Glenda Stevenson Mayo

Glenda Stevenson Mayo, age 71, passed away on Monday, May 30, 2023, at Louisville Healthcare Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 2 at Shiloh Baptist Church with Bro. Jay Murphy officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Taylor Yarbrough officiating.

Glenda was born on February 5, 1952, in Weir, Mississippi, to W. R. and Geraldine Mills Stevenson. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Attala County. Glenda loved the Lord and her church family; and, as a pastor’s wife, she was always willing to do whatever was needed, including leading the music service. Glenda was not only a hard worker in her church life but also at her job. She retired after serving meals to numerous children over the years at the Fair Elementary Cafeteria. Glenda also enjoyed working in her flowers, singing, and was an avid reader.

Glenda is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Terrell Mayo of Louisville; and two children, Stacey Clark and husband, Chris, of the Nanih Waiya Community; and Steven Mayo (Craig Meyer) of Winter Park, Florida. One of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to her grandchildren: Cole (Danielle) Clark and Cody Clark; and she was excitedly awaiting the birth in August of her first great-granddaughter, Hadley Kate Clark. She is also survived by two sisters, Sandra Babb and Becky (Mike) Arthur; as well as her loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Glenda was preceded in death by her parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Cole Clark, Cody Clark, Chris Clark, Brian Whitmire, Ben Whitmire, and Mike Arthur. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in honor of Glenda be given to Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Brenda VanLandingham, 455 Walter Burroughs Road, Louisville, MS 39339.

Dale Sinclair

Janie Dale Sinclair, age 85, passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 3 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Michael Halfacre officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Evergreen Cemetery.

Dale was born on January 12, 1938, to Clarence and Kate Starks Wylie in Winston County.

Dale is survived by two daughters, Pat Sinclair Halfacre and husband, Michael, of Starkville, Mississippi; and Pam Sinclair Lawrence and husband, Keith, of Augusta, Georgia; her son, Steve Sinclair and wife, Kathy, of Louisville; and her niece, Yolanda Wooten and husband, Melvin, also of Starkville. One of her greatest joys was being “Granny” or “Granny Dale” to her grandchildren: Caleb Lawrence, Karlee Lawrence, Glori Lawrence, Tyson Halfacre, Preston (Katie) Halfacre, Stacey (Andrew) George, and Katie (John) White; and to her eight great-grandchildren: Gracie Lawrence, Wylie Lawrence, Katie Clay George, Drew George, Claire White, Collins White, Jachin Halfacre, and Eben Halfacre. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Clayton Sinclair; and her sister, Faye Smith.

Serving as pallbearers are Caleb Lawrence, Tyson Halfacre, John White, Andrew George, Melvin Wooten, and Keith Lawrence. Memorials in honor of Dale may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org.

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.

Brandon Russell Butler

Brandon Russell Butler, 47, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Merit Health River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, Mississippi. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 31 at 11 a.m. in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi, with Rev. David Eades officiating. Visitation will be on the day of the service from 9 a.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Sturgis, Mississippi.

Brandon was an amazing father who dearly loved his children as well as many bonus children that he has fostered through the years. He earned both his Bachelor and Master degrees from Mississippi State University in Computer Engineering. Brandon also held many certificates of other certifications that he earned as well as proficient in approximately 45 coding languages. He was a very hardworking man not only on his job but also in fixing up their home to providing for his family. Brandon was an accomplished musician; he enjoyed playing the piano, violin, guitar, drum, and dulcimer but was banned from playing the bagpipes! He was also an author; having published his book, The Seventh Stone. Brandon also enjoyed having family night; playing video games with his kids; and he also liked to photo edit backgrounds. He was an avid Star Wars and Star Trek fan and he was a jokester; his family especially loved his “dad” jokes.

Brandon is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Jennings Butler of Mendenhall, Mississippi; and his parents, Howard and Susie Butler of Sturgis, Mississippi. He also leaves behind three adoring children: Roma Butler (Abbie Coleman) of Gallatin, Tennessee; Abby Grace Butler and Alex Butler both of Mendenhall. He was a bonus father to many children but especially to Matthew Glaskox, Marissa Glaskox, Blake Smith, and Brandon Smith. He is preceded in death by his almost adopted son, Matthew Collins; maternal grandparents, Boose and Frances Jackson; and paternal grandparents, Russell and Ustane Butler.

