Obituaries
Lena Kelly Wactor
Funeral service for Lena Kelly Wactor will be 2 p.m., Thursday, October 20, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Bogue Chitto Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until time of service on Thursday.
Mrs. Wactor, 99, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life October 15, 2022. She was born in Raleigh, MS August 15, 1923. She worked for Bell South before beginning her own business, Chic-N-Fish. She was a devoted caregiver for her son Jack Wactor, Jr. She loved to cook and work with ceramics. Mrs. Wactor will be greatly missed by her family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wactor and her son, Jack Lee Wactor, Jr.
She is survived by her daughter, Amy Hart, three grandchildren, Courtney Speetjen, Austin Hart, Haylee Hart, and two great grandchildren, Taylor Swanson and Logan Swanson. She is also survived by special friends, Mary Moak, Betty Moak, Doris Lyons, Tammy Crosby, and Linda Cook as well as caregivers, Helen Richardson and Joseph Tubs.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Aspen for their expert care of Mrs. Wactor.
Margaret Ann Hickman Van Norman
Graveside service for Margaret Ann Hickman Van Norman will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Van Norman, 73, of Brookhaven, passed from this life October 16, 2022. She was born in Brookhaven, MS, January 7, 1949, to John Virgil Hickman Jr. and Floye Lorene Jones.
She was a loving mother, wife, and grandmother. She loved traveling across the United States going to flea markets. She also enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together. She worked for Blue Bell Ice Cream before retiring, putting out that delicious ice cream everyone loves. She also loved her cats.
Mrs. Van Norman is preceded in death by her mother, Floye McLelland (Bernard); dad, John Virgil Hickman, Jr.; her husband, Claude Wayne VanNorman; and brother, John “Buster” Hickman.
Those left to cherish her memory are her only child, Chauncey Wayne Van Norman and wife, Nicole; granddaughters, Haley Van Norman and Breanna “Bree” Van Norman; sister-in-law, Lynn Davis and husband, Iddo; brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Van Norman and wife, Rita; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Mrs. Van Norman’s family would like to personally thank the Beehive Personal Care Home and all their loving staff as well as her personal sitter, Mattie. We greatly appreciate all that you did.
Don E. Bailey
Graveside service for Mr. Don E. Bailey will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, in the Arlington Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Bailey, 66, of Summit, MS, passed from this life, October 14, 2022 at his residence in Summit. He was born in Brookhaven, MS, February 24, 1956, to Wiley Jackson Bailey and Nola Mae Adams Bailey. He was employed with Cornwell Well Services.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Laken Michelle Bailey Kennedy; and his brother, David Bailey.
He is survived by his daughter, Tiffany Diane Bowman and husband, Randy; sisters, Louise Davis and Erma Posey; three grandchildren, Bailey Smith, Sierra Bowman, and Carter Bowman; and one great granddaughter, McKenna Smith. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Dr. Kent Kyzar
Services for Dr. Kent Como Kyzar of Ruth are 2:00 pm, Monday, October 17, 2022, at Riverwood with visitation from 12:00 until the time of service.
Interment will follow at Topisaw Baptist Church Cemetery.
Dr. Kent Kyzar, 69, passed away on October 14, 2022. He was born on May 6, 1953, in Brookhaven, to the late Issac Delton (I.D.) Kyzar, Jr. & Helen Smith Kyzar.
Dr. Kent Kyzar was a family medical specialist in Tylertown, MS and had 38 years of experience in the medical field. He was affiliated with Walthall County Hospital. He cherished his relationship with his patients and co-workers through the years.
During his years of practice, his patients referred to him as a kind, caring, and compassionate physician. His colleagues said he was skillful in the science of medical practice and understood the art of medicine dealing with each patient.
He loved to fish in his younger years. He had a love for music, enjoyed playing the guitar and interacting with his friends in the Vinyl Chambers Group. Some referred to him as a ZZ Doc.
He was a Mason in good standing with the Topisaw Lodge 413.
