Obituaries
Christine Anna Smith
Services for Mrs. Christine Anna Smith are 3:00 pm, Sunday, August 23, 2020, at Ramah Baptist Church with burial at the church cemetery.
Visitation is from 2:00 pm until the time of the service.
Mrs. Christine Anna Smith, 100, of Natchez, went to be with her Lord on August 20, 2020. She was born on November 30, 1919,
to the late Effie Montgomery and Lizzie Davis Montgomery.
Mrs. Smith loved flowers, reading, and traveling.
She also loved her daughter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and church wholeheartedly. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Bryant Smith, siblings, Modis Lee, Binard Montgomery, Jewel Montgomery,
Ivy Kyzar, Nettie Mae Laird, Bootsie Lewis, and Dennis Montgomery.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Bonnie Bea Kyzar, grandchildren, Bryan Kyzar and wife, Tiffany, and Tina Cox and husband, Craig.
She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Cade Cox, Drake Cox, James Kyzar, William Kyzar, June Kyzar, and new baby due in October.
Thank you to special friend & caretaker Lillian Rose and to the loving staff at Camelot Leisure Living and the support of Encompass Health Hospice-Vidalia.
Mary Ann Ginn Williams
Mary Ann Ginn Williams, 62, of Brookhaven, MS went to her Heavenly home on August 18, 2020.
She was born on November 5, 1957, in Tylertown, MS. She was a 1975 graduate of Walthall Academy
and then of William Carey University with a double major in Biology and Communications.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sedgie V. Sr. and Etheland Cormier Ginn; her beloved son,
Eric L. Howse, whom she loved and missed so dearly; and her loving brothers, Bendon Ginn,
Sedgie V. Ginn, Jr. and Steven Ginn. She is now reunited with all her immediate family.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Ginn; several nieces and nephews, Maria peters,
Melissa Adams, Marc Ginn, Tre Ginn, Brenden Ginn, Sebastian Ginn, Daniel Peters, Lauren Peters,
Lindsey Peters, Ethan Nations, Mallory Nations, Anna Caroline Adams, Hayden Adams, and
Asher Ginn. Also left to cherish her memory are her friends from Tylertown and Brookhaven, Mississippi.
Mary Ann was musically talented and passed that on to her precious son, Eric. She played the
piano effortlessly and her mother used to sit for hours listening to Mary Ann play her favorite
hymns. She was also a gifted communicator and writer. She had a way with words and enjoyed reading and writing
Mary Ann suffered great loss with the untimely death of her son, Eric, and longed for the day
they would be reunited. She is now at peace.
A private memorial service will be held by family with her burial to be in Tylertown Cemetery.
Stacy Lynnette Burns
Graveside service for Stacy Lynnette Burns will be 11 a.m., Friday, August 21, 2020,
at Union Hall Baptist Church Cemetery.
Stacy was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven August 18, 2020. She began her
journey on earth December 14, 1971 and lived here 48 years. Every day was an opportunity
for Stacy to serve the Jesus she lived for and her strength and valor through the last several
years will be remembered and used as a testimony of her faithful love and desire to be a
witness for Christ. She enjoyed life in the great outdoors, spending time with her family
on camping trips and hiking. Family was second only to the love she had for her Lord,
but her family was her crowning achievement. “Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue
is the law of kindness.” She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Those who remain to hold her memory close are her husband, Steve Burns; her parents,
Jerry and Sandra Crane; sons, Austin Burns and wife, Lyndsey and Alex Burns; daughters,
Alyssa Burns and Anna Burns; her brother, David Crane and wife, Jennifer and her sister,
Laura Brumfield and husband, Jason; nieces and nephews, Cove and Saylor Crane, Kylie
and Kaylyn Brumfield, and Tate Holmes. She also leaves behind a vast number of friends
and church family who will forever remember her loving spirit.
