Obituaries
Ronald Jay Hartgraves
Graveside service for Ronald Jay Hartgraves will be 10 a.m., Saturday, October 21, at Beauregard Cemetery in Wesson, MS.
Mr. Hartgraves, 86, of Wesson, died October 18, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Pella, Iowa, November 22, 1936, to Vernon Hartgraves and Mildred Bowers Hartgraves.
Ronald grew up in Ottumwa, Iowa. His parents moved to Brookhaven when the Jacobson Lawnmower plant was moved to MS. He graduated from Brookhaven High School where he was a tuba player in the band. He went on to Mississippi State University and graduated from Mississippi College. His friends in Mississippi called him “farmer” because of his connection to Iowa.
He met his wife, Anna Storey in 1965 and they were married in March of 1966. Their daughter, Sharon, was born on Christmas Day that year. Before retirement, he was employed at Potter Company in Wesson as a quality control manager. Ronald was an Elder at Wesson Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Drane/Prine Post in Wesson.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Anna Storey Hartgraves; his daughter, Sharon Hartgraves Speights and husband Joseph Scott Speights; two grandchildren, Laura Speights Tarver and husband, Jacob, Anna Speights Traxler and husband, Ryan; one great grandchild, Jaxson Hayes Traxler; and a special caregiver, Theresa Barlow, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Melba Joyce Crane
The funeral service for Melba Joyce Crane will be at 2 p.m., Friday, October 20, at Union Hall Baptist Church, with burial in Strong Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct 19th, at Riverwood Family, and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of service at Union Hall on Friday.
Mrs. Crane, 86, of Brookhaven, died October 17, 2023, at her home. She was born in Wesson, MS, June 22, 1937, to John Austin Keys and Anna Estelle Keys. She owned and operated her own business for 48 years and loved visiting with her customers. She was always interested in what they had to say, and she was always ready to listen. She enjoyed playing organ for her church and did so for more than 30 years. She played until a month ago. Mrs. Crane found watching football a great source of entertainment while enjoying the company of her beloved K-9 companions, Princess, Sergeant, Annie, and Milo. She will be greatly missed by her family and the many friends she made through the years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen Crane; her parents; two sons, Ricky Crane and Larry Crane; three brothers and two sisters, Howard, “Sis” Grace, Jimmy, Elsie, Carl Ray.
She is survived by her children, Calvin Crane and wife, Kathy, Bruce Crane and wife, Candy, and Misti Crane; five grandchildren, Brandon Russell, Jarrad Ashley and wife, Brittany, Taylor Berry and husband, Nathan, Leslie White and husband, Chris, and Shelbie Crane; and eight great grandchildren, Zoey Ashley, Zada Ashley, Zane Ashley, Flynn Berry, Collins Berry, Noah White, Spencer White, and Lucas White. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.
Union Hall Baptist Church Address is 1242 Nola Rd NE, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Harold Donald Porter
Funeral service for Harold Donald Porter will be 11:30 a.m., Friday, October 20, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Arlington Baptist Church Cemetery in Bogue Chitto. Visitation is 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr. Porter, 83, of Brookhaven, died October 16, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Lincoln County October 28, 1939, to Harold Nello Porter and Maude Edna Case Porter. He was an accomplished carpenter and worked in construction for many years. He enjoyed constructing furniture and specialty pieces for his loved ones to treasure. Mr. Porter was a faithful member and ordained deacon of Pearlhaven Baptist Church. He made spending time with family and friends a priority in life. He was a great fan of Southern Gospel music, either going to hear his favorite groups or singing in quartets. He also liked to spend time fishing. Mr. Porter will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Peggy S. Porter; children, Dwayne Porter (Tammy), Terry Porter (Evonne), Teddy Porter (Karen), and Dacey Porter (Krystal); brothers, Phil Porter (Carol), Gary Porter (Karen), and Rickey Porter (Connie); 13 grandchildren, 16, great grandchildren, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Habitat for Humanity, 220 S First Street, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Tucker Daniel Haire
A celebration of life for Tucker Daniel Haire will be held, 10 a.m., Thursday, October 19, at Union Church Presbyterian, with burial in Union Church Cemetery.
