A celebration of life will be held for Virginia Sellers Sparks 11 a.m., Thursday, February 27, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park with her pastor, Rev. Tyler Bridge officiating. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, at Riverwood and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday.

Virginia, 75, of Brookhaven, after arriving home from MD Anderson on Thursday night, greeted by family and friends, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.  She was born in Canton, MS on October 26, 1949, to Berten M. Sellers and Tomie Pace Sellers Gibson.

Virginia was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  The joys of her life were her grandchildren that she filled their summers with sweet memories together at Meme and Papa’s house with Vacation Bible School, swimming at Mrs. Debra’s and spending time together. She loved watching and supporting them at their sporting events and activities. She was a faithful charter member of Christ Methodist Church of Brookhaven and was active in the Prayer Shawl Ministry there. She taught Kindergarten for many years at Faith Presbyterian Church. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, Jim Gibson, and grandmother, Mai Pace Faucette.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Allen Sparks; children, Bert Sparks (Meisha) of Saltillo, MS, Leon Sparks (Jennifer) of Meridian, MS, and Michael Sparks (Lacey) of The Woodlands, TX; grandchildren, Emma Cate and BreAnne Sparks, Pace and Sellers Sparks, Maddox and Slade Sparks; brother, Leon Sellers (Jill); and a host of other nieces, nephews, loving family members and friends. The Pallbearers will be Dustin Bairfield, Stan Foster, Dave Langston, Keith Kavitz, Maddox Sparks, Slade Sparks, Pace Sparks, and Sellers Sparks.  Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. David Strong and Dr. Greg Howell.

The Sparks family extends great appreciation to Arden Hospice Ministries.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Capital Campaign, Christ Methodist Church of Brookhaven, P.O. Box 4387, Brookhaven, MS 39603

A Celebration of life will be held for James Caroll Hennington 2 p.m., Monday, February 24, at Sylvarena Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.

James Caroll Hennington, 79, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley Ann Hutson, his parents, William Henry Hennington and Winnie Mae Rich Hennington Smith, his stepfather Mathew Butler Smith, and an infant brother, Will Hennington. Mr. Hennington is survived by his children: Darlene Lewis (Mike) of Brandon, MS, Laurie Chassion (Joey) of Wesson, and David Caroll Hennington (Holly) of Canton, GA. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Trey Chassion (Ariel), Anna Lewis Gunn (Sam), Hailey Chassion, Ava Mae Hennington, and George Hennington, along with a great-grandson, Truett Chassion, and his cherished sister, Zoula Mae Huffman (George) of Wesson, MS. Known for his impressive driving skills, Mr. Hennington was invited to compete in skill challenges at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, AR. His commitment to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family. He loved to proudly share stories of his children, grandchildren, and great[1]grandson with anyone who would listen. He attended countless sports games, band concerts, and rodeos to support his family, including his children, nieces, and nephews. An avid outdoorsman, he passed on his love for nature to his children and mentored his nieces and nephews, helping them cultivate their own appreciation for the outdoors. His infectious smile and warm embrace left a lasting impact on many, earning him the nickname “Uncle Caroll” and “Pawpaw” from both family and friends alike. His family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy will endure through his love for his wife, children, and the countless precious memories shared with so many during his time with us. Caroll and Shirley shared a lifetime together. They eloped to Livingston, AL, on November 26, 1965, during the Thanksgiving holiday. Over the years, they enjoyed many activities together, including camping and participating in CB clubs in the 70s, where they were known as Ranger Slim and Lady Ranger Slim. In the 80s, they took up square dancing at the Old Wesson School, and in the 90s, they devoted time to helping raise their grandchildren while continuing their camping adventures across the state. For many years, they hosted the Dixie National Wagon Train kickoff campout at the Hennington home place on Beauregard Road. A regular presence on Facebook, Caroll loved keeping in touch with his friends and family daily. He was an active member of Sylvarena Baptist Church and attended Beauregard Church during his childhood. Even after moving to assisted living, he continued to watch church services on Facebook. He was fond of unsweet tea, Mississippi State, and fried fish. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his care team at The Aspen, including Kelly Rutland, Jesse Harrison, Virginia Petty, and Jaylan Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Winnie Mae Rich Hennington Smith Memorial Scholarship, Co-Lin Foundation, P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191.

A Celebration of life service will be held for Frances Ann Oliver 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 25, at Macedonia Baptist Church with burial in the Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Monday, February 24, at Riverwood and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

Mrs. Oliver, 85, of Brookhaven, went to be with the Lord February 21, 2025. She began her journey in life on October 8, 1939, born to Edward and Bertha Smith. She balanced work and family with grace and strength. She and her husband, Kenneth, owned and operated Oliver Grocery for many years. Mrs. Oliver was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Ray Oliver; her parents; and her sister, Shirley Smith.

Those who remain to cherish her memory are her children, Becky Boyd (Michael), Kenneth Oliver (Margaret), and Ricky Oliver; brothers, Carl Smith (Lawanda), Jimmy Smith (Diane), and Tommy Smith (Jan); sister, Peggy Britt; six grandchildren, Allyson, Amber, Corey, Arron, Leah, and Brianna; and eight great grandchildren.

The family extends appreciation to Silver Cross and Deaconess Home Health for the love and care given to Mrs. Oliver.

 Betty Woodham Jones, 91, of Brookhaven, Mississippi passed away on February 19 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betsy will always be remembered for her selfless kindness and charming hospitality.

 She was born on May 19, 1933, in Midland City, Alabama, to Jasper Richard Woodham and Mary Alice Marshall Woodham. The seventh of nine children, she used to say that her parents “raised cotton, peanuts, and children.” She attended the University of Georgia and graduated from Whitworth College in Brookhaven. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, served on the executive board of The Brookhaven Trust, and was a member of the Junior Auxiliary, Matinee Musicale and the Climbers Club. Betsy had an abundance of friends and loved her bridge and luncheon clubs, and her supper club.

 She met Robert E. Jones while he was on active duty with the Army in Georgia, and they married on June 13, 1954. They were married for 49 years until his passing in 2003.

 She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her son, Robert E. Jones, Jr.; and eight brothers and sisters.

 She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Butterfield Jones and Jennifer Jones Wright (Bob); three grandchildren, Robert Lee Jones (Brittney), Robert Edmondson Wright (Lindsay), Sarah Price Faulkner (Waters); seven great-grandchildren, and a host of other family members.

 A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday March 1, at Riverwood Family Funeral Services in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial is in Riverwood Memorial Park.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christ Methodist Church of Brookhaven,

P.O. Box 4387, Brookhaven, MS  39603.