|
Allen Pierce 
Funeral services for Mr. Allen Pierce were held on April 19, 2012, with Rev. David Nelson, Rev. Ben Laird officiating. Burial was at Antioch Cemetery in House with Rev. Ray Spence officiating. John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Allen Pierce, 71, died Sunday, April 15, 2012, at Anderson Regional Medical Center-North in Meridian, Miss.
He lived in the House Community most of his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a retired poultry and cattle farmer. Mr. Pierce was a member of Beech Springs M.B. Church where he was a deacon and taught Sunday school.
Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by his parents, Johnie Glen Pierce and Lucille Rucker Pierce; infant sister, Brenda K. Pierce and infant brother, Timothy David Pierce.
Mr. Pierce is survived by his wife, whom he married May 8, 1971, Charlotte Cole Pierce of House, Miss; son, Brian Pierce of House; sister, Marie Pierce of Enterprise, Miss.; and brother, Doyle Pierce of Enterprise, Miss.
Pallbearers were Jeff McNair, Rayburn Rush, Demp Parkes, Jerry Joyner, Ricky Carlisle, Dennis Rigdon, John Hester and Ricky Smith.
William S Amis
Services for Ms. William S. Amis were held Friday, April 20, 2012, at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. Rev. Randall Creel, Rev. Heath Johnson and Rev. Harmon Smith officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol was in charge of the arrangements.
Ms. Amis, 87, of Conehatta died Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at her residence.
Survivors include three sons, James Amis and wife Sharon of Timbo, Ark.; William E. Amis and wife Patsy of Lake, and Robert Amis and wife Sandra of Conehatta; a daughter, Valrie Thrash and husband Terry of Sulphur, La.; 10 grandchildren, Melanie Pope, Lance Amis, April Lacy, Bethany Crosby, Stacy Parker, Alisia McMillian, Deidre Maxie, John Oliver Amis, Stephanie Morris, and Julie Rabun; 21 great grandchildren; a sister, Regina Gardner; and a brother, Henry Sharp.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Amis.
Pallbearers will be Lance Amis, J. O. Amis, Ken Crosby, Justin Thrash, James Amis, Trey Morris, Chad Parker, and Arthur McMillian.
Faye Howle Loftis
Services for Marilyn Faye Howle Loftis were held Sunday, April 29, 2012, at Neshoba Baptist Church, with Rev. Ed Dickerson officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery, with Stephens Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Loftis, 66, of Biloxi, formerly of Union, died Thursday, April 26 2912,, at Ocean Springs Hospital in Ocean Springs, Miss.
Survivors include her daughter, Darla D. Loftis and her fiancé, Nate Jourdan, both of Biloxi; two brothers, Jim Howle and wife, Merrill, Tom Howle and wife, Susanna; two nephews, Richard Howle and wife, Erin, and David Brown Loftis; two nieces, Jennifer Howle,and Dana Loftis Chadwell and her husband, Scott, and a great nephew, Dylan Howle, all of Atlanta, Ga.
Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Claudine Livingston Howle.
Pallbearers were Mike Howle, Joey Gressett, Jon Withers, Steve Baggett, Delton Killen, and Brobby Moore.
Wendell Eugene Hardin
Services for Mr. Wendell Eugene Hardin were held Friday, April 27, 2012, at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Fanguy and Rev. Heath Johnson officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Wendell Hardin, 74, of Conehatta, died Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at his home.
Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Nancy Jo Hardin of Conehatta; two sons, Wendell Eugene “Peetie” Hardin, Jr. and wife Marsha of Union, Charles Robert “Bobby” Hardin and wife Cherie of Forest; three daughters, Susan Margaret “Maggie” McCoy and fiance Brant of Meridian, Tammy Lynn McPhail and husband Scotty of Sebastopol, Tina Marie Brown and husband Scott of Carthage; 10 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; three brothers, Jerry Hardin, Jimmy Hardin, and Jeff Hardin; two sisters, Gwyn Cooper and Gayle Brashier.
Pallbearers were Chris Graham, Vance Hardin, Warren Hardin, Hunter Brown, Grant Brashier, Clay Thrash. Honorary pallbearers were Landon Hardin and Cameron Brown.
Mr. Hardin is preceded in death by his parents, B. C. (Preacher) and Verda Ruth Hardin; and one great grandson, Hayden Myatt.
Mr. Hardin was a veteran of the U. S. Navy and an active member of Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. He was a retiree from Army Corps of Engineers in Vicksburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Anderson Cancer Patient Benevolence Fund (1704 23rd Ave. Meridian, MS 39301) or The American Cancer Society ( P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718)
Shelby Hattaway
Services for Mr. Shelby Hattaway were held May 3, 2012 at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with burial in the Hopewell Cemetery. Rev. Danny Lanier and Rev. Benny Buckley will officiate.
Mr. Hattaway, 59, of Decatur, died Monday, April 30, 2012 at Specialty Hospice of Meridian.
Survivors include a son, James Hattaway and wife Amanda of Decatur, a daughter: Amanda Hattaway of Decatur, a stepson, William Pedersen and wife Shelia of Little Rock; grandsons: Patrick Pedersen and Preston Shaw, a stepdaughter, Tyna Walters of House; a stepdaughter, Marleene Pederson of Union, grandsons, Braxton Hattaway and Mason Hattaway, a sister, Anita Anderson and husband Kirby of McHenry, Miss., and a special friend, Jeanette Wall of Little Rock.
Mr. Hattaway was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Juanita O. Hattaway.
Pallbearers were Steve Dean, Ronnie Wilson, Jonathan Merritt, Jimmy Butler, Allen Oliver, Sonny Harrison, Tom Keene, and Tony Estes.
William Clayton Roebuck
Services for Mr. William Clayton Roebuck were held Friday, May 4, 2012 at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union. Burial was in the Pinckney Cemetery with Rev. Ed Dickerson officiating. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Roebuck, 57, of Union, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at his residence.
He was an active member of Decatur Church of God. Clayton enjoyed his church, family, and friends.
His hobbies included wood working and horses. He was employed with Spaceway Oil Company for over 25 years. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Survivors include his loving wife of 10 years: Cindy Roebuck of Union; five children: daughters Carmen Tillman and husband Zan and Robin Daniels all of Union, and Angela Roebuck and Jessica Roebuck, both of Meridian, a son, Robert Daniels of Union; ten grandchildren, a brother, Gary Roebuck and wife Nan of Richland, and a brother -in-law, Bob Gamel and wife Elois of Collinsville.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Louise Roebuck, and a sister, Teresa Gamel.
Pallbearers were Bruce Shannon, Steve Milling, Richard Winstead, Mike Smith, Joye James, Bobby Huddleston, Jeremy Warren, Otto Rouse, and Henry Eldridge. Honorary pallbearers were David Weeks and Bobby Huddleston.
Cornelia W Walton
Cornelia W Walton, 93 of Decatur, died Wednesday,May 2, 2012 at Hospice of West Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. Funeral services were held Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Newton County Funeral Home North in Newton,Miss. with Bro. George Felton officiating. Burial was in Newton County Memorial Gardens, Newton, with Newton County Funeral Home North in charge of arrangements 601-635-3200.
Mrs. Walton was a member of Newton Presbyterian Church & Gideons Auxillary. She was preceded in death by her husband: Will Walton, parents: Bud White & Lula Virginia McMillan White.
She is survived by a sister: Mildred Swain of McLean, VA, sister- in- law: Louise Walton of Decatur, Miss., caretaker: Ethel Ford of Hickory, Miss. and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Gideons International. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Parmal Price
Services for Mr. Parmal Price were held Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Golden Grove Church of God. Rev. Jason Price and Rev. Larry Duncan officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol was in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Parmal Price, 75, of Forest, passed away Friday, May 4, 2012 at his residence.
Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Shirley Price of Forest, a daughter, Becky Federick and husband Bodie of Lake, a son, Jeff Price and wife Judy of Hattiesburg; four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, a sister, Johnnie Ruth Gomillion of Lake; a brother, David Price and wife Carolyn of Madden; two sisters-in-law, Lodie Price of Meridian and Frances Price of Walnut Grove, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Price is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Olen Price; and two brothers, J. B. Price; and Rev. Junior Price.
Pallbearers were Jonathan Harrell, Johnny Goss, Justin Harrell, Ray Gomillion, Keith Warren, Nathaniel Lewis, Bruce Hall, and Bodie Federick. Mr. Price was an active member and deacon of Golden Grove Church of God. He worked at Newton Company for over 20 years.
Linda Ann Swilley Martin
Linda Ann Swilley Martin, 67, local retired cosmetologist and member of Grace United Baptist Church, of Decatur, died Thursday, May 3, 2012 at her home. Funeral services were held on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at Newton County Funeral Home North Chapel with Rev. Mark McDonald officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her previous husband, Lovee Swilley, parents: A.J. & Urcel Merritt and Howard W. Walters and one brother, James H. Walters.
Mrs. Linda was survived by one daughter: Kelly Miller of Decatur; two sisters: Pam Scott Martin and Angie Merritt Woodcock; and three granddaughters: Lindsey, Kara, and Sydney Miller; several nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers were Joey Scott, Vince Woodcock, James McNamee, David Craven, Ben Harper, and J.R. Addy. Honorary pallbearers were Gerald Matlock, Larry Wall, Jimmy Hayes, James Martin, Milton Smith, Donald Overstreet, and Zane Hiatt. Newton County Funeral Home, Newton, was in charge of arrangements. Friends and family may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
James M Vance
Services for Mr. James M. Vance were held Saturday, May 5, 2012, at College Park United Methodist Church, with Reverend Kenneth R. Owen and Dr. Rhett G. Payne, III officiating. Interment was held in the Decatur Cemetery with Webb Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
James M. Vance, 76, went home to be with his Lord May 2, 2012. He spent his life helping educate and guide young people.
He was also an inspiration to countless other people in his community, church, and state. His compassion, leadership, and support will be greatly missed. His legacy, however, will continue. His love for the Lord will be a beacon for his family, friends, and colleagues. As a member of College Park United Methodist Church, he served as Sunday School Teacher, Chairman of the Administrative Board, delegate to conference, and treasurer. Coach Vance was known by coaches and officials during his 48 years of officiating. He also conducted workshops for others.
The son of the late David and Tammy Vance, he is survived by his wife of 53 years, Patsy Mowdy Vance, his son, Jeff Vance, and his daughter, Tami Cassaro, son-in-law, Brett Cassaro, granddaughter, Micah Rippon, sister Delois Cannady, and his brothers, Doug and Rudolph Vance.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.jamesfwebb.com.
Edward Purvis Sanders
Funeral services for Mr. Edward Purvis Sanders of the Four Corners Community were held Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at John E. Stephens Chapel with Rev. Wade Chappell officiating.
Interment is in Remus Cemetery.
Mr. Sanders, 74, passed away on Wed., May 2, 2012 at his residence in Attala County.
He had lived most of his life in the Four Corners Community. He was retired from Taylor Machine Works. Mr. Sanders was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of Remus Baptist Church. Mr. Sanders was preceded in death by his father, Earl Sanders; son, Mike Sanders;brothers, Everette Sanders & Bud Sanders.
Mr. Sanders is survived by his mother, Mary Ann Sanders of Kosciusko, daughters, Teresa (Buster) Speaks of Madison & Dana (Woody) Marcangeli of Union; sons, Stacy (Angie) Sanders of Pontotoc & Phillip Sanders of Philadelphia; brothers, James Sanders of Zama & Danny Sanders of Four Corners; thirteen grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a host of nieces & nephews.
Pallbearers were Bobby Sanders, Kenny Parker, Woody Marcangeli, Terry Sanders, Mitch Gheen & Austin Sanders.
Charlie Evans, Jr.
Services for Charlie Evans, Jr. on May 5, 2012 at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Percy Pollard officiating. Burial was in Lawrence Community Cemetery with Clark Memorial Funeral Home, LLC in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Evans, 60, of Newton, died April 30, 2012 at Anderson Hospital in Meridian.
John Dudley Gibbs
Funeral services for John Dudley Gibbs were held Friday, May 4, 2012 at Newton County Funeral Home – South Chapel with Rev. Ed Saunders officiating. Burial was in Pine Ridge Cemetery with military honors. Newton County Funeral Home, 100 Old Hwy. 15 Loop, Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Gibbs, 66 of Lawrence, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the V.A. Medical Center in Jackson.
Annie Lois Spence Wilcher
On Sunday afternoon, May 6, 2012, Annie Lois Spence Wilcher left earth for Heaven at the age of 94, joining her husband L. C. Wilcher and many other family members who preceded her in death.
Surviving family members include: her daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and Bob Craven and Julie and Dwayne Sharp (Meridian); her sister, Gladys Boatner (Meridian); her grandson and family, Shane, Kim, Jordan, Melonie, and Abigail Craven (Ringgold, GA); and her granddaughter and family, Allison, Chip, Zach, and Daniel Riggs (Canton, GA).
Lois lived most of her adult life in Union, Miss. , and was a member of First Baptist Church there.
A graveside service will be held at Decatur City Cemetery on Thursday, May 10, 2012, at 2:00 p.m.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will conduct the service.
Memorials may be made to Aldersgate Retirement Community, Meridian, or Bedford Care Center of Marion.
Willie Ray Walls
Services for Willie Ray Walls, 83 were held at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church in Conehatta, Miss. May 9, 2012 with Rev. Randall Creel, Rev. William Savell, and Rev. Heath Johnson officiating . Burial was in the church cemetery with Newton County Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Walls, of Glen Allan, Miss. died Saturday, May 5, at his home. He was born June 18, 1928 in Forest, Miss. He was in the United States Air Force from 1947 to 1967. He and his family were stationed in Hawaii before it became a state and was stationed there when Hawaii gained statehood. He was also stationed in several states and in France. While in France he and his family visited several European countries.
Mr. Walls retired to Conehatta in April 1967. He was employed for the summer with the Newton County Supervisor in Beat 3 where he helped black top the road from Conehatta to Prospect. He then worked for Jerry Trest at the Forest Air Conditioning/Refrigerator Service, worked at the Newton Record as the teletype operator, East Central Community College, and Green Acre Farms until he retired in 1989 and moved to Lake Washington in Glen Allan where he and his wife loved to fish.
Survivors include one daughter, Nancy Yates Thorne and husband Curtis of Decatur, one sister, Cecily Walls Wilder and husband, Winston of Starkville, one brother James Austin Wall and wife, Betty of Biloxi, his grandson Mickey and wife Karla Yates and children Tyler, Zach, Kaylee, and Brandon Yates of Decatur, also Julie, Josh and Tyler G. He had nine other grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren, sister-in-law Brenda Crawford and husband Ron of Hattiesburg and Billie Leach of Decatur, several nieces and nephews and very special friends, Mr. & Mrs. Murry Barr, Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie McIntire of Glen Allan and Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Rochelle of Holly Bluff, MS.
He was preceded in death by his wife Louise Leach Walls, and parents, Mr. & Mrs. Earl Wall, one son, Danny L. Yates and one daughter, Rita C. Walls Gibbs and husband Dean.
Pallbearers were the Military Honor Guard. Friends and family may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.
Ruby Winnoah Germany
Services for Ruby Winnoah Vance Germany were held on May 9 at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Paul Ninemier and Rev. Jerry Germany officiating. Burial followed in the New Ireland Baptist Church Cemetery, with Stephens Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Germany, age 94, of Mauriceville, TX, formerly of Union, passed away on May 5th, at Silsbee Oaks Healthcare LLP in Silsbee, TX.
Survivors include her three daughters: Afton Taylor, of Navarre, Florida, Helen Addy and her husband, Ronny, of Conehatta, and Marthalene Harris and her husband, Bobby, of Mauriceville, TX; one son, Ralph Germany and his wife, Melba, of Meridian; one daughter-in-law, Oggie Germany of Union; six grandchildren: Samuel Lee Germany, Ralph Germany, Jr., Anita Webster, Albert Germany, Rhandal Addy, and Wade Harris; eleven great grandchildren: Colby, Elizabeth, Charles, Jessica, Laura, Parker, Brooks, Brian, Scott, Kristin, and Nathan.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Sim Alton “Bill” Germany; a son, Gary Germany; two grandsons, Donald Ray Taylor and Gary Taylor; three sisters, Edith Lang, Myrtle Sessions, and Verna Cornelius; two half sisters, Susie Leach and Lorene Leach; two brothers, Zelpha Leon Vance and Martis Vance; and one half brother, John Sharp Vance.
Pallbearers were Ralph Germany, Jr., Ab Germany, Sam Germany, Billy Taylor, Scott Taylor, and Brian Taylor.
Brenda Joyce Roebuck Pierce
Brenda Joyce Roebuck Pierce, beloved wife and mother, passed peacefully on Sunday, May 6, 2012.
She was born October 1, 1941 in Newton, Miss. She will be remembered for her kindness and thoughtfulness to all who knew her. A member of Newton Presbyterian Church, she once taught Sunday School and assisted in the church library. As a past member of Liberty Baptist Church, she and her husband cherished their many years as youth directors. There, she also wrote plays for special holiday events. She worked as medical secretary for Dr. Norman W. Todd and Dr. B. R. Shows before being employed at Newton Rush Hospital, working closely with Dr. Stephen Tramill.
Her final position was as Librarian Assistant at the Newton Public Library. This new path led her to develop even deeper ties with the Newton community. She was a proud member for many years in the Newton Garden Club. She bloomed in her later middle years into an artist. As a member of the Mississippi Art Guild, she showed her paintings around the state and won a number of awards. She once wrote a weekly column for The Newton Record, reporting on the "goings on" about town. When asked, however, what her greatest job and love in life was, she never failed to say, "My family." She devoted her best and her all to her husband and children. They will forever be blessed with all she gave them, and she will live in their hearts forever.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Newton County Funeral Home South with Rev. George Felton and Rev. Charlie Douglas officiating. Burial was in the Newton Masonic Cemetery.
Survivors include her husband James H. (Jim) Pierce of Newton, daughters Evelyn Pierce of Pittsburgh, PA and Jimmie Lyn Weston of Natrona Heights, PA and son-in-law Terry Weston. She also leaves her grandson Del Harrison of Carl Junction, MO, step-grandson Zack Weston, and sister, Clara Lee Strickland of Newton. She is survived by brother and sister in laws Bradley Pierce and William Pierce (Newton), Susan Pierce (New Orleans, LA), Carolyn Burnett (Stone Mt., GA) and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Friends and family may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com.
Freddie Reaux
Freddie Reaux was born May 5, 1921 in Lafayette, Louisiana, the sixth of twelve children of the late Fernand Joseph Reaux and Marie Belzire Broussard-Reaux. He entered into eternal rest on May 8, 2012 in Union, MS.
Freddie was raised in Louisiana. He joined the United States Navy where he served 22 years. He served his country during WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
Freddie married Dorothy Sampson of Philadelphia, PA and from this union there were four children. Shortly after retirement, he began a career as a professional cook and later as a house painter. Freddie was most happy traveling and sharing stories when surrounded by family and loved ones. He adopted Union, Mississippi as his home during the last 20 years of his life.
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife; siblings Lena Reaux-Wiltz, Willie Reaux, Della Reaux-Carter, Ernest Reaux, George Reaux, Edward Reaux, Mae J. Reaux-Tatum, Laura Reaux-Lenior, and Roosevelt L. Reaux.
Freddie leaves to cherish loving memories one son Roumel Reaux of New York, three daughters Yolanda Gadlin of Darby, PA, Vanessa Loney of Philadelphia, PA and Rochel Reaux of Philadelphia, PA. Two sisters Corine Hatton of Dolton, IL, Anna Belle Tyler of Deerfield Beach, FL; 3 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mr. Reaux donated his body to the University of Mississippi Science Donation Program. There will be no burial.
James A Brown, Sr.
Services for James A. Brown, Sr. was held on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Old Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Charlie Nichols, officiating. Burial was held in the church cemetery with Clark Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Brown, 63, of Louin, died Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at Pioneer Community Hospital. Visitation was held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. prior to service at the church.
Brenda Kay Collins
Funeral services for Ms. Brenda Kay Collins were held May 23, 2012 at John E. Stephens Chapel with Rev. John Stephens and Rev. Chris Vowell officiating. Burial was in Salem Cemetery with John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Collins, 61, passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at Anderson Regional Medical Center-North in Meridian. She was a seamstress for Jockey Apparel. She is a member of Crossway Community Church. Ms. Collins was preceded in death by her parents, James Joseph Palubicki & Edna Audrey Lofton Palubicki; husband, Milton Davis; daughter, Rebecca, Diane Davis; brother, Rural Dutch Scott Jr.; (2) Grandchildren;
Ms. Collins is survived by her companion, James Ardell Rowell of Union, Foster Mother, Bernice Lofton; daughter, Robin Elizabeth Rowell of Union, sons, Milton Dewayne Davis, Dennis Kelly Davis & Joel (Betty) Davis all of Union, sisters, Linda Miller & Sandra Plemmons both of North Carolina; brother, Ronnie Nickson; three grandchildren; host of nieces & nephews.
