Obituaries
Patricia Ann "Pat" Mullins
The Celebration of life for Patricia Ann Mullins will be 11 a.m., Friday, May 31, at Riverwood Family with burial in New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, May 30, at Riverwood and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Friday.
Patricia "Pat" Ann Mullins, age 81, peacefully passed away on May 28, 2024, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 2, 1942, in Natchez, MS, to Carl and Rosalie Calhoun, Pat led a life filled with love, faith, and dedication.
Pat was a proud graduate of Natchez High School, Copiah-Lincoln Community College, and The University of Southern Mississippi. At Co-Lin, she shone brightly as a member of the Copiah-Lincoln Collette Dance Team, was honored as Miss Co-Lin, and, most importantly, met the love of her life, Eddie Glen Mullins. They married on October 12, 1963, and recently celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage.
A devoted member of New Prospect Baptist Church, Pat was known for her unwavering faith and dedication. She taught Sunday school and volunteered for Vacation Bible School, always eager to share the gospel of Jesus. Her deep love for the Lord was evident to all who met her, embodying the virtues of a Proverbs 31 woman.
Pat's impact on her community was profound. As a beloved history teacher, she inspired countless students during her 18 years at Adams County Christian School and 24 years at Brookhaven Academy. Many of her students fondly remember her as their favorite teacher, often expressing, "We just love Mrs. Mullins."
Pat is preceded in death by her parents, sister Yvonne “Boney” Parker, and great-granddaughter Harper Dean Cupit.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, cherished by her husband Glen, daughters Terri Michelle Cupit (and husband Mike), and Lisa Marie Lea (and husband Jeff), grandchildren Brandon Michael Cupit (and wife Kim), Britney Hailey Ashworth (and husband Zac), Zachary Dean Cupit, Jordan Lamar Lea (and wife Becky), Jarrett Layton Lea, and Jaden Levi Lea, as well as great-grandchildren David Wayne Lea, Michaela Leeann Ashworth, Hadley Raye Cupit, and Benjamin Glen Ashworth.
The family kindly requests your prayers during this time of grief as they remember and celebrate the life of a remarkable woman whose love and faith touched so many.
Marjorie Jean Gunter Hylander
Marjorie Jean Gunter Hylander, affectionately known as Jean, of Lorman, Mississippi, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Sunday, May 26, 2024. She was 96 years young.
Jean was born to Otis Revere and Mary Annis Gunter on November 8, 1927, in Oxford, Mississippi. After graduating from Grenada High School in 1945, she attended Mississippi State College for Women. She then returned home to work for the Army Corps of Engineers and purchased a lot for her parents in Grenada, where they built their first home. "Nana's house," as it came to be known, remains a cherished family gathering place to this day.
In 1950, Jean met Lieutenant Walter Raymond Hylander, Jr. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They married on March 9, 1951, and went on to have two children, Walter Raymond Hylander III and Joyce Elizabeth Hylander. Jean created a beautiful home for her family in more than 20 different locations throughout the USA and Europe. She was recognized by the military for her outstanding achievements in London, England; Munich, Germany; and Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Jean was particularly skilled at making young Army wives feel welcome in new and unfamiliar places.
After Walt's retirement from the Army, he and Jean found their dream home—an authentic antebellum mansion in Lorman, Mississippi. Together, they restored and decorated Rosswood Plantation, transforming it into a showplace of the Old South. It became a popular tourist attraction, a premier bed and breakfast inn, and a thriving Christmas tree farm, visited by thousands over the years. Their favorite saying was, “The world is a banquet, and we are still at the table.” The family prayer, penned by John Wesley, reflects their deep faith: “Be present at our table Lord, Be here and everywhere adored, These people bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with thee.” We are confident that Walt and Jean are together once again, enjoying the banquet in paradise.
