Obituaries
Clara Sue Patt
The funeral service for Clara Sue Patt will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Riverwood Family. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, at Riverwood Family and will resume at 9:00 a.m. Saturday, until time of service.
Clara Sue Patt, 75, of Brookhaven, passed away January 9, 2025, at Kings Daughters Medical Center. She was born in Brookhaven, May 25, 1949, to James Walter White and Earnestine Allgood White.
Ms. Patt was a healthcare nurse before she retired. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her hobbies included sewing and doing crafts.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Patt; three brothers, Tommy, Carol, and Guy Mitchell White; sister, Melissa Dianne, and granddaughter, Tiffany Bowman.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Vincent Rials, Sr. (Tammy) and Michael Scott (Emily); daughters, Zina Rials and Tanya Gatlin (Raymond); sisters, Debbie Carter, Connie Allen, and Tina Myers (Jerry); sister-in-law, Ethel White; eighteen grandchildren; and thirty-three great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family would like to thank Mr. Dennis with Arden Hospice and the nurses, aids, therapists, and staff at Diversicare Nursing Home.
Pansy Alice Alexander Dunaway
Our Dear "Nanu" Pansy Alexander Dunaway passed away from this life but woke in heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ, in her home, Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at the age of 81. She was an amazing wife to Winfred Dunaway for 62 years, a devoted mother to Penny Kerr and the very best grandmother to Jenson, Jayden and Grace Kerr.
Pansy was born July 20, 1943, to Lester and Henri Alexander of Jayess, Mississippi. In 1963 she and her husband moved to Baton Rouge LA with a newborn and made a comfortable life for over 35 years between there and Denham Springs LA.
Mrs. Dunaway was an avid flower and plant enthusiast with a green thumb to grow just about anything. She loved a big vegetable garden and like her father, she shared much of what she and Winfred grew. Pansy was an incredible southern dish cook and enjoyed bringing meals to friends and family, sharing her dishes at church fellowships and entertaining many in her home.
Pansy grew up in a large family and was always the "life of any party." She loved to travel and enjoyed cruising every chance she had. She relished Jigsaw Puzzles, reading her Bible Daily on the porch, and fancied a good book with a sweet love story ending. She was a fierce scrabble player and played a mean game of Wheel of Fortune. She was always such a good sport and was usually up for trying just about anything including a ride in a speedboat with the Grandkids or Bunco with friends. Pansy had a fulfilling career in the insurance field and worked for the Cutler Agency in Denham Springs for many years until her retirement in 2000. She and Winfred were blessed to retire and move back to "The Country" in 2001 and have delighted in being "home" for over 23 years.
Mrs. Dunaway is survived by husband Winfred, Daughter Penny, Son-in-Law Larry Kerr, Grandson Jenson Kerr and wife Aerial, Granddaughters Jayden and Grace Kerr, Sisters, Gloria Rayborn, Linda Rosso (Sam), Judy Gilchrist (Ramsey), and Sally Presnell (Ben). She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Kay Alexander, two brothers Douglas and Clancy "Pete" Alexander and Brother-in-Law Billy Rayborn.
Pansy was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to everyone she knew and will be missed more than words can possibly express.
Visitation will be 10:30-11:45 a.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Jayess Baptist Church. Her celebration of life will begin at 12:00 p.m. and burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Our greatest gratitude to everyone who visited and brought sweet gifts and to Pam Brister, Lynn Berry and Arden Hospice for their wonderful care through her final days.
Peggy Mae Whitlow
Ms. Peggy Mae Whitlow, 76, of McComb, Ms., passed away January 8th,2025 at her residence after a lengthy illness. Peggy was born September 8th,1948 in McComb, Ms. She was the daughter of J.M Dunaway and Winnie L Regan and was raised by her parents Bryant A. Regan and Winnie L. Regan.
She was a graduate of Gibson High School in McComb and worked for many years as a switchboard operator at A.T.&T. until the company relocated. She also worked at KFC for a while and then McDonalds where she later retired.
She was a homemaker and loved crafting and crocheting and spending time with her family and friends. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.
Peggy is preceded in death by her parents, one nephew, Bryant Aubrey Regan, Jr. one sister-in-law, Teresa Ballentine, Regan (Aubrey).
Survivors include her children, Jessica Whitlow and Derek Parsons; seven brothers, Melvin Dunaway, Aubrey Regan, Sr., Roy Regan (Annie Mae), David Regan (Mary Jane),Bill Regan (Donna),Bobby Regan, Jimmy Dale Regan (Trisha); two sisters, Louise Nickles(Jerry), Sue Kyzar (Alcus); five grandchildren, Samuel Temple, Jacob Parsons, Landon Parsons, Hunter Parsons, Daniel Parsons; two great grandchildren, Branson Parsons, and Elyse Parsons, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of family and friends.
The family would like to thank Cory Morris and Hospice Compassus for their care and dedication for Peggy.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 1st at Holmesville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall from 12:30 to 2:30. Please bring a dish and join us in the celebration and wear purple if you have it, for it was her favorite color.