Pallbearers were Joe Rowell, Kenneth Thompson, Mike Fulton, Scotty Pinson, James Russell & Larry Fulton.
Roger L Watson
Services for Roger L. Watson, were held May 23 at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Gene Higginbotham officiating. Burial followed in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church near Little Rock, with Stephens Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Watson, age 83, of Little Rock, went to his eternal home on Monday, May 21t, at his home near Little Rock.
Sara Moreau
Services for Sara Moreau were held Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Decatur United Methodist Church with burial in the State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton. Rev. Bruce Taylor officiated. Mrs. Moreau, 73, of Decatur, died Sunday, May 20, 2012 at her residence.
Survivors include: her husband 54 years, Henry “Hank” Barton Moreau of Decatur, two daughters: Ada Elizabeth Demlow and husband Jeff of Newnan, GA; Young Mi Doucet and husband Jonathan of Seattle, WA; four sons: Michael Arthur Moreau and wife Georgia of Belmont NC; Henry Otto Moreau II and wife Anabeth of Morton, Miss.; Barton Andrew Moreau and wife Leslie of Boise, Idaho; Chul Moreau of Seattle, WA; three granddaughters: Rachel Moreau, Sara Demlow, and Vida Doucet; five grandsons: Michael Moreau II, Peter Moreau, Jacob Demlow, Xavian Doucet, Henry Moreau II; a sister: Rachel Katzer; three brothers: William McGee, Joseph McGee, Eugene McGee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. McGee, one sister, Bettie Wolverton, and one brother J.C. McGee, Jr.
Levi “Bill” Richardson
Memorial services for Levi “Bill” Richardson were held on Saturday, May 19th, 2012, at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Officiating were Rev. Kermit Sharp and Rev. Dawn Flowers.
Mr. Richardson was born March 20, 1926 in Union. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War. He died Monday, May 14, 2012, at the Mississippi State Veteran’s Home in Kosciusko, Miss.
His parents, Joe and Alma Richardson, his brothers Marshall, Marvin, and Charles, and his sisters Sudie and Minnie preceded Mr. Richardson in death.
He is survived by his wife, three sons, five granddaughters, one great-granddaughter, and three great-grandsons.
Mr. Richardson donated his body to the University of Mississippi Body Donation Program. There will be no internment.
Ruth A Burton
Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth A. Burton were held held Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at Ocobla Baptist Church with Rev. John Stephens officiating. Internment was in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Burton, 74, passed away on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at Laird Hospital in Union. John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services was in charge of services.
Billy C Townsend
Services for Mr. Billy C. Townsend were held Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Clark's Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Irby, Sr. officiating. Burial was held in Mt. Olive Cemetery in Lake with Clark's Memorial Funeral Home, LLC in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Townsend, 67, of Newton, died May 21, 2012 at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.
Joy Bailey
Memorial Services for Ms. Joy. J. Bailey were held Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Sebastopol Baptist Church. Rev. Jay Clark officiated with burial in Sebastopol City Cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol was in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors include her son, Jason Bailey and wife Shelly of Waynesboro, GA; and a niece, Jill J. Smith of Madison.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Sebastopol Baptist Church Building Fund.
Ms. Bailey was preceded in death by a son, Ken Bailey, and a daughter, Angie McClendon.
Ms. Joy Bailey was a member of Sebastopol Baptist Church.
A Z Lewis
Graveside services for Mrs. A.Z. Lewis were on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Newton Masonic Cemetery with Rev. Ed Saunders officiating. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Lewis, 95 of Newton, died Monday, June 4, 2012 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus.
She was a homemaker and a member of Newton United Methodist Church.
Survivors include: her daughter: Dale Lewis Welch, and her husband, Paul C. Welch of Starkville; her granddaughter: Regina L. Welch of Tupelo; her grandson: Major James P. "Jamey" Welch, and his wife: Leslie Welch of Fort Irwin, CA; her great-grandchildren: Anna Dale Franks, Alla Kirklynn "Ally" Franks, Nicholas Allen Welch, and MacKayla Josephine Welch; her sister: Mamye Alice Weir Thames, and her husband, Reginald Thames of Decatur; and her brother: Jim Christie Weir, and his wife, Louise Weir of College Grove, Tenn., and a number of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Henry Graves Lewis, Jr.; her parents: Levi E. Weir and Zelphia Mooney Weir; and her brothers: Waddie T. Weir, Levi E. Weir, Jr., and Davis Mooney Weir.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Newton United Methodist Church, 600 Decatur St., Newton, MS 39345.
James L Estes
Funeral services for James L. Estes were held Friday, June 8, 2012 at Newton County Funeral Home - North Chapel with Bro. Mark Vincent officiating. Burial was in Decatur Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy 15 North, Newton was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Estes, 71, of Decatur, died Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.
He was a life long resident of Newton County, a devoted father, husband, uncle, brother, and Christian. He owned and operated Estes Barber Shop in Newton for 37 years. He enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies, most enjoyed giving his time to the children of his community. He was a Dixie Youth Baseball Coach and was known to many as "Coach Estes." Mr. Estes was instrumental in establishing the Dixie Youth Baseball Complex in Decatur and donated many weekends of his time to see that the children of his community would have a place to play his favorite sport.
He enjoyed woodworking and restoring antique furniture, hunting, fishing, and raising Quarter horses. He was a co-founder of the Mid Mississippi Beagle Club, and a former member of the Mississippi Army National Guard and a member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church.
Mr. James is survived by his wife: Linda H. Estes of Decatur; two sons: Jeffery J. Estes of Pooler, GA and Ben A. (Janet) Estes of Little Rock; two grandsons: Grant and Garrett Estes; one sister: Joan (Gene) Loper of Decatur; two brothers: Curtis Estes of Decatur and Austin Estes of Dothan, AL
He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin and Mattie Boutwell Estes, and his siblings: Clarence, Mable, Billy, Thelma, Bernice, Clora, and Adrian.
Nephews served as pallbearers. Wayne Clanton and Gene Loper served as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clarke- Venable Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308, Decatur, MS 39327, or a favorite charity. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
John L Johnson
Mr. John L. Johnson of Martinez, GA entered into rest Monday, June 4, 2012, Mr. John L. Johnson, age 89, husband of Imogene O. Johnson for 60 1/2 years.
John was born in Harperville, Miss. He was the son of William Harvey Johnson, Sr. and Lela Beasley Johnson. He grew up in Decatur, Miss. John graduated from Newton County Agricultural High School, East Central Junior College and then Mississippi State University. While serving in the Army he was in Co E 115th Infantry, 29th Division.
Family members in addition to his wife include his children, John Charles Johnson and Cynthia Joy Johnson; grandson, John Charles Johnson, Jr. (Jennifer); sister, Fannie Ruth Bush.
He was predeceased by his parents: W.H. Johnson, Sr. and Lela B. Johnson; and brother: Charles Rufus Johnson, W.H. Johnson, Jr.; step-mother: Mae Bunyard Johnson.
Services were held at Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy 15 North, Newton, on Sunday, June 10, 2012. Memorial contributions may be made to Clark-Venable Baptist Church, P.O. Box 308 Decatur, MS 39327. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.thomaspoteet.com
Hazel Anthony Heflin
Services for Ms. Hazel Anthony Heflin were held Sunday, June 10, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Union with burial in the Union City Cemetery, with Rev. Jon Martin and Rev. Eric Sharp officiating.
Ms. Heflin, 89, of Union, died Thursday, June 7, 2012 at her home.
Ms. Hazel was born on August 6, 1922, in Sebastopol, Mississippi, to Clay and Effie Anthony. She enjoyed her childhood friends and school experiences in Sebastopol. After graduation, she moved to Union where she met and later enjoyed 51 years of marriage to Billie A. Heflin. She was a member of First Baptist Church where she worked with the children’s Sunday School for many years. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her family.
Survivors include: her daughter, Teresa Blount and her husband Robert of Union; her two grandsons, Bobby Blount and his wife Stephanie, and Jody Blount of Union. She had one loving great-granddaughter, Anna-Grace Blount of Union.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Billie, her parents, a sister, Clayton Grimes of Jackson, brothers, Bob Anthony of Clinton, Sturgis Anthony of Jackson, and Bill Anthony of Sebastopol.
Pallbearers were Joe Blount, Bennett Ware, Harold Cleveland, Ronnie Anthony, Hugh Rush, and Larry Driskell. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. J.G. Alexander and William Cassel.
Ann E Graham
Funeral services for Ann E. Graham were held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Randall Creel officiating. Burial was in Hazel Cemetery. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Forest, was in charge of arrangements
Mrs. Graham, 78 of Lake, died Saturday,June 9, 2012. She enjoyed gospel and bluegrass music and reading. She enjoyed cooking and baking, and was famous for her egg pie. As long as her health was good, she enjoyed being around her grandchildren. She was a member of Hazel Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughter: Melanie (Donnie) Beard of Heidelberg; her sons: Michael Graham, and Keith (Terri) Graham, both of Lake, and Karl Graham of New Freedom, PA; grandchildren: Amber (Ashley) Creel, Hope Beard, Josh Beard, Marla Graham, Devyn Graham,Dillon Graham, and Madison Graham ; great-Grandchildren: M'Kenzie Creel and Tenley Creel; brothers: James Wallace (Elizabeth) Pace of Collinsville; Herman Pace of Pearl and Thurman Pace of Union
She was preceded in death by her husband: Donald Graham; her parents Seth and Carrie Gibbs Pace; and her brother: Roger Pace.
Sara Willis
Sara Willis, 69 of Newton, died Monday, June 11, 2012 at Pioneer Community Hospital in Newton. Funeral services were held Thursday , June 14, at Newton County Funeral Home South Chapel in Newton, with Bro. Greg Willis & Bro Paul Demoney officiating. Burial was in Lawrence Cemetery in Lawrence. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include her husband, Robert Hansel Willis, Newton, her son, Robert Keith Willis & wife Kathie, Okatie, SC; a daughter, Lisa Kay Gordy & husband Dennis, Newton; a daughter, Lee Ann Talbot & husband Brian, Louisville; a son, Mark Alan Willis and wife Robin, Decatur; a sister, Patty Sue Gibbs, Lawrence, a brother, Billy Valentine of Conehatta, five grandchildren and several nieces nephews.
She loved reading and to crochet and was a member of Lawrence Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents Elton Valentine and Myrtle Weaver Valentine.
Pallbearers were Jacob Willis, Matthew Talbot, Eric Gordy, Chad Hillman , David Williams, & Shannon Bates. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Olen G Giles
Olen G. Giles, 93 of Pensacola, Fla. went to be with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on June 3, 2012. Mr. Giles was born in Decatur, Miss. on January 5, 1919. Funeral services were held at Gadsden Street United Methodist Church in Pensacola, Fla., on Sunday, June 10 at 2:00 p.m. Burial followed at Bayview Memorial Park with Military and Masonic Honors.
Faye Rigdon Chaney
Funeral services for Faye Rigdon Chaney were held Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Newton County Funeral Home - South Chapel with Bro. Justin Chaney, Bro. Jackie Strebeck, and Bro. Mark McDonald officiating. Burial was in Lebanon Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Chaney, 83, of Decatur, died Thursday, June 14, 2012 at her home. She was a Newton County native and a charter member of Grace United Baptist Church. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She and her late husband, enjoyed traveling and camping with their friends.
Survivors include: two daughters: Julia Strebeck, and her husband, Bro. Jackie Strebeck, of Hickory; and Patsy Holyfield, and her husband, John, of Little Rock; one son: Eugene Chaney, and his wife, Wanda, of Decatur; grandchildren: Jeremy Chaney and his wife Brandi; Rev. Justin Chaney and his wife Jessica; Jennifer Moseley, and her husband, Brandon; Jessica Cooley, and her husband, Aaron; Michael Holyfield, and his wife, Karen; and Jenny Holyfield ; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters: Ruth Holt of Decatur and Marie Birch Artesia, NM.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Henry Grady Chaney; her father: George Allen Rigdon; and her mother: Virgie Overstreet Williams.
Pallbearers were Jeremy Chaney, Bro. Justin Chaney, Michael Holyfield, John Holyfield, Brandon Moseley, Aaron Cooley, Jerry Chaney, and Paul Frink. Honorary pallbearers were Jacob Cooley, Peyton Chaney, Mason Cooley, Parker Chaney, Bethany Chaney, Jace Chaney, Harrison Chaney, Hank Holyfield, Hayden Holyfield, J.R. Addy, and Robbie Brown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Gideons International, Inc. , P.O. Box 297, Newton, MS 39345. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Brenda Gayle Holmes
On Saturday, June 9, 2012, Brenda Gayle Holmes, 61, died of congestive heart failure. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Edward Holmes III and her children, Edward Holmes IV and Bambi Holmes Dodge. She had 7 grandchildren and 1 great-grandson. She was a devoted wife and mother.
Olen G Giles
OLen G. Giles, 93 of Pensacola went to be with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on June 3, 2012.
He centered his life around his faith and his family. Mr. Giles was born in Decatur on January 5, 1919 and worked on his family's farm along with his five brothers and sisters. In high school he enjoyed performing in several school plays. He joined the Navy during WWII and became a Naval Aviator and served the Navy proudly for 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander.
He married Evelyn Hawkins on October 3, 1942 and together they enjoyed living in the new places where they were stationed while in the Navy. They were married for 48 years. After retiring from the Navy, Olen had a successful career with GEICO and helped develop the General Field Representative Program. One of Olen's greatest joys was meeting and helping people. He was a member of the Gadsden Street United Methodist Church for 40 years, the Rotary Club, the Sojourners and the Masons where he enjoyed the brotherhood and friendship from all of these associations. Olen's pride and joy was his family. With his patience, encouragement and support for his children, grandchildren and their families, he remained the rock of his family even during his final days. His example will always serve as inspiration for each of us.
Olen is preceded in death by his loving wife, Evelyn.
He is survived by his devoted daughter, Suzanne Giles-Martinez; his son and daughter-in-law, Andrew and Karen Giles; and his grandsons Frederick Henry (Lori), Andrew Giles (Juliana), and Matthew Giles (Joan). He is also survived by a special nephew, Dr. William Spain; favorite niece, Mary Sula Bishop; and longtime friend, Virginia (Jean) Girdner.
Olen will be greatly missed by his family. His example of honesty, integrity and kindness is his legacy for his family and friends and he will be remembered lovingly.
Funeral services were at Gadsden Street United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 10 with Rev. Bobby Ellisor. Burial will follow at Bayview Memorial Park with Military and Masonic Honors. Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel was is in charge of arrangements.
Elouise Jay Garvin
Elouise Jay Garvin, 88, of Newton, died Saturday, June 16, 2012, in Germantown, Tennessee, after a short illness.
She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church for many years before joining Liberty Baptist Church. She retired from La-Z-Boy South. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Newton Regional Hospital, now known as Pioneer Community Hospital, for over twenty years and was very active at Liberty Baptist Church until recently.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Demar (Bo) Garvin of Newton, her parents Rubin Marion and Nina Walker Jay, her sister Elizabeth Tillman, and brothers Harlan, Lavell , Qunion , and Clyde Jay.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Bonnie Jean Garvin Brown and husband, James, of Navarre, Florida, and Barbara Sue Land and husband, Robert, of Germantown, Tennessee; and three brothers, Clois Jay of Orange, Texas, W.F. and Douglas Jay of Newton.
She is also survived by five grandchildren and their spouses, Bob and Sherrill Land, Lesley and Andrew Price, Ashley and David Mathias, Lisa and Joey Mull, and Terry and April Brown, as well as eleven great grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday, June 21, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home - South Chapel, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, in Newton, Mississippi, with Rev. David Jay officiating. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery.
Her nephews were pallbearers and the Pink Ladies from Pioneer Community Hospital were honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Liberty Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Church, or the charity of choice.
Charles Hugh Morrow
Services for Mr. Charles Hugh Morrow were held Friday, June 22, 2012 at Conehatta Baptist Church with burial in the Conehatta Methodist Cemetery. Rev. Tommy Anderson and Rev. Jimmy Jones officiated.
Mr. Morrow, 75, of Conehatta, died Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Rush Foundation Hospital of Meridian.
Mr. Morrow was a member of Conehatta Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, and Sunday School Teacher. He served in the National Guard. He worked at Miss. School for the Deaf. Mr. Morrow worked at La-Z-Boy, and was a driver for Blossman Gas. He was also a dairy farmer. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a true man of God.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years: Dorothy McDill Morrow of Conehatta, two daughters: Regina Morrow Hoover and husband Johnny of Conehatta and Lesia Morrow Taylor of Conehatta; five grandchildren: Donald Brian Taylor and wife Shannon, Charles Scott Taylor and wife Ellen, Jereme Charles Hoover, Kristin Taylor Clark and husband Jonathan, and Michael Olan Hoover and wife Shelia; 11 great grandchildren: Chelsea Elizabeth Taylor, Zackary Brian Taylor, William Cody Thaggard, Charles Reece Taylor, Baili Noelle Taylor, Chole Lane Taylor, Kadence Marie Hoover, Anna Leigh Clark, Zade Taylor Clark, Collin Michael Hoover, and Emma Claire Taylor; and two brothers: Kendall Morrow and Garry Morrow.
Mr. Morrow was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.W. Morrow, son-in-law, Bro. Don Taylor, and brother, Harlan Morrow.
Pallbearers were Donald Brian Taylor , Charles Scott Taylor, Jereme Charles Hoover, Michael Olan Hoover, Zackary Brian Taylor, and Jonathan Kent Clark. Honorary pallbearers were Charles Reece Taylor, William Cody Thaggard, Zade Taylor Clark, and Collin Michael Hoover.
Bro. Larry Don Smith
Bro. Larry Don Smith, 65, of Union passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at his residence. Services were held Thursday, June 21 at John E. Stephens Chapel with burial in White Oak Cemetery in Philadelphia.
Thomas Nolan Kirkland
Funeral services for Mr. Thomas Nolan Kirkland were held at Friday, June 22, 2012 from Pentecostals of House Church in the House Community with Rev. Barry Fulton & Rev. James Boswell officiating. Stephens Chapel Funeral was in charge of services. Mr. Kirkland, 82, passed away on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at his residence.
Jewel Cook
Services for Mr. Jewel Cook were held Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Milling Funeral Home of Union with Rev. Jimmy Jones and Rev. Tommy Anderson officiating. Burial will be in the Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia, at 3 p.m. eastern standard time, on Saturday, June 30, 2012.
Mr. Cook, 84, of Conehatta, died Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at Rush Foundation Hospital. Mr. Cook was a member of Conehatta Baptist Church. He was a photographer of Conehatta Community Club and also retired from Lockheed-Martin after 38 years. He was a Godly, loving, husband and father. To know him was to love him.
Survivors include his wife, Bobbye Mitchell Cook, two sons: Eldridge Jewel Cook, Jr. and wife Rhonda of Birmingham, AL, and Paul Cook of East Point, GA; two sisters: Venola Blackburn of Birmingham, Al, and Jessie Shows of Birmingham, AL, a brother, Carl Cook of Denver, CO; a stepson, Van Mitchell and wife Linda of Ft. Myers, FL; a stepdaughter, Kawanna Taylor and husband Greg of Richland, and a host of step grandchildren and great greatgrandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Cook, and two brothers, Lonzell and Aaron Cook. He was survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Honorary pallbearers will be the men of his Sunday School class.
Billy Joe Hennington
Billy Joe Hennington, 69, of Louin, died Saturday, June 2, 2012 at his residence. Funeral services were held at June 5, 2012 at Colonial Chapel in Bay Springswith Rev. Keith Ulmer conducting the services. Burial was in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Hennington was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed camping,gardening,training and riding horses and outside work in general. He was also an excellent cook.
He was preceded in death by his father, Chester D. Hennington and a brother, Ronnie Hennington.
Survivors include his mother, Mildred Hennington of Quitman, his wife, Ruby Bishop Hennington of Louin, his son, Joseph M. Hennington(Amy) of Union, ,and two brothers, Buddy Hennington(Rene)
of Lake Eddins and Tommy Hennington of Laurel, and two sisters, Betty Hennington and Nellie Harper(Charles) of Quitman, and a host of nieces and nephews; grandchildren:Tiffany Ferguson(Richie), Jessie Hennington, Walker Hennington, and Hunter Hennington and one great grandchild, Maddex Ferguson.
