Ethel M Melton
Died: Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Age: 91
Ethel M. Melton of Durant, 91, died Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at Montfort Jones Hospital in Kosciusko.
Graveside services were Wednesday, May 26 at 5 p.m. at Old Wheeling Cemetery in West. Rev. Charlie McBride officiated.
Ms. Melton was born February 25, 1913 in Holmes County to Wilson Murphey Melton and Mary Montgomery Melton. She was a teacher and a member of the First Baptist Church in Durant.
Survivors include nieces and nephews.
C.A. "Jack" Myers
Died: Monday, May 24, 2004
Age: 88
C.A. "Jack" Myers of Durant, 88, died at the University Hospital in Lexington on Monday, May 24, 2004. Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Wednesday, at the First Baptist Church of Durant with burial in Mizpah Cemetery.
Mr. Myers was born January 20, 1916, in Durant to the late Sallie Mae and Charles W. Myers, Sr. He married Clara Burrell and resided in Greenville for five years where he was employed by Mississippi Power and Light Company. The family moved back to Durant in 1945. Mr. Myers retired from Mississippi Power and Light Company with 35 years of service.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Durant. He was also an active mason for many years. He loved the game of baseball and at one time was very active in youth baseball in Durant. He enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.
Mr. Myers leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Clara Burrell Myers; one son, Charlie and wife Marilyn of Yazoo City; two daughters, Betty and husband Clarence "Bull" McBride of Durant and Donna and husband Terry McLel-lan, also of Durant; 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Elsie Drane of Madison and Virginia Rickman of Itta Bena. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles W. Myers, Jr.; and a sister, Lucille Ferguson.
Pallbearers were grandsons: Charles "Chuck" Myers, Jr., Keith Myers, Curt Myers, Michael McBride, Brian McBride, and great-grandson, Cole McBride.
Honorary pallbearers were: Brad Cain, Shea Schuler, John Drennan, Don Drane, Charles Kealhofer, Jim Ferguson, William Ferguson, Bill Burrell, and Morris Keith.
James Cleophus Holmes
Died: Sunday, May 23, 2004
Age: 70
James Cleophus Holmes of Chicago, Illinois, 70, died Sunday, May 23, 2004.
Services were Thursday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. at Charles S. Jackson Funeral Home in Chicago, Illinois. Rev. Brian Wilson officiated.
Mr. Holmes was born April 17, 1934 to the late Eugene and Mallie Victoria Elliott Holmes in Panola County in Courtland. He received his education from Old Goodman School and graduated the 12th grade from Holmes County Training School in Durant. He was a member of the Fellowship M.B. Church of Chicago, Ilinois. Mr. Holmes was employed with Goerlich's Inc. in Cook County of Chicago, Illinois for many years.
Survivors include: wife, Lois Starks Holmes; three daughters, Carieda, Kimberly Thomas, and Janet; three brothers, John Holmes and Julius Holmes of Chicago, Illinois and Harry Holmes of Bellwood, Illinois; three sisters, Grover Holmes Horton of Goodman, Rose Dell Sandford, and Resse Martin of Courtland; and three grandchildren.
Gladys Estelle Edwards
Died: Sunday, May 23, 2004
Age: 81
Gladys Estelle Edwards of West, 81, retired from Larwin Lamp and Talon Industries, died Sunday, May 23, 2004, at Montfort Jones Memorial Hospital in Kosciusko.
Services were at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 25 at Culpepper Funeral Home in Kosciusko with burial in West City Cemetery in West.
Mrs. Edwards was born, June 3, 1922 in Carroll County to Willie Washam and John Bruce. She was a member of Unity Baptist Church and was active in WMU and Live Wires.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Roy Edwards; son, Pete Edwards; and daughter, Patricia Edwards.
Survivors include: son, Johnny Edwards of West; daughters, Patsy Gilmore, Mary Hudson, Carolyn White, all of West, and Betty Willis of Vicksburg; sister, Elizabeth Hancock of El Paso, Texas; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Corean Lark Cook
Died: Thursday, May 20, 2004
Age: 89
Funeral services for Mrs. Corean Lark Cook, 89, were held Thursday, May 27, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. Rev. Jim Dixon officiated, assisted by Rev. Elvin Garner and Rev. Curtis Cobbins. Burial was in Salem Cemetery in Pickens.
Mrs. Cook passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2004 at her home in Pickens, after a short illness.
