Obituaries
Thomas Edward Sasser
Services for Mr. Thomas Edward Sasser of Bogue Chitto are 10:00 am, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church with burial at the church cemetery.
Visitation is from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, July 7, at Riverwood Family and will resume Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of the service at the church.
Mr. Thomas E. Sasser,78, passed away July 6, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born January 27, 1945, to the late Howell Sasser and Nellie Wallace Sasser.
Mr. Sasser was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon for 56 years; Copiah Lincoln Community College Trustee for 34 years where he served as Past Board Chairman and Past Board Secretary, Red Red Rose, SW Mississippi Forestry Association, Past VP of Lincoln Co Education Association, Past Co-Lin Foundation Board Member, Tree Farmer of the Year (2006), Col-Lin Alumni Association, USM Alumni Association, President of Co-Lin Institute for Learning in Retirement, and Sons of American Revolution.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Howell and Nellie Sasser; his wife, Annette Leggett Sasser; and son, Gary Paul Sasser.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Stanley Wade Sasser and wife, Tara; brother, William Stephen Sasser and wife, Gail; sister, Nancy Sasser Fenwick and husband, Billy; three grandchildren, Clinton Thomas Sasser and wife, Katie (great grandson, Samuel Carpenter Sasser), Steven Michael Sasser and wife, Jennifer and John Ryne Sasser and wife, Kaitlyn. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, William Edward Fenwick and wife, Jaime, Kelly Virginia Fenwick, Heather Sasser Gault and husband, Luke, and Stephen Scott Sasser and wife, Kristin.
Memorials can be made to The Thomas E. and Annette Sasser Scholarship at the Co-Lin Foundation.
Jack Bryan Fisher
Services for Mr. Jack Bryan Fisher of Brookhaven are 3:00 pm, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Mt. Zion Church of Christ with visitation from 1:00 until the time of service and burial at the Church Cemetery.
Mr. Jack Bryan Fisher, 89, passed away July 5, 2023, at his home.
He was born January 8, 1934, to the late Marzine Fisher and Hattie Mae Hollingsworth Fisher.
Mr. Fisher was a member of Mt. Zion Church of Christ. He retired in 2018 after serving as stock manager at Brookhaven Ace Hardware for nearly 30 years. Previously, he was the longtime store manager at Roy Malta’s Piggly Wiggly.
Wherever he worked, he was a diligent and loyal employee, known affectionately as “Mr. Jack”.
He had a deep love for the great outdoors and spent many hours in his garden,
tending and watching it grow.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his beloved aunt, Myrtle Parkman; sisters, Edwina Fisher and Judy White.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years, June H. Fisher; children, Brent Fisher and wife, Terri and Chad Fisher and wife, Jill; brothers, Rudolph Fisher, Bill Fisher, Johnny Mac Fisher, and Larry Fisher; his sisters June Knepper and Kathy Fisher; along with seven grandchildren, Grady Fisher, Sarah Fisher, Blake Howse, Chase Howse, Ayla Fisher, Clay Fisher and Jack Fisher.
He will be dearly missed by all that loved him.
Memorials can be made to the Berean Children’s Home in Brookhaven, MS.
Jack Posey
The funeral service for Mr. Jack Posey of Brookhaven, MS, will be 2 p.m., Friday, July 7, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from Noon until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mr. Posey was born in Brookhaven, MS, on October 4, 1932. He is the son of the late Rupert Posey and the late Mary Edna Smith Posey. He worked in Operations with the International Paper Company in Natchez, MS until retiring. Mr. Posey completed his journey here on earth at 90 years of age. He passed away July 5, 2023, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Mr. Posey was a Veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. He was a family man and considered it a joy to spend time with his children and his grandchildren. He was blessed to have been able to welcome 14 great grands into their family. His hobby was work. From gardening and farming to working with horses and hauling pulpwood and logging, he enjoyed being busy and taking care of everyone. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Posey is preceded in death by his wife, Audrey A. Posey; his parents; brothers, J.W. Posey, Skeet Posey, and Mike Posey; and by his sisters, Donis Posey, Lanelle Thompson, and Betty McManus.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Johnny Stewart (Jackie), Jimmy “Bo” Stewart (Lisa), James Posey (Mary), and Jackie P. Terry (Larry); sister, Irene Smith; 12 grandchildren, Brandon Stewart, Ashley Mazzei, Lacey Holmes, Logan Stewart, Alex Grant, Adam Stewart, Kathleen Melancon, Dany Martin, Shanna Clark, Amanda Taylor, Kim Smith, Heather Jackson; sisters-in-law, Paula Adams, Virginia Adams, and Ruth Posey; and brother-in-law, Roy Adams (Judy). He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Justin Lane Thomas
The funeral service for Justin Lane Thomas will be 11 a.m., Saturday, July 8, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr.Thomas, 50, of Bogue Chitto, passed away July 4, 2023, at North Oak Hospital in Hammond, LA. He was born in McComb, MS, January 18, 1973, to Darryl and Lorraine Thomas. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his mother and his grandparents, John H. Thomas, Nellie May Thomas, Buddy Clark and Nelda Clark.
