Obituaries
Frances Marie Williams Smith
The funeral service for Mrs. Frances Marie Williams Smith will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, at Gum Grove Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service at Gum Grove.
Mrs. Smith, 76, of Bogue Chitto, died March 20, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven August 16, 1946, to Rayford Williams and Ruby Bales Williams. She was a well known employee of The Cotton Patch Fabric Store, and enjoyed working with her sister there. She was always ready to cheer on her grandkids during the Bobcats sports seasons. She was also a member of Gum Grove Baptist Church. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Virgil M. Smith; son, Lance Smith; brothers, Charles Williams and Joe Williams; sisters-in-law, Faye Wallace and Mayfred Summers; niece, Sondra Case Smith; and brother-in-law, Ronnie Burns.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Rusti Magee (Johnny) and Dena Posey (Mike); brothers, Ellis Williams (Elaine), Roger Williams (Vicky); sisters, Betty Case (Gerald), Patsy Burns, and Mary Nell Clark (Ronnie); eight grandchildren, Ty Posey (Alanna), Mary Elizabeth Cunningham (Tyler), Samuel Posey (Stevie), Kylee Posey, Fayth Marie Magee, Neeli Magee, Noah Magee, Anna Marie Posey; and three great grandchildren, Maddux Cunningham, Jayden Cunningham, and James Lance Posey.
Martha Dean "Deanie" Smith
The funeral service for Martha Dean “Deanie” Smith will be 2 p.m., Monday, March 20, at Riverwood Family with burial in Heucks Retreat Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Smith, 65, of Brookhaven, died March 16, 2023, at Diversicare in Brookhaven. She was born June 12, 1957, in Port Arthur, TX, to Earl Dean Sawyer and Martha Womble. Mrs. Martha worked for many years at Easthaven Daycare. She would spend her free time assembling jigsaw puzzles and keeping her eyes open to find new treasures to add to her “pig” collection. Her most favorite thing to do was spend time with her grandkids. Mrs. Martha was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She was a caring and compassionate wife, mother and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James W. Smith III and her mother.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Wade Smith (Misty); daughter, T.C. Bowlin (Jeff); three brothers, Doug, Tommy, and Robbie and three sisters, Patricia, Susan, and Renea; five grandchildren, Kayleigh Smith, Khloe Smith, Christian Thomas, Danielle Thomas, and Tyler Thomas; and by four great grandchildren, Zayden, Sophie, Dustin, Jr., and A.J.
If you would like, you may make donations in Mrs. Martha’s memory, to BARL, PO Box 3477, Brookhaven, MS 39603
Levonne Smith
Services for Levonne Smith of Preston, MS will be 11:00am, Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 10:00 am until time of the service followed by interment at Easthaven Cemetery, next to her parents.
Levonne Smith, 98, passed away peacefully at John C Stennis Hospital in DeKalb, MS in the early hours of March 15, 2023. She was born December 4, 1924, to the late Charles Spurgeon Smith and Fannie Vergie Holloway Smith. She grew up in Brookhaven and attended the Brookhaven public schools. After graduation she moved to Kentucky to attend Wesley College and graduated from Murray State University.
Levonne later moved to Jackson, MS where she worked for an Architectural firm where she was an executive secretary for the Mississippi chapter of the American Institute of Architects. She served one year as the National secretary of the Women of Construction- an industry association. After ten years with the Architectural Firm, in 1960 she took a full-time administrative staff position with the Mississippi House of Representatives. During her tenure in the Legislature, she was valued by the members for her hard work and dedication. She became affectionately known to all as “Smitty”. After three decades at the State Capital, she retired as the assistant docket clerk in 1991 at the age of 67.
In the years that followed retirement she enjoyed special times with friends and family. She was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Jackson Ms. Her days were spent attending plays and movies with friends, volunteering at St. Luke’s thrift store, gardening, reading and walking. She loved tennis and enjoyed watching the professional players. “Aunt Vonnie” as we all called her, was ageless, she fit in with any age group and became well loved.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her sister, Pauline “Polly” Smith Wand and her brother-in-law, Floyd Wand, her nephews Cecil Wolfe and Ken Harris.
