Obituaries
James Castilaw
The funeral service for James Castilaw will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Victory Baptist Church with burial to follow at Victory Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 1:00 p.m. until time of service on Wednesday at the church.
James Castilaw, 90, of Brookhaven, died November 2, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven, MS on April 1, 1934, to Bill Castilaw and Bessie Walls Castilaw.
He was a member of Wellman Baptist Church and later Victory Baptist Church. James was a boiler maker and served as the business agent for the State of MS for twelve years. He felt great joy in doing things for others such as cutting grass or bush hogging a field. He would grow a large vegetable garden and give most of it away. Sometimes, he would drive to the Farmer’s Market in Jackson just to buy fruits and vegetables for family and friends. James loved the Lord and was a devoted husband, father, and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Juanita Castilaw; and sister, Faye Williamson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Randy Castilaw (Karen), Mark Castilaw (Katrina), and Regina Lynn Douglas; sister, Helen Thompson (Tommy); four grandchildren, Brandt Castilaw, Nikki Hynum, Shelly Castilaw, and Benjamin Douglas; and one great grandchild, Tucker Keith Hynum.
Artie Lee Lea
The funeral service for Artie Lee Lea, will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Riverwood Family with burial to follow at Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. The visitation will be 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Riverwood Family.
Artie Lee Lea, 92, of Brookhaven, died November 1, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven, MS, November 20, 1931, to Ealom Jarrette Hall and Allie Modell Waldrop.
Ms. Lea loved the Lord. She was faithful in her prayers and reading her bible daily. She loved her six children and was a great mother. She raised them in church and taught them how to love Jesus. She read bible stories to them as small children and never stopped telling them about the Lord.
Ms. Lea first worked at a garment factory in Gallman, MS, and at Stal Urban in Brookhaven, MS. She worked at Kings Daughters Medical Center as a nurse’s aide in the Emergency Room and all throughout the hospital. She furthered her career at the Lincoln County Health Department as a traveling nurse’s aide to help home bound patients with their baths. After two years, she worked inside the health department and retired from there. She lived her life for Jesus.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Lea; daughter, Sharon Lea; son, Ramsey Lea; grandson, Christopher Ramsey Lea; and great-great grandson, Owen Dean Runyan.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, David Lea (Judith), Laron Lea (Shellie), Gwen Wages (Steve), and Rufus Lea; twelve grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff at Deaconess Homecare and Hospice.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Annie Armstrong Mission Fund.
Shirley Faye Brent
The funeral service for Shirley Faye Brent will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 5, at Riverwood Family with burial in Cold Springs Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Monday evening at Riverwood and will resume Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Brent, 82, of Bogue Chitto, died October 31, 2024, at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, MS. She was born in Brookhaven, February 22, 1942, to Ernest Bowman and Audrey Nell Smith Bowman.
Mrs. Brent was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and was a faithful member of Cold Springs Church of Christ. Her family was very important to her, she cherished the time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her favorite “hobby” was traveling. She enjoyed many trips with her girlfriends. She also liked eating out when she could and her favorite spot was Bob’s Sandwich Shop, the home of the “flat hot dogs.” Mrs. Brent will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; maternal grandparents, Merle and Cora Jane Smith; paternal grandparents, Howard and Ida Roberts Bowman; and sister, Patricia Sisco.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 62 years, Jerry Joe Brent; children, Renae Lofton and DeeDee Lofton; brothers, Bobby Bowman (Bernadette), Ernest Bowman, Jr. (Deloris), Merle Bowman (Becky), and Duke Bowman; sister, Becky Butler; five grandchildren, Lee Clark (Allison), Tyler Lofton (Danielle), Taylor Holden (Chance), Curtis Dean Lofton, Jr. (Mackenzie), Olivia Lofton (Bregan); and seven great grandchildren, Karsyn McMillon, John Ransom Clark, Bryder Verdin, Cooper Holden, Amelia Lofton, Kendal Verdin, Chan Holden. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Southwest Regional Medical Center ICU staff for their compassionate care during Mrs. Brent’s illness.
Sylvia Ann Redd Morgan
The Funeral Service for Sylvia Ann Redd Morgan will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Riverwood Family, with burial to follow at Cold Springs Church of Christ Cemetery. The visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Riverwood Family.
