The funeral service for Louise Lanell Moak Pickett will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 17, at Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church, with burial in Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, October 16, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Mt. Gilead.

Mrs. Pickett, 85, of McCall Creek, passed away October 13, 2023, at her residence.  She was born August 23, 1938, to Robert E. Moak and Juanita Moak. She was a member of Mt. Gilead Primitive Baptist Church. Mrs. Lanell was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by  her parents; son, Michael Pickett; daughter, Nancy Pickett; brother, Wayne Moak; and grandsons, Nathan Pickett and William Pickett.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 64 years, James Thomas “Tom” Pickett; daughters, Wanda Poole (David) and Stephanie Carithers (Jerry); brother, Delton Moak (Patricia); grandchildren, Jeremy Pickett, Amanda Mims (Matt), Abigail Holmes (Chris), Matthew Touchstone (Katie), Tiffany Smith (Hunter); and Jacob Carithers; great grandchildren, Jonathan Pickett, Autumn Pickett, Harleigh Pruski, Paisley Smith, Bennett Touchstone, and Snow Allen. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

Funeral service for Wayne Ray Bowman will be 2:30 p.m., Friday, October 13^th, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service.

Mr. Bowman, 76, of Brookhaven, died October 10, 2023, at UMMC, in Jackson, MS. He was born in Manila, AR, to Otis and Mildred (Crawford) Bowman. He was retired from Wal Mart where he was employed as a Wal Mart Truck Driver with 30 years of service and 3 million Safe Miles. Wayne was a loving husband, father and grandfather, he was a good friend and an all-around good man. He enjoyed fishing and playing cards in his spare time. His favorite thing to do was spend time with his family, especially holidays, and with his extended family, the Cade’s. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Bill Bowman, Charles Bowman, Don Bowman, Steve Bowman, and Gary Bowman; and his sisters, Peggy Brooks and Shirley Sammons.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Ruth Bowman; children, Michael Bowman (Crystal) and Jimmy Bowman; brothers-in-law, Harold Turpin (Mary) and Bobby Turpin (Karen); sisters-in-law, Georgia Lawrence, Jean Zaino (Joe), Peggy Perry (Gary), Teresa McCall, Tina Poe (Lewis), Fran Bowman and Carolyn Bowman.; four grandchildren, two great grandchildren; and special friend, JoAnn White.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

The funeral service for Richard Dunbar Smith will be held 10 a.m., Friday, October 13, at St. Francis of Assisi, with burial in Rosehill Cemetery, with a reception to follow burial in the Parish Hall. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, October 12, at Riverwood Family.

Richard Dunbar Smith, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend - passed away in his sleep at home in Brookhaven, MS on October 10th. He was 75 years old.

Richard was born to Earl and Virginia Lee Smith on November 17,1947. He graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1965.  In high school he met his future wife, Claudia, and was married for 55 years. He is most well known to friends as “Pro” for being the PGA Professional and Head Professional at Brookhaven Country Club. He also had a long career in phone service including opening his own business, The Connection Source, LLC, which led to him to being nicknamed “The Phone Man.”

Richard was blessed with a large and loving family. He married his wife, Claudia, in 1968.  They had three wonderful girls and seven grandchildren that brought him so much joy and happiness.

He loved playing golf, hunting (especially duck hunting), fishing, his dogs, having fun with friends, listening to music, Mississippi State University and making people laugh.  

Being Tops, as his grandchildren knew him, came naturally to Richard. His grandkids loved his side by side rides, his willingness to share whatever he had and giving advice.

The family would like to thank Hospice Ministries, Inc. for their wonderful care.

Richard is survived by his wife, Claudia Graves Smith; their children Natalie (Brad Lawson), Julie (Tim Basel) and Melissa (Nick Coleman), seven grandchildren, Will Lawson, Jackson Lawson and Anna Caroline Lawson; Elizabeth Basel and Carter Basel; Luke Coleman and Price Coleman; and his brother, Michael Smith. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Virginia Lee Smith.


In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Randolph Miller Costilow, Sr., 72, of Wesson, passed away October 9, 2023, at St Dominics.

He was born July 7, 1951, to the late Walton Miller Costilow and Marilyn Elaine Owens Costilow.

Mr. Costilow was a barber and truck driver. He served his country in the United States National Guard. He was a member of Wesson American Legion, and he enjoyed being outside, checking on his horses and goats.

Preceding him in death were his parents;

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 53 years, Wanda Freeman Costilow; children, Randolph Costilow, Adam Costilow and Clint Costilow; brothers Michael Costilow and wife, Deborah and Owen Costilow and wife, Judy;

He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Memphis, Keetin, Brooklyn, Fenix and Evoleht along with his extended family, Rafat, Mahmoud and Alora Anter.

The funeral service for Ethel Dolores Nunn Boyd will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 13, at Riverwood Family with burial in Enon Cemetery. Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. prior to the service at Riverwood.

Mrs. Boyd, 89, of Bogue Chitto, died Sunday, October 8, 2023, at her residence. She was born August 14, 1934, to Frank and Ruth Naomi (Green) Nunn.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles L. Boyd; her daughter, Diane Boyd; her parents; and two brothers and four sisters.

She is survived by her children, Wayne Boyd, Scott Boyd, Polly Beeson (Bud), Loretta Connor, and Taniel Herring (Freddie); 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 3 great, great grandchildren; sister, Rose Alfonso; and brother, Ted Nunn. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

The funeral service for Benjamin Grayson Hodges will be 2 p.m., Thursday, October 12, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.

