Alexander D. “Alex” McGaugh, Jr.

Mr. Alexander D. “Alex” McGaugh, Jr., 78, passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at Winston Medical Center. Graveside services and interment will be held on Monday, June 2nd, at 10:00 A.M. at Memorial Park Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Alex was born January 22, 1947, in Louisville, MS, to Alexander Derell McGaugh, Sr. and Helen Quinn McGaugh. He graduated from Louisville High School, and served in the U. S. Navy. After his time in the service, he worked as a welder for Taylor Machine Works.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Martha McGaugh Moore.

He is susrvived by two brothers, Phillip McGaugh of Augusta, ME, and Paul David McGaugh of Casper, WY.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Louisville, MS.

Sylvia Joyce Hatcher Sullivan

Sylvia Joyce Hatcher Sullivan, 87, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center – Madison in Canton, Mississippi, with her loving family by her side. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 1 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi, with Reverend Jerry Lundy officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 12 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.

Sylvia was born August 6, 1937, in Kemper County, Mississippi, to Yates and Mary Lou Eldridge Hatcher. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church. She was a 1957 graduate of Nanih Waiya Attendance Center and was also a graduate of Meridian Junior College where she earned an Associate degree. Sylvia was a friend to everyone she met; she was a kind and loving caregiver for her family. She also enjoyed going to church; and she loved music as well as playing the piano. Being a very determined person, her accomplishments were many. She was one of the first 911 operators for Winston County; and she was a licensed cosmetologist who ran her own shop. When she retired, she was serving as the activities director at Louisville HealthCare. Sylvia dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially her grandchildren. Her children described her being “the best mother” and “the rock of our family”

Sylvia is survived by her children: Mark Sullivan (Karen) of West Point, Mississippi; Jeff Sullivan (Amanda) of West Monroe, Louisiana; John Sullivan of Louisville; and Amy Rosamond of Madison, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “Mamaw” to her four grandchildren: Chasady Oswalt, Morgan Pace, Channing Parkes, and Jes Sullivan; and her five great-grandchildren: Parker Williamson, Allie Williamson, Hayes Pace, Nash Pace, and Rory Pace. She is also survived by her sister, Johnnie Sue Ford (Jesse); in addition to other family members and friends. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; and her nephew, Robert Eric Ford.

Serving as pallbearers are Channing Parkes, Jes Sullivan, Byron Acker, Roger Brasfield, Kiley Ford, and Michael Pace. Honorary pallbearers are Jesse Ford, Jerry Kemp, and Eric Ford in honor of the late Robert Eric Ford. Memorials in honor of Sylvia may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org.

Services are under the direction of 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.masseyfuneralhome.net.

Inell Foster

Inell Foster, 76, of Louisville, MS., passed on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 11 a.m., at the Beck Funeral Home, 226 North St., Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Monday, 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.

Inell was born November 10, 1948 to the parents of Robert (Pap) Ivy and Hattie Mae (Macon) Triplett  in Noxubee County Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert (Pap) and Hattie Mae; siblings, Paul Spann, Sammie Lee Spann, Bobby Gene Macon, Billy Earl Macon and Joe Triplett.

She is survived by; Husband, Larry Foster; children, Ann Ivy (Adell), Mary Odiase (Aiyevbekpen), James Macon, Cherrie Wright (Broderick), Lyn-nell Cobbins (Taurice), Larry Macon (Jessina) Khandi Foster (Charles); 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild; siblings, Henry Macon, William Macon, Irene Kincaid , Walter Triplett, Mary-Louise Turner Fairley, Marynell Turner, Judy Turner, Martha Turner, Daisy Langford and Mozell Turner (Teronica); nieces, nephews, in-laws and other relatives and family. 

Dewanna Livingston Shepherd

 Dewanna Livingston Shepherd of Columbus, Mississippi passed away on May 26th at her home in Leander, Texas. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery in Louisville, MS with Reverend Phil Fancher officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Dewanna's life.

Dewanna was born December 11, 1942, in Louisville, MS to Joseph Clyde Livingston and Lucille Eubanks. She attended Louisville Elementary School before moving to Columbus and graduated from Lee High School. She later obtained an associate degree in accounting, finishing at the top of her class.

