Raymond McKay

Raymond Earl McKay, (“Ray or Mac”), age 90 of Bossier City, Louisiana passed away on August 6, 2025. He was born on November 28, 1934, to Lee Parks and Lucille Bessie in Winston County, grew up in rural community of Ellison Ridge. He finished High School at Louisville in 1953. Raymond retired from the United States Air Force with 23 years service in December 1977. Raymond earned Minor Psychology which he received over period at various colleges while serving in the Air Force. He was trained as Medical Technician at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. While in the service his primary specialty were Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, and Medical Medical Laboratory Superintendent. He served at the following military Air Force bases:

Lackland AFB Texas

Fort Sam Houston Texas Army for Medical Laboratory School

South Ruislip AFB England

Columbus AFB Mississippi

East Coast AFB England

Roswell AFB New Mexico

Barksdale AFB Louisiana

Clark AFB Philippines

Minot AFB North Dakota

Scott AFB Illinois ,during hospitalization at Scott AFB, he was awarded 100% Air Force disability separation.

Raymond had three children from first wife, Jean Patricia Chatt (deceased) who was from England. He outlived both of his sons, Scott Parks and Mitchell Earl. He has one daughter, Tracey Sarah who retired from Civil Service. Raymond has been married to a Filipina, Freny since 1994. They have no children. The first 10 years of their marriage was spent traveling all over the world. Raymond described Freny as a self educated, a smart woman much younger than him, and wanted a working career while he lives and travels the Philippines few months out of the year. Freny is now a retired Civil Servant. Raymond first traveled to the Philippines in 1973. While living in the Philippines, he stayed at the Marlim Mansions Hotel in Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga for over 20 years before moving to a modern condominium at Kandi Towers in Angeles City. The Philippines was considered second home, meeting people from all walks of life, some he befriended over the years and considered extended family.

In the past 43 years, Raymond has traveled all over the Philippines and the world, visited all continents, except Antarctica. He has learned to cope with his medical conditions and lived life to the fullest, enjoyed history, travel, musicals, fine foods, and red wine.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, August 12th, at 10:00 A.M. at Porter Funeral Home, followed by funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Keith Williams will be officiating. Interment will be in Louisville Memorial Park.

Bobbie Nell Ray

Bobbie Nell Ray, 83, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, at Hinze Baptist Church, with Reverend Michael Wells officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow at Hinze Baptist Church Cemetery in Winston County, Mississippi.

Bobbie was born in rural Winston County on October 16, 1941, to Henry and Ivy Gentry Smith. She attended Lobutcha and completed her school years at Louisville High, graduating in 1959. She married Billy Joe Ray from the Hinze community in January of 1961. They moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where they started their family of three sons: Joseph G. Ray, Marcus B. Ray, and Robert Scott Ray.

While living in Hattiesburg, Bobbie earned her bachelor’s degree in education from The University of Southern Mississippi. In 1975, the Ray family moved back home to Hinze in rural Winston County. There, Bobbie began teaching English at Louisville and later at Neshoba Central, where she remained until her retirement. After retiring, she worked with the GED program to help individuals earn their high school diplomas.

Bobbie loved to cook, garden, and spend as much time as possible with her three sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her fried chicken, chicken casserole, and blueberry cream cheese pies were her specialties.

During the holidays, when family would gather, she would prepare every food imaginable for everyone—often working for weeks in advance to get everything just right.

Bobbie was also a talented painter and left behind numerous treasured works for her family to enjoy for generations. She was a devoted member of Hinze Baptist Church, where she loved to sing church hymns and was known for having the voice of an “angel.”

Bobbie is survived by her three sons, Joseph G. Ray (Evy-An) of Flora, MS, Marcus B. Ray of Louisville, MS, and Robert Scott Ray (Anna) of Folsom, LA. One of her greatest joys was being “Granny” to her five grandchildren: Chandler Ray, Lauren Keith (Jarrett), Dylan Ray, Logan Ray, and Alyssa Ray. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Willa Kayte, Kimber, and Mavie Keith.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Ray; her parents; her sisters, Clara B. Burchfield and Delores McCalip; and her brother, Ansel Smith.

