Orene Birdwell

Orene Birdwell, age 83, of Marthaville, LA, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2007, at the Minden Medical Center in Minden, LA. Orene enjoyed quilting, flower gardening, reading, and birdwatching. Her blueberry cobbler, tea cakes, and fruitcakes were enjoyed by her family and friends. She was an active member of the Jennings Chapel Congregational Methodist Church in Marthaville, LA. Her love for Christ was demonstrated through her card and letter ministry, participation in all church events like V.B.S., camp meetings, and generous financial support of missions and missionaries. For many years she served as Secretary/Treasurer for the LA Annual Conference and locally, the church Sunday School. Having earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Normal College and then a Master’s, plus 30 Degree from Northwestern State University, Orene taught third grade at Marthaville Elementery for twenty-five years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hoyt L. Birdwell; an infant son; her parents, Mack and Rosa Gandy; and one brother, Leroy Gandy. She is survived by her sons, Coy Birdwell and wife Charlotte of Marthaville, LA and Keith Birdwell and wife Donna of Marthaville, LA; two daughters, Naomi Fudge and husband Allen of Plano, TX and Vecile King and husband Jerry of Centre, AL; eight grandchildren, Jenni Brown, Grant Birdwell, Brandon Birdwell, Kerry King, Ben Birdwell, Savannah Birdwell, Matthew Ray, and Joseph King; three great-grandchildren, Joshua Brown, Jacob Brown, and Sandy Birdwell; and two sisters, Dorothy Dowden of Kisatchie, LA and Lois Gregory of Sulphur, LA. Pallbearers will be Brandon Birdwell, Ben Birdwell, Grant Birdwell, Mott Birdwell, Eddie Dowden, Butch Bruce, Gordon Rivet, and Homer Free, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joseph King, Faye Mitcham, Maxine Birdwell, Iris McPherson, W.E. Dowden, Marlin and Debbie Birdwell, and her friends at the Marthaville Community Center. Arrangements are being handled by Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches, LA. The visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday, July 17, 2007 at the Jennings Chapel Congregational Methodist Church. The funeral service will be at the Jennings Chapel Congregational Methodist Church at 2:00 PM Wednesday, July 18, 2007 with Rev. Edwin Fenton and Rev. David Hill officiating. Interment will be at Bethany Cemetery in Marthaville, LA.