Tucker was born in Brookhaven, MS, December 11, 2013, to Daniel Timothy Haire and Kristen Nicole Newell Haire. He was given nine years to bring joy and blessings to his family. God sent His angels and carried Tucker back into the arms of Jesus October 15, 2023.
He enjoyed riding trails and checking cows and visiting with his grandparents. He also liked watching movies and reading his favorite books with his brother and sister. Tucker had such sweet eyes, and a smile that would melt your heart. He wasn’t given a long life, but he packed more into nine years than most will in a lifetime. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Tucker is preceded in death by his grandmother, Wanda Varnado Haire; cousin, Cooper James Newell; great grandfathers, James Glen Smith, David Ray Varnado, Franklin Timothy Haire, and William Meredith Newell; and great grandmothers, Bennie Jean Cooley Newell and Nell Yarbrough Haire.
Those who will forever cherish the memory of Tucker are his parents, Daniel and Kristen Haire; brother, John Rayford Haire; sister, Charlee Elaine Haire; grandparents, Timothy Franklin Haire, Stacey William Newell, and Wendy Smith Newell; great grandparents, Bertha Greer Varnado and Mattie Lea Smith Jackson; Uncle Lee Newell & wife, Nicole, their children, Will, Maverick, and Meredith; Aunt Karly Wright & husband, Jameson, their children, Nolan and Kyndal, Aunt Darla Haire and her child, Eden. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hayden Casavechia Fund, Children’s of MS Complex Care, 2500 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216.
Leonard Earl Falvey, Sr.
The funeral service for Leonard Earl Falvey, Sr. will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 18, at New Hope Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Tuesday, October 17, at Riverwood Family and will resume at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Falvey, 79, of Wesson, died October 14, 2023, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. He was born in Brookhaven, February 20, 1944, to Charles Denver Falvey and Daisy Mae Benford Falvey. He was a logger by trade. He was a lifelong member of United Gamefowl Breeders Association and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his great grandson, Jacob Tyler Wallace.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mona C. Falvey; children, Leonard E. Falvey, Jr. & Tori, Larry E. Falvey & Lesia, Cheryl Galloway & Jerry, Leslie E. Falvey & Shonnye, and Danyll Summerall; brothers, James Falvey (Margie) and Mitchell Falvey (Delane); 14 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren, as well as a host of other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Stick Horses and Capes, PO BOX 4079 Abilene TX 79608-4079, in memory of his great grandson, Jacob Tyler“JT”.
Duchess Deane Smith
Memorial service for Duchess Deane Smith will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 21, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 10 until the time of the service.
Ms. Smith, 59, of Brookhaven, died October 15, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was born in Brookhaven April 23, 1964, to Donald Clyde Smith and Beverly Stokes Smith. She worked in the medical field as a Licensed Practical nurse.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and grandparents, Sue Smith, Clyde Smith, Grace Geren, Curtis Ray Stokes.
She is survived by her children, DJ Branning (Kristen), Jeremy Branning (Jessie), and Ashley Smith (Kason); brother, Mitchell Smith, sister, Stephanie Case (Shane); three grandchildren, Noah Branning, Lucy Smith, Theo Smith; her boyfriend, James Caston, and other loving family members and friends.
Louise Lanell Moak Pickett
The funeral service for Louise Lanell Moak Pickett will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 17, at Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church, with burial in Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, October 16, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Mt. Gilead.
