Obituaries
Teddy Ray Messenger
Mr. Teddy Ray Messenger, 81, of Brookhaven, died Monday, February 5, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. He was born September 6, 1942, to Edgar Lee Messenger and LaVona Wald Messenger.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Debra Denise Messenger; children, Cole Granger, Donna Nimo, Debra L. Fleming, Mike Messenger; brother, Sammy Messenger; sister, LaVona L. York; and his mother-in-law, Lona Mae Rushing, as well as many other loving family members and friends.
Janice Irene Wallace Calcote
The funeral service for Janice Irene Wallace Calcote will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 7, at Riverwood with burial in Bethel Community Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Calcote, 80, of Brookhaven, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning, February 5, 2024, at her daughter Sonya’s home in Ruth, surrounded by her loving family. Irene was born on February 8, 1943, to William C. (Brown) and Mary Coleman Wallace.
She was a supervisor in the food service with SHRM Oil Field, that took her to many places. She was a life member of Bethel Community Church. She graduated from West Lincoln High School. Irene enjoyed the art of quilting, but her favorite time was spent with her family, especially her daughters and her grandchildren, and her son-in-law, Alan, who was so kind and loving with her and took such wonderful care of her. She lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Lamar Calcote; her parents; son, Kelvin Hancock; brothers, Calvin Wallace, Johnny Wallace, Sherrill Wallace, Carroll Wallace; and sisters, Joyce Wallace and Aleane Wilkinson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Sonya Thames (Alan), of Ruth, MS, Melissa Gayle Redd (Jerry), of Central, LA; five grandchildren, Kevin Thames (Stephanie), Miki Hughes (Mitchell), TJ Smith (Mandy), Josh Coone, and Robbie Coone (Taylor); eight great grandchildren, Aubree Thames, Adaline Thames, Rylee Thames, Graham Thames, Cohen Hughes, Elijah Coone, Easton Coone, and Maely Coone; siblings, Elizabeth Franklin, Paul Wallace (Sounnia), Mary Ann Ritchie (John), Myrtle Hutcherson Cartwright (Paul), Ray Wallace (Paulette), and Roy Wallace (Susan). She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Community Church in memory of Irene Wallace Calcote, 2231 Goodwill Loop SW, Brookhaven, MS, 39601.
Charles Clark
The memorial service for Charles Patrick Clark is 1 p.m., Monday, February 5, at Jayess Baptist Church. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.
Mr. Clark, 70, of Jayess, died February 1, 2024, at McComb Nursing and Rehabilitation. He was born in Brookhaven January 14, 1954, to C. P. Clark and Elner Boyd Clark. Mr. Clark was an avid motorcycle enthusiast but also enjoyed a day at the lake fishing as well. His favorite pastime was spending time with his family and friends.
Mr. Clark is preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Bullock Clark; his parents; and his son, Jeremy Clark.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his children, Edward Clark (Madison), Patrick Clark (Rachael), Chasity Clark Beal; brothers, Jerry Clark (Charolette), and Terry Clark; sister, Teresa “Sissy” Payne (Harlond), 11 grandchildren, Newt Clark, Hazi Clark, Roper Clark, McKinlee Clark, Tuff Clark (due soon), Jacob Clark, Brayden Clark, Zack Montgomery, Kaitlin Beal, Brooklyn Beal, and Colin Beal. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends, and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Walter Ford Fennell
Walter Ford Fennell, 75, of Hazlehurst, died February 1, 2024, at his residence. He was born November 22, 1948, to Charles Edwin Fennell and Ruth Draughn Fennell.
Mr. Fennell serviced his country in the United States Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He is retired from Canadian National Railroad after 40 years, where he worked as an Engineer.
Mr. Fennell was a faithful servant of The Lord Jesus Christ. He was diligent in reading through the Word of God twice each year. He was an active member of Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and was married to his sweetheart for 53 years. His family was his greatest accomplishment in life. He was an avid farmer and always gave the first of the crops to his neighbors and friends. He enjoyed collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. Mr. Fennell will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest Fennell, Tommy Fennell, Carl Fennell; and sister, Linda Ann Broom.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Glenda Fennell; children, Todd Fennell (Alicia), Bryan Fennell (Amy), Tera Simoneaux (Ronnie); three grandchildren, Abbey Fennell, Taylor Simoneaux, and Zachary Simoneaux. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends, and his faith family at Bethel Temple.
