Obituaries
Martha Susan Smith Chapman
Visitation for Martha Susan Smith Chapman will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park immediately following.
Mrs. Chapman, 74, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after a five-year long battle with cancer. She was born on January 26, 1950, in Clarksdale, MS, to M.P. Smith, Sr. and Martha Frances Conley Smith.
While attending the University of Mississippi, Susan met her husband, Kendall Chapman, and the couple was married on January 23, 1972, at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church. After graduation, Susan and Ken moved to Natchez where they worked for the Natchez School District for four years.
In July 1976, they moved to Brookhaven where Susan began her 32-year career with the Brookhaven School District. She taught 7th grade English and worked as the school librarian at Lipsey Middle School before being appointed as the assistant principal at Alexander Jr. High School in 1983. Susan transitioned to Brookhaven High School in 1996 as assistant principal and then as the director of the Career-Technical Center in 1998. In 2002, she became the first female principal of Brookhaven High School. During her time at the high school, the football and baseball teams won state championships, the Science Bowl team received state recognition, and the cheerleading squad won a national title. She retired from the Brookhaven School District in 2008.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Susan is survived by her husband of over 52 years; her son James Conley Chapman (Bonnie) of Jackson, and her daughter Martha Elizabeth Chapman Simmons (Byron) of Brandon; three grandchildren, James Sullivan Chapman, Audrey Summers Chapman, and Sterling Fox Simmons; and her brother M.P. Smith, Jr., of Clinton. She is also survived by her best friend, Rosemary Britt.
The family would like to thank Susan's friends for their support and prayers. Also, the family would like to thank Dr. Tammy Young and the Jackson Oncology Associates medical staff at the Hederman Cancer Center for their compassionate care of Susan. They will never know how much Susan appreciated their hard work, kindness, and friendship. Additional thanks to Dr. Karen Cole, Dr. Philip Ley, Dr. Rebecca Moulder, Dr. Maria G. Rappai, and Dr. Russell Young.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
John Ellis Hodges
The funeral service for John Ellis Hodges will be 11 a.m., Thursday, September 19, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.
Mr. Hodges, 75, of Brookhaven, died September 17, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born in Centreville, MS, December 23, 1948, to Bowen Tarver and Virginia Hodges Case.
Mr. Hodges loved his grandchildren and most important, his great-grand, Pete. He grew up farming, working in the oilfield, and fishing. He served his country in the United States Army, two years in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged with several honors and badges. You could find him most days sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River in Port Gibson and Fayette. His favorite season is gardening season and good ole turkey hunting. He was a man of his word and would do everything to honor it. He was ready to help anyone in need. He could play a mean game of Dominos against anybody. But above all, his family was put first no matter what. He made a point to show them all the ways of life and to be respectful. He taught his grandkids how to live the true farm country life. Last but not least, he was THE best gumbo maker on earth.
Mr. Hodges is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edward Hodges and Paul Hodges.
He is survived by his daughter, Angela Smith (Jonathan); brother, Bowen Hodges (Francine); two grandchildren, Katie Smith (Blake) and Kaleb Smith (Kelbie); and one great grand, Justice Pete Smith. He is also survived by Nita Jordan and family, Zelda Luther and family, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Diversicare and Compassus, as well as King’s Daughters and St. Dominics for the care given to John.
Rodney Geneal Fuller
A graveside service for Rodney Geneal Fuller will be held 3 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Red Star Cemetery. There will be a time of visitation from 12:30-2:30 p.m., prior to the service, at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Fuller, 71, of Wesson, died September 15, 2024, in Franklin County Memorial Hospital. He was born in Canton, MS, January 8, 1953, to Geneal Fuller and Mavis Ophelia Britt Fuller. Rodney was a good husband and dad, he worked to provide a home and all the necessities of life. He was employed as an electrician in the construction industry. He loved his family, especially his four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Spending time with those he loved far outweighed any other pleasure in life. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. Rodney was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Rodney is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lydia Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debra Britt Fuller; children, Tammy Blackmon (Chris), Pam Parkman (Rocky), and Rodney Fuller; sister, Rhonda Eckman (Dave); four grandchildren, Rachel Perkins (Brody), Baily Smith, Kimberly Parkman, and Kylie Parkman; and seven great grans, Andrew Barras, Eden Vaughn, Eli Vaughn, Liam Perkins, Lilah Perkins, Erika Perkins, and Alyssa Perkins. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Stella Odelle Beasley Odom
The funeral service for Stella Odelle Beasley Odom will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Poplar Springs Baptist Church with burial in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Mrs. Odom, 97, of Hazlehurst, died September 15, 2024, at her son’s residence. She was born September 4, 1927, in Hazlehurst, MS, to Chester Arthur Beasley and Stella Eunice Walker Beasley. Mrs. Odom was a lifelong member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church. She leaves a legacy of faith and grace to the family she leaves behind.
