Paul Stevenson

Mr. Paul DeWitt Stevenson, 88, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021, at the Beehive Homes in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 9th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Roger Griffith and Rev. Trent Jaudon officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until the service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Paul was born in Choctaw County, MS on December 3, 1933 to Mamie Gordon and Lee Stevenson. He was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in Choctaw County. He graduated from Panhandle School, Choctaw County in 1953 and went to San Antonio, TX for Air Force Basic Training. He trained in auto mechanics, going to work in Wichita Falls, Kansas, California, and Florida. In 1957, he began work with Southern Natural Gas Company in Louisville, MS, and retired in 1993 after 36 years. He was a member of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, the Winston County Cattlemen’s Association, the Winston County Farm Bureau Association, and the Neshoba County Gin Association. Paul enjoyed his farm and cattle. He was an avid deer hunter, often killing as many deer as all his nephews combined. He was a member of the Panhandle Hunting Club.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Hilda McCully Stevenson; his parents; brothers, Hervie Stevenson and Byron Stevenson; step-daughter, Jean Nichol; step-son, Larry Easterwood; and step-grandson, Billy Easterwood.

He leaves to mourn his passing, step-daughter, Connie Easterwood Estes; step-daughter-in-law, Peggy Easterwood; step-son-in-law, Robert Nichol; sister-in-law, Betty Stevenson; step-grandchildren, Del Estes, Douglas Estes, Sabrina Newton, Robert Nichol (Lisa), James Paul Nichol (Jennifer); nephews, Leon Stevenson (Cindy), Chris Stevenson (Debra), and Myron Stevenson (Angie); niece, Diane Bunn (Marc); and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Del Estes, Myron Stevenson, Chris Stevenson, Leon Stevenson, Douglas Estes, Robert Nichol, and Jimmy Nichol. Honorary Pallbearers are Burr Warner, Bubba Warner, Robert Warner, Donnie Graham, Son Vowell, Southern Natural Gas retirees, and members of the Panhandle Hunting Club.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church.

Bruce Wyatt Harrison

Mr. Bruce Wyatt Harrison, 64, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021, at his home in Louisville, MS. A memorial service honoring Bruce’s life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 9th, at First Apostolic Church of Louisville, with Rev. Glynn Barker officiating. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bruce was born August 8, 1957, in Kentucky. He was a U. S. Army veteran, and was in the construction business. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margarete Harrison; and a sister, Judy Gaston.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Thomas Harrison of Louisville; his father, Marvin Harrison of Salina, KS; and three brothers, Mike Harrison of Union, MS, Brian Harrison of Las Vegas, NV, and Otis Harrison of Salina, KS.

 

Marion Rudolph “Rudy” Ming

Marion Rudolph “Rudy” Ming, age 97, passed away on Monday, December 6, 2021, at the State Veterans Nursing Home in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, December 9 at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 10 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mark Mayo officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Murphy Creek Cemetery.

Rudy was born January 24, 1926, to Oscar C. Ming, Sr. and Maybell Turner Ming in Winston County, Mississippi. He was a faithful member of Murphy Creek Baptist Church where he served numerous years as a deacon. Rudy loved to work and was retired from the Maintenance Department of Georgia Pacific and he was a Mason.

Rudy is survived by his daughters: Annette Ming (Joe) Ward of Louisville, Brenda Garvin (Kenny) McMullan of Decatur, Mississippi, Marsha Garvin (Matthew) Shelley of Forest, Mississippi, Sue Ellen Garvin (Ricky) Miller of Louisville, Janet Garvin (Mike) Eubanks of Alvin, Texas, and Bess Ann Garvin (Keith) Kesterson of Ruston, Louisiana, and his sons Marion David (Vickie) Ming of Mantee, Mississippi, and Philip Scott (Natalie) Ming of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Pop” to his 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Donald D. Ming as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Rudy is preceded in death by his wives Juanita Hisaw Ming and Sue Garvin Ming, infant twin sons Perry and Jerry Ming, a great-grandson Luke Eubanks, his parents, and three brothers Oscar C. Ming, Jr., Harold G. Ming, and Charles Jackson Ming.

Serving as pallbearers are Clay Eubanks, Kyle Jones, Bradley Miller, Patrick Miller, Ricky Miller, Scott Ming, and Jesse Ward. Memorials in honor of Mr. Rudy may be given to Murphy Creek Baptist Church, 5420 Bond Road, Louisville, MS 39339.

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.

Norvil Ray Manning

Mr. Norvil Ray Manning, 74, of Noxapater, died Saturday, December 4, 2021, at his home.

A graveside service  will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Mars Hill Cemetery in Winston County with Rev. Scotty Boatner and Rev. Dwight Fleming officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of departure at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.

Mr. Manning was a native and lifelong resident of the Plattsburg Community of Winston County and a graduate from Noxapater High School. He served in the National Guard. He worked as an automotive mechanic where he was the owner/operator for 30-plus years, and worked for Taylor Machine Works for 10 years until his retirement in 2018. He was an avid hunter and fisherman; and loved spending time with his family. He loved to garden with his antique tractor. Mr. Manning was a member of Plattsburg Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and served as a deacon for over 53 years.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Linda Manning; daughter, Kim Smith of Noxapater; son, Rusty Manning (Lynn), all of Noxapater; grandchildren, Trent Smith, Austin Smith (Susannah), Dylan Manning, Tracy Waddell (Austin), Shane Sciple, and Brandon Sciple; great-grandchildren, Mackenlie Smith, Makenzie Yates, Waylon Smith, and Braxton Waddell; brother, Terry Manning (Janice) of Noxapater; niece, Holley Gardener (Wilson); and nephew, Dustin Manning.

Pallbearers are Rusty Manning, Austin Smith, Trent Smith, Dylan Manning, Rayford Manning, Tim Manning, Bruce Manning, and Brent Manning.

Glendal Eugene Reid

Glendal Eugene Reid, 86, of Ackerman, MS passed away Saturday, December 4, 2021, at his residence in Ackerman, MS. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 7, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Coleman Funeral Home, Ackerman, MS. Immediately following will be the funeral service with Bro. Jerry Lawson officiating. Interment will be at Old Lebanon Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Ackerman, MS.

Mr. Reid was born April 3, 1935, to the late Harold and Mamie Reid in Ackerman, MS. He graduated with an agricultural degree from Mississippi State University and served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Upon graduation, he worked for the Mississippi Forestry Commission and for the remainder of his career he served 36 years as Lowndes County Supervisor for Farmers Home Administration in the Department of Agriculture in Columbus, MS. He also served as Chairman of the Board for Wesley United Methodist Church where he was a member for many years. In retirement he was an active member of Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Ackerman, MS.

While living in Columbus, his favorite pastime was entertaining and cooking for large groups of people. He was even a founding member of the Columbus Chitterling Club and was most proud of an article published by Birney Imes, Jr. praising his culinary and entertaining skills. Mr. Reid's retirement years were spent in his hometown of Ackerman maintaining his farmland and cattle which were his pride and joy. He continued his passion for entertaining by feeding friends and family that gathered at his "shop" for good food and fellowship.

Mr. Reid is survived by his wife of 62 years—Charlotte Gaston Reid, Ackerman, MS; son, Dr. R. Kirk Reid(Mitcie) of Madison, MS. and daughter Lynne Reid Sneed(Rory) of Columbus, MS; grandchildren—Jennifer Rawson(Chad), Cooper Reid, Logan Sneed, Courtney Reid, and Luke Sneed; great-grandchildren Patrick Rawson and Jameson Rawson.

Pallbearers will be Frank Black, Wayne Cantrell, Eric Chambers, Billy Collier, Mark Hatcher, Tom Higginbotham, Jimmy Ralph McClure and Kevin Stark.

Memorials may be made to Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church, PO Box 294, Ackerman, MS 39735.

Betty Joyce Smith

Betty Joyce Smith, age 74, passed away with her loving family by her side on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at her residence in Noxapater, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 4 p. m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 5 at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 6 at Union Ridge Baptist Church with Bro. Greg Thomas officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service in Union Ridge Cemetery.

Betty Joyce was born March 30, 1947, to Cecil and Alberta Liston Smith in Sledge, Mississippi. She was a member of Union Ridge Baptist Church. Betty enjoyed any outside activities especially gardening, fishing, and hunting. As a homemaker, she greatly loved her family and being able to spend time with them.

Betty Joyce is survived by her loving husband of 47 years Rex Allen Smith, and her three daughters: Crystal (Mike) Clark, Tammy (Steve) Womble all of Noxapater, and Brandi (Derek) Wyatt of Philadelphia, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “Mawmaw” to her seven grandchildren: Erin (Tristin) Fulgham, Aly Clark, Dillon (Madison) Womble, Dalton (Madison) Womble, Brice Womble, Blake Wyatt, and Celena Wyatt as well as her four great-grandchildren: Kipp and Shepherd Womble, and Annistyn and Jett Womble; and she was looking forward to the arrival of twin great-grandchildren in March 2022. Betty Joyce is also survived by three sisters: Etta (Fred) Daughtery, Mary Redwine, and Virginia (Bobby) Tutor, her brother Cecil Ray (Louise) Smith, and her brother-in-law Roger Randle. She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Betty Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, and five siblings: Jerry Smith, Roy Smith, Darryl Smith, Alice Winters, and Connie Randle.

Serving as pallbearers are Mike Clark, Steve Womble, Derek Wyatt, Brice Womble, Dalton Womble, Dillon Womble, Blake Wyatt, and Tristin Fulgham. Memorials in honor of Betty Joyce may be given to the Union Ridge Cemetery Fund, c/o Jamie Clark, 1629 Johnson 5 Road, Noxapater, MS 39346.

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.

Sandra Sue Beasley Lean

Mrs. Sandra Sue Beasley Lean, 62, passed away on December 3, 2012, at her home in Sturgis, MS.

Mrs. Lean was born May 5, 1959. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Lean.

She is survived by a son, Geoffrey Austin Lean of Sturgis, MS; three daughters, Shannon Renee Hilliard of Louisville, Katrina Marie Sixkiller of Starkville, MS, and Cassandra Ann Merlini of Michigan; her father, Paul Beasley of Louisville; and eight grandchildren.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Donald Kellum

Donald Lynn Kellum passed away on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, MS. Mr. Kellum was born November 9, 1954, in Oktibbeha County, MS, to James Lamar and Alma Pearl(Blanton) Kellum. He was 67 years old and an active member of Friendship Baptist Church of Sturgis, MS. Mr. Kellum was employed by Oktibbeha County and worked on the road crew. He was an active member of the Masonic Lodge and served with the Abert Lodge, Sturgis Lodge, and Betheden Lodge.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Coleman Funeral Home with Rev. Jeremy McCrory officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Park in Starville, MS. Visitation will be held Monday morning from 9:30 a.m. till service time at Coleman Funeral Home.

Mr. Kellum is survived by his wife, Denise(Musgrove) Kellum; 1 daughter, Angela K.(Keith) Hall of Pearl, MS; 1 son, Donald Keith(Kimberly) Kellum of Starkville, MS; 5 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Kellum was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Virginia Fox and Geneva Greene; and 7 brothers, James Harold Kellum, Willie Kellum, Richard Kellum, Gene Kellum, Prentiss Kellum, Jimmy Kellum, and Roy Kellum.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL, 33607.

Maxine Vaughan Jones

Maxine V. Jones passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021, at her residence in Ackerman, MS. Maxine was born March 12, 1931, in Choctaw County, MS, to Joe Felix, Sr. and Beulah(McMinn) Vaughan. She was 90 years old and retired first as Food Service Supervisor for Choctaw County Medical Center and Nursing Home. Later she worked and retired as cook/cashier/operator for SuperValu Grocery & Deli.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at Coleman Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Irvin and Rev. Todd Chesser officiating. Burial will follow in Enon Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m., at Coleman Funeral Home.

Maxine is survived by 1 daughter, Brenda(Wendell) Lucas of Ackerman, MS; 1 son, Vaughan(Regina) Jones of Ackerman, MS; 5 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Charles T. "Jack" Jones, her parents, 1 son, Charles Michael Jones; 2 grandsons, Anthony D. Lucas and Michael Craig Jones; 1 great-grandson, Hunter Jack Tuck; 2 sisters, Wilma Long and Happy Burney; and 1 brother, Joe Felix Vaughan, Jr.

Chansity Kiskeah Sherman

Chansity Kiskeah Sherman, 43, of Ackerman, MS., passed on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021, at the Choctaw County Medical Center, Ackerman, MS. Funeral Service will be Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021, at 2 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home Chapel, Weir, MS., Burial will be in the Mount Salem Church Cemetery, Ackerman, MS. Beck Funeral Home of Weir, MS., in charge of arrangements.

Major Lever Reed

Major Lever Reed, 39, of Louisville, MS., passed on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham, AL. A Memorial Service will be conducted later by the Family. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Willie Allen Worthy

Willie Allen Worthy, 73, of Montgomery, Alabama, formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at the Winston County Medical Center, Louisville, MS. Funeral Service will be Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 12 p.m., from New Life Church of Christ, Montgomery, AL., Visitation will be Wednesday, from Beck Funeral Home, Louisville, MS., from 12 noon until 4 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Woodley Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3086 Woodley Road, Montgomery, AL. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of local arrangements and the Phillips-Riley Funeral Home of Montgomery, AL, will conduct arrangements in AL.

Ethel Mae Dailey

Mrs. Ethel Mae Dailey, 99, of Louisville, MS., passed on Friday, Nov. 28, 2021, at her home. Funeral Service will be Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at 11 a.m., from Oak Grove#2 Missionary Baptist Church, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Cornell Labrett Miller

Cornell Labrett Miller, 46, of Nashville, MS., formerly of Louisville, MS., passed on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at TriStar Centennial Medical Center, Nashville, TN. Funeral Service will be Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 2 p.m., from Beck Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Eric Douglas Sullivan

Eric Douglas Sullivan, age 46, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Monday, November 29, 2021, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, December 2 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Phil Fancher officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 11 a.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville. Interment will immediately follow the service in Sardis Cemetery in Winston County.

Eric was born May 5, 1975, to Doug and Rosa Sullivan in Dowagiac, Michigan. He was a 1993 graduate of Louisville High School. Eric was a member of South Louisville Baptist Church and served on the Church Committee Board for Sardis Cemetery. He was a proud Union Pipeline Operator Local 624. Eric was very competitive and loved racing his truck “Sally.” He also enjoyed riding 4-wheelers, showing horses with his daddy, and fishing with his father-in-law Ronald Thompson. Eric enjoyed watching his children in their school-related activities and just being at the shop with the guys working on anything that needed to be fixed.

Eric is survived by his loving wife of 21 years Marinda Sullivan, his children Erika Jo Sullivan and William Sullivan (Sara McKenzie), and his bonus children that he raised as his own: Hanna Sisson, Cody Allen and Ke Daniels. He is also survived by his mother Rosa Sullivan and his sisters: Lisa Jewell Sullivan, Hollie Sullivan (Matt) Queior, Christy Sullivan Haddock, and Stacey Jahn, and his father and mother-in-law Ronald and Janet Thompson. Eric also leaves behind his niece Kalee Jewell Hall as well as a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. Eric is preceded in death by his father Doug Sullivan, his grandparents Vernon and Myrtis Jewell Sullivan, his uncle Lynn Sullivan, and his grandmother-in-law Agnes Thompson.

Serving as pallbearers are Chris Boswell, JimmyMac England, Robby Fuller, Kevin Stanley, Mica Stokes, Tyler Thompson, Michael Vowell, and Scotty Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are Danny and Dennis Whitman. Memorials in honor of Eric may be given to the American Cancer Society online at donate3.cancer.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.

Tiffany Renee Houston Tucker

Tiffany Renee Houston Tucker, 51, of Winston County passed on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 from Winston County, Mississippi. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from Jerusalem Temple Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Final Disposition will follow in the Donald Rest Cemetery in Philadelphia, Mississippi. Visitation will be held 12:00 P.M. - 12:50 P.M. Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from Jerusalem Temple Church. Beck Funeral Home Philadelphia is in charge of all arrangements.

Kas McCullouch

Mr. Kas Lexington McCullouch, 42, passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at this home in Starkville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 28th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Charles Davis officiating. Visitation will be Sunday from 12:00 noon until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be in Evergreen Baptist Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Kas was born May 28, 1979, in Jackson, MS. He was a 1997 graduate of Louisville High School, and was the owner of McCullouch Construction. He was a member of Evergreen Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edward McCullouch; and great grandparents, Lester and Maggie Childs.

He is survived by his mother, Somone McCullouch of Louisville; his grandmother, Mary Jo Roach of Louisville; his uncle and aunt, John and Betty Roach, and cousin, Callie; special friends, Jonathan, Bill, and Peg Nelson; and Tony, Audrey, Diana, and Matthew Richardson; and his breakfast buddies, Toby and Charles.

Pallbearers will be Toby Steed, Dalton Steed, Charles Thomas, Joe Towne, Matthew Richardson, and Austin McIlwain.

Memorials may be made to Evergreen Cemetery Fund.

Donald Vance Addkison

Mr. Donald Vance Addkison, 90, passed away Monday, November 22, 2021, at Winston County Nursing Home in Louisville, MS. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 26th, at Dry Creek Baptist Cemetery in Kemper County, with Rev. Vernell Daniels officiating. Interment will immediately follow in Dry Creek Baptist Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Donald was born August 3, 1931, in Louisville, MS to Rosamond H. Addkison and Nannie Lou Hudspeth Addkison. He graduated from Louisville High School in 1950, then served two years in the Army. After graduating from Mississippi State University, he spent 38 years with General Motors in Louisiana and Mississippi before retiring in Jackson. He later returned home to Winston County.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Kenneth Addkison and Keaton Addkison.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dorothy McBrayer Addkison; one daughter, Donna Addkison; one grandson, Donald Clyde “Tres” Simmons; sister-in-law, June Addkison; nephew, Brad Addkison; nieces, Bridget Hodges and Jennifer Clark; and cousins, Yulanda (Robert) Allen and Larry (Jan) Addkison.

Pallbearers will be Michael Ted Evans, Roy Taylor, Al Talbot, Leon Fulton, David Barfield, Wayne Smith, Ed Triplett, and Leroy Hickman.

Leon Stingley

Leon Stingley, 85, of Louisville, MS., passed on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at the Veteran Administration Medical Center, Jackson, MS. Graveside service will be Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at 1 p.m., from Mount Bell M. B. Church Cemetery, 8215 Brooksville Road, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday, from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Rita Hill

Rita Jane Smith Hill, aged 86, passed away on Friday, November 19, 2021 at Carrington Rehab in Starkville, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held at 11a.m. on Tuesday, November 23 at Nowell-Massey Chapel in Louisville with Dr. Reverend Allison Stacey Parvin and Reverend Jon Hill officiating. Visitation will be held the day of the service from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. in the chapel. Interment will immediately follow the service in Sardis Church Cemetery in Winston County.

Rita was born on November 29, 1934, to Miles Tucker and Macy Smith in Winston County’s Ellison Ridge Community. She was reared in the Ellison Ridge Community where she graduated from Ellison Ridge School in 1952. Rita married James Albert (Jimmy) Hill in August of that year and settled in the house where he was born in the Ellison Ridge Community. Rita became a housewife, mother, and a partner in all of Jimmy's ventures. Going back to school, Rita obtained her Real Estate Brokers license and opened her own real estate office and worked in real estate for several years. She decided to go back to school in 1982 and obtained an Associates Degree in Business Technology at East Mississippi Community College Golden Triangle. Rita joined Mississippi State University as an Administrative Assistant, working in the areas of economic and community development. She enjoyed working with her colleagues at State immensely, working on projects across Mississippi and around the world.

Rita was an avid Mississippi State Bulldog. She enjoyed football, women’s and men’s basketball, and baseball following the teams wherever and whenever possible, including multiple trips to Omaha for the CWS. She watched and was immensely proud of the 2021 National Champion Diamond Dawgs. Rita retired from State in 1995 due to health reasons.

Rita was a resident of and loved the Ellison Ridge Community and was a member of Ellison Ridge Baptist Church. Her hobbies included reading, traveling, sports, watching old movies, history, and politics.

Rita is survived by her three children; Forest Gene Hill of Columbia, SC, Pamela Jane Hill of Starkville, MS, and Kenneth Miles (Sonia Lahmer) Hill of Wilmington, DE; her grandchildren, Marcelle (Allen) Deal of Columbia, SC; Genevieve (William) Hill-Evashevski of Good Hart, MI; Christopher Hill of Columbia, SC, Alan (Bridget) Harper of Chicago, IL; great-grandchildren, Ryan Penny, Adrienne (Ward) Burrus, Madden Deal, Corey Deal, all of Columbia, SC; her great-great grandchild, Bailyn Grace Burrus; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy; her parents, Tuck and Macy Smith; her brother, Gershon Smith, her sister, Betty Ruth Glass, and daughter-in-law Tammy Cobb Hill.

Serving as pallbearers are Christopher Hill, Ryan Penny, Shawn White, Tyler Fulton, Alan Harper, and Bob Fuller. Honorary pallbearers are Albert (Shug) Glass, Philip Smith, Michael Smith, and William Evashevski. Memorials in honor of Rita may be given to Sardis Cemetery Fund, via c/o Glenda Thomas at 215 Thomas Road, Louisville, MS 39339 or The Mississippi State University Scholarship Foundation.

The family would like to thank Dr. Emily Landrum of The Family Clinic in Starkville for her support over the last months.

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.