Obituaries
Janey Sue Buitt
Funeral service for Janey Sue Buitt will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 19, at Riverwood Family, with
interment in the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday evening,
October 18, at Riverwood and will resume Tuesday, 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Ms. Buitt entered the Kingdom of heaven at the close of her life October 10, 2021, she was 74 years of age.
She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, September 17, 1947, to Frank Joseph Mandill and Verla White Mandill.
She was retired from Boswell Regional Center, where she worked as an LPN. Ms. Buitt was an active member of
Mt Moriah Baptist Church and was also involved in community clubs, Lions Club and GALS. She will be
greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one daughter, Vicky Buitt.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her son, Buster Buitt and wife, Heather; sisters,
Dell Jordan, and Sarah Jo Roberts and husband, George; three grandchildren, Taylor, Anna Grace, and
Brax Buitt; special friends, Martha Lofton and Angela Parker; and by a host of nieces and nephews as
well as other loving family members, friends, and caregivers.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 814 Marwood Loop SE, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.
Ann B. Callender
Funeral service for Mrs. Ann B. Callender will be 10 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2021, at Friendship Baptist Church
with interment in the church cemetery. You may express your condolences during the visitation which will begin at 9 a.m.
Mrs. Callender, 77, of Richland, MS, passed away October 12, 2021, from her home in Rankin County.
She was born in McComb, MS, August 5, 1944, to Hilton Wilson Brown and Gertrude Irene Parsons.
After the completion of high school, Mrs. Callender joined the work force, she was employed in the Public School System
as a Reading Assistant and a member of First Baptist Church, Jackson, MS. She was a faithful and loving wife, mother,
grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed spending time in her garden but her greatest passion was
her family. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.
Mrs. Callender is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Hilton Brown, Jr.; sister, Sharon Hall; sister-in-law,
Lucille Everett; and brother-in-law Houston Foster.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Claude Callender; sons, Blake Callender and wife Beth, Jody Callender
and wife, Wendy, and Chris Callender; sisters, Brenda Gail Case and husband Terry, Shirley Smith and husband,
James, and Frankie Leggett and husband, Johnny. She also leaves a legacy of love to five grandchildren, Schon Callender,
Caleb Callender, Jacey Callender, EiLish Callender, and Chole Callender; and three great grandchildren, DeLaneigh Martin,
Cash Denton, and Kix Coe-Dewitt Callender; three step grandchildren, Augustus, Call and Presley Quattlebaum,
as well as other loving family members and friends.
Glenn Keyes Bracey
Graveside service for Mr. Glenn Keyes Bracey will be 2 p.m., Friday, October 15, 2021, in Riverwood Memorial Park.
A visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Bracey ended his earthly journey here October 10, 2021. He was born April 15, 1940, to Leon and Ruby Bracey,
he was 81 years of age. He worked as a welder in the oil industry and was a member of Pearlhaven Baptist Church.
Mr. Bracey learned the art of woodworking and drawing and spent many hours creating. He was also an outdoorsman,
gardening and tending to his yard and flowers. His hands were never idle, as he could be found in his shed just tinkering
with something. He was a man of faith and a believer in the Lord Jesus, taking seriously the Word of Truth, reading, and
hiding God’s Word in his heart. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Mr. Bracey is preceded in death by his sons, Glenn Duane Bracey, and Bradley Denson Britt; his parents; and his sisters,
Nora Lee Ard, Maydean Bassonette and Charlene Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Patricia Ann Smith Bracey; sons, Kevin Bracey and wife Felisha, Anthony Britt
and wife, Suzannah, and Jeff Britt and wife, Teresa; daughter, Donna Smith and husband, David; sisters, Faye Winborne and
Betty Lanier; 12 grandchildren, Lauryn, Parker and Taylor Bracey; Tanner Britt, Hannah Rae, Russ-Taylor, and Telmo Britt;
Brandon, Dustin, and Nathan Britt, Elena Smith, Jessica Smith Vanier and husband, Colby; and 2 great grandchildren,
Merrick and Atlas Vanier; he is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Tommy Glynn Holcomb
Funeral service for Mr. Tommy Glynn Holcomb will be 11 a.m., Thursday, October 14, 2021,
at Riverwood Family, with burial in New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, at Riverwood.
Tommy was escorted by the angels into the arms of Jesus, where he has longed to be, Tuesday evening,
October 11, 2021. He began his journey here April 14, 1952, born to George Thomas Holcomb and Ella Rose Chandler Ladner,
he was given 69 years. Tommy was a faithful and loving husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a good friend to many.
He was a hard-working man, providing for his family as a truck driver, and awarded for 4 Million Miles Safe Driving.
In his down times he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Tommy will be remembered with a smile by his faith family,
at New Prospect Baptist Church, as the “Werther’s Coffee Flavor Candy Guy”. He gave with such pleasure even the simplest things.
Tommy will be greatly missed by his family and friends and all that knew and loved him. He leaves a legacy of faith and love.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and sister, Barbara Perryman.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are, his precious wife, Frances Karen Holcomb;
sons, Steve Hutcherson and wife, Patricia and Tommy Glynn Holcomb, Jr. and wife, Charis;
two sisters, Susan England and Donna Bounds; and nine grandchildren, as well as a host of other loving family members and friends.
