Mr. James Joel O’Briant

 Mr. James Joel O’Briant, 85, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at his home in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, June 16th, at Poplar Flat Baptist Church, with Rev. Doug Wise and Mr. Giles Ward officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Porter Funeral Home. Interment will be at his beloved farm in Attala County. James Joel O’Briant was born on March 2, 1940, and grew up in the Providence Community near Ethel, Mississippi. He graduated from Ethel High School, and then attended Holmes Junior College and Mississippi State University. After graduating from Mississippi State, Joel lived briefly in Jackson, Mississippi, where he married Marilyn Hunt in 1963. The couple moved to Laurel, Mississippi, where he began his career with Masonite Corporation.

In January 1966, Joel and Marilyn moved to Louisville, Mississippi, when he accepted a position with Georgia-Pacific. In 1973, they relocated to Crossett, Arkansas, as Vice-president of Industrial Relations for the Southeastern Division, before returning to Louisville in 1977, where he continued his work with Georgia-Pacific. He later served as President of Gulf Coast Plywood in Hammond, Louisiana. After four years, he returned once again to Louisville to where he was Executive Director of the Louisville-Winston County Economic Development Foundation, a role he held until his retirement in 2005. As part of his commitment to supporting Mississippi businesses, Joel was an active member, and committee chair, for the Mississippi Manufacturers Association.

Joel remained active throughout his life in entrepreneurial pursuits, including residential construction, small business ownership, and investment properties. In his later years, he found great joy in restoring and tending to the farmhouse and land where he was raised - a place that continues to bring together family and friends. He was a faithful member of Poplar Flat Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Valerie Sullivan (Dan); his son, Jason O’Briant; his grandchildren, Tyler Sullivan (Chrissy) and Abby Sullivan; and his great-grandchildren, Ty and Stella Sullivan. He is also remembered with love by a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Carlton O’Briant, and his sisters, Sarah McKay and Janice Williams.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Genary Glenn, Horace Frazier, Vera Hathorn, Bertha Haynes, and Turkesa Shields who worked tirelessly and with great compassion, presence, and care, to bring comfort and dignity in his final days. The family also wishes to extend special thanks to Anna Leigh Whitehead and Christy Stockstill for their kindness and support as well as the team from Geneva Hospice for their compassion, comfort and professionalism. And a special thanks to Mr. Lee Mark Taylor and Mr. Ronnie Mullins for helping keep the grounds in perfect shape at the house and at the farm.

Serving as pallbearers will be Bit Belk, James Harvey Burchfield, Allen Watts, Terrell Bell, David Stewart, Jr., Brian Williams, Steve McKay, Mike Forrest, Jerry Williamson, and Hap Hickman. Honorary pallbearers will be the SS Club at Poplar Flat Baptist Church, and Joel’s Sunday School class at Poplar Flat.

Barbara Ann Parks Parker Griffen

Barbara Ann Parks Parker Griffen was born in Louisville, Mississippi, on St. Patrick’s Day in 1938 to Lillie Mae Woodall Parks and Floyd Leon Parks, Sr. She had one younger brother Floyd Leon Parks, Jr.

Barbara was a proud graduate of Louisville High School and was married to Benny Jack Parker for 47 years before his passing. She was a mother to three boys, Jack, Jr. (Anna), David (Debbie), and Andy (Susan), and she was a beloved grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, and aunt to her nieces and nephews.

She was an avid Ole Miss Rebel fan. After living out west working as a sales representative, she moved back to Mississippi after her husband passed away. Some of her favorite things were cooking; playing bridge and hosting clubs; reading novels, especially John Grisham; and loving dogs, especially Pekingese.

Memorials may be sent to Southern Pines Animal Shelter, 1901 North 31st Avenue, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401.

Honorable Judge David T. Wilson, Jr.

The Honorable Judge David Thomas Wilson, Jr., 82, of Louisville, Mississippi, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Winston Medical Center. Funeral services will be Wednesday, June 18, at 1 p.m. in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Mike Childs officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 11 a.m. to service time at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Interment will immediately follow the service in Louisville Memorial Cemetery.

