Obituaries
James William Elliott, Jr.
James (“Jim”) William Elliott, Jr., a gentleman who found great joy in connecting with others, passed away peacefully at his home in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on November 21, 2024, surrounded by family. Services will be held on Monday, November 25, at Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven. A visitation for family and friends will take place at the church from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary. A private, family graveside service will follow at Riverwood.
Jim’s nearly 94 years of life can best be described as an embodiment of the American Dream. He was a devoted family man who loved God and his country and found success as an entrepreneur and businessman. He had many interests in life, and nothing brought him greater happiness than sharing them with family and friends. Though he has departed this life, his legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of those who knew him, serving as a guide for pursuing one's passions and living a fulfilling life.
Jim was born in Jackson, Mississippi on January 21, 1931, to James William Elliott and Marie Aurelia Woods Elliott. He attended Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Central High School in 1949. Jim attended the University of Mississippi where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order, president of the Cardinal Club, president of the School of Liberal Arts, and Cadet Colonel of the Air R.O.T.C. After serving two years in the United States Air Force as 1st Lieutenant, legal officer, Jim returned to the University of Mississippi’s law school where he obtained his LLB degree. While in law school he was elected president of his senior law class and worked as an assistant to the Business Manager of Athletics.
Jim married the love of his life, Charlene Rice Elliott, on December 22, 1956. Upon graduation from law school, the couple moved to their lifelong home of Brookhaven, Mississippi where he joined the law firm of Phillips and Carr in 1958. After a brief career in the practice of law, he made a bold entrepreneurial decision, embracing the opportunity offered by Mississippi’s burgeoning oil and gas industry. This leap of faith provided a career, and he found success as an independent oil producer. He was active in oil and gas exploration throughout the southeastern United States for over 50 years. Later in life, he also developed real estate, launched several small businesses, and served on the State Bank & Trust Company Board of Directors. Additionally, Jim served in leadership positions within several civic, professional, political, sport, and wildlife conservation organizations throughout his life. Jim’s passion for his work kept him mentally sharp as he was known to rise early and report to his office where his entrepreneurial drive remained strong well into his nineties.
Jim’s greatest joys in life were found through his family. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother George Elliott, wife Charlene and their daughter Hattie Rose Elliott. He is survived by his sister Sara Newton; by daughters Meg Nordberg (Richard) and Amanda Warren (Brooks); by grandchildren Elliott Warren (Molly), Lydia McLaughlin (Glenn), Maley Nordberg, John Nordberg, and Sarah Rice Halbert (Keaton); and by great-grandchildren Anne Warren, Betsy Warren, Ellie James McLaughlin, and Lyla McLaughlin.
Jim and Charlene were active in church affairs. They were members of Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven for much of their adult life. Jim served as a deacon, chairman of the deaconate, Sunday School teacher, president of the Men of the Church and advisor to the Senior High Fellowship. Among his many interests in life was a love for the great outdoors and the game of tennis. An avid sportsman, he received the Ducks Unlimited Award for significant contribution to waterfowl conservation in 1987 and took great pleasure in introducing his enthusiasm for hunting and fishing to his children, grandchildren, and friends. A knowledgeable tennis player, Jim encouraged many local junior players within the Brookhaven area throughout his life and was eager to teach the game to his children and grandchildren.
Jim lived a fulfilling life. He spent his time purposefully and with conviction. He had an infectious personality, and an energetic spirit, and maintained a large group of friends throughout his life. Never one to shy away from a card game, lunch with new and old acquaintances, sharing a “sugar-free” dessert, or rooting on his beloved Ole Miss Rebels, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Braves, he was generous with his time and presence. He delighted in sharing his passions with family and friends, creating special moments and fond memories that will be cherished forever by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Faith Presbyterian Church mission fund or a charity of your choice.
Edwin Earl Taylor
The Graveside Service for Edwin Earl Taylor will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 25, 2024, at Easthaven Cemetery.
Edwin Earl Taylor, 92, of Brookhaven, died November 20, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Hazlehurst, MS, December 21, 1931, to Parvin Edward Taylor and Velma Jewell Belding.
