Obituaries
Mary Nell (Hart) Smith
Mary Nell (Hart) Smith of Brookhaven, Miss., passed away on Friday, January 19, 2024, in New Orleans. She was born on June 5, 1929, in Brookhaven, Miss., to Fred and Mary Hart.
She was an identical twin. Family found it almost impossible to tell her apart from her twin sister Sarah in their early years. She felt a strong kinship with all twins and news stories about twins.
Mary was also immensely proud of her Mississippi heritage and ancestry. Her roots extended into the Hart family of Bogue Chitto and Rials family of east Lincoln, both of which were early settlers of Lincoln County. She had 12 siblings (three sisters and nine brothers) who were extremely close. She was integrally involved in family get-togethers and holidays – a Hart family Thanksgiving was an event to behold.
She attended Fair Oak Springs High School from 1943 to 1947. She was an excellent student and played on the women’s basketball team. In later years, she was a frequent participant in school reunions.
After high school, she attended Copiah Lincoln Junior College. There she met her future husband, James August Smith. They married on June 5, 1948, on her birthday and at the same time as her twin sister at the City of Brookhaven courthouse. They were married for 72 Years until James’ death in August 2020.
Mary lived at Millsaps and Mississippi State University while James attended college. She enjoyed close friendships with other young couples attending school. At Mississippi State, she and James attended football games and she would follow Mississippi State sports for the rest of her life.
Following James’ graduation and employment with the Humble Oil Company (Exxon) as a petroleum geologist, she lived across south Louisiana in New Orleans, Crowley, La., Grand Isle, La., and finally River Ridge, La. She was an exceptional homemaker and raised three children during this time. She was also an integral part of a community of company geologists and engineers and their spouses.
While living in River Ridge, she was an active member of the Douglas Park Garden Club, including serving as president. She was a member of the local bridge club and was one of their top players. She also participated in the neighborhood’s annual Christmas door contest, winning first on many occasions.
She had many, varied Interests and hobbies, including growing flowers, watching birds, traveling, and cooking. She was an avid collector of glass and crystal and specialized in collecting depression glass. She also created many beautiful quilts.
In 1987, she and James moved back to Brookhaven following his retirement. There they enjoyed more than 30 years of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and other family coming to visit.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Linda Smith, and two sons, Bruce Smith and wife Brenda, and Glynn Smith and wife Sharon. She had seven grandchildren, Ginger (Cliff) Daniel, Jeffrey Smith, Kevin (Jessica) Smith, Thomas (Jennifer) Rohr, Courtney (Rick) Paschal, Kaitlin Smith, and Glynn Smith. She also had five great-grandchildren, Ella Daniel, Briggs Smith, Tucker Smith, Harper Paschal, and Clayton Paschal. She is survived by two brothers, Jerry Hart, and Joe Hart.
Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Riverwood Family Funeral Services in Brookhaven, Miss. Visitation will start at 9:30 a.m. and a chapel service will start at 11:30 a.m.
Elizabeth Suzanne Adcock
A Memorial Gathering for Mrs. Elizabeth Suzanne Adcock of Brookhaven will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church,
1610 Caleb Dr. Brookhaven MS. 39601.
Mrs. Elizabeth Suzanne Adcock, 56, passed away January 17, 2024, at her residence. She was born August 18, 1967, to the late Manual Earl Isaac and Bulah Ann Isaac.
Suzy was a registered nurse. She loved working with her plants and flowers and decorating her home.
Preceding her in death were her parents; and brothers, Michael Porter Isaac and Thomas Joel Isaac.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 35 years, Dr. Stacy L. Adcock, and brothers, Sidney Earl Isaac, Mark Anthony Isaac and sister, Savannah Denise Crews.
She will be missed by all that loved her.
James "R.E." Nettles
Services for Mr. James “R.E.” Nettles of Bogue Chitto are 11:00 am, Monday, January 22, 2024, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service and burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mr. James “R.E.” Nettles 98 passed away January 19, 2024, at his residence.
He was born March 7, 1925, to the late Richard Duncan Nettles and Vertis Johnston Nettles.
After returning home from serving in the Army during World War II, R.E. returned to his life of farming, but later worked for several companies before starting his employment with Chevron. He retired from Chevron after 24 years. After retiring, he loved being outside, working his small herd of cattle, working a small garden, or simply mowing the grass. Until his health started failing, he was an active member of the American Legion Post 12, and the VFW Post 2618 in Brookhaven, MS.
Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Gena Nettles Sample, Beverly Nettles Plotner; grandson, Seth Nettles; daughter-in-law, Barbara Nettles; brother, Leo Nettles; sister, Esteen Cupit and baby brother, Chester.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 36 years Jerry Nettles and son, Bruce Nettles and three grandchildren, Paul Nettles, Charles Sample, Chelsea Morse (Justin) and great grandchild, Tegan Morse.
Houston Russell "Bubba" Jordan
The funeral service for Houston Russell “Bubba” Jordan will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 23, at Easthaven Baptist Church with burial in Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 22, at Easthaven Baptist Church.
Houston Russell “Bubba” Jordan, 18, of Hazlehurst passed away January 14, 2024, at his residence.
He was born February 23, 2005.
Bubba loved football, hunting, fishing, family, and friends.
He was a light to everyone around him. His love for life was lived to the max. The life of the party, Bubba made friends with everyone and wanted everyone to know he loved them. Coon hunting was his new found love. Anything outdoors had Bubba’s name on it. His life, love, and legacy will live on and never be forgotten.
