Obituaries
John Austin Bowden, Jr.
The funeral service for John Austin Bowden, Jr. will be 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 16, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service.
John A Bowden Jr. passed from this life December 7, 2023, at the age of 96.
He was born September 8, 1927. He enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves September 1, 1944, just a few days short of being 17.
He proudly served his country and retired a Master Chief (E-9) after 24 years of service. He was a decorated veteran of WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam War.
He worked for the Social Security Administration in Jackson and transferred to the Brookhaven office in the summer of 1975.
Upon his retirement from the SSA, he enjoyed his leisure time grooming his yard, planting his garden and auctioneering as well as woodworking and trips to the Great Smokey Mountains.
He was a man known by multiple names, "John", "Daddy", "Pappy", "Poppa John" and "Uncle Buddy" and will be missed by many.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father, his first wife, Mary Bowden, his son, John Bowden III, his sister Joyce Oakes and brother Harold Bowden.
His survivors are his wife, Rose Carolyn Bowden; his daughters Lee Moore (Carroll), Terry Collura (Don),Wanda Melton (Carlos),
Son, Stevie Yoas (Lee Laurie), 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to especially thank Aston Court in McComb and all their employees for adopting him and his wife, Kaiki, into their compassionate and loving family and
also extend a special thank you to COMPASSUS of McComb.
Sheila R. Babb
Graveside service for Sheila R. Babb will be 2:30 p.m., Thursday, December 14, at Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until 2 p.m., at Riverwood Family.
Mrs. Babb, 62, of Summit, MS, died December 10, 2023, at her residence. She was born in Tylertown, MS, on August 5, 1961, to Thomas Beavers and Violet (Beavers) Kyzar. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Mrs. Babb’s world revolved around her daughter, Shelly, and her two beautiful grandchildren, she devoted every moment she could to them and treasured those times. She also enjoyed time spent with all her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Douglas C. Babb; her father, Thomas Junior Beavers; and her brother, Thomas Wayne Beavers.
Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Shelly Hambach and husband, Rick; her two precious grandchildren, Hayden Hambach, and Braden Hambach; mother, Violet Ray Kyzar; sisters, Brenda Brown and Connie Lynn Beavers; nephews, Jason Brown (Melissa) and their family, Dwayne Brown (Willie Vandenheuvel); and niece, Felicia Noll (Chase) and their family. She is also survived by her very special friends as well as other loving family members.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 E 33rd St, New York, NY 10016.
Jerolyn Brister McCullough
Services for Mrs. Jerolyn Brister McCullough of Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Freedom Church with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service.
Mrs. Jerolyn Brister McCullough, 69, passed away December 8, 2023, at her home. She was born August 26, 1954, to the late John Enoch Brister and Marcell Murray Brister.
Jerolyn loved to collect antiques, shop, and spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren, they were the love of her life.
Preceding her in death were her parents; Enoch and Marcell Brister; mother-in-law, Doris McCullough Newell and fathers-in-law, Ed McCullough and A.C. Newell.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 52 years, Lennis McCullough; daughter, Jody McCullough and son, Mark McCullough and wife, Kelly; sister, Gwen Tardo and husband, Rickie and her two grandchildren, Ashton McCullough and Skyler McCullough.
She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Dennis McCullough and wife, Paula; sisters-in-law, Rita O’Keefe and husband, Paul, Brenda McCullough and Sheila Britt and husband, Edward; and a host of family, friends, nieces and nephews.
She will be dearly missed by all that loved her.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the charity of your choice.
Freedom Church, 1611 Pleasant Ridge Rd., Wesson MS 39191
Oscar "Johnny" Smith
Services for Mr. Oscar “Johnny” Smith of Wesson are 12:00 pm, Monday, December 11, 2023 at Macedonia Baptist Church with visitation from 10:00 until the time of service and interment at the Church Cemetery.
Mr. Oscar “Johnny” Smith, 69, passed away December 8, 2023, at his home.
Johnny was born July 14, 1954, in Brookhaven, MS to Oscar and Lexie Smith.
He enjoyed building houses, cabinetry and other woodworking projects, where he made lifelong friends. In retirement he worked as a bus driver for Loyd Star and loved the kids on the bus.
He loved his church family. At the age of 20, he became the youngest deacon of the church and continued serving as a deacon for 50 years.
Johnny’s family, along with members of our church, were involved in mission trips to Paynesville, WV, and helped in the building of the first Southern Baptist Church (Bradshaw Mountain Community Church).
