Obituaries
Murlyn C. Smith
The funeral service for Murlyn C. Smith will be 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 5, at Macedonia Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Smith, 90, of Brookhaven, passed away July 2, 2023, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. She was born in Brookhaven, April 23, 1933, to Marshall and Ruth Case. She was employed with Hartley Gove Thermometer Company, in Quality Control, for many years. Mrs. Murlyn treasured her time with family and considered it to be the most important time spent. She also enjoyed cooking. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Harold T. Smith; her parents; siblings, Hoyt Case, Elaine Smith, and Geroline Fulton; and her great granddaughter, Molly Elizabeth West.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Karen Criswell and Paul Smith (JoLynne); five grandchildren, Dr. Becky Roberts (Wes), Emily Stephens, Amanda Hale (John), Kayla Kanak (Kevin), and Dr. Steven Smith; six great grands, Karlene West, Amelia West, Marlee Stephens, Charlie Harrell, Brittney Kelly (Jesse), and Reagan Kanak; and one great, great grandchild, Charlie Harrell III. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Memphis Daniel Pippins
Services for Memphis Daniel Pippins of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Friday,
June 30, 2023, at Riverwood with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service and
burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Memphis Daniel Pippins, 5, passed away June 26, 2023.
He was born March 29, 2018, to Cody and Kayla Pippins.
Memphis loved playing with his sister, riding his bike, paw patrols, and being the Light in everyone’s Life.
Preceding him in death were his great grandfather, Dennis Lomax and great uncle, Troyce Case.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Cody and Kayla Pippins, and
twin sister Tuesday Pippins; grandparents, James and Janet Brock, Kim and Tim Jennings, Stephen and Vanessa Simmons; George and Eunice Pippins and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Annie Laurie Reeves
Services for Mrs. Annie Laurie Reeves of Bogue Chitto are 10:00 am, Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Riverwood Family with burial at Fair River Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 28, at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Annie Laurie Reeves ,95, went to be with her Lord on June 26, 2023, at The Aspen of Brookhaven.
She was born May 5, 1928, to the late Jim and Mary McElwee.
Mrs. Reeves was a member of Fair River Baptist Church and Sunday School Class; she enjoyed singing with numerous singing groups and she also enjoyed bowling.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Willie Reeves; grandson, Wade Reeves, granddaughter, Crystal Reeves, and daughters-in-law, Monica Reeves and Judy Reeves Speights.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jim and wife, Deb Reeves, Bill Reeves, and Steve and wife, Joyce Reeves; along with eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dorothy Dean Darsey and a host of nieces and nephews.
She will be dearly missed by all that loved her.
Jamie Dale Sutton
The funeral service for Jamie Dale Sutton will be 11 a.m., Thursday, June 29, at New Prospect Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. at New Prospect.
Mr. Jamie Dale was born in Brookhaven, MS August 30, 1934, to James Harris Sutton and Lavenia Walker Sutton. He completed his work here on earth and entered into the arms of Jesus on June 25, 2023, with his loving family by his side. His journey on this earth lasted 88 years and will be greatly missed by those who loved him. He was retired from Armstrong Tire Company, working 35 years with them.
Mr. Jamie Dale loved his family and cherished his sweetheart, Mrs. Dorothy. They were a good team and lived a life of integrity and grace, leaving that legacy to his children, his grandchildren, and even great grands. He enjoyed the outdoors, cutting grass was a favorite thing for him. He was a man of faith, loving the Lord above all others, teaching Sunday School for many years as well as serving the church as deacon. He enjoyed visiting nursing homes and encouraging others. He was a tremendous student of God’s Word, reading it completely through five times. Mr. Jamie Dale truly loved his faith family at New Prospect. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jim Sutton; and his brothers, Don Sutton, Rivers Sutton, Tommy Sutton, Richard Sutton and Ronnie Sutton.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Smith Sutton; daughters, Patricia Sutton Parker and Cynthia Sutton Thompson; brother, David Lane Sutton; six grandchildren, J.B. Parker, Josh Parker, Robby Herring, Chris Herring, Brandt Sutton, Megan Sutton Reginelli; and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends as well as his faith family at New Prospect.
