Obituary

Gayla Donne Archer Grant

September 4, 1948 - June 20, 2026

Funeral services for Gayla Donne Archer Grant, age 77 and of Bogalusa,LA, formerly of Sicily Island, LA, will be held at New Hope Apostolic Church in Leland, LA on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 10AM with Rev. Chris Hamilton, Rev. Robert Martin, and Rev. Kenneth Patten officiating and Rev. Lance Torrey and Marita Cross Morgan singing. Interment will follow at Highland Park Cemetery, under the direction of Young's Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at New Hope Apostolic Church in Leland from 5PM until 8PM.

Gayla Grant was born on Saturday, September 4, 1948 in Gainesville, TX. and passed away Saturday, June 20, 2026 in Bogalusa, LA. Gayla was a kind and dignified lady whose life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, and devotion to her family. She cherished her role as a pastor’s wife and faithfully stood beside both of her husbands in ministry, serving alongside them with grace, humility, and unwavering support. For more than thirty years, she was a faithful member of New Hope Apostolic, where she touched many lives through her service, her music, and her compassionate spirit. For the last 14 years she attended New Life United Pentecostal Church in Bogalusa.

Above all, Gayla loved being a mother. Her children were her pride and joy, and she devoted herself to nurturing them with love, wisdom, and godly values. She was always there with words of encouragement, a listening ear, and a heart full of unconditional love. As her family grew, she embraced the role of grandmother with the same joy and devotion, creating precious memories that will be treasured forever.

Gifted in music, Gayla faithfully served as a pianist and enjoyed singing praises to the Lord. In her spare time, she loved sewing, crocheting, and spending time with her family. Playing games together became a cherished tradition, filling their home with laughter and strengthening the bond they shared. Her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and deep love for her children and grandchildren leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

She is reunited with her husband, Rev. Roy W. Archer; parents, James Woodrow Turpen and Imogene Franks Turpen; sister, Angie Byers; brother, Larry Turpen; granddaughter, Makayla Hope Cross; and son-in-law, Charles Cross.

Those left behind to cherish Gayla's memories are her husband, Rev. Wayne Grant of Bogalusa, LA; son, Darrell Archer & his wife Amanda of Winnsboro, LA; daughter, Marita Cross Morgan & her husband Kris of Denver, CO; sons, James Archer & his wife Carrie of Sicily Island, LA, Terry Grant & his wife Deborah of Pensacola, FL, and Kerry Grant & his wife Traci of Lake Charles, LA; brother, Jimmy Turpen & his wife Julie; sisters, Deana Singleton & her husband Gregg, Sandra Everett, and Loretta Lambert; grandchildren, Alaina Wascom & her husband Dalton, Breana Archer, Eli Archer, Rylan Archer, Alex Stapp, Slade Tims, Moriah Cross, Jason Morgan, Wayne Grant, Mason Grant, Brie Fancher & her husband Logan, and Riah Grant; great-grandson, Dean Bear Wascom; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Those honoring her as pallbearers are Kris Morgan, Lance Torrey, Chris Hamilton, Cody Lambert, Lucas Lambert, Slade Tims, Eli Archer and David Squyers, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are Rylan Archer and Jason Morgan.