SANFORD, Valerie Marie Lee COURTLAND – Valerie Marie Lee Sanford, 50, died Sunday, August 28, 2005, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. Services were yesterday at Johnson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Courtland. Presiding Elder Sarah Martin officiated. Burial was in Johnson Chapel Cemetery in Batesville. Cooley’s Mortuary had charge. Sanford, born Aug. 28, 1955, to Irby Lee and Era Duncan, was a homemaker and a member of Johnson Chapel A.M.E. Church in Courtland. Survivors include her husband, James Otis Sanford of Courtland; three daughters, Vatesha Sanford of Courtland, Victoria Lee of Dayton, Ohio and Carolyn Sanford of Pope; three sons, Tavares M. Lee, James Tevas Sanford and Anthony Toward Sanford, all of Courtland; four sisters, Irby Jean Lee of Courtland, Shirlean Sanford and Linda Lee, both of St. Louis, Mo. and Cathy Lee of Dayton, Ohio; four brothers, Edward Earl Lee of Memphis, Tenn., Eddie Walter Lee, Harry Lee and Larry Lee, all of St. Louis, Mo. and 13 grandchildren.
SCHWARTZ, Dorothy Aylor BATESVILLE – Dorothy Aylor Schwartz, 98, died Friday, July 15, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center. Graveside services were Sunday at Silver Cross Cemetery in Tallulah, La. Dickins Funeral Home had charge. Schwartz, born Nov. 22, 1906, in Wichita, Kan. to the late Jess Baylor Aylor and the late Laura Lindley, was a retired homemaker, a member of First United Methodist Church and of the Truth Seekers Sunday school class. She was an accredited flower show judge and enjoyed a lifelong hobby of playing bridge. Survivors include one daughter, Dorothy S. Langhofer of Batesville; one sister, Marjorie A. Malesk of Leeville, Fla.; one grandchild and three great-grandchildren.
SCOTT, Rodney Kirk COMO- Rodney Kirk Scott, 32, died Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at the University Hospital in Jackson. Services were Thursday at Pate-Jones Front Street Chapel. Burial was in Cistern Hill M.B. Cemetery in Como. Pate-Jones Funeral Home had charge. Scott was a member of Cistern Hill M.B. Church. Survivors include his mother Evelyn Petty of Como; his step-father Woodrow Petty of Como and one brother, Tyrone Petty of Como.
SCROGGINS, Jessie Bell OXFORD– Jessie Bell Scroggins, 60, died Tuesday, March 15, 2005, in her residence of heart failure. Memorial services are Monday, March 21, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home Chapel. Wells Funeral Home has charge. Scroggins, born Aug. 20, 1944 in Trimble, Tenn., to the late Wilson and Pauline Hallmark Scroggins, was a homemaker. Survivors include three daughters, Linda Perry Sattazahn and Lonita Perry Toombs, both of Memphis, and Gerry Jo Perry Blaylock of Southaven; one son John W. Perry of Enid; three sisters, Mary Scroggins McGregor of Batesville, Peggy Scroggins O’Neal of Memphis, and Cathleen Scroggins of Holly Springs; one brother Sonny Scroggins of Holly Springs, and 14 grandchildren.
SEALES, Malcom "Mack" Wesley Sr. BATESVILLE- Malcom "Mack" Wesley Seales Sr., 93, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center. Services were Thursday at Dickins Chapel. Rev. Russell Fletcher and Rev. Keith Keeton officiated. Burial was in Batesville Magnolia Cemetery. Dickins Funeral Home had charge. Seales, born Nov. 9, 1911, in Batesville, to the late James Samuels Seales and the late Ida Cox Seales, was the owner and operator of Mack’s Barber Shop for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, was a shriner and a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a Navy veteran during WWII. He was preceded in death by one son Mack Seales Jr. Survivors include one sister Allie Craig of Batesville; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 119 Panola Ave., Batesville
SHACKEROFF, Alfred Max "Bubba" Alfred Max "Bubba" Shackeroff Jr., born November 22, 1921 in Batesville, to Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Shackeroff Sr., died Tuesday, April 26, 2005 in Houston, Texas. Mr. Shackeroff attended Columbia Military Academy and received his bachelor of business administration from the University of Alabama, where he was an active member of Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. After graduation, following his passion for airplanes, Bubba accepted his Officer’s Commission in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served his country during World War II as navigator of a B-25 bomber. Upon his discharge, he moved to Houston where he founded AMS Advertising, a full-service advertising and public relations agency. Always an extremely talented and creative businessman, Bubba was very instrumental with his