Obituaries
David Addison "Bubba" Reed
The funeral service for David Addison “Bubba” Reed will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 17, at Fair River Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, at Fair River Baptist Church and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Bubba was born in Brookhaven, MS, June 7, 2006, to Kimberly Thornhill Reed and Shane Reed. He passed away April 13, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven.
David graduated from Brookhaven High School in 2023 and was attending Copiah Lincoln Community College in the welding division. He was also employed at Boyd Fabrication and Carson Tire and Mufflers.
He is preceded in death by his loving nanny (aunt) Kitty Lofton.
David is survived by his parents, Shane and Kimberly Reed; brother, Brayden Reed; sister, Zaylee Reed; grandparents, David Thornhill, Janice Thornhill, Vickey Williams (Roger), and Billy Reed; aunts, Theresia Martin (Butch), Sandra Cutrer (Rusty), Cynthia Carithers (Michael), Rhonda Arevalo (Mario), and Amanda Moak (Trent); uncles, Kenneth “Dooley” Thornhill, Mike “Pelo” Thornhill, Andrew Williams (Jordan), and Danny Lofton. He is also survived by a host of cousins and other loving family members and friends.
James Ralph Smith
The funeral service for James Ralph Smith will be 11 a.m., Friday, April 19, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Smith, 99, of Brookhaven, passed away April 12, 2024. He was born March 23, 1925, to James Elbert Smith and Elsie Mae Robbins Smith.
Ralph grew up in Monticello, MS. His father died in the late 1930’s, so young Ralph had to work several jobs to help support the family. He graduated from Monticello High School where he excelled in the band playing his cornet. After high school he joined the Navy and served state-side during the latter years of WWII.
After leaving the navy, Ralph entered watchmaking school in Kansas City, MO, where he met the love of his life, Betty Jean Sears. They married in August 1949 and moved to Brookhaven, MS where he started his life-long career at Smith Jewelry. Ralph loved serving the public and getting to know his customers. If not behind the sales counter, you would probably find him at the jewelry workbench or at Janie’s Pastry Shop. At home he was seen by many working in his yard and flower beds.
Ralph loved his family deeply and was very proud of his children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments. He became known as “Pa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren who he thought were “mighty fine.” He also loved the Brookhaven community, especially his church family at the Brookway church of Christ.
He was a long-time member of Brookway church of Christ, serving for many years as a deacon. Ralph owned Smith Jewelry House of Diamonds for over 50 years. He was an AGS Registered Jeweler and a Certified Gemologist. He served as president of the Mississippi Retail Jewelers Association and was named 1986 Jeweler of the Year.
He was an FAA flight instructor, an aerobatics judge, and a Civil Air Patrol Captain. He was an avid fisherman and gardener.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Elbert Smith and Elsie Mae Robbins Smith;
sisters, Kate Smith Riley, Nell Smith Taylor Eley; brothers, Elbert Ned Smith (infant), Jerry Ike Smith
He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Betty Jean Sears Smith; children, Linda Smith Magee (husband Danny Magee) of Brandon, MS, Elbert “Bert” Claude Smith of Denver, CO, Judy Ann Smith Matula (husband Michael Matula) of Austin, TX; and sister, Sarah Smith Jones of Pensacola, FL; four grandchildren, Carrie Leanne Magee McMillen (husband Chris McMillen) of Starkville, MS, Christopher Landon Magee (wife Nikki Hooton Magee) of Starkville, MS, Cameron James Magee (wife Haley Butler Magee) of Gluckstadt, MS, and
Grayson Camille Matula of Austin, TX; Four great grandchildren, Luke and Julianne Magee and Paxton and Mallory McMillen all of Starkville, MS.
He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to devoted caregivers Charlotte Allen and Candi McLendon.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in memory of James Ralph Smith.
Anna Ruth Peets
Services for Mrs. Anna Ruth Peets of Wesson are at 1:00 pm, Monday, April 15, 2024, at Decell Memorial United Methodist Church with visitation from 11:00 until the time of the service and burial at the Wesson Cemetery.
Mrs. Anna Ruth Peets, 96, passed away on April 13, 2024, at Halo Haven Assisted Living. She was born on July 19, 1927, to the late Albert Sidney Allen and Gladys Marie Chandler Allen.
She was a longtime member of the Garden Club. She loved gardening in her yard and took great pride in that. She always had a big vegetable garden and loved canning and putting up vegetables. What she loved the most was entertaining her family from different states and taking care of her immediate family. She was also a gifted quilt maker and crocheted beautifully. She adored her pets.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Albert Ray Peets, Jr.; brothers, Bernice Allen, and Ed Allen and daughter-in-law, Judy Peets.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Randy Ray Peets and Gary Allen Peets, Sr. and wife Peggy and her brother, Alvin Allen.
