Obituaries
Gerald Scott Burke
Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 3pm at Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Gerald Scott Burke, 85, of Wesson, MS, passed away December 7, 2021, at St. Dominic’s Medical Center in Jackson, MS.
He was born in Wesson, MS, March 31, 1936, to David Scott Burke and Ella Day Burke. He was maintenance manager at
Keystone Seneca upon retirement. He was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church where
he selflessly served the Lord as well as his community.
Mr. Burke is preceded in death by his wife, Etta Ruth Burke; his parents; brothers, Charles Burke, Ralph Burke and wife, Sara;
brother and sister-in-law, Leroy and Edwina Crouch.
Those left to cherish his memory are his, daughter,
Leslie Smith; sons, Scott Burke and wife, Marie, Chris Burke and wife, Lynn, Brian Burke and wife, Gabe, Kyle Burke and wife, Charissa, and Mark Burke;
16 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, John Paul Smith and wife, Bessie and Russell Smith and wife, Jo; and sister-in-law, Connie Burke, as well as other
loving family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216
William Clarence Blair
Funeral service for William Clarence Blair will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Riverwood Family,
with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Blair, 84, of Brookhaven, passed away December 5, 2021. He was born in Harrisburg, Arkansas, October 7, 1937, to
William Loye Blair and Ivy Louise Tolbert Blair.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Ruby Louise Barham; grandson, Anthony Darrell Little, Jr.;
brothers-in-law, John Fortenberry and Danny Thompson.
He is survived by his daughters, Robbie Little and husband, Anthony, Melinda Jackson, Beverly Bridges and husband, Shane;
sisters, Betty Fortenberry, Dot Mask and husband, Paul, Barbara Thompson, and Jackie Price and husband, Ricky;
five grandchildren, Aileen Moak and husband, Chad, Guage Herring, Reagan Herring, Tanner Jackson, and Ainsley Bridges.
He is also survived by six great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Calvin Ernest Jackson
Mr. Calvin Ernest Jackson, 62, of Wesson, passed away December 2, 2021, at Copiah Medical Center.
He was born in Gary, Indiana, January 10, 1959, to Ernest Jackson and Inez McCray Jackson. Mr. Jackson was a
Glass Technician and the Owner of Tri-County Glass. He attended Mission Hill Baptist Church.
Calvin was a simple man. His love for his family, music, and people in general, tell his story. His love for God, as the
Creator and Sustainer of life, was exemplified by the way he lived and those who knew him best. Calvin was a gifted
musician and expressed himself through his music. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Ernestine Salvage and husband, Bruce, of Valparaiso, IN, Barbara King,
of Memphis, TN, Diane Floyd and husband, David, Julia Smith and husband, Donnie, and Kelly Rutland and Keith.
He is also survived by many other loving family members and friends, as well as his faith family at Mission Hill.
Mary Martha Smith Hudson
Funeral service for Mrs. Mary Martha Smith Hudson will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Macedonia Baptist Church,
with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m., Monday, December 6, at Riverwood and will resume
Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mary Martha Shirley Smith Hudson, 81, of Brookhaven, passed away December 4, 2021, at her residence. She was born
November 12, 1940, in Liberty, Mississippi, to James Linfield Shirley and Minnie Lea Caston Shirley. After graduating from
college with an Associates Degree, she worked hard and eventually became a Bank Manager. She was a faithful and loving
wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all. Mrs. Hudson was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. She had several hobbies,
including the Pilot Club, traveling any time the door opened for her to do so, and watching the Atlanta Braves.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Kenneth Smith and Bobby J. Hudson; her parents; stepparents,
James Roy and Dixie Smith; brother, James Lea Shirley; step brothers, Robert Earl Smith and Wayne Smith; and great grandson,
Camden Reed Shelton.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her sons, Kent “Birddog” Smith, Jimbo Smith and Donna, Tony Smith and wife, Tina; stepson,
David Hudson and wife, Debbie; daughter, Judy Ballard and husband, David; and stepdaughter, Shelia Byers. She also leaves behind
a legacy of faith and hard work in her 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Macedonia Baptist Church Building Fund 1230 Macedonia Rd NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601
Billy Milton Hughes
Funeral service for Billy Milton Hughes will be 11 a.m., Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Riverwood Family,
with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Hughes, 91, of Brookhaven, passed away November 27, 2021, at his residence. He was born August 10, 1930,
to James Bluette Hughes and Ina Patrick. He retired from the United States Army with 34 years of service,
he was in the 31st Infantry “Dixie Division”. He volunteered with Boy Scouts of America spending 35 years as
Cub and Scout Master. Mr. Hughes received the Vigil Honor Member of the Order of the Arrow,
Sebonney Obasucaa Lodge; he was recipient of the Silver Beaver Award, and served as VFW Commander,
Post 2618, Brookhaven. He was retired from the United States Postal Service as a Mail Carrier, and he was
a member of Harmony Baptist Church. Mr. Hughes was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
In addition to his volunteer activities, he enjoyed his life on the farm. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Mae Hankins Hughes; his parents; brothers, Ray Hughes,
Earl Edmonds; sister, Katherine Aldridge; and stepson, Donnie Curlin.
