Obituaries 8

Obituaries for Monday, March 4, 2002 
 

CHRISTIE MAE THOMAS 

Nanih Waiya Elementary School student 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Christie Mae Thomas were to be held today at 10 a.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Service Chapel with the Revs. Jerry Lundy and Ray Files officiating. Burial was to be in Antioch Baptist Cemetery in Louisville. 
 

Miss Thomas, 12, of Louisville, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, in Winston County. 
 

Survivors include her mother, Pamela Thomas of Louisville; her father, Milton Thomas of Noxapater; a sister, Sarah Lynn Thomas of Louisville; her maternal grandfather, Charles Files of Louisville; her paternal grandmother, Jessie Mae Thomas of Noxapater; and her great-grandmother, Myrtle Ellingburg of Philadelphia. 
 

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Pauline Files; and her paternal grandfather, Weldon Thomas. 
 

DELLA GENEVA SINGLETON COLLINS ROSE 

Retired nurses aide 
 

Services for Della Geneva Singleton Collins Rose will be held today at 1 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Frankie Boyette officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Rose, 80, of Meridian, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

Survivors include two daughters, Helen Jewell Stewart and her husband, Ralph Sr., and Kay Francis Griffin and her husband, Glen, all of Meridian; sons, Robert L. Collins of New Orleans and Benjamin William Collins of Meridian; a sister, Georgia Fason of Slidell, La.; grandchildren, Ralph Stewart Jr., Samantha Boutwell, Pam Tanner and Pepper Jackson, all of Meridian, Robert Collins of Bay St. Louis, Tina Perez and Michael Wayne Collins, both of New Orleans, Amy Guthrie and David Collins of Meehan; great-grandchildren, Coby Stewart, April Stewart, Clay Boutwell, Heather Boutwell, Trey Tanner, Jordan Tanner, Justin Jackson and Steven Jackson, all of Meridian, Mandi Collins of Bay St. Louis, Brian Perez, Michael Collins and Casie Collins of New Orleans, Christopher Cotton, Joshua Cotton, Andrew Guthrie, Brett Collins, Sam Collins, Kandi Collins and Devin Collins, all of Meehan. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Della Singleton; her husbands, Benjamin Collins and Johnnie Lee Rose; a son, Louis Collins; a daughter-in-law, Sylvia Collins; grandchildren, Clay Stewart, Joseph Jackson and Barbara Sue LaTar; and 11 siblings. 
 

Pallbearers will be Ralph Stewart Jr., Coby Stewart, Roy Boutwell, Clay Boutwell, Joey Tanner, Pepper Jackson and David Collins. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Collins, Robert Collins, Trey Tanner, Justin Jackson, Jake Chatham, Kevin Clearman and Jamie Parker. 
 

DAVID PARKER 

Auto mechanic 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for David "Bud" Parker will be held today at 1:30 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Service Chapel with the Revs. Charles Roark and Dwayne Barrett officiating. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Parker, 44, of Louisville, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at Winston Medical Center in Louisville. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Kaye Parker and a daughter, Wendy Parker of Louisville; sons, J.D. Parker of Carthage and Daniel Parker of Louisville; his father, Dave Parker of Noxapater; sisters, Sue Stevens of Philadelphia, Judy Alexander and Linda Parker of Noxapater, Donna Parker of Bush, La.; brothers, Billy Parker of Ethel, Wendell Parker of Philadelphia and Jimmy Parker of Noxapater; step-grandmother, Gladys Robbins of Philadelphia. 
 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Parker. 
 

ROBERT A. WEIR JR. 

Retired owner of Weir Butane Co. 
 

NEWTON -- Services for Robert A. Weir Jr. will be held today at 2 p.m. at James F. Webb Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Curtis Cain officiating. Burial will be in Newton Masonic Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Weir, 86, of Newton, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was a member of Newton United Methodist Church. Mr. Weir was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot. He was the retired owner of Weir Butane Company, employed with City Service Company and a cattleman. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Bebie Weir of Newton; daughters, Sidney Carol Murphey and her husband, Glen, of Pascagoula, Joan Stringer and her husband, Johnny, of Montrose; a sister, Ruby Davis of Decatur; grandchildren, Johnie Weems and his wife, Dawn, of Jackson, Carol Ford and her husband, Donnie, of Pascagoula, Christina Johnston and her husband, Jody, of Mobile, Ala., Chad Murphey of Pascagoula and John Robert Stringer of Montrose; three great-grandchildren, Alisha and Drew Ford of Pascagoula and Hayley Johnston of Mobile. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. and Bama Williams Weir. 
 

Pallbearers will be Johnie Weems, John Robert Stringer, Glen Murphey, Chad Murphey, Roger Davis, Ronald Davis and Bill Matthews. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Mason Crenshaw, Charles Vance, Bill Mayes, Mack Chamblee, Robert Logan and Bill May. 
 

BEULAH MAE MARTIN 

Homemaker 
 

CARTHAGE -- Services for Beulah Mae Martin will be held today at 2 p.m. at Wilcox Funeral Home. Burial will be in Shockalo Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Martin, 91, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Leake County Memorial Hospital. She was a native of Leake County and a member of Laurel Hill Baptist Church. 
 

Survivors include a daughter, Mary Frances Wilcher of Carthage; a son, Jerry Martin of Philadelphia; four sisters, Bonnie Jean Conn and Lurlene Spears of Philadelphia, Irene Huffman of St Louis, Mo., and Annie Kate Gunter of Moss Point; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. 
 

AGNES ROBINSON 

Retired 
 

Services for Ages Robinson will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Brenda Benn officiating. 
 

Mrs. Robinson, 82, of Clarke County, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at H.C. Watkins Memorial Hospital in Quitman. 
 

Survivors include three daughters, Dr. Brenda Benn of Hattiesburg, Marion Lillard Taylor, Gwen Richardson and her husband, Barney, all of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; two sons, Leon Robinson and his wife, Mary, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Michael Lillard of Meridian. 
 

MARY GLADYS STAMPER 

Seamstress and homemaker 
 

NEWTON -- Services for Mary Gladys Stamper will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at James F. Webb Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Sarah Windham officiating. Burial will be Conehatta Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Stamper, 89, of Conehatta, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, in her home. She was born in Lauderdale County and was a member of Conehatta Methodist Church. 
 

