Robert L. McComb

Robert L. McComb, 65, of 735 Shaw Road, Eupora, died Sept. 21, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.
He was born Feb. 10, 1942, and was a retired farmer.
Survivors include his wife, May McComb of Eupora; four sons, Robert Lewis McComb of Spring Hill, Ronald J. McComb of Walthall, Richard McComb of Atlanta and Kenneth Knighton of Denton Town; four daughters, Sarah Hicks, Mary Gill, Pamela Embry and Kysandra McComb, all of Eupora; two sisters, Unola Mills and Emma Hill of Eupora; and five brothers, Sam Carter of Bellefontaine, Walter Lee McComb of Spring Hill, A.J. McComb of Denton Town, and Robert Hugh Carter and Charlie Carter of Westbury, N.Y.,
Services were Sept. 27 at Household of Faith with burial in Embry Cemetery., The Rev. Willie Mays officiated.

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

Maggie Joyce Butler

Maggie Joyce Butler, 64, of Mantee died Sept. 24, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.
She was born Feb. 7, 1943, in Clay County. A retired schoolteacher, she taught kindergarten and fourth grade at West Clay Elementary School in Clay County for more than 20 years. She was a member of the Mantee Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Elliotte Butler of Mantee; two daughters, Janet Butler Gregor of Washington and Holly Butler Knott of Prattsville, Ala.; five sisters, Lisa Arick and Barbara Armstrong of West Point, Laura Morgan McCullar of Starkville, and Bessie Roberson and Ann Earnest of Cumberland; two brothers, Mike Arick of Atlanta and Joe Larry Arick of West Point; and six grandchildren.
Services were Sept. 26 at Oliver Funeral Home in Eupora with the Rev. Marvin "Bo" Farrior officiating. Burial was in Crossroads Cemetery.

Rosa Bell McBride

Rosa Bell McBride, 85, of Eupora died Sept. 27, 2007, at Golden Living Center-Eupora.
Born Jan. 12, 1922, she was a retired homemaker and a member of Blythe Creek Baptist Church in Mathiston. Mrs. McBride enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Survivors include two daughters, Diane McCarty and husband, Jim, of Tupelo, and Erma Jean Gillis and husband, Rodger, of Sturgis; a son, Danny McBride and wife, Barbara, of Mathiston; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, E.A. "Billy" McBride; a son, Jim McBride; and a granddaughter, Tammy McBride.

Services were Sept. 29 at Blythe Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Dan Wright and Mike Adcock officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers were Rodney Gillis, Roger Gillis, Chris McBride, Joshua McBride, Cody McCarty and Jim McCarty.
Wise Funeral Home of Eupora was in charge of arrangements.

Jack Bruce

Jack Bruce, 76, of Mathiston died Sept. 27, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.
He was born March 4, 1931. Mr. Bruce was a retired project engineer for the federal Highway Administration. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Survivors include his wife, Joy Bruce of Mathiston; three sisters, Melba Gammill of Louisville, Willie Bell Rogers of Tyron, Ga., and Dean Melton of Atlanta; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services were Sept. 30 at Wise Funeral Home in Eupora with the Rev. Willy Weddle officiating. Burial was in North Union Cemetery. Pallbearers were David Bruce, Kevin Bruce, John Hughes, Lindy Lainer, Keith Wiseman and Laurens Wiseman.

Herman Eugene Wright

Herman Eugene Wright, 86, of Mantee died Sept. 29, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.
He was born March 3, 1921, to Gene and Minnie Orman Wright. Mr. Wright was a retired farmer and a member of Mantee Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army staff sergeant during World War II and received the Purple Heart. Mr. Wright loved hunting, fishing and gardening, and was a volunteer firefighter and an active community leader. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Survivors include his wife, Sarah Griffin Wright of Mantee; a son, Danny Wright and wife, Barbara, of Tupelo; daughter-in-law Pam Cook and husband, Jimmy, of Houston; two sisters, Maxine Glaeser of Tupelo and Mary Hood of Eupora; two granddaughters, Genifer Odom and husband, Tripp, of Southaven and Rozilyn King and husband, Bruce, of Atlanta; a grandson, Tyler Wright of Houston; a great-granddaughter, Sara King; and a great-grandson, Eric King.
He was preceded in death by a son, Freddie Wright, on Aug. 31, 1991. Services were Oct. 1 at Houston Funeral Home with the Rev. Bo Farrior officiating. Burial was in Crossroads Cemetery in Mantee.
Pallbearers were Charles Chandler, Jimmy Cook, Mike Foster, Bruce King, Tripp Odom, Joey Wright and Travis Wright.
Memorials may be made to Mantee Baptist Church. Family and friends may sign the online registry at houstonfuneralhomems.com.

Mary Sue Kolb Pepper, 79, of Mantee died Sept. 16, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Eupora.

