Friday, April 28, 2023
Robert Lee Kirkwood
James Al Owen
After 103 full and blessed years, James Alfred Owen entered his eternal rest with Christ on April 28, 2023. Mr. Owen, known as Al to his many friends, was born on February 7, 1920, in Draper, North Carolina, but lived most of his life in Mississippi.
Al was the fifth of seven children born to Henry Wallace Owen and Maude Demarest Owen. His mother died when he was 8 years old, leaving Al, his father, and six siblings. Several years later, Al’s father married Annie Walker, who became a wonderful stepmother to Al and his four brothers and two sisters.
In 1941, Al enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for six years. After the war, he returned to North Carolina and joined his father in the hardware business in Hamlet, North Carolina. Then, in 1958, a job as a factory representative for Queen Cutlery Company led Al to Jackson, Mississippi, where he met Libby Hamric. They married in 1961 and were blessed with two children, Allison and Jim. Al and Libby moved to Ackerman, Mississippi, in 1965, where they remained for fifty years and were active members of Ackerman Baptist Church.
When Al retired from the cutlery business in 1986, he and Libby enjoyed many camping trips, including driving to Alaska in a small motor home in the summer of 1993. They also greatly enjoyed riding bicycles, both around Ackerman and on their camping trips. Through the years, Al was a fabulous playmate to his six grandchildren, teaching them to ride bikes, cheering them on at baseball and basketball games, and lining up scores of tiny green army men.
In 2015 Al and Libby moved to the Orchard in Ridgeland, Mississippi, where they were blessed to know many new friends.
Even after Al reached his 100th birthday, everyone who met him expressed astonishment at his age. He always seemed younger than he was, and many people asked to know his secret. He never had an answer to give, but his family sums it up this way: he believed in hard work, he loved people, and he trusted his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in everything.
Al is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth Hamric Owen; two children, Allison Owen Miller (Jason), and James Hamric Owen (Michelle); and his grandchildren: Eric Owen Miller, Scott Hamric Miller (Abbey), Thomas McRae Miller, Julia Elizabeth Miller, Lydia Michelle Owen, and James Andrew Owen.
Visitation will be held at Ackerman Baptist Church on Monday, May 1, at 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at the church at noon, and burial at Enon Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Ackerman Baptist Church or to French Camp Academy.
Willie Ruth Portis
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Damyia Monay Savior
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Imia Miosha Moniek Williams
Monday, April 24, 2023
Frank Rogers, Jr.
Frank was born December 2, 1946, to Frank Boone Rogers, Sr. and Mary Alice Thompson Rogers in Noxubee County. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening. Frank owned his own business, Rogers Tile Company, for more than 40 years. He was also a Mason. Frank answered the call of his country by serving in the United States Air Force.
Frank is survived by his sister, Diane Beard and husband, Paul, of Greenville, Kentucky; two step-sisters: Judy Goodin and Kay Whitehead; his step-brother, Mike Robertson and wife, Linda; and a special friend, Janice Cockrell, all of Louisville. He is also survived by his aunt, Dot Papalambros; and his uncle, Buddy Rogers; as well as his loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Pat Roby; and his step-mother, Ruby Ann Rogers.
Serving as pallbearers are Donald Foster, Michael Foster, Nathan Foster, Perry Hemphill, Dewayne Kelsey, and Gus Papalambros. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Flake and Verlin Roberson. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association online at alz.org/donate or to the American Cancer Society online at cancer.org/donate.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
Friday, April 21, 2023
Pearlie G. Miller
Pearlie G. Miller, age 80, passed away on Sunday, April 16th, 2023. Visitation will be Monday, April 24th from 1 PM to 6 PM at Taylor's Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be Tuesday, April 25th at 11 AM at Taylor's Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at 1 PM at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Eardell Parker
Eardell Parker, age 87, passed away on Saturday, April 15,2023. Visitation will be Friday, April 21, 2023 at Taylor Funeral Service in Louisville from 2PM - 7PM. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 2PM at Greater Hope Pentecostal Church, 424 Penderville Rd., Weir , MS. Interment at 3PM in New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 48 New Zion Rd., Louisville, MS.
