Obituaries
Jessica Marie Lofton
On November 27, 2019, Jessica Marie Lofton died from an accidental overdose at the age of 29.
Although no toxicology is available at this time, her addiction was to Heroin and Xanax.
We would like to share her story in the hope that life may be saved so her death will not be in vain.
No one plans to be an addict.
As a child, Jessica was a treasure and was loved deeply, with so much promise and yet she still died from an overdose.
Addiction does not discriminate. Using heroin once is all that it takes to become hooked; from then on, you are playing Russian roulette.
This is what happened to Jessica. Heroin is a demon that affects the way your brain processes pleasure,
taking over not just your brain but your life, destroying families and friendships.
Jessica was always a beautiful young woman, feisty, stubborn, had a robust, contagious laugh, would do anything for a
friend and always lit up a room with her smile, energy and crazy sense of humor. Hers was a 10-year struggle, starting with opioids,
which progressed to heroin. Many loved ones did everything they could to help her, but heroin won the battle.
The day Jessica died a part of us died along with her. We will miss her every day for the rest of our lives.
The pain of her death is heartbreaking and intolerable, which is why stories like Jessica's should not be ignored.
The only way we will conquer the heroin epidemic is to share our stories and raise awareness.
Jessica, you have now found the peace you so desperately searched for here on earth. Before your descent into drugs, you trusted Jesus as your Savior
and that fact is the biggest reason we can smile through the pain. You loved your children and they adored you as well.
Knowing you, there is no doubt that you have a front-row seat in heaven and are ecstatic with how many people loved you and have been truly affected by your death.
Jessica will be greatly missed by her daughter Braylynn Lofton, sons Camden Mercier and Jax Bergerson, father Jason Lofton;
mother Janelle Johnson; stepfather Brad Johnson, sister Macy Johnson, brother Reese Johnson and grandmother Susan Presson.
Preceding her in death were her paternal grandparents Charles and Joyce Lofton and maternal grandfather Cebern Presson.
A celebration of her heavenly homecoming will be held at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in Brookhaven, MS on Wednesday, December 4, 2019.
Services for Jessica are 2 pm. Visitation from 11:00 am until the time of the service.
Betty McCaffery
A Memorial Gathering for Mrs. Betty Lou McCaffery of Wesson is Thursday, December 5, 2019, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Riverwood Family Funeral Service.
Mrs. Betty Lou McCaffery, 64, passed away on November 27, 2019, at her residence.
She was born on May 2, 1955, to the late Cleveland Stephens and Ruby Dixon Stephens.
She was a homemaker and member of Crooked Creek Baptist Church.
Betty also enjoyed fishing and hunting.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Dennis Ray “Bo” McCaffery; and grandson, Brady Ford.
Those left her memory are her son, Robert C. Stephens; daughter, Jennifer R. Ford; brother, R.C. Stephens,
and sisters, Shirley Harper and Bobbie Davis.
She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Danny Ford, Kelsie Ford, Elijah Stephen, Emmitt Stephens;
and great-grandchildren, Lane Fields, Jaxon Ford, Adaleigh Fields and a host of nieces and nephews.
Carroll “Ward” Blackwell
The memorial service for Mr. Carroll “Ward” Blackwell will be 3 p.m., Sunday, December 1, 2019,
at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church. Visitation is from 1 p.m. until time of the service.
Mr. Ward, 66, of Brookhaven, passed from this life November 26, 2019, at King’s Daughters Medical Center.
He was born in McComb, MS, November 21, 1953, to his parents, M.H. Blackwell and Carmen Dunn Blackwell.
He served his country in the United States Army. Mr. Ward retired from a long hitch in the offshore
oil industry and also was a plumber. He had many hobbies including playing guitar and golf,
as well as watching LSU Tiger football. Spending quality time with his grandchildren was
his most favorite thing of all. He will be missed by all those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Phillip L. Blackwell.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gail Norton Blackwell; sons, Cain Blackwell and
Sawyer Smith and wife, Kori; daughter, Jessica Norton Jordan and husband, Landon; sister,
Sheila Blackwell; three grandchildren, Alli Rae Jordan, Colton Jordan, Hannah Smith; sister-in-law,
Sherry Blackwell; niece, Michelle Blackwell, and great niece, Jordan Walley.
Special Thanks to Hospice Ministries, Sherry Britt, Iris Waldrop and Virginia Collins.
Joseph William “Bill” Gustafson
Mr. Joseph William “Bill” Gustafson, born December 15, 1929 in Salina, Kansas, passed from this life November 25, 2019, to reunite with his wife of 70 years, Thelma Louise, who passed away May 20, 2017.
He was a commercial baker by trade and enjoyed fishing, bowling, and woodworking in his spare time.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Louise Gustafson and his parents, Carl Gustafson and Vivian Hoffman Gustafson.
He is survived by his son, Bill Gustafson, Jr. of Brookhaven, MS and daughters, Linda L. Hartman of Brookhaven, MS and Susan I. Gonzales of Grand Rapids, MI; four grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and four great, great grandchildren. He is also survived by his uncle, Harry Hoffman of Salina, KS.
Roger William McCaffrey
Services for Mr. Roger William McCaffrey of Bogue Chitto 2:00 pm, Saturday November 30, 2019, at Riverwood.
Visitation is from 12:00 until time of the service.
Mr. Roger William McCaffrey, 68, passed away November 25, 2019, at his home.
He was born on October 24, 1951, to L.W. “Dub” McCaffrey and Joyce Elaine Cade.
Roger was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He worked in the oilfield from 1970 until his retirement in 2001,
and then as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Brookhaven until 2019. He loved hunting, fishing and horse-trading.