Serving as pallbearers are Bob Burchfield, Curtis Smith, Dylan Ray, Logan Ray, Pat Byrd, and Terry Felder.

Joyce Ann Arnold

Joyce Ann Arnold, 63, passed away Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 9 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Doctor Reverend Bob Massey officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Noxapater, Mississippi.
Serving as pallbearers are Rusty Suttle, Charlie Wilkes, Kenny Druey, Riley Jones, Mark Deese, and Hoss Neese.

Desiyoung Marques Foster

 Desiyoung Marques Foster, 38, of Louisville, MS., passed on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at the Winston County Medical Center, Louisville, MS. Graveside service will be Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 2 p.m., from Hopewell United Methodist Church Cemetery, 1288 Hinze Road, Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Desiyoung was born March 19, 1987 to the parents of Henry Lee Foster, Jr. and Carolyn Moore in Winston County Mississippi. 

Retha Mae Houston

Retha Mae Houston, 84, of Louisville, MS., passed on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, Jackson, MS. Funeral Service will be Friday, August 8, 2025 at 1 p.m., from Greater Hope Pentecostal Church, Weir, MS. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Evangelist Houston was born October 24, 1940 to the Parents of Sammuel Gaines and Georgianna Love in Lauderdale County Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Sam Gaines, Jr., Henry Lee Gaines, Willie Earl Gaines, J. D. Gaines, Moses Gaines, Georgia Mae Colton, Lucy Gaines, Katie Mae Gaines and Bobby Sue Pickerson.

She is survived by; children, Sandra Gaines, Billy Joe (Renee) Houston, Roy (Terri) Houston and Lynda (Jerry) Coleman; 14 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and family.

William Junior Holmes

 William Junior Holmes,  77 of Louisville, MS. passed on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at his home. Funeral Service will be Friday at 3 p.m., from MOBH District Bldg., 521 Armstrong St., Louisville, MS. 39339. Visitation will be Thursday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Center Hill Church Cemetery, Louisville, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville, in charge of arrangements.

William was born March 19, 1948 to the parents of Leroy Holmes and Louise Burrage Holmes.

William was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents; son, William Holmes, Jr. sibling, Molly Thomas.

William is survived by; wife, Deborah Holmes; children, Kendrick K. Holmes (LaToya), LaPatrick D. Holmes, Antawan Holmes (Tameka), Marcus Holmes (Tashonna), Maggie Y. Riddle (Rotunda), Adrienne L. Waldrip (Frederick) and Tonnee Holmes; 24 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, siblings, Purvis Holmes, Willie E. Harris, Annie Mae Curtis, Gary Holmes and Rosie F. Harris (Rev. David);nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and other relatives and family.

Sue Brown Gregory

Mrs. Sue Brown Gregory, 62, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at her home in Sturgis, MS. Sue was born on January 30, 1963, in Hardin County, Illinois. She was a graduate of Hardin County High School. She was care giver in home health.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fredrick and Sarah Mae Walker; a daughter, Sarah Brown; and three brothers, Fred Walker, David Walker, and Gary Clevenger.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Gregory of Sturgis; a step-daughter, Krista Kiser of Madison, AL; a step-son, Ryan Gregory of Madison, AL; two sisters, Sherry Walker of Hardin County, IL, Sally Edwards of Tennessee; two brothers, Bruce Walker and John Walker, both of Cave-in Rock, IL; two beloved step grandchildren, who called her “Gammie”; and a nephew she considered a son, Chevas Walker.