Mr. Hodges, 19, of Brookhaven, died October 8, 2023, at UMMC, as a result of an automobile accident. He was surrounded by his loving family. Grayson was born December 3, 2003, in Natchez, MS, to Ben and Amanda Hodges. He graduated from Loyd Star Attendance Center and was employed by Comfort Zone Heating and Cooling. Grayson attended Heucks Retreat Baptist Church. He was a great brother and uncle.

In his death, Grayson gave the gift of life to four people and sight to four others. Although his life was short on earth, he lived it to the fullest.

He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

Grayson is preceded in death by his grandmother, Deborah Mizell.

He is survived by his parents, Amanda Hodges, Ben Hodges, and step mom, Christy Hodges; paternal grandparents, Gene and Ruth Hodges, maternal grandparents, Glen and Debbie Mizell ; brothers, Josh Hodges (Justice) and Reid Hodges, Cody Jensen, Chase Murphy, and Caiden Murphy; aunt and uncle, Sherri and Brad Hodges; nephew, Noah Hodges; nieces, Harper and Ella Hodges; and a host of great aunts, great uncles, and cousins, as well as his great grandmother.

A special thanks to Dr. Rainey and all the SICU nurses.

In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Home of Grace, 14200 Jericho Rd, Vancleave, MS 39565 or MS Organ Recovery Agency, 4400 Lakeland Dr, Flowood, MS 39232.

April Michelle Smith, 45, of Wesson, MS, died October 8, 2023, at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born in Brookhaven April 20, 1978, to Sherman Leroy Smith and Frances Elaine Daniel Smith.

She is survived by three children, Tristen Toby Dillon, Kaylen Smith, and Alexis Michell Blackwell; her parents; brothers, Mark Smith and Carey Banks, Jr.; sisters, Patti Boyte and Alecia Smith; four grandchildren, MaKiya, Kaiser, Kingston, and Alaiyah; and by friends, Rebecca Moll, Kayla Haas, and Kellye Sicks. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers you may make memorials to Gideon’s International, PO Box 1106, Brookhaven, MS 39602.

The funeral service for James Gilbert Pickering will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 11, at Lucien Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, October 10^th, at Riverwood and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Lucien Baptist Church.

Mr. Pickering, 96, of Lucien, died October 7, 2023, at his residence. He was born February 14, 1927, to Judd E. Pickering and Rhoda Smith Pickering. He retired from Natchez Paper Mill where he worked in the machine maintenance department.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Davis and son-in-law, Roy Davis.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 75 years, Jewell Pickering; children, Sandy Smith, Ronnie Pickering, Brenda Simmons and husband, Lamar, and Debbie Barfoot; brother, Gene Pickering; eight grandchildren, Brad Davis, Mandy Smith, Lane Pickering, Jamie Barfoot, Dusty Davis, Brandi Jenkins, Ronnie Pickering, Jr., and Evan Pickering; nine great grandchildren and a host of other loving family members and friends.

There will be a reception for family and friends immediately following the service.

The funeral service for Martha Avants will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, October 10, at Riverwood with burial in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday night, at Riverwood and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday.

Mrs. Martha Avants, 60, of Bogue Chitto, died October 6, 2023, at her residence. She was born October 11, 1962, to Bennie Hall, Sr. and Mildred Louise Moak Hall. She was a loving wife and mother and enjoyed every moment spent with her daughter, watching her grow up. Mrs. Martha was full of life and laughter; she never met a stranger. She loved to garden, and every morning was spent sitting on her porch, drinking coffee, and enjoying the work she took such great pleasure in. She also liked going fishing with her husband, Roger.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Avants; her parents; brothers, Quincy Hall, John Neal Hall, Weames Hall, Prentiss Hall, Larry Hall, John Henry Hall, Bennie Hall, Jr.; sisters, Bennie Lou Blakeney, Earline Carlisle, Margaret Williams, Tillithia Hall Moak, Mamie Pat Jennings, and Nancy Peyreagne.

She is survived by her husband of 18 years, Roger Avants; daughter, Melissa Avants; stepchildren, Joey Avants, Bryan Dale Avants, and Chasity Avants; brothers, John Hugh Mathis and Jimbo Hall; sisters, Essie Ann McCaa, Rita Hall, Gloria Mercier, and Hattie Morris. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends as well as her sweet dog, Nylah.

The funeral service for Angela Gail Blackwell will be 11 a.m., Monday, October 9, at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mrs. Blackwell, 65, of Brookhaven, died October 5, 2023, at her residence, with her children by her side. She was born August 29, 1958, to John William Norton and Hilda Rae Coon Norton. She was a registered dietitian for 27 years with the Lawrence County Hospital. She was a member of Heucks Retreat Baptist Church but also loved attending Pleasant Grove Church at every opportunity. She was a master gardener who loved working in her flower beds. She was also a member of the Camellia Society. Her favorite pastime was spending time with all five of her grandkids.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ward Blackwell, and her parents.

Those who remain to cherish her memory are her children, Jessica Jordan and husband, Landon, Sawyer Smith and wife, Kori, and Cain Blackwell; brother, Dale Norton and wife, Debbie; sister, Linda Booth and husband, Paul, and sister-in-law, Sheila Blackwell; five grandchildren, Alli Rae Jordan, Colton Jordan, Hannah Smith, John Daniel Smith, and Luke Smith. She is also survived by her best friends, Janie Reeves, Wendy Smith, Charlotte Martin, and Sherry Britt, as well as other loving family members and friends.

A special thank you to  Sherry Britt and Hospice Ministries for their loving care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heucks Retreat Youth Department, 2167 Heucks Retreat Road NE, Brookhaven, MS 39601