Betty Jean McClelland Gillis

Betty Jean McClelland Gillis, 84, passed away on August 28, 2022 at Baptist Hospital in Memphis, TN. She was retired former co-owner of Sturgis Café.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Alton Gillis; and her parents, Henry (Hub) McClelland and Elma Wilson McClelland; sisters, Louise McGinnis, Margaret Malone; and brothers, Curtis McClelland, R B McClelland, and Hubert McClelland.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Williams (Tommy) of Pheba, MS, and Cynthia Hunt (Warren) of Ackerman, MS; son, James Alton Gillis (Lynn) of Sturgis, MS; grandchildren, Amanda Rebaldo (Blake), Hayden Gillis (Jayne), Malinda (Mindy) Hunt, Jordan Hunt, and Tyler Hunt (Kristen); several great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the graveside following at 3:00 p.m. in McClelland Cemetery in Sturgis. Rev. Charles White and Rev. Melvin Mordecai will conduct the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis, TN in honor of her granddaughter, Jordan Hunt.

Bobby Lee Clark

Bobby Lee Clark, 75, of Louisville, MS., passed on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Home Away from Home, Nursing facility, Crawford, Mississippi. Funeral Service will be Sunday, September 4, 2022 at 2 p.m., from Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be Saturday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Mount Pisgah Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Grady Coleman

Grady Wayne Coleman, age 87, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 31 at Friendship Baptist Church, 5491 Craig Springs Road, Sturgis, Mississippi, with Bro. Jeremy McCrory and Bro. Tim Buchanan officiating. Visitation will be at the church on the day of the service from 1 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow in Craig Springs Cemetery in Oktibbeha County.

Grady was born December 17, 1934, to Burry and Bessie Eskridge Coleman of the Craig Springs Community. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. During his career, Grady attained the rank of Journeyman Pipefitter. He later retired from the Sara Lee Corporation, formerly Bryan Foods, in West Point, Mississippi. Grady was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed running the tiller in his garden, tending his cows, or just riding around on the tractor. He enjoyed music and the dancing at the Longview Opry as long as he was able to attend. Grady relished the time he spent with others and liked to get in his truck and ride and visit in the community.

Grady is survived by his loving wife of almost 69 years Klinelle Vickers Coleman of the Craig Springs Community. He also leaves behind two daughters: Gayenell McClelland and husband James “Bomb” McClelland and Michele Milner and husband Daniel Milner all of Sturgis. One of his greatest joys was being “Daddy C” to his grandchildren: Jay McClelland, Bridget (J. T.) Tucker and Tyler Milner; as well as his great-grandchildren: Lauren (Kaleb) Fulgham, Coleman McClelland, Carter McClelland, John Thomas Tucker, Jack Tucker, and Jake Tucker. He is also survived by his sister Frances Prisock and his brother Alfred (Peggy) Coleman in addition to his loving nieces, nephews, and many friends. Grady was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings: Carlene Elrod, Pauline Green, Shirley Griffin, and Thomas Coleman.

Serving as pallbearers are Jay McClelland, Coleman McClelland, Carter McClelland, Stan Coleman, Vick Pitts, and Keith Vickers. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in honor of Grady be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org/memorials or to The Baptist Children's Village, P. O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060-0027.

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.

Donnie Dale Wilson

Donnie Dale Wilson, 69, of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at the VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS. Funeral service will be Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11 a.m., from Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oliver Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Mamie Sue Hudson

 

Mamie Sue Hudson, 76, of Noxapater, MS., passed on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at the Winston County Nursing Home, Louisville, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Mount Vernon Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Silas Alton McCool

Silas Alton McCool, age 85, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, at Choctaw Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Ackerman, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, August 25 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi, with Bro. David Bryan and Bro. Martin McCool officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow in Rural Hill Cemetery.

Alton was born November 16, 1936, to Lathon and Mable Shumaker McCool in Winston County, Mississippi. He was a member of Doty Springs Baptist Church. Alton enjoyed many outdoor activities especially gardening, riding his tractor, farming, and his livestock collection of chickens, cows, ducks, and rabbits. He often spoke of his younger days and his adventures of working on a river boat.

Alton is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Sue Steed McCool of Louisville. He is also survived by his children: David McCool and wife Jeanenne, Dan McCool and wife Kathy, and Debbie Sullivan all of Louisville, and Dinah Kay Bryan and husband David of Carthage, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “PawPaw” to his three grandchildren: Conner (Sandy) McCool, John “Jes” Sullivan, and Emma Bryan. He also leaves behind a brother R. L. McCool. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Jewel McCool, Gene McCool, Dannie Mae Nicolais, Willie Mae Wood, Paul McCool, James McCool, and Thomas McCool.

