Jewell Hammond

 Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Garland Ray

Garland Ray, 98, passed away on March 30, 2023, at Neshoba General Nursing Home in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, April 2 at Hinze Baptist Church in McCool, Mississippi, with Bro. Paul Blanchard and Bro. Jerry Holmes officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Hinze Baptist Church from 2 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Hinze Cemetery.

Garland was born May 24, 1924, to Cyrus Leach Ray and Georgia Hinze Ray in Winston County. He was a faithful member of Hinze Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for 49 years. Garland enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and watching sports. He was also a Mason for more than 50 years. He worked in the Forestry industry, first for American Creosote and later, he was self-employed at Southern Timber Company. He answered the call of his country by serving in the United States Army during World War II.

Garland is survived by his daughter, Janice Greene and husband, Marion, of McCool. One of his greatest joys was being “PaPaw” to his granddaughter, Susan Byrd and husband, Pat; and his great-grandchildren, Michael and Laurie Byrd. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Z. Shumaker; his parents; four brothers, William “Cleo” Ray, Wallace Ray, Hinze Ray, and B. J. Ray; and his sister, Jewelene Shumaker.

Serving as pallbearers are Joey Ray, Marcus Ray, Scott Ray, Jeff Shumaker, Mike Shumaker, and Ricky Steed. Memorial donations can be made in Garland’s honor to Hinze Baptist Church, 1645 Hinze-Rural Hill Road, McCool, MS 39108.

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.

Madelyn June (Clark) Tehan

Madelyn June (Clark) Tehan passed away on March 23, 2023, at the age of 96. She was born on the March 19, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Chester Arthur Clark Sr. and Mabel Clara (Dilley) Clark.

Madelyn grew up in St. Louis as the daughter of a St. Louis policeman. She always said she could not get away with anything because many police officers knew her father. She was a bit of a rebel growing up. Occasionally, Madelyn and her best friend would skip school to watch boat traffic on the Mississippi River. She attended Blewett High School in St. Louis. She was a descendant of some of the first families of America, specifically the Clark, Dilley and Carden clans.

Madelyn married the love of her life, a USN Seabee, George Edward Tehan on
February 6, 1945. After WWII and the return of her sailor from Okinawa, they moved to Valley Park, MO. In 1948, they moved to Breckenridge Hills, MO and started raising their family. The family attended St, Gregory’s Catholic Church in St. Ann, MO. Madelyn was a part of the women’s church auxiliary. She volunteered as a cub scout and brownie leader.

The family, now sporting three sons and one daughter, left St. Louis in 1961 to move to Brinkley, AR where the fourth son, George, was born. Over the years they moved from Arkansas to Mississippi, Virginia, Michigan and then back to Virginia. They spent the last 27 years of marriage living in Virginia. They resided in Lexington, Fincastle and finally Midlothian. While living in Fincastle, Mom worked as a receptionist at a doctor’s office and as a salesclerk in a department store in Daleville, VA. They also attended church at the Church of the Transfiguration Catholic Church in Fincastle.

During the Christmas season, Madelyn and George dressed as Mr. & Mrs. Claus and visited elementary schools passing out wooden toys to children for several years. They also visited nursing homes as their alter egos. This was one of their greatest joys. Madelyn and George were married for 59 years before his death in 2004. Together they formed a family that would be their legacy.

After George’s death, Madelyn created a life of her own. Madelyn had married at an early age and had never been on her own. We were proud of her as she navigated the next journey of her life. Her daughter, Cathy, aided her in this journey until her death in 2013. Cathy’s death had a profound effect on Madelyn, and she lamented that a mother should not outlive her children.

Madelyn attended church at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Powhatan, VA where she was active in the auxiliary and sang in the choir. She was an avid reader and always had a desire to learn. She spent many hours taking courses, listening to lectures, exercising, and playing games at the Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield, VA. She continued to live alone until late 2016. Her trusted companion was her 13-year-old husky, Sasha, which she had to place for adoption upon moving to an assisted living facility. Parting with her companion was heart wrenching for her.

