Obituaries
Geraldine Burch
A celebration of life for Geraldine Burch will be held at a later date, Riverwood Family will be in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Burch passed away March 10, 2024, at Baptist Hospital. She was born January 5, 1939, to Leslie Huckabee and Marie Sterling Huckabee. She worked for many years with AT & T Telecommunications Company. She was a true Christian and loved her family and friends. She was always grateful for the kind deeds they did for her.
Geraldine is preceded in death by her husband, Norman Burch; her parents; and an infant sister.
She is survived by her son, Michael D. Burch; sister, Judy Davis (Bobby); nieces, Lisa Ingram (Jim) and Leslie Alexander (Dean). She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
James Dale Foster, Sr.
The funeral service for James Foster will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 13, at Fair River Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday.
Mr. Foster, 79, of Brookhaven, passed away from this life, March 10, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born April 18, 1944, to JD and Doris Foster of Brookhaven, MS. He served 4 years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Trumpetfish. After serving in the Navy, he began his career as a boilermaker that lasted until his retirement.
Mr. Foster loved spending time outdoors riding his tractor, cutting grass, and tending to his animals. He was a member of Fair River Baptist Church where he served faithfully. He was a great example of what it meant to be a good friend and neighbor.
In 1968, he married his wife, Judy Smith Foster. He lovingly took care of her until her death in 2013. Their marriage was blessed with a son and daughter.
Preceding him in death were his wife, parents, and brother-in-law, Kenneth Berry.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, James Foster, and wife, Traci; daughter, Kimberly Foster Lee, and husband, Bo; granddaughter, Julie Foster Roberts, and husband, Ryan; grandson, Luke Foster; brother, Chester Foster and wife Mary; sister, Berenda Berry, nieces and nephews. Others left to cherish his memory are Libby Jayroe; Lauren Priest, her husband Brett and their two sons, Braxton and Brody; Kendra Jackson and her two daughters, Kennedy and Harlyn Clark.
Special thanks to the staff of Dignity Hospice and Trend Health and Rehab for the kindness shown to Mr. Foster and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fair River Baptist Church Softball Fund, 3698 Fair River Dr. NE, Brookhaven, MS 39601 or the charity of your choice.
Linda Paulette Harrison
The funeral service for Linda Paulette Harrison will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at Divide Methodist Protestant Church with burial in Tilton Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at Divide Methodist Protestant and will resume Wednesday from 12 p.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Paulette, 69, of Jayess, passed away March 10, 2024, in McComb, MS. She was born in Tylertown January 31, 1955, to Wayne T. Tanksley and Alteen King Tanksley.
Paulette was a devout Christian lady with a true servant’s heart. Even in times of darkness, she was a light to those around her. She never questioned her faith nor the Lord’s plan for her life. She was a rock for her family and friends throughout her entire life, yet she remained humble and unaware of the positive impact she made on every person who had the privilege of knowing her. Paulette was one of the most positive people who brought joy and laughter to countless individuals. She loved her three boys and her three granddaughters to the moon and back, and she instilled in each of them undeniable qualities that will allow her to live on in each one. She was an incredible wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed and greatly cherished forever.
She is preceded in death by her first husband, Hank Tullis, the father of her three sons; her father, Wayne T. Tanksley; and her brother, Kenny Wayne Tanksley.
Those who are left to cherish her memory are her husband of 28 years, Wayne Harrison; mother, Alteen Tanksley; children, Michael Tullis (Kelsey), Shane Tullis (Jane Belle), Jeremy “J.J.” Tullis (Morgan); three grandchildren, Shayna Letchworth (Chance), Sydney Tullis, and Olivia Tullis; stepdaughters, Sandy Harrison, Brandy Harrison, and Amanda Harrison; and the ladies of Divide who held a special place in her heart.
Gerald Wayne "Bo" Smith, Sr.
The funeral service for Gerald Wayne “Bo” Smith, Sr will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 12, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Monday, March 11, at Riverwood
Mr. Smith, also known as “Bo”, died March 4, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Brookhaven, MS, April 10, 1961, to Vernon Smith and Dorothy Harris Smith.
Bo was an avid outdoorsman especially fishing. He also spent time working on cars and lawn mowers. His greatest joy was found in his family, especially his 16 grandchildren. Two special grandbabies that no one could mess with were his “My My” and Tripp. He will be greatly missed by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Clayton Edward Golden; brother, Gary Lynn Smith; sister, Rita Brock; nephews, Don Bessonette and TJ Hodges; and beloved aunt, Mildred Browning.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Renee Smith; children, Victoria Cartier (Josh), Vallery Smith, Bo Smith, Jr. (Rachael), Veronica Branch (Brian), Travis Rollins (Crystal), Ludi Mae Smith, Amber Marie Smith; brother, Don Smith (Krista); sisters, Rena Rippy (Glenn), Rhonda Crawford (Nick); 16 grandchildren, Clayton Golden, Kaylee Bates, Mya Branch, Dennis Menard, Liza Morgan, Connor Smith, Evan Cartier, Cayden Morgan, Tripp Smith, Shaylynn Cartier, Braxton Branch, Hunter Smith, Hayden Gunnell, Chloe Branch, Adi Rollins, and Elizabeth Rollins. He is also survived by special friends, Chris Morris and Scott Williams as well as a host of other family members and friends.
