Obituaries
Wanda Varnado Haire
The funeral service for Wanda Varnado Haire will be 1 p.m., Monday, July 31 at Union Church Baptist Church with burial at Union Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Haire, 63, of Union Church, died July 28, 2023, at her home in Union Church. She was born in Hazlehurst, MS February 15, 1960, to David Ray Varnado, Jr. and Bertha Lenore Greer Varnado. She was a retired store manager and bookkeeper, working at Varnado’s Grocery from 1977-2004.
Wanda loved to travel and started several collections from those travels. Coca Cola memorabilia, Christmas ornaments, and an assortment of dishes. Years ago, she enjoyed helping with her daughter’s impressive Beanie Babies collection and more recently her granddaughter’s whimsical Christmas houses collection. Photography was an important hobby for Wanda. She thoroughly enjoyed taking pictures of family and friends and sharing them with everyone. But above and beyond her hobbies was her wholehearted love for her children and grandchildren as well as her love and concern for helping others with their needs. She will be greatly missed by all those lives she touched.
She is preceded in death by her father, David Ray Varnado, Jr.; brothers-in-law, Truett Haire and Steve Diefenbach; and sister-in-law, Lisa Haire.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 46 years, Timothy Franklin Haire; her mother Bertha Varnado; children, Daniel Timothy Haire (Kristen) and Darla Danielle Haire; sisters, Marcia Raye Varnado Smith (Scott) and Janet Kaye Varnado Smith (Farran); four grandchildren, Charlee Elaine Haire, Tucker Daniel Haire, John Rayford Haire, Eden Lenore Haire. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Jamie Haire, Nan Haire Maxwell (Bari), Cela Haire Diefenbach, and Nola Haire Curtis (Mark); brother-in-law, Alan Haire; numerous nieces and nephews she loved dearly as well as other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers you may send memorials to Blair E. Batson Hospital 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.
A meal will be provided after graveside service at the church.
James Karl "Jimmy" Smith
The funeral service for James Karl “Jimmy” Smith will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 1, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Hawkins Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, July 31, at Riverwood and will resume Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
James "Jimmy" Karl Smith was born April 27th, 1951 in Detroit Michigan to R.E. Smith and Eileen May Kissel Smith.
The Family moved to Brookhaven Mississippi in 1959 where he attended Enterprise school. He played sports in high school and was chosen to play for the All-Star basketball team of 1969. While at Enterprise, he was All District, All Mid-south Conference, All County and All South Mississippi All Star-in basketball. Let it be noted, he kicked the first field goal at Enterprise. After graduation he went on to play basketball at Co-Lin on a basketball scholarship. After graduating from Co- Lin, he began a career with Illinois Central Railroad. He started as a signalman for Illinois Central and moved into a supervisory position for CN. He worked for the Railroad for 42 years. He met the love of his life, Angela, and she met her Romeo at the Exchange Club fair in the Fall of 1972. They married in September of 1973 and were going to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on September 8th. In their 50 years, they enjoyed beach trips, Canton Flea Market excursions, raising children, gardening, ballgames, dance recitals and building anything Angela might imagine. They made a beautiful life together.
Jimmy carpooled his granddaughter, Ann Claire, from school, to McDonalds, to ball practice all the while giving her unsolicited life advise. Lessons to live by and pass on!
Jimmy and Angela were tightly woven in their congregations. Every Sunday Jimmy arrived early to turn on air conditioning or heating for parishioners of Hawkins Chapel and on weekdays he was watering the plants at Friendship Baptist Church. He was a dedicated Christian being active at both churches. As a member of Hawkins he was the trustee, and as a member at Friendship, he was active on multiple committees as well as serving as a Deacon. Jimmy and Angela together attended both services every Sunday.
Jimmy was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2008. After treatment he was blessed with the gift of being healed. He lived a full life after his treatment. As a devout Christian, Jimmy's priorities were God, family, and friends. He walked the walk and talked the talk. He practiced the ways of God and extended a helping hand to many in need. Beloved community-wide and especially by his children, Carrie and Cole, his grandchildren, Tyler, Rayne, Riley, Ann Claire, Beckett, Shepard, Noah and Great grandchild, Kennedy Ann with another one on the way. The circle keeps expanding.
His Christian faith will be carried on by them all with the loyal support of his son in law Daniel and daughter in law Whitney as Jimmy modeled a loving, faithful parental figure.
