Obituaries
Charlie M. Turner
Services for Mr. Charlie M. Turner will be on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at 11:00am,
at Topeka Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday Evening, July 28, 2021, from 5:00-8:00pm at the church and will resume at 10am prior to the service.
Charlie M. Turner, 70, of Jayess, passed from this life on July 27, 2021 at Lawrence County Hospital. He was born on March 4, 1951,
to Pat Turner and Nellie Grace Hedgepeth Turner.
He served in the United States National Guard and a Mason; was the President of the Water Board, Fire Chief at District 3 Volunteer Department
and an avid fisherman. He was also a member of Topeka Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon.
Preceding him in death is his parents; his grandparents Jim Turner and Grace Edwards Turner, Toxie Hedgepeth and Zelma Lee Henceroth
along with his sisters, Jan Turner Howell and Gloria Jean Turner.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Bessie Boyd Turner; Son, Daniel Turner and wife Christy; daughter, Lesa Turner Cothern and husband Sam;
brother, Darrell Turner and wife Tina. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Caleb Rutland, Dalton Cothern, Hunter Turner and Jake Turner.
Jeffrey Glenn Laird
Services for Mr. Jeffrey Glenn Laird are 2:00 pm Thursday, July 29, 2021, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
with visitation from 12:00 until the time of the service. Burial will be at the Church Cemetery.
Mr. Laird passed from this world on July 25, 2021, at 41. He was born in Brookhaven, MS. on March 19, 1980.
He was a 1998 graduate of West Lincoln High School. Mr. Laird was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.
He was a mechanic by trade and loved to work on anything with a motor. There wasn’t much he couldn’t fix.
Jeffrey would give the shirt off his back to help a friend or a stranger in need. He loved the outside and could be
found riding a dirt bike, riding a four-wheeler on the creek, or being the dare devil, riding 3-wheelers on 2 wheels.
Preceding him in death were his father, Gilbert Laird; brother, Jerry Laird, grandfather, Jerry B. King, Sr.;
and biological parents, Nita Smith and Larry Mohon.
Those left to cherish his memory are his beautiful daughters, that he loved so much, Adrianna Laird (Julian),
Riley Laird, and Savanna Rutland; his mother, Kathy Laird; ex-wife, Ashley Bradley; brothers, Ben Laird and
Dewayne McCaffery (Danna); sisters, Kristi Mohon and Amy Hoover (Travis). Along with a host of nieces, nephews,
extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank Glenburney Nursing Home for caring for Jeffrey these last few years.
Pallbearers are Reese Patten, Ben Laird, Michael Green, Logan Smith, Blake Wallace, Brendan Patten and
Honorary Pallbearers, Dewayne McCaffery, Jerry B. King, Jr, Hunter King, Julian Anderson, David Usrey and Dylan Mohon.
Joe M. Douglas
Funeral service for Mr. Joe M. Douglas will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Riverwood Family,
with interment following, 1 p.m., at Antioch Cemetery in Waynesboro, MS. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. at Riverwood.
Chief Petty Officer Joe M. Douglas (U.S. Navy Retired) was called home to heaven on July 23, 2021. Mr. Douglas
was born in Waynesboro, MS on March 14, 1938, to his late parents, Cairey and Earcel Douglas. He graduated from
Beat Four High School in Wayne County, MS. In May of 1957, Mr. Douglas enlisted in the United States Air Force,
and four years later, enlisted in the United States Navy. Mr. Douglas proudly served his country for more than 20 years
in the military. He was particularly fond of the aircraft that his teams maintained, the A6 Intruder. After retirement from
the United States Navy, Mr. Douglas began his career in the petroleum industry, in which he once again traveled
the globe to accomplish many things. He then became an entrepreneur, creating several successful businesses. Mr. Douglas
also served with the Lincoln County Sherriff’s Department.
Mr. Douglas enjoyed athletic sports and harvesting his gardens. Being an avid hunter and an expert fisherman, Mr. Douglas
handed down the love of nature to his family. He could often be found teaching marksmanship and angling skills to his children,
grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or anyone else willing to listen. His love of nature was trumped by
his love for his family. Mr. Douglas attended countless baseball, softball, and football games, tennis matches, chorus concerts,
beauty pageants, and dance recitals, with hardly a complaint. Mr. Douglas cherished his family and friends.
