Mr. Essie Brown Ryle , Jr., 79, of Boyle
02/01/2012
Mr. Essie Brown Ryle , Jr., 79, of Boyle, MS, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at Bolivar Medical Center. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Ray Funeral Home. Celebration of life services will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2012, at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Clarence Edwards officiating. Interment will be in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Ryle was born in O’Reilly, MS on October 2, 1932 to Essie Brown Ryle, Sr. and Mary Lucille Maxwell Ryle. He was married to Mrs. Betty Jean Medders and worked as a rural route carrier for the United States Postal Services for 45 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Brown and Lucille Ryle and his wife, Betty Jean Ryle.
Mr. Ryle is survived by his sons, Essie Brown Ryle III (Diane) of Vista,CA, and Martin Lee Ryle (Georgia) of McComb, MS; grandchildren, Michelle and Coby Ryle of Vista, CA, Kelly Antici (Brandon) of Oxford, MS, Jeremy Ryle of Orlando, Fl and Ethan Ryle of McComb; great-grandchildren, Anna Antici of Oxford and Aiden Ryle of Orlando, FL; Aunt, Billie Hughes (Hulett) of O’Reilly; and special friend, Annette Daves of Cleveland.
Pallbearers will be Robert Heslep, Michael Whitten, Dallas Bright, Joe Reed, Bern Prewitt and Gene Bednar. Honorary pallbearers are the deacons of First Baptist Church in Boyle.
Mr. Max Bramuchi, 81, of Shelby
02/01/2012
Mr. Max Bramuchi, 81, of Shelby, MS passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Cleveland Nursing and Rehab. Visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelby, MS. A mass of Christian burial will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2012 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Kent Bowlds and Father Scott Dugas officiating. Interment will follow in Shelby Cemetery.
Mr. Bramuchi was born in Greenville, MS April 14, 1930 to Nazzarino and Mary Micci Esposto Bramuchi. He married Barbara Anne Bailey in Shelby, MS on September 5, 1953. Mr. Bramuchi honorably served our country by being a proud member of the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. For 45 years he owned and operated Delta Craft and Woodwork. He participated on the Board of Directors of the Shaw Education Foundation, the board of the Bolivar County Expo and was on the Financial Council of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In 2009, he received the Chamber of Commerce award. Mr. Bramuchi was an avid golf player, a state certified building and road inspector for Mississippi, a very proud member of the American Legion and loved his home town of Shelby.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Nazzarino and Mary Micci Bramuchi; brothers, Pete and Delmo Bramuchi; and infant sister, Natalina Bramuchi.
Mr. Bramuchi is survived by his wife, Barbara B. Bramuchi of Shelby; Son, Max Andrew Bramuchi of Shelby; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Kent of Cleveland; grandchild, Jessica Elizabeth Bates (Joseph) of Shelby; great-grandchildren, Bronson Daniel Bates and Corbin Wyatt Bates of Shelby; brothers, Joe Bramuchi (Margie) of Shelby and James Bramuchi (Phyllis) of West Palm Beach, FL; sister, Rose McConnell (Jim) of Alpharetta, GA; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Billie Bassie, Bobby Bassie, Brian Malone, Reggie Smith, Michael Belelchia, and Larry Bramuchi. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Aguzzi, David Malatesta, John Letchworth and Alex Balducci.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Cleveland Nursing and Rehab and the Angel of Mercy Hospice for the excellent care their staff provided them during this time. In Lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to the Shelby Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 33 Shelby, MS 38774.
Mrs. Beulah Ries Lane, 91, of Ruleville
02/01/2012
Mrs. Beulah Ries Lane, 91, of Ruleville, formerly of Rosedale, MS, passed away, Monday, January 30, 2012 at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville, MS. Visitation will be Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Ray Funeral Home from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Celebration of life service will be Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 11:00 am with Milton Burd officiating. Interment will follow services in Beulah Cemetery.
Mrs. Lane was born February 9, 1920 to John Benjamin Ries and Freda T. Stiverson Ries in Anglin, WA. She married James H. Lane on January 1, 1943 in San Bernardino, CA. Mrs. Lane was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Lane; one brother and two sisters.
Mrs. Lane is survived by her son, James Kirby Lane (Bobbi) of Flowood, MS; daughters, Janet Harra (Bob) of Azel, Texas, Margaret Ann Prescott of Cleveland and Ellen Towell (Dave) of Gastonia, NC; sisters, Katie Johnson (Jim) of San Bernadino, CA, Margery Kump of Mt. Morris, IL; grandchildren, MiMi Stanley (Patrick), Traci Smith (Jason), Jason Lane (Patty), Chris Harra (Kelly), Brett Harra, Amy Maimone, Lori Myres, Kim Martin (Rodney), John Prescott (Kimberly), Jackie Lane Woods (Bill) and Adam Lane; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be sent to Baptist Children’s Village.
Dr. Charlotte Siegel Kaplan, 91, of Cleveland
02/01/2012
Dr. Charlotte Siegel Kaplan, 91, of Cleveland, MS passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012 at her home. Visitation will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2012 at her home, 303 Fayette Davis Ave. Services will be 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Adath Israel Congregation Temple in Cleveland with Rabbi Harry Danziger officiating. Interment will follow in Greenville Jewish Cemetery with her nephews serving as pallbearers.
Dr. Kaplan was born in Sunflower, MS on August 20, 1920, to Samuel Siegel and Sadie Curland Siegel. She married Louis Kaplan in Cleveland, MS on September 13, 1942.
Dr. Kaplan was a Life Member of Hadassah, a Religious School Teacher for 40+ years, president and treasurer of Adath Israel Sisterhood, president of Cleveland Women’s Club, and a member of the Cleveland’s Garden Club. She worked as a literacy tutor, was active in the Gray Ladies Program at Bolivar Medical Center, volunteered at the hospital from its inception until her passing, volunteered for HOST (help one succeed today) Program, was a member of FEMA emergency shelter and food program and was a member of the Friends of the Library Club. Throughout her life Dr. Charlotte obtained her A.A., B.A., B.S., M.S., M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees and taught for 20 years at the collegiate level.
Dr. Kaplan is preceded in death by her father, Samuel Siegel; mother, Sadie Siegel Wade; step-father, Sam Wade; and her husband, Louis Kaplan.
She is survived by her son, Steven Wayne Kaplan of Coldwater, MS; daughter, Nancy Kaplan Chiz of Shaw, MS; Granddaughters, Clare Kaplan of Nashville, TN, Cori Kaplan of Memphis, TN, Melissa Chiz of Athens, GA; grandson, Max Hayden Chiz of New Orleans, LA; great-granddaughter, Riley Bancroft; and great-grandson, Tristram Carey.
In Lieu of flowers, monetary donations are preferred to American Diabetes Association, The American Cancer Fund and The American Heart Association.
James Derwood Medders, Jr., 69, of Cleveland
02/01/2012
James Derwood Medders, Jr., 69, of Cleveland, MS, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012 at his home. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Ray Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Celebration of life service will be, Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Ray Funeral Home at 1:00 pm with Rev. Steve Roberts officiating. Interment will be in North Cleveland Cemetery immediatley following the services.
Mr. Medders was born November 6, 1942 to James Derwood Medders, Sr. and Mildred Mitchell Medders in Boyle, Ms. He married Linda Arnold, December 31, 1975 in Cleveland, MS.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Medders of Cleveland, MS; three sons, James D. Medders, III of Brandon, MS, Richard Medders (Kate) of Boyle, MS and Kevin Medders (Renell) of Atoka, TN; mother, Mildred Tounzen of Sanford, FL; sister, Charlotte (Roy) Bradley of Oxford, MS, two brothers, Mickey (Chris) Medders of Portland, OR and Bobby Medders of Anaheim, CA, sisters, Debbie (Johnny) Jones, and Melissa Medders; brothers, Randy (Kim) Medders and Bo (Dorothy) Medders; grandchildren, Justin Medders of Terry, MS, Ryan Medders of Ft. Bragg, NC, Spencer Medders of Boyle, MS. Jason Medders of Atoka, TN, Morgan Medders of Atoka, TN, Matthew Riggins, Spencer Riggins, Joshua Riggins and Hunter Riggins all of Boyle, MS; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Spencer Medders, Justin Medders, Marcie Mullins, Ryan Medders, Matt Riggins and Josh Riggins.
Online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
Mr. Danny Wayne Hollings, 31, of Beulah, MS
02/01/2012
Mr. Danny Wayne Hollings, 31, of Beulah, MS, passed away at UMC in Jackson, MS, Saturday, January 28, 2012. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Ray Funeral Home from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Ray Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m.
Mr. Hollings was born September 15, 1980 to Hansel Danny Hollings and Edith Louise Nall. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Hansel Danny Hollings and Edith Louise Nall Hollings.
Mr. Hollings is survived by his son, Johnathan Casey Haire of Drew, MS; brother, James Fortenberry of Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; and special friend, Cynthia Couey.
Mr. Wayne Sterling Mullen, 81, of Cleveland, MS
02/01/2012
Mr. Wayne Sterling Mullen, 81, of Cleveland, MS, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2012 at Cleveland Health Care and Rehab. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at Interstate Baptist Church from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Celebration of life service will begin at 11:00 am at Interstate Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 with Rev. Robert Haney officiating. Interment will immediately follow services in Interstate Cemetery.
Mr. Mullen was born March 11, 1931 in Vicksburg, MS, to Wayne Sutton Mullen and Lillie Bell Gatlin.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, and mother and father and Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Mallette, Sr.
Mr. Mullen is survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be George Wilson, John Wilson, Clyde Wilson, Phil Campbell, Bubba Mallette and Jimmy Grissom
Mrs. Susan Stubbs Wade, 63, of Cleveland
02/01/2012
Mrs. Susan Stubbs Wade, 63, passed away at her home in Cleveland, MS, Friday, January 27, 2012. Visitation will be held Monday, January 30, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Cleveland from 10am to 12pm. Celebration of life services will be held at 12pm Monday, January 30, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Cleveland with Dr. Park Neff officiating. Interment will immediately follow in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Wade was born in Greenwood, MS, October 28, 1948 to William Gordon Stubbs and Ann Louise Truitt Stubbs. She married William Emmett Wade on May 11, 1968 in Greenwood. She worked as an office manager and realtor for Mosco Land and Realty for 13 years, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Cleveland, as well as a member of the Mississippi Board of Realtors. Family and her dearest friends were the joy of her life. Nothing brought her more happiness than cooking a big meal for a group of people gathered around her table.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Louise Truitt Stubbs; father, William Gordon Stubbs; and niece, Gina Mosco Michael.
Mrs. Wade is survived by her husband, William Emmett Wade of Cleveland, MS; son, Bradford Davis Wade (Tammy) of Ash, NC; daughter, Tonya Wade Rhodes (Slade) of Columbia, SC; sister, Jane Mosco (Henry) of Cleveland, MS; brother, Hayden Stubbs (Martha) of Greenwood, MS; grandchildren, Grey Rhodes and Rilee Rhodes of Columbia, SC; Kayla Wade and Morgan Wade of Ash, NC; and Courtney Little of Philadelphia, PA; nephews, Henry G. Mosco (Kerri), James A. Mosco, Truitt Stubbs, Michael Stubbs, and Greg Stubbs; and a niece Kimberly M. Beuhring (Nathan).
Pallbearers will be Henry G. Mosco, James Mosco, Nathan Beuhring , Ernie Stephenson, Byron Jones, Johnny Aguzzi, Anthony Michael, and Chance Robinson.
Honorary pallbearers are Truitt Stubbs, Michael Stubbs, Greg Stubbs.
Judge Allen Pepper, of Cleveland
01/26/2012
U.S. District Judge W. Allen Pepper Jr. died Tuesday leaving Cleveland and the Mississippi Delta void of a true Southern gentleman.
Pepper, born in Greenwood in 1941, and a native of Belzoni, he graduated from Belzoni High in 1959. Pepper made his home in Cleveland with his wife Virginia (Ginger) Brown, whom he married in 1967, and their son William (Will) Allen III.
He took the oath of office as a district judge for the Northern District of Mississippi on July 21, 1999, having received the nomination on March 8.
A graduate of The University of Mississippi, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and received a bachelor of arts degree in 1963, Pepper served for two years as an officer with the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army.
Pepper received his Juris Doctor degree from The University of Mississippi School of Law in 1968 and he maintained a solo law practice for 30 years prior to his appointment to the bench.
Being an exceptional attorney and judge, Pepper was an even better human being.
He was a dear friend to many, influenced thousands of lives and his own life was lived as exemplary as one possibly can.
"He was a fine person," said Roy Collins. "He was very conscientious about everything he did. He was a good close friend of mine. I'm shocked. I had no idea this was coming. No idea. This was a big loss to Cleveland, Bolivar County and the state.
"He was genuine in who he was and honest in everything did," he added. "I have known him since high school. We played football against each other. We then went to college together. He is well thought of everywhere. It's hard to be so well thought of, I don't recall ever hearing a bad word about him by anyone."
Butch Caston has also known Pepper since 1983 when Caston moved back to Cleveland.
"Allen Pepper lived the Christian life," he said. "He was an example to all of Cleveland. His love for his family was always visible and to be admired.
"Among his many loves, besides his faith and family, he loved Mississippi, the Mississippi Delta and the Ole Miss Rebels. I don't think there was a person who knew him that didn't love him," said Caston.
Dr. Kent Wyatt and his wife Janice have known the Peppers for over 30 years.
"Allen and Ginger have been close personal friends of Janice and I since he moved to Cleveland 30 something years ago," Wyatt said. "I remember he was a strong backer of mine when I was named president of Delta State University.
"Allen has served Cleveland in various capacities in order to make his hometown a better place for all of its residents," he said. "He was a man of impeccable character. He was someone who you always enjoyed being around. He always made people around him feel better. He will be sorely missed."
Alinda Sledge and her late husband Tommy, were good friends with the Peppers.
"He was one of the finest men I have ever known," she said. "He was such a jovial, friendly man. It's such a shame that we lost him. Everyone will feel this loss."
Ann Steen and her husband Jim were also old friends of the Peppers.
"He was a moral man," she said. "He had values and lived by them. He lived by his commitments. He was a fine, fine person.
"We moved back to town the same year they did and have been friends all these years," she added. "He never did anything you would consider in the least anything less than upstanding. He had humility."
Pat Tibbs said it was really hard to describe Pepper in just a few words.
"He was such a kind, moral and generous man," he said. "He was very, very witty. He was an active Methodist who practiced what he believed, heavily involved in community activities.
"He was known to sing the old song 'Elvira,' when we had gatherings," she said. "He knew how to be a good friend. He was so trustworthy, a very responsible person, and totally devoted to Ginger and Will. Sometimes when he looked at Ginger, you could see how much he cared for her. "
Tibbs said he was accommodating and went with the flow, but he was so sure in what he believed was right, he was well respected.
"He would help you in any way he could," she said. "He had friends all across the board. He made a wonderful federal judge. He always had a big, big smile on his face."
Pepper maintained an AV rating in Martindale-Hubbell for 15 years and was listed in Martindale-Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers in the field of Civil Trial Practice.
He was a nominee for the office of president of the Mississippi State Bar Association in 1991, and served two terms as a director of the Young Lawyers Section; been on the Lawyer Referral Committee, the Admission Study Committee, the Complaints Committee, the Nominations Committee, the Legislative Committee, the Disciplinary Review Committee, the Law Office Management Committee, the Fee Dispute Resolution Committee and the Complaints Tribunal.
He has been president of the Mississippi Bar Foundation.
Pepper was elected president of the Mississippi Trial Lawyers Association in 1985 following service as continuing legal education chairman, secretary, vice president, and member of the board of governors and executive committee.
He has been chairman of the Lamar Order and a Director of the University of Mississippi Law Alumni.
He was a Fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation, where he was also a Trustee and a member of the Grants Committee.
He held membership in the American Board of Trial Advocates and American Inns of Court, and was a former member of the American Bar Association, was a State Committeeman for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, a Fellow of Young Lawyers Association of the MS Bar, and a frequent speaker at legal education seminars.
Pepper was a public defender for 26 years, was a member of the Mississippi Public Defenders Association, Inc., and was a participant in the Mississippi ProBono Project.
He held membership in both the National and the Mississippi School Board Attorney's Association and was a former adjunct professor at Delta State University.
As a fair and impartial judge, Pepper also stood out amongst his peers.
Chief Judge Michael P. Mills said, "The Northern District has lost a Judge of impeccable character and a man of great personality. He was the most fundamentally decent man whom I have ever known. He was a dear friend and a beloved colleague. We will not soon get over Allen's passing. Our court family mourns his death and our hearts ache for Ginger and Will."
Judge Sharion Aycock remarked, "We are all saddened by the loss of our colleague, Judge Allen Pepper. Judge Pepper loved his family, his court family and the good people of the Delta.
"He was a dedicated public servant," she added. "His life included practically every facet of public service-- with over thirty years in private law practice, service on numerous state and national professional boards and committees, his military service, his church, his community, not to mention his exemplary service to the federal judiciary."
Judge Neal Biggers commented, "Allen Pepper was a good friend, a good judge and a good person. He was a pleasure to work with and also just to hang out with. He loved his family, his work and the Delta. He will be greatly missed by many."
Judge Glen H. Davidson noted, "Judge Pepper and I entered the University of Mississippi as freshmen. He has been a good friend, dedicated to his work, a good judge and a good man who will be greatly missed."
Active in civic affairs, he is a past chairman and was a 12-year member of the Bolivar County Elections Commission.
Formerly the president of the Lions Club, the Crosstie Arts Council and the Bolivar County Ole Miss Alumni Association, he has been vice president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Development Foundation and a director of the Delta State University Booster Club and Sunburst Bank of Cleveland, now Union Planters Bank.
In his civic capacities, Pepper always allowed his good humor to shine through.
He loved to make people smile.
"I will never forget my good friend, Allen Pepper, for a lot of reasons, including his sense of humor," said Walter Herbison, who served in the Cleveland Lions Club. "Mr. Lewis Bays, a wildlife conservation officer, was speaking to our Lions Club in Cleveland, He was explaining that they were releasing alligators to help diminish the beaver population, which was causing major drainage problems.
"Allen jumps up and said, 'Mr. Bays, if those Alligators get out of hand, what are we going to put out there to eat them?' Of course, it brought the house down. He was a quick-witted, fun guy. Always inspiring and uplifting, Allen was brilliant minded with a great personality and very wise
Herbison said Pepper was smart, witty and fun to be around.
"He told me, 'Walter, future generations will look back at our generation and say that the most significant think about us was that that we drove 65 miles an hour on two lane highways, with vehicles going in opposite directions and only a white line to divide them," Herbison said laughing. "Besides being so humorous, he was brilliant attorney. He had it all and knew it and appreciated it. He was very humble, fair to all and never compromised his convictions. He treated everyone alike, with respect."
Pepper served as chairman of the Administrative Board, Finance Committee and Pastor Parish Relations Committee of the First United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher for 12 years, a member of the choir and Board of Trustees, Habitat for Humanity volunteer, and served as scout master of the Cub Scout Pack.
In 1996, he was recognized for his contributions to the community by being chosen King of the Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball.
He was vice president of the Fifth Circuit District Judges Association, on the board of directors of the Federal Judges Association, a former member of the Fifth Circuit Judicial Council, and a member of the American Inns of Court.
