Obituaries
Lavern Wallace Hardin
Funeral services for Lavern Wallace Hardin will be held on Monday, August 26th at First Baptist Church in Brookhaven. Visitation will be from Noon until 2pm followed by the service. Graveside services will follow in the Bethel Baptist Church cemetery in Bogue Chitto, MS. Riverwood Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Lavern passed on to her eternal heavenly home August 23, 2024. She was born on March 12, 1946, in Bogue Chitto, MS, to Jewell Rubin Wallace and Ruby Freeman Wallace. She graduated from Bogue Chitto High School and attended Copiah Lincoln Community College.
She retired from Trustmark National Bank in 2017.
She is survived by her son Ty, wife Kay, and grandson Spencer of Olive Branch, MS; a brother, John Wallace and wife, Ruth and nephew Wes of Destin, FL; sister-in-law Ellen Wallace, nieces Deanna and Laura, and nephew Jami. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother James Wallace of Bogue Chitto.
Pallbearers are Wes Wallace, Jami Wallace, Steve Moore, Art Stevens, Clint Rounsaville and Spencer Hardin.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons research.
Delorus Rose Gill
The funeral service for Delorus Rose Gill will be 11 a.m., Friday, August 23, at Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Gill, 77, of Brookhaven, died August 19, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Dyersburg, TN, August 13, 1947, to Clyde B. Rose and Johnnie Pauline Summers Rose. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was a faithful member of Bethel Temple and an active member of the ladies auxiliary. She was their leader for many years. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Mrs. Gill is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Peggy Rose and Hilda Lane; and brother, Tommy Clyde Rose.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald Gill; children, Donna Carter, Troy Gill, Dwayne Gill (Rhonda), Gwen Massey (Jay), and Sherry Gill (Raymond); sisters, Brenda Davis and Linda Young (Ronnie); 13 grandchildren, Kyle Carter, Jordan Gill, Christian Gill (Emily), Sarah Gill, Samantha Johnson (Brandon), Miranda Cotten (Anthony), Alex Gill (Anna), Tyler Gill, Micah Slaughter (Kristin), Kolton Slaughter (Chelsey), Abby Moroney (Andrew), Kacie Gill, and Trey Gill;
and 17 great grans as well as a host of other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church, 1610 Caleb Dr. SE, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Gary Wayne Norton
The funeral service for Gary Wayne Norton will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 21, at Riverwood Family with burial in Red Star Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
Mr. Norton, 55, of Brookhaven, died August 17, 2024, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Vicksburg on January 24, 1969, to Clyde Gary Norton and Louise Smith Norton. He was Operations Manager at Walmart Distribution Center.
Gary Wayne was a well known and likable man. He loved his family more than anything, especially his two grandbabies. Gary Wayne was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing on the Mississippi River, hunting turkey and deer, working in his yard, and playing golf with his buddies. Mr. Norton worked at Walmart Distribution Center for over 25 years. He loved his work family and was known for his hard work, guidance, and dedication.
Mr. Norton is preceded in death by his grandparents, Clyde and Edith Norton and Ervin and Loise Smith; aunt, Peggy Pepper; and cousins, Jody Pepper and Connie Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 22 years, Dana Norton; his parents; children, Lauren Britt (Ken), Megan Hatcher (Garrett), and Gavin Norton (girlfriend Madison); brothers, Shane Norton (Leigh Ann), Jeremy Norton; two grandchildren, Karter Britt and Ellie Britt; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends.
Rosie Lene Ezell Forrest
A celebration of her life will commence at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 24 in Riverwood’s chapel.
The interment will immediately follow at Riverwood Memorial Park
Rosie Lene Ezell Forrest died peacefully on August 10, 2024, at the age of 91 years, surrounded by
her loved ones. Born on February 5, 1933, to the late Henry and Addie Ezell in Meadville, MS. Mrs.
Forrest was the youngest of 15 children. Mrs. Forrest is preceded in death by her husband of 64
years, Curtis Forrest, her parents, brothers: William, Johnnie, Robert, Archie, Pinkey, Irvin and Lloyd
Ezell, sisters: Ada Travis, Versie Menasco, Bernie Wilson, Ida Wallace, Clara Jackson and Ann
Pepper, and great grandchild, Trevor Cutrer.
