Donald R. McKnight, 56, of Ackerman died Nov. 20, 2006, in Ackerman.

Mr. McKnight was born Sept. 9, 1950, in Kosciusko. He was a self-employed carpenter and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. He was a member of New Zion Baptist Church near Weir.

Survivors include a son, Bobby McKnight of Reform; a daughter, Leah McKnight of Fentress; three brothers, Dale McKnight, Jackie McKnight and Jimmy McKnight of Weir; a sister, Linda Baxter of Weir; two grandchildren; and an aunt, Gloria King of Weir.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Loran and Imogene McKnight; and a brother, Dennis McKnight.

Services were Nov. 22 at Coleman Funeral Home in Ackerman with burial in South Union Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to New Zion Baptist Church

Walter Buchanan Meek Sr., 80, of Eupora died Nov. 19, 2006, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

"Buck" was born in Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 13, 1926, to Christine Buchanan Meek and Arthur Maurice Meek, both of Eupora. Buck lived his entire life in Eupora. He graduated from Eupora High School, where he was a starting end on the Eupora Yahoos football team. Upon graduation from high school, he went immediately into the U.S. military, where he served in the Army Air Corps. He was training to be a fighter pilot when World War II ended.

He attended North Carolina State University and graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha social fraternity. During the summers of his years at Ole Miss, Buck drove a tour bus at Glacier National Park in Montana. He graduated from the University of Mississippi Law School in 1949. He then practiced law in Houston for one year before returning home to Eupora for good in 1950. He practiced law in Eupora from 1949 to 2006.

As a young man, Buck was very active in the Jr. Chamber of Commerce and was elected state president of the Mississippi Jaycees in 1963. He was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1964 and re-elected in 1968. He represented Webster and Choctaw counties.

Buck served as the attorney for the Webster County Board of Supervisors for approximately 24 years and served as the attorney for the city of Eupora for a similar number of years. He owned and operated Meek Insurance Agency and Eupora Real Estate. He was on the board of directors of Security State Bank of Starkville and chairman of the local advisory board for Deposit Guaranty National Bank.

One of Buck's main interests for his entire adult life was the development of his farming operation. Together with his associate, Willie B. Gary, he operated one of the most successful cattle farms in north Mississippi.

Buck became very involved in the Sons of the American Revolution. He was president of the local William Hillhouse Chapter on several occasions. He served one year as the vice president of the National Sons of the American Revolution, and was the founder and chief spokesman for the George Washington Society, an SAR fund-raising branch.

Buck was a devout Christian. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Eupora, where he took an active leadership role and was an adult Sunday School teacher for the Wesley Bible Class in excess of 20 years.

His happiest accomplishment was his marriage to Patsy Haynes of Ellisville, whom he met at Ole Miss. They were married on June 26, 1949.

Buck is survived by his wife, Patsy Haynes Meek of Eupora; his daughter, Christi Meek Thrasher of Brandon; his daughter, Joyce Meek Yates of Eupora; his son Buchanan Meek Jr. of Eupora; his grandchildren, Melanie Brown Steenwyk of Ocean Springs, Christopher Thrasher of Brandon, Claire Marie Yates of Nashville, Tenn., William H. "Tripp" Yates III of Memphis, Tenn., Trent Meek Yates of Oxford, Buchanan Meek III of Eupora, Shann Meek McClellan of Laurel, Arey Meek Herard of Eupora, Emily Meek Conrad of Eupora, and Arthur Emmette Meek of Eupora; and 15 great-grandchildren.

Services were Nov. 21 at First United Methodist Church in Eupora with burial in Eupora Cemetery. The Revs. Larry Creel and Hershel Wiygul officiated.

Pallbearers were Mr. Meek's grandsons and Willie B. Gary.

Memorials may be made to Eupora First United Methodist Church.

Wise Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements

Dora Ann "Ba" Pass Moore, 49, of Calhoun City died Oct. 23, 2006, at Calhoun Health Services.

Mrs. Moore attended Mississippi Valley State University, held several church offices and was an organ donor.

Survivors include her husband, George Moore; two daughters, A. Kamika Robinson of Glenn Heights, Texas, and Cherie Moore of Calhoun City; a son, Traveous Moore of Calhoun City; four sisters, Doris Lawrence of Orland Park, Ill., Myrtice McKinney of Collierville, Tenn., Lois Foster of Calhoun City and Inez Petty of Big Creek; and a brother, Earnest Pass of Columbus.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Annette Pass.