Services will be under the direction of Ray Funeral Home. The visitation will be held in the fellowship hall of the First Baptist Church in Cleveland on Saturday January 28th from noon until 2:00PM. A celebration of life service will be held next door at the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, the Pepper’s family church, at 2:30PM.
The Pallbearers for Judge Pepper will be the men and women who spent their lives protecting his life: his Federal Court Security. They include (in no particular order): Tommy Williams, Will Jacobs, Hazel Provis, Ricky Spratlin, Melvin Steadman, Charlie Murrah, Wayne Allen, US Marshall Hugh McClendon US Marshall Dwight Smith, and R. D. Williams.
Honorary Pallbearers include (in no particular order): Dr. Butch Caston, Dr. Kent Wyatt, Bill Harden, Mike Sanders, Dr. Bob Reagan, Robert Koestler, Ed Kossman, Ned Mitchell, Bill Marchant, Dr. Joe Glenn Peeler, Butler Denton, Bob Wilbanks, Charles Fioranelli, Homer Sledge, Guy Hovis, Galen Roberts, Billy Nowell, Nott Wheeler, Jr., Dr. Jack Keen, Trent Lott, Bud Whetstone, Carlysle Meek, Beau Gregory, Jimmy Heidel, Jim Steen, Dr. Stacy Davidson, Jr., Harry Flowers, Parker Howard, Rod Brasfield, Eckward McKnight, Dr. Steven Clark, Kirkham Povall, Lawrence Mellen, Dr. Bennie Wright, Dr. Mack Gorton and John Arthur Mortimer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Love Pepper and William Allen Pepper. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Virginia Brown Pepper, son William Allen Pepper III, daughter-in-law Samantha Minga Pepper, and his sister Louanne Pepper Cossar and her husband George Payne Cossar, Jr. He is also survived by Louanne and George’s children: George Cossar, III, Pepper Cossar, and Anne Love Cossar Perry; their respective spouses: Betty Cossar, Angela Cossar and Joe Perry: and their children: Mary Chandler Cossar, Chip Cossar, Eliza Cossar, Pepper Cossar, Jr., Jessica Hartzog, Colton Musgrove, AnnaLee Cossar, Joseph Perry, Jr., Elizabeth Perry and Kristen Louanne Cossar.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: the First United Methodist Church of Cleveland, Delta State University, The University of Mississippi, and the charitable organization of your choice.
Patricia K. Montesi, 63, of Boyle
01/23/2012
Patricia K. Montesi, 63, of Boyle, died Friday, January 20, 2012, at Bolivar Medical Center.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church with Father Kent Bowlds officiating. The Interment will be in North Cleveland Cemetery, under the direction of Ray Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, January 23, 2012, with a prayer service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Ray Funeral Home.
Mrs. Montesi was born on March 7, 1948, to Albert and Mary Karls. She married Robert Montesi in Greenville, MS, on March 15, 1973. She graduated from Delta State University and taught English at Cleveland High School and East High School for many years. She was a communicant of Our Lady of Victories Church. She deeply loved her family, especially her husband, children, and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Mary Karls, and her sister Deborah Lee Karls.
Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Robert Montesi, Sr. of Boyle; her son, Robert Montesi, Jr. of Boyle; her daughter, Gina Britt and son-in-law, Eddie Britt of Byram; granddaughters, Mary Taylor Montesi of Boyle and Emory Lee Britt of Byram; and her sisters, Kathleen Wuthrich of Warsaw, Indiana, and Suzanne Brackett of Canton, Georgia.
Pallbearers are Chris Hays, Jeremy Jackson, David Laster, Ben McIntrye, Bob Waller, and Terry Wooley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church.
Online guestbook can be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net.
Tommy G. "Beddie" Green, age 56, of Leland
01/16/2012
Tommy G. "Beddie" Green, age 56, of Leland, passed away on Sunday January 15, 2012 at the his home.
Visitation will be held 6 ~ 8 PM Tuesday January 17, 2012 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday January 18, 2012 at the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be follow in the North Cleveland Cemetery. The Reverend Steve McMillon will officiate the services.
Tommy was born on December 27, 1955 to Edward and Juanita (Hendon) Green in Quitman County, MS. He had worked as a farm hand for Campbell Farms many years. He and his family attended several churches over the years, Pace Pentecostal Church, Pitsboro Pentecostal Church and were currently attending the Abundant Life Pentecostal Church. Tommy was a loving husband father and grandfather he always enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Anita May Green and Bobbie Jean Green, two brothers Lennie Ray Green and Roy Green.
He is survived by Wife, Beverlene Perry Green of Leland, MS. Three daughters, Rachael Bradley of Bruce, MS, Kimberley Guthrie of Leland, MS, Anita Green Ford of Selmer, TN. Sister, Linda Harden of Horn Lake, MS. Brother, Wayne Green of Horn Lake, MS. 6 Grandchildren Jason Hall, Jr., Gavin Bradley, Jonathan Jaco, Austin Guthrie, Mariah Hall, Kayla Guthrie, two step-grandchildren Sadie Bradley and Bailey Bradley. He also leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Pall-bearers are Jr. Ethridge, Gordon Ford, Michael Hoda, Hugh Campbell, Larry Campbell and Pat Campbell. Honorary pall-bearers are Joseph Bates and Todd Arbuckle.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Martha Jene Wilson, 80, of Cleveland, MS
01/16/2012
Martha Jene Wilson, 80, of Cleveland, MS, passed away, Monday, January 16, 2012 at Bolivar Medical Center. Visitation will be Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Ray Funeral Home from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Graveside service will be Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 3:15 p.m. in Delta Heights Memorial Gardens with Father Kent Bowlds officiating.
Miss Wilson was born, April 6, 1931 to L.V. Wilson and Lillie Strickland Wilson in Cleveland, MS. She was an Operator for Bellsouth for over 25 years. She was a dedicated daughter, who spent years of her life caring for her mother and family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, L.V. and Lillie Wilson; brothers, Wilburn and James Wilson; and sister, Virginia J. Purnell.
Miss Wilson is survived by several nieces, a nephew and cousins.
Pallbearers will be, Billy Boswell, II, Billy Boswell, John Wilson, George Wilson, Otis Hill, Coy Wilson and Clyde Wilson.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mrs. Pearl Davis Worthey, 98, of Cleveland, MS
01/11/2012
Mrs. Pearl Davis Worthey, 98, of Cleveland, MS, passed away, Monday, January 9, 2012 at Bolivar Medical Center. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Ray Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. There also be a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00, Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Pickens Presbyterian Church. Celebration of life service will be Thursday, January 12,. 2012 at Pickens Presbyterian Church in Pickens, MS at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Tim Starnes officiating. Burial will follow service in Quiet Ridge Cemetery.
Mrs. Worthey was born August 16, 1913 to Earl Davis and Kate Renfrow Davis in Hopewell, MS. She married Howard Thomas Worthey in Jackson, MS on October 6, 1946. They attended Pickens Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by her sons, Tommy (Denise) Worthey of Cleveland, MS and Britt Worthey of Cleveland, MS; brother, W.O. Davis of Madison, MS; grandchildren, Lauren Swanson (Blake), Caryn Worthey, Jamie Warren (Matthew) and Davis Worthey; three great-grandsons, Cody, Hatcher and Gunnar Swanson.
Mrs. Worthey is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Howard Thomas Worthey.
Pallbearers will be Bill McKay, Sonny Worthey, Stan Johnson, Jesse Leverette, Henry McNeese, Joe Guess, Davis Worthey and Matthew Warren.
Nellie Clarice Smith Collins, age 68, of Ruleville
01/11/2012
Nellie Clarice Smith Collins, age 68, of Ruleville, passed away on Friday January 06, 2012 at the Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville. Visitation will be held Monday January 9, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday January 10, 2012 at the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Indianola Memorial Gardens. Rev. James Wilkerson will officiate the service. Mrs. Collins was born on April 09, 1943 to B. F. and Mattie (Pollan) Smith in Shaw. She graduated from Cleveland High School in 1961 and married Charles Edward Collins on August 05, 1960. She was the former owner of Lots of Love Daycare for many years. Mrs. Collins was a member of the Church of Faith. She loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports. Her family says she was a loving wife, mother, sister and grandmother who will be missed by all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a son Donald Edward Collins. She is survived by husband of 51 years, Charles Edward Collins of Ruleville, MS. Three daughters, Tammy Gail Baker of LaPorte, TX, Terri Dale Smelley of Ruleville, MS, Tonia Lajoy (Chad) Smith of LaPorte, TX. Son, Rex Edward (Ellen) Collins of Cleveland, MS. Brother, Charles Edward Smith of Farmville, WV. Sister, Lillie Joyce Tanksley of Indianola, MS. 7 Grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Pall-bearers are Vernon Tanksley, Chad Smith, Chase Smith, Travis Baker, Michael Kitchens and Gayland White. Honorary pall-bearers are Ken White and Jerry White. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or The Church of Faith 50 Elizabeth Rd. Cleveland, MS 38732. Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line guest register may be viewed and signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net
Ruth Terrell Brumfield, 89, of Cleveland
01/05/2012
Ruth Terrell Brumfield, 89, a resident of Cleveland and a former resident of McComb, died January 3, 2012 at Bovilar Medical Center Long Term Care facility in Cleveland, MS. She was born June 19, 1922 in Progress, MS. the daughter of the late William Newton Terrell, Sr. and Thelma Day Terrell.
She was very active in the East McComb Baptist Church, serving as Sunday School teacher, member of the choir and various other church organizations. When East McComb Baptist Church relocated to Summit, MS under the name of New Heights Baptist Church, Mrs. Brumfield continued her worship with her church family at New Heights.
Mrs. Brumfield was preceded in death by her first husband, D. C. Brumfield; her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Bill Dillon; her second husband, Michael Broker; a brother, William Terrell; and a sister, Inez Starrett Barlow.
She is survived by her son, Don Brumfield and his wife Aulene of Cleveland, MS; a brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Mary Terrell of Orlando, FL and a sister, Edith Johnston of Laurel; sister-in-law, Betty Moak Terrell of Baton Rouge LA; five grandchildren, Joy Dillon McKelvin of East Camden, AR; Amy Dillon Anderson of Gulfport; Dedra Dillon Lincoln of Orlando,FL; Deborah Brumfield Bell of Brandon; and Craig Brumfield of Maylene, AL; 13 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Friday, January 6th from 5 till 8 PM and will continue on Saturday from 9 AM till service time at 10 AM from Hartman-Sharkey Chapel.
Interment will be in Hollywood Cemetery with Rev. Rick Kennedy officating.
Melissa "Lisa" Diane Mullins, age 42, of Boyle
01/05/2012
Melissa "Lisa" Diane Mullins, age 42, of Boyle, passed away on Tuesday January 03, 2012 in Greenville, MS.
Visitation will be held Thursday January 5, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cleveland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday January 6, 2012 at the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the North Cleveland Cemetery. Reverend Clarence Edwards and Reverend Thomas Bruce will officiate the service.
Lisa was born on February 11, 1969 to Cecil Larry and Joann (Langston) McDaniel in Ruleville, MS. She attended Grenada and Cleveland Schools. She married Jeffery T. Mullins on April 02, 1988 in Boyle, MS. In 1990 she graduated Delta Beauty College. Lisa was a former co-owner of the Cornerstone Christian Book Store in Boyle and was currently accounts payable clerk for Jimmy Sanders Inc. in Cleveland. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Boyle and the Emmaus Community. Lisa was a very artistic person, she loved making pottery. Her family says she was a very loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and aunt who always showed her loved to them each time she could. Lisa was preceded in death by her father Larry McDainel, father-in-law Calvin Mullins and brother-in-law Melvin Mullins.
She is survived by Husband of 23 years, Jeffery T. Mullins of Boyle, MS. Mother, Joann L. McDaniel of Boyle, MS, Son Andrew Mark Mullins of Boyle, MS, Daughter Jessica Gray M. Forbes (Austin) of Boyle, MS, Sister, Patricia Lane (Kenny) of Oxford, MS, Mother-in-law Thelma W. Mullins of Boyle, MS, Brother-in-law Thomas Mullins (Dorothy) of Greenville, MS, Three sister-in-laws Mary Jane Ervin (Fred) of Cleveland, MS, Sue McCaleb (Mac) of Gallatin, TN, Kaye Brewer Mullins of Orlando, FL Three nieces Mandy Zuniga (Joe) of Cleveland, MS, Brandy Mullins of Florida, Angie Manus (Louis) of Greenville, MS, Two Nephews Kenny Lane, II of Oxford, MS and Jason Mullins of Florida.
Pall-bearers will be Rosco Ford, Marcie Mullins, Cameron Compton, Daniel Mancini, Bo Coleman and David Ruth.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Boyle P O Box 218 Boyle, MS 38730 and The Central Mississippi Emmaus c/o John Rose 607 Hampton Cove Clinton, MS 39056.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Lee Canady Bassie, 88, of Gunnison, MS
01/03/2012
Mary Lee Canady Bassie, 88, of Gunnison, MS, passed away, Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Cleveland Personal Care in Cleveland. Visitation will be Monday, January 2, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will immediately follow the visitation at 2:00 p.m. at Ray Funeral Home. Burial will follow services in Shelby Cemetery.
Mrs. Bassie was born to Clagett Doyle Canady and Carrie Lillie Gibbs on May, 28, 1924 in Shaw, MS. She married Victor Albert Bassie in 1946 in Shaw, MS. Mrs. Bassie was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rosedale, MS. She worked for the Naval Department during World War II, in Washington, D.C.. She was an assistant sales manager at AMPCO in Rosedale, MS. She was a sweet and loving mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clagett Doyle Canady and Carrie Lillie Gibbs Canady; husband, Victor Albert Bassie; children, five year old, Victor Bassie, Jr. and Lee Bassie.
Mrs. Bassie is survived by her children, Elizabeth Ann Bassie Malone (Brian) of Collierville, TN, Bobby Bassie (Patti) of Fort Smith, AR, and Billy Bassie (Laura) Gunnison, MS; grandchildren, Chris Fava, Amy Brandenburg, Robin Velander, Jason Bassie, Matthew Bassie, Jeffery Bassie, Abby Bassie, Molly Bassie, and Libby Bassie; ten great-grandchildren; and sister, Barbara Bramuchi of Shelby, MS
Pallbearers will be Jason Bassie, Matthew Bassie, Chris Fava, Jeffery Bassie, Bram Bramuchi and John David Bassie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Lee Bassie, John Raymond Bassie, Brian Malone, James Brady, John Conger and Huey Smith.
Special thank you to Cleveland Personal Care and Angel of Mercy Hospice Care for the extraordinary services to Mrs. Mary Lee Bassie, during her time of need. We thank you.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rosedale, MS.
Online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
Mrs. Clara Rocconi Cocilova, 90, of Shaw, MS
01/03/2012
Mrs. Clara Rocconi Cocilova, 90, of Shaw, MS, passed away, Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Bolivar Medical Center. Visitation will be held, Monday, January 2,2012 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Shaw from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. A rosary will follow visitation at 7:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. with Father Tom Mallally, Father Pius Lawe and Father Tarsisius Puling officiating. Burial will follow celebration of life service in Shaw Cemetery.
Mrs. Cocilova was born May 26, 1921 in Cleveland, MS to Joseph Emanuel Rocconi and Justina Paolosini Rocconi. She married, Viro Cocilova, March 4, 1946 in Cleveland, MS. Mrs. Cocilova was a retired store owner of Sand Pit Store in Shaw, MS and the Midway Store in Boyle, MS.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Viro Cocilova; son, Roy Paul Cocilova; six brothers, Mike, Aldo, Richard, Julius, Albert and Jim Rocconi; and two sisters, Vera Ferri and Edith Santucci.
Mrs. Cocilova is survived by her children, Dolores (Fred) Storey of Shaw, MS; Doug (Cindy) Cocilova of Cleveland, MS; and Larry (Tammy) Cocilova of Shaw, MS; grandchildren, Samuel (Sonya) Storey of Cleveland, MS; Jonathan (Stacey) Storey of Cleveland, MS; Stephen (Amanda) Cocilova of Brandon, MS; Andrew (Ashley) Cocilova of Brandon, MS; and Nicholas Cocilova of Shaw, MS; great-grandchildren, Anthony and Alex Storey; and Kathryn Ellis Cocilova; and sister, Rosa Rocconi Santucci .
Pallbearers will be Samuel Storey, Jonathan Storey, Stephen Cocilova, Andrew Cocilova, Nicholas Cocilova and John Michael Santucci.
Mrs. Carol Dees, 67, of Benoit, MS
01/03/2012
Mrs. Carol Dees, 67, of Benoit, MS, passed away at Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville, MS, Friday, December 30, 2011. Visitation will be held, Monday, January 2, 2012 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at Southside Baptist Church in Benoit, MS, at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow celebration of life service in Beulah Cemetery.
Mrs. Dees was born, May 30, 1944 to Roy Smith and Dorothy Brewer Smith in Benoit, MS. She married William Dees, Sr. in Benoit, MS.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Dorothy Smith; Linda Smith Johnson (Earl) and Darlene Smith.
Mrs. Dees is survived by her husband, William Dees, Sr. of Benoit, MS; sons, William Dees, Jr. (Ann) of Benoit, MS, Michael Dees of Benoit, MS and Kenny Dees (Ginger) of Benoit, MS; grandchildren, Nathan and Nataleigh Dees of Benoit, MS, Chris and Becky Thorn of Anchorage, Alaska, and Jenny Thorn of Memphis, TN; brothers and sisters, Billy Smith (Linda) of Benoit, MS, Bobby Smith of Benoit, MS, Hazel Smith of Benoit, MS, Nan Williamson (Bobby) of Benoit, MS, Kathy Easterling (Danny) of Greenville, MS, and Roy Smith, Jr. (Patricia) of St. Charles, MO.
Pallbearers will be Greg Easterling, Brian Williamson, Justin Smith, Timmy Johnson, David Johnson, Kenneth Taylor, Michael Taylor and Hubbard Stephens.
Online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
Ms. Nell Elizabeth Wynn, 98, of Merigold, MS
01/03/2012
Ms. Nell Elizabeth Wynn, 98, of Merigold, MS, passed away, Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Indywood Estate in Cleveland, MS. Visitation will be Saturday, December 31, 2011 at Merigold Methodist Church in Merigold, MS from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will begin at 1:00 p.m. immediately following visitation. Burial will follow services in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Ms. Wynn was born December 13, 1913 in Merigold, MS to Dr. Andrew Monroe Wynne and Olyve Obrien Wynne. She graduated Merigold High School as Valedictorian of her class in 1931. She attended Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 1935 and a Master of Music in 1936. She then came to Delta State Teacher’s College to begin a teaching career in music. While at Delta State, she was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, was a charter member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and was a member of Phi Beta Fraternity. During her teaching tenure she continued her education at the University of Michigan, McGill University in Montreal, Canada and Julliard School of Music in New York. She also took private organ lessons in Memphis, Tennessee. Ms. Wynn loved to travel extensively in Europe and she retired from Delta State University in 1978, after 42 years of teaching. After retirement, Nell took care of her mother, who lived to be 99 and her sister, Olyve, who lived to be 96. She was very involved with her family and led an active life at Indywood Estate. Nell was very involved in watching her grand-nephews, Jack and Jon Westerfield, growing up in Merigold, MS. She will be laid to rest with her childhood doll, Plumpy.
