Obituaries
Martin Eugene Moore, Sr.
Funeral service for Mr. Martin Eugene Moore, Sr. will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 3, at Riverwood Family,
with interment in the Stewart Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, at Riverwood and will
resume Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
“Marty”, as he was known by most, was born July 10, 1964, to Tommy and Emma Jean Ratcliff Moore. He was a
1982 graduate of Bogue Chitto High School, and earned his Associates Degree in 1986, from Copiah Lincoln Community College.
Marty worked in the paint departments of Wall Lumber, Home Hardware, and Perkins Hardware in Brookhaven,
and with Hunington Hardware in Hazlehurst. In his more than 20 years with the hardware he was most thankful for
the customers and the friendships he made with them. He also enjoyed the time he spent as a member of the
Brookhaven Exchange Club, where he was known by the kids as “The Roller Coaster man.” He loved the smiles
on their faces and would say, “that is what the fair is all about.” He was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church,
where he taught RA’s. Martin had always had a strong faith in Jesus and told his family, whom he loved deeply,
“do not cry for me, shed no tears, because I have won my victory and I will be with my Lord and Savior.”
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tommy “Bud” Moore; sister, Betty Joann Moore; half-brother,
Alvie Chandler, Jr.; paternal grandparents, William and Beckie Moore; and his maternal grandparents, Lattiemore and Gladys Ratcliff.
Those left to cherish his memory are, his wife of 31 years, Claudette Moore; sons, Martin Moore “MJ”, Jr.,
Mason Donovan Moore (Tabitha),and Matthew Moore; brothers, Mike Moore (Kay), Billy Moore; sisters,
Betty Jean Thompson (Allen) and Margaret Thomas (Mark); he is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews,
great nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Brookhaven Exchange Club, PO Box 486, Brookhaven, MS 39602
Shirley S. Cotten
Memorial service for Shirley S. Cotten will be 3 p.m., Thursday, August 11, 2022, at Riverwood Family with burial in
Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Shirley S. Cotten passed away on July 11th, 2022, in Sevierville TN, at
the age of 73. She was born October 13, 1948, in Lincoln County, to May
Ruth Young and Marley Wayne Scott.
She was the wife of Larry J. Cotten, they shared 54 years together. She
was a graduate of Brookhaven High School 1967. She worked as a
bookkeeper for several years early in her career until she and her husband
began their own business and traveled the South for thirty years attending
arts and crafts shows selling their ceramic hummingbird feeders.
Mrs. Cotten is survived by her husband Larry J. Cotten, her two daughters,
Cindy Hart (Len), Melanie McCreary (Rob); grandchildren, Marley Hart
Andrews, Michael Hart, Caleb, Josh and Anna Grace McCreary plus two
great grandchildren, Zollie and Grayson Andrews; and nephew, Jeff Brister.
She is preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Hannah Hart;
nephew Scott Brister; sister Elaine Brister and brother-in-law Glen Brister.
William Louis Burns
Dr. William Louis Burns, 70, passed away peacefully in Natchez, MS on July 22, 2022, surrounded by his family. Dr. Burns was
born in Laurel, MS on Oct. 1, 1951, and grew up in Natchez. Dr. Burns received his MS from University of Southern Mississippi.
He was married in Natchez to Michele Colbert prior to moving to Arkansas where he received his PhD in Economics from the University of Arkansas in 1978.
They were married for nearly seventeen years and had two children before divorcing in 1991. He would spend over thirty years of his life working in
finance in New Orleans, LA. He was designated a Chartered Financial Analyst in 1981. From 1979-1983, Dr. Burns was a Professor of Finance at the
University of New Orleans. He moved from UNO to Howard, Weil, Labouisse, Fredrichs Inc., in 1984 and would depart as their Vice President in Public Finance
in 1997. Dr. Burns then became the Senior Equity Security Analyst for Johnson, Rice & Co. until his retirement in 2012. Upon retirement, Dr. Burns returned
to Natchez to spend his days with his best friends, Evie and Dano, (his Dobermans) sitting beside his pool or frequenting the many restaurants he
visited in his weekly routine to chat with the locals and tourists of his hometown.
He is preceded most recently in death by his mother, Pasty Hill Burns, who passed away in Natchez on February 16, 2022. He is also preceded in death by his father,
Louis Maxwell Burns as well as his son, Dylan Conor Burns.
He is survived by his daughter, Megan Anna Burns and his three grandchildren, Mina, Blaise and Issa Brinks, all of whom live in New Orleans. He is also survived
by his younger sister and her husband, Tammy and Steve Whittington as well as his younger brother, John Burns. He is also survived by his cousin, Skippy Haik,
nephews: Stephen Whittington, Cory Whittington, and John Michael Burns as well as his nieces: Haley Whittington, Anna Peyton Whittington and Olivia Burns.