She is survived by her husband, Earnest Cook, Sr.; one daughter, Bobbie Malone; six sons, James, Jimmy Lee, George Willie, Estell, Jerry B., and Fred Earl; 44 grandchildren; 88 great-grandchildren, 39 great great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Louise Pierce Smith
Died: Thursday, May 20, 2004
Funeral services for Mrs. Louise Pierce Smith of the Zeiglerville Community, out from Lexington, were held at Southern Funeral Home in Lexington on Saturday, May 22, 2004 at 2 p.m. Rev. Paul Edwards officiated, assisted by Rev. James Burrell of Hospice In His Hands. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Lexington.
Mrs. Smith passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2004, at Hospice In His Hands in Durant after a lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, W. Leslie Smith, former Holmes County Supervisor, Beat 3 for twenty-five years; one son, Julian Ray Luby of Brandon; five sisters, Pauline Rushing, Nora Pierce, Ruth Phillips, Lorene Smith, and Sadie Dew; and four brothers, Clinton Pierce, Tucker Pierce, Clarence Pierce and Aubrey Pierce.
Mrs. Smith was the daughter of the late John Thomas and Mamie Horn Pierce, who were large-scale farmers and ranchers of Holmes County, all of their lives. Mrs. Smith owned and operated a local country store, Smith's Store, most of her life, as well as being a rancher. She was a member of Coxburg Methodist Church.
She was especially known in her neighborhood for riding her horse "Dan", and rounding up her own cattle. She was also known for being quite a markswoman with a 22 rifle; though it was a known fact that she carried a 32 pistol with her moneybag each time she left her country store. So, "No one messed with Miss Louise, out of love and respect." But I've been told by many, if you were to look up "beautiful Southern lady" in Webster's Dictionary – you'd find Louise P. Smith.
Mrs. Smith was well known as the "Hub of the Pierce Family" for many years, as she loved her family, dearly, and they loved her.
Mrs. Smith leaves behind one daughter, Peggy L. Davis of Texas and Lexington, and her husband W.C. Davis; four step-children, George Smith, Buddy Smith, Mabry Smith, and Leslie Dell Cobb; four grandchildren, Chad Davis, Nikki Davis, Ray Luby, and Stephanie Luby Dupree; four great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
Many out-of-state relatives and friends were present for her last rites to witness a truly moving service at which both of her grandsons, Ray Luby and Chad Davis, spoke of their "Mimi". Her daughter had the very moving song sang, "In My Daughter's Eyes," saying, "Today is all about my mom. This is her last hurrah. Thanks to everyone for every kind gesture during our time of sorrow."
Pallbearers were: Mike Pierce, Clarence Pierce, Trey Pierce, Lamar Dew, Jr., David Putnam, and John Harvey Putnam.
Elton Clifton Young
Died: Saturday, December 27, 2003
Age: 83
Elton Clifton Young of Jackson, 83, died Saturday, December 27, 2003 at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. Services were Monday, December 29, 2003 at 10 a.m. at Southern Funeral Home Chapel in Durant with burial in Hillcrest Cemetery in Goodman. Rev. Phil Walker officiated.
Mr. Young was a native of Attala County. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in June 1941 as a private. He graduated from flying school in May 1942 as a Staff Sergeant Pilot. He dropped paratroops in Sicily, Italy, Normandy (D-Day) and Germany in World War II. He also served in the Korean War. He was a graduate of Holmes Junior College, USAF Command and Staff College, Radar School and Computer school. He spent 2 1/2 years in Bermuda, flying B29’s in an USAF Air Weather Squadron, tracking hurricanes. He served in the Pentagon in the Air Staff and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As a command pilot he flew almost 5000 hours during his tour in the Air Force. Mr. Young retired as a regular Air Force permanent Colonel in March 1970. His decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medals, and Distinguished Unit Citations. Mr. Young was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Katherine Young.
Survivors include: two daughters, Ann Hill of Jackson and Billie Jean Buchanan of Durant; one brother, Walter L. Young of Madison; one aunt, Laura Jones of Durant; 6 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers were: Mike Howard, Todd McNeal, Casey Estes, David Whitehead, David Young, and Brad Young.
Paul Everett Hale
Died: Friday, December 26, 2003
Age: 59
Paul Everett Hale of Lexington, 59, died December 26, 2003 at his residence. Services were Sunday, December 28, 2003 at the Southern Funeral Home Chapel in Lexington at 2 p.m. with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Rev. Doug Lawson officiated.