Those left to cherish her memory are her nieces and nephews, Susan Harris, Mike Wand (Kim), George Wand (Paula), Judy Barker (Justin), Joyce Herbert (Jim), Martha Wolfe, Betty Knight (Jeff), and a host of great nieces and nephews and special friends.
We would like to recognize the staff at CenterWell Home Health and the nurses and staff at John C. Stennis Hospital for their professional and loving care. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations be made in her name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Clyde Stathem Moody
Services for Mr. Clyde Stathem Moody of Brookhaven will be 2:30 pm, Friday, March 17, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 12:30 until time of the service. Burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery.
Clyde Stathem Moody, 84, passed away March 15, 2023. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, January 18, 1939, to the late Daniel Wheaton Moody and Cora Agnes Stathem Moody.
Mr. Moody served his country in the United States Army. When he retired as electrician with Chevron, he opened his own business, Moody’s Electric that he operated for several years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, tinkering in his shop, and playing on his computer. He was a member of Central Baptist Church. He will be missed by all that loved him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Mark Moody, brother, Doug Moody; and nephew, Jack Moody.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Betty Jordan Moody; daughter, Lisa Moody White and husband, James; three grandchildren, Devin Vinson, Jordan Vinson and Parker Vinson, along with nieces, Laura Moody and Cindy Randels and nephew Joe Moody.
Memorials for Mr. Moody can be made to Central Baptist Church
970 MS-550, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Elizabeth Mullins
Elizabeth Mullins, 94, peacefully entered eternal rest the afternoon of March 13, 2023. Services will be at Central Baptist Church, 970 Highway 550, Brookhaven, MS, on Monday, March 20. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, with a funeral service at 11:00 am followed by interment at Easthaven Cemetery, next to her beloved husband John Walter Mullins.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years John Walter Mullins She is survived by their son, Walter Mullins (Leslie) and two grandchildren Andrew Mullins and Patrick Mullins (Meggie), all of whom she loved dearly. Elizabeth loved her family immensely, and they loved her. She loved spending time with her grandsons who knew her as “MaMaw”. She delighted in and is survived by her sister Maxine “Titlar” Bramwell, many nieces and nephews and her daughter in law’s brother Tim Timmons. She is also preceded in death by her parents Allen Yow Steger and Edna Gates Steger.
Elizabeth was born on October 14, 1928 in Norfield, MS and grew up there. Being the older sister, Elizabeth often spoke of having to “…keep her sister in line…” when growing up, but she wouldn’t have had it any other way and her sister was a constant source of joy for her entire life. Growing up in the country, Elizabeth developed a love of plants, flowers and birds. This love carried on through out her life and you could always see her in her garden tending to her flowers and feeding the birds. Every spring was a new awakening for Elizabeth. Following graduation from Bogue Chito High School as salutatorian, she worked for Mississippi Power and Light where she met her husband, John, and was married in 1955.
Elizabeth was a woman of strong faith, and she was actively involved in her church, serving on many committees and ministries over the years. One of her favorite committees was the cookbook committee and the preparation of the Central Baptist Cookbook, as she was a passionate and amazing baker. Her family and friends always knew you would never leave her home without your sweet tooth being satisfied. Elizabeth cherished her faith family at Central Baptist and the fellowship and good friends she found in the congregation. She tried to be at church each time the doors opened. Later in life when she could not be there in person, she enjoyed watching the stream of each church service and the wonderful singing of the choir.
She had delightful times with the “Walking Crew”, which spent countless mornings at the Super Walmart and the church walking and talking. Coffee and fellowship always followed at Subway and later Burger King. It was the best fitness a person could have for their body and soul.
Elizabeth embraced life, and she never stopped learning. Thanks to her grandsons she took her first airplane flight at the age of 84 to travel to visit them and subsequently flew many more times to visit them. She became an avid student of the world, following the travels of her grandson Andrew as he traveled to over 30 countries for his job. She danced her first dance at the age of 92 at Patrick’s wedding.
Elizabeth was blessed to have special people later in life who assisted her when needed. Special thanks to Flo, Jada, Darlene and Carolyn.
