Arrangements for Mrs. Iris Coker Rudman Smith will be visitation held Friday, April 9, 2021, at 10:00am til service time at 11:00am, all at Riverwood Family. Interment will be a private family service.

Iris Coker Rudman Smith, age 83, departed this life for her eternal home on April 5, 2021.

Iris was one of 7 children to former Brookhaven Chief of Police William Clyde Coker, Sr.,

and Inez Furr Coker, both lifelong residents of Brookhaven. Iris lived most of her life in Brookhaven,

a community she loved and was proud to call home.

She married Jerry Thomas Rudman of Chicago, Illinois in 1958. Iris was a graduate of Brookhaven High School

and studied Bookkeeping and Accounting at Co-Lin Jr. College. She assisted Jerry throughout his career as a CPA by

handling financial matters and bookkeeping for clients. Iris and Jerry raised 5 children as they shared their lives for 43 years until Jerry’s passing in 2002.

Iris encouraged her children to work hard at whatever they pursued, which she modeled for them in her daily life of caring for 5 children

while managing her work responsibilities outside the home. She also instilled in her children a sense of patriotism, respect and loyalty to community,

family and friends. Some of her children’s fondest memories include their mother’s support for their extracurricular activities such as Boy Scouts

as she served as a Cub Scout Den Leader. During the summer months, you could regularly find Iris watching her children play baseball at the ballfields

at Keystone Park while volunteering in the concession stand. While her children attended school at St. Francis Catholic School, Iris could be found v

olunteering there at the Annual Shrimp Suppers. She and Jerry planned yearly family trips to Biloxi and later the beaches of Florida which created long-lasting memories for her family.

Because of Iris’ oldest child, Judy’s special needs, Iris became a staunch advocate for all community children suffering from a disability, and rallied state legislators to provide enrichment resources that are still in place over 50 years later.

As her children began their own adult lives, Iris pursued her dream of a career in public service, and was elected to serve as Brookhaven’s City Clerk

for 20 years until her retirement. While City Clerk, Iris greeted everyone with her infectious smile and gracious disposition. She was proud to represent

Brookhaven to the various Mississippi state agencies with which her office worked. The friendships she made and the respect she earned during her career brought her joy and satisfaction throughout her life.

Iris married Allen (Cotton) Smith, Jr., and they established their church home at Macedonia Baptist Church. With Allen, Iris ensured their home was welcoming to all.

She continued to travel to visit and spend time with her children and grandchildren, while also participating in church outings with her church friends.

Iris is proceeded in death by her husband Jerry T. Rudman, son Jerry E. Rudman, her parents William Clyde and Inez Coker, brother Clyde (Sonny) Coker, Jr.,

and her sisters Kaye Coker, Anne Harris Keyes, Margie Lea and Doris Lea.

Family members left to cherish her memory include her husband Allen Smith, Jr., sons Jonathan Rudman (Britta), Joel Rudman (Sophie),

daughters Judy Rudman and Suzanne Brooks (Cecil), sister Carolyn Wilson (Wayne), 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Iris’ greatest joy and blessings were her grandchildren. Her legacy includes the loving and Christian home she provided for her family and her tireless support

and encouragement for those with special needs. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her honor to Special Olympics Area 2 (Lincoln County), P. O. Box 128, Magee, MS 39111.

Ms. Patricia Gay Moore Steen, 75, of Hazlehurst passed away at her residence April 2, 2021.

She was born on October 21, 1945 to the late James W. Moore and Harrett Holmes Moore.

Ms. Steen was a longtime hairdresser in her community after attending college for cosmetology.

She enjoyed Chinese astrology, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her son, Richie and her grandchildren.

Ms. Patricia will be missed by all that knew and loved her.

Preceding her in death were her parents, son Rodney Keith Steen; brothers, James “Jimmy” Moore and Steve Moore; sister, Theresa Moore Long.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Charles Richard “Richie” Steen; brothers, Gary Moore, Joe Moore and Kenneth Moore;

sisters, Shelia Collins, Donnis Moore and Sherry Moore. Along with her two grandchildren; Elizabeth Grace Steen and Daniel Keith Steen.

The family would like to express a special thank you to her special friend Pam Erwin.