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.

Mark Anthony Ivy

Mark Anthony Ivy of Sturgis, MS, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Regional One Health in Memphis, TN. Mark was born on May 15, 1962, in Choctaw County, Mississippi, to Charles Allen and Annette (Kent) Ivy. He was 61 years old.

Mark was employed by various companies throughout the years as a heavy equipment operator, the most recent being Mississippi State University. He served 5 years in the U.S. Army where he received numerous medals for service and commendation. He also served a number of years in the National Guard.

Mark was an active member of the Starkville Church of God and dedicated his life to serving others and leading souls to Christ. He also loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hours of fishing.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS, with Rev. Dennis Laughlin officiating. Interment will be held in Wake Forest Cemetery near Sturgis, MS.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. till service time at noon at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Ryan Jackson, J.R. Wells, Tony Kent, Ricky Kent, Mike Kent, and Andy Thompson.

Honorary pallbearers are Roger Yates and Patrick Osburn.

Mark is survived by his mother, Annette (Kent) Ivy of Sturgis, MS; 2 daughters, Danyelle Ivy of Starkville, MS and Rachel Ivy of Starkville, MS; 1 brother Scott Ivy of Sturgis, MS; 1 sister, Tammie Ivy Jackson of Starkville, MS; and 10 grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International.

Troy Burroughs

Dennis Troy Burroughs, age 71, passed away with his loving family at his side on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Anderson Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 31 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Dowd officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 12:00 p.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Louisville.

Troy was born on January 29, 1952, in Winston County to Walter G. Burroughs, Sr. and Lessie Steed Burroughs. He was a graduate of Louisville High School Class of 1970 and earned his Associate degree in Electrical Technology from East Central Junior College. For the last 20 years of his career, Troy worked at Pearson Plumbing. Troy was a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church; he loved his church family and was always ready to help in any way. He also enjoyed designing, sketching, and building projects from a deck to a cabin for his family to enjoy. Troy also enjoyed gardening and was especially known for his tomatoes. After retirement, he enjoyed watching cooking shows; he liked to grill and to try new recipes substituting ingredients according to what his family liked. Troy loved his cats and enjoyed watching westerns. He served his community as a Shriner and a Mason; he answered the call of his country by serving in the Army National Guard and was called to active duty during Desert Storm.

Troy leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Eaves Burroughs and his daughter, Nikki Tucker (Caleb Swearingen) all of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Paw” to his grandchildren: Jackson Tucker, Georgia Brooke Tucker, and Kaleigh Swearingen. He is also survived by his sister, Juanita Trumbo of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; and his brother, Walter Garland Burroughs, Jr., of Odessa, Texas; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Serving as pallbearers are Caleb Swearingen, Benji Tucker, Billy Eaves, Tony Jordan, and Mark Nance. Memorials in honor of Troy may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital online at stjude.org or to Shriners Children’s Hospitals online at shrinerschildren.org.

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.

Tashia Rochelle Nicholson Willis Roberson

Mrs. Tashia Rochelle Nicholson Willis Roberson, 53, of Brandon, MS., formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Monday, May 22, 2023 at the Baptist Medical Center, Jackson, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 3 p.m., from Still Valley M. B. Church, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Lila D. Chandler

Lila Ann Chandler passed away Saturday May 20, 2023 in her home in Weir, Mississippi. Mrs. Chandler was born on April 12, 1942 to Young Pigeon and Bessie Mae Romedy Dempsey. She had a humble upbringing. As a child, her parents taught her to work hard. She spent her days picking cotton before catching the school bus then tending to house work once she arrived back home.

While Lila’s family initially lived in Winston County, they later moved to California for a short period before returning to Mississippi where they purchased a home in Choctaw County. It was soon thereafter she would meet the love of her life, Robert William Chandler, Sr. She attended Weir High School where she was a cheerleader and voted Miss Personality by her peers. She graduated in 1960 and on June 18th of that same year she and Robert exchanged vows. They were married 56 years and had two children, Robert William Chandler, Jr. (Robby) and Teresa Lynn Chandler Russ.