Preceding him in death were his father, Benjy Jordan; paternal grandfather, Calvin H. Jordan and cousin, Toler Randall Jordan.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Mitzi Cline Jordan; sister, Maggie Lee Jordan and grandparents, Fuzz & Valerie Cline and Nita Jordan.
He is also survived by Uncle Rusty Cline (Kristy), Aunt Jane Jordan, Uncle Lance Jordan (Renee), Aunt Samantha Britt (Joel), cousins, Justin, Carlea and Kaylin Cline, Jordan Willard (Cody), Madi Lewis, Tanner Jordan (Mallory), Ethan Greer, Talon Brown, Karson McKay, Waylon Willard and Rose Davis, Branden Britt and older brother, Chris Blackman (Kracker).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jeep Sullivans Outdoor Adventures (Wounded Warriors) or Smyrna Baptist Church.
Calvin Benjamin "Benjy" Jordan
The funeral service for Calvin Benjamin “Benjy” Jordan will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 23, at Easthaven Baptist Church with burial in Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 22, at Easthaven Baptist Church.
Benjy Jordan, 43, of Hazlehurst, died January 15, 2024, in Mobile, AL. He was born in Natchez, MS, April 29, 1980, to Calvin Houston Jordan, Jr. and Mary Juanita McGarry Jordan. He worked as a welder with Kinder Morgan. He was an avid outdoorsman and was a kind and compassionate man, he loved everyone he came in contact with. Since high school, Benjy worked outdoors as a welder. He was a man of faith and loved God with all his heart. He took every opportunity he was given to share his faith with others. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Calvin H. Jordan, Jr.; son, “Bubba” Jordan; his grandparents, Houston and Gladys Jordan and Gordan and Essie May McGarry; and nephew, Toler Randall Jordan.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 21 years, Mitzi Cline Jordan; mother, Nita Jordan; daughter, Maggie Jordan; brother, Lance R. Jordan (Renee); sister, Jane Jordan Britt; uncle and aunt, Sebastian and Becky Rushing; brother and sister-in-law, Rusty Cline (Kristy); sister-in-law, Samantha Britt (Joel); nieces and nephews, Tanner and Mallory Jordan (baby Henry due soon), Branden Britt; Justin, Carlea and Kaylin Cline, Jordan Willard (Cody), Madi Lewis, Ethan Greer, Talon Brown, Karson McKay, Waylon Willard, Rose Davis and older brother, Chris Blackman (Kracker).
He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jeep Sullivan’s Outdoor Adventures (Wounded Warriors) or Smyrna Baptist Church.
Derek Dakin Dalton
Services for Mr. Derek Dakin Dalton are 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Riverwood Family and burial at Ruth Cemetery.
Derek Dakin Dalton, 54, of Magnolia passed away January 15, 2024.
He was born March 13, 1968, in Cordova, CA, to the late Charles and Lynn-etta Dalton.
Mr. Dalton worked in the Restaurant business He liked Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Reading, Video gaming, Role Playing, Dungeons and Dragons, Path Finder and collecting action figures.
Preceding him in death were his parents and his wife, Deborah Dalton.
He is survived by his daughter, Christy Morris; brother, Jeff George and sister, Bridget Dalton. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Adena Cobb, Shaylee Gillis, Zoe Gillis, Isabel Morris and Charles Morris, Jr. He will be missed by all that loved him.
Toler Randall Jordan
The funeral service for Toler Randall Jordan will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 23, at Easthaven Baptist Church with burial in Smyrna Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 22, at Easthaven Baptist Church.
Toler Randall Jordan, 14, of Brookhaven died January 14, 2024. He was born in McComb, MS, March 16, 2009, to Lance Russell Jordan and Samantha Jo Britt.
Toler loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and playing sports. He loved his family, his friends, and attending worship with his faith family. He also enjoyed a good nap.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Calvin “Pops” Jordan; great grandfathers, Francis Britt and Kenneth Wilson; great grandmother, Susie Wilson; uncle, Benjy Jordan; cousin, “Bubba” Jordan; and great uncle Kellis Britt.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Lance Jordan (Renee) and Samantha Britt (Joel Stephens); grandparents, Randy and Connie Britt, Nita Jordan, Ernest and Jennifer Moore, Debbie Moore; great grandparents, Shelby and Betty Smith; brothers, Tanner Jordan (Mallory), Ethan Greer, Talon Brown; one nephew on the way, Henry Russell Jordan; aunts, uncles, and cousins, Jane Britt, Branden Britt, Shelly Britt, Michael and Marley Edwards, Taylor, Millie, Tate, Jax, Chris and Summer Fife, Isabella, Lilly Easter, Shelton, and Mitzi and Maggie Jordan. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216
Patricia Magee Smith
The funeral service for Patricia Magee Smith will be 11 a.m., Saturday, January 20, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Easthaven Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Smith, 78, of Brookhaven, passed away January 16, 2024, at her residence. She was born in New Orleans, LA, March 16, 1945. She was a graduate of Brookhaven High School where she played basketball and was a member of 4H. She worked with Trustmark Bank for over 40 years, and she was a faithful member of The Church of the Way. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Audrey Magee.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 59 years, John Henry Smith; son, John David Smith; one granddaughter, Tiffany Walker and husband Kurt; and four great grandchildren, Korbin Walker, Taylor Makenzie Walker, Kody Walker, and Kollin Walker. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the Church of the Way, 1577 W Industrial Park Rd NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601, Alzheimer’s Association, 207 West Jackson St, Jackson, MS 2nd FL Ste 1, Ridgeland, MS 39157, or the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231.
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.