Roger loved his work and helping anyone in need and didn’t expect anything in return, only wanting them to “pay it forward.”
He considered his friends as his family. His longtime friends were Odel Ballard and Danny Porter.
Preceding him in death were his father; and daughter, Robin Marie McCaffrey.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Debra K Robbins McCaffrey; mother,
Joyce Elaine Cade; daughters, Rebecca R. James and husband, Erick, Rhonda L. Laird, and husband, Robert;
four grandchildren, Steven L. Maxie, George M. Maxie, Sarah M. James and Elijah Lee James; brothers, Teddie Joe (T.J.)
McCaffrey and wife Patricia and Randy L. McCaffrey and wife Theresa and he was also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Irma Jean Smith
The funeral service for Mrs. Irma Jean Smith will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at Riverwood Family, with interment at Hawkins Cemetery.
Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, November 26, at Riverwood, and will resume Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Smith, 84, of Brookhaven, passed from this life, with her loving family by her side, and entered eternal life on November 25, 2019.
She was born in Wesson, MS, August 14, 1935, to her parents, Howell Lee Smith and Pinkie Victoria Smith. Mrs. Irma was a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ and served through her membership at Hawkins Chapel United Methodist Church. She enjoyed cooking and serving her family and friends
and she also enjoyed planting and growing flowers. Her greatest joy was her family and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Prentiss B. Smith, Jr.; parents; sons, Prentiss Randall Smith and John Howell Smith; sister, Maxine Smith;
and brother Delton Smith.
Those left to cherish her memory are, her daughters, Gena Hart (David) and Jan Delaughter; five grandchildren, Matthew Delaughter (Annie),
Megan Jarancik (Philip), Kristin Beach (Shelby), Whitney Jackson, Brooke Keene (Travis); and ten great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Immanuel Community Church,
6137 Arts Street, New Orleans, LA 70122
Olivia Marie Kirk Morris
A Memorial Gathering will be held for Olivia Marie (Kirk) Morris at 2:00 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2019,
at Riverwood Family Funeral Service with visitation from 1:30 until time of service.
Olivia, 33, of Brookhaven, passed away November 24, 2019. She was born on August 6, 1986.
Olivia was a member of Heucks Retreat Baptist Church.
Preceding her in death was her father, Dr. Ken Kirk.
Those left to cherish her memory are her mother, Pam Kirk; daughter, Josie Marie Morris;
brothers, Lt. Kevin Kirk, Dr. Alden Kirk and wife, Dr. Kecia Kirk.
Elizabeth Jane Holland Hawkins
The funeral service for Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Holland Hawkins will be 6 p.m., Monday, November 25, 2019, at Bude Church Of God with visitation from 3 p.m. until time of the service. Interment will be at Bude Church of God Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2019.
Mrs. Hawkins, 70, of Meadville, went to be with her Lord on November 23, 2019. She was born April 15, 1949 in Natchez, MS, to her parents, James Owen Holland and Gloria Lea Hester Holland. She was a member of Bude Church of God.
Mrs Hawkins, spent her career working for the United States Postal Service and retired after many years of service. However, she did not spend her life only working. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends as often as she could. A life-long artist and learner, Elizabeth could often be found at book club, bridge, pottery classes, or in her studio painting. Among her many hobbies and interest, Elizabeth most enjoyed spending time with her family. She spent many happy hours spoiling her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Wayne Hawkins; father, James Owens Holland; Daughter, Cheri Hawkins.
She is survived by her daughter, Amy May (Jimmy); Mother, Gloria Lea Hester Holland; Three brothers, Bobby Holland, Farrell Holland, and Wendell Holland; grandsons, Justin May and Austin May. She also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Grady E. Boyd
The funeral service for Mr. Grady E. Boyd will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2019, at
Antioch Baptist Church, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m.
at Riverwood Family, Thursday, November 21.
Mr. Boyd, 82, of Brookhaven, passed from this life November 19, 2019, at his residence.
He was born September 22, 1937, to his parents, Alvin Boyd and Elcille Buie Boyd.
He was a graduate of Ruth High School and he was a member of Antioch Baptist Church
where he served as deacon for many years. Mr. Boyd had a career spanning 36 years,
in the Oilfield Service, working in drilling and wire lining as well as becoming the
manager over rental tools. He was also a farmer, working with cows and chickens.
He was a hard-working man who loved his family and did his best to provide
their every need. He will be missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie N. Boyd; his parents; and his father
and mother-in-law, Alfred and Ona Mae McGuffie.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Dusty Boyd and wife, Amanda; brother-in-law,
Don R. McGuffie; sister-in-law, Mary Agnes McGuffie; two grandchildren,
Danica Boyd and Bethany Hardy; and three great grandchildren, Gavin and
Baily Boyd and Rowan Hardy.
Fay Yvonne Gore Hollingsworth
Services for Mrs. Fay Yvonne Gore Hollingsworth of Burleson, Texas are 11:00 am Friday, November 22, 2019, at
Riverwood Family Funeral Service with visitation from 10:00 until time of service with burial
at Mt. Zion Church of Christ Cemetery in Brookhaven MS.
Mrs. Yvonne Hollingsworth, 89, went to be with her Lord on November 16, 2019, in Burleson, Texas.
She was born on August 31, 1930, to the late Isaac Wall Gore and Ora Estelle Crum Gore.
She was a member of the Greenwell Springs Church of Christ and was a cosmetologist.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Dennis G. Hollingsworth; brothers,
Bobby Gore and Clement Gore and sister, Sybil G. Lesage.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Rick Hollingsworth and wife, Alice.