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.