Serving as pallbearers are David Bryan, Denny McCool, and Martin McCool. Memorial contributions in honor of Alton may be given to Rural Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Mrs. Dale Shumaker, 12878 Highway 14 West, McCool, MS 39108.

Ima Jean Foster

Mrs. Ima Jean Foster, 86, of Louisville, Mississippi, passed on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at her home. Funeral service will be Friday, August 26, 2022 at Mount Moriah M. B. Church, with Burial in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Randy Triplett

Randy Triplett, 65, of Noxapater, Mississippi, passed on Friday, August 19, 2022 at his home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 2 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Saint James Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Robert McDonald

Robert McDonald, 66, of Noxapater, Mississippi, passed on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at Rush Speciality Hospital, Meridian, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, August 27, 2022 at 11 a.m., from Pleasant Ridge M. B. Chruch, with burial in the Mount Vernon Church Cemetery, Noxapater, MS. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

William "Coach Billy" Brown

Funeral services for William "Coach Billy" Brown will be held Monday, August 22nd at DeKalb Baptist Church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 am to 11 am. Rev. James Ruffin will be officiating the service, followed by burial at Center Ridge Baptist Cemetery. Webb & Stephens Funeral Home of DeKalb is in charge of arrangements.

Coach Brown, 88, passed away at John C. Stennis Hospital late Thursday evening, August 18, 2022.
He graduated from DeKalb High School in 1952 where he played all sports and was selected “Most Popular” his senior year. Coach attended East Mississippi Junior College where he played for Coach Bob “Bull” Sullivan and was elected one of the “Most Handsome”. He went on to Livingston State College, played football and received his BS degree. He played football while in the Army and later earned his M.E. from Mississippi State University.

Coach Billy Brown began his coaching career at Shuqualak in 1959, where he coached all sports for boys and girls. He coached one year of football at Okalona and five years at Nanih Waiya coaching all sports. At Nanih Waiya, his teams had winning seasons in all sports.

He came back home to DeKalb in 1967, where he coached for twenty-five years serving as Athletic Director, football coach, and coach for girl’s junior high basketball and boys and girls track. His first year, he led DeKalb’s football team to their first winning season in five years. In 1970, the name was changed to West Kemper, later to Kemper County High School to finish out his career.

Coach Brown served on the MHSAA committee during which the first football playoff system was started and his team won nine out of twelve district titles. In 1977 he was selected as a coach for the North MS All-Star football game. In 1990, Coach was inducted in the MS Association of Coaches Hall of Fame. In 2002, he was inducted into the EMCC Sports Hall of Fame. After 33 years of coaching in the Public School System, he retired three seasons and then coached football at Kemper Academy for two years.

Coach Brown has been an active member of DeKalb Baptist Church since moving back to DeKalb in 1967. He has served as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, usher and executive board member of the Kemper Baptist Association.

Coach Brown loved his ball players and had this sign in his Field House: “My Lord, My Parents, My School, My Team and then Me.”

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Frances; sons Bill (Melinda), Bud (Karen) and daughter, Penny Pearson (Chuck); five grandsons, Ross (Lauren), Clint (Jessie), Hunter and Reid Brown and Cody Pearson; six great grandchildren Ann Rivers, Collins and Mary Hampton Brown, Easton ,and Kruze Kennedy and William “Will” Powell Brown; brother, Alex Lee “Bud” Brown and nephew, Lee Brown of Louisville, Mississippi.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William Puckett Brown Sr., Arch Hammack and Leota Hopper Brown Hammack.

Memorials may be made to Center Ridge Baptist Cemetery Maintenance or Church or to DeKalb Baptist Church.

The family would like to extend appreciation to Dr. Bennett, his heart doctor and John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital Staff. Friends may sign the online register at www.webbstephens.com.

Thelma O. Edmonds

Thelma K. Edmonds, 90, passed away on Friday, August 19, 2022, at her residence in Starkville, MS. She was born November 29, 1931, in Mississippi, to Felix and Ethel(Stewart) Kimbrough. Mrs. Edmonds was a retired factory employee. She was a member of Meadowview Baptist Church in Starkville, MS.

Graveside services and burial will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Bradley, MS, with Rev. Jeff Morgan officiating. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Edmonds is survived by 1 daughter, Brenda Pinkerton of Starkville, MS; 1 son, Ronnie Edmonds of Starkville, MS; 1 sister, Sandra Turner of Eupora, MS; 2 brothers, Johnny Kimbrough of Georgia, Lamar Kimbrough of Starkville, MS; 4 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Edmonds was preceded in death by her husband, Walter "Dub" Edmonds, her parents, and numerous siblings.

Memorials may be made to the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery Fund.