Linda Sue McCullough
Graveside services for Mrs. Linda Sue McCullough of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Monday, August 24, 2020,
at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Linda Sue McCullough, 75, of Brookhaven, MS entered into the presence of her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on August 18, 2020,
with her son and sister by her side. She passed at Silver Cross Health & Rehab.
She was born to Martell and Lois Elaine Allen on February 2, 1945.
Sue was a giving and loyal soul who always put others before herself. She loved her family and her friends fiercely and always did
her best to meet any need they had. Sue loved her pets and working in her yard which was always immaculate and cheerful with beautiful flowers.
Sue adored all children and was the best storyteller to her grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Even though she had her stroke before the
great-grandchildren were born, she loved them to visit her and do their “tricks and dances” for her and would smile and tell them stories
of their parents and her childhood.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jerry Lee McCullough, her brother Danny Bo Allen, and her nephew Nick Newell.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jerry Freeman and wife, Regina and Jimmy Freeman and wife, Jenny;
sisters, Jeanene Newell and husband Prentiss and sister-in-law, Judy Allen.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Ashley Hudson; Caitlin Smith and husband Reid; great-grandchildren, Kiptyn Hudson,
and Harbor, Beckam and Ledger Smith; and a cousin who was like her sister, Kathy Evans. Along with nieces and nephews,
she adored like they were her own children and grandchildren.
A special thank you to the staff at Silver Cross Health and Rehab for caring for Sue over the last 8 years.
The family appreciates and would like to especially thank all the nurses and CNAs for their patience with Sue as her mind deteriorated.
We can never thank Vernestine Byrd, Angie Griffin, Kim Williams, and Kelsey Britt enough for keeping Jerry updated about Sue and for loving her.
Patricia Stroud
Patricia Ann Stroud, 64, of Natchez, died Sunday, Aug 16, 2020 at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, LA.
Mrs. Stroud was born on February 1, 1956, the daughter of James Donald Furr and Carolyn Beatrice Furr.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Wayne Stroud, and her father.
Survivors include one son, Joshua Wayne Stroud; one grandson, Daniel Ethan Stroud; Mother,
Carolyn Beatrice Furr; one sister, Donna Baker; nephew Matthew Baker; cousins Jeff Andrews, Jo Mclean,
Tammy Furr Crotty, Sharon Purifoy, and Barbara Dupree.
Services are incomplete at this time.
Charles F. Martin
A private service for Mr. Charles F. Martin of Brookhaven will be Saturday at Riverwood Family.
Mr. Charles F. Martin, 86, went to be with his Lord on August 18, 2020, at his home.
He was born on April 17, 1934, to the late John Clinton Wise Martin and Ada Oliver Martin.
Mr. Martin served his country in the Army. He was a member of Gum Grove Baptist Church;
and was also a Mason and enjoyed camping and traveling.
Preceding him in death were his parents, wife, Bobbie Nell Nunnery Martin, and his brothers and sisters.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Mickey Martin Walker, and husband, Terry;
granddaughter, Emilye Walker Welch and husband Sean, and great-granddaughter, Allie Brooke West, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Rev. Charles Bendon Ginn
Charles Bendon Ginn, 77, of Brookhaven, MS. went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 17, 2020.
He was surrounded by his bride of 54 years and his three loving children as he entered Heaven’s gates.
He was born on February 12, 1943, in Tylertown, MS. He was a graduate of Tylertown High School, William Carey University,
and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned a Master’s of Divinity degree. Bro. Bendon, as he was affectionately known,
began his ministry at Saul’s Valley Baptist church and then Enon Baptist Church in South Mississippi. He was then called to the mission
field in the Pacific Northwest where they served for twelve years. Afterward, they returned to their home state of Mississippi and served the following churches:
First Baptist Church of Nettleton, MS (1981 – 1985), Easthaven Baptist Church of Brookhaven, MS (1985 – 2005).
Philadelphia Baptist Church of Caseyville, MS (2005-2015), and Little Bahalia Baptist Church, Wesson, MS (2015 -2020).
