A celebration of life will be held for Virginia Sellers Sparks 11 a.m., Thursday, February 27, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, at Riverwood and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday.
Obituary to be posted soon
A Celebration of life will be held for James Caroll Hennington 2 p.m., Monday, February 24, at Sylvarena Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.
James Caroll Hennington, 79, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley Ann Hutson, his parents, William Henry Hennington and Winnie Mae Rich Hennington Smith, his stepfather Mathew Butler Smith, and an infant brother, Will Hennington. Mr. Hennington is survived by his children: Darlene Lewis (Mike) of Brandon, MS, Laurie Chassion (Joey) of Wesson, and David Caroll Hennington (Holly) of Canton, GA. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Trey Chassion (Ariel), Anna Lewis Gunn (Sam), Hailey Chassion, Ava Mae Hennington, and George Hennington, along with a great-grandson, Truett Chassion, and his cherished sister, Zoula Mae Huffman (George) of Wesson, MS. Known for his impressive driving skills, Mr. Hennington was invited to compete in skill challenges at Walmart’s headquarters in Bentonville, AR. His commitment to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family. He loved to proudly share stories of his children, grandchildren, and great[1]grandson with anyone who would listen. He attended countless sports games, band concerts, and rodeos to support his family, including his children, nieces, and nephews. An avid outdoorsman, he passed on his love for nature to his children and mentored his nieces and nephews, helping them cultivate their own appreciation for the outdoors. His infectious smile and warm embrace left a lasting impact on many, earning him the nickname “Uncle Caroll” and “Pawpaw” from both family and friends alike. His family finds comfort in knowing that his legacy will endure through his love for his wife, children, and the countless precious memories shared with so many during his time with us. Caroll and Shirley shared a lifetime together. They eloped to Livingston, AL, on November 26, 1965, during the Thanksgiving holiday. Over the years, they enjoyed many activities together, including camping and participating in CB clubs in the 70s, where they were known as Ranger Slim and Lady Ranger Slim. In the 80s, they took up square dancing at the Old Wesson School, and in the 90s, they devoted time to helping raise their grandchildren while continuing their camping adventures across the state. For many years, they hosted the Dixie National Wagon Train kickoff campout at the Hennington home place on Beauregard Road. A regular presence on Facebook, Caroll loved keeping in touch with his friends and family daily. He was an active member of Sylvarena Baptist Church and attended Beauregard Church during his childhood. Even after moving to assisted living, he continued to watch church services on Facebook. He was fond of unsweet tea, Mississippi State, and fried fish. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his care team at The Aspen, including Kelly Rutland, Jesse Harrison, Virginia Petty, and Jaylan Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Winnie Mae Rich Hennington Smith Memorial Scholarship, Co-Lin Foundation, P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191.
A Celebration of life service will be held for Frances Ann Oliver 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 25, at Macedonia Baptist Church with burial in the Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Monday, February 24, at Riverwood and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.
Mrs. Oliver, 85, of Brookhaven, went to be with the Lord February 21, 2025. She began her journey in life on October 8, 1939, born to Edward and Bertha Smith. She balanced work and family with grace and strength. She and her husband, Kenneth, owned and operated Oliver Grocery for many years. Mrs. Oliver was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Ray Oliver; her parents; and her sister, Shirley Smith.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her children, Becky Boyd (Michael), Kenneth Oliver (Margaret), and Ricky Oliver; brothers, Carl Smith (Lawanda), Jimmy Smith (Diane), and Tommy Smith (Jan); sister, Peggy Britt; six grandchildren, Allyson, Amber, Corey, Arron, Leah, and Brianna; and eight great grandchildren.
The family extends appreciation to Silver Cross and Deaconess Home Health for the love and care given to Mrs. Oliver.
A celebration of life for Betty Woodham Jones will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 1, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial is in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Obituary to be posted soon.
The funeral service for Nancy Lynn Smith will be 11 a.m., Monday, February 24, at Riverwood Family with burial in Warick Brister Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Smith, 81, of Muscle Shoals, AL, died February 20, 2025, in Muscle Shoals. She was born January 31, 1944, in Baton Rouge, LA, to Ben and Eloise Conerly) Duncan. Prior to retiring she was self employed and worked with Battery District Manufacturing. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jimmy Smith; and numerous aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her husband, John E. Smith; brother, Sydney G. Smith; sister, Martha Duncan DeKay; and sisters -in- law, Juanita Shuler, Sina Molitor, and Bertha S. Hernandez; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Betty Opal Martin will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 25, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Stewart Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, February 24 at Riverwood, and will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.
Mrs. Martin, 80, of Bogue Chitto, entered eternity to be with her Lord for evermore on February 20, 2025. She began her journey here on August 30, 1944, born to Cleveland A. Smith and Ethel Norman Smith.