Tammie Johns Cherry
Tammie was born on June 21, 1962, in Louisville. She was a graduate of Louisville High School, and East Central Community College. She was as a pharmacy tech for several pharmacies in Louisville, including Wal-Mart, Dan’s Drugs, and Charlie McCool’s. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Tammie loved gardening and going to the beach with family. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert D. “Bob” and Frankie Parker Johns; and a sister, Deborah Halfacre. She is survived by her husband, Billy Curtis Cherry of Louisville; a daughter, Addison L. Cherry (Justin) Jones of Shuqualak, MS, and Jon Doss (Meredith) Cherry of Louisville; and two grandchildren, Kyleighe Ray Jones and Haddie Jones.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
Brenda Lucas Myers
Tommy Calvin Phillips
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Mildred Virginia Yarbrough Hathorn
Our precious Mawmaw, the name she so proudly wore to all who knew and loved her, was the faithful wife of Ralph L. Hathorn, who she put up with for almost sixty nine years. Her children, Ronnie, Billy, and Sara Claire were blessed to call her mother, and somehow made it through those years of switches and discipline to become decent adults which brought great delight to her. As her children we stared into the eyes of a woman as Proverbs says “who watched over the affairs of her household, and did not eat from the bread of idleness.” We were blessed, and now we share in the celebration of watching her stand before the throne wearing all those crowns of a sacrificial life well lived. Mawmaw, born on May 4, 1922, was preceded in death by her mother Zella Hancock Yarbrough, her father, Robert Bernice Yarbrough, her sister Sarah Elizabeth Yarbrough, and her lifelong partner in crime, Ralph.
She leaves behind her three grateful children, her grandchildren, Kim (Barry) Pitts, Brad (Britton) Hathorn, Kyla Sanford, Lindsey (Todd) Jenkins, Corey (Megan) Hancock, and her beloved grandson, Matthew Perry Green. Mawmaw also lovingly leaves behind even another generation in her twelve great grandchildren, each of whom also got to experience her love, and her devotion as a woman made in the image of Jesus. Our sincere thanks as a family extend to Melba Reed and The Bee Hive staff of Louisville for their excellent and compassionate care, to her healing companion, Jessie Carter, her earthly physicians, Dr. Sam Suttle and Dr. Dustin Gentry as well Carol Marie of Quality Hospice. Our family will always remember her legacy as so well described in Proverbs 31…”Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Pallbearers will be Barry Pitts, Brad Hathorn, Todd Jenkins, Corey Hancock, Luke Pitts, and Lawson Hathorn. Great grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers please consider a charity of your choice, or a gift to First Methodist Church, Louisville, where Mawmaw was a proud member for over eighty years.
Monday, April 17, 2023
Dr. Ronnie Lee Hartness (Ron)
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Annette V. Maldonado
Annette was born May 15, 1960, to Floyda and Jeanette Haworth Lyda in Oklahoma.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children: Tommy (Michael) Weeks of Stewart, Mississippi; Melissa (Wyatt) Pastrano of North Dakota; Kayla Medders of Ackerman, Mississippi; Joseph (Hannah) Medders of Grenada, Mississippi; Jeffery (Chantel) Chism also of Ackerman; and Lee Chism of Oregon. One of her greatest joys was being “MawMaw’ or “Grandma” to her 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She also leaves behind a sister, Wilda Bright and a brother, Larry Lyda both of Amory, Mississippi. She is preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Floyda Lyda, Jr. and Jeff Medders.
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.
Earline Sunshine “Sunny” Ainsworth
Friday, April 14, 2023
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Gara Lovorn Ward
When Gara’s oldest niece could not say “Gara,” she called her Gay Gay, which is the affectionate nickname she was called by family members ever since.
Gara graduated from Clark Community College, Blue Mountain College, and the University of Alabama at Huntsville. She had a long, distinguished career teaching British literature at Grissom High School. If you hear a middle-aged person in Huntsville reciting the prologue to
The Canterbury Tales or Antony’s “Friends, Romans, countrymen” speech from Julius Caesar, chances are that person had Mrs. Ward as an English teacher! Gara was especially proud to be Grissom’s first teacher to achieve National Board Certification. Gara loved cooking, reading, and traveling. Because her son Hal's family lived in Spain, she often traveled to Europe to spend time with them.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
While we miss her terribly, we rejoice over a life well-lived, and we look forward to being resurrected in Christ with our precious wife, mother, sister, aunt, and teacher.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 15, at 2:00 p.m. at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, 1306 Cannstatt Drive SE in Huntsville, AL with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Elaine Colter
Monday, April 10, 2023
Joel Henry McCool
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 13th, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at 3:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman. Burial will follow at New Hope Baptist Church in Longview, Mississippi.
