Obituaries
Archie Hugh Campbell
Services for Mr. Archie Hugh Campbell of Meadville are 3:00 pm, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Siloam Baptist Church with visitation from 1:00 until the time of the service and burial at the church cemetery.
Mr. Archie Hugh Campbell, 84, passed away on August 10, 2024. He was born on August 4, 1940, to the late Richard and Bertha Campbell.
He served his country in the U.S. National Guard and retired from the Illinois Central Railroad after 25 years. After retiring he owned a plumbing business for many years.
Archie was a member of Siloam Baptist Church for over 50 years. He had a zest for life and loved his family dearly.
Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Monroe, Fred, Alcy, Willie, Charlie, and Sedric; his sisters, Letha and Ivy.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margie Farmer Campbell, children, Jason Campbell and wife Julie and Rachel Black, and husband, Tom. sister, Virginia Leonard, and grandson, William Campbell (Lauren), and a host of nieces and nephews.
He will be dearly missed by all who love him.
Roland Elgin Lea
Services for Mr. Roland Elgin Lea will be held on August 14, 2024, at 10:00am At Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be August 13, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Riverwood and will resume Wednesday morning one hour prior to the service.
Roland Elgin Lea, 92, of Brookhaven, passed from this life on August 11, 2024. He was born in Sontag, MS on June 22, 1932, to Ivo Alexander Lea and Naomi Kleinpeter Lea. Mr. Lea served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After serving in the military, he worked for B & B Dairy before being hired with International Paper Company, where he was a Warden and Heavy Equipment Operator. He was an active member of Easthaven Baptist Church and was a part of the Sr. Adult Sunday School Class.
Roland was very active in his community. He was a member of the Brookhaven Exchange Club for 50 years, he celebrated with the “Greatest Generation Coffee Club” which met at Burger King for many years, and a member of ABATE of Mississippi. He brought joy to children every time he donned the Santa Suit each holiday season while volunteering with the Salvation Army as a “Bell Ringer”. He truly enjoyed life, and he lived with integrity and honor in all he put his hand to.
He was an avid outdoorsman. Roland owned 64 motorcycles and many boats, which gave him the opportunity to share his love of fishing, camping, water skiing, and jet skiing and he was an avid hunter. He was a founding member of the Dixie Springs Ski Club in the 1960’s and he was also involved with Dixie Youth Baseball as an assistant coach. Not only was he proficient in water, but he also took to the air in his ultralight airplane. He was a faithful supporter of his grandchildren’s sports, band activities and dance recitals.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Doris Coker Lea; his parents; brothers, Phillip Douglas Lea, Roscoe Lea, Ivo H. Lea, Marcus Lea; sisters, Ivolene Lea Coker and Delores Lea Greer.
Survivors included his children, Reggie Lea (Rita), Melinda Calvert (Brian), Dwana Wright (Rick), and Todd Lea; brother, Teunnison Lea (Johnnie); five grandchildren, Rosanna Belle Lea, Laura Elizabeth Wright, John Coker Wright, Austin Todd Lea, and Addison Kenzie Lea; and one great grandchild, John Hayes Wright. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mildred Lea and Kay Lea; brother-in-law, Hubert Greer and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Gayla Wardlaw, Darlene Crawford, and Barbara Brewer for their compassionate care of their daddy. We also thank Jaci King and Halo Havens’ wonderful caregivers and the grace shown to him, to our family, and to the friends he leaves behind at Halo Havens
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Brookhaven Exchange Club and the Easthaven Sr. Adults Sunday School Class.
Dorothy Posey Smith
The funeral service for Dorothy Posey Smith will be 11 a.m., Thursday, August 15, at Riverwood Family with burial in Beauregard Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, at Riverwood and will resume at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Mrs. Smith, 81, of Wesson, died August 9, 2024, at Copiah County Medical Center in Hazlehurst, MS. She was born in Brookhaven, May 11, 1943, to Carl Posey and Ola Herring Posey. Mrs. Dorothy was an avid reader. She also enjoyed puzzles and word games to keep her mind sharp. She loved spending time with her family and friends and watching her favorite TV series, “Midsomer Murders” and “M*A*S*H”. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jerry Smith; her parents; and her sister, Joan Mullen.
