Obituaries
Denise Mechille Howell
Services for Mrs. Denise Mechille Howell of Brookhaven are 11:00am, Saturday February 6, 2021, at North View Baptist Church.
Visitation is from 5:00-8:00 pm Friday at the church and will lie in state from 10:00-11:00 on Saturday.
Mrs. Denise Mechille Howell, 57, went to be with her Lord on February 2, 2021 at St Dominic Hospital in Jackson.
She was born on January 8, 1964. She was a member of North View Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother,
and will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death were her father, Douglas Bird and stepmother, Ruth Bird, daughter, Samantha Wilson King, and granddaughter, Amber Elizabeth King.
Those left to cherish her memory are her mother, Norma Wolf; husband, Donald Howell; and daughter, Beth King; along with her two grandchildren, Storm King and Emmy Lou McKey.
Memphis Howard Nevels
Graveside service for Mr. Memphis Howard Nevels will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021,
at Rosehill Cemetery in Brookhaven, Mississippi.
Mr. Memphis Howard Nevels, 92, of Brookhaven, passed from this life February 1, 2021. He began
his life journey September 14, 1928, born to the late Elmer S. Nevels and Anna Smith Nevels.
He was retired from Jacobsen Homelite where he was employed as a Painter. Mr. Nevels served
his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, he was a member of Jackson Street United Methodist Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, W.E. Nevels, Ivan Nevels, Robert E. Nevels, James S. Nevels,
Donald Nevels, Jerry Nevels and Paul Lee Nevels; and sisters, Mildred Stewart and Irene Price.
Those left to cherish his memory are his brother, Ralph Nevels and his sister, Doris Fay Nevels Brown
and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Ministries 397 Brookhaven Street, Brookhaven, MS 39601 or
Jackson Street United Methodist Church, 908 N Jackson Street, Brookhaven, Mississippi 39601.
Mary Lee Barton
Mrs. Mary Lee Barton, 75, passed from this life January 29, 2021 at her residence. She was born
in Westwego, Louisiana, August 25, 1945, to her parents, Urie Thibodeaux and Annie Mae Thibodeaux,
but was a lifelong resident of Brookhaven. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and
friend and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Jeanette Thibodeaux, Alice Faye Richoux; brothers,
Edward Thibodeaux, Freddie Thibodeaux; and granddaughter, Heather Veroline.
Those who are left to cherish her memory are her husband, Samuel A. Barton; sons, Jessie Wayne Barton,
Jody Barton; daughters, Cindy Veroline, Tina M. Nichols; brothers, Stanley Thibodeaux, Terry Thibodeaux,
Larry Thibodeaux, and David Thibodeaux; sisters, Marie Dupre, Aneada Birkner, Carolyn Cooper,
Sarah Jean Odgen, and Margaret Bellanger; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren as well
as a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and special friends.
L. Cortez Byrd
Funeral service for Mr. Byrd will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.
Mr. Louis Cortez Byrd of Brookhaven, MS, at the age of 82, entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, January 23, 2021.
On December 6, 1938, he was born to the late Louis “Tuck” Byrd and Gladys Watts Byrd.
Mr. Cortez Byrd was a graduate of West Lincoln Attendance Center and attended Mississippi State University.
After leaving MSU, he began a life-long career in the forest products industry. Through his many years of hard
work and dedication, he not only successfully grew his businesses; but also touched many lives along the way.
He was a long-time member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a faithful deacon for many years.
Mr. Byrd was a vital part of the Brookhaven community, both personally and professionally. Two of his greatest
legacies are his faith in Jesus Christ and his love for his family. “Papaw Cortez” was a beloved husband, father,
father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who will be so dearly missed by his family and life-long friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Clint & Virgie Ruth Lofton, and only a few short months ago,
his high school sweetheart and the love of his life for 63 years, Barbara Ann Lofton Byrd. Also preceding him
were his brother-in-law, Fleet Lofton, and great-nephew Russ Michael Mangold.
Those left to cherish his memory are son Terry Byrd, wife Liz, and daughter Tonya Stewart, husband Gary.
He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Kelli Miller, husband Hal; Kolby Byrd, wife Karlee; Clint Stewart, wife Elizabeth;
and Caroline Stewart. Additional blessings are his great-grandchildren, Maggie & Olivia Miller, Knox Byrd Stewart,
Adalynn Byrd, and baby girl Stewart, due in May, one brother Bruce and wife Mary Davis, sister-in-law Martha Lofton,
and a host of nieces and nephews.
