Obituaries
John "Johnny" Bernard Perkins
John “Johnny” Bernard Perkins, 92, of Brookhaven, Mississippi, passed away following a brief illness on January 1, 2023, at home and in the presence of family. He was characteristically stubborn and determined to ring in his final New Years.
Johnny was born on August 15, 1930, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, where he attended Brookhaven High School and met his wife, Margaret Ann Summers, when they were both 16. Together they graduated with the Class of '48 where Johnny served as both class president and drum major his senior year. After high school, he attended Ole Miss before joining the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot in 1953.
He was awarded his Air Force wings in 1953 and was selected as a F-86 fighter pilot assigned to the 416-fighter interceptor squadron in Moses Lake Washington. He successfully ejected from a F-86 after suffering complete turbine failure in December 1953.
Johnny returned to Brookhaven in 1956 to work with his father in the family business, John B. Perkins Furniture. At that time, he transferred into the Mississippi Air National Guard as a captain and was an instructor-pilot. In 1968 Johnny joined United Airlines as a DC-6 flight instructor and in 1969, he moved his family to Denver, Colorado. He transferred to the Wyoming National Guard in 1967 and joined CINPAC Joint Base Pearl Harbor in 1987 as a colonel and reserve command duty officer, where he retired in 1990. Johnny also retired from United Airlines in 1990 as the fleet captain of the UA 747 Fleet.
Johnny and Margaret Ann moved back to Brookhaven in 1990 and he began to focus his time and energy to help make Brookhaven the best small town in America. He joined the Airport Board and oversaw an airport expansion, which would draw jet service to the facility. Johnny served on the Mississippi Board of Mental Health from July 2013 through 2019. He was also an active member of the Servitium Club, formerly Kiwanis.
Johnny was passionate about his family, his community, and the State of Mississippi. He was husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to a family who loved and cherished his devotion, support, and leadership.
Johnny was predeceased by his sister, Sally Perkins Brown of Memphis, Tennessee.
Johnny is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Perkins; brother, James Herring Perkins (Patty); his children, John B. Perkins III (Kelly), Frank M. Perkins and Julia Summers; his grandchildren, Nicholas John Wilkes, Sarah Marshall Perkins, Kathryn-Taylor Parvin, John Bent Perkins, George Hayes Perkins, Rose Ana Summers, and John Kelly Perkins; and his great-grandchildren, Lucy Cecile Ladnier and Brooks Taylor Parvin. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Lori Farmer, and grandsons, Drew and Reed Jones.
Visitation will take place on Saturday, January 14, at Riverwood Family Funeral Services from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Brookhaven Animal Rescue League, Brookhaven.
James Clyde Montgomery, Jr.
Services for Mr. James Clyde Montgomery, Jr. of Brookhaven are 2:30 pm, Monday, January 9, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 12:30 until the time of service. Burial will be at Riverwood Memorial Park.
James Clyde Montgomery, Jr., 74, passed away January 6, 2023. He was born November 28, 1948, to the late James Clyde Montgomery Sr., and Sarah Elizabeth Harveston Montgomery.
He was a member of First Baptist Church Brookhaven. Mr. Montgomery was also a member of Gideon International, Global Meritime Ministries, and writer
for Got Questions. He has taken mission trips to China, Indonesia, Panama, Nigeria, Malaysia and Singapore, and distributed approximately 1,000,000 Bibles around the world.
Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, David Bruce Montgomery.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 55 years, Shirley O. Montgomery; children, Terry Spencer, Jim Montgomery, and Beth Covington and husband, Ben, all of Brookhaven. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Lauren Spencer, Geoffrey Spencer, Wesley Harper, Mark Covington and Owen Covington; along with a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends, and sister, Gail ONesi, of Brookhaven.
Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Missions, 2001 E. Monticello St.
Brookhaven, MS. 39601 or Gideons International, 131 Gateway Dr. Ste A, Brandon, MS 39042
John Larry McFadden
Services for John Larry McFadden, of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Monday, January 9, 2023, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service.
Burial will be at Riverwood Memorial Park.
John Larry McFadden, 74, passed away January 5, 2023. He was born November 6, 1948 to the late John Elton McFadden and Evonne Smith McFadden.
He served his country in the United States National Guard. Mr. McFadden was a member of First Baptist Church of Brookhaven, Salesman for Stan King Chevy. He was a former member of the Exchange Club, Salesman of the Year at Stan King for several years, loved all sports, riding his Harley, coaching his children in sports and spending time with his grandchildren and family.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and brother, Joe Stephen McFadden.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Verna White McFadden; children, Jason McFadden and wife, Christie; Jenny Tucker and husband Linc; five grandchildren, Brittan McFadden, Ava Moreton, Harley McFadden, Saylor McFadden and Magnolia Tucker; along with sisters-in-law, Sheila McFadden, Devera Miley and husband, Jim, and Olivia McNair and husband, Steve; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Bubba Albritton
The funeral service for Bubba Albritton, will be 11 a.m., Friday, January 6, at Riverwood Family, with interment to follow in Cold Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Bogue Chitto. The visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday, January 5, at Riverwood and will resume on Friday at 9 a.m. until the time of service.
