The funeral service for Marjorie Pierce Jones will be 11 a.m., Friday, June 2, at Monticello Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mrs. Jones, 88, of Monticello, passed from this world May 30, 2023, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. She was born in Flomaton, Alabama, April 21, 1935, to Henry Arthur Pierce, Sr. and Annie Mae Bonds Pierce.

Mrs. Jones loved life, her family, church, friends, and her hobbies, which she shared freely with all who were interested. She was an active member of Monticello Baptist Church.

She and her husband, Bill, spent many years in the children’s department, helping spread God’s message to little ones. She was a member of the Twyla Oaks Sunday School Class. Mrs. Jones was also employed part-time as the church secretary for several years.

She is preceded in death by her parents. She was the second youngest of eight children, all who have preceded her; Rufus Pierce, Lee Pierce, Mavis Bihary, Henry Pierce, Howard Pierce, Betty Elliott, and Annette Lowery.

She is survived by her husband, William Ray “Billy Ray” Jones of Monticello, MS; daughter, Nancy Christian of Texas; son, Timothy “Tim” Jones of Brookhaven; four grandchildren, Jennifer, Drew, Reed, and Rachel; and one great granddaughter, LynnLee. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends as well as her faith family at Monticello Baptist church.

The funeral service for Paul Edwin Martin will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 3, at Riverwood Family with interment in Ferguson Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Friday, June 2, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

Paul Edwin Martin was born April 4, 1963, in Magee, MS. He was known as “Eddie” or “Bam Bam” to his family. He was reared and lived his whole life in Copiah County, MS, mostly in the Wesson area.

Eddie loved to hunt and fish, and he spent many hours outdoors looking for that perfect buck, or on a creek bank ready to catch “the big one”. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and other family members.  He loved to share his memories of hunting and fishing with anyone who would listen. Anyone who knew him would tell you he was a great “storyteller”.

In 1983, Eddie married the love of his life, Billie Sue. They were blessed with two children, Charlie and Amanda, and four grandchildren. Eddie loved his family above all else.  He was a loving husband, grandfather, and soon to be a great grandfather.

Eddie was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Sue, his parents, Lessie Martin and Ed Harrison, and his sister, Hazel Jackson.

He is survived by his current wife, Rhonda, his son Charlie (Missy), his daughter Amanda (Sidney), his stepson, Jacob, and his grandchildren, Chris (Katie), Gracie, Little Charlie, Skylar, Kynslee, and Layton.

He is also survived by his sisters, Becky(Tim), Quinna (Buck), his nephew Caleb, and his cousin, Larry Martin.

Eddie is also survived by his friends, Jessie Character, Jack Cole, and Dale Roberts, and many other friends and family members.

Pallbearers are Dale Roberts, Wayne White, Lance Hunt, Randy Earls, Randy Moore, and Jack Cole.

Honorary pallbearers are Chris Hamilton, Jessie Character, Jacob Johnson, Sidney Stapleton.

The graveside service for Iva Dixene Doremus will be 10 a.m., Thursday, June 1, in Riverwood Memorial Park.

Mrs. Doremus, 75, of Brookhaven, died May 28, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven June 10, 1947, to William Duncan “Bilbo” Hutcherson and Quinnie Inez Boyette Hutcherson.

Mrs. Doremus was faithful in helping with the Kentucky Mission at Wellman Baptist Church as well as going to the Furlow Center and visiting with friends at the nursing homes. She was also an outdoors lover, spending time fishing and just enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Robert Doremus; her parents; special companion, Eugene L. Graves; brothers, William D. Hutcherson, Dan Larry Hutcherson, Ira E. “Peeley” Hutcherson and Bruce Burnell Hutcherson; sisters, Neva Ann Daugdrill, Miriam “Sister” Reynolds, Johnny “Cowboy” Smith, and Billie V. Graves.

She is survived by her sister, Bobby H. Jordan, her neighbor, Carly Cagle; and a host of loving family members and friends.

The family would like to say thank you to the staff of Compassus Hospice for their care of Mrs. Doremus.

Memorials may be sent to Missions Fund at Wellman Baptist Church 1918 Wellman Drive, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.