Boyce W. Bruce

Boyce W. Bruce passed away Friday, August 19, 2022, at his residence near Ackerman, MS. Mr. Bruce was born July 10, 1937, in Choctaw County, MS, to William Arnold and Jenny Lee(Henderson) Bruce. He was 85 years old and a member of Chester Baptist Church near Ackerman, MS. Mr. Bruce was a retired Captain for the Jackson, Mississippi Fire Department. He also served terms as supervisor and sheriff for Choctaw County. Mr. Bruce was a devoted husband and father. His friendship was cherished by many in the community, and he had a heart to serve others whenever the need arose.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022, 12:00 p.m., at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS, with Rev. Rob Faulk officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. till service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Enon Cemetery in Ackerman, MS. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Active pallbearers will be Ryan Bruce, Chance Taylor, Ralph Skinner, Brandon McKay, Jessie McNeal, and Brian Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be Levoy Woods, Bruce Erwin, Woody Simpson, Jack Bowie, Ralph Bowie, and Donald Nunn.

Mr. Bruce is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Alice(Black) Bruce of Ackerman, MS; 1 son, Todd(Mary) Bruce of Ackerman, MS; 1 daughter, Sherry(David) Jones of Madison, MS; 1 daughter-in-law, Betty Bruce of Ackerman, MS; 3 grandchildren, Ryan Bruce, Lindsey Ward, and Josey Bruce, all of Ackerman, MS; 4 great-grandchildren, and 1 brother, Thomas Bruce of Berkley, CA.

Mr. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, and 1 son, Mark Bruce.

Memorials may be made to Chester Baptist Church.

Helen Henderson Partridge

Helen Henderson Partridge, age 88, passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, August 21 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Trent Jaudon and Bro. Rob Faulk officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow in Memorial Cemetery in Louisville.

Helen was born June 19, 1934, to Stance “Red” and Ethel Reynolds Henderson in Mississippi. She was a member of South Louisville Baptist Church where she was an active member until moving to Meridian. Helen retired from the Spartus Corporation; then for many years, she worked as a pharmacy clerk at Tillman Pharmacy and later at Wal-Mart Pharmacy serving others. Helen was often referred to as “The Cake Lady” because of her love for baking homemade cakes, pies, cinnamon rolls and breads. She also enjoyed traveling especially to the Great Smoky Mountains and gospel singings. Helen and her husband, Tiny, enjoyed camping whenever they had the opportunity. Helen loved to garden; working in her roses and hydrangeas, until she was no longer able to do so. Especially after moving from Louisville, she enjoyed keeping in contact with her friends by phone.

Helen is survived by her children: Patricia Ann Sullivan of Starkville, Mississippi, Susan Johnson of Macon, Georgia, and Lisa Ross and husband Scott of Toomsuba, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “Granny” to her seven grandchildren: Eric (Cyndi) Parker, Bradley Sullivan, Brandi (Stosh) Sury, Justin (Ashley) Johnson, Brittney (Shawn) Carter, Ethan (Nicole) Ross, and Nathan (Sammi Jo) Ross; as well as her nine great-grandchildren: Madison Sullivan, Wyatt Sullivan, Fallon Parker, Arden Parker, Kinsley Johnson, Cole Johnson, Zoey Carter, Dylan Carter, and Luka Ross. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law Kaye Henderson, Gail Henderson, and Dorothy Partridge, and her brother-in-law Tommy Partridge; in addition to nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles “Tiny” Partridge, and three brothers Gene, Reynolds, and Spurgeon Henderson.

Serving as pallbearers are Eric Parker, Bradley Sullivan, Justin Johnson, Ethan Ross, Nathan Ross, Shawn Carter, and Stosh Sury. Memorial contributions in honor of Helen may be given to South Louisville Baptist Church, c/o Carla Fleming, 933 South Church Avenue, 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.

Larry Pierce Bryan

Larry Pierce Bryan, age 81, passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at his residence in Noxapater, Mississippi. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, August 20 at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Noxapater, Mississippi.

Sarah Jean Stribling

Sarah Jean Frazier Stribling, age 90, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, at Choctaw Regional Medical Center in Ackerman, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 20 at Friendship Baptist Church, 5491 Craig Springs Road, Sturgis, Mississippi, with Bro. Jeremy Brown, Bro. Jeremy McCrory, and Bro. Charles Smith officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 12 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow in Craig Springs Cemetery.

Jean was born November 7, 1931, to Lewis and Eunice Minafore Frazier in Grenada, Mississippi. She was a long-time member of Friendship Baptist Church. “Miss Jean” was full of love for God and showed it by greeting and introducing herself to visitors at church. She had a “way with words” writing lovely cards to many including those in her Ladies Group that were absent from their meeting. Jean was an awesome cook and enjoyed cooking for her family and anyone who came in.