She is survived by her sister, Shirley Wynne Westerfield; nephew, Andrew M.W. Westerfield; great-nephews, Jack and Jon Westerfield; great, great-niece, Ella Grace Westerfield; and niece, Kim Westerfield all of Merigold, MS; nephew, John Wynn; nieces, Elizabeth Matthews and Mary Nelson; nieces, MaryMartha Wynne, Patricia Wynne and Julia Barton; grand-nieces and nephews, Holly and Bonnie Nelson, Adam and Lee Matthews, Shelby and Kyla Barton, and Betsy and Walter Haywood.
Ms. Wynn is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Olyve Stuart Wynne and Lorraine Wynne Wester; brothers, Dr. John O. Wynn and Andrew Monroe Wynne, Jr. and niece, Jennifer Gollaway; and beloved nephew, Jim Westerfield.
Pallbearers will be, Jack Westerfield, Jon Westerfield, Park Hiter, Ed Meyer, Pat Wynne and Warren Bell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Albert Junkin, Dr. Jon Meyer and Billy Latham.
Memorials may be made to the Merigold Methodist Church in Merigold, MS.
Mrs. Myrtle Ruth Nelson Shepherd, 89, of Cleveland, MS
01/03/2012
Mrs. Myrtle Ruth Nelson Shepherd, 89, of Cleveland, MS passed away, Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Indywood Estate. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Celebration of life services will begin at 11:00 a.m. immediately following the visitation Tuesday, January 3, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home with Pastor Chuck Woods officiating. Interment will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2011, at Canton City Cemetery in Canton, MS.
Mrs. Shepherd was born October 2, 1922 in Roxie, MS to Hamilton Burton Nelson and Myrtle Elizabeth Graves Nelson. On August 21, 1942, she married James Walter Shepherd at the Columbia Army Airbase in South Carolina.
Mrs. Shepherd is survived by her children, James Walter Shepherd, Jr. of Fayettville, AR, Michael Richard Shepherd of Merigold, MS, Barbara Shepherd Hood of Homer, LA, William Nelson Shepherd of New Orleans, LA and John David Shepherd of Pioneer, LA; 9 Grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Thelma Dona Williams Thomas, 100, of Barlow, KY, formerly of Rosedale, MS
01/03/2012
Thelma Dona Williams Thomas, 100, of Barlow, KY, formerly of Rosedale, MS, passed away December 28, 2011 in Paducah, KY. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Celebration of life service will immediately follow the visitation and begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home with Bro. Nolan Headley officiating. Interment will be in Beulah Cemetery.
Mrs. Thomas was born April 12, 1911 in Hardin County, TN. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed her life of living in Rosedale for 50 years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Calvin Thomas; sons, Calvin Thomas and James Thomas; her parents; 4 sisters and 1 brother.
Mrs. Thomas is survived by her daughter, Frances Mosley of Barlow, KY; grandchildren, Stanley Johnson of Barlow, KY and Thomas Gilbreath of Maben, MS; great-grandchildren, April Nixon of New Orleans, LA, Crystal Bevelo of Clearwater, FL, Kattie Johnson of Barlow, KY, and Hunter Gilbreath of Maben, MS; great-great-grandchildren, Andrew Nixon, Madlyn Nixon and Emma Nixon; and a brother, William Taylor of Orange, TX.
Online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
Mr. Joe Clifford Davis, 79, of Ruleville, MS
12/28/2011
Mr. Joe Clifford Davis, 79, of Ruleville, MS, passed away Monday, December 26, 2011 at Bolivar Medical Center. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 28, 2011 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Ray Funeral Home. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Calvary Episcopal Church with Rev. Julia Moore officiating.
Mr. Davis was born in Ruleville, MS ,on February 10, 1932 to Joe Martin Davis and Corrine Pittman Davis. On March 11, 1952, he married JoAnn Gibson Davis in Ruleville.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Martin Davis and Corrine Pittman Davis and his wife, JoAnn Gibson Davis.
Mr. Davis is survived by his children, Patricia Ann Janoush (Brad) of Boise Idaho, Clifford Lee Davis (Karen) of Fayette, AL, Lynn Davis (Joy) of Oscoda, MI, and Debra Diane Swain (Herbert) of Cleveland, MS; grandchildren, Allen Swain (Nallie), Shelley Swain, Cliff Davis, and LeeAnn Davis; and great-grandchildren, Bailey Swain and Davis Swain.
Mrs. Annie Mae Reynolds, 92, of Cleveland, MS
12/28/2011
Mrs. Annie Mae Reynolds, 92, of Cleveland, MS, passed away Monday, December 26, 2011 at Bolivar Medical Center. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Thursday, December 29, 2011 at The Cleveland Church of God at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Steve Roberts and Rev. Marty Tackett officiating. Burial will follow celebration of life service in New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. In Vardaman, MS.
Mrs. Reynolds was born, July 21, 1919 in Calhoun County, MS to Lonnie Hillard Long and Zora Bell Bryant Long. She married James Brooks Reynolds, July 18, 1937, in Calhoun County, MS.
She is survived by her children, Shirley Reynolds Boyett of Greenville, MS, Jimmy Reynolds (Teresa) of Indianola, MS, Helen Reynolds Satchfield (Eddie) of Cleveland, MS, Brooks Reynolds (Becka) of Cleveland, MS and Cathy Reynolds Flemming (Jerry) of Calhoun City, MS; eleven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great, great-grandchild.
Mrs. Reynolds is preceded in death by her husband, James Brooks Reynolds.
Pallbearers will be Randy Boyett, Barry Reynolds, Will Reynolds, Daniel Sanders, Ethan Tackett, Dylan Holcomb, Cody Reynolds, Tyler Boyett and Benjamin Holcomb
Mr. Billy Allen Yarborough, 85, of Ruleville, MS
12/28/2011
Mr. Billy Allen Yarborough, 85, of Ruleville, MS, passed away, Saturday, December 24, 2011 at his home. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 28, 2011 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Ray Funeral Home. Celebration of life service will be Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. Eugene Walden officiating. Burial will follow celebration of life service in Merigold Cemetery.
Mr. Yarborough was born to David Alfred Yarborough and Candice Elvira Kelly on March 7, 1926 in Webster County, MS. He married Evelyn Louise Johnson on December 26, 1999 in Ruleville, MS. He was a loving husband and loved his family and friends dearly. Most of all he loved studying God’s word everyday. Mr. Yarborough was a loving father, husband, and friend to anyone who needed him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leonard L. Yarborough and Donald Yarborough, and sister, Ruby Grace Yarborough.
Mr. Yarborough is survived by his wife, Evelyn Yarborough of Ruleville, MS; children, Debra Yarborough Ray of Louisiana, Yvonne Yarborough Beason of Decatur, AL (Fred), Allen Yarborough of Louisiana and Teresia Yarborough Hill of Trinity, AL (Roy); sister, Geraldine Yarborough Mitchell of Merigold, MS; grandchildren, Tracy Krittnar, Scott Ray, Thomas Cottongin, Dale Yarborough, Zackery Jackson, Leslie Jackson, Candice Davidson; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces and nephews, family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Neely Robinson, Shaffie Tobia, Carl Tarver, Roy Hill, Doug Yarborough, and Ronnie Yarborough.
Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren
Ira Don Deason, 59
12/28/2011
Ira Don Deason, 59, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 19, 2011. Donnie was at his home with his family by his side. A celebration of his life will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church in Cleveland, Mississippi on Wednesday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Bailey Norman. Visitation will be held at Ray Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 20, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Donnie was born on March 5, 1952 in Borger, Texas. He graduated from Cleveland High School in which he just recently enjoyed his 40th class reunion. He worked for the US Postal Service serving as postmaster. Donnie was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed camping, kayaking, hunting, searching for artifacts, and motorcycles. He enjoyed God's creation and spent many hours on the Mississippi River and in the Arkansas outdoors with his family and friends. Donnie was a passionate person who took pleasure in the small things of life. He was an eloquent writer. He was a friend to the friendless. His wit, passion, and love of nature will be sorely missed, yet he and his family believe the promises of God. They look forward to that day that they will be reunited to enjoy each other forever. Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Milburn and Sybil Deason. He enjoyed a full life with his wife, Colonel Anita Deason, and his daughters, Jennifer Deason Neumann (Erik) of New Orleans and Sarah Deason Aylward (Brig) of Pace. He also enjoyed stepson Zach Long of Conway, Arkansas, sister, Peggy Cantu of Booker, Texas, (Juan) and brother, Larry Deason (Yolanda) of Sunnyvale, California. He brought great joy to his grandchildren, Oskar and Keri Evelyn Neumann. Donnie will also be missed by other loved ones, Mack and Renee LaMastus and their children, Mary Madeline and Gibson. Honorary Pallbearers include Mack Buchanan, Ken Cummins, Mickey Hawkins, Guy Holloway, Charles Lane, and Lawrence Murphy. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society, Calvary Episcopal Church and the West Clinic Wings Foundation are appreciated.
Richard Linard Garrett, 72, originally of Gunnison, Mississippi
12/28/2011
Richard Linard Garrett, 72, originally of Gunnison, Mississippi, was born July 3, 1939 in Rosedale and passed from this life December 17, 2011. Visitation was held, Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of life service was held, Monday, December 19, 2011 at the Benoit Union Church in Benoit, MS at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Floyd Cooper and Bro. Joe Cole officiating. Burial followed celebration of life service in Shelby Cemetery. He is preceded in death by his father, William Guy Garrett, his mother, Earnest McCullough Garrett, his brother, Doyle Ray Garrett, and his sister, Margaret Fay Moore. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Adair Carver Myers Garrett; 3 children, Ricky Garrett (Gaye) of Greenfield, IN, Sara Vannucci (Greg) of Cordova, TN, and Patti Gordon (Jeff) of Senatobia, MS; 5 grandchildren, Shelby, Lacey, William, Abbey, and Nicky; an aunt, Ruth McCullough Riddle of Pocahontas, AR, and nieces and nephews.
Richard was raised by the Mississippi River and grew up loving the woods, nature, and the simple things in life. He graduated with the last class of Gunnison High School in 1957. This was a close knit group of ten classmates, whom he enjoyed reuniting with many times over the years. He attended Delta State where he met his wife, Pat, and finished with a degree in Biology. They married February 16, 1962, in Jackson. He served in the Army Reserves and 35 years of his working career were spent as a sales representative for Madix, Inc.
He was a dedicated father, raising his children to be responsible and caring for others. A grandfather, who especially loved his grandchildren, took much pleasure in being “Granddaddy”. A devoted husband, who enjoyed travelling with his wife, would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this coming February, 2012. He was a member of Benoit Union Church where he served as a Baptist deacon.
Richard was an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. He considered it a blessing when after retiring, he was able to make his home at the Benoit Outing Club, once again by the Mississippi River. He was a mentor to many young men, passing along his passion for the outdoors while teaching life lessons.
Richard Garrett – Bono, Sweetheart, Daddy, Granddaddy, Uncle Richard, Mr. Richard…you will be missed.
Online guest book may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
Mrs. Judy Inman Cox, 63, of Cleveland, MS
12/28/2011
Mrs. Judy Inman Cox, 63, of Cleveland, MS, passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2011 at her home in Cleveland. Visitation will be today from 5 p.m.to 7 p.m. at Ray Funeral Home. Visitation will also be Friday, December 16, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will begin at 3:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation with Rev. Thomas Bruce officiating. Burial will follow services in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Cox was born to A.J. Inman and Lottie Poe in Cleveland, MS on November 28, 1948. She married Robert Ellis “Bobby” Cox in Cleveland, MS in 1966. She led a simple life with love by being a loving mother, grandmother and friend. Mrs. Cox also enjoyed working with her flowers and yard.
She is survived by her children, Rob Cox of Merigold, MS and Leanne Cox Ramage (Mike) of Cleveland, MS; grandchildren, Dustin Cox and Blake Ramage both of Cleveland, MS; and sister, Ann Inman Woods (T.C) of Flowood, MS.
Pallbearers will be Thomas W. Haynes, Bobby Ware, Todd Woods, Troy C. Woods, III, Keith Goodman and Barry Barr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Griffin, Dustin Cox and Blake Ramage.
Mr. Julies Powell, 90, of Cleveland, MS
12/14/2011
Mr. Julies Powell, 90, of Cleveland, MS, passed away Monday, December 12, 2011, at his home. Visitation will be 1:00-2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at Ray Funeral Home. Celebration of life services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2011, immediately following the visitation at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. James Wilkerson officiating. Interment will be at Merigold Cemetery.
Mr. Powell was born August 9, 1921, to Benjamin Lafayette Powell and Hester Rebecca Grant Powell. On August 10, 1948, he married Elaine Carroll at Sunflower Plantation. He served our country in WWII and received a Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge and fought in five major battles in the European theatre. Mr. Powell was a very modest, humble man who loved his Lord, his family and his Southern gospel music. He loved ALL children and doted on his four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Although he didn’t have formal education, he wanted young people to get all the education possible. He was totally and painfully honest, a man of his word, and one who would never betray a confidence.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Elaine C. Powell.
Mr. Powell is survived by his daughter, Mary Ann Quinn Jabbour of Cleveland, MS; son, Larry Powell of Cleveland, MS; grandchildren, Kristi Powell Seeley (Dean) of Merigold, MS, Brad Powell of Merigold, MS, David Quinn (Anastasiya) and Will Quinn both of Fremont, CA; great-grandchildren, Harrison Seeley, Conner Seeley, Mere Kasen Seeley, Ethan Quinn and John Bryson Powell; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pall bearers will be Brother LaPresto, W.D. Beach, Curtis Manus, Dean Seeley, Ankie Cummins and Brad Powell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmie Kittrel, David Quinn and Will Quinn.
To view and sign online guestbook, go to www.rayfuneralhome.net
Clyde Lamar Boswell, age 68, of Cleveland
12/12/2011
Clyde Lamar Boswell, age 68, of Cleveland, died on Sunday December 11, 2011 at his home.
Visitation will be held Tuesday December 13, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 10:00a.m. Wednesday December 14, 2011 10:00 a.m. at Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be follow in the Delta Heights Memorial Gardens.
Clyde was born on November 09, 1943 to Rufus and Mildred (Linville) Boswell in Boyle. He graduated from Cleveland High School in 1962 and attended Delta State University. He was a decorated US Air Force Vietnam War Veteran having received the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Medal. He married Pam Wielert on March 23, 1965 in Crescent City, IL. Clyde worked for the Postal Service for 31 years and retired as the Rosedale, MS Postmaster in 2000. He was a member of the American Legion, a dedicated First Baptist Church of Boyle member where we was a deacon. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and play golf. Clyde was a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished the time he spent with family. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by wife of 47 years, Pam Wielert Boswell of Cleveland, MS. Son, Craig Boswell of Hernando, MS. Two daughters, Melissa Ann Boswell Milbrand of Cleveland, MS. and Kimberly Sue Boswell Phillips of Cleveland, MS. Mother Mildred L. Boswell of Cleveland, Three brothers, Billy Boswell of Cleveland, MS, Jimmy Boswell of Indianola, MS and Curtis Boswell of Phoenix, AZ. Grandchildren; Lauren Walker, Taylor Boswell, Chelsey Milbrand, Raven Phillips, Ragan Milbrand, Marli Boswell, Bretlyn Phillips, Conner Boswell and Great grandchild McKenzley Milbrand.
Pall-bearers are Larry Howard, Ron McKnight, Robert Earl hood, Robert Earl Stewart, Jim Armishaw, Bobby Elliot and Billy Boswell. Honorary pall-bearers are the Deacons of First Baptist Church Boyle.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Boyle P O Box 218 Boyle, MS 38730.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in Charge of arrangements.
Aniela (Nellie) Dziura Duraj, 89, of Shelby, Mississippi
12/12/2011
Aniela (Nellie) Dziura Duraj, 89, of Shelby, Mississippi, died on Sunday, December 11, 2011, at North Sunflower Medical Center. Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shelby, Mississippi. Officiants will be Reverend P.J. Curley of Vicksburg and Reverend Kent Bowlds of Cleveland. Interment will be held at Shelby Cemetery. Ray Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Nellie was born on June 19, 1922, in Zielone, Poland, to Michael and Anna Dziura. In 1946, she married Edward Duraj in Butzbach, Germany. Three years later they came to the United States as immigrants sponsored by the Knowlton Family of Perthshire, Mississippi. In 1965, she and her husband moved to Shelby, Mississippi, and owned and operated Edward’s Grocery for forty years. She was appreciated by many for her delicious Polish and German dishes.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Duraj, and her parents and six siblings in Poland.
Her survivors include the following: John Duraj (Linda), Maria Johnson (Bruce), Theresa Balducci, all of Shelby; Zofia Lindsey (Don) of Cleveland; and Nellie Ellington (David) of Webb. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons: John Duraj, Jr., Christopher Duraj, Patrick Johnson, Justin Johnson, Chad Ellington, Heath Blount, Brandon Balducci, Josh Duraj, and Sid Melton.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the wonderful staff at North Sunflower Medical Center. Thank you for all the snacks and drinks you brought in for our large family during Mother’s final hours. We also offer a special thanks to her sitter, Fannie Knight.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Jude’s or a charity of one’s choice.
Mrs. Frances Campbell Terrell, 83, of Panama City, Fl
12/12/2011
Mrs. Frances Campbell Terrell, 83, of Panama City, Fl, formerly of Cleveland, MS, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2011 in Panama City, FL. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Celebration of Life services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Thomas Bruce officiating. Burial will follow in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Terrell was born in Sunflower County on October 4, 1928 to R.K. Campbell and Lee Etta Dyche Campbell. On August 23, 1946, she married Cleo Vernon Terrell in Sunflower County. She and her husband owned and operated Terrell Office Machines for 45 years before retiring and was a member of Yale Street Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents, R.K. and Lee Etta Dyche Campbell, her brother Earnest Campbell, and her husband, Cleo Vernon Terrell.
She is survived by her son, Vernon Glenn Terrell of Thailand; her daughter, Judy Terrell Smith of Panama City Beach, FL; grandchildren, Tom Terrell, Joseph Terrell Smith, Jacob Casey Smith; and a son in law, Kendall Smith of Panama City Beach, FL.
Frances loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed crafts that included painting and needlepoint.
Memorial donations can be given in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org
To view and sign the online guestbook, go to www.rayfuneralhome.net
James Edward "Red" Hood age 85, of Cleveland
12/06/2011
James Edward "Red" Hood age 85, of Cleveland, died on Sunday December 04, 2011 at the Bolivar Medical Center.
Visitation will be held Thursday December 8, 2011 from 12:00p.m. until 1:45p.m. at Cleveland Funeral Home. Graveside funeral service will follow at 2:00PM in North Cleveland Cemetery. Reverend Harold Mosley will officiate the service.
He was born on October 20, 1926 to Robert and Mary (Bowen) Hood in Cleveland. He lived most of his life on Zumbro Plantation and attended Cleveland Schools until he enlisted in the Navy during WW II. After returning to Cleveland from the Navy, he enlisted in the National Guard and served in the Korean War, where he received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals. After the war Mr. Hood became a ginner in Cleveland and Drew areas until his retirement. He was a member of Providence Baptist Church. Mr. Hood was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Louise Browning, brother, Bobby Hood and former wives Doris Sims Hood and Evelyn Turner Hood.
