Debra Ann Carr

Debra Ann Carr, 59, passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at the HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake in Webster, Texas. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021, in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Wells officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 10 a.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Interment will follow in Ellison Ridge Cemetery.

Infant Johnny Wade Rigdon

Infant Johnny Wade Rigdon passed away on Tuesday, September 27, 2021, at Baptist-Golden Triangle Medical Center in Columbus, MS. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 30th, at Butler Cemetery in Noxubee County, with Rev. Bert Jones officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Johnny Wade is survived by his parents, Brandon and BreAnna Rigdon; his grandparents, Chris and Tammy Rigdon, and Sandra Tindoll; an aunt, Brittany (T.J.) Neel; and his uncles, Robert (Alesia) Tindoll, Eric (Tonya) Tindoll, Greg (Lisa) Tindoll, and Kevin (Megan) Tindoll; and a host of cousins.

He was preceded in death by his great grandparents, Johnny E. Rigdon, Malcolm E. McBrayer, Gregory Wade Tindoll, Sr., Kay C. Tubb, and Willie Mae Green.

Audrey Denise Rash

Audrey Denise Rash, 54, of Noxapater, MS., passed on Monday, September 27, 2021, at University Medical Center, Jackson, MS. Graveside service will be Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at 11 a.m., from Mount Pleasant#2 Church Cemetery, Noxapater, Mississippi. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements. 

Audrey Denise Harris Rash began her precious existence on September 6, 1967, in Warrenton, VA., to the Parents of Abraham and Hattie Harris, the fourth of eight children. She was an active member of Mount Pleasant#2 Missionary Baptist Church, Noxapater, MS.

 She leaves to cherish her precious memory, her husband, Elton Rash; her daughter, Kristi Rash; her mother, Mrs. Hattie Harris of Fayette, MS., five brothers; Abe(Tina)Harris, Warren Robbins, GA., Charles (Perry) Harris, Renton, WA. Ray Harris, Fayette, MS., Steve(Amanda)Harris of Las Vega, NV. ;two sisters; Paula (Barry)Merchant, Fayette, MS., Rachel(Carey)Harris-McCray, West Palm Beach, FL; Mother-in-law; sister-in-law; brother-in-law; three nieces, eight nephews, three great nieces, and her entire church family and friends.

Donald E. Sibley

Donald Elijah Sibley passed away Monday, September 27, 2021, surrounded by family at his home in Choctaw County. Donald battled Glioblastoma (brain cancer) for 5-1/2 years. He would have been 70 years old in November.

Donald retired after working over 35 years with the Mississippi Forestry Commission. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, skilled archer, and enjoyed doing taxidermy work for many local sportsmen.

Private graveside services will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, at 3:00 p.m., at the family cemetery near his home. There will be no visitation.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patsy Sibley; his mother, Sally Sibley; 2 sons, Don(Chirsta) Sibley of McCool, MS, and Alan(Melissa) Sibley of Ackerman, MS; 2 brothers, Paul Sibley and Joe Sibley both of Walthall, MS; 1 sister, Sarah Walzer of Walthall, MS; 5 grandchildren, Anna Sibley, Ian Sibley, Rachel Sibley, Ellen Sibley, and Landon Sibley.

Donald was preceded in death by his father, W.C. Sibley and a brother, Wilburn Sibley.

Dewitt A. Cutts

Dewitt A. Cutts passed away Monday, September 27, 2021, at his residence near Weir, MS. Dewitt was born September 17, 1935, in Choctaw County, MS, to Henry Hilyard and Gertrude Cutts. He was 86 years old and a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church near Weir, MS. Dewitt was a retired minister.

Dewitt spent most of his youth on his family's farm in Weir. After graduating from French Camp Academy, he joined the U. S. Army where he served for two years in Germany. After returning to Mississippi, Dewitt attended Holmes Community College where he met his wife, Jessie Baskin. They were married at the Methodist Church in Goodman on October 19, 1957. They moved to Jackson, MS for Dewitt to complete his degree in bible at Mississippi College. While in Jackson, they gave birth to their first child, Sue. After graduation, the family moved to Fort Worth, TX, and Dewitt attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Their second child, Tim, was then born.

Dewitt served as pastor for the following churches: New Salem (Attala-1960s), Cowart Baptist Church (Tallahatchie-1960s), Fentress Baptist Church (1970s), Bethsaida Baptist Church (1970-1990s), and Poplar Springs Church (1990s). Dewitt and his family moved home to the family farm in 1964. He taught 23 years at Weir High School.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021at 2:00 PM, at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church near Weir, MS, with Rev. Paul Vaughn and Rev. Bradley Herod officiating. Interment will be held in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 29, 2021, one hour prior to the service time at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church near Weir, MS.

Dewitt is survived by his wife, Jessie Baskin Cutts, daughter, Sue Cutts Tarver, son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Tonya Cuttsand five grandchildren: Charles Tarver, Derek Cutts, Jamey Cutts, Alyce Tarver-Wells, and Andrea Cutts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, William Henry Cutts.

The family thanks his caretaker Kelly Potts and Halcyon Hospice. The family wishes that memorial contributions be made to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (9280 MS HWY 413, Weir, MS 39772) or your favorite charity.

Pauline Kemp Fuller

Pauline Kemp Fuller, 90, went to her eternal Heavenly home on Monday, September 27, 2021. Pauline was born on September 4, 1931, in Winston County, Mississippi, to Walter and Erma Clay Kemp.

A lifelong Winston County native, Pauline was well-loved in her community. She was a member of Singleton Baptist Church and Betheden Homemakers Club. She faithfully loved and served the Lord, her family, church, and community. She steadfastly nurtured her family with godly wisdom and served them and others with a loving spirit.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 29, at 10:00 a.m. in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi. Burial will immediately follow the service in 16th Section Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 28, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, and one hour prior to service time on Wednesday.

Pauline is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 71 years Leon Fuller; four daughters: Linda Craft of Ridgeland, Mississippi, Debbie (Allen) Morgan of Starkville, Mississippi, Norma (Jimmy) Puckett of Louisville, and Jennifer (Stacy) Palmer also of Louisville; and one son Mike (Pat) Fuller of Louisville; 15 grandchildren: Stephanie (Jim) Reames, Tonya Bates, Seth (Julie) Fuller, Rachael (Chris) Fowler, Courtney (Trey) Shaw, Anna (Tony) Cadle, Allison Allen, Sara (Chad) Chapman, Caitlin Puckett, Tyler Morgan, Joey (Kimberly) Thomas, Carley Puckett, Whitney Palmer, Michael (Christy) Fuller, and Lydia Palmer; 30 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Caleb Fuller Puckett; three great-grandchildren: Morgan Elise Farthing, Judson Fowler, and Penelope Skye Cadle; her parents, and her siblings: Woodrow Kemp, Elliot Kemp, J. W. Kemp, Cecil Kemp, Fred Kemp, Rexall Kemp, Christine Kemp Whitehead, Evelyn Kemp West, and Dean Kemp Jernigan.

