Obituaries
Virgil Smith
Funeral service for Mr. Virgil M. Smith will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at
Gum Grove Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin
at noon until the time of the service.
Mr. Smith, 74, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life December 26, 2020, at
King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born in Brookhaven March 31, 1946,
to the late Louis E. Smith and Mary Dell Case Smith. Mr. Virgil was a 1964 graduate of
Bogue Chitto High School and a member of Gum Grove Baptist Church. He served his
country in the United States Army after high school and began a career as a self-employed
Carpenter until retirement. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Virgil is preceded in death by his parents; son, Lance Smith; sisters, Faye Wallace and
Mayfred Summers; and niece, Sondra Case Smith.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Frances Smith; daughters,
Dena Posey (Mike), Rusti Magee (Johnny); brother, Edwin Smith (Elaine); and brother-in-law,
Wayne Wallace. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Ty Posey, Mary Elizabeth Cunningham (Tyler),
Sam Posey, Kylee Posey, Fayth Marie Magee, John Noah Lance Magee, Neeli Magee, and Anna Marie Posey;
and one great grandchild, Maddux Cunningham; along with a host of nephews and nieces
and other loving family members and friends.
Malissa Alyene Taylor
Graveside Services for Mrs. Malissa Alyene Taylor of Brookhaven will be held 1:00 pm, Monday,
December 28, 2020, at Easthaven Cemetery.
Malissa Alyene Taylor passed away peacefully at home on December 24, 2020 with her granddaughters
and husband of seventy years holding her hands.
Alyene was born November 27, 1931 to James Allen and Adel Thompson.
Preceding her in death are brothers, Roby, Emmitt, and Howard Thompson.
She is survived by her husband, Earl (Sonny) Taylor, sons, Reggie Taylor and Rickie Taylor (John Chrestia),
sister-in-law, Ruby Broussard, grandchildren, Michelle Menough, Lauren Brettner (Jackie), and Abby Taylor, great-grandchildren,
Sophia and Alistair, and eternal daughter-in-law, Debbie Smith. She was affectionately known to her nieces and nephews as “Aunt Lene”.
The Taylor and Thompson families shared a unique friendship nurtured by the East Lincoln community.
Alyene and Earl were sweethearts for most of their lives.
Alyene enjoyed keeping a pretty yard and cooking for her family. She had a keen sense of humor,
which she used often. With the kindest heart, she always pulled for the underdog.
Daniel Clark Watts
Services for Mr. Daniel Clark Watts, of Brookhaven are 11:00 am Tuesday, December 29, 2020,
at Friendship Baptist Church with burial at the church cemetery.
Private family visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 am at Riverwood Family Funeral Service.
Mr. Daniel Clark Watts, 75, went to be with his Lord on December 24, 2020 at Kings Daughters Medical Center.
He was born on November 6, 1945, to the late J.W. Watts and Ava Smith Watts.
He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and was a Horse Trainer. He enjoyed spending time with his family, he will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Reggie Watts and brother, Eddie Watts.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Beverly Cato Watts; son, Randy Watts, daughters,
Dana Alexander and Missy Rhodus. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Matt Alexander (Virginia), Hannah Hutson (Kyle), Cole Watts,
Jessica Moore (Brad), Devan Patano (Adam), Myranda McCullough (Cade) and Dylan Watts, along with 11 great grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38148
Jimmy Eitel Williams
Mr. Jimmy Eitel Williams, 65 of Ruth, passed away December 24, 2020, at his home.
He was born on September 28, 1955 in San Diego CA.
Jimmy was a member of the American Legion, Hog Member and enjoyed wood working,
mechanic work, riding his Harley, shooting, and anything that brought him closer to his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his father, Ben Joe Williams, and brother, Ben Joe Williams, Jr.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandy Williams; mother, Emily Williams; son, Johnathan Williams,
and wife, Nikki; daughter, Kathryn Humbert, and husband, Justin; brother, Robert Williams, and wife,
Kathy; 6 grandchildren, Cody Shields, Kaylee Humbert, Carley Williams, Justin Humbert, Jr., Luke Williams and Keegan Williams;
along with Dixie Williams, Lillian Williams, Evan Williams, Courtney Williams-Martin, Cassidy Williams and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN. 38148.