Helen Geraldine Wells Roberts
Funeral service for Mrs. Roberts will be 2 p.m., Monday, October 11, at First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven.
Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service, followed by burial in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Roberts passed away October 8, 2021 in Jackson, MS.
Helen Geraldine Wells Roberts (Gerri) was born on 10/23/1924 in East Fork, near Summit MS, to Homer Ebeneezer Wells and Eleanor Parker Wells. She attended East Fork Consolidated School, graduating in 1941. She entered Southwest Junior College in the summer of 1941, where she studied education and edited the campus newspaper, the Pine Burr. She was a homecoming maid. There, she met Kenneth Earl Roberts, who became her college sweetheart. When Kenneth headed off to war, she worked as a clerk typist at Camp Van Dorn. After that, Gerri taught 2nd grade at Beach Stand Elementary School in Wilkinson County. In 1946, she moved back near home to teach at Liberty Elementary School.
After the war, she married Kenneth on 09/12/1947, while he got a degree from the University of Alabama. Following that, they moved to Norfolk VA where Kenneth worked as an industrial engineer in the shipyards. They returned to Jackson MS in 1949, where they started having a family. They settled in Brookhaven in 1956. Together, they ran Roberts Farm Supply for 36 years.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Earl Roberts, parents and sister, Homerline Wells Clower.
Survivors include a brother, Randy Wells (Jo Wells), son Dr Kenneth Eugene Roberts, son Bradley Earl Roberts (Kelley Roberts), and daughter Helen Jane Roberts Lea. Grandchildren include Dr J Kenneth Roberts (Jennifer Roberts), Tiffany Lea McCain (Matt McCain), Katie Lea, Adam Lea, Melissa M. Roberts, Bryan Roberts (Kelli Roberts), and Kirk Roberts. Great grandchildren include Olivia Roberts, Max William Malpass, Evan Roberts, Tinsley McCain, and Tatum McCain.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven MS. She attended the Faith and Works Sunday School Class. She served as Prayer Chain Chairwoman. She was a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, and for 22 years in the Willing Hearts Circle of the Kings Daughters Hospital Auxiliary.
Peacefully she left her earthly life to join her maker in heaven with her family surrounding her. She had a wonderful group of friends and neighbors that were always watching over her.
She loved her Church family. Her family wishes to thank the many friends for the kindness she received during the last years of her life. Memorials may be contributed to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Lydia Martha Latham
A Memorial Gathering for Lydia Martha Latham of Jackson are 1:00 pm, Monday, October 11, 2021, at Riverwood Family.
Ms. Lydia Martha Latham, 70 passed away October 6, 2021, at Baptist Hospital in Jackson. She was born on December 30, 1950,
to the late Frank Alvin Diamond and Martha Melenda Fairchild Diamond.
She enjoyed molding and painting model ceramics, bingo and reading.
She was a talented cake decorator and made beautiful cakes for family and friends for any occasion.
Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Smokey Diamond and Fred Diamond;
sisters, Mary Sue Vardaman, and Anna Timberlake and son, Jack Michael.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Thom Crutchfield, Tim Crutchfield and Sam Crutchfield;
daughter, Autumn Henry, and brother, Michael Diamond; along with nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Barbara Sue Caldwell Ratcliff
Services for Mrs. Barbara Sue Caldwell Ratcliff of Vidalia LA. are 1:00 pm Thursday,
October 7, 2021, at Riverwood with visitation from 11:00 am until the time
of the service and interment at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Barbara Sue Ratcliff, 64, passed away October 4, 2021, at her residence.
She was born on August 28, 1957, to the late Aubrey Caldwell, Sr. and Myrtis Barlow Caldwell.
Mrs. Ratcliff loved to sew quilts and spend time with her family. Her grandbabies and great grandbabies were her world.
Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Betty Jean Caldwell; brother, Michael Caldwell, and mother-in-law, Irene Ables.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Bennie Rodney Ratcliff; daughters, Brandi Campbell and husband, Jay, of Bogue Chitto, MS.,
and Bridget Dunn, of Brookhaven, MS; brothers, Aubrey Caldwell, Jr and wife, Sandy, of Ferriday, LA, and Lloyd Caldwell and wife, Michelle of Natchez, MS;
sisters, Louise Hester and husband Ray of Vidalia, LA, and Kathy Wilson and husband, Donnie of Pearl, MS.
She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Miranda McLeod, Britlyn McLeod, and Kailee Dunn and great grandchildren,
Paxton Lane Alexander, Jaxtyn Rayne Egloff, Olivia Renee’ Wease and Bryden Kohl McLeod; along with a host of nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
William E. "Bill" Davis
A Memorial Gathering for Mr. William E. “Bill” Davis are 4:00-6:00 pm, Wednesday, October 6, at Riverwood Family.
After a valiant battle against leukemia, William E. “Bill” Davis passed away at his home October 3, 2021. He was 75.