Mrs. Odom is preceded in death by her husband Buford Lloyd Odom; sons, Roger Odom, Richard Norman Odom, Terry Harold Odom, Jerry Carroll Odom, Marty Lloyd Odom, and Bobby Dean Odom; granddaughters, Amanda Odom, Teresa Odom, Tonya Lynn Odom; and great grandsons, Justin Hamilton and Landon Arrington; brothers, Loyal Beasley, Lawrence Beasley, Percy Beasley, Willard Beasley, and Edward Beasley; and sister, Iva Loyd Pickett.
She is survived by two sons, Sammy Odom (Susie) and Sherrill Odom (Brenda); 23 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren, and 12 great, great grandchildren.
Leslie "Luke" Wilkinson
A memorial graveside service for Leslie “Luke” Wilkinson will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, September 21, at Springhill Pentecostal Church in Wesson, MS.
Mr. Wilkinson, 63, of Hazlehurst, died September 14, 2024, at his residence. He was born January 23, 1961, to Ben Charles Wilkinson and Vela Mae “Bonnie” Thornhill Wilkinson.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Wilkinson.
He is survived by his father, Ben Wilkinson (Dorothy); brothers, Charlie Wilkinson (Rhonda) and Calvin Wilkinson; sisters, Elsie Walker (Lonnie) and Sandra McLemore (Scott); treasured cousin, Yvonne Cupstid and many loved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Springhill Pentecostal Church Cemetery fund, 1090 Springhill Rd, Wesson, MS 39191
Terry Lynn Floyd Hedgepeth
A Memorial graveside service will be held for Terry Lynn Floyd Hedgepeth, 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 18, in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Ms. Hedgepeth, 64, of McComb, MS, died September 12, 2024, at Courtyard Nursing Home. She was born in Baton Rouge, LA, August 21, 1960.
Terry was a hard-working woman. She began as a preteen, working on her family’s dairy farm. She was a 1978 graduate of Brookhaven High School and immediately went to work at the Half Shell Restaurant and then later she worked at The Oak Tree, which was her family’s business. Terry was a loving mother and would tell anyone that her daughter, Kelsey Ray, was her greatest achievement in her life. Kelsey was truly the light of her life. Terry also enjoyed music and anything outdoors. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Eddie B. Floyd, Sr. and Hilda Ray Floyd; grandparents, Sam Floyd and Johnnie Sanchez, Cliff Givens and Helen Shaheen; son, Kevin Hedgepeth; and brother, Troy Floyd.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Kelsey Ray Hedgepeth of Jayess, MS and Kacey McPhail (Michael) of Monticello, MS; brother; Eddie Floyd, Jr. of West Monroe, LA; sisters, Missy Freeman (Mark) of Brookhaven, MS an Cristi Montgomery (Mike) of Union, MS; sister-in-law, Sage Floyd of Wesson, MS; five grandchildren, Molly McPhail, Kolyn McPhail, Sophee McPhail, Hayes Hedgepeth, and Ella Kate Hedgepeth, all of Monticello, MS,; four great grandchildren, Mikey, Gwenny, Rowan, and Emersyn. She is also survived by her grandmother, Vedia Givens and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Clara Jane Moak Reid
Funeral services for Clara Jane Moak Reid will be 11 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow at Bogue Chitto Cemetery. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Riverwood Family.
Ms. Reid, 88, of Bogue Chitto, died September 10, 2024, in Brookhaven, Ms. She was born in Brookhaven, Ms., June 5, 1936, to Silas Andrew Moak and Laura Jane Sykes Moak.
Ms. Reid loved to cook and work in her yard. She loved flowers and was able to take a cutting from any kind and make it grow. She loved to sing along with her grandson, J.T., when he would come to the nursing home to sing. While in the nursing home, she loved for people to visit with her. It always put a big smile on her face. Most of all, she loved God and her family. She will be missed by all who loved her.