Memorials in Sue’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mylinda Odom Duran

 Mylinda Odom Duran, 63, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025, at her home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 6 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Doug Wise and Reverend Charles Rook officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville from 1:30 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Liberty Cemetery in Noxapater, Mississippi.

Mylinda was born May 26, 1962, to Joe and Yvonne Moore Odom. For many years, she worked as a secretary at Taylor Machine Works. Later, she became a self-employed tax preparer. She took great pride in working in her yard and caring for her flowers. Mylinda also enjoyed spending time fishing and dearly loved her fur baby, Sugar.

Mylinda is survived by her loving husband, Dennis Duran of Louisville; son, Jeremy Woods (Kaydee Mayo) of Noxapater; her mother-in-law, Murle Duran also of Noxapater; as well as her special friend, Susan Stone of Philadelphia. One of her greatest joys was being “MeMe” to her five grandchildren: Dalton Woods (Shae Keen), Kaylee Clark (Tony), Jada Woods (Antione Gillard), Callista Woods (Gavin Ray), and Landon Woods; in addition to her three great-grandchildren, Jagger Woods, Riylah Ray, and Naomi Gillard. Mylinda was preceded in death by her son, Jason Woods; and her parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Dalton Woods, Landon Woods, Dencie Duran, Ty Duran, Mark Kugle, Dan Stone, Matthew Stone, and Nathan Stone. Memorials in honor of Mylinda may be given to The Baptist Children’s Village, P. O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060 or online at baptistchildrensvillage.com.

Elizabeth Amanda “Libby” Farish

Mrs. Elizabeth Amanda “Libby” Farish, 91, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Winston County Nursing Home Dogwood Cottage in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 3rd, at Porter funeral Home, with Rev. Trent Jaudon officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Full obituary to follow....

Joyce P. Miller

Joyce P. Miller, 97, of Louisville, MS., passed on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at the Winston County Nursing Home, Louisville, MS. Funeral Service will be Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Mount Sinai M. B. Church, MS-397, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Mount Sinai M. B. Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Joyce was born December 15, 1927 in Winston County Mississippi to the parents of Pat Hampton and Avery Lampley Hampton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Parents, six brothers and six sisters.

She is survived by; brother, Carlton Ray Hampton (Margie) of Milwaukee, WI. and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Myrna Loy Merchant White

Myrna Loy Merchant White, of Louisville, Mississippi, was born in Louisville on November 19, 1939, and went home to see the Lord, and her husband Terry—on July 29, 2025. Born the first child to Raymond Nesmith Merchant and Estelle Alewine Merchant, Myrna grew up in Louisville.

Her spirit lives on through her two sons, Terry "Gil" White, Jr. and wife Laura, of Easley, South

Carolina, and James Merchant White and wife Laurie, of Santa Fe, Texas; her grandchildren,

Brian White (Christen), Jenna Hunter (Jason), Scott White, David White (Lauren), Julie White

(Patrick), and Ashley Jungedeitering (Andre); and her great-grandchildren, Kyler, Harper,

Payton, Audrey, Rylie, Lucille, and Pierce. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband

of 66 years, Terry Gilbert White, Sr., her parents, and her sister, Monica Merchant Taylor.

Over her 85 years, Myrna taught us countless things—many of which could not be found in

books, but only in the stories she told or the meals she made. We learned:

● Basketball was the only sport worth perfecting—until your ankles gave out. Expect that.

● The word “well” is a verb. Depending on how you say it, with inflection or no inflection,

tone or no tone, it can mean about 47 different things.

● One needs at least 8 sets of dishes. One for each season obviously, plus in case you

needed to mix it up randomly on a Wednesday. No drink ever topped that first Hurricane

on Bourbon Street after marrying Terry and moving to New Orleans.

● She couldn't keep a plant alive, but she'd sure try and you should too.

● Café Du Monde was overrated—unless it was a Tuesday, when they fried them with fresh oil.

● Tony Chachere’s was better than Old Bay.

