Obituaries
Thomas Ray Case
The funeral service for Thomas Ray Case will be 11 a.m., Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Hawkins Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr. Case, 73, of Brookhaven, died February 25, 2023, in Brookhaven. He was born in Brookhaven April 6, 1949, to Thomas Versie Case and Emma Anding Case. Ray loved all sports and most of all, coaching his son’s baseball teams in Madison, MS.
Ray was a graduate of the 1967 class of Loyd Star High School, where he played football. He attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. Following college, Ray moved to Madison County where he raised his family and retired from Frito-Lay, Inc. as a route salesman. After retirement, he returned back home to Brookhaven.
He loved to support Loyd Star and Southern Miss Athletics. “Ray Ray” enjoyed attending various activities with his five grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Case is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Frances Case Hamilton and Dorothy Nell Case.
He is survived by his children, Bradley Scott Case (Chalon Dominick) and Clinton Day Case (Chereé Rembert); brother, Edwin Versie Case (Patricia); five grandchildren, Thomas Dean Case, Lillian Scott Case, Samuel Adner Case; Leighton Dominick Case, and Landry Day Case; former wife and best friend, Kathy Day Case; nieces and nephews, Pamela Case, Dawn Berry (Dennis), Alana Greer (Ray), Darrell Hamilton, Kirk Case (Amy), and Mark Hamilton (Beth); and a host of great nieces and nephews as well as other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hawkins Chapel United Methodist Church, 908 N Jackson Street, Brookhaven, MS 39601, or St Jude Children’s Hospital PO Box 1000, Dept 142 Memphis, TN 38148.
Angela "Hope" Wooley Letchworth
Angela “Hope” Wooley Letchworth, 41, passed away unexpectedly on the evening of Monday, February 13, 2023. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, March 2, at Riverwood. A Celebration of Life for Hope Letchworth will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at Riverwood Family with burial in Hepzibah Cemetery in Silver Creek.
Hope was born on March 24, 1981, to the late William Keith Wooley and Gloria Debbie McWilliams Turnage, in Brookhaven, MS. She was very active and outgoing growing up and accepted Christ as a young teenage girl. She loved life and everything in it. She was incredibly passionate about what she believed in and loved fiercely. She married the late William Josh Letchworth on September 17, 1998. Together, they had two children, William Chance Letchworth and Amellia Shayne Letchworth.
Hope enjoyed being with friends, dancing, listening to music, and was the life of the party. She loved making others smile.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Josh Letchworth; paternal grandparents, W.E. Wooley and Pattie Jean Wooley; maternal grandparents, Charlie Lee McWilliams and Patsy Ruth Smith; father, William Keith Wooley; and nephew, Hunter Lee Maxwell.
She is survived by her children, William Chance Letchworth (Shayna) and Amellia “Mia” Shayne Letchworth; mother, Gloria Debbie McWilliams Turnage; sisters, Crystal Page Chain (Chris), Jodie Elizabeth Morgan (Travis), and Christian Faith Turnage; in-laws, Elton and Margaret Letchworth; sister-in-law, Kim Letchworth; nieces and nephews, Harlee Claire Chain, Jonah Scott Morgan, Levi Baker Morgan, Katie Thompson, Mattie McRaney, and Sophie McRaney; and great niece Laynee Wright, as well as a host of other loving family members and friends.
Kenneth Alva Berry
The funeral service for Kenneth Alva Berry will be 11 a.m., Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Central Baptist church, with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at Central.
Mr. Berry, 86, of Wesson, passed from this life, February 19, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 31, 1937, to George and Mary Beryl Berry in Blue Mound, Kansas. He was a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army, serving at several U.S. installations and Korea. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war, where he received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and numerous Air Medals. After completing his military service, he was a helicopter instructor pilot contracted by the U.S. Army. Next, he began his career with the Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) as an air traffic controller in Memphis, TN. His total years of service to the U.S. Government was over 34 years.
Mr. Berry was a talented craftsman who used his skill to create and build furniture for his family and friends. He signed each piece with a personal note; "Made with wood, glue and love". The assisting in the construction of his family's house as well as his church building was one of his proudest accomplishments. His love for woodworking is only surpassed by his love of music. He had a beautiful bass voice which he shared with his choir, quartet and with solos in his church. He also played several instruments.
His greatest loves were God, Family and Friends.
In 1965 he married the love of his life, Berenda Foster Berry. This marriage would be blessed with a son, daughter, daughter-in-law, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren who he loved dearly.
