John David Johnson, 73 of Mantee, died of cancer July 11, 2003, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus.

Mr. Johnson was born in Webster County on Oct.18, 1929. He was a retired auto mechanic and for 40 years was a partner of D&J Garage. He was a member of Mantee Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Betty Walker Johnson of Mantee; two sons and daughters-in-law, William O. "Bill" and Theresa Johnson of Madison, Ala., and Bruce and Ladonna Johnson of Madison, Miss.; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and Elmer Dobbs of Mantee, and Frances and Walter Baker of Mantee; four grandchildren, Blake, Kellie, Audrey and Abby Johnson; and two step-grandchildren, Bryce and Krista Shelton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, A.O. and Marietta Smith Johnson; and one brother, Charles Johnson.

Services were July 12 at Mantee Baptist Church with the Revs. Ken Hester and Mark Jones officiating. Burial was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Doug Wilson, Wes Johnson, Jeff Johnson, Jody Johnson, Cecil Johnson and Bernie White.

Memorials may be made to the Mantee Baptist Church Building Fund.

Houston Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Willadeen Nail Robinson, 78, of Eupora died July 9, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in Eupora.

Mrs. Robinson, a homemaker, was born in Duck Hill on Sept. 6, 1924. She was a member of First Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Katherine Robinson Dodd of Madison; four sons, Daniel Levon, Patrick Stanley Robinson and James Dee Robinson, all of Eupora, and

Marshall Lee Robinson of Florence; one sister, Lillie Mae Webb of Brandon; two brothers, Doyle Nail of Memphis, Tenn., and Ernest Nail of Duck Hill; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Levon Robinson; and a son, James Marshall Robinson.

Services were July 13 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. W.S. Stewart officiating. Burial was in West Shady Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jared Dodd, Shane Conner, James Freeman Webb, Ricky Parker, Larry Box and Frankie Boatman.

Patty Williams, 77, of Eupora died May 8, 2003, at her daughter's residence in Grenada.

Mrs. Williams, a homemaker, was a native of Webster County. She was born May 20, 1925, and was a member of First Baptist Church of Thibodaux, La

Survivors include one daughter, Peggy Goines Braswell of Grenada; one son, Jessie Williams Jr. of Walls; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Services were May 10 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Howard Tucker and Doug Pepper officiating. Burial was in Sapa Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Lamar Harrison, Jimmy Harrison, Jerry Harrison, Larry Harrison, Thomas Harrison, Guy McKee and Pee Wee Davis.

Maudine Snyder Sossaman, 83, of Slidell, La, died May 4, 2003, at the Northshore Regional Medical Center in Slidell.

Survivors include two daughters, Becky Lacey of Metairie, La., and Sally S. Campbell of Slidell; one son, Benjamine B. Sossaman Jr. of Slidell; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamine Bilbo Sossaman; and two sisters, Zelma Parks and Lucille Box.

Graveside services were May 8 at Clarkson Cemetery with Brother Charles Box officiating.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Katie Alene Sellars, 87, died May 11, 2003, at her residence in Winona.

Mrs. Sellers, a homemaker, was a member of Friendship Primitive Baptist Church in Winona.

Survivors include two daughters, Jimmie Smith of Natchez and Beulah Vance of Winona; one sister, Mae Chambley of Winona; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Synott Sellars; her parents Mr. and Mrs. John Luther Summers; and a brother, Casey Summers.

Services were May 13 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Winona with the Rev. DeWayne DuBard officiating. Burial was in Sarepta Cemetery

George Dewey Pepper, 59, of the Peppertown community died Aug. 13, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora Hospital of complications from lung cancer.

Mr. Pepper was a mail carrier with the Eupora Post Office for 32 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed drawing and woodworking. He was a member of Bellefontaine United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Margie Pepper of Peppertown; two sons, Jason Pepper and Jody Pepper of Starkville; three brothers, Everette Pepper of the Crossroads community, Cecil Pepper of McComb and Stanley Pepper of Peppertown; two sisters, Evelyn Andrews of Madison, Ohio, and Sandra Sisson of Bellefontaine; a special nephew, Allen Pepper; many nieces and nephews, including Katelyn Pepper, Maggie Sisson and Georgia Sisson, his namesake; and many friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Howell Mitchell Pepper.

Pallbearers were Burt Nail, Leon Long, Don Tabb, Bobby Roberts, Jimmy Allen Pepper and Derrel Dean.

Honorary pallbearers were Kenneth Graham, Ricky Wilson, Joe Cobb, Ulin Schmitz, John Bailey, Jeffery Tabb, Mitch Mitchell and Joe McCorkle.

Services were Aug. 15 at Bellefontaine United Methodist Church with the Revs. Joel Walls and Julia Stephenson officiating. Burial was in North Union Cemetery with Wise Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Josie Lovett Lucius, 99, died April 1, 2003, at Webster Health Services Long-Term Care Unit in Eupora.

Mrs. Lucius was born on June 24, 1904, to the late Moses and Eunice Curry Lovett. She will be remembered for her beautiful crochet work which she freely gave to family and friends. Her love for her family was a source of great strength for all.

Mrs. Lucius was a member of Hebron Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Becky Jones of Eupora; one son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Recenah Lucius of Eupora; four grandchildren, Nelson Lucius and wife, Victoria, of Tupelo, Valerie Lucius of Dallas, Deeta Davis of Denham Springs, La., and Lucia Fields and husband, William, of La Jolla, Calif.; and two great-grandchildren, Chandler and Olivia Lucius of Tupelo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Russell Lucius; her sisters, Gussie Lovett, Ella Lovett Chandler, and Cannie Lovett Atkins; and her brothers, Curry Lovett, Wess Lovett, Matt Lovett, Orin Lovett and Marvin Lovett.

She was the last surviving member of her generation in the Lovett and Lucius families.

Services were April 4 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Webster Memorial Gardens.

William Claud Grimsley, 75, of Maben died April 9, 2003 at Webster Health Services in Eupora.

Mr. Grimsley, a retired master carpenter, was born in Clay County on Feb. 25, 1928. He fought in the Army in World War II against Japan as a member of the 25th Infantry 5th Artillery, 2nd Battalion.

He was a member of Pheba Baptist Church and was also a Mason.

Survivors include his wife, Merlene Grimsley of Maben; one daughter, Barbara Ann Hagan of Loretta, Tenn.; four sons, Charles Edward Grimsley of Maben, John Arthur Grimsley of Mathiston, John Claud Grimsley of Nashville, Tenn., and James Willie Grimsley of White Bluff, Tenn.; one sister, Mary A. Kile of Nashville; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Services were April 12 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Douglas Browning, Sam Edwards and Douglas Akins officiating. Burial was in Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Brock Carter, Garie Mullis, Kim Harden, Tommy Berry, Bobby Bullock and John Carter. Honorary pallbearers were Tommy Weeks and Glen Pate.

Funeral services for Nina P. Byrd, 93, of Eupora, were held March 11, 2003 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel in Eupora with Rev. Willie Weddle officiating and interment in North Union Cemetery in Bellefontaine.

Byrd died March 9, 2003 at her granddaughter's home in Grenada.

She was a homemaker. Byrd was a native of Webster County, the daughter of George and Annie Pepper, the widow of the Late Lewis Byrd and a member of Walthall Baptist Church.

Pallbearers were Scott Edwards, Shea Edwards, Clint Sims, Allan Robertson, Ben Fischer and Ryan Cliett. Honorary Pallbearers were Dr. Gaines Cook, Dr. James Booth, Thomas Griffith, Buster Grantham and Roy Sims.

Survivors include one daughter, Malice Watson of Eupora; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

Wise Funeral Home of Eupora was in charge of arrangements.

Funeral Services for Marla Wray Hood, 44, of Eupora, were held March 9, 2003 at Eupora First Baptist Church with Rev. William Stewart and Rev. Willie Weddle officiating and interment in Milligan Springs Cemetery in Montgomery County.

Hood died March 7, 2003 at Webster Health Services in Eupora. Marla was a member of the First Baptist Church in Eupora and was very active in the church and loved flower gardening. She was a teacher in the Eupora School System.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund or the American Cancer Society.

Pallbearers were Russ Turner, Joe Duncan, George Mitchell, Gary Graham, Jimmy Pittman, and Jimmy Mitchell.

Survivors include her husband, David Hood of Eupora; her parents, Dixie Wray and Lamar Wray of Kilmichael; daughters Lauren Hood and Anna Hood of Eupora; brother Richard Wray of Winona.

Lora Lee Baker, 92, of Eupora died May 12, 2003, at NMMC-Eupora Hospital.

Mrs. Baker, a homemaker, was born in Calhoun County on Aug. 22,1910. She was a member of Bread of Life Ministries.

Survivors include two daughter, Doris Shepherd of Tupelo and Mildred Stephens of Florence; one brother Winford Crowley of Houston; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services were May 14 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with Sister Linda Dempsey officiating. Burial was in Clarkson Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Thomas Shepherd, Wilford Shepherd, Larry Miskell, Mark Stephens, Jason Hills and John Ferrell.

