Annie Jane Hughes

 Annie Jane Hughes, 92, of Louisville, MS., passed on Monday, February 2, 2026 from her residence in Winston County, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 2 p.m., from Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 5559 Crystal Ridge Road, Louisville, MS. 39339. Visitation will be Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 4 until 6 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home Louisville. Burial will be in the Bethel Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangement. Annie Jane Hughes, the oldest of three children, was born to Annie Lee and James "Ed" Welch in Winston County Mississippi on January 29, 1934.

She was a member of Bethel M. B. Church and worked at Spartus Corporation for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Earl "Tobe" Hughes; parents, Annie and James Welch; daughter, Ruby Joyce Hughes Steele; son Barry D. Hughes (Anita);(3) grandsons, Enrico Darden, Dijour Hughes and Ricky Chavis; (2) sons-in-law, Andrew Steele and Theotis Hickman.

Mother Hughes is survived by her children; Betty Faye Darden (Willie) of Montgomery, AL, Jeanette Petty (Bill) of Rock Island, IL, Ruthie Jane Hickman of Davenport, IA, Willie Earl Hughes, Jr. (Martina) of Rock Island, IL, Linda Hampton (Harvey), Carolyn Ball (Larry), Ethel Jordan, James Hughes (Jackie) all of Louisville, MS, John Hughes of Meridian, MS, David Hughes (Sarah) of Louisville, MS; (28) grandchildren; (42) great grandchildren and (2) great great grandchildren; her sisters, Jo Helen Hannah and Eddie Mae McMullen (Bobby) of Eupora, MS; a sister-in-law, Juanita Hughes od east Moline, IL; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Reba Colene Spears Edwards

Reba Colene Spears Edwards, 85, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Austin Bishop officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow in the Spears Family Cemetery.

Reba was born April 19, 1940, to Mervin and Mildred Williamson Spears in Neshoba County, Mississippi. She enjoyed playing cards, gardening, working in her flowers, and feeding her birds. She dearly loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially her grandchildren

Reba is survived by her children: Donald (Brenda) Edwards of Woodville, Texas, June (Bobby Wayne) Goodin, David (Gena) Edwards, and Joyce Baggett all of Louisville, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “Nanny” to her grandchildren: Allen Shaw (Josephine), Mary Denley (Josh), Morgan Baggett (Natalie), Evan Edwards (Shannon), Jessica Burnham (Michael), Aleah Baggett, Victoria Edwards (Matthew), and David Edwards, Jr., as well as her 25 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Reba also leaves behind her sisters, Retha Black and Linda Purvis; and two brothers, Garvis Spears and Darrell Spears. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Edwards; her son, Daniel Edwards; her parents; and three siblings: Edmond Spears, Darvis Spears, and Eldean Richardson.

Dr. Wayne T. Hill

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Jann L. Leone

Jann Lee Leone, 82, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 7 at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, and on Sunday from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, February 8 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville with Reverend Rob Faulk officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Shiloh Cemetery in Louisville.

Full obituary to follow.

Reta Faye Eaves Holden

Reta Faye Eaves Holden, age 87, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at University Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, February 6 at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Visitation will be the day of the service from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Murphy Creek Cemetery.

Reta was born August 7, 1938, to the late Odie Lee and Floy Triplett Eaves of Louisville, Mississippi. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Alma Dean Eaves, and her brother, Odie Frank Eaves. She is survived by a sister-in-law Janet Eaves of Utica, Kentucky, two nieces, Annetta Johnson and Janetta Wright, as well as her cousin Grady Jackson (Norma) of Sturgis, Mississippi.

After graduating from Bond High School, Reta attended nursing school and went on to practice as a nurse anesthetist. Later she became a business owner opening a jewelry store in downtown Grenada called R. Triplett.

Reta’s proudest work, however, was her service to the City of Grenada. She made history as the first woman to serve as a Grenada city councilor. She later represented Grenada and surrounding areas in the Mississippi House of Representatives, continuing her lifelong dedication to public service.