Survivors include her daughter, Helen Delorise Speed of Conehatta; a son, Selby Arnell Stamper of Conehatta, a sister, Lola Thames of Carthage; two brothers, James Crenshaw of Collinsville and Arthur Crenshaw of Columbus; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Ida Davis Crenshaw; her husband William John Stamper; two sons, Hershel Stamper and Charles Stamper; and two grandchildren, Rebecca Dollison and Charles Wayne Stamper. 
 

Pallbearers will be Doug Gray, James Stamper, Phillip Stamper, Ted Horne, Ronnie Adcock and Roger Stamper. 
 

Visitation will be today 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

MAMIE H. MILLS 

Homemaker 
 

MACON -- Graveside services for Mamie H. Mills will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Oddfellows Cemetery with the Rev. John Ed Thomas officiating. Cockrell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Mills, 95, of Water Valley, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at Baptist Memorial Golden Triangle Hospital in Columbus. 
 

Survivors include a daughter, Claudette Mills Cox of Columbus; a son Dr. Harry Mills of Jackson; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Spencer William and Caroline Isabelle Carpenter Herrington. 
 

Visitation will be Tuesday prior to the service at the funeral home. 
 

BEATRICE LANG 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Beatrice Lang, 95, of Meridian, who died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Queen City Nursing Home. 
 

Visitation will be Tuesday 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

ISAAC P. SHELTON 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at James F. Webb Funeral Home for Isaac P. Shelton, 84, of Toomsuba, who died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Heartfelt Hospice. 
 

REV. BILL HARWELL 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at James F. Webb Funeral Home for the Rev. Bill Harwell, 89, of Collinsville, who died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Guardian Angel Hospice. 
 

Obituaries for Tuesday, March 5, 2002 
 

REV. BILL HARWELL 

Retired Baptist minister 
 

Services for the Rev. Bill Harwell were to be held today at 10 a.m. at Pine Forest Baptist Church with the Revs. Hal Bates, Buford Usery and Taylor Wallace officiating. Burial was to be in the church cemetery. James F. Webb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Rev. Harwell, 89, of Collinsville, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Guardian Angel Hospice. He was a retired Baptist minister of 40 years. He pastored churches all over the state of Mississippi. 
 

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Abbie Smith Harwell; two sons, Jerry Harwell and his wife, Sue, and Darrel Harwell and his wife, Judy, all of Collinsville; four grandchildren, Steve Harwell and his wife, Debbie, of Pearl River, La., Lisa Arendell and her husband, Patrick, of Elgin Air Force Base, Fla., Regina Sonak and her husband, Russell, and Monica Akin and her husband, David, all of Collinsville; nine great-grandchildren, Hunter, Holden and Hayden Harwell, Josh and Chase Sonak, Tiffany and Candace Arendell, and Brooklee and Amberlee Akin; two sisters, Mabel Moran of Taylorsville and Eleze Walker of Collinsville; a brother, George of the Herbert Springs Community. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Carrie Harwell; three brothers, Richard, "Shorty" and J. D. Jones. 
 

Pallbearers were be Rod Hitt, Danny Luke, Leslie Harwell, Clarence Butler, Tommy Moran and Larry Harwell. 
 

IRENE WILLIS 

Homemaker 
 

SEBASTOPOL -- Services for Irene Willis were to be held today at 10 a.m. at the Pearl River Facility Building with the Rev. Thomas E. Ben Jr. officiating. Burial was to be in Isaac Cemetery in Philadelphia. Milling Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Willis, 75, of Philadelphia, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

Survivors include a daughter, Linda Alex, a son, Curtis Willis, and a sister, Nancy Lee Isaac, all of Philadelphia; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews; and a foster daughter, Peggy Williams. 
 

ISAAC PHILIP SHELTON 

Retired logger 
 

Graveside services for Isaac Phillip Shelton will be held today at 11 a.m. at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery with the Revs. Shane Freeman and Thomas Parker officiating. James F. Webb Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Shelton, 84, of Toomsuba, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Heartfelt Hospice. 
 

Survivors include three daughters, Juanita Yeager of Toomsuba, Alma Shelton of Causeyville and Mary McLemore of Meridian; three sons, James "Bud" Shelton and Jimmy Shelton, both of Toomsuba, and Jearold Shelton of Vimville; three sisters, Hazel Shelby, Josephine Shelby and Elvin Shelton, all of Toomsuba; 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Amelia Hurtt Shelton; a granddaughter, Amanda Yeager Clinton; and a grandson, Randy Shelton. 
 

LOUISE MCDONALD NORRIS 
 

QUITMAN -- Graveside services for Louise McDonald Norris will be held today at 11 a.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Quitman. Wright's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Norris, 86, died Sunday March 3, 2002, at Golden Meadow Nursing Home. 
 

Survivors include a brother, C. E. McDonald of Quitman; and several nieces and nephews. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Norris; a son, John Douglas Norris; her parents, William Cleveland and Earline Baker McDonald; four sisters, Mamie McDonald Johnson, Edna McDonald Griffin, Marie McDonald Gilbert and Grace McDonald Kosteck. 
 

ALATHA BROWN 

Homemaker 
 

UNION -- Services for Alatha Brown will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Union United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tom Samson officiating. Burial will be in Union City Cemetery with Milling Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Brown, 89, of Union, died Monday, March 4, 2002, in her home. She was the daughter of Dr. W.A. McMahen and Cora Nicholson McMahen. 
 

Mrs. Brown was born in Little Rock. At age of 3 she moved with her family to Union, where her father practiced medicine until his death in 1937. She attended Whitworth College and East Central Junior College, where she majored in music. She was a member of Union United Methodist Church, where she served as organist and choir director for more than 45 years. She also taught the Electra Sunday school class for more than 40 years. 
 

Survivors include a son, Larry Neal Brown and his wife, Peggy Ryan, of Canton; a daughter, Susan Donohue, and her husband, John, of Hattiesburg; a sister, Margie McMahen Davis of Union; granddaughter, Cori Brown of Canton; grandsons, Ryan Brown of Canton, David Donohue and Douglas Donohue of Hattiesburg; a brother, W.A. "Dubb" McMahen Jr. of Union; and several nieces, nephews and particularly Angie Rash, who was her principle care giver during her extended illness. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, L.N. Brown; her sisters, Coralyn Luke Richardson and Arwin Corder. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Union United Methodist Church. 
 