Carol L. Massengill
The funeral service for Carol L. Massengill will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church, 400 Magee Drive, in Brookhaven at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27th with visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Mrs. Massengill, who died on June 23rd in Brookhaven, is survived by her husband, Bob, the love of her life for almost 60 years. She was the proud mother of Karen M. Hickman (and husband, Andrew) and Robb Massengill (and wife, Fran), and grandmother of six grandchildren, who loved her as “Dadool”: Hannah Hickman Halliwell (and husband, Zach), Will Hickman (and wife Sara), and Heath Hickman (and wife, Maddie), and Maggie M. Andrews (and husband, Carter), Gracey and Robert Massengill. She was the proud great-grandmother of Witt Halliwell. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Carol was a native of Upper Darby, PA, but called Brookhaven her home since her marriage to Bob in 1964. After completing Upper Darby High School she graduated from Millersville State University, located near Lancaster, PA, with a degree in Elementary Education. While at Millersville, she played basketball and was a member of the Homecoming Court. She taught elementary grades in Pennsylvania and at Brookhaven Elementary School. She was largely responsible for Art being added to the curriculum in the Brookhaven Public School System. She later taught 5-year-old kindergarten at Faith Presbyterian Church and loved sharing her Lord and Savior with the children she taught. Seeing these students become Godly adults was one of the great joys of her life.
Mrs. Massengill was a former member of the Mothers Club and the Climbers Club and served as an active leader of Girls Scouts. “Mrs.Carol,” as she was known to her scouts, had gained her love for scouting as a child and young lady as had worked most of her high school years in order to earn the funds needed to go to Europe for the entire summer of 1958 with the Girl Scouts after completing high school.
She was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church, where she served as President of the Women in the Church, taught children’s Sunday School for many years, was an active member of the choir, taught Vacation Bible School, and was a member of several teams, including the Missions Team. One of her favorite memories was teaching a group of ladies John Bunyan’s Classic “Pilgrim’s Progress.”
Along with her husband, Mrs. Massengill took numerous mission trips to countries such as Belize, Mexico, Malawi, Ukriane, and Kyrgystan. She had the gift of hospitality and shared the love of her Lord by hosting visiting missionaries on numerous occasions. For many years Mrs. Massengill graciously hosted a small group Bible study on Sunday evenings at her home.
In addition to mission trips, Carol loved traveling with Bob, and they took many interesting and informative trips to Europe. She always loved traveling anywhere with family. She thoroughly enjoyed attending the various activities of her grandchildren, loved to cheer for the Ole Miss football and baseball teams, had a green thumb (especially with African Violets), played an excellent game of tennis in years past, and enjoyed playing golf with family. In years past she greatly enjoyed playing bridge with friends. One of her greatest dislikes was her cell phone, as it never seemed to be able to find her!
In years past Carol loved studying God’s Word and had the desire to see the love of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, shared with others throughout the world. One of her favorite Bible verses was Psalm 118:4, which says, “This is the day the Lord made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it” and one of her favorite hymns was “Jesus Loves Me.”
The family would like to express special thanks to Jaci King and the compassionate staff at HaloHavens, to those at Dignity Hospice, to her special friend and caregiver Maggie Thompson, and to all of those who have been praying for Carol and the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made payable to the Mission Fund, Faith Presbyterian Church, PO Box 5090, Brookhaven, MS 39603 or to Faith Presbyterian Kindergarten at the same address.
Billy Joe Reeves
Graveside Service for Mr. Billy Joe Reeves of Bogue Chitto, are 10:00 am Monday, June 26, 2023 at Topisaw Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Billy Joe Reeves, 93, went to be with his Lord on June 23, 2023.
He was born July 26, 1929, to the late Zeb and Clara Reeves.
Mr. Billy loved spending time outdoors, fox hunting, farming and tending to his animals.
He was a member of Topisaw Baptist Church and was retired as a Holsum Bread Route Deliverer.
Preceding him in death were his parents; 1st wife, Rhodie Brown Reeves, 2nd wife, Viola Dunn Reeves; brothers, Zeb and Horace; and sister, Lura Mae Thompson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Wayne Reeves and Billy Ray Reeves; four grandchildren, Tami Thornhill (Scott), Chris Reeves, Billy Reeves (Sarah), and Alan Reeves (Miranda); along with 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
He will be missed by all that loved him.
