Doris White Luke

 Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Porter Funeral Home, Louisville, MS

Pamela Turnage Kelly

Pamela Turnage Kelly passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at her home in Clarkson, MS at the age of 64. She was born February 26, 1960, to the late Harold and Juanita Bennett Turnage. She loved her husband, kids, and grandkids fiercely, as well as her beloved dogs, goats, and horses.

She is survived by her husband, Carl Kelly of Clarkson; daughters, Wendy Wall (Todd) of Louisville, Lacey Williams (Bubba) of Mantee, Haley Dobbs (Ryan) of Maben; son, Preston Kelly of Mathiston; grandchildren, Hunter Williams, Reagan Williams, Brayden Young, Braxton Wall, Brylee Wall, Marley Dobbs, Lawson Kelly, Presley Kelly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Brenda and Carl Kelly.
Funeral services will be at 3 PM on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Clarkson Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Clarkson Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Hunter Williams, Chad Gaston, Brent Kelly, Derrick Jennings, Braxton Wall, Brylee Wall. Brayden Young will be an honorary pallbearer. Visitation with family and friends will be 1-3 PM Sunday at the church.

Memorials can be made to the Oktibbeha County Humane Society 510 Industrial Park Rd Starkville, MS 39759, or Clarkson Baptist Cemetery Fund.

Carolyn Haggard Pugh

Mrs. Carolyn Haggard Pugh, 90, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Traceway Retirement Home in Tupelo, MS. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Cockrell Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Danny Avery officiating. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. Sunday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brooksville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 438, Brooksville, MS 39739. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn Haggard Pugh was born on September 5, 1933, in the Ellison Ridge Community in Winston County, Mississippi. She graduated from Brooksville High School. Carolyn married JD (Fatty) Pugh in 1950. They moved to Memphis where they resided for four years, After returning to Noxubee County, they moved to the Deerbrook Community and farmed for forty-five years. In 2012, Carolyn moved to Tupelo where she lived until her death. She was active in Brooksville Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School. Carolyn was very involved in state politics and served as president of Mississippi Republican Women. Carolyn enjoyed cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Carolyn was a loyal Ole Miss football fan, an avid bird watcher and enjoyed feeding her hummingbirds. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and sister, Cindy Haggard.

Carolyn is survived by her daughter, Dinah Rauenhorst (Jack) of Sumrall, MS, two sons, Don Pugh (Pam) of Columbus, MS and Rusty Pugh (Caroline) of Tupelo, MS., eight grandchildren: Robin, Laura Leigh and Erin Rauenhorst, Cara Pugh Thompson (Mark), Katherine Swindle (Dan),and Joe Don Pugh (Macy),Matthew and Charlie Pugh; seven great-grandchildren: William Beasley, Sara Katherine, Mat and Will Thompson, Alex and Lily Swindle, and Madelynn Pugh.; two sisters, Jane Baggett of St. Louis, MO and Judy Haggard Bolin of Columbus, MS and one brother, James Donald Haggard (Annette) of Parsons, TN.

Dr. John Earl Schoolar

Dr. John Earl Schoolar, age 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at his home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Lawrence Pool officiating. Visitation will be on the day of the service at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Perkinsville Cemetery.

John was born in Winston County, Mississippi, to Roger Hampton Schoolar and Ottie Cockrell Schoolar on May 22, 1930. He married Clara Lucille Huckaby on December 20, 1947, in Winston County. Clara passed away February 21, 2024. They are now united enjoying the presence of the God they served so faithfully.

In the late summer of 1946, John felt God’s call on his life to preach the Gospel. He preached his first sermon at Murphy Creek Baptist Church. His first church as a part-time pastor was at Crystal Ridge Baptist Church in October 1946. He pastored several churches in Mississippi. He then went into Home Missions and started several churches in Ohio before joining the Foreign Mission Board. His first overseas church was Koza Baptist Church in Okinawa, Japan. Later he and Clara continued their mission work in Namibia, Africa. They returned to Mississippi in 1979. He graduated from Bond High School, Mississippi College, New Orleans Seminary and Luther Rice Seminary receiving his TH. D. in 1967.
John is survived by his son, Roger Huckaby Schoolar and his wife, Judy, of Hamilton, Ohio; and his daughter, Johnnie Clair Moss of Moseley, Virginia. One of his greatest joys was his three grandchildren: John Brian (Carla) Schoolar, Lauren A. (Will) Showalter, and Madison J. Moss (Zane Chao), as well as his five great-grandchildren: Kayla Schoolar, Anna Schoolar, Melissa Schoolar, Kinsley J. Showalter and Tessa J. Showalter.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Roger Rudolph and Ray Schoolar.
Serving as pallbearers are Brian Schoolar, Greg Schoolar, Will Showalter, and Roger Schoolar.
Our family would like to express their appreciation to Dad’s caregivers: Bertha Haynes, Vera Hathorn, Roxie Loving, Mary Thompson, and all the previous caregivers over the past seven years. The family is very thankful to the people at Accent Hospice Care for loving and praying with Dad for the past 16 months.