client, LeRoy Melcher, in the establishment and tremendous growth of U-tote’m, one of the country’s earliest convenience store chains. A collector and reader of classic first edition novels, lover of all types of music, in particular jazz, and an avid golfer, one of his proudest moments was when he was inducted into the Walter Hagen Hole-In-One Club. Mr. Shackeroff was preceded in death by his parents, A. M. Shackeroff Sr. and Lena Gary Shackeroff; brother, Edwin B. Shackeroff Sr.; and brother-in-law, Obbie Lewis. He is survived by his loving twin sister, Edith Shackeroff Lewis; sister-in-law, Marion Shackeroff; niece, Natalie Rabicoff and husband Mendy; nephews, Leon A. Lewis and wife Joanne; Dr. Edwin B. Shackeroff Jr. and wife, Jin; and Mark D. Lewis and wife, Debra; great nieces and nephews, Ana Rabicoff, Smila Rabicoff, Aaron D. Lewis, Abby Lewis, Phoebe Shackeroff, Janna Shackeroff, Kieran Shackeroff and Tia Shackeroff. His family would like to express their appreciation to his care-givers, Mellonie Jiles and Charles Jones, for the care and compassion showed him. Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 28, 2005 in the Hermann & Elaine Proler Chapel of Beth Israel Memorial Gardens and officiated by Rabbi Brenner Glickman and Cantor Robert Gerber. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
SHANNON, W.N. SARDIS- W.N. Shannon, 88, died Friday, December 16, 2005, at his residence. Services were Sunday at Wells Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery in Sardis. Wells Funeral Home had charge. Shannon, born February 7, 1917, in Charleston to the late Lavergne A. and Ruth Smithers Shannon, was a retired construction worker and a member of Assembly of God Church. Survivors include one daughter, Beverly Shannon of Holly Springs; one son, Billy Shannon of Blytheville, Ark.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
SHAW, Gillespie Young CROWDER – Gillespie Young Shaw, 74, died Monday, August 8, 2005, at his residence. Shaw, born Sept. 15, 1930, in Quitman County, was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War, a member of the Crowder Baptist Church and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Survivors include his wife, Frances Shaw of Crowder; two daughters, Janice Curry of Louisville and Linda Andrews of Sardis; one son, G.Y. "Bubba" Shaw Jr. of Coffeeville; two sisters, Mildred Respess of Lambert and Judy Green of Olive Branch; four brothers, Edward Shaw, Eugene Shaw, Wesley Shaw and Malcolm Shaw, all of Coffeeville; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
SHEGOG, Carlos Hialeah, Fla.- Carlos Shegog, 42, died Thurs., Feb. 10, 2005, at North Shore Medical Center in Memphis of natural causes. Services were Saturday at Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church. Rev. William Johnson officiated. Burial was in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. Eddie Robinson and Son Funeral Home had charge.
SHEGOG, Tommie BATESVILLE–Tommie Shegog, 83, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center. Services are today at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church in Enid. Minister Doris McCollins will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Enid. Cooley’s Mortuary has charge. Shegog, born June 1, 1921, in Pope, to the late Robert "Bob" Shegog and the late Blanche Morgan, was retired from the Sardis Lake Corps of Engineers, a member of Mt. Zion M.B. Church and a veteran of the U.S. Army during 1942-1946. Survivors include one step-daughter Diane Chaney of OFullon, Ill.; one sister Althea Shegog Copeland of Chicago, Ill.; one nephew who cared for him David Swearenger of Marks; two nieces who cared for him, Blanche Louis Stewart of Memphis, Tenn. and Anita Semper of Forestville, Md.; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
SHELEY, Riley Leonard Jr. SARDIS- Riley Leonard Sheley Jr., 59, died Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005, at his residence. Services are today at 1 p.m. at Womble Funeral Home Chapel. Burial is in Charleston Cemetery. Womble Funeral Home has charge. Sheley, born March 4, 1945, in Tallahatchie County, to the late Riley Leonard Sheley Sr. and the late Nanelle Lay Sheley, was a member of Sardis First Presbyterian Church, past Master of Masonic Lodge, active in the Boy Scouts, coached baseball and football and was active in the community. Survivors include his wife, Linda Brasher Sheley; four sons, Bobby Wolfe of Clarksdale, Chris Sheley of Horn Lake, Kevin Wolfe of Greenwood and Craig Sheley of Sardis; one sister Mary Beth Sheley of Memphis and 12 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105-1905.
