All Obituaries

Callie Jane Brannon was born March 29, 1925 in Abbeville, MS to the late Benjamin “Buster” and Caroline Davis Couch. Callie professed her hope in Christ at an early age and united with Jeffrie Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Mother Board and remained a member until her death. “Mrs. C.J.,” as she was affectionately called, worked for several establishments throughout the Oxford area. She touched the lives of many youth while working for the...

Billy Dean “Bill” Brown was born November 18, 1960, to the late Mr. Ed Brown and Ms. Sarrah Ruth Willingham, in Lafayette County.  Bill accepted Christ as his Lord and savior at an early age at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He received his education from the Lafayette County School District.  The Bible says, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and receives favor from the Lord.” On May 25, 1989, Bill united in holy matrimony to his good thing, Juanita Liggins....

Dr. Valerie Denise Martin-Stewart was born September 10, 1966 in Water Valley, Mississippi to Louise and Hervie Martin. She also had a deep love and admiration for her adopted parents, Joe and Annie Martin whom both played a pivotal role in raising her to the amazing woman she would become.  While she spent less than 24 hours with her birth father A.T. Jefferson before his untimely death, she often spoke of him and cherished the time they shared together. While she was known by many...

Mother Jurlean Boles was born August 22, 1942, in Crittenden County, Arkansas to parents, Simmie and Marinda McNairy Manning. She accepted Christ as her personal savior at Rock Hill M.B. Church and later joined New Hope M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor W.T. Houston. At New Hope, she served on the Usher Board, was a member of the Mission Society, an assistant Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Adult Choir and served on the Mother Board Ministry. She remained a member until her...

Willie James Manning, son of the late L.C. and Mary Katherine Carrothers Manning, was born in Oxford, Mississippi on May 16, 1958, and was the youngest of five siblings. Willie James grew up in the Barney Branch community where he was affectionately known as “Cheetah.” Cheetah received his elementary education at Johnson Peterson Elementary School in Oxford and was a people person, one who loved to talk stuff. He had a passion for cars and motorcycles, and he loved his family. As a...

George Gillom, Jr. was born on June 24, 1956, to Ella Ree Flemons and the late George Gillom Sr. of Lafayette County, Mississippi. George professed his love and commitment to God at an early age at Providence United Methodist Church in Abbeville, Mississippi. His dedication to service while in the youth department at Providence, won George a trip through Global Ministries in the United Methodist Church. This trip afforded to be one of 19 youth, nationwide, to attend this trip to Africa....

Nellie B. Holland McClain, daughter of the late Jessie and Blumie (Chapman) Holland, was born August 16, 1935, in Lafayette County, Mississippi. Nellie accepted Christ early in life and united with Flint Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Etta, MS, where she remained a very active, faithful, and dedicated member until her health failed. At Flint Hill, Nellie served as president and secretary for the Usher and Missionary Boards and was also a member of the Mothers’ Board. She received her...

Mrs. Zipporah Lloyd Jefferson-Jones was born December 22, 1943, to the late Reedy Guy Lloyd and China Sylvia Daniels, both of whom preceded her death. Zee, as she was affectionately called, accepted Christ as a young girl and joined Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church. She later joined Bayson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful member until her health began to fail. She was educated in Yalobusha County and graduated in 1961 from Davidson High School. Zee...

Bobby Lee Coleman was born September 3, 1971, to Mrs. Sally Coleman and the late Mr. James Coleman, Sr. in Oxford, MS. Bobby Lee accepted Christ at an early age and joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He received his education from Lafayette County schools and was a 1990 graduate of Lafayette High School. He also attended Northwest Mississippi Community College. Bobby Lee was a hard worker and was passionate about helping others, especially his family and friends. He was big on...

Ruby Diane Bell was born on March 1, 1966 in Abbeville, MS to Isaac and Jossie Mae (Couch) Bell. She departed this life on December 4, 2022 surrounded by her family and loved ones. Ruby, affectionately known as “Pookie,” accepted Christ at an early age and joined Jefferson Chapel Church, and later joined East St. Peter MB Church where she remained until her death. Ruby graduated from Lafayette High School in 1985. She was employed with Oxford Wire and Cable for over 20 years,...