Obituaries
Brenda Carol Lofton Tasselli
A memorial service will take place at Riverwood Funeral Service in Brookhaven, MS on Saturday August 24th, 2024. Visitation will be held at 2 pm and Memorial Service at 3 pm. Brenda wants you to wear bright colors!! Pastor Lonnie Case will officiate, and burial will take place at Ramah Baptist Church cemetery in McCall's Creek afterwards.
Brenda Carol Lofton Tasselli was born October 30, 1943, in Brookhaven MS and passed away on July 24, 2024, in Brookhaven MS. She was the daughter of Zack and Hazy Moak Lofton and the youngest of 10 children. Their home was in the McCall Creek area of West Lincoln County. Ramah Baptist Church is and was central to their community where many family members and ancestors are buried.
She graduated from West Lincoln High School in 1961. She kept up with some of her classmates from 63 years ago.
Brenda made her home in many places across the country during her life. She lived in Hickory, North Carolina, Dallas, Texas, Phoenix Arizona, Huntington Beach, CA and Loveland, Colorado before returning to Lincoln County in her last years.
Brenda was known for her spunk and quick wit. She loved to laugh and appreciated a good story. Her holiday decorations were always on target, and she celebrated every holiday with flourish. "Anything worth doing was worth over doing"
Her favorite sports teams were the Dallas Cowboys, second only to The Denver Broncos.
When asked what she enjoyed most in her life, she said that it was spending time with her family and friends. Her last years were spent at Diversicare in Brookhaven where she created yet another community of nurses and caregivers and other residents.
She is preceded in death by her parents: Zach and Hazy Lofton; Her Brothers and Sisters: Irene Lofton Brister (M.L. Brister), Joseph Thomas (J.T.) Lofton (Ruby Smith), James Allen Lofton (Gladys Smith), Shirley Lofton Whittington (W.A. Whittington), Agnes Marie Lofton (J.R. Moak, Doug Foreman Amolene Lofton, Mike Lofton (Patsy Cross), Peggy Omega Lofton (Ashford Impson); and her Children: J. Kevin Wilkinson, Susan Wilkinson Denison.
She is survived by her brother, Rev Pat Lofton (Annie Katherine Arnold); her daughter: Carolyn Wilkinson Sloan of Portland, OR; her Son in Law: Jeff Denison of Rapid City, SD; her grandchildren; Tyler Wilkinson of Boone NC, Logan Wilkinson of Port Washington WI ,Brody Wilkinson of Port Washington WI, Matthew Sloan (Taylor Reynolds) of Portland Oregon, Jordan Sloan of Portland Oregon; Kate Denison Lee (Ben Lee) Rapid City, SD
She loved her numerous nieces and nephews, and they loved her.
She had some significant friends that were a part of her life in her early years and in her later years. Sue Laird, Barto Laird, Deborah Allred, Chris Smith, and Ashley Newell, to name a few. The family wishes to thank them for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the perpetual upkeep of Ramah Baptist Church Cemetery Fund are requested. Checks can be sent to Ramah Baptist Church, 1455 Ramah Road, McCall's Creek, MS 39647 (Denote "Cemetery Fund " on the check).
Jack Stanley Smith, Jr.
Jack Stanley Smith, Jr., 87, of Bogue Chitto, died July 29, 2024, at his residence. He was born February 24, 1937, to Jack Stanley Smith and Ethel Terry Smith.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee Bowman Smith.
Sheila Mary Price Graves
Sheila Mary Price Graves, aged 77, passed away peacefully on July 10th, 2024, in Bossier City, Louisiana. Born with a heart full of kindness, Sheila dedicated her life to serving others, embodying the virtues of selflessness and generosity. She was a devout individual, always putting the needs of others before her own.
A loving family survives Sheila: her husband, John Graves: sons, John III (Amber) and Matthew (Tisa); Sheila was a cherished grandmother to Cody, Kyler, Kaden, Jack, River, Taylor and Madison and great-grandmother to James, Eren and Sage. Sheila's legacy also lives on through brother, Jerry (Cindy) and sisters, Bethany, Melanie, and Amy... and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews, both here in the USA and abroad in England.