SHIELDS, Alvin BATESVILLE– Alvin Shields, 82, died Sunday, March 13, 2005, at his residence of heart failure. Services are today at 2 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Kevin Teague and Rev. Charles Locke will officiate. Burial will be in Cold Springs Cemetery in Sardis. Wells Funeral Home has charge. Shields, born Dec. 17, 1922, to the late Jack and Dovie Sullivan Shields, was a Baptist and a mechanic for Heafner Motors for 19 years. He was also a United States Army World War II veteran. He was preceded in death by his wife Ilaree G. Shields. Survivors include four daughters, Mary Ann Kuehl of Crystal Lake, Ill., Joyce Selena Brown and Kathy Melton, both of Sardis and Michelle Shields of Batesville; nine sons, Wayne Grant of Charleston, Dennis Grant, Leslie Shields and Ricky Shields, all of Batesville, Ardis Shields of Sardis, J.C. Shields and Terry Shields, both of Courtland, Harvey Shields of Kenton, Tenn. and James Robert Shields of Paris, Tenn.; 36 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
SHIELDS, Connie Lee SARDIS — Connie Lee Shields, 58, died Saturday, April 30, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center of heart failure. Services are today at 2 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in McIvor Cemetery. Wells Funeral Home had charge. Shields, born Nov. 13, 1946, in Richmond, Ind. to the late Pearlie and Ruby Amos Sutherland, was a homemaker and a member of McIvor Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband Ardis A. Shields of Sardis; three sons, Ronnie Lannet of Sardis, Randy Lannet and Rickey Lannet, both of Angola, Ind.; one step-daughter, Angel Shields of Pikeville, Ky.; three ste-sons, Wayne Hitchcock of Pikeville, Ky., Ardis "Gene" Shields Jr. of Hayword, Wis., and Thurman Shields of Chicago, Ill.; one brother Pearlie Sutherland Jr. of Garrett, Ind.; seven grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
SHIREY, Sharon Joyce Tharp BATESVILLE- Sharon Joyce Tharp Shirey, 49, died Monday, December 26, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center. Services are today at 11 a.m. at Batesville First Baptist Church. Dr. Gregg Johnston will officiate. Burial will be in Forrest Memorial Park. Wells Funeral Home has charge. Shirey, born Sept. 5, 1956, to the late Jack and Mable Griffin Tharp in Greenville, was a bookkeeper for Mr. Jiffy Convenience Stores and a member of Batesville First Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Van Richard Shirey of Batesville; one daughter, Jennifer Shirey Williams of Batesville; one son, William Richard Shirey of Jackson; three sisters, Mary Cleo Fults of Conroe, Texas, Henrietta Lang of DeKalb and Grace Ann Kleepsie of Greenville; and six brothers, Jimmy Tharp of McAllen, Texas, Billy Joe Tharp of Greenwood, Bobby Gene Tharp and Ronnie Thomas Tharp, both of Greenville, Cecil Tharp of James Crossing and Gary Allen Tharp of Okolona. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Youth Fund, 104 Panola Avenue, Batesville.
SHURDEN, Dr. David Olger SOUTHAVEN – Dr. David Olger Shurden, 66, died Wednesday, May 4, 2005, at Baptist Desoto in Southaven of heart failure. Services are today at 2 p.m. at Kimbro Funeral Home in Marks. Bro. Charles Langford will officiate. Kimbro Funeral Home has charge. Shurden, born Aug. 2, 1938, was an accomplished pianist and composer. He practiced medicine in New Orleans, La. for 40 years, was valedictorian at Gould High School in Gould, Ark. and valedictorian at the University of Mississippi. Survivors include two sisters, Maggie Wilson of Marks and Jody Neal of Memphis, Tenn.
SIMMONS, James Willie "Slim" BATESVILLE – James Willie "Slim" Simmons, 81, died Saturday, October 29, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center. Services are today at 11 a.m. at Cooley’s Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Louis Wilson will officiate. Burial will be in Batesville Cemetery. Cooley’s Mortuary has charge. Simmons, born Dec. 10, 1923, in Batesville to the late Louvenia Wilson, was a retired security guard, a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of Spring Hill A.S.A. M.B. Church in Courtland. Survivors include three cousins who cared for him, Izola Harris, James Calvin and Kevin Calvin, all of Batesville.
SIMPSON, Tommie Juanita Moorman OXFORD – Tommie Juanita Moorman Simpson, 82, died Thursday, May 19, 2005, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. Services were Saturday at Waller Funeral Home Chapel in Oxford. Rev. Freddy Moorman and Rev. James Edwards officiated. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley. Waller Funeral Home had charge. Simpson, born to the late Ruth Wilburn and the late Albert T. Moorman, was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Water Valley and a member of the Pilot Club, ESA Sorority, and the Homemakers Club in Lafayette County. She was also a member of National Association of Retired Federal Employees. She was preceded in death by her husband, Winfred W. Simpson, and one brother, Fred E. Moorman. Survivors include two sisters, Ann Haynes of Batesville and Mary Alice Moorman of Water Valley; one brother Thomas A. Moorman of Coffeeville and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund.
