Obituaries
Janis Moreton Hobbs
Janis Moreton Hobbs
April 17, 1926 – April 23, 2020
Janis Moreton Hobbs died peacefully in Camellia Estates Assisted Living in McComb, Mississippi, where she received excellent care for three years.
For 91 of her 94 years, she lived, and then raised her own family, in the Brookhaven, Mississippi house built by her father, S.E. Moreton.
After graduating with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin, Janis returned to Brookhaven, the hometown of her father, grandfather, and great-grandfather,
married Henry Ware Hobbs, Jr. and had six children. She was a member of the First Methodist Church, the Climbers Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution,
and her beloved bridge club. A founding member of the Brookhaven Junior Auxiliary, she was its first president.
Admittedly never a domestic goddess, Janis had other passions including all aspects of science, raising horses, exploring nature, and debating philosophical and political issues.
Her sharp mind and curious nature made her a thought-provoking conversationalist. Gifted with an extraordinary memory, she was an exceptional bridge player
and a sought-after resource for family history. She passed to her children and grandchildren countless entertaining stories about the Moretons, the Hobbses,
the Perkinses, and other relatives and friends.
She adored flying airplanes. After earning a pilot’s license when she was a teenager, she became a skilled amateur pilot, winning several cross-country races.
One of her fondest memories was dancing with the president of Nicaragua after a first-place landing in Managua.
Janis’s children and grandchildren happily remember camping with her on the banks of the Homochitto River, searching for arrowheads and beaver dams,
and late-night excursions to view stars and comets. Her greatest joy was hosting large boisterous family gatherings in her spacious living room.
Janis was devoted to her family, extended family, and many lifelong friends.
Survivors include her children Susan Moreton Hobbs Neal (Drake Maynard), Van Hobbs (Becky Hobbs), Marcie Hobbs Farnsworth (Scott Farnsworth),
Allan Hobbs (Janet Hobbs), Lyle Hobbs, (Danita Hobbs), and Russell Hobbs, as well as sixteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
William Grover “W. G.” Johnson
William Grover “W. G.” Johnson, 80, passed away April 25, 2020, at Meadville Convalescent Home, Meadville, MS. He was born on March 30, 1940, in Crosby, MS.
Mr. Johnson served as 5th District Supervisor for the Wilkinson County Board of Supervisors from 1984-2007 when he retired. He enjoyed helping others
and was a member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Liberty, MS.
He was preceded in death by his parents; A.J. and Inez Johnson and one brother, Joseph C. Johnson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 59, years, Billie C. Johnson; three daughters, Cheryl Fullerton of Natchez,
Katherine Jackson and husband, Rockey of Gloster,
Melissa Lemoine and husband, Preston, of Bude, and one son, Jonathan Johnson, and wife, Angela of Crosby; brothers, A.J. Johnson, and wife, Dolly of Natchez,
Bobby Johnson and wife, Sherry of Crosby; sister, Ethel Dowling, and husband, Mark of Macclenny, Florida; sister-in-law, Ann Johnson of Crosby;
and two aunts, Orilla Joseph and Edna Durham and husband, Earlie.
She is also survived by grandchildren, Kimberly Johnson, Jennifer Harvey and husband Kevin, Justin Arnold and wife Jessica,
William Aubrey Smith, Ethan Baxter, Laura Baxter; great-grandchildren, Blayne Duck, Lane, and Emory Harvey, Jax Arnold, Paisley,
and John Arlis Baxter, Anastasia, Dakota and Dominic, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis TN 38748-0142
Cassie Christine Prather
A Memorial Service for Cassie Christine Prather of Brookhaven will be held Saturday, April 25, 2020, at 3:00 pm at 1034 Bethel Rd, Bogue Chitto, MS.
Cassie Christine Prather, 28, passed away on April 19, 2020.
She was born on October 9, 1991.
Preceding her in death were her father, Harry Parr; grandfather, Thomas Prather and daughter, Caylee Lynn Prather.
