Obituaries
Gary Wayne Norton
The funeral service for Gary Wayne Norton will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 21, at Riverwood Family with burial in Red Star Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Norton, 55, of Brookhaven, died August 17, 2024, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Vicksburg on January 24, 1969, to Clyde Gary Norton and Louise Smith Norton. He was Operations Manager at Walmart Distribution Center.
Gary Wayne was a well known and likable man. He loved his family more than anything, especially his two grandbabies. Gary Wayne was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing on the Mississippi River, hunting turkey and deer, working in his yard, and playing golf with his buddies. Mr. Norton worked at Walmart Distribution Center for over 25 years. He loved his work family and was known for his hard work, guidance, and dedication.
Mr. Norton is preceded in death by his grandparents, Clyde and Edith Norton and Ervin and Loise Smith; aunt, Peggy Pepper; and cousins, Jody Pepper and Connie Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Dana Norton; his parents; children, Lauren Britt (Ken), Megan Hatcher (Garrett), and Gavin Norton (girlfriend Madison); brothers, Shane Norton (Leigh Ann), Jeremy Norton; two grandchildren, Karter Britt and Ellie Britt; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Rosie Lene Ezell Forrest
A celebration of her life will commence at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 24 in Riverwood’s chapel.
The interment will immediately follow at Riverwood Memorial Park
Rosie Lene Ezell Forrest died peacefully on August 10, 2024, at the age of 91 years, surrounded by
her loved ones. Born on February 5, 1933, to the late Henry and Addie Ezell in Meadville, MS. Mrs.
Forrest was the youngest of 15 children. Mrs. Forrest is preceded in death by her husband of 64
years, Curtis Forrest, her parents, brothers: William, Johnnie, Robert, Archie, Pinkey, Irvin and Lloyd
Ezell, sisters: Ada Travis, Versie Menasco, Bernie Wilson, Ida Wallace, Clara Jackson and Ann
Pepper, and great grandchild, Trevor Cutrer.
Rosie graduated from Bude High School in 1950 and moved to Brookhaven where she met and
married Curtis on September 18, 1950. She worked hard at everything she did and was employed
outside the home for 17 years at Hartley Goves Thermometer Plant, 10 years as manager of The
Flower Tree gift shop and various other jobs until retirement.
Committing her life to God, along with Curtis, Rosie was a faithful member of First Assembly of God
Church for 69 years where she served as bookkeeper for many years as well as teaching Sunday
School, working with youth and had a heart for the elderly and shut ins.
Never one to remain idle, she enjoyed reading, gardening -- a true green thumb -- was an
accomplished seamstress and excellent cook. Rosie always looked forward to cooking for the ones
she loved. Her love language was shown in serving others.
Those left to cherish her memory are her brother, Charlie Ezell, her 5 daughters : Diane Sellari and
children, William Sellari (Jessica and daughter, Willow, Solange and children, Lillian and Xander,
Jessica’s daughters, Hadleigh and Ryan), and Sarah Kramer (Mac and sons, Liam and Obie),
Barbara Hyatt (Ron) and son, Blake Hyatt (Yazmin and sons: Logan, Levi and Landry), Pam Donald
and children: Forrest Donald (Amanda), Taylor Donald and Sydney Jackson (Matt and children:
Emma, Blakely, Tucker and Remi), Amy Statezny (Andrew) and sons, Samuel Statezny and Ethan
Statezny, and Starla Smith (Sam) and sons, Drew Cutrer (Nancy and children: Ada Mae, James and
Kason), and Clay Cutrer (Courtney and daughter, Jennie May), a host of nieces, nephews, other
family and friends. She was deeply loved, and her unwavering, indomitable spirit will be greatly
missed.
You may visit with the family on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in
Brookhaven, from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Ronald Turner Havard, Sr.
Service is noon on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Friendship Baptist Church with visitation from 10:00 until the time of the service and burial at the church cemetery.
Ronald Turner Havard, Sr. 82 of Brookhaven went to be with his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on August 15th, 2024.
He passed away at home surrounded by his loving Family.
He was born on May 2, 1942 in Mobile, Alabama to Woodrow Wilson Havard & Ruth Turner Havard.
He graduated from Crosby High School. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad/Canadian National for 31 years. He was a brakeman for 8 years & an Engineer for 23 years. He retired from the Railroad in August 2004. In 2009 Ronald and his wife Delores purchased Brookhaven Skating Rink from his father-in-law, Dewayne Nettles, and operated it until 2017. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ on August 13, 1986. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church for 16 years where he taught an Adult Sunday School Class and helped his wife, Delores with Children's Church for 8 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Ronald is survived by his love, his wife Delores Nettles Havard of 43 years. He had six sons, Scott Havard (Gaynell), Brett Havard (Nena), David Poole (Suann), Alan Poole (Melanie), Ronald Turner Havard, Jr. (Amanda), John
Wayne Havard (fiancé Jada); two daughters Anna Dawson & Katy Cowart (Mike), one sister Connie Havard Nettles (late William Nettles). He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, a special friend Rikki Rutland, and numerous family & friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deaconess Hospice of Brookhaven. We are very thankful for the care we received from them.
Montell Jackson Smith
Graveside 10:00 am, Friday, August 30, 2024 at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church Cemetery
Montell Jackson Smith, 96, passed from this earth on August 14,2024. She was born on January 10,1928 to Lucius and Beatrice Jackson of Brookhaven. She was a member of Heucks Retreat Baptist church .
She is preceded in death by her husband LE “Sonny” Smith, parents, brother Paul Jackson and sister Exie Newton.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sister Mary Smith(Jimmy), Sons Perry Smith (Mary), Paul Smith (Jeanene) ,and daughter Suzanne Smith along with Grandchildren Danielle Larson(Jacob), Samantha Schultz, Will Smith(Becca), Ashley Pigford(Josh)Owen Smith and Laurel Thwing (Dylan). She was blessed with 11 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren.
She will be remembered as a powerful prayer warrior who touched many lives with her passion for Christ and encouragement for many young women in her church.
The family would like to thank Judy Gibson , Dana Lofton , Sandra Turner, and Sondra Smith , and others for the excellent care they provided over the last 7 years during Mrs. Smith’s illness.
Annie Clara Case Smith
The funeral service for Mrs. Annie Clara Case Smith will be 10 a.m., Saturday, August 17th, at Riverwood Family with burial in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Smith, 96, of Brookhaven, went to be with her Lord and Savior August 13, 2024. She began her life’s journey June 19, 1928, when she was born to her parents, Bennie Case and Georgie A. Vaughn Case.
Mrs. Smith was a lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church. She worked at King’s Daughters Medical Center in the Housekeeping Department. She loved and enjoyed her co-workers.
Annie was born and raised and lived her entire life as a “country girl” and was grateful and thankful for every moment. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting by the lake on her property where she spent much time in prayer. She was a woman of integrity and faith. Annie’s motto in life was “success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.” Her legacy will live on through those who loved her and called her friend.
Annie is preceded in death by her husband, James Smith and her parents.
She is survived by two double first cousins, Margaret Ann Britt and Harold Case (Carolyn) and by numerous cousins as well as her faith family at Friendship.
Annie was blessed to have such caring and loving caretakers, Debbie Coley, Hazel Barlow, and Marilyn Beeson.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1502 Friendship Lane NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601
Charlie Ann Lea
The funeral service for Charlie Ann Lea will be 12 p.m., Friday, August 16th, at Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, MS, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Charlie Ann is the infant daughter of Charles Bradley Lea and Brandy Berry. She was born July 23, 2024, and was a cherished angel to her parents as well as all her family. Charlie was carried back to heaven August 12, 2024, and she will never know the joy she brought to everyone.
Charlie is preceded in death by her two siblings, Nolan Lea and Kinsley Lea; her maternal grandfather, John Edward Berry, Jr.; great grandparents, Joe Peavey, Wanda Kay Yarborough, John Edward Berry, Sr., Charles Lea, and Kathy Jones.
Those who remain to hold her memory close to their hearts are her parents, Brandy Berry and Bradley Lea; grandparents, Cristie Berry Lofton (Darron), Billy Lea, Brandy Wallace (Chris); and her great grandparents, John Oliver (Wanda), Mavis Peavey, William Jones, and Martha Lea. She is also survived by a host of uncle, aunts, and cousins.
Barbara Laird Beeson
The funeral service for Barbara Laird Beeson will be 2 p.m., Thursday, August 15, at Riverwood Family with burial in Bogue Chitto Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Beeson, 84, of Brookhaven, died August 12, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Bogue Chitto on May 14, 1940, to Luther and Nevis Laird.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James Ray Beeson; son, Wynn James Beeson; granddaughter, Crystal Nikki Hux; son-in-law, Ronnie Waldrop; sister, Weida Magee and sister-in-law, Linda Laird.
She is survived by her children, Larry Beeson (Carla), Daphne Montgomery (William), Kayla Cantrell (Kenny), and Veeva White (Alvie); brother, Luther “Brother” Laird; and sister, Betty Terrell (Jack). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Will (Kim), Dudley (Laraye), Jeremy (Theresa), Corey (Shirley), Kristen (Bryan), Candi (Jason), Leila (Lindsey), Lori, Ashli (Jake), Logan, Makalah, Tristan, Kelsi (Charlie), Kaegen (Dereck), Kaitlyn, Christopher, Xander; 41 great grandchildren and 7 great, great grandchildren, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Archie Hugh Campbell
Services for Mr. Archie Hugh Campbell of Meadville are 3:00 pm, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Siloam Baptist Church with visitation from 1:00 until the time of the service and burial at the church cemetery.
Mr. Archie Hugh Campbell, 84, passed away on August 10, 2024. He was born on August 4, 1940, to the late Richard and Bertha Campbell.
He served his country in the U.S. National Guard and retired from the Illinois Central Railroad after 25 years. After retiring he owned a plumbing business for many years.
Archie was a member of Siloam Baptist Church for over 50 years. He had a zest for life and loved his family dearly.
Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Monroe, Fred, Alcy, Willie, Charlie, and Sedric; his sisters, Letha and Ivy.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margie Farmer Campbell, children, Jason Campbell and wife Julie and Rachel Black, and husband, Tom. sister, Virginia Leonard, and grandson, William Campbell (Lauren), and a host of nieces and nephews.
He will be dearly missed by all who love him.
Roland Elgin Lea
Services for Mr. Roland Elgin Lea will be held on August 14, 2024, at 10:00am At Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be August 13, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Riverwood and will resume Wednesday morning one hour prior to the service.
Roland Elgin Lea, 92, of Brookhaven, passed from this life on August 11, 2024. He was born in Sontag, MS on June 22, 1932, to Ivo Alexander Lea and Naomi Kleinpeter Lea. Mr. Lea served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After serving in the military, he worked for B & B Dairy before being hired with International Paper Company, where he was a Warden and Heavy Equipment Operator. He was an active member of Easthaven Baptist Church and was a part of the Sr. Adult Sunday School Class.
Roland was very active in his community. He was a member of the Brookhaven Exchange Club for 50 years, he celebrated with the “Greatest Generation Coffee Club” which met at Burger King for many years, and a member of ABATE of Mississippi. He brought joy to children every time he donned the Santa Suit each holiday season while volunteering with the Salvation Army as a “Bell Ringer”. He truly enjoyed life, and he lived with integrity and honor in all he put his hand to.
He was an avid outdoorsman. Roland owned 64 motorcycles and many boats, which gave him the opportunity to share his love of fishing, camping, water skiing, and jet skiing and he was an avid hunter. He was a founding member of the Dixie Springs Ski Club in the 1960’s and he was also involved with Dixie Youth Baseball as an assistant coach. Not only was he proficient in water, but he also took to the air in his ultralight airplane. He was a faithful supporter of his grandchildren’s sports, band activities and dance recitals.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Doris Coker Lea; his parents; brothers, Phillip Douglas Lea, Roscoe Lea, Ivo H. Lea, Marcus Lea; sisters, Ivolene Lea Coker and Delores Lea Greer.
Survivors included his children, Reggie Lea (Rita), Melinda Calvert (Brian), Dwana Wright (Rick), and Todd Lea; brother, Teunnison Lea (Johnnie); five grandchildren, Rosanna Belle Lea, Laura Elizabeth Wright, John Coker Wright, Austin Todd Lea, and Addison Kenzie Lea; and one great grandchild, John Hayes Wright. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mildred Lea and Kay Lea; brother-in-law, Hubert Greer and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Gayla Wardlaw, Darlene Crawford, and Barbara Brewer for their compassionate care of their daddy. We also thank Jaci King and Halo Havens’ wonderful caregivers and the grace shown to him, to our family, and to the friends he leaves behind at Halo Havens
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Brookhaven Exchange Club and the Easthaven Sr. Adults Sunday School Class.
Dorothy Posey Smith
The funeral service for Dorothy Posey Smith will be 11 a.m., Thursday, August 15, at Riverwood Family with burial in Beauregard Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, at Riverwood and will resume at 10 a.m. on Thursday.
Mrs. Smith, 81, of Wesson, died August 9, 2024, at Copiah County Medical Center in Hazlehurst, MS. She was born in Brookhaven, May 11, 1943, to Carl Posey and Ola Herring Posey. Mrs. Dorothy was an avid reader. She also enjoyed puzzles and word games to keep her mind sharp. She loved spending time with her family and friends and watching her favorite TV series, “Midsomer Murders” and “M*A*S*H”. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Jerry Smith; her parents; and her sister, Joan Mullen.
Survivors include her children, Kelly Smith (John), Thomas Corey Smith (Wanda), and Marcy Smith Thompson (Brett); four grandchildren, Joey Smith, Suzanna Smith, Brianna Westbrook, and Blake Westbrook; sister-in-law, Carolyn Thompkins; niece, Donna Mullen Horton; great nephew, David Horton; great niece, Allison Morris; and special friends, Marcia Teaster, Nelda Westbrook, Tammy Nelson, Jerrie Bland, and Jo Norwood Jones.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Samantha Ellison Powell and Arden Hospice and to Lauren Thompson and Copiah County Medical Center Staff.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Beauregard Cemetery, 1009 Dickerson Lane, Wesson, MS, 39191.