Mr. Hale was a retired employee of Fleetwood Mobile Homes and a member of the First Baptist Church. He was the son of the late Paul E. Hale and Nadine Herring Hale.
Survivors include: two sons, Ken Hale (Kelly) of Gainesville, Georgia and Dan Hale (Shea) of Canton; one sister, Beverly Brown of Lexington; two brothers, Doyle Hale of Pensacola, Florida and Danny Malone of Hilton Head, South Carolina; and 2 grandchildren.
Pallbearers include: Mickey Mott, Paul Edwards, Phil Williamson, Bill White, Johnny Allen, and Ken Hale.
Eddie Faye Daves
Died: Friday, December 26, 2003
Age: 80
Eddie Faye Daves of Durant, 80, died Friday, December 26, 2003 at the University Medical Center in Jackson. Services were Monday, December 29, 2003 at Oak Grove Baptist Church at 2 p.m. with burial in Oak Grove Ceme-tery. Rev. Allen Daves officiated.
Mrs. Daves was a homemaker and a member of Church of Christ in Durant. She was born to the late Edward R. Jones and Cynthia Leonard Jones. Mrs. Daves was preceded in death by her son, Wesley Daves who passed away in 1999.
Survivors include: two daughters, Carla Brown of Durant and Rita Hol-lowell of Vicksburg; three sons, Au-brey Phillip Daves and Larry Daves both of Durant, and Allen Daves of Snow Flake, Arizona; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Active pallbearers were: Sammy Brown, Joshua Brown, Terry Daves, Jamie Daves, Eddie Daves, and Casey Caldwell.
Honorary pallbearers were: Michael Daves, Allen Daves, Jr., Chad Daves, and John Kreceman.
Hattie Albin Walker
Died: Thursday, December 25, 2003
Age: 89
Hallie Albin Walker of Clarksdale, 89, died Thursday, December 25, 2003 at Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville. Graveside services were Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Goodman. Rev. Sayle Lilly officiated.
Mrs. Walker was born to the late Hal Albin and Callie Branch Albin. She was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Survivors include: one son, William A. Walker, Jr. (Becky) of Greenville; one daughter, Patricia Walker Collins of Birmingham, Alabama; one brother, Jack Albin (Wilhemenia) of Goodman; sister-in-law, Kay Chapman Albin of Goodman; and 3 grandchildren.
Pallbearers were: Jimmy Albin, Edwin Albin, Wyn Albin, Jeremy Clements, Richard Young, and Glenn Harvey.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 1380 Livingston Lane, Jackson, MS 39213 or to the charity of your choice.
Holly Smith
Died: Tuesday, December 23, 2003
Age: 93
Holly Smith of Tchula, 93, died of heart failure Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at home. Services were at 1 p.m. Sunday December 28, 2003 at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with burial in Second New Zion Cemetery. Century Hairston Funeral Home of Lexington handled arrangements.
Ruthie Mae Sanders
Died: Sunday, December 21, 2003
Age: 72
Ruthie Mae Sanders of Pickens, 72, a homemaker, died of heart failure Sunday, December 21, 2003 at St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital. Services were Saturday, December 27, 2003 at St. Anderson Church of God in Christ in Durant with burial in Days Cemetery in Vaughan. Century Hairston Funeral Home of Lexington handled arrangements.
Willie "Stew" Smith
Died: Sunday, December 21, 2003
Age: 75
Willie (Stew) Smith of Tchula, 75, died Sunday, December 21, 2003. Services will be Saturday, December 27, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at Baldwin Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Cruger with burial in St. Peter Rock Cemetery. Rev. Fredrick Wilkes of New Heaven M.B. Church, Flint, Michigan will officiate.
A native of Holmes County, Mr. Smith was a lifelong resident of Cruger. He was a member of Baldwin Chapel M.B. Church and was retired from Yazoo Valley Oil Mill in Greenwood.
Survivors include: four daughters, Emma Smith of Cruger, Lillie Wilkes of Flint, Michigan, Herreseen Kinsey of Tchula and Chandra Hull of Tupelo; six sons, Willie Smith Jr., of Chicago, Illinois, Esper Smith of Omaha, Nebraska, Vernon Smith of Lamar, Wilburn Smith of Chicago, Illinois, Larry Smith of Tchula and Jerry Smith of Belzoni; two brothers, Kenny Smith of Lexington and Dan Johnson of Detroit, Michigan; three sisters, Mae Norris Smith of Lexington, Lillian Smith of California, and Cora Johnson of Detroit, Michigan.
