Obituaries
Clara Louise Ezell Jackson
Services for Mrs. Clara Louise Ezell Jackson of Brookhaven are at 11:00 am, Monday, June 17, 2024, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:30 am until the time of the service. Burial will be at New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Clara Louise Ezell Jackson, 97, passed away on June 12, 2024, at her residence.
She was born on December 13, 1926, to the late Henry and Addie Ezell.
Clara enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, cooking, gardening, flowers, and reading. She also enjoyed playing the piano and harmonica.
Preceding her in death were her husband, A.C. Jackson, parents; grandson, Brad Porter, and 12 brothers and sisters.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Brenda Williams and her husband, David, Charlotte Porter, Bryant Jackson, Jackie Jackson, and Teddy Jackson and wife Jennifer, brother, Charlie Ezell and sister, Rose Forrest.
She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
She will be missed by all who loved her.
Clara Margaret Brooks Dampier
Memorial graveside service for Clara Margaret Dampier will be 10 a.m., Saturday, July 13, at Monticello City Cemetery.
Clara Margaret Brooks Dampier was born on May 24, 1953, in Brookhaven, MS, to James Woodrow “Jimmy” Brooks and Nancy Merle Blackwell Brooks.
Margaret was a graduate of the Monticello Red Devils and pursued a career in Cosmetology. She was a licensed cosmetologist for over five decades. Margaret was passionate about her career and most of her clientele became more like her family. Margaret had the pleasure of working beside many talented ladies throughout her career and each held a special place in her heart.
She was an avid reader but also enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports. Margaret was a gracious and loving family person. She found great joy in everything she did, and always with a beautiful smile.
Margaret wed the love of her life, Virgil Hoyt Dampier, on July 27, 1979. The two built a beautiful life together over 45 years on the banks of Halls Creek and raised two beautiful daughters, Randi Dampier Criswell and Robbi Dampier Gordon.
Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Nancy Brooks; in-laws, Jerry and Bonnie Dampier; and a host of family and friends.
Margaret is survived by her husband, Hoyt, of 45 years; daughters, Randi Criswell (Toby) of Monticello, MS and Robbi Gordon (Andrew) of Ruth, MS; grandchildren, Lillee and Jon-Ross Criswell, Brownlee and Brooks Gordon, and Molleigh Evans; and a host of other family and friends.
Margaret loved her family dearly, but she loved the Lord more. She was ready to go to her Heavenly Home, and oh what a reunion that was!
Carl Eugene Morgan
A memorial service will be held for Carl Eugene Morgan, 11 a.m., Saturday June 15, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Mr. Morgan, 66, of Bogue Chitto, died May 27, 2024. He was born in McComb, MS, August 22, 1958, to Edzel Eugene Morgan and Gloria Faye Moak Morgan.
Gene was an elder in the Brookhaven Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He kept very busy in his theocratic duties and preaching the “Good News of Jesus Christ”. Several years ago, he began experiencing health issues and in January 2024, was confined to a hospital bed.
Many thanks to the friends for the calls, visits, prayers, and gifts of love. Also, appreciation is expressed to his nurses, Heidi Cain, Jasmine and Drew.
Brother Gene Morgan was a living example of 2 Corinthians 4:16. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 27 years, Rose Mary Dickerson Morgan; children, Austin Morgan (Brittany), Lauren Stegall (Keith); six grandchildren; and his spiritual brother and loving friend, J.D. Lyons.
Eddie Plez Reynolds, Sr.
The memorial service for Eddie Plez Reynolds, Sr will be Noon, Friday, June 14, at Topeka Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Reynolds, 86, of Jayess, MS, died June 10, 2024, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. He was born in Ruth, MS, on August 25, 1937, to William and Ruby Reynolds. He was employed as a truck driver for many years. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing or hunting, as well as caring for his antique cars. His greatest treasure was family and spending time with them was the most important thing, especially his precious grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
Mr. Reynolds is preceded in death by his wife, Wanzie Reynolds; parents; son, Richard Reynolds; daughter, Debbie McPhail; son-in-law, Jessie McPhail; great grandson, Blaine Reynolds; and sisters, Linda McRaney and Mary Freeman.