If you wish, flowers are welcome or donations may be made in Elizabeth’s name to the American Heart Association or Central Baptist Church
Enoch B. Magee
Visitation for E.B. Magee will be Thursday, March 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Riverwood Family, and will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of service Friday. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Riverwood Family in Brookhaven, MS.
Enoch B. Magee, 82, passed from this life and to his heavenly home on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at his residence in Brookhaven. He was born to Enoch Samuel Magee and Annie Bell Linder Magee on May 14, 1940, in Greenville, Mississippi.
E.B. or “B”, as he became known, attended Baskin High School in Baskin, LA. While attending BHS he picked up the nickname “OOP” for his love of the song, “Alley Oop”. He served a short time in the United States Marine Corp before marrying his sweetheart, Beulah Mae Bardwell, and finally settling in Brookhaven, MS.
In the early 1960’s, E.B. was employed by Mapp Well Service where he worked more than 20 years. Mapp’s was bought out by Callon Energy Services where E.B. became manager of the Brookhaven regional office. He later became owner/operator of Magee’s Lawn Service and then on to become a supervisor for Premier Pump & Supply. Upon his retirement from Premier Pump & Supply, he was employed by Brookhaven Mini Storage as the maintenance/custodial manager, until the time of his death. He loved his oilfield life and found much pride in his hard work that enabled him to take care of his family and friends.
In his late 40’s, he found a passion for golfing. He was an avid player, landing spots in different tournaments, including the annual “Red Stuard Classic” on the Mississippi Coast. In his latter years, most days you could find him in his recliner, relaxing, watching John Wayne, Hop-A-Long Cassidy, Family Feud, and Wheel of Fortune. He had a love for Ole Miss Everything! But he really enjoyed watching Rebel Baseball with his family, and his buddy, Richard Barker. (Because of his love for the SEC sports, please feel free to support your team with the proper attire.)
Throughout his life, he became a father figure to many people. He loved unconditionally and provided a safe place for anyone who needed a helping hand.
Preceding him in death are his wife of 37 years, Beulah Mae Bardwell Magee; his parents; sons, Vernon E. Magee and Gerald Magee; sisters, Emma Jean Noble, Mazie Lee Williams, and Susan Easterling; brother, Sam Magee; son-in-law, Murray E. Lott; three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.
Survivors include his daughters, Barbara Renee Magee of Brookhaven and Rhonda Magee Lott of Hazlehurst; granddaughters, Annah Dunaway (Kevin) and Alexis Fugler, both of Brookhaven; and one great granddaughter, Bellah Dunaway; brother, Herchel Magee (Charlotte) of West Monroe, LA; sister, Yvonne Oliveaux (O.J.) of Ferriday, LA; brothers-in-law, who is more like a brother, Hollis Bardwell (Linda) of Pasadena, TX, Billy Posey of Brookhaven; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family. Also among the survivors are his feline companions and fur babies, Bubba and Sister, who both brought much love and joy to each day of his life.
Due to expected inclement weather, there will be no graveside service, however, there will be food and fellowship in the ministry center at Heuck’s Retreat Baptist Church for friends and family.
Mildred Foster Fort
The funeral service for Mildred Marie Foster Fort will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 16, at Fair River Baptist Church, Brookhaven, MS with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is on Wednesday, March 15, at the church from 5-8 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. on Thursday prior to the service.
Mildred, 92, passed away March 11, 2023. She was born December 20, 1930, to Grover Fugler and Montrie Deckard Fugler, in the Fair River community, Brookhaven, MS, where she lived most of her life.
Mildred was a real “people person” and a born leader. An active member of Fair River Baptist Church, over the years she served as CEP Director, Bible School Principal, Sunday School Teacher, and was a member of the choir. Active also in community affairs, she was Democratic Executive Committee Secretary, Brookhaven Business and Professional Women’s Club President, Director for several clubs, and Past Worthy Matron of Brookhaven Chapter #1.
Always thinking of others, when a member of Brookhaven Alpha Lions Club, she became aware of a lady who was in dire need of cataract surgery, but had no income or insurance. Mildred presented the need to the club and was instrumental in gaining the approval for the sponsorship of the surgery at Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service in Memphis, TN.