Mrs. Martin was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She cherished her family and enjoyed spending time preparing delicious meals for them. Her heritage was important to her, and she was always excited to share with anyone about the Choctaw Indian Tribe. Mrs. Martin was a member of the Pentecostal faith and was faithful in the church and in serving others. She was an avid antique and resale shopper; she found much pleasure in searching for a bargain. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Norma Dean Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 61 years, Phillip R. Martin, Sr.; children, Phil Martin, Jr. & Renee, Mechelle Martin, and Tim Martin & Ashley; brother, Wade Smith (Teresa); sisters, Sally Smith, Jane Gill (Jerry), and Dale Allred; six grandchildren, Brittney Martin Mofley, Courtney Martin Krogel, Michael Martin, Shiloh Martin, Summer Martin, Aiden Martin; and nine great grandchildren, Ben Mofley, Addy Mofley, Gabe Mofley, Abel Krogel, Jossy Mofley, Elsie Krogel, Ellie Montgomery, Marly Montgomery, and Ashton Montgomery. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The funeral service for Hugh L. Boyte, Jr. will be Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Solid Rock Pentecostal Church with a burial at Freedom Church Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Hugh L. Boyte, Jr., 71, of Brookhaven, died February 18, 2025, at his residence. He was born in McComb, MS, to Hugh Leonard Boyte and Clara Adelle Lenard Boyte.
As a child, Hugh attended Bethel Temple United Pentecostal Church and is now a faithful member of Solid Rock Pentecostal Church.
Preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Eldon Ross “Butchie” Boyte; sister Wendy Star Boyte Furr, and great-niece, Ally Waldrop.
Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Tommy E. Boyte of Brookhaven; sisters, Helen Boyte Smith, Brookhaven, Janie Bradberry of Houston, TX, Jeannie Boyte Waldrop of Brookhaven, and Penny Boyte Moulder of McComb; aunts Mary Boyte of Brookhaven and Joan Boyte Hester of Garland, TX.
He is also survived by his longtime friend, Mary Ladiner; his sister in the Lord, and his daughter in his heart Candi Williams and four who called him Paw-Paw, Will Ladiner, Dexter, Elizabeth, and Bradain, as well as other loving family and friends.
A Celebration of Life and crawfish boil for Mr. Harry Lane Cole, Jr. will be 12:00 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2025, at The Barn.
Capt. Harry Lane Cole, Jr. USMC departed for heaven at 5:15 a.m., February 20, 2025. He was born January 20, 1952, in Brookhaven, MS, to Harry Lane Cole and Willie Burdett Cole.
Lane often said, “I wanted to be an only child, but I had 5 siblings.” He had a sign made that said, “I’m Great”. Always a leader, at age 12, would march his siblings around the yard with sticks for guns and pots for helmets demanding them to repeat that refrain.
He was a loving man. He loved his boys, grandkids, and all the little ones in his family. He was famous for saying, “Children and animals love me, it’s grown women that I cannot figure out.”
So many memories of his adventures are shared, and it always ends with a room full of laughter. Lane was one of a kind. He served in the United States Marine Corp as a naval aviator from 1975 to 1983. He flew the A-6 Intruder. Following his military career, he impacted a lot of people in the car business. He was a witness for Jesus in Belarus, Southeastern Youth Camp in Cook Springs, Alabama and other various places. Lane was an active member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he served in all ministries.
He was preceded in death by his parents; nephew, Gary Cole; niece, Callie Cole; and sister-in-law, Frances Cole; nephew, Levi Johnson.
He is survived by his sons, Harry Lane Cole III (Lindsey) of Madison, Tyler Forbes Cole of Brandon and Terri Forbes Cole of Madison; grandchildren, Elizabeth Lane and Mason King Cole; brothers, John Richard Cole (Jenny) and Thomas H. Cole; sisters, Rachel Gatlin (Marc), Cheri Altman (Danny), and Marty Lewman (Steve); and host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Callie Cole Pleasant Hill Baptist Church (PHBC) Mission Fund.
Lane’s favorite bible verse was Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Rita Ann Powell, 77, of Wesson, was born October 27, 1947, to Proby Nations and Opal McGarity Thornton, died February 16, 2025, at her residence.
She retired from work as a legal secretary and enjoyed her life taking care of her animals.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Larry Nations; and her beloved Maggie Mae.
She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Lester C. Powell; children, Christian and Jordan Nations and Casey and Mary Powell; 13 grandchildren, Anthony and Belle Nations, Christian Nations and fiancé Nick Spohr, Adelia Nations, Courtney Nations, Alston Nations, Jaydan Blake and Joshua Blake, Sarah, Dane, Ally, Jaden, Warren, and Presten; and three great grandchildren, Celisa Spohr, Allison, and Charlotte. She is also survived by Rex and Peggy Castilaw as well as other loving family members and friends.
The funeral service for Michael Lavelle Pace will be 2 p.m., Thursday, February 20, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr. Pace, 81, of Brookhaven, died February 17, 2025, at his residence. He was born October 29, 1943, to John Lavelle Pace and Doris Jordan Pace. He retired from Georgia Pacific. Mr. Pace was a member of Easthaven Baptist Church. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many. Mr. Pace found great peace and enjoyment by spending time out on a lake or pond catching fish. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents, Joseph and Janie Mae (Cameron) Jordan.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nann Pace; children, James Pace (Kim) and Mark Pace; sister, Susan Pace Elly (Tom); five grandchildren, Logan Pace, Tanner Pace, Garrett Pace and wife Ashlyn, Caroline Pace, and John Tucker Pace. He is also survived by three great grandchildren; nephews and nieces, Steven Smith (Rae), Stephanie Davis (Kirk), Laura Watts (Caleb), James Mullen (Bekah); and by a host of other loving family members and friends.
The family extends appreciation to Arden Hospice in Brookhaven and Mrs. Evelyn and Kabrina Rhodes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to cancer.org/HopeLodgeMemphis.