Obituaries 9

Obituaries for Sunday, March 17, 2002 
 

NORMAN MCKAY JACKSON 
 

GILBERTOWN, Ala. -- Services for Norman McKay Jackson will be held today at 2 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James Bonner officiating. Burial will be in Bonner Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Jackson, 65, of Toxey, died Friday, March 15, 2002, in Hamilton. 
 

Survivors include his brother, John Louis Jackson of Toxey. 
 

Visitation will be today from 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

MAGGIE ONIE ANDERSON 

Homemaker 
 

BUTLER, Ala. -- Services for Maggie Onie Anderson will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at Centerpoint Baptist Church with the Rev. Tracey Anderson officiating. Burial will be at Centerpoint Cemetery with Bumpers Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Anderson, 93, of Salitpa, died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Mobile Infirmary. 
 

Survivors include five sons, Linus Anderson of Wilmer; Alton Anderson of Linden; Billy Anderson of Wagerville; Chester Anderson of Grand Bay; and Gilmer Anderson of Edmond, Okla.; four daughters, Mary Cowan of Cambell; Earline McKinley of Mexia; Delaine Henderson of Thomasville; and Ethel Gwynn of Jackson; 33 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chalmers J. Anderson, and a grandson, Randall Scott Anderson. 
 

Visitation will be today after 6 p.m. at the church. 
 

FRED LAMAR SULLIVAN SR. 

Retired electrician 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Fred Lamar Sullivan Sr. will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Ray Luke and Dennis Duvall officiating. Burial will be in Henry's Chapel Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Sullivan, 70, of Philadelphia, died Friday, March 15, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth Sullivan, a daughter, Mary Sue Sullivan, two sons, Fred Lamar Sullivan Jr. and Thomas Andrew Sullivan, all of Philadelphia; four sisters, June Robbins of Greenville; Miriam Covington of Shubuta; Betty Malavasi of Marks; and Emma Faye Jenkins of Mobile, Ala.; a brother, Henry Sullivan of Cheyenne, Wyoming; four grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be today from 4 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

GLASTON HOLLEY 

Retired self-employed public worker 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Glaston Holley will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Henry's Chapel Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Holley, 72, of Philadelphia, died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Johnnie Ruth Holley of Philadelphia; three daughters, Wanda Roberts of Long Beach; and Deborah Brantley and Angel Dennis, both of Philadelphia; two sons, Chris and Gary Holley, both of Philadelphia; four sisters, Martha Burton and Mary Payne, both of Jackson; Ruth Pope of Philadelphia; and Roma Killens of Edinburg; six brothers, Archie Holley of Pascagoula; D.J. Holley, Dave Holley and Hayden Holley, all of Philadelphia; Sam Holley of Jackson; and Leroy Holley of Noxapater; eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be held today from 4 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

EARL TERRY 
 

Services for Earl Terry will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Porterville with the Rev. Tony Hubbard officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Clark's Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Terry, 71, of Porterville, died Tuesday, March 12, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

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

HOWARD EUGENE WHITE SR. 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Howard Eugene White Sr., 83, of Meridian, who died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

Obituaries for Monday, March 18, 2002 
 

ESTHER ELIZABETH IVEY 

Retired short order cook 
 

QUITMAN -- Graveside services for Esther Elizabeth Ivey were to be held today at 10 a.m. at Archusa Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Bill Devine officiating. Wright's Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Ivey, 79, died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

Survivors include a son, Thomas S. Ivey of Jackson; three daughters, Sue Griffith of Mendenhall, Doris Murray of Enterprise and Carolyn Ivey of St. Louis, Mo.; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. 
 

MARGIE MCDANIEL 

Accountant 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Margie McDaniel will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Service Chapel. Burial will be in Herbert Cemetery. 
 

Miss McDaniel, 51, of Philadelphia, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, in her home. She was an accountant with Watkins, Ward & Stafford. 
 

Survivors include her mother, Birda McDaniel, brothers, Bobby McDaniel and Clifford McDaniel, all of Philadelphia. 
 

She was preceded in death by her father, Rudolph McDaniel. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to the Margie McDaniel Memorial Fund c/o Herbert Baptist Church. 
 

Visitation will be today 4 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

VESTER BERNARD PALMER 

Retired butcher 
 

Services for Vester Bernard Palmer will be held Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jason Bird officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. 
 

Mr. Palmer, 83, of Meridian, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Beverly HealthCare-Broadmoor. He was a member of Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Marines and a mason. Mr. Palmer was a longtime butcher at Joe Burnett Grocery Store and the Navy base. He was a member of the VFW and a volunteer with AARP. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Mary M. Palmer of Meridian; a daughter, Carolyn Palmer Kirk of Pensacola, Fla.; a son, Henry Palmer and his wife, Jan, of Meridian; grandchildren, Daniel Kirk III, Casey Kirk, Hap Palmer, Gil Palmer and David Palmer; a great-grandson, Jackson Henry Palmer; and a sister, Ruby Sullivan of Louisville. 
 

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lillie Burnett and Frances Eaves; brothers, Theron Palmer, Grady Palmer, Troy Palmer and Vardaman Palmer. 
 

Pallbearers will be Daniel Kirk III, Casey Kirk, Hap Palmer, Gil Palmer, David Palmer, Delane Stokes, Charles Henry Stokes, Paul Davis and Sam Goldman. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Bobby Adams Sunday School Class: Charlie Bancroft, George Booker, Doug Burt, Wade Chatam, Ayrrell Clayton, Bill Combs, Murl Deweese, Heyward Dillard, Buck Greene, Flynt McCraw, Red McKinney, Cecil Miller, Joe Miller, Joseph Reeves, Howard Smith, Elton Snowden, Charles Swain, George Temple, Howard Thrash, Dick Wiggins, Foman Windham and Dr. Bobby Adams; Jeff Luke and Ross Cheatham. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

DEANNA MARIE MENA 
 

Services for Deanna Marie Mena will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Stonewall Methodist Church. Burial will be in Stonewall Cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Ms. Mena, 37, of Stonewall, died Friday, March 15, 2002, in Sevierville, Tenn. 
 

Visitation will be Tuesday 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home and 30 minutes prior to the service. 
 

BENJMYN TYRONE ROGERS 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Clark's Memorial Funeral Home for Benjmyn Tyrone Rogers, 26, who died Sunday, March 17, 2002, in his home. 
 