SMALLEY, Bobby Gene ENID – Bobby Gene Smalley, 59, died Monday, June 6, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center. Services are Monday at 1 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant M.B. Church in Enid. Burial will be in Flemming Cemetery in Scoby. Hodges Funeral Home has charge. Smalley was a machine operator and a native of Panola County. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosetta Smalley. Survivors include one daughter, Tamika Smalley of Memphis, Tenn.; three sons, Terry Richardson of Olive Branch, Bobby L. Smalley Jr. of Courtland and Timyata S. Smalley of Memphis, Tenn.; his mother, Annie Lee Smalley; four sisters, Lillie Morris of Courtland, Kay Street of Detroit, Mich., Catherine Smalley Hankins of Enid and Cora Ellis of Pope; six brothers, Sammie Smalley of Detroit, Mich., Thomas Smalley of Charleston, James Smalley of Courtland, Jerry Smalley of Crowder, David Smalley and Calvin Smalley, both of Enid and 10 grandchildren.
SMITH, Addie Lee COLDWATER – Addie Lee Smith, 90, died Friday, April 29, 2005, at Sardis Nursing Home. Services are Saturday at noon at Mt. Austin M.B. Church. Burial will be in Mt. Austin Cemetery. Felix Cauthen Funeral Home has charge. Smith was on the church mother board and a farmer. Survivors include one son Freeman Newson of Coldwater and one brother Sam Pryor of Aurora, Ill.
SMITH, Rev. Albert COURTLAND – Rev. Albert Smith, 56, died Sunday, November 27, 2005, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. Services are tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Spring Hill A.S.A. M.B. Church in Courtland. Rev. Lewis Wilson will officiate. Visitation will be today 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Cooley’s Mortuary. Burial will be in Spring Hill A.S.A. Cemetery. Cooley’s Mortuary has charge. Smith, born Feb. 2, 1949, in Crenshaw to the late Martin Smith Sr. and the late Cansader Jones Smith, was an associate minister and a member of Spring Hill A.S.A. M.B. Church. Survivors include his wife Carolyn Smith of Courtland; one step-daughter Certia Johnson of Batesville; three sisters, Mary Faulkner and Florene Smith, both of Batesville and Doris Brown of Courtland; six brothers, Martin Smith Jr., Ralph Smith, Darrell Smith and Tony Smith, all of Batesville, Lewis Smith of St. Louis, Mo., and Sundance Smythe of El Paso, Texas and three step-grandchildren.
SMITH, Collie Chester Jr. FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. – Collie Chester Smith Jr., 80, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005, at his residence. Graveside services are tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Sardis. Rev. David Smith will officiate. Moore Funeral Home has charge. Smith, born Sept. 25, 1924, in Union Point, Ga. to the late Collier Chester Smith Sr. and Carrie Lou Lafater Smith, graduated from Sardis High School and The University of Mississippi. He was a civil engineer for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in loss prevention. He was a member of Fayette Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Ga. and served his country during WWII as a navigator in the Army Air Corps. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Marie Friend Smith. Survivors include two daughters, Jan Hall of Fayetteville, Ga. and Linda Lou Smith of Okemos, Mich.; and two grandchildren.
SMITH, James B. SENATOBIA- James B. Smith, 63, died Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, at Methodist South Hospital in Memphis. Services are tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. at Macedonia M.B. Church in Senatobia. Burial will be in Macedonia M.B. Church Cemetery. Felix Cauthen Funeral Home has charge. Smith was a Fed-Ex material handler. Survivors include his wife Mary Catherine Cleveland Smith; two sons, Reginald B. Smith and Garrick Dwayne Smith, both of Senatobia.
SMITH, Mary Kathryn Carlson HEBER SPRINGS, Ark. – Mary Kathryn Carlson Smith, 64, died Friday, July 1, 2005, in Greenwood. Services were Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church in Heber Springs, Ark. Dr. Richard Schinkle officiated. Olmstead Funeral Home had charge. Smith, born Jan. 16, 1941, graduated with honors from Batesville High School in 1959. From 1959-1960 she attended Belhaven College in Jackson and from 1960-1962 she attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn. In 1962 she married Edward H. Smith who passed away September 18, 2004. In 1963 she graduated from The University of Texas in Austin, Texas. From 1964-1968 she served as a missionary to Mexico. From 1968-1992, besides being a homemaker, she worked as a teacher, office manager at St. Francis House of Little Rock, Ark. and was a probation officer for the state of Tennessee. In 1992 Mrs. Smith retired with her husband to Heber Springs, Ark., where she became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Heber Springs. She was very involved with her community wherever she lived. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Shelby Edward and Sherry Smith of Conway, Ark., her daughter and son-in-law, Karyn and Charlie Verhegghe of St. Joe, Ark.; her brothers and their wives, George C. and Jane Carlson of Batesville and James C. and Dawn Carlson of Sebastian, Fla.; four grandchildren, Megan, Susan, Dallas, and Brooklyn, other relatives and many friends. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Heber Springs, Ark., St. Francis House of Little Rock, Ark. or Batesville Presbyterian Church.