She first married Ronald Proffer in 1961 and had two children, Lori Clark and Lisa Proffer. On January 27th, 1973, she married Jimmy D. Shepherd in Jackson, Ms. She is survived by five children, Lori Clark, Lisa Proffer, Jimmy Shepherd Jr, Timothy Shepherd and Shane Shepherd. She is preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Lucille. She will be laid to rest at Antioch Baptist Church in Louisville, MS next to her maternal grandmother Tommie Eubanks with date and time to be announced.

Dewanna was a joy to everyone around her with her smile and friendliness. She was a wonderful southern cook and enjoyed being in the kitchen. She was an avid reader and enjoyed working in the yard with her flowers. She also spent many hours doing research on the Livingston family, gathering info back to the fifteenth century. She is sorely missed by all who knew her.

Joseph Shannon Hartness

 Joseph Shannon Hartness, known to family and friends as Shannon, passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2025, at the age of 53. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sunrise Cemetery in Noxapater, Mississippi with Reverend Glynn Barker officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Shannon’s life.

Shannon was born on October 7, 1971, to Otha and Reta Dickerson Hartness. He was a lifelong outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting and fishing. He spent most of his working life working as a plumber. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Shannon is survived by his loving mother, Reta Hartness of Noxapater, MS; his sister, Angela Hartness of Noxapater, MS; his brother, Terry Shayne Hartness of Willard, MO; and his beloved son, Robert Dalton Hartness (Chloe) of Alabama; as well as other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Otha Hartness, and his grandparents, Robert and Ida Mae Dickerson.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dale Dickerson, David Quinn, Dalton Hartness, Kate Dickerson, Danny Whitman, and Dennis Whitman.

Willie Thames, Jr.

Willie Thames, Jr., 57 of Chesapeake, Virginia, formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Columbus, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11 a.m., at Mount Olive Bethany Harmony District Bldg. 521 Armstrong St., Louisville, MS. 39339. Burial will be in the Oak Grove #2 Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, 5210 Enon Road, Louisville, MS. 39339. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Thames, Jr., was born March 21, 1968 to the parents of Willie James Thames and Ethel Lou Dailey Thames in Winston County Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his; son, Jasmine LaBrell Davis; grandparents, Willie Ruth and Ethel Mae Harrison Thames, Mose and Ethel Mae Dailey; sibling, LaShanda Thames.

He is survived by; children, Lateisha Shell (Carlos), Audrey Thames, Arika Thames (Madeline) and Andrew Gordon; 7 grandchildren; parents, Willie James Thames and Ethel Thames; siblings, Rev. Anthony Thames (Sharon), Felicia Thames, Shawmeca Thames, and Brandon Thames; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; mother of his children, Carla L. Lawrence and a host of other relatives and family.

Melinda Gaye Anthony

 Melinda Gaye Anthony was born on December 21, 1969, in Louisville, Mississippi. She passed away on May 24, 2025, at the young age of 55 in her home in Laurel, Mississippi, surrounded by her adoring family. Affectionately known as "Gaye Gaye" to her family, she was loved unconditionally by them and will be missed infinitely.

Gaye lived a life filled with simple joys. She loved football, golf cart riding, and especially music. Her favorite artists included the Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, the Gaither Vocal Band, and any and all marching bands, which always brought a sparkle to her eyes. Gaye found great joy in attending church and worshipping Jesus! She had a tender, loving heart and a childlike joy for baby dolls and stuffed animals, especially her treasured Lassie stuffed animal that was never far from reach. Gaye’s laughter, warmth, and gentle spirit touched all who knew her.

She is survived by her three loving sisters: Cindy (Jay) McKay, Tonya (Jimmy) Gardner, and Nikki (Blake) Brown, each of whom will carry her memory with them always. She also leaves behind six cherished nieces and nephews: Paige (Gafford) White, Connor (Mikah) McKay, Jessy Gardner, Ty Gardner, Collins Brown, and Carter Brown, as well as her great-nephew, Ross White.

Gaye was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Thaniel and Dianne Anthony, who lovingly cared for Gaye their entire lives. She was also preceded in death by her beloved grandparents, George and Ola Anthony, Janie Clark, and Jessie Martin.

We will gather for a joint memorial service on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Plainway Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi, to celebrate the lives of both Gaye Anthony and her devoted mother, Dianne Anthony, who passed away on January 27, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plainway Baptist Church in their honor.

