Obituaries
Bernice "Bee" Louise Reed
Bernice “Bee” Louise Reed passed away peacefully, at home, on May 3rd, 2021.
She was surrounded by family and those who loved her. Bernice was born in Clawson, MI on May 9th, 1943
to Bernard Joseph and Dorris Lillian Laichalk. She later moved to Vero Beach, FL, where she spent most of
her childhood and graduated from Vero Beach High School. She attended Central College of Florida,
while pursuing a degree in Child Development with a minor in Fine Arts.
She left this world too soon. Even she thought so. Bee loved life and everyone in it. Her greatest pride was her
7 children, 30 grandchildren and 32 great-grands. She managed to somehow keep track of the growing number, even in her final days.
She loved her family fiercely and was affectionately known as “Granny Bee” to her grandchildren and those who loved her most.
She was a fighter, even to the end. She put on a smiling face, thru nearly a decade of declining health and insisted fighting thru it all.
She never gave up and made the most out of everything life dealt her. Bee often told her children, “where there is a will, there is a way.”
She had a strong faith in God and leaned on Him to see her thru each trial she faced.
Bee loved to give; She gave by her talents, her passion, and her time—a red barn or country scene painted in oils on the face of a worn-down sawblade,
for a newly-married couple, a shoebox full of items for children at Christmas time, a simple handmade card for an elder in a nursing home—her giving was always heartfelt, and she gave a lot.
She cared about people and tried hard to show them she loved them. She always wanted to make sure everyone was OK.
She had a passion for painting and crafting that started early in life. Her kids will always remember their mom being on the prowl for scrap lumber so she could create something
beautiful with it. She was proud of her art studio, The Beehive Art Studio, where she taught painting lessons for years before her body could no longer keep up with her ambitious spirit.
It was here--in her happy place-- she started calling herself “The Busy Bee.”
Life was fun to her; She lived with a big spirit, and even had a strong sense of competitiveness born in her. She loved to reminisce on her days as a competitive roller skater.
She never took this life too seriously and rarely feared anything. Granny Bee completely embraced technology—her iPad was her communication line,
and she loved hollering across the room, “Alexa, play some Christian music!”
She was always up for a road trip or cruise, traveling to and from, every chance she got. The farthest she traveled alone was Hawaii,
when she went there for a One-Stroke (a discipline in which she was certified) Artist convention, in 2003. One of her favorite travel destinations
was the Smokey Mountains—specifically Dollywood, where she would take in all the shows and excitement, time and time again.
Like many great artists, though, our Granny Bee was not always disciplined. She was known to rarely be on time for anything.
She often joked that she would be late to her own funeral. But she wasn’t late for that. From where the rest of the world stands, she was early.
Preceding her in death were her husband, William Glenn (Bill) Reed; parents; brother, Ricky Eugene Greene;
grandsons, William Jeremiah Reed and Grayson Loyd Phillip.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Gary Reed (Denise), Jeff Reed (Mary), Bernie Reed (Brandi), Josh Reed (Isabel); daughters,
Tracey Watson (Michael), Debbie Porter, Mary Beth Price (Justin).
She is also survived by her sister, Tarri Stewart and 30 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.
Along with host of other, sitters, students, friends and family who loved her dearly.
Visitation is scheduled for 12p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 8th, at Monticello Pentecostal Church.
Service will begin at 2p.m., with interment to follow at Riverwood Memorial Park, in Brookhaven.
Funeral: 87 Westside Rd.
Monticello, MS 39654
Burial: 76 US-51
Brookhaven, MS 39601
Mary Frances Cupit
A graveside service for Mrs. Mary Frances Cupit of Brookhaven is 11:00 am, Friday, May 7, 2021
at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Mary Frances Cupit, 78, went to be with her Lord on May 4, 2021.
She was born on July 13, 1942 to the late, James Leo Cupit and Alice Ree Smith Cupit.
Mrs. Cupit was a graduate of Loyd Star and Mississippi College and Retired Elementary Teacher
with 25 years at West Lincoln. She was a lifetime member of Friendship Baptist Church where she
was a member of the choir and Assistant Director of Sunday Night Training Union. She was also a member
of Golden Oldies and Willing Hearts. After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with her mother to 48 different states.