Donald Jay Blain

Donald Jay Blain, 48, of Shreveport, La., and formerly of Kilmichael died May 11, 2003, at his residence of an apparent heart attack.

Mr. Blain, a salesman, was a member of Kilmichael Baptist Church. Survivors include his parents, W.H. "Billy" Blain Jr. and Mary Blain of Kilmichael; and one brother, Tom Blain of Gainsville, Va.

Services were May 17 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel in Winona with burial in Greensboro Cemetery. The Rev. David Bishop officiated.

Clyde H. Elkins

Clyde H. Elkins, 91, of Eupora died May 15, 2003, at NMMC-Eupora Hospital.

Mrs. Elkins was a retired factory worker and homemaker. A native of Webster County, she was the daughter of the late Henry Claude and Linnie Henley, and the widow of Sherman Elkins. She was a member of Sapa Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Rubie Elkins Pogue of Eupora; one son, Joe H. Elkins of Memphis, Tenn.; two sisters, Avery Elkins of Moultrie, Ga., and Mary Davis of Brandon; five brothers, James Henley of Northport, Ala., Kenneth Henley and Albert Cook Henley of Eupora, Richard Henley of Zachary, La., and Prentiss Henley of Heidelberg; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were May 17 at Webster Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Harvey Overstreet officiating.

Wise Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Joseph 'Joey' Thomas Fulgham

Joseph "Joey" Thomas Fulgham, 28, died May 10, 2003, at his home in the Longview community.

Mr. Fulgham was born Sept. 10, 1974, in Eupora to Ann Cross Cash and Chuck Fulgham. He graduated in 1992 from Starkville High School, where he had been known for his artistic ability, which had been showcased in the murals he painted in the school's corridors.

While attending high school, he continued a family tradition of military service by joining the Army National Guard in 1991. He eventually achieved the position of paladin-gun chief for "B" Battery 2/114th Field Artillery in Ackerman and was affectionately known as "Crack Baby" to the other members of his National Guard battalion.

His love for automobiles was reflected in the die-cast models he made and in his career at Templeton's, where he had been a respected mechanic since 1998.

His generous heart and loving nature will be deeply missed by those who survive him.

Survivors include two daughters, Darian Fulgham and Haley Wood of Starkville;

one son, Tyler Fulgham of Starkville; his mother, Ann Cross Cash of Mathiston; his fathers, Chuck Fulgham of Mathiston and David Noel of Starkville; two sisters, Renee Tyree of Clallam Bay, Wash., and Nakita Fulgham of Mathiston; one brother, Shannon Fulgham of Sturgis; one stepsister, Lauren Cash of Eupora; his stepfather, Jimmy Cash of Mathiston; one sister-in-law, Kimberly Fulgham of Sturgis; one brother-in-law, Michael Tyree of Clallam Bay; his grandmothers, Marie Fulgham of Mathiston and Estell Cross of Eupora; and three nephews, Hunter Fulgham of Sturgis, Andrew Fulgham of Mathiston and Josey James Tyree of Clallam Bay.

Services were May 17 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville with burial in Double Springs Cemetery.

Lewis 'L.C.' Harris

Lewis "L.C." Harris, 76, of Eupora died May 11, 2003, at NMMC-Eupora Hospital.

Mr. Harris, a retired carpenter, was born in Bolivar County on March 29, 1927.

Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Ann Godsey of Pearl and Betty Joyce Hollis of Charleston; one son, L.C. Haire Jr. of Holly Springs; three sisters, Ruby Auderholt of Clarksdale, Louise Gibson of Rosedale and Mary Patterson of Cleveland; one brother, J.B. Haire of Cleveland; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Graveside servicer were May 13 at Hebron Cemetery with burial in Hebron Cemetery.

Oliver Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Lucy Gertie Hubbard

Lucy Gertie Hubbard, 79, of Eupora died May 13, 2003, at NMMC-Eupora Hospital.

Mrs. Hubbard, a homemaker, was born in Webster County on Feb. 28, 1924. She was a member of Lebanon United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Dock Edward Hubbard of Eupora; three daughters, Lucy Ann Willingham, Sara Lynn Stafford and Lady Frances Holloway, all of Eupora; three sons, Douglas Hubbard, Lonnie Hubbard and Danny Hubbard, all of Eupora; one sister, Marie Cooper of Eupora; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Services were May 15 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Lebanon Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Quinton Cooper, Jerry Patridge, Mart Salley, Ken Salley, Shane Box and James Carl Hubbard.

Odean Ford Johnson

Odean Ford Johnson, 97, of Eupora died May 15, 2003, at NMMC-Eupora Hospital.

Mrs. Johnson was born in Eupora on Oct. 31, 1905, to Edgar "Ted" Ford and Bessie Bays Ford.

She was the second of five children, the others being Essie Ford Embry, Madora Ford Brown, Detroit Ford and Annie V. Ford Draine. Siblings Curtis Ford, Grace Ford Johnson and Alvin Ford were born to Edgar "Ted" Ford and Della Mitchell Dumas Ford. All preceded her in death.

Mrs. Ford was a faithful member of Liberty United Methodist Church since a very early age, where she worked until just a few years ago when her health failed. Some of her participation included Sunday School teacher, choir member, choir treasurer, class leader and United Methodist Women.

She will be missed by all who knew her. Mrs. Johnson took pride in working on her lawn and growing beautiful flowers, bringing some of them to her church to place on the altar two months of each year.

She was married to the late Rayford Johnson for many years before his death. There were no children.

She was employed for many years at the home of T.F. Taylor of Eupora.

Her memory is cherished by caretaker and niece Bernice Embry Brister, other nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, cousins and close friends.

Services were May 20 at Liberty United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bessie B. Givhan officiating. The Rev. Benton C. Tanner, pastor, gave Scripture readings. Burial was in Eupora Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Melvin Lamar Dumas, Courtney Foard, Michael Ford, George Samuel Marshall, Robert Calvin Mays and James Woodard.

Roberts and Sons Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

Jeremy 'Todd' Sims

Jeremy "Todd" Sims, 41, of Star, died May 17, 2003, at the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham.

A native of Jackson, Mr. Sims had lived in Star for the past 28 years. He was a husband, father, son, brother and friend to all who knew him. All who met him instantaneously had a new friend because he loved people and loved to spend time talking, sharing and listening to his friends.

Born with a heart defect, he had many struggles during his short life, but nothing overcame his positive attitude and contagious humor. God blessed him in many ways. Mr. Sims was gifted musician, a singer and songwriter. There was nothing he could not do if he set his mind to it. He is just now beginning a new journey, using his gifts and talents to praise the Lord. He will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Cindy P. Sims; one son, Aaron Sims; his parents, Billy and Martha Sims, all of Star; his grandmother, Nellie B. Wilson of Cumberland; three brothers and their wives, Rodney and Sharon Sims of Florence, Shaine and Tonya Sims of Star, and Marty and Rusty Sims of Crystal Springs.

He was preceded in death by two children, Morgan and Jeremy Sims.

Services were May 21 at Star Baptist Church with the Revs. Vic Bowman, Cliff Nelson and James Earl Estes officiating. Burial was in Flora Hills Memory Gardens. Chancellor Funeral Home of Florence was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the University of Alabama Townhouse, 2008 University Blvd, Box 701, Birmingham, AL 35249-6552 or to the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency.

J.W. Teutsch

J.W. Teutsch, 66, of Stewart died May 14, 2003, of a hereditary heart condition at Trace Regional Hospital in Houston while being transported to North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. Teutsch, a retired fire safety specialist and a veteran, was born in Shongaloo, La., on July 25, 1936. He was the only son of William Hunter Teutsch and Janie King Teutsch, both of whom preceded him in death.

Mr. Teutsch spent most of his working life making the world a safer place for others by specializing in fire safety. He received his training in the U.S. Air Force after his enlistment in 1954 until his retirement in 1974.

During his tenure in the military, he was stationed throughout the United States and overseas. During his civilian employment, he worked for ITT and RCA as senior fire and safety specialist for contracted military sites in Alaska. Mr. Teutsch retired in 1986 after an automobile collision left him with a disability.

He was a Mason, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and was also an avid World War II buff.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Velma Blanche Davidson Teutsch of Stewart; his only child, Gwendolynne Ann Teutsch-Brosh; her husband, Christopher Brosh;

and their three children, Cpl. Frank J. Hunter Brosh of the U.S. Marine Corps, Shana Marie Brosh and Janie Lynne Brosh, all of Wasilla, Alaska.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Velma Maze Davidson of Hope, Alaska, who considers him to be her oldest child.

He was preceded in death by five of his sisters, Velma Inez, Mary, Vivian, Juanita and Opal, and is survived by one sister, Vesti "Kitty" Ruley of Phoenix.

