Obituaries
Ronnie Bullock
The funeral service for Ronnie Bullock will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 1, at Riverwood Family with interment in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mr. Bullock, 72, of Ruth, died Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Diversicare, with his loving wife at his side. He was born in Tylertown, MS, July 13, 1952, to James L. Bullock and Alfia Pate Bullock. Mr. Bullock was retired from Shell Oil Company.
Ronnie was a loving husband and father. He especially enjoyed and looked forward to visits from his grandson, Navy. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing. He was also an avid Nascar Fan. Ronnie used every opportunity he had to teach about tools. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Sharon Price Bullock; daughters, Amanda Bullock Nason (Chad) and Amy Gerrard; three grandchildren, Dylan Henry, Benjamin Henry, and Navy Knox Nason; one great grandchild, Doss Henry; sister-in-law, Karen Stockman and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Ronnie’s family would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to Diversicare Nursing Home, Dr. William Hay, and Jodi Sartin, NP, as well as Hospice, especially Macy Quinn and Shawn Nations, for their continued care and compassion for him.
Shirley Ann Givens
Services for Mrs. Shirley Ann Givens of Monticello are at 10:00 am, on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Bethel Baptist Church with burial at church cemetery.
Visitation will be on Monday, September 30, 2024, at church from 5:00-8:00 pm and will resume from 9:00 am until the time of service on Tuesday.
Mrs. Shirley Ann Givens, 66, passed away at her home on September 26, 2024.
She was born on November 7, 1957, in Houston, Texas.
Mrs. Givens spent her days on the front porch, drinking coffee and watching her friends and neighbors go by. She loved cooking, having her family over for supper, and watching the kids play in the yard. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and enjoyed her nine great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; Jewel and Mary Moude Mullins and her husband of 50 years, Tommy Givens.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Michelle Watts (Hugh) and Luke Givens (Bonita); seven grandchildren, Shelby Russell (Ben), Stetson Langley (Ashlyn), Marcey Brown (Marshall) Megan Lang (Brennan), Saydie Nations (Brantley), Sara Watts and Brittany Lott (Brent); nine great-grandchildren, Everleigh, Keegan, Karson, Huston, Auston, Cayden, Marshall Paul, Mayleigh, Waylon and expecting Kassidy and Kohen. She is also survived by Kandi Tanksley and sons, Karter, Wylder, and Kooper, and Eden and Eli Vaughn.
Robert Edward Renner
The funeral service for Robert Edward Renner will be 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28, at Riverwood Family with burial in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Renner, 80, of Brookhaven, died Thursday, September 26, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born in Lima, OH, September 28, 1943. He worked for many years as Supervisor at Hartley Gove Sons thermometer plant.
Mr. Renner was a loving husband and a caring father. One of his favorite things to do was playing guitar and singing Elvis’s songs with his grandkids. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing with his sons. As a mechanic, he was faithful keeping the family vehicles in working order. Mr. Renner was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church where he was a faithful helper in the children’s Sunday School department. He served his country in the United States Army National Guard. Born in Ohio, he remained a fan of Ohio State, and he enjoyed watching them as well as the New Orleans Saints play football.
He is preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Eleanor Renner; and sister, Connie Ricker.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Carmela Sue Renner; children, Steven Renner (Jennifer), Larinda Barnett (Allen), and Anthony Renner; sister, Karen Schindler (Ronnie) and brother-in-law, George Ricker; seven grandchildren, Beau Renner, Melanie Renner, Britany Leggett (Tyler), Allayna Barnett, Carleah Barnett, Jesse Hall, and Joey Hall.
The Renner family would like to express their gratitude to Renee’ Thompson for her care and compassion for Mr. Robert Renner during his illness.
Tywana Nell Nettles Boyd
A memorial service for Tywana Nell Nettles Boyd will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28th, at Antioch Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m.
Mrs. Boyd, 70, of Brookhaven, died Monday, September 23, 2024, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. She was born in Brookhaven, September 10, 1954, to Victor Nettles and Jesse Marie Smith Nettles. Mrs. Boyd was a loving wife, mother, Meme and Aunt. She also cared very deeply for her pets. Her favorite pastimes were thrifting and making all kinds of crafts. Mrs. Boyd will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her mother and father-in-law, L.V. Boyd and Idell Boyd; daughter, Trista Lynn Boyd; and sisters, Frances Ann Howell and Elois Busby.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, William Lavon Boyd; children, Christopher Boyd (Anita) and Joshua Boyd (Ashley); brother, Sonny Nettles; sister, Audrey Berry; three grandchildren, William Boyd, Kimberly Smith, and Ryleigh Smith. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends, and her fur babies, Moe, Peanut, and Ralph.
