great. Jackson was a part of the U. S. Olympic team that won the gold at the 1964 Olympics in Japan. Thereafter, he went on to play with the Philadelphia 76'ers until 1972. He and teammates, including famed player center Wilt Chamberlain, secured the NBA tournament in 1966-67 after defeating the storied Boston Celtics. The San Marcos native moved with his wife to Beaumont, her hometown, in 1973. (Source: Beaumont Enterprise)
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Willie James Bowie
1946-2017
1946-2017
Willie James Bowie graduated from Morehouse High School in Bastrop, Louisiana in 1964 where he competed in football, basketball and track. He attended AM&N College/UAPB in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. While a student at AM&N he was also a member of the men’s basketball team. James also obtained his Master’s degree in School Leadership from then Central Missouri State University, now referred to as UCM in 1976.
Bowie began his teaching career in the Kansas City Missouri School District in 1968 at Paseo High School as a physical education teacher. His coaching experience included football, track, being the head basketball coach for twenty-three years and the athletic director. He left Paseo High School and worked at the following schools as Vice Principal: East High School, Nowlin Middle School and Central High School. He later became the principal at Central High School. James retired from the KCMSD after thirty-two years and went on to work in the Hickman Mills School District as vice principal at Hickman Mills High School and Smith Hale Middle School for nine years before retiring again.
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Bowie began his teaching career in the Kansas City Missouri School District in 1968 at Paseo High School as a physical education teacher. His coaching experience included football, track, being the head basketball coach for twenty-three years and the athletic director. He left Paseo High School and worked at the following schools as Vice Principal: East High School, Nowlin Middle School and Central High School. He later became the principal at Central High School. James retired from the KCMSD after thirty-two years and went on to work in the Hickman Mills School District as vice principal at Hickman Mills High School and Smith Hale Middle School for nine years before retiring again.
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Willie James Jones
1947 - 2024 |
George W. Wilson
(1947-2022) |
 Willie James Jones
The year, 1947. The date, March 14. The day, Friday. Legend has it that J. C. and Gloria Bell Jones of a small town in northeast Louisiana; Bastrop to be exact, were blessed with their middle child. They named him Willie James. They were blessed!
The year, 2024. The date, August, 11. The day, Sunday. Willie James Jones, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, friend, PATRIOT, went home to be with our God. Thank you for your service! Willie James’ life in Bastrop was an adventure. It was filled with playing outside until dark, hunting, fishing, hanging out with his family and friends. His high school years at Morehouse High School were amazing. He was that guy with the effervescent smile, and, oh, so charismatic. The Class of 1965, his class, had the distinct honor of being the first graduating class in the newly constructed auditorium, with Mr. William Washington completing the year of the late Henry V. Adams as principal. He was a Morehouse Tiger through and through. His kindness was evident as he sent birthday cards to classmates from the Class of 65. Read More |
 George W. Wilson
George W. Wilson - On Wednesday, February 19, 1947, Mazoller Lyons and Wilson, Willis, Wilson were blessed with a precious boy child. To this child was given the name George Willis Wilson. Little did they know that this boy child from the small hamlet of Bastrop would grow up and achieve national acclaim as an actor. A Star was born.
George loved music. He played football, but he was well-known as the Drum Major of the Morehouse Tiger Marching Band. His flair for the dramatics made his performances as drum major notable. There was something about his performances that delighted the Morehouse High home crowd as well as the opposing teams. After graduating from high school, George moved to Saginaw, Michigan. He found employment at the General Motors plant, but he felt that the was destined to do something else with his life. A friend was taking classes at Michigan State University and he often accompanied him. He decided to enroll in Lansing Community College where he took some classes in acting. Read More |