He is also survived by a host of in-laws, nieces and nephews.

His request for cremation was honored by the family at Central Mississippi Crematory in Pearl with Oliver Funeral Home providing arrangements.

The family requests that any memorial donations be sent to the American Heart Association.

James Lanny Williams

James Lanny Williams, 60, of Mathiston died May 15, 2003, at NMMC-Eupora Hospital.

Mr. Williams, the retired owner/operator of Williams Trucking, was born in Webster County on June 23, 1942. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Williams of Mathiston; two daughters, Janet Williams Dean and Cynthia Ann Williams of Mathiston; one son, Mark Williams of Mathiston; and four grandchildren.

Services were May 18 at Victory Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Parish officiating. Burial was in Spring Valley Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Sammie L. Nason, Charles Lanthrip, David Williams, Charles Holmes, William Guk, Charles J. Box and Walter Shuffield.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

J.C. Christian

The Rev. Jefferson Coleman Christian, 79, of Nettleton died April 3, 2003, at his residence.

The Rev. Christian was born on April 21,1923, in Itawamba County to the late Iris Momon and Maudell Black Christian. He was a graduate of Itawamba High School, Wood Junior College, Mississippi State University, Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa., and Candler School of Theology, Emory University.

He was a retired United Methodist minister, being licensed to preach in 1942. He received his candidacy certification in 1942, became a full member in 1951, an ordained deacon in 1950 and an ordained elder in 1951. He retired June 13, 1989.

He served churches in Greenwood Springs; Prairie/Hamilton Charge; Buena Vista; Lynnwood Park in Philadelphia, Pa.; Glen Haven in Atlanta; Mooreville, Eupora First Church, Booneville First Church, New Albany First Church, Kosciusko First Church, Amory First Church, Columbus First Church, Greenville First Church, St. Mark's Aberdeen, Nettleton and the Carolina Charge, the church he was born and raised in, and site of his final service in 1989.

He served on the North Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church Board of Ministry, Finance Committee, Board of Missions, and Board of Church Location.

He married Harriett Scarbrough in 1947 and later married Dorothy Poole in 1980.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Poole Christian of Saltillo; one son, Charles Jefferson "Jeff" Christian of Covington, La.; three daughters, Connie Sue Christian Marion of Roswell, Ga., Harriet Catherine Christian McMahan of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Martha Gale Christian Nagle of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; one sister, Madie Sue Christian Thompson of Mobile Ala.; nine grandchildren, Jenna Lawhorn, Jefferson T. "Chip" Lawhorn, Megan Christian, Emily Nagle, Melissa McMahan, Johnny McMahan, Preston Christian, Bradley Nagle and Lee Nagle; and one great-grandchild, Pace McConkle.

Services were April 5 at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory with the Revs. John C. Moore and Glyn Wiygul officiating. Burial was in Haughton Memorial Park.

Pallbearers were Chip Lawhorn, Robert Marion, Preston Christian, John McMahan, David Nagle, Mike Dickerson and Tommy Coggin.

Memorials may be given to the various churches the Rev. Christian pastored.

John Dewy Hilbourn

John Dewy Hilbourn, 84, of Stewart died March 30, 2003, at his residence.

Mr. Hilbourn was born in Wilmington, N.C., on May 28,1918. He was a retired auto worker with General Motors and a member of West Eupora Church of God. He was also an Army veteran of World War II.

Survivors include four daughters, Debbie Fauver of Stewart, Sharon Boggs of Houston, Texas, Betty Gaudaghi of Napa, Calif., and Beverly Purvis of Regalwood, N.C; one son, Raymond Fadness of Norfolk, Va.; five sisters, Mary Britt, Reba Nobles, Beck Branch and Snowie Hammones, all of Lexington, N.C., and Martha Elliot of Greensea, S.C; two brothers, Olivier Hilbourn of Lake Waccamaw, N.C., and Hubert Hilbourn of Fairbluff, N.C.; 10 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice M. Hilbourn.

Services were April 2 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Caffey officiating. Burial was in Greensboro Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Brian Boggs, Larry Boggs, Conrad Simpson, Dewy Simpson, Ricky Newton, Duck Newton, Keith Strawbridge and David Murphy.

Guthrie Leon Hunter

Guthrie Leon Hunter, 83, of Mantee died April 3, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. Hunter was the retired owner of Guthrie Hunter Construction Co. He was a member of Mantee Baptist Church and a deacon. He was a Webster County School Board member for 30 years and was a World war II Army Air Corps veteran.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Gibson Hunter of Mantee; three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Jimmy Stevens of Mantee, Becky and Van Johnson of Eupora, and Hope and David Lee of Hamilton; one sister, Jerry Smith of Henderson, Tenn.; three brothers, Wayne Hunter of Tupelo, Kilmer Hunter of Gulfport and Gene Scott Hunter of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Neilson and husband, Tim, Hailey Pepper and husband, Michael, Rebecca Feather and husband, Randle, Randee Barnett, Mark Lee, Wade Lee and Abigail Lee; and one great-grandchild, Hunter Neilson.

Mr. Hunter was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Carrie Elvira Harden Hunter.

Services were April 6 at Mantee Baptist Church with Dr. Ken Hester and the Revs. Mark Jones and Terry Edwards officiating. Burial was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Paul Smith, Steve Hunter, Robert Hunter, Rob Hunter, Ken Hunter, Larry Hunter and Glenn Hunter.

Memorials may be made to the Mantee Baptist Church Building Fund.

Houston Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Loye Little

Thomas Loye Little, 83, of Sardis died April 1, 2003, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn.

Mr. Little was born in Webster County on Oct. 2,1919. He was a retired appliance store owner and an Army veteran of World War II.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Little Wires of Cherokee Village, Ark., Jeannie Stephens of Tunica and Donna Gormish of Orlando, Fla.; one son, Thomas Little Jr. of Seattle; one sister, Dorothy Sue Little of Baltimore; two brothers, Noel Little of Memphis, Tenn., and Herman Little of Mobile, Ala; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Services were April 4 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Caffey officiating. Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

Mary A. Love

Mary A. Love, 97, of Ackerman died April 1, 2003, at NMCC-Eupora Hospital.

Miss Love was born on June 21, 1905, in Choctaw County. She was a retired telephone operator for South Central Bell and a member of Old Lebanon Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were April 4 at Old Lebanon Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Jerry Lawson and Roger Griffith officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Old Lebanon Presbyterian Church in Ackerman.

Nowell Funeral Services was in charge of arrangements.

Edmond Earl McGaugh

Edmond Earl McGaugh, 86, of Ackerman, died April 4, 2003, at Choctaw County Medical Center in Ackerman.

Mr. McGaugh was born on Oct. 2, 1916, in Choctaw County. He was an independent business owner and a member of Ackerman Baptist Church.

Survivors included numerous of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services were April 7 at Nowell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Gordon Sansing officiating. Burial was in Enon Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Ackerman Baptist Church.

Ada Irene Swindle Mitchell

Ada Irene Swindle Mitchell, 49, of Sidon died April 1, 2003, at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson.

Born in Greenwood, Mrs. Mitchell was a graduate of Delta State University, where she was on the President's List. She worked at WABG-TV for 19 years before going to work with Viking Range Corp. in 1988.

Since that time she had become director of human resources for Viking Range. She was a member of New Shiloh Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Ricky Mitchell of Sidon; one son, Jared Mitchell; her mother, Irene Barefoot Swindle; one sister, Mary Stinson, all of Greenwood; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emmett C. and Kathleen Shaw Mitchell of McCarley, formerly of Eupora.

Services were April 4 at Wilson & Knight Chapel in Greenwood with the Revs. Luther Lindsey and Jeff Walker officiating. Burial was in Odd Fellows East, Greenwood.

Memorials may be made to the Ada Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Viking Range Corp., P.O. Box 956, Greenwood, MS 38930.

Elmer Lee 'Boots' Palmer

Elmer Lee "Boots" Palmer, 85, of Mantee, died March 30, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. Palmer was born in Webster County on Jan. 28,1918. He was a retired employee of Babcock & Wilcox Manufacturing. Mr. Palmer was a member of Clarkson Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, LaBon and Bill McBride of Sherman, and Rowena and Billy Gibson of West Point; one son and daughter-in-law, James L. and Sue Palmer of Maben; three sisters, Shelby Jean Hood of Mantee, Mary Lois Argo of Gardendale, Ala., and Edna Mae McDowell of Mathiston; one brother, Cecil Palmer of Trenton, Mich.; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Nell Carroll Palmer; his father, William Felton Palmer; his mother, Jesse Gray Palmer; his stepmother, Ola Bland Palmer; and two sisters, Nora Ethel Palmer and Mamie Mildred Easley.

Services were April 2 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs John Hudson and Tim Hudson officiating. Burial was in Clarkson Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Wesley Grisson, Stephen Loague, Ken Palmer, Keith Palmer, Wendell Gibson, Jeffery Gibson, Richard Palmer and Don Palmer.