Serving as pallbearers are Jim Reames, Seth Fuller, Chad Chapman, Chris Fowler, Tony Cadle, Joey Thomas, Michael Fuller, Tyler Morgan, and Trey Shaw.

Memorials in honor of Pauline may be given to St. Jude online at stjude.org/donate or mailed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P. O. box 167, Memphis, TN 38101-9905.

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.

Rufus Earl Taylor

Rufus Earl Taylor, 78, of Louisville, Mississippi, passed on Monday, September 27, 2021, at his home. A memorial service will be conducted at a later date by the Family. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Karen Reese

Patricia Karen Hamm Reese, 61, passed away on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 28 at Nowell Massey Funeral Home with Rev. Wayne Hill officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow in Murphy Creek Cemetery.

Karen was born December 20, 1959, to James and Margie Higgason Hamm in Winston County. She liked to collect what-nots and enjoyed playing Bingo. Karen also loved to fish but most of all she loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Karen is survived by her two daughters Michelle Jones and husband Brian and Pamela Oldham and husband Jimmy all of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “Maw Maw” to her five grandchildren: Angel Sinclair, Gauge Dempsey, Dalton Dempsey, Nick Oldham and Georgia Oldham. She also leaves behind two sisters Christine Conn and Charlotte (Mike) Weaks, and two brothers James (Linda) Hamm and Billy (Marsha) Hamm as well as her loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Jerry Booth, Blake Ellingburg, Mike Hemphill, David Holder, Jeremy Price, and Scottie White. Memorials in honor of Karen may be given to Nowell-Massey Funeral Home to help the family with funeral expenses.

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.

Janice (Wells) Hollingsworth

Janice (Wells) Hollingsworth passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Choctaw County Regional Medical Center, in Ackerman, MS. Janice was born June 24, 1950, in Choctaw County, MS, to Calton O. and Etoy(Dean) Wells. She was 71 years old and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church in Decatur, MS.

Janice loved life and loved helping others. Until health problems began to plague her active life, you would find her out and about doing her favorite things….offering assistance to someone who was hurting, babysitting her grands and great-grands which were the joy of her life, helping her husband with his business, and, of course, shopping!

She worked in several different jobs before health issues forced her to retire. Her final place of employment was Winston Medical Clinic in Louisville, MS, where she made many life-long friends of which she often spoke.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at Macedonia Baptist Church in Decatur, MS, with Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 27, 2021, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home, and 2 hours prior to service time on Tuesday, at the church in Decatur.

Janice is survived by her husband, Robert Hollingsworth of Eupora, MS; 1 daughter, Susan Wells of Ackerman, MS; 1 son, Randy(Alaina)Hollingsworth of Eupora, MS; 2 sisters, Brenda(Scott) Pearson of Eupora, MS, Ann(Keith)Coleman of Ackerman, MS; 5 grandchildren, Chance Hollingsworth, Blake Wells and fiancé Maddy Turner, Lanah Claire Wells, Holden Hollingsworth, and Eden Hollingsworth; and 3 great-grandchildren, Atleigh Hollingsworth, Presleigh Hollingsworth, and Cooper Hollingsworth.

Janice was preceded in death by her parents and 1 child, Gary Hollingsworth.

Memorials may be made to the Salem Independent Methodist Church Cemetery near Chester, MS.

Stanley Johnson

Funeral services for Mr. Stanley Johnson, 54, will be held Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 12:00 PM from Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be Friday, September 24, 2021, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Taylor Funeral Home. Interment in Union Chapel M.B. Church Cemetery.

Ryleigh Elise Moore

Baby Girl Ryleigh Elise Moore, of Noxapater, Mississippi, passed on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the Rush Foundation Hospital, Meridian, MS. Graveside Service will be Friday, at 11 a.m., from Mount Vernon Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Earlie Mae Patty

Earlie Mae Patty, 68, of Louisville, MS., passed on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at the Saint Dominic Hospital, Jackson, MS. Funeral Service will be Sunday, at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in the New Zion Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Franklin Pierce "Frank" Whites, Sr.

Franklin Pierce "Frank" Whites, Sr., 90, died peacefully September 21, 2021 at his home in Brandon, Mississippi. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Frank was born in Louisville, Mississippi on March 12, 1931 to Max and Ruby Cannon Whites. He graduated from Louisville High School in 1949 and was a member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church in Louisville where he served as Deacon for many years. Frank retired from a long career with Southern Natural Gas Company. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and making crabapple jelly. Frank loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

His parents, Max and Ruby Cannon Whites, and his brothers, O. D. Whites, Billie Max Whites and David Whites preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of almost 72 years, Peggy Wood Whites; his two sons, Frank Whites, Jr. of Brandon, Mississippi, and Robert (Renee) Whites of Clayton, North Carolina; his brother, Dr. Jack (Sally) Whites of Birmingham, Alabama; his four grandchildren, Chelsea (Doug) Archibald, Jace Whites, Giffin Whites, and Whitney (Will) Cox; his four great-grandchildren, Riley Archibald, Cameron Cox, Silas Cox, Landon Cox; and several nephews, nieces and special friends.

The family would like to thank all of the hospice workers who took such good care of Frank over the last 3+ years.

In lieu of flowers, friends may remember Frank with a memorial to Poplar Flat Baptist Church, P.O. Box 684, Louisville, Mississippi 39339 or to the charity of their choice.

Avery Russell Burton

Avery Russell Burton, aged 58, passed away on September 21, 2021 at Allegiance Specialty Hospital in Greenville, Mississippi. He was the son of Avis Marie Hodges and the late James Aldon Burton born on November 17 1963.

 
Russell was a member of Highways and Hedges Worship Center and sang with his group, “Russell Burton Family Band.” He was a family man who loved and cared for his mom. He always carried peppermints and butter scotches in his pocket which earned him the name “Candy Man”. He shared candy with anyone who wanted some. In his spare time, he loved to eat and hunt. He worked for the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

 
Russell is survived by his mother, Avis Marie Hodges of Mathiston, Mississippi; a son, John Wayne Burton of Flowood, Mississippi; a brother, David Glenn Burton of the Simpson Community; five sisters, Linda Gail Dempsey of the Bywy Community, Joyce Marie May of Brandon, Mississippi, Debra Pauline Medders (Tommy Pritchard) of Ackerman, Mississippi, Betty Darline (Dexter) Jones of Mathiston, Mississippi, and Julie Ann Salley (James Craig) of Weir, Mississippi; and a host of nieces and nephews.

 
Russell is preceded in death by his father, James Aldon Burton; wife, Patricia “Diann” Neely Burton; and two brothers, Douglas Burton and Roy Bruce Burton.

