Johnny L. Beard, 71, of Hazlehurst, was born on August 28, 1953, to Jesse Beard and Catherine Howard Beard. Mr. Beard died on March 20, 2025, at St. Dominic’s Medical Center in Jackson, MS.

Mr. Beard owned his own business for 40 years. He lived in the river parishes of Louisiana for 30 years before settling back home to Mississippi. He loved restoring and owning old cars. He also enjoyed traveling, playing golf, fishing and crabbing. He served on the board of directors for River Parish Credit Union. Mr. Beard was a member of Smyrna Baptist church.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Francis McElveen.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Denise Beard; son, Shane Beard; brother, Jesse Beard; sister, Evelyn Delaughter; four grandchildren, Maddi Beard, Austin Burns, Jakob Lea, and Tucker Lea; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and by his faith family at Smyrna Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers you may make memorial donations to the American Heart Association 7272 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75231 or Smyrna Baptist Church.

A memorial service may follow at a later date.

Funeral service for Rachael Loraine Hamilton will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 22, at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Wesson, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Zion Hill.

Mrs. Hamilton, 83, of Wesson, passed away March 18, 2025. She was born in Wesson, MS, September 10, 1941, to Robert Lee Farrar and Emma Ontee Wilson Farrar. She was a loving and gracious wife, mother and grandmother. She was a faithful member of Zion Hill Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School as well as other ministries with her faith family. Mrs. Hamilton enjoyed painting, reading, gardening, and sewing. She was a student at Copiah Lincoln Community College from 1959-1961 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1961. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hamilton; her parents; brother, Butch Farrar; and sister, Emma Jane Dodds.

Surviving her are her children, Chuck Hamilton (Kenta), Tracey Bridges (Robbie), Katrina Castilaw (Mark), and Brad Hamilton (Kim); brother, Calvin Farrar; sisters, Nancy Alley and Patricia Parks; 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

The family expresses appreciation to Aspen Assisted Living of Brookhaven.

Visitation for Mrs. Maggie Leonard will be from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 19, at Riverwood Family and will resume Thursday, March 20, from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Brookway Baptist Church.

A celebration of Jesus Christ will be held for Maggie Leonard 10 a.m., Thursday, March 20, at Brookway Baptist Church in Brookhaven, MS.

Mrs. Leonard was born in Nacogdoches, TX on July 22, 1925, and she lived here on earth 99 years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She provided a gracious atmosphere for all her family and friends to enjoy, making sure they were never without food or the necessities of life. She was always striving to serve the will of God through her Savior, Jesus Christ. Mrs. Leonard entered her eternal reward March 16, 2025, from her home in Meadville, MS. She was a member of Temple Hill Church of Christ.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Leonard; her parents, James C. Nettles and May Pate Nettles; and her brother, James K. Nettles.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, C L Leonard; daughter, Nelda Leonard Perry; and her granddaughter, Alice Perry. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members, friends, and her faith family.

In lieu of flowers, find someone in need and or hungry; take care of their needs, cook home cooking, and assure they are cared for.

Wanda Ida Donley, 74, of Ruth, MS, died on March 14, 2025, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven on July 12, 1950, to Gus Boyte and Leila Thornton Boyte. She worked for many years with the Daily Leader. Mrs. Donley was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed having her family and friends around her. Some of her favorite pastimes were listening to music and looking for unique rocks and fossils. She also had a love for cats. Wanda will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Shawn Donley; her parents; sister, Andy Lewis; and brother, Bill Boyte.

She is survived by her children, Jimmy Bonson (Meredith), David Bonson (Lisa), and Chris Heathcock (Jennifer); sister, Sandy Leggett (John); and sister-in-law, Neomia Boyte; 11 grandchildren, Ian, Emily, Sarah, Caleb, Daniel, Karley, Cassie, Matt, Jason, and Matthew. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends including Danyell Heathcock, Donnie Heathcock, Donnie Heathcock, Jr., and by numerous cousins.