She moved into the Beehive Homes, first in Philadelphia, MS then to Louisville, MS where her son Tom and his wife Jackie live. They spent many hours since 2016 aiding Madelyn and caring for her. Their dedication to her care was exemplary, especially during Madelyn’s last few months of 2023. Mom’s faith was strong in believing that Jesus Christ was her savior. When she could no longer attend church, Tom brought and administered communion to her.

Madelyn’s eyesight was failing but she was able to listen to books-on-tape. She enjoyed her westerns on TV that she could barely see. Madelyn cherished the frequent visits with Tom and Jackie. She also held dear the visits from her other sons and their wives, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was immensely grateful for the many phone calls that she received from friends and relatives that were near and far.

The largest gathering of the family was a surprise party for her 90th birthday in which most of her family members attended. Another, smaller party was held for her 95th birthday.
Madelyn is survived by her sons and their wives: Robert Tehan (Linda) of Sheridan, AR; Thomas Tehan (Jackie) of Louisville, MS; Michael Tehan (Fran) of Glendale, AZ; George Tehan (Sulema) of Brentwood, MD. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George, her daughter, Catherine Diane (Tehan) Rackley and Cathy’s husband David Harold Rackley; her brother, Chester Arthur Clark Jr.; her sister Marian Rae (Clark) Swanson and Marian’s husband William Albert Swanson. She was also preceded in death by one great grandchild.

A funeral mass will be conducted at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Louisville, Mississippi, at 10:00 am on March 31, 2023. Visitation with the family will be at 9:30 am.

An inurnment ceremony will take place at 2:30 p.m. on April 20th in the chapel at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia, VA where her husband is buried. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Madelyn’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Everett Demerror Brown

Everett Demerror Brown, 43, of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 2 p.m., from Still Valley M. B. Church, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday, March 31, 2023, 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.

Arnetha Juanita Campbell

Arnetha Juanita Campbell, 91, of Louisville, MS., passed on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the Jeff Anderson Hospital, Meridian, MS. Graveside service will be Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11 a.m., from Louisville Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 9 a.m., until 10:30 a.m. from the Funeral Home. Miss Campbell was born January 8, 1932, in Berkeley, Virginia.

Jimmie Earl Coleman

Jimmie Earl Coleman, age 66, passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023. The funeral service will be Thursday, March 23, 2023 at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at New Zion M B Church Cemetery.

Joey Boler

Services for Joey Boler will be held Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Durward Stanton officiating. Burial will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery in Philadelphia, MS. Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.

A native of Neshoba County, he was a longtime resident of Vaiden, MS, and retired from the MS Dept. of Health where he worked as an environmentalist. He was an umpire for baseball and softball, and a referee for football and basketball for numerous years. He was an avid MSU fan of all sports and enjoyed attending any sports activities that involved his grandchildren. Mr. Boler was a member of New Salem Baptist Church in Vaiden.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Pam Boler of Vaiden; daughters, Melanie Mitchell (John) of Grenada and Jennifer Collins-Killen (Robert) of Philadelphia; son, Michael Boler (Jessica) of Prattville, AL; six grandchildren, Peyton, Matt, and Mallory Mitchell, Christian and Logan Collins, and Mary Kymbal Boler; sister, Glenda Boler of Philadelphia.

Mr. Boler was preceded in death by parents, Eugene and Sue Boler.

Pallbearers are John Mitchell, Robert Killen, Christian Collins, Peyton Mitchell, Matt Mitchell, Logan Collins, Todd Ables and Joe Don Jones.

Chance Quarles Taylor

Chance Quarles Taylor, age 38 passed away on March 1, 2023, following a well-lived life in which he was a blessing to so many. Chance was a wonderful husband, son, brother, friend and so much more.
There aren’t enough words to fully describe Chance’s impact over his lifetime. He cherished his wife. As the lone boy of his immediate family, he was his parents’ pride and joy. He loved to aggravate and boss around his sisters, while at the same time loved and cared for them deeply as they weren’t only his siblings but his very best friends.