He accomplished these things with, and in support of, his loving wife, Faye Douglas.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Faye Douglas; sons and daughters in law, Kirk & Della Douglas, John & Heather Douglas, Chris & Leanne Douglas, his special son, Beaux (lap dog); daughter and son in law, Donna & Bobby Strickland; brother, Perry Douglas and wife, Brenda; sister, Mary Douglas Williams and husband, Truman; nine grandchildren, Erika Cain (Dodd), Tanya Pare (Matt), Cairey Beth Strickland, Kristin Douglas, Calleye Rouse (Kris), Connor Douglas, Abigail Douglas, Kinley Douglas, Caroline Douglas; 19 great grandchildren; three step grandsons, Jesse Griffin (Kimberly), Jacob Griffin (Jessica) and Robby Strickland. He is also survived by a special friend, Kay Rancifer and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving family members and friends.
Sherry Sue Williams
Funeral service for Sherry Williams will be 11 a.m., Thursday, July 22, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Wednesday, July 21, at Riverwood.
Sherry Williams, 65, of Bogue Chitto, MS passed away peacefully on Monday, July 19, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family, after a battle with cancer. She was born as Sherry Sue Williamson on September 12, 1955, in Brookhaven, MS to Billy Joe “Bear” and Geraldine Williamson. The oldest of six, Sherry quickly took on the role as a caregiver, developing a servant’s heart and a gift of delegating. As a graduate of Enterprise High School, class of ’73, she earned her position as head cheerleader and her outgoing personality won her the title of Miss EHS. Sherry married the love of her life, W.C. “Rusty” Williams, on March 1, 1974, and together shared 47 beautiful years. Her greatest joy and accomplishment was raising her three boys, Kevin, Kerry and Kyle. Later in life she would welcome daughters-in-law, grands and greats who affectionally call her “Nanny”. With talent and a determined spirit, whatever Sherry put her mind to, she did it. Her interests included the Enterprise Homemaker’s Club, cosmetology, sewing for her loved ones and organizing benefits for those in need. She found her calling as a nurse, where her gift of compassion and charming smile was felt by all whom she encountered. Perhaps her greatest known talent was cooking. This was not to be enjoyed by family alone, but to anyone who entered her home or needed a warm meal or just because. Sherry knew her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and was saved as a teenager. She was an active member of Victory Baptist Church where she proudly served and loved her church family. Her trust in the Lord carried her peacefully through life, especially through her illness. Sherry leaves a legacy of unconditional love, a willingness to serve others and an unwavering faith in the Lord.
Sherry is preceded in death by her parents, Billy Joe and Geraldine Williamson; her brother, Billy “Peanut” Williamson; her sister, Ouida Williamson Malone.
Sherry is survived by her husband, W.C. Williams; her sons, Kevin Williams and wife Stephanie, Kerry Williams and wife Rain, and Kyle Williams and wife Robbie; brothers, Dale “Yogi” Williamson and wife JoAnn and Lance “Ennus” Williamson and wife Cassie; brother-in-law, Leonard “Manny” Malone Jr.; sister, Connie Hamilton and husband Mike; grandchildren; Breanna Wooley and husband Jay, Brady Williams, Wes Williams, Gracie Williams and Beau Williams; great grandchildren, Maci Furr, Raegan Rutland and Blayton Williams; along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends
Betty Jean Criswell
A memorial service will be held for Betty Jean Criswell at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 31, at
Philadelphia Baptist Church, Hwy 550 NW, Brookhaven, MS.
Betty Jean Criswell, 89, of Wesson, MS, died July 19, 2021. She was born February 22, 1932, to
Rivers H. Case and Ruthie A. Case. She was a seamstress by trade and has made hundreds of
cloth bags for Samaritans Purse Ministry. Betty enjoyed gardening, and she loved to mow the
lawn and watch the goats she raised. She was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church and will be
greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, and three sisters.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Edsel L. Criswell and Randall Wayne Criswell; daughters,
Barbara Gail Case, Sylvia Ann Douglas, and Mary Ruth Fagan; sister, Cynthia Case Stroud (Faye);
12 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. She is also
survived by her close, coffee friends and her faith family at Philadelphia.
Juanita “Nita” W. Lofton
Services for Mrs. Juanita “Nita” W. Lofton, of Brookhaven are 12:00 pm, Thursday, July 22, 2021,
at Mt. Zion Church of Christ with visitation from 10:00 am until time of the service. Burial will be at the Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Juanita “Nita” W. Lofton, 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior on July 19, 2021 at her home.
She was born on April 23, 1931. Nita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; Weaver & Blanche Watts; husband, Norris “Ed” Lofton, Jr.;
sisters, Alice Lofton, Hazel Allen, and Etta Lou Sandidge; brothers, William Matthews, and Hugh V. Watts;
daughters, Patricia Ann Lofton, and Sharon Lofton Gilmore.