Jean is survived by her children: Leon Stribling and wife Alice, Loretta McKenzie and husband Jake, Richard Stribling all of Sturgis, and Carol Ray of Starkville; and her daughter-in-law Pamela Stribling also of Sturgis. One of her greatest joys was being “Mama Jean or Mamaw” to her grandchildren: Tania (Tim) Sloan, Thomas Wade (Rhonda) Stribling, Michael Dale McKenzie (Marci Brannen), Suzanne (Bryan) Mattison, Sarah (Drew) Jackson, Jennifer (Shannon) Edwards, Bo (Brandie) Stribling, Chris (Marica) McGinnis, Kevin (Sunny) McGinnis, Carmen Jensen (Zach Watson), Crissy Stribling, Hannah (Eli) Barksdale, and Tori; as well as her 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings: Ezma Carpenter, Johnny Frazier, and Larry Frazier. She was preceded in death by two sons Mike and Tony Stribling, and daughter Rosemary McGinnis Jensen, her parents and her siblings: Opal Warner, Lee Frazier, L. C. Frazier, Ronnie Frazier, and Ida Belle Frazier.

Serving as pallbearers are Chris McGinnis, Kevin McGinnis, Tate McGinnis, Eli Barksdale, Shannon Edwards, and Bo Stribling. Memorial contributions in honor of Miss Jean may be given to Craig Springs Cemetery Fund, c/o Renee Pinnix Howell, 2406 Wade Road, Starkville, MS 39759.

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.

Jimmy Boykin Stokes

Jimmy Boykin Stokes was born in the community of Homewood, MS in Scott County on August 13, 1941, to Earnest and Bernice Boykin Stokes. He passed away on August 12, 2022. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather & great grandfather.

He is survived by his wife of of 51 years, Barbara Watts Price Stokes formerly of Lobutcha, MS and sister, Mary Carol Watkins of Louisville, MS. His children, Deniese (Andy) Wright of Brandon, David Hankins of Forest, Randy (Annette) Price of Hattiesburg, Brenda (Jimmy) Spiers of Brandon and daughter-in-law law, Leigh Stokes, of Madison. He had 16 grandchildren. 

 He was preceded in death by two of his sons, Mike & Jim Stokes; parents, Earnest and Bernice; his brothers William, Billy, Marzell, Curtis, and Luther Ray; his sisters Hazel Wolf and Irene Bradford. Services were held at Macedonia Baptist Church in Petal, MS on Tuesday, August 16. Graveside service was at Homewood Cemetery at 3:30.

Debbie Lynn Creekmore

Visitation for Mrs. Debbie Lynn Creekmore will be held 5-8 Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at John E. Stephens Chapel. No funeral service at this time.

Mrs. Creekmore, 65, passed away Sunday, August 14, 2022, at UMMC in Jackson, MS. She lived the last 30 years in Noxapater, MS. Her hobbies were family, fishing, and animals.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Wilmer F. Watson and Stella Marie Poteet; parents, that raised her, Lois and Darrell Hayes; in-laws, Lucille and Victor Creekmore; brother-in-law, Joe Jennings.

Survivors include husband, Ray Creekmore; daughter, Nikki Creekmore; sons, David Eudy and Tim Eudy; sister, Ann Refre; (10) grandchildren, Katelyn, Conner, Eli, Kennon, Avery, Shawn, Heidi, Jessie, Brock, Zack; (1) great-granddaughter, Bonnie.

Brenda Jean Hardy

Ms. Brenda Jean Hardy, 74, of Philadelphia died on Friday, August 12, 2022. Graveside service was held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, August 14, 2022 at Cedarlawn Cemetery. Dr. Wayne Hill officiated.

Ms. Brenda was a native of Philadelphia and longtime resident. She worked at Wells-Lamont in Philadelphia for over 40 years. She was a member of Beacon Street Baptist Church.

She is survived by her niece, Ragan Coggins of Guntown; nephews, Johnnie Gregory of Nanih Waiya and Jessie Gregory of Nanih Waiya; great-nieces, Gray and Mara Coggins, numerous cousins and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jessie J. Hardy, Jr. and Bobbie Jean Hardy; sister, Robin Gregory.

Topsy Ruth Hickox

Topsy Ruth Dempsey Hickox, age 84, passed away on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 16 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be the day of the service at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Topsy was born on January 4, 1938, to John and Ruby Giffin Dempsey. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing in church; she also enjoyed growing flowers. With her bubbly personality, Topsy loved being with people, especially her family always ending a conversation with “I love you and God Bless you.”