Services for Avery Russell Burton will be Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Wise Reed Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 24, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wise Reed Funeral Home. Burial will follow at McCurtain’s Creek Cemetery in Choctaw County, Mississippi.

Travis L. Hughes

Mr. Travis Lathair Hughes, 88, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, MS. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 23rd, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Trent Jaudon officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until service time. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 
Mr. Hughes was born May 27, 1933, in Bruce, MS, to Etta and Elmer Hughes. He was a graduate of Bruce Hugh School, and studied at several trade schools. He worked in engineering tool and die in Houston, TX, and Greenville, MS, before moving to Louisville in 1965 to go to work for Spartus Corp. Travis worked there until it closed, and then continued in the tool and die industry for TRW, Hewlett, Inc, and Sylvester Welding. He was an Army veteran and a member of South Louisville Baptist Church.

 
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirly Latham Hughes of Louisville; two daughters, Charlet (Wayne) Gordon of Hernando, MS; and Linda Kay Hughes of Gurnee, IL; three grandchildren, Natasha Soyland, Kyle Gordon, and Heather Hubert; and four great grandchildren, Destiny Wilson, Kiley Wilson, Dean Hubert, and Hannah Hubert.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Gordon, Kyle Gordon, Danny Soyland, Ryan Hubert, Shelton Williams, and Thomas Latham.

 
Memorials may be made to South Louisville Baptist Church, or Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery.

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Eloise Collins Divine

Funeral services for Eloise Collins Divine will be held Friday, September 24, 2021 at 2 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Tony Roberts and Rev. Sam Fulton officiating. Burial will follow in Smallwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, September 23, 2021 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at McClain –Hays Funeral Home. McClain-Hays is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Divine, 86, of Philadelphia, died Monday, September 20, 2021.

She was a native of the Plattsburg Community of Winston County and lived in Neshoba County for most of her adult life. She worked as a machine operator for Georgia Pacific Wood Products in Louisville for 27 years until she retired in 2002. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, quilting and singing. Mrs. Divine was a member of Christian Life Tabernacle.

Survivors include her daughters, Peggy Sue Smith of Pennington, AL; Mary Jessie Garza (Guy) of Butler AL; Tammy Renee Divine of Philadelphia; Marilyn Kay Howell (Jason) of Philadelphia; 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Irene Rogers (Hershel) of Nanih Waiya; a host of nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Divine was preceded in death by her husband, Jessie James Divine; sons, James Paul Divine and Edward Earl Divine; daughter, Patsy Eloise Divine; granddaughters, Misty Lynn Stokes and Brandy Donita Stokes; brothers, Earl, William, Frank and Michael Collins; sisters, Bernice Pace, Aquilla Mayo, Mary Ruth Rogers and Nancy Chancellor.

Pallbearers are Daniel Stokes, Chris Stewart, Greg Nowell, Michael Smith, David Smith, Billy Boykin III, Jacob Nathaniel Boykin, Christian Howell and Dewayne Floyd.

Sis. Minnie Selma Dempsey

Rev. Minnie Selma Dempsey, 92, passed away on Monday, September 20, 2021, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 22 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 23 at 11 a.m. in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Allen Eaves and Rev. Hank Dempsey officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Welcome Chapel Jesus Name Church Cemetery.

Minnie was born September 1, 1929, the ninth of ten children born to Walter and Sarah Pinnix Dempsey. Sis. Minnie was a devout Christian and was a pastor to many that never set foot in the church building. For many years, she pastored Welcome Chapel Jesus Name Church. Her passion was evangelism; being able to tell others about the Lord to spread the gospel. She was retired from Louisville Garment Company. She always enjoyed working in her flowers but most of all she loved her family.

Sis. Minnie is survived by two daughters Judy Stovall of Louisville and Gail Dempsey of the Nanih Waiya community; and by two daughters-in-law Vicky Dempsey and Mona Dempsey both of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “Mamaw” to her 10 grandchildren: Jarrod (Christa) Dempsey, Justin (Paula) Dempsey, April (Stevie) Herrington, Raymond Dempsey II, Sammy (Shirley) Dempsey, Jay Watson, Brett (Daphne) Kitchens, Chad (Sue) Kitchens, Daphne (Scott) Lawler, and Brandon (Lindsay) Stovall; her 19 great-grandchildren: Dakota Dempsey, Noah Dempsey, Madison Dempsey (John Forrest Sisson), Nicholas Dempsey (Ella Yarbrough), Jake Herrington, Emmie Herrington, Luke Dempsey, Analeigh Dempsey, Brodie Ward, Sam Dempsey, Matt Dempsey, Brooke (Wyatt) Davis, Grant Kitchens, Kinsley Rose Kitchens, Bella Annalese Kitchens, Avery Savannah Lawler, Steven Robert Stovall, Ryder Dean Stovall, and Layton Stovall, as well as her six great-great-grandchildren: Mattie Ward, Rhett Aman, Laura, Lawson, and Layton Dempsey, Walker Wade Dempsey; and she was looking forward to the birth of another great-great-granddaughter, Eden Davis, in December. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Sis. Minnie was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Dempsey, two sons Gerald Ray Dempsey and Chester Dempsey, her daughter Shirley Holmes, two sons-in-law Robert Stovall and Lamar Kitchens, two grandchildren Mandy Watson and Chris Kitchens, her parents, and her siblings: Rev. Austil Dempsey, Sudie Allen, Nora Bell Knighton, Rural Dempsey, Alma Etheridge, Orvil Dempsey, Willard Dempsey, JR Dempsey, and Fannie Hollis.

Serving as pallbearers are Brandon Stovall, Brett Kitchens, Chad Kitchens, Jay Watson, Jarrod Dempsey, Justin Dempsey, Raymond Dempsey II, Scott Lawler, and Sammy Dempsey. 

Memorials in honor of Sis. Minnie may be given to Welcome Chapel Jesus Name Church, P. O. Box 1591, Louisville, MS 39339.

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.

Oliver Roach

Oliver Roach, 93,of McCool, MS., passed on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, at his home. Graveside service will be Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, at 11 a.m., from Little Calvary M. B. Church Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements. 

Mr. Roach, was born June 2, 1928, to the Parents of; William Roach and Lenora Carter in Winston County Mississippi. 

He leaves to cherish his memory and his legacy of love, Four Children; Daughter, Gwendolyn Jefferson, Starkville, MS., Sons; Oliver Roach, Jr., Starkville, MS., Craig (Katie) Roach, West Point, MS., and Sherman(Sherry)Roach, Amory, MS. Brother; Milton Roach, McCool, MS; Nine Grands, Three Great Grands, In-Laws, Nieces, Nephews and other Cousins and friends.

