Obituaries
Effie May Rushing
Passed away December 23, 2021 at KDMC
Services are incomplete
Kathleen Gillis Holmes
Funeral service for Kathleen Gillis Holmes, of Brookhaven, will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Union Hall Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, December 21, at Riverwood, and will resume at 10 a.m. Wednesday until the time of service.
Kathleen passed peacefully from her earthly home into heaven on December 18, 2021. She was born on July 17, 1926, in Sturgis, MS, to Chapman Gillis and Dorothy Jones Gillis. She was the third of eleven children born into her family. Although their lives, growing up in a rural setting in Oktibbeha County, proved to be economically challenging at times, there was never a lack of love, faith, and courage. She formed a lifelong bond of love and support with them that lasted her entire life. These same values became an intrinsic part of her character that she in turn passed on to her children and grandchildren.
She was a 1943 graduate of Sturgis High School where she was elected Valedictorian and was blessed to receive an academic scholarship that provided the necessary funding for her to attend Mississippi State University. After graduating with a B.S. degree in 1947, Kathleen soon learned what her passion for life would be, and that was teaching. Her career spanned over 40 years and included teaching positions at Johnston Station in Summit, MS, North Pike High School, Hammond, Louisiana, Brookhaven Academy, as well as two separate times at Enterprise Attendance Center in Lincoln County.
Upon retiring, Kathleen continued teaching in the Tylertown School System as a substitute teacher. She also enjoyed reading, playing bridge, traveling, and putting together crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed watching sports on TV, her favorite teams being the MSU Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves.
Following a permanent move to Brookhaven in the mid 1990’s, Kathleen became an active member of Jackson Street United Methodist Church, where she made many close friends. She especially enjoyed being a part of the United Methodist Women’s Circle. She dearly loved her church family and the cards, visits, and prayers they provided on her behalf meant so much.
Second only to her love for her Lord and Savior, was the love she had for her two sons and their families. She always expressed thanks and appreciation to “her boys”, as she often referred to them when speaking to others, for the time and attention to her needs that they always provided.
She also loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and opened her heart to them, providing anything to them that she felt they needed, especially her wisdom and advice.
In addition to her parents, Kathleen was preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Denise Bessonette Holmes; granddaughter, Stacey Crane Burns; sisters, Margaret Jeffries (Johnnie), Irene Chandler (Edwin), Helen Stemmer (Joe); brothers, Gerald Gillis (Nancy), Jimmy Gillis; and sister-in-law, Sudie Gillis.
Those remaining to cherish her memory are two sons, Steven Holmes (Janice), and Mike Holmes (Denise, in spirit), both of Brookhaven; five grandchildren, Bradley Holmes (Misty), Lacey Holmes Laird (Justin), both of Brookhaven, Lindsey Holmes Porter (Jared), of Hurley, MS, and Steven Burns of AR. She is also survived by nine great grandchildren, Tate Holmes, Patrick and Piper Laird, of Brookhaven, Emory and Meritt Porter of Hurley, MS and Austin (Lyndsey), Alex, Alyssa, and Anna Burns of AR; sister, Sally McRorie (Jim) of Charlotte, NC; brothers, Algen Gillis (Christine), Alton Gillis (Betty), and Rodger Gillis (Erma Jean) all of Sturgis, MS; and Marion Gillis of Mathison, MS.
Also, special friends and neighbors, Ann and Columbus Goza and special friends and caregivers, Joyce Wright and Vickie Martin.
Elois Busby
Graveside service for Elois Busby will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 22, 2021,
at Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery in Bogue Chitto, MS.
Ms. Busby, 75, of Brookhaven, passed away December 18, 2021. She was born September 29, 1946, in Brookhaven,
to Victor Nettles and Jessie Smith Nettles. Ms. Busby was a gracious and loving person, always ready to fulfill
a need or care for a hurting soul. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and
she cherished all “her babies”, they were her world. Ms. Busby was a Christian and a member of Northview Baptist Church,
where she served her Savior and the faith family she loved. She will forever be remembered as a beautiful soul and cherished friend.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter, Ava Jules Davis.
She is survived by her daughter, Stacy McNeese (Travis); brother, Sonny Nettles; sisters, Frances Howell, Audrey Barry,
and Tywana Boyd; five grandchildren, Jessie King (Zach), Kenith Burr (Kristen), Cody McNeese (Kristina), Haley McNeese,
and Matthew McNeese; six great grandchildren, Braxton Nations, Mason King, Charlea McNeese, Everett King, Amayah Davis,
and Paisley McNeese. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Judes Children’s Hospital PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148.