She was born Dec. 23, 1927, in Mantee. She was a homemaker and a member of Crossroads Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Charles Everette Pepper Sr. of Mantee; one daughter, Ruby Sue Olive of Cumming, Ga.; four sons, Charles Everette "Buddy" Pepper Jr. of Mantee, Barry Pepper of Huntsville, Ala., Ronnie "Hub" Pepper of Starkville and Mark Pepper of Ridgeland; one sister, Iris Kathleen Woods of Mathiston; two brothers, Jimmy Kolb of Mantee and Harvey Kolb of Eupora; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Services were Sept. 19 at Oliver Funeral Home in Eupora with the Revs. Jeff Gilder and Billy Boyd officiating. Burial was in Old Cumberland Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Sonny Akins, David Gore, James Henley, Tommy Smith, Keith Spencer and Travis Wright.

Honorary pallbearers were Tommy Kolb, Justin Olive, Chase Pepper, Michael Pepper, Scott Pepper and H.E. Wells.

Memorials may be made to Crossroads Baptist Church, Mantee Road, Mantee, MS 39751.

Myrtle Ruth Atkins, 84, of Eupora died Jan. 16, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mrs. Atkins was born Jan. 14, 1923, in Webster County. She was a nurse at Webster General Hospital for 16 years before retiring. She was a member of Tomnolen Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Ann Orr of Meridian; two sons, Larry Atkins and David Atkins of Eupora; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services were Jan. 19 at Wise Funeral Home with burial in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. The Rev. Don Parish officiated.

Pallbearers were Gerry Atkins, Michael Atkins, Jonathan Atkins, Keith Green, Phillip Orr and Freddie Oswalt.

Christine Dorrough Crowley, 89, of Maben, died Jan. 12, 2007, at Golden LivingCenter in Eupora.

Mrs. Crowley was born March 3, 1917, in Webster County. She was a retired homemaker and a member of Providence Methodist Church in Maben.

Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Sansing of Maben; a son, Deloy Crowley of Mathiston; a sister, Alene Knight of Maben; seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil M. Crowley.

Services were Jan. 15 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Providence Cemetery. The Revs. Roger Miller and Franklin Love officiated.

Billy Frances Hood Heath, 78, of Eupora died Jan. 15, 2007, at her home on Route 3.

Mrs. Heath, a homemaker, was born Oct. 30, 1928, in Webster County. She was a member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church in Webster County.

Survivors include a son, Stan Heath of Eupora.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley C. "Pee Wee" Heath.

Services were Jan. 20 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Embry Cemetery. The Rev. Willy Weddle officiated.

Pallbearers were Bennie Neal, Craig Oswalt, Freddie Oswalt, Redale Oswalt, Gregg Smith and Robert Wiggs.

Dock Hubbard, 82, of Eupora died Jan. 16, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. Hubbard was born Jan. 27, 1924, in Webster County. He was a retired auto paint and body repairman. He owned and operated Hubbard Body Shop for 56 years.

Survivors include three daughters, Lucy Ann Willingham, Sara Lynne Stafford and Lady Frances Holloway of Eupora; three sons, Douglas Hubbard, Lonnie Hubbard and Danny Hubbard of Eupora; a sister, Maurine Barron of Eupora; two brothers, Doff Hubbard of Eupora and Joe Hubbard of Georgia, 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucy Hubbard.

Services were Jan. 19 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Lebanon Cemetery. The Rev. J.B. Rowe officiated.

Pallbearers were Shane Box, Steve Gammel, Ricky Newton, Jerry Patridge, Wayne Patridge and Mart Salley.

Herbert Langston, 87, of Eupora died Jan. 21, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Langston was born Aug. 17, 1919, in Calhoun County. He was a retired self-employed carpenter and a member of New Hope Church. He was a World War II Army veteran, where he served as a cook, and was a Mason.

Survivors include three sisters, Opal Gordon and Margaret Winter of Vardaman, and Wanda Schumpert of Fulton; and several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew, Jimmy Gordon of Vardaman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Dorroh Langston; his father, Gilbert L. Langston; his mother, Pearl Edna Hicks Langston; and a sister, Melba Winter.

Services were Jan. 22 at New Hope Baptist Church with burial in Old Bethany Cemetery. The Revs. Willy Weddle and Matthew White officiated.

Pallbearers were his nephews.

Pryor Funeral Home of Calhoun City was in charge of arrangements

Stephanie McLemore McCool, 34, of Stewart died Jan. 12, 2007, at the intersection of Martin Luther King and Center Road in Eupora.

Born Jan. 23, 1972, in Jackson, she was a homemaker and a member of Reeds Chapel Baptist Church.

Survivors include her father, Steve McLemore of Yazoo City; her paternal grandparents, C.B. and Marie McLemore of Eupora; a daughter, Karlee Luke of Eupora; a son, Drake McCool of Eupora; three sisters, Angie Mixon and Jennifer Mixon of Eupora, and Kenndall McLemore of Batesville; and a brother, Bryan McLemore of Batesville.

Services were Jan. 18 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Montevista Cemetery. The Revs. J.B. Rowe and Don Parrish officiated.

Pallbearers were Vernon Gerrish, Cory McLemore, David McLemore, Heath McLemore, Jimmy McLemore and Michael Wooten.

Bobby Dewayne Perry, 52, of Mantee died Jan. 16, 2007, on Mantee Road in Mantee.