The Boyd family wishes to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Forrest General Hospital for their care and compassion to Mrs. Boyd while in their care.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the Animal Rescue League, 501 Northpark Drive, Brookhaven, MS, 39601 or Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216
Celia Scott McSweyn
Friends may gather to celebrate the life of Celia Scott McSweyn from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday evening, September 26th, at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. McSweyn, 78, of Wesson, died September 23rd, 2024, at her residence. She was born March 8, 1946, to Bracy Scott and Willie Ruth Scott. Mrs. McSweyn taught Sunday School at Pearson Baptist Church for 15 years. She was a member of Pearl Public Schools Board of Education for 4 years where she served as President for one year. She may have been best known for being the owner of Porches Restaurant in Wesson for 25 years. Everyone who entered Porches was treated as family. Her kindness and excellent hostess skills was much appreciated by each one who shared a meal at Porches. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
Mrs. McSweyn is preceded in death by her parents.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 58 years, Allen McSweyn; sons, Trey McSweyn, Chris McSweyn (Tonya); brother, Pat Scott (Sandy); sister, Sybil Russum; two grandchildren, Carrie McSweyn and Katie McSweyn; and by a host of other loving family members and friends.
The McSweyn family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the 4th floor and the ICU nurses at Southwest Regional Medical Center for taking such exquisite care of Mrs. McSweyn during her time with them.
James Hewitt Anding
The funeral service for Mr. James Hewitt Anding will be 2 p.m., Monday, September 23, at New Prospect Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Mr. Hewitt, as he was known to family and friends, was born July 17, 1929, in Lincoln County, Mississippi. He joined his wife in death in the early hours of September 20, 2024, and they are at peace in the presence of their Lord and Savior. He served his country in the United States Army. Mr. Hewitt worked for many years in the oilfield industry where he retired. He was a long-time member of New Prospect Baptist Church. He was a faithful servant of the Lord and leaves a legacy of faith and integrity for his children and grandchildren to follow. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 72 years, Joan Smith Anding; his parents, William Issac Anding and Floy Elizabeth Bowman Anding; and siblings, Inell Case, Undrel Anding, Sadie Luster, Ella Mae Case, Lee Willard Anding, and Geneva Blackwell.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Cathey Smith (Ronnie) and Dale Anding (Vivian); four grandchildren, Ryan Smith (Lacey), Ashley O’Quinn (Bill), Cassie Veazey (Steve) and Allyson Hamilton (Chris); and ten great grandchildren, Tess Holley, Coy Fontenot, Parker Holley, Jackson Smith, Caleb Fontenot, Jase Smith, Emry Hamilton, Raylan Hamilton, Waylon Veazey, and Calvin Veazey. He is also survived by a host of other family members and friends as well as his faith family at New Prospect.
The Anding family would like to express our gratitude to KDMC and Ambulance Service, North Oaks Hospital and Ambulance Service, Deaconess Hospice and Dr. Dykess for their excellent care and compassion during this time.
Frances Moak Cole
Surrounded by her precious family and held in the gentle hands of her beloved husband, the extraordinary life of Frances Moak Cole transitioned from this earthly realm as she was ushered into glory on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024. Though her time on this earth was shorter than we wished, she lived each day with a heart full of grace, kindness, and an unwavering love for her family and Jesus.
She was the devoted wife to her husband, Tom Cole, and a cherished mother to her three children: Ann Marie, Callie, and Jackson Cole. Her family experienced deep sorrow when she lost one of her daughters, Callie Cole, two years ago. A loss that broke her heart. Her strength and faith carried her through that heartache, as she continued to be a pillar of love and support for her family. She leaves behind her joy - grandson, Landon Cole, who brought her immense happiness in her later years.
Frances served her community and country honorably in the United States Army, Mississippi National Guard, and as a registered nurse. She was known for her loving spirit, strong will, and disciplined nature. She never hesitated to serve others, always putting her family and community first. Undaunted by hardships or obstacles, she pursued excellence in every challenge with the tenacity of a bulldog. Though she took on many roles throughout her life, she absolutely mastered the art of caregiver. Her beauty, both inside and out, radiated through her every action and word. Whether through a kind gesture, a listening ear, or her unwavering faith, she touched the lives of everyone she met. She was beauty, she was grace.
A woman of deep faith, she loved Jesus with all her heart. Her life was a testament to His teachings of love, compassion, and strength. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now in His arms, reunited with her child who passed before her. We do not look forward in sadness, but instead we look forward in hope. Hope in the future and knowing we will be reunited with them both again.
Though her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, strength, service, selflessness, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her family takes solace in the beautiful memories they shared and the example of Christlike love she lived every day. Those who are left to continue her legacy are her husband of 34 years, her children, her grandson, her parents: Landal and Brenda Moak, and Dorothy “Dotty” Otte, siblings: Randall Moak, Craig Moak (Sharon), Bill Moak (Becky), Coly Smith (Patricia), and Julie Smith and their children, and a host of other family and friends.
