Obituaries
Steven “Steve” Carleton Wooten
Steven “Steve” Carleton Wooten, 75, of Star, MS, died August 11, 2020, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Brookhaven, MS, on February 14, 1945, a son of the late Claude and Lorena Wooten.
Steve was a content man who delighted in and appreciated the simple activities of life--farming,
playing trucks and cars, baseball, corncob jail, tag, and being with friends from church.
He enjoyed growing up with his three siblings in the New Prospect Baptist Church community of Brookhaven.
Steve graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1963. Following high school, he attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College
and Mississippi State where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. After college, Steve attended New Orleans Theological Seminary
and Mid-America Seminary. In 1976 the Lord extended to Steve a call to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Obediently until his death, Steve followed that calling.
Throughout his years in ministry, he served many churches which most recently included The Bible Baptist Church in Star. Steve enjoyed taking many
mission trips to the Philippines and had a love for the Filipino people.
While the highlight of Steve’s spiritual life was being called a son of God, marrying his best friend and the love of his life Sandra Gradene Smith on August 26, 1967,
was the highlight of his physical life. He explained their nearly 53 years of marriage as an act of God’s immeasurable grace! Throughout their marriage,
God blessed Steve and Gradene with nine wonderful children: three sons and six daughters. His work ethic was unrivaled, and with God’s leading,
Steve started his own business, Electro-Mech, Inc in Richland, MS. His life was indeed filled with miracle after miracle.
He is survived by his “bride” as he lovingly called her, Gradene Wooten, eight children, Jason and Kristie Wooten, Shannon and Dana Wooten,
Rachel and Scott Beasley, Leah and Buddy Pinkham, Josh and Haley Wooten, Joanna Hughes, Melissa and Jason McCoy, and Lydia and Justin Russell;
a sister-in-law, Helen Nunnery, a sister, Gwen Jeffries, a brother, Howard and Donna Wooten; also to include 30 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter to arrive in December,
nieces, and nephews, cousins, and countless friends. Other than his parents, Steve is preceded in death by his brother Gordon Wooten, brother-in-law Sonny Jeffries,
and an infant daughter, Elizabeth Wooten.
Public visitation will be from 9:00 until 11:00 on August 14, 2020, in the chapel of Riverwood Family Funeral Services located in Brookhaven, MS.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private celebration of life service followed by a graveside service will be officiated by Thomas Ray Floyd and Bill Smith.
Pallbearers will be Miles Corley, Larry Grace, Bryson Hughes, Buddy Pinkham, Levi Pinkham, Justin Russell, Brady Wooten, and Smith Wooten.
The family would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff at the University of Mississippi Medical Center,
the supportive employees at The Transplant Pharmacy, and the encouraging staff at Baptist Hospice.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to either:
- Gideons International - Call 866-382-4253 or donate online at https://www.gideons.org/
- Lighthouse Children’s Home - Call 662-289-9629 or donate online at https://lighthousechildren.com/who-we-are/mission.html
For further information, please contact Riverwood Family Funeral Services, 76 Hwy 51 South, Brookhaven, MS at 601-833-6680 or www.riverwoodfamily.com.
Maxie Earl Lewis
Graveside services for Mr. Maxie Earl Lewis of Wesson are 10:00 am Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Clear Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Maxie Earl Lewis, 76, went to be with his Lord on August 10, 2020, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
He was born on January 4, 1944, to the late James Webster Lewis and Pearl Frances Hanshew Lewis.
Mr. Lewis worked as a boilermaker and was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church. He was also a member of the American Legion and he enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Andra Lewis; brothers, Larry Lewis, James Webster, Jr., Leland Lewis and sisters, Maudie Lewis, and Odell Lewis.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Leigh Ann Lewis Brister and husband, Winvall, and Rebecca Kay Lewis and fiance' Ryan Delatte.
He is also survived by his brothers, James Lewis, Nollie Lewis, Steve Lewis, and sister, Bonnie Lewis Brown; along with 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.
And Favorite Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Shanna Michelle McFarland Miller
Services for Mrs. Shanna Michelle McFarland Miller will be held Thursday, August 13, 2020, at 2 p.m.
at Lighthouse Community Center with visitation being prior to the service starting at noon. Interment will be at Wallace Lee Cemetery.
Shanna Michelle Miller, 32, of Corinth, passed from this life on August 8, 2020, in Memphis, Tennessee. She was born on June 27, 1988,
in Brookhaven to Thomas Leroy McFarland, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Smith.