The funeral service for Jerry Dean Rutland will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, at Divide Methodist Protestant Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Tuesday, May 30, at Divide and will resume Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

Mr. Rutland, 77, of Monticello, died May 26, 2023, at his residence. He was born November 24, 1945, to Jesse Vodie Rutland and Eula Smith Rutland. He was employed in the oilfield and as a logger. Mr. Rutland was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and treasured his family above all things. He has been blessed to see three generations born and each one holds a unique place in his heart. He enjoyed fixing stuff, following him around doing his fixing stuff was his faithful companion, Booger. Mr. Rutland enjoyed simple things like sitting on a bucket visiting with Bro. Ladon and hunting with his sons, grandsons and favorite nephew, Robert. He taught his family that faith was important, and God was the source of all blessings. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by those who loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Jessie Mae Rutland, Grace Conerly, and Julia Conerly; brothers, Clifford Rutland, Lester Rutland, Charles Ray Rutland, and Calvin Rutland.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maxine Rutland; children, Ricky Rutland (Debbie), Will Rutland (Jessica), Eddie Wayne Rutland (Jennifer), Joy Reid (Scott), Daniel Rutland (Nikki); sisters, Louise Strong and Lura Lee Caul; brother, Buddy Rutland; ten grandchildren, Kimberly, Cody, Casey, Jacob, Chaney, Camille, Blake, Blair, Sophia, and Caleb; and ten great grands, Peyton, Madison, Mason, Mitchell, Hadley, Jaiden, Nathan, Hazel, Everly and Sidney. He is also survived by his nephew that he loved more as a brother, Robert Conerly, as well as other loving family members and friends.

The funeral service for Melissa Annette Brister will be 1 p.m., Friday, May 26, at Riverwood Family, with interment in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, May 25, at Riverwood and will resume from Noon until the time of service on Friday.

Mrs. Brister, 53, of Brookhaven, died May 23, 2023, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was Born October 22, 1969, to JJ Wallace, Jr. and Denise Durr Upton.

Melissa worked for Superior Welding and Fabrication in the bookkeeping and accounting department. Her life away from the busyness of work included riding the creek with family and friends as well as just taking long walks around her home to enjoy the fresh air. She also found great joy in just listening to music or singing along with her favorite songs. Her greatest enjoyment was her children. Melissa will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her father, JJ Wallace, Jr.; stepfather, Bo Upton; and father-in-law, Morris Brister; and her sister, Tina Annette Wallace.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 34 years, John “Speck” Brister; her children, Brooke Brister, John Garett Brister, Saylor Brister, and Cheyenne Brister; her mother, Denise Upton; brothers, Tony Wallace (Roslyn), J.J. Wallace III (Rhonda), and Wendell Upton and niece Angel Upton; sister, Sarah Hodges (Johnathen). She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

A Memorial Gathering will be held for Anthony Tyler “Red Ant” Oswalt 5-8 p.m., Thursday evening, May 25, at Riverwood Family.

Mr. Oswalt, 21, of Liberty, MS died May 19, 2023. He was born June 29, 2001, to Thomas Vester Oswalt, Sr. and Paula Marie Hull Oswalt. He worked as a Lineman.

“Red Ant” enjoyed the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping and mud riding. He was a great storyteller and his stories always brought a smile to all who listened. Anthony loved his family above all things and he will be greatly missed by all.

He is preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, Carnard & Elizabeth  Oswalt and Richard E. & Claire Hampton.

He is survived by his mother; brothers, Daniel Delaney (fiancé Samantha Sampson) and Kyle Oswalt; his best friends, Tyler Allen and Jesse Haas; nephews, Gotham Jordan and Arkham Delaney; and by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other loving family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

The funeral service for Mrs. Loretta Nix Smith will be 11 a.m., Thursday, May 25, at New Prospect Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at New Prospect.

Mrs. Smith, 89, of Bogue Chitto, received a call, an offer that she could not refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning, May 22, 2023. Her work here is done, and she has already experienced a glorious reunion with family and friends that she has not seen in a long time. She is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, home at last. Mrs. Loretta was born March 16, 1934, to Joe Nix and Gladys Shephard Nix.