At her home in Grenada, Reta was an active member of the Grenada Garden Club and enjoyed many days on the town square, working on flower beds and other projects. She also played an important role in planning the Grenada Square gazebo. Reta had a deep love for animals. She remained deeply engaged in Grenada city government and faithfully watched city council meetings from home.

Reta was a member of Grace Baptist Church and in her later years enjoyed watching First Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church services via live stream. She especially loved hearing the songs of worship. She often departed from friends by quoting her favorite and the final verse of the Bible: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.”

Alexis Grace Taylor

 Alexis Grace Taylor, age 36, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.   Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. 

Willie Lamont Ingram

Willie Lamont Ingram, Jr., 49, passed on Friday, January 30, 2026 at the University Medical Center, Jackson, MS. Funeral service will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 2 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home Chapel, 226 North St., Louisville, MS. Visitation will be the day of service from 12 noon until service time at 2 p.m.    

Willie was born April 14, 1976 to the parents of Willie Lee Ingram and Lucy Jean Perry Ingram in Winston County Mississippi. 

Willie was preceded in death by his father, Willie L. Ingram; grandparents, Eddie Mae Perry, George Perry, Pearline Ingram and Jasper Ingram.

Willie is survived by his wife, Madeline Cistrunk; Mother, Lucy Ingram;  children, Deyanna Ingram, Aveyon Ingram, Ashton Mays, Legolas Cistrunk, Tezzland Ingram, Princessa Ingram, Dezzmond Ingram, Rezzhard Ingram; siblings, Willie Childress (Miranda), Jennifer Hart (Benjamin), Jenika Ingram, Christal Ingram and Daryl Ingram; a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws and other relatives and family. 

Virginia Goss

 Virginia Goss, 64, of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at her sister's home. Funeral service will be Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 2 p.m., from the Beck Funeral Home, 226 North St., Louisville, MS. Visitation will be one hour before service time on Sunday.  Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Virginia Goss was born January 14, 1962 in Winston County Mississippi. Her parents were Ruthie Mae Goss Ingram and James Lee Ingram.

Virginia attended the Louisville Public School System. Later, she moved and made her home in New Britain, Connecticut. After retiring, she moved back home to Louisville, Mississippi in 2016.

Virigina was an easy going person who loved dancing, modeling, playing cards, listening to the blues and wearing jewelry.

She was preceded in death by; Mother, Ruthie Mae Goss; father James Lee Ingram; brothers, Thomas Hardy and Terry Goss; sister Susie King. Virginia is survived by; siblings, Evelyn Mays, David Goss and Emma Jane Coburn all of Louisville, MS. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and family.

Judy Scircle Post

Judy Scircle Post, 81, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2026. Born on October 23, 1944, in Frankfort, Indiana, Judy was the beloved daughter of Scott and Gerselda Scircle. She grew up in Lexington, South Carolina, where her love of music, faith, and people took root. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of South Carolina in 1966.

That same year, Judy married the Rev. Edward “Ned” Post, and together they shared a beautiful life of love, ministry, and service. Judy and Ned served congregations in Canada, Malaysia, Tennessee, and Mississippi, touching countless lives along the way. Wherever they were called, Judy lovingly shared her musical gifts, serving as organist, pianist, and choir director, always with grace, humility, and joy.

Music was both Judy’s calling and her greatest joy. For more than 50 years, she taught piano, organ, and guitar, patiently nurturing generations of students. She also served as a classroom music teacher and choral director in Lexington, South Carolina, for six years. Early in her career, she taught third grade for a year while waiting for a music position — a reflection of her willingness to serve wherever she was needed. Most recently, she was the devoted pianist at BethEden Lutheran Church in Louisville, Mississippi.

Judy’s life was marked by quiet strength and selfless service. She served for more than ten years on the Winston County Library Board of Trustees. Following Ned’s death in 2005, Judy continued their shared ministry by serving as pastor of their Lutheran churches in Louisville, Mississippi, for nine years — a powerful testament to her deep faith, gentle leadership, and unwavering commitment to her community.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Ned Post; her parents, Scott and Gerselda Scircle and Louis Post and Virginia Post Plyler; her brothers, Scotty Scircle and Billy Scircle; her sister-in-law, Janie Scircle; and her special friend, Tommy Landers.

