Obituaries
Michael Joseph Templeton
The Memorial service for Michael Jospeh Templeton will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 26, at Hazlehurst Church of Nazarene, with burial in the Flora Hills Cemetery in Pearl, MS. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Templeton, 50, of Hazlehurst, was born July 20, 1973, to Benjamin Joseph Templeton and Frances Marilyn Davis Templeton. He retired from the trucking industry.
Michael grew up in Pearl, MS, and attended Pearl High School. He has lived in various places in Mississippi, including Brandon and Florence. He also lived in Alaska for a while before returning to Hazlehurst and making that his home. He enjoyed driving 18 wheelers and working in his yard. His greatest joy was his precious pets, Freya and Ida. Michael will be greatly missed by his loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his father, Benjamin Joseph Templeton; grandparents, Everette and Nellie Templeton and Lamar and Leona Davis.
He is survived by his mother Frances Marilyn Davis Templeton; son, Joseph Templeton of Richland, MS; brothers, Gregory Templeton of Eastview, KY, and Wesley Templeton of Hazlehurst, MS; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
In lieu of flowers you may make donations to the Military Service Dogs Organization.
The Memorial service for Michael Jospeh Templeton will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 26, at Hazlehurst Church of Nazarene, with burial in the Flora Hills Cemetery in Pearl, MS. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Templeton, 50, of Hazlehurst, was born July 20, 1973, to Benjamin Joseph Templeton and Frances Marilyn Davis Templeton. He retired from the trucking industry.
Michael grew up in Pearl, MS, and attended Pearl High School. He has lived in various places in Mississippi, including Brandon and Florence. He also lived in Alaska for a while before moving to Hazlehurst and making that his home. He enjoyed driving 18 wheelers and working in his yard. His greatest joy was his precious pets, Freyer and Ida. Michael will be greatly missed by his loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Everette and Nellie Templeton and Lamar and Leona Davis.
He is survived by his mother; son, Joseph Templeton of Richland, MS; brothers, Gregory Templeton of Eastview, KY, and Wesley Templeton of Hazlehurst, MS; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
In lieu of flowers you may make donations to the Military Service Dogs Organization.
Pat Porter
The funeral service for Pat Porter will be 11 a.m., Thursday, August 24, at Riverwood Family, with interment in New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
At 97 years young, Pat Porter of Brookhaven, MS, went to walk the streets of Heaven, hand-in-hand with his beloved, Eloyce, on August 20, 2023. Pat was born in Franklin County, MS, on May 4, 1926, the middle child of nine siblings, to Barney Nicholas and Katie Lofton Porter. He was raised on a farm during the Great Depression in West Lincoln attending school at West Lincoln School and graduating high school in 1944. He joined the Navy during World War II and served until the War ended. After returning from service, he married his sweetheart, Mary Eloyce Watts, on June 7, 1947. Pat and Eloyce remained devoted to one another in over 73 years of marriage until her death on November 4, 2020. Pat started work after the War at Turnbough’s Body Shop, later moving to the body shop at Clark Nelms Ford in Brookhaven. He founded Pat Porter’s Body Shop in 1960 and in 1963, his brother, Paul, joined him to form Porters’ Body Shop on Highway 51. Pat & Paul built a successful business and in 1977 built a new shop and moved the business to Hartman Street where the Shop still thrives and is known for the quality of the work that is delivered. He taught his sons and grandchildren the importance of hard work. The word “can’t” was not in his vocabulary. Pat was an active member of Central Baptist Church where he served as deacon and taught Sunday School for many years. Although he had been unable to attend services for the past few years, his faith in God was unwavering. He taught by example the importance of faith and hard work. Yet he always enjoyed fun times with his family & friends. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, uncle, Daddy & Granddaddy. He loved fishing, boating and hunting (and his dogs), and always included family in his activities. His legacy is one of faith, loyalty, love, devotion and good times.
