Obituaries
Gwendolyn O. Moreton
Gwendolyn O. Moreton, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, who spent much of her life in southeastern Mississippi and Virginia,
died of natural causes on June 13, 2018. She was eighty-six years old.
Ms. Moreton was the daughter of Eugenia Brazil and Marion Delbasty, and the adopted daughter of Alfred E. Moreton, Jr.,
former Mayor of Brookhaven, Mississippi, and Jessie Oliver Moreton. She was educated at St. Mary of the Pines Academy in Chatawa, Mississippi,
then moved with her mother to the Washington, D.C. area soon after the end of the Second World War. There, she met and, eventually,
married Forrest G. Ramsey, Jr., then a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Together they raised seven children. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, crocheting, needlework, sewing, painting, carving,
and was a devoted gardener, serving as the President of her garden club in northern Virginia.
Later in life she returned to live in Natchez, Mississippi, and she spent her final years in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.
A private interment will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Brookhaven on Saturday February 16.
Ralph Porter Kern
A memorial service for Mr. Ralph Kern is to be held February 23, 2019, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service at 11:00am with visitation starting from 9:00am prior to the service
with a burial service in Riverwood Memorial Park. Rev. Mike Grenn and Dr. P. A. Michel will conduct the services.
Mr. Kern was born October 25, 1936 to J. Hayward and Doris Allmand Kern in Canton, MS.
His family moved to Brookhaven when he was six years of age. Ralph graduated from BHS in 1955 and attended MS State
before joining the U.S. Air Force. After duty, he returned to Brookhaven, where he met his wife of 58 years.
He joined his parents in the restaurant business for the next 20 years before going into the oil exploration business for the next ten years, with much success.
After moving to Florida in 1987, he was co-owner with his son, Wyndell, building two Honda Motorcycle dealerships and purchasing world-renowned Gatorback Cycle Park.
Ralph was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and one son Christopher.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Grenn Kern;
sister, Dolores Hoff; two sons, Kyle Barry (Judy), Wyndell Todd (Kim); daughter-in-law (Elizabeth); one granddaughter (Kalie),
four grandsons (Christopher, Matthew, Justin & Keegan); one step-grandson, Justin Nelson (Andrea) and three step great-grandchildren.
Ralph will be greatly missed by all that loved and knew him.
Reggie Daniel Watts
Services for Mr. Reggie Daniel Watts of Brookhaven are 11:00 am Tuesday, February 12, 2019
at Riverwood Family Funeral Service with visitation Monday, February 11 from 5:00-8:00 pm
at Riverwood and burial at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.
Reggie Daniel Watts, 48, passed away on February 9, 2019 at King’s Daughters Medical Center.
He was born on December 4, 1970 to Danny and Beverly Watts.
He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and worked for Mike Benton Logging.
He loved classic cars and loved spending time with his two granddaughters.
Preceding him in death are his grandparents, J.W. and Ava Watts and Horace and Louise Cato.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents; girlfriend, Stacy Case and her children;
son, Daniel Cole Watts; daughter, Hannah Rene’ Hutson and husband, Kyle; brother, Randy Watts,
sisters, Dana Alexander and Missy Rhodus.
He is also survived by 2 granddaughters, Lillian Cole Hutson and Katherine Camilla Hutson and friend, Tarla Phillips.
Mary Herman Sexton
The funeral service for Mrs. Mary Ann Sexton will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 9, 2019, at Central Baptist Church.
There will be a time of visitation from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will follow on Sunday,
February 10, at 2:00 p.m., at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in DeRidder, Louisiana.
Mary Ann Sexton, 93, of Brookhaven, passed from this life on February 7, 2019. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri,
on June 25, 1925. Her parents were Frank Horak and Mary Herman Horak. She worked as a sales clerk for many years,
but her passion was her family. She cared for her home and was an example of grace and love to all who knew her.
Mrs. Mary was a member of Central Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Mills Sexton; her parents; brothers, Frank Horak and Wesley Horak; and sister, Frances Horak Baggett.
Those who will cherish her memory are, her daughter, Carol Ann Sexton Buckels and husband, Roy Lee Buckels, Jr.; sisters,
Lillian Horak Dulaney and Barbara Horak Matlock; three grandchildren, Amy Lea Buckels Walker and husband Aaron, Kelly Lynn Buckels,
and Beth Ann Buckels Wallace and husband, Jamie. She is also survived by five great grandchildren, Kaylee Rachel Walker,
Layton Mills Walker, Riley Addison Walker, Avery Brooks Wallace, and Beckett Miles Wallace.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International, Brookhaven Gideon Camp, P.O. Box 1106, Brookhaven, MS 39602
Phil Dexter Hall
Services for Mr. Phil Dexter Hall will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at 11:00am
at Riverwood Family with interment at Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 8, 2019, at Riverwood Family from 5:00pm-8:00pm.
