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Obituaries

Obituaries

Friday, 28 May 2021 08:22

George Timothy (Tim) Mercier III

George Timothy (Tim) Mercier III died at home in Houston, Texas on May 23, 2021.

He was born March 15, 1947, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to George and Dorothy Mercier.

Tim graduated from Bellaire High School in Houston, Texas. 

Tim pursued the same academic path as his father, graduating from The University of Texas at Austin in 1970 with a chemical engineering degree.

Tim began his career with UOP (now UOP Honeywell), an energy company in Des Plaines, Illinois,

and quickly shined as a brilliant engineer.  While at UOP, he lived and worked in Italy and Switzerland.

His next stop was back home in Houston, where he took a position with Enjet, an oil blending company.  

Tim traveled the globe on business. It was not unusual for him to call and check on his children from Singapore, India, or South Korea,

and talk through day to day events as if he were down the street.  Tim also left his mark on the industry in which he spent his entire career.

He became a sought-after adviser in petroleum refining and operations and spearheaded domestic and international business practices still in use today.

As Tim’s career matured, he increasingly dedicated time to mentoring the next generation of chemical engineers. After 33 years with Enjet,

Tim retired from the oil business in 2018. He continued to consult in the oil and gas industries in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

While Tim’s talents found an early home in his chemical engineering career, his passion was for the farm in Wesson, Mississippi. 

Indeed, the next phase of life was more a second career than a retirement. Like his father, Tim shifted his focus to managing his family farm. 

He loved his time in Wesson so much that he bought and remodeled the home next to his parents' home.  If you recently drove down

Timberlane Road early in the morning, you likely would see Tim and his beloved dog, Cash, walking to his parents' home to visit with his

father about American exceptionalism, timber, chores on the farm, politics, the stock market, or a great story about one of his friends or colleagues.

Tim found great joy in the regular visits to Wesson by his siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and he loved how his home quickly

became a gathering place for family and friends over the holidays. 

Tim’s greatest loves were his children and grandchildren.  He made breakfast for his young children every morning, with Renee and Skip

enjoying his famous whole wheat pancakes on the special occasions when he made them.  He intensely inspected his children's vehicles before return drives to Texas,

replacing windshield wipers or worn-out tires when needed. He cherished scouting trips with his son, Matthew, and glowed with pride when Matthew became an Eagle Scout. 

All three of his grown children earned their college degrees, with Skip ultimately obtaining a Ph. D in chemical engineering, the same field of expertise pursued by his father. 

His last bundle of joy, Claire, was born on March 1, 2021.  Before his death, Grandpa, as Tim was known to his grandchildren, was energetically working with Papaw (his father, George)

to build a couple of ponds for the fishing enjoyment of his grandchildren, nieces, nephews.  He also loved time with his grandchildren on the farm, whether taking long walks

after a big lunch at Papaw’s, driving timber plots, or building fires and making s'mores.


Tim's journey on earth took him many places, yet he managed to record the meaningful milestones of his life close to home, increasingly

with loved ones as his remaining years fled. He leaves a great void, a greater legacy, and will forever be missed.  Tim is survived by his father George T. Mercier Jr.; his wife Megan;

his children G.T. "Skip" Mercier IV (husband John), Renee (husband Russ), Matthew, and Claire; his grandchildren Luke, Garrett, and Evelyn; sisters Anne Woodson, Patricia Nicklas, Laurie Mercier,

and brother Chet Mercier; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services will be held Saturday May 29 at Riverwood Family Funeral Home in Brookhaven, MS -

visitation at 9:00 am and service at 10:00 am. Graveside service to follow in Beauregard.

The family would like to thank Tim's many friends who generously gave assistance and support during his illness and the medical

staff who provided their compassionate care, especially Dr. Victor Sierpina and Dr. Maurice Willis at University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston.

Memorials may be made to the Dorothy Ragland Mercier Memorial Fund, c/o Copiah-Lincoln Community College Foundation, P.O. Box 649, Wesson MS. 39191.

Wednesday, 26 May 2021 13:27

Betty Bridges Womack

Funeral service for Mrs. Betty Bridges Womack will be 2 p.m., Friday, May 28, at Powell’s Grove Pentecostal Church

with interment at the church cemetery. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, at the church.

Mrs. Womack, of Jayess, passed from this life May 25, 2021. She was born May 23, 1944, to Berry Farmer Bridges and

Mary Maude Mullins Bridges and lived 77 years. She was a homemaker and caretaker of her family, who will feel her absence forever.

She is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Charlie Bridges and John Bridges; and one sister, Barbara Ann Hux.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Kary Womack; son, Randy Womack and wife, Tanya; daughters

Peggy Smith and husband, Danny, Rachel Williams and husband, Marty, and Sherry Smith and husband, Craig.

She also leaves behind ten grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren as well as other loving family members and friends.

Tuesday, 25 May 2021 08:42

Skylar Lane Wease

Funeral service for Skylar Lane Wease will be 3 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Riverwood Family with interment in

Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.