SMITH, Maye Lipe BATESVILLE – Maye Lipe Smith, 96, died Saturday, July 2, 2005, at Northbrooke Healthcare Center in Jackson, Tenn. Services were Wednesday at Wells Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Antioch Cemetery. Michael Bates and Robert Rawson officiated. Wells Funeral Home had charge. Smith, born Oct. 19, 1908, in Panola County to the late Thomas Jesse and Hattie Pratt Lipe, was a retired nurse and a member of Batesville Church of Christ. Survivors include three daughters, Jane Smith Hatvany of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., Jeanette Smith Hays of Sardis and Beth Smith Freeman of Jackson, Tenn.; one sister, Ada Lipe Reynolds of Jackson; three brothers, Ray Lipe of Pope, Tom Lipe of Arcadia, Fla. and T.J. Lipe of Grenada; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
SMITH, Paul D. BATESVILLE–Paul D. Smith, 78, died Monday, April 4, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center. Services were Wednesday at Black Jack Presbyterian Church. Rev. Don Howie officiated. Burial was in Black Jack Cemetery. Dickins Funeral Home had charge. Smith, born May 30, 1926, in Batesville to the late Frank Ernest Smith and the late Eva Mae Duke Smith, was an owner and salesman of Tri-Lakes Sporting Good, a member of Black Jack Presbyterian Church and an Air Force Veteran during WWII. He was preceded in death by three grandchildren. Survivors include his wife Jean Arnold Smith of Batesville; three sons, William Joseph "Joe" Smith of Brandon, John A. "Johnny" Smith and Paul D. "Davey" Smith, both of Batesville; two daughters, Paula Jean Findley of Kingston Springs, Tenn. and Betty Susan Price of Batesville and one sister Mary Ball of Jackson; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Black Jack Cemetery Funds.
SMITH, Twannah Rene? Batesville resident and native of Louisiana died peacefully at 2 a.m., Monday, August 29, 2005, at age 41. Visitation will be held at Wells Funeral Home, Saturday, September 3, at 11 a.m. with religious services following at 1 p.m. Lovingly cared for by her fianc?, Phillip Walker. Survived by two children, a son, Christopher Lyons, and daughter, Lesley Smith, mother, Jane Mitchell and father Brian Babin and step-mother, Monica Babin, brother Edgar Babin and sister-in-law, Theresa Rial and brother-in-law, Gary and her grandfather Robert Babin of Gozales, La. She was the loving aunt of one nephew and four nieces, and will be remembered by aunts, uncles and cousins. The family would like to express their thanks to all friends and family who offered condolences.
SMITH, William Edward "Bill" COURTLAND – William Edward "Bill" Smith, 69, died Monday, July 4, 2005, at Baptist Hospital North Mississippi in Oxford of cancer. Services were Friday at First Baptist Church in Batesville. Rev. Greg Johnston officiated. Burial was in Memorial Gardens in Clarksdale. Kimbro Funeral Home of Marks had charge. Smith, born Sept. 18, 1935, in Missouri, was a rural mail carrier, was employed with Baddours, Inc. for 20 years, was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of First Baptist Church in Batesville. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Elaine Davis Smith. Survivors include one daughter, Susan Page Smith of Ashland; one son, William E. Smith Jr. of Fairhope, Ala. and two sisters, Barbara Haynes of Lambert and Kathleen Collins of Dallas, Texas.
SPEER, Raymond Edward SARDIS- Raymond Edward Speer, 89, died Friday, December 2, 2005. Services were Wednesday at Sardis Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Forrest Hill Midtown Cemetery. Wells Funeral Home had charge. Speer was the last of 17 children, born to the late George McDonald and Ida Arnold Speer in Sardis on May 31, 1916. He was a World War II veteran and retired from the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a member of Sardis Presbyterian Church and a member of the Red Rook Club in Sardis. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Speer. Survivors include a host of nieces and nephews including Mattie Dean Gray, Dot Britt, Thelma Smith, Corine Pegram and Janet Dellinger, all of Sardis; caregivers, Janet and Gary Dellinger along with their children, Teresa and Randy Turman, as well as Stacey and Mike Davis along with their children, Wesley and Malyn Davis, all of Sardis.
