Marjorie Jean Gunter Hylander, affectionately known as Jean, of Lorman, Mississippi, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Sunday, May 26, 2024. She was 96 years young.

Jean was born to Otis Revere and Mary Annis Gunter on November 8, 1927, in Oxford, Mississippi. After graduating from Grenada High School in 1945, she attended Mississippi State College for Women. She then returned home to work for the Army Corps of Engineers and purchased a lot for her parents in Grenada, where they built their first home. "Nana's house," as it came to be known, remains a cherished family gathering place to this day.

In 1950, Jean met Lieutenant Walter Raymond Hylander, Jr. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They married on March 9, 1951, and went on to have two children, Walter Raymond Hylander III and Joyce Elizabeth Hylander. Jean created a beautiful home for her family in more than 20 different locations throughout the USA and Europe. She was recognized by the military for her outstanding achievements in London, England; Munich, Germany; and Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Jean was particularly skilled at making young Army wives feel welcome in new and unfamiliar places.

After Walt's retirement from the Army, he and Jean found their dream home—an authentic antebellum mansion in Lorman, Mississippi. Together, they restored and decorated Rosswood Plantation, transforming it into a showplace of the Old South. It became a popular tourist attraction, a premier bed and breakfast inn, and a thriving Christmas tree farm, visited by thousands over the years. Their favorite saying was, “The world is a banquet, and we are still at the table.” The family prayer, penned by John Wesley, reflects their deep faith: “Be present at our table Lord, Be here and everywhere adored, These people bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee.” We are confident that Walt and Jean are together once again, enjoying the banquet in paradise.

Jean’s deep faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ sustained her throughout her life. She was incredibly loyal, generous, and kind to her family. Full of life, people were naturally drawn to her warm and friendly nature. At Rosswood, her gracious hospitality made guests feel welcomed, with many returning year after year. Jean’s hospitality came naturally after many years of entertaining during Walt’s Army career, and she loved sharing her home with others.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walt Hylander; her parents, Otis and Annis Gunter; and her sister, Mary Gunter Benoist. She is survived by her sisters, Joyce Gunter Geeslin and Patricia Gunter Adkins (Jerry); her children, Ray Hylander of Jackson, Mississippi, and Joy Hylander Boswell (Curt) of Fairhope, Alabama; grandchildren, Alyssa Hylander Petty (Justin), Hayley Hylander Miller (Sam), Hannale Hylander, and Haaken Hylander Boswell; and great-grandchildren, Joyce Katherine Petty, Carswell Lamar Petty, Madelyn Ann Miller, and Adeline Jean Hylander.

Fondly known as Playmama, Jean adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their regular visits, letters, and telephone calls enriched her life until the very end.

The family will celebrate Jean’s life in a private service at Rosswood on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

The funeral service for Peggy Sue King will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, at Riverwood Family with burial in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.

Ms. King, 80, of Brookhaven, died May 25, 2024. She was born December 1, 1943, to James Ray Allen and Sally Mae Delaughter Allen.

Peggy was a loving and caring mother and grandmother; her family was the second most important part of her life. Her first love was the Lord. She was a faithful servant of God, and her faith has now become sight. She was always considerate of others more than herself. Peggy will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Shirley Case, Joyce Smith, and Ann Case; and brother, Bob Allen.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Pam Case (Dennis), Ramona Dunn (Rick), and Jamie Anding; brother, Ken Allen (Minnie); sister, Jane Jackson; three grandchildren, Joshua Dunn (Kelsey), Tyler Dunn, Atleigh Anding; and one great grandchild, Baker Dunn. She is also survived by her faithful dog, “Sally Sue”.

Services for Mrs. Ernestine Britt Smith of Brookhaven will be 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at New Salem Church of Christ with burial at the church cemetery.

Visitation is 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, May 27, 2024, at Riverwood Family and will resume Tuesday at the church from Noon until the time of service.

Mrs. Ernestine Britt Smith, 92, passed away at her home on May 22, 2024. She was born on April 24, 1932, to the late Ernest and Bernice Britt.

When she was younger, she enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball for Loyd Star, going to any athletics at Loyd Star. She was a big fan and supporter of Loyd Star, she enjoyed photography her whole life, and she enjoyed spending time with her sisters, and all her family, friends, and loved ones.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Willie (Bill) L. Smith; brothers, Bernard Britt, Perry Britt, Robert Falvey, and Frank Falvey.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Alisa Gail Smith; son, Randy Lamar Smith, and wife Helen; sisters, Betty Jo Smith, Annie Ruth Lambert, and Bobbie Nell Smith; along with four grandchildren, Hannah Mason (Marcus), Marietta Adams (Josh), Randall Smith (Kelli) and Andrew Smith (Becca); and 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

The family greatly appreciates all the love, helpfulness, kindness, and support from all family, friends, and Arden Hospice. We thank everyone who showed up and supported Ernestine and her family.   

A memorial service will be held for Terry Paul Miller, 6:15 p.m., Thursday, May 30, at Harmony Baptist Church in Crystal Springs with burial in the church cemetery.

Visitation is from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service.

Terry Paul Miller, 54, of Crystal Springs passed away on May 19, 2024, at his residence.

He was born on March 30, 1970.

Terry completed the Upper Rooms Walk to Emmaus and recently made a profession of faith and was baptized at Harmony Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and working on his homeplace.

He also loved playing with Pup Pup, fishing on the creek, LSU Football, and going to Saints games.

Preceding him in death were his father, Paul Miller, his son, T. J. Miller, and maternal grandparents, Clint Forrest & Annie Strickland Forrest; paternal grandparents, Donald Miller & Ruby Errington Miller, and stepsister, Angela Hicks.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gina Miller; mother, Margaret Forrest; son, Andrew Miller; stepchildren, Heather Berry (Langston), Marissa Smith (Maverick), and Lee Westrope (Ally); sister, Regina White and husband, David, and their children, Cruz and Ben; stepsister, Janet Hicks, and stepbrother, Glenn Hicks. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Emrie Berry, Avrie Berry, and Sophie Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Harmony Baptist Church, 6057 Harmony Rd., Crystal Springs, MS 39059.