His children made him proud with their accomplishments, and he loved them dearly.
Ever the brilliant man, he mastered several languages, including Japanese and German and enjoyed traveling to Japan with his children to explore their culture and cuisine.
He graduated from Brookhaven Academy, later attending Millsaps College and Mississippi State University. He later studied at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and acquired a Doctorate of Medicine in 1984, moving to Macon, Georgia for his residency. He moved to Yazoo City, MS soon afterwards, working in the private practice for several years, and moved back to Brookhaven to raise his children and worked at several health clinics in the area.
Dr. Kent is survived by his son, Michael Kent Kyzar; daughter: Kelly Jo Kyzar and sister, Penny Hodges and husband Kevin; along with one niece and nephew; and one great niece and two great nephews and beloved cousins.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to an angel Donna Marie for caring for Kent during his final days and to his cousin Marco whom Kent saw as a brother. He dearly loved his family, friends, co-workers, and his little dog Tesla.
Diane Marie Turba
Mrs. Diane Marie Turba, 66, of Brookhaven, passed from this life October 13, 2022. She was born in Grand Rapids, MI, June 7, 1956, to Donald Russell Nitz and Wanda Joan Barton Nitz.
Mrs. Turba was a loving wife and grandmother. Her career includes banking, investment banking, executive assistant to CEO, managing a leveraged buyout, marketing to various companies, Equestrian, involving jumping, managing a thoroughbred farm, feeding and assisting in foaling; breeder of the Airedale Terrier with a national and international reputation, and has won the most prestigious award of the Airedale Terrier Bowl.
Memorials may be made to the Airedale Terrier Bowl, at the ATCA (Airedale.org) or to a charity of your choice.
Mrs. Turba is preceded in death by Cathryn May Schmidt, Arthur Fred Schmidt, Arthor Rowe, and Bulah Rowe.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, John Edward Turba; stepsons, John E. Turba Jr. and wife, Ashley, and Ronald David Turba and wife, Laura; parents; Donald and Joan Nitz; brothers, David Michael Nitz, Douglas Arthur Nitz; sisters, Jane Ellen Bolander, Linda Kay Guinn; seven grandchildren, Eliana Grace Turba, Annabelle Brooke Turba, John E. Turba III, Alyssia Maldonado, Hannah Rose Turba, Joshua Ronald Turba, and Caleb John Turba.
A Celebration of Life for Diane Marie Turba will be held 1 p.m. CST, Saturday, October 29, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas, and will be live streamed on Roller-Chenal Face Book page. Interment will follow in the Turba Family Plot at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. A visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. CST, Friday October 28.
There will be a visitation from 6-8 p.m. CST, Wednesday, October 19, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in Brookhaven, Mississippi.
Hotels available for the convenience of family and friends:
Embassy Suites 11301 Financial Center Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, 501-312-9000; Home 2 Suites 2710 S. Shackleford Rd, Little Rock, AR 72205, 501-588-3000; Burgundy Hotel 1501 Merrill Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211, 501-224-8051; Aloft Little Rock West 716 Rahling Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223, 501-791-999
Michael Anthony Nohle
Funeral service for Michael Anthony Nohle will be 11 a.m., Friday, October 21, 2022, at Friendship Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Thursday, October 20, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 10 a.m. until time of service Friday.
Mr. Nohle, 38, of Rockford, Illinois, passed from this life October 10, 2022. He was born in Houston, Texas, November 12, 1983, to Miguel Antonio Nohle and Patricia Elaine Case Nohle. Michael was a 2002 graduate of Loyd Star Attendance Center and proud daddy to his kids. He was known as a “gentle giant” to many of his friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, Cesar and Fanny Nohle and Neita Faye and Frank Jacobs.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his children, Hollie Maria Nohle, and her mother, Christina Gorton, Madelyn Lannette Nohle and Landon Antonio Nohle and their mother, Brianna Nohle; sisters, Daphne L. Montgomery (Tarry), Monica N. Bowman (Jason); his mother, Pat Nohle; nephews, Jordan Montgomery, Jayce Bowman, Jaxon Montgomery; and niece, Cara Bowman. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
As an organ donor, Mr. Nohle’s family requests that any charitable donations be made to an organ donation organization of your choice.