She is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Irene Price, brothers Robert Price and Bruce Price, sister Jenna Boyles and her beloved daughter, Emily Wicker.
Sheila had a vibrant passion for life, evident in her hobbies which included reading, painting, cooking, pottery, golf, beach trips and cruises, attending family events, caring for her much loved dogs Luka, Maggie, and grandpuppy Rocky. Each activity was a testament to her creativity and love for beauty in all its forms.
Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate Sheila’s life on August the 3rd, 2024 at Riverwood Memorial in Brookhaven MS. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, with memorial service to follow immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Sheila Mary Price Graves. Donations can be made online at www.stjude.org/donate or by mail to 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Franklin Alfred Howington
A Celebration of Life for Mr. Franklin Alfred Howington, Jr. will be Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Kingsborough Community Center from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. 502 Silver Cross Dr. in Brookhaven.
Mr. Howington, 44, passed away on July 22, 2024, at his home in Summit. He was born on February 21, 1980, in Iola MS, and grew up in Brookhaven, MS. Franklin graduated from Enterprise High School. He worked various jobs and was an avid fisherman. He loved to have fun and joke around.
Preceding him in death are his father, Alfred Howington, Sr., and mother, Margaret “Nanny” Howington.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Joyce Yelm; siblings, Stevie Veltman and husband, Mike, Marie Alesich, Tammy Wilson and Nikki Pace and husband, Aric; his Aunt, Mary Gandy, Aunt Jackie Cheney, Aunt Margie Treadway, Aunt Tracy Wilder; his Uncle Alva Klucker and Uncle Mitchell Vowell; one nephew, six nieces, and numerous great nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank the Accent Care Home Heath of Brookhaven and Sheena Barnes, NP.
Patsy Jean Wallace
A Graveside Service for Ms. Patsy Jean Wallace of Bogue Chitto is at 10:00 am Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation 5:00-7:00 pm, Friday, July 26, at Riverwood Family.
Patsy Jean Wallace, 89, passed away on July 25, 2024, at Kings Daughters Medical Center. She was born on February 6, 1935, to the late Edward Eugene Wallace and Ruby Mae McFadden Wallace.
Preceding her in death are her parents; sisters, Nellie Sasser and Ann Brown; brothers, J.B. Wallace, Maxie Wallace, and Carroll Wallace; nephew, Tommy Sasser (Annette) and great nephew, Gary Paul Sasser.
Those left to cherish her memory are her nephew, Steve Sasser (Gail), niece, Nancy Sasser Fenwick (Billy), great nephews, Stan Sasser (Tara), Will Fenwick (Jaime), Scott Sasser (Kristin) and great nieces, Kelly Fenwick and Heather Gault (Luke) along with a host of great-great nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at KDMC and Trend and Heather Roberts, Home Health Nurse.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to BARL.
William Ray Jones
The funeral service for William Ray Jones will be Noon, Friday, July 26, at Monticello Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
On July 23, 2024, William Ray Jones (Billy Ray), the loving husband of 71 years and father of two children, passed away at the age of 95. Billy Ray was born November 11, 1928, to Elige Jones and Glovie Harger Jones of Piave, Mississippi. He graduated from Century High School in Century, FL in June, 1947. He then volunteered for 18 months of active duty in the United States Army. After separation from the military, Billy Ray went to work for St. Regis Paper Company in Cantonment, FL and then continued his education in accounting by attending night classes at Pensacola Junior College.
Billy Ray’s work was interrupted by the Korean War and he was recalled to active duty in September 1950, and was assigned to the 101st Signal Battalion at Fort Gordon, GA. He departed Fort Gordon for Korea in January, 1951 with a temporary stop in Japan for training in the latest communications changes needed for Korean operations. Billy Ray then served in Korea starting in April 1951 until November of that same year. He was awarded three medals for his service in Korea; the Korean Service W/2 Battle Star, Japan Occupation, and the United Nations Korean Service Medal.