Chance also might have been the proudest uncle there’s ever been. He was the definition of the fun uncle and adored every one of his nieces and nephews. He bragged on them continuously. They lit up his life and he lit up theirs.

And there perhaps may have never existed a better friend than Chance. He was brutally honest. You never had to wonder where Chance stood on an issue. At the same time, he was incredibly caring and intentional with his friendships. Some people talk about staying in touch. Well Chance did, always calling, texting or visiting with those that meant so much to him.

Chance’s loving nature made him perfect for the career path that he chose. He spent 15 years of his life dedicated to the children of St. Jude Hospital as a radiation therapist. It was more than a job for Chance. It was a calling. He spread so much cheer to those in need of a smile. He impacted countless lives and helped so many children navigate challenging moments and made those times a little less scary by playing with them, dancing for them or doing whatever he could to bring them happiness.

In fact, spreading happiness to all those around him was maybe what Chance was best at. His quick wit let him always have a joke ready to go. He’d sing you an old country song. He had some dance moves, though it’s debatable exactly how smooth they were. Regardless, he didn’t mind showing them off.
And you better not let your guard down around Chance. He was always looking to pull the next good prank to make your heart pound or make you scream, but most importantly to make you smile.
Chance will also be remembered for his love for sports – particularly his Mississippi State Bulldogs and New Orleans Saints. If Chance had wanted to, he’d have also made for an incredible sports analyst as displayed by his frequent passionate suggestions he’d often share with others while watching his teams play. Above all else though, it’s the smiles and wonderful memories that Chance helped create that his family and friends will carry with them forever.

Chance was born on September 24, 1984 to Johnny and Diane Rhodes Taylor. He was born and raised in Ackerman, Mississippi. Chance graduated from Ackerman High School in 2003 before going on to receive a radiology technology certificate from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and a degree in radiological science from Arkansas State University.

Chance then began his employment at St. Jude where he worked until the time of his passing. Even in his death, Chance continued to impact others. Four lives were saved thanks to Chance donating his organs.

Chance is survived by his wife, Devon Taylor, his mother, Diane Rhodes Taylor, his two sisters, Kerri Jo (Allen) Whittington and Leigh Taylor (Matt) Thomas, four nieces and two nephews, several aunts and uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his father, John R. Taylor, and his sister, Whitney Layne Taylor.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 9000 MS-12, Ackerman, MS 39735. The visitation will be from11:00AM -2:00PM at the church. The funeral service will immediately follow.

Donations can be given or mailed to Bank of Kilmicheal, 9060 MS HWY 15, Ackerman, MS 39735. Please specify “Payable to Bank of Kilmicheal” for “Chance Taylor Memorial” All donations will be put toward a memorial plaque

Billy Dean Scarbrough

Billy Dean Scarbrough, 91, passed away on March 17, 2023, at his home in Starkville, Mississippi, with his loving family by his side. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, March 19 at Friendship Baptist Church, 5491 Craig Springs Road, Sturgis, Mississippi, with Bro. Jeremy McCrory, Bro. Junior Davis, and Bro. Jimmy Smith officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 2 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Craig Springs Cemetery on Craig Springs Road.

Billy was born August 14, 1931, to Charlie and Lodean Carter Scarbrough in Texas. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. For 22 years, he worked at Herschede Hall Clock Company as a supervisor. At the age of 83, he retired from Flex Steel as a supervisor; he enjoyed working. Billy was also an accomplished wood craftsman—he made each of his children and grandchildren a bedroom suite in his shop; a priceless treasure for each of them.

