Roy L. Barton, 91, died April 29, 2019 at his home in Bartlett, Tn. He was born November 8, 1927 in  Pittsboro to Leo R. and Ora Lee Pyron Barton. In 1946 he graduated from Pittsboro High School and in 1951 from Mississippi State Collage with a degree in business administration and a major in  accounting.  He did further home study to become a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Tennessee and Arkansas.  

His service in the military included a year in the USMC and nine years in the Air Force Reserve with 21 months active duty. He was employed more than 30 years by Cleo Wrap Corporation, a manufacturer of Christmas gift wrapping paper and related products, as their chief accounting and financial officer. 

He was married to his lovely wife, Jane Patterson Barton for more than 61 years until her death in 2014 and together they raised two children, Dr. Ronald P. Barton (Cindy) and Cynthia L. Smith (Bryan).  

He was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church and in earlier years served as a deacon in Cherokee Baptist Church and Parkway Village Baptist Church. He was a member of Fox Meadows East Optimist Club and served as treasurer of Shady Creek Homeowners Association for almost thirty years.

His roots in Calhoun county still ran deep. He and brother-in-law Bill Barnett still owned the Patterson family farm where their wives, Jane and Bonnie, were raised by Sam and Berta. There they stayed many a weekend to fellowship with one another and the many in the area he held dear. He looked forward every week to reading The Journal to keep up with the lives of extended family and old friends. He credited his upbringing there for much of what he became as a man in a letter to his grandson about his life lessons.

“I learned from my mother to respect others, recognize authority and understand that though I was special in her sight I should not consider myself any better than any of the sons or daughters of the sharecroppers that lived on my father’s farm. I learned from my father a very strong work ethic which included hard work, responsibility, and doing the job right. It was instilled in me growing up to always be truthful, even when it hurts, if one makes a promise, keep it.” He also told him “What would I want my legacy to be? When it is all said and done, I hope that it can be said of me—‘The world is a better place because he dwelt upon it.’” 

He is survived by his children, and grandchildren-Matthew, Emilee, Anna Rachael Robinson, Sam and Nick Barton; four step grandchildren-Billy, Brandon, Brianna Smith and Rebecca Robinson Caraway, and sister-in-law Bonnie Patterson Barnett (Bill). He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Jane Patterson Barton; his parents; brothers Leroy and Col. Claude D. Barton and sister Marie Brasher Lofton.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 8 from 5-7 p.m at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Poplar in Memphis.  His funeral services will be at Memorial Park at 10 a.m. with burial following in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bennett Earl Zinn, 80, of Oxford, passed away Friday, May 3, 2019 at Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi in Oxford after an extended illness. He was born, April 5, 1939 in Bruce to Raybon and Vivian Bennett Zinn. He was a graduate of Lee High School, Columbus Class of 1957 and a graduate of Mississippi State University. He was in industrial sales and had previously worked for Buick motor car division as a car distributor. He was an avid sports fan and a follower of Mississippi State and Ole Miss sports. He had a passion for crappie fishing, deep sea fishing, deer, duck and quail hunting. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Oxford. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son, Michael Lee Zinn.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated family, wife, Connie Brand Zinn, Oxford; son, Bennett Earl Zinn, Jefferson, GA; grandchildren, Brandon Michael Zinn, Leah Nicole Zinn, Abigail Elizabeth Zinn, all of Atlanta, GA and Madison Hope Zinn, Hannah Lian Zinn and Raybon Zinn all of Athens, GA, and daughter-in-law, Cathie Zinn, Athens, GA.

Visitation is Wednesday, May 8 from 1 p.m. until service time at 3 p.m. at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Bruce. Reverend Ann Houston Kelly will be officiating. Burial will follow in Bruce Cemetery.

Online condolence may be made at www.parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Ricky Nelson Thompson, 50 of Magee,  passed away Friday, April 26, 2019 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg.

Services were Saturday, May 4 at Jackson Chapel M.B. Church in Bruce.