Topsy is survived by two daughters Kathy Clark and husband Keith of McCool, Mississippi, and Lisa Edwards of San Diego, California; and two sons John Edwards of Sarasota, Florida, and Alan Edwards of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “Grandma Topsy” to her seven grandchildren: Kassie Lloyd, Ben Clark, Sara Unseth, Stephanie Phillipson, Kelly Gray, Amelia, Carey, and Rachel Edwards as well as her 18 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings: Carol Crosby, Lottie (Shelton) Whitmire, Jimmie (JoAnne) Dempsey, and David Lynn Dempsey, and sister-in-law Dean Dempsey. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother John Hubert Dempsey.

Serving as pallbearers are Robby Lloyd, Zachary Lloyd, Jason Phillipson, Jacob Massey, Trace Sullivan, and Jeff Gray. 

Memorial contributions in honor of Topsy may be given to Pleasant Hill Cemetery Fund, 445 Giffin Rd, Louisville, MS 39339, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org/memorial.

William Henry Cooper

William Henry Cooper, 64, of Maben, Mississippi, passed on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at his home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, August 20, 2022, 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 Louisville Memorial Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Granvel Louis Jones

Granvel Louis Jones, 74, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2022, in Ackerman, MS. He was born February 5, 1948, in Oktibbeha County, MS, to Geneva Jones Lovvorn. Louis retired as Police Chief for the town of Sturgis, MS, but he remained active as a painting contractor. He was a member of the Sturgis Baptist Church. Louis was a veteran of the Vietnam war and was also an active member of the Sturgis Masonic Lodge #365.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at Sturgis Baptist Church with Rev. Junior Davis and Rev. Mike Sanders officiating. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow in McClelland Cemetery near Sturgis, MS. Visitation will be held Monday, August 15, 2022, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home, and one hour prior to service time at the church on Tuesday.

Louis is survived by his wife, Gaye(Swindle) Jones of Sturgis, MS; 2 daughters, Tammy(Shane) Jenkins of Weir, MS, and Mandy Jones-Page of Sturgis, MS; 1 son, Jim Jones of Sturgis, MS; 1 sister, Sandra Sanders of Ackerman, MS; 6 grandchildren, Alexa Jones, Chance Jenkins, Michael Louis Page, Abby Jones, Maddie Page, and Parker Jones; 2 brothers-in-law, Billy Swindle of Ackerman, MS, and Gene Swindle of Sturgis, MS. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

Louis was preceded in death by his mother, Geneva Jones Lovvorn.

Memorials may be made to the Sturgis Masonic Lodge #365, or to the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Mattie Mae Lyon

Mrs. Mattie Mae Lyon, 84, of Noxapater, Mississippi passed on Thursday, August 11, 2022 from her home, Funeral Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 18, 2022 from Mt. Ary M.B. Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Burial will take place in the Mt. Ary M.B. Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, August 17, 20222 from Beck Funeral Home Philadelphia. Beck Funeral Home Philadelphia is in charge of all arrangements.

Hettie Frances Ivy McKinzie

Hettie Frances Ivy McKinzie, 102, passed from this life on August 10, 2022 at Winston County Nursing Home in Louisville, MS. Hettie Frances was born December 16, 1919 to the late Ernest Ivy and Mel Vinnie Miller Ivy. She was a homemaker and member of Antioch Baptist Church and in her younger years she assisted in teaching summer Bible School.

She loved her family unconditionally and made all of her company welcome, never knowing how many she needed to cook for. One of her greatest joys was being Grannie or Nanny to all of her grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, caning and freezing vegetables, and growing beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed cooking and was an accomplished quilter.

 She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, J.W. McKinzie; her parents; her granddaughter, Kaye Lynette Fulgham; her daughter, Peggy Eyvonne Fulgham; her two sons-in-law, Zane Fulgham and Don Fulton; and her sons, Robert McKenzie and Darrell McKenzie. 

She is survived by her children, James McKenzie and wife, Coleen of Eupora, MS, Val Barham and husband, Clay of Columbus, MS; daughter-in-law, Pat McKenzie of Walker, La., Elaine Fulton of Louisville, MS, Jake McKenzie and wife, Loretta of Sturgis, MS, Bill McKenzie and wife, Joleen of Louin, MS, Ernest McKenzie and wife, Nora of Walker, La, Loy McKenzie of Sturgis, MS, daughter-in-law, Charlice McKenzie of Starkville, MS, Sheila McKenzie Tally of Louin, MS, her fiancé, Ronnie Brown; 20 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; brother, Ples Ivy and wife, Virgie of Burlington, WI. 

Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, August 14, 2022 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the Celebration of Life service immediately following in the funeral home chapel. Rev. Melvin Mordecai will conduct the service. Burial will be in Antioch Cemetery in Louisville, MS.

