Obituaries
Jereline Bailey Smith
Services for Mrs. Jereline Bailey Smith of Brookhaven are Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 10:00 am at Riverwood Family with burial at New Salem Church of Christ Cemetery.
Visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm on Monday, September 18, at Riverwood.
Mrs. Jereline Bailey Smith, 88, passed away September 16, 2023. She was born May 25, 1935, to the late Earnest Bailey and Ruby Lee Hayes Bailey.
Mrs. Smith was a devoted mother, sister, and grandmother. She will be dearly missed by all that loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; spouse, Charlie Lee Smith; grandson, Jeremy Smith; and sisters, Ernestine Smith and Betty Jo Norton.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Charlie Lee Smith, Buddy Smith and Steve Smith; sister, Alvie Smith; four grandchildren, LaDonna Carollo, Kirk Smith, Ashley Smith, and Shay Smith; along with four great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
Carol Gay Allen Cobb
The funeral service for Carol Gay Allen Cobb will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 12, at Macedonia Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, September 11, at Riverwood Family and will resume Tuesday from 10 until the time of the service at Macedonia.
Mrs. Cobb, 84, of Brookhaven, passed from this life and into her everlasting life with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, Thursday, September 7, 2023. She was born in Brookhaven April 22, 1939, to Amel and Lizzie (Allgood) Allen. A beautiful lady with a kind and gentle heart, Mrs. Cobb loved her husband, Carlton, with whom she has been reunited, and has experienced the peace and healing she prayed to have for so long. Although we are heartbroken, we are assured of her destination and will greatly miss her presence.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Cobb; her parents; brother, Earl Allen and niece, Sandra Stewart.
She is survived by her sister, Judy Ashley and one niece, Cindy A. Smith; one nephew, Scott Ashley; as well as other loving family members, friends, her caregivers and her faith family at Macedonia Baptist Church, where she was a longstanding member.
Joan Smith Anding
The funeral service for Joan Smith Anding will be 11 a.m., Saturday, September 9, at New Prospect Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service.
Mrs. Anding was born in Brookhaven April 19, 1935, to Dewey V. Smith and Lois Laird Smith. She was a resident of Brookhaven for 88 years until the time she was called away to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, September 7, 2023. Mrs. Anding was a faithful and loving wife to Mr. Hewitt for 72 years, and she was a lovely mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a gracious southern lady and a devoted Christian, serving with her faith family at New Prospect for many years. Her favorite hobby was working with ceramics. Mrs. Joan will be greatly missed by those who loved her, and she will leave a legacy of faith and integrity to all those who come behind her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Evelyn Smith; and brothers, Earl Smith and Dub Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, James Hewitt Anding; children, Cathey Smith (Ronnie) and Dale Anding (Vivian); four grandchildren, Ryan Smith (Lacey), Ashley O’Quinn (Bill), Cassie Veazey (Steve), Allyson Hamilton (Chris); ten great grandchildren, Tess Holley, Coy Fontenot, Parker Holley, Jackson Smith, Caleb Fontenot, Jase Smith, Emry Hamilton, Raylan Hamilton, Waylon Veazey, and Calvin Veazey. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Lynn S. Richardson
The family of Homer Lee Richardson, Jr. and Lynn S. Richardson would like to invite friends and family to a celebration of life service to be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 10, at 1545 Friendship Lane NW, Brookhaven, MS. Following the service there will be a memorial gathering at Friendship Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
Effie B. Higginbotham
Effie Benita (Leviner) Higginbotham was born in Bennettsville, South Carolina on November 18, 1935, to the late Troy L. Leviner and Beulah Horne Leviner. The legacy she created influenced many people during her 87 years on earth and gained her the reputation of being “an angel sent from heaven.”
Throughout her life, Mrs. Effie always left an impression on any and every one that she met. Whether it was through her job as secretary in the Lincoln County School District, her role as a preacher’s wife, or simply as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Mrs. Effie made sure that those around her experienced selfless love. She treated everyone as a close family member, and if that was not enough, her homemade biscuits made her quite popular within her community. She, along with her husband, Rev. Floyd Higginbotham, served others with unwavering faith and love, and those qualities are what made her life a legacy to remember.
She is preceded in death by her parents, grandson Timothy Johnsey; sisters Mary White and Odessa Son; and brother, Edward “Butch” Liles.
Those who are left to cherish her memory are her husband of 69 years, Floyd Higginbotham; children, Sam Higginbotham (Shirley), Tim Higginbotham (Wanda), Benita Johnsey(Tommy), and Beth Wicker; sister, Vernie Elliot; 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She also leaves a host of other loving family members and the many friendships created throughout her ministry.
Friends and family are invited to attend visitation at Riverwood Family Funeral Services in Brookhaven, MS, on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. Her celebration of life will be Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m., with her burial at the church cemetery afterwards.