Scott Baker Morse
Scott Baker Morse, 53, of Hazlehurst, MS, died January 5, 2025, at CCMC in Hazlehurst. He was born in Putnam, CT, on July 25, 1971, to Russell Edwards Morse, Sr. and Carolyn Anne Baker Morse. Scott was an accomplished carpenter and could build anything he set his mind to. He was a hard-working man and lived to meet the needs of his family. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also enjoyed “antiquing”. His favorite vacation destination was the Mountains of Tennessee. Scott will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Chrisy Morse, daughter, Amanda, son, Patrick, of Canada, son, Bryce Davis and wife, Hannah, of Brookhaven, MS, daughter, Issy Morse of Hazlehurst, MS, and daughter, Kayla Herrington of Brookhaven, MS; nine grandchildren and two grandchildren on the way. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and close friends.
There will be a memorial service at 3 p.m., on Tuesday, January 14, at Riverwood Family.
Sandra Davis Nunnery
Mrs. Sandra Davis Nunnery, 72, of Magnolia, MS, died January 5, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Magnolia on December 7, 1952, to Clyde Oliver “Speck” Davis and Virginia Bernice Cutrer Davis.
Mrs. Nunnery loved woodworking and collecting paparazzi jewelry, she was also an avid amateur weather person. She was a 1971 graduate of Bogue Chitto High School and a 1988 graduate of Draughon’s Business College. Mrs. Nunnery had a career as a legal secretary and CNA. She was a Member of the Church of Christ; she loved her children and grandchildren and treasured every moment with them. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Charles Davis; and nephews, Titus Holmes and Rusty Gill.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 16 years, David Nunnery; children, Vicki Magee (Brian), Shannon King, and Luke Hale; sisters, Leisa Gill (Ronald), Stephanie Holmes (Tim); five grandchildren, Kayden Wash (Joe), Eden Bailey, Layla McKnight, Jasmine Magee, Harper Hale; special friends Dixie Boyd, Teri Beasley Moak, and Pat Jones as well as other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Deaconess Hospice, Jamaal Brown, RN, and Moniqca Whipple for their love and support through this time.
The Nunnery family is in charge of arrangements.
Steve Parker
The funeral service for Steve Parker will be Noon, on Friday, January 10, at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday, January 9, at Riverwood Family, in Brookhaven, MS, and will resume on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at St. Matthew’s UMC, in Madison, MS.
Stephen (Steve) Ray Parker, died on Sunday evening, January 5, 2025, surrounded by his family at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
Steve was born on March 7, 1956, in Laurel, Mississippi to Reverend Paul and Pauline Parker. He was welcomed by his older brothers, Mike and David Parker.
Steve graduated from Franklin High School (Meadville, Mississippi) in 1974 and the University of Southern Mississippi in 1978. In high school, he was a member of the high school band, where he was 1st chair trumpet. He was also a member of the prestigious Mississippi Lions’ All-State Band. Steve was a gifted musician and continued his love for music at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), where he continued to excel as a member of the, “Pride of the Mississippi” marching band and was a member of Kappa Kappa Si music fraternity and held office of President of the USM band. He marched in President Carter’s inaugural parade in 1976.
After graduation from college, Steve held several professional positions. These include being a part of the family funeral and insurance businesses (Franklin Funeral and Brookhaven Funeral Home). He was also a popular restaurateur, having founded, along with Barbara, a well-known and highly successful business, The Parker House Restaurant in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Later, Steve went into public service and worked as Deputy Director of the State of MS Pharmacy Board, where he retired in 2021. Steve became a part of the Riverwood Family in Brookhaven from 2021 until December 2023.
While his professional career and music were important components of his life, it was in 1980 that Steve became smitten with the love of his life, Barbara Ann Jones, and they were married on January 10, 1981. The hallmarks of trust, respect and commitment underscored their marriage, and they were partners for life. Steve understood and lived out his faith, most especially in loving his family and understanding God’s meaning of “neighbor,” specifically that when he and Barbara were aware of or sensed unmet needs, they helped, as they could and did so in a quiet, consistent manner, away from any spotlight. To say that Steve was incredibly proud of Barbara and their children-- Laura Parker Rivera and Graham Parker—and grandchildren is an understatement. Just the mention of their names always brought a smile and such joy into Steve’s life and the perfect prelude to “let me tell you about….”
Steve was a member of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church and served through several ministries such as men’s small group, mission trips, and outreach.
Steve was known as a genuine, steadfast friend who cared deeply for family, extended family, friends and colleagues, near and far. He was a wonderful storyteller and loved to laugh and lighten the load of others through music and laughter. Steve was gifted at doing this with his own antics and practical jokes throughout his life. Despite Steve’s own health concerns, particularly over the last two years, he spent time over the summer 2024 planning and participating in Franklin High School Class of 1974’s 50th reunion held in November 2024.
Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Pauline Parker. He leaves his wife of almost 44 years, Barbara Jones Parker, daughter Laura Parker Rivera (Maynor); son, Graham Parker (Jordan) and grandchildren (Gabriel and Allegra Rivera; Annie and Finn Parker); brothers, Mike Parker (Rosemary) and David Parker (Wanda) and nieces and nephews. Through his family and friends, he leaves a legacy of faith, laughter and goodness.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to St. Matthew’s UMC, Jubilee Fund, 7427 Old Canton Rd, Madison, MS 39110.
Dr. Hugh Leggett
Dr. Hugh V. Leggett, Jr. of Brookhaven, Mississippi, passed away on 12/23/2024 at the age of 79. Born in Lincoln County, Mississippi, he was the son of Marian Clarence Stewart and Hugh V. Leggett, Sr., a decorated World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient who devoted his post-war years to the ministry.
From his early days, Dr. Hugh displayed a passion for learning and service. He earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Southern Adventist University, where he also met the love of his life, Rosemary Botts of Mobile, Alabama. The two were later married and blessed with three children: Hugh V. Leggett III, Dr. Brent L. Leggett, and Michelle L. Leggett.
Dr. Hugh received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), graduating with honors from the University of Tennessee (UT). He went on to serve as an assistant professor in UT's Restorative Dentistry Department before completing graduate studies in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics—again with honors. Returning to his Mississippi roots, he became Clinical Director of Orthodontics at the University of Mississippi College of Dentistry and subsequently established a private orthodontic practice in his hometown of Brookhaven. In 2016, he was delighted to welcome his son, Dr. Brent, into his orthodontic practices in Brookhaven and Columbia.
Highly respected in his profession, Dr. Hugh served as a past president of the Sixth District Dental Association of Mississippi and was an active member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Mississippi Dental Association, American Association of Orthodontists, Southern Association of Orthodontists, and Mississippi Association of Orthodontics.
Beyond dentistry, Dr. Hugh found great joy as a passionate horseman and breeder of American Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses, and Palomino Horses. He earned 75 World and Reserve World Championships between all three Associations either bred or owned at Countrywood Farms in Lincoln County.
Dr. Hugh will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to family, commitment to excellence, and generosity of spirit. Services honoring his life and legacy will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Riverwood Family, where friends and loved ones are welcome to pay their respects.
Darrell Dean Perry
A memorial gathering will be held for Darrell Dean Perry on Tuesday, January 7th at Riverwood Family from 9 – 10 a.m., memorial service will follow at 10 a.m.
Mr. Perry, 54, of Bogue Chitto, died January 3, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven, MS August 17, 1970, to Claude Allen Perry, Sr. and Wanda Jean Smith Perry.
Darrell retired from Walmart Distribution.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Samantha A. Perry, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Larry David Stafford
Funeral service for Larry David Stafford will be 11 a.m., Monday, January 6, at Riverwood Family with burial in Union Baptist Church Cemetery, East Lincoln. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time-of-service Monday at Riverwood.
Mr. Stafford, 62, of Ruth, died December 30, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Livingston, LA, on September 13, 1962, to Willard Stafford and Willma Lee James Stafford.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Mr. Stafford is survived by his wife, Dorothy Moak Stafford; brothers, William Stafford (Melissa) and Jimmy Stafford (Vonda); nephews, Henry Temple and Charles “Tadpole” Bryant; and nieces, Janice Hart and Kay Moore. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Lachelle June Givens
The funeral service for Lachelle June Givens will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Monticello United Pentecostal Church, with burial at Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 3, 2025, at Riverwood Family and will continue from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the church.
Lachelle June Givens, 77, of Brookhaven, MS, passed away December 31, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven, MS, on September 8, 1947, to Earl Ray Oliver and Edith Hall Oliver.
Ms. June was a member of Monticello UPC. She loved her God and church and inviting people to her church.
She adored and was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her flower beds. She loved all things beautiful and eccentric from clothes, shoes, decorative platters, flowers, and more.
She was known to many as “Ms. June”. She was a hard worker. Until her retirement, she could be found working at the Star Drive In in Brookhaven, MS. Her greatest achievement was to have the best hamburger in Lincoln County. She loved her food HOT! Don’t bring her cold fries. She enjoyed eating out, but her favorite restaurants were Jerrys Fish House and Middendorfs.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Jessie Earl Givens; sisters, Patsy Case and Janice Fuller; and brother, Kenneth Oliver.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Melissa Freeman (Mark) and Jessie Givens, Jr. (Tiffanye); three grandchildren, Amanda Bessonette, Meagan Bessonette, and Steven Bessonette; and six great grandchildren, Austin Jordan, Tucker Jordan, Chezley White, Finley Walker, Haze Lynn Bessonette, and Anola Bessonette.
The family would like to thank Nova, Amy, Lacey Bennet, and Teonna Mitchell with Dignity Hospice.
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