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jean McGee Scarbrough, and two children: Ricky Scarbrough and Lisa Scarbrough Wilson and husband, Kenny, all of Starkville. One of his greatest joys was being “PawPaw” to his nine grandchildren: Wayne (Jessi) Scarbrough; Brad (Katie) Scarbrough; Leslee (Shane) Fortenberry; Leigh (Scott) Childs; Kayla Myhre; Blake (Britney) Wilson; Matt (Lexe) Wilson; Bill (Michelle) Wilson; and Coy (Karen) Wilson. He is also survived by 23 great-grandchildren: Makenzie, Presley, Avery, and Addie Scarbrough; Dean and Dawson Scarbrough; Hailey and Tyler Fortenberry; Emma Childs; Wesley Brooks; Kennedy Myhre; Lauren, Leslie, Blakelyn, and Skylar Wilson; Jesse and Lizzy Wilson; Adrianna, Andrew, and Dallas Wilson; and Connor, Katie, and Benjamin Wilson. Billy leaves behind his brother, Charles (Diane) Scarbrough; as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Johnny Scarbrough, Wiley Scarbrough, Irene Ray, Sally Oglesby, and Sylvia Jean Scarbrough; his daughter-in-law, Mary Scarbrough; grandson-in-law, Wayne Myhre; and great-grandson, Christian Wilson.

Serving as pallbearers are Wayne Scarbrough, Brad Scarbrough, Blake Wilson, Matt Wilson, Billy Glenn Scarbrough, and Gerald Scarbrough. Honorary pallbearers are Coy Wilson, Shane Fortenberry, and Bill Wilson. Memorials in honor of Billy may be given to Winston-Choctaw Gideon Camp, P. O. Box 556, Louisville, MS 39339 or to Missions at Friendship Baptist Church, c/o Martha Lindsey, 6418 Craig Springs Road, Sturgis, MS 39769.

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.

Parker McMinn Jones

Parker McMinn Jones, 30, passed away on March 13, 2023 in Choctaw County, MS. He was born in Starkville, MS on September 10, 1992 to Charles Jones and Tina McMinn Jones.

Parker graduated from Winston Academy in Louisville, MS in 2011 and he also attended East Central Community College, where he played football. He was a Coal Equipment Operator with Southern Company in Ackerman, MS. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.

Parker was an avid deer and turkey hunter and had a passion for taking children on hunts and for many of these children, this was their first hunt and getting their first deer. Tinley, his niece added that his favorite movie was “Where the Red Fern Grows”.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Jones; and his grandparents, Frank and Mary Lou Jones and Sammy McMinn.

He is survived by his mother, Tina McMinn Jones of Sturgis, MS; his fiancé, Renea Easley; daughter, Kiersen Easley; and son, Collier Easley, all of Ackerman, MS; brother, Clint Jones; grandmother, Dixie McMinn; niece, Tinley Jones; and nephew, Devyn Curtis Jones, all of Sturgis, MS; and also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church in Sturgis, MS, with the funeral service immediately following. Bro. Junior Davis and Bro. Melvin Mordecai will conduct the service. Burial will be in Morgan Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catch a Dream, 2485 Ennis Road, Starkville, MS 39759, info@catchadream.org.

Ann Bass Horton

Mrs. Dorothy Ann Horton 89, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, March 16th, at Whitehall Church, with Rev. Mike Dowd officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ann was born in Boyle, Mississippi, on July 17, 1933, to Ralph Cook Bass and Dorothy Agnes Bass. She was a member of Whitehall Church, where she worshipped her Lord and Savior. Ann was a graduate of Central High School in Jackson, MS. While at Central High School, she was a majorette in the marching band. After marrying and moving to Louisville, she was employed at Taylor Machine Works for over 30 years. She retired from there in 1996 as “The Voice of Taylor Machine Works”. She was a member of the Louisville Little Theater and the Louisville Community Choir. Her hobbies were bowling, playing cards with family and friends, singing, and working in her yard.

