Obituaries
Patty L. Smith
The funeral service for Patty L. Smith will be 1 p.m. at Damascus Baptist Church, Thursday, June 20, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Smith, 87, of Brookhaven, died June 15, 2024. She was born September 11, 1936, to F.T. “Pete” Stroud and Callie Wilson Stroud.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Smith; her parents; sister, Shelby Jean Waldon; two grandsons, Jacob Smith and Christopher Smith; and daughter-in-law, Martha Furr Smith.
She is survived by her sons, Terry D. “Bubba” Smith, Steve Smith (Lisa), and Mitchell Smith (Cindy); and daughter, Sharon Kay Allen (Dennis); four grandchildren, Donnie Allen (Tori), Josh Allen, Brody Smith, Holli Migues (Zane); and five great-grandchildren, Mac Migues, Riley Brooke Migues, Mia Smith, Micah Smith, and James William Allen.
Rev. Reese Eugene Kyzar
The funeral for Reverend Reese Eugene Kyzar will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19th at Riverwood Family with burial in the Rosehill Cemetery. Friends and family are welcome to come from Noon until the time of the service on Wednesday for a time of visitation.
Rev. Kyzar was born in Lincoln County, MS, February 22, 1927, to Felix Henry Kyzar and Mary Hughes Kyzar. He served his country in the United States Navy during the WWII era.
After returning from the war, Rev. Kyzar surrendered into the gospel ministry and served the Lord Jesus over 70 years in diverse places. On June 16, 2024, Rev. Kyzar’s faith, that he preached about and believed in so faithfully, became sight as he entered eternal life with the Savior he loved so. He was 97 years of age.
Psalm 37:23 tells us “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Rev. Kyzar was a delight to the Lord and to the many he served over the years. He will be remembered and cherished by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ollie Grice Kyzar; his parents; brother, Luther Elmo Kyzar; and sister, Ruby Lee Kyzar Allen.
He is survived by the many friends he has made along his journey as well as a host of distant family.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the MS Baptist Foundation, PO Box 530 Jackson, MS 39205.
Clara Louise Ezell Jackson
Services for Mrs. Clara Louise Ezell Jackson of Brookhaven are at 11:00 am, Monday, June 17, 2024, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Burial will be at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Clara Louise Ezell Jackson, 97, passed away on June 12, 2024, at her residence.
She was born on December 13, 1926, to the late Henry and Addie Ezell.
Clara enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, cooking, gardening, flowers, and reading. She also enjoyed playing the piano and harmonica.
Preceding her in death were her husband, A.C. Jackson, parents; grandson, Brad Porter, and 12 brothers and sisters.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Brenda Williams and her husband, David, Charlotte Porter, Bryant Jackson, Jackie Jackson, and Teddy Jackson and wife Jennifer, brother, Charlie Ezell and sister, Rose Forrest.
She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
She will be missed by all who loved her.
Clara Margaret Brooks Dampier
Memorial graveside service for Clara Margaret Dampier will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 13, at Monticello City Cemetery.
Clara Margaret Brooks Dampier was born on May 24, 1953, in Brookhaven, MS, to James Woodrow “Jimmy” Brooks and Nancy Merle Blackwell Brooks.
Margaret was a graduate of the Monticello Red Devils and pursued a career in Cosmetology. She was a licensed cosmetologist for over five decades. Margaret was passionate about her career and most of her clientele became more like her family. Margaret had the pleasure of working beside many talented ladies throughout her career and each held a special place in her heart.
She was an avid reader but also enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports. Margaret was a gracious and loving family person. She found great joy in everything she did, and always with a beautiful smile.
Margaret wed the love of her life, Virgil Hoyt Dampier, on July 27, 1979. The two built a beautiful life together over 45 years on the banks of Halls Creek and raised two beautiful daughters, Randi Dampier Criswell and Robbi Dampier Gordon.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Nancy Brooks; in-laws, Jerry and Bonnie Dampier; and a host of family and friends.
Margaret is survived by her husband, Hoyt, of 45 years; daughters, Randi Criswell (Toby) of Monticello, MS and Robbi Gordon (Andrew) of Ruth, MS; grandchildren, Lillee and Jon-Ross Criswell, Brownlee and Brooks Gordon, and Molleigh Evans; and a host of other family and friends.
Margaret loved her family dearly, but she loved the Lord more. She was ready to go to her Heavenly Home, and oh what a reunion that was!
Carl Eugene Morgan
A memorial service will be held for Carl Eugene Morgan, 11 a.m., Saturday June 15, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Mr. Morgan, 66, of Bogue Chitto, died May 27, 2024. He was born in McComb, MS, August 22, 1958, to Edzel Eugene Morgan and Gloria Faye Moak Morgan.
Gene was an elder in the Brookhaven Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He kept very busy in his theocratic duties and preaching the “Good News of Jesus Christ”. Several years ago, he began experiencing health issues and in January 2024, was confined to a hospital bed.
Many thanks to the friends for the calls, visits, prayers, and gifts of love. Also, appreciation is expressed to his nurses, Heidi Cain, Jasmine and Drew.
Brother Gene Morgan was a living example of 2 Corinthians 4:16. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 27 years, Rose Mary Dickerson Morgan; children, Austin Morgan (Brittany), Lauren Stegall (Keith); six grandchildren; and his spiritual brother and loving friend, J.D. Lyons.
Eddie Plez Reynolds, Sr.
