Obituaries

Local Obituaries

Brian Austin Usry

Brian Austin Usry

Mar 16, 2025

Brian Austin Usry, born on February 7, 1976, in Lauderdale County, Mississippi, passed away on March 16, 2025, in Forest, Mississippi. He was a beloved member of his community who touched many lives throughout his years.

Brian’s life journey took him through various places, spending much of his life in Newton County, Mississippi, as well as time in Knoxville, Tennessee, and...

Betty Ruth Benton

Betty Ruth Benton

Mar 10, 2025

Betty Ruth Benton, a cherished member of the Clifton Community, passed away on March 10, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Born on November 4, 1941, in Rankin County, Mississippi, Betty was known for her deep-rooted connections to her community and her unwavering faith.

Betty lived most of her life in the Clifton Community and was an active member...

Jean Carolyn Craig

Jean Carolyn Craig

Mar 8, 2025

Jean Carolyn Craig, born on September 29, 1943, in Forest, Mississippi, entered eternal rest on March 8, 2025, also in her beloved hometown. Jean was a cherished member of the Cash Community, where she not only lived her life but also invested her heart and soul.

Throughout her professional career, Jean made significant contributions as a Supply Chain Associate with Hughes...

Carolyn Annette Jones

Carolyn Annette Jones

Mar 2, 2025

Carolyn Annette Jones, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her residence in Pearl, Mississippi, on March 2, 2025. She was 69 years old. Born on July 22, 1955, in Rankin County, Mississippi, Carolyn was a lifelong resident of Pearl, where she cultivated deep roots within her community.

Throughout her life, Carolyn was known for her vibrant...

Jerry Tyrone Thomas

Jerry Tyrone Thomas

Mar 1, 2025

Jerry Tyrone Thomas, a beloved figure in his community, was born on June 11, 1961, in Newton, Mississippi. His journey through life came to a peaceful close on March 1, 2025, in Lawrence, Mississippi, where he spent the majority of his days.

Jerry's life was characterized by his deep commitment to his family, faith, and community. A devoted member of Pine...

Claudie Cumberland

Claudie Cumberland

Feb 28, 2025

Claudie Cumberland, born on November 2, 1956, in Neshoba County, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, in Forest, Mississippi. He was a beloved figure in his community, remembered for his generous spirit and warm smile.

Claudie spent most of his life in Forest and Scott County,  MS, where he cultivated a deep love for the outdoors. He was an...

William Dettmann

William Dettmann

Feb 26, 2025

William "Bill" Dettmann, born on June 26, 1957, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, passed away on February 26, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Bill was a passionate Harley-Davidson enthusiast and a lover of Rock and Roll music, reflecting the vibrant spirit that characterized his life. For thirty-five years, he dedicated himself to the profession of over-the-road hauling, embracing...

Shirley M. Merchant

Shirley M. Merchant

Feb 25, 2025

Shirley M. Merchant, a beloved educator and dedicated community member, peacefully passed away at her residence in Morton, Mississippi, on February 25, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on February 2, 1933, in Scott County, Mississippi, she spent her life embodying the values of kindness, dedication, and love.

Mrs. Merchant was a revered teacher at East Rankin Academy and Morton...

Reinaldo Moreno

Reinaldo Moreno

Feb 25, 2025

Reinaldo Moreno, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2025, at his residence in Walnut Grove, Mississippi. Born on January 15, 1964, in California, Reinaldo brought joy and warmth to the lives of all who knew him.

He was an integral member of his community and found fulfillment in his passions for farming and construction...

Paul Cross

Paul Cross

Feb 25, 2025

Paul Jerry Cross, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on February 25, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on January 17, 1938, in Pelahatchie, Mississippi, Paul was the cherished son of Ruby Lee and Emma Jo Cross.

 A proud graduate of Pisgah High School, Paul’s commitment to education led him to further his studies at Copiah-Lincoln Community...