He is survived by his children, Eddie Plez Reynolds, Jr. (Dawanna) and Raymond Reynolds; brothers, Billy Reynolds, George Reynolds, and Willie Reynolds and Dale King (Sally); sister, Pearl ; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, along with a host other loving family members.
Jessie Leroy McPhail
Memorial service for Jessie Leroy McPhail will be 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, at Topeka Baptist Church. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Jessie Leroy McPhail, 68, of Jayess, MS, died June 9, 2024, in Forest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. He was born in Jefferson Davis, MS June 25, 1955, to Leroy McPhail and Rita Mae Delancey McPhail.
Mr. McPhail was a loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a very caring person, helping anyone in need. His hobbies included writing poetry, playing billiards, drawing, and working outdoors. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Debbie McPhail; parents; daughter, Brandi Ulmer; and sisters, Jean Norris and Patsy Schoenfeld.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Tara Dyess, Dametaris Pyle, and Jessica McPhail; brothers, Keith McPhail, Jimmy McPhail; sister, Faye McPhail Jackson; and five grandchildren, Taylor Barrett, Kaitie Rose Barrett, Hunter Barrett, Logan Parkman, and Lyla Frye. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Wanda Kaye Speights Daley
Services for Ms. Wanda Kaye Speights Daley from Monticello are at 2:00 pm Monday, June 10, 2024, at New Life Church in Monticello, with visitation from 11:00 until the time of service.
The burial will be at Oakvale Baptist Church Cemetery in Oakvale. Bro. Jay Thompson will officiate the services with Riverwood Family Funeral Services in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Wanda Kaye Speights Daley, 68, passed away on June 6, 2024, at Southwest Medical Center of McComb.
She was born March 6, 1956, in Jackson, Mississippi to Horace Jr. and Lavon Speights.
Ms. Wanda was called mama, granny, Aunt Kaykay, a loyal friend, and a faithful follower of Christ. She will be remembered as a talented pianist, great cook, attentive listener, and for all the phone calls. She loved her church family at New Life. She loved keeping up with friends and family. She loved others no matter what and she prayed for everyone every day. Her faith moved mountains! Despite any struggle she had on earth she had hope through salvation in Jesus. Her joyful smile will be missed.
Those preceding her in death are her parents, Horace (Junior) and Ilyss Speights, and Lavon and Bill Griffis; and Brother James Carol (Slick) Speights and Sister, Janice Ann Davis, grand-daughter, Maci Lynn Mason.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children; Angela Kaye Jordan (Gary), Terri Lynn Daley, Justin Daley (Katie) all of Monticello, Grandchildren, Jayla Mason, Brandon Jordan (Lisha), Karlie Jordan, Rose Mason, Maci Daley, Molly Sue Mason, Micah Daley, Magnolia Daley, Madilyn Daley, Maddox (kk) Daley, Great-Grand, Lizzy Channell, Shelbi Channell, Bella Goodman, Eli Goodman; Brothers, Ricky Speights (Debbie) of Hattiesburg, and Thomas Griffis of Forest, LA; Sister, Theresa Brantley (Perry) of Forest, LA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to New Life Church Building Fund, 1093 F E Sellers Hwy, Monticello, MS 39654.
Christopher Lee Reed
Christopher Lee Reed, 33, of Monticello, passed away on June 5, 2024.
He was born on September 14, 1990, to the late Marty Herbert Reed and Jackie Wynett Herrington Reed.
Christopher loved to have a good time. He loved to cook and eat good food.
One of his favorite pastimes was riding the river. He could never sit still for long, he was always moving, always on the go. And he always made people laugh, he wanted to see others smiling and having a good time.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marty and Jackie, and grandparents, Joann and Larry Haines.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Blake Reed, Landon Ledet, and Jacie Durr; brother, Peyton Bennett and sisters Christina Walker and Sabrina Reed.
And grandmother, Delma Varner, and many loving aunts uncles, and cousins.
He will be missed by all who loved him.
