Obituaries
Bobbie Rai Crews
Mrs. Bobbie Rai Crews, 86, of Brookhaven, passed away August 24, 2021, at her residence. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana,
October 1, 1934, to Buster Russell and Hettie Smoote Russell Soule’. She was a retired Social Worker.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Maribeth Dufrene.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her sons, Ronald Mitchell (Martha), Bryan Mitchell (Sabrina), Burke Crews, and
Cobert Crews; daughters, Melanie Hallman, Cindy Rhoads (Terry), Martha Core, and Dottie Moorefield; brother, Johnny Soule’ (Darlene);
sisters, Donna Broussard (Ron), Jackie Melancon; 12 grandchildren Cathy, Chris, Cherie’, Nathan, Scott, Clair, Ellen, Jessica,
Elizabeth, Stephen, Natalie, Chad; 20 great grandchildren Baylee, Amanda, Aurora, Ben, Forrest, Khloe, Kenzie, Matthyas,
Benton, Paige, Will, Lena, Alexandra, Layton, Kaelyn, Andrew, Carter, Harrison, Abby, and Sierra. She is also survived
by a special family friend, David Peavey, as well as other loving family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Ouida Jerlene Nations
Funeral service for Ms. Ouida Jerlene Nations will be 11 a.m., Friday, August 27, at Wellman Baptist Church,
with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.
Ms. Nations, 85, of Bogue Chitto, MS, passed away August 24, 2021, at her residence. She was born in Bogue Chitto august 19, 1936, to Felix Lewis and Lottie Louise Thompson Lewis. She was a member of Wellman Baptist Church.
Ms. Nations is preceded in death by her parents.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Loretta Brister (David); brother, Felix Lewis, Jr. (Peggy); her loyal companion, Scooter; two grandchildren, Jawana Slaven (Jimbo), Jana Johnson (Jessie); six great grandchildren, Laken Smith (Matt), Dusti Smith (Dylan), Karlee Abrams, Chloe Slaven, J.D. Abrams, Maddison Franklin; three great, great grandchildren, Easton Smith, Jaci Grace Smith, and Jude Smith. She is also survived by six step great grandchildren and five step great, great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Thomas Montgomery Hitchman
Thomas Montgomery Hitchman, 85, passed away at his home in Brookhaven, MS on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
Thomas was born and raised in San Jose, CA to parents Lloyd Wolcott Hitchman and Dorothy Mae Porter Hitchman.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Thomas worked for the Engineering Department of the City of San Jose for over 20 years before moving to DeRidder, LA.
After serving as City Manager for the City of Deridder, Thomas went to work for Bechtel Engineering as a Senior Construction Engineer.
There he was a project manager responsible for contract administration, construction of a Coal power plant in Lake Charles, LA
and two units of nuclear power in southeast Texas. Soon after, he retired and moved to Brookhaven, MS.
Thomas’ interests included traveling, spending time with family and friends, building and remodeling.
He was very studious and loved to learn. He had a good sense of humor, loved to tell stories and jokes.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Hitchman, sister Patricia Morfoot,
and daughter, Robin Elise Hitchman. He is survived by his brother, William John Hitchman,
daughters, Renae Hickey, Kari Elise Geno, Cynthia Simpson, and seven grandchildren.
In accordance with Thomas’ wishes, services will be held privately. He will be missed by many.
Charles Eugene McElveen
Funeral service for Mr. Charles Eugene McElveen will be 11 a.m., Saturday, August 28th, at Riverwood Family,
with interment in the Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery in Hazlehurst, MS. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. McElveen, 83, of Hazlehurst, passed away August 24, 2021, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven.
He was born June 26, 1938, to William Robert McElveen and Edith Marie Bullock McElveen.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Frances Pearl McElveen; his parents; daughter, Frances Charlene McElveen;
and brother, Paul McElveen.
He is survived by his son Mark McElveen and wife, Tina; son-in-law, Garol Chinn; brothers, Doug McElveen and wife,
Rita, and William R. McElveen; sisters, Elaine Stewart and husband, Sonny, Linda Dear and husband, Drew, and Ann Mullins
and husband, Joe. He also leaves a legacy through his five grandchildren, Jammie Lynn Strong, Paula Jean Robbins,
Gabrielle Leigh McElveen, Eric Charles McElveen, and Kayla Elaine McElveen as well as five great grandchildren and
one great, great grandchild. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Frances Lanette Haley Jordan
Funeral service for Frances Lanette Haley Jordan will be 11 a.m., Thursday, August 26,
at Riverwood Family, with burial in Mt. Olive Church of Christ Cemetery.
Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Jordan, 79, of Brookhaven, passed away August 22, 2021, at her residence.
She was born in Lincoln County August 27, 1941, to Truman Wilbur Haley and Lula Launa Wells Haley.
She was a Seamtress with Staul Urban for many years and a member of Mt. Olive Church of Christ.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Mrs. Jordan is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mildred Reeves; and her brothers, Elwin Haley and Walter Haley.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her husband, Jerry Jordan; daughters, Kristy Cline and husband, Rusty and Kelly Jordan;
brother, Bennie Haley and wife, Janice; six grandchildren, Jordan Willard (Cody), Madi Lewis, Justin Cline, Carlea Cline, Kaylin Cline, Kylan Jordan;
and one great grandson, Karson McKay. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as other loving family members and friends.
Helen Lavon Shaheen
Services for Helen Lavon Shaheen are 2:00 pm, Tuesday, August 24, 2021,
at Riverwood with visitation from 11:00 until the time of the service. Burial will be at Easthaven Cemetery.
Helen Lavon Shaheen, 94, went to be with her Lord on August 22, 2021, at Kings Daughters Medical Center.
She was born on November 11, 1926, to the late Eugene Pennington and Hattie Jane Gill Pennington.
Mrs. Shaheen was a member of Bethel Temple United Pentecostal Church. She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Winnie Maude Anding; son, Jessie Givens, Sr.;
husbands, Oliver King and Peter Shaheen; two grandson, Corey McKlemurry, Chris Cabrera;
two great grandchildren, Shiloh Fortson and Anthony W. Roberts, Jr.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Hilda Ray Floyd, of Brookhaven, Linda Oliver (Earl) of McComb,
Carolyn Richardson (Bobby) of Bogue Chitto, Darlene Allen (Delynn) of Brookhaven and daughter in law, June Givens, of Brookhaven.
She is also survived by 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 27 great- great grandchildren.
Thomas Ray Howard
Graveside service for Mr. Thomas Ray Howard will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 25, at
First Pentecostal Church of Bude, in Franklin County, MS.
On August 21, 2021, Mr. Howard joined his precious wife of 33 years in the Land where they will never die again.
He was born January 2, 1947, to James Thomas Howard and Lanell Dickerson. He was 74 years of age.
He worked with the Forrest Service and was a member of First Pentecostal Church Bude. Mr. Howard
served his country in the United States Army National Guard where he was awarded various ribbons
and medals. He married Myrtis Rushing Richardson on November 16, 1988, and her family became his family.
He has longed to be reunited with her since her death in 2015. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Myrtis Rushing Richardson Howard; stepdaughter, Laura Joann Richardson Howard;
his parents; and many siblings.
Those left to cherish his memory are his stepson, Glen Richardson and wife, Carole; four grandchildren,
Tony Richardson, Trent Richardson, Timmy Richardson, Teresa King and husband, Jamie; eight great grandchildren
and seven great, great grandchildren, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Martin Leon Almond
Martin Leon Almond, 73, passed away August 22, 2021, at his residence in Natchez, MS.
He was born on August 28, 1947, to the late Carlie Earl Almond and Thelma Helen Carroll Almond.
Mr. Almond retired from Valiant Integrated Services at Fort Polk Army Base in Louisiana.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camp/river, and spending time with family and friends.
He was a 1966 graduate of Independence High School in Independence, LA, and graduated from
Louisiana State University in 1977 with completing The Law Enforcement Basic Training Academy.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and his beloved sister, Lola May Almond Sparks.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, David Almond and Robert Almond; daughter,
Mary Almond Havard and husband, Richard Blake Havard; brothers, Otis Almond and wife, Dee Cook Almond,
Wayne Almond and late wife, Sue Almond; 3 grandchildren, Ashlee Almond, Austin Almond and Marlena Hartman.
He is also survived by other family members, Donna Cook Hawkins, Joe Hawkins, Bella Hawkins, Haylie Hawkins,
Brooke Hawkins, Sparks family, Jenn Riggan and Vicki Miller.