Willard Glen Goodin

Funeral services for Willard Glen Goodin will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 10 a.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Dwayne Barret officiating. Burial will follow in Sunrise Cemetery in Noxapater, MS. Visitation will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 from 5-8 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.

Mr. Goodin,82, of Noxapater, died Monday, April 22, 2024.

Willard was born  and raised in Kemper County and had worked for Irby Construction for over 30 years. He liked to visit with friends and enjoyed watching wrestling and loved to listen to Hank Williams, Sr. sing.

Survivors include daughter, Vicky Workman (Jerry) of Buckeye, Az; son, Randy Glen Goodin of Noxapater; grandsons, Billy Workman (Beth) of Fork Hood, TX; Tommy and Bobby Workman both of Buckeye, AZ; great-grandchildren, Matthew, William, Emily and Damien Workman; sister, Mary Lynn Farve; and sister-in-law, Joanne Goodin.

Mr. Goodin was preceded in death by his wife, Rosanne Goodin; parents, Murdock and Ida Goodin.

Frances King Woodruff

Frances Elizabeth King Woodruff passed away on Wednesday, April 24th, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 28th, at Flower Ridge Methodist Church, with Rev. Keith Williams officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Porter Funeral Home, and on Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Flower Ridge Cemetery.

Frances was born to William A. and Winona E. (Rennie) King on March 15, 1944, in Louisville, MS. She graduated from Louisville High School in 1963. She went to a trade school in Jackson. She was married to Franklin L. Woodruff, Sr., in 1965.

Frances worked at Taylor Machine Works and Spartus as a key punch operator. In later years, she worked the polls across Winston County and enjoyed getting to know the voters.

Frances painted, cross-stitched, sewed, quilted, and knitted. She owned a fabric shop and ceramic shop named Country Ceramics. She was a dairy farmer with her husband. She loved to hold tea parties with her granddaughter. Her greatest joy in life was being a Nana to her five grandchildren and her four great-grandchildren.

Historian, organizer, artist, genealogist, and patriot are all words that can best describe Frances. More fitting than those are daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, because family meant more to her than anything else.

Frances was active in many organizations throughout her life. She was a member of the Jayceettes, where she held the title of President for both the local and state chapters. She was a member of the Louisville Little Theater where she made some customs, made sets and was in a few plays. She, being an avid genealogist, was a member of the DAR, UDC, Flaggin and Trenches, War of 1812. While in the United Daughters of the Confederacy, she held the offices of President of the local chapter Winston Guards, many offices on the state level including President of the Mississippi Division, and on the national level Registrar General and Vice President General.

Frances wrote two books. The Kudzu Vine which is about her King family, and They Wore Gray that listed names of the soldiers of the Confederacy of Winston County. Frances was instrumental in getting the historical marker about Geirson Raid through Winston erected in front of the Community House, as well as the 45 unknown Confederate markers in the Masonic Cemetery. She was on the board of trustees for Beauvoir during her presidency of the Mississippi Division of the UDC. During her presidency, she saw the historical marker for the Jefferson Davis Marker erected in Grenada, MS.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents, William A. and Winona King.

Frances is survived by her husband Franklin, of 59 years, and her three loving children, Franklin L. Jr. (Trudy) Woodruff, Willam Marc (Callie) Woodruff, and Mary Elizabeth (Jason) Hemphill, all of Louisville. Grandchildren Katlin A. (Jay) Shotts of Louisville, Nathan Hemphill of Starkville John Hemphill of Starkville, Andrew (Christana) Woodruff of Flowood, and Richard (Brittany) Woodruff of Louisville. Great grandchildren Avery and Thomas Shotts, bonus great granddaughters Ashtyn Drury and Jaylee Loyd, all of Louisville. She was excited to learn that there were more to come.