GEORGE E. MANGROM 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Clark's Memorial Funeral Home for George E. Mangrom, 59, of Meridian, who died Monday, March 18, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

Obituaries for Tuesday, March 19, 2002 
 

DEANNA MARIE MENA 

District attorney office clerk 
 

Services for Deanna Marie Mena will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Stonewall Methodist Church with the Rev. Len McRaney officiating. Burial will be in Stonewall Cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Ms. Mena, 37, of Stonewall, died Friday, March 15, 2002, in Sevierville, Tenn. 
 

Survivors include her parents, Olgene and Linda Mena of Stonewall; her biological father, Carl Springs of Barrington, N.J.; a son, Jonathan Michael Mena of Stonewall; maternal grandparents, Doris and J.P. Dean of Stonewall; maternal grandmother, Eleze Walker of Collinsville; paternal grandmother, Vera Mean of Quitman; and her fiance, Terry Kim Simpson of Enterprise. 
 

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Joe Mena; and her great-grandfather, Ray Walker. 
 

Visitation will be today 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home and 30 minutes prior to the service. 
 

ESTHER MAE MITCHUM 

Homemaker 
 

BUTLER, Ala. -- Services for Esther Mae Mitchum were to be held today at 10 a.m. at Bumpers Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Kennedy officiating. Burial was to be in New Lusk Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Mitchum, 81, of Gilbertown, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Benchmark Health Care Center. 
 

Survivors include three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 
 

BILLIE A. GIBSON HEATH 
 

COLUMBUS -- Services for Billie A. Gibson Heath were to be held today at 10 a.m. at Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. John Ed Thomas officiating. Graveside services will follow in Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery in Meridian at 3 p.m. 
 

Mrs. Heath, 75, of Columbus, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle. 
 

Survivors include her husband, Robert L. Heath of Columbus; a daughter, Lisa Carol Heath Simmons and her husband, Bobby, of Augusta, S.C.; a sister, Jackie A. Gibson Smith of Collinsville; two granddaughters and several nieces and nephews. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas J. and Luna Freeman Gibson. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 303, Columbus, MS 39703. 
 

VESTER BERNARD PALMER 

Retired butcher 
 

Services for Vester Bernard Palmer will be held today at 1 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jason Bird officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. 
 

Mr. Palmer, 83, of Meridian, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Beverly HealthCare-Broadmoor. He was a member of Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Marines and a mason. Mr. Palmer was a longtime butcher at Joe Burnett Grocery Store and the Navy base. He was a member of the VFW and a volunteer with AARP. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Mary M. Palmer of Meridian; a daughter, Carolyn Palmer Kirk of Pensacola, Fla.; a son, Henry Palmer and his wife, Jan, of Meridian; grandchildren, Daniel Kirk III, Casey Kirk, Hap Palmer, Gil Palmer and David Palmer; a great-grandson, Jackson Henry Palmer; and a sister, Ruby Sullivan of Louisville. 
 

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Lillie Burnett and Frances Eaves; brothers, Theron Palmer, Grady Palmer, Troy Palmer and Vardaman Palmer. 
 

Pallbearers will be Daniel Kirk III, Casey Kirk, Hap Palmer, Gil Palmer, David Palmer, Delane Stokes, Charles Henry Stokes, Paul Davis and Sam Goldman. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Bobby Adams Sunday School Class: Charlie Bancroft, George Booker, Doug Burt, Wade Chatam, Ayrrell Clayton, Bill Combs, Murl Deweese, Heyward Dillard, Buck Greene, Flynt McCraw, Red McKinney, Cecil Miller, Joe Miller, Joseph Reeves, Howard Smith, Elton Snowden, Charles Swain, George Temple, Howard Thrash, Dick Wiggins, Foman Windham and Dr. Bobby Adams; Jeff Luke and Ross Cheatham. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund. 
 

VERNA MAE DAUGHERTY 

Homemaker 
 

QUITMAN -- Services for Verna Mae Daugherty will be held today at 2 p.m. at Wright's Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Dale Eakes and Donald Campbell officiating. Burial will be in Hurricane Cemetery in Melvin, Ala. 
 

Mrs. Daugherty, 89, of Waynesboro, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Total Care Nursing Center. 
 

Survivors include a son, James E. Daugherty of Trinity, Texas; a daughter, Ava Braddock and a sister, Minnie Lee Smith of Quitman; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. 
 

ETHAN E. MOORE 

Owner of Moore Funeral Service 
 

HATTIESBURG -- Services for Ethan E. Moore will be held Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at Temple Baptist Church. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery with Moore Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Moore, 77, of Hattiesburg, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at Forrest General Hospital. He was a native of Lauderdale County and a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Ann Ash Moore, sons, Steve Moore, Greg Moore and David Moore, all of Hattiesburg; sisters, Evelyn Kenney of Newport News, Va., and Dot Bridges of Pensacola, Fla.; and seven grandchildren. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Earl and Viva Moore; and a sister, Alice Caldwell. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Foundation. 
 

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

DONALD P. GORDON 

Retired Western Auto store manager 
 

Memorial services for Donald P. "Don" Gordon will be held at a later date. 
 

Mr. Gordon, 76, of Meridian, died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at the VA Hospital in Jackson. 
 

Survivors include three daughters, Donna Gordon Haywood and her husband, Phil, Emilie Nobles and Phyllis Gordon Maxwell and her husband, Tom; a son, Donald Phillip Gordon Jr.; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Gordon; and a son-in-law, Butch Nobles. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi or the G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Nursing Home in Jackson. 
 

LAMAR HESTER 

Retired from Chevron Oil Company 
 

Graveside services for Lamar Hester were held Monday at 9 a.m. at Magnolia Cemetery with the Rev. James Ruffin officiating. Stephens Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Hester, 76, of Meridian, died Thursday, March 14, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was a veteran of World War II. 
 

Survivors include two sons, Eddy and Tommy Hester, and two daughters, Kay and Susan Hester, all of Meridian; a brother, Harold H. Hester of Sarasota, Fla.; and two grandchildren.
 

He was preceded in death by his friend and former wife, Katherine Hester. 
 

JACK R. MUNN 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Jack R. Munn, 68, of Meridian, who died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, in his home. 
 