He will be missed by all that loved and knew him.
Ideva Brister Alexander
Funeral service for Ideva Brister Alexander will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at
Calvary United Pentecostal Church with burial in Providence Baptist Church Cemetery in Lawrence County.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday.
Mrs. Alexander, 89, of Ruth, ended her journey here August 22, 2021, at her residence in Ruth, MS.
She was born October 8, 1931, to Robert Milton Brister and Carrie Amanda Boyd. She was retired from Croft Metals. She enjoyed spending her time with her family, cooking,
being outdoors, fishing and gardening. Mrs. Alexander was a member of Calvary United Pentecostal Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Alexander; son, Steve Alexander;
her parents; her grandson, Zachary Alexander; eight sisters, Della, Annie, Genivee, Laure, Daphne, Melba, Dorothy, and Ruby; and five brothers,
Emil, Donnie, Brenell, Edo, and James.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her son,Terry Alexander (Terry); three grandchildren,
Shawn Alexander, Kim Barnett (Roy), Julie Dufrene (Zach); and six great grandchildren,
Abby, Travis, Kaylee, and Fisher Barnett, Emily Rangel and Kal Dufrene. She is also survived by a host
of nieces and nephews and other loving family
members and friends.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the nurses and aides from Hospice Compassus. Also, to her caregivers,
Jo Beck, Kim Barnett and Julie Dufrene.
Orval Shelly Johnston
Funeral service for Mr. Orval Shelly Johnston will be 2 p.m., Thursday, August 26, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Pavilion, with burial in the church cemetery.
His earthly journey began in Yazoo County Mississippi and then transitioned to the Portals of Glory at the Feet of his Lord early in the morning of Friday, August 20, 2021. Born on February 2, 1938, he and the preverbal Ground Hog were always interested in what the weather would hold. However, Bro. Shelly knew to trust whatever The Lord sent our way. Cloudy health days came on the horizon for him the last few years with a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome immune disorder which led to discovery of stage 4 in cancer in January 2020 generating numerous health issues and treatment needs.
Through life’s early years Shelly (graduated from Benton High School) had a proficient Gospel singing talent, which was evident even to his last days here on earth. Music with a Biblically sound message of redemption through Christ Jesus was his focus. He truly loved to sing and hear 4-part harmony.
Shelly retired from the Jackson Fire Department as Captain. He served in combat, EMT/ambulance services, and his last 8 years in the Fire Prevention Department. Following that 20-year choice to serve, Shelly entered many open doors serving The Lord in music and evangelism ministry. The opportunities included serving as Minister of Music (and Pastor) at various churches across Louisiana and Mississippi, most recently serving over 7 years at Salem Baptist Church, Walthall County until his health began to fail. He and his wife, Irene, traveled and sang together across the country and in foreign missions presenting the Gospel message in revivals, concerts, Bible conferences, camps, etc. Bro. Shelly had a great knowledge of the Bible and cherished his study of The Book of Revelation and Paul’s writings. By Grace we are saved!
Irene and his family extend our sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, technicians, etc. for all of their heart-felt and knowledgeable care of Shelly these past few years including Dr. Steven Liverman, The University of Mississippi Medical Center and Cancer Institute, Radiation Oncology, ENT, Hematology, Pulmonary, Neurological Department, etc. and staff. The precious nurses, aides, therapists and administration of Sta-Home home health and the Hospice Ministries of Brookhaven were so close and brought loving care and expertise through this experience. Innumerable Brothers- and Sisters-in-Christ across the country have extended their love, prayers, and encouragement to us daily. Thank you. Thank you. The race is WON!
Shelly was born to James Luther and Zuma Parkerson Johnston. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters: Joyce Guthrie, Sybil Creel and Alice Faye Johnston. He is survived by his wife of almost 39 years, Irene, and sons: Darrell (Melanie), Bob (Michelle), Josh, Jason (Julie), 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Other surviving family members include brothers: Noble (Mae), Colon (Brenda), Herb (special brother-in-law) and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, grands and greats. Also, we sweetly consider his surviving little furry guardians, Mollie and Maggie, who brought him insurmountable puppy-joy for the last 6 years.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your favorite charity.