Dot Woodruff

Mrs. Dorothy Jean Woodruff, 81, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Neshoba County Nursing Home in Philadelphia, MS. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, August 15th, at Flower Ridge United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Keith Williams officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dot was born January 18, 1941, in Raymond, MS. She attended Terry High School. She had a varied working career having worked at Spartus Crop, as a greeter at Wal-Mart, truck driver, and with her husband running their dairy farm. She was a member of Flower Ridge United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pat Woodruff; and her parents, Marie and Thurman Whitehead.

Mrs. Woodruff is survived by her daughter, Donna (Ricky) Martinez of Louisville, MS; a son, Patrick Woodruff of Meridian, MS; a sister, Elsie Shack of Terry, MS; and her grandchildren, Jeanne Luke, Teylor Martinez Harrity, and Dalton Luke.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arthur McRae Nester "Art"

Arthur McRae Nester "Art" born September 15,1939, died August 9,2022. Visitation will be at Webb & Stephens Funeral Home, in DeKalb, MS Friday, August 12, 2022, from 5 pm till 8 pm. Graveside services will be held Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 10:00 am at Union Hill Church Cemetery, with Bro. Chester Carlisle officiating. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Ms.

Art graduated high school in Dekalb, MS in 1958, continued his education at Mississippi State University. While there, he played baseball with the Bulldogs as a catcher. Art, aka “Soupbone “holds the record at MSU for making an unassisted triple play. Art played Semi Pro baseball with the Baltimore Orioles for a short time.

After graduation at State, he started his football coaching career, he coached at Aberdeen, Ackerman, McComb, Kosciusko and Louisville, MS for several years then decided to go back to MSU and get his Master’s in Business and Healthcare Administration. He was Hospital and Nursing Home Administration at Noxubee General Hospital and Nursing Home until retirement.

When he retired in 2010, Mr. Strickland with Rush Foundation approached Art into getting a CON for a hospital in DeKalb which with a lot of time spent with supervisors, members of the community and state representatives. The CON was received, he was so proud and happy that they would be able to have a first-class hospital named John C. Stennis, in his hometown of DeKalb. Art had many accomplishments in his lifetime.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Annette Nester; his first wife, Pattie Nester, and stepson, Anthony Crofford.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Nester, DeKalb; stepdaughter, Amy (Shawn) Walker, Brandon MS; stepdaughter in law, Paula Crofford of Pearl, MS; step grands, Victoria (Adam) Carr, Elizabeth and Courtney Coulter of Brandon, Ms., Hunter and Julianna Crofford, Carthage, MS; great granddaughter Raeleigh Madison Carr, Brandon, MS; a brother, James Ray (Judy) Nester of Dallas, TX; a sister, Martha Sue Kirkland of Dekalb along with many nephews and nieces and friends.

Pallbearers are Hunter Crofford, Wayne Eaves, Jerry Tiller, Jimmy Lee White, Thad Holcomb, Ben Holcomb, and Daniel Hunt. Honorary pallbearers will be all the young men who played football, and the coaches who were on the sidelines with him during his coaching career. A special thank you to the wonderful and loving staff of Quality Hospice in Philadelphia, MS.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Union Hill Cemetery Fund, Grace Baptist of Philadelphia Building Fund and/or to the Dementia/Alzheimer’s association in his memory.

Felicia Marchell Moore

Felicia Marchell Moore, 39, of Louisville, Mississippi, passed on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at her home. Funeral service will be Friday, August 12, 2022, at 1 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Georgia M. Busby

Georgia M. Busby passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022, at her residence near Ackerman, MS. Mrs. Busby was born November 22, 1922, in Choctaw County, MS, to John and Juanita (Miller) Tennyson. She was 99 years old and a member of Bethany Baptist Church near Ackerman, MS. 

Mrs. Busby along with her late husband and son, were business owners in the Town of Ackerman for many years. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 8, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS, with Eugene Worrell and Rev. Danny Irvin officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. till service time at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Salem Independent Methodist Cemetery near Ackerman, MS. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.

Mrs. Busby is survived by her daughter-in-law, Janet Busby of Ackerman, MS; two sisters, Vera Worrell of Ackerman, MS, and Carrie Lou Prewitt-McAdams of Ackerman, MS; one grandson, Dwayne Busby of Ackerman, MS; 2 great-grandchildren, Macey Rae Busby and Bryce Busby.

Mrs. Busby was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas J. Busby; one son, Tony Busby; and four brothers, K.W. Tennyson, Doyle Tennyson, James William Tennyson, and R.C. Tennyson.