Carrie Lee "Snookie" Winborne
A Memorial Services for Carrie Lee "Snookie" Winborne are 2:00 pm, Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Riverwood Family.
Snookie, 67, passed from this life after a lengthy battle with cancer, at her home surrounded by family on September 2, 2023.
She was born May 3,1956 in Minot, North Dakota, but lived most of her life in Bogue Chitto, MS. Her parents were Marjorie Beeson Lemery and Harold Ray Beeson.
Snookie was an exceptional homemaker, a devoted wife, caring friend and a wonderful mother; not only to her own children but also any neighborhood kids that needed somewhere to go or someone to talk to.
She was lovingly known as their momma Snook.
Snookie loved all animals but was particularly fond of German Shepherds. She raised and trained many companions throughout her teenage years and her adult life, until Cancer would no longer allow her to do so. Many knew her because of her beautiful and well-behaved shepherds.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her sister, Robin Simmons; and her granddaughter.
Shyla Carrie Lee.
Those left to cherish her memory are her best friend and loving husband, Mike;
her son Richard Booth and family; her daughters, Hiedi Nevels and family, and Cindy Lee and family. Snookie had seven grandchildren and one great grandson.
She is also survived by her sisters, Lori Thames, Lyn Foster, and Rachel McQuade
and her brother, Billy Beeson. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends; also, her fur babies, Lizzy, Abby, and Brutus,
She also considered many of her doctors and nurses her family.
Snookie Was given the opportunity to ring The Bell three times and now she is ringing it a fourth time with Jesus.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Batson Children's Hospital at UMMC.
Veta Grace Smith Covington
The funeral service for Veta Grace Smith Covington will be 10 a.m., Friday, September 1, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Union Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Thursday, August 31, at Riverwood, and will resume from 9 a.m. Friday until the time of service.
Mrs. Covington died August 28, 2023, at her home in Union Church, she was 86 years of age. She was born in Brookhaven, MS, December 3, 1936, to John Butler Smith, Sr., and Wessie Katherine Smith. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and lived to even see a generation of great grandchildren.
Mrs. Covington was elected “Miss Loyd Star” in 1955. She was a beautiful lady from the inside out, unselfish, and very devoted to her family and friends. She worked with Bell South, Southwest Livestock, and King’s Daughters. Her favorite pastime was gardening, she enjoyed tending to her vegetables and flowers. She also liked fishing, but watching the children and grandchildren play sports was her greatest enjoyment. She was an avid Brookhaven Academy supporter. Mrs. Covington was a member of Union Church Baptist Church and will be greatly missed by her faith family as well as all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Charles Smith, Larry Smith, John B. Smith, Jr. and Carol P. Smith.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, William Henry “Billy” Covington; children, Dwayne Covington (Sharon), Kendall Covington (Jennifer), Cliff Covington (Angela), and Gary Covington (Lisa); brother, Mike Smith; sisters, Valerie Hill and Bonita Sue Bullock; 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. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Brookhaven Academy Building Fund, 943 Brookway Boulevard Ext NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
James Gerald Mercier
Obituary Document
The funeral service for James Gerald Mercier will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 30, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, August 29, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.
Mr. Mercier, 77, of Bogue Chitto, died August 27, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Lincoln County November 1, 1945, to Herbert Mercier and Alma Fuller Mercier.
Mr. Mercier was employed in the oil industry, working as a supervisor. He also loved working outdoors, as well as spending time hunting and fishing. His greatest pleasure was found in being with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Fred Mercier, Howard Mercier Sr., and Lowery Mercier; sister, Dorothy Davis; granddaughter, Erika Townsend; great grandson, Fisher Martin; and brother by heart, Jackie Hanshew.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Gloria Mercier; children, Chellie Hannah (Randy), Christi Cox (Harley), Scott Williams (Caroline), Shawn Mercier (Rhiannon), Chad Townsend (Jennifer), Blake Williams (Candie), and Chancey Williams; 25 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; niece, Patricia Porter and Auston and Mikaylan Easterling, who are more like his own children. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Richard Earl "Dick" Douglas
“Well done, Good & Faithful Servant.”
These sweet words were surely heard by Richard Earl “Dick” Douglas on August 25th as he entered his Heavenly rest. Born to Jewel and Hollice Douglas on September 17, 1940, as the beloved 5th of 7 children, Richard lived almost 70 of 83 years on the same road. His life was marked by a love for God, his family, his church, and missions.
Growing up in Brookhaven, Richard also spent 2 years as a teenager in Brazil with his family. He later graduated from Enterprise High School alongside his double 1st cousin, Cliff Smith, with many basketball accolades. He went on to play under the legendary Coach Ricks at Co-Lin Jr College and then finished his education at the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Industrial Arts.