He is survived by his father and his two children, Loren Thomas and Brandon Thomas. Mr. Thomas will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
Murlyn C. Smith
The funeral service for Murlyn C. Smith will be 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 5, at Macedonia Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Smith, 90, of Brookhaven, passed away July 2, 2023, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. She was born in Brookhaven, April 23, 1933, to Marshall and Ruth Case. She was employed with Hartley Gove Thermometer Company, in Quality Control, for many years. Mrs. Murlyn treasured her time with family and considered it to be the most important time spent. She also enjoyed cooking. She was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband of more than 60 years, Harold T. Smith; her parents; siblings, Hoyt Case, Elaine Smith, and Geroline Fulton; and her great granddaughter, Molly Elizabeth West.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Karen Criswell and Paul Smith (JoLynne); five grandchildren, Dr. Becky Roberts (Wes), Emily Stephens, Amanda Hale (John), Kayla Kanak (Kevin), and Dr. Steven Smith; six great grands, Karlene West, Amelia West, Marlee Stephens, Charlie Harrell, Brittney Kelly (Jesse), and Reagan Kanak; and one great, great grandchild, Charlie Harrell III. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Memphis Daniel Pippins
Services for Memphis Daniel Pippins of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Friday,
June 30, 2023, at Riverwood with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service and
burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Memphis Daniel Pippins, 5, passed away June 26, 2023.
He was born March 29, 2018, to Cody and Kayla Pippins.
Memphis loved playing with his sister, riding his bike, paw patrols, and being the Light in everyone’s Life.
Preceding him in death were his great grandfather, Dennis Lomax and great uncle, Troyce Case.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Cody and Kayla Pippins, and
twin sister Tuesday Pippins; grandparents, James and Janet Brock, Kim and Tim Jennings, Stephen and Vanessa Simmons; George and Eunice Pippins and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Annie Laurie Reeves
Services for Mrs. Annie Laurie Reeves of Bogue Chitto are 10:00 am, Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Riverwood Family with burial at Fair River Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 28, at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Annie Laurie Reeves ,95, went to be with her Lord on June 26, 2023, at The Aspen of Brookhaven.
She was born May 5, 1928, to the late Jim and Mary McElwee.
Mrs. Reeves was a member of Fair River Baptist Church and Sunday School Class; she enjoyed singing with numerous singing groups and she also enjoyed bowling.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Willie Reeves; grandson, Wade Reeves, granddaughter, Crystal Reeves, and daughters-in-law, Monica Reeves and Judy Reeves Speights.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jim and wife, Deb Reeves, Bill Reeves, and Steve and wife, Joyce Reeves; along with eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dorothy Dean Darsey and a host of nieces and nephews.
She will be dearly missed by all that loved her.
Jamie Dale Sutton
The funeral service for Jamie Dale Sutton will be 11 a.m., Thursday, June 29, at New Prospect Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. at New Prospect.
Mr. Jamie Dale was born in Brookhaven, MS August 30, 1934, to James Harris Sutton and Lavenia Walker Sutton. He completed his work here on earth and entered into the arms of Jesus on June 25, 2023, with his loving family by his side. His journey on this earth lasted 88 years and will be greatly missed by those who loved him. He was retired from Armstrong Tire Company, working 35 years with them.
Mr. Jamie Dale loved his family and cherished his sweetheart, Mrs. Dorothy. They were a good team and lived a life of integrity and grace, leaving that legacy to his children, his grandchildren, and even great grands. He enjoyed the outdoors, cutting grass was a favorite thing for him. He was a man of faith, loving the Lord above all others, teaching Sunday School for many years as well as serving the church as deacon. He enjoyed visiting nursing homes and encouraging others. He was a tremendous student of God’s Word, reading it completely through five times. Mr. Jamie Dale truly loved his faith family at New Prospect. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jim Sutton; and his brothers, Don Sutton, Rivers Sutton, Tommy Sutton, Richard Sutton and Ronnie Sutton.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Smith Sutton; daughters, Patricia Sutton Parker and Cynthia Sutton Thompson; brother, David Lane Sutton; six grandchildren, J.B. Parker, Josh Parker, Robby Herring, Chris Herring, Brandt Sutton, Megan Sutton Reginelli; and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends as well as his faith family at New Prospect.