John Myron Yarbrough

Mr. John Myron Yarbrough,74, passed away on Thursday, May, 22nd, at the Choctaw Residential Center in Choctaw, MS. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 25th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Taylor Yarbrough officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

John was born on January 21, 1951, in Louisville, MS, to Eva Maine and James Vernon Yarbrough. John stayed busy with his mower and cut yards all over town. When not cutting yards, he loved to fish. He was a member of Gum Branch Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Pearl Daniels, Hayes Long, Rita Dollarhide, Ann Ward, and Mae Hemphill; and his brothers, Rev. James Yarbrough, Thaddis Yarbrough, Richard Yarbrough, and Duayne Ray.

He is survived by his sisters, Algie McCullough and Von (Cotton) Clark, and his brothers, Harrel Yarbrough and Freddie Yarbrough; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joe Lamar Johns

Joe Lamar Johns, “Joey”, 54, received his Divine healing from The Lord Jesus Christ on May 24, 2025, at his favorite place, home, surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be Monday, May 26 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, as well as 9:30 a.m. until service time on Tuesday at Calvary Baptist Church in Macon, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 27 at Calvary Baptist Church in Macon with Reverend Bill Ross and Reverend Chuck Cotton officiating.
Born June 19, 1970, he was the second born child of Dobbin and Carolyn Gillett Johns. Joey is a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Macon and he was a member of the Mississippi Logger Association.

He leaves behind his wife, Julie, of 16 years; his children, Emily and Blake Williamson, Erin and Ethan Copeland, Bailey Jo and Austin Chambliss; and his parents, Carolyn and Dobbin Johns. Aside from being a husband and daddy, his favorite title was “Pap” to his six grandchildren: Paisley Rae Williamson, Jaxon Wayne Copeland, Johns Wyatt Copeland, Judah Ward Copeland, Stetson James Chambliss, and Maddie Mae Williamson. He also leaves behind his aunts, Dell Johns Gillett, Gloria McKenzie Johns, and Catherine Gillett Stokes; as well as his cousin, who was more like a sister, Cassandra Gillett Fulton; his four-legged hunting companion, Sadie; along with countless other family and friends!

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Dossy and Vera Mae Johns and Upton and Myrtle Gillett; his brother, Ray Ward Johns; uncles, Jim Gillett, Bob Johns, and Joe Johns; aunt, Frankie Johns; and his cousins Tammie Johns Cherry and Deborah Johns Halfacre.

Serving as pallbearers are Adrian Carter, Bill Jack Carter, Joey A. Johns, Sammy Kelly, Santonio Kelly, Edward Lewis, Timmy Triplett, Troy Lee Triplett, Eddie Walker, and Bay White. Honorary pallbearers are Dale Chancellor, Jon Doss Cherry, Quinton Hill, Bobo Ming, Joe Morgan, Ricky Patterson, Thomas Peterson, Jay Rives, Tyler Tabor, and Steve Shepherd.

Gilbert Leon Stribling

Gilbert Leon Stribling, 75, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025, at his home in Sturgis, Mississippi. Graveside services will be 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 27 at Craig Springs Cemetery in Oktibbeha County. Visitation will be the day of the service from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi.
Leon was born August 9, 1949, in Marks, Mississippi, to Victor and Jean Frazier Stribling. Leon loved the outdoors and he enjoyed fishing and hunting. He starting working in the woods logging at a young age and continued until he retired. Leon loved his family. He answered the call of his country by serving in the United States Navy.

Leon is survived by his wife of 55 years, Alice Thomas Stribling; daughter, Tania Sloan (Tim) and son, Thomas Wade Stribling all of Sturgis. One of his greatest joys was being “Paw Paw” to his four grandchildren: Cody Christensen, Earl Sloan, Kash Stribling, and Molly Mae Stribling; and his two great-grandchildren, Dallas and Baylar Christensen. He is also survived by his siblings: Loretta McKenzie (Jake), Richard Stribling, and Carol Ray; in addition to his nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Leon was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Rosemary Jensen; and two brothers, Mike Stribling and Tony Stribling.

Serving as pallbearers are Thomas Wade Stribling, Kash Stribling, Jared Swindle, Kevin McGinnis, Chris McGinnis, and Bo Stribling.

James David Dunaway

James David Dunaway, a member of the Noxapater community, passed away, leaving behind a rich tapestry of memories and a legacy of love. A lifelong resident of Noxapater, James was a dedicated truck driver, embodying a spirit of adventure and hard work throughout his life.