Bill was born on November 24, 1945, in Talihina, Oklahoma to Clayton “Buzz” Davis and Betty Lang Davis.
Following graduation from Talihina High school, Bill volunteered to serve our country in the United States Air Force.
The majority of his military service was in Europe. After his honorable discharge in 1969, he joined the workforce which led him to Brookhaven.
It was here that he met and married Cindy, his wife of 51 years. Work related travel allowed them to experience life in
several states in the southeast. Wanting to raise their children in Cindy’s hometown, they moved
permanently to Brookhaven in 1978.
Bill loved God, his country, his family, his home, and helping people.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lois Stepp, brother Norman Davis, and father and
mother-in-law Bernard “Tuffy” and Rachel Britt.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Cindy Britt Davis, son Jason and Leigha and their daughter Mia Davis, and sons, Christian and
Colton Huff daughter Angie Davis and her daughters Perri Heath and Chesney Clay.
Brothers Howard and Carol Davis, and Charlie and Kay Davis. Sisters Jean Judge, Elizabeth Lemley, Diana and
Cecil Ollar, and Susan Sweatland. Many nieces and nephews who cared for Uncle Bill are also left to grieve.
The family would also like to send a very heartfelt “thank you” to precious Brooke Keene, Carla, Dr. Ray Montalvo,
Dr. Carter Milner, Heather, Lindsey, and the Cancer Center personnel, the staff of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at
UMMC, especially “Bill’s girls”: Ginger, Patty, Susan, and Sarah.
Bill’s family will always be grateful for the gift of life others have made to Mississippi Blood services and ask that, in
lieu of flowers, consideration of blood or blood product donations be made.
Jane Carol Pepper Kees
Funeral service for Mrs. Jane Kees will be Saturday, October 2, at First United Methodist Church in Brookhaven
with interemtnt in the Kees Cemetery in Fair River. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the
church.
Jane Carol Pepper Kees went to be with the Lord on September 27, 2021, after a brief illness at the age of 82.
Jane was born on March 26th, 1939, in Pearl River County, MS, to Herman Pepper and Mamie Jane Ray Pepper. Jane and
her sister Betty grew up in Picayune. In high school, Jane played the clarinet and marched in the Rose Bowl Parade.
She graduated from Millsaps College with a degree in biology and was awarded a grant by the National Science Foundation
to conduct research at University Medical Center.
Jane married Gerald Enochs Kees in 1963 and moved to Brookhaven to teach biology at Brookhaven High School.
After teaching for a few years, she focused on raising her family and actively volunteered with the Girls Scouts, Boy Scouts,
Junior Auxiliary, Brookhaven Youth Soccer League, and First United Methodist Church. She resumed teaching biology at
Alexander Junior High School and Brookhaven High School from 1982 through 2000, influencing many students to
pursue science. She was named STAR teacher in 1995 and 1999. After retiring from teaching, Jane volunteered with
various ministries of First United Methodist Church and the Lincoln County Master Gardeners.
Jane loved her family, gardening, book club, and the First United Methodist Church community. She was a
life-long learner and enjoyed a good conversation with anyone. She helped identify many snakes and plants for friends and
students and was known for her honesty, bright mind, and loyal friendship. Her grandchildren will remember that Jane encouraged each
of them in their specific pursuits, with great interest, time, resources, and participation. She was a thoughtful and generous
gift-giver and an enthusiastic holiday meal planner and cook. Jane was also beloved by many Navy Seabees, who loved her warm meals and generous, fiery spirit.
She is survived by her husband, Gerry Kees; her daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Todd Clary; her son and daughter-in-law,
Christopher and Lara Kees; and five grandchildren, August, Alex, and Emma Clary, and John and Mary Elizabeth Kees.
In remembrance of Jane Kees, the family asks that charitable donations be made to the Lincoln County Master Gardeners
to support ongoing projects in Lincoln County, particularly work with school children.
Canaan Clark Watts
Funeral service for Canaan Clark Watts will be 1 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Riverwood
with interment at Montgomery Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.
Canaan was born July 28, 2021, in Flowood, MS, to Jesse Dylan Watts and Haley Brooke Watts. He tiptoed back
to heaven September 24, 2021, he was loaned to his family for one- and one-half months. “But though our arms are
empty our hearts know what to do. Every beating of our hearts says that we love you.”
He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Michele Wallace; great grandmother, Lorean Wallace; great grandfather,
Danny Watts, and great grandmother, Cheryl Prather; uncle, Cody Davis; great uncle, Reggie Watts; and cousin, Shaun Wallace.
He is survived by his parents; brothers, Carter Swane Watts and Remington Kye Watts; his grandparents, Robin and Randy Watts
and Frank and Melanie Wallace; his great grandparents, Gordon Wallace, Virginia Rushing (Daniel), and Beverly Watts; one great,
great grandmother, Ann Lambert, better known as “mawmaw Beet”; aunts and uncles, Myranda and Cade McCullough,
Brianna Wallace (John), Avery Kate Wallace, Cole Wallace, Josh Wallace, and Joseph Wallace; he is also survived
numerous great aunts and uncles and cousins.