Services were Oct. 28 at Bryant Missionary Baptist Church in Big Creek with burial in Double Springs Cemetery in Slate Springs. The Rev. Wardell Sawyer officiated.

Belle Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce was in charge of arrangements.

William Sebern Ray, 80, of Eupora died Nov. 22, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Ray, a retired farmer, was born April 4, 1926, in Webster County. He was a Methodist.

Survivors include a sister, Jessie Frye of Mathiston; and two nephews, Russell A. Frye of Albuquerque, N.M., and Leslie A. "Bubba" Frye of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Services were Nov. 25 at Mt. Moriah Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Revs. Roger Miller, Owen Gordon and Franklin Lowe officiated. Thom Gordon played the bagpipes and Tom Booth sang at the service.

Pallbearers were Bud Fulgham, Will Gary, Johnny Marlow, Hugh Reed, Mike Talbert and Jack Vanderford.

Wise Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Kip Rogers, 40, died Nov. 21, 2006, at his residence in Eupora.

Mr. Rogers was born Aug. 12, 1966, in Kilmichael. He was a student and a member of First Baptist Church of Eupora.

Survivors include his mother, Martha Rogers of Eupora; a sister, Martha Jo Berryhill of Eupora; a brother, Jimmy Ray Rogers of Donaldsonville, Ga.; a niece, Allison Cole; and two nephews, Jimmy Wayne Rogers and Billy Joe Cole.

Services were Nov. 25 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Webster Memorial Gardens. The Revs. Doyle Cummings and Travis Gray officiated.

Pallbearers were Tommy Atkins, Barry Cummings, Larry Davis, Jimmy Hood, Leon Long, Mark Nabors, Jay Powell, Kevin Ray and Jimmy Wayne Rogers.

Honorary pallbearers were all friends of Kip Rogers.

Merina L. Shelby, 89, of Eupora died Nov. 24, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Ms. Shelby, a retired homemaker, was born Oct. 19, 1917 in Webster County. She was a retired homemaker and a member of Walthall Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sisters, Margaret Ballard and Mamie Lee Paxton Jones; a brother, Haven Paxton; a sister, Billy Earnest; and nieces and nephews.

Services were Nov. 26 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Webster Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Willy Weddle officiated.

Pallbearers were Paul Duke, James Elvin Earnest, Larry Eubanks, Jerry Pollan, Darrell Sappington and James "Bill" Stewart.

Mary Alice Skelton, 78, of Bellefontaine died Nov. 21, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Skelton was born Sept. 18, 1928. She was retired postmaster at Bellefontaine and a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Bellefontaine, where she played the piano for 62 years.

Survivors include two sons, Bill Skelton and his wife, Donna, and James Robert Skelton and his wife, Debbie, of Bellefontaine; a brother-in-law, Donald Skelton and his wife, Jean, of Grenada; four grandchildren, Todd Skelton, Brad Skelton and Kacey Skelton of Bellefontaine, and Tanya Acord and her husband, David, of Clarksville, Tenn.; and two great-grandchildren, Jessica Skelton of Clinton and Haley Acord of Clarksville.

Services were Nov. 23 at Fellowship Baptist Church with burial in North Union Cemetery. The Revs. Jimmy Latham and Larry Watson officiated.

Pallbearers were Ryan Crutchfield, James H. Evans, Joe Carrol Evans, Jack Knight, Kevin Skelton and Randy Wilson.

Wise Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Betty Morris Connell,, 73, of Ackerman died March 3, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Connell, who was disabled, was born Nov. 3, 1932, in Choctaw County. She was a member of Providence Baptist Church.

Survivors include a son, Phillip Connell of Ackerman; a daughter and son-in-law, Rita C. and Robert Hinton of Columbus; a sister, Ruby Marshall of Iuka; and four grandchildren.

Services were March 5 at Coleman Funeral Home with burial in Providence Cemetery. The Rev. Randle Poss officiated.

Memorials may be made to Providence Baptist Church or a charity of choice.

Lorene Hill, 87, of Eupora died Feb. 27, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Hill, a homemaker, was born March 17, 1918.

Services were March 4 at Double Springs M.B. Church with burial in the church cemetery.