Frances is also survived by her sister Lou (Ronnie) Eaves of Hattiesburg, MS brothers-in-law Bobby (Barbara) Woodruff of Guyton, GA and Terry (Karen) Woodruff of Ojai, CA and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Woodruff, Richard Woodruff, Nathan Hemphill, John Hemphill, Jay Shotts, and Will Huntley.

Memorials in Frances’ memory may be made to Flower Ridge Methodist Church.

Christopher Newman

Christopher Newman, 31, passed away at his home in Shuqualak, Mississippi, on April 22, 2024, after an eight-year battle with chronic hydrocephalus. He was surrounded by his family.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Shuqualak Christian Church (formerly Shuqualak Methodist Church). The visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. before the service. A burial will follow at Shuqualak Cemetery. Pastors officiating the services are Jared Glover, Steve Reynolds, Bill Ross, and Derek Wilson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Parklane Academy, 1115 Parklane Road, McComb, MS 39648.

Christopher was born on September 2, 1992, in Amory, Mississippi. He attended Central Academy from K4 through twelfth grade where he was well loved by his peers. He always brought laughter into every room, even the classrooms. He was known for his outgoing personality, friendly and sweet spirit, and witty humor.

After graduating from Central Academy, Christopher attended East Central Community College and participated in the show choir where he had the opportunity to sing backup to Kenny Rogers in concert. He later attended the University of Mississippi where he continued to lead while serving as a senator for the student body. He loved his Rebels, and his favorite memory was witnessing the goalposts come down after their stunning football victory over Alabama.

Once earning his degree from the University of Mississippi, he began coaching and teaching junior high school at Parklane Academy in McComb, Mississippi. He carried his shenanigans with him and was well-loved by all the students and staff.

While Christopher was full of humor, he was serious in his faith. He gave his life to Christ on August 1, 2002, and stayed committed to being a bright beacon for his Lord and Savior. He was proud to share his faith and talents as he sang in church and was in the process of helping found a new church in McComb. Christopher was scheduled to preach the Wednesday night service at New Vision Community Church before he became ill.

Once Christopher became sick and fell into his coma, the strong and faithful relationships that he had built were evidenced by the outpouring of love and support from his friends and family during his illness. The last devotion that Christopher read on the morning of September 29, 2015, contained the verse, “The one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne” (Revelation 4:3). He will forever be a rainbow that shines like an emerald.

Christopher held his family and friends close to his heart, and he was a consistent voice that they heard daily. He was quick to call his momma several times a day to find out what was going on with the family or even just tell her that he loved her and missed her. The last weekend Christopher was home he went to each of his siblings’ rooms to say goodnight as he always did.

He is survived by his parents, Tol and Sheila VanDevender and Chris and Tia Newman; his siblings, Cole and Erin Newman, Jack and Sarah Helen VanDevender, and Elizabeth VanDevender; his nephew, Dean Christopher Newman; his grandparents, Bobby Joe and Nancy Weaver, Janie Fay VanDevender, and Owel and Carol Newman; his uncles and aunts, John and Pam Norris, Jean Taylor, Joy Marro, Bob and Lisa Weaver, Jim and Kathy Bradford, Marvin and Holly Wiggins, and Bobby VanDevender; and his cousins, Sarah Norris, Wyatt Norris, Lonnie Taylor, Justin Marro, Ziggy Marro, Matthew and Charis Wiggins, Jonathan Wiggins, Janie Wiggins, and many others.

He is preceded in death by his two grandfathers, Bobby Presley and Robert VanDevender; and his two uncles, Ralph Taylor and Mark Marro and his cousin, J.C. Weaver.

Well done thy good and faithful servant!

Janet Fulce Clark

 Janet Fulce Clark, age 57, of Ackerman, MS, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Janet was born on September 29, 1966, in Ackerman, MS, to Bobby Earl and Eunice Marie (Brooks) Fulce. Janet was a devoted housewife and mother. Before health issues forced her to retire, Janet also busied herself with sewing projects and floral arranging.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS. Burial will follow at Wood Springs Cemetery near Eupora, MS. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. till service time at Coleman Funeral Home.

Janet is survived by her husband, Donny Lee Clark of Ackerman, MS; one son, Adam (Santana) Clark of Ackerman, MS; one daughter, Jessie (Chuck) Smith of Nettleton, MS; her mother, Eunice Marie (Brooks) Fulce of Ackerman, one brother, Mike (Dawn) Fulce of Purvis, MS; two sisters, Michelle Fulce Cox of Collinsville, MS, and Lesia (Barry) Branning of Collinsville, MS; two grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace Clark and Elizabeth Faith Duffey.Janet was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Earl Fulce.