With our deepest appreciation, the family would like to say a very special thank you to Dr. Ray Montalvo and Dr. Michael Stewart.
We are also grateful to the nurses and staff at King Daughters Medical Center for the impeccable love and care given to our beloved
Daddy and Papaw. The family also wishes to thank the many past and present employees of Mr. Cortez Byrd that have faithfully
worked with him throughout the years.
Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. 2162 Old Hwy 84 W Brookhaven, MS 39601
Paul Stephen Board
Visitation for Mr. Paul Stephen Board will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2021, from 11 a.m.
until 1 p.m. at Easthaven Baptist Church in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Graveside service will follow at 2 p.m.,
at Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Hazlehurst, MS. Revs. David Moree’ and Dustin George will officiate.
Mr. Board, of Brookhaven, entered eternity January 22, 2021. He began his journey on
earth April 14, 1952, born to Paul Adam Board and Virginia Mills Thomas, he lived 68 years.
Mr. Board was retired from Georgia Pacific and was a member of Easthaven Baptist Church.
When he was not providing for his family, he enjoyed the outdoors, being an avid horseman
and photographer, he took every opportunity he could to ride the Continental Divide Trail System.
Photography and woodworking were hobbies that brought him great satisfaction. He was a wonderful
husband, father, and grandfather, and his family was most precious to him. He will be greatly missed
by all that knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joseph Michael Board and Paul Adam Board, Jr.;
stepmother, Helen Gunther; father-in-law, W.D. Waltman; and sister-in-law, Kathleen Waltman.
Those who remain to hold his memory dear are his wife, Connie Elizabeth Waltman Board; mother-in-law,
Elizabeth Waltman; sons, Ezekiel Dickens Board (Jennifer), Joshua Aaron Board; daughter,
Rachel Board Plauche (Scott); sister, Cathy L. Board; sisters-in-law, Marcia Board, Patricia Hall (Robert),
Barbara Crew (Ron), and Diane Stokes; brother-in-law, Tony Waltman; five grandchildren,
Haley Elizabeth Board, Katie Lynn Board, Laila Renee Board, AnnaBelle Rose Plauche, Elisabeth Claire Plauche;
and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cowboys for Christ or The American Cancer Society.
John Arthur Catt
John Arthur Catt, 60, of Jayess, Mississippi, passed away January 21, 2021, at Forrest General
Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS. Mr. Catt was also born in Hattiesburg, January 15, 1961, to
James Lonnie Catt and Dorothy Clara Beacham Catt. He was a member of Topeka Baptist Church
and a wonderful husband, brother, father, Papa, and friend. He taught each of his “babies”
the art of hunting and gardening. He was a true family man and treasured every moment
spent with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Hughey Catt, T.D. Catt, and Ray Catt;
and his sisters, Linda Lambert and Dora Dean Simpton
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Kimberly Catt; children, Michael Pate (Ashley),
Lance Pate, Jordan Adams (Alexia), Crystal Westmoreland, Ashley Halford (Bobby); brothers,
Paul Catt (Gwyn), Mike Catt; sisters, Alice Lee (Bobby), Mary Case (Eddie), Amy Wages, Ruthie Stewart (Billy);
13 grandchildren, Stephanie Westmoreland, Lila Pate, Sarah Westmoreland, Canaa Pate, James Halford,
Kelsi Westmoreland, Brice Halford, Jace Halford, Raelyn Westmoreland, Cash Adams, Trey Sandifer,
Jayden Sandifer, and Bentleigh Sandifer. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews
and other loving family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Pattie L. Lofton
Graveside Services for Mrs. Pattie L. Lofton, of McCall Creek. are 11:00 am, Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Ramah Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Pattie L. Lofton, 87, went to be with the Lord on January 21, 2021 at Camellia Estates in McComb.
She was born on June 30, 1933, to the late Lloyd Watts and Ruth B. Watts.
Mrs. Lofton was a retired beautician and was a homemaker who loved to sew and read and study her Bible.