● Recipes were suggestions. Results were incredibly good, and unable to replicate.

● Tables must be set, preferably by children. Centerpieces are non-negotiable (garden variety, please).

● Chocolate pie healed everything, even if the recipe was different every time.

● Stuffing is not the same as dressing, and you should always make two pans.

● Christmas gifts didn’t need to be wrapped well. Kids don’t care.

● Every good kitchen has ten butcher blocks and at least two fridges, plus a deep freezer—for deer

meat or whatever the grandkids caught.

● Sad? Eat something. It’ll help.

● Label your casserole dishes in illegible sharpie marker so that everyone knows it’s yours. Pyrex is

valuable.

● There’s always something new at the “Wal-Mark,” so you should go ahead and visit one wherever you

travel. And walking around there is good exercise.

● The speed limit is a suggestion. But only for her, you should slow down.

In later years, she liked to say that she did alright—she and Terry had a good life. She never let

him forget about the plane he promised her in 1985. God, give her that plane now—she’s got

places to be and people to visit.

Flowers can be sent to Poplar Flat Baptist Church in Louisville, MS, or a memorial donation may

be made to the American Red Cross, Hill Country Chapter, a fitting tribute for someone who

nursed everyone around her and spent much of her adult life in Texas.

https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/central-and-south-texas/about-us/locations/hill-country.html

Funeral services will be held at Poplar Flat Baptist Church on Friday, August 1, 2025, under

the direction of Massey Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10 am, followed by the

service at 11 am and a lunch afterwards.

 

Jerome Levell Rash

Jerome Levell Rash, 72, of Louisville, MS., passed on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at his home. Funeral service will be Friday, August 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. from  Mount Moriah M. B. Church, 308 South Martin Luther King Dr., Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Thursday 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.

Kay Arnett Todd

 Kay Arnett Todd, 70, passed peacefully on to her eternal home on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Trinity Healthcare Center in Columbus, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 2 at Poplar Flat Baptist Church in Louisville, Mississippi, with Reverend Doug Wise and Reverend Rob Faulk officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Interment will immediately follow the service in Poplar Flat Cemetery.

William Page Goodrich

 William  Page Goodrich, 80, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo, MS.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. 

Lois Fulton Ellis

Lois Fulton Ellis, 95, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital—Golden Triangle in Columbus, Mississippi, surrounded by her loving family. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, July 28 at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Trent Jaudon, Pastor Sarah Windham, and Danny Hancock officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Noxapater Methodist Cemetery in Noxapater, Mississippi.

Lois was born December 6, 1929, to Murry and Evelyn Smyth Fulton in Louisville, Mississippi. She was a faithful member of Noxapater United Methodist Church. Lois was an excellent seamstress who enjoyed sewing for her family. For many years, she worked at the pants factory in Louisville; later, she retired from TRW. She enjoyed cooking and was known for her delicious chicken and dressing as well as her lemon icebox pies.

Lois is survived by her children: Bobby Ellis (Faye), Randal Ellis both of Noxapater; Sandra Ellis Williamson of Louisville; Myrna Ellis Hancock (Danny) also of Noxapater; and Charles Ellis of Vicksburg, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “Granny” to her seven grandchildren: Kevin Ellis (Kristy), Bruce Ellis, Chris Ellis, Jessica Williamson, Jason Hancock (Mary Jane), Daniel Ellis (Carmen), and Heather Turner (Jeremy); in addition to her 14 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother, John Fulton (Metta) and sister, Sara Womack. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Olton “Bill” Ellis; son-in-law, Don Williamson; and her parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Kevin Ellis, Bruce Ellis, Daniel Ellis, Jeremy Turner, Jason Hancock, Robby Ellis, Christian Ellis, and Cooper Pitt. Memorials in honor of Lois may be given to the Winston-Choctaw Gideon Camp, P. O. Box 556, Louisville, MS 39339.

