Obituaries
Edward “Ed” Gove, Jr.
Edward “Ed” Gove, Jr., 93, died at The Aspen assisted living community in Brookhaven, MS, on January 20, 2022.
In addition to being a kind, generous, and widely respected businessman, philanthropist, and volunteer,
Ed was a loving husband to Jan Gove for 65 years, and a devoted father and grandfather to his beloved family.
He loved spending time with his family and fondly remembered many vacations spent in Bath, ME, Ocean City, NJ,
and Fort Walton Beach, FL. He was a lifelong trainspotter, model railroader, and train travel enthusiast,
having crisscrossed the country countless times by train. He also loved animals, rooting for Ole Miss, puzzles, caramel corn,
New Jersey cinnamon buns, card games, root beer, and listening to big band music.
Ed attended the University of Delaware and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war, he came home to Vineland, NJ,
to work for the family business, Hartley Gove Sons Thermometers. The company had been founded by Ed’s grandfather, Hartley Gove, in the late 1800s.
Hartley was a glassblower who had previously worked on the development of the lightbulb under Thomas Edison. In 1957,
Ed relocated with Jan and their young children to Brookhaven, MS, where he opened a second factory for the business.
The plant would later become the global headquarters with Ed at the helm of the whole company. Under his leadership,
the business became one of the world’s largest of its kind. He continued to manage Hartley Gove Sons well into its third century,
until his retirement in 2019 at the age of 90.
Known for being gentle and soft-spoken, Ed was widely liked and respected by employees, customers, and friends alike.
He believed in treating everyone with dignity and respect, and always put the needs of others before his own.
He valued goodness and doing the right thing above all else, and he gave generously to others in every way that he could.
Along with his wife, Ed helped to make the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (BARL) what it is today.
In addition to his direct involvement over a period of 35 years — volunteering, donating, fundraising, rescuing,
and personally housing dozens of animals in his home — he also helped the organization secure property and build a permanent,
modern facility that has helped save the lives of thousands of animals.
Ed was a man of deep faith. A lifelong Presbyterian, he volunteered at Faith Presbyterian Church in Brookhaven for over 60 years,
where he served as a deacon. He also served on the board of French Camp Academy, a Christian school for children from troubled homes,
for 34 years. Upon his retirement from the board in 2014, he was recognized by the school for his role in helping to build numerous buildings,
as well as the Camp of the Rising Son complex, in addition to numerous other accomplishments during his tenure.
Edward Gove, Jr. was born on November 29, 1928 in Landis Township, NJ (later incorporated as Vineland, NJ) to Edward Gove, Sr. and Ethel E. Downing Gove.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years: Janice Louise Jaggers Gove; his six children and their spouses: David Jay Gove, Dianne Gove Bein (Kent),
Bruce Robert Gove, Brian Scott Gove (Cecille), Kimberly Ann Gove Rials (Ricky), and Edward Mark Gove (Holly); and his six grandchildren and their spouses:
Madison Nicole Gove, Robert Byram Gove, Jonathan Gove Pittman (Angelique), David Thomas Pittman (Cayla), Lindsey Russell Bein, and Philip Russell Bein.
The family is eternally grateful to Mary Ann Lewis for her devoted loving care and support of Ed and Jan over the past several years.
They would also like to thank The Aspen of Brookhaven for their kind consideration and help.
Ed is to be interred at Riverwood Cemetery in Brookhaven; however, in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic,
the funeral will be limited to family only. The family hopes to hold a larger celebration of life memorial service in the spring as the pandemic allows,
but it has not been scheduled at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the
Brookhaven Animal Rescue League (www.BARL.net/donate), French Camp Academy, or Faith Presbyterian Church of Brookhaven.
Virginia "Ginger" Lee Havard Wooten
Services for Mrs. Virginia "Ginger" Lee Havard Wooten are 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 22, 2022,
at Riverwood Family with visitation from 12:30 until the time of the service.
Mrs. Virginia Lee Havard Wooten, 87, passed away January 18, 2022. She was born on February 3, 1934,
to the late Lawrence Havard and Grace McKey.
