Obituaries
Carol L. Massengill
The funeral service for Carol L. Massengill will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church, 400 Magee Drive, in Brookhaven at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27th with visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Mrs. Massengill, who died on June 23rd in Brookhaven, is survived by her husband, Bob, the love of her life for almost 60 years. She was the proud mother of Karen M. Hickman (and husband, Andrew) and Robb Massengill (and wife, Fran), and grandmother of six grandchildren, who loved her as “Dadool”: Hannah Hickman Halliwell (and husband, Zach), Will Hickman (and wife Sara), and Heath Hickman (and wife, Maddie), and Maggie M. Andrews (and husband, Carter), Gracey and Robert Massengill. She was the proud great-grandmother of Witt Halliwell. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Carol was a native of Upper Darby, PA, but called Brookhaven her home since her marriage to Bob in 1964. After completing Upper Darby High School she graduated from Millersville State University, located near Lancaster, PA, with a degree in Elementary Education. While at Millersville, she played basketball and was a member of the Homecoming Court. She taught elementary grades in Pennsylvania and at Brookhaven Elementary School. She was largely responsible for Art being added to the curriculum in the Brookhaven Public School System. She later taught 5-year-old kindergarten at Faith Presbyterian Church and loved sharing her Lord and Savior with the children she taught. Seeing these students become Godly adults was one of the great joys of her life.
Mrs. Massengill was a former member of the Mothers Club and the Climbers Club and served as an active leader of Girls Scouts. “Mrs.Carol,” as she was known to her scouts, had gained her love for scouting as a child and young lady as had worked most of her high school years in order to earn the funds needed to go to Europe for the entire summer of 1958 with the Girl Scouts after completing high school.
She was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church, where she served as President of the Women in the Church, taught children’s Sunday School for many years, was an active member of the choir, taught Vacation Bible School, and was a member of several teams, including the Missions Team. One of her favorite memories was teaching a group of ladies John Bunyan’s Classic “Pilgrim’s Progress.”
Along with her husband, Mrs. Massengill took numerous mission trips to countries such as Belize, Mexico, Malawi, Ukriane, and Kyrgystan. She had the gift of hospitality and shared the love of her Lord by hosting visiting missionaries on numerous occasions. For many years Mrs. Massengill graciously hosted a small group Bible study on Sunday evenings at her home.
In addition to mission trips, Carol loved traveling with Bob, and they took many interesting and informative trips to Europe. She always loved traveling anywhere with family. She thoroughly enjoyed attending the various activities of her grandchildren, loved to cheer for the Ole Miss football and baseball teams, had a green thumb (especially with African Violets), played an excellent game of tennis in years past, and enjoyed playing golf with family. In years past she greatly enjoyed playing bridge with friends. One of her greatest dislikes was her cell phone, as it never seemed to be able to find her!
In years past Carol loved studying God’s Word and had the desire to see the love of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, shared with others throughout the world. One of her favorite Bible verses was Psalm 118:4, which says, “This is the day the Lord made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it” and one of her favorite hymns was “Jesus Loves Me.”
The family would like to express special thanks to Jaci King and the compassionate staff at HaloHavens, to those at Dignity Hospice, to her special friend and caregiver Maggie Thompson, and to all of those who have been praying for Carol and the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made payable to the Mission Fund, Faith Presbyterian Church, PO Box 5090, Brookhaven, MS 39603 or to Faith Presbyterian Kindergarten at the same address.
Billy Joe Reeves
Graveside Service for Mr. Billy Joe Reeves of Bogue Chitto, are 10:00 am Monday, June 26, 2023 at Topisaw Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Billy Joe Reeves, 93, went to be with his Lord on June 23, 2023.
He was born July 26, 1929, to the late Zeb and Clara Reeves.
Mr. Billy loved spending time outdoors, fox hunting, farming and tending to his animals.
He was a member of Topisaw Baptist Church and was retired as a Holsum Bread Route Deliverer.
Preceding him in death were his parents; 1st wife, Rhodie Brown Reeves, 2nd wife, Viola Dunn Reeves; brothers, Zeb and Horace; and sister, Lura Mae Thompson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Wayne Reeves and Billy Ray Reeves; four grandchildren, Tami Thornhill (Scott), Chris Reeves, Billy Reeves (Sarah), and Alan Reeves (Miranda); along with 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
He will be missed by all that loved him.
Dorothy Jean McPhail Norris
A memorial service for Dorothy Jean McPhail Norris will be held 4 p.m., Saturday, June 24, at Topeka Baptist Church.