Earl was a barber for 50 years, where he made many lifelong friends and did countless first-time haircuts. He could cut a “flat top” like nobody’s business. He was a kind man and loved people. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Words cannot express what he meant to his family. There will always be wonderful and kind memories to reflect on. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Sonny” to his nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Alyene Taylor; parents; brother, Hewy Taylor; and sisters, Elsie Vidrine and Mary Alice Townsend.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Reggie Taylor and Rickie Taylor (John Chrestia); sister, Ruby Broussard; three grandchildren, Lauren Taylor Brettner, Abby Taylor, and Michelle Menough; two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Alistair; and a very special daughter-in-law, Debbie Taylor Smith.
Joseph Harold McGee
Graveside service for Joseph Harold McGee will be 11 a.m., Friday, November 22, at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Joseph Harold McGee was born February 11, 1941, to Virgil E. McGee and Maude Leggett McGee. He died November 19, 2024, at his home in Bogue Chitto, MS, he was 83 years of age. Mr. McGee was a City Mail Carrier for many years before retiring. He enjoyed being outdoors and found much joy in photography. Mr. Joe also liked to spend time growing and tending beautiful flowers. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Willie McGee.
He is survived by his children, Andrew McGee (Marsha) and George McGee (Kelly); brother, Jackie McGee (Nancy); sister, Sarah Nell Rutledge (Percy); six grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of other loving family members and friends as well as his faith family at Calvary Baptist Church.
Anthony Glenn (Tony) Richardson
Graveside service for Anthony Glenn (Tony) Richardson will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Easthaven Cemetery with Bro. Douglas Kimble officiating.
Tony was born on July 16, 1972, in Meridian, MS, and passed away suddenly on November 18, 2024, in Waynesboro, MS at 52.
Tony is survived by his brother Todd Richardson (Emma), sisters Tina Emmons (Barry) and Susan Carmichael (Fredie), and his mother Frankie A Lambert (Bill) as well as his loving Uncle and Aunt Leroy and Joann Richardson along with one niece, four nephews, and numerous cousins.
Tony is preceded in death by his father Ralph Allen Richardson.
He was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus, MS. He attended Northeast Elementary School in Meridian, MS. He went on to graduate from St Joseph High School in Greenville, MS. BUT Tony's home of home was Brookhaven, MS where he spent so much time at an early age. This is where his Aunt Joann and Uncle Roy loved him, thought of him, and treated him as "one of their boys".
Gary Dewayne Delaughter
Gary Dewayne Delaughter, 40, died November 10, 2024, in Wilkinson County, MS. He was born in Brookhaven, MS, April 14, 1984, to Larry Wayne Delaughter and Sheila Ann Delaughter.
Gary is preceded in death by his father; his grandparents, Dan and Ruby Lee Byrd and Thelma and Ralph Delaughter; and by his nephew, Peyton Banks.
He is survived by his mother; brother, Larry Wayne Delaughter II; nephews, Mason Delaughter and Jaydan Bradley; and by a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Bobbye Faye Winstead Wynn
Bobbye Faye (Winstead) Wynn, 74, died the morning of November 12, 2024. Her funeral service will be Saturday, November 16, at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Brookhaven following with a graveside service at Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday evening, November 15, from 5:00 – 7:30 P.M. at Riverwood Family Service and Saturday from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Brookhaven.
Mrs. Wynn was born in Morton, MS, on November 11, 1950, to Reverend Wilson and Bobbie Winstead. She graduated with honors from Brookhaven High School in 1968 and Clarke Memorial Junior College in 1970. In the spring of her final year at Clarke, she met her husband, Dan Wynn, through mutual friends and married him that summer as he was preparing to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in the fall. Later in their marriage while serving a church in ministry, she and her husband decided for her to attend Mississippi College to complete her undergraduate degree. She graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.
While living in Jackson, she taught at Woodville Heights Elementary School. After moving to Natchez, she taught 6th grade at Susie B. West Elementary School for two years. Then she began to teach elementary music for Natchez-Adams Public Schools. She spent the majority of her educational career teaching music at Susie B. West Primary School for grades Pre-K through 1st grade. While a music educator, she was an active member of the Mississippi Music Educators Association (MMEA) and Music Educators National Conference (MENC). Wynn was asked to chair the committee that would organize and form the inaugural Mississippi All-State Children’s Honor Choir in 1991. Over the course of teaching, she was awarded Natchez-Adams District Teacher of the Year in 1996-97 and the Thad Cochran Distinguished Arts Educator Award in Music in 2005. Wynn loved teaching and investing in children and saw her profession as a calling and mission field.