Robert Lee Pennington
The funeral service for Robert Lee Pennington will be 10 a.m., Saturday, February 3, at Calvary Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Pennington, 66, of Bogue Chitto, died February 1, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven, April 28, 1957, to Roy Pennington and Della Heart Pennington.
Robert “Sidewinder” Pennington was a truck driver and construction worker for most of his life. He loved being a volunteer firefighter for the Bogue Chitto Fire Department. What he loved most was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles, which included being a member of the Christian Motorcycle Association and ABATE. He loved all his family and close friends. Robert never met a stranger and anyone that ever met him would never forget him. He was always seen sitting on his front porch, drinking coffee, with his trusted dogs and one cat by his side. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Tina Gregg.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 23 years, Sherryl Pennington; children, Heather Watson (Lynn), Robbie Nettles, Mildred Bates (Scott); brother, Wayne Pennington; sister, Janie Thames (John); four grandchildren, Kayleen Watson, Mataleigh Watson, Anastaszya “Hayley” Bates, Madyson Bates; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Noah Boyd
Noah Boyd, 77, a resident of Jayess, MS, passed away February 1, 2024, at his residence.
Graveside services will be held in McEwen Cemetery at a later date.
Noah was born April 9, 1946, in Pike Co., MS, to Clarence Boyd and Mary M. Hightower Boyd. He was of the Methodist faith. Noah never met a stranger and loved by all. Noah retired from driving a log truck. He loved to listen to bluegrass.
He is preceded in death by his parent; five brothers, Charles Boyd, J.W. Boyd, Kent Boyd, Jerry Boyd, and Larry Boyd; four sisters, Marie McCullough, Mary Ethell Alexander, Judy Walters and Francis Landry.
He is survived by his brother, Emory Boyd and a sister, Eva Mae Coon (Earnest Lee Coon); his daughters, Amy Wade and Kimberly Greer; grandson, Blake Boyd (Erin); granddaughter, Emily Rose Boyd and one great granddaughter, Blakelynn Boyd and a host of nieces and nephews.
He will be dearly missed by all that loved him.
Linda Sue Magee Fortenberry
After a courageous battle with cancer, Linda Sue Magee Fortenberry, age 85 went home to be with her Lord on January 27, 2024.
Linda was born to Wilton and Catherine Magee on November 20, 1938. As a resident of Salem, she graduated from Salem High School where she excelled at sports, particularly known for her basketball skills. On September 12, 1959, she married Wyatt Fortenberry and made a home in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Linda was a homemaker in various talented ways. She always had a garden filled with flowers, fruits, and vegetables which she generously shared with family and friends. She volunteered to be a leader in Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts as she whole heartedly supported her children. When her children's elementary school needed volunteers to create a physical activity program, Linda and Evelyn Breland organized fun physical activities for all the school kids. Her children's friends knew they were always welcome at her home for the day or night. She always showed her love to friends and family with her renowned home cooked meals. Her love of sports continued as her children grew older, she became a Scouting Explorer Post leader establishing co-ed Post 182. Her post attained second place at the Explorer Post Olympics in 1980.
During her life in Bogalusa, she made many lifelong friends and learned to play tennis and golf. Through her love of tennis and golf, she became known as one of the toughest competitors. She shared her passion and knowledge of the sport by teaching and coaching. Her intensive competitive spirit led her to many trophies. Her greatest achievement in sports was when in 1977, she and Ken Ridgdell competed in the National Tennis Lipton's Mixed Doubles Championship. She played a match against Roy Barth and Roscoe Tanner, after reaching the finals. It was one of the highlights of her life. Tanner was known for having the hardest serve in professional tennis. During the match, she asked him was he taking it easy on her and if he was, she told him he should not be and to give her his best.
As the years progressed, she and Wyatt moved back home to Tylertown, where she converted her love of sports to taking care of her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching her grandkids play football, basketball, and baseball. She never missed a game. While living in Tylertown, she was very active in activities with New Zion Baptist Church. She helped with vacation bible school and cooked for various church events.
Just as Linda was a competitor in sports, she energetically dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her family. Words didn't come easy, but her actions always showed how deeply she loved those in her life.
Linda is survived by her son Michael (Stephenie) Fortenberry; daughter Terri (Waylon) Prevost; grandson Colter Fortenberry; grandson Grayson (Nikki) Fortenberry; great grandson Cooper Fortenberry; sister Peggy London; sister Mary Magee; sister-in-law Elaine Stogner Magee, sister-in-law Joyce Fortenberry Evans and numerous nieces and nephews.