Laurie Fauver Goetz
Visitation 10:00-12:00 pm, Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with graveside service to follow at Church Cemetery.
Laurie Fauver Goetz, with her family gathered, vacated her earthly body and entered heaven on October 12, 2022. Mrs. Goetz was born on December 31, 1937, to the late Percy Fauver and Alta Case Fauver. She was married to her love, Tom Goetz for 52 years. She was the loving mother of Terry (Becky) Goetz, and Gale (Garland) Boyd. Her grandchildren are Aaron (Angie) Getz, Jessica (Jacob) Smith, Sarah Brinkley, Kallie (Clint) Scott, and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Edwin Fauver. Laurie was preceded in death by her parents.
Laurie was born on a cold, New Year's Eve night in a one-room shack in the Pleasant Grove community. She grew up dirt-poor. Both parents worked hard in the fields. Her mother milked a Jersey cow that provided plenty of milk and butter. Backyard chickens supplied eggs and an occasional Sunday dinner.
Laurie was tall (5-8) and leather tough. She was recruited out of the eighth grade to play defense for the West Lincoln Lady Bears basketball team. They had a successful season and reached the state tournament semifinals her senior year.
Laurie had a kind and gentle heart. She was a great listener, counselor and encourager to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She kept a pantry stocked with honeybuns and Yoo-Hoo chocolate drinks, and a dry sink loaded with a variety of candy and cookies.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren would tell their parents, “We want to go to Momo's.” She would welcome each of them with open arms. There were generous hugs and kisses for all of them.
A Honda Side-by-Side, purchased last winter, enabled Laurie to cross the pond levee for quick visits to her granddaughters, Jessica and Kallie. She would take turns riding the great-grandchildren around. She would take them on adventures through the woods, teaching them about birds, flowers, and trees.
Most of all, she told them about God and his creation. Her highest goal was to lead them all to salvation in Jesus Christ. She was a prayer-warrior who prayed without ceasing for her family. She was a vivid example of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Laurie was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school for over 50 years. She began teaching children and would have Bible quizzes in class with the “saints” competing against the “angels.” She made sure the children learned more about the Bible and how to pray.
Later in life, Laurie began a women's Sunday School Class and would spend hours at home, researching, and preparing lessons. She loved God's Holy Word and shared it with much enthusiasm.
She loved flowers and had a green thumb. She transformed her backyard into a beautiful flower garden, caring for 50 potted plants on her back deck. She could spend hours praising the natural beauty of God’s creation.
Laurie will be greatly missed by her family and friends. But each one takes comfort in the assurance that she is present with her Lord and Savior whom she loved and served.
Danny Stewart Williams
Funeral service for Mr. Danny Stewart Williams will be Noon, Thursday, October 13, at Wellman Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Rev. Jeff Davis will officiate.
Mr. Williams, 60, of Jayess, passed from this life October 11, 2022, at his residence with his family close by his side. He was born June 6, 1962, in Brookhaven, MS, to Stewart “Skip” Williams and Mervyn Inell Nations Williams. He was employed as a Boiler Maker. Mr. Williams was a loving husband, dad, and grandfather, his greatest achievement was knowing that his children and grandchildren were happy and thriving. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting on the porch and just enjoying the company of family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Angie Williams; children, Nathan Williams and wife, Jorianne, Jordan Kennedy and husband, Ryan, Leila Jackson and husband, Lindsey, Lori Cantrell, and Logan Cantrell; brother, Dale Williams; sisters, Donna Porter and husband, Wayne, Dena Leonard and husband, Randy, Debbie Patterson and husband, Bill; eight grandchildren, Preston and Josie Kennedy, Kinsley and Kennedi Pruden, Rylie Williams, Zaine and Everly Jackson, and Sofia Cantrell. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Mamie Yvonne Smith Burns
Funeral service for Mamie Yvonne Smith Burns will be 2 p.m., Monday, October 10, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday, at Riverwood.
