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| Daily obituaries |
Carolyn Tucker Wood
Carolyn Tucker Wood, 79, of Laurel died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014, at South Central Regional Medical Center.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Rev. David Hagan and Rev. Reid Guy will officiate.
Mrs. Wood was a homemaker and a member of Highland Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Wood; brother Robert Tucker; sister Edna Harrison; and infant son Phillip Wood.
Survivors include son Mark H. Wood of Laurel; daughter Katty Robinson and husband Larry of Ridgeland; three grandchildren, Jonathan Robinson and wife Shellie, Laura Walters and husband Jared, and Leah Parker and husband Ben; six great-grandchildren, Rae and Reese Robinson, Peyton and Harper Walters, and Cruz and Camryn Parker; sister Dot Pearson of Laurel; and special niece Annelle Bishop.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Mary Nell Padgett
Mary Nell Padgett, 84, of the Sand Hill Community died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Monday, Jan. 20, 2014. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sand Hill Baptist Church in Ellisville, with Rev. James Blankenship and Rev. Jimmy Walley officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.?
Nancy Ruth Shoemake
Mrs. Nancy Ruth Shoemake, 68, a native of Quitman and resident of Ellisville, died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014.
Visitation for Mrs. Shoemake will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday in the Parlor of Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday from the Chapel of Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro, with Rev. Thomas Cochran and Rev. Robert Thornton officiating. Interment will be in Boyles Chapel Cemetery, Waynesboro.
Mrs. Shoemake was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Burgess; father William Burgess; four brothers; three sisters; grandson Keven Ishee; great-grandson Nicolas Becker II.
She is survived by her husband, Billy C. Shoemake of Ellisville; four daughters, Melissa Shoemake Kitchens, Vicki Shoemake Richardson, Charlene Shoemake and Kelli Shoemake, all of Ellisville; two brothers, Donnie Burgess of Waynesboro and Ronnie Burgess of Alabama; four sisters, Margie Street, Billie Sue Patterson, Zelphia Eidson and Marilyn Shoemaker, all of Waynesboro; 10 grandchildren, Jamie Cherry of Tacoma, Wash., Makayla Kitchens of Fredericktown, Mo., and William Ishee (Taylor), Nancy Corley (Maranda), Steven Eddy, Georgia Stevens, Ayedin Willis, Kaydence Willis, Zoey Willis and Hunter Shoemake, all of Ellisville; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at www.freemanfh.com.
Norma Basham Houston
Norma Basham Houston, 98, of Ellisville died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Jimmy Walley and Rev. Howard Houston will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until service time on Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Houston was a charter member of Sandhill Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frazier Baines; second husband H. C. Houston; five sisters, Alice Bashan, Maguerite Parks, Ira Jean Basham Jason, Hazel Basham and Rita Kryter; and three brothers, Ray Basham, Owen Basham and Dick Basham.
Survivors include one stepson, Lloyd Houston; one stepdaughter, Kathryn Baines Bailey; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Houston, Mitchell Sharp, Donald Hill, Ray Sanderson, Michael Basham and Dennis Basham. Honorary pallbearer will be Jasper Pryor.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dorothy Jeanette Collins
Dorothy Jeanette Collins, 74, died at 10:10 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg after lengthy battle with cancer and pneumonia.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Tula Rosa Congregational Methodist Church, followed by burial in Tula Rosa Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery on New Augusta Road in Ellisville. Dr. Greg Gavin will officiate.Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Ellisville Funeral Home. A brief visitation period will also be available at the church from 1 p.m. through the beginning of services on Wednesday.
Jeanette was born on Aug. 2, 1939 in Sylvarena. She graduated as class valedictorian from Sylvarena High School at age 16 and began nursing training at Charity Hospital in Laurel. Jeanette served as a private duty nurse in Jones County, hospital nurse at Fort Campbell, Ky., and managed the United Blood Services office in Laurel. She enjoyed gardening and cooking Southern-style meals for family gatherings.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her father, Martin Bradford Strickland Sr.; mother Johnnie Florence Strickland; father-in-law Lamar Merritt; eldest brother Martin Bradford Strickland Jr.; elder brother Harvey Martin Strickland; first husband Thomas Ray Merritt; and second husband Maurice Wyatt Collins Sr.
Survivors include her mother-in-law, Beatrice Grace Merritt; stepson Maurice Wyatt (Becky) Collins Jr., of New Iberia, La.; daughter Deborah Lynn (Steve) Flowers of Ellisville; son Thomas Wayne (Angie) Collins of Ellisville; and daughter Beverly Dianne Bailey of Ellisville. Grandchildren include Jane Gunn (DeMatt) Harkins, Chad Stephen (Callie) Flowers, Cody Allen (Lauren) Flowers, Chad Paul (Addie) Cognevich, Christopher Maurice (Aroura) Collins, Henry Clay Bailey, Kent Collin (Chelsea) Bailey and Corey Thomas Bailey. Jeanette was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Jeanette’s grandsons.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
James Earl Miller
James Earl Miller, 68, was born March 20, 1945, and entered heaven to spend eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sharon Cemetery. Rev. Jeff Holifield and Rev. Andy Miller will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Miller was a long-time member of Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in Laurel. He was a brick mason and loved his work.
He was preceded in death by his parents, T. J. “Tommie” and Blanche Gable Miller; and brothers Thomas, Lee M. and Henry B. Miller.
Survivors include one son, James Matthew “Matt” Miller and wife Madelyn of Mandeville, La.; two grandsons, Tallon and Evan Miller; two granddaughters, Alina and Sienna Miller; one brother, Sidney H. Miller of Ellisville; three sisters, Arlene Hepinstall and husband Calvin of Laurel; Annie Ruth Graham of Stringer; and Edna Grace Glover and husband Allen of Grand Bay, Ala.; one sister-in-law, Mary Miller of Ellisville; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Holifield, Weston Holifield, Andy Miller, Derick Miller, Marty Miller, and Tony Miller.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dewey Leon Lewis
Dewey Leon Lewis, 59, of Ellisville died at his residence on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Rev. Cleo Pruitt will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Laurel. Colonial Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements.
Zane Grey Gaddis
Zane Grey Gaddis, 89, died on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 at his home in Kingwood, Texas.
The funeral service will be at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel at 1 p.m. Sunday with burial in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon-1 p.m. Sunday at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
He was born to the late Sidney and Effie Gaddis on July 8, 1924 in Pleasant Hill, La. He was an Army veteran of World War II and a Navy veteran of the Korean War. He married Vonceil Peel of Wausau, Fla., in 1945. They enjoyed 68 years together until her death in 2013.
An active member of West Laurel Baptist Church until his move to Texas, he lived his strong Christian beliefs in both word and deed. Zane loved people and could visit until the cows came home. His competitive nature could be seen in his work ethic, his love of projects and his favorite board games, dominos and checkers. His career was the oilfield, where he worked for various companies as an operations specialist retiring in 1994.
Zane is survived by three sons, Don Michael “Mike” Gaddis of Kingwood; Dale Arden Gaddis of Lafayette, La.; and John Mercer Gaddis of Humble, Texas; a brother, Edgar Gaddis of Coushatta, La.; and a sister, Oneta Gaddis of Coushatta, La. He is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Don Michael Gaddis II; and four brothers, Todd, Gene, Joe and Herman.
He is missed already, but how can we compete with God’s plan and the joyous celebration of his “going home?”
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the West Laurel Baptist Church general fund.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook is available at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Craig Allen Malone
Craig Allen Malone, 43, of Laurel died Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2013, at his residence.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Justin Rhodes will officiate.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Dale Malone Sr. and mother Linda M. Malone.
Survivors include his daughter, Christine Malone Thompson and husband Andrew of Stringer; brother Dale Malone and wife Delilah of Laurel; one grandchild, Riley Thompson of Stringer; and two nieces, Madelynn Malone and Macykate Malone.
Pallbearers will be Dale Malone, Reed Walters, Larry Walters, Jacob Welborn, Andrew Thompson and Kenneth Welborn.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Deborah Jean White
Deborah Jean White, 39, of Laurel died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson.
There will be a memorial service at a later date at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel with Pastor John Stockstill officiating.
Deborah loved spending time with her daughter Andrea, who was her heart and soul.
Deborah was preceded in death by her mother, Clare Aronld; brother Jeffrey Lucia; and daughter Chloe White.
Survivors include a special friend, David Tillman of Laurel and daughter, Andrea Tillman of Laurel; brothers Dale Lucia of Laurel, Jim Lucia of Wenatchee, Wash., and Chuck Lucia of Las Vegas, Nev.; and a sister, Sandy Lynn Toombs of Laurel; nephews Michael D. Lucia of Dallas, Texas, Michael J. Lucia of Wenatchee and nieces Katherine Cameron of Dallas, Elisha Thompson of Laurel and Christina Lucia of Wenatchee; and best friend Rethia Cantu of Texas.?
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com
Thomas Leon Kuffner
Thomas Leon Kuffner, 57, of Laurel died at his residence in Laurel on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Ellisville Funeral Home in Ellisville with Rev. Dance Stinson officiating. Burial will be in Myrick Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Kuffner was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas L. and Rose Myers Kuffner; and sister Ann Kuffner.
Survivors include his wife, Iris Keyes Kuffner of Laurel; daughters Michelle Pitts (Levi) and Sarah Kepley (Walter), both of Laurel; son, Thomas (Tommy) Kuffner Jr. of Laurel; brothers Fred Kuffner of Mississippi and Joe Stringer of Colorado; and grandchildren Jasmine and Daisy Pitts. ?
Serving as pallbearers are Greg Wyckoff, Brandon Boyanton, Kale Ducksworth, Mark Pitts, Billy Joe “Joey” Pitts Jr., Billy Joe (B. J.) Billy Joe Pitts III, Scott Landry and Tyler Smith. Honorary pallbearer will be Walter Kepley.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Charles Henry Tigert Jr.
Charles Henry Tigert Jr., 62 of Laurel died at his residence on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.
Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel, which is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., on Wednesday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Rev. Mike West will officiate. Burial will be in Calhoun Cemetery.
Mr. Tigert was a Master Mason and a member of Lodge 414 in Laurel. He also had membership in Laurel York Rite Bodies, 32nd Degree Master Mason of the Meridian Scottish Rite, Hamasa Shrine Club of Marion, Laurel Shrine Club and a past president of Hamasa Heavyweights (motorcycle escort) and Country Cooks of Laurel, for over 40 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren, was an avid fan of Mississippi State Bulldogs and New Orleans Saints.
Mr. Tigert was preceded in death by his father, C. H. Tigert Sr.; and an aunt, Louise T. Wilson.
Survivors include his wife, Janey Gardner Tigert of Laurel; son Jason (Jennifer) Ishee of Madison; daughters Michelle (D. C.) Butler of Sharon and Kayla Ishee (Billy Taylor) of Soso; grandchildren Shelby, Dalton and Dylan Butler of Sharon, and Georgia and Genna Ishee of Madison; mother Alice Foster Tigert of Laurel; brother Alan Tigert (Merry Beth) of Laurel; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Serving as pallbearers will be Nobles from the Laurel Shrine Club. Honorary pallbearers will be Laurel Shrine Club.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
John J. Smith
John J. Smith, 94, of Laurel died at Covington County Hospital in Collins on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurel. Mike Lowe will officiate. Burial will be in Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon-1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
Mr. Smith was a man with many interests and talents. He did construction work for many years. He was a welder, heavy equipment operator and a “jack of all trades.” He was a loving father and husband and was a good provider.? He was always willing to help people who had a need of any kind. He enjoyed nature; he would sit outside, especially in his latter years, and watch the deer and other animals and birds that came in his yard to feed. He also enjoyed entertaining people with his stories about days gone by concerning his work and other things that he did to relax and live a full and contented life. He was the kind of person who made a lasting impression on every one he had contact with. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Martha Smith; his first wife, Claire Smith; his second wife, Olivia Smith; six brothers; and one sister.
Survivors include his daughter, Barbara Jean Nielsen and husband Carl of Laurel; and a number of nieces, nephews and friends.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Bonita Irene Bryant
Bonita Irene Bryant, 57, born Aug. 25, 1956, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Myrick Cemetery. Rev. Jason Bryant and Rev. Bob Taylor will officiate.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline Sims Carney and Charles Douglas Bryant; brothers Tommy and Doug Bryant; nephew Chris Bryant; and niece Brianna Smith.
Survivors include Dianne Bryant-Smith, Barbara Bryant, Kevin Sims, Dean Bryant, Sean Bryant, Patricia Padgett, Jason Bryant, Charlie Bryant, Connor Bryant, Skyler Smith, Brittany Smith, Dorthy Bryant, Allison Bryant, Kyra Nitsche, Sean Jr., Doug, Shane Bryant, Tyler, Robin, Kaylb Sims, Ashley Sims, Alex, Taylor, Tyler, Carson, Nathan Bryant, Haley Bryant, Lyndsey Bryant and her pets, Rowdy and Shadow.
Pallbearers will be Jason Bryant, Connor Bryant, Tyler Bryant, Taylor Byrd, Gary Smith and James Jones.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Rose Helen Stephens Weaver
Rose “Helen” Stephens Weaver, 83, died on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014 after a 19-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Relatives, friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Garden of Memories Funeral Home (4900 Airline Dr., Metairie, La.). Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. A funeral service will also take place at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel on Wednesday, at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Lake Park Hills Cemetery.
Helen loved her family and loved to cook. She was born Feb. 4, 1930 in Laurel.
She was a resident of River Ridge for the past 56 years and she was a former employee of Ochsner Clinic; beloved wife of 65 years to Paul Henry Weaver; loving mother of Paul Weaver Jr. (Patty), Ginger Moskau (Michael), Ann Phelps (Asia Baker) and Becky Coker (Kent); grandmother of Christy Moskau Hudson (Jason), Andrew Moskau, Emily Moskau and Colin Coker; daughter of the late Edith Virginia Stone Stephens Knight and Irvin H. Stephens.
The family appreciates all the care Helen received from Ochsner Medical Center and River Regions Hospice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.gardenofmemoriesfuneralhome.com.
Dr. Bob Holifield
Dr. Bob Holifield, 92, of Laurel died at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014.
The funeral service will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Laurel. Dr. Randy Turner, Rev. Bert Jones, Dr. Bob Hilbun, Judge Charles Pickering and Mr. William Wells will officiate. Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
Dr. Bob was a member of First Baptist Church of Laurel, where he served as a deacon. He was active in several professional dental associations, a member of the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners and has served as past president of The Laurel Lions Club. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He attended Jones County Junior College as a pre-dental student and later graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry with a doctorate of dental surgery in 1950. He help organized the Mississippi Catfish Farmers Association and served as the first president of the group. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed trophy hunting in Mississippi, Alaska, British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains. He enjoyed bee-keeping and marketed his honey in Jones County. He was co-founder of the Honduras Baptist Dental Mission in 1974 and served a year with the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board in the Gambia, West Africa in 1985-86.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Millie Holifield; three brothers and three sisters.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanne Holifield of Laurel; three sons, Dr. Brad Holifield and his wife Cena of Hattiesburg, Mark Holifield and his wife Laura of Houston, Texas, and Clay Holifield of Laurel; one sister, Dot Cirlot of Moss Point; and four granddaughters, Elise Holifield, Kristin Holifield, Erin Holifield and Hannah Lindsey Holifield; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Men of Loving Action. Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult V Men Sunday School Class.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dynamic Dyslexia Design, The 3-D School, 120 South George Street, Petal, MS 39465 or Honduras Baptist Dental Mission PO Box 2704 Laurel, MS 39442.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook go to www. memorychapellaurel.com.
Jack Howard Prince
Jack Howard Prince, 79, of Taylorsville died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Cochran and Rev. Robbie Thornton officiating. Burial will be at Fellowship Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.
Joe Burgess
Services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Jones & Son Funeral Home in Richton for Mr. Joe Burgess, 46, of Richton who passed away at his residence on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014. Brother Thomas Cochran and Brother Robbie Thornton will officiate with burial to follow in the Brown Cemetery in Ovett. Visitation will be Monday 5:30-9 p.m. at Jones & Son Funeral Home.
Mr. Burgess was an offshore supervisor with Enviro Chemical and a member of The Faith Baptist Church of Ovett.
He was preceded in death by his dad, Wilson “Scrap” Burgess; mom Ruth Burgess Brownlee; stepdad Paul Brownlee; and grandchildren T. J. and Cassie Herring.
He is survived by his wife, Georgia Odom Burgess; son Timothy (Brittany) Herring; daughters Chasity Herring and Rebekah (Brandon) Williamson; sister Millie (Martie) Blackwell, all of Richton; brother David (Alisa) Burgess of Laurel; godchildren Jaci and Joshua Odom; stepbrother Billy Joe (Barbara) Brownlee; stepsister Vicki (Kevin) Carey; grandchildren Roger Herring and Christopher Cox Herring, all of Richton; nephew Chris Burgess; and nieces Savannah Prince of Laurel and Nicole Dubose of Pascagoula.
Pallbearers will be Chambo Anderson, Martie Blackwell, Bobby Buckalew, Brian Graham, Jerry May and Jerry “Popeye” Odom. Honorary pallbearers are Brandon Williamson, Chris Burgess, Heath Brewer, Doug Prince, William Sykes and Joshua Odom.
James Carl ‘Jim’ Murrell
James Carl “Jim” Murrell, 76, of Laurel died at his residence Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Dr. Randy Turner will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Murrell was self-employed as a petroleum landman prior to his retirement. He was a member of First Baptist Church Laurel, where he served as a deacon, was a past president of the Dixie Youth Baseball Association, an avid fisherman and active in the Alzheimer’s Support Group.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Dean Murrell; one sister, Mary Christine Durrett; and one brother, Ralph Ried Murrell.
Survivors include one son, Gregory Murrell and wife Sheri of Moselle; two daughters, Dianna D. Belcher and husband Joseph of Fayetteville, N.C., and Terri D. Murrell of Vestavia Hills, Ala.; four grandchildren, Jesse L. Schales Sr. and wife Christy, Stacy L. Murrell, Stephanie L. Murrell and Shannon L. Murrell; three great-grandchildren, Jesse Lane Schales Jr., Sarah Schales and Brooke Murrell Schales; special niece Karen Durrett; and special nephew Glynn Durrett.
Pallbearers will be Ray Bush, Terry Moore, Don Swanberg, Roger Wade, Stan Herrington and Bobby Stevens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith First Fund, P. O. Box 2636, Laurel, MS 39442, or a charity of your choice.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Robert Kittrell Lyle
Robert Kittrell Lyle, born Oct. 15, 1940, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Randy Clark will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Lyle was born in Laurel to G. W. Lyle and Mamie Robertson Lyle. He graduated in 1958 from George S. Gardiner High School. He joined the Air Force, served four years, and was honorably discharged. He began his oil field career in 1963, when he went to work for Halliburton Energy Services, serving 35 years prior to retiring in 1998. After retiring, he spent most of his time at the deer camp. He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Melvin Lyle; sister Mary Lyle Watson; brother Mike Lyle; and brother John Allen Lyle.
Survivors include the love of his life, his wife, Betty Moss Lyle; children Brent Adkins (Cheryl) of Bay St. Louis, Bridget Collins (Tony) of Laurel, Jennifer Brownlee (Nathan) of Laurel, Taylor Lyle (Christi) of Brandon, Wade Adkins (Donna) of Laurel and Robin Holmes (Fred) of Laurel; 10 grandchildren, Landry Lyle, Lyle Wood, Lawson Lyle, Olivia Adkins, Presley Brownlee, Gracey Adkins, Lily Lyle, Aly Brownlee, Clay Holmes and Luke Holmes; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Tuddy Soley, J. B. Smith, Larry Joe Smith, Terry Lyle, John Lyle, Matthew Lyle, Bill Phebus and Jimmy Loper. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Ishee and Richard Duggan.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Foster Priester
Foster Priester, 71, of Laurel died at her residence on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Smith Chapel United Methodist Church followed by burial in Nora Davis Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. at the church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L.B. and Pearlena Priester; two daughters, Carol D. Priester and Juanita Cooley; two brothers Eddie Preister and James Priester; and one sister, Edna Pearl Pugh.
He is survived by his wife, Myrtis Priester of Laurel; two stepsons, Billy Ray Ducksworth of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Bobby Ray Ducksworth of Laurel; one brother, L.B. Priester of Austin, Texas; two sisters, Annie Brooks of Rochester, N.Y. and Willia Bell Harris of Laurel; three grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Brown Mortuary, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.
Shelia Starr
Shelia Starr, 60, of Laurel died at her residence on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. The funeral service is Friday at 1 p.m. at Second Allen A.M.E. Church with burial in Nora Davis Cemetery. Brown Mortuary, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.
Justin Latrell Curry
Private 1st Class Justin Latrell Curry, 19, of Laurel died Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church an burial will be at Oak Hill No. 2 Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church Friday from 6-8 p.m. Chapel of Angels Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ethel Mae Livingston
Ethel Mae Livingston, 100, of Heidelberg at Jasper County Nursing Home in Bay Springs died Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Philadelphia Methodist Church with burial to follow at the church cemetery. Rev. Kenny McMinn, Rev. Mark Covington and Rev. Mark Barfield will officiate. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at the church.
Mrs. Livingston was a homemaker and a member of Philadelphia Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Skip Livingston; nine brothers, Lewis, Ransom, James, Clarence, Bryant, David, Lionel and twin infant boys; and four sisters, Alvin Blackwell, Zora Lightsey, Lois Livingston and Lottie Livingston.
Survivors include two daughters, Caldonia Satcher and husband Jimmy, and Jackie Leggett and husband Bodie, all of Heidelberg; special nephew Ed Lightsey of Laurel; sister Missouri Knight of Bay Springs; six grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Corey Boothe, Keith Satcher, Robert Satcher, Reagan Holifield, Curtis Gatlin and Craig Leggett. Honorary pallbearers will be Kevin Satcher and Ed Lightsey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Philadelphia Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Patricia Ann McAlpin
Patricia Ann McAlpin, 76, of Laurel died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Jones County. Dr. Randy Turner will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Pat was a loving and selfless person to all who knew her. She was a retired school teacher who touched many lives. Although untimely, her passing was peaceful and she was surrounded by friends and family when she was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Pat was a woman of strong faith who volunteered her time where needed. She was active in the church where she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years. She lived her life serving others and was an example of strength and grace to all who came to know her.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Troy McAlpin.
She is survived by her daughter, Connie Rambin. She is also survived by the following: grandchildren Ashley Rambin, Gus Rambin Jr. and his wife Christina, and Marshall Rambin; great-grandchildren Sierra Rambin, Skyler Rambin, Ethan Rambin and Maddie Rambin; sister Fern Barefoot; brother and sister-in-law Tim and Patricia Waldrup; son-in-law Gus Rambin Sr., her beloved pomeranian, Lacy; very special friend Bill Ruth; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Gus Rambin Jr., Marshall Rambin, Kyle Barefoot, Kaleb Meeks, Dylan Meeks and Brett Barefoot.
Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.
Betty Jean Brown
Betty Jean Brown, 67, of Gitano passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. The funeral service will be at noon Saturday at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Soso. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-noon at the church prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in the church’s cemetery. Young’s Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Joyce Smith
Joyce Smith, 45, of Gitano passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014. The funeral service will be Saturday at noon at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Soso. Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-noon at the church prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in the church’s cemetery. Young’s Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
L.D. Barnes
The funeral service for L.D. Barnes, 87, of Laurel, formerly of Taylorsville, will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at New Hopewell Baptist Church in Taylorsville. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church, prior to the funeral service. Interment will be at the church’s cemetery. Young’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Doris Shoemake
My beloved wife, Doris Shoemake, 69, of Laurel, left this world to be with our Lord on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, at 08:05 a.m. at our home in Jones County.
There will be a memorial service at our church home, West Laurel Church of God, on Thursday at 6 p.m. by Pastor Curtis W. Pitts.
Doris Kaye Jones Shoemake was preceded in death by her father, Ernest Truman Jones; mother Annie Maye Reeves Jones; a brother, Ernest Carl Jones; and sister Debra Faye Jones Davis.
Doris is survived by her husband of 51 years Charles B. Shoemake, sons Charles Jr., Shell, Joshua, a daughter Rebekah, two grandchildren Hanna and Chase and two sisters Barbara and Martha Jo.
Richard Lewis Hobson
Richard Lewis Hobson, 75, went to be with his Lord, Monday, Jan. 6, 2014.
Memorial services will be at the Elba United Methodist Church on Thursday beginning at 3 p.m. with Rev. Stanley Carter officiating. Visitation will be at the Elba United Methodist Church on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Richard was born in Mobile, Ala., and lived in Laurel until he joined the U.S. Air Force. He was a gunner on the B-36 and B-52 aircraft before an interservice transfer to the Army as a warrant officer, where he was a helicopter pilot and a Vietnam veteran. He was also a member of the Army Aviation Precision Demonstration Team, the Silver Eagles, flying OH-6 helicopters, performing as Bozo before his retirement.
Mr. Hobson was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Laurie Lewis Hobson and Samuel Hobson, along with his brother Paul Hobson.
He retired to Elba, Ala., and is survived by his wife of 56 years, Charlotte; son Richard L. Hobson Jr. (Susie); daughter Tate Roberts (Russ); grandchildren Whitney Craig (Andrew), Amelia Hobson, Hobson Roberts, Tina Roberts, Mara Woods (Trey) and Aaron Roberts.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Elba United Methodist Church, 503 W. Davis Street, Elba, AL, 36323.
Hayes Funeral Home of Elba, Ala. is serving the Hobson family.
Marion Truman ‘Sonny’ Rowell
Marion Truman “Sonny” Rowell, 78, was born in Heidelberg on Aug. 15, 1935. He passed away from this life on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014 while being treated in the South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
He was preceded in death by his father, J. K. Rowell; mother Truman "Lightsey" Rowell; and his wife, Bobbie J. Rowell.
Survivors include a daughter, Melody Ann Hyatt; twin granddaughters, all of whom live in New York; he had two brothers, Kirby Ray Rowell of Heidelberg and Albert "Bebe" Rowell of Long Beach.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com
Charlene Narro Mangum
Charlene Narro Mangum, 86, passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Jaquith Nursing Home.
Visitation will be Wednesday from noon-1 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg. There will be a graveside service at 2 p.m. at Bay Springs Cemetery in Bay Springs.
Mrs. Mangum was a native of Bay Springs. She had previously lived in Forest, Mendenhall, Wesson, Memphis and, for the past 13 years in Hattiesburg.
She was a homemaker and caregiver for her daughter for 58 years. She was a member of Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, A. J. Mangum and her daughter, Susan Mangum.
She was also preceded in death by her parents, Bessie Yelverton Narro and Jake Narro; sister Jean Gayle Broome; and brothers Morris Narro and Gerald Ray Nauru.
She is survived by her sister, Virginia Watts of Laurel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be directed to: The Copiah Lincoln Community College Foundation for the A.J., Charlene, and Susan Mangum Scholarship, P. O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191.
Jerry G. Eldridge
Jerry G. Eldridge, 59, of Laurel died at Jones County Rest Home in Ellisville on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ellisville First Assembly of God in Ellisville with Rev. Kenny Morris, Rev. Andy Stringfellow and Rev. Roy Crouch officiating. Burial will be in Big Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville First Assembly Of God .
Mr. Eldridge was an active member of First Assembly of God of Ellisville, where he served as a board member and as a Royal Rangers Leader. He was retired from Howard Industries, where he worked as a machinist.
Mr. Eldridge was preceded in death by his parents, D.C.and Mary Emma Saxton Eldridge; and brother Doyle Eldridge Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Margaret Eldridge; daughters Amanda Morris (Jason) of Ellisville and Allison Brownlee (Jamie) of Ellisville; brothers Sam Eldridge (Doris) of Stringer, Joe Eldridge (Faye) of Soso, Kenny Eldridge (Sharon) of Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; sister Faye Hunnell (James); grandchildren Hannah, Ethan and Emma Grace Morris.
Serving as pallbearers are Scott Morris, Joey McRee, Kevin Hunnell, Ray Freeman, Donald Windham and Paul Sheffield.? Honorary Pallbearers will be James Hunnell, Joe Eldridge, Sam Eldridge and Kenny Eldridge. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Jane Frances ‘Tootsie’ Martin
Jane Frances “Tootsie” Martin, 84, of Mize died in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Friday, Jan. 3, 2014.
Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Maranatha Baptist Church with burial to follow in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Smith County. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel. Mrs. Martin will be placed in the Church at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Rev. Danny Adams, Rev. Sidney Davis and Rev. Mike Thompson will be officiating.
Mrs. Martin was a housewife and a member of Maranatha Baptist Church in Smith County.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, B. L. Sullivan and a brother Kendall Howell.
She is survived by her husband, Harold Martin of Mize; one son, Dwight A. Sullivan and wife Denise of Atlanta, Ga.; one daughter, Janie Williams and husband Rick of Eutaw, Ala.; three brothers, Carroll Howell and wife Bobbie of Dahlonega, Ga., Charles Howell and wife Willie Ree of Cave Spring, Ga. and Lidell Howell and wife Deanie of Jackson; and one sister, Jean Puckett and husband Lawrence of Terry; three grandchildren, Celia Sullivan, Joshua Williams and Sara Harless; and two great-grandchildren, Anne Harless and Gary Harless.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the family guestbook visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Birdia Mae Waites
Birdia Mae Waites, 88, of Laurel died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Corinth Cemetery in Jasper County. Rev. David Hagan will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Waites was retired from Ellisville State School and was of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Oliver and Amanda Parker; three brothers, Eugene Parker, Robert Parker and W. C. Parker; and one infant son, George Willis.
Survivors include one daughter, Debra Smith (Neal) of Laurel; three grandchildren, Timothy Smith (Belisa), Joseph Smith (Shawana) and Stephen Smith, all of Laurel; three great-grandchildren, Dakota Smith, Konner Smith and Thaxtyn Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Her grandson and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be David Parker.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Kevin Harrison
Kevin Harrison, 42, of Laurel died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Bob Taylor will officiate. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel.
Kevin loved being outdoors and loved his grandchildren. He was a member of Glade Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Chris Lawson.
Survivors include his parents, Ken and Mary Ann Harrison of Laurel; wife Theresa Harrison of Laurel; two sons, Michael Harrison of Forest and Joshua Lawson of Laurel; three daughters, Leslie Harrison of Hattiesburg, Jennifer Harrison and husband Doug of Forest and Kelsie Lawson of Laurel; four grandchildren; two brothers, Jim McWilliams of D’Lo and Chris Harrison of Jacksonville, Fla.; one sister, Lisa Denman and husband Ricky of Laurel; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Stan Norwood, Josh Lawson, Brian Michel, Johnny Riley, Jason Bryant and Clay Bell.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Eunice Jo Starcher
Eunice Jo Starcher of Long Beach, formerly of Laurel, died at Chapman Oaks in Long Beach on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Jimmy Holder will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chape
Mrs. Starcher was retired from Ellisville State School where she worked as a nurse. She attended Jesus Name Pentecostal Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Starcher and son, Tim Fugate.
Survivors include three sons, Billy Fugate, Kenny Starcher and John Starcher (Rachel), all of Laurel; one daughter, Mary Lowery of Laurel; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Billy Fugate, Kenny Starcher, John Starcher, Mark Stokes, James Meeks and Corey Starcher. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Starcher, Darrel Doggett and Dakota Owens.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Kay Francis Mapp Hardy
Kay Francis Mapp Hardy died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 at the age of 80 at her home in Starkville.
A memorial service will be Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Starkville. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and the service will be at 11 a.m.
Kay was born Sept. 27, 1933 to the late Rolfe H. Mapp and Vera Boykin Mapp in Jones County. She was married to the late Maj. Joel L. Hardy of Buckatuna.
She is survived by two children, son Joel L. Hardy Jr. of Terry Mississippi and daughter Bonnie Hardy Pongetti (husband Nathan Pongetti) of Starkville; grandsons Joel L. Hardy III, Jacob Pongetti and Jonathan Pongetti; granddaughter Jessica Pongetti; and great-granddaughter Emma Hardy.
Kay graduated from Gardiner High School in Laurel and went on to become a registered nurse. She began work at Methodist Hospital in Jackson in 1979. After retiring, she moved to Laurel to care for her mother.
She moved to Starkville in 2007. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, the "Senior Enrichment Center" and the New-Comer's Club.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, friends and pets, but most enjoyed helping others.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice or the Senior Enrichment Center at 106 Miley Drive, Starkville, MS 39759.
You may go online and sign the guest register at www.welchfuneralhomes.com.
James Jake Sims
James Jake Sims, 85, of Bay Springs died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springs.
Brother Tony Johnson and Elder Josh King will officiate the services. Burial will be in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel.
He was an avid farmer, enjoyed gardening and raising cattle.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Catherine Gant Sims; his parents, Everett Sims and Mary Alberta Sims; a sister, Ouida Sims Kemp; and a son-in-law, Jerry Myrick.
He is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Spradley Sims of Bay Springs; his daughter, Wanda Myrick of Bay Springs; two sons, Richard Sims and wife Gayron of Hattiesburg and Jay Sims and wife Cathy of Clinton; six grandchildren, Allen Sims, Lucas Myrick, Justin Sims, Andrea Sims, Christine Sims Monroe and James Sims; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Hilda Caves and Katie Hollingsworth. He is also survived by a special nephew, Tuddy Spradley and his wife Jacky and their daughter,Izzy; and a host of sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Lucas Myrick, Alan Sims, Tuddy Spradley, Justin Sims, James Sims and Mike Herrington.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.
John Matt Musgrove
John Matt Musgrove, 55, of Soso passed away on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday at Hebron Baptist Church in Hebron with Brother Bucky Erwin and Rev. Nate Blackledge officiating. Burial will be in Hebron Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home and at the Hebron Baptist Church on Friday from 10 a.m. until service time.
Mr. Musgrove was known as “Big John” and he always had a big smile. He loved his family and the Lord. He was know as the best lawn mower mechanic in Jones County.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Hollis and Edith Hodges Musgrove; grandparents Belden H. and Mattie Musgrove and Luther and Alma Hodges.
He was survived by his wife, Kay Musgrove of Soso; one son, Coty Morgan (Cassie) of Sumrall; one daughter, Brandy Jordan (Eric) of Laurel; sisters Marilyn Bullman (Danial) of Laurel and Linda Ellzey, Trussville, Ala.; grandchildren Logan Morgan, Olivia Jordan, Amanda Jordan and Grayson Segraves.
Pallbearers will be Joey Allen, Scott Allen, Todd Allen, Eddie Butler, Danial Bullman, Rick Adams, Brian Blackledge, Ed Haas, Charlie Bush and Neil Drennan
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Richard Breazeale
Richard Breazeale, 51, of Ellisville died at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Moselle Memorial Gardens in Moselle. Burial will be in Moselle Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10-10:30 a.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.
Elton Eugene Buchanan
Elton Eugene Buchanan, 83, of Heidelberg died at his residence Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at McGill Cemetery. Rev. John Stodghill will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Buchanan was a retired lieutenant colonel in the U. S. Army and also retired from the Mississippi school system. He was a member of Sandersville United Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Letha Ree Buchanan ;and his parents, Eugene Argo and Cammie McFarland Buchanan.
Survivors include his wife, Elba “Jean” Buchanan of Heidelberg; four sons, Mike Buchanan and wife Jennifer of Long Beach, Andy Buchanan and wife Ann of Lawrenceville, Ga., Jeff Buchanan of Heidelberg and Chris Buchanan and wife Lisa of Montrose, Colo.; one daughter, Kammy White and husband David of Laurel; 11 grandchildren; and two brothers, Jimmy Buchanan and wife Eloise of Heidelberg and Carlton “Foots” Buchanan of Sandersville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Carolyn T. Gatlin
Carolyn T. Gatlin, 81, of Laurel died Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Strengthford Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Jackie Spell will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel
Mrs. Gatlin retired from BellSouth after 33 ½ years, where she worked as a supervisor. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Myrick.
She was preceded in death by three grandchildren and her first husband, T. C. Langley Jr.
Survivors include two sons, Michael Langley and wife Michelle of Laurel and David Langley and wife Juanita of Waynesboro; one daughter, Kay Hickman and husband T. C. of Wayne County; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Michael Langley, Christopher Langley, Dolton Langley, Russ Langley, Jeffery Langley, Dwayne Newsome and Edwin Blue.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Joseph ‘Joe’ Peter Harrington
Joseph “Joe” Peter Harrington, 87, of the Gitano Community, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Father Michael Thornton will officiate.
Mr. Harrington was retired from the public works department of the City of Laurel and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and served during World War II.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael A. and Beatrice Kurley Harrington; wife Romona Harrington; granddaughter April Davis; great-granddaughter Zoei Simmons; two sisters, Margaret Feldman and Marie Harrington; and twin brothers.
Survivors include five daughters, Gail Tabor (Barry) of San Antonio, Texas, Frankie Harrington of the Gitano Community, Mary Jo Harrington (Zachary) of Bellevue, Ky., Carol Johnston (Howard) of the Gitano Community and Ann Simmons (Wesley) of Pollock, La.; grandchildren Allison Monte, Amber Breland, Joseph Simmons, Autumn Huffman, Bridget Simmons and Anthony Johnston; and great-grandchildren LeAnne Breland, Addison and Allyson Huffman, Tristen and Peyton Simmons, Tessa and Brandon Evans, and Catherine Monte.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Simmons, Anthony Johnston, Frankie Harrington, David Miller, Daniel Valentine and Joe Nicholson. Honorary pallbearers will be John Moore, Freddie Bergin, Hugh Bergin, Ray Bergin and Paul Bergin.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lodell Jefcoat Johnson
Lodell Jefcoat Johnson, 88, formerly of Stonewall, died at the Golden Living Center in Meridian Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Union Line Cemetery. Dr. Marcus Finch will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service time on Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Johnson was an inspector with Burlington Industries and a member of Stonewall Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James P. Johnson; four brothers, Donis Jefcoat, Dolen Jefcoat, Vendell Jefcoat and Delt Jefcoat; and one sister, Creola Jefcoat.
Survivors include one son, Stephen Johnson and wife Gloria of Meridian; one daughter, Robin Tysinger and husband Randall of High Point, N.C.; three grandchildren, Joseph Johnson and wife Nichol, Daniel Johnson and Ella Tysinger; a host of nieces and nephews; and her pet, Fritz.
Pallbearers will be Roger Jefcoat, Terry Jefcoat, Russel Pickering, David Jefcoat, Daniel Johnson and Joseph Johnson.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Brodie Lee Holifield
Brodie Lee Holifield, 55, of Ridgeland died at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Ellisville with Rev. Macon Phillips and Rev. Roy Crouch officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10-11 a.m. at the church. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Peggy Townsend
Peggy Townsend, 83, of Bay Springs, died at Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Elder Mark Quarles and Elder Hugh Sanders will officiate. Burial will be in Providence Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Townsend was a retired teacher and a member of Providence Primitive Baptist Church of Stringer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rayford Townsend; her parents, Walter and Elma Lee Massey; brothers David Massey, Cecil Massey and Jerry Massey; and sister Martha Ishee.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Rayford Riley and Marline Townsend of Bay Springs and Gary and Debbie Townsend of Ellisville; daughter and son-in-law Marilyn and William Irwin of Petal; brother Carl Massey of Bay Springs; sister Gwen Reeves of Laurel; grandchildren Melissa and Jody Craft, Jeremy and Sarah Townsend, Aaron and Laura Townsend, Beth and Todd Weiland, Janice and Jonathan Geddes, Bill and Karen Irwin, Kathryn Irwin, Kayla and Aieron Cooley, Joseph Townsend and Sarah Townsend; and great-grandchildren Matthew Craft, Adam Craft, Kaylee Townsend, Trace Townsend, Brylee Townsend, Marley Townsend, Ryan Weiland, Abby Weiland, Trenton Geddes and Eloise Irwin.
Pallbearers will be Jody Craft, Jeremy Townsend, Aaron Townsend, Todd Weiland, Jonathan Geddes, Bill Irwin, Aieron Cooley and Jonathan Joseph Townsend.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To sign an online guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Billy H. McNeill
Billy H. McNeill, 81, of Laurel, better known as “Brother” or “Mule Skinner,” died in Quitman on Saturday Dec. 28, 2013.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Shady Grove. Revs. Danny Pitts and Brandon Wilson will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. Tuesday. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Billy was a retired carpenter with Jones County Schools.
He was preceded in death by his wife Hazel Bustin McNeill; brother John L. McNeill; three sisters, Alice Ruth Miller, Doris Lewis and Joyce Thomas; his parents, Arthur and Nammie McNeill.
He is survived by a son, Billy Ray McNeill and his wife Vicki of Laurel; three daughters, Diane Smith and husband Jerry, Patricia Hinton and husband Ronnie, both of Laurel, Glenda Spradley and husband Danny Roy of Soso; two brothers, Hinkey McNeill of Quitman and Kerney McNeill of Pachuta; one sister, Sandra Mosley of Pachuta; seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will Bill McNeill, Mickey Brashier, Kenny Bustin, Kenneth Jernigan, Johnny Stringer and Cade Hinton. Honorary pallbearers Billy Holifield, Harvey Cockrell and Charles Ray Ashley.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To sign an online guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Albert Freddy Henderson
Albert Freddy Henderson, 73, of Laurel died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at his residence.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Life Church. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Monday at Life Church.
Mr. Henderson worked for Big B Valve and was a member of West Laurel Baptist Church. He also served in the National Guard.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ann Henderson of Laurel; son Audrian “Buddy” Henderson of Laurel; two daughters, Sherra DellaVecchia of Franklin, Tenn., and Kim Henderson of Laurel; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother Thomas Ray Henderson of Laurel; and sister, Anna Landrum of Ovett.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Emma Ruth Watts
Emma Ruth Watts, 82, of Laurel died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Rev. Johnny Watts will officiate. Burial will be in Union Line Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1- 2:30 p.m. at Colonial Chapel.
Ruth was a member of Lebanon Baptist Church near Laurel. Ruth loved antiques and working in her yard. Of special enjoyment to her was her flowers.
Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Dolphus F. Watts; parents Jack and Emma S. Thornton; son Terry R. Watts; brothers Ralph Thornton, Frank Thornton and Gene Thornton; sister Mary Boykin; and a host of other half brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her daughters, Suzan Watts Donald (Mike) of Laurel and Pam Watts McVey of Soso; sisters Elois Gray of Taylorsville and Eloise Craven (Max) of Moss Point; grandchildren Terry F. Watts, Michael Watts, Amy Machen (Phillip), Alice Cash (Scott), Lindsay Donald, Lance Donald (Tik) and Laurel Lowe (Casey); seven great- grandchildren; and a host of other relatives.
Pallbearers will be Phillip Machen, Scott Cash, Mike Donald, Casey Lowe, Lindsay Donald, Max Craven and Allen Thornton.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Melony Kirby Shows
Melony Kirby Shows, 41, of Ellisville died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013.
A memorial service will be at Ellisville Funeral Home on Monday at 5 p.m. with Brother Kenny Morris officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 3-5 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Melony loved to cook, garden and fish. Melony was a caring and giving person.
She was preceded in death by her father, John W. Kirby Jr.; and grandparents Minnie Hall, Nessie and Daniel Ivy.
Melony is survived by her son, Caleb Shows (Kayla Waters) of Pascagoula; grandson Brantley Waters of Pascagoula; mother Carolyn Kirby of Ellisville; brother Kevin Scott Kirby (Dena Bordelon) of Ellisville; friends Sherrill and Bo Sumrall of Ellisville, Carby and Ashley Shows of Pascagoula, Barbara and Randy Thomas of Baton Rouge, La.; her grandfather, W. S. “Nig” Hall of Ellisville; uncles Burl (Faye) Hall, Randy Hall, David (Gloria) Hall; and cousins Chris (Melanie) Hall, Stephanie (Loyde) Moss, Beverly (Mike) Bain, Kelvin (Pam) Hall and Jamie (Roslyan) Hall.
The family requests no flowers. Please make a contribution to your favorite charity.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Thadious ‘Olen’ Jones
Thadious “Olen” Jones, 80, of Ellisville died at his residence on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Brother Ray Matthew officiating. Burial will be in Mount Moriah Baptist Church. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Jones loved to fish and he enjoyed doing wood work.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and May Wilson Jones; a brother, James Harold Jones; and a sister, Jean Johnson.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Jones of Ellisville; two sons, Mickey Jones (Glenda) and Rickey Jones (Lesia), both of Ellisville; brothers Doyle Jones (Ethel) of Ellisville and Sam Jones of Myrick; four grandchildren, Rickey Jones Jr., Joshua Jones, Matthew (Jamye) Jones and Amber (Johnny) Locklear; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Joshua Jones, Matthew Jones, Johnny Locklear, Ray Smith, Tim Daughtry and Wayne McLemore.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Don M. Boyd
Don M. Boyd, 82, of Laurel died at his residence on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Highland Baptist Church in Laurel, with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Rev. Gene Douglas will officiate. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Boyd was an engineer with Transco Pipeline and he also consulted on pipeline jobs until his illness. He was an active member of Highland Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and a deacon. He enjoyed golfing and woodworking, building numerous pieces of furniture for his family, and he was known for being able to fix any and everything. He loved his Lord and Savior and his family dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dennis F. and Lucille Dunaway Boyd; granddaughter Lisa Boyd Ard; and a daughter-in-law, Marsha Wilson Boyd.
Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Bobbie Alford Boyd of Laurel; two sons, Mitch Boyd and wife Louise of Tylertown and Ronnie Boyd and wife Sheri of Orlando, Fla.; two daughters, Kathy Black and husband Roy of Montgomery, Ala., and Tammy Saul and husband Harvey of Laurel; three sisters, Doris Alford of McComb, Mearl Cothern of Brookhaven and Sue Price of Hattiesburg; grandchildren Greg Ard, Melissa Urbanic and husband Daniel, Dennis Boyd, Kayla Black, Kari Dandridge and husband Keith, Brandon Black, Jordan Boyd, Sarah Boyd, Olivia Boyd and Tiffany Bridges and husband Kristopher; great-grandchildren Nicholas Urbanic, Savannah Urbanic, Luke Bridges and Elizabeth Bridges; a host of nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Men’s Senior Adult II Sunday School Class and the Men’s Senior Adult III Sunday School Class.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Betty J. Brooks
Betty J. Brooks, 89, of Ellisville died at Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Rev. Gene Douglas and Rev. Eddie Bryant will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Gardens. Visitation will be on Friday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Colonial Chapel.
Mrs. Brooks enjoyed music, played the violin, guitar and sang. She also enjoyed working in her flower garden. She was known to have a green thumb. Her greatest enjoyment was showing her unconditional love for her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially her children.
Mrs. Brooks was preceded in death by her parents, Kerney Windham and Viola C. Gainey Windham;?brothers Herman Windham and W. T. “Talmadge” Windham; sisters Claire W. “Tubby” Smith and Lois W. Holifield.? Survivors include her sons, Bernie L. Brooks Jr. (Donna) of Ellisville, James S. “Sam” Brooks (Rhonda) of Ovett and Robert Trent Brooks (Sheila) of Laurel; daughters C. Janice Brooks Horne (Herman) of McDonough, Ga., and Pelma Dianne Stringer of Ellisville; grandchildren Chad Brooks, Joel (Megan) Brooks, Candace (Chuck) Brooks Zickus, Nathan (Angie) Brooks, Kennedy Brooks, Landry Horne and Kylan (Glen) Port; great-grandchildren Addie Brooks, Ella Brooks, Chaz Zickus, Ivy Zickus, Jule Zickus, Eli Zickus, Hannah Brooks and Hollie Brooks; brother James Benton “J. B.” Windham of Laurel; sisters Dorothy “Dot” (Bobby) Tindall of Soso and Ann W. Trujillo of Rio Rancho, N.M.; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.
Serving as pallbearers are Chad Brooks, Joel Brooks, Nathan Brooks, Landry Horne, Glen Port, Bobby Tindall and Steven Windham.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Mary Montgomery
Mary Montgomery, 75, of Laurel went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, December 25, 2013, at the University Medical Center in Jackson.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Pecan Grove with burial to follow at Antioch Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. John Cockrell will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. Monday. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Montgomery loved the Lord, her family and her church family with all her heart. She demonstrated and showed the love of Christ in her life every day. She was an inspiration to all and will always be remembered for her sweet smile and kind words she shared with all she came in contact with.
She was retired from Ellisville State School and was an active member of The First Baptist Church of Pecan Grove. She was truly loved by all and will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Arizona Matthews; brothers Ottis R. Matthews and Isaac Newton Matthews; and sisters Doris Lewis and Ernestine Taylor.
Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Marvin Montgomery; sons Terry Montgomery of Laurel, Thomas Montgomery and wife Brenda of Ellisville, and Eddie Montgomery and wife Robin of Laurel; brother David Matthews of Laurel; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Ryan Langley, Patrick Parker, Matthew Jerrigan, Mike King, Tom Holifield and A. J. Smith.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
David D. Holifield
David D. Holifield, 63, of Laurel died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Jones County. Mr. Johnny Staples and Dr. J. Phil Balaski will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Holifield was employed with Lee and Lee Oil Field Services. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Vesta Lawrence Holifield; and a brother, Woodrow Holifield Jr.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine Holifield of Laurel; son Anthony Holifield and wife Elizabeth of Fort Seal, Okla.; daughter Rhenda Mann and husband Jason of Laurel; five grandchildren; two brothers, Thomas Holifield of Spartanburg, S.C. and B. J. Holifield of Laurel; and two sisters, Gloria Broadway of Soso and Patricia Holifield of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be Dalton Runnels, Henry Lawrence, Julio Sanchez, Pee Wee Cooley, Zeke Thomas and Harold Lee. Honorary pallbearers will be Mutt Lee, Tim Lee, and the men of Lee and Lee Oil Field Services.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Addie Jeanette Ulmer
Addie Jeanette Ulmer, 77, of Ellisville died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sharon Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Scott Stringer and Rev. Glenn Reeves will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Ulmer worked for Ellisville State School as a nurse prior to her retirement. She was a member of Grace Covenant Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dallas Ulmer; her parents; and one brother, John Allen Bryant.
Survivors include three sons, Dawayne Ulmer and wife Debbie of Heidelberg, John Douglas Ulmer and wife Gail of Laurel, and George B. Ulmer and wife Audrey of Laurel; five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Brett Ulmer, Joey Ulmer, Shain Ulmer, George Ulmer, John D. Ulmer and Dawayne Ulmer.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Frank Porter
Frank Porter, 58, of Vossburg died on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013.
The funeral will be at County Line Baptist Church in Vossburg at 10 a.m. on Saturday and burial will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Harry Edmond will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday 9-10 a.m. at the church. Bay Springs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Frankie Jean Hilbun Woodard
Frankie Jean Hilbun Woodard, 79, a native of Soso and longtime resident of Saraland, Ala., died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013.
Graveside services were Monday in Woodard Cemetery in Lucedale.
Mrs. Woodard received her master’s degree in nursing from Mobile College in 1989. She worked as a nursing ionstructor for many years at Bishop State Community College.
She is survived by one son, Kirk (Debra) Woodard; two daughters, Kimberly Woodard Perry and Beth Woodard Williamson; five grandchildren, Joshua (Lindsey) Woodard, Jacob Woodard, Devin Perry, Shelby Williamson and Shana Williamson; nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Radney Funeral Home in Saraland was in charge of arrangements.
Juanice Huddleston
Juanice Huddleston, 86, of Jackson died at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel in Laurel with burial to follow at McFarland Cemetery. Rev. Scott Stringer will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until the service time on Thursday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Huddleston was retired from Reliance Manufacturing after 60 years of service and was a member of West Laurel Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Huddleston and Eula Davis Huddleston; brother Ross Huddleston; brother-in-law Raymond E. Henry; and great-nephew Dusty Ray Wilson.
Survivors include her sister, Irma Jean Henry of Jackson; niece Lorrie Jean Wilson of Jackson and great-nephew Billy Joe Wilson Jr. of Pearl.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Nicole Evelyn Harrington
Nicole Evelyn Harrington, 23, of Paulding died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springs. Burial will be in Fairfield Memorial Cemetery in Fairfield, Mich. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel.
Niki liked working with crafts and she loved animals. She also loved spending time with all of their children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Brian Harrington; grandfather Walter Tiede Jr.; great-grandfathers Walter Tiede Sr. and Lloyd Murry
Survivors include children William Wayne Harrington and Eathan James Harrington of Paulding; stepdaughters Skyler Marie Miller and Natalie Elizabeth Miller of Lucedale; her father Richard Tiede of Sylvarena; mother Angela Snyder of Onsted, Mich,; grandparents Donna Murry and Wayne Murry, and Sandra Bentley; great-grandparent Evelyn Murry; sisters Kaylin Tiede of Michigan and Erinn Tiede; and a brother, Austin Tiede of Michigan.
Pallbearers will be Herbert Allgood, Tony Harrington, Dallas Harrington, Tye Ragle, Wendall Powell and Steven Myers.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. Donations can be made to a charity of choice.
Brian Nathan Harrington
Brian Nathan Harrington, 31, of Paulding died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springs. Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel.
Brian loved all types of automobiles, including hot rods. He loved fishing and spending time with his family. He enjoyed playing with all of his children including his nephews.?
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nicole “Niki” Harrington; grandparents Tim William and Faye Harrington, Hershel and Opal Allgood; great-grandparents Ray Hull and Paulina Black, Tom and Kate Harrington, Roscoe and Delli Brown
Survivors include his daughters, Skyler Marie Miller and Natalie Elizabeth Miller of Lucedale; sons William Wayne Harrington and Eathan James Harrington of Paulding; parents William Nathan and Cynthia Ann Harrington of Heidelberg; one sister, Sally (Steven) Myers of Bay Springs; nephews Nate Myers, Bryce Myers, Jake Myers of Bay Springs.
Pallbearers will be Wendell Powell, Tony Harrington, Dallas Harrington, Tye Ragle, Lee Griffin and Rusty Green. Honorary pallbearers will be Herbert Allgood, David Irvin, Ricky McDevitt and Steven Myers.? Donations can be made to the Charity of your choice.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family can sign the register book at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com.
Mary E. Wildman
Mary E. Wildman, 85, was promoted to her eternal reward on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013.
The visitation and funeral will both be at the Greater Laurel United Pentecostal Church located at 112 Flynt Road. The visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Friday with burial immediately following at Union Line Cemetery.
She was a member of the Greater Laurel United Pentecostal Church pastored by Rev. Donald Moore.
She recently celebrated her 85th birthday with a host of family and friends. She was a longtime resident of the Soso community and most recently resided in the Laurel area.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Sam and Ruby Howell of Jackson; her husband, William E. Wildman Sr. and two grandsons.
She is survived by her nine children and their spouses. Her children are Durell (Janet) Wildman of Cincinnati, Ohio, Dwayne (Brenda) Wildman of Tallulah, La., Frankie (Margaret) Wildman of Laurel, Ruby (Tubby) Smith of Lucedale, Kay (Ronny) Walters of Lake Eddins, Carolyn (Clint) Landrum of Laurel, Sammy (Gail) Wildman of Kingwood, Texas, Donnie (Pamela) Wildman of Laurel and Ed (Amy) Wildman of Laurel. She leaves behind 29 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren who have many fond memories of their MawMaw Wildman.
The family would especially like to pay special tribute to the Comfort Care nursing facility and the loving care they provided for over 5 years. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Greater Laurel United Pentecostal Church, 112 Flynt Road. Laurel, MS. 39440
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Fay McCarty Green
Fay McCarty Green, 82, of Laurel went to be with Our Lord on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel and the service will be at 10 a.m. on Monday at Memory Chapel with burial to follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Harold Ishee and Rev. Richard Bates will be officiating.
Mrs. Green was a surgical technician and a private nurse attending at South Mississippi State Hospital. Mrs. Green served as a member of The Eastern Star Lodge, Laurel No. 24 and Past Noble Grand of The Rebekah Assembly at Laurel No. 23. Mrs. Green was also served as Past Noble Grand and was Elect President District Deputy for The State of Mississippi. Mrs. Green was also a longtime member of Plainway Baptist Church in Laurel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. W. A. Green; her parents, Gilbert McCarty and his wife Lessie Nix McCarty; her brother, Bobby G. McCarty; and great-granddaughter Averi Alexis Scruggs.
Mrs. Green is survived by her daughter, Janis Ulmer and her brother Lewis O. McCarthy (LaVerne). Mrs. Green is also survived by her granddaughter, Kimberly Scruggs Agerton (Lee), and her grandson, Brian Avery Scruggs (Jill).
Mrs. Green is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Sydney Elizabeth Agerton and Cori Alyse Scruggs; and nieces and nephews David McCarty, Gary McCarty (Sherri), Donna Gagneux (David), Michelle Hill (Bill) and Sinda Barker; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view or sign an online guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Gladys Voncile Bryant
Gladys Voncile Bryant, 84, of Taylorsville died in Bay Springs on Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery in Laurel. Rev. Joseph Bird and Rev. Eric Estes will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Bryant was a homemaker and a member of Highland Baptist Church. She was affectionately known as Mama B and her joy was her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J. W. Bryant; and grandson Bucky Bryant.
Survivors include one son, Mike Bryant and wife Beverly of Taylorsville; one daughter, Kaye Hunt and husband Robert of Gitano; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Mike Bryant, Greg Bryant, Robert Hunt, Ryan Hunt, Larry Blakeney and Auther Newman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Children’s Department of Summerland Baptist Church.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Barbara Allen ‘Bobbie’ Reeves
Barbara Allen “Bobbie” Reeves, 65, of Laurel died at her residence Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., on Monday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Rev. Kenneth Smith and Rev. Randy Cook will officiate. Burial will be in Sharon Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 4:30-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
Bobbie, as she was known by family and friends, was a very family-oriented person. She spent her days investing in her family and particularly enjoyed time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was deeply loved by her husband and family and will be sorely missed.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Ina Johnson Cook; granddaughter Jennifer West; brothers Thomas Cook, Harry Lee Cook and Jimmy Cook; and sisters Grace Morales and Nancy Buffkin.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Earl Reeves of Laurel; sons Scott Reeves of Laurel and David Reeves (Belinda) of Petal; grandchildren Robbie Emmons, Tyler Emmons and Jack Reeves; great-grandchildren Shay Irvine and Hayley Hall; sisters Nora Harrison, Mary Campo and Faye Williamson and brother-in-law Jackie Campo.
Pallbearers will be Glenn Harrison, Andy Wofford, Harry “Bubba” Campo, Micky Campo, Harry Campo Sr. and Tommy Harrison. Jacob Ward will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Ronald Stewart Gambrell
Ronald Stewart Gambrell, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Biloxi on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013.
Friends and family are invited to his funeral services at Summerland Baptist Church, on Highway 28 between Soso and Taylorsville on Saturday at noon. Visitation will be at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. Interment with military honors will be immediately after the service in the church cemetery. Rev. Eric Estes will officiate.
Born in Laurel, Ron was a proud graduate of Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and served honorably in the United States Air Force. He flew Hercules C-130s, performing weather recon and other tactical flight missions in Vietnam. He came home to fly the same aircraft as a hurricane hunter in the 53 WRS/815 WRS. Ron retired from the Air Force Reserves as a lieutenant colonel and then pursued his lifelong dream and became an airline captain for Southwest Airlines until his retirement in 2005.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Astor Gambrell and Gladys Adelle Flynt Gambrell of Summerland.
His survivors include his partner and fiancee Pamela Taliaferro; two daughters, Tracy Gambrell Yelverton (Jimmy) of Gulfport, and Kerry Gambrell Ladnier of Ocean Springs; stepson Ben Taliaferro (Teresa); son-in-law William Ladnier; five granddaughters, Gracyn Yelverton, Juliana Ladnier, Addison Yelverton, Aubrey Ladnier and Emerson Yelverton; grandsons Tristan Taliaferro and Blake Yelverton; and two brothers, Sidney Gambrell (Joy) of Prosperity, S.C., and Daryl Gambrell (Anita) of Stringer: and a host of dear nephews, nieces and many friends.
Pallbearers will be Stewart Gambrell, Curtis Gambrell, Jason Gambrell, Daryl Gambrell Jr., Jay Gambrell, Sherrill Shows, Will Ladnier and Jimmy Yelverton.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice.
Colonial Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook will be available at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Mary Ann Arrington
Mary Ann Arrington, 57, passed away on Friday, Dec.13, 2013.
Funeral services will be Saturday at United Missionary Baptist Church in Laurel. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the church and the funeral will be at 2 p.m. at the church. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery No. 2. Rev. Larry Breland will officiate.
Mary Ann Arrington was born to Beatrice Patrick-Fountain and Henry Ford Arrington.
She leaves to cherish her memories children PaTrina Arrington Nixon of Laurel, PaTricia Arrington of Laurel, Jason Arrington of San Jose, Calif., and Corey Arrington of San Jose, Calif.; 17 grandchildren; her sisters and brothers; many beloved nieces and nephews a host of friends.
Malone Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Clyde Dwight ‘Buddy’ Sumrall
Clyde Dwight “Buddy” Sumrall, 81, of Laurel died at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Calhoun Cemetery. Rev. Buddy Keyes and Rev. Brandon Wilson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Sumrall was retired from Reliance Manufacturing, where he worked as an industrial sewing machine mechanic. He was a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church and enjoyed wood working.
