Obituaries
William Henry "Billy" Covington
The funeral service for William Henry “Billy” Covington will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 6, at Riverwood Family with burial in Union Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Friday, January 5, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of service Saturday.
Mr. Covington, 91, of Union Church, passed away January 2, 2024, at his residence. He was born March 21, 1932, to Lee Henry Covington and Ethel Katherine McCall Covington.
Mr. Billy served his country in the United States 82nd Airborne Division during the Korean War. He was employed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and he also worked at Texas Eastern Transmission Corporation. He was the manager of Southwest Livestock Producers Association in Lorman, MS. He was a cattleman for 82 years.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Veta Grace Smith Covington; his parents; brother, Frank Covington; and sisters, Mildred King and Janice Chandler.
He is survived by his children, Dwayne Covington (Sharon), Kendall Covington (Jennifer), Cliff Covington (Angela), and Gary Covington (Lisa); eight grandchildren, Casey Covington, Cody Covington, Steven Covington, Caleb Covington, Anna Grace Covington, Allison Covington, Kensy Covington, and Jessi Covington; and six great grandchildren, Peyton Covington, Madison Covington, Mason Covington, Mitchell Covington, Kendall Covington, and Charlie Covington. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
He was an avid supporter of Brookhaven Academy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brookhaven Academy, 943 Brookway Blvd Extension, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Bonnie Faye Chance
The funeral service for Bonnie Faye Chance will be 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 2, at Riverwood Family with burial in Mission Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Chance, 85, of Wesson, passed away December 31, 2023. She was born in Sontag, MS, May 26, 1938, to James Estes White and James Bertie White.
She was a student and 8th grade Valedictorian at Monticello Jr. High. She was a dedicated team player with the Monticello Red Devils. Standing only 5’2”, she lettered in the sport she loved. Her coach would have to pick her up for some games when she didn’t have a way to get there. She would always say she went to school to play basketball. She spent her career in the clothing industry, she retired being self-employed for 10 or more years as Chance Apparel.
Bonnie was a sports enthusiast. Softball was a favorite game for her. She played catcher for Hilltop and not many got by her at home plate. She also played on an adult league basketball team and formed a volleyball team at Mr. T’s Apparel.
She gave 100% to everything she put her hand or mind to. She never allowed herself or her family to have a “sick day”. When she received her fibrosis diagnosis, she asked the doctor, “when can I return to work?” That was her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Chance; her parents; brothers, Ben White and J.E. “Brother” White, Jr.; sister, Maxine Purser; sisters-in-law, Tama Chance, Lavon White, and Carolyn White; and brothers -in-law Charles Terry, Hubert Yates and B F Purser.
She is survived by her children, Randy Chance, Pam Chance Stamps (Ken), and Greg Chance (Patsy); sister, Betty Terry; six grandchildren, Kenny Stamps (Randi Gail), Jamie Stamps, Emma Stamps Dale (Lance), Kaden Stamps, Aubrey Chance (Tori), Abby Chance; three great grandchildren; and caregiver and friend, Brenda Tarver. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Sean Clayton Powell
The funeral for Sean Clayton Powell will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 2 at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 1, at Riverwood.
Mr. Powell, 54, of Brookhaven passed away December 29, 2023, at his residence. He was born July 14, 1969, to Clayton Hughes Powell, Jr. and Particia Darlene Bartow Powell. He was assistant operator at Georgia Pacific. He was a 1987 graduate of Brookhaven High School and attended Copiah Lincoln Community College. He was baptized and became a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church, August 2009. Sean was an avid Tennessee Vol fan, cheering them on every game. He also loved hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Sean is preceded in death by his parents, Clayton Hughes Powell, Jr. and Particia Darlene Powell; brother, Ryan Powell; and grandparents, Darwin and Virginia Bartow and C.H. and Cornelia Powell.
Those left to cherish his memory are his fiancé, Kala Adams and her son, Nick Burns (Maggie); brother, Chris Powell (Amy) of Hernando, MS; three nieces, two nephews, and his fur baby, Buddy. He is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, and other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
Tommy Marcus Givens
The funeral service for Tommy Marcus Givens will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 2, at Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, with burial in the church cemetery. There will be a time of visitation, Monday evening, January 1, from 5-8 p.m., at Bethel and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.
