Surrounded by her precious family and held in the gentle hands of her beloved husband, the extraordinary life of Frances Moak Cole transitioned from this earthly realm as she was ushered into glory on Tuesday, September 17^th, 2024. Though her time on this earth was shorter than we wished, she lived each day with a heart full of grace, kindness, and an unwavering love for her family and Jesus.

She was the devoted wife to her husband, Tom Cole, and a cherished mother to her three children: Ann Marie, Callie, and Jackson Cole. Her family experienced deep sorrow when she lost one of her daughters, Callie Cole, two years ago. A loss that broke her heart. Her strength and faith carried her through that heartache, as she continued to be a pillar of love and support for her family. She leaves behind her joy - grandson, Landon Cole, who brought her immense happiness in her later years.

Frances served her community and country honorably in the United States Army, Mississippi National Guard, and as a registered nurse. She was known for her loving spirit, strong will, and disciplined nature. She never hesitated to serve others, always putting her family and community first. Undaunted by hardships or obstacles, she pursued excellence in every challenge with the tenacity of a bulldog. Though she took on many roles throughout her life, she absolutely mastered the art of caregiver. Her beauty, both inside and out, radiated through her every action and word. Whether through a kind gesture, a listening ear, or her unwavering faith, she touched the lives of everyone she met. She was beauty, she was grace.

A woman of deep faith, she loved Jesus with all her heart. Her life was a testament to His teachings of love, compassion, and strength. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now in His arms, reunited with her child who passed before her. We do not look forward in sadness, but instead we look forward in hope. Hope in the future and knowing we will be reunited with them both again.

Though her presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of love, strength, service, selflessness, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her family takes solace in the beautiful memories they shared and the example of Christlike love she lived every day. Those who are left to continue her legacy are her husband of 34 years, her children, her grandson, her parents: Landal and Brenda Moak, and Dorothy “Dotty” Otte, siblings: Randall Moak, Craig Moak (Sharon), Bill Moak (Becky), Coly Smith (Patricia), and Julie Smith and their children, and a host of other family and friends.

Psalm 62:1-2 sums up her life of faith as she journeyed this earth: “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Services will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, September 21^st, 2024, with visitation 9am-11am and a service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Callie Cole PHBC Mission Fund

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

Memo: Callie’s Mission

Visitation for Martha Susan Smith Chapman will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Riverwood Family with interment in Riverwood Memorial Park immediately following.

Mrs. Chapman, 74, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, after a five-year long battle with cancer. She was born on January 26, 1950, in Clarksdale, MS, to M.P. Smith, Sr. and Martha Frances Conley Smith.

While attending the University of Mississippi, Susan met her husband, Kendall Chapman, and the couple was married on January 23, 1972, at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church. After graduation, Susan and Ken moved to Natchez where they worked for the Natchez School District for four years.

In July 1976, they moved to Brookhaven where Susan began her 32-year career with the Brookhaven School District. She taught 7th grade English and worked as the school librarian at Lipsey Middle School before being appointed as the assistant principal at Alexander Jr. High School in 1983. Susan transitioned to Brookhaven High School in 1996 as assistant principal and then as the director of the Career-Technical Center in 1998. In 2002, she became the first female principal of Brookhaven High School. During her time at the high school, the football and baseball teams won state championships, the Science Bowl team received state recognition, and the cheerleading squad won a national title. She retired from the Brookhaven School District in 2008.

She is preceded in death by her parents. Susan is survived by her husband of over 52 years; her son James Conley Chapman (Bonnie) of Jackson, and her daughter Martha Elizabeth Chapman Simmons (Byron) of Brandon; three grandchildren, James Sullivan Chapman, Audrey Summers Chapman, and Sterling Fox Simmons; and her brother M.P. Smith, Jr., of Clinton. She is also survived by her best friend, Rosemary Britt.

The family would like to thank Susan's friends for their support and prayers. Also, the family would like to thank Dr. Tammy Young and the Jackson Oncology Associates medical staff at the Hederman Cancer Center for their compassionate care of Susan. They will never know how much Susan appreciated their hard work, kindness, and friendship. Additional thanks to Dr. Karen Cole, Dr. Philip Ley, Dr. Rebecca Moulder, Dr. Maria G. Rappai, and Dr. Russell Young.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

The funeral service for John Ellis Hodges will be 11 a.m., Thursday, September 19, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Mr. Hodges, 75, of Brookhaven, died September 17, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born in Centreville, MS, December 23, 1948, to Bowen Tarver and Virginia Hodges Case.

Mr. Hodges loved his grandchildren and most important, his great-grand, Pete. He grew up farming, working in the oilfield, and fishing. He served his country in the United States Army, two years in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged with several honors and badges. You could find him most days sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River in Port Gibson and Fayette. His favorite season is gardening season and good ole turkey hunting. He was a man of his word and would do everything to honor it. He was ready to help anyone in need. He could play a mean game of Dominos against anybody. But above all, his family was put first no matter what. He made a point to show them all the ways of life and to be respectful. He taught his grandkids how to live the true farm country life. Last but not least, he was THE best gumbo maker on earth.

Mr. Hodges is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edward Hodges and Paul Hodges.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela Smith (Jonathan); brother, Bowen Hodges (Francine); two grandchildren, Katie Smith (Blake) and Kaleb Smith (Kelbie); and one great grand, Justice Pete Smith. He is also survived by Nita Jordan and family, Zelda Luther and family, and a host of other loving family members and friends.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Diversicare and Compassus, as well as King’s Daughters and St. Dominics for the care given to John.

A graveside service for Rodney Geneal Fuller will be held 3 p.m., Wednesday, September 18, at Red Star Cemetery. There will be a time of visitation from 12:30-2:30 p.m., prior to the service, at Riverwood Family.

Mr. Fuller, 71, of Wesson, died September 15, 2024, in Franklin County Memorial Hospital. He was born in Canton, MS, January 8, 1953, to Geneal Fuller and Mavis Ophelia Britt Fuller. Rodney was a good husband and dad, he worked to provide a home and all the necessities of life. He was employed as an electrician in the construction industry. He loved his family, especially his four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Spending time with those he loved far outweighed any other pleasure in life. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. Rodney was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Rodney is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lydia Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Debra Britt Fuller; children, Tammy Blackmon (Chris), Pam Parkman (Rocky), and Rodney Fuller; sister, Rhonda Eckman (Dave); four grandchildren, Rachel Perkins (Brody), Baily Smith, Kimberly Parkman, and Kylie Parkman; and seven great grans, Andrew Barras, Eden Vaughn, Eli Vaughn, Liam Perkins, Lilah Perkins, Erika Perkins, and Alyssa Perkins. He is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.