Belle Memorial Funeral Home of Bruce was in charge of the services

Jean Poynor Cornet Spencer, 91, of Memphis,  left her earthly home at Inspirit Foxbridge Assistant Living and went to her Heavenly Home, peacefully in her sleep, Monday, April 30, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer and a heart attack.

She was born in Reid in Calhoun County on June 1, 1927 as the middle child of Leonard and Merl (Miles) Poynor. She graduated from Bruce High School, Class of 1945. She attended Draughon’s Business College and worked for Lincoln American Life Insurance Company, as a bookkeeper in Memphis.

She was preceded in death by husband, Graham; son, Billy Cornet; step children, Mike Spencer and Sarah Ellen (Spencer) Whitaker;  brothers, Paul, Harrol Dee and Durell, and  sister, Wilma Oliver (Rev. Haze).

She is survived by daughter-in-law, Deborah Cornet; grandson, Andy Cornet; granddaughter, Angela (Cornet) Cox (Ronnie); and great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Penelope, and Emily Cox, all of Highland, Ca.; first cousin and caregiver, Anne (Castleberry) Ward, Bartlett, Tn.

She was a former member of Peabody Baptist Church, has been a faithful member of Cherry Road Baptist Church 23 years, and enrolled in the Naomi Sunday School Class. Through the years, she taught Sunday School, worked on “Women on Mission” services and cooking projects. She also had a ministry where she passed out tracts and sent tracts.

Her funeral service was Saturday at Cherry Road Baptist Church. Interment was at Memphis Memory Gardens in Memphis.

Memorials may be sent to her church, Cherry Road Baptist, 1421 Cherry Road, Memphis, Tn. 38117. 901-743-5067

Jim Fred Hamilton, 85, of Vardaman departed for glory May 5, 2019 at NMMC in Tupelo after an extended illness. He entered this world in the heat of a Mississippi summer on August 24, 1933. He was born to Rex Hamilton and Lera McQuary Hamilton in the Dublin community.

He  served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After his stint in the armed forces he had a sweeping career with Davis Gin and Farm Supply where he ultimately retired as service manager. However, retirement didn’t last long for him, as he went back to work for Calhoun County School District’s Maintenance Department where he later retired to practice his hobbies fulltime. He didn’t idle unless a tractor was involved, in his pastime he could be found elbow deep in grease mending a tractor or piddling in his shop. Don’t let those greasy hands fool you, under all that grime one could see a green thumb that cultivated an extravagant garden every year. Above all the expansive hobbies he cherished his grandchildren the most and enjoyed every moment he had with them. In addition to his bountiful life, he held a very unique gift he kept for himself but told others about--the gift of eternal life he received from his Savior Jesus Christ. His faith was evident as he served others during his time as deacon at First Baptist Church Vardaman.

He leaves his loving wife, Julia Sanderson Hamilton; sons, James R. Hamilton (Quindolyn), Columbus; Jerry K. Hamilton (Melody), Vardaman; Jeff Hamilton (Cindy), Vardaman; Joey Hamilton (Connie), Bruce; grandchildren, Adam Hamilton, Emily Hamilton, Erica Lewis, Jenna Beth Hamilton, Jennifer Greer, Josh Hamilton, Mariah Frantz, Nichole Maibom; 13 great grandchildren; sisters, Bobbie Shefield, Winona; Flo Ellison. Woodland; Joyce Lucius, Derma.

He was preceded in death by sister, Nellie Doris, and bothers, Alex, Harold and Jack Hamilton.

His funeral service is Wednesday May 8 at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Vardaman. Bro. Joey Hamilton and Bro. Michael Frantz will be leading the  service assisted by Bro. Johnathan Peeples. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Vardaman. Pallbearers helping lay him to rest include Adam Hamilton, Alan Lewis, Josh Hamilton, Mark Sanderson, Matt Greer, Mike Frantz, Phil Lucius and Shawn Snellings.

