Mr. Johnie Van Coffman, 79 of Bogue Chitto passed away March 5, 2024 at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb. 

He will have a memorial service at a later date

Funeral services for Mrs. Marilyn Kendoyce Laird Vinson are at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 9th, 2024, at Solid Rock Pentecostal Church on Hwy 84 West in Brookhaven. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Riverwood Memorial Park.

Mrs. Vinson, 84, passed away March 6th, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven on February 11, 1940, to Brince Alden Laird and Corene Lewis Laird. Her parents moved the family to Louisiana where she grew up, but she always enjoyed summers in Mississippi. Her grandfather, J.B. Laird, began teaching her to lap drive at age 7, and eventually, she could drive anything from a Go Kart to a Dump truck. Her formal education was in Baton Rouge, and she graduated from Istrouma High School. She married James Edward Vinson, known as Sonny, on April 20, 1957.

She and Sonny began their young marriage living in New Orleans, Slidell, San Antonio and then back to Baton Rouge. She furthered her education with numerous business courses and soon went to work for the state of Louisiana, where she retired after 30 years. She was one of the first supervisors of the computer room. At that time, these were giant computers that kept track of all areas of state business. She also was a purchasing agent and always had first dibs on many items that the state resold after use, including a 1972 Cadillac that she and Sonny drove for many years. She was also very involved with her husband's heavy equipment business and helped manage their numerous rental properties. She and Sonny were astute businesspeople and would horse trade for just about anything. At the time of her death, she even owned a helicopter motor.

Her greatest joy and blessing from God was the birth of her son, Kendal, in 1960. Kendal, being the only child, was the pride and joy of the Vinson home. He enjoyed a happy, and often mischievous childhood, traveling with his parents, swimming, and riding one of his many dirt bikes. She took motherhood very seriously. When Kendal passed away at the young age of 15, both she and Sonny relied on their strong faith, their family, and their many friends to help them cope with such unimaginable heartbreak. One of their coping mechanisms became helping others in their times of need. They mentored numerous young people, often from broken homes, even taking them in at times. They helped many people get their first job, buy their first home, or their first car. Above all, she and Sonny ministered to them and led many to the Lord. They continued ministering to people throughout their lives and their faith was most evident in their golden years. She took her vows seriously, and lovingly cared for her husband until his passing in 2020.

She and Sonny were avid travelers, as long as they didn't have to fly. They visited 48 states. They never made it to Alaska because Sonny got sick on the way up there. They didn't go to Hawaii because there was no bridge to take them there. They were also frequent visitors to both Mexico and Canada. They would load up their motorhome at a minute's notice and take off wherever the road took them.

She often remarked that some of the best times of her life were

fellowshipping and camping with friends. She also was an accomplished musician and could play both the piano and the accordion by ear, having never taken a lesson. In their retirement years, she and Sonny longed for a quieter pace. After much prayer and thought, they sold their home in Louisiana and moved back to Mississippi, the place where it all began. They fell in love with the house they bought and loved their neighbors. They made friends instantly and became active

in Solid Rock Pentecostal Church. Kendoyce was an easy person to love, and she loved others with the same respect and devotion.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, J.B. and Mamie Laird, and Clarence and Fannie Lewis; her husband, Sonny Vinson: and her son, Kendal Edward Vinson.

She is survived by her poodle, Cherie; her Laird cousins, Donald Gene Laird, Johanne Laird Simons, Guyia Laird, Steve Laird, Wanda Laird Griffin, and Kevin Laird and his wife Robin. She is also survived by several Lewis cousins, her husband's nieces and nephews, and her devoted caregivers including Becky Hall, Kristen Davis, Pam Graves, Tanya Foster, Sandra Ellis, and Darla Nash.

The family expresses appreciation to the staff of Accent Home Health for their care and devotion over the last few months. Also, to the caregivers of Arden Hospice for their kindness and guidance over the last few days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Solid Rock Pentecostal Church, 322 Quitman Lane, Brookhaven, Mississippi.

William Stanley Perez III, aged 76, peacefully departed on March 1, 2024, at Courtyard in McComb, MS. Born in Lancaster, Ohio, on September 1, 1947, to William Stanley Perez II and Luella Hill, William is now reunited with his parents, along with his brother Michael Perez, sister Leona Cullison, and son Robert Perez.

