Serita Creekmore Gentry

Ms. Serita Creekmore Gentry, 82, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023 with her loving family by her side. Funeral services will be 12 p.m. Tuesday, December 12 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend David Keen officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 10:00 a.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Interment will immediately follow the service in Memorial Cemetery in Louisville.

Ms. Gentry was born November 29, 1941 in Louisville, MS. She worked in banking and property management. After retirement, she continued her hobby of gardening, which you could clearly see as soon as you drove up to her home. She also loved to cook meals, especially around the holiday times for her family. Most Saturdays, you’d see her bright and early at the local yard sales, where she would find many wonderful treasures. When you came to visit her at her home, she would always put on a pot of coffee for you to enjoy while you would sit and visit. She loved collecting angel figurines and each one had a special story behind them.

Ms. Gentry was proceeded in death by her parents J.D. and Laverne Gregory; son, Jeff Creekmore; daughter, Alicia Creekmore Miles; grandson, Adam Miles; and niece, Susan Gregory Dillard.

She is survived by her son, Chris (Bonnie) Creekmore; brother, James Gale (Frances) Gregory; and daughter-in-law, Bonnie Sue Creekmore, all of Louisville; her grandchildren, Jessica (Jacob) Robbins, Jonathan (Shelby) Creekmore, Anthony (Nycole) Miles, Brad (Rachel) Creekmore, and Ben (Alisha) Creekmore; her great grandchildren, Carson Robbins, Colton Robbins, Carly Robbins, Caden Robbins, Camille Robbins, Tayler Grace Miles, Kayten Miles, Ryker Miles, Micah Jayce Creekmore, Alora Creekmore, Brinley Creekmore, Tyler Holcomb, Kennedy Holcomb, and Mercy Diggers; great grandchild, Landry Miles; nephew, Kevin Gregory; great nieces; Logan Nowacki, Jillian DeDeaux, and Bailey Gregory; and great nephew John Atwell Dillard.

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.

Altha Wynell “Nell” Woods

Altha Wynell “Nell” Woods formerly of Ackerman, MS, passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Skelton Personal Care Home in Mathiston, MS. Mrs. Woods was born on May 4, 1941, in Choctaw County, MS to John Jasper and Edith Elizabeth (Shackelford) Wood. She was 82 years old. Mrs. Woods was a retired registered nurse.

Her last position was Director of Nursing at Diamond Grove Center in Louisville, MS.

Funeral services were held at Ackerman Church of Christ in Ackerman, MS on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. Visitation was held prior to service time starting at 1:00 p.m. Burial followed at Salem Cemetery near Ackerman, MS.

Mrs. Woods is survived by 2 sons, Jackie (Luisa) Woods of Ackerman, MS, and Ricky (Susan) Woods of Sturgis, MS; 5 grandchildren, Stan (Seetala) Woods, Thomas (Elizabeth) Woods, Misty Goodin, Shawna Murphy, and Brianna Woods. She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and father of her children, Murry Woods, and her 2nd husband, Thomas White; her parents, John Jasper and Edith Elizabeth (Shackelford) Wood; 1 son, Hamp Woods; 1 daughter, Anna Woods; 1 brother, Willie Forest Woods and 1 grandchild, Brittany Woods.

Memorials may be made to the Ackerman Church of Christ or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

John Craig Magyar

John Craig Magyar of Ackerman, MS, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at his residence in Ackerman, MS. John was born on February 21, 1951, in New Jersey to Anthony and Mary Bess (Clements) Magyar. He was 72years old. John was a retired Chemical Engineer at Kerr-McGee. He attended Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Graveside services will be held at Salem Independent Methodist Cemetery near Ackerman, MS on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 11:30 AM. Burial will follow at Salem Independent Methodist Cemetery near Ackerman, MS. Visitation will be held prior to service time from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS.

John is survived by 2 sons, Anthony (Janell) Magyar of Ackerman, MS, and Chad (Chastity) Magyar of Benton, MS, and a daughter, Renea Easley of Ackerman, MS; 8 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by a brother, Joe Cobb of Ackerman, MS.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Christie Janell (Collier) Magyar; his parents, Anthony and Mary Bess (Clements) Magyar; and one brother, Ty Cobb.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Richard Wayne “Rick” Jenkins

Richard Wayne “Rick” Jenkins passed away Friday,December 8, 2023, at his residence in Ackerman, MS. Rick was born August 4, 1945, in Louisville, KY, to H.L.and Edith (Pitcock) Jenkins. He was 78 years old.