Memorials may be made at Wood Springs Cemetery near Eupora, MS.

Dr. Quinton Curtis “Curt” Lamar

 Dr. Quinton Curtis “Curt” Lamar, 82, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at his home in Louisville, MS.   A funeral Eucharist will be held at 10:30 A. M. on Saturday, April 27th, at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator in McComb, MS, with Father Victor McInnis presiding.  Interment will be in Hollywood Cemetery in McComb, MS.  Hartman-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements in McComb. 

Dr. Lamar was born on April 2, 1942, in McComb, MS, to Mary Mackey and Q. C. Lamar.  He taught history at Delta State University for 34 years.  While at Delta State, he served as the editor of Delta Scene Magazine.   He was active in Phi Alpha Theta and Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Societies as an advisor.  For many years, he directed the student overseas travel program for the university.  He was a member of the Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity, the Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club.  Dr. Lamar was a member of the Mississippi Historical Society and the Southern Historical Society. He was a licensed Lay Reader in the Episcopal church.  As a lifelong lover of baseball, he enjoyed spending summers umpiring high school baseball games and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and was a beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Curt and Dana moved to Louisville, MS in 2017 to be closer to family.   

Dr. Lamar is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dana Townes Lamar of Louisville, MS; his children, Elise Lamar Self (Greg) of Madison, MS; Bethany Lamar Baskin (Wade) of Louisville, MS; and Kendall  Townes Lamar (Wendy) of McKinney, TX; his grandchildren, Brandon Self (Emily) of Colorado Springs, CO, Mallory Bell (Andy) of Huntsville, AL, Anna Katharine Forster (Jackson) of Louisville, MS, Austin Baskin (Meagan) of Ocean Springs, MS, Lucy Lamar of McKinney, TX, Claire Baskin of Oxford, MS, Annelise Self (Sam) of Madison, MS, Piper Lamar of McKinney, TX, Mimi Lamar of San Francisco, CA, and Quinlan Lamar of McKinney, TX; and his great grandchildren, Maddox and Ella Claire Forster of Louisville, MS, Adelaide and   Breanna Self of Colorado Springs, CO, and Noah, Bradley, and Caleb Bell of Huntsville, AL.  

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Melissa and Leslie from Gentiva Hospice for the excellent care given to their loved one in his final days. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, Memphis, TN. 

Samuel Travis Hutchinson

Samuel Travis Hutchinson, 91, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in the Panhandle Community of Choctaw County with Bro. Roger Griffith officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 1:30 p.m. until service time with burial immediately following in the church cemetery. Nowell-Massey Funeral Home of Louisville is in charge of arrangements.

Travis was born on July 30, 1932, to Kenneth William and Annie Mae Sloan Hutchinson. He married Earline White on July 4, 1962. Travis is a member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church. He attended Panhandle School, then Weir High School where he lettered in football and graduated in 1951. He lived in the Panhandle Community for most of his life, except for four years when living in Peoria, Illinois, working for Caterpillar Corporation. He served in the United States Army at Fort Hood, Texas, from 1953 to 1955, then he served in the Army Reserve. Travis was a mechanic at the Ford dealership in Louisville and was a retired appliance repairman having worked in Louisville for King Auto and Appliance Company then as a self-employed repairman. He owned Big T’s Goat Farm and enjoyed going to goat sales around the state. Over the years he raised cows, horses, goats, sheep, and chickens. Before the Covid pandemic, he could be found at the Kosciusko sale barn every Wednesday. He also loved deer hunting, especially from his recliner.

Travis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 50 years, Earline White Hutchinson; brothers, Troy Hutchinson and Billy Hutchinson; grandparents, Sameul Alexander and Cammie Stevenson Sloan; and Robert Hannah “Bob” and Celia Etta Quarles Hutchinson. He is survived by a niece, Juli Hutchinson Hughes (Mike); great-nephew, Scott (Shelley) Hughes; and a great-great niece and nephew. He is also survived by his wife’s family, brother-in-law, Travis White; sister-in-law, Marvel White Thompson; and nephews, Chris White and Michael Allen.