She is survived by her daughters, Phyllis Anne Holt and Donna Lynn Jordan, and husband, Tony. One of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to her grandchildren: Jonathan Holt, Katelyn Suzanne (Grant) Vandiver, and Ethan James Jordan, and his fiancé, Sydney Swinney. She is also survived by two nieces, Michelle Byrd and Lisa Dupree, and two nephews, Darrell (Susan) Bass and Brent Horton.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Lawrence Horton, her parents, and her brother Ralph Frank Bass.

Pallbearers will be Tony Jordan, Ethan Jordan, Jonathan Holt, Brent Horton, and Grant Vandiver.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Whitehall Church, c/o Garvin Whitten, 10954 Hwy 14 West, Louisville, MS, 39339.

George Stephenson

George Stephenson, 91, passed away on March 13, 2023, at Neshoba County Nursing Home in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Graveside services and interment will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 15 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Choctaw County, Mississippi, with Bro. Heath Hillman officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church from 12 p.m. until service time.

George was born August 1, 1931, to George W. and Lillie Mae Rickles Stephenson in Andalusia, Alabama. He was of the Presbyterian faith. George was a kind and loving man who was always ready to help do anything for anyone. He worked at Gilman Paper Company in Pensacola, Florida, and St. Mary’s in Georgia. He also drove an 18-wheeler and a gas truck. Later, he worked as the manager at an ice plant. George answered the call of his country by serving in the United States Army during the Korean War.

George is survived by his niece and caregiver, Mary Ann (Bobby) Yates; and other loving nieces, nephews, two cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Bobbie Sue Stephenson; his parents; six brothers and one sister.

Serving as pallbearers are Ray Bolton, Floyd Morgan, Hank Watkins, and Bobby Yates.

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.

Molly Durant Raines

Visitation: 12PM til Service Time Monday March 13, 2023 at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS. Funeral Service: 1PM Monday March 13, 2023 at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS. Interment: Flower Ridge Cemetery near Louisville, MS

Thomas Harold “T-Bone” Bradford, Jr.

Thomas Harold “T-Bone” Bradford, Jr., 57, passed away on March 8, 2023, at Louisville Healthcare Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service for T-Bone will be held at a later date.

T-Bone was born on December 28, 1965, to Thomas H. Bradford, Sr. and Barbara Ann Shephard Bradford in Winston County, Mississippi. He enjoyed working with James “Pops” Griffin at the service station on North Church Avenue and he enjoyed serving his faithful customers. T-Bone loved kids; especially his nieces and nephews and he attended their ballgames to watch them play ball! He also enjoyed his puzzle books and working crossword puzzles, playing cards, and Mt. Dew.

T-Bone is survived by five siblings: Kathy Bradford and husband, Drew Nash; Sharon Olachia; Donna Estes and husband, Curtis, all of Louisville; Timothy Bradford of Florence, Mississippi; and Melody Nichols also of Louisville; as well as loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He is also survived by his uncle, Billy Jack Bradford. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, John Olachia; his aunt and uncle Connie Mae and Otha “Jack” Bradford, who loved him as their own; and his aunt Walterine Bradford.


The family wishes to thank Louisville Healthcare Nursing Home and Quality Hospice of Philadelphia, Mississippi, for the excellent care they have provided T-Bone and the comfort they have given us.

Jammie Cameron

Jammie Cameron, 53, of Dekalb, Mississippi passed on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 11, 2023 from Sunflower Baptist Church in Scooba, Mississippi. Final Disposition will follow in Sunflower Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Friday, March 10, 2023 from Beck Funeral Home Dekalb. Beck Funeral Home Dekalb is in charge of all arrangements.

Arlene Collier

Arlene Collier, 94, passed away on March 6, 2023, at her home in Louisville, Mississippi, with her loving family at her side. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Paul Blanchard officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 12 p.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Interment will immediately follow the service in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Sturgis, Mississippi.

Arlene was born on August 5, 1928, to Bill and Betty Taylor Whitten in Louisville. She was a member of Gum Branch Baptist Church. Arlene was an excellent seamstress who enjoyed quilting as well. She also loved gardening and working in her flowers. Most of all, she dearly loved her family and enjoyed cooking for them.