Preceding him in death was his father, Oscar L. Smith.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 51 years, Cindy Smith; mother, Lexie Smith; sons, Andy Smith and wife, Lauren and Todd Smith and wife, Jessica; brothers, Kenny Smith and Mitchell Smith and three grandchildren,
Lily Smith, Owen Smith and Julia Smith.
N. Ruth Posey
The funeral service for N. Ruth Posey will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 8, at Riverwood Family with burial in Gum Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Thursday, December 7, at Riverwood and will resume from 9 a.m. until the time of service Friday.
Mrs. Posey, 76, of Wesson, MS, died December 4, 2023, at her residence. She was born October 7, 1947, to G.F. Watson and Orlean Harper Watson. She worked with Keystone Wire Company for many years. Later she became a caregiver and served many people. She enjoyed taking daily walks on Mission Hill, playing cards with family, taking care of her roses, and spending time with her dog, Little Man.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Posey; her parents; brother, Billy Ray Edwards; and sisters, Sandra Gorenflo and Dorothy Jean.
She is survived by her daughter, Michele Posey; three grandchildren, Landon Parsons (McKenna), Devin King, and Justin King; and two great grandchildren, Branson Parsons and Elyse Parsons, and one more on the way, as well as other loving family members and friends.
Carolyn McCardle Tarbutton
Graveside service for Carolyn McCardle Tarbutton will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, December 6, at Sardis Baptist Church Cemetery.
Ms. Tarbutton, 89, of Wesson, died December 2, 2023, at her residence. She was born September 11, 1934, to Ira Virgil McCardle and Minnie Viola McCardle. At the age of 50, Ms. Tarbutton decided to step out of her comfort zone and begin a career in nursing. She graduated “Star Student” in the nursing program and started her journey as a licensed practical nurse. Her free time was filled with gardening, reading, and traveling. She enjoyed her family and considered the time spent with them most rewarding. She was a friend to many and easily met new friends along the way. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Frances McCardle Kimble (Harold); and brothers, J.W. McCardle (Dell), Melvin McCardle (Maxine), and Dewey McCardle.
She is survived by her children, Dr. Lester Tarbutton (Diane), Phyllis Lajuan Tarbutton, and Julia Tarbutton Bowlin (Paul); four grandchildren, Chris McMillan, Nick McMillan (Summer), Clay Bowlin (Chelsie), and Georgia Bowlin; three great grandchildren, Lucas, Lucy, and Samuel; and two step great grandchildren, Ethan and Brooklyn. She is also survived by many other loving family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59004; International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, P.O. Box 97339, Washington DC 20077-7472; or a charity of your choice.
Doris Gibson Foster
Services for Mrs. Doris Gibson Foster Brookhaven are 11:00 am, Saturday December 2, 2023 at Central Baptist Church with visitation from 9:00 until the time of service. Burial will be at Riverwood Memorial Park.
Born September 28, 1925, to Richard F. Gibson and Tera Smith Gibson. Mrs. Foster’s life was a life of service to her Lord and Savior, Family, Community, and her church, Central Baptist Church. The doors of her home were as wide open as the door of her heart. Her home welcomed family, friends and neighbors. Mrs. Foster’s service to her Lord and her church was a joy to her life. She served in the nursery, where every baby became one of hers. As a Sunday School teacher, every young lady in her
class was nurtured and loved. She loved recalling memories of them. She was involved in the Mission Outreach of the church through the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU). She participated in Mission trips that the church planned.
One of her largest Mission fields was Foster’s Chevron Service Station, where she worked with her beloved husband, J D, for over thirty years. She took every opportunity to witness for the Lord with customers. She would ask them if they had a church home. If they didn’t, she always invited them to Central Baptist Church. Her generosity, along with her husband, was immeasurable.
She was, also, a member of the Pilot Club International.
In 1942 she married the love of her life, J D Foster. This marriage would be blessed with a daughter, Berenda, two sons, Dale and Chester (Mary), grandchildren, Brad Berry (Julia), Jill Berry Guy, Mike Foster (Miranda), James Foster (Traci), Robin Rath (Gary), and Kim Lee (Bo); great grandchildren, Loren (Brady), Mollie (Nico), Lilly, Jadi, Ava, Wyatt, Andrew, Maddux, Julie, Luke, Liza, Emma, Gracie (Ryan) and Tyler (Lauren), and great great grandchildren, Bradyn, Avery, Caleb, Camilla, Wyatt, and Madigan. Her family was her earthly treasure
and they knew her love for them.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband of 52 years, J D Foster, daughter-in-law, Judy Foster, son-in-law, Ken Berry, brothers, Joe Gibson, Lloyd Gibson, and Carl Gibson, her sisters, Dorothy Gibson, Pauline Williams, and M.L. (Magdalene Louise) Day.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, her great grandchildren, her great great grandchildren; her sisters, Maunteel “Bonnie” Dunaway, Carolyn Boose, and Virginia Hearn, brothers, Shelton Gibson, and David Gibson (Christine); nieces and nephews who she dearly loved. She is also survived by her extended family, friends and a special friend Rosie Kelly.
