Obituaries
Jerry B. Burkett, Sr.
Memorial services for Jerry Burkett, 86, of Prentiss will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday June 19, 2023, at Bethany Baptist Church with Jimmy Scott Harvey of Monticello officiating with visitation commencing at 12:30 at Bethany Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Brady Cemetery under the care and direction of Riverwood Family Funeral Service of Brookhaven.
Mr. Burkett peacefully departed from this world in Hattiesburg, MS on Friday, June 16, 2023, after a lengthy illness.
Jerry was born on August 16, 1936, in Jefferson Davis County to Agnes and Jabus Rawls Burkett Sr. As a child growing up in Jefferson Davis County, Jerry enjoyed living amongst a close-knit community of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who were all descended from the early settler and pioneer families of this area of Mississippi. He felt fortunate to grow up on Burkett Road outside of Prentiss on the same land that had been in his family for generations. Jerry graduated from Prentiss High School and after graduation he attended Mississippi State University where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering. Jerry then enlisted in the Air Force as a missile systems maintenance specialist and a career in seismic work in the oil and gas business and the opening and operating of Harvey’s Napa Auto Parts in Prentiss soon followed. Jerry was united in marriage to Ms. Glenda Baker of Houma, Louisiana on April 1, 1965, in Dayton, Ohio.
Jerry began a lifelong relationship with his savior Jesus Christ at Bethany Baptist Church where he served as a consistent member, a Deacon, and a Sunday School teacher for as long as his health permitted. He was one of God’s noble men. Jerry had an amazing ability to fix anything that was broken, he was a problem solver, an excellent manager of his property, a loving father, and a useful member of his community. Multitudes of friends and family streamed to his house to hear words of advice and stories handed down to him from the past. He was a Master Mason, a York Rite Mason, and a Shriner. Jerry devoted his time and resources to the athletic departments of the local schools, and he enjoyed being an avid outdoorsman, a Ham Radio Operator, and kept up with technology his entire life. He was the soul of honor and was respected and loved by all who knew him.
Pallbearers will be Mike Butler, Les Dungan, John Myers, Pastor Tom Jackson, David Miller, and Phillip Herring.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Brett Herring, Daniel Cox, Travis Burkett Smith, Frankie Butler, and Larry Don Spears.
Jerry Burkett was preceded in death by his brother Jabus Rawls Burkett Jr.
He is survived by his sons Jerry Benton Burkett Jr., James Bradly Burkett and Victoria Lynn Burkett. He is survived by three grandchildren; Samantha Burkett, Abigail Lora Burkett, and Garrett Anthony Shepherd. Jerry is also survived by a legion of mourning cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Bethany Baptist Church General Fund at PO Box 1316, Prentiss, MS 39474
Thomas "Heath" Magee
Services for Mr. Thomas “Heath” Magee are 1:00 pm, Friday, June 16, 2023, at Harmony Baptist Church with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service and burial at New Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
Thomas “Heath” Magee, 43, passed away June 13, 2023, at his residence.
He was born July 2, 1979, to Albert Harvey Magee and Debby Farmer Magee.
Heath was an active member of Harmony Baptist Church. Over the years, he also served as Youth Pastor at New Zion Baptist Church and Old Silver Creek, where he touched many lives. He had a successful painting business where his customers praised his work.
Heath was a loving husband, son, and father. He adored his three children.
In his spare time, he loved working on trucks and 4 wheelers with his son. He also enjoyed spending time with his daughters doing whatever made them happy. He loved hunting, fishing, being outdoors, and being with his family and church family.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents Millard Farmer and Bobby and Marilyn Fortenberry and his father-in-law, Keith Carr.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Kortney Magee; children, Abby Kate Magee, Hunter Heath Magee, Mary Miley Magee; parents, Harvey and Debby Magee; sister, Heather Buitt and husband, Buster and their children, Taylor, Anna and Brax; mother-in- law, Karen Carr; brother-in-law, Charles Carr and wife, Hope; and their children, Charlie Ann, Cooper and Callum; sister-in-laws, Kimberly Dunaway and husband, Jacky and their son, Dylon and Krystal Ladd and husband, Cody and their children, Hadley and Hudson and a host of friends and church family.
Peggy Sue Case Richardson Stout
Peggy Sue Stout passed away on May 25, 2023, peacefully in her home, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, November 25, 1933. Her parents were L.W. and Eunice Stringer Case.
Peggy Sue attended school in Groves, Texas while her father was in defense work during WWII. In the fifth grade she transferred to Lloyd Star for one year, ultimately spending the rest of her school years in Brookhaven and graduating from Brookhaven High School in 1951.