GEORGE E. MANGRUM 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Clark's Memorial Funeral Home for George E. Mangrum, 59, of Meridian, who died Monday, March 18, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

Obituaries for Wednesday, March 20, 2002 
 

GEORGE E. MANGRUM 

Retired educator 
 

Services for George E. Mangrum will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at First Union Baptist Church with the Rev. Cleveland Hayes officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery with Clark's Memorial Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Mangrum, 59, of Meridian, died Monday, March 18, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Mt. Olive. 
 

He earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Rust College in Holly Springs and his master's degree and specialist's degree in political science from Mississippi State University in Starkville. 
 

Mangrum began his teaching career in 1965 at Harris High School. In 1970, he was transferred to Meridian High School where he taught social studies. He taught at Meridian Community College for more than 25 years, before retiring in June 2001. He taught briefly at Wackenhut Correctional Facility after his retirement. 
 

During his teaching career, he enjoyed studying and traveling during the summer. His studies took him to Kenya in Africa and the continent of China. 
 

He enjoyed cooking for others, and his specialities were barbecued ribs with his own special sauce, and fried fish. 
 

Mangrum was a dedicated brother of Elkdom. He was a member of the Past Grand Exalted Ruler Council of I.B.P.O.E. of W, state recorder of the Mississippi State Association of Elks, secretary of P.E. R. C. Council 129 of Elks, Exalted Ruler of Metropolitan Lodge No. 551 of Elks, General of the Antler Guard Division and a member of the past State President's Council of Elks. 
 

He was a member of the Omega Phi Psi Fraternity, a board member of the Council of Organizations and a board member of MAPP, Inc. 
 

Mangrum was a member of First Union Baptist Church where he served on the Deacon Board and as church treasurer. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Louise H. Mangrum of Meridian; a son, George C. Mangrum, Esq. of Orlando, Fla.; his mother Juanita Mangrum of Mt. Olive; six brothers, Ervin Mangrum and his wife, Corris, of Olive Branch, Augustus Mangrum and his wife, Ruth, of Maywood, Ill., Johnnie Mangrum and his wife Rosetta, of Seminary, David Mangrum and his wife Dorothy, of Apopka, Fla., Larry Mangrum of Natchez and Carl Mangrum and his wife, Vangie, of Crestview, Fla.; three sisters, Willie Ruth McNair and Jackie Strickland, of Mt. Olive, and Sharon Graves and her husband, Arthur, of Magee; father-in-law, Joe Hayes; four sisters-in-law, Joe Ann Albert and her husband, Theodore, of San Antonio, Texas, Mary Jones and her husband, Elmer, of Albany, N.Y., Bertha Staten of Dayton, Ohio, Christine Scott and her husband, Douglass, of Meridian; two brothers-in-law, Ceasar Horne and his wife Elsie, of Shubuta, and Bruce Hayes of San Antonio. 
 

He was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Mangrum; and two brothers, Robert Mangrum and Arthur Mangrum 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Meridian Community College Foundation or National Diabetes Foundation. 
 

Pallbearers will be brothers of Metropolitan Lodge 551 in Meridian. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be deacons and trustees of First Union Baptist Church, members of Omega Phi Psi Fraternity and state officers of the State Association of Elkdom. 
 

Visitation will be Thursday 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home and Friday 9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. at the church. 
 

DEANNA MARIE MENA 

District attorney office clerk 
 

Services for Deanna Marie Mena will be held today at 1 p.m. at Stonewall Methodist Church with the Rev. Len McRaney officiating. Burial will be in Stonewall Cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Ms. Mena, 37, of Stonewall, died Friday, March 15, 2002, in Sevierville, Tenn. 
 

Survivors include her parents, Olgene and Linda Mena of Stonewall; her biological father, Carl Spriggs of Barrington, N.J.; a son, Jonathan Michael Mena of Stonewall; maternal grandparents, Doris and J.P. Dean of Stonewall; maternal grandmother, Eleze Walker of Collinsville; paternal grandmother, Vera Mena of Quitman; and her fiance, Terry Kim Simpson of Enterprise. 
 

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Joe Mena; and her great-grandfather, Ray Walker. 
 

Visitation will be today 30 minutes prior to the service. 
 

ROYCE WILLIAM GORDON 

Chrysler Corporation employee 
 

UNION -- Services for Royce William Gordon will be held today at 2 p.m. at Milling Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kevin Meador officiating. Burial will be in Rock Branch Baptist Church Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Gordon, 83, of Little Rock, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Laird Hospital in Union. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Mattie Annette Gordon; a brother, Doyle Gordon and his wife, June, of Newton; and several nieces and nephews. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Rock Branch Baptist Church, c/o Covert Henry, Highway 494, Little Rock, MS. 
 

Visitation will be today one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 
 

JOE MAY 

Heavy equipment operator 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Joe May will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Charles Barnett officiating. Burial will be in Good Hope Cemetery. 
 

Mr. May, 71, of Union, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, in his home. He was a veteran. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Ruby Lois May and a daughter, Judy Gazaway, both of Union; his mother, Virgie Lee May, sisters, Carolyn Williamson, Sarah Luke and Shirley Sharp; brothers, Tom May, Jack May, Charles May and James "Tater" May, all of Philadelphia; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 
 

He was preceded in death by his father, Vardaman May; and a son, James Lee May. 
 

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

DORIS J. MAGGART 

Homemaker 
 

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

Mrs. Maggart, 81, of Meridian, died Monday, March 18, 2002, in Meridian. 
 

Survivors include a son, Robert J. Maggart of Tucson, Ariz.; a daughter, Carol Ann Johnson of McKinney, Texas; four grandchildren, David E. Maggart, Michael A. Maggart, Robert W. Johnson and Jennifer M. Kaufman; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jima Neal of Meridian. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Edward Maggart; and her mother, Esther Bounds Jenkins. 
 

Visitation will be Thursday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 
 

BESSIE W. FUNDERBERG 

Retired nurse 
 

WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Services for Bessie W. Funderberg will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at Ephesus Seventh Day Adventist Church. French I. Davis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Funderberg died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Cepshus Nursing Home in Wilmington. 
 

Survivors include a sister, Mamie J. Brown of Meridian; and a niece and nephew of California. 
 

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

WILLIE ISOLA MCLAIN PITTS 

Retired dietitian 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Willie Isola McLain Pitts will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Service Chapel with the Revs. Dennis Duvall and Brian Hill officiating. Burial will be in Cedarlawn Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Pitts, 71, of Bay St. Louis, died Monday, March 18, 2002, in her home. 
 