Along with four grandchildren, Allen Peets and wife Melissa, Derek Peets and wife Kim, Jefrey Peets and Ryan Peets; seven great-grandchildren, Dylan Peets, Kaden Peets, Miller, Cooper and Tanner Williams, Taylor Peets, and Leighanna Peets, and one great-great-granddaughter, Riverlynn Peets. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
The family would like to thank the wonderful, caring, and loving staff at Halo Havens Assisted Living Center where she has lived for the past two years, Jaci, Monica, Brooke, Keely, Connie, Tonnicka, Michelle, Loretta, Stephanie and Kristen. Thanks to Enhabit Hospice and her nurse Nick. To her caregivers, Shirley and Elsie.
Memorials can be made to Decell Memorial United Methodist Church, Wesson City Cemetery, or BARL.
Michael Howard Owens
Services for Mr. Michael Howard Owens of Brookhaven are at 2:00 pm, Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Harmony Baptist Church with visitation from 11:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be at Fair River Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Michael Howard Owens, 69, passed away on April 9, 2024, at the University Medical Center. He was born August 18, 1954, to the late Robert Howard Owens and Helen Boots Owens.
When he graduated from high school, he went to work offshore with his dad for the summer to save money for law school, but the summer ended, and he stayed for over 35 years. He loved his job and worked his way to the top. He was a member of Harmony Baptist Church and was proud of his work in the church. He studied late into Saturday nights to prepare for Sundays. It was important to him that his family knew God. He was an avid Harley Davidson fan. After retirement and finishing cancer treatment, he enjoyed riding his bikes. Yet, his greatest passion was his family.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his grandparents, Bert &Edith Dickerson, Raymond & Maude Owens, and son-in-law, John Franklin Branton.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Lisa Owens; children, Dusty Owens (Heather) Judd Owens (Jennie), Jasmine Branton, Devin Owens (Hayley) Caleb Owens, and Austin Runnels (Andrew); brother, Stanley Owens and sister Susan Davis (Atley), along with 14 grandchildren, Ty Branton, Kennedy Branton, Jackson Owens, Cameron Owens, Cayden Owens, Carter Owens, Myles Owens, Raegan Owens, Ryleigh Owens, Gannon Owens, Maevi Owens, Benson Owens, Saige Owens, Wyatt Runnels and 2 great-grandchildren, Brenna Branton, and Emerson Branton. He will be missed by all who loved him.
Jeremy Dewayne Pickett
Services for Mr. Jeremy Dewayne Pickett of Ruth are at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Ebenezer Methodist Church in McCall Creek. Visitation is from 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, April 15, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 1:00 until the time of service on Tuesday at church.
Burial will be at Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery.
Jeremy passed away on April 11, 2024, in Natchez, MS.
He was born on March 2, 1982. He enjoyed fishing and riding motorcycles. He loved to cook, garden, work on cars, and go to car shows.
He is preceded in death by his father, James “Mike” Pickett; brothers, William Prickett and Nathan Pickett; nephew, Jonathan Grammer; grandfather, Bob Clark and grandmothers, Dean Clark and LaNelle Pickett.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Anita Pickett, and girlfriend, Carla Dunn, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
Michael Rea Newell
Michael Rea Newell, 68, of Brookhaven, passed away on April 11, 2024. He was born October 2, 1955, at Tinker Air Force Base in Del City, Oklahoma.
Mr. Newell served his country in the United States Navy.
Preceding him in death were his father, Donald Rea Newell; stepfather, Aubrey A. Cox; grandparents, Garland Newell & Juanita Middleton; T.C. Owens & Ruth Rody Owens; and brother-in-law, Rae Oberschmidt.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Christy Leggett Newell; his mother, Catherine Owens Cox; stepsons, Adam & Austin Brewer; and Chad Smith & Taylor Kennedy; brothers, Marc A. Newell (Ava Jane), and Steven Paul Newell; sisters Sharon Holmes (Sam) and Kimberly J. Oberschmidt. He is also survived by his four step-grandchildren, six nieces and nephews, and six great-nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Easthaven It’s a New Day Fund.
Richard Justin Dwayne Hamilton
A memorial gathering for Richard Justin Dwayne Hamilton will be held Friday, April 12, 2024, from 5-7 p.m., at Riverwood Family.
Justin was born in Jackson, MS, on October 9, 1990. He was a resident of Wesson, MS. Justin died on April 3, 2024, in Simpson County, MS. He worked as a welder at Reed’s Metals for many years until moving to Steel Outdoors.
Justin was a wonderful dad, spending time with his daughters was his greatest treasure in life. He also enjoyed all things fishing, riding 4 wheelers, and playing pool. He never met a stranger. To know Justin was to love him, and he was loved by so many. His memory will live on in the lives of his family and friends.