He is survived by Spouse, Lula Baker Hood of Cleveland, MS. Three sons, James E "Jimmy"(Sylvia) Hood of Boyle, MS, Robert Earl (Carolyn) Hood of Cleveland, MS, Johnny Lamar (Joan) Hood of Flowood, MS and a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pall-bearers will be Jonathan Hood, James Edward "Jimbo" Hood III, Scott Hood, Jay Hardy, Tim Tharp and Jimmy Nobile. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Nettie June Holt Mclendon, 89, of Cleveland, MS
12/06/2011
Nettie June Holt Mclendon, 89, of Cleveland, MS, passed away, Monday, December 5, 2011 at Cleveland Nursing Rehab Clinic. Celebration of Life Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. Burial will immediately follow in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. McLendon was born in Dallas, TX on January 29, 1922 to Errol Chandler Holt and Elizabeth Duncan Holt. She married Dr. James Hays McLendon and worked as an apartment manager.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Errol Chandler Holt and Elizabeth Duncan Holt and by her husband, Dr. James Hays McLendon. She is survived by her son, Errol McLendon of Berwyn, IL.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Robert Emil Smith, 89, of Cleveland, Mississippi
12/06/2011
Robert Emil Smith, 89, of Cleveland, Mississippi, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, December 5, 2011. Mr. Smith died at Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, Mississippi. Celebration of life services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2011 at First United Methodist Church of Cleveland with Rev. Billy Owen and Rev. Harold Robinson. Visitation will be from 12:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2011 at First United Methodist Church of Cleveland. Burial will immediately follow in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Smith was born on December 23, 1921 in Cleveland to Charles Milton Smith and Emma Seelbinder Smith. He graduated from Cleveland High School. He attended Mississippi State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the School of Agriculture. At Mississippi State he was a member of the SAE fraternity. In addition, he also did graduate work at Delta State University.
Mr. Smith was very devoted to his country and served her courageously in World War II. He attended Officer’s Training School in Fort Know, KY., and upon graduation served as an officer in the Tank Division in Europe where he participated in the liberation of Paris, the Battle of the Bulge, and fought the Germans 1300 miles across Europe. He was a Platoon Leader with five tanks under his command. At the conclusion of the war, he received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal and was discharged as a First Lieutenant.
Upon his return from the war, Mr. Smith taught discharged veterans in an agriculture class, while farming on the side. He then owned and operated a dairy farm for ten years. After selling his dairy farm, he began to raise cotton and soybeans. Eventually he stopped raising cotton and became one of the first farmers in the Mississippi Delta to grow rice.
Mr. Smith was a lifelong and devoted member of the First Methodist Church of Cleveland, where he was a member of the Board of Trustees and Administrative Board, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Men’s Bible Class and past President of the Men’s Club, as well as being voted the Man of the Year in 2004. In 2010, he was chosen as philanthropist of the year in the state of Mississippi. He delivered poinsettias and lilies to senior citizens and shut-ins during the holiday season.
Mr. Smith was actively involved in Delta State University. He was both a member of the Delta State University Foundation Board of Directors and the local Wesley Foundation’s Board of Directors, which is a student organization sponsored by the United Methodist Church. He created several scholarships in the nursing school program at Delta State University. He helped in the planning and work of the Wesley Foundation’s on the campus of Delta State University.
Mr. Smith’s other accomplishments include being a member of Farm Bureau Association, VFW, American Legion, Mississippi Rice Growers Association, Benoit Outing Club, City and County Planning Committee of Bolivar County, the Lion’s Club, Delta Council, and was President of the Bolivar County Planter’s Club in 1975.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Emma Smith and two brothers, Milton and Clarence Smith. Survivors include his two daughters and their husbands, Emily Jane Cameron (Fridge) of New Orleans, LA and Mary Dianne Lee (Jesse) of Whitney Point, NY; and a granddaughter, Anna Victoria Cameron of Los Angeles, CA.
Pallbearers will be Jack Fletcher, Mike Brister, Jerry Ainsworth, Eddie Willis, Jim Hunter McCaleb and Wally Ashley. Honorary pallbearers will be First United Methodist Church Men’s Bible Class, A.V. Henry, Willard Samuels, Nott Wheeler, O.W. Miller, Bill Bizzell, B.C. Ruth, Hal Gerrard and Otha Tedford.
Zaylah Givens Campbell age 51 of Cleveland
12/04/2011
Zaylah Margarette Givens Campbell 51 of Cleveland died Friday December 2, 2011 at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson from complications of surgery.
Visitation will be Tuesday December 6, 2011 from 6-8PM at Cleveland Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 10:00AM Wednesday at Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the North Cleveland Cemetery. Reverend Steve Holtz will officiate the service.
Zaylah was born December 11, 1959 to Edward and Ann Malone Givens in Cleveland She attended Cleveland Schools and graduated from Delta State University with a paralegal degree. She had also received her appraisal license from the Mississippi Appraisal Board. She was currently employed at the Veteran’s Pension Planners of America in Indianola. Zaylah was an outgoing loving person who had an untold number of friends. She loved cooking and having her family and friends over to taste her dishes. She was an avid flower gardener and it was a joy to visit her back yard during the spring and summer months. She was a faithful member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Cleveland.
She is survived by her husband Harold Campbell, Jr. of Cleveland, Sons Hayden and Camron Kitching of Cleveland, Mother Ann Malone Holder of Cleveland, Brother, Robert Givens of Cleveland, Sister Teresa Thompson of Cleveland, Two nieces Brandi Melendrez of Nesbit, and Leslie Thompson of Merigold, Two Nephews Adam Thompson of Leland and Christopher Givens of Hernando, Three great nephews John Austin Melendrez of Nesbit, Tanner Melendrez of Nesbit and Ryker Givens of Hernando, Two great nieces Hannah and Mia Melendrez both of Nesbit.
Pall-bearers are John Setzer, David Kimbrell, Shaffie Tobia, Bo Stallings, Lee Speakes and Cade Mallette
Honorary pall-bearers are Troy Snider and Bryant Shaw. Memorials may be made to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge 239 Turpentine Creek Lane Eureka, AR 72632
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Ruby Gearldene Wells, 91, of Holly Springs, MS
11/30/2011
Mrs. Ruby Gearldene Wells, 91, of Holly Springs, MS, passed away, November 29, 2011 in Holly Springs, MS. Visitation will be Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Celebration of life service will be Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Charles Boyd officiating. Burial will follow services in Delta Heights Cemetery.
Mrs. Wells was born in Lexington, MS to George Walter Sherron, Sr. and Bessie Mae Woods on July 16, 1920. She was married to George Wallace Wells. Along with Mrs. Wells’ very sharp mind, she loved watching television and reading.
She is preceded in death by her husband, George Wallace Wells and all of her siblings.
She is survived by a host of nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; and caregiver Nancy Boyd.
Pallbearers will be Jimmy Canady, Billy Smith, Charles Boyd, Jr., Marcus Wayne Sherron, Kenneth Sherron, and Wallace Boyd.
Memorials may be made to the Lung Association. The family would like to thank Trinity Mission Nursing Home in Holly Springs for their care over the last four years.
Griffin "Bubba" Pinkston, age 83
11/29/2011
Griffin "Bubba" Pinkston, age 83, died November 26, 2011 at his home in Clarksdale, MS. He was retired from Wonder Bread. Mr. Pinkston was a member of VFW post 3936 and a veteran of the Korean War. He was also a member of Lyon Baptist Church in Lyon, MS.
Mr. Pinkston was preceded in death by his spouse, Irene Pinkston, parents, Samuel and Doyle Pinkston, son, Christopher Pinkston and a granddaughter, Jennifer Daves. He is survived by his daughters, Donna P. (Roy) Daves, of Clarksdale, MS and Patricia P. (Billy) Luther, of Hernando, MS. and sons, Michael A. Pinkston, of Clarksdale, MS., William "Bill" (Covy) Pinkston, of Panama City, FL., and Johnathan P. (Gay) Pinkston Sr., of Farrell, MS. Mr. Pinkston is also survived by a sister, Bettye Brown, of Sardis., MS., and eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Visitation Services will be from 6 til 8 p.m. November 30, 2011 at National Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS. Funeral Services are at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 1, also at National Funeral Home with burial following at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Clarksdale, MS.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Lyon Baptist Church, Donors Choice, or Carnegie Public Library.
Mrs. Ida Unruh Schmidt, 96
11/29/2011
Mrs. Ida Unruh Schmidt, 96, passed from this life Friday evening, November 25, 2011 at Noxubee General Hospital. Mrs.Schmidt was a Montezuma, Kansas native, born to the late Andrew B. and Susie Jantz Unruh on April 21, 1915. She was married for seventy-four years to the late Ivan Schmidt, who preceded her in death in 2009. She was the last one of her family surviving after her parents immigrated to America from Russia. They lived through many hard years as well as the tough years of the Depression.
She and her husband lived in Winton, California and for many years in Fredonia, Kansas. They were members of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite and were very active in church life and outreach. One of Mrs. Schmidt's primary concerns in life was for her family's salvation and Christian walk in life, for which she was often in prayer. In later life Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt moved to Clarksdale, MS to be nearer to their children, and in 2003 moved to the Oakwood Manor nursing home in Brooksville, MS. She was a humorous and witty person who made freinds easily. She had an amazing memory of songs and Bible stories, as well as of people she had met throughout her life and retained her clear mind until the end. She enjoyed being with her family and freinds.
Visitation will be from 12:30 until service time, November 30, 2011 at Clarksdale Church of God in Christ, Mennonite. Funeral service will follow at 2:00p.m., proceeding burial in the church cemetery. Memorial may be made to Oakwood Manor, P.O. Box 325 Brooksville, MS. 39739. Cockrell funeral home of Macon, MS. and National Funeral Home of Clarksdale, MS are handling the arrangements.
Mrs. Schmidt is survived by her eight sons: Donald and wife Geneva, Apple Creeek, Ohio; Roland and wife Twila, Macon, MS.; Eldon Raymond and wife Gwendene, Richard and wife Jane, Edwin and wife Letha, Dale and wife Maxine, all of Clarksdale, MS. and Roger and wife Clara of Batesville, MS. She is also survived by twenty-eight grandchildren, sixty-nine great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, four sisters, her loving husband, one daughter, two daughters-in-law, and two infant great-grandsons.
Harry Hobart Harrell, 84, of Amarillo
11/29/2011
Harry Hobart Harrell, 84, of Amarillo , died Thursday, November 24, 2011.
Funeral services will be Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at National Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the service time and burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Harry Hobart Harrell was born in Montgomery Co., Mississippion October 30, 1927. He was the son ofChester Claud and Jimmie Mae Long Harrell (Foshee) and grandson of Rube Dudleyand Rena Dale Bennett Long and Benjamin Franklin and Isadora Estella Westover Harrell.
All of his education was achieved in Mississippi . He attended Jefferson Davis Elementary School in Greenwood , VaidenJunior High, and Marks and Darlin High Schools before graduating from Batesville High School in Batesville , Mississippi . In 1956, he graduated from Delta State University with a B. S. in Business Administration.
He was drafted into the Army and deployed to Korea where he made the Inchon (S. Korea) and Wonson ( N. Korea ) Landings to go behind enemy lines; in the latter case attached to the 1st Marines.
As an employee of General Electric Credit, he was transferred to Amarillo , TX on April 10, 1957 where he spent the remainder of his life. After three years with General Electric Credit, he spent 16 years with Southwestern Investment Co. and 20 years as a Real Estate salesperson. He also owned and managed residential rental property for 41 years.
On June 30, 1959 he married Margaret Jane Zimpfer (deceased 19 March 1989). They had one daughter, Sarah Jane Harrell Williamson and husband Mark Williamson, and three grandchildren: Jennifer Maryann, Jessica M'Lynn, and John Mark. Jennifer married Nathan Craig Garner whom he considered another grandson.
Other living family members include close family friend, Ray Stone of Amarillo; three sisters, Ruby Fay Kennedy of Jackson, Mississippi, Mary C. Henderson of Water Valley, Mississippi, and Nancy Jane Aven of Courtland, Mississippi. He also has two living brothers, Chester T. Harrell (and wife Claudia) of Clarksdale , Mississippi and Freddie Lee Foshee of Courtland , Mississippi .
He enjoyed many years of doing genealogy (that he had dated back to 1003 A.D.) and working for Polk Street United Methodist Church , in addition to his memberships in Palo Duro Masonic Lodge (1959), York Rite Masonic Lodge (1974) and Khiva Masonic (Shrine) Lodge (1978).
He felt like he was a millionaire in friends. He didn’t know what a person would be like without friends. He considered himself a people person. He had said many, many times that while growing up so close to nature, so many people had sowed the petals of flowers along his pathway of life and many have taken root and grown. He felt that he needed to give back some of the rewards that he had reaped. That is the way we advance and grow. It is one of the most important ways of bringing our economy up. He felt strongly about investing in others education.
In lieu of flowers, any memorial donations should be made to Harry Hobart Harrell Endowment Scholarship Fund, Delta State University Alumni Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 3141 , Cleveland , Mississippi 38733 . The scholarship fund is set up to enable the most needy and intelligent student with a Christian faith to attend Delta State University . There will always be a student at DSU on a Harry Harrell scholarship.
Leave online condolences at www.nationalfuneralhome.com
Charles L. Horn, age 80, of Boyle, MS
11/26/2011
Charles L. Horn, age 80, of Boyle, MS passed away on Monday, November 21, 2011 at the Baptist Memorial Hospital. He was born on December 23, 1930 to Willie Watson and Leone (Chambers) Horn in Hillsboro, MS. Mr. Horn went to work at the age of 18 with what is now known as AT&T. He remained employed with AT&T for 39 years, having started his career in Greenville, MS before being transferred to Cleveland, MS in 1969. He was a US Army Veteran who served during the Korean War and was a past Executive Board Member for the Mississippi Telephone Pioneers. Mr. Horn loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman, a former president of Huntington Point for 12 years, and a member of the Beulah Fishing Club and Benoit Outing Club. He was a member of the American Legion and First Baptist Church of Boyle, where he was a retired Deacon. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at Cleveland Funeral Home from 12-2 p.m. The funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Clarence Edwards officiating. Burial will follow at the North Cleveland Cemetery.
Pallbearers are sons and grandsons Chuck Horn, Lexie Horn, John Horn, Creede Simpson, Chase Horn and Lex Horn. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons Eric Horn and Peyton Horn, as well as the Deacons at First Baptist Church of Boyle.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jane Ramsey Horn of Boyle, MS; daughter, Cathy Horn Simpson (Gene) of Auburn, AL; three sons, Chuck Horn (Harriet) of Los Gatos, CA, Lexie M. Horn (Cindy) of Cleveland, John A. Horn (Lisa) of Boyle; sister, Gladys Arinder of Morton, MS; eight grandchildren, Kate Simpson of Huntsville, AL, Creede Simpson of Auburn, AL, Chase and Eric Horn of Los Gatos, CA, Hayley Horn of Jackson, MS, Lex Horn of Cleveland, Lacie Horn of Cleveland and Peyton Horn of Boyle.
Memorials may be made to the Bolivar County Fire Department, P.O. Box 538, Cleveland, MS 38732 and the Mississippi Fire Fighters Memorial Burn Association, 161 Pine Ridge Circle, Brandon, MS 39047.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Randolph David ‘Randy” Whatley, 62
11/26/2011
Randolph David ‘Randy” Whatley, 62, died Monday, November 21, 2011 at The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland with interment in Lehrton Cemetery in Ruleville. Visitation is from 5:00-7:00 PM today at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Ridgeland and 12 Noon-2:00 PM Wednesday at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland.
Mr. Whatley is survived by his wife, Ann Davis Whatley of Madison; brothers, Leonard Whatley of Cleveland, MS and Earl Jones of Arkansas; and one sister, Pauline Hissim of Florida.
The family has requested that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
Thomas (Tommy) William Blankley of Clinton, MS
11/26/2011
Thomas (Tommy) William Blankley of Clinton, MS, formerly of Shelby, MS, died Sunday night, November 20, 2011, at his home in Clinton,following a short battle with cancer, with his wife, his children and grandchildren at his bedside. Tommy was born on May 9, 1927, to Herrick Joseph and Corinne Whitten Blankley.
He spent his entire life in Shelby until he moved to Clinton about two years ago. Tommy proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday, the first day he was eligible to volunteer. He was a member of the Decker- Maletesta American Legion Post in Shelby. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Eric J. Blankley. He is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Dixie Keith Blankley, two daughters, Leah Blankley Sandidge (Guy) and Neva Blankley Sabbatini (Bill), both of Clinton, MS, eight grandchildren whom he doted on, Emily Sandidge of Hermitage, TN, Amy Sandidge and Kyle Sandidge of Clinton, MS, Keith (Karen) Sandidge of Madison, MS, Meghan Sandidge of Starkville, MS. Kacie and Cory Sabbatini, Clinton, MS, and Whitten Sabbatini of Clinton and Mississippi State, MS; five great grandchildren who were the bright lights in his daily life, Emerson Sandidge, Leeana Sandidge, Kameron Sandidge, Dyllan Joiner, and Joey Navarro.
Tommy spent most of his life in the beef cattle business and when he sold his herd to make the move to Clinton he remarked that for the first time in seventy-four years, he did not own a single cow. To say he loved his cattle was an understatement. He was a faithful member of First Belleview Baptist Church of Shelby, but since moving to Clinton was faithful in attending Parkway Baptist Church in Clinton until he became ill in September.
Services will be conducted at First Belleview Baptist Church, by Rev. Jimmy Breland and Rev. David Koons in Shelby MS at two p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2011, with visitation in the church sanctuary from one to two p.m. Burial will be in the Shelby Cemetery under the direction of Ray Funeral Home, Cleveland, MS.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Kyle and Keith Sandidge, Cory and Whitten Sabbatini, long time friend Tom Holder, and nephew Charlie Heinsz.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to wish to memorialize him, please contribute to the charity of your choice.
Jerry Dewayne Salley, Sr., 55, of Cleveland, MS
11/20/2011
Jerry Dewayne Salley, Sr., 55, of Cleveland, MS passed away Saturday, November 19, 2011 in Boyle, MS. Graveside services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Lehrton Cemetery with Rev. Percy Beech officiating.
Jerry was born in Cleveland August 26, 1956 to Clarence Earn Salley and Willie Maye Gilbert Salley. He married Ginger Shaffer on October 17, 1977. He worked for 40 plus years as a self-employed painter.
He is survived by his wife, Ginger Salley of Cleveland, MS; son, Jerry Dewayne Salley, Jr. (Paige) of Cleveland, MS; daughters, Samantha Salley of Hickory Flats, MS and Angela Salley of Cleveland; 8 Grandchildren; brother, Joe Thomas Salley (Debbie) of Edinburg, MS and Clarence Earn Salley, Jr. (Shirley) of Cleveland; sisters, Ann Miller of Chatenooga, TN, Patricia Ann Johnson of Knoxville, TN and Peggy Salley White of Cleveland, MS.