Eddie Robinson & Son Funeral Directors of Grenada was in charge of arrangements.

Iler Beecher Wood Prescott, 89, died Feb. 28, 2006, at her residence in Cumberland.

Mrs. Prescott, a homemaker, was born June 20, 1916, in Calhoun County. She was a member of Cumberland Baptist Church.

Survivors include nine daughters, Mavis Fisher, Judy Hillhouse and husband, Wallace, Brenda Reed and husband, Danny, all of Mathiston, Evelyn Brewer and husband, L.D., of West Point, Jackie Christopher and husband, Lynn, Jimmy Cooper and husband, Bootsie, Sherry Ferguson and husband, Steve, all of Cumberland, Melissa Sumner and husband, Danny, of Sturgis, and Debbie Vickers and husband, Buzz, of Eupora; two sons, Lynwood Prescott and wife, Amelia, of West Point, and Rayburn Prescott of Cumberland; 17 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and her caregivers, Jo Cork and Erline Morris.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Wilson Prescott. Services were March 3 at Cumberland Baptist Church with burial in Clarkson Cemetery. The Revs. Gene Foshee and Tim Hudson officiated.

Pallbearers were Phil Brewer, Tom Christopher, Jason Hillhouse, Walter Prescott, Chris Reed, Richard Reed, Rodney Reed and Kirk Smith.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn White Sutton, 75, of Eupora died March 6, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

A native of Montgomery County, Mrs. Sutton, who was retired, was the daughter of Walter Jackson and Cordie Hughes White. She was a member of Sapa Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Jimmy Newland of Eupora; two sons, Curtis Sutton Jr. of Lexington and Michael Sutton of Water Valley; two sisters, Dorothy Fowler of Florida and Johnnie Harmon of Sardis; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Services were March 8 at Wise Funeral Home with burial in Webster Memorial Gardens. The Revs. Harvey Overstreet and Jimmy Newland officiated.

'Chris' Wise

James Christopher "Chris" Wise, 23, of Gautier died Feb. 22, 2006, in Hattiesburg.

Mr. Wise born in Ocean Spring on Oct. 6, 1982. He was a senior at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Survivors include his father, James L. "Jim" Wise Jr. and his mother, Barbara Messer Wise of Gautier; a sister, Amanda Plunk of Derma; his paternal grandparents, James L. Wise Sr. and Mary D. Wise of Eupora; and an adopted sister, Brooke E. Wise of Gautier.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James H. "Hub" Messer and Hazel Messer.

A memorial service was Feb. 26 at Gautier First United Methodist Church. Graveside services were Feb. 27 at Eupora City Cemetery.

Robert Kay Bowie, 65, of Ackerman died Oct. 30, 2006, at University Medical Center in Jackson.

Mr. Bowie was born April 18, 1941, in Choctaw County. He was serving as District 5 supervisor for Choctaw County, where he held the position of president of the board. He was a former sheriff of Choctaw County and served on the Golden Triangle Planning and Development District Board. Mr. Bowie was a member of the Ackerman Church of Christ.

Services were Nov. 2 at Coleman Funeral Home with burial in Enon Cemetery. Ed Casteel officiated.

Survivors include his wife, Charlise McAdams Bowie of Ackerman; a son, Brent Bowie of Ackerman; a daughter, Vonda Brandon of Ackerman; three brothers, Jack Bowie, Ralph Bowie and Rex Bowie, all of Ackerman; a sister, Joann Graves of Memphis, Tenn.; and three grandchildren, Chase Brandon, Chandler Brandon and Brealand Bowie.

He was preceded in death by a son, Robert Charles Bowie.

Memorials may be made to Ackerman Church of Christ, 450 W. Seward St., Ackerman, MS 39735.

Hazel Morrow Davis, 87, of Starkville died Oct. 29, 2006, at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville.

Mrs. Davis was born Jan. 8, 1919, in Grenada County. She was a retired merchant and homemaker, working many years with her late husband, J.W. "Bill" Davis, running Davis Grocery. She was a member of Marvin Hill Methodist Church in Cumberland.

Survivors include a son, Bill W. Davis and wife, Judy, of Starkville; two sisters, Lorene McKenzie of Vicksburg and Catherine Johnson of Eupora; a brother, Ralph Morrow of Greenville; two grandchildren, Melissa Davis Jones and Bryan Davis; and two great-grandchildren, Madeline Jones and Marlee Jones.

