Obituaries
Rev. Billy Frank Gerald
Visitation will be this Sunday, April 14th, from 2PM to 5PM at Riverwood Family Funeral Service on Hwy 51 just south of Hwy 84.
A funeral service will be held here in Brookhaven at Riverwood on Monday at 10AM. The graveside service will be held at Clear Creek Church near Brooklyn, Mississippi, at 3PM.
The Reverend Dr. Billy Frank Gerald, long time resident of Brookhaven, MS, passed away peacefully in his home on April 11th at the age of 87. He leaves behind his wife of 66 years,
Fay Ivey Gerald, and their six children: Judy Ratcliff (Scott), Larry Gerald (Delores Myers), Cindy Smith (Oscar), Keith Gerald (Aimee), James Gerald (Emily Dabney), and Sharon Gerald.
The family also includes 14 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Born August 19th, 1931, in Greene County, MS, to Claude Frank and Rosa Holder Gerald, Dr. Gerald was the third of eleven children. He joins his parents in the Promised Land,
along with his siblings Gayle, Nell, Sam, and Ben. His surviving siblings are John, Ralph, Patricia, Paul, Sandra, and Darlene.
Ordained as a minister on December 4th, 1949 by the Methodist Protestant Conference of Mississippi, Dr. Gerald attended Kletzing College at University Park, Iowa,
Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Additionally, he held a lifetime
teaching certification in secondary education from the State of Mississippi.
As a minister, he pastored 18 different churches during his career, planted 4 Methodist Protestant churches, and founded several independent Methodist congregations.
His ministry included 3 years as President of the Methodist Protestant Conference of Mississippi, 8 years on the Board of Religious Education for the General Conference
as well as 6 years on the Board of Missions. He served for 10 years on the Board of the World Gospel Mission from 2000 to 2010.
As an educator, he taught and served as an administrator in several high schools around the state, but he is most remembered for his years at Whitworth College in Brookhaven, MS.
There, from 1960 to 1976 as first Dean and then President, he helped mold the next generation of both preachers and teachers, raised children,
and become a member of the community he loved. Many in Brookhaven will also remember him as the owner of the WCHJ and WBKN radio stations.
Most importantly, as a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he showered everyone with love, lived the example we were to follow, and shared his deep devotion to God.
We followed him as he whistled gospel tunes, walked in his footsteps in the fresh tilled soil of his garden, and counted pine trees with him in the woods of south Mississippi.
His love of growing things was so great that the Lincoln County and Southwest Districts of the Mississippi Forestry Association both recognized him as the 2013
Tree Farmer of the Year. In their words, there were planters with more trees, but he was the only one that knew them all by name.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, you donate to one of Dr. Gerald’s two favorite charities:
the World Gospel Mission (www.wgm.org) headquartered in Marion, Indiana, or the Wesley Biblical Seminary
(www.wbs.edu) in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
Betty Joyce Tarver Sisco
Services for Betty Joyce Tarver Sisco will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at 12:00pm
at Riverwood Family with visitation on Friday, April 12, 2019, from 5:00-8:00pm also at Riverwood Family.
Betty Joyce Tarver Sisco, 69, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 8, 2019.
She was born to J.C. Tarver and Betty Jewel Purifoy Tarver on December 16, 1949.
Betty loved spending time with her grandchildren and singing as well as caring for her elderly patients.
She was an active member of Brookway Church of Christ.
Preceding her in death was her husband, Madison MacArthur Sisco and parents, J.C. and Jewel Tarver.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, John Madison Sisco and wife, Lauren,
and Cindy Diane Sisco Allen and husband, Warren;
one sister, Sharon Kay Tarver Ellis and husband, Zeke, along with three grandchildren;
William Dwayne Rutland, Hanna Grace Allen and Anna Loflin Sisco.
She is also survived by one niece, Tiffani Bessonette and a great niece, Addie Bessonette.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to the
Berean Children’s Home,
P.O. Box 1009, Brookhaven, MS 39602
or Brookway Church of Christ, 716 Brookway Blvd, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Rudolph "Rudy" Smith III
Memorial service for Mr. Rudolph “Rudy” Smith, III, will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 12, 2019,
at Riverwood Family. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 11, at Riverwood.
