Obituaries
Uwe Dingeldey
Uwe Dingeldey, age 54, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 8, 2021.
Uwe was born in Muencheberg, East Germany on January 30, 1967, to Wolfgang and Erika Dingeldey.
He grew up there with his brothers, Frank and Peter. Life behind the Iron Curtain was intolerable for him,
so in September of 1989 he escaped from East Germany to West Germany and settled in the village of Bensheim-Gronau
in West Germany where he worked as a master mechanic. It was during this time that he heard the gospel and placed his faith and trust in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
In 1997 he met his future wife, Sara Barker. They fell in love and were married in 1999. They lived in Germany and were blessed by the birth of their two daughters,
Grace and Sydney. Uwe went back to school and earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and began working as an engineer in the automotive industry.
In 2008, Uwe and his family moved to Lake Orion, Michigan, where he was employed by Audi of America. He had a lifelong passion
for automobiles and enjoyed being a part of the Audi team, most recently, leading the product support for Audi’s electric vehicle, E-tron.
Uwe was an active member of First Baptist Church of Lake Orion. He was passionate about his faith in the Lord. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of
Lake Orion Baptist School, where his daughters attended and especially enjoyed watching them play volleyball and sing in the choir.
He loved to be outdoors, particularly in the mountains. He was an avid skier and hiker.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sara, and his daughters, Grace and Sydney; his mother Erika Fuchs Dingeldey; his brothers Frank (Daniela) Dingeldey and Peter (Irene) Dingeldey;
his nephews Tewes Dingeldey, Hias Dingeldey, and James Chapman; his nieces Mattia Dingeldey, Dorina Dingeldey,
Thea Dingeldey and Audrey Chapman as well as his aunt, uncle and many cousins. He was proceeded in death by his father, Wolfgang Dingeldey.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 5:00-8:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Lake Orion.
The service will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church of Lake Orion.
Interment will be held on Saturday, April 17 at 1:00 pm at the Wesson Cemetery in Wesson, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Lake Orion Baptist School Scholarship Fund.
Mary Helon Fuller
Graveside Services for Ms. Mary Helon Fuller will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021, at 11:00am at Bethel Temple Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service at Riverwood Family from 9:00am until service time.
Mary Helon Fuller, 67, of Brookhaven, passed from this life on April 9, 2021. She was born on March 30, 1954, to the Rev. Morris Fuller and Lois Gill Fuller.
Ms. Fuller was a college graduate from Southwest Community College and was a Registered Nurse for over 40 years. She was also a member of Bethel Temple United Pentecostal Church. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher. Ms. Fuller loved her animals and good gospel music. She is singing in Heaven now!
Preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Rev. Billy Ted Fuller, Harmon Grady Fuller, Jack Fuller and Tommy Joe Fuller; brothers-in-law, James Lee and Earl Marbury.
Those left to cherish her memory is her special niece and family member, Melisa Eaton and husband Trey; sisters, Bobbie Lee, Frances Williams and husband Jimmy, Louise Barnett and husband Allen, Sr., all of Brookhaven, and Bessie Marbury of McComb. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Fuller and Becky Fuller.
Anita Lavon Thornhill White McKee
Services for Mrs. Anita Lavon Thornhill White McKee, of Brookhaven are 11:00 am Saturday, April 10, 2021
at Riverwood Family with visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, April 9, at Riverwood.
Interment will be at Fair River Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Anita Lavon Thornhill White McKee, 75, went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 8, 2021.
She was born on November 7, 1945 to the late George Ray Thornhill and Juanita Lewis Thornhill.
Mrs. McKee was a Dental Hygienist and was a member of Fair River Baptist Church. She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husbands, Benjamin David White, Charles Wayne McKee, and son, Jamie Ray White.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Robin White Smith and sister, Marilyn Thornhill Welch, along with 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
Deborah Anne Farnham Franz Fallin
Mrs. Deborah Anne Farnham Franz Fallin, of Brookhaven, 68, passed away April 7, 2021,
at her residence. She was born on November 21, 1952.
Mrs. Fallin was a bookkeeper and she loved cross stitching and talking to people about the Bible.
She will be missed by all that loved and knew her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Mike and Freddie Farnham, grandparents, Ernest and Modena Holcomb, Joseph, and Janie Farnham;
her first husband, John F. Franz V, and brothers, Joe Mike Farnham, Jr. and Ernest Melvin Farnham.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 44 years, Robert C. Fallin, Jr.; son, Robert C. Fallin, III (Lindi); daughter, Nicole Fassett, and husband, Darryl;
brother, Sean C. Farnham, and wife, Dallas; sisters, Victoria Fitzpatrick, and husband, Wes; Carolyn Blanchard, and husband, Nelson.
She is also survived by her 5 grandchildren, Zachary, and Savannah Fassett, MaKinlee, Maycee and Bentley Fallin;
along with two maternal aunts, Sally Deines and Martha Baskin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very dear friends.
Brandy Michelle (Smith) Fredette
Visitation will be Thursday from 5-8 P.M. at Riverwood Family in Brookhaven, MS and will resume on Friday from 1 P.M. until service begins at 2 P.M. Graveside service will follow at Riverwood Memorial Park. Dr. David Millican will officiate.