Services were Nov. 1 at Oliver Funeral Home with the Rev. Hank Anderson officiating. Burial was in Webster Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers were John Childress, Todd Fulgham, Brandon Hodges, Bubba Johnson, Justin McKenzie, Gerald McKenzie, Ricky McKenzie, Carroll Morrow, Jamey Morrow and Charlie Williamson

Sarah Louise Ford, 69, of Eupora died Oct. 26, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Ford was born July 27, 1937, in Webster County. She was a homemaker and worked in the community sitting with the elderly, housekeeping and babysitting in her early age. She had a candy and drink store in her home, and loved all the community children. She found joy having a houseful of children everyday; even when her health failed, she still wanted them around.

Mrs. Ford joined Mt. Union Missionary Baptist Church at an early age, where she served as Pastor Aid chairman, Sunday School teacher and choir president; and with the Missionary Board, Deacons Wives Board and food service ministry. An active participant in church activities, she never said no when it came to doing God's work.

Survivors include her husband of 28 years, William Ford of Eupora; four sons, Joseph Gregory McKinney of Eupora, Reginald Scott McKinney (Gladys) of Ackerman, Michael Curry Marshall of Eupora and Jeffery Allen McKinney of Detroit; four daughters, Sandra Edwards Marshall, Leslie Diane Marshall and Margie Louise Brown of Eupora, and Zelma Louise Marshall of Columbus; a brother, Thomas Evans Jr. (Alberta) of Mathiston; a sister, Fannie Mae Yates (Robert Lee) of Eupora; an aunt, Elzater Deloach of Mathiston; three stepsons, Lewis Ford and Sonny William Ford of Winona, and Larry Ford of Eupora; a stepdaughter, Clara Cullum of Eupora; 19 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; special friends, Evangelist Pauline Trotter and Mattie Lou Bell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Zell Deloach McKinney; a brother, Willie Lee "Tiny" McKinney; a stepdaughter, Tommy Ann Cullum; and a special cousin, Bonnie Sue Marshall.

Services were Nov. 4 at Mt. Union M.B. Church with burial in Spring Valley Cemetery. The Rev. Andrew Windrick officiated.

Eddie Robinson & Son Funeral Directors of Grenada was in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Hodges Long, 83, of Eupora died Oct. 29, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Long was born March 27, 1923, in Grady. A retired clerk, she worked in Embry Drug Store in Eupora for 32 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Eupora.

Survivors include a daughter, Jean Maness of Ackerman; two sons, Leon Long of Eupora and Stan Long of Bogue Chitto; eight grandchildren, Linda Brooks, Barbara Lucas, Wayne Maness, Millie Clanton, Russell Long, Tatia Kiser, Stanci Long and Natalie Long; and 11 great-grandchildren, Curtis Lucas, Allison Lucas, Jason Brooks, Phillip Brooks, Christian Long, Logan Long, Embry Long; Emma Clanton, Jack Kiser, Caroline Kiser and Kate Kiser.

Services were Oct. 31 at Eupora First Baptist Church with burial in West Shady Grove Cemetery. The Revs. Doyle Cummings and Travis Gray officiated.

Pallbearers were Jason Brooks, Phillip Brooks, Ronnie Brooks, Brad Clanton, Russell Long, Curtis Lucas and Wayne Maness.

Honorary pallbearers were the Rev. William S. Stewart and First Baptist's Joy Club.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Annie Lane Tierce, 94, of Stewart, died Nov. 1, 2006, at Golden LivingCenter in Eupora.

Mrs. Tierce, a homemaker, was a member of Kilmichael Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Martha Mitchell of Stewart and Jackie Bond of Grenada; a son, Fred Tierce Jr. of Stewart; three sisters, Agnes Martindale of Tutwiler, Laura Swindoll of Maben and Marguerite Fullilove of Houston; a brother, Johnny Lane of Tutwiler; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Otto Tierce; a son, Lynn Tierce; and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Lane.

Services were Nov. 3 at lee Funeral Home in Winona with burial in Milligan Springs Cemetery. The Revs. Jimmy Latham and Johnny Lollar officiated

Pallbearers were George Boatman, Marvin Earl Corley, Steve Hodges, Seth Mitchell, Tim Mitchell and Todd Mitchell.