Pat is survived by three sons, Randy Porter (Ruby) and Jeff Porter (Louann) of Brookhaven, MS, and Terry Porter of New York, NY; daughter-in-law, Charlotte Porter; two sisters, Ellen Summers of Natchez, MS, and JoAnn Worrell of Panama City, FL; nine grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren and one great-great grandson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Barney & Katie Porter, his wife, Eloyce Watts Porter, his son, Ronnie Porter, his grandson, Brad Porter, brothers, Paul Porter, Billy Porter & Lynwood Porter, and sisters, Geneva Bardwell, Raybelle Lofton and Pearl Ford.
Henry Vernon Fairchild
Graveside service for Henry Vernon Fairchild will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 22, at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9-10:15 a.m. prior to the graveside, at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Fairchild, 81, of Brookhaven died August 16, 2023, at Halo Havens in Brookhaven. He was born May 11, 1948, to Everett Fairchild and Ruby Lois Harveston Fairchild.
Mr. Fairchild was self employed as a cattle farmer.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Linda Gail Smith Fairchild; his parents; and brothers and sisters, John E. Fairchild, Jr., Ruth Jane Waldrop, Virginia Smith, Marvin Fairchild, Catherine Callender, and Carolyn E. Fairchild.
He is survived by his son, Jewell Fairchild; brother, Roy J. Fairchild (Joyce); two sisters, Lyda P. Brent and Margaret L. Fairchild; his special friend and companion, Bonnie L. Turner; and the family at Halo Havens that made him feel so loved and special.
Frances Lee Speights
The funeral service for Frances Speights will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, August 22, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Easthaven Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Speights, 89, passed from this life on Friday, August 18, 2023, at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She was born February 28, 1934, in Prentiss, MS to Johnny Roger Lee and Edna Bozeman Lee. Mrs. Speights was a homemaker. Being a mom and creating a wonderful home environment was her goal. She did that exceptionally well. Mrs. Speights was a Godly woman, who loved her family and church family.
Preceding her in death were her parents Johnny Roger Lee and Edna Bozeman Lee; husband, Francis Joe Speights; daughter Betsy Ann Speights; grandson Caleb Joe Harrison; brothers, Roger Lee, Robert Lee, John S. Lee, and Harold B. Lee; and sisters, Johnnie Sheltra, Louise Webb, and Mary Annette Morris.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Pam Harrison and husband Joel; her son Joseph Scott Speights and wife Sharon; grandchildren, Laura Tarver and husband Jacob, Anna Traxler and husband Ryan, and Luke Harrison; great grandson, Jaxson Hayes Traxler, and her sister Becky McGee and husband John William McGee, and a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two men and their families who are family to her. They are Eric and Kathy Storm, and their children Sydney and Sam, and John and Natacia Storm, and their children Mitchell and Justin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frances Lee Speights name may be made to: Easthaven Baptist Church, Haven Cross Fund.
James Shelby Freeman
The graveside service for James Shelby Freeman will be 10 a.m., Monday, August 21, at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Freeman, 61, of Brookhaven, died August 17, 2023, at Select Specialty in Jackson, MS. He was born in Brookhaven, December 1, 1961.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Virginia "Jenny" Freeman; his mother, Linda McCullough and stepfather, Jerry Lee McCullough; father, Shelby Freeman and wife, Jenny Freeman; and grandparents, Martell and Elaine Allen and Roy and Abigail Freeman.
He is survived by his brother, Jerry Freeman and his sister, Chastity Freeman Burnette.
Julia Evelyn Oubre Simmons
Services for Mrs. Julia Evelyn Oubre Simmons of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service, and burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Julia Evelyn Oubre Simmons, 94, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family August 16, 2023. She was born November 28, 1928, to the late Clarence and Holland Oubre in Magnolia Mississippi.
Mrs. Evelyn was a Charter Member of Brookway Baptist Church and a member of the Eastern Star.
She reared four children to whom she was devoted.
A Registered Nurse, she worked at Brook Manor Nursing Home for a short time and was co-owner of Gene’s Men’s Shop until her retirement.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Henry Gene Simmons, Sr.; her parents; and daughter, Cynthia Simmons Forrester.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Henry Gene Simmons, Jr. (Cris), Timothy Jack Simmons (Irene) and Angie Simmons McCardle (John). She is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Chad Simmons (Tammy), Blaine Hamilton (Casey), Emily Edmonds (Brian), Blake Simmons (Erica), Marci Watters (John), Michaelanne Barton (Brett), and John Rhodes Farham (Jenny) along with 20 great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her honorary daughter, Cindy Bowman Townsend; her Nurse Cat (Mama Cat), who never left her side, and her loving and devoted sitters, Gail Steckler, Irma Andrews, Pat Newman and Tena Riguard.
