Memorial service for Mrs. Norma Frances Case will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 5, at her residence. Interment will follow in the Family Cemetery.

Mrs. Case, 74, of Brookhaven, passed away January 2, 2022. She was born in Port Gibson, February 25, 1947, to Norman and Frances Ammons. She enjoyed being outdoors, horseback riding, barrel racing and playing solitaire on the computer. She also loved doing her hair and makeup and being surrounded by her family.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Melvin E. Case; her parents Norman and Frances Ammons and her brother Orise Ammons.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Dewain Case (Katasha) and Sheila Smith (Chris). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brieann Bessonette (Steven), Nathan Case (Tamara Adams), Blake Case and Brooke Smith along with three great-grandchildren, Hazelynn Bessonette, Anola Bessonette, and Braxton Case and a host of other family and friends.

Graveside service for Joyce Evoline Woods will be Noon on Friday, January 7, at Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood Family.

Mrs. Woods, 90, passed away January 1, 2022, in Cleveland, MS. She was born in Brookhaven June 22, 1931, to John T. Dickerson and Gladys Hodges Dickerson.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, James D. Woods and sister, Marion Lanell Watts.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Betsy Woods Romine; two grandchildren Mary Morgan Tharp (Chris), and John Douglas Romine and two great grandchildren, Anslee Morgan Tharp and Tucker Woods Tharp.

She was a graduate of Johnson Station High School and McComb Infirmary nursing school.

She worked for Dr. Ed Safley and Dr. Louie Wilkins, was assistant director at Kings Daughters Medical Center and County Coordinator at Lincoln County Health until retired, a member of WMU, Mission Committee at FBS and worked in Vacation Bible School for 30 years. She also had a catering business with Janet Moreton and was chosen as an Unsung Hero of Lincoln County in April of 2003, she was a charter member of OB-GYN Association and worked to establish MS Nursing Practice Act, and worked with Dr. Jerry Durr in outreach ministries and was a shelter volunteer for the local American Cross.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Memorial service for Thomas E. Welch will be 2:30 p.m., Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Welch Cemetery in Bogue Chitto. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of service.

Mr. Welch, 91, of Bogue Chitto, passed away January 1, 2022. He was born in Canton, MS, July 28, 1930, to Grover Cleveland Welch, Sr. and Verna Fisk Welch. He served his country in the United States Marines during the Korean War. Mr. Welch was the founder and owner of Tom’s Sheet Metal and a member of Easthaven Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Bogue Chitto. He was a hardworking man and enjoyed lending a helping hand to all in need. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He went on many hunting trips to Colorado. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

Mr. Welch is preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years, Charline Davis Welch; his second wife Dorothy Burt Welch; parents; bother, G.C. Welch, Jr., sisters, Dorothy Welch Johnson and Edith Welch Laird.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Darlene Welch Hutson and husband, Bruce; two grandchildren, Barbara Beyl and Michael Hutson; four great grandchildren, Grayson Beyl, Matthew Beyl, Jack Hutson, and Palmer Hutson, and one step grandchild, Brayden West. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other loving family members, and friends.

A celebration of life for Claudette Irene Crawford will be held on January 15, 2022, Noon, at the Assembly of Brookhaven. Visitation for the family will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

Mrs. Crawford, 82, of Brookhaven passed away at Haven Hall Nursing Home, December 29, 2021, in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Harvey, IL, August 19, 1939, to Marvin James Wiers and Margaret Helen Reuille Wiers.

She was the owner and manager of two businesses along with her family, from 1960-1973, Superior Forest Lodge in Ely, Minnesota and from 1973-1979, Crawford Construction and Bus Company, also in Ely. She then moved to Mississippi and started work at Trustmark National Bank. She was there from 1980-1988 until moving to Jackson. She retired at the age of 78 with Irby Construction, where she was the Administrative Assistant from 1988-2017.

Mrs. Crawford, affectionately known as “Gramma Claudette”, is loved by many. Heaven has received a “Diva”. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Mrs. Crawford is preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Nick N. Crawford; her parents; brother, James D. Wiers; and sister, Bethel Y. Wiers.

Those who remain to celebrate her memory are her sons, James “Jim” Crawford and wife, Kathie, Edward “Ed” Crawford and wife, Debi, Nickie N. Crawford and wife, Rhonda, and Claude “Rusty” Crawford and wife, Missy; ten grandchildren, Chris Crawford Huffman , James Crawford Huffman , Thomas Crawford, James Brandon Crawford, Claudia Stein, Terri Lynn Lamport, Justin Crawford, Bethany Ballard, Christian Ian Crawford, and Delaney Crawford. She also leaves behind 14 great grandchildren as well as other loving family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 1106, Brookhaven, MS 39602.