He was preceded in death by one son, Joel Mark Sumrall.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Sumrall of Laurel; two sons, Steven Sumrall of Laurel and Kevin Sumrall of Gulfport; three grandchildren, Stephanie Clairmont, and Beau and Lace Sumrall; three great-grandchildren, Emily Wright and Connor and Collin Clairmont; and one sister, Edna Jane Hill of Brandon.
Friends will service as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult Men III Sunday school class of Indian Springs Baptist Church.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Linda White Brownlee
Linda White Brownlee passed from this earth into the arms of her loving savior on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013.
Visitation will be at Memory Chapel Funeral Home on Wednesday, from 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be graveside at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel at 10 a.m. Thursday. Rev. Scott Stringer will officiate. A short visitation will be at 9 a.m. at Memory Chapel before the memorial service.
Linda was loved for her sense of humor and her compassion for others. She loved her co-workers and remained friends with them after retiring from South Mississippi Correction Center. She retired after 14 yrs. as a clerk in the warehouse. Her co-workers were all her adopted children she would say.
Linda was preceded in death by twin sons, Brian and Brent Brownlee; parents Ennis and Essie Hough White; sister Ouida White; brother Jim White; and one niece, Teri Michon.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Douglas Albert Brownlee; sister Helen Mayo; aunt Lessie Ree (Grover) Clark; grandchildren Sarah Beth and Colby Brownlee; brother-in-law Wayne (Clara) Brownlee; sisters-in-law Diane Pitts and Angie (Dean) Shedd; many beloved nieces and nephews; and her precious dog, Toto.
The family offered special thanks to Forrest General Hospice caregivers for their care and especially to Mary, who was an angel.
Serving as pallbearers will be Nathan Brownlee, Eddie Easterling, Jeff Easterling, Mark Welch, Tyler Johnston and Glen Clark. Honorary pallbearers will be Shelton Cooley and Wayne Brownlee.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Raviel ‘Rae’ Viola Hathorn Kitchens
Raviel “Rae” Viola Hathorn Kitchens passed peacefully to heaven Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 from the Harborview Care Center in League City, Texas.
Her graveside service will be at 2 p.m. today (Thursday) at Sunset Gardens Cemetery (1206 Wansley Road, Laurel 39440) in Laurel, where her remains will be interred beside her beloved husband Robert.
She was born March 28, 1923 at Soso into the family of Dewey and Linnie Bell Hathorn; her sister and brothers were Fayola Bucklew, Lee, Odell and Hurschel Hathorn. She attended Calhoun High School and became the beloved wife of Robert Lee Kitchens in 1941. They lived 10 years in Tuckers Crossing, co-owning a grocery store, and eventually settled in Kenner, La., where she worked for Delta Match and for an optometrist as an office manager.
She worshiped for many years at Williams Boulevard Baptist Church in Kenner. Raviel is survived by her daughter Juanese Y. Calkins of League City, Texas, her son Danny L. Kitchens of Lutcher, La.; brothers Lee and Odel Hathorn, both of the Laurel area; one granddaughter, Dallas Smith of Boerne, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Stephanie Rae, Douglas Kent and Dana Richard Smith.
L.A. Muhleisen & Son Funeral Home in Kenner, La., is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the online guestbook, visit www.muhleisen.com.
Norma Clarice Wansley
Norma Clarice Wansley, 73, of Hattiesburg passed away on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013, at her residence.
Visitation will be at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg on Saturday from 10 a.m.-noon. The memorial service will follow at noon.
Clarice Wansley was born on March 5, 1940, in Laurel. Clarice was the sixth of seven children born to the late Naomi Herrington Wansley and Stogy Frederick Wansley. She was a graduate of George S. Gardiner High School in Laurel, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, and a master's degree in history from the University of Southern Mississippi. While attending USM, Clarice was on the President's List, was a member of Sigma Delta Chi and Phi Kappa Honor Society, and received the Sammy Winder Scholarship, the Commercial National Bank Scholarship, the J. Treadwell David History Award and the Best Specials Writer (USM Student Printz).
Clarice's career in public service began at the Pat Harrison Waterway District as a business manager. In 1983, she served as deputy coordinator for the Evelyn Gandy for Governor Committee. She also served as a volunteer instructor of Local Government for Japanese men and women in the U.S.A. at USM. From 1984 through 2000, Clarice loyally served in local government as administrative assistant to the mayor and director of administration/city clerk, working in conjunction with the leadership of four Hattiesburg mayors throughout the career that she dearly loved. She also served as the county administrator in Forrest County.
Clarice was involved in numerous civic activities, including the following: USM Alumni member; Board of Directors, DREAM, Inc.; Allocations Committee, United Way; Board of Directors, Pine Belt Family Y; Board of Directors, Hattiesburg Civic Light Opera; Board of Directors, Just Over the Rainbow Theater Group; and Leadership Committee, Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Clarice belonged to numerous professional associations, such as the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and the Mississippi Municipal Association (MMA), where she served on the Finance Committee, the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. She served six years as seminar instructor for local government, Leader for a New Century, as well as a number of city committees. Clarice was awarded the MMA President's Award and The Women's Press Award of MS Press Women.
Clarice, known affectionately as Tice, always made her family her top priority and devoted her life to her dear family and many beloved friends. Her kindness, integrity, generosity, loving spirit and selfless giving will endure her memory to the many lives that she touched throughout her lifetime. Tice, a second mom to many, helped raise four generations of Wansleys, who were so blessed and fortunate to have had her in their lives.
Clarice was preceded in death by her parents; brother Bill Wansley; sister Sara Townley; niece Cindy Langston; and great-niece, Mia Ryan McCloskey.
She is survived by siblings Irby and Sybil Wansley, Fred and Barbara Wansley, Dot Langston, and Iva and Chuck Carter. Nieces and nephews include Hal Wansley, Robin and Shawn Wansley, Joey and Tracie Langston, Shane and Rebecca Langston, Leisa and Hillary Crum, Tracy and Bob Williams, Christy Mann, Kelli and Gordon McCloskey, Kristopher Carter, and Amanda and Joseph Dabbs. In addition, her love and devotion extended to 25 great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the S.A.I.L Ministry (Support for Adoption, Infertility, and Loss), c/o Heritage United Methodist Church, 3 Baracuda Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
Lucy Parker
Mrs. Lucy Parker, 82, of Stringer died Friday, Dec. 13, 2013 at Jasper General Hospital in Bay Springs. Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Burial will at Liberty Cemetery in Jasper County. Revs. Ovee Cornell and J.J. Mullinax will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Parker was a member of Stringer United Methodist Church. She was a retired beautician. She enjoyed her church and working her flower garden. She also enjoyed crocheting.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Shelley Parker; her parents, George and Alberta Sanders; her son, James Donald Parker; and one brother and a sister.
She is survived by one son, Jack Parker and his wife Beth of Stringer; daughter-in-law Charlotte Parker of Stringer; four grandchildren, Keith Parker and his wife DeAnne, Billy Jack Parker and his wife Kayla, Jim Parker and Kimberly Buckley and her husband Phillip; nine great-grandchildren, Lanie Parker, Bryce Parker, Hunter Parker, Kaylee Parker, Chloe Parker, Kylie Parker, Brooke McDonnieal, Madison Parker and Emma Grace Buckley.
Pallbearers will be Keith Parker, Billy Jack Parker, Jim Parker, Hunter Parker, Bryce Parker, James King, Dewayne Stringer and Jimmy Parker.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Frances Delina Lyons
Frances Delina Lyons, 94, of Laurel died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 at her residence after a lengthy illness.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Jimmy Holder and Rev. Robby Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Myrick Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon- 2 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home before the service.
Ms. Lyons, known to everyone as “Nanny,” enjoyed her family and friends. She also loved flowers and traveling.
Ms. Lyons was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Windham; mother and stepfather Laura and Charles Street; her loving grandparents, Ma and Pa Lightsey; her first husband of 36 years, Senitte Newcomb in 1972; and her second husband of 17 years, Doyle “Daddy Doyle” Lyons in 1998; her son, Kimbel Newcomb; grandson Kent Newcomb; and stepchildren Kerry Lyon and Winston Lyon.
Survivors include her two daughters, Sandra (Harlon) Walters of Laurel and Dianne (Roger) Shepherd of Laurel; a daughter-in-law, Dianne Newcomb of Laurel; three grandchildren Regina (Gary) Kitchens, Ken (Jamie) Walters and Jason Shepherd; great- grandchildren Eric (Brooke) Walters, Brett (Alaina) Walters, Kayla (Daniel) Johnson, Amos Kitchens, Corey Shepherd, Zachary and Madison Newcomb; three great-great-grandaughters, Nevaeh Walters, Paige and Kara Walters; also her stepchildren, Delton (Lou) Lyon, Doyleen (Bob) Higgingbotham and a host of stepgrandchildren; a brother, James Windham; a stepbrother, John H. Windham; stepsisters Louise Bradley and Janice Newton; extended family, caregivers Nelda Manasco, Bill Robinson, Candy Fowler and Kathy Wade.
Pallbearers will be her great-grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Freedom Baptist Church or Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospital in Shreveport, La.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Fred Lyon
Fred Lyon, 67, of Hurley passed away on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at home in Hurley.
Visitation will be on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa. The funeral service will be Saturday at Memory Chapel in Laurel beginning at 2 p.m., with a two-hour visitation prior to the service. Interment will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery.
Fred was born on Nov. 6, 1946 in Laurel to the late E.B. and Minnie Jane Lyon Sr. He was a graduate of Shady Grove High School and retired from Chevron Refinery after 30 years. He was an avid flyer and a pilot with the Civil Air Patrol. He loved the outdoors, camping and fishing. He also loved to boil peanuts and was known for being the beef jerky champion.
Fred is survived by his loving wife, Becky Lyon of Hurley; son David (Theresa) Lyon of Big Point; daughter Paige Lyon of Escatawpa; sister Gale (Royce) Collins of Grand Bay; brother E.B. (Cathey) Lyon Jr. of Hurley; brother Ralph (Alice) Lyon of Sebring, Fla.; sister Laura Thornton of Caledonia; grandchildren Mallory, Jade, Andrew, Haley, Connor and Sara; along with numerous other family and friends.
Heritage Funeral Home in Escatawpa is in charge of arrangements. You may view and sign the online register book at www.heritagefuneralhome.us.
Effie McSwain Traweek
Effie McSwain Traweek, 107, died peacefully on Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, at her daughter’s home in Greenville, Ala.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Union Seminary Baptist Church in Laurel.
She was born on June 6, 1906 in Moss to Charles and Druzilla McSwain, the youngest of 10 children.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Maxwell John Traweek, in 1947; her parents, and her siblings, Rufus McSwain, Talmedge McSwain, Peter McSwain, Deavers McSwain, Arizona Mapp, Kate Williams, Clara McSwain, Viola Graham and Maude Legg.
She was a lifelong, faithful member of Union Seminary Baptist Church, teaching the Women’s Adult Sunday School Class for more than 40 years, until, at age 95, she moved to Greenville to live with her daughter.
She is survived by her daughter, Myralyn Watson; granddaughters Clare Watson and Traweek Watson; and grandson William Watson and his wife Courtney and their two daughters, Hannah and Olivia.
Memorial donations may be made to the church, located at 1844 County Road 8, Laurel, MS 39443.
Southern Memorial Funeral Home in Montgomery, Ala., was in charge of arrangements.
Bettie Land Martin
Mrs. Bettie Land Martin, 87, formerly of Laurel, passed away in LaGrange, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013 at Florence Hand Home.
Memorial services will be at a later date.
Mrs. Martin was born June 24, 1926 in Laurel, daughter of the late Ruel Roscoe Land and Ella Green Land. She was a member of First Baptist Church on the Square, LaGrange, Ga., and past local, state, regional and national president of Credit Women’s International.
Mrs. Martin retired from Laurel Federal Savings and Loans and was a former owner of three Subway restaurants in Mississippi.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Laroy Martin; son Jimmie Lee Martin; and grandson Jason Martin.
Survivors include her children, sons David Eugene (Diana) Martin of LaGrange and Michael Roy (Teresa) Martin of Starkville; three grandsons, Ryan, Jeremy and Jonathan Martin; great-grandchildren Devon and Katlyn Martin; two great-great-grandchildren; sister Edith (Charlie) Blackerby of Oshkosh, Wisc.; other relatives and friends.
Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: West Georgia Health Foundation and or Florence Hand Home in LaGrange, GA.
Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.
Billie June Heathcock
Billie June Heathcock, 77, of Laurel died Saturday, Dec.. 8, 2013 at home.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. Brother Verlon Carrell will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
She was a member of the Church of Christ in Ellisville. She was retired from the Jones County Public School System, and she was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Heathcock; and one sister, Jimy Burdette.
She is survived by two sons, Paul Heathcock and Jerry Heathcock, both of Laurel; seven daughters, Shirley Jackson of Biloxi, Diane Heathcock of Laurel, Deb Wilhelm of Birmingham, Ala., Mary Watson of Lexington, S.C., Cecilia Field of Laurel, Rita Heathcock of Pensacola, Fla., and Carrie Heathcock of Dallas, Texas; one brother, Willie Heathcock, and one sister, Betty Heathcock, both of Dallas.
Pallbearers will be Jason Taylor, Joey Taylor, Christopher Wilhelm, William Watson, Andrew Watson, Corey Field, Micah Heathcock, Gage Cuevas and Madden Heathcock.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Pauline McKay
New Albany-Pauline McKay, 86, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at the Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo.
Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday at the Parkway Cemetery in Kosciusko with the Rev. Bobby Casteel officiating.
She was born June 27, 1927 in Weir to the late Robert Worrell and Willie Worrell. She was a retired accounting clerk, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Laurel.
She is survived by her son, Robert McKay of New Albany; a brother, John Lewis Worrell of McCool; a granddaughter Kristi Belli (Dave); a grandson, Robbie McKay; a great-grandchild, Aiden Michael Belli; and her special caregivers, Judy Hancock and Jamie Lee.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Ancel Levon McKay.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sanctuary Hospice House, 4975 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801.
United Funeral Service in New Albany is in charge of the arrangements.
For online condolences, visit unitedfuneralservice.com.
Robert Hailey Ruffin Sr.
Robert Hailey Ruffin Sr., 75, of Ellisville, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Ellisville Cemetery. Rev. John Stockstill and Rev. David Ruffin will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Ruffin was retired from Jones County Junior College, where he was employed as a campus police officer. He was a member of West Ellisville Baptist Church and a former member of Ellisville Jaycees.
He was preceded in death by his brother, L. W. Ruffin III; and four sisters, Sarah Frances Doubledee, Elizabeth Bennett, Carol Derroh and Joy Stutts.
Survivors include his wife, Eva M. Ruffin of Ellisville; one son, Robert H. Ruffin Jr. and wife Pam of Soso; two daughters, Rebecca Ann Woerter and husband Andy of Ellisville and Kristen R. Register and husband Anthony of Ellisville; 13 grandchildren, Zachary Register, Aubrey Register, Toby Register, Sean Ruffin, Keri Ruffin, Megan Ruffin, David Ruffin, Patrick Little, Hailey Windham, Samantha Varner, Andrew Woerter, Amanda Woerter and Marie Woerter; five great-grandchildren; and one brother, Jerry Ruffin of Tupelo.
Pallbearers will be Zachary Register, Sean Ruffin, Andrew Woerter, Andy Woerter, Anthony Register and Herbert Bennett.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ruby L. West
Ruby L. West, 94, of Laurel passed away on Friday, Dec. 6, 2013 peacefully in her sleep at home.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at West Laurel Church of God with burial to follow in the Oak Hill Section of Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at West Laurel Church of God. Rev. Mack Allen Harrison and Rev. Curtis Pitts will officiate.
Ruby was born on June 26, 1919 in Butler, Ala. At the time of her death, she was a member of West Laurel Church of God. She was also a charter member of Faith Assembly of God Church, where she taught Sunday school and was secretary for the Women’s Missions. She and her late husband, K. C. West, were former owners of Lakeview Restaurant.
She was preceded in death by her husband, K.C. West; her parents, David M and Nancy Hurst; four brothers, Rufus Hurst, Clinton Hurst, L.V. Hurst and Mark Hurst; and one sister, Rachel Logan.
She is survived by two sons, Larry West and wife Linda, and Mark West and wife Wendy, and two daughters, Margaret Ann Harrison and Gail Hooks, all of Laurel; nine grandchildren, Mack Allen Harrison, Kenny Ray Harrison, Derice Bankston, Dana Holbrook, Jennifer Parker, Casey West, Tyler West, Morgan West and Caleb West; 17 great- grandchildren, Britney Harper, Adrienne Whatley, Laura Bangar, Rebecca Harrison, Michael Harrison, Matthew Harrison, Mandi Funck, Kenny Lee Harrison, Zachary Holbrook, Karlee West, Sarah Grace Parker, Anna Katherine Parker, William Isaac Parker, Kinsley West, Kyleigh West, Bailee Gibson and Callen Gibson; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Mark West, Casey West, Tyler West, Caleb West, Kenny Ray Harrison and Michael Harrison. Honorary pallbearers will be Midwel Evans, Charles Jackson, Buddy Hearn, Kevin McDonald, Rhett Reid and John Craven
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Joan M. Hendry
Joan M. Hendry, 72, of Laurel died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Antioch Cemetery in Jasper County. Visitation will be 5-9 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel. Rev. Thomas Warren and Rev. Theresa Scarbrough will be officiating.
She was an evangelist.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Medford Hendry; her parents, James B. McCraw and Lola Tanner McCraw; and two brothers, Scott J. McCraw and James E. McCraw.
She is survived by two daughters, Grace H. Moss and husband Thomas of the Antioch Community and Pattie H. Shackelford and husband Shannon of Laurel; one sisters Josie Miletich of Pascagoula; and two grandchildren, Kristen Sanford and T.J. Moss.
Her nephews will serve as pallbearers. Memory Chapel is in charge of services to view and sign the guest register visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Jerry Leon Orman
Services will be Friday at Jones & Son Chapel for Mr. Jerry Leon Orman, 69, of Laurel, who died at his residence on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2013. Interment will be in Myrick Cemetery with Rev. Thomas Cochran officiating.
Mr. Orman was a graduate of Hattiesburg High School and University of Southern Mississippi with a business degree. He served in the U.S. Army for seven years and worked 14 years at Hercules. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church.
Mr. Orman was preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Vermell Orman; a son, Jason Orman; and a sister, Janice Orman.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Diane Orman of Laurel; three sons, Jeff (Jody) Orman of Petal, Jeremy (Stephanie) Orman of Hoover, Ala., and James Walters of Laurel; a daughter, Diane Smith of Laurel; a daughter-in-law, Andrea Orman of Belle Chase, La.; two brothers, Charles (Virginia) Orman of Moselle and Billy Ray (Mary Ann) Orman of Seminary; a sister, Nicky (Wayne) Murry of Moselle; 15 grandchildren and six nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Evan Page, Brian Burge, Dustin Walters, Hunter Smith, Bobby Pruitt and James Walters.
Jones and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Henry Joseph ‘Joe’ Bustin Jr.
Henry Joseph “Joe” Bustin Jr., 57, of Laurel, Mississippi, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
A celebration of Joe's life will be on Friday at First Baptist Church of Laurel at 2 p.m. with Dr. Randy Turner and Brother Shannon Slover officiating. Visitation will begin at noon at the church. The service will be followed at the gravesite at Indian Springs Baptist Cemetery.
Mr. Gatlin’s life began on July 16, 1956, in Laurel as the only child of Henry Joseph Bustin Sr., and Roberta Kay Houston Bustin. He grew up in the Shady Grove community, graduating from West Jones High School and Jones County Junior College before earning a landscape contracting degree from Mississippi State University. He married the love of his life, Janice Kaye “Jan” Ellzey, on June 6, 1980, at Indian Springs Baptist Church. In 1987, they were blessed with a daughter, Caroline Kay, and established their home Shady Grove community.
Joe was a wonderful husband, father, outdoorsman and friend. He was an active member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Laurel. His greatest ministry was through his business of 18 years, Bustin Landscape Construction. God used him through this opportunity to impact others as a friend and mentor. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched and the physical beauty he helped to create.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta Bustin; grandmother and grandfather Iona and Max Houston; grandmother and grandfather Troy and Grady Bustin.
He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jan Bustin; his daughter Caroline; father Henry J. Bustin Sr.; precious in-laws Jim and Marion Ellzey; sister-in-law Brenda Smith; niece Danielle Rothley (Brian); nephew Spenser Nations; and grand-nephew Brantley Rothley.
His family would like to thank the kind nurses, doctors and staff of Hattiesburg Clinic, Wesley Medical Center and Forrest General Hospital for their care and support during Joe’s long battle with cancer.
Pallbearers will be Mike Baughman, Steve McLaurin, Stan Burton, Adam Jones, Joey Ulmer, Herschel Sharp and Ronald Bustin.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Terry Leon Walters Sr.
Terry Leon Walters Sr., 58, of Laurel died at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church in Laurel after the viewing, which starts at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Oak Hill No. 2 Cemetery. Chapel of Angels Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
James Howard Toombs
James Howard Toombs, our beloved father, grandfather and uncle, left this world on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Glenn McElhenney officiating. Burial will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
He was born Nov. 27, 1919, in Gulfport, graduated from George S. Gardiner High School in 1938 and served his country in the United States Army from 1940 to 1946, serving in Germany, Belgium and France during World War II. He was married to the love of his life, Sarah Downs Toombs, for 71 years before she preceded him in death in January 2012.
He was a paint contractor, owner of Toombs, Inc., a paint, craft, wrought iron and antique store, where he worked side by side with his wife and his brother.
He was preceded in death by his wife; son George David Toombs; mother and stepfather Bessie T. Smith and Jack Smith; father and stepmother Howard L. and Jane Toombs; a brother, John Toombs; and a sister, Rachel Gruber.
He is survived by a son, Jimmy (Candy) Toombs; a daughter, Betty (Kent) Kreider; four grandchildren, Sandy Kitchens, Jamey Toombs, Julie Blackmon, Danyelle Toombs and Kent Henderson; seven great-grandchildren, Ben Mitchell, Alexis and Kailee Kitchens, Cassidy Toombs, Josh Blackmon, Ellis Toombs and Samantha Ross; two nephews, Jon (Betty) Toombs and Peter (Maren) Casano; and nieces Sandra (Steve) Walton, Linda (John) Schenck and Carl Rae (Glenn) Cannon.
Memorials may be made to Grace International World Ministries.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Robert ‘Bob’ Smith Sr.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. today (Thursday) at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hattiesburg for Mr. Robert "Bob" Smith Sr. ( HMCS/E-8-US Navy Ret), 54, of Moselle.
He died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013 at his residence. Burial will be in Connecticut State Veteran Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. today at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Bob was born on Feb. 9, 1959 in Laurel and graduated in 1977 from Orofino High School in Orofino, Idaho. He love competing in sports, beginning with little league baseball to high school football and track and field, in which he broke several records that stood for a number of years.
Before joining the U.S. Navy, Bob worked briefly as a logger in Idaho. After 24 years of dedicated service to his country, he retired while stationed in Groton, Conn. A couple of years later, he returned to Mississippi, where he started his own woodworking business. For him it was a labor of love while he could.
Bob touched many lives throughout his life and career and we will all miss him greatly. We are very grateful to UMC Hospital and Cancer Institute in Jackson, Forrest General Hospital and Cancer Center, and FGH Hospice for their love, support and caring staff.
He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife, Mary L. Silva Smith of Moselle; parents Neil C. and Mae Pool Smith of Moselle; one son, R. "Neil" Smith Jr. of Montpelier, Vt.; one daughter, Amanda R. Smith of Fairfield, Conn.; one sister, Renee Cleveland of Clayton, Wash.; one brother, Glenn Smith of Moselle; and one granddaughter.
Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors.org or Forrest General Hospice.
Floyd Edgar ‘Eddie’ Sumrall Jr.
Floyd Edgar “Eddie” Sumrall Jr., 70, of Houston, Texas, died Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013 at his residence in Houston, Texas.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Ellisville Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mack Brown Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Sumrall was a member of the Fellowship of the Woodlands in Texas. He served in the U.S. Navy as a pilot.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd E. Sr. and Stella Polson Sumrall; wife Norma Norsworthy Sumrall; and daughter Kirsten Sumrall.?
Survivors include his son, Scott Sumrall and wife Kelly of Canton, Ga.; sisters Sheila Childers of Houston, Texas and Flo Turner of Houston, Texas.?
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
James E. Husband
James E. Husband, 85, of Laurel died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Dr. Randy Turner will officiate. Burial will be Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will at 9 a.m. Wednesday until service time.
Mr. Husband was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Lois Husband; daughter Dianne Robinson; son James R. “Jim” Husband; brother J.H. Burham and five sisters.
He is survived by his son, Kenneth Husband of Laurel; daughter-in-law Oakland Husband of Houston, Texas; and one sister, Wilma Foster of Grand Junction, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren
Pallbearers will be Billy Taylor, Scott Vogue, Gary Daughtery, Larry Carr, Tony Wedgeworth and Don Husbands. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Thornton and Joe Gatlin.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Joseph Robert Grayson
Joseph Robert Grayson, 16, of Soso died Monday, Dec. 2, 2013.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Centerville Baptist Church. Revs. Jimmy Hill and Jimmy Hood will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Centerville Baptist Church.
Grayson was a junior at West Jones High School.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Resa Nell Wade Grayson; grandfather Dwight Lamar Jefcoat; and uncle Chester Roy Jefcoat.
He is survived by his parents, Geoffrey and Charlotte Grayson of Soso; two brothers, John Grayson and his wife Nicole and James Grayson of Soso; grandparents Charles Grayson of Soso and Susan and Walter Parker of Laurel; two nieces, Elizabeth and Charlie; special friends in his life, Velma Wade, Robert Crews, Jewel Welborn; and host of aunts, uncles, cousins and loved ones and extended family and friends.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends can make online condolences at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ovada Wood
Ovada Wood, 64, of Laurel died Friday, Nov. 29, 2013 at her residence.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Mrs. Wood was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Kilcrease and Shirley Demeson; brother Jack Lester Derington; half-sister Jenny Derington; and half-brother Michael Derington.
She is survived by her son, Curtis Parker Jr. and his wife Tammy; daughter Lissa Parker; four brothers, Carol Derington, Alford Derington, Bobbie Derington and Davie Derington; two sisters, Robin Bennett and Jackie Derington; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Thelma Risher
Thelma Risher, 87, of Heidelberg died on Monday, Dec. 2, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Philadelphia Methodist Church in Jasper County,. Burial will be in Philadelphia Methodist Church Cemetery. Rev. Mark Covington and Rev. Mark Barfield will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home.
Mrs. Risher, a homemaker, was a member of Philadelphia Methodist Church. Her favorite saying was, “A cake or pie will fix anything.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam Risher Sr.; four sisters, Frances Brewer, Lucile Green, Mary Sue Goddard and Betty Morgan; seven brothers, Hubert McCormick, Elvin McCormick, Carl McCormick, Paul McCormick, Billy McCormick, Jerry Lightsey and George McCormick.
She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Sam Risher Jr. and wife Martha of Heidelberg, and W. F. “Hank” Risher and wife Linda of Sandersville; two daughters and a son-in-law, Beverly Walley and husband Billy of Picayune, and Letitia Risher of Heidelberg; grandchildren Melissa Houston, Brad Risher, Allison Sinclair, LeAnn Culberton, Lacey Pittman and Will Walley; and six great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
John Gary Hancock
John Gary Hancock, 62, of Long Beach died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013 at Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Salem Heights Baptist Church in Laurel. Rev. D.J. Benson, Rev. Brent Benson and Rev. Roy Crouch will officiate. Burial will be in Salem Heights Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
Gary served in the United States Air Force for 23 years and, after retiring, was employed with the United States Postal Service for 20 years. Gary is a member of Salem Heights Baptist Church.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, Oree Hancock; and his father-in-law, Dayton “Tater” Pitts.? Survivors include his wife, Linda Hancock of Long Beach; mother Charlene Hornick of Taylorsville; mother-in-law Edwina Pitts of Laurel; sons Cory Hancock (Leah) of Warner Robins, Ga. and Ron Graves of Soso; daughters Karri Lunsford (Steve) of Laurel; Carlye Hancock (Jeremy Wheeler) of McComb and Lori Kantz (Tony) of Ellisville; brothers Oree “Snooky” Hancock Jr. (Gwen) of Taylorsville; sisters Pam Engle (Greg) of Laurel; sisters-in-law Kay Williams of Laurel and Janet Rustin (Buddy) of Laurel; grandchildren Taylor Sanders, Caleb Gordan, Tristan Hancock, Phillip and Alex Rowell, Emily Kantz, Maggie and Jace Graves, C.J., Matthew and Isaac Hancock and Kalea, Marianna, Alyse and Ace Lunsford; a host of other relatives and his beloved pet of 14 years, Alex. ? Serving as pallbearers will be David Stewart, Trent McCurtis, Harry Moss, Anthony Moffett, Kirk Smith and Tony Kantz. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Wheeler, Adam Hancock and Buddy Rustin.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Felton C. Reeves
Funeral services for Mr. Felton C. Reeves, 87, of Laurel will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Visitation will be Tuesday from noon-2 p.m.
Mr. Reeves passed away Friday, Nov. 30, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital. Rev. James Ross and Rev. Danny Pitts will officiate at the services. Music will be provided by Jennifer Holifield and Mary Wardell. Interment will be at the Shady Grove Cemetery with Memory Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Reeves, a native of the Shady Grove Community, retired from Entex with 37 years of service. He was a graduate of Jones County Junior College, where he was a member of the 1945 state championship basketball team. He was an avid gardner and loved working in his yard and flowerbeds. Mr. Reeves was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Shady Grove and a charter member of the First Baptist Church Shady Grove Cemetery Association.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cluis and Virgie Reeves.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Dolores Lyon Reeves of Laurel; his twin daughters, Deborah Reeves Geddie and her husband Darryl of Laurel, and Donnah Reeves Johnson and her husband Denny of Laurel; his grandchildren, Delaine Saul Lott and her husband Chris of Hattiesburg, Dean Saul of Dallas, Texas, Darren Johnson and his wife Sheila of Quitman and Drew Johnson of Laurel; and six great-grandchildren, Dustin Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Sadie Johnson, Camie Johnson, Ethan Lott and Eli Lott.
Pallbearers will be Chris Lott, Ken Lyon, Maurice Hennis and grandsons Darren Johnson, Drew Johnson and Dean Saul.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Shady Grove Cemetery Association.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Alice Huff
Alice Blanche (Cooper) Huff, 94, of Lubbock, Texas went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013.
A celebration of Alice's life will be on Tuesday at Bowman Chapel of First United Methodist Church in Lubbock at 11 a.m. A private interment will precede the memorial service. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Franklin-Bartley Funeral Home in Lubbock.
Her life began on Nov. 21, 1919 in Meridian as the only child of Paul Leech Cooper and Naomi Alice Parker Cooper. She grew up in Heidelberg, graduating from high school there and then attending Mississippi State College for Women. She married the love of her life, Solon Collins Huff Jr., on June 29, 1940 in Laurel, where they lived until moving to Littlefield, Texas in 1951. They later moved to Lubbock in 1955, where they lived and reared their three children.
Alice was a wonderful mother, homemaker and helpmate to her husband in his cotton company. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church Friendship Sunday School Class up until her illness last May. She had also been a member of the Lubbock Women's Club, Pierian Sorosis Study Club and Friendship Bridge Club. She was a beautiful and caring lady who left a legacy of faith and love to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 60 years.
Survivors include her two sons, Dr. J. Clark Huff and his wife Lois of Parker, Colo., Cary Huff and his wife Phyllis of Lubbock and daughter Beth Huff Matulich and her husband Joe of New Braunfels, Texas. Grandchildren include Dr. Joshua Huff and wife Dr. Christy Huff of Fort Worth, Texas, Micah Huff and his wife Casey of St Charles, Mo., Alissa Huff of Highlands Ranch, Co., Andrew Huff and his wife Amanda of Lubbock, Ryan Huff and his wife Elizabeth of Houston, Texas, Daniel Huff of Lubbock, Jeb Matulich and his wife Carrie of Frisco, Texas, Ben Matulich of Dallas, Texas, and Janey Matulich Polk and her husband Kyle of Galveston, Texas. She leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Kathryn Huff, Morgan, Sadie and Emmett Huff, Parker Huff, and Max and Meredith Matulich.She Is also survived by her brother-in-law, Dr. Thomas J. Huff and wife Gladys of Lafayette, La.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to Carolyn and Scott Herron at the Porch Swing for the extraordinary care and love that they gave our mother for the last few months, and also to Peggy Schwertner RN, Elizabeth Abraham and all the wonderful staff at Hospice of Lubbock. Memorials can be made to First United Methodist Church Everliving Church Trust Fund (1411 Broadway, Lubbock, TX. 79401) or Hospice of Lubbock (3702- 21St St Lubbock TX. 79410).
Clinton Calhoun Welborn Jr.
Calhoun Welborn, 90, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013 at his home.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Visitation will be Monday from noon until service time. A private military burial will follow the service in the Welborn Family Cemetery in Shady Grove.
Calhoun was a graduate of Shady Grove High School. He furthered his education at Jones County Junior College and Mississippi State University.
He was a World War II veteran who proudly served his country with the U.S. Army Air Force, reaching the status of staff sergeant. He was a tailgunner on the B-24 Liberator, which flew 27 missions over Germany.
He retired in 1982 as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service with more than 30 years of service. He considered himself blessed to have enjoyed 31 years of retirement filled with traveling, farming, raising cattle and spending time with his family. Being an enthusiastic patriot, Calhoun would often speak to students about his World War II. experience.
He was a member of First Baptist Church-Shady Grove, where he served as an outreach minister for many years, the American Legion, the VFW, Jones County Genealogical and Historical Organization and the Jacob Hogar Chapter of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution. In 2011, he was awarded The War Service Medal from the National Sons of the American Revolution.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Calhoun Welborn Sr. and Martha Gast Welborn; brother Richard Hillyer Welborn; and sister Patricia Welborn Teel.
Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Reba Ontee Sumrall Welborn; son David Clinton Welborn (Cynthia); daughter Janet Welborn Staples (Ben); grandchildren Kyle Welborn White, Clint Welborn, Jerod Staples, Jacob Staples, and Abby Staples Thaxton; great-grandchildren Dagan, Eli, Cooper White, Benjamin Staples and Lillian Staples, all of Laurel; sister Gretchen Tanner (Reet) of Live Oak, Fla.; and his faithful canines, Chip and Jack.
Pallbearers will be Ben Staples, Jerod Staples, Jacob Staples, Brandon Thaxton, Clint Welborn, Dagan White, Eli White and Josh White. Honorary pallbearers will be Cooper White, Benjamin Staples and The Sons of the American Revolution.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Extra-Ordinary Kids c/o South Central Regional Medical Center Foundation P.O. Box 607 Laurel, MS 39441
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of services. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapel.com.
Virgil R. Coley
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for Virgil Ronald Coley, 82, who passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 at 10 p.m. in Heart Hospital of Lafayette, La. Burial will take place on Monday at 11 a.m. in Hopewell Baptist Cemetery in Laurel. Military graveside honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army. Rev. John Wamsley, Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, will conduct the funeral services. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Coley is survived by his wife, Jean Venetis Coley; daughter Pamela McDonald and her husband Chuck; daughter-in-law Theresa Coley Webb and her husband Philip; grandchildren James, Kate, and Joel McDonald, Trent and Grant Coley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 46 years, Ola Mae Welborn Coley; and son Ron Coley.
Virgil, a resident of Lafayette, was the son of the late Virgil Marzet Coley and the former Jessie James. He graduated from George S. Gardiner High School in Laurel, where he excelled in athletics. He was drafted into the Navy at the age of 19, where he served on the USS Helena during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Laurel, where he married Ola Welborn Coley in 1953. He attended and graduated from Jones County Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and served as an officer in the laboratory at Fort Sam Houston, Texas and Heidelberg, Germany. In 1969, he began his specialization in Blood Banking at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He continued his work in the blood banking field upon his retirement from the Army in 1982, when he accepted the position of technical director with United Blood Services in Lafayette. He retired from UBS in 1995.
Virgil loved his work and was proud of his military service. Those who worked with and under him over the years loved and admired him. He was a loving and doting husband to his wife, Ola and, after her death, to his wife Jean. He was a wonderful father and a very proud grandfather to his five grandchildren.
Virgil was a man of deep faith and his desire was to serve and follow Jesus in all of his ways. He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Lafayette. He leaves a loving and lasting legacy.
Delhomme Funeral Home (1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA) is in charge of funeral arrangements. Personal condolences may be sent to the Coley family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com.
Bertha Wigington
Bertha Wigington, affectionately known as Aunt Bertha to so many, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013.
Funeral services will be at Springhill Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Saturday with burial to follow at Springhill Cemetery. Rev. Chris Freeman and Rev. Rayborn Freeman will officiate. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Springhill Baptist Church.
Her faith in God was such an inspiration to everyone. She loved the Lord and was a dedicated member of Springhill Baptist Church through the years. She started teaching Sunday school at the age of 18 and continued until age 75. She was still helping with Bible school at age 87. She attended the last national association church meeting in 2009 at the age of 91 years.
She loved her family unconditional and supported them in everything and always encouraged them to be in church. Whenever you saw her, she always had a smile on her face and would tell you she felt just fine. So many children were carried to Bible school and singing school by her. Gardening was a favorite way of life for her and she loved to give everyone vegetables. She was known far and wide for her delicious dumplings. She loved quilting and made many beautiful quilts over the years. She looked forward to Thursday every week so she could quilt with her quilting friends and have lunch. Aunt Bertha, you will be missed and we love you!
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, A. B. “Short” Wigington.
She is survived by one son, Carroll Wigington, and one daughter, Jeanette “Sissie” (Jerrell) Todd, all of Laurel; grandchildren Judy (Donald) Payne, Jennifer Butler, April McCraw, Tessa Smith and Tyra (Ray) Hendry; a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; one step-grandchild; one sister, Mary Lou Freeman Stover; and one brother, Marvin Perrett.
Pallbearers are Bryan Jordan, Denny Welch, Carl Hill Jr., Glenn Musgrove, Charles Ray Ashley and Jeff Ivey. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Ashley, Larry Ashley, Doug McHenry and the Quilting Ladies of Union Line Quilters.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Katie Sanders Hales Trotter
Katie Sanders Hales Trotter, 88, of Heidelberg died at South Central Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Greater Beaver Meadow Baptist Church in Heidelberg, followed by burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be noon-2:30 p.m. Saturday at the church. Brown Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Tina Marie Barnett
Tina Marie Barnett, 52, of Laurel died Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel.
Tina was the officer manager for Bills R. Conner DDS Pediatric Dentistry.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Tammy Barnett.
Survivors include her father, George Barnett of Laurel; her mother, Barbara Barnett of Laurel; one daughter, Tiffany Nicole Schovan of Monroe, La.; three grandchildren, Sidney, Dillon and Emily Schovan; and two sisters, Twila Coleman and Teresa Barnett, both of Laurel.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ray Phillips
Ray Phillips, 93, passed away Nov. 25, 2013, at home, surrounded by his wife of 70 years and other family members.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Gene Douglas and Rev. Max Parker will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Friday at Memory Chapel.
He was owner and operator of City Refrigeration, Inc. since 1958. He had lots of loyal customers through the years. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially his loving wife and other family members.
Survivors include his wife, Inez Phillips of Laurel; daughter Sandy Hearron of Madison; four granddaughters, Melissa Mann of Cleveland, S.C., Alison Lass of Madison, Mechelle Hinton of Mobile, Ala., and Mandy Solitro of Laurel; and six great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Steve Kelly, Don Husbands, Alan Hinton, Pat Solitro, Dennis Mann and Doug Lass. Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Saul, Tony Thaxton, and his Sunday school class.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ollian Fugler
Ollian Fugler, 86, of Laurel, died Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013, in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be held at noon today (Wednesday), at Memory Chapel with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Rev. Gene Douglas will officiate.
Mr. Fugler was self-employed in the oil field and was a veteran of the U. S. Navy serving during World War II.
He is survived by two sons, Randy Sullivan and Gary Sullivan; three daughters, Stella Applewhite, Brenda Clairmont and Lynn Sullivan; eight grandchildren, Lee Ollian Myers, Taylor Applewhite, Patrick Clairmont, Stephen Clairmont, Shane Sullivan, Ashton Sullivan, Alaze Sullivan and Gary Sullivan; nine great-grandchildren, Dallas Lee Myers, Daughtry Lee Myers, Connor Clairmont, Collin Clairmont, McKinley Clairmont, Chandler Sullivan, Cameron Sullivan, Caden Sullivan and Tyler Sullivan; and one sister, Margie Dunaway.
Pallbearers will be Lee Myers, Taylor Applewhite, Patrick Clairmont, Stephen Clairmont, Chad Clairmont and Shane Sullivan.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service today (Wednesday) at Memory Chapel, which is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapelaurel.com.
Minnie Oliver Kemp
Minnie Oliver Kemp of Laurel died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg. She was 69.
Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Church of Christian Unity in Laurel. Burial will follow in Oak Hill No. 2 Cemetery. A viewing is scheduled for Saturday from noon-2 p.m. at the church.
Chapel of Angels Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Steven R. ‘Randy’ Boone
Steven R. “Randy” Boone, 55, of Laurel died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sharon Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. David Hagan will officiate. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
Randy was a retired insurance agent and a member of First Baptist Church of Sharon.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, W. L. and Madoline Boone, and John V. and Lena Sullivan Gandy; and great-grandparents A. A. and Emma Adkins.
Survivors include his parents, Randall and Sue Boone of Laurel; two daughters, Maddie Boone and Emma Boone, both of Ellisville; two brothers, Ricki Boone and Rocky Boone and wife Kristy, all of Laurel; three nephews, Dustin, Derick and Cole Boone; and one niece, Emily Boone.
Pallbearers will be Derick Boone, John McClain, Tim Ishee, Mark Ishee, Ken Hathorne and Kyle Hathorne.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Jimmie Lee Lindsey
Jimmie Lee Lindsey, 92, of Laurel died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, at Comfort Care in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Vernon Congregational Methodist Church with burial to follow at the church cemetery. Rev. Davy Fenton will officiate. Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Mount Vernon Congregational Methodist Church.
Jimmie was born May 30, 1921. He was drafted into the United States Army as a medic. He served during World War II in the Philippines and Green Island. Upon returning to the United States, he married Ruby Lee Ingram of Laurel. They were married on June 1, 1946 and remained together until her passing in January 2013. They were married for 66 years.
He was a truck driver and mechanic until he retired.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thad Clifton and Delma Walters Lindsey; wife Ruby Lee Lindsey; brothers Thad Clifton Lindsey Jr. and Billie Lindsey; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Virginia Merle Lindsey, Dorothy Lindsey, Maxine Holifield, Lester Ingram, Jewel Boykin, Goldie Green and Raymond Ingram; son-in-law David Randy Walters; and eldest son Richard Lee Lindsey.
Survivors include two children, Rex Allen Lindsey and his wife Teressa Lindsey and Robin Walters Riley and her husband David Riley; four grandchildren, Lloyd Lindsey, Carl Lindsey, Kathryn Walters Romero and her husband Jason Romero, and Kimberly Walters Moore and her husband Matthew Moore; two great-grandchildren, Adom and Gabe Lindsey; brother Sammie Lindsey; brothers-in-law Ray Ingram, Alton Ingram and Norman Ingram; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laurel Veterans Memorial Museum.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lisa Anne Laurendine Worrell
Lisa Anne Laurendine Worrell, 54, died in her home in Laurel on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, surrounded by those who loved her.
A memorial service to be officiated by Dr. Chuck Self is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the First Church of the Nazarene, 1324 Parker Drive, Laurel. A reception will follow at the church.
Lisa was born on April 27, 1959, in Laurel to parents Bill Laurendine and Gay Hearn Laurendine.? Lisa enjoyed many happy and musical years growing up in Laurel with her sisters Vicki, Sharon and Lynda. She met Michael Allen Worrell in high school, and the two were later married on July 1, 1978. As a mom, Lisa accepted the impossible job of homeschooling sons Micah, Mark, Benjamin and Caleb while also serving her church in many capacities, including directing children's ministries, serving as church pianist, and providing leadership in the World Missions Society.
Lisa is survived by her husband Michael, her sons and their wives: Micah (Kaylea), Mark (Allison), Benjamin (Jessica) and Caleb; grandchildren Lucy, Maggie and Everett; sisters Vicki Smith (John), Sharon Graeser (Dave) and Lynda Meeks; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Condolences (preference given to potted plants/cards for a memory garden in mom's/Lisa's honor) may be sent to Mike Worrell, ? Vicki Smith, 18 Dogwood Trail, Laurel, MS 39443.
MacKenzie Hope Stringer
MacKenzie Hope Stringer, 3 months old, of Laurel died Friday, Nov. 22, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Brother Matthew White will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
MacKenzie was preceded in death by her brother, Jacob Stringer Jr; great-grandfathers Jeff Hicks, Mack Parrish, Jimmy Stringer and Red Robinson; and great-grandmother Stella Robinson.
Survivors include her parents, Jacob Alexander and Destiny Welborn Stringer of Laurel; sister Brooklyn Harris of Hebron; grandparents Ed and Terrie Stringer and Ray and Chrisse Welborn, all of Laurel; great-grandparents Jeff and Dorothy Street of Laurel and Sheila Granier of Laurel; great-great-grandparents Gussie Hicks of Laurel and Shirley Parrish of Vossburg; aunt Angelle Welborn; and uncles Aaron Stringer of Laurel, Eddie Parrish of Laurel and Jeffery Hicks II of Laurel.?
Serving as pallbearers are grandfathers Ray Welborn and Edward Stringer.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Jimmy Donald Robinson
Jimmy Donald Robinson, 75, of Ellisville died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013 at his residence in Ellisville. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Ellisville Funeral Home in Ellisville with Rev. Johnny Bryant and Rev. Steve Kelly officiating. Burial will be in Mack Brown Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. until service time at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Jimmy enjoyed working with his coffee business and, after retirement, he enjoyed gardening.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, O. S. Robinson and Virgie Irene “Taylor” Robinson; a brother, David Robinson; and a sister Virgie Robinson.
Survivors include his wife Sherry Robinson of Ellisville; two sons, Jimmy E. Robinson (Teresa) of Laurel and James O. Robinson (DeAnne) of Petal; grandchildren Lucresa Rivers (Jacob), Skye, Tyler, Hunter, Regan, Sawyer, Emersyn and Christopher Robinson; great-grandchildren Zachary and Haley Rivers; brothers Eddie R. Robinson, Daniel W. Robinson and Michael Robinson; sisters Margie Chapel and Bobby Cary.
Pallbearers will be Christopher Robinson, Jacob Rivers, Skye Robinson, Tyler Robinson, Hunter Robinson and David Dickerson. Honorary pallbearers will be Zachary Rivers and Sawyer Robinson.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Janis K. Parker
Janis K. Parker, 70 of Taylorsville died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013 at Covington County Hospital in Collins.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Summerland Baptist Church in Taylorsville. Burial will be in Summerland Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from noon-2 p.m. at Summerland Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by husband Johny Ray Parker and
parents Leon and Katherine Gregg.
Survivors include sons Keith Parker of Taylorsville and Greg Parker (Louise) of Taylorsville; daughter Laura Beth Davis (Tony) of Moselle; brother Kenny Gregg of Summerland; sisters Margaret Whobrey of Summerland, Judy Neville of Orlando, Fla., Susan Clark of Valley, Ala., and Donna Gibbes of Laurel; grandchildren Cody Davis, Paige and Reese Davis, and Austin and Daniel Parker.
Pallbearers will be Terry Grissom, Bret Parker, Barkley Brown, Gregg Gibbes, Joel Pridgen and Cody Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Truitt Brown, Ron Whobrey, John Gibbes and Leon Clark. ?
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summerland Baptist Church: 80 SCR 28-4 Taylorsville, MS 39168.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements.
Elizabeth Ann Bradshaw
Elizabeth Ann Bradshaw, 74, a life-long resident of Jones County, passed away at her residence on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2013.
Funeral services will be at Antioch United Pentecostal Church at 2 p.m. Saturday with burial to follow at Hickory Hill Cemetery. Rev. Gerald Sawyer and Rev. Wikie Parker will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Friday at Antioch United Pentecostal Church.
She was an animal activist and a member of Antioch United Pentecostal Church.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Clifton Bradshaw; mother Margaret Stoliski; two daughters, Peggy Ann Smith and Donna Joe Pierson; and grandson Russell Nix.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Susan D. Fletcher of Laurel, Teresa Slade (Lester) of Laurel, Sherry Odom (James) of Ellisville, Jeanette Bradshaw (Billy) of Louisiana and Connie Vonhoven (John) of Louisiana; two brothers, David Baucum and Terry Baucum; 17 grandchildren, Chase Bradshaw, Chad Fletcher, Scooter Slade, Justin Fletcher, John Michael Fletcher, Lee Smith, Cameron Bradshaw, John Vonhoven Jr., Jason Perison, Jonathan Odom, Chloe Bradshaw, Leslie Slade, Shannon Hollifield, Emily Fletcher, Joanna Holmes, Patricia Drivas and Cheyenne Odom; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Scooter Slade, Justin Fletcher, Chad Fletcher, Chase Bradshaw, Butch Poore and John Vonhoven.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Juanita Buckley Myrick
June 27, 1919-Nov. 21, 2013
Juanita Buckley Myrick, 94, of Laurel died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today (Saturday) at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Matthews Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Mark Quarles will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. today at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Myrick was retired from South Central Medical Center, where she worked as a nurse. She was a member of Providence Primitive Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Casey Myrick; daughter Kimberly Myrick Stasny; and parents Ott and Audrey Buckley.
Survivors include her daughter, Frances (Bob) Coffin; son-in-law Chris Stasny; four grandchildren, Beth (Mark) Lindsey of Houston, Texas, Bob (Susan) Coffin of Meridian, Casey (Wendy) Coffin of Laurel and Todd (Debbie) Coffin of Hattiesburg; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy Sims of Bay Springs.
Pallbearers will be great-grandsons Mark Lindsey, Forrest Lindsey, Robert Coffin and James Coffin, and grandsons Casey Coffin and Todd Coffin.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lilly M. Butler
Lilly M. Butler, 76, of Laurel died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today (Saturday) at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Leon Carmical will officiate.
Mrs. Butler was a retired beautician and operated Keyes Beauty Shop. She was a member of Parkview Baptist Church and a past president of Dixie Ladies Golf Association.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles M. Keyes and her daughter, Cynthia Roberts.
Survivors include her husband, Billy Butler of Laurel; son-in-law Tom Roberts of Laurel; two step-children, Regina Dennis and Steven Butler, both of Laurel; three grandchildren, Chris Roberts, Samantha Jones and Alexandra Carpenter; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rufus Boatwright and Forrest Boatwright, both of Ellisville; one sister-in-law, Cheryl Bufkin of Stringer; and one brother-in-law, Vondell Walters of Picayune.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Juanita Buckley Myrick
June 27, 1919-Nov. 21, 2013
Juanita Buckley Myrick, 94, of Laurel died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, at Jasper General Nursing Home in Bay Springs.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Matthews Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Mark Quarles will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Myrick was retired from South Central Medical Center, where she worked as a nurse. She was a member of Providence Primitive Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Casey Myrick; daughter Kimberly Myrick Stasny; and parents Ott and Audrey Buckley.
Survivors include her daughter, Frances (Bob) Coffin; son-in-law Chris Stasny; four grandchildren, Beth (Mark) Lindsey of Houston, Texas, Bob (Susan) Coffin of Meridian, Casey (Wendy) Coffin of Laurel and Todd (Debbie) Coffin of Hattiesburg; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy Sims of Bay Springs.
Pallbearers will be great-grandsons Mark Lindsey, Forrest Lindsey, Robert Coffin and James Coffin, and grandsons Casey Coffin and Todd Coffin.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lilly M. Butler
Lilly M. Butler, 76, of Laurel died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Leon Carmical will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Butler was a retired beautician and operated Keyes Beauty Shop. She was a member of Parkview Baptist Church and a past president of Dixie Ladies Golf Association.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles M. Keyes and her daughter, Cynthia Roberts.
Survivors include her husband, Billy Butler of Laurel; son-in-law Tom Roberts of Laurel; two step-children, Regina Dennis and Steven Butler, both of Laurel; three grandchildren, Chris Roberts, Samantha Jones and Alexandra Carpenter; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rufus Boatwright and Forrest Boatwright, both of Ellisville; one sister-in-law, Cheryl Bufkin of Stringer; and one brother-in-law, Vondell Walters of Picayune.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lewis Strickland
Services will beat 10 a.m. Friday at Jones & Son Funeral Home in Moselle for Mr. Lewis Strickland, 86, of Ellisville who died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013. Visitation will be Thursday 5:30-9 p.m. Pastor Dan Atkinson will officiate, with Hunter Jones, Anthony Jones, Richard Sanders, Chris Sanders, George Lauderdale and James Jones serving as pallbearers.
Mr. Strickland was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Strickland; sons William and Fred Strickland; daughters Lynda Sanders and Dianne Jones; son-in-law Albert Wentzel and grandson Albert Wentzel Jr.
Mr. Strickland is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Wentzel of Trinity, Texas and Jean Foreman of Baytown, Texas; son-in-law James Jones and daughter-in-law Michelle Strickland of Ellisville and daughter-in-law Wanda Strickland of Baytown, Texas; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Deborah Ann McCann
Deborah Ann McCann, 48, of Laurel died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2013 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Christian Valley Baptist Church in Laurel followed by burial in the Nora Davis Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-5 p.m. Friday in the Chapel of Brown Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.
Mildred Lois ‘Millie’ Christopher
Mildred Lois “Millie” Christopher departed this life on Nov. 17, 2013 in Selmer, Tenn., at the age of 92 years, 1 month, 30 days.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m., all at Falcon Baptist Church in Selmer, with Jetta Forsythe officiating. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Memorial Gardens of Laurel.
Mrs. Christopher was born Sept.18, 1921 in Laurel, the daughter of the late John Robert and Emma Courtney Manning.
She was a preschool Sunday school teacher and a Sunday school secretary for more than 30 years at Falcon Baptist Church of Selmer. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at the McNairy County Regional Hospital and a Mary Kay consultant for 20-plus years.
She is survived by two sons, Richard Willard Davis and wife Phyllis of Euless, Texas, and Larry Joel Davis of Selmer; five grandchildren, Yvette Ash, Richard Davis, Melissa Miton, Clint Davis and Bronson Davis; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Walters and Lois Welch, both of Mississippi; and a host of other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Christopher was preceded in death by her husband Aaron Christopher; a grandchild, Jayne Davis; two sisters, Wilma Ruth Hankins and Gladys Saul; and two brothers, John Duncan Manning and Bobby Joe Manning.
Ada Lou Bradshaw Trest
Ada Lou Bradshaw Trest, 77, passed away after a long illness at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson.
Prayer services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday with visitation beginning at noon at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg.
Mrs. Trest was a resident of Hattiesburg until 2007 when she moved to Clinton.
She graduated from R.H. Watkins High School in Laurel, where she was a beauty. She was a majorette for Jones Junior College. She was a wonderful pianist and played by ear. She was a fabulous cook and her career was taking care of family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Carroll Trest Sr in July of 2012; her mother, Sarah Emma Rachel Nettles Bradshaw; father Henry David Bradshaw; stepmother, Melba Stone Bradshaw.
She is survived by a son, William Carroll Trest Jr. of Jackson; a daughter, Angela Trest Herzog (Jimmy) of Clinton; granddaughter Lauren Herzog; two sisters, Barbara Bradshaw Lamb of Orlando, Fla., and Sarah Dodge of Pelahatchie, formerly of Destin, Fla.; one brother, Charles Bradshaw (Carolyn) of Raymond.
She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews as well as her two special childhood friends, Bobbie Jones Wallace of Madison, and Recenah Wettle Lucious of Eupora.
Memorials may be made to Homes for Hope for Children in Purvis.
Braxton L. Dickerson
Braxton L. Dickerson, newborn child of Brent and Jodi Dickerson, was called to heaven on Nov. 7, 2013, just a short while after his birth.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday at Myrick Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Robby Johnson will officiate. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the graveside.
Braxton was preceded in death by a sister, Charlie Dickerson; and a grandfather, Charles E. Dickerson.
Along with his parents, he is survived by his paternal grandmother, Mary Dickerson and maternal grandparents, Terry and Pat Miles, all of Laurel; two uncles, Steve E. Dickerson and wife Lacey of Laurel and Ryan Miles and wife Amber of Moselle; two aunts, Lisa Mauldin and husband Kent of Gitano and Tera Tisdale and husband Mike of Moselle; and a host of cousins.
Pallbearers will be Terry Miles and Brent Dickerson.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Journey Baptist Church Playground Fund, 130 Northeast Drive, Laurel, MS 39443.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ray Therrell Wade
Ray Therrell Wade, 75, of Soso died Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Centerville Baptist Church in Soso with Rev. Jimmy Hood officiating. Burial will be in Centerville Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Centerville Baptist Church.
Mr. Wade was a veteran serving in the Air Force. He was employed with GM&O Railroad as a brakeman and conductor. He served as a National Labor Representative, a railroad legal consultant and as a Mississippi River Bridge Commissioner in Vicksburg. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge 414. He served as a Pass Master, York Rite and Shriner. He is currently a member of the Hebron Lodge 515.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ada Graham Wade and sister, Resa Nell Grayson.
Survivors include his wife, Janie Wade of Soso; daughter Connie Therrell Wade of Bossier City, La.; granddaughter Tanner Jeffers of Soso; stepsons, Joe Jeffers (Dulce) of Tallulah, La., and Corey Jeffers (Kappi) of Redwood; brothers Rancell Wade, Rodney Wade (Billie) of Soso, Robert Earl Wade (Judy) of Laurel and Reon Wade (Judy) of Bay Springs; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Derek Wade, Justin Robinson, Channing Grayson, Terry Wade, Bruce Wade and Joseph Grayson. Honorary pallbearers are members of Hebron Lodge 515.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Dobbs, her staff and the third-floor nurses at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
William V. Doggett
William V. Doggett, 70, of Montrose died at his residence Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., on Thursday at Montrose Baptist Church in Montrose. Burial will be in Montrose Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs.
He was a member of Montrose Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday school teacher for the Median Adults and was a former Discipleship Training Director. His other interest were being involved with the Gideons International, Jasper County Camp, President of Buckhorn Lake Association, life member of the National Rifle Association and life member of the Mississippi Bowhunter's Association. He was also an avid outdoorsman.
Mr. Doggett was a former consultant with Alter Metal Recyclers and an independent oilman for 33 years.
He was preceded in death by parents William Virgil Sr., and Katie Irene Trest Doggett; brother Harold Wayne Doggett; and special mother-in-law Velma T. Bunch.
Survivors include wife Ann Bunch Doggett; brother Jerry Lane Doggett (Leah); aunt Ollie Varner and uncle Rev. Fred Doggette; niece Debbie Ruffin (Tom); and great-nieces Kayla Welborn (Brandon) and Katie Quinnelly; great-great-nephew Jackson Lee Welborn; sister-in-law Cathy Bunch Lofton; brother-in-law Robert E. Bunch (Annette); nieces Michelle Bentley (David) and Lillian Ann Bunch; nephew Rob Bunch; great-nieces Anna Marie and Ella Bentley; and great-nephew Trey Bunch.
Pallbearers Franklin Parker, R. B. Oswalt, Randle McCraw, Benny Copeland, Carl Gene Matthews and Terry Byrd. Honorary pallbearers will be the Bayless Resturant Coffee Group.
In lieu of flowers, people are asked to make donations to Jasper County Gideons, P.O. Box 167, Bay Springs, MS 39422 or the charity of your choice.
An online guestbook may be signed at www. colonialchapelbaysprings.com.
Georgia B. Jones
Georgia B. Jones, 87, of Laurel died Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Fellowship Cemetery in Smith County. Rev. Virgil Ainsworth will officiate. Visitation will be at noon Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Mrs. Jones was a homemaker and a member of Salem Heights Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard L. Jones; two sisters; and two brothers.
Survivors include one son, Roland Jones and wife Becky of Laurel; one daughter, Shirley Myrick and husband David of Laurel; three grandchildren, Clint Myrick and wife Amanda, Michella Moore and husband Pat, and Hope Buchanan; one step-granddaughter, Karan Chastain and husband Larry; four great grandchildren, Brianna Buchanan, Michael Moore, Brett Moore and Cody Moore; step-grandchildren Brandon Dykes, Donivan Chastain and Daniel Chastain; two brothers, Paul Mosley and Gerald Mosley; and three sisters, Marie Hodge, Loretta Westbrook and Betty Derrick.
Pallbearers will be Michael Moore, Clint Myrick, Brett Moore, Larry Chastain, Brandon Dykes and David Myrick.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dorothy Aileene Walin Thompson
Dorothy Aileene Walin Thompson, 88, went peacefully to greet the Lord Monday, Nov. 11, 2013.