Oscar Willis White, 85, of Maben died Nov. 2, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. White, a retired welder, was born May 16, 1921, in Webster County. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II and a member of Double Springs Baptist Church

Survivors include his wife, Jane Pittman White of Maben; two daughters, Mary Linda Barmore of Maben and Elizabeth Ann Strickland of Eupora; four sisters, Margie Trull of Eupora, Lorene Lucius of Houston; Cecil Hooper of Colfax, La., and Monette Nations of Jackson; a brother, Porter White of Eupora; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sons, James Oscar and John Byron White.

Services were Nov. 3 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Hebron Cemetery

Pallbearers were Billy Wayne Barmore, David Farley, Tony Hays, Jessie White, Justin White and Sterling White.

Noah Lee Fulgham, 80, of Eupora died July 11, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. Fulgham was born June 12, 1926, in Oktibbeha County. He was a retired farmer and a member of Double Springs Baptist Church.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews.

Services were July 13 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Double Springs Cemetery. The Rev. John Earl Womack officiated.

Sarah Cornelia Brown Honnoll, 88, of Mathiston died July 13, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Honnoll was born in Alabama. She was a retired nurse with Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus and a member of Midway Church of Christ.

Survivors include two daughters, Janie Beatrice Crawford and husband, Ted, of Spanish Fort, Ala., and Sarah Lou Guy and husband, John, of New Baden, Ill.; a son, James Honnoll and wife, Donna, of Tupelo; a brother, Claude Brown and wife, Vivian, of Maben; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Honnoll; a daughter, Helen Stringer; a grandson, William Stringer; four brothers and one sister.

Services were July 16 at Midway Church of Christ with burial in Maben Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Shawn Nygard officiated.

Memorials may be made to Midway Church of Christ.

Elinore J. Grundahl McMullen, 88, of Maben died July 13, 2006 at The Carrington Nursing Center in Starkville.

Mrs. McMullen, a homemaker, was born in Camden, N.J.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Gillis of Starkville, Susan Hamilton of Maben and June Kilgore and husband, Scott, of Alpharetta, Ga.; a son and daughter-in-law, William P. McMullen Jr. and LaWanda McMullen; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Services were July 15 at Providence Methodist Church in Maben with burial in the church cemetery.

Welch Funeral Home of Maben was in charge of arrangements The online guest registry may be signed by visiting http://www.welchfuneralhomes.com.

James W. O'Briant, 70, of Maben died July 12, 2006, at Oktibbeha County Hospital.

Mr. O'Briant was born Feb. 29, 1936.

Services were July 15 at Harpole Missionary Baptist Church with burial in Spring Valley Cemetery.

Eddie Robison & Son Funeral Directors of Grenada was in charge of arrangements.

Whitney Layne Taylor

Whitney Layne Taylor, 20, o Ackerman died July 12, 2006 at Choctaw County Nursing Home in Ackerman.

Miss Taylor, who was disabled, was born Oct. 9, 1985, in Ackerman.

born on October 9, 1985 in Ackerman to John R. Taylor and Diane (Rhodes) Taylor.

Survivors include her parents, John R. Taylor and Diane Rhodes Taylor of Ackerman; paternal grandmother, Inez Taylor of Ackerman; her maternal grandparents, Pete and Dot Wear of Ackerman and Mr. and Mrs. Dan Rhodes of Lafayette, La.; a brother, Chance Taylor of Ackerman; two sisters, Leigh Taylor and Kerri Whittington of Ackerman; two nieces, Whitleigh Myers and Chancey Whittington of Ackerman; and numerous aunts and uncles, including "Aunt Barbara" Taylor of Jackson.

Services were July 14 at Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Revs. Jerry Lawson and Danny Irvin officiated.

Pallbearers were Ryan Bruce, Matt Henson, Daniel Jackson, Kerry Lee, Don Porter and Sedgie Taylor.

Memorials may be made to the Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church Youth Fund or Ackerman Baptist Church Youth Fund.

Coleman Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Edna B Avery, 88, of Eupora died Nov. 10, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Calhoun City after a brief illness.

Ms. Avery was born Edna B Webb on July 8, 1918, in Neshoba County to George Wesley and Martha Allday Webb. The family moved to Webster County in the early 1920s, residing in the Springhill/Cadaretta communities. She graduated from Springhill High School in 1935. She forged many lifelong friendships at Springhill High School and was a member of the reunion committee for several years.