Dr. James Wesley Ouzts, 74, of Cleveland
11/20/2011
Dr. James Wesley Ouzts, 74, of Cleveland passed away Thursday, Novmber 17, 2011 in Oxford, MS. Visitation will be 6:00-7:00p.m. Sunday, November 20, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home with a 7:00-8:00 p.m. Wake immediately following the visitation . Celebration of life services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 18, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Keith Davis and Father Tom Mallally officiating.
Dr. James Wesley Ouzts was born April 21, 1937, in Indianola, MS to Felix Donald Ouzts and Francis Geneva Hodges. He married Florence Uguccioni in Adrian, MI, December 30, 1967. Dr. Ouzts received a Bachelors degree from Delta State University; Masters degree from the University of Mississippi and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. He is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association. He earned the status of Professor Emeritus at Delta State University in Cleveland. Upon retirement, Dr. Ouzts loved playing the harmonica and enjoyed old time radio shows. He was certified as an occupation hearing conservationist. He received a diploma in Jewish- Christian Studies from the Institute of Jewish Christian Studies.
He is preceded in death by his father, Felix Donald Ouzts; mother, Francis Geneva Hodges; and brothers, Dr. Johnny Drew Ouzts and Jessie Donald Ouzts.
He is survived by his wife, Florence Uguccioni Ouzts of Cleveland, MS; son, James Wesley Ouzts, Jr. (Lisa) of Madison, MS; daughters, Katherine Elizabeth Ouzts of Oxford, MS, Dr. Ruth Margene Moore (John) of Savannah, GA and Mary Virginia Bragg (Dustin) of Oxford, MS; and grandson, Wesley Holland Moore.
Pallbearers will be Clark Ouzts, Randy Ouzts, Brad Ouzts, Chris Ouzts, Ricky Smither, Bill Killen, Jeff Tharp, Kevin Tharp.
Honorary pallbearers will be Lannis Hancock, Jimmy Hood, John Sledge, Homer Sledge, Lloyd Brown, Leon Miller, Bob Avery and Ed Kossman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, The Baptist Memorial Healthcare Foundation or charity of one’s choice.
James Orestes Hopkins, 88
11/20/2011
James Orestes Hopkins, 88, died Thursday, November 17, 2011. Visitation will be Saturday, November 19, 2011, at Ray Funeral Home from 1 – 2 p.m. Celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011, at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Haney and Rev. James Breland officiating. Burial will follow in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Hopkins was born on January 12, 1923, to Jim and Jimmie Mathew Hopkins. His father died when he was 9 month old, and his mother married Rev. Felton Warren. He attended Boyle School, and served in the military as a Tech. Sergeant in Iwo Jima, Japan during World War II. He was a retired employee of Trunkline Gas Co, and a farmer. He married Billie Jean Hopkins on January 14, 1951, and they had three children, Deborah Kaye Hopkins of Thibodaux, LA, Gloria Faye Burton, and her husband, Bobby from Beulah, MS, James Wesley “Buddy” Hopkins and his wife, Laura from Thibodaux, LA; five granddaughters, Tabitha Faye Shamblin, Rachael and Madelyn Hopkins, Natalie Yurkow, Jennifer Burton; two great-grandsons, Drew Tatum and Wesley Tatum, Corey Shamblin and Taylor Shamblin; great granddaughter, Abby Tatum; three brothers, Bobby Warren, of Thibodaux, LA, Jimmy Warren of Cleveland, MS, Pat Warren of Greenville, MS; and two sisters, Bonnie Strunk and Lucy Provis both of Thibodaux, LA.
Mr. Hopkins was an active member of the Interstate Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for many years. He was a Master Mason, and a member of the Benoit Outing Club and also enjoyed croppie fishing.
Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Interstate Baptist Church
Honorary pallbearers are W.D. Beach, Stanley Jones, and great grandsons, Drew Tatum, Wesley Tatum, and Cory Shamblin.
Ms. Melody Louise Burke, 57, of Shelby
11/20/2011
Ms. Melody Louise Burke, 57, of Shelby died Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at her home. Celebration of Life Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, November 18, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Ms. Burke was born on August 28, 1954 in Clarksdale to Charles William Burke and Dorothy Lee Roberts Burke. She graduated from Parks College of St. Louis University.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her brother, Lee Burke and his wife Carolyn of Shelby; stepmother, Anita B. Burke of Shelby ; a niece, Rikki Leigh Rickels and her husband Glen, of Cleveland ; and beloved; companions, Elvis, Finley and Spatz.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Bolivar County Humane Shelter, or charity of choice.
Lenda Lee Hunt Weeks, age 67, of Cleveland
11/14/2011
Lenda Lee Hunt Weeks, age 67, of Cleveland, passed away on Sunday November 13, 2011 after a long courageous battle with multiple myeloma, at her residence. She was born on May 30, 1944 to Doyle and Mattie (Henderson) Hunt in Ackerman, MS. She married her high school sweetheart Lloyd Weeks on August 26, 1962 in Cleveland, MS. She retired in 2004 from Baxter Healthcare where she had worked for 42 years as a purchasing agent. She was a dedicated Christian and a member of the Bolivar Church of Christ. Mrs. Weeks enjoyed spending time with her family, gardening and cooking. She loved her family and especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Devon Hunt. Visitation will be held Monday November 14, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland. Funeral Services will be held 10:00AM Tuesday November 15, 2011 at the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the North Cleveland Cemetery. Brent Smith and Wayne Moore will officiate the services. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Lloyd Weeks of Cleveland, MS. Two daughters, Kim Weeks (Charles) Gorman of Boyle, MS and Lisa Weeks (Chris) Giger of Cleveland, MS. Brother, Floyd Earl (Beatrice) Hunt of Belleville, IL. Grandchildren, Allan & Jordan Gorman of Boyle, MS. Grandchildren, Brett, Jared & Jason Giger of Cleveland, MS. Two special nieces and nephew Sylvia Lerch, Vicky Hundt and Jon Hunt, a host of other nieces and nephews, and her caregivers/friends Betty Watson and Memorie Thompson. Pallbearers are Jon Hunt, C. J. Lerch, Matt Lerch, Thomas Tanksley, Charles Boyette and Larry Davis. Memorials may be made to the Bolivar Church of Christ Building Fund 65 Oakridge Boyle, MS 38730.Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. On-line guest register may be viewed and signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net
Patricia Jean Ouzts Tindle, 70 of Boyle, MS
11/14/2011
Patricia Jean Ouzts Tindle, 70 of Boyle, MS, passed away at her home, in the arms of her family and into the arms of God, Saturday, November 12, 2011. Visitation will be Monday, November 14, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Celebration of life service will be Monday, November 14, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Bro. John Thomas officiating. Burial will follow services in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Tindle was born August 26, 1941 in Drew, MS to Clarence Ouzts and Jennie Lynn Alford. She married George Lamar Tindle, July 30, 1961 in Cleveland, MS. She was affiliated with the Morrison Chapel Baptist Church in Cleveland, MS.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Jennie Ouzts; and brothers, Ralph Ouzts and Bobby Ouzts.
Mrs. Tindle is survived by her husband, George Tindle of Cleveland, MS; daughters, Theresea Lee (Gene) of Southaven, MS and Denise Keeton (Brad) of Cleveland, MS; son Lamar Tindle (Ginny) of Boyle, MS; grandchildren, Seabran Lee, Cole Lee, Ellis Lee, Brittany Holiman, Brianna Keeton, Brady Keeton, Landon Tindle and Logan Tindle; brother, Everette “Buddy” Ouzts of Hemphill, TX; sister, Ann Walker of Huey Town, AL; brothers, Malcolm Ouzts of Greenwood, MS, Harold Ouzts of Cleveland, MS and Charles Ouzts of Cleveland, TN; and precious puppy, Abby Tindle.
Pallbearers will be Jackie Herbison, James Haynes, Houston Weaver, Bro. Robert Haney, Otis Harkins and Breland Yelverton
Mrs. Juanita Faye Hardin, 69, of Cleveland, MS
11/11/2011
Mrs. Juanita Faye Hardin, 69, of Cleveland, MS, passed away at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Services will follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2011 with Bro. Jimmy Breland officiating. Burial will be in Merigold Cemetery immediately following the services.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Hardin of Cleveland, MS; Children, Shannon Oglesby of Paducah, Kentucky, Machael Hardin of Cleveland, MS, and Patrick Hardin of Cleveland, MS; grandchildren, Malie Oglesby, Kayden Oglesby, Spencer Oglesby Hannah Hardin, Cory McGaughlin and John Dalton Thompson.
Mrs. Sandra Darden
11/11/2011
Mrs. Sandra Darden passed away Monday, November 7, 2011. A private family visitation will be from 12:30-1:00 p.m. at Ray Funeral Home Friday, November 11, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 11, 2011 at North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Sharlene Coleman Hudson, 73, of Cleveland, MS
11/11/2011
Mrs. Sharlene Coleman Hudson, 73, of Cleveland, MS, passed away, Sunday, November 6, 2011 at her home. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Artie Nute and Rev. Larry Chouccoli officiating. Burial will follow service in Lehrton Cemetery.
Mrs. Hudson was born in Vaiden, MS, to Thomas Henry Coleman and Audie Lee Mann on January 2, 1938. She married Harley Gayle Hudson on December 27, 1959. She was a member of the Dockery Baptist Church. She was a retired correctional officer for 16 years at Mississippi State Department of Corrections
She is preceded in death by her husband, Harley Gayle Hudson; and daughter, Darlene Gilbert.
Mrs. Hudson is survived by her granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Gilbert of Brandon, MS, whom she and her late husband raised as a daughter; four siblings, Tommie Muirhead and Brooxie Cutts of Cleveland, MS, Barbara Wheeler of Hernando, MS and Cledith Coleman of Sarasota, FL.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Turner, Parker Turner, Keith Wheeler, Steven Wheeler, Jeff Gilder, Coleman Gilder, Bennie Nutt, Stephen Harrell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Claude Gilbert, Benny Coleman, Norman Chenault and Doug Pannell.
Memorials may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
Mr. Alex Fletcher, Jr., 68, of Cleveland, MS
11/11/2011
Mr. Alex Fletcher, Jr., 68, of Cleveland, MS, passed away, Saturday, November 5, 2011 at Walter B. Crook in Ruleville, MS.
Mr. Fletcher was born December 20, 1942 in Cleveland, MS to Alex Fletcher and Ruby Mullins Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher was a member of the Morrison Baptist Church. He was an ordained Baptist minister and past deacon of Morrison Chapel Church. Mr. Fletcher loved sports and was an avid fisherman. Mr. Fletcher was also a member of the Moose Lodge.
He is survived by his sister, Lynn Shurden of Cleveland, MS; and brother, George L. Fletcher of Issaguah, WA; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service will be held at a later date.
Mrs. Inez Cliett Jennings, 85, of Cleveland, MS
11/06/2011
Mrs. Inez Cliett Jennings, 85, of Cleveland, MS, passed away at Bolivar Medical Center, Friday, November 4, 2011.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Monday, November 7, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Huber officiating. Burial will follow in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Jennings was born October 14, 1926 to Spurgeon Andrew Cliett and Carita Lofton Cliett in Pheba, MS. She married James Noble Jennings on January 25, 1949 in West Point, MS. They were happily married for 62 years. Mrs. Jennings was the proud owner of the LaParie Dress Shoppe for twenty years. She was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church for 41 years.
She is survived by her husband, James Noble Jennings of Cleveland, MS; sons, James Michael Jennings (Sherry) of Bartlett, TN, and Reginald Lynn Jennings (Joyce) of Bartlett, TN; daughter, Jeannie Jennings Mills (Rodney) of Benoit, MS; grandchildren; Stephanie Myers, Kelly Jennings, Nicholas Jennings, Callie Mills Morgan (Brandon), and Meriella Mills; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Inez Cliett Jennings, 85, of Cleveland, MS
11/06/2011
Mrs. Inez Cliett Jennings, 85, of Cleveland, MS, passed away at Bolivar Medical Center, Friday, November 4, 2011.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Monday, November 7, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Steve Huber officiating. Burial will follow in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Jennings was born October 14, 1926 to Spurgeon Andrew Cliett and Carita Lofton Cliett in Pheba, MS. She married James Noble Jennings on January 25, 1949 in West Point, MS. They were happily married for 62 years. Mrs. Jennings was the proud owner of the LaParie Dress Shoppe for twenty years. She was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church for 41 years.
She is survived by her husband, James Noble Jennings of Cleveland, MS; sons, James Michael Jennings (Sherry) of Bartlett, TN, and Reginald Lynn Jennings (Joyce) of Bartlett, TN; daughter, Jeannie Jennings Mills (Rodney) of Benoit, MS; grandchildren; Stephanie Myers, Kelly Jennings, Nicholas Jennings, Callie Mills Morgan (Brandon), and Meriella Mills; five great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
John Earl Jordan, Sr., of Hammond, Louisiana
11/06/2011
John Earl Jordan, Sr., of Hammond, Louisiana, formerly of Sunflower, Mississippi died November 4, 2011 at his home in Hammond, Louisiana. He is survived by his wife, of 49 years, Inez Evans Jordan, of Hammond, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nora Mae Carraway Morgan and Willie E. Jordan, and sister Betty Sue Jordan Sumrall.
He is also survived by his two children, John Earl Jordan, Jr. of Hammond, Louisiana and Richard Craig Jordan of Picayune, Mississippi. He had 4 grandchildren, Zachery Ryan Jordan of Leaksville, Mississippi, Megan Jordan and Julia Jordan of Covington, Louisiana, Evan Jordan of Warsaw, Indiana, and one great grandchild, Daisy Lea Jordan of Hammond, Louisiana. Also, he is survived by his two brothers, Billy Jordan of Tupelo, Mississippi and Jimmy Jordan (Margaret) of Houlka, Mississippi; three sisters, Dorothy Jordan Marcellus of Gulfport, Mississippi, Susie Jordan Gray of Columbus, Mississippi and Ruth Ann Morgan Free (Tommy) of Saltillo, Mississippi.
He was retired from Super Valu, Inc., where he worked for 32 years as a Warehouse Manager. He served in the Mississippi National Guard for 8 years in Moorhead, Mississippi. He was a member of Sunflower Baptist Church and a Member of Mississippi Masonic Lodge #450 of Indianola, Mississippi.
Visitation will be at the Harry McKneely Funeral Home in Hammond, Louisiana from 3:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2011. A second visitation will be held at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, Mississippi at 2:00 p.m. and services at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011. Burial will follow at the North Cleveland Cemetery.
Edith Mitchell Boswell, 93, of Cleveland
11/06/2011
Edith Mitchell Boswell, born November 5, 1917, in Pace, Mississippi, died quietly, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, November 2, 2011, at Indywood Estates in Cleveland after a long illness.
Devoted to her family, church and community, Edith was married 57 years to the late William Sanford Boswell, Sr. She attended Delta State on a music scholarship and continued to share her vocal and piano skills throughout her life. She was a Life Member and former treasurer of Cleveland Junior Auxiliary and a charter member of St. Luke United Methodist Church, where she was active in United Methodist Women, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. An excellent cook, she shared her famous pecan pies and potato soup with all, and was, according to her brother Harold, “always the life of the party.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Zack Ruff and Zadie Tucker Mitchell; her beloved husband, William S. Boswell Sr.; and nine siblings: brothers Hollis, Quinton, Hugh, Ray, Charlie, and David Mitchell, and sisters Kathleen Skelton, Lois Cox and Mary Elizabeth Walker. She is survived by her children: William S. Boswell, Jr. (Nancy) of Amory, Beth B. Jacks (Gerald) of Cleveland, Kathy B. Nichols (Tom) of Collierville, Tenn., and Melanie B. Wadlington (Warner) of Sledge. She is also survived by her brother, Harold H. Mitchell, her sister, Pat M. Savage, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Also, surviving are adored grandchildren: Stacey B. Lampkin (Billy), Katherine Boswell, Nan B. Thompson (Andy), Dorothy Boswell, Emily J. Mosley (Don), Bethany J. Dowdy (Charles), Will H. Jacks (Jamie), Thomas G. Jacks (Katie), Melanie N. Beckham (John), Matthew T. Nichols, John Boswell Nichols (Sage), Mary Clay W. Morgan (Matt), William B. Wadlington (Anna), James W. Wadlington (Carrie), and 18 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be Saturday, November 5, 2011, at 2:00 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Cleveland, and the family will receive friends in the St. Luke Fellowship Hall at 1:00 prior to the service. Burial will follow services in Delta Heights Cemetery.
Rev. Dixie Holder-Cummings will officiate. Ray Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
The family deeply appreciates the dedicated care given to Edith during her residency at Indywood Estates and the outpouring of love by employees there and her hospice caregivers.
Memorial gifts may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1227 Deering Street, Cleveland, Ms 38732, or to a favorite charity.
Mrs. Nannie Myrtle Townsend Chandler, 97, of Ruleville, MS
11/02/2011
Mrs. Nannie Myrtle Townsend Chandler, 97, of Ruleville, MS passed away Monday, October 31, 2011 at her home. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS. Celebration of life services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2011 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church with Rev. Robert “Sonny” Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Drew City Cemetery.
Mrs. Chandler was born January 16, 1914 to Albert and Alma Townsend. She married James Cullie Chandler in 1950.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Cullie Chandler; parents, Albert Townsend and Alma Tear Townsend; sisters, Lela Townsend Wright, Elsie Townsend Rozier and Emma Townsend Robbins; brothers, Jim Townsend, Bill Townsend, Harvey Townsend and Loution Townsend.
She is survived by her son, James A. “Jimmy” Chandler.
Mrs. Willie Belle Weaver, 98, of Drew, MS
10/31/2011
Mrs. Willie Belle Weaver, 98, of Drew, MS, passed away Friday, October 21, 2011 at North Sunflower Hospital in Ruleville, MS. Visitation will be 2:00-3:00p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Celebration of life services will start at 3:00p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Drew City Cemetery.
Mrs. Weaver was born February 22, 1913 to Samuel Pondexter Marquis and Josephine Jackson Marquis in Webster County. She married Elmer Houston Weaver on March 17, 1942.
She is survived by her son, Houston Weaver of Cleveland, MS; daughter, Deanie Stein (Jay) of Jacksonville, FL; grandson, J. Weaver of Atlanta, GA; sister, Myrlee Weaver of Houma, LA; a host of nieces and nephews; and special friend, Dolly Sherron of Drew, MS.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Walter B. Crook Nursing Facility P. O. Box 369 Ruleville, MS 38771.
Jane Carole Schroer Griffith Thompson, age 61, of Cleveland, MS
10/20/2011
Jane Carole Schroer Griffith Thompson, age 61, of Cleveland, MS, passed away on Sunday October 16, 2011 at the Bolivar Medical Center. She was born on June 20, 1950 to Clinton and Olinda (Bauche) Schroer in Washington, MO. Jane grew up in Warren County MO and attended Warrenton High School and Jefferson City Business College and received a bachelors’ degrees from Delta State University. In 1970 she married Phillip Griffith. She was a former Community Federal Savings Loan officer in Mexico, MO and in 1981 transferred to the Kirksville, MO office as assistant manager, where she met and married Micheal Thompson. In 1993 she and her family moved to Memphis, TN where she worked as a loan officer until moving to Cleveland in 1996, at which time, she became employed by Cleveland State Bank as a loan officer. She was currently serving as Vice-President and Bank Compliance Officer. She was an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church, a member of the "I Can Cope" cancer support group and actively involved in Relay for Life. She was an ambassador for M.D. Anderson Clinic in Houston, TX, a member of the Quilting Guild, a Margaret Green Junior High mentor, Lion's Club Member and a former national president of the Quota Club in Kirksville, MO. Jane was a cancer survivor and was actively involved in supporting others with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father Clinton Arthur Schroer and first husband Phillip Griffith.