Mary Stewart

Mary Stewart, 91, of Shannon, died April 1, 2003, at Tishomingo Manor in Iuka.

Mrs. Stewart was born on April 4, 1911, in Webster County to the late Fred I. and Bessie L. Bridges Langston.

She was a homemaker and a member of Clarkson Baptist Church. She loved her family, friends, gardening and quilting.

Survivors include one daughter, Inez West, and her husband, Tom, of Shannon; one son-in-law, Wayne Rose, and his wife, Sue, of Knoxville, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Chris Rose, Elizabeth West and John West; and two great-grandchildren, Marshall West and Sarah West.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Stewart, in 1976; and a daughter, Sarah Rose, in 1992.

Graveside services were April 3 at Clarkson Cemetery with the Rev. Phillip Box officiating.

Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.

Lee Memorial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

James Elrod Fason

James Elrod Fason, 65, of Eupora died Dec. 31, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo.

Mr. Fason, a retired factory worker with Monte Glove, was born Sept. 5, 1938, in Webster County.

Survivors include one son, Quinton Fason of Fulton; four brothers, Tom Fason of Mathiston, and Johnny B. Fason, Paul Fason and Max Fason, all of Eupora; and two grandchildren, Bo Martin and Dexter Fason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt and Mattie Pearl Fason.

Services were Jan. 3 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with burial in White Hill Cemetery. The Rev. James Sanders officiated.

Pallbearers were Barry Fason, Mike Fason, Darrell Fason, Nelson Nabors, Robert Holland and Randy Bridges.

Mary Ellen Johnson

Mary Ellen Johnson, 67, of Louisville died Jan. 1, 2004, from injuries sustained in a car accident on Highway 82 at Maben-Sturgis Road in Oktibbeha County.

Mrs. Johnson, a retiree from the Mississippi Department of Human Services, was born Oct. 2, 1936. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Women's Missionary Union.

Survivors include two daughters, JoEllen Johnson and Patricia Winstead and her husband, John; one son, Stan Johnson and his wife, Angela; one sister, Anna Jo Wilkes; one brother, Billy Watson, all of Louisville; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Johnson; her mother and father, Alma and Oliver Watson; and a brother, Glen Watson.

Services were Jan. 5 at Nowell-Tilghman Funeral Home in Louisville with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Grady Henderson Jones

Grady Henderson Jones, 85, died Jan. 4, 2004, at his residence in Clarksdale.

Mr. Jones, a retiree from the Soil Conservation Service and state Department of Vocational Rehabilation, was born May 17, 1918, in Tippo. He was a member of Oakhurst Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and was a former Sunday School teacher, and was a member of Lay Renawa Teams sponsered by the Southern Baptist Brotherhood.

He was also a member of the 339th Infantry Polar Bear Platoon in World War II, receiving a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, VFW and the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ruby Carpenter Jones; one daughter, Mary Lee Stubblefield and her husband, Al, of Pensacola, Fla.; one son, Grady C. Jones and his wife, Ginneyoe, of Clarksdale; two sisters, Elizabeth Pickett of Pope and Martha Blanchard of Magnolia, Ark.; six grandchildren, Grady C. Jones Jr. and Amanda Jones of Clarksdale, Beth Dairs of Cleburne, Texas, and Gary, Andy and Claire Stubblefield of Pensacola.

Services were Jan. 6 at Oakhurst Baptist Church with burial in Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Glenn Sullivan and Dr. Jeff Holland officiated.

Memorials may be made to Oakhurst Baptist Church.

National Funeral Home of Clarksdale was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Louise Marenghi

Mary Louise Marenghi, 74, of Columbus died Jan. 4, 2004 , at The Windsor Place in Columbus.

Mrs. Marenghi, a retired secretary for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Memphis District, was born Dec. 2, 1929, in Choctaw County. She was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Florida Society Southern Dames of America and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Mrs. Marenghi was an artist in oil paints and a genealogy researcher. She was also an avid reader.

Survivors include her husband, Charles A. Marenghi Jr. of Columbus; four nephews and two nieces.

Services were Jan. 6 at Coleman Funeral Home Chapel in Ackerman with burial in Enon Cemetery. The Rev. Jerry Lawson officiated.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis or Palmer Home in Columbus.

Tony L. Molder

Tony L. Molder, 65, of Stewart died Jan. 4, 2004, at Greenwood-Leflore County Hospital.

Mr. Molder, a retired mechanic, was a member of Huntsville Church of Christ. He was a native of Hamilton, Ala.

Survivors include his wife Ellen Molder; one daughter, Marcella Morgan and her husband, Joey, of Brandon; one sister, Lois Molder of Richland; four brothers, Dean Molder of LaPine, Ore., Jerry Molder of Flowood, Ray Molder of Pearl and Cecil Molder of Holiday, Fla.; two grandchildren, Thomas and Wesley Morgan; and one great-grandchild, Christopher Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Luna Molder.

Graveside services are 3 p.m. Jan. 8 at Huntsville Cemetery. The Rev. Nathan Wright will officiate.

Wise Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Estel Robinson

Estel Robinson, 83, died Dec. 31, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mr. Robinson, a retired farmer, was born June 11, 1920, in Webster County. He was a member of West Eupora Church of God and an Army veteran of World War II.

Survivors include his wife, Hallie Peeples Robinson of Eupora; two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Harold Elkins of Cedar Bluff and Diane and Elton Dorroh of Eupora; one son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Judy Robinson of Bellefontaine; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services were Jan. 2 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Calvary Cemetery. The Revs. Travis Touchstone and James Wells officiated.

Pallbearers were Lane and Joe Robinson, Chad, Shea and Matt Elkins, and Stephen Dorroh.

Leon Russell

Leon Russell, 86, of West Point died Dec. 30, 2003, at Dugan Memorial Home.

Mr. Russell, a retired U.S. Army master sargeant, was born Aug. 30, 1917, in Wilmot, Ark. He was a member of Woodgate Baptist Church in Jackson and of military organizations.

Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Suzanne Kimmel of Berlin; four sisters, Era Williams and Dorothy Huffman of Eupora, Beulah Russell of Calhoun City and Jenny Lee Carrier of Forrest City, Ark.; two grandsons, Ian Kimmel and Max Kimmel of Berlin; a niece, Ann Easter of West Point; and other nieces and nephews.

Services were Jan. 2 at Montevista Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Jack Searcy officiated.

Honorary pallbearers were retired Army veterans, Dr. T.N. Braddock and the staff of Dugan Memorial Home.

Mr. Russell was buried with full military honors.

Robinson Funeral Home of West Point was in charge of arrangements.

James Calvin Stoker

James Calvin Stoker, 65, died Dec. 28, 2003, at his residence in Stewart.

Mr. Stoker, a state Highway Department employee, was a member of Union Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Nola Jewell Grant of Pearl; three sons, Robbie Richard Stoker, Ted Odis Stoker and Brady Paul Stoker, all of Stewart; four sisters, Dovie Crawford of Indianola, Mary Sue Caldwell of Middletown, Ohio, Ida Nelms of Vaiden and Betty Knight of Winona; two brothers, Thomas Windell Stoker of Winona and Johnny Glynn Stoker of Memphis; six grandchildren and his ex-wife, Bertha I. Stoker of Stewart.

Oliver Funeral Home of Winona was in charge of arrangements.

Robert Wayne Hall

Robert Wayne Hall, 57, died May 5, 2003, at his home in Big Creek.

Mr. Hall was born in Choctaw County on Jan. 29,1946. He was a retired chief engineer on the riverboat Floyd Goodman.

Survivors include two sisters, Alice Mitchell of Eupora and May Frances Stone of Kosciusko; and eight nieces and nephews.

Services were May 7 at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City with the Rev. Chris Conlee officiating. Burial was in Bluff Springs Cemetery in Eupora.

Edward Thomas 'Freck' Harris

Edward Thomas "Freck" Harris, 86, of Ackerman, died May 6, 2003, at the Choctaw County Nursing Home in Ackerman.

Mr. Harris, a farmer, was born in Hunt County, Texas, on Aug. 21,1916. He was a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Survivors include one son, Charles Harris of Weir; one daughter, Clara Beth Dean of Calhoun City; two sisters, Annie Bell Edwards of Winston, Ga., and Nannie Pearl Austin of Trussville, Ala.; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ioma Keen Harris; a daughter, Martha Jane Crowder; and a son, Carl Thomas Harris.

Services were May 8 at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Black officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Nowell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Moriah Cemetery Fund, RR 1, Box 106-A, Weir, MS 39772.

Nora Chamblee James

Nora Chamblee James, 95, of Gore Springs, died May 4, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora Hospital.

Mrs. James, a homemaker, was born in Montgomery County on Jan. 22, 1908. She was a member of Bradford Chapel Baptist Church. She also loved gardening.