He married the love of his life, Bettye Simmons while in college, and their marriage blessed others for over 61 years. Richard worked in the field for Shell Oil in Plaquemine Louisiana, and in Mississippi in Brandon, Bay Springs, and Brookhaven before branching out to own & operate Lincoln Ready Mix, working alongside his men for 20 years before retiring at the age of 56. His business acumen, work ethic and integrity were signatures for his success in a very competitive industry. He balanced work with service to his church – Fair River Baptist - and community, serving as a long-time deacon & Deacon Chair, Chairman of the Building Committee, member of the Pastor Search Committee, and Sunday School Teacher of youth and older men. His Men’s Prayer Group met for many years. He and Bettye received the Exchange Club Golden Deeds Award, and he was voted Father of the Year at Fair River, an award that spanned his lifetime with his 3 daughters. Richard had a deep love for missions and went on many church building trips around the United States with the local Church Building Association. He also used his gifts and talents on many local Habitat for Humanity projects. Internationally, he and Bettye spent 17 years after retirement going with the Honduras Baptist Dental Mission and helping in various ways from building a Mission Compound to working in the pharmacy and handing out bibles to everyone they could. He spread the Gospel by sending out tens of thousands of bibles in Spanish across Honduras.
He loved helping others and often remarked he had had a good day when he had helped somebody. His famous chili and fruit strudels were often whipped up and shared with friends in need of encouragement. With the Lincoln County Baptist Association, he joined a small group of men who built 278 handicap ramps, individualized to each person’s need. His family, who knew him as Papa Doug, were recipients of many woodworking projects, from fences to crosses to furniture – anything to help make life easier and spend time together. He loved “his 4 girls”, a good joke, his trip of a lifetime to Israel, Milky Way Ice Cream, and his thinking chair where he helped many along life’s way….
A constant source of joy were his 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren into whom their Papa Doug poured much love and guidance.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Irene Smith Meredith, and his brother Robert Leon “Bobby” Douglas. He is survived by his beloved wife, Bettye Simmons Douglas; his 3 grateful daughters, Rhonda Baird (Mark) of Jackson, MS, Robyn Aker (Shannon) of Brookhaven, MS, and Ramona Ozier (Lee) of Brandon, MS; his 7 grandchildren, Macey Baird Benton (Matt) of Nashville, TN, Betsy Baird Martin (Lawrence) of Jackson, MS and Richard James Baird of Nashville, TN, Allison Aker McCaffrey (Josh) of Brandon, MS, Leslie Aker Franciskato (Justin) of Madison, MS, Sam Ozier of Huntsville, AL, and Bella Ozier of Brandon MS; and his 5 great grandchildren, Asher, Archie, and Anderson McCaffrey and Rush & Darden Benton. His sisters, Libby Jackson of Madison, MS, Betty Joyce Byrd (Jerry) and Reba Roberts of Brookhaven, MS, brother Connie Mack Douglas (Charlene) of Brookhaven, MS, Cousin Cliff Smith (Charlotte) of Madison, MS, sister-in-law, Barbara Douglas of Brookhaven, MS, brother-in-law Jerry Rankin of Waco, TX, and a host of nieces and nephews he loved very much.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at Fair River Baptist Church, 3698 Fair River Drive, NE, Brookhaven, MS. The Celebration of Life Ceremony will be at 11 a.m. followed by a graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Honduras Baptist Dental Mission, PO Box 1807, Collins, MS 39428, or to Lottie Moon (Payable to IMB (International Mission Board) Attn: Ministry Advancement, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230-3932.
So go on, Good and Faithful Servant – may you look down on us with a smile – as you dwell in the house of the Lord, forever. Amen.
Katrinka Ann "Kate" Wilkinson
Katrinka Ann (Kate) Wilkinson, aged 36, of Central, Louisiana, passed away in her home on August 19, 2023. She was born on March 27, 1987, in Natchez, MS, and was the cherished daughter of the late Samuel (Mearl) Wilkinson and Tammie Wilkinson. Kate graduated from Vidalia High School, and her unwavering commitment to caring for others led her to earn her RN associate degree from Jones College in Ellisville, MS.
Kate's legacy is defined by the love she showered upon her most treasured blessings, her beloved sons, Michael Tatum Lane and Zollie Hendrix Douglas.
She is survived by her loving mother, Tammie Wilkinson, and her four siblings, Hannah Davis, Sam Wilkinson, Joey Wilkinson, and Amanda Wilkinson. As well as her grandmother, Irma Lofton, and her Godmother, Roxy Ricci. Her impact rippled across the family tree, touching the lives of numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins who will hold onto her memory with love.
Her Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Homeseekers Bible Church in Wesson, MS. This will be a time to reflect on the beautiful soul Kate was, the lives she touched, and the love she shared.
