Ladye McCaa Harveston

Ladye Kathryn McCaa Harveston, of Jonesboro, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 27, 2026, at the age of ninety. Born on February 16,1936 in Tyler, Texas to William Chambers and Alma Beatrice McCaa, she was respected and cherished for her love of the Lord, kindness, creativity, outgoing personality and steadfast devotion to family and friends.

Throughout her life, Ladye took great pleasure in teaching young adults business subjects and taught the first computer classes at Jonesboro-Hodge High School which required her to spend many a night in classes at Louisiana Tech and studying at home to “stay one day ahead of these smart kiddos.” She taught Kindergarten for two years at First Baptist Church and 22 years at Jonesboro-Hodge High School. She enjoyed all things art and used her God-given talents to create many treasures for her family and friends, whether it be quilts, sewing garments or home décor, or painting. She also did extensive research on her genealogy, finding ancestors in all walks of life. Ladye graduated from Fair Park High School in Shreveport and continued her education at Louisiana Tech where she received a Bachelors, Masters and Plus 30 or Specialist degree. She married Joe Harveston in 1958 after being set up on a blind date at Louisiana Tech and there began their 61 years together prior to his death in 2019. Together they had three daughters, and their home was filled with love, laughter, and much activity.

She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church from 1958 until her death. She was active in the WMU, taught Sunday School for many years and sang in the choir.

Those who have gone before her include her Husband, Charles Joe Harveston who was the love of her life. Her Father and Mother, William Chambers McCaa, Sr, and Alma Beatrice Harless McCaa, three siblings, William C. McCaa, Jr (Bill) and his wife Joyce, James Duval McCaa and his wife Ouita and her sister Mary Ann McCaa Clancy. Three of her beloved nephews and one niece are also part of the family who have greeted her – Mark D. McCaa, David Clancy, Michael Clancy, and Kathleen Walston.

She is survived by her three daughters, Kay Holsomback and her husband Richard, Ame McBride and her husband Mike, and Cheri Harveston along with a bonus daughter Barbara van Strein of The Netherlands. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Millicent Westmoreland and her husband Forrest, Katie Smith and her husband Jordan, Hayden McBride, and his fiancée’ Kaytlyn Remedes and Ryan McBride and his wife Katherine. Her two great-grandchildren are Margaret McCaa Smith and Forrest Westmoreland, Jr. with a third little girl due in February. She is also survived by her many beloved nieces and nephews. She counted many close friends and neighbors as family and was blessed to have these friends.

A service commemorating her life will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am followed by the service at 11:00 am in the Chapel led by the Rev. Dr. Kendal Land of Longview United Presbyterian Church. A burial service will be held immediately after at Jonesboro Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons Hayden McBride, Ryan McBride, Forrest Westmoreland, Sr., and Jordan Smith along with three of her nephews, Patrick McCaa, Greg Clancy, and Buddy McCaa. Richard Holsomback, Mike McBride, and Mike McCaa will serve as honorary Pallbearers.

Her family gives thanks to God for the many caretakers that helped ease her life during her later years including Teresa McCaskill, Forest Haven Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Sodalis Assisted Living of Longview, and HospicePlus of Longview especially, LB, Cameron, Emily, and Tashia. Her final years were made much more comfortable due to the loving care of these individuals and facilities.

Memorial Donations may also be made to First Baptist Church of Jonesboro LA, the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, or a charity of your choice.