Services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel, with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. Mr. James D. Hayes will officiate. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
She was retired from the Jones County Health Department, where she served many years as office manager. She and her husband, Robert Walin Sr. were charter members of Wildwood Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother, G. A. and Nina Smith; her husbands, Robert K. Walin Sr. and G. L. Thompson; her sisters, Edna Caldwell, Gertrude Geddie, Francis Smith, Billie Kline and Lessie McCarty; and her brother, George A. Smith Jr.
Survivors include her loving sisters, Libba Matthews, Annette Yarbrough, Jo and Jim Hayes; her brother, Lewis Smith; her sister-in-law, Joyce Smith; her children, Ken and Gale Walin, Judi Walin Anderson and Carl and Becky Walin. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Larry and Beth Thompson, Ronnie and Kathy Thompson, and Marianne and Danny Brownlee; 12 grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many step-great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and step-nieces and step-nephews.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Sandra Louise Craven Newton
Sandra Louise Craven Newton, 63, of Franklin, Va., died on Oct. 28, 2013, in Franklin. She was a native of Laurel.
Funeral services were Saturday, Nov. 2 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Rev. Jimmy Holder officiated. Burial was in Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Lou Watson Craven and Leroy Craven Jr.; and one brother, Willie Monroe Craven.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne Corbin Newton of Franklin, Va.; son Jimmy Charles Perry of Franklin, Va.; daughter Kimberly Renee Perry of Leesburg, Fla.; grandchildren Margaret Perry, Kimberly Louise Perry and James Leland Perry Jr., of Franklin, Va. and Chantelle Renee Mcelroy and Charlette Cerclia Mcelroy of Atlanta, Ga.; granddaughter Ryanne Westmorenly of Atlanta, Ga.; five brothers, Curtis Lee Craven of Perry, Fla., James Roy Craven of Brooksville, Fla., Frank Steven Craven of Dadeville, Ala., Archie Stanley Craven of Ackworth, Ga., and Leroy Craven Jr. of Ruskin, Fla.; three sisters, Mary Margaret (Sue) Shiver of Florida City, Fla., Betty Lou Craven Gatlin of Sandersville and Patricia Craven Haden of Sandersville.
Pallbearers were Jimmy Perry, Wayne Newton, James Perry, Paul Perry, Stanley Craven and Roy Lee Craven. Honorary pallbearers were Milton Craven and Waylon Craven.
Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel was in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
J.W. Fagan
J.W. Fagan, 93, passed away Monday, Nov. 11, 2013, at his home in Laurel.
Funeral arrangements will be through Memory Chapel in Laurel with visitation from 9:30-11 a.m. on Thursday, followed by a graveside service.
Mr. Fagan was born in Sanford on Nov. 15, 1919, the son of Rev. J.W. Fagan Sr. and Mildred Easterling Fagan. He attended Laurel City Schools and Mississippi College, where he excelled in football and track and served as Senior Class President.
Mr. Fagan served as a fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy, Pacific Fleet, during World War II, declining a tenure with professional football. He was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Laurel, where he served as chairman and superintendent of multiple boards, committees and foundations. Additionally, Mr. Fagan served Mississippi College as Alumni President, Board of Trustees and was honored as Alumnus of the Year, 1989, and member of the MC Sports Hall of Fame.
He was co-owner and operator of Laurel Wholesale Grocery for 25 years. His community involvement included a term as president of the Laurel School Board, chairman of United Givers Fund and participation in various other groups and organizations. He was active in Masonic work at the state and national level. Mr. Fagan’s hobbies included golf, quail hunting and attending sporting events.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Estelle Fagan Polk, Martha Lou Fagan Walker and Betty Dee Fagan Gann; and he is survived by his sister Sarah Jo Fagan Smith.
He was also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Anita Boteler Fagan and son Gregory Alan Fagan Sr. Mr. Fagan is survived by his son Julian W. Fagan III; two daughters, Virginia Fagan Jones (David) and Joy Fagan Brandon (Gary); 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church Foundation.
To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
David Thornton
David Thornton, 43 of Laurel died Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Brother Darnell Bryant will officiate. Burial will be in Victory Baptist Church Cemetery.
David loved his family and treasured the time he spent with them. He also enjoyed a number of outdoor activities — motorcycle riding, race cars, boating, cooking on the grill, including rattlesnake, and he loved his truck-driving job.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Damon Smith, Vylia and Andrew Thornton; and his parents, Paul and Patricia Thornton.?
Survivors include his wife, Shauna Thornton of Laurel; sons Jacob Boleware (Amber) of Laurel and Justin Boleware of North Carolina; sister Connie Green if Laurel; brother- in-law Rabbit Green of Laurel; grandchildren Conner and Colleen Boleware; niece and nephew Danielle and Chaning Green; grandmother Ludell Smith; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers are Robert Stringer, Shawn Jones, Chris "Buck" Williams, Stewart DuBose, Michael "Cowboy"Reon and Curtis Davis. Honorary pallbearers are Doug Rainer and Phillip Smith. ?
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Nettie Rae Brown
Miss Nettie Rae Brown passed from this world and went to be with her Lord and Savior for eternity on Friday, Nov. 8, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with interment to follow at Mount Vernon Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery. Rev. Ken Harrison will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Sunday at Memory Chapel.
She was a member of Glade Baptist Church for the past 55 years. She loved her Lord, her church, former and present pastors, and friends that she had gained over the many years of worship at Glade Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Nellie Mae Brown; brother Charles Henry Brown; and two sisters, Bobbie Nell Brown and infant baby sister.
She leaves behind three sisters, Jean Brown Hayes and husband Jack, Tommie Brown Welborn and husband Don, and Patsy Brown Walker and husband Russell; nieces and nephews Brenda, Michael, Kent, Vickie, Lisa, Stacy, Stan, Jennifer, Carlton, Mark and Jill; and a host of great- and great-great- nieces and nephews.
She was a loving and caring daughter, sister and aunt. She will be missed by all.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Comfort Care Nursing Home for the wonderful care she received during the past three years as a resident, and also South Central Regional Medical Center for the great and caring treatment that she received during these trying and difficult days.
Pallbearers will be Jack Hayes, Russell Walker, Mark Walker, Kenny Walters, Tyler Conner and Brady Conner.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Edgar Jean Ishee
June 17, 1933 – Nov. 4, 2013
Edgar Jean Ishee, 80, of Stringer died peacefully Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Liberty Cemetery in Jasper County. Pastors conducting the service will be Brothers Buddy Jennings and Chris Harrison. Special music will be provided by Kerry Holifield. Visitation will be from 9:15 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Ishee was a U.S. Navy veteran, a retired barber and a member of Stringer Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe G. “Jody” and Pearl Welborn Ishee; and an infant sister.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Doris Anne Nance Ishee of Stringer; two children, Nelda Jean Ishee and husband Ricky, and Steve Ishee and wife Pattie; four grandchildren, Josh Ishee and wife Kim, Maria Ishee Holifield and husband Ryan, Andrea Ishee Knight and husband Chad, Jody Ishee and wife Niki; three great-grandchildren, Sara Katelyn Ishee, Nathan Conner Ishee and Lily Pearl Ishee; four great-grandchildren of his heart, Marley and Parker Cruise, Kade Lee and Abi Welch; three specially loved nieces, Mary Alice Ishee Caves, Martha Ishee Aaron and Myra Ishee Gray; one brother, Harold Dean Ishee and wife Florence; a host of great-nieces and great-nephews; specially loved caregivers, Lillie Henry and Wendy Henry; and one special cousin, Doris Moss McAlpine.
Pallbearers will be Michael Buckley, Greg Buckley, Dwight Gray, James King, Lewis Parker and Keith Moss.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Flora Jean Collins Trotter
Flora Jean Collins Trotter, 53, of Laurel died at Forrest General Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church in Laurel, followed by burial in Oak Hill No. 2 Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the church. Chapel of Angels Funeral Hme is in charge of arrangements.
Betty L. Patterson
Betty L. Patterson, 76, of Laurel, died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at Franklin United Methodist Church. Rev. Chris Klingenfus will officiate.
Mrs. Patterson was a longtime hairdresser and was retired from Jones County Schools. She was a member of Franklin United Methodist Church and a graduate of Sharon High School.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar Allen and Leola Davis Poore; husband, John T. Patterson; and sister, Frances Poore Berlin.
Survivors include one son, Kyle Boyles and wife Trudy of Spartanburg, S.C.; two daughters, Teena Boyles Keyes and husband, Randy and Bridgett Boyles Holifield and husband, Donnie, both of Laurel; four grandchildren, Nicklaus Keyes, Zachary Boyles, Haley Boyles, and Riley Holifield; a sister, Mary Poore Schulte of New Orleans; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312 or to a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at Franklin United Methodist Church.
Marvin Matthew "Matt" Owen
Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home Chapel for John Marvin Matthew "Matt" Owen, 36, of Moselle.
He died Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital.
Burial will be in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg.
Matt was a self-employed poultry farmer for Wayne Farms and was a member of First Baptist Church of Glendale.
He was a graduate of South Jones High School, Jones County Junior College, president of Forrest County Farm Bureau member and committee member of The Miss. Poultry Association and a little league baseball coach.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Harless Owen of Moselle; parents John and Laurie Owen; two sons, Tyler and Jacob Owen; one daughter, Anna Claire Owen; two brothers, Patrick and Cameron Owen, all of Moselle; grandmothers Mary Jo Fortenberry of Carriere and Nell Andermann of Baton Rouge, La.; father-in-law and mother-in-law Johnny and Karen Harless of Eatonville Communtiy.
Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg is in charge of arrangements.
Helen E. Brown
Helen E. Brown, 75, of Ovett was called home Saturday, Nov. 2, 2013 at Jones County Nursing Home in Ellisville.
Funeral services will be at noon on Tuesday at Victory Heights Church in Ovett, with Brother Kenny Morris, Brother Shannon Martin and Brother Colon Rowell officiating. Burial will be in Welcome Home Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home and Tuesday at 10 a.m.-noon at Victory Heights Church in Ovett.
Mrs. Helen was extremely devoted to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Murrell and Bessie Brannon; brothers Roy Johnston, T.C. Brannon and R.V. Brannon; sisters Dorothy “Kid” Disatell and Fern “Coonie” Courville; daughter Karen Brown Windham; and daughter-in-law Cynde Brown.
Survivors include her husband, Bill Brown of Ovett; sons Billy Brown of Ovett and Scotty Brown of Philippines; daughter Denise Windham (Donald) of Ellisville; grandchildren Michelle Windham, Neil Windham, Jonnah Walters (Calvin), Ciegie Brown, Nichole Brown, Brannon Brown (Dhine), Melanie McRee (Jeffrey) and Malorie Witham (Josh); great-grandchildren Anna Russum, July Walters, Alice Walters, Dylan Gavin and McKenzie Gavin; brother Troy Brannon (Garnell); sisters Myrtle Rider and Joye Spears.
Pallbearers will be Calvin Walters, Brannon Brown, Neil Windham, Ricky Finley, Rusty Finley and Billy Sanders, and honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Holliman and David Walters.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Janelle Napier Shows
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Moselle Memoral Baptist Church for Mrs. Janelle Napier Shows, 86, of Moselle, who passed away Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 at her residence. Burial will be in Moselle Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Mrs. Shows was a member of the Ex-POW Association, the antique car club of Petal, the WMU and the seniors’ Sunday school class of Moselle Memorial Baptist Church. She worked as a vocational rehabilitation instructor at Ellisville State School.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Shows; her parents, William and Della Napier; and a daughter, Janice Shows Stringer.
She is survived by her sons, Ronnie Shows of Hattiesburg and Ricky Shows of Moselle; daughters Debbie Shows Dufrene of Baton Rouge and Stephanie Shows of Moselle; brother Huey Napier of Georgia; and sister Peggy Napier Smith of Mobile; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Jones & Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jacklynn ‘Jackie’ Rhoda Glathart
Memorial services will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Jones & Son Funeral home in Moselle for Mrs. Jacklynn “Jackie” Rhoda Glathart, 63, of Moselle, who passed away Friday, Nov. 1, 2013, at her residence.
Mrs. Glathart served in the U.S. Navy as a petty officer, 1st class.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jack K. Ford; and her son, Brenard Dorsey III.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Scott “Bob” Glathart; three sons, Shawn (Heidi) Dorsey of Charles Town, W.V., Scott Charleton of Houston, Texas and Forest Scott Glarthart of Hilliard, Ohio; one brother, Kenneth Ford of Ellisville; and three great-grandchildren.
Jones & Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Retha Hayes
Retha Hayes, 88, of Erie, Pa., formerly of Vossburg, died Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at St. Vincents Hospital in Erie, pa. The funeral service will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Leona United Methodist Church in Vossburg. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m. Monday at the church. Brown Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Jerilyn M. Butler
Jerilyn M. Butler, 71, of Soso died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Big Creek Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Zeb Manning will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Butler was retired from Howard Industries and attended Hebron United Methodist Church. She loved reading and her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father, Julius Michalec; sister Elizabeth “Beba” Dolezal; brother Edwin Michalec; mother Bessie H. Michalec; and mother-in-law Glenda Dicken Herndon.
Survivors include three sons, Dwayne “Redd” Butler and wife Tracy of Ovett, Clay Butler and wife Betty of Ellisville and Greg Wedgeworth and wife Peggy of Soso; one daughter, Tracy Carter and husband Darrell of Soso; three grandchildren, Kari Stewart, Dakota Butler and Jordan Nicole Butler; one great-grandchild, Caleb Stewart; four brothers, Marvin, David, Kenny and James Michalec, all of Shiner, Texas; and two sisters, Edith Fordice of Ellisville and Janet Michalec of Shiner, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Al Garrick, Jan Graham, Bo King, Darrell Carter, Scott Williams and Dakota Butler.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Simon LaVois ‘Spider’ Webb
Known to his friends as “Spider,” Simon LaVois Webb died at the Mississippi State Veterans home in Oxford on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. on Monday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church with visitation afterward in the Parish Hall.
Born Feb. 25, 1919, in Helena, Ark., to Walter Edward and Marie Waddell Webb, he graduated from Helena High School and attended the University of Notre Dame and the University of Mississippi prior to World War II, and received a BBA from the University of Southern Mississippi after the war.
During World War II, he served as a Marine Corps aviator in the South Pacific, flying the SBD “Dauntless Dive Bomber,” and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals. Recalled to active duty during the Korean War, he flew the F7F “Tiger Cat.” After the Korean War, he transferred to the Mississippi National Guard and later to the Army Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
Upon returning stateside in 1944, he married Dorothy Ann Thompson of Laurel and settled in Laurel after World War II.
He was employed by Masonite Corporation in Laurel, and Towanda, Pa. He joined U.S. Plywood in Oxford and retired from Champion International in Stamford, Conn.
He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Marine Corps Aviation Association, The Roundtable Writers Group and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Oxford.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Ann Webb.
He is survived by a son, Tom Webb and wife Beth of Collierville, Tenn.; a daughter, Sally Webb Boteler and husband Randy of Upper Arlington, Ohio; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brother Joseph A. Webb of Virginia Beach, Va.
Memorials may be made to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 113 S. 9th Street, Oxford, MS 38655, or to the Stand Behind Campaign, MS State Veterans Home, 120 Veterans Drive, Oxford, MS 38655.
To sign an online guestbook, go to www.wallerfuneralhome.com or call 662-234-7971.
Milton Daniel Carlisle
Milton Daniel Carlisle, 82, of Soso went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at Springhill Baptist Church Laurel at 2 p.m. on Friday with burial at Union Line Cemetery in Jones County. Pastor Chris Freeman and Brother Howard Rogers will officiate the service. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Springhill Baptist Church Laurel.
Milton was retired from Wayne Poultry as hatchery supervisor. He will always be known as a very gentle kind hearted man who loved his church and family. He was also known to his wife and children as the best husband and daddy in the world.
He was born Feb. 25, 1931, in Jones County and married his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life in March 1949. They were married 64 years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Carlisle; mother Vevie Holloway Carlisle; brother Burl Carlisle; infant sister Lucille Carlisle; and brothers-in-law Roy Gammage and Darrell Ellzey.
Survivors include his loving wife, Maurine Gunter Carlisle of Soso; three daughters, Janice Walker and husband Robert “Bob” of Gautier, Clara Bynum and husband Marshall of Laurel, and Tammy Bynum and husband Jeffrey of Soso. Grandchildren are Amy Roberts (William) and Katie Wieniewitz (Taylor), all of Moss Point, Justin Bynum (Paulette) of Laurel, and Ross Bynum of Houston, Texas. Great-grandchildren are Lane, Noah and Sophie Wieniewitz and Caroline and Carlisle Roberts. He is also survived by four sisters, Duette Gammage, Burdette Ellzey, Elinor McKenzie and husband Charles, and Diane Johnson and husband Lewis; and a sister-in-law Mary Helen Carlisle.
Pallbearers will be David Valentine, Stanley Todd, Doug Coats, Glenn Musgrove, Steve Musgrove and Nathan Bynum.
Memorials may be made to Springhill Baptist Church, 548 Springhill Road, Laurel, MS 39443.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Abe Jones
Abe Jones, 88, of Soso passed away on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013 at the Veterans Hospital in Jackson. The funeral service will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Soso, followed by interment at the church’s cemetery. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. at the church prior to the funeral service. Young’s Funeral Home in Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements.
Marla Jean Thornton Sicard
Marla Jean Thornton Sicard, 60, affectionately known as "Babo" to close friends and family, passed away Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in the presence of her children.
A memorial celebration of life will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Philadelphia United Methodist Church in Heidelberg. Brother Bill Hayes will present the message.
Marla was truly one of a kind and was loved by all who met her. Her smile, quick wit and loving disposition will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by her mother and her father, Hilda and Ted Thornton.
She is survived by her daughter, Terri Harris of Heidelberg; her son, Ashley Harris (Rachel) of Quitman; her granddaughters, McKenna and Madyson Byrd and Taylor and Lindzi Harris; her brother, Ron Thornton (Kristy) of Wade; her sister, Joy Brunson (Chris) of Laurel; her uncle Wayne "Sonny" Buchanan of Pascagoula; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, friends and coworkers.
Pinehaven Funeral Home in Hattiesburg is in charge of arrangements.
Talmage D. Harper
Talmage D. Harper, 72, of Laurel died Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurel. Rev. Harold Floyd will officiate. Burial will be in Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-2:45 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
Talmage was a teacher at Laurel High School and a singer in the Metropolitan Opera in New York and New York City Opera. He earned a bachelor's and master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. In addition to his music, Mr. Harper also enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. This talent for gardening was inherited from his mother. Beginning at age 3, Talmage sang for many years with his father.
Mr. Harper is preceded in death by his parents, Terrell and Ruth Harper and sisters, Rita Harper and Linda Harper. ? Survivors include his uncle, Roy Hammond of Laurel; cousin Nina Bartran (Robert) of Laurel and a host of other cousins.
Friends and family will serve as pallbearers.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
James K. ‘Kim’ Davis
James K. “Kim” Davis, 60, passed away in a trucking accident in Kentucky on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel, with cremation to follow.
He was preceded in death by the light of his life, April Michelle Davis; mother Ruby Faye Davis; and father J. E. Davis.
He is survived by his wife, Jan Davis; son Timothy Dantzler; daughter Rachel LeBeau; stepson Jonathan Hataway; four grandchildren, Luca and Jewelee Spinelli and Aspen and Kaleigh Hataway; sisters Kelly Windham and husband Phil; and Lee Byrd and husband Shane; brother Sam Davis and wife Penny; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be missed by many friends and family forever. We love you, Kim.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Flora Lee Smith Shedd
Remembering and celebrating the life of Mrs. Shedd, 81, who died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013, at her residence in Eucutta due to kidney disease.
The funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Oakland Grove Baptist Church. Rev. Jimmy Jones will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakland Grove Cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Visitation will be from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel.
She was married to her sweetheart, W. B. Shedd, at age 13. She always worked hard and retired after 42 years from Laurel Industrial Plant. She was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family very much and unconditionally. She was a patient saint to her two daughters and the best mother to her children ever. She loved her Jesus and Lord more than anything. She always listened but never judged or repeated when she was told. She will be missed so by everyone, especially her children and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J. R. Smith and Rosie Blackledge Smith; husband W. B. Shedd in 2001; and sister Lizzie Lou Vreeland.
She is survived by two daughters, Kathy Shedd Ritchey and husband Mansel Ritchey of Laurel, and Sue Shedd Brown and husband Rev. John Brown of Buckatunna; sisters Joyce Ward of Columbus, Ann Kelley of Sandersville and Irma Breazeale of Taylorsville; grandchildren Debbie Gooch and husband Kevin, Pam Wildman and husband Donnie, John Brown and wife Stephanie, Jessica Williams and husband Scott ,and Molly Pitts and husband Mike; and great-grandchildren Kamron Gooch, Terry Gooch, Allie Wildman, Abbie Wildman, John M. Brown, Josalynn Brown, Baylor Williams, Brodyn Williams, Myka Sue Pitts, Makon Pitts and Kegan Kelley.
Pallbearers will be Terry Gooch, Kevin Gooch, Kegan Kelley, James Vreeland, Junior Shedd and Donnie Wildman. Honorary pallbearer will be Kamron Gooch.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Oakland Grove Baptist Church. Rev. Jimmy Jones will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakland Grove Cemetery. The body will be placed in the Church at 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Warner Julius ‘W.J.’ Sims Jr.
W. J. Sims, 94, died Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel in Laurel with burial in the First Baptist Church of Sharon cemetery. Rev. Stanley Doggett will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service time on Friday.
He was a lifetime resident of Jasper County. He was the youngest child of Warner Julius Sims Sr. and Lillie Davis Sims of the Sharon community.
W.J. was a graduate of Mossville High School and a graduate of Jones County Junior College. He served three years in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in the South Pacific. He went from Australia to Okinawa and flew transport planes that furnished the troops supplies during the battles. Following his career in the Air Force, he worked as postmaster at Moss for 28 years.
W. J. was a member of First Baptist Church of Sharon, where he was a Sunday school teacher for many years and retired as deacon after serving the Lord for many years of his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jamye Graves Sims; his father, Warner Julius Sims Sr. and mother Lillian Davis; two sisters, Winnie Boutwell and Leola Poore; and one brother, George Sims.
W. J. was married for 61 ½ years to Jamye Doris Graves Sims. He enjoyed farming and gardening. W. J. and Jamye were blessed with four children and spouses: Paul Wayne Sims and Mona of Quitman, Thomas Cannon Sims and Laura of Stringer, Linda Ann McCullough and Tom of Meridian, Philip Warner Sims and Flora of Sharon. W. J. had eight grandchildren: Lauren Aycock of Hattiesburg, LeAnn Sykes of Louin, Brandy Smith of Quitman, Amy Hoilman of Atlanta, Ga., Stan McCullough of Hoover, Ala., Jamye Adams of Meridian, Cory Sims of Columbus and Michael Sims of Sharon. They were doubly blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: Jagger and Gunner Smith of Quitman, Nicholas and Abigail Sims of Columbus, Hunter and Preston Sykes of Louin, Olivia and Kate Hoilman of Atlanta, Taylor, Lane and Aubrey Adams of Meridian, and Tyler, McKenzie and Johnny Sims of Pennsylvania.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons and granddaughters’ husbands: Stan McCullough, Cory Sims, Michael Sims, Tim Adams, Ryan Hoilman, Robbie Sykes, Chris Smith and Michael Aycock. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons of First Baptist Church of Sharon.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Voncile Drennan Corum
Voncile Drennan Corum, 84, died at her home Monday, Oct. 21, 2013.
Funeral service will be at Memory Chapel in Laurel on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the chapel. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. at Memory Chapel. Burial will be at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel.
She was born Aug. 19, 1929. She graduated from Soso High School and attended Jones County Junior College and Southern Miss, where she was in the first pledge class of Kappa Delta Sorority on campus.
She was married to David Corum Jr. on May 19, 1951 at First Baptist Church of Laurel.
As co-owner of Corum’s Florist, Antique & Gifts, she ran her antique shop more than 50 years in Corum’s and for 35 years was an agent of Judy C. Martin China, Silver and Crystal Shop.
She was a member of First Baptist Church, Society of American Florists, Laurel Junior Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Northwood Garden Club and Kappa Delta Alumni Association. She was one of the first docents at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, and she served on the committee to certify Gibbons Georgian Silver Collection for the Lauren Rogers Museum.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Drennan and her son, David Corum III.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, David Corum Jr., two sons, Luther Corum (Angie) of Magnolia Springs Texas and Sam Corum of Roswell, Ga.; and a daughter, Betsy Carr (Larry) of Moss; four grandchildren, Jason Carr, Shannon Davis, Ely Corum and Jennifer Hope Corum; cousins Mary Slone Setterwhile, Eloise Wise and Evelyn Vaught; and four great-grandchildren, Lev, Judah, Dylan and Hope Lola Belle.
Pallbearers will be Billy Sumrall, Ed Carter, Don Swanberg, Thomas Shows, Stan Herrington and Glenn Pitts.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Jason Eugene Williams
Jason Eugene Williams, 47, of Laurel, died Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Myrick Cemetery. Revs. Robby Johnson, Tracy Hipps and Dr. Tommy Davis will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Jason was a salesman with National Bolt and Screw and was a member of Freedom Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Lloyd Williams.
Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Karleen Williams Scott and Ray Scott of Laurel; brother Ronnie Williams and wife Leisha of Laurel; sister Lynn Smith and husband Malcolm of Laurel; two nephews, Cory Williams and Jaxon Smith; three nieces, Courtney Williams Austin and husband Kolt, Ryce Williams and Chynna Walters; great-niece Truvy Walters; great-nephew Liam Vex Austin; and close friends Tommy and Tanya Branch.
Pallbearers will be Chucky Griffith, Tommy Branch, Jeffery McCraney, Chris Merritt, Dan Ashley and Joe Chandler.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Linda Cheryl McCraw
Cheryl McCraw, 68, of Laurel died Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at her home.
Services will be at First Baptist Church of Laurel on Thursday at 10 a.m. with Dr. Randy Turner officiating. Visitation will be at the church at 9 a.m. A graveside service will be held at Lake Park Hills Cemetery after the church services with Dr. Turner and Rev. Mike Allen officiating.
Cheryl was retired from the Veterans’ Administration in Jackson, was a veteran, having served in the Women’s Army Corp and was a faithful, active member of First Baptist Church. Cheryl was an amazing Christian woman; an inspiration and blessing to each and every person she ever met. She will be greatly missed by one and all.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Humphrey and mother, Wilma D. Griffith.
She is survived by her husband, Jimmy McCraw; daughter Natalie McCraw Brand and husband Michael; son Thomas Murphy and wife Yvette; son John Patrick Murphy; brother Kim Humphrey and wife Sue; uncle C. W. Griffith and wife Mae; grandchildren Hallie Kate, Madden and Parker Brand; Yliana, Aaron, Michael and Christopher Murphy; great-grandchildren Mason and Presley Murphy; nieces, nephews and a host of friends in Texas and Mississippi.
Pallbearers will be Don Swanberg, Ray Bush, Stan Herrington, Bobby Stevens, Charles Boone and Charles Robine.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baptist Children’s Village at P. O. Box 27, Clinton, MS, 39060-0027 or to First Baptist Foundation of Laurel at P. O. Box 4452, Laurel, MS 39441-4452.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Thomas F. Buckley Sr.
Thomas F. Buckley Sr., 72, of Laurel died Monday, Oct. 21, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Eastview Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Gayle Pope will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Saturday. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Buckley worked at Casey Industrial as a millwright and was retired from the U.S. Navy. He was a member of Pineview Baptist Church and the Myrick Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Buckley; brother Bill Buckley; sister Helen Ruth Boyd; and parents Wilbur H. Buckley Sr. and Vera Powell Buckley.
Survivors include three sons, Frankie Buckley and wife Tara of Ellisville, David Buckley and wife Angie of Texarkana, Ark. and Terry Buckley of Laurel; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother Jack Buckley and wife Sylvia of Van Cleave and one sister, Nan Buckley Clark of Cherokee Village, Ark.
Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Eleanor Mallett Smith
Aug. 19, 1925-Oct. 19, 2013
Mrs. Eleanor Mallett Smith, 88, of Cairo, Ga., passed away at Archbold Memorial Hospital in Thomasville, Ga.
A private graveside service will be in Laurel at a later date.
She was an art instructor with the Council on Aging, and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Laurel.
Mrs. Smith was born on Aug. 19, 1925, in Laurel to the late Charles P. Mallett and Eleanor Myrtle Speed Mallett. She was married to William Bond Smith Jr. of Laurel. Mr. Smith preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers, Charles, Paul, and Jack Mallett.
Survivors include son William David Smith of Victor, N.Y.; daughters Mary Smith Harrison of Cairo, Ga., Cynthia Toups of Cairo, Ga., and Charlsie Smith Pecoraro of Baton Rouge, La.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Clark Funeral Home in Cairo, Ga., was in charge of arrangements. Guests may sign the online register at www.clarkfuneral.com.
Gregory Jay Carr
Gregory Jay Carr, 49, of Ellisville died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at Mount Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Ellisville with Rev. Johnny Bryant officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Mr. Carr was a member of American Legion in Laurel and Ellisville Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Carr Sr., and his grandparents, John L. and Earline Walters.
Survivors include his mother, Mary Katherine Walters Carr of Ellisville; wife Frances Lambert Carr of Ellisville; son Michael Drew of Huntsville, Ala.; daughter Joann Mitchell of Ellisville; brothers Billy H. Carr Jr. of Seminary and Bobby B. Carr of Laurel; three grandchildren, Will Mitchell and Madison Mitchell, both of Ellisville, and Magan Drew of Ellisville; and a host of nieces and nephews.? Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Michael Glen Ulmer
Michael Glen Ulmer, 52, of Laurel died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Sharon Cemetery.
He was a self-employed welder. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Glen Dale Ulmer; his maternal grandparents Billy Johnson and Nora Lee Johnson; and parental grandfather Hubert Ulmer.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara Smith of Laurel; two sons, Michael Adam Bond and Greg Neil Bond; one daughter, April Ulmer; sister Pamela Rigney; four grandsons, Brennen Michael Bond, Brayden Michael Bond, Tristan Bond and Kemper Bond; his grandmother Dovie Ulmer; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memory Chapel was in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Rev. R.G. Hancock
Rev. R.G. Hancock, 88, of Laurel and Hattiesburg, died Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 in Laurel.
A memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Living Word Church at 39 W S F Tatum Drive in Hattiesburg. Special music will be provided by Dr. Rudy Gaitlin. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Ronald Dunn, Rev. David McGowan and Rev. Jeff Revette will be officiating.
Rev. Hancock was the former pastor of Living Word Church in Hattiesburg and owner of Northview Care Center in Laurel. Rev. Hancock served in the ministry for 69 years.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marjorie Hancock; granddaughter Callye Haney; and his parents, sisters and brother.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Robbins Hancock of Hattiesburg; two sons, Greg (Tambra) Robbins and Chris (Bridgette) Robbins, both of Hattiesburg; two daughters, Linda Robbins Haney and Pamela (Larry) Knight, both of Hattiesburg; one brother, Dwight Hancock of Winter Haven, Fla.; one sister, Jackie Bricker of Port St. Joe, Fla.; 10 grandsons, Cary Robbins, Lindsey Robbins, Jess Robbins, Garrett Robbins, Grant Robbins, Graham Robbins, Caleb Haney, Austin Knight, Alex Knight and Andrew Knight; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Triggs, Art Thaxton, Kent Thaxton, Ken Keyes, Rus Lee and Sandy Meaders.. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Lacy, Robert Read, George Knight and Lonnie Hicks.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
J.V. Parker Jr.
J.V. Parker Jr. died Friday, Oct. 18, 2013.
The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with Dr. Randy Turner officiating. A graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Natchez Trace Cemetery in Madison with Rev. Mark Coon officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Katherine Parker; his parents, Vergil and Rosa Parker; and his brother, Harold K. Parker.
He is survived by his son, Mike Parker and wife Betty of Roswell, Ga.; and his daughter, Patricia P. Apperson and husband Jim of Madison. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie Ishee and husband Gabe of Ridgeland, and Paul Parker and wife Mandy of Woodstock, Ga.; and five great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baptist Children’s Village at P.O. Box 27 Clinton, MS 39060-0027 or to First Baptist Foundation of Laurel P.O. Box 4452 Laurel, MS 39441-4452
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Clyde Earl Landrum Sr.
Clyde Earl Landrum Sr., 71, of Ellisville died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.
Clyde was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Herman Landrum; mother Rena Eugene Landrum; six brothers and sisters; and his first wife, DeLois Landrum.
Survivors include his son, Clyde Earl Landrum Jr. of Ellisville; brother Billy Landrum (Rebecca) of Ligonier, Ind.; sisters Margie Carr of the Sharon Community, Betty Jones of Myrick, Hazel Cummings of Myrick, Pauline Anderson (Sammy) of Myrick, and Nancy Jackson of Georgia; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Timothy East
Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Faith Baptist Church in Ovett for Mr. Timmy East, 29, who died Oct. 17, 2013. Burial will be in the Marcombe Chambless-East Cemetery in Ovett with Brother Thomas Cochran officiating.
Mr. East was a loving husband, father, son and friend, a former member of the Nicholson Fire Department and was employed as a welder with Performance Contractors.
He is survived by his wife Jessica East; children Breanna Purvis, Rain Parker, Angel East, Destin Parker, Donna East and Timothy East Jr.; parents Charles and Donna East; brother Christopher East; sisters Lisa McLain, Jessica Lee East, Cassie Bates, Corina Mills, all of Ovett and Amanda East of Runnelstown; he is also survived by his grandparents, Margarette East, Gwendaline Perrett, Brenda (Gery) Marcombe and aunt Patricia Diez.
Jones and Son Funeral Home in Richton is in charge of arrangements.
Frances Marie Ishee Duffy
Frances Marie Ishee Duffy, 78, of Laurel was reunited in heaven with her loved ones on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Following the service, she will be buried by the love of her life, Bernard Duffy, at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Frances spent her life caring for others as a registered nurse. She was one of the Charity Girls who trained and worked at Charity Hospital. She was a past president of the Charity Hospital Nurses Alumni Association. She began her career in Miami, Fla., and spent the last 30 years of her career at South Central Regional Medical Center, mostly as a pediatric nurse. She loved all children, but her grandchildren were her favorites. Frances loved animals, including her last pet dog, BP. She was a member of Franklin United Methodist Church and former member of Justice Heights United Methodist Church. Frances loved nature and was an avid gardener.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Myrtle Ishee; and her husband, Bernard Duffy.
She is survived by her children, Debbie (James) Buckhaults, Jan (Mike) Ruffin and Tommy (Dana Bumgardner) Duffy. She adored her grandchildren, Corey Ruffin, Katelyn (Rob Norman) Duffy and Taylor Duffy. She also loved her grandchildren of the heart, Justin Bumgardner, Cale Green, Meka White, Charlee Norman and Leo Norman.
Serving as pallbearers will be Jeffrey Bailey, Patrick Robinson, Casey Moody, Frank Moody, Dal Williamson, and Donald Rogers. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Grissom and Bill Watson.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Charles Ray Carpenter
Charles Ray Carpenter, 56, of Laurel died Monday, Oct. 7, 2013 at his residence. The funeral will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Church of Christian Unity with burial at Oak Hill Cemetery No. 2. Visitation will be 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Chapel of Angels Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Diane Bester Graves
Diane Bester Graves, 52, of Laurel died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center. The funeral service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Old Palestine Baptist Church in the Hebron Community followed by burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday at the church.
Chapel of Angels Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Kimberly D. Williams
Kimberly D. Williams, 21, of Laurel died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Laurel with burial in Oak Hill No.2 Cemetery. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday in the chapel of Brown Mortuary, which is in charge of arrangements.
Tony Anthony Turner
Tony Anthony Turner, 45, of Laurel died Saturday, Oct. 12 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in the Sharon Community with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at Mount Moriah Baptist Church. Brown Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Elizabeth T. Macoy
Elizabeth T. Macoy, 66, of Columbia, S.C., formerly of Laurel, died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Rev. Scott Stringer will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Mrs. Macoy was preceded in death by her husband, Henry “Mike” Macoy in 2006.
She is survived by her daughter, Stacey Macoy; husband Tom; and two grandchildren, all of West Columbia, S.C.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Mrs. Macoy’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3701 Pender Drive, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Charles Junior Sullivan
Charles Junior Sullivan, 81, of Stringer died peacefully at his residence Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Fair Ridge Cemetery in Jasper County. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Sullivan was a long-time member of Good Hope Baptist Church in Stringer and was a current member of Fair Ridge Baptist Church, also in Stringer. He worked at NECO, where he retired at the age of 62. After retiring, he proceeded to stay home and work in his garden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Sara Sullivan; one brother, L. D. Sullivan; two sisters, Ulmer Sullivan Powell and Hazel Sullivan; and one great-grandson, Jonathon Levi Anderson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Pearline Sullivan of Bay Springs; three sons, Larry Junior Sullivan and wife Kathy of Laurel, Charles Randall “Randy” Sullivan of Stringer and James Caroll Sullivan of Bay Springs; two granddaughters, Ashley LaShae Sullivan Smith and husband Tyler and Teresa Caroll Sullivan and boyfriend Justin “Jason” Wilborn.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Smith, Hubert Lawrence, Larry Sullivan and Justin Wilborn.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lounett Pitts Butler
March 7, 1926 – Oct. 14, 2013
Lounett Pitts Butler was born March 7, 1926, to Dan and Annie Mae McLain Pitts of the Beat Four Community in Wayne County.
After graduation from Beat Four High School in 1945, Lounett and Edward Butler of Summerland were married Nov. 12, 1945, while Edward actively served in the United States Navy. Mr. Butler passed away in 1989. For many decades, Mr. and Mrs. Butler owned and operated Butler’s Garage and Wrecker Service in the Laurel and Jones County area.
Visitation will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel followed by graveside services at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Wayne Johnson will officiate.
Mrs. Butler was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Butler; parents Dan and Annie Mae Pitts; brothers James E. Pitts and Hilburn Pitts; and grandson David Wigley.
Mrs. Butler is also survived by her aunt, Lois Pitts Street; brother Jarvis (Jeanette) Pitts, sister-in-law Dorothy Clark Pitts; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews and their children.
Mr. and Mrs. Butler welcomed three children, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Their daughter is Bonnie Keller and son-in-law Ron Keller, and two sons, Danny Butler, who is now deceased but survived by his wife and their daughter-in-law Evelyn Touchstone Butler, and Mark Butler and daughter-in-law Christa Landrum Butler.
Mrs. Butler’s family included seven grandchildren: Stephen (Theressa) Wigley, Cara Butler (Keith) Quick, Chris (Theresa) Butler, Megan Butler (Walt) Bartran, Wesley Butler and Kyle Keller. Great-grandchildren are Allison Wigley, Emma Wigley, Jessica Perritt, Kaitlyn Quick, Lauren Quick, Grayson Bartran, Collin Bartran and Hudson Butler.
Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen Wigley, Wesley Butler, Keith Quick, Bruce Landrum, Walter Bartran and Kyle Keller. Chris Butler will serve as honorary pallbearer.\
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Mr. Everett L. Cole Jr.
Services for Mr. Everett L. Cole Jr., 76, of Ovett, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at County Line Baptist Church in Ovett.
Mr. Cole passed away Monday, Oct. 14, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Cole was a longtime farmer of produce, beef and poultry and was an active member and deacon of County Line Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his son, Layfayette Cole III, and his mother, Tommy Alberta Cole.
He is survived by his loving wife, Katherine “Peggy” Cole; daughters Sherry Bradshaw, Peggy Sue Jones and Latresa Byrd; and his father, E. L. Cole Sr., all of Ovett.
Jones and Son Funeral Home of Richton was in charge of arrangements.
Tommie Jean Corbin
Tommie Jean Corbin, 72, of Heidelberg died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at Kingston Assembly Of God in Laurel at 3 p.m., on Wednesday with Rev. Scott Davis officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel and her body will be placed for viewing in the church at 2 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the funeral service at Kingston Assembly Of God.
Mrs. Corbin was a loving mother. She enjoyed quilting and made many for her children, family members and friends. She was a member of Kingston Assembly of God and was very active in the church. She enjoyed sending birthday cards to her church family. Mrs. Corbin had a big heart and often displayed it by giving to others and looking for ways to meet their needs. Through the years, Mrs. Corbin served others by volunteering her time in nursing homes, driving a bus for the mentally handicapped and working in the Special Olympics. She loved the holidays and always put forth extra effort to make them special for others.
Mrs. Corbin was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Jefferson and Jenny Lucy Beard Yarber; and her brother, Raymond David Pearson.
Survivors include her son, Mark Kenneth Corbin of Bradford, Ohio; daughters, Melanie Fernandez of Franklin, Ind., and Brenda Parker (George) of Heidelberg; sisters Mary Craven (Wes) of Stringer, Hazel Ann Wagner (Bunk) of Bargersville, Ind. and Martha Ginter of Naples, Fla.; grandchildren Robert Fernandez, Christopher Bliss, Heather Bliss and Justin Corbin; great-grandchildren Nevaeh Bliss, Kimberly Bliss and Christopher Bliss Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Agnes Marie Rustin
Agnes Marie Rustin, 90, of Laurel died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, at her residence.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Fairview Cemetery in Jones County. Revs. Jimmy Holder, Roy Crouch and Howard Rogers will officiate.
Mrs. Rustin was a homemaker and a member of Fairview Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Ed Rustin; three brothers; five sisters; and a great-grandson, Cayton Chandler.
Survivors include one son, Jimmy Rustin and wife Sallie of Laurel; two daughters, Nell R. Newcomb and husband Charles of Caledonia and Louise Rustin and husband Ken of Laurel; three granddaughters, Yolanda Rustin, Rene Powell and Carol Borocz; two great-grandchildren, Jason Chandler and Ashton Brock; one great-great-grandson, Bryan Chandler; one sister, Vera Wade of Laurel; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Rustin, Ken Rustin, John Lee Rustin, Donnie McGill, Darren Harrison and Jason Chandler. Honorary pallbearers will be Roudet McGill, Alan Powell, Dean Newcomb, James Troy Harrison, Jerry Upshaw, Danny Rustin and Lt. Col. Mark Borocz.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Mrs. Rustin’s memory to the Fairview Baptist Church Building Fund, 563, Poole Creek Road, Laurel, MS 39443.
The family also thanked South Central Regional Medical Center Hospice and Deaconess Home Health for their care and attendance of their loved one.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Rev. David Harmon Parker
Rev. David Harmon Parker, 59, of Heidelberg died Friday, Oct. 11, 2013, at his residence.
Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Faith Ministries Independent Baptist Church with burial to follow in Bonner Cemetery. Visitation will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Rev. Bud Swindall and Rev. Allen McCord will be officiating.
He was pastor of Faith Ministries Independent Baptist Church at Sandersville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harmon Clayton Parker and Norma Bonner Parker; and one brother, Jack O’Neal Parker.
He is survived by his wife, Candy Parker of Heidelberg; one son, David Irvin Parker and wife Ashley of Bartlett, Tenn.; two daughters, Maggie Myers and husband Eddie of Laurel and Mary Ellen Dubose and husband Larry of Ellisville; two brothers, Richard Parker of Decatur, Ga. and John Parker of Sandersville; one sister, Cynthia Parker of Sandersville; special aunt, Gracie Patrick of Sandersville; and four grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Heart Association.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Bunk Clifton Jordan
Bunk Clifton Jordan, 89, of Laurel died Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at his residence.
Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Mill Creek Cemetery.Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel. Rev. Jimmy Holder and Rev. Willis Cochran will officiate.
Mr. Jordan was a longtime member of Kingston Methodist Church, where he served as chairman of the board of trustees. He worked at Masonite, where he met his wife of 68 years Elizabeth. He also worked at The Texas Oil Company and was a building contractor in Jones County. He retired from the Jones County Tax Assessor’s Office.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Leonard Jordan and Annie Ardella Blackledge Jordan; three brothers, Woodrow Jordan, Cranford Jordan and William Lane Jordan; and one sister, Ethel McGill.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth Boykin Jordan; one son, Clifton Dale Jordan and wife Laura; three daughters, Pamela Powers and husband Dwight, Amanda Rogers and husband Scott and Mary Alice Moorer and husband Robby; four grandchildren, Brent Andrew Powers and wife Kimlyn, Celia Powers, Caleb Jordan and Wilton Moorer; two great-grandchildren, Samanth Powers and Jeremiah Powers.
Pallbearers will be Jonathan Jones, Joe Josiah Jones, Corey Compton, George Lane Blackledge, Caleb Jordan and Brent Powers.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the family register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Loyce A. Smith
Loyce A. Smith, 78, of Taylorsville died Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Old Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Rodney Smith will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Smith was a homemaker and a member of Gitano United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Lamar Smith; and parents Wyatt M. and Thelma Wheeler Jones.
Survivors include her son, Arthur E. Smith of Taylorsville; three daughters, Terri L. Toche and husband John of Taylorsville, Jodi M. Smith of Taylorsville and Lori A Saucier and husband Keith of Hattiesburg; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Wayne M. Jones of New Orleans and Ronald Steven Jones of Baytown, Texas; and one sister, Gayle Sanders of Dayton, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Moody, Michael Perser, Brian Toche, Tim Valentine, Daniel Valentine and Keith Saucier.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Wendell Ray Stringer
Wendell Ray Stringer, 90, of Laurel passed away on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013.
Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. Monday at Lake Park Hills Cemetery in Laurel. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel.
He was born in Laurel on Sept. 23, 1923. He was the oldest son of Jet Taylor Stringer and Stella Hankins Stringer Green. He married Donna Lee Hawthorne Stringer on May 16, 1945. He attended Taylorsville High School and was the oldest living Taylorsville Tartar football player.
Ray was a World War II veteran. He served under Gen. Douglas McArthur and Admiral Bull Halsey on the USS Half Moon. He was involved in the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the South Pacific.
Ray was self-employed all of his life and retired as owner of Stringer’s Seafood.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents and sister Clytee Ainsworth.
Ray is survived by his wife of 68 years, Donna Lee Hawthorne; brother Joe Stringer (Deborah); daughter Suzanne Johnson (Billy Carl); son Wendell Stringer (Terri); granddaughters Stacie Mauldin (Lance) and Wendy Herring (Mark); grandsons Brad Johnson (Kim) and Justin Stringer (Kerri); and great-grandchildren Carly, Caleb and Cade Mauldin, Taylor and Garrett Herring, Madelyn and Anna Kathryn Johnson, and Finn and Ollie Stringer, all of Laurel. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Mike “Skeeter” Robertson, Joe Michael Robertson, Chuck Robertson, Jonathan Robertson, Mickey Holloway, and Tony Johnson.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Bobby Elliott
Bobby Elliott, 90, of Laurel died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, at his residence.
Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Mill Creek Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Jimmy Holder will officiate. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Elliott was a warehouse supervisor for Tri-State Oil Company and of the Baptist faith. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Marines and served in the Pacific during World War II.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Louise Elliott; brother Wright Andrew Elliot Jr.; and sister Eula Catherine Elliott.
Survivors include two daughters, Charlotte James and husband Ralph of Laurel and Deborah Elliott of Laurel; granddaughter Kelsey Hall and husband Jeff; and great-grandson Ethan James Hall.
Pallbearers will be Ralph James, Jeff Hall, Bill Craven, Mikey Walley, Charlie Evans and Michael Ishee.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Kenneth Ray Myrick
Kenneth Ray Myrick, 69, of Ovett died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Bryant officiating. Burial will be in Friendship Baptist Church. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira James Myrick and Inez Hill Myrick; a son, Johnny Marshall Myrick; a grandson, Presley Walker; and a sister, Larice Hutcherson.
He was survived by a son, James Myrick (Christina) of Richton; two daughters, Mechell Nelson (Kenneth) of Abline, Texas and Belinda Walker (Paul) of Magee. Kenneth has a brother, Kimble Myrick of Ovett; two sisters, Vernice Rushing of Ellisville and Donice McCraney of Mobile, Ala.; six grandchildren, Casie Nelson, Jessica Nelson Baze, Charley Rebecca Nelson, Paige Myrick, Ashlynn Myrick and Laylon Walker
Serving as pallbearers are Michael Bradshaw, Sean McDonald, Grady Scarbrough, Eugene Gray and friends.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Charles C. Simpson Jr.
A memorial service for Charles C. Simpson Jr., will be at St Paul United Methodist Church in Laurel on Saturday at 1 p.m. Rev. John L. Henry will officiate. Burial will be at Ellisville Cemetery.
Charles Jr. is the son of the late Charles Sr. and Annie Ruth Simpson of Ellisville. He passed on at his home in La Mirada, Calif., of a heart attack on Sept. 29, 2013.
His homegoing celebration was at Second Street Baptist Church in Santa Ana, Calif., on Wednesday.
Young’s Funeral Home in Summit is in charge of arrangements.
Kellen Harold Knight
Kellen Harold Knight, 93, formerly of the Gitano community, died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013, in Collins.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Summerland Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Eric Estes will officiate. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Summerland Baptist Church.
Mr. Knight was a retired farmer, a member of Summerland Baptist Church and a veteran of the U. S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Flora Knight.
Survivors include two sons, Kellen Larry Knight and wife Anita and Aubrey Lynn Knight and wife Rhonda all of Summerland; daughter Phyllis Houston of Madison; seven grandchildren; and a host of great- and great-great-grandchildren.
Grandsons and family friends will serve as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
William Douglas Fortner
June 24, 1922 – Oct. 5, 2013
William D. Fortner was born June 24, 1922, in McHenry and died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013.
A celebration of life will be at First United Methodist Church of Laurel on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with visitation in the atrium at 10 a.m. Bill will be laid to rest in Gulfport.
He was the youngest in a family of five children; preceded in death by his father, Turner Marvin Fortner, who died when Bill was 2 years old. His mother, Maude Jennings Fortner, raised her five children in Gulfport while working in the cafeteria of Gulfport High School.
Bill’s childhood left him with strong memories of family, work and hardship. As with most Depression-era families, the economic woes of those days left lasting impressions on the Fortner children, leaving them with a strong work ethic and love of family.
Bill graduated from Gulfport High and attended Mississippi State before entering the Army to serve honorably in World War II in North Africa and Europe. During training in Baton Rouge, La., Bill met the love of his life, Leonola LeBlanc. After the war, Bill returned to Baton Rouge, finished school at LSU and married Lola in 1948. Their long, happy marriage lasted 65 years, until his death.
Bill and Lola raised four children as Bill pursued his career in management with United Gas and Entex. The family lived in several cities throughout the south including Jackson, Shreveport, St. Petersburg, Fla., Laurel and New Braunfels, Texas. Bill retired to Gulfport as a senior vice president with Entex in 1988. Bill was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in all the places he lived, serving on various committees throughout the years.
Bill and Lola spent 18 years in Gulfport, until Hurricane Katrina blew them back to Laurel, near their daughter Missy. Bill enjoyed golf with his friends, boating, reading and visits with eight grandchildren, to whom he was known as “Pappy.” To many other young cousins, nieces and nephews, he will forever be “Honey Bill.”
Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers, Marvin Fortner and Henry Fortner; his sisters, Estelle Wilkes and Marty Ethel Holmes, all of the Gulf Coast.
Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lola of Laurel; his sons, Doug Fortner (Margie Mayfield) of Houston, Texas; Tom Fortner (Marian) of Hattiesburg; daughters Missy Sanderson (Bill) of Laurel and Nell Fortner of Auburn, Ala.; grandchildren Katy and Jesse McCraw, Laurel Harvin and Tyler Fortner, Alley Fortner, Will, Sam and Ben Sanderson; beloved nieces Linda Koury and Betty Malley; and by numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The W. I. Smith Fund, First United Methodist Church of Gulfport, 2301 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Preston Lee Robbins
Preston Lee Robbins, 18, of Laurel died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Van Long will officiate.
Preston enjoyed hunting, fishing, football and making people laugh, and he loved animals.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, A. Jeanne Robbins.
Survivors include his parents, Penny and Randall (Randy) Robbins of Laurel; maternal grandparents Foster and Annie Herrington of Laurel; paternal grandfather Lonnie H. Robbins of Purvis; a cousin he loved as a sister, Laken Bush of Memphis; three aunts, Kris Jenkins of Laurel, Cheryl Allen of Poplarville and Liz Nowell and husband Mike of Poplarville; three uncles, Andy Robbins of Purvis, Mark Van Schaik of St. Petersburg, Fla., and Eric Van Schaik of Petal.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Elizabeth Pearson Stevens
Elizabeth Pearson Stevens, 94, of Laurel quietly passed away at her residence on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013. The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Randy Turner will officiate. Interment will be at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be at Memory Chapel from 12:30 p.m. Monday until service time.
She was born in Laurel on February 5, 1919, and was a lifelong resident and member of the First Baptist Church of Laurel.
Mrs. Stevens was a member for many years of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Northwood Garden Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, N.C. Pearson and Margaret Grant Pearson; her husband of 68 years, Ed Stevens; her sister, Mary Leker; and her brother, Jesse Pearson.
She is survived by her daughter, Mary Carol Callahan and husband Larry Callahan; her grandson, Edward Callahan of Smyrna, Ga.; her sister, Thelma Messemore of Laurel; her brother, Walter Pearson of Pineville, La; and many nieces and nephews.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Bessie Lou Sellers
Mrs. Bessie Lou Sellers, 91, a resident of the Pleasant Grove Community, died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Center in Laurel.
Visitation for Mrs. Sellers will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday from the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Dave Moran and Rev. Kent Miller officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Mrs. Sellers was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was a homemaker.
Mrs. Sellers was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Sellers; son Harold E. Sellers; daughter Ann Hodge.
She is survived by her son, Robert Wayne Sellers (Linda) of the Pleasant Grove Community; daughter Judy Davis Harp (Frank) of Tallahassee, Fla.; brother Joe Henry of Pass Christian; three sisters, Inez Wright of Evergreen, Ala., Ruth Fremouw of Mobile, Ala. and Lou Ella Young of Atlanta, Ga.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a special friend, Joyce Gendusa.
Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro was in charge of arrangements.
Delores Tisdale Smith
Delores Tisdale Smith, 76, of Laurel died at her residence Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home. Rev. Mike West will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Bowery Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-9 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Lucy Mae Tisdale; two brothers, Estus and Wallace Tisdale and a sister, Alice Turner.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, J.D. Smith; son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Kim Smith; daughter and son-in-law Lori and Mark Shoemake; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kaleb Smith and Sam Shoemake, all of Laurel; three brothers, Lester Tisdale of Wade, John Tisdale of Pensacola, Fla. and Wendell Tisdale of Hattiesburg; one sister, Joyce Miller of Ocean Springs; and two sisters of the heart, Betty Tisdale and Patricia Whitehead.
Mrs. Smith was employed by the family business, J.D. Jay Trucking, Inc. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church, where she remained active until, due to failing health, she could no longer attend. She had taught an adult ladies Sunday school class, but her heart always remained with preschoolers, where, for several decades, she taught Sunday school, Discipleship Training and Mission Friends.
She loved reading, gardening and visiting with family and friends. She was known for her ability to get a large meal prepared and feed a houseful of people at a moment’s notice. She also loved music and laughter. She shared her faith with everyone around her, always giving Jesus Christ the glory for all the many blessings she received.
The children also recognized seven remarkable ladies: Geneva Odom, Phyllis Clark, Julia Evans, Debra Woodfork, Odell Boothe, Vernessa Campbell and the late Linda Beasley. Words cannot adequately express our appreciation for all that you have done for both of our parents over the last three years, they said. All of you have become like family to us. It has been an amazing journey! Also thanks to the folks at Comfort Care Hospice – you are all angels.
Serving as pallbearers will be Danny Smith, Ralph Smith, Greg Hilbun, Roger Welch, Billy Carroll Smith and John Welch. Honorary pallbearers will be Kaleb Smith and Sam Shoemake.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Linnie Mae Bufkin
Linnie Mae Bufkin, 92, of Stringer died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springs. Rev. Stanley Doggett and Rev. Allen McCord will officiate. Music will be provided by Bill Holloway. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Stringer.
Mrs. Bufkin was a member of the Eastern Star. She worked as activities director at Jasper General Nursing Home until her retirement. Mrs. Bufkin was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Stringer.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Bufkin Jr.; an infant son; brothers Russell Gable and Lowery Gable; and a nephew, Mitchell Gable.
Survivors include her daughters, Shelia Griffin of Laurel and Lynelle Holloway of Stringer; sister Dertha Clark of Laurel; grandsons Bill Holloway, Jim Holloway and Grady Griffin; and granddaughter Angela Martin.
Serving as pallbearers are Edward Buckley, Nick Bunkley, Robert Bufkin, Mark King, Johnny King and Arnold Buckley.
Clifford T. Lucas
Clifford T. Lucas, 87, of Laurel died Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Mill Creek Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Richard Walls will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until service time on Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Lucas was retired from Southern Pacific Railroad and was a member of Mill Creek Church of God. He also retired from the United States Navy Seabees.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ruth Lucas.
Survivors include two sons, Wayne T. Lucas of Lafayette, Ga. and David W. Lucas of Killing, Texas; one daughter, Sally Anne Arceneaux of Lafayette, Ga.; one stepdaughter, June Curvin and husband Doug of Laurel; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Charles Alan Norwood
Charles Alan Norwood, 20, of Laurel died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at the University Medical Center in Jackson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Myrick Cemetery in Jones County. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
He was a heavy equipment operator with Newton Recycling Company.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Stilley; and nephew Zaiden Norwood.
Survivors include his father, James Stilley of Decatur; grandmother Opal Kehl of Wellington, Kan.; sister Allison Davis of Laurel; three brothers, Michael Norwood of Decatur, Danny Childress of Laurel and Jason Anderson of Moss Point; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Pallbearers will be Trent Davis, Derrek Stevens, Taylor Ishee, Desmond Jones, Danny Childress and Jason Anderson. Honorary pallbearer will be Davis Ishee.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James ‘David’ Sumrall
James “David” Sumrall of Sandersville passed away Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, from heart complications. It is strange that a man’s strongest attribute, his heart, is what leads him home to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Oakland Grove Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Corey Vermilyea will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
David was a man of unwavering integrity with a heart of gold, willing to help any individual willing to help his or her self. He was the pillar of a family man, the greatest husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and son we have ever known. The only love he had that trumped his family was his devotion to Jesus. He was a man that left a good name for all his family. He and his wife owned Double J. Service, Inc. and he was a member of Oakland Grove Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, John Lloyd and Olean Sumrall; brothers Jerold Lloyd, John Wayne and wife Jane, Frankie Ozell and Ruben Earl Sumrall; sister Clara Jane Wages; and daughter-in-law Elaine Land Sumrall.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julie Brush Sumrall; sons Andrew Lloyd Sumrall (Shannon) and Joseph D. Sumrall (Rachel); grandson Joseph Landon Sumrall; brothers Willie Ugene (Juanita), Henry Buford (Mary), Vondell (Maxine) and Marion Joe (Minnie Re); sisters Lucy Lellen (Hollis) Beck, Zella Marlean (Pete) Clark, Janell Laughton and Martha (Gary) Gardner; two sisters-in-law, Cornell Sumrall and Nellie Jean Sumrall; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Clay Land, Van Land, Wesley Nix, Justin Hodge, Brett Anderson and Derick Martin. Alternate pallbearer will be Stephen Ingram.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Martha Banks Gaddis
Martha Banks Gaddis, 82, of Gainesville, Ga., passed away on Monday, Sept. 30, 2013.
Visitation with the family will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. EDT in the Chapel of Lanier Village Estates, 4000 Village View Drive, Gainesville, Ga. 30506, followed by a memorial service celebrating Martha’s life at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Highway, NW, Sandy Springs, Ga., at 3 p.m.
She was born in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 1, 1931, and she lived most of her early years there, graduating from North Fulton High School and Weslyan College in Macon, Ga. She later lived in Montgomery, Ala., and Laurel, where she and her husband Bob were very involved in the Presbyterian church and many civic activities in each of those cities, including The Girl Scouts, The Laurel Garden Club, Bay Flower Garden Club, Daughters of the American Revolution and The Lauren Rogers Museum. Martha was selected the Junior Auxiliary of Laurel’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2006.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Chesnut Banks and Ernest Lee Banks; and her husband, Robert Smith Gaddis.
She is survived by her three children, Bert Gaddis (Susan) of Birmingham, Ala.; Amy Singletary (Scott) of Hendersonville, N.C.; and Meg Racanelli (Mike) of Forest, Va. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Patrick Singletary, Lia and Stephen Racanelli, Robert and James Gaddis; her sister, Beverly Boland of Gainesville, Ga.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, Martha and the family request that memorial gifts be made to a favorite charity.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, Ga., is in charge of arrangements.
Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.
Virginia Diane Woodward Lovett
Virginia Diane Woodward Lovett, 61, of Laurel died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at Magee General Hospital in Magee.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Jesus Name Home Church with burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Rev. Jerry Rowley will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at Jesus Name Home Church.
Mrs. Lovett was a homemaker and a member of Jesus Name Home Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus Lee and Rachel Virginia Nichols Woodward; and her husband, Cecil Lovett.