Ms. Morgan, 83, of Bogue Chitto, died October 29, 2024, at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven. She was born in Brookhaven, MS, on June 15, 1941, to Melvin Smith and Edith Ernestine Smith.
Ms. Morgan was a member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. She was an amazing seamstress. She loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She made the best sweet potato pie. She enjoyed sitting on her sun porch, looking out at God’s creation. Sylvia also loved to travel and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother- in-law, Zelmer and Willie Redd; husbands, Rembert M. Redd and G.G. Morgan; and sons, Timothy M Redd and Jeffrey B. Redd.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Denise Redd Cain (Stefan), Tammy Redd Williford (Billy), and Christopher Redd (Shirley), daughter-in-law, Pennie Redd; sister, Brenda Sue Moak (Landal); thirteen grandchildren, Heather Redd, Tori Moore (Danny), Amanda Lammert (Branden), Kyle Young, Grant Cain (Sarah), Matthew Cain (Bonnie), Keri Herndon (Billy), Buck Rawls, Katie Ann Rawls, Lucy Wallace (Zach), Lily Redd, Destiny Redd, and Levi Redd (Savannah); and twenty-three great grandchildren. She is also survived by three stepsons, Keith Morgan, Kyle Morgan (Amy), and Kirk Morgan (Dayna) along with their children; best friends, Sue Parvin and Myrtis Rollings; and special nephew, Coly Smith.
The family would like to express appreciation to Accent Care, Summit Health and Rehab, and KDMC ER.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cold Springs Cemetery Fund, 1918 Cold Springs Ln Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.
Shirley Faye Stewart King
The funeral service for Shirley Faye Stewart King will be 11:30 a.m., Friday, November 1, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Thursday, October 31, at Riverwood, and will resume from 10:30 until the service on Friday.
Mrs. King was born on December 17, 1940, the only daughter of Harvey and Gladys Stewart. She retired from King’s Equipment, where she worked for many years. Mrs. King was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and she treasured her grandchildren and great grandchildren above all else. She enjoyed cooking for her family, and she also liked crocheting in her free time. Mrs. King completed her journey here and entered her eternal rest on October 30, 2024, she was 83 years of age.
She is preceded in death by her husband, George King, to whom she was married 60 years before his death; her parents; two grandsons, Kurt King and Edward King; brother, Howard Stewart; and sister-in-law, Frances Stewart.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Louise Alford (Ricky) and Harold King (Gay); one brother, Pete Stewart; four grandchildren, Charlie Alford (Mandy), Jonathon Alford, Kristi Lay (Glenn), Paige Alford Stockstill (Jeremy); four great grandchildren, Kaden Alford, Katy Rose Alford, Blaine Alford, and Allie Grace Alford. She is also survived by special friends, Bonnie Petty and Virginia “Jenny” Leggett as well as a host of other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to thank Hospice Compassus, Gena, Wendy, Heather, and Yogi, for their constant care of Mrs. King.
Opal Wroten Bowlin
The funeral service for Opal Annette Wroten Bowlin will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at New Salem Baptist Church, McCall Creek, MS. There is a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mrs. Bowlin, 74, of McCall Creek, stepped out of this world and into the arms of Jesus on October 25, 2024. She began her journey through this life on May 19, 1950, when she was born to S.E. Wroten and Ena Huffman Wroten. She worked for many years as secretary for First Baptist Church, Holly Springs, MS, as well as working with Home Health in Brookhaven.
Mrs. Bowlin was known by many names including mom, daughter, sister and Nana and was the greatest gift to all who loved her. To her husband, Joe, she was a loving wife and his best friend. She doted on her family. Mrs. Bowlin was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, and she served Him by serving so many others. She was actively involved in the local church as teacher, singing in the choir, working with Royal Ambassadors, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts, as well as serving as secretary. She was involved with Operation Christmas Child and enjoyed that ministry for the last ten years. Mrs. Opal was also a member of the Lion’s Club.
