Obituary

Annette Crain Batson

June 25, 1945 - April 1, 2025

Annette Crain Batson passed away into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the early morning hours at her home in Bogalusa, Louisiana on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. 

Annette was a member of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Thomas, Louisiana. She was born on June 25, 1945, in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Annette was a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and sister. She retired from ResCare where she had a special place in her heart for those with special needs. 

Annette loved her brothers and sisters dearly; she was number nine of 15 children. She loved her "porch time" with family and friends. All who came to visit felt her love unconditionally. Annette would often say that when she was alone, she would sit on her porch and just talk to Jesus. 

Annette is survived by her loving sons and daughters-in-law, Willie J. Hines Jr. and Vanise Tharpe Hines of Niceville, Florida, William Jeffrey Hines and Cassandra Thomas Hines of Hartselle, Alabama; her daughter, Sharon Annette Hines of Bogalusa, Louisiana; grandchildren, Bradley Hines, Callie Jo (Chris) Lathan, Devan (Craig Manley) Hines, Grayson Hines, Brandon (Melanie) Penton, Kayla Bond, Thomas (Michaela) Penton, and Matt (Erica) Greer; great grandchildren, Chase, Banyan, Brinley, Addy Grace, Josie, Nolan, Declan, Noah, Gracelyn, Ella, and Mia; two brothers; Lester (Tilly) Crain, and Johnny D. Crain Sr.; a sister-in-law Sheila Crain; step daughters Teri (Ron) Hensley, Karen (Gary) Mueller, and Melanie Batson; ten step grandchildren and thirteen step great grandchildren; a special family friend, June Newchurch Hernadez; a host of nieces and nephews who dearly loved their “Aunt Nett”.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Batson; parents, Mart and Annie Crain, brothers and sisters-in-law, Horace (Mae) Crain, Preston (Betty) Crain, David Crain, James Crain, Ricky (Wanda Crider) Crain, Peggy Stillwell Crain; sisters and brothers-in-law, Claudia (Otis) Branch, Winnie (Charles) Netto, Elgie (Dewayne) Taylor, Linda Nell (Roy) Duncan, Darlene (Jerry) Gerald, Alice (Clyde) Terrell, Doris Crain; and stepdaughter, Debbie Batson.

Pallbearers will be Grayson Hines, Chris Lathan, Craig Manley, Thomas Penton, Todd Wells, and Mike Seal.

Honorary pallbearers will be Willie J. Hines, Jr., William Jeffrey Hines, Johnny D. Crain, Jr., Brian Crain, Bryan Genco, Ronald Bennett, Cory Lambert, Eddie Harris, Zach Taylor, James Maurice Smith, Wayne McCain, and Lindy Terrell.

Funeral services will be held at Poole Ritchie Funeral Home (216 Alabama Avenue, Bogalusa, LA, 70427) on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Brother Keith Branch of the New Beginnings Baptist Church of Thomas, Louisiana and Rev. Patrick Miller of The Sanctuary in Covington, Louisiana will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Paige Cemetery, in Poplarville (Crossroads), Mississippi. The family will receive friends and have visitation from 12:00 pm, noon until services at 2:00 pm, Friday at the funeral home.