A Memorial gathering will be held from 1-2 p.m., Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Riverwood Family.

Mr. Jesse Ronnie Smith, 72, gained his wings on Dec 31, 2021. He was born August 25, 1949 in Brookhaven to Jesse W. and Quinnie (Williams) Smith.

Ronnie was a straight A student with an IQ that bordered on genius but sadly, suffered a brain injury that left him mentally disabled as a teenager. Even so, he was an avid reader of the Bible and history books... particularly any pertaining to World War II. He also enjoyed collecting Military Memorabilia.

He lived the majority of his life at home with his parents and enjoyed helping his Dad raise cattle and a garden, When they grew older and needed help, Ronnie did his best to help care for them.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jesse and Quinnie Smith and his brother-in-law, Michael H. "Sarge" Smith.

Those left to cherish is memory are his sister, Patricia "Pat" Smith; his nephew, Christopher Smith and wife, Christina; his niece, Alanna Smith and husband, Tracey Case; his great nephew, Quinn Smith; and his great nieces, Elizabeth Smith and Wrynn Case. He is also survived by his Aunts and Uncles, John and Patsy Smith, Ralph and Aby Smith, and Chuck Carter; and numerous cousins and his many friends from the Life Skills and PSR Programs.

Funeral service for Judith McGraw Burns will be Tuesday, January 4, 2022, at Riverwood Family, with interment at the family residence. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, January 3, at Riverwood.

Mrs. Burns, 69, of Ruth, passed away December 30, 2021, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven June 2, 1952, to Charles McGraw and Sarah Joyce Brister McGraw. She was a dedicated wife and mother, and she loved and cared for her family above all things. Spoiling grandkids was her favorite thing to do. She also enjoyed watching football and cooking with family as well as shopping and going out for a good meal. Her favorite spot to visit was the Great Smoky Mountains, she took many trips there with her family. Mrs. Burns like the simple things in life, like swinging on the front porch watching the grandchildren play and receiving flowers they picked from the field. She was the most amazing wife, mother, and grandmother; her absence will be greatly felt.

She is preceded in death by her father, Charles McGraw; son, Kyle Burns; and brother, Larry McGraw.

Those who remain to cherish her memory are, her husband of over 50 years, Clyde E. Burns; sons, Kennon Burns (Sydney), Kody Burns (Brandy), Konley Burns (Cacey); daughter, Kelsey Gerald (Tim); her mother, Sarah Joyce McGraw; brother, Joey McGraw; sister, Missy Morgan (Stan); sister-in-law, Nicki McGraw; 12 grandchildren, Collin Burns, Ashlyn Burns, Chloe Burns, Hayden Burns, Will Brooks, Kathryn Brooks, Kallie Burns, Gracie Burns, Caison Burns, Kailor Burns, Eli Gerald, and Eliza Gerald; one great grandchild, Kashtyn Peak; and a host of other loving family members and friends.

Beatrice Oswalt “Becky” Millien, 55, of Smithdale, Mississippi, passed away December 28, 2021. She was born March 16, 1966, to Vester Oswalt and Elizabeth Oswalt, in Palestine, Arkansas. If you’ve enjoyed a meal at The Caboose Restaurant in McComb, she most likely prepared it for you, being employed as Chef there. Mrs. Millien was a loving wife, mom, grandmother, and friend. She will be greatly missed by all that loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Brenda Melton and one brother, Thomas Oswalt.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jeffery Millien; son, Michael Millien; daughters, Ciji Redmond and Jessica Millien; brothers, William Oswalt, Raymond Adair, and Randolph LeTell; sisters, Julie Oswalt and Marry Hardeman; seven grandchildren, Shyanna Millien, John Joseph Millien, Brenton Redmond, Darren Redmond, Lorenzo Miller, Jr., Allannah Miller, and Ashton Millien. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

Funeral service for Karter Isaiah Sims will be 10 a.m., Thursday, December 30, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Karter is the infant son of Gregory Sims and Alisanne Hall. He was born August 8, 2021, in Brookhaven, Mississippi. He returned to heaven December 24, 2021. Although his time was short with us, he will forever be remembered for his infectious smiles with enormous dimples. For a little guy, he was great at knowing how to get his way. He was affectionately known as “Big Man” and “Sunny Boy”. Karter’s footprints will leave a mark on all our lives.