Survivors include two sons, Shaun Wesley Lovett and wife Mollie of Laurel and Cecil Lovett Jr. and wife Shena of Ellisville; four daughters, Lynn Gambrell and husband Chris of Granbury, Texas, Teresa Wing and husband Mark of the Hebron community, Amanda Carol Ratcliff and husband David of Stringer, and Elizabeth Angelique Graves and husband Michael of Hebron; one brother, Russell Woodward of Gautier; two sisters, Carolyn Ann Porter and Cheri Lynn Stewart (Cecil Worthy), all of Taylorsville; grandchildren Shauna, Ashleigh, Nicole, Vincent, Austin, Ami, LaShae, Paige, Logan, Heather, Dustin and Hyden; and great-grandchildren Cheyenne, Kaylee, J. J., Hannah, Gracee, Andrew and Anniston.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Brady Sr., Bobby Brady Jr., Benjamin Hughes, Jeff Livingston, Chris Perry and Darrel Wade.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Marguerite Augusta McLaurin
Marguerite Augusta McLaurin, 89, of Sandersville died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Dr. John Stodghill and Rev. Will McLaurin will officiate. Burial will be in Erata Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
Marguerite loved her family and enjoyed spending time working with the ladies group in her church.
Marguerite was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Bernard and Margaret Muth Hannemann; granddaughter Kari McLaurin; four brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include her husband, Albert McLaurin of Sandersville; sons William A. "Bill" McLaurin Jr. (Lee) of St. Petersburg, Fla., Charles McLaurin (Kathy) of Petal and Thomas McLaurin of Sandersville; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.
Grandsons Chip McLaurin and Billy McLaurin, grandsons-in-law Tim Mazur and Tommy Craft and great-grandsons Trey McLaurin, Tylor Craft, Max Mazur and Alex Mazur will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Robert Dale Malone Sr.
Robert Dale Malone Sr., 71, of Laurel died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at his residence.
Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Justin Rhodes will officiate.
Mr. Malone was a machinist and salesman with Laurel Machine and Foundry.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda M. Malone.
Survivors include two sons, Dale Malone Jr. and wife Delilah and Craig Malone, all of Laurel; one sister, Janie Malone of Texas; three grandchildren, Christine Thompson, Madelynn Malone; and Macy Kate Malone; and one great-grandson, Rylie Thompson.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Verdon R. Shedd
Verdon R. Shedd, 72, of Ellisville died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 at his residence in Ellisville.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Bryant officiating. Burial will be in Beech Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-9 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Shedd was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey R. and Edna E. Bowman Shedd; brother Ruben Shedd; and grandchild Kambre Kelly-Parker.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Shedd of Ellisville; daughters Tracy Holliman of Ovett and Emma Dale Parker (David) of Ellisville; grandchildren Joshua Holliman, Breanna Kelly, Kasie Kelly and Ashley Kelly; great-grandchildren Jett Holliman, Aidan Regan, Trenton Regan and Braylen Regan.
Serving as pallbearers are Joshua Holliman, David R. Parker, Randy Gregory, Buddy Everett, David Kelly and Marcus Hilton, and honorary pallbearer Jason Beech. ?
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Harold M. Blakeney
Harold M. Blakeney, 60, of Laurel died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Roy Crouch III will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Thursday.
Mr. Blakeney was a draftsman with Howard Industries and was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Pioneer Wood Carvers.
He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Blakeney, parents Earl B. and Gladys McKinley Blakeney; brother Tony Blakeney; three nieces and one nephew.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Buckelew Blakeney of Laurel; son Eric S. Blakeney and wife Jackie of Summerdale, Ala.; daughter Kali Blakeney of Laurel; four grandchildren, Elizabeth Blakeney, Levi Stephenson, Austin Barnett and Jacob Wells; three brothers, Roy Blakeney and wife Grace of Laurel, Charles Blakeney and wife Nancy of Gulfport and Mack Blakeney and wife Rustye of Laurel; three sisters, Betty Moss and husband J. B. of Ovett, Bobbye Hartman of Semmes, Ala. and Louise Ford of Mobile, Ala.
Close friends and family members will serve as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ellen O. Lewis
Ellen O. Lewis, 91, of Heidelberg died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Heidelberg Baptist Church with burial to follow at Philadelphia Methodist Church Cemetery in Jasper County. Rev. Bill Bolton, Rev. Greg Medenwald and Rev. Brandon Wilson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Heidelberg
Mrs. Lewis, a bookkeeper, was member of Heidelberg Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Melvin Lewis; parents Thomas Chester and Laura Shoemake McDonald; and one brother, Ibern C. McDonald.
Survivors include one daughter, Geraldine L. Donavan of Hattiesburg; three granddaughters, Nancy D. Buford, Laura D. Tatum and Alice D. Nuzzo; one grandson, William E. Donavan Jr.; four great-grandsons; four great-granddaughters; two great-great-grandsons; two sisters, Alma M. Stubbs of Grand Bay, Ala. and Doris Dykes of Ovett; one brother, Thomas Kenneth McDonald; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Anthony Stringer, James Banks, Rex Banks Jr., Danny Dykes and Steve McDonald. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert M. Lewis, Charlie Stringer, Tommy Buford and David Bryant.
Memory Chapel of Heidelberg is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Harmon R. Watkins
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Fairfield Baptist Church for Mr. Harmon R. Watkins of Moselle, who passed away Sept. 29, 2013 at Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living Center in Ellisville. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time Tuesday at Fairfield Baptist Church.
Mr. Watkins, a farmer, was a member and longtime deacon of Fairfield Baptist Church in Moselle.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Laura Watkins.
He is survived by his wife Minnie Mae Watkins of Moselle; son Wendall Ray “Winky” (Audrey) Watkins of Seminary; daughters Elaine (Ed) Welch and Patsy (Willie Charles) Odom, both of Moselle; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Jones & Son Funeral Home in Moselle is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be given at wwwjonesandsonfh.com.
Ellouise Sikes Saget
Ellouise Sikes Saget, 88, died Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at her residence in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service time on Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Saget was born in Meridian on Nov. 29, 1925. She was a homemaker and medical secretary.
Ellouise was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Sikes and her son, Gary Lynn Saget.
Ellouise is survived by her husband of 69 years, Douglas Boyd Saget; son Don Saget and wife Carol; one brother, Winfred Sikes; one sister, Sally Gough; two grandsons, Brad Saget and wife Lenore and Craig Saget and wife Anita; four great-grandchildren, Jessica Saget, Jacob Saget, Ellie Saget and Lillie Saget; one great-great-grandchild, Brayden Saget; and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Brad Saget, Craig Saget, Shot Sikes, Harold Gough, Mickey Gough and Robin Gough.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Walter Master Bethea Jr.
Walter Master Bethea Jr., 85, of Laurel died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Allen King will officiate.
Mr. Bethea was a member of West Laurel United Methodist Church and was a 32nd-degree Mason of John Henry Wooten Lodge No. 503. He was a charter member of Dixie Golf Club, being No. 29 of the original 50. He had the family-owned Bethea Plumbing Company.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Katherine Bethea of Laurel; son Doug Bethea and wife Joy of Laurel; daughter Donna Bethea Gilbreath and husband Rodney of Lilburn, Ga.; grandchildren Jason Bethea and wife Rhiannon, Brian Gilbreath and wife Dawn, Clint Gilbreath and wife Leslie, Suzie Stanton and husband Mark and Chad White and wife Crystal; great-grandchildren Mason Bethea, Mallory Bethea, Melanie Gilbreath, Natalie Gilbreath, Savannah Stanton, Caroline Stanton, Sheridan White and Cameron White; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be John Sanford, Roy Dry, Ray Cradock, Dan Taylor, Jimmy Lowery, Kenny Lowe, Dale Jay and Mike Morgan. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Sweeney, G.B. Ishee and Jimmy Harpole.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to West Laurel United Methodist Church.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services.
To view and sign the family register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Andy Wilks
Andy Wilks, 67, of Hattiesburg died Friday, Sept. 27, 2013.
Services will be Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. at Moore Funeral Chapel in Hattiesburg followed by burial in Sand Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellisville. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home.
Mr. Wilks was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Lynn Wilks; his parents, Charles and Hilda Wilks; and one brother, Rayner Wilks.
He is survived by one son, Scott (Shannon) Wilks of Ellisville; and two granddaughters, Alexus Wilks of Ellisville, and Hailey Wilks of Ellisville.
Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg is in charge of arrangements.
Louise Graves Welborn
Louise Graves Welborn was born at home in Ellisville on July 6, 1932. She passed away at home at 7 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2013 surrounded by family, friends and a wonderful caretaker, Della Gordon.
There will be a graveside service at Ellisville Cemetery Saturday and there will be a memorial service at a later date.
Louise attended Jones County Junior College and graduated from the Louisiana State University School of Banking. She served her community as the first woman vice president of Deposit Guaranty and ended her career as a financial advisor at Regions Bank. She served on the local, state and regional levels of Financial Women International and was selected as that organization’s “Woman of Excellence” in 1987. She served on the board of directors of the United Way of the Pine Belt Region and the Red Cross. She also served as 2009-10 President of the Guild of Docents and Volunteers at the Lauren Rogers Museum. Louise was a devoted member of Our Home Universalist Church.
Louise is survived by her husband of 59 years, Shermon A. Welborn; daughter Del Welborn of Port Aransas, Texas; sisters Sara Vance and Margaret (John) Pfeiffer of Florida, Jim (Gail) Graves of Hebron and H. B. (Robin) Graves of Smith Mountain Lake, Va.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Hannon Benjamin Graves and Nell Graves, and her brother, Don Graves.
The family requests that donations be made to the Lauren Rogers Museum or charity of your choice.
Memory Chapel was in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Janice Parker
Janice Parker, 74, of Heidelberg died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Corinth Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Parker was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, O. C. Parker; parents Clyde and Sarah Elizabeth Stidham; five brothers, Tom, Jerry, Donald, Jim and Harry Stidham; and a beloved aunt, Blanche Hunter.
Survivors include her son, Eddie Parker and wife Brenda of Sandersville; daughter Regina Parker and husband Craig of Ellisville; grandchildren Stephen and Devin Parker, Joshua Parker and Lori and Zachary Parker; brothers Ralph Stidham and Scott Stidham, both of Baltimore, Md.; brother-in-law Jimmy Myrick of Sandersville; and sisters-in-law Ruby Andrews of Laurel, Rosella Stidham of Lucasville, Ohio and Gwendolyn Stidham of West Port Smith, Ohio.
Pallbearers will be Joshua Parker, Zachary Parker, Stephen Parker, Brad Myrick, Jason Dunston and Bobby Boliver. Honorary pallbearers will be Devin Parker and Austin Rowzee.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Juan Manuel Perez Castrellon
Juan Manuel Perez Castrellon, 35, of Hattiesburg died Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at Ellisville Funeral Home on Friday at 6 p.m. Burial will be in Lake Park Cemetery in Laurel on Tuesday at 2 p.m. Visitation will be from 5-6 p.m. on Friday at Ellisville Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.
Randall Dean Bice
Memorial services will be at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Hulett-Winstead Chapel for Mr. Randall Dean Bice, 67, of Hattiesburg. Visitation will begin at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Hulett-WInstead Funeral Home in Hattiesburg. Burial will be in Forrest Memorial Gardens with full military honors.
Mr. Bice died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013 at Wesley Medical Center.
He was a retired contracted truck driver. He was of the Baptist faith and a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Leslee Anne Bice; his parents, Ivan Dean and Lois Walters Bice; and a brother, Mickey Bice.
He is survived by two sons, 1st Sgt. Dustin Bice of Fort Polk, La., and Ryan D. Bice of Hattiesburg; a daughter, Jennifer Tobin of Waco, Texas; four sisters, Marie Hanson of Terrebonne, Ore., Mona Leggett of Long Beach, Diane Reed of Petal and Elaine Bullock of Columbia; a brother, Brian Bice of Laurel; and six grandchildren.
Rex Bradford Byrd
Rex Bradford Byrd, 58, of Laurel died Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, at Central MS Medical Center in Jackson.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Arlington Baptist Church Cemetery in Beaumont.
Mr. Byrd was retired from Jones County Beat Three.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt Byrd and Lou Bratties Byrd Neel; daughter Rebecca; and stepsons Michael and Robert.
Survivors include his wife, Suzanna Byrd; son Scott Byrd; stepson Monty Tew and wife Darlene; two stepdaughters Rebecca Allred and husband Mark, and Vicki Field and husband Jeff; three brothers Randy Byrd, Robin Byrd and wife Renee and Ricky Byrd and wife Patti; four grandsons, Michael, Zacharry, Gabriel and Robby; three granddaughters, Beranna, Mallory and Devon; great-grandson Shawn; and two great-granddaughters, Mackenzie and Cameron.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Darrell Keith Cross
Darrell Keith Cross, 73, of Ellisville died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013 at the family home on Route 2, Jordan Road, Ellisville across the road from where he was born on Aug. 29, 1940.
Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Pastors Ernest Dobkins and Shane Hochstetler officiating. Burial will be in Jordan Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Cross loved to garden and raise vegetables, and gave them away to everyone. He was a numismatics “collector of coins” over the years. He graduated from Ellisville Agricultural High School, Southern Missionary College in Collegedale, Tenn., and was owner and operator of nursing homes in Texas for 35 years. He was an elder of Laurel Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Ray and Erma Ethel Cross; and son Anthony John Cross.
He is survived by his wife, Billie Flowers Cross; son W Scott Cross (Natalie) of Dallas; brothers Sherman L. Cross, (Pat) of Zephyrhills, Fla., E. Connell "Connie" Cross (Denise) of Keene, Texas and Garland R. Cross (Pam) of Altamont, Tenn.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Laurel Seventh-day Adventist Church Building Fund, 1606 West 15th Street, Laurel, MS 39440.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Thaddist Oree Anderson
Thaddist Oree Anderson, 84, of Bay Springs died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013 at the Veterans Nursing Home in Collins.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Mount Nebo Baptist Church in Bay Springs. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rev. Tony Johnson and Rev. Robert Arinder will officiate the services. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel.
He was a member of Mount Nebo Baptist Church and served as a deacon for many years. He was also a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean war.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otho Rufus Anderson and Gettie Jernigan Anderson; his wife Mary Alice Anderson; three brothers, R.O. Anderson, Tulli Anderson and X.V. Anderson; and two sisters, Erma Wilson and Gussie Nelson.
He is survived by his son, Mike Anderson (Peggy) of Bay Springs; two grandchildren, Brad Anderson of Bay Springs and Justin Anderson (Cortney) of Raleigh; three great-grandchildren, Braydon Anderson, Easton Anderson, and Bryson Anderson; and a sister-in-law, Janell Anderson of Bay Springs.
Pallbearers for the service are Andy Starbuck, Luke Starbuck, Lane Starbuck, Keith Blakeney, Kenneth Blakeney and Terry Rogers.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Faye C. Hunter
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Main Street United Methodist Church for Mrs. Faye C. Hunter, 91, of Hattiesburg, formerly of Laurel.
She died Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Union City Cemetery in Union. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Mrs. Hunter was a homemaker and served as House Mother for FIJI Fraternity at Mississippi State for several years.
She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church and a former longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Laurel.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles A. Hunter.
She is survived by a daughter, Ellen Hunter Ruffin of Hattiesburg; two grandchildren, Hunter Ruffin and Mary Stephens Ruffin.
Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home inHattiesburg is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, 414 Mount Carmel Rd., Millry, AL 36558 or the church of donors choice.
Larry Rassie Barnett
Larry Rassie Barnett, 64, of Stringer died Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Bethlehem Community Church with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Jamie Altman will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service on Friday at the church.
Mr. Barnett was a construction worker and also a musician.
Survivors include one daughter, Selena M. McCardle of Stringer; one son, Joey McCarty of Brookhaven; 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Roy Barnett of Mobile, Ala., and George Barnett of Laurel; and two sisters, Gladys Gardner of Laurel and Loretta Douglas of Mobile, Ala.
Pallbearers will be Thomas McCardle, Tyler Ellis, Austin McCardle, Garrett Buckman, Levi McCardle, Paul English and David Barnett.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Fred M. Holmes
A celebration of the life of Fred M. Holmes will be at First Baptist Church of Laurel on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013, at 2 p.m. The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Thursday. Dr. Randy Turner will be officiating. Visitation will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Fred was born on July 7, 1935, in Lincoln County and died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013. He leaves here on earth many, many memories with his three sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph D. “Joe” and Tammy Holmes, Michael S. “Steve” and Susan Holmes, and Jeffrey R. “Randy” and Cheryl Holmes; four grandchildren and spouses, Robert F. “Fred” and Robin Holmes, Daniel E. and Charla Holmes, Jessica and Reid McAndrews, and Keith and Jennifer Breazeale; six great-grandchildren, Clay Holmes, Luke Holmes, Lyle Wood, Jacob Holmes, Hunter Holmes and Tanner McAndrews; three sisters, Helen and Elmer Funk, Katherine and Henry Peavey, and Joe and Bill Brister; two brothers, James Otis Holmes and John Paul and Rita Holmes; sister-in-law Peggy Holmes; the mother of his children, Jane Anderson; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his dear son, Robert M. “Bobby” Holmes; his brother, Tommy Holmes; parents Maggie and Otis Holmes; and grandparents, Joe and Cora Holmes.
Fred graduated as valedictorian from Enterprise High School in Brookhaven in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army until his honorable discharge on Oct. 18, 1958, receiving several awards. After his Army career, he broke out in the oilfield on drilling rigs. His career included time at Dowell Chemical and Haliburton. He began his career and his friendship with Chesley Pruet in 1967. He went to Eldorado, Ark., and trained under Mr. Pruet. His career continued with Chesley Pruet Drilling Co. as vice president and operations manager until his retirement in 1997, at which time he began his next adventure in his beloved oilfield as an independent consultant, and worked regularly overseeing drilling and workover rig operations. He was a member of numerous oilfield organizations, including API, the IADC, and the AESC. Fred was a believer in hard work, continuing to set that example by remaining in the workforce until his death.
Fred’s family was of the utmost importance to him, proud of each of his sons and grandchildren, and enjoying the arrival of each new great-grandchild. He was a generous man, quietly assisting countless young students in their educational and extra-curricular endeavors. He listened to those around him and quietly provided for needs that he recognized both in the oilfield and outside of it. Fred was affectionately known as the “Dad” of the oilfield, not only because of his longevity of service, but because of his interest in everyone about him and his knowledge of all things oilfield related. He mentored many in his career span and his passing will leave a void not only in the individual lives he touched, but also in the oilfield community.
Pallbearers will be Casey Coffin, Karson Bates, Robert Burroughs, Chris Holifield, Darrel Woodson and Steve Jones.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in his memory be made to Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundations, 3614 J. Dewey Gray Circle, Building C, Augusta, GA 30909.
Carrie Hayes Valentine
Carrie Hayes Valentine, 35, of Prattville, Ala., died Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 at Baptist Hospital in Prattville, Ala.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., on Wednesday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Dr. Greg Gavin officiating. Burial will be in Ellisville City Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5- 8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Carrie loved people. She loved her family and she loved music. Countless lives were touched through her talent and her grace. Carrie was a wonderful wife, mother and daughter. During her illness, Carrie displayed tremendous strength and faith, which was an inspiration to her family and to all her friends who visited her.
Carrie was preceded in death by her grandparents, Thomas Evan and Nina Hayes of Ellisville.
Survivors include her husband, Capt. Michael Valentine of Prattville, Ala.; parents Danny and Kathy Hayes of Ellisville; daughters Isabella Rose Valentine and Amelia Bright Valentine of Prattville, Ala.; grandparents Billy and Peggy Flowers of Ellisville; and many uncles, aunts and cousins who loved her and whom she loved dearly.
Pallbearers will be members of the U.S. Army Recruiting Company of Prattville, Ala.
Memorial donations may be made to Jones County Junior College for a one-time music scholarship for a South Jones senior student. Donations may be sent to the Carrie Hayes Valentine Scholarship Fund at: JCJC Foundation 900 S. Court Street Ellisville, MS. Attn: Mrs. Lee Graham.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Geraldine Wilder Yeates
Geraldine Wilder Yeates, born in Laurel on March 1, 1920, passed away on Sept. 19, 2013.
A memorial service will be at Memory Chapel of Laurel on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
She had been a resident of Nan's Personal Care Home for several years.
She was married at Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia during World War II and moved many times during the war. She was happiest when she was home in Laurel and moved back permanently in 1952.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William L. Wilder and Pearl Pruitt Wilder; her brother, W. L. "Billy" Wilder; her son William E. Yeates Jr.; and her husband, William E. Yeates Sr.
She is survived by her son, Phil Yeates and wife Mary Gail; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
The family extends much thanks to her caregiver, Sandra Blackledge, and her staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Brandon Michael Anderson
Brandon Michael Anderson, 21, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Eddie Bryant will officiate. Burial will follow in Ellisville Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Brandon was a heavy machine operator with Newton Recycling Company.
He is survived by his daughter, Caileigh Lauren Anderson of Laurel; parents Connie Nicholson Anderson and Linda and Rusty Busby of Laurel; three brothers, Matthew Busby, Wesley Anderson and Jason Anderson; grandparents Wayne and Carol Nicholson of Moss Point; high school sweetheart and the mother of his daughter Kelsey Schwan; best friends Michael and Chucky Norwood and Dakota Smith; and host of other relatives.
Pallbearers will Cole Page, Doug Ingram, Aaron Ingram, Chris Plylar, Michael Norwood, Jason Holland and Levi Smith. Honorary pallbearer will be Dakota Smith.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view or sign the guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Geneva ‘Jan’ Rose O’Neal
Geneva “Jan” Rose O’Neal died on Sept. 12, 2013 after a long illness. A memorial service will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. She is survived by a son, Ron Vollozzi; and daughters Janice Henry and Jeanene Rivas.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view or sign the guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Deborah Ann Carr
Deborah Ann Carr, 65, passed away on Friday, Sept. 19, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. at Sunrise Assisted Living in Baton Rouge, La.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. until service time at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery.
A resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Laurel, Deborah retired as a registered nurse and attended Cross Point Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Katie Ellis; two sons, Michael S. Ellis Jr. and wife Lea, and Brayden P. Ellis and wife Joy; and one sister, Jean Carr.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Michael and Dorothy Jean Carr; and step-grandson Timothy James Fruge’.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Memory Chapel is in charge of local arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Sandra Buckley
Sandra Buckley, 66, of Laurel, died Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Eastview Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Gayle Pope will officiate. The body will be placed in the church 1 p.m. Monday.
Sandra was a homemaker and a member of Pineview Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ethridge and Floy Ingram Garrett; one brother, Lowell “Butch” Garrett; and one sister, Nancy Garrett.
Survivors are her husband, Thomas F. Buckley Sr. of Laurel; three sons, Frankie Buckley and wife Tara of Ellisville, David Buckley and wife Angie of Texarkana, Ark. and Terry Buckley of Laurel; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Clay Garrett and wife Janie of Laurel; and two sisters, Mary Jo Stringer of Laurel and Dinah Lowe of Gautier; and other family and relatives.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Earline Frances Wright
Earline Frances Wright, 70, of Laurel died Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, in Gulfport.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Union Line Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Ovee Cornell will officiate.
Mrs. Wright was a homemaker and a member of Union Line Methodist Church in Soso. After the loss of her daughter, she made sure to be an influence in the life of her grandson, Tee Walls.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Lee Wright in 2008; parents Earl and Leodille Zeringue Scarabin; brother Donald Scarabin; and two sisters, Lorraine Jenkins and Cecilia Fitzgerald.
Survivors include her son, John J. Bubrig III and wife Susie of Belle Chasse, La.; daughter Lynn Grayson and husband Danny of Scott, La.; four stepchildren, Pam Munsterman and husband Curt, Suzanne Ortego and husband Sam, Deanne Bubrig and Wayne L. Wright Jr. and wife Lynett; 21 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Susan Buras and husband Kenneth, Ronda Ragas and husband Richard, Marla Giglio and husband Barry and Cathy Mertz; three brothers, Earl Scarabin Jr. and wife Donna, Brian Scarabin and wife Sue, and Kenneth Scarabin and wife Marie; brother-in-law Glen Wright and wife Maudie; and sister-in-law Josie Wright.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Traundra Anntiniece James
Traundra Anntiniece James, 22, of Heidelberg died Thursday, Sept. 12 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Heidelberg with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the church. Brown Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Helen Lee Carter
Helen Lee Carter, 73, of Laurel, formerly of New Orleans, died Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Mark’s Fourth Baptist Church in New Orleans with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in New Orleans. Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Brown Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Joe Alson Welch
Joe Alson Welch, 70, of Laurel died at his residence as a result of a farming accident on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013.
Funeral services will be at Old Antioch Missionary Baptist Church at 11:30 a.m. Friday with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Rev. Robbie White will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Friday. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Mr. Welch was a farmer and a broiler producer for 33 years. He was a member of Old Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and a veteran of the National Guard. His life was centered on his family, who he treasured and loved unconditionally.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alson and Eretta Hilbun Welch; and one brother, William S. “Bill” Welch.
Survivors include his loving wife, Nina Welch of Laurel; one son, Ken Welch and wife Sharon of Laurel; two daughters, Kim Freeman and husband Craig of Richton and Kayla Andrews and husband Donnie of Jacksonville, Ala.; grandchildren Bradley and Amanda Welch, Jordan, Josh and Jacob Thurman, and Zachary and Will Andrews; step-grandchildren Kaitlyn Freeman Cooley and Connor Freeman; two sisters, Carolyn Sullivan and husband Robert of Laurel and Janet McNair and husband Ronnie of Brandon; sister-in-law Martile Welch of Southaven; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Steven Welch, Bob Sullivan, Miles McNair, Clifton Brashier, Charles Holifield, Ned Hinton, Daryl Martin and Jonathan Lockhart. Honorary pallbearers will be Bud Dungan, Roy Fortenberry, Dennis Manley, Jessie Hinton, Timmy Hill, Jimmy Dale Taylor and the men and deacons of Old Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the memory of Joe Alson Welch to Old Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1717 Highway 28 West, Soso, MS 39480.
Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Carolyn Paulette Clark
Carolyn Paulette Clark, 67, of Laurel died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Community Church with burial to follow at Bethlehem Cemetery. Rev. Jamie Altman and Rev. Kenneth Smith will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. Thursday. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Mrs. Clark was a homemaker and a member of Bethlehem Community Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Calvin and Mertis Coats Dees; daughter Doreen Chadick; husband Kenneth Clark; stepsons David Clark and Kevin Clark; and grandson Payton Harrison.
Survivors include one son, Joel Holloway of Laurel; three daughters, Kim Harrison and husband Glenn, Rebecca Gable and husband Brian, and Paula Holloway, all of Laurel; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Joey Holloway, Zachary Holloway, Brian Gable, John Green, Matt Anderson and Josh Dagen. Honorary pallbearer will be Derick Knight.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dorothy Dean Yelverton Read
Dorothy Dean Yelverton Read, 85, passed away on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013 at her home in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens in Jones County. Pastor Mike Lairsey, Rev. Greg Read and Rev. Charles Hanchey will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel.
She was born Nov. 12, 1927, in Jones County, married to Luke G. Read in May 1948. They were married for 58 years and raised two sons in the fear of the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Luke; sister Joan Yelverton Warren; and parents Leva and Leona Yelverton of Jones County.
Survivors include her sons, Stan Read and wife Carrie of Slidell, La., and Greg Read and wife Cindy of Laurel; sister Linda Yelverton McCraw of Laurel; three grandsons, Daniel, Austin and Devon; and three granddaughters, Deonna Pitts and husband Casey, and Carissa and Brianna.
Dot, as she was known to her friends, will always be remembered as a compassionate Christian woman. She was involved in her church and was always concerned with the needs to her elderly friends. She helped them with errands and made sure they had a ride to church. She was most thankful that her sons are serving God and are raising her grandchildren to know and love God.
Pallbearers will be Roger McCraw, Tristin McCraw, Brannyn McCraw, Kaegan Thornhill, Casey Pitts and Ryan McNair.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lona Bell Byrd
Lona Bell Byrd, 86, of Laurel died Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, at Wayne General Hospital in Waynesboro.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Hueston Adkins will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
She was a homemaker and a member of West Laurel Baptist Church.
Survivors include three sons, Samuel G. Byrd and Danny A. Byrd of Laurel and Michael Byrd and wife Elaine of Soso; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Kathleen Ishee Warnock
Oct. 5, 1922 – Sept. 16, 2013
Kathleen Ishee Warnock went to be with our Lord at 2:43 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013.
Services will be at the First Baptist Church of Laurel on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Fort Stockton, Texas, where she will be laid beside her husband Frank, on Saturday, Sept. 21, with a graveside service.
She led a full and active life that included traveling up the Amazon, exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu and landing a tarpon in Costa Rica.
Born in Louin on Oct. 5, 1922, she was one of nine children. After graduating from Louin High School, she went to Mississippi College for Women earning a degree in education. She traveled to California to work for the USDA before returning to south Mississippi to work for the Mississippi Power Company as their home economist. It was during that time that she met and was wed to Frank B Warnock. Theirs was a long and loving marriage that saw them travel the country, explore the Mayan ruins of Mexico and dig for fossils in west Texas.
Kathleen loved entertaining and her home was always filled with a dinner party, birthday celebration or dessert reception. A long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Laurel, she was dedicated to her Lord and her faith. She was a member of the Three Arts Club, the WMU, the 10-5 Club and several other Laurel civic organizations.
Always a lover of adventure, Kathleen canoed the Okotoma, Black Creek and several south Mississippi rivers and creeks. She hiked and camped the Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado, toured the River Shannon in Ireland by cabin cruiser, and sailed the Sea of Cortez.
She was a long-time teacher in the Laurel City Schools, while her late husband, Dr. Frank B Warnock served as the Superintendent.
Kathleen will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, strong Christian, and an outgoing, vivacious, yet polite, southern woman.
She is survived by her two sons, Kirby, and wife Diann, and Miles Warnock, and wife, Venessa, both of Dallas, Texas, and five grandchildren, Travis, Roland, Hallie, Maya and Hunter, also of Dallas as well as numerous nieces and nephews in south Mississippi and Montgomery, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in her name to Mississippi University for Women or the Fort Stockton Historical Society.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Earl L. Anderson
Earl L. Anderson, 81, died Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with Revs. Jon Neal, Steve Ellis and John Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Union Line Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Anderson was a carpenter with Masonite Corporation prior to his retirement. He was a member of Goodwill Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by two children and his first wife, Joyce Anderson.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Terry B. Anderson of Laurel; son Jerald Anderson of Hattiesburg; daughters JoAnn Anderson of Collins; two brothers, John T. Anderson of Heidelberg and Hill Denson Anderson of Port Arthur, Texas; and one sister, Joyce A Roach of Katy, Texas.
His nephews will service as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Jim Henry Gunnell
Jim Henry Gunnell, 86, of Moss died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 at his residence.
A local visitation will be on Sunday, 5-8 p.m., at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
The funeral service will be on Monday at Wilson Funeral Home in Monticello. Brother Max Parker will officiate. Visitation will be at Wilson Funeral Home from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Monday with burial at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Lawrence County.
Mr. Gunnell was a member of Moss Baptist Church and he was retired from Halliburton as a field supervisor for 35 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Seaman 1st Class during World War II. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife ,Kathryn Laurayne Gunnell (McCullough); his parents, James Millard Gunnell and Jessie Ruth Gunnell (Reid); also by a daughter, Deana Kay Gunnell.? Survivors include his sons, James "Jimmy" Daniel Gunnell (Helena) of Moss and Ellis Cooper Gunnell (Gayla) of Laurel; five grandchildren, Jessica Gunnell Garner (Jeremy), James Joseph Gunnell, Katherine Grace Gunnell, Christopher Cooper Gunnell (Kayla) and Candace Rose Gunnell; three great-grandchildren, Ella Rose Cole, August James Garner and Livia Rose Gunnell; and a special friend, Betty Grantham of Stringer.
Pallbearers will be James Gunnell, Christopher Gunnell, Lance Daley, Ben Kelly, Josh Gunnell and Buck Daley.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Dennis Jason Odom
Dennis Jason Odom, 37, of Soso died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 in Atlanta, Ga.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Liberty Cemetery in Stringer. Visitation will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
He worked for Baran Telecom.
He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Odom.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Odom of Soso; two daughters, Destiny Odom of Laurel and Santanna Odom of Stringer; one stepdaughter, Jada Horn of Taylorsville and 2 stepsons, Zackery Horn and Jacob Horn, both of Taylorsville; his father, Dennis Odom of Smith County; three sisters, Terresa Odom, Christal Varner and Lisa Wells; and mother of his two daughters, Donna Smith of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be Zack Headrick, Larion Odom, Chris Varner, Antionie Winfield, Tony Pugh, Wesley Beech, Dusty Neel and Antiony Bufkin.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Kennon Lamont Davis
Kennon Lamont Davis, 81, of Laurel died Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:30 p.m. Monday until service time. Rev. Jimmy Holder and Rev. Timothy W. Moore will be officiating.
He retired from the United States Postal Service in 1992 and was of the Baptist faith. He served in the United States Air Force, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a 1950 graduate of George S. Gardiner High School.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. Davis and Eva Shoemaker Davis; two brothers, James B. Davis and William R. Davis; one sister, Floye Davis Trigg; stepmother Ada P. Davis; and foster son Dee Irving.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Anderson Davis of Laurel; two sons, Ronald L. Davis and wife Christa of Laurel and Kevin M. Davis of Newton; one daughter, Ramona D. McDade of Laurel; foster daughter Rebecca Trigg of Dothan, Ala.; one sister, Christine Margiotta Champagne of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Ethan Davis, Nathan Breland and wife Kim, Allison Breland and Andrew McDade; six great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and caregivers Eilene Axton, Alice Yelverton and nurse Kim Dearman.
Pallbearers will be Kennon H. Davis, Michael K. Davis, John H. Davis, Matthew V. Davis, Jeff W. Davis and Michael G. Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be Alton Smith, Melvin R. Davis, Bruce Strickland and Timothy Davis.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Betty Gregg Robinson
Betty G. Robinson, 69, of Sandersville went to be with her Lord at her residence on Friday, Sept. 13, 2013.
Funeral services will be at Memory Chapel of Laurel at 3 p.m. Sunday with burial at Sandersville Cemetery. Officiating will be Brother David Parker, Brother Bud Swindall and her niece, Tara Murphy. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at Memory Chapel on Sunday.
Mrs. Robinson was a life-long resident of Jones County and a member of Faith Ministries Baptist Church. In years past, she taught Sunday school and Bible school and was a church secretary and church hostess at Sandersville Baptist Church. She was a former member of the Sandersville Women’s Club. A lover of politics, she worked the polls for more than 35 years and was a past election commissioner for the town of Sandersville. Betty loved flowers and anything in nature and marveled at God’s handiwork. She was also an Avon bottle collector. She did all she could to be of help to her family and friends, never asking for anything in return. She was a homemaker and a retired hairdresser.
She was a faithful wife for 53 years, a loving mother and a doting grandmother. Her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her life and kept her going for years without giving up from her many health issues. She was an organ donor and tried to instill the importance of organ donation to others because her younger son was an organ transplant recipient.
She was preceded in death by her younger son, Duane A. Robinson; her father, Olen H. Gregg; and mother Dorothy J. Gregg.
She is survived by her husband, Curtis “Jerry” Robinson of Sandersville; one son and his wife, Don and Karen Robinson of Hattiesburg; two grandsons and their wives, Chase and Ashton Robinson of Mobile, Ala. and Price and Kayla Robinson of Sandersville; and one granddaughter, Chandler Robinson of Hattiesburg; two great-grandchildren, Millie and Cash Robinson; two sisters, Deborah Tanner and husband Wayne of Ellisville and Gloria Green of Decatur, Ala.; aunts, uncles; nieces, nephews; and other family members.
Pallbearers will be nephews Jay Bullock, Brent Bullock, Seth Green, Jacob Bullock, Tanner Bullock, Mark Robinson and Wade Robinson.
Donations may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association, P. O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, Inc., 800 Avery Blvd., Suite 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157-5225.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Jeweline Holifield Windham
Jeweline Holifield Windham of Laurel passed away Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013 at the age of 90.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church with the service to follow at 1 p.m. in the church. Rev. Howard Rogers and Rev. Dennis Knight will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Ridge Cemetery.
She was the widow of W.T. Windham and a charter member of Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Sandra and David Cantin of Metarie, La., William Windham Jr., and Wayne and wife Pam Windham of Laurel. She is also survived by five brothers and sisters, Hazel Knight, Buddy Holifield, Hilman Holifield, Myrtle Lee Dykes and Harold Holifield; eight grandchildren, Jeffrey Cantin, Patrick Cantin, Stacey Martin, Brent Windham, Jessica McLaurin, Christy Nix, Amanda Stevens and Emily Windham; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Brent Windham, Jeffrey Cantin, Patrick Cantin, Edward Martin, Dennis Stevens and Devin Stevens. ?
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Randall Thomas Presley
Randall Thomas Presley, 64, of Laurel died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013 at his residence in Laurel.
There will be a memorial service at a later date.
Mr. Presley was a member of Houston Road Baptist Church and was retired from Sanderson Farms, where he worked in the maintenance department.
Survivors include his parents, Walter Thomas and Mary Ruth Presley; wife Nellaree C. Presley; son Adron Thomas Presley and wife Johanna Presley; step-daughters Amanda Sue Perrett, Lesia Mechelle Thornton; brother-in-law Steve Hodge; sister Wilda Faye Hodge, all of Laurel; and grandchild Madalyn Claire Presley.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Helen R. Necaise
Mrs. Helen R. Necaise, a longtime Gulf Coast resident, passed away on the morning of Sept. 7, 2013 in Lakewood, Colo., surrounded by family.
There will be an inurnment service at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 16 at Corinth Cemetery in Heidelberg.
She was born Oct. 29, 1921 to Paul and Bessie Robinson in Heidelberg.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husbands James Parnigoni and Merlin Necaise; her beloved son, Paul Parnigoni; and her brother, Curtis C. Robinson.
She is survived by loving daughter Jamey Wening and son-in-law Christopher Wening of Steamboat Springs, Colo. Also, grandchildren Keith Thompson of Ocean Springs, Sondra (David) McLeroy of Pass Christian, Angela (Kyle) Ladner of Kiln; great-grandchildren PFC James Thompson, Audra Thompson, Jordan Huget, Lacy Lee, Laila Ladner, Lindy Ladner; nephews and niece, Jimmy Dean (Lucille) Robinson, Jerry (Betty) Robinson, and Ann (James Terry) Evans, all of Sandersville, MS; and additional family E.J. (Ann) Necaise of Gulfport and Ed (Nancy) Necaise of Stanton, Tenn., and Diane Parnigoni of Biloxi.
Flowers may be sent via Doris Tanner's Flowers of Laurel (doristanners.com or 601-425-1332) or a contribution may be made, in Mrs. Necaise's memory, to your local public library.
Roscoe ‘David’ Bond
Roscoe “David” Bond, 67 of Stringer died Monday, Sept. 9, 2013 at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Hebron United Methodist Church in Hebron. Rev. Zeb Manning will officiate. Burial will be in Hebron Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. at Hebron United Methodist Church of Laurel. A Celebration of Life will be on Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. at Mr Bond’s childhood home (2507 Old Rose Mill Road Arrington, Va.).
He was preceded in death by wife Janet Marilyn Bond; parents Roscoe and Marie Bond; and stepdaughter Michelle S. Gambrell.
Survivors include three daughters, Faith Ayers (Wayne) of Afton, Va., Kim Bond of Madison Heights, Va., and Amy Gruber (Guy) of Faber, Va.; two stepsons, Bear Loper (Crystal) of Laurel and Adrien Loper (Teresa) of Raleigh; three sisters, Jean Schaar of Amherst, Va., Peggy Garrison of Lynchburg, Va., and Judy Spencer of Arrington, Va.; two brothers, James Bond (Wanda) of Arrington, Va. and Daniel Bond of Amherst, Va.; seven grandchildren, Marcia Ayers, Seneca Gruber, Cody Loper, India Gambrell, Steven Gambrell, Scott Hudson and Matthew Hudson; two great-grandchildren, Maggie Hudson and Madelyn Hudson.? Pallbearers will be friends and family.
Colonial Chapel in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Walter Don Kelly
Walter Don Kelly, 69, of Ellisville died at his residence in Ellisville on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013.
Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Memory Chapel with Pastor Paul Brashier and Pastor Jimmy Hill officiating. Burial will be in Hinton Cemetery.
Don was a loving husband and father. He was a lifelong resident of Jones County and owner of The Hair Company. As a barber, Don especially enjoyed his customers and the stories that they would share with him. Also, he enjoyed helping his son with their cattle farm and visiting with his grandchildren whenever he got the chance. He was a member of West Ellisville Baptist Church.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Kelly; mother Bessie Holifield Kelly; brother Mack Kelly; and uncle Paul Kelly.?
He is by survived his wife, Terri Mason Kelly of Ellisville; son and daughter-in-law Mason and Sheri Kelly of Ellisville; daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Matt Sparks of Fayetteville, Ga.; granddaughter Kagen Sparks and grandson Logan Sparks of Fayetteville, Ga. He is also survived by father and mother-in-law Jay and Carolyn Mason; sisters-in–law Clarice Kelly (Mack) and Karen Holloway (Glenn); brother-in-law Jay Speed Mason (Donna); his nephews, Harry Kelly, Ronnie Kelly and Mark Kelly; and his nieces, Melaine Kelly, Mandy Holloway Hill, Heather Mason Tolbert, Cari Mason Windham and Jillian Holloway. ?
Pallbearers will be Larry Looney, David Hayes, Bubba Estilette, Harry Kelly, Mark Kelly and Joey Blackwell. Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Holloway and Ronnie Kelly.?
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign a guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dr. Brent Meador
Dr. Carroll Brent Meador, 62, passed away Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 at his home in Jackson.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Monday at Country Woods Baptist Church. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, followed by interment at Garden of Memories in Florence.
Dr. C. Brent Meador was born in the town of Laurel on Oct. 23, 1950. He was the only child of William Carroll and Vivian Olivia Meador. He graduated from R.H. Watkins High School in Laurel. He completed his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi, where he served as president of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. He taught at Jones County Community College, William Carey University and the University of Southern Mississippi, all while working on his PH.D in microbiology. He received his M.D. from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where he completed his residency in family medicine and served as chief resident. He also completed a fellowship in addiction medicine from the University of Mississippi. He began his career in medicine practicing in Byram. He owned and practiced in three separate medical clinics before ending his career at Byram Family Doctors. Brent loved his career and serving the community of Hinds County.
Brent was a Civil War connoisseur, an avid gun collector and loved anything to do with Ole Miss. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Many have said, “you could not be around him without a prank being pulled on you.” Brent was described by one as “an unselfish, awesome, genius, loving man.” He was a brilliant man, respected by many, with a mind like a steel trap. Most of all he loved being a paw paw.
Brent was a member of the Mississippi State Medical Association, a fellow of the American Society of Family Practice and the American Society of Addictionology. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association and many more.
Survivors include his daughters, Lauren Cooper and husband Gabe of Madison and Kristin Meador and fiance Calvin Tillman of Terry; grandchildren Austin Brent Tillman, Miles Cooper and Remington Cooper; fiance Dawn Moran and her daughter Reagan Moran; mother of Brent’s children, Joan Moran.
Pallbearers will be Gabe Cooper, Calvin Tillman, Brian McCurley, John McNeil, Darin Walters and George Sandifer. Honorary pallbearers will be Rod Erikson, James Black, and Allen Rhinehart.
The family requests that all donations please be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718. Online guestbook available at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com.
James ‘Jimmy’ Luter Bradford
James “Jimmy” Luter Bradford, born June 4, 1947, died Sept. 6, 2013, at his residence in Laurel.
A memorial service will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel. Rev. Gene Douglas will officiate.
He was co-owner of Bradford’s Grocery and Market and was employed by George’s. He was loved by the community and will be deeply missed.
Mr. Bradford, 66, was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Bradford Sr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Gloria Reader Bradford and his daughter Melanie Bradford Arnett. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Bradford Jr. and his sister Beth Bradford Armstrong; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Legion Hut.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign a guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Robert Odell Welch
Robert Odell Welch, 62, of Ovett died Friday, Sept. 6, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m., on Sunday at Christ's Church of Laurel with Pastor Charles Hanchey and Pastor Jason Capers officiating. Burial will be in Union Line Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:30-3 p.m. at Christ’s Church of Laurel.
Robert was a loving husband. He was also an accomplished musician and self-taught guitarist. He loved his animals and was an avid deer and turkey hunter.
Robert was preceded in death by his father, William Ester Welch; mother Leona Barry Welch; and sister Betty Welch.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda Parrish Welch of Ovett; and a host of cousins and loving friends.
Pallbearers will be Bill Barry, David Barry, James Hudspeth, Steve Jones, Gene Guined, Will Kelley, Johnny Debrown and David Barry Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Wimberly, Roy Barry, Johnny Prine, Charles Graves, Luke Irvin, Anthony Windham and Ed Barry.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Martha Ann Pryor
Martha Ann Pryor, 76, of Laurel died Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Clark Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Pryor was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church of Laurel.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, James Lawdes Pryor; and her granddaughter, Michelle Savell.
Survivors include three daughters, Judy Allen, Kathy Laterrade and Matilda Thomas, all of the Myrick community; eight grandchildren, Tosha Anderson, Timothy Allen, James Allen, Marcos Thomas, Marquita Newcomb, Johnny Hicks and Jason Newcomb, all of Laurel; and eight great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Cody Kramer, Leland Kramer, Timothy Allen, James Allen, Marcos Thomas, Jason Newcomb and Johnny Hicks. Alternate pallbearers will be Bruce Allen and Chris McCoy.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Gene Rushton
Oct. 18, 1927-Sept. 3, 2013
Heaven rejoiced on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013 when they welcomed World War II veteran Gene Rushton to join his wife, Phyllis Rushton.
Visitation will be Saturday at 10 a.m.at Memory Chapel of Laurel followed by graveside services at 11:30 a.m. at Hickory Grove Cemetery.
He was the loving father of Charley, Greg, Pam and Stephanie and Papa to many loving and grateful grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have been blessed by his wisdom and kindness
In lieu of flowers, please send any contributions in his memory to Grace Covenant Church, Laurel.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ann Armstrong Ford
On Aug. 30, 2013, Ann Armstrong Ford, 80, of Laurel gazed into her Lord’s eyes for the first time.
Visitation will be Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Graveside services will begin at 9 a.m. at Lake Park Hills Cemetery on Saturday for family and close friends. A memorial celebration will begin at 2 p.m., Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Rev. Mike Allen and Rev. Greg Hinton will officiate.
She was born in Crystal Springs on July 11, 1933. She spent the last five years of her life at the home of her daughter, Jill, in Reno, Nev. She grew up in Edwards and moved to Laurel in 1964. She was a long-time employee of Clinton-Harrington Piano and Molloy-Seidenburg, CPA.
Her life was characterized by a love for God and a love for people. She was passionately committed to the Lord Jesus. Always reading her Bible and writing in her many prayer journals, she was truly a warrior for Christ. Her love for Him was demonstrated by her love for people, especially her family. She consistently prayed for and loved her family. She was a spiritual matriarch. Her legacy of love and faith will live on through her six children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. As she did, they will continue to love each other and love their God. She also loved her church and was deeply committed to the founding and continuation of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Laurel.
She was predeceased by husband, William Meredith Ford; parents Tom and Mildred Armstrong; brothers Dick Armstrong and Jack Armstrong; and sister Sally Williams.
She is survived by brother Frank Armstrong (Jean) of Corpus Christi, Texas; children Chuck Hendricks (Sandee) of Seminary, Susan Shanks of Laurel, Jill Hinton (Gary) of Reno, Nev., Tommy Hendricks of Canton, Nancy Singleton (Randy) of Enterprise, Ala., and Bill Ford (Carolyn) of Laurel; grandchildren Luke Hendricks of Portland, Ore., Greg Hinton of Castro Valley, Calif., Julie Ann Confer (Ben) of Reno, Nev., Sara Shorter and Nick Shanks of Hattiesburg, Joshua Flowers (Samantha) of Fort Polk, La., Andrew Singleton of Enterprise, Ala., and Meredith Ford of Laurel; great-grandchildren Riley Ann Shorter of Hattiesburg, Addison and Landon Confer of Reno, Nev.; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 MS 15, Laurel, MS 39440.
Pallbearers will be Luke Hendricks, Ben Confer, Joshua Flowers, Andrew Singleton, David Holt and Nick Shanks.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
April Michelle Spradley
April Michelle Spradley, 32, of Poplarville died Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mount Vernon Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Dennis Middleton will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel
She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her nephew, Jacob West.
Survivors include her father, Vinson Spradley of Laurel; mother and stepfather Cindy and Tim Boone of Poplarville; son James Cole Jenkins of Poplarville; daughter Katie Michelle Jenkins of Poplarville; brother Vince Spradley Jr. of Laurel; four sisters, Shawna Stewart of Poplarville, Lisa Langley of Laurel, Janie Yelverton of Laurel, and Emily Boone of Poplarville; and a host of other family members.
Pallbearers will be David Jordan, Eric Jordan, Chuck Williams, David McClain, Michael Mitchell, and Brett Padgett.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Gregory Orell Langley
Gregory Orell Langley, 60, of Ellisville died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013 at his residence in Ellisville.
Graveside services will be on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Mount Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellisville with Rev. James Walker officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 3-5 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vester Orell and Esther Pitts Langley.?
Greg is survived by his wife, Deidra W. Langley of Ellisville; sons Greg O. Langley Jr. of Ellisville and Charles Ryan Langley (C.C.) of Moselle; daughters Kimberly Faith Cabe (Nathan) of Ellisville, Amanda Lane Pruitt of Ellisville and Karley Renee Landrum of Ellisville; sisters Brenda Langley Shearer of Ellisville and Barbara Rene' Green of Ellisville; grandchildren Katie Kitchens, Eric Langley, Charlee Langley, Jonah Langley, Joshua Drake Jordan, Chloe Renee Pruitt, Justin Langley and Brittany Langley; and a host of nieces and nephews.?
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Eloise ‘Ella’ Gatlin Smith
Eloise Smith passed away on Monday, Sept. 2, 2013 at her home.
Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Dr. Randy Turner will officiate. Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Smith was a native of Laurel and graduated from George S. Gardner High School. She was employed with Masonite Corporation, where she retired after 40 years of service. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Laurel, where she was active in the Women’s Missionary Union, the morning Bible study group and the Bethany Sunday school class. She was a member of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Guild of Docents and volunteers and a long-time member of the Country Club Hills Garden Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilber Reece Smith; her parents, Chester and Fannie Gatlin; two brothers, Delton and Roland Gatlin; a sister, Audrey Smith; and a son, David Smith.
Survivors include one son by marriage, Glenn Smith and his wife Jan of Madison; two grandsons, Sheldon and Schyler Smith of Madison; one granddaughter, Anna Bier and husband Alex of Mandeville, La.; one sister-in-law, Myrtis Gatlin; one nephew, Ben Gatlin; two nieces, Cindy Creel and her husband Chris, and Suzie Walker and her husband Scott; two great-nephews, Taylor Gatlin and Seth Walker; and one great-niece, Melody Gatlin, all of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be Sheldon Smith, Schyler Smith, Alex Bier, Ben Gatlin, Chris Creel and Scott Walker.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 2636, Laurel, MS 39441 or Gideon’s International,
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Robert Jason Musgrove
Robert Jason Musgrove, 42, of Laurel died Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Ellisville Cemetery. Rev. Nonnie Jefcoat will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Friday at Memory Chapel.
There were many facets to Robert’s life. Foremost, Robert was a Christian and a devoted father who was dedicated to the welfare of his family. He adored his children and they adored him. As a friend, he was known to be loyal. He loved nursing. As an emergency room RN, he was committed to helping save the lives of those patients in his care.
A compassionate, good Samaritan, Robert was always willing to help others in need. Most recently, while attending his oldest son’s graduation in South Carolina, observing his father administering first aid, Robert’s 6-year-old son described to the Commanding General at Fort Jackson: “My Daddy is a hero wherever he goes.” We love and miss you father, husband, son and friend.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Joe and Leaurice Musgrove and Cecil and Jean McInvale.
Survivors include his mother, Deborah Musgrove West of Laurel; wife Sharmen Musgrove of Laurel; two sons, Robert Alexander Musgrove and James Ian Musgrove of Laurel; one daughter, Kristen Musgrove of Hattiesburg; two stepsons, Colton Hill of Hattiesburg and Cayden Hill of Ellisville; two stepdaughters, Cara Grace Hill of Ellisville and Catie Hill of Ellisville; and one uncle, Howard Musgrove of Laurel.
Lifelong friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl., Memphis, TN 38105.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Shirley D. Herrington
Shirley D. Herrington, 64, of Vicksburg passed Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013 at home.
Services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Glenwood Funeral Home, with Brother Bob Conrad officiating.
Shirley Herrington was preceded in death by her husband, George D. Herrington; and her parents, James Cooper and Gladys Irene Williams.
Survivors include her sons, Bert Herrington and his wife Shandy from Vicksburg and William “Billy” Bostick of Vicksburg; two daughters, Vonda Powell and husband Tony of Vicksburg and Deana Herrington of Vicksburg; one brother, Larry Williams of Vicksburg; two sisters, Peggy Draughn of Laurel and Addie Conway of Carrollton, Texas; and one grandchild, George Powell.
Glenwood Funeral Home of Vicksburg is in charge of arrangements.
Katherine Jane Grissom Gregg
Katherine Jane Grissom Gregg of Summerland passed away Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013.
Services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Summerland Baptist Church with burial to follow in Summerland Cemetery. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Summerland Baptist Church. Rev. Stan Buckley and Rev. Eric Estes will be officiate.
She was born on May 30, 1921 to William Monroe Grissom and Cordie Bell Rogers Grissom. Born and reared in Summerland, she was a member of the last graduating class of Summerland High School. She attended Jones County Junior College and MSCW. She met her husband, Leon Benjamin Gregg at JCJC and ,after they were married, traveled extensively across the United States during World War II, as he was stationed at numerous Naval Air Bases serving as pilot and pilot instructor. After the war, they returned to Summerland, where they made their home.
Katherine Jane was a member of the Unobee Chapter of the DAR. She loved music and loved creating beautiful quilts. She loved her family and large family gatherings, but most of all, she loved her Saviour Jesus Christ. She served many roles in her beloved Summerland Baptist Church, where she faithfully dedicated her talents and energy.She taught the Special Ladies Sunday School Class for 25 years and was active in WMU and many other church ministries. She loved singing in the choir, of which she was a member for over 70 years.
She had a lifelong love of the outdoors and was an avid gardener, using her talents of flower-arranging for her church. Katherine Jane will be remembered as a strong, faithful and courageous woman who lived her life with humor, laughter and enthusiasm, and was a constant source of delight to her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Benjamin Gregg; parents W.M. and Cordie Rogers Grissom; brothers Perrin Grissom, James Grissom, Wendell Grissom and Edwin Grissom.
She is survived by five daughters, Janis Parker and Margaret Whobrey (Ron) of Summerland, Judy Neville (Gary) of Orlando, Fla., Susan Clark (Leon) of Demopolis, Ala., and Donna Gibbes (John) of Laurel; and one son, Kenneth Leon Gregg of Summerland. She is also survived by two sisters, Billie Rose Harrison of Richland and Marilyn Meadows of Kenner, La.; sisters-in-law Marilyn Grissom of Laurel, Helen Grissom of Summerland, Lela Grissom of Leland and Hettie Gregg Pridgen of Harriman, Tenn.; and one special aunt, Pauline Rogers Wall of Agricola. She is survived by 10 grandchildren, Keith Parker, Greg Parker (Louise), Laura Beth Davis (Tony), Kim White Atchley, Tina Neville Lehman (Stephen), Lindsay Clark Bendeck (Brad), Reggie Clark (Bethany), Lauren Gibbes Musselwhite (Chris) and Gregg Gibbes (Day). She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Pallbearers will be sons-in-law Ron Whobrey, Gary Neville, Leon Clark, John Gibbes and nephew Joel Pridgen. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Summerland Baptist Church Building Fund of Summerland Baptist Choir, 80 SCR 28, Taylorsville, MS 39168.
“Her children arise up, and call her blessed … Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all, For a woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31
Memory Chapel is in charge of services.
To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Doris Ann Sanford
Doris Ann Sanford, 58, of Laurel died Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 p.m. Tuesday until service time. Rev. Dean Miller will officiate.
She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rodney Lee Sanford in 2012.
She is survived by her children Joseph Ray Sanford of Petal, James Harvey Sanford of Garden City, Kan., Jeffery Lee Sanford of Collins, Richard Sanford of Collins, Mary Lorraine Sierra of Columbus, Ga. and Shirley Jeanette Robertson of Denham Springs, La.; brothers Steve Yawn of Bay Springs and Gary Yawn of Hattiesburg; sisters Jeanette McKenzie of Collins and Merle Graves of Baton Rouge, La.; special friend Jan Stuckey of Ellisville; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Mary Elizabeth Moore Collins
Mary Elizabeth Moore Collins passed away at her home on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013 following a long illness.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with a graveside service at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Houston Cemetery in Houston. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Dr. Randy Turner will officiate.
A native of Houston, Mary attended Houston High School and the University of Mississippi. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, DAR and Laurel Junior Auxiliary. She enjoyed genealogy, traveling and time with her friends and pets. Mary was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who brought joy to those around her. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Rex Collins of Laurel; son William Scott Collins of Long Beach; daughter Angela Collins LaPorte and husband Reid of Birmingham, Ala.; and five grandchildren, Ross LaPorte, Rhett Laporte, Eric LaPorte, Melanie LaPorte and Maren Laporte, all of Birmingham, Ala.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Laurel Animal Rescue League P.O. Box 2671 Laurel, MS. 39442
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Effie Dearman
Effie Dearman, 83, of Laurel died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, at her daughter’s house.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Lake Congregational Methodist Church. Rev. Johnny Bryant will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
She was a homemaker who loved each and every one. Her life was loving her children and family. She’s gone to be with the lord and her family waiting in heaven above.
She was preceded in death by husbands Willie Williams and Harold Dearman; son Nelson Williams; grandsons Josh Anderson and baby boy Williams.
She is survived by her children, Will (Sheila) Williams, Joyce (Carlos) Patterson, Robin (Wayne) Batte, Rose (Vince) Anderson, Donna (B.E) Townsend and Debbie Williams; daughter in-law Kay Williams; sister Ruthie Gordon; and sister in-law Lillie Jean Brady. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael, Doug, Brent, Daniel and Emily Williams, Kenny and Justin Batte, Melissa Brewer, Linda Foy, Steven Anderson and Jason Parker; great-grandchildren Heather, Jacob, Brandon, Brittany, Cambree, Bradley, Breanna, Blake, Khloe, Hunter, Dalton, J.D, Chase, Hayden and Cody Williams, Somer, Blake, Chelsea and Brock Anderson, Madison and Kyle White, Amber Williford and Savannah Barajas, Levi and Angel Parker, Liam and Rafe Batte; and great-great-granddaughter Kyleigh Nix.
Pallbearers will be Mark Brady, Jimmy Brady, Smoky Wilson, Randy Gordon, Johnny Gordon and Bill Morgan.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lucille Abbey
Lucille Abbey, 78, of Stringer died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Good Hope Cemetery in Jasper County. Rev. Terry Lee will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Mrs. Abbey was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church. She enjoyed her flowers, fishing and her two dogs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Calone Spradley Wood; five brothers, Olivar J. Wood, J. C. Wood, J. W. Wood, William “Bill” Wood and Roscoe Wood; one granddaughter, Misty Ann Yawn; and on great-granddaughter, Ella Grace Jenkins.
Survivors include her husband, Freeman Abbey; two sons, Justin (Carmen) Yawn and Jimmy (Patty) Yawn, all of Stringer; one daughter, Judy (Ferlen) Williams of Stringer; seven grandchildren, Lance Yawn, Rodney (Devona) Jenkins, Chris (Shannon) Williams, Dawn Kitchens, Jim Yawn, Ryan Yawn and Cayla Yawn; six great-grandchildren, Alle Jenkins, Jackson Jenkins, Katelyn Williams, Wyatt Williams, Autumn Kitchens and Makayla Kitchens; two brothers, Johnny (Merle) Wood and Talmadge (Margaret) Wood; and one sister, Dell Marie (Billy Ray) Williams.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Carl Eugene Blackledge Sr.
Carl Eugene Blackledge Sr., 94, of Laurel died on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Services will be at 4 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Laurel with burial in Ellisville Cemetery. Visitation will precede the services from 2-4 p.m. at the church. Rev. Mark Anderson will officiate.
Mr. Blackledge was born June 30, 1919, in Butler, Ala., the only child to Sidney Eugene and Ruby Kathryn Windham Blackledge. He graduated from Magee High School, attended Copiah-Lincoln Junior College and graduated from Jones County Junior College in 1940.