Born on January 2, 1943, in Riverside, California, during the time of his father’s service as a physician in the US Army. He was a proud graduate of the University of Mississippi, attaining his Juris Doctor degree there in 1968.

David began his private practice of law in Louisville and stayed active in the practice for over 50 years. In addition, he served as City Judge of Louisville for over 33 years and was known as a compassionate and fair-minded judge by all who appeared before him.

David was a wonderful athlete like his father had been. He was an all-conference running back at Louisville High School and was a member of several conference championship teams; he loved the thrill of competition. David carried forward that competitive spirit into golf, and he was highly talented at the game. He had a compact swing that some said he could make in a phone booth, but he was highly effective with it. He was Club Champion at Louisville’s country club champion multiple times during his 40-year playing career.

A die-hard Ole Miss Rebel fan, he never missed a home game in Oxford and traveled extensively following his team on the road.

He is survived by the love of his life, Cassandra Partridge Wilson of Louisville; his sister, Carol Wilson Kramer (Fred); and his adopted family by Cassandra. They include two daughters, Leigha Beatty (Joe) also of Louisville and Jody Taylor of the Nanih Waiya Community. One of his greatest joys was being “Pop Daddy” to his seven grandchildren: Madison Grimes (Carter), Josh Beatty, Maeley Beatty, Chancee Dalton (Tanner), Coley Taylor (Maggie), Emma Adcock (Shaw), and Joe Wylie Duett; as well as his four great-grandchildren: Winston Carter Dalton, Wylie James Dalton, Kelton Taylor, Brooks Taylor; he was looking forward to the birth of his fifth great-grandchild in December. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dot Partridge; nephews, John Kramer and Kevin Kramer; niece, Katie Kramer Jaroch; great-nephew, Wilson Jaroch; great-niece, Anneliese Kramer; aunt, Louise Watkins; and sister-in-law, Linda Inman; in addition to other family members and a host of friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. David T. Wilson, Sr. and Mildred Watkins Wilson; daughter, Loree Duett; father-in-law, Joe Partridge; aunts, Esther Watkins and Earline Watkins; and his uncle, Thaddeus Earl Watkins, Jr.

Serving as pallbearers are Joe Wylie Duett, Coley Taylor, Josh Beatty, Shaw Adcock, Joe Beatty, and Tanner Dalton. Memorials in honor of David may be given to the charity of your choice.

William Bryant Quinn, Jr.

William Bryant Quinn, Jr., 62, passed away Saturday, June 14, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 16 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi, with Reverend Dwayne Barrett officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 1 p.m. until service time at Massey Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Quinn Family Cemetery.

Bryant was born July 26, 1962, in Winston County, Mississippi, to Bill and Irene Fleming Quinn. He was an avid outdoorsman and his favorite activity was fishing. For almost 40 years, Bryant worked as a supervisor for Attala Hardwoods, formerly Rives & Reynolds Lumber Company, in Louisville. He dearly loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them; especially his grandchildren.

Bryant is survived by his wife of 44 years, Pam Boykin Quinn of Louisville; and his children: Brandy Swindle of Noxapater, Mississippi; and BJ Quinn (Dusty) also of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Grumps” to his five grandchildren: Austin Swindle, Savanna Quinn, Colton Swindle, Fisher Quinn, and Levi Quinn. He is also survived by two sisters, Teresa Wylie (Douglas) and Mary Telgen (Herman) as well as his loving nieces, nephews; other family members and friends. Bryant was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Wade Swindle.

Serving as pallbearers are Jay Boatman, Bubba Boykin, Ryan Boykin, Chip Phillips, David Pugh, and Daniel Rosamond. Memorials in honor of Bryant may be given to American Cancer Society online at cancer.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.

Larry A. Higginbotham

 Larry A. Higginbotham, 76, of Macon, MS passed away in Philadelphia, MS., Monday, June 9, 2025. A funeral service is planned for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Mashulaville Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. with full military honors and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks honor guard. Interment will follow in Shuqualak Cemetery, Shuqualak, MS. Visitation will held at Cockrell Funeral Home, Friday, June 13, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. and also one hour before the service on Saturday. Cockrell Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

Larry Allen Higginbotham was born on February 7, 1949, in Macon, Mississippi, to the late Odell and Myrtice Raye Higginbotham. He graduated from Noxubee County High School and continued his education at East Mississippi Junior College.