Those left to cherish her memory are her mother, Christina Martinez and step-father Raul Martinez; her daughters, Callie Christine Prather, Cyleigh Madison Prather,
and Cailynn Michelle Prather; her brother, John Thomas Prather, along with a sister-in-law, Lacey Prather; niece, Londyn Prather; grandparents, Robert & Donna Cupit,
Sandra Prather; uncle, Thomas Prather, Jr.; aunts, Courtney Cupit, Misty Prather, and Mandy Fugler.
At her service, there will be a prayer by her Aunt, Sharon Lambert and there will be a time of remembrance for anyone that wishes to speak.
Bethany Youngblood Roberson
Bethany Youngblood Roberson, 47, of Brookhaven, passed away April 20, 2020, in Brookhaven. She was born on March 25, 1973, to Ed and Betty Youngblood.
Bethany was the owner and designer for Back to Nature Landscaping and was a member of Meadville United Methodist Church.
She graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in landscape design and architecture and was also in 4-H, Girl Scouts, Franklin County Cheer and the Wesley Foundation.
Those left to cherish her memory are her parents; her husband, Alton Roberson; her daughter, Gracie Piper; her son, Colt Piper; step-children,
Garrett Roberson and wife, Heather, Parker Roberson and wife, Terrah, Hayley Beth Phillips, Cassidy Roberson, Leyton Roberson.
She is also survived by four grandchildren; father and mother-law, David and Jerrie Roberson; and a host of other family members and friends.
Memorials can be made to Meadville United Methodist Church or BARL, P.O. Box 3477 Brookhaven MS 39603.
Gloria Janette Hawkins Havard
Gloria Janette Hawkins Havard, 72, of Natchez, passed away April 20, 2020, at Natchez Rehab Nursing Home.
She was born on January 12, 1948, to the late Nelson Vance Hawkins and Edith Loraine Hawkins.
She was an LPN and she loved to sew and fish.
Gloria will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Preceding her in death were her parents.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 56 years, Joe Havard; son, Joseph Randal Havard, and wife, Nell;
daughter, Edith Loraine Havard; sisters, Linda Hawkins, Carolyn Hawkins, and Francis Fuller; and two grandsons, Justin Havard and Grant Spencer,
along with her brother-in-law, Walter Lee Havard and sister-in-law, Cheryl Havard.
Trophine Huff Davis
Mrs. Trophine Huff Davis was born on July 29, 1917, to Ethel and Carl Huff and passed away at the age of 102, on April 20, 2020.
She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She graduated from Carson Newman College in
Elementary Education and taught school until she retired in 1982.
She was a member of the Red Cross during World War II. She married Emmitt Davis and moved to Mississippi where she taught elementary school.
She played the piano for her church most of her life. She played the dulcimer, sewed, quilted, enjoyed all kinds of arts and crafts,
was active in civic clubs, and loved to travel.
She was a resident of Silver Cross Nursing Home since December 2006.
She is survived by her children, Linda Sue (Fred) Lytle of Brandon, Walter (Suzette) Davis of Baton Rouge, grandchildren, Carla Wallace, Ashley Deaton,
Ginger Lytle Stillions, Brett Davis, Brodie Davis, John Lytle, and nine great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Silver Cross for the loving care given to her.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 322 8th 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Pearl’s Memory Babies, P.O. Box 74, Shepherdsville, KY 40165.
Winifred Smith Foster
Winifred Smith Foster, 91, of Brookhaven, went peacefully to be with her Lord on April 18, 2020, at her residence.
She was born on June 27, 1928, to the late William Benjamin Smith and Annie Laura Walker Smith.
Mrs. Foster was a homemaker and a member of Central Baptist Church.
She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Everett Earl Foster and also her sister, Doris Strait.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Thomas L. Foster and wife, Anita, and William Gary Foster and wife, JoAnn.
