Obituaries
William Ronnie "Sundown" Thomas
The funeral service for William Ronnie “Sundown” Thomas will be 2 p.m. Thursday, February 9th, at Charity Baptist Church, with burial in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of the service at Charity.
Mr. Thomas, better known to all his family and friends as, “Sundown”, died February 7, 2023, at his residence in Bogue Chitto, MS, he was 71 years old. He was born in Laurel, MS, July 15, 1951, to Melvin and Betty Thomas. He spent many years driving trucks before he retired from the trucking industry. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.
“Sundown” is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Thomas; and sister, Joanne Thomas.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 17 years, Paulette Thomas; children, Billy Thomas (Melissa) and Jason Thomas; eight grandchildren, Justin Whatley, Ashley Whatley, Kayla Smith, Corey Funk, Page Funk, Starr Thompson, Gavin Thomas, and Trey Thompson; and ten great grandchildren, Kendall, Tommy, Georgia Rae, Cooper, Ryland, Daxs, Cruze, Stalle Rae, Addie, and Hensley. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to express a special thank you to his hospice nurses, Karlee Gilbert and Sherry Case Britt.
Barbara Jordan Smith
A graveside service will be held for Mrs. Barbara Jordan Smith, Monday, February 6, at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Saturday, February 4, at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Smith, 78, of Brookhaven, died February 2, 2023, at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, MS. She was born in Brookhaven, June 25, 1944, to Jewell J. Jordan and Geneva Watts Jordan.
Mrs. Smith was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She took great care in managing her home and she was also very much involved with her church family. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church, where she was active in Ladies Bible Study and Tim Ratcliff Sunday School class. She was always happy to assist with meals at Friendship, for families or community and greatly enjoyed Friday night dinners with her sisters.
She was not just employed with Stribling, she had a very special place in her heart for her work family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Dan P. Smith; parents; brother, Joe Jordan; and two nephews, Mark W. Moody and Jay C. Jordan.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Deanna Blackledge (Adair) and Dana Roberts (Dwayne); sisters, Elsie Smith and Betty Moody; four grandchildren, Taylor Brooke Roberts, Treston Roberts (Elizabeth), AnnAdair Blackledge, and Blount Blackledge; two great grandchildren, Paisley Roberts and Brileigh Roberts; a host of nieces and nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
We are most comforted by a special scripture during this journey, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
Our family would like to send sincerest love and appreciation to Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland and Deaconess Home Care in Brookhaven, for the comfort care given to our mom during one of the most difficult times in our lives.
Please consider a donation in her memory to Friendship Baptist Church 1502 Friendship Lane, Brookhaven, MS 39601 or Hospice Ministries, Inc. 450 Towne Center Blvd, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
Donna Lynne Ratcliff Cupit
Services for Mrs. Donna Lynne Ratcliff Cupit is 11:00 am, Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until the time of the service.
Interment to take place at 1:00 pm at Adams Methodist Church Cemetery.
Donna Lynne Ratcliff Cupit, 62, went to be with her Lord on February 1, 2023.
She was born on October 30, 1960, to the late Melvin Hewitt Ratcliff and Doloris Marlene Temple Ratcliff.
Donna loved playing softball in her youth. As a member of Barnes Furniture team, she made many close friends and traveled to tournaments across the South.
She enjoyed gardening and was a green thumb, like her mother. She considered herself a country girl and felt that turning the soil was therapeutic.
She was dedicated to her careers in healthcare both as a pharmacy technician and then as an LPN. She enjoyed spending time with her family as well as serving her McCall Creek community and attending New Salem Baptist Church.
Preceding her in death were her parents; and infant twin daughters, Jane Ellen Wilson and Jessica Hope Wilson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of nine years, W.L. Cupit; daughters, Michelle Wilson and stepdaughter, Cydnee Russell Merritt and husband, Victor; brother, Mark Ratcliff and wife, Casey and sisters, Lisa Goforth and husband, Ray and Karen McPherson and husband, Ron. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Marley Grace Barfoot, Samuel Thomas Barfoot and Annalise Olivia Merritt; and close friend since high school, Eileen Wells, and many cousins and extended family nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis TN) or Blair Batson Children’s Hospital (Jackson, MS)
Tommy Gene Puckett
Mr. Tommy Gene Puckett, 68, of Magnolia, MS, died January 28, 2023, in McComb, MS. He was born in Temple, TX, March 3, 1954, to Thomas Ray Puckett and Linda Faye Puckett. Tommy grew up in Belton, TX, where he met and married the love of his life, Patricia. He worked at Wilson Art for 32 years. After retiring, he and Patricia moved to Mississippi to be closer to his mother. He was a loving husband, and a wonderful father. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
A memorial service will be held for Tommy at a later date in Temple, TX.