Joyce Kemp

Joyce N. Kemp, 86, passed away Friday, August 5, 2022, at her residence near Ackerman, MS. She was born May 21, 1936, in Choctaw County, MS to Thomas Clifton and Verna Estelle(Hopkins) Nowell. Mrs. Kemp was a member of the Ackerman Church of Christ. She was a wife, mother, homemaker, and kept children in her home for many years.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday August 9, 2022 at 12:00 PM at Ackerman Church of Christ with Bro. Paul Mowrer officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time beginning at 11:00 a.m. Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman, MS is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Kemp is survived by 3 daughters, Melissa(Ranny) Jones of Ackerman, MS, Angie(Jamie) Simpson of Ackerman, MS, and Joni(Jonathan) Weeks of Ackerman, MS; 3 sons, Dewain Lee of Ackerman, MS, Perry(Tina) Lee of Ackerman, MS, and Gary(Sherry) Lee of Ackerman, MS; 2 sisters, Patsy(Freddy) Fulcher of Louisville, MS, and Loyce(Jerry) Dunn of Brandon, MS; 3 brothers, Lennis(Janice) Nowell of Corinth, MS, Jackie(Teresa) Nowell of Stewart, MS, and Terry(Linda) Nowell of Stewart, MS; 16 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Kemp is preceded in death by her husband, W.L. Kemp; her parents; 1 son, Walter Eric Kemp; 4 brothers, and 1 sister.

Memorials may be made to Ackerman Church of Christ.

Odie Wendell Jackson

Odie Wendell Jackson, age 86, passed away on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, August 7 at Friendship Baptist Church, 5491 Craig Springs Road, Sturgis, Mississippi, with Bro. Junior Davis and Bro. Jeremy McCrory officiating. Visitation is scheduled for the day of the service at the church from 1 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow in Craig Springs Cemetery in Oktibbeha County.

Wendell was born on May 26, 1936, to Pat and Viola Prisock Jackson. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and was a former deacon. Wendell was a hardworking man and an example to us all; working until he was 85 years old. He owned and operated various businesses in his lifetime including farming, raising pigs, to selling appliances and sodding roadsides. His greatest passion was being a cattleman. He loved his cows which he hand-fed everyday so he could pet them. He answered the call of his country by serving in the National Guard Unit based in Starkville, Mississippi.

Wendell is survived by his loving wife of 59.5 years Sylvia Jackson and his son Patrick Hays “Pat” Jackson both of the Craig Springs Community. One of his greatest joys was being “Pop” to his grandchildren: Ashley (Kevin) Boler and Drew Jackson as well as his great-grandchildren Jackson and Sawyer Boler. He was preceded in death by his father, Pat Jackson; his mother, Viola Pollard; and his half-brother Marvin Richardson.

Serving as pallbearers are Jackson Boler, Sawyer Boler, Stan Coleman, Daniel Jackson, Mike Malone, Ronnie Massey, and Steve Massey. Honorary pallbearers are Alfred Coleman, Steve Coleman, Jim Hays, James Morris Jackson, Ralph Jackson, Jimmy Lucas, Stan Malone, Chris Pinnix, Rob Robinson, and Willie Spruill. Memorial contributions in honor of Wendell may be given to E320 Ministries, 3725 Dick Allen Road, 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.

Henry Leon Shurden

Henry Leon Shurden passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at the MS State Veterans Home in Kosciusko, MS. He was born March 31, 1931, in Choctaw County, MS, to Forrest and Thelma(Allen) Shurden. He was 91 years old. Mr. Shurden was a member of Blythe Creek Baptist Church near Mathiston, MS. He was a retired welder for Taylor Machine Works where he was employed for over 30 years. Mr. Shurden was also a veteran of the Korean War.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 7, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at Blythe Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Chesser and Rev. Jimmy Willey officiating. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow in Blythe Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church.

Mr. Shurden is survived by 1 son, Tim(Susan) Shurden of Mathiston, MS; 2 daughters, Teresa Harrison of Eupora, MS, Beverly(Charles) Doremus of Mathiston; 1 brother, Loyd(Dorothy) Shurden of Mathiston, MS; 5 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fanny Elizabeth(Willey) Shurden, his parents, 3 sisters, 3 brothers, and 1 son-in-law, Lamar Harrison.

Memorials may be made to the Blythe Creek Cemetery Fund.

Charles "Cowboy" Parker

Charles “Cowboy” Parker, age 72, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at Rush Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Friday, August 5 at Evergreen Baptist Church in Louisville, Mississippi, with Bro. Jerry Lundy and Bro. Jason Gross officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 12 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Charles was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on December 15, 1949, to James and Lorene Childs Parker. He was a long-haul trucker for Melton and Mercer Trucking for many years and was known by his trucking buddies as Cowboy, 290 Kid (tennis shoe) and Charlie. After many years and miles, Charles decided to come off the road and live in Nanih Waiya. He enjoyed cooking, hunting and fishing. He cooked at The Sweet Spot with Ms. Louise and currently worked at Hailey Poultry and always had a good story to tell that kept everyone laughing.

