Obituaries
Joshua Wilson "Josh" Dunaway
Funeral service for Josh Dunaway will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 18th, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.
Joshua Wilson “Josh” Dunaway died December 14, 2024, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. Josh had a lifelong battle with CF, but it never held him back from his dreams and goals. He was born in Pike County Mississippi on April 18, 1981, to J.W. Dunaway and Sheryl Cash Dunaway. Josh worked for MDOT for 17 years until he retired in 2015. Josh married his high school sweetheart, Heather Dunaway.
After high school life took them on separate paths but after many years, at just the right time for them both, they rekindled their love and established their home. In life you are given one true love who is “your person” and that is exactly what they were and will always be.
He was a great and loving father to his children; he was their best friend, and they argued like friends do. In addition to being their friend he was a mighty protector, encourager, and supporter.
One of his favorite pastimes was riding the golf cart with his family and “granddogter”. He loved all things “Batman” and John Wayne. He enjoyed having “front porch confessions” and horseback riding every evening or fishing with family and friends. Josh had a very quick wit and outstanding sense of humor, full of useless information and skilled in a variety of ways, including, mechanic, the best tow truck driver and instructor, and auto parts salesman. He loved all his friends and family unconditionally and would help anyone at any time, he would give you the shirt from off his back if the need arose. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Josh is preceded in death by his father; paternal grandparents, Jody and Mamie Dunaway; maternal grandmother, Frances Moak; nephew, Devin Estelle; brother-in-law, Clay Barrett; soul sister, Maela “MaeMae” Badon; and cousin, Wendell Alexander.
Survivors include his mother; his wife of seven years, Heather Dunaway; children, Bradley and Halee; brother, Timothy Dunaway; sister, Jeannie Dunaway; one “granddogter”, Ginger Ann Dunaway; Mother-in-law, Barbara Moulds; brother-in-law, Brian Lowery (Cheryl); sisters-in-law, Corenda Barrett and Sara Lowery; nieces and nephews, Dylan Dunaway (Julia), Hannah Dunaway (Leighton Creel), Isabella Parker (Nathan), Kayden Allen, Jody Dunaway, Destiny Jennings (Chris), Paxton, Alyssa Lowery (Dylan Davis), Noah, Isabella Holmes (Hunter), Madison Burnthorn (Tyler Digiovanni), Selah, Rian Lowery, Sierra Morgan, Connor, Cooper and Kyndall Barrett, Anthony Wells, EmaLeigh Privatte, and John Michael Joffrion.
He is also survived by special friends and family, Ken and Kristi Johnson, Tom and Rita McKnight, Mickey and Zayne Badon, Aaron Rushing, Dalton Duncan, Will Tolar, Doug Grammer, Toney Rushing “the Godfather”, Adrian Garcia, Cass Coon, Tolar Auto Parts Family, and the Rushing Wrecker Service Family.
The family would like to send grateful appreciation to Shannon Rives, CF-NP, and the CF team and UMMC.
Jerry Lamon Davis
The memorial service for Jerry Lamon Davis will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 16, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Davis, 78, of Brookhaven, died December 12, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born in Brookhaven, May 29, 1946, to Jessie James Davis and Ruth Marie Davis. He worked for many years with Homelite Lawnmower Plant and then as a truck driver for District 3 in Lincoln County.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Linda Davis; his parents; sister, Patricia Davis; and brothers, Dewitt Davis and Jewell Davis.
He is survived by his wife of eight months, Mildred Davis; son, Jonathon Davis; brothers, Dickie Davis (Angie) and James J. Davis; sisters, Kathy Wallace (Ronnie), Helen Brown (Floyd), and Jessie Mae Davis; one grandchild, Heaven Davis and a host of other loving family members, including numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Reynolds and the staff at King’s Daughters Medical Center.
