Memorial service for Betty Sue Holmes Davis will be 4 p.m., Sunday, December 1 at Pleasant Grove Church. Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the time of the service.

Mrs. Davis, 88, of Brookhaven, died peacefully November 23, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was born in Tylertown, MS, on November 18, 1936, to Hilton D. Holmes and Althea L. Reeves Holmes. Mrs. Davis worked as Walthall County Justice Court Clerk for many years. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Church, investing 60 years in service to the Lord and His church at Pleasant Grove. She was active in the Women on Missions group as well as serving as church hostess. Mrs. Davis was a 15-year member of the Red Hat Society. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.  

She is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny G. Davis, Sr.; her parents; and one brother, Hilton D. Holmes, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Jerry Davis (Cheryl), Mark Davis (Kathy), Charles Hobgood (Anna), Twyla Smith (Jeff), Johnny Davis, Jr.; brother, Jerry E. Holmes (Bonnie); sisters, Judy P. Davis (Jay), Wanda K. Smithie (Jimmy); five grandchildren, Jennifer, Kristen, Brittany, Kandace, Austin; 13 great grandchildren, Swayze, Cooper, Blaine, Addison, Wyatt, Ella, Ellie Anders, Archie, Fletcher, Clara, Emma, Samuel, and August. She is also survived by Magnolia Blossoms Red Hat Society, her Pleasant Grove Ladies Sunday School Class, as well as other loving family members and friends.

The family would like to express grateful appreciation to St. Luke’s Hospice and Fresenius Medical Care as well as Dr. James Hall, and Riverwood Family.

Services for Mrs. Mary Louise Dier of Brookhaven are 9:00 am, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Riverwood Family and visitation from 5:00-7:00 pm, Monday, November 25 at Riverwood Family and burial at Steele Cemetery in Meadville.

Mrs. Mary Louise Dier, 67, passed away on November 23, 2024, at her home in Brookhaven. She was born on June 12, 1957, to the late Hollis H White and Laura L. White.

Mary was a retired nurse and was a member of Southway Baptist Church.

She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her and knew her

Preceding her in death are her parents: husbands, Hugh Dier, and Jacky Wilson; daughter, Lauren Scott and brother, Bernard White.

Those left to cherish her memory are her brother Keith White and his wife Rhonda; sisters Joanie Rushing, husband Darrin and Debra Steotzner, husband Randy, and four grandchildren, Timothy, Layla, Elizabeth, and Wyatt.

Graveside service for Carol Renee Dunaway Patrick will be 2 p.m., Monday, November 25, at Wesson City Cemetery.

Ms. Patrick, 57, of Bogue Chitto, MS, died November 21, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven, MS, to Donald Dunaway and Donna Stanford Ducker.

Carol was a graduate of Wesson High School and a member of the National Honor Society. She completed her education at Copiah-Lincoln Community College with an associate degree in Cosmetology. She was a member of Pearl Valley Baptist Church in Copiah County, and it was in that community where she spent most of her adult life. Never having children of her own, she was always drawn to the children at any family event. Carol will be greatly missed and always known as the “fun aunt” who was passionate about her dogs.

She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Dunaway and nephew, Roger Dunaway Jr.

Carol is survived by her mother, Donna Ducker; three brothers, Roger Dunaway (Stephanie), Ricky Dunaway (Nancy), and Michael Dunaway (Amy); one sister, Janet Wilson (Steve); nieces, Jessica Odom and Kelly Wallace; and nephews, Dustin Dunaway, Ryan Wilson and Ruston Wilson. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

James (“Jim”) William Elliott, Jr., a gentleman who found great joy in connecting with others, passed away peacefully at his home in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on November 21, 2024, surrounded by family. Services will be held on Monday, November 25, at Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven. A visitation for family and friends will take place at the church from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary. A private, family graveside service will follow at Riverwood.

Jim’s nearly 94 years of life can best be described as an embodiment of the American Dream. He was a devoted family man who loved God and his country and found success as an entrepreneur and businessman. He had many interests in life, and nothing brought him greater happiness than sharing them with family and friends. Though he has departed this life, his legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of those who knew him, serving as a guide for pursuing one's passions and living a fulfilling life.

Jim was born in Jackson, Mississippi on January 21, 1931, to James William Elliott and Marie Aurelia Woods Elliott. He attended Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Central High School in 1949. Jim attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, president of the Cardinal Club, president of the School of Liberal Arts, and Cadet Colonel of the Air R.O.T.C. After serving two years in the United States Air Force as 1^st Lieutenant, legal officer, Jim returned to the University of Mississippi’s law school where he obtained his LLB degree. While in law school he was elected president of his senior law class and worked as an assistant to the Business Manager of Athletics. 

