Obituaries
Wanda Gaye Laird
Graveside service for Mrs. Wanda Gaye Laird of Brookhaven are 11:00 am Saturday, September 5, 2020,
at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at Riverwood Family at 9:00 am, on Saturday.
Mrs. Wanda Gaye Laird of Brookhaven was 63 years old, she passed away on September 2, 2020, at Kings Daughters Medical Center.
She was born on February 26, 1957, in Brookhaven, MS.
She was a floral designer and a radio personality. Mrs. Laird was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She enjoyed singing, playing the guitar, and painting.
Gaye was a loving mother, and grandmother and will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Clinton Calvin Brister, Jr., and Jimmie Allene Peeples Brister; and, her husband, David Brian Laird.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Charles Iain Mathes, and wife, Heather, and her three grandchildren, Lauren Mathes, Christopher Mathes, and Hannah Mathes.
Billy Zale Dodd, Sr.
Billy Zale Dodd, Sr. 76, of Brookhaven went home to be with his Heavenly Father
on August 30, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was born July 29, 1944, to
Wesley Louie Dodd and Lucille Robinson Dodd, in Crystal Springs, MS.
Mr. Dodd was known for his loving heart, playful personality, and generosity.
He was fun loving and had a zest for life. He never met a stranger and could be
counted on to lend a helping hand to those in need.
He married the love of his life, Joan Kathryn Douglas, on April 17, 1965. They were
blessed with a son, Billy Zale Dodd, Jr. and a daughter, Sherri Camille Dodd.
Mr. Dodd was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He worked hard and
earned many awards during his career as an insurance agent, including a multitude
of trips to destinations such as Hawaii, England, France, and Atlantis. He also became
a member of the prestigious Doctors Club with Physicians Mutual Insurance Company.
He took pride in working in his yard along with tinkering in his shop prior to his illness.
There was hardly an auction that he would miss.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, W.L. Dodd, Jr., and Edwin Irvin Dodd;
and sister, Mary Linda Dodd Townsend.
Survivors include his loving wife of over 55 years, Joan D. Dodd; son, Billy Zale Dodd, Jr.
“Tiger Dodd” and wife, Lisa; daughter, Sherri Dodd Ethridge and husband, Chris; grandson,
Zale Warren Dodd; and sister, Anne Dodd Berry, along with a host of nephews and nieces.
He will be dearly missed by all that knew and loved him. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
The family would like to express appreciation to the Deaconess Hospice staff, who so
faithfully and lovingly cared for him during the final weeks of his life. A special thank you also
to Dr. Ray Montalvo for his care and nurturing through the many years as his doctor.
Crystal Nicole “Nikki” Montgomery Hux
Services for Mrs. Crystal Nicole “Nikki” Montgomery Hux of Brookhaven
are 10:30 am Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Fair River Baptist Church with
burial Bogue Chitto Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm, Tuesday, September 1, at Fair River.
Mrs. Crystal Nicole “Nikki” Montgomery Hux, 38 years old of Brookhaven
went to be with her Lord on August 29, 2020.
She was a member of Fair River Baptist Church where she was very involved
with the children’s ministries.
Nikki was a dedicated mother, first and foremost. She treasured her children and
embraced every moment with them. She was also a loving wife, daughter, sister,
and aunt. Nikki was not afraid of the future because her faith was fully rooted
in her Savior. She was a blessing to all that knew her and will be dearly missed.
Preceding her in death by her very special granddaddy, James Ray Beeson; special
grandmother, Cora Mae White and grandparent in-laws, B.C. Hux and Geneva Hux.
Those left to cherish her memory are her parents, William, and Daphne Montgomery;
her husband, Joey Hux; daughters, Mackenzie Claire Hux, Myleigh Rae Hux and brother,
William Montgomery, Jr. She is also survived by her father and mother in law,
Ronnie, and Sherry Hux, a very special grandmother, Barbara Beeson and grandparents,
Bud, and Dena Montgomery along with a host of family and friends. She was also a mother
to her very special nephews and niece, Logan Montgomery, Matt Montgomery,
and Madison Montgomery.