Other than deer hunting his favorite pastime was coaching. He coached both of his kids in all their sports endeavors as well as volunteering to coach his niece and nephew and so many other school children. Traveling around the county, coaching them, supporting them, as if they were his own. He enjoyed coaching and watching all of his grandkids play ball. He successfully passed on his love of sports to his children and grandchildren. And, to them all, he will always be an all-star.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mike Smith; nephew, Blaine Hamilton; and father-in-law, Vernon Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Angela Smith; children, Carrie Case (Daniel) and Cole Smith (Whitney); sisters, Marilyn Wilson (Mickey), Sherry Lewis (Steve), Kathy Hamilton (David); sister-in-law, Teresa Smith; seven grandchildren, one great grandchild, and one other great grand on the way. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Ann Smith; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Glyn and Tawanda Smith and Stanton and Renee Dossett as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend many thanks for the grand expressions of love and support. Keep the love and prayers deep in your hearts for Angela and the kids. May God be with you.
Henry Edward "Eddie Bo" Tanner
A memorial service will be held for Henry Edward “Eddie Bo” Tanner, 11 a.m., Saturday, August 5, at New Hope Church on 550, with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Mike Assink will officiate.
Mr. Tanner, 63, of Union Church, died July 24, 2023, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was born in Brookhaven April 22, 1960, to Wade Franklin Tanner and Shirley Pauline Smith Smith.
Eddie Bo worked as a logger with Franklin County. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his son, Brody Tanner; brother, Mike Tanner and wife, Nancy; and sister, Linda Sandifer.
Aline Furlow Allen
The funeral service for Johnie Aline Furlow Allen will be 11 a.m., Monday, July 31, at Riverwood Family with interment in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Allen, 91, of Brookhaven, passed away July 26, 2023, at Silver Cross Nursing Home. She was born in Utica, MS, October 14, 1931, to Johnnie McCree Furlow and Gracie Ida Hamilton Furlow. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and will be greatly missed by all that loved her.
Mrs. Allen is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Frank Allen; her parents; three children, Gary F. Allen, Deborah K. Armstrong, and Darrell W. Allen; three grandchildren, Somer Allen Truxillo, Leif Armstrong, and Kristy Allen; sisters, Doris Parson, Bobbie Hickman, Janice Case, Jerline Case; and brothers, Vernon Furlow, Willie Furlow, Harold Furlow, and Ronnie Furlow.
She is survived by her children, Janice Sisung (Andy) and Brenda Allen (Danny); sisters, Margie Smith and Bernice Benoit; four grandchildren, Shane Allen, Stacie Gornet, Alicia Williams, and Ashley Boudlauch; a host of great grandchildren; special nephew, Michael Furlow (Martin) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Jetty Cathryn Paxton Gary
Mrs. Jetty Cathryn Paxton Gary, aged 84, went to be with her Lord on July 26, 2023. She was born on September 19, 1938, in Eupora, MS, the daughter of Ralph Castle Paxton and Gertrude Blalock Paxton. Jetty spent her childhood in Eupora, MS, and graduated from Eupora High School. She went on to MS State University where she received a double master's degree in Business Education and Elementary Education.
Jetty and Harold both grew up in Webster County. They met at ages 15 and 16. Harold asked Mrs. Jetty, the city girl, out on their first date...a movie complete with popcorn and Cokes. Their circumstances could have taken them in different directions, but God had a plan for their lives. They married on April 28, 1963, and have been married 60 years. They were each other's one and only true love. God's plan for them included new jobs, relocations, and a family, two beautiful daughters.
As Harold once said, "A successful marriage depends on an open dialogue, forgiving, praying, attending church, loving and caring for one another." Harold and Jetty centered their lives around Christ and the true meaning of I Corinthians 13: 4-7.
She was well known in the field of education. Mrs. Jetty taught school in Meridian, Yazoo City, Forest, Hernando, Monticello, and Brookhaven. Her husband was an employee of the US Department of Agriculture, and every time they were transferred, it gave her the opportunity to teach in many school districts. She taught and touched over 3,000 children's lives. She taught students who became Mayors, Chiefs of Police, Doctors, Lawyers, firemen, policemen, principals, teachers, bank presidents and pastors. Mrs.
Jetty impacted many people - always correcting their English, if necessary.
Mrs. Jetty was the glue that kept their family together. She always cooked more than enough because she never knew who was coming to eat. She welcomed everyone anytime. Her door was always open, and she would often meet you in the driveway with a hug and an invitation to come in and stay awhile.
Mrs. Jetty was an active member of First Baptist Church of Brookhaven, MS. She taught Sunday School, served on numerous committees, and played hand bells for many years. Her love for her church, her pastors, and her friends was boundless. If there was a need, she met it; if there was an opportunity to serve, she served.
