Williams Funeral Home Pearl River

01/05/2026

Sarah Barnes Himel, age 93, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. She was born on April 11, 1932, to Mary Elizabeth Caldwell Barnes and John Thomas Barnes, Sr. Sarah was one of twelve siblings and was the last surviving member of her family’s generation. She lived a long life marked by resilience and independence. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Himel, Sr., and her cherished son, Edward Himel, Jr. She is survived by her granddaughter, Camryn Ruth Himel; her daughter-in-law, Christy Himel; and many nieces and nephews. Since the passing of her son four years ago, Camryn and Christy lovingly watched over Sarah. In true Sarah fashion, she made sure to keep them both on their toes. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Greenbriar Community Care Center for their care and compassion over many years, and to Notre Dame Hospice for their comfort, support, and kindness during Sarah’s final days. A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Metairie, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Greenbriar Community Care Center Activities Fund or to Notre Dame Hospice.

01/01/2026

Welcoming the New Year with gratitude and remembrance. We will be open tomorrow from 9am–4pm. Wishing our community peace in the year ahead!

12/30/2025

On Friday, December 26, 2025, Donna Jean Rylee Champagne, age 61, of Pearl River, Louisiana, passed away.
Donna dedicated 23 years of her life as a cook for the St. Tammany Parish School Board, retiring in 2020. Her commitment to nourishing students and staff left a lasting impact on her community.
Donna is survived by her three children: Stacey Sticker, Rachel Champagne, and Jules Champagne IV, along with his wife Dakota. She also leaves behind her two sisters, Mary Sance and Cindy Childress. Her legacy continues through five grandchildren: Katelyn Sticker, Drake Sticker, Patrick Williams III, Angelique Williams, and Jules Champagne V. Donna was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Wrenley Culotta and Nellie Culotta, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives she touched.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Leola Rylee; her brother, Doug Rylee; and her sisters, Elizabeth Givens and Jamie Nolf.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 12:00 PM at the chapel of Williams Funeral Home, 67525 Hwy. 41, Pearl River, La. with visitation from 11:00 AM until service time.
Interment to follow at Hickory Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Pearl River, LA.

Send a message to learn more

12/25/2025

Today, we remember those we carry in our hearts, and cherish the love that remains, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the hope He brings. Wishing you a Merry Christmas from Williams Funeral Home. ❤️🎄

12/23/2025

In observance of Christmas, We will close today at 2:00pm, and reopen Monday, the 29th at 9:00am. May this season remind us of the hope we have in Christ.

For any assistance, please call (985)-863-5733

12/18/2025

All memorial ornaments are ready for pickup + payment if you haven’t prepaid. Please stop by to locate your ornament displayed on the memorial tree. Wishing you a season filled with love, remembrance, and joy! ✨ ❤️

12/17/2025

Our hearts are full, the memorial ornaments are sold out. 🤍
Thank you for remembering, honoring, and sharing the love this season.

12/17/2025

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Delia “Mrs. Dee” Patricia Garcia, age 71, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away.
Mrs. Dee devoted much of her professional life to nurturing students as a baker at Pearl River Junior High School, beginning her tenure in December 1990. She continued her dedicated service until her retirement from Creekside Junior High in January 2012.
She is survived by her two children, Ronald Jean Herron, III and Rebecca Bauman; her brother, Arthur Garcia (Sara Garcia); and her sister, Agabita Rowe. Mrs. Dee also leaves behind three grandchildren: Kierstin Bauman (Scott Peterson), Caitlin Bauman (Grant Carlisle), and Cody Bauman. She was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Rory Petersen, Ozzy Petersen, and Clyde Carlisle.
Mrs. Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Jose Davis Garcia and Caroline Rebecca Henderson, as well as two brothers, Aubrey Garcia and Jose Garcia.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the chapel of Williams Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM until the service time at 2:00 PM. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana.