The family would like to thank three special VA nurses, Candance Ables, Betty Bentley, and Cynthia Jones for their wonderful care these last few years.

Serving as pallbearers are Mike Hughes, Scott Hughes, Anthony Sloan, Tony Sloan, Chris White, and Patrick Reed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund, c/o Brenda Cagle, 199 Gordon Road, McCool, MS 39108 or Choctaw Baptist Food Ministry,

P. O. Box 854, Ackerman, MS 39375

Mary “Sue” Eaves Burroughs

Mary “Sue” Eaves Burroughs, age 70, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, Mississippi, surrounded by those she loved. The family will receive visits from family and friends Monday, April 22, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Funeral services will be 11AM, Tuesday, April 23, in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Mike Dowd officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Louisville.

Mary “Sue” was born on April 19, 1954, in Winston County to Osler Perry and Mary Dixie Burks Eaves. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Church and an avid Ole Miss fan. She also enjoyed watching NASCAR racing especially when Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr. were racing. One of her favorite activities was planting and growing flowers in her yard. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family and friends, and being a “Nana” made her most happy.

Mary “Sue” leaves behind her loving daughter, Nikki Swearingen and husband, Caleb, of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to her grandchildren: Jackson Tucker, Georgia Brooke Tucker, and Kaleigh Swearingen. She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Burnham and Betty Eaves; and her brother, Billy (Natalie) Eaves, all of Louisville; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Mary “Sue” also leaves behind two special friends who have hardly left her side through her cancer journey, Paula Bane and Tracey Coleman; in addition to her cat, Lulu. She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Troy Burroughs; her parents; and three brothers, David, Jimmy and Walter Perry Eaves.

Serving as pallbearers are Jackson Tucker, Caleb Swearingen, Tracey Coleman, Ben Tucker, Tony Jordan, and Mark Nance. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Eaves, Edward Mayo and Billy Catt. Memorials in honor of Mary “Sue” may be given to Shriners Hospitals for Children online at shrinerschildren.org or to the American Cancer Society for pancreatic cancer research online at cancer.org/donate.

Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.

David Charles Walker

David Charles Walker, 51, of Louisville, MS. passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at his residence. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Still Valley Missionary Baptist Church, Armstrong Street, Louisville, MS. A time of Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. 

David was born November 1, 1972 in Meridian, MS., to the parents of Bennie Lee Walker and Annie B Shell Walker. David was serious about his salvation and served faithfully as a member, deacon and minister of the Mount Olive Church of God In Christ, Louisville, MS. David was a long time employee of Taylor Machine Works.

David is survived by his wife; Natasha Walker, children; David, Orinthial and Jaden Walker, Brother; Eddie (Tomeka) Walker , father-in-law; Michael Hogan, brother-in-laws; Eric (Sherry) Floyd, Ja'Juahn (Kelly) Clark, Lamont Douglas, Deontae Clark, Kathreem O'Shea Amani, Michael Douglas, Walter Lagrone, and Thomas Parker, sister-in-laws; Linda Floyd, Kawana Floyd, Deseri (Jermirius) Shannon, Kenya Douglas, Georgie Hickman Walker, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and
friends.

Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Christopher Anthony Edmonson

Christopher Anthony Edmonson passed away on January 4, 2024, as the result of an automobile accident in Louisville, Mississippi. Memorial services will be held Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Vernon Community Church, with Rev. Becky Smith officiating. Interment will be in Lynn Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Noxubee County, Mississippi.

Christopher was born on January 27, 1980, in Lowndes County, Mississippi. He is survived by his daughter, Makyah Edmonson; his stepfather, Willard Head; his grandmother, Barbara Abrams Edmonson; and his brother, Dallas Stratton; as well as aunt and uncle, Dale and Bobbie McDill; aunt, Rhonda Edmonson; and numerous cousins, family members and friends. Christopher was preceded in death by his mother, Shelia Edmonson Head; his grandfather, William C. Edmonson; and uncle, Randy Edmonson.

Christopher attended Vernon Community Church and Macedonia Baptist Church.Christopher enjoyed shooting pool, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed family get-togethers at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Christopher carried the trait of many of his family members—that of never giving in to challenges.