Brandy Michelle (Smith) Fredette, 43 quietly passed away on April 5, 2021 at her home in Wesson, MS. She was born April 25, 1977 in McComb, MS. She was the daughter of Sandra and Ron Guest of Oxford, MS and Keith and Joyce Smith of Summit, MS.
Brandy worked in several different management positions, most recently at Zaxby’s in Brookhaven, MS. She never met a stranger, was considered a ray of sunshine by those closest to her and treated everyone she worked with fairly and with great kindness.
She was a loving daughter, devoted mother, extremely proud of her family, and leaves behind many wonderful friends. Her greatest legacy will be seen through the lives of her three children, who will shine bright with their mother’s endearing spirit. She loved attending their sporting events, music recitals or just being there to support them in any way.
Brandy was proceeded in death by her grandparents Dorothy and Gerald McGuire of Liberty, MS and Memphis Smith of Summit, MS. She leaves sons, Troy and Luke Fredette, and daughter Jamie Claire Fredette all of Monticello, MS; her grandmother Lela Smith of Summit, MS; a sister Claire Guest Lowe (Jody) of Oxford, MS; brothers, Sam Guest of St. Louis, MO, and Wallace Smith of Summit, MS; nieces Madi Kate Wallace and Mary Hollis Lowe both of Oxford, MS; uncles, Mickey McGuire (Brenda) of McComb, MS, Kyle Smith (Dee Dee) of Liberty, MS, and Gerry McGurie (Kim) of Gluckstat, MS; an aunt, Charlotte Reynolds (Ronnie) of Liberty, MS; and a host of adoring great aunts, great uncles, and cousins.
She will be greatly missed by her family who will forever cherish her memory. We are reminded of John 11:25-26 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”
Masks may be worn by those who attend visitation and funeral service due to covid concerns but they are optional.
Iris Coker Rudman Smith
Arrangements for Mrs. Iris Coker Rudman Smith will be visitation held Friday, April 9, 2021, at 10:00am til service time at 11:00am, all at Riverwood Family. Interment will be a private family service.
Iris Coker Rudman Smith, age 83, departed this life for her eternal home on April 5, 2021.
Iris was one of 7 children to former Brookhaven Chief of Police William Clyde Coker, Sr.,
and Inez Furr Coker, both lifelong residents of Brookhaven. Iris lived most of her life in Brookhaven,
a community she loved and was proud to call home.
She married Jerry Thomas Rudman of Chicago, Illinois in 1958. Iris was a graduate of Brookhaven High School
and studied Bookkeeping and Accounting at Co-Lin Jr. College. She assisted Jerry throughout his career as a CPA by
handling financial matters and bookkeeping for clients. Iris and Jerry raised 5 children as they shared their lives for 43 years until Jerry’s passing in 2002.
Iris encouraged her children to work hard at whatever they pursued, which she modeled for them in her daily life of caring for 5 children
while managing her work responsibilities outside the home. She also instilled in her children a sense of patriotism, respect and loyalty to community,
family and friends. Some of her children’s fondest memories include their mother’s support for their extracurricular activities such as Boy Scouts
as she served as a Cub Scout Den Leader. During the summer months, you could regularly find Iris watching her children play baseball at the ballfields
at Keystone Park while volunteering in the concession stand. While her children attended school at St. Francis Catholic School, Iris could be found v
olunteering there at the Annual Shrimp Suppers. She and Jerry planned yearly family trips to Biloxi and later the beaches of Florida which created long-lasting memories for her family.
Because of Iris’ oldest child, Judy’s special needs, Iris became a staunch advocate for all community children suffering from a disability, and rallied state legislators to provide enrichment resources that are still in place over 50 years later.
As her children began their own adult lives, Iris pursued her dream of a career in public service, and was elected to serve as Brookhaven’s City Clerk
for 20 years until her retirement. While City Clerk, Iris greeted everyone with her infectious smile and gracious disposition. She was proud to represent
Brookhaven to the various Mississippi state agencies with which her office worked. The friendships she made and the respect she earned during her career brought her joy and satisfaction throughout her life.
Iris married Allen (Cotton) Smith, Jr., and they established their church home at Macedonia Baptist Church. With Allen, Iris ensured their home was welcoming to all.
She continued to travel to visit and spend time with her children and grandchildren, while also participating in church outings with her church friends.
Iris is proceeded in death by her husband Jerry T. Rudman, son Jerry E. Rudman, her parents William Clyde and Inez Coker, brother Clyde (Sonny) Coker, Jr.,
and her sisters Kaye Coker, Anne Harris Keyes, Margie Lea and Doris Lea.
Family members left to cherish her memory include her husband Allen Smith, Jr., sons Jonathan Rudman (Britta), Joel Rudman (Sophie),
daughters Judy Rudman and Suzanne Brooks (Cecil), sister Carolyn Wilson (Wayne), 9 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Iris’ greatest joy and blessings were her grandchildren. Her legacy includes the loving and Christian home she provided for her family and her tireless support
and encouragement for those with special needs. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her honor to Special Olympics Area 2 (Lincoln County), P. O. Box 128, Magee, MS 39111.