Preceding him in death were his parents, his sisters, Marie and Martha and his brother, Charles.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Brenda of 58 years, son, LTC (ret.) Kenneth Bradley Berry and wife, Julia; daughter, Jill Berry Guy; granddaughters, Liza Berry, Emma Berry and Gracie Berry; grandson, Tyler Guy, wife, Lauren; great grandchildren Wyatt and Madigan Guy; sister, Linda Noble and husband, Kevin; mother in law, Doris Foster; brothers in law, Dale Foster and Chester Foster and his wife and Mary and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mission/Outreach Ministry of Central Baptist Church, 970
Highway 550, Brookhaven, MS 38601 or the charity of your choice.
Alexander Dean King
Memorial services for Mr. Alexander Dean King of McComb are 11 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Mr. Alexander Dean King, 78, passed away on February 20, 2023, at his residence.
He was born September 25, 1944, to the late Alexander King and Mary Alice Baker.
Mr. King served his country in the United States Marines during the Vietnam war, where he received a purple heart.
He was a member of the Big Blue Hunting Club. He enjoyed “flogging the water” hunting, vegetable gardening and all activities of the “Grandkids”. He also loved anything Alabama and New Orleans Saints football.
Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Robert E. King and nephew, Steve Lamar King.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Beverly King; children, Rusty King and wife, Zoraida, Boo King and wife, Sylvia and Dee Parker and husband, Joseph; and sister-in-law, Catherine King. Along with five grandchildren, Ashley Holmes, Brianna Nelson, Collin Parker, Sydney Parker, Gabriella Parker and four great grandchildren, Charlotte Nelson, Josie Nelson, Louella Parker and Lincoln Parker, and nephews Bryan King, Scott King and wife, Buffy. Also a special thank you to his “Good Buddies” Catwoman and Wonder Woman.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McComb Railroad Depot Museum, P.O. Box 7220, McComb, MS 39649 or Southwest USMC Association, P.O. Box 684 Summit, MS (Max Fenn) contact.
Robert Lee Hadley, Jr.
The funeral service for Robert Lee Hadley, Jr. will be 2 p.m., Friday, February 24, at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr. Hadley, 79, of Bogue Chitto, died February 19, 2023, at Southwest Regional Medical Center. He was born to Robert Lee Hadley and Margaret Belgers Hadley, March 11, 1943, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Mr. Hadley served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a paramedic for Kings Daughters Medical Center. He enjoyed listening to classical music and reading as well as taking in all the beauty of the outdoors. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda Phyllis Davis Hadley; son, Jason Robert Hadley; and brother, George W. Hadley and wife, Judith.
Sandra Gay Stewart
The funeral service for Sandra Gay Allen Stewart will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 21, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation for Mrs. Stewart will be from 5-7 p.m., Monday, February 20, at Riverwood.
Mrs. Stewart, 67, died February 18, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center, in Brookhaven. She was born in Brookhaven, December 27, 1955, to Earl Anderson Allen and Fannie Louise Horn Allred. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, as well as a Nurse. Mrs. Stewart was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love and will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents, Amel and Lizzie Allen.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her husband, John Tisdale Stewart; children, Sam Stewart and wife, Darlene, Ginny Sims and husband, Jason, and Carol Howard and husband, Paul; sister, Cindy Smith; five grandchildren, Hannah Behan, Trace Stewart, Eden Baylot, Chloe Howard, and Penelope Howard. She is also survived by her aunts, Carol Cobb and Judy Ashley as well as other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in her memory to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39629; Macedonia Baptist Church, 1230 Macedonia Rd NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601; or Mississippi Diabetes Association, 800 Avery Blvd N Ste 100, Ridgeland, MS 39157.
Kimmala Lea Williams Lambert
Service will be 4:00 pm Tuesday February 21, at Riverwood Family and visitation from 3:00 until the time of the service.
Kimmala Lea Williams Lambert, 61 left her earthly home February 17, 2023.
She was born October 1, 1961, to Darius Lee Williams and Brenda Novella Holland.
Kimmala worked as a Patient Access Representative for Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.
Preceding her in death were her father, Darius Lee Williams and brother, Gregory Lee Williams.
Those left to cherish her memories are her mother, Brenda Williams; her best friend, Shirley Williams; children, Gregg Williams and wife, Krystal, Meg Atkins and husband, Wesley; sister, Dara Jordan and husband Billy; along with 10 grandchildren, Alex, Gabe, Korbin, Melane, Max, Monroe, Arianah, Rylan, Kaitlyn and Kaleb; and two nephews, Parker and Paxton. She will be missed by all that loved her.