Mr. Perry was born June 4, 1954, in Montgomery County. He was a disabled auto body repairman and a member of Bethany Church of God in Poplar Creek.

Survivors include his wife, Terri Scarbrough Perry of Mantee; his mother, Venita Perry Sanders of Weir; his grandmother, Velma Vice of Eupora; a daughter, Laila Perry Bramlett of Weir; a son, Jesse Glen Perry of Mantee; two brothers, James Perry of Raymond and Lamar Sanders of Chattanooga, Tenn.; two sisters, Delynn Gant of Weir and Lavone Landry of Donaldsonville, La.; and two grandchildren, William Kyle Bramlett and Jacob Wilson Bramlett of Weir.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jessie Lee Perry; his stepfather, Homer Sanders Jr.; and his grandfather, the Rev. C.E. Vice.

Services were Jan. 19 at Bethany Church of God with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Jim Ballard officiated.

Pallbearers were Heath Farley, Billy Joe Peacock, Dennis Pollard, Jason Pounds, Tony Sartin, Ray Schwall, Joel Thompson and Billy Ray Yeatman.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Samuel Pogue, 53, died Jan. 14, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Pogue, who was disabled, was born July 22, 1953, in Webster County.

Survivors include four sisters, Flora Loggins of Jackson, Ossie White of Memphis, Tenn., and Lula Mae Pogue and Elizabeth Dillards of Memphis; four brothers, John Pogue of Memphis, Earnest Pogue of Hayti, Mo., Isaiah Pogue of Milwaukee and James Pogue of Kennett, Mo.; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were Jan. 20 at Greensboro Cemetery.

Williams and Herring Funeral Home of Louisville was in charge of arrangements.

Billie Gene Shepherd, 70, of Maben, died Jan. 11, 2007, at University Medical Center in Jackson.

Mr. Jackson was born April 21, 1936, in Mississippi. He was a retired boilermaker and a member of Starnes Tabernacle.

Survivors include two brothers, J.C. Shepherd of Eupora and Wilford Shepherd of Tupelo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Shepherd.

Services were Jan. 15 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Clarkson Cemetery. The Revs. Dan Wright and Shirley Shepherd officiated.

Debra "Deb" Spear, 48, of Mathiston and formerly of Colfax, Ind., died Jan. 16, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Born June 16, 1958, in Michigan, she was a waitress at Trace-Way Restaurant in Mathiston.

Survivors include a son, Stephen Baker of Columbus; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Judith and Phillip Jones of Eupora and Trudy and William Pickett of Bentonville, Ark.; three nieces, Phoebe Parker and Christina Passmore of North Carolina, and Melanie Jones of Arkansas; and a nephew, Joshua Maney of Eupora.

Services were Jan. 20 at Wise Funeral Home. The Rev. Roger Miller officiated.

Pallbearers were Brandon Clark, Morgan Clark, J.T. Hendrix, Mike Rogers, Dancil Roper and Doug Smith.

Herbert Duncan Sr., 77, of Columbus died Jan. 27, 2007, at The Arrington in Columbus.

Mr. Duncan was born April 28, 1929, in Lamar County, Ala. He was the retired manager of Wonder Bread in Eupora and a member of First Baptist Church of Eupora.

Survivors include his wife, Faye Shaw Duncan of Columbus; a daughter, Glenda Duncan Stone of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; two sons, Herbert Duncan Jr. of West Point and Jesse Duncan of Columbus; 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren.

Services were Jan. 30 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Embry Cemetery. The Revs. Willy Weddle and Travis Gray officiated.

Pallbearers were Masons.

Memorials may be made to the Eupora First Baptist Church Building Fund.

Billie Jean Lane, 54, of Stewart died of injuries sustained in an automobile accident Jan. 29, 2007, on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Webster County

Mrs. Lane, a homemaker, was a member of Stewart Baptist Church.

Also killed in the accident was her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Lane.

Survivors include her husband, David Lane of Stewart; a daughter, Kimberly McKnight of Madison; two sons, David Lane Jr. of Simpson and Chris Lane of Stewart; a sister, Jaynette Robertson of Columbus; and five grandchildren.

Services were Feb. 2 at Stewart Baptist Church with burial in Milligan Springs Cemetery. The Revs. Randy Bridges and Benny Hill officiated.

Oliver Funeral Home of Winona was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Elizabeth Lane, 22, of Stewart died of injuries sustained in an automobile accident Jan. 29, 2007, on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Webster County

Miss Lane was a member of Stewart Baptist Church.

Also killed in the accident was her mother, Billie Jean Lane.

Survivors include her father, David Lane of Stewart; a sister, Kimberly McKnight of Madison; and two brothers, David Lane Jr. of Simpson and Chris Lane of Stewart.

Services were Feb. 2 at Stewart Baptist Church with burial in Milligan Springs Cemetery. The Revs. Randy Bridges and Benny Hill officiated.

Oliver Funeral Home of Winona was in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis Sabina Golder Sealy, 90, of Eupora, died Jan. 31, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Sealy was born Dec. 8, 1916, in Reading, England, and had been a resident of Eupora since 1946. She was married April 1, 1944, to Quintin D. Sealy in Reading. He preceded her in death in 2001.