Cowboy is survived by his sister Delores Goodin and husband Gerald of Louisville. He dearly loved his precious nieces: Leigh Ann (Ken) McMullan, Deedra (Tate) Hanna, and Kelli (Jay) Rives. He also enjoyed spending time with his great-nieces and great nephews: Zach (Jana) Hanna, Laura Beth Hailey, Nic Goodin, Kenny Ray Hanna, Kady Rose Hailey, T. J. Hanna, and Aubrey Claire Rives. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Nic Goodin, Kenny Ray Hanna, Zach Hanna, T. J. Hanna, Chris Childs, Robert Childs, Barry Parker, and Clay Scarbrough. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Childs, Jim Dalton, Herbert Evans, Jerry Reed, and “any guys who have joined him at the Round Table at the store.” Memorial contributions in honor of Cowboy may be given to Evergreen Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 75, Louisville, MS 39339.

Alvin A. Garrard

Mr. Alvin A. Garrard, 95, of Carthage died on July 31, 2022.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Pearl Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 pm Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at McClain-Hays. Bro. David Richardson will officiate.

Mr. Alvin was born and raised in Winston County and moved to Leake County in 1968. He was employed for 30 years at the Carthage Corporation. He served in the US Navy. He loved to hunt, fish and woodworking. He was a long time member of Pearl Hill Baptist Church. He was married to the love of his life, Audine for 72 years.

He is survived by his son, Kenny Garrard (Iris) of Carthage; 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 8 step grandchildren, 4 step great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and their families.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Audine Garrard; daughter, Darlene McCain; 3 sisters and 7 brothers.

Agatha Jo Wright Pigott

Mrs. Agatha Jo Wright Pigott, 68, of Meridian died on August 1, 2022.

Graveside service  will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Coy Community Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 am, Wednesday at McClain Hays Funeral Home.

Mrs. Agatha Jo Wright Pigott was a native of Kemper County, graduate of Kemper Academy in 1972, EMCC in 1974 and then MSU in 1977 with her master degree. After college she began her career with Meridian Personal and became the owner several years later. She enjoyed being with her family, friends and watching sports, especially MSU. She was a member of Coy Community Church in Kemper County.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Stan Pigott of Meridian; sons, Luke Pigott (Wendy) of Meridian, Chad Pigott (Morgan) of Brandon; grandson, Kameron Pigott; sister, Faye Wilson (Marcus) of Dekalb; brother, Dee Luke Wright (Faye) of Louisville, brother in law, Andy Pigott of Meridian; a host of nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by son; Todd Anderson Pigott; parents, Virgil and Ercelle Wright; sisters, Mae Brewer (Walker), June Wright; brother in law, Wade Pigott.

Betty Bouchillon Johnson

Betty Bouchillon Johnson, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at her residence in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 3 at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville with Bro. Charles Rook and Bro. Junior Davis officiating. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 4 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will immediately follow in Murphy Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Betty was born in Winston County on February 8, 1928, to Gus and Effie Rogers Bouchillon. She was a member of Crystal Ridge Baptist Church. Betty loved music, enjoyed reading, and she always looked forward to cooking for and spending time with her family. For 28 years, she worked at Spartus Corporation. She was a hard worker; not only working a full-time job at Spartus, but like so many, she would come home to gardening and canning duties. Betty, an avid Atlanta Braves fan, enjoyed watching them play. She was described by so many to her family as a sweet, patient lady.

Betty is survived by her son Johnny D. Johnson and wife Arlene of Louisville, daughter Nez Loyd also of Louisville; and her daughter-in-law Susan Partridge Johnson of Macon, Georgia. One of her greatest joys was being “Mamaw” to her five grandchildren: Jennifer (Kyle) Drennan, Wesley Loyd, Brandi Shea (Stosh) Sury, Justin (Ashley) Johnson, and Brittney (Shawn) Carter. She also dearly loved her seven great-grandchildren: Kirby Stringfellow, Owen Stringfellow, Emily Loyd, Kinsley Johnson, Cole Johnson, Zoey Carter, and Dylan Carter. Betty also leaves behind her sister Bonnie Inez Ferguson as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband James Henry Johnson, son Clyde Johnson, daughter Evelyn Johnson, and siblings: Jimmy Gus Bouchillon and Jewell Bouchillon.

Serving as pallbearers are Wesley Loyd, Justin Johnson, Shawn Carter, Kyle Drennan, Kirby Stringfellow, Owen Stringfellow, Randy Bouchillon, Walter Ferguson, and Danny Robertson. Honorary pallbearers are Stosh Sury, Wayne Clark, Perry Hemphill, Donnie Hisaw, and Mike Robertson. Memorial contributions in honor of Betty may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org/memorials or to Crystal Ridge Baptist Church, c/o Linda Robertson, 2320 Crystal Ridge Road, 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.