Mrs. Pickett, 85, of McCall Creek, passed away October 13, 2023, at her residence. She was born August 23, 1938, to Robert E. Moak and Juanita Moak. She was a member of Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church. Mrs. Lanell was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Pickett; daughter, Nancy Pickett; brother, Wayne Moak; and grandsons, Nathan Pickett and William Pickett.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 64 years, James Thomas “Tom” Pickett; daughters, Wanda Poole (David) and Stephanie Carithers (Jerry); brother, Delton Moak (Patricia); grandchildren, Jeremy Pickett, Amanda Mims (Matt), Abigail Holmes (Chris), Matthew Touchstone (Katie), Tiffany Smith (Hunter); and Jacob Carithers; great grandchildren, Jonathan Pickett, Autumn Pickett, Harleigh Pruski, Paisley Smith, Bennett Touchstone, and Snow Allen. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Wayne Bowman
Funeral service for Wayne Ray Bowman will be 2:30 p.m., Friday, October 13th, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Bowman, 76, of Brookhaven, died October 10, 2023, at UMMC, in Jackson, MS. He was born in Manila, AR, to Otis and Mildred (Crawford) Bowman. He was retired from Wal Mart where he was employed as a Wal Mart Truck Driver with 30 years of service and 3 million Safe Miles. Wayne was a loving husband, father and grandfather, he was a good friend and an all-around good man. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards in his spare time. His favorite thing to do was spend time with his family, especially holidays, and with his extended family, the Cade’s. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bill Bowman, Charles Bowman, Don Bowman, Steve Bowman, and Gary Bowman; and his sisters, Peggy Brooks and Shirley Sammons.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ruth Bowman; children, Michael Bowman (Crystal) and Jimmy Bowman; brothers-in-law, Harold Turpin (Mary) and Bobby Turpin (Karen); sisters-in-law, Georgia Lawrence, Jean Zaino (Joe), Peggy Perry (Gary), Teresa McCall, Tina Poe (Lewis), Fran Bowman and Carolyn Bowman.; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren; and special friend, JoAnn White.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Richard Dunbar Smith
The funeral service for Richard Dunbar Smith will be held 10 a.m., Friday, October 13, at St. Francis of Assisi, with burial in Rosehill Cemetery, with a reception to follow burial in the Parish Hall. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, October 12, at Riverwood Family.
Richard Dunbar Smith, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend - passed away in his sleep at home in Brookhaven, MS on October 10th. He was 75 years old.
Richard was born to Earl and Virginia Lee Smith on November 17,1947. He graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1965. In high school he met his future wife, Claudia, and was married for 55 years. He is most well known to friends as “Pro” for being the PGA Professional and Head Professional at Brookhaven Country Club. He also had a long career in phone service including opening his own business, The Connection Source, LLC, which led to him to being nicknamed “The Phone Man.”
Richard was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his wife, Claudia, in 1968. They had three wonderful girls and seven grandchildren that brought him so much joy and happiness.
He loved playing golf, hunting (especially duck hunting), fishing, his dogs, having fun with friends, listening to music, Mississippi State University and making people laugh.
Being Tops, as his grandchildren knew him, came naturally to Richard. His grandkids loved his side by side rides, his willingness to share whatever he had and giving advice.
The family would like to thank Hospice Ministries, Inc. for their wonderful care.
Richard is survived by his wife, Claudia Graves Smith; their children Natalie (Brad Lawson), Julie (Tim Basel) and Melissa (Nick Coleman), seven grandchildren, Will Lawson, Jackson Lawson and Anna Caroline Lawson; Elizabeth Basel and Carter Basel; Luke Coleman and Price Coleman; and his brother, Michael Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Virginia Lee Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Randolph Miller Costilow, Sr.
Randolph Miller Costilow, Sr., 72, of Wesson, passed away October 9, 2023, at St Dominics.
He was born July 7, 1951, to the late Walton Miller Costilow and Marilyn Elaine Owens Costilow.
Mr. Costilow was a barber and truck driver. He served his country in the United States National Guard. He was a member of Wesson American Legion, and he enjoyed being outside, checking on his horses and goats.
Preceding him in death were his parents;
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Wanda Freeman Costilow; children, Randolph Costilow, Adam Costilow and Clint Costilow; brothers Michael Costilow and wife, Deborah and Owen Costilow and wife, Judy;
He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Memphis, Keetin, Brooklyn, Fenix and Evoleht along with his extended family, Rafat, Mahmoud and Alora Anter.