Pallbearers were Fred Hennington, Ted Hennington Richie Smith, Wiley Phillips, Marcus Evans ,Tracy Wright ,Phillip Gray, and Billy Gray. Honorary pallbearers were Willard Bishop, Buddy Hennington and Tommy Hennington.
Funeral services for James D. “Dump” Blackburn were held Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at Newton County Funeral Home North Chapel with Pastor Becky Smith officiating. Burial was in the Conehatta Methodist Church Cemetery with Newton County Funeral Home – North Chapel, 9998 Hwy 15 N, Newton, in charge of arrangements.
C David Crenshaw
Services for Mr. C. David Crenshaw were held June 26, 2012 at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with burial in the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Rev. Darrel Blankenship and Rev. Jimmy Parker officiated.
Mr. Crenshaw, 63, of Pearl, died Tuesday, June 19, 2012 in Brockville, Ontario, Canada.
Mr. Crenshaw was a member of Springs of Praise, Crystal Springs, Miss. Words can speak volumes about a person, but a life lived speaks louder. For those of us who were privileged to know Dave, we know how loud his life has spoken. About his belief in God, his life spoke the loudest. He continuously studied the Word, spent time in prayer, and wanted to be a man that was pleasing to God -just another David with a heart after God. Dave was devoted to his wife, Sybil, of 16 years.
When Sybil and Dave decided to meet for the first time, both felt God was up to something. Sybil’s first question was, “What are your intentions?” Dave answered by saying, “Well, I thought we would spend some time together and see how that worked out, and then we would get married.” She said, “Yes!” The words “I love you” did not pass his lips often, but were spoken loudly by his actions. Sybil says, “Show me a happy wife and I will show you a great husband!!! And since October 23, 1995, I have been that happy wife.”
Together they traveled, spent quality time with family, and formed strong bonds with friends.Though he spent many days on the road driving for Ergon, Dave took the time to stay connected with friends and family. Not only did he call just to “catch up” but he remembered birthdays, anniversaries, and any other important dates. His phone calls would come at just the right time; he would pass along a book or CD to someone who needed exactly what was shared; he would walk up to someone who was hurting, tears in his eyes, not speaking, but nodding his head that he understood. He made people laugh without trying, was a great storyteller, and a fun, practical joker.
To know Dave was to love him and those who did will feel his absence from this life but are rejoicing for him and his great fortune in his eternal life, for we know the Lord has prepared Dave an awesome place of rest. You will be missed by all, My Sweetie, but we would not deny you the joy of being welcomed home by Jesus, the Saviour you loved. You have a well deserved retirement and rest from your journey in this life. (Maybe I misunderstood; I thought we were retiring together!) All is well, All is well, All is well!!!!
Survivors include his devoted wife, Sybil Wyatt Crenshaw of Pearl; two daughters: Desiree Crenshaw of Jackson and Joyce Williams Huskey and husband Philip of Ridgeland; three sons, Derek Crenshaw of Richland, Brian Flynt and wife Sonya of Hamilton, Chris Flynt of Jackson; his mother: Hilda Crenshaw of Dixon; five grandchildren, Gabe Brookshire, Zachery Flynt, Brison Flynt, AnnDee Huskey, and Array Huskey, two sisters, Linda Joyce and husband John of Fairhope, AL, and Claudia Smith and husband Ricco of Dixon, his sister-in-law, Diane Crenshaw of Pete Beach, Florida, and several nieces, nephews, and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Doc Crenshaw and one brother, Dennis Crenshaw.
Pallbearers were Bryan Holley, Josh Holley, Jay Wyatt, Oree Wyatt, Larry McAlpin, and Chris Beauvais In lieu of flowers family request that memorials be made to Springs of Praise to purchase Bibles.
Doyle “Blue” Watkins
Services for Mr. Doyle “Blue” Watkins were held June 26th, 2012 at Milling Funeral Home Chapel in Sebastopol. Bro. Jerry Poole officiated with burial in the Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Watkins, 64, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2012 at Anderson Hospital in Meridian.
Annette O. Fulton
Services for Annette Ozborn Fulton were held on Friday, June 29, at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel in Union, with Rev. Paul Ninemaire and Rev. Bobby Jack Henley officiating. Burial followed in the Union City Cemetery, with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Fulton, age 78, went to her eternal home on Monday, June 25, at Regency Hospital in Meridian.
Survivors include her daughter, Ann Fulton, one sister, Johnie Rue Anderson, two cousins Muriel Crenshaw and Polly Gordon, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Wallace Fulton.
Robert Charles Winstead
Services for Mr. Robert Charles Winstead were held Friday June 29, 2012 at the Union City Cemetery. Mr. Winsteaed, 73, of Madison, passed away Tuesday June 26, 2012 at his residence in Madison. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of arrangements.
Buck Terrell
Services for Mr. Buck Terrell were held Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Johnny Mullinax and Rev. Tod Thompson officiated.
Mr. Terrell, 92, of Union, died Monday, July 9, 2012 at his residence.
Mr. Terrell was a member of Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church.
Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Verna Lee Terrell, two sons, Charles Terrell of Union and Bruce Terrell and wife Janet of Union, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one sister, Frances Smith of Decatur.
Mr. Terrell was preceded in death by three brothers, Bob Terrell, Bill Terrell, and Jim Terrell.
Pallbearers were his grandsons and great grandsons: Brian Terrell, Aaron Terrell, Todd Terrell, Gardner Minshew, Josh Terrell, and Hunter Terrell. Honorary pallbearer was his grandson, Tony Terrell.Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of arrangements.
Johnnie Mae Hilton
Services for Ms. Johnnie Mae Hilton were held on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at Congregation C.O.G.I.C. in Union, with Rev. Viverette officiating. Burial was followed in the Greater Rose Hill Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Hilton, 84, passed away Friday, June 29, 2012 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Imogene Dockery Grady
Imogene Dockery Grady, 77 of Newton, died Monday, July 9, 2012 at Pioneer Community Hospital in Newton. Funeral services were held July 13, 2012 at Newton County Funeral Home South Chapel in Newton with Rev. Bobby Holder officiating. Burial was in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Grady loved Gospel Singing, fishing, and visiting and playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include three daughters, Lisa Watkins & husband Mike of Newton, Donna Cobb & husband Jerry, Hattiesburg, and Sherrie McGill andhusband S.A. Gunter, of Indian Shores, FL; a son, Marshall McGill & wife Danna of Redmond WA, a sister: Carline Dewitt of Rossville, GA; grandchildren: Mandy Melaun, Dusty McGill, Crystal May, Jared Cobb, and Michael Watkins, two great grandchildren, Issabella Melaun and Ayden May, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ned Grady, parents, Homer & Hazel Dockery, a grandson: Jake Cobb, three brothers and two sisters.
Truman Lavell Smith
Services for Mr. Truman Lavell Smith were held Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at Providence Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Jackie Strebeck officiated with Milling Funeral Home of Union in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Smith, 71, of Chunky, died Monday, July 9, 2012 at Jeff Anderson Hospital.
Mr. Smith was a member of Providence Baptist Church for 41 years.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Wydell Smith of Chunky, mother, Lorene Smith of Little Rock, four brothers, Cleveland Smith of Decatur, R.D. Smith and wife Elizabeth of Chunky, Jackie Smith and wife Debra of Little Rock, and Wendell Smith and wife Penny of Little Rock, five sisters, Betty Kilpatrick of Little Rock, Tommy Sue Butts of Chunky, Autrice Patterson of Little Rock, Gale Haygood and husband Donnie of Chunky, Retha Hillman and husband Richard of Chunky, and one brother-in-law, James Brooks of Chunky, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Roy C. Smith of Little Rock and sister, Quanice Simmons of Little Rock.
Pallbearers were George Dean, Steve Cross, David Alexander, Robert Alexander, Eugene Alexander, Andrew Cooley, Jerry Todd, Samuel McCloud, and Travis Coate.
Jessie Gentry
Graveside Services for Jessie Gentry were held Friday, May 25 at the Newton County Veterans Cemetery in Newton, with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Gentry, 71, of Little Rock, died Tuesday, May 22, at Laird Hospital in Union.
Mr. J Harold Willis
Services for Mr. J. Harold Willis were held at Macedonia Revival Center on Sunday, July 15, 2012 with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Willis, 88, passed away July 11, 2012 at Neshoba County Nursing Home. John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements.
Linda ‘Jo’ Tierce
Linda ‘Jo’ Tierce, 68, of Forest, Miss., died Saturday July 7, 2012 at Rush Specialty Hospital in Meridian. Memorial services were held July 12, 2012 at 11:00 at All Seasons Worship Center in Forest with Brother Lott officiating.
Survivors include her daughters, Lachelle Moss and husband, David of Little Rock, Angelica Tuminski and husband Mike of Denham Springs, La., Tammy Tierce of Alexandria, La., stepdaughters Tonya Ball and Henry of Lake, Miss. and Jerri Watkins and Hubert Atkinson of Carthage, Miss., nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Joy Nell Evans
Funeral services for Joy Nell Evans were held Friday, July 13, 2012 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Garvin officiating. Burial was in Zion Hill Cemetery. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Evans , 81 of Newton, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at her home.
Joy was a homemaker and helped operate the family farm in Garlandville. While her daughters were in high school, she never missed a sporting event or school competition they were involved in. She enjoyed traveling, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Forbin Lee and Annie Montgomery Hendry; two brothers: Forbin Hendry and Medford Hendry; and one sister: Joan Roberts.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years: Fletcher Evans of Garlandville; two daughters: Stacey Evans and Felicia (Brian) Pilgrim, both of Louin; one granddaughter: Saige Pilgrim of Tuscaloosa, AL; two grandsons: Colby Pilgrim and Logan Pilgrim, both of Louin; two brothers: Jimmy (Connie) Hendry of Bay Springs and Jerry G. (Frances) Hendry of Stringer; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Rance Ulmer, Dr. Eddie Ulmer, Tommy Williams, Parham Tullos, Logan Pilgram, and Colby Pilgram.
Dr. Robert L Tumey
Dr. Robert L. Tumey, Sr., 81, of Little Rock, went to his eternal home on July 16, 2012, to be with his Savior Jesus Christ.
Dr. Tumey was born in Austin, Texas, on December 16, 1930. He spent his life as a Chiropractor Doctor until his retirement. He also served his country in the U S Navy.
Stephens Funeral Home of Union was in charge of the arrangements.
Peggy Usery Ferguson
Memorial Services for Ms. Peggy Usery Ferguson will be held at a later date. Milling Funeral Home of Union is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Ferguson, 58, of Union, died Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at her residence.
Survivors include three daughters, Jamie Russell of Union, Brittany Jolly and husband Scott of Kosciusko, and Emily Ferguson of Union; three grandchildren, Mia Wells, Alexis and C.J. Jolly; three brothers, Gene Usery, Jerry Edwards, James Edwards, and her father, George Usery of Long View, Texas.
John E “Bo” Pinson
Services for Mr. John E. “Bo” Pinson were held Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Lin Chesney, Rev. Mike Truhett, and Rev. Larry Duncan officiated with Milling Funeral Home of Union in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Pinson, 82, of Little Rock, died July 24, 2012, at Jeff Anderson Regional Hospital.
Survivors of Mr. Pinson are his wife of 42 years, Glenda Pinson of Little Rock; a son, Stan Pinson and wife Diane of Lake; a daughter, Pam Skinner of Little Rock; two grandsons, Gabe Skinner, Chad Wilkerson and wife Mandy; four granddaughters, Michelle Neill and husband Rick, Crystal Seigrist and husband William, Tiffany Skinner and husband Aaron, Heather Smith and husband Gene; and 10 great grandchildren.
Mr. Pinson was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice Pinson; a son, Wade Pinson; his parents, Clinton and Lunie Pinson; a brother, Durwood Pinson; and a son-in-law, James Skinner.
Pallbearers were Ricky Goforth, Burlon Russell, Evan Pinson, Paul Goforth, Bobby Brantley, and Reggie McKey
Charles Aaron Shepherd
Charles Aaron Shepherd, 89 of Rose Hill, died Tuesday, July 24, 2012, at his residence in Rose Hill, Miss. Funeral services were held July 29 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Bro. Steve Pouncey officiating. Burial was in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Shepherd was a WWII Air Force veteran serving from 1942 to 1945. He earned 51 combat-mission credits as an engineer/ tail-gunner aboard the B-24 Bombers of the 718th Squadron, flying against targets in Central and Eastern Europe. He was a member of the 449th Bomb Group Veterans Association. He was a lifetime resident of Rose Hill, Miss. He was one of the first catfish farmers in Mississippi and delivered fish all over the southeastern states. He was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and he loved to hunt and fish.
Survivors Include his wife of 64 years, Adell Starnes Shepherd of Rose Hill; a daughter, Leah Shepherd Chatham and husband Dennis of Rose Hill, a son, George Shepherd and wife Diane of Rose Hill; seven grandchildren, Rick Goode, Jessica Chatham, Aaron Kilgore, Keith Shepherd, Angie (Dean) Blount, Ken (Shannon) Chatham, Brannan (Charles) Daniel; seven great-grandchildren, Riley Kilgore, Rachel Blount, Todd Blount, Steven Shepherd, Bennett Chatham, Patrick Chatham, Justin Chatham; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Shepherd and Mary Annie Harper Shepherd; a daughter, Mary Ann Shepherd Kilgore; a grandson, Charles Aaron Kilgore; eight brothers, Fred Shepherd, Joda Shepherd, Walter C. Shepherd, Joe E. Shepherd, Tom Shepherd, Oscar Shepherd, Lawrence H. Shepherd, Jessie Shepherd; and three sisters, Hettie Harris, Leah Bradshaw, and Lena Byrd.
Honorary pallbearers were Fred Starnes, Edwin Sandifer, David Morris, Billy Walker, Jimmy Walker, and Freddy Harris. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Youth Fund. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
W C Chapman Sr.
Funeral services for W. C. Chapman Sr. were held Friday, July 27, 2012 at Calvary Baptist Church in Newton with Bro. Gary Felton officiating. Burial was in the Newton County Memorial Gardens. Newton County Funeral Home North was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Chapman, Sr., 71 of Newton, died Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.
He was a 32nd Mason, a member of the Evergreen Lodge at Decatur and a Shriner at the Hamasa Temple in Meridian. He enjoyed being around people, especially being the "exiter" at Walmart in Newton. Most people knew him as "Cowboy." He loved camping, motorcycles, fishing, skiing, and most of all his family. He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. He loved life in general and will be dearly missed.
Survivors include his wife of over 53 years, Laverne Williams Chapman of Newton; his children, Tanja Chapman, and her fiance' Thierry De Cort of Covington, La.; Tonja Chapman of Newton, William C. "Chuck" Chapman of Newton, and Teresa Reeves and her husband, Michael of Decatur; six grandchildren, Wendie Mangum of Decatur, Tasha Shimfessel and Cody Buckley, both of Chunky, Jessica Ryan Chapman of Leesburg, Fla., Jeremy Ryan Buckley of Hickory, Rebekah Hope Buckley of Decatur; four great-grandchildren, Myles Mangum and Max Mangum, both of Decatur, Evan Isaiah Shimfessel and Raya Star Dillard, both of Enterprise; three sisters, Dot Gould of Newton, Ruby Smith of Jackson and Nell Howard of Pottsville, Ark.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Estelle Barrett Chapman; and one grandchild, William Drake Chapman.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 110 Ford Ave., Newton, MS 39345 or Evergreen Masonic Lodge. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Irene Hogue Smith
Services for Irene Hogue Smith of Union were held at Rock Creek Baptist Church Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Ms. Smith,61, died Saturday July 28, 2012, at Rush Hospital.
Survivors include four daughters, Patricia Ward of Union, Elizabeth Putnam of Sebastopol, Linda Holton and husband Michael of Lake, Betty Ann Mayes and husband Justin of Decatur; two sons, James Russell and wife Patricia of Union, and Eugene Smith and wife Heather of Union; her mother, Merlene Hogue; 22 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Cindy Collins of Union, Janice Griffin and husband Junior of Union; two brothers, Tommy Hogue and wife Kathy of Union, and Ricky Hogue and wife Wanda of Meridian; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ms. Smith was preceded in death by her father, Leroy Hogue; one grandson, Timothy Ward; and one son-in-law, Bryan Putnam.
Milton “Red” Cross Thornton
Milton “Red” Cross Thornton, 85 of Decatur, died Friday, July 27, 2012, at Specialty Hospital in Meridian. Funeral services were held Monday, July 30, 2012, at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church in Decatur with Bro. Mark Vincent officiating. Internment followed in Newton County Memorial Gardens in Newton with Newton County Funeral Home North, in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Thornton was a Member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church and also a retired deacon and a member of Newton County Gideons Association. He was considered a hobby farmer and loved caring for his donkeys.
His survivors include his wife, Marian C. Thornton of Decatur; two sisters, Virginia Hand of Lawrence and Mildred McKay of Pelahatchie; one brother, Paul Thornton of Lake; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henton W. and Virginia Smith Thornton; a sister, Charlotte Schlaifer; and a brother, Curtis Thornton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Newton County Gideons Association.
William McCann Jr.
Funeral services for William “Tezzie” McCann Jr. were held at Corinth M.B. Church on July 28, 2012. Dunlap and Thames Funeral Home, LLC, was in charge of arrangements.
James J Gregory
Funeral services for James J. Gregory will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home - North Chapel with Bro. Jack Giles officiating. Visitation will be 9:30-10:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.Burial will be in Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Fearns Springs Community, Winston County, Miss.
Mr. Gregory, 90, of Decatur, died Sunday, July 29, 2012, at Lackey Memorial Hospital.
Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy. 15 North, Newton is in charge of arrangements.
Johnnie Lou Van Hooser Anderson
Services for Johnnie Anderson were held July 25, 2012, at Clarke Venable Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Vincent officiating. Burial followed in Decatur Cemetery with Newton County Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Anderson, 87, of Decatur died Sunday, July 22, at Bedford Care Center in Newton.
She was a native of Philadelphia and a longtime resident of Decatur. She taught business courses for 25 years. Mrs. Anderson also worked at ESCO for 21 years. She was a member of Clarke Venable Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Thomas James Anderson; two sons, Mike Anderson and wife Kathy, Max Anderson and wife Pat, both of Decatur; four grandchildren, Jennifer Pierce and husband Robbie of Brandon, Ty Anderson and wife Ashley of Decatur, Blair Comans and husband Kody of Decatur, Dru Dilley and husband Jess of Crystal Springs; six great-grandchildren, Britt, Bree, and Bella Pierce; Addie Grace and Hayes Anderson; Clark Comans; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Birdie Rae Van Hooser; two brothers, James Van Hooser and Hugh Van Hooser; and an infant son, Mark Anderson.
Pallbearers for the service were grandsons and nephews. In lieu of flowers, make contributions to Clarke Venable Baptist Church. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com.
Robert Hillhouse
Services for Mr. Robert Hillhouse of Newton were held Saturday, July 28, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with burial in the Masonic Cemetery in Newton. Rev. Rusty Walton officiated.
Mr. Hillhouse, 92, of Newton, died Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center.
Survivors include three daughters, Martha Lois Sharp and husband Edd of Philadelphia, Rebecca Denning and husband Robert of Bushwood, Maryland, Jan Addy and husband Charles of Decatur; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; two sisters: Pearl McGee of Lake and Mary Ruth Dennis of Lake; four brothers, Edward Hillhouse of Maben, David Hillhouse of Decatur, Homer Mitchell Hillhouse of Stinnett, Texas, Cecil Hillhouse of Leaksville; three stepchildren, Brenda Gail Hendrix and husband Mike of Brownsville, Tenn., Larry Wayne Sills and wife Angela of Forest, Jerry Lynn Sills of Brownsville, Tenn.
Mr. Hillhouse is preceded in death by two wives, Elnora Hillhouse and Jewel Hillhouse; one son, Johnny Ray Hillhouse Sr.; three brothers, Marvin Hillhouse, Ralph Hillhouse and Leon Hillhouse; two infant brothers; and one step-son, Charles Barry Sills.
Pallbearers were Scott Massey, Johnny Hillhouse, Danny Sharp, David Reed, Gerald Maggard, and Dillon Wilson.
Leetry “Pete” Boykin
Services for Mrs. Leetry “Pete” Boykin were held Aug. 4, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Sebastopol. Rev. Dalton McKee and Rev. C.M. Jinkerson officiated with burial at Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol was is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Boykin, 91, of Conehatta, died Thursday Aug. 2, 2012, at her residence.
