Obituaries
Barbara Ann Whisenant Lambert
Funeral service for Barbara Ann Whisenant Lambert will be Noon, Monday, January 1, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Lambert, 86, of Monticello, MS, died December 29, 2023, at Lawrence County Nursing Center in Monticello. She was born in Winona, MS, October 18, 1937, to Percy Whisenant and Eliza Ann Nolan Whisenant. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Lambert worked for many years from her home.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Peggy Calder; sisters, Dorothy Adair and Francine Chambers; and brother, Thomas Whisenant.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Laverne Lambert; children, John Lambert (Linda), Tony Lambert (Alesa); four grandchildren, Tony Lambert II, Craig Lambert, Mindy Shirley, and Landon Lambert (Brittany); two devoted nieces, Becky Boysen and Debbie Martin. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Edward Lowery Lambert
Edward Lowery Lambert of Jayess, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather during his incredible 94 years of life. He passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, 2023, in the home he shared with his granddaughter and her family in Dothan, Alabama.
Ed was born on February 25th, 1929, to Leon and Dena Lambert in Jayess, Mississippi. He was born the youngest of seven siblings, then later became a brother again to three younger siblings. After spending some time enlisted in the army, he came home to marry his sweetheart Helen, in October of 1949. They had one daughter, JoLynn, in 1952, then from 1986, also raised their granddaughter, Lauren. He spent the majority of his career working as a skilled pipeline welder on various locations across the country. After retiring from the Pipeliner's Union, he continued to work in and around Jayess as an independent welder and bulldozer/backhoe operator, helped run the Jayess Topeka Tilton Water Association, and raised and farmed cattle.
Never being one to sit still, even in his late elderly years he kept himself busy puttering around the farm and shop working on his equipment. In his mid-eighties, he stunned doctors and medical staff upon admission to the hospital with the story of how he came to have a fractured pelvis and ribs. Not from a fall, as may have been easily assumed, but from being crushed by the bushhog he was working under. His recovery was quick, and before long, he was back at it. In 2016, when his first great-grandchild came along, he excitedly spoke of, "making a dozer operator out of that boy."
Often described as a man of few words, when he did have something to say, we listened. Each and every night before laying down to sleep, he sat on the edge of the bed and read his Bible, then said a prayer. He took immense joy in contributing to the construction and raising of the new Calvary church in the early 1990's. Pastor and Sister Bowling, and the church family were very dear to him. In August of this year, even though his memory was failing him, a surprise visit from the Bowlings lit up his face with warmth and joy.
Ed is survived by his daughter JoLynn Parr (Robert), his granddaughter Lauren Lynch (Dax), his great-grandsons Gentry and Truitt, and his siblings Margie (Renfroe), Arlie, and James. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dena and Leon, his stepmother Louise, his siblings Gay Lavern (Rhinehardt), Cassie (Ainsworth), Plezzie Lee, Juanita (Holcomb), Earlene (Nettles), and Hayward, and his dearly loved wife Helen.
Services will be held at Calvary UPC in Jayess. Visitation will take place Tuesday evening, January 2nd, from 5:00-8:00 PM, and the funeral service at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 3rd, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.
Mary Diane Harris
Graveside service for Mary Diane Harris will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, in Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Harris, 81, of Brookhaven, passed away December 25, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven October 24, 1942, to Willie Eugene Keene and Nonnee Rushing Keene. Mrs. Harris worked for many years with Bell South and Check Exchange of Mississippi. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Harris; her parents; son, Glenn Duane Bracey; and brothers, Larry Keene and Dudley Keene.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Donna Smith (David), Kevin Bracey (Felisha), and Cynthia Bracey (Duane); brothers, Donald Keene (Hannah) and Martin Keene (Debbie), and sister-in-law, Sylvia Keene; five grandchildren, Jessica Vanier (Colby), Elena Smith, Lauryn Bracey, Parker Bracey (Lexi), Taylor Bracey; two great grandchildren, Merrick & Atlas Vanier; step grandchildren, Keelie Piner, Justin Piner (Ashley) and their children. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
William Glenn Hall
Graveside service for William Glenn Hall will be 11 a.m., Thursday, December 28, in Riverwood Memorial Park. There will be a time for family and friends to gather, Wednesday, December 27, from 5-8 p.m. at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Hall, 76, of Bogue Chitto, died December 25, 2023, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born January 25, 1947, to Ellis Hall and Vivian Martin Hall. He was a Senior Operator with Spectra Entergy at Union Church, MS. Mr. Hall served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he received many medals including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Glenn, lovingly known as “Cowboy” to his family and friends, was a faithful husband, father, and pawpaw. His greatest blessing was welcoming his granddaughter, Delaney, into the world. She became his world. He enjoyed being outdoors, tending horses and riding when he could. He would participate in many trail rides as well as the Dixie National Trail Ride. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Chrissy Hall; his mother and father-in-law, J.W. and Frances Vinson; and step granddaughter, Kristen Davis.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Linda Hall; children, Angie Davis (Dwayne) and Matt Hall (Mihran); brother, Dennis Hall (Elizabeth); sister, Ruth Wallace (John); one granddaughter, Delaney Davis; one step grandson, Jeremy Davis (April); and one step great grandson, Landon Davis. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Kessa Dawn Barlow
Kessa Dawn Barlow, 45, passed away December 19, 2023, at her home.
She was born October 18, 1978. Kessa enjoyed gardening, playing the fiddle from time to time, listening to all types of music and hanging out with her boys. She loved to see them smile. Kessa had a gypsy soul and a heart of gold and never met a stranger.
