Obituaries
Pamela Jean Taylor Moore
Services for Mrs. Pamela Jean Taylor Moore are at 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at Stronghope with visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, March 18, at the church and will resume from 10:00 until the time of the service. Burial will be at Stronghope Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pamela Jean Taylor Moore, 63, of Wesson passed away on March 16, 2024, at her residence. She was born October 18, 1960, to the late Kirby and Doris Taylor.
She was an active member of Stronghope Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She enjoyed singing in the Copiah County Associational Choir as well. Each week she played games with several ladies in the community. Pamela loved helping others and was deeply loved by her friends and family.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her mother and father-in-law, James Alton and Mary Ann Moore, brother-in-law, Stanley Moore, brothers, Keither Cody, Max Cody, and Charles Taylor.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 46 years, Randy Moore; and son, Phillip Moore, and Tiffany; brother, Elson Cody; sisters Ann Coggins, Nancy Shows, Louise Aldridge, Betty Dear, and Mary Hamilton; two grandchildren, Macie Moore, and Marlee Moore; along with sisters-in-law, Patricia Cody, Kathy Cody and Peggy Taylor and a host of nieces and nephews, and friends.
Troy Lyvell Burns
The funeral service for Troy Lyvell Burns will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 15, at Riverwood with burial in Cold Spring Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr. Burns, 80, of Pearl, MS, passed away March 12, 2024, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He was born in McComb February 26, 1944, to William Clarence “Ted” Burns and Lillian Hayes Burns. He was a welder for South Central Heating and Plumbing.
Mr. Burns is preceded in death by his parents, William Clarence “Ted” Burns and Lillian Hayes Burns; daughter, Sherry Starnes; brothers, Bill Burns, Clifton Burns, Clarence Burns, Ronny Burns; sisters, Lavon Laird, Marie Lenior, Alvie Myers, Lucille Hicks, and Teddy Perere.
He is survived by his children, Toni Fox (Jeff) and Felicia Williams (Bobby); seven grandchildren, Dustin Starnes, Rusti Lynn Jobe, Amanda Sullivan, Savannah Ashley, Andy Fox, Stephanie Barnett, and Christina Bellisario; and 16 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Kathy King Laird
The funeral service for Kathy King Laird will be 11 a.m., Monday, March 18, at Riverwood Family with burial in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Laird, 65, of Brookhaven, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven, February 16, 1959, to Jerry Burch King, Sr. and Wilma Williams King.
Mrs. Kathy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and cherished her family. She loved to cook delicious meals for them. She had a huge heart for people. She and her husband spent most of their life being foster parents to many children. She enjoyed working in retail sales. Mrs. Kathy will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Lynn Laird; her parents; and two sons, Jeffrey Laird and Jerry Laird.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Benjamin Laird; brother, Jerry B. King, Jr.; eight grandchildren, Adrianna Anderson (Julian), Savanna Rutland and fiancé, Dylan Conn, Riley Laird, Olivia Laird, Isabelle Laird, Grace Laird, Christian Laird, and Hannah Laird; and one great grandchild on the way, Bryer James Anderson. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Jane Bricker (Buddy); nephew, Hunter King; nieces, Hailey Gutierrez and Jayla Hinojosa; and a host of other nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers you may send memorials to MD Anderson Cancer Research Hospital in Houston, TX, or to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Brookhaven, MS.
Norma Jean Conerly Lea
The funeral service for Norma Jean Conerly Lea will be 10 a.m., Friday, March 15, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Lea, 77, passed away March 13, 2024, at her residence in Brookhaven. She was born in Chatawa, MS, March 1, 1947, to Frank David Conerly and Lucille Hinson Conerly. She was retired from Copiah Lincoln Community College, spending many years as a Dorm Hostess. She was a devoted and loyal hostess to hundreds of girls over 16 years of service.
Her greatest accomplishment was her family. She took great joy in her children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren, all of whom will carry a legacy of love she so richly provided. She had a love for the beauty of flowers, and she enjoyed spending time gardening as well.
Her faithful and loving companion provided security and love for her for many years. Prissy will forever be in her heart.
Mrs. Lea is preceded in death by her husband, Carey M. Lea; her parents; and brothers, Stanley Conerly, Glen Conerly, Gerald Conerly, and Clifton Conerly.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her children, Robin Weldon and husband, Chad, Wanda Kent and husband, Allen, Warren Agnor and wife, Nolita, Debra Bond and husband, Mark; brothers, Mitchell Conerly and Steve Conerly; sister, Dimple Bond; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
A special thanks to Enhabit Hospice; her nurses, Kim Roberts and Nicholas Burns, and helper, Nikki King; Dr. Ray Montalvo and Dr. Ed Moak.
David Charles Fisher
David Charles Fisher, 80, of Brookhaven, died February 23, 2024. He was born February 1, 1944, to Harold and Ida (Martin) Fisher. He was self employed as a consultant.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Carol, Donald, Howard, and Ruth.
He is survived by his daughter, Tracy Fisher; sister, Dorothy McRae; nieces, Caroline Carman, Amy Parkson and Jannett, and nephew, Steve Fisher.
Thomas Jeffery Montgomery
The funeral service for Thomas Jeffery Montgomery will be 11 a.m., Thursday, March 14, at Riverwood Family with burial in Matthews Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Jeff, 68, of Brookhaven, passed away March 10, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. He was born in Colorado to James Paul Montgomery and Nelva Elise Jordan Montgomery on January 14, 1956. He was an oil field consultant.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Mary Amanda Montgomery; sisters, Suzanne Montgomery Slaton and Cynthia Montgomery Bailey; and infant brother, James Montgomery.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Bunhom Plianthaisong Montgomery; sons, Adam Montgomery and Andrew Mongomery (Margie); stepsons, Panom Narmnok and Saharat Plianthaisong; and three grandchildren, Bailey Montgomery, Bryson Montgomery, and Branson Montgomery. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews as well as other loving family members and friends.