Tommie Boyte, Jr.
Graveside service for Mr. Tommie Boyte, Jr., of Brookhaven are 11:00 am Monday, December 28, 2020, at Union Baptist Church Cemetery.
Tommie Boyte, Jr., 92, went to be with his Lord on December 23, 2020. He was born on May 7, 1928, to the late Tom Ellis Boyte
and Lillie Elizabeth Hemphill Boyte. He was a member of Union Baptist Church. Mr. Boyte was a business owner and truck driver.
He enjoyed working on trucks and vehicles, especially his Mercedes. He was a member of the VFW of Wesson,
and of the Gray Beards of Richardson, Texas.
Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Donna Faye Boyte; sister, Jessie L. Hilton; brothers, Wessie D. Boyte;
and Hugh L. Boyte and great- granddaughter, Brooklyn Scout Brister.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 72 years, Mary Margaret Gau Boyte; daughters, Mary Ann Boyte Brister Herrin,
and Sue Ellen Boyte Gould and husband, Charlie; sisters, Johnnie Marie Acy, of Brookhaven, and Joan Boyte Hester, of Garland, TX.
Along with 6 grandchildren, Nicholas Brister, Tod Brister, Adam Brister, Nelson Gould, Logan Gould and Lillian Gould and a host of nieces and nephews.
Johanna M. Cochran
A private memorial service will be held at a later date for Johanna Cochran.
Johanna M. Cochran, 91, passed from this life December 17, 2020. She was a resident
of Adams County Nursing Home in Natchez, MS. She was born in Wheeling, WV,
April 2, 1929, to Joseph P. Gantzer and Maxine Lucinda Noble Gantzer. She was a
Master Floral Designer for 41 years, but she also enjoyed crocheting hats and lap blankets
for 100’s of cancer patients through the years.
Mrs. Cochran is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence Cochran;
son, Thomas Cochran; and two brothers, Jerry Gantzer and Glen Gantzer.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her daughter, Nancy Cochran-Ortiz (David);
as well as a special niece, whom she and Lawrence loved as a daughter, Susan Gantzer-Tully (Luke).
She is also survived by five grandchildren, Holly Snyder-Mutka (James), John Michael Snyder (Jessica),
Amanda Cochran-Zwelling (Rich), Casey Snyder (Romina), Katherine Cochran Miller (Justin);
five great grandchildren, Trey and Victoria Mutka, David and Benjamin Zwelling,
and Sarah Miller; and great niece, Deidra Tully and her son, Draydan Frasier.
Lonny Lee Ray
Lonny Lee Ray was born on January 9th, 1950 to Mabel and Oscar Ray in the quaint little town of Magnolia, Mississippi.
Lonny grew up in Summit, Mississippi spending a short stint of his adolescence in Eupora before moving back to Summit.
He was the youngest of his brothers, Charles, Joe, and Larry, his twin brother, who was only minutes older.
The Ray boys, as they were known to many in the small town of Summit, left quite the impression on the community.
Lonny naturally had an inquisitive and compassionate mind. His thirst for knowledge led him to obtain a Bachelor of Sociology Degree at The University of Southern Mississippi.
After years of life and all its little lessons, Lonny found Beverly. From that moment on, his life would never be the same. Lonny married Beverly in the spring of ’86,
each having children from previous marriages, Lonny’s son, Jacob and Beverly’s daughter, Betsy. Two years later in the early spring of ’88, along came Cal.
Shortly after Cal was born, so, too, was one of the greatest accomplishments of Lonny Ray’s life, Lonny Ray Day Camp. A place, an experience that has left a
lasting impression on the hearts of all who ventured down that long gravel drive. Lonny was a kindhearted, soft-spoken man with an unwavering presence that
made coming to the camp each summer feel like coming home.