Survivors include her children, Kelly Smith (John), Thomas Corey Smith (Wanda), and Marcy Smith Thompson (Brett); four grandchildren, Joey Smith, Suzanna Smith, Brianna Westbrook, and Blake Westbrook; sister-in-law, Carolyn Thompkins; niece, Donna Mullen Horton; great nephew, David Horton; great niece, Allison Morris; and special friends, Marcia Teaster, Nelda Westbrook, Tammy Nelson, Jerrie Bland, and Jo Norwood Jones.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Samantha Ellison Powell and Arden Hospice and to Lauren Thompson and Copiah County Medical Center Staff.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Beauregard Cemetery, 1009 Dickerson Lane, Wesson, MS, 39191.
Jimmy Eugene "Bo" Anderson
The funeral service for Jimmy Eugene “Bo” Anderson will be 1 p.m., Saturday, August 17, at Pinebluff Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Riverwood Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Jimmy “Bo” Anderson, 86, of Crystal Springs, MS, went to be with his Savior August 9, 2024. Bo was born in Dentville, MS on December 12, 1937. He was one of eight children born to Edwin Anderson, Sr. and Vera Strong Anderson.
He was married to Lois Kay Anderson on June 16, 1967, and they had two children, Paul Anderson and Susan Kay Anderson. He was pawpaw to Emmalee Kay Anderson and Walker Bo Anderson.
Bo retired from Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 619. He was a welder and pipefitter.
Until he had a stroke, he was an active member of the Pinebluff Masonic Lodge.
Pinebluff Baptist Church has been his church family all his life.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Vera Anderson; brothers, Edwin Anderson, Jr., Percy “Buck” Anderson, Frank Anderson, and Billy “Pill” Anderson; and sisters, Julia Mae Anderson, Doris Barnett, and Trixie Parrett.
He is survived by his wife Lois; son, Paul Anderson (Christy) and daughter, Susan Kay; and grandchildren, Emmalee and Walker Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pinebluff Dentville Cemetery Foundation, P.O. Box 51, Hazlehurst, MS 39083.
Mary Michelle Furr Smith
Mary Michelle Furr Smith, 48, peacefully passed away at her home on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Born in McComb, MS, on July 4, 1976, to Charles Earl Furr and Jean Quinn Furr, Michelle was a proud Brookhaven Academy graduate, Class of 1994. Known affectionately as "Firecracker," a nickname that reflected her bicentennial birthday and her fiery, never-give-up spirit, Michelle brought joy and energy wherever she went.
Michelle’s greatest joy came from being a devoted wife and mother. She relished every moment spent raising her two young sons and took immense pride in her role at home. Her affection for her pets: Miss Kitty and Miss Dixie, the cats, Lani the dog, and her pig, Sir Oinks A Lot, was a testament to her warm and loving nature. When she wasn’t tending to their animals, Michelle could often be found in her garden or behind the lens of her camera, capturing the nature and beauty of their land.
Michelle's bravery extended beyond her family and friends. She became a beacon of hope and inspiration at the University of Mississippi Medical Cancer Center. Her participation in research trials for brain cancer was marked by an extraordinary spirit that even inspired her oncologist to remain in the field rather than switch careers. Michelle's courage and determination were truly inspiring, and her humor and zest for life were contagious.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Earl Furr, and her father-in-law, Philip Eugene Smith Sr., as well as other cherished family members who will be celebrating her spirit from afar.
Michelle leaves behind her loving husband of 29 years, Philip Eugene Smith Jr.; her sons, Cason Lee Smith and Charles “Charlie” Elliott Smith; her mother, Jean Quinn Furr; her brother, Charles Brian Furr; her mother-in-law, Phyllis Smith Hobbs; her sister-in-law, Jennifer Smith Heffner; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her circle of friends was vast and filled with significant individuals fortunate to have shared in her life.
The family also extends heartfelt thanks to the Dignity Hospice team, especially nurses Amy Wiley, Kristi Wilson, Sherri Brooks, and Nova York, for their compassionate care.
Michelle’s vibrant and enduring spirit will continue to inspire and bring joy to those who knew her, and she will be dearly missed.
Funeral service is 1 p.m., Monday, August 12 at Riverwood Family with burial in Union Hall Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.
Troy Floyd
The funeral service for Troy Lamar Floyd is 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 13, at Bethel Temple Church with burial in the church cemetery. Friends and family will have a time of visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of the service for Mr. Floyd.