While serving as a minister’s wife, she taught children’s choir, children’s and youth Bible drill, and Vacation Bible School. She also sang in adult choir, hosted church outreach dinners, and taught Bible studies. She loved the Lord and wanted others to know His love and His word. When not serving as a music educator or minister’s wife, she could be found at her own children’s activities and family events.
After retiring, she and her husband moved to Brookhaven where they have been active members of First Baptist Brookhaven. She taught a couples’ Sunday School class, children’s and student Bible drill, and sang in the Mississippi Baptists Singing Churchwomen’s Choir. Not long after moving to Brookhaven, she was invited to become a member of the Brookhaven Matinee Musicale and would later serve in different officer roles. Wynn helped serve the Educational Outreach Program of the Natchez Festival of Music for 6 years, where she helped organize and facilitate for school-age children the experience of an opera with exposure to young professional opera singers and music composed for young people. While being exposed to opera music, students were also learning invaluable character lessons. She also assisted her daughter, Joy, with starting her teaching career and was known by her daughter’s colleagues as Mama Wynn. She was known for her animated, fun-loving, creative, and driven personality.
Wynn is preceded in death by her parents and her two sisters, Linda Parman and Betty Little. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Dan Wynn; son, Daniel Ashley of Atlanta, GA; daughter, Melody Joy of Brookhaven, MS; brother and sister-in-law, Charlie and Sue Winstead of Oxford, MS; brother-in-law, Billy Little of Brandon, MS; grandson, Preston Wallace of Summit, MS; and many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces.
The family would like to give a special thanks to Deaconess Home Health and Hospice for your caring and dedicated service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
David Lamar Moore
The funeral service for David Lamar Moore will be 2:30 p.m., Friday, November 15, at New Salem Baptist Church with burial in Union Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, November 14, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Mr. Moore, 82, of McCall Creek, MS, died November 11, 2024, at Meadville Convalescent Home. He was born February 18, 1942, to Charles Moore and Thelma Smith Moore. Before retiring, Mr. Moore worked as a Tire Factory Technician.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Mr. Moore is survived by his wife of 64 years, Brenda Abel Moore; children, David Moore (Sandy), Keith Moore (Taara), and Bret Moore (Lori); sister, Peggy Thames (Ethan); seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Joseph, Ashley, Matthew, Jonathan, Jacob, and Kaitlyn; and nine great grands, Theodore, Charlotte, Eli, Henry, Jack, Braxton, Forrest, Dawson, and Jace.
The Moore family wishes to express deep appreciation to Meadville Convalescent Home, Dignity Hospice, and Franklin County Memorial Hospital.
Patricia Ann Chisolm McCreary
The funeral service for Patricia Ann Chisolm McCreary will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 16 at Riverwood Family, with burial in Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Pat was born January 26, 1944, to Homer Chisolm and Louise Killebrew Chisolm. She completed her journey here and entered her forever home in glory with her Savior on November 10, 2024, she was 80 years of age.
Pat McCreary dedicated over 25 years to education, teaching at Edinburg High School and the Copiah County School District. She taught a range of subjects, including home economics, biology, family living, and 3rd and 4th grades, earning the title of Teacher of the Year, twice. Alongside teaching, she drove a school bus for over 15 years and was named Bus Driver of the Year. After retiring, she worked as a monitor for the National Association of Educational Progress for four years. Pat was deeply involved in her faith communities, serving as a youth director, Sunday School Teacher, and choir member at Wesson Baptist Church, and later contributing to the Clear Branch Baptist Church by helping with Wednesday night and Sunday morning meals. She also enjoyed cooking for the 50 Plus Club. Additionally, she was the pianist for Wesson Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. Known for her exceptional sewing skills, she also ran a daycare out of her home for more than a decade. Pat was a past president of the Lincoln County Gideons Auxiliary, and her greatest joy was sharing stories about her eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Edward Earl Chisolm.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 59 years, Robert C. McCreary; children, Rob McCreary (Melainie), Ken McCreary (Holly), Lori McCreary Bridges (Mike); brother, Phillip Chisolm (Donna); sister, Margaret Chisolm Baggett (Paul); sister-in-law, Janet Chisolm; eight grandchildren, Caleb McCreary, Josh McCreary, Sam McCreary, Abigail Ganucheau (Nathan), Kamryn Bridges, Presley Bridges, Anna Grace McCreary, Mary Kate McCreary; two great grandchildren, Ezra Ganucheau and Luna Ganucheau.