She is survived by her son, Mark Post (Donna); her daughter, Shelly Walters (Scott); her grandchildren, Stacey Davis (Justin), Katie Searcy (Dillon), Carson Walters, and Allie Haas (Charlie); and her treasured great-grandchildren, Mills, Watson, and Ellie-Kate Searcy, and Olivia and Graham Davis. She is also survived by her siblings, Charles Scircle (Dolly), Carolyn Rightsell (Bob), and Virgie Summers (Bob); her sister-in-law, Janice Scircle; her devoted caregiver and forever family member, May Coronado; and numerous cherished friends, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Porter Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi, on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.  at BethEden Lutheran Church in Louisville, Mississippi, with Rev. Stacey Parvin officiating.  Interment will be in BethEden Cemetery.

Betty Prisock Rives

Betty Prisock Rives, 84, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at her home in Ackerman, Mississippi, with her loving family by her side. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 4 in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel in Louisville, Mississippi, with Reverend Jerry Lawson officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at Massey Funeral Home from 12 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in BethEden Cemetery in Louisville.

Betty was born November 2, 1941, to James “Dadie” and Elsie Holley Prisock in Louisville. She was a member of Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Ackerman. Betty served as the bookkeeper for her family’s business for many years. She enjoyed cooking for her family; especially as she eagerly anticipated visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty also enjoyed tending to her plants and flowers; as well as feeding and watching the birds. As a breast cancer survivor, she faced her journey with perseverance and grace.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Pat Rives Upton (Marshall) of Weir, Mississippi; and Gwen Rives Blaine of Starkville, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “MawMaw” to her grandchildren: Carl Upton, III (April), Cameron Upton (Chandler), Jan Blaine (Elizabeth), Alanna Scholtes (Beck), and Clark Blaine (Sarah); and to her 12 great-grandchildren: Necee Wilson, Alexis Wilson, Jazzlyn Shelley, Knox Blaine, Beau Blaine, Charlotte Blaine, Laurel Blaine, Coleman Scholtes, Fisher Scholtes, Gracie Scholtes, Holt Blaine, and Collins Upton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Rives; her parents; three brothers, Elvis Prisock, Hunter Prisock, and Kim Prisock; and two sisters, Jean Dempsey and Harriett Nelson.

Serving as pallbearers are Jan Blaine, Beck Scholtes, Clark Blaine, Carl Upton, III, Cameron Upton, and Randy Chandler.  

Willie Davis, Jr.

 Willie Davis, Jr., 58  of  Louisiana, formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from his residence.  A memorial service will be Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 2 p.m., from  Beck Funeral Home, 226 North St., Louisville, MS.  Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Willie Davis "Jr." was born on December 24, 1967, in Louisville, MS., to Clytee and the late James Davis.  He was the Seventh of eight children and grew up surrounded by the love, laughter and strength of a close-knit family.

Willie attended the Louisville Public School District and graduated from Louisville High School in 1985.   At just 17 years old, he and his best friend, Tony Fulton, made the courageous decision to join the United States Navy.  Willie proudly served his country for eight years, completing assignments in California, Japan and New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Willie "Jr." leaves to cherish his memory; his beloved mother, Clytee G. Davis; children, Tony (Spain/Italy), Ryan and Nia Rose (Algiers, LA), Alyssa (Houston, TX) and Kay (Buffalo, NY); grandsons, Kyrie and Kade Anderson; seven siblings; Jerry Gill (MI), Linda Davis (MI), Elizabeth Smith (MS), Clyde Davis (CA), Shirley Davis (MS), Evelyn Davis (MS), and Anthony Davis (MI); nine nieces, nine great-nieces, two great-great nieces, eight nephews, four great-great nephews and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Harvey Paten

 Mr. Harvey Paten, 74, of Louisville, MS passed away, Thursday, January 22, 2026. Visitation will be held on Friday January 30, 2026 from 3:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. at Taylor's Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday January 31, 2026 at 11:00a.m. at Pilgrim Rest MB Church. Taylor's Funeral Home of Louisville, MS is entrusted with the arrangements.

