Obituaries
Frances Ilene Smith Allred
Services for Mrs. Frances Ilene Smith Allred of Brookhaven are 2:00 pm, Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 1:00 until the time of service and interment at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Frances Ilene Smith Allred, 89, passed away January 13, 2024.
She was born April 17, 1934, to the late Charles B. Smith and Lena Mae McClelland. She loved the Lord Jesus and was devoted to her family. She also loved the beauty of nature and the outdoors and would always marvel in the splendor of it.
Preceding her in death were her parents and siblings; husband, Clyde Allred; son, David Allred; son-in-law, Marty Britt and great-great grandson, Evander Jace “EJ” Britt.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Shelley Britt; two grandchildren, Daniel Britt and wife, Misty, and Rachel Perry and husband, James Perry, Sr.; nine great grandchildren, McKenzie Jenkins and husband, Josh, Alice Perry, Dylan Britt, Maddison Britt, Lorna Perry, Payton Britt, Parker Britt, Julia Perry and James Perry, Jr. She is also survived by her two great great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law, Katherine Etheridge.
She will be missed by all that loved her.
John Franklin Branton
The funeral service for John Franklin Branton will be 2 p.m., Thursday, January 18, at Riverwood Family with visitation from Noon until the time of service.
Mr. Branton, 54, of Brookhaven, died January 13, 2024, at Lawrence County Hospital. He was born in San Diego, CA, November 7, 1969, to Rossie Franklin Branton, Jr. and Pamela Graham Fickes. John served his country in the United States Army National Guard where he retired after 29 years. He was also sales manager at Atlas-SSI Monticello.
He is preceded in death by his father, Rossie Franklin Branton, Jr. and his grandparents, Rossie Franklin Branton, Sr. and Mary John Moore Branton.
He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Jasmine Owens Branton; children, Ann Kennedy Branton and Ty Franklin Branton; his mother, Pamela Fickes; brothers, Steven Branton and wife, Lisa and their children, Lindsey Branton, Nicholas Branton, and Austin Branton, Joseph Vasquez, and Mike Grant; sister, Deana Grant; two grandchildren, Brenna Branton and Emerson Branton; and his father and mother-in-law, Michael and Lisa Owens; brothers-in-law, Dusty Owens (Heather), Judd Owens (Jennie), Devin Owens (Hayley) and Caleb Owens; and Austin Runnels (Andrew). He is also survived by countless other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Wounded Warriors of Mississippi, 1357 Wade Patrick Rd, Brandon, MS, 39042.
Vikki Renee' Fortson Westmoreland
Vikki Renee’ Fortson Westmoreland, 56, of Bogue Chitto, MS, died January 12, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Slidell, LA, on July 12, 1967, to Charles Raymond Fortson, Sr. and Juanita Marie Lenard Fortson. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her father, Charles Raymond Fortson, Sr. and her brother, Travis Lee Fortson.
She is survived by her mother, Juanita M. Fortson; children, Andrew R. Fortson and Glen R. Fortson; brothers, Charles R. Fortson, Jr., and Timothy Fortson; sisters, Patricia M. Sweet and Virginia E. Bain; five grandchildren, Jaidyn Rene’ Fortson, Jordan Rose Fortson, Kaili Rae Fortson, Ariella Faith Fortson, and Amara Leigh Fortson; and daughters-in-law, Stephanie N. Carroll and Ashley N. Graves as well as other loving family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Bulah Ann Isaac
The funeral service for Bulah Ann Isaac will be 10 a.m., Monday, January 15, at Riverwood Family, with burial to follow in Lake Providence Memorial Cemetery, Lake Providence, Louisiana. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service Monday.
Mrs. Isaac, 81, of Brookhaven, passed away January 11, 2024, at Silver Cross Nursing Center. She is originally from Louisiana, where she was born on January 30, 1942, to Fred Cecil McFall and Eleanor Elizabeth McFall. 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 husband, Manuel Earl Isaac; her parents; sons, Michael Porter Isaac and Thomas Joel Isaac; sister, Doris Rinicker; brother, James McFall; and many other siblings.