Patricia Gay Moore Steen
Ms. Patricia Gay Moore Steen, 75, of Hazlehurst passed away at her residence April 2, 2021.
She was born on October 21, 1945 to the late James W. Moore and Harrett Holmes Moore.
Ms. Steen was a longtime hairdresser in her community after attending college for cosmetology.
She enjoyed Chinese astrology, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her son, Richie and her grandchildren.
Ms. Patricia will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, son Rodney Keith Steen; brothers, James “Jimmy” Moore and Steve Moore; sister, Theresa Moore Long.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Charles Richard “Richie” Steen; brothers, Gary Moore, Joe Moore and Kenneth Moore;
sisters, Shelia Collins, Donnis Moore and Sherry Moore. Along with her two grandchildren; Elizabeth Grace Steen and Daniel Keith Steen.
The family would like to express a special thank you to her special friend Pam Erwin.
Mitchell Edward Vaughn, Sr.
Memorial service for Mitchell Edward Vaughn, Sr. will be Tuesday, April 6, at McLaurin Height Baptist Church. Visitation is 5:30-8 p.m., Monday, April 5 and will resume Tuesday, from 11:30-12:30 p.m. before the services.
Mr. Vaughn, 72, of Pearl, finished his journey here and entered his eternal rest April 2, 2021. He began his life journey November 26, 1948, born to his parents, Julius Edward “Peck” Vaughan and Agnes Verlyn Smith Vaughan. He worked in the education field for many years, and he was a member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church. Mr. Vaughn enjoyed the simple things in life as well, hunting and fishing, but nothing compared to the time spent with his grands and great grands. He will be greatly missed by his family and all that knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Paula Vaughn; son, Mitchell Vaughn, Jr. (Rhonda); daughter, Michele Summerlin (Jimbo); brothers, Tim Vaughan (Robin) and Billy Vaughn (Nancy); sister, Chris Maddox (Roger); four grandchildren, Daniele Smith (Caleb), Chelsea Smith, Sean Vaughn, Katelynn Harvey (Darieo); and great grandchildren, Arianna & Kiya Harvey, Edward Smith, and soon to arrive Eleanor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center for Violence Prevention, www.mscvp.org
Marguerite Williams
Funeral services for Mrs. Marguerite McDavid Williams will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday April 6, 2021, at Central Baptist Church,
with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. at the church and interment at Easthaven Cemetery.
Mrs. Marguerite Williams, 96, of Brookhaven, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ, on Friday April 2, 2021.
She was born on July 21, 1924, to George Dewey McDavid, Sr. and Wilmer Lewis McDavid.
Mrs. Marguerite was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was a faithful member of Central Baptist Church where she served as church treasurer for many years.
She was a life long member of the Brookhaven Eastern Star. She was an employee at Hartley Gove Thermometer Plant for more than 25 years.
She was a skilled seamstress and cook and had a passion for baking, especially, cakes.
Her collection of odds and ends were little treasures each having it’s own story which she enjoyed sharing.
She loved her family unconditionally and they loved her. She was an example of God’s grace to everyone by her humbleness and kindness, even during her last weeks.
To know her was to love her. She will be greatly missed by all.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Toxie Williams; and her great-grandson; Ethan Williams
her sister, Irene M. Porter; her brothers; George McDavid, Jr. and Frank McDavid.
Those left here to cherish her memory are her son, Maxie Williams and wife Margaret (Midge) of Orange, TX.
Her daughter, Cheryl Myers and husband Gary of Brookhaven. Her grandsons; Jason Williams, James Williams (Courtney) and Adam Williams all of Texas,
her granddaughters; Ancy Rushing (Joseph) of Mendenhall and Marxy Lindsey (Judson) of Camden, AR.
Her great -grandchildren; Gunnar Rushing, Milly Rushing, Livi Rushing, Tuck Rushing, Ada Lindsey, Lincoln Williams, Landry Williams,
Brynlee Williams and Kolby Tillman and a host of family and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice Ministries and their staff. Especially to her nurse, Kathy Sutton,
who will always be a part of our heart and family. We would like to thank our special caregivers; Nicole Benoit, Georgia Henderson, Bonnie Wilson, Tena Rigaud and Bonnie Turner.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund of Central Baptist Church
Peggy A. Jones
Memorial gathering for Mrs. Peggy A. Jones will be 1-3 p.m., Thursday, April 1, 2021, at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Peggy A. Jones, 78, passed away March 29, 2021, at her residence. She was born December 28, 1942,
to his parents, Loyce E. Davis and Ella B. Blass. She was a member of Jackson Street Methodist Church in Brookhaven.
She was an avid reader and she enjoyed gardening.
Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Nicole Luinstra; and brother, W.T. Davis.
She is survived by her husband, John L. Jones; son, Brian E. Jones; brother Don Davis; three grandchildren,
Shelby Luninstra, Kelly Lunistra, and Marcy Lunistra; and one great grand daughter, Daisy Nicole Lunistra, as well as other loving family members and friends.