Survivors include two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Golder of England and Lorene Sealy of Florida. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

Services were Feb. 2 at Wise Funeral Home with burial in Eupora City Cemetery. The Rev. Doyle Cummings officiated and Marilyn Bowen provided the music.

Pallbearers were Buddy Bowen, Gregg Bowen, Rusty Bowen, Jerry Gary, Jimmy McCain and Phillip Smith.

Kay Bell

Kay Bell, 86, of Kosciusko died Jan. 30, 2007, at the Attala County Nursing Center.

Mrs. Bell, retired from the Department of Human Services, was a member of Parkway Baptist Church in Kosciusko.

Survivors include two daughters, Sudie Kay Bassett and husband, Frank, of Philadelphia, and Sherry Johnson and husband, Bobby, of Eupora; three sisters, Mary Lee and Julia Marshall of Eupora, and Louise Bond of Gulfport; four grandchildren, Mike Bassett, William Bassett and wife, Barbie, Laci Knight and husband, Matt, and Katie May and husband, Kevin; and six great-grandchildren, Will Bassett, Gracie Bassett, Tanner Knight, Parker Knight, Brett May and Carter May.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Bell; and her parents, George Farr Deloach and Mary Boutwell.

Services were Feb. 2 at Jordan Funeral Home in Kosciusko with burial in Stonewall Cemetery. The Rev. Don Cook officiated.

Pallbearers were Mitch Alford, William Bassett, Ken Ellis, Matt Knight. Danny Marshall and Kevin May.

James V. "Buddy" Vaughan, 71, of Carrollton died Jan. 28, 2007, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jackson.

Born March 22, 1935, in Webster County, Mr. Vaughan had been a foreman for Georgia-Pacific and a supervisor for Futorian Manufacturing in Eupora before coming to Greenwood, where he owned and managed Southside Auto Parts. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Vaughan of Carrollton; a daughter, Kimberlye Everett of Greenwood; two sons, Eddie Britt of Greenwood and Michael Britt of Carrollton; three sisters, Mae Anderson of Houston, Texas, Dot Chamblee Barnett of Ruleville and Dora Bagwell of Carrollton; three brothers, Buster Vaughan and Deverette Vaughan of Eupora, and Bill Vaughan of Greenwood; and three grandchildren, Haley Britt, Ashleigh Everett and Matthew Everett.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Sarah Frances Vaughan.

Services were Jan. 31 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Webster Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Billy Trull officiated.

Pallbearers were Roger Anderson, Ricky Bagwell, Bilbo Chamblee, Stan Chamblee, Gary Loden, Rob McKnight and William Vaughan.

Oliver Funeral Home of Eupora and Wilson & Knight Funeral Home of Greenwood were in charge of arrangements.

Clote Brown, 88, of Merrillville, Ind., formerly of Eupora, died Jan. 21, 2007, at her son's home in Merrillville.

Survivors include two sons, Dan Brown Jr. and Charles Brown of Merrillville; a daughter, Mary Ann Draine of Columbus, Ga.; a brother, Earl Embry of Flint, Mich.; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services were Jan. 27 at Mount Union Baptist Church in Eupora with burial in Church Hill Cemetery. The Rev. Charles L. Shelton officiated.

Roberts & Sons Mortuary of Eupora was in charge of arrangements.

Johnny Cullum, 70, of Eupora died Jan. 21, 2007.

Mr. Cullum was born April 5, 1936, to the late Bishop and Ida McCoy Cullum. A skilled carpenter of more than 50 years, he was well known to everyone in the community and was a generous person.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Martha Cullum of Eupora; two sons, Johnny L. Cullum Jr. and wife, Ayako, of Atlanta, and Marvin K. Cullum of Eupora; two daughters, Maerece Davis of Tulsa, Okla., and Katina Hawkins of Columbus; 11 grandchildren; two brothers, Billy L. Cullum and Roy Cullum of Eupora; five sisters, Ida Roby and husband, John, Annie Ford, Gertrude McComb and husband, Walter Lee, of Eupora, and Annie Dell Simmons and Annie Ruth Pollard of Meridian; a special friend, Lorene Hill; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Services were Jan. 27 at Gibson Street Church of God with burial in Embry Cemetery. Elder Governor Mays officiated.

Pallbearers were Billy Cullum, Roger Cullum, Edward Hill, Walter McComb, Larry Patterson, Israel Roby and James Roby.

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

Claudia Margaret McMullen Golden

Claudia Margaret McMullen Golden, 87, of Maben, died Jan. 27, 2007, at Oktibbeha County Hospital.

Mrs. Golden was a retired inspector for Ideal Glove Co.

Survivors include three daughters, Robbie G. Gordon and Ann G. Walls of Maben, and Evelyn G. Sims of Nesbit; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nim William Golden.

Services were Jan. 29 at Providence Methodist Church in Maben with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Ivy Harpole McMullin officiated.

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

Billie Frances Hood Heath

Billie Frances Hood Heath, 78, of Eupora died Jan. 15, 2007, at her home on Route 3.