Troy is a lifelong resident of Lincoln County. He was truly “one of a kind”. He was a devoted Christian and a career lawman. He wholeheartedly loved protecting and serving. Troy could witness of God’s love for you, quoting scripture, while putting on the handcuffs. His love for people and a call to protect them led him into law enforcement and politics. Troy graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1993 and began his career in law enforcement in 1996. As a career law man, Troy has proven leadership, strong criminal enforcement, effective crime prevention, and established partnerships in the community and state that has made Lincoln County and the surrounding areas stronger.
Troy’s credentials include Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Instructor, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Instructor, certifications in School Resource Officer, DARE Instructor, and Canine Officer, Interview and Interrogation Training, Raid Planning Training, Drug Interdiction Officer (which included Motor Vehicles and Commercial Vehicles), specialized training with the Mexican Cartels by the DEA, Certified Agent with Mississippi Department of Corrections (specializing in high risk offenders and sex offenders), former Assistant Police Chief of Wesson, Drug & Human Trafficking Interdiction, ALERRT Active Shooter Instructor, STAR Program Instructor, and a Mentor at Camp Shelby for troubled youth. He was also a Lincoln County Jailer and a full time Deputy. These are just a surface listing of his many accomplishments. To name everything would take far too many pages.
Troy was genuinely liked by most people and loved by many more. Everyone that knew Troy probably has a funny story to tell. He could be a little skiddish at times, depending on his current location and/or present company. With all his quirks aside, Troy was a loving husband and a doting dad and Papa. He truly loved his family and was loyal to his friends. This is only a brief synopsis of an all too brief life, but if you asked Troy what was most important to him, I believe he would tell you it was his salvation.
Troy is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Hilda Ray Floyd; his maternal great grandparents, Eugene and Hattie Pennington; paternal grandparents, Sam Floyd and Johnnie Sanchez; and grandparents, Cliff Givens and Helen Shaheen.
He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Sage Floyd; children, Raiden Floyd (Shelby) of Sandyhook, MS, Carlyanna Nicholson (Brayden) of Wesson, MS, and Jacob Floyd of Brookhaven, MS; brother, Eddie Floyd, Jr. of West Monroe, LA; sisters, Cristi Montgomery (Mike) of Union, MS, Terry Hedgepeth of McComb, MS, Missy Freeman (Mark) of Brookhaven, MS; two grandchildren, Morgan Floyd and Brancin Floyd; and a host of other loving family members, friends, law enforcement officers, and faith family members.
Lincoln 8 out!
Kathleen Lambert Ashley
Mrs. Kathleen Ashley, 86, of Brookhaven, died Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Halo Haven. She was born in Lawrence County, MS, December 2, 1937, to Thomas Elvis Lambert and Bertha Jane Williamson Lambert. She was a graduate of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Mrs. Ashley is preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Ashley, after 49 years of marriage; her parents; siblings, Reba Thompson, Douglas Lambert, Elnora Givens, Elgin Lambert, and Judy Lambert; and son-in-law, Garry Thornhill.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Karole Thornhill and Ronda Ashley; brother, Bobby Lambert (Shirley); two grandchildren, Dana Stone (Jason) and Megan Thornhill; and two great grandchildren, Emily and Caleb. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members.
Friends and family may join for a time of visitation from 5-8 p.m., Friday, August 9, at Wesson United Pentecostal Church. A private family graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 10, in Bethel Temple Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to Tupelo Children’s Mansion PO Box 167, Tupelo, MS 38804
Christiane Beate Smith
Graveside service for Christiane Beate Smith will be 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Ms. Smith, 68, of Brookhaven, passed away on August 1, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was born in Berlin, Germany on October 23, 1955, to Hans Joachim Mechlinski and Helga Elisabeth Rogalski Mechlinski. Ms. Smith was a loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Rosemari Mechlinski and brother, Manfred Mechlinski.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Bianca Branch (Scott) and Randy Smith; brother, Reiner Mechlinski; sisters, Astrid Grotte, Daniela Reskalla, and Renate Glinzig; three grandchildren, Andrew Culver, Noah Smith, and Patience White (Thomas) and great-granddaughter, Serenity White.