Ms. Avery is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clifford "Turney" Avery; a son, Bill Avery; four sisters, Gladys Hitt, Erma Moreland, Alva Brown and Ruby Middleton; and three brothers, Lester Webb, Ernest Webb and Hollin Webb.

In the early 1950s, Mr. and Ms. Avery bought a farm in the Mt. Vernon community, where she resided until 1987. Ms. Avery was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. She worked as manager of the Eupora Nutrition Center, Fellowship Food Center, Golden Triangle Planning and Development District Inc. for 30 years, retiring in 2004. She also worked for several years at Wells Lamont Corp. Before moving to Mt. Vernon, she worked in the Springhill High School cafeteria and assisted the Avery family with farming.

Ms. Avery was active in civic organizations, community and volunteer projects. She was recognized for her beautiful handiwork, including quilts, tablecloths, cross-stitching, crewel and sewing. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and was very challenging in playing games such as dominos. She was outgoing, and loved interacting with friends and family.

Survivors include her son, Webb Avery (Gail) of Ft. Smith, Ark.; her daughter, Susan Mitchell (Jerrel) of Clearwater, Fla; three grandsons, David Avery (Barb) of Wichita, Kan., and Leigh Avery and Harley Avery (Becky) of Eupora; and two granddaughters, Ann Hitt of Eupora and Laura Avery of Fayetteville, Ark.

She is survived also by 10 great-grandchildren, Daniel, Lyle and Tayler Hitt; Lindsey McCluskey (Craig); Laura Shipp (Daniel); and Kimberly, Ashley, Bailey, Andrew and Audrey Avery; one great-great-grandchild, Tyler McCluskey; sisters-in-law, Arlene Smith of Eupora and Katie Lee Gulledge of Grenada; a brother-in-law, Wayne Middleton of Columbia; and nieces, nephews and cousins from the Webb, Allday and Avery families.

Services were Nov. 13 at Wise Funeral Home with burial in Embry Cemetery, Springhill. The Revs. Willy Weddle and J.B. Rowe officiated. Lydia Avery Cain provided the musical program.

Pallbearers were her grandsons, great-grandsons and great-grandson in-law, Craig McCluskey. Honorary pallbearers were her granddaughters and great-granddaughters.

Frances Breland, 56, of Vaiden died Nov. 7, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mrs. Breland, a nurse aid, was born Jan. 25, 1950. She was a member of Word of Life Church in Maben.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Breland of Vaiden; two daughters, Penny Poe of Eupora and Kevin Breland of Tomnolen; a son, Kevin Breland of Greenwood; a sister, Jean Woodward of Jackson; three brothers, Danny Pope of Mendenhall, James Edward Pope of Winona and John Pope of Carrollton; and six grandchildren, Autumn Lane, Austin Lane, Memori King, Tyler Henson, Matthew Poe and Jeanie Poe.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Gertrude Pope; a son, Freddy Poe; and a stepdaughter, Teressa Breland.

Services were Nov. 19 at Word of Life Church with the Rev. Skeet Davis officiating. Burial was in Spring Valley Cemetery.

Wise Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

John W. "Wis" Ray, 74, of Eupora died Nov. 10, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Ray was born April 26, 1932, in Webster County. He worked more than 40 years at Embry Drug Store in Eupora, then the last 16 years as a funeral director at Oliver Funeral Home in Eupora.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and a longtime member of the Lions Club, where he served many years as the chairman of the Sight Committee. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Stephens Ray of Eupora; three sons, Steve Ray of St. Augustine, Fla., Ken Ray of Eupora and Rob Ray of West Jordan, Utah; a sister, Abbie Rico of Eupora; three brothers, Milton Ray, Vernon Ray and Willie L. Ray, all of West Point; eight grandchildren, Caroline Call, Sarah Hendrickson, Emily Ray, Anna Ray, Chad Ray, Erin Ray, Steven Ray and Laura Ray; and three great-grandchildren, Savannah Call, Austin Call and Carver Hendrickson.

