Funeral service for Mr. Orval Shelly Johnston will be 2 p.m., Thursday, August 26, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Pavilion, with burial in the church cemetery.
His earthly journey began in Yazoo County Mississippi and then transitioned to the Portals of Glory at the Feet of his Lord early in the morning of Friday, August 20, 2021. Born on February 2, 1938, he and the preverbal Ground Hog were always interested in what the weather would hold. However, Bro. Shelly knew to trust whatever The Lord sent our way. Cloudy health days came on the horizon for him the last few years with a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome immune disorder which led to discovery of stage 4 in cancer in January 2020 generating numerous health issues and treatment needs.
Through life’s early years Shelly (graduated from Benton High School) had a proficient Gospel singing talent, which was evident even to his last days here on earth. Music with a Biblically sound message of redemption through Christ Jesus was his focus. He truly loved to sing and hear 4-part harmony.
Shelly retired from the Jackson Fire Department as Captain. He served in combat, EMT/ambulance services, and his last 8 years in the Fire Prevention Department. Following that 20-year choice to serve, Shelly entered many open doors serving The Lord in music and evangelism ministry. The opportunities included serving as Minister of Music (and Pastor) at various churches across Louisiana and Mississippi, most recently serving over 7 years at Salem Baptist Church, Walthall County until his health began to fail. He and his wife, Irene, traveled and sang together across the country and in foreign missions presenting the Gospel message in revivals, concerts, Bible conferences, camps, etc. Bro. Shelly had a great knowledge of the Bible and cherished his study of The Book of Revelation and Paul’s writings. By Grace we are saved!
Irene and his family extend our sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, technicians, etc. for all of their heart-felt and knowledgeable care of Shelly these past few years including Dr. Steven Liverman, The University of Mississippi Medical Center and Cancer Institute, Radiation Oncology, ENT, Hematology, Pulmonary, Neurological Department, etc. and staff. The precious nurses, aides, therapists and administration of Sta-Home home health and the Hospice Ministries of Brookhaven were so close and brought loving care and expertise through this experience. Innumerable Brothers- and Sisters-in-Christ across the country have extended their love, prayers, and encouragement to us daily. Thank you. Thank you. The race is WON!
Shelly was born to James Luther and Zuma Parkerson Johnston. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Joyce Guthrie, Sybil Creel and Alice Faye Johnston. He is survived by his wife of almost 39 years, Irene, and sons: Darrell (Melanie), Bob (Michelle), Josh, Jason (Julie), 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Other surviving family members include brothers: Noble (Mae), Colon (Brenda), Herb (special brother-in-law) and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grands and greats. Also, we sweetly consider his surviving little furry guardians, Mollie and Maggie, who brought him insurmountable puppy-joy for the last 6 years.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your favorite charity.
Graveside Service for Mr. Robert Lee Grice, of Brookhaven are 10:00 am, Saturday, August 28, 2021, at East Lincoln Baptist Church Cemetery
Mr. Robert Lee Grice, 68, passed away on August 20, 2021, at his residence.
He was born on August 16, 1953, to the late William “Shellie” Grice and Ruby Catherine Rushing.
Mr. Grice was a conveyor belt operator for Phillips Bros. Bark, and was a member of East Lincoln Baptist Church.
He will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers William Ray Grice and Jimmy Earl Grice; and sisters, Louise King and Linda Cohen.
Those left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Ralph and Donald Grice and sisters, Doris Thompson and Opal Ezell.
He is also survived by special nieces, Kristie Cohen and Lainey DeLaughter.
Funeral service for Ronnie Walker Burns will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 21, at Riverwood Family with interment
in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.
Mr. Burns, 74, of Bogue Chitto, passed away August 17, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Amite, MS May 30, 1947,
to William Clarence “Ted” Burns and Lillian Hayes Burns. He was a self-employed Truck Driver and a member of
Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He enjoyed taking family trips to Branson, MO and spending countless hours bushhogging
and cutting grass. He was truly an outdoor enthusiast. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bill Burns, Clifton Burns, and Clarence Burns; and sisters, Lavon Laird,
Marie Lenior, Alvie Myers, and Lucille Hicks.
Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Patsy Williams Burns; sons, Todd Burns (Kayla) and Tate Burns;
brother, Troy Burns; sister, Teddy Perere; and four grandchildren, Austin, Wyatt, Rhett, and Savanna Rose. He is also
survived by a host of nieces and nephews, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Funeral service for Mr. Karl Jean Brister is 11 a.m. Thursday, August 19, at Riverwood Family with interment
in Holly Springs Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Brister, 74, of Brookhaven, passed away August 14, 2021, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven.