Joel is survived by his brothers, Robert (Ann) McCool of Maben, MS, and David (Linda) McCool of Ackerman, MS, as well as a wealth of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Nolen and Katherine McCool, and his infant brother, Danny Christopher McCool.
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Tommy Jerrill Dooley
Tommy was born November 18, 1941, to Richard and Melba Holdiness Dooley in Noxapater, Mississippi. He was a graduate of Louisville High School. After graduation, he answered the call of his country by joining the United States Air Force in which he served for four years. After returning home from Air Force duties, he began working at Georgia Pacific Particle Board Division, where he spent the next 35.5 years. After retiring from Georgia Pacific, for several years he worked with a friend stocking vending machines until an injury required him to retire from that as well. He spent his life loving his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Most of all, Tommy Dooley loved Christ, he preached and taught God’s love to everyone who would listen. Living an upright life and setting an example to his future generations of what a life of humbleness and righteousness looks like. He was a member of Zion Chapel Pentecostal Church and he dearly loved his church family. Tommy enjoyed working in the garden and doing mechanic work with his brother, Clinton Earl, before his passing.
Tommy is survived by a loving wife, four beautiful daughters, two wonderful sons, a nephew, a niece, and a litany of grands and great-grands, all of whom will be named here. His loving wife of 49 years, Elaine Dooley; children: Daphne Williamson, Kimberly (Matt) Hebert, George Smith, Jennifer Jayroe, Dana (Chip) Endy, and Keith (Summer) Dooley; nephew, Rusty (Sharon) Dooley, and niece, Lisa (Brad) Hodge. One of his greatest joys was being “PawPaw” to his 20 grandchildren: Tatum Mitchell, Jacob (Harley) McMullen, Ian (Sara) Walton, Jordan (Arellyn) McMullen, David (Skylar) Hebert, Richard Crowson, Jarrod (Sara) Jayroe, Caleb (Sam) Walton, Aaron (Breanna) McMullen, Andrew McMullen, Hannah (Will) Pursley, Rose (Chris) Rush, Simon (Katie) McMullen, Luke (Ashley) Hebert, Phoebe McMullen, Seth Walton, Chloe Walton, Sophia McMullen, Daniel Hebert, Olivia Dooley, and T. J. Jayroe. Tommy was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren: Lucien, Aslin, Vanlee, Leland, Waylon, Grayson, Owen, Emmett, Willow, Lucas, Lola, Skylar, Kylie, Jude, Lily, Enoch, Bentley, Arayah, and Easton.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are Jacob McMullen, Ian Walton, Jordan McMullen, David Hebert, Richard Crowson, Caleb Walton, Aaron McMullen, Andrew McMullen, Simon McMullen, Luke Hebert, Seth Walton, Daniel Hebert, T. J. Jayroe, and Leroy Fulcher.
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.
Friday, April 7, 2023
James Earl Dunn
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 12:00 PM till 1:00 PM at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS. A memorial funeral service will be announced at a later date and time. Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman, MS, will be in charge of all arrangements.
James is survived by his wife, Cheryl Huguley Dunn, daughters, Mandy Holmes, Paulette Alcock, and Ashley Dunn, sisters, Nancy Barnett, and Jessie Jarrett. He is also survived by seven grandchildren.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Pauline (Callahan) Dunn and two brothers.
Thursday, April 6, 2023
Joseph Henry Burns
Monday, April 3, 2023
Frankie Lee Frazier
Timothy Wilson
John Cockrell Rives
John was born August 19, 1963, to William Alva and Lucia Cockrell Rives in Louisville, Mississippi. He enjoyed watching wrestling and listening to country music. John also enjoyed feeding the catfish with his family and playing with his animals.
John is survived by his mother, Lucia Cockrell Rives; and his sister, Robin Elizabeth Rice and husband, Tim, all of Starkville, Mississippi. John also leaves behind his loving niece, Rebecca (Demetrius) Andol; his nephew and caregiver, Timothy Rice, II; and his great-nieces and great-nephew, Draco Andol, Felicity Andol, and Elizabeth Andol. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Larry and Betty Cockrell and Rodney and Nell McClure. He is preceded in death by his father, William A. Rives; and his grandparents, John Henry and Orene Parkes Cockrell; and Etta Anderson Rives.
