Mr. Charles Raymond Watts, 86 of Brookhaven, died January 14, 2023, at his residence. He was born August 26, 1936, to Zollie Watts and Anna Smith Watts. He served his country in the United States Air Force. After returning home from his service, he received an associate degree in electronics and began his lifelong career as an Electronics Repairman, specializing in television repair. Mr. Watts enjoyed working with wood and gardening when he could. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Watts is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Brenda White; and his siblings, Russell Watts, Roland Watts, Ronnie Joe Watts, and Maxine Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Fay Watts; children, Randy Watts, Ricky Watts, and Lisa Pruden; one brother, Bob Watts; sisters, Annie Ruth Welter, and Patty Bryant; seven grandchildren, Brandi Watts Smith, Justin Pruden, Josh Pruden, Alisha Douglas, Skye Pruden, Zollie Watts, and Caleb Watts; ten great grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.
Graveside Service for Landry Ryan Kepper are 3:00 pm, Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Riverwood Memorial Park with visitation from 1:00-3:00 pm at Riverwood Family.
Landry Ryan Kepper, six days old passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 15, 2023, at Ochsner Hospital for Children in New Orleans.
She was born January 9, 2023, to Brady Michael Kepper and Cassidy Ryan Phelan Kepper.
Preceding her in death are her maternal great grandparents, Carl Phelan, Kenneth Dunn; paternal great grandparents, Jimmie and Barbara Thornton and Barbara Kepper.
Those left to cherish her memory are her parents; grandparents, Andy and Lisa Kepper and Joel and Shania Phelan; uncles, Drew Kepper, Payton Kepper, and Carson Phelan; great grandparents, Jerry Kepper, Laverne Phelan, and Rita Turner, along with other cousins and family members.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ochsner Hospital for Children
https://giving.oschner.org/Donation2?df_id=1500@mfc-pref=This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.=form 1.
Memorial service for Summer Leann Prestridge will be 2 p.m., Friday, January 20, at New Hope Methodist Church.
Ms. Prestridge, 41, passed away January 13, 2023, at her residence in Wesson, MS. She was born in Delhi, LA, July 7, 1981, to Michael Clark Conn and Melanie Kay Porter Smith. She attended Copiah Lincoln Community College and then from Mississippi State University. Summer won “Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi” in 2018!
Summer knew the Lord Jesus as her Shepherd and she would radiate that truth to everyone she knew. Her radiant joy was contagious and her love for her Lord was obvious in the way she stood strong in the face of many obstacles.
She will be remembered as a kind and loving mother and friend to many, leaving a legacy of strength to those who remain to cherish her memory.
She is preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Brian Smith.
Summer is survived by her daughters, Lexi Grace Prestridge and Adalyn Claire Prestridge; her father; sisters, Krystal Conn and Kara Conn; grandmother, Magruda Spillers; aunts, Marva Lynn Britt, Mona Shedd, and Melissa Porter; goddaughter, Emery Britt; and cousin, Eddie Britt (Gina).
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations towards her gofundme account. The donations will be used for Summer’s favorite charities and projects, such as, Blaire E. Batson and Dance Scholarships. Please visit www.gofundme.com and search for Summer Prestridge.
Mrs. Geneva Mitchell, 79, of Tylertown, passed away January 15, 2023, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born December 6, 1943, to Otis Morris, Sr. and Ophelia Ethridge Morris. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and enjoyed spending time with her family. Mrs. Mitchell enjoyed working with ceramics and creating beautiful pieces. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Tommy Mitchell; daughter, Tracy Mitchell; brother, Jerry Morris; brothers-in-law, Jerry Mitchell, James Mitchell and Freddie Polk; and sister-in-law, Doris Duncan.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 63 years, Louis Mitchell; children, Terry Mitchell and wife, Sonya, Toney Mitchell, Tammy Rials and husband, Vincent, Sr.; brothers, Otis Morris and wife, Karen, Eugene Morris and wife, Karen, Larry Morris and wife, Linda, and Jake Morris and wife, Patti; sisters, Mary Polk, Ann Thornhill and husband, Ronnie, and Annette Lee; 27 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, and 5 great, great grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
The funeral service for Shirley Smith Thompson will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 19, at Union Primitive Baptist Church in Ruth, with burial to follow in the church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, January 18, at Riverwood.