Survivors include two daughters, Leona McKee of Union and Nancy Rhodes of Conehatta; a son, Bennie David Boykin and wife Annette of Conehatta; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great- great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Boykin is preceded in death by her husband Benny Dewel Boykin; a son, Carol Boykin; and a granddaughter, Melissa Comans.
Pallbearers were Carmon Comans, Adam Boykin, Albert Boykin, Joe Bell, Ed Monk, Chad Morrow, Scott Taylor, and Reece Taylor. Honorary pallbearers were Nick McKee, David McKee, and Tommy Rhodes.
James L Clayton
Services for James Clayton were held Friday, July 27, 2012, at Triumph Church with Elder Andrew George, officiating. Burial was held in Spring Hill Cemetery, Montrose, with Clark Memorial Funeral Home, LLC in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Clayton, 58, of Rose Hill, died July 20, 2012, at Pioneer Community Hospital in Newton.
Hester Lee Henderson
Services for Hester Lee Henderson were held Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012, at Pleasant Grove. Dunlap and Thames Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Walter Franklin Bray
Walter Franklin Bray, 83, died Monday, Aug. 6, 2012, at his residence in Chunky.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, at Chunky United Methodist Church with Bro. Hiram Coker and Bro Gerald Chaney officiating. Burial was in Chunky Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home North, Hwy 15 North was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Bray loved working outdoors, hunting, fishing, gardening, and woodworking.
Mr. Bray is survived by his wife, Imogene Davis Bray of Chunky; four daughters, Brenda Joyce Harris and husband Herbert Lee of Hickory, Pamela Jo Hensley and husband Jim of Mobile, Ala.; Linda Joy Cavenaugh and husband Rick of Chunky, Tina Jean Grimes and husband Tony of Chunky; a sister, Gail Spitler of Austin, Texas; five grandchildren, Adam Cavenaugh and wife Donna of Hickory, Daniel Grimes of Starkville, Joy Scott and husband Brooks of Purvis, Jared Cavenaugh and Erica of Little Rock, Cameron Grimes of Chunky; three great grandsons, Tyler Cavenaugh of Hickory, Brighton Cavenaugh of Little Rock, Brady Scott of Purvis; several nieces and nephews; and a beloved pet, Jasper.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter F. Bray Sr., and Bertha O'Neal Myer; and a granddaughter, Eve Bailey.
Pallbearers were his grandsons, Adam Cavenaugh, Daniel Grimes, Jared Cavenaugh, Cameron Grimes, and Brooks Scott; and in-laws, Herbert Lee Harris, Jim Hensley, Rick Cavenaugh, and Tony Grimes. Honorary pallbearers were Joe Clark and Johnny Russell.
Joan Taylor
Services for Joan Taylor were held on Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed in the Newton Memorial Cemetery, with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Taylor, age 71, of Philadelphia, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, near Philadelphia.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.
Angel Brown
Angel Brown, 42, a resident of Lawrence, died Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, at her residence. Visitation was held at Wolf Funeral Services in Lake on Sunday, Aug. 12, and Monday, Aug. 13, 2012. Funeral services were Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, in the chapel and burial will follow in the Pine Ridge Baptist Cemetery in Lawrence. Officiating was Dr. Leon Everett and Rev. Larry Laird. Wolf Funeral Services in Lake, was in charge of arrangements.
Angel had lived most of her life in Lake, and she was a member of Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Lawrence. She was a 1988 graduate of Lake High School and received a degree in Cosmetology from ECCC. She loved fishing, reading, writing and going to movies.
She was preceded in death by her father, John A. Brown. She is survived by her mother, Annie Brown of Lawrence; one brother, David Brown of Decatur; four nieces, Hope Brown, Faith Brown, Cheyenne Brown, and Dakota Brown; and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Pallbearers were Ricky Brown, Scotty Brown, Bobby Brown, Jr., Edwin Clark, Ken Crosby, and Mark Crosby. Honorary pallbearer was Heath Swinson. You may leave a condolence or light a memory candle by visiting our website at www.wolffuneralservices.com.
Jeffery Scott Plummer
Visitation for Jeffery Scott Plummer was held Aug. 14, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol. Burial will be held in Florida at a later date.
Plummer, 47, of Sebastopol, died Aug. 11, 2012, in Philadelphia.
Survivors include his wife, Deborah Plummer of Sebastopol; a son, Samuel Smart; three brothers, John Plummer, Joe Plummer, Jay Plummer; a sister, Jill Casselton-Clark; and his parents, John and Lillian Plummer of Okeechobee, Fla.
Nancy L Viverette
Nancy L. Viverette, 73, a resident of Lake, died Aug. 16, 2012, at Anderson Hospital in Meridian. Burial was in the Salem Baptist Cemetery. Officiating was Rev. Ken McLemore and Rev. David Jay. Wolf Funeral Services in Lake was in charge of arrangements.
Nancy had lived most of her life in Lake and she was a member of First Baptist Church of Lake. She was a member of the Charity Sunday School Class and the Rose Garden Club. She loved to play the organ and piano and was the organist at her church for many years.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Clint Simmons Jr., the father of her children; her second husband, Bobby J. Viverette; son, John Clint Simmons, III; daughter, Cindy Simmons Monk.
She is survived by daughter, Lee Simmons Carmichael of Newton; brother, Travis G. Hollingsworth Jr. of Beaufort, S.C.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
You may leave a condolence or light a memory candle by visiting our website at www.wolffuneralservices.com.
Lewis Earl Everett, Sr.
Lewis Earl Everett Sr., 77 of Newton, died Aug. 1, 2012, at Pioneer Community Hospital in Newton. Funeral services were held Aug. 3, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home - South Chapel with Dr. Brian Rushing officiating. Burial was in the Mississippi State Veterans Cemetery in Newton.
He was a native of Newton County, and he enjoyed gardening, farming, and tending to cattle. He was retired from La-Z-Boy South and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Newton. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and caring for his pets.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Joyce E. Everett of Newton; two sons, Lewis Earl Everett Jr. of Meridian and Doug Everett of Newton; one daughter, Missy Everett (Kenny) Leathers of Mason, Ohio; three grandchildren, Will, Kate, and Scott Leathers, all of Mason, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Marvin and Burnett Dean Everett; and one sister, Helen Turbeville.
Pallbearers were Doug Kelly, Bob Williams, Kevin Montgomery, Marty Turbeville, Will Leathers, and Jeff Vance. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777 New York, NY 10163-4777 or to the Gideons International, Inc. P.O. Box 297 Newton, MS 39345.
Ella Virginia Beach Garner
Ella Virginia Beach Garner, 92 of Little Rock, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, at Bedford Care Center in Newton. Funeral services were held Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, at Oakey's Funeral Service Chapel in Roanoke, Va., with burial in the Cedar Lawn Memorial Park in Roanoke, Va. Newton County Funeral Home North, Hwy 15 North, Newton, and Oakey’s Funeral Service, 318 Church Avenue, Roanoke, Va., were in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include two daughters, Rexine Laird and husband Roger of Little Rock, Mary I. Arena and husband John of Del Ray Beach , Fla.; a son, Walter L. Garner III and wife Sharon of White Marsh, Va.; and two brothers, Byron Beach and Bud Beach.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Oscar Beach and Nora Clara Blackwell Beach; and her husband, Walter L. Garner Jr.
Isaac Lamar Blalock
Mr. Isaac Lamar Blalock, Sr. was born on June 15, 1964, to Bunyon and Barbara Blalock at Newton Hospital.
He was the oldest of four children. He died at his home on Aug. 8, 2012. God-fearing, caring, kind, humble, lively, warm, bubbly, loving, compassionate, honest, dependable, unselfish, trustworthy, provider, son, brother, husband and father. These are just a few words that describe Isaac. Isaac joined Greenwood M.B. Church at an early age and served faithfully until death. He served as a deacon, treasury of the church expense and a member of the choir. Isaac was a graduate of Decatur High School (1982) and East Central Community College (1984) in Decatur. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi (1989) in Hattiesburg, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology.
While at the University of Southern Mississippi, Isaac became a member of the Masonic family.
Isaac met Pricilla Sims and they were united in Holy Matrimony on March 20, 1993. To this union three children were born: Isaac, Jr. (16 years old), Spencer Thomas (12 years old), and Joshua Javis (7 years old). They will forever cherish his memory. Isaac worked several years at Brooks Manufacturing in Union, Lazy Boy South in Newton, and was most recently working at Unipress in Forest.
Those gone before Isaac include his loving father, Bunyon Lamar Blalock Sr.; maternal grandparents, Isaac and Lillie Haynes; and paternal grandparents Quilla and Zula Blalock.
He leaves a loving mother, Barbara Blalock; two brothers, Keith (Marian) Blalock of Rio Vista, Calif., and Lamar (Patsy) Blalock of Decatur; one sister, Lillian (Leroy) Coleman of Decatur; three nieces, Jazalyn, Janae and Layla; five nephews, Keith Jr., Javis, Jeremiah, Tre, and Langston.
Because he was the first-born grandson into the Haynes family, Isaac was adored and will be missed by his aunts, Selma (Willie) Sanders of Lansing, Mich., and Ikie (Walt) Beamon of Crestview, Fla. He also leaves his Uncle Billie (Minnie) Blalock of Decatur; aunts, Lucy Lake of St. Louis, Mo., Lottie (Al) Hall of Alexandria, Va., and Ruby Fudge of Memphis, Tenn.; father-in-law Thomas (Gwen) Sims of Meridian; his second "father and mother" Joe (Dorothy) Autman of Collinsville; and a host of cousins and friends.
Luvie Dee "Lou" Bankston
Luvie Dee "Lou" Bankston, 90 of Batesville, formerly of Newton, died Aug. 25, 2012, at her home in Batesville. Funeral services were held on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home North Chapel with Bro. Mark Moore and Bro. William Savell officiating. Burial was in Newton County Memorial Gardens. Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy. 15 North, Newton is in charge of arrangements.
Luvie Dee Bankston was born Aug. 16, 1922, in Neshoba County, Mississippi, where she grew up as the oldest of Mr. and Mrs. Benny Smith's six children.
Mrs. Bankston is a graduate of County Line School and a former member of the Golden Grove Baptist Church, now known as Enon Church. She was known to family and friends, as Lou, and she was often affectionately called "Miss Lou" by her husband.
She married William Stafford Bankston of Neshoba County in September 1942. They had two daughters, Beverly and Deloris. Mrs. Bankston was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. After living in Union until 1951, she and her family became residents of Mobile, Ala., and Newton.
Due to age and health conditions, she and her husband moved to Batesville in 2005, to live near their daughter. In Mobile, Mrs. Bankston was a member of Sage Avenue Baptist Church, and she remained a member of the First Baptist Church in Newton until death. At both churches, she served as a preschool Sunday School teacher.
Survivors include her husband of 69 years, William Stafford Bankston of Batesville, formerly of Newton; her two daughters and their husbands, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Ferrell of Batesville and Mr. and Mrs. John Linam of Jonesborough, Tenn. She also has four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren all of whom live in Memphis, Tenn., and Northern Virginia. In addition she has one surviving brother, Bobby Smith of Union and two surviving sisters, Mrs. Mazell Hicks of Vicksburg and Mrs. Imongene Hataway of Canton.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Benny and Hettie Emma Musgrove Smith; one brother, Dewitt Smith of Union; and an infant sister, Ima Ruth Smith.
Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Isadora Johnson
Services for Isadora Johnson were held on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. George Smith, officiating. Burial was in church cemetery with Clark Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Johnson, 56, of Newton died Sunday, Aug. 19, 2012, at Rush Hospital in Meridian.
Lorraine Dukes
Services for Lorraine Dukes were held on Aug. 24, 2012, at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dwayne Bingham officiating. Dunlap and Thames Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Obituaries September 2012
|
|
Frances Haik Jordan
Services for Mrs. Frances Haik Jordan were held Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church with burial in the Decatur City Cemetery. Rev. Mark Vincent and Dr. Stan Buckley officiated.
Mrs. Jordan, of Decatur, died Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, at Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Mrs. Frances Haik Jordan, formerly of 4105 20th St. Meridian, Mississippi, was very active in all parts of East End Methodist Church, having served as president of the Sussanah Wesley Sunday School Class, superintendent of the Children’s Department and other areas.
She married Charles L. (Sonny) Jordan in 1975 and they resided in Decatur. She is a member of Clark-Venable Baptist Church in Decatur, where she has served as president of her Sunday School class, hostess, publicist chairman and assembly leader. Mrs. Jordan is past matron of Oakland Heights Chapter #241 Order of the Eastern Star, Meridian. She later became a member of Decatur Chapter #195, where she served as Worthy Matron of the Chapter many times. She served as the Grand Ruth of the Grand Chapter of the State of Mississippi, Grand Representative of Oklahoma and as Grand Representative to Iowa in Mississippi. She was selected “Mom” of the Delta Chi Chapter of Phi Kappa Fraternity in 1963 and “Mom” of the Deb Social Club in 1965. She was active in many various civic and athletic projects. She was vice president of the Girl Scouts of America and served on the Mental Health Board of Meridian, Mississippi.
She was a member of B&PW Clubs, a member of the National Association of Bank Women, Inc., a member of the Bank Adminstration Institute, Pilot Club, Meridian Little Theatre, Meridian Little Theatre Guild, past board member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, member of the Chamber of Commerce of Meridian and Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce in Decatur. She also served on the Red Cross Board, on other chairmanships, including the United Way. Mrs. Jordan was chosen as Decatur’s "Citizen Of The Year" in 2009. Sonny and Frances Jordan were also named “Family of the Year” by the Jaycess and Jacettes of Decatur.
Mrs. Jordan served for 20 years as vice-president and business development officer of Peoples Bank of Mississippi, N.A. and worked out of the Meridian Office. Later, after retiring, she and her husband Sonny were employed by Barham Funeral Home of Newton County for 4 ½ years.
Mrs. Jordan is survived by one daughter, Braxie Ann Haik and grandson Daniel Haik of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by one son, Mac Haik and wife Sunny; grandson, Heath Haik; granddaughter, Amber Kennedy and husband Chris; and great-granddaughter, Chloe Michel Kennedy, all of Houston, Texas; a step grandson, Brandon Poynter and wife Karen of Missouri City, Texas; step great-grandsons, Blaine Poynter, Alec Poynter; and step great- granddaughter, Kasey Poynter, all of Missouri City, Texas; a step grandson, Tommy Poynter and wife Cindy of Sugarland, Texas; step great-grandsons, Reid Poynter and Kent Poynter of Sugarland, Texas; a step grandson, Kevin Poynter and wife Denise of Houston, Texas; step great-grandsons, Austin Poynter, Peyton Poynter, Dylan Poynter, all of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by three stepchildren, Jeanine Hamilton and husband Frank and daughter Jori of Lexington, North Carolina, Mark Jordan and wife Sue and children Stacey and Jeremy of Gautier, Chuck Jordan and wife Ginny and children Charlie, Claire, and Laura Lee, of Florida.She is survived by one great niece, Melanie Brown and family; one great nephew, Micheal Brown and family of Louisiana; a cousin, Susie Poss of Jackson; and a host of other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Jessie and Lee Colbert; and one sister, Millie Hudgins and niece, Mary Brown. Mr. Joe Haik was the father of her children, who passed away June 6, 1964, in Meridian and Mr. Charles (Sonny) Jordan passed away December 12, 1995. Mrs. Jordan will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Mr. Charles (Sonny) Jordan.
She dearly loved the Lord, family and friends. Heaven is now a much better place. We will miss her incredibly.
Pallbearers were Jerry Murphy, George (Bubba) Hampton, Kenneth Jones, Jason Mangum, Tommy Keith and George Hayes. Honorary Pallbearers were Jack Winstead, Melvin Tingle, Billy Pierce, Buddy Massey, Pat Harris, Dr. Paul Wilcox and Golden Homemakers Sunday School Class.
Iva Mae Cox Jones
Services for Ms. Iva Mae Cox Jones were held Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with burial in the Greenland Cemetery. Rev. David Robinson officiated.
Ms. Jones, 98, Gonzales, Louisiana, of died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at Carpenter House Hospice of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “…To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5. She is now in her Heavenly home with her Lord Jesus and her loved ones that went before her.
Iva Mae Cox Jones, 98, born on Dec. 2, 1913, died on Sept. 1, 2012, at the Carpenter House St. Joseph Hospice, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was a native of Union. She was a faithful member of Greenland Baptist Church and loved to participate in the monthly gospel singings at church and throughout the area. She loved gardening, cooking, and family gatherings.
She is survived by her son, Albert L. Cox and daughter-in-law, Janiece Smith Cox; daughter, Nancy Cox Norder and son-in-law, Gerald W. Norder; and son, Roger Lee Cox, Jr. (Butch) and daughter-in-law, Patsy Hemphill Cox. She is survived by four grandchildren, Keith Cox and wife Sandra Cox, Gerald W. Norder Jr. and wife Deborah Norder, Kayla Cox Blackwell and husband Tiger Blackwell and Mandy Cox Walters and husband Ronnie Walters. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Heather and Mariah Norder, William, Olivia and Alexandra Cox, Amanda Kate and Brady Blackwell, and Taylor Walters.
She was preceded in death by her late husbands, Roger Lee Cox Sr. and Ross Jones; grandson, Russell Norder; her siblings, Leslie Smith,Sidney Smith, Ovin Smith, and Helen Smith Henry; and her parents, Andrew and Geneva Smith.
Pallbearers were Keith Cox, Gerald Norder, Tiger Blackwell, Ronnie Walters, Terry Smith, and John Moore. Honorary pallbearers were William Cox, great-grandson; Ralph Gordon, Jack Mason, and Murray Munn. The family wishes to thank all of our friends who have shown love, compassion, and prayers during this time. Special thanks to the Carpenter House for their kindness and care for her.
Raymond Joseph Weber
Raymond Joseph Weber, 91, of Hattiesburg, died Sept. 2, 2012, at Forrest General Hospital. A mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, followed by burial in Highland Cemetery.
Mr. Weber was born in Washington, D.C., in 1921 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps in early 1941 as a private and retired in 1971 as a Colonel. His service included battles during World War II in Peleliu and Okinawa where he received battle commission to Lieutenant; the Korean Conflict in Inchon and North Korea; and the Vietnam War in Da Nang and Dong Ha. After retirement he entered the University of Southern Mississippi where he received his Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration in 1974 then worked in the Comptroller Office of the City of Hattiesburg.
He volunteered at Forrest General Hospital; he then attended Pearl River Community College where he became a Registered Nurse and continued his work at the hospital in various positions including oncology and home visits. After his retirement from the nursing profession, he became a volunteer in the Catheterization Lab at the hospital; he then later volunteered, greeting visitors and patients. He also worked as a volunteer tax preparer with AARP for at least 10 years.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Frances Elizabeth Weber; his parents, George and Anne Weber; one brother and six sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Weber of Hattiesburg; son, James Raymond Weber and his wife, Dorcas May-Ling Weber of Kanata, Ontario, Canada; two grandchildren, Joanna Frances Weber of Kingston, Ontario, Canada and Jonathan Raymond Weber of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Memorials may be directed to St. Thomas Catholic Church Building Fund.
Charlie Lamar Dorman, Jr.
Charlie Lamar Dorman Jr., 42, of Kermit, Texas, died June 24, 2012, in Pecos, Texas.
He was born March 22, 1970, in Meridian, to Charlie and Patricia (Jenkins) Dorman.
“Bo”, as he was known to friends and family, was a hard working man who loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed spending time with his family. “Bo” spent much of his time in the outdoors where he loved to hunt and fish. He was also a longtime member of the Grace Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
He is survived by mother and step father, Patricia Holloway and husband Keith of Jackson; father, Charlie Dorman Sr. of Philadelphia; son, Cody Dorman of Meridian; brother, Freddy Dorman and wife Janice of Kermit; a sister, Tammy Snow of Jackson; a granddaughter, Rosalee Elaine; nephew, Joseph; nieces, Jaid and Sarah; and great-nieces, Madi, Mackenzie, Macie, Marlee and Lylee.
Services were held Friday, June 29, 2012, at Chancellor Funeral Chapel in Byram. Interment followed at Lakewood Memorial Park South. Arrangements were entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor in Kermit and Chancellor Funeral Home of Byram.
Doris A Harper
Services for Mrs. Doris A. Harper were held Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Meridian with Rev. Gilbert Eaves officiating. Milling Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Harper, 85, of Meridian, died Saturday Sept. 7, 2012, at her residence.
