Obituaries
Clyde Stathem Moody
Services for Mr. Clyde Stathem Moody of Brookhaven will be 2:30 pm, Friday, March 17, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 12:30 until time of the service. Burial will be at Rosehill Cemetery.
Clyde Stathem Moody, 84, passed away March 15, 2023. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, January 18, 1939, to the late Daniel Wheaton Moody and Cora Agnes Stathem Moody.
Mr. Moody served his country in the United States Army. When he retired as electrician with Chevron, he opened his own business, Moody’s Electric that he operated for several years. He enjoyed spending time with his family, tinkering in his shop, and playing on his computer. He was a member of Central Baptist Church. He will be missed by all that loved him.
Preceding him in death were his parents; son, Mark Moody, brother, Doug Moody; and nephew, Jack Moody.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Betty Jordan Moody; daughter, Lisa Moody White and husband, James; three grandchildren, Devin Vinson, Jordan Vinson and Parker Vinson, along with nieces, Laura Moody and Cindy Randels and nephew Joe Moody.
Memorials for Mr. Moody can be made to Central Baptist Church
970 MS-550, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Elizabeth Mullins
Elizabeth Mullins, 94, peacefully entered eternal rest the afternoon of March 13, 2023. Services will be at Central Baptist Church, 970 Highway 550, Brookhaven, MS, on Monday, March 20. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, with a funeral service at 11:00 am followed by interment at Easthaven Cemetery, next to her beloved husband John Walter Mullins.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years John Walter Mullins She is survived by their son, Walter Mullins (Leslie) and two grandchildren Andrew Mullins and Patrick Mullins (Meggie), all of whom she loved dearly. Elizabeth loved her family immensely, and they loved her. She loved spending time with her grandsons who knew her as “MaMaw”. She delighted in and is survived by her sister Maxine “Titlar” Bramwell, many nieces and nephews and her daughter in law’s brother Tim Timmons. She is also preceded in death by her parents Allen Yow Steger and Edna Gates Steger.
Elizabeth was born on October 14, 1928 in Norfield, MS and grew up there. Being the older sister, Elizabeth often spoke of having to “…keep her sister in line…” when growing up, but she wouldn’t have had it any other way and her sister was a constant source of joy for her entire life. Growing up in the country, Elizabeth developed a love of plants, flowers and birds. This love carried on through out her life and you could always see her in her garden tending to her flowers and feeding the birds. Every spring was a new awakening for Elizabeth. Following graduation from Bogue Chito High School as salutatorian, she worked for Mississippi Power and Light where she met her husband, John, and was married in 1955.
Elizabeth was a woman of strong faith, and she was actively involved in her church, serving on many committees and ministries over the years. One of her favorite committees was the cookbook committee and the preparation of the Central Baptist Cookbook, as she was a passionate and amazing baker. Her family and friends always knew you would never leave her home without your sweet tooth being satisfied. Elizabeth cherished her faith family at Central Baptist and the fellowship and good friends she found in the congregation. She tried to be at church each time the doors opened. Later in life when she could not be there in person, she enjoyed watching the stream of each church service and the wonderful singing of the choir.
She had delightful times with the “Walking Crew”, which spent countless mornings at the Super Walmart and the church walking and talking. Coffee and fellowship always followed at Subway and later Burger King. It was the best fitness a person could have for their body and soul.
Elizabeth embraced life, and she never stopped learning. Thanks to her grandsons she took her first airplane flight at the age of 84 to travel to visit them and subsequently flew many more times to visit them. She became an avid student of the world, following the travels of her grandson Andrew as he traveled to over 30 countries for his job. She danced her first dance at the age of 92 at Patrick’s wedding.
Elizabeth was blessed to have special people later in life who assisted her when needed. Special thanks to Flo, Jada, Darlene and Carolyn.
If you wish, flowers are welcome or donations may be made in Elizabeth’s name to the American Heart Association or Central Baptist Church
Enoch B. Magee
Visitation for E.B. Magee will be Thursday, March 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Riverwood Family, and will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of service Friday. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 17, at Riverwood Family in Brookhaven, MS.