James Lamar Garrard

Mr. James Lamar Garrard, 62, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, MS. He was born on May 3, 1959, in Winston County, MS. He is survived by a son, Eric Garrard of Reform, AL; a sister, Joanne Permenter; a brother, Willard Garrard; five grandchildren; and a special cousin, Dean Wilkerson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Coy Garrard; a son, Jason Garrard; two sisters, Diane Beasley and Brenda Hailey; and a brother, Eugene Garrard.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Rev. Thadis ONeal Parker

Mr. Thadis Oneal Parker, 87, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 18 at the Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be Monday, September 20, 2021, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville as well as one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at Hight Assembly of God Church in Noxapater, Mississippi, with Bro. Tom Bentley and Bro. Franklin Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Hight Cemetery.

Neal was born June 23, 1934, as one of 14 children, born to John and Effie Parker. Neal was a minister who pastored in Winona, Mississippi, before locally serving 14 years at Indian Springs Assembly of God Church. He loved to fish, hunt, and work in his garden. He took pride in his tomatoes. He worked with the MSDOT, Yarbrough Wood Products, and as a security guard.

Mr. Parker is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Parker of Noxapater, two daughters, Renee Smith also of Noxapater, and Brenda Powell and husband Hank of Philadelphia, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Papaw” to his six grandchildren: Mandy Jordan and husband Cory of Brandon, Mississippi; Chasidy Wells and husband Nathan of Noxapater; Trent Smith of Starkville, Mississippi; Megan Moody and husband Hailey of Nanih Waiya; Hope Smith of Noxapater; and Dalton Powell of Philadelphia, as well as his seven great-grandchildren: Paxton Jordan, Knox Jordan, Banx Jordan, Jaxon Moody, Adalyn Moody, Wyatt Wells and Blakely Wells. He also leaves behind his siblings Clovis Parker, Hank Parker, Nancy Reynolds, Janette Davis, and Doris White. Mr. Parker was preceded in death by Jimmy Don Smith, son-in-law; parents John and Effie Parker, step-mother Lena Boswell Parker and siblings: Senorita Parker, Wilbur Parker, Crawford Parker, Tom Parker, JF Parker, Lucille Creekmore, Beatrice Moody, and Pearl Credle.

Serving as pallbearers are Joe Creekmore, John Swindle, Chris Parker, Dalton Powell, Ricky Holder, and Garland Smith. Memorials in honor of Mr. Parker may be given to Hight Assembly of God Church, Missions Fund, P. O. Box 103, Noxapater, MS 39346.

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.

Aubury Therrell Higgins

Aubury Therrel Higgins passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021, at his residence in Weir, MS.  Therrel was born June 17, 1945, in Weir, MS, to Horace and Odie Mae(Wills) Higgins. He was 76 years old and a member of New Zion Baptist Church near Weir, MS. Therrel's occupation was farming and truck driving.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Mt. Airy cemetery near Ackerman, MS, with Rev. John Staszefski and Rev. Terry Wills officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. till 10:30 a.m. at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS.

Therrel is survived by 1 brother, Thomas(Lessame) Higgins of Weir, MS; neice and nephew, Jimmie and Malinda Tidwell of Weir, MS.

Therrel was preceded in death by his wife, Mary(Oswalt) Higgins, and his parents.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Airy Cemetery Fund, c/o David Oswalt, 725 S. Fentress Rd., Weir, MS, 39772.

Willie Faye Box

Willie Faye (Richards) Box passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Brooklyn Hall Personal Care Home, in Mathiston, MS. Faye was born February 24, 1941, in Choctaw County, MS, to Robert and Ada Ruth(Jones) Richards. She was 80 years old and a member of Chester Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, 12:00 noon, at Chester Baptist Church near Ackerman, MS, with Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. till service time at the church.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Box, Wesley Gammill, Mike Pearson, Steven Flake, Clint Mchan, and Bill Shumaker. Serving as honorary will be Tom Craig and Junior Craig.

Faye is survived by 1 daughter, Teresa(Bill) Shumaker of Ackerman, MS; 1 son, Mark(Michelle) Box of Franklin, TN; 2 sisters, Bobbie Ruth Craig of Sturgis, MS, Myrtis Malone of Sturgis, MS; 3 grandchildren, Jamie(Clint) Mchan of Ackerman, MS, Hannah Raney of Ackerman, MS, Cully Box of Franklin, TN; 3 great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Reeves of Searcy, AR, Maebry Rainey of Ackerman, MS, and Paxton Mchan of Ackerman, MS.

Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Box, her parents, and 1 great-granddaughter, Maddox Reeves.

Memorials may be made to the Choctaw County Food Pantry.

Silas Wesley Miles

Mr. Silas Wesley Miles, 80, passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at his home in Brandon, MS. Private family services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, September 20th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Ben Laird officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Miles was born April 29, 1941, in Louisville, MS. He was a longtime Brandon resident and owned and operated United Die Mold, Inc. in Jackson, MS, until his retirement. Silas loved crappie fishing and gardening. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Cleo Miles and Dorothy Edwards Miles; and his wife, Nadean Eaves Miles.

He is survived by his son, Randy K. (Wendy) Miles of Brandon, MS; and a daughter, ReDana Miles (Benjamin) Laird of Meridian, MS; three brothers, Sammy (Gail) Miles, Steven Miles, and Stanley Miles; six grandchildren, Lindsey Miles (Russ) Warren, Rachel Laird, Sarah Laird (Caleb) Brownlee, Abigail Laird, Daniel Miles, and Benjamin Joseph “B.J.” Laird; and four great grandchildren, Rilee Rush, Rex Warren, Jett Warren, and Dallas Brownlee. 

Pallbearers will be Billy Wayne Mayo, Alan Miles, Caleb Brownlee, Michael Miles, Randy Miles, and Ben Laird.

Blondie Sue (Tappy) Livingston Reed

Blondie Sue (Tappy) Livingston Reed, 83, passed away on September 16, 2021 at her residence in Louisville, MS. She was a retired lab technician for Seed Technology at Mississippi State University, where she worked for 30 years. She was a member of Betheden Lutheran Church and enjoyed gardening, cooking and sewing. She was a very loving and giving person.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill Halbert Livingston and Clara Miller Livingston; and her husband, Curtis Lee Reed.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Ricks (Vernon) of Greenwood, MS; grandchildren, Nicholas Ricks (Heather) of Corydon, IN and Bradley Ricks (Anita) of Greenwood, MS; great grandchildren, Henry, Clara & Vanya; sisters, Junie Fuller, Shirley Livingston, and Gail Harrelson; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 11:00-12:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the graveside service following at 1:00 p.m. at Betheden Lutheran Church in Louisville, MS. Rev. Stacy Parvin will conduct the service. Burial will be in Betheden Cemetery in Louisville.

Memorial donations may be made to: Betheden Lutheran Church c/o Tara Woodward, P. O. Box 508, Louisville, MS 39339.