Rick was employed by Kellwood Manufacturing for a number of years in various places around the country. During that time, he was transferred to serve as Plant Manager for the Kellwood Plant in Ackerman, MS. After the plant closed, he elected to stay in Choctaw County and raise his family. He then opened up his own business, Mr. J’s Cleaners, where he served this community until his retirement. Through the years, Rick has been actively involved in community activities and organizations. He served on the Choctaw Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees and was also an active member of the Choctaw County Cruisers.

Memorial services will be held for Rick on Thursday, December 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Chester Baptist Church with graveside services following in the church cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church for a time of remembrance beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to service time.

Rick is survived by his wife, Linda (Stovall) Jenkins of Ackerman, MS; 1 daughter, Sherrie Paige Jenkins of Oxford, MS; 2 sons, Christopher Wayne (Anita) Jenkins of Ackerman, MS, and Richard Troy Jenkins of Hattiesburg, MS; 1 sister Sonya Jenkins of Scottsville, KY, and 4 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 5 sisters, Wanda Page, Doris Fishback, Frances Robbins, Patricia Law, and Bobby Hill; and 3 brothers, Jim Jenkins, Randy Kelly Jenkins, and Billy Jenkins.

Memorials may be made to Chester Baptist Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Willie Ruth Hickman

Willie Ruth Hickman, 76, of Louisville, MS., passed on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at the Winston County Medical Center. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Melvin F. Starnes

Melvin Fred Starnes of Sturgis, MS, passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at his residence near Sturgis, MS. Melvin was born on February 8, 1946 in Sturgis, MS to Joseph and Arlin Juanita (Sanders) Boyd. He was 77 years old. Melvin was a former welder at Gulf States in Starkville, MS.

Memorial visitation services will be held at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Bradley, MS on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. A Memorial Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Rev. Mike Sanders will officiate.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Cathy Wyckoff (Steve) of Sturgis, MS, two brothers, Hazel Starnes of Sturgis, MS and Chris Starnes (Debbie) of Sturgis, MS. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Tyler and Johnson Wyckoff and two great grandchildren, William Wilson, Jr. and Julia Wyckoff, as well as two special family members, Jane McCool of Sturgis, MS and her daughter Marci Wilson (William) of Eupora, MS.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Arlin Juanita Boyd, three brothers, Joe Allen Starnes, Jesse Howard Starnes, and Donald Clyde Starnes, one sister, Nancy Irene Holston Romaine and each of his paternal and maternal aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and/or an organization of choice.

Brenda Ballew Dover

Brenda Ballew Dover of Ackerman, MS, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus, MS. Brenda was born on December 4, 1955in Chattanooga, TN to William Eugene and Martha Ann (Bursley) Ballew. She was 67 years old. Brenda was a retired Hospitality Clerk for Hampton Inn.

A memorial visitation will be held for family and friends at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman, MS on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

Brenda is survived by her sister, Debra (Charles) Box of Ackerman, MS, and her brother, Teddy Ballew of Hixson, TN.

She was preceded in death by her parents William Eugene and Martha Ann (Bursley) Ballew, and one brother, Terry Allen Ballew.

Brenden Latrevion Patty

Brenden Latrevion Patty, 15, of Louisville, MS., passed on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at University Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi. Funeral Service will be Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 11: a.m., from Still Valley M. B. Church, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Louisville Memorial Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

I. L. “Buddy” Pickett

I. L. “Buddy” Pickett, 71, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, with his loving family by his side. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 5 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Bert Jones officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville, Mississippi. Interment will immediately follow the service in Jacksonfield Cemetery in Winston County.

Buddy was born December 12, 1951, to Leslie and Christine Warren Pickett in Winston County. He was a member of Macedonia Revival Center of Philadelphia, Mississippi. Early in his career, Buddy worked at Taylor Machine Works. Later, he enjoyed serving others at BJ’s Restaurant; he especially enjoyed being able to visit with everyone. He was a fun-loving person who enjoyed teasing others to make them laugh…Buddy was loved by so many. He also enjoyed bream fishing; and, he answered the call of his country by serving in the United States Army.

