Obituaries
Ralph Nevels
Visitation for Mr. Ralph Nevels is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, February 29, at Riverwood Family. A graveside service will be 10 a.m., Friday, March 1, at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Nevels, 88, of Brookhaven, passed away February 27, 2024, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. He was born in Brookhaven, July 26, 1935, to Elmer Nevels and Littie Ann Smith Nevels.
Mr. Nevels served his country in the United States National Guard. He worked for many years as a welder in the oilfield.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Vernon Kent Nevels and Troy Roscoe Nevels; and granddaughter, Stephanie Lynn Nevels.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Sylvia Sue Nevels; children, Litty Ann Nevels, Ralph Douglas Nevels (Sharlae), and Brady Scott Nevels (Renee); sister, Doris Brown; daughter in law, Letha Nevels; 13 grandchildren, Alicia Thomasee, Adam Nevels, Cari Nevels, Lacey Nevels, Amy Shoop, Ava Grace Nevels, Jessica Nevels, Ashley Ryan, Daintry Stelly, Matthew Nevels, Alison Nevels, Heather Nevels, and Amanda Sullivan; and 24 great-grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Gregory E. Covington
The funeral service for Gregory E. Covington will be 2 p.m., Thursday, February 29, at Riverwood Family with burial in Edward’s Family Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Covington, also known as “Widetrack”, passed away peacefully on February 26, surrounded by family, after a three year long battle with Glioblastoma. He was born in Brookhaven on June 20, 1962, to Diane Anding and Claude Covington. He attended Eva Harris School until the 12th grade, then began working. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years, where he loved his job and was very good at what he did. He made many friends through the profession and gained the nickname, “Widetrack”. He retired in 2020, and began to enjoy fishing, hunting and just being outdoors.
“Widetrack” loved his family and enjoyed laughing and sharing old hunting stories with his friends. Although he never had kids, he treated his nieces and nephews as his own. He was loved and will be missed by all those who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Ricky Edwards; brother, Chris Covington; brother-in-law, John Bennett; and grandparents, Earl and Etta Mae Covington and Willie and Lillie Mae Anding.
He is survived by his stepmother, Brenda Covington; brothers, Kevin Edwards (Beth), Jeramie Edwards (Adrianna); sisters, Vicky Bennett and Dana Smith (Rob); and stepbrother, Joel Avants and stepsister, Chastity Cooper. He is also survived by nephews and nieces, Richard Edwards (Emily), Jarred Bennett (Courtney), Devin Edwards, Evan Edwards, Kaylon Sullivan (Alex), Raigan Nelson (Beau), Kaylea Simmons (Lane); great nephews and nieces, Jessi Claire Bennett, Ruby Edwards, Emery Edwards, Weston Edwards, Gracelyn Sullivan, Olivia Sullivan, and Jackson Simmons; caregiver, Carla Knighten, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Jacob Elias Smith
The funeral service for Jacob Elias Smith will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 28, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, at Riverwood and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of service Wednesday.
Jacob was born in Brookhaven, MS July 6, 2002, to Jason and Heather Smith. He was a kindhearted person that only saw the good in others. He was generous to a fault and sensitive to the needs of his friends and family. Jacob had a special bond with his mom and sister and was a great help working with his dad, he was a very skilled dozer operator. Jacob had two very special friends, Blaire and Pudding, his poodles, and he enjoyed spending time with them as well as going hunting and fishing with his brothers and dad. He was a car enthusiast and a member of the Car Club. Jacob was called out of this life and into eternity on February 24, 2024, much too soon. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all those who loved him.
Jacob is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mickey Thornton, and Linda & Cameron Smith; great grandparents, Millard & Winnie Smith, and Thelma & Russel Smith; aunt, Karis Thornton; and cousin, Brooks Smith.
Those who remain to honor and cherish his memory are his parents; brothers, Jonah Smith and Jackson Smith; and sister, Anna Katelyn Smith; grandparents, Donna & DeeDee Smith; aunts and uncles, Dienna & Pete Moak, Meagan Turpin, Kim & Wayne Mitchell, Mark Smith; great aunt, Connie Beavers; and cousins, Will, Maley, Morgan, and Walker Moak, McKenzi Dyess, Anderson Turpin, Marshall Davis, Grant Abbey, Samantha Nino, and Cole Smith.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Stone Water Adolescent Recovery Center, 38 Co Rd 362, Oxford, MS 38655
Ronald Davis Van, Sr.
Memorial Services for Mr. Ronald Davis Van, Sr. are 1:30 pm, Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Ronald Davis Van, Sr., 88, passed away February 21, 2024, at St. Dominics Hospital.
He was born September 25, 1935, to the late Claude William Van, Sr. and Alma Kelly Van. Mr. Van served his country in the United States Navy in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, C.W. Van and sisters, Leola Crawford and Patsy Coker
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Adah Grenn Van; sons, Kevin Van and Dave Van; along with three grandchildren, Hank Van, Maddie Parten and husband, Noah, Caroline Van and one great grandson, Jon Hank.