Survivors include two daughters, Scherrie Thornton Berry of Bay St. Louis and Lynn Rux of Pelahatchie; sons, J.M. McLain of Philadelphia, Freddie McLain and Phillip McLain Sr. of Bay St. Louis and Ray McLain of Perkinston; sisters, Nancy Wright of DeKalb, Frances Stokes of Preston and Linda Eastman of Meridian; brothers, James Jones of Hurley, Edd Jones of Hickory and Cecil Jones of Philadelphia; 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be today 4 p.m.-10 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

BENJAMIN TYRONE ROGERS 
 

Services for Benjamin Tyrone Rogers will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Clark's Memorial Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Parker officiating. Burial will be in Meridian Memorial Park Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Rogers, 26, of Meridian, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, in his home. 
 

Survivors include his mother, Gloria Jean Rogers of Meridian; brothers, Derrick Rogers of Houston, Texas, and Thomas Rogers of Meridian; a sister, Chiquita Rogers of Meridian; and several other family members. 
 

Visitation will be Friday 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

ZADA BRAND WILLIS 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at James F. Webb Funeral Home of Newton for Zada Brand Willis, 85, of Newton, who died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Woodland Court in Newton. 

S.E. ALEXANDER 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for S.E. Alexander, 85, of Meridian, who died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in his home. 
 

MINNIE RILEY 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Stephens Funeral Home of DeKalb for Minnie Riley, 81, of DeKalb, who died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

JOSEPH L. BAIER 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at James F. Webb Funeral Home for Joseph L. Baier, 87, of Meridian, who died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Mississippi Veteran Home in Oxford. 
 

Obituaries for Thursday, March 21, 2002 
 

JOSEPH LEWIS BAIER SR. 
 

Services for Joseph Lewis Baier Sr. will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church with the Rev. Edwin Sunds officiating. Burial will be in Semmes Cemetery with James F. Webb Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Baier died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home. He was a captain in the Army Air Corps during World War II and received the Purple Heart for the injuries he received when his plane was destroyed by enemy fire over the Tyrrhenian Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea). He also received the EAME Ribbon, with three stars, Air Medal with five Oak Silver Leaf Clusters, American Defense Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal and the American Theater Ribbon. He was a "Gold Fish" member of an international group after swimming to safety in a sea battle. 
 

He was president of Bear Manufacturing Company and an Equitable Life Agent until his retirement. 
 

Survivors include his wife, "Jerry" Moore Baier; sons, Joseph L. Baier Jr. and his wife, Dr. Christine Mroz Baier, and Michael M. Baier and his wife, Carol Anne; daughters, Katherine Baier Nelson and her husband, M. Patrick, Helen Claire Quarles and her husband, Tynes; sisters, Mary Baier Romen and Agnes Wadman; grandchildren, Allison Baier Totaro and her husband, Ron, Anna Katherine Ray and her husband, Doug, Amy Baier Batson and her husband, Dr. Bryan Batson, Ashley Baier, Joseph L. Baier III, Matt Baker, Claire Nelson and Julie Nelson. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to a favorite charity or church. 
 

HERBERT HARTLEY OLIVER 

Self-employed 
 

UNION -- Services for Herbert Hartley Oliver were to be held today at 10 a.m. at Hopewell Baptist Church in Little Rock with the Rev. Jimmy McDill officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Milling Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Oliver, 69, of Union, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army. 
 

Survivors include three sisters, Sue Baskin and Lena Butler of Decatur, and Sadie M. Hall of Little Rock; brothers, Bobby Lynn Oliver, Fred F. Oliver and Hugh Q. Oliver, all of Little Rock, and Lee Phaban Oliver of Meridian. 
 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Erie Girley Oliver; his father, Hugh Curry Oliver; sisters, Juanita Hattaway and Essie Faye Oliver; brothers, Dorsey L. Oliver and Daniel Wayne Oliver. 
 

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Butler, Reginald Oliver, James Smith, Craig Jenkins, Allen Oliver, Brian Oliver, David Oliver and Michael Oliver. 
 

ZADA BRAND WILLIS 

Retired secretary 
 

NEWTON -- Services for Zada Brand Willis will be held today at 2 p.m. at James F. Webb Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Brian Pennington and Dr. Charles Douglas officiating. Burial will be in Decatur Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Willis, 85, of Newton, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Woodland Court in Newton. She was a retired secretary for the East Central Planning and Development and a member of First Methodist Protestant Church of Newton. 
 

Survivors include two daughters, Shirley Cardwell and her husband, Mickey, of Sylacuga, Ala., and Vicki Bounds and her husband, Buster, of Newton; sons, Charles Brand and his wife, Pat, of Germantown, Tenn., and Tommy Brand and his wife, Sue, of Pineland, Texas; a sister, Agnes Ethridge of Newton; 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Charles H. Brand and Elbert Willis; four sisters and four brothers. 
 

Pallbearers will be Paul Cardwell, Jon Cardwell, Eric Brand, Larry Ray Brand, Jeremy Bounds and Chris Bounds. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Stan Cardwell, Jim Cardwell, Tim Cardwell, Jeff Brand and Monte Brand. 
 

Visitation will be today beginning at 8 a.m. until service time. 
 

SUDIE MAE POPE 

Homemaker 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Sudie Mae Pope will be held today at 4 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Service Chapel with the Revs. Greg Fortenberry and Robert Allen officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Pope, 79, of Philadelphia, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Choctaw Health Center. 
 

Survivors include three sons, Lynn Pope, Eldon Pope and Johnny Pope, all of Philadelphia; sisters, Ruby Pearl Agent, Jessie Myrt Agent and Mary Lou Agent, all of Gretna, La.; a brother, Willis Earl Ferguson of Philadelphia; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper W. "Fat Tom" Pope; and a son, Rayburn Pope. 
 

JACK R. MUNN 

Retired BellSouth supervisor 
 

Services for Jack R. Munn will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Albert Bartlett officiating. Burial will be in Friendship Cemetery in Newton at 11:30 a.m. There will not be a procession. 
 

Mr. Munn, 68, of Meridian, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, in his home. He was a member of the Baptist faith, the BellSouth Telephone Pioneers, a mason and avid fisherman. He was the former owner of D&N Curb Market. 
 

Mr. Munn served two years in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. 
 

Survivors include his mother, Thellis Munn of Meridian; a daughter, Starla Brown and her husband, Mark, of Palm Beach, Fla.; and a son, Jeffrey R. Munn of Meridian. 
 