A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday October 19, 2001 1:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, MS the family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Westminster Room. The Rev, Walt Griffith and Dr. Sid Harmon will officiate local arrangements. A second funeral service will be held 10:00AM Saturday October 22, 2011 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Holstein , MO. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Jeanne Lischer will officiate services.
Pallbearers will be Carl Schroer, Shawn Schroer, Ben Schroer, Daniel Schroer, Brad Mutert and Brian Mutert.
She is survived by husband, Micheal Thompson of Cleveland, MS. Mother, Olinda Bauche Schroer of Washington, MO. Two daughters, Stephanie Kemp of Memphis, TN. and Jennifer Grassham of Hobbs, NM. Sister, Joyce ( Gary ) Mutert of Holts Summit , MO. Three brothers, Thomas (Debbie) Schroer of Marthasville, MO, Charles (Jeanne) Schroer of Marthasville, MO, Cliff (Scott) Schroer of Kansas City, MO. Two granddaughters, Neysa Kemp of Memphis, TN and Emily Townsend of Hobbs, NM.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, First Presbyterian Church Choir Fund 1100 Hwy 8 Cleveland, MS 38732, or Immanuel United Church of Christ Cemetery Fund.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Mary Josephine Chicorelli Ferri, 78, of Cleveland, MS
10/20/2011
Mrs. Mary Josephine Chicorelli Ferri, 78, of Cleveland, MS, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2011 at her home. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland, MS. A Mass of Christian Burial we begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 15, 2011 at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church with Father Kent Bowlds officiating. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Clarksdale, MS.
Mrs. Ferri was born November 29, 1932 in Duncan, MS, to James B. Chicorelli and Jeanette Mangialardi . She married George Ferri, Jr. in Shelby, MS on February 2, 1958 and worked as a teacher for over twenty years.
She is Preceded in death by her parents, James B. Chicorelli and Jeanette Chicorelli Mangialardi; brother, James Chicorelli, Jr.; and sister, Madeline Chicorelli.
Mrs. Ferri is survived by her husband of 53 years, George Ferri, Jr of Cleveland, MS; children, Brenda Kincade (Kirk) and Trish Sartin (Greg) both of Clarksdale; Grandchildren, Beth Kincade, Caroline Kincade, William Sartin and Patrick Sartin all of Clarksdale; brother, Terry Chicorelli (Peggy) of Cleveland; sisters, Lou Favi (David) of Shelby and Jeanette Hosack of Greenville.
Pallbearers will be Charles Chicorelli, Chris Chicorelli, Jimmy Chicorelli, Steve Favi, Ted Favi and Troy Garrett.
Online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
Mr. Wood C. Smith, 97, of Cleveland
10/20/2011
Mr. Wood C. Smith, 97, of Cleveland passed away Thursday, October 13, 2011 at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with a second visitation on Wednesday, October 19 at 2:00 pm. Funeral services will be at 3:00 on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 with Rev. Macklyn Hubbell officiating. Burial will follow in the New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Smith was born on December 14, 1913 in Newton County to William Wyatt (W. W.) Smith and Kizzar Demaris Jones Smith (Kizzie Smith). Mr. Smith grew up farming with his father and brothers in the red hills of Mississippi, and he attended schools in Sebastopol, Mississippi where he finished his GED. After high school, he worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) doing electrical services and general construction for 18 months before joining Alabama Power and Light Company where he worked for several years as a lineman. He worked as an electrical serviceman for Coahoma Electric before he joined Mississippi Power and Light Company (Entergy) working initially in Greenville and Clarksdale before being assigned to Cleveland in 1941. Mr. Smith fell in love with hunting and fishing in the Delta, and he started taking flying lessons.
When the war broke out, Mr. Smith enlisted in the US Navy and served in the South Pacific during World War II as electrician 2nd class with the 47th Construction Battalion (Seabees). After the war was over, he returned to Mississippi Power and Light Company as a serviceman in Cleveland. He continued flying lessons and received his private pilot license for single engine airplane in January 1947. In 1948, he married Ottie Griffin from Cleveland. Mr. Smith continued to work for Mississippi Power and Light Company as a serviceman until his retirement in1977.
Mr. Smith was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 60+ years, a long-term member of the VFW, and a member of the American Legion for over 20 years. Mr. Smith was a mason for over 65 years becoming past master and high priest. He was an avid gardener, hunter, fisherman, and horseman. He helped organize the Cleveland Saddle Club and its trail rides and horse shows.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, W.W. Smith and Kizzie Smith; his wife, Ottie G. Smith; and his daughter, Diane Demaris Smith; his sister, Susanna Champion; his brothers, W. K. Smith, Lewis Smith, Howard Smith, and Lamar Smith;
Survivors including his daughter, Linda A. Smith of Cleveland, MS and Kaufman, TX; his nephews, Bill Smith of Albertville, AL and J. C. Champion of Queen City, TX; and his niece, Lynette Granade of Mobile, AL
Mrs. Etta Evelyn Weeks, 76, of Shaw, MS
10/11/2011
Mrs. Etta Evelyn Weeks, 76, of Shaw, MS, passed away, Monday, October 10, 2011 at South Sunflower Hospital in Indianola, MS. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.. Celebration of life service will be Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Gerald Greenlee, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Delta Heights Memorial Gardens.
Mrs. Weeks was born March 7, 1935 to Melton Holloway McKnight and Claudia Barrentine in Cleveland, MS. She married James Ralph Weeks in Shaw, MS on July 14, 1953. She was a member of the Interstate Baptist Church.
She is survived by her daughter, Jean Weeks Brookins of Shaw, MS; granddaughter, Janet Ray (James) of Indianola, MS; grandsons, David Walden (Bridget) of Winston Salem, NC and Daniel Walden (Susan) Germany; and nine great-grandchildren; brother, Emmitt McKNight of Indianola, MS; sisters, Lady Katherine Mullen (Hob) of Indianola, MS and Almarene Palmer of Benoit, MS.
Mrs. Weeks is preceded in death by her husband, James Ralph Weeks and her parents.
Mr. Matthew Blake Hall, 26, of Pace, MS
10/11/2011
Mr. Matthew Blake Hall, 26, of Pace, MS, passed away, October 8, 2011 in Cleveland, MS. Visitation will be Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. There will be a memorial service following the visitation at the Pace Pentecostal Church. Celebration of life service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 10, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Matthew was born September 26, 1985 in Cleveland, MS to Mark E. Hall, Sr. and Molly Goss Hall. He was the most wonderful, loving, giving and caring son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many. He loved life and everyone he knew with all of his heart. Matt loved the outdoors and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his friends and family. He had the greatest faith in God. Matt had the most amazing attitude and will be missed by everyone, mostly his Momma, Daddy, Lil Mark, Chelsea, Lathan, and Aden.. Matt graduated high school from Pace Christian Academy and was a graduate of Mississippi Delta Junior College. He was currently working for Robinson Electric.
He is survived by his parents, Mark E. Hall, Sr. and Molly Goss Hall; brother, Mark E. Hall, Jr. (Leigh Ann) of Cleveland, MS; sister, Chelsea Montana Hall of Pace, MS; grandparents, Ed and Jerry Hall, and Marvin and Margaret Goss; nephews, Lathan and Aden Hall and their mother Christina; and girlfriend, Shelby Weeks.
Mr. Charles Shivers Metcalf, 61, of Boyle, MS
10/11/2011
Mr. Charles Shivers Metcalf, 61, of Boyle, MS, passed away, Wednesday, October 4, 2011 at his home. Visitation will be Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Celebration of life service will be Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Barry Dickerson officiating.
Mr. Metcalf was born in Memphis, TN to William Metcalf and Bonita Shivers Metcalf on August 10, 1950. He was a gourmet cook and could out cook anyone. He loved to fly. It was his passion.
Charles Metcalf was a native of the Mississippi Delta. He lived, flew, and taught in Cleveland, MS, where he was a faculty member at Delta State University. He taught all of the ground school courses in the Department of Commercial Aviation, and performed occasional stage checks. He was formerly the Chief Flight Instructor at Delta State University. He was an advisor for the AHP, the Aviation Fraternity.
Mr. Metcalf began his aviation career as an aerial applicator-fertilizing, seeding, and spraying crops. When an ice storm hit the Delta one year, he took a break from “ag flying” and signed on for charter and sightseeing flights in the Caribbean, all the while working as a flight instructor in the Dominican Republic. He moved to Louisiana to work again as an aerial applicator, but started jumping from planes as well as flying them. After several years of owning and operating a commercial skydiving business, Mr. Metcalf returned to Mississippi and to school- to finish his degree in Commercial Aviation.
He held a BS and MS in Commercial Aviation, and was pursuing a Doctorate in Education. He had Commercial, Instrument, CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings, and was a FAA Designated Examiner for the Part 141 School’s Private License and Instrument Rating. He was a member of EOC, Civil Air Patrol.
He logged over 11,500 hours of single- and multi-engine flights. Besides flying, his hobbies were skydiving, hunting, fishing, camping and cooking. Mr. Metcalf was concerned about water quality and water usage (waste) as well as migratory flyways in the Delta- specifically their habitat and maintenance. He flew a 1982 Cessna Skyhawk owned by his student, Dr. Susan Hines. Dr. Hines found conservation a worthy cause, and was happy to facilitate Southwings’ flights in and around the state. Mr. Metcalf was a pilot for Southwing and was the mosquito pilot for Cleveland.
Otis W. Pyron, age 66, of Cleveland
10/03/2011
Otis W. Pyron, age 66, of Cleveland , died on Sunday October 02, 2011 at his home. He was born on August 02, 1945 to Homer and Margie (Welch) Pyron, Jr in Ruleville , MS . He was Ruleville native and attended Ruleville Schools. Mr. Pyron worked at Baxter Laboratory for over 37 years. He was a member of Interstate Baptist Church and a former Mississippi Army National Guardsman. He had his own lawn service business for several years. Mr. Pyron enjoyed helping people and was a very loving person. He was preceded in death by step-son Jerry Clifton Coleman, II
Visitation will be held Tuesday October 4, 2001 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland . Funeral Services will be held 11:00AM Wednesday 10/05/2011 at Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at the Lehrton Cemetery . Reverend Robert Haney and Reverend Clarence Edwards will officiate the service.
He is survived by Wife of 20 years, Kay Pyron of Cleveland, MS. Daughter, Penny (John) Allen of Oxford, MS. Daughter, Ann (Mike) Willingham of Carrollton , GA. Step-daughter, Brenda (Robert) Goff of Bartlesville, OK. Step-daughter, Linda (James) Harper of Dennis , MS . Step-daughter, Sherry Eddins of Cleveland, MS. Sister, Betty Hock of Menden, LA. Sister, Pat Burchfield of Dublin , MS . 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the COPD Foundation, 2937 SW 27th Avenue, Suite 302 , Miami , FL 33133 .
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. .
Shirley Ann Watson Daniel, age 75, of Cleveland
10/03/2011
Shirley Ann Watson Daniel, age 75, of Cleveland, passed away at her home on Tuesday September 27, 2011. Shirley was born on March 12, 1936 to Dell and Geneva (McMinn) Watson. Shirley was born in Ackerman and graduated Ackerman High School. She was married to the late Rev. James "Jimmy" William Daniel, Sr. Shirley was a retired secretary for Community Action in Montgomery, Al where she had spent over 25 years of her life assisting the people of her community. Her hobbies included reading and being an Elvis fan. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
Visitation will be held from Friday 09/30/2011 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland. Funeral Services will follow at 2:00PM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel.
The Reverend Steve Huber will officiate the services.
She is survived by Son, Jim Daniel of Montgomery, AL. Son, Eddie (Linda) Daniel of Cleveland, MS. Son, John Daniel of Montgomery, AL. Sister, Bobbie Sullins of Long View, TX. Brother-in-law, Frankie Daniel of Columbus, MS. Sister-in-law, Bobbie Gray of Prattville, AL. Sister-in-law, Mary Hunnicutt of Collierville, TN. Four grandchildren David, Whitney, Emily and Brandon Daniel.
Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Holder, Jeff Isaacks, Hunter Doty, Gene McCollum, Brian McCune and Nick Palacios.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Leon Ellis Heffner, 69, of Cleveland, MS
10/03/2011
Mr. Leon Ellis Heffner, 69, of Cleveland, MS, passed away, Wednesday, September 28, 2011. Visitation will be Saturday, October 1, 2011 in the Fellowship Hall at St. Luke Methodist Church in Cleveland from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Saturday, October 1, 2011 at St. Luke Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Dixie HolderCummins officiating. Burial will follow the service in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Heffner was born in Greenwood, MS to Alvin Roddy and Margaret Eva Collins Heffner on August 19, 1942. He married Madeleine Colette Ciezak on June 3, 1962 in Columbia, SC. He loved to garden and was an avid rose gardener. Mr. Heffner and his wife were owners of Bolivar Tire, Inc. from 1979 until his retirement in 2008. He was a n Armed Services veteran and a York and Scottish Rite Mason, and Shriner. Mr. Heffner had a passion for fishing. He loved to make old things new.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Madeleine Ciezak Heffner; brother, Darnell Heffner; and sister, Juanita Barnett.
He is survived by his daughter, Christine Heffner of Cleveland, MS; son, Richard Heffner of Cleveland, MS (Debbie); daughter, Rene’ Turnage (Duane) of Batesville, MS; son, Todd Heffner (Stephanie) of Shaw, MS; grandchildren, Christopher Lishman (Elizabeth), Matthew Lishman, Scott Heffner, Chelsea Heffner, Kyle Partridge, Michael Heffner, Nicole Rensink, Logan Heffner and Hunter Turnage; brothers, Robert Heffner of Lambert, MS, (Shirley Ann), Paul Heffner (Jan) of Gautier, MS, Leroy Heffner (Ann) of Southaven, MS, Charlie Heffner of Coldwater, MS.
Pallbearers will be Michael Burdine, Christopher Lishman, Matthew Lishman, Kenneth Lishman, Charles, Briscoe, Louis Tackett, Walter McClure and Ralph McClure.
Honorary pallbearers are Scott Heffner , Michael Heffner, Kyle Partridge and John Veazy
Mr. J.D. Holcomb, 82, of Coila
10/03/2011
Mr. J.D. Holcomb, 82, of Coila passed away September 28, 2011 at The Veterans Nursing Home in Kosciusko, MS. Celebration of Life Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at Linn Methodist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Holcomb was born December 2, 1928 in Hardy, Arkansas. He married Pauline Lett in Cleveland, MS and served our country in the army during the Korean war. He loved fishing, hunting and loved his family dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline Lett Holcomb of Coila, MS; sons, Ronald Holcomb of Chicago, IL and David Holcomb (Tammy) of Coila, MS; grandchildren, Josh Holcomb, Casey Holcomb, Kady Holcomb, Dylan Holcomb, Jackie Holcomb and Hannah Linn-Holcomb; great-grandchildren, Hunter Holcomb, Benjamin Holcomb, and Kaleb Holcomb; brothers, Lloyd Holcomb and L.C. Holcomb both of Greenville, MS.
Pallbearers will be Josh Holcomb, Dylan Holcomb, Keith Holcomb, Danny Allbritton, Les Dixon, William Sheedy and Todd Garner.
Mrs. Martha Eloise Abel Solomon, 78, of Leland, MS
10/03/2011
Mrs. Martha Eloise Abel Solomon, 78, of Leland, MS, passed away at her home, Tuesday, September 27, 2011. Visitation will be Friday, September 30, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Friday, September 30, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Barry Dickerson officiating.
Mrs. Solomon was born January, 7, 1933 to Walter Henry Abel and Mary Douglas Price in Cleveland, MS. She received her bachelor, masters, and specialist degrees in education from Delta State University. She married Edward Lloyd Solomon in Cleveland, MS on August 18, 1951. She was a member of Mississippi Rose Association. Mrs. Solomon grew and showed roses for years. She taught Bible study at First United Methodist Church in Cleveland and taught Sunday school for over twenty years for children and adults.
She is survived by her children, Jackie Solomon Dedwylder of Senatobia, MS and Walter Lloyd Solomon (Sandy Hamilton Solomon) of Leland, MS; grandchildren, Will Dedwylder, Ben Dedwylder (Rebekah), Mike Dedwylder, Amy Solomon Harris (Cale), Eric Edward Solomon, Joseph Walter Solomon; great-grandchild, Max Dedwylder; honorary grandchild, Bobby Pelts.
Eunice E. Denley Mckee, age 86, of Lobelville, TN
09/27/2011
Eunice E. Denley Mckee, age 86, of Lobelville, TN died on Monday September 26, 2011 at her residence. She was born on October 11, 1924 to Thomas and Linnie Mae (King) Denley. Mrs McKee was born in Charleston, MS and attended Charleston Schools. She married the late Eddie Daniel McKee together they raised 6 children. Mrs, McKee's babysitter was her cotton sack dragging her children with her while she worked to sustain her family. Mrs. McKee was a former Shelby Die-casting employee for many years until moving to Pearl in 1999 to assist her sisters. She was a member of Paul Truitt Baptist Church in Pearl, MS. She was a unselfish person always taking care of others. She had a heart of gold and was a wonderful cook.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers Lawrence and George Denley and a sister Velma Denley
Visitation will be held Wednesday September 28, 2011 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 PM at Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at the Shelby Cemetery. Reginald Finch will officiate the service.
She is survived by Son, A. D. (Barbara) McKee of Holcomb, MS. Daughter, Margie McCune of Lobelville, TN. Son, Tom (Elba) McKee of Cleveland, MS. Daughter, Glinda (Larry) Coats of Moorhead, MS. Daughter, Pat (Raymond) Hamilton of Lexington, TN. Son, J D McKee of Louisville, MS. Brother, Edgar Denley of Jackson, MS. Brother, Joe (Betty) Denley of Pearl, MS. Brother, Robert (Paula) Denley of Terry, MS. Sister, Dorothy (Otho) Derrick of Pulaski, MS. 19 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Brian McCune, Ray Carl Hamilton, Joe Garza, David McKee, Wayne McKee and Wyatt McCune.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dorie Brasher Robb, age 81, of Cleveland
09/27/2011
Dorie Brasher Robb, age 81, of Cleveland, passed away on Tuesday September 20, 2011 at the Bolivar Medical Center. She was born on August 11, 1930 to John E. and Sallie (Cox) Brasher. Mrs. Robb grew up in the Alva Community and graduated Alva Schools in 1949. She married Charles A Robb on June 07, 1951 in Cleveland, Ms at First Baptist Church. She was a former quality technician for Baxter Laboratory for 32 years. She was a member of Morrison Chapel Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Mrs. Robb was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Charles E. Brasher.
Visitation will be held Thursday September 22, 2011 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow visitation at 2:00 PM in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at the North Cleveland Cemetery. Reverend John Thomas will officiate the services.