Larry proudly served his country with a tour in Vietnam as a member of the United States Army. Upon returning home, he began his career as a truck driver before achieving his dream job as a game warden with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Larry loved his work—it combined his passion for the outdoors with his love of meeting new people.

Sadly, due to illness, he was forced to leave the career he cherished, a loss that weighed heavily on him. Even after stepping away from his profession, Larry continued to enjoy the things he loved most—fishing, hunting, and spending time in nature.

Larry is preceded by his parents and a sister, Carol Faye Pruitt.

Larry is survived by wife, Carolyn Coker Higginbotham, two step-sons; Roy Hall (Blanca) of Louisville, MS and Robbie Hall (Denise), of Philadelphia, MS; a brother, Raymond Higginbotham (Sharon) of Waskom, TX, three granddaughters, Kyrstin ( Cody), Kayla (Jesse), and Paige (Tyson, nine great grandchildren, Hunter, Cassie, Baileigh, Killian, Aria, Avery, Alexis, Zyair, and Kylan.

Crystal Dane Culpepper Bane

Crystal Dane Culpepper Bane, 53, passed away Monday, June 9, 2025, at her home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 13 at Murphy Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Mississippi, with Reverend Mark Mayo officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. Interment will immediately follow the service in Murphy Creek Cemetery. Dane was born March 27, 1972, in Winston County, Mississippi, to Duane and Carol Stokes Culpepper. She enjoyed making wreaths and she loved all animals, especially dogs.

Dane is survived by her father, Duane Culpepper; and two sisters, Angie Boatner (Gary) all of Louisville; and Gwen Davis (Chad) of DeKalb, Mississippi. She is also survived by her loving nephews and niece, Marty Boatner, Joseph Boatner (Crystal), and Brittany Davis; in addition to other family members and friends. Dane was preceded in death by her mother, Carol Stokes Culpepper; her maternal grandparents, Woodard and Velma Stokes; and her paternal grandparents, Edward and Nadine Culpepper.

Serving as pallbearers are Marty Boatner, Joseph Boatner, Wade Stewart, Lance Blanton, Steve Palmer, and Jeff Rogers. Memorials in honor of Dane may be given to Murphy Creek Baptist Church, 5420 Bond Road, Louisville, MS 39339.

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.

Osler Beal “Billy” Gregory, Jr.

Osler Beal “Billy” Gregory, Jr., age 76, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Oktibbeha County Hospital Regional Medical Center in Starkville, Mississippi. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 10, at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.; as well as from 10 a.m. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 11, in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Tommy Jones and Reverend Taylor Yarbrough officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Good Hope Cemetery in the Nanih Waiya Community of Winston County.

Billy was born July 4, 1948, to Osler Beal Gregory, Sr. and Olive Mowbrary Gregory. He was of the Baptist faith. Among his several jobs, Billy worked for many years as a welder at Taylor Machine Works. His strong work ethic was evident in everything he did, from his time on the job to his hobbies. Billy loved being outdoors—he enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as working in his garden and driving his tractor. A gifted woodworker, he made heirloom-quality pieces that are treasured by his family. Above all, Billy loved his family and cherished spending time with them.

Billy is survived by three daughters: Teressa Stafford of Louisville; Tammy Bragg (Martin) of Brandon, Mississippi; and Beth Haggard (Erron) of Monterey, California. One of his greatest joys was being “Paw Paw Billy” to his two grandsons, Christopher Bragg and Carter Bragg. He also leaves behind his siblings: Bobby Gregory, Tommy Gregory (Sue), Terry Gregory, Ross Gregory, and Janet Robertson (Sammy); in addition to his loving nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Faye Gregory; and his parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Christopher Bragg, Carter Bragg, Kevin Gregory, Stephen Smith, Matthew Warren, and Taylor Warren. Memorials in honor of Billy may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org.