Memorial service for Mitchell Edward Vaughn, Sr. will be Tuesday, April 6, at McLaurin Height Baptist Church. Visitation is 5:30-8 p.m., Monday, April 5 and will resume Tuesday, from 11:30-12:30 p.m. before the services.

Mr. Vaughn, 72, of Pearl, finished his journey here and entered his eternal rest April 2, 2021. He began his life journey November 26, 1948, born to his parents, Julius Edward “Peck” Vaughan and Agnes Verlyn Smith Vaughan. He worked in the education field for many years, and he was a member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church. Mr. Vaughn enjoyed the simple things in life as well, hunting and fishing, but nothing compared to the time spent with his grands and great grands. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Paula Vaughn; son, Mitchell Vaughn, Jr. (Rhonda); daughter, Michele Summerlin (Jimbo); brothers, Tim Vaughan (Robin) and Billy Vaughn (Nancy); sister, Chris Maddox (Roger); four grandchildren, Daniele Smith (Caleb), Chelsea Smith, Sean Vaughn, Katelynn Harvey (Darieo); and great grandchildren, Arianna & Kiya Harvey, Edward Smith, and soon to arrive Eleanor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center for Violence Prevention, www.mscvp.org

 Funeral services for Mrs. Marguerite McDavid Williams will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday April 6, 2021, at Central Baptist Church,

with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. at the church and interment at Easthaven Cemetery.
Mrs. Marguerite Williams, 96, of Brookhaven, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ, on Friday April 2, 2021.
She was born on July 21, 1924, to George Dewey McDavid, Sr. and Wilmer Lewis McDavid.
Mrs. Marguerite was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church where she served as church treasurer for many years.
She was a life long member of the Brookhaven Eastern Star. She was an employee at Hartley Gove Thermometer Plant for more than 25 years.

She was a skilled seamstress and cook and had a passion for baking, especially, cakes.

Her collection of odds and ends were little treasures each having it’s own story which she enjoyed sharing.
She loved her family unconditionally and they loved her. She was an example of God’s grace to everyone by her humbleness and kindness, even during her last weeks.

To know her was to love her. She will be greatly missed by all.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Toxie Williams; and her great-grandson; Ethan Williams
her sister, Irene M. Porter; her brothers; George McDavid, Jr. and Frank McDavid.
Those left here to cherish her memory are her son, Maxie Williams and wife Margaret (Midge) of Orange, TX.

Her daughter, Cheryl Myers and husband Gary of Brookhaven. Her grandsons; Jason Williams, James Williams (Courtney) and Adam Williams all of Texas,

her granddaughters; Ancy Rushing (Joseph) of Mendenhall and Marxy Lindsey (Judson) of Camden, AR.
Her great -grandchildren; Gunnar Rushing, Milly Rushing, Livi Rushing, Tuck Rushing, Ada Lindsey, Lincoln Williams, Landry Williams,

Brynlee Williams and Kolby Tillman and a host of family and friends.

 The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice Ministries and their staff. Especially to her nurse, Kathy Sutton,

who will always be a part of our heart and family. We would like to thank our special caregivers; Nicole Benoit, Georgia Henderson, Bonnie Wilson, Tena Rigaud and Bonnie Turner.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund of Central Baptist Church

Memorial gathering for Mrs. Peggy A. Jones will be 1-3 p.m., Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Riverwood Family.

Mrs. Peggy A. Jones, 78, passed away March 29, 2021, at her residence. She was born December 28, 1942,

to his parents, Loyce E. Davis and Ella B. Blass. She was a member of Jackson Street Methodist Church in Brookhaven.

She was an avid reader and she enjoyed gardening.

Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Nicole Luinstra; and brother, W.T. Davis.

She is survived by her husband, John L. Jones; son, Brian E. Jones; brother Don Davis; three grandchildren,

Shelby Luninstra, Kelly Lunistra, and Marcy Lunistra; and one great grand daughter, Daisy Nicole Lunistra, as well as other loving family members and friends.

A private Memorial service has been held to honor the life of Mrs. Shirley Cupit.

Shirley Yvonne Case Lewis Cupit, 92, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life March 28, 2021.

She was born June 21, 1928, to her parents, Rufus Pat Case and Ida Ella Ferguson.

She was woman of character and strength. Mrs. Cupit was self employed and owner of a Dairy Farm.