Johnny Wayne Dillon
Services for Mr. Johnny Wayne Dillon from Meadville are at 11:00 am Friday, June 7, 2024, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 10:00 until the time of service.
The burial will be at Midway Cemetery in Meadville.
Mr. Johnny Wayne Dillon, 68, passed away on June 4, 2024, at Meadville Convalescent Home.
He was born on December 1, 1955, to the late Johnny Harrison Dillon and Dorothy Jackson Dillon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kim Cupit, and sister Joyce Gilbert.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 29 years, Paula Dillon; children, Matt Dillon, Heath Oglesby, and Jonathan Myers; ten grandchildren, Neal Oglesby, Machell Oglesby, Shane Oglesby, Annah Oglesby, Emily Delozier, Tyler Cupit, Ian Dillon, Macy Dillon, Charlie, Meredith Myers, and three great-grandchildren, Benji Huxleigh and Kaiser.
He will be missed by all who loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Tunnels for Towers
Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.
Doris Aline Thompson Granberry
The funeral service for Doris Aline Thompson Granberry will be Noon on Saturday, June 8, at Riverwood Family with burial in Wesson Cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Granberry, 101, of Bogue Chitto, completed her journey here and entered her eternal home, Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Silver Cross Nursing Center in Brookhaven. She was born April 16, 1923, to Lee Thompson and Maggie Case Thompson. She was a compassionate, loving, and caring wife, mother and grandmother. Family was of the greatest importance to her. She was also employed with the Potter Company in Wesson and Ruth’s Fashion in Wesson.
Mrs. Granberry accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age and became a member of Sylverina Baptist Church in Wesson, where she attended until she married her husband, Lee Granberry, September 26, 1941. She then became a member of the Methodist Church and served alongside her husband, of whom she was married 53 years until his death.
She loved the Lord and made sure her family always attended church. She loved to sing and was a member of the choirs at Decell Methodist Church in Wesson, Lone Star Methodist Church in Prentiss, and Jackson Street Methodist Church in Brookhaven. She was devoted to the Lord’s Church, whichever one she attended.
She loved to bake and cook for her family and would set her table a week in advance, excited to serve others. Mrs. Granberry was a gracious hostess and never allowed her guests to go without.
She is preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Maxine T. April and Sybil T. Hayman; and two grandsons, Taylor McInnis Granberry and Michael Joe Burns, Jr.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her children, Dennis L. Granberry (Erin) of Hattiesburg, MS, Dona Allyson Burns (Joe) of Bogue Chitto, MS, and Brad Granberry of Gulf Shores, AL; grandsons, Craig Burns of Bogue Chitto, MS, Jace Granberry (Maygan) of Madison, MS, Josh Granberry also of Madison, MS, Lee Granberry (Kaitlin) of Sumrall, MS, and Eric Granberry of New Orleans, LA; 11 great grandchildren, four great, great grandchildren; and a host of other loving family members and friends she has met over the years, who will greatly miss her.
The family would like to thank the staff and workers of Silver Cross Nursing Home and Arden Hospice who provided excellent care for Mrs. Granberry. She was never treated with anything less than respect and value.
Roger Max Neal
Services for Mr. Roger Max Neal of Monticello are at 3:00 pm, Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Pleasant Grove Church with visitation from 1:00 until the time of service and burial at the church cemetery.
Mr. Roger Max Neal, 79, passed away on June 4, 2024, at his residence. He was born on June 27, 1944, to the late Walter Max Neal and Gladys King Neal.
Mr. Neal was retired from AT&T. He loved tending to his cows on his farm and watching all his grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents; sister, Cheryl McGrew, and nephew Scotty Sanders.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Fannie Lou Neal; children, Jody Neal (Susan), Tina Kirkland (Wayne), Robin Lambert (Chad), and Kenny Neal (Pam); sister, Rita Wallace; along with his 10 grandchildren, Raylea Lambert, Kayla Oakes, Joseph Neal, Justin Neal, Cheyenne Waldrop, Alyssa Brister,
Trey Kirkland, Maddux Kirkland, Anna Dunaway, Angela Neal, and his eight great-grandchildren.