Online condolences may be made at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Anna Marie Williams, 22, passed away  Saturday, May 4, 2019. Born October 2, 1996 in Grenada, she was the daughter of Tanya Forsythe Williams and Johnathan Wade Williams. She attended Lake Cormorant High School, and was of Baptist faith.   She was a very outgoing person and loved to hang out with her friends. She loved mud riding in the badlands and grabbling in Grenada Lake.  She especially loved rock-climbing in the Ozarks with her cousin Casey. She was a free spirited girl who lived her life to the fullest.  She had a huge heart and always looked for the best in people. Her passing has broken the hearts of her family and friends.  A very sweet and caring young woman, she will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her.  

Her funeral service was Tuesday at Pryor Funeral Home with Bro. Johnny Davis  officiating.  Interment was at Calhoun City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were  Brandon “Chubby” Williams, Dave Williams, Casey Williams, Joshua Williams, Josh Melton and Justin Mills.

She leaves her mother, Tanya Forsythe Williams; sisters, BreeAnna (Chris) Williams Hilmus, Vardaman, and Sara Beth Thomas, West Memphis; brothers, Tyler  and Brandon “Chubby” Williams, both of Vardaman; Zachary Williams, Houston; grandfathers, John Williams, Vardaman and Ronnie Forsythe, West Memphis.

She was preceded in death by her father, Johnathan Wade Williams; grandmothers, Annie Williams and Linda Weaver, and uncle, Jason Williams.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com

Wade Murphy Burt, 66, of Houlka passed away May 5, 2019 at NMMC in Tupelo. He was born February 3, 1953 to James Sid Burt and Bobbye Murphy Turner in Houston.

After graduating high school, he obtained his Associate’s degree from Northwest Community College. His education continued at Ole Miss, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education and Masters in Administration. He was former principal of Vardaman Elementary School, and taught at Coffeeville, Calhoun City and Pontotoc. A lifelong member of Victory Baptist Church, he loved to farm cattle and row crops. He touched many lives in his years through friendships, family and students. 

He leaves wife, Deborah Byars Burt,   Houlka; sons, Jon and Jason Burt, Houlka; daughter Gency (Keith) Snellings, Houlka, and grandson Andrew Snellings, Houlka.

Visitation is Wednesday, May 8 from 10 am until time of the serivce at noon at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce. Bro. Danny Kelly will officiate  with Bro. Darrell Logan assisting. He will be laid to rest at Poplar Springs Cemetery in Vardaman. Pallbearers will be Bill Aron, Bryan Byars, Bryan Neely, Wes Neely, Andrew Snellings, and Kenny Tallant. He was preceded in death by his parents,  granddaughter Lindsey Allene Snelling, and brother, Tony Burt.

Shelton Allen Wagner, Sr., born October 24, 1935 in Slate Springs, died March 23, 2019. He was preceded by his parents, Kenneth Adolph and Eleanor Dillard (Vance) Wagner.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sydney Juan (Carmack) Wagner; daughter, Wendy (Wagner) Humphries (Michael), Midland, TX; son, Shelton Allen Wagner, Jr. (Lisa), Lakeland, TN; grandchildren, Haynes Humphries (Mistee), Midland, TX; Harrison Humphries (Helen), Houston, TX; Hannah Wagner, Denver, CO; Hayden Wagner, Rogers, AR, Harding Humphries, Searcy AR; Harper Wagner, Lakeland, TN, and great granddaughter, Lucy Holland Humphries, Midland, TX. He loved Ranny and Gloria Carmack, Jim and Marsha Owen (his brothers and sister-in-law, as his own.

He enjoyed working as a structural steel draftsman, first for Pidgeon-Thomas Iron Co. and then 40 years for himself, Shelton A. Wagner Structural Drafting, Inc. and his last 10 years working with Lisa and Allen at Wagner General Contractors. He was a member of Germantown Church of Christ. 

His funeral service was March 27 at Forest Hill Cemetery on Whitten Road. Memorial contributions can be made to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Efforts, Inc., PO Box 111180/410 Allied Dr., Nashville, TN 37222-1180 or the charity of donor’s choice.