Arlene is survived by her sons, Kenny Collier and Keith Collier and wife, Kathy, all of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “MawMaw” to her four grandchildren: Chris (Jan) Collier; Ashley (Corey) Coleman; Brian (Jennifer) Collier; and Sam Collier. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren: Ella Claire Gregory, Julia Gregory, Morgan (Zac) Reed, Carson Roberson, Deacon Fletcher, Nikki Fletcher, Dylan Coleman, and Cameron Coleman; and two great-great-grandchildren Hunter Reed and Collier Roberson; as well as loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Serving as pallbearers are Brian Collier, Chris Collier, Sam Collier, Deacon Fletcher, Paul Goodin, and Zac Reed. Memorials in honor of Arlene may be given 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.

Sennathie Shanta Yates

Sennathie Shanta Yates was born to Nellie Yates and Robert Ashford on March 17, 1979. She departed this life on February 23, 2023 at Winston Medical Center. Shanta attended Louisville Public Schools for 12 years and after graduation she went on to further her education at East Central Community College.
She joined Piney Grove United Methodist Church at an early age and was one of the best church workers God called.

The Funeral Service was Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Still Valley Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Armstrong Street Louisville, MS. She was a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, Outreach President, church planner and a United Lay Speaker. Shanta was a member of the Heroine of Jericho, where she served as the treasurer. Also, she coached the boys and girls on the Upward Basketball team for the Winston youth.

She leaves to mourn her homegoing; her mother, Nellie Yates, farther, Robert Earl Ashford; three sisters, Lakeshia Lane, Yasmine Nicole Hunt, and Shalabra Robinson; one godson, Tyshawn Norton, her grandmother, Allie Bell Lewis; two nieces, eight nephews, and host of uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Brenda Jo Mullen

Visitation: 1PM til Service Time Wednesday March 8, 2023 at Lexington United Methodist Church in Lexington, MS. Funeral Service: 2PM Wednesday March 8, 2023 at Lexington United Methodist Church in Lexington, MS. Interment: Liberty Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery -McCool, MS. Coleman Funeral Home, Ackerman, MS in charge of arrangements

Shirley Hamill Smith

On Thursday, March 2,2023, Shirley Hamill Smith, age 95, passed from this earthly life. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 11th, at 11 AM at First Methodist Church in Louisville, MS with the Rev. Mike Childs officiating. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, March 11th, from 9:30 AM until service time at First Methodist Church. A graveside service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville. Porter Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Shirley was born October 09, 1927 in Mobile, AL to Earnest and Cassy Phifer. After graduating from high school, she attended Huntington College in Montgomery, AL. and received a Bachelor of Art degree in 1949.

She met and married Howard F. Hamill and settled in Louisville. After Howard’s untimely death in 1971, she worked for many years as secretary for First Methodist church and Mississippi State University Security Dept., while raising her 2 sons, Britt and Mark.

She later married James T Smith (JT) and they were happily married for 20 years until his passing in 2013.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Earnest and Cassie Phifer; her husband Howard F Hamill; her son Mark H Hamill; her husband James T Smith and sister-in-law Mary H Mitchell.

She is survived by her son Britt Hamill of Louisville, MS; daughter Cindy (Bill) Reed of Jackson, MS; grandchildren Ashley (Leo) Hamill of Tallahassee, FL; Adam Hamill of Orlando, FL; Brad Hamill of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Lynn (Randy) Messer of Honolulu, HI; Taylor Hamill of Whitehouse, TN; Paige (Steven) Yarbrough of Louisville, MS; Doug (Allison) Smith of Madison, MS; Erin (Kevin) LaMair of Phoenix AZ; Jess (Margaret) Reed of Nashville, TN; 6 great grandchildren; and cousin Taylor Noble of Mobile, AL. The family would like to express special thanks to her close friend Janet Gerard for her many years of assistance and the staffs at the Bee Hive in Louisville and Philadelphia.