Pallbearers will be: Vernon Ricks, Bradley Ricks, Nicholas Ricks, Charles Watson, Bob Fuller, and Hal Fuller.

Johnson "Bruce" Overstreet

Johnson "Bruce" Overstreet, age 50 passed away on Saturday, Sep 11, 2021. Visitation is today from 1-4 pm at Taylor Funeral Home, 1973 Greensboro Rd., Louisville. A Graveside Service will be at Louisville Memorial Gardens at 11 am on Friday, Sep 17, 2021. In the event of rain, the service will be held at the funeral home chapel.

Barry Irons

Funeral services for Barry Irons will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 2 p.m. at McClain-Hays Chapel with Rev. Chris Young officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 12 noon until service time at McClain-Hays Funeral Home. McClain-Hays Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Irons, 72, of Philadelphia, died Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

Barry was a native of Neshoba County and a longtime resident of Philadelphia. He attended Philadelphia High School, East Central Community College and Mississippi State University. He was elected to East Central Athletic Hall of Fame where he was a standout in football. He formerly worked as a Chief Industrial Engineer with Elger Plumbing Ware in Tupelo and was a former owner of Philadelphia Dry Cleaners from 1994-2012. He loved his family, playing with his granddaughters, coaching for the children’s athletic teams, MSU Bulldogs, church, the coffee club and keeping his yard nice. Mr. Irons was an active member of First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Irons of Philadelphia; children, Jenny Irons (George Hobor) of Maplewood, NJ, Dan Irons (Karen) of Westerville, OH and Mary Margaret Massey (Will) of Louisville, MS; grandchildren, Addy, Lillian, Kate and Savannah; mother, Bobbie Holley of Philadelphia; sister, Kay Duett (Stuart) and Patti Rickles; several nieces, nephews and their families.

Mr. Irons was preceded in death by his father, Vester Irons; step-father, John Holley.

Pallbearers are Burt Turcotte, Trent Rickles, Jamie Rickles, Kyle Stribling, Reid Stribling, Ty Duett and Mark Bowles

Honorary Pallbearers are Sam Nowell, Bill Roasmond, Charles Pair, Art Fulton and John Galberry.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center of Houston, St Jude Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.

Margaret Ann (Crowson) Bickers

Margaret Ann (Crowson) Bickers was born on March 12, 1950, the first-born twin to Ruby (Rogers) and Crandler Crowson in Louisville, MS. Her mother made sure she and her siblings, Tommy Joe, Crandler (JR), Mary and Carey were taught the importance of faith, family and music, as they traveled around the US as a result of her father’s Army career. The kids grew up singing, their mother teaching them at a young age to harmonize together, a gift that Margaret used continuously through life. She and Mary would enjoy a singing career that would span more than sixty-five years, including singing on their brother and uncle’s weekly TV program that ran across the South when they were kids, and continuing through many years of singing for weddings, funerals and entertainment. They considered it a privilege to fulfill countless requests for them to “sing people to Jesus,” as an act of comfort while they took their last breaths on Earth.

Margaret met Gary Bickers in the summer of 1966 in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and on Christmas Eve, 1966 they were united in marriage in a beautiful wedding at her parent’s home. They were blessed to welcome a son, Corey Vaughn, in 1969 after moving to Ohio. Then after a move to Iowa to be closer to her family, they were blessed to welcome daughters, Christina Michele in 1971 and Teresa Jean in 1974. During the early years of their marriage, they endured Gary’s tour to Vietnam, a tragic car accident that claimed the life of their daughter, Jeannie Kay, just weeks before her due date, and a house fire in Tingley, IA, resulting in total loss. Once again, Margaret’s faith, family, and music, carried her and her family through these tough times, and she continued to remind her family throughout her life that “God will never give you more than you can handle.” She and Gary built a life together, opening their own auto body business in Tingley, Iowa, and eventually moving to Mount Ayr, Iowa, where Margaret enjoyed several careers, one of which was being a labor and delivery nurse’s aide, a job that she loved. She eventually became an entrepreneur, opening her own successful business, The Sun Shoppe, which she was very proud of. She made it a point to treat her customers like family for thirteen years, until she and Gary decided to retire, buy an RV and enjoy traveling back and forth, across the US.

Margaret loved to sing, play the piano, and was a talented writer, authoring many beautiful Christian songs. She was a devoted Christian, often taught Sunday school classes and sang in the church choir, had a God-given talent for writing, loved baseball, especially the New York Yankees, was an avid reader. She loved to listen to Rush Limbaugh and Phil Valentine, and was a true patriot, always making every effort to continue learning about the history of the US. Margaret was a passionate believer in our constitution and always reminded us of how lucky we were to have been born in this great country. She had truly unconditional love for her family and she made sure every person in her life knew how much she loved them. She was exceptionally close with her children and grandchildren, building strong, personal bonds that overcame the geographical distance that sometimes separated them. She was always there to hear about their successes and worries, ready with just the perfect words of praise and reassurance that they were on the right path, reminding them of how proud she was of them. She was her family’s constant cheerleader and counselor throughout life, and quick to offer them “a safe place to land,” as she would say, when life got difficult.

Margaret laid down for a nap on May 21, 2021, and woke up in the presence of Jesus. We take comfort in our assurance that, because of Margaret’s strong faith, we can look forward to that great reunion when we are once again with her for all of Eternity.

Left to cherish Margaret’s memory is her beloved husband of 54 years, Gary Bickers, her children, Corey Bickers, Christy (Greg) Sanders and Teresa (Mike) Dyer. Her grandchildren, Cade and Lauren Sanders, Brandon and Tyler Bickers and Hunter Dyer, her twin sister, Mary (RB) Davenport, her brothers, JR (Sharon) Crowson and Carey (Lana) Crowson, and many cherished cousins, nephews, nieces and friends. Margaret was preceded in death by her firstborn, Jeannie, mother, Ruby, father, Crandler, brother, Tommy Joe, brother-in-law, Red, mother and father-in-law, Ken and Dorothy, brothers-in-law, David and John, and sisters-in-law, Mary and Susan.

Margaret’s wishes were to be cremated and the family invites you to join them at 11am on October 9th, at Liberty Baptist Church in Noxapater, MS for a memorial service and celebration of life.

Matthew 25:23 “Well done, good and faithful servant.” – We know you are singing with the angels.

Terry Dean Franks, Sr.

Terry Dean Franks, Sr. passed away on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at North Mississippi Medical Center in, Tupelo, MS. Terry was born December 21, 1958, in Vardaman, MS, to J.D. and Margaret(Sullivan) Franks. He was 62 years old and a member of Friendship Baptist Church near Sturgis, MS.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at Friendship Baptist Church near Sturgis, MS, with Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation. Serving as pallbearers will be B.J. Swindle, Derrick Franks, Allen Martin, Rick Franks, Billy Stricklin, and Jimmy Franks, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be grandchildren, Jonah Clinton, Jurney Franks, and Isabella Franks.

