Obituaries
Helen Margaret Walters
A memorial service will be held for Helen Margaret Walters on Saturday, December 21, at Riverwood Family in Brookhaven, at 10 a.m. with a time of visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will follow the service in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Walters, 86, of Hattiesburg, MS, died December 6, 2024, at Forrest General in Hattiesburg. She was born in Stamford, CT, March 3, 1938, to James Frances McKaige and Alvina Bumb McKaige. She retired after serving many years as a teacher. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi in Brookhaven and loved serving the Lord with her faith family there. She also enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, and sign language.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Ronald Walters; her parents; her brothers, James McKaige, Jr. (twin brother), and Stuart McKaige; and sister, Dotti McKaige.
She is survived by her children, William R. Walters, Jr. (Nga), James W. Walters (Tricia), Nicole M. Walters (Jim), Kevin R. Walters (Jana), and Paul A. Walters. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren as well as her faith family at St. Francis and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Sherra Crawford Smith
Sherra Crawford Smith, of Brookhaven, died peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday evening, December 17, 2024. All services will be held at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church, December 20 and 21. Visitation is Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral is Saturday, December 21, at 10:00 a.m., with burial to follow.
Mrs. Smith, 78, was born August 1, 1946, in Magnolia, Mississippi, to Chillis and Dorothy (Davis) Crawford. She graduated from South Pike High School and furthered her education at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. During this time, she met and married the love of her life, Hamp. Married for almost 60 years, they have dedicated their lives to serving the Lord at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church. Whereas Hamp finds his joy working the family farm, Sherra wholeheartedly committed herself to building a loving and caring home for their sons, Scott and Brett. Not only did she serve her home with gladness, she used her spiritual gifts to serve others in her church and throughout the community. At Heucks Retreat, she could be found mentoring youth, rocking babies, leading the choir, participating in Women’s Ministry, playing the piano, or teaching a Sunday school class, but the role she cherished most was serving as Vacation Bible School Director at Heucks Retreat for over 40 years! In the community, she found joy in serving others, especially children, through organizations such as the Junior Auxiliary of Brookhaven (past president and Golden Crown Recipient), Brookhaven School District (PTA member from 1979-1996 and BSD Parent of the Year 1996), the Willing Hearts Circle (joined in 1995), Silver Cross Nursing Home Trustee, woman’s chairman of Lincoln County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, and the King’s Daughters Medical Center Board of Trustees from 2001-2009 and 2014-2024, serving as chairman numerous times. In 2009, she was recognized as the Mississippi Hospital Association’s Trustee of the Year. She was the first woman to receive this coveted award. When Sherra had a moment to spare, you could find her cheering on the Panther football team, canning, sewing, cooking, gardening, birdwatching, and traveling.
Preceding her in death are her parents, and brother, Maxie Crawford; brother, Winston “Wink” Crawford, and wife Shirley, and brothers-in-law, David Allen Farnham, Sr. and Rudy Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband William “Hamp” Smith; son, Scott and wife, Heather Smith; son, Brett and wife, Erin Smith; grandchildren, Logan, Abby, Landon, Bryce, Hampton, and Ashlynn; sister, Katie Farnham; sister, Debbie and husband, Mark Smith; brother-in-law, Rev. Bobby and wife, Nina Smith; sister-in-law Patsy and husband, Perry Atherton; and sister-in-law, Linda Smith, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Heucks Retreat Baptist Church’s Oberschmidt Park Fund (2167 Heucks Retreat Rd NE, Brookhaven, MS 39601 or online at hrbaptist.net)
Linda Fay Williams
The funeral service for Linda Fay Williams will be 1 p.m., Saturday, December 20, at Riverwood Family, with burial to follow at New Sight Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.
Mrs. Williams, 83, of Florence, MS, died December 16, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Lincoln County Mississippi on September 29, 1941, to Charles Clyde Case and Gladis Walker Case. Mrs. Williams was a loving, devoted wife and mother who encouraged her loved ones to have a relationship with God. She loved to witness and always wanted to be a missionary. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Case.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 61 years, Tillman Gabe Williams; children, Melinda White (Craig), Jerome Williams (Sandy), Jeff Williams (Kim); sister, Betty James; six grandchildren, Brandi O’Neal, Shawana Borsi, Amy Myers, Tony Williams, Courtney Robinson, and Kyle Williams. She is also survived by her 18 great grandchildren, Jewel Brown, Ajay Breeden, Brody Winstead, Easton Winstead, Mason Myers, Noah Myers, Addy Myers, Bethany Robinson, Eryn Robinson, Edward Robinson, Aaliyah Williams, Lennox Williams, Brayden Stark, Charlie Jo Robinson, Aubrey Williams, April Brignack, Chris Williams, and Kaizer Williams.