SPEIR, George H. CASCILLA – George H. Speir, 82, died Monday, November 14, 2005, at Tallahatchie County Hospital. Services were Wednesday at Newsom Funeral Home in Charleston. Rev. Dax Summerville officiated. Burial was in Magnolia Garden in Charleston. Newsom Funeral Home had charge. Speir was retired from the military for 33 years, was a retired postmaster, a retired civil defense coordinator and a past master Mason. He was also a medical examiner for Tallahatchie County. Survivors include one daughter Sherry Speir Schultz of Charleston; one son Gerry Speir of Charleston; two sisters, Cathrine S. Carnes of Atlanta, Ga. and Babe S. Young of Dunedin, Fla.; one brother John C. Speir of Villa Rica, Ga.; five grandchildren and five great – grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the church of choice.
SPRAYBERRY, Buford A. COVINGTON, Tenn. – Buford A. Sprayberry, 90, died Wednesday, September 14, 2005, at Baptist East. Services are tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home. Burial will be will be in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Covington, Tenn. Maley-Yarbrough Funeral Home has charge. Sprayberry was retired from 28 years with Southwest Electric. He was a journeyman lineman and a farmer. He was preceded in death by one son, Buford Archie Sprayberry Jr. Survivors include his wife, Corean Cornett Sprayberry of Covington, Tenn.; one son, Terry Lee Sprayberry of Miwuk Village, Calif.; six daughters, Georgia Ann Goforth of Memphis, Tenn., Wanda Lee Joy of Covington, Tenn., Barbara Jean Crowder of Scotts Hill, Tenn., Christine Breuning of Fairdealing, Mo., Kathleen Everingham of Millington, Tenn. and Pamella Comer of Sardis; one brother, D.B. Sprayberry of Memphis, Tenn.; one sister, Orene Violet of Milwaukee, Wis.; a host of nieces and nephews; 16 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
STAPLES, Elvia "Wanky" BATESVILLE – Elvia "Wanky" Staples, 54, died Friday, July 29, 2005, at Baptist Memorial Hospital East. Services are tomorrow at 1 p.m. at West Batesville Baptist Church. Burial will be in Batesville Cemetery. Cooley’s Mortuary has charge. Staples, born Jan. 16, 1951, to the late Lucious and Ervia Lee Lloyd Staples, was a self-employed plumber and a member of West Batesville Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Ella Lee Staples of Batesville; three daughters, Rhonda Denise Brown and Valerie Martin, both of Memphis, Tenn. and Evelyn Rochelle Staples of Batesville; two sisters, Shire Ann Ballentine of Courtland and Dorothy Brown of Chicago, Ill.; one brother, Lawrence Strong of Batesville and four grandchildren.
STARK, Lola Mae YALOBUSHA – Lola Mae Stark, 88, died Thursday, October 27, 2005, in Yalobusha County. Services were Saturday, October 29 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Rev. Charles Keel and Rev. Dan Dickerson officiated. Burial was in Mt. Liberty Cemetery in Calhoun County. Seven Oaks Funeral Home of Water Valley had charge. Stark was a member of Mt. Liberty Church in Calhoun County. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Stark; her parents, Wilks Simeon Adams and Mittie Miles; one daughter, Katherine Joyce Stark; two sons, Troy Stark and Roy Eugene Stark; two sisters, Lorene Dickey and Shirley Hemphill and four brothers, Loyd Adams, Lester Adams, Buford Adams and Winford Adams. Survivors include one daughter, Patsy Beene of Olive Branch; four sons, Edgar L. Stark of Augusta, Ga., James W. Stark of Southaven, Billy W. Stark of Water Valley and Jimmy Dale Stark of Olive Branch; one sister, Lula Vaye Moreland of Brandon; 17 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
STEED, Winfred Sam LAMBERT — Winfred Sam Steed, 59, died Tuesday, April 26, 2005, at his residence. Services were Thursday at Kimbro Funeral Home in Marks. Rev. Dennis Clark and Rev. Harold Smith officiated. Burial was in Lambert Cemetery. Kimbro Funeral Home had charge. Steed, born July 17, 1945, was a Baptist and a commercial fisherman. Survivors include his wife Jo Patterson Steed of Lambert; three daughters, Roxan Cochran of Cleveland, Texas, Tavie Raggett of Grangerland, Texas and Terri Woods of Bruce; two brothers, Joe Steed of Highlands, Texas and Clyde Steed of Baytown, Texas; four sisters, Sadie Johnson of Marks, Frances Welch of Pope, Christine Crow of Baytown, Texas and Sherry Holloway of Pope; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
STILL, James Lewellen BATESVILLE – James Lewellen Still, 82, died Tuesday, September 4, 2005, at Tri-Lakes Medical Center. Services are Sunday at Dickins Chapel in Batesville. Rev. Russell Fletcher will officiate. Burial will be in Cold Springs Cemetery. Dickins Funeral Home has charge. Still, born Nov. 30, 1922, in Panola County to the late Jessie James and Minnie Leigh Lewellen Still, was a member of The First United Methodist Church, and a Veteran of the Army during WWII. He received the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was also a member of the D.A.V. He was preceded in death by his son Jimmy Still. Survivors include his wife, Edith Joiner Still of Batesville; one daughter, Doris Mason and husband John of Batesville; one brother, Grady Still of Pontotoc; one grandchild, Buffy Morrow of Batesville and one great-grandchild, Chelsea Logue of Batesville.
