Obituaries
Sue Ann Edwards Hamm
Funeral service for Mrs. Sue Ann Edwards Hamm will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 24, 2021,
at Sylvarena Baptist Church, with interment at the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m.
until the time of service.
Sue Ann Edwards Hamm was born at home on Steele Road, Steele, MS, March 1, 1947, to John D.
and Christine Marie Edwards. She was the fourth child and first daughter in what would eventually
be a group of six siblings. Like most farm children of her age Sue’s childhood was more about work
and responsibility than it was about play and adventure. In Spring she helped plant the gardens.
In Summer she helped pick, can, and otherwise process the produce so we could continue to have
food throughout the coming Winter. Sue was an excellent student while attending grades 1-12 at
Haperville Attendance Center in Harperville, MS. She went on to marry the love of her life and raise
a family while traveling the states with her husband for work. Later in life she would gain her BS in
counseling from Liberty University. This was an apt degree as Sue always had the ability to show empathy
and concern for the needs and problems of others. Her deep faith in the love of God and the grace of
Christ made her the perfect conduit for the Holy Spirit to move in the lives of others through her with
His gift of counsel. Through her guidance, an untold number of souls were won for Christ. Throughout
her life it was not uncommon for her to have persons not related to her living in her home as they
overcame problems in this life. Her generosity seemed almost infinite as she gave not only of her time
but also of her resources, often doing without herself so that others would have what they needed.
Her church family was always central to her life. She studied scripture and taught Sunday School
for most of her life, sharing the love of God.
Sue was preceded in death by her father, John D. Edwards; brothers, John Milton Edwards and
Steven Thomas “Tommy” Edwards.
She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, August F. Hamm; daughters, Misty Karen Williams Wise
and Cynthia Grace Hamm Tronstad; son, David Ashley Hamm; as well as 11 grandchildren
and five great grandchildren.
Kenneth Ray Wallace
Memorial service for Mr. Kenneth Ray Wallace of McCall Creek are 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Kenneth Ray Wallace, 62, passed away March 20, 2021 at his residence.
He was born on January 18, 1959 to the late JJ Wallace, Sr. and Vera Mae Grooms Wallace.
He enjoyed old cars and going to softball games.
Mr. Wallace will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Larry Wallace and JJ Wallace, Jr., and a sister, Linda Murray.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carmen Wallace; son, Cory Matthew Wallace and wife, Karla Wallace; daughters, Brandi Turnage and husband, Dan of Monticello and Misty Troulliet of Brookhaven.
He is also survived by his brother, Dennis Wallace and sisters, Sharon Smith and Clarece Dier. Along with his 5 grandchildren.
Lewis Walter Brown
Graveside service for Lewis Walter Brown will be 2 p.m., Thursday, March 18, 2021, at Rosehill Cemetery.
Mr. Lewis, 82, of Brookhaven, passed away from this earth to his heavenly home on March 13, 2021 at 11:20pm, at his residence.
He was born in Houston, Texas, October 14, 1938 to Junius Walter Brown and Audrey Lee Thames Brown.
Although plagued by different illnesses in his latter years, his kind heart and generous spirit were known to all who met him.
He was retired from Shell Oil where he worked as an electrician and held his friends, with whom he worked, dear to his heart.
He was a lifetime lover of learning, especially where his faith was concerned. At the time of his death he was a member of Fair River Baptist Church,
and in his earlier years, he was an active member of Union Baptist Church and Easthaven Baptist Church. He was a man of great faith and integrity
and as honest in his love of his family and friends as he was of his Savior. He was always one who shared his Christian spirit with anyone he met.
He was a loving husband to Mary Ruth Brown with who he shared fifty three years. They had one son, Shawn Blair Brown, who preceded him in death.
“Oh my, the stories they are sharing now!”
Mr. Lewis was also preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Nealey Blair Brown, and his two sisters, Carrie Fritch and Frances Mizell.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Ruth Brown; daughter, Heather Vaughn Brown; three grandchildren, Lauren Elizabeth Brown,
Payton and Colleen Brown. The family would like to express a special thank you to his first cousin, Sandy Thames Braswell, for her many years of love and support.
Betty Stanfield Penn Smith (Betsy)
Services for Betty Stanfield Penn Smith (Betsy) are 11:00 am, Friday, March 19, 2021 at First United Methodist Church
with visitation from 10:00 am until time of the service and burial at Rosehill Cemetery.