Phil Dexter Hall, 69, of Brookhaven went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 7, 2019.
He was born on March 3, 1949, to Maxie Ellis Hall and Ella Johnson Hall.
Mr. Hall was a retired Locomotive Engineer from CNIC Railroad and also was
a member of Gum Grove Baptist Church.
Preceding him in death was his parents, Maxie and Ella Hall; father-in-law and mother-in-law,
Gus Laird, Jr. and Elaine Sullivan Laird.
Those left to cherish his memory is his wife of 32+ years, Cindy L. Hall; sons, Wade E. Hall and Todd D. Hall;
daughter, Misty L. Newman and husband Billy; brother, Brad Hall and wife Terri; along with seven grandchildren,
Mason Hall, Bailey Hall, Skylar Hall, Ramsey Hall, Elaina Newman, Mylane Newman and Ben Newman;
two great-grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Lisa Givens. Mr. Hall was also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Bessie Lou Malone Corkern
Services for Mrs. Bessie Lou Malone Corkern of Brookhaven are 11:00 am
Monday, February 11, 2019 at New Sight Baptist Church with visitation from
9:00 am until time of service. With burial at New Sight Cemetery.
Mrs. Bessie Lou Malone Corkern, 97, went to be with her Lord on February 7, 2019 at her residence.
She was born on January 11, 1922 to the late Troy Sloan Malone and Nellie Wilkes Malone.
Mrs. Bessie was a homemaker and a member of New Sight Baptist Church.
She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Buddy Corkern; sons, Melvin Ray Corkern,
Clyde Corkern and Marion Corkern; grandson, Greg Corkern; sister, Mary Nell Teasley;
brothers, Ray Malone and Milfred Malone; and daughter-in-law, Patricia Corkern.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Virginia Dixon and Betty Bonner;
5 grandchildren, Melvia Price and husband, David, Stephanie Winborne and husband Keith,
David Corkern and Jason Corkern.
She is also survived by 7 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren;
and daughter-in-law, Barbara Corkern and other loving family and friends.
Wesley Stevens Carlisle, Jr.
Services for Mr. Wesley Stevens Carlisle, Jr. of Brookhaven are 2:00 pm Thursday, February 7, 2019
at Riverwood Family Funeral Service with visitation on Wednesday, February 6, from 5:00-8:00 pm at Riverwood.
Mr. Wesley Stevens Carlisle, Jr., 43, passed away February 2, 2019 at University Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
He was born on January 28, 1976 to Wesley Stevens Carlisle, Sr. and Vicki Dianne Carlisle.
Steven was a Tattooist, avid fisherman, artist and loving husband, father and “Pops”.
Preceding him in death are his paternal grandparents, Wesley & Myrtle Carlisle;
maternal grandmother, Maxine Martin; cousin, Jim Carlisle and brother-in-law, Gary Hughes.
Those left to cherish his memory are his parents; wife, Cathy Carlisle; sons, Tyler Stevens Carlisle,
Destin Payne Allen and Tyler Blake Allen; daughters, Rebecca Ivy Carlisle and Katlyn Dianne Carlisle.
He is also survived by his brother, Richard Alvin Carlisle and sisters, Cherie Raymer and
Bobbie Jo Carlisle and 6 grandchildren, Evaeh Nicole Allen, Ellie James Allen,
Sofia Rain Cantrell, Kinsley Rayne Allen, Anna Claire Carlisle and Everleigh Jean Page.
Shiela Courtney Brown
Services for Mrs. Shiela Courtney Brown, are 11:00 am Wednesday February 6, 2019 at Riverwood Family Funeral Service
with visitation from 9:00 until time of service and burial at Montgomery Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Shiela Courtney Brown, 85, went to her heavenly home February 3, 2019. She was born June 11, 1933
to Barney and Eula Belle Moak. She graduated from Johnston Station School and married George Brown.
She and George resided in Natchez until their retirement, when they moved back to their hometown of Bogue Chitto.
Shiela was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her family and friends were a treasure to her and she also enjoyed her flowers.
