Bonnie Erle Holland Byrd, 85, of Meadville, MS, died February 26, 2019 in Jackson at University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Visitation will be held at the McNeely Road Church of God in Natchez on Friday, March 1^st from 5-8pm and Saturday, March 2^nd from 1-2pm.

The funeral will begin at 2PM followed by interment at the Byrd’s Chapel Cemetery in Meadville, MS.

Riverwood Family Funeral Services of Brookhaven is assisting the family with the Revs. Brian Monehan and Kelcie Messer Henderson officiating.

Pallbearers are David Byrd, Daniel Byrd, Charles Stroup, Michael Messer, Frank Holland and Luke Brumfield. In lieu of flowers,

charitable contributions may be made to the Smoky Mountain Children’s Home at 800-654-1622 (http://smch.org/donate), or to a charity of your choice.

Bonnie was born January 14, 1934 and leaves behind a loving husband of 67 years, John Lloyd Byrd,

three sons, Bill and Linda Byrd of Shreveport, La, Bob and Susan Byrd of Hope Mills, NC, Ken and Debbie Byrd of Fort Worth, TX

and seven grandchildren: Ashley Thibodeaux, Danielle and Stephen Kozikowski, Michelle And Corey Snyder,

Arielle and Cody Hughes, Zack Byrd, David and Katherine Byrd and Daniel and Katherine Byrd.

She is also survived by her sisters Opal Messer of Natchez, MS, Brenda Williams of Meadville, MS

and sister-in-law, Ruth Holland of Natchez, MS.  She leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close special friends,

Benny and Betty Gorum. She is preceded in death by her parents, Monroe and Gertrude Holland,

brothers, Paul Holland, Arliss and Artie Holland, Bernard and Jo Riece Holland,

and sisters, Lillian and William Pittman, Itasca and Randall Brumfield, and Clara and Lester Browning. 

Bonnie had various jobs throughout her life: keypunch operator, bookkeeping, sales clerk at a dress shop, country furniture store,

outlet store, and was undercover security at a department store and could easily detect shoplifters.

Bonnie was a servant.  She served her family by keeping them grounded while her husband served our country for 20 years in the US Air force. 

She always made sure her three boys were loved, fed, clean and well dressed. 

She served as a taxi driver delivering her boys to Cub Scout and Boy Scout activities,

piano lessons, swim lessons, sporting events, youth camp, etc. She was a caregiver,

opening her home during Hurricanes Camille and Katrina, providing meals and a dry bed to people less fortunate.

  She also hosted a new pastor and their family for three months while they waited for a home. 

Bonnie served her country:  She was a Red Cross Volunteer during the 1960's, was an active member of the USAF Officer's Wives Club,

and the American Legion Auxiliary.  Bonnie faithfully served Franklin County District 5 as their Election Commissioner from 2000-2008.

Bonnie served her Lord and Savior. She was a faithful member of the Church of God for over seventy years,

playing the piano at church for many years and instilled her love for music in her children and grandchildren;

she prepared countless chicken dinners, peanut brittle, taught Sunday School and served on various church committees.

She showed her children how to “trust in the good Lord”. Her faith in God carried her through Rheumatoid Arthritis, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma,

breast cancer and colon cancer, and numerous health issues throughout her 85 years. 

Bonnie loved to cook, sew, knit, garden, work puzzles and arrange flowers.  She took classes in cake decorating,

flower arranging, reupholstery and computers. She studied at numerous colleges as she traveled with her husband’s military career. 

She owned her own ceramic shop and loved to collect teapots, crosses, little shoes, etc. But more than any of this, she loved to shop.  

Services for Mrs. Debra June Blackwell of Monticello are 10:00 am Saturday, March 2, 2019

at Divide Memorial Methodist Protestant Church with burial at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation is from 5:00-9:00 pm Friday, March 1, at Divide Memorial Methodist Protestant Church.

Debra June Blackwell, 60, went to be with her Lord on February 27, 2019 at her residence.

She was born on April 16, 1958 to the late Clarence Glen Whitlow and June Marie Whitlow.

She was a Cosmetologist and a member of Divide Memorial Methodist Protestant Church.

She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.

Preceding her in death are her parents; brother, Thomas Whitlow; and sister-in-law, Debbie Whitlow.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Rodney Blackwell; daughter, Amy VanVuren;

brothers, Clarence G. Whitlow and John A. Whitlow. She is also survived by

4 grandchildren, Veronica VanVuren, Vanessa VanVuren, Thomas Whitlow and James Whitlow;

son-in-law, David VanVuren, sisters-in-law, Pam Whitlow and Margaret Whitlow;

nephews, Jason Whitlow, Steven Whitlow and Charlie Whitlow and niece, Ashley Whitlow.