Known my Nana to some and Peachie to others, Shirley was a devoted mother and grandmother. She had a great sense of humor and was a true joy to all. She will be greatly missed.

Memorials may be made to First Methodist Church, P. O. Box 523, Louisville, MS, 39339.

Robert Allen Higginbotham

Robert Allen Higginbotham, 60, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi, with his loving family by his side. Visitation will be Sunday, March 5 from 4 until 6 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Monday, March 6 at First Baptist Church of Louisville. Interment will immediately follow the service in Poplar Flat Cemetery.

Robert was born July 19, 1962, to Reginald and Betty Bateman Higginbotham in Macon, Mississippi. He was a faithful follower of Christ, an avid outdoorsman, and community servant. Known as “Bobby” by his family, he lived life at a fast pace and was always on the go. He loved his church, First Presbyterian Church of Louisville, where he served as an elder. As an outdoorsman he loved to encourage others to hunt and enjoy the outdoors. He helped lead the National Wild Turkey Federation at the highest volunteer level, the National Board; where he served as the most recent Board President. He loved his hometown of Louisville and Winston Medical Center, where he worked as an X-ray Tech in the radiology department for 40 years and retired as the Director of Radiology. He loved watching the Ole Miss Rebels play any sport and traveled the country with family watching games. He was never scared to interject and stand up for a person or cause and fight for what was he thought was right. He will be remembered as a great friend who loved his family and would share whatever he had with anyone in need.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Carol Merritt Higginbotham; his children: Kiel Higginbotham and wife, Lara, of Brandon, Mississippi; Josh McNeill of Memphis, Tennessee; Julee McNeill Watkins and husband, Bennie, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; and J. D. McNeill and wife, Katelin, of Louisville; and his mother, Betty Bateman Higginbotham of Shuqualak, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Bobby” to his four grandchildren: Jett Higginbotham, Lake Higginbotham, Maci McNeill, and Maggie McNeill. He is also survived by two brothers, Ronnie (Tina) Higginbotham and John David (Kristi) Higginbotham; as well as his nieces, nephews, other family members, and numerous friends. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Reginald Allen Higginbotham.

Serving as pallbearers are Tommy Boydstun, Speedy Calvert, Roger Caperton, Gary Hilhouse, Will Hill, Robert McCool, Matt Norwood, Richard Randall, and Wendell Womack. 

Memorials in honor of Robert may be given to NWTF, 770 Augusta Road, Edgefield, SC 29824 or to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P. O. Box 321397, Flowood, MS 39232.

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.

Willie Frances Smith-Jones

Mrs. Willie Frances Smith-Jones passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, in Florence. She was 94 years old. The family will have friends for visitation from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Sinia Cemetery.

Mrs. Willie was born to Isaiah Smith and Eva Botler Smith on September 26, 1928, in Florence. She was a member of Hickory Ridge Baptist Church. She loved her family. She enjoyed being in the yard mowing her grass with her zero-turn mower and gas weed eater up until she was 90 years old. She loved to shop at Walmart and Belk. Mrs. Willie married Rev. Robert L. Jones on December 13, 1945. They were married for 58 years. She was a wonderful Pastor’s wife and supporting the ministry working in the nursery.

Along with her parents, Mrs. Willie is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Robert L. Jones; brothers, Claude Smith, Tom Ray Smith, and Bob Smith; and grandson, Scott Humphreys. 

 She is survived by her daughter, Sylvia Humphreys (Thomas) of Newton; son, Glynn Jones (Jean) of Louisville; grandchildren, Amy McGee, Beth Hayes (Brad) and Ronnie Jones (Julie); great grandchildren, Josh McGee, Lane Jones, Dillon Hayes, Allyse Hayes, Will Hayes, Trent Jones, Gracie Humphreys, and Mallory McGee; sister-in-law, Joann Smith and several nieces and nephews.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.chancellorfuneralhome.com