In 1952, Billy Ray married Marjorie Pierce and later that year both of them made the greatest decision of their life by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
After returning to his job with St. Regis Paper Company, he received several promotions before transferring to the new Ferguson Mill being built at Monticello, MS in June, 1967 to help establish instructions and procedures for new employees. A few years later Billy Ray was promoted to Accounting Assistant Plant Controller, a job he held until retirement in June 1988. He was credited with 40 years of total service with the company.
Billy Ray was involved with many other activities during his working years and retirement. He always wanted to do things to help other people. Beginning with his church work, he was a Sunday School teacher for ages one through high school. He served as deacon at First Baptist Church in Cantonment, FL and at Monticello Baptist in Monticello, MS. He was a church treasurer and also served on many other special committees including the new church building and later the annex building at Monticello. After retirement he participated with a local group that built six Habitat for Humanity houses in Lawrence County. One of Billy Ray’s treasured activities was his dedicated work in Scouting. He earned his Eagle Award (Scouting’s highest rank) in 1945 and worked very closely with Scout troops in Cantonment and at Monticello. He was Scoutmaster for the Monticello Troop for several years, taking time for summer camps, canoe trips and camporees with the local troop. Several Scouts under Billy Ray’s guidance earned their Eagle awards during his time as Scoutmaster. Billy Ray also enjoyed spending time working with the Historical Society in his home town of Century, FL building a model replica of the town for the local museum.
Survivors are his daughter, Nancy Christian and son Tim Jones. He was the proud grandfather of Jennifer Crosby (Randy), Drew Jones (Rina), Reed Jones (Kaitlin), and Rachel Jones; and great grandfather of LynnLee Crosby and Maya and Mirela Jones.
Billy Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; his parents; sisters, Voncylle Ritchie and Margaret Lambeth; and brothers, Ken Jones and Elige Jones.
Jeanette B. Greene
The funeral service for Jeanette B. Greene will be 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, at Riverwood Family with burial in Bowman Cemetery. Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Greene, 78, of Wesson, died July 22, 2024, at her residence with all her family by her side. She was born in Vernon, AL, March 24, 1946, to Olen E. Bowman and Velma Campbell Bowman. She worked for many years at Piggly Wiggly in the deli department as well as at Brookhaven Nursery.
Jeanette was a woman of sincere faith and loved the Lord with all her heart. She was kind and generous and never complained or became angry with people. She was a forgiving and caring person, always putting others before herself. She loved working with plants and enjoyed her time at Brookhaven Nursery. Jeanette’s greatest joy was in her family, spending time with them and being an example before them. Jeanette will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Stephen C. Greene; her parents; her children, Keith Anding and Wanda Lynette Williamson; grandchild, Brandon Jones and great grandchild, Riley Anding; and many brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her children, Sharon Jeanette Craven and Wendy Sharlene Chesteen (Chris); brothers, R.B. Bowman, Rayborn Bowman, Timmy Bowan, Clatus Bowman, and Kenneth Bowman; sisters, Ellette Bowman, Inez Bowman, B.J. Bowman Finchert (Kent); nine grandchildren, Jonathan Floyd, David Craven III, Chelsea Craven, Brian Nettles, Dwayne Anding (Kim), Brandon Anding, Timmy Caldwell, Christina Teekel (Cody), and Kimberly Anding; 12 great grandchildren; special friends, Carrie Little and Jim Harveston and a host of other loving family members and friends, as well as her faith family at Brookhaven Church of God.
The family would like to thank Deaconess Hospice and staff for their continued care and love of Jeanette during her illness.
Stanley Venable Jordan
The funeral service for Stanley Venable Jordan will be 11 a.m., Friday, July 26, at Shady Grove Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Riverwood and will resume from 10 a. m. until the time of service Friday at the church.
Mr. Jordan, 76, of Bogue Chitto, died Friday, July 19, at his residence. He was born in McComb, MS, July 27, 1947, to Travis Jordan, Sr. and Bernice Walker Jordan.
Mr. Jordan served his country in the United States Army.