Mrs. Thompson, 70, of Ruth, passed away January 14, 2023, at St. Dominic’s in Jackson. She was born July 10, 1952, to David Edward Smith and Lois Thompson Smith. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and was adored by her family and friends. She enjoyed preparing delicious meals and spending time with her grandchildren; they were the light of her life. Mrs. Thompson worked many years for the United States Postal Service. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Mrs. Thompson is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Kenny Smith and Ricky Smith; grandson, Cooper Frazier; mother and father-in-law, Donald and Betty Thompson; and brother-in-law, Phillip Thompson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 52 years, Wayne Thompson; children, Kristi Frazier (Jason), Ronny Thompson (Mandi), and Brandi McCaffrey (Chris); brother, Clifton Smith (Donna); sisters, Carolyn Hux (Herbert), Elaine Williams (Ellis), and Bobbie Kyzar (Keith); brothers-in-law, David Thompson (Debbie) and Carlos Thompson (Dena); sister-in-law, Judy Harrison (Ronnie); 11 grandchildren, Alex Frazier, Lauren Wilson (Brady), Rachel Frazier, Julianna Frazier, Turner Thompson, Parker McCaffrey (fiancé, Logan Murry), Jacey Frazier, Tripp McCaffrey, Railey Thompson, and Matthew Frazier; and 2 great grandchildren, Mac Ann Wilson and Benton Elliott Wilson. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
A Private Graveside Service for Daniel Lynn McDonald will be at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Daniel Lynn McDonald, 45, passed away January 14, 2023. He was born on February 20, 1977, to William G. “Butch” McDonald and Clara Belinda “Linda” McIntyre.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mud riding and spending time with his family and grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his father, William G. “Butch” McDonald; stepfather, Pat Malone; and brother, William Kelijohn “John” McDonald.
Those left to cherish his memory are his mother, Linda Malone; sons, Logan McDonald and William McDonald; daughters, Emmaleigh McDonald, Brooklyn McDonald and daughter in law, Tatum McDonald and sister, Lisa Beeson and husband Bobby; along with three grandchildren, Jacob McDonald, Brantley Ward and Davina McDonald; Uncle, Kelly McDonald; Aunt, Mary McIntyre Price; family friend, Anthony Murphy, and mother of his children, Athena Hewitt McDonald. He will be missed by all that loved him.
A special thank you to Brookhaven Ministries, Haven Hall and Deaconess Hospice Care.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi, 800 Avery Blvd North Suite 100, Ridgeland MS. 39157
The funeral service for Bobbie Nell Keys Jerome will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, at Zion Hill Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 16, at Riverwood Family, and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday, at Zion Hill.
Mrs. Jerome, 81, of Wesson, entered her eternal home January 10, 2023. She began her journey here November 28, 1941, born in Wesson, MS, to J.B. Keys and Hazel Elizabeth Tarbutton Keys. She was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed cheering her son on in any sporting event he entered. She took great pleasure in providing tasty meals for her family and spending time with them at every opportunity. She also shared in the provisions for her family, working at State Bank for 30 years before retiring. Mrs. Jerome was a lifelong member of Zion Hill Baptist Church and was a vital part of the Zionlighters Gospel Singers. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ikey Jerome; her parents; son, Scott Jerome; and brother, Don Keys.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her sister, Shirley Keys Chamberlain (Bruce); daughter-in-law, Michelle Jerome King (Tommy); and her nephews and nieces, Jeff King (Angie), Kellye Sicks (Doug), Lanita Darling (Ricky), Kevin Clark (Stephanie), Mitchell Clark, James Clark; eight great nieces and nephews and one great, great nephew.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name to Zion Hill Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
The memorial service for Donald Glyn Moulder will be 10 a.m., Friday, January 13, at Easthaven Baptist Church, in Brookhaven, with a 2 p.m. graveside service to follow at Lakewood Cemetery Pavilion, in Clinton, MS. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at Easthaven.
Mr. Moulder, 81, of Brookhaven, passed away, January 9, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Jackson, MS, September 1, 1941, to George Randolph Moulder and Bessie Louise French Dean. Mr. Moulder served his country in the United States Navy on the USS St. Paul. He was employed with ATT-Bellsouth for 30 years as a System Administrator. His great love for his Lord was evident in the service he gave through helping others, he also served the Lord as a deacon of the church. He was called upon to do various jobs, from computers and TVs to building houses. He was a talented artist as well and could create beautiful paintings.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Donald Glyn Moulder, Jr. and Claude Randolph Moulder; daughter, Dedra Genice Moulder; and stepfather, Rudolph Dean.
Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Naida Jo Gill Moulder; daughter, Kimberly Moulder Bounds (Craig) of Leesburg, GA; brother, Robert Wayne Moulder (Becky) of Clinton, MS; stepbrother, Rudolph Dean, Jr. (Judy) of Rapid City, SD; half-sister, Donna Dean Bridges, of Gillsburg, MS. He is also survived by two grandsons, Zachery Thomas Bounds and Matthew James Bounds, as well as other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easthaven Baptist Church Sr. Adult Fund, 130 Hwy 84 E, Brookhaven, MS 39601
Mr. Gordon Covington Freeman, Jr., 64, of Wesson, passed away January 9, 2023, at his residence. He was born March 14, 1958, to Gordon Freeman, Sr. and Audrey Gore Freeman. He was self-employed and worked in his carpentry business for over 40 years. He served as deacon for many years at Rocky Hill Baptist Church, before going into ministry. His free time was filled watching NASCAR and MSU sports. Mr. Freeman was a loving dad and grandfather; he will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sherry Faulkner; and his grandparents.
Mr. Freeman is survived by his fiancé, Carmen Arispe; children, Phillip & Heather Freeman, Jessica & Jacob Wilson, Amber Smith, and Karleigh Smith; brother, Steve Freeman; four grandchildren, Brooklyn Smith, Dalton Wilson, Riggs Freeman, and Jessa Raye Wilson. He is also survived by Kayla Arispe, daughter of Carmen, as well as other loving family members and friends.
John “Johnny” Bernard Perkins, 92, of Brookhaven, Mississippi, passed away following a brief illness on January 1, 2023, at home and in the presence of family. He was characteristically stubborn and determined to ring in his final New Years.
Johnny was born on August 15, 1930, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, where he attended Brookhaven High School and met his wife, Margaret Ann Summers, when they were both 16. Together they graduated with the Class of '48 where Johnny served as both class president and drum major his senior year. After high school, he attended Ole Miss before joining the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot in 1953.
He was awarded his Air Force wings in 1953 and was selected as a F-86 fighter pilot assigned to the 416-fighter interceptor squadron in Moses Lake Washington. He successfully ejected from a F-86 after suffering complete turbine failure in December 1953.
Johnny returned to Brookhaven in 1956 to work with his father in the family business, John B. Perkins Furniture. At that time, he transferred into the Mississippi Air National Guard as a captain and was an instructor-pilot. In 1968 Johnny joined United Airlines as a DC-6 flight instructor and in 1969, he moved his family to Denver, Colorado. He transferred to the Wyoming National Guard in 1967 and joined CINPAC Joint Base Pearl Harbor in 1987 as a colonel and reserve command duty officer, where he retired in 1990. Johnny also retired from United Airlines in 1990 as the fleet captain of the UA 747 Fleet.
Johnny and Margaret Ann moved back to Brookhaven in 1990 and he began to focus his time and energy to help make Brookhaven the best small town in America. He joined the Airport Board and oversaw an airport expansion, which would draw jet service to the facility. Johnny served on the Mississippi Board of Mental Health from July 2013 through 2019. He was also an active member of the Servitium Club, formerly Kiwanis.
Johnny was passionate about his family, his community, and the State of Mississippi. He was husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to a family who loved and cherished his devotion, support, and leadership.
Johnny was predeceased by his sister, Sally Perkins Brown of Memphis, Tennessee.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Perkins; brother, James Herring Perkins (Patty); his children, John B. Perkins III (Kelly), Frank M. Perkins and Julia Summers; his grandchildren, Nicholas John Wilkes, Sarah Marshall Perkins, Kathryn-Taylor Parvin, John Bent Perkins, George Hayes Perkins, Rose Ana Summers, and John Kelly Perkins; and his great-grandchildren, Lucy Cecile Ladnier and Brooks Taylor Parvin. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Lori Farmer, and grandsons, Drew and Reed Jones.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 14, at Riverwood Family Funeral Services from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League, Brookhaven.