Jeffery Wayne Hill
Jeffery Wayne Hill, 67, of Hazlehurst, passed away March 8, 2024, at his residence. He was born in West Memphis, AR, on October 7, 1956.
Mr. Hill served his country in the United States Marine Corps for six years. He worked in the chicken plant business for over 40 years. He had been with Peco Foods in Canton, MS for over 20 years. Mr. Hill cherished all his coworkers at Peco Foods and considered them family. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying working on his cattle farm as well as going hunting or fishing.
Family was extremely important to him, and he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was loyal, hardworking, kind, and compassionate and would go without making sure others had what they needed. Jeffery was a loving husband, the best father, and a true and honest friend. He lived by the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fi”, meaning “always faithful”.
He is preceded in death by his father, James Earl White and mother, Joyce Willekens; and his sister, Teresa Callahan.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 12 years, Matilde Hill; his children, Tony Hill (Taylor), Hannah Shores (Joel), Jayson Rios, and Amy Hill; brothers, Jimmy Hill, Marshall Hill, and Keith Hill; three grandchildren, Brody Keen, Kylie Keen, and Molly Grace Shores. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516.
Johnie Van Coffman
Mr. Johnie Van Coffman, 79 of Bogue Chitto passed away March 5, 2024 at Southwest Regional Medical Center in McComb.
He will have a memorial service at a later date
Marilyn Kendoyce Laird Vinson
Funeral services for Mrs. Marilyn Kendoyce Laird Vinson are at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 9th, 2024, at Solid Rock Pentecostal Church on Hwy 84 West in Brookhaven. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mrs. Vinson, 84, passed away March 6th, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Brookhaven on February 11, 1940, to Brince Alden Laird and Corene Lewis Laird. Her parents moved the family to Louisiana where she grew up, but she always enjoyed summers in Mississippi. Her grandfather, J.B. Laird, began teaching her to lap drive at age 7, and eventually, she could drive anything from a Go Kart to a Dump truck. Her formal education was in Baton Rouge, and she graduated from Istrouma High School. She married James Edward Vinson, known as Sonny, on April 20, 1957.
She and Sonny began their young marriage living in New Orleans, Slidell, San Antonio and then back to Baton Rouge. She furthered her education with numerous business courses and soon went to work for the state of Louisiana, where she retired after 30 years. She was one of the first supervisors of the computer room. At that time, these were giant computers that kept track of all areas of state business. She also was a purchasing agent and always had first dibs on many items that the state resold after use, including a 1972 Cadillac that she and Sonny drove for many years. She was also very involved with her husband's heavy equipment business and helped manage their numerous rental properties. She and Sonny were astute businesspeople and would horse trade for just about anything. At the time of her death, she even owned a helicopter motor.
Her greatest joy and blessing from God was the birth of her son, Kendal, in 1960. Kendal, being the only child, was the pride and joy of the Vinson home. He enjoyed a happy, and often mischievous childhood, traveling with his parents, swimming, and riding one of his many dirt bikes. She took motherhood very seriously. When Kendal passed away at the young age of 15, both she and Sonny relied on their strong faith, their family, and their many friends to help them cope with such unimaginable heartbreak. One of their coping mechanisms became helping others in their times of need. They mentored numerous young people, often from broken homes, even taking them in at times. They helped many people get their first job, buy their first home, or their first car. Above all, she and Sonny ministered to them and led many to the Lord. They continued ministering to people throughout their lives and their faith was most evident in their golden years. She took her vows seriously, and lovingly cared for her husband until his passing in 2020.
She and Sonny were avid travelers, as long as they didn't have to fly. They visited 48 states. They never made it to Alaska because Sonny got sick on the way up there. They didn't go to Hawaii because there was no bridge to take them there. They were also frequent visitors to both Mexico and Canada. They would load up their motorhome at a minute's notice and take off wherever the road took them.
She often remarked that some of the best times of her life were
fellowshipping and camping with friends. She also was an accomplished musician and could play both the piano and the accordion by ear, having never taken a lesson. In their retirement years, she and Sonny longed for a quieter pace. After much prayer and thought, they sold their home in Louisiana and moved back to Mississippi, the place where it all began. They fell in love with the house they bought and loved their neighbors. They made friends instantly and became active
in Solid Rock Pentecostal Church. Kendoyce was an easy person to love, and she loved others with the same respect and devotion.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, J.B. and Mamie Laird, and Clarence and Fannie Lewis; her husband, Sonny Vinson: and her son, Kendal Edward Vinson.