Funeral services for Bernice Quinn Wilson of Brookhaven are 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2019, at

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Monticello with burial in the church cemetery immediately

following the service. Riverwood Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

The Rev. Stanley Lobin will officiate.

            Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27 at the funeral home and at the

church on Thursday, February 28 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

            Bernice, 90, was born in the Harmony community on October 5, 1928, to James Luther Quinn and

Alberta Leola Mason Quinn. She was a lifelong member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and

worked with the food pantry and various other ministries. She was a founding member of the Pleasant Grove Community Crafters.

            She worked for many years at the Stahl-Urban Company in Brookhaven and was retired from the

Fred’s department store in downtown Brookhaven.

            Bernice married Tommy Jerry Wilson from the nearby East Lincoln community on Aug. 7, 1944,

and the couple celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary shortly before Jerry’s death in June 2016.

The couple had three children, Tommy Jr., Mickey and Roger.

            She is preceded in death by Jerry, her parents and her siblings, Lt. Col. James Quinn, Lanell Krogstad,

Ruth Bessonnette, Margaret Griffith, Bennie Jo McGuffie and an unnamed infant brother.

            Survivors include her children, Tommy Wilson Jr. of Vicksburg, Mickey (Marilyn) Wilson of B

rookhaven and Roger (Judy) Wilson of Brookhaven; her grandchildren, Scott Wilson of Vicksburg,

Doug (Stephanie) Wilson of Vicksburg, Richie (Toni) Wilson of Wesson, Kristie (Jim) Burt of Brookhaven,

JoBeth (Lance) Thompson of Brookhaven, Jake (Jennifer) Wilson of Jasper, Ala., Elizabeth (John) McDaniel

of Brookhaven and Joshua Wilson of Hattiesburg; 19 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren;

a special niece, Carolyn (Jimmy) Lambert; and many nephews, nieces and friends.

            Pallbearers will be Scott Wilson, Doug Wilson, Richie Wilson, Lance Thompson, Jim Burt, Jake Wilson,

Joshua Wilson, and Brandon Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Brooks Burt, Blake Thompson,

Zachary Thompson, John McDaniel, and Kyle Burt.

            The family rejoices in the knowledge that Bernice and Jerry are reunited in Heaven, where

there is no pain and only ever-lasting happiness and praise for our Savior.

Arrangements for Mrs. Geneva Ferguson are as follows, Viewing Wednesday, February 27^th 5:-6:30 Riverwood Family Funeral Service

in Brookhaven MS.  Saturday March 2^nd 3:00 Funeral services will be held at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

in Trussville AL, viewing from 1:00-3:00.

Geneva Ferguson, 86, born July 15, 1933 in Margaret, AL, died February 20, 2019.  She was a long-time

resident of Birmingham, AL residing most of her adult life in East Lake.  In recent years she lived at

Highland Lake in Oneonta, AL.  Geneva loved life to the fullest and loved family more than anything. 

She was known for her pleasant disposition; the eternal optimist.  She was generous and possessed the

gift of hospitality.  Frequently her home was opened for guest with her table spread; where food was

served along with hugs and laughter.  Although she had numerous interests and hobbies, playing cards

was her favorite past time.  Young and old alike affectionately called her “Maw Maw.”  Geneva was one

of the few surviving charter members of the Roebuck Seventh-day Adventist Church where she served in

various areas of responsibility including head deaconess, Sabbath school superintendent, head greeter, and

children’s ministries leader.  Geneva had the reputation of being one that could get things done.  Known as

the “Tupperware lady,” she was employed as a unit manager for over 30 years and conducted Tupperware

parties in thousands of homes throughout the Birmingham area.  Geneva was the eleventh of 12 children born

to Sam and Jessie Carruba and was the last surviving child of their household.  Sam, an Italian immigrant, was

a farmer and worked in the Margaret coal mines.  Geneva’s husband of 57 years, Ray Ferguson, preceded her

in death in 2003.  She is survived by one son, Charles (Sharon) Ferguson of Hendersonville, NC, along and

two daughters, Claudia (Tony) Gilmer of Birmingham and Carla (Dean) Snider of Brookhaven, MS; five grandchildren,

Charles’ two sons Adam and Carson and Sharon’s daughter Heather Buck, and Carla’s two children, son,

Jason and daughter Kelli; and three great-grandchildren Eli (Adam’s son), Madison (Heather’s daughter) and

Tanner (Heather’s son).  Geneva also is survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services for Mr. David Wayne Moak will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 27, 2019, with

interment at Riverwood Memorial Park. There will be a visitation time from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 26,

at Riverwood, and will resume on Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Mr. David Wayne Moak, 67, of Brookhaven, passed from this life on February 23, 2019. He was born on

August 17, 1951, in Vicksburg, MS, to Andy and Laura Jane Moak. He worked as a house mover, but he

did everything to the best of his ability. David was treasured as a husband, father and grandpa, his

family were his greatest blessings. Those who love him will forever feel his absence.