Mrs. Loretta was a hero to everyone who knew her. She was a loving compassionate wife, mother, grandmother and friend and will be forever remembered for her humble and gracious spirit in all circumstances. She was an avid reader, her Bible especially. She loved her flowers and tended to them as long as she had the health to do so. Her greatest joy was family, she adored her grandbabies she was a bold witness for the love of Jesus to each one of them. As instructed through His Word, God was always first and that meant everything else would fall into its rightful place. Mrs. Loretta leaves a legacy of faith and will forever be a treasure.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Roger Smith; her parents; sons, Joey Smith and Roger Dale Smith; daughter, Kathy Whittington; four brothers; and one granddaughter, Rebecca Ann Whittington.

Those who remain to cherish her memory are her daughters, Karen Howell and husband, Hank and Lori Wright and husband, Pete; 8 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members, friends, and her faith family at New Prospect.

Ms. Susan Mystique Benson, 48, of Brookhaven, died May 20, 2023. She was born in Hattiesburg, MS, August 15, 1974, to Dennis Benson and Rebecca Howell Benson.

Mysti enjoyed singing and entertaining people. Nothing compares to the love she held for her daughter, Gracie. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandmothers, Gladys L. Howell and Eunice M. Benson; and her aunt, Susan J. Howell.

She is survived by her daughters, Kate Soske and Madeline Grace “Gracie” Breazeale; her parents; sisters, Dana Rae Barksdale, Tonya Karan Bourn, Sonya Kay Kennedy; nieces, Ashlyn, Autumn, Kathlena, Ali, Stephany, and Olive; nephews, Gavin and Wyatt, as well as other loving family members and friends.

When I go, don’t learn to live without me, just learn to live with my love,

in a different way. And if you need to see me, close your eyes, or look in your shadow, when the sun shines, I’m there.

Sit with me in the quiet and you will know, that I did not leave.

There is no leaving when a soul is blended with another. When I go,

don’t learn to live without me, just learn to look for me in the moments.

I will be there. (Donna Ashworth)

Ms. Brenda Holder Roberts, 70, of Wesson, died May 20, 2023, in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Hazlehurst, MS, on December 8, 1952, to W.D. Holder and Emma Mae Barlow Holder.

She was a graduate of Hazlehurst High School and Copiah Lincoln Community College. While at Co-Lin, she was a member of the Collettes. Ms. Roberts enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including Scrap Happy Mama’s Scrapbooking Club and the Red Hat Society. She retired from Co-Lin where she was Librarian for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Joshua Ellis Tarver.

She is survived by her children, William Daniel Roberts and Jamie Tarver Roberts; sister, Debbie Davis; three grandchildren, Chasity Paige Henderson, William Laine Roberts, and Victoria Nichole Tarver; and one great grandchild, Thea Elanor Kelly. She is also survived by many other loving family members and friends.

The funeral service for Linda Faye Smith will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 23, at Riverwood Family, with interment in New Sight Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday, May 22, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

Mrs. Linda Faye Smith went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 18, 2023. She was born on February 19, 1941, to James K. and Hollyce Smith. She was married to James Rowan “Junior” Smith, Jr. and they had two daughters, Sharon Rose and Linda Sheree.

Mrs. Linda worked at Stahl Urban, TG & Y, and Imaginations. She was a wonderful seamstress and homemaker. She was very creative and talented and loved to quilt, craft, paint, garden, and basically anything that allowed her artistry to shine.

After her husband Junior passed away in 1974, Linda became mother and father, grandmother and grandfather, over the next forty-nine years. Her daughters fondly remember her teaching them basic skills, from changing a tire and driving, to cooking and crafts. She loved teaching her grandchildren those same skills and involving them in all the teachable moments of life.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Jerelene Walker (Lloyd) and Aileen Traxler; her brother, Curtis Smith (Relda); and brother-in-law, Robert Terrell.

Those left to cherish her memory are her, her daughters, Sharon Rose Case (Greg) and Linda Sheree Crosby (Wayne); sisters, Peggy Porter (Carol Ray) and Charlotte Terrell; her five grandsons, Brandon Case (Linda), Mitch Case (Sandy), Byron McCullough (Kimberly), Cody Crosby, and Reid Crosby; one granddaughter, Cherilynn Howell (Robert); nine great grandchildren, John and Jace Marbury, Charlie and Chell Rose Howell, Madelynn and Rowan Case, Brian and Brandon Monteleone, and Baby McCullough (parents Byron and Kimberly) coming December 2023.