Rosie graduated from Bude High School in 1950 and moved to Brookhaven where she met and
married Curtis on September 18, 1950. She worked hard at everything she did and was employed
outside the home for 17 years at Hartley Goves Thermometer Plant, 10 years as manager of The
Flower Tree gift shop and various other jobs until retirement.
Committing her life to God, along with Curtis, Rosie was a faithful member of First Assembly of God
Church for 69 years where she served as bookkeeper for many years as well as teaching Sunday
School, working with youth and had a heart for the elderly and shut ins.
Never one to remain idle, she enjoyed reading, gardening -- a true green thumb -- was an
accomplished seamstress and excellent cook. Rosie always looked forward to cooking for the ones
she loved. Her love language was shown in serving others.
Those left to cherish her memory are her brother, Charlie Ezell, her 5 daughters : Diane Sellari and
children, William Sellari (Jessica and daughter, Willow, Solange and children, Lillian and Xander,
Jessica’s daughters, Hadleigh and Ryan), and Sarah Kramer (Mac and sons, Liam and Obie),
Barbara Hyatt (Ron) and son, Blake Hyatt (Yazmin and sons: Logan, Levi and Landry), Pam Donald
and children: Forrest Donald (Amanda), Taylor Donald and Sydney Jackson (Matt and children:
Emma, Blakely, Tucker and Remi), Amy Statezny (Andrew) and sons, Samuel Statezny and Ethan
Statezny, and Starla Smith (Sam) and sons, Drew Cutrer (Nancy and children: Ada Mae, James and
Kason), and Clay Cutrer (Courtney and daughter, Jennie May), a host of nieces, nephews, other
family and friends. She was deeply loved, and her unwavering, indomitable spirit will be greatly
missed.
You may visit with the family on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in
Brookhaven, from 6:00-8:00 pm.
Ronald Turner Havard, Sr.
Service is noon on Monday, August 19, 2024, at Friendship Baptist Church with visitation from 10:00 until the time of the service and burial at the church cemetery.
Ronald Turner Havard, Sr. 82 of Brookhaven went to be with his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ on August 15th, 2024.
He passed away at home surrounded by his loving Family.
He was born on May 2, 1942 in Mobile, Alabama to Woodrow Wilson Havard & Ruth Turner Havard.
He graduated from Crosby High School. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad/Canadian National for 31 years. He was a brakeman for 8 years & an Engineer for 23 years. He retired from the Railroad in August 2004. In 2009 Ronald and his wife Delores purchased Brookhaven Skating Rink from his father-in-law, Dewayne Nettles, and operated it until 2017. He surrendered his life to Jesus Christ on August 13, 1986. He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church for 16 years where he taught an Adult Sunday School Class and helped his wife, Delores with Children's Church for 8 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Ronald is survived by his love, his wife Delores Nettles Havard of 43 years. He had six sons, Scott Havard (Gaynell), Brett Havard (Nena), David Poole (Suann), Alan Poole (Melanie), Ronald Turner Havard, Jr. (Amanda), John
Wayne Havard (fiancé Jada); two daughters Anna Dawson & Katy Cowart (Mike), one sister Connie Havard Nettles (late William Nettles). He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, a special friend Rikki Rutland, and numerous family & friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deaconess Hospice of Brookhaven. We are very thankful for the care we received from them.
Montell Jackson Smith
Graveside 10:00 am, Friday, August 30, 2024 at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church Cemetery
Montell Jackson Smith, 96, passed from this earth on August 14,2024. She was born on January 10,1928 to Lucius and Beatrice Jackson of Brookhaven. She was a member of Heucks Retreat Baptist church .
She is preceded in death by her husband LE “Sonny” Smith, parents, brother Paul Jackson and sister Exie Newton.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sister Mary Smith(Jimmy), Sons Perry Smith (Mary), Paul Smith (Jeanene) ,and daughter Suzanne Smith along with Grandchildren Danielle Larson(Jacob), Samantha Schultz, Will Smith(Becca), Ashley Pigford(Josh)Owen Smith and Laurel Thwing (Dylan). She was blessed with 11 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren.
She will be remembered as a powerful prayer warrior who touched many lives with her passion for Christ and encouragement for many young women in her church.
The family would like to thank Judy Gibson , Dana Lofton , Sandra Turner, and Sondra Smith , and others for the excellent care they provided over the last 7 years during Mrs. Smith’s illness.