She married her high school sweetheart, David M. Richardson, now deceased, and later married Curtis Stout, now deceased.
Peggy Sue lived at various times in Oxford, Mississippi, Brookhaven, Hazlehurst, Jackson, Starkville, Shreveport, LA and Diamond Head. She spent her final years in Baton Rouge.
She is survived by her daughter Amanda Kay Richardson of Baton Rouge, a son David McKinley (Ken) Richardson of Baton Rouge, Two granddaughters, Haley Mading (Austin) of Denver, Colorado, and Sydney Richardson of Richardson, Texas.
She is also survived by her brothers Carrol Case (Suzanne) of McComb Mississippi and John Case (Brenda) of Slidell Louisiana as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Sue is remembered by her astonishing flair for fashion and all things pretty. She was a highly respected and valued employee during her working career, and later took pleasure in creating a distinguished home environment through her joy of gourmet cooking and decorating with fine art and unique and discriminating furnishings. Much like herself, she described her style as understated elegance.
Peggy Sue was a shining star to all that new her. She lived her life by the golden rule and was always available to family and friends no matter the need. Her legacy will live on, and she will be remembered for a lifestyle and philosophy on Earth that was tempered by kindness and moderation, with a dedicated focus on her eternal life of untold beauty and splendor with the Heavenly Father.
She will be remembered at a parlor and gravesite service at Riverwood Cemetery at 10:30 AM on June 24th, 2023. Friends, family and friends of family are welcome to attend.
Donald O'Neal Waldrop
The funeral service for Donald O’Neal Waldrop will be 11 a.m., Monday, June 19, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mr. Waldrop, 64, of Bogue Chitto, died June 10, 2023, at his residence. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, September 6, 1958, to James Aron Waldrop and Maudie Marie Bailey Waldrop. He was a retired Dozer Operator with Jason’s Road Service.
Mr. Waldrop is preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Randy Waldrop and Robby Waldrop.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Debbie Waldrop; children, James Waldrop (Susie), Christi Russell (Clay), and Josh Waldrop (Kelsey); brothers, Terry Waldrop (Barbara) and Bruce Waldrop; sisters, Nancy Huber, Lynn Warren (Larry), and Jan Williams; ten grandchildren, Katelyn Waldrop, Kalie Waldrop, Koby Waldrop, Konner Waldrop, Kayla Waldrop, Cole Russell, Reed Russell, Mackenzie Price, Cooper Waldrop, and Maggie Waldrop. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to his sister-in-law and nurse, Darlene Holcomb; his special friend, Greg Davis, who came by daily to check on him; Nick Rials, for Sunday morning coffee; Robbie Britt, Amanda Mabry, and Case Lofton for their compassionate care while he was on Deaconess Hospice.
Rhonda Freeman
The funeral service for Rhonda Boswell “Rita” Freeman will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 14, at Riverwood Family with burial in New Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 13, at Riverwood and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Wednesday.
Mrs. Freeman, 54, of Wesson, died June 9, 2023, at her residence in Franklin County. She was born January 7, 1969, in Natchez, to Charles Henry Boswell and Nancy Louise Smith Boswell. She retired from MS Medical Board in Jackson. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Rita will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father, Charles Boswell; sister, Tammy Boswell; mother-in-law, Jean Freeman; and father-in-law, Robert Freeman.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Robert “Bobby” Freeman; her mother, Nancy Boswell; children, Derek Freeman and Lexie Freeman; brother, Shane Boswell (Tracy) and one very precious grandchild, Robert Freeman affectionately known to her has “Punkin”. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Maela Danielle Badon
Services for Mrs. Maela Danielle Badon, of Bogue Chitto are 12:00 pm, Monday, June 12, 2023, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service and visitation from 9:00 until the time of service with burial at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Maela Danielle Badon, 46, passed away June 7, 2023, at her home.
She was born January 7, 1977, at Fort Seale OK, to the late Jesse Kaye Alexander and Janice Kay Davis Reid.
Maela loved spending time with family and friends and her fur baby niece Bella Rose. She was full of life and loved to make people laugh. She was a thrill seeker, loved anything scary and Halloween. Maela also loved nature, road trips and the beach. She was fascinated by the weather and loved Jim Cantore.