Mrs. Opal is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Mitchel Wroten.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 54 years, James V. “Joe” Bowlin; children, James K. “Jamie” Bowlin and Joseph Keith Bowlin (Elizabeth); sister, Charlotte Griffin (Butch); six grandchildren, John Bowlin, Taylor Bowlin, Noah Bowlin, Abby Bowlin, Leighanna Peets, Isabella Workman; brother and sister-in-law, Dave and Pat Bowlin. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
The Bowlin family would like to extend a very special thank you to Accent Care and At Home Care (Violet) for their years of devotion to Opal. We would also like to thank her sister Charlotte for her dedication to Opal.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Operation Christmas Child through Meadville Methodist Church, P.O. Box 548, Meadville, MS 39653, please mark as “OCC”.
John F. Monahan
Mr. John F. Monahan, 83, passed away October 23, 2024, at his home in Brookhaven.
He was born on February 6, 1941, in Boston MA to the late George Monahan and Catherine Campbell Monahan.
Mr. Monahan served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was retired from Chevron.
Preceding him in death are his parents; his wife Peggy Rogers Monahan; son, James Anthony “Tony” Monahan and his mother-in-law, Lida Tad Rogers.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Kathy (Mike); two grandchildren, Katie Lagrone (Chad) and Emily McBeath (Will) along with seven great grandchildren, Hayes Lagrone, James Lagrone, William McBeath, Clark Lagrone, Jones McBeath, John McBeath and Mary Mills McBeath.
The family would like to thank his hospice nurse, Courtney from St. Luke & nurses aid Ms. Denise and nurse with Accent Care, Tammy. They were all blessings to him and our family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, Blair Batson or Sunnybrook Children’s Home.
He will have a private graveside service
Clyde Ervin Moak
The Funeral service for Clyde Ervin Moak will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Riverwood Family with burial at Montgomery Baptist Church Cemetery. The visitation will be 11:00 – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, also at Riverwood Family.
Clyde Ervin Moak, 81, of Bogue Chitto, MS, passed away October 23, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Lincoln County, MS, April 17, 1943, to Troy Emerson Moak and Veda Grace Moak.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Curtis Edward Moak and Claude Everett Moak; sisters, Sarah Ether Adams and Etta Fay Anderson.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Bonnie Ann Adams Moak; children, Debbie Roberts (Clay) and Stacy Simmons (Ray); brothers, Carroll Moak (Dorothy), Calvin Moak (Bernita), Charles Moak (Cynthia), Gene Moak, and Ellis Moak (Lyndia); sister, Winnie Nell Dunaway; four grandchildren, Brock Roberts (Heather), Reid Simmons, Haley King (Jonathan), and Morgan McKee (Ty); and ten great-grandchildren, Bella McKee, Jagger McKee, Fletcher McKee, Annlyn King, Kynnedi King, Briggs King, Logan Roberts, Eliza Roberts, Maeleigh Roberts, and Nash Roberts. He is also survived by his sister in laws, Sue Leggett (Randy), Darlene Moak, and Jody Adams; brother-in-law, Jerry Adams; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Lola Lee McGrew
Graveside service for Lola Lee McGrew will be 10 a.m., Saturday, October 26, in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. McGrew, 72, of Pike County, died Friday, October 18, 2024. She was born January 12, 1952, to Jewell McDaniel and Lucille Thornhill McDaniel.
Mrs. McGrew is preceded in death by her husband, James McGrew and her parents.
She is survived by her brother, Danny McDaniel and two stepdaughters, Martha McGrew and Karen Redd McGrew.
Bonnie Lou Varnado
The funeral service for Bonnie Lou Varnado will be 10 a.m., Friday, October 25, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, October 24, at Riverwood.
Mrs. Varnado, 54, of Bogue Chitto, died October 21, 2024, at her residence. She was born May 29, 1970, to James Willie Moore and Shirley Nell Fuller Moore. She worked in the City of Brookhaven School District in the School Cafeteria Department for many years. Bonnie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Willie Earl Moore, Billy Wayne Moore, Andrew Moore, Kenneth Moore, and Chad Moore; and sisters, Tammy Nell Jordan and Penny Bailey.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her husband of 23 years, Gary Varnado; children, Becky Kemph, Kimberly Mason, and Phillip Kemph; stepdaughter, Chelsea Faye Varnado; twin sister, Connie Sue Moore, and sisters, Sharon Jackson (David) and Alice Faye Moore. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and her good friend, Judy Smith as well as other loving family members and friends.