Terry is survived by his wife, Audry(Dalton) Franks of Sturgis, MS; 1 daughter, Anna Franks(Ryan) Jackson of Sturgis, MS; 1 son, Terry Dean "T.J." (Elizabeth) Franks, Jr. of Sturgis, MS; 5 brothers, Stevie Franks of Union, MS, Ricky(Barbara) Franks of Mathiston, MS, Jimmy Franks of Sturgis, MS, Tommy(Rani) Sullivan of Starkville, MS, Donny Franks of Sturgis, MS; 2 sisters, Sandra Scarbrough of Sturgis, MS, Margo "Margie"(Kip) Missigman of Georgetown, SC; 5 grandchildren, Willow Grace Jackson, Hayden Jackson, Jonah Clinton, Jurney Franks, and Isabella Franks.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents.

Cornelious Levon Edmond

Cornelious Levon Edmond, 51, of Starkville, MS., passed on Monday, September 6, 2021, at Saint Dominic Hospital, Jackson, MS. Funeral Service will be Friday, September 17, 2021, at 2 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home Chapel, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Thursday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Rocky Hill Church Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Mr. Edmond, was born January 14, 1970, to the Parents of James William Edmond and Pearlean Danields in Winston County Mississippi. He is survived by his son, Braxton L. Edmond, Louisville, MS.; Father, James (Jossie)Edmond; brother, James D. Edmond, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other cousins and relatives.

Joanna Fulton Lousteau

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Lucille Lois Porter

Lucille Lois Porter, 73, of Louisville, MS., passed on Monday, September 13, 2021, at her home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home, Louisville, MS., Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Harrington Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Wade Swindle

Justin Wade Swindle, age 43, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021, at Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, September 16 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Greg Thomas officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 10 a.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Interment will immediately follow the service in Union Ridge Cemetery.

Wade was born December 19, 1977, in Meridian, Mississippi. He was a graduate of Noxapater Attendance Center Class of 1996. Wade most recently worked in the Maintenance Department of Biewer Lumber Company in Newton, Mississippi, until he was no longer able. He loved his job and enjoyed those with whom he worked. Wade also enjoyed hunting and fishing but his boys were his life!

He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years Brandy Quinn Swindle, and his two sons Austin and Colton Swindle all of Noxapater. He also leaves behind his parents Wayne and Shirley Swindle of Noxapater, his grandmother Dorothy Swindle also of Noxapater, his sister Stephanie Paige (Sam) Rudolph of Philadelphia, Mississippi, and his brother Jay (Lori) Swindle of Noxapater. He also leaves behind many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews. Wade was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Ester “Hop” Miles and Ludean Miles, and his paternal grandfather J. F. “Jess” Swindle.

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.

Charles Wayne King

 Charles Wayne King, age 86, of Weir, MS, died Saturday, September 11, 2021, at Diversacare Nursing Home in Eupora, MS. He was born June 28, 1935, to the late Hessie and Floyd King. He was a member of New Haven Baptist Church near Weir, MS.

Wayne had a work ethic like none other. He always held down a couple of jobs at one time. After graduating from Weir High School, Wayne moved to Jackson where he worked for Underwood Housing as a construction worker. It was during this time that he met his wife, Frances King, and they've been happily married for 64 years. Wayne spent the majority of his life in law enforcement. He worked for the Jackson Police Department as a Crimes Against Persons detective where he retired after 20 years. While he worked for the Jackson Police Department, you could also find him using his mechanic skills to work on cars for the locals. After his retirement, he moved back home to Weir where he worked full time for the Choctaw County Sheriff's Department for 10 years while also working as head of the security department at Belwood Industries. In his spare time, he had a small farm where he raised hogs and cows.

When he got a break from work, you could catch him fishing or hunting. His children will recall any vacation they took was spent at Lake Saint John in Louisiana at a fishing cabin. He was an unofficial bass fishing pro. Those who were lucky enough to hunt with him were sure to have heard him driving a team of dogs across the Hardin Hills of Choctaw County, and if you heard him coming you knew you might have your chance to harvest your deer for the season.

Wayne was known for his quick wit and his tell-it-like-it-is personality. He worked a large part of his life in the city, but he was a country boy at heart. He was given the name Cowboy by some of his closest friends. You could usually find him wearing his cowboy hat and riding the country roads with his loved cup of coffee in hand.

Visitation is planned for Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 1:00-2:00 p.m., with the service following at 2:00 p.m. at New Haven Baptist Church near Weir, MS, with burial at New Haven Cemetery. Mr. King's grandsons will be in charge of the service. Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman, MS is in charge of all arrangements.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Frances King; one daughter, Kathy Quigley(Laughlin) of Collierville, TN; two sons, Aubrey King of Weir, MS and Mike King(Jo Ann) of Water Valley, MS; one brother, Billy G. King of Weir, MS; 5 grandsons, Matther King(Anna), Will Quigley(Madison), Garrett King, Mitchell Quigley, and Austin King; one granddaughter, Mary Kathryn Maddox(Hunter); and one great granddaughter, Davy.

Homer Lee Cooper

Homer Lee Cooper, 62, of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at his home. Funeral Service will be Friday, Sept. 17, 2021, at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Paul Wayne “Poss” Henson

Paul Wayne "Poss" Henson passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at his residence in Weir, MS. Mr. Henson was born February 24, 1939, in Choctaw County, MS, to George W. and Lexie(Bright) Henson. He was 82 years old and a member of New Haven Baptist Church near Weir, MS.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 13, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at New Haven Baptist Church with Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 12, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home, and from 10:00 a.m. till service time at the church on Monday. Burial will follow in New Haven Cemetery.

Mr. Henson is survived by 1 son, Marty Henson of Weir, MS; 1 daughter, Gay(Wayne) Henson Magee of Flowood, MS; 2 sisters, Rachel(Mike) Dowdy of Olive Branch, MS, Rebecca Pearson of Meridian, MS, and 1 grandson, Tyler Henson of Weir, MS.

Mr. Henson was preceded in death by his wife, Myra "Budney" Henson, his parents; and 1 brother, Lenwood Henson.

Memorials may be made to the New Haven Cemetery Fund.

Bobby Brice Dempsey

Bobby “Brice” Dempsey, age 84, passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Brice was born March 7, 1937, in Winston County, Mississippi. He was the youngest of nine children born to William Alvin and Ollie Scott Dempsey. He had numerous jobs over the years but the one he was best known for was being the barber in Weir, Mississippi, for approximately 40 years. He also worked at U. S. Motors in Philadelphia, Mississippi, and drove a school bus for the Louisville School District. Brice loved his grandchildren, hunting with his bird dogs, playing his Gibson guitar while singing country and gospel music; but what he loved most of all was to just plain talk!