Rev. Bill Hall
Graveside services for Rev. Bill Hall were held on Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Meridian with Rev. Jamie Lamereaux officiating. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of arrangements. Rev. Hall, 73, of Meridian, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, at Infinity Hospice of Meridian.
Stephen Jacob McCune
Services for Master Stephen Jacob McCune were held on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, at Midway M.B. Church, in Decatur, with Rev. Larry Reed officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Beck Funeral Home Inc. was in charge of arrangements. Stephen Jacob, 6, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2012, in Newton County.
Jean Blackwell
Services for Ms. Jean Blackwell will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, at Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Johnny Mullinax will officiate.
Ms. Blackwell, 89, of Union, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center.
Ms. Blackwell will be remembered as one who loved and was loved by her friends and family.
Survivors include a son, Barry Blackwell and wife Rosemary of Meridian; a daughter, Sharon Wilkerson of Union; four grandchildren, Nanette Evans, Jeremy Wilkerson, Heather Blackwell, Keller Joyner; two great- grandchildren, Alex Fryery and Samantha Wilkerson; a sister, Billie Locicero of Columbia, S.C., and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Blackwell; one son, Butch Blackwell; and three sisters, Sybil Phillips, Nina Heard, and Kay Lloyd.
Pallbearers will be Ben Rose, Jake Joyner, Jeremy Wilkerson, Tony Evans, Bob Bethea and Ric Ellard. Milling Funeral Home of Union is in charge of arrangements.
Roger Allen Godwin
Funeral services for Roger Allen Godwin were held Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, at Liberty Baptist Church with Bro. Hal Ethridge and Bro. Robert Rowzee officiating. Burial was in the Liberty Cemetery with Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Godwin, 46 of Newton, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, at University Medical Center in Jackson.
He was a life-long resident of Newton County and was a graduate of Newton Academy. He worked on the pipeline as an operator and a foreman more than 25 years. Roger was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed spending time with his family and playing golf. He enjoyed having a good time, and had a fun-filled personality. He lived and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Survivors include his parents, Donald and Simmie Godwin of Newton; two daughters, Taylor Brooke Godwin and Landrey Marie Godwin, both of Chunky; one brother, Rocky Dewayne Godwin of Newton; mother of his children, Tami Gibbon Godwin of Chunky; one niece, Felicity Purvis of Newton; and one nephew, Rocky Joe Godwin of Newton.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charlie and Aileen Godwin and B.B. and Velma Robinson.
Pallbearers were Chuck Kellum, Robert Grass, Randy Godwin, Jeff Sibley, Russell Bracey, and Kenny Fayard. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Bond, Wayne Baucum, Bill Burt, and Michael Maske.
Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123-1718.
Mary Inez Easom
Funeral services for Mary Inez Easom were held on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home North with Rev. Wayne Napier officiating. Burial was in the Newton County Memorial Gardens. Newton County Funeral Home of Newton was in charge of arrangements.
Miss Easom, 85, of Newton died Thursday, Sept. 13, 201,2 at Bedford Care Center in Newton.
She loved her pets and tending to her plants and flowers, enjoying the outdoors and nature, always feeling close to God there. She loved people and was a sweet, loving sister, who will be missed by those who knew her. She was a native of Newton County, living in the home on Decatur Street where she was born, most of her life. She was a member of Newton United Methodist Church, and a retired engineering clerk of South Central Bell. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.
Survivors include one sister, Ruby Zelle Easom of Newton; and cousins, Jack and Nancy Weaver of Newton, Marvin and Kathy Weaver of Trenton, Fla., Sonya and Larry Ezell of Clinton, Wilbert and Jean Easom of Meridian, Joe and Lanora Weaver of Lake, Faye Weaver of Lake, Mary Sue Thrash of Mobile, Ala., and Patty Sue Baucum of Huntsville, Ala.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde C. and Ruby Bell Weaver Easom.
Memorial donations may be made to Newton United Methodist Church, 600 Decatur St., Newton, MS 39345 .
William Bruce Nicholson Sr.
Funeral services for William Bruce Nicholson Sr.,were held Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home North Chapel with Bro. Lin Chesney, Dr. Frank Harmon and Dr. Brian Rushing officiating. Burial was in the Newton County Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Nicholson Sr., 89 of Newton, died Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, at Mississippi State Veteran's Home in Kosciusko.
He was a lifelong resident of Newton County except the time he was serving his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the dry cleaning business, Newton Laundry and Cleaners. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Newton. He enjoyed golf, fishing, and watching Ole Miss football, as well as the pros.
Survivors include a son, William Bruce (Beth) Nicholson Jr. of Southaven; one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Henry of Houston; grandchildren, Trey (Carrie) Nicholson of Southaven, Lee Ann (Jeff) Miller of Walls, and Mark Henry of Pontotoc; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jimmy (Marie) Nicholson of Little Rock and Kenneth Nicholson of Gulfport; and one sister, Dorothy Mowdy of Hickory.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Nicholson; his parents, Grady and Eula Laird Nicholson; four brothers, Bobby, Frank, Holcomb, and Shelby Nicholson; and two sisters, Odessa Wroten and Bessie Carter.
Pallbearers were Trey Nicholson, Ryan Nicholson, Mark Moore, Dub Walters, Tony Brooks, Jeff Miller, Danny Joiner, and Dale Holifield. Honorary pallbearer was Mark Henry. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Senior Adult Ministry, P.O. Box 89, Newton, MS 39345. Newton County Funeral Home of Newton was in charge of arrangements.
Willie Lee Tanksley
Funeral services for Willie Lee Tanksley were held on Sept. 12, 2012, at Altare Baptist Church with Pastor Robert Moncreif officiating. Mr. Tanksley died Sept. 7, 2012. Dunlap and Thames Funeral Home was in charge of services.
Thelma Long
Graveside services for Ms. Thelma Long were Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Matherville-Horn Cemetery in Matherville with Rev. Jimmy McDill officiating.
Ms. Long, 91, of Little Rock, was born Aug. 21, 1921, in Matherville. She died Sept. 20, 2012, at the Oaks in Meridian.
She is survived by her son, Morris Lee Duett; and one granddaughter, Zolee R. Duett.
Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of arrangements.
Johnny McCormick
John William “Johnny” McCormick, 60, of Newton, died Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at Pioneer Community Hospital in Newton. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home South Chapel in Newton, with Dr. Brian Rushing and Bro. Theron Harris officiating. Internment followed in Antioch Christian Church Cemetery in Hickory. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
He enjoyed the outdoors, playing golf, and was an avid hunter and a member of Redhat Deer Club. He loved his dog, Hank, who was his constant companion.
He was survived by his wife, Debbie Hudson McCormick of Newton; two sons, Will McCormick of Rose Hill and Chad McCormick and wife Hemi of Rose Hill; Paige Randolph Amis and husband Colby of Brandon and Dylan Randolph, of Starkville; four sisters, Martha Ballard of Jackson, Tillie Stewart and husband Luther of Shubuta, Judy Rowell and husband Mitchell of Rose Hill, and Aurelia Pearl Alexander and husband Mike of Rose Hill; and three grandchildren, Shelby, William, and John, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John W. McCormick and Aurelia Davis McCormick, and his wife, Charlene Reece McCormick
Pallbearers were Clay Chapman, Randy Loper, Jim Mason, John Mason, Steve Usry, Keith Luke and Bill Freeman. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Redhat Deer Club: Dylan Randolph, Colby Amis, David Hollingsworth, Michael Alexander, Mitchell Rowell, Derrell Edwards, and Danny Ray Reynolds.
Virginia Dale Wilkerson
Funeral services for Virginia Dale Wilkerson were held Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home with Bro. Brent Parks and Bro. Lavelle Hillman. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Wilkerson, 72 of Marion, formerly of Newton, died Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, at Bedford Care Center in Marion. She enjoyed nature and animals. She loved people and visiting and helping others, giving of her time and talent to those in need. She was homemaker and a member of Newton Church of Christ.
Survivors include two daughters, Betty (Ted) Valentine of Lawrence, and Brenda Wilkerson and Sonia Garcia of Fontana, Calif.; one grandson, Rob (Emily) Walsh of Chunky; three brothers, Walter Bryant of Philadelphia; W.R. Bryant of Little Rock, and Wayne Bryant of Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Wilkerson; her parents, William "Bill" and Alice Trible Bryant; and her sister: Lina Bryant.
Pallbearers were Chris Hillman, Mike Spence, Mark Spence, Ben Lang, Clarence Allen, and Clifton McMullan.
Michelle Lee Mason
Memorial services for Michelle Lee Mason were held Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church Collinsville with Rev. Damon Williams officiating.
Michelle Lee Mason, 38, of Meridian, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at Anderson Regional Medical Center.
She is survived by her husband, Jesse Mason; parents, Jimmy and Faye Lee; children, Regan Smith, BreAnna Lee, Ashley Hillhouse and husband Ryan, Brittney Mason, and Zach Mason; grandchildren, Raley, Logan, and Remington; siblings, Michael Lee and wife Jennifer, and Melanie Lee; aunts, Sara Gressett, Jan Gressett, and Sally Lee; a niece and nephew, Peyton and Mackenzie Lee; and cousins, Mary Jones and husband Rick, Keegan Jones, Megan Morland and husband Chris, Brandon Jones and wife Leslie, Karen and Conner Lee, Shane Gressett and wife Katherine, and Will Gressett.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jackson and Ethel Lee and Monroe and Ruth Gressett; and two uncles, Wayne Gressett and Authur Lee.
Edna Ruth Hollingsworth
Edna Ruth Hollingsworth, 88 of Newton, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at Bedford Care Center in Newton. Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home North Chapel in Newton, with Bro. Glenn Hayman and Bro. Victor Bugg officiating. Burial followed in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home North, 9998 Hwy 15 North, Newton was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Hollingsworth loved her flowers and playing bingo.
She is survived by two sons, Glenn Hollingsworth and wife Joyce of Hickory and Larry Hollingsworth and wife Linda of Lauderdale; two daughters, Brenda Tadlock of Forest and Charlotte Densmore and husband Ken, of Newton; one sister, Billie Usry, of Pascagoula; three brothers, Henry Littleton Grady of Chunky, James Guy Grady of Quinlan, Texas, and A.W. Grady of Hurley; eight grandchildren, Connie, Cindy, Glenn Jr., Lisa, Chad, Christi, Corbie, and Angie; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Corbert “C.L.” Hollingsworth; parents: Henry Sullivan Grady and Sally Price Grady, and five brothers and two sisters.
Pallbearers were Chad Tadlock, Corbie Nelson, Mike Watkins, Dale Usry, Joel Banks and John Grady.
Othel L Lewis
Services for Othel Lewis, 72, from Newton, will be handled by Holifield Funeral Home in Huntersville, North Carolina at a later date.
Ethel Mae Steele
Ethel Mae Steele, 83, of Newton, died Sept. 21, 2012, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
She is survived by her children, Linda Coghlan of Union, Tommy Steele of Newton, Alice Smart of Cleveland, Tenn. Jerry Steele of Little Rock, Teresa Thornton of Riverview, Fla., Lisa Cooper of Charleston, Tenn., Mike Steele of Decatur; 16 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton; and daughter, Martha Steele.
Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church in Newton on Saturday, Sept. 29. Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m. followed by services at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in the Bethel Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Jason Barnett, Zach Steele, Josh Steele, Cody Steele, Nick Thornton, and Mark Cooper. Honorary pallbearer will be her great-grandson, Ryan Weaver. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ryan Gordon Harris
Services for Mr. Ryan Gordon Harris were held Sept. 25, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union. Pastor Ed Breaux officiated with burial in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Harris, 17, of Newton, died Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at University Medical Center in Jackson.
Survivors include his parents, Stephen and Angela Harris of Newton; his mother, Catherine J. Harris of Hattiesburg; a brother, Jerry Christopher Harris of Hattiesburg; his grandmother, Mazelle Rowell of Newton; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dorothy J Johnson
Services for Dorothy J. Johnson were held Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Revs. Malcolm Lewis, Lin Chesney, Rusty Walton and Ben Laird officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of the arrangements.
Ms. Johnson, 85, of Union, died Friday, Sept. 21, 2012, at J. G. Alexander Nursing Home.
Survivors include three sons, Willie Johnson of Little Rock, Byron Johnson of Little Rock, and Gary Johnson and wife Jo of California; a brother, John D. Chesney of Little Rock; five grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ms. Johnson was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Johnson Sr.; a brother, Dalton Lee Chesney; sister-in-law, Laneil Coursey Chesney; and her parents, Robert and Mary Ellen Chesney.
Pallbearers were be David Rush Sr., Andy Chesney, Larry Jones, Roger Moore, Marcus L. Herrington, and Rev. Ben Laird.
Margaret Vance Rhodes
Margaret Vance Rhodes, 98, died Sept. 23, 2012, in Nashville, Tenn.
She was born in Neshoba on Dec. 26, 1913.
Margaret was preceded in death by Ralph, her husband of 54 years; her parents, Bruce and Mattie Vance; her sister, Mary Lou Vance; her brother, Paul Vance; and granddaughter, Tammy Birchfield.
She leaves behind her daughter, Rebecca Birchfield (Burt) of Nashville, Tenn.; her son, Bill Rhodes (Rosalind) of Covington, La.; grandchildren, Leslie Karl (Dan) and Leigh Ann Gravette (Paul) of Nashville, Tenn., John David Rhodes of Brighton, England and Stephen Rhodes of Berlin, Germany. Margaret is also survived by six great-grandchildren, from Nashville, Tenn.: Rhodes, Banks and Vance Gravette and Cade, Greer and Layne Karl; and by brothers, Berlin Vance of Amarillo, Texas and James Herbert Vance (Anne) of Union. She is also survived and fondly remembered by a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Margaret graduated from Peabody Teacher's College in Nashville, Tenn., in 1937 and married Ralph Rhodes of Duncan, S.C., in 1939. Margaret taught school for 30 years in five different southern states. All through her life, she was a faithful member and volunteer in Baptist churches. While in Nashville, she was a member of Clear View Baptist Church. She loved the Lord and was his faithful follower.
Friends and relatives were invited to the funeral services at First Baptist Church of Union on Thursday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jon Martin officiating. Visitation began at 10 a.m. Burial followed the services at the Neshoba Baptist Church Cemetery in Neshoba. Milling Funeral Home of Union in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were Dan Karl, Paul Gravette, Mike Douglas, Lee Brown, John David Rhodes and Stephen Rhodes.
David Richard "Rick" Willis
David Richard "Rick" Willis, 60, a retired truck driver of Carthage, died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, at his home. Services were help Sept. 18, 2012, at Wilcox Funeral Home in Carthage with Bro. William Frazer, Danny McKay and Larry Kemp officiating. Burial was in Carthage Memorial Gardens.
A Beaver Falls, Penn., native, he was a member of Faith Assembly of God. Rick was a talented singer and guitar player who loved his family, especially his wife of 30 years, Mary Ann Willis.
Mr. Willis is preceded in death by his parents, Betty and David Willis of Pennsylvania.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Willis of Carthage; daughters, Angel Measell and husband David of Decatur, Akemie Rigdon and husband Michael of Carthage; stepdaughters, Stacey McKay and husband Danny of Louisville, Shelia Rea and husband Chad of Union, Donna Ramsey of Columbia Tenn.; stepsons, Ronnie Ramsey and wife Kristy of Coahoma, Robert Ramsey of Gulfport; sisters, Loretta McCleary and husband Donald of Carthage, Charlotte Johnson of Beaver Falls, Penn.; brothers, Brian Willis, John Willis, Bruce Willis of Carthage, Randy Willis and wife Jean of Brandon, Jack Willis, Doug Willis and wife Pam of Beaver Falls, Penn.; 24 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Glen Kemp, James Ramsey, Danny McKay, Michael Rigdon, Blade Rushing, Chad Rae, Bobby Faulkner and John David Willis. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Kemp, Gerald Lewis, Hester Falkner, Kenny Measell, Cole Measell, Brandon Myers, and Ryan Myers.
Ernest L Mosley
Services for Ernest Mosley were held on Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, at Mount Olive Methodist Church, with Rev. Billy Mosley officiating. Burial was held in the church cemetery, with Clark Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Mosley, 68, of Rose Hill, died Sept. 16, 2012, at Pioneer Community Hospital.
Janice Marie Griffin
Services for Mrs. Janice Marie Griffin were held Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with burial in Reid Chapel Church of God Cemetery. Rev. Rusty Walton officiated with Milling Funeral Home of Union in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Griffin, 54, of Little Rock, died Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at her residence.
Survivors include her husband, Leon Junior Griffin of Little Rock; two sons, Michael Griffin of Chunky and Shawn Griffin and fiancee’, Karla Menoses of Little Rock; a daughter, Ann Marie Griffin Havard and husband Ray of Carthage; her mother, Merlen Houge of Union; seven grandchildren; a sister, Cindy Collins; two brothers, Tommy Houge and Ricky Houge.
She was preceded in death by a son, Jamie Griffin; father, Leroy Houge; and one sister, Irene Houge Smith.
Pallbearers were Shawn Sims, Gary Bufkin, Glenn Dale Bufkin, Dusty Russell, James Alford, and Phoenix Sims. Honorary pallbearer was Levi Griffin.
Paul C Arrington
Services for Paul Arrington were held on Sept. 27, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ, with Elder Andrew George officiating. Burial was held in St. Cloud Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, with Clark Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Arrington, 55, of Newton, died Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2012, at Rush Hospital in Meridian.
Othel “Moody” L Lewis
On Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, in Huntersville, North Carolina, one we loved and cherish and knew stepped across the threshold that we call death, but it was only a step into another room, and not stepping out of the fellowship of life.
Othel “Moody” L. Lewis was born Nov. 26, 1939, to Cleo Robinson in Newton. He was the grandson of the late Emmanuel and Ada Robinson. His funeral was held at the Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Newton on Sept. 24, 2012. Rev. S.M. Robinson officiated at the service. The Repast and resting place was all at the Corinth Missionary Baptist Church.
Othel “Moody” L. Lewis attended the Corinth Missionary Baptist Church with his mother and other family members often. Othel “Moody” L. Lewis enjoyed church, all kinds of music, Sunday newspapers, magazines, and he never met a stranger. He always smiled, and that included a really big hug, especially for the ladies.
He is survived by a cousin/caregiver, Donzie M. Spears, of Huntersville, North Carolina; a host of other loving family members and friends; his three devoted friends, Mr. William Stokes, of Meridian, Mr. Walter Wright, of Baltimore, Maryland, and Mr. Mel Tarlton, of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
James L Jones
James L. Jones, 77, of Pass Christian, formerly of Newton and Hickory, died Sept. 7, 2012. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of Highland Baptist Church of Pass Christian.
Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie Jones and Cecilia Jones; his step daughter, Melissa Holliman; and daughter-in-law, Robbie Wilson.
He was survived by his wife, Mattie Jones; step son, Danny Wilson; his siblings, Morton Jones, Shirley Gates and Betty Jones and Ted Jones; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral services were held on Sept. 13, 2012, at Highland Baptist Church, 8400 Firetower Road, Pass Christian. Burial was followed by a full military services at the Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi.
Titus Harrell
Funeral services for Titus Harrell, 53, were held recently at St. Hill M.B Church in Newton. Dunlap and Thames was in charge of arrangements.
Donnell Crenshaw
Services for Mr. Donnell Crenshaw were held Sunday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Warren Hedgepeth officiating. Burial followed in the Neshoba Baptist Church Cemetery, with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Crenshaw, 82, of Union, died Thursday, Oct. 3, at his home near Union.
Donnell was born in Neshoba community on Nov. 3, 1929, where he lived most of his life. He served his country in the U.S. Army, during which he spent 40 months in Germany.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Cordelia Hamil Crenshaw; a daughter, Linda Craig and her husband, Bobby, of Homewood; two sons, Chad Crenshaw and his wife, Barbara of Union, Steve Farmer and his wife, Joyce of Grapevine, Texas; one brother, Richard D. Crenshaw and his wife, Mary of Yates City, Ill.; three granddaughters, Jessica LaPeze and her husband, Jamie, Rebekah Crenshaw, and Skye Farmer; two grandsons, Kyle and Cody Craig; and three great grandchildren, Dee, Johnae, and Sophia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Mary Frances Crenshaw; and one brother, Verscl Crenshaw.
John H. Mason
John Harold Mason, 63, died at home in Byram on Oct. 6, 2012, surrounded by family.