Preceding him in death are his parents; three brothers, Buddy Moak, Paul Moak and Glen Moak;

and one sister, Alberta Douglas.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia Moak; daughters, Stacy Stewart and husband Howard, Jr. and

Sandy Smith and husband Adam; sisters, Neomia Boyte, Clara Reid, Jo Ann Rials and Cathy Martin;

seven grandchildren, Andrew Franklin, Derrick Stewart, Brant Smith, Jacob Stewart, Jesse Stewart,

Sawyer Smith, and Sadie Smith. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.

Services for Mr. Billy Ray Winborne of Brookhaven are 11:00 am Tuesday, February 26, 2019

at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until time of service. Interment will follow at New Sight Cemetery.

Mr. Billy Ray Winborne, 76, passed away February 22, 2019 at Diversicare in Brookhaven.

He was born on May 19, 1942 to the late William Troy and Virgie Smith Winborne.

He worked as a welder and crane operator.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Shirley Faye Winborne; son, Keith Winborne and wife, Stephanie;

daughter, Jimmie Gayle Cain and husband Michael; sisters, Betty Boone of Vicksburg and Sue Smith of Brookhaven.

He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Justin Cain and wife, Sarah, Lydia Fairchild and husband, Shane, Mandy Smith and husband David, and Emily Floyd and husband, John; and 6 great-grandchildren.

 Visitation for Mrs. Margert E. Knight of Brookhaven is 5:00-8:00 pm Monday, February 25, 2019 at Riverwood Family.

Mrs. Margert E. Knight, 73, passed away February 21, 2019 at her residence.

She was born on February 6, 1947 to the late Charlie Blackwell and Earnestine Sullivan Blackwell.

She was a Brookhaven City Bus Driver. She loved gardening and hummingbirds. She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.

Preceding her in death are her parents; sister, Janet Bankston, and brothers, Larry Blackwell and Roger Blackwell.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Ercel Edward Knight; sons, John D. Knight and Charles E. Knight; brothers,

Reggie Blackwell, Paul Blackwell, Buddy Blackwell, Wayne Blackwell; sisters Linda Herrington and Evelyn Warrington; She is also survived

by six grandchildren, John Knight, Stormie Knight, Brett Knight, Skylar Knight, Maygun Knight and Mayson Knight and three great grandchildren.

Visitation for Mrs. Smithie is Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 5-9pm at Providence Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be Friday, February 22, 2019 at 11 am at Providence Baptist Church with burial at Ruth Cemetery.

Lela Joyce Brister Smithie was born on August 10^th 1937, to Early Ray and Geneva Lois Brister.

She called Ruth her home for most of her life. Her faith in Jesus ensured her true home was in Heaven,

and Joyce was called to that eternal home on February 20^th 2019.

She is preceded in death by her father and mother, one brother, Hugh Denver Brister,

one sister, Mildred Earline Walker, her husband Donald Smithie, and her son Ronny Smithie.

Survivors include her daughter Bonita Smithie Britt of Ruth, her sister Mary Edwards and husband Jimmy of Bush, Louisiana,

sister-in-law Barbara Randall and husband Gene of Jayess, sister-in-law Patsy Parkman and husband Lowry of Jayess

and two grandsons, Jonathan Britt of Ruth and Stuart Britt and wife Ashlee of Madison.

Joyce was blessed with three great grandchildren whom she loved dearly—Addi, Benna, and Judah.

The visitation for Michael Emmett Elkins, Sr. will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 9:00 a.m.

until the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Wesson Baptist Church.

Michael Emmett Elkins, Sr., age 52 and a resident of Hazlehurst, went to be with the Lord on February 18, 2019,

surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 3, 1966 to Thomas Edward Elkins, Sr. and Kathy Teel Elkins Etheridge

in Long Beach, CA. Michael was an active member of Wesson Baptist Church and will be dearly missed by all of those who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father.

Those left to cherish his memory are his mother; sons, Michael Elkins, Jr. and Matthew Elkins;

daughters, Kayla and Trista Elkins, and Caitlin Hughes; brothers, Tommy Elkins and Michel Smith;

and sister, Jo Ann Miller. He is also survived by a grandson, Cody Hughes, Jr.;

6 nephews; 1 niece; and a special family friend, Evon Glasper.