Her family is grateful for the love and care given by the staff of Diversicare of Brookhaven and Hospice Ministries of Brookhaven.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 970 Hwy 550, Brookhaven, MS 39601; Fair River Baptist Church Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, 3698 Fair River Drive NE, Brookhaven, MS 39601; Macedonia Baptist Church Building Fund, 1230 Macedonia Road NW, Brookhaven, MS 39601, or the charity of your choice.
Audrey Nell Ingle
The funeral service for Audrey Nell Ingle will be 11 a.m., Friday, December 1, at Riverwood Family, with burial in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m., Thursday evening, November 30, at Riverwood.
Mrs. Ingle, 93, of Brookhaven, died November 27, 2023, at Trend Health Care in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Brookhaven April 17, 1930, to Lee Durr and Katie Watts Durr. She was a loving and faithful wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, WC Ingle, Sr; her parents, Lee Durr and Katie Watts Durr ; son, WC “Randy” Ingle, Jr.; grandson, WC “Chuck” Ingle, III; brothers, Houston Durr, Hoyte Durr, Pink Durr, Ivan Durr, Bracey Durr, and Roy Lee; and sisters, Velma Byrd, Katie Mae Byrd, Ruby Lee Durr, and Bernel Nichols.
Those who are left to cherish her memory are her children, Michael Wayne Ingle (Shelley), and Jeff Ingle (Lisa); grandsons, Brooks Ingle and Sawyer Ingle; granddaughters, Brittany Lott (Brent) and Logan Ingle; great grandsons, Huston Aguilar and Auston Aguilar; and a host of nieces, nephews and other loving family members.
Thomas A. Ross III
A private memorial service for Thomas A. Ross III will be held Saturday, December 2, 2023.
Mr. Ross, 73, of Brookhaven, died November 26, 2023. He was born October 22, 1950, to Thomas A. Ross, Jr. and Rosalind Butler Ross.
Mr. Ross received his MFA from University of Georgia in 1974, BA from Mississippi College in 1972, and retired from Copiah Lincoln Community College as an instructor of art after 43 years. He was an active member in Decell UMC, in Wesson and continued to actively paint until his death. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, preferably at the Spring River in Arkansas, but also simply going to his pond. His greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and faithful husband, son, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He also cared for all animals and was the past president of Brookhaven Animal Rescue League. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends as well as the faith family at Decell UMC.
He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas A. Ross, Jr.
Those who remain to cherish his memory are his wife of 52 years, Gayle Megginson Ross, of Brookhaven; mother, Rosalind Butler Ross of Madison, MS; daughter, Arwen Ross Grippi and husband, Cameron; brother, Timothy Ross and sister-in-law, Susan Ross; two grandchildren, Katie Sharak and Tommy Sharak; and one great granddaughter, Lois Sharak. He is also survived by other loving family members and friends, and his cats.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Decell UMN, 2022 US 51, Wesson, MS 39191, or the Brookhaven Animal Resue League, 501 Northpark Lane, Brookhaven, MS 39601.
Shelbie Lynn Fuller
The funeral service for Shelbie Lynn Fuller will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, at Riverwood Family with burial in Riverwood Memorial Park. Visitation is from Noon until the time of the service.
Shelbie was born January 30, 2002, in Brookhaven, MS, to Joe and Sabrina Fuller. She is a graduate of West Lincoln Attendance Center where she made many lifelong friends whom she enjoyed just hanging out with. She was an active member of her church. She had many hobbies, including watching her favorite television programs and making tie-dyed tee shirts. Shelbie’s life ended too soon on November 26, 2023; she was 21 years of age. She will be forever remembered and loved by all who knew her.
She is preceded in death by her great grandparents, Virginia Boswell, Dennis Rushing, Alice Thompson, Emmit Thompson, Roy Moak, Tallie Fuller, and Martha Ann Fuller.
She is survived by her parents and two brothers, Tristan Fuller and Zachary Fuller; grandparents, Mildred Hedgepeth, Charles and Helen Caves, and Ralph Fuller; as well as many other loving family members and friends.