Pallbearers will be Bill McMahen, Steve McMahen, Mike McMahen, Joe Blount, Douglas Donohue and Ryan Brown. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home and 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Wednesday. 
 

ARBRA SHAMBURGER 
 

Services for Arbra Shamburger will be held today at 1 p.m. at Latimer Metropolitan Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Gordon Cemetery in Russell. 
 

Ms. Shamburger, 80, of Meridian, died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2002, at Reginald P. White Nursing Facility at East Mississippi State Hospital. 
 

Survivors include her daughter, Earline Thomas Tucker of Chicago; a son, Elrie Shamburger of Rancho Cardova, Calif.; two sisters, Christine Collins of Meridian and Lois Terrell of Cleveland, Ohio; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be today 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

LAZYRIAH IVORY ALLEN 
 

Services for Lazyriah Ivory Allen will be held Wednesday at noon at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home with the Rev. Craig Tucker officiating. Burial will be in New Hope Blackwater Cemetery. 
 

Infant Allen, 3 months-old, of Meridian, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at the University Medical Center in Jackson. 
 

Survivors include her mother, Shelia Allen, her father, Elvis Rush, two sisters, Toya Trussell and Jakyriah Allen, all of Meridian; and her maternal grandparents. 
 

Visitation will be today 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

BEATRICE KEMP LANG 

Homemaker 
 

Services for Beatrice Kemp Lang will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. J.C. Burkes officiating. Burial will be in Pine Crest Cemetery in DeKalb. 
 

Mrs. Lang, 95, of Meridian, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Queen City Nursing Home. She was a member of Pine Forest Baptist Church in Collinsville. 
 

Survivors include her children, Raymond Odell Lang of DeKalb, Loraine Mosley of Collinsville, Louise Smith of New Hope, Ark., Leona Smith of Meridian, A.C. Lang of Horsecity, Texas, Willie Frank Lang of Moss Point, La., and Gilbert Ray Lang of Decatur, Ala.; two sisters, Willie Maude Morgan of Greenville and Juanita Turner of Hueytown, Ala.; 25 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren and four great-great-great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Lang; two sons, James Lange and C.J. Lang; two daughters, Ruby Mae Weaver and Mary Alice Stewart. 
 

Pallbearers will be her grandsons. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

MORGAN MURRAY POWELL 

Retired Illinois Central Railroad engineer 
 

Services for Morgan Murray Powell will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Pine Grove Baptist Church in the Martin Community with the Revs. Howard McKee and Shane Freeman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Powell, 92, of Collinsville, died Monday, March 4, 2002, in his home. He was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Suqualena Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, York Rite and a Shriner. 
 

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Lou Hutchinson and Amanda Lee Stewart, both of Collinsville; a brother, Horace Webb and his wife, Sarah, of Jackson; grandchildren, Marcy Stewart and her husband, Oliver Joyner, Lisa Stewart and her husband, Dewayne Todd, Karen Stewart and her husband, Danny Todd, Bill Hutchinson, Ralph Hutchinson and Kristi Hutchinson and her husband, Justin Alexander; great-grandchildren, Brad Joyner, Brooke Joyner, Josh Todd and his wife, Leah, Tiffany Todd and her husband, Bryan Griffith, Kerri Todd, Danny Todd Jr., Beverly Hutchinson and Brian Hutchinson; and a great-great-granddaughter, Kayela Griffith. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Lou McKee Powell; two granddaughters, Pamela Kaye Stewart Carter and Deborah Lynn Hutchinson. 
 

Pallbearers will be Oliver Joyner, Danny Todd, Bill Hutchinson, Ralph Hutchinson, Danny Todd Jr., Brian Hutchinson, Bryan Griffith and Justin Alexander. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Peaches Laird, Virgil Snowden, Ezra Harrison, J.C. Richardson, Horace Webb and Brad Joyner. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-9 p.m. and 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. 
 

DIANNA A. WILSON 

Private duty nurse 
 

Services for Dianna A. Wilson will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home with the Rev. Herbert Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Wilson, 52, of Meridian, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, at Riley Hospital. 
 

Survivors include two sons, Alex Wilson, Durand Lyles and his wife, Shelia, and her mother, Betty Young, all of Meridian; and two grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be Wednesday 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

PAULINE GRESSETT 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Pauline Gressett, 85, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., who died Sunday, March 3, 2002, in Tuscaloosa. 
 

6 March 2002 

JAMES LEWIS DEWITT 
 

SHERIDAN, Ark. -- Graveside services for James "Jim" Lewis DeWitt will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery in North Little Rock with full military honors. Buie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. DeWitt, 80, died Sunday, March 3, 2002. He was born in Tulsa, Okla., on Sept. 18, 1921, and moved to Meridian, Miss., during his youth before entering the U.S. Army in 1942. Mr. DeWitt retired from the U.S. Army with more than 20 years of service as a sergeant first class (P) and 10 years of federal service as a Department of Defense civilian at Ft. Bliss, Texas. 
 

During his tenure with the military, Mr. DeWitt served in World War II and the Korean Conflict and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, World War II Occupation Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with seven Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal 4th Award and the National Defense Service Medal. 
 

After his retirement from the government, Mr. DeWitt was employed by the Western Technical Institute of El Paso, Texas, where he retired in 1991 as an automotive technical instructor. Mr. DeWitt was a longtime resident of El Paso, before he retired and moved to Sheridan in 1994. He accepted Christ in January 1959 at Calvary Baptist Church in Ft. Smith, Ark. 
 

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Dorothy DeWitt of Sheridan; a son, George DeWitt and his wife, Rachel, of El Paso; a daughter, Cyndi DeWitt of Hensley, Ark.; three grandchildren, Nicole and Chad Stewart of Hensley and Cory James DeWitt of El Paso; and many relatives in the surrounding communities of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Meridian. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Norma DeWitt; and a brother and sister, Clyde and Lucille DeWitt of Meridian. 
 

Mr. DeWitt will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father and Papaw. Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who all know, that Jim has passed on to a much better place where he is free of pain, where he can now enjoy the things he loved to do. 
 

Floral tributes may be sent to Buie Funeral Home Sheridan. 
 