Alvin Clayton Fancher

 Alvin Clayton Fancher, 68, of McCool, MS., passed on Friday, January 23, 2026 at Saint Dominic Hospital, Jackson, MS. A memorial service  will be conducted at a later date by the Family. Beck Funeral Home of Weir in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Fancher was born January 20, 1958 to the parents of James Alvin Fancher and Mae Burnis Hannah Fancher in Flint, Michigan. He was a U. S. Army Veteran. He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Fancher; parents, James and Mae Burnis Fancher.

He is survived by his children, Jamal Nance, Nikki Nance and Marcus Fancher; grandchildren, Deontra Nance, Dajann Nance, Daronn Nance, Darell Nance and Zechariah Fancher; sister, Jo Ann Shabazz; a host of  aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives and family

Paulette Smith Chandler

Mrs. Paulette Smith Chandler, 80, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Winston County Nursing Home in Louisville, MS.

Paulette was born February 7, 1945. She attended Noxapater High School, and worked for many years for Anglica and TRW Manufacturing. She was preceded in death by two sisters-in-law, Linda Chandler Kidd and Ann Chandler White; and a brother-in-law, Paul Chandler.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur W. “Bill” Chandler of Louisville; and two brothers-in-law, Neil (Beth) Chandler, and Randy Chandler. A private family graveside memorial service will be held at a later date. 

Tony Beard

Tony Beard, as he loved to be called, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Ms. A celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, 1321 North 7th Street, West Monroe, Louisiana. Visitation is the day of the service from 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home.

Tony was born on December 28, 1947, to William Anthony and Lorene Beard. He loved his family, his Church, and being outdoors hunting or fishing whenever possible. He was a gifted man with a number of creative talents when it came to construction or building pieces of furniture. He never felt intimidated by the complexity of any project. He also had a special story telling ability about situations in his life that could make anyone just burst out laughing or at least crack a smile.

Tony entered the US Army in April 1968. He attained the position of Sergeant during his time in service and received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal along with the Good Conduct Medal.He graduated from Vidalia High School, attended Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, Louisiana, and Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi.

Tony is survived by his loving wife Deborra, fondly known by him as “Annie” of 27 years, son Caden Beard of Hot Springs, Arkansas; daughter Rebecca Quinn, son-in-law Jason Quinn, both of Louisville, Mississippi; sister-in-law Carol Smith of West Monroe, Louisiana, and loving brother, Bill Beard of Houston, Texas. Tony is predeceased by his sister Rinda Beard of Clinton, Louisiana. One of his greatest joys was being “Pappy” to his two grandchildren, Mikayla and Harley, and his two great-grandchildren Aurora and Jase.

Another great joy of his life was the host of special friends and acquaintances he established throughout his lifetime. He will be sorely missed.

Arrangements are under the direction of Porter Funeral Home, Louisville, MS, and Kilpatrick Funeral Home, West Monroe, LA.

Willie Calvin Carter

 Willie Calvin Carter, 77, of Noxapater, Mississippi, passed on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Oak Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Meridian, Mississippi. Funeral Service will be Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 2 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Lee Mark Taylor, will deliver the Eulogy.  Visitation will be Friday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant #2 Church Cemetery, Noxapater, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Willie was born January 18, 1949, in Winston County Mississippi to the parents of Wheeler and Lessie Lee Carter. Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Wheeler and Lessie Carter; siblings, Jessie Wilson and Willie H. Carter.

Willie is survived by his wife, Jessie Jean Carter; children, Lafayette Cistrunk (Zederick), Shun Moore, Laneezer Carter (Jessica), Chad Carter (Quanda) and Laranda Carter; siblings, Arma Comage, Wilmer Carter, Johnnie Carter (Patsy), Irene White (Frank), Verdie Carter (Ernest), A. J. Carter, Mildred Triplett, Mary Ann Carter and Everett Carter; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives and family.