He entered active duty with the U.S. Army as second lieutenant in 1941, Camp Shelby. He was shipped to the Pacific Ocean area, Hawaiian Islands, in March 1942. He graduated from Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas in 1944, received the rank of captain and landed with the invasion of Saipan in June 1944. He served on Gen. Chester Nimitz's staff as director of troop movement in Honolulu and Pearl Harbor from 1944-46 and was head of the New Orleans Port of Embarkment from 1946-47. He earned numerous medals during his service.
He returned to civilian life in November 1947 with the rank of major, Army of U.S. Reserve. He received an honorable discharge from the military in 1956.
From 1947 to 1968, Mr. Blackledge was vice president and general manager of Laurel Equipment Co., a major supplier of farm machinery, trucks and autos.
In 1968, he established Carl Volkswagen Inc. in Laurel as owner and general manager, later adding Chrysler and Datsun products.
Following his retirement in 1983, he established the Antiques Mart and indulged his longtime interest in collecting antiques. He also enjoyed golf, travel and family gatherings.
Mr. Blackledge was active in his church, First United Methodist Church in Laurel, having served on the board of stewards. He was also very active in the community, where he was a member and served on the board of directors of the Laurel Kiwanis Club, the Laurel Country Club, the Laurel Chamber of Commerce, the Laurel Jaycees, the American Legion and many other civic and professional organizations.
All four of his children were educated in the Laurel City Schools, and he served as the first president of the PTA of R.H. Watkins High School from 1962-63.
Mr. Blackledge was also a cancer survivor of more than 37 years.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 71 years, Mary Lucile Robinson Blackledge; son Carl E. Blackledge Jr. (Jane) of Laurel; and daughters Marilyn Blackledge Biglane (Kenny) of Laurel; Gay Blackledge Kirkland (Tom) of Ridgeland; and Robin Blackledge Blair (Bruce) of Hattiesburg; eight grandchildren, Dana Biglane Burwell (Todd) of Madison, Peter Biglane (Karen) of Laurel, Kelsey Blackledge of Fort Worth, Texas, Carl Blackledge III of New Orleans, Kendall Biglane Templeton (Tad) of Birmingham, and Trey Kirkland, Mary Jordan Kirkland and Kathleen Kirkland, all of Ridgeland; and eight great-grandchildren, Josh, Mary Hannah and Will Peyton Burwell, Sophie and Ainsley Biglane, and Henry, Lucy and Alice Templeton.
Moore Funeral Home of Hattiesburg is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church of Laurel, 420 N 5th Ave, Laurel, MS 39440.
Allen Christopher Cauthen
Allen Christopher Cauthen, 25, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013, at his residence.
Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with graveside services and burial to follow at Myrick Cemetery in Jones County at 3 p.m. Thursday. Rev. Tommy Davis will officiate.
Allen graduated from Brandon High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Ole Miss and was pursuing his master’s at the University of Southern Mississippi. Allen was the owner of Cauthen Auto Group in Laurel, a business in which he took great pride and worked diligently to expand. Allen enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and work more than anything in the world.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Sheley.
Allen is survived by his grandmother, Nita Sheley; his wife, Kayla Daughtrey Cauthen and his daughter, Allie Nicole Cauthen, both of whom he loved and adored with all his heart; father and mother-in-law, Bobby and Cristi Faerber of Meridian; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eric and Courtney Cooley of Laurel and Landon Faerber and Jenna Faerber of Meridian; uncles and aunts, Greg and Rhonda Smith of Laurel, Greg and Debbie Scott of Mulberry, Fla., and Kim Greer and Ray Sheley of New Albany; nephew Nic Smith; niece Erica Cooley of Laurel; cousins Micah, Brittney and Addi Kate Welborn, and Allen and Katie Rowell, all of Laurel, and Derek and Erica Keller and Ashley Scott of Mulberry, Fla., and Dylan Pippen, Ben McGahey and Megan Greer, all of New Albany.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Faerber, Greg Smith, Trey Strickland, Shelby Smith, Allen Rowell and Ben McGahey.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Carolyn Ann Sims
Carolyn Ann Sims, 62, of Laurel died Monday, Aug. 26, 2013 at her residence in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by husband Charles Thomas Sims Sr.; parents Samuel Arthur Proctor and Eula Mae Proctor; sister Wanda Parker; and brother Edward Proctor.
Survivors include daughters Lynn Pitts (Phil) of Petal, Candance Sims, Christy Sims and Amanda Sims, all of Laurel; son Charles Sims Jr. of Beaumont,Texas; sisters Mary Blackwell of West Point and Geri Anlers of Orlando,Fla.; brother Carl Proctor of Laurel; and 10 grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Eddie Wayne Delaughter, David White, Scott Evans, Stephen Walters, Jerry Warren and Shawn Logsdon.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Mary Ann Thornton
Mary Ann Thornton, 78, of Ellisville passed from this life on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, after a brief illness.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday at Crosby Cemetery in Ellisville, with Brother John Sumner officiating.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Tracy Lee Thornton; her parents, Judson W. Mitchell and Irene Carmichael Mitchell.
Survivors include her sons, Lee Thornton (Pat) of Hattiesburg, John Thornton of Ellisville; brother and sister-in-law Phillip J. Mitchell and Ola Mitchell of Ellisville; sister-in-law Gracie Thornton Ratcliff (J.C.) of Moselle; nieces Stacy Mitchell Fall (Skeet) of Ellisville, Dana Mitchell Phillips (Brian) of Ellisville, Renee Creel Wade of Fort Hood, Ky.; nephew Bobby Maskew, of McKee, Texas.
Pallbearers will be Rodney Waltman, Dean Carmichael, Billy Mac Carmichael, Jim Blair, Skeet Fall and Brian Phillips.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses from Forrest General Hospital who assisted in her care, and friends and family who provided prayers and support during her short illness.
Jones & Son Funeral Home of Moselle is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be given at wwwjonesandsonfh.com.
Sylena ‘Meme’ Knight
Sylena “Meme” Knight, 95, of Petal passed away peacefully at the home of her granddaughter and her husband on Monday, Aug. 26, 2013.
Services will be Friday at 10 a.m. at Moore Funeral Chapel in Petal, with graveside services following at noon at Bay Springs Cemetery.Rev. Randy Miller and Rev. Nathan Franklin will officiate the service and music will be by Lisa Herndon. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Petal.
Mrs. Knight was a welder in California during World War II, a plumber’s wife, a foster parent in Forrest County and a hotel owner. She raised African violets, poodles and Boston terriers and showed the Bostons. She and her husband lived in Jones County for more than 30 years, where they owned and operated a family store/service station. After their retirement in 1984, they moved to Petal, where they raised day lilies and were members of the Day Lily Society. She attended Runnelstown Church of God.
Sylena was preceded in death by her husband, B.M. Knight; and her daughter, Laura Love.
She is survived by her granddaughter, Sylena (Woodie) Ross of Petal; great-grandchildren Carmen (Boyd) Gray of San Antonio, Texas, Joy Ross of Leakesville and Douglas Ross (fiancé, Tina) of Petal; great-great-grandchildren Dalton Ross (mom DeeDee, her husband Chris Nobles and sister “Gracie”) of Petal, Lauren Taylor of Brandon, Fla., and Chance Gray of San Antonio, Texas; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Pallbearers will be Buddy Pipkins, William Pipkins, Mike Pipkins, Dalton Ross, Ken Nelson, Tim Nelson and Jerry Barham.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers of Camellia Healthcare, especially to Cindy, Heather and Alicia.
George W. Harper
George W. Harper passed away on Friday, Aug. 23, 2013 at the age of 92.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Lebanon Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel and Monday at the church from 1 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow at Lebanon Cemetery.
Born on Sept. 3, 1920, he was retired from the U.S. Navy and the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Walter Harper; mother Vallie Ann Sanderson Harper; sister Lelia M. Langlanais; brother Harold Harper; sister-in-law Nell Harper; daughter Freda Montgomery; grandson Kevin Walters; and special friend Peggy Robertson.
He is survived by daughter Romona Crawford and her husband Mike; brothers Vaster S. Harper and Tommy Joe Harper and his spouse, Nell; sister Nina Ann Bartran and spouse Robbie; sister-in-law Randa Harper; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Donnie Walker
Donald Lewis Walker, 73, died Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, from complications of heart disease.
Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Sunday with the funeral service following at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Laurel. Burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery.
Donnie was born April 18, 1940, to Mrs. and Mrs. Herrin Walker in Biloxi. Donnie grew up in Gulfport and later moved to Laurel, where he graduated from Laurel High School in 1958. He attended college at Ole Miss, where he was a three-year letterman and No. 1 singles player on the tennis team. He won an SEC doubles championship as a senior in 1962 and continued to enjoy the sport throughout his adult life. He was honored by being selected to the Mississippi Tennis Hall of Fame in 2008.
After college, Donnie returned to Laurel to coach at his alma mater and then spent the majority of his career with Allstate Insurance. He retired in 2000 and enjoyed spending many weekends in Oxford cheering on his Rebels. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Laurel, where he served as a deacon and on various committees. He loved his church, his family and his many, many friends.
Donnie is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sue; his two sons, Scott (Anne) of Memphis and Michael (Alice) of Gulfport; his seven grandchildren, Will, Margaret, Sally, Neely Alice, Rhodes, Eli and Smith; his brothers, Gerald (Janice) of Oxford and Glenn (Cindy) of Brandon; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent in his memory to First Baptist Church of Laurel: P.O. Box 2636, Laurel, MS 39442.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com
Betty Myrick Sims
Betty Myrick Sims, 83, of Stringer passed away Friday, Aug. 23, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Fair Ridge Cemetery in Jasper County. Rev. Chris Harrison and Rev. Billy Riley will officiate. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Ms. Sims was a member of Stringer Baptist Church and the Senior Woman Adult Sunday School class. Ms. Betty loved her family with all her heart, especially her granddaughter, Sonya. She enjoyed many visits from the Stringer Baptist Church youth group.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Sims.
Survivors include her son, Dale Sims (Angie) and granddaughter, Sonya Sims of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be close friends and deacons of Stringer Baptist Church.
The family offered a special thank you to ICU personnel at South Central Regional Medical Center and Ms. Betty’s special nurse, Tyler Whittington.
Memorials can be made to a favorite charity or Gideon’s International.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Vernell Powell
Vernell Powell, 82, of Soso passed away Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Union Line Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Hueston Adkins and Dr. Jim Taylor will officiate, with music by Ken Culpepper. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Powell was a member of First Baptist Church Soso, graduated from Soso High School in 1950 and was retired from Commercial National Bank.
She was preceded in death by her son, Randy Powell; parents Ted and Vila Black; and brother Gerald Black.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Charles M. Powell; sisters Martile Moss of Jackson and Rhydonna “Shay” Stewart and husband Wayne of Laurel; sisters-in-law Lois Black and Mona Ruth Rutledge of Soso; her caregivers, Sherry Davis, Carolyn and Fred Johnson, Betty Valentine, David Valentine and Sherry Rutledge; her family doctor, Larry Holifield; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Pallbearers will be David Valentine, Gus Black, Jeffery Bynum, Tommy Musgrove, Marshall Bynum and Carroll Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be men of Ralph Graves’ Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church Soso, Terry Ford, Dickey Moss, Jeffery Stewart and Ronnie Powell.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Joe Kenneth Murray
Joe Kenneth Murray, born Aug. 5, 1941, died Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Big Creek Cemetery. Rev. Mike West will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Murray surrendered to the ministry to preach the word of God on April 19, 1959, and was ordained by the First Baptist Church of Soso.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Juanese Hilbun Murray Robertson; father Buford Murray; and stepfather Jack Robertson.
Survivors include daughters Shannon Ishee and husband Mark of Laurel, and Jodi Quinn and husband Steve of Benton, Ark.; two stepchildren, Julie Sublett and husband Spence of Pascagoula, and Michael Williams of Lake Mary, Fla.; and grandchildren David, Matthew and Shelby Ishee, Hanna Grant and husband Wes, Hillary, Nicholas and Troy Quinn, and Trey, John Chandler and Griffin Sublett. He is also survived by sister Wanda Murray Touchstone and nephew Justin Touchstone; sister Carolyn Murray and niece Lisa Aaronberg and her son Chance; stepbrother Danny Ray Robertson and wife Gay; and special friends Tim, April, Jackson and Jana Parker.
Pallbearers will be Nathan Bynum, Greg Hilbun, Tim Parker, Ronnie Parker, Wesley Pitts and Justin Touchstone. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Tim Parker Construction.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James Lavelle Gardner
James Lavelle Gardner, 72, of Ellisville died Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Shady Grove Cemetery in Vossburg. Rev. Andy Scott will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Gardner was retired from the oilfield and was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Gardner; father Ed Gardner; and brother Garland Gardner.
Survivors include his wife, Georgia Gardner of Ellisville; daughter Donna Poole and husband James of Houma, La.; son Bobby D. Hill of Houma, La.; stepdaughters Dianne Deese and husband Cisco of Ellisville and Debbie Johnson and husband Larry of Sandersville; stepson Daryl Hill and wife Pam of Houma, La.; brothers Jack Gardner and wife Delores of Denham Springs, La., Mike Gardner and wife Pat of Laurel and Charles Gardner and wife Jeanette of Sandersville.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Hill, Josh Eddy, Corey Eddy, Jeremy Eddy, Jacob Eddy, Johnathan Eddy, Ryan Hill and Robbie Poole. Honorary pallbearer will be Cody Hill.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Sidney Ray ‘Pete’ Leavitt Sr.
Funeral services for Sidney Ray “Pete” Leavitt Sr., 89, will be Friday at 2 p.m. at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springs.
Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m. and burial will be in Bay Springs Cemetery.
Pete passed away Aug. 19, 2013 at Pioneer Hospital in Newton. He was born March 4, 1924 in Bay Springs to John B. Leavitt and Cassie H. Leavitt. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sister Virginia L. Logan and son James Michael “Mike” Leavitt.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Imogene “Jean” Leavitt; sons Sidney “Ray” Leavitt Jr. (Sharol) of Conway, Ark., and David E. Leavitt (Kim) of Bay Springs; daughter June Windham (Randy) of Fairhope, Ala.; daughter-in-law Carolyn Leavitt (Mike); sister Ruth Holder of Elizabethton, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Pete was a carpenter by trade but her served his community and country in many ways. During World War II, he flew more than 30 missions in B17s as a flight engineer/top turret gunner. He also served in the Mississippi Army National Guard for more than 20 years. He worked for the Farmers Home Administration for 20 years as a construction inspector, covering a district of nine counties until his retirement in 1989.
Pete enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking and spending time with his grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Scotty Leavitt, Keith Leavitt, Daniel Leavitt, Jacob Windham, Brian McClellan, G.K. Montgomery and Lonnie Montgomery. Honorary pallbearers are Allen Mathis, J.T. Mueller, Chuck Gibson and Rodney Gibson.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Wilma Jo Cassell
Wilma Jo Cassell, 79, of Taylorsville died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013 at Covenant Rehab in Vicksburg.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday at Summerland Baptist Church in Taylorsville with Rev. Stan Buckley and Rev. Eric Estes officiating. Burial will be in Summerland Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church.
Mrs. Cassell was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin H. Cassell; parents Perry Nelom Wells and Elsie Scott Wells; and sisters Flora Wells Hunter, Zelma Wells Warner, Zula Wells Spruell, Hellen Wells Moore, Talmadge N. Wells and Lindsey H. Wells.
Survivors include her sons, Edwin (Tinker) Cassell Jr. (Tina) of Ocean Springs, Clifton Cassell (Joy) of Arlington, Texas, Wayne Cassell of Hattiesburg and Mark Cassell (Deadra) of Taylorsville; daughter Wanda Cassell Gentry (Tommy) of Vicksburg; grandchildren, Elliot Cassell, Evan Cassell, Josh Blain, Nick Blain, Sean Gentry, Logan Cassell, Hannah Cassell, Brett Cassell, Matt Cassell, Keni Cassell, Austin Cassell, Lindy Cochran and Delane Pressly; great-grandchildren Luca Cassell, Olivia Cassell, Zane Pressly, Zoey Pressly, Hayden Cassell and Cooper Cochran; brother Albert Eugene Wells; sister Annie Laura Webb; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Evan Cassell, Brett Cassell, Matt Cassell, Austin Cassell, Logan Cassell, Josh Cochran, Don Gambrell, Nick Pressly and Wayne Loftin will serve as pallbearers.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Agnes Mae Melton
Agnes Mae Melton, 80, of Seminary died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 at Covington County Hospital in Collins. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Sanford officiating. Burial will be in Myrick Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Texine Smith
Texine Smith, 69, of Laurel, passed away Sunday, August 18, 2013 at her residence following a long battle with cancer surrounded by her family.
Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. The service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with viewing from 10-11 a.m. Brother Roy Crouch and Brother Andy Miller will officiate.
She was a faithful member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to everyone she met.
Prior to retiring due to health problems, she worked at Children’s Village for a number of years and was owner and operator of Texine’s Day Care Center.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, W. C. and Vermell Burgess of Buckatunna; brothers Vardie Burgess of Prentiss and J. W. Burgess of Buckatunna; sisters Zeline Rainwater (Rush) of Waynesboro; Glendine Hollimon (Alex) of Lucedale; and Mary Lynn Mayo (Commodore) of Richton.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, J. L. Smith; daughters Kim Smith (Terry) of Laurel, and Darla Messemore and Carla Stroud (Ferrell) of Taylorsville; grandsons Blake Skipper of Taylorsville and Josh Messemore of Laurel; step-grandchildren Karla and Katie Stroud of Laurel and one step-great grandchild, Averie Stroud of Laurel; special sister-in-law Naomi Burgess of Prentiss and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Bucky Burgess, Terry Joe Burgess, Garey Bonner, Harry Moss, Lavahn Moss and Billy Sims.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Joyce Simpson Thames
Joyce Simpson Thames, 82, of Laurel died Sunday, Aug. 18, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Home.
Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home and the funeral will be at First United Methodist church at 2 p.m. Tuesday with burial to follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Mark Anderson will officiate. Mrs. Thames will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Joyce was born on Feb. 4, 1931 in the Cohay Community of Smith County. She graduated from George S. Gardiner High School. In 1951, she married Edwin M. Thames. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker and a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church.
Her passion was doing for her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edwin M. Thames; daughter Lisa Renee Thames; and parents W.W. and Audrey Simpson.
Survivors include her son, Lee Thames and his wife Lori; daughter Lori Brett; grandchildren Christopher Thames, Bailee and Brannon Brett; brother Wesley Simpson; and sister Margie Smith.
She will be missed by all those who knew her.
Pallbearers will be Steve Guy, Christopher Thames, Brannon Brett, Rand McLaughlin, Bud West, Buster Pace, Billy Todd and Charlie Smith
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church in Laurel in honor of Mrs. Thames.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services.To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Pansy Ruth Sims
Pansy Ruth Sims, 79, of Laurel died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 in Richton at the Perry County Nursing Home.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church of Sharon with burial to follow in Sharon Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel. Rev. Scott Stringer will officiate. Mrs. Sims will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Monday.
Mrs. Sims was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Sharon.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Latrelle Sims.
She is survived by two daughters, Pam Stinson and husband Clyde of Richton, and Cynthia Sims and husband Bobby of Ellisville; two brothers, Bob Hutto of Laurel and Jack Hutto of Aurora, Colo.; and one sister, Virginia Hodgekinson of Rockland, Calif.; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Howard Sims, Tarrell Yarbrough, Charles Shoemake, Wayne Meadows, Albert Short and Ricky Adams.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ruby Nell Sullivan
Ruby Nell Sullivan, 83, of Ellisville died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013 at her residence.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Rev. Jerry Rowley and Rev. Hilton Sullivan will officiate.
She was a member of Glade Baptist Church. She was a nurse for several years having worked at Charity Hospital and Masonite Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Sullivan Jr.; her parents, Willie E. Martin and Nettie E. McClain Martin; brother Earnest Martin; and sister Willie Mae Martin Jay.
She is survived by her brother, Harold Martin; her daughter, Anita Sullivan and husband Cole Sullivan; grandson Brent Dickerson and wife Stephanie Dickerson; granddaughter Nicole Guy and husband Michael Guy; three great-granddaughters, Tatum Dickerson, Sommer Brown and Savannah Strickland and husband Derrick Strickland; one great-great-grandson, Trenton Cochran; several children she claimed as her grandchildren, Emery Bass, Logan Harris and Devin Hunt; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Robbie Jay, Danny Jay, Will Sellers, Lavon Hicks, Josh Smith and Greg Smith.
The family thanks Comfort Care Home Health and Hospice.
Memory Chapel is in charge services. To view and sign the family register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Frances Ondine Saxton
July 15, 1923 -Aug. 15, 2013
Frances Ondine Saxton, 90, of Milton, Fla., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013.
Graveside services will be at 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday at Barrancas National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the Lewis Funeral Home Milton Chapel.
Frances was a native of the Sharon Community. She was a graduate of Laurel High School. In 1945, Frances Ondine Davis married Robert Saxton Sr. and followed him throughout his Air Force career. She was a resident of Milton for the past 13 years. She enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and quilting.
Frances was a quiet person, devoted to taking care of her family. She was the last of her family of five siblings.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Robert, in 2003.
Frances is survived by her sons, Robert (Dona) Saxton Jr. of Milton, Fla. and Jeff (Kim) Saxton of Festus, Mo.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Lewis Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.
Mr. Troy ‘Jelly’ Husband
Mr. Troy “Jelly” Husband, age 100, a resident of the Pineville community near Forest, died on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013 at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon.
Services for Mr. Husband will be Saturday at 2 p.m. from the Ott & Lee Funeral Chapel in Forest with burial in the Carr Cemetery. Rev. Jerry Mitchell and Rev. Don Harrison will officiate.
Mr. Husband was a retired farmer, having been in the poultry and agriculture business for many years. One of his many joys was growing a variety of vegetables in his garden sharing them with his friends and family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. He was a long time member of the Cedar Rest Methodist Church.
Mr. Husband was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Eva Roberts Husband and by his first-born son, Rex Troy Husband.
His survivors include three daughters, Charlotte Webb (Martin), Charlene LaPrairie (James) and Kathleen Moore (Gerald). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Pam Webb Wharton, Rodney Moore, Greta Beatty and Rhonda LaPrairie. He also leaves behind a legacy of five great-grandchildren, Leah Beatty, Hannah Beatty, Madeline Price, Allie Moore and Clayton Moore.
Ott & Lee Funeral Home of Forest was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.ottandleefuneralhome.com.
T.C. Clark
T.C. Clark, 88, of Petal died Aug. 14, 2013 at Perry County Nursing Home.
Services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday at Ellisville Jesus Name Church followed by burial in Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 6-9 p.m. at the church.
Mr. Clark was an avid outdoorsman.He served in the U.S. Army and was of the Pentecostal faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Burden and Sallie Clark; seven brothers and one sister.
He is survived by his wife, Vivian Clark of Petal; three sons, Wayne (JoAnn) Clark of Laurel, Raymond (Karen) Clark and J.C. (June) Clark, both of Ovett; two daughters, Geraldine (Rusty Bobbitt) Clark of Laurel and Jeanice (Johnny) Hudson of Picayune; a brother-in-law, Buford Evans Jr. of Runnelstown; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg is in charge of arrangements.
Fred H. Watson
Mr. Fred H. Watson, 72, of Princeton, La., passed away at his residence on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2013, after a lengthy illness.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Osborn Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday in the Chapel of Osborn. Officiating will be Rev. Mark Hollis. Interment will be at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Northwest La. Veterans Cemetery.
Mr. Watson was a native of Ellisville and a resident of Princeton, La. In his early days he loved dirt-track racing in Mississippi and was a big NASCAR fan. He was a Baptist and served in France while in the U.S. Army. He was the owner of Inspection Technology for 37 years and retired in 2009.
Mr. Watson was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Dona Watson; and two sisters, Frankie Kuper and Jan Cooley.
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Watson; daughters Christine Knotek and husband Jack, Amy Jewell and husband Jeff and Melissa Harris; son Fred Watson Jr.; five grandchildren; sisters Stella Mcdonnieal and husband Larry, Ellen Sanderson and husband Glenn, Woodie Kilpatrick and husband Eddie, all of Mississippi; brother-in-law Tobie Cooley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Overton Brooks V.A. Hospital and two longtime friends, Bill Murphy and Johnny Ruffin.
Online condolences can be made at osbornfuneralhome.net.
Frances Walters Caves
Frances Walters Caves, formerly of Laurel, died on Aug. 14, 2013, at Provision Living in Hattiesburg.
Visitation will be at First Baptist Church in Laurel on Friday at 10 a.m. with services following at 11:30 a.m.
Frances was born on Jan. 30, 1934, in the Myrick community and graduated from Myrick High School. She graduated from Paradise Valley Nursing School in San Diego, Calif., and worked for many years as a registered nurse at Masonite Hospital in Laurel. She married Leonard B. Caves and served as a deputy clerk for him during his years as circuit clerk and chancery clerk of Jones County. Frances worked as a legal secretary at Caves & Caves attorneys at law in Laurel until her retirement.
She was a faithful, loving and loyal wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. Frances was a wonderful example of a selfless servant to her family. Her hobbies were entertaining her grandchildren and attending all of their school and extracurricular activities. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Laurel.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Penn and Melinda Walters.
She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 59 years, Leonard B. Caves; her son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Sally Caves of Laurel; her daughter and son-in-law, Tena and Allen Smith of Puckett; her daughter and son-in-law, Tracy and Jim Roseberry of Hattiesburg; five grandchildren, Risher and Christopher Caves, Jim Lindsey, Reagan Roseberry and Fran Smith; sisters Vonda Walters, Wanda Norton, Barbara Phillips, Tressie Purdey; and brothers James Walters and Gary Walters.
The family would like to express its gratitude to Katrina Hare and all of her caregivers. The family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church Laurel, Mississippi Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lizzie Lou Smith Vreeland
On Aug. 12, 2013, Lizzie Lou Smith Vreeland, 79, passed away at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. She was a life-long resident of Jones County.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sunset Gardens Mausoleum. Rev. Jimmy Holder and Rev. John Brown will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at Memory Chapel.
At the age of 16, she married Wayne Vreeland, and nine months and one day later, their first child, Patricia, was born. They had two more daughters, Wanda Gail and Shelia, before they had the son of their dreams, James.
Liz was one of five daughters, born to Jimmy and Rosie Smith.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy R. and Rosie Smith Vreeland, who were of the Eucutta community; husband Wayne Vreeland; two daughters, Patricia Ann Vreeland Boyles and Wanda Gail Vreeland Bynum Sargent; and also her grandson, Paul Ashley Dean.
She is survived by four sisters, Flora L. Shedd, Joyce S. Ward, Leatha Ann Kelley and Irma M. Breazeale; daughter Shelia D. Williams and husband Gary Williams; and son James D. Vreeland and wife Dona S. Vreeland. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Dion Bynum, Jason Dean, Wesley Bynum, Greg Crist, Reney Reeves, and John Brown Jr.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
William A. Pope Sr.
William A. Pope Sr., 77, of Laurel died Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013, at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Harold Floyd and Rev. Ken Riley will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Pope was employed with Puckett Labs prior to his retirement and was of the Southern Baptist Faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James V. Pope and Lucy Dean Pope; and one brother, Cooper David Pope.
Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Pope of Laurel; two sons, William Alexander Pope Jr. and wife Anne of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Joseph David Pope and his fiancée, Joey Diane Hoelzer and her children of Laurel, daughter Katie Waller and husband Mike of Laurel; brother James Robert Pope of Laurel; seven grandchildren, William Alexander Pope III and wife Hillary, Spencer Peddycord, William Cooper Pope, Alexis Bell Pope, Joseph Gary Pope, Amber Pope and Kalie Belle Waller.
Pallbearers will be Robert Burks, Ruben Bryant, Caleb Byrd, Pete Parrish, Joey Ford and Cooper Pope.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Evelyn Weems
Evelyn Pearson Weems of Madison, was born on Jan. 9, 1922, and died at home on Aug. 12, 2013.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday at the Madison United Methodist Church, where she was a member, followed by a service at 11 a.m. Interment will be at 4 p.m. at Beulah Cemetery, Beulah, MS, on the same day.
Mrs. Weems grew up in Rosedale attended Mississippi State College for Women, and graduated from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va. She married Dr. William Edmonds Weems on Aug. 19, 1944. They lived in Rochester, N.Y., Denver, Colo. and New Orleans, La., before moving to Laurel, where they made their home for 56 years. For the past nine years, Mrs. Weems has been a resident of St. Catherine’s Village in Madison.
In Laurel, Mrs. Weems was very active in the community, serving the First United Methodist Church on the Alter Guild, in the United Methodist Women, as Superintendent of the Primary Class, and as Decorations Chairman for the Thirty-Niners. She was president and parliamentarian of the Laurel Garden Club, a member of the Little Garden Club, and an award winning flower-arranger. She held leadership positions in the National Society of Colonial Dames of America and the Daughters of the American Revolution, fulfilling two terms as Regent of the Nahoula Chapter of the DAR and serving on the Permanent Advisory Board of the Rosalie Governing Board. Mrs. Weems was also a supporter and benefactor of the Lauren Rogers Museum.
Mrs. Weems is survived by her brother, John Lafayette Pearson III (Katherine) of Rosedale, her children William E. Weems Jr. (Dere) of Vero Beach, Fla., Lyn Weems Gates (Alex) of Sumner, Walter S. Weems (Susan) of Jackson and Heron P. Weems (Cary) of Atlanta, Ga.;
grandchildren Elizabeth Weems Carpenter (Pete), Derek Weems (Maresa), George Gates (Amy), Walter Weems Jr., David Weems (Kyla), Caitlin Weems, Bo Weems and Pearson Weems; and great-grandchildren Reid Carpenter, Drew Carpenter, Charlie Carpenter, Abby Weems and Alexander Weems.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, William E. Weems, M.D.; her parents, Evelyn Sillers Pearson and John Lafayette Pearson Jr.; and her grandson, William Gates.
Memorial gifts may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Laurel, Madison United Methodist Church, or St. Dominic Foundation for St. Catherine’s Village.
George Hall
George Franklin Hall, 73, of Ovett died Sunday, Aug, 11, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Ellisville Funeral Home in Ellisville, with Rev. Donald Moore officiating. Burial will be in Ovett Cemetery. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Hall loved woodworking, fishing, CB Radios and cooking. He was proud of his wife and family and proud to be an American.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Manual and Nellie Ellen Lane Hall; his grandsons, Shawn Eric Michael Parnell and Christian Gene Taylor; and three brothers and one sister.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Ann Hall of Ovett; son, Franklin Levon Hall (Tami) of Ocean Springs; daughters, Tonna Marie Hicks (Rayford) of Laurel, Sonya Motes of Ovett, Georgina Nell Clark (David) of Ovett and Melissa Mae Bennett (Larry) of Ovett; brother, Luther Manual Hall of Mobile, Ala.; sister, Mary Richardson of Mobile; and 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers are Anthony Taylor, David Clark, Chris Taylor, Rayford Hicks, Tommy Hall and Cody Smith.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
James Herbert Lansdale Jr.
James Herbert Lansdale Jr., 81, of Laurel died Saturday, Aug. 10 at the State Veterans Home in Collins.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Michael Robinson will officiate. Burial will be in Lake Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
James moved to Laurel in 1954 and began barbering the same year. From 1970 until 2011, he and Sherman Beech owned and operated Beech and Lansdale Barber Shop. In 1979, James’ son Jimmy joined him and Mr. Beech in the barbering profession and in 2012, Jimmy assumed ownership of the shop. James enjoyed working in the yard, especially mowing and working in his flower beds. In his younger years, James owned and rode horses. James found great pleasure in visiting with his customers every morning over coffee at the Waffle House and grilling on the weekends with his family and friends. James also enjoyed buying and selling cars.
James was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Lansdale Sr. and Helen Haynes Lansdale; two brothers and five sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Maurice Mosley Lansdale of Laurel; sons Jimmy Lansdale (Elizabeth) of Laurel and Shane Lansdale (Ginny) of Ellisville; and sister Carolyn Green (Bernice) of Magee.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Melba Jean Powell
Mrs. Melba Jean Powell, 72, of Brentwood, Tenn., on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2013.
Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Wednesday at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, with Jim Taylor officiating. Interment will be Williamson Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home two hours prior to the service.
She was preceded in death by parents Clewis Conner and Jewell Melba Rowell Donald; husband Charles Max Powell; brothers James and Neil Donald.
She is survived by son Reggie (Leigh) Powell; daughter Cynthia (Mike) Walker; brother George (Martha) Donald; sister Connie (Danny) Anderson; grandchildren Brett and Daniel Powell, Ginger and Natalie Walker.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Joe Bagley will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
Memorials may be made to Brentwood Children’s Home, 1310 Franklin Rd., Brentwood, TN 37027. Online condolences can be made at www.williamsonmemorial.com.
Melanie Anne Skipper
Melanie Anne Skipper, 22, of Picayune passed away Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013.
Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Goodyear Baptist Church (Highway 43 South, Picayune). Visitation will be Monday from 9-10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel on Monday at 2 p.m. under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home. Rev. Gary Killen will officiate the service.
A native of Picayune, she was a student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and a member of Goodyear Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles F. and Ruth Skipper of Picayune, and Thomas Leo and Grace Lawless of Laurel.
Survivors include her parents, Charles Randall Skipper and Janet Lawless Skipper; her husband, Isreal Borja; her brother, Thomas Jason Skipper and wife Anna; two nieces, Keagen and Tristia Skipper; and her aunts, Ann Lawless Cox and Ann Skipper Pigott.
Obituary, register book and driving directions can be found at www.mcdonaldfh.com.
Delois Fair Taylor
Delois Fair Taylor, 79, of Ellisville died Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Covington County Church of Christ on Highway 588. Brother Mike Conley and Bro. Gregory Michael Cole will officiate. A second memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, in the Family Life Center of Liberty Baptist Church in Bronston, Ky. Brother Ulanda Price will officiate. Burial will be in Mill Springs National Cemetery.
Delois always had a smile to share and was loved by many friends. She was known by all who knew her as "Grandma Dee." She enjoyed spending her time with her grandchildren, especially taking them fishing, and working in her yard.
Delois is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. George O. "G.O." and Nettie Marie Fair; her first husband and high school sweetheart, Glenn Smith, who was the father of her first two children, Bob and Karen; her late husband James R. Taylor, with whom she shared many years and two daughters, Lisa and Sue-Ellen; son Robert G. Smith; daughter Patricia Karen Smith Richards; and sister Ila Jennings.
Survivors include daughters, Lisa Taylor Walters (Mark) of Ellisville and Sue-Ellen Anderson (Kevin) of Carmel, Ind.; daughter-in-law Kathy Smith Butt (Duane) of Brazil, Ind.; sisters Doris “Corky” Waddle, Somerset, Ky. and Dixie Mayfield, Somerset, Ky.; grandchildren Ashley Smith Zavela (Allen), Mount Zion, Ill., Austin Smith (Courtney) of Noblesville, Ind., Zane Anderson of Carmel, Ind., and Chelsea Walters of Ellisville; great-grandchildren Emerson Kate Zavela and Hadley Gray Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lipodystrothy United Organization: 120 Kensington Court, Mount Zion, IL 62549.
To honor Delois’ life, please consider the gift that keeps giving and register as an organ donor. ?
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Dorothy Merle Lightsey
Dorothy Merle Lightsey, 75, of Quitman passed away on Aug. 7, 2013 at Rush Hospital.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9-11 a.m. at Wright's Funeral Home in Quitman. Funeral services will be on Saturday from 11 a.m. at the Wright's Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. George Pugh officiating. Burial will take place in the Pachuta Cemetery.
She was former chairwoman for Relay for Life and was a member of Pachuta Methodist Church.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Alton Lightsey; daughter Jean Marie Fleig; stepsons Donald Eugene Lightsey and John Howard Lightsey; stepdaughter Linda Grace Lightsey; brother Carroll Holifield; grandchildren Tiffany Le'Ann Jefcoat, Brian Chance Hinton and Mary Peyton Thompson, stepgrandchildren Alyssa Galpin, Tyler Galpin and Ryan Lightsey; great-grandchildren Mia Alynne Jefcoat and Hagan Hinton.
She was preceded in death by her father, George Dillard; mother Mary Ella Holifield Dillard; two sisters; and one brother.
Wright’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Dorothy Ann Nowicki
Dorothy Ann Nowicki, 88, of Laurel, formerly of Bellmore, N.Y., and Springhill, Fla., passed away peacefully after a short illness at Comfort Care on Monday, Aug. 5, 2013.
Visitation with the family will be Monday, Aug. 19 at 5:15 p.m. in the Ladies’ Parlor at First-Trinity Presbyterian Church, with a service of celebration for Dorothy’s life at 6 p.m.
Dorothy worked as a homemaker, as a sales assistant for A&S Department Stores, as a secretary for a lawyer and as a realtor. She was married to Henry G. Nowicki for 52 years before his passing in 1995. They had two children, the late Barbara Ann Nowicki of New York and Steven Douglas Nowicki of Laurel. She loved her family, the ocean, a good meal, a good joke, fine furnishings and beautiful clothes and jewelry. She was a Christian.
She was married to Aram Magarian until his death in 2005. She lived at Comfort Care in assisted living these past two years; and, during her last year, her daughter-in-law Catherine’s mother, Ann Capprello, also lived with her at Comfort Care. The two of them shared a loving relationship.
Survivors include her son, Steven Nowicki (Catherine), and grandchildren Tristan and Samantha Nowicki, all of Laurel. She is also survived by a host of grandsons, nieces, nephews and great-grandsons who carry her in spirit.
Dorothy will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Covenant House, a charity for homeless children.
The family offered thanks to the staff at South Central Regional Medical Center and Comfort Care for all their caring, love and support.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Christine Abercrombie Rogers
Jan. 4, 1922 – Aug. 7, 2013
Christine Abercrombie Rogers, 91, of Laurel, died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Dr. Randy Turner will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the service time at Memory Chapel.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Laurel and the Bethany Sunday school class.
Mrs. Rogers was born in Covington County, the daughter of Ike Abercrombie and Amanda Sanford Abercrombie.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cade Bethea Rogers; and brothers Hubert Abercrombie and Tom Abercrombie.
Survivors include her sisters and brothers, Berniece Jones, Hester Quick, Rachel Knight, Hardy Abercrombie and Jimmy Abercrombie; children Tommy Cade Rogers and wife Brenda, Bruce Bethea Rogers and wife Mary Ann, and Diane Rogers Parish and husband Gerald; grandchildren Carrie Rogers Burks and husband Scott, Melissa Rogers Mitchell and husband Britt, Alicia Rogers Teepell and husband Tommy, Brian Cade Rogers and wife Angelyn, Casey Bruce Rogers and wife Ashley, Emily Rogers Ulrich and husband Glen, Andrew Garrett Rogers, Jason Gerald Parish and wife Sherrie, Eric William Parish and wife Laura, and Kyle Bethea Parish and wife Kathy; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 2636, Laurel, MS 39441.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Evelyn R. Reynolds
Evelyn R. Reynolds, 89, of Ellisville died Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2013 at Jones County Rest Home in Ellisville.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday at Ellisville Funeral Home in with Rev. Johnny Bryant officiating. Burial will be in Mack Brown Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Evelyn worked more than 45 years in the garment industry. She was admired for her love of cooking for the community, as were her gifts of love and strength through her family and friends. Her family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Dobbs, Dr. Sullivan, the staff of the Jones County Rest Home and her dedicated friends for their prayers.
Mrs. Reynolds was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Georgia Sumrall Anderson; husband Virgil Reynolds; brother Nemox Anderson; brothers-in-law Harold Reynolds, Bobby Joe Reynolds and Thomas "Tommy" Leston Reynolds; and sister-in-law Sadie Reynolds Speed.
Survivors include her sons, Shelton Reynolds (JoAnn) and Wayne Reynolds (Barbara); niece Kathy Anderson Brewer (Larry); grandchildren Kelly Reynolds of Austin, Texas; Holly Reynolds Newman (Mike), Galveston, Texas; Ross Reynolds of San Antonio, Texas and April Reynold of Laurel; and four great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Tanner, David Tanner, Patrick Reynolds, Leston Reynolds, Joey Tanner and Jessie Reynolds.
Memorial donations may be made to the Friendship Baptist Church Building Fund.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Sherry Lynn Hearn Darnell
(October 10, 1951-August 3, 2013)
Sherry Hearn Darnell, 61, of Laurel died Saturday, Aug. 3, 2013 at her daughter’s home in Birmingham, Ala., after a 10-month battle with lung cancer.
A memorial service will be on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with Brother Raymond Cason officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.
Sherry was born in Laurel to the late Robert Harold (Nub) Hearn and Dorothy Windham Lindsay of Lihue, Kauai.
Sherry attended Laurel City Schools and lived in Laurel most of her life. She enjoyed gardening, playing tennis, reading and singing. Sherry was the owner of a retail clothing store in Laurel and sang in various local bands and gospel groups. Before Sherry’s illness, she owned a landscape business and grew greenhouse tomatoes.
Sherry was preceded in death by her father, Robert Harold (Nub) Hearn and her brother, Stan Hearn.
She is survived by her loving husband, Craig Darnell; her daughter, Mandy DeSantis and husband Robert of Birmingham, Ala.; her son, Andy Cupit and wife Tiffany of Laurel; her mother Dorothy Windham Lindsay of Lihue, Kauai; her brother Mickey Hearn and wife Gail of Gulfport; her sister Lynn Wood Moore and husband Adam of Kalaheo, Kauai; her brother Ray Wood and wife Martha of Mendenhall. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Andrew DeSantis of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Alan, Trey and Emma Grace DeSantis of Birmingham, Ala.; and Kate and Will Cupit of Laurel, along with a host of loving nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Animal Rescue League, 2511 Moose Drive, Laurel, MS 39440 or Evercare Hospice 33, Inverness Center Place #350, Hoover, AL 35242.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Wayne Mire Sr.
Wayne Mire Sr., 53, of Ellisville, died Friday, Aug. 2, 2013 at his residence. A memorial service will be Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Cletus Catholic Church in New Orleans. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Patsy Carol Wilson
Patsy Carol Wilson, 76, of Laurel died Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sharon Cemetery. Rev. Bob Taylor will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Wilson was a member of Trinity Baptist Church and worked as a secretary for Laurel Brace and Limb prior to retirement.
Survivors include her husband, Clifford Wilson of Laurel; two sons, Charles Wilson and wife Leisa of Mobile and Rusty Wilson of Laurel; two daughters, Carolyn Couch of Laurel and Karen Ivey and husband Bill of Hattiesburg; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jimmy Dale Russell of Indianola and Fred Russell of Vicksburg; and three sisters, Jean Braxton of Vicksburg, Ann Frazure of Pensacola, Fla., and Marie Castle of Jackson.
Pallbearers will be Tony Couch, Heath Couch, Chad Couch, Jonathan Price, Destin Douglas, Charlie Wilson, Dusty McNeil and Robby Powell.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Peggy Ruth Pelman
Peggy Ruth Pelman, 83, died Aug. 4, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Center.
Visitation will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home with graveside services to follow in Lake Park Cemetery at 3 p.m. The Rev. Brent Benson will officiate.
Peggy touched the heart of every person she met in a very special way. She loved to play bingo, nd she enjoyed quilting and beading with all of her friends. She loved her Comfort Care family. She will truly be missed by all. She attended Trinity Baptist Church in Shady Grove.
She was preceded in death by parents, Phillip and Mary Ann Moynihan Pelman; sisters Martha Nell Stone, Lillie Chancellor, Betty Baudioun, Ann Schaad, Rachel Kilgore and Rosemary Pefferkorn; and brothers Robert Pelman, Richard Pelman, David Pelman, Fred Pelman and Mortimer Pelman.
She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel will be in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dorothy J. Dykes Jones
Dorothy J. Dykes Jones, 68, of Cordova, Tenn., passed away Aug. 3, 2013.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at Kirby Woods Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens on Germantown Road.
Born in Jasper County, she was a member of Kirby Woods Baptist Church in Memphis.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Elma Dykes; and sister Betty Mauldin.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Dr. Frank Jones; daughter Jennifer Robinson (James) of Bartlett, Tenn.; son Jon Jones of Arlington, Tenn.; sisters Janet Blevins and Carolyn Ulmer and brother Adolph Dykes, all of Laurel; grandchildren Andrew, Lorianne and Carrie Robinson, Jon Franklin and Madison Kendall Jones; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to The Gideons International at www. gideons.org. Online condolences may be expressed at www.memphisfuneralhome.net.
Vivian Cooley
Vivian Cooley, 91, of Laurel died Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, at Comfort Care Nursing Home in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills. Rev. P.J. Weeks will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service on Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Cooley was originally of the Strengthford community but lived in Laurel all of her married life. She was a seamstress and worked for Reliance for 22 years, sewing on pockets. She went back to school and became a licensed practical nurse, working at South Central Regional Medical Center in the intensive care unit.
She was an active member of Magnolia Baptist Church, singing in the choir and serving in many ways. She always put the Lord first in her life and lived a wonderful testimony to all.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin E. Cooley, in 1998.
She is survived by one son, Don Cooley and his wife Cathryn; one grandson, Dr. Christopher Cooley; and two grandchildren. She is also survived by one brother, John R. Anderson, and one sister, Earle Cecile Smith; and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Lonnie Hicks, Kelly Pugh, James Shearer, Chris Cooley, Justin Tyler and Chris Stewart.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Doris Lloyd Harrison
Doris Lloyd Harrison, 82, of Laurel died Friday, Aug. 2, 2013, at Comfort Care in Laurel.
Services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Memory Chapel. Rev. Eddie Bryant will officiate.
She was a nutrition educator for the Jones County Extension Service. She was of the Baptist faith and a member of the Eastern Star.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd W. Moody and Velma Kilpatrick Moody; her husband, John E. Harrison; and daughter Bonita Harrison.
She is survived by her son, John E. Harrison Jr., of Bogalusa, La.; two grandchildren, Denise Dearman and John Thomas Harrison; three great-grandchildren, John Wayne Harrison, Parker Andru Harrison and Adisen Isabella Dearman; special friend Angela Cochran.
Pallbearers will be friends and family members.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Glenn C. Albrecht
Glenn C. Albrecht, 75, of Laurel died Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at New Beginnings Church in Sandersville.
Prior to his retirement, Mr. Albrecht was a computer programmer. He also served in the U. S. Navy and was of the Catholic faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ester Bay Albrecht; two brothers; one sister; and a stepson, Rodney Henderson.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley E. Albrecht of Laurel; daughter Tammy Albrecht of Laurel; stepson Ronald Henderson and wife Jill of Kodak, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Rachel and Rayce; one brother; and one sister.
Memory Chapel was in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Mr. Daniel C. Pitts
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church in Laurel, for Mr. Daniel Coy Pitts, 80, of Ellisville, who passed away July 30, 2013, at Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Meadville.
Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at Tuckers Crosssing Baptist Church in Laurel. Dr. Frank Hendry and Brother Eddie Bryant will officiate at the services with burial to follow in the Mount Moriah Cemetery at Ovett.
Mr. Pitts was a Navy veteran of the Korean War.
He is survived by two sons, Ricky Pitts (Patti) of Hattiesburg and Mark Pitts (Rhonda) of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; a sister, Pearl Pahnka of Ovett; three grandsons, Jeffrey Gage Pitts and Keegan C. Pitts, both of Laurel, and Cody Daniel Pitts of Ellisville; and two great-grandchildren.
Jones & Son Funeral Home in Moselle was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.jonesandsonfh.com.
Sally Jean Sharplin
Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at County Line Missionary Baptist Church in Ellisville for Sally Jean Sharplin, 80, of Seminary, who died July 31, 2013 at University Medical Center in Jackson.
Visitation will be from 5:30-9 p.m. Thursday at Jones & Son Funeral Home in Moselle, and Friday at 1:30- 2:30 p.m. at County Line Missionary Baptist Church. Officiating at the service, which starts at 2:30 p.m., will be Brother Darren Webb and Brother Joe Lott. Burial will follow in the County Line Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Sharplin was a member of the County Line Missionary Baptist Church and a babysitter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover Tom Scruggs and Reitha Walters Scruggs; sisters Mary Alene Ellzey and Eloise Hinton; brothers W. J. Scruggs and Jarvis Scruggs.
Survivors include her husband, James Sharplin of Seminary; son Michael (Sheila) Sharplin of Morton; daughter Janet (Keith) Stormant of White Springs, Fla.; grandchildren Jennifer Williams, K. J. Stormant, Andy Stormant and Jeffrey Stormant; great-grandchildren Christian Dedmon, Shelly Stormant and Bradley Denton.
Jones & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.jonesandsonfh.com.
Bennis Ray Walters
Bennis Ray Walters, 66, of Laurel, born July 18, 1947, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Freedom Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Oakland Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Tommy Davis, Dr. Cary Kimbrell and Rev. Gerald Henderson will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Friday. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel.
Bennis Walters founded Walters Construction Co., Inc. in 1979. His vision was to provide a quality and honest service to surrounding counties and communities. He started the business with one dump truck, one front-end loader, one secretary (his wife, Brenda Walters) and a contract with the local brick company (Laurel Brick and Tile). His vision and love for the company has been instrumental in the growth and success of Walters Construction Co., Inc., which now has a fleet of trucks and equipment with 50-plus employees. He has left the business in the capable hands of his two sons, Scottie and Bryan.
Bennis was a member of Freedom Baptist Church. His love for God and his family kept him active even after a stroke at 47 years old.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Alma Lee Walters; and a great niece, Faith Elizabeth Walters.
Survivors are his loving and caring wife of 45 years, Brenda Gayle Johnston Walters; two sons, Scottie Ray Walters and wife Tommie, and Bryan Daniel Walters and wife Amy; five grandchildren, Mason Walters, Logan Walters, Makenzie Walters, Myles Walters and Anna Cate Walters; two brothers, Homer “Tally” Walters and wife Linda and George Walters and wife Annise; four nephews, Terry Walters, Kerry Walters, Ryan Walters and Justin Walters; and a host of other relatives.
Pallbearers will be sons and grandsons Scottie Walters, Bryan Walters, Mason Walters, Logan Walters, Makenzie Walters and Myles Walters. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Howard, Mike Shoemake, Tally Walters, George Walters, Joe Smith and Tom Rushton.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to Relay for Life or the Youth and Children Ministries of Freedom Baptist Church or Bethlehem Baptist Church.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lavell Prestwood
Lavell Prestwood, 52, of Ellisville died Sunday, July 28, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
A memorial service will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Survivors include his spouse, Pam Prestwood of Ellisville; parents Franklin Daniel Prestwood and Oma Jean Mooney Prestwood of Ellisville; sons Steven Eric Prestwood, Joshua Sellers and Jerad Sellers, all of Ellisville; daughters Mary Elizabeth Harvard (Matthew) of Purvis, and Alaura Dannon Prestwood of Ellisville; brother Curtis Prestwood (Penny) of Hattiesburg; sister Mary Lynn Little (Joe) of San Antonio, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Lavell Prestwood to the Mississippi Kidney Foundation, Collins Dialysis Unit.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Preston Howard Flowers Sr.
Preston Howard Flowers Sr., 86, of Ellisville died Saturday, July 27, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Ellisville Funeral Home, with Father Ignacio Jime'nez officiating. Burial will be in Ellisville City Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ben Flowers; mother Laura Minter Flowers; and 10 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Hazel Flowers of Ellisville; sons Preston Flowers Jr. of Ellisville, Mark Flowers (Rhonda) of Hattiesburg, David Flowers (Roxann) of Ellisville; grandchildren Laura Reed, Brandon Flowers and Steven Flowers; and five great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Flowers, Steven Flowers, Austin Reed, Chase Blankenship, Danny Abbey and Malcolm Migues.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Judy Carter Tisdale
Judy Carter Tisdale, 68, of Laurel died Thursday, July 25, 2013, at her home.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Dr. Randy Turner will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service time on Saturday.
Judy was born on Sept. 18, 1944 in Laurel to the late Julius Edwin (T. I.) Carter Sr. and Robbie Jo Wells Carter.
She attended the Laurel City Schools and lived most of her life in Laurel. She worked many years in retail sales, mostly with the local Sears store. She was raised and was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Laurel. Judy loved buying and selling antiques, was an animal lover and was an avid LSU fan.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Martha Elizabeth (Libby) Strahan.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Anne Ulmer of Laurel; brother Ed Carter and wife Angie of Laurel; two sisters, Cynthia Harris and husband Mike of Gadsden, Ala. and Debbie Causey and husband Dean of Destin, Fla.; three grandchildren, Joseph Watkins, Jacob Lamar and Jessica Dearman; and two great-grandchildren, Skylar Lamar and Peyton Dearman. She is also survived by former husband, Bobby R. Tisdale.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Animal Rescue League, 2511 Moose Drive, Laurel, MS 39440.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
David Clingon Jr.
Mr. David W. Clingon, Jr., 89, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at his home in Laurel.
Private services were conducted by Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl.
Mr. Clingon enjoyed fishing, gardening and playing Super Nintendo, but his greatest joy in life was his family.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Clingon; sons William Clingon (Nancy) and Jason Cory Clingon (Marie); daughters Annette Powell (Clarence) and Vicki Town (Steve); six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (P.O. Box 96011?Washington, DC 20090-6011 or www.alz.org).
Billy Eugene Overman
Billy Eugene Overman, 78, of Laurel died Wednesday, July 24, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with Rev. Harold Ishee officiating. Burial will follow at Machpelah Cemetery in Jackson County at 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Mr. Overman was a real estate agent with Century 21 in Pascagoula prior to his retirement. He was of the Baptist faith and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eli Willis Overman and Annie May Williams Overman; son Michael Overman; and brother Danny Overman.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Overman of Laurel; daughter Virginia “Ginny” Overman of Ridgeland; three brothers, Hugh and Jack Overman of Pascagoula and Charley Overman of Huntsville, Ala.; three sisters, Ruth Sumrall of Olla, La., Grace Buza of Gautier and Nell Hall of Pascagoula; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be nephews and other relatives.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James Emerson Kerr
James Emerson Kerr, 101, died Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Father Michael Thornton will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time on Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Kerr was native of Kentucky. He lived in Brookhaven, McComb and New Orleans before moving to Laurel. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Laurel. He was retired from the oil industry. He spent three years in Egypt working for Anglo-Egyptian Oil, a division of Shell Oil. He worked in Louisiana for The Texas Oil Company before moving to Mississippi, where he worked for Homco and Tri-State, after which he did private consulting.
He was the third director of the annual Mississippi Oilmen’s Golf Tournament.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Kerr and Eva Carlisle Kerr; brothers Franklin Kerr, Dempsey Kerr and William Kerr; and sister Mildred McBride.
Survivors include his wife, Winona L. Kerr; daughters Carole (Nathaniel) Broker of Houston, Texas and Judy Cantelli of Laurel; grandchildren Stephen (Terry Lynn) Cantelli of Luling, La., Jeremy Cantelli of Abingdon, Va. and Shannon Cantelli of Laurel; five great-grandchildren, Logan, Devin and Gabrielle Cantelli of Luling, La., and Jordan and Emily Braune of Houston, Texas.
He was also blessed with loving and compassionate caretakers: Cynthia Williamson, Connie Evans, Betty Jones, Denise Whitfield and Carrie Strickland.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Raymond Charles Ingram Sr.
Raymond Charles Ingram Sr., 95, of the Sharon community died Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Scott Stringer and Rev. Ronnie Parker will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time on Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Ingram was a self-employed carpenter prior to retirement. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Sharon, a Mason and Shriner, and a veteran of the U. S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Van and Leonna Long Ingram; wife Osie Mae Ingram; three sisters, Goldie Green, Jewel Boykin and Ruby Lindsey; and one brother, Lester Ingram.
Survivors include his son, Charles Ingram, wife Becky, and daughter Gwendolyn Myers and husband Bill, all of the Sharon community; three brothers, Norman and Alton Ingram of Laurel and Ray Ingram of Vancleave; four grandchildren, Melinda Carol Myers, Regina Avera, Stacy Hill and Barrett Ingram; five great-grandchildren, Anthony Hill, Will Hill, Elizabeth Hill, Christina Avera and Tyler Avera; and one great-great-grandchild, Kenzleigh McKissick.
Pallbearers will be Barrett Ingram, Anthony Hill, Will Hill, James Robert Chancellor, Eddie Helms and Ricky Helms.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Billy Ray Pitts
Billy Ray Pitts, 75, of Laurel died Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in the Bethlehem Community Church Cemetery. Rev. Jamie Altman will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until the service time on Thursday at Memory Chapel.
He was a member of Bethlehem Community Church. He was a retired math teacher with the California School District.
Upon graduation from Mississippi State University, he traveled to New Mexico for his first teaching assignment. After two years, Mr. Pitts moved to California, where he taught for 34 years in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District, and where he served as Teacher’s President.
Mr. Pitts also served on the Board of Directors for the California Teachers’ Association for 10 years, serving as president during that time, lobbying in Washington, D. C. for teacher’s right. He dedicated his life to teaching young minds as a math teacher. He continues that legacy in young minds even after his death.
He enjoyed growing fruit at his home in Ontario, Canada, retiring in 2000, traveling and spending time with family at his second home in Laurel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claudie Wilton Pitts and Effie Mae Knight Pitts; two brothers, Claudie Wilton Pitts, Jr. and William Burnice Pitts; and one sister, Lois Pitts Maples.
Mr. Pitts is survived by two sisters, Viola Pitts Hutchinson and Myrtle Rea Pitts Bullock; a host of nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
Pallbearers will be Punk Bustin, Jason Bullock, Randy Sherrell, Mac McLeod, Marty Bullock, and Gerald Bordelon.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Julie Christine Bacuetes
Julie Christine Bacuetes, 81, of Laurel died Sunday, July 21, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Shirley Place Cemetery in Wayne County. Rev. Scott Davis will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the service time on Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Bacuetes was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Aljandreo Bacuetes; and two brothers, Jimmy Harrison and Pete Harrison.
Survivors include two sons, Chris Bacuetes of Laurel and John West of Meridian; one daughter, Rose Donald of Georgia; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two brothers, John T. Harrison and Bobby Harrison, both of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be Chris Bacuetes, David Smith, Robbie Powell, Jonathan Price, Mike Molisson, George Bacuetes and Joe Molisson.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Thomas Mack Harrison
Thomas Mack Harrison, 81, of Laurel died Saturday, July 20, 2013 in Hattiesburg.
Services will be 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at Bethlehem Community Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Jamie Altman will officiate. Mr. Harrison will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.
He was a member of Bethlehem Community Church and he served in the U.S. Army Reserves.He was owner of Hattiesburg Hydraulics.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Bright Harrison and Lillie Elizabeth Harrison; and two grandsons, Corley Davis and Payton Harrison.
He is survived by his wife, Nora Mae Harrison; three sons, Mack Allen Harrison and wife Jaynie Harrison, Kenny Ray Harrison and wife Cris Harrison and Glenn Harrison and wife Kim Harrison; one daughter, Linda Davis and fiance Jason Smyth; s special first cousin Auby Turner; grandchildren Britney (Ben) Harper, Adrienne (Chris) Whatley, Lavra Katherine (Chandan) Bangar, Rebecca Harrison, Michael Harrison, Matthew Harrison, Mandi Funck, Kenny Lee Harrison, Noel (Matt) Anderson, Lana (Josh) Dagen, Hunter Harrison, Tommy (Melanie) Harrison, Jonathan Harrison, Kristopher (Kayla) Harrison, Seth Harrison, C J (Stevie) Strickland and Amber (Brandon) Boyanton; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Williamson, Billy Ray Hinton Mickey Joe Campo, Don Hinton, Harry Campo and Randy Cook.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Bobbye Carolyn Kizzar
Bobbye Carolyn Kizzar passed away at her home in Laurel on Friday, July 19, 2013 at the age of 61.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel with burial to follow in Salem Heights Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel. Rev. Brent Benson will officiate.
She was a member of Salem Heights Baptist Church. She was a loving mother and homemaker. Bobbye was born in Pike County in 1952. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking meals for her family and friends. She enjoyed supporting her family affair racing team and spending time with her grandchildren, shopping, crafting and gardening. “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose and all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
Bobbye was preceded in death by her parents, John Milton Waltman and Emma Verna Rushing Waltman; and her brothers Terry and Bill Waltman.
She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years Jerry W Kizzar of Laurel; two sisters, Joyce and Lesa Waltman; brother Larry (Evelyn) Waltman; one son, Bubba (Jennifer) Kizzar; one daughter, Melissa (Tony) Wright; and grandchildren Brock Kizzar, Jordan Wright, Brittney (Justin) Smith and Weslee Wright; great-granddaughter Gracyn Smith; mother-in-law Bobbie Waltman; and loving nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Doris Yelverton
Doris Yelverton, formerly of Laurel, died at Rowlett Health and Rehabilitation in Rowlett, Texas on Thursday, July 18, 2013. She was 76.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with services following at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Ken Harrison will officiate.
She was retired from Jones County Extension Service and was a member of Magnolia Baptist and Glade Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Yelverton; and parents C. R. and Christine Walker, all of Laurel.
She is survived by her brother, Russell (Patsy) Walker of Laurel; sister Janis Godard of Southhaven; son Joey (Luanna) Yelverton of Garland, Texas; and daughter, Dana Rahaim of Laurel.