She is survived by Husband of 60 years, Charles A. Robb of Cleveland, MS. Son, James and wife Janice Robb of Springfield, VA. Son, Keith and wife Lisa Robb of Cleveland. Daughter, Melissa Robb Dyche of Cleveland, MS. Daughter, Angela Robb and husband Mac McNeer of Cleveland. Sister, Anita B. Jennings of Cordova, TN. 8 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Jamey Smith, Andy Pearson, Brasher Robb, Matthew Robb, Jonathan Chisolm, Leonard Robb, Zac Tollison and Nick Wilson. Memorials may be made to the Morrison Chapel Baptist Church Building Fund.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Dorothy Page Miller, 82, of Drew, MS
09/27/2011
Mrs. Dorothy Page Miller, 82, of Drew, MS, passed away at Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, MS, Monday, September 26, 2011. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Drew Methodist Church in Drew, MS from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Drew Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Todd Lemon and Rev. J. C. Hubbard officiating. Burial will follow services in Drew Cemetery.
Mrs. Miller was born August 16, 1929 to Sam Pieger Page and Wilmuth Perry in Summit, MS. She married Herbert Tucker Miller, Jr. on September 9, 1951 in Summit, MS. Mrs. Miller was a Mississippi State College for Women graduate. She served as State President of the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, was a master flower show judge, Past president of Drew Culture Club, and belonged to the United Methodist Women. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Drew and was also a lifelong member of the Drew Methodist Coffee Club
She is survived by her husband, H.T. Miller, Jr. of Drew, MS; children, H.T. Miller, III “Tucker” (Ruth) of Drew, MS, Dr. Mark Page Miller of Memphis, TN; grandchildren, Herbert Miller (Jan) of Indianapolis, IN, Emily Waters (Michael) of Starkville, MS, Paige Nored (Joseph) of Memphis, TN, Lauren Miller of Memphis, TN, Mark Page Miller, Jr. of Memphis, TN, and David Miller of Memphis, TN; great-grandchildren, Sarah Blake Miller and Ray Waters; sister, Margaret Hurst of San Diego, CA; and brother, Sam Page of McComb, MS.
Memorials can be made to Drew Methodist Church and The Garden Clubs of Mississippi.
Online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
Avo Warren Boatright, 93, of Cleveland
09/20/2011
Avo Warren Boatright 93 of Cleveland passed away Monday September 19, 2011 at her home in Cleveland. Visitation will be 12:00PM Friday September 23, 2011 until 1:00PM at Immanuel Baptist Church in Cleveland. Funeral service will be 1:00PM at Immanuel Baptist Church. Interment will be 4:00PM at the North Union Cemetery in Bellefontain, MS
Steven Allen Giunto age 38, of Cleveland
09/20/2011
Steven Allen Giunto age 38, of Cleveland passed away on Wednesday September 14, 2011 at the University Medical Center in Jackson. He was born on March 16, 1973 to Daniel and Nancy (Lorence) Giunto. Steven was a superintendent for Anco Construction. He had lived in the delta for the past five years. Steven's hobbies included Riding his Harley Davidson, Sports of all kinds especially football. He enjoyed camping and loved going to the beach in Florida. He was of Catholic faith.
Visitation will be held Friday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00PM held in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will be at the Delta Heights Memorial Gardens . Father Kent Bowles will officiate the services.
Pallbearers will be Dale Ray, Marc Flannagan, Louis Stallings, Mike Ramage, Thomas Crocker and Brent Morgan.
He is survived by Mother, Nancy L. Zavalnak of Ohio, Wife, Stacey Ray Giunto of Cleveland, Son, Vincent Giunto of Cleveland, MS. Brother, Michael Giunto of Ohio. Sister, Sherry Giunto of, Ohio. Step-sons, Matthew Maloney and Jordan Maloney of Cleveland, MS.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Ricky Dale Mullen
09/20/2011
Mr. Ricky Dale was born on August 14, 1951 to the union of the late, Linus and Mary Ina (Vick) Mullen. Ricky was the twelfth of thirteen children, born under this union. He is preceded in death by three brothers, Jimmy Lee, William (Bud), Herbert Jay; and four sisters, Mary May, Alma Joanne, Jeanie Mae, and Barbara Diane.
Ricky served our country under the service of the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He was honorably discharged at the end of his service tour. Ricky confessed Jesus Christ as the Son of God and his Lord and Savior and was baptized on Thursday, September 15, 2011. He said his only regret was that he did not give his life to Christ earlier in his life.
On Sunday, September 18, 2011, Ricky told his brother, Fred that he had to go somewhere, at 9:00 p.m. Ricky held to his word and left this world to go be with his Redeemer and Savior, in heaven. Celebration of Life services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home with a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Rev. W.E. Tinson will be officiating and a burial shall follow at Linn Baptist Church Cemetery.
Ricky leaves to mourn two sons, Daniel Mullen of Shaw, MS and Kelvin (Rebecca) Owens of Abbeville, MS; five beautiful grand-children; jes’Sean Leroydrick, jes’ Lah Dannell, and jes’Dyn Symone all of Shaw, MS, Yanti Alexis of Cebu City, Phillipines, and Reed of Abbeville, MS; two brothers, Frederick and Benny both of Shaw, MS; three sisters Francis (Net) of Panama City, FL, Peggy Ruth (Rodney) of Jackson, MS, and Nancy Sue of Shaw, MS and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mrs. Lucille Boykin of Cleveland
09/20/2011
Mrs. Lucille Boykin, longtime resident of Cleveland, MS, died Thursday, September 15, 2011 in Ridgeland, MS. Mr. Boykin preceded her in death in 1981. She was a native of Carroll County.
She is survived by one son, Hubert Boykin of Austin, TX; two grandchildren, Lynn Moseley of Austin, TX and Steve Boykin of Bastrop, TX; one sister, Frances Jean Paley of Jackson; one great grandchild, Madeleine Moseley; and nieces and nephews.
Graveside service will be held in Delta Heights Memorial Gardens, Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with Milton Burd and Jimmy Breland officiating.
George Lee Copprue, Jr
09/20/2011
Information on George Lee Copprue, Jr.’s funeral service:
The service is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Providence Missionary Baptist Church 3400 Highway 82 East Greenwood, Mississippi 38930.
The Copprue Funeral service and arrangements have been entrusted to:
Sanders and Sanders Funeral Homes
6171 Hwy 49 South
Greenwood, MS 38930
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the George L. Copprue, Jr. Memorial Fund by deposit to any Regions Bank
Josephine P. Lindsey, age 73, of Cleveland
09/14/2011
Josephine P. Lindsey, age 73, of Cleveland , passed away on Sunday September 11, 2011 at the University Medical Center . She was born on March 27, 1938 to Camilo and Benita (Garcia) Palacios in Shaw. She married Louis Dexter Lindsey on May 03, 1969 in Cleveland . She was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Boyle. Mrs. Lindsey was a retired press operator for Douglas & Lomason having worked there for 26 years. She was a loving wife and wonderful partner to her husband and loved her daughter and grandchildren very very much. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, walking, and being outside tending to her rose garden.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Julian Palacios and two sisters, Mary Palacios and Ramona Soliz.
Visitation will be held Wednesday September 14, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Church of God of Prophecy in Boyle. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM at Church of God of Prophecy in Boyle. Burial will be at the Delta Heights Memorial Gardens . Bishop Wilburn Brock will officiate the services.
She is survived by Husband of 42 years, Dexter Lindsey of Cleveland , MS . Daughter, Lisa A Lindsey Torres of Cleveland, MS. 6 Brothers, Fred Palacios of Cleveland, MS, Nick Palacios of Cleveland, MS, Mike Palacios of Cleveland, MS, Pete Palacios of Hobbs, NM, Paul Palacios of Hobbs, NM, Joe Palacios of Cleveland, MS. Sister , Frances Edwards of Cleveland , MS . 3 Grandchildren, Dolores Torres and companion Carmelo Moncada, Monica Torres and John Torres all of Cleveland , MS . 4 Great Grandchildren, Gracie Moncada, Nathalia Moncada, Hazel Moncada, Ivan Moncada all of Cleveland , MS . She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and extended family member Stephanie Ricks of Winona .
Pallbearers are Jorge Garcia, Florencio Ybarra, Jessie Palacios, Jose Moncada, Jose Rojas, Sr., and Jesus Moncada. Honorary pallbearers are Justin Cannon and Jose Rojas, Jr.
Memorials may be made to the Church of God of Prophecy building fund 626 Jane St. Cleveland , MS 38732
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Dr. Frank C. Young, age 66, of Cleveland
09/12/2011
Dr. Frank C. Young, age 66, of Cleveland , passed away on Thursday September 08, 2011 at the Bolivar Medical Center . He was born on September 26, 1944 to Troy and Willie (Crider) Young in Logan , Alabama . Dr. Young graduated from West Point High School in West Point , Alabama . He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Florence State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Driver’s Education and Traffic Safety. He was the first Dr. of Drivers Education in the state of Mississippi . Dr. Young began his employment with Delta State University in 1972 where he started the first Drivers Education program. He remained at Delta State until 2002 having taught over 7000 young teens through his Drivers Education program. While at Delta State he was a clock operator of football and basketball games and a coach bus driver for the teams and private trips for over 20 years. Dr. Young was a member of First Baptist Church Cleveland and a former Cleveland Lion's Club member. He was a lover of life and those around him. Visitation will be held from 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM Saturday September 10, 2011 at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland . Graveside funeral service will follow visitation at North Cleveland Cemetery in Cleveland . The Reverend Jimmy Breland will officiate the service. Pall-bearers will be James Donald Cooper, Leroy Morganti, Wade Kennedy, Melvin Steadman, Allen Pepper, Paul Lindsey, Buddy Ware and Tiny Avery. Honorary pall-bearers are Dr. Benny Wright, Dr. Steven Clark, Dr. Charlie Brock and Dr. Michael Montesi. He is survived by wife of 24 years, Sally Chandler Young of Cleveland, MS, adopted brother Otis Hankins of Cleveland and a host of friends and relatives. Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis , TN 38105
Manuel Yracheta Sifuentes, Jr., 64, of Grenada
09/12/2011
Manuel Yracheta Sifuentes, Jr., 64, of Grenada, MS passed away September 10, 2011 at Greenwood Leflore Hospital. Arrangements are currently pending for Tuesday, September 13, 2011.
Manuel was born February 5, 1947 to Manuel Yracheta Sifuentes, Sr. and Aurora Becerra in Rosedale, MS. He worked as a lieutenant and investigator in law enforcement as well as a truck driver for many years.
He is survived by his four sons, Manuel Yracheta Sifuentes III, Martin William Sifuentes, Matthew Jose Sifuentes and Steven Hunter; daughter, Aurora Betty Sifuentes; 3 brothers, Lucio Sifuentes, Joe Sifuentes, and Steve Becerra; granchildren, Sonya Maria Sifuentes, Andrew Foster, Jr., Jeneva Foster, and Layla Roberts; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
William Donald “Donnie” Dunn, 66, of Cleveland
09/12/2011
William Donald “Donnie” Dunn, 66, of Cleveland died September8, 2011 at his home. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. Monday, September 12, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. A service of Remembrance will immediately follow the visitation and will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Mr. Dunn was born April 1, 1945 in Bolivar County to Jessie Willard Dunn and Mary Francis Drake Dunn. He was retired from Dunn General Contactor from Natchez, MS.
He was a beloved father and brother, loved all 9 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Willard Dunn and Mary Francis Drake Dunn and brothers Jesse Emmett Dunn and Billy Wayne Dunn, Bobby Joe Dunn; and grandchild, Jacoby Devin Dunn.
He is survived by his three children, son, William Donald “Bubba” Dunn, Jr. of Cabot, AP; daughters, Kristen Dunn “Krissy” Strickell of San Diego, CA and Angela Dunn “Angie” of Albany, LA; four brothers, Larry Eugene Dunn of Washington, Martin Jerry Dunn of Little Yazoo, MS, Jessie Willard Dunn, Jr. of Cleveland, MS and Terry Paul Dunn of Cleveland, MS; and sisters, Barbara Arbuckle of Boyle, MS and Debbie Scott Gamber of Riverview, FL.
Ina Dean McLemore Gordin Smith, 85
09/12/2011
Ina Dean McLemore Gordin Smith, 85, died Wednesday September 7, 2011, in Oxford.
Services will be held at 2 pm Friday at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland. Burial will follow at Merigold Cemetery in Merigold. Visitation will precede the services from 12 noon until 2 pm at the funeral home.
Born in Duncan, to Robert Iva and Mary Lou McLemore, she graduated from Benoit High School and lived in Greenwood, Vicksburg, Merigold, Derma, and Oxford. She was a member of Derma Baptist Church and formerly a member of Merigold Baptist Church. She enjoyed teaching children’s Sunday School and sewing and reading. She was a devoted wife and mother and worked for many years as a legal secretary and bookkeeper.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James F. “Jack” Smith and granddaughter Cynthia Harrison.
Survivors include three daughters, Sharon Gordin Harrison of Antioch, Illinois; Rita Gordin Goodson of Grenada; and Melissa Gordin Alexander of Oxford; one son, Dennis Gordin of Taylors, South Carolina; one sister, Margie Pauls of Fayetteville, Arkansas; one brother, James R. “Sonny” McLemore of Monroe, Louisiana; and four grandchildren, Marshall, Amanda, William, and Angela Alexander of Oxford.
Mr. George Reece Harrison, 82, of Cleveland, MS
09/05/2011
Mr. George Reece Harrison, 82, of Cleveland, MS, passed away at Cleveland Nursing and Rehab, Sunday, September 4, 2011.
Mr. Harrison was born to William Thomas Harrison and Myrtle Alice Shelton on May 22, 1929 in Cleveland, MS. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cleveland, he was a member of the American Rose Society and was also a Rosarian.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas Harrison and Myrtle Alice Shelton; brothers, W.T. Harrison and Earl D. Harrison.
Mr. Harrison is survived by his sister, Barbara Andrews; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the City of Cleveland Beautification C/ O Jane Dunlap.
Richard Ancle Cummins, 80, (“Wudder” to his siblings) of Dockery
09/05/2011
Richard Ancle Cummins, 80, (“Wudder” to his siblings) of Dockery, peacefully passed at Cleveland Nursing and Rehab, Saturday, September 3, 2011.
Mr. Cummins was born, December 5, 1930, in Sunflower County to Richard Willis “Pete” and Mary Lee Clark Cummins. He grew up in and was educated in Drew. He married his high school sweetheart, Arvetta Parker, December 23, 1951. They were married for 59 wonderful, loving and devoted years. He was a longtime member of Drew Baptist Church, serving as deacon and Sunday School Secretary over the years. His children claim they were always the first ones at the church because their dad had the key. A devoted father to his 5 children, he followed each of them throughout their athletic endeavors. He was also well known for the vocal harassment of many officials and umpires.
The majority of his work life was spent in the farming industry. He rented and managed Dockery Farms moving his family ‘to the country’ in 1970. He served as 1st Sergeant in the Mississippi Army National Guard from which he retired. He instilled a very strong work ethic in his children, leading by example. Many times during planting and harvest seasons he would work from sun up to midnight. He continued working as a crop insurance adjuster until the age of 72. Richard was known for his generosity not only with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, but with anyone with a want or need.
Mr. Cummins is survived by his wife, Arvetta Parker Cummins of Ruleville (Walter Crook Nursing Facility), daughter-in-law, Kathy Willingham Cummins of Ruleville, son, Allen “Butch” Cummins and wife Deonna of Drew, MS, daughter Sandra Cummins and Lori Good of Houston, TX, and daughter Delia Cummins of Cleveland, MS. Grandchildren: Allen Cummins of Sardis, MS, Jade Cummins of Starkville, MS, Andy and Karen Cummins of Pope, MS, Kelly and Bryant Latham of Nashville, TN, Beau and Jacklyn Cummins of Petal, MS, Matt and Jennifer Cummins of Rena Lara, MS, and Michelle Parish of Houston, TX. Great-Grandchildren: Ali, Tristan, Heartly, and Kaylyn. His legacy continues (one on the way).
Siblings: Billy Cummins (Helen) of Drew, MS, Celeste Rhymes (J.C.) of Hazelhurst, MS, Jonathan Cummins (Margaret) of Pearl, MS, Lydia Pruitt (Aaron-deceased) of Sheridan, AR, Gladwin Cummins (Ibby) of Indianola, MS, Ankie Cummins (Stella) of Cleveland, MS, David Cummins (Dorothy) of Madison, MS, and Henry Cummins (Becky) of Drew, MS. And a host of nieces and nephews that loved him.
Predeceased by a son, Richard “Buster” (1952-2010), a son, Jackie Joe (1955-2005), a daughter, Shelia Elaine (1958) , and brothers Chuck Cummins (Nell) and Bobby Joe Cummins (Margot)
Visitation will be Monday, September 5, 2011, at Ray Funeral Home, Cleveland, MS, 6-8pm.
Celebration of Life Service, Drew Baptist Church, will be Tuesday, September 6, 2011, at 11am with Reverend Bob Lynch officiating.
Interment following at Drew Cemetery.
Pallbearers are grandsons, Allen Cummins, Andy Cummins, Beau Cummins, Matt Cummins, Bryant Latham, and Tristan Cummins.
Mrs. Rosa Dangelo Richmond, 83, of Cleveland
09/05/2011
Mrs. Rosa Dangelo Richmond, 83, of Cleveland, passed away Friday, September 2, 2011 at Bolivar Medical Center. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 5, 2011 at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland. A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. immediately following the visitation with Father Kent Bowlds officiating. Burial will be at New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Richmond was born in Shelby on January 4, 1928 to John and Cecelia Tarsi Balducci. She married Sidney E. Richmond, Sr. in Shelby on December 13, 1958.
Mrs. Richmond is preceded in death by a son, Rodney Dangelo.
She is survived by her husband, Sidney Richmond, Sr. of Cleveland, Ms; children, Mike Dangelo (Gerri) of Madison, MS, Jerry Dangelo (Marianna) of Miami, Fl, Sidney Richmond, Jr. (Karen) of Little Rock, AR and Becky Richmond White (Thomas) of Clinton, MS; Grandchildren, Jason Dangelo, Joshua Dangelo, Ashlee Ricotta, Madeline Richmond, Mary Richmond, Cori White and Holly White; great-grandchild, Josie Ricotta; and sister Josie Grossi of Greenville, MS.
Mr. Gary Dean Sweeten, 52, of Cleveland, MS
09/05/2011
Mr. Gary Dean Sweeten, 52, of Cleveland, MS, passed away at Bolivar Medical Center, Sunday, September 4, 2011. Visitation will be Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Father Kent Bowlds officiating. Burial will follow services in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Sweeten was born March 25, 1959 to Wilbur Andrew Sweeten, Jr. and Mary Ellen Ferri Sweeten in Lawton, OK. He was in the US army for 10 years. He was soldier of the year in Europe. Mr. Sweeten was an avid stamp and coin collector. He was a graduate of Nurnburg High School in Nurnburg Germany.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Col. Wilbur A. Sweeten; grandparents, Albert and Vera Ferri; uncle, Eugene Tarsi; cousin, Leigh Brown Janoush; and aunt, Lois Paul.