The McCreary family would like to extend grateful appreciation to the Aspen and Rachel Harris, Ramona Burnett, Destiny Haas, Justin D'avy, Madison Thompson, and Gracie Hudnull; Gentiva, Dr. Billy Hay, Matt Lambert and Katie Dyess; Dr. Barbara Craft and Dr. Stephanie Elkins with UMMC.
In lieu of flowers, you may make charitable donations to Gideons International, PO Box 1106, Brookhaven, MS 39602 or University of MS Cancer Center & Research Institute, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216.
Earline Williams Swager
Services for Mrs. Earline Williams Swager are 7:00 pm, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Heritage Family Church with visitation from 5:00 pm until the time of service with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia, the following Wednesday.
Earline Williams Swager of Brookhaven, 89, passed from this earth on November 9, 2024.
She was born in Taylorsville, MS April 9, 1935, to Early Williams and Lela Ashley Williams.
She is preceded in death by her two husbands, Roland E. McDaniel and James E. Swager; her parents; brothers, unnamed infant, Winford Williams, Jack Williams and James Williams; sister, Kathleen Williams Sanford (Leon).
Mrs. Swager is survived by her children, David McDaniel (Susan) and Carolyn Staley, three grandchildren, Craig Patterson (Kami), Jamie Lehnert (Ralph), and Dave McDaniel (Ashley); 11 great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, two nephews, Kerry (Laura) and Michael Sanford.
Mrs. Swager was a part of Heritage Family Church in Brookhaven, MS. She was employed for one year in Taylorsville, MS at Rexall Drug Store. She then worked in Woodville at TWL for four years. She moved to Brookhaven in 1966 where she was employed by Brook Manor Nursing Home (Diversicare) in 1972 and worked there until she retired in 1992.
Mrs. Swager traveled with her first husband who was in the air force to Switzerland, Germany, and Austria for two years before returning to the states. He passed away in 1958 in a drowning accident on their 6th anniversary. In 1959, she married James Swager and celebrated 61 years of marriage with him before his passing in 2020.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to The Aspen, and special friends, Mark & Anita Smith, Glen & Roma Cliborn, and Justin & Erica Graves and their family.
Walter William Travis
Walter William Travis, 90, of Kentwood, LA, passed peacefully on Friday, November 8, 2024, surrounded by his family in his lifelong home. Walter lived a long, fulfilling life on his terms, only second to the Lord. Determined, tough, and resilient, Walter left quite a mark with everyone he met. He was a retired dairy farmer and boiler maker and owned a successful construction company.
Walter is preceded in death by his daughter, Penny Travis, parents, William "Bill" Travis and Ethel Travis, sister, Jesse Travis Strong, wife, Sheryl Travis (mother of Brooke), Daisy Roberts Fortenberry (mother to his children), and son-in-law, Danny Ray Givens.
Left to continue his legacy are his children and spouses, Ozzie Travis Givens, Robert
"Bobby" (Suzanne) Travis, Randy (Mary) Travis, Brook-leigh "Brooke" Carr, and Arthur "Yogi" Johnson; his grandchildren, Yancey "Renee" (Cody) Britt, Ross (Betsy) Travis, Craig Travis, Carson Travis, Michelle (Chris) Fulton, David (Kandance) Smith, Stephanie (John) Miller and Steve (Allison) Travis; three great-grandchildren, Abigail & Lydia Travis and Amelia Fulton; and three step great grandchildren, Branson, Gracie, and Layla Smith.
A Celebration of Walter's Life, Visitation, and Funeral Service will be held at the Walter William Travis Estate, Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 5pm-9pm and will continue Friday
from 9am-11am, with services starting at 11am. Interment will follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery.
Serving as pallbearers are Arthur "Yogi" Johnson, Cody Britt, Steve Travis, John Miller, Chuck Wilkes, Bill Blades, and David Smith.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Varnado, Jay McGregor, Greensburg Hospital, North Oaks Medical Center, and Eagan Hospice for the care and compassion shown to our loved one.
Walter William Travis Estate, 467 Ethel Lane, Kentwood, Louisiana 70444
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of our father and grandfather, please contribute to a charity of your choice.
The funeral arrangements are being handled by Riverwood Family Funeral Service.