Myrrl Hudson Bean died peacefully in her home May 5, 2019. She was born in Calhoun City August 30, 1931 to Myrrl Lackey  and Grover Cleveland Hudson.  The youngest of five, she finished high school in 1949 and was a member of Calhoun City High School State Championship basketball team. She was All-State in basketball her sophomore and senior years and Mississippi’s Most Valuable Player her senior year. She attended the University of Southern Mississippi on a music scholarship and completed her degree in Music Education in three years. She taught elementary school music in Flora, and at the Demonstration School in Columbus. She was an original partner in the 1982 opening of Harveys Restaurant in Starkville. The corporation she co-founded grew to include multiple restaurants in north Mississippi including Harveys, Sweet Pepper’s Deli, The Grill, and Bulldog Burger. She was an avid Mississippi State  fan and loved to read, play Bridge, engage in political debate, and listen to all forms of music. She was a devoted mother, wife, and friend. As the family matriarch, she managed the delicate balance of family and business. She loved the people she worked with and the public she engaged. 

She is preceded in death by her parents,  husband, John Thompson Bean, Jr.; brothers, Grover Cleveland “GC” and Ullin Lee, sister Rochelle Hudson Hawkins. She is survived by brother Roger Wallace Hudson, Jackson; children, John Thompson Bean III (Kathi) and Mark Hudson Bean (Suzanne)  Columbus; Susan Blair Bean Hughes (Hamp) and Bernard Wilkins Bean (Cindy) Tupelo; 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. 

Visitation is Wednesday, May 8 at 1 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Columbus. Services will follow beginning at 2:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be grandchildren Bryant Bean, John Hampton Hughes, Justin Hughes, Bryson Hughes, Hudson Bean, Christian Bean, and Hayden Bean.  Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building and Integrity Fund at P.O. Box 32, Columbus, MS 39701.

Calvin Shempert, Jr., 55, passed away in Calhoun County Thursday, May 9, 2019. He was born in Aurora, Il. on August 4, 1963 to Calvin Shempert, Sr. and Rosie Faye Shempert Jackson. He had worked as a truck driver before becoming disabled

He is survived by his mother, Rosie Faye McGee Shempert (Kenny) Jackson, Mantee; brothers, Clayton (Elizabeth) Shempert, Houston and Chester (Marylin) Shempert, Spokane, WA; sisters, Janice (Larry) Langford, Nettleton, and Vanessa Bivins, Vardaman; children, Richard (Lisa) Boland, Vardaman; Shawn (Caitlin) Turner, Senatobia; Josh (Darlene) Bevills, Nettleton; Candice Boland, Memphis, and five grandchidren.

He was preceded in death by his father Calvin Shempert, Sr.; wife, Bobbie Williams Shempert; brothers, Danny Joe and Cecil Shempert, and sister, Wanda Ellis.

His funeral service will be Monday, May 13 at 2 p.m. at Southern Funeral Chapel in Houston. Burial will follow in Macedonia Cemetery in Houston. Visitation will be Monday from noon until 2 p.m.  at Southern Funeral Chapel.

Patricia Gail McDonald, 70, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Baptist Nursing Home in Calhoun City. Born February 17, 1949 in Lewis County, TN, she was the daughter of C.T. Jaco and Willie May Lemay. She attended Marks High School and was a member of Duncan Hill Baptist Church. On January 8, 1962, she married R.C. McDonald, and they spent 57 wonderful years together. She loved her church and her church family. She would also go out to the Sparta Opry where she enjoyed the singing and talking with friends. She loved to cook, going out to eat and shopping. She was a frugal shopper who loved yard sales and flea markets. Above all, she loved her family, especially spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will be cherished forever by all who knew her. 

A funeral service will be Monday, May 20 2 pm at Pryor Funeral Home. There will be a visitation from noon until service time at the funeral home. Bro. Benny Hill will be officiating, and nterment will follow at Duncan Hill Cemetery in Derma. Pallbearers will be Bobby McDonald, Chris McDonald, Kayla Griffin, Jackson Burt and David Wooten.