Enoch B. Magee, 82, passed from this life and to his heavenly home on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at his residence in Brookhaven. He was born to Enoch Samuel Magee and Annie Bell Linder Magee on May 14, 1940, in Greenville, Mississippi.
E.B. or “B”, as he became known, attended Baskin High School in Baskin, LA. While attending BHS he picked up the nickname “OOP” for his love of the song, “Alley Oop”. He served a short time in the United States Marine Corp before marrying his sweetheart, Beulah Mae Bardwell, and finally settling in Brookhaven, MS.
In the early 1960’s, E.B. was employed by Mapp Well Service where he worked more than 20 years. Mapp’s was bought out by Callon Energy Services where E.B. became manager of the Brookhaven regional office. He later became owner/operator of Magee’s Lawn Service and then on to become a supervisor for Premier Pump & Supply. Upon his retirement from Premier Pump & Supply, he was employed by Brookhaven Mini Storage as the maintenance/custodial manager, until the time of his death. He loved his oilfield life and found much pride in his hard work that enabled him to take care of his family and friends.
In his late 40’s, he found a passion for golfing. He was an avid player, landing spots in different tournaments, including the annual “Red Stuard Classic” on the Mississippi Coast. In his latter years, most days you could find him in his recliner, relaxing, watching John Wayne, Hop-A-Long Cassidy, Family Feud, and Wheel of Fortune. He had a love for Ole Miss Everything! But he really enjoyed watching Rebel Baseball with his family, and his buddy, Richard Barker. (Because of his love for the SEC sports, please feel free to support your team with the proper attire.)
Throughout his life, he became a father figure to many people. He loved unconditionally and provided a safe place for anyone who needed a helping hand.
Preceding him in death are his wife of 37 years, Beulah Mae Bardwell Magee; his parents; sons, Vernon E. Magee and Gerald Magee; sisters, Emma Jean Noble, Mazie Lee Williams, and Susan Easterling; brother, Sam Magee; son-in-law, Murray E. Lott; three sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.
Survivors include his daughters, Barbara Renee Magee of Brookhaven and Rhonda Magee Lott of Hazlehurst; granddaughters, Annah Dunaway (Kevin) and Alexis Fugler, both of Brookhaven; and one great granddaughter, Bellah Dunaway; brother, Herchel Magee (Charlotte) of West Monroe, LA; sister, Yvonne Oliveaux (O.J.) of Ferriday, LA; brothers-in-law, who is more like a brother, Hollis Bardwell (Linda) of Pasadena, TX, Billy Posey of Brookhaven; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family. Also among the survivors are his feline companions and fur babies, Bubba and Sister, who both brought much love and joy to each day of his life.
Due to expected inclement weather, there will be no graveside service, however, there will be food and fellowship in the ministry center at Heuck’s Retreat Baptist Church for friends and family.
Mildred Foster Fort
The funeral service for Mildred Marie Foster Fort will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 16, at Fair River Baptist Church, Brookhaven, MS with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is on Wednesday, March 15, at the church from 5-8 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. on Thursday prior to the service.
Mildred, 92, passed away March 11, 2023. She was born December 20, 1930, to Grover Fugler and Montrie Deckard Fugler, in the Fair River community, Brookhaven, MS, where she lived most of her life.
Mildred was a real “people person” and a born leader. An active member of Fair River Baptist Church, over the years she served as CEP Director, Bible School Principal, Sunday School Teacher, and was a member of the choir. Active also in community affairs, she was Democratic Executive Committee Secretary, Brookhaven Business and Professional Women’s Club President, Director for several clubs, and Past Worthy Matron of Brookhaven Chapter #1.
Always thinking of others, when a member of Brookhaven Alpha Lions Club, she became aware of a lady who was in dire need of cataract surgery, but had no income or insurance. Mildred presented the need to the club and was instrumental in gaining the approval for the sponsorship of the surgery at Mid-South Lions Sight and Hearing Service in Memphis, TN.