Willie Earl Stevenson

 Willie Earl Stevenson passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, at the age of 80, at his home in Louisville, Mississippi, with his loving family by his side. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 21 at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Keen officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in New Hope Cemetery in Louisville.

Willie was born March 24, 1945, to Coy and Eunice Garrard Stevenson in Winston County, Mississippi. He was a member of Murphy Creek Church and lived a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. He loved farming and tending his garden, found great joy in hunting and fishing, and was happiest when he was busy working in his diesel mechanic shop—he was never one to sit still. Some of his most treasured moments were spent in the shop alongside his best sidekick and only grandson, Braden, sharing time, knowledge, and laughter that will be forever cherished.

Willie is survived by his wife Dorothy Dempsey Stevenson and son Brian Stevenson and wife Kristi all of Louisville, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “PawPaw” to his four grandchildren: Jordan (Ethan) VanLandingham, Braden Stevenson, Lauren Littrell, and Nicole Littrell. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren: Hadley and Mavrick. He also leaves behind his sister, Shirley Strait; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Willie Earl was preceded in death by his daughter Tammy Littrell; his parents; and his sister, Betty Crowell.

Serving as pallbearers are TJ Prisock, Jay Rives, Sid Massey, Roy Taylor, Lee Brown, and Scott Taylor. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Randy Rives, Johnnie Edwards, Stacey Littrell and Chad Fulcher. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that memorials be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org.

Frances L. Patterson

Frances L. Patterson., 84, passed away with her loving family at her side on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, in the Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Keen officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 11 a.m. until service time at Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Interment will immediately follow the service in Dry Creek Cemetery.

Frances was born August 1, 1941, to George and Ira Bell Cumberland Wright in Neshoba County, Mississippi. She was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church where she was a faithful worker as long as her health allowed her attendance; always willing to lend a helping hand. Frances was known for her kindness and generosity, often taking others to their doctor appointments. She enjoyed cooking and took pride in maintaining her home. Frances also loved shopping trips, especially her outings with Ms. Jane, with Dollar General being a favorite stop. Above all, she dearly loved keeping her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.

Frances is survived by her children: Kim (David) Keen, Gay (Mitch) Alford, Karin (Lenny) Jones, Susan (Pat) Robbins, James Allen Patterson, and Lee Luke. One of her greatest joys was being “MeMaw” to her 10 grandchildren: Lindsey (Jared) Cockrell, TJ (Mary Margaret) Robbins, Laney (Justin) Barrett, Emily (Keith) Scatamacchia, Rachel (Sam) Hillyer, Bradley (Skylar) Stapleton, Joseph (Samantha) Patterson, Mary Beth Siano, Madison (Sebastian) Gunnin, and Abbi Patterson. She is also survived by her 19 great-grandchildren: Cooper Lane Sanders, Lawson Barrett, Linkin Barrett, Jace Robbins, Luke Robbins, Layten Barrett, Lyndon Barrett, Will Robbins, Kirk Robbins, Hunter Cockrell, Macy Yates, Lilly Cockrell, Layla Cockrell, Logan Cockrell, Van Cockrell, Parker Patterson, Wrenlee Harrison, Ryker Stapleton, and Sallie Mae Stapleton. She also leaves behind her sister, Linda Breedlove; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. Frances was preceded in death by her husbands, Sammy Luke and L. J. Patterson, Jr.; granddaughter, Meagan Alford; grandson, Cliff Sanders; her parents; her siblings, Howard (Johnnie) Wright, Beth (Marvin) Williamson, Evelyn (Buford) Hoyt, and Hubert (Alene) Wright; and her brother-in-law, Jimmy Breedlove.

Serving as pallbearers are TJ Robbins, Sebastian Gunnin, Cooper Lane Sanders, Justin Barrett, Jared Cockrell, Joseph Patterson, and Pat Robbins. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that memorials be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org.

