Obituaries
Karen Elaine Ramsey
The funeral service for Karen Elaine Ramsey will be 2 p.m., Friday, February 16, at Riverwood Family, with burial to follow at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery in Pricedale, MS. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, February 15, at Riverwood, and will resume from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Friday.
Mrs. Ramsey, 69, of Brookhaven, died February 12, 2024, at the Courtyard Nursing Care Center in McComb, MS. She was born in Bogue Chitto, MS, January 23, 1955, to Charles S. Cannon and Winnie Maude DeLaughter Cannon.
Mrs. Ramsey worked at McComb Extended Care for 23 years, until she met the love of her life, Alvin Ramsey. She was a devoted wife and mother.
During her lifetime, she always put her family first. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandchildren and cooking their favorite foods. She will be loved and missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Ramsey; her parents; four brothers, James Cannon, Charles Cannon, Charlie Cannon, and Terry Dale Cannon; and three sisters, Katherine Cannon, Audrey Dickerson, and Rosemary Hocker.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Michele Richardson, Renee Lee (Scott), Terri Jackson, and stepchildren, Shannon Moak (Tony) and Eric Ramsey; sisters, Lynda Roberts Williams (Jim), Dixie Boyd (Jimmy); ten grandchildren, Whitney Waldrop, Karley Smith, Joshua Whittington (Samantha), Blake Ramsey, Triston Lee, Gavin Jackson, Brycen Moak, Addyson Moak, Spencer Smallwood, Gracie Bailey; and four great grandchildren, Abigail Smith, Silas Hart, Jaxon Whittington, and Aiden Hodges. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Dorothy Jean Allen Smith
Dorothy Jean Allen Smith, 92, ran into the arms of Jesus on February 12, 2024 at her daughter Debbie’s house surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy or “Dottie” as she was affectionately called was born on November 28, 1931 to Archie and Katie Furlow Allen in the New Sight community. She was the youngest of ten siblings. Dorothy would attend the county fair with her brother and sister-in-law and would meet the love of her life, Ramsey Smith. They married on April 7, 1950 and she would spoil him for the next 60 years. Dorothy and Ramsey would be blessed with four children; Sandra, Debbie, Pam, and Donnie.
Dorothy loved working in her yard, growing flowers, crocheting, and sewing. She could make the best banana pudding. Most of all she loved being a caretaker for all those she loved. Dorothy loved the Lord, put her faith in Him, and is now in His loving arms. She is a member of New Prospect Baptist Church.
Dorothy is survived by her son Donnie Ramsey Smith and wife Mandy, daughters Debbie Smith Hill, and Pam Smith Case and husband Donald, and son-in-law Rickey Hambach. She was blessed with eleven grandchildren; Angie Hill Kent and husband Chris, Scott Hambach and wife Paige, Mark Hill and wife Dana, Stan Hill and wife Allan, Rick Hambach and wife, Shelly, Donovan Case, Drew Case and wife Lori, Shae Smith and wife Kelly, Raven Smith and wife Brianna, Lucas Burris and wife Sarah, and Kolby Burris and wife Theresa. Dorothy also had seventeen great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.
Preceding her in death was her loving husband Ramsey Smith, daughter Sandra Hambach, son-in-law Barney Hill, and great granddaughter Ramsey Kaye Hill. Her parents, and siblings; Hollis Allen, James Allen, Fred Allen, Nell Furlow, Bernice Allen, Bertha Furlow, Juanita Case, Mary Rushing, and Ellie Roberts.
The celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at New Prospect Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. at the church and followed by the service at 11a.m. Dorothy will be laid to rest beside the love of her life in the New Prospect Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff at Deaconess Hospice for all the love and care you showed to our Mom and MawMaw.
Jimmie Olen "Bull" Bowman
The funeral service for Jimmie Olen “Bull” Bowman will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow in Union Hall Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 12-2 p.m. at Riverwood.
Mr. Bowman, 58, was born August 23, 1965, to his parents Olen Edmond Bowman and Jonell Walker Bowman. He passed into his eternal home on February 10, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center.