She will be dearly missed by all her family, friends and all that loved her.
Memorial can be made to the B.A.R.L.
P.O. Box 3477, Brookhaven, MS 39603
Bobby Lynn Parrette
A Graveside service for Bobby Lynn Parrette will be held at 2:30 p.m., Monday, August 21, at Thompson Chapel Cemetery. There will also be a visitation from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service at Little Bahala Baptist Church.
Mr. Parrette, 74, of Wesson, died August 14, 2023, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb. He was born in Tampa, Florida, August 12, 1949, to Paul Parrette and Estelle Brown Parrette. He was a retired welder.
He enjoyed watching wrestling with his son and going to football and baseball games to watch his sons and grandsons play. While around the house he loved to just “tinker” with things, working on lawnmowers and other things. He preferred to be outdoors doing something. Fishing was a favorite pastime and went whenever he was able. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mr. Parrette is preceded in death by his parents; son, Andrew Parrette; brother, Danny Parrett; and sister, Tina Maples.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kathy Parrette; children, Tonya Mayeaux, Andrea Parrette, Audra Beall, and Anthony Parrette; brother, Billy Joe Parrette; sisters, Pat Newman, Wanda Bishop, Mary Waldrop, and Susie Beall; four grandchildren, Justin Beall, Ronnie Mayeaux, Dereck Mayeaux, Caitlin Mayeaux; a host of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews as well as other loving family members and friends.
John Michael "Jack" Barrett, Jr.
Mr. John Michael “Jack” Barrett, Jr., 63, of Brookhaven, died August 16, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born to John Michael Barrett, Sr. and Kathryn Rudge Barrett, March 28, 1960, in Shirley, Massachusetts. He was baptized into the St. Mary Catholic Church on April 14, 1960.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his brothers Matt Barrett (Karyssa) and Kevin Barrett; two nieces, Kaitlyn Barrett and Kyra Barrett; as well as host of other loving family members and friends.
Burial will be in Dugan Cemetery in Fowler, Ohio.
James Alton Wallace
The funeral service for James Alton Wallace will be 11 a.m., Friday, August 18, at New Zion Baptist Church with burial in the Halford Cemetery in Jayess, MS. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, August 18, at New Zion Baptist Church, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
Mr. Wallace, 69, of Monticello, passed away August 14, 2023, at his residence. He was born January 31, 1954, to Houston Wallace and Erma Lee Wallace. He worked in the oil Field until becoming disabled. James would call everyone and ask if they had anything to eat or to just bring him a bowl of cereal. He really liked giving everyone a hard time. He also liked to go to auctions and to the Casino.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Johnson; brothers, Monroe Wallace, Charles Wallace, and Jessie Wallace; and stepson, James Halford.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Doris Wallace; children, Martha Brent, William Halford, Bobby Halford (Ashley), Amanda Halford Votaw (Lance), Randall Halford (Tiffany), and Eugene Halford; brother, Ronnie Wallace (Cathy); sister, Lona Rushing; 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Terry Lee Smith
The funeral service for Terry Lee Smith will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 16, at Sylvarena Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Smith, 66, of Wesson, died August 13, 2023, at his residence. He was born February 11, 1957. He was a man of many talents and hobbies including travelling, baseball and cross stitch. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. Mr. Terry will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Tony Lee Smith; mother, Mary Knight Davis; and his grandparents, Minnie Belle and Troy Lee Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 35 years, Lisa Smith; children, Sarah Smith Prevost (Peyton), Victoria Bella Smith, and Troy Lee Smith; and five grandchildren, Tyler Prevost, Analeigh Prevost, Jacob Smith, Kolton Ferguson, and Brylee Smith. He is also survived by many other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Sylvarena Baptist Church’s Children’s Ministry, 1119 Old Sylvarena Road, Wesson, MS 39191
