Obituaries
Tommy Joe Smith
Services for Mr. Tommy Joe Smith of Brookhaven are Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverwood Family and visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service and burial at New Sight Cemetery.
Mr. Tommy Joe Smith, 76, passed away on July 6, 2024, at his home in Brookhaven.
He was born on July 21, 1947, to the late Holon Smith and Grace Allen Smith.
Mr. Tommy was a logger until retirement. He was a member of Clear Branch Baptist Church. He loved being outside and “piddlin” in his workshop and mowing his yard. Most of all he loved his family and grandchildren.
He will be remembered for his kind, generous, and humble spirit.
Preceding him in death are his parents, his son, Justin Smith, and his brother, Jerry Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 36 years, Janice Mullen Smith, children; John Smith and wife, Kelly, Tracey Edwards and husband, Tim, Tracey Howell and husband, Jay, and sister, Barbara Watts; along with his 12 grandchildren, Ainsley White (Doug), Shelby Bandy (Jason), Joey Smith, Halley Smith, Bennett Case, Suzanna Smith, Tansley Case, Landon Howell, Nathan Howell, Hayden Howell, Palyn Smith and Evie Smith and their parents, Amy and Chris Smith; and his five great-grandchildren, Addison White, Amery White, Merritt White, Mary Michael Bandy, and Molly Grace Bandy.
He will be missed by all who loved him.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Enhabit Hospice for their compassion and care during this time, we deeply appreciate it.
Memorials can be made to the New Sight Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
Greta Gay Cox
Ms. Greta Gay Cox, age 78, of Crystal Springs, MS., formerly of Elliott County, KY. passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024.
She was born July 23, 1945, in Elliott County, KY. the daughter of the late Elda Binion.
In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Lowell E. 'Bill' Cox, and son Kendall Ray Cox.
Greta is survived by one son, Phillip Cox of Elliottville, KY, and two daughters; Phyllis Adkins (Danny) of Youngsville, NC, and Cheryl Marble (Jeff) of Crystal Springs, MS. two grandchildren, Dillon Pearce, Youngsville, NC, and Jennifer Dunaway-Fowler, Brandon, MS.
She also leaves many other family members and friends; and her bluegrass family and friends, all who will sadly miss her.
A grave site service will be held at a later date.
Charles Leon Burkholder
The funeral service for Charles Leon Burkholder will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, July 8, 2024, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service and burial at Jayess Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mr. Burkholder, 81, of Jayess, MS, passed from this life on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Beehive in Brookhaven. He was born in Waynesboro, PA September 10, 1942, to Glenn Scheller Burkholder and Beulah May Statler Burkholder.
Mr. Burkholder is a 1960 graduate of Greencastle-Antrim. After graduating he joined the United States Air Force and served his country from 1960 to 1967. While in the military he worked in electronics in the missile maintenance division. After returning to civilian life, he attended and graduated from MS State in 1970 with a BS in math and a minor in physics.
As a pastime, Mr. Burkholder enjoyed the art of woodworking and putting jigsaw puzzles together. He and his wife were blessed to have traveled to many beautiful places, Greece, Italy, Rome, Hawaii, and the South Pacific. They also worked well together. Mr. Burkholder was a self-taught carpenter, and with his wife assisting, they constructed their home in Rockaway Beach, MO, a rental house, and a shop on their MS property, with very little outside help. He was a collector of matchbox cars, miniatures, and model trains. As a musician, Mr. Burkholder enjoyed playing the fiddle. He lived a gracious life and loved his family. He was a member of Jayess Baptist Church and will be greatly missed by all those who loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene Statler Burkholder; and one grandson, Tyson Vaughan.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years, Lois C. Burkholder; children, Eastlyn D. Burkholder of Magee, MS, Genie B. Vaughan (Wesley) of Jayess, MS, Roland Vogt of Wichita, KS, Doug Vogt (Sandie) of Sedgewick, KS, and Jason Avers of Tulsa, OK; sister, Ruby Peterson (Ray) of Greencastle, PA; eight grandchildren, Jacob Russell (Virginia), Ben Russell (Shelby), Nathan Russell (Caleigh), Christy Stuart, Kayla Smith, Ashley Johnscher (Dean), Daniel Vogt (Olivia), and Levi Vogt (Katie) and 18 great-grandchildren, the newest one arriving the day before his passing. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family members and friends from Jayess, MS to the South-Central Pennsylvania area.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Beehive and Gentiva Hospice.
Linda Faye Davis
Services for Mrs. Linda Faye Davis of Brookhaven is 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 6, 2024, at Wellman Baptist Church with burial at Easthaven Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 5, at Wellman Baptist Church.
Linda Faye Davis, 73, passed away on July 3, 2024, at her home. She was born on November 14, 1950, to the late Wessie Dee Boyte Sr and Lavada Kyzar Boyte.