12/08/2025

On Saturday, December 6, 2025, Ralph John Kastner, Jr., age 89 of Slidell, LA passed away peacefully to meet his loving wife at the pearly gates. Mr. Ralph was a long-time member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Village Church Lutheran in Lacombe. He was the original owner of Kastner Electric est. 1960 and assistant chief of Electric Inspections for the city of New Orleans from 1985 – 2005. He is survived by his loving children Rickey Kastner (Peggy), Lee Kastner Ducote (the late Jessie Joseph Ducote), Ralph J. Kastner, Sr. (Brenda), and Christine Kastner Greer (Monte), his grandchildren whom he adored; Angelle Kastner Betzer (Craig), Ralph J. Kastner, Jr. (Danielle), Amy Kastner Barrios (Charles), Gena Kastner Daley (Paul), Danielle Ducote Crane (Rick), Brandon Carlone, Rickey J. Kastner, Jr. (Brittany), and Stephanie Greer Camp (Daniel), and his 17 great grandchildren. Ralph is now in the presence of our Lord and welcomed by his loving wife of 70 years Shirley Kastner, his parents Gertrude and Ralph Kastner, Sr., his sisters Joyce Kastner and Anna Dupuis, son-in-law Jessie Joseph Ducote, and his grandson Jessie James Ducote. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 12 pm with visitation from 10 am until service time at The Village Church Lutheran 29180 Hwy 190 Lacombe, LA 70445, with a reception to follow after in the church hall to share stories and honor this amazing life that we will all miss greatly. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude and thanks, to the amazing staff at Summerfield Assisted Living and Anderson Memory Care in Slidell, LA. In Lieu of flowers, donations preferred to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

12/06/2025

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, Gary Arnel Laseter, Sr., age 73 of Bush, LA, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his children; Kelly Laseter (Charlene), William Forbes, Lucy Lampo, Casey Hunt (Harold, Jr.), and Cindy Laseter, his siblings Agnes Parker, Judy Laseter, James Laseter, and Mickey Laseter, Grandchildren; Kevin Martin, Timothy Lampo, Courtney Litzenberger, Adam Lampo, Serenity Martin, Tapanga Hunt, Jolene Hunt, Gracie Lampo, Wade Hunt, and Levi Haymen, 9 great grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren on the way, and his loving nephew Will Parker. He is now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord and walking the streets of gold with his parents James and Rosella Laseter, his wife Betty Irene Laseter, and his sons; Gary Laseter, Jr., Jimmy Laseter, and David Capdeville. His loving heart and beautiful soul will live on through all the lives he touched. Funeral services for Mr. Gary will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12 pm with visitation from 10 am until service time from the chapel of Williams Funeral Home, 67525 Hwy 41, Pearl River, LA 70452. Interment to follow at Holmes Cemetery, Talisheek, LA.

12/04/2025

On Saturday, November 22, 2025 Eldon Preston Burge, age 70 of Picayune, MS., passed away unexpectedly. He had a love for raising and fighting chickens, working on cars, and spending time with his family and loved ones. He was a man that was dedicated to always working hard, but loving people even harder. He was always very proud and prideful over his family and their accomplishments, and always found any moment to praise about them to others. He is survived by his children, Preston Burge (Wendy), Nadine Clifton (Glenn), and Veronica Gomez, his siblings; Aubrey Burge, Junior Burge, Philip Burge, Larry Burge, Mark Burge, Bobby Burge, Tammy Perriloux, penny Burge, and Betty Jean Lavigne, his grandchildren; Chloe, Tyler, Jessica, Taylor, Janet, Edward, Tiffany, Sarah, and James, and 10 great grandchildren. He has proceeded in death by his parents, Eldridge and Lorena Burge and his siblings, William Burge, Jerry Burge, Retta Burge, Billy Ray Burge, and Wanda Ann Burge. Preston was a one-of-a-kind individual and those that knew him would agree that they were lucky that he was a part of their life. Please join us Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10 AM at Haaswood Cemetery, Slidell, Louisiana on Cemetery Road to celebrate the life of Eldon Preston Burge as we lay him to rest. We will also be holding a celebration of life after the burial at Burge Hill 66420 Bruce Rd. Pearl River La.

12/01/2025

Mrs. Barbara is busy creating this year’s memorial ornaments, and there’s still time to order yours! ❤️

Ornaments are $8, and available for order through December 20th. They can be displayed on our Memorial Tree for the season or taken home immediately, whichever you prefer.

To order, please stop by, call, or message the page with your loved one’s name, date of birth, and date of passing.

All profits will go to Sisters of Royalty! SOR is a program that empowers young girls with practical life skills and spiritual growth.