She is also survived by 6 grandchildren, Kristi Wilson, Amy Beard, Tommy Foster Jr., Celisa Frith, Jamie Foster, and Jay Foster;
12 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude's Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142
Memphis, TN 38148-0142
Barbara Ann Lofton Byrd
Mrs. Barbara Ann Lofton Byrd, 80, of Brookhaven went peacefully to be with her Lord on April 18, 2020, at her residence.
She was born on December 17, 1939, to the late Clint Edward Lofton and Virgie Ruth Maxwell Lofton.
Mrs. Byrd was a 1957 graduate of West Lincoln Attendance Center, where she was selected as Miss West Lincoln and helped lead the Lady Bears
to an Overall State Basketball Championship.
She was a longtime member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she served faithfully and enjoyed singing in the choir.
She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who took care of her family and sweetheart, Tez, of almost 63 years.
She was not only known as “NaNa” to her family but to so many others who knew and loved her and her sweet smile.
Preceding her in death were her parents; in-laws, Louis “Tuck” and Gladys Watts Byrd; brother, Fleet Lofton and great-nephew, Russ Michael Mangold.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Louis Cortez Byrd; son, Terry Louis Byrd, and wife, Liz; daughter, Tonya Byrd Stewart, and husband, Gary.
She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Kelli Byrd Miller and husband, Hal, Kolby Cortez Byrd and wife, Karlee, Clint Byrd Stewart, and wife, Elizabeth and Caroline Miriam Stewart.
Additional blessings are her great-grandchildren, Maggie and Olivia Miller, Knox Stewart and baby Byrd, due in September. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Martha Cato Lofton
and a host of other family members.
With deep appreciation, the family wishes to thank her caregivers and a special thank you to Brenda Hewitt and Kimberly Dearborn for your kind and patient nurturing and loving dedication.
Memorials can be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
2162 Old Hwy 84 W Brookhaven MS 39601
Louella N. Tarver
There will be a private family graveside service at 2:30 pm on Friday, April 17 at Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.Lo
Mrs. Louella N. Tarver, 100 of Brookhaven, went to be with her Lord on April 15, 2020, at Haven Hall Health Center.
She was born on July 25, 1919, to the late Walter J Nettles and Fannie C. Nettles in Franklin County, MS.
Mrs. Louella was a graduate of Heuck's Retreat High School. As a young person, she enjoyed working at the Boston Shoe Store.
She inherited the desire for farm life from her parents. In 1942 she married Grady Tarver and they began dairy farming and raising cattle together.
They set an example for community and caregiving for others, that are evident in their families today. Her family is very blessed that she continued her desires
and interests until the present time, and they too continue to share the values and joys through their relationships and activities of home, family, church, sports,
cooking and growing flowers, as well as spending time with friends and reminiscing of those precious memories.
.
She was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church and will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; 3 brothers; 2 sisters; husband, Grady Tarver, Sr; son, Gary Lynn Traver; grandson, Bradley Bowman; and son-in-law, William Bowman.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Grady “Butch” Tarver, Jr., and wife, Sharon and daughters, Linda Bowman and Martha Cloer.
She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Barry Bowman (Sheila), Beverly Johnston (Arthur), Kelly Earls (Clay), Klancey Brownlee (Kyle),
Kacey Falvey (Randolph), Kevin Tarver (Romie) and Christine Hampton (Scott) along with a host of great and great-great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made to Clear Branch Baptist Church Building Fund.
Mary Martin Bobo
There will be a private service for Mrs. Mary M. Bobo, Friday, April 17, 2020, at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Bobo, age 75, passed from this life April 14, 2020, in Jackson, MS. She was born July 8, 1944,
in Jackson, to her parents, Frank Rylee Martin and Mary Hilland Martin. She was a graduate
of the University of Southern Mississippi and was the owner of Doors of Distinction.
She was a resident of the Aspen and will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Bobo; parents; and one sister, Catherine H. Martin.
Those she leaves behind to cherish her memory are her sons, Michael Bobo and wife, Lindsey and
Marty Bobo and wife, Linda; sister, Anne M. Lowry; and one grandson, Jax Bobo.
She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson.
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