Dorothy Jean McPhail Norris
A memorial service for Dorothy Jean McPhail Norris will be held 4 p.m., Saturday, June 24, at Topeka Baptist Church.
Mrs. Norris, 71, of Monticello, died June 23, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. She was born in Prentiss, MS, January 20, 1952, to Leroy McPhail and Rita Mae Delancey McPhail. She worked for many years in Rutter Rex Sewing Factory and retired from that occupation. Her favorite pastimes were baking, reading, or coloring, and she also enjoyed sewing as a hobby. Her greatest treasure was her family. She loved spending time with them and with friends as well.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Lee Norris; her parents; children, Dana Norris and Stephanie Norris Barnett; and sister, Patsy Head.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Pam Norris (Tim) and Roni Smith (Tim); brothers, Jessie McPhail, Keith McPhail, and Jimmy McPhail; sister, Faye Jackson; ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Virginia Faye Lea Leggett
The funeral service for Virginia Faye Lea Leggett will be 11 a.m., Monday, June 26, 2023, at Riverwood Family with burial in Mission Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Riverwood and will resume Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Leggett, 81, of Brookhaven, died June 22, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Wesson, MS, January 24, 1942, to Troy Major Lea and Helen Jackson Lea. She was a retired teachers’ assistant and bus driver for Enterprise Attendance Center, where she worked for over 25 years.
Mrs. Leggett loved shopping for purses, shoes, and wallets. She was an avid Elvis Memorabilia collector and an accomplished musician, playing piano and singing. She also enjoyed playing penny auction. She was a lovely person and leaves a lasting legacy for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jerry Leggett; her parents; and brother, Jackie Lea.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Robert Ladell “Dale” Leggett (Theresa); sister, Linda Moak (Ellis); three grandchildren, Niki Carnley (Donovon), Katy East (Sam), and Travis Leggett (Stevie Ann); eight great grands, Zoe Carnley, Baylen Carnley, Liam Carnley, Rowynn Carnley, Gracie East, Tucker East, Eoin East, and Emmersyn Rose East, and Baby Boy Leggett soon to be born, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Joyce Blaylock Meredith
A Memorial service for Joyce Blaylock Meredith of Wesson was held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 1:00 until the time of service.
Joyce Blaylock Meredith, 75, of Wesson, Mississippi went on to her eternal reward on June 14, 2023. She was born on November 4, 1947, in Sulligent, Alabama to Louise and Curtis Blaylock.
Joyce graduated from Sulligent High School and was proud to be a stay-at-home mom. She was a faithful member of Brookway Church of Christ in Brookhaven, Mississippi. She was an extremely strong, smart, and amazing woman who loved God, her family, and her friends and was in turn loved deeply by them. Before her health was affected by Parkinson’s disease, she loved gardening, reading, drawing, loving on her pets (including her chickens), and spending time with her grandchildren. Those left to cherish her memory are her three sons: Lee Meredith (Melissa) of Wesson, MS; Tommy Meredith (Crissy) of Union Church, MS; Shane Meredith (Meghan) of Starkville, MS; nine grandchildren, one great-grandson and one sister, Jan Richards. She is preceded in death by her parents Louise and Curtis Blaylock and two sisters, Helene Reich and Bon Lockhart.
Edward Lee Ashley, Jr.
The funeral service for Edward Lee Ashley, Jr. will be 2 p.m., Friday, June 23 at Riverwood Family with burial in Wesson City Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at Riverwood and will resume from 1p.m. until the time of service on Friday.
Mr. Edward Lee Ashley, Jr., 71, of Wesson, died June 19, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven December 26, 1951, to Edward Lee Ashley Sr. and Mildred Lavene Wells Ashley. He retired from Packard Electric. Mr. Ashley was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many. He enjoyed spending time with his family, but also enjoyed fishing and golfing. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lance Ashley; sister, Betty Ashley; and grandson, Gibson Britt.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years, Sharon Ashley; children, Tracy Britt Shufelt and Mitzi Britt Emfinger (Tony); sister, Charlotte Newell (Wayne); grandson, Larson Emfinger; cousin Scott Ashley; along with other loving family members and friends.