James found joy in the simple pleasures, whether it was watching wrestling or fishing, and he treasured the moments spent with family and friends. Known for his warm and playful nature, he had a unique talent for giving affectionate nicknames to those he loved, a testament to his kind heart.

An member of Union Ridge Baptist Church, James drew strength and inspiration from his faith and community. He is survived by his two sisters, Nola "Gargamel" Thomas and Patricia "Bull" Gregg (Jason), his brother, Robert Otis Dunaway, and an extended family of nieces and nephews who will carry forward his spirit of love and connection.

James was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Patsy Dunaway, his sister, Wanda Montgomery, and his brother, Stacy Carlton Dunaway.

A graveside service to honor his life will take place at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Sunrise Cemetery in Noxapater, with Bro. Greg Thomas officiating. As we come together to celebrate James’s life, let us remember the joy he brought to our lives and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

Terry Dean Deas

There will be a memorial service held at a later date. Full obituary to follow.

Joan H. Parker

 Mrs. Joan H. Parker, 73,  passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at her home in Noxapater, MS.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. 

Mary Gladys Brantley

Mary Gladys Brantley, of Fairfield, Alabama, formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Monday, May 12, 2025 at her home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 11 a.m., from Mount Sinai M. B. Church, 14945 Hwy. 397, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Brantley, was born October 4, 1950 to the parents of Alison Walker and Mae Frances Dotson Walker in Winston County Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by parents; Alison Walker and Mae Frances Walker; brother, Eddie Charles Walker.

She is survived by; children, Maryum Chelena Shaw (Howard), Lawanika Demora Hardin and Danniel Tomakio Hardin; grandchildren, 7, and 10 great grands; siblings, Lillie Smith and Minola Henley (Jesse) and Allison Walker, Jr.; nieces, nephews and other relatives and family.

Joseph Scott Letteri

Joseph Scott Letteri, 36, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Yazoo City, MS. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 21st, at Porter Funeral Home, with Pastor Laurie Cummings officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Scott was born December 27, 1988, in Flowood, MS. He received his associate degree from Holmes Community College and also attended the University of Southern Mississippi. Scott worked for many years in the hospitality industry, where he thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people. While working in hospitality, he was honored to receive the Shining Star Award presented by the city of Hattiesburg. He also received the Act With Integrity Award from MMI Hotel Group. He was most recently working as an assistant manager with AutoZone, where he used his people skills and compassionate nature to make an impact on all those he encountered. He loved people and loved going beyond what was required to help others. Scott adored his two boys, Oli and Silas, and loved nothing more than spending time with them, as well as the rest of his family. He attended Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in Yazoo City, MS, where he was treated as if he were a family member by the sweet people there. Scott will be missed more than he could ever have imagined.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Daniel Letteri; his grandfather, David “Paw Paw” Farish; and his uncle, David Farish.

He is survived by his children, Louis Oliver “Oli” Letteri and Silas Edwin Cosimo “Silas” Letteri; mother and stepfather, Debbie and Gene Holbrook of Madison, MS; his sister, Meagan Boykin and her husband, Gunnar of Conway, AR, and their children, Julie Scott, Max, Shea, and Libby; his brother, Nathan Letteri; his grandparents, Elizabeth Farish, and Dan and Melva Letteri; and his uncle, John Letteri.

Pallbearers will be Stephen Dill, Gunnar Boykin, Nathan Letteri, Nyles Jordan, Devon Hughes, Justun Ross, Conner Lewing, and Bradley Gowdy.

John Paul “Jack” McTaggart

John Paul “Jack” McTaggart, infant, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, at his residence.Visitation will be Friday, May 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Annunciation Catholic Church, Columbus, MS. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM with Father Jeffrey Waldrep officiating. A graveside will be Friday, May 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM at Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Louisville, MS.

He was born on January 21, 2025, in Amory, Mississippi to Lane and Ryan Holdiness McTaggart. Jack is preceded in death by his great-grandparents- Willie McTaggart, Myra McTaggart, Jerry Holdiness, Juelie Daigre and Milton Daigre.