Survivors include two sons, John V. James and his wife, Joyce, of Gore Springs, and Donald James and his wife, Evelyn, of Big Creek; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Eugene James; two sons, Wayne James and an infant son; her parents, John Chamblee and Ina Tindle Chamblee; one sister, Ladell Taylor; and one brother, Douglas Chamblee.

Services were May 7 at Bradford Chapel Baptist Church with the Revs. Paul Weddle Jr. and Jeff Howell officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Lamar James, Joe Hays, Thomas James, Phillip James, Jack James and Hart Chamblee.

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

Memorials may be made to the Bradford Chapel Cemetery Fund or a charity of one's choice.

Lucille Dorroh Langston

Lucille Dorroh Langston, 80, died April 27, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora Hospital.

Mrs. Langston was born in Eupora on Oct. 9, 1922, to the Rev. Jesse S. Dorroh and Ruth Macon Dorroh. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. She was married to James Herbert Langston of Vardaman on March 25,1946. They lived in New Orleans before moving back to the homeplace in the New Hope community.

Mrs. Langston worked in the office of Watkins, Ward and Stafford until retirement and continued to work from her home until the middle of tax season this year, when she became bedridden.

Survivors include her husband, James H. Langston; two brothers, the Rev. Stanley Dorroh of Mathiston and the Rev. Robert G. Dorroh of Eupora; one sister, Mildred Pounds of Bellefontaine; six nephews and one niece;

She was preceded in death by one niece, Linda Dorroh Hood.

Services were April 29 at New Hope Baptist Church with the Rev. Bernette Fielder, pastor, and the Rev. Dale Easley of Vardaman officiating. Burial was in Old Bethany Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Gordon, Tommie Gordon, Matt Winters, Stephen Dorroh, Rod Hood, David Hood, Thomas Allen Dorroh and Joel Dorroh.

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

Charlotte Howard May

Charlotte Howard May, 66, died May 4, 2003, near her home in Eupora.

Mrs. May, a retired beautician, was a native of Choctaw County. She was the daughter of Fancher and Velma Raybun Howard. She was a member of Montevista Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Linda Holland of Leakeville, Debra Themis of Aransas Pass, Texas, and Lynn Grant of Eupora; one son, Robert Howard Bowman of Eupora; three sisters, Helen McDaniel of Stewart, Patricia Svecthich of Kansas City, Kan., and Barbara McDowell of Ackerman; one brother, Jimmy Howard of Ackerman; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services were May 7 at Montevista Baptist Church with the Rev. John Lancaster officiating. Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

Wise Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Charles A. McAdams

Charles A. McAdams, 84, of Ackerman died May 1, 2003, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. McAdams, a sawmiller and farmer, was born Dec. 23,1918, in Ackerman. He was a member of Ackerman Church of Christ and a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife, Irene McAdams of Ackerman; one son, Winky McAdams of Grenada; two daughters, Linda McClure and Charlsie M. Bowie of Ackerman; three brothers, James McAdams of Ackerman, Grady McAdams of Memphis and Billy McAdams of Jackson; three sisters, Inez Taylor and Irene Edwards of Ackerman, and Emily Fondren of Mathiston; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Services were May 3 at Ackerman Church of Christ with Jimmy Dudley and Ed Casteel officiating. Burial was in Antioch Methodist Cemetery.

Nowell Funeral Home of Ackerman was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Ackerman Church of Christ, Ackerman, MS 39735.

Charles Taylor McGarr

Charles Taylor McGarr, 46, died April 27, 2003, at his home in Baton Rouge, La.

Mr. McGarr was a native of Eupora. His education began there at Miss Judy's Kindergarten, and continued in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, where he graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School and Louisiana State University.

He was a certified public accountant and director of finance at Eatel Communications. Mr. McGarr was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in New Orleans, Mensa and Sherwood Forrest Country Club, where he was an avid golfer.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Reed McGarr of Baton Rouge; his father and mother, Bill and Mary Lamb Taylor McGarr; one daughter, Flynn McGarr; one son, Charles Taylor McGarr II; and one sister, Charlotte McGarr, all of Baton Rouge.

Mr. McGarr was the nephew of Paul and Liz McGarr of Greensboro, N.C.; Buddy and Judy Taylor of Eupora; Kathleen Foster of Corunna, Mich.; and Patty and Hy Adelstein of Tucson, Ariz.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Roy and Ruth Taylor; and his paternal grandparents, Willie B. and Nina R. McGarr, all of Eupora.

Services were conducted on April 30 in Baton Rouge by Dr. John Goodwin, pastor of Broadmoor Baptist Church, and Father Jerry Young of St. Joseph Cathedral, at Greenoaks Funeral Home. Burial was in Greenoaks Memorial Park.

Greenoaks Funeral Home of Baton Rouge was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital through the Shriners Acacia Temple of Baton Rouge or the Martha Taylor Memorial Fund through North Greenwood Baptist Church in Greenwood.

Clifford 'Cliff' Edgar Mullen

Clifford "Cliff" Edgar Mullen, 48, of Katy, Texas, went to be with the Lord on May 2, 2003.

Mr. Mullen was born in Indianola on Sept. 1,1954, As a founding member of the Church of Vida de Pacto, Mr. Mullen devoted his life to his family and serving God. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, love of the outdoors and push-starting his '66 Volkswagen Bug.

Survivors include his wife, Julie; two daughters, Katelyn and Camille; and one son, Benjamin, all of Katy; his parents, Edgar "Moon" and Patsy Mullen of Ackerman; his 100-year-old grandfather, "Big Daddy" Mullen; and a host of other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patty Mullen Wood.

Memorial services were May 5 at Christ Covenant Church. Funeral services were

May 8 at Ackerman Baptist Church with burial in Enon Cemetery.

Nowell Funeral Services of Ackerman was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the building fund for Iglesia Vida de Pacto, 6125 W. Sam Houston Parkway N., #505, Houston, TX, 77041 or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 1440 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607. An educational trust fund has been set up for his children.

Myrtle Wilson Swindoll

Myrtle Wilson Swindoll, 94, of Jackson died April 30, 2003, at the Myles Retreat Home in Jackson.

Mrs. Swindoll was born on Jan. 18,1909, in Webster County. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Survivors include one daughter, Betty Jean Wardlaw of Memphis; one son, Robert E. Swindoll of Terry; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred R. Swindoll.

Services were May 1 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Justice officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

William Howard Atkinson

William Howard Atkinson, 84, of Ackerman died Aug. 13, 2004, at the Choctaw County Nursing Home.

Mr. Atkinson was born May 5, 1920, in Sumpter County, Ala. He graduated from Longino High School in Neshoba County in 1940 and was an Army veteran of World War II, serving from June 1942-June 1946.

Mr. Atkinson was a charter member of Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus and a Mason. He retired in 1982 from Columbus Hospital after 36 years as a medical technologist.

Survivors include three sons, Ray Atkinson of Ackerman, Terry Atkinson of Franklin, Tenn., and Steve Atkinson of Mequon, Wis.; two brothers, Gabe Atkinson of Louisville and Seabern Atkinson of Weir; two sisters, Nancy Henson of Ackerman and Maxine Ray of Weir; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and caregivers C.T. "Tommy" Jones and Joyce Gilbert of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, W.E. and Elvie Atkinson; and one sister, Mary Smith.

Services were Aug. 15 at Coleman Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Weir Cemetery. The Rev. Doug Atkinson officiated.

Virginia Brown Dickerson

Virginia Brown Dickerson, 83, of Eupora died Aug. 10, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare in Eupora.

Mrs. Dickerson, a retired a retail salesperson, was the widow of John Bennett Dickerson. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church of Greenwood.

Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Dickerson of Brandon and Johnny Dickerson of Greenwood; three daughters, Annette Avery Earnest of Eupora, Billie Smith of Snellville, Ga., and Brenda Barrett of Indianola; one sister, Ethel Greenlee of Indianola; one brother, Billy Brown of Biloxi; 20 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Services were Aug. 12 at Card Funeral Home in Indianola.

Minnie Sue Epperson Ivy

Minnie Sue Epperson Ivy, 82, of Mathiston died Aug. 14, 2004, at The Carrington Nursing Center in Starkville.

Mrs. Ivy, a homemaker, was born July 9, 1922, in Tishomingo County. She was a member of Mathiston United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, LaVelle Ivy Reed of Caledonia and LaVerne Ivy Morris of Brandon; five sisters, Bonnie Epperson Kelly of Clinton, Janice Nanney Barham of West Point, Mary Helen Woodruff of Oxford, Eunice Faulk of Hernando and LaRue Reynolds of Florida; three brothers, Edwards Roy Epperson of High Point, N.C., Bill Nanney of Phoenix and R.C. Nanney of Bartlett, Tenn.; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Services were Aug. 16 at Mathiston United Methodist Church with burial in Blythe Creek Cemetery. The Revs. Owen Gordon, Roger Miller and Franklin Lowe officiated.