She leaves  her husband of 57 years, R.C. McDonald; sons, Raymond McDonald, Calhoun City; Bobby Ray (Pat) McDonald, Bruce, and Christopher Thomas McDonald,  Calhoun City; brothers, Jerry Wayne Jaco, TN, and Billy Jaco, AL; sister, Edna Grant of AL; grandchildren, Kayla (Corbin) Griffin, Bruce, Maria Leanne McDonald, Calhoun City; great-grandchildren, Judson Ray and CoraLeigh Christine Griffin. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Christopher Thomas McDonald, Jr; 5 brothers, James K. Jaco, Leonard Jaco, Neal Jaco, Paul Ray Jaco, and Gabby Jaco; and two sisters, Mary Lee Jaco and Jane Jaco. 

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com

Robert Earl Clanton, Sr, 79, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2019, at his home in Oxford after a brief illness. He was born November 1, 1939, in Webster County to  Herman and Winnie Woods Clanton. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Webster County and attended Springhill High School. After graduating high school, he attended Holmes Junior College where he played football. He was employed with Soil Conservation in Meridian and Tupelo. He later moved to Calhoun County where he had farming interest. He was a former member and past president of the Lions’ Club in Calhoun City and was elected to serve as Supervisor of District 4 in Calhoun County. During his tenure on the board, he served as president of the Calhoun County Board of Supervisors and  served a term as State President of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors. In later years, he worked with S&N Airoflo. He and his wife, Betty, enjoyed spending their retirement years at her home in Oxford and on the farm in Calhoun County. 

He was an avid conversationalist who immensely enjoyed his friends, the outdoors, and the time he spent with his grand and great grandchildren. They especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with Granddaddy.

He is survived by his wife, Betty M. Bennett Clanton, Oxford; sons, Rob (JoJo) Clanton, Bruce, and Russ (Megan) Clanton, Alexandria, VA; step daughter,Tracy B. (Chad) Coleman, Oxford; mother-in-law, Hazel B. McNeely, Oxford; grandchildren, Jay (Kayla), Tanner, Elizabeth and Reagan Clanton; step grandchildren, Laken Shankle, Hunter and Tyler Coleman; and great grandchildren, Bennett and Jase Clanton.

He is survived by sisters, Myra Ann Summerford and Linda (Lee) Harrelson,   Calhoun City; niece, Lisa Lansdell; nephew, Ben Harrelson and step nieces, Lisa Buse and Julie Summerford. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Lionel Summerford. 

A visitation for family and friends will be held at Pryor Funeral Home in Calhoun City Tuesday, May 21 from 5-8p.m. There will be a private service for the family at a later date.

The family requests that memorials be made to St. Jude and LeBonheur Hospitals.

Opal Hipp Mackay passed away 12  May, 2019 in Arlington, VA from a massive heart attack. She was born in Calhoun County 1 Feb. 1930 to Dwight Moody and Virgie Yancy Hipp. She graduated from Sarepta High School in 1945, went to college that summer, then taught school at Sarepta that fall.

In later years she moved to Memphis, Tn., and worked for Lewis Supply Co. From there to Washington, DC to work for CIA, where she met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Mackay. After marriage she and Bob lived most of their lives overseas doing tours in Athens, Greece; Sydney, Australia; Austria-Ventenne, Laos,. While there she killed a cobra that was trying to swallow a frog. Their last tour was Korea, then they retired back to their home in Fairfax, Va. She worked for the city of Fairfax, Va. a number of years. She played a large part in the City of Fairfax and was queen in one of their city parades.

Survivors are one daughter, Jeri Mackay, Alexandria, Va., and sons, Robin (Kim) Mackay, Arlington, Va., Yancey Mackay, Gainsville, Va.; grandchildren, Kevin Kocher, Alexandria, Va., and Opal Kocher, Yorktown, Va.; Erin Mackay, Arlington, Va., and Caitlin (Pete) Gayman, Alexandria, Va.; great grandchildren, Arabell and Fia, Yorktown, Va.; sister, Martha Hipp Dickson, Tupelo, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, James Everett Hipp. 