Jean’s deep faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ sustained her throughout her life. She was incredibly loyal, generous, and kind to her family. Full of life, people were naturally drawn to her warm and friendly nature. At Rosswood, her gracious hospitality made guests feel welcomed, with many returning year after year. Jean’s hospitality came naturally after many years of entertaining during Walt’s Army career, and she loved sharing her home with others.
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walt Hylander; her parents, Otis and Annis Gunter; and her sister, Mary Gunter Benoist. She is survived by her sisters, Joyce Gunter Geeslin and Patricia Gunter Adkins (Jerry); her children, Ray Hylander of Jackson, Mississippi, and Joy Hylander Boswell (Curt) of Fairhope, Alabama; grandchildren, Alyssa Hylander Petty (Justin), Hayley Hylander Miller (Sam), Hannale Hylander, and Haaken Hylander Boswell; and great-grandchildren, Joyce Katherine Petty, Carswell Lamar Petty, Madelyn Ann Miller, and Adeline Jean Hylander.
Fondly known as Playmama, Jean adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their regular visits, letters, and telephone calls enriched her life until the very end.
The family will celebrate Jean’s life in a private service at Rosswood on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Peggy Sue King
The funeral service for Peggy Sue King will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, at Riverwood Family with burial in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of service at Riverwood.
Ms. King, 80, of Brookhaven, died May 25, 2024. She was born December 1, 1943, to James Ray Allen and Sally Mae Delaughter Allen.
Peggy was a loving and caring mother and grandmother; her family was the second most important part of her life. Her first love was the Lord. She was a faithful servant of God, and her faith has now become sight. She was always considerate of others more than herself. Peggy will be greatly missed by those who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Shirley Case, Joyce Smith, and Ann Case; and brother, Bob Allen.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Pam Case (Dennis), Ramona Dunn (Rick), and Jamie Anding; brother, Ken Allen (Minnie); sister, Jane Jackson; three grandchildren, Joshua Dunn (Kelsey), Tyler Dunn, Atleigh Anding; and one great grandchild, Baker Dunn. She is also survived by her faithful dog, “Sally Sue”.
Ernestine Britt Smith
Services for Mrs. Ernestine Britt Smith of Brookhaven will be 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at New Salem Church of Christ with burial at the church cemetery.
Visitation is 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, May 27, 2024, at Riverwood Family and will resume Tuesday at the church from Noon until the time of service.
Mrs. Ernestine Britt Smith, 92, passed away at her home on May 22, 2024. She was born on April 24, 1932, to the late Ernest and Bernice Britt.
When she was younger, she enjoyed playing fast-pitch softball for Loyd Star, going to any athletics at Loyd Star. She was a big fan and supporter of Loyd Star, she enjoyed photography her whole life, and she enjoyed spending time with her sisters, and all her family, friends, and loved ones.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Willie (Bill) L. Smith; brothers, Bernard Britt, Perry Britt, Robert Falvey, and Frank Falvey.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Alisa Gail Smith; son, Randy Lamar Smith, and wife Helen; sisters, Betty Jo Smith, Annie Ruth Lambert, and Bobbie Nell Smith; along with four grandchildren, Hannah Mason (Marcus), Marietta Adams (Josh), Randall Smith (Kelli) and Andrew Smith (Becca); and 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
The family greatly appreciates all the love, helpfulness, kindness, and support from all family, friends, and Arden Hospice. We thank everyone who showed up and supported Ernestine and her family.
Terry Paul Miller
A memorial service will be held for Terry Paul Miller, 6:15 p.m., Thursday, May 30, at Harmony Baptist Church in Crystal Springs with burial in the church cemetery.
Visitation is from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service.
Terry Paul Miller, 54, of Crystal Springs passed away on May 19, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on March 30, 1970.
Terry completed the Upper Rooms Walk to Emmaus and recently made a profession of faith and was baptized at Harmony Baptist Church. He enjoyed gardening and working on his homeplace.
He also loved playing with Pup Pup, fishing on the creek, LSU Football, and going to Saints games.