Mrs. Heath, a homemaker, was born Oct. 30, 1928, in Webster County. She was a member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church in Webster County.

Survivors include a son, Stan Heath of Eupora.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley C. "Pee Wee" Heath.

Services were Jan. 20 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Embry Cemetery. The Rev. Willy Weddle officiated.

Pallbearers were Bennie Neal, Craig Oswalt, Freddie Oswalt, Redale Oswalt, Gregg Smith and Robert Wiggs.

Doris McCain

Doris McCain, 76, of Vicksburg died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2007, at River Region Medical Center in Vicksburg.

Born in Webster County, Mrs. McCain had been a resident of Vicksburg for the past 54 years. She was a homemaker and retired beautician. She was a member of Bovina United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Bob McCain Sr. of Vicksburg; three sons, Bobby McCain Jr., Marty McCain and Ty McCain of Vicksburg; a daughter, Gail Weekly of Vicksburg; two sisters, Joan Williams and Orpal England of Clinton; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elton and Mattie Williams.

Services were Jan. 25 at Glenwood Funeral Home in Vicksburg with burial in Green Acres Memorial Park. The Rev. Barbara Hite officiated.

Pallbearers were Archie England, Mitch Martin, Dusty McCain, Rob McCain, Jimmy Thurman and Chad Weekly.

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association or American Diabetes Association.

Mavis Oswalt Mitchell

Mavis Oswalt Mitchell, 92, of Bellefontaine, died Jan. 25, 2007, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford.

Mrs. Mitchell was born Jan. 13, 1915, in Webster County. She was a retired secretary and a member of the Church of God in Grenada.

Survivors include a son, Bobby Mitchell of Grenada; two sisters, Juanita "Neet" Bailey of Bellefontaine and Billye Oswalt Bailey of Saltillo; and two grandchildren.

Services were Jan. 29 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Bluff Springs Cemetery in Webster County. The Rev. Lowell Blasingame officiated.

Pallbearers were Bill Bailey, Joel Bailey, Mike Bailey, Sidney Bailey, Everette Hitt and Kenny O'Neal.

Joseph Phelps Perry

Joseph Phelps Perry, 85, of Grenada, died Jan. 28, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. Perry faithfully served his country as a B-24 pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a member and deacon at First Baptist Church of Grenada, where he faithfully attended the Berean Sunday School Class.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Womack Perry of Grenada; four sons, George Perry of Flintstone, Ga., Michael W. Perry of Custer, Mont., Paul H. Perry of Baton Rouge, La., and Mickey J. Perry of Southaven; six grandchildren, David Perry, Christopher Perry, Sean Perry, Michelle James, Melissa Perry and Michelle Crow; and five great-grandchildren, Katy Crow, Cameron Crow, J.T. Crow, Talula Perry and Payten Perry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William L. Perry and Missouri Hood Perry; his brother, William F. Perry, and a granddaughter, Melanie Kay Perry.

Services were Jan. 31 at First Baptist Church of Grenada with burial in Eupora City Cemetery. Dr. Bob Self and the Rev. Kevin Jackson officiated.

Garner-Harper Funeral Home of Grenada was in charge of arrangements.

James Hill Richardson

James Hill Richardson, 75, of Walthall, died Jan. 27, 2007, at his residence.

Mr. Richardson was born May 5, 1931, in Blytheville, Ark. He was a retired factory worker and an Air Force veteran. He was a member of Walthall Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Valerie Ellison, Cheryl Farley and Michelle Dean of Eupora; a son, Jimmy Richardson of Oxford; a sister, Jean Richardson of Mt. View, Ark.; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Claude Colette Richardson; and a sister, Janie R. Staley.

Services were Jan. 29 at Wise Funeral Home with burial in Bluff Springs Cemetery in Webster County. The Rev. Willy Weddle officiated. Music was provided by Rosamond Posey, Jaime Posey and Gin-Gin Abraham.

Pallbearers were Anthony Dean, Lee Dean, Steven Dean, Ronnie Ellison, Freddy Wayne Farley, Justin Farley, Drew Weeks and Jonathan Weeks.

Lloyd Thomas Shelton

Lloyd Thomas Shelton, 73, of Eupora died Jan. 28, 2007.

Mr. Shelton was born Sept. 5, 1934.

Services will be Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. at Soul City Church of God. Visitation will be from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday at the church. Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery.

Carter Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements.

Rena Mae Dodd Kirksey

Rena Mae Dodd Kirksey, 100, died of kidney failure Feb. 23, 2007, at Tri-Lake Medical Center in Batesville.

Mrs. Kirksey, a homemaker, was a former resident of Sunflower County and lived in Drew a number of years. She was born in the Dancy community to Wesley Duncan and Eunora Floyd. Mrs. Kirksey was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Drew.

Survivors include a son, Sam Dodd of Batesville; three daughters Ada Haddock of Monroe, La., Jean Kelly of Itta Bena and Helen Guess of Kosciusko; 27 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren and 46 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Tobie Noel Dodd Sr. and James W. Kirksey; a son, Tobie Dodd Jr.; and two daughters, Julia Shivers and Betty Reineke.