She requested her ashes be sprinkled over the Shenandoah Mountains.

James Donald Coston of Gulfport, died  Sunday, May 19, 2019 in Gulfport. He was born January 5, 1934. He was a member of Lyman Baptist Church. He served in the United States Air Force for 20 ½ years during the Korean Conflict, Cold War, and  Vietnam War. During that time he served in Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and in Japan, Philippines, Pakistan, Germany and Vietnam. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked in security at Hancock Bank for several years and for the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ottis Coston and Mary Grace (Pryor) Coston and sister Maxine Massey. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Pauline (Peden) Coston; granddaughters, Lori Mitchell (Jay) and Amy Coston; great-grandson, Scott Barry, and sisters, Susie Calder (Billy) and Sherry Webb.

Services will be held at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce on Thursday, May 23 2 p.m. with Bro. Rick Griffin officiating. Family and friends may visit two hours before the service in Bruce. Interment will follow in Bruce Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left @www.parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Angela Ruth McCluskey, 56, of Bruce passed into eternity on May 26, 2019 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford after a valiant battle with cancer. She was born in Jackson on May 7, 1963 to  Brice  and Sara Patton Rasberry. She was member of Banner Baptist Church where she served as the church pianist for numerous years  

She  was a woman who God blessed with intelligence and she put it to the test after graduating from Bruce High School in 1981.She obtained two college degrees in her lifetime. First, a respiratory therapy degree which she used to care for many ailing people over many years, and then a Bachelor of Arts in English which she used to educate many young scholars in English and reading courses.

She leaves sons, McKennon Brice (Meghan) McMillian, Ecru, and Kolein Douglas McMillian, Bruce; daughters of her heart, Anna Crofford, and Andrea Stamper, and their children Evan Crawford, Jasmyn and Nicholas Stamper.

She was preceded in death by her parents Brice and Sara Patton Rasberry; brother, Joey Rasberry, and her husband David McCluskey.

Her funeral service is Wednesday at 2 p.m. at  Banner Baptist Church with Bro. Danny Kelly and Bro. Darrell Logan leading. Burial following at Bruce Cemetery in Bruce. Pallbearers include Earnest Stephens, Danny Miller, Lanny Brown, Hunter Mize, Bradley Goodwin and Casey Hollis. Honorary pallbearers are the grandchildren of her heart.

Online condolences may be made at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com.

Jerry Wayne Tutor, 69, of Water Valley passed from this life May 24,2019 at The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson after an extended illness. He was born in Vardaman on July 18, 1949 to the late R.V Tutor and Valder Wayne Clark Tutor.   

He spent many seasons of his life working in the great outdoors as a logger from which he ultimately retired to pursue his hobbies fulltime. He was a true outdoorsman, and took great joy in spending time with God’s creations from the thrill of fox hunt to the eagerness of catching a big ole fish. He placed his salvation in the Lord and was a member of Banner Baptist.

He leaves behind his loving wife Rhonda Bowling Tutor; sons, Craig (Sandee) Tutor,  and Scott (Ashley) Tutor; daughter, Emily (Shawn) Snellings, all of Bruce; brother, Herman (Janie) Tutor, Houlka; grandchildren, Ashley Logan, Tori Tutor, Ethan Snellings, Jackson Snellings, Jace Tutor, Lily Kate Tutor, Olivia Snellings, Peyton Cole Tutor, Ashton Tutor, Mary Haire, Swayze Tutor, and one great grandchild. Baylor Logan.

He was preceded in death his parents R.V Tutor and Valder Wayne Clark Tutor; son. Jason Tutor, and brothers, Larry, Terry, Dale  and Rickey Tutor.

His funeral service was Monday at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce with  Bro. Bobby Douglas leading the service and Bro.Darrell Logan assisting. He was laid to rest at Banner Cemetery. Pallbearers were Edwin Baker, Dean Brummett, Jerry Bouge, Barry Lee, Jan Shelton, Dennis Wills, Levi Wills and Dean Wright. Jerry’s grandsons served as honorary pallbearers.     