Known to her treasured grandchildren as "Nonna", Jetty was always dressed - with her hair done and her makeup on. Her taste was impeccable, and she aways displayed her beauty both inside and out.
She was an outstanding "Nonna", mother and wife. She always wanted her two daughters to have their priorities in life to go in the right direction. The example she set for her family is in full display in the lives of her girls and her grandchildren. Their successes are exemplary of the character, morals, integrity, love, and generosity that they have all demonstrated in their own lives. Mrs. Jetty lived for her family and friends, and her love for them will last throughout their lives. Her influence will live on through them.
She is survived by her husband, Harold Ray Gary; two daughters, Carol Gary and Cathy Gary Oldham (Trey), all of Brookhaven; eight grandchildren, Walker Gary Franck of Denver, CO; Courtney Carol Franck of Dallas, TX; Paxton Ray Trull, Catherine Nicole Trull and Christin Elizabeth Trull DuBois (Jeremy) all of West Point, MS; Hayley Renee Oldham of Madison, MS;
London Elise Oldham of Puckett, MS; three great grandchildren, William Camden Payne, Divi Frances DuBois and Tucker Jo Trull all of West Point, MS; two sisters, Patsy Paxton Hennessey (Johnny) of Monroe, LA; her twin sister, Etty Paxton Brown of Eupora, MS; five nieces, two nephews, and a number of great-nieces and -nephews; Gene and JoAnn Thames; Jeff, Michelle and Charley Nunnery. Mrs. Gary was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Castle Paxton, and grandson, Cameron Scott Trull.
Visitation will be Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at Riverwood from 5:00 - 8:00 pm and Thursday, August 3, 2023, from 9:00 - 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, MS. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am.
Graveside and burial will be at Riverwood Memorial Park
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 589, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or Halo Haven, 622 Cougar Trail NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Faye Ashley Straw
Faye Ashley Straw passed away on July 23, 2023, at the age of 88, in her home in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Faye was born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi (Copiah County) on September 23, 1934, to Alious Simon and (Jaretha) Josephine Thompson Ashley. She graduated from Mississippi College in January of 1955 with a degree in Elementary Education. She became an elementary school teacher, and taught in the Orange County, Florida School System for many years. She later became a pre-school teacher at the First Baptist Church of Orlando Pre-School. She became an Assistant Director there and it was from there that she retired. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Orlando, Florida for fifty-five years and was very involved in the Adult Choir for several decades. When she moved to Alpharetta in March of 2013, she joined the Brite Lites Sunday School Class at the First Baptist Church of Alpharetta, Georgia.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Delano Straw, of York, Pennsylvania, who passed away in May of 1990. The couple met in Orlando, Florida and were married on June 15th of 1960. They lived in the Orlando area all thirty years of their married life. Faye continued to live in the Orlando area until she moved to Alpharetta, Georgia in March of 2014. Faye was also preceded in death by six sisters and one brother, all of whom lived in Mississippi. (Mary Owens, Thelma Furlow, Milma Wiselogel, Ruth Blackledge, Ann Bone, Sadie Linn, John Ashley)
Faye is survived by her four children, Scott Franklin Straw (Eileen) of Roswell, Georgia, Benjamin Simon (Ben) Straw (Diane) of Davenport, Florida, Elizabeth Faye (Betsy) Straw of Roswell, Georgia, and John Ashley Straw (Debbie) of Parma, Ohio; one brother, William Moses Ashley, of Ridgeland, Mississippi; four grandchildren Randy Straw (Jenn) of Woodstock, Georgia, Benjamin Straw and Claire Straw of Davenport, Florida, and Joshua Straw of Parma, Ohio.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at Cottonwood Estates, Alpharetta, Georgia, and she will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Hazlehurst, Mississippi City Cemetery on Friday July 28, 2023, after a graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to Gentiva Hospice Care as a way of helping us thank them for their care of Faye during her final months. Faye was also a supporter of Samaritan’s Purse.
Jean Avent Dunn
Graveside Service for Jean Avent Dunn of Brookhaven are 10:30 am, Monday, July 24, 2023, at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery with visitation at Riverwood from 9:00 until the time of service.
Jean Avent Dunn passed away July 20, 2023. Jean was born September 28, 1931, in Drew, MS, the youngest of three children to John and Ethel Avent.
During treatment for Polio as a child, she developed a love for reading that she carried with her until the end of her life.
She started a career as a lab technician in Brookhaven shortly after finishing high school, working in both hospitals and clinics. She loved being a part of the medical community and remained interested in medicine and healthcare all her life.
Jean married James Gerald Dunn in 1951 and together they had two children and shared 62 years of marriage.