Following her retirement from Georgia Pacific, she was Secretary of the GP Retiree Club for a number of years and went over and beyond in her duties to organize lunches and events for the club.
Mildred always had a beautiful smile, rarely “met a stranger”, and made friends (of which she had many) easily. She had a great love for her family. In her words, she had the “deepest love that any mother could have” for her daughters, Linda Marie Foster Price and Dr. Donna Louise Foster.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Harvey Foster and Garland Fort; and her brothers, Noel Wilborn and Gene Fugler.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters; grandsons Matthew Vincent and wife, Sommer, Edward Roberson, David Roberson and Rachael, and Andy Kea; great-grandsons Peyton Vincent, Damion Roberson, and Declan Vincent; and great-granddaughter Eaden Roberson and her mother, Jessica. She is also survived by other loving family members and her many friends. She will be greatly missed.
In a 2008 memo, Mildred asked that the following be expressed at her death: “Know that I am at home in God’s presence. Prepare to come there someday.”
Sandra Kay Smith Hambach
The graveside service for Sandra Kay Smith Hambach will be 2 p.m., Monday, March 13, at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until 2 p.m. at Riverwood.
Mrs. Hambach was born in Brookhaven, MS, April 14, 1951, to Ramsey and Dorothy (Allen) Smith. She lived in the Brookhaven area for most of her life and surrendered this life for a new and perfect life, to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, March 9, 2023. She was 71 years of age.
Sandra was a loving wife and mother, but nothing gave her greater pleasure than when she became grandmother, those two precious children were the light of her life and she treasured every moment she had with them. She was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church, where she served for many years until sickness hindered her presence there. There are many ministries no one will ever know about because she was a quiet servant and lived to honor the Lord in all she did. She was a tremendous prayer warrior and that was her ministry for the last years of her life. She will be greatly missed and always remembered by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her father, Ramsey Smith.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her husband of 44 years, Rick Hambach; two sons, Scott R. Hambach (Paige) and Richard A. Hambach (Shelly); mother, Dorothy Allen Smith; brother, Donnie R. Smith (Mandy); sisters, Debbie Hill and Pam Case (Donald); and two beautiful grandchildren, Hayden Hambach and Braden Hambach. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend a deeply heartfelt thanks to the staff of Compassus Hospice, her nurse, Wendy Lockard, and an aid that cared for her, Miss Joyce.
Michael Roy Foster
The funeral service for Michael Roy Foster will be 11 a.m., Monday, March 13, at Stronghope Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Foster, 50, of Wesson, died March 8, 2023. He was born in Hazlehurst, May 7, 1972, to Willard Boyd Foster and Ruth Anne Lewis Foster. He worked as a mechanic. Mr. Foster spent his leisure time hunting or riding his motorcycle, he enjoyed target practicing and taking care of his mules. He was also an avid antiques collector. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Oscar Foster.
He is survived by his son, Wyatt Colton Foster; girlfriend, Misty Moak; special life long friend, John Jones; and a host of other loving family members and friends.
"There are only four ways to look at anything. It's either right, wrong, clean, or dirty! There is no half right or half wrong nor half clean or half dirty. It's all or none." (Willard Foster)
Rainnie Furr
Rainnie Calhoun Furr, 61, passed away March 6, 2023. She was born in Charleston, S.C., August 8, 1961, to Leroy Calhoun, Jr. and Carolyn Howard Calhoun.
Rainnie loved cooking and taking care of her dogs. She was an avid crafter, making jewelry for loved ones and was the most organized and thoughtful person her family has ever known. She recently purchased a 2004 Corvette so her husband and her could go to car shows. In the past, she rode motorcycles and enjoyed showing her horses when she was young. She raised her two kids to be highly successful and she was always taking care of others first. She wouldn’t have it any other way. She was so strong-willed and was such a guiding light in so many people’s lives. She will be missed by all that loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 35 years, Richard Hart Furr; daughter, Logan Killen and husband, Brandon and son, Marshall Furr and wife, Tori; her parents; along with her brother, Leroy Calhoun III and wife, Sharon; and sister, Wrenzie Rice and husband, Tom.