In addition to his parents, Jack is survived by his sister- Juelie McTaggart; grandparents- Sean Holdiness, Charity Holdiness, Sarah Adcock, Mark Adcock, John McTaggart, Jennifer Daigre; great-grandparents- Beverly Holdiness, Victoria Boteler, Sydney Boteler, William Yeates, Darlene Yeates; aunts and uncles- Lance McTaggart, Hunter (Francis) Adcock, Harrison Adcock, Hayes Adcock, Rivers Holdiness; Reagan (Bo) Canton, Rylee (Andy) Blakney, Lena (Andrew) Rodman, Hanna (Hugh) Collins and numerous other family members.

Arrangements are entrusted to Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS and Massey Funeral Home, Louisville, MS.

Henry Lee McCully

Henry Lee McCully, 76 of Louisville, MS., passed on Friday, April 25, 2025 at his home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Union Chapel Church Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Gilbert Deen, III

Thomas Gilbert Deen, III, age 69, passed away on May 12, 2025, at his residence in Jackson, Mississippi. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.Thomas was born October 17, 1955, to Thomas G. Deen, II and Carolyn Lunsford Deen. He was a talented mechanic and he enjoyed working for both Toyota and Mercedes Benz dealerships. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars. Thomas was an avid collector of wartime memorabilia and he loved to fish. Most of all, he loved his grandchildren and spending time with them.

Thomas is survived by two daughters, Sarah Szluha (Paul) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Bridgett Bell (Russell) of Brandon, Mississippi; and two sons, Jimmy Wallace (Casey) also of Brandon, Mississippi, and William Wallace (Michele) of Madison, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Paw Paw” to his eight grandchildren: John Szluha, Nathan Bell, Gabriel Deen-Bell, Sarah Claire Bell, Nicholas Wallace, Lucy Kate Wallace, Wyatt Wallace, and Bianca Wallace. He also leaves behind his sister, Gina Hudson. He is preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Lunsford Berry; his brother, Paul “Randy” Deen; and his nephew, Matthew Crawford.

Carmelo Jyterian Williams

Carmelo Jyterian Williams, 17 of Louisville, MS., passed on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at the Holmes County Hospital in Lexington, MS. from an auto accident. Funeral service will be Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2 p.m. from the New Zion M. B. Church, 48 New Zion Road, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m. from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Carmelo was born June 21, 2007 in Oktibbeha County to the parents of Tameka Miller (Solomon) and Fredrick Williams (Leesha).

Carmelo was preceded in death by; grandparents, Posie William, Casey Meeks, Jr., Mary Louise Rayford and James Holmes; sister, Fredrecia Williams.

Carmelo was a member of the Louisville High School graduating class of 2025.

Carmelo is survived by his parents, Tameka Miller (Solomon) and Fredrick William (Leesha); siblings, Solomon, Jeremiah, DaQuain, Dashun, Triston, Monteria, Na'Khia and Regina; grandparents; James and Diane Cooper; aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and family.

Derrelle “Dale” Belle Mills, Jr.

Derrelle “Dale” Belle Mills, Jr., born March 10, 1957, to Derrelle Belle Mills, Sr. and Maxine Dickerson Mills, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo, Mississippi, surrounded by his daughter and family. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday, May 12 at Center Ridge Church, 4694 Shiloh Road, Louisville, Mississippi, with Bro. Ricky Bane 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 Center Ridge Cemetery.

Dale dedicated his life to the welding industry. Respected for his skill and integrity, he mentored many and was known for his dedication and work ethic. His coworkers and friends in the industry looked up to him as both a leader and friend.

He loved Alabama football, the outdoors, and a good laugh. Early in life, he trained and rode horses, and he always enjoyed hunting and fishing. His hunting buddies affectionately called him “White Lightning,” a name that reflected his sharp wit and memorable presence in the woods and beyond. On October 7, 1979, Dale was baptized alongside his best friend, James Pugh, by Bro. Noah Palmer—a moment of great personal meaning. Music was a big part of Dale’s life—he sang and played guitar and drums with the Crystal Ridge Singers and other small bands. He never missed a chance to hit the dance floor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law Danny Langford, and his adored Labradors, Maggie and Bama. He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Norman (Freddy); sisters, Debra Langford and Lisa Ramage (Jerry); grandchildren, Collin Norman, Alexandria Norman, Lainee Smith, and Briar Mills; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.


Serving as pallbearers are Freddy Norman, Collin Norman, Briar Mills, Danny Mills, Jerry Ramage, and Blake “Woody” Woods.