STILL, Kim UnCha BATESVILLE – Kim UnCha Still, 54, died Monday, August 15, 2005, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Services were yesterday at Batesville First United Methodist Church. Rev. Martin Case and Rev. Ed Woodall officiated. Burial was in Batesville Magnolia Cemetery. Dickins Funeral Home had charge. Still, born Dec. 19, 1950, in Seoul, South Korea to the late Kim Sang Ran, was a seamstress and a member of Batesville First United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband, Steve Still of Batesville; two sons, Jonah Hudson Still of New Orleans, La. and James David Still of Horn Lake and two grandchildren.
STOKES, Chris W. Jr. WALLS – Chris W. Stokes Jr., 68, died Tuesday, May 31, 2005, at his residence. Services are today at 2 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Kevin Teague will officiate. Burial will be in Forrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Wells Funeral Home has charge. Stokes, born Dec. 25, 1936, in Philadelphia, Penn. to the late Chris W. and Helen Stokes Sr., was a retired owner and paint contractor for The House Painter company. He was a Mason in the 32 Degree Masonic Lodge in Collierville, Tenn. and also a Shriner in the Olive Branch and Desoto Shrine Club. Survivors include his wife, Deloris Frost Stokes of Walls; three daughters, Sherry Stokes Goodwin and Angie Stokes Jaudon, both of Batesville and Christy Stokes Thornton of Jackson, Tenn.; two sons, Ricky Stokes of Courtland and Chris W. Stokes III of Memphis, Tenn.; two step-sons, Terry Bradshaw of St. Petersburg, Fla. and Ricky Bradshaw of Apopka, Fla.; two sisters, Doris DiBlasi of Fayetteville, N.C. and Janette Stokes of North Hollywood, Calif.; one brother, Terry Stokes of McHenry, Md.; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
STREET, Neva Jean ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Neva Jean Street, 64, formerly of Courtland, died Tuesday, August 2, 2005. She was the aunt of Myra Bean of Courtland. Services were Friday at Compton Hill Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis. Rev. Nathaniel Bland and Rev. DeLoach officiated. Burial was in Laurel Hill Cemetery. Reliable Funeral Home had charge. Street, born Jan. 24, 1941, to the late Murlie Street and the late Lee Booker, was a member of Compton Hill M.B. Church. She moved to St. Louis, Mo. in the early 1960s. She served as one of the mothers of the church and an usher. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dirus Aurelia Bean. Survivors include her daughter, Monica Roberts of St. Louis, Mo.; five grandchildren, Veronica Roberts, Jessica Roberts, Iris Lester, Courtney Roberts and Devide Roberts; her brother-in-law, Master Bean of Courtland; one brother, Bolton Street and wife Valerie of St. Louis, Mo.; seven nieces, three nephews, two great nieces and two aunts, Ervia V. Visor of St. Louis, Mo. and Luxie M. Parker of Courtland.
STRICKLAND, Gertrude Howard COMO- Gertrude Howard Strickland, 92, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, at North Oak Regional Medical Center in Senatobia. Services were Saturday at Cherry Street M.B. Church in Como. Burial was in Liberty Hill C.M.E. Cemetery. Pate-Jones Funeral Home in Senatobia had charge. Strickland was a member of Mount Moriah C.M.E. Church in Como. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Strickland. Survivors include one step-son Robert Strickland of Como and a host of nieces and nephews.