Skylar, 23, of Brookhaven, passed from this life May 21, 2021. He was born February 12, 1998 to Nathan Daniel Wease

and Sonya Ann Ratcliff. He was a graduate of Loyd Star Attendance Center and a member of Easthaven Baptist Church.

Skylar was interested in music and played guitar. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his uncle, Paul Douglas Lee, Jr. and his great grandparents, Fred and Grace Ratcliff.

Those who remain to hold his memory close are his parents; daughter, Olivia Renee Wease; brother, Christopher Braiden Wease;

sisters, Alyssa Grace Wease and Christina Renee Wease Adams and husband, Chris; grandparents, James and Jan Ratcliff and

Madline Lee and Leroy Wease; uncles, Andy Lee and Robert Bobby Ratcliff; aunt, Constance Currie Lee Mitchell; cousin,

Christen Elizabeth Ratcliff and special friend, Britlyn Ciera McLeod.

Friday, 21 May 2021 16:15

Elmer Lee Buie

The funeral service for Mr. Elmer Lee Buie, Sr. will be 2 p.m. Monday, May 24, 2021, at Riverwood Family with interment in Bethel Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service. Rev. Billy Joe Deer will officiate.

Mr. Buie, 85, of Union Church, MS, passed away May 19, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Caseyville, MS, December 22, 1935, to John Duncan Buie and Nannie Vickery Buie. He was retired from Armstrong Tire & Rubber Company and was the owner of Buie Logging. Mr. Buie was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing and caring for his dogs. He was the President of the Homochitto Hunting Club for 43 years. When he was not performing the duties of life, he enjoyed sitting on his porch swing. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Mr. Buie is preceded in death by his lovely wife of 64 years, Ruby Buie; his parents; his son, John Duncan Buie; brothers, John, Wilton, and Prentiss Buie; and sister, Frances Grisham.

Those left to cherish his memory are his sons, Elmer Lee Buie, Jr. and wife Rebecca and Daniel R. Buie and wife, Sallie; daughter, Beverly Jones and husband, Bill; sister, Maggie Weed; 16 grandchildren, Jason Magee (P.J.), Hope Case (Justin), Cody Buie (Carla), Caleb Buie, Chelsey Myrick (Chad), John Courtney Buie (Mallory), Christopher Buie (Courtney), Rex Buie (Kimberly), Richard Buie (Heather), Rhiannon Mercier (Shawn), Deke Purdy (Tanya), Ashlie Waldrop (Arron), Jacob Purdy (Caroline), Sarah Goodman (Justin), Mark Jones, Stacy Scott, 38 great grandchildren and a host of extended family members and friends.

The family would like to give a special “Thanks” to his loving caregiver, Ann Dickerson and Hospice Ministries.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice Ministries 397 Brookhaven Street, Brookhaven, MS, 39601.

Thursday, 20 May 2021 12:10

Ouida Renee Malone

The funeral service for Ouida Renee Malone will be 11 a.m., Saturday, May 22, 2021, at

Wellman Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m.

until the time of service. Rev. Thomas Wicker will officiate.

Mrs. Malone, 51, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life May 19, 2021, at King’s Daughters Medical Center.

She was born October 5, 1969, to Billy Joe Williamson and Ouida Geraldine Nations Williamson.

Mrs. Malone was the owner of Lucky 7 Greenhouse and also worked for MDRS. She was a

loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Preceding her in death are her parents; brother, Billy “Pnut” Williamson; and niece, Gena Smith.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Leonard “Manny” Malone; sons,

Joseph Malone and wife Brandi, Jeremy Malone, and Austin Malone; brothers, Dale “Yogi” Williamson

and wife, Joann and Lance Williamson and wife, Cassie; sisters, Sherry Williams and husband,

Rusty and Connie Hamilton and husband, Mike; five grandchildren, Katelynn Malone, Lexie Malone,

Parker Diax, Tucker Malone, and Luke Malone. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.

Monday, 17 May 2021 14:55

Rev. Lairah Murray

Services for Rev. Lairah Murray of Brookhaven are 7:00 pm, Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at

Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church with visitation from 6:00 until the time of the service.

Burial will be at Midway Cemetery in Franklin County at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 20.

 Rev. Lairah Murray, 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 16, 2021 at his residence.

He was born on December 24, 1927, to the late Ernest Hattan Murray and Arie Clark Murray.

He was a Pentecostal Minister for 60 years and a member of Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church.

Mr. Murray enjoyed woodwork and gardening.

Preceding him in death were his parents; six siblings; and his spouses, Billie Murray and Lorraine Dykes Murray.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Sandra Dearman and husband Roy, and Sheliah Germany and husband, Jeffery.

Along with 4 grandchildren, Dennon Dearman, Caleb Dearman, Adrian Dearman and Scarlette Neese,

and 4 great grandchildren, Juliana Neese, Diana Neese, Adrian Dearman and Jaslyn Dearman.

He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.