Following her marriage, Lila began her career as a seamstress at Ackerman Shirt Factory. In 1969, she saw an opportunity when a local business in Weir became available. Lila and Robert acquired their first grocery store from Winfield Black. With fierce determination, Lila poured her heart into the business, considering it her true passion. When asked by Joe Wade if she knew what she was doing, she humbly replied, “No sir, but I will work.” And work she did! Over the years she and Robert expanded their ventures, owning multiple grocery stores across Mississippi and Alabama, along with 2 clothing boutiques, a Dollar General, and a rental property leased by the United States Post Office. With the success she found through hard work and dedication, she was always proud of her modest upbringing and cherished her roots.

Lila actively contributed to her community, serving as a board member for Regions Bank of Ackerman and as a member of the Choctaw County Economic Board in the early 1990s. Her lobbying efforts to include Choctaw County as a potential site for a coal and power plant by TVA power utility industry proved successful, with the county being chosen, and the plant remains operational today.

Throughout her life, Lila welcomed numerous distinguished visitors to her home, including college and university presidents, TVA board members, lieutenant governors, state governors, the United States Secretary of the Navy, and an Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. However, the visitors she treasured most were her friends and family who visited her daily. She adored her home and the companionship of her friends. In her recent days, she enjoyed the comfort of her home, engaging in lively conversations and visits with loved ones. Lila deeply cherished the ones who checked in with her each day, whether through a phone call or a car ride to Ackerman Supervalu, where they would share laughter, chat, and savor a hot lunch prepared in the deli.

Her 7 grandchildren had a special place in her heart, and Mama Lila’s house was always a source of excitement and joy for them. Her shenanigans with her grandkids were so well known that even their friends would want to go with them to visit just to experience what she had in store for them.

Lila is survived by her son Robert (Robby) William Chandler Jr. and his wife Diana of Ackerman, MS; her daughter Teresa Chandler Russ and her husband Tim of Florence, AL; her seven grandchildren: Josey (Stacey) Stricklin, Katelyn (Michael) Rhodes, Ann Marie (Taylor) Carney, Erin Chandler, Chandler Russ, Christian (Grace) Russ, and Matthew (Julie) Russ, and ten great-grandchildren: Trenton, Bryson, Tyson, Madalyn, Brynlee, Greyson, Isaiah, Miles, Charlotte, and Olivia.

She was proceeded in death by her mother Bessie, father Young, husband Robert, and her siblings Garland, Paul Bruce, and Bonnie Sue.

Visitation will be held at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS on Tuesday, May 23 from 5:00pm-8:00pm, and the service will be at the Weir Presbyterian Church at 11:00am Wednesday, May 24. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org.

Bertha Jean Kennedy Miller

Mrs. Bertha Jean Kennedy Miller, 74, of Weir, Mississippi, passed on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at the My Sister's Keeper Nursing Care, Louisville, MS. Funeral Service will be Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 2 p.m., from the First Unity United Methodist Church, Weir, MS. Visitation will be Saturday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home in Weir. Burial will be in the Spay Community Cemetery, McCool, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Weir in charge of arrangements.

Billy Ray Irwin

Billy Ray Irwin, Jr., 41, of Attala County, passed away on April 18, 2023. He was predeceased by his mother, Shelia Waltman, his Maternal grandparents, and his paternal grandparents.

He left behind his wife, Farrah Irwin, son, Hunter (Chaney) Collins, his father Billy (Penny) Irwin, his sisters, April Hurt and Elizabeth (Dylan) Hisaw, Brandi (Chris) Beemon and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at 2:00 pm on May 27th at Pentecostal Apostolic Church in Philadelphia, MS.

Kerry E. Haimes

Kerry E. Haimes, age 75, passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. No services have been scheduled at this time.

Kerry was born on April 3, 1948, to Halbert “Bill” and Nannie V. Cooper Haimes in Winston County. He was of the Baptist faith. He loved raising and training horses to compete in harness racing. One of his greatest joys was seeing that horse pass the finish line.