Bro. Bendon always had a heart for missions and continued to participate in mission work throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sedgie V. (Sr.) and Etheland Ginn;
his brothers Sedgie V. Ginn (Jr.) and Steven J. Ginn; and his nephew, Eric Howse.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Sumrall Ginn, of Brookhaven, MS.; his son, Marc Ginn and wife Megan of Sumrall, MS:
daughters, Maria Peters and husband Don of Brookhaven, MS; and Melissa Adams and husband Lance of Brookhaven, MS;
and sister, Mary Ann Ginn Williams of Brookhaven, MS. He also leaves behind eight precious grandchildren:
Asher Ginn, Daniel Peters, Lauren Peters, Lindsey Peters, Ethan Nations, Mallory Nations, Anna Caroline Adams, and Hayden Adams.
Other family members left to cherish his memory include his nephews, Sedgie V. Ginn III (Tre) of Benton City, WA, and Benden Ginn of Oregon.
One word comes to mind when describing Charles Bendon Ginn and that word is LOVE. First and foremost, he loved his savior, Jesus.
Next to Jesus, he loved his bride of 54 years, followed by his children and grandchildren. He also loved people- ALL people.
He was always thinking of how he could share God’s love with them. He never met a person that he did not ask if they
were a person of faith and then would follow it up with a word about his Lord. He shared God’s love everywhere he went.
Bendon loved the outdoors. Growing up in Tylertown on a farm, he developed a passion for all of God’s Creation.
From the birds in the air to the fish in the water, he spent every chance he could taking in God’s wondrous beauty.
He had a way of describing God’s handiwork that very few people did which made everyone around him want to see it the way he saw it.
When describing one of his favorite wildflowers, the Goldenrod, he would describe them as towers of pure gold,
rising from the earth, reflecting the sun, and sending beams of light towards the Heavens. He hunted, fished, gardened, and maintained the earth
that God allowed him to see and use. We will miss hearing him talk of his passion for every one of God’s creations. Although he lost one of his
eyes in an accident as a child, he saw more beauty with one eye than most people ever do with two.
He is now a resident in the most beautiful place ever created. We can hear him say, “If you could just see me now…. Glory!”
To the ones left here on earth Bendon would say,
“The best is yet to come” Glory to God in the Highest!” To those who do not know Jesus as their Savior, he would ask,
“Please receive him today and experience true joy and peace”
Visitation will be held at Easthaven Baptist Church on Friday, August 21, from 4:00-8:00 pm
A memorial service will be held at Easthaven Baptist Church on Saturday, August 22, 20202 at 11:00 am
with graveside to follow at Riverwood Memorial Parl. Them memorial service will also be accessible via live-stream
on Easthaven’s Facebook page for those unable to attend. We respectfully ask that those attending wear face masks
and that social distancing be observed at all services.
Steven “Steve” Carleton Wooten
Steven “Steve” Carleton Wooten, 75, of Star, MS, died August 11, 2020, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Brookhaven, MS, on February 14, 1945, a son of the late Claude and Lorena Wooten.
Steve was a content man who delighted in and appreciated the simple activities of life--farming,
playing trucks and cars, baseball, corncob jail, tag, and being with friends from church.
He enjoyed growing up with his three siblings in the New Prospect Baptist Church community of Brookhaven.
Steve graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1963. Following high school, he attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College
and Mississippi State where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. After college, Steve attended New Orleans Theological Seminary
and Mid-America Seminary. In 1976 the Lord extended to Steve a call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Obediently until his death, Steve followed that calling.
Throughout his years in ministry, he served many churches which most recently included The Bible Baptist Church in Star. Steve enjoyed taking many
mission trips to the Philippines and had a love for the Filipino people.