Preceding her in death were her parents and stepmother, Carol Ann Alexander.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 23 years, Mickey Donnail Badon; son Zayne Donnail Badon; sisters, Rita Carol McKnight and husband, John and Mandy King and husband, Brian; her brother, Cory Whittington and wife Tiffany; along with other family and friends, Heather Dunaway (Josh), Fonda Sills, Halee Alexander, Arlette Noice (David), Bradley Alexander, Terry Ann Lenoir (Jerry), Melanie Rushing (Kerry), Sherry Crumedy (Jerry), Randy Hannah (Chellie), and Stephen Alexander (Tiffany), and a host of nieces and nephews. She will be missed dearly by all that loved her.
Leonard Roland "Manny" Malone, Jr.
The funeral service for Leornard Roland “Manny” Malone, Jr. will be 11 a.m., Friday, June 9, at Wellman Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at Wellman.
Mr. Malone, 55, of Bogue Chitto, died June 4, 2023, in Woodville, MS. He was born in New Orleans, LA, November 18, 1967, to Leonard Roland Malone Sr and Dorothy Wallace Malone. Mr. Malone was a boilermaker.
When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed taking time off at his fish camp, crawfishing, fishing, and running yoyo’s. Camping was a perfect environment to spend quality time with his children, and as the family grew, his grandchildren. He leaves a wonderful legacy for those who follow behind him. Mr. Malone will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Ouida Malone; his son, Jeremy Malone; his father; and brother, Rocky Malone.
He is survived by his mom, Dorothy Malone; sons, Joe Malone (Brandi) and Austin Malone; sisters, Gigi Owens (Hank), Mimi Smith, Sylvia Pfaffenberger (Fred), and Elizabeth Coon. He leaves five grandchildren, Katelynn Malone, Lexie Malone, Parker Daix, Tucker Malone and Luke Malone; as well as other loving family members and friends.
Betty Jo Peters
The graveside service for Mrs. Betty Jo Peters will be 2 p.m., Saturday, June 10, at Mission Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. The visitation is from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Peters, 92, of Brookhaven, died June 5, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Wesson, MS March 19, 1931, to James Homer Ward and Mamye Shamburger Ward Johnston.
Mrs. Peters is preceded in death by her husband, Howard G. Peters, Jr.; her parents; and sisters, Carolyn Lovette Ward Warren and Elsie Marie Ward Gaston.
She is survived by her stepson, Howard G. Peters, III (Ann) and her step grandson, Kyle Peters; sister, Pauline Ward Harris Sistrunk. She also leaves behind her nieces, Shirley Magee (Harley) of Brookhaven, Debbie Sue Barker (Cliff) of Meridian; nephews, Jimmy Lovette of Wesson, and Ward Gaston (Darlene) of Wesson.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Aspen for their loving care during her stay with them. And a special thank you to Annabelle Dickerson for her tireless care and love.
Deborah Renee Smith
The funeral service for Mrs. Deborah Renee Smith will be 11 a.m., Saturday, June 10, at Riverwood Family, with burial in the Ruth Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Smith, 62, of Wesson, died June 3, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was born in Watsonville, CA, November 4, 1960, to Arlis Jefferson George and Janice Raylin Williams.
Deborah was a well-established crafter, enjoying jewelry making, painting, building and pottery. She loved her family and was blessed to have welcomed seven grandchildren into the world. She also loved being in the great outdoors, camping, swimming, and catching (but not eating) crawdads. Deborah loved her Chihuahuas, Loki, Newbie, Larry, and Tiffany, like her own children. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Deborah is preceded in death by her parents and one niece, Shannon George.
She is survived by her husband of 17 years, Derek Dalton; daughter, Christy Morris; brother, Arlis Jeffery George II; and her seven beautiful grandchildren, Adena Cobb, Charlie Morris, Isabel Morris, Phoenix Morris, Shaylee Gillis, Zoe Gillis, and Alysa Morris. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Peggy Sue Allen
Services for Mrs. Peggy Sue Allen of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Macedonia Baptist Church with visitation from 9:30 until the time of service. Interment will be at the Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Peggy Sue Allen went to be with her Lord on June 3, 2023, she was 84 years of age. She was born March 25, 1939, to the late Nolan Felix McCall and Holen Miller McCall.
Mrs. Allen was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church, where she participated faithfully in many activities. She was an avid sports fan, being part of the West Lincoln Lady Bears Basketball team that won the State Championship in 1957 and cheering on Ole Miss Sports. She also enjoyed listening to her favorite music as well as taking in quite evening camping. Mrs. Peggy will be greatly missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Suzanne Rester; grandson, Hunter Rester; sister, Virginia Holland; and brothers, Nolan McCall, Joe McCall, Enoch McCall, and Claude McCall.
She is survived by her husband, Clinton Allen; son, Brad Allen; brother, Dan McCall; three grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a host of other loving family members and friends.