Mary Ruth Thomas

Mary Ruth Thomas, 83, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at her home in Noxapater, Mississippi, surrounded by those who loved her dearly. Services will be Friday, April 19 at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Noxapater with Reverend Tommy Jones officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 11 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Mary Ruth was born November 1, 1940, to Ophelia Miles Holton and Jesse Holton. She was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. Mary Ruth has been married to Asa Thomas for 65 years. They have resided in Noxapater most of their life; where she was known to all as “Maw”. She enjoyed working in her flowers in her yard, and the annual stay of the hummingbirds. She loved to fish and instilled that love in most of her family. Her love for quilting shows in the homes of all the people she loved the most—there is no way to count the number of beautiful quilts she has made and given away. Her greatest joy was her family, especially the grandchildren, and the latest being the love she had for her great-grandchildren.

Mary Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Asa Thomas; and her five children: Jerry Thomas, Jim Thomas, Ginger (Larry) Phillipson, James “Chunky” (Sandra) Thomas, and T. J. (Melissa) Thomas all of Noxapater. One of her greatest joys was being “Maw” to her grandchildren: James Gully (Nadine Kirk), Sam (Kellie) Gully, Brady Thomas, Chase (Anna) Thomas; and her great-grandchildren: Jackson and Emmett Gully, Jack, Elena and Isaac Thomas, Gavin and Westyn Gully; Birdie and Olyn Thomas; and Corbin, Caroline, and Catie Kirk. She is also survived by her brother, Jesse Gene (Emily) Holton of Madison, Mississippi; and sister-in-law, Shirley Holton; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Mary Ruth is preceded in death by her grandson, Michael Thomas; her parents; brother, James Berlin Holton; and sister, Freda Rhodes.

Serving as pallbearers are T. J. Thomas, James Gully, Sam Gully, Brady Thomas, Chase Thomas, and Robby Phillipson. Memorials in memory of Mary Ruth may be given to Oak Grove Baptist Church, 19 Asa Thomas Rd., Noxapater, MS 39346 or to Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children, Office of Development, 2500 N. State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.

Bessie Sue Boykin

Bessie Sue Boykin, 64, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at her home in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, April 19 at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Services will be Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m. in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Trent Jaudon officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Louisville Memorial Cemetery.

Sue was born in Lake, Mississippi, to James Richard and Bonnie Nell Gay on March 13, 1960. For many years, she worked as a roofer in the construction industry. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends; especially her grandchildren, whom she dearly loved.

Sue is survived by her loving husband of 31 years, Steve Boykin; and two sons, Steven Cambre (Kelsey); and Orry Boykin all of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “Maw Maw” to her grandchildren: Izabella, Lincoln, and Sawyer Cambre; and Blake, Mary, Grace, and Abigail Boykin. She is also survived by her mother, Bonnie Nell Gay of Lake; sisters, JoAnn (Billy Joe) Mahaffey of Noxapater, Mississippi, and Darlene Posey of Lake; and brothers, John (Cassandra) Gay of Lake; David Gay or Flowood, Mississippi; and Dan (Teresa) Gay of Newton, Mississippi. Sue also leaves behind five sisters-in-law: Phyllis White Dempsey, Pamela Quinn, Beverly Wylie, Susan Beasley, and Billie Jo Smith; and brothers-in-law, Matt Boykin and Bubba Boykin; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Sue is preceded in death by her son, Rocky Boykin; father, James Richard Gay; sister, Joyce Harrell; and her brother, Tim Gay.

Serving as pallbearers are Neil Harrell, Trent Harrell, Wayne Harrell, Clifford McCollum, Tyrone Gill and Willie Gill. Memorials in memory of Sue may be given to fight lung cancer at LUNGevity online at longevity.org.

Larry Hemphill

Mr. William Larry Hemphill, 63, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at his home in Louisville, MS. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 20th, at Porter Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until service time. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Larry was born July 21, 1960, in Macon, MS, to William Duell and Yvonne Pearl Hemphill. He attended Louisville High School, and worked with Crowson Construction Company for over 30 years. He was a member of Ellison Ridge Baptist Church.
Larry is survived by his wife, Lynn Hemphill of Louisville; a daughter, Cricket Hemphill, and a son, Bumper (Stephanie) Hemphill, both of Louisville; a sister, Cindy (David) Robertson of Starkville; five grandchildren, Katelyn Nicole (Bradley) Hemphill, William Dalton Hemphill, Jazlyn Kirk, Harley Kirk, and Layla Kirk; two great grandchildren, Waylon Douglas Baysinger and Kinsley Nicole Baysinger; and his aunt, Dorathy Coldren.
Memorials may be made to the Ellison Ridge Baptist Church.