Geraldine Burch
A celebration of life for Geraldine Burch will be held at a later date, Riverwood Family will be in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Burch passed away March 10, 2024, at Baptist Hospital. She was born January 5, 1939, to Leslie Huckabee and Marie Sterling Huckabee. She worked for many years with AT & T Telecommunications Company. She was a true Christian and loved her family and friends. She was always grateful for the kind deeds they did for her.
Geraldine is preceded in death by her husband, Norman Burch; her parents; and an infant sister.
She is survived by her son, Michael D. Burch; sister, Judy Davis (Bobby); nieces, Lisa Ingram (Jim) and Leslie Alexander (Dean). She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
James Dale Foster, Sr.
The funeral service for James Foster will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 13, at Fair River Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday.
Mr. Foster, 79, of Brookhaven, passed away from this life, March 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born April 18, 1944, to JD and Doris Foster of Brookhaven, MS. He served 4 years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Trumpetfish. After serving in the Navy, he began his career as a boilermaker that lasted until his retirement.
Mr. Foster loved spending time outdoors riding his tractor, cutting grass, and tending to his animals. He was a member of Fair River Baptist Church where he served faithfully. He was a great example of what it meant to be a good friend and neighbor.
In 1968, he married his wife, Judy Smith Foster. He lovingly took care of her until her death in 2013. Their marriage was blessed with a son and daughter.
Preceding him in death were his wife, parents, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Berry.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, James Foster, and wife, Traci; daughter, Kimberly Foster Lee, and husband, Bo; granddaughter, Julie Foster Roberts, and husband, Ryan; grandson, Luke Foster; brother, Chester Foster and wife Mary; sister, Berenda Berry, nieces and nephews. Others left to cherish his memory are Libby Jayroe; Lauren Priest, her husband Brett and their two sons, Braxton and Brody; Kendra Jackson and her two daughters, Kennedy and Harlyn Clark.
Special thanks to the staff of Dignity Hospice and Trend Health and Rehab for the kindness shown to Mr. Foster and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fair River Baptist Church Softball Fund, 3698 Fair River Dr. NE, Brookhaven, MS 39601 or the charity of your choice.
Linda Paulette Harrison
The funeral service for Linda Paulette Harrison will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Divide Methodist Protestant Church with burial in Tilton Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Divide Methodist Protestant and will resume Wednesday from 12 p.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Paulette, 69, of Jayess, passed away March 10, 2024, in McComb, MS. She was born in Tylertown January 31, 1955, to Wayne T. Tanksley and Alteen King Tanksley.
Paulette was a devout Christian lady with a true servant’s heart. Even in times of darkness, she was a light to those around her. She never questioned her faith nor the Lord’s plan for her life. She was a rock for her family and friends throughout her entire life, yet she remained humble and unaware of the positive impact she made on every person who had the privilege of knowing her. Paulette was one of the most positive people who brought joy and laughter to countless individuals. She loved her three boys and her three granddaughters to the moon and back, and she instilled in each of them undeniable qualities that will allow her to live on in each one. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed and greatly cherished forever.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, Hank Tullis, the father of her three sons; her father, Wayne T. Tanksley; and her brother, Kenny Wayne Tanksley.
Those who are left to cherish her memory are her husband of 28 years, Wayne Harrison; mother, Alteen Tanksley; children, Michael Tullis (Kelsey), Shane Tullis (Jane Belle), Jeremy “J.J.” Tullis (Morgan); three grandchildren, Shayna Letchworth (Chance), Sydney Tullis, and Olivia Tullis; stepdaughters, Sandy Harrison, Brandy Harrison, and Amanda Harrison; and the ladies of Divide who held a special place in her heart.
Gerald Wayne "Bo" Smith, Sr.
The funeral service for Gerald Wayne “Bo” Smith, Sr will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 12, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, March 11, at Riverwood
Mr. Smith, also known as “Bo”, died March 4, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven, MS, April 10, 1961, to Vernon Smith and Dorothy Harris Smith.
Bo was an avid outdoorsman especially fishing. He also spent time working on cars and lawn mowers. His greatest joy was found in his family, especially his 16 grandchildren. Two special grandbabies that no one could mess with were his “My My” and Tripp. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Clayton Edward Golden; brother, Gary Lynn Smith; sister, Rita Brock; nephews, Don Bessonette and TJ Hodges; and beloved aunt, Mildred Browning.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Renee Smith; children, Victoria Cartier (Josh), Vallery Smith, Bo Smith, Jr. (Rachael), Veronica Branch (Brian), Travis Rollins (Crystal), Ludi Mae Smith, Amber Marie Smith; brother, Don Smith (Krista); sisters, Rena Rippy (Glenn), Rhonda Crawford (Nick); 16 grandchildren, Clayton Golden, Kaylee Bates, Mya Branch, Dennis Menard, Liza Morgan, Connor Smith, Evan Cartier, Cayden Morgan, Tripp Smith, Shaylynn Cartier, Braxton Branch, Hunter Smith, Hayden Gunnell, Chloe Branch, Adi Rollins, and Elizabeth Rollins. He is also survived by special friends, Chris Morris and Scott Williams as well as a host of other family members and friends.