She loved the time spent with her children and family and following her dad in the many chores that he was involved in.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Winnfield McFarland, Mary Jane McFarland, Sam Earl Smith, and step-grandfather, Willis McManus.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jeffery Brian Miller; parents, Thomas Leroy McFarland, Sr. and Mary Evelyn Smith;
daughters, Kendra Rhinaye Jones, Chloe Danyelle Jones; brother, Thomas Leroy McFarland, Jr.; and sister, Nikki Danyelle McFarland,
and grandmother, Sue McManus. She is also survived by nephews and nieces, Tommy Dearing, Sean Dearing, Seth Smith, Landon McFarland,
Laidyn McFarland, and Bay Bay McFarland.
Thomas Gordan Winborne
A graveside service will be held for Mr. Thomas Gordan Winborne 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at Easthaven Cemetery.
Mr. Winborne, 93, of Wesson, passed from this life August 10, 2020, at Haven Hall. He was born in Bogue Chitto, MS January 24, 1927. Mr. Winborne was a retired cabinet maker and was the owner of his own business. For his enjoyment, he would spend time outdoors, hunting and fishing. His family was especially important to him and spending time with them was most important. He will be missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Annie May Ward Winborne; parents, William Thomas Winborne and Francis Allen Winborne; daughter, Camillia Ann Winborne; and eight brothers and sisters.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his daughter, Pamela Winborne Allen and husband, Ricky; sister, Yvonne Herring; three grandchildren, Richie Allen, Regan Allen, Renata Coghlan and husband Cheyenne; six great grandchildren, Ryan Allen, Rileigh Allen, Madison Allen, Rhett Allen, Raini Neal, Lauren Coghlan, Justin Shedd; and one great, great grandchild, Carter Shedd along with other loving family members and friends.
David Roberson
Graveside service for Mr. David Roberson will be 3 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2020, at Bethel Temple Cemetery. There will be a memorial drive through visitation Wednesday, August 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Bethel Temple Pentecostal Church, 1610 Caleb Drive. (Hwy 84 East Frontage Road)
Mr. Roberson, 77, of Brookhaven, passed from this life August 9, 2020, at Post-Acute Medical in Hammond, Louisiana. He was born in Lynn, Mississippi October 30, 1942. He was the owner of Brookhaven Transmission for 40 years. He was also a lifetime member of Heucks Retreat Volunteer Fire Department and served 17 years in the Auxiliary Sheriff Department. Mr. Roberson enjoyed visiting the Smoky Mountains and soaking in the beauty of God’s creation there. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lewis David Roberson, Sr., and Lucy Lou Roberson; brother, Rev. Jack Roberson; sister, Helen Grimes; son-in-law, Chris Smith; daughter-in-law, Bethany Roberson; and father and mother-in-law, G.T. and Bertha Orman.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Geraldean “Jerrie” Roberson; son, Alton Roberson; daughters, Tammy Martin and husband, Rev. Joel Martin and Amanda Smith White and husband, Samuel White; sisters, Dottie Capps and husband, Mike, Peggie Flowers and husband, Wiley, and Mary Cannon; 12 grandchildren, Hayley Philips, Garrett Roberson and wife, Heather, Parker Roberson and girlfriend, Terrah Adams, Ashlyn Martin, Cassidy Roberson and boyfriend, Will Carr, Leyton Roberson, Addalyn Martin, Isabella White, Micah Smith, William White, Mia Smith, Annistyn Martin; four great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and honorary grandkids.
We will proceed to the cemetery from Riverwood at 2:30 p.m. for those who would like to join the procession.
Pamela Fortenberry Kirk
Memorial service for Mrs. Pamela Fortenberry Kirk will be 5 p.m., Wednesday,
August 12, 2020, at Heucks Retreat Baptist Church. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. at the church.
Mrs. Kirk, 71, of Brookhaven, passed from this life August 7, 2020, at her residence.
She was born in Franklinton, Louisiana, August 22, 1948. Mrs. Pam retired from
teaching many years in the Brookhaven School District. The definition of teacher is a
person who instructs. Mrs. Pam was an excellent instructor, but she was so much more.
She had a passion for each student she met. She not only taught them, she invested in them.
She will be missed by all that loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Ken Kirk; her parents, Henry Harold Fortenberry
and Marie Morgan Fortenberry; and her daughter, Olivia Kirk.