Kerry is survived by his daughter, Megan Hubbard, and husband, Randy, of McCool, Mississippi; and two grandchildren, Thatcher and Braxton Hubbard. He is also survived by his sister, Sherry Miles of Philadelphia, Mississippi; and brother, Terry Haimes of Sturgis, Mississippi. Additionally, he leaves behind his nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends. Kerry was preceded in death by his parents.

April Ann Mattern

April Ann Mattern, 43, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at her home in Canton, Mississippi. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday, May 23 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 24 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Staszefski, III, officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Crystal Ridge Cemetery in Louisville.

On January 26, 1980, April was born to Wesley Mattern, Sr., and Joann Staszefski Hurt. She was a 1998 graduate of Louisville High School. April was so full of life; always laughing and joking. With her outgoing personality, she was the one to be around if you were feeling down—she was always uplifting to others. She had a heart of gold, was an absolute joy to be around, and would help anyone in need. Through her advanced studies of herbal supplements and massage, April helped many that had suffered for years to find relief. She was an awesome mother and dearly loved her children.

April is survived by her parents, John and Jo Ann Staszefski Hurt of Hartselle, Alabama; and her children, Elizabeth Grace Thomas and Wyatt Oliver Mattern-Burchfield both of Canton. She is also survived by her siblings: Nancy Woodruff of Pensacola, Florida; Wesley Mattern, Jr., and wife, Ellie of Amory, Mississippi; and Charles Graham of Jackson, Mississippi. April leaves behind her loving nieces and nephew: Dalton Luke of Pensacola, Florida; Jeanne Luke of Union, Mississippi, Bonnie and Alice Mattern of Amory. April is preceded in death by her father, Wesley Mattern, Sr., maternal grandparents, John Staszefski, Nancy Hisaw Staszefski Brasfield, and Kenny Brasfield; and paternal grandmother, Bette Nunes.

Serving as pallbearers are Wesley Mattern, Jr., Derick Burchfield, John Staszefski, III, Blake Thomas, Patrick Woodruff, Kenny Harvey, Randy Harvey, and Ray Dean Hisaw. Memorials in honor of April may be given to Crystal Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Amanda McCulloch, 2305 Crystal Ridge Road, Louisville, MS 39339

The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the care given to April and shown to her immediate family by her Aunt Ann McBrayer, Aunt Shirley Wilson, and cousin, Stephanie Harley who have been a great support system to all of us.

Dr. Yvonne Coleman McNeill

Dr. Yvonne Coleman McNeill, age 102, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Bee Hive Homes in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 23 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Childs officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Memorial Cemetery in Louisville.

Born on April 25, 1921, in Winston County’s Betheden Community, Yvonne was the daughter of Griffin R. and Florence Richardson Coleman. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Eugene R. Coleman and Kate Syble Coleman Spence.

Yvonne, possessing an avid thirst for learning, began her formal education at the age of four at the old Betheden school. She completed high school at Louisville High School and immediately enrolled at East Central Community College. Yvonne attended Mississippi State University receiving her Doctorate in Education in 1968.

At an early age Yvonne began her teaching career which lasted close to 50 years in the public school classrooms of Louisville and surrounding areas. In her latter years just prior to her retirement, she taught Intensive Business in the Vocational Technology classroom. Yvonne believed that each of her students should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential. She made that belief her goal for the lives of so many!

Yvonne leaves behind her niece, Patricia Spence Smith and nephew, Tommy Smith; her nephew, Michael Eugene Coleman and Darlene, niece, all of Louisville. In addition, she leaves her great-nieces Brooke Smith (Ryan) Eaves of Louisville; and Deidre Coleman (Josh) Easterling of Raleigh, Mississippi; and great-nephew Wesley Albert (Traci) Coleman also of Louisville; her great-great niece, Anna Rose Eaves of Louisville; and her great-great nephews Branson Spence (Reagan) Eaves of Louisville; and Rhett Easterling of Raleigh. Also, the members of Bevill Hill Church, her neighbors, and many friends, and students will remember Yvonne’s caring attitude and her generosity.

Serving as pallbearers are Ryan Eaves, Branson Eaves, Wesley Coleman, Lester Cummins, and Josh Edwards. 

Memorials in honor of Yvonne may be given to Burton Chapel and Library, 365 Brooksville Road, Louisville, MS 39339, in memory of all veterans and their families.

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.