She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; grandparents, James and Emma Wroten Cupit and Bennie and
Alma Vaughn Smith and Uncle and Aunt Marrell & Para Lee Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her family, Keith & Sue Smith and their daughters, (honorary grandchildren)
Cassie & Karsten Case and Maggie and Clay Woolley and honorary great grandsons, Jacob, Kade, Layton and Macel.
She is also survived by cousins, Ronald and Ann Smith, Angie (Glenn) Barber, Kevin (Vanessa) Smith,
Gery Cupit, Betty Corley, Malcum Cupit family, Mary Jane Russell and a host of extended cousins and family members.
The family wishes to thank her caregivers Jamie & Tammy, Hospice Compasses and all her sitters.
The family also request donations be made to Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1502 Friendship Lane NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601
Brittany Ann Reeves
Graveside service for Brittany Ann Reeves will be 2 p.m., Friday, May 7, 2021, at Wellman Baptist Church
with interment in the church cemetery. There will be a visitation from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Rev. Thomas Wicker will officiate.
Ms. Reeves, 30, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life May 4, 2021. She was born October 10, 1990, to
Thomas Alan Burt and Jennifer Ann Covington Knight. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church.
Ms. Reeves is preceded in death by her father.
Those left to cherish her memory are, her son, Bray Burt; daughters, Hailey Reeves and Sophie Reeves;
mother, Jennifer Knight; brothers, Deven Burt, Dillon Burt, Justin Burt, Hunter Knight; sister, Samatha Knight;
grandparents, Julius W. Burt, Judy Burt, and Liz Sumrall. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Dana Asher Holmes
Dana Asher Holmes, 71, of Summit passed away on April 28, 2021.
He was born on October 15, 1949, to Herbert Dean Holmes and Maradean Lockard.
He was a former Mortician, Steam Engineer, loved upholstery work, and antique cars.
Mr. Holmes was a loving husband, father, grandfather and will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cheryl Holmes; sons, Dale Holmes and wife, Monica, and Jackson Holmes;
daughters, Deborah Holmes, Clarice Holmes, and Dayna Holmes; along with grandchildren, Olivia and Jordan Ramshur, Preston, Daniel, Brody and Rhiley Holmes,
and great grandchild, Alaia Adcock.
There will be a memorial service at a later date.
Mary Ruth Landrum Russum
Graveside service for Mrs. Mary Ruth Landrum Russum will be Noon Tuesday, May 4, 2021,
at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery in Ovett, MS. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Monday, May 3,
at Riverwood Family and will resume at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Good Hope until the time of service.
Mrs. Russum, 90, of Brookhaven, passed away April 30, 2021. She was born in Ovett, MS, September 5, 1930,
to Otho Landrum and Dannie Mae Pitts Landrum. She was a member of Port Gibson Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husbands, Jesse Simpson and William Russum; her parents; sister, Ethel Goff;
children, Jennie Lou Simpson and James Simpson; and granddaughter, Sandy Simpson.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her brother, Elton Landrum; two grandchildren, Amy Heard and husband, Jaymie,
Frankie Turnage and wife Ann; great grandson, Jackson Heard; and daughter-in-law, Ruby Simpson.
Robert Lamar Bryant, Sr.
A memorial gathering for Mr. Robert Lamar Bryant, Sr. are 11:00 am, Wednesday, May 5, 2021 with visitation from 10:00 until time of the service at Riverwood.
Mr. Robert Lamar Bryant Sr. 48, was born on October 31, 1973 to the late Charles Larue Bryant and Revia Mearl Castilaw Bryant.
He was a manager for Wastequip. He will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Preceding him in death were his parents and wife, Georgette Lee Bryant.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Robert L. Bryant, Jr., and Charles Jacob Bryant; daughters, Ashlee Ann Bryant,
and Emilee Bryant; brothers, Charles Bryant, Jr., Willie Bryant, and Bennie Bryant; sisters, Gerldean King, Janie Hart,
Sue Bryant, Kay Bryant, Michele Bryant, June Lawrence and granddaughter, Isabella Marie Bryant.