Those who remain to cherish her memory are her two sons, Kevin Kirk and Alden Kirk and wife,
Kecia; sister, Peggy Purvis; four grandchildren, Madison, Josie, Carter, and Breece;
and other loving family members and friends.
Betty D. Langston
Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Denton Langston passed from this life on Friday, August 7, 2020 at Beehive Homes of Brookhaven.
Betty was born November 20, 1929 to Herbert Lynette Denton and Elizabeth Kennedy Denton in Corinth, MS. The family moved to Tupelo when Betty was a young girl where she lived for the next several decades. A graduate of Tupelo schools, Betty attended Randolph Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia and Ole Miss. She relinquished her crown as the second Mississippi Miss Hospitality to marry the love of her life, Judson Davis Langston, in 1951 while he was on leave from the United States Navy. While living in California, she attended the School of Design at Contra Costa College in Concord.
Davis’s time in the navy early in their marriage and his career with Levi Strauss in their empty nest years, both led to extensive travel. They loved experiencing different countries and cultures together.
Mississippi always held their hearts and they came home to Brookhaven in 1986.
Betty was a member of the Forthian Club of Tupelo, and was a life member of Junior Auxiliary. She was honored to be the first life member of Garden Club of Moraga, California. She was also a member of Wildwood Garden Club, Matinee Musical, Climbers Club and the Arts Council in Brookhaven.
Throughout her life she was an active church member and was guided by a strong faith.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother Herbert Lynette Denton, Jr. She is survived by her sister Margaret Ruth McCall of Baton Rouge; her three sons Dave (Beth) of Wesson, Ken (Christy) of Columbus, Indiana and Nat (Pat) of Roxie. Additional survivors are 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held at Riverwood in Brookhaven. For the safety of all she loved and whom loved her, we ask that you attend only in prayer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Brookhaven Trust or to the First United Methodist Church of Brookhaven.
L. Ralph Smith
A memorial service will be held for Mr. Smith 10 a.m., Saturday, August 22, 2020
at Church of the Redeemer.
Lonnie Ray Beavers
Funeral service for Mr. Lonnie Ray Beavers will be 2 p.m., Saturday at Solid Rock Pentecostal Church,
with interment at Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation for friends will begin at noon at the church.
Mr. Beavers, 78, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life August 6, 2020 in Meridian, MS. He was born in
Lincoln County, MS November 22, 1941, to Felix and Annie J. White Beavers. He was a carpenter by trade
but was so much more. He was a faithful husband and father and he absolutely loved his five grandchildren
and three great grandchildren. He will be missed by all who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Thomas Beavers, Monroe Beavers, and
Bobby Wayne “Pete” Beavers; sisters, Betty Sue Gill and Elaine Richardson; and granddaughter,
Alyssa Chance.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife, Patricia Arnold Beavers; sons, Ricky Beavers
and wife, Brandi and Jonathan Bunyard and wife, Holli; daughter, Donna Beavers Chance; sisters,
Mary Johnson, Joyce Ruby, Dorothy Martin, and Johnnie Boyles; his five grandchildren, Justin Beavers,
Tracy Gerald, Jessica Chance, Sullivan Bunyard, and Whitlea Bunyard; and three great grandchildren,
Autumn Beavers, Alex Gerald, and Logan Gerald. He is also survived by numerous nieces and
nephews as well as other loving family members and friends.
Rex Anthony "Tony" Baker
A private graveside service will be held for Mr. Rex Anthony “Tony” Baker at a later date.
Mr. Baker, 58, of Brookhaven, passed from this life August 5, 2020 at his residence. He was born December 21, 1961 to his parents, Rex Allen Baker and JoAnn Williams Baker Myrick. He was employed as a Finish Carpenter. Tony was an avid fisherman and loved being in the great outdoors. He had a small garden that took up most of his free time and it gave him great pleasure to share all that he would grow. Tony was a good-hearted man and will be missed by those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sonia Geneva Smith Baker; his father, Rex Allen Baker; stepfather, Roger Myrick; and stepson, Joshua Lee Lambert.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his mother, JoAnn Baker Myrick; step daughters, Amanda Marie Gatlin and husband, Tyler and Lisa Lambert and Brandon Rakes; sisters, Terri Baker Moak and husband, Frank, Renee Baker Darby and husband, Ted; four step grandchildren, Teagan and Brennan Gatlin and Emma and Connor Rakes. He is also survived by four nieces and two great nephews as well as other loving family members and friends and his precious little dog, Maggie.