L. J. "Buddy" Hamilton
The funeral service for L.J. “Buddy” Hamilton, Jr. will be 2:30 p.m., Monday, February 20, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service Monday.
Mr. Hamilton, Jr., 65, of Brookhaven, died February 16, 2023, at Haven Hall Healthcare Center in Brookhaven. He was born November 15, 1957, to L.J. Hamilton, Sr. and Mary Jane Clark Hamilton.
Buddy was reared by his loving grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Cline Clark. He enjoyed going to church, he was a member of Northview Baptist Church. He also enjoyed playing Bingo with his friends at Haven Hall and facetiming family, especially Cooper. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Buddy is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Elizabeth Holcomb.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sisters, Debbie Waldrop (Donnie) and Darlene Holcomb; and a host of nieces and nephews, Mary Cope (John), Robin Pratt (Mike), Donna Therell (Davis), Olivia Wallace (Chris), Charles Upton, Jr., Daniel Upton, James Waldrop (Susie), Christi Russell (Clay), Gloria Holcomb, and Josh Waldrop (Kelsey). He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to express appreciation to the Haven Hall staff for caring for our brother. Special thanks to LaRonda and Stacy at Haven Hall for your kindness.
Jan Ratcliff
Services for Mrs. Jan Ratcliff of Brookhaven will be held 11:00 am, Monday, February 20, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until the time of the service and interment at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Jan Ratcliff, 71, passed away February 15, 2023, at her residence.
She was born May 1, 1951, in Greenville, S.C. to the late Victor E. Hinton and Annie Mae Hinton.
Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Frank Eugene Hinton; sister Vicky Hinton Pressly; and grandson, Skylar Lane Wease.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 54 years James F. Ratcliff; children, Robert W. Ratcliff, and Sonya A Ratcliff; sister, Micki Hinton Jordan (Daniel); four grandchildren, Alexis Diana Smith, Christen E. Ratcliff, Christopher Wease and Alyssa Grace Wease and three great grandchildren, Isaiah Wease, Michael Wease and Olivia Wease.
She is also survived by nephews, Blake Hinton, Dillon Hinton, Matthew Hinton, Daniel Smith and Derrick Smith; nieces, Kathryn Pressly Hinton, and Ashley Patrick Hinton; and cousins, Laura Cheek Taylor (Tom), and Teresa Hinton Satone.
She will be missed by all that loved her.
Robert James Lang
Services for Mr. Robert James Lang are 11:00 am, Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Bethel Baptist Church. Visitation is from 5:00-8:00 pm on Friday at the church and interment at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.
Robert James “Paw” Lang, 82, of Monticello, MS, passed away on February 14, 2023, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, MS. Robert was born on May 1, 1940, in Magee, MS to W.D. Lang and Velma Warren Lang.
Robert was raised in Magee in the Dry Creek Community, where he was an outstanding football player for Magee High School, winning Little Dixie his senior year. While playing football at Co-Lin, he was offered a scholarship to play at Memphis State. While he loved football, he loved Betty Carolyn Powell more. The two went on to marry July 21, 1962, at Bethel Baptist Church.
Robert joined the Mississippi Army National Guard, serving for 11 years. He was best known for his 42 years of employment with Southern Pine. He began as a groundman, transferring to lineman, then serviceman for 16 years in Morton, MS. After moving back to Monticello, he was a field supervisor for the New Hebron District until he retired.
Robert is survived by Carolyn, his loving wife of 61 years; siblings Homer Lang (Kay) and Linda Nichols (Tommy); two sons Dwane (Gayla) and Cobby (Tonjia); grandchildren Kristin “Darling”, Brady “Sis”, Wesley “Wes”, Brennan “Brother”, and Megan; great-grandchildren Mazie “Big Sis”, Mabry “Little Sis”, Hayes “Good Buddy”, and Keegan “Kiwi”; and a host of nieces and nephews he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his Southern Pine family, who he loved as his own.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved grandson Lindsey “Bub” Lang.
Paw enjoyed doing anything on the farm, including working in his garden. He loved to fish and run trot lines. In his retirement, you could find him on the Gator checking cows. He enjoyed going to rodeos or watching PBR on his television. His favorite thing to do was watch his grandbabies play baseball and softball. He lived and breathed for his grandchildren and great grandchildren; they were his world.
Our lives have a big hole in it now, that will never be filled. We are so thankful he gave us the best memories to cherish and hold on to forever.