Justin is preceded in death by his grandparents, Richard Norman Odom, A.M. Hamilton, and Lela Fay Hamilton.
He is survived by his parents, Lorece Bowman (Ronnie) and Dwayne Hamilton (Tammy); daughters, Alaina (Heather McDonald), McKenzie and Breelynn (Karley Morgan); sister, Amanda Hamilton (Devan Young); grandmother, Gail Odom; stepbrother, Kenneth Daigle; stepsister, Cortney Baudean; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews as well as many other loving family members and friends.
Charles Lee Gatlin
The funeral service for Charles Lee Gatlin will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, April 8, at Johnson Grove and will resume Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Gatlin, 86, of Bogue Chitto, died Friday evening, April 5, 2024, at his residence, with his family by his side. He was born January 7, 1938, to Edgar Gatlin and Theresa Whittington Gatlin. He was a graduate of Bogue Chitto High School, where he met his sweetheart of 66 years, Betty (Redd) Gatlin. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, and grandfather, his favorite times were when all the family could be together. If his house was filled with his children and grandchildren, then his heart was filled with great joy.
Mr. Gatlin was a cattle farmer and enjoyed life on the farm. He also enjoyed helping his fellow man. Whenever there was a need Mr. Charles was ready to meet that need. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “for God loves a cheerful giver…”, Mr. Charles was such a giver.
Mr. Gatlin was a member of Johnson Grove Church of Christ, where he served as deacon for many years. He loved the Lord, and his legacy of faith will be remembered for generations. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Allene Maxwell, Earlene Hall; and brother, Lee Edward Gatlin.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty Gatlin; children, Jeff Gatlin (Emily) and Jennifer Covington (Kendall); four grandchildren, Anna Schilling (Micah), Steven Covington (Anna), Caleb Covington (Susan), Will Gatlin (Ashlyn); and three great grandchildren, Henry Schilling, Kendall Covington, and Charlie Covington. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends as well as his faith family at Johnson Grove.
In lieu of flowers you may make donations to Berean Children’s Home, 1180 Berea Trail SE, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.
Ellen Bernice King
The funeral service for Ellen Bernice “Bea Bea” King will be 3 p.m., today, Friday, April 5, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mrs. King, 93, of Bogue Chitto, died April 3, 2024, at her residence. She was born September 21, 1930, to Floyd King and Delia Smith King. Bernice King, better known to us all as “BeaBea”, was one of a kind. She worked 30 plus years as a seamstress for Stahl-Urban, then retired to care for her parents. She loved being outside, raking leaves, cutting grass or just taking in the glory of the great outdoors. She was also an avid gardener, baker, and an excellent cook. Although she had no children of her own, Bea Bea raised three generations of nieces and nephews. She was a member of Gum Grove Baptist Church, and she enjoyed being with her faith family.
Bea Bea is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Rachel King Eitel.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Dell King Moak; and by nieces and nephews, Tracy Moak (Larry Strickland), Mike Moak (Lisa), Chad Moak (Aileen); great nephews and nieces, Colbey Moak, Kayla Moak, Chanie Fagan, and Saylor Moak ; and four great, great nephews and nieces, as well as her faith family at Gum Grove.
John Curtis Griffin
John Curtis Griffin, 49, of Sontag, MS, died suddenly March 25, 2024, in Sontag.
He was born in Ackerman, MS, August 23, 1974, to Curtis Lee Griffin and Betsy Griffin. A private burial was conducted March 30, 2024, at his home. There will be a family memorial at a later date.
John enjoyed blacksmithing, homesteading and building his dream home. He put his priorities in this order, God, wife, kids, family, everything else. He has gone by many names, including, biker, rebel preacher, father, grandfather, son, husband, and friend, but the one he cherished most was child of God.
Bro. John spent 15 years in ministry as youth pastor and pastor. He has been able to travel to many places on mission trips, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. He served in Sturgis Baptist Church Sturgis, MS, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Rives, TN, Eastside Baptist Church Cave City, AR, Lamar Baptist Church Lamar, AR, and Arm Baptist Church Arm, MS. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Curtis Lee Griffin.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Deborah (Smith) Griffin; mother, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Mahaffey) Griffin; children Carrie Sanders (Jake), Melanie Griffin and Curtis Griffin; and grandchildren Robert Michael, Daisy Marie, Lily Rose, Mitchell Lee, and John-Dallas "JD" Koehn. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to: Clear Creek Baptist association
PO Box 166, Ozark, AR. 72949. You may make checks payable to Baptist Vista, with the memo, “in memory of Bro. John Griffin”. (If you prefer, please go to your bank and use Bill Pay, there is no charge to send, just specify “in memory of Bro. John” to attribute it to the correct fund.)
This was a place he loved and fought to make great. It changes lives.