While the highlight of Steve’s spiritual life was being called a son of God, marrying his best friend and the love of his life Sandra Gradene Smith on August 26, 1967,
was the highlight of his physical life. He explained their nearly 53 years of marriage as an act of God’s immeasurable grace! Throughout their marriage,
God blessed Steve and Gradene with nine wonderful children: three sons and six daughters. His work ethic was unrivaled, and with God’s leading,
Steve started his own business, Electro-Mech, Inc in Richland, MS. His life was indeed filled with miracle after miracle.
He is survived by his “bride” as he lovingly called her, Gradene Wooten, eight children, Jason and Kristie Wooten, Shannon and Dana Wooten,
Rachel and Scott Beasley, Leah and Buddy Pinkham, Josh and Haley Wooten, Joanna Hughes, Melissa and Jason McCoy, and Lydia and Justin Russell;
a sister-in-law, Helen Nunnery, a sister, Gwen Jeffries, a brother, Howard and Donna Wooten; also to include 30 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter to arrive in December,
nieces, and nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Other than his parents, Steve is preceded in death by his brother Gordon Wooten, brother-in-law Sonny Jeffries,
and an infant daughter, Elizabeth Wooten.
Public visitation will be from 9:00 until 11:00 on August 14, 2020, in the chapel of Riverwood Family Funeral Services located in Brookhaven, MS.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private celebration of life service followed by a graveside service will be officiated by Thomas Ray Floyd and Bill Smith.
Pallbearers will be Miles Corley, Larry Grace, Bryson Hughes, Buddy Pinkham, Levi Pinkham, Justin Russell, Brady Wooten, and Smith Wooten.
The family would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff at the University of Mississippi Medical Center,
the supportive employees at The Transplant Pharmacy, and the encouraging staff at Baptist Hospice.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to either:
- Gideons International - Call 866-382-4253 or donate online at https://www.gideons.org/
- Lighthouse Children’s Home - Call 662-289-9629 or donate online at https://lighthousechildren.com/who-we-are/mission.html
For further information, please contact Riverwood Family Funeral Services, 76 Hwy 51 South, Brookhaven, MS at 601-833-6680 or www.riverwoodfamily.com.
Maxie Earl Lewis
Graveside services for Mr. Maxie Earl Lewis of Wesson are 10:00 am Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Maxie Earl Lewis, 76, went to be with his Lord on August 10, 2020, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
He was born on January 4, 1944, to the late James Webster Lewis and Pearl Frances Hanshew Lewis.
Mr. Lewis worked as a boilermaker and was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Andra Lewis; brothers, Larry Lewis, James Webster, Jr., Leland Lewis and sisters, Maudie Lewis, and Odell Lewis.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Leigh Ann Lewis Brister and husband, Winvall, and Rebecca Kay Lewis and fiance' Ryan Delatte.
He is also survived by his brothers, James Lewis, Nollie Lewis, Steve Lewis, and sister, Bonnie Lewis Brown; along with 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
And Favorite Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Shanna Michelle McFarland Miller
Services for Mrs. Shanna Michelle McFarland Miller will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020, at 2 p.m.
at Lighthouse Community Center with visitation being prior to the service starting at noon. Interment will be at Wallace Lee Cemetery.
Shanna Michelle Miller, 32, of Corinth, passed from this life on August 8, 2020, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born on June 27, 1988,
in Brookhaven to Thomas Leroy McFarland, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Smith.
She loved the time spent with her children and family and following her dad in the many chores that he was involved in.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Winnfield McFarland, Mary Jane McFarland, Sam Earl Smith, and step-grandfather, Willis McManus.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jeffery Brian Miller; parents, Thomas Leroy McFarland, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Smith;
daughters, Kendra Rhinaye Jones, Chloe Danyelle Jones; brother, Thomas Leroy McFarland, Jr.; and sister, Nikki Danyelle McFarland,
and grandmother, Sue McManus. She is also survived by nephews and nieces, Tommy Dearing, Sean Dearing, Seth Smith, Landon McFarland,
Laidyn McFarland, and Bay Bay McFarland.