Services were Nov. 13 at Eupora First Baptist Church with the Rev. Doyle Cummings and Dr. James Bryant officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Butch Bagwell, James McCain, Redale Oswalt, Junior Ray, Michael Ray, Randy Rico and Steve Wells.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Boyd Wood, 75, of Sidon died Nov. 10, 2006, at the Greenwood Leflore Specialty Hospital.

Mrs. Wood was born Sept. 24, 1931, in Webster County to Rufus and Ola Bell Fondren. She was operator of Colonial Toys (a clothing store) in Sidon for a number of years. She was a longtime member of Sidon Baptist Church before recently moving to First Baptist in Tchula.

Survivors include a daughter, Fonda Davidson of Tchula; a son, James Wood of Sidon; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Wood.

Services were Nov. 12 at Wilson & Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood with burial in Eupora City Cemetery. The Rev. Larry Edwards officiated.

Pallbearers were James Davidson, Richard Davidson, Matt Howell, Dale Morgan, Jeff Reeves, Tony Reeves and Bruce Walters.

Lorie Higgins Fields, 80, of Mantee died Nov. 5, 2006, at Starkville Manor.

Mrs. Fields was born May 3, 1926, in Choctaw County to James Jefferson Franklin Higgins and Ella Eunice Horton Higgins, who preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her husband, Melvin Fields, on Jan. 11, 1991. She was a retired homemaker and a member of Mantee Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Melba Jackson and husband, Harvie, of Mantee; three grandchildren, Samuel Jackson, Timothy Jackson and Hannah Jackson of Mantee; two sisters, Lois Weaver of Chester and Eunice Lucas of Wier.

Services were Nov. 7 at Mantee Baptist Church with burial in Old Cumberland Cemetery. Drs. Ken Hester and Ray Spence III officiated.

Pallbearers were Thomas Higgins, Tony Higgins, Robert Myers II, Robert Myers III, Bert Parish and Ray Parish.

Houston Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements

Gary L. Hood, 90, of Eupora died Dec. 10, 2006, at Golden LivingCenter-Eupora.

Mr. Hood was born Feb. 22, 1916, in Webster County.

He was a retired employee of Wells-Lamont Manufacturing, an Army veteran of World War II and a member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Hood of Eupora; a daughter, Mackie Jernigan of Brandon; a son, Larry Gore of Eupora; a sister, Billie Heath of Eupora; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and a nephew, Stan Heath.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ethel Hood; a son, Bingham Gore; and a brother, Thomas Hood.

Services were Dec. 11 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Clarkson Cemetery. The Rev. Willy Weddle officiated.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Alford, Eric Gore, Stan Heath, Kevin Hitt, Gerald Jernigan and Clint Keel.

John Virgil James Sr., 80, of Walthall died Dec. 7, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. James was born Dec. 22, 1925, and worked at Pennaco Hosiery in Grenada for 41 years. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, where he served as a radio operator, and he later served in the Army. He was a 50-year Mason in the Slate Springs Lodge and a member of the VFW in Calhoun City. He was also a member of Bradford Chapel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Tabb James of Walthall; a daughter, Mary Alice White of Gore Springs; two sons, John V. "Jay" James Jr. and wife, Kim, of St. James, N.Y., and Jack Bradford James of Gore Springs; a stepdaughter, Teresa Whitaker and husband, Greg, of Eupora; a brother, Donald James and wife, Evelyn, of Big Creek; three grandchildren; and a special stepgranddaughter, Allie Grace Whitaker.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Eugene James; his mother, Nona Mae Chamblee James; and his first wife, Lydia Jane James.

Services were Dec. 10 at Bradford Chapel Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Revs. Willy Weddle and Jon Haimes officiated.

Memorials may be made to Walthall Baptist Church, Walthall, MS 39771 or Bradford Chapel Cemetery Fund, c/o Thomas James, 1165 James Road, Gore Springs, MS 38929.

Pryor Funeral Home of Calhoun City was in charge of arrangements.

E.L. Yeatman, 72, of Stewart died Dec. 7, 2006, at Kilmichael Hospital.

Mr. Yeatman, a trucker, was born May 8, 1934, in Memphis, Tenn. He was a Navy veteran and a member of the Church of Christ at Stewart.

Survivors include his wife, Sarah Vaughn Yeatman of Stewart; two daughters, Diane Adkins of Coldwater and Brenda Tharpe of Brandon; two sons, Winston Yeatman and Scott Yeatman of Stewart; a sister, Ruth Foreman of Columbus; a brother, O.M. Johnson of West Point; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Services were Dec. 8 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Milligan Springs Cemetery. The Revs. Roger Mitchell and John White officiated.