She was a member of Wellman Baptist Church. Her favorite thing in life was to spend time

with all of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed reading, bingo, traveling and playing cards.

She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, D.A. Lewis and J.B. Cupit and one grandson, Tom Burt;

six brothers and two sisters.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Judy Burt, Linda Souther, Patsy Cowart, and Toni Alvey;

her sister, Carolyn Carpenter; eight grandchildren, Jim Burt, Michelle Douglas, Brandi Evans, Chris Cowart,

Josh Cowart, James Alvey, David Alvey, and Adam Alvey; 20 great grandchildren, and 11 great, great grandchildren

Funeral service for Jeff Ray will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Riverwood Family.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Jeff was born December 12, 1957, to Preston Allen Luther “A.L.” Ray and Etta Pearl Smith Ray in

Brookhaven, Ms. He passed at the age of 63, on March 26, 2021, in Wesson, MS while at home.

Jeff was a graduate of Copiah Lincoln High School in 1975 and Copiah Lincoln Junior College in

1977. He went on to obtain his Bachelor of Science in Social Work from the University of

Southern Mississippi in 1981, and later his Master of Science in Management from Belhaven University

in 2006. He was employed as a Social Worker with Van Winkle Home Health, the Department of

Human Services in Brookhaven, Ms and Jackson, Ms, King’s Daughters Medical Center, and

retired from the Mississippi Adolescent Center as Director of Risk Management in 2012 after 27 years with the state.

Jeff was a very talented drummer. He began his journey with music with his first band, “The Rejects”,

at the age of 15. He went on to play in various bands, Pluto Bandito, Elbert Shiver, and Cry Wolf to

name a few, making lifelong friends and an impact on everyone he met. He was also a member of the

drum line at Copiah Lincoln High School, Copiah Lincoln Junior College, Mississippi State, and the

University of Southern Mississippi. Although music was a lifelong enjoyment, his pride and joy were

his children and grandchildren. He never missed an event no matter how small, or far away. He led in

life with great support and wisdom that will not soon be forgotten. His love for teaching his

grandchildren to fish or the discussion of his latest book will be greatly missed. He was the most

amazing father and grandfather we could have asked for.

He was survived by his brother, Michael Ray (Sandra); sons, Zachary “Zack” Felix Ray, and

Preston Loranzy Ray; daughter, Dorothy Claire Ray McManus (Jared); grandsons, Jayden Ray, Landon Ray,

and Brian Ray; granddaughters, Isabelle Ray and Scarlette McManus; and mother of his children Ruthie Catt Stewart.

Proceeded in death by his parents, A.L. Ray and Etta Pearl Ray; and brother, Preston Ray.

Funeral service for Mr. Ervin Deen Brister will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Powells Grove Pentecostal Church

with interment at the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Ervin Deen Brister, 90, passed away in his home on March 27, 2021.

Born April 13, 1930, he grew up in Jayess with a large family and was spoiled by his three older sisters. He served

as a marine in the Korean Conflict, where he sustained injuries at Bunker Hill. When he returned home in 1953,

he married his sweetheart, Loretta. 

Before becoming disabled by his war injuries, Ervin Deen worked as a farmer. No one could leave his house

without taking home a mess of greens or a watermelon. He also raised cows and kept hunting dogs. After he

was no longer able to see well enough to hunt, he still took his dogs out and ran them. He could identify each

dog by its bark. Even in his last days, he could recount the name of every dog he had owned and describe

what kind of hunter it was. He told and retold the story of an old dog that could climb trees to catch squirrels.

Until his health kept him home, he attended Powell's Grove Pentecostal Church, where he sat on the front pew.

Everyone could hear him pray. He believed in praying without ceasing and prayed even before he took a sip of

water or had a bowl of ice cream. He began his mealtime prayers with "Kind, wonderful Jesus, dear Lord and

Savior" and, after enough protest from his granddaughters, ended with, "Bless the hands that prepared it." 