He was born in Newton to Harold and Frances Mason and graduated from East Central Junior College and Mississippi College, and served in the Army National Guard. After several years working in the petroleum industry, he worked developing computer programs for the State of Mississippi in the Highway Department and the Health Department. He concluded his career teaching mathematics in the Jackson and Hinds school systems. He will be remembered as an honest, independent mountain of a man with a ready sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Pat and his mother Frances; sisters, Betty Mason and Sue Bush; sisters-in-law, Andrea Hagner, Mary Kay Weston, and Maureen Gallagher; and brothers-in-law, Bob Weston, Tom Hagner, and Brian Gallagher. "Big John" is also survived by uncles, Tommy Grant, George Mason Jr.; aunts, Joanne Bucklew, Julia Fraser, and Hilda Bowden; many cousins; several nieces and nephews, Casey and Brian, Amanda and Christy, Michael and Caitlin, Catherine, John, and Andrew, Tad and Amanda; and five great-nephews and four great-nieces.
A memorial service will be led by cousin David Rives on Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Bethel Baptist Church outside Newton at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to the Palmer Home for Children, of which John was a loyal supporter.
Marjorie Carolyn White Everett
Marjorie Carolyn White Everett, 81 of Newton, died Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at Pioneer Community Hospital in Newton. Funeral services were held Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Pine Bluff Baptist Church with Bro. Leon Everett and Bro. Harold Laird officiating. Burial followed in Pine Bluff Cemetery with Newton County Funeral Home South in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Everett was a member of Pine Bluff Baptist Church. She loved meeting and talking to people, her family, especially her grandsons, and reading the Bible.
Mrs. Everett’s survivors include a daughter, Donna Everett Rigdon and husband Joey, Little Rock; a son, David Everett and wife Katrina of Newton; three grandsons, Matt Rigdon, Josh Rigdon and fiancee Nicki Sullivan, and Joseph Everett; three brothers, Milton White, Thomas White, and John Billy White; a brother-in-law, Curtis Wheeler; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James "Cooter" Everett; her parents, Billy and Mary Ricks White; and sister, Dean Wheeler.
Pallbearers were Jay Chesney, Kent Wheeler, Mark Wheeler, William Lacy, Rayphord Bounds, and Don Collins.
Katherine Smith
Services for Mrs. Katherine Smith were held on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Shawn Croft officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Clark Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Smith, 82, of Newton, died Sept. 28, 2012, at her residence.
Clarence Arrington
Services for Rev. Clarence Arrington were held on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at St. Cloud Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Evans officiating. Burial was held in the church cemetery with Clark Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Rev. Arrington, 65, of Newton, died Sept. 28, 2012, at Pioneer Community Hospital.
Caroldine Herrington
Services for Caroldine Herrington were held Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, at Antioch Baptist Church with Dr. Ray Spence and Rev. James Young officiating. Burial followed in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery with McClain-Hays Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Herrington, 87, of Collinsville, died Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, at Anderson Regional Medical Center.
She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. Mrs. Herrington worked for many years as a ward clerk and nurse assistant at Laird Hospital in Union, Miss. Mrs. Herrington was an amazing, loving mother and grandmother. She spent her life in service of others. Mrs. Herrington loved the Lord and was a true example of a Proverbs 31 woman.
Survivors include her children, Linda Stembridge of Montgomery, Ala., Anita Griffin (Charlie) of Boone, N.C., Dotty Beemon (Tim) of Meridian, Donna Harrison of Bailey, Bill Herrington (Jami) of Decatur and Dena Bishop (Stanley) of House; grandchildren, Jay Stembridge, Amanda Montgomery, Marty Griffin, Courtney Taylor, Jill Basham, Elizabeth Williams, Andy Harrison, Kim Pickett, Krissy Lewis, Bubba Holmes, Katie Holmes, Brandon Holmes, Morgan Herrington, Eli Herrington, Laura Bishop, Lindsay Bishop and Emily Bishop; great-grandchildren, Megan and Katie Stembridge, Colby and Macy Montgomery, Rachael, Megan and Katie Griffin, Grace Taylor, Walker and Abigail Basham, Kasey, Savannah and Cadence Harrison, Jackson Atwood, Ethan, Alyssa and Gavin Pickett, and Jud Lewis; numerous other family members and her beloved pet, Otis.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Herrington; brothers, Marzine and Carlton Smith; her grandson, Tyler Herrington; sons-in-law, Jim Stembridge and Wesley Harrison.
Pallbearers were Dustin Jones, Mike Dallas, Ricky Smith, Larry Smith, Stan Worrell and Mike Truhett.
James Reed
Memorial services for Mr. James Reed of Decatur were held Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with Rev. Jim McQuarry officiating. Mr. Reed, 66, of Decatur, died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, at his residence.
Survivors include his brother, Lester B. Reed and wife Elizabeth of Lawrence; a sister, JoAnn Jenkins of Lawrence; and numerous nieces and nephews.
No visitation was held.
Jessie “Blue” Bell
Jessie “Blue” Bell, a loving, father, brother, uncle and friend, was born to the late Eva Glenn Ponder and Jessie Bell on Aug. 29, 1950, in Newton County. Mr. Bell died Thursday morning Oct. 4, 2012.
A man of great faith and fortitude, Jessie accepted Christ at an early age. He was baptized and became a member of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Newton County. He attributed his success in life to his strong family foundation. Jessie obtained his education at the C.H. Boler High School in Newton County. Later, he relocated to Chicago and was employed with Sara Lee Foods for many years.
Jessie was preceded in death by his parents, Eva Glenn Ponder and Jessie Bell; and one sister, Kathy Bell.
It is impossible to measure the full impact of Jessie’s life. He touch, shaped and inspired the lives of his two sons, Gregory and Darnell, along with many others. His sterling example and his “positiveness" influenced everyone with whom he came in contact. “Blue” as he was affectionately called, had an avid love for cars that will live on in his sons.Although we are deeply saddened by his passing we will celebrate his life with great joy and gratitude forever.
He will be mourned and greatly missed by two sons, Gregory Le’Farrall Holmes and Darnell Jones; five brothers, Ellis Bell, William Douglas Bell, Thomas Leroy Bell, Lee Van Shoemaker, and Woodrow Watson; a sister, Patricia Pickard; three grandchildren; one aunt; two uncles; a companion of 12 years, Meshell Caffrey; a very close friend, Marvin Seals; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
James Edwin Graham
Graveside services for Mr. James Edwin Graham were held Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Gary Rivers will officiated. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of the arrangements.
Survivors include, his wife of 65 years, Annie Merle Graham of Decatur; a daughter, Betty Miller and husband Jimmy of Petal; a son, James (Jim) Graham and wife Elizabeth stationed in Germany; three grandchildren, Heather Hutchinson and husband Jason, James Brian Graham, and Megan Joos De Ter Beerst; two step grandchildren, Eddie Miller and wife Debbie and Denice Traweek; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Jewel Soper and Glenna Thaggard.
Marie Wolverton
Services for Ms. Marie Wolverton were held Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with burial in the Beech Springs Cemetery. Rev. C.M. Jinkerson officiated. Ms. Gardner, 69, of Conehatta died Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, at Rush Foundation Hospital.
Survivors include her son, Gerald Wolverton; and wife Tasha of Union; a daughter, Donna Sanders and Roger Basham of Union; three grandchildren, Isabella Wolverton, Wayne Sanders Jr. (Bubba), and Alex Sanders; two brothers, Travis Roberts of Picayune, and Billy Glen Roberts of Union; a sister, Ester Herrington of Little Rock; and numerous stepbrothers and stepsisters.
Ms. Gardner was preceded in death by her husband, Billy C Wolverton; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Roberts; and sister, Gloria Roberts.
Pallbearers were David Brewer, John Herrington, Kenneth Thrash, Alex Sanders, Wayne Sanders, Jr., and Roger Basham.
Larry "Shorty" Breedlove
Larry “Shorty" Breedlove, 66, of Philadelphia died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, at University Medical Center in Jackson. Services were held Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in Chapel of Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol. Rev. J. Clarke officiated with burial in the Morrow Cemetery.
C A Stamper
Funeral services for C.A. Stamper were held Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home North Chapel in Newton with Bro.Ron Gilstrap officiating. Burial was in the Beat Line Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home of Newton was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Stamper, 84, of Newton, died Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, at his residence. He was a lifelong resident of Newton County.
He was retired from La-Z-Boy South and a Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was an active member of First Baptist Church in Newton. He enjoyed being outdoors and fishing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Emogene Price Stamper; his parents, Glover and Elma Addy Stamper; two sisters, Maggie Lou Miley and Verna Pendergrast; and one brother, Elton Stamper.
Survivors include a son, Randy Stamper of Newton; a sister, June and husband Bernard Nelson of Petal; two brothers, Melvin and wife Betty Stamper of Lawrence and Purvis and wife Janiece Stamper of South Carolina.
Pallbearers were Richard Stamper, Milton Stamper, Royce Miley, Robert Munn, Mark Moore, and Jerry Simmons. Friends and family may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Jeanette Reeves
Graveside services for Ms. Jeanette Reeves were held Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in the House Community with Rev. Clint Johnson officiating. Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol was in charge of the arrangements. Ms. Reeves, 66, of Sebastopol, died Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, at her residence.
John Wesley Cooley
Services for John Wesley Cooley were held recently at Dunlap and Thames Funeral Home in Newton. Cooley, of Newton, died Oct. 16, 2012.
Nannie Mae Herrington
Services for Mrs. Nannie Mae Harbour Herrington were held on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Warren Hedgepeth officiating. Burial followed in the Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery in Neshoba County with Stephens Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Herrington, 92, of Union, died Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, at her home near Union.
Nannie Mae was born in Neshoba County on Sept. 1, 1920, to A. C. and Malinna Harbour. She taught math for 19 years in the Union School System, and nine years in the Meridian School System before retiring from her education field. She then worked at Laird Hospital for 16 years. Mrs. Herrington was also a member of the Union Present Day Club, and a former member of the Miss. Association of Educators.
Survivors include her two sons, Joseph Herrington and his wife Carol Geanne of Union, and Donald Herrington of Union; two grandchildren, Coleman Herrington of Ruston, La., and Elizabeth Patterson and her husband Allie of Union; four great-grandchildren, Anetta, Thomas, Alex, and Cole; and one sister, Lola Harbour, of Union.
She was preceded in death by her parents, A C. and Malinna Ward Harbour; her husband, Lester Herrington; and three brothers: James, Hanson, and Bert Harbour.
Geralene Embrey Pugh
Geralene Embrey Pugh, 77, of Newton County died Oct. 16, 2012, at James T. Champion Nursing Home in Meridian. Visitation was held at Stephens Funeral Home in Meridian. Services were held at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Hickory, with Rev. Billy Ray Gibbs and T.J. Archie officiated with burial in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Pugh was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She will forever be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.
Survivors include her daughters, Pam Harber (Steve) and Penny Avant (Jackie) both of Decatur; son, Paul Pugh (Peggy) of Hickory, and their father, Gilmore Pugh; seven grandchildren, Brandi Reeves (Todd), Stacie Reese (James), Stephanie Houston (Eric), Jackie Thompson (Robby), Josh Avant (Lacey), Cody Pugh and Chelsea Pugh; and 15 great- grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Mary Cooley, Merle Harwell (Fred), Grace Shirley, Nora Majure (Tommy); brothers, Albert Embrey (Barbara) and J.V. Embrey (Senora); and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, A.C. and Nora Embrey; and a sister, Clady Mae Embrey.
Pallbearers were Josh Avant, Shannon Cooley, Tim Lindley, Cody Pugh, Paul Pugh, Todd Reeves, and Robby Thompson. Honorary pallbearers were Roger Flint, Mark Majure, Gary Joiner, and David McDonald
Alma Fleming
Services for Alma Fleming were held Oct. 30, 2012, at Dunlap and Thames Funeral Home in Newton.
Melvin Warner Stamper
Services for Melvin Warner Stamper, 87, were held Oct. 30, 2012, at Ott & Lee Funeral Home Chapel in Forest with burial in the Conehatta Methodist Cemetery. Revs. Becki Smith, William Savell and Benny Napier officiated.
Mr. Stamper, of Lawrence, died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at Bedford Care Nursing Home in Newton.
Mr. Stamper was a U.S. Veteran having served in the Army during World War II in the European Campaign. During his service, he received the Bronze Star. He was a carpenter by trade and a member of Pleasant Valley Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Ezelle; a son, Richard and his wife, Shelia of Decatur; a daughter, Kathy Stamper Neese and her husband, Paul of Hattiesburg; two grandchildren, Adria Stamper Miles and her husband, Justin of Geismar, La., and Nathan Stamper and his wife, Leanne of Flowood; three great-grandchildren, Joshua, Hannah and Miriam Miles of Geismar, La. Other survivors include one sister, June Nelson and her husband, Bernard of Petal; and one brother, Purvis Stamper and his wife, Janice of Beech Island, S.C.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glover and Elma Addy Stamper; sisters, Maggie Lou Miley and Verna Pendergrast; and brothers, Elton and C.A. Stamper.
Pallbearers were Nathan Stamper, Justin Miles, Milton Stamper, Tim Nelson, Royce Miley and Leighton Ezelle. Honorary pallbearers were all other nephews.
Judy Langham Williamson
Services for Mrs. Judy Langham Williamson were held Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012, at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Justin Chaney officiating. Burial followed in the Duffee Baptist Church Cemetery, with Stephens Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Williamson, 64, of Little Rock, died Oct. 29, 2012, at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, W.R. “Dicky” Williamson of Little Rock; a daughter, Lesley Williamson of Little Rock; a son, Brad Williamson of Dallas, Texas; three grandchildren, Natalie, Michael Keith, and Noelle Williamson; her mother, Janie Langham, of Union; three sisters, Mary Jane Geeslin of Cuba, Ala., Faye Terrell of Union, and Wanda Chaney of Decatur; and a brother, Jeff Langham of Atlanta, Ga.
She was preceded in death by her son, Keith Williamson; and her father, Leslie Langham.
William Robert ‘Bill’ Rowzee
Services for Mr. William Robert “Bill” Rowzee were held Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at Decatur United Methodist Church with burial in the Decatur City Cemetery. Rev. Jimmy Harrison and Rev. Bruce Taylor officiated with Milling Funeral Home of Union in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Rowzee, 95, of Decatur, died Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012, at the Miss. State Veteran’s Home of Kosciusko.
William Robert “Bill” Rowzee was born March 30, 1917, in Decatur. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Early Robert Rowzee. He was the youngest of eight children.
He leaves two children, Donna Sue Rowzee Tinsley, of Decatur and William R. “Bill Jr.” Rowzee of Columbus; three grandchildren, Terry Robert Tinsley of Gainesville, Va.; Kirk Martin Tinsley of Franklin, Tenn., and Katie Rowzee of Jackson; and three great-grandchildren, Joshua Dale Tinsley, Jordan Nicole Tinsley and Kael Martin Tinsley.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Ruth Rowzee of 60 years; his parents, Early R. and Alice O. Rowzee; brothers, Amos, Lewis, Albert and Mack Rowzee; sisters, Myrtle, Mary and Dew Drop Rowzee. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Bill joined the Decatur United Methodist Church when he was about 12 years of age and has been an active member ever since. Bill spent most of his life in Decatur. He took part in all available sports (football, basketball, baseball, track and class plays). He was class president of his ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th grade class. He attended two years at ECJC; he played in the band, was in class plays and on the tennis team. He entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and was placed in the 12th Postal regulation section, handling overseas mail, operating out of Boston Port of Embarkation Boston, Massachusetts.
He married his long-time sweetheart and friend, Donna Skelton of Union, while he was in the military.
He worked for a while with the engineers at the Mobile Alabama Ship Building Corp. Following this work he came back and enrolled at MSU in the school of Business and Accounting.
Two years later, in 1947, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from MSU. He played drums in the famous Maroon Band and had gone back to MSU many times since graduation to play in the famous Alumni Band. He joined the American Legion after his discharge and had been a member ever since. He is a life member and has served as Beat Commander, Post Commander, Adjutant, Service Officer and District Commander. He was also a member and officer of the 40/8 (an honor organization of the American Legion). He attended National Conventions in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Honolulu, Hawaii, accompanied by his wife, Donna.
After graduation from MSU in 1947, he worked a few months as bookkeeper for Solwell Lumber Company in Meridian as office manager. He took and passed the Post Office examination for Post Office clerk and came back to Decatur and began work in the Decatur Post Office. He retired as Assistant Postmaster. He then served many years as Newton County Veterans Service officer; he helped many veterans to get their well deserved benefits.
Pallbearers were Wayne Comans, Mike McGrevey, Chris Harris, Jerry Rowzee, Kenneth Jones and Bud Smith. Honorary pallbearers were H.G. “Buddy” Langley, Jackie Knight, Danny Cherry and Price Miller.In lieu of flowers family request that memorials be made to Decatur United Methodist Church Parsonage Fund P.O. Box 325 Decatur, MS, 39327
Bro. Freeman Strait
Services for Bro. Freeman Strait were held Nov. 1, 2012 at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Lay Strait officiating. Burial followed in Immanuel Cemetery in Neshoba County. McClain-Hays Funeral Home in Philadelphia was in charge of arrangements.
Bro. Strait, 96, died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012, at Baptist Medical Center-Leake in Carthage.
He was a native of Winston County and lived in Texas from 1950 until 1963. He then moved to Philadelphia where he made his home. Bro. Strait was a member of Longino Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Strait, in 2011.
Survivors include his daughter, Dale Roan of Ireland; sons, Don Strait (Jan) of Wills Point, Texas, Rev. Jimmy Lay Strait (Michelle) of Mesquite, Texas, Henry Strait of Seagoville, Texas, Randy Strait (Hope) of Royse City, Texas, and Jimmy Lee Strait (Selina) of Philadelphia; step-sons, Louis Coghlan (Bonnie) of Philadelphia, Bill Coghlan of Philadelphia, and Rick Coghlan (Cherie) of Plant City, Fla., numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jane Deweese of Philadelphia and Sherry Roncali of Newton; brothers, Bobby Guy Strait of Michigan and Clint Strait of Lawrence; and a host of nieces, nephews and their families.
Pallbearers were Randy Strait, Don Strait, Henry Strait, Jimmy Lee Strait, Ronnie Strait, Warren Deweese, and Ricky Coghlan.
Frances B Jones
Frances B Jones, 95 of Meridian, died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, at Golden Living Center in Meridian. Services were held Nov. 6, 2012, at Chunky Cemetery in Chunky with Rev. Gerald Chaney officiating. Newton County Funeral Home of Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren, sewing, and gardening.
Survivors include two sons, Donald Jones and wife Linda of Chunky, and Wayne Jones and wife Sara of Hickory; two daughters, Carolyn Burks and husband Curly of Hickory, and Patsy Jones of Hickory; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Jones; parents, Ira and Dova Cox Barber; daughter, Nancy Lynn Jones and three sisters, Lottie Jones, Ruby Rankin, and Louise Johnson.
Pallbearers were Dusty Jones, David Jones, Chad Jones, Brett Jones, Ronnie Thrash and Joey Etheridge.
The family request in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Hickory Methodist Church, P.O. Box 34, Hickory, MS 39332.
Pervis Reece
Services for Pervis Reece, 87, of Newton, were held Nov. 7, 2012, at Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church. W.F. Mapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Beulah Wells
Services for Beulah Wells, 86, of Forest, were held Oct. 27, 2012, at Union Grove UM Church. W.F. Mapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Willie Brown
Services for Willie E. Brown, 55, of Forest, were held Oct. 27, 2012, at the Church of Jesus Christ. Burial was in the Union Grove Cemetery. W.F. Mapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mattie Thames Seals
Services for Mattie Seals, 69, of Decatur, were held Oct. 26, 2012, at Midway M.B. Church. W.F. Mapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Rosie Burks
Services for Rosie Burks, 92, of Chicago, Illinois, were held Nov. 6, 2012, at Little Rock M.B. Church. W.F. Mapp Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
J C Barlow
Services for J.C. Barlow were held Nov. 3, 2012, at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Louin, with Evangelist Minnie Ross officiating. Burial was held in the church cemetery with Clark's Memorial Funeral Home, LLC in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Barlow, 75, of Louin, died Oct. 28, 2012, at Rolling Acres Retirement Center in Raleigh.
David Levelt Jones
Services for David Levelt Jones were held Nov. 10, 2012, at Word of Faith Church. Dunlap and Thames Funeral Home of Newton was in charge of arrangements.
Rebecca Ann Greene Sibley
Rebecca Ann Greene Sibley, 69, wife of Jimmy Charles Sibley for 45 years, died Nov. 6, 2012.
Mrs. Sibley was born June 21, 1943, in Rutherfordton, N.C., to Juliaetta Deter Smith and the late Robert Clyde Greene Sr.