Linda was preceded in death by her husband Wyatt Fortenberry, her parents Wilton and Catherine Wood Magee, brother John I. Magee, brother-in-law Willis Fortenberry, sister-in-law Doris Davis Fortenberry, brother-in-law Fred Evans, brother-in-law Doyle London, and daughter-in-law Diane Mielke Fortenberry.
The family greatly appreciates and thanks the many friends who had her in their prayers.
In lieu of a funeral service, the family will have a Celebration of Life at New Zion Baptist Church in Tylertown, Mississippi at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 24. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the church.
Thomas Edmond Murry
The funeral for Thomas Edmond Murry will be 11 a.m., Monday, February 5, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church with burial in Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Murry, 78, of Wesson, died January 30, 2024, at St. Dominics Medical Center in Jackson. He was born in Louisiana June 16, 1945, to Okla Murry and Lettie V. Day Murry. He worked for many years as a Truck Driver. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Murry is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Loraine Clark.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Barbara Murry; children, Carla Close, Angie Wicker (Frank Parrott), and Morgan Murry; sister, Ellen Davis; five grandchildren, Brandie Wicker, Kristina Javer (Chris), Nikki Close, James Wicker, and Aaron Close; 12 great grandchildren; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Gene Edward Thompson
The funeral service for Gene Edward Thompson will be 11 a.m., Monday, January 29, at Wellman Baptist Church with burial in Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Thompson, 83, of Bogue Chitto, died January 25, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born June 11, 1940, to Johnnie Alexander Thompson and Para Lee Smith Thompson. He retired from Kees Motor Company after 44 years and 7 months of service. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Myrtis Marie Miller Thompson; his parents; sons, William “Bubba” Thompson, John Travis Thompson; brothers, Lloyd Thompson, Buddy Thompson, Johnny Roy Thompson, Nelson “Chimp” Thompson and infant brother, Robert Thompson; and his sisters, Ruby Nell “Sis” Thornhill and Geneva Cockerham.
He is survived by his children, Leslie Thompson (Kathy), Mike Pepper (Rhonda)and Angie Fortin (Dwayne); sister, Peggy Lee (Prentiss); numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; special nephew, Lee Thompson (Renee, aka “Kelsey”); special friend, Joe Malone (Brandi); caregivers, Virginia, Missy, Hannah, Sondra, and Ollie; Arden Hospice, and Ms. Kathy; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends and his faithful dog, Dixie. He was well known and loved by his church family and community.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1918 Wellman Drive, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629
Carolyn Lavon Givens Richardson
The funeral service for Carolyn Lavon Givens Richardson will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 29 at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Carolyn Lavon “Monk” Givens Richardson, 72, of Bogue Chitto, died January 23, 2024, at King’s Daughter Medical Center with by her daughter, Rebekah Bass, and her favorite son-in-love, Dewayne Bass by her side. She was born February 1, 1951, to Jessie Clifton Givens and Helen Lavon Pennington Shaheen. She was a homemaker. She was a loving and faithful wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed sharing her testimony, praying for others, attending church with her church family, and being an encourager to everyone she met. She loved playing domino’s, rummy, and spades, and making others laugh. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Jessie Earl Givens, Sr., grandsons, Christopher Manuel Cabrera and Anthony Wayne Roberts, Jr., father-in-law, Joe Grady Richardson and mother-in-law, Helen Case Richardson.
She is survived by her husband, Bobby Gene Richardson; her daughters, Mary Cabrera, Rebekah Bass (Dewayne), and Elizabeth Richardson; grandchildren, Skila Cabrera, Julie Anna Bartram, Samuel Richardson, and Grant Boyd; great grandchildren, Nova Lynn Beard and Makais Tyler; her sisters; Hilda Ray Floyd, Linda Oliver (Earl), Darlene Allen (DeLynn), Lisa Givens, Beatrice Teasley, mother-in-love, Vedia Grace Givens, brother-in-love, Jerry G Richardson, sister-in-love Joetta Berghman (Joey), brother-in-love Larry Richardson (Nancy), sister-in-love Sue Smith (Ed) and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, which she loved dearly and equally. She knew she was everyone’s favorite “Aunt Monk”.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her beloved church, Apostolic Outreach Ministry (Building Fund), 514 Bunkley Rd. SW., Meadville, MS 39653.