Mrs. Wooten was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. She loved traveling, camping, fishing, sewing,
eating out with family and friends and taking pictures with them.
She will be missed by all that loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Charles “Charlie” Wooten; daughter, Carol Wooten Culver,
and granddaughter, Regan Nicole Gagliardi, and brothers-in-law, Buddy Sansing and Harold Jackson.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Ronald Wayne Wooten and Thomas Charles Wooten; brother, Robert Havard and wife, Marilyn;
sisters, Hilda Sansing, Shirley Jackson; eight grandchildren, Jackie Lynn Duck, Tommy Jack “Bubba” Klar, Jr.,
Dedrick Wooten, Daniel Culver, Jacob Dylan Wooten, Adam Kendal Gagliardi, Chandler Gagliardi Willis and Bryce Evan Gagliardi.
Along with great-grandchildren, Brady Foster and Emma Grace Duck.
JoEllen Odom
A Celebration of life service for JoEllen Odom, 84, will be held on and will be conducted
at Riverwood Family at 11:00 am Saturday, January 22, 2022, with visitation from 10:00 until the time of service, and burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.
JoEllen Odom was born on September 25, 1937, in Smackover, Arkansas, to the late Charles Homer Harrison, Sr.
and Willie Greer Harrison. She went home to be with the Lord on January 19, 2022.
She married the love of her life, Charlie R. Odom, Jr., and they were married for over 68 years.
His impeccable love and devotion to her is evident in the dedicated care he provided for her in the recent years.
Her legacy included six daughters, seventeen grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren.
Our family would like to say thank you to the many people who have loved her so well for many years.
A special thank you to the Nurses and CNA’s of Hospice Ministries, Inc, and Chaplain Rick Munn
for their tremendous love and care they have provided in the most recent days of her life.
Her greatest accomplishment on earth was passing along her faith to others. She loved Jesus and would share her faith in Him in many ways.
She was actively involved in her church and teaching children about Jesus through avenues like Discipleship Training
or Training Union for many years. While her roles of service in the church changed through the years, her dedication was unwavering.
For 28 years, she worked as a nurse at the Ocean Springs Nursing Center where she embraced her patients and loved them like her own family.
Along with passing on her faith, she passed along a love for the simple things in life. She was remarkable in the kitchen
where she enjoyed cooking and baking. Her homemade biscuits and divinity were unparalleled and like no other around.
She found tremendous joy in sewing and making flower arrangements. Along with her ability to cook and sew, she enjoyed gardening and had a green thumb.
It was often said, “she could make anything grow.”
While we mourn the fact that she is no longer physically with us on earth, we graciously rejoice in the reality that she is completely healed in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Mrs. Odom was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Homer Harrison, Sr. and Willie Greer Harrison;
brothers, Charles Homer Harrison, Jr. and Donald Harrison; grandson, Daniel Bradley; father and mother-in-law, Charlie R. Odom, Sr.
and Helen Louise Odom; brothers-in-law, John David Odom, and Sidney Earl Odom.
Mrs. Odom is survived by her husband, Charlie R. Odom, Jr.; six daughters, Tammy Mims (Tom) of Biloxi, MS;
Penny Bradley (Donnie) of Navarre, FL; Kathy Barker (Greg) of Madison, MS; Cindy Henry (Jimmy) of Fulton, MS;
Debby McMillan (Bo) of McCall Creek, MS; and Christy Cockrell (Shane) of Navarre, FL; two sisters, Doris Finley (Frank),
and Janie Hudson (Mike); sister-in-law, Helon Thomas (LC); 16 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Baptist Church at 4915 New Hope Road in Meadville, MS 39653.
Pallbearers: Tom Mims, Donnie Bradley, Greg Barker, Jimmy Henry, Bo McMillan, Shane Cockrell.
Juanita Fairchild Johnston
Services for Mrs. Juanita Fairchild Johnston of Brookhaven are 12:00 pm, Monday, January 24, 2022,
at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until the time of the service and burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Juanita Fairchild Johnston, 83, passed away January 19, 2022. She was born on September 29, 1938,
to the late Jesse Fairchild and Sarah Elizabeth Carlisle Fairchild. Mrs. Johnston, enjoyed gardening, collecting roosters,
Santa Claus collectibles and other antiques.
Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Raymond Fairchild,
James Fairchild and Bobby Wayne Fairchild,grandson,Zac Jordon, and sister, Rhoen.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 37 years,
Robert W. Johnston; sons, Anthony Rando and wife, Christy, David Rando and wife, Pam William Johnston and
Tom Johnston and wife, Amanda; daughter, Vikki Johnston and sisters, Ruby Oakman and Mary Hickson along with eleven grandchildren,
twelve great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Her friends, Ann, Sally, Vedia, Dee, Christina, and a host of nieces and nephews and other friends. She will be missed by all that loved her.
Jimmie Carroll Anthony
Mr. Jimmie Carroll Anthony, 74, of McComb, passed away January 9, 2022, at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb. He was born January 29, 1947, to James and Lessie Anthony.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Pam Anthony; daughter, Kimberly Louise Anthony; and grandson, James Brayden Anthony.
He is survived by his daughters, Belinda Anthony, Cassandra Hearld, Ashley Anthony, and Jamie Anthony; two grandchildren, Raymond Caceres and Jayden Anthony; brother, Thomas Anthony; and sister, Pat Ardillo. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Nollie Dean Lewis
Graveside service for Nollie Dean Lewis will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, at Mt Olive Church of Christ Cemetery.
Mr. Lewis, 89, of Brookhaven, passed away January 16, 2022, in Brookhaven, MS. He was born in Bluffton, AR, November 17, 1932, to James Webster Lewis and Pearl Frances Hanshew. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a manager of Tower Loan and worked with Herring Gas. He was an accomplished carpenter, working with WM Redd and Rodney King. He was a self-taught artist, musician and singer, a gifted writer and lyricist. In his spare time Mr. Nollie would tinker with wood and metal and could fix anything. He was always willing to help his neighbors or anyone in need. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing and hunting. Mr. Nollie was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend and was not afraid to instruct youngsters valuable life lessons. He was a man of integrity and determination and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Hilda Marie Boyd Lewis; his parents; siblings, Maudie Lewis, Larry Lewis, Maxie Lewis and sister-in-law, Andra Lewis; brother-in-law, Carlton Brown; sister-in-law, Jeanne Lewis; and half-brothers James Lewis and Leland Lewis.
Those who are left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Cathy Lewis Britt, Debbie Lewis Vinson (Scott), and Lisa Lewis Jarancik (Mike); brothers, James M. Lewis, Steve Lewis (Sherry); sister, Bonnie Brown; sister-in-law, Carolyn Roberts; brother-in-law, Robert Earl Boyd; 13 grandchildren Dewayne Smith, Brad Britt (Kristy), Jimmy Britt, Landon Case (Megan), Lacey Brozovich (Billy), Philip Jarancik (Megan), and Chris Jarancik (Kay), Laura McKay (Joseph), Leah Fraysur (Ben), Lydia Britt, Devin Vinson, Jordan Vinson, and Parker Vinson; and 15 great grandchildren as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Susan Kay Case
Funeral service for Susan Kay Case will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Hawkins Chapel Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at Riverwood.
“Sue Baby” Case, 75, of Brookhaven, passed from this life January 17, 2022, at her residence. She was born December 7, 1946, to W. Ray Thames and Norma Elizabeth Nevels Thames. She was the owner of Thames & Eady Floor Finishers and a member of Hawkin’s Chapel. She was a very loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Mrs. Case is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Sherrill George Case; her parents; and one great grandson, John Tucker Prestridge.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her daughter, Tammy Kay Wilkinson and husband, John Roger; granddaughter, Brittany Prestridge and husband, Grant; great granddaughter, Cheyenne Elizabeth Prestridge; step granddaughter, Heather Atwood; and step great granddaughter, Gracie Rae Atwood; a host of nieces and nephews and other loving family members and friends.
George R. Wilson, Sr.
Funeral service for Mr. George R. Wilson, Sr., will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 21, at Riverwood Family, with interment in the Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, January 20, at Riverwood.