His daughter would like to recognize the many residents of Natchez, especially among his favorite haunts such as Magnolia Grill, Pearl Street Pasta, the Natchez Brewery,
and Hallelujah who made the last years of my father’s life such a joy as he felt welcomed (And felt missed if he ever missed a night out!) at his favorite spots chatting
with his favorite bartenders, waitresses, and owners. His family will honor his memory in Natchez at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Natchez County Humane Society as dogs really are some of the best friends we can know in this life.
Helen Melissa Boyd
Services for Mrs. Helen Melissa Boyd of Bogue Chitto are 11:00 am, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at Riverwood.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, August 1, at Riverwood with interment at Twin Oaks Cemetery in Bogue Chitto.
Mrs. Helen Melissa Boyd, 73, passed away July 28, 2022, at her residence.
She was born on May 10, 1949, to the late Clifton E Bales, Sr. and Helen Katherine Reid Bales.
Melissa loved her church family, shopping, the beach, cooking and baking.
She especially loved her grandbabies and trying to always to keep everyone in line while keeping her princess status.
Preceding her in death were her parents; parents-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Shelton Boyd; brother, Clifton E Bales, Jr., and his wife, Vivian Bales and niece, Marriah Barren.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 53 years, Billy Boyd; daughters, Paula Welch (Ricky) and Deann Crosby (Brad).
Brothers, Bruce Bales and Kevin Bales; sister, Melinda Hughs Bales; along with five grandchildren,
Devon Winborne (Jeremy), Rheagan Holden (Garrett), Shelby Reid (Dylan), Allie Grace Crosby, Rainie Welch, and six great grandchildren,
Oaklyn Winborne, Kysen Reid, Elliot Winborne, Piper Reid, Ann Nelson Winborne and soon to be grandson, John Briggs Holden, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Patsy Young Posey
Services for Mrs. Patsy Young Posey of McCall Creek are 12:00 pm Monday, August 1, 2022,
at Riverwood Family, with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service.
Burial will be at Wright’s Chapel in McCall Creek.
Mrs. Patsy Young Posey, 71, passed away July 28, 2022, at her residence.
She was born on October 24, 1950, to the late Ford Young and Geraldine Kyzar Young.
Mrs. Posey was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her family.
She will be missed by all that loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Robert Posey;
son, Curtis Posey and sister-in-law, Diane Young.
Those left to cherish her memory is her daughter, T.J. Grice and husband, Stacy;
three grandchildren, Hunter and wife, Marissa, Emma and Johnny Grice;
she is also survived by brothers, James Young and Glenn Young and wife, Ann;
sister, Lynne Ezell and husband, David and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Charles Frank Newman
Services for Mr. Charles Frank Newman of Brookhaven are 2:00 pm, Tuesday, August 2, 2022,
at Riverwood Family with visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, August 1,
at Riverwood. Burial will be at Rocky Hill Cemetery.
Charles Frank Newman, 75, passed away July 27, 2022, at his residence.
He was born on May 18, 1947. He served his country in the United States Army, serving proudly in the Vietnam War.
He was retired from the oilfield after 35 years.
Charles loved fishing and being outdoors with his boys, he enjoyed ballgames and was a Cobra Fan, supporting Wesson Sports.
Preceding him in death were his father, David Newman and mother, Elma Lee Hickman; brother Harvey King and sister, Roma Hickman.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Wanda Gayle Watson Newman; sons, Roger Gabriel Newman “Gabe” (Cindy)
and Justin Russell Newman “Rusty” (Sarah); also sister Rhonda Hepler and three grandchildren, Samantha “Sam” Newman, Ruston “Dayne” Newman, and Timothy “Peck” Newman.
James Daniel Wilson
Funeral service for Mr. James Daniel Wilson will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 27, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mr. Wilson, 40, of Summit, MS, passed from this life July 25, 2022, in Magnolia. He was born in New Orleans, LA, December 14, 1981, to David Wayne Wilson
and Vicky Lynn Wilkinson. James was a certified welder and worked in the oil field. His hobbies included, Epic Martial Arts, talking on the phone and watching
movies. He had a big heart and loved caring for his pets. James was a member of the Church of God in Brookhaven. He will be missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, James Huskey, Janet Huskey, Jeff Wilson, and Chelsie Soule; aunt, Cathy Durham; and cousin, Samantha Wilson.
