Obituaries
Herman Larry Lawrence
A memorial service will be held for Herman Larry Lawrence, 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 31, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 9-10 a.m at Riverwood.
Mr. Lawrence, 78, passed away January 27, 2023, in Brookhaven, MS. He was born in Tylertown, November 30, 1944, to Herman Lawrence and Mary Nelloise Morris Lawrence. He was employed as a Fishing Tool Operator in the Oil Field Industry. Mr. Lawrence was an avid reader. He also enjoyed playing cards or going to movies with family and friends. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 56 years, Lois Ann Lawrence; children, Chad Lawrence (Genevieve), Kelsey Lawrence, Stacy Lawrence Douchard (Corey); sister, Darlene Wrenn; five grandchildren, Nichole Lawrence, Christian Lawrence, Drake Douchard, Ace Douchard, and Knox Douchard. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Claude Nelson Greer
Graveside service for Claude Nelson Greer will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, at Topisaw Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Greer, 75, of Bogue Chitto, MS, passed away January 27, 2023, at Madison Merit. He was born January 12, 1948, in Laurel, MS, to Paul Gordon Greer and Mary Ellen Hinton Greer.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Greer; his parents; and sister, Susan Santa Ana.
Mr. Greer is survived by his children, Reginna Lawrence (Christopher) and Amos Greer (Polly Ann); brother, Dave Greer; sisters, Paulette Pitts and Carolyn Ellzey; four grandchildren, Christie Adair (Ray), Cynthia McWilliams (TJ), Kodi Greer, and Katana Greer; and five great grandchildren, Alexis Adair, Skylar Adair, Christopher James Adair, Katie McWilliams, and Miles McWilliams. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Arthur "Kirk" Freeman
Arthur “Kirk” Freeman, 53, passed away January 25, 2023, at his residence in Hazlehurst, MS. He was born in Dallas, TX, August 19, 1969, to Arthur “Buddy” Freeman and Nancy Smallwood Freeman, of Ivanhoe, TX. He served his country in the United States Navy and was a Site Acquisition Coordinator with Uniti Fiber.
Mr. Freeman enjoyed life, spending time playing rhythm guitar with his band mates and friends as well as taking trips with his motorcycle friends. He traveled from Kentucky to Sturgis, NJ, Tail of the Dragon, OH to Hog Rock. He had a heart for dogs, whether he adopted one or brought home a stray, they were all loved. Kirk was someone you could depend on to help in any way he could. His favorite time, though, was spent with his family. For many years, he would travel to Texas to enjoy Mother’s Day gatherings. He will be missed by all who loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diane Jones Freeman; his parents; sister, Toni Schmidt (Brian), of Ivanhoe, TX; sister-in-law, Martha Odom; brothers-in-law, John Jones and John David VanEtten, all of Hazlehurst, MS; his dogs, Boyd, Diesel, and Stormy; numerous nieces and nephews, a host of friends and other loving family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to BARL, PO Box 3477 Brookhaven, MS 39603.
A memorial service will be held in Ivanhoe, TX, at a later date.
J.D. Broome
A Graveside Service for Mr. J.D. Broome is 2:00 pm, Friday, January 27, 2023, at Springhill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. J.D. Broome, 89, went to be with his Lord on January 25, 2023, at his home surrounded by family.
He was born December 1, 1933, to the late James Kay Vardaman Broome and Alice Waymond Phillips Broome.
Mr. Broome served his country in the United States Air Force (Staff Sergeant, Air Police)
He was a Deacon of Springhill Baptist Church where he was a member, and he was a stained-glass artist.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and son, Jim Broome.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, Fay (Ray) Broome;
daughter, Kay (Broome) Purdie and husband, Kevin and granddaughter, Sarah Beth Alderman.
He will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Judy Britt Speights
The funeral service for Judy Britt Speights will be 11 a.m., Friday, January 27, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, in Prentiss, MS. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, January 26, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday.
Mrs. Speights, 73, of Brookhaven, passed away January 24, 2023, at St. Dominics Medical Center in Jackson, with her family by her side. She was born in Brookhaven, MS, November 5, 1949, to James Bennon Britt and Mildred Morgan Britt.
Judy dedicated 30 years as a merchandiser for McLane Southern. She loved her work and the friends she made along the way. Judy had a passion for her flowers, and an obsession for vintage jewelry, collectables, antiques, and especially for frogs. To her, family and friends were priority above all.
It has been a privilege to have had her in my life not only as my wife, but also my best friend. I Thank God for having you in my life. Forever my love.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Larry Britt; mother and father in law, Thomas Wayne and Annie Lee Speights; and brother in law, Kerry Mark Speights.
Judy is survived by her husband of 34 years, E. Wayne Speights; children, Todd Reeves (Ruth), Joshua Speights (Helen), Sara Beth Reeves and special friend, Kim, Noah Speights (Giovanna); brothers, Don Britt (Margie) and John Britt; sisters, Susan Birdson and special friend, Jerry Morris, and Deborah Britt; seven grandchildren, Mikaila Reeves, Gage Reeves, Nora Reeves, Leo Speights, Skylar Speights, Milo Speights, and Eloise Speights. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great, great nieces and nephews and many, many friends.