Linda was a secretary for Brookhaven Public Schools for 30 years. She was a faithful member of Carmel Baptist Church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Clinton B. Davis; mother-in-law and stepfather-in-law, Wilena Roberts and LeeRoy Roberts, and sisters, Tommie Elizabeth Allen and Theresa Ann Boyte.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Chris Davis and Alicia Ragland (Jon); brothers, Mr. & Mrs. W.D. Boyte Jr., Edwin Boyte, Mr. & Mrs. James Boyte, and Mr. & Mrs. Ricky Boyte; sisters Kathleen Bogard and Bonita (Pete) Boyte.
She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Ashley Parks, Dusty Parks (Hallie Chaisson), Emily Parks (Brandon McKey), Grayson Davis, and Ella Ragland; five great-grandchildren, Bryson White, Brylee White, Hadleah Parks, Makenna Parks, and Liam McKey; and sisters-in-law, Louise Busby (Tommy), Janie Hart (Gary), Linda Johnson, and brother-in-law, Robert Davis (Jennifer).
She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wellman Baptist Church,
1918 Wellman Dr. SE, Bogue Chitto MS. 39629
Robert Hugh Laird, Sr.
The funeral service for Robert Hugh Laird, Sr. will be Noon, Tuesday, July 9th, at Mt. Zion Church of Christ, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Monday, July 8th, at Riverwood Family and will resume from 10 a.m. until the time of service at Mt. Zion.
Mr. Laird, of Brookhaven, was born March 12th, 1954, to Hugh “Temmer” Laird and Lavon Burns Laird. He was called out of this life on Friday, June 28th, he was 70 years of age. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten by all who loved him.
Mr. Laird was a faithful husband to his wife of 50 years, Charlotte Wallace Laird, a loving father, grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying time spent farming and tending cows. For many years he worked several different jobs, from operating heavy equipment to becoming business partners in Laird Timber, Inc. He would drive many miles and haul many logs before he retired to enjoy life on the farm.
Mr. Laird was very active in the community where he lived; he was the recipient of Lincoln County Livestock Farmer of the Year Award as well as the FFA Appreciation Award. This was a busy time of year for Robert, he would begin to prepare the dove field for opening day of dove season! The rest of his free time was spent staying busy and catering to the wishes of his “grand” children, who were among his greatest blessings in life.
Mr. Laird was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Church of Christ.
Mr. Laird is preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Marlett “Buddy” Wallace and Sadie Porter Wallace; sister, Mary Francis Ainsworth; and brother, Roy Davis.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Charlotte Laird; children, Brandie Laird Garner (Channing) and Robert Hugh Laird, Jr. (Jane); brothers, Charles Davis and James Birdsong; sisters, Cathy Pace and Vickie Laird; and his grandchildren, Brady Garner, Bryleigh Garner, Liza Jane Laird, Eric Swarts and Eli Swarts. He is also survived by many other loving family members, friends and his faith family at Mt. Zion Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers you may send memorials to Mt. Zion Church of Christ Cemetery Fund and Berean Children’s Home, PO Box 1009
Brookhaven, MS 39602.
Acy Neal Arnold
Services for Mr. Acy Neal Arnold of Brookhaven are 2 p.m., Tuesday, July 2, at Riverwood Family with burial in Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery. The visitation is from Noon until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mr. Acy Neal Arnold, 81, passed away on June 26, 2024.
He was born on November 27, 1942, to the late
Powell Asa Arnold and Johnnie Mae Oglesby Arnold.
He served within the MSARNG in the 1st Battalion, 155th
Infantry Regiment and worked full time for the Mississippi Army
National Guard at the Brookhaven Organizational Shop before retiring.
He loved watching westerns, and Ole Miss Football! He was always there
with a lending hand to everyone. He was a hard worker and a loving and
devoted father and husband. His grandchildren were his world! He was a
graduate of Washington High School in Adams County where he was the quarterback for the school football team and pitcher for the baseball team.
Preceding him in death are his parents, a brother,
Wayne Arnold, a granddaughter, Megan Burr,
and a great-grandson, Travis Burr.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Joy Arnold,
children, Neal Arnold (Annette), Charlotte Cooper (Jamie), Bryan Arnold (Jennifer), Richard Freeman (Brandi), and Renee Freeman; brother, Paul Arnold (Donna), eight grandchildren, Jashua Karabelen (Jessica), Brittany Burr (Brooke),
Caitlin Freeman (John), Kelly Rayburn, Josie Higgins (Matthew),
Jace Cooper Samuel Freeman Mattie Freeman Cameron Giesbrecht
eight great-grandchildren, Wyatt Etheridge, Alex Stewart,
Nevaeh McEwen, Bobby Burr, Noah Zelensky, Mya Braly, Lorelei Carnell;
along with other family members and friends and special pets,
Tinkerbell, Livie, Sadie, Zip Zip, and Brody (deceased).