Mrs. Burns, 89, of Brookhaven, passed from her earthly home on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at her residence. She was born in the Enterprise community on March 24, 1933, to Marvin and Mamie Dell Smith. Mrs. Burns graduated from Enterprise School in 1951 but not before she eloped with the love of her life, Devoy. When he died at a very early age, she never remarried or even considered it but devoted her life to raising her girls with the help of her parents. Mrs. Burns was a door greeter at Wal-Mart and retired at age 81. She may not remember your name but never forgot a face and was delighted when she saw someone from her Walmart days.
Not like other women of her time, she wasn’t fond of cooking, handwork, etc. but loved to eat out, shop, and spend time with her family. She loved desserts the most and at any family gathering she had to sample every dessert. She had a passion for watching television but her tv was only on at night.
She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Devoy Burns; and her brother, Gerald Smith.
Those left to cherish her memories are her daughters, Marilyn Laverne Greer (Hilton); Debbie Thompson (David); three grandchildren, Olivia Greer, Nick Thompson (Brittany), and Ashley Williams (Kyle); five great-grandchildren, Ella Williams, Ava Williams, Hollee Thompson, Jackson Williams, and Taylor Thompson.
Kenneth Thornton
A memorial service will be held for Ken Thornton on October 16th' at 588 School House Road in Pinola, MS with Brother Earl Clark officiating.
Ken, a resident of The Village of Beauregard in Copiah County, was preceded in death by parents, Ebb "Bill" and Iona Sorey Thornton, and brother, Jimmy. Ken was born 1946 May 01 in Raleigh, MS and gained his wings on September 28 in McComb with his wife by his side.
Pop Ken, as everyone has known him since his first grandson gave him the nickname in 1981, is survived by his wife of 54 years, Doris Lee Thornton, sons, Brad Thornton, Lee Bairfield, his daughter, Michell Bairfield Brooks, and her husband, Tom Brooks. Pop Ken's grandchildren and their families, in order of birth: grandson, Ty Brooks, Tiffany Strain Brooks, Drew Brooks, Abigail Brooks; granddaughter, Valorie Brooks Barlow, Casey Barlow, Gavin Brogden, Jaxon
Barlow, Nolan Barlow; granddaughter, Kaylee Bairfield Silvan, Jose Silvan, Blaine Tarver, Cooper Tarver, Laiken Tarver, Isabelle Silvan; grandson, LeeBo Bairfield, Lauren Smith Bairfield, and Tucker; grandson, Connor Bairfield, Candace McKinley, and Mason; granddaughter, Madelynn Thornton, grandson, Eli Thornton, and Jessica Williams Hutchinson, mother of Madelynn and Eli. Also, his brother, Aaron (Diane) Thornton, his sisters by marriage Rachel Hayes, Joyce Jones, Ann (Dave) Johnson, his brother by marriage, Tommy (Karen) Lee, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Ken. a Vietnam Veteran, attended Pinola High School and enlisted in the US Army in 1966. Staff Sergeant Thornton married Doris while on leave in Mississippi and took his new family, Doris, Michelle, and Lee back to Fort Bragg, NC, where they resided until he was honorably discharged in 1973. The family settled
in New Hebron and Brad joined the family in 1980. Ken worked all over the world as a Sub Sea Engineer in the oil industry before retiring in 2015. Pop loved taking his family camping, boating, and hunting until his health no longer allowed him to enjoy those activities. The last few years he found another hobby working as the Bailiff on Election Day in the Wesson Precinct with his daughter, Michelle.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Southwest Mississippi Medical Center for taking excellent care of Pop during his final days on Earth.
In lieu of flowers, please, donate to the Disabled American Veterans or the charity of your choice.