Mr. Givens, 71, of Monticello, died December 29, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Monticello March 8, 1952, to Marcus and Audine Givens.
Mr. Givens was retired from the construction business and spent his days enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. He often liked to hunt, fish, and do woodworking projects, but also enjoyed just sitting on the porch, drinking a cup of coffee, and watching his friends and neighbors pass by. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he was able to enjoy seven great grandchildren as well. He will be missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jimmy Givens.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Shirley Ann Givens; children, Michelle Watts (Hugh), and Luke Givens (Bonita); brother, Debo Givens; sisters, Kay Alexander and Cathy Killingsworth; seven grandchildren, Shelby Russell (Ben), Stetson Langley (Ashlyn), Marcey Brown (Marshall), Megan Lang (Brennan), Saydie Nations (Brantley), Sara Watts, Brittany Lott (Brent); eight great grandchildren, Everleigh, Keegan, Karson, Huston, Auston, Cayden, Marshall Paul, and Carson, and expecting in 2024, Mayleigh and Waylon; he is also survived by other loving family members and friends; Kandi Tanksley and sons, Karter, Wylder, and Kooper, and Eden and Eli Vaughn.
Barbara Ann Whisenant Lambert
Funeral service for Barbara Ann Whisenant Lambert will be Noon, Monday, January 1, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Lambert, 86, of Monticello, MS, died December 29, 2023, at Lawrence County Nursing Center in Monticello. She was born in Winona, MS, October 18, 1937, to Percy Whisenant and Eliza Ann Nolan Whisenant. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Lambert worked for many years from her home.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Peggy Calder; sisters, Dorothy Adair and Francine Chambers; and brother, Thomas Whisenant.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Laverne Lambert; children, John Lambert (Linda), Tony Lambert (Alesa); four grandchildren, Tony Lambert II, Craig Lambert, Mindy Shirley, and Landon Lambert (Brittany); two devoted nieces, Becky Boysen and Debbie Martin. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Edward Lowery Lambert
Edward Lowery Lambert of Jayess, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather during his incredible 94 years of life. He passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, the evening of December 24th, 2023, in the home he shared with his granddaughter and her family in Dothan, Alabama.
Ed was born on February 25th, 1929, to Leon and Dena Lambert in Jayess, Mississippi. He was born the youngest of seven siblings, then later became a brother again to three younger siblings. After spending some time enlisted in the army, he came home to marry his sweetheart Helen, in October of 1949. They had one daughter, JoLynn, in 1952, then from 1986, also raised their granddaughter, Lauren. He spent the majority of his career working as a skilled pipeline welder on various locations across the country. After retiring from the Pipeliner's Union, he continued to work in and around Jayess as an independent welder and bulldozer/backhoe operator, helped run the Jayess Topeka Tilton Water Association, and raised and farmed cattle.
Never being one to sit still, even in his late elderly years he kept himself busy puttering around the farm and shop working on his equipment. In his mid-eighties, he stunned doctors and medical staff upon admission to the hospital with the story of how he came to have a fractured pelvis and ribs. Not from a fall, as may have been easily assumed, but from being crushed by the bushhog he was working under. His recovery was quick, and before long, he was back at it. In 2016, when his first great-grandchild came along, he excitedly spoke of, "making a dozer operator out of that boy."
Often described as a man of few words, when he did have something to say, we listened. Each and every night before laying down to sleep, he sat on the edge of the bed and read his Bible, then said a prayer. He took immense joy in contributing to the construction and raising of the new Calvary church in the early 1990's. Pastor and Sister Bowling, and the church family were very dear to him. In August of this year, even though his memory was failing him, a surprise visit from the Bowlings lit up his face with warmth and joy.
Ed is survived by his daughter JoLynn Parr (Robert), his granddaughter Lauren Lynch (Dax), his great-grandsons Gentry and Truitt, and his siblings Margie (Renfroe), Arlie, and James. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dena and Leon, his stepmother Louise, his siblings Gay Lavern (Rhinehardt), Cassie (Ainsworth), Plezzie Lee, Juanita (Holcomb), Earlene (Nettles), and Hayward, and his dearly loved wife Helen.