Pallbearers were Heath Ivy, Clint Ivy, Glenn Ivy, Jim Ivy, Marty Ivy, Ken Ivy, Eddie Reed, Steven Hollenhead, Chris Lawson and Paul Good.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Sammy Langford

Sammy Langford, 54, of Mathiston died Aug. 12, 2004, of Starkville Manor.

Mr. Langford, a farmer, was born in Clay County on Jan. 6, 1950.

Survivors include his son, Sammy Wayne Langford; five sisters, Alice Bethay of Oxford, Mary Pauline Jarrell of Alabama, Linda Black of Ackerman, and Jeanette Barett and Cindy Weeks of Indianola.

Services were Aug. 14 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Pine Bluff Cemetery. The Rev. Joe Stallings officiated.

Pallbearers were James Black, Don Tetha, Jimmy Pointer, Jimmy Langford, Larry Langford and Gary Langford.

Opal M. McKee

Opal M. McKee, 91, who was retired, died Aug. 13, 2004, at her residence in Eupora.

Survivors include one sister, Selma Castle; and one grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer McKee; one daughter, Joyce Lee; one son, Larry McKee; and one brother, R.B. Stallings.

Services were Aug. 15 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Hebron Cemetery.

LaNita C. Pepper

LaNita C. Pepper, 70, of Bellefontaine died Aug. 14, 2004, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora.

Mrs. Pepper, a homemaker, was the daughter of Harold and Aurie Cook. She was a member of Bellefontaine United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her husband, the Rev. "Jeep" Pepper of Bellefontaine; one daughter, Jennifer Ramsey of Cicero, Ind.; two sons, the Rev. Doug Pepper of Batesville and Jeff Pepper of Vancouver, Wash.; one sister, Jeannene Massey of Olive Branch; and one grandchild.

Services were Aug. 15 at Lebanon United Methodist Church with burial in the church cemetery. The Rev. Doug Pepper officiated.

Pallbearers were Wayne Patridge, Herbie Crowley, Stan Hodges, Matt Hodges, Lynn Rushing, Shane Anderson, Jerry Patridge and Andrew Rushing.

Wise Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Emmer Fountain Stanley

Emmer Fountain Stanley, 94, of Eupora died Aug. 9, 2004, at Beverly Healthcare in Eupora.

Mrs. Stanley, a retired homemaker, was born April 16, 1910, in Alabama. She was a member of Clarkson Baptist Church.

Survivors include three sisters, Minnie Gilbert of Eupora, Lora Bell Goodgine of Maben and Reba Holmes of Boyle; one sister, Ada Medders of Rosedale; three grandchildren, Phillip Stanley and wife, Janie, Randy Stanley and wife, Terri, all of Iuka, and Annette Jenkins and husband, Harold, of Fulton; three great-grandchildren, Alisha Stanley and Jon Alexander of Iuka, and Tod Jenkins of Fulton; niece and special caregiver Connie Hatcher; nephew and special helper John Hatcher; and several other nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, two sisters, her husband and two sons.

Services were Aug. 11 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tim Hudson officiating. Burial was in Clarkson Cemetery.

Bessie K. Duckworth, 88, of West Point died July 10, 2003, at the West Point Community Living Center.

Mrs. Duckworth, a homemaker, was born in Webster County on July 12, 1915. She was a member of West Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Janice Hamilton of Maben and Margie E. Bott of Palatka, Fla.; one son, Carl T. Duckworth of Starkville; one sister, Minnie K. Tidwell of Millington, Tenn.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elvin Lee Duckworth.

Services were July 14 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Tom Daniel officiating. Burial was in West Shady Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Yandell Harris, Patrick Duckworth, Joe Tidwell, Roy Tidwell, Carlton Rhodes and Brian Bott.

Lorraine R. Ellison, 59, of Albuquerque, N.M., died July 4, 2003, at Lovelace Medical Center in Albuquerque.

Mrs. Ellison was born in Colorado on Dec. 27,1933. She was a retired cashier for GMAC Finance Co.

Survivors include her husband, Jim Ellison of Albuquerque; her mother Bea Romero of Manitou Springs, Colo.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Marguerite Tonna and Kevin Kasparck of Littleton, Colo., and Melissa J. and Rick Jaramillo of Albuquerque; two sons and daughters-in-law, Raymond and Lauree Ellison, and Gregory and Julie Ellison, all of Albuquerque; four sisters; three brothers and seven grandchildren, Myranda, Joel, Gabrielle, Justin, Alex, A.J. and Sebastian.

Services were July 11 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Clarkson Cemetery.

Frances Shaw Gary, 84 of Eupora died July 10, 2003, at St. Dominic Memorial Hospital in Jackson.

Mrs. Gary was born in Grenada County on Oct. 19, 1918. She was a retired teacher and Webster County employee, and a member of Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Edna Kay Gary Honeycutt of Brandon; one sister, Mary Edna Rose of Greenwood; two brothers, Robert Shaw and Billy Shaw of Grenada; nine grandchildren and 17 great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Earnest Gary Sr.; and two sons, Jack E. Gary Jr. and William S. Gary.

Services were July 12 at Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church with the Revs. J.B. Rowe and John Gray officiating. Burial was in Embry Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Darrell Honeycutt, Jonathan Breazeale, Phillip Smith, Pat Cummings, Lee Reed, Chad Gary, Brad Gary and Jack Rose.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

J.B. Anderson, 82, died July 11, 2003, at his residence in Eupora.

Mr. Anderson, a retired farmer, was born in Arkansas on Dec. 19, 1920. A World War II Army veteran who served in the Pacific Campaign, he received the Silver Star, Bronze Star and numerous other accommodations.

He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3806 and the American Legion. He was also a Mason, member of the Eastern Star and a member of Montevista Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Lamb Anderson of Eupora; one daughter and son-in-law, Jeanette and Stanley Herron of Vernon, Ala.; three sons, James Brady Anderson III of Oxford, Jerald "Jerry" Anderson of Ft. Davis, Texas, and Joel Anderson of Eupora; one brother, Johnny Anderson of Tennessee; and four grandchildren.

Services were July 14 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with Jerry Beaird officiating. Burial was in Montevista Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were Terry Wills, Odie Gregg, Lowell Gibson, Roy Cullium, Jimmy Huffman, Eddie Edwards and Leonard Pepper.

Garvin Harold Deshler, 52, of Eupora died Oct. 22, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo.

Mr. Deshler, a retired welder with Babcock & Wilcox, was born Oct. 9, 1951, in Kansas City, Kan. He was a Mason and member of the Eastern Star and Calvary Baptist Church. Mr. Deshler was also a 1999 graduate of Mississippi State University.

Survivors include his wife, Debra Lane Deshler of Eupora; one son, Thomas Scott Deshler of Oxford; and a brother, Virgil Deshler of Oxford, Ala.

Services were Oct. 24 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Webster Memorial Gardens. the Rev. Mike Martin officiated.

Pallbearers were Jerry Tucker, Steve Wells, Bubba Gary, Clarence Boatman, R.H. "Nig" O'Neal and Michael Atwood.

Honorary pallbearers were Richard Watson, Reuben McCluskey, Mike Raye, Nate Lazinsky and Allen Layne.

Marie Fortner

Marie Fortner, 94, of Eupora died Oct. 25, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora Hospital.

Mrs. Fortner, a homemaker, was born Oct. 7, 1907, in Eupora. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Starkville.

Survivors include one daughter, Mary Lynn Hardy of Starkville; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Lee "Pat" Fortner.

Services were Oct. 28 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Calvary Cemetery. The Revs. Cornell Daughtery and James Justice officiated.

Pallbearers were David Boatman, Jimmy Turman, Pat Swan, Cary Herndon, Clarence Boatman and Bill Tatum.

Honorary pallbearers were Marvin Kirkland, Hal Fuller and Don Hendricks.

Grace S. Gatlin

Grace S. Gatlin, 89, of Ackerman died Oct. 31, 2003, at Choctaw County Nursing Home.

Mrs. Gatlin, a retired nurse, was born Dec. 26, 1913, in Mississippi.

Survivors include two sons, Terry Gatlin Sr. of Ackerman and Billy Gatlin of Braxton; one daughter, Onie Johns of Memphis, Tenn.; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Services were Nov. 2 at Coleman Funeral Home Chapel in Ackerman with burial in South Union Methodist Church Cemetery. The Revs. George Buell and Jerry Lawson officiated.

Memorials may be made to South Union Methodist Church Cemete

Deborah Gail Thomas

Deborah Gail Thomas, 43, of Houlka died Oct. 29, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo.

Mrs. Thomas, a homemaker, was Church of God faith.

Services were Nov. 1 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Embry Cemetery.

Survivors include her husband, Willie Thomas; one daughter, Holly Doss; two sons, Chris Doss and Adam Doss, two sisters, Linda Thomas and Tammy Schmitz, all of Houlka; one brother, James Robinson of Augusta, Ga.; one grandchild, Jermaine Doss; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the family c/o Wise Funeral Home, P.O. Box 863, Eupora, MS 39744.