Those left to cherish his memory are, his wife of 20 years, Joyce Curlin Hughes; son, Matthew Brian Hughes
and wife, Melody; daughter, Cheri Marie Boyte, stepdaughter, Rhonda Polk and husband, Michael; brother,
Arvil Hughes; four grandchildren, Angie Wood Gunnell, Sean Hughes (Sagan), Brian Hughes (Kaitlin),
Hannah-Carole Floyd (Parker); four step grandchildren, Chance Polk (Beth), Morgan Polk, Amy Polk, Shawn Polk;
two great grandchildren, Marlee Gunnell and Maddox Chambers.
Memorials may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2618 in Brookhaven, MS.
VFW Post 2618, PO Box 3215, Brookhaven, MS 39603
Glenn Dunbar
Funeral service for Mr. Glenn Dunbar will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at Riverwood Family,
with private interment. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Dunbar, 74, of Brookhaven, MS, went to be with his Lord, November 27, 2021. He began his life’s journey in
Memphis, TN, born July 17, 1947, to William Edward Dunbar, Jr. and Juanita Hulsey Dunbar. He served as
Safety Manager with Yellow Freight, Fed Ex Freight, and Wal-Mart, until his retirement. Mr. Dunbar was a
loving family man, and enjoyed time spent with them. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
Mr. Dunbar is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are, his wife, Ann Dunbar; sons, Jeff Dunbar, Brian Dunbar and wife, Savannah; brother,
Wayne Dunbar and wife, Joan; sister, Cheryl Carroll; six grandchildren, Berkley Dunbar, Bryce Dunbar, Brinkley Dunbar,
Erika Arrango, Catherine Dunbar, and William Dunbar; two great grandchildren, and nine nieces and nephews as
well as other loving family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Brookhaven Building Fund, 200 E Monticello Street, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Katie Nell White Smith
Mrs. Katie Nell White Smith, 89, entered eternity November 26, 2021. She began life’s journey January 27, 1932, in
Brookhaven, MS. Mrs. Katie was born to Everette Leon White and Mary Rebecca Strickland White. After graduation,
she attended Whitworth College. She then began her career as a bookkeeper. Mrs. Katie was an active member of
Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, working in Women’s Missionary Union, and visiting those who were
unable to get out and enjoy life. She enjoyed listening to gospel music and traveling. She was a loving and faithful mother and
grandmother and her most precious treasures were her children and grandchildren. She was a member of the Exchange Club
and the Order of the Eastern Star and will forever be missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Gene Smith; her parents; sister, Juanita Golmon; brothers, Marvin White and
J.R. White; granddaughter, Jenny Rebecca McGuffie; and great granddaughter, Olivia Maxwell Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are, her son, Billy G. Smith; daughters, Wanza McGuffie, Tabby Reid and husband, Phillip;
brother, Robert Wayne “Bob” White and wife, Dianne; sister, Doris Winborne; sister-in-law, Carolyn White; five grandchildren,
Jason McGuffie and wife, Jessica, Bobby McGuffie and wife, Lindsey, Hunter Smith, Anna Beth Parker and husband, Adrian,
Nick Smith and wife, Sarah; and nine great grandchildren, Zach and Zöe McGuffie,Marleigh Grace McGuffie, Holden, Aiden, and Nolan Parker, Everly Smith,
and Asher and Stanton Newman. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to Blair E. Batson 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, St. Jude’s PO Box 1000 Dept 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142,
or a charity of your choice.
Clara D. Lippard
Funeral service for Clara D. Lippard will be Noon, Monday, November 29, 2021, at Riverwood Family.
Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Lippard, 97, of Brookhaven, passed away November 24, 2021. She was born May 20, 1924, in Guys, TN, to
Estelle Box Dowdy and Roscoe Dowdy. She was married to her high school sweetheart for 51 years before he entered eternity.
They moved to Brookhaven in 1958 and owned and operated F & C Dollar Store, F & C Wholesale, and SOS in
Brookhaven as well as stores in other locations both in Mississippi and Louisiana, for over 30 years. She was a faithful
“cheerleader”, following her sons’ baseball, basketball, and football games from the time they began sports through
their high school years. She also liked to spend time with her friends playing bridge. She taught her children the value
of family, friends, and hard work. Mrs. Lippard was a member of Jackson Street United Methodist Church for over 60 years.
She will be greatly missed by her family as well as her faith family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Fay Lippard; daughter, Pamela Cartwright; her parents; sister,
Patsy Arnold; and brother, Milton Dowdy.
She is survived by sons Jimmy Lippard (Amy) of Indianapolis, IN and Donny Lippard (Jo) of Columbia, TN, grandchildren
Ken Cartwright of Brookhaven, Amanda Gross (Alex) of Spring Hill, TN, Michael Lippard (Katie) of Alexandria, VA,
Rebecca Lippard of Columbia, TN, Emily Knerr (Eric) of Columbus, OH, Elizabeth Hobdy (Jason) of Columbia, TN and
six great grandchildren.
Her family would like to thank all her Caregivers at Haven Hall for their love and support during this year.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jackson Street United Methodist Church, 908 N. Jackson Street, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Ralph “Carroll” Allen
Services for Mr. Ralph “Carroll” Allen will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021, at 2:00pm at Riverwood Family
with interment at Bethel Temple Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the service from Noon till service time at Riverwood.
Carroll Allen, 82, of Brookhaven, went home to be with his Lord, on November 24, 2021. He was born on September 22, 1939, in Brookhaven,
to Fred Allen and Myrtis Martin Allen.
He was a boilermaker by trade and a member of Bethel Temple United Pentecostal Church. He loved and enjoyed spending time,
working and training his beloved border collies and was an avid basketball fan.
Preceding him in death were his parents; son-in-law, Robbie Brister; sister, Belva Sandifer and brother-in-law, Charles Sandifer, Sr.
He is also preceded in death by nephew, Don Sandifer and niece, Sheryl Parent.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years, Diann Leggett Allen; daughters, Tina Brister-Ates and husband Eric,
Tanya Greer and husband Chris and Sydney Burns and husband Kennon; sister, Winifred Hamilton and husband J.J.
and four grandchildren, Dane Brister and wife Renee, Savannah LeBlanc and husband James, Robert Greer, Jr. and Collin Burns;
sister-in-law, Sharon Fugler and husband Clark; brother-in-law, Bruce Leggett and wife Sharon. He is also survived by one great grandchild,
Colton Brister and numerous other nieces, nephews and other family members.
Michael Joseph “Jody” Butler
Funeral service for Michael Joseph “Jody” Butler will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021,
at Riverwood Family. You may visit the family from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Butler, 46, of Olive Branch, MS, passed away November 21, 2021. He was born in McComb, MS, April 9, 1975.
He grew up in Brookhaven but recently moved to Desoto County where he worked for Desoto Honda.
He had a passion for riding motorbikes and fast cars. His love was customizing, designing bikes and cars,
also turning wrenches. He loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Jody is preceded in death by his Maternal Grandmother Edith Wills, Maternal Grandfather Joseph Brown,
Paternal Grandmother Lillian Butler, and Paternal Grandfathers Louis Butler and J.C. Covington.
He is survived by his parents - Debra Fuller and husband, Tommy, Jesse Butler, and Mark Covington;
Special Godparents Jackie and Nancy Magee; sons Joshua Gage Butler, Michael Gladen Butler, and
daughter Jesielyn Denise Butler; sisters, Manndi Butler Pugh, Brittany Covington Alexander and husband, Tyler;
brothers, Ben Covington and wife, Beth, Nick Fuller and wife, Mandi, and Todd Fuller. He is also survived by his nephews,
Xander and Jason Pugh, Fisher and Baylor Alexander, Mark and Owen Covington, Caleb and Mason Fuller, and Cayden Fuller,
and his niece, Calli Fuller; paternal grandmother, Lexie Covington. He was loved by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
