Funeral service for Judith McGraw Burns will be Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Riverwood Family, with interment at the family residence. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 3, at Riverwood.

Mrs. Burns, 69, of Ruth, passed away December 30, 2021, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven June 2, 1952, to Charles McGraw and Sarah Joyce Brister McGraw. She was a dedicated wife and mother, and she loved and cared for her family above all things. Spoiling grandkids was her favorite thing to do. She also enjoyed watching football and cooking with family as well as shopping and going out for a good meal. Her favorite spot to visit was the Great Smoky Mountains, she took many trips there with her family. Mrs. Burns like the simple things in life, like swinging on the front porch watching the grandchildren play and receiving flowers they picked from the field. She was the most amazing wife, mother, and grandmother; her absence will be greatly felt.

She is preceded in death by her father, Charles McGraw; son, Kyle Burns; and brother, Larry McGraw.

Those who remain to cherish her memory are, her husband of over 50 years, Clyde E. Burns; sons, Kennon Burns (Sydney), Kody Burns (Brandy), Konley Burns (Cacey); daughter, Kelsey Gerald (Tim); her mother, Sarah Joyce McGraw; brother, Joey McGraw; sister, Missy Morgan (Stan); sister-in-law, Nicki McGraw; 12 grandchildren, Collin Burns, Ashlyn Burns, Chloe Burns, Hayden Burns, Will Brooks, Kathryn Brooks, Kallie Burns, Gracie Burns, Caison Burns, Kailor Burns, Eli Gerald, and Eliza Gerald; one great grandchild, Kashtyn Peak; and a host of other loving family members and friends.

Beatrice Oswalt “Becky” Millien, 55, of Smithdale, Mississippi, passed away December 28, 2021. She was born March 16, 1966, to Vester Oswalt and Elizabeth Oswalt, in Palestine, Arkansas. If you’ve enjoyed a meal at The Caboose Restaurant in McComb, she most likely prepared it for you, being employed as Chef there. Mrs. Millien was a loving wife, mom, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all that loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Brenda Melton and one brother, Thomas Oswalt.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jeffery Millien; son, Michael Millien; daughters, Ciji Redmond and Jessica Millien; brothers, William Oswalt, Raymond Adair, and Randolph LeTell; sisters, Julie Oswalt and Marry Hardeman; seven grandchildren, Shyanna Millien, John Joseph Millien, Brenton Redmond, Darren Redmond, Lorenzo Miller, Jr., Allannah Miller, and Ashton Millien. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

Funeral service for Karter Isaiah Sims will be 10 a.m., Thursday, December 30, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Karter is the infant son of Gregory Sims and Alisanne Hall. He was born August 8, 2021, in Brookhaven, Mississippi. He returned to heaven December 24, 2021. Although his time was short with us, he will forever be remembered for his infectious smiles with enormous dimples. For a little guy, he was great at knowing how to get his way. He was affectionately known as “Big Man” and “Sunny Boy”. Karter’s footprints will leave a mark on all our lives.

Karter is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Sandra Hall (Nanny) and Phil Hall; grandfather, Wade Hall.

Those left to cherish the Karter’s memory are his parents; sisters, Kaylee Sims and Raylen Reed; grandparents, Patricia Jenkins, Gregory Sims, Sr., Leigh Hartsook (Michael); great grandmothers, Velma Sims, Cathie Smith and Cindy Hall; uncles, Mason Hall and Kendra Allred, Ashton Roberson, Tanner Britt and Brittany Montecino; and aunt, Jorina Jenkins. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other loving family members.

Altus Monroe Holmes, 93, of Brookhaven, MS, passed away peacefully at St. Dominic's Hospital on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.  He was born on January 26, 1928, to the late Ellen and Victor Holmes in Lexie, MS.

 Mr. Holmes graduated from Lexie High School in 1946 and Mississippi State in 1958.  He was a forester and a member of First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, serving as a lifetime deacon.  He was also a multi-decade member of the Brookhaven Exchange Club, receiving the John L. Leary Memorial Award for service.

 Preceding him in his death were his parents, Ellen Newman Holmes and Victor Monroe Holmes; his siblings, Joe Holmes, Willene Holmes Schwamkrug, and Eldon Holmes; and his grandparents.

 Mr. Holmes, a Navy WWII veteran, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, is survived by his wife, Sue Bullock Holmes; his daughter, Lynne Holmes Lofton; his son, Brent Holmes; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Duncan.

 Al Holmes, known as "Granddaddy" to his grandchildren, served on a Naval ship in the mailroom during WWII, delivering mail to all service members in the fleet.  Following his service during WWII, he returned to Walthall County and married the love of his life, Sue Bullock, on July 22, 1951. 

 He moved to Starkville with his family to complete his forestry degree at Mississippi State.  They lived in Starkville for several years with his two young children, and eventually moved to Brookhaven in 1960, working with the Mississippi Forestry Commission.  He passed on his love for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren, and one of his grandchildren's fondest memories were camping trips with their grandparents across various Mississippi state parks.  

 Mr. Holmes cherished being a father, grandfather, and wise, humble mentor.  Even though his nature was quiet and reserved, his backyard pool was a central hub of activity during the prime of his grandfatherhood, and he enjoyed hosting yearly Easter Egg Hunts in his front yard.  He loved animals, and always had a dog by his side – including Kim, Cholly, Harry, Hobo, Sassy, Lizzy, Jake, and Duncan.  In retirement, Al embraced art and began painting, leaving his friends and family with a variety of still life, landscape, and portrait paintings that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

 Al was a friend to all who knew him.  Those left to hold his memory dear are his wife, Sue Holmes; daughter, Lynne Lofton (Bill); son, Brent Holmes (Phyllis); grandson Will (Grace Anne); granddaughter Lydia; grandson Lane (Anna); grandson David (Liz); grandson Kevin; great- granddaughter Priscilla; great-granddaughter Karis; great-granddaughter Liesl; great-grandson Connor; and great-grandson Sam. 

 Visitation will be held Friday, December 31, from 9 - 10:30 am at Riverwood Family Funeral Service, and the funeral will follow at 10:30 am at the same location.