Jim married the love of his life, Charlene Rice Elliott, on December 22, 1956. Upon graduation from law school, the couple moved to their lifelong home of Brookhaven, Mississippi where he joined the law firm of Phillips and Carr in 1958. After a brief career in the practice of law, he made a bold entrepreneurial decision, embracing the opportunity offered by Mississippi’s burgeoning oil and gas industry. This leap of faith provided a career, and he found success as an independent oil producer. He was active in oil and gas exploration throughout the southeastern United States for over 50 years. Later in life, he also developed real estate, launched several small businesses, and served on the State Bank & Trust Company Board of Directors. Additionally, Jim served in leadership positions within several civic, professional, political, sport, and wildlife conservation organizations throughout his life. Jim’s passion for his work kept him mentally sharp as he was known to rise early and report to his office where his entrepreneurial drive remained strong well into his nineties.

Jim’s greatest joys in life were found through his family. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother George Elliott, wife Charlene and their daughter Hattie Rose Elliott. He is survived by his sister Sara Newton; by daughters Meg Nordberg (Richard) and Amanda Warren (Brooks); by grandchildren Elliott Warren (Molly), Lydia McLaughlin (Glenn), Maley Nordberg, John Nordberg, and Sarah Rice Halbert (Keaton); and by great-grandchildren Anne Warren, Betsy Warren, Ellie James McLaughlin, and Lyla McLaughlin.

Jim and Charlene were active in church affairs. They were members of Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven for much of their adult life. Jim served as a deacon, chairman of the deaconate, Sunday School teacher, president of the Men of the Church and advisor to the Senior High Fellowship. Among his many interests in life was a love for the great outdoors and the game of tennis. An avid sportsman, he received the Ducks Unlimited Award for significant contribution to waterfowl conservation in 1987 and took great pleasure in introducing his enthusiasm for hunting and fishing to his children, grandchildren, and friends. A knowledgeable tennis player, Jim encouraged many local junior players within the Brookhaven area throughout his life and was eager to teach the game to his children and grandchildren.

Jim lived a fulfilling life. He spent his time purposefully and with conviction. He had an infectious personality, and an energetic spirit, and maintained a large group of friends throughout his life. Never one to shy away from a card game, lunch with new and old acquaintances, sharing a “sugar-free” dessert, or rooting on his beloved Ole Miss Rebels, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Braves, he was generous with his time and presence. He delighted in sharing his passions with family and friends, creating special moments and fond memories that will be cherished forever by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Faith Presbyterian Church mission fund or a charity of your choice.

The Graveside Service for Edwin Earl Taylor will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 25, 2024, at Easthaven Cemetery.

Edwin Earl Taylor, 92, of Brookhaven, died November 20, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Hazlehurst, MS, December 21, 1931, to Parvin Edward Taylor and Velma Jewell Belding.

Earl was a barber for 50 years, where he made many lifelong friends and did countless first-time haircuts. He could cut a “flat top” like nobody’s business. He was a kind man and loved people.  He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Words cannot express what he meant to his family. There will always be wonderful and kind memories to reflect on. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Sonny” to his nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Alyene Taylor; parents; brother, Hewy Taylor; and sisters, Elsie Vidrine and Mary Alice Townsend.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Reggie Taylor and Rickie Taylor (John Chrestia); sister, Ruby Broussard; three grandchildren, Lauren Taylor Brettner, Abby Taylor, and Michelle Menough; two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Alistair; and a very special daughter-in-law, Debbie Taylor Smith.

Graveside service for Joseph Harold McGee will be 11 a.m., Friday, November 22, at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Joseph Harold McGee was born February 11, 1941, to Virgil E. McGee and Maude Leggett McGee. He died November 19, 2024, at his home in Bogue Chitto, MS, he was 83 years of age. Mr. McGee was a City Mail Carrier for many years before retiring. He enjoyed being outdoors and found much joy in photography. Mr. Joe also liked to spend time growing and tending beautiful flowers. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Willie McGee.

He is survived by his children, Andrew McGee (Marsha) and George McGee (Kelly); brother, Jackie McGee (Nancy); sister, Sarah Nell Rutledge (Percy); six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of other loving family members and friends as well as his faith family at Calvary Baptist Church.

Graveside service for Anthony Glenn (Tony) Richardson will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Easthaven Cemetery with Bro. Douglas Kimble officiating.

Tony was born on July 16, 1972, in Meridian, MS, and passed away suddenly on November 18, 2024, in Waynesboro, MS at 52.

Tony is survived by his brother Todd Richardson (Emma), sisters Tina Emmons (Barry) and Susan Carmichael (Fredie), and his mother Frankie A Lambert (Bill) as well as his loving Uncle and Aunt Leroy and Joann Richardson along with one niece, four nephews, and numerous cousins.

Tony is preceded in death by his father Ralph Allen Richardson.