Terry Wayne Windham

Terry Wayne Windham

Feb 23, 2025

Terry Wayne Windham, a beloved member of his family and community, passed away on February 23, 2025, at UMMC in Jackson, Mississippi, at the age of 70. Born on December 10, 1954, in Scott County, Mississippi, Terry lived a life marked by passion, love, and a deep connection to both his heritage and his family.

He was a devoted member of...

James Paulton Smith

James Paulton Smith

Feb 19, 2025

James Paulton Smith, 84, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2025, at Baptist Hospital. He was born on September 30, 1940, in Leesburg, MS to Wallace Smith and Clara Lee Simpson Smith. 

He graduated from Pelahatchie High School in 1959. He was on the volunteer fire department in Pelahatchie for many years. He was employed by Davis Motor Company for 40...

Wyvonne Ward

Wyvonne Ward

Feb 18, 2025

Wyvonne Ward, a beloved member of the Morton, Mississippi community, passed away on February 18, 2025, at the age of 59. Born on March 12, 1965, in Mississippi, Wyvonne lived a life dedicated to her family, her career, and her faith.

Wyvonne was known for her role as a supervisor at Unipress, where her leadership and dedication earned her the respect...

Francisco Domingo Miguel

Francisco Domingo Miguel

Feb 12, 2025

Francisco Domingo Miguel, a beloved member of the Forest community, passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2025, in Forest, Mississippi. Born on May 10, 2001, in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, Francisco moved to Forest four years ago, where he embraced his new life with optimism and enthusiasm.

Throughout his time in Mississippi, Francisco dedicated himself to his work at Mississippi Poultry, demonstrating a...

Robert Lamar McDonald

Robert Lamar McDonald

Feb 7, 2025

Robert Lamar McDonald, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, at his residence in Conehatta, Mississippi. Born on October 17, 1938, in Leake County, Mississippi, Robert dedicated much of his life to the community he cherished for over forty years.

A devoted family man, Robert is survived by his son, Scott McDonald of Conehatta, Mississippi; his grandchild, Logan McDonald...

Harold "Keith" Rushing

Harold "Keith" Rushing

Feb 4, 2025

Harold “Keith” Rushing was born May 8, 1937, in Scott County, MS, in the Red Top Community. His parents were James “Jim” Franklin Rushing and Maggie Mae Welch Rushing. He married Gloria D. Porter on May 14, 1960.

 Keith was a very hard-working, self-made man of many talents. He worked as a wallpaper hanger and was a self-employed contractor for many...

Jimmie Ray Garrett

Jimmie Ray Garrett

Feb 3, 2025

Jimmie Ray Garrett, born on August 30, 1947, in Meridian, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi, where he had resided for over 40 years. He was a dedicated member of Lula Baptist Church in Jackson, a community that he cherished and actively participated in throughout his life. There will be no services at this time.

Jimmie...

Billy James Johnson

Billy James Johnson

2025

Billy James Johnson, known as BJ, was born on July 8, 1957, in Morton, Mississippi. He was a cherished member of the community and left an indelible mark on all who knew him. With deep sadness, we announce his passing on January 31, 2025, in Jackson, Mississippi.

BJ was a man of many passions and talents. He found joy in the...

Brenda Jean Bassett

Brenda Jean Bassett

Jan 28, 2025

Brenda Jean Bassett, born on February 25, 1950, in Jackson, MS, passed away on January 28, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle in Columbus, MS. She was a cherished mother, sister, and friend who left a profound impact on all who knew her. There are no services planned at this time. 

Brenda's creative spirit shone through in her love for storytelling....

William (Bill) Laron Shoemaker

William (Bill) Laron Shoemaker

Jan 18, 2025

William Laron Shoemaker (Bill), born on July 1, 1947, in Newton, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at UMMC in Jackson, Mississippi. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, whose kind spirit and gentle nature touched the lives of many.

William was raised in a loving family, and his life was marked by an enduring love for...