Pallbearers were Royce Burson, Luther Foreman Jr., Randy Johnson, Rodney Johnson, Joey Vaughn and Perry Vaughn.

Billy Basco Barton, 60, died at his home in Mantee on Dec. 19, 2006.

Mr. Barton was born Dec. 14, 1946, in Mantee to Gladys Faulkner Barton and Hay Add Barton, who preceded him in death. He was retired from Babcock and Wilcox.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Bradley and Amy Barton of Madison; a granddaughter, Cassidy Barton of Madison; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandra and Billy Echols of Starkville, and Phyllis and Charles Ferguson of Mantee.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Jason Barton.

Graveside services were Dec. 24 at Wake Forrest Cemetery in Mantee with the Rev. Bo Farrier officiating.

Houston Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Guests may sign the online registry at www.houstonfuneralhomes.com

Sarah Catherine Ellis, 81, of Eupora died Dec. 18, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Ellis, a retired merchant, was born Nov. 7, 1925, in Webster County.

She was a member of Green Valley Baptist Church in Pontotoc.

Survivors included three sons, Danny Ellis of Coral Gables, Fla., Ken Ellis of Crozet, Va., and Chris Ellis of New Albany; a brother, Verdel Thompson of Quinton, Ala.; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dan Chris Ellis.

Services were Dec. 20 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Spring Valley Cemetery. The Rev. Paul Sims officiated.

Pallbearers were Bryan Ellis, Chris Ellis, Danny Ellis, Ken Ellis, Lane Ellis and Stacey Ellis.

Nellie Rushing Love, 83, of Lexington died Dec. 13, 2006, at Lexington Manor.

Mrs. Love was born June 6, 1923, in Mathiston. She was a retired employee of Mersman Brothers Manufacturing and a member of Erath (La.) Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Norma Reed of Tchula, Barbara Wilson of Eupora and Patricia Garrett of Houston; a son, Terry Jennings of West Point; three sisters, Lois Weems of Lexington, and Doris Robinson and Helen Behrens of Arizona; two brothers, Roy Rushing and Preston Rushing of Ackerman; seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren.

Services were Dec. 16 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Wake Forest Cemetery in Sturgis. The Revs. Coy Fulgham and Howard Rogers officiated.

Pallbearers were Jerry Hobson, Duston Jennings, Terry Jennings Jr., Gregg Reed, Tommy Rushing and Truman Whitt.

Curtis W. Donohoo, 91, of Eupora died June 12, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Donohoo, a retired farmer, was born May 19, 1915, in Reform, Ala. He was a member of West Shady Grady Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Louise Donohoo of Eupora; two sons, C.W. Donohoo Jr. of Eupora and James Donohoo and wife, Sachiyo, of Walthall; a brother, B.A. Donohoo of Palatka; a granddaughter, Jennifer Davis and husband, Danny, of Meridian; and two great-grandchildren, Conner Davis and Anna Davis of Meridian.

Services were June 14 at New Ebenezer Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. James Justice officiated.

Pallbearers were Joe Donohoo, Lonnie Hubbard, Mike Ingram, Steve Ingram, Barry Lynn Rushing and Barry Lynn Rushing Jr.

Wise Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Welborn

Bennie Ruth Williams Welborn, 73, of Ackerman died June 15, 2006, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mrs. Welborn, a homemaker, was born in Webster County.

Survivors include her husband, Edward Welborn of Ackerman; two daughters, Christy Harleen Douglas of Starkville and Carol Ann Cobb and husband, Ty, of Ackerman; two sons, Danny Belton Douglas and wife, Sunja, of Ackerman and Charles Harpole Douglas Jr. and wife, Tammy, of Starkville; a brother, Louis 'Red' Williams and wife, Ruth, of Georgia; four granddaughters, Carrie Ann White, Christy Carol Cobb and Candy Cobb, all of Ackerman, and Jenny Leann Douglas of Starkville; and two grandsons, Trey Cobb and Johnny Vowell Douglas of Ackerman.

Graveside services were June 17 at Double Springs Cemetery with the Revs. John Foles and Randle Poss officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Double Springs Cemetery.

Welch Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements