Obituaries
Ella Nell Mercier
Services for Mrs. Ella Nell Mercier of Bogue Chitto are 10:00 am, Friday, July 15, 2022,
at Riverwood Family with visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm, Thursday, July 14,
at Riverwood and interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.
Mrs. Ella Nell Mercier, 77, went to be with her Lord on July 13, 2022. She was born on March 12, 1945,
to the late Miller Lee King and Jemmie Ainsworth King.
Mrs. Mercier was a homemaker and was a member of Pleasant Grove Church.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and daughter.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her son, Alex Aaron Townsend;
brothers, Lloyd King and James King; grandchildren,
Erica Townsend, Fisher Martin and best friends, Peggy Brown and Betty Chapman.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 31 years, Thomas Burns;
son, Chad Townsend and wife, Jennifer; daughter, Penny Miller and husband, John,
Chellie Hannah and husband, Randy; also sisters, Evelyn King and Brenda King;
13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. She will be missed by all that loved her.
Tara L. Kinchen Francois
Funeral service for Mrs. Tara L. Kinchen Francois will be 10 a.m. Saturday, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Redstar Ward,
with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation 5-8 p.m., Friday, July 15, at Riverwood, and will resume from 9 a.m. Saturday, until the time of service.
Mrs. Francois, 43, of Hazlehurst, passed from this life July 12, 2022. She was born in New Orleans, LA, July 16, 1978, to Derald Kinchen and Kathy Carolyn Brady.
She was a loving wife and mom, making every effort to support her family in all their adventures. She enjoyed painting, photography, and decorating.
She also took time to go swimming and watch a good movie. Her favorite time was spent with her family. She was a member of
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, cubmaster for Pack 351, Relief Sciety President, and Seminary teacher. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Kathy Caroline Brady; stepfather, Billy Henry Priest; grandmother, Dorothy Elizabeth Hamrick; and grandfather,
John Plummer Brady.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, James Francois, Jr.; sons, Joshua Francois his wife, Katelin, and Matthew Francois; two grandchildren,
Madelyn Francois and Bristol Brent; father, Derald Kinchen; sister, Tammy McKinley; and brother, Warren D. Kinchen. She is also survived by nieces,
Amanda Taylor and Skylar Kinchen, nephew, Warren Kinchen, Jr., as well as other loving family members and friends.
Donald Glenn Roberts
Funeral service for Mr. Donald Glenn Roberts will be 2:30 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Riverwood Family,
with interment in Wellman Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Roberts, 75, of Brookhaven, passed from this life July 12, 2022, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Brookhaven, MS, November 11, 1946, to Hollis Dean Roberts and Annie Belle Walls Roberts.
Mr. Roberts served his country in the United States National Guard. He was a certified welder and welding inspector
and was diligent in providing for his family, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he was blessed to have
even become a great grandfather. The front porch swing was his favorite pastime, watching birds and squirrels carry on their daily lives.
He was an avid gardener as well. His greatest investment was his family and spending time with them was the most important time of all.
He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Reba Grace Roberts; daughters, Melissa Cupit and husband, Andy, Brenda Case and husband, Chris;
brothers, Billy Roberts and wife, Peggy and Reggie Roberts and wife, Mary Ann; five grandchildren, Lauren Wilson (Blake), Anna Grace Craft (Roper), Victoria Cupit, Carlie Case, and Dylan Case;
three great grandchildren, Brice Wilson, Lizzie Grace Wilson, and Liam Craft. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Libby Jackson,
Barbara Douglas, Betty Byrd (Jerry), Richard Douglas (Bettye), Connie Mack Douglas (Charlene); and by a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Deaconess Hospice for the love and care they provided for Mr. Roberts.
Christie Kay Giackino
Mrs. Christie Kay Giackino passed from this life July 10, 2022, in the University Medical Center of New Orleans, LA. She was born in McComb, MS, December 2, 1971, to Jessie Durham and Beverly Durham. Christie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a collector of salt and pepper shakers and she enjoyed collecting owl figurines. She loved to spend valuable time with her family, especially the six little pieces of her heart, her “baby grands”. She also enjoyed an evening watching WWF Wrestling, playing board games, or just listening to music. Christie was a joyful soul, and she will be greatly missed by those who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Jamie Buitt; sister, JoAnne Buitt; grandparents, Lillian and Carl Roberts, James and Mavis Durham, and Ruth Jackson.
Those who remain to carry on her legacy are her husband of 14 years, Randy James Giackino; sons, Joshua Arnold and Randy Giackino, Jr.; daughters, Grace Arnold and Angel Harvey (Andrew); brother, Marty Durham (Kim); sisters, Jessica Arnold and Sandy Smith; six beautiful grandchildren, Lanie Busby, Jasmine Busby, Nightealeeya Harvey, Kaelyn Harvey, Everly Harvey, and Joslyn Giackino. She is also survived by friends, Angie Watts and Amy Norwood and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and other loving family members and friends.
There are no services at this time.
W.H. "Dub" Womack
Funeral service for Mr. W.H. “Dub” Womack will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, at Powell’s Grove United Pentecostal Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is 5-9 p.m., Tuesday, July 12, at Powell’s Grove and will resume on Wednesday until the time of service.