In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to Trend Health and Rehab, Attn: Activities Fund, 525 Brookman Dr. Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Eunice Daughdrill Clark
The funeral service for Eunice Daughdrill Clark will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 7, at Riverwood Family with burial in Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Clark, 84, of Wesson, died August 1, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Sontag, MS, July 31, 1940, to Eugene Daughdrill and Ollie Belle Stephens Daughdrill. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she cared for her family deeply and leaves a legacy of faith and grace. She was a member of Springhill Baptist Church and served there for many years in many ways, including Sunday School teacher for youth, singing in the church choir, and ministering to the residents at the nursing homes. She enjoyed playing her piano and singing. She was an avid bowler and was in a bowling league for many years. Among her favorite pastimes were tending to her rose garden, sewing and quilting. Mrs. Clark will be greatly missed by her family as well as her faith family at Springhill.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Denver Daughdrill; and sisters, Gennie Allen, Charlene Wallace, and Gladys Cobb.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 68 years, Jimmie Clark; children, Marilyn Phillips (Flip), Michael Clark (Ann); brother, Billy Daughdrill; sisters, Maggie Russell, Louise Savoie, Ruth Sills, and Lilly Hedgepeth; five grandchildren, Jennifer Crapps, Jessica Dowd, Chris Phillips, Staci Phillips, Joseph Clark; 12 great grandchildren, Laynee, Rowan, Ryleigh, Ainslea, Harper, Naomi, Noah, Ady Rose, Karly Kay, Maddie Jo, Kyle, and Braxton. She is also survived by a special friend, Hazel McLendon, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Sonja Marie DeWitt Grayson
April 5, 1959 – August 3, 2024
A memorial service for Sonja will be held Thursday, August 8, at 10:30 a.m., at Providence Baptist Church. You may pay your respects to the family beginning at 10 a.m. A small graveside service will follow. Riverwood Family is in charge of arrangements.
Sonja Marie DeWitt Grayson was born April 5, 1959 to Roscoe and Dixie DeWitt. Joining her older brother, Tommy, their family was complete. Born with grace and an extra dose of grit, there was never a question if a task would be completed, if Sonja was involved, she always gave her best with every endeavor she encountered. Sonja’s philosophy was to do a job that would make everyone, including yourself, proud.
In her early years, throughout college, and on into adulthood, Sonja was known for her outstanding athleticism. Whether on a softball field or the court of a gymnasium, Sonja was in her element and her talent shined. Sonja came to know Christ as a young girl, and even through the troubles and trials of life, she would return to seek the love and guidance of her Savior.
Sonja married Randy L. Grayson, Sr. on April 2, 1988. With their union, Sonja was blessed with Kristen, Randy Jr., and Brandy and she became “Mama Sonja”. Years later their family would be complete when Randy and Sonja’s son, Jordan DeWitt Grayson was born. At this time, Sonja would add the title of “Mama” to her ever-growing list, but this title was one she was beyond proud of. During her adult years, Sonja could be found in her community serving others. Whether it was coaching a ball team, serving through different avenues with her church family, or simply helping others; Sonja could be found exhibiting what it was to truly be the hands and feet of Christ.
Anyone that knew Sonja, knew three things about her. First, she was a true Ole Miss Rebel- through and through. Secondly, family was everything to Sonja. She stated on multiple occasions, “if you don’t have family, you don’t have anything”. This was evident in Sonja’s life as she was fiercely close to her cousins, so much that she was known as “Aunt Sonja” to all their children. Later in life, Sonja gained yet another title, “MawMaw”. This was by far her favorite title to date. Lastly, of all the titles she held- Mama, MawMaw, Rebel fan, Aunt, Sister, Cousin, Friend- there was one that she still held closest to her heart. Sonja was a child of God and she was quick to share her story with others. A story with a few bumps in the road, and even a few wrong turns; She was always fast to share her redemption story-one she credited her one and only Savior.
On August 3, 2024, Sonja was called into Glory, surrounded by her family at her own piece of Heaven on Earth- a small farm in Beat 3 she called home. While our hearts ache, we rejoice in the promise that she was greeted by Jesus and all the loved ones that went before her as well as the reassurance we will see her again one day.
Sonja DeWitt Grayson was preceded in death by her parents, Roscoe and Dixie DeWitt, and her brother, Tommy DeWitt.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Randy Grayson Sr., her son, Jordan Grayson (Lindsey), stepchildren: Kristen Ready (Derek), Randy Grayson Jr., and Brandy Carney (Corey), 10 grandchildren, Hendrix Grayson, Myles Grayson, Macy Carney, Rylea Carney, Reagan Carney, Daytin Ready, Adley Ready, Caden Grayson, Claire Grayson, Callie Grayson; 2 great grandchildren, Kohen Grayson, Kollins Grayson and a host of special cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
“To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.”
2 Corinthians 5:8