Born October 31, 1939, to John Sidney Penn Jr. and Betty Watkins Penn Denson (Step-father Richard “June” Denson)
passed away on March 14, 2021 surrounded by her family. Also preceding her in death were her sisters
Judy Penn Ewing and Melinda Penn Bethea, Great Aunt Ruth Penn, Gladys Stone and James B Stone.
Survivors include Ralph Smith, Jr (Denise Thompson with son Dustin); Richard Smith and daughter Olivia Smith;
Sydney Wilson and sons Gabe and Penn Wilson; Stephany Smith with sons Noah and Watkins Smith;
and Cameron Smith (Candice) and Allie and Zachary Smith. Also surviving her: Robyn Ewing (Jenifer) and Bryan Ewing; Mack Bethea ,
Shelley Kennedy (Brad) Daniel Bethea; Emily Bethea; sister Nancy Penn Pavy (Bob) Trey Pavy(Jessica) and Matthew Pavy,
Sarah Nann Bryant , Andy Bryant (Taylor) and Adrian Bryant (Hollie), along with a host of cousins and relatives .
Betsy was a 1957 graduate of BHS, where she was salutatorian and homecoming queen .
She attended the W and graduated from the University of Mississippi. Betsy enjoyed rearing her children, playing tennis ,
teaching school in the Brookhaven Public School System, and working an advertising agency
before launching Betsy Smith Properties, her real estate firm for over 3 decades.
She had a lifelong affection for First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for 50 years and served on various
and numerous committees and especially loved her card-writing disciple group these last years. Her heart and love for
Homeseekers’ Paradise was evident as she served and presided on various Boards including King’s Daughters Medical Center, Trustmark National Bank, Willing Hearts Circle,
Habitat for Humanity, Southwest Mississippi Board of Realtors, Charity Ball, Climbers Club , DAR, and Mission Mississippi, still always ready to coach tennis or lead a scouting group.
The red and white Volkswagen bus with standard stick shift , affectionately called the Betsy Bus, would travel to gyms all over the state of Mississippi for gymnastics ,
softball, basketball , baseball, football , tennis or track. Some of her fondest memories as a child were playing sports and keeping the baseball stats during summer leagues,
and she passed along this passion for sports to her children. She loved the Raiders and could often listen and watch several ballgames at one time.
Her car would be parked in the driveway with the car door wide open with a local team, and she would have another game on the radio that sat on her kitchen counter.
Betsy was a wonderful mother .....certainly the old woman in the shoe had so many children she didn’t know what to do could apply on many levels. But we woke up for school each day
to a morning devotional and a hot breakfast and came home to something in the crockpot for supper. She never stopped mothering and mentoring. Betsy loved games, competition,
and comradery and enjoyed her last game of Dictionary at Christmas. Ever the wordsmith, Betsy enjoyed the English language, writing colorful descriptions in her real estate advertising.
The Southwest Real Estate Board honored her recently with a One- of –a- Kind Award for her contributions and high ideals and principles in the real estate profession.
What an honor to be thought of that way by peers and competitors alike.
Betsy’s legacy of being an advocate for those people less fortunate and forlorn or who do not have a voice will resonate loud and clear long after she is gone.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial to the First United Methodist Church, Methodist Children’s Home, KDMC Foundation or Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County.
Helen Jean Reeves
Funeral service for Mrs. Helen Jean Reeves will be 1 p.m., Thursday, March 18, 2021,
at Riverwood Family. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Reeves, 73, of Wesson, passed from this life March 12, 2021, at her residence.
She was born March 16, 1947, to Ralph Reeves and Nellie Reeves. She was employed
with Civil Service in Payroll and Logistics. In her leisure time she enjoyed painting,
sewing, bird watching, and gardening. Her presence will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Dale Reeves and her parents.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Ronald Reeves and wife, Teresa and Randal Reeves;
sister, Mary Nell Magee; five grandchildren, Hannah Smith, Allison Smith, Rachael Watson,
Cameron Reeves, and Gabriel Reeves; and three great grandchildren as well as other loving family members and friends.
Gary Lavelle Wininger
Graveside service for Mr. Gary Lavelle Wininger will be 1 p.m., Saturday, March 13, 2021,
at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mr. Gary Lavelle Wininger, 74, of Wesson, passed away March 11, 2021 at his residence.
He was born August 10, 1946 in Calhoun, Louisiana. He served his country in the
United States Army and was a member of Landmark United Pentecostal Church. Mr. Wininger
was retired from Walmart where he was a Truck Driver.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Reba Wininger; his parents, Alonzo Lavelle Wininger and
Velma Orene Frost Wininger and his sisters, Carolyn Turner and Shirley Turner.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Lisa Henderson and husband, Mark; and
two granddaughters, Halee Henderson and Hannah Henderson. He is also survived by
a host of lifelong and new found family friends.