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Munn. 
 

Pallbearers will be Edwin Purvis, Mike Harris, Ricky Blocker, Chuck Shephard, Lindsey Gabriel and Randy Gabriel. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be all the people that participated on the D&N Fishing Trip. 
 

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

MATTIE EMMA RILEY 

Homemaker 
 

DEKALB -- Services for Mattie Emma Riley will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Hew Hope United Methodist Church with the Revs. Joe Landrum and Sam Hull officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Stephens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Riley, 81, of DeKalb, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. She was a lifelong member of New Hope United Methodist Church. 
 

Survivors include her husband, Webb Riley of DeKalb; daughters, Sherry Riley of Ocean Springs, Sandra Purnell and her husband, Ronald, of DeKalb and Jackie Scheffler and her husband, Bruno, of Borger, Texas; a son, John W. Riley of DeKalb; five sisters, Agnes Sciples of Macon, Edna Dacus of Noxapater, Christine Pickett of Louisville, Ruth Erhardt of Fairoak, Calif., and Carolyn Edwards of Semmes, Ala.; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be today 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the funeral home and 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. 
 

VIRGIE BLACKBURN EVANS 

Homemaker 
 

QUITMAN -- Services for Virgie Blackburn Evans will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Revs. Alfred Evans and Eddie Evans officiating. Burial will be in Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Wright's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Evans, 89, of Quitman, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at H.C. Watkins Memorial Hospital. 
 

Survivors include three sons, James K. Evans of Quitman, Alfred Evans of Melbourne, Fla., and Robert "Bo" Evans of Shubuta; daughters, Wilma D. Martin of Elizabethtown, Tenn., Joye Combest, Toye Smith, Diane Wright and Linda Turner, all of Quitman, and Frances Wilemon of Atlanta; sisters, Mamie Burkett and Madie Hood of Georgiana, Ala., Myra Dell Gordon of Mobile, Ala., and Carolyn Lynch of Lynette, Ala.; 40 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be today beginning at 5 p.m. at the funeral home and Friday 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. 
 

FLORENCE ICEDORE BENTON 
 

HARRISONVILLE, Mo. -- Memorial services for Florence Icedore Benton will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Dickey Funeral Home with the Rev. Neil MacPherson officiating. 
 

Mrs. Benton, 78, of Harrisonville, died Monday, March 18, 2002, in her home. In 1971, she left Safeway Stores after 27 years of employment and moved with her husband to Meridian. She was employed by the City of Meridian as a community center director and ceramics instructor for the Parks and Recreation Department. 
 

Survivors include her husband, Ronald E. Benton; a daughter, Rebecca Gibbs and her husband, Darrell, of Kansas City, Mo.; three grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Richard Benton and his wife, Deanne, of Lawrence, Kan.; and several other relatives and friends. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and two sisters. 
 

S.E. ALEXANDER 

Retired Lauderdale County employee 
 

Services for S.E. Alexander will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kirk Pace officiating. Burial will be in Blue Springs Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Alexander, 85, of Suqualena, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in his home. He was retired from Lauderdale County road crew. He was a veteran of World War II. 
 

Survivors include a daughter, Jeanine Buchanan of Collinsville; two sons, Paul Alexander of Suqualena and Starling Alexander and his wife, Sharon, of Meridian; two sisters, Polly Williams of Suqualena and Magaleen Johnson of the Meehan Community; a brother, I.B. Alexander of Suqualena; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. 
 

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Alexander, Justin Alexander, Jacob Alexander, Bobby, Williams and Jonathan Sanderford. 
 

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

James Milton Rea Jr. 

Retired 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for James Milton Rea Jr. will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Barron Pilgrim officiating. Burial will be in Cedarlawn Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Rea, 79, of Philadelphia, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at the VA Medical Center in Jackson. He was retired from the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving in World War II. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Nina Rea and a son, Jimmy Wayne Rea of Philadelphia. 
 

Visitation will be Friday noon-2 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

ROYCE WILLIAM GORDON 
 

UNION -- Services for Royce William Gordon were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Milling Funeral Home with the Rev. Kevin Meador officiating. Burial was in Rock Branch Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Gordon, 83, of Little Rock, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002. He was a retired assembly line worker for Chrysler Corp. and served in the U.S. Air Force. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Mattie Annette Gordon of Little Rock; a brother, Doyle Gordon of Newton; a sister-in-law, June Gordon of Newton; and several nieces and nephews. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Rock Branch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Rock Branch Church, c/o Covert Henry Highway 494, Union, MS 39365. 
 

HOWARD EUGENE WHITE SR. 

Retired state employee 
 

Graveside services for Howard Eugene White Sr. were held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Pine Springs Southern Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Larry Brown officiating. Barham Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. White, 83, of Meridian, died Saturday, March 16, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was a veteran of World War II. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Nettie Ingram White of Meridian; a daughter, Faith Guin and her husband, Billy, of Meridian; two sons, Howard "Gene" White Jr. and his wife, Betty, of Meridian, and Alex White of Crawfordville, Ind.; a sister, Helen Pace of Bailey; a brother, Robert L. White of Bailey; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
 

He was preceded in death by a son, Dave Earnest White; and a brother, James White. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. 
 

MANSON HUDSON 
 

Services for Manson Hudson will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Brown Ridge Baptist Church in DeKalb with the Rev. Benny Hopkins officiating. Burial will be in Blackwater Cemetery with Latimer Metropolitan Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Hudson, 88, of Meridian, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, in Meridian. 
 

Survivors include four sons, Willie C. Hudson, of Philadelphia, Sam Hudson of Meridian, Jerry Hudson of Yantley, Ala., and Charles Hudson of DeKalb; and a daughter, Doris Benn of Meridian. 
 

Visitation will be Friday 1 p.m.-6 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

PAUL DAVID LITTLE 
 

Graveside services for Paul David Little will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Blackwater Baptist Church Cemetery. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Little, 83, of Corpus Christi, Texas, died Thursday, March 14, 2002, in Tomball, Texas. 
 

Visitation will be Saturday, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. 
 

MARIE MERIDIOUS BROACH 
 

Services for Marie Meridious Broach will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Little Rock Baptist Church in Hickory with the Rev. Carl Smith officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Latimer Metropolitan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Broach, 79, of Newton, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Rush Foundation Hospital. 
 