Preceding her in death was her stepmom, Shannon Knight and grandparents, Harry and Janice Price and Carl and Alice Terry.
Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Vicki Driver and Bobby Tillman; children, Cody Wayne Simonek, Jesse Vaughn Barlow, Augustus Paul Barlow and Y Hayne Barlow; her brothers, Lloyd Tillman, Randall Tillman and wife, Alexis and sisters, Jennifer “Mack” Driver, Jessica Lynn Tillman and Chezlee Ann Tillman. Along with numerous family members and friends, Rhonda Swinner, Freddie Driver and Johnny Knight.
Martha Juanita Phillips Coleman
Martha Juanita Phillips Coleman left her home surrounded by a loving family and ran into the arms of the Love of her life on December 18, 2023, ending their 10 years and 2 months apart.
She was born October 18, 1934, to W.L and Mary Pearl Phillips in Red Lick, Mississippi.
She was a loving wife, daughter, mother, Nonne/Mamaw and sister. She touched many using her creative gifts of sewing, crocheting, and quilting beautiful pieces that she shared throughout her life.
Those left behind to share her stories and cherish her memories are her children, Deborah Noel (John), John Coleman Jr., and Theresa Coleman (Patrick), her grandchildren Wes (Amy), Sarah (Tim), Alex and Caitlin. Great granddaughter Maddie and two adorable fuzzy butts, Luna Bella and Hoss Boss.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Special thanks to Hospice Ministries especially Jenna and Angie. Big Love and Huge Thanks to Gayla and Estella for the love and care, as well as the laughter and joy they brought to mother.
Deloris "Lori" Smith Wright
Services for Mrs. Deloris “Lori” Smith Wright of Brookhaven are 2:00 pm, Friday, December 22, 2023, at New Prospect Baptist Church with visitation from 12:00 until the time of service and interment at Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Deloris “Lori” Smith Wright, 67, passed away December 20, 2023, at her home. She was born September 29, 1956, in Brookhaven, MS.
She was owner of Wrights Fabrics for 10 years before she become ill. She was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church.
Preceding her in death were her parents; Roger and Loretta Smith; sister, Kathy Whittington; brothers, Roger Dale Smith and Joey Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 49 years, Pete Wright; children, Lora Cade and husband, Juston and Lee Wright and wife, Shelby; sister, Karen Howell and husband, Hank and her seven grandchildren, Jered Cade, Malori Cade, Brayden Wright, Landon Wright, Mackenzie Wallace, Corbin Wright and Grayson Wright.
She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Robert Leon Burris
The funeral service for Robert Leon Burris will be Noon, Saturday, December 23, at Ebenezer Methodist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Burris, 81, passed away December 18, 2023, at UMMC in Jackson, MS. He was born in McCall Creek, MS, September 24, 1942, to Leon and Gladys (Arnold) Burris. Mr. Burris served his country in the United States Army National Guard.
Mr. Burris was a true outdoorsman, enjoying the many simpler things in life. Hunting and fishing were a source of pleasure for him, especially being able to teach his children and grandchildren how to fish. He was also a tractor enthusiast and enjoyed bush hogging. He was a great community leader and treasured the times he could help any of his neighbors and friends. He was a faithful husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Bobbie Nell Holland.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 27 years, Janet Burris; his former wife of 30 years, Brenda Burris; his children, Tony Burris, Rebecca Vasilenko, and Teresa Chiles; sister, Carolyn White; four grandchildren, Kimberly, Cassie, Tony, and Summer and two great grandchildren, Abbigale and Conner. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Flowers may be sent to Ebenezer Methodist Church in McCall Creek, or, on behalf of Robert L. Burris, to The Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 207 W Jackson St 2nd Fl Ste 1, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
Glenn Everette Smith
Mr. Glenn Everette Smith, 74 of Jackson, passed away November 20, 2023, at UMMC in Jackson. He was born January 13, 1949, in Natchez, Mississippi, to the late John Everette Smith and Lois Davis Smith. Mr. Smith was a Respiratory Therapist.
Mr. Smith is survived by his sons, John Hall Smith and wife, Daniela, Jay Everette Smith and wife, Jessica, and four grandchildren: Izzie Smith, Jackson Smith, J.J. Smith, and Jacob Smith, all of Dana Point, California, and his sister, Barbara Hickman and husband Bill.
Glenn was known for sharing his Christian faith and offering a kind word and supportive spirit with anyone he met. His memory and positive influence will be cherished by those who knew him.
JoAnn Moak Thames
Services for Mrs. JoAnn Moak Thames of Brookhaven are 11:30 am, Saturday, December 16, 2023, at First Baptist Church Brookhaven with visitation from 9:30 until the time of service and burial at Rosehill Cemetery.
Mrs. JoAnn Moak Thames, 91, passed away December 11, 2023. She was born May 13, 1932, to the late Theodore R. Moak and Erma Mae Canoy.
Mrs. Thames was a lifetime member of the Gideon Auxiliary, Owner/operator of Flower Time Florist and Antiques, Owner/operator of Playtime Daycare and Owner of the Wedding Chapel. She was retired from South Central Bell and employed by KDMC for 22 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church.
Preceding her in death were her parents; son, David Hartley Thames; brother, Teddy Moak; and sisters, Peggy Seago and Norma Hart.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 71 years, Robert “Gene” Thames; brother, Roger Moak (Geraldine) and sister, Joyce Allred (Danny Ray).
She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members, and
special friends, Trey and Cathy Oldham and Walker and Courtney Franck.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis TN 38148-0142