Some of his most cherished times were spent riding the side by side with his grandbabies and dog, Rocky, and spending quality time with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved fishing, camping, gardening, harvesting timber, reading and cooking.90
He is preceded in death by his father, Olen Edmond Bowman; son, Chauncey Olen Bowman; wife, Tanya June Bowman; mother, Jonell Walker Bowman; brothers, Reedus Bowman, Martin David Bowman, Dennis Bowman, and Joe Bowman; sisters, Edna Wilson, and Annie Bowman.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Kathy Bowman; daughters, Kristen Magee (Mike), Lakin Bowman (Bilbo); sons, Chad Johnson (Carly), Joseph Bowman, and Trevor Bowman; brothers, Claytis Bowman, Rayborn Bowman, RB Bowman, Johnny Coaston, Kenneth Paul Bowman, Timmie Lynn Bowman, Thomas James Brister; sisters, Inez Case, Jennette Bowman, BJ Fincher, Debra Ramirez; eight grandchildren, Maranda “Randa” Bowman, Michael “Hooney” Magee, Landon “Little Man” Magee, Traven “Cherokee” Magee, Swayze Bowman, Adaleigh “Adalida” Magee, Finley “Queenie” Johnson, and Rhilee “Curly Top” Bilbo; and a host of nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
Lester Earl Lowry
The funeral service for Lester Earl Lowry will be 11 a.m., Saturday February 10, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. prior to service.
Mr. Lowry, 59, of Hazlehurst, died February 6, 2024, in Jackson, MS. He was born in Natchez, MS, July 6, 1964, to Robert Edward Lowry and Ann Abernathy Coleman.
Mr. Lowry spent 27 years working in the oilfield. There were several hobbies that gave him enjoyment, including cooking, gardening, traveling, and going fishing with his best friend, Jason Palombo. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, his greatest treasures in life were his family, especially his seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, and his friends. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his father; grandmother, Ruth Abernathy; and father-in-law, John Loyd Williams.
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Robin Lowry; his mother Ann Coleman (Billy), mother-in-law, Betty Ann Williams; children, Madison Russell (Caleb), Brandi Case (Ray Joe), and Greg Nettles (Carrie); sisters, Roberta Holloway and Chrysti Whittington (Paul); step brothers, Kevin Coleman (Debra), Mark Coleman (Becky), and Alan Colmon (Kat); seven grandchildren, Anabelle Case (Laramie), Wyatt Case, Makaylee Nettles, Lilly Nettles, Abbie Case, Raylan Case, and Cash Nettles; and one great grandchild, Willow Case. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Peggy Howell Strahan
Peggy Howell Strahan, 79, passed from this life on February 6, 2024, very peacefully at Camellia Estates in McComb. Peggy was born October 10, 1944, to Buel and Mildred Summers Howell.
She was an avid reader, and what a better place to work than the library. She was there 16 years and she loved all the staff and patrons.
Preceding her in death were her parents.
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 37 years, Bill Strahan; daughter, Jennifer Barron Welch (Arnie); grandchildren, Krissy Barker, Shelly Barker and Heather Smith (John), she has a new great granddaughter, Lilly Nobles; and step sons, Spencer Strahan (Janie) and Lance Strahan (Lori).
She is also survived by her sisters, Virginia Pope (Wallace) and Charlotte Martin (Orville), with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, whom she loved.
No arrangements have been made at this time.
Emma Joyce Harris
Services for Mrs. Emma Joyce Harris of Wesson are 10:00 am, Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Little Bahala Baptist Church with burial at the church cemetery.
The visitation will be 5:00-8:00 pm, Friday, February 9, at the church.
Mrs. Emma Joyce Harris, 71, passed away February 7, 2024, at her home.
She was born August 9, 1952, to the late Elon Martin and Lavelle Hester Martin.
Mrs. Harris was a member of Little Bahala Baptist Church.
She worked as a caregiver and loved caring for her family and loved ones.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Thomas Harris and son Thomas W. Harris, Jr.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Eddie Harris and wife, Alishia, Priscilla Nations, and Kevin Harris and wife, Christy. She is also survived by her sisters, Patsy Chinn and Shirley Roberts; six grandchildren, Ashleigh Jones, and husband, Hershel, Parker Harris, Brodie Harris, Chastity Rutland, and husband, Seth, C.J. Moore and Langston Harris; five great grandchildren and a host of family and friends.
She will be dearly missed by all that loved her.
Claude Ellis Lewis
The funeral service for Claude Ellis Lewis will be 11 a.m., Friday, February 9, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow in Hamburg, MS. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. at Riverwood Family Funeral Service 76 Highway 51 S, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.
Mr. Lewis, 87, born May 15, 1936, under the care of Gentiva Hospice, passed into his eternal home on February 6, 2024, at his home, the home he loved, with his extended family at Boswell.
Claude loved family gatherings, going to eat fish with family and spending time with his special friend, Shannon Smith.