STRONG, Ruth Milton SARDIS – Ruth Milton Strong, 50, died Saturday, June 18, 2005, at her residence. Services were Tuesday at New Bethlehem M.B. Church. Rev. Walter L. Nash officiated. Burial was in New Bethlehem Church Cemetery. Cooley’s Mortuary had charge. Strong, born Sept. 19, 1954, to the late Selmer Milton and the late Callie Moore, was a former factory worker and a member of New Bethlehem M.B. Church. Survivors include her husband, Tommy Strong of Batesville; two brothers, Dennis Milton and Larry Milton, both of Batesville; and three sisters, Doris Ford and Cather Baker, both of Batesville and Linda Baker of Birmingham, Ala.
STROUD, Vernon Ray BATESVILLE – Vernon Ray Stroud, 61, died Wednesday, October 19, 2005, at his residence. Services are today at 11 a.m. at Dickins Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Johnny Robinson will officiate. Dickins Funeral Home has charge. Stroud, born June 30, 1944, in Minilla, Ark. to the late Jack and Mabel Roberson Stroud, worked as a heavy equipment operator. Survivors include his wife, Catherine Ann Cranford Stroud of Batesville; four sons, Mare Stroud of Yuma City, Calif., David Roy Stroud of California and Gary Wayne Winters and Tommy Earl Winters, both of Water Valley; three daughters, Teresa Ann Burns of Batesville, Sandra Kay Johnson of Tillatoba and Shelia Bryant of Batesville; four brothers, Allen Stroud of California, Jerry Stroud of New Mexico, Terry Stroud of California and Franklin Stroud of California; one sister Brenda Johnson of California; 24 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
STROUGH, Melvin Jr. BATESVILLE – Mr. Melvin Strough Jr., 75, died Wednesday morning, September 21, 2005, at his home. Mr. Strough was born April 8, 1930, in Oswego, New York to Melvin and Gwendolyn Wettering Strough Sr. Strough, a retired mechanical engineer, served as a U.S. Marine. After his tenure as a marine, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served as a Staff Sergeant in the Korean War. He was also a mason. He is survived by his wife, Xiaoqin Dong of Batesville; two daughters, Roxanne Strough and Kelly Ann Strough of Batesville and one son, Melvin Strough III of Batesville. He is also survived by two brothers, James and Jeffrey Strough, both of Fulton, New York. There is no visitation and no funeral service. Wells Funeral Home of Batesville has charge.
SULLIVAN, James Watson "Pete" Jr. BATESVILLE- James Watson "Pete" Sullivan Jr., 53, died Monday, December 19, 2005, at his residence. Services are Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Wells Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation is today from 5 to 8 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home. Rev. Russell Fletcher and Rev. Ed Woodall will officiate. Burial will be in Forrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Wells Funeral Home has charge. Sullivan, born November 6, 1952, to Geneva Duvall of Batesville and the late James W. Sullivan Sr., was a member of First United Methodist Church of Batesville and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam as a military policeman. He was also an engineer for McBride Engineering. Survivors include two daughters, Sarah Beth Sullivan of Courtland and Fisher Sullivan of Batesville; two sons, Nicholas Sullivan and Joseph Sullivan, both of Courtland; one sister, Linda Sorrells of Sardis; two brothers, Billy Wilson of Walls and Charles Appleton of Batesville and his mother, Geneva Appleton of Batesville.
SWAIN, Colandie Troxel BATESVILLE–Colandie Troxel Swain, 41, died Tuesday, March 1, 2005, at her residence in Batesville of heart failure. Services are tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Wells Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Singleton Springs Cemetery in Strayhorn. Wells Funeral Home has charge. Swain, born Jan. 3, 1964, in Houston, Texas, to the late Walter Thomas and Kitty Fuller Cantrell, was a Baptist. Survivors along with her mother include her husband Michael C. Swain of Batesville; one son Timothy Dywayne Cloud of Batesville; her step-father Wayne Troxel of Brownwood, Texas; two brothers, Paul Lawson and Tony Lawson, both of Brownwood; three half-sisters, Carol Lawson of Brownwood, Texas, Teresa Ann Lawson and Melissa Swearingen, both of Saratoga, Texas and one half-brother James Cantrell of Saratoga, Texas.
SWEARGEN, Greene David Jr. MARKS- Greene David Sweargen Jr., 59, died Sunday, December 25, 2005, at Quitman County Hospital. Services are Saturday at 11 a.m. at Union Grove M.B. Church in Lambert. Rev. Gene Price will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Pope. Delta Burial Corp. has charge. Survivors include his wife, Bedeliah Sweargen of Marks; three sons, Vincent Sweargen of North Carolina, Resharda Sweargen of Jackson and Sean Shegog of Marks; one daughter, Dejuana Sweargen of Jackson and four sisters, Bettye Winfrey and Louise Stewart, both of Memphis, Tenn., Christine Stocks of Batesville and Mary Moore of Columbus, Ohio.
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