Obituaries
Betty Sue Smith
Ms. Betty Sue Smith, 85, of Brookhaven, died October 1, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Samantha, AL, June 14, 1938, to Thomas Cole Sellers and Ann Catherine Bobo Sellers.
Betty drove and delivered cars for Sullivan Ford for 28 years before she retired. She loved spending time with her family. Riding the grands around the yard on the golf cart was her past time favorite. She loved flowers and working in her flower beds and yard. She loved the outdoors.
Her life was full of love, she enjoyed all the time in the world with her family. Family was important to her. She also liked watching Alabama Crimson Tide Football. She was a lifelong “Bama” Fan.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, R.D. Stewart, Sr; son, R.D. “Donald” Stewart, Jr.; two granddaughters, Christina Ann Furr and Brandi Leann Runnels; one great grandson, David Joe “D.J.” Martin, Jr.; and four brothers.
She is survived by her children, Debbie Lofton (Kenny) of Summit, Tina Martin (Joe), Becky S. Magee, and William C. “Billy” Stewart (Ruthie), all of Brookhaven; brother, Terry Alan “T.R.” Sellers and sister, Edna Ann Sanford both of Tuscaloosa, AL. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Kim Bercegeay (Brian), Stephanie Costilow, David Martin (Casey), Catie Jackson (Garrett), Donald Magee, Zack Ray, Preston Ray, and Claire McManus (Jared); 20 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
You may make donations to the American Heart Association or Shriners for Kids, aicardisyndromefoundation.org/donate, to support children like her great granddaughter.
We would like to thank all the nurses, aides, and employees of Hospice Ministries for their loving care of Betty (she was known to everyone as “Nanny”)
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Dorothy Irene White
The funeral service for Dorothy Irene White will be 11 a.m., Friday, October 6, at Pleasant Grove Community Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. White, 74, of Brookhaven, died October 3, 2023, at her residence. She was born August 22, 1949. She was the Office Manager for J.C. Penney’s for many years.
Mrs. White was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, she was an ever-present pillar of strength for her children and grandchildren. She was instrumental in the growth and development of them all. She loved to prepare delicious meals for her family and to spend time playing games with her grandkids. Her favorite hobby was reading, and she also enjoyed going to the salon and getting her hair fixed.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Ronnie White; her parents, Frances & Gene Smith, and R.E. Townsend; and her brother, Mike Townsend.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Lance & Hollie White, Clint & Patty White, and Kristie & Will Cohen; seven grandchildren, Haley & Chase Crane, Wesley & Bridget White, Zack DeLaughter, Travis DeLaughter, Lainey DeLaughter, Ethan White, Benjamin White, Jesse Cohen and Bill Cohen.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Heidi Cain and Jamaria James, her nurses who took such wonderful care of her during her illness.
Wanzie June Reynolds
A Memorial gathering & service will be held for Wanzie June Reynolds from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, October 5, at Topeka Baptist Church.
Mrs. Reynolds, 84, of Jayess, MS, passed away September 30, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Jayess, January 15, 1939, to Chester Arthur Griffith and Luena Gertrude Hogan Griffith. She worked for many years driving children to and from school. She was a true outdoors lover, spending time gardening or just being surrounded by nature. She also liked to crochet. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Mrs. Reynolds is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Aubrey, James, Walter, Melba, Loretta, Jean, Peggy, and Eunice; children, Richard Reynolds, Debra McPhail; and grandchild, Blaine Reynolds.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Eddie Plez Reynolds, Sr.; children, Eddie Reynolds, Jr. and Raymond Reynolds; 12 grandchildren, Jason Reynolds, John Reynolds, Jared Reynolds, Josh Howell, Zachary Reynolds, Megan Reynolds, Seth Reynolds, Jessica McPhail, Heidi Jones, Beth Wallace, Tara Dyess and Dametaris Pyle; and 17 great grandchildren as well as other loving family members and friends.
Jack Picklesimer
The funeral service for Jack Picklesimer will be 2 p.m., Thursday, October 5, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Brister’s Cemetery in Bogue Chitto. Visitation is from Noon until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mr. Picklesimer, 84, of Bogue Chitto, died September 29, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. He was born in Murphy, NC, April 13, 1939, to Claude Joseph Picklesimer and Helen Hickey Picklesimer. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, he was a retired Master Sergeant.