Online condolences may be made at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Phillip Lynn Lucius, Jr, 48, passed away suddenly in Webster County Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Born February 1, 1971 in Houston, he is the son of Phillip Lynn Lucius, Sr. and Joyce Hamilton Lucius. He was a 1990 graduate of Vardaman High School, and was a faithful and lifetime member of New Providence Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Baptist Association Disaster Relief Team. He has always been the Jack of all trades, but he loved driving a truck, and took pride in being able to continue the family trucking business. Among the many hobbies he enjoyed was sawmilling, cooking, and spending time out at his camp. His friends and family will always remember his sense of humor, especially him telling long, detailed stories that were hilarious. He had a big heart, and would always help others in any way he could. On June 4, 2010, he married the former Vickey Hodges, whom he absolutely loved and adored. His free time was spent with his wife and kids, and his grandson, Blayze, who was his pride and joy. He was also very active in the CCHS Band Boosters, building props for the band or whatever else was needed for them. 

Family was very important to him. He always organized the family gatherings on “Lucius Hill” as he called it, and was always the main cook as well. Growing up, he was always the ring leader of all the cousins. He was a loving and forgiving person and he genuinely cared about the needs of others without any judgement. His family and friends are heartbroken over his untimely passing, but he has left a lifetime of memories that will be cherished forever. 

A funeral service celebrating his life was Friday at Pryor Funeral Home with Bro. Jon Stewart officiating. Interment was at New Providence Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Phil Lucius, Chad Lucius, Jody Doler, Dustin Thrasher, Justin Moore, Chico Martinez, David Keeton and Jake Young.

He leaves his wife, Vickey Hodges Lucius; daughters, Brooklin (Eric), Houston; Ashelin (Taylor), Calhoun City, and Jayelin, Vardaman; sons, Tony and Devin, Calhoun City; brothers, Chad (Sandra) Lucius and Chico Martinez; grandson, Blayze; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins he considered not only to be his close family, but his close friends as well. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Caleb Lynn Lucius, and grandparents, Alto and Spencer Lucius, and Rex and Lena Hamilton. 

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com

Mary Frances Long, 95, of Calhoun City walked through the gates of Heaven on June 2, 2019 at her daughter’s home. She was born in Sabougla September 27, 1923 to Joe and Willie Bell Alexander Ramage

She adored the Lord’s creations,  great and small. She was an avid birdwatcher, especially in the springtime when all of the new creations take flight and fill the days with a song. She also enjoyed more labor intensive hobbies such as setting a straight stitch on an elaborate quilt, and breaking ground for a breathtaking garden.

She is survived by son, Larry Roel (Jo Ann) Long, Vardaman; daughter, Regina Long (Pete) Lee, Derma; grandchildren, John Ross Burgess, Pam Crum, Joseph Lee, Anthony Long, Cayla Parker, Dameka Parkerson, Lori Parker, Paula Ann Stewart; great grandchildren, Allie Clark, Dustin Crum (Jennie), Alyssa Long,  Aubry Long; great grandchilren, Ava Grace Crum, Abby Parkerson and Clayton Parkerson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roel “Buck” Long, daughter Mary Bell Parker, and great grandson Chase Collins.

The family will receive friends Tuesday June 4 from 2-4 p.m. at New Liberty Baptist Church. A funeral service honoring her life will be Tuesday at 4 p.m. at New Liberty Baptist Church. Bro. Jimmy Vance will be leading the funeral service with assistance from Bro.Robert Earl Alexander. She  will be laid to rest in New Liberty Cemetery. John Ross Burgess, Dustin Crum, Joseph Cody Lee, Anthony Long, Aubrey Long, Edward Long will serve as pallbearers.

Online condolences may be made at parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com

Markey Randolph Davis, 76, passed away peacefully at Baptist Nursing Home in Calhoun City Sunday, June 2, 2019. Born October 5, 1942, in Memphis, he was the son of Harry and Geraldine Ingram Davis.