She was a member of Mongtomery Baptist Church and will be missed by all those that loved her.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, George Brown; sisters, Bonnie Marie Graves and Nadine Wallace and brother, Gerald Moak.
Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Michael Brown; daughter, Cheryl Ezell and husband Eddie;
grandchildren, James Michael Brown and wife Jessica, Kim Pointer and husband, Shaun, Timothy Ezell;
and great grandchildren, Declan Pointer, Taylor Brown and Finn Brown.
Patricia Martin Wilson
Services for Mrs. Patricia Martin Wilson will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at 2:00pm
at Riverwood Family with Visitation and Gathering starting prior to the services at 12:00 noon.
Patricia Martin Wilson, 58, passed from this life on February 2, 2019, at University of Mississippi Medical Center.
She was born on February 6, 1960, to Louie Jean Martin and Georgia M. Jones.
Mrs. Wilson loved to cook and be with her family. She loved doing anything outdoors
such as being at the river, camping or being with animals.
Preceding her in death was her father and sister, Pamela M. Hodges.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, David W. Wilson; Mother, Georgia A. Jones;
daughter, Trisha A. Fortenberry; sons, Jack Jay Fortenberry and Sidney Jerome Johnson;
step-sons, James D. Wilson and David W. Wilson, ll., along with 3 grandchildren and a sister, Sherry Lynn Allen.
John Loyd Calcote, Jr
Visitation for Mr. John Loyd Calcote, Jr, will be Sunday, February 3, 2019, from 4:00-7:00 p.m., at Riverwood Family Funeral Service. His celebration of life will be Monday, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., at New Hope United Methodist Church with Rev. Lynn Mote, Bro. Herbert Beasley, and Bro. Ken Hart officiating. Burial will follow immediately at New Hope.
John Loyd Calcote, Jr, of Brookhaven, went home on his birthday, Thursday, February 1, 2019, at the age of 76. He peacefully passed away surrounded by his immediate family.
John grew up in McCall Creek, graduated Meadville High School, Copiah-Lincoln Junior College, and received his Bachelor of Music Education at Delta State College, where he was a member of the professional music fraternity Mu Phi Epsilon. Upon graduation, he pursued his passion of music by serving as band director of South Pike High School. During the summers between teaching, he earned his Master’s Degree in Education Administration at Delta State University. While studying for his Master’s, he was offered the position of headmaster at Deer Creek Academy in Arcola, MS. He gladly put his newly learned skills of education administration to use and remained at DCA for two years before returning closer to home as principal of Loyd Star School. After five years at Loyd Star, John served as Lincoln County School District’s Assistant Superintendent until he retired from the education system. He didn’t stay retired for long, as he stepped back into his favorite pair of shoes: education. After teaching special education at Franklin County High School, he founded the Alternative Learning Center at Franklin County High School where he remained the administrator until retirement in 2004. Throughout the years, John served as Sunday School Leader and Choir Director for New Hope United Methodist Church and was a member of the Brookhaven Symphony and the Community Band in Franklin County. He also served on the Copiah Lincoln Community College Foundation Board and was a lifetime member of the Co-Lin Alumni Association.
John was an excellent musician and a beautiful trumpeter. His voice was a gift from God, and he used it to sing His praises often. He was generous, caring, and lived to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, assisting others and never looking for anything in return. He was the sunshine in the lives of so many, and to know him was to love him.
John was patient. John was kind. John did not envy. John did not boast. John was not proud. John did not dishonor others, nor was he self-seeking. John was not easily angered, and he kept no record of wrongs. John did not delight in evil but rejoiced with the truth. John always protected, trusted, hoped, and persevered (adapted from 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7). He has, after a long battle, been rewarded as a good and faithful servant. His loved ones find peace in knowing that he is now playing his trumpet at the feet of Jesus.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Loyd Calcote, Sr. and Ineita Johnson Calcote.
He is survived by his Proverbs 31 wife of 53 years, Shirley C. Calcote; daughter Katie Grace McCaleb (Marty); daughter Leellen Rogers (David); grandchildren Jonna Bonnette (Linell), Ella and Walker Rogers, and Nick McCaleb; brother Mark Calcote (Mary Jo), sisters Artie Loy Scott and Clemois Scott (Greg); and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and precious friends. The family thanks the loving care and support from Hospice Compassus and his devoted and loving caregivers, Norma Halcomb and Sarah Carter.
“And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to New Hope United Methodist Church or a charity of one’s choosing.