Buddy is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Janie Drewery Pickett, and his sons, Bert (Holly) Jones, Grant Jones, and Clay (Monica) Fuller. One of his greatest joys was being “Paw Paw Buddy” to his grandchildren: Josh Jones, Peyton (Kenzie) Jones, Cheston Jones (Chynna-Jewelles Hodge Carr), Brady (Mattie) Jones, Kyle (Kayla) Jones, and Nora Fuller. He especially adored his four great-grandchildren: Ryklin, Bodie, Selah, and Joah Jones. Buddy is also survived by four siblings: Doris Lovern, Abbie Smith, Warren Pickett, and Gloria (Wayne) Veazey; in addition to numerous loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings: Randolph Pickett, Dorothy Green, Betty Williamson, and Henry Pickett.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests that memorials in honor of Buddy be given to the funeral home to help defray the service expenses.

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.

Mary Lean Love

 

Mrs. Mary Lean Love, 83, of Louisville, MS., passed on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the Winston County Medical Center, Louisville, Mississippi. Funeral Service will be Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023 at 2 p.m., from Centerhill Church of God In Christ, Louisville, MS. Visitation will be Saturday from 4 until 6 p.m., from the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Centerhill Church Cemetery. Beck Funeral Home of Louisville in charge of arrangements.

Kay Garrigues Martin

Kay Garrigues Martin was born September 29, 1949, in Louisville, MS and departed this earth November 27, 2023, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Ms. Her parents were Joseph Myers Garrigues and Jeannette Boutwell Garrigues who preceded her in death. Kay graduated from Louisville High School and attended Ole Miss before earning her nursing degree from Meridian Community College.

For over 30 years she worked as a registered nurse at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, MS in several capacities—nursing manager for med-surg, Geri -Psych and the drug & alcohol rehab units.

Her great loves were family, Ole Miss and Elvis. It was said that she greatly favored her father with her quick wit and even quicker retorts. There is no question of her love for Ole Miss, from her Ole Miss room to her attendance of games to her playful exchanges with her state friends.

She was a lifelong member of Rocky Hill Methodist Church and a member of the Nanih Waiya Chapter of the DAR.

Perhaps the most important part of her life was her deep love and devotion to her family. She loved planning and hosting friends and extended family gathering in her home. She was particularly doted on her son, grandchildren and great grandsons, traveling to visit them often, helping any way she could and was always planning and saving for large family vacations.

She is survived by her husband Jimmy Martin of Louisville, her son Joey Teichert (Bonnie) of Ocean Springs, her granddaughter Lauren Stutmann (James) of Niceville, FL, her grandson Kade (Krista Shea) of Ocean Springs and 3 great grandsons, Cooper, Jace and Maverick. She is also survived by her sister, Sarah Garrigues of Louisville, her sister-in-law Jean Garrigues, nephews Grant Garrigues, Justin Garrigues (Kelly) of Gulfport, MS, and Brian Garrigues (Lauren) of Los Angles, CA, her mother-in-law Jautees Martin, sister-in-law Natalie Martin and brother-in-law Kenny Martin, her pets Rob and Joe as well as numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Rober Garrigues and her 4-legged family Lucky & Lucy.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Rocky Hill Methodist Church with visitation immediately preceding the service from 12 to 2. Interment will be in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to Rocky Hill Methodist Church, SO-SO Strong Pediatric Brain Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

Rocky Hill Methodist Church
c/o Albert Moore
2224 Rocky Hill Rd
Louisville, MS 39339

SoSo Strong Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
PO Box 632
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
www.sosostrongpbtf.org

Tammy Joyce Commer Rushing

Funeral services for Tammy Joyce Commer Rushing, 89, were held Sunday, November 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel with visitation from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Rev. Dennis Duvall and Rev. Joel Embry officiating. Mrs. Rushing, 89, died Thursday, November 23, 2023, at Beehive Home in Philadelphia, MS. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church of House.

She was born December 10, 1933, to Odie Ray and Hazel Barrett Commer, in the Mars Hill Community Winston County. She attended Arlington School through the tenth grade. She completed her GED and graduated Draughn Business School in Meridian, MS. She was a Receptionist/Medical Records clerk for Dr. F. M. Blackwell for many years, and positions with several other doctors in Philadelphia, up to her retirement. She married Charles F. Rushing, Sr. in 1985.