Mr. Womack, 99, of Jayess, left this vale of tears and entered eternal life with the Lord Jesus Christ July 8, 2022. Mr. Dub was born in Darbun, MS, August 4, 1922, to Elliot M. Womack and Annie Syvilla Lambert Womack, and would have reached that century birthday this year. He was an American Patriot, having served his country in the United States Navy during the WWII era. He was retired from the Railroad and a member of Powell’s Grove United Pentecostal Church. Mr. Dub enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially rabbit and squirrel. He loved his family, and he was an excellent example of faith and integrity to them all. His greatest love was the Lord Jesus and His church. He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Katherine Alexander Womack; his parents; brothers, Willie B. Womack, Ernest Womack, Henry S. Womack, and Johnny Womack; sisters, Emma Barnett, Mary Wallace, Mattie Lee Boyd and Sallie Wallace.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Joyce A. Womack Rutland and husband, M. Jerry Rutland of Jayess; two grandchildren, Elliot Rutland and wife, Jocelyn and Allen Rutland; and four great grandchildren, Caroline and Claire Rutland and Addison and Avery Rutland. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and many other loving family members and friends.
Donna Denise Williamson
Mrs. Donna Denise Williamson, 59, of Wesson, passed from this life, July 10, 2022, at her residence.
She was born in Winnfield, Louisiana, January 11, 1963, to Robert Wade and Aredale Wade.
She was a retired Wal Mart employee and a member of Pearl Valley Baptist Church.
Donna was a wonderful wife and mother, she also welcomed five grandchildren into her life
and enjoyed every moment of time with them. She was a music lover, listening to Country & Western was her favorite.
She would entertain her family and friends with stories from the “old days” when life was much simpler.
She also kept her nails painted and filled the rest of her spare time with crocheting, cooking, and baking.
Donna was a vital part of her family’s lives and will be greatly missed by them all.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Michael Williamson; her parents; and her brothers, Roger Wade and Terry Mitchel Wade.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her son, Benjamin Williamson and wife, Heather;
daughter, Debra Cothern and husband, Chris; sister, Ronda Smalling and husband, Buford;
five grandchildren, Peyton Cothern, Logan Cothern, Zach Williamson, Michael Williamson,
and Bentley Robert Williamson. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
There will be no services at this time.
Henry Allen Stafford, Jr.
Funeral service for Henry Allen Stafford, Jr. will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Easthaven Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday.
Henry Allen Stafford, Jr., 58, of Brookhaven, passed from this life July 9, 2022, in McComb, MS. He was born in Prentiss, MS, January 1, 1964, to Henry Allen Stafford, Sr. and Florence Carolyn Tassin Stafford. He graduated with an Associates degree from Nunez Community College as a Paralegal. He served his country in the United States Army. Mr. Stafford worked in the Westbank, New Orleans area until retiring. He was a Restaurant Manager with Visko’s, Maintenance Foreman “Rambo” with Standridge Brothers and Shift Lead with Walgreens in Brookhaven, MS. He enjoyed playing guitar and singing karaoke. He also enjoyed off-roading and motorcycling. His passion was sharing the gospel with people, desiring them to have a relationship with God. Mr. Stafford has always considered his kids his greatest achievement.
He is preceded in death by his father; his paternal grandparents, Henry Ilas Stafford and Christina Waldrop Stafford; maternal grandparents, Maurice Joseph Tassin and Marie Gonzales Tassin; father-in-law, Whitney “Buddy” Trosclair, Jr.; and sister, Carol Ann Stafford.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife of 34 years, Jo Lynn Trosclair Stafford; sons, Henry Stafford III and Sylvester Stafford (Amelia Hebert); mother, Florence Carolyn Stafford; brothers, S. Wayne Stafford and Thomas J. Gianelloni; sisters, Donna Stafford Fisher (Mike) and Haley Stafford; mother-in-law, Jo Ann Trosclair; brothers-in-law, Whitney S. Trosclair III (Melissa) and Armond Lindsey; Jeff Meaux and Austin Meaux; as well as other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Safe Haven Rescue of Mississippi, two locations, Trustmark Bank or P.O. Box 3993 Brookhaven, MS 39603.
Bryson McKay Walker
Services for Bryson McKay Walker of Wesson are Saturday, June 9, 2022, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saint, Red Star Ward with burial at Red Star Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 pm, Friday, June 8, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 10:00 am until time of service on Saturday at the church.
Bryson McKay Walker, 19, passed away July 4, 2022. He was born November 23, 2002, to his parents, William T. Walker, Jr. and Andrea Renea Walker.
Bryson was a joy to raise and a joy to be around. Although sick from birth, Bryson overcame so many that prompted his dad to want to change his middle name to Miracle,
which his mom refused, and Bryson thanked her for that daily. Bryson struggled with many things that people knew nothing about.