Psalm 62:1-2 sums up her life of faith as she journeyed this earth: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
Services will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, September 21st, 2024, with visitation 9am-11am and a service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Callie Cole PHBC Mission Fund
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Memo: Callie’s Mission
Martha Susan Smith Chapman
Visitation for Martha Susan Smith Chapman will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park immediately following.
Mrs. Chapman, 74, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after a five-year long battle with cancer. She was born on January 26, 1950, in Clarksdale, MS, to M.P. Smith, Sr. and Martha Frances Conley Smith.
While attending the University of Mississippi, Susan met her husband, Kendall Chapman, and the couple was married on January 23, 1972, at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church. After graduation, Susan and Ken moved to Natchez where they worked for the Natchez School District for four years.
In July 1976, they moved to Brookhaven where Susan began her 32-year career with the Brookhaven School District. She taught 7th grade English and worked as the school librarian at Lipsey Middle School before being appointed as the assistant principal at Alexander Jr. High School in 1983. Susan transitioned to Brookhaven High School in 1996 as assistant principal and then as the director of the Career-Technical Center in 1998. In 2002, she became the first female principal of Brookhaven High School. During her time at the high school, the football and baseball teams won state championships, the Science Bowl team received state recognition, and the cheerleading squad won a national title. She retired from the Brookhaven School District in 2008.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Susan is survived by her husband of over 52 years; her son James Conley Chapman (Bonnie) of Jackson, and her daughter Martha Elizabeth Chapman Simmons (Byron) of Brandon; three grandchildren, James Sullivan Chapman, Audrey Summers Chapman, and Sterling Fox Simmons; and her brother M.P. Smith, Jr., of Clinton. She is also survived by her best friend, Rosemary Britt.
The family would like to thank Susan's friends for their support and prayers. Also, the family would like to thank Dr. Tammy Young and the Jackson Oncology Associates medical staff at the Hederman Cancer Center for their compassionate care of Susan. They will never know how much Susan appreciated their hard work, kindness, and friendship. Additional thanks to Dr. Karen Cole, Dr. Philip Ley, Dr. Rebecca Moulder, Dr. Maria G. Rappai, and Dr. Russell Young.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
John Ellis Hodges
The funeral service for John Ellis Hodges will be 11 a.m., Thursday, September 19, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
Mr. Hodges, 75, of Brookhaven, died September 17, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born in Centreville, MS, December 23, 1948, to Bowen Tarver and Virginia Hodges Case.
Mr. Hodges loved his grandchildren and most important, his great-grand, Pete. He grew up farming, working in the oilfield, and fishing. He served his country in the United States Army, two years in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged with several honors and badges. You could find him most days sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River in Port Gibson and Fayette. His favorite season is gardening season and good ole turkey hunting. He was a man of his word and would do everything to honor it. He was ready to help anyone in need. He could play a mean game of Dominos against anybody. But above all, his family was put first no matter what. He made a point to show them all the ways of life and to be respectful. He taught his grandkids how to live the true farm country life. Last but not least, he was THE best gumbo maker on earth.
Mr. Hodges is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edward Hodges and Paul Hodges.
He is survived by his daughter, Angela Smith (Jonathan); brother, Bowen Hodges (Francine); two grandchildren, Katie Smith (Blake) and Kaleb Smith (Kelbie); and one great grand, Justice Pete Smith. He is also survived by Nita Jordan and family, Zelda Luther and family, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Diversicare and Compassus, as well as King’s Daughters and St. Dominics for the care given to John.
Rodney Geneal Fuller
A graveside service for Rodney Geneal Fuller will be held 3 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Red Star Cemetery. There will be a time of visitation from 12:30-2:30 p.m., prior to the service, at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Fuller, 71, of Wesson, died September 15, 2024, in Franklin County Memorial Hospital. He was born in Canton, MS, January 8, 1953, to Geneal Fuller and Mavis Ophelia Britt Fuller. Rodney was a good husband and dad, he worked to provide a home and all the necessities of life. He was employed as an electrician in the construction industry. He loved his family, especially his four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Spending time with those he loved far outweighed any other pleasure in life. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. Rodney was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Rodney is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lydia Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debra Britt Fuller; children, Tammy Blackmon (Chris), Pam Parkman (Rocky), and Rodney Fuller; sister, Rhonda Eckman (Dave); four grandchildren, Rachel Perkins (Brody), Baily Smith, Kimberly Parkman, and Kylie Parkman; and seven great grans, Andrew Barras, Eden Vaughn, Eli Vaughn, Liam Perkins, Lilah Perkins, Erika Perkins, and Alyssa Perkins. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