Larry Bryan Barlow
Larry Bryan Barlow, 88, died January 24th at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Jackson. He was born in Beauregard, Mississippi to Albert Bryan and Virgie Lusk Barlow. He was the youngest son to brother Albert Hillery Barlow.
He is survived by his daughter, Melonie Leverett of Oakdale, CA; and two grandsons, Randy and Travis Leverett, and great grandson, Cayden Burgeno Leverett; nieces, Karen Virginis (Frank) and Robin Santoriello; nephew, Russ Barlow; first cousins, Michael Lusk Sr. (Lynne), Bettye Blair Lusk Boutwell (Billy), Sammye Rose Lusk Levy, Lisa Lusk Lynn Smith (Gary), Don Lusk.
He was raised in Wesson, Mississippi, going to Copiah Lincoln Community College, with his lifelong friends and family. He graduated from Southern Mississippi University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. He enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Monterey California following his schooling.
He married and moved to Newman and Gustine California with his family. His first teaching position was at Bonita School, then to Gustine Elementary and High School, teaching, coaching and principal at High School from 1973- 1977. After going back to teaching, he then taught at Romero in Santa Nella, then Pioneer, Gustine Continuation High School, before retiring after 35 years.
He left Newman and moved to Lake Tulloch in Copperopolis after building a beautiful home on the lake with Duane Forbus and others. He loved boating and fishing there with his grandsons, and others, almost as much as he loved baseball, football and western movies. He missed fishing and visiting with his other friends like Vance Wolfsen in Newman and Gustine but loved the beautiful weather at the Lake where daughter, Melonie Leverett and grandsons were closer and had more time to visit.
After years at the lake, he was homesick for Wesson. Randy helped him move back to Mississippi in 2004. He was very happy to be back with family and enjoyed his new home with his beloved Pug, Bubba, and yearly visits with his daughter and grandsons.
Besides sports and catching prize bass, which he mounted for his home, he had done continuing education in Chico and other California Colleges, as well as being on a California State Committee to study new science textbooks and working at the White Sands Proving grounds in New Mexico. He loved long drives, exploring historical sites, birds, plants, and rocks. He enjoyed trips with friends, Lake parties on the party boat, and being on the Board of Poker Flat Homeowners Association. He spent many hours playing baseball with the Moose Lodge, with some games at the Crows Landing Naval Base.
He was a member of the Beauregard United Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir with family and friends. He loved the Lord and the time he spent in church. We love him and will miss him.
A graveside service will be held at the Beauregard Cemetery, 11 a.m., February 9, 2023. A luncheon will be hosted at the Beauregard United Methodist Church immediately following the service.
Remembrances can be sent to the Beauregard United Methodist Church.
Jerry Lavell Barnett
The funeral service for Mr. Jerry Lavell Barnett will be 2 p.m., Friday, February 3, at Riverwood Family with interment in the McComb Pentecostal Church Cemetery. Visitation is from noon until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr. Barnett, 80, of Jayess, died January 29, 2023, in Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was born in Jayess, December 11, 1942, to Byzar Barnett and Eitel Barnett. He was a member of First Pentecostal Church in McComb.
Mr. Barnett was in the trucking business most of his life. He also enjoyed traveling for pleasure and riding motorcycles. He also enjoyed involving himself in western culture and restoring old cars. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Vondell Barnett; his parents; brothers, Devon Barnett, Derl Barnett, and Nolan Barnett; and his sister, Evelyn McKenzie.
He is survived by his daughters, Donna Boyd (Stanley), Tammy Lambert (Kelvin), Connie Barnett (Raymond), and Nora Thornhill (Landon); eight grandchildren, Rodney Boyd (Amanda), Richie Boyd (Laronda), Kelbi Rutland, Zach Rayborn (Raelyn), Dillon Rayborn, Ryan Lambert, Lana Thornhill, and Dennon Thornhill; 12 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Judge Jerelene "Judy" Martin
The funeral service for Retired Judge Jerelene “Judy” Case Martin will be 11 a.m., Thursday, February 2, at Friendship Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Wednesday evening, February 1, at Riverwood and will resume at Friendship from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Judge Judy, 82, of Brookhaven, died January 28, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven, December 11, 1940, to Grady Bernard Case and Perline Wilson Case.