She is survived by her children, Sidney Earl Isaac, Savannah Denise Crews, Mark Anthony Isaac, and Elizabeth Suzanne Adcock (Dr. Stacy Adcock); nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Bonnie Rea Wallace
The funeral service for Bonnie Rea Wallace will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 13, at Victory Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Friday, January 12, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Victory.
Mrs. Wallace, 80, of Brookhaven, passed away January 11, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Biloxi, MS, May 29, 1943, to Albert Hutcherson and Louise Farmer Hutcherson. She was a loving and faithful wife, mother, and grandmother, she even welcomed five great grandchildren to her legacy. She was a wonderful sister and friend and will be greatly missed by all who loved her. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy G. Wallace; her parents, and siblings.
She is survived by her children, Dr. David A. Wallace, Shirley A. Wallace, Amy J. Waldon (Greg), and Terri L. Wallace; brother, Thomas “Harry” Hutcherson; sisters, Bettye J. Smith and Betty Ann Justice; six grandchildren, Jessica Reeves, Dwayne Reeves, Carlye Waldon, Hayden Waldon (Gracie), Griffin Smith, and Grayson Smith; five great grandchildren, Kai Leonard, Nikolai Reeves, Jacoby Reeves, Bradley Reeves, and Kinsley Reeves; special family friends, Evelyn Williams and Kathy Sutton, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Anne Brazda Summers
The funeral service for Anne Brazda Summers will be 1 p.m., Friday, January 12, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Kees Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Summers, 84, of Brookhaven, passed away January 10, 2024, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born in New Orleans, LA, December 16, 1939, to Charlie Brazda and Velma Brazda. She worked for many years at First Baptist Church in the Daycare Department.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Plez W. Summers, Jr.
She is survived by her children, Plez W. Summers III (Amy) and Stephanie Summers Hargett; four grandchildren, Haley Hargett Williams, Alex Jordan Nations, Amy Josephine Summers, Annabelle Leigh Summers; sister-in-law, Dolly Dawkins, niece, Julie Dawkins Wardlaw (Russ) and nephew, Lee Dawkins (Trudy); and a host of great nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Marlene J. Rushing
Funeral services for Ruth Marlene Dunn Rushing will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 12, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Thursday, January 11, at the church and will resume Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Rushing, 90, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life January 9, 2024, in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Bogue Chitto, December 24, 1933, to Charles Andrew Dunn and Eula Redd Dunn.
Marlene was born and raised in the Johnson Grove community in Lincoln County where she would live most of her 90 years. She graduated from West Lincoln High School in 1952. Her early adult life was a time of many trials. She once described this time as a “stepping stone of learning.” She worked at Stahl-Urban for nearly 17 years where she acquired many lasting friendships. Working full time and raising 3 children seemed overwhelming, but her dependance on God and the help of her loving mother, who cared for her children, made it possible for over 10 years.
She married Allen Rushing, and his three boys, in 1972. Next to God, her family was the focus of her life. She and Allen together had 6 children and bonded their family as one. The word “step” was never used and in Marlene’s heart did not exist.
Providing good memorable times for their children and grandchildren. Marlene continued that family atmosphere after Allen died in 2010. She was motivated by a deep love for every family member and that love spilled over to her church and community.
Cleaning the church, taking care of communion and handling a portion of the church bulletin helped her grow deep relationships with her church family.
She was famous for a community favorite, those chocolate pies. In addition, reading, quilting, and writing poems, short stories and articles, were her passions. She especially enjoyed writing community news for the newspaper.
She valued friendships and loved butterflies. If you ever wanted to lift her spirits, you could give her something with a butterfly on it and it brightened her day.
Sunsets, quite walks, and spending time with her Lord were paramount to her insights on life.
An ordinary person with an extraordinary heart, she lived a Christian example to all who knew her, yet giving God all the glory.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen O. Rushing; her parents; grandson, Scott Johnston; and a special sister-in-law, Edna Brown.