Survived by his wife Dana Perez, Michelle (Matthew) Tuttle, Brandon (Shaina) Perez, Jennifer (Michael) Davis, Jessica (Alex) Williamson, Kris (Sarah) Holloway, and a range of grandchildren: Logan, Roman, Nolan, Toran, Konan Tuttle, Austin, John, Neela, Brandon Jr. Perez, Amelia Davis, Raeleigh Green, and Clay Williamson.

William found solace in the simplicity of watching sporting events, the occasional game of bowling, mastering the art of playing darts, and enjoying solitary moments with various card and puzzle games on his computer. He especially anticipated Thanksgiving each year, eagerly indulging in the delight of savoring his preferred dishes, with a special fondness for Pumpkin Pie.

As per William's wishes, he was cremated, and no formal service or flowers are planned. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time of reflection. In lieu of donations, your support and kind words are cherished.

Join us in remembering William Stanley Perez III. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his family find comfort in the shared memories that will endure.

A Memorial service for Dianne Bates Henry will be 1 p.m., Friday, March 8, at Monticello Baptist Church, with a memorial gathering from Noon until the time of service.

On Monday, March 4, 2024, Dianne Bates Henry the loving wife and mother, passed away at Lawrence Co Hospital at the age of 77.  Dianne was born July 16, 1946, to Wilbur Bernice Bates & Ollie Verdue Polk Bates.  

Mrs. Dianne Henry was dedicated to her church, family and friends.  Dianne was a devout Christian and a dedicated member of Monticello Baptist Church 

and a member of the Twentieth Century Club. 

Mrs. Dianne Henry loved working in her flowerbeds and card stamping.  She was an avid game player and loved a challenging game with her friends and family. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Sammie Lee Henry; grandson, Blaine Lee Reynolds; parents; and brothers, Billy Bates and Edgar Bates.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Jason Henry (Krissy) and Kay Fuller (Trent); brother, John Bates; sisters, Virginia Morris and Elaine Goss; four grandchildren, Logan Henry (Emily), Mary Henry, Megan Reynolds, and Logan Fuller; and one great granddaughter, Elyzabeth Henry. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.

The funeral service for Shane McNeill will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 8, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, March 7, at Riverwood.

Paul Shane McNeill, of Brookhaven, was born in Meridian, MS, July 28, 1974, to Paul Douglas McNeill and Wanda Gibson Locke. Shane’s journey here on earth ended March 3, 2024. He was 49 years old.

Shane was the Director of the Office of Coordinated School Health in the Office of Healthy Schools and Director of Safe and Orderly Schools both in the Mississippi Department of Education. 

Shane’s favorite pastime was playing ping pong with his precious daughter Allie Grace. He was one of her most loyal fans and loved attending her tennis matches. He also found pleasure in golfing, going to the gym, and completing projects around his house. He was a wonderful chef and enjoyed creating tasty meals for his family and friends, his motto would be “the more the merrier”. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jessie Todd Wright and Walter Wright, Edna Ivy McNeill, and James McNeill; uncles, Jimmy McNeill and Franklin Hearn; and his aunt Patty Quinnelly.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his daughter, Allie Grace McNeill; his mother, Wanda Locke (Kevin); father, Doug McNeill (Joyce); uncles and aunts, Jerry Quinnelly, Carolyn Hearn, Sherry Cameron; lifelong mentor and friend, Neubern Atkinson and a host of other loving family members and friends.

The funeral service for Christie Beth Elkins will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 6, at Calvary Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, at Riverwood and will resume Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Calvary.

Ms. Elkins, 55, of Brookhaven, passed away March 3, 2024, at Camellia Estates in McComb, MS. She was born in Brookhaven, October 8, 1968, to Gerald “Jerry” Crosby and Mary Lenard Crosby.

Christie was a devoted mother; her children gave her great joy and were the love of her life. She graduated from Bogue Chitto, Co-Lin, University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey. She was very accomplished, earning two master’s degrees. Christie loved teaching and encouraging her students to excel, she was a well-loved English teacher for over 27 years and received Star Teacher numerous times.