Following her retirement from Georgia Pacific, she was Secretary of the GP Retiree Club for a number of years and went over and beyond in her duties to organize lunches and events for the club.
Mildred always had a beautiful smile, rarely “met a stranger”, and made friends (of which she had many) easily. She had a great love for her family. In her words, she had the “deepest love that any mother could have” for her daughters, Linda Marie Foster Price and Dr. Donna Louise Foster.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Harvey Foster and Garland Fort; and her brothers, Noel Wilborn and Gene Fugler.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters; grandsons Matthew Vincent and wife, Sommer, Edward Roberson, David Roberson and Rachael, and Andy Kea; great-grandsons Peyton Vincent, Damion Roberson, and Declan Vincent; and great-granddaughter Eaden Roberson and her mother, Jessica. She is also survived by other loving family members and her many friends. She will be greatly missed.
In a 2008 memo, Mildred asked that the following be expressed at her death: “Know that I am at home in God’s presence. Prepare to come there someday.”
Sandra Kay Smith Hambach
The graveside service for Sandra Kay Smith Hambach will be 2 p.m., Monday, March 13, at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until 2 p.m. at Riverwood.
Mrs. Hambach was born in Brookhaven, MS, April 14, 1951, to Ramsey and Dorothy (Allen) Smith. She lived in the Brookhaven area for most of her life and surrendered this life for a new and perfect life, to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, March 9, 2023. She was 71 years of age.
Sandra was a loving wife and mother, but nothing gave her greater pleasure than when she became grandmother, those two precious children were the light of her life and she treasured every moment she had with them. She was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church, where she served for many years until sickness hindered her presence there. There are many ministries no one will ever know about because she was a quiet servant and lived to honor the Lord in all she did. She was a tremendous prayer warrior and that was her ministry for the last years of her life. She will be greatly missed and always remembered by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her father, Ramsey Smith.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her husband of 44 years, Rick Hambach; two sons, Scott R. Hambach (Paige) and Richard A. Hambach (Shelly); mother, Dorothy Allen Smith; brother, Donnie R. Smith (Mandy); sisters, Debbie Hill and Pam Case (Donald); and two beautiful grandchildren, Hayden Hambach and Braden Hambach. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend a deeply heartfelt thanks to the staff of Compassus Hospice, her nurse, Wendy Lockard, and an aid that cared for her, Miss Joyce.
Michael Roy Foster
The funeral service for Michael Roy Foster will be 11 a.m., Monday, March 13, at Stronghope Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Foster, 50, of Wesson, died March 8, 2023. He was born in Hazlehurst, May 7, 1972, to Willard Boyd Foster and Ruth Anne Lewis Foster. He worked as a mechanic. Mr. Foster spent his leisure time hunting or riding his motorcycle, he enjoyed target practicing and taking care of his mules. He was also an avid antiques collector. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Oscar Foster.
He is survived by his son, Wyatt Colton Foster; girlfriend, Misty Moak; special life long friend, John Jones; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
"There are only four ways to look at anything. It's either right, wrong, clean, or dirty! There is no half right or half wrong nor half clean or half dirty. It's all or none." (Willard Foster)
Rainnie Furr
Rainnie Calhoun Furr, 61, passed away March 6, 2023. She was born in Charleston, S.C., August 8, 1961, to Leroy Calhoun, Jr. and Carolyn Howard Calhoun.
Rainnie loved cooking and taking care of her dogs. She was an avid crafter, making jewelry for loved ones and was the most organized and thoughtful person her family has ever known. She recently purchased a 2004 Corvette so her husband and her could go to car shows. In the past, she rode motorcycles and enjoyed showing her horses when she was young. She raised her two kids to be highly successful and she was always taking care of others first. She wouldn’t have it any other way. She was so strong-willed and was such a guiding light in so many people’s lives. She will be missed by all that loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 35 years, Richard Hart Furr; daughter, Logan Killen and husband, Brandon and son, Marshall Furr and wife, Tori; her parents; along with her brother, Leroy Calhoun III and wife, Sharon; and sister, Wrenzie Rice and husband, Tom.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made in her name to the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL).
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