Annie Clara Case Smith
The funeral service for Mrs. Annie Clara Case Smith will be 10 a.m., Saturday, August 17th, at Riverwood Family with burial in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Smith, 96, of Brookhaven, went to be with her Lord and Savior August 13, 2024. She began her life’s journey June 19, 1928, when she was born to her parents, Bennie Case and Georgie A. Vaughn Case.
Mrs. Smith was a lifelong member of Friendship Baptist Church. She worked at King’s Daughters Medical Center in the Housekeeping Department. She loved and enjoyed her co-workers.
Annie was born and raised and lived her entire life as a “country girl” and was grateful and thankful for every moment. One of her favorite pastimes was sitting by the lake on her property where she spent much time in prayer. She was a woman of integrity and faith. Annie’s motto in life was “success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.” Her legacy will live on through those who loved her and called her friend.
Annie is preceded in death by her husband, James Smith and her parents.
She is survived by two double first cousins, Margaret Ann Britt and Harold Case (Carolyn) and by numerous cousins as well as her faith family at Friendship.
Annie was blessed to have such caring and loving caretakers, Debbie Coley, Hazel Barlow, and Marilyn Beeson.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1502 Friendship Lane NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601
Charlie Ann Lea
The funeral service for Charlie Ann Lea will be 12 p.m., Friday, August 16th, at Bethel Baptist Church in Monticello, MS, with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family for a time of visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Charlie Ann is the infant daughter of Charles Bradley Lea and Brandy Berry. She was born July 23, 2024, and was a cherished angel to her parents as well as all her family. Charlie was carried back to heaven August 12, 2024, and she will never know the joy she brought to everyone.
Charlie is preceded in death by her two siblings, Nolan Lea and Kinsley Lea; her maternal grandfather, John Edward Berry, Jr.; great grandparents, Joe Peavey, Wanda Kay Yarborough, John Edward Berry, Sr., Charles Lea, and Kathy Jones.
Those who remain to hold her memory close to their hearts are her parents, Brandy Berry and Bradley Lea; grandparents, Cristie Berry Lofton (Darron), Billy Lea, Brandy Wallace (Chris); and her great grandparents, John Oliver (Wanda), Mavis Peavey, William Jones, and Martha Lea. She is also survived by a host of uncle, aunts, and cousins.
Barbara Laird Beeson
The funeral service for Barbara Laird Beeson will be 2 p.m., Thursday, August 15, at Riverwood Family with burial in Bogue Chitto Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service at Riverwood.
Mrs. Beeson, 84, of Brookhaven, died August 12, 2024, at her residence. She was born in Bogue Chitto on May 14, 1940, to Luther and Nevis Laird.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, James Ray Beeson; son, Wynn James Beeson; granddaughter, Crystal Nikki Hux; son-in-law, Ronnie Waldrop; sister, Weida Magee and sister-in-law, Linda Laird.
She is survived by her children, Larry Beeson (Carla), Daphne Montgomery (William), Kayla Cantrell (Kenny), and Veeva White (Alvie); brother, Luther “Brother” Laird; and sister, Betty Terrell (Jack). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Will (Kim), Dudley (Laraye), Jeremy (Theresa), Corey (Shirley), Kristen (Bryan), Candi (Jason), Leila (Lindsey), Lori, Ashli (Jake), Logan, Makalah, Tristan, Kelsi (Charlie), Kaegen (Dereck), Kaitlyn, Christopher, Xander; 41 great grandchildren and 7 great, great grandchildren, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Archie Hugh Campbell
Services for Mr. Archie Hugh Campbell of Meadville are 3:00 pm, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Siloam Baptist Church with visitation from 1:00 until the time of the service and burial at the church cemetery.
Mr. Archie Hugh Campbell, 84, passed away on August 10, 2024. He was born on August 4, 1940, to the late Richard and Bertha Campbell.
He served his country in the U.S. National Guard and retired from the Illinois Central Railroad after 25 years. After retiring he owned a plumbing business for many years.
Archie was a member of Siloam Baptist Church for over 50 years. He had a zest for life and loved his family dearly.
Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Monroe, Fred, Alcy, Willie, Charlie, and Sedric; his sisters, Letha and Ivy.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Margie Farmer Campbell, children, Jason Campbell and wife Julie and Rachel Black, and husband, Tom. sister, Virginia Leonard, and grandson, William Campbell (Lauren), and a host of nieces and nephews.
He will be dearly missed by all who love him.