Preceding him in death were his father, Paul Miller, his son, T. J. Miller, and maternal grandparents, Clint Forrest & Annie Strickland Forrest; paternal grandparents, Donald Miller & Ruby Errington Miller, and stepsister, Angela Hicks.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Gina Miller; mother, Margaret Forrest; son, Andrew Miller; stepchildren, Heather Berry (Langston), Marissa Smith (Maverick), and Lee Westrope (Ally); sister, Regina White and husband, David, and their children, Cruz and Ben; stepsister, Janet Hicks, and stepbrother, Glenn Hicks. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Emrie Berry, Avrie Berry, and Sophie Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Harmony Baptist Church, 6057 Harmony Rd., Crystal Springs, MS 39059.
Lois Dowdle Hawkins
Services are 12:00 pm, Saturday, May 25, Riverwood with visitation from 10:00 until the time of service and burial at Canton City Cemetery at 3:00 pm.
On Thursday, May 23, 2024, Lois Dowdle Hawkins (87) left this world to be with her
Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Lois was born on April 20, 1937, in Canton, MS, to
Robert Amos and Myrtis Dees Dowdle. She was the youngest of three, with
Robert Amos Dowdle, Jr. and Mary Nell Dowdle Hough preceding her death.
Now so many who knew Lois and her family know she had become better known as “Granny”. Well, Granny enjoyed her family the most. She had four children:
Mary Alice Jackson (Jimmy) of Monticello, MS, Ben Hawkins (Jean) of Denham Springs, LA, Robert Hawkins (Spring) of Kosciusko, MS, and Beth Adcock (Rusty) of Wesson, MS. She had seven grandchildren: Leigh Jackson, Jessica Wheat (Brandon), Clint Jackson (Susanna), Bethany Hawkins, Nick Jackson (Ashley), Karmen Gates (Stephen) and Hadleigh Hawkins. She also had seven great-grandchildren: Leia Jackson, Dylan Jackson, Jackson Gates, Jase Jackson, Rachel Gates, Ava Marie Jackson, and Blake Jackson. Granny also was honored to be an aunt to so many nieces and nephews but was specifically close to her sister’s son, Bill Greenwich (Sandra) of Baton Rouge, LA, and their family, Matt Greenwich, Erin Boyette (Dalis) and her great nephew, Brodie Boyette and great-niece, Brynnley Boyette. Finally, a few friends she will surely miss are Libby Case, her lifelong friend, Charlotte Creely, a dear family friend and Ann Williams, who she recently described
as her best friend. While Lois grew up in Canton, MS, “Granny” called Wesson, MS home. She made a career at Copiah Lincoln Community College and attended Decell Memorial United Methodist Church.
Coincidentally, the timing of this special lady’s passing is quite appropriate. It occurred one day prior to Memorial Day weekend. For the last thirty-five years, Granny and her family have come together on this holiday weekend for ‘Campout.’ Lois’s sister, Mary Nell,
started this tradition to help keep their families close, and it’s a wonderful tradition
that the family will make sure is continued for years to come.
So, please don’t shed a tear but be joyful as Granny is whole now
and celebrating ‘Campout’ with Aunt Mary Nell.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any gifts be given to
Decell Memorial United Methodist Church.
Bonnie F. Johnson
The funeral service for Bonnie F. Johnson will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 28, at Riverwood Family with burial in Easthaven Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Bonnie Johnson, of Tylertown, MS, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 21st, surrounded by her family.
Born to Perry and Eunice Allen in Brookhaven, MS, on February 9th, 1942. Bonnie was a graduate of Brookhaven High School in 1960, where she was an avid basketball player.
She met the love of her life in July of 1956, R. B. Johnson, and married him on June 4th, 1960, thus beginning a 64-year adventure.