She is also survived by five grandchildren, Meggie Chancellor, Cassidy and Devin Rahaim, Brady and Olivia Yelverton; two great-grandchildren, Holley and Connor; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Mark Walker, Brady Yelverton, Cassidy Rahaim, Lonnie Godard, Jonathan Chancellor and Mark Nichols.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Billy Ray Cowart Sr.
Billy Ray Cowart Sr., 81, of Ellisville died Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Gandy Cemetery. Rev. Ken Regan will officiate. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until the service time on Saturday at Memory Chapel.
He was a crane operator for Brown & Root and was a veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the U. S. Army. He enjoyed fishing, riding 4-wheelers and helping people.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Virgie Gandy Cowart; one brother and one sister.
Survivors include two sons, Charles C. Cowart and Billy Ray “Bunky” Cowart Jr.; sister Panzie Pierce; two grandchildren Ashleigh Cowart and Chris Cowart; and three great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Mike Moss, Keith Jones, Frank Mixon, Mack Hill, Howard Wardel and Scott Collins.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Patricia Bankston Lowery
Patricia Bankston Lowery, 65, of Laurel died Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at Wesley Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Fair Ridge Cemetery in Jasper County. Brother Arnold Kelly will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Lowery was retired from volunteer work and was a homemaker. She was a graduate of Stringer High School, Jones County Junior College and the University Southern Miss.
She was preceded in death by her father, Pat Bankston; brother Robert O. Bankston; and husband Daniel Wilson Lowery.
Survivors include her mother, Jimmie Weems; son Daniel “Danny” Wilson Lowery Jr.; daughter Susanna Ishee; two grandchildren, Sarah Ishee and Nathan Ishee; brother David Bankston and wife Beth; sister-in-law Patricia Bankston; and a host of other relatives.
Pallbearers will be Clay Thornton, Alan Montgomery, Ben Graham, Michael Mitchell, Collin Smith, Jonathan Smith, Heath Morris, P. J. Sandeford, Dewayne Middleton and Robby Bankston. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Santora Jr., Stacy Easterling, Tommy Wayne Smith, Wesley Gardner and Jamie Bankston.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
L. E. Grafton Sr.
L. E. Grafton Sr., 88, passed away Monday, July 15, 2013. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 19, 2013 at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on High Street in Jackson at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be at noon until the service. Burial will follow in Lakewood Memorial Park.
Mr. Grafton was a native of Jones County and had lived in Laurel, Cleveland, Meridian, and Biloxi before moving to Jackson in 1972. Mr. Grafton was a longtime member and Life Deacon of First Baptist Church of Jackson. He was a retired equipment engineer at South Central Bell, and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. Mr. Grafton served in the Army during World War II.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Martha Moffett Grafton; his parents, John Tate and Carrie Aline Balch Grafton; brothers John T. Grafton Jr., Daniel F. Grafton, T. Webber Grafton and infant brother Jack R. Grafton.
Survivors include his daughter, Linda Whiddon (Taylor) of Biloxi; son Lauren Grafton Jr. of Jackson; grandchildren Taylor Whiddon, Carrie Dennis, Tricia Knowles and Brian Grafton; great-grandchildren Emma and Andrew Dennis, and Ryan Knowles; sister Erin Grafton; brother Joe C. Grafton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and many other family members.
Online guestbook can be found at www.wrightferguson.com.
Mary Wells
Mary Wells, 90, of Laurel died Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Comfort Care in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at First United Methodist Church in Laurel, with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Mark Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until service time on Friday at the church.
Mrs. Wells was self-employed in retail and was a member of First United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Boone Yates and Annie Nichols Yates; husband Monroe Hubbard “Hub” Wells in 2010; son Danny Wells in 1993; and 12 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her daughter, Sandra Vaughn and husband Ray of Laurel; grandchildren Stacey Byrd and husband Eric, Kelly Thatch and husband Blain, Shannon Passmore and Nancy Hocutt and husband Brian; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James C. Wade
James C. Wade, 82, of Ellisville died Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at his residence in Ellisville.
A memorial service will be at New Bethany Baptist Church on Thursday at 6 p.m. with Dr. Ronald Bishop officiating.
He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them along with working in his garden.
He was preceded in death by his father, Benton Wade; mother Mae Ellzey Wade; and brother Durrel Wade
Survivors include his wife, Betty Smith Wade; a daughter, Debbie (Ronnie) Bishop of Ellisville; a son, Carroll (Andria) Wade of Ellisville; grandchildren Amy (Joey) Pickering of Collins, Reuben (Kasey) Bishop of Ellisville, Kourtney Wade of Ellisville, Jeremy (Lauren) Wade of Ellisville and Allison Odom of Ellisville; great-grandchildren Devin Odom, Cain Merrell, Blayne James, Raiden Bishop and Drew Wade; brother Raymond Wade of Ellisville; sister Ina (Clyde) Graves of Titusville, Fla.; and a host of nieces and nephews
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Delois Ducksworth
Delois Ducksworth, 64, of Heidelberg died Monday, July 15, 2013 at her residence. Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church in Heidelberg. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at the church. Elder A.L. Johnson will officiate. Bay Springs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Elizabeth Maxcey
Mary Elizabeth Maxcey, 63, of Heidelberg died Sunday, July 14, 2013 at her residence. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Rev. Grady Collins and Brother Kenny Smith will officiate. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel.
Mary was the world’s best mother and her primary mission in life was to care for others. She enjoyed spending her free time quilting.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, James and Evelyn Hodge Hartley; stepmother Ruby Helen Hartley; and brother Frankie Hartley.
Survivors include her husband, Johnnie Maxcey of Heidelberg; sons Ron Maxcey (Rosie) of Laurel and Frankie Maxcey of Laurel; daughters Nina Ward Cruthirds (Danny) of Laurel, Hope Maxcey Collins (Mark) of Cobbtown, Ga. and Kristia Maxcey Rhodes (Larry) of Laurel; brother Eugene Hartley (Karen) of Monticello, Ga.; sister Lucille Donald (Jack) of Sandersville; grandchildren Danielle Harrison (William) of Laurel, Dalton Cruthirds (Tori) of Laurel, Gabrielle Maxcey of Cobbtown, Ga., Heidi Doby of Cobbtown, Ga., Jeremy Maxcey of Laurel, Rebecca Maxcey of Laurel, Ashley Maxcey of Laurel, Madison Holifield of Laurel, Devon Maxcey of Laurel and Nathan Maxcey of Laurel; great-grandson Daniel Dalton Cruthirds (her Rolli Polli) of Laurel; aunt Mamie Summers of Blountstown, Fla.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers will be Southern Care Hospice.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Lucy Holloway Middleton
Lucy Holloway Middleton, 78, of Laurel, born Nov. 25, 1934 in Jones County, died Monday, July 15, 2013 at Rolling Acres Nursing Home in Raleigh.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Springhill Cemetery. Rev. Dennis Middleton will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Memory Chapel.
She was retired from Stevens Sports Wear and was a member of Springhill Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Middleton Sr.; daughter Katherine Middleton; parents Mr. and Mrs. Rosier Holloway; brothers Roy and Ransom Holloway; and sister Edna Pearl Washam.
Survivors include one son, Thomas Middleton Jr. and wife Amanda of Laurel; two daughters, Vicki Stockton and husband Dale of Candler, N.C. and Brenda Farrar and husband Ted of Laurel; one sister, Annette Welborn and husband Dickey of Heidelberg; six grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Dickey Welborn, Jason Penny, Steven Penny, Raymond Middleton, Matthew Farrar, Louis Hatten and Jay Newsome.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Doris Michelle Lawson
Doris Michelle Lawson, 38, of Taylorsville died Saturday, July 13, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Lebanon Cemetery. Rev. Harold Floyd and Rev. Ken Riley will officiate.
She was self-employed.
She was preceded in death by her father, Mack E. Blakeney.
Survivors include her parents, Doris and Ellis Johnston of Taylorsville; two brothers, Mack Blakeney Jr. of Stringer and Mitchell Blakeney of Taylorsville; one sister, Misty Biglane of Laurel; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Daniel Johnston, Timmy Johnston, Waylon Blakeney, Zachary Johnston, Chris Webb and Dean Webb.
There will be no visitation.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Mary Phillips ‘Pippy’ Graham
Mary Phillips "Pippy" Graham, 67, of Laurel died Sunday, July 14, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Rev. J.J. Mullinax will officiate. Burial will be in Moss Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel.
Mrs. Graham was preceded in death by her parents, James Barclay Donaldson, M.D. and Elizabeth Ann Gartner Donaldson.
Survivors include her husband, Franklin Brandon "Frank" Graham of Moss; sons James Franklin "Jimmie" Graham (Lesa) of Moss and Nolan Bender "Nonie" Graham (Missy) of Moss; daughter Mary Ann Graham Davis (James "Too Tall") of Moss; sisters Elizabeth Padgett Donaldson Livingston (David) of Heidelberg, Martha Mason Donaldson McCarty (Kenny) of Stringer, Ann Barclay Donaldson Knotts (Ronnie) of Bay Springs and Josephine Gartner Donaldson of Laurel.
Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Billie Hester Rogers
Billie Hester Rogers, 84, of Sylvarena died Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Comfort Care in Laurel.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:30-11 a.m., with family visitation at 9 a.m., at Colonial Chapel.
A native of Taylorsville, she spent most of her life in the Sylvarena area.
She was preceded in death by father Joseph Hester; mother Sophie Hester; husband Ernest Jack Rogers; brother Milton B. Hester; sisters Melva Conway and Josie Hester.
Survivors include brother John Hester of Mountain Home, Ark.; sisters Elsie Valentine of Taylorsville, Delaine Lewis of Taylorsville and Sidney Boutwell of Laurel;?nieces Mary Perry, Ann Hamm and Deann Starling; nephews Joe Blakeney, Jerry Hester, Richard Hester and Hal Lewis; host of great-nieces and nephews?.
Pallbearers will be Hal Lewis, Tom Starling, Billy Dyess, Warren Woodrow, Joe Edward Rogers and Latrel Crumpton.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Harold Lavern Holifield
Harold Lavern Holifield, 79, of Gautier finished his race on Friday, May 17, 2013 in Ocean Springs.
Harold was born to Sherman and Grace Holifield on March 21, 1934 in Laurel. He served in the U.S. Army and was a 34-year member of the First Baptist Church of Gautier. He married the love of his life, Margie Rivers, on Sept. 25, 1959. Together this couple truly became as one. He enjoyed the simple things of life over extravaganza, and preferred others needs before his own. He kept a log of the miles he walked after retiring as a contract officer for the U.S. Navy and often commented how many times he had walked to California and back. He did not just live life, he lived to make a difference in others. He had a deep love and devotion for his family and became the rock not only for the Holifield family but for the Rivers family, as well. Mr. Holifield was strong, steadfast, unshakeable and unmovable in his faith, his love and his life. The void he left is great, but the example and heritage he leaves will not only live but will thrive.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Voncile Powell and her husband Ed; sister-in-law Shirley Langford; and brother-in-law George Rivers.
He is survived by his wife, Margie Holifield of Gautier; a son, Scott Holifield of Gautier; a daughter, Jan Holifield Yarber of Ocean Springs; a sister, Myrtis Adam and her husband Herbert of Pascagoula; brother and sisters-in-law Carolyn and Aaron Rogers of Waynesboro and John and Maurice Rivers of Ellisville; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Services were Tuesday, May 21 at First Baptist Church in Gautier and he was buried with military honors in Pinecrest Cemetery.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.obryantokeefe.com.
Emmett Ray Guthrie
Emmett Ray Guthrie, 64 years, 5 months, 24 days, was born Jan. 21, 1949 and died July 14, 2013 in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Burial will follow in Union Line Cemetery. Rev. Wayne Guthrie, Rev. Leon Carmichael and Rev. Cliff Jenkins will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Guthrie; and numerous aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his wife, Elyse Waller Guthrie of Laurel; parents Betty and Emmett Guthrie of Calhoun; daughters Krista (Daniel) Hyatt and Sabrina (Kevin) Jefcoat, all of Soso; daughter Regina (Shawn) Ryals of Taylorsville; stepdaughter Gini (Paul) Sykes of Homewood, Ala.; brothers Glenn (Janet) Guthrie of Soso and Wayne (Kathy) Guthrie of Wetumpka, Ala.; his precious grandchildren, Angel, Kate, Brianna, Preston, Charlie, Rae, Cara, Addy, Felix, Lily and Clara and numerous other family members.
Ray served his country as a United States Marine. He was in G (golf) company, 2nd battalion, 9th Marines. He received many awards during his tour of duty in Vietnam, including the Vietnam Medal of Valor and two Purple Hearts. Ray also had a God-given talent for art, which was inherited by many of his grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Jeremiah Guthrie, Brandon Gunter, Greg Ezell, Hunter Freeman, Kenny Holland and Kenny Jefcoat. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Fuller, Joe Gordon and Joe Owens.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project of The Disabled Veterans of America.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Rev. Herschel L. Bragg Sr.
Having “served his generation well,” Rev. Herschel Lassiter Bragg Sr., 81, of Ellisville went to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 14, 2013.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church (Highway 29 N, Ellisville) with interment following at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, 5-8 p.m., in the sanctuary of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.
Rev. Bragg was born on April 16, 1932 to the late John L. and Chloe Edna Bragg of Hildebran, N.C. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; brother Arthur Bragg; sister Elizabeth Bragg Smith; and brother John L. Bragg Jr.
Rev. Bragg served in the U.S. Navy as a ship serviceman, 3rd Class, during the Korean War. Following his term in the Navy, Rev. Bragg attended Tennessee Temple Bible College in Chattanooga, Tenn., graduating in 1959 with a ThG degree. An honorary Doctorate of Divinity Degree was bestowed upon Rev. Bragg in 1983 by Florida Bible College in Kissimmee, Fla. He was recently recognized by BEAMS (Bible Education and Missionary Service) for his Christian service.
Rev. Bragg accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior at the young age of 11 and desired to serve the Lord through the pastorate. While attending Bible School, Rev. Bragg served as pastor of two chapels affiliated with Highland Park Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tenn. Following his graduation from Bible School, he pastored churches in Gallup, N.M. (1960-1964), Tupelo (1964-1972) and at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church (1972-2000), where he remained as Pastor Emeritus.
From 2000 until his death, Rev. Bragg continued preaching by serving churches in need of an interim pastor as well as “filling the pulpit” during a pastor’s absence and speaking in revivals and missions conferences. He participated in several missions trips to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Honduras and Peru and looked forward to Vision Ministry’s monthly prison services at Rankin County Prison.
Rev. Bragg’s greatest desire in life was to serve his Savior first and foremost and to be a godly example before his family, friends and those whom he met. He was never ashamed to talk about the Lord and faithfully looked forward to every preaching opportunity that came his way.
Rev. Bragg was employed with McLaurin Carpets, Inc. of Soso at the time of his death.
Rev. Bragg is survived by his wife, Patricia Faye Dycus Bragg of Ellisville; daughter Ruth Compton (Schuyler) of Ellisville; son Herschel L. Bragg Jr. (Jennifer) of Ellisville; three grandchildren, Denver Compton (Colby) of Rustburg, Va., Austin Compton of Ellisville and Ahnna Beth Bragg of Ellisville; great-granddaughter Bryn Compton of Rustburg, Va.; sister Amy Wallace (Wayne) of Hildebran, N.C.; brother David Bragg (Nancy) of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Pallbearers will be Harold Iosty, David McLaurin, Raymond McLaurin, Jimmy Parker, Ken Rustin and Benny Stringer. The deacons, trustees and men of the Adult I Sunday School Class will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to BEAMS, P.O. Box 10200, Gulfport, MS 39505 / (228) 832-1096 for the purchase of Bibles to be supplied to missionaries.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Johnny Powe
Johnny Powe, 94, of Ellisville died Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Monday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Greg Ducker officiating. Burial will be in Ellisville City Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 2-3 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Powe was preceded in death by his father, C.A. Powe, and mother Nellie Anderson Powe; brother Collins Powe; and sisters Ethel Vick and Annie Freeman.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Murphy Powe of Ellisville; daughter Betty Livingston (Brett) of Ellisville; son Randy Powe (Brenda) of Ellisville; granddaughters Brandi and Brittani Powe of Ellisville; brother Cecil Powe (Joyce) of Baytown, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Ellisville United Methodist Church.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Helen Jean Graham Entrekin
Helen Jean Graham Entrekin was born in Laurel on Jan. 22, 1936 to Robert and Gertrude Graham. She died peacefully at her home in Ridgeland on July 13, 2013 after a lengthy illness.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gertrude Graham; her husband, Curtis Entrekin; a sister, Bernice Murphy; a brother, Marion Rudolph Graham; and son-in-law James D. Adrian.
She is survived by her daughters, Connie Martin of Jackson and Vickie Wheelis Wells of Dallas, Texas; two sisters, Geraldine Barnes and her husband Bob, and Sheila Herrington and husband Lyon; sister-in-law Janelle Graham; grandchildren J.T. Parker and wife Julie, Eric Hinson, Mary Helen Abel and husband Jay, Elizabeth Jean Gray and her husband Michael, step-granddaughter Melissa Parker and husband Peter; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Helen was a member of First Baptist Church of Bellville, Texas. She was active with the senior group in Bellville and had many friends there.
Mimi, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren, taught them all the importance of education. During her 50s, she earned her general education diploma, in order to better her options for employment. As a result, she retired from BancorpSouth after having served as head teller. Helen loved the beauty of nature — her flowers and plants were enjoyed by many. Bird feeders, especially hummingbird feeders, abounded in her yard. The sighting of a new bird she did not recognize brought her great joy.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To sign and view guestbook go to www. memorychapellaurel.com.
Victoria ‘Vicky’ Eubanks Glenn
Victoria “Vicky” Eubanks Glenn, 42, of the Sharon Community passed away Friday, July 12, 2013 after a long battle with cancer.
Visitation will be from 5:30-8 p.m. on Monday at First Baptist Church of Sharon. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of Sharon. Burial will at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Revs. Jeff Weathers and Scott Stringer will officiate.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Clarice Eubanks; sister-in-law Mona Eubanks; father-in-law William Hollis Glenn; paternal grandparents Noel and Ellen Eubanks; and maternal grandparents Ernest and Doxie Grafton.
She is survived by her husband, William “Randy” Glen; her son, Thomas Glenn; father Charles Eubanks; brothers Ricky Eubanks and Mickey Eubanks; sister-in-law Angela Hite and her husband Daniel; mother-in-law Evelyn Glenn; nephews Will Eubanks, Sam Eubanks and Wesley Hite; nieces Senca Eubanks, Claire Eubanks, Lily Eubanks, Kaitlyn Hite and Ashley Hite.
Pallbearers will be Albert Short, George Walters, John Howard Robertson, Larry Welborn, Brodie Myrick, Billy Chandler, Chad Kissinger and Ricky Adams.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign guestbook go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Terry Craft
Terry Craft, 94, of Ellisville died Friday, July 12, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev Nonnie Jefcoat will officiate. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m.
She was a member of Plainway Baptist Church. She once owned and operated Terry’s Day Care.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis R. Craft.
She is survived by her children, Virginia Mulder and husband Robert, Moncrief Craft and wife Bobbie; grandchildren Patsy Pruitt, Howard Pruitt, Kathy Majors, Damion Majors, Diane Blackwell, Chuck Blackwell and Lori Rose; great-grandchildren Regina Peacock and husband Curtis, Damion Majors Jr., Justin Schlunaker and wife Heather, Donovan Walters, Ashley Blackwell, Leslie Blackwell, David Rose; great-great-grandchildren Trey Goff and Courtland Groff; and one brother, Henry Johnson Jr.
Pallbearers will be Justin Schlumaker, Donovan Walters, Trey Goff, Courtland Groff, Chuck Blackwell and Alton Brady.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign guestbook go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Charles Kenneth Crocker
The Angels came for Mr. Charles Kenneth Crocker, 77, of Laurel on Friday morning at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Revs D.J. Benson and Valton Douglass will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5-9 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Crocker was a businessman for 50 years at Crocker’s on the Hill. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He was a dedicated supporter of the community and surrounding area. He was a devoted supporter of Kendrick’s Ministers. He was a Christian who loved his family, traveling and fishing. He was a member of Salem Heights Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by mother and father Jimmy and Irene Crocker; and brother Max Crocker.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mildred Crocker; two daughters, Denise Hill and Rhonda Knight and husband Latrelle; six grandchildren, Chad Hill and wife Lauren, Chase Hill, Shay Hill, Daniel Knight, Derick Knight and wife Joelle, Kayla Daley and husband Andrew; three great-grandchildren, Lila Ann Hill, Brayden Connor Daley and Kinsley Adalynn Knight; brothers James Crocker, Don Crocker, Bill Crocker and Hal Crocker; and one sister, Melba Thornton.
Grandchildren we be carrying their granddaddy to his final resting place.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign guestbook, go to www. memorychapellaurel.com.
James Donald Touchstone
James Donald Touchstone, 60, of Laurel died Thursday, July 11, 2013 at his residence.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Lawn Haven Cemetery. Rev. Randy McLeod will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time at Memory Chapel of Laurel on Sunday.
Don was retired from oil field management, an avid drag racer and served in the National Guard. He was a loving husband and benevolent father.
He was preceded in death by his father, Willie E. “Bill” Touchstone Jr.; paternal grandparents Rev. David and Ina Jenkins; maternal grandparents Willie Touchstone Sr. and Mellie Touchstone; sister Mary Ann Touchstone; and nephew Brent Wildman.
Survivors include his mother, Ann Touchstone; faithful loving wife of 38 years Phylis Touchstone; son Philip Touchstone; daughter Mandy Touchstone; brother David Touchstone and wife Elaine; three sisters, Brenda Wildman, Linda Ellzey and husband Richie, and Elaine Johnson and husband Dennis, all of Laurel; and special granddog Zoie.
Pallbearers will be Philip Touchstone, David Touchstone, Eric Johnson, Sam Wildman, Donnie Blackwell and Don Blackwell. Honorary pallbearers will be David Taylor, Dennis Johnson, Tubby Clark and Scotty Walters.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
John ‘Little John’ W. Kirby Jr.
John "Little John" W. Kirby Jr., 70, of Ellisville died Thursday, July 11, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Ellisville Funeral Home. Rev. Kenny Morris will officiate. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
“Little John” loved outdoor activities of all types, especially gardening and fishing. He enjoyed bowling and playing golf.
He was preceded in death by his father, John William Kirby Sr.; mother Nezzie Ivey; and brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Ann Young Kirby of Ellisville; son Scott Kirby (Dena and Eric, Chelsee, Austin, Michael, and Emma) of Ellisville; daughter Melony Shows of Ellisville; grandson Caleb Shows (Kayla and Brantley) of Ellisville; granddaughter Kirsten Kirby of Ellisville; brothers Jerry King of Taylorsville and Jasper Ray Kirby of Chatham, Ala.; special friends Sherrill and Perry Sumrall of Ellisville, Nig and the late Minnie Mae Hall, Burl, David, and Randy Hall, all of Ellisville; Randy and Barbara Thomas (Toni, Jessie and goddaughter Carly Rose of Baton Rouge, La., and Kathy and Clayton Clements of Vancleave. ?
Ellisville Funeral home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Nelson Ray Williams
Nelson Ray Williams, 63, of the Indian Springs Community in Laurel died Wednesday, July 10, 2013 in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Ellisville Funeral Home in Ellisville with Rev. Mike West officiating. Burial will be in Big Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by an infant son and by his father, Willie Raymond Williams.
He is survived by his wife Kay Pitts Williams of Laurel; mother Effie Alberta Dearman; sons Doug Williams and Brent Williams; brothers Will (Sheila) Williams and Raymond Williams; sisters Joyce (Carlos) Patterson, Debbie Williams, Rose Anderson, Donna (Ben) Townsend and Robin (Wayne) Batte; grandchildren Heather, Jacob, Brandon and Brittany Williams, Bradley Carter, Cambree Parker and Chase, Hayden and Cody Williams; great-grandchild Kyleigh Nix. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
He leaves behind his cherished pets Harley and Prissy. He was self-employed and owned Williams Constructions where he laid brick for 40 years.
Pallbearers will be Mike Williams, John Nix, Eddy Wayne Delaughter, Jeff Sumrall, Vince Collins and Robert Odom. Honorary pallbears will be Larry Haley and Shannon Jones
Ellisville Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
John Pat Myers
John Pat Myers, 92, of Laurel died Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Lake Park Hills Cemetery. Father Mike Thornton and Father Ken R. Landry will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. The rosary will be at 7 p.m. Sunday.
Mr. Myers was retired from the Internal Revenue Service and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and also a member of the Knights of Columbus for 75 years. He was also a veteran of the U. S. Army serving during World War II.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph G. C. Myers and Annie Venus Myers; first wife Mary Lucy Myers; brothers George C. Myers, Joseph M. Myers, Tommy Myers, Jimmy Myers and Wiley Myers; and sisters Mary Myers Blackledge, Lucille Myers Charlan and Victoria Rose Myers.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann McLindsay Myers of Laurel; daughter Kathryn Ann Frazier and husband Frank Kermit Frazier of Garland, Texas; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother Charles Myers of New Orleans; sister Catherine Adamo of New Orleans; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be the Knights of Columbus. Honorary pallbearers will be Truman Brogan, John Cox and John Cox.
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus or your favorite charity.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Mary Louise Chandler
Mary Louise Chandler, 60, of Augusta, Kan., passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2013 in Andover.
Closed casket visitation with family will be Sunday 2-4 p.m. at Headley Funeral Chapel and the service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Augusta. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Augusta.
Mary was born in Laurel on Oct. 4, 1952, to the late Helen (Harrison) and Sam Lindsey. On July 10, 1970 in Laurel, she married Harris Chandler, who survives her. In 1974, she received her bachelor's degree in music education from Mississippi State University. She then taught music for 19 years in Augusta.
Mary enjoyed gardening and hand work, and had a passion for music and the Lord. She was a member of SAI, PEO, DAR and BSF.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and granddaughter Lillian.
She is also survived by sons Harris Chandler Jr. and Robby Chandler and wife Bethany, all of Augusta; stepdaughter Shari Kohs of Houston, Texas; brother Sam Lindsey III and wife Diane of St. Marys, Ga.; sister Jane Reed Crawford and husband Bob of Columbus; grandchildren Ariane, Aidan and Braxton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Choir 2420 N. Ohio Augusta, KS 67010.
Jimmy Ray Johnson Jr.
Jimmy Ray Johnson Jr., 59, of Fairhope, Ala., died at home on Wednesday, July 10, 2013.
A celebration service honoring Jimmy’s life will be at Jubilee Shores United Methodist Church in Fairhope, Ala., on Saturday at 1 p.m.
He was born to Oda Lean (Anderson) and Jim Johnson of Laurel on June 9, 1954, first born of a large and loving family of sisters, Mary Jo, Barbara and Darlene, and a brother, Steven. He loved and was loved by a host of extended family including brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Jimmy met and married Jan Adamson Gwin in 2001 and adopted her children as his own. He was blessed with two sons, Alex Gwin and Michael Gwin, as well as a daughter and son-in-law, Kathryn and Nolen Overton. One of Jimmy’s greatest joys were his four beautiful grandchildren, Clinton Bauer, Brantley Bauer, Mia Overton and Allegra Overton.
Jimmy worked with the Social Security Administration as a claims representative until he was forced to retire due to his disability. It nearly broke his heart, but he learned to treasure time with his family at home. The most outstanding aspect of his life was Jimmy’s love of his Lord, Jesus Christ. That faith relationship permeated every aspect of Jimmy’s life. It helped him bear the pain and suffering of paraplegia, created a kind and gentle spirit of strength and character, taught him to love without reservation and gave him a profound testimony of grace-filled living.
Jimmy leaves a group of friends who will never forget his amazing faith and his constant witness to God’s love. Men’s Group on Tuesday evenings lost a true brother.
Please continue his life’s legacy of blessings by sending memorial gifts to Jubilee Shores UMC, his home church, or to UCP Wheels for Humanity which provides wheelchairs worldwide to disabled persons.
Louise Byrd Albritton
Louise Byrd Albritton died peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Home.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery on Highway 184 with Rev. Jim Taylor of First Baptist Church of SoSo officiating.
She was born in Piave (Greene County) on Aug. 12, 1928 as one of eight children of Ethel and Riley E. Byrd. She spent her youth in Wayne County, where she met and married her husband Melton Jackson Albritton, who preceded her in death in 2003.
The Albrittons lived in Laurel, where they reared their four sons and were known for enjoying all the activities associated with their children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Albritton owned and operated a day care center ,where she reared many of Laurel’s children as she did her own and was known as a delightful grandmother with loving influence to guide many young people.
She leaves a legacy of a family she loved and was very proud of the good character of each one of her children, their wives, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons, Andy Jerone Albritton (Pam) of Mount Pleasant, Texas, Stephen Christopher Albritton (Sheila) and Johnathan Shawn Albritton, called Sam, of Laurel.
Mrs. Albritton was preceded in death by her son Joseph Andre Albritton in 2007. His widow Gloria Albritton and their children surviving Louise Albritton are Lyle Albritton and Jeremy Albritton.
She is also survived by her other grandchildren, Leslie Cathleen (Chris) Fender of Vicksburg, Andrew Justin Albritton of Mount Pleasant, Texas, Stephen Christoper (Allison) Albritton of Laurel, Kelly Carmel (Harrison) Gregory of Tupelo, and Johnathan Taylor Albritton and Ashlyn Louise Albritton of Laurel.
Her great-grandchildren surviving her are Jackson Bryant Fender and Wyatt Lee Fender of Vicksburg, Ethan Ramsey Albritton and Andrew James Albritton of Laurel, and Evelyn Steele Gregory of Tupelo.
Pallbearers will be her sons and grandsons.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations for Louise Albritton may be made to the Laurel Garden Club, P.O. Box 4081, Laurel, MS 39441; for Gardiner Park.
Mario Gerardo Regalado
Mario Gerardo Regalado, 31, of Ellisville died Sunday, July 7, 2013 in Ellisville.
Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home. Following visitation Mr. Regalado will return to Mexico for funeral services and for burial.
Mario is remembered as a happy man who enjoyed being around his family and friends. He enjoyed music and spending time outdoors with those close to him. His family encourages all who knew him to remember how he enjoyed life.
Mario is survived by his wife, Melva Reyes Regalado of Ellisville; father Jose Ines Regalado of San Pedro, Coahuila, Mexico; mother Genoveva Gaytan Rendon of San Pedro, Coahuila, Mexico; brothers Jose Regalado (Veronica) of Taylorsville, Homero Regalado and Ramiro Regalado; sisters Araceli Regalado and Mayra Regalado; and best friends Rodrigo and Frankie Gonzalez of Ellisville.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Mason O’Neal Everett
Mason O’Neal Everett, infant son of Jonathan and Myia Everette of Laurel, died at University Medical Center in Jackson on Tuesday, July 9, 2013. Graveside services will be today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery No. 2. Bay Springs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
John ‘Trey’ William Wilkinson III
John “Trey” William Wilkinson III, 24, of Laurel died Monday, July 8, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens. Revs. Doug Blackledge and Wayne Blackledge will officiate. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel
Trey worked for Clarko Contracting as a painter/sandblaster. He was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing and gigging.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Calvin Rushing and John Wilkinson; and grandmother Mary Wilkinson.
He is survived by his parents, John and Nell Wilkinson of Laurel; sister Danielle Herron, brother-in-law David Herron, niece Paris Hicks and nephew Peyton Herron, all of Laurel; grandmother Mary Rushing of Pine Prairie, La.; and a host of family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Jeremy Walters, Steve Walters, Lee Manning, Ethan Wimberly, Ryan Scarbrough, Brandon Masckew, Ryan Doggett and B. J. Gautreaux.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Andrea C. Prine
Andrea C. Prine, 46, of Laurel died Monday, July 8, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Catholic Church, with burial to follow in Lebanon Cemetery. Father Mike Thornton will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday and the rosary will be at 7 p.m. Friday.
Ms. Prine was a teacher at West Jones High School and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Taylor and both sets of grandparents.
Survivors include her mother, Christa Taylor of Laurel; one daughter, Samantha Prine of Laurel and one sister, Deborah Pinkham of Ocean Springs.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Jim Wade Carlisle
Mr. Jim Wade Carlisle, 70, of Vossburg left this earth to meet his Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 6, 2013. He passed away at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
A memorial service will be on Sunday, July 14 at 3 p.m. at Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Heidelberg. Family and welcomed guests may visit at the church at 2 p.m. prior to the 3 p.m. service.
Mr. Carlisle was a member of Pisgah Presbyterian Church of Heidelberg and was a 32nd degree Mason. He was a successful insurance salesman for many years and enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends. He was generous and kind and never met a stranger. Over the years, Jim Wade enjoyed hunting, fishing and was an avid gardener. He had many friends and will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert M. Carlisle Sr. and Doris King Carlisle; brother Robert M. Carlisle Jr.; and grandparents Mr. and Mrs. J. E. King Sr. of Heidelberg.
Survivors Include his daughter, Michelle Carlisle Brewer of Louin; granddaughter Hannah Grace Garvin of Louin; sister Mary Anne (Jon) Blanchette of Bay St. Louis; niece DeShea Forman of Dallas; nephews Michael Carlisle of Gulfport and Jason Blanchette of Pass Christian; special uncles J. E. King Jr. of Heidelberg and J. W. King of Dallas; former wife and friend Glynda Brownlee Carlisle of Bay Springs.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Billy Joe Mosley
Billy Joe Mosley, 77, of Ellisville died Saturday, July 6, 2013 at Covington County Hospital in Collins. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Ellisville City Cemetery with Rev. David Parker officiating. Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Willie Mae Smith
On Sunday, July 7, 2013, Willie Mae Smith of Ellisville, MS joined her Lord and Savior. She would have celebrated her 100th birthday this year.
Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday at West Ellisville Baptist Church with funeral services to follow at 3 p.m. Interment will take place in Ellisville City Cemetery.
Willie Mae was a virtuous woman for her price was far above rubies (Proverbs 31:10). She was the heart of Virgil O. Gregory and Robert Lee Smith, as well as to her father and mother, Daniel and Dora Robinson, and her six brothers: Guy, Alford (Donis), Paul (Elizabeth), Darrow (Jannette), Joe (Alphretta) and Buford (Elsie). She loved gardening, family and ministering to others.
She earned her nursing degree from Ellisville School of Nursing and was employed at Community Hospital in Laurel for more than 40 years.
Willie Mae was a long time and faithful member of West Ellisville Baptist Church.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” (Proverbs 31:28) Willie Mae is survived by her four children, Bonnie Gregory Davis (Oyd), Shelbie Smith Pickering Craft (Glen), Virginia Smith James (Jay) and James Robert Smith (Joy). She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Her loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends were blessings, upon blessings, to her.
Memorial donations may be made to West Ellisville Baptist Church or Gideons International (www.gideons.org).
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:30-31)
Willie Mae Smith was the complete picture of True JOY, where she served Jesus and Others before herself (You).
The family wishes to thank all nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who helped her live in her home for many years.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Harold Lynn Ballard
Harold Lynn Ballard, 60, died of an extended illness on July 6, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
A memorial service will be Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and a service will follow at 10 a.m.
Mr. Ballard was a former truck driver who worked for Davis Transportation of Laurel and Hornady Truck Lines of Monroeville, Ala. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sharon for many years and was passionate about hunting and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L. C. “Red” Ballard and Patsy Ballard of the Shady Grove community.
Mr. Ballard is survived by his son, Joel Ballard of Sharon; and one granddaughter, Sierra Ballard; three sisters, Elaine Elsner and husband Warren, Betty Waldrup and husband Harlan, Renea Adams and husband Mark; and two brothers, Gene Ballard and Jerry Ballard; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Memory Chapel will be in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Emmie Lou Green
Emmie Lou Green, 89, formerly of McLain, died Friday, July 5, 2013 at her daughter’s residence in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at McLain Cemetery in McLain. Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel. Mr. Ronnie Holifield will officiate.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of McLain and Eastview Baptist Church in Laurel. She served her Lord faithfully. She was a retired school teacher, having taught for 40 years at Holmes Community College, Beaumont High School, Leakesville High School and McLain High School.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles C. “Boots” Green.
She is survived by one son, Greg C. Green and wife Frankie R. Green of Petal, and one daughter, Teresa Green Browning, all of Laurel; one sister, Annette Wells Davis of Vancleave; three grandchildren, Kyla Green James, Macie Browning and McKenzie George.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons International at P.O. Box 2596, Laurel, MS 39442.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
William Clifton Yarborough
William Clifton Yarborough, 72, of Laurel died Monday, July 1, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Faith Chapel Church on Poole Creek Road in Laurel. Brother Dennis Middleton will officiate.
Mr. Yarborough enjoyed traveling to Alaska, trapping, meat processing (making homemade deer sausage), church and church family. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and with his son-in-law, Chris Cobb.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W. D. Yarborough and Lorena Yarborough; and a daughter, Kammie Yarborough Cobb.
Mr. Yarborough is survived by his son, Andy Hodge of Laurel; daughter Joe Ann James of Millry, Ala.; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister Evon Rose of Ellisville; niece Tommie Carol of Waynesboro; and wife Verlie Yarborough of Laurel.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.colonialchapellarel.com.
James Kendrick McMinn
James Kendrick McMinn, 86, of Bay Springs died Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at Pioneer Hospital in Newton.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Friday at Lake Como Baptist Church in Bay Springs. Burial will be in Lake Como Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. at the church.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Wesley McMinn; mother Annie Mae McMinn; and wife Ivy McMinn.
Survivors include sons: Rev. Kenny (Linda) McMinn of Laurel and Jim (Franna) McMinn of Bay Springs; daughters Joy (Charles) Gomillion of Meridian, Anita (Ed) Schmidt of Wesson and Rhonda (Randy) Stringer of Bay Springs; sister Cecelia Tiner of Red Bank; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Clint Stringer, Kenny McMinn Jr., Eric Stringer, C.J. Schmidt, Andy Schmidt and Chris Schmidt.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Zellowain Cooley
Graveside services were Monday for Mrs. Zellowain Cooley, 80, of Ovett, who died on June 28, 2013 at her residence.
Interment was in White House Cemetery in Clara, with Bro. Greg Hillman officiating.
Pallbearers were Shaun Brewer, Justin McCarty, Thomas Moore, Daryl McCarty, John Walker, Curtis Walker and alternate Brad Pickering.
She is survived by her daughter, Regina Pickering of Laurel; two brothers, James T. McCarty and Albert R. McCarty, both of Waynesboro; three sisters, Alice Jones, Eula Lee Singleton and Jean Beasley, all of Waynesboro.
Jones & Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.jonesandsonfh.com.
Russell Stuart Nix
Russell “Rus” Stuart Nix, 45, passed away at his home on Tuesday, July 2, 2013.
Memorial services will be at First Baptist Church in Ellisville on Friday at 11 a.m. The body will be placed in the church at 10:30 a.m. The place of burial will be at Lakewood Cemetery in Jackson at 3 p.m. Friday.
Born on Jan. 21, 1968 in Jackson to Mr. Curt Nix and Mrs. Jan G. Delk, Rus attended R. H. Watkins High School in Laurel.
In 1986, Rus joined the U. S. Army and became a veteran of war after serving three tours of duty.
Rus was enrolled in the culinary arts program at Jones County Junior College in Ellisville and serving as a part-time chef at the Hattiesburg Country Club. Rus had a passion for cooking and had future plans of opening his own catering company. During his spare time, Rus enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking and spending time with his family.
Rus was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Laurel and a member at First Baptist Church of Ellisville.
He was preceded in death by a son, Ian Nix.
Survivors include Rus’ wife of 20 years, Dory Rigdon Nix, as well as his children, Erik Nix, Angie Nix and Evan Nix. Other survivors include his parents, Mr. Curt Nix and Mrs. Jan G. Delk; sister Ms. Cindi Nix; and two nieces, Jan Jefcoat Reeves and Anna Jefcoat.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James ‘Rick’ Manns
James “Rick” Manns, 57, of Sandersville died Sunday, June 30, 2013 in Sandersville.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
Brother Bo Burroughs will officiate. Burial will be in Blackledge Cemetery in Laurel.
Mr. Manns enjoyed horses, canoeing, weight lifting, loved to be outside and working in his shop. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, James A. Manns; and sister Vickie Lynn Manns.
Mr. Manns is survived by his mother, Ora Manns of Sandersville; sons Logan Manns of Ellisville, Airman 1st Class Chase Manns of Ellisville (serving in Adana,Turkey) and Ross Manns of Sandersville; daughters Maegan Manns of Ellisville, Katie Manns of Laurel, Misty Carter of Biloxi and Joy Speed of McComb; seven grandchildren; brother Ronnie Manns of Sandersville; and three nephews.
Serving as pallbearers are Logan Manns, Chase Manns, Jared Gatlin, Chris Manns, Justin Manns and Aaron Mann.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Albert Randel Hendrix Sr.
Aug. 17, 1946-June 28, 2013
On June 28, 2013 Dr. Albert Randel, “Randy” Hendrix, 66, died due to cancer at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg. His death followed a long history of service to others having served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, 36 years in the Mississippi Department of Mental Health followed by teaching at William Carey University in Hattiesburg and consulting with mental health agencies.
Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Mount Olive Methodist Church located in the Whitfield community of Jones County. Rev. David Hagan will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mount Olive Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday.
Dr. Hendrix was born in Panola County to Howard Roy and Marjorie Corrine Hendrix. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education at the University of Mississippi. Upon receiving his master’s degree he went to work at Ellisville State School as a special education teacher/grants writer. He later received his Ph. D. in special education from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 1975 he became Director of the North Miss. Regional Center (Oxford) being the youngest director of a major facility in the nation. While there he taught adjunct for Ole Miss. Later Dr. Hendrix became Chief of the Bureau of Mental Retardation (Intellectual Disabilities) serving simultaneously as Director of NMRC. In November of 1986 he was appointed Executive Director of the MS Department of Mental Health from which he retired in 2007. He was the longest serving executive director of a state mental health department in the U.S. While serving as executive director, the state was able to broadly expand and improve services by both improving institutional services as well as expanding services within the community to persons with psychiatric?and cognitive disorders as well as their families.
He was a strong proponent of professional development of employees facilitating such opportunities. He was quite active in related professional organizations. While serving in the DMH, Dr. Hendrix was the recipient of multiple honors and awards both by professional and volunteer organizations in mental health as well as governmental organizations. Upon his retirement he and his family moved to Jones County where he became involved in raising cattle and teaching as an adjunct professor in psychology at William Carey University in Hattiesburg coordinating internships for undergraduate gerontology students in long term care facilities. He was an active member of the Ellisville Rotary Club. He served as a member of the board of the MS Department of Health and the MS Department of Rehabilitative Services. He served on the Pine Belt?Airport board.
Dr. Hendrix was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sandy; four children, Jo Ellen Townsend (Jeffrey James Townsend Sr. ), Sarah Elizabeth Marshall (Justin Joe), Albert “Randel” Hendrix Jr. (Christina “Chrissie” Holston Hendrix) and Sandra Louise Hendrix (soon-to-be son-in-law John A. Augusto). In?addition, he had three granddaughters, Grace Abbigail Townsend, Jessica Elizabeth Townsend (baby-to-be Kate Elizabeth Marshall; and two grandsons, Jeffrey James Townsend Jr. and Holston “Holt” Randel Hendrix. Additional survivors were sister Louise Thomas of Bartlett, Tenn., Jamie Hendrox of Pope and Tommy and Bud Hendrix of Batesville.
In lieu of flowers, people are asked to donate to either the Mississippi Department Of Mental Health “Dr. Albert Randel Hendrix, Sr. employee appreciation fund” at 1101 Robert E. Lee Building, 239 N. Lamar Street, Jackson, MS 39201 (Phone: 601-359-1288. Fax: 601359-6295) or to the American Cancer Society at 1380 Livingston Ln., Jackson, MS 39213. (Phone: 601 362-8874).
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Hendrix’s body died on the 28th. Because of his contributions to others he will never die as his memories and principles will pass from generation to generation.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Weedell A. Rahaim Morad
Weedell A. Rahaim Morad, 95, of Waynesboro, formerly of Laurel, died Saturday at Wayne General Hospital. Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Father Michael Thornton will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5 – 7 p.m. The rosary will be at 7 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Mrs. Rahaim was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She enjoyed cooking and loved mission giving.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy P. Morad Sr.; son Anthony Morad; brother Deeb Rahaim; and great-grandson Taylor Morad.
She is survived by a daughter, Joyce McRae of Waynesboro; son Roy Morad Jr. of Laurel; stepmother Effie Schmersahl; half-brothers Kaleel Rahaim and George Rahaim; three grandchildren, Mark Morad, Jerry McRae Jr. and Stacy Hudson; six grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Knight of Columbus will serve as pallbearers. To view and sign guestbook go to www. memorychapellaurel.com.
Margie Ree ‘Tutt’ Barnett
Margie Ree “Tutt” Barnett, 76, of Soso passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Mount Vernon M.B. Church in Soso with burial to follow in the church’s cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the church. Young’s Funeral Home in Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements.
Parker Grace Watson
Parker Grace Watson, infant daughter of Will and Cassie Watson of Heidelberg, was born and died Monday, June 24, 2013 at University Medical Center in Jackson. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13 at McGill Cemetery near Sandersville. Bro. Bill Ross will officiate.
Parker is survived by her parents, William Gary Watson II and Cassie Parker Watson of Heidelberg; sister Erin Elizabeth Watson of Sand Hill; grandparents Wayne and Reba Parker of Heidelberg and Gary and Vicky Watson of Sand Hill.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
William Sylvester ‘Bill’ Langley
William Sylvester “Bill” Langley went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 18, 2013. He was 66 years young. He was a veteran who was proud and supportive of our Armed Forces.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 6, at Strengthford First Baptist Church, where he was a member. Services will be led by Brother Mack Carney and Brother Chad Carney.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Zebbiedee Luke Langley and Zella Pitts Langley.
He is survived by his wife, Lana; sons Hunter and Dakota Langley of Waynesboro; daughter Melissa Donaghue (Jerry); one grandson and two great-grandchildren of Mobile, Ala.; four sisters, Nella Sanders (Jack) of Laurel, Nancy Milhollin (Bob) of Biloxi, Peggy Payne of Kennesaw, Ga. and Minnie Loutzenheiser (Roy) of Cookeville, Tenn.; brother Luke Langley of Ellisville; and several nieces and nephews.
He will be missed by his family and friends, but we will reunited one day.
Memory Chapel was in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Robert L. ‘Bob’ Davidson
Robert L. “Bob” Davidson of Laurel went to be with the Lord Monday, June 24, 2013 at his residence.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel. Funeral services will be at Bethlehem Baptist Church at 2 p.m. Thursday with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Dr. Cary Kimbrell and Rev. Gerald Henderson will officiate, and Brother Keith Davis will lead the music.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Norma Davidson of Sebastopol.
Survivors include his wife of 49 ½ years, Mildred Smith Davidson; son Bobby Davidson (Lori) of Bartlett, Tenn.; son Chris Davidson (Sandy) of Mize; daughter Lynn Nicholson (Trent) of Columbia,; brother Billy Paul Davidson (Dodie); sisters Betsy Barnett (Freddie), Jeanene Maxwell, Lynda Holcomb, Regina Douglas (Hugh) and Kathy McElveen (Jeff).
Bob taught school at Northeast Jones High School for 32 years, where he was the first teacher in industrial arts and mechanical drawing and later taught cooperative education (DECA) and took students to national competitions for 10 years. He retired in 1992. He then contracted with Coca-Cola repairing scoreboards. Bob was a member, deacon and Senior Adult Sunday school teacher at Bethlehem Baptist Church. He was a loving and compassionate person who found enjoyment in helping others any way he could. For 22 years he went on mission trips to Mexico with his church.
Bob loved to travel and spend time with his family.
He was extremely proud of his grandchildren, Casey Davidson, (Ashley) of Hattiesburg; Zach Davidson (fiancé Caitlyn) of Laurel; Hayley Davidson of Laurel; Amanda and Alex Davidson of Bartlett, Tenn.; Jody Davidson of Oxford; and Taylor, Baylie and Ashlee Nicholson of Columbia.
Pallbearers will be Casey, Zach, Jody and Alex Davidson, Trent Nicholson and Jerome Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers will be Rhett Reid, Tom Rushton, Larry West and Bob Smiley.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Mary Gardiner Tims
Mary Gardiner Tims died June 23, 2013, at North Mississippi Medical Center after an illness of about three months. She was 30.
Visitation will be Tuesday 5-7 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. in the Parish Hall of All Saints Episcopal Church. Services will follow at 3 p.m. at All Saints, with the Rev. Paul Stephens, the Rev. Stanford Adams, the Rev. Gene Asbury and the Rev. Jim Curtis participating. Her ashes will be interred on the Ole Miss campus, at her family's summer home in Daphne, Ala. and at St. Francis Chapel at Kanuga, the Episcopal Conference Center in Western North Carolina.
She was the beloved daughter of Pamela Cox and Otis Tims and the devoted sister and best friend of Elisabeth Clark Tims, all of Tupelo.
“MG,” as she was known to her many friends, loved the Episcopal Church. She was baptized in St. Peter's, Oxford, and was a lifelong communicant of All Saints, Tupelo, where she served for many years as an acolyte team captain. In her youth, she frequently attended the Annual Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi and enjoyed the 1994 General Convention of the Episcopal Church in Indianapolis.
Mary Gardiner will be remembered by her diverse groups of friends for her powerful personality and intense love of life and as a delightful conversationalist.
An honors graduate of Tupelo High School, she studied literature and religions at The University of Mississippi. She was an avid Ole Miss football fan and enjoyed introducing new students to the University as an Ole Miss Ambassador.
Mary Gardiner was known for her keen interest and active participation in the performing arts. An actor, singer and dancer, she appeared in numerous Tupelo Community Theatre productions, beginning at age 9 with a role in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” She appeared in adult productions as well as youth productions and took special pleasure in her role as Winifred in “Once Upon A Mattress.” She had leading roles in many Tupelo High School theater productions. In addition to on-stage performance, she found fulfillment in the technical aspects of theatre, often working as a stage manager or assistant. She directed one Tupelo Community Theatre Summer Youth Production. She enjoyed and closely followed the New York theatre scene and developed a deep knowledge of Broadway musicals, especially the works of Stephen Sondheim. Before her recent illness, she was studying in the Theatre Department at the University of Southern Mississippi.
In addition to her parents and sister, she leaves an uncle, Arthur Anderson Cox (Mary Anne) of Naples, Fla.; an aunt, Elva Kaye Lance (Kent Payne) of Starkville; her stepmother, Susan Tims of Tupelo; her step-siblings, John Morris (Jennifer) of Knoxville, Tenn., George Booth III (Stephanie) of Greenville, S.C., Catherine Lacey Booth of New York, N.Y. and Emily Roth (Andrew) of New York; her maternal great-aunts Elsie Allums of Winter Park, Fla., and Robbie Clark (Gene Walters) of Centerville; her cousin Dana Lance (Santiago Doyhenard) of Miami, Fla.; and her god-parents Wylly Stirling of Mobile, Ala., Jill Niell of Boston and Tom Pittman of Hernando.
Her grandparents were the late Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Anderson Cox of Marco Island, Fla., and the late Mr. and Mrs. William Elzie Tims of Waynesboro. She was descended from the earliest English settlers of New York, whose farms included the area now known as the Hamptons, as well as from a pioneer South Mississippi lumbering family.
Gifts in memory of Mary Gardiner may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, Tupelo or to Kanuga Conferences, Inc., Hendersonville, N.C.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
Ann Strickland
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Jones and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Moselle for Mrs. Ann Strickland, 82, of Ellisville, who died June 23, 2013 at her residence.
Pastor Dan Atkinson will officiate at the services and burial will follow in the Ellisville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday at Jones & Son Funeral Home.
She was preceded in death by sons William Strickland and Fred Strickland; daughters Lynda Sanders and Dianne Jones; son-in-law Albert Wentzel; and grandson Albert Wentzel Jr.
Survivors include her husband, Lewis Strickland of Ellisville; daughters Cynthia Wentzel of Trinity, Texas and Jean Foreman of Baytown, Texas; son-in-law James Jones of Ellisville; daughters-in-law Michelle Strickland of Ellisville and Wanda Strickland of Baytown, Texas; sister Reba Whitley of Quitman; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Jones & Son Funeral Home in Moselle is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.jonesandsonfh.com.
Hazel Hill Murray
Hazel Hill Murray, 86, of Gitano passed peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Saturday June 22, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Old Antioch Baptist Church with burial to follow in Coats Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel. Rev. Robbie White will officiate. Mrs. Murray will be placed in the Church at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Mrs. Murray was a homemaker and caregiver for countless numbers of family members and friends over the course of her life. She was also a bus driver for the Jones County School District for a number of years. She dearly loved her family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin D. Murray; her parents, Ben Hill and Maude Musgrove Hill; a sister, Rubena Hill Jefcoat; and a granddaughter, Karen Michelle Holifield.
She is survived by one daughter, Kathy Murray Holifield (Charles) of Gitano; one son, David Michael Murray (Joyce) of Gitano; five grandchildren, Kristen Holifield Martin (Daryl), Kelly Holifield Cantrell, David Bradley Murray (Melissa), Joy Murray Rudder (Trey) and David Lane Hollington; six great- grandchildren, Sarah Layne Cantrell, Levi Cantrell, Andrey Martin, Elizabeth Murray, David Bradley Murray, Maycee Rudder; brother Howard Hill; a special sister-in-law, Ondean Murray; a special niece, Freida Jefcoat Merchant; and a host of other nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Ned Hinton, Trey Rudder, Jonathan Lockhart, Jimmy Lockhart, Bruce Merchant, Ken Welch, David Layne Hollington, Bill Wade and Daniel Johnston.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Old Antioch Baptist Church.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Amos ‘Roland’ Wade
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Jones & Son Chapel in Richton for Mr. Amos “Roland” Wade, 33, of Petal who died at his residence on Wednesday, June 19, 2013.
Brother Shane Giadrosich and Brother Colby Meadows will officiate with burial in the Welcome Home Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Billy Springer, Matt Lake, Russ Malone, Justin Malone, Daniel Wade, Tyler Wade and Jimmy Wade.
Roland was born in Laurel on July 18,1979. He worked as a millwright for 15 years and was currently employed at Siemens Energy as a field supervisor.
Roland was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Bonnie Wade of Ovett.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Melissa Knight Wade of Petal, sons Gavin Wade and Dustin Welsh and daughter Addalee Wade, all of Petal; mother Madge Wade of Richton; father David A. Wade of Ovett; stepmother Brenda Webb of Ohio; brothers David Wade Jr. of Ovett, and Lleland Grant Wade of Ohio; a sister, Kandace Wade Alloway of Ohio; grandfather Amos A. Wade of Ovett and maternal grandmother Alice Kittrell of Richton; and a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Jones and Son Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Charles Dewayne Barnett
A memorial service for Charles Dewayne Barnett, 47, of Mount Olive will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Lilly Valley M.B. Church in Mount Olive. Rev. Tyrone Spencer will be officiating. Young’s Funeral Home in Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements.
Major (ret.) William H. ‘Jack’ Casey
Major (ret.) William H. “Jack” Casey, 82, of Laurel died Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at home.
A private family memorial will be at a later date.
Mr. Casey was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Michael Casey; four brothers and a sister.
Mr. Casey is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doris “Dot” Casey of Laurel; four daughters, Rosemarie (Steve) Magner of Griffin, Ga., Becky (Steve) Sherwin of Laurel, Melanie (Chris) Red of Carriere and Jacalyn (Jean-Paul) O’Neal of Mandeville, La.; daughter-in-law Cindy Casey of Mountain Brook, Ala.; nine grandchildren, Michael Casey of Hoover, Ala., Seth Sherwin of Nashville, Tenn., Heather Sherwin Krout, of Laurel, Casey Magner, Brett Magner and Ty Magner, all of Athens, Ga., Graham Robinson of Laurel, Chase Robinson of Poplarville and Grace O’Neal of Mandeville, La.; and two great-grandchildren, Katie Grace Krout and Kyalynn Olivia Robinson, both of Laurel; and a sister, Margenia O’Neal of Destin, Fla.
Mr. Casey was born June 24, 1930 in Jacksonville, Ala. He was a graduate of Jacksonville State University. He enlisted in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean conflict. He was commissioned an officer in the Army and assigned to Fort Benning, Ga. Other duty assignments included Fort Belvoir, Va., Heidelberg and Hanau, Germany, Fort Irvin, Calif., Vietnam, ROTC at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Ky., Monterey, Calif., Panama Canal Zone and Fort Knox, Ky.
Following his retirement from the Army, Mr. Casey served as the JROTC director at R. H. Watkins High School in Laurel from 1977 until his retirement from the Laurel City Schools in 1996.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James Randall Pilgrim
James Randall Pilgrim, 49, of Odessa, Ukraine, died Sunday, June 9, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springs. Burial will be in Edon Baptist Church. Speakers for the memorial service are Mr. Rufus Rayner and Mr. Wendell James. Visitation will be on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel .
Mr. Pilgrim enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, shooting sports, motorcycling, golf and working toward getting his pilot’s license.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathleen Pilgrim; sister Lorraine Bragg; and niece Lisa Renee Gray.?
Survivors include his father, F. M. Pilgrim of Bay Springs; daughter Nicole Journagan (William) of Bay Springs; grand daughter Jayla Ann Pilgrim of Bay Springs; brother Manuel Pilgrim (Sharon) of Florence; nephew Jason Pilgrim (Marsha) of Florence; niece Stephanie Pilgrim of Florence; brother-in-law David Bragg of Pearl; special aunt Dorothy McDonald of Bay Springs; Nicole's mother Erin Roberts of Shankio, Ore.; Stepson Christopher Repasky; and a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.?
Serving as pallbearers are Bruce Pilgrim, Brian Pilgrim, Arnold Ray Pilgrim, Thomas Pitts, Doug Hendry and Alan Sims. Honorary pallbearers are Morris Pitts, Doug Blackwell, Mike Blackwell, Johnny Kroner and all of his pipeline friends and co-workers.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements.
Metta Ree Landrum Carter
Metta Ree Landrum Carter of Laurel, born May 11, 1925, died Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at Lynwood Senior Care in Laurel.
The wake will be Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. On Saturday, the body will be placed in the Antioch United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. The funeral will be at 11 a.m., with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Glenn Freeman and Rev. Mark Barfield will be officiating.
She was a long-time member of Antioch United Methodist Church and attended Eastlawn United Methodist Church while living in Pascagoula.
She was a loving, caring and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Marion Landrum and Alma Taylor Landrum; brother James Marion Landrum; and husband Robert Wiley Carter.
She is survived by two daughters, Delores Ann Carter of Pascagoula and Janie Ree (Richard L.) Ward of Laurel; one sister, Edith Mae Lewis of Laurel; two grandsons, John Robert (Brooke) Ward and Justin Carter Ward of Laurel; two great-grandsons, Keagan Austin Ward and Garrett Cole Ward of Laurel; and a host of relatives and friends.
The pallbearers will be John Robert Ward, Justin Carter Ward, Mark Lewis, Douglas Walters, Preston Tucker, Tennon Tucker, Keagan Ward and Cole Ward. Honorary pallbearers will be Farris Shows, Dr. Charles D. Cannon and the Angels Sunday School Class.
The family would like to express special thanks to Nila Conn, owner of Lynnwood Senior Care, and her wonderful staff for the extraordinary and loving care they gave our precious mother. We just cannot say enough good things about you. We would also like to thank Deaconess Hospice.
Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Jack H. Taylor
Jack H. Taylor, 84, of Soso passed away on June 18, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Visitation will be Thursday, 1-3 p.m. at Wright's Funeral Home in Quitman. Funeral services will be on Thursday at 3 p.m. at Wright's Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charles Jones officiating. Burial will take place in the Pine Hill Church Cemetery.
Mr. Taylor started Taylor's Sewing Center more than 40 years ago and retired in 2000. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Jack is survived by his wife of 64 years, Irma Taylor; son Jack H. "Jackie" (Teresa) Taylor Jr.; daughters Linda (Ricky) Hosey and Elaine (Dale) Holifield; eight grandchildren, Tonya Farris and husband Tom, Jason Hosey and wife Beth, Dana Greenleaf and husband Joseph, Chris Holifield and wife Brandi, Chad Hosey, Tiffany Pickering and husband Heath, Shawn Taylor and Brianna Jalalzadeh and husband Arthur; nine great-grandchildren, Dillon and Luke Dou`get, Hunter and Jackson Holifield, Caroline, Olivia and Elizabeth Hosey, Kinsley Jalalzadeh and Jax Taylor.
He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Lacy Hosey; parents Fred and Cynthia Taylor; brothers Dupree Taylor and S. K. Taylor; and sister, Myrnard Ramia.
Pallbearers will be Jason Hosey, Chad Hosey, Shawn Taylor, Joseph Greenleaf, Tom Farris and Heath Pickering.
Online condolences can be given at www.wrightsfuneral.com.