Survivors include her husband, Charlie Amos Broach of Jackson; daughters, Grace Lewis of Newton and Dr. Mae Cathryne of Jackson; sons, Barney Broach of Newton and Charles Broach of Long Beach; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be Friday 1 p.m.-6 p.m. at the funeral home. 
 

ROGER NEAL RALEIGH 

Forester 
 
 
 

Services for Roger Neal Raleigh were held Monday, March 11, at 10 a.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Franklin McLelland and Tim Horton officiating. Burial was in Forest Lawn Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Raleigh, 57, of DeKalb, died Wednesday, March 6, 2002, in Beech Island, S.C. He was an employee with the Mississippi Forestry Commission for 15 years. He was a member of Bay Springs Baptist Church. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Gloria Haney Raleigh of DeKalb; two sons, Roy Roger Thomas and William Joseph Thomas, both of Meridian; a daughter, Gloria Louise Burroughs of Meridian; two brothers, Billy Raleigh of Portersville and Charlie Raleigh of Burkesville, Texas; four grandchildren, Tina Burroughs, Hailey Thomas, Hannah Thomas and Dalton Thomas. 
 

Pallbearers were Jimmy Creekmore, Henry Cummings, Jody Jarrell, Jackie Sciples, Thomas Haney, Bowen Hairiston, Paul Todd and Donald Todd. 
 

Honorary pallbearers were Shelby Goodin, Richard Hall, Gaines Todd, Andy McDade and Dr. Randy Nance. 
 

ROOSEVELT COLE JR. 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home for Roosevelt Cole Jr., 78, of Detroit, Mich., who died on Saturday, March 16, 2002, in Detroit. 
 

Obituaries for Friday, March 22, 2002 
 

JOSEPH LEWIS BAIER SR. 
 

Services for Joseph Lewis Baier Sr. will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church with the Rev. Elvin Sunds officiating. Burial will be in Semmes Cemetery with James F. Webb Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Baier died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home. He was a captain in the Army Air Corps during World War II and received the Purple Heart for the injuries he received when his plane was destroyed by enemy fire over the Tyrrhenian Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea). He also received the EAME Ribbon, with three stars, Air Medal with five Oak Silver Leaf Clusters, American Defense Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal and the American Theater Ribbon. He was a "Gold Fish" member of an international group after swimming to safety in a sea battle. 
 

He was president of Bear Manufacturing Company and an Equitable Life Agent until his retirement. 
 

Survivors include his wife, "Jerry" Moore Baier; sons, Joseph L. Baier Jr. and his wife, Dr. Christine Mroz Baier, and Michael M. Baier and his wife, Carol Anne; daughters, Katherine Baier Nelson and her husband, M. Patrick Nelson, Helen Claire Quarles and her husband, Tynes; sisters, Mary Baier Romen and Agnes Wadman; grandchildren, Allison Baier Totaro and her husband, Ron, Anna Katherine Ray and her husband, Doug, Amy Baier Batson and her husband, Dr. Bryan Batson, Ashley Baier, Joseph L. Baier III, Matt Baker, Claire Nelson and Julie Nelson. 
 

Pallbearers will be Pat Nelson, Matt Baker, Tom Dawson, Bryan Batson, Doug Ray and Tynes Quarles. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to a favorite charity or church. 
 

BEN D. DUNAGAN 

Minister 
 

SMYRNA, Ga. -- A memorial service for the Rev. Ben D. Dunagan will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Presbyterian Village in Austell, Ga. The Cremation Society of the South is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Rev. Dunagan, 79, of Austell, died Sunday, March 17, 2002. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Pacific Theater. 
 

Survivors include a son, David; a daughter, Alicia; a brother, Woodrow; and two grandsons. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice McReynolds. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to Presbyterian Village Caring Hands, or the Atlanta Community Food Bank. 
 

BILLY JENKINS 

Retired, Mississippi National Guard 
 

UNION -- Services for Billy "Bill" Jenkins will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Joe May and O.A. Robbins officiating. Burial will be in Union City Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Jenkins, 67, of Union, died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at Laird Hospital. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Katherine Miley Jenkins of Union; two daughters, Nauwausa Shoemake and Billie Ann Ishee, both of Petal; a son, Bragston Miley of Union; two sisters, Ruth Harrison of Hebron, Ind., and Faye Barone of Lumberton; two brothers, Junior Jenkins of Little Rock and Kline Jenkins of Meridian; his step mother, Faye Jenkins; eight grandchildren, Jessica Grimes and Jennifer Byrd, both of Mobile, Ala., Ryan Simon, Blake Simon and Bret Ishee, all of Petal, Bryan Miley of Gautier and Brent Miley and Blake Miley, both of Union; and four great-grandchildren. 
 

Pallbearers will be Graig Jenkins, Ryan Simon, Mickey Shoemake, Brent Miley and Johnny Jenkins. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Tom McCullough, Keith Jenkins, Henry Matthews, Tony Savell, Billy Joe Watkins and Gerald Ezell. 
 

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

PAUL DAVID LITTLE 

Retired attorney 
 

Graveside services for Paul David Little will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Blackwater Baptist Church Cemetery. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Little, 83, of Corpus Christi, Texas, died Thursday, March 14, 2002, in Tomball, Texas. He began practicing law in 1940. He was a native of Kemper County and a resident of Corpus Christi for many years. 
 

Survivors include two daughters, Rebecca Pippin of Baton Rouge, La., and Cathy Pendergrass of Tomball; two sisters, Sarah Chamberlin of Salem, Ore., and Shirley Alexander of Moss Point; and a brother, Lyle Little of Norcross, Ga. 
 

Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. 
 

JAMES COLLINS MCBRYDE 

Retired businessman 
 

MONROE, La. -- Services for James "Jim" Collins McBryde will be held today at 4 p.m. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Larry Stafford officiating. Graveside services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. 
 

Mr. McBryde, 95, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, in Monroe. He was born Aug. 27, 1906, in Meridian. 
 

Mr. McBryde will be fondly remembered as Mr. Mac by his friends and Uncle Jim by his family. He was a retired businessman from Meridian, who had made his home in the Monroe area since 1995. He was an avid sportsman. During his latter years, he enjoyed his dogs, especially Molly, who will remain as a special resident at the Hickory Manor Nursing Home in Bastrop. 
 