Between moves that brought her from south Louisiana to Texas and home to Mississippi. She relied greatly on the word of the Lord. As the Psalmist, David, writes in chapter 127 verses 3 and 4, “Children are a blessing and gift from the LORD. Having a lot of children to take care in your old age is like a warrior with a lot of arrows.” God blessed her with five children; Connie Wiles (Frank), Dwayne Johnson (Jennifer), Wayne Johnson (Barbara), Dana Vincent (Trent), Wendy Hebert; 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Bonnie enjoyed watching her sports, especially LSU, talking with her sisters and best friends, Deleathea, Lou Mertie, and Violet, watching her grandbabies grow, taking care of her husband, and worshipping the Lord.
She is preceded in death by her loving mother, Eunice Allen; her father, Perry Allen; her brother, Lamar Allen; and her sister, Violet Crosby.
Miriam Smith Ballard
Graveside service for Miriam Y. Smith Ballard will be 10 a.m., Friday, May 24, at Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Ballard, 60, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life May 20, 2024. She was born July 14, 1963, to Lamar Smith and Mary B. Bigner Smith.
Miriam was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter. She had a positive outlook on life and used that to combat anything she came up against. She enjoyed shopping and trips to the beach. Being a “people person”, she never met a stranger. Miriam loved her family and friends, especially her grandbabies, Gabriel and Madison. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Miriam is preceded in death by her father and one daughter, Keely E. Ballard.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 39 years, Kenneth C. Ballard; her mother, Mary B. Smith; daughter, Karly R. Ballard; brother, Warren Smith; and her two grandchildren, Gabriel L. Dyess and Madison P. Dyess. She is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Johnie Van "John" Coffman
A memorial service will be held for Johnie Van “John” Coffman, 2 p.m., Friday, May 24, at the former First Church of the Nazarene, 732 Union Church Rd, Brookhaven, MS.
John (79) of Bogue Chitto, MS went to his heavenly home on March 5th, 2024. He was born in Skiatook, OK on October 30, 1944, to Cleatus Van and Mavis McCoy Coffman.
He is preceded in death by his parents, baby sister, and daughter Amanda Trehern.
John was of Cherokee Heritage, which he proudly embraced. John was a faithful member of the Church of the Nazarene.
He is survived by his wife Connie Coffman. Also, he is survived by his children Jamie Asbury (George), Sherri McCaleb, Marvin Morrison, Christina Fairburn, Frank Saujon, 13 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
John served his country proudly in the Vietnam War in the Air Force as an M.P. (Military Police). After his return, he worked for the Dallas Police Department.
In 1968 he moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and served on the Gulfport Police Department as well as the Harrison County Sheriff's Department in many law enforcement capacities.
After leaving law enforcement, he started a security recovery business working for bank and finance companies across the country. He was an avid collector of oil, gas, and drink memorabilia. He loved telling his jokes to anyone who would listen. He also loved participating in car shows and attending Cruising the Coast in his 1989 Chevy C-10 Truck.
He will be sorely missed by his friends and loving family.
Donna Ruth Rodgers
There will be a graveside service for Donna Rodgers, Thursday, May 23, at 10 a.m. in Hollywood Cemetery, McComb, MS.
Donna Ruth Stewart Rodgers, 82, of Brookhaven, died May 20, 2024, at Silver Cross Nursing Home and Rehab Center. She was born in Baton Rouge, LA, November 26, 1941, to Arthur Noah Singleton and Dora Pearl Satchell Singleton.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Stewart; her parents; and her son, Troy Stewart.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Tracy Stewart (Debra) and Trudy Rutland (Greg); brother, Tommy Singleton; sisters, Della Clark and Dottie Long; three grandchildren, Eric Allen Stewart (Gina), Ana Elise Adams (David), Jaclyn Brooke Platts (Sean); and four great grandchildren, Maddox Adams, Maci Adams, Adilyn Stewart and Layton Stewart. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews as well as special friends, Marjorie Houston and Joyce Sullivan, who, along with Donna were called “the 3 Amigos”.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Silvercross for their continued care of Mrs. Rodgers. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
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