Carol L. Massengill
The funeral service for Carol L. Massengill will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church, 400 Magee Drive, in Brookhaven at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27th with visitation at the church from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.
Mrs. Massengill, who died on June 23rd in Brookhaven, is survived by her husband, Bob, the love of her life for almost 60 years. She was the proud mother of Karen M. Hickman (and husband, Andrew) and Robb Massengill (and wife, Fran), and grandmother of six grandchildren, who loved her as “Dadool”: Hannah Hickman Halliwell (and husband, Zach), Will Hickman (and wife Sara), and Heath Hickman (and wife, Maddie), and Maggie M. Andrews (and husband, Carter), Gracey and Robert Massengill. She was the proud great-grandmother of Witt Halliwell. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Carol was a native of Upper Darby, PA, but called Brookhaven her home since her marriage to Bob in 1964. After completing Upper Darby High School she graduated from Millersville State University, located near Lancaster, PA, with a degree in Elementary Education. While at Millersville, she played basketball and was a member of the Homecoming Court. She taught elementary grades in Pennsylvania and at Brookhaven Elementary School. She was largely responsible for Art being added to the curriculum in the Brookhaven Public School System. She later taught 5-year-old kindergarten at Faith Presbyterian Church and loved sharing her Lord and Savior with the children she taught. Seeing these students become Godly adults was one of the great joys of her life.
Mrs. Massengill was a former member of the Mothers Club and the Climbers Club and served as an active leader of Girls Scouts. “Mrs.Carol,” as she was known to her scouts, had gained her love for scouting as a child and young lady as had worked most of her high school years in order to earn the funds needed to go to Europe for the entire summer of 1958 with the Girl Scouts after completing high school.
She was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church, where she served as President of the Women in the Church, taught children’s Sunday School for many years, was an active member of the choir, taught Vacation Bible School, and was a member of several teams, including the Missions Team. One of her favorite memories was teaching a group of ladies John Bunyan’s Classic “Pilgrim’s Progress.”
Along with her husband, Mrs. Massengill took numerous mission trips to countries such as Belize, Mexico, Malawi, Ukriane, and Kyrgystan. She had the gift of hospitality and shared the love of her Lord by hosting visiting missionaries on numerous occasions. For many years Mrs. Massengill graciously hosted a small group Bible study on Sunday evenings at her home.
In addition to mission trips, Carol loved traveling with Bob, and they took many interesting and informative trips to Europe. She always loved traveling anywhere with family. She thoroughly enjoyed attending the various activities of her grandchildren, loved to cheer for the Ole Miss football and baseball teams, had a green thumb (especially with African Violets), played an excellent game of tennis in years past, and enjoyed playing golf with family. In years past she greatly enjoyed playing bridge with friends. One of her greatest dislikes was her cell phone, as it never seemed to be able to find her!
In years past Carol loved studying God’s Word and had the desire to see the love of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, shared with others throughout the world. One of her favorite Bible verses was Psalm 118:4, which says, “This is the day the Lord made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it” and one of her favorite hymns was “Jesus Loves Me.”
The family would like to express special thanks to Jaci King and the compassionate staff at HaloHavens, to those at Dignity Hospice, to her special friend and caregiver Maggie Thompson, and to all of those who have been praying for Carol and the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made payable to the Mission Fund, Faith Presbyterian Church, PO Box 5090, Brookhaven, MS 39603 or to Faith Presbyterian Kindergarten at the same address.
Billy Joe Reeves
Graveside Service for Mr. Billy Joe Reeves of Bogue Chitto, are 10:00 am Monday, June 26, 2023 at Topisaw Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Billy Joe Reeves, 93, went to be with his Lord on June 23, 2023.
He was born July 26, 1929, to the late Zeb and Clara Reeves.
Mr. Billy loved spending time outdoors, fox hunting, farming and tending to his animals.
He was a member of Topisaw Baptist Church and was retired as a Holsum Bread Route Deliverer.
Preceding him in death were his parents; 1st wife, Rhodie Brown Reeves, 2nd wife, Viola Dunn Reeves; brothers, Zeb and Horace; and sister, Lura Mae Thompson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Wayne Reeves and Billy Ray Reeves; four grandchildren, Tami Thornhill (Scott), Chris Reeves, Billy Reeves (Sarah), and Alan Reeves (Miranda); along with 10 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
He will be missed by all that loved him.