Edwin Cassell
Edwin Cassell, 81, of Taylorsville died Sunday, June 16, 2013 at the VA Hospital in Jackson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Summerland Baptist Church in Taylorsville. Burial will be in Summerland Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Cassell loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed yard work, including mowing lawns for the public and church. He contributed many hours of work for his church, Summerland Baptist.
He was preceded in death by parents Harry and Martha Albriton Cassell; and brothers Billy Cassell and Howard Lee Cassell.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma Wells Cassell of Taylorsville; sons Edwin “Tinker” Cassell Jr. (Tina) of Ocean Springs, Clifton Cassell (Joy) of Arlington, Texas, Wayne Cassell of Hattiesburg and Mark Cassell of Taylorsville; daughter Wanda Gentry (Tommy) of Vicksburg; grandchildren Elliot Cassell, Evan Cassell, Josh Blain, Nick Blain, Shawn Gentry, Logan Cassell, Hanna Cassell, Brett Cassell, Matt Cassell, Kendra Cassell, Austin Cassell, Lindy Cochran and Delane Pressly; five great-grandchildren; brothers Jim Cassell (Lillie) of Port Gibson and Harry Cassell (Kaye) of Taylorsville; sisters Betty Ratliff (Orla) of Oklahoma City, Okla., Mary Minter (Peyton) of Madill, Okla., Clara Huesbch of Madill, Okla. and Veva Massey (David) of Euless, Texas.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.??
Mae Eleanor Freeman Moye
Mae Eleanor Freeman Moye passed away on June 18, 2013 at O’Sullivan’s Care Facility.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Memory Chapel in Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10 a.m.
A lifelong resident of Laurel, she was born on Nov. 4, 1923 to Milton Hilliard Freeman and Eva Mae Gordon Freeman.
A graduate of George S. Gardiner High School in 1940, Mae Eleanor went on to attend Jones County Junior College, where she was selected by her peers as homecoming queen in 1942. After graduating from Jones, she attended the University of Mississippi, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, earning a BS Degree in education with a minor in French in 1943.
In February of 1944, she married her high school sweetheart, Lt. James Moye of Laurel. While her husband served as a pilot in the Army Air Corp during World War II, Mae taught fifth-grade English in the Laurel Schools. After the war, she moved with her husband to Memphis while he finished his studies at the Southern School of Optometry. While in Memphis, Mae taught school and worked for the Department of Public Welfare.
Upon Dr. Moye’s graduation, the couple returned to Laurel, where Mae Eleanor turned her attention to her two daughters and the various community organizations that she loved. The Moyes were founding members of both Trinity Presbyterian Church and Covenant Presbyterian Church. While a member of Trinity, Mae served as president of the Women of the Church and taught Sunday school.
Active in both community and state organizations, Mrs. Moye participated and served in various groups such as the Laurel Junior Auxiliary, DAR, Colonial Dames of Mississippi, the Guild of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Jones County Republican Women and the Laurel Little Theater. Mae also served as president of the Northwood Garden Club and the YWCA. She continued to serve on the Y Board for many years after she finished her term as president. Mae Eleanor also worked tirelessly alongside her husband in the Mississippi Republican Party. Never straying far from her background in education, she was also instrumental in helping start the first Special Education Classes in the Laurel Schools.
Mrs. Moye is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and her husband of 68 years, Dr. James Moye. She is survived by two daughters, Marilyn Moye Thoms (Joel) of Petal and Jamie Moye Farber (Brad) of St. Peters, Mo.; she has six grandchildren, Marcy Thoms Scoggins (Kirk) of Madison, Joel S. Thoms Jr. (Leigh Ann) of Petal, Kirk W. Thoms (Catherine) of Tupelo, Stephanie Farber Dunn (Ryan) of St. Petersburg, Fla., Chris Garber and David Farber of St. Peters, Mo.; and eight great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Owen Bowen, Ken McCaskill, Kirk Scoggins, Joel Thoms, J. J. Thoms and Kirk Thoms.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church or a charity of choice.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Charles S. Woodward
Charles S. Woodward, 72, of Ellisville died Monday, June 17, 2013 at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Thursday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Andy Scott officiating. Burial will be in County Line Baptist Church Cemetery in Ovett. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
He loved to tell the story of Jesus and spending time with his family, especially fishing and hunting with his grandkids. He was a hard worker who never met a stranger and loved to make people laugh.? He was a member of County Line Baptist Church in Ovett and worked in the oil industry with Free State Tools.? He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Jacob and Bertha May Woodward; wife Mollie Ruth Dement Woodward; son David Woodward; grandson Chance Woodward; sister Vivian McCardle; brother C.J. Woodward; and stepmother Corene Blue Woodward.
Survivors include his daughters Loretta Tolbert (Lee) of Ellisville and Tanya McLaurin (Michael) of Ellisville; son Duran Woodward (Theresa) of Ellisville; sisters Barbara Ellis of Hattiesburg, Shirley Upshaw (Toby) of Richton, Velma Edwards (Russell) of Petal; six grandchildren, Joshua Tolbert, Shawn Tolbert, Adley McLaurin, Ashlyn McLaurin, April Norris and Kimberely Norris. ?
Serving as pallbearers are Greg Carter, Rickey Upshaw, Eddie Boy Woodward, Ronnie Edwards, Randal Edwards and Dewayne Browning. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Thornton and Otis Woodward.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
James Donald Adcock
James Donald Adcock, 73, of Leaksville, formerly of Ovett, died Sunday, June 16, 2013 at Leaksville Rehab and Nursing Center in Leaksville.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Tiger Creek Cemetery in Ovett. Rev. Colon Rowell will officiate. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. before the service.
Mr. Adcock was a member of Tiger Creek Baptist Church and had retired from Johnnie Wright Radiator Service with 48 years of faithful service.
He enjoyed many outdoor activities — fishing was one of his favorites. He also enjoyed visiting with family and friends, especially those in the nursing home and people who were homebound. He was a real blessing by just spending time with them. He enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables. Reading was a pastime he also especially liked, anything from encyclopedias to National Geographic. He enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. He was a very caring person and was willing to help anyone in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Willie Adcock and Mary Bullock; one brother, Charles Henry Adcock; and a sister, Daisy Lerlene Adcock.
Survivors include three sisters, Yvonne Rowell (Roy) and Sue Lee (Gerald), both of Ovett, and Rita Hickson(Tom) of Sandersville; one brother, John Adcock (Mildred) of Crystal Springs; and a host of nieces and nephews. Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Allen L. Boutwell
Allen L. Boutwell, 64, of Laurel died Monday, June 17, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Springhill Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Chris Freeman will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Boutwell was retired from the U. S. Postal Service. He was a veteran of the U. S. Marines and a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Alva Reida Boutwell of Laurel; one son, Clark Boutwell of Laurel; three daughters, Jennifer Watts and husband Scotty of Memphis, Lauren Boutwell of Memphis and Emily Boutwell of Laurel; one stepdaughter, Jamie Nicholson and husband Robert of Laurel; one stepson, Mark Cagle and wife Angela of Laurel; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Michael Boutwell of Quitman and A. D. Boutwell of Laurel; and one sister, Beverly Morgan of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be Michael Boutwell, A. D. Boutwell, J. T. Morgan, Jim Laird, Renny Cagle, Mark Cagle, Billy Watkins and David Holifield.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James L. ‘Jimmy’ Bishop Jr.
Mass will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Hattiesburg for Mr. James L. “Jimmy” Bishop Jr., 66, of Moselle, who died June 15, 2013 at Franklin County Memorial Hospital, in Meadville.
Visitation will be today Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Jones & Son Funeral Home in Moselle and from 1 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Father Tommy Conway will officiate at the mass and burial will follow in the Soule’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Moselle.
Jimmy was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, VFW Post 3036, and the Telephone Pioneers.
Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Bishop of Moselle; daughter Danielle Bishop of Hattiesburg; son Scott (Rachel) Bishop of New Orleans, La.; mother Florence Bishop of Moselle.
Jones & Son Funeral Home in Moselle is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.jonesandsonfh.com.
Iva Lou ‘Peggy’ Pickering
Peggy Pickering, 93, of the Hebron community died peacefully at her residence on June 16, 2013.
Visitation will be Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel from 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Hebron Baptist Church and burial at Hebron Cemetery. Revs. Gary Shows, Bucky Erwin, Wade Rogers will officiate the service with worship music provided by Richard Thames.
She was born on June 18, 1919 and lived to serve her family and friends. She was a faithful member of Hebron Baptist Church and she loved her Sunday school class. She was a giving, selfless example of a Proverbs 31 woman. She was a devoted and charter member of the Hebron Quilting Club.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Tommie W. Pickering; her parents, Thomas H. and Della Glaze Anderson; four brothers, Bill Anderson, Harold Anderson, Lauther Anderson, Glaze “Slick” Anderson; and three sisters, Lucille Pickering, Aline Pickering and Evelyn Blackwell.
She is survived by one sister, Jennie Evans of Brandon; five sisters-in-law, Nell Ruth Anderson of Hattiesburg, Nell Buckley of Hebron, Pat Gunn of Atlanta, Ga., Elsie McQueen of Collins, Frances Pickering of Hebron; one brother-in-law, Dewitt (Marilynn) Pickering of Hebron; two children, Nancy (Gary) Shows of Hattiesburg and James Thomas (June) Pickering of the Hebron Community; four grandchildren, Scott (Ashley) Shows of Oxford, Melissa Parker of Hebron, Stephanie (John) Johnson of Hattiesburg and Megan (Doug) Stringer of Soso; eight great-grandchildren, Anna Lea, Jon Brent and Ally Weathers of Hattiesburg, Ross and Anderson Shows of Oxford, Jake and Jackson Parker and Blake Stringer of Soso; one VERY special niece, Nell (Laston) Rose of the Hebron Community and a whole host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Doug Stringer, Jeff Graves, Matthew Huff, John Johnson, Roger McIntosh and Scott Shows.
Memorials can be made to Hebron Baptist Church Building Fund.
Memory Chapel was in charge of arrangements. To view or sign the guestbook, go to www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ronald ‘Choctaw’ Johnson
Ronald “Choctaw” Johnson, 77, of Laurel died Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital.
Funeral services will be Monday at 2:30 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Bo Burroughs will officiate. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Johnson was a retired fireman with the City of Laurel. He served in the U.S. Air Force during Korean War. He was a Mason and worked as a field serviceman for American LaFrance Fire Truck Manufacture. After his retirement, he was a sales representative for Sunbelt Fire Apparatus and Day Fire Equipment. In 1988 he started Emergency Equipment Service. He served eight years as Jones County Fire Coordinator.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Lena Johnson Sr.; and one sister, June Richardson.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Blackwell Johnson; daughter Vicki Johnson Register and husband James Ray; two sons, Ronald “Bubba” Johnson and his wife Lisa, and Mike Johnson and his wife Linda; six grandchildren, Tara Register Clark and her husband Adam, Kelsey Register Bradshaw and her husband Brandon, Michael Johnson, Rome Johnson and his wife Rebecca, Russell Johnson and Brooke Simpson; four great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Bradshaw, Dylan Bradshaw, Ella Johnson and Bryce Clark.
Pallbearers will be Garlan McCord, Richard Stribling, Joe Shoemaker, James Jennings, Mike Arnold and Max Boler. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Kive, Gene Pickering, Charles Green, Winston Wells, Tommy Howell, Harold Taylor and Jake Taylor.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To sign and view guestbook, go to memorychapellaurel.com.
Freda Grace Heisey
Freda Grace Heisey, 63, of Taylorsville passed away peacefully at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg on Thursday, June 13, 2013 after a long battle with cancer.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville and from 8–10 a.m. on Monday at Audubon Drive Bible Church in Laurel with funeral services to follow at 10:30 am.. at the church. Burial will be at Maranatha Mennonite Church Cemetery.
She was born June 12, 1950 to Earl and Dorothy (Andrews) Blocher in Kansas City, Mo. On April 9, 1971, she was united in marriage to Jan L. Heisey. She was a member of Maranatha Mennonite Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Dorothy Blocher; daughter-in-law Leah (Buckingham) Heisey; and son-in-law Ben Beachler.
Over the past several years she blessed many people with beautiful hand-crafted cards. She will be long remembered for her gift of hospitality and delicious cooking. Memorial contributions can be made to her husband.
She is survived by her loving husband, Jan of Taylorsville; her five children, Stephanie (Ben) Beachler of Rochester, Ind., Jennifer (Gary) Cassel of Wellsville, Pa., Michael (Melissa) of Bonner, Mon., Melissa (Lyndon) Bechtel of Collins and Matthew. Also surviving her are brothers Stephen (Karen) Blocher and Craig Blocher, both of Ohio; and her sisters, Bernice (Kenneth) Fosberg of Ohio, Ruth (Roger) Keeny of Pennsylvania and Rebecca (Ralph) Stalter of Indiana; nine grandchildren; and 17 nieces and nephews.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Billy C. ‘Ditto’ West Sr.
Billy C. “Ditto” West Sr., 73, of Laurel died Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Mill Creek Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Jimmy Holder will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. West was self-employed as a truck driver. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jacob West.
Survivors include his wife, Jimmie Nell West; two sons, Billy C. “Buddy” West Jr. and Jason L. West and wife Yesenia, and one daughter, Jamie L. West, all of Laurel; two granddaughters, Tyler Victoria West and Morgan Paige Alizzi; two grandsons, Caleb West and Arwin Garcia; three brothers, Garland West of Mobile, Ala. and Henry and Frank West, both of Laurel; two sisters, Annie Jane Hussy of Mount Vernon, Ala. and Hazel Doggett of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be Jason West, Larry Walters, Caleb West, Omar Garcia, Michael Summer and L. C. Lowe.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Randall Ray Rogers
Randall Ray Rogers, 58, of Stringer died Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at First Baptist Church Calhoun Cemetery. Rev. James Walker and Rev. Pat Patterson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Rogers was preceded in death by his parents, Leman and Virginia Rogers; and brother Mike Rogers.
Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Keri Rogers of Stringer; two grandsons, Hunter and Cooper Rogers; three brothers, Gary Rogers and wife Linda, Wayne Rogers and Keith Rogers, all of Laurel; five sisters, Jonell English, June Atkinson and husband Arthur, Margaret Sims, Linda Montgomery and husband Ernest and Jan Crocker and husband Ronny; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be nephews.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Clinton Drummer Sr.
Clinton Drummer Sr., 60, of Laurel died Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center. The funeral service will be Saturday at 3 p.m. at Providence M.B. Church in Laurel followed by burial in Oak Hill No. 2 Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 6-8 p.m. at the church. Bay Springs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Otis Hardie Cook
Otis Hardie Cook, 83, of Sandersville died Sunday, June 9, 2013 at Golden Age Nursing Home in Welsh, La. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Sandersville, with burial in the church cemetery. Brown Mortuary, Inc., is in charge of arrangements.
David B. Reon
David B. Reon, 62, of Laurel died Wednesday, May 22, 2013 in Laurel.
A memorial service will be on Monday, June 17 at 6 p.m. at Journey Church (130 Northeast Dr., Laurel). Rev. Robby Johnson will officiate. This date holds special significance to the family as this is David's birthday.
Mr. Reon was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was Methodist by faith. He was employed as a security guard with Howard Industries.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sidney Reon.
Survivors include his mother, Nellie Reon of Sandersville; wife Carole Reon of Laurel; son Eric Reon and wife Julia of the Big Creek Community; one grandson Broxton Reon, affectionately called “Dave's Little Dude;” two special granddaughters, Ayla and Nikki Boler of Robertsdale, Ala.; brother Allen Reon of Sandersville; and sisters Brenda Lambert of Tishomingo and Margaret Hodge, Pam Poore and Elaine Reon, all of Sandersville; along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made in his memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 2151, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101-2151.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dale Baucum Dillingham
Dale Baucum Dillingham, 75, of Ellerslie, Ga., died Saturday, June 8, 2013 in Georgia.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Father Mike Thornton will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of service at the church.
Mrs. Dillingham was a homemaker and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She graduated from Gardner High School in 1955.
Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Col. Bill Dillingham; two sons, Michael Dillingham and wife Charlene and Daniel Dillingham and wife Diane; four grandsons, Ryan and Chase, and Taylor and Chris; cousins Sid, Bill and Dorothy Anderson; and brother-in-law Ed Bryant and wife Linda and their sons, Eric and Greg.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Doris Brown Darnell
Doris Brown Darnell, 95, of Laurel, widow of Andrew Garner Darnell, died Tuesday, Nov.6, 2012, and will be buried in Laurel on Thursday, June 13.
The committal service will be led by the Rev. Mr. John Allen Bankson, Pastor of First-Trinity Presbyterian Church, at Hickory Grove Cemetery (Terrace Park) in Laurel at 2 p.m. on Thursday. The family looks forward to receiving friends following the service at the cemetery.
Born Nov. 7, 1916, in Laurel, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Denison Brown and Medie Pauline Holder.
Mrs. Darnell lived in Laurel most of her life, attending schools there and working in banking and served as the church secretary at First Presbyterian Church (now First/Trinity) for 35 years before retiring. She was a member there all of her adult life. She eventually moved to Clinton, S.C., to live with her daughter, Dorothy, and son-in-law, the Rev. Robert E. Smith Jr. She was an affiliate member of First Presbyterian Church-Clinton while living there.
Surviving her is one daughter, Dorothy D. Smith and her husband Robert; three grandchildren, Sherry Joines, of Granger, Ind., Kristie Brown of Greenville, S.C. and Kimsey K. Lawrence III, of Pensacola, Fla.; and six great-grandchildren, Kirtley and Drew Brown, Kylie and Erin Joines, Kimsey and Emma Lawrence.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Garner; and one daughter, Margaret Ann Darnell Lawrence.
Memorials may be made to First-Trinity Presbyterian Church, 500 North 5th Ave.,
Laurel, MS 39440.
Charles Edward Dickerson
Charles Edward Dickerson, 78, of Laurel died Saturday, June 8, 2013 at University Medical Center in Jackson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Myrick Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Robby Johnson, Rev. Gerald Sawyer and Rev. Tommy Davis will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Dickerson was retired from Kemp Oil and was a member of Freedom Baptist Church and the Masonic Lodge of Myrick.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Dickerson of Laurel; two sons, Steven Dickerson and wife Lacey, and Brent “Bruiser” Dickerson and wife Jodi, all of Laurel; one daughter, Lisa Dickerson Mauldin and husband Kent of Soso; one brother, Paul Dickerson of Laurel; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Pallbearers will be Brent “Bruiser” Dickerson, Shannon Dickerson, Kent Mauldin, Goffrey McMichael, Brandon McMichael, Zane Walley, and Aaron Mann.
Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dr. Paul Willard Clark
Dr. Paul Willard Clark, 68, of Mendenhall died Saturday, June 8, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Smith County. Rev. Brandon Powell will officiate. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel.
Dr. Clark was an optometrist practicing for 40 years in Mendenhall, Prentiss and many other cities in Mississippi. He also served as minister of music in Jones and surrounding counties prior to beginning his practice. He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife, Dora L. Clark of Mendenhall; daughter Robin Clark Gorski of Orlando, Fla.; brother Ken Swager and wife Karen of Laurel; and sister Barbara Clark Miller of Guither, Okla.
Pallbearers will be the men of West Laurel Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Diabetes Association, P. O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Nelda Rae Smith Busby
Nelda Rae Smith Busby, 82, of the Mill Creek Community died Saturday, June 8, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Home in Laurel.
Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel with burial to follow in Mill Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Jimmy Holder and Rev. Gary Walters will officiate. Pallbearers will be Howard Smith, Bennie Smith Jr. , Joey Smith, Brandon Simon, Charles Waltman and Terry Busbea. Honorary pallbearers will be Vondell Smith and Larry Smith.
She was a member of Mill Creek Congregational Methodist Church. She was a retired LPN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bennie Smith Sr. and Maggie Dell Busby Smith; sister Violet Smith; and great-granddog Lucy Marie Waltman.
She is survived by her daughter, Geraldine Waltman and husband Laverne of Laurel; son Ray Pippin and wife Joan of Ellisville; three grandchildren, Donna Waltman, Tim Pippin and Jennifer Massey, all of Laurel; great-granddog Sadie Lynn; four great-granddaughters; two sisters, Jewel Jones of Dry Prong, La. and Joyce Simon of Laurel; four brothers, Bennie Smith Jr. of Clarkesville, Ga., Vondell Smith of Richton, Howard Smith of Laurel and Larry Smith of Destrehan, La.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Daniel Wilson Lowery
Daniel Wilson Lowery, born Aug. 4, 1946, died Friday, June 7, 2013 at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.
Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Audubon Drive Church of Christ with burial to follow in Fair Ridge Cemetery in Jasper County. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Brother Arnold Kelly and Brother Carl Jones will be officiating. Mr. Lowery will be placed in the Church at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Daniel was a faithful Christian and attended Laurel Church of Christ. He was retired from the U.S. Army and Automatic Plating Co. of Taylorsville.
Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. Lowery and Orpha Craft Lowery; and baby brother Randy Lowery.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years Patricia Bankston Lowery; son Daniel “Danny” Wilson Lowery Jr.; and one daughter, Susanna Ishee; two grandchildren, Sarah Katelyn Ishee and Nathan Conner Ishee; two sisters, Joyce (Harold) Easterling and Charlott (Ralph) Alford; three brothers, Joe (Cindy) Lowery, Donnie (May) Lowery and Paul Lowery; a host of nieces and nephews; his special best friend Katie; and many loving friends and brothers and sisters in Christ.
Pallbearers will be Stacey Easterling, Clay Thornton, Jonathan Smith, Jamie Bankston, Brad Jefcoat, Michael Mitchell and Richard Santor Jr.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Walter Marion Blackwell Jr.
Walter Marion Blackwell Jr., 80, of Laurel died Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Lynnwood Senior Care Home.
Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-8 pm. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Colonial Chapel and burial will be at Springhill Cemetery. Pastor Mike Allen and Brother Kent Grice will officiate.
Mr. Blackwell served in the U.S. Navy and is a Korean War veteran. He retired from IBM after 30 years, where he worked as a service technician. After his IBM retirement, he started a computer business, PC Micro-net, where he worked for eight years. He was a member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter M. Blackwell Sr. and Lula Belle Pittman Blackwell; two brothers, Ray Gerald Blackwell and St. Clair (Son) Blackwell; three sisters, Ina Von Freeman, Fay Thompson and Patsy Watkins; and one great-grandson, Aubrey Reynolds.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Hettie Ruth Crocker Blackwell of Laurel; two sisters, Bonnie Hollingsworth of Pascagoula and Joan Padgett of Petal; one son, Danny (Sharon) Blackwell of Laurel; two daughters, Teresa (Todd) Hallquist of Kansas City, Mo., and Michelle (Tony) Buckley of Laurel. He is survived by seven grandsons: Brad Reynolds of Laurel, Matt Hallquist of Camdenton, Mo., Jake Hallquist of Kansas City, Mo., Daniel Blackwell of Laurel, Evan Buckley of Laurel, Ben Hallquist of Kansas City, Mo., and Erik Buckley of Laurel; one granddaughter, Emily Buckley of Laurel; two great-grandsons, Riley Reynolds of Moss and Anthony Campbell of Camdenton, Mo.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be grandsons and family members.
The family wishes to express thanks to the staff and residents at Lynnwood Senior Care home for the love and care that he received.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Conway Jackson
Conway Jackson of Clinton went to be with his Lord on June 5, 2013, one day after his 86th birthday.
Visitation will be at Memory Chapel in Laurel at 1 p.m. on Saturday followed by a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at Lake Park Cemetery led by Albert Brantley.
Conway was born on June 4, 1927 in Laurel, where he spent his childhood. He enlisted in the Army in 1945 and served in Germany. Upon returning to Laurel, he met Peggy Coston and they married on March 21,1948.
In 1950, Conway began college at University of Southern Mississippi and graduated in 1953 with a degree in business. He immediately began work for Gulf Oil Corporation in Laurel. His employment required the family to relocate several times before finally settling in Baton Rouge, La., in 1974. While there, he and Peggy were active members at Broadmoor Baptist Church, where Conway was a deacon.
After 35 years with Gulf, he took early retirement, giving him time to pursue several interests including golf, violin, classical music and travel. The couple took four trips to Europe, which they thoroughly enjoyed. He also spent time compiling an extensive family genealogy, which will serve generations to come.
In 2009, as they began to need more help, they left long-time friends and moved to Tracepointe Senior Living Community in Clinton. They quickly adjusted to their new life and supportive environment.
Conway was preceded in death by his parents, Susie Anna Robertson and Bura Vandolph Jackson; and his beloved wife of 61 years, Peggy Coston Jackson.
He is survived by his daughter, Jan Coston Jackson Crochet and her husband Kearney Louis of Clinton; his son, Lyle Conway Jackson of Nashville, Tenn.; two sisters, Norma Doris Cornett of Georgetown, Texas and Barbara Ann Hancock of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.; and a brother, Harold Jackson and his wife Edie of San Diego, Calif.
He is also survived by five grandchildren: Brad Crochet of Hattiesburg, Benjamin Crochet and his wife Laura of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jeffrey Crochet and Robert Crochet of Clinton and Forest Jackson of Nashville.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dessie B. McCarty
Dessie B. McCarty, 81, of Laurel died Monday, June 3, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center. The funeral service will be today (Saturday) at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church followed by burial in Nora Davis Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday 6-8 p.m. at the church.
Chapel of Angels Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Katie Lee Pryor
Mrs. Katie Lee Pryor passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home, Shady Rest Farm, in the Pleasant Grove Community in Wayne County on June 5, 2013. She was 90 years old.
Visitation for Mrs. Pryor will be from 5-9 p.m. Thursday in the parlor of Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday from the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Wayne County with Dr. Frankie Clark and Dave Moran officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Wayne County.
Known as Miss Katie, she was a retired teacher and avid volunteer in Jones and Wayne County.
Parents were Dewey Mance Loper and Kathryn Cooley Loper of the Strengthford Community in Wayne County.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ulmer C. Pryor. She was a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi with a certification in elementary education, a secondary in history and political science. She taught in the Wayne and Jones County school systems for more than 35 years. Schools included Myrick, Glade, Sandersville, Beat Four and a reading consultant for the Wayne County School System.
Mrs. Pryor was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, a longtime secretary of the cemetery association, a former Sunday school teacher and church hostess and, in her younger years, was the Girls Ambassador leader. Upon retirement, she was active in many organizations in the South Mississippi area.
An avid gardner she had hybrid iris and daylily beds to share with others. A member and past president of the Laurel Iris Society Garden Club, she also served as president of the Council of Garden Clubs in Jones County. She was a longtime board member and past president of the YWCO of Laurel, and was chairwoman of the Celebrate America gala for 10 years. Known for her patriotism, she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution-Chickasawhay Chapter, where she served as a past regent.
Much of her free time was spent on genealogy and research. She was a contributor to several books pertaining to the Cooley, Bankston, Pryor and Sellers families. She was a member in the Daughters of the Confederacy, Colonial Dames of America and the First Families of Mississippi, National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America.
Mrs. Katie was a former board member and active with fund-raising for the Red Cross. She was a former recipient of the Diana Volunteer of the Year award in Jones County. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mrs. Pryor is survived by her son, Ulmer C. “Kim” Pryor Jr. of the Pleasant Grove Community; daughter Karan Pryor Lott and husband Will of Greenwood; raised Ulysses Cooley and wife Jean of Pleasant Grove; granddaughters Katie Lott Simmons and husband Jon Michael of Cruger and Ann Pryor Lott and finance’ Andy Hackleman of Greenwood; three great-granddaughters, Meredith Mims, Anna Simmons and Randi Simmons; brother M. L. Loper of Waynesboro; sister Jean Pryor of the Shady Grove Community; special friends and caregivers over the past several years who showed love and faithful care to Miss Katie: Della Ruth Arringinton, Charlie Stewart and Shawnkitta Arrington and Marge Grant.
Pallbearers will be James “Buck” Robinson, Buddy Payne, Wayne Barnett, John Gunn, “Bo” Selby Eidson and Ralph Trigg. Memorials can be made to your favorite charity in her honor.
Patsy Faye Nicholson Pitts
Patsy Faye Nicholson Pitts, 84, formerly of Laurel, died Saturday, June 1, 2013 in Baton Rouge, La.
Services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel with interment at Shady Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at Colonial Chapel from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday. Burial will be in Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Ms. Pitts was a resident of Shady Grove community until she moved to Baton Rouge in 2007. She was a member of First Baptist Church Shady Grove.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie Ulmer Pitts; son Richard Lorn Pitts; and parents Welborn and Margie Nicholson.
Known to friends and family as “Patti,” Ms. Pitts was born Aug. 15, 1928 and died June 1, 2013. She is survived by a daughter, Barbara Cochran; a son, Steven Pitts; a sister, Betty Powel; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Billie Hickson
Billie Hickson, 79, passed away on May 31, 2013 at Wesley Medical in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Sandersville Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:30 p.m. until service time. Burial will follow at McGill Cemetery.
She was born on July 3, 1933 in New Orleans to William and Ethel Herrmann. She was a member of Sandersville Baptist Chruch, where she enjoyed attending her Sunday school class with her precious friends and prayer partners.
Billie leaves behind her husband of 39 years, Robert “Bob” Hickson of Sandersville; her children, David Hosey of Romance, Ark., Kathleen (Kevin) Dudenbostel of Long Beach, Colleen (Jeff) Aultman of Heidelberg, Dr. Misty (Andy) Jameson of Greenwood, S. C., Lynn (Benny) Dabbs, Joy (Marty) Thornton and Mike (Sheila) Hickson, all of Sandersville.
She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ethel (Sis) Eason of Diamondhead, Rosary (Margaret) Frazene of Metairie, La.; sister-in-law Mary (Glen) Ainsworth of Sandersville; and one brother-in-law, Lewis Leggett of Laurel.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Earl Howell Melton
Earl Howell Melton, 75, of Laurel died Thursday, May 30, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday at Eastview Baptist Church (1618 Highway 184 East, Laurel). Rev. Gayle Pope and Rev. James Roberts will officiate. Burial will be in Eastview Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at the church.
Earl is a veteran of the United States Army. During his working life, Earl served as a meat cutter for several stores before going into business for himself. He also worked as a horseshoer. Earl spent 30 years serving as a DQP (Designated Qualified Person) for the National Horseshow Commission.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Roger Earl Melton and Evelyn Lewis Sumrall; and his sister, Jeanone Rayner.
Survivors include his wife, Kathy Melton of Laurel; sons Michael Soelman of Laurel and Scott Goode (Stephanie) of Laurel; daughters Sherry Melton of Laurel, Debbie Moreno (Chico) of Sandersville, Karen Saucier (Hilton) of Ovett, Cindy Roberts (James) of Leaksville, Susan Albritton (Jay) of Petal and Keri Parish (Anthony) of Ovett; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters Gloria Jean Craven (Carl) of Laurel, Sue McClain of Idaho and Bennie Rogers of Laurel; and brothers Ray Melton (Frances) of Laurel and Jerry Melton (Beth) of Laurel. ?
Pallbearers will be Christopher Hosey, Thomas Hosey, Joel Hosey, Scott Melton, Michael Soelman II, Anthony Parish, Michael Soelman and James Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be Roland Temple, Dale Flowers, John Manning, Joseph Hosey, Wes Moss and The Men Of Eastview Baptist Church.
The family wishes to express thanks to Ben Gatlin and Dr. Patel for their care of Earl during his illness.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Maj. Ellzia Clarence ‘E.C.’ Gould Jr.
Maj. Ellzia Clarence “E.C.” Gould Jr., 72, of Mize died Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Myrick Cemetery in Jones County. Maj. Jim Allison, CSM Johnny Howell, Rev. Harold Tracy and Rev. Jonathan Bledsoe will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until service time on Saturday at Memory Chapel.
Maj. Gould was a minister with the Salvation Army and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Shriners and Lions Club. He was the Southern Disaster Relief Coordinator for over 25 years.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Gould of Mize; four sons, Ellzia Clarence Gould III and wife Kay of Mize, Burt A. Gould and wife Ronda of Lafayette, Spec. Nathan R. Gould of Fort Benning, Ga. and John C. Meadows and wife Larose of Florence; one daughter, Lisa D. Bledsoe and husband Rev. Jonathan of Deland, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Sandra French and husband Richard of West Monroe, La.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Masons will serve as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Angelia D. Boyd
Angelia D. Boyd, 63, of Sandersville died Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sandersville Cemetery. Rev. Jamie Altman will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Boyd was a real estate agent and a member of Bethlehem Community Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J. C. Craft and Blanche Gooch Craft; and one son, Thomas Eric Holifield.
Survivors include her husband, Tom Boyd of Sandersville; two sons, Mikell Holifield of Brandon and Ryan T. Boyd of McComb; four grandchildren, Brooks Holifield, Tagen Boyd, Sierra Jackson and Constance Jackson; and one brother, Thomas Craft of Brewton, AL.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Derrick Wilson Evans
Derrick Wilson Evans, 22, of Soso died Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Old Antioch Missionary Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Robbie White will officiate. His body will be placed in the church at 9 a.m. Friday.
Mr. Evans was employed with Dunn Road Builders as an operator. He was a member of Old Antioch Missionary Baptist Church at Gitano. He was a member of the NRA.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James E. Clark and Mary Joyce Clark, and William E. Ward and Vivian Ward.
He is survived by his parents, Gary and Judy Ward of Soso; two brothers, Curtis McLemore of the Hebron Community and Tyler Lowe and wife Jennifer of Ellisville; and a host of other family members.
Pallbearers will be Joey Robinson, Chris White, Steven Clark, Andy Huffman, Bennie Clark, Ned Hinton, Daniel Johnston and Steve Lunsford.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Old Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Derrick’s name.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
George A. Smith
George A. Smith, 83, passed from his earthly home to his heavenly home on May 28, 2013.
Visitation will be Thursday between 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel. Funeral services will be Friday at 2:30 p.m. at Sandersville Baptist Church, with internment in Erata Cemetery. Rev. Tim Sanford will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m.
Mr. Smith was born to the pastor of Sandersville Baptist Church, Rev. G.A. and Nina Smith. His family moved to Laurel in 1935. After graduating from Gardiner High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Korea with the First Marine Division during the war. When he returned from Korea, he married Joyce Sullivan, and they moved to Barstow, Calif. After being discharged from the Marines, he attended Jones County Junior College and then graduated from LSU.
He worked for the Burroughs Corporation through the inception of computers and retired in 1986. He then worked part-time for Peregrine Corporation. He was manager and operator for the Erata Water Association for many years.
He was owner of George Smith Stationers in Laurel, which is now Chancellor’s Business Supply.
George was a member of Sandersville Baptist Church, where he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher. He also served as minister of music for 14 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. G.A. and Nina Smith; sisters Edna Caldwell, Gertrude Geddie, Frances Smith, Lessie McCarty and Billie Kline; and by daughter-in-law Ruth Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Sullivan Smith; one daughter, Becky Webb (Rex) of Philadelphia; three sons, Chris Smith (Marci) of Metairie, La., Marty Smith (Carol) of Chatham, Va. and Alan Smith (Gloria) of Laurel. He is also survived by grandchildren Sarah Smith Cook (Alex), Jeffrey Smith (Megan), Rachel Webb Harbarger (Claude), Miriam Webb Medlin (Michael), Thomas Webb, Donny Smith (Emily), Jennifer Smith, Andy Smith, Jason Bezou (Sara) and Rebecca Bezou; also five great-grandchildren, Lois Harbarger, Benson Parsons-Smith, Shane Smith, Isabella Bezou and Elizabeth Bezou. He is also survived by one brother, Lewis Smith of Pascagoula; and four sisters, Elizabeth Matthews of Brandon, Annette Yarbrough of Meridian, Aileene Walin Thompson of Laurel and Martha Jo Hayes (Jim) of Hattiesburg.
George's motto was: “Honor God, love others and give your job your best effort.”
Grandsons and family members will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, make donations to the Erata Cemetery Association or to the Gideons.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Friends and family may view or sign the online guestbook at www.memorychapelaurel.com.
Lena Mary Hull
Lena Mary Hull, 100, of Taylorsville died Sunday, May 26, 2013 at Arrington Living Center in Collins. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday at First Baptist of Taylorsville. Dr. Frankie Clark will officiate. Burial will follow in Fellowship Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville and from 1 p.m. until service time on Thursday at the church.
Lena loved her family and her church family. She was a committed Christian with a great commitment to reading and studying her Bible. In her earlier years, Lena enjoyed music and served as her church’s pianist. She also enjoyed flowers and was a charter member of the Taylorsville Garden Club.
Mrs. Hull was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Henry and Jannie Moss Walters; husband Robert Ennis Hull; daughter Evelyn Hull; brothers Buel Walters, Cannon Walters, Varner Walters, Watson Walters; sisters Oma Craven, Virdie Butler, Aubry Young, Kendal Atwood, Irma Jean Walters and Clyda Fae Walters. ? Survivors include her sons, Ennis Earl Hull (Jeanne) of Taylorsville and Johnnie Edward Hull (Pam) of LaFayette, Ga.; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Hull’s grandsons Keith Hull, Brian Hull, Stephen Hull and Brad Schults will serve as pallbearers along with Larry Kelly. The deacons of First Baptist Church of Taylorsville will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Taylorsville is in charge of arrangements.
Joshua Darrell Malone
Joshua Darrell Malone, 23, of Laurel died in an automobile accident in Tioga, N.D. on Thursday, May 23, 2013.
The funeral was at Midway Baptist Church in Yazoo County on Tuesday with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Tony Bagley officiated.
Mr. Malone, a diesel mechanic, is survived by his wife, Rebecca K. Malone, and son Joshua Aaron Malone of Laurel; parents Darrell and Kimberly Malone of Benton, and Kendall and Melanie King of Laurel; grandparents Dan and Dot Malone of Waco, Texas, and Lester and Shrley Thompson of West Monroe, La.; brother Kade Malone of Yazoo City; and sister Misty McDade of Hot Springs, Ark.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Joshua D. Malone Memorial Fund, Bank of Yazoo, 104 N. Main, Yazoo City, MS 39194.
Jack E. Harrington
Jack E. Harrington, 80, of Sandersville died Thursday, May 23, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. There will be no services.
Mr. Herrington worked as a ship fitter at McDurmonts.
Survivors include three sons, James E. Harrington of California, Jack D. Harrington of Sandersville and Thomas Harrington of Philadelphia; two daughters, Gracie Hollinger of Noxapater and Sarah A. Davenport of California; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Henry Harrington of Philadelphia and John Harrington of Carthage; and two sisters, Myrtle Keith of Memphis and Sue Orman of Hernando.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
A. Howard Graham
A. Howard Graham, 78, of Stringer died Sunday, May 26, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Stringer Baptist Church. The body will be place in the church at 1 p.m. Revs. Buddy Jennings, Chris Harrison and Bill Riley will officiate. Burial will be Union Cemetery in Smith County. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Graham, a retired pharmacist, was a former member of Alta Woods Baptist Church in Jackson. He was a member of Stringer Baptist Church. He was a former member of Laurel Jaycees and a member of the Exchange Club of Greenville, N.C. and Jackson. He was also a member of several professional pharmaceutical associations and the Forestry Association. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who was loved by all.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Loyd Rex, Robert and Hamp Graham.
He is survived by his wife, June Mueller Graham of Stringer; two sons, Robert Howard “Bob” and wife Tracy of Crystal Springs and Mark Talmage Graham of Stringer; three sisters, Lula Grantham and Charlotte Parker of Stringer, and Jane Graham of Ellisville; and grandson Brad Graham.
Pallbearers will be Brad Graham, Waylon Blakeney, Charlie Fall, Nick Bunkley, Trea Staples, James Tillman, Kelby King, Franklin Spurlin, Robert Loyd and Jeffery Graham. Honorary pallbearers will be his Sunday school class and close friends.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements.To view and sign guestbook, go to www. memorychapellaurel.com.
Mr. Thomas E. Glenn
Mr. Thomas E. Glenn, 75, of Biloxi died Sunday, May 26, 2013, in Biloxi.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home (2511 Pass Rd., Biloxi), where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will follow in Shiloh Cemetery on Humphrey Road in Vancleave.
Mr. Glenn was born in Laurel and had been a longtime resident of the Miss. Gulf Coast. He was a retired radio announcer and formerly employed with WBSJ in Ellisville. He was of the Methodist faith and a member of HAMM Radio Operators Association — K5SNN.
Mr. Glenn was preceded in death by his wife of 16 years, Martha Virginia Gore Glenn; and his parents, Robert L. and Juliette Barnes Glenn.
He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann (Dr. David A.) Harris of Vancleave; sons Mark R. Brooks of Brooklyn and Albert L. (Judy) Parks of Oak Grove; granddaughter Kristi Brooks; sister Dianne G. Harenski; and nephew Robert G. Harenski of Biloxi.
The family would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice and Biloxi Community Living Center for the care and attention they provided Thomas.
View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.
Charles Bunton James
Charles Bunton James, 73, of Bay Springs died Saturday, May 25, 2013 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday at Sylvarena Baptist Church in Sylvarena. Burial will be in Bethany Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Sylvarena Baptist Church.
Mr. James was a member of Smith County Farm Bureau board, Mississippi Baptist Convention board member, deacon of Sylvarena Baptist Church and president of Bethany Cemetery Committee.
He was preceded in death by parents Orin C. and Fannie Moore James; son Charles Clayton James; sisters-in-law Linda James and Dallas James
Survivors include wife Barbara Adams James of Bay Springs; sons Cliff James (Susan) of Brandon and Steve James (Hope) of Bay Springs; daughters Julie (Wayne) James of Bay Springs and Charlotte (Mark) DeLoach of Soso; brothers Lex (Betty) James of Bay Springs, Kenneth (Pat) James of Bay Springs and Larry James of Brandon; grandchildren Phillip “Bubba” (Allison) James, Justin “Chuck” (Amanda) James, Dylan, Summer and Ivy DeLoach, Austin and Ross James, Gunner and Jack James; great-grandchildren Micah and Luke James.
Pallbearers will be nephews and grandsons.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Samaritan's Purse, C/O Sylvarena Baptist Church 28527 Hwy 18 E Raleigh, MS 39153.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. To view or sign the online guestbook, go to www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com.
James Lorance Terry
James Lorance Terry, fondly known to everyone as “Buddy,” went home to be with our Lord on Friday, May 24, 2013 at the age of 81.
Services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Liberty Cemetery at Stringer. Visitation will be Tuesday at Memory Chapel from 12:30 p.m. until service time. Rev. Matt Pittman and Rev. Darrell Craft will officiate.
Mr. Terry attended and graduated from Stringer High School and Jones County Junior College. He was employed for 42 years as purchasing agent for Northern Electric Company in Bay Springs. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed many years continuing to do what he loved most — gardening, hunting and enjoying his family. His four grandchildren were the light of his life and he was so proud of each of them. Buddy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend of so many and will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered always.
Mr. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Anse Terry and mother Mrytle Terry; and sister Joan Terry Case.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Terry; two daughters, Diane Vance and Shelia Keyes; four grandchildren, Krysten, Shelby, Adam and Casey; and one brother, Dean Terry.
Pallbearers will be Adam Keyes, Shelby Tapp, Ricky Keyes, Pratess Snow, Terry Snow and Paul Rice.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Bobby Joe Varner
Bobby Joe Varner, 81, of Laurel passed on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Graveside services were Friday at Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Holder officiating.
Mr. Varner was retired from Sanderson Farms of Laurel. He was preceded in death by his father, Andrew H. Varner; mother Audie Walters Varner; brother James Varner; and daughter Jennifer Carol Varner.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Flynt Varner; two daughters, Janet Thornhill and husband Jim Thornhill, Cherie West and husband Steve West, all of Laurel; one grandson, Gary West and wife Meredith West, and two great-grandchildren, Mary Clayton West and Jackson Ward West of Hattiesburg; one sister-in-law, Jewel Pridgen of Hattiesburg; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mr. Varner served in the Korean Conflict and earned seven medals, including a Bronze Star. He earned an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army.
Memory Chapel was in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
David B. Reon
David B. Reon, 62, of Laurel died Wednesday, May 22, 2013 in Laurel.
A memorial service will be on Monday, June 17 at 6 p.m. at Journey Church, 130 Northeast Dr., Laurel. Rev. Robby Johnson will officiate. This date holds special significance to the family as this is David's birthday.
Mr. Reon was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force and was Methodist by faith. He was employed as a security guard with Howard Industries. He was preceded in death by his father, Sidney Reon.
Survivors include his mother, Nellie Reon of Sandersville; wife Carole Reon of Laurel; son Eric Reon and wife Julia of the Big Creek Community; one grandson, Broxton Reon, affectionately called “Dave's Little Dude;” two special granddaughters, Ayla and Nikki Boler of Robertsdale, Ala.; brother Allen Reon of Sandersville; and sisters Brenda Lambert of Tishomingo and Margaret Hodge, Pam Poore and Elaine Reon, all of Sandersville; along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 2151, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101-2151.?
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Mary Ida Therrell Bishop
Mary Ida Therrell Bishop, 86, of Laurel left this earthly life on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Home in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Jim Taylor will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Bishop was a homemaker and a member of Highland Baptist Church. Her life revolved around her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Bessie Meek Therrell; husband Floyd “Floppy” Bishop; brother Lamar Plummer; son-in-law Jerry Ball; and brother-in-law Jerry Boteler.
Survivors include her daughters, Charlotte (Ralph) Cahill, Mary Jane Ball, and Frances (Steve) Price and her son, Mark (Annelle) Bishop. She is also survived by two sisters, Margaret Boteler and Betty (B. G.) Ruffin; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Omi Ruth Boston Twyner
Omi Ruth Boston Twyner, 90, died May 20, 2013.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday at Lockett-Williams Mortuary, Inc., in Gulfport and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at East 10th Street Church of God in Laurel. The funeral will be at 11 a.m., Monday at 2nd Baptist Missionary Church of Laurel with a visitation beginning one hour prior to services.
Mrs. Twyner was a member of Klein Road Church of God, Gulfport. She was a life member of FAMU Alumni and a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She also held memberships in the Vogue Socialite Club and the National Oak Park High School Alumni Association.
Mrs. Twyner taught home economics for 38 years, primarily at Oak Park High School and Pass Christian Middle School.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter Boston Jr. and Eulalia Lott Boston; two brothers, Frank D. Boston Sr., John B. Boston; two sisters, Eunice Boston Newell and Odessa Boston McAlpin.
Mrs. Twyner is survived by her husband, Olger Twyner Jr. of Gulfport; one son, Olger Twyner III of New Orleans; one daughter, Brenda (Paul) Thordarson of Lexington, Mass.; three brothers, Peter (Dorothy) Boston III of Yazoo City, Charles (Theodora) Boston of Columbia, Ralph H. Boston of Peachtree City, Ga.; two sisters, Eugenia Boston Angel of Jamaica, N.Y. and Bettye (Louis) Boston Beverly; five grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Greater Pinebelt Community Foundation (Omi Ruth Boston Twyner Scholarship Fund), 1507 Hardy St., Suite 208, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Sign online registry at lockettwilliams.com.
Nellie Sue Holifield Anderson
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the chapel of Jones and Son Funeral Home in Moselle for Mrs. Nellie Sue Holifield Anderson, 73, of Moselle, who died May 21, 2013 at Jones County Rest Home.
Brother John Sumner Jr., Brother Neil Davis and Brother Mike Miller will officiate at the service. Interment will follow in the Soule’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Thursday at Jones and Son Funeral Home in Moselle.
Sue was a resident of the Rainey Community, where she was a homemaker and the mother of three children. She was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother and maw-maw. She was a friend and loved by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean Anderson; parents Ancie Holifield and Gladys Gregory; brothers Joe Holifield, Josh Holifield, Hugh Martin Holifield and Charles Holifield.
Survivors include a son, Burlon (Kendra) Anderson of Moselle; daughters Belinda (Mike) Clark of Moselle and Leisha (Tim) Thompson of Seminary; brother A. C. Holifield Jr. (BO) of Texas; sisters Rachel Thompson of Moselle, Nezzie Stoy (Sister Baby) of Texas and Hilda Rector of Moselle; five grandchildren, Chad (Angie) Anderson, Lynnie (Hannah) Thompson, William (Sommer) Clark, Kayla (Mikey) Brown and Matthew (Jessica) Clark; and six great-grandchildren, Brittany (Justin) Byrd, Chad Anderson, Jude Thompson, Taylor West, Konner and Brettly Brown.
Serving as pallbearers will be Lynnie Thompson, Matthew Clark, Bubba Walley, Mike Clark, Charlie Thompson, Taylor “Little Man” Sanford and honorary pallbearers will be Taylor Sanford and Tommy Holifield.
Jones and Son Funeral Home in Moselle is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be given at wwwjonesandsonfh.com.
Charles Milton Huddleston
Charles Milton Huddleston, 68, of Heidelberg was born July 18, 1944 and died Tuesday, May 21, 2013 in Birmingham, Ala.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Florence Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Jimmy Holder and Rev. Bill Myers will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Charles was a member and deacon of Florence Congregational Methodist Church. He served in the U. S. Army and worked in the oil industry for more than 30 years. He retired from Murco Drilling in 1995.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Eloise Huddleston; father-in-law Vernon Cranford; and brother-in-law Bob Farrish.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Linda Huddleston of Heidelberg; sister Lynette Farrish of Laurel; son Timmy James (Sheila) of Laurel; daughter Tina Street (Mark Caviness) of Greensboro, N.C.; daughter Sandy Cummings (David) of Haleyville, Ala.; daughter Gina Boyette of Hamilton, Ala.; grandchildren Zach Welch (Kami), Tori Parker (Jeremy), Caleb Welch and Brooke Harrelson, all of Laurel, Savannah Street of Greensboro, N.C., Shelby Cummings and Amelia Cummings of Haleyville, Ala.; great-grandchildren Kyler and Kane Welch of Laurel and Josslyn Hizer of Greensboro, N.C.; brothers-in-law Doug Cranford (Janet) of Columbus, Don Cranford (Pat) of Hamilton, Ala. and David Cranford (Rhonda) of Sulligent, Ala.; special cousins, Martha and Walter McIntosh; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Derias McCurdy, Randall Coker, Bobby John Brownlee, George Leggett, Joe Taylor and J. R. Rustin. Honorary pallbearers will be the men Charles worked with through the years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Florence Congregational Methodist Church Building Fund or Cemetery Fund.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Bendora Wilson
Bendora Wilson, 78, of Stringer died Monday, May 20, 2013 at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday at Moss First Church Of God in Moss. Rev. J.J. Mullinax and Rev. Charles H. Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Moss Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. at at the church before the service.
She was preceded in death by parents Bender and Mary Lucille Graham; sisters Martha Jane McGee and Ada Faye Perry; brothers William Graham and Paskel Graham.
Survivors include daughter Julie Jones (Tim) of Sweetwater,Tenn.; brothers Franklin Graham (Pippy), Haskel Graham, Sammy Graham (Rhonda) and Bernice Graham (Sherri), all of Moss; sisters Joann Salem of Cedar Hills, Utah and Mary Lou Wright (Duncan) of Houston, Texas; grandson Josh Weber (Christy) of Athens, Tenn.; granddaughter Heather Weber of Sweetwater, Tenn.; great-grandsons Grand and Alex Weber of Athens, Tenn.;great-granddaughters Chloe Morgan of Sweetwater, Tenn., Leah Weber of Athens, Tenn. and Aubree McFarland of Sweetwater, Tenn.
Pallbearers will be nephews.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Ruthie Irene ‘Rena’ Wade
Ruthie Irene “Rena” Wade, 55 of Laurel died Monday, May 20, 2013 at her residence.
The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Rev. Phil Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-2:30 p.m. at Colonial Chapel before the service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Calvin Walters Sr. and Joyce Valentine Walters Boyd of Laurel.
Survivors include daughters Leah Walters Mitchell of Laurel and Julia Lynn Wade of Laurel; sons David Leon Wade of Laurel and Derrick Junior Wade of Laurel; sisters Sheliah Darlene Walters of Laurel and Michelle Walters Bassett of Louin; brothers Johnny Walters of Laurel and David Walters of Ovett.
Pallbearers will be Johnny Walters, David Walters, Kevin Bassett, Jesse Walters, Calvin Walters and Mike Walker.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Carolyn Sue Perry
Carolyn Sue Perry, 58, of Stringer died Monday, May 20, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel. Bro. David Williams will officiate. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery in Stringer. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday at Colonial Chapel.
She was preceded in death by father James McCarty of Louin.
Survivors include mother Ann "Bossie" Williams McCarty of Stringer; sons Richard Perry of Stringer and Jamie Perry of Ellisville; sisters Gayle McCarty and Lois Spinks (Larry), all of Stringer; brother Danny McCarty (Jenny) of Stringer; granddaughters Cortney Perry of Stringer and Brittany Perry of Ellisville; grandsons Brandon Perry of Ellisville and Justin Jefcoat of Stringer; and niece Leann McCarty of Stringer.? Pallbearers will be Richard Perry, Brandon Perry, Danny McCarty, Jamie Perry, Larry Spinks and Randall Gray. Honorary pallbearers will be Stevie Williams and Justin Jefcoat.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Vera Mae Bishop Byrd
Mrs. Vera Mae Bishop Byrd, born May 8, 1931 in Laurel, died Monday, May 20, 2013 at Laurelwood Community Living Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Dr. Randy Turner and Rev. Allen Hill will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Byrd was a member of First Baptist Church Laurel, where she was a member of the church choir and achieved 31 years perfect attendance in Sunday school. She was also a member of Eastern Star No. 24 and was retired from the Mississippi Highway Department.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville Byrd; parents James E. Bishop and Vallie V. Bishop; brother R. D. Bishop; and sisters, Iva V. Keown and Zera M. Westmoreland.
Survivors include her sister, Eva Rae Shaw; brother-in-law Tennie Byrd (Gay) of Wiggins; nephews Ronnie Dale Bishop (Alessa) of Louin, James C. Westmoreland of Ridgeland and Edward L. Westmoreland of Meridian; nieces Jeanette Smith (Jim) of Atlanta, Ga., Bettie Round of Mobile, Ala., Nell Smith (Bill) of Gulfport, Cherree Cospelich (Tony) of Wiggins, Sherry Shaw Coats (Alan) of The Woodlands, Texas and Angela L. Houston (Jimmy) of Laurel; great-nephews Morgan Bishop (Joan), Adam Bishop, Kylan Coats, Koby Coats (Cassandra), Kolton Coats, Caleb Houston (Rebecca), Seth Houston and Sam Houston; great-nieces Laura Bishop Richards (Ron), Holly Houston, Anna Beth Houston, Faith Houston and Hope Houston; and caregivers Shirley Sutton, Josie McDonald and Carman Currie.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Dale Bishop, Morgan D. Bishop, Jimmy Houston, Seth Houston and Eddie Westmoreland. Honorary pallbearers will be Warren Rayburn, Johnny Hassell and Ralph Simmons.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in memory of Mrs. Byrd to either First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 2636, Laurel, MS 39441 or Community Hospice, Inc., 6242 Hwy 98, Suite 60, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Frances S. Doolittle
Frances S. Doolittle of Newport, N.C., died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Croatan Ridge Nursing Center.
Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Blackledge Cemetery in Laurel. The family will receive friends at the Rushton Community Center at noon on Wednesday before the service.
Mrs. Doolittle was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Fronie Dean and Perry Franklin Stroud; husband Jeff Doolittle; brothers Perry Leonard Stroud, Morris Amos Stroud, Otto “Blue” Gilbert Stroud, Marvis “Monkey” Zelma Stroud, Jesse Austin Stroud and Joseph Thrash Stroud; sister Irma Joyce Satanski and husband Charles “ski;” sisters-in-law Wanda Peden Stroud, Junie Pace Stroud and Marjorie Edenfield Stroud.
She is survived by daughter Alesia Doolittle Hill and husband Al of Newport; sons Jeffrey F. Doolittle and wife Cecilia of Clyton, N.C., Terry Russell Doolittle and Kenneth Jon Doolittle of Mississippi and William “Billy” Franklin Doolittle and wife Deborah of Newport; sister Nora Mae Moss and husband Buddy; grandchildren Asa Branden Dollittle and wife Debra, Shawn Lee Ingram, Megan Doolittle Johnson and husband Kane, Terri Doolittle Garrison and husband David, Edward Francis Swanson, Timothy Edward Doolittle and wife Leslie, Rachel Diana Doolittle, Gabrielle Glyn Doolittle, Kyndall Renee Doolittle, Matthew James Hill and wife Nicole, Ashley Renee Cox and Alan Spencer Hill; and great-grandchildren Angel Lee Hill, Shawna Diane Ingram, Alexandrea Nicole Clark, Allison Kane Johnson, Mary Elizabeth Garrison, Frances Marjorie Garrison, Hunter Williams Doolittle, Kyleigh Doolittle and Haley Mae Marsh; sisters-in-law Mildred Griffith Stroud, Mary Frances “Tiny” Webb Stroud and JoAnn Robertson Stroud.
Colonial Chapel of Laurel was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Gladys Burch
Gladys Burch, 86, of Laurel died Monday, May 20, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until the service time on Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Burch was employed at Reliance Manufacturing Company and was of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Sue Flynt; and sister Dollie Greene.
Survivors include her son, Charles Gatewood and wife Janice of Flowood; five grandchildren, Hal Gatewood of Borne, Texas, Kathryn Costa of Duncan, S.C., William Gatewood Jr. of Columbia, S.C., Gifford Flynt Jr. of Laurel and Teresa Tisdale of Laurel; one stepgrandchild, Rachael Latham of Nashville, Tenn.; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Teresa Renae Thompson
Teresa Renae Thompson, 51, of Laurel died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens in Jones County. Rev. Arnold Kelley will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
Teresa was self-employed and was of the Baptist faith. She was a beloved daughter, sister and friend and was well known for constant acts of kindness and generosity. Teresa was widely loved and will be greatly missed. She now continues her service pain-free with the Lord and family and friends who welcomed her home.
She is survived by her parents, Charles and Carol “Bobbie” Thompson of Laurel; one sister, Kim Bucklew and husband Larry of Austin, Texas; one brother, Monte Thompson of Laurel; two nieces, Rebecca Bucklew of Austin, Texas and Dayne Langley of Laurel; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Bennie Jerry Watts
Mrs. Bennie Jerry Watts of Laurel went to her heavenly home Sunday morning, May 19, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Goodwill Baptist Church on Jordan Drive in Laurel. Burial in will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home on Indian Springs Road in Laurel.
Jerry Watts was a member of Goodwill Baptist Church. She loved her Savior and loved playing her guitar and singing hymns. She found joy in creating through arts and crafts and she especially loved working in her flower garden and keeping her husband Jack busy moving those plants from place to place.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Mable King and two sisters, Jane King and Jo Arinder, all of Columbia.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Sedgie J. “Jack” Watts; two sons, Ken Watts (Martha) of Laurel and Tim Watts (Kaye) of Neely; three daughters, Kathy Scruggs (Steve) of Ellisville, Susie Napier (Greg) of Ellisville and Becky Lightsey (Tim), currently residing in Oaxaca, Mexico; one brother, Fred King (Bonnie) of Sandy Hook; a sister, Mart Lynn (Tommy); 13 grandchildren, Amy Scruggs Yates, Jana Scruggs Roberts, Kara Scruggs Yates, Hannah Watts Mikell, Dan Watts, Allen Lightsey, Jacob Lightsey, Joey Napier, Zac Napier, Branden Napier, Alesha Watts King, B. J. Watts, Josh Watts; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Joey Napier, Zac Napier, Allen Lightsey, Dan Watts, Branden Napier and B. J. Watts. Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Lightsey and Josh Watts.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements.
Timothy ‘Bacon’ Pulliam
Timothy Lee “Bacon” Pulliam, 53, of Laurel died Thursday, May 16, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. John Taylor officiating. Visitation will be from 6-9 p.m. Sunday at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Pulliam was an engineer with Schlumburger and was a member of the Biker Church.
Mr. Pulliam was preceded in death by his parents, John J. Pulliam Jr. and Ludie Monk Pulliam; daughters Melissa Ann Pulliam and Nicole Dawn Coston; and his brother, John J. Pulliam III.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Pulliam of Laurel; son Timothy Pulliam Jr. (Tabitha) of Bay City, Texas; daughter Tiffany Coston of Laurel; sister O. Louise Carman (Scott) of Columbia; grandchildren Autumn Pulliam, Ashten Hawk, Amy Hawk, Zachary Frick, Jackson Latta, Ethan "Kota J." Mitchell, Dyami Allen and Makya Allen; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Jeremy Taylor, Denny Breland, Alan Ramage, Dirk Creel, Scott Carman and Gerald Mixon.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Doris ‘Sis’ Hurst Herrington Shaw
Doris “Sis” Hurst Herrington Shaw, 84, of Laurel died Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Home in Laurel.
Graveside services were Friday at Hickory Grove Cemetery with Rev. D. J. Benson officiating.
Mrs. Shaw was a homemaker and a member of West Laurel Baptist Church. She loved her family and life.
She was preceded in death by her father, Rufus Hurst; mother Mary E. Livingston Hurst; brothers James and Billy Hurst; son Rickey Herrington; first husband, J. D. Herrington; and second husband, George Shaw.
Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Herrington Smith and husband Mike; sister France Powers; brothers Jack Hurst and wife Gloria and Don Hurst and wife Peggy; and brother-in-law Lyon Herrington and wife Sheila. She was also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memory Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Wilda S. Chance
Wilda S. Chance, 91, of Laurel died Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Graveside services were Friday at Crestview Cemetery in Laurel. Rev. Billy Murphy and Rev. Ralph Welch officiated.
Mrs. Chance was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Eugene Chance.
Survivors include two sons, Mitch Chance and wife Sondra of Brandon and David Chance and wife Martha of Laurel; one daughter, Betty C. Hammock of Lady Lake, Fla.; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel was in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Doris ‘Sis’ Hurst Herrington Shaw
Doris “Sis” Hurst Herrington Shaw, 84, of Laurel died Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Home in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Hickory Grove Cemetery with Rev. D. J. Benson officiating. There will be no visitation.
Mrs. Shaw was a homemaker and a member of West Laurel Baptist Church. She loved her family and life.
She was preceded in death by her father, Rufus Hurst; mother Mary E. Livingston Hurst; brothers James and Billy Hurst; son Rickey Herrington; first husband, J. D. Herrington; and second husband, George Shaw.
Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Herrington Smith and husband Mike; sister France Powers; brothers Jack Hurst and wife Gloria and Don Hurst and wife Peggy; and brother-in-law Lyon Herrington and wife Sheila. She was also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Wilda S. Chance
Wilda S. Chance, 91, of Laurel died Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Crestview Cemetery in Laurel. Rev. Billy Murphy and Rev. Ralph Welch will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Chance was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady Eugene Chance.
Survivors include two sons, Mitch Chance and wife Sondra of Brandon and David Chance and wife Martha of Laurel; one daughter, Betty C. Hammock of Lady Lake, Fla.; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dorothy Elaine McPhail Farnham
Dorothy Elaine McPhail Farnham, 95, of Amory died Tuesday, May 14, 2013 in Amory.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Rev. Aaron Parker and Brother Joe Watson will officiate. Burial will follow at Dublin Baptist Church Cemetery in Prentiss at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Farnham was self-employed as a beautician and was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. She was a volunteer and director of Red Cross in South Mississippi and enjoyed sewing and craft work.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl J. Farnham in March 2011 and by her son, Rev. Donald J. Farnham.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Becky Welborn Farnham of Laurel; grandson Jimmy Farnham and wife Tara of Nettleton; granddaughter Janet Kent and husband Jimbo of Laurel; four great-grandchildren, Amanda Farnham and Joe Farnham of Tupelo, and Abbigayle Kent and Hudson Kent of Laurel; and three brothers, Otho McPhail and wife Hazel, Thomas McPhail, and R. T. McPhail and wife Frances, all of Prentiss.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James ‘Jim’ Benton Huff
Prominent Jones Countian James “Jim” Benton Huff, 80, beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, died Monday, May 13, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel after an extended illness.
Visitation will be Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. , and the funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. All services will be at Hebron Baptist Church, with burial in the Hebron cemetery.
Dr. Wade Rogers, former Pastor at Hebron Baptist Church, and Rev. Bucky Erwin, current Hebron pastor, will conduct the services. Richard Thames will provide music worship, with eulogy by the Honorable Judge Charles Pickering.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julius Lycurgus Huff and Eva Hilbun Huff; brothers Andrew Jackson Huff of Leakesville, J. L. Huff of Soso, and sister Helen Huff Myrick of Laurel.
He is survived by his devoted, beloved wife of 55 years, Marilyn Graves Huff. They were married at Hebron Baptist Church on Sept. 1, 1957.
His children and their spouses, Drs. Melanie (Tim) Hubbard, and Jim (Samantha) Huff, lovingly remember James. He is survived by six grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Meredith Hubbard, Lee (Tabitha) Hubbard, Ben Huff, Miles Huff, Matthew Huff and Mia Grace Huff, all of the Hebron community. Survivors also include his sisters: Eloise Huff Stringer of Canton, Maxine Huff Reddoch of Baton Rouge, La., brother-in-law G. W. Myrick of Laurel and sister-in-law Betty Graves Huff of Soso; and a host of nieces and nephews.
James Huff was born Aug. 4, 1932 in Laurel. He graduated from Jones County Agricultural High School in 1950 and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Jones County Junior College in 1952. In 1954, Huff earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University.
Huff was an avid hunter and loved to fish. He spent his personal life and professional career dedicated to the preservation of natural resources, and worked in many facets of agriculture. Personally, James Huff loved the outdoors and his passion was farming.
A distinguished civic leader, James Huff dedicated his life to building and promoting civic organizations and was committed to community and nationwide service. He was an active member, deacon, and Sunday school teacher at Hebron Baptist Church for approximately 55 years until his death. He was passionate about the love he held for his country; he served in the infantry of the U.S. Army and was stationed for service in Salzburg, Austria.
Among his many city/state/county affiliations, he served in the following positions: former President of the Laurel Lions Club, former Chairman of the United Way of the Pine Belt, board member of the Jones County Economic Development Authority, board member of the Laurel Farm Bureau, former Chairman of the Pat Harrison Waterway, former Chairman of the Mississippi Manufacturing Association, member of Jones County Forestry and the Mississippi Forestry Association. Huff was presented an award for his tree farm by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
He was also on the board of the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Mississippi Cattleman’s Association, JCJC Board of Trustees, Jones County Association for Excellence in Education, co-founder and active member Jones Co. Junior Livestock Assn. He and his wife Marilyn were named JCJC Alumni of the Year in October 2007.
James Huff’s career spanned decades of prominent positions from Laurel to Washington, D.C. His professional career began in 1956 as Assistant County Agent, Mississippi Agricultural Extension Service, Covington County. He then became Director of Operations at Masonite Corporation in 1957 and held that position until 1989.
President George H. W. Bush appointed James Huff in 1989 as Mississippi’s State Director of the Farmer’s Home Administration. He served in that position until 1992. Huff’s leadership and superior performance in Washington was well respected by our nation’s leaders. President Bush then appointed him for a 10-year term in 1992 as the Administrator of Rural Electrification for the United States in Washington, D.C. However, Huff accepted an assignment in 1996 as the District Director for Congressman Chip Pickering, (R) Mississippi, District 3 and served in that position until his retirement in 2004.
In March, 2004, James Huff made the decision to retire to his Hebron home to enjoy his family and be a full-time tree farmer. He worked diligently to manage a multiple-use farm to sustain renewable resources in soil and water, wildlife habitat and forage, and tree management. He adeptly managed his farm, remained in an active role in community service, and still enjoyed his hobbies of hunting and fishing with his family.
If you had the honor of knowing James “Jim” Huff, you knew him to be a man of integrity, honor, commitment, and loyalty, as evidenced by the respect he held nationally and by the many friends who came to him for advice and assistance in personal and professional matters. But he would probably like to be remembered most as a servant of the Lord and faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Pallbearers are: T. J. Jefferson, Wiley Pickering, J. T. Pickering, Jason Pickering, Jeff Graves and Bill Reddoch. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Pickering, Stanley Shows, Chip Pickering, Mike Kenny, Fred Wansley, Joe Musgrove, Denvil Frailey and Reubin Graves.
Willie Ruth Johnson
Willie Ruth Johnson, 81, of Laurel died Monday, May 13, 2013, at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sandersville Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Tim Sanford will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel
Mrs. Johnson worked in the school cafeteria and was a member of Sandersville Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Robert and David Johnson; and three sisters, Lucille Stewart, Hazel Smith and Virginia Stakes.
Survivors include her husband, Grover L. Johnson of Laurel; four grandsons, Jeffrey Johnson of Laurel, Clay Johnson and wife Latisha of Petal, and Brandon and Jonathan Johnson of Hattiesburg; three great-grandchildren, Cody, Caitlyn and Kyle; and one sister, Billie Roberts of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Walters, Mike Walters, Jeremy Russell, Joey Davis, Keith Braddock and Jason Creel.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Shirley Lyn Rigdon
Shirley Lyn Rigdon, 66, of Laurel died Thursday, May 9, 2013 at her residence in Laurel.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Copper Carter; and mother Vera Agatha Rogers Carter
Survivors include her husband, Lloyd Cecil Rigdon of Laurel; son Donald Wayne McWilliams Jr. of Washington; daughter Donna Lyn Smith of Washington; sisters Helen Carter and Connie Carter.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Bettye Lou Windham Johnston
Bettye Lou Windham Johnston, 78, of Bay Springs died Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Summerland Manor in Bay Springs.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Colonial Chapel of Bay Springs with interment at Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Monday at Colonial Chapel.
She was a retired school teacher who taught for 35 years. She was a member of Stringer United Methodist Church, where she served as pianist, Sunday school teacher and church clerk.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John A. and Olur Windham; brother Jerry Windham; and husband of 47 years, Jim Johnston.
She is survived by son Tom (Cindy) Johnston and daughter Karen (Nathan)Thornton, all of Bay Springs; five grandchildren, Isaac Thornton of Bay Springs, Lindsay (Adam) McAlpin of Pine Grove, La., Cameron (Keri) Thornton of Layfayette, La., Austin (Erin) Johnston of Louin, Samantha Thornton of Jackson; and one great-grandchild Liam Johnston of Louin; and one brother, Donald (Betty) Windham of Bay Springs, MS
Pallbearers will be Isaac Thornton, Cameron Thornton, Austin Johnston, Adam McAlpin, Alan Bryson and Mike Windham.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stringer United Methodist Church.
Dan E. Walters
Dan E. Walters, 80, of Laurel died surrounded by church friends.
Services will be today (Saturday) at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church with burial in Hickory Grove Cemetery.
Dan was born in Laurel on Oct. 13, 1932. Following a tour in the U.S. Navy, Dan turned his attention to law enforcement. A graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, he first spent time with the FBI and then rose through the ranks of his hometown force, culminating as chief of the Laurel Police Department. He continued to serve and protect through his own security business for nearly 30 years.
Dan was the loving husband of Nancy Thigpen Walters (1935-2007) for 49 years. He and Nancy loved celebrating life through friends, travel and fishing. He dedicated much of his time researching The Battle of the Bulge and especially felt the need to honor the efforts of the 106th Infantry Division.
Dan was predeceased by an infant son, Robert Wayne Walters. He is survived by his brother, Doug Walters of Louisiana and godchildren Lt. Col. Calvin Powell, USAF and Adam Powell of Tallahassee, Fla.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Jeffery Wayne Flynt
Jeffery Wayne Flynt, 49, of Laurel died Thursday, May 9, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at First Baptist Church of Calhoun Cemetery. Rev. Leon Carmical and Rev. Doug Moore will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Flynt was an operator with Gray Wireline and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his parents, Charles and Selena Flynt of Laurel; wife Christina Flynt of Laurel; three sons, Jacob Flynt of Laurel, Joseph Arnold of Laurel and Justin Graham of Hattiesburg; daughter Haley Arnold of Laurel; granddaughter Emma Graham of Hattiesburg; and sister Michelle Flynt of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be Randy Collins, J. R. Mason, Robbie Sims, Glenn Holloway, Justin Graham and Jason Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Rickey Johnson and Timmy Sumrall.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Allen Sharp
Allen Sharp, 57, of Laurel died Friday, May 10, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Big Creek Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Scott Stringer and Rev. Eric Kitchens will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Sharp worked for S& S Repair and was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Daisy B. Sharp.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Sharp; son Christopher Sharp (Heather) of Victoria, Texas; two grandchildren, Conner Sharp and Zach Sharp; father Lester Sharp; brother Herschel Sharp (Sharon) of Laurel; sisters Debbie Kitchens (Phil) of Laurel, Joyce Beaty (George) of Laurel and Mary Fisher (Jim) of Chicago, Ill.; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Pallbearers will be Calvin Keys, David Tucker, Ricky Sharp, George Beaty, Michael Everett, Bill Freeman and Jamie Sims.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Edwin Gerald Stringer
Edwin Gerald Stringer, 58, of Laurel died Thursday, May 9, 2013, at his residence.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Grace Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Ross Stringer and Louise Frances Blackledge Stringer.
Survivors include two brothers, Thurmon Stringer and Gene Stringer, both of Laurel.
Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Pat Bennett
Pat Bennett, 77, of Laurel died Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at her residence.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. There will be no other services.
Mrs. Bennett was a bookkeeper for Industrial Services.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Alma Ryan; sister Juanita Phillips; and two brothers, Junior Ryan and Frank Ryan.
Survivors include her husband of 56 years, K. R. Bennett of Laurel; two daughters, Kathie Bennett of Whitehouse, Texas and Vickie Walker and husband Dennis of Greeneville, Tenn.; son Jimmy Bennett and wife Debra of Arlington, Texas; granddaughters Kristin Skinner and husband Billy, Ashley Bennett, Ally Walker and Shelby Walker; grandson Robby Bennett; great-granddaughter Payton Harper Skinner; special friends Teresa and Lannis Walters, Earl West and families; nephews Don, Charles (Tiger), Lanny and Kim; and nieces Junelle and Sheila.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view or sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
George T. Davis Jr.
George T. Davis Jr., 88, of Laurel passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at Jones County Rest Home in Ellisville.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Gene Douglas and Rev. Nathan Barber will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Davis was employed by South Central Regional Medical Center until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, and he was also a veteran of the U. S. Army, serving in World War II.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George T. Davis Sr. and Maggie Mae Shumake Davis; brother Herman Davis; and three sisters, Christine Jones, Ava Lee Key and Lela Mae McCraw.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Barber Davis of Laurel; daughter Dena D. Boyett and husband James “Buddy” of Laurel; grandson Specialist Evan Blake Boyett and wife Sara of Fort Stewart, Ga.; granddaughter Mary Laura Boyett of Mobile, Ala.; and one sister, Ondine Saxton of Milton, Fla.
Pallbearers will be R. C. Leggett, James Ryan, James Nix, William Harper, Edwin Buckley, Specialist Evan B. Boyett and Don Husband. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Powell, Jim Bradford, Tom Henderson and Stephen Kneipp.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made in memory of Mr. Davis to Highland Baptist Church Music Ministry, 2513 N 7th Ave., Laurel, MS 39440.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Corey Andrew Pitts
Mr. Corey Andrew Pitts, 38, a native and resident of Laurel (Wayne County), was born Friday, March 14, 1975 and died Sunday, May 5, 2013 on Strengthford Pleasant Grove Road in Laurel.
Visitation for Mr. Pitts will be from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday in the parlor of Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the chapel of Freeman Funeral Home in Waynesboro with Dave Moran officiating. Interment will be in Sellers Cemetery.
He was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church and worked as an Equipment Operator for R. C. & Sons Construction, LLC.
Mr. Pitts is survived by his father, Charles Ray Pitts and mother, Linda Tiner Pitts; daughter Amber Pitts; brother Wayne Pitts (Donna); sister Charlotte Williams (Randy); grandmother Christine Pitts; grandmother Betty Tiner; nephew Cole Pitts; four nieces, Sam Pitts, Haileigh Pitts, Tori Parker (Jeremy), Morgan Mosley (Shawn); great-nephew Rylan Davenport; great-niece Leighty Mosley; aunt and second mom, Dianne Pitts; two uncles, Larry Dale Tiner (Vanette) and Hal Tiner (Alice); special cousins and close friends Teresa Moore (Joel), Kim Harper (Jim) and Chris Tiner (Sophie); other Cousins and friends; several great-uncles and great-aunts.
Velma Ainsworth Windham
Mrs. Velma Ainsworth Windham, 101, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2013.
Funeral services will be at New Home Baptist Church in Smith County on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Visitation will be at the church before the service, from 10-11 a.m.
She was born Dec. 11, 1919 in Smith County, where she lived all of her life. She attended Taylorsville High School, graduating in 1933.
After her marriage, she was a homemaker for years, rearing her three children. She then went to work in Jasper General Hospital as a nurse’s aid and doing private duty. After her husband passed away, she retired and joined Happiness Is Choir at First Baptist Church in Raleigh. One of her joys in life was singing and she enjoyed traveling to different states and churches singing in the choir and sightseeing.
Her other joy in life was keeping her three grandchildren and later, her six great-grandchildren. They were the joy of her life. She was a member of New Home Baptist Church, where she was an active member for 75 years.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Rex B. Windham; an infant son, James Inrique; and in 2009, a beloved son, Donald P. “Pat” Windham; also, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Robert (Hood) Ainsworth; six brothers, Robert, Wead, Van, Walter, Hoy and Roy Ainsworth; two sisters, Eula Ishee Pilgrim and Winnie Windham Liechti.
Survivors are one son, Lex R. Windham (Betty); one daughter, Sandra Simes (Bob); one granddaughter, Jennifer Sims Hawkins (Bob); two grandsons, Mark Windham (Tammy), Randy Windham (Jessica); four great-grandsons, Blake and Reed Windham, and Luke and Peyton Sims Hwakins; one great-granddaughter, Carlee Windham; also a host of loving nephews and nieces and many dear friends.
Rebecca Leigh Toney
On Thursday, May 2, 2013, Rebecca Leigh Toney, 36, passed away in Missoula, Montana.
She will be dearly missed by her parents, Barbara and John Toney of Columbia, and the rest her family and friends.
There will be a visitation at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia on Wednesday, 1-3 p.m., followed by a graveside service at the Kokomo Cemetery.
Leigh was born on Aug. 31, 1976 in Hattiesburg. She graduated from R.H. Watkins High School in Laurel. After living for several years in Maine, Leigh settled in Missoula. Leigh's joyous, genuine nature attracted people around her; wherever she lived or traveled she made many friends.
An exceptional gardener, Leigh's yard overflowed with flowers and vegetables. She was a wonderful cook and found pleasure in sharing Southern cooking with her Northern friends, teaching them, for instance, what real shrimp and grits should taste like. She was a generous gift-giver, placing great thought in finding the perfect gifts for the people around her.
Leigh loved camping, traveling, fireworks, the New England Patriots, and music. She had an eclectic musical taste and saw live performances every chance she got. She loved her cat, King, her dog, Bear and her boyfriend, Joe Sides. A natural leader, Leigh relished in planning trips, preparing meals, snapping photos and taking the wheel on road trips. Her friends called her Mama Leigh.
As the Electronic Banking Supervisor at First Security Bank of Missoula, Leigh was highly valued by her colleagues, both professionally and personally. Her responsibilities included online banking and deposit services. She was very skilled in her work and especially enjoyed taking on new projects involving research and development.
Through her desire to help others, Leigh was involved in the Ronald McDonald House Red Shoe Ball of Missoula and led an annual Relay for Life team for the American Cancer Society.
All who knew Leigh will remember her for her kindness, intelligence, honesty and laughter.
She is survived by her parents, Barbara and John Toney of Columbia; grandmother Mary Lee McArn of Columbia; sister Lynn Williamson (Tommy) of Ridgeland; brother Chris Toney (Candice) of Missoula; nephews Andrew Williamson and John Paul Toney and step-nephews Ian and Matthew Knight, all of Missoula; boyfriend Joe Sides of Missoula and his family, Jack and Sherry Sides of Montana City and Jack Sides Jr. (Katy) of Helena, Mont.; and many other loving family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Leigh Toney to the American Cancer Society, 1903 Central Ave, Billings, MT 59102.
Ina Fae Fant
Ina Fae Fant, 93, of Ellisville died Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Care Center Of Laurel in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph Harris and Rev. Keith Ulmer officiating. Burial will be in Ellisville City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Through the years, Ina invested herself in many occupations. She was a housewife, an employee of Movie Star and of Reliance, and she sewed for the public.?
Ina was preceded in death by her husband, Preston Fant; parents O.R. Bufkin Sr. and Olivia Updyke Bufkin; brothers Bobby Bufkin, O.R. Bufkin Jr. and Pat Bufkin; and sisters Virginia Smith, Dot Issler and Irene Parker.
Survivors include her son, Mike Fant (Phyllis), Shreveport, La.; daughters Pat Blackmon (James) of Ellisville and Portia Anderson (Mark) of Deatsville, Ala.; brothers Noah Bufkin, Jimmie Bufkin and Roland Bufkin; sisters Rose Bogach, Rachel Kinkwood, Rita Bexley and Helen Knox; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Mrs. Fant’s grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Care Center of Laurel and to Community Hospice.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Sally Ann Reynolds
Sally Ann Reynolds, 82, of Laurel died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at her residence.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Brian Gordon will officiate. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
She was a housewife and a member of West Laurel United Methodist Church and the Laurel Bowling League.
She was preceded in death by her son and daughter and 12 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her husband Don Reynolds of Laurel; two grandsons; and two sisters, Mary Mahon of Dillwyn, Va. and Verdora Locklear of Greensboro, N.C.; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be friends and family.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Billy J. Hill
Billy J. Hill, 76, of Moselle died Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.
The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Stanley Beech will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Hill was the owner of H&H Construction and was a U. S. veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Pine Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Frank Hill and Jimmy Hill.
Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Hill of Moselle; four sons, Randy Hill and Delane Hill of Jackson, Jamie Lewis of Moselle and Shane Lewis of Ellisville; one daughter, Regina Bullock of Moselle; 14 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, J. B. Hill of Laurel and Jerry Hill of Moselle; and three sisters, Laquite Wade of Ovett, Linda Gail Hill of California and Jewel Hill of Laurel.
Pallbearers will be James Bullock, Mike Hamilton, Mike Hill, Kerri Hill, Daniel Lewis, Zack Hill, Joseph Holylee and Robby Clark.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Inman O. Fowler
Inman O. Fowler, 92, passed away April 27, 2013.
Visitation will take place on Sunday from 1-2:30 p.m. at Wright Ferguson Funeral Home (1611 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland). Family service will follow. Interment will be at Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland.
Mr. Fowler was born in Laurel on March 16, 1921. He had been a resident of Jackson since the late 1950s. As a career insurance professional, he was owner of Fowler and Fowler Insurance Agency and retired as a partner of Mutual Insurance Agency in 1995.
He was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Anita Hardin Fowler; his parents, I. O. (Tuck) Fowler and Mamie Walters Fowler; and brother James Robert Fowler.
Survivors include daughter Sylvia and husband Russell Wicker, son Steve Fowler and wife Peggy; daughter Mary and husband Frank Waltman; grandchildren and spouses Melissa Hewitt (Lloyd), Hoyt Williams (Angie), Robert Williams (Mary Cates), Scott Fowler, Shane Fowler (Isley), stepgrandson Chuck Lea; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Arcena Lowe
Arcena Lowe, 93, of Laurel died Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at her residence in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
Her first grandson, Pastor Kenneth L. Click will officiate. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel.
She was a Baptist and faithful in church and always had her children with her during their formative years. She enjoyed many outdoor activities; fishing was her favorite; she also enjoyed working in the garden and yard, camping and she especially enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She always had a positive outlook and was a joy to spend time with. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, C.E.(Pat) Lowe; two brothers, Lavon McCord and Nelson McCord; two sisters, Dezzie McKinley and Frances Ishee.
She is survived by two daughters, Nell Corcoran (Mike) and Margaret Ann Lowe of San Antonio, Texas; two sons Clifton Lowe (Mary) and Lamar Lowe (Carol) of Laurel; sister Lucille Williams (Calvin) of Mobile, Ala. and Rachel Stennett (Jimmy) of Brookhaven; and a brother, J.D. McCord of Ellisville; as well as 17 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Ted Lowe, Blair Lowe, Chuck Lowe and Hubert Baty.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Donnis Cecil Lyon
Donnis Cecil Lyon, 81, of the Shady Grove Community passed away on April 29, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Visitation will be at Memory Chapel in Laurel on Friday evening, May 3, from 5-8 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a. m. on Saturday, also at Memory Chapel, with burial at Shady Grove Baptist Cemetery to follow. Rev. Dr. Ronald Bishop, one of Mr. Lyon's colleagues from Jones County Junior College, will officiate, with pastoral assistance from Revs. Danny Pitts and Joseph Harris.
Born early on Christmas morning 1931, Mr. Lyon was the middle child of Carl William Lyon and Esther Elizabeth Powell Lyon of Laurel. His siblings, Delores Lyon Reeves and Dorman Lyon, are both lifelong residents of Shady Grove Community.
In 1953, Mr. Lyon married his high school and college sweetheart Mary Ball at Shady Grove Baptist Church, on May 29. This year's anniversary would have been their 60th. A well-known and highly respected educator, Mr. Lyon earned degrees in biology and chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi after completing an A.A. degree at JCJC, where he competed on the Bobcats’ track team. Subsequently, Mr. Lyon attended Mississippi State University and the University of Southern Mississippi, receiving master's degrees in biology and in educational administration, as well as a specialist's degree in biology.
During a teaching career that spanned 40 years of service to the State of Mississippi, Mr. Lyon taught at Ruleville High School in the Delta, Jones County's Sweetwater Community, as well as Central and Mason Schools, Maddox Junior High and R. H. Watkins High School, all in Laurel. He also conducted field research through The Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs. From 1970 until his retirement in the mid-1990s, Mr. Lyon taught various biology courses, particularly anatomy and physiology, at his alma mater, JCJC.
Greatly admired as an inspiring teacher and gifted lecturer, Mr. Lyon enjoyed few activities more than providing students with a spirited, enlightening and rewarding educational experience. During episodes of ill health over the last decade and a half, Mr. Lyon took frequent comfort and considerable pleasure in so many of his care providers being former students. Mr. Lyon received numerous honors for his exceptional instruction, including “Teacher of the Year” at JCJC. Nothing provided more gratification to him, though, than proudly following the successful careers of his former students.
After retirement, Mr. Lyon embarked on a virtual second career as a genealogical researcher, compiling several volumes of material on his Lyon, Powell, Lowe, Collins, Murray, Welborn and Valentine ancestors, as well as Mrs. Lyon’s Ball, Smith, Ishee, Holifield and Long forebears. Various other researchers, churches and interested groups sought Mr. Lyon's valuable information, keen insights and scrupulous research. He also served as a genealogy and family history consultant for Professor Victoria Bynum's book, “The Long Shadow of the Civil War: Southern Dissent and Its Legacies.” Mr. Lyon thoroughly enjoyed the connections he made and assistance he gave through this avocation.
A football and basketball standout for the Shady Grove Golden Eagles during high school, Mr. Lyon remained an avid sports fan throughout his life, enthusiastically following college football and basketball (particularly JCJC and USM teams), Brett Favre's career and the Boston Celtics. After one of his sons graduated from the University of Alabama, Mr. Lyon became a staunch supporter of the Crimson Tide as well.
Classical music constituted yet another enduring hobby. Mr. Lyon accumulated an enormous collection of recordings and listened to music several hours each day. His favorite television program was always “Gunsmoke,” a series that fortunately continued in reruns.
However, Mr. Lyon's four grandchildren undoubtedly provided him with the most enjoyment, to which his many nieces, nephews, and their children added. Finally, Mr. Lyon will be deeply missed by his constant companion, Chico the Chihuahua, who appeared from nowhere one Christmas morning (Mr. Lyon's birthday).
Mr. Lyon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ball Lyon; sons Kenneth Lyon (wife Donna Ford Lyon) of Flowood; Keith Lyon (wife Laura Ward Lyon) of Washington, N.C., and Kevin Lyon (wife Tina Boykin Lyon) of Laurel, as well as a sister, Dolores Lyon Reeves (husband Felton Reeves) of Laurel and a brother, Dorman Lyon (wife Doris Lowe Lyon) of Laurel. Mr. Lyon also leaves four grandchildren, Sara and William Lyon of Laurel, Kelsey Lyon of Washington, N.C. and Rachel Lyon of Flowood.
Pallbearers consist of son Kevin Lyon, brothers-in-law Floyd Ball and Charles Boone, nephew Michael Ball, Dale Holifield and Roy Boutwell. Mr. Lyon's long-time colleague and friend W. H. Pope, along with his many nephews, will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The Lyon family wishes to thank all the relatives, friends, colleagues and former students of Mr. Lyon who have expressed their condolences in various deeply appreciated ways.
Robin Paul Powell
Robin Paul Powell, 56, of Laurel died Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at his residence in Laurel.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Ellisville Funeral Home in Ellisville with Rev. Frank Hendry and Rev. Eddie Bryant officiating. Burial will be in Myrick Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9-10:30 a.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ramon Powell; wife Paula Powell;?nephew Jason Kitchens; grandparents Will and Jeanette Dew and Dexter and Dorothy Worrell.
Survivors include his mother, Barbara Powell; daughters Jessica Jarimillo (Eric) of Suffolk, Va. and Whitney Scott (Jeffery) of Petal; sisters Mary Craft (Craig), Laurel Powell and Dot Cleckler (Leon), all of Glade; five grandchildren, Scott, Cynthia, Craig Graves, Adam Jarimillo and Jeffery Scott.
Serving as pallbearers are Reed Cooley, Jeffery Scott, Stevie Pickering, Ed “Po” Poore, Chuck Norris and Anthony Welch. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Scott Graves and Mark Phillips.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Juanita P. Jefcoat
Juanita P. Jefcoat, 93, of Soso died Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be on Friday at 3 p.m. at Big Creek Baptist Church with the burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Rev. Don Brown and Rev. Kenneth Flynt will officiate.
Mrs. Jefcoat was a faithful Christian and a member of Big Creek Baptist Church, where she was a choir member and taught Sunday school and Ladies Bible Studies for numerous years. She was also the church historian and chronicled a cherished history of the church. She was a retired educator, having served as both teacher and principal. She graduated from the University of Southern Miss with her B. S., master’s and specialist degrees in elementary education. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa teachers’ organization. She also enjoyed quilting, crocheting and gardening and loved her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, T. J. “Pete” Jefcoat; her parents, Wilson and Nancy Powell; and siblings Theresa Blackledge, Ross Powell, Ray Powell and Etta Fay Folkes.
She is survived by her daughter, Ann Katherine Hastings of Soso; son Robert Jefcoat and wife Patricia of Hattiesburg; eight grandchildren, Clark Jefcoat of Washington, D.C., Kyle Jefcoat and wife Katie of Arlington, Va., Ken Jefcoat of Arlington, Va., Lorrie Thompson and husband Chris of Soso, Chellie Eavenson and husband Butch of Hattiesburg, Peter Hastings of Soso, John David Hastings of Soso and Katherine Pittman and husband Andy of Ellisville; 10 great-grandchildren, Andrew Thompson and wife Christine, Ross Thompson, Cade Thompson, Nicholas Eavenson, Ella Eavenson, Callie Hastings, Johnna Hastings, Parker Pittman, Annabelle Jefcoat and Quentin Jefcoat; one great-great grandchild, Riley Thompson; sister Evelyn Todd and husband Marvin; brother Welton Powell and wife Joyce; sister-in-law Willie Mae Powell; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers.
The family is appreciative to the staff of Cottonwood Manor of Laurel for the kind and loving care provided to Mrs. Jefcoat.
Memorials may be made to the Big Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 28 Big Creek Church Rd., Soso, MS 39480.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Lavada S. Rushton
Lavada S. Rushton, 89, of Laurel died Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Southern Living Personal Care in Waynesboro.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Rushton Cemetery in Jones County. Rev. Gerald Henderson and Rev. Valton Douglas will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel.
Mrs. Rushton was employed with Low Cost Forms prior to her retirement.
She was preceded in death by her parents, D. D. Sasser and Bessie Bankston Sasser; husband Grady B. Rushton; sister Margie Porter; and three brothers, Ray Sasser, Herman Sasser and Roland Sasser.
Survivors include four daughters, Linda Blackledge Denning of Denton, Texas, and Peggy Parker (Tommy), Regina Milner (Rusty) and Gail Chancellor (David), all of Laurel; brother Dean Sasser of Houma, La.; eight grandchildren, Lori Blackledge, Matt Blackledge, Will Parker, Andy Parker, Ryan Milner (Heather), Rush Milner, Jonathan Chancellor (Meggie) and Alex Chancellor; and three great-grandchildren, Tucker, Cannon and Judson Milner.
The grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Donnis Cecil Lyon
Donnis Cecil Lyon, 81, of the Shady Grove Community in Laurel passed away on Monday, April 29, 2013 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memory Chapel. Burial will be at Shady Grove Cemetery.
Mr. Lyon taught biology in Jones Junior College's Science Department for many years and in the Laurel School District prior to that.
Mr. Lyon is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ball Lyon; sons Kenneth Lyon (wife Donna Ford Lyon) of Jackson, Keith Lyon (wife Laura Ward Lyon) of Washington, N. C. and Kevin Lyon (wife Tina Boykin Lyon) of Laurel, as well as a sister, Dolores Lyon Reeves (husband Felton Reeves) of Laurel and a brother, Dorman Lyon (wife Doris Lowe Lyon) of Laurel. Mr. Lyon also has four grandchildren, Sara and William Lyon of Laurel, Kelsey Lyon of Washington, N.C., and Rachel Lyon of Jackson.
Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Vonceil Peel Gaddis
Vonceil Peel Gaddis, 89, died Sunday, April 28, 2013.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Thursday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery.
She was born Jan. 11, 1924 to Huey Peel and Ida Vickers Peel in Wausau, Fla. She married Zane Grey Gaddis in Key West, Fla. on Feb. 11, 1945. After World War II, they came to Louisiana to college. During their 68-year marriage, she gave birth to three sons, Don Michael Gaddis (wife Kim) of Kingwood, Texas, Dale Arden Gaddis (wife Cheryl) of Lafayette, La., and John Mercer Gaddis of Humble, Texas. There are seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Vonceil was a very devout Christian of the Southern Baptist church and proved it by her actions. She was a Sunday-school teacher, WMU worker and active in numerous services including carrying her boys (not sending them) to church. She was a good neighbor, a friend with a quiet personality, and a strong Christian, mother and wife.
We, her family, will sorely miss her, but know with unwavering knowledge that she is really at home with Jesus, her Lord.
Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Nancy Lynn Anderson
Nancy Lynn Anderson, 46, of Laurel died Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at her residence.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Mr. Levi Jones officiating. Burial will be in County Line Baptist Church Cemetery on Oak Bowery Road. Visitation will be Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Alcus Jerry Grice
Alcus Jerry Grice, 70, of Seminary died Sunday, April 28, 2013, at his residence.
The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Welch-Graham Cemetery. Rev. Paul Rodgers and Rev. Harold Ishee will officiate.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Grice retired from Marathon Oil Company and was a member of Lowery Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Welch Grice of Seminary; two sons, Wayne Grice (Kim) of Ellisville and Terry Grice (Sonyia) of Moselle; three daughters, Lisa Phillips of Hattiesburg, Malinda Black (Anthony) of Moselle and Connie Roney (Stephen) of Laurel; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three brothers, Arange Grice of Moselle, and Author and Ansel Grice, both of Seminary; and two sisters, Alta Bishop of Seminary and Joyce Welch of Ellisville.
Pallbearers will be Tyler Roney, Jared Grice, Kelton Grice, Richard Benoit, Willie Patterson and Jeff Sullivan. Ethan Black will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Charlene Pitts Evans
Charlene Pitts Evans, 66, of Ellisville died Saturday, April 27, 2013 at University Medical Center in Jackson.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Ellisville with Elder Joe Evans officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 1-3 p.m. at the church .
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Evans; parents Morris and Vila Pitts; brothers Jimmy Pitts and Douglas Pitts; and sister Elois Dyess
She is survived by her daughters, Tammie Flowers (Tommy), Lynn Collins (Scott) and Kim Donald, all of Ellisville; sister Ouida Pitts of Bay Springs; special friend Rachel Wells of Ellisville; eight grandchildren, Mason Collins, Reese Collins, Jessica Collins, Ryan Sanford, Daniel Danford, Cade Evans, Logan Donald and Chance Donald; and one great-grandchild, Kate Mason Collins.
Serving as pallbearers are Mason Collins, Daniel Sanford, Ryan Sanford, Cade Evans, Reese Collins, Logan Donald and Chance Donald.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Barbara A. Skinner
Barbara A. Skinner, 75, of Soso died Friday, April 26, 2013 at her residence.
Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her son, Danny Harroll Skinner; her parents, Robert James “Mac” McCarty and Helen Louise McCarty; brother Bobby Jay McCarty; and sister Judy McCarty Herrington.
She is survived by her husband, Bobby Carroll Skinner of Soso; one daughter, Leasa Skinner Bergin and husband Al Bergin; grandchildren Joe Bergin and wife Lacey Bergin, Kate Bergin VanEtten and husband Chris VanEtten, John Bergin and Mary Ann Bergin Lindsey and husband Brian Lindsey; great-grandchildren Cole Bergin, Carsyn Bergin, Kennedie VanEtten and Knece VanEtten; and one sister, Linda McCarty Gandy.
Pallbearers will be Joe Bergin, John Bergin, Chris VanEtten, Mike Herrington, Burny Bergin and Ben Lindsey.
Memory Chapel is in charge of services. To view and sign the guest register, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Bobbie I. Harris
Bobbie I. Harris, 84, formerly of Pearl, died Friday, April 26, 2013, at Trace Point Assisted Living in Clinton.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Matthews Cemetery. Dr. Jimmy Dobson and Rev. O. V. Cornell will officiate. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service on Monday at Memory Chapel.
She was retired from Southeastern Oil Review, where she worked as a secretary.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Agnes Mathews, Myrtis Edwards and Myrtle Terry; and two brothers, Haskel Ishee and E. J. Ishee.
Survivors include two sisters, Ernestine Graham of Hattiesburg and Bonnie Grantham of Stringer; brother Joyce Ishee of Jackson; a host of nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Jonnie Norton of Flowood.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Billy Harold ‘PeePaw’ Wigington
Billy Harold ‘PeePaw’ Wigington died Thursday, April 25, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Indian Springs Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Mike West and Rev. Buddy Keyes will officiate.
Billy was born April 21, 1937, in Laurel. He graduated from Soso High School in 1956, was a life-long resident of Jones County and served in the Army and the Army Reserves. He worked at A&P Grocery Store and Jitney Jungle Grocery Store for many years, and retired from Hertz Rent-a-Car. He was a wonderful cook and his specialty was chicken and dumplings. He enjoyed working in his garden and yard. He deeply loved his three granddaughters and spent as much of his spare time as possible with his two great-grandsons. He was a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his father, Buford Wigington; mother Braddis Livingston; and stepfather Will Livingston.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Delores Cumberland Wigington; daughter Sonya Graves and husband Scotty; son Greg Wigington and wife Tina, all of Laurel; grandchildren Ashley Jefcoat and husband Nathan of Laurel, Allison Graves and Kelsey Wigington; great-grandchildren Noah and J. T. Jefcoat; special nephew (son) Charles Jackson and wife Joycee of Ellisville; and sisters Bea Robinson and husband Ray of Soso and Martha Ann Nelson and husband Harold of Sylvarena.
Pallbearers will be Steve Robinson, Carl Hill Jr., Gary Little, Jay Smith, Keith Robinson and Jeff Stephens. Honorary pallbearers will be Garland Miles, Allen Jones, Joe Fowler, Jim Ellzey and Charles Jackson.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Billie Gilmore Ishee Sr.
Billie Gilmore Ishee Sr., 70, of Sandersville died Thursday, April 24, 2013, at his residence.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Oakland Grove Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Brother Mike Powell and Rev. Jim Balliet will officiate.
Mr. Ishee was a truck driver for Halliburton, a veteran of the U. S. Army and a member of Oakland Grove Baptist Church. He loved woodworking.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Delano Ishee and Lonnie Gavin Ishee; parents Garvin L. (Opa) and Agnes (Oma) Ishee.
Survivors include his wife, Marion (Maggie) Pennington Ishee of Sandersville; son Billie G. (Gil) Ishee Jr. and wife Karen of Laurel; daughter Vickie Tolbert and husband Wayne of the Sharon community; grandchildren Kayla Ishee and Trevor Ishee; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers will be Wayne Tolbert, Michael Ishee, Charles Ishee, Bert Casper, Rusty VanScoyk and Terry Master Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Trevor Ishee and Tom Ishee.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Marie Elizabeth Magee
Marie Elizabeth Magee of the Hebron Community passed away April 24, 2013 at the residence of her son.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Hebron Cemetery. Rev. Zeb Manning will officiate. Visitation will be from 8-10 a.m. Friday at Memory Chapel Funeral Home.
She was a member of Hebron United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Katie Graves; her brothers, Charles Graves, Burnis Graves and Houston Graves; and great-granddaughter Reed Elise Magee.
She is survived by her son, Billy Magee and wife Lana of the Hebron Community; her grandsons, Derek Magee and wife Laverne of Beaumont and Brian Magee and wife Amanda of Hebron; three great-grandchildren, Christian Magee, Hannah Summerlin and Kendall Magee; and special sister-in-law Mary Ann Graves.
Pallbearers will be Derek Magee, Brian Magee, Christian Magee, Mark Graves, Jason Allred and Taylor McLemore Jr. Honorary pallbearer will be Michael Graves.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Ronald Leneil West
Ronald Leneil West, 77, of Hattiesburg died April 24, 2013 at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb.
Services will be at 3 p.m., Sunday at 19th Avenue Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, followed by burial in Roseland Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 5-8 p.m. at Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg.
Mr. West was a graduate of Ole Miss Pharmacy School and longtime pharmacist at Southwest Drugs. He was a member and deacon of 19th Avenue Baptist Church and a member of Gideons International.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Faye West; parents William and Erette West; a sister, Ann Baucum; and a brother, Paul West.
He is survived by a son, Ron (Paula) West Jr. of Summit; a daughter, Rhonda West (Mike) Lowe of Celina, Texas; four grandchildren, Jeff (Ashlie) West of Petal, Christopher (Heather) Ramos of Commerce, Texas, Catherine (Jeremy) Lofton of Ocean Springs and Shelby Lowe of Celina, Texas; two brothers, Marvin West of Lexington, Ky. and Vic (Louise) West of Laurel; a sister, Maxine Stringer of Maryville, Tenn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be directed to: Camellia Ministries (P.O. Box 1267, Hattiesburg, MS 39403) located at 133 Mayfair Rd., Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
Robert Dale Smith
A gathering to celebrate the life of Robert Dale Smith, 51, will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday at First Baptist Church in Corinth with Brother Dennis Smith officiating.
Local services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home and from 11 a.m. until service time at the church on Saturday. Local visitation will be from noon until the time of service on Sunday at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Dale died on Monday, April 22, 2013 at Magnolia Regional Hospital. He was born in Laurel on Feb. 9, 1962 to Robert Aron Smith and the late Anna Grace Ishee Smith. Dale received his Bachelors of Music Education from Delta State and went on to instruct band and teach general music for more than 22 years. He led the band programs and taught music for one year in St. Petersburg, Fla., three years in Lucedale, one year in Leakesville, three years in McComb, one year at Kossuth High School and had been teaching for 13 years at Biggersville at the time of his death.
He enjoyed being the band instructor at Biggersville and showed great pride and discipline. He always gave 110 percent and expected no less from his students. Along with being the band instructor, he taught a music class for kids with special needs. Dale knew how to express himself to his special needs students due to the fact that his son has autism, also loves music and plays in the band at Northeast Community College.
Along with his father, Dale is survived by his wife of 28 years, Karen Bellew Smith and one son, Joshua Dale Smith, both of Corinth; three brothers, Doug Smith and wife Stacy, Dean Smith and wife Nell, and David Smith; one sister, Dorothy Pledger and husband John, all of Laurel; several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Memory Chapel is in charge of local arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Alton F. Brown
Alton F. Brown, 82, of Laurel died Monday, April 22, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Providence Baptist Church in Laurel, with burial in the Oak Hill No. 2 Cemetery. Rev. Joe Cooley will officiate. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. Saturday at the church.
Alton was educated in Attala County and accepted Christ at an early age in Kosciusko. He later moved to Laurel in the early 1950s and became a truck driver for several years before accepting employment at Pine Belt Ready Mix Concrete, where he remained employed until his health failed and he became disabled.
Alton was a dedicated family man and rededicated his life by joining Providence Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee. He was a friendly, smiling, outgoing man who loved to grin.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Maudie Brown; father Floyd Brown; stepmother L.A. Brown. four brothers, Elijah “E.W.” Brown, Joseph Brown, Loun L. Brown and Floyd Brown Jr.; five sisters, Jessie Dotson, Emma Mae Martin, Lillie Mae Kimbrough, Earline “Pearl” Harderman and Maudie Vealey.
He is survived by wife Alma Brown of Laurel; children Tonya R. Norris of Joliet, Ill., and Denise Kelly, Monica Bender, Tachia (Charles) Dace and Lamiko “Mickey” (Tarsha) Brown, all of Laurel; adopted daughter Henrietta (Carl) Carmichael of Laurel; brother Robert Brown of Kosciusko; sisters-in-law Helenese Terrell of Laurel, and Margaret Brown and Lucinda Brown, both of Grenada; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three God-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Brown Mortuary, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
John Michael Aricer
John Michael Aricer, 20, of Laurel died Wednesday, April 17, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Houston Road Baptist Church. Rev. Tommy Brill will officiate. Burial will follow at Faith Chapel Cemetery on Poole Creek Road, Laurel.
He was a member of Houston Road Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Aricer; and sister Carrie.
Survivors include his father, Johnnie Aricer of Laurel; two half-brothers, Keith and Corey; and three half-sisters, Syra, Hope and Deena.
Deacons of Houston Road Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers.
Memory Chapel of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Claudine Jones
Claudine Jones, 89, of Laurel died Monday, April 22, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Center.
The funeral service will be Friday at 1 p.m. at Sun Light Baptist Church in Laurel followed by burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Dennis Mack will officiate. Visitation will be Thursday 6-8 p.m. at the church.
Bay Springs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
William Larry Crowson
Dr. William Larry Crowson, 71, of Hattiesburg died Monday, April 22, 2013 at his home.
Visitation will be Thursday at Main Street Baptist Church, from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., with services immediately following. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.
Dr. Crowson received his Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Master of Psychology from Mississippi State. He was a former professor at Jones Junior College and William Carey University and was the first director of the Youth Challenge program at Camp Shelby. Dr. Crowson served in the Mississippi National Guard and retired as Brigadier General. He was a member of Main Street Baptist Church, a former member of First Baptist Church of Ellisville, where he served as a deacon and taught Sunday school, and a member of the Ellisville Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Ellen Crowson; and a brother, Jerry Walker.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Crowson of Hattiesburg; two daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Tony Rahaim of Hattiesburg and Jennifer and Russell Parker of Ocean Springs; a brother, Leslie Crowson and his wife Linda of Oxford; a sister, Linda Huston of Meridian; three grandchildren, Anthony, Ally and Natalie; a niece, Mary Claire Crowson; and a nephew, David Huston.
Memorial donations may be directed to: Dr. William L. Crowson Scholarship Fund c/o Mississippi Youth Challenge, Bld. 80, Camp Shelby, Mississippi 39407-550, to be awarded to an outstanding YCP student who will attend JCJC.
Moore Funeral Home in Hattiesburg is in charge of arrangements.
Byron L. ‘Butch’ Brumfield Jr.
Byron L. "Butch" Brumfield Jr. passed away Friday, April 19, 2013 after an extended battle with cancer.
There will be a memorial service on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Houston Road Baptist Church in Laurel, where Butch was a member.
Butch was born in Laurel, Ms. June 18, 1966. He graduated from Gulfport High School in 1984. After graduation, he attended Mississippi State University. While at MSU, he was critically injured in a car wreck, leaving him a paraplegic. After spending six months at the Shepherd Spinal Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta, Ga., he returned to MSU, where he received his undergraduate degree and obtained a master’s in vocational rehabilitation. While working on his master’s, he wrote grants for the Vocational Rehabilitation Department.?
Upon graduation he entered the medical consulting field and lived independently until his health failed. He was welcomed by his parents when he returned home to stay with them until his death.
Butch was an avid NASCAR fan. Dale Earnhardt was his favorite driver and he attended the Talladega race many times. He was also a computer-savvy technical person, earning his Microsoft Certified Engineering degree. ?
He is survived by his parents, Byron L. Brumfield Sr. and Janet Fleming Brumfield of Laurel; brothers Chris, wife Melissa Cooper Brumfield and their sons Tanner and Cooper and daughter Caroline, and Benjamin and his daughter Anna; Uncle W. B. “Bill” Brumfield; maternal grandmother Delorce Fleming. ? He was preceded in death by maternal grandfather Ralph Fleming; paternal grandparents William B. Brumfield Sr. and Ruth Davis Brumfield; aunts Susan Brumfield and Lynne Fleming Smith. ?
The family offered a special thanks to Drs. Phillip Ley, Carolyn Cegielski and Ross Ward, fifth-floor Baptist Hospital nurses and hospice care-givers Bonny Brown and Kevin Long. ?
It was his wish that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the “Wounded Warriors Project.Org.”
Sherry J. Bush
Services for Sherry J. Bush, 51, of Laurel, who died Saturday, April 21, 2013 at South Central Regional Medical Center, will be Wednesday at New Fellowship Baptist Church at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the New Fellowship Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Jones and Son Funeral Home of Moselle is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.jonesandsonfh.com
Ronald William Sellers
Mr. Ronald William Sellers, 55, of Moody, Ala., passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Trinity Medical Center following a brief illness.
Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday from the Parkview Baptist Church Life Center.
Mr. Sellers is survived by wife Heather Lynne Sellers; sons Justin Sellers and Jake Sellers; daughters Anja Sellers and Brooke Diel; mother and dad Patricia L. and Ma. Robert “Bob” Maywhort U.S.M.C. (retired); father and stepmother Tommy and Judy Sellers; sister Rhonda Faye Sellers; brother Adam Maywhort; grandchildren Jaden Sellers, Brock Diel and Brayden Diel; nephew Ross Bass; and nieces Amanda Boutwell and Rianna Fischer.
Margaret Weisheit Mayfield
Margaret Weisheit Mayfield, 88, formerly of Laurel, died Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Brandon Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Memory Chapel.
Margaret was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Mayfield; two grandchildren, Richard Estes and Michael McCoy; and three daughters, Michelle Mayfield, Bobbie McCoy and Shirley Donald.
Survivors include two sons, Robby Mayfield of Laurel and Ricky Mayfield of Stuttgard, Germany; three daughters, Melinda M. McLaurin of Brandon, Macie Houston of Germantown, Tenn. and Margaret Mayfield Mayne of Dacula, Ga.; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Tony Wheat, Robert McCoy, Jimmy McCoy, Seth McCoy, Jed McCoy and Josh Howard.
The family would like to thank the staff of Brandon Nursing Home for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests love offerings to Alzheimer’s Association of the South, Mississippi Division, 4803 Harrison Circle, Gulfport, MS 39507 or charity of your choice.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Dorothy Russell
Mrs. Dorothy Russell, 81, of Huntingdon, Tenn., passed away Sunday, April 21, 2013 at her home.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Dilday-Carter Funeral Home in Huntingdon, Tenn. Brother Andrew Stokes will officiate the services. Interment will follow with graveside services on Wednesday at 1 p.m. at the Fair Ridge Cemetery in Stringer. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Dilday-Carter Funeral Home and on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time of services.
Mrs. Russell was born May 23, 1931, in Carroll County, Tenn., to the late Felix Reeves and Sidney Hale Reeves. She was a member of the Clarksburg Baptist Church, a former member of the Fair Ridge Baptist Church in Mississippi and a retired bookkeeper for R & R Services.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Thaddius Russell; three sisters, Wilma Grant, Marie Smith and Moetta Warbritton; and two brothers, James Reeves and Earl Reeves.
She is survived by two daughters, JoAnn (Gary) Hatch, of Huntingdon, Tenn. and Donna (Keith ) Lutenbacher, of Spring, Texas; two sons, Dean ( Patricia ) Carlisle of New Orleans and Chuck Carlisle of Houston, Texas; a stepson, Tim (Shirley ) Russell Jr. of Jackson, Tenn.; two sisters, Lessie (Robert ) Carden, of Clarksburg, Tenn. and Loretta (Charles) McCay of New Johnsonville, Tenn.; and a brother, Felix ( Essie ) Reeves Jr., of Clarksburg, Tenn. She also leaves 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
Louise Jenkins
Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ellisville City Cemetery for Louise Windham Jenkins, 93, of Ellisville, who died Sunday, April, 21, 2013 in Hattiesburg.
Mrs. Jenkins was a homemaker and a member of the Ellisville United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bura and Alma Windham; husband Bobby “Monk” Jenkins; and son James Mack Jenkins.
Survivors include a sister, Lila Sanford of Florence; a daughter, Bobbie Perry of Sumrall; two sons, Roger Jenkins of Hattiesburg and Randy Jenkins of Moselle; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great- grandchildren.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Ruthanne Williams
Ruthanne Williams, 47, of Bay Springs died Wednesday, April 17, 2013 in Bay Springs.
There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Bay Springs Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.
Ruthanne was preceded in death by her parents, George Glenn Williams and Marianne Bowering Phillips.
Survivors include her brothers, Robert Glenn Williams (Angie) and Stephen Linn Williams (Vickie), both of Bay Springs; sister Mary Williams Jenkins of Bay Springs; stepfather Hillman J. Phillips of Stringer; uncle Buddy Bowering of Madison; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com.
Lola Jane Lee
Lola Jane Lee, 72, of Laurel died Saturday, April 20, 2013 at University Medical Center in Jackson.
Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel. Revs. Robert Scruggs and Jamie Altman will officiate. Burial will be in Sharon Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5:30-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel.
She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother and an avid LSU fan.
She was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery (Jeff) Lee; and parents Harold and Ollie May Thompson.
She is survived by a son, Tim Lee and wife Darlene of Laurel; sister Debbie Rogers and husband Tom of Laurel; grandchildren Matthew Lee, Jessica Lee, Alexis Plankers, Drake Plankers, Megan and Justin West and Savanna Davis; two great-grandchildren; and two special nieces, Carmen Bratu and Tiffany Sumrall.
Pallbearers will be Mutt Lee, Harold Lee, Vic Lee, E.C. Gardner, James Thaggard and Lewis Houston. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Bryan, Jimmy Bradley, Jonathan Jones and Roy Barnett.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family can view or sign an online guestbook at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
William Thomas Pettigrew
William Thomas Pettigrew, 87, of Laurel died Saturday, April 20, 2013 at his residence.
Funeral services will be Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church. Rev Eddie Byrant will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 2 p.m. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Memory Chapel of Laurel.
Mr. Pettigrew was a retired truck driver. He was the last living grandson of Civil War General William Thomas Pettigrew. He was a member of Tuckers Crossing Baptist.
He was preceded in death by a son, David Adams; and a grandchild, Brian Pettigrew.
He is survived by his wife, Una Savage Pettigrew; five sons, William David Pettigrew and wife Lisa of Nashville, Tenn., Michael Adams of Sparland, Ill., Mark Adams of Laurel, Shawn Adams of Lakeland, Fla. and Andy Robert Pettigrew of Sandersville; four daughters, Brenda Pettigrew Thatch of Heidelberg, Jerri Adams and Christy Crenshaw, both of Sandersville, and Master Sgt. Diana Adams of Grand Junction, Colo.; 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family can view or sign an online guestbook at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Robert D. Cochran Jr.
Robert D. Cochran Jr., 82, of Ellisville died Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Covington County Hospital in Collins.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Ellisville Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Rodgers and Rev. Harold Ishee officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-8 p.m. at Ellisville Funeral Home.
Mr. Cochran was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Cochran Sr. and Maudie Lee Cochran; and four sisters, Virginia Mills, Clarice Lowe, Robbie Lee Hood and Odelia Slayton.
Survivors include his wife, Eleanor Sims Cochran of Ellisville; daughter Deborah Carpenter (Michael) of Ellisville; sister Artelia Knight of Florence; grandchildren Blaine Carpenter (Kala) and John Robert Carpenter (Bonnie); great-grandchildren Emma Grace, Breeze, Cooper, Camp and Daisy Carpenter; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be the Deacons Of Lowery Creek Baptist Church.
Ellisville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.
Clemmie Sue Russell
Clemmie Sue Russell, 84, of Laurel died Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Comfort Care Nursing Home.
Funeral services will be Monday at 2 p.m. graveside at Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Rev. Chris Klingenfus will officiate.
Mrs. Russell was a retired L.P.N.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Delmar Russell.
She is survived by two sons, Steve Russell and wife Liz and Neil Russell and wife Shelley, all of Laurel; grandchildren Adam Russell and wife Jessica, Kerri Russell, Casey Russell, Zak Russell and wife Olivia and Kristen Russell; great-grandchildren Nathaniel Russell, Sydney Russell and Gavin Walker; two sisters, Tommie Jean Blakeney and Bonnie Fay Vowell, both of Taylorsville.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Friends and family can view or sign an online guestbook at www.memorychapellaurel.com.
Don Stringer
Don Stringer, 71, of Stringer went to be with the Lord the morning of April 19, 2013.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Monday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Clear Creek Cemetery in Smith County. Rev. Cliff Jenkins will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Sunday at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.
PawPaw Don was full of life and loved his family and grandchildren to no end.
Mr. Stringer graduated from Stringer High School in 1960. He remained close to his classmates throughout the years, especially Jerry Dykes, Billy Joe Gillcrest and Tommy Jeff Buckley. He was a member of Temple Baptist Church in Laurel.
Mr. Stringer served four years in the Air Force as a jet mechanic stationed in Selma, Ala. at Craig Air Force Base. After serving in the Air Force, he went back to work at Masonite as an electrician. He retired after 40 years of hard work and dedication.
Mr. Stringer was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Lorraine Stringer; brothers Billy Ray and I.W. Stringer.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Stringer. They have two sons, Jeffrey Don and wife Ashley Shows Stringer, and Jimmy Glenn and wife Ashley Myrick Stringer; four grandchildren that he loved dearly and always brightened his day: Kelly Stringer, Kinsley Stinger, Addison Stringer and Hannah Johnson, and a special granddaughter by heart, Marleigh Brannon.
PawPaw will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.
Michael J. ‘Kood’ Cooper Sr.
Michael J. “Kood” Cooper Sr., 56, of Laurel died at South Central Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.
The funeral service will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church. Rev. Joe Cooley will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery No. 2.
Malone Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Osie Jerrell Ratcliff Jr.
Osie Jerrell Ratcliff Jr., 21, of Laurel died Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at his residence.
The funeral service will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Spring Hill United Methodist Church in Montrose. Visitation will be Friday, 6-8 p.m., at Bay Springs Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.
Dorothy Cooley
Dorothy Cooley, 70, — “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — died Monday, April 15, 2013, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel. She was born March 2, 1943 in Jones County to the late Aaron and Lena Ray Cooley.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at New Testament Interdenominational Church in Ellisville. The eulogy will be done by Rev. Kenneth Cannon. Visitation will be at 9-11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Burial will be at Mount Williams Cemetery in Hebron. Repass will follow at the home of Ketrenia and David Hare.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, lots of aunts, uncles and cousins; father Aaron Cooley, and her son, Maurice Cooley.
Dorothy was the oldest girl of 10 children. She is survived by her mother, Lena Ray Cooley of Laurel; a daughter, Kimberly Michelle (Byron) Perkins of Greenville, S.C.; a son, Daniel Cooley of Joliet, Ill.; four brothers, Fred (Bonnie) Cooley of Menden, La., Alvin and Anthony Cooley, both of Los Angeles, Calif., and Johnnie (Robbie) Cooley of Taylorsville; five sisters Mavis (Gale) Fisher of Senatobia, Cheryel (Kenneth) Cannon of New Albany, Ketrenia (David) Hare of Taylorsville, Cynthia (Kevin) Keys of Collins and Jennifer (Robert) Taylor of Aurora, Ill.; five grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Young’s Funeral Home in Taylorsville was in charge of arrangements.
Deanna D. Bourgeois
Deanna D. Bourgeois went to be with Jesus on Monday, April 15, 2013, at her home in Laurel.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday followed by a memorial service of family and close friends. Rev. Drew Blanton will officiate.
She was a retired member of the Laurel Board of Realtors and a co-owner of Southern Realty Associates.
She is survived by her husband, William Paul Bourgeois; daughters and step-daughter, Angie King, Joanna Wright (Richard), Penny Grubb and Aimee Daigle; and grandchildren, Rick, Sarah and Katie Wright; John and Hannah Grubb; and Emily and Noah Diagle.
The family is especially grateful for the excellent and compassionate care shown by Dr. Shannon Penland and Gail Phipps of Jefferson Medical Associates and Mallorie Kitchens of Comfort Care Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, it is the family’s wish that you would consider making a donation to Comfort Care Hospice of Laurel.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guestbook, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
James Orien Flaherty
James Orien Flaherty, 48, of Ellisville died Monday, April 15, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Memory Chapel of Laurel with burial to follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Rev. Kenny Smith will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Memory Chapel.
Mr. Flaherty was a maintenance director with Ellisville State School and was of the Methodist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleilan Orien Flaherty and Shirley Pauline Jones Flaherty.
Survivors include his aunt, Lillian James Flaherty Walker of Petal; fiancée, Marla Upton of Stringer; two half-brothers, Billy Bond and Danny Bond; and a host of first cousins.
Pallbearers will be Paul Graham, Buddy Easterling, Lee Upton, Kent Mauldin, Kenneth O’Neal and Mickey Bond. Honorary pallbearers will be John Ellis and Vanoy Graham.
Memory Chapel is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
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