Dennis K. Cotten
Dennis K. Cotten, 76, of Brookhaven, died December 16, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was born January 29, 1948, in San Francisco, California. He was the son of the late John and Dorothy Cotten. He was a member of Heucks Retreat Baptist Church. Dennis proudly served his country in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam War in Okinawa. He was retired from Delphi Automotive Systems where he was known to may as “Pops”. Dennis enjoyed collecting model trains and helping others whenever possible. He was always accompanied by his beloved dog, Jessie. His loving, caring, and humorous personality will be missed by many.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers-in-law, John King and George Upton.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife and childhood friend, Renee, of Brookhaven; sister, Sandra Upton; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Puckett (Mark), Sharon Cupit (Tommy), and Karon King, all of Brookhaven; nieces, Kipp Ready (Jeff), Hollie Campbell (Mike), Lindie Hux (Joey); nephew, Shelton Lambert (Lindsey) all of Brookhaven; special friends, Jimmie and Mary Jane Sistrunk, and a host of other family and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Johnny & Pauline Wells Scholarship Co-Lin Foundation, P.O. Box 649, Wesson, MS 39191 or Wrights Methodist Church c/o Jimmy Jones, 1960 Herring Rd NE, McCall Creek, MS 39647
A private memorial service with family will be held at a later date.
Annette Allen Wilson
The funeral service for Annette Allen Wilson will be 11 a.m., Friday, December 20, at Mt. Zion Church of Christ, 946 George Trl SW, Brookhaven, MS, 39601. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, at Mt. Zion and will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.
Mrs. Wilson, 85, died December 16, 2024, at Trend Health and Rehab in Brookhaven. She was born May 29, 1939, to Edward Cecil Allen and Irene Smith Allen. Mrs. Wilson was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, more than anything she loved and took care of her family. She enjoyed many hobbies, including drawing and painting, singing and collecting antiques. She was a member of Mt. Zion Church of Christ and was known as a prayer warrior. She was an encourager to everyone she met. Mrs. Wilson will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Lee Wilson, Jr., her parents; brother-in-law, Paul K. Walker; and sister-in-law, Millicent Burgess.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Anita Lee Cupit (Tim), Barry Kirk Wilson (Rhonda), Elaine Coffey (Johnny), Jason Wilson (Heather), and Christina Wilson; brother, Jerry Roger Allen (Barbara); sisters, Oree Walker and Doris Faye Smith (J.P.); 11 grandchildren, 11 great grands; sister-in-law, Myra Lynn Herring (Howard); and brothers-in-law, Jimmy Dickey and Ken Burgess, as well as other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers you may send memorials to Berean Children’s Home, 1180 Berea Trl SE, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.
Barbara Ruth Davis Todd
Graveside service for Barbara Ruth Davis Todd will be 2 p.m., Thursday, December 19th in Sylvarena Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Todd, 83, of Brookhaven, died December 15, 2024, at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, LA. She was born January 3, 1941, to Prentiss Monroe Davis and Ruth Evelyn White Davis.
Those that knew her knew her love for her family and genealogy. She was an avid reader and loved cake decorating. She had a heart of gold and loved everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Eugene Todd; her parents; and her son, Jerry Eugene Todd, Jr.
Survivors include her children, Jeffery Todd (Alecia) and Bobbie Jean Jefcoat (Ken); sister, Frances Hall (Jerry); five grandchildren, Matt Russell (Nikki), Tony Russell (Reed), Jarrett Todd (Keri), Hannah Kirtfield Murphy (Austin), Devon Kirtfield (Carly); and nine great grands, Kailee Craft, Olivia Todd, Asher Russell, Hagen Kirtfield, Harper Russell, Mallory Todd, Hyde Kirtfield, Vivian Murphy, and Rory Russell.
The family would like to extend gracious appreciation to Deaconess Home Health, KDMC ICU and Our Lady of the Lake Critical Care Unit.
Joshua Wilson "Josh" Dunaway
Funeral service for Josh Dunaway will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 18th, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.
Joshua Wilson “Josh” Dunaway died December 14, 2024, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. Josh had a lifelong battle with CF, but it never held him back from his dreams and goals. He was born in Pike County Mississippi on April 18, 1981, to J.W. Dunaway and Sheryl Cash Dunaway. Josh worked for MDOT for 17 years until he retired in 2015. Josh married his high school sweetheart, Heather Dunaway.
After high school life took them on separate paths but after many years, at just the right time for them both, they rekindled their love and established their home. In life you are given one true love who is “your person” and that is exactly what they were and will always be.
He was a great and loving father to his children; he was their best friend, and they argued like friends do. In addition to being their friend he was a mighty protector, encourager, and supporter.
