Rayford Earl Brassell

REFLECTING ON THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF: RAYFORD 'BO' BRASSELL

Rayford Earl Brassell, the son of the late Annie L. Brassell, was born on February 26, 1956, in Panola County, Mississippi. Rayford Earl, became affectionally known as "Bo" to all who knew him.

"Bo" accepted Christ at an early age and joined Sandy Springs M.B. Church in Batesville, Mississippi. He later united with the Apostolic Sanctuary of Praise (ASOP) church in Abbeville, Mississippi, where he continued his Christian work, worship and praise. "Bo" received his formal education in the Lafayette County School District.

Scripture says: He who finds a wife, finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord (Proverbs 18:22). "Bo" found what was good. He found his inner core, the heart of his world, Jo Ester Brassell, and they were united in holy matrimony. She was the apple of his eye. His constant companion. "Bo" and Jo Ester (or Mama Jo, as she was known), did everything together, from daily routines, to life's biggest moments. Their bond was one of true devotion, partnership, love and joy. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, and laughter. Their doors were open to anyone in need. 

"Bo" was employed as a press operator with the Oxford Eagle newspaper for many years. After his retirement, you could find this faithful companion working right beside his loving wife at "Mama Jo's Country Kitchen. The restaurant brought much joy to his life. "Bo" had a deep, unwavering love for his Taylor community and they (because they were one) showed it by giving back to the community. Not only with words, but through action and service. One of his most cherished traditions was preparing and serving the Annual Thanksgiving meal for the elderly. He made sure that no one in the community ever felt forgotten during the holidays. "Bo's" generosity, kindness, and sense of duty to serve, touched countless lives.

Labor Day, Monday, September 1, 2025, "Bo" said, "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, "Write blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."  He's at rest.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife: Jo Ester Brassell of Taylor, MS; his children: Rayburn (Benita) Brassell, Kevin (Yolanda) Egerson, and Tambra (Joshua) Golden, all of Taylor, MS; his siblings: Dera Adams and Johnny (Brenda) Brassell, both of Oxford, MS, Rochester (Lucy) Brassell and Julia Brassell, both of Taylor, MS, Kenneth (Lakeitha) Brassell of Mobile, AL, and Willie B (Debra) Brassell, of Water Valley, MS; his grandchildren: Jermondae Brassell, Ty'Quiez Brassell, Ty'Lin Brassell, and Kazyah Egerson; his great grandchild: Dominic Brassell; three bonus daughters that he raised: Ah'Yunda Pegues, Traci Robinson, and Shamika Brassell; one great granddaughter: Rylee Hicks; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Annie Brassell and two sisters: Dorothy Adams and Annie Mae Brassell.

Please keep the Brassell family lifted in prayer.