John Stephen Magee
Graveside service for John Stephen Magee will be 2 p.m.,
Thursday, September 3, 2020, at Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Lawrence County.
Mr. Magee, 60, of Bogue Chitto, died August 28, 2020 at his residence.
He was born January 22, 1960 to Marvin Doyle Magee and Naida Miller.
He was retired from the oil industry and was a dedicated father and grandfather.
Mr. Magee was a member of Easthaven Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his father, Marvin Magee; stepfather, Robert Eaton Sr.;
and brothers, Robert Eaton, Jr. and Michael Magee.
He is survived by his mother Naida Eaton; son, Donald Magee; daughter,
Catie Goldsmith; brother, Paul Eaton; and sister Janet Phillips. There are also
four grandchildren who will miss their grandfather greatly, Cayleigh Long,
Laney Goldsmith, Wyatt Goldsmith, and Gracie Magee, Lifelong best friends,
Brian Smith, Sammy Smith, and Ricky Tardo, as well as a host of nieces
and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Lessie Pearl Allgood Turpin
Services for Mrs. Lessie Pearl Allgood Turpin of Brookhaven are 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, 2020,
at Macedonia Baptist Church. Visitation is from 11:00 until time of the service and burial at the church cemetery.
Mrs. Lessie Pearl Allgood Turpin was 89 years old when she went to be with her Lord on August 29, 2020.
She was in her home, surrounded by her family.
She was a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church where she was involved in Sunday School and several church organizations,
she played the piano for over 60 years.
Her life was truly a blessing to all that knew her. She will be dearly missed by her family and everyone that loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents and husband, Ralph D. Turpin.
Those left to cherish her memory are son, Keith Turpin and wife Kathy, two grandchildren, Lacie Case and husband Hunter,
Hollie Dunn and husband, Garrett, and three great-grandchildren, Charlee Kathryn Case, Rylee Addisyn Case, and Maylee Evelyn Dunn.
She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family and friends.
James August Smith
James August Smith of Brookhaven, Miss., passed away on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020, surrounded by family at his home.
He was born Oct. 1, 1925, in Brookhaven, Miss., to Charles and Lena Smith.
Smith served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Chicopee (AO-34), a fleet oiler.
His military service spanned the American, European, and Pacific theaters of operations
and he earned four battle stars for combat action in the Pacific.
He attended Brookhaven High School and entered the Navy during his senior year. After being discharged from the Navy,
he completed high school. He continued his study at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, earning an associate’s degree,
Millsaps College, earning a bachelor of science in geology, and Mississippi State University, earning a master
of science in petroleum geology. He was an honor student at each level of study.
While at Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, he met the former Mary Nell Hart of Brookhaven, Miss. They were married in 1948.
Smith joined Exxon as a petroleum geologist in 1952. He served with Exxon for 34 years in assignments across southern Louisiana,
including many years in Exxon’s Southeast District Production Department in New Orleans. He rose quickly within the company
to leadership positions, earned numerous awards, and was known as a pioneer in offshore oil exploration.
When he retired in 1986, he was Exxon’s senior geological scientist for the southeast U.S.
Smith enjoyed travel and took his family on vacation across the U.S. and Canada: camping, taking pictures, and collecting rocks.
He loved deep-sea fishing trips, hunting, gardening, planting trees, raising blueberries, woodworking, and puzzles.
Upon retirement, he and Mary built a home in Brookhaven where they enjoyed more than 30 years of children, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, friends, and other family coming to visit.
Smith is survived by his wife of 72 years, Mary Smith, one daughter, Linda Smith, two sons, Bruce Smith and wife Brenda,
and Glynn Smith and wife Sharon. He had seven grandchildren, Ginger (Cliff) Daniel, Jeffrey (Lisa) Smith, Kevin Smith,
Thomas (Jennifer) Rohr, Courtney (Rick) Paschal, Kaitlin Smith, and Glynn Smith. He also had four great-grandchildren,
Ella Daniel, Briggs Smith, Tucker Smith, and Harper Paschal. He is also survived by one sister, Frances Allred.