Mr. Sweeten is survived by his mother, Mary Ferri Sweeten of Cleveland, MS; father, Wilbur A. Sweeten, Jr. of Orlando, FL; brother, Darryl Sweeten of Pennsylvania; sister, Stacy Sweeten of Pennsylvania; grandmother, Gladys Sweeten of Orlando, FL; aunts, Jeanette Ferri Tarsi and Josephine Ferri Brown (Lloyd) both of Cleveland, MS; cousins, Jeff Tarsi (Cindy) of Collierville, TN, Allison Tarsi McCrory (Bill) of Cordova, TN, Lori Tarsi Cartwright (Brent) of Jackson, MS, Michelle Tarsi Sasser (Bill) of Madison, MS, Kerri Brown Mosco (Henry) of Cleveland, MS, Kim Brown Westerfield (Andrew) of Merigold, MS, Joni Brown Cole (Louie) of Atlanta, GA, Linwood Lloyd Brown, III “Bo” (Beverly) of Olive Branch, MS, Joey Albert Brown (Stephanie) of Collierville, TN, Bonni Brown Corley (Drew) of Mansfield, TX.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Tarsi, Bo Brown, Joey Brown, Bill McCrory, Brent Cartwright, Henry Mosco, Xavier Jones, and Victor Tarsi.
Memorials can be made to Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland.
Special Thanks to the caregivers, nurses and doctors at Cleveland Nursing and Rehab and Bolivar Medical Center.
Lauren Ashley Furniss, age 18
09/05/2011
Lauren Ashley Furniss, age 18, a senior at Lee Academy , died September 1, 2011 in Memphis after suffering injuries in an automobile accident. She was an active member of the Newspaper Staff, Show Choir and Crown Club at Lee Academy High School. She was also a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church where she volunteeered as a Nursery Assistant.
Ashley is preceded in death by her Grandparents Howard and Freida Bailey. She is survived by her parents Randall "Buddy" Furniss and Angel Bailey Furniss and brother Glenn Furniss. Her Grandparents are Delma and Doris Furniss of Rena Lara MS, and W.G. Furniss of Greenville, MS.
Vistation Services will be from 5 til 7 p.m. September 3, at National Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS. Funeral Services are at 2:00 p.m. Sunday September 4, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church with the burial following at Oakridge Cemetery.
The online guest book is available at www.nationalfuneralhome.com
Mrs. Patricia Kelly Kirkland, 67, of Cleveland, MS
08/31/2011
Mrs. Patricia Kelly Kirkland, 67, of Cleveland, MS, passed away at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville, MS, Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Visitation will be Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Friday, September 2, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Jimmy Breland and Wayne Sistrunk officiating.
Mrs. Kirkland was born January 7, 1949 to John Kochi and Myrtle Eugenia Bledsoe in Vicksburg, MS. She married James E. Kirkland, June 6, 1969 in Donaldsonville, GA. She taught art appreciation at Mississippi Delta Community College for several years. She was a graduate of Delta State University. Mrs. Kirkland wrote many children’s books and wrote a cooking column for the Bolivar Commercial. She was a member of the Mound Bayou Health Center Board of Trustees for fourteen years. She had a passion for making pottery. Mrs. Kirkland was a member of the Shaw Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Rev. Jim Kirkland of Cleveland, MS; children, Susan Kirkland Woods (Ricky) of Drew, MS, Christopher Kirkland (Angela) of Southaven, MS, Stephen H. Kirkland of Okinawa, Rachel Patricia Kirkland of Delray Beach, FL, Andrew Kirkland (Kelly) of Cleveland, MS and Sarah Kelly Kirkland of Cleveland, MS; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her grandchild.
J. W. “Bebo” Starnes, Jr., 79, of Drew, MS
08/31/2011
J. W. “Bebo” Starnes, Jr., 79, of Drew, MS, passed away August 29, 2011 at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville, MS. Visitation will be 2:00-3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at Drew Methodist Church. Celebration of life services will be at 3:00 p.m. immediately following the visitation with Rev. J.C. Hubbard officiating. Burial will be in Drew City Cemetery.
Mr. Starnes was born in Drew, MS, on November 15, 1931 to J.W. Starnes, Sr. and Louis Carr Starnes. He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.
He is survived by his wife, Josephine Starnes of Drew, MS; Daughters, JoAnna Tribble (Don) of Cascilla, MS and Patricia Starnes Yancey of Jackson, MO; Three grandchildren, Donna Standridge, Nathan Yancey and Anna Yancey; one great-grandchild, Kyleigh Standridge; sister, Margaret Starnes McKnight of Birmingham, Al; and brother, Kenneth B. Starnes of Jena, LA.
Mr. James William “Dick” Willingham, 83, of Ruleville, MS
08/31/2011
Mr. James William “Dick” Willingham, 83, of Ruleville, MS, passed away Monday, August 29, 2011 at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville, MS. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be at 1:00 p.m. at the Cleveland Church of Christ, Thursday, September 1, 2011 with Bro. Tim McCarter officiating.
Mr. Willingham was born November 21, 1927 to William Thomas Willingham and Minnie May Viner in Ruleville, MS. He married Ollie Sue Chandler on December 1, 1945 in Ruleville, MS. They were married for 65 years. Mr. Willingham was a WWII veteran. He was a Master Mason and was a member of the Drew Lodge #0459. He was a volunteer fireman in Ruleville, MS and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his younger years. He was in the food service for many years, where he met many friends and created friendships for his lifetime. He was a faithful member of the Cleveland Church of Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas and Minnie May Willingham; four sisters, Arlene Bowling, Clarice Kemp, Edna Earl Cameron and Dot Peyton; brother, Bob Willingham; and grandchild, John Robert Dobbs.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ollie Sue Willingham of Ruleville, MS; daughters, Kathy Givens (Galen) of Cleveland, MS, Carol Moore (Johnny) of Cleveland, MS and Margaret Dobbs (John) of Monroe, LA; son James William “Dicky” Willingham, Jr. (Jan) of McComb, MS; grandchildren, Chad Givens (Tish), Harvey Green (Missy), Raychel Lunceford (Jason) and Nicole Holland; eight great-grandchildren, Austin, Luke, and Beau Green, Mason, Seth, and Chandler Givens, Claire Willingham and Blake Holland.
Pallbearers will be Galen Givens, Robert Willingham, Billy Willingham, Bert Oakes, Bob Pederson, and John Oakes.
Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Moore, John Dobbs, Ralph Smith, Rodney Shivers, Roscoe Hooper, Tommy David Bowling, Bill Story, Bernard Threet, and Frankie Peyton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cleveland Church of Christ or charity of your choice.
William Alexander Eley, Jr. “Bill”, 62, of Jackson, MS
08/29/2011
William Alexander Eley, Jr. “Bill”, 62, of Jackson, MS, formerly of Cleveland, MS, passed away August 27, 2011. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Services will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at Ray Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Macklyn Hubbell officiating. Burial will be in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Eley was born in Memphis, TN on March 29, 1949 to Dr. William Alexander Eley, Sr. and Kathryn Lyell Taylor Eley. He loved music and played the trumpet by ear.
He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. William Alexander Eley, Sr.
He is survived by his mother, Kitty Eley of Cleveland, MS; brothers, Steve Eley (Kim) of Orlando, FL and Bob Eley (Burnice) of Cleveland, MS; sister, Katrena Eley Fowler (Lawrence Bodron) of Vicksburg, MS; nieces and nephews, Steven M. Eley, Kristen Eley, Lara Barkley (Ross), Carolyn Eley, Alexandra Folwer Gaye (Alan) and Nicholas Fowler; and a great nephew, Samuel Evans Barkley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield, MS.
To view and sign the online guestbook, go to www.rayfuneralhome.net
Miss. Mary Elizabeth Canico, 77, of Shaw, MS
08/25/2011
Miss. Mary Elizabeth Canico, 77, of Shaw, MS passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at OCH in Starkville, MS. Visitation will be Friday, August 26, 2011 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Shaw, MS from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Saturday at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Shaw, MS at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service in Shaw Cemetery.
Miss. Canico was born to Americo Conico and Albina Ferritti on August 11, 1934 in Shaw, MS.
She is survived by her sisters, Shirley C. Sizemore of Cleveland, MS (Buster), Joanne C. Grossi of Starkville, MS (John); brother, John A. Conico of Cleveland, MS (Kathy) sister, Barbara C. Weaver of Shaw, MS (Ricky); and brother, Timothy Canico of Shaw, MS; and a host of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pallbearers will be Jason Grossi, Marshall Conico, Steve Sizemore “Stevie”, Charles Sizemore “Shine”, Pete Mulrooney, Blaze McMinn, and Luigi McMinn.
Online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
Janie Faye Dowell Marquis, 71, of Cleveland, MS
08/25/2011
Janie Faye Dowell Marquis, 71, of Cleveland, MS, formerly of Rosedale, passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at Bolivar Medical Center. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 Friday, August 26, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. A celebration of life service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Haney and Rev. James Wilkerson officiating. Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at North Union Cemetery in West, MS.
Janie Faye Dowell Marquis was born on June 6, 1940 to Sudie Kate and Edward “Bud” Dowell in Thomas Town, MS in Attala County. She loved to cook and bake for her family, loved word puzzle books and was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and aunt.
Janie is preceded in death by her parents, Sudie Kate and Bud; her sister, Dolly Pearl Long; her brother, Billy Don Rigby; and her nephews, Mark Todd Fryery and Shon O’Neil Fryery I.
She is survived by her two daughters, Marilyn Ann Shaw (Richard) of Cleveland, MS and Carolyn Sue Stover (Rusty) from Clovis, New Mexico; step-son, Randy Marquis (Wanda) of Cleveland, MS; Three granddaughters, Stacy Lynn Bowie of Cleveland, Ms, Nikki Stover and Heather Stover from Clovis, New Mexico; two step-grandchildren, Brandon and Brett Shaw both of Cleveland, MS Three sisters, Laura Waudine Fryery from Benoit, MS, Ima Jean Diles (Daryl) from St. Petersburg, FL and Martha Ann Jarger from Tampa, FL; her nephew, Michael Anthony Fryery (Aurora) from Benoit, MS; Her nieces, Elizabeth Daine Fryery Komara from Stuart, FL and Lea Diles Cesares (David) of St. Petersburg, FL; and a host of great nieces and nephews that fought over her famous chocolate pies.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Shaw, John McDaniel, Thomas Haney, Jessie Fryery, Josh Fraize, Adam Fryery, Jimbuck Frazier, and Randy Marquis.
Ruby Lee Alexander Wooley, age 83
08/23/2011
Ruby Lee Alexander Wooley, age 83, of Shelby passed away on Sunday August 21, 2011 at the Bolivar Medical Center . She was born on August 31, 1927 to Lester and Glennie (Gordan) Alexander. Mrs. Wooley grew up in Quitman County . She was married to the late Garner Judson Wooley. Mrs. Wooley worked for Fred's Dollar Stores for 15 years as a clerk. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church . Her passion was quilting, having made quilts for many of her family members. She was a loving mother and grandmother who always paid special attention to her grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Tuesday 08/23/2011 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland . Funeral Services will be held 2:00PM Wednesday 08/24/2011 at Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at the Coahoma Memorial Gardens in Clarksdale , MS .
She is survived by four daughters, Betty Russell of Lambert, MS, Ruby Bustin of Ashdown, AR, Catherine Cooper of Cleveland, MS and Shirley Knight of Drew, MS. Two sons Edward and John Wooley of Idaho , W. VA.
Two Sisters, Estell Freeman and Faye Johnson of Sardis , MS , Two Brothers Norris Alexander of Sardis , MS and Edward Alexander of Texas . 23 Grandchildren and 44 Great Grandchildren.
Pall-bearers will be Terry Wooley, Chris Stogner, Chad White, Paul Harper, James Harper, Bobby Wayne VanLandingham, Jeff Miles and Danny Stogner. Honorary pallbearers are Ricky Russell and Cliff Cooper.
Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Doris Jean Thompson, 82, of Cleveland, MS
08/22/2011
Mrs. Doris Jean Thompson, 82, of Cleveland, MS passed away, Saturday, August 20, 2011 at her home. Visitation will be Monday, August 22, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will immediately follow visitation at 1:00 p.m. at Ray Funeral Home, Monday, August 22, 2011. Burial will follow services in New Cleveland Cemetery.
Mrs. Thompson was born August 24, 1928 to L. D. Thompson and Jennie Estella McMinn Thompson in Pace, MS. She married Frank Price Thompson April 3, 1947 in Jackson, MS. Mrs. Thompson had such a passion for her country. She loved traveling with her husband all over the United States, while he was in the Navy. She was an avid bird watcher and bird feeder and enjoyed reading. Mrs. Thompson adored her two granddaughters.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Frank Price Thompson.
She is survived by her daughters Lynda Morris (Sam) of Collierville, TN and Susan Bills of Cleveland, MS; granddaughters, Kelly Morris of Collierville, TN and Jennie Bills of Cleveland, MS; sisters, Madge Smith of Starkville, MS, Virginia Brittian of Pasadena, TX and Evie Ellis of Hilton Head, SC.
Memorials may be made to the Baptist Children’s Village or charity of choice.
Mr. James Walter (Skeeter) Stanford, 84, of Skene, MS
08/17/2011
Mr. James Walter (Skeeter) Stanford, 84, of Skene, MS, passed away Tuesday, August 16,2011, at Walter B. Crook in Ruleville, MS. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Celebration of life service will be Thursday, August 18, 2011 at Skene Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Wayne Sistrunk officiating. Burial will follow service in North Cleveland Cemetery.
Mr. Stanford was born September 19, 1926 to James Mansfield Stanford and Velma Mae Washington in Skene, MS. He married Barbara Tidmore in Drew, MS, June 11, 1961. He was one of the first members of the Benoit Hunting Club at the age of sixteen and served as Vice President at the age of twenty-three. He was a self taught hunter since the age of ten and has taught many young men how to hunt. Mr. Stanford was a life long member of Skene Baptist Church. He served as secretary/ treasurer and a deacon in the church for forty-nine years. After retiring from Mississippi Power and Light for forty-three years, he farmed from 1988 until 2000.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Velma Mae Washington Stanford and James Mansfield Stanford; brother, C.T. (Buddy) Stanford; and sister, Cherrie Mae Redden.
Mr. Stanford is survived by his wife, Barbara T. Stanford of Skene, MS; daughters, Lisa L. Stanford of Skene, MS and Lori S. Baioni (Kevin) of Collierville, TN; granddaughters, Morgan, Shelby, and Blakely of Collierville, TN; brother, Cecil Lamar of Skene, MS; and sister, Irene Johnson of Skene, MS; eleven nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Baioni, Charles Dickey, Truitt Hobby, Randy Howarth, Sam Hunt, and Robert Stewart.
Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph Tidmore, A.C. Tidmore, Jr., Bobby Stanford, Gerald Stanford, Rickie Stanford, Kyle Redden, Mark Redden, Al Mann, Joe Watford, Bennie Woodruff.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or any organization of your choice.
Online guestbook may be viewed and signed at www.rayfuneralhome.net
James William (J.W.) Pearson, Jr., aged 78 years
08/17/2011
James William (J.W.) Pearson, Jr., aged 78 years, passed on to heaven peacefully in his sleep at the Methodist Central Hospital in Memphis, TN. on august 15, 2011 at 1:25 p.m. He was a Deacon at the Gunnison Baptist Church for 30 years and one of the last commercial fisherman in this area.
He was born to James and Irene Pearson on August 6, 1933, in Vance, MS. A long time charter member of the Donaldson Point Hunting Club, he was an avid hunter, trapper an fisherman.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years and 11 months, Beatrice Montez of Gunnison, MS; daughter, Brenda Nethery (Jimmy) of Gunnison; sons, Lamar (Debbie) of Holcomb, MS and Duane of Cleveland, MS; grandchildren, Brad Fielder of Los Angeles, CA, Bobby Pearson (Nicole) of Lexington Park, MD, Michelle Brown (Jerry) of Grenada, Ms, Stephanie Dunn (Jason) of Elliott, MS, and Hayden and Tyler Pearson of Cleveland, MS; great grandchildren, Kristen Adams, Amari Bell, Emily Brown, Lexi Brown, Jerlyn Brown, Christopher Russell and Wyatt Starns.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Irene Pearson; brothers, Travis, Roger and Ira; and granddaughter, Jamie Renee Dorsey.
Celebration of life services will be on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gunnison Baptist Church with visitation from 1:00-2:00p.m.
Pallbearers will be grandsons Hayden, Tyler and Bobby Pearson; nephews Jimmy Russell and Brian Alford and friend Jerry Usery. Honorary pallbearers are Randy Townsend, Floyd Sanders, Mike Thompson, David Woods, John D. Hubbard and Billy Bassie.
Mrs. Ruby Sue Bush Issa, 85, of Ruleville, MS
08/15/2011
Mrs. Ruby Sue Bush Issa, 85, of Ruleville, MS, passed away at her home, Thursday, August 11, 2011. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Ray Funeral Home. Celebration of life service will be Sunday, August 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Ruleville United Methodist Church with Rev. Mary Hutson officiating. Burial will follow service in Lehrton Cemetery.
Mrs. Issa was born October 24, 1925 to Clarence E. Bush and Mamie Hopper Bush in Kemper County, MS. She was a native of Kemper County and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in history from the University of Southern Mississippi. She came to Ruleville in 1947 to teach and lived in the Magnolia Hotel. She met her husband, while he ran the Ruleville City Café. They married in 1950. Mrs. Issa was the Librarian at Ruleville High School and a history teacher at North Sunflower Academy until her retirement in 1987. Mrs. Issa was a Sunday School teacher for 50 years. She enjoyed gardening and loved animals, especially her cats.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward John Issa; and son, Ed Issa, Jr.
Mrs. Issa is survived by her son, Curtis Ray Issa of Ruleville, MS; niece Kaye Morrow of Arlington, TX; nephew, Floyd Bush of Hattiesburg, MS and nephew, Wayne Bush of San Antonio, TX.
Pallbearers will be John Robert Dorrough, Duff Dorrough, Ronald Terrell, Hugh Arant, Lewis Scott, and Kermit Stanton.
Honorary pallbearers will be John Paul Gates, Dan Estes, and Dr. Sonny Dorrough.
Mr. Theodore R. Kittle, 69, of Cleveland, MS
08/15/2011
Mr. Theodore R. Kittle, 69, of Cleveland, MS passed away at his home August 12, 2011. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Cleveland Monday, August 15, 2011. A celebration of life service will immediately follow at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Billy Owen and Rev. Barry Dickerson officiating. Interment will be at Leland-Stoneville Cemetery.
Mr. Kittle was born February 9, 1942 to Eugene and Kate Kittle. He was an active member at First Methodist Church in Cleveland, past member of Helping Hands, and was a Volunteer at Bolivar Medical Center.
He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene Kittle, Sr. and Kate Smith Kittle; brother, Eugene Kittle, Jr.; and sister, Kate Kittle.
Mr. Kittle is survived by his cousins, Tommy Johnson (Brenda), Claude Wood, Barbara Radant (Doug), Betty Bell (Bill), Kent Johnson, Ricky Johnson, Joel Daniel (Shari), Scott Daniel (Deliegh), Hank Johnson, Donnie Johnson.