LUNA REYNOLDS 

Retired seamstress 
 

BAY SPRINGS -- Services for Luna Reynolds were to be held today at 10:30 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church. Burial was to be in the church cemetery with Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Reynolds, 90, of Rose Hill, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

Survivors include a son, Harold Reynolds of Rose Hill; daughters, Marie Boyette of Jackson, Johnnie Ruth Patterson of Alaska and Margaret Murry of Meridian; 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, John H. Reynolds; a son, Ben H. Reynolds; and a grandson, Jimmy Boyette. 
 

VICKY SISSON BURTON 

Seamstress 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Vicky Sisson Burton will be held today at 11 a.m. at Spring Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Randy Boatner and Wayne King officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with McClain-Hays Funeral Service in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Burton, 47, of Philadelphia, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Laird Hospital in Union. 
 

Survivors include her husband, Scotty Burton and a daughter, Brittany Murphy of Philadelphia; sons, Phillip Griffith of Meridian and Samuel Murphy of Columbus; a stepson, Cory Adam Burton, her mother and stepfather, Jean and Roy Aycox and a brother, Randall Sisson, all of Philadelphia; and four grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymon Sisson. 
 

W.G. SMITH 

Retired forester 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for W.G. "Dub" Smith will be held today at 2 p.m. at Tucker Community Church with the Revs. Dwight Fleming and Steve Craft officiating. Burial will be in Tucker Cemetery in DeKalb with McClain-Hays Funeral Service in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Smith, 85, of DeKalb, died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Neshoba County General Hospital. 
 

Survivors include two daughters, Pat McKee of DeKalb and Bobbie Jenkins of Philadelphia; a son, James Smith of DeKalb; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Corene Elizabeth Smith. 
 

MINOR VERNETTE KUEHN 

Nurse 
 

UNION -- Services for Minor Vernette Kuehn will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at Sand Springs Baptist Church in Hickory with the Revs. David Airhart and T.J. Archie officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Milling Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Kuehn, 77, of Decatur, died Monday, March 4, 2002, in her home. 
 

Survivors include her husband, Robert Kuehn of Decatur; sons, Donald Keith Jenkins of Houston, Texas, Herbert Andy Jenkins of Meridian and William Wayne Jenkins of Little Rock; a daughter, Ramona LaVoie of Wallingford, Conn.; stepdaughters, Nancy Ellen Hadden of Bristol, Conn., and Mary Beth Kuehn of Rochester, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Doyle Jenkins. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

L.E. GULLY 

Retired cattle farmer 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for L.E. "Jake" Gully will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Service Chapel with the Revs. Charles Robbins and Steve Lampkin officiating. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery in Kemper county. 
 

Mr. Gully, 85, of Preston, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Montfort Jones Memorial Hospital in Kosciusko. He was a native and lifelong resident of the Lynville Community of Kemper County. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in World War II. He was a member of Lynville United Methodist Church. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Rufina Gully of Preston; a daughter, Ruth Miller of Drew; sons, Roy Gully of Arlington, Texas, and Mike Gully of Scooba; five grandchildren, Jud Gully, Herbert Miller, Morgan Gully, Sarah Gully and Emily Miller; a sister, Madge VanDevender of Denver, Colo.; and a brother, Arnold Gully of Nacagdoches, Texas. 
 

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Gully; three brothers, Lamar Gully, Durward Gully and John Thomas Gully. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

PAULINE GRESSETT 
 

Graveside services for Pauline Gressett will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Gressett, 85, of Tuscaloosa, Ala., died Sunday, March 3, 2002, in Tuscaloosa. 
 

Visitation will be today 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

PEGGY JENE SHAW 

Private sitter 
 

UNION -- Services for Peggy Jene Shaw will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Reid Chapel Church of God in Conehatta with the Revs. H.L. Rhodes and Hulon Evans officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Shaw, 63, of Prospect Community of Conehatta, died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at University Medical Center in Jackson.
 

Survivors include a daughter, Wanda Nance of Forest; three grandchildren, Ashley Tune of Winona, Amanda Shoemaker of Edinburg and Austin Nance of Forest; four sisters, Margie Evans and Mary Shaw of Conehatta, Bobby Tarvin of Lake and Shirley Comans of Union. 
 

She was preceded in death by two sons, Delbert and Winfred Tune; and two brothers, Dalton and Melvin Shaw. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

VINA MARIE WILLIS 

Silver wave roller at casino 
 

SEBASTOPOL -- Services for Vina Marie Willis will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with the Rev. David Hamm officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Milling Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Willis, 61, of Philadelphia, died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Choctaw Health Center. 
 

Survivors include four daughters, Janice Mingo, Daphne Lewis, Senna Willis and Meredith Mingo; sons, Mark Ben and Christopher Ben, sisters, Joan Steve and Martha Isom and brothers, Robert Steve and Frank Steve, all of Philadelphia; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 
 

ODELL H. HOLIFIELD 

Homemaker 
 

QUITMAN -- Services for Odell H. Holifield will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at Corinth Assembly of God Church with the Revs. Johnny Mosley and David Mills officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Wright's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Holifield, 95, of Quitman, died Monday, March 4, 2002, in Quitman. 
 

Survivors include three sons, Clifton Holifield and Jimmy Dale Holifield, both of Mobile, Ala., and Virgil Tom Holifield of Quitman; a daughter, Mary L. Carney of Eight Mile, Ala.; 22 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark Holifield and Maggie Atchley. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

MARGIE KIDD SCOTT 

Elementary school teacher 
 

YORK, Ala. -- Graveside services for Margie Kidd Scott will be held Thursday at 4 p.m. at Siloam Cemetery with her friend Patricia Grant-Cruz officiating. Bumpers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Scott, 78, of York, died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Hill Hospital in York. 
 

Survivors include two sisters, Retha Hopkins of York and Bennie McElroy of Cuba; and several nieces and nephews. 
 

HATTIE CROWELL 
 

Services for Hattie Crowell will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church with the Rev. George Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Morning Star Cemetery in Butler, Ala. Berry and Gardner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Crowell, 110, of Meridian, died Saturday, March 2 ,2002, at Meridian Community Living Center. 
 

Survivors include several nieces and nephews. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband. 
 