 

Elizabeth Jernigan Thompson

Elizabeth Jernigan Thompson, 75 of Louisville, Mississippi, passed on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at her home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 2 p.m., from Mount Moriah M. B. Church, 308 South Martin Luther King Dr., 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.

Elizabeth was born to the parents of Alex Houston and Ollie Jernigan on September 3, 1949 in Winston County Mississippi. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Alex Houston and Ollie Jernigan Foster; child, William Deffrey Watt; siblings, Sarah Welch and Linda Jernigan.

Elizabeth is survived by; husband, Ronald F. Thompson; children, Denise Trenay Battle (Jesse), Terrence Kevin Watt (Jeannette Redeener), Lisa L. Paxton, and Tony Thompson; grandchildren, Jessica Denise Battle, Christopher Blake Watt, Roddrick Tooles, Chelsey Kelly, Tony Thompson, Jr., and Dakota Thompson; siblings, Jerry Mac Jernigan, Tommy Williams and Doris Jean Lane; nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

Carnette Hudson

 Ms. Carnette Hudson, 67, of Winston County, passed away at home in Louisville, MS, on July 22, 2025.  Visitation will be held on July 27, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Taylor Funeral Home Chapel. Taylor’s Funeral Home of Louisville is entrusted with the arrangements.

Mary Hodge Darby

 Mrs. Mary Hodge Darby, 92, passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at her home in Noxapater, MS. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, July 25th, at Noxapater Methodist Church, with Rev. Sara Windham officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Noxapater Methodist Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mary was born November 23, 1932, in Noxapater to Elsie Mae and Hayward Hodge. She was a graduate of Noxapater High School, and was a homemaker. She was a faithful member of Noxapater Methodist Church, where she was very active in every ministry of the church.She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Paul Darby.

Mary is survived by three sons, Paul (Leesa) Darby of Noxapater, John Walter Darby of Noxapater, and Timothy (Deedee) Darby of Aluacha, FL; six grandchildren, Matthew (Emily) Darby, Shay (Shelley) Darby, Zachary (Kori) Darby, Ashley Darby, Cameron (Devon) Darby, and Chase (Alise) Darby; and her grandchildren, Kooper Darby, Charlee Darby, Kye Darby, Lakelyn Darby, Koah Darby, Logan Darby, and Harper and Finley Macarages.

John DePriest

John DePriest (64) peacefully left this life for his eternal home Monday, July 21st, 2025.John was a hard working, kind hearted, person who leaves behind a loving, dedicated wife Meg, his son Dustin, daughter-in-law Katie, his father Millard DePriest, his sister Jana Larson, brother-in-law Kevin, and grandsons, Dax and Briggs. John was preceded in death by his mother Dorothy “Dot” DePriest. He was a member of Bethlehem Church in Starkville, Ms. He was a dedicated employee of Taylor Machine Works and enjoyed hunting and farming with his grandfather J.T. Reed and family.

Memorials in honor of John may be given to Bethlehem Church of Starkville, P. O. Box 1413, Starkville, MS 39760.

Oscar Dee Eiland

 Oscar Dee Eiland, 97 of Louisville, Mississippi, passed on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the Louisville Health Care Center, Louisville, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, July 26, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 206 Pleasant Grove Road, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Pleasant Grove Memorial Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Oscar leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Mae Bell Eiland; children, Lucy (Chester) Triplett, Inez Harrington, Dorothy (Kenneth) Knowles, Oscar (Joan) Eiland, Joy Eiland all of Louisville, MS., Lula B. Doss of Arlington Heights, IL., Willie Bernard Eiland of Broadview, IL., Annette (Ronnie) Jones of Plainfield, IL. and Charles (Darlene) Eiland of Chicago, IL; 19 grandchildren, two of which he raised, Darrel Eiland and Corey Doss; 46 great grandchildren, 32 great great grandchildren; special friends, Demp and Joe Jernigan, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and family.