The family would like to thank Dr. Dustin Gentry and the staff at Winston Medical Center Nursing Home, as well as the nursing staff and volunteers at Quality Hospice for their support and care during our time of need.

Walter Cooper Fulton

 Walter Cooper Fulton, lovingly known to some as “Sonny,” passed peacefully at the age of 93 on January 16, 2026, at his home in Louisville, Mississippi, surrounded by his beloved wife, family, and caregivers. He entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, leaving behind a life beautifully marked by faith, service, humility, and love.

Born on January 13, 1933, in Louisville, Mississippi, Walter was a graduate of Louisville High School, East Central Community College, and Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Poultry Science. He honorably served his country in the United States Army for 20 years, with assignments in Korea, Thailand, Germany, Okinawa, and throughout the United States. Following his military retirement, Walter returned home and devoted 20 years of service to the Mississippi State Employment Office.

A man of deep faith, Walter served as a Deacon of Enon Baptist Church. His faith was lived daily through compassion, integrity, and quiet strength. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend who led his family with patience, wisdom, and unwavering devotion.

Walter was known for his warm smile, gentle humor, and joyful spirit. He treasured life’s simple blessings—family gatherings, coffee, conversation, fishing, and laughter. Those who knew him well will forever remember his famous response when asked how something was—“It’s just right.” Today, while our hearts grieve, we smile knowing that if given the chance to ask him what Heaven is like, Walter would undoubtedly answer the same way: “It’s just right.”

He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Wilma Woodruff Fulton; son, William “Buddy” Fulton (Robin); daughters, Patty Teske (Dave) and Tammy Pujol (James); grandchildren, Blake Fulton (Jana), Anna Spence (Cody), Brittany Fowler, Lauren Weiss (Brock), and Bailey Castillion; great-grandchildren, Jude Fulton, Lily Jane Spence, Anne Baker Fulton, Collins Beiriger, Cooper Beiriger, Cannon Newman, Eliana Newman, Keller Weiss, and Alivia Weiss; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jefferson Fulton and Maggie Mae Cooper-Fulton; his baby brother, Charles Alton Fulton; and his sister, Martha Nell Fulton-Eldridge (Leonard).

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Fulton Care Team and medical providers for their compassion, devotion, and loving care: Teresa Moore, Angela Woods, Dasha Goodin, Christina Billiot, Latory Taylor, Dorothy Eichelberger, Joy Eiland, Quality Hospice Care, Wound Care, and Dr. Gentry. Walter's life stands as a testament to loving well, serving faithfully, and living fully. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished. “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…” Proverbs 13:22.

Mrs. Vernece Vanlandingham Bruce

Mrs. Vernece Bruce , 90, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Dominic Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 17th, at Shiloh Baptist Church, with Rev. Jay Murphy officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Shiloh Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Vernece was born on August 25, 1935, in Winston County, MS, to Blanton and Maudie Mayo Vanlandingham. She was a graduate of Rosedale High School and attended Delta State University. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper in the farming business.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene Bruce; her sisters, Ruth V. Whitt, and Perlene V. Tharp; and a brother, Bernard “Bo” Vanlandingham.

She is survived by a daughter, Sen (Mike) Ingle of Brandon, MS; two sisters, Joyce V. Griffin of Cleveland, MS, and Brenda V. (Steve) Bailey of Donaldsonville, GA; a brother, Ronald (Ethel) Vanlandingham of Monticello, AR; two grandchildren, Codi (Michael) McQueary and Josh (Mary) Mitchell; and great grandchildren, Karli Phillips, Lanna McQueary, Jaxon McQueary, Miller Mitchell, and Bash Mitchell.

Pallbearers will be Chris Vanlandingham, Lester Griffin, Todd Traywick, Justin Vanlandingham, Anthony Vanlandingham, and Neil Gregory. Honorary pallbearer is Barry Vanlandingham.

Memorials in Vernece's memory may be made to Shiloh Baptist Church, c/o Brenda Vanlandingham, 455 Walter Burroughs Road, Louisville, MS,  39339 .