Preceding her in death are her parents; brothers, Buddy, Paul, David, and Glenn Moak; and sisters, Alberta Douglas and Joann Rials.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Leon Davis (Sylvia); daughter, Janie Leake; sisters, Neomia Boyte and Cathy Martin; three grandchildren, Mickey Wallace, Marsha McCaffrey, and Kayli King (Matt); six great-grandchildren, Jacob McCaffrey, J.T. McCaffrey, Macie McCaffrey, Maddi McCaffrey, Hannah King, and Olivia King; and three great-great grandchildren, Emma, Endi, and Presley McCaffrey.
The family would like to thank the staff at Diversicare of Brookhaven and Gentiva Hospice for their love and attention.
Clara Mae Saucier Kimble
The funeral service for Clara Mae Saucier Kimble will be 12 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at New Hope Methodist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Riverwood Family and will resume Wednesday from 11am until the time of service at New Hope Methodist Church.
Mrs. Kimble, 82, of Wesson, died September 7, 2024, in Jackson, Ms. She was born in Meadville, MS, January 25, 1942, to Leo Saucier and Mary Ellen Davis Saucier.
Mrs. Kimble loved cooking for the family, working word search puzzles, and attending auctions with her husband. She also loved attending extracurricular events for her grandchildren and great grandchildren and spending time with her family and friends. She will be missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; father and mother in law, W.D. Kimble, Sr. and Nellie Mae Kimble; brothers, Willie, Harold, and Bobby Saucier; brother in law, W.D. “Buddy” Kimble; sister in law, Dorothy Kimble; and daughter in law, Donna Kimble.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 62 years, Paul Donald Kimble; son, Dewayne Kimble (April); daughters, Sheila Hudgins (Sam) and Tonya Snider (Dean); sister, Peggy Lambert; sisters in law, Ruth Saucier and Patsy Rushing (Donald); brothers in law, Bennie Kimble (Jo) and Dale Kimble (Ramonia); fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; and a host of others she loved as her own.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at KDMC, St. Dominic’s and Deaconess Home Health.
C.E. "Buddy" King, Jr.
The funeral service for C.E. “Buddy” King, Jr. will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow at Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Riverwood Family.
Mr. King, 56, of Brookhaven, died August 31, 2024, in Libby, Montana. He was born in Houston, Texas, March 19, 1968, to Claude Edward King, Sr. and Mildred Walker King.
Mr. King previously worked in the Oilfield Industry where he worked on the pipeline. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing as well as spending time with his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, and Pappy, and will be missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; father in law, Billy Nations; brother in law, David Topper; and two very special nephews, Audie Havard Jr. and Charles Nations.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 35 years, Leah Nations King; two daughters, Vanessa Frith (David) and Mitzi Wyles (Thomas Michael); mother in law, Gail Nations; brother, Dale Laurich (Pam); three sisters, Marsha Havard (Dan Wood), Margie Brister (Delane), and Claudia Topper; seven grandchildren, Ezekiel Wyles, Alina Wyles, Mildred Wyles, Ellieanor Frith, Keagan Frith, Isaac Goings Wyles, and Jaiden Johnson Wyles; and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to thank the Cabinet Peaks Medical Emergency Department and Acute Care staff in Libby, Montana.
Dolores Kern Hoff
The family of Dolores Kern Hoff will celebrate her life at 10:00 a.m., September 10, 2024, in Rose Hill Cemetery, with Brother Greg Warnock officiating the graveside service. Mrs. Hoff, 91, passed away on September 2, 2024. She was born on December 21, 1932, in Brookhaven, to Hayward and Doris Kern. Riverwood Family Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.
Family members who preceded Dolores in death were Aldace Lee "Goat" Hoff, husband of 59 years, Hayward and Doris Kern, parents, Frank and Cumyra Hoff, father and mother-in-law, Kay Hoff Smith, daughter, Grady Hoff, an infant son, Ralph Kern, brother, and Mike and Barbara Kern, brother and sister-in-law.
Dolores is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Jody Hoff. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are: Kern and Emily - Katherine and William Hoff; Kensy and Bill - Jon, Meg, Lil, and Alice Allbritton; and Kay and Chris - Kaylynn (Owen), Cara, Kylie, and Christopher Jarancik.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Margaret Kern.
The family expresses appreciation to The Aspen of Brookhaven, AccentCare Home Health, Arden Hospice, and Silver Cross.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to First Baptist Church.