Jewell Gloria Glover Dudrow

Jewell Gloria Glover Dudrow, 70, of Eupora died June 9, 2003, at her residence.

Mrs. Dudrow was born in Eupora on Jan. 1, 1933. She was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Survivors include four daughters, Rebecca Elizabeth Dudrow and Michelle Annette White of Tupelo, Laura Ellen Nassef of Dallas and Leah Susan Hunt of Ackerman; one son, William Neal Dudrow of San Antonio, Texas; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Buell and Edwin Glover; and her grandparents, E.L. and Mary Roberts.

Services were June 13 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Riley Burton officiating. Burial was in in Eupora City Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Rayburn Hunt, Rami Zoubi, Derek Hunt, Andrew White, Joe Nassef and Thomas Browder.

Malloy Helms

Malloy Helms, 72, of Mathiston died June 12, 2003, at her residence.

Mrs. Helms, a homemaker, was born in Sunflower County on Sept. 21,1930. She was a member of West Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, James Helms of Mathiston; one daughter, Vickie Annice Ming of Mantee; one sister, Lucille Reese of Eupora; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Stevie Gore.

Services were June 14 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with Revs. Gerald Castilow and Jack Inmon officiating. Burial was in West Shady Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Joey Anderson, John Anderson, Van Anderson, Charlie Lucas, Danny Lucas and Hulon Barnett

Robert Earl Knight

Robert Earl Knight, 60, of Bellefontaine died June 11, 2003, at Baptist Memorial-North Mississippi in Oxford.

Mr. Knight was a cotton ginner for Doolittle Gin Co. and a member of Clear Springs Baptist Church in Yalobusha County.

Survivors include his wife, Pamela Knight of Bellefontaine; four daughters, Elizabeth Riley of Bellefontaine, Lora Rodgers of Gore Springs, and Lisa Haire and Marlana Haire of Bruce; his mother, Ruby Lucille Knight of Calhoun City; one brother, Haven Knight of Greenwood; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bryant Knight.

Services were June 13 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ed Barlow officiating. Burial was in Bethany Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jimmy Caffey, Travis Fulgham, Phil Lucius, James Paul Hitt, Butch Tindall, Henry Allen Knight, James Russell Doolittle, Johnny Holland, Charles Everett Hitt and Robby Roberson.

William Taylor

William Taylor, 80, of Eupora died June 11, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center-Eupora Hospital.

Mr. Taylor was a retired farmer and security guard with NMMC-Eupora Hospital. He was also a World War II Army veteran and a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He was the son of the late Robert L. and Muggie Taylor.

Survivors include his wife, Ilene Taylor of Eupora; one daughter and son-in-law, Sharon Lee Vaughan and Don Rodney Vaughan of Starkville; one son and daughter-in-law, Bill Taylor and Sandra Taylor of Walthall; two sisters, Mabel Stovall of Batesville and Bessie Henley of Florence; and five grandchildren, Noelle Vaughan, Janet Taylor, Beverly Taylor, Allyson Taylor and Paul Vaughan.

He was preceded in death by a son, Tom Taylor; and a granddaughter, Valerie Taylor.

Services were June 13 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Doyle Cummings and George Bland officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Larry Watson, Bill Reed, Todd Shettles, Glenn Mitchell, Marvin Weeks and Ronald Clark.

William E. 'Bill' Mitchell

William E. "Bill"Mitchell, 50, of Stewart died April 22, 2003, at Route 1, Eupora.

Mr. Mitchell was born on June 7, 1952, in Harrison County. He was a retired employee of IIinois Central Railroad and a member of Union Baptist Church in Stewart.

Survivors include his wife, Candy Mitchell of Stewart; one daughter, Sarah Nicole Mitchell of Stewart; one son, Charles Daniel Mitchell of Stewart; two sisters, Janice Ann May and Lisa Davis of Stewart; five brothers, Dale Mitchell of Winona, Donald Mitchell, James Robert Mitchell and Randy Lynn Mitchell, all of Stewart, and Roy Dennis Mitchell of Los Angeles; and three aunts, Edna Ruth Putman of Winona, Mazell Peacock of Stewart and Nell Hughes of Poplar Creek.

Services were April 26 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Terry Wills and Howard Davis officiating. Burial was in Reed's Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Irby Mitchell, William Bright, Kenny Self, Joe Crenshaw, Bobby Knight, Mike Box, Bubba Henderson, Scott Dean and Shane Knight.

Addie Thomason Neal

Addie Thomason Neal, 88, of Eupora died April 22, 2003, at Beverly Healthcare in Eupora.

Mrs. Neal, a homemaker, was a member of Bluff Springs Baptist Church in Webster County.

Survivors include one daughter, Helen Neal Smith of Eupora; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bryant Henry Neal; and one daughter Joyce Neal Hill.

Services were April 25 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Clayton Crouch and Jimmy Latham officiating. Burial was in Bluff Springs Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Sam Hill, Zachary Hill and Stan Heath.

Mary Frances Pepper

Mary Frances Pepper, 87, of Eupora died April 25, 2003, at the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mrs. Pepper, a homemaker, was a native of Webster County. She was a member of Bellefontaine United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one son, John E. Pepper and his wife, Betty, of Eupora; two sisters, Willene Shaw of Hollandale and Murell Skrada of Cleveland, Ohio; two brothers, Womack Henley of Mantee and Haven Henley of Jackson; three grandchildren, Stacy Everett Pepper, Kristi Beth Johnson and Kathi Michelle Pepper, all of Eupora; four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Marie Pepper, Ashley Dawn Pepper, Klayton Pepper Johnson and Karter Ray Johnson, all of Eupora.

She was Preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Irene Henley; and her husband, Marlin E Pepper.

Services were April 27 at Wise Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jeep Pepper officiating. Burial was in North Union Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Stanley Henley, Dan Henley, Tommy Kolb, George Pepper, Billy Michael Truell, Rick McNew and Robert A. Pepper.

Joseph A. Pennington

Joseph A. Pennington, 79, of Mathiston died March 9, 2003, at Webster Health Service in Eupora.

Mr. Pennington, a retired mechanic from Babcock & Wilcox, was born in Webster County on Jan. 26,1924. He was a World War II Army veteran, a Mason and a member of Victory Baptist Church in Mathiston.

Survivors include his wife, Alma Dean Pennington of Mathiston; one daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Lloyd Hughley of North Little Rock, Ark.; one son, Joseph A. Pennington Jr. of Mandeville, La.; one sister, Inez Shaw of Westwego, La.; one brother, Roy Pennington of Lumberton; and two grandchildren.

Services were March 11 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Parrish officiating. Burial was in Spring Valley Cemetery.

Clyde J. Britt

Clyde J. Britt, 93, died June 20, 2003, at his residence in Gore Springs.

Mr. Britt, a retired farmer, was born in New Albany on Dec. 22, 1909. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church.

Survivors include one daughter, Mary Jo Yeager of Stewart; one son, James C. Britt of Knoxville, Tenn.; one brother, Ocie Britt of Hemet, Calif.; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ideal Britt.

Services were June 23 at Philadelphia Baptist Church with the Rev. Donnie Stewart officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Kermit Worthy, Keith Crenshaw, David Burton, Brent Powell, Bryan Britt and Walter Miller.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

J.K. 'Jake' Cooper

J.K. "Jake" Cooper, 85, of Mathiston died June 30, 2003, at Calhoun Health Services Nursing Home in Calhoun City.

Mr. Cooper was born in Webster County on Sept. 27, 1917. He was a retired truck driver and a member of First United Methodist Church at Mathiston.

Survivors include four sons, Raymond Cooper, Jackie Cooper and Joey Cooper, all of Mathiston, and Mike Cooper of Ocean Springs; two sisters, Nell Huffman and Alice Colburn of West Point; five brothers, Bobby Cooper, Riley Cooper, Kenneth Cooper and Rodney Cooper, all of Eupora, and Jimmy Cooper of Ann Arbor, Mich.; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Cooper.

Services were July 2 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Charles White officiating. Burial was in Clarkson Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Terry Stidham, Jamie Stidham, Richard L. Arnold, Tommy Dobbs, William McComb, Dempsey Blanton, Ira Williams, Junior Monts and Mike Adams.

Noah Cox

Noah Cox, 87, died July 5, 2003, at his residence in Eupora.

Mr. Cox, a retired painter and farmer, was born in Choctaw County on Jan. 26, 1916. He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Eupora.

Survivors include his wife, Bartelle Rowe Cox of Eupora; four daughters, Barbara Cox Danciger of Memphis, Tenn. Sue Cox Hanes of Scottsville, Ky., Brenda Cox Quisenberry of Southaven and Angela Cox Cruise of Eupora; one sister, Mary Kathleen Cowart of Las Vegas; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Services were July 7 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sam Edwards officiating. Burial was in Providence Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Othel Hester, Mike Lusk, Harold Rowe, Mike Moore, Calvin Crimm, Tim Rowe and Mike Lyle.