Mr. Wilson, 88, of Bogue Chitto, MS, passed from this life January 15, 2022, at King’s Daughter’s Medical Center. He was born in Lambert, MS, April 17, 1933. He served his country in the United States Army from 1953-1961. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceuticals and began his work as a pharmacist which spanned four decades. His employment included K & B Drug Store and Rite Aid from 1986-2000. Mr. Wilson was an avid gardener. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, there was nothing more important than his family.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary L. Wilson; his parents, Crate Lemaster and Kate B. Wilson; son, David Wilson; great grandson, Arrington Wilson; and his brothers, Albert Wilson, Robert Wilson, and C.L. Wilson.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are, his sons, George R. Wilson, Jr. and James L. Wilson; daughter, Alicia Wilson; five grandchildren, Brett Wilson, James Everett Wilson, Hannah Wilson, Victoria Wilson, and Georgia Wilson; and one great granddaughter, Ardynn Wilson. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Roy Roberts
Graveside Service for Mr. Roy Roberts of Brookhaven are 2:00, Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Easthaven Cemetery.
Mr. Roy Roberts, 81, went to be with his Lord on January 14, 2022, at Diversicare.
He was born on September 19, 1940. He was a member of First Baptist Brookhaven. He worked in Forestry
Preceding him in death were his mother, Lou Roberts; spouses, Dixie Roberts and Carolyn Roberts; brother, C.L. Day; sisters, Bonnie Pepper & Ruby Ezell Crane and nephew, Don Pepper.
Those left to cherish his memory are his stepson, Hank Wallace; sisters-in-law, Linda Beeson and Catherine Day; nephews, Ronnie Day, Roger Pepper, Gillis Ezell, Randy Pepper, Terry Pepper, Tim Pepper, and Jeff Beeson; and nieces, Judy Warren and Julie Wright; along with many other family and friends.
He will be missed by all that loved him.
Paul Kenneth Cartwright, Jr. "Ken"
Funeral service for Ken Cartwright will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at Riverwood Family with interment in Bethel Community Church Cemetery. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, until the time of service.
Paul Kenneth Cartwright, Jr (“Ken”) was born September 23, 1970, to Paul Cartwright and the late Pamela Lippard Cartwright in Wesson, MS. He won his hard-fought battle with cancer on January 14, 2022.
Ken grew up in Brookhaven and graduated from Brookhaven High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. While Ken was a proud Golden Eagle, he loved cheering for LSU football. He spent his professional career in retail working his way from the ground floor up to an executive office. During his career, he proudly worked with Lowe’s, Save-a-Lot, and Wal-Mart. Whether it was at his beloved camp or on the deer stand, Ken loved spending every opportunity he had outdoors.
While Ken had many loves and interests, nothing compared to the love he had for his three beautiful daughters. His greatest hope and wish was that they be happy and successful in life. The thing that brought him great joy was any opportunity he had to spend with his girls, his family, and his friends. He loved sharing any story that made one of his friends look good. His heart’s desire was fulfilled when he was able to move to “The Farm.”
Preceding him in meeting Jesus: his mother, Pamela Lippard Cartwright: his paternal grandparents, Lyman and Catherine Cartwright; his maternal grandparents, Fay and Clara Lippard; his uncle, Mike Cartwright; and his nephew, Jack Allen.
Surviving him to carry on his memory: his father and his mother, Paul and Myrtle Cartwright; his daughters, Caitlyn Deal, Bailey Cartwright, Mallory Cartwright; his sisters, Heather (John) Douglas and niece Abigail Douglas and Kim “Kimmie” Carter and nephew, Graham (Kayla) Carter and great-nephew, Patterson Paul Carter; special friend, Sara Reeves; his uncles, Donny (Jo) Lippard, Jimmy (Amy) Lippard, Jessie (Peggy) Cartwright, and Leroy (the late Clydie) Cartwright; and an abundance of cousins, chosen family, and friends.
Special thanks to Hospice Compassus, especially Sam & Yolanda.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Community Church or Brookhaven Animal Rescue League.