He will be missed by all that loved him.
Steven Bradley White
The funeral service for Steven Bradley White will be 2 p.m., Friday, March 1, at Calvary Pentecostal Church with burial in Powell’s Grove Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Thursday, February 29, at Calvary and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time-of-service Friday.
Mr. White, 44, of Jayess, MS, died February 22, 2024, at Lawrence County Hospital. He was born July 31, 1979, to Steven Ray White and Rachel Ladue Boyd White.
He is preceded in death by his mother.
He is survived by his son, Austin White; his father; sisters, Melissa White and Kayla Wallace; and by nephews, Donavin White, Cannon Wallace, Gatlin Wallace; and niece, Rayanna Wallace. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Betty Greer Brister
The funeral service for Betty Greer Brister will be 11 a.m., Saturday, February 24, at Riverwood Family, with burial to follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Betty Greer Brister, 91, of Summit passed away February 22, 2024.
Betty was born December 10, 1932, in Bogue Chitto. She was a graduate of Enterprise High School, a member of First Baptist Church in Summit and a longtime employee of Kellwood Manufacturing. Her husband of 38 years, L.V.
Brister, her parents B.L. Greer and Edith Greer Thornhill, her brother Rex Greer and sister, Johnnie Lee Newman, precedes her in death.
She is survived by her only son Terry and his wife Leah; two siblings, Bobby Greer, and Ann Davis, both of Columbia, MS. She has four grandchildren: Chip (Mary Anne)Brister, Cass (Katie) Brister, Cody (Madelen) Brister, and Caroleah (Taylor) Everett and six great grandchildren: Anna Raye, Ty, Reece, Cason, Rhett and Rowdy. Her family always gave her great joy and were the loves of her life.
Betty enjoyed cooking, going to ballgames and spending time with her family.
Betty was a superb cook and enjoyed always doing for others. She was an excellent seamstress and loved flowers. Betty will be remembered for her sweet kind spirit.
The family would like to express our thanks to all the compassionate and caring workers from Deaconess Hospice Care and her caregivers, Joyce Reeves and Bridgette Seay, and to her personal sitter who was always at her side, Angie Greer. Special thanks goes to Mary Anne Brister, for being with her over the last three years making sure she was always taken care of. These people were there in every capacity making sure she had everything that she needed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Berean Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1009, Brookhaven, MS 39602.
Titus Brady Holmes
Services for Titus Brady Holmes are 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Riverwood Family with burial in Twin Oaks Cemetery. The visitation will be 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, February 26, at Riverwood and will resume from 10:00 until the time of service on Tuesday.
Titus Brady Holmes, 18, of Bogue Chitto, died February 18, 2024. He was born April 19, 2005, to Timothy D. Holmes and Stephanie Renee Davis Holmes. He was an avid outdoorsman, especially fishing. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends and going to the gym.
Titus was very knowledgeable in engine repairs; he changed the transmission in his F-350 twice and would work on his friends’ vehicles when they had troubles too. He was an exceptional athlete, as a child he was very active in all kinds of sports. Titus played baseball and football from the time he was four years old. He enjoyed pitching and being a “lefty” was a tremendous asset to the team. He also played first base. In football he loved getting some hits. He also liked riding sheep, called “mutton busting”, and was quite good at that as well.
Titus never met a stranger and was well loved by all who met him.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Clyde “Speck” Davis, Bernice Davis Curtis, and Thomas “Tommy” Holmes.
He is survived by his parents; brothers, Kyzar Holmes and Tuff Holmes; sisters, Hannah Hart (Lee), Abigail “Gale” Holmes, Shealyn Holmes; niece, Bexley Holmes and nephew, Daxx hart. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Catch A Dream Foundation, 2485 Ennis Rd, Starkville MS 39759
Patricia Ann Diamond
The funeral service for Patricia Ann Diamond will be 11 a.m, Wednesday, February 21, at Clear Branch Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, at Clear Branch, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday.
Patricia Ann Diamond began her eternal journey with her Lord and Savior on February 18, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 18, 1952, to Alfred Collins and Mary Louella Floyd.
Patricia loved the Lord and made it her purpose in life to share His word and love to others. She attended Clear Branch Baptist Church where she served many years teaching Sunday School, Bible Study, and Vacation Bible School. Her life verse, which she held so dear to her heart, was Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”.
She worked many years at King’s Daughters Hospital as a nurse tech being a servant to others. She later worked with the Brookhaven Public School District as a teacher assistant and personal medical assistant to a special needs child who captured her heart. She eventually came home to be a homemaker and to focus more on her family.
Patricia adored her family and spent each day enjoying every moment with them. She enjoyed attending special events with her children and grandchildren, whether it be with band, ballgames, pageants, or dance recitals. She also adored her two fur-babies, Sassy and Little Bit, who will miss her greatly.
Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Floyd and Mary Louella Floyd, and her sister, Linda Sue Floyd.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 54 years, James Diamond, Jr; her son, Carl (Nikki) Diamond; her daughter, Christy (Wade) Boyte; her daughter, Katie (Jarrod) Lambert; her brother, David (Diane) Floyd; her sister, Debbie Barnett; her grandchildren, Michelle (Richard) Groover, Noah Diamond, Kristina (Sam) Carraway, Austin (Jade) Boyte, Lizzie (Hunter) Strong, Abby Lambert, Ella Lambert, and Wyatt Lambert; and great-granddaughter, Everleigh Groover. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and other loving family members.
James "Jimmy" Perkins
The funeral service for James Herring Perkins will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, at Riverwood with burial services, including graveside military honors, at Riverwood Cemetery. Visitation is from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. A reception at Faith Presbyterian Church will follow the burial.
James "Jimmy" Perkins of Brookhaven, passed from this life and into his eternal rest on Saturday, February 17th, 2024, with his wife, Patti, by his side. Jimmy was born on August 29th, 1940, the youngest of three children to John Bent and Julia Herring Perkins, in Brookhaven. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sally Perkins Pidgeon Brown and his brother John Perkins.
While attending the University of Mississippi, Jimmy served in the U.S. Air Force ROTC and was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. After graduating from Ole Miss in 1962, he attended Airforce Flight School at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama. Jimmy served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War from 1963 - 1967. A C-130 pilot, he flew many missions during the war, including transporting Bob Hope and his fellow entertainers to help lift the spirits of the servicemen. For his service, Jimmy was honored with the Air Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Air Force Expeditionary Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
In 1967, Jimmy began his distinguished career as a pilot for United Airlines. In 1968, he moved to the Bay Area in California where he met his wife, Patricia Lonsdale. In 1992, Jimmy and his family returned home to Brookhaven, Mississippi where he continued his career with United.
Jimmy was a lifelong train enthusiast and avid traveler. He visited many countries to ride his beloved steam locomotives. In his retirement, he volunteered at the Brookhaven Military Memorial Museum and was a member of the Brookhaven Servitium Club.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 50 years, Patricia "Patti" Perkins, his three children, Holly Perkins Slay and her husband, Timothy Slay of Brookhaven, Jeffrey Michael Perkins and his wife, Sarah, of Brandon, MS, and Randolph Perkins of New Orleans, LA; grandchildren, Ellie and Abby Slay of Brookhaven; and his godson Patrick Pidgeon of Los Angeles, CA.
The family would like to thank HaloCare caregivers Bridget and Loretta Prather, as well as Bridgett Crossley, Loretta Merritt and the staff of The Claiborne in McComb, MS.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the King's Daughter Medical Center Foundation and the Brookhaven Military Memorial Museum.
Billy O. Britt
The funeral service for Billy O. Britt will be 2 p.m., Saturday, February 17, at Victory Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Friday, February 16, at Riverwood and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of service at Victory.
Mr. Britt, 78, of Brookhaven, passed from this life and into his eternal rest on February 14, 2024, at his residence, with his family by his side. He was born December 29, 1945, the only child of Oscar and Alice Smith Britt. He was raised in the Loyd Star community where he attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Mr. Britt was married to Fredna “Freddie” Burnaman Britt. When they were expecting their third child, he decided to return to college and finish his degree in education. He began his coaching and teaching career in Lincoln County at Enterprise Attendance Center.
He moved to north Mississippi to coach in Monroe County and then at Duck Hill in Montgomery County, where he coached a special group of young men whom he loved and has cherished their relationship for life.
He later returned to south Mississippi where he served as principal and superintendent in the Lincoln County School District. He retired from public education as principal at Wesson Attendance Center in 2007.
Mr. Britt was a founding member of Victory Baptist Church where he served as deacon and taught Sunday School.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, Kirk Allen; brothers-in-law, Charles Burnaman and Phillip David Burnaman; and sister-in-law, Donis Thompson.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Fredna “Freddie ”Britt; three children, Robby Britt and wife, Tammy of Wesson, Stephanie Britt Allen of Bogue Chitto, and Landon Britt and wife, Teresa of Brookhaven; grandchildren, Taylor Allen of Oxford, MS, Tate Allen of Starkville, MS, Joshua Britt of New Orleans, LA, Tanner Allen of Bogue Chitto, MS, Kayla Britt Alderman and husband, Cory of Brookhaven, MS, Mary Elizabeth Allen Fischer and husband, Erich of Bogue Chitto, MS, Mackenzie Britt Sizemore and husband, David of Bay St. Louis, MS, Collin Britt and wife, Breanna of Brookhaven, MS; great grandchildren, Lila Alderman, Bo Sizemore, Kipp Fischer, and Lottie Alderman; and sister-in-law, Stella Petty.
In lieu of flowers a Scholarship fund has been set up at Trustmark Bank to create a scholarship to honor Mr. Britt’s legacy and contributions to education.