She was a member of Ramah Baptist Church, and will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Roy Gene Lofton, and sister, Johnnie Ruth Love.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Roy Kendall Lofton, daughter, Gene Angela Pope,
brothers, Bobby Watts, and Kerry Watts. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Jamie Smith, Corey Smith, and Kelly Lofton
and 8 great-grandchildren.
Valerie West Luss
Mrs. Valerie Luss, 62, of Natchez, MS, passed from this life January 18,2021.
She was born September 28, 1958 to her parents, AJ West and Mary West.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Keith Howard Luss;
and one brother, Ozeola West.
She leaves behind one son, Taurus Deshawn West and six grandchildren,
along with other loving family members and friends.
A memorial service will be held for Mrs. Luss at a later date.
Dr. Ray L. Huff
Dr. Ray L. Huff of Wesson, Miss., died peacefully at age 79, January 15, 2021 at Baptist Hospital in Jackson, Miss.
A native of Harlingen, Texas, Ray received his BA and MA degrees in Psychology at Baylor University and his Ph.D. in
Clinical Psychology at Vanderbilt University. He directed a community mental health center in Nashville before moving
with his family to Miss. in 1974. Dr. Huff served as the director of mental health services at St. Dominic Hospital in
Jackson and later began his private practice. He ended his career serving as director of the Southwest Miss.
Mental Health Center in Brookhaven. He dedicated his life to serving others, especially in the mission field.
Ray and his wife, Faye, worked as missionaries in Harbin, China, Bangkok, Thailand, and Boseman, Montana.
They also served their communities through their work with Zion Baptist Church in Dentville, Miss., where they
were members for 18 years, and Heucks Retreat Baptist Church in Brookhave, Miss., where they attended most
recently for three years. Ray worked with Hispanic members of the community, translating and assisting them
with personal business. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, boating, travel, and scuba diving.
Ray is survived by his wife, Faye Templeton Huff, Wesson; his daughters Kathy Rice and her husband, Mike, of
Lewisville, TX; Liz Brandon and her husband, Steve, of Jackson; his sons Jonathan Huff of Dallas, TX; Will Jordan
and his wife, Debbie, of Brookhaven; Bob Jordan and his wife, Angie, of Brookhaven; Troy Jordan and his wife,
Bridgette, of Brookhaven; Quinn Jordan and his wife, Kim, of Brookhaven; brothers James Huff and wife, Gloria,
of Florence, AL; Howard Huff and wife, Anita, of McCallan, TX; sisters Carolyn McCain and Helen Henry of Houston, TX.
Ray is also survived by 16 grandchildren. Huff grandchildren are Nicholas, Margaux, and Cheyenne of
Colorado Springs, CO; Nathan and Sam Rice of Lewisville TX. Jordan grandchildren are Lane and Kris Xifos, Lauren,
Morgan, Cade, Kaley, Kail, Cannon Grace, Leighton, Kailyn, Rivers, Hayes, and great-granddaughter, Aaryn Xifos,
all of Brookhaven. Ray was especially fond of his grandniece, Sidney Elaine Lampton of Jackson, and his late sister-in-law,
Jeannie Huff, of McCallan, TX.
A private memorial service will be held Saturday, January 23 at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church in Wesson, Miss.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, that memorials be made to the Heucks Retreat Baptist Church Renovation Fund.
Charles William Gerald
Graveside service Saturday, January 23, 2021, 1 p.m., at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Charles William Gerald, of Brookhaven, MS, entered his eternal home on January 19, 2021.
Born to Hugh J. Gerald and Dorothy J. Gerald Evans, Charles began his life journey in
New Orleans, LA and moved to Jackson, MS at the age of three. He was a graduate of
Central High School Class of 1962 and the Hinds Community College HVAC program.
Brookhaven was his home for 49 years. He was owner and operator of Terry’s Refrigeration &
Appliance Service, formerly owned by his father-in-law, C M Terry.
He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being
outdoors with family and friends.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, David W. Gerald, of Jackson, MS.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Sandra Terry Gerald; his son, Clint Gerald,
of Wesson; his daughter, Terri Gerald Lowery (Tony) of Sumrall; son, Billy Hawkins of Pearl; four grandchildren,
Megan & Tucker Gerald of Brookhaven, and Tyler & Lexi Lowery of Sumrall; brother, Hugh A. Gerald of Starkville;
sister, Carolyn Theriault, of Jackson; and two nieces and one nephew. He will be greatly missed by all!