Claire Crowell

Anna Claire Johnson Crowell went to be with her Lord on May 19th, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 23rd, at First Methodist Church, with Rev. Mike Childs officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Claire was born on April 14, 1940 in a house on North Church Street that her great-grandfather built. She is preceded in death by her mother Bessie Boswell Johnson, father Arthur W. (Whit) Johnson, sister Mary Elizabeth Whitney, brother Bill Johnson and her son Doug Crowell.

If you knew Claire, you know that next to God, her family was the most important part of her life. She leaves behind a husband of 65 years, Johnny Crowell, son David Crowell of Atlanta, GA, grandson Jon Richard Crowell (April) of Flowood, MS and great-granddaughter Causey June Crowell of Flowood, MS. She also leaves behind niece Claire Whitney deVitalis (Charles) of Austin, TX, nephew James F. Johnson (Dianne) of Long Beach, MS, and niece Billie Joy Johnson Tucker (Jeff) of Eldridge, AL. She also leaves behind a devoted and dedicated prayer group of many years: Martha Caperton, Gloria Curtis, Peggy Yarbrough, and the late Gloria Mason.

Claire attended Louisville Public Schools. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Johnny. After she and Johnny had children, she decided staying home with her boys was a higher priority than pursuing her education. When her children reached school age, she decided to go to college. She received BS and MA degrees in Education from Mississippi State University. At the age of 34, she became a first grade teacher in the Louisville School District she had always loved and supported. For twenty-five dedicated years she taught each child in the same way she would have wanted someone to teach her own children. She saw it as her life’s mission to make sure no child was left behind or did without in her classroom. Claire never met a child she did not love.

Claire held education in the highest regard; after she retired from her teaching career, she ran for a position on the Louisville Public School Board where she served for 9 years.

Claire was civic minded throughout her life and believed in giving back. She was always eager to volunteer at the polls during election time and served as one of the Election Commissioners for the City of Louisville. She and Johnny were both Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors for many years and remained members of the Winston County Economic Development program. She was also a member of the Belle Arts club.

Her unfailing love was to God. In 1946, at age six, Claire joined First Methodist Church in Louisville and was active in the church for the remainder of her life. As an adult, she served on many committees, sang in the choir, and taught Sunday School classes for ages two through the oldest ladies in the church. As Claire grew older, she found her favorite group to teach was the Yancy class, a group of young adults and some not so young. She said so many times that these young people kept her young at heart. She loved them as if they were part of her family. Her prayer life was so very strong. Claire and Johnny walked regularly at the church track and she loved to use that special time in prayer for all people on her prayer list, especially each member of her family.

She said on many occasions that growing up and living in Louisville was a blessing because it was a town full of people who loved and cared for each other. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Pallbearers will be Alan Krajewski, Cliff Hudson, Roger Caperton, Taylor Harris, Jon Richard Crowell, and David Crowell. 

Memorials in Claire’s memory may be made to First Methodist Church, P. O. Box 523, Louisville, MS, 39339

Mabel Claire Woodward

Mabel Claire Woodward (Claire) passed away in Louisville, Mississippi, on May 19, 2023, at the age of 83 years. Claire was born on December 23, 1939 in Waterford, Mississippi.

Claire was the wife of Roland Woodward. Married in 1962, they made Louisville their home and raised their three children, Martha Claire, Scott (Kim), and Doug (Angelia.)

In addition to being a loving mother, Claire excelled at Mississippi State University while earning her Master’s degree in English. She became a faculty instructor at MSU for nearly two decades until retiring in 1998.

Claire was an avid lifelong reader and especially enjoyed the fellowship and fun of her monthly book club consisting of her daughter and close friends.

Claire loved traveling and made several trips overseas where she visited England, Ireland, Scotland, and Italy. She frequently enjoyed exploring the backroads of rural Mississippi with her husband, Roland.

Claire was a wonderful wife and mother, and she adored her grandchildren: Mary Beth, Hannah, Emma, and Nate Woodward. Claire was blessed to welcome into her family Dana Kemp Eaton (Ashley) and children; Krystal Kemp Ross and children; and Jared Kemp. Claire will be missed greatly by her family and friends.