Charlie Triplett

 

Charlie Triplett, 70, passed away Friday, May 9, 2025, at his home in Noxapater, Mississippi, surrounded by those who loved him. Graveside services and interment will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 13, at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, with Reverend Mike Dowd officiating.

Charlie was born February 9, 1955, to Robert Triplett and Bobbie Jean Talbert Triplett. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Charlie also enjoyed growing his garden each year. From his garden, he grew tomatoes and he liked to can those for later use; he also enjoyed processing the other vegetables that he grew preserving them to use as he cooked. Charlie loved to cook; he also enjoyed making jelly, especially blackberry and muscadine jellies. He was a heavy equipment operator on the pipeline.

Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Charlene Dempsey Triplett of Noxapater; two sons, Henry Strickland of Noxapater and Robert Strickland (Cindy) of Louisville; and his mother, Bobbie Jean Triplett also of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Paw Paw” to his four grandchildren: Maria Strickland Shows, James Strickland, Jessica Ronyak (Dennis), and Dustin Bryan; as well as his three great-grandchildren, Jayden Shows, Adalynn Shows, and Garry Ronyak. He also leaves behind two brothers, Butch Triplett and Paul Triplett; in addition to many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Triplett.

Serving as pallbearers are Robert Strickland, James Strickland, Joshua Shows, Rudy Watkins, Damon Fulcher, and James Dempsey.

Ted A. Lewis

Ted A. Lewis, 68, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his home in Sturgis, Mississippi, with his loving family at his side. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, May 12 at Morgan Chapel Baptist Church with Reverend Brandon Powell officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 9 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Morgan Chapel Cemetery.

Ted was born July 3, 1956, to Belton Young Lewis and Katie Jones Lewis O’Brian in Oktibbeha County, Mississippi. He was an active member of Morgan Chapel Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and as the music director until his health prevented him from doing so. Ted was an avid outdoorsman; he loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. He enjoyed woodworking using his talent to build birdhouses, toolboxes, or whatever anyone wanted. For many years, Ted worked for 4-County Electric Power Association. He started out as a lineman; at his retirement, he was manager of district operations. Ted dearly loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them; especially his grandchildren. He answered the call of his country by serving in the Mississippi Army National Guard for 14 years.

Ted is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Jamie Morgan Lewis; daughters, Jima Lewis Branning (Jay) and Katie Lewis Collins (Justin) all of Sturgis; and his mother, Katie O’Brian of Jacksonville, Florida. One of his greatest joys was being “PaPaw“ to his five grandchildren: Ainsley Kate Branning, Baylor Harvey Branning, Jordan Asher Collins, Kaiden Hollingshed, and Rylie Collins. He also leaves behind his sisters, Donna Jones (Lonnie) and Sandra Royal (Van); in addition to a host of loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Belton Young Lewis; his step-father, S. E. O’Brian; maternal grandparents, Virginia and Bilbo Jones; and his mother and father-in-law, Augusta Mae Morgan and Sam Pole Morgan.

Serving as pallbearers are Zach Faver, Baker Harrington, Brett Morgan, Bryce Morgan, Josh Morgan, Rob Morgan, and John McKenzie. Honorary pallbearers are Jeremy Beverly, Walt Harrison, Howie Johnson, Ike Langley, Rocky Morgan, and Sam Morgan. Memorials in honor of Ted may be given to Morgan Chapel Building Fund, c/o Wayne Carpenter, Sturgis, MS 39769.

Carrie Mae Shields

Carrie Mae Shields, 68 of Louisville, Mississippi passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at her home. A memorial service will be Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11 a.m., from Beck Funeral Home. A visitation will be Thursday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home.

Carrie was born January 22, 1957 to the parents of Garland Hughes and Mary Triplett Hughes in Winston County Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by; parents, Garland and Mary Hughes; siblings, Porter Coleman, James Coleman, Ruthie M. Brantley and Al Hughes.

She is survived by; husband, Harold T. Shields, Jr.; children, Turkesa (Jonathan) and Teresa (Terrence); grandchildren, Ashley (Jaime), Brianna, Tyreese and Tristan; great grands, Bryden, Jaime Jr., Bryson and Jokoda; siblings; Herman Coleman, Aaron Coleman, Evelyn Hughes, Milton Hughes and Diane Johnson (Alex); nieces, nephews and other relatives and family.