Mr. Rudolph “Rudy” Smith, III, 64, of Brookhaven, passed from this life April 7, 2019. He was born
in Jacksonville, Florida, July 5, 1954, to Rudolph Smith, Jr. and Tommie Lou Smith. Mr. Smith worked
as a Log Truck Driver, where he retired from. He was a member of ABATE and he loved riding his Harley.
In his free time he enjoyed fishing, especially with his son Toby.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Rudolph Toby Smith; and brother, Joel Smith.
Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife, Amy M. Smith; son, Ben McDavid; and daughters,
Diane Michelle Cammerata, Catherine Carlisle, and Dawn Robbins and husband, Jeremy. He is also survived
by 11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren as well as a host of other family members and friends.
William Lee Rayborn
Services for Mr. William Lee Rayborn will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 12:00 pm at Riverwood Family with interment at Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:00-12:00.
William Lee “WL” Rayborn, 83, of Brookhaven, passed from this life on April 5, 2019 at his residence. He was born on May 15, 1936 to Harvey Lee Rayborn and Minnie Jones Rayborn.
William, known by many simply as “Dub”, was a retired State Senator. He was also a mason, member of the Moose Lodge. He loved to hunt and fishas well as make dentures. He was a member of Easthaven Baptist Church.
Preceding him in death are his parents,his wife, Doris Nettles; brothers, Harvey Lee Rayborn and Bobby Jean Rayborn; grandsons, Shannon William Lee Peavy, Rex Daniel Weathersby, Jr., and Joey Howington.
Those left to cherish his memory are son, John William Rayborn; daughters, Cathy Phillips, Judy French, and Debi Hambright; and brother, Stanley Rayborn. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Ora Mae Franklin
Funeral service for Mrs. Ora Mae Franklin will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2019, at
Riverwood Family, with interment at Riverwood Memorial Park. Friends may visit the
family from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, April 5, at Riverwood.
Mrs. Ora Mae Franklin, 79, of Brookhaven, passed from this life, April 3, 2019, at
King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was born in Union Mississippi, May 20, 1939,
to her parents, Albert Arthur Tune and Ollie Everett Tune. She was the Owner/Operator
of Hickman’s Used Furniture. Mrs. Franklin was truly a treasure, teaching Sunday School
and singing in the choir at Central Baptist Church, where she was a long-time member and
servant of the Lord. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and will be greatly
missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, William Tune and sister, Eunice Dickerson.
Those left to cherish her memory are, her husband, Charles Franklin; son, Philip Hickman; daughters,
Patricia Elkins, Rhonda White and husband, Keith; step-sons, Eugene Franklin, Royce Hickman;
step daughter, Joyce Gilbert; brother, W.T. Tune; and sister, Mecia McKee. She also leaves behind
eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren that she loved dearly as well as a host of nieces,
nephews, and other family members and friends.
Donald Ray Allen, Jr.
Mr. Donald Ray Allen, Jr., 68, of Wesson, passed from this life on March 31, 2019, at
University of Mississippi Medical Center. He was born in Brookhaven, October 16, 1950,
to his parents, Donald Ray Allen, Sr. and Christine Valentine Allen. Mr. Allen worked for
Gordon Redd Lumber as a Supervisor, and he enjoyed working in carpentry as well.
He served as Constable 12 years in the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department. He enjoyed
hunting and fishing in his free time, but his greatest joy was his family. He was a loving
husband, father, and grandfather, and will be missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his father.
Those left to cherish his memory are, his wife, Charlotte Watts Allen; mother, Christine V. Allen;
sons, Chad Allen and wife, Bobbie, Chris Allen and wife, April and Cole Allen; sisters,
Phyllis Lindy and Scarlett Allen; also, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
There will be no services at this time.
Walter Patrick Foster
Services for Mr. Walter Patrick Foster will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at 10:00am at
Riverwood Family with interment at New Sight Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday evening,
April 1, 2019, from 5:00 – 8:00pm also at Riverwood Family.
Patrick Foster, 45, of Brookhaven, passed from this life on March 29, 2019 at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson.
He was born on May 24, 1973, to Robert Lee Walter Foster and Mary Roena Davis Foster.
He worked for Rough Edge Enterprises and was a member of Easthaven Baptist Church.
Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Curtis L. and Addie Davis and paternal grandparents,
Robert L. and Elena Foster; along with a niece, Shelby Lynn Foster.
Those left to cherish his memory are his father and mother, Robert W. Foster and Roena Davis Foster; brothers,
Robert “Bobby” Foster and wife Brenda, Daniel Foster and wife Susan, Stacey Foster and wife Tillie; sister,
Angelia Ross and husband Jason; nephews, Dustin Foster, Hunter Foster, Foster Ross, Eli Ross and Ryan Ross;
nieces, Jennifer Foster Cothran and husband Tyler; Kaylie Foster, Kelsie Foster and Madison Foster.
Jesse Melvin Shuler
Mr. Jesse Melvin Shuler, 80, of Bogue Chitto, MS passed away March 30, 2019, at his residence.
He was born in Bryson City, NC, September 5, 1938, to Gordon and Ollie Shuler. Mr. Shuler
served his country in the United States Air Force. “To Protect and Serve” being his ultimate goal,
he was employed with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, then went on to become a
United States Deputy Marshall. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason with Oasis Temple
in Asheville, NC. He was a well-respected man among all those who knew him and was greatly
loved by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents, his grandson, Caleb Eargle, and one brother, John Shuler.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years, Juanita Shannon Shuler; son, James “Jim” Shannon;
daughters, Melanee Cotton, Kerry S. Becker, and Marcine Shannon; brother, Jack Shuler; six grandchildren,
Samantha, Jessica, Jamie, Michael, Jack, and Hannah; and five great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children
Attn: Office of Development
2900 N. Rocky Point Dr.
Tampa, FL 33607
Charles Henry Stogner
Memorial service for Mr. Charles Henry Stogner will be 11:00 a.m.,
Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at Zion Hill Baptist Church.
Mr. Charles Henry Stogner, 81, of Wesson, MS, passed from this life on
March 26, 2019, in Houston, TX. He was born in Magnolia, MS, on
January 10, 1938. Mr. Stogner served his country in the United States Navy
and was a member of Northminster Baptist Church. He was the owner of
Stog Market Affiliates and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed
journalism and computer technology, but in his free time, he liked to work in his garden.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Stogner and
one brother, Jerry Stogner.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Claudine Remington Stogner;
as well as other loving family members and friends.
Robert "Bob" Stanley Morris
Funeral service for Mr. Robert Stanley Morris will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday,
March 30, 2019, at Riverwood Family. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time
of the service at Riverwood.
Robert “Bob” Stanley Morris, 83, of Brookhaven, passed from this life March 28, 2019,
at his residence. He was born August 6, 1935, to Annie Lois Harvey Morris and
Stanley Marion Morris, in Scott County, MS.
Mr. Morris served honorably for two years in the United States Army active military
duty, during the Vietnam War, and is a lifetime member of the American Legion.
He attended Southern Mississippi College and graduated with honors from Whitworth College.
He owned and operated Morris Insurance Agency for 30 years. He was a member of the
Brookhaven Exchange Club for 25 years and served his community by coaching pee wee baseball
and was one of the founders of pee wee football league. Mr. Morris was of the Baptist faith and
supported the Church with his prayers, presence and tithe. He is loved and will be missed by his family and friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents; first wife, Mary Annette “Spebe” Lee Morris; daughter,
Susan Lois Morris Butler; son, Steven Lauren Morris; step-son, Henry Alan Ainsworth,
and his long-time companion, Ginger, his Golden Retriever.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Elizabeth Ann Ainsworth Morris; son, John Robert Morris
and wife, Penny; stepson, Joel Mark Ainsworth; step daughters, Brenda Ainsworth Parent and husband,
James, Lisa Ainsworth Lott and husband, Gregory; nine grandchildren, Angela Butler Herrington and
husband, Nathan, Josh Robert Morris, Julie Annette Morris, Lauren Brooke Morris, Stacy Dean Britt, Jr.,
Caleb Lyle Lott, Summer Lane Munn, Ki Ainsworth, Kinley Ainsworth; and four great grandchildren,
Skylar Elizabeth Little, Paizlee Annette Morris, Bowen James Britt, and Emma Alexandria Britt.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or
Hospice Ministries, 397 Brookhaven St. Brookhaven, MS 39601.