Thursday, 13 May 2021 16:29

Tillman Hart

Services for Mr. Tillman Hart of Brandon are 11:00 am Saturday, May 15, 2021

at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until the time of the service.

Burial will be at Sutton Cemetery.

 

Mr. Tillman Hart, 80 went to be with his Lord on May 13, 2021 at his residence.

He was born on June 27, 1940 to the late James Lee Hart and Lillie Smith Cooksey.

Mr. Hart enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Jesse and Danielle play baseball and soccer and he loved Gunsmoke.

 

Preceding him in death were his parents, and two brothers and two sisters.

 

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sandra Hart; sons, Lance Hart; daughter, Debbie Hart Shows and grandchildren,

Jesse Shows and Danielle Shows. Along with cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws.

He will be missed by all that loved him and knew him.

Tuesday, 11 May 2021 08:52

Charles Leonard Downing, Sr.

 

Charles Leonard Downing, Sr., born January 25, 1937 in Brookhaven, MS, passed away on May 5, 2021

at Brookridge Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, NC. He was preceded in death by his dear wife, LaVerne,

ten days prior. They shared a full life and marriage for over 60 years. His was the son of Leonard “Jack” Downing and Ruby Boston;

father to Charles “Chuck” Downing, Jr. (Debbie) and Micah Downing (wife: Lisa); grandfather to Kristen Doub (husband: Don), Jacquie Hassen (husband: David),

Alexandra Downing (husband: Brandon Roberts), and Gabrielle Downing; and great-grandfather to Boeing & Emmie Doub and Henry & Oliver Hassen.

 

He began his career as a pilot flying for two different banks out of Jackson, MS. In 1969, he became the chief pilot with McLean Trucking Company in Winston-Salem, NC.

He concluded his flying career with Genuine Parts in Atlanta, GA in 1980.

 

Following his retirement from aviation, he started a new career as the co-owner of King R/C Hobby Shop, which he started in his garage

and later ran in a large storefront for 39 years with his wife, LaVerne. Charles loved a good meal while reminiscing about his beloved Brookhaven, where his family

would often hear the same stories about how he grew up above his family’s movie theater, The Haven. Oh, to hear another one of his endearing tales!

 

Services are 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 15, at Mt Zion Church of Christ with visitation from

11:00 until time of the service and burial at the Church Cemetery.

Monday, 10 May 2021 12:14

Debra Ann Willoughby

Debra Ann Willoughby, 51, passed from this life May 3, 2021, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

She was born March 31, 1970, to William Walter Willoughby and Nina Mae Willoughby Furr. She enjoyed taking

walks and talking on the telephone, playing cards and visiting with her loved ones. She was a loving friend and

will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Those left to cherish her memory are, her fiancé, Tony Taylor; brother, William Earl Willoughby; sisters,

Mary Willoughby Durr and her fiancé Shea Finch, and Judy Jordan. She is also survived by her cousins,

Tasha and Jimmy Moore and their daughter, Ella Jayne and her niece, Kimberly Durr.

Thursday, 06 May 2021 12:13

Ernest Gerald Smith

Services for Ernest Gerald Smith of Brookhaven are 10:00 am, Saturday, May 8, 2021,

at Central Baptist Church with burial at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, May 7 at Riverwood Family from 5:00-8:00 pm

Mr. Ernest Gerald Smith, 67, went to be with his Lord on May 4, 2021, at King’s Daughters Medical Center.

He was born on March 16, 1954 to the late Ernest and Edna Smith.

Mr. Smith served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a lifelong member of Central Baptist Church

where he helped build the new sanctuary and served as a deacon. Gerald was an ex-oil fielder and jack of all trade carpenter.

He enjoyed many things throughout his life. Among these, were talking with his CB family, where he was known as “Armadillo”.

Gerald found pleasure in spreading laughter with his jokes of the day. He adored many dogs throughout his lifetime, with most recently being Nike,

Bear Daniel, Ricky Bobbie and Shelby Lane. He will be greatly missed during football season because he enjoyed watching college ball on Saturdays

and the Saints and 49er’s on Sundays after church, with his family and friends. He loved riding his motorcycles, cooking, camping, and fishing in every aspect.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Tommy Smith and Hilary Smith; and sister, Mildred Chandler.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Betty Tibbs Smith; daughters, Sonya Smith of Summit, Shea Riley (Patrick) of Brookhaven,

Ashley Arnold (Corey) of Meadville, and, stepdaughter, Alicia Blackwell, of Brookhaven; and sister, Jeanie McRae, of Nashville, TN.

He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Ginger Morin, Seth Prescott, Chloe Smith, Emma Smith, Molly Kate Huber (Travis), Madison Arnold,

Judson Arnold, Ryder Blackwell and the latest additions of great grandchildren are as follows, 

Faith Ann Prescott, Xavior Prescott, Jada Morin, Millianna Morin, Anah Coleman, and soon to be born, Tucker Pete Huber. 

Gone Fishin’

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