Bubba Richard Denon Albritton, II, 35, of Brookhaven, died December 28, 2022, in Amite, Louisiana. He was born in McComb, Mississippi, October 19, 1987.
Bubba was a friend to many and a great father to his three children. He was a wonderful husband to Bobbie Jo. Bubba loved traveling, mud riding, and spending time with his family. He took pride in the business, Rapid Recovery LLC, that he and his father founded together. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
Bubba is preceded in death by his stepfather, Bernie Anslum; grandparents, James and Mattie Allen and Cecil and Mary Albritton; and his brother-in-law, Mark Morgan.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Jo Albritton; his children, Blazey Albritton, Blaze Albritton, and Brayleah Albritton; two other children that he loved and raised Destin Allen and Galmarie “Porky” Jenkins; his mother, Leah Anslum; his father Richard Albritton and step mother, Debbie; sisters, Kyla Barcenas and husband, Alex and Stephanie Albritton; step brother, Christopher Lea; step sister, Candi Polk and husband, Steven; three nephews, Kadyn Mitchell, Karsyn Barcenas, Madden Morgan; and one niece, Addisyn Barcenas. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends.
Donald Roy Curtis
Graveside service for Mr. Donald Roy Curtis will be 1 p.m., Friday, January 6, at Spring Hill Baptist Church Cemetery
Mr. Curtis, 87, of Wesson, passed away January 2, 2023. He was born September 22, 1935, to Welby and Ruby Curtis, in Hazlehurst, MS. Donald served in the Army during Peace Time. After serving in the military, he returned to Vicksburg where his family was living. He met Sherrill in Vicksburg, they married and lived there for several years after the children were born, then moved back to Hazlehurst. He was employed at the Copiah Feed Mill and later went to Kulhman Electric as a Coil Winder until he retired and then came home to take care of his farm, cattle, and home life.
He loved meeting new friends, and his love for music kept him busy. He sang in the choir and sang with a Group at Strong Hope Baptist Church for many, many years. He also sang with a very special friend (Wayne Magee) at many Nursing Homes, churches, and special meetings. Over the years Donald and Sherrill moved their membership to Clear Branch Baptist Church and was very active as members until he was not able to go.
Even though he could not go places to share his music, he kept Wayne's tapes and CDs, by his chair and listened to them every day.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, William “Bill” Curtis, Chelsie Curtis, and Julian Curtis; and sister, Inez Curtis.
Those left to cherish his memory are, his wife, Sherrill Ann Curtis; son, Ronald Curtis (Tiffany); daughters, Shere Hussien and Karen Ann Middleton (Ronnie); brother, L.F. Curtis; sister, Ann Curtis Mirick; five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clear Branch Baptist Church Building Fund 2166 Clear Branch Lane, Wesson, MS 39191 or to St Jude’s, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
Many thanks to Clear Branch Baptist Church, Ms. Bessie, our special cookie lady, Hospice Ministries, Riverwood Family Funeral Service, friends, neighbors, and all sitters. A special thanks to Glinda Benjamin for being there for us and helping with all our needs.
Steven Martin "Stevie" Dugas
The funeral service for Steven Martin “Stevie” Dugas will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Red Bluff Baptist Church, with burial in Day Cemetery. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mr. Dugas, 69, of Greensburg, LA, died December 31, 2022, at his residence. He was born September 6, 1953, to Percy A. Dugas and Ernie Martin Dugas.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Rhonda Dugas; his parents; one son, Zachery Dugas; and sister, Linda Clark.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are, his children, Jennifer Dugas and Michael Dugas (Cherie); brother, Larry Smith (Jackie); and sisters, Tammy Dugas and Paula Dugas; four grandchildren, Dara Mule’ (Allie), Dylan Butler (Breonne), Josey Butler and Pryce Dugas. He is also survived by girlfriend Ozzie Givens as well as other loving family members and friends.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Dylan Butler, Tommy Carter, Robert Smith,
Josey Butler, Pryce Dugas, Lee Smith, Dillion Powers, and Chris Varnado.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude’s, P.O. Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.
Mamie Louise Case
Services for Mrs. Mamie Louise Case of Brookhaven are 2:30 pm Friday, December 30, 2022, at Riverwood with visitation from 1:00 until the time of service and burial at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Mamie Louise Case, 104, went to be with her Lord on December 29, 2022.
She was born on May 3, 1918, to the late Franklin Smith and Hattie Chandler Smith. She worked at Stahl-Urban Garment Factory for 40 years.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Percy Rowan Case; daughter, Flora Mae Allen and son, Larry Case; grandchildren, Patricia Rushing and Lisa Allen.
Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Lamar Case and Lancie Case; brother, Frank Smith; sisters, Elaine Smith and Mary Watts; along with eight grandchildren, Virginia Kay Case, Anthony Case, Scotty Lamar Case, Bruce Case, Shane Allen and Larry Kim Case.
Also, nine great grandchildren and a host of great-great grandchildren and other family members.
She will be missed by all that loved her.
Rheba "Joy" DelaCruz
The funeral service for Rheba “Joy” DelaCruz will be 11 a.m., Friday, December 30, 2022, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Hazlehurst, MS. Visitation is from 9 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at Riverwood.
Mrs. DelaCruz, 67, of Georgetown, MS, died December 26, 2022, in Natchez, MS. She was born in Jackson, MS, November 5, 1955, to Alex Woods Thornton and Ruby Dean Jernigan Thornton. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
Mrs. DelaCruz is preceded in death by her husband, Fidel DelaCruz and her parents.
Those left to cherish her memory are, her children, Lucas Gandy (Donna), Joshua Gandy (Sandy), Micah Gandy (Amanda), Fidel DelaCruz, Jr., Phillip DelaCruz, and Francisca DelaCruz; brother, Kelly Thornton (Paula), and sister-in-law, Pat Thornton; 15 grandchildren, Shannyn Gandy, Kayleigh Gandy, Emmery Gandy, Johnathon Gandy, Ava Gandy, Isaiah Gandy, Fidel DelaCruz III, Sharon Callaway, Gabriella DelaCruz, Adriana DelaCruz, Saturnina DelaCruz, Gabriela Lopez, Dixie Perez, Damian DelaCruz, and Marcos DelaCruz; 6 great grandchildren, Simon Perez, Jr., Matthew Perez, Chloe DelaCruz, Brayden DelaCruz, Nevaeh DelaCruz, and Damian DelaCruz, Jr. She is also survived by her niece, Nicole Matherne (Brian), and a host of other loving family members and friends.
Janice Carrene Smith Goza
The funeral service for Mrs. Janice Smith Goza will be 11 a.m., Saturday, December 31, 2022, at New Prospect Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m., Friday, December 30, at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Goza ended her life’s journey here after 82 years and entered her eternal rest December 26, 2022, with her loving husband by her side. She was born March 19, 1940, to Ernest V. Smith and Lillie Eugenia Ford Smith.
Mrs. Goza was a faithful servant of the Lord and a willing servant of New Prospect Baptist Church. She truly loved the history of New Prospect, which was organized in 1889. She volunteered her free time to the church as clerk for 30 years. In 1989, she was part of the committee to research the History of New Prospect. Mrs. Janice and her sister Mrs. Ruth were instrumental in compiling and writing the manuscript for publication. On August 6, 1989, during the Centennial Celebration, each member was given a copy. Her husband, Cletos, and she prepared a Cemetery Record listing of all the graves and had it available for all members in the year 2000. She has been a vital part of the work at New Prospect and will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for all she has done.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Edith, Audrey, Eugenia, Willene, Lucy, and Ruth; and her brother, Donald.
She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Cletos Truel Goza; her son Bryan Cletos Goza and wife, Daisy; brothers, Ford W. Smith and wife, Carlene, and Bobby G. Smith; sisters, Patricia Case and husband, Edwin and Judy Costilow and husband, Owen; one very precious grandson, Zeppelin Goza. Mrs. Janice is also survived by other loving family members as well as her faith family at New Prospect Baptist Church.
Any memorials may be given to Gideons International, PO Box 1106 Brookhaven, MS 39602, the Baptist Children’s Village, 491 Dickerson Lane SE, Brookhaven, MS 39601, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 207 W Jackson St 2nd Fl Ste 1, Ridgeland, MS 39157in Mrs. Janice Goza’s memory.
John Richard Evans
Graveside service for Mr. John Richard Evans will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Evans, 81, of Brookhaven, died December 25, 2022, in Brookhaven. He was also born in Brookhaven, June 11, 1941, to Homer Evans and Inez Elizabeth McNeill Evans. He worked as a U. C. & M. Supervisor for Entergy.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Eva Lee Evans; his parents; younger brother, Clyde Neil Evans; nephew, Bobby Cruz; and niece, Stephanie Evans.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Anthony Evans (Joyce) and Jody Evans (Tammie); brother, Joey Evans (Bobbie); sister, Kathy Evans Alpe; two grandchildren, Amanda Evans and Anna Evans Atkinson; four great grandchildren, Isabella Ferguson, Ava Leigh Ingram, A.J. Ingram, and Atleigh Atkinson. He is also survived by niece, Adrienne Evans and nephew, Phillip Townsend (Yen), as well as a host of other nieces and nephews; and special friends, Freddie & Rita Gorenflo and Tommy & Amy Tullos.