Robert Lee Holmes

 Robert Lee Holmes, 74, of Louisville, MS., passed on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the V A Nursing Home, Kosciusko, MS. Funeral Service will be Sunday, June 8, 2025 at 2 p.m. with Military Honors from Beck Funeral Home, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Saturday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the North Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2 Legion Road, Kilmichael, MS., 39747.

Robert was born December 1, 1950 in Winston County Mississippi to the Holmes and Crosby Family.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; siblings, Clemons Holmes, Annie Ruth Holmes, Sarah Carter, Walter David Holmes, Ethel Jackson and Effie Triplett;

Robert is survived by siblings, Betty Shields, Mary Johnson, Della Hardin, Tyrone Holmes, John Lee Holmes, Jerry Holmes, Rosie Mary Holmes and Rahesia Holmes; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

Kayden McCleer

Kayden William McCleer, age 11, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Blair Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 8th, at South Louisville Baptist Church Family Life Center, with Mr. Allen Krajewski officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Augustus McCleer

Augustus Dywane “Gus” McCleer, age 8, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 at his home in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 8th, at South Louisville Baptist Church Family Life Center, with Mr. Allen Krajewski officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Michael Ray Coffey

Michael Ray Coffey, 65, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025 at his home in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 8th, at South Louisville Baptist Church Family Life Center, with Mr. James Johnson officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Full obituary to follow....

John Mark Crosby

 John Mark Crosby, 62, of Louisville, MS. , passed on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, MS. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Joan Davis

 

Joan Davis, 88 of Louisville, MS., passed Friday, May 30, 2025 at Baptist Memorial Hospital, Jackson, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 2 p.m., from Truth Church, 323 W. Main St., Louisville, MS. 39339. 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. 

Mrs. Davis, was born March 20, 1937 in Winston County Mississippi to the parents of Talmadge Williams and Matilda Waldrip Williams.

Mrs. Davis, was preceded in death by her parents; Talmadge Williams and Matilda Waldrip Williams; Husband, Curtis Davis, Jr. ; daughter, Carolyn Davis Brooks; siblings, Fred Williams and Catherine Thomas.

She is survived by children, Cyrus Gene Davis (Patricia), Dr. Melissa Davis, Terrence Lamar Davis, Sr., (Maquanda) and Jordan Joshua Davis; 11 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; siblings, Luvenia Johnson (Milan) and adopted  sister,  Laura Dean Eichelberger (Otis); nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.  

Jimmy R. Fulcher, Sr.

 Mr. Jimmy R. Fulcher, Sr., 78, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025, at his home in Louisville.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. 

Barbara Young Walker

 Mrs. Barbara Young Walker, 71, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Baptist Golden Triangle Hospital in Columbus, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 3rd, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. Trent Jaudon and Rev. Johnny Collins officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:30 A.M. until service time at the church. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara, born on July 13, 1953, in Louisville, MS, to Dorothy Crenshaw and Guy Bernard Young, embraced education as her calling. A proud graduate of Louisville High School in 1971, she continued her journey at East Central Community College and earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Mississippi State University. With unwavering dedication, Barbara shared her passion for learning as a K-3 school teacher at Louisville Elementary, Winston Academy, and Grace Christian. Her heartfelt spirit shone through as she founded her own daycare, Kiddy Loft, and contributed her nurturing talents at the daycare of First Baptist Church, paving the way for countless young minds to flourish.

Barbara had an extraordinary love for children of all ages, embodying the spirit of selflessness as a devoted caregiver. Her unwavering commitment to others shone through her active involvement in Calvary Baptist Church and community Bible study groups. The true joy of her life was found in the moments spent with friends and family, always seeking to uplift those around her.Preceding her in death were her beloved parents, Guy and Dorothy Young.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Rick Walker of Louisville; her loving daughter, Alison Walker of Louisville; her favorite son, Chris (Carla) Walker of Gainesville, GA; and her two sisters, Debbie (Doug) Miles of Daphne, AL, and Lisa (James) Bratton of Fort Worth, TX.

Serving as pallbearers are Doug Miles, James Bratton, Paul Edwards, Jordan Mitchell, Zach Boswell, Will Richardson, and Bobby Joe Edwards. Honorary pallbearers include Tim Walker, Jimmy Boswell, Mike Mitchell, and Deedye Metts.