Funeral services for Ruth Marlene Dunn Rushing will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 12, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Thursday, January 11, at the church and will resume Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Mrs. Rushing, 90, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life January 9, 2024, in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Bogue Chitto, December 24, 1933, to Charles Andrew Dunn and Eula Redd Dunn.

Marlene was born and raised in the Johnson Grove community in Lincoln County where she would live most of her 90 years. She graduated from West Lincoln High School in 1952. Her early adult life was a time of many trials. She once described this time as a “stepping stone of learning.” She worked at Stahl-Urban for nearly 17 years where she acquired many lasting friendships. Working full time and raising 3 children seemed overwhelming, but her dependance on God and the help of her loving mother, who cared for her children, made it possible for over 10 years.

She married Allen Rushing, and his three boys, in 1972. Next to God, her family was the focus of her life. She and Allen together had 6 children and bonded their family as one. The word “step” was never used and in Marlene’s heart did not exist.

Providing good memorable times for their children and grandchildren. Marlene continued that family atmosphere after Allen died in 2010. She was motivated by a deep love for every family member and that love spilled over to her church and community.

Cleaning the church, taking care of communion and handling a portion of the church bulletin helped her grow deep relationships with her church family.

She was famous for a community favorite, those chocolate pies. In addition, reading, quilting, and writing poems, short stories and articles, were her passions. She especially enjoyed writing community news for the newspaper.

She valued friendships and loved butterflies. If you ever wanted to lift her spirits, you could give her something with a butterfly on it and it brightened her day.

Sunsets, quite walks, and spending time with her Lord were paramount to her insights on life.

An ordinary person with an extraordinary heart, she lived a Christian example to all who knew her, yet giving God all the glory.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen O. Rushing; her parents; grandson, Scott Johnston; and a special sister-in-law, Edna Brown.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Jordan (Carlos), Kathi Easley (Roger), Scotty Johnston (Sondra), Darrell Rushing (Janis), Darrin Rushing (Joanie), and Doyle Rushing; 13 grandchildren, Chad Jordan (Amber), Dustin Jordan (Alison), Rod Easley, Corey Easley (Virginia), Keri Todd (Jarrett), Amber Haralson (John), Josh Rushing (Jillian), Blake Rushing, Karlee Gilbert (David), Kayla Beth Reno (Josh), Maggie Rushing, Brett Rushing (Jessica), and Erin Smithers (Bo); and 25 great grands. She is also survived by a special nephew, Maxie Brown, special nieces, Judy Hinton, Janice Thomas, and Donna Morgan Guy; and a special friend, Paulette Thomas, as well as many other loving family members and friends.

A graveside service for Clara Belinda “Linda” Malone will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 10^th, at Riverwood Memorial Park.

Mrs. Malone, 73, of Brookhaven, died January 7, 2024, at Diversicare in Brookhaven, MS. She was born December 5, 1950, to Donald O. McIntyre and Mary Frances Blankenship McIntyre. She was a devoted mother to her two sons who precede her in death, John McDonald and Daniel McDonald.

She is also preceded in death by her husband, Patrick Malone and her parents.

She is survived by her four grandchildren; and by her sister, Mary McIntyre Price.

A Memorial Gathering for Mr. Larry Joe Wilson, Sr. will be 5:00-7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at Riverwood Family.

Mr. Larry Joe Wilson, Sr., 74, passed away January 5, 2024, at his residence.

He was born April 26, 1949, to the late George Buford Wilson and Ludie Mae Hall Wilson.

He served as a Military Police and Staff Sergeant in the United States Army.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, George Buford Wilson, Jr.; sisters, Eula Mae Kimble and Sherry Annette Wilson; his grandparents; daughter, Lora Ann McIntyre and granddaughter, Lauren Nicole McIntyre.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Vicky Jarreau, Belinda Tipton, Cheryl Decoursey and husband, Gary, Allaina Wilson, Amy Kyzar and husband, Dewayne, Daisha Mae McCullough and husband, Devin; sons, Joey Wilson and wife, Lee, Jason Wilson, Larry Joe Wilson, Jr. “Jody”, and his partner of 14 years, Anna Waller.

He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, Clyde Alexander III, David Malone (D.J.), Courtney Young, Joshua Kyzar, Heather Kyzar, Alex McIntyre, Olivia Wilson, Rhiannon Moses, Paul Jarreau III, Hannah Jarreau, Dawson Wilson, Jasmine McCurdy, John McCurdy, Jacob McCurdy, Sebastian White, Sadi Tipton, Connor DeCoursey, Madison DeCoursey and Remmie Wilson. Along with 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and family and friends.

Mary Annie Freeman Townsend, 80, of Monticello, MS, passed away January 7, 2024, at her residence. She was born September 27, 1943, to Willie Clarance Freeman and Mary Jewel Higgins Freeman. She worked as a Security Guard with Weyerhaeuser for many years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Glen Townsend; her parents; brother, Walter “Sonny” Freeman; grandson, Branson Cole Buchanan; and great grandson, Stetson Wade Padgett.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Tod Townsend (Jennifer), Deirdre Buchanan (Bubba), and Shawna Padgett (Woody); brothers, Lynn Freeman (Sandra) of Paragould, AR, C.B. Jones (Juanita) of Dumas, AR; sisters, Betty Sue Whitt (Wayne) of Cabot, AR, and Ruth Ellen Henderson (Sam) of Heber Springs, AR. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jake Waldrop (Alisha), Hope Gatlin (Eli), Michael Waldrop (Amber), Jade Padgett (Jeffery), Hanna Rippy, Sierra Stephens (Ben), Megan Skinner (Kaleb), Zackary Townsend, Bret Padgett (Demy), and Ryan Welther (Tiffany); 13 great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.

A Memorial service will be held at a later date.