Obituaries

Local Obituaries

James Paulton Smith

James Paulton Smith

Feb 19, 2025

James Paulton Smith, 84, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, at Baptist Hospital. He was born on September 30, 1940, in Leesburg, MS to Wallace Smith and Clara Lee Simpson Smith. 

He graduated from Pelahatchie High School in 1959. He was on the volunteer fire department in Pelahatchie for many years. He was employed by Davis Motor Company for 40...

Wyvonne Ward

Wyvonne Ward

Feb 18, 2025

Wyvonne Ward, a beloved member of the Morton, Mississippi community, passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 59. Born on March 12, 1965, in Mississippi, Wyvonne lived a life dedicated to her family, her career, and her faith.

Wyvonne was known for her role as a supervisor at Unipress, where her leadership and dedication earned her the respect...

Francisco Domingo Miguel

Francisco Domingo Miguel

Feb 12, 2025

Francisco Domingo Miguel, a beloved member of the Forest community, passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2025, in Forest, Mississippi. Born on May 10, 2001, in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, Francisco moved to Forest four years ago, where he embraced his new life with optimism and enthusiasm.

Throughout his time in Mississippi, Francisco dedicated himself to his work at Mississippi Poultry, demonstrating a...

Robert Lamar McDonald

Robert Lamar McDonald

Feb 7, 2025

Robert Lamar McDonald, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, at his residence in Conehatta, Mississippi. Born on October 17, 1938, in Leake County, Mississippi, Robert dedicated much of his life to the community he cherished for over forty years.

A devoted family man, Robert is survived by his son, Scott McDonald of Conehatta, Mississippi; his grandchild, Logan McDonald...

Harold "Keith" Rushing

Harold "Keith" Rushing

Feb 4, 2025

Harold “Keith” Rushing was born May 8, 1937, in Scott County, MS, in the Red Top Community. His parents were James “Jim” Franklin Rushing and Maggie Mae Welch Rushing. He married Gloria D. Porter on May 14, 1960.

 Keith was a very hard-working, self-made man of many talents. He worked as a wallpaper hanger and was a self-employed contractor for many...

Jimmie Ray Garrett

Jimmie Ray Garrett

Feb 3, 2025

Jimmie Ray Garrett, born on August 30, 1947, in Meridian, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi, where he had resided for over 40 years. He was a dedicated member of Lula Baptist Church in Jackson, a community that he cherished and actively participated in throughout his life. There will be no services at this time.

Jimmie...

Billy James Johnson

Billy James Johnson

2025

Billy James Johnson, known as BJ, was born on July 8, 1957, in Morton, Mississippi. He was a cherished member of the community and left an indelible mark on all who knew him. With deep sadness, we announce his passing on January 31, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi.

BJ was a man of many passions and talents. He found joy in the...

Brenda Jean Bassett

Brenda Jean Bassett

Jan 28, 2025

Brenda Jean Bassett, born on February 25, 1950, in Jackson, MS, passed away on January 28, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus, MS. She was a cherished mother, sister, and friend who left a profound impact on all who knew her. There are no services planned at this time. 

Brenda's creative spirit shone through in her love for storytelling....

William (Bill) Laron Shoemaker

William (Bill) Laron Shoemaker

Jan 18, 2025

William Laron Shoemaker (Bill), born on July 1, 1947, in Newton, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at UMMC in Jackson, Mississippi. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, whose kind spirit and gentle nature touched the lives of many.

William was raised in a loving family, and his life was marked by an enduring love for...

Zellene White Posey

Zellene White Posey

Jan 18, 2025

Zellene White Posey, a beloved and cherished member of the Salem community, passed away on January 18, 2025, at the age of 88 in Forest, MS. Born on April 7, 1936, in Lake, MS, Zellene dedicated her life to family, farming, and faith, and her legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know...

Penny Benson

Penny Benson

Jan 15, 2025

Penny Benson, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, at Merit River Oaks. She was born on September 24, 1963, in Morton, Mississippi, and dedicated her life to her family, her community, and her faith.

A lifelong resident of Rankin County, Penny was a proud member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, creating lasting...

Randall James Harmon

Randall James Harmon

Jan 14, 2025

Randall James Harmon, a cherished lifelong resident of Morton, Mississippi, passed away on January 14 2025, at the age of 66. Born on June 19, 1958, in Morton, he was the son of the late Paul and Bessie Harmon, who instilled in him the values of hard work and dedication.

Randall had a passion for working on cars, a hobby that...

Samuel Curtis Porter

Samuel Curtis Porter

Jan 11, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved and remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Samuel Curtis Porter, of Lake, MS passed away on January 11, 2025, at the age of 81, in his home surrounded by his family.

Sam was born on July 9, 1943, to Otis and Luvvie Porter in Philadelphia,...

Ruby Catherine Aycock

Ruby Catherine Aycock

Jan 9, 2025

Ruby Catherine Aycock, age 87, passed away on Thursday January 9, 2025, in Carthage, MS. Her visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 10:30 AM at Wolf Funeral Services in Morton, MS. Her services will take place at Macedonia Methodist Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Bro Kenny Lang will officiate under the direction of Wolf...

Wesley Coley

Wesley Coley

Jan 8, 2025

Wesley Coley, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at his residence in Morton, MS. His Visitation will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Tuesday, January 14, 2025, from 1:00 PM until 1:45 PM at Wolf Funeral Services in Morton, MS. His services will take place in our Funeral Home...

Viola Geneil Richardson

Viola Geneil Richardson

Jan 7, 2025

Viola Geneil Richardson, age 93, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Trend Health and Rehab in Carthage, MS. Her visitation will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, from 3:00 PM until 4:00 PM, at Wolf Funeral Services in Morton, MS. Her Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Allen Chapel...

Barbara Louise Humphreys Haralson

Barbara Louise Humphreys Haralson

Jan 7, 2025

Barbara Louise Humphreys Haralson of Conehatta passed away Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, just two days before her 86th Birthday. Mrs. Haralson was born January 9th, 1939, the second daughter of James Lamar “Sonnyboy” Humphreys and Melba Odell Loper. 

She married Billy Easland Haralson of Conehatta on Febuary 14th 1954. This 64 year marriage, created a beautiful family consisting of five children,...

RyQuerious (Rye) Donnell Steele

RyQuerious (Rye) Donnell Steele

Jan 2, 2025

RyQuerious Donnell Steele, affectionately known as Rye, was born on March 9, 2003, to the late Robert Donnell Steele and Cicely Nakia Wright Myles.

Rye was a 2022 graduate of Leake County High School where he was a member of the football and baseball teams. He loved riding horses, being surrounded by family, and playing with his nieces and nephews. 

RyQuerious departed...

Shirley R. Avard

Shirley R. Avard

Jan 1, 2025

Shirley R. Avard, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Forest, MS, on January 1, 2025. Born on June 10, 1936, in Alma, NY, Shirley touched the lives of many during her time on this earth.

Shirley's journey was marked by a profound transformation, coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ later in life; this...

Brenda Fay Renfrow Holliday

Brenda Fay Renfrow Holliday

Dec 31, 2024

Brenda Fay Renfrow Holliday, a beloved figure in the community, passed away peacefully at her residence in Florence, MS, on December 31, 2024. Born on September 20, 1961, in Jackson, MS, she was a lifelong resident of Rankin County, MS.

Brenda was known for her vibrant spirit and a heart full of love. She had a passion for singing and fishing,...

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