Services will be held at Calvary UPC in Jayess. Visitation will take place Tuesday evening, January 2nd, from 5:00-8:00 PM, and the funeral service at 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 3rd, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.
Mary Diane Harris
Graveside service for Mary Diane Harris will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, in Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Harris, 81, of Brookhaven, passed away December 25, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven October 24, 1942, to Willie Eugene Keene and Nonnee Rushing Keene. Mrs. Harris worked for many years with Bell South and Check Exchange of Mississippi. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Harris; her parents; son, Glenn Duane Bracey; and brothers, Larry Keene and Dudley Keene.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Donna Smith (David), Kevin Bracey (Felisha), and Cynthia Bracey (Duane); brothers, Donald Keene (Hannah) and Martin Keene (Debbie), and sister-in-law, Sylvia Keene; five grandchildren, Jessica Vanier (Colby), Elena Smith, Lauryn Bracey, Parker Bracey (Lexi), Taylor Bracey; two great grandchildren, Merrick & Atlas Vanier; step grandchildren, Keelie Piner, Justin Piner (Ashley) and their children. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
William Glenn Hall
Graveside service for William Glenn Hall will be 11 a.m., Thursday, December 28, in Riverwood Memorial Park. There will be a time for family and friends to gather, Wednesday, December 27, from 5-8 p.m. at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Hall, 76, of Bogue Chitto, died December 25, 2023, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond, LA. He was born January 25, 1947, to Ellis Hall and Vivian Martin Hall. He was a Senior Operator with Spectra Entergy at Union Church, MS. Mr. Hall served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he received many medals including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Glenn, lovingly known as “Cowboy” to his family and friends, was a faithful husband, father, and pawpaw. His greatest blessing was welcoming his granddaughter, Delaney, into the world. She became his world. He enjoyed being outdoors, tending horses and riding when he could. He would participate in many trail rides as well as the Dixie National Trail Ride. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Chrissy Hall; his mother and father-in-law, J.W. and Frances Vinson; and step granddaughter, Kristen Davis.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Linda Hall; children, Angie Davis (Dwayne) and Matt Hall (Mihran); brother, Dennis Hall (Elizabeth); sister, Ruth Wallace (John); one granddaughter, Delaney Davis; one step grandson, Jeremy Davis (April); and one step great grandson, Landon Davis. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Kessa Dawn Barlow
Kessa Dawn Barlow, 45, passed away December 19, 2023, at her home.
She was born October 18, 1978. Kessa enjoyed gardening, playing the fiddle from time to time, listening to all types of music and hanging out with her boys. She loved to see them smile. Kessa had a gypsy soul and a heart of gold and never met a stranger.
Preceding her in death was her stepmom, Shannon Knight and grandparents, Harry and Janice Price and Carl and Alice Terry.
Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, Vicki Driver and Bobby Tillman; children, Cody Wayne Simonek, Jesse Vaughn Barlow, Augustus Paul Barlow and Y Hayne Barlow; her brothers, Lloyd Tillman, Randall Tillman and wife, Alexis and sisters, Jennifer “Mack” Driver, Jessica Lynn Tillman and Chezlee Ann Tillman. Along with numerous family members and friends, Rhonda Swinner, Freddie Driver and Johnny Knight.
Martha Juanita Phillips Coleman
Martha Juanita Phillips Coleman left her home surrounded by a loving family and ran into the arms of the Love of her life on December 18, 2023, ending their 10 years and 2 months apart.
She was born October 18, 1934, to W.L and Mary Pearl Phillips in Red Lick, Mississippi.
She was a loving wife, daughter, mother, Nonne/Mamaw and sister. She touched many using her creative gifts of sewing, crocheting, and quilting beautiful pieces that she shared throughout her life.
Those left behind to share her stories and cherish her memories are her children, Deborah Noel (John), John Coleman Jr., and Theresa Coleman (Patrick), her grandchildren Wes (Amy), Sarah (Tim), Alex and Caitlin. Great granddaughter Maddie and two adorable fuzzy butts, Luna Bella and Hoss Boss.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Special thanks to Hospice Ministries especially Jenna and Angie. Big Love and Huge Thanks to Gayla and Estella for the love and care, as well as the laughter and joy they brought to mother.