His education along with his big heart and family values are what shaped Lonny to become the “helper” he so devotedly was. Always willing to lend a helping
hand and a kind word, Lonny was the friend you never knew you needed, but were so grateful you had. He was loved so dearly, not only by the many
who crossed his path at the camp, but by the ones who knew him best, his family. His unconditional, unparalleled love for his children and his grandchildren
was that of selfless proportions. Lonny’s character is best described by this single verse: “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
A son, a brother, a husband, a father, a father-in-law, a papa, an uncle, a cousin, and a friend with a true heart of gold; That’s who Lonny Ray was and that’s who
he will always be to all who had the honor of knowing and loving him. May his legacy live on through the memories and stories told of the great Lonny Ray.
Lonny Lee Ray, 70, of Bogue Chitto, Mississippi passed from this life on the evening of Sunday, December 20th, 2020. There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony
to be announced at a later date.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Oscar and Mabel Ray.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Beverly Ray; his son, Jacob Ray and his son, Cal Ray and wife, Kayla; daughter, Betsy Smith and husband, Grady.
He is also survived by his 3 brothers, Charles Ray and wife, Carolyn, Joe Ray and wife, Gay, and Larry Ray and wife, Trisha. Along with 6 grandchildren,
Duncan and Evan Smith, Riley and Maggie Ray, and Shep and Helen Ray.
In lieu of flowers, please send to any children’s charity of your choice or to First United Methodist Church Brookhaven’s Angel Tree Fund.
Vicki Ruth Chinn
Graveside service for Ms. Vicki Ruth Chinn, of Wesson are 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 26, 2020,
at Old Crystal Springs Cemetery in Crystal Springs.
Vicki Ruth Chinn, 64, went to be with her Lord on December 21, 2020. She was born on October 5, 1956
to the late Oswald Earl Chinn and Anna Lee Kessinger.
She was a member of New Beginnings Worship Center and was retired from Walmart. Vicki loved painting,
and was in children’s ministry and worked as a homeless shelter volunteer.
Preceding her in death are her parents, brothers, Sam Chinn and Earl Chinn.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Adriana Bedwell (Robert), Joy Holmes (Jerry); brothers,
Lewis Chinn (Mary), Darrell “Fuzz” Chinn (Louise); sisters, Betty Smithey (Billy) Anita Billunas; sister-in-law,
Patsy Chinn; along with 7 grandchildren, Connor, Anna Grace, Charity, Cullen, Ava, Josiah,
and John and a host of nieces and nephews.
Greg Lamar Smith
Greg Lamar Smith, 64, of Magnolia, passed from this life
December 20, 2020. He was born October 24, 1956, to
Clyde Everette Smith and Betty Jean McKlemurry. He was self employed
and a member of East Union Baptist Church.
Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Mike Smith.
He is survived by his brother, Ronnie Smith (Bambi) of Brookhaven, MS
and his sister, Cathy Andrews (Ray) of Smithdale, MS.
Rodre Le’ ion Hart
Graveside Service for Rodre Le’ ion Hart, are 2:00 pm on Monday, December 21, 2020 at Pernell Cemetery in Garden City MS.
Rodre Le’ ion Hart was born on December 13, 2020. He died on December 14, 2020 at University Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Preceding him in death were his great grandmothers, Murel Lee Thomas and Idella Gibson and great grandfather, Mose Perkins Sr.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Rodrick Kendale Hart Sr and Raylin Janee Denise Gibson; brother, Rodrick Kendale Hart, Jr.;
grandmothers, Sheilita Thomas, Schemann Jackson, Rachel Gibson, and Loretta Sander; and grandfather, Jerry Jackson and Rafus Gibson (Kierra),
Godmother, Takiesha Stampley; aunt, Fredreuna Shivers, uncle, Raphael Shivers, great aunts, Annie Mae Chatman, Isephire Morgan,
Lauree Hutchins, Joyce King, Julie Mae Smith, Collie Gibson, Jacqueline Mitchell, and Sharon Hunt; great uncles, Arthur Thomas, James Thomas
and special aunts, Kimeyarus Clark , Domonicka Gaylor, Greg Gibson, and Keith Hunt.