As an oil field wife, Jean moved with her family many times before she and Gerald retired back to Brookhaven, MS. She served as a women’s Sunday School teacher for Central Baptist Church for many years and was an active member of Eastern Star.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, husband James Gerald Dunn and son, Charles Dunn.
She is survived by her daughter, Jerry Dunn Floyd (Allen), of Mendenhall; two granddaughters, Jana Johns (Brad), Allison Winstead (Shey); and four great grandchildren, Josh, Justin, Elyzabeth and Reagan, all of Mendenhall.
She will be missed by all who loved her.
Robert Earl Blaise
The funeral service for Mr. Robert Earl Blaise will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22 at Johnson Grove Church of Christ with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Friday, July 21, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service Saturday at Johnson Grove.
Robert Earl Blaise of Brookhaven, Mississippi, entered into the presence of Jesus on July 17, 2023, at the age of 88 years. He was born October 15, 1934, to Ernest Joseph Blaise and LouVella Stevens Blaise. He lived a long life of integrity devoted to caring for those around him.
Robert Earl graduated from Brookhaven High School, Class of 1953. He attended Copiah-Lincoln Junior College and received his bachelor’s degree from Mississippi Southern College in Hattiesburg. He taught social studies and coached football and basketball in both Mississippi and Florida. Still affectionately known as “Coach” to his students, Robert Earl impacted the lives of many students both in the classroom and on the playing field. He also served his country in the Mississippi National Guard.
Robert Earl loved Jesus with his whole heart and was active in the local church. He was a member at Johnson Grove Church of Christ in Bogue Chitto and, when living in Florida, served as an elder for many years at South 14th Street Church of Christ in Leesburg.
Robert Earl married the love of his life, Opal, on June 3rd, 1958, and they were together for 65 years. They have four children, nine grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. His proudest title was Papa. He was a devoted grandfather and great grandfather, beloved by all.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ernest Blaise, and three sisters, Elise Kuhn, Birdie Ratcliff, and Betty Strawbridge.
Survivors are his wife, Opal Redd Blaise of Brookhaven, daughter Karen Braden (David) of Brookhaven, sons Bob Blaise (Marva) of The Villages, Florida, Bruce Blaise (Teri) of Starkville, MS, Mike Blaise (Sheryl) of Leesburg, Florida, nine grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Johnson Grove youth group, 669 Auburn Drive SW, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629, or the Berean Children’s Home, 1180 Berea Tr. S.E, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.
Special thanks to the many caregivers over the past two years.
Hazel Lorene Goforth Dean
The funeral service for Mrs. Hazel Lorene Goforth Dean will be 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Ellisville, MS. Visitation is from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A burial service will follow at 3 p.m. in Riverwood Memorial Park in Brookhaven, MS.
Mrs. Dean, 89, of Ellisville, Mississippi, passed into glory to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 16, 2023. She was born in Newton County, Mississippi June 26, 1934, to Daisy and Marvin Goforth.
She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, as well as working in the assembly line at the Potter Company in Wesson, Mississippi for many years. She was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Ellisville, Mississippi, where she made many friends. She was a woman of integrity and was well loved and respected by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Erwin Dean; her parents; son, Marcus Joel Dean; and sister, Aylene Conn.
She is survived by her son, Stephen L. Dean; daughter, Debbie Dean White; daughter-in-law, Tania M. Dean; six grandchildren, Jeffery White, Emily White Sparkman, Meghan Dean, Rebecca Dean, Kimberly Dean, Nathaniel Dean; and two great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Lewis Henry Mazer, Jr.
The funeral service for Lewis Henry Mazer, Jr. will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 19, at Riverwood Family with burial Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, July 18, at Riverwood.
Mr. Mazer, Jr., 86, of Brookhaven, passed away July 16, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Jacksonville, Florida March 5, 1936, to Lewis Henry Mazer, Sr. and Vera Byrne Mazer. He was a Millwright with Georgia Pacific Paper Mill.
Mr. Mazer was loving husband, father and grandfather and a member of Cold Springs Church of Christ. He was a man of great faith and a true “fisher of men”. Mr. Mazer loved his family and his faith family, but sharing his faith in Jesus Christ with others was the greatest passion of his life. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Bonnie Lou Eubanks; daughter, Dorothy Jane Lambright; and daughter-in-law, Tina Mazer.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, JoAnn Mazer; his children, Lewis Mazer III (Denise Hulsey), Lynne Rowell (Lester), Keith Mazer, Wayne Mazer (Peggy), and Lenita Mazer; sister, Lucy Ann Mazer; 14 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and 3 great, great grands. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Judes Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