Visitation will be Thursday 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

ROSIE B. HARRIS 

Retired cook 
 

Services for Rosie B. Harris will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Okatibbee Baptist Church with the Rev. Buckley officiating. Burial will be in Okatibbee Cemetery. Berry and Gardner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Harris, 84, of Meridian, died Friday, March 1, 2002, at The Specialty Hospital of Meridian. 
 

Survivors include four daughters, Malinda Jones and her husband, Theradtric, of Gary, Ind., Ella Carson and her husband, Willie, of Detroit, Wardine Kinchen and Ozie McMillion both of Hammond, La.; four sons, Harold Smith and his wife, Maxima, of Greenwood, Howard Harris and his wife, Johnnie, Lucian Harris and his wife, Dorothy, all of Meridian, John Harris and his wife, Marilyn, of Detroit; 33 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband. 
 

Visitation will be Friday 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

MORTIMER W. HANLY 

Retired business owner 
 

VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Memorial services for Mortimer W. "Pete" Hanly will be held at a later date at Unity Church of Vero Beach. A mass will be held Saturday in Montauk, Long Island, N.Y. with Michael Hanly officiating. Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Hanly, 83, of Vero Beach, died Friday, March 1, 2002. He was born Aug. 18, 1918, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and moved to Vero Beach 14 years ago from Long Island. 
 

He was the owner and operator of a ceiling and carpet business, prior to retirement. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during World War II, as a lieutenant and pilot. He was a graduate of St. John's University. 
 

Survivors include his wife Jane; two sons, Michael Hanly of Morris Plains, N.J., and Patrick Hanly of Greenport, Long Island, N.Y.; a daughter, Helen Stubbmann of Montauk, Long Island, N.Y.; two stepdaughters, Laura Bertulli of Bowdoinham, Maine, and Linda Bell of Houston, Texas; a stepson, Michael Bell of Houston; and nine grandchildren. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents Mort and Helen Manly; his first wife, Mimi Bidgood Hanly; and a son, Paul M. Hanly. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to the American Heart Association, 9900 9th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33716. 
 

FELIX S. HARRIS 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home for Felix S. Harris, 55, of Meridian, who died Monday, March 4, 2002 at Riley Hospital. 
 

ROBERT WILLIAMS 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home for Robert Williams, 81, who died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

MARY HAYES 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home for Mary Hayes of Meridian who died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

HOMER F. HUNTER 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Homer F. Hunter, 83, of Decatur, who died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

MARGIE ORENE EVERETT 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at James F. Webb Funeral Home of Newton for Margie Orene Everett, 76, who died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Guardian Angel Hospice. 
 

EDWIN R. MCWILLIAMS JR. 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at James F. Webb Funeral Home for Edwin R. McWilliams Jr., 78, of the Pine Springs Community, who died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

Obituaries for Thursday, March 7, 2002 
 

PAULINE GRESSETT 
 

Graveside services for Pauline Gressett will be held today at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. Jere Skelton officiating. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Gressett, 85, of Chunky, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. 
 

Survivors include three daughters, Ginger Scott and her husband, Vic, of Northport, Ala., Sandrea LaSpisa of Bartlesville, Okla., and Paula Ferguson and her husband, Jim, of Anchorage, Alaska; sons, David Gressett and his wife, Gwen, of Daleville and Freddy Gressett of Chunky; a stepson, Otha C. Gressett Jr. and his wife, Mary, of St Marys, Ga.; nine grandchildren, Brynne and Marla Scott, Deidrre Mooney and her husband, Joel, Joe LaSpisa and his wife, Amy, David LaSpisa, Woodrie Ferguson, Brian Gressett and his wife, Angie, Ja Gressett and Joe Gressett; five great-grandchildren, Haley Gressett, Nichole Gressett, Chase LaSpisa and Katelyn Mooney. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Otha C. Gressett; two sisters, Fredna Smythe and Laura Jean Johnson. 
 

Pallbearers will be Bill Johnson, Chris Johnson, Joe LaSpisa, David LaSpisa, Brian Gressett and Joe Gressett. 
 

HOMER F. HUNTER 

Retired Decatur postmaster 
 

NEWTON -- Services for Homer F. Hunter will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Decatur United Methodist Church with the Rev. Billy Owen officiating. Burial will be in Decatur Cemetery with Barham Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Hunter, 83, of Decatur, died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was a member of Decatur United Methodist Church, Decatur Lions Club, East Central Community College Alumni Association and the Evergreen Masonic Lodge. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Ola C. Hunter of Decatur; daughters, Ann Burkes and her husband, Roger, of Decatur, Sue Greenfield of Newton and Jane Smith and her husband, Ric, of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren, Becky Clark and Billy Greenfield of Laurel, Lauren Smith and Shannon Smith of Arlington; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Edwards, Amanda Henke and Michaela Clark, all of Laurel; sisters-in-law, Lenora Hunter of Brookhaven and Gay Hunter of Pontotoc; and several nieces and nephews. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Decatur United Methodist Church, Decatur Lions Club, East Central Community College Alumni Association or the Evergreen Masonic Lodge. 
 

Pallbearers will be Dr. Shelby Harris, Ric Smith, Billy Greenfield, John Blount, Reginald Thames and Roy Lucroy. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Burkes, Jimmy Dempsey, Bill Rowzee, Harold Webb, Wilson Taylor,George Harris and members of the Decatur Lions Club. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

R.C. SIMPSON 

Retired barber 
 

Services for R.C. Simpson will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mark Dunn officiating. Burial will be in Sumter County Memorial Gardens. 
 

Mr. Simpson, 80, of York, Ala., died Wednesday, March 6, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was a mason and World War II veteran. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Gladys P. Simpson of York; daughters, Phyllis Kimbrell and her husband, Wayne, of Jackson, Ala., and Kim Hoggle and her husband, of Darrell, of Livingston, Ala.; grandchildren, Jennifer Harwell and her husband, Bryan, Jessica Arnott and her husband, Will, and Joseph Hoggle; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Harwell and Samantha Harwell; and a sister, Seatherie Mitchell of Northport, Ala. 
 

Pallbearers will be Ed Spears, Norman Masters, Ricky Hoggle, George Watkins, Bryan Harwell and Will Arnott. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Livingston Masonic Lodge #41. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

DR. RICHARD K. MCMULLAN 

Retired research chemist 
 

NEWTON -- Services for Dr. Richard K. McMullan will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Dufriend officiating. Burial will be in Decatur Cemetery. 
 