He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and two sisters.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 32 years, Ann Picklesimer; children, Tracey Majewski (Andy), Joanne Adams, and Lori Denson; one sister, Katherine Owings; five grandchildren, Dustin Denson, Chantell Adams, Nick Yancey, Sophie Majewski, and Reid Majewski. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, 322 8th 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
John Anthony "Teddy" Porter
Services for John Anthony “Teddy” Porter of Bogue Chitto are 2:00 pm, Monday, October 2, 2023, at Riverwood Family with burial at Concord Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation from 12:00 until the time of service.
John Anthony “Teddy” Porter, 50, passed away September 27, 2023.
He was born March 29, 1973, to John Kelly Porter and Maxine Smith Porter.
Teddy was a member of Johnson Grove Church of Christ. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and loved to hear a good fox race and he loved spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Kelly Porter; and brother, Fred Timothy Porter.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Maxine Porter; brothers, Mark Porter and wife, Michelle, Kelly Porter and wife, Beverly and sister-in-law, Becky Porter. He is also survived by nieces, Kensey Boyles, Amanda Sauls, Ashley Aymani;
nephews, Samuel Porter, Gavin Porter, Nash Porter, Paxton Porter, John Mark Porter, Ross Porter and numerous great nieces and nephews.
He will be missed by all that loved him.
Terry Scott Boyte
Terry Scott Boyte passed away quietly at home on September 22.
He was the longtime owner of Stafflers Jewelry in downtown Brookhaven. He was a music buff, a true historian, and an avid reader.
He is preceded in death by his father George Terry Boyte.
He leaves his mother, Sandra Kay Hill Newman, sisters Paige Boyte and Jessica Boyte, and brothers Justin Boyte and Benjamin Boyte. Also, his stepmother Arlene Boyte, uncle Matt Hill, his devoted Aunt Carolyn Kay Boyte Smith, many nieces, nephews, cousins.
A memorial will be held to celebrate his life at a later date.
James Terry Foster
James Terry Foster, 79, of Jackson, MS, died September 20, 2023, at his home in Jackson. He was born in Hazlehurst, MS, October 14, 1943, to John Bluford Foster and Ruby Terry Foster.
He was a Respiratory Therapist for many years before retiring. He also served his country in the United States National Guard.
Mr. Foster is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Martha Ann Smith and her husband, Charles Ray Smith.
He is survived by his nephews, Toby Ashley (Billie), and Jeff Smith (Elizabeth), he is also survived by Alexis Smith, Garrett Ashley, and Annalies Smith.
There are no services listed at this time.
Dorothy Mae Knight
The funeral service for Dorothy Mae Knight will be 11 a.m., Thursday, September 28, at Holly Springs Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Knight, 84, of Brookhaven, MS, passed away September 25, 2023, at Haven Hall Nursing Home. She was born in Anguilla, MS, September 9, 1939, to Raliegh Mann Hudnall and Easter Chandler Hudnall. Mrs. Knight loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also took great care of all the family. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Knight; brothers, Bobby Hudnall, James Hudnall, and Billy Hudnall; and one grandson, Dustin Parks.
She is survived by her children, Deborah Girod (James), Donna Hutchinson (Eddie), James Knight (Tammy), and Dianne Lawhorn; sister, Betty Monnin; eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
William Thomas "Billy" Buford
The funeral service for William Thomas "Billy" Buford will be Noon Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Buford, 83, of Brookhaven, died September 25, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Lexington, MS, August 15, 1940. He worked as a Financial Advisor with IDS/American Express Financial Services.
Billy was a fine Christian man, well respected by the community, loved God, loved his family, and loved his church. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University. He served on MS State Board of the Department of Mental Health 15 years, life deacon at First Baptist Church, Brookhaven, Charter Member of American Express Presidents Advisory Council, member of American Express Hall of Fame, over 30-year member of Brookhaven Noon Lions Club, past president Brookhaven Woodworking Club, Mississippi Forestry Association member. He was an avid hunter, tree farmer, enjoyed wood working, fishing and traveling. His greatest joy was his family, two children, three grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, or First Baptist Church Brookhaven, Building Fund, 200 E Monticello St Brookhaven, MS 39601.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years and 18 days, Betty Jo Buford; his parents, Thomas Owen & Irnie Mae Buford; brother, Tommy Buford, sister-in-law, Janie Buford; and sister-in-laws, Hester Pitts, and Carolyn Johnson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Rachel Britt and Hubert Buford (Darla); brothers, Guy Buford (Paula) and Lauch Buford; three grandchildren, Courtney Holder (Josh), Hunter Love (Jacob), Cameron Buford; and four great grandchildren, Brooklyn Holder, Lane Holder, Emma Love, and Ava Love. He is also survived by long time family friend, Delois McClelland and his beloved dog, Molly.