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Kathryn McBryde of Heflin, Ala.; a niece, Jan McBryde Nelson and her husband, David H., of Monroe and their children, Cori Clements, Anna Nelson, Katherine Nelson and Caroline Nelson. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Branch Inge McBryde and Ira Collins McBryde; brothers, Ed McBryde and Harold McBryde; and a sister-in-law, Alma McBryde. 
 

Visitation will be today one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 
 

HANNAH CLEMONS 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at E.E. McDonald Funeral Home of DeKalb for Hannah Clemons, 97, of DeKalb, who died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at Kemper Homeplace Nursing Facility. 
 

Obituaries for Saturday, March 23, 2002 
 

GEORGE LAVELLE TEMPLE JR. 

Retired business owner 
 

Services for George Lavelle Temple Jr. will be held today at 2 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jason Bird officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Temple, 74, of Meridian, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was a member and deacon of Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, where he was a former Sunday school teacher and served on various committees. He was a veteran of World War II, a Gideon, mason and shriner. He was also a member of the Mississippi Medical Equipment Association. Mr. Temple was the founder and owner of Meridian Orthopedic Appliances, Temple Medical and Uniforms & Things. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Juanita Temple, a son, Kyle Temple and his wife, Kathy, stepsons, Billy Burnham and his wife, Diane, and Cliff Burnham, all of Meridian; sisters, Merle Albritton of Madison, Imogene Riley of Pearl, Walterene Wilson and her husband, Pete, of Jackson, Tenn., and Grace Pace of Tallahassee, Fla.; granddaughter, Claire Temple; and step-grandchildren, Hannah Burnham, Lance Burnham and Jason Brown; and a brother-in-law, Delbert Coker and his wife, Ann, of Meridian. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lavelle and Ethel Temple; two brothers, Glen Temple and Dewayne Temple; a stepdaughter, Maria Brown; and a step-grandson, Barry Brown. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to the Leukemia Society, Cancer Society, a favorite charity or Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund. 
 

Pallbearers will be O.C. Barham, Jeff Luke, Bobby Smith, Randy Ethridge, Philip Price, Billy Blaine, Bill Jones, Sid Yates, John Perry and Don Sheehan. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Blaine, Tyler Yates, Dr. John Clay, Dr. Dwight Keady and members of his Sunday school class. 
 

LOIS NEESE 

Homemaker 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Lois Neese will be held today at 11 a.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Randolph Fulton officiating. Burial will be in Fellowship Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Neese, 84, of Philadelphia, died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at Heartfelt Hospice in Meridian. 
 

Survivors include three daughters, Luella Ridinger and Brenda Robinson, both of Philadelphia and Virginia Lee Wildhaber of Macon; four sons, Horace Neese, Otis Neese Jr., Donnie Ray Neese and Alvin James Neese, all of Philadelphia; 19 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Mildred Dennis and Frances Sanders, both of Sebastopol, Clovis Malone of Canton and Helen King of Edinburg; and a brother, William Calvin Gipson of Laurel Hill. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Alvin Neese; and a daughter, Doris Eshee. 
 

EDWARD CARTER 

Retired driver for Frito Lay 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Edward "Ghost Chaser" Carter will be held today at 3 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mark Cloys officiating. Burial will be in Cedarlawn Cemetery in Philadelphia. 
 

Mr. Carter, 73, of Pearl, died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson. 
 

Survivors include three sons, Edward E. Carter of Madison, Thomas S. Carter and G. Todd Carter, both of Pearl; and four grandchildren. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Coghlan Carter. 
 

Visitation will be held today from noon until service time at the funeral home. 
 

DANIEL KEMP 

Tax service accountant 
 

BUTLER, Ala. -- Services for Daniel E. Kemp will be held Sunday at 11 a.m. at Grace Chapel Assembly of God with the Revs. Billy Crow and James Irby officiating. Burial will be in Brightwater Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Kemp, 57, of Gilbertown, died Thursday, March 21, 2002, in Gilbertown. 
 

Survivors include two sisters, Regina Mayfield of Crowder, Miss., and Ann Kemp of Tulsa, Okla. 
 

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

BEATRICE BLACKWELL SMITH 

Nurses aide 
 

UNION -- Services for Beatrice Blackwell Smith will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Milling Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Stan Buckley and Macus Finch officiating. Burial will be in Union City Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Smith, 85, of Union, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at Hilltop Manor Nursing Home. 
 

Survivors include her husband, Luther E. Smith of Union; two daughters, Bonnie S. Boswell of Decatur and Paula S. Boyd of Collinsville; and five grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings. 
 

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

JIMMY ONEIL WATKINS SR. 

Retired, Atlas Roofing 
 

Graveside services for Jimmy Oneil Watkins Sr., will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Beatline Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Odell Powell officiating. Barham Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Watkins, 67, of Meridian, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at Riley Hospital. He retired from Atlas Roofing after 39 years. 
 

Survivors include two daughters, Bea Davis and her husband, David S. Davis of Carthage, Tenn., and Wanda Fisher and her husband, Jimmy Sr., of Pleasant Shade, Tenn.; three sons, Jimmy Oneil Watkins Jr., and his wife, Diane, of the Zero Community, Johnny Earl Watkins and his wife, Betty, of Neshoba County and James Watkins and his wife, Debbie, of Howell, Mich.; a sister, Bobbie Jean Kelly of Decatur; 14 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his wife, Constance Watkins of Meridian; and his step father, Paul Parker of Neshoba County. 
 

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

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

DELPHIA AGNES COLE 

Retired bookkeeper 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Delphia Agnes Cole will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Pine Grove Church of God in Dixon with the Revs. Sam Germany and Anthony Cole officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. John E. Stephens Chapel Funeral Services is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mrs. Cole, 99, of Philadelphia, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at Neshoba County Nursing Home. She was a member of Pine Grove Church of God. 
 

Survivors include three daughters, Waudine Williamson and her husband, Boyd, of Union, Pauline Dearman and her husband, Leo, of Quitman and Myrtis Yates and her husband, Claud, of Philadelphia; two sons, Lamar Cole and his wife, Dean, of Grand Bay, Ala., and Alton Cole and his wife, Jean, of Philadelphia; 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. 
 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hill Cole in 1968; and three granddaughters, Jaunetia Dearman in 1991, Rita Anthony in 1994 and Christy Nester in 1999. 
 

Visitation will be held at 4 p.m. today at the funeral home and 30 minutes prior to the service at the church. 
 