Services were Feb. 25 at Wilson & Knight Funeral Home in Greenwood with burial in Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery in Eupora, where her first husband is also buried. The Rev. Butch Kelly officiated.

Pallbearers were grandsons Johnny Dodd, Larry Kelly, Jeff Kyle, Tobie Kyle, Billy White and Bobby White.

Dalton Kenneth Middleton

Dalton Kenneth Middleton, 78, of Eupora died Feb. 18, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Middleton was born Aug. 3, 1928, in Webster County. He was a retired towerman with the Mississippi Forestry Commission and a farmer. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of First Baptist Church in Eupora.

Survivors include his wife, Yvonne Kilgore Middleton of Eupora; a daughter, Carolyn Allen of Eupora; two sons, David Middleton of Eupora and Dalton Clinton Middleton of Tupelo; a sister, Bobbie Blaylock of Eupora; two brothers, twin William Keith Middleton of West Point and Wayne Middleton of Columbia; seven grandchildren, Shane Allen, Robert Allen, Laura Threet, Brandy Middleton, Raleigh Middleton, Elizabeth Caroline Middleton and Ella Claire Middleton; and a great-grandson, Landon Allen.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Travis Middleton; and a sister, Jewel Peacock.

Services were Feb. 20 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Mt. Vernon Cemetery. The Revs. Travis Gray and Walter Lee Yeager officiated.

Pallbearers were Robert Allen, Shane Allen, Stan Blaylock, Mark Middleton, Raleigh Middleton, Billy Salley, Joe Salley and Jason Threet.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the O.C. Leigh Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church.

Lois Richardson Ray

Lois Richardson Ray, 84, of Eupora died Feb. 18, 2007, at Golden LivingCenter in Eupora.

Mrs. Ray, a homemaker, was born Oct. 20, 1922, in Moorehead. She was a member of Pine Forest Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Minnie Halford of Eupora; two sons, Harold Ray of Eupora and James Ray of Walthall; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services were Feb. 20 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Milligan Springs Cemetery. The Rev. Willy Weddle officiated.

Pallbearers were Larry Beam, Kenny Carmichael, Richard Hood, Benny Neal, Anthony Norwood and Ken Wicha.

Louise Wicha

Louise Wicha, 64, of Walthall died Feb. 22, 2007, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus.

Mrs. Wicha was born June 2, 1942, in Edinburg. She was a retired supervisor for Garan Manufacturing and homemaker. She was a member of Walthall Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Don Wicha of Walthall; two sons, Ken Wicha of Walthall and Bobby Wicha of Florence; three sisters, Dean Harvey and Marie Moore of Walthall, and Jessica Perry of Oak Bluffs, Mass.; a brother, Billy Halford of Walthall; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Services were Feb. 24 at Walthall Baptist Church with burial in Hebron Cemetery. The Rev. Willy Weddle officiated.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Harvey, Joe Hays, Phillip Lewis, Benny Neal, Todd Shettles and Bryan Wndham.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Claude Johnson

Claude Johnson, 82 of Mathiston died Feb. 26, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Johnson was born Oct. 20, 1924, in Leburn, Ky. He was a farmer and drove a school bus for 12 years. Mr. Johnson was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include a sister, Lucile "Pudge" Salley and husband, W.M. "Red" Salley; six nephews, Tommy Bowen, Richard Bowen, Don Bowen. Mart Salley, Ken Salley and Peter Salley; and two nieces, Lisa B. Mayfield and Michelle Salley Crowley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fox and Lonie Johnson; and a sister Helen J. Bowen.

Services were March 1 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Spring Valley Cemetery. The Revs. Ken Salley and Don Green officiated.

Pallbearers were Don Bowen, Richard Bowen, Tommy Bowen, John Crowley, Gary Gardner, Mart Salley and Peter Salley.

Eldridge P. 'E.P.' Landry

Eldridge P. "E.P." Landry, 81, of Ackerman died March 1, 2007, at Montfort-Jones Hospital in Kosciusko.

Mr. Landry was born Dec. 1, 1925, in Louisiana native. He was a bricklayer, served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a Catholic.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Landry of Ackerman; a son, Jimmy Thomas of Texas; a brother, L.C. Landry of Dallas; a sister, Reda Cockerham of Denham Springs, La.; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Services were March 5 at Coleman Funeral Home with burial in Enon Cemetery.

Irene E. Gardner Pennington

Irene E. Gardner Pennington, 82, of Maben died Feb. 25, 2007, at Oktibbeha County Hospital.

Mrs. Pennington was born April 24, 1924, in Franklin County, Ohio. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Cumberland.

Survivors include a daughter, Marlene Langford and husband, Wayne, of Maben; a sister, Maxine Howland of West Jefferson, Ohio; three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Pennington; and three brothers, Pearl Gardner, Richard Gardner and Paul Gardner.

Services were Feb. 28 at Bethel Baptist Church with burial in Clarkson Cemetery. The Revs. John Earl Womack and Dean Butler officiated.