Dr. McMullan, 72, of Decatur, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, in his home. 
 

He was born Oct. 6, 1929, in Decatur, spent his childhood growing up with his parents, the late Roy and Dora McMullan, his sister, the late Warrene Mosley and his brothers, the late Billy McMullan, Cecil and Charles McMullan and friends. 
 

He graduated from Decatur High School and East Central Junior College. After receiving his master's degree in chemistry from Mississippi Sate University in 1951, he attended Iowa State University, where he received his PH.D. in chemistry in 1956. He taught at the University of Texas for two years, then moved to the University of Pittsburgh. 
 

In order to pursue an interest in X-ray crystallography, Mr. McMullan moved to the University of Pittsburgh as a research associate. From 1967-69 he did research in Germany as a Humboldt Visiting Fellow. Upon his return, he spent several years at the University of Wisconsin. In 1974, he moved to Brookhaven National Laboratory where he devoted his time to his love of crystallography. At one time, he was one of 14 crystallographers in the world. He has authored and co-authored many scientific articles which have been presented at International Science Congresses. When he retired in late 1994, he was honored by his colleagues and collaborators of 40 years with this summation: "His modesty, patience, enthusiasm and dedication to the highest scientific standards are well known to those who have had the benefit of his friendship and partnership." 
 

His love of family and hometown brought him home for his retirement years. He loved working outdoors and especially with growing plants. He developed an interest in local history. He valued his long-time friendships with Ches and Ann McWhorter and Reginald Thames. 
 

Survivors include two brothers, Cecil McMullan of Jackson, Ala., and Charles McMullan of Lucedale; nephews, Jim Mosley, Rick McMullan, Marty McMullan, Ronnie McMullan, Freddie McMullan and David McMullan; nieces, Beth Haskew, Lynn Leake, Suzanne McMullan, Donna Fahrer and several great-nieces and nephews. 
 

Pallbearers will be his nephews and cousins. 
 

Visitation will be today 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Newton. 
 

EDWIN R. MCWILLIAMS JR. 

Self-employed upholstery business 
 

Services for Edwin R. McWilliams Jr. will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at James F. Webb Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Phillip Williams and Tommy Scarbrough officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. 
 

Mr. McWilliams, 79, of Meridian, died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was a member of Pine Springs Southern Methodist Church, where he was a proud participant of the church choir. He was was a member of the Shriner's Band, American Legion Post 125, TISBA and a mason. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Harmon McWilliams; daughters, Judith Snodgrass and her husband, Charles, of Meridian, Nancy Brooks and her husband, Terry, of Sims, Ala., Mary Fulcher and her husband, Joel, of Bacliff, Texas, and Peggy Campbell of Meridian; a son, E.R. "Rick" McWilliams III and his wife, Terry, of Meridian; a sister, Patricia Ward of Corpus Christi, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Charle Edward "Eddie" Snodgrass of Meridian, Patti Snodgrass of Lacrosse, Texas, Taressa, Pam, Michael and Joel Fulcher III, all of Bacliff, Texas, Shannon and Kasey Brooks of Sims, Daniel Meier of Zurich, Switzerland, Anita Campbell of Meridian, Jody Gray and Jennifer Debord of Meridian; six great-grandchildren, Haley, Mathew, Hannah, "J," Kelah and Joshua. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick McWilliams Sr. and Elsie Williamson McWilliams; and a sister, Lula Jean Wheeler. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to The International Singing Brakeman Association (TISBA) or a favorite charity. 
 

Pallbearers will be Willy Cole, Johnny Gully, Eddie Snodgrass, Joel Fulcher, Michael Fulcher, Terry Brooks, Billy Guin and Douglas Weathers. 
 

Honorary pallbearer will be John Barfield. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

GWENDOLYN S. HUBBERT 

Homemaker 
 

QUITMAN -- Memorial services for Gwendolyn S. Hubbert will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of DeSoto with the Revs. Gerald Barnett and Jim Smith officiating. Wright's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Hubbert, 79, of DeSoto, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, in her home. She was born March 3, 1923, in Clarke County and was a graduate of Quitman High School. 
 

Survivors include her sister, Laverne Kemp of Quitman; sons, Dr. Michael W. Hubbert of Quitman and Dr. David E. Hubbert of Chattanooga, Tenn.; a sister-in-law, Bennie Sue Hubbert of Quitman; nieces, Kathy Robinson, Georgia Fleming and Renee Oates, all of Quitman; and a nephew, Brooks Hubbert of Pensacola, Fla. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vern W. Spickard and Naomi Spickard; her husband, Hewitt E. Hubbert. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church of DeSoto. 
 

LENA PRICE STRICKLAND 

Homemaker 
 

Services for Lena Price Strickland will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at East Baptist Church of Pachuta, with the Rev. Claude McKenzie officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Enterprise Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Strickland, 72, of Pachuta, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

Survivors include her sons; Odell Strickland and his wife, Dora, Bruce Strickland and his wife, Anita, of Pachuta, Neil Strickland and his wife Marshall of Paulding; daughters, Mary Ann Edwards and her husband, Samuel, of Meridian, Diane April and her husband, Jimmy, of Seattle, Odean Smith and Earnestine Lang, both of Quitman, Helen Harris, and her husband, Bobby, of DeSoto and Lena Strickland of Pachuta; sisters, Essie Willis and Corine Hughes, both of New Orleans, Mary Ellen Anderson of Hattiesburg, Nellie Bill Cooley, of Decatur, Ga., Annie LiVarnado of Quitman, and Leola Miles of Shubuta; a brother, Charles Price of Quitman; 22 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. 
 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Price; and her husband, Odis Strickland. 
 

Visitation will be Friday 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the church. 
 

ROBERT WILLIAMS 

Retired railroad employee 
 

Services for Robert Williams will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cuba, Ala. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Berry and Gardner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Williams, 81, of Toomsuba, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

Survivors include three sisters, Geneva Hill and Esther Betts, both of Toomsuba, and Annie Bell Williams of Cleveland, Ohio; a brother, Olice Williams of Toomsuba. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents. 
 