He was born in Heppenheime, Germany, July 7, 1947. He was a Welder by trade, but he was truly passionate about
the study of the Gospel and sharing God’s Word. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and just tinkering. His greatest
joy was to spend time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his biological parents, Milton Mathews and Margaretha Rosinus; parents, Charles and
Sara Brister; and brothers, Benjamin Mathews and Wylie Brister.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Frances Brister; son, K.B. Brister and wife, LeAnn; daughters,
Cassandra Hall and husband, John, Melissa Bourn and significant other, Richie Hollingsworth, Candace Polk and husband,
Ricky; brothers, Charles Brister, Jr. Jimmy Brister, and William Mathews; sisters, Betty Alexander, Margrit Wallace, Charlene Mott,
Barbara Thomas, and Laura Smith; eight grandchildren, Aaron, Allen, Tiffany, Bradyn, Brennan, Blayne, Bentlie, and Hadley;
and three great grandchildren, Ashlen, Makenna, and Makayla. He is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews
and was looking forward to two new great grandchildren, Braxtyn Karl and Remi Diane who are to be joining the family this fall.
Funeral service for Bonnie Elner Lambert Beeson will be 2 p.m., Friday, August 20, at Riverwood Family,
with interment in Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Ms. Beeson, 88, of Brookhaven, passed away August 14, 2021, in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Brookhaven
July 31, 1933, to Elmer Napleon Lambert and Lillie Bell Hampton Lambert. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Church.
She was also a member of VFW, Moose Lodge, and Orange Park Medical Center Auxiliary Volunteers.
She worked 25 plus years as a Loan Officer with Vystar C.U., (formerly Jax Navy C.U.)
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald Lambert, and Connie Lambert; and her former spouse,
Charles B. Beeson.
She is survived by her son, Charles “Randy” Beeson (Annette); daughters, Cathy Beeson Bridge (Kim), and
Vicki Beeson Kelly (John); sisters, Nonnie Crawford, Donnis Holmes; six grandchildren, Joe Kelly, Kristy Perry,
Tyler Bridge, Jeff Kelly, Nick Bridge, and Stephanie Beeson. She is also survived by 17 great grandchildren,
one great, great grandchild and one sister-in-law, Esta Lambert.
Funeral service for Elsie Smith Anding will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 18, at Macedonia Baptist Church,
with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Anding, 94, of Brookhaven, passed away August 14, 2021, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven March 6, 1927,
to Fred and Mantha Smith. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Mrs. Anding leaves a legacy as a
loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Carlos E. Anding; her parents; brother, Solon Smith; and sister, Leruie Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Brenda Anding and Jenny Anding Wallace (Randy); brothers,
Shelby Smith (Betty Jo), Fred Smith, Jr. (Helen), and Morris Smith; two grandchildren, Brooks Wallace (Susan) and
Whitney Holmes (Ryan); and six great grandchildren, Andrew Wallace, Connor Wallace, Luke Wallace, Collin Holmes,
Carley Holmes, and Anna Claire Holmes. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Memorial service for David Lee Keller will be 11 a.m., Friday, August 27, at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Keller, 64, of Ruleville, MS, passed away August 13, 2021. He was born in Vicksburg, MS, July 24, 1957,
to Jack Keller and Annie Dell McCarthy Keller. He was a 1975 graduate of Vicksburg High School and he
graduated from Mississippi State University in the field of Electrical Engineering, in 1981. He was also a certified diver.
Mr. Keller is preceded in death by his parents.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his brothers, Gary Keller (Deborah), Carl Keller; sisters, Jackie Loper (Bobby)
and Mary Keller; nieces, Erin and Jennifer; and cousins, Kay, Linda, and Jerry; Mark Keller (Pat) and Lydia Moncure.
Funeral service for Ms. Geneva Ray Lewis will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 17, at Ramah Baptist Church
with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Geneva (Jean) Ray Lewis departed this life on August 13, 2021. Born in Franklin County, MS on March 4, 1943,
to Troy and Leta Rae Lewis. She was born two months early and doctors called her a “blue baby”. Her parents
were told by doctors she wouldn’t live to see age ten. Born sick and into a large family, her grandparents took
her home to Baton Rouge to take care of her for a little while. That never came to pass. Raised in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana with her maw and paw Lewis, whom she loved dearly. Funny and outspoken, people who met her
loved her for her quick wit and laughter. She lived her life her way till the end.
She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; one sister, Ann; three brothers, John “Dub”, Roy,
and Tommy Lewis.
She is survived by brothers, Troy Lewis (Charlene), of Denham Springs, Harold Lewis (Peggy), of West Lincoln, MS; sisters,
Margie Coke and Reba Wilkinson, both of Brookhaven, MS; her children, Donna Watts (David), of Denham Springs, LA,
Courtina Velasquez, of Blanco, NM, Stacie Farris, of Lake Charles, LA, Billy Dean Havard, of Natchez, MS and Tony Arnold
of California; her grandchildren, Michael of Pine Apple, AL, Melise of Wilmington, NC, Morgan of Denham Springs, LA,
and Marleana Watts of Escanaba, MI, Salvadore “Tuggie” (Tabitha), Destiny, Amanda Campos and Roan “Nunu” Velasquez all of NM,
Garrett Barber, John David “Bubbie”, and Levi “Pookie” Mabile of Lake Charles, LA; great grandchildren, Holden Watts of AL,
Denver and River Lougon of Gueyden, LA, Ryder and Julia Campos of Bloomfield, NM; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