Honorary pallbearers were Cliff Browning, Larry Powell and George Salley

Virginia Golden

Virginia Golden, 68, died June 30, 2003, at her residence in Eupora.

Mrs. Golden, a homemaker, was born in Oak Ridge, Tenn., on May 4, 1935. She was a member of Lollars Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Ginger Welch, Susan Walker and Charlotte Jones, all of Eupora; one son, Cliff Golden of Eupora; two sisters, Linda Scott of Kingston, Tenn., and Doris Pickle of Louisiana.; one brother, Derl Johnson of Virginia; and eight grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Lynnwood Golden.

Services were July 2 at Lollars Grove Baptist Church with the Revs. Stanley Dorroh and Bubba Bland officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Scott McBride, Sammy Jones, David Patterson, Todd Fulgham, Mike Rogers, Dale Williams and Chuck Cole.

Oliver Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Dexter Jordan Hughes

Dexter Jordan Hughes, 38, of Webster County died June 27, 2003, in Iowa.

Mr. Hughes was born in Iowa on July 14, 1964. He was a member of Piney Jordan United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his father, David Hughes of Eupora; three sisters, Helen Cousin and Monica Hudson of Mississippi, and Wilma Johnson of Washington; three brothers, Richard Lee Brown and Tony Bingham of Mississippi, and Steven Russell of Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Services were July 5 at Mt. Union Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Nelson Forrest officiating. Burial was in Piney Jordan Cemetery.

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

Sidney H. Fondren

Sidney H. Fondren 54, died June 21, 2003, at his residence in Eupora.

Mr. Fondren, a truck driver, was born in New Orleans on Aug. 17, 1948. He was a member of West Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Faye Fondren of Eupora; two daughters, Tish Green and her husband, Timmy Ray Green, of Stewart, and Shannan Henson of Eupora; seven sons, Sidney Thomas Fondren and fiance, Rhonda Fulgham, of Simpson, James Stacey Fondren and fiance, Sammie Lynn Miller, of Star; Shawn Earl Fondren and Shea Fondren of Eupora; Mark Andrew and his wife, Shelley Philley, of Maben, and Michael Shea Millis and Keri Mitchell Millis of Magee; two brothers, John David Fondren and his wife, Sheila Fondren, of Bellefontaine, and Sonny Schonewitz and his wife, Geraldine Schonewitz, of Saucier;

11 grandchildren; Megan Hodges, Chase and Brooke Fondren, Katelynn Fondren and Cody Fondren, all of Eupora; Dusty Fondren of Star; Jonah and Anna Claire Philley of Maben; and Ryan, Ray and Samantha Green of Stewart; one niece, Shana Fondren of Jackson; four aunts, Jessie Hemphill of McComb, Lorraine Presley of Aribi, La., Juanita Neet Bailey of Bellefontaine and Lou Bailey of Grady; and a host of cousins and many friends.

Services were June 24 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Terry Willis and John Hatcher officiating. Burial was in West Shady Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Freddie Oswalt, Redale Oswalt, Jason Jennings, Randy Crimm, Winston Yeatman and Terry Collum.

John Russell Hill

John Russell Hill, 89, of Mathiston died June 19, 2003, at NMMC-Eupora Hospital's Long Term Care Unit.

Mr. Hill was born in Chickasaw County on Jan. 28, 1914. He was a retired employee of the Webster County road maintenance department and the Mississippi Highway Department. He was a member of Macedonia Methodist Church in Houston and was also a Mason.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Lillie Mae Hill of Mathiston; three daughters, Ora Johnson and her husband, Don, of Columbus, Joann Faulkner of Mathiston, and Annie Frazier and her husband, Wayne, of Greenville; three sons and daughters-in-law, Robert Lee "Bud" and Anna Hill of Kilmichael, Earl and Pam Hill of Houston and Ervin and Jean Hill of Winona; four sisters, Betty Alma Yates of Booneville, Jeanette King and Estelle Criddle of Houston, and Gladys Latham of Maben; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Lora Hill; and a grandson, John Lemuel Hill.

Services were June 21 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Doyle Cummings officiating. Burial was in New Hope Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Gary Johnson, Keith Johnson, Mike Johnson, Sammy Faulkner, Heath Hill, Daniel Hill, Coby Land, Russell Frazier and Earl Hill Jr.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Charles Ozborn, Dr. Mike Pace and the staff of NMMC-Eupora Hospital's Long Term Care Unit.

Memorials may be made to Mathiston First Baptist Church.

Herman Avent

Herman Avent, 58, of Maben died May 25, 2003, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo.

Mr. Avent, a building supply salesman, was born Oct. 3, 1944, in Webster County. He was a member of Fame Church of God.

Survivors include his wife, Gail Avent of Maben; two daughters Janice Redwine and Tonia Avent of Maben; four sisters, Edna Ward of Maben, Mary Lou Shepard of Florence, Lorene Eubanks of Eupora and Irene Shurden of Starkville; two brothers, T.J. Avent of Maben and Billy McCoy Avent of Cedar Bluff; and two grandchildren.

Services were May 27 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Allen Johnson and Stevie Ellis officiating. Burial was in Clarkson Cemetery

Pallbearers were Harry Bell, Jason Flora, Jeremy Flora, Justin Flora, Jimmy Avent and Stevie Ellis.

Mike L. Cole

Mike L. Cole, 47, of Maben died May 17, 2003, at his residence.

Mr. Cole was born in Eupora on Feb. 11, 1956. He was a welder with Babcock & Wilcox Manufacturing Co. and was a member of the Church of Christ in Eupora.

Survivors include his parents, Sue and Durell "Billy" Cole of Mathiston; two daughters, Allison Cole of Houston and Malaree Cole of Maben; two sons, Billy Joe Cole of Starkville and Kiefer Cole of Maben; three sisters, Linda Cole Elmore of Maben, Peggy Cole Coulter of Huntsville, Ala., and Nora Cole McCain of Mathiston; and one brother, Barry Cole of Mathiston.

Services were May 20 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dan Beardain officiating. Burial was in Old Cumberland Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Bruce Edwards, Joey Lane, Mark Davis, Stanley Sisk, Mike McCarter, Mike Vizzina and Tim Bradbury.

Memorials may be made to the Eupora Church of Christ.

Lathan Joblin

Lathan Joblin, 86, of Starkville, died May 23, 2003, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Columbus.

Mr. Joblin, who was born in Calhoun County, was mayor of Mathiston from 1981 through 1989. He had served in the Civilian Conservation Corps before joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1939, serving two years on the USS Nashville in World War II in the Pacific Theater. He also served in the Korean War. He was a distinguished marksman with rifle and pistol during his service with the USMC, from which he retired in 1958.

Mr. Joblin worked for State Farm Insurance from 1959 to 1976 and then for Shelter Insurance until he retired in 1992. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Starkville.

Survivors include his wife, Mozelle Joblin of Starkville; one daughter, Carolyn Sistrunk of Mathiston; two sons, Sid Joblin of Tulsa, Okla., and Larry Joblin of Columbus; and one sister, Dorothy Schmitz of Grenada.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hilda Joblin.

Services were May 26 at Welch Funeral Home Chapel in Starkville with Mack Rutledge officiating. Burial was in Clarkson Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Peggy Rose Murphy Breaux

Peggy Rose Murphy Breaux, 51, died Sept. 15, 2003, at her residence in Waggaman, La.

Mrs. Breaux, a medical assistant, was born Feb. 18, 1952, in Vicksburg. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Vicksburg.

Survivors include her fiance, Stacey Self Jr. of Waggaman; one daughter, Kimberly Dawn Meyers of Adaton; three sons, Merrell Meyers and Scott Allen Meyers Breaux of Eupora, and Martin Breaux of Adaton; one sister, Caroline Crulee of Independence, La.; four brothers, David Murphy of Eupora, Robert Murphy of Jefferson City, Mo., Patrick Murphy of LaPlace, La., and George Murphy of Vicksburg; and six grandchildren.

Services were Sept. 18 at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Johnny Lollar officiating. Burial was in Reed's Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers were David Murphy, Robert Murphy, Patrick Murphy, David Murphy Jr., James Johnson and Irby Crulee.

Lois Jean Betts Edmonds

Lois Jean Betts Edmonds, 67, of Starkville died Sept. 22, 2003, at Oktibbeha County Hospital.

Mrs. Edmonds, a retired cashier from the Mississippi State University bakery, was born in Oktibbeha County. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sisters, Edna Thompson and Doris Pierce of Maben; a niece, Sandra Britt of Mathiston; a nephew, Perry Thompson of Maben; and two great-nephews, Chris Britt and Ashley Britt of Maben.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie M. Edmonds, and her daughter, Debbie Waller.

Services were Sept. 24 at Welch Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Hulon Chaney and John Foles officiating. Burial was in Double Springs Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association