She was a member of Simpsonville First Baptist Church. She was an artist and painter and a loving wife, mother, grandma and nana.
Funeral services were held Nov. 9, 2012, in the Sanctuary of Simpsonville First Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Randy Harling. Burial was in Cannon Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Simpsonville First Baptist Church, 3 Hedge Street, Simpsonville, S.C. 29681. Fletcher Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.
Alvin C Myers
Services for Mr. Alvin C. Myers were held Nov. 12, 2012, at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Mike Holcomb, Rev. Billy Mac Sellers, and Rev. George Robertson officiating. Burial followed in the Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery at Dixon, Miss. with Stephens Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Myers, 83, of Conehatta, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at Choctaw Residential Nursing Home at Philadelphia.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Yvonne Tucker Myers of Conehatta; two daughters, Sandra Land and her husband, Mark, of Bellavista, Ark., Tasha Ingram and her husband, Doug, of Mt. Olive; two sons, Ronald Myers and his wife, Cindy, of Philadelphia, Randle Myers and his wife, Rose, of Brandon; six grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; and one sister, Willie B. Pinter of Meridian.
He was preceded in death by his parents, H.C. and Annie Gainey Myers; a sister, Inez Madden; and two brothers, Harvey Clyde and Rev. Carl Junior Myers.
Keisah La’Dawn Walker
Services for Keisah La’Dawn Walker were held Nov. 14, 2012, at Kingdom Hall. Dunlap and Thames Funeral Home of Newton was in charge of arrangements.
Bennie Lee Tillis
Services for Bennie Lee Tillis, 56, of Texarkana, Texas, were held Nov. 10, 2012, at W.F. Mapp Funeral Home. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Marcella Wash
Services for Marcella wash, 42, of Hattiesburg, will be held at Shiloh M.B. Church at noon on Nov. 17, 2012. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at W.F. Mapp Funeral Home.
Joe Brunson
Services for Mr. Joe E. Brunson will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union. Revs. Jon Martin and Marcus Finch officiated with burial in Union City Cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Joe E. Brunson, 84, of Union, died Monday, Nov. 12, 2012, at Jeff Anderson Regional Hospital.
Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Essie Brunson of Union; two daughters, Janice Muse and husband James D. of Byram, Janet Shealy and husband Donald L. of Byram; a son, Alan Brunson and wife Dawn of Madison; five grandchildren, Brian Muse and wife Jennifer of Florence, Chad Shealy and wife Shanon of Raymond, Wes Muse of Florence, Reed Brunson of Madison, and Lori Brunson of Madison; seven great-grandchildren, Grayson, Mayson and Riggs Shealy of Raymond, Braydon, Brantley, and Brelyn Muse of Florence, Aubree Muse, also of Florence; two sisters, Rachel Leach of Union, Bernice Lofton of Newton; a brother, Bobby Brunson of Pearl.
Mr. Brunson is preceded in death by his brother, James Brunson.
Pallbearers were Brian Muse, Chad Shealy, Reed Brunson, Wes Muse, Jamie Brunson, Randy Brunson, Danny Brunson, David Lofton.
Mr. Joe E. Brunson loved being outdoors. His favorite outdoor activities included fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was an active board member of Union Riding Club and was an active mule puller. Mr. Brunson loved his community and was elected Citizen of the Year in 2010. He was also an active member of First Baptist Church of Union. Mr. Brunson will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Roger Lee Anderson
Services for Mr. Roger Lee Anderson were held Nov. 23, 2012, at the Conehatta school gym with burial in the St. Catherine Catholic Church Cemetery. Rev. Robert Patrick and Rev. George Dixon officiated.
Mr. Anderson, 65, of Conehatta, died Nov. 19, 2012, at Choctaw Health Center. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Anderson served 41 years of Tribal service, which included 19 years of Tribal Council. He also served 11 years of military service.
Survivors include his wife, Sarina Anderson of Conehatta; three sons, Ricky Anderson and wife Phyliss of Carthage, Randy Anderson and wife Pamela of Conehatta, Brandon Anderson of Conehatta; six daughters, Karen Thomas and husband Ferrell of Conehatta, Tarina McMillan and husband Harvey Sr. of Conehatta, Sheena Edwards and husband Kevin of Walnut Grove, Durnene Farmer and husband Brent of Conehatta, Jessica Smith and husband Buford of Philadelphia, Sarrica Anderson of Conehatta; a sister, Edvena John of Conehatta; 33 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and numerous foster children. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by parents, Mr. Phillip and Ms. Zula Mae Anderson; one daughter, Lawanda Shenene Anderson; one grandchild, Jason Keith Anderson; one brother, Hilbert Daniel Anderson; and two sisters, Vina Mae Jefferson and Mattie Lynn Ben.
Pallbearers were Walter Wilson, Darren Taylor, Charles Moulds, Scott Thomas, Billy Robertson and Willie Charles McGee. Honorary pallbearers were Mark Kelly, Rodgrick Anderson, Jaric Anderson, Kelby Anderson, Cody Anderson, Keantray Thomas, Alaric Keams, Lane Farmer, Kameren Taylor Hickman and Derek Reynolds.
Dock Graham
Services for Mr. Dock Graham were held Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at Beulah Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Bro Ed Knox, Bro. Bill Webb, Bro. Byron Howell and Bro. Gary Rivers officiated. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. Graham, 87, died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, at Laird Hospital.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mae Graham of Decatur; a brother, Mike Graham of Decatur; two sisters, Ruth Loper of Decatur and Rubie Sims of Ocean Springs; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mr. Graham is preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Pearl Graham; two infant siblings; five brothers; and two sisters.
Mr. Graham was a WWII veteran stationed in the South Pacific and a faithful member of Beulah Baptist Church. He retired from Newton County School system after 35 years.
Pallbearers were Josh Chaney, Adam Herrington, Ivan Davis, Robert Smith, Chunk Munn, James Graham, and Wayne Lanier. Honorary pallbearers were N.F. Smith, Billy Pierce, Randall Huey, Jimmy Nicholson and the Men’s Sunday School Class at Beulah; William Huey, Gene Lee and James Chaney.
Ruth Mills
Ruth Mills, 87, joined her heavenly father and beloved husband Robert in heaven on Nov. 20, 2012.
The daughter of Frank Anderson Crenshaw and Ruby (Winfield) Crenshaw, she was born and grew up in the Neshoba community.
She was predeceased by her parents and siblings Thelma McBeath, John McBeath, Doris (McBeath) Rhodes, and Frank Allen “Sonny” Crenshaw.
She is survived by her children, Carol Shrader of Virginia Beach, Va., Lynn Libell and husband Bryan of Florence, Ala., and Bob Mills and wife Michelle of Jackson.
She had a special love for her grandchildren, Spencer, David, Sarah Katherine and Blake Mills, Mark and Adam Libell and Neal Shrader and his wife Eunhee.
She was very excited about the approaching birth of her first great-grandchild. Her nieces and nephews Betty Ethridge, Charles Rhodes, Debbie Broadus and Danny Crenshaw and her sisters-in-law Audrey McBeath and Renate Harris were an important part in her life. She is also mourned by the citizens of Union, the town that she so dearly loved.
Ruth’s daily life revolved around First Baptist Church and its activities. And she proudly shared her faith with others. After she retired from her longtime job as bookkeeper for the Kemper/Newton Regional Library System, Ruth was always busy volunteering in the community. Her civic duties continued until the end of her life. She was chosen Citizen of the Year” by the Union Chamber of Commerce well into her 80s.
In 1988, she started writing the local news column for the Union Appeal, (later the Newton County Appeal), and wrote her last column two days before her death. She played piano for weekly church services at local nursing homes. Past service includes serving on the Board of Directors for Laird Hospital. Ruth was dedicated to the town of Union’s restoration of historic Boler Inn. She was a proud great-great granddaughter of its first owner and proprietor Wesley Boler, joining the Daughters of the American Revolution on his grandfather’s service. Ruth was a part of the initial group that spearheaded the restoration effort and served on the Board of Directors for many years.
Ruth loved flowers and would have been happy to know she was surrounded by them at the end of her life. For those who prefer a memorial donation, gifts may be made to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church of Union.
Visitation was held at Stephens Union Funeral Home from on Tuesday, Nov. 27. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, Ruth’s birthday, at First Baptist Church of Union. Beginning at 10 a.m. the church will be open for those who wish to say a last farewell to this dear lady. Burial will follow at Neshoba Cemetery, where four generations of the Crenshaw family lie at rest.
Leola Williamson Burton
Leola Williamson Burton, 89, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, Miss. Mrs. Burton was a lifelong resident of the Hopewell community in Little Rock.
She was a member of the Hopewell Baptist Church, where she served as church treasurer for more than 50 years. She worked at Peoples Bank of Union, now Regions, for more than 40 years. She was a graduate of Beulah Hubbard High School and East Central Community College.
Mrs. Burton is survived by her son, J. Stan Burton and his wife Sheree Warnick Burton of Ellisville; her son, Tim H. Burton and his wife Joyce of Flowood; grandchildren, Richard Burton and wife Julie, Dustin Burton and wife Robin, Kristal Burton, Elise Burton Graham and husband Jacob, Ellyn Burton, Aaron Burton, and Michael Burton; step grand-daughter, McKayla Rase; great-grandchildren, David Burton, Ethan Burton, Olivia Burton; daughter-in-law, Dale Herrington Burton; and sister-in-law, Ruth Beemon Williamson.
Mrs. Burton was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Ivan A. Burton; her son, Randy Ivan Burton; her brother, Earlie Edgar Williamson; and sister, Mildred Arlena Williamson; and her parents, Joseph Jermany Williamson and Nettie Harrison Williamson.
The funeral service was held at the Hopewell Baptist Church in Little Rock on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, with visitation preceding. Rev. Jimmy McDill conducted the service. Pallbearers were Richard Burton, Aaron Burton, Michael Burton, Johnnie Wright, Doyle White, and Dennis Miller. Interment was in the church cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund of Hopewell Baptist Church. The Burton family wishes to express its thanks to Mrs. Burton’s many friends for their prayers, support, and sympathy.
Gene Arnold Brumett Sr.
There will be a private family memorial for Mr. Gene Arnold Brumett Sr. with interment in Kentucky at a later date. Milling Funeral Home of Union is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Brumett, Sr., 78, of Union, died Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at his residence.
He was a member of Pinckney Baptist Church and a Mason of Pinckney Lodge.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Tommie Brumett of Union; two daughters, Pam Eldridge and husband Phil of Union and Becki Fowler and husband Chuck of Lauderdale; one son, Gene Brumette Jr. and wife Ellen of Dothan, Ala.; seven grandchildren, Sandi Thrash and husband Bruce and Tommy Baldwin of all of Union, Billy Baldwin and wife Heather of North Carolina, Nikki Joiner and husband Jeremy, Danny Harris and wife Ashley all of Meridian, Jess Brumett of Virginia and Matt Brumett of Tennessee; six great grandchildren; two sisters, Gladys Gutherie, Peggy Druin, both of Kentucky; three brothers, Bobby Brumett, David Brumett and Donnie, all of Kentucky.
Mr. Brumett was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Thelma Brumett, one brother, Billy Brumett and one sister, Joy Brumett.
Lillian Kennedy
A service celebrating the life of Lillian Kennedy was held Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home, North Chapel, in Newton, with Reverend Jimmy Harrison officiating. Ms. Kennedy’s cremains were interred in the Hickory Cemetery.
Ms. Kennedy, 90, died in the care of Covenant Hospice on Nov. 11, 2012.
She was born Aug. 1, 1922, in Hickory to John and Pauline Monroe. She worked in Meridian at F.W. Williams Insurance Agency most of her working career. After retiring, she moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., to work for the Orange Grove Center for the Mentally Handicapped. She found work there to be most rewarding, enhancing the life of the residents. In 1988, she received the award for Outstanding Residential Staff Person of the Year. She remained in their employment until the age of 70, at which time she returned to her hometown of Hickory, enjoying her home, family, and friends there for many years.
She then became a resident of Aldersgate for Senior Living in Meridian, and enjoyed making new friends, playing Scrabble, and shopping. Due to health reasons, at the age of 89, she moved to Orange Beach, Ala., to be cared for by her daughter and son-in-law. Lillian was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother and follower of Christ. Lillian was a longtime member of Hickory Baptist Church. Her hobbies were sewing and reading and enjoying a special affinity for biographies of presidents and first ladies.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Judith and Perry Williams; granddaughter, (Roger) Jennifer; great-granddaughters, Ansley and Madison; and great-grandson, Jack; granddaughters, (Judith) Stacy and Kimberly; great-granddaughters, Taylor and Ashley; and great-great granddaughter, Keira; grandson, (John) Scott; and granddaughter, Michelle; and great-grandson Trey and great-granddaughter Kayla; nieces, Kristie Blount, Lisa Burrell, and their families; nephew Carl E. Williamson and family.
She was preceded in death by sons, Roger E. Kennedy and John F. Kennedy; grandson, John Kennedy Jr. and Douglas G. Gray; parents, John and Pauline Monroe; brothers, Elliot, Charleton, Julian and Joh, Jr.; sisters, Grace Williamson and Jean Monroe.
Special thanks for Covenant Hospice and Lilly Rodgers for their loving care and compassion.
Family and friends may sign and online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Newton County Funeral Home North Chapel, 9998 Eastside Dr. Ext., Newton, MS 39345.
Ruth Nicholson Walton
Services for Ruth Nicholson Walton were held Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel in Philadelphia, with Rev. Byrd Hillman, Jr. and Rev. Jim Matheny officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Zion United Methodist Cemetery in Neshoba County with McClain-Hays Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Walton, 92, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at Pioneer Community Hospital of Newton.
She was a native and longtime resident of the Dixon Community in Neshoba County. She operated, with her husband, Walton’s Grocery south of Dixon on Hwy. 21 for several years. Mrs. Walton was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where she served as church organist for more than 50 years and was a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed gardening, reading, meeting people and served as the family historian.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J. E. Walton and parents, Mart and Frances Nicholson.
Survivors include her daughters, Janet (Cole) Arthur of Dixon and Teri (Charles) Gieb of Brandon; grandchildren, Amy (Chris) Myers of Ovett, Katie (Ronald) Goss of Dixon, Nathan Gieb and Matthew Gieb, both of Brandon; and one great-grandchild, Cole Myers.
Pallbearers were Ronald Goss, Ronald Arthur, Billy Nicholson, Chris Myers, Nathan Gieb, Matthew Gieb and Chris Stamper.
Bessie Spence Smith
Services for Bessie Spence Smith (Bet) were held Dec. 1, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with burial in the Little Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Mike Smith brought the message and Mark Spence sang. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of arrangements.
Bessie Spence Smith (Bet), 86, of Brandon, died Wednesday night, Nov. 28, 2012. Complications after two massive strokes led to her death. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Bet was born Feb. 19, 1928. She graduated from Beulah Hubbard High School in 1946. She loved working with children. She volunteered in the nursery for many years at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church in Decatur, and she taught pre-school children in her home for almost 20 years. Bet loved being a wife and mother and she brought great joy to her home. One of our favorite family memories was sitting around the table after a good meal, watching Mom “laugh until she cried.”
She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, N.F. Smith. She is also survived by her four daughters, Sandy Womble and husband Ken, Debbie Gibbs and husband Randy, Paula Buisson and husband Mike and Becky Scoggin; seven grandchildren, Justin Buisson and wife Ashley, Valerie McDonald and husband Michael, Rachel Scoggin, Matt Scoggin, Elise Bullock and husband Nick, Spencer Buisson, Ellen Gibbs; and many nieces and nephews.
The Smith family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the Lakeland Rehab and Nursing Home for their unfailing love and support during Bet’s long illness.
Robert H. “Van” Mitchell
Robert H. "Van" Mitchell, 60, of Fort Myers, Fla., died on Nov. 16, 2012, at his residence.
He was born on May 2, 1952, in Cordova, Ala., a child of Hugh and Bobbie Nell (Gilbert) Mitchell. Van received his BA from Mississippi College and his Masters in Education from Mississippi State. A resident of Fort Myers since 1991, he was a math teacher for the Lee County School District for the past 21 years. He started at the Sanibel and Edison Park Elementary Schools; then taught at Colonial and Littleton Elementary Schools before going to Three Oaks Middle School 18 years ago.He was a member of the McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, where he was an active member of the choir.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Linda Gail (Elliott) Mitchell; his children, Robbie Mitchell Jimmerson of Elberta, Ala., Elliott Van Mitchell of Gainesville, Fla., and Trace Evan Mitchell of Fort Myers, Fla.; his grandson, Holden Price Crook; his mother, Bobbie Mitchell Cook of Conehatta; and his sister, Kawanna Mitchell Malone of Jackson.
A memorial service will be held on Dec. 16, 2012, at 2 p.m. in the Conehatta Baptist Church in Conehatta. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, PO Box 23827, Tampa, FL 33633-1622. Friends may sign the guest book at www.horizonfunerals.com.
Rose Mary Collums Wade
Rose Mary Collums Wade, 82 of Lawrence, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. Funeral services were held Dec. 1, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home - South in Newton, with burial in Nance Hill Cemetery, Lawrence.
Mrs. Collums was a member of Lawrence Sewing Club and she loved decorating for all holidays.
Survivors include her daughters, Carolyn Thomas and husband Keith of The Woodlands, Texas, and Glenna Morgan and husband Doug of Brandon; a sister, Helen Nance Coker of Newton; grandsons, Ken Evans and wife Sarina of Byram, David Alan Evans and wife Jennie of Brandon, Taylor Morgan of Brandon; a granddaughter, Carrie Rose Evans of Brandon; great- grandchildren, Hartley Evans, Dylan Evans, and Piper Evans; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Collums; parents, John Cornelius Nance Jr., and Eva Wilkins Nance; a daughter, Sissy Evans; brothers, John L Nance and Dick Nance; and a sister, Elizabeth Nance Stricklin.
Pallbearers were Keith Thomas, Neil Stricklin, Ken Evans, David Alan Evans, Taylor Morgan, and Kenneth Flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lawrence Schoolhouse P N R Fund c/o Elaine Moss, 1277 Woodrow Ezell Road, Decatur, MS 39327. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Robert Neese Jr.
Services for Robert Neese Jr. were held Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, from McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Sullivan and Sister Clara Moore officiating. Burial followed in Fellowship Cemetery in Neshoba County. McClain-Hays Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Neese, 41, of Philadelphia, died Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, at his home.
He was a native and longtime resident of Neshoba County. He was employed as a truck driver for B & G Wood Products. He was serving as fire chief for Hope Fire Department, was a rescue diver and a member of Southeast Regional Response Team. Mr. Neese was Baptist by faith.
Survivors include his wife, Melissa Anderson Neese of Philadelphia; daughters, Tiffany Neese Vaughn (Austin), Brittany Neese (Camron McDaniel) and Robin Neese all of Philadelphia; sisters, Jodie Neese Skinner of Union, Linda Rogers Bryan of Philadelphia, Virginia Rogers Drake of Philadelphia, Clara Neese Moore of Edinburg, Charlotte Neese Thompson of Philadelphia and Carol Neese Kilpatrick of Philadelphia; and brothers, John David Rogers of Philadelphia and Robert Skelton Neese of Oxford.
Mr. Neese was preceded in death by his parents, Robert S. Neese Sr. and Druesillar Rogers Neese; sister, Chessie Neese Stovall; maternal grandparents, Dave and Lena Mae Sims; and paternal grandparents, Arthur and Ellie Jane Neese.
Pallbearers were Shannon Skinner, Chad Grantham, Bradley Broome, Scott Graham, Billy Adcock, Amanda Pinter, Clifford McDaniel and Jonathan Spears. Honorary pallbearers were all Neshoba County Firefighters and board members, EMS and law enforcement personnel.
Daniel "Dan" Shaffer
Charles Daniel "Dan" Shaffer, 68 of Meridian, formerly of Decatur, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012.
Funeral services were held Dec. 4, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home North in Newton, with Bro. Jackie Strebeck officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery.
Coriee Etoya Johnson
Funeral services for Coriee Etoya Johnson will be held at Morning Star on Friday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Nan Aiken
Services for Mrs. Nan Aiken were held Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at Milling Funeral Home Chapel of Union with burial in the Union City Cemetery. Pastor Will Labrenz officiated.
Mrs. Aiken, 73, of Union, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, 8:05 am, at Rush Foundation Hospital of Meridian.
Mrs. Nan was loved by everyone. She never met a stranger. If she had pictures of her family, you would know them before she walked away from you. She was a member of Community Seventh Day Adventist Church of Meridian. She was a member of social clubs of Union Ladies Organizations.