JOE HERNANDEZ 

Truck driver 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Joe Hernandez will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Dennis Duvall and Kenan Ryan officiating. Burial will be in Sand Hill Cemetery in Neshoba County. 
 

Mr. Hernandez, 63, of Philadelphia, died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at Heartfelt Hospice in Meridian. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Susan Hernandez of Philadelphia; three daughters, Pam Wells and Theresa Freshour, both of Philadelphia and Mandy Hernandez of Peoria, Ill.; two sons, Jose Rafael Hernandez Jr., of Chicago and Freddie Hernandez of Green Bay, Wis.; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and a brother, Fred Hernandez of Chicago. 
 

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Carmen Hernandez. 
 

Visitation will be held today from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., followed by a prayer service at the funeral home. 
 

KATHLEEN TOWNSEND 
 

Services for Kathleen Townsend will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel. 
 

Ms. Townsend, 87, of Meridian, died Friday, March 22, 2002, in Meridian. 
 

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. 
 

FLOYD GOWDY JR. 

Retired sandblaster 
 

Services for Floyd Gowdy Jr., will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at E.E. McDonald Community Chapel with the Rev. Ray Burton officiating. Burial will be in Smith Chapel Cemetery in Sumter County, Ala. James L. Osby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 
 

Mr. Gowdy, 64, died Monday, March 18, 2002, at Milwaukee Hospital in Milwaukee. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Gertrude Thompson Gowdy of Milwaukee; a daughter, Diane Presswood of Mobile, Ala.; two sons, Bobby Gowdy and David L. Thompson, both of Milwaukee; five sisters, Mary L. Burton of Lauderdale, Annie M. Clayton Hall and her husband, Otis and Maggie Gowdy all of Meridian, Lucille Patton of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Mamie Nixon and her husband, Leo of Cuba, Ala.; four brothers, E.B. Gowdy of Meridian, Cleveland Gowdy and his wife, Lucy of Lauderdale, Frank Gowdy of Moultrie, Ga., Milton Gowdy and his wife, Mary, of Pouland, Ga. 
 

Visitation will be held Sunday from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at the chapel. 
 

LEO BROADHEAD 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Leo Broadhead, 61, of Meridian, who died Friday, March 22, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. 
 

VIRGINIA STUCKEY 
 

Arrangements were incomplete at Barham Funeral Home for Virginia Stuckey of Meridian who died Friday, March 22, 2002, at Guardian Angel Hospice. 
 

Obituaries for Sunday, March 24, 2002 
 

GEORGE LAVELLE TEMPLE JR. 

Retired business owner 
 

Services for George Lavelle Temple Jr. were held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Barham Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jason Bird officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. 
 

Mr. Temple, 74, of Meridian, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center. He was a member and deacon of Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, where he was a former Sunday school teacher and served on various committees. He was a veteran of World War II, a Gideon, mason and shriner. He was also a member of the Mississippi Medical Equipment Association. Mr. Temple was the founder and owner of Meridian Orthopedic Appliances, Temple Medical and Uniforms & Things. 
 

Survivors include his wife, Juanita Temple, a son, Kyle Temple and his wife, Kathy, stepsons, Billy Burnham and his wife, Diane, and Cliff Burnham, all of Meridian; sisters, Merle Albritton of Madison, Imogene Riley of Pearl, Walterene Wilson and her husband, Pete, of Jackson, Tenn., and Grace Pace of Tallahassee, Fla.; granddaughter, Claire Temple; and step-grandchildren, Hannah Burnham, Lance Burnham and Jason Brown; and a brother-in-law, Delbert Coker and his wife, Ann, of Meridian. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lavelle and Ethel Temple; two brothers, Glen Temple and Dewayne Temple; a stepdaughter, Maria Brown; and a step-grandson, Barry Brown. 
 

The family requests memorials be made to the Leukemia Society, Cancer Society, a favorite charity or Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund. 
 

Pallbearers will be O.C. Barham, Jeff Luke, Bobby Smith, Randy Ethridge, Philip Price, Billy Blaine, Bill Jones, Sid Yates, John Perry and Don Sheehan. 
 

Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Blaine, Tyler Yates, Dr. John Clay, Dr. Dwight Keady and member of his Sunday school class. 
 

RICKEY T. TOWNSEND 

Owner, operator of Townsend Electronics 
 

PHILADELPHIA -- Services for Rickey T. Townsend will be held today at 1:30 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Coy Methodist Cemetery in Preston. 
 

Mr. Townsend, 46, of Philadelphia, died Thursday, March 21, 2002, at Neshoba County General Hospital. 
 

Survivors include a son, Richard Townsend of Philadelphia; two step sons, Christopher Hatcher of Philadelphia and Robert Hatcher of Omaha, Neb.; four grandchildren; his parents, Truman and Dorothy Townsend of Philadelphia; a sister, Vickey Smith of Philadelphia; and three brothers, Mickey Townsend, Nickey Townsend and Dickey Townsend all of Philadelphia. 
 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Dianne Townsend. 
 

BEATRICE BLACKWELL SMITH 

Nurse's aide 

UNION -- Services for Beatrice Blackwell Smith will be held today at 2 p.m. at Milling Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Stan Buckley and Macus Finch officiating. Burial will be in Union City Cemetery. 

Mrs. Smith, 85, of Union, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at Hilltop Manor Nursing Home. 

Survivors include her husband, Luther E. Smith of Union; two daughters, Bonnie S. Boswell of Decatur and Paula S. Boyd of Collinsville; three granddaughters, Jessica Boswell and Julie Boswell, both of Union, and Jenna L. Boyd of Collinsville; and two grandsons, Richard W. Boswell of Union and David E. Boyd of Collinsville. 

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, five brothers and a sister. 

KATHLEEN TOWNSEND 

Homemaker 

Services for Kathleen Townsend will be held today at 3 p.m. at Stephens Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Hal Bates officiating. Burial will be in Pine Forest Cemetery. 
 

Mrs. Townsend, 87, of Collinsville, died Friday, March 22, 2002, at R.P. White Nursing Home. 
 

Survivors include her husband, Cecil Townsend of Collinsville; a daughter, Kathy Karrh of Collinsville; two sons, Thoris Cecil Townsend of Etowah, Tenn., and Jerrell Townsend of Pensacola, Fla.; two sisters, Margie Kinard Miles of the Center Hill Community and Mary Kinard Cobb of Bailey; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. 
 

Visitation will be held today from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. at the funeral home.