Ervin Deen was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Loretta Barnett Brister; his son, Don Brister;

an infant son; his parents, Connie and Sarah Brister; his brothers, Purvis Brister and Clayton Brister; and

three sisters, Azemer Coon, Joyce Honea, and Jimmie Brister. He is survived by two sisters, Connie Mae Clark

and Izettie Carney; his daughter, Debbie (Alan) Moody; his daughter-in-law, Gwen Rayburn; grandchildren

April King Davis, Amber King (Sihya), Adam Brister, Anthony King, Connie Brister Boyd, and West Brister

(Ashdon); great-grandchildren, Emma Siler, Grayson Davis, Ethan King, Corbyn Pekins, Guydon Brister,

Isabella Brister, and Sophia Brister; and his long-time caregivers, Betty Colyer and Shanne Cupstid. 

Joycelyn Sketchler Fonseca, age 94, passed away after a brief illness at King’s Daughters Hospital in

Brookhaven, Mississippi. She was a native of Algiers, Louisiana, a long time resident of

Des Allemands, LA and Brookhaven, MS. She was most recently, a resident of Haven Hall Healthcare

Center in Brookhaven.

She was a woman of many talents, including sewing, cooking, gardening, photography and art.

She loved caring for Abby dog. She was a member of the Camelia Society of Brookhaven.

Some of her work history included working for South Central Bell and was a restaurateur. Her wonderful

recipes, we will always cherish. She treasured her family, surrounding herself with paintings, portraits,

and pictures and held them close to her heart. She was full of compassionate for strays, be it people or animals.

She was a devoted member of St. Assisi Catholic Church in Brookhaven.

She is survived by sons, Raymond Fonseca, Jr. (Georgine), and Stephen Fonseca (Connie),

grandmother of Mark Fonseca (Ingrid), Michael Fonseca, Matthew Fonseca (Kristen) ,

Monica Breaux, (Kerry), Bart Fonseca, Carol Rasmussen (Nick) , Megan Fonseca Wallace,

great grandchildren, Victoria Kimball (Jason), Michell Harris (Mark), Joel Fonseca,

Saidee Fonseca, Evan Dempster, Matthew Fonseca (Allie), Gabriel Fonseca (Courtney), Dylan Lewis,

Halie Page, Alyssa Fonseca, Zachary Breaux, Laken Breaux, Joseph Wallace, Aurora Pearl Wallace and

Abby Grace Rasmussen great, great grandchildren, Ayden Kimball, Avah Kimball, Lorelai Kimball,

Sebastian Kimball, and Rye Fonseca. She will be remembered and greatly missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Joseph Sktechler and Mathilde Hargis Sketchler,

husband, Raymond Fonseca Sr., brother, Charles Sketchler, sisters, Emily Ballay, Yvonne Foucha,

Leila Forrest, Isabell Bulot and Marie Babineaux.

Graveside service for Mr. Wesley Fredrick Kent will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 26, 2021, at Riverwood Memorial Park.

Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Greg Warnock will officiate.

Mr. Kent, 94, of Brookhaven, slipped into the arms of Jesus March 24, 2021. He was born in Bude, MS January 30, 1927

to his parents, Hubert Leroy Kent and Mollie Ann Sullivan Kent. He served his country in the United States Navy,

a part of that “greatest generation”, during WWII. He was a graduate of MSU and USM, as well as attended

Copiah Lincoln Community College and Southwest Community College. Mr. Kent was the owner of Kent Realty

after retiring as the District Director of MS Farmers Home Association and he served on the Board of

The Natural Conservation Service (NRCS) for many years. He was also a longtime volunteer with the

Salvation Army, not only serving as a “bell ringer” but also coordinating other volunteers during the Christmas season.

Mr. Kent exemplified integrity and faithfulness, serving God, family and country. He was a Life Deacon at

First Baptist Church Brookhaven where he also taught Sunday School and he was a member of Brookhaven Exchange Club.

Mr. Kent enjoyed gardening, hunting, tree farming and just spending quality time with his family. He will be greatly

missed by his wife of 67 years as well as all his family and friends.

Mr. Kent was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Edwena Kent Price and Juanita Kent Wallace; and brothers,

Wayne Kent and Barnett Kent.

He is survived by his precious wife, Ida Louise King Kent; son, Wesley Allen Kent and wife, Wanda; daughter,

Pamela Louise Kent Matthews and husband, Greg; brother, Kenneth Allen Kent; two grandchildren, Colby Allen Kent and wife,

Erica and Mollie Ann Matthews. He is also survived by his extended family and friends.

The family requests that you take precautions for the visitation and practice social distancing.