Eunice Leurah "Tommie" Strickland Miller
The memorial service for Eunice Leurah “Tommie” Strickland Miller will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, December 15, at First Baptist Church in Summit, MS. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Ms. Miller, 74, of Summit, died December 11, 2024, at Haven Hall. She was born in Minden, LA, on September 21, 1950, to Chester Franklin Strickland and Twyla Odell Mills Strickland. She worked for many years in the Automotive Parts Distribution Industry and was a volunteer Fire Fighter with the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department. Ms. Miller will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Nola Beth Ellington.
She is survived by her daughter, Tina Reed (Chad); son, Jason Miller (Mandy); brother, Vern Stonecipher; seven grandchildren, Niki Lawrence (DeeDee), Gina Allen, Justin Miller, Manuel Miller, Jake Reed (Amy), Hunter Reed (Hayden), and Mac Reed (Brissa); seven great grandchildren, Tootie, Kemper, and Everlee Lawrence, Aryanah Allen, Beau and Leighton Reed, and Alora Reed. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Haven Hall and Enhabit Hospice.
Peggy Thurman Daniel
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 13, at Oakvale Baptist Church to honor the memory of Mrs. Peggy Thurman Daniel, with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Our precious mother, Nanny, and sister went home to be with our Holy Father December 9, 2024. While we are broken hearted, we know we will see her again. She loved her church and singing in the choir. She also sang in a quartet with Mrs. Catherine Hathorn, Delores Jones and Edith Turnage. She taught children’s Sunday School and Bible school. She sang to her daughter many times. Her favorite song was “How Great Thou Art”. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her health declined due to lupus and arthritis, and she was often in much pain. Praise the Lord she is in pain no more and has a new body. We will cherish her memory always.
Mrs. Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, John T. Daniel; her father, Guy Thurman, mother, Alene Thurman Smith; sister, Nell Stamps; and brothers, Glyn Thurman and Noel Thurman.
She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Speights (Ricky); brother, Jimmy K. Thurman (Bobbie); two grandchildren, Brandi Cook (Cullen) and Ryan Speights (Amarette); and three great grands, Caysen Cook, Atticus Speights, and Georgiana Speights.
John Patrick Hodge
The funeral service for John Patrick Hodge will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 11, at Fair River Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Hodge, 83, of Brookhaven, died December 8, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Bolton, MS, February 25, 1941, to Mack Hodge, Sr. and Lucille Wooten Hodge. He worked as an electrician before retiring.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, M.J., Dan, Arthur, Joe Ree, and Jack; and sisters, Mary, Mildred, Marie, Irene, Willie Frank, and Thelma.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 years, Lois Hodge; children, Wayne Hodge (Janice), Don Hodge (Donna), and Jane Parkman (Jody); sister, Martha Ann Dalton; five grandchildren, Preston Martin, Rivers Parkman, Spencer Hodge, Brady Hodge, and Bailey Hodge; ten great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Dignity Hospice and Renee Thompson with Accent Care.
In lieu of flowers you may make memorials in his memory to Fair River Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 3698 Fair River Dr NE, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Ronny Wayne Thompson
The funeral service for Ronny Wayne Thompson will be 3 p.m., Thursday, December 12th at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Thompson, 48, of Ruth, MS, died December 7, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. He was born in Pascagoula on October 7, 1976, to Wayne Thompson and Shirley Smith Thompson.
After graduating high school, Ronny began his journey in life, working in the construction industry, he became a Construction Superintendent with Repcon. He was a loving husband, father and friend. He was a man of integrity; everyone knew they could count on Ronny whenever there was a need. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was a kind person and never met a stranger. He had friends all over the country and whether he saw them daily or just occasionally, they knew his friendship was special. He loved his family above all else. He provided for their every need; his family never went without. Ronny will be greatly missed and never replaced.