LaVerne Downing
Services for Mrs. LaVerne Downing are Saturday, May 1, 2021
at Mt. Zion Church of Christ at 1:00 pm with visitation from 9:00-12:45 and interment at the church cemetery.
Mrs. LaVerne Downing was born on February 20, 1940 in Brookhaven, MS, passed away on April 25, 2021,at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice House in Winston-Salem, NC.
Loving wife of Charles Downing, Sr. (84, living) for over 60 years and mother to Charles “Chuck” Downing, Jr. (Debbie) and Micah Downing (Lisa).
Beloved Mamaw to four granddaughters, Kristen Doub (Don), Jacquie Hassen (David), Alexandra Downing (Brandon Roberts), and Gabrielle Downing
and great-granbdmother to four grandchildren, Boeing and Emmie Doub and Henry and Oliver Hassen.
She is one of six siblings, Ralph Jr. (deceased), Jay W, Paul (deceased), Glen and Rita born to Robert R. Redd Sr. and Yuba Rae Alderman.
LaVerne was an accomplished baker, co-owner of King R/C Hobby Shop for 39 years, and President of the American Hobby Association.
In earlier years, she enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas with Charles. She cherished time with her family usually around a good meal and heartfelt laughter. She will be dearly missed!
Anita Lavon Thornhill White McKee
Services for Mrs. Anita Lavon Thornhill White McKee, of Brookhaven are 11:00 am Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Riverwood Family with visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, April 9, at Riverwood.
Interment will be at Fair River Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Anita Lavon Thornhill White McKee, 75, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 8, 2021.
She was born on November 7, 1945 to the late George Ray Thornhill and Juanita Lewis Thornhill.
Mrs. McKee was a Dental Hygienist and was a member of Fair River Baptist Church. She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husbands, Benjamin David White, Charles Wayne McKee, and son, Jamie Ray White.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Robin White Smith and sister, Marilyn Thornhill Welch, along with 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Jerry Wayne Carter
Funeral Service for Mr. Jerry Wayne Carter will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at Sylvarena Baptist Church
with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Carter, 72, of Wesson, passed from this life April 25, 2021, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. He was born in
Hattiesburg, MS December 25, 1948, to Jackson Talmage Carter and Marjorie Luby Carter. He served his country
in the United States Navy and was employed with Hinds County Sheriffs Department as a Deputy Sheriff. Mr. Carter
was a member of Sylvarena Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of Deacons. He was also an avid outdoorsman,
hunting and fishing, but he also enjoyed singing as well as cooking. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Mr. Carter is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Frankie Carter; daughter, Sarina Evans; sister, Debbie Martin;
two grandchildren, Hartley Evans and Dylan Evans; and one great grandchild, Kenslee Evans. He is also survived
by other loving family members and friends.
Richard Buckley Powell
Graveside service for Mr. Richard Buckley Powell will be 3 p.m., Monday, April 26, at Roberts Memorial Cemetery.
Mr. Powell, 68, of Jayess, passed from this life April 25, 2021, at his residence. He was born February 28, 1953,
to Charles Ray Powell, Sr. and Bennie Lee Alexander Powell. He was a Drilling Supervisor in the Oilfield Industry.
Mr. Powell was a member of Monticello Methodist Protestant Church. He was a loving husband, father, and
grandfather, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are, his wife of 47 years, Mary Ruth Garrett Powell; sons, Slade Powell (Barbie),
Tate Powell (Lindsey), Cole Powell (Brittany); daughter, Krisha Felder (Al); brothers, Charlie Powell (Wanda), Wayne Powell (Genie);
sisters, Pat Gummoe (Will), Marsha Everett (Al), Donna Small (Mike), Renee Pepper (Tim); and 18 grandchildren, Alden, Emma, Troy,
Elyse, Elina, Ella, Ethan, Evan, Preston, Brantly, Ava Tate, Presley, Isley, and Grae Powell; Rose, Anne Louise, Quin, and Juliana Felder.
He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.