He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, MS. He attended Northeast Elementary School in Meridian, MS. He went on to graduate from St Joseph High School in Greenville, MS. BUT Tony's home of home was Brookhaven, MS where he spent so much time at an early age. This is where his Aunt Joann and Uncle Roy loved him, thought of him, and treated him as "one of their boys".

Gary Dewayne Delaughter, 40, died November 10, 2024, in Wilkinson County, MS. He was born in Brookhaven, MS, April 14, 1984, to Larry Wayne Delaughter and Sheila Ann Delaughter.

Gary is preceded in death by his father; his grandparents, Dan and Ruby Lee Byrd and Thelma and Ralph Delaughter; and by his nephew, Peyton Banks.

He is survived by his mother; brother, Larry Wayne Delaughter II; nephews, Mason Delaughter and Jaydan Bradley; and by a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Bobbye Faye (Winstead) Wynn, 74, died the morning of November 12, 2024.  Her funeral service will be Saturday, November 16, at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Brookhaven following with a graveside service at Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday evening, November 15, from 5:00 – 7:30 P.M. at Riverwood Family Service and Saturday from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Brookhaven.  

Mrs. Wynn was born in Morton, MS, on November 11, 1950, to Reverend Wilson and Bobbie Winstead. She graduated with honors from Brookhaven High School in 1968 and Clarke Memorial Junior College in 1970. In the spring of her final year at Clarke, she met her husband, Dan Wynn, through mutual friends and married him that summer as he was preparing to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the fall. Later in their marriage while serving a church in ministry, she and her husband decided for her to attend Mississippi College to complete her undergraduate degree. She graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.

While living in Jackson, she taught at Woodville Heights Elementary School. After moving to Natchez, she taught 6^th grade at Susie B. West Elementary School for two years. Then she began to teach elementary music for Natchez-Adams Public Schools. She spent the majority of her educational career teaching music at Susie B. West Primary School for grades Pre-K through 1^st grade. While a music educator, she was an active member of the Mississippi Music Educators Association (MMEA) and Music Educators National Conference (MENC). Wynn was asked to chair the committee that would organize and form the inaugural Mississippi All-State Children’s Honor Choir in 1991.  Over the course of teaching, she was awarded Natchez-Adams District Teacher of the Year in 1996-97 and the Thad Cochran Distinguished Arts Educator Award in Music in 2005. Wynn loved teaching and investing in children and saw her profession as a calling and mission field.

While serving as a minister’s wife, she taught children’s choir, children’s and youth Bible drill, and Vacation Bible School. She also sang in adult choir, hosted church outreach dinners, and taught Bible studies. She loved the Lord and wanted others to know His love and His word. When not serving as a music educator or minister’s wife, she could be found at her own children’s activities and family events.

After retiring, she and her husband moved to Brookhaven where they have been active members of First Baptist Brookhaven. She taught a couples’ Sunday School class, children’s and student Bible drill, and sang in the Mississippi Baptists Singing Churchwomen’s Choir. Not long after moving to Brookhaven, she was invited to become a member of the Brookhaven Matinee Musicale and would later serve in different officer roles. Wynn helped serve the Educational Outreach Program of the Natchez Festival of Music for 6 years, where she helped organize and facilitate for school-age children the experience of an opera with exposure to young professional opera singers and music composed for young people. While being exposed to opera music, students were also learning invaluable character lessons. She also assisted her daughter, Joy, with starting her teaching career and was known by her daughter’s colleagues as Mama Wynn. She was known for her animated, fun-loving, creative, and driven personality.

Wynn is preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Linda Parman and Betty Little. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dan Wynn; son, Daniel Ashley of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Melody Joy of Brookhaven, MS; brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Sue Winstead of Oxford, MS; brother-in-law, Billy Little of Brandon, MS; grandson, Preston Wallace of Summit, MS; and many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Deaconess Home Health and Hospice for your caring and dedicated service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

The funeral service for David Lamar Moore will be 2:30 p.m., Friday, November 15, at New Salem Baptist Church with burial in Union Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, November 14, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Mr. Moore, 82, of McCall Creek, MS, died November 11, 2024, at Meadville Convalescent Home. He was born February 18, 1942, to Charles Moore and Thelma Smith Moore. Before retiring, Mr. Moore worked as a Tire Factory Technician.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Moore is survived by his wife of 64 years, Brenda Abel Moore; children, David Moore (Sandy), Keith Moore (Taara), and Bret Moore (Lori); sister, Peggy Thames (Ethan); seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Joseph, Ashley, Matthew, Jonathan, Jacob, and Kaitlyn; and nine great grands, Theodore, Charlotte, Eli, Henry, Jack, Braxton, Forrest, Dawson, and Jace.

The Moore family wishes to express deep appreciation to Meadville Convalescent Home, Dignity Hospice, and Franklin County Memorial Hospital.