She is survived by her children, Sherry Jordan (Carlos), Kathi Easley (Roger), Scotty Johnston (Sondra), Darrell Rushing (Janis), Darrin Rushing (Joanie), and Doyle Rushing; 13 grandchildren, Chad Jordan (Amber), Dustin Jordan (Alison), Rod Easley, Corey Easley (Virginia), Keri Todd (Jarrett), Amber Haralson (John), Josh Rushing (Jillian), Blake Rushing, Karlee Gilbert (David), Kayla Beth Reno (Josh), Maggie Rushing, Brett Rushing (Jessica), and Erin Smithers (Bo); and 25 great grands. She is also survived by a special nephew, Maxie Brown, special nieces, Judy Hinton, Janice Thomas, and Donna Morgan Guy; and a special friend, Paulette Thomas, as well as many other loving family members and friends.
Clara Belinda "Linda" Malone
A graveside service for Clara Belinda “Linda” Malone will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 10th, at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Malone, 73, of Brookhaven, died January 7, 2024, at Diversicare in Brookhaven, MS. She was born December 5, 1950, to Donald O. McIntyre and Mary Frances Blankenship McIntyre. She was a devoted mother to her two sons who precede her in death, John McDonald and Daniel McDonald.
She is also preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Malone and her parents.
She is survived by her four grandchildren; and by her sister, Mary McIntyre Price.
Larry Joe Wilson, Sr.
A Memorial Gathering for Mr. Larry Joe Wilson, Sr. will be 5:00-7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Larry Joe Wilson, Sr., 74, passed away January 5, 2024, at his residence.
He was born April 26, 1949, to the late George Buford Wilson and Ludie Mae Hall Wilson.
He served as a Military Police and Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, George Buford Wilson, Jr.; sisters, Eula Mae Kimble and Sherry Annette Wilson; his grandparents; daughter, Lora Ann McIntyre and granddaughter, Lauren Nicole McIntyre.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Vicky Jarreau, Belinda Tipton, Cheryl Decoursey and husband, Gary, Allaina Wilson, Amy Kyzar and husband, Dewayne, Daisha Mae McCullough and husband, Devin; sons, Joey Wilson and wife, Lee, Jason Wilson, Larry Joe Wilson, Jr. “Jody”, and his partner of 14 years, Anna Waller.
He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, Clyde Alexander III, David Malone (D.J.), Courtney Young, Joshua Kyzar, Heather Kyzar, Alex McIntyre, Olivia Wilson, Rhiannon Moses, Paul Jarreau III, Hannah Jarreau, Dawson Wilson, Jasmine McCurdy, John McCurdy, Jacob McCurdy, Sebastian White, Sadi Tipton, Connor DeCoursey, Madison DeCoursey and Remmie Wilson. Along with 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and family and friends.
Mary Annie Freeman Townsend
Mary Annie Freeman Townsend, 80, of Monticello, MS, passed away January 7, 2024, at her residence. She was born September 27, 1943, to Willie Clarance Freeman and Mary Jewel Higgins Freeman. She worked as a Security Guard with Weyerhaeuser for many years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen Townsend; her parents; brother, Walter “Sonny” Freeman; grandson, Branson Cole Buchanan; and great grandson, Stetson Wade Padgett.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Tod Townsend (Jennifer), Deirdre Buchanan (Bubba), and Shawna Padgett (Woody); brothers, Lynn Freeman (Sandra) of Paragould, AR, C.B. Jones (Juanita) of Dumas, AR; sisters, Betty Sue Whitt (Wayne) of Cabot, AR, and Ruth Ellen Henderson (Sam) of Heber Springs, AR. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jake Waldrop (Alisha), Hope Gatlin (Eli), Michael Waldrop (Amber), Jade Padgett (Jeffery), Hanna Rippy, Sierra Stephens (Ben), Megan Skinner (Kaleb), Zackary Townsend, Bret Padgett (Demy), and Ryan Welther (Tiffany); 13 great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.
A Memorial service will be held at a later date.