Mrs. Norris, 71, of Monticello, died June 23, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. She was born in Prentiss, MS, January 20, 1952, to Leroy McPhail and Rita Mae Delancey McPhail. She worked for many years in Rutter Rex Sewing Factory and retired from that occupation. Her favorite pastimes were baking, reading, or coloring, and she also enjoyed sewing as a hobby. Her greatest treasure was her family. She loved spending time with them and with friends as well.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Lee Norris; her parents; children, Dana Norris and Stephanie Norris Barnett; and sister, Patsy Head.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Pam Norris (Tim) and Roni Smith (Tim); brothers, Jessie McPhail, Keith McPhail, and Jimmy McPhail; sister, Faye Jackson; ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Virginia Faye Lea Leggett
The funeral service for Virginia Faye Lea Leggett will be 11 a.m., Monday, June 26, 2023, at Riverwood Family with burial in Mission Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Riverwood and will resume Monday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Leggett, 81, of Brookhaven, died June 22, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Wesson, MS, January 24, 1942, to Troy Major Lea and Helen Jackson Lea. She was a retired teachers’ assistant and bus driver for Enterprise Attendance Center, where she worked for over 25 years.
Mrs. Leggett loved shopping for purses, shoes, and wallets. She was an avid Elvis Memorabilia collector and an accomplished musician, playing piano and singing. She also enjoyed playing penny auction. She was a lovely person and leaves a lasting legacy for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Jerry Leggett; her parents; and brother, Jackie Lea.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Robert Ladell “Dale” Leggett (Theresa); sister, Linda Moak (Ellis); three grandchildren, Niki Carnley (Donovon), Katy East (Sam), and Travis Leggett (Stevie Ann); eight great grands, Zoe Carnley, Baylen Carnley, Liam Carnley, Rowynn Carnley, Gracie East, Tucker East, Eoin East, and Emmersyn Rose East, and Baby Boy Leggett soon to be born, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Joyce Blaylock Meredith
A Memorial service for Joyce Blaylock Meredith of Wesson was held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 1:00 until the time of service.
Joyce Blaylock Meredith, 75, of Wesson, Mississippi went on to her eternal reward on June 14, 2023. She was born on November 4, 1947, in Sulligent, Alabama to Louise and Curtis Blaylock.
Joyce graduated from Sulligent High School and was proud to be a stay-at-home mom. She was a faithful member of Brookway Church of Christ in Brookhaven, Mississippi. She was an extremely strong, smart, and amazing woman who loved God, her family, and her friends and was in turn loved deeply by them. Before her health was affected by Parkinson’s disease, she loved gardening, reading, drawing, loving on her pets (including her chickens), and spending time with her grandchildren. Those left to cherish her memory are her three sons: Lee Meredith (Melissa) of Wesson, MS; Tommy Meredith (Crissy) of Union Church, MS; Shane Meredith (Meghan) of Starkville, MS; nine grandchildren, one great-grandson and one sister, Jan Richards. She is preceded in death by her parents Louise and Curtis Blaylock and two sisters, Helene Reich and Bon Lockhart.
Edward Lee Ashley, Jr.
The funeral service for Edward Lee Ashley, Jr. will be 2 p.m., Friday, June 23 at Riverwood Family with burial in Wesson City Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at Riverwood and will resume from 1p.m. until the time of service on Friday.
Mr. Edward Lee Ashley, Jr., 71, of Wesson, died June 19, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven December 26, 1951, to Edward Lee Ashley Sr. and Mildred Lavene Wells Ashley. He retired from Packard Electric. Mr. Ashley was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many. He enjoyed spending time with his family, but also enjoyed fishing and golfing. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lance Ashley; sister, Betty Ashley; and grandson, Gibson Britt.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 44 years, Sharon Ashley; children, Tracy Britt Shufelt and Mitzi Britt Emfinger (Tony); sister, Charlotte Newell (Wayne); grandson, Larson Emfinger; cousin Scott Ashley; along with other loving family members and friends.
Helen Jean Mercier
The Funeral service for Helen Jean Mercier will be 11 a.m., Friday, June 23, 2023, at Riverwood Family with burial in Mt Pleasant Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
Mrs. Mercier, 74 of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life June 19, 2023, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born in Brookhaven August 7, 1948, to Lavender Owens and Frankie Young Owens.
Mrs. Mercier is preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Regina Leanne Mercier; brother, Frank Henry Owens; sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Mercier, Irene Kyzer, Rose Mary Mercier, and Roselee Mercier.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Sedgie W. Mercier; her children, Jeffery D. Mercier (Maria) and Bradley Mercier; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Sally Nations McKee
The funeral service for Sally Nations McKee will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at Riverwood Family with interment in Rosehill Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mrs. McKee, 81, of Brookhaven, died June 18, 2023, at Silver Cross Health and Rehab with her family by her side. She was born in Brookhaven on January 30, 1942, to James W. Nations and Carolyn Gouldman Nations. She worked in the medical field as a Registered Nurse and retired from that profession.