She is survived by her poodle, Cherie; her Laird cousins, Donald Gene Laird, Johanne Laird Simons, Guyia Laird, Steve Laird, Wanda Laird Griffin, and Kevin Laird and his wife Robin. She is also survived by several Lewis cousins, her husband's nieces and nephews, and her devoted caregivers including Becky Hall, Kristen Davis, Pam Graves, Tanya Foster, Sandra Ellis, and Darla Nash.
The family expresses appreciation to the staff of Accent Home Health for their care and devotion over the last few months. Also, to the caregivers of Arden Hospice for their kindness and guidance over the last few days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Solid Rock Pentecostal Church, 322 Quitman Lane, Brookhaven, Mississippi.
William Stanley Perez, III
William Stanley Perez III, aged 76, peacefully departed on March 1, 2024, at Courtyard in McComb, MS. Born in Lancaster, Ohio, on September 1, 1947, to William Stanley Perez II and Luella Hill, William is now reunited with his parents, along with his brother Michael Perez, sister Leona Cullison, and son Robert Perez.
Survived by his wife Dana Perez, Michelle (Matthew) Tuttle, Brandon (Shaina) Perez, Jennifer (Michael) Davis, Jessica (Alex) Williamson, Kris (Sarah) Holloway, and a range of grandchildren: Logan, Roman, Nolan, Toran, Konan Tuttle, Austin, John, Neela, Brandon Jr. Perez, Amelia Davis, Raeleigh Green, and Clay Williamson.
William found solace in the simplicity of watching sporting events, the occasional game of bowling, mastering the art of playing darts, and enjoying solitary moments with various card and puzzle games on his computer. He especially anticipated Thanksgiving each year, eagerly indulging in the delight of savoring his preferred dishes, with a special fondness for Pumpkin Pie.
As per William's wishes, he was cremated, and no formal service or flowers are planned. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time of reflection. In lieu of donations, your support and kind words are cherished.
Join us in remembering William Stanley Perez III. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his family find comfort in the shared memories that will endure.
Dianne Bates Henry
A Memorial service for Dianne Bates Henry will be 1 p.m., Friday, March 8, at Monticello Baptist Church, with a memorial gathering from Noon until the time of service.
On Monday, March 4, 2024, Dianne Bates Henry the loving wife and mother, passed away at Lawrence Co Hospital at the age of 77. Dianne was born July 16, 1946, to Wilbur Bernice Bates & Ollie Verdue Polk Bates.
Mrs. Dianne Henry was dedicated to her church, family and friends. Dianne was a devout Christian and a dedicated member of Monticello Baptist Church
and a member of the Twentieth Century Club.
Mrs. Dianne Henry loved working in her flowerbeds and card stamping. She was an avid game player and loved a challenging game with her friends and family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Sammie Lee Henry; grandson, Blaine Lee Reynolds; parents; and brothers, Billy Bates and Edgar Bates.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Jason Henry (Krissy) and Kay Fuller (Trent); brother, John Bates; sisters, Virginia Morris and Elaine Goss; four grandchildren, Logan Henry (Emily), Mary Henry, Megan Reynolds, and Logan Fuller; and one great granddaughter, Elyzabeth Henry. She is also survived by a host of other loving family members and friends.
Shane McNeill
The funeral service for Shane McNeill will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 8, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, March 7, at Riverwood.
Paul Shane McNeill, of Brookhaven, was born in Meridian, MS, July 28, 1974, to Paul Douglas McNeill and Wanda Gibson Locke. Shane’s journey here on earth ended March 3, 2024. He was 49 years old.
Shane was the Director of the Office of Coordinated School Health in the Office of Healthy Schools and Director of Safe and Orderly Schools both in the Mississippi Department of Education.
Shane’s favorite pastime was playing ping pong with his precious daughter Allie Grace. He was one of her most loyal fans and loved attending her tennis matches. He also found pleasure in golfing, going to the gym, and completing projects around his house. He was a wonderful chef and enjoyed creating tasty meals for his family and friends, his motto would be “the more the merrier”. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jessie Todd Wright and Walter Wright, Edna Ivy McNeill, and James McNeill; uncles, Jimmy McNeill and Franklin Hearn; and his aunt Patty Quinnelly.
Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his daughter, Allie Grace McNeill; his mother, Wanda Locke (Kevin); father, Doug McNeill (Joyce); uncles and aunts, Jerry Quinnelly, Carolyn Hearn, Sherry Cameron; lifelong mentor and friend, Neubern Atkinson and a host of other loving family members and friends.