Claire was preceded in death by her husband (Roland); father and mother (Mal, Lavelle); and brothers (Wayne, Vernon, and Eddie.)

Claire’s pallbearers will be Nate Woodward, Mark Woodward, John Woodward, Davis Woodward, Jared Kemp, and Corey Bagwell.

Visitation and funeral services for Claire will be held at Porter Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, with Rev. Johnny Collins officiating. Visitation will begin at 2 pm with funeral services following at 3:00 pm. The burial will take place at the Masonic cemetery, across the street from Porter Funeral Home.

Charles W. Chancellor

Charles William Chancellor, age 72, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023, at his residence in Louisville, Mississippi. Graveside services and interment will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 23 in Plattsburg Cemetery.

Charles was born on January 16, 1951, to Horace and Ivory Mayo Chancellor in Louisville. He graduated from Nanih Waiya Attendance Center. During his career, he worked for Spartus Corporation, Bellwood Cabinet Factory, Western Auto, and Choctaw Maid (now known as Tyson Foods). He answered the call of his country by serving in the Army National Guard.

Charles is survived by his sister, Sharon Bailey; and his brother, Clovis Chancellor both of Louisville. He is also survived by his nieces, Casandra Stapleton and Shannon (James) Smyth; eight great-nieces and great-nephews, other family members, and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Chancellor; his parents; and step-daughter, Catherine Smith.

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.

Elder Freddie D Plair

Elder Freddie D Plair, 83, of Starkville, MS., passed on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at his home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11 a.m., from Still Valley M. B. Church, 122 Armstrong 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, Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Marie Welch

Mrs. Mildred Marie Welch, 77, of Preston, MS., passed on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at her home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11 a.m., from Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Preston, MS. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home in Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of DeKalb in charge of arrangements.

Tyrone Hughes

Tyrone Hughes, 52, of Louisville, MS., passed on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the Jeff Anderson Hospital, Meridian, MS. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at 1 p.m., from Still Valley M. B. Church, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Monday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Piney Grove Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann Sessions

Mrs. Mary Ann Sessions, 94, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at St. Martin’s in the Pines in Birmingham, AL. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 21st, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Dowd officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be Monday at Long Beach City Cemetery, in Long Beach, MS. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann was born June 24, 1928, in Winston County, MS. She was a graduate of Lobutcha High School, East Central Community College, and the University of Southern Mississippi. She was a long time resident of Long Beach, MS where she was a school teacher for many years at Long Beach High School. During her retirement years, she relocated to Winston County, MS and more recently to Birmingham, AL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Austin Sessions; her parents, Clara Watts Tabor and William Earl Tabor, Sr.; her sisters, Ruth Kitchens, Becky Dorroh, Betty Lou Burchfield, and Doris Steed; a sister-in-law, Frances Tabor; her brothers, Tuck Tabor and William E. “Bill” Tabor, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Beth (Walter) Sorensen of Trussville, AL; a son, Joe (Millie) Sessions of Pensacola, FL; a brother, Larry Tabor of Starkville, MS; and four grandchildren, Lia Sorensen, Laina Sorensen, Bryan (Ariel) Wheeler-Sessions, and Mark Sessions; and two great grandchildren, Henry Wheeler-Sessions and Cooper Wheeler-Sessions. She is also survived by a large extended family with whom she was very close.

Memorials may be made to Rural Hill Methodist Church (Winston County, MS) or M. D. Anderson Hospital (Houston, TX).

Harley Teagan and Hartley Rivers Stokes

Harley Teagan and Hartley Rivers Stokes, infant sons of Timothy and Ashley Stokes of Ackerman, MS, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, MS.

Private graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, 3:00 p.m. at Wake Forest Cemetery in Sturgis, MS, with Rev. Brian Wells, Willard Collier, and Hubert Collier officiating. Coleman Funeral Home of Ackerman, MS will be in charge of all arrangements.

Harley and Hartley are survived by their parents, Timothy and Ashley Stokes of Ackerman, MS; 1 brother, Camden Stokes of Ackerman, MS; 1 sister, Sadie Stokes of Ackerman, MS; maternal grandparents, Kenny and Glenda Stevenson of Weir, MS; and paternal grandparents, Timmy and Bertha Stokes of Ackerman, MS.