Ronny is preceded in death by his mother; father-in-law, Jerry Howell; and nephew, Cooper Frazier.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Amanda Thompson; his father; mother-in-law, Nancy Howell; children, Railey Thompson and Turner Thompson (Baileigh); sisters, Brandi McCaffrey (Chris), Kristi Frazier (Jason); brother-in-law, Jeremy Howell; sister-in-law, Julie Howell; nieces and nephews, Ethan Howell (Anna), Alex Frazier, Julianna Frazier, Lauren Wilson (Brady), Parker McCaffrey, Rachel Frazier, Jacey Frazier, Tripp McCaffrey, Matthew Frazier, Van, Ian, and Marley; great nieces and nephews, Mac Ann Wilson, Benton “Bubba” Wilson, and Judson Howell. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Charles Glenn "Chuck" Laird
Obituary Document
The funeral service for Charles Glenn Laird will be at 2 p.m., Monday, December 9, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Mt. Zion Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr. Laird, 53, died on December 5, 2024, at his residence. He was born on September 16, 1971. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he studied exercise physiology and sports medicine. In 2013, he competed in the Pine Belt Open bodybuilding competition where he won trophies for overall and master’s overall. He was self-employed as a fitness coach/personal trainer, and he was passionate about educating others about proper exercise techniques and eating habits. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the piano where he often taught himself how to play new songs by ear. He was employed as a Personal Trainer.
Mr. Laird is preceded in death by his father, Frank Laird.
He is survived by his mothers, Carolyn “Vicky” Laird and Noemi Sucre; and by a host of other loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Jeanna McManus Hartzog
The funeral service for Jeanna McManus Hartzog will be 10 a.m., Thursday, December 12, at Easthaven Baptist Church with burial in Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 11, at Riverwood Family.
Jeanna McManus Hartzog, 65, peacefully went to be with her Lord while surrounded by her loved ones this December 4, 2024, at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson, MS after a sudden illness.
Jeanna was born July 14, 1959, in Memphis, TN. Jeanna was a Brookhaven HS graduate ('77). She attended Copiah Lincoln Community College and proudly earned degrees from Mississippi University for Women (BSW) and from William Carey College (MEd). She began her career as an advocate and social worker at the State Hospital before transitioning to an impactful career in education as a school social worker, a teacher, a GED educator, and returning to Co-Lin as a workforce trainer, before retiring to become caregiver for her late father.
Jeanna lived with Type 1 Diabetes for 53 years, but her condition never defined her. She stayed on the forefront of diabetes care to ensure she was a present and active wife, mother, and friend. Her extensive network of friends from every walk of her life brought her joy and purpose. An active member at Easthaven Baptist Church, her church communities were important to her; Jeanna loved giving her time and heart to VBS and children's ministries. She loved throwing football with her dad and stayed active with sports updates, current events, and Jeopardy! She was prolific in her travels, visiting family, meeting friends, and exploring historic landmarks. Jeanna loved music in all forms, learning piano, singing in church, and attending concerts near and far.
Jeanna is survived by her daughter, Sarah Hartzog; son, Hugh(Emily) Hartzog; and her cherished granddaughters, Ada Leona and Marion Jewel Hartzog.
She is also survived by her husband, Greg Hartzog, precious aunts, loving cousins, and dear friends.
Jeanna is preceded in death by her parents, Jewel and Betty McManus; sister, Brenda(Ronnie) Castilaw; and an unborn child.
Vicki Renee McCullough
Graveside service for Vicki Renee McCullough will be 11 a.m., Thursday, December 5, in Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Clear Branch Baptist Church.
Mrs. McCullough, 55, of Brookhaven, died December 2, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven, September 3, 1969, to Carl Ronnie Diamond and Doris Luper Diamond. Vicki was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and Nae Nae. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her three beautiful grandchildren. She was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church.
Vicki is preceded in death by her grandparents, Jim and Virgie Ruth Diamond and Percy and Clara Mae Luper; uncle Ricky Diamond; aunts Carolyn Day (Jack Day), and Betty Stanley (Jack Stanley).