Joyce loved fish and believed in the three C’s: Catch, Clean, Cook. She loved her flowers and gardening. She was artistic, painting, drawing, sewing, crocheting, knitting, counted cross stitch, and quilting. She was a member of the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild. She was a member of Nanih Waiya Chapter, DAR through her ancestor, Reuben Barrett.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Charles F. Rushing, Sr.; infant son, Andy Clyde Lee, sons, Bradley Jerome Lee and Charles F. "Frank" Rushing Jr.; granddaughter, Leslie Marie Lee, infant twin sisters, Ruby Commer and Ruth Commer, and her parents.

Survivors include sons, Benny L. Lee (Kim) and Ronnie Lee (Shelia), and John Rushing, and daughters, Karen Lee Myrick (Charles), Marilyn Lee Dowdy (Keith), and Tammy Lee Parkes (Luke); and Pat Rushing Smith (Scott); and her sister Ramona Commer Woods. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. And Biscuit, her 15-year-old maltie-poo.

Pallbearers were Michael Lee, Chad Stuart, Chuck Brasher, Will Lee, James Coleman, Josh Smith, Cody Parkes and Will Stewart.

Family request that donations in Joyce's memory go to Mars Hill Cemetery Fund, c/o Sewanna Watson; Shriner's Children's Hospital of Bastrop, LA or to Blair Batson Children's Hospital.

Julie Jackson Lewis

Julie Maxine Jackson Lewis of Maben, MS, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at her residence in Maben, MS. Julie was born on September 14, 1961 in Ackerman, MS to Bob and Marilyn (Johnson) Jackson. She was 62years old. Julie was a draftsman at Gulf States in Starkville, MS.

Memorial services will be held at Morgan Chapel Baptist Church near Sturgis, MS on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Morgan Chapel Baptist Church near Sturgis, MS at a later date.

Julie is survived by her husband, Mike Lewis of Maben, MS; her parents, Bob and Marilyn Jackson of Sturgis, MS;a grandson, Alex Rich of Ohio; three brothers, Mike (Angela) Jackson of Sturgis, MS, Ed Jackson of Bothell, WA, and Kevin (Janice) Mason of Seattle, WA; two sisters, Carolyn Case of San Tan Valley, AZ and Aime (Brad) Jones of Columbus, MS.

She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Rich and three brothers, Gary Lynn Jackson, Mark Jackson and Patrick Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Rhonda Gregg Miller

Rhonda Gregg Miller, 71, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in Starkville, Mississippi, after a short battle with breast cancer. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, November 27 in the Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Melvin Mordecai officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service at the funeral home from 12:30 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Antioch Cemetery in Winston County.

Rhonda was born in Starkville, Mississippi, on May 7, 1952, to Mantee and Ann Wofford Gregg. She was an avid Mississippi State fan; she especially enjoyed football. Rhonda retired after working for 28 years in the office of Dr. Leroy Howell as a lab technician.

Rhonda is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Wayne Miller; and two sons, Phillip Miller and Matt Miller and wife, Mary Jo, all of Winston County. One of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to her four grandchildren: Tabitha (Josh) Medders, Blake (Maggie) Miller, Dillon Miller, and Tristan Smith; as well as her five great-grandchildren: David, Emma, Lane, Peyton, and Eli. She is also survived by numerous cousins, other family members, and friends. Rhonda is preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Robbie Gregg and Stacey Gregg.

Serving as pallbearers are Blake Miller, Jacob Miller, Josh Medders, Tate Miller, Tommie D. Rives, and Steven Miller. Memorials in honor of Rhonda may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation online at bcrf.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.

 

Tammy Black

Tammy McKnight Black of Ackerman, MS, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at her residence in Ackerman, MS. Tammy was born on January 25, 1966 in Ackerman, MS to Wayne and Mavis (Dean) McKnight. She was 57 years old. Tammy was the Owner/Business Manager of Black’s Dozer.

Funeral services will be held at Enon C.P. Church in Ackerman, MS on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held prior to service time starting at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Enon Cemetery near Ackerman, MS.