He was preceded in death by his daughter Melissa Dempsey, his parents, five sisters: Lena Mae Horton, Lucille Alexander, Janie Goodin, Bernice Alexander, and Earline McCauley, and three brothers: Wesley, Curtis and William Dempsey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Nancy Dempsey of McCool, two step-daughters Tammy (David) Maycock of Louisville, and Tanya (Beau) Taylor of Steens, Mississippi; five grandsons: Matthew (Noell) Maycock, Russ Taylor, Taylor Maycock, Seth Smith, and Logan Vanderveen, and one granddaughter Laken (Justin) Keller. He also leaves behind eight great-grandchildren as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Brice may be given to Nowell-Massey Funeral Home to help defray funeral expenses.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 18 at Whitehall Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Dowd officiating. Rest in peace until we meet again…

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.

Jennifer Lynn Ashford

Jennifer Lynn Ashford, 59, of Louisville, MS., passed on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at Rush Foundation Hospital, Meridian, Mississippi. Graveside Service will be Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, at 2 p.m., from Louisville Memorial Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Saturday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Rosalie “Rose” Crosby Alford

Funeral services for Mrs. Rosalie “Rose” Crosby Alford will be held at 3 PM Saturday, September 11, 2021 at North Bend United Pentecostal Church with Rev. Tony Wilson, Rev. Johnny Peden and Rev. Nathan Moore officiating. Interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 1 PM til time for service Saturday, September 11th at North Bend United Pentecostal Church. John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Alford, 84, passed away Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at her residence in Neshoba County, where she lived most of her life. She was a homemaker and enjoyed find-a-word puzzles and game shows. She was a member of North Bend United Pentecostal Church.

Mrs. Alford was preceded in death by her Parents, Frank and Vera Lane Crosby; Sisters, Jo Willis, Willie Nance, Sue Barrier and Ruth Daugherty; Brothers, Lavelle, Alfred and Melvin Crosby; Granddaughter, Meagan Nicole Alford.

Mrs. Alford is survived by her Husband, Charles R. Alford of Philadelphia; Daughter, Pam Alford Kirkland (Ronnie) of Brandon and Sheila Alford Wilson (Tony) of Branson, MO; Sons, Mike Alford (Lisa) of Philadelphia and Mitch Alford (Gay) of Nanih Waiya; Brother, Ray Crosby; (6) Grandchildren, Jessica Ridout (Chad), Dathan Wilson (Denae), Heather Chapman (Trey), Casey Phillips, Madison Alford and Sydney Wilson; (1) Bonus Granddaughter, Bailey Kirkland; (5) Great-Grandchildren, Bailee Rhea, Charleigh and Ava Rose Ridout, Piper Chapman and Jake Weston Phillips.

Pallbearers: Chad Ridout, Trey Chapman, Seb Gunnin, Clif Crosby, Dusty Thomas and Caleb Sanderson.

Earvin Lee Shoumaker

Earvin Lee Shoumaker was born in Kemper County, Mississippi to Evergreen Shoumaker on July 13, 1934. Earvin departed this life on September 4, 2021 at the Winston Medical Center. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Evergreen H. Cole; two brothers, Lavell Cole and Levin Smith; and one Sister, Annie Lynch. 

Earvin leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Susie B. Shoumaker of Noxapater, MS; two sisters, Bessie(Jimmie) Wells of Louisville, MS. and Evergreen(Leon) McDonald of Noxapater, MS;one brother, Jimmie(Erma)Cole of Louisville, MS; a special niece, Marita Hickman and a special nephew, J. W. Smith and a host of Nieces, Nephews and other cousins and friends. 

Graveside services will be Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 2 p.m., from New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery, DeKalb, MS. Beck Funeral Home Of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Robert Earl “Robin/Fritz” Conn, Jr.

Mr. Robert Earl “Robin/Fritz” Conn, Jr., 64, of Memphis, TN, passed away on August 30, 2021, in Memphis, TN. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 11th, at Conn Family Cemetery on Yellow Creek Road in Louisville, MS. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Conn was born June 21, 1957, in Memphis, TN, to Peggy Tomes Martin and Robert Earl “Billy” Conn, Sr. He was a graduate of Kingsbury High School in Memphis. He was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge / Al Chymia Shriner Temple and a member of the Hillbilly Brigade. He had worked as an Electrician and was a Member of the Local and International Unions. He enjoyed riding and working on motorcycles, and was earning his pilot’s license to fly helicopters. He was a good and faithful father and friend always ready to help in times of need. He made and kept many friends for a lifetime.

He is survived by a daughter, Misty L. Conn of Atoka, TN; a son, Christopher R. Conn of Memphis, TN; a sister, Barbara Martin Hall of Pontotoc, MS; and four grandchildren, Austin, Alexia, Gabriella, and Caiden.

Memorials may be made to Al Chymia Shrine Children’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

William Eugene Reid

William Eugene Reid passed away on Monday, September 6, 2021, at his residence in Ackerman, MS. Eugene was born October 9, 1950, in Choctaw County, MS, to Halbert Theron and Marie(Dunn) Reid. He was 70 years old and a member of Chester Baptist Church in Chester, MS. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, 12:00 p.m., at Chester Baptist Church with Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 8, 2021, from 10:30 a.m. till service time at the church. Burial will follow in the Chester Cemetery.

Eugene is survived by his wife, Sheila(Collier) Reid of Ackerman, MS; 1 daughter, Heather Patterson of Sturgis, MS; 1 granddaughter, Payton Patterson of Sturgis, MS; 2 sisters, Pam(Buddy) Miller of Sturgis, MS, and Lanita(Leon) Cochran of Tupelo, MS.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents; 1 son, William Ashley Reid; 1 sister, Jeanette Jones; and 1 brother, Theron Reid.

Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Merra Junior Hoskin

Merra Junior Hoskin, 83, of Louisville, MS., passed on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at the Winston County Medical Center, Louisville, MS. Graveside Service will be Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at 2 p.m., from the Louisville Memorial Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Wednesday, from 12 noon until 1:30 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

James H. "Jim" Sanford, Jr.

 James H. “Jim” Sanford, Jr., age 73, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Louisville Healthcare in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be Monday, September 6 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 7 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Stacey Parvin officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Liberty Universalist Church Cemetery.

Jim was born May 27, 1948, to Lt. Colonel James H. Sanford, Jr., and Sarah “Sally” Hull Sanford in Greenville, South Carolina. He was an avid outdoorsman and was a charter member of Mine and Yours Hunting Club. Jim enjoyed fishing especially for crappie and red snapper; he also enjoyed turkey, rabbit, and deer hunting. He was always willing to help anyone in need and his friends knew he was but a phone call away. Jim was a businessman who owned Guaranteed Plumbing; later as the business grew and help was needed, he was joined by his partner Ken Taylor.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Susan Orr Sanford of Louisville, and his children: James A. Sanford and wife Alyson and Sara Sanford Chancellor and husband Clay all of Louisville. One of his greatest joys is being “Pop Pop” to his four grandchildren: Mary Clayton Chancellor, James Olin Sanford, Mary-Ina June Sanford, and Jessie Dell Sanford. He is also survived by his sister Mary Jon Crawford (Barry Mitchell) and a niece Mary Ashley (Chris) Blount all of Panama City, Florida, as well as a host of friends. Jim is preceded in death by his parents.

