All Obituaries

Carrie Dell Leland, the sixth of ten children born to Margaret and the late James H. Leland, was born January 10, 1956 in Batesville, MS. Dell (aka BaBay) was a member of Coleman Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church where she professed her love and belief in Christ at an early age. She loved working in the church and served diligently as a faithful choir member, Preacher Steward and a member of the finance committee. She graduated with the Class of 1974 from South Panola High School and was gainfully...

Willie Jean Kilgore Mosby, was the youngest of ten children born to the late Hubert and Willie B. (Marzette) Kilgore on January 16, 1948 in Lafayette County, Mississippi. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and united with Flint Hill MB Church in Etta, MS. She later united with St. Paul Baptist Church in Racine, WI, where she was a member for over 40 years and served as a Sunday School Teacher for many years. Jean, as she was affectionately known, was a 1968 graduate of...

Mr. Dennis Frierson McEwen was born May 6, 1932 in Lafayette County, Mississippi to the late Willie Lee Woods McEwen and Ira Brook McEwen. Dennis professed his faith in Christ at a young age and joined Beverly Chapel M.E. Church, now known as Beverly United Methodist Church, where he was a faithful member until his health failed. Dennis received his education at West Springhill School. As a young man, he obtained employment at the University of Mississippi as a butcher. He retired after 40...

Joyce Lee Hentz was born on June 3, 1949, in Panola County to the late Sam and Jessie Clara Cathey Hentz. Joyce professed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. She attended Patton Lane School and graduated in 1968. She was employed as a seamstress at Panola Mills Sewing Factory for many years until her health failed. When she was not working, Joyce enjoyed visiting people at the nursing home and those on the sick and shut-in, taking care...

Joe Wade Willingham was born to Robert and Evelyn Shaw Willingham on October 15, 1963. He came to Christ at an early age and was a member of South Hopewell M.B. Church.  Joe was a graduate of Lafayette High School. As a Commodore, he was a favorite among classmates as well as staff. He was a standout football player, though he loved many sports (tennis, basketball, swimming, and track). He graduated from Northwest Community College and later received a Bachelor of Science degree from...

Alice McEwen Mayes was born April 25, 1932 to the late Manford Webb, Sr. and Fannie Cannon in Oxford, MS. “Sis,” as she was affectionately called, professed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Tobby Tubby M.B. Church. She later moved her membership to New Beginnings M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Will Owens. Alice loved her Pastor and church very much. Alice was united in matrimony to Jessie Mayes, a loving and devoted husband, and they were...

David Ervin Quarles was born July 31, 1953 to the late Oliver and Mildred McGee Quarles.  David was a 1971 graduate of Oxford High School and furthered his education by receiving an Associate’s degree. He was a member of Saint Paul C.M.E. Church.  David was good with his hands and therefore gained employment as a landscaper with Sims Landscaping Company. He worked there until his health failed. He enjoyed exercising and walked at least a mile daily. He also loved listening to...

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most  High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "HE is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Birda M. Howell, of the late Cleveland and Nora Sims Howell, was born September 5, 1933, in Rankins County MS. She was a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University and a member of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Mendenhall MS and a member of Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. Birda passed away on Saturday, July 3,...

Jessie Evelyn Mitchell Willingham was born May 23, 1933 in Lafayette County, MS to the late Prentice Mitchell and Lucille Jackson Mitchell. She left this earthly realm on Sunday, June 27, 2021. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly looked like. There was no quit in Jessie. Jessie attended Oxford Training School. She married Aubrey Willingham on June 11, 1949 and to this union, five children were born. She was employed as a domestic worker for many years at the AOPi and...

Mrs. Nora J. Scarbrough, was born in Meridian, Mississippi, on July 31, 1923. She was a member of Meridian Ephesus Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Meridian MS. She received her elementary education in Lauderdale County, Mississippi at New Hope School and later obtained her GED. She was united in matrimony to Cecil B. Scarbrough and they were blessed with a lovely family, three sons, and six daughters. Her husband, Cecil Scarbrough and a daughter, Iznes Scarbrough, both preceded her in...