He overcame many things that no one thought he ever would. Everyday Bryson woke up with one thing on his mind, he wanted to make someone’s life easier,
even at the expense of his own health. The love he had for strangers, family members and friends were incomprehensible. His mom and he was very close,
and he would share most things with her but wouldn’t anyone else to know the things he did to help others. He was a friend to all a confident,
the best secret keeper, the most amazing brother to his five siblings, the absolute best son and grandson and the very best hugger.
Bryson was a 2022 graduate of Loyd Star High School. He loved his class, and he loved the school and his teachers, but most of all, he loved the football team.
He was most happy when he was on the field. He was a great player but was an even better teammate and leader. He never talked down to the younger players
but built them up. He had an indescribable passion for the game. He enrolled in college the Wednesday before he died. He built his first computer when he was 14
and was excited to start the Computer Cyber Security Program next month. He had a lot of good things happening for him. He and his mom went shopping Wednesday
after enrolling in classes at Co-lin and went shopping where he was discovered by American Eagle and offered a chance to model for them calling him handsome and
All American. That described him perfect. Bryson started working at Wal-Mart in May. He worked in the grocery pickup, and he had never been happier.
He loved his job so much and loved his co-workers.
He made instant permanent bonds that will go on forever. He loved being and uncle and bragged that no one had prettier kids than his nephews and specially his niece.
Bryson’s brothers were his best friends, especially Brantley, who most people though was his twin.
Preceding him in death are his grandpa, Roy Nations and MeMe, Joann Walker.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents, Billy and Renea Walker; grandparents, Sandra Nations and Bill Walker;
brothers, Benton Walker and wife, Alessandra, Braedon Walker, Brantley Walker; sisters, Ashlan Olmstead and husband, Alex, Alexis Grihalva and husband, Matthew;
nephews, Peyton, Maddox, and Jameson Olmstead; Blake and Caleb Walker, and Aston Grihalva (due in a few weeks) and niece, Riley Walker.
Connie M. Burt Case
Funeral service for Mrs. Connie M. Burt Case will be 2 pm, Saturday, July 9, 2022, at Riverwood Family with visitation from
noon until the time of service. Burial will be in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Case, 65, of Brookhaven, passed from this life, July 7, 2022, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven, July 18, 1956,
to Herbert Hoover Burt and Mildred Linton Burt. She was an employee with Delphi and a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.
Connie enjoyed crafting in her free time. She did everything from cross stitch to woodworking. She also liked to watch a great game
of football and cheer her team to victory. Connie was a devoted wife to her late husband, Cleveland Dewayne Case, a loving mother
and “Meme” to her children and grandchildren, and a compassionate friend to her “fur babies” as well as all her family and friends.
She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
Connie is preceded in death by her husband and parents; brother, Hebert Lynwood Burt; and sister, Peggy Sue Langley.
She is survived by her son, Corey Case and wife, Tangela; four grandchildren, Dylan Case, Lexi Nichols, Alicia Nichols,
and Hannah Smith (Jamie); three great grandchildren, Abigail Forbes, Adalyn Smith, and Gracie Smith; niece, Brandi Langley; nephew,
Scott Langley; great nephew, Bryce Langley; and great uncle and aunt, Roffie and Joyce Burt; sisters-in-law, Pat Nohle, and Sheila Williams,
and a host of other nieces, nephews, and loving family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Deaconess Hospice Staff for the love and care they gave to Connie.
Bonita Faye Hart
Memorial for Mrs. Bonita Faye Hart will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept 10, 2022, at Riverwood Family, with burial in the Freedom Church Cemetery.
Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Hart, 66, of Wesson, passed from this life July 4, 2022, at her residence. She was born April 28, 1956, to Junior Britt and Lola Hensarling.
Bonita Faye Hart was known as Mom to her children, Granny Faye to her grandsons, Sister to her siblings, Aunt Faye to her nieces and nephews, and Faye-bird to her friends. If there were one way to describe Faye, it would be love.
In John 15:12, Jesus said, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." Faye was a steward of love and showed it to everyone that knew her. She was not afraid of meeting new people or hugging someone she had just met. Faye smiled every chance she got, and it was contagious. No matter the occasion. She was sure to smile.
Her life was filled with many hardships and loss, but she always managed to keep smiling and laughing through it all.
Her passion was walking rivers or creeks, looking for unique rocks and driftwood pieces to bring home. She had a way of finding beauty in things that most people would pass by or never think twice about. It was part of her character and how she saw that everything holds beauty and should be loved.
Jesus saw us, sinners, lost to the current of this life that beats us down into the sand, left never to be saved. Yet, He came and freed us by giving us a way to new life through Him.
God gave her a love for coloring. She loved being able to share that with her grandsons when they were all together. Just like her pictures, Faye was full of color in this life.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Keith “Birdie” Hart; her parents; son, Clay Hart; brother, Mitchell Britt; sister, Gwen Britt;
stepfather, Jack Hensarling; and mother-in-law, Mary Lou Hart.
She is survived by her son, Seth hart and wife, Caitlin; daughter, Amy Carlson and husband, Derek; sisters, Connie Taylor and Sherry Jones
and husband, Howard; two grandchildren, Jensen Hart and Harris Hart. She is also survived by a host of cousins and other loving family members and friends.