She leaves behind the following loved ones: her husband, Bill Aiken of Union; her children, Richard L. Whitehead and wife Judith of Meridian, Ann Nestler and husband Doug of Greenville, Wayne (Cowboy) Whitehead and wife Gale of Mendenhall; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sisters, Hazel Ellingburg of Philadelphia, Gayle Butler of Summerset, Ky., and Judi Bass of Lakewales, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and two brothers.
Pallbearers were Terry Strickland, Charles Ellingburg, Doug Seth, Ken Moser, Gerald Todd, and Bobby Munn.
Carrol Calvin "CC" Thomason
Carrol Calvin "CC" Thomason, 79 of Newton, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, at Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian. Funeral services were held Dec. 8, 2012, at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Newton, with Bro. Steve Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery.
He was a native of Pontotoc, moving to this area in the late 70s. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Shriner, and a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid pilot. Favorite past times were listening to country music, especially Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, and Elvis Presley. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved to talk and enjoyed his time at Hardee's drinking coffee at the "liars table." He will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie Leon and Bessie Kelly Thomason; three brothers and one sister.
Survivors include his wife, Catherine Thomason of Newton; daughter, Tammy Meaders and her husband Butch of Newton; two sons, Leslie Thomason and Rusty Thomason, both of Texas; one sister, Marjiorie Kennedy of Blue Springs; six stepchildren; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The Hardee's coffee club will serve as honorary pallbearers. Newton County Funeral Home of Newton is in charge of arrangements.
Betty Rush Browne
Betty Rush Browne, of Newton, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson.
Funeral services were held at Newton United Methodist Church on Dec. 6, with a graveside service at Union United Methodist Church in Porterville following. Rev. Wayne Napier officiated.
Ms. Browne was born on Sept. 26, 1937, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was the daughter of Glen and Frances Briggs Rush. She grew up in Porterville and graduated from Porterville High School. After graduating from the Mississippi University for Women, she moved to Apalachicola, Fla., where she taught English at Chapman High School. She moved to Mississippi in 1972 and completed her Master’s Degree in English at Mississippi State University.
Ms. Browne then taught high school English at Newton High School until her retirement in 2002. She was a member of Newton United Methodist Church, where she played the piano for 17 years. She enjoyed playing bridge, working in her yard, traveling around the world, reading, spending time with her family and friends, Mississippi State sports, and proper grammar. Gracious and witty, she was an exceptional mother, grandmother, and friend.
Survivors include her daughter, Katherine Browne Brown and her husband Jim and their children Rush, Ben, Meg and Kate, of Starkville; and her daughter, Kelly Browne, of New Orleans.
Memorials may be made to Newton United Methodist Church, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Department 142, Memphis, Tennessee 38101-9908.
Walter Thurman Pace
Walter Thurman Pace, 71 of Lake, died Friday Nov. 23, 2012, at J.G Alexander Nursing Home in Union following a brief illness. Funeral services were conducted on Saturday Nov. 24, 2012, at Hazel Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Rev. Chris Wells and Rev. Cliff Pace officiated the services.
Mr. Pace was born in Newton County on Feb. 12, 1941, to Seth Pace and Carrie Gibbs Pace.
He retired as a train engineer from the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad in 1980, and was a member of Hazel Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a daughter, Jeanna Michelle Pace.
Survivors include his former wife, Gloria Pace of Lake; two sons, Scott Pace (Lindy) and Eric Pace both of Lake; and a daughter Suzanne Hansford (Steve) of Union. He is also survived by two brothers, James Wallace Pace of Collinsville, and Herman Pace of Jackson; and four grandchildren, Tyler Hansford (Brandi) Emily Hansford, Michael Pace and Alyssa Pace.
Pallbearers were Jerry Crosby, Lewis Crosby, Stacy Monk, Derek Pace, Michael Pace and Tyler Hansford. Funeral services were provided by Ott and Lee Funeral Home of Forest.
Charles Daniel Shaffer
Charles Daniel Shaffer was born Aug. 7, 1944, and died Dec. 2, 2012, at the age of 68.
He was a lifelong resident of Newton County.
He enjoyed working and spending time with his grandchildren. Gardening was a favorite past time.
He loved his church family at Ebenezer Baptist, where he was a faithful member as long as his health permitted.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Dan and Mildred Golden Shaher.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Hilda Wiles Shaffer; one daughter, Kim Shaffer Williams and her husband Shane; one son, Charles R. Shaffer and his wife Rebecca, all of Decatur; six grandchildren, Brett Shaffer, Katie Shaffer, Brandon Williams, Reece Shaffer, Allie Williams and Gracie Williams; two sisters, Joyce Waltman and her husband Mike of Collinsville and Dianne Norman and her husband Frank of Newton; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Dec. 4, 2012, at Newton County Funeral Home North in Newton, with Bro. Jackie Strebeck and Bro. Larry Laird officiating. Music was provided by Dianne Nelson and Bro. Marion Felton. Burial was in the Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Ronnie Richardson, Brandon Williams, Brett Shaffer, Steve Waltman, Al Waltman, Bryan Burt, and Gary Morrow. The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 297, Newton, MS 39345.
Vera Lou Ella McBride
Services for Vera Lou Ella McBride were held Nov. 17, 2012, at Sherman Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. James Morris, officiating. Burial was held in the church cemetery with Clark Memorial Funeral Home, LLC in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. McBride, 93, of Lake, died Nov. 13, 2012, at Pioneer Hospital.
Brittany L. Walker
Services for Brittany Walker were held Dec. 1, 2012, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Anthony Robinson officiating. Burial was held in the church cemetery with Clark Memorial Funeral Home, LLC in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Walker, 21, of Newton, died Nov. 24, 2012 at Pioneer Hospital.
William Gary Rivers
William Gary Rivers died Nov. 30, 2012, in Arlington, Texas. Born in 1939 in Union to John Victor and Birdie Rivers, he grew up in Neshoba County, later attending Mississippi State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology.
Upon graduation, Gary moved to Texas and worked for over 30 years in the aircraft industry, highway department construction and healthcare management.
He is survived by Sandra, his wife of 48 years; sons, Rick and wife Kristina of Pinetop, Ariz., Ross and wife Chalee of Carpio, N.D.; granddaughters, Samantha, Elizabeth, Shae, and Desta; and grandsons, Devan, Isaac and Amanuel. A private memorial was held by immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, please forward remembrances in the form of donations to Mission Arlington, 210 West South St., Arlington, TX 76010, 817.277.6620, www.missionarlington.org.
David Michael“Mike” Hurst
David Michael “Mike” Hurst Sr., also known as “Dirt Dobber,” died Dec. 12, 2012, in Jackson, at the age of 55, after a tough fight with leukemia.
A lifelong resident of Hurstville, a suburb of Hickory, Mike was a loving father, a hard worker and a loyal friend. He brightened the room when he walked in, and if he didn’t call you by a nickname that he had given you, that just means he hadn’t known you long enough yet. He was a standout athlete at Hickory High School, and later played football at East Central Junior College in Decatur. He left ECJC to work for the railroad and later worked offshore and at various other blue collar jobs.
In the early 1980s, he founded Mike Hurst Trucking, and for the next 20 plus years, he hauled timber throughout the Southeast, and later worked for various pipeline companies around the country. In July 2010, he was diagnosed with leukemia, and had a successful bone marrow transplant in November 2011.
He was preceded in death by his father, H.O. Hurst; and brother, Charlie Green “Billy” Hurst.
Survivors include his mother, Amelia Hurst of Hurstville; his sister, Kristie Hurst of Chunky; his wife, Sharon Hurst; his daughter, Helen Olivia, of Decatur; his sister-in-law, Susan Hurst of Hurstville; his niece, Shonda Campbell and her husband Billy and sons Joshua Paul and John Paul of Chunky; his niece, Cheryl Hurst of Hurstville; his son, David Michael “Lil’ Mike” Hurst Jr. and his wife Celeste and their children Anna Reagan, Amelia, Asa and Ainsley, of Madison; his daughter, Aime’e Hurst Lang and her husband Heath Lang and their children Darby, Darcy and Dayle’e, of Enterprise; and his ex-wife, Lucy Mabry Hurst Gordon and her husband Chris Gordon of Ocean Springs.
Visitation was held Saturday, Dec. 15, at Antioch Christian Church on Hwy. 503, south of Hickory, with a funeral service following. Burial was at Sand Springs Baptist Church cemetery on Hwy. 503 in Hurstville, just north of Hickory. Newton County Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guest book at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com.
Donna Domergue Ferrell
Services for Donna Domergue Ferrell were held Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at Hulett-Winstead Chapel in Hattiesburg. Donna Domergue Ferrell, 90, of Hattiesburg, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Silver Leaf Manor in Meridian. Burial was in Highland Cemetery.
Mrs. Ferrell was born Oct. 31, 1922, to Clarence R. and Cora H. Domergue. She was a lifelong resident of Hattiesburg and a member of Main Street United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Austin Neely Ferrell Jr.; and a sister, Renee Temple.
She is survived by two sons, Austin Neely Ferrell III (Stephanie) of Union, and Ernest John Ferrell (Pat) of Hattiesburg; a daughter, Lynda Gill of Hattiesburg; a brother, C.R. Domergue Jr. of Hattiesburg; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
William Othel McMullan
Graveside services for William Othel McMullan were held Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at Mt Zion Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery, with Stephens Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.
Mr. McMullan, age 80, of Decatur, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012.
Mr. McMullan served his country during the Korean Conflict in the U S Navy.
Frank R. Peckham Jr.
Frank R. Peckham Jr., 89, a resident of Jamesville, N.Y., formerly of Conehatta, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, following an extended illness.Friends and family members gathered for a graveside service on Nov. 21, 2012, at the Conehatta Methodist Cemetery. Funeral services were provided by Ott & Lee Funeral Home of Forest.
Mr. Peckham was born in Lincoln, Kansas on Jan. 12, 1923, to Frank R. Peckham Sr. and Emily Greenwood Peckham. He served his country in the United States Army, and later became the principal of the Conehatta Choctaw Indian School.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Helen L. Peckham; and a son, Scott K. Peckham.
He is survived by two children, Kent K. Peckam and wife Trena of Central Square, N.Y., and Kimberlea Kaye Anderson and husband Ken of Pearl; and four grandchildren.
Willie B. Davidson
Services for Mrs. Willie B. Davidson were held Dec. 16, 2012, at Pine Grove Pentecostal Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Mark Copeland, Rev. Kenneth Rockco and Rev. Randall Dunaway officiated.
Mrs. Davidson, 83, of Sebastopol, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Neshoba General Alzheimer’s Unit. Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Willie B. Davidson was a member of Pine Grove Pentecostal Church, having received the Holy Ghost and baptized, in Jesus’ name, more than 60 years ago.
She enjoyed flowers, gardening, reading, and cooking. Her life revolved around God, church, family and friends. Her family will remember Mrs. Willie B.’s favorite verse: “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we may die,” Ecc. 8:15
Mrs. Davidson’s last message to her children was that she loved them all the same.
Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Eugene Davidson of Sebastopol; four daughters, Shelby Benson and husband Dewayne of Philadelphia, Robbie McDonald and husband Danny of Conehatta, Kathy Hillman and husband Ricky of Conehatta, Rita Kennedy and husband Guy; two brothers, Cecil Watkins of Union, Odell Watkins of Pascagoula; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Davidson was preceded in death by her parents, Jenny and Betty Watkins; one son, Glen Davidson; and one brother, Jim Watkins.
Pallbearers were Brandon Hillman, Chad Benson, Ryan Kennedy, Blake McDonald, Brad McDonald, Chancley Hillman, Greg Davidson and Tommy Watkins. Honorary pallbearers were Floyd Bozeman, Steven Adcock, J.T. Herrington, and Clay Barber.
Imogene Kelly
Imogene Kelly, 80 of Newton, died Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at her residence.Funeral services were held Dec. 18, 2012, at Antioch Christian Church in Hickory with Dr. John Cash and Bro. Roger York officiating. Burial followed in Pace Cemetery in Lake. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Kelly was a member of Antioch Christian Church. She enjoyed cooking at the Mississippi Christian Church Camp, she was devoted to her family. She loved her grandbabies and great grandbabies.
Survivors include her two sons, Charles Kelly and wife Connie of Newton, and O'Neal Kelly and wife Cathy of Newton; six grandchildren, Amanda Garrison and husband Jamie of Little Rock, Brian Kelly and wife Samantha of Little Rock, Jennifer Palmer and husband Newell of Newton, Steven Kelly and wife Nikki of Newton, Benjamin Kelly and wife Amanda of Newton, and Alison Crenshaw and husband Samuel of Newton; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Kelly; her parents, Arthur and Lillian Jackson Pilgrim; three sisters, Alma Pickett, Dorothy Taylor, Mazelle Scarborough; a granddaughter, Tara Secrist; a great-grandson, Tyler Garrison; and a daughter in law, Pam Kelly.
Pallbearers were Newell Palmer, Samuel Crenshaw, Jamie Garrison, Kris Hollingsworth, Jeremy Williams, and Archie Taflinger. Honorary pallbearers were James Vance, Seth Cash, and Spencer Cash.
Vera Herrington
Services for Vera Herrington were held at Pine Grove Baptist Church on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. Rev. Curtis Guess and Rev. Rusty Walton officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of the arrangements.
Vera Herrington, 97, of Union, died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at J. G. Alexander Nursing Home.
Ms. Herrington was a long time member of Pine Grove Baptist Church. She loved her family and her church.
Survivors include two brothers, Earl Collins and wife Carolyn of Brandon, and Muriel Collins and wife JoAnne of Union; a sister, Lorene Gordon of Union; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ms. Herrington is preceded in death by her husband, Omer Herrington; parents, Quill and Izzie Collins; and three sisters, Eva Smith, Irene Smith, and Pearl Morris.
Pallbearers were Steve Nelson, Jack Reynolds, Ricky Cleveland, Clifton Rush, Danny Russell, and Craig Johnson.
Willie B. Davidson
Services for Mrs. Willie B. Davidson were held on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, at Pine Grove Pentecostal Church with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Mark Copeland, Rev. Kenneth Rockco and Rev. Randall Dunaway officiated
Mrs. Davidson, 83, of Sebastopol, died Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at Neshoba General Alzheimer’s Unit. Milling Funeral Home of Sebastopol was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Willie B. Davidson was a member of Pine Grove Pentecostal Church, having received the Holy Ghost and baptized, in Jesus’ name, over 60 years ago. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, reading, and cooking. Her life revolved around God, church, family and friends. Her family will remember Mrs. Willie B.’s favorite verse: “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we may die,” Ecc. 8:15
Mrs. Davidson’s last message to her children was that she loved them all the same.
Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Eugene Davidson of Sebastopol; four daughters, Shelby Benson and husband Dewayne of Philadelphia, Robbie McDonald and husband Danny of Conehatta, Kathy Hillman and husband Ricky of Conehatta, Rita Kennedy and husband Guy; two brothers, Cecil Watkins of Union, and Odell Watkins of Pascagoula; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Davidson was preceded in death by her parents, Jenny and Betty Watkins; one son, Glen Davidson; and one brother, Jim Watkins.
Pallbearers were Brandon Hillman, Chad Benson, Ryan Kennedy, Blake McDonald, Brad McDonald, Chancley Hillman, Greg Davidson and Tommy Watkins. Honorary pallbearers were Floyd Bozeman, Steven Adcock, J.T. Herrington, and Clay Barber.
Annie M. Hurst
Funeral services for Annie M. Hurst were held on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at Sand Springs Baptist Church with Bro. Jackie Strebeck officiating. Burial was in Sand Springs Cemetery. Newton County Funeral Home South, 100 Old Highway 15 Loop, Newton, was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Hurst, 93 of Hickory, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian.
She was a lifelong resident of Newton County. She was the last living chartered member of Sand Springs Baptist Church, a church that she loved dearly.
Favorite pastimes were working in her yard tending to her flowers and spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Leon Hurst; one son, Bobby "Shank" Hurst; one great-grandchild, Jason Maxwell; one great-great grandchild, Karlie Jo Fitzgerald; her parents, Sam Henry and Nancy Grantham McNeil; three brothers, Edgar McNeil, Elvin McNeil, and Leon McNeil; three sisters, Ethel Hurst, Louise Thomas, and Myrtle Dean Harris.
Survivors include two sons, Charles Hurst and his wife, Mary Jane of Chunky and Ronnie Hurst of Hickory; one daughter, Margaret Fitzgerald Ellzey of Soso; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Pallbearers were Kenneth "Shot" Fitzgerald, Bobby Dan Hurst, Gary Hurst, Kenway Hurst, Kenney Fitzgerald, and Colton Hurst. Honorary pallbearers were Lee Fitzgerald, Eugene "Scooter" Hurst, Jamie Meaders, and Johnny Dickens. Memorials may be made to Sand Springs Baptist Church. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Bedford Care Center in Newton for their love, support, and care for their mother during her stay there. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com
Floy Davidson Garner
A celebration of life for Mrs. Floy Davidson Garner was held Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church with burial in the Decatur City Cemetery. Rev. Mark Vincent officiated.
Mrs. Garner, 95, of Decatur, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at Pioneer Community Hospital.
Mrs. Garner was an active member of Clarke-Venable Baptist Church for over 40 years, where she was a member of the Golden Homemakers Sunday School Class. She was a dedicated Christian who loved serving God and family. She participated in the Senior Adult Ministry, which included the Triple L Club, Senior Adult Choir and game nights (dominoes). Mrs. Floy enjoyed walking outdoors, pruning her flowers and gardening. She showed her family and friends her love by cooking delicious food. Some of her pastime was spent swinging on her porch watching and visiting with her neighborhood children.
Survivors include one son, Ted D. Garner and wife Addie of Houston, Texas; one son-in-law, Donald A. Story and wife Myrna of Waynesboro; one sister, Dorothy L. Biggers of Mobile, Ala.; three grandchildren, Christy Moriarty and husband Peter of Orange, Va., Elise Offutt of Atlanta, Ga., and Melanie Pope and husband Brad of Atlanta, Ga.; eight great-grandchildren, Ford, Robin, Lily, and Colton Moriarty, all of Orange, Va., Sarah, George, and Gibbs Pope and Samuel Offutt, all of Atlanta, Ga. She is also survived by a very special friend, Carla Rushing, and a special friend of many years to her and all of her family, Irma Goodwin.
Mrs. Garner was preceded in death by her husband, Emil C. Garner; and one daughter, Jane Story.
Pallbearers were Brian Frink, Jody Ray Addy, Mickey Vance, Dr. James Yelverton, Bruce Cater and Max Anderson. Honorary pallbearers were Don Story, Peter Moriarty, Brad Pope, Larry Davidson, Jerry Davidson, and her Sunday School Class Golden Homemakers: Bettye Barnett, Ethel Duett, Sara Fox, Molly Hayes, Johnnie Keith, Jesse Bell Pace, Ruby Walters, and Roberta Jones. The family is very grateful for the special care provided by Susan, Tina, Doris, Ella and Virna and also the staff at Bedford Care Nursing Facility and Pioneer Community Hospital of Newton. She will be remembered as a loving, Godly mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Clarke-Venable Baptist Church Building Fund P.O. Box 308 Decatur, MS. 39327
Ruby Inez Breland
Services for Ruby Inez Breland were held Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at Pine Grove Baptist Church. The Rev. Malcolm Lewis and the Rev. Rusty Walton officiated. Burial followed in Pine Grove Cemetery in the House community of Neshoba County. McClain-Hays Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Breland, 96, of Union, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at Laird Hospital in Union.
She was born and reared in Newton County and made her home in Union most of her life. Mrs. Breland was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughter, Bobbie Jean Munn of Union; one grandson; three great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Breland was preceded in death by her husband, George Cleveland Breland.
Pallbearers were Bob Breland, Joe Breland, David Breland, Bryan Adkins, Jackie French and Josh Adkins.
Eleanor Rita Crocker
A memorial visitation for Eleanor Rita Crocker will be held on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, from 7- 8:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Philadelphia.
Ms. Crocker, 80, of Union, died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at Laird Hospital.
Survivors include her son, Del Crocker Jr.; two granddaughters, Allyson Crocker and Ryleigh Crocker; two sisters, Ollivette Giestenheimer and Adele O'Neal; and one brother, Raymond Millaudon.
She was preceded in death by her father, Fredrick Millaudon; mother, Louise Siegwart Millaudon; son, Wayne Marshall; brother, Freddie Millaudon and sister, Rosie Millaudon.
Milling Funeral Home of Union was in charge of arrangements.
|