He was a loving husband and father, an unselfish man and wonderful provider. He was the best husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend anyone could ask for. He was a man of integrity and leaves his family an excellent example of how to live and be the best person you can be. He absolutely loved his grandbabies no matter how old they were. Mr. Jordan had a varying heart and always help anyone in need. His favorite pastime was watching the boxing matches on television. We knew not to bother him during that time! He also enjoyed coon hunting or just listening to his dogs. He loved his job and the people he worked with. He made us proud to call him dad, granddad and friend.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Lauren Nations Jordan; his parents; granddaughter, Jordan Brittany Roberts; and brother, Travis Jordan, Jr.
He is survived by his children Stancie Jordan Roberts and Nicholas Drew Jordan; brother, Kenny Jordan (Betty); sister, Marylin Jordan Crum (Tommy); six grandchildren, Jordan Roberts, Brittany Jordan, Jakab Jordan, Abigail Jordan, Emily Jordan and Alexis Jordan; two great grandchildren Rylan Roberts and Stetson Craig; and other family members, Jerry Robison and Jackie Bessonette.
The family would like to thank Arden Hospice, his nurse, Mrs. Jackie (who has retired), and Mrs. Angil. They were such caring and faithful caretakers. We thank everyone who was so helpful during this time of illness. We also want to thank Keith and Sharon Guy and Guys Pharmacy.
Wilma Christine Smith Warren
The funeral service for Wilma “Christine” Smith Warren will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 24, at Philadelphia Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Warren, 90, of Wesson, died July 21, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was born in Fayette, MS, on October 25, 1933, to Dougal C. Smith and Julia Nevels Smith. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
A true Proverbs 31 lady, she loved the Lord above all, and she looked well to the needs of her family. Mrs. Warren was married 60 years to her husband, Lee, until his death. She now joins him in eternal life. She enjoyed preparing meals and having her family around her for any and every occasion. She was a faithful member of Philadelphia Baptist Church where she actively participated in Sunday School and many other mission opportunities. Mrs. Warren will be greatly missed by her family who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Lee O. Warren; her parents; and son-in-law, Jeff Nettles; brothers, Rayford Smith (Nell) and Doyle Smith; sister, Helen Fay Smith Keeton (Everett); and sister-in-law, Marilyn Smith
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Susan W. Nettles; Michael L. Warren (Marsha); and Tina W. Woolley (Randy); brother, Joe Smith; seven grandchildren, Michael Warren (Mandy), Casey Warren (Mindy), Brandon Warren (Whitney), Justin Warren (Shannon), Clay Woolley (Maggie), Kyle Woolley (Tiffany), and Wanda Bradford (Sam); 15 great grandchildren, Peyton Warren (Brooke), Mikayla Travis (Canon), Dylan Warren, Macy Warren, Lydia Warren, Wyatt Warren, Mason Warren, Harlan Warren, Layton Woolley, Macel Woolley, Nathan Clary, Weston Woolley, Kinley Carol Woolley, Chloey Smith, Mallory Smith; three great, great grandchildren Maryana, Maylena, Myki, and one on the way, baby Travis; caregiver and friend, Nita Barlow and special friend, Larry McCullough;; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family sends a special thanks to her faith family at Philadelphia Baptist Church and to Deaconess Hospice and Drew Smith.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Jimmy Thomas Coons
Graveside service for Jimmy Thomas Coons will be 3 p.m., Saturday, July 27, in Reeves Cemetery, Summit, MS.
Mr. Coons, 88, of Wesson, died July 21, 2024, at his residence. He was born September 20, 1935, to Andrew Monroe Coons and Jimmie Margaret Anderson Coons. Mr. Coons was a Chemist and Material Manager in the Pharmaceutical industry. He enjoyed many trips to Florida with his wife, Jacque. He was a nature lover, finding great joy in simply working in his yard. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Andrew Coons; sister, Frances Zimmerman; and Nephew, Ricky Zimmerman.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jacqueline Broutin Coons; children, Jacque Lewis (Bruce), Robert Coons (Annette), and Beverly Lindsey (John); four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.