Visitation will be Friday 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

FELIX S. HARRIS 
 

Services for Felix S. Harris will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Jubilee Mennonite Church. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery with Berry and Gardner Funeral home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Harris, 55, of Meridian, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Riley Hospital. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Betty Harris, three daughters, Sherry Moss, Theresa Harris and Catina Harris, two sons, Felix Harris Jr. and Reginald Harris, two brothers, Ronnie Harris and Herman Harris, all of Meridian; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be Saturday 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

ISAAC PHILIP SHELTON 

Retired logger 
 

Graveside services for Isaac Phillip Shelton were held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery with the Revs. Shane Freeman and Thomas Parker officiating. James F. Webb Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Shelton, 84, of Toomsuba, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, at Heartfelt Hospice. 
 

Survivors include three daughters, Juanita Yeager and Alma Shelton of Toomsuba and Mary McLemore of Causeyville; three sons, James "Bud" Shelton and Jimmy Shelton, both of Toomsuba, and Jearold Shelton of Vimville; three sisters, Hazel Shelby, Josephine Shelby and Evelyn Shelton, all of Toomsuba; 16 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Amelia Hurtt Shelton; a granddaughter, Amanda Yeager Clinton; and a grandson, Randy Shelton. 
 

MINNIE M. GOSSETT 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Stephens Funeral Home for Minnie M. Gossett, 94, of Meridian, who died Thursday, March 7, 2002, at Beverly HealthCare-Broadmoor. 
 

THOMAS BARRETT 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Thomas Barrett, 66, of Enterprise, who died Wednesday, March, 6, 2002, at H.C. Watkins Memorial Hospital in Quitman. 
 

TOMMY M. WATSON SR. 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Tommy M. Watson Sr., 65, of Meridian, who died Wednesday, March 6, 2002, in Meridian. 
 

ROGER NEAL RALEIGH 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Roger Neal Raleigh, 57, of DeKalb, who died Wednesday, March 6, 2002, in Beech Island, S.C. 
 

OLLIE COLEMAN WILLIAMS 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Clark's Memorial Funeral Home for Ollie Coleman Williams, 74, of Meridian, who died Tuesday, March, 5, 2002, at Riley Hospital. 
 

Obituaries for Thursday, March 7, 2002 
 

PAULINE GRESSETT 
 

Graveside services for Pauline Gressett will be held today at 1 p.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery with the Rev. Jere Skelton officiating. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Gressett, 85, of Chunky, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. 
 

Survivors include three daughters, Ginger Scott and her husband, Vic, of Northport, Ala., Sandrea LaSpisa of Bartlesville, Okla., and Paula Ferguson and her husband, Jim, of Anchorage, Alaska; sons, David Gressett and his wife, Gwen, of Daleville and Freddy Gressett of Chunky; a stepson, Otha C. Gressett Jr. and his wife, Mary, of St Marys, Ga.; nine grandchildren, Brynne and Marla Scott, Deidrre Mooney and her husband, Joel, Joe LaSpisa and his wife, Amy, David LaSpisa, Woodrie Ferguson, Brian Gressett and his wife, Angie, Ja Gressett and Joe Gressett; five great-grandchildren, Haley Gressett, Nichole Gressett, Chase LaSpisa and Katelyn Mooney. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Otha C. Gressett; two sisters, Fredna Smythe and Laura Jean Johnson. 
 

Pallbearers will be Bill Johnson, Chris Johnson, Joe LaSpisa, David LaSpisa, Brian Gressett and Joe Gressett. 
 

HOMER F. HUNTER 

Retired Decatur postmaster 
 

NEWTON -- Services for Homer F. Hunter will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Decatur United Methodist Church with the Rev. Billy Owen officiating. Burial will be in Decatur Cemetery with Barham Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Hunter, 83, of Decatur, died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was a member of Decatur United Methodist Church, Decatur Lions Club, East Central Community College Alumni Association and the Evergreen Masonic Lodge. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Ola C. Hunter of Decatur; daughters, Ann Burkes and her husband, Roger, of Decatur, Sue Greenfield of Newton and Jane Smith and her husband, Ric, of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren, Becky Clark and Billy Greenfield of Laurel, Lauren Smith and Shannon Smith of Arlington; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Edwards, Amanda Henke and Michaela Clark, all of Laurel; sisters-in-law, Lenora Hunter of Brookhaven and Gay Hunter of Pontotoc; and several nieces and nephews. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Decatur United Methodist Church, Decatur Lions Club, East Central Community College Alumni Association or the Evergreen Masonic Lodge. 
 

Pallbearers will be Dr. Shelby Harris, Ric Smith, Billy Greenfield, John Blount, Reginald Thames and Roy Lucroy. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Roger Burkes, Jimmy Dempsey, Bill Rowzee, Harold Webb, Wilson Taylor,George Harris and members of the Decatur Lions Club. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

R.C. SIMPSON 

Retired barber 
 

Services for R.C. Simpson will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mark Dunn officiating. Burial will be in Sumter County Memorial Gardens. 
 

Mr. Simpson, 80, of York, Ala., died Wednesday, March 6, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was a mason and World War II veteran. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Gladys P. Simpson of York; daughters, Phyllis Kimbrell and her husband, Wayne, of Jackson, Ala., and Kim Hoggle and her husband, of Darrell, of Livingston, Ala.; grandchildren, Jennifer Harwell and her husband, Bryan, Jessica Arnott and her husband, Will, and Joseph Hoggle; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Harwell and Samantha Harwell; and a sister, Seatherie Mitchell of Northport, Ala. 
 

Pallbearers will be Ed Spears, Norman Masters, Ricky Hoggle, George Watkins, Bryan Harwell and Will Arnott. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Livingston Masonic Lodge #41. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

DR. RICHARD K. MCMULLAN 

Retired research chemist 
 

NEWTON -- Services for Dr. Richard K. McMullan will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jim Dufriend officiating. Burial will be in Decatur Cemetery. 
 

Dr. McMullan, 72, of Decatur, died Saturday, March 2, 2002, in his home. 
 

He was born Oct. 6, 1929, in Decatur, spent his childhood growing up with his parents, the late Roy and Dora McMullan, his sister, the late Warrene Mosley and his brothers, the late Billy McMullan, Cecil and Charles McMullan and friends. 
 