The memorial service for Eddie Plez Reynolds, Sr will be Noon, Friday, June 14, at Topeka Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Reynolds, 86, of Jayess, MS, died June 10, 2024, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was born in Ruth, MS, on August 25, 1937, to William and Ruby Reynolds. He was employed as a truck driver for many years. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing or hunting, as well as caring for his antique cars. His greatest treasure was family and spending time with them was the most important thing, especially his precious grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
Mr. Reynolds is preceded in death by his wife, Wanzie Reynolds; parents; son, Richard Reynolds; daughter, Debbie McPhail; son-in-law, Jessie McPhail; great grandson, Blaine Reynolds; and sisters, Linda McRaney and Mary Freeman.
He is survived by his children, Eddie Plez Reynolds, Jr. (Dawanna) and Raymond Reynolds; brothers, Billy Reynolds, George Reynolds, and Willie Reynolds and Dale King (Sally); sister, Pearl ; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, along with a host other loving family members.
Jessie Leroy McPhail
Memorial service for Jessie Leroy McPhail will be 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, at Topeka Baptist Church. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Jessie Leroy McPhail, 68, of Jayess, MS, died June 9, 2024, in Forest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. He was born in Jefferson Davis, MS June 25, 1955, to Leroy McPhail and Rita Mae Delancey McPhail.
Mr. McPhail was a loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a very caring person, helping anyone in need. His hobbies included writing poetry, playing billiards, drawing, and working outdoors. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Debbie McPhail; parents; daughter, Brandi Ulmer; and sisters, Jean Norris and Patsy Schoenfeld.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Tara Dyess, Dametaris Pyle, and Jessica McPhail; brothers, Keith McPhail, Jimmy McPhail; sister, Faye McPhail Jackson; and five grandchildren, Taylor Barrett, Kaitie Rose Barrett, Hunter Barrett, Logan Parkman, and Lyla Frye. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Wanda Kaye Speights Daley
Services for Ms. Wanda Kaye Speights Daley from Monticello are at 2:00 pm Monday, June 10, 2024, at New Life Church in Monticello, with visitation from 11:00 until the time of service.
The burial will be at Oakvale Baptist Church Cemetery in Oakvale. Bro. Jay Thompson will officiate the services with Riverwood Family Funeral Services in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Wanda Kaye Speights Daley, 68, passed away on June 6, 2024, at Southwest Medical Center of McComb.
She was born March 6, 1956, in Jackson, Mississippi to Horace Jr. and Lavon Speights.
Ms. Wanda was called mama, granny, Aunt Kaykay, a loyal friend, and a faithful follower of Christ. She will be remembered as a talented pianist, great cook, attentive listener, and for all the phone calls. She loved her church family at New Life. She loved keeping up with friends and family. She loved others no matter what and she prayed for everyone every day. Her faith moved mountains! Despite any struggle she had on earth she had hope through salvation in Jesus. Her joyful smile will be missed.
Those preceding her in death are her parents, Horace (Junior) and Ilyss Speights, and Lavon and Bill Griffis; and Brother James Carol (Slick) Speights and Sister, Janice Ann Davis, grand-daughter, Maci Lynn Mason.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children; Angela Kaye Jordan (Gary), Terri Lynn Daley, Justin Daley (Katie) all of Monticello, Grandchildren, Jayla Mason, Brandon Jordan (Lisha), Karlie Jordan, Rose Mason, Maci Daley, Molly Sue Mason, Micah Daley, Magnolia Daley, Madilyn Daley, Maddox (kk) Daley, Great-Grand, Lizzy Channell, Shelbi Channell, Bella Goodman, Eli Goodman; Brothers, Ricky Speights (Debbie) of Hattiesburg, and Thomas Griffis of Forest, LA; Sister, Theresa Brantley (Perry) of Forest, LA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to New Life Church Building Fund, 1093 F E Sellers Hwy, Monticello, MS 39654.
Christopher Lee Reed
Christopher Lee Reed, 33, of Monticello, passed away on June 5, 2024.
He was born on September 14, 1990, to the late Marty Herbert Reed and Jackie Wynett Herrington Reed.
Christopher loved to have a good time. He loved to cook and eat good food.
One of his favorite pastimes was riding the river. He could never sit still for long, he was always moving, always on the go. And he always made people laugh, he wanted to see others smiling and having a good time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marty and Jackie, and grandparents, Joann and Larry Haines.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Blake Reed, Landon Ledet, and Jacie Durr; brother, Peyton Bennett and sisters Christina Walker and Sabrina Reed.
And grandmother, Delma Varner, and many loving aunts uncles, and cousins.
He will be missed by all who loved him.
Johnny Wayne Dillon
Services for Mr. Johnny Wayne Dillon from Meadville are at 11:00 am Friday, June 7, 2024, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 10:00 until the time of service.
The burial will be at Midway Cemetery in Meadville.
Mr. Johnny Wayne Dillon, 68, passed away on June 4, 2024, at Meadville Convalescent Home.
He was born on December 1, 1955, to the late Johnny Harrison Dillon and Dorothy Jackson Dillon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kim Cupit, and sister Joyce Gilbert.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 29 years, Paula Dillon; children, Matt Dillon, Heath Oglesby, and Jonathan Myers; ten grandchildren, Neal Oglesby, Machell Oglesby, Shane Oglesby, Annah Oglesby, Emily Delozier, Tyler Cupit, Ian Dillon, Macy Dillon, Charlie, Meredith Myers, and three great-grandchildren, Benji Huxleigh and Kaiser.
He will be missed by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Tunnels for Towers
Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.