David Jerry Weeks
The funeral service for David Jerry Weeks will be 11 a.m., Monday, July 1, 2024, at Riverwood Family with burial in Sylvarena Baptist Church Cemetery in Wesson, MS. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at Riverwood.
Mr. Weeks, 89, of Walker, LA, was born in Wesson, MS, to William “Willie” Weeks and Nan Speed Weeks on July 3, 1934. He completed life’s journey on Monday, June 24, 2024. He retired from the railroad where he worked for many years as a civil engineer. After retiring, he enjoyed the art of woodworking as well as just spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Weeks was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church in Vicksburg, MS.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Joyce Harvey Weeks; his parents; son, David Jerry Weeks, Jr.; brother, Dan Weeks; and sisters, Jeanette Jackson and Charlotte Drane.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 12 years, Laverne Weeks; children, Rachel Gordon (Kenneth), Ronnie Weeks, Sr, Janet Curtis (Dewayne), stepson, Darryl Matthews (Viki), stepdaughter Dawn Richmond (Brian); five grandchildren, David Byrum, Kristen Byrum, Peter Tarnabine, Jr., Ronnie Weeks, Jr., and Caleb Curtis; three great grandchildren, Andrew Byrum, Emmy Lou Byrum, and Annitston Weeks.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Program at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Anthony D. Gilmore
Anthony D. Gilmore, 52, of Brookhaven, passed away on June 24, 2024, at his residence. He was born in Texas on November 1, 1971, to the late A.D. Gilmore and Gloria Jean White.
Anthony, known as “Mickey,” by his family and friends, was disabled and mentally challenged his entire life. His parents adopted him when he was just a few days old after not being able to bear children themselves. He was loved passionately by his new family. He loved to fish and always loved family gatherings. He loved going to church and loved music. Mickey had a special place in everyone's hearts. He was under the care of Ace Caregiving in Jonesville, LA before moving to Brookhaven in September 2023 to live a lifelong dream of living independently. His main caregiver was Anita Smith. He was visited by other family members who would stop by and help take care of his needs.
Those left to cherish his memory are his aunts, Peggy Alexander and Billie Faye Gilmore and uncles, Glenn Smith and James L. “Jim” Gilmore and several cousins and other family members.
There will be a graveside memorial at 2:00 pm, Monday, July 1, 2024, at the Burroughs Garden of Memories in Columbia, LA.
Lynnvel Gene Spence
Services for Mr. Lynnvel Gene Spence of Brookhaven are at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Riverwood Family with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Mr. Lynnvel Gene Spence, 83, passed away on June 26, 2024, at his residence.
He was born on December 5, 1940, to the late Coy Gilbert Spence and Lillian Corinna Roberts Spence.
Mr. Spence served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He retired from MS Hwy Patrol after 23-plus years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge # 241 for 50-plus years.
He was a lifelong musician who played Guitar, Piano, Dobro, Mandolin, Banjo, Dulcimer, and Harmonica.
Preceding him in death are his parents, son, Jeffrey Gilbert Spence, and sisters-in-law, Terri Beach, Gladys Beach Taylor (Lealon), brothers-in-law, Lamar Beach (Leatrice), Gary Beach (Shirley), Bobby Beach, Billy Beach, Wayne Beach, and Roy Beach.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Helen B. Spence; daughters, Jodie Sartin and husband Steve and Rebecca McDowell and husband, Tim; brother-in-law, Donald Beach, sisters-in-law, Margie Rogers, Lattiemore Beach, Jenny Beach, Dorothy Beach, and Phyllis Beach, along with his 4 grandchildren, Hunter McDowell (Lauren), Brady Hall (Katy), Emily Torres (Camilo), Kristen Blanks (Bo), 10 great-grandchildren, Kyler McDowell, Hayden McDowell, Liam Thacker, Easton Barnes, Parker Torres, Addison Blanks, Madilyn Torres, Ella Torres, Claire McDowell, and Gilbert Hall, He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, family members, friends, and friends at Accent Care. He will be dearly missed by all who love him.
Deborah Joy Griffin
The funeral service for Deborah Joy Griffin will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 26, at Riverwood Family with burial in Mt. Zion Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, at Riverwood.
Mrs. Griffin, 68, of Brookhaven, died June 22, 2024, at King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was born in New Iberia, LA, May 24, 1956, to Edgar “Buck” James and Billie Joy Laird James.
Mrs. Griffin was a loving mother, and cherished the time spent with her daughters. She graduated from West Lincoln High School in 1974, where she was voted “Miss West Lincoln”. She was a member of Mt Zion Church of Christ and was faithful in attending the ladies’ Bible Studies. Mrs. Griffin enjoyed reading and she adored her dog, “Littleman”, which she had to say goodbye to in May of 2021. Mrs. Griffin leaves behind a legacy of faith and grace, she will be missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jackie Griffin and her parents.
Those who are left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Ashley Laird (Randy) and Alisha Cook (Dennis) and a host of other loving family members and friends as well as her faith family at Mt. Zion Church of Christ.