He graduated from Decatur High School and East Central Junior College. After receiving his master's degree in chemistry from Mississippi Sate University in 1951, he attended Iowa State University, where he received his PH.D. in chemistry in 1956. He taught at the University of Texas for two years, then moved to the University of Pittsburgh. 
 

In order to pursue an interest in X-ray crystallography, Mr. McMullan moved to the University of Pittsburgh as a research associate. From 1967-69 he did research in Germany as a Humboldt Visiting Fellow. Upon his return, he spent several years at the University of Wisconsin. In 1974, he moved to Brookhaven National Laboratory where he devoted his time to his love of crystallography. At one time, he was one of 14 crystallographers in the world. He has authored and co-authored many scientific articles which have been presented at International Science Congresses. When he retired in late 1994, he was honored by his colleagues and collaborators of 40 years with this summation: "His modesty, patience, enthusiasm and dedication to the highest scientific standards are well known to those who have had the benefit of his friendship and partnership." 
 

His love of family and hometown brought him home for his retirement years. He loved working outdoors and especially with growing plants. He developed an interest in local history. He valued his long-time friendships with Ches and Ann McWhorter and Reginald Thames. 
 

Survivors include two brothers, Cecil McMullan of Jackson, Ala., and Charles McMullan of Lucedale; nephews, Jim Mosley, Rick McMullan, Marty McMullan, Ronnie McMullan, Freddie McMullan and David McMullan; nieces, Beth Haskew, Lynn Leake, Suzanne McMullan, Donna Fahrer and several great-nieces and nephews. 
 

Pallbearers will be his nephews and cousins. 
 

Visitation will be today 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Newton. 
 

EDWIN R. MCWILLIAMS JR. 

Self-employed upholstery business 
 

Services for Edwin R. McWilliams Jr. will be held Friday at 11:30 a.m. at James F. Webb Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Phillip Williams and Tommy Scarbrough officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. 
 

Mr. McWilliams, 79, of Meridian, died Tuesday, March 5, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was a member of Pine Springs Southern Methodist Church, where he was a proud participant of the church choir. He was was a member of the Shriner's Band, American Legion Post 125, TISBA and a mason. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Harmon McWilliams; daughters, Judith Snodgrass and her husband, Charles, of Meridian, Nancy Brooks and her husband, Terry, of Sims, Ala., Mary Fulcher and her husband, Joel, of Bacliff, Texas, and Peggy Campbell of Meridian; a son, E.R. "Rick" McWilliams III and his wife, Terry, of Meridian; a sister, Patricia Ward of Corpus Christi, Texas; 12 grandchildren, Charle Edward "Eddie" Snodgrass of Meridian, Patti Snodgrass of Lacrosse, Texas, Taressa, Pam, Michael and Joel Fulcher III, all of Bacliff, Texas, Shannon and Kasey Brooks of Sims, Daniel Meier of Zurich, Switzerland, Anita Campbell of Meridian, Jody Gray and Jennifer Debord of Meridian; six great-grandchildren, Haley, Mathew, Hannah, "J," Kelah and Joshua. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dick McWilliams Sr. and Elsie Williamson McWilliams; and a sister, Lula Jean Wheeler. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to The International Singing Brakeman Association (TISBA) or a favorite charity. 
 

Pallbearers will be Willy Cole, Johnny Gully, Eddie Snodgrass, Joel Fulcher, Michael Fulcher, Terry Brooks, Billy Guin and Douglas Weathers. 
 

Honorary pallbearer will be John Barfield. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

GWENDOLYN S. HUBBERT 

Homemaker 
 

QUITMAN -- Memorial services for Gwendolyn S. Hubbert will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of DeSoto with the Revs. Gerald Barnett and Jim Smith officiating. Wright's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Hubbert, 79, of DeSoto, died Sunday, March 3, 2002, in her home. She was born March 3, 1923, in Clarke County and was a graduate of Quitman High School. 
 

Survivors include her sister, Laverne Kemp of Quitman; sons, Dr. Michael W. Hubbert of Quitman and Dr. David E. Hubbert of Chattanooga, Tenn.; a sister-in-law, Bennie Sue Hubbert of Quitman; nieces, Kathy Robinson, Georgia Fleming and Renee Oates, all of Quitman; and a nephew, Brooks Hubbert of Pensacola, Fla. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Vern W. Spickard and Naomi Spickard; her husband, Hewitt E. Hubbert. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church of DeSoto. 
 

LENA PRICE STRICKLAND 

Homemaker 
 

Services for Lena Price Strickland will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at East Baptist Church of Pachuta, with the Rev. Claude McKenzie officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Enterprise Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Strickland, 72, of Pachuta, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

Survivors include her sons; Odell Strickland and his wife, Dora, Bruce Strickland and his wife, Anita, of Pachuta, Neil Strickland and his wife Marshall of Paulding; daughters, Mary Ann Edwards and her husband, Samuel, of Meridian, Diane April and her husband, Jimmy, of Seattle, Odean Smith and Earnestine Lang, both of Quitman, Helen Harris, and her husband, Bobby, of DeSoto and Lena Strickland of Pachuta; sisters, Essie Willis and Corine Hughes, both of New Orleans, Mary Ellen Anderson of Hattiesburg, Nellie Bill Cooley, of Decatur, Ga., Annie LiVarnado of Quitman, and Leola Miles of Shubuta; a brother, Charles Price of Quitman; 22 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. 
 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Price; and her husband, Odis Strickland. 
 

Visitation will be Friday 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the church. 
 

ROBERT WILLIAMS 

Retired railroad employee 
 

Services for Robert Williams will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Cuba, Ala. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Berry and Gardner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Williams, 81, of Toomsuba, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

Survivors include three sisters, Geneva Hill and Esther Betts, both of Toomsuba, and Annie Bell Williams of Cleveland, Ohio; a brother, Olice Williams of Toomsuba. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents. 
 

Visitation will be Friday 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

FELIX S. HARRIS 
 

Services for Felix S. Harris will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Jubilee Mennonite Church. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery with Berry and Gardner Funeral home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Harris, 55, of Meridian, died Monday, March 4, 2002, at Riley Hospital. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Betty Harris, three daughters, Sherry Moss, Theresa Harris and Catina Harris, two sons, Felix Harris Jr. and Reginald Harris, two brothers, Ronnie Harris and Herman Harris, all of Meridian; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be Saturday 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.