David Harrison Calcote
Funeral service for David Harrison Calcote will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021, at New Hope United Methodist Church
with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, March 13, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service and
then from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at the church. Reverends Ken Hart, Jeff Davis, and Andy Stoddard will officiate the service.
Mr. Calcote, 94, of Wesson, passed from this life March 11, 2021 at his residence. He was born June 30, 1926 to Boyd Calcote
and Mattie Golden Calcote. He was employed as a Diesel Mechanic with the Oil Field before retirement, and he was a member
of New Hope United Methodist Church. Mr. Calcote is a member of the “greatest generation” and served his country in the
United States Army during WWII. He was hard working, and family oriented, but enjoyed the simpler things in life like
mowing grass and fishing. He also enjoyed farming and working with wood. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy Nell Case Calcote; his parents; brother, Russell Calcote, Virgil Calcote,
Denver Calcote, and Jimmy Calcote; and sister, Margaret Michael.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his sons, John Calcote (Nancy), Eddie Calcote (Barbara); daughters, Bernadette Bowman (Bobby),
Jenny Lofton (Roy); brother-in-law, Doyle Stroud (Faye); sisters-in-law, Betty Criswell, Maxine Calcote, and Janie Calcote; 13 grandchildren,
26 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren as well as a host of nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope UMC, 2320 Hwy 550, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Jerry Kirtfield
Mr. Jerry Kirtfield, 72, of Ruth, passed away March 10, 2021 at Kings Daughters Medical Center.
He was born on March 17, 1948 to the late, Ira and Maude Kirtfield.
Mr. Kirtfield served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam war.
He worked as a crane operator offshore and served his community working at the Brookhaven
Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department.
He enjoyed his cattle, making people smile, helping people behind the scenes and he loved old cars.
Jerry will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Janet; brother, Darrell and sister, Ann.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Tony Kirtfield and daughter, Tonya Foret. Along with his
4 grandchildren, Taylor Rushing, Hannah Murphey, Hunter Rushing, and Devon Kirtfield, and his three great grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to the Veterans Administration.
Daniel Kent Nations
Funeral service for Daniel Kent Nations will be 1 p.m., Friday, March 12, 2021, at Riverwood Family
with interment in Nola Family Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service at Riverwood.
Daniel Kent Nations, 22, of Nola, passed away March 1, 2021 at University Medical Center.
He was born on May 23, 1998, to Kent and Mary Ann Nations.
Daniel was a 2016 graduate of Brookhaven Academy and graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in 2019.
He was an Electrical Technician for Keystone Electric, in Brookhaven, MS. He enjoyed fishing, golfing,
and the outdoors. Daniel liked gaming and music and being with family and friends.
Daniel will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Preceding him in death were his grandfathers, Jerry Nations, Sr, Wade Calcote, Willard Griffin, and aunt, Liz Wilson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Kent and Mary Ann Nations; sister, Millaine Nations Hogue
and husband, Chase, and their daughter, Mary Emilia “Emmi” Hogue; grandmothers, Joyce Smith Griffin and
Barbara Calcote, aunt, Gina Naef, cousins, Zach Naef, Kayla Naef, Justin Wilson, and Jessica Wilson Nations.
Lola Sue West Thames
Graveside service for Lola Sue West Thames will be 11 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021, at Monticello Cemetery.
Visitation is from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. prior to service, at Riverwood Family. Rev. Ryan Thurman will officiate.
Mrs. Thames, 87, of Brookhaven, passed from this life March 5, 2021. She was born in Kosciusko, MS April 19, 1933.
She was a seamstress during her lifetime, and she was a member of Central Baptist Church. She was a loving wife
and mother, and she will be greatly missed by all she leaves behind.
She is preceded in death by her husband, J. D. Thames; parents, Calvin D. West, Sr. and Estelle Boyd West; brother,
Calvin D. West, Jr.; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Bracey Thames.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her son, John D. “Tooky” Thames (Denise); daughters, Cindy T. Kennedy (David),
Becky T. Bush (David), and Joni Culpepper (David); six grandchildren, Chris Kennedy, Dorian Wade, Marcus Bush,
Hannah Culpepper, Erin King, Katie Grace Culpepper; four great grandchildren, C.J., Morgan, Matti, Dylan; and one
great great grandchild, Ryder.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Southwest MS Children’s Advocacy Center, P.O. Box 7283, McComb, MS 39649.
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