Karter is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Sandra Hall (Nanny) and Phil Hall; grandfather, Wade Hall.

Those left to cherish the Karter’s memory are his parents; sisters, Kaylee Sims and Raylen Reed; grandparents, Patricia Jenkins, Gregory Sims, Sr., Leigh Hartsook (Michael); great grandmothers, Velma Sims, Cathie Smith and Cindy Hall; uncles, Mason Hall and Kendra Allred, Ashton Roberson, Tanner Britt and Brittany Montecino; and aunt, Jorina Jenkins. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other loving family members.

Altus Monroe Holmes, 93, of Brookhaven, MS, passed away peacefully at St. Dominic's Hospital on Tuesday, December 28, 2021.  He was born on January 26, 1928, to the late Ellen and Victor Holmes in Lexie, MS.

 Mr. Holmes graduated from Lexie High School in 1946 and Mississippi State in 1958.  He was a forester and a member of First Baptist Church in Brookhaven, serving as a lifetime deacon.  He was also a multi-decade member of the Brookhaven Exchange Club, receiving the John L. Leary Memorial Award for service.

 Preceding him in his death were his parents, Ellen Newman Holmes and Victor Monroe Holmes; his siblings, Joe Holmes, Willene Holmes Schwamkrug, and Eldon Holmes; and his grandparents.

 Mr. Holmes, a Navy WWII veteran, loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, is survived by his wife, Sue Bullock Holmes; his daughter, Lynne Holmes Lofton; his son, Brent Holmes; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Duncan.

 Al Holmes, known as "Granddaddy" to his grandchildren, served on a Naval ship in the mailroom during WWII, delivering mail to all service members in the fleet.  Following his service during WWII, he returned to Walthall County and married the love of his life, Sue Bullock, on July 22, 1951. 

 He moved to Starkville with his family to complete his forestry degree at Mississippi State.  They lived in Starkville for several years with his two young children, and eventually moved to Brookhaven in 1960, working with the Mississippi Forestry Commission.  He passed on his love for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren, and one of his grandchildren's fondest memories were camping trips with their grandparents across various Mississippi state parks.  

 Mr. Holmes cherished being a father, grandfather, and wise, humble mentor.  Even though his nature was quiet and reserved, his backyard pool was a central hub of activity during the prime of his grandfatherhood, and he enjoyed hosting yearly Easter Egg Hunts in his front yard.  He loved animals, and always had a dog by his side – including Kim, Cholly, Harry, Hobo, Sassy, Lizzy, Jake, and Duncan.  In retirement, Al embraced art and began painting, leaving his friends and family with a variety of still life, landscape, and portrait paintings that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

 Al was a friend to all who knew him.  Those left to hold his memory dear are his wife, Sue Holmes; daughter, Lynne Lofton (Bill); son, Brent Holmes (Phyllis); grandson Will (Grace Anne); granddaughter Lydia; grandson Lane (Anna); grandson David (Liz); grandson Kevin; great- granddaughter Priscilla; great-granddaughter Karis; great-granddaughter Liesl; great-grandson Connor; and great-grandson Sam. 

 Visitation will be held Friday, December 31, from 9 - 10:30 am at Riverwood Family Funeral Service, and the funeral will follow at 10:30 am at the same location.

Funeral service will be held for Grace Elaine Smith, 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in Brookhaven, MS, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Riverwood. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Church of Christ Cemetery.

On Tuesday December 28, 2021, Grace Elaine Smith, loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 86. Elaine was born on August 9, 1935, in the Midway community, Copiah County, MS to Ernest and Mildred (Smith) Montgomery. She graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1953 before attending Copiah Lincoln Jr. College. On October 8, 1954, she married Claude Bennett Smith, Jr. They raised two sons, Scott and Steve.

Elaine enjoyed nothing better than caring for her family and loved ones. One of the many ways she showed her love was through her gift of cooking. She was a faithful member of Hillcrest Church of Christ where her beautiful alto voice could be heard singing regularly. She was a Proverbs 31 woman.

Elaine was preceded in death by her father, Ernest, and her mother, Mildred, and an infant son. She is survived by her husband, Claude Bennett Smith, Jr; two sons Scott (Renee) Smith of Clinton, MS and Steve (Jana) Smith of Edmond, OK; one grandson, Riley (Katie) Smith of Houston, TX; one granddaughter, Laura (Caleb) Baze of Waco, TX; two great-grandchildren, Cora and Alan Baze; special friends, Collins and Micah Allen.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to Hospice Compassus and the staff at Trend Healthcare and Rehabilitation.