She is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Paul McCullough; her parents; children, Casey David McCullough (Jennifer), Ronald Cade McCullough (Myranda); grandchildren, Harley David McCullough, Cadence Ann-Clark McCullough, and Felix Rowan McCullough. She is also survived by a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
The family would like to extend heart felt thank you to all those who came to our aid during this time, also thank you to all who have stopped in to check on the family and show their love and support, we are truly grateful for everything.
Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames
The funeral service for Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames will be 2 p.m., Saturday, December 7, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Easthaven Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.
Ms. Lena Mae Huhn Townsend Thames, a lifelong resident of the East Lincoln Community, whose life spanned over a century, passed away at her daughter and son-in-law’s home in Raymond, MS, on Saturday, November 30, 2024. Born on October 9, 1922, Ms. Lena Mae lived a remarkable and fulfilling life. She was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and soon-to-be great, great grandmother. She was a determined and spirited lady. It was her new ambition to crawl out from under her tray in her wheelchair and begin her walk back home. She had things to do like milking the cow, taking care of her mother and father, getting her hair permed. Needless to say, the last year of her life was very challenging for her and those tending to her needs. She could climb over her rail, setting off alarms, heading for her exit like an escape artist.
Ms. Lena Mae was an honors graduate of East Lincoln High School, Brookhaven, MS, graduating at sixteen. She married W. N. “Bill” Townsend shortly thereafter. Mr. Townsend told how he and she had eloped and faced the scrutiny of her father upon their return. It did not take long for Mr. Hampton to accept him into the family.
Hard work and the ambition to make a difference influenced her adult life and accomplishments. She worked many years at Stahl Urban. She loved to sew, knit, and crochet. She gifted her children and grandchildren with quilts as keepsakes. At age 50, she attended Co-Lin for a nursing degree, where she was graduated as Valedictorian and was honored to receive the outstanding nursing student award. She worked at King’s Daughters Hospital for several years, until becoming the nurse for the practice of Drs. Fuller and Irby, Internal Medicine. She retired and did private patient duty for a year. Her husband, Bill, suffered a severe stroke and was completely incapacitated and unable to speak. She handled his care for ten years, until his passing on Christmas Eve, 1999.
Her life was far from over. At age 88, she married Paul Thames of Lawrence County. They had been acquaintances for many years. He passed February 10, 2021.They were married for ten years.
Ms. Lena Mae’s children are Alice Louise Cliburn (Roger) of Raymond, MS, and Charles Wilton Townsend (Linda) of Spring, TX. Grandchildren in order of birth are Melissa Cliburn Launius (Perry) of Flowood, MS; Kimberly Cliburn Hutchins (Roger) of Southaven, MS; Stephanie Townsend Busch (Charles) Spring, TX; Erica Whitaker (Jimmy) Magnolia, TX; Brian Townsend (Whitney) of Cypress, TX.
Great Grandchildren surviving Ms. Lena Mae holding a special place in her heart are Peyton Farmer Cole, DVM (Tanner), Porter, TX; Braden Farmer, Spring, TX; Regan Launius, Flowood, MS; Devin Hutchins, Southaven, MS; Chase Whitaker, Magnolia, TX; Hailey Hutchins, Southaven, MS; Bristol Whitaker, Magnolia, TX; Aubrey Townsend and Mackenzie Townsend, Cypress, TX.
Also surviving Ms. Lena Mae are Tammy Thames, Landon Thames, and Logan Thames (Kelsa) and their daughter Lynnlee.
Ms. Lena Mae’s parents were Charles Hampton Huhn and Alice Asenath McGuffie Keene Huhn. She was the youngest of seven children: Frankie Keene McGraw, Mae Keene Wilson, Andy Lee Keene, Eugene Keene, Lizzie Keene Sartin, and Charles Huhn; all having preceded her in death.
Ms. Lena Mae leaves behind a legacy of purpose, shared memories, and love of family. She will be forever remembered for all the egg custard pies she made for her family and community and her famous chicken and dumplings! She was an inspiration to live one’s best life. She did.