Pallbearers were Ben Butler, Lance Butler, Joe Edd Cooper, Chris Langford, George McBride and Junior Shaw.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Burnice Ferguson Ray

Burnice Ferguson Ray, 67, of Eupora died Feb. 25, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Ray was born July 27, 1939, in Webster County. She was a beautician and a member of Reeds Chapel Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Patricia Ray Gill of Mathiston and Lisa Ray Allred of Eupora; a son, Kevin Earl Ray of Eupora; two sisters, Mary Eunice Lemmons of Starkville and Earlice Crowley of Cleveland, Ohio; a brother, Calvin Vail of Jackson; and five grandchildren, Richard Justin Allred, Jessica LaRay Allred, William Joshuea Allred, Marlee Mitchell Ray and Macey Kate Ray.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. "Buddy" Ray.

Services were Feb. 27 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Mt. Zion Cemetery. The Rev. Johnny Lollar officiated.

Pallbearers were Dale Boatman, Pee Wee Davis, Jerry Gammill, Buck Meek, Danny Vance and Willie Louie Ray.

Evelyn H. Rowland

Evelyn H. Rowland, 80, of Eupora died Feb. 27, 2007, at Golden LivingCenter in Eupora.

Mrs. Rowland was born June 1, 1926, in Webster County. She was a retired file clerk and a member of First Baptist Church in Eupora.

Survivors include a sister, Jo Massey of Kosciusko; and two brothers, Thomas Huffman and John Huffman of Eupora.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. B.T. Huffman; and a sister, Bonnie Woods of Houston, Texas.

Services were March 3 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in Edward Springs Cemetery. The Revs. Doyle Cummings and Dr. James Bryant officiated.

Pallbearers were Dwain Atwood, Larry Atwood, Stan Atwood, Huelon Barnett, James Fletcher and Benjy Huffman.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church or Edward Springs Cemetery.

Larry Box

Larry Box, 52, died Jan. 4, 2007, at his residence in Eupora.

Mr. Box was born July 21, 1954, in Henderson, Texas. He was an employee of Roseburg Forest Products and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He was the chief of the Tomnolen Fire Department and the fire investigator for Webster County.

Survivors include his wife, Paulette Box of Eupora; a son, Shane Box of Eupora; a sister, Connie Eddington of Kilgore, Texas; two brothers, Charles Box of Ackerman and Roger Box of Enid; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Services were Jan. 7 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Eupora City Cemetery. The Revs. James Justice, Henry Robertson and Roger Miller officiated

Pallbearers were Keith Crenshaw, Lacy Dean, Steve Gammel, Lonnie Hubbard, Josh Johnson, Matt Johnson, Jimmy McLemore, Perry Smith, Billy Joe Stafford and Barry Whitt.

Jimmie Tidwell Hodges

Jimmie Tidwell Hodges, 75, of Eupora died Jan. 5, 2007, at Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Eupora.

Mrs. Hodges, a homemaker, was born Sept. 13, 1931, Webster County. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Eupora.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Ken and Jimmie Hodges of Ackerman; and Ron and Margaret Hodges of Little Rock, Ark.; a sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Percy Corder of Winona; her stepmother, Addie Lou Tidwell of Winona; and four grandchildren, Keith Hodges and Brittani Hodges of Jackson, Cole Hodges and wife, Ashley, of Nashville, Tenn., and Ryan Hodges of Warrick, R.I.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Hodges; and her parents, Floyd and Zelma Tidwell.

Services were Jan. 8 at First Baptist Church of Eupora with burial in West Shady Grove Cemetery. The Rev. Doyle Cummings officiated.

Pallbearers were Percy Corder, Boyd Edwards, Cole Hodges, Ryan Hodges, Tommy Lott and George Salley.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Brent Nason

Brent Nason, 11, of Mathiston died Jan. 2, 2007, at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

Brent was born Oct. 28, 1995, in Starkville. He was a member of Mathiston First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his parents, Link and Tonya Nason of Mathiston; two brothers, Zach Nason and Gabe Nason of Mathiston; his paternal grandparents, Sammy and Barbara Nason of Maben; and his maternal grandparents, David and Nita Holden of Maben.

Services were Jan. 5 at First Baptist Church in Mathiston with burial in Providence Cemetery in Maben. The Rev. Archie Goodwin officiated.

Pallbearers were Mark Horrocks, Brad Huffman, Christian Jones, Dudley Vance, Dustin Williams and Brian Woodward.

Honorary pallbearers were members of the East Webster High School football team.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Brent's honor or Habitat for Hope at www.habitatforhope.org.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Clytie C. Blackwell

Clytie Cummings Blackwell, 87, died, March 20, 2007 at Dugan Memorial Home in West Point.

Mrs. Blackwell was born Dec. 13, 1919, in Choctaw County to the late Maudie Bell Paxton and Moses Olum Cummings. She was a homemaker and member of West End Baptist Church. She married R.T. Blackwell on April 15, 1939; he predeceased her on Jan. 28, 1993.

Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Mullins (Robert) of West Point and Kathy B. Wood (Brent) of Gallatin, Tenn.; three sons, Billy Blackwell (Virginia) of Mathiston, and Bobby Blackwell (Mary) and Jerry Blackwell (Nita) of West Point; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mildred Dewberry and Gladys Dewberry of Maben, Shirley Sowder of Meridian and Nell Peeples of Greenwood; and two brothers, Will T. Cummings of Mathiston and Jimmy Cummings of Eupora.

Services were March 22 at Calvert Funeral Home in West Point with burial in Fellowship Cemetery Mathiston. The Rev. Terry Partin officiated.

Pallbearers were Mike Blackwell, Richard Blackwell, Rick Boykin, Keith Hindman, Greg Mullins and Robbie Mullins.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. T. N. Braddock, staff of Unity Hospice, staff of Dugan Memorial Home and the staff of North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1800 W. Main St. #1, Tupelo, MS 38801 or to West End Baptist Church, P.O. Box 388, West Point, MS 39773-0388.

Virgil Wayne Cox

Virgil Wayne Cox, 62, of Weir died March 22, 2007, in Choctaw County.

Mr. Cox was born in Webster County and had been a resident of Choctaw County since the late 1960s. He attended Bethany Church in Poplar Creek.

Survivors include his wife, Connie Ferguson Cox of Weir; two daughters, Amber Cox and Melissa Cox Wrenn of Weir; three sons, Micah Cox and Charles Cox of Weir, and Daniel Cox of Ackerman; a sister, Mae Helen Cox Carraway of Weir; two brothers, Benny R. Cox of Bay Springs and Walter E. Cox of McCool; and seven grandchildren, Stanley Beale, William Alexander Wrenn, Chasity Cox, Britney Cox, Amie Cox, Jason Hunter Haley and Michael Anthony Cox.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Boots Boatman Cox; his father, Wesley E. Cox; and his siblings, Charles Cox, Thomas Cox, Billy Cox and Catherine Cox Threadgill.

Services were March 26 at Reeds Chapel Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Wilson McBride

Thomas Wilson McBride, 88, of Eupora died March 21, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. McBride was born Oct. 11, 1918, in Webster County. He was a retired machinist and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the Church of Christ at Mathiston.

Survivors include his wife, Martha Edna McBride of Eupora; two sons, Michael Wayne McBride and Thomas Scott McBride of Mathiston; a sister, A.D. Lott of Mathiston; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Steve Wilson McBride.

Services were March 24 at Oliver Funeral Home with burial in New Hope Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Willie Lott, Bill McBride, Curtis McBride, George McBride, Joe McBride, Jonathan McBride, Michael McBride and Scott McBride.

Honorary pallbearers were Jeff Cagle, Dexter Jones and all nephews.

Oscar Lloyd Medders

Oscar Lloyd Medders, 81, of Eupora died March 21, 2007, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Medders was born July 3, 1925, in Choctaw County.

He was a farmer and a member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church in Choctaw County.

Survivors include a daughter, Bonnie Beck and husband, Ronnie, of Eupora; a son, Jimmy Wayne Medders and wife, Connie, of Eupora; six sisters, Pauline Green and Minnie Sue Burson of Eupora, Earline VanHoughton of Madison, Ala., Mavis Louise Green of Ackerman, Bobbie Lorene Robinson of Crystal Springs and Carolyn Walker of Starkville; four brothers, Floyd Medders and J.R. Medders of Eupora, Clyde Medders Jr. of Ackerman and Ervin Medders of West Palm Beach, Fla.; three grandchildren, Tim Tindall, Jason Tindall and Angie Prewitt; three great-grandchildren, Kayla Prewitt, Cody Prewitt and Christen Tindall; and two stepgreat-grandchildren, Dustin Byers and Anna Byers.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Medders; and a brother, William Ervin Medders.

Services were March 24 at Bluff Springs Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jerry Fountain, Billy Green, Clyde Medders, Roger Medders, Sam Medders and Rodney Miles.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Medders, and a brother, William Ervin Medders.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Harvey E. Scott

Harvey E. Scott, 64, died March 20, 2007 at West Point Community Living Center.

Mr. Scott was born Dec. 5, 1942, in Eupora to the late Jeffie Nickels Scott and Tom Bill Scott. He was a self-employed salesman and a member of West End Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Tanya West (Rubel); three sons, Eddie Scott (Lorie), Terry Scott (Mechelle) and Shane Scott of Montpelier; eight grandchildren, James, Crystal and Bradley Scott, Cliff Wooten, Brooke and Brandon Scott, Katelyn White and Ethan West; three sisters, Louise Williamson and Dale Scott of Greenwood, and Ann Fondren of Mantee; and a brother, Bobby Scott of Mantee.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Billie Marie Scott; and a brother, Joe Donald Scott.

Services were March 22 at Calvert Funeral Home in West Point with burial in Crossroads Cemetery in Mantee. The Rev. Zane Parker officiated.

Pallbearers were Jerry Guest, Jody Guest, Billy Harmon, Sammie McNeel, James Scott and Cliff Wooten.

Honorary pallbearers were Colin Faulkner, Bobby Osborne, staff of West Point Community Living Center and the staff of North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1800 W. Main St. #1, Tupelo, MS 38801