Tammy is survived by her husband, Billy Joe Black, Jr. of Ackerman, MS; a daughter, Laiken (Craig) Fulgham; two grandchildren, Kelsey and Carson Fulgham of Ackerman, MS; her mother, Mavis McKnight of Ackerman, MS; and one brother, Terry McKnight of Ackerman, MS.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wayne McKnight; and a granddaughter, Kaylie Grace Fulgham.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Lura Ray McCulloch

Lura Ray McCulloch, 100, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Diversicare of Eupora with her loving family by her side. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 26 at Salem Independent Methodist Church with Bro. Todd Chesser officiating. Visitation will Saturday, November 25 from 5:00 pm to 7 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home in Louisville; and at the church on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until service time. Interment will immediately follow the service in Salem Cemetery.

Lura was born on May 29, 1923, to Lafayette “Fate” and Nan McIntyre Ray in Ackerman, Mississippi. She was a member of Salem Independent Methodist Church. Lura was a homemaker and a retired cosmetologist. Lura enjoyed quilting and gardening; she was also an excellent seamstress.

Lura is survived by her daughters: Neva Thompson of Ackerman; and Reva Cravens and husband, Mark, of Louisville, Mississippi. One of her greatest joys was being “Grandmother” to her seven grandchildren: Tina (Jason) McCuller, Jessie Ponder, Joshua (Samone) Ponder, Drew (Ashlee) Cravens, Courtney (Larkin) Chapman, Janice Curtis, and Valerie McCulloch; as well as her 19 great-grandchildren: Kameron, Kaytlyn, Karter, Katherine, Kensi, Keira, Kaisley, and Kimmie McCuller; Kayley Ponder; Cammie James, Jacie, Joslyn , and Myles Ponder; Laney Clayre Cravens; Josh Chapman; Brittany (Shane) Holifield; Caleb McCulloch, Robert Curtis; and Chloe Fulgham; and two great-great-grandchildren: Nova and Benton Holifield. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray McCulloch; son, Dennis McCulloch; grandson, Justin Cravens; her parents; and five siblings: Lucille Downing, Howard Ray, Vera Mae Jenkins, Bobbie Nell Jenkins, and Jerry Boyd Ray.

Serving as pallbearers are Karter McCuller, Kameron McCuller, Caleb McCulloch, Robert Curtis, Loyd Ray, and Wade Ray. Honorary pallbearers are Joshua Ponder and Jason McCuller. Memorials in honor of Lura may be given to Salem Cemetery Fund, c/o Becky Orr, 625 MS Hwy 415, Ackerman, MS 39735 or to the American Cancer Society online at donate.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.

Robert Hayes Allen

Mr. Robert Hayes Allen, 72, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at his home in Louisville. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, November 27th, at Porter Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Childs and Rev. Newlie Long officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 12:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home. Interment will be at Center Ridge Methodist Cemetery.

Robert was born December 30, 1950, in Louisville, MS. He was a 1968 graduate of Louisville High School, where he served as president of the Math Club. He worked at Stubbs Department Store during his high school years. He graduated from Mississippi State University in 1973, with a degree in Business Administration. After college, he worked with Hendrix Electric, and in 1977, went to work with Stuart C. Irby Co. He began as a counter salesman in Tupelo, MS, and quickly moved up to Inside Sales Supervisor, and was promoted to Operations Manager. In December 1981, Robert moved to Mobile, Al, as an Outside Account Salesman. By 1983, he became the number one margin producer in Irby and remained number one for the next 17 years, a record that has never been broken. In 2011, Irby asked Robert to relocate to Jackson, MS, to work in national project sales. By 2005, he was managing Nation Account agreements. He retired in 2015, after a long and illustrious career. Per Mike Leech, senior vice president of Irby Sales, “Robert is a true professional in every way. His success was the result of a passion of his customers, his peers, and a dedication to making Stuart C. Irby Company a best-in-class distributor”. Robert and Yulanda moved back to Louisville in 1999, and he was a faithful member of First Methodist Church. Robert loved his family and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Robert was an avid MSU Bulldog fan and supporter. The Bulldog legacy began with Robert and continued with his son and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathan Hayes and Louise Pearson Allen; a son, Robert Brian Allen; and his grandparents, Nathan and Ola McAlily Allen and Jack and Myrtis Pearson.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Yulanda Prisock Allen; two sons, Joseph Nathan (Kenna) Allen, and Derek Michael Allen; three brothers, Delver (Marie) Allen, Billy (Zenita) Allen, and Tim (Becky) Allen; two grandchildren, Emily Allen (Jonathan) Leonard, and Nathan Cole Allen; and a great grandson, John David Allen Leonard; his nieces and nephews, Kaci (Kyle) McDill, Hannah Allen, Natalie Allen, Chas (Veronika)Allen and Ben (Angela) Allen; and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Derek Allen, Joe Allen Chas Allen, Jesse Allen, Jonathan Leonard, Brad Dickerson, Kyle McDill, and Nathan Allen.

Memorials in Robert’s memory may be made to First Methodist Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Arbie Ford

Arbie Ford,85, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee, with his loving family by his side. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 25 at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Dowd officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Arbie was born on October 14,1938, to William B. and Nannie Mae Vowell Ford in Louisville, Mississippi. He was a member of North Side Baptist Church in Columbia, Tennessee. He served in the United States Army in 1961 and 1962. He enjoyed wood working.

Arbie is survived by his wife Shelby Jean Horton Ford of Columbia Tennessee; his daughter Wanda Romedy and husband Forrest, of Santa Fe Tennessee; and his brother Richard Ford of Ethel, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was his granddaughter Kayla Stone and husband Stephen and great-granddaughter Scarlett Stone.

Serving as pallbearers are Danny Albriton, Randy Edwards, Jimmy Horton and Lamar Horton.

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

 

Claudia Corrine Sloan Davis

Claudia Corrine Sloan Davis, 68, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at her home in Louisville, Mississippi, with her loving family by her side. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, November 25 at Yellow Creek Cemetery with Bro. Charles Rook officiating. Visitation will be the day of the service from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Nowell-Massey Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Yellow Creek Cemetery.

Corrine was born on February 27, 1955, to George Allen and Katie Triplett Sloan in Macon, Mississippi. She loved Coca Cola and cashews. Two of her favorite pastimes was cross-stitching and quilting. She dearly loved her family; her whole world revolved around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Corrine is survived by her three daughters: Kathy Davis Schaum and husband, Robert, of Indiana; Chrissy Hooks and husband, Dennis; and Tammy Hemphill and husband, Eric, all of Louisville. One of her greatest joys was being “Nana” to her four grandchildren: Caitlyn Hooks, Victoria Hooks, Cameron (Jessica) Hooks, and Robbie Schaum, Jr.; as well as her seven great-grandchildren: Alex Langford, Khloe Love, Damien Warren, Kyson Love, Kaelyn Hooks, Kashtyn Love, and Colton Hooks. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Serving as pallbearers are Cameron Hooks, Eric Davis, Charlie Hemphill, Jerime Howard, Julius Love, Stephen McCulloch, A. J. Sloan and Jeremiah Young. Honorary pallbearers are Eric Hemphill, Robbie Schaum, Jr., and Dennis Hooks.

Memorials in honor of Corrine may be given to Nowell-Massey Funeral Home to help defray the cost of funeral expenses.

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.

Dianne Quinn Gregory

Mrs. Margaret Dianne Quinn Gregory, 76, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville, MS. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 25th, at Harmony Baptist Church, with Rev. Jerry Lundy officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.m. until service time at the church. Interment will be in Harmony Cemetery. Porter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Dianne was born on January 14, 1947, Louisville, MS. She was a graduate of Nanih Waiya High School. In her early career, she worked as office manager at Kirk’s Cotton Gin, and later she was secretary for the Winston Baptist Association for many years. She was a member of Harmony Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry “Snapper” Gregory; her parents, Kabe and Dean Reed Quinn; and a sister, Marilyn Quinn.

She is survived by her son, Scott Gregory; two grandchildren, David Jace Perry Gregory and Anna Faith Gregory; and a brother, Billy (Nancy) Quinn, all of Louisville.

Pallbearers will be Jace Gregory, Jacob Ingram, Tony Sheets, Blake Sheets, Jimmy Reed, Chuck Quinn, and Chris Quinn.

Memorials in Dianne’s memory may be made to Harmony Cemetery Fund or Nanih Waiya Community Park.