One of his favorite pastimes was riding the golf cart with his family and “granddogter”. He loved all things “Batman” and John Wayne. He enjoyed having “front porch confessions” and horseback riding every evening or fishing with family and friends. Josh had a very quick wit and outstanding sense of humor, full of useless information and skilled in a variety of ways, including, mechanic, the best tow truck driver and instructor, and auto parts salesman. He loved all his friends and family unconditionally and would help anyone at any time, he would give you the shirt from off his back if the need arose. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Josh is preceded in death by his father; paternal grandparents, Jody and Mamie Dunaway; maternal grandmother, Frances Moak; nephew, Devin Estelle; brother-in-law, Clay Barrett; soul sister, Maela “MaeMae” Badon; and cousin, Wendell Alexander.
Survivors include his mother; his wife of seven years, Heather Dunaway; children, Bradley and Halee; brother, Timothy Dunaway; sister, Jeannie Dunaway; one “granddogter”, Ginger Ann Dunaway; Mother-in-law, Barbara Moulds; brother-in-law, Brian Lowery (Cheryl); sisters-in-law, Corenda Barrett and Sara Lowery; nieces and nephews, Dylan Dunaway (Julia), Hannah Dunaway (Leighton Creel), Isabella Parker (Nathan), Kayden Allen, Jody Dunaway, Destiny Jennings (Chris), Paxton, Alyssa Lowery (Dylan Davis), Noah, Isabella Holmes (Hunter), Madison Burnthorn (Tyler Digiovanni), Selah, Rian Lowery, Sierra Morgan, Connor, Cooper and Kyndall Barrett, Anthony Wells, EmaLeigh Privatte, and John Michael Joffrion.
He is also survived by special friends and family, Ken and Kristi Johnson, Tom and Rita McKnight, Mickey and Zayne Badon, Aaron Rushing, Dalton Duncan, Will Tolar, Doug Grammer, Toney Rushing “the Godfather”, Adrian Garcia, Cass Coon, Tolar Auto Parts Family, and the Rushing Wrecker Service Family.
The family would like to send grateful appreciation to Shannon Rives, CF-NP, and the CF team and UMMC.
Jerry Lamon Davis
The memorial service for Jerry Lamon Davis will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 16, at Riverwood Family. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Davis, 78, of Brookhaven, died December 12, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. He was born in Brookhaven, May 29, 1946, to Jessie James Davis and Ruth Marie Davis. He worked for many years with Homelite Lawnmower Plant and then as a truck driver for District 3 in Lincoln County.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Linda Davis; his parents; sister, Patricia Davis; and brothers, Dewitt Davis and Jewell Davis.
He is survived by his wife of eight months, Mildred Davis; son, Jonathon Davis; brothers, Dickie Davis (Angie) and James J. Davis; sisters, Kathy Wallace (Ronnie), Helen Brown (Floyd), and Jessie Mae Davis; one grandchild, Heaven Davis and a host of other loving family members, including numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Reynolds and the staff at King’s Daughters Medical Center.
Eunice Leurah "Tommie" Strickland Miller
The memorial service for Eunice Leurah “Tommie” Strickland Miller will be held at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, December 15, at First Baptist Church in Summit, MS. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Ms. Miller, 74, of Summit, died December 11, 2024, at Haven Hall. She was born in Minden, LA, on September 21, 1950, to Chester Franklin Strickland and Twyla Odell Mills Strickland. She worked for many years in the Automotive Parts Distribution Industry and was a volunteer Fire Fighter with the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department. Ms. Miller will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Nola Beth Ellington.
She is survived by her daughter, Tina Reed (Chad); son, Jason Miller (Mandy); brother, Vern Stonecipher; seven grandchildren, Niki Lawrence (DeeDee), Gina Allen, Justin Miller, Manuel Miller, Jake Reed (Amy), Hunter Reed (Hayden), and Mac Reed (Brissa); seven great grandchildren, Tootie, Kemper, and Everlee Lawrence, Aryanah Allen, Beau and Leighton Reed, and Alora Reed. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Haven Hall and Enhabit Hospice.
Peggy Thurman Daniel
A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 13, at Oakvale Baptist Church to honor the memory of Mrs. Peggy Thurman Daniel, with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Our precious mother, Nanny, and sister went home to be with our Holy Father December 9, 2024. While we are broken hearted, we know we will see her again. She loved her church and singing in the choir. She also sang in a quartet with Mrs. Catherine Hathorn, Delores Jones and Edith Turnage. She taught children’s Sunday School and Bible school. She sang to her daughter many times. Her favorite song was “How Great Thou Art”. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her health declined due to lupus and arthritis, and she was often in much pain. Praise the Lord she is in pain no more and has a new body. We will cherish her memory always.
Mrs. Peggy is preceded in death by her husband, John T. Daniel; her father, Guy Thurman, mother, Alene Thurman Smith; sister, Nell Stamps; and brothers, Glyn Thurman and Noel Thurman.
She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Speights (Ricky); brother, Jimmy K. Thurman (Bobbie); two grandchildren, Brandi Cook (Cullen) and Ryan Speights (Amarette); and three great grands, Caysen Cook, Atticus Speights, and Georgiana Speights.