Patricia Stepp Patterson

Patricia Stepp Patterson of Ackerman, MS, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at her residence in Ackerman, MS. Patwas born on November 17, 1950 in Tennessee to Boyd and Doris (Koerwitz) Stepp. She was 73 years old. Pat was a retired Wal-Mart Associate.

Memorial services will be held for Pat on Saturday, April 20, 2024,11:00 AM at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS with Dr. Danny Irvin officiating.

Pat is survived by her son, Jeff (Beth) Paulk of Ackerman, MS, and daughter, Kayla (Chris) Newlin of Weir, MS; a brother, Charles (Diane) Stepp of Salem, TN; a sister, Diana (David) O’Connor of Placentia, CA; and 3 grandchildren, Xander Newlin, Brady Paulk, and Justin Paulk.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Patterson, her parents, Boyd and Doris (Koerwitz) Stepp, a brother, Lawrence Wayne Stepp, and a sister, LaDonna Yvonne Loving.

Rev. Gary Jackson

Rev. Gary Dale Jackson of Weir, MS, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at his residence near Weir, MS. Gary was born on September 11, 1950 in Oktibbeha County, MS to Fred Auvergne and Sara (Wylie) Jackson. He was 73 years old. Gary was a graduate of East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State University. He was a member of Kilmichael Baptist Church.

Gary started out with a career in banking and held many positions during that time. While moving up in this career, he got the call to become a minister. Gary eventually started ministering full-time. Some of the churches he pastored include Providence Church near Weir, MS, Kilmichael Baptist Church, in Kilmichael, MS, where he pastored from 2005 until around 2017, and Bethsaida Baptist Church in French Camp, MS.

 

In November 2003, Gary was first elected to the Mississippi Senate. He was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. He resigned on June 30, 2020 due to health issues.

Funeral services will be held at Kilmichael Baptist Church in Kilmichael, MS, on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 12:00PM. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS. A second visitation will be held prior to service time starting at 10:00 AM on Wednesday at Kilmichael Baptist Church. Burial will follow the funeral service at Morgan Chapel Cemetery near Sturgis, MS at 3:00 PM.

Gary is survived by his wife, Dianne (Poss) Jackson; two sons, Corbett (Tammy) Jackson of Sturgis, MS and David (Stacie) Perry of French Camp, MS; his mother, Sara (Wylie) Jackson; two brothers, Tom (Carrie) Jackson of Sturgis, MS and Randall (Becky) Jackson of Choteau, MT; two sisters, Beverly Rives and Aurie (Frog) James of Sturgis, MS; 8 grandchildren, Sara Jackson, Megan Jackson, Chase Jackson, Anna Jackson, Kyla McKnight, Colin Perry, Cody Perry, and Kambrie Perry; and a great-grandchild, Cora Beth Crocker.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Auvergne Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to French Camp Academy.

James O. “Jim” Lowery

Funeral services for James O. “Jim” Lowery will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 2 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Don Parish, Warren Deweese and Bro. Tim Vowell officiating. Burial will follow in Mars Hill Cemetery, Winston County, MS. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 12 noon until service time at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.

Mr. Lowery, 86, of Philadelphia died Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Jim was born and raised in Winston County, MS and attended school at Liberty Community School. He entered the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17 and spent 20 years and retired in November 1974. He worked for the Choctaw Housing Authority for a number of years and JG Sales, Daniels Used Cars and started his own upholstery business until his health would not allow him to continue. Jim loved riding motorcycles, the outdoors and dearly loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Mr. Lowery was a longtime member of Mars Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Wilma Lowery of Mt. Juliet, TN; daughters, Brenda Coutch of Yazoo City, MS and Gina Sisson (Greg) of Philadelphia, MS; grandchildren, Chrissy Ballentine, Matthew Towne (Morgan) and Lindsey Goss; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Peggy Lowery; along with several nieces, nephews and their families.

Mr. Lowery was preceded in death by his wife, Mavis Lowery; son, Allen Lowery; parents, Oliver Leston and Ruby Weems Lowery; sister, Cornelia Bechtel; brothers, David and Carrol Lowery.

Pallbearers, JP Watson, Glenn Sisson, Warren Deweese, Jr. Bell, Ted Manning and Freddie McBreairty.

Ronnie David Harrington

Ronnie David Harrington, 68, of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Regency Hospital, Meridian, MS. Funeral Service will be Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 2 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home. Visitation will be Saturday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Union Chapel Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.