She enjoyed reading her Bible, singing specials at church, and spending time with her family. She was a member of Moak’s Creek Baptist Church. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her father and her grandparents, Floyd & Bertha “Bertie” Lenard and Henry & Maude Crosby.

She is survived by her children, Matthew Elkins (Kristin) and Myles Elkins; her mother; brother, Ricky Crosby (Lisa); nephews, Lucas Crosby and Colton Welch and niece, Julianna Crosby, as well as a host of cousins, friends and other loving family members.

Funeral service for Thelma Watson Hodges will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 6, at Riverwood Family with burial in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.

Mrs. Hodges, 92, of Brookhaven, left her earthly home on March 2, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. She was born on November 12, 1931, to John Abner Watson and Lula Fauver Watson. She married Clarmon Ray Hodges in 1949 and was married for 67 years, until his passing in 2016. She was a member of Easthaven Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Lillian Virginia Case and husband, Homer Clayton; brother, Larry Royce Watson and wife Nell; and son-in-law, Stephan Turnage.

She is survived by her daughter, Connie Turnage of Brookhaven; son, Garry Hodges of McComb; two grandchildren, Stacy Garner and husband, Jeff, Brian Turnage and wife, Tricia; four great grandchildren, Brandon Ravenscraft, Brett Ravenscraft, Megan Turnage, and Caleb Turnage.

She is also survived by other close family and friends

Dennis Ray Johnson was born June 8, 1955 and departed this life March 3, 2024 at his home in Crystal Springs.

Dennis is preceded in death by his first wife Debbie Walker Johnson, his parents Rev. Reynolds F. Johnson and Bobbie Nell Knight Johnson, grandsons Logan Johnson, Travis Courtney and granddaughter Gabby Courtney. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Pam Johnson, his children Dwight Johnson (Ashley), Bethany Allen (Cooper), Elton Johnson (Gina), Sidney Courtney (Donna), Rachel Courtney (Greg) and Kayla Bates (Joe). He is also survived by his brothers Ronnie F. Johnson, Gary Johnson (Carol) and David Johnson (Renea), as well as 18 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Dennis worked as an electrician until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. Dennis cherished time at the pond and outside with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed working in the yard or in his garden. He even taught his faithful dog, Hank, to steer the lawnmower.

Services for Mrs. Beverley Louise Hall Dubois of Brookhaven are 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Riverwood Family with burial at Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 12:00 until the time of service.

On Friday March 1, 2024, Beverley Hall Dubois went to be with our Lord and Savior. She was born in Winnepeg, Manitoba Canada on May 23, 1943, the daughter of the late George and Donna Hall (Olson). Beverley was a graduate of Herzig College of Manitoba where she received her degree in Business. She worked 35 years at Copiah Lincoln Community College caring deeply about providing guidance for the people of Mississippi on making the dream of higher education attainable. After retirement, she found fulfillment in her other great passion, her family. She also enjoyed gardening, painting and being a grandmother.

Preceding her in death are her parents, George and Donna Hall; and brother, Michael Hall.

Her memories will live on through her husband of nearly fifty years Gene Dubois whom she married on December 15, 1974, and her five children and eight grandchildren.

A Memorial Gathering for Mr. Charles Richard Bessonette of Brookhaven is 2:00-4:00 pm, Friday, March 1, 2024, at Riverwood Family.

Mr. Charles Richard Bessonette, 75, passed away February 28, 2024, at his home in Brookhaven.

He was born August 15, 1948, to the late Malcolm Bessonette and Annie Ruth Quinn Bessonette.

Mr. Bessonette enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his grandchildren and dogs.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and brothers, James Bessonette and Michael Bessonette.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Roiann Perry Bessonette; children, Richard Malcolm Bessonette and Rachel Bessonette Ard; he is also survived by nine grandchildren, Lindsey Foster Smith, Makayla Bessonette, Mylie Robinson, Piper Rutland, Kaleigh Robison, Aleah Wilkinson, Charlee Ard, Sofia Bessonette, Jaxon Ard and great grandson, Tripp Smith.

He will be missed by all those that loved him.