He was welcomed to his heavenly home by his parents, George W. Lewis and Hermie Martin Lewis; brothers, Norman Rae (Kenny), J. G. (Jay), Arthur Lee Lewis; sisters, Blanche L. Smith, Hermie Lewis, and Margie L. Curtis.
Survivors include Claude’s sister-in-law, Bobbie Lewis; brother-in-law, Tapper Curtis; special friend, Shannon Smith; many nieces, nephews, and great plus great, great nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be, Buddy Davis, Paul Smith, Max Davis, Christian Huffman, Jalen Huffman, and Ed Crawford, honorary pallbearers will be Jason Smith, James Huffman and the workers and his friends at Boswell.
Reverend Randy Davis will be officiating.
Linda Ellen Abrams Powers
The funeral service for Linda Ellen Abrams Powers will be 11 a.m., Friday, February 9, at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Heucks Retreat.
Mrs. Powers, 79, of Brookhaven, died February 6, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Columbus, MS, July 14, 1944, to James and Ellen Abrams.
Linda loved donating her time to her church, Heucks Retreat Baptist Church, where she was very involved in all the various activities provided there. She enjoyed assembling jigsaw puzzles and playing a variety of other games. She never missed a sporting event that her sons were involved in throughout their lives. Linda enjoyed getting to watch her grandkids play ball, cheer, and compete in beauty pageants. She truly loved her family. In later years she would enjoy traveling, shopping, and going out to eat with her special friends. She will be greatly missed by all her friends and her family, who will treasure every memory made.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Keith Abrams.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her husband of 60 years, Julian Porter “Pete” Powers; sons, Chris Powers (Tonya) and Scott Powers; three grandchildren, Emily Phillips (Coltin), Brittani Russell, Curtis Phillips (Hannah); and seven great grandchildren, Annaliese Phillips, Brantley Phillips, Brooke-Lynn Russell, Baylee Russell, Bentleigh Russell, Rhett Phillips, and Sawyer Phillips. She is also survived by sister-in-law, Earline Abrams and a host of other loving family members and her faith family at Heucks Retreat.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heucks Retreat Baptist Church Debt Relief fund or the Obeschmidt playground fund.
Teddy Ray Messenger
Mr. Teddy Ray Messenger, 81, of Brookhaven, died Monday, February 5, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. He was born September 6, 1942, to Edgar Lee Messenger and LaVona Wald Messenger.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Debra Denise Messenger; children, Cole Granger, Donna Nimo, Debra L. Fleming, Mike Messenger; brother, Sammy Messenger; sister, LaVona L. York; and his mother-in-law, Lona Mae Rushing, as well as many other loving family members and friends.
Janice Irene Wallace Calcote
The funeral service for Janice Irene Wallace Calcote will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 7, at Riverwood with burial in Bethel Community Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Calcote, 80, of Brookhaven, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning, February 5, 2024, at her daughter Sonya’s home in Ruth, surrounded by her loving family. Irene was born on February 8, 1943, to William C. (Brown) and Mary Coleman Wallace.
She was a supervisor in the food service with SHRM Oil Field, that took her to many places. She was a life member of Bethel Community Church. She graduated from West Lincoln High School. Irene enjoyed the art of quilting, but her favorite time was spent with her family, especially her daughters and her grandchildren, and her son-in-law, Alan, who was so kind and loving with her and took such wonderful care of her. She lived life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Lamar Calcote; her parents; son, Kelvin Hancock; brothers, Calvin Wallace, Johnny Wallace, Sherrill Wallace, Carroll Wallace; and sisters, Joyce Wallace and Aleane Wilkinson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Sonya Thames (Alan), of Ruth, MS, Melissa Gayle Redd (Jerry), of Central, LA; five grandchildren, Kevin Thames (Stephanie), Miki Hughes (Mitchell), TJ Smith (Mandy), Josh Coone, and Robbie Coone (Taylor); eight great grandchildren, Aubree Thames, Adaline Thames, Rylee Thames, Graham Thames, Cohen Hughes, Elijah Coone, Easton Coone, and Maely Coone; siblings, Elizabeth Franklin, Paul Wallace (Sounnia), Mary Ann Ritchie (John), Myrtle Hutcherson Cartwright (Paul), Ray Wallace (Paulette), and Roy Wallace (Susan). She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Community Church in memory of Irene Wallace Calcote, 2231 Goodwill Loop SW, Brookhaven, MS, 39601.