In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made in her name to the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL).
Claude Bennett Smith, Jr.
Funeral service will be held for Claude Bennett Smith, Jr., at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in Brookhaven, MS, with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. at Riverwood. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Church of Christ Cemetery.
On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, Claude Bennett Smith, Jr., devoted husband and father, passed away at the age of 88. Claude was born on April 12, 1934, in the Midway community, Copiah County, MS to Claude and Maimo (Strait) Smith. He graduated from Loyd Star School in 1952 before attending Copiah Lincoln Jr. College. On October 8, 1954, he married Grace Elaine Montgomery. They raised two sons, Scott and Steve.
Claude enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends, and loved making people laugh. Claude was a gifted farmer and gardener, growing some of the best vegetables and fruit in Lincoln County. One of the many ways he showed love to others was by giving away the fruits of his labors. He was a faithful member of Hillcrest Church of Christ where his deep bass voice could be heard singing regularly.
Claude was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Elaine, his father, Claude Sr., and his mother, Maimo, his brother Kerry, and an infant son. He is survived by his brother John, two sons Scott (Renee) Smith of Clinton, MS and Steve (Jana) Smith of Edmond, OK; one grandson, Riley (Katie) Smith of Houston, TX; one granddaughter, Laura (Caleb) Baze of Waco, TX; two great-grandchildren, Cora and Alan Baze; special friends, Collins and Micah Allen.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Hospice Compassus and the staff at Kings Daughters Hospital.
John Thomas Norman, Jr.
The funeral service for John Thomas Norman Jr. will be 2 p.m., Friday, March 10, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Stewart Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service Friday.
Mr. Norman, Jr., of Bogue Chitto, died March 7, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven September 13, 1955, to John Thomas Norman, Sr. and Thelma Adams Norman. He worked in the logging industry as a truck driver. John enjoyed riding motorcycles and fishing as a pastime, but his greatest investment was in spending time with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents John Thomas Norman, Sr. and Thelma Adams Norman; his son, Billy Norman; and his father-in-law, Ford Crane.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 48 years, Cathy Norman; his son, Tommy Norman and wife Leigh Ann; daughter-in-law, Ina Jackson (Casey); eight grandchildren, Savannah Smith (Patrick), Landon Norman (Amanda), Luke Norman, Shelby Roberts (Landon), Johnna Norman, Mackenzie Hall, Dakota Richardson (Katlin) and Stratton Jackson. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends as well as coworkers.
Garry Dale Thornhill
The funeral service for Garry Dale Thornhill will be 1 p.m., Friday, March 10, at Powell’s Grove Pentecostal Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
Mr. Thornhill, 66, of Brookhaven, MS, passed from this life March 5, 2023, in Houston, TX. He was born in Tylertown, MS, July 8, 1956, to Delma Thornhill and Edna McNease.
Mr. Thornhill worked as a Fishing Tool Supervisor. He would spend his free time golfing, grilling, frying fish and just spending time with his two very special grandkids. He was a member of Wesson United Pentecostal Church.
The family of Mr. Thornhill would like to express gratitude to his Premium work family as well as every oil company he was associated with. All Garry has ever known is fishing tools. He was very dedicated to his job and enjoyed talking to all his co-workers.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Walter and Janie McNease and Paul Lee and Buena Mae Thornhill; uncle, David McNease; aunts Christine McNease, Myrtle Barnett; and his father-in-law, Oliver Ashley.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 45 years, Karole Ashley Thornhill; daughters, Dana Stone (Jason) and Megan Thornhill; two grandchildren, Emily “Em” and Caleb “lil man”; sister, Belinda Thornhill; niece, Carlie Davis (Caleb); two great nieces, Aubrey and Kinsley Davis; mother-in-law, Kathleen Ashley; and sister-in-law, Ronda Ashley. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tupelo Children’s Mansion P.O. Box 167, Tupelo, MS 38802