He was a 1960 graduate of Union City High School, and a very faithful and active member of Monroe Street Church of Christ in Calhoun City. In 1973, he married the former Susan Ashford, and they have spent 46 wonderful years together. In July of 1982, they moved to Derma where he began working at Davis Insurance, which was started by his step dad, Luther Davis, in 1957.

During his career, he strived to provide service to everyone who came through his office doors, customer or not, and would help anyone he could. Not long after moving to Derma he joined the fire department, later moving to the Calhoun City fire department. He was an active fireman many years and was a state certified volunteer fireman over 35 years. He was a civic leader in the community and was part of the Chamber of Commerce many years, once serving as president.

He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish and spent many months out of the year doing just that, or preparing to. He was a member of Big Buck Hunting Club over 30 years. He held an officer position and kept the books for them for many of those years. 

He raised his kids to love the outdoors and wildlife. He also loved camping and spent many weekends at Blue Bluff campground where he camped with his wife, kids and their friends. He taught his kids and many of their friends to water ski on the Tenn-Tom waterway at Blue Bluff campground. 

He loved to grill and was known for grilling and frying. He cooked at home on the weekends, at deer camp, and the fire department. He will be remembered by always having a joke to tell. Any time he met someone in town or in the office he would have to tell them this new joke he had heard. He will be missed dearly by not only his family and friends, but also the whole community.

Immediately following visitation Tuesday from 4-6 p.m.,  at Pryor Funeral Homen, a procession will lead to Crossroads Cemetery for a graveside service with Bro. Jim Vance officiating. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Kevin Flemons, Jess Moore, Kyle Easley, Ben Collins, Jordan Collins, and Jim Suber.  Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Carnaggio, Calhoun City Fire Department, and Big Buck Hunting Club.

He leaves his wife of 46 years, Susan Ashford Davis; sons, Jarrod Davis and Jason Davis, both of Calhoun City; sister, Nelda Jane Keith, Memphis, and grandchildren, Jaymie, Dawson, Easton and Canaan Davis. 

He also leaves his best friend, Dr. Bill Horner, Union City, Tn. Bill has been his lifelong friend since childhood, but Markey considered him to be more like a brother. Bill often referred to Markey as Maynard G. Crebbs--G for Gorgeous.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Geraldine Davis, and son, Alan Randolph Davis. 

Memorial donations may be made to Calhoun City Fire Department. 

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at pryorfuneralhome.com.

Johnnie Faye Barnett, 83, passed away at home in Holland, MI May 25, 2019 after a brief illness. She was born May 6, 1936 and spent her childhood living in various states, but always called Bruce her home. 

She was predeceased by her parents Maurice and Lona K. (Kelley) Barnett; sister Nell Olson, and brothers, Jack and Fred Barnett. She is survived by children, Debbie (Phil) Earley, Muskegon; Michael (Kristi) Dekker, West Olive; Bev Schaner, Holland; Scott (Barb) Dekker, Spring Lake; David Dekker, Holland; grandchildren, Michael Schaafsma, Chrystal Lobdell, April (Dan) Smith, Jonathan (Stephanie) Fisk, Kate (Paul) Allison, Sean Fisk, Preston Earley, Chris Dekker, Maddie Dekker, David Schaner; 11 great grandchildren, and stepmother Darlene Barnett. She has many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews from  all over the country she cherished.

She was a beautiful and kind woman loved by all. Among many of her great attributes, one of her best was her ability to comfort anyone going through a tough time. She was a world class “Scrabble” player and an avid baseball fan who loved her Detroit Tigers who rarely missed watching a game. She felt blessed to have lived a long and healthy life with very little illness, but even if she wasn’t feeling well she always asked how everyone was doing. She worked at Lifesavers in Holland, Mi. for 10 years and as Deputy Auditor of Jerome County Courthouse in Idaho, where she lived for 19 years before she retired and moved back to Holland to be near her children. She has touched many lives and will be dearly missed.

Please visit www.lakeshorememorial to leave a message or memory for the family.