The family would like to thank those who have taken such excellent care of John. He has had such outstanding caregivers that have shown him much compassion and kindness throughout the years.
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.
Patty Rogers Fioramonti
Patty was born March 6, 1938, to Ira Thaddeus and Eddie Mae Ford Rogers in Winston County, Mississippi. Patty graduated from Winston High School, now known as Nanih Waiya Attendance Center. After graduation, she left Winston County and moved to Washington, D. C., where she worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the next nine years. She returned home and worked as an office manager for the Winston County Health Department. Patty enjoyed working in her garden and flower beds as long as her health permitted her to do so. She also loved to fish but most of all, she loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.
Patty is survived by her husband of almost 64 years, Louis Fioramonti; and her children: Marc Fioramonti and wife, Lisa, all of Louisville; and Patricia Pope and husband, Stephen, of Petal, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “MaMaw” to her four grandchildren: Brittany (Zach) Jones, Brett Fioramonti, Lindsay Pope, and Ethan Pope; and her great-grandson, William Elijah “Eli” Jones. Patty is also survived by her sister, Jane Snow and her brother, Gene Rogers; as well as her loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jimmy Rogers; and brother-in-law, Frank Snow.
Serving as pallbearers are Brett Fioramonti, Ethan Pope, Stephen Pope, Zach Jones, Laverne Collins, and Richard Rogers. Memorials may be made 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.
Sunday, April 2, 2023
Judy Sullivan Rogers
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Terry Gilbert White, Sr.
Terry Gilbert White, Sr., 89, of Louisville, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Winston Medical Center. A memorial service, with military honors, will be held Tuesday, April 4 at 10 a.m. at Poplar Flat Baptist Church, 2188 Poplar Flat Road in Louisville with Bro. Doug Wise officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.
Born December 1, 1933, in Louisville, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Jimmy Tucker and Una Bessie White. Terry was a U.S. Army Veteran and graduate of Mississippi State University in Accounting. Terry was a retired controller with Torchmark Corporation of Birmingham, Alabama, and a member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church.
Surviving Terry are his loving wife of 65 years, Myrna Loy Merchant White of the home; two sons, Terry “Gil” White, Jr. and wife, Laura, of Easley, South Carolina, and James Merchant White and wife, Laurie, of Santa Fe, Texas; grandchildren, Brian (Christen) White, Jenna (Jason) Hunter, Scott White, David (Lauren) White, Julie (Patrick) White and Ashley (Andre) Jungedeitering; great-grandchildren Kyler, Harper, Payton, Audrey, Rylie, Lucille and (baby boy) Hunter.
In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by his brother, Jimmy Tucker White, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Poplar Flat Baptist Church, P. O. Box 684, 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.
Alvin D. “Monty” Montgomery, Jr.
He was born on May 10th, 1960, to Al and Bonnie Montgomery in Starkville, MS. After graduating Weir High School, Montycompleted his bachelor’s degree at the University of Mississippi, while also serving as manager of the football team. He later received a master’s degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. Most of his career was spent serving as the mayor of Weir for three terms. He went on to work for Mississippi Economic Development Authority until he retired.
Monty’s pride was in his family and his faith. He loved spending time with his family, and particularly enjoyed being with hisgrandchildren. He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and security team member at First Baptist Church Madison.
He could often be found watching an Ole Miss sporting event. Monty was an avid Ole Miss Rebels fan and was a member of the M-Club and Alumni Association.
He leaves behind Susan Montgomery, daughters Meredith Malloy (Drew), Leslie Musshafen (Ed), and Anna Leigh; brother Steve (Sabrina); four grandchildren Lyla, Luke, Max, and Cole; Aunt Carol Wright (Steve); and other beloved extended family. He is proceeded in death by his mother Bonnie, his father Al, maternal grandparents Bern and Inez Power, paternal grandparents Hilry “Buddy” and Esther Watson Montgomery.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 4th at 12 noon with a service to follow at 1 p.m. at Weir Presbyterian Church, 146 Bruce St., Weir, Mississippi 39772.
Pallbearers are Ed Musshafen, Tim Rutledge, Barry Kelley, Marty Crowder, David Black, and Joe Lynn Gant.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Madison, MS.