Those left to cherish her are her sons, Ronnie Lofton and wife, Sharon; Terry Lofton and wife, Man Liu;
daughter, Suzanne Cagle and husband, Eddie; son-in-law, Wayne Gilmore, and sister Yvonne Smith and husband, T.A.
She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Alyson Lofton Huey (Ben), Tyler Lofton (Jamie), Carly Cagle,
Connor Cagle, Kimberly Gilmore Hughes, Nikki Gilmore Tripp (Kerry), Lindsey Gilmore Schofield (Adam),
and 7 great-grandchildren, Dalton Hughes, Garrett Hughes, Sawyer Raeanne Smith, Kennedy Burton, Berkely Tripp, Brooklyn Huey, Tanner Huey.
Charline M. Morgan
Graveside service for Charline M. Morgan will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 23, in
Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation begins at 9 a.m.
Mrs. Morgan was born in Biloxi, Mississippi, February 3, 1940, to Charles Conard Moore and
Lillian Walker Moore. She passed from this life July 18, 2021; she was 81 years of age. Mrs. Morgan
was a member of Windy Hills Church. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
After retiring from working in Child Care, she would spend her spare time keeping her mind
sharp by working word find puzzles and watching different game shows on the Game Show Network.
She was also an animal lover, and found bird watching a source of relaxation. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Arnold Morgan, and her parents.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Glenn Morgan and wife, Shannan, and Gary Morgan and wife,
Jennifer; daughter, Paula Rushing and husband, Richard; 12 grandchildren, Will Rushing and wife, Brittany,
John Rushing and wife, Kelli, Matt Rushing and wife, Candice, Mark Rushing and wife, Anna, Jefferson Rushing and wife,
Greer, Seth Rushing and wife, Caroline, Mary Anna Rushing, Sara Kate Rushing, Joseph Morgan and fiancé, Katelyn,
Julianne Clayton and husband, Adam, Jeremy Morgan, and Anna Grace Morgan. She is also survived by six great grandchildren.
Bruce Edward Washington, Jr.
Services for Bruce Edward Washington, Jr., of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Monday, July 26, 2021,
at Mighty God Missionary Baptist Church.
Mr. Bruce Edward Washington, Jr. 38, passed away July 18, 2021, at UMMC. He was born on September 8, 1982.
Bruce enjoyed playing basketball, fishing and music. He will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Preceding him in death are his father, Bruce Washington, Sr.; grandmothers, Bessie Watson and Mary Alice Love;
grandfather, John Lewis and uncle, Tommie Lee Washington.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Debra Washington; sister, Latisa Washington;
a special cousin-sister, Santana Bass; son, Zakobi Washington; daughters, Zakiyah Washington, Knowledge Washington;
girlfriend, Jaharri Graham; along with 2 nieces, Jamaya Bennett and Janiya Bennett and a host of other aunts, uncles and cousins.
The Repass will be at the sisters, 1356 Heucks Retreat Rd. Brookhaven.
John Christian Robinson
CHANGE TO SERVICE NOTICE:
Graveside Service only for Mr. John Christian Robinson, of Brookhaven will be 11:00 am Monday, July 19, 2021,
at Mt Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 18, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Riverwood.
Mr. John Christian Robinson, 48, went to be with his Lord on July 14, 2021. He was born on October 17, 1972,
to Ronny Earl and Gayera Lane Robinson.
Chris loved time with his family, playing with his dogs and Karaoke.
He is preceded in death by his mother.
Those left to cherish his memory are his father; son, Nathan Robinson; daughter, Lorna Robinson Phillips and husband, Christian;
brother, Ken Robinson and wife, Vicki and sister, Kelly Robinson Irwin and husband, Ronnie. Also by his 3 nieces and one nephew.
He will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Probie Lee Smith
Services for Mr. Probie Lee Smith of Brookhaven are 2:00 pm, Tuesday, July 20, 2021,
at Riverwood with burial at New Salem Church of Christ Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, July 19, at Riverwood.
Mr. Probie Lee Smith, 68, went to be with the Lord on July 15, 2021, at his residence.
He was born on July 1, 1953, to the late Paul Butler Smith and Wessie Smith Smith.
Mr. Smith was a self employed logger for 50 years and enjoyed working on his bulldozer and tractor.
He also loved spending time with his family.
He will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Greg Smith and brother, Jimmy Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Wanda Smith; sons, Shun White and wife, Rena,
and Ben Smith and wife, Mandi. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Curtis Smith and wife, Sylvia,
sister, Faye Callender and husband, Clayton; and 3 grandchildren, Gavyn White, Addison Smith, and Paxton Smith,
and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.