Ronald Glenn Smith
Funeral service for Ronald Glenn “Little Ronnie” Smith will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 22, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Smith, 67, of Brookhaven, passed away December 18, 2021, at St Dominic’s Medical Center in Jackson. He was born in Brookhaven, MS, September 19, 1954, to John Steven Smith and Mary Lou Case Smith, but lived the last 28 years in Simpson County. He was an offshore oilfield mechanic, where he retired, and a member of Easthaven Baptist Church. Little Ronnie enjoyed hunting and fishing and he loved spending time with his grandchildren. He kept busy doing any type of work. Little Ronnie will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Billy Smith and John Carroll Smith.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his children, Ronald Todd Smith (Kara), Johnathan Scott Smith (Lindsay), Elizabeth Nicole Smith, and Heather Michelle Smith; sister, Regina Taylor (Kenny); grandchildren, Madelyn Smith, Ronnie Smith, Joey Smith, Ruby Caroline Smith, Johnathan Tripp Smith, and Stephen Tripp Magee. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216
Joyce Johnston Nettles
Services for Mrs. Joyce Johnston Nettles of Brookhaven are 11:00 am Thursday, December 16, 2021,
at Riverwood with visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday at Riverwood. Burial will be at Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Joyce Johnston Nettles, 85, went to be with her Lord on December 12, 2021.
She was born on April 4, 1935, to the late Van Martin Johnston and Susie Floy Johnston.
Mrs. Nettles was the owner of Joyce’s Fashions and was a Beauty Consultant for Beauti Control Cosmetics.
She was a member of Gum Grove Baptist Church.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, James “Rayford” Nettles; sons, James Rayford Nettles, Jr. Malcolm Tony Nettles;
brothers, Sidney Johnston, Martin Johnston, Jr; and sisters, Alene Cunningham, Neveline Yeomans and Lena Mae Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Eric Ray Nettles and wife Tawana and two grandchildren,
Kevin Ray Nettles and Erica “Renἁ” Nettles Touchstone and husband Garret.
She will be missed by all that knew her.
Martha Ann Smith
Funeral service for Martha Ann Smith will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Smith, 82, of Bogue Chitto, passed away, December 17, 2021. She was Born March 29, 1939, in Hazlehurst, MS, to J.B. Foster and Ruby Terry Foster. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and enjoyed time spent with her family and friends. She was a compassionate care giver as well as taking the time to be a substitute teacher. Mrs. Martha was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church and loved being with her faith family. She was also an animal lover, taking great care of her sweet bird, Rosco. She will be greatly missed by all that loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ray Smith and her parents.
Those who remain to keep her legacy are her sons, Toby Ashley (Billie) and Jeff Smith (Elizabeth); brother, James Foster; three grandchildren, Garrett Ashley (Joanna), Annalise Smith, and Alexis Smith. She is also survived by her faith family as well as other loving family members and friends.
Barbara Jean Kepper
Funeral service for Barbara Jean Kepper will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 17, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Hillcrest Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, December 16, at Riverwood and will resume Friday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Kepper, 79, of Summit, passed away December 13, 2021, at her residence. She was born May 15, 1942, to Nimrod Case and Clara Crider Case. She worked as an Administrative Assistant with Gordon Redd Lumber Company for more than 45 years.
She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She also loved her faith family. She was an active member of her church where she was chairperson of the flower fund as well as arranged and provided meals for other members in their time of need. Barbara was always thinking of the needs of others. She enjoyed traveling to Gatlinburg, TN to just relax and take in the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. She especially loved her dogs, Hercules, Rufus, and Biggie. She was an avid Mississippi State fan and enjoyed watching her Bulldogs play sports!
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Melanie Kepper Pezant and her parents.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 64 years, Jerold Lee Kepper; son, Anthony “Andy” Clark Kepper and wife, Lisa; three grandchildren, Drew Kepper, Payton Kepper, and Brady Kepper and wife, Cassidy; cousins, Sharon Crider, Rose Crider, and Marell Case; her employer and special Friend, Gordon Redd; and her best friend and coworker from earlier years, Brenda Smith Moore.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453.
Kennon Lance Case
Services for Mr. Kennon Lance Case, of Wesson are 2:00 pm, Wednesday December 15, 2021, at Riverwood with visitation from 1:00 until the time of service.
Mr. Kennon Lance Case, 53, passed away on December 10, 2021. He was born on December 10, 1968.
Kennon loved music and enjoyed playing guitar. He was a welder who absolutely loved his work,
but his favorite place was on his front porch with his grandbabies.
Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Grafton and Dot Smith; paternal grandparents, Ivan and Cora Case, and uncle, Ripley Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Kenneth Leigh Case and Patsy L. Smith; his wife of 16 years, Michelle Case;
sons, James Case and Laramie Case; daughters, Haleigh Whitaker, Sydney Thomas and husband, Matt , Erin Rodriguez and husband Cesar;
brothers, Kelby Case and wife Chelsie and Korey Case and wife, Bridget; five grandchildren, Drake Thomas, Lincoln Thomas, Eli Rodriguez,
Addie Rodriguez and Joei Rodriguez; nephews, Kamron Case, Luke Ferrell, Matthew Crosby; nieces, Kayleigh Case, Kallie Case, Kirstie McDaniel,
Dawn Williams, Samantha Whittington and Sarah Crosby.
He will be missed by all that loved him.
John Deloss Mullins
Services for Mr. John Deloss Mullins are 2:00 pm, Friday, December 17, 2021
at Bethel Community Church with visitation from 12:00 until the time of the service.
Interment will be at Wrights Methodist Church Cemetery in McCall Creek, MS.
Mr. John Deloss Mullins, 69, of Union Church, passed away December 12, 2021. He was born on November 25, 1952.
He was a founding member of the Homochitto Hunting Club where he loved hunting and fishing at his favorite spot in
John Henry’s Shoot at Lake Washington, making cane syrup and spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone that needed help.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Ulmo Deloss Mullins and Bertha Lee Jones Mullins; brother-in-law,
L.B. Robinson and nephew, Cody Robinson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 30 years, Darlene Mullins; son, Brandon Mullins and wife Kara; step-son,
Joshua Allen and fiancé Brandi; daughters, Melissa Hall and husband, Wesley and Jessica Wade husband, Jamie; sister, Jan Robinson;
and five grandchildren Theresa Knight and husband Hunter, Lee Ashton Wade, Sarah Wade, Emma Claire Mullins and John Paul Mullins
and four great-grandchildren, Blakley Knight, Jy’lann Wade, and Knight Twins. Along with nephew, Wade Robinson and wife, Lizzie;
extended grandchildren, Angela Wild, Lauren Beasley, Hunter Beasley, Jacob Beasley, Keagan Newman, Savanna Wallace, Lillyanna Wild,
Adalynn Wild, Hinami Koepp, Arabella Koepp, Lalyn Newman and Kayden Wallace, and special friends, J.J. and Debbie Jones and Lee Buie, also a host of nieces and nephews.
Linda Denise Peters Brent
Linda Denise Peters Brent passed into the perfect peace and rest of her Savior on the morning of December 11, 2021 at Merit Hospital in Jackson, MS in the presence of those closest to her. Linda was a faithful wife, devoted mother, playful grandmother, caring sister, and true friend.
Linda was born in Iowa Falls, IA to Lyle and Dorothy Peters on September 30, 1950.
Her family moved to several places throughout her most formative years, but in 1967 she,
her parents, and two brothers (Dennis and Doug) settled in Jackson, MS.
The following year she graduated from Forest Hill High School in Jackson.
Linda married Jerry Brent, her husband of 51 years, in 1970. In 1977 they welcomed their first child into the world, Ashley Brent (Rawls) of Brookhaven,
and in 1990 they had a son, Kyle Brent of Conway, SC. Linda was a blessing to her children who remember her as someone who always wanted the best for them.
She had a special love for her four grandchildren (Grayson Brewer, Lainey Brewer, Charleigh Rawls, and Sam Henley Brent) and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her fifth.
For most of her years, Linda lived in Wesson, MS and was deeply involved in the community there. She was a longtime attender of Wesson Baptist Church.
She worked as a bank teller first at First National Bank and later at Trustmark Bank. She also worked at Wesson Attendance
Center as the high school office secretary and later as a teacher's assistant in the elementary school. She garnered the respect from
the students she served and love from her many coworkers, some of whom became her closest of friends throughout the years.
Linda loved shopping with her friends and fishing with her husband. She was an avid gardener, always working on and beautifying her flower garden.
She was also an excellent cook and loved having friends and family at her table. She was a die-hard Mississippi State Bulldog fan; the sound of cowbells was always music to her ears!
Linda was someone who loved her life and loved the people in it. If you met her, you were sure to remember her, and those who loved her will never forget her.
She was a strong and resilient woman and unwaveringly committed to those whom she loved.
The funeral service for Linda Brent is at Riverwood Funeral Service in Brookhaven, MS on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021, at 11:00AM
with a graveside service at the Riverwood Memorial Park immediately following the funeral. Her visitation times will be on Tuesday, December 14th from 5:00PM-7:00PM and on Wednesday, December 15th from 10:00AM-11:00AM.