Serving as pallbearers are David Catt, Bart Chancellor, Ryan Long, Steven Miller, Chad Turner, and Trey Winters. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Mine and Yours Hunting Club. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in honor of Jim be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.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.

Christina Lyn McDaniel

Christina McDaniel, 53, daughter of Thomas and Betty Hazlett, wife of Christopher McDaniel, mother of Morgan and Megan McDaniel, passed away as the result of a year-long battle of stage IV carcinosarcoma on September 2, 2021 at her home in Chillicothe, Illinois.

Christina was born on June 28, 1968 in Wauseon, Ohio. She spent her childhood in Ohio before moving to Kosciusko, Mississippi, where she met her husband and the love of her life. They knew each other for only 3 months before getting engaged at age 19, and they were married for 33 years. In their early 30s, Christina and her husband Christopher adopted their two daughters, Morgan and Megan.

Christina was incredibly unselfish and devoted her life to Jesus and bettering the education system in America. She loved working with youth and future teachers, and spent her professional career working at various high schools, as well as Mississippi State and Bradley University. Her kindness and grace impacted everyone that she met, almost never failing to leave a lasting impact. She kept in touch with many former students who continue to tell our family the impact she made in their lives.

Those who mourn Christina are her husband Christopher of Chillicothe, IL; daughters Morgan and Megan of Chillicothe, IL; mother Betty Hazlett of Tellico Plains, TN; brothers Josh and Dustin Hazlett of Kosciusko and Clinton, MS; mother and father in law Peggy and Perry McDaniel of Kosciusko, MS; and so many more countless people who were close with her.

The visitation will be held at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS on Monday, September 6 from 5pm to 8pm. The funeral will be held at Blythe Creek Baptist Church in Mathiston, MS on Tuesday, September 7 at 10am.

Mabel Ruth Hamilton

Graveside services for Mabel Ruth Hamilton will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 at 2 p.m. from Plattsburg Cemetery with Rev. Ed King officiating. Visitation will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. until departure at McClain-Hays Funeral Home. McClain-Hays is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Hamilton, 80, of Union, died Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

She was a native of the Nanih Waiya Community of Winston County and was a longtime resident of Louisiana before moving to Union in 1993. She worked as a farmer of beef and poultry with her husband. Mrs. Hamilton was Baptist by faith.

Survivors include her daughter, Pattie (Ronnie) VanDevender; sons, Pete (Karen) Richardson and Jene Richardson all of Louisville; grandchildren, Coty and Zach VanDevender; great-grandchildren, Avery Clayton and Beda VanDevender; stepchildren, Betty Ann Lee (Dewayne) of Louisville, Wanda Burks (John) of Louisville, Dr. Lisa Thomas (Chris) of Starkville, Gary Hamilton (Teresa) of Noxapater, John Glenn Hamilton of Dixon and Jimmy Hamilton (Janice) of Louisville and their families; sisters, Kathy Boney of Richland and Evelyn Vickery of Morton; brother, James Otis Crocker of Louisville; numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Mrs. Hamilton was preceded in death by her husband, Alton (R.A.) Hamilton; parents, Earnest and Minnie Laura Crocker; sisters, Lillie Mae Crocker, Jewel Hatcher and Dean Regions; brothers, J.W. Crocker and Melvis Crocker.

Gerald Lorez Turner

Gerald Lorez Turner, 58, of McCool, MS., passed on Saturday, August 28, 2021, in Winston County Mississippi. Graveside Service will be Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., from Mount Nebo Cemetery, (in the Spay Community), Weir, MS. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home, Louisville Location. Gerald was preceded in death by his Sister, Wanda Turner and brother Carl Turner. He is survived by his son, Ju'Vante Turner, Louisville, MS., Mother, Gladys Ward, McCool, MS.; Brother, Marcus Ward, Arlington, VA.,

Wimbly J. Hankins

Bro. Wimbly J. Hankins, 92, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at the MS State Veterans Home in Kosciusko, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 5th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Lori Lee officiating. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until the service time at the funeral home. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bro. Hankins was born February 19, 1929, in Laurel, MS, to Rev. Walter and Vera Hankins in Biloxi, MS. He became a born-again Christian at the age of 15. In 1946, he moved to Tupelo, MS, to attend the Pentecostal Bible Institute. From there he went full time as a traveling evangelist. While conducting an evangelistic revival in Prichard, Al, he met a young church member, Mary Eunice Coleman. They were married on July 12, 1949. For two years, they traveled extensively in evangelist work. Then they pastored a church in Sheffield, Al, and eventually moved to New Orleans, LA, where their two children were born, Debora Ann and Daniel Brian.

While in New Orleans, Bro Hankins was drafted into the U. S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, from August 1954 until March 1955. Upon completing his training, he was stationed at Landstube, Germany until he was discharged. From there he returned home to New Orleans and attended Loyola University and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in business administration in 1959. He accepted a job with Arthur Anderson and Company, an accounting firm. There he passed the Certified Public Accountant exam and worked as an accountant in Metairie, LA. He also served as an assistant pastor and founded a church. Then in November 1966, he and his family moved to Walpole, MA, where Bro. Hankins was offered a position with the United Fruit Company in Boston, MA. He and his family lived there for 36 years. While living there, they pioneered a church in Norwood, MA, which was later moved to Walpole. He and Mrs. Hankins pastored that church for over thirty years and retired in 1998. In 2002, they moved to Brandon, MS, where they lived when Mrs. Hankins passed away on February 24, 1916. They were faithful members of Southside Assembly of God. Bro Hankins continued to live alone until 2021, when his health began to decline and in March he moved to the MS State Veterans Home in Kosciusko, MS.

Bro. Hankins leaves behind two granddaughters, Erica (Nick) Brooks and Kristin Vegh; a great grandson, Keegan Brooks, all from North Scituate, RI; two sisters-in-law, Tommie Hankins of Pascagoula, MS, and Charlene Price of Louisville, MS, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Coleman Hankins; his parents, Rev. and Mrs. Walter Hankins; a daughter, Deborah Vegh; a son, Daniel Hankins; a sister, Virginia Ruth; and a brother, Kendall Hankins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mercy House/Teen Challenge, Georgetown, MS, or Southside Assembly of God, 665 Raymond Road, Jackson, MS, 39204.

Pallbearers will be Brad Addkison, Keith Hankins, Noah Hankins, Joel Price, Kevin Price, and Ron Richardson.