James Willard King
The funeral service for Mr. James Willard King will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Carmel Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Friday, January 27, at Carmel Baptist Church.
Mr. King, 91, of Monticello, passed away January 24, 2023. He was born in Monticello, MS, on April 21, 1931. Mr. King served his country in the United States Army and Air Force during the time of the Korean War, as Sergeant First Class. He was awarded a Korean Service Medal, a Combat Infantry Badge, a UN Service Medal, and he was also awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery during battle. After returning home, Mr. King began a career with Electrolux where he was a salesman for many years. He enjoyed being outdoors and working in his garden. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary McClain Cox King; parents, George King and Rhoda Mae King; and his youngest son, Steven King.
Mr. King is survived by his son, Don King and wife, Linda; daughter, BeLinda Gail Hudson; three grandchildren, Donnie King, Misty King, and Emily King; and one great grandson, Braxton King.
Acie Joseph "A.J." Spring
The funeral service for Acie Joseph “A.J.” Spring will be 11 a.m., Thursday, January 26, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ.
Mr. Spring, 76, of Smithdale, passed away January 22, 2023, in Jackson, MS. He was born in Franklin County, MS, October 1, 1946, to George Washington Spring and Gertrude Nunnery Spring.
After graduating from McComb High School, AJ played football at Southwest Junior College and Mississippi College. He worked for over 20 years with Allstate Insurance as an Agent. AJ was a member of Johnson Grove Church of Christ. He previously served as an Elder and Deacon at McComb Church of Christ, where he also taught Bible classes. An avid outdoorsman, he loved spending his free time fishing, hunting and golfing. AJ developed a grass mowing ministry which was a great passion of his. One of his greatest pastimes was watching his grandkids participate in a variety of activities. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
AJ is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Wayne Spring, Ralph Spring, and Warren Spring.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 ½ years, Janie Spring; children, Randy Spring and wife, Amy and Julie Spring Piper and husband, Shawn; brother, Eddie Spring and wife, Pat; sister, Frances Spring Berch; three grandchildren, Brett Spring and wife, Katie, Brady Spring, and Taylor Belle Piper. He is also survived by a host of friends and family and countless cousins.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Johnson Grove Church of Christ Youth Group, 665 Auburn Drive SW, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.
Jean A. Freeman
The funeral service for Jean A. Freeman will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 25, at Riverwood Family, with burial to follow in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, at Riverwood and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.
Mrs. Freeman, 81, of Hazlehurst, passed away January 21, 2023, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb. She was born in Booneville, MS, August 17, 1941, to Lester H. Abernathy and Ruth Abernathy. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where she was honored to play the piano. She also enjoyed free time gardening, reading a good book, or watching Judge Judy on television, and watching the stars with Michael. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends as well as her faith family at Pleasant Hill.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert W. “Bob” Freeman; her parents; brother, Euclid “Jr” Anderson; sister, Doris Sumrall; and nephew, Howard Sullivan.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Deborah Costilow (Michael); son, Robert D. “Bobby” Freeman (Rhonda); and daughter, Donna Freeman; sisters, Faye Coke and Ann Coleman (Billy); four grandchildren, Courtney King, Micayla Ard, Derek Freeman, and Lexie Freeman; and three great grandchildren, Slayde King, Sylas Ard, and Robert Michael Freeman. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142
Robert A. Gerhardt, Jr.
Mr. Robert A. Gerhardt, Jr., 76, died January 14, 2023, at his residence in Magnolia, MS. He was born in New Orleans, LA, April 20, 1946, to Robert Adolph Gerhardt, Sr. and Margaret Cardella Gerhardt.
Mr. Gerhardt worked as a Field Auditor for Boh Brother’s Construction Company. Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Ann H. Gerhardt; his stepchildren, William F. “Butch” Massey (Ellie) and Margaret Ann Massey; three grandchildren and one great grandchild; sister, Gilda G. Mares (Billy); nephew, Jonathan W. Mares (Alicia) and Niece, Kristin M. Dupont (Brian). He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Andrew James Parrette
Graveside service for Mr. Andrew James Parrette will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, January 23, at Thompson Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from Noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service, at Little Bahala Baptist Church.
Mr. Andrew James Parrette, known to everyone as “Dunner”, died January 17, 2023, in Columbus, MS, with his mother, father, “Butter Bean” and sister, Audra, by his side, he was 39 years of age. Dunner was born in Vicksburg, MS, April 26, 1983, to Bobby and Kathy Parrette.
He enjoyed playing video games with his brother and watching wrestling with his dad. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed talking to his little sister on the phone at night and texting her every day. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Dunner is preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Margaret Wade, Paul and Beatrice Parrette, and James and Estelle Lowery, and many aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his parents; siblings, Audra Beall and husband, Craig “Big Boy” Beall, Anthony “Butter Bean” Parrette, Tonya Mayeaux, and Andrea Parrette; nephews, Justin Beall, Ronnie Mayeaux, and Derek Mayeaux; niece, Caitlin Mayeaux; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
