The funeral service for John Austin Bowden, Jr. will be 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 16, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service.

John A Bowden Jr. passed from this life December 7, 2023, at the age of 96. 

He was born September 8, 1927.  He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves September 1, 1944, just a few days short of being 17. 

He proudly served his country and retired a Master Chief (E-9) after 24 years of service. He was a decorated veteran of WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam War. 

He worked for the Social Security Administration in Jackson and transferred to the Brookhaven office in the summer of 1975. 

Upon his retirement from the SSA, he enjoyed his leisure time grooming his yard, planting his garden and auctioneering as well as woodworking and trips to the Great Smokey Mountains. 

He was a man known by multiple names, "John", "Daddy", "Pappy", "Poppa John" and "Uncle Buddy" and will be missed by many. 

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his first wife, Mary Bowden, his son, John Bowden III, his sister Joyce Oakes and brother Harold Bowden. 

His survivors are his wife, Rose Carolyn Bowden; his daughters Lee Moore (Carroll), Terry Collura (Don),Wanda Melton (Carlos),

Son, Stevie Yoas (Lee Laurie), 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to especially thank Aston Court in McComb and all their employees for adopting him and his wife, Kaiki, into their compassionate and loving family and 

also extend a special thank you to COMPASSUS of McComb. 

Graveside service for Sheila R. Babb will be 2:30 p.m., Thursday, December 14, at Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until 2 p.m., at Riverwood Family.

Mrs. Babb, 62, of Summit, MS, died December 10, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Tylertown, MS, on August 5, 1961, to Thomas Beavers and Violet (Beavers) Kyzar. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Babb’s world revolved around her daughter, Shelly, and her two beautiful grandchildren, she devoted every moment she could to them and treasured those times. She also enjoyed time spent with all her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Douglas C. Babb; her father, Thomas Junior Beavers; and her brother, Thomas Wayne Beavers.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Shelly Hambach and husband, Rick; her two precious grandchildren, Hayden Hambach, and Braden Hambach; mother, Violet Ray Kyzar; sisters, Brenda Brown and Connie Lynn Beavers; nephews, Jason Brown (Melissa) and their family, Dwayne Brown (Willie Vandenheuvel); and niece, Felicia Noll (Chase) and their family. She is also survived by her very special friends as well as other loving family members.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016.

Services for Mrs. Jerolyn Brister McCullough of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Freedom Church with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service.

Mrs. Jerolyn Brister McCullough, 69, passed away December 8, 2023, at her home.  She was born August 26, 1954, to the late John Enoch Brister and Marcell Murray Brister.

Jerolyn loved to collect antiques, shop, and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren, they were the love of her life.

Preceding her in death were her parents; Enoch and Marcell Brister; mother-in-law, Doris McCullough Newell and fathers-in-law, Ed McCullough and A.C. Newell.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 52 years, Lennis McCullough; daughter, Jody McCullough and son, Mark McCullough and wife, Kelly; sister, Gwen Tardo and husband, Rickie and her two grandchildren, Ashton McCullough and Skyler McCullough.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Dennis McCullough and wife, Paula; sisters-in-law, Rita O’Keefe and husband, Paul, Brenda McCullough and Sheila Britt and husband, Edward; and a host of family, friends, nieces and nephews.

She will be dearly missed by all that loved her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.

Freedom Church, 1611 Pleasant Ridge Rd., Wesson MS 39191

Services for Mr. Oscar “Johnny” Smith of Wesson are 12:00 pm, Monday, December 11, 2023 at Macedonia Baptist Church with visitation from 10:00 until the time of service and interment at the Church Cemetery.

Mr. Oscar “Johnny” Smith, 69, passed away December 8, 2023, at his home.

Johnny was born July 14, 1954, in Brookhaven, MS to Oscar and Lexie Smith.

He enjoyed building houses, cabinetry and other woodworking projects, where he made lifelong friends. In retirement he worked as a bus driver for Loyd Star and loved the kids on the bus.

He loved his church family. At the age of 20, he became the youngest deacon of the church and continued serving as a deacon for 50 years.

Johnny’s family, along with members of our church, were involved in mission trips to Paynesville, WV, and helped in the building of the first Southern Baptist Church (Bradshaw Mountain Community Church).

Preceding him in death was his father, Oscar L. Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Cindy Smith; mother, Lexie Smith; sons, Andy Smith and wife, Lauren and Todd Smith and wife, Jessica; brothers, Kenny Smith and Mitchell Smith and three grandchildren,

Lily Smith, Owen Smith and Julia Smith.