Survivors include his parents; brothers, Wayne Wilson; stepbrothers, Sydney Johnson and Matt Golmon; stepsisters, Trish Fortenberry and Samantha Golmon;
aunts and uncles, Jackie & James Young, Ray Durham, Peggy & Rex Castalaw, Leanne Lofton, Donald Wilson, Joey & Caroline Wilson, and Jeff Wilson; cousins,
Chris Muise, Shari & Eric Cutrer, Cliff Durham, Beth Jackson, Shane Wilson, Lowell Castalaw, Carthy MaCaffrey, Josh Tolbert and Trey Lofton, along with many other
loving family members and friends.
James Maurice Lewis
Graveside service for James Maurice Lewis will be 10 a.m., Monday, August 1, 2022, at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mr. Lewis, 92, of Brookhaven, passed away July 23, 2022, in Brookhaven, MS. He was born in Port Arthor, TX, July 28, 1929, to
James Webster Lewis and Pearl Frances Hanshew. He worked on the pipeline for several years before moving to Phoenix, AZ
where He was a heavy equipment driver for Reliance Trucking Company for many years; upon retirement He relocated back to Brookhaven.
Over the years He liked to hunt and fish and garden in his spare time. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.
He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Zelda Jeanne Thomas Lewis; His parents; siblings, Billy Lewis, Maudie Lewis, Larry Lewis,
Maxie Lewis and sister-in-law Andra Lewis, Nollie Lewis; brother-in-law Carlton Brown; half-brothers James Lewis and Leland Lewis;
and great granddaughter Savannah Marie Lewis.
He is survived by sons: Jimmy Don Lewis (Wife - Melanie) and Thomas Ray Lewis. Brother, Steve Lewis (Wife - Sherry); Sister, Bonnie Brown;
sister-in-law Carolyn Roberts; Grandchildren, David Lewis (Wife - April), Amy Lewis, Jessica Williams (Husband - Trent), Christopher Lewis (Wife - Sarah),
William Lewis and six Great Grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.
Leigh Smith Hartsook
Mrs. Leigh Smith Hartsook, 46, of Wesson, passed from this life, July 24, 2022, at her residence. She was born June 18, 1976, in
Brookhaven, to James Elliott Smith and Cathie Jolene Smith. She worked as an administrative assistant. Leigh was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
She enjoyed fishing and visiting the ocean, where she would hunt for beautiful seashells. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her grandson, Karter Sims and her uncle, Gary Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 4 years, Michael Hartsook; sons, Mason Hall (Kendra Allred),
Ashton Roberson, Tanner Britt (Brittany), and Travis Hartsook; daughters, Alisanne Hall and Becky Farace; brother,
Shannon Smith; grandchildren, Raymond Hall, Raylen Reed, Drake Allred, and Kenzleigh Allred; she is also survived by
her parents, Elliott (Joanne Smith) and Cathie Smith; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
Betty Bond Kemp (DODD)
BETTY BOND KEMP (DODD)
Betty’s visitation will begin Tuesday, June 26th 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Francis of Assisi Church with the mass beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Betty passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022. Betty (Titter) was born June 30, 1943 in New Orleans, LA
to Herbert & Annie Lou Dodd. Betty grew up on the coast of Mississippi and graduated from Gulfport High.
She married Marvin Cuevas and had three children. She went on to become the first female carpenter in the
New Orleans Local 1946 Carpenters Union after her divorce. There, she met her husband Elliot Leroy Kemp and became a blended family of 8.
She was also a member of the Naval Reserves, joining in 1979. After over 30 years in the Union, she retired and moved to Copiah County in Mississippi.
There she became a member of the Saint Francis of Assisi Church where she started the community garden and taught CCD.
She enrolled at Copiah-Lincoln Community College at the age of 67 where she was put on the Dean’s list, a member of Phi Theta Kappa,
and eventually graduated with honors in 2013, all while raising two of her grandchildren. She loved to stay busy, whether that was building, painting,
or gardening. Her eye for beauty will be greatly missed but will be survived by all of the beautiful things she has created in her life
Betty is preceded in death by her mother Annie Lou Dodd, her father Herbert Dodd, and step-daughter Montine Kemp.
She is survived by her husband Leroy, her daughter, Angela Johnson, her sons Dennis and Roy Cuevas, her step daughter,
Stephanie Kemp, her step sons Cecil and Dale Kemp, their spouses, all 19 of her grandchildren, and plenty of great grandchildren.
She was a bright light on any dark day and could make you believe in yourself even when you didn’t want to.
She was an inspiration to everyone she came in contact with and will continue to inspire everyone who knew her.