His grandsons served as pallbearers.
The family would like to thank his caregivers over the past year, Quinta Brewer and Mary Price, for their devotion to his care.
Robert Wiley Moak
Graveside service for Mr. Robert Wiley Moak will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2020,
at Moak Family Cemetery in Wesson, MS. Visitation is from noon until 2 p.m. Monday prior to service, at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Moak, 73, of Wesson, died August 29, 2020. He was born May 1, 1947, to
Howard V. Moak and Josie N. Moak. He served his country in the United States Navy,
for which we thank him for this service. Mr. Moak provided for his family as an oilfield
worker for 40 years. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Howard Wayne Moak, Johnny M. Moak,
and Ellis Ray Moak.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Erma Moak; daughters, Mary Ann Treadway,
Jeanne Deniece Hebert and husband, Larry; brothers, Richard Carroll Moak and wife, Dolly,
Jimmy G. Moak and wife, Joy; sister, Rose Mary Pickering and husband, Garry; six grandchildren,
Howard Hebert, Kyle Hebert, Brandi Angelle, Jeremy Treadway, Cadianne Hebert, and Christopher Treadway.
He is also survived by nine great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Dorothy E. Benson
Graveside service for Mrs. Dorothy E. Benson will be 2:30 p.m., Sunday,
August 30, 2020, at Easthaven Cemetery.
Mrs. Dorothy E. Benson, 87, of Brookhaven, completed her journey here August 28, 2020.
She was born October 17, 1932 to her parents, Hugh F. Ferguson and Frances Smith Case.
She was a proud American, serving her country in the United States Airforce during WWII.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Benson; her parents, father, Hugh F. Ferguson
and her mom and dad, Frances Smith Case and Rufus M. Case; son, Christopher Benson; daughter,
Teri Lynn Benson; and sisters, Alice Warren, Yvonne F. Ogle, and Pat Case Jacobson.
Those who remain to hold her memory dear, are her daughter, Susan Marie Benson
and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to organizations close to her heart, which are
Trinity Park or Angel’s Attic , c/o Church of the Redeemer P.O. Box 804 Brookhaven, MS 39602.
Barney J. King
Graveside service for Mr. Barney J. King will be 2 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2020,
at Divide Methodist Protestant Church Cemetery.
Mr. King, 83, passed from this life August 28, 2020, at his residence. He was born in
Lawrence County October 10, 1936. He was a retired self-employed Building Contractor
and a member of Divide Methodist Protestant Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira Martin King and Vela Elsa Lambert King
and his sister, Olean King Rutland.
Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife, Janie Mahaffey King; sons,
Randy King (Tina), Eric King (Bridgette); daughter, Phyllis K. Smith (Tommy); brothers,
Holton King and Pat King; sisters, Inell Gunnell, Alteen Tanksley, and Doris Smith;
eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Robert Carroll Allbritton
Graveside service for Mr. Robert Carroll Allbritton will be 2:30 p.m., Wednesday,
September 2, 2020, at Ramah Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from
Noon until 2 p.m. at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Allbritton, 86, of Brookhaven, passed from this life August 27, 2020 at his residence.
He was born in Brookhaven September 27, 1933. He worked as a Truck Driver to support
his family and he supported his country serving in the United States Army during
the Korean War. Mr. Allbritton was a member of Ramah Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents, J.B. Allbritton and Icie Chisolm Allbritton; sister,
Aline Foster; brother, Archie Allbritton; and sister-in-law, Carrie Boyte.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Martha Dump Allbritton; sons,
Stacey Allbritton (Sandy), Michael Springs (Kathy); daughters, Darlene Roberts (Allen),
Jolene Poole (Andrew), Stephanie Wilson (Charles); 12 grandchildren and nine great
grandchildren as well as sisters-in-law, Nita Allbritton, Mildred Prather, and Mary Risinger.
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