She was a 1960 graduate of Brookhaven High School and enjoyed being a majorette while attending school. After high school, she furthered her education at the University of Mississippi and St. Dominic’s Nursing School where she earned her nursing degree. She had a compassionate heart, and she took great care with every person she attended. Nursing was her passion. Sally was a lifetime member of Junior Auxiliary of Brookhaven. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and line dancing. Sally’s greatest accomplishment in life was her children and grandchildren. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven. She leaves a legacy of grace and love to all who come behind her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Buster Thomas; brother, Jimmy Nations; daughter-in-law, Rhonda S. Thomas; and first cousin, Jerrald “Jerry” Nations.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 20 years, Steve McKee; children, Carol Ann Smith (Todd), Trey Thomas, stepdaughters, Lisa Roddy (Mark), and Dianne Lowery; five grandchildren, Kellie Smith (Shae), Colton Smith, Mason Smith, Anna T. Griffith (Kyle), Abby Thomas; and two great grands, John Martin Smith and Blake Griffith. She is also survived by her first cousins, Louise Johnson, Bill Hunter, and Jimmy Hunter, and by many other loving family members and friends.
Matthew Jake Guiffreda
The funeral service for Matthew Jake Guiffreda will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 20, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, June 19, at Riverwood, and will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.
Mr. Guiffreda, 41, of Brookhaven, died June 15, 2023, in University of Mississippi Medical Center. He was born in Jackson November 8, 1981, to R.J. Guiffreda and Monica Smith Guiffreda. He was a loving husband, dad, and friend. Matthew enjoyed spending his free time with his family. They were happiest on a lake, river, or Louisiana marsh, fishing. He was a great outdoorsman. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Monica Reeves; grandfather, Bill Smith; grandmothers, Evelyn Smith and Kathy Guiffreda; and brother, Christopher Guiffreda.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Lacey Guiffreda; children, Kolbey Guiffreda and Laken Guiffreda; his father, R.J. Guiffreda; and grandfather, Roy Guiffreda. He is also survived by a host of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St.Jude Children’s Hospital PO box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or to Catch-A-Dream Foundation
2485 Ennis Rd. | Starkville, MS 39759
Jerry B. Burkett, Sr.
Memorial services for Jerry Burkett, 86, of Prentiss will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday June 19, 2023, at Bethany Baptist Church with Jimmy Scott Harvey of Monticello officiating with visitation commencing at 12:30 at Bethany Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Brady Cemetery under the care and direction of Riverwood Family Funeral Service of Brookhaven.
Mr. Burkett peacefully departed from this world in Hattiesburg, MS on Friday, June 16, 2023, after a lengthy illness.
Jerry was born on August 16, 1936, in Jefferson Davis County to Agnes and Jabus Rawls Burkett Sr. As a child growing up in Jefferson Davis County, Jerry enjoyed living amongst a close-knit community of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who were all descended from the early settler and pioneer families of this area of Mississippi. He felt fortunate to grow up on Burkett Road outside of Prentiss on the same land that had been in his family for generations. Jerry graduated from Prentiss High School and after graduation he attended Mississippi State University where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering. Jerry then enlisted in the Air Force as a missile systems maintenance specialist and a career in seismic work in the oil and gas business and the opening and operating of Harvey’s Napa Auto Parts in Prentiss soon followed. Jerry was united in marriage to Ms. Glenda Baker of Houma, Louisiana on April 1, 1965, in Dayton, Ohio.
Jerry began a lifelong relationship with his savior Jesus Christ at Bethany Baptist Church where he served as a consistent member, a Deacon, and a Sunday School teacher for as long as his health permitted. He was one of God’s noble men. Jerry had an amazing ability to fix anything that was broken, he was a problem solver, an excellent manager of his property, a loving father, and a useful member of his community. Multitudes of friends and family streamed to his house to hear words of advice and stories handed down to him from the past. He was a Master Mason, a York Rite Mason, and a Shriner. Jerry devoted his time and resources to the athletic departments of the local schools, and he enjoyed being an avid outdoorsman, a Ham Radio Operator, and kept up with technology his entire life. He was the soul of honor and was respected and loved by all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be Mike Butler, Les Dungan, John Myers, Pastor Tom Jackson, David Miller, and Phillip Herring.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Brett Herring, Daniel Cox, Travis Burkett Smith, Frankie Butler, and Larry Don Spears.
Jerry Burkett was preceded in death by his brother Jabus Rawls Burkett Jr.
He is survived by his sons Jerry Benton Burkett Jr., James Bradly Burkett and Victoria Lynn Burkett. He is survived by three grandchildren; Samantha Burkett, Abigail Lora Burkett, and Garrett Anthony Shepherd. Jerry is also survived by a legion of mourning cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Bethany Baptist Church General Fund at PO Box 1316, Prentiss, MS 39474