Judge Judy served two terms as Lincoln County Justice Court Judge. She also served as Deputy Coroner in Lincoln County and worked as an EMT for King’s Daughters Medical Center and medic at Georgia Pacific. She spent time living in Ethiopia and Brazil, traveling the world with her husband and family as he pursued his profession in the petroleum industry. Judge Judy was a member of Friendship Baptist Church. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, after 55 years of marriage, Robert Otis Martin, Sr.; her parents; son, Robert “Bob” Otis Martin, Jr.; grandson, Charlie Hall; great grandson, Jared Len Case; and brothers, Grady Lenward Case and Jesse Layton “Coonie” Case.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Robin Case (Dwain), Becky Bowman (Tony), Reggie Martin (Sheila), all of Brookhaven, daughter-in-law, Wanda Martin of Edmond, OK; brother, Robert Carroll “Nubby” Case (Cynthia); nine grandchildren, Carrie Adams (Shane), Hunter Case (Lacie), Craig Bowman (Tera), Kyle Bowman (Melissa), and Sandi Case (Grady), all of Brookhaven, Christy Hasson (John) of Florence, MS, Brooke Elliott (Stephen) of Edmond, OK, Josh Martin (Emily) of OK City, OK, and Stormy Hall (Charlie) of Ecru, MS. She is also survived by 26 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grands, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Morrianne Murphey Furr
Memorial service for Morrianne Murphey Furr will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Furr, 64, of Wesson, died January 28, 2023. She was born October 31, 1958, to A.G. Murphey Jr and Carolyn Weems Murphey. She was a retired Science Teacher at Alexander Jr. High School. Mrs. Furr was a member of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild and former president. She loved to spend time gardening and just enjoying time spent with her husband. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 32 years, Randle Furr; children, Elias Furr and William Furr; her mother; brothers, A.G. “Alex” Murphey III, Morris “Brother” Murphey; sisters, Cynthia May and Patricia Murphey; two grandchildren, Maci Furr and Raegan Wooley; and other loving family members and friends.
Mark Glenn Young
A memorial for Mr. Mark Glenn Young will be held, 7 p.m., Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Easthaven Baptist Church. You may visit the family from 6-7 p.m. prior to the service.
Mr. Mark Glenn Young, 66, of Smithdale, MS, passed away January 28, 2023, at his residence. He was born in McComb, MS, January 21, 1957, to Ford Young and Geraldine Sillar Kyzar Young. He was employed as a Rig Maintenance Supervisor in the Oilfield Industry.
Mr. Young was a 1975 graduate of McComb High School. He was loved and respected by many in the oilfield, which was his passion for 30 years. He worked his way up to rig maintenance supervisor, where he worked in the Gulf, Mexico, and Alaska.
He liked to travel to historical places with his wife. He also enjoyed researching family history for his own family and for others. Spending time with his family was the most important time spent. Gardening was an especially fond memory for his grandchildren, as he taught them how to plant and watch seeds grow. He also enjoyed cooking and trying out new recipes.
Mr. Young was a member of Easthaven Baptist Church. He was always ready to go on mission trips to share the love of Christ with everyone he met. He would take great pleasure in telling the story of how God made the way for him to have a kidney transplant. His favorite verse in the scriptures was Matthew 19:26, “with God all things are possible.” He will be greatly missed by his family and all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patsy Posey; and his in-laws, Lewis and Lowrean Albritton.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 37 years, Ann Young; children, Scott Young (Erin) of Pennsville, NJ, Josh Young (Amber) of Jayess, MS, and Jake Young (Krista) of Smithdale, MS; brother, James Young of Florence, MS; twin sister, Lynne Ezell (David) of Summit, MS; seven grandchildren, Ben Young, Colton Phillips, Kaileigh Greenwood, Kirsten Wade, Kamden Young, Kagan Young, and Wilks Young. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and extended family; and Roslyn Wallace and Brandi Smith, his dialysis nurses who took very good care of us during these times.
In lieu of flowers, please make donation to the American Kidney Foundation, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852, or on website.
Herman Larry Lawrence
A memorial service will be held for Herman Larry Lawrence, 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 31, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 9-10 a.m at Riverwood.
Mr. Lawrence, 78, passed away January 27, 2023, in Brookhaven, MS. He was born in Tylertown, November 30, 1944, to Herman Lawrence and Mary Nelloise Morris Lawrence. He was employed as a Fishing Tool Operator in the Oil Field Industry. Mr. Lawrence was an avid reader. He also enjoyed playing cards or going to movies with family and friends. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Lois Ann Lawrence; children, Chad Lawrence (Genevieve), Kelsey Lawrence, Stacy Lawrence Douchard (Corey); sister, Darlene Wrenn; five grandchildren